Catanduanes’ youth representative to the 2023 Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit has graduated cum laude from the University of Santo Tomas (UST).
Tiffany Manlangit Templonuevo, 23, of Western Poblacion, Baras, received her diploma in Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies in the university’s commencement exercises in Manila last June 5.
She is also a recipient of a university level award: the Benavides Outstanding Achievement Award, a tribute to the pioneering spirit of the UST founder which is conferred on students whose performance in national or international competitions, conferences or congresses in academic or scientific field, aligned with their discipline or program and symbolizes the university’s commitment to excellence.
Templonuevo was selected by the Senior Officials Meeting on Youth (SOMY) to be a youth delegate to the 42nd ASEAN SUMMIT last May 10-11, 2023.
Each ASEAN member state was allowed only two delegates, with a total of 22 youths given an chance to have an interface with the heads of states in discussing the Youth Statement on “Southeast Asia as an Epicentrum of Digital Development for SDGs.”
During the interface, the youth delegates presented to the Leaders the ASEAN Youth Statement crafted during the April 10-14 ASEAN Youth Dialogue in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Only four (4) Filipino youth delegates were selected by the National Youth Commission to attend the AYD, which had the theme “Digital Development for Sustainable Development Goals.”
The initial four representatives were trimmed down to two, one male and one female (Templonuevo), which became the basis for her participation in the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia.
Templonuevo also had a chance to interact with esteemed members of the Philippine Delegation including HE President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., 19th Congress House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Deputy Speaker of the House former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs H.E. Ambassador Enrique Manalo, Ambassador of the Philippines to Indonesia H.E. Gina Alagon Jamoralin, BARMM Chief Minister, Hon. Ahod B. Ebrahim, DSWD Secretary Hon. Rex Gatchalian, Sultan Kudarat Governor Hon. Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu.