Despite the pandemic-related disruptions to schooling, a sophomore student from the Bicol University (BU) faced the challenges head on and won in this year's World S!NERGY competition.
Rica Marfil, a 2nd year Civil Engineering student, emerged as the Champion in the 2021 World S!NERGY after beating other hopefuls and represented the Asia Pacific in the said international contest.
In Facebook post on April 20, BU congratulated Marfil.
https://www.facebook.com/BicolUniversity/posts/4386859024675458
BU said that Marfil’s project, which was entitled “Project NCT: Nurturing Child’s Talents: Scaffolding Technical Vocational Training to Children with Special Needs,” promotes a community where every child belongs.
“I see hope in their disabilities, just like someone have seen hope in my vulnerabilities,” Marfil said in her presentation.
BU noted that her project also “envisions an empowered Person with Disability that is working, receiving a quality education, and obtaining child support.”
Marfil emerged as the winner after she bested the other contestants - one from Russia, one from Nicaragua and two Korea, according to BU.
To fund her project, Marfil also she received a certificate and $5,000 (approx. P241,000).
The S!NERGY, BU explained, is a tournament that was initiated by Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, the Mother of Peace and the founder of International Association of Youth and Students for Peace (IAYSP or YSP).
S!NERGY aims to engage dynamic public speaking - where students are expected to share their “projects and innovative ideas in a professional setting.”
BU said that the said competition consisted of two online events which include the The World Youth and Students' Rally of Hope and S!NERGY International 2021 - which “featured top presenters from Regional YSP S!NERGYs.”
Due to the global pandemic, the S!NERGY International was held virtually for the first time.
It was streamed on Youtube and Facebook pages of different regions and chapters of IAYSP.
The announcement of winner was held on April 17.
The BU University College of Engineering - College Student Council also congratulated Marfil for her feat.
https://www.facebook.com/BicolUniversity/posts/4386533854707975
The BUCEng CSC also expressed its commitment to continuously support Marfil as she "materializes her project and progressing mainly the SDG on Reduced Inequalities.”
Meanwhile, Marfil was also commended by other organizations.
The International Association of Youth and Students for Peace - Pilipinas, in a Facebook post, also congratulated her for winning the S!NERGY international competition this year.
https://www.facebook.com/iaysppilipinas/posts/726164044724721