UVU
Article by: Luisa Adeley Arranz and Faye Ramos
Usec. Angelo M. Tapales
Associate Lawyer for Poblador Bautista & Reyes Law Offices
On March 28, the UST Volunteers for UNICEF (UVU) organized Siklab 2026: Advocacy Summit at the Frassati Pre-Functional Hall, bringing together various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and student advocates from different universities.
The summit centered on urgent concerns, particularly on children and human rights, environmental activism, and women’s empowerment.
Undersecretary Angelo Tapales delivered the keynote address on children’s rights, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the welfare of children. He also mentioned the vital role of the youth in addressing human rights violations and injustices.
Meanwhile, lawyer Nathan Raphael Agustin discussed the state of human rights in the country, urging participants to uphold fundamental rights and address injustices faced by vulnerable sectors.
The summit also featured a series of expert talks from youth advocates who provided deeper insight into key social issues. Ms. Chayenne Galo discussed environmental rights, highlighting the urgent realities of climate change and stressing the role of young people in advancing sustainable practices and leading community-based environmental initiatives. This was followed by Ms. Maria Rosario Isabel Seares, who addressed women’s rights by emphasizing gender equality, safe spaces, and empowering individuals to challenge discriminatory norms within their own communities.
The final segment, a panel on youth volunteerism and social advocacy featuring Mr. Joel Noel Syguia, Ms. Tanya Criscita Manalo, and Ms. Nicole Trixia Raymundo, brought together diverse perspectives on leadership and service. The speakers shared their personal experiences in advocacy work, highlighting both the challenges and the impact of grassroots initiatives, and encouraging participants to move beyond awareness and take concrete action to address societal issues.
The summit concluded with a speech by Isabel Consuelo Miguel, UVU’s Vice President for Advocacy and project head, who encouraged participants to carry their advocacies beyond the event.
“Take the siklab bestowed on you […] Cary the flame with intention and all the tools and insights that you have collected today. May you nurture it, share it, and allow it to ignite change,” she said.
06 BATA BALITA INSIDER | SIKLAB 2026: Advocacy Summit