Prof. Maria Victoria B. Trinidad, Director of the Community Empowerment and Social Synergy of the City College of Cagayan de Oro made her mark as she was one of the representatives for the Philippine Youth Leadership Program (PYLP) 2024, a youth exchange program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the US Department of State Youth Exchange Program.
The program was conducted in partnership with Northern Illinois University (NIU) in DeKalb, Illinois, and the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) in Mindanao, Philippines. The program is designed to empower young leaders and foster international relationships. The overarching goals of the PYLP are: Training youth leaders to become responsible citizens and contributing members of their communities. Empowering participants to engage actively in addressing issues of concern in their schools and communities upon their return. Building mutual understanding, tolerance, and respect through shared culture and values. Fostering relationships among youth from different ethnic, racial, religious, and national groups.
From April 11 to May 10, 2024, she accompanied the 24 youth leaders from BARMM and surrounding provinces to the United States of America, where she actively engaged in the month-long leadership training program at NIU. Her roles included participating, observing, documenting, and collaborating with workshop leaders.
Prof. Trinidad has been heavily involved in the PYLP, so much so that she has contributed to the program's mission in developing youth leaders and furthering cultural ties between the Philippines and the United States. Her care and leadership have been outstanding in guiding the next generation of Mindanao youth leaders toward a future of active community engagement and international cooperation.