By Shayne Elizabeth Flores

Far Eastern University (FEU) Drug Abuse Prevention Core Group (DAPCG) President Julianne Faith Alforte seeks to foster policies on building a drug-free society at the Ayala Young Leaders Congress (AYLC) 2024 to be held at Seda Nuvali in Laguna from July 1 to 5.

“I aim to open conversations on why institutions must strengthen their policies to achieve drug-free communities and also empower our future healthcare professionals to advocate for quality and patient-centered care, for health safety, and for advancements in data-driven programs,” she said in an online interview with FEU Advocate.

The incoming fourth-year Nursing student also cited human compassion inherent in her program as she strives for a transformative and service-oriented leadership.

“I see AYLC as an avenue for me to capacitate myself, to learn and relearn, and to strengthen my principles and values as a future changemaker in the health system,” Alforte shared.

AYLC 2024 announced 50 qualified participants compared to last year’s 84, letting Alforte realize the significance of her role as the University’s lone representative in amplifying the voice of the youth. 

As a Tamaraw student-leader, Alforte plans to utilize the leadership conference to boost her projects in the University.

“I’ve started projects in the University with my fellow student leaders, and I believe that being part of AYLC will help me strengthen these projects to be more effective, sustainable, and centered to the needs of my community,” she said.

Additionally, the FEU DAPCG president continuously assesses herself to prepare for the congress, particularly in addressing national situationers.

Alforte learned about AYLC when the Student Development Office (SDev) began its pre-screening for aspirants last January.

SDev then hosted a pre-coaching session for interested students in preparation for the application with former FEU AYLC delegates serving as mentors and assessors.

In 2023, the University produced two AYLC delegates, namely Political Science student Dee Agojo and Psychology student Anne Lorraine Escandor.

AYLC is a leadership summit by Ayala Corporation that gathers student leaders from institutions nationwide to develop their leadership skills in pursuit of serving and improving the lives of fellow Filipinos.

(Photo Courtesy of Julianne Faith Alforte)