On September 10, 2024, Western Mindanao State University (WMSU), in partnership with The Asia Foundation, inaugurated the WMSU Sibika Hub, a youth-led initiative funded by the USAID. The Hub serves as a central platform for resources, networks, and school-based programs aimed at empowering young people to become active participants in shaping their communities through civic education.
Assistant Professor Betsy Pearl Parangan, Project Leader for WMSU, welcomed attendees from various schools in the city and emphasized their crucial role in building a more informed and engaged community.
Representing the WMSU President, Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorena, Dr. Joel G. Fernando, Vice President for Research, Extension Services, and External Linkages, highlighted the Sibika Hub’s timely response to the growing need for accessible, relevant, and practical civic education. He expressed hope that the initiative would foster the development of good civic habits among students, enabling them to actively contribute to positive change in Zamboanga Peninsula and beyond.
Honorable John M. Dalipe, City Mayor, graced the event with his strong support for the program, underscoring the vital role of youth in shaping society. He encouraged young people to seize the opportunity to learn significant lessons from the Sibika Hub, emphasizing that the initiative was created for their benefit.
Representatives from The Asia Foundation and USAD-KA ZAMPEN were also present, emphasizing the importance of young people’s active engagement in civic matters as future leaders. Their attendance signified their commitment to the well-being and future of the next generation.
The event culminated with the third Democracy Talks, featuring Dr. Sherwin Toring as the resource speaker. Dr. Toring’s talk offered an anthropological perspective on democracy, focusing on how democratic processes in local contexts, particularly elections, can inadvertently exploit local communities.
As parting words, Mr. Homer Guerrero, Assistant Coordinator for WMSU Sibika Hubs, urged the youth to maintain a spirit of openness and cooperation. He emphasized that each individual is a vital contributor to shaping the democratic future and that the proper implementation of democracy can significantly influence not only our history but also our cultural identity.
This valuable initiative is just one of many undertaken by WMSU through the Sibika Hub, demonstrating the university’s commitment to “mold the youth for human dignity.”
Sibika Hubs serve as resource, network, and community hubs on civic education and engagement. The Sibika Hub of Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) is supported by the Youth Leadership for Democracy (YouthLed), a joint project of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and The Asia Foundation.
By: Dr. Carl Richard Dagalea
Photos: The New Blazer, Sinagtik, Newscope, Mayor John Dalipe
