Second Voice of the Youth Held

Last November 18, the 2^nd Voice of the Youth National Oratorical Competition was held at STI College Balagtas with the theme, Rediscovering Filipino Values: I See. I Act. I Advocate. The aims of this contest are as follows: 1. To develop in the youth the ability to think critically and have the confidence to express their thoughts in English; 2. To provide a venue for students to express their thoughts about the situation they are in and the conditions that affect their lives; and 3. To inspire students to motivate, influence, and inform others through the act of public speaking

Nine participating schools from the division competed for the honor along with their coaches, principals and supporters. Marcelo H. Del Pilar National High School’s Mica Antoinette Buenavista garnered the highest points and received the gold medal and a trophy for her school. Ann Claire Nethercott of Holy Spirit Academy of Malolos was the runner-up while Johannah Marielle Fernandez from the Garden Angels Integrated School was adjudged as the third placer. All of the top three finishers received medals and trophies for their schools. The other contestants who also fared well in the competition are: Ferhiza Maria Coronel (PBC Sunbeam), Patrick Jim Rodrigo (Balagtas National Agricultural High School), Pocholo Miguel Ampil (Immaculate Conception School for Boys), Joash Isaac Santiago (Bulacan Ecumenical School), Kherenze Roque (Taliptip National High School), and Erika Joyce Mallen (Guiguinto National Vocational HighSchool).

For the divisional level, only the top placer can go on for the cluster competition while the champion and the runner-up for each cluster will compete for the national level.

This oratorical endeavor of the senior students won’t be possible without the guidance and wisdom of their trainers namely; Ma. Rosell Mora (PBC Sunbeam), Ailenne Jill Andaya (BNAHS), Carmencita Cruz (HSAM), Senen Pineda (ICSB), Sarah Caburnida (BES), Marie Cristie Lauigan (GAIS), Erlinda Mendoza (TNHS), Maribini De Mesa (MHDPNHS), and Bernadette Reyes (GNVHS).

Dr. Marcos Lopez of CEU, Mrs. Antonia Villarete and Dr. Bonifacio Cunanan, both from BSU acted as the jurors. STI College Malolos served as the organizing school and its sister school STI College Balagtas became its partner for the realization of this oratorical contest. This year’s event head was Samson Eugenio, co-chaired by Jessie Verano while Ms Millie Kaw as the cluster head. Mr. Kerwin Kaw, the school president, awarded the medals and certificates to the winners and participants. This year’s event moderator was Ericson Peñalba.

This competition is a joint venture among STI and its network of schools, the STI Foundation, National Youth Commission (NYC), and the Department of Education (DepEd).

Author: Samson Eugnenio