I'm Ruben, a Philippine delegate for the Asia Connects Conference (Saskatchewan). I worked my way through college and earned a degree in Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, Silliman University, Dumaguete City, Philippines. Presentlly, I'm a freshman law student at Foundation University, Dumaguete City, Philippines.
During my college days I was involved in extra-curricular activities. I was once the president of Silliman University Mathematics Society and Student Assistant Association in two different years. I have been involved in student government activities. With my four years struggle as a working student and did a lot of part-time jobs I was awarded as the 1996 Most Outstanding Student Assistant of the Year. It was on those days that I was able to attend youth conferences, seminars, trainings and forums held in different cities and municipalities in the country. One of those was the second line training on,"Advocacy Workshop for Child and Youth leaders on the Elimination of Child Labour."
After graduation I worked as a part-time college instructor for one semester and at the same time enrolled in a Masters degree in Mathematics. After one semester I stopped my teaching profession and worked as a bank employee and decided to stop just to be involed in local politics. We call it, "Youth Assembly," in which all youth ages 15-21 years old are given the freedom to vote for the officers of the assembly: a chairman and seven councillors. Youth assembly is mandated by law to create avenues where the youth can express their views, ideas and conduct their own activities towards total youth development. To encourage this, the law mandates all local government units to set aside 10% of the total local funds for the operations of the Youth Assemblies. One year after the election I was awarded as the Dumaguete City's 1997 Most Oustanding Youth Chairman of the Year and runner-up in the Regional level.
My two weeks stay here in Canada is a great opportunity for me to meet young people and interact with them regarding their perspectives about Asian cultures.
I am one of a million Philippine youth who aspired to have an opportunity like this. On behalf of the Philippine youth, I would like to thank UNICEF-CANADA , The Students Commission, TG Magazine, UNICEF-PHILIPPINES and most especially the Council for the Welfare of Children for supporting us.
TG Magazine / The Students Commission
© 1997 le magazine TG / la Commission des
étudiants