MARIKINA CITY -- Selected learners from 17 regions of the country convened to contribute in the crafting of the National Action Plan for Learner Participation during the recently concluded Learners’ Convergence (LearnCon) PH 2023.

As active and responsible contributors to nation-building, around 1,890 youth leaders in attendance committed to mobilize learner-centered campaigns and initiatives on health, sports, learner formation, disaster risk reduction and management, and learners’ rights and protection to make a huge impact in the country’s basic education.

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte commended the delegates for using their voice to advocate for policies supporting quality and inclusive education through their involvement in school’s student government or other student organizations.

"As youth leaders, I encourage you to collaborate and build a strong network across regions and organize awareness campaigns about issues affecting Filipino youth," VP-Sec. Duterte said in a written speech. 

Another highlight of LearnCon is the election and oathtaking of the new set of National Federation of Supreme Secondary Learner Government (NFSSLG) officers for School Year 2023-2024.

Ma. Cassandra Austria from Quezon City, NCR was elected President among 17 regional SSG presidents. The other elected officers are Gian Franscine Lampaz of CAR-Baguio City as Vice President; Alexa Delle Aranda of Region I – Pangasinan as Secretary; and Nina Keira Noelle Lezada of Region X – Cagayan de Oro City as Treasurer.

In addition, John Carl Hermocilla of Region IX – Zamboanga Sibugay will serve as Auditor; Mark Kristoff Javate of Region VIII – Calbayog City as Public Information Officer; and Jan Xerohj Olivo of Region IV-A – Antipolo City as Protocol Officer.

“It is essential for us to recognize that we are not mere recipients of change but active agents in shaping the future we envision for our education system,” Austria said, noting that the NFSSLG, under her leadership, will seek to strengthen student representation at all levels of decision-making.

Meanwhile, Assistant Secretary for Operations Dexter Galban encouraged learners to work with the newly elected officers and board members to champion causes dear to their heart.

Anchored on the theme “SaMakabata: Sentro ng Karunungan, Huwaran ng Kagalingan,” the recently concluded learner engagement emphasized the importance of recognizing learners as the center of educational processes. It also provided them the opportunities to acquire new knowledge which can enrich their lives and aid them in addressing challenges in their respective schools and communities. (DepEd)