VSU USSC hailed national winner at National Kabataan Fair

Before the year 2025 came to a close, VSU reaffirmed its commitment to transformative, service-oriented leadership on the national stage when the University Supreme Student Council (USSC) was named as the national winner of the National Kabataan Fair: Empowering Youth Leadership and Solution during the 12th Philippine I Transform! Leaders’ Convention (PITLC) on November 13–18, 2025 in Baguio City.

This new accomplishment places VSU at the forefront of youth-led governance and innovation while highlighting the university’s role in molding student leaders who not only excel in representing the school but also impress the national crowd by delivering concrete solutions to pressing social and environmental issues.

Kleenie Elumene B. Yuzon, Hon. Reniel Emberso, and Hon. Kobe T. Juanillo, together with their mentor, Hon. Kyle L. Ambid, presented “Project Faith Garden,” a green initiative that banks on growing fresh produce, reducing carbon footprints, supporting biodiversity, providing fresh food, fostering social cohesion, and offering educational opportunities.

This achievement goes beyond recognition. It is a concrete validation of youth leadership as a catalyst for national progress. The National Kabataan Fair serves as a platform through which Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), climate action, and social protection initiatives are addressed.

Reflecting on the experience, Mr. Juanillo emphasized how the experience reshaped his perspective on leadership.

“One important lesson I learned at PITLC is the value of serving with humility. Surrounded by renowned leaders who are successful in their fields ato nga time. I observed that they do not carry their positions with arrogance. Regardless of their status, we showed respect by calling everyone “ate” or “kuya,” which creates a sense of unity and equality,” he said.

As national winner, the USSC received a cash grant to support the implementation of its project. The grant will enable the Viscan student leaders to pilot programs, according to their proposal, that will benefit not only the student body but also neighboring communities served by the university.

“I think what made our project stand out kay sustainable ug doable kaayo siya—dili siya mag-need ug dako nga budget so student-friendly jud kaayo,” said Reniel Emberso. “Plus, it is done through collaboration with different organizations, ensuring long-term sustainability. Through this, we were able to clearly show the significance of our project—not only that it can be implemented in our university, but that it can also create positive change sa mga nearby communities that VSU also serves.”

This national victory by the three #ProudViscan representatives reflect VSU’s mission of producing graduates and leaders  who are not only globally relevant but also socially responsive.

As the USSC prepares to launch its winning project, VSU and its partner stakeholders will benefit from initiatives such as this, that prove one striking truth: when we trust and empower our youth, they can bring powerful change that can create impact in the local front and beyond.

Organized by Youthlead Philippines, Inc. (YLP), the PITLC is a national convergence of youth leaders centered on leadership development, sustainability, climate action, and community empowerment.

This article is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 4: Quality Education; SDG No. 5: Gender Equality; SDG No. 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities; SDG No. 12: Responsible Consumption and Production; SDG No. 13: Climate Action; and SDG No. 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

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