YOUTH EMPOWERMENT

+iMPACT Leadership and FNF Philippines Presents: iMPACT Leadership Academy for Civic Empowerment

From July to October 2025, FNF Philippines and +iMPACT Leadership launched the iMPACT Leadership Academy for Civic Empowerment (iLACE)—a two-phase program designed to nurture young civic leaders across the country. The initiative aimed to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and networks to strengthen democratic values and drive positive change in their communities.

The first phase, held online from July to August through Zoom calls, featured weekly expert-led webinars on leadership, civic empowerment, and democracy. Fellows also took part in self-paced activities such as discussion forums and reflection exercises, building a solid foundation for their civic journeys.

From October 24–26, FNF Philippines and +iMPACT Leadership conducted the second phase of iLACE at The Hive Hotel in Quezon City. The three-day workshop featured interactive sessions, group projects, community planning, and networking opportunities with civic leaders and policymakers. Thirty youth leaders attended the program, joined by FNF Philippines staff who supported +iMPACT Leadership in facilitating the event.

The program officially began with a keynote from Dr. Almut Besold, FNF Philippines’s Country Director, who reminded the fellows that “leadership does not end, for you always have to be engaged in fighting for what’s right.” Her message set the tone for an inspiring and memorable three-day experience.

The first workshop, led by JP Delas Nieves, co-founder of +iMPACT Leadership, focused on leadership branding—helping participants define their identity and purpose as future leaders. Through guided pair activities and reflective questions like “What inspires you?” and “What do you wish to be known for?”, fellows explored their motivations and personal stories. Sir Nieves emphasized that a leader’s “brand” is not a slogan but an emotional connection that people remember long after words and actions are forgotten.

While the session encouraged self-reflection, it also became an emotional bonding experience, as fellows opened up to one another and formed meaningful connections that could blossom into future collaborations and friendships.

The second day opened with a World Café activity led by Tres Largo, +iMPACT Leadership’s Director of Programs. Fellows discussed questions such as “Why do we see the same faces in government?”—prompting reflections on inclusivity and opportunities for emerging leaders.

This was followed by a simulated presidential campaign facilitated by Sir JP Nieves, where participants represented different political parties and competed for the future of their mock nation, Maharlika. The activity aimed to expose fellows to the dynamics of presidential elections from a policymaking and governance perspective.

It was the longest and most immersive workshop, as it required each team to prepare campaign speeches, posters, and platforms. During their presentations, candidates faced a mock press that challenged them with tough questions to test their confidence and principles.

The campaign paused midway for a talk by Mishy Co, founder of The Bureau PH, titled “The Use of Social Media in the Construction of Public Belief & the Power to Drive Social Change.” She emphasized how social media shapes public perception, noting that “social media is no longer just a communication tool; it’s a powerful instrument for belief construction.”

Inspired by this talk, fellows resumed their campaign by creating TikTok videos to promote their candidates and platforms—demonstrating how social media can serve as a tool for civic engagement and positive visibility when used effectively.

On the final day, the campaign concluded with a miting de avance, where each presidential candidate made one last appeal to the audience before the voting process.

Afterward, Grace Vasquez of FNF Philippines delivered the closing remarks, reminding fellows that “leadership is all about heart.” She commended their passion and urged them to continue pursuing their goals with purpose and integrity.

One participant, reflecting on the entire experience, shared, “You built more than just leaders; you also built believers.”

For the grand finale, +iMPACT Leadership and FNF Philippines hosted a graduation ceremony for the fellows—marking not just the end of the program, but the beginning of each fellow’s journey as a young civic leader ready to create meaningful change in the Philippines.

Kim Alampay is serving as an intern at FNF Philippines from October to December 2025.