Published June 25, 2026 by Campus Information Office
Cagayan State University-Gonzaga hosted the U.S.–PH Alumni Talk: Youth in Diplomacy and Regional Security on June 25, bringing together students, youth leaders, government exchange alumni, and experts to discuss international relations, regional security, and marine resource protection. The forum was organized by the U.S. Embassy in Manila in partnership with the U.S. Government Alumni Association–Metro Manila (USGAA MM) and the National Movement for Young Legislators (NMYL).
The delegation was welcomed by the Campus Internationalization, Partnership, and Resource Mobilization (IPRM) Coordinator, Mr. Jun Clifford Mape, Campus Officials, and the Campus Chief of Staff, Ms. Mary May Baclig, who represented the Campus Executive Officer Dr. Froilan A. Pacris Jr.
The forum aimed to engage students, young leaders, and local legislators in meaningful discussions on international relations, the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea territorial dispute, and the protection of marine resources. It also sought to encourage Filipino youth to become informed and proactive in addressing issues that directly affect their communities, particularly in the coastal province of Cagayan.
Representing the U.S. Embassy were George Mesthos, Deputy Director for Public Engagement, and Eren Joy Bautista, Public Engagement Specialist. Joining them were Patrick Manuel, Co-Convenor of USGAA Metro Manila and Country Director of Waves for Water Philippines, together with a representative from the National Movement for Young Legislators.
Showing their support for the activity were Dr. Mark Anthony Artis, an alumnus of the National Youth Commission's Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) exchange program, and Hon. Jhunel Alipio, Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President of Gonzaga.
The program featured four plenary sessions covering the relevance of international relations to Filipino youth, the significance of the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea dispute, the protection of marine ecosystems, and the use of digital platforms and online resources to promote public awareness and civic engagement.
Serving as resource speakers were Assistant Secretary Gervy Gumarit; Jonalyn Villasante, Commissioner-at-Large of the National Youth Commission, YSEALI alumna, and Committee Secretary of the Philippine House Committee on Foreign Affairs; and Dr. Deo Florence Onda, professor at the Marine Science Institute of the University of the Philippines and an alumnus of the International Visitor Leadership Program. They emphasized the vital role of youth participation in diplomacy, regional cooperation, and marine conservation.
In an interview, Mr. Mape described the forum as "one of the most informative and engaging forums" he had witnessed, citing the relevance of the discussions and the caliber of the speakers. He also expressed his gratitude to the organizers for bringing the initiative to CSU-Gonzaga, noting that the activity provided students with valuable perspectives on global issues and inspired them to become responsible and engaged citizens.
Photos: Ms. Lorie Fhel Ramento