A STUDENT from Polytechnic University of the Philippines placed second in the 2022 Outstanding Student Leader in the Philippines.

Flory Joy Alvares, a fourth-year BA History major, bested more than 200 participants across the country to snag the award.

According to PUP, Alvares’ advocacy as a student leader focuses on human rights, children’s rights and women’s empowerment.

She was also an Asian girl ambassador and represented the Philippines in the United Nations to talk about children’s rights during her high school days, it added.

Early this year, Alvares was also recognized for representing PUP in the 24th Ayala Young Leaders Congress.

The OSLP is a recognition organized by the group Transforming Advocates and Champions to honor the country’s most notable tertiary student leaders “who have contributed to nation-building through excellent academic achievement, transformative social engagement, and innovative leadership during the time of the Covid19 pandemic.”

Alvares said that her recognition was a “validation” of her initiatives as a student leader.

“Awards and recognition lang ‘yan, makakalimutan din ‘yan ng mga tao. The most important thing is how you were able to treat people,” she said.

“Lagi kong pinipili na maging mabuti, sobrang genuine ko sa intention ko dahil maalala ka ng tao kung paano mo siya tinrato hindi yung kaya mong i-offer sa table,” she added.

To inspire young student leaders, Alvares said having mentors is important.

“When we achieve too much, overwhelming siya. Nakakalimutan natin kung saan tayo nagsimula, so meron mga taong tatapik sa atin at magsasabing sumosobra kana at least it humbles us down.”