Student is lone representative of IE at national congress

An FEU Institute of Education (IE) student leader represented the institute as its sole delegate at the 47th YMCA National Congress, taking on key leadership roles and contributing to a nationally adopted resolution.

Student participation in national congresses such as this underscores the importance of youth leadership, collaboration, and civic engagement in shaping future educators. These platforms provide student leaders with opportunities to exchange ideas, address pressing issues, and contribute to meaningful policy discussions.

The congress gathered more than 400 student leaders from across the country, including delegates from FEU Manila and Makati. FEU IE Student Council President Lester Jay Cube actively took on key responsibilities—serving as principal author of a resolution under Commission 15, co-chairman of the same commission, and marshal for Cluster 4. The FEU delegation also earned its 24th Outstanding Delegation Award, along with other recognitions, highlighting the university’s strong presence in the congress.

“Representing the FEU IE as its sole delegate was both an honor and a responsibility that I carried with gratitude,” said Cube, adding that the congress was both meaningful and humbling. He recalled how learning began even before arriving in Baguio, as delegates exchanged ideas and refined proposed resolutions during their journey, guided by alumni mentors and advisers.

Throughout the congress, Cube engaged in discussions, seminars, and collaborative work sessions with fellow student leaders from different parts of the country. Despite initially finding it challenging to be the only FEU representative in his commission, he stepped forward and was entrusted with a leadership role, helping facilitate discussions and contribute to the development of resolutions.

One of the most significant highlights of Cube’s participation was the adoption of the resolution he proposed, where he served as principal author. He recounted the intensive process behind it, including long hours of collaboration, refining ideas, and preparing for presentations alongside fellow delegates and mentors.

“The most important thing was not whose resolution would pass, but which proposal would truly make a positive impact,” he said, emphasizing the spirit of collaboration and shared purpose among participants.

“The 47th YMCA National Congress reminded me that leadership is not proven by how loudly we speak, but by how deeply we listen, how willingly we learn from others, and how sincerely we serve the communities beyond ourselves,” he said.

Cube’s participation highlights IE’s continued commitment to developing student leaders who are grounded in empathy, collaboration, and service. By engaging in national platforms such as the YMCA National Congress, FEU reinforces its role in shaping future educators who are not only academically prepared but also actively involved in nation-building and community development.

Lester Jay Cube, (3rd from the bottom on the left) together with the other participants at the 47th YMCA Congress. Photo from Lester Jay Cube

To learn more about the undergraduate programs of Institute of Education, please visit: https://www.feu.edu.ph/institute-of-education/