Interns from Biliran Province State University’s School of Teacher Education (STED) joined the coastal clean-up drive in Hat Yai, Thailand, on March 16, in celebration of the Global Youth Day. 

As part of their two-week International Cultural-Teaching Immersion program, the interns engaged in the environmental initiative to help preserve Thailand’s coastline. 

Said event, themed “A Community Transformed” provided the students an opportunity to give back to the global community by promoting environmental awareness among youth.

The coastal clean-up was just one of many activities designed to deepen the pre-service teachers’ cultural exchange experience in Thailand. 

"We are so proud of our interns for being actively involved in this environmental cause," said Dr. Victor Catigbe Caňezo, Jr., BiPSU president.

"This initiative not only supports Global Youth Day, but also aligns with our vision of responding to the needs of the global community through producing future educators who are aware of global issues and equipped to contribute to positive change,” he added.

In an interview, Dr. Maribel Zipagan, dean of the STED Naval Campus, also explained that Global Youth Day is an annual event organized by the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Youth worldwide to make a positive impact on communities. She expressed her gratitude to the school and local community in Thailand that welcomed BiPSU’s interns, for involving them in the coastal clean-up drive and giving them the opportunity to actively participate in such an initiative.

Associate Professor Mary Joy Gelizon, STED faculty escort from BiPSU- Biliran Campus shared her thoughts about the event, “Joining the Youth World Day Clean-Up Drive is such a fulfilling experience  in Hat Yai, Thailand because it’s amazing to be part of something bigger, where everyone comes together with the same goal of taking care of our planet.” 

“Seeing BiPSU's students and faculty step up, not just to clean up but to spread awareness about our environment, is truly inspiring. It's one of those moments that sticks with us, leaving us proud to know we are making a real difference for the future,” she added. 

One of the student interns also shared her fun experience, “As a BIPSUnista, I love how this event gave us the opportunity to respond to the global needs and even offered service globally,” said Christy Mae Jireh Roldan, BEED fourth year student. 

The two week- immersion program, which includes fifteen pre-service teachers and three faculty members from the STED Naval and Biliran campuses, is being held at Tepum Nouy Hatyai School in Songkla, Thailand, and will conclude on March 27.

[This article aligns with SDG No. 14: Life Below Water and SDG No. 4: Quality Education.]