Ten BS Psychology Students from the College of Science were awarded the Asia & the Pacific Interfaith Youth Network (APIYN) Grant for Outstanding Project Proposal by a National Chapter during the 2016 Asia Religious Youth Peace Camp held at the Pope Pius XII Catholic Center, Manila last November 17 to 20, 2016.
Kenneth Roy Aranas, Megan Althena Alqueza, Gem Bernadette Bulaong, Aldrin Chester Cruz, Janssen Joquico, Jacqueline Mallari, Clariz Arah Mangaoang, Rose Aileen Nuñez, Mary Ronette Ortiz, & Sara Flocette Romano, all graduating psychology students, and the other members of the Philippine Delegation composed of youth representatives from the UniHarmony Partners Manila, received the grant for their project proposal on addressing the challenges faced by the marginalized communities due to the effects of climate change. The Philippine Chapter of the APIYN is headed by Mr. Renz Christian Argao, a psychology instructor from the UST College of Science and the Youth Coordinator of Religions for Peace Philippines.
The APIYN Grant is awarded by the Religions for Peace Asia (ACRP) to provide seed funding for projects that address the three global issues faced by the youth: violent religious extremism, refugee crisis, and climate change. The Philippine Chapter, together with the Project Proposal by the Mongolian Chapter, are the first recipients of the grant.
The APIYN is the regional body of the Religions for Peace Global Interfaith Youth Network, a coalition which harnesses the energy and commitment of religious youth leaders around the world to advance its mission of multi-religious cooperation for peace. Religions for Peace is the world’s largest multi-religious coalition, representing all religions and faith traditions.
The University of Santo Tomas hosted the Opening Ceremony of the 2016 Asia Religious Youth Peace Camp last November 18, 2016 at the Benavides Auditorium. With the theme “Responding to the Marginalized Communities’ Vulnerability to Climate Change: Strengthening Common Actions and Empowering Asia-Pacific Interfaith Youth Leaders”, the Camp was participated by 60 youth leaders from 12 countries from Asia and the Pacific Region.
