The University’s SIMBAHAYAN Community Development Office, through its Community Development Coordinating Council Education cluster, held the
annual Dunong Tomas Advocacy Program, with the theme “Pagpapahalaga at Pagpapalago sa Galing ng Kabataang Mamumuno sa Kinabukasan ng Bayan.” It was held from January 29 to 31, 2018 at different venues in and outside the University of Santo Tomas, organized jointly by the College
of Education, Institute of Information & Computing Sciences,
Senior High School, and Junior High School.
The program aimed to promote the concept of equitable and inclusive education as a viable point of meaningful engagement and positive influence among members of the youth sector. The activities for the three-day initiative were participated in by selected youth leaders and students from UST partner communities and institutions.
The Dunong Tomas Advocacy included a two-day fora on Youth Leadership and Empowerment held at the Junior High School Benavides Auditorium, attended by the youth representatives, and more than 500 students and faculty members of the University.
Each forum featured youth leaders, advocates, and motivational
speakers, who discussed the role of the youth towards proactive
nation-building and the need for the youth to champion genuine
public service and social responsibility. The participants also took
part in parallel learning enhancement sessions that focused on
leadership capability-building and training on the effective utilization
of technology as a means for personal growth. The last day of the
program was designated for an educational exposure tour.
The youth participants visited the Bantayog Museum and the
AFP Military Museum, where they learned about the important issues
and events that shaped the history and identity of the country. The
program ended with a send-off ceremony where the youth participants
had the opportunity to reflect upon their meaningful experiences and
to share their insights on what they can contribute for the betterment
of the society. The program also highlighted the different social and
environmental advocacies of UST through a gallery exhibit prepared
by the colleges and departments under the education cluster
