MVP: Pursue your passion

MANILA, Philippines - They say two heads are better than one, in this case there were 118. Student-leaders throughout the country gathered at the First Pacific Leadership Academy (FPLA) in Antipolo City from Nov. 16 to 18 to take part in the three-day summit designed to challenge them to be passionate and holistic future thought leaders.

Dubbed as the MVP Future Thought Leaders, the project of putting together young brilliant minds is close to the heart of Manny V. Pangilinan (photo), known more with his three-letter acronym MVP. “The youth is the source of new and exciting ideas, which is exactly what our country needs,” MVP says.

A staunch advocate of nation-building and youth development, he would often challenge the youth to dream big and be bold. “We need to encourage the youth to channel their enthusiasm and dynamism not only for personal gain but for the good of the country as well,” MVP adds.

The summit brought together speakers who have made a mark in their respective fields. Students exchanged views with leaders like Ramon Magsaysay awardee Randy Halasan; Chikka founder and CEO Chito Bustamante; Fil-Dutch environmentalist Anne-Marie Bakker; medical specialist in infectious diseases Fatima Gimenez, M.D.; Harvard Law graduate Alex Lacson; athletes Johan Aguilar and Marcus Valda, among others. “We handpicked leaders who manifest passion and innovation. Individually, they have all succeeded by challenging the norm,” FPLA GM Roy Evalle explains.

Although the summit formally ended on Nov. 18, its legacy continues through Student Citizenship Projects. These 118 student-leaders formed smaller teams who will design and implement student-initiated and led projects to address a specific problem or issue in their respective schools or communities. MVP and FPLA will continue to encourage and keep a watchful eye on these next generation of leaders as they heed — even at their young age — to the calling of making a difference.