SELECTED students from various regions convened to contribute in the crafting of the National Action Plan for Learner Participation during the Learners’ Convergence PH.

Around 1,890 youth leaders committed to mobilize learner-centered campaigns and initiatives on health, sports, learner formation, disaster risk reduction and management, and learners’ rights and protection to make a huge impact on basic education.

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte commended the delegates for using their voice to advocate for policies supporting quality and inclusive education through their involvement in school’s student government or other student organizations.

“As youth leaders, I encourage you to collaborate and build a strong network across regions and organize awareness campaigns about issues affecting Filipino youth,” Duterte said in a written speech.

Another highlight of LearnCon is the election and oathtaking of the new set of National Federation of Supreme Secondary Learner Government officers for School Year 2023-2024.

Ma. Cassandra Austria from Quezon City was elected president among 17 regional SSG presidents. The other elected officers were Gian Franscine Lampaz of CAR-Baguio City as Vice President; Alexa Delle Aranda of Region I – Pangasinan as Secretary; and Nina Keira Noelle Lezada of Region X – Cagayan de Oro City as Treasurer.

In addition, John Carl Hermocilla of Region IX – Zamboanga Sibugay will serve as Auditor; Mark Kristoff Javate of Region VIII – Calbayog City as Public Information Officer; and Jan Xerohj Olivo of Region IV-A – Antipolo City as Protocol Officer.

“It is essential for us to recognize that we are not mere recipients of change but active agents in shaping the future we envision for our education system,” Austria said, noting that the NFSSLG under her leadership, will seek to strengthen student representation in all levels of decision-making.

Anchored on the theme “SaMakabata: Sentro ng Karunungan, Huwaran ng Kagalingan,” the event emphasized the importance of recognizing learners as the center of educational processes.