Research Apprentice Named Best Presenter at IYSC in Boracay

SDRC Research Apprentice Mark Anthony Velasco was among three scholars named Best Presenter during the 1st International Young Scholars Conference held from May 17 to 19, 2013 at the Boracay Ecovillage Resort and Convention Center in Aklan. His paper presentation, entitled “Participatory Approaches and Development Programs Effectives: Contributions from the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK),” describes how the SK of Gamu, Isabela applies the principles of participatory development. The paper utilizes the framework of participatory development to explain how participatory approaches can achieve effectiveness in the implementation of development programs. It was able to validate the fundamental principles prescribed by participatory development— that utilizing participatory approaches can serve as an opportunity for the youth of Gamu, Isabela to achieve effectiveness in the programs stipulated in the SK Development Plan.

SDRC Director Dr. Rhoderick Nuncio was the convener of the 2013 Conference, which had as its theme “The Youth and the Asia Pacific in the 21st Century.”

Also acknowledged as Best Presenters during the Conference were Eun-Sun Cho of the Gyeonggi Youth Participation Committee of Korea, whose presentation was entitled “The Development and Limitations of Youth Participation in the Policymaking Process of Korea”; and Diana Pakasi of the University of Indonesia, whose presentation was entitled “Desire and Danger: Muslim Adolescents’ Views on Sexuality and Their Implications for Comprehensive Sexuality Education.”