By Karren Jay G. Asgar
(From left to right) Sam David Q. Andrada; Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate, Vice President for Student Affairs; Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, University President; Pastor Alfred C. Morales, Director of Student Development and Programs; and Jennifer Erika P. Angeles, pose for a photo opportunity during the courtesy call.
Central Philippine University (CPU) alumni Sam David Q. Andrada and Jennifer Erika P. Angeles will represent the Philippines as two of the 18 youth delegates to the 50th Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program (SSEAYP), scheduled from January 3 to February 5, 2027. Their selection was officially announced by the SSEAYP Philippine Youth Ambassadors of Goodwill through its official Facebook page on October 25, 2026.
Andrada, a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Business Management, Batch 2023, and Angeles, a Bachelor of Science in Social Work graduate, Batch 2024, are part of the 50th Philippine Contingent, known as Batch Sinagtala.
The two alumni paid a courtesy call on University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy at the Office of the President on October 27, accompanied by Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate, Vice President for Student Affairs, and Pastor Alfred C. Morales, Director of Student Development and Programs.
“SSEAYP, for me, is more than an international program or a cultural exchange. It is actually an opportunity for us to know other countries and their cultures, and more importantly, to discover more about ourselves,” Andrada said during the courtesy call.
He added that the delegates hope to bring their experiences and learnings back to their respective communities and apply them in their localities.
Angeles echoed Andrada’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and continuous learning throughout the exchange.
“We can collaborate with each other… This is a lifelong journey,” she said.
The selection process involved approximately 250 applicants nationwide, including an estimated 50 to 70 applicants from the Visayas. According to them, applicants underwent application screening, evaluation of credentials, written examinations, interviews, and background checks conducted by the National Youth Commission (NYC).
The two alumni also shared how they unexpectedly crossed paths during the selection process. Although both had applied for the program, they had not spoken before boarding the same flight to Cebu and were unaware that they were pursuing the same opportunity. They later encountered each other at the National Youth Commission (NYC) building before their interviews and expressed hope of seeing each other again in Manila after completing the selection process.
Andrada credited CPU’s Exemplary Christian Education for Life, the values instilled in him, and his experiences in the CPU Republic for helping prepare him for the opportunity.
“I am truly grateful to CPU. This would not have been possible without the University. The Exemplary Christian Education for Life and the values instilled in us have been a big factor,” he said.
He added that being selected was already a significant achievement and that they would do their best to represent not only CPU but also Western Visayas and the Philippines.
Angeles likewise expressed gratitude to the people who supported her throughout her academic and leadership journey. She said the values, knowledge, and pursuit of excellence instilled in her at CPU helped her persevere despite challenges.
A former student leader, Angeles served as Board Member for Academics of the College of Arts and Sciences Provincial Council from 2021 to 2022, Governor from 2022 to 2023, and President of the CPUR League of Governors from 2022 to 2023. She currently serves as President of Samahan ng Bagong Kabataan and previously served as Sangguniang Kabataan Chairperson of Barangay Macatol, Pototan, Iloilo.
Her recognitions include the Most Outstanding Ilongga Student Leader award from JCI Ilang-Ilang in 2023, the Outstanding Jose Rizal Model Student of the Philippines Award in 2023, and The Outstanding Student of Iloilo Award and Top Circle Award in 2024. She also represented CPU in TRAC, earning a place among the Top 3 Outstanding Student Leaders of the Philippines.
Andrada graduated cum laude and received several recognitions, including the Top Circle Award from The Outstanding Students of Iloilo Awards, the CPU Alumni Association Southern California Recognition Award, and the Most Outstanding Council of Management Educators and Professionals in the Philippines award.
During the courtesy call, Rev. Dr. Dagohoy congratulated the two alumni and described their achievement as a collective milestone for the University.
“This is a group win. We are grateful to God for these milestones. When you really see the hand of God orchestrate your life’s journey, you realize that every experience has a purpose. We are so happy for the both of you, proud, and thank you for representing the University,” he emphasized.
As the only representatives from Western Visayas in the Philippine contingent, Andrada and Angeles aim to bring home insights and experiences that can benefit their communities while fostering cross-cultural understanding and strengthening connections among young people.