The 13th HYLI was held at New World Hotel in Makati City, Philippines, from July 27-30, 2015. A student selection panel chose 31 students as official delegates from the participating countries. These students were divided into four groups, with each group having at least one representative from every participating country. Every student worked with their respective groups from day 1 until the culminating activities to complete the HYLI learning agenda.
The 13th HYLI learning agenda is designed to help the students walk through key transportation issues in the region, eventually inspiring them to contribute to possible solutions. This learning agenda is divided into three pillars: Awareness and Appreciation, Engagement and Reflection, and Commitment and Celebration. These serve as guides in establishing a unique vehicle for the student delegates’ education happening before the weeklong event (Pre-HYLI) until the last day of the 4-day HYLI Week.
Workshops helped students form their group proposals
The Pre-HYLI work marked the beginning of the Awareness and Appreciation pillar, intended to prepare the students for the HYLI week proper. During this period, the students were asked to prepare an essay pertaining to the central theme, with infographics to illustrate their dissertation. The essay allowed the students to have an in-depth view of past successes and failures from an analytical standpoint so that they can determine how they can become part of the solution. The infographics enabled the students to have a broader perspective of their respective countries' issues, which served as solid basis for sharing with fellow student delegates, mentors, and panellists in workshops and sessions during the HYLI Week proper.
Awareness and Appreciation for the pervading issues continued with talks delivered by guest speakers for three days of the HYLI Week.
With the guidance of a moderator, speakers engaged with students and the general audience in panel discussions based on specific subthemes. In photo are (from left): Prof. Dr. Danang Parikesit, Ms. Nana Soetantri, Mr. Arnel Casanova, and Mr. Cleto Bravo Gales,Jr.
Student delegates interviewed members of local
communities as part of an immersion process.
Engagement and Reflection involved panel discussions with speakers after the session talks. During field interviews, the students were able to engage with stakeholders affected by the issues. They visited two villages of Gawad Kalinga (a non-government organization that provides homes and sustainable community living to impoverished Filipinos) where they were able to experience riding the tricycle, as well as interview tricycle drivers and residents of the villages. The students likewise learned about urban development, its advantages, challenges, and solutions by visiting Bonifacio Global City – one of the Philippines' fastest growing business centers and modern residential communities.
The information that the students gathered from the panel discussions and interviews helped them form their own presentations for the culmination of the entire HYLI event. After their presentations, guest mentors engaged them with comments and feedback that the students can use as their guide in real world situations beyond HYLI.
Students presented their proposals at the culmination of HYLI week
Workshops helped students form their group proposals
Commitment and Celebration happened on the final day of the event where the students affirmed the new knowledge and experiences they acquired through a pledge. These pledges expressed the students' commitment to advocate what they have learned from HYLI. The students also presented various cultural performances that best represent their respective countries as part of the forum's cross-cultural sharing objective. The students then shared a special dinner to cap the celebration.
