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About a hundred Political Science student leaders gathered at the Kool Adventure Camp of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI-KAC) for the 8th Political Science Students’ Association of the Philippines (PSSAP) National Convention last March 5 to 8, 2018.

The delegates were all Political Science students/student leaders who were chosen from approximately 200 applicants from 31 universities and colleges all over the Philippines. All 100 delegates went through a rigorous online application screening process.

The convention went with the theme “The Reawakening: Students Working Together for Peace, Security, and National Unity amidst Political Division.” The convention sought to bring together the brightest and active Political Science student leaders to awaken the Political Science Students’ national organization of the current situation of the country in terms of peace and security. The gathering also aimed to inspire participants to give and take on leadership roles in the community, to continue to carry out initiatives in nation building, and rally unity and fellowship among Political Science students.

The delegates listened and interacted with three keynote speakers during the plenary session—Ramon Navarra, Jr., director for Policy and Political Affairs, Office of Sen. Risa Hontiveros, who spoke on Accountability in Public Service; Benjamin N. Muego, PhD, professor of Political Science and Asian Studies for the Youth in Focus: National Situationer; and Metodio B. Maraguinot Jr., founder and chairperson of Youthlead Philippines, Inc. in Engaging Students in National Development.

Other activities

“These kids are the hope of the Fatherland. Who knows, any of them could be mayors, congressman or even senators? Few years from now, our generation will be gone, and then the generation following us will be gone. These kids are going to be the ones who will take over. That’s the law of nature, we can’t live forever,” said Muego in his keynote speech.

President Rodrigo Duterte, through the alumni association of PSSAP, gave his solidarity message supporting the national convention and highlighted the political and social reawakening of the Philippines.

The convention also featured a national quiz bowl and debate competition, and awarding of the Ten Outstanding Political Science Students of the Phillippines (TOPSSP). The delegates also participated in intensive leadership, responsible citizenship, and experiential learning programs.

The Cebu City-based University of San Carlos (USC) was hailed as the 8th PSSAP National Quiz Bowl and National Debate Competition winner.

Denise Marie Albarina, a Political Science student from USC and one of the TOPSSPs, said: “It was my first time to be part of a convention being surrounded by outstanding student leaders. The whole duration of the event was actually a roller coaster of emotions. We were challenged physically, emotionally and mentally.”

“Our country right now has a lot of societal problems and we have to do something about it. We are the drivers for change. Yes, it is difficult but let’s always remember that ‘difficult’ is not synonymous with impossible,” she added.

Sittie Fatma Buisan, secretary of the Union of Political Science Students-Notre Dame of Tacurong College, in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat agreed.

“We can really feel and see the divisions and diversities in society now, but through this convention, I learned to accept and use these differences to complement others in making progress. My stay here in KAC was really a memorable experience, an unforgettable one. I have discovered different kinds of personalities, faces, perceptions and ideologies. I have learned how to mingle, open up and accept others.”

The 8th PSSAP National Convention was organized by the alumni association of PSSAP, Inc. led by Jessie Ladeth Contento, national chairman of the alumni association and former national president of PSSAP, Inc.

“Though there were national competitions that, at some point, caused division and promoted competition among some participating schools, overall, the goal of unity, fellowship and experiential learning was achieved,” he added.

The Kool Adventure Camp of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI-KAC) is the first and only fully dedicated Adventure Education Center in the Philippines. RAFI-KAC equips organizations and individuals with the character, competence, and citizenship to be leaders of change through powerful learning experiences.