LEGAZPI CITY, (PIA) - A student from the Bicol University was hailed as champion in the Asia Pacific public speaking competition.

Rica B. Marfil of Camalig Albay, 2nd year Civil Engineering student of the Bicol University College of Engineering (BUCENG) bested other six countries in the recently held Asia Pacific S!NERGY (Students × Ideas × Energy) competition, an engaging and dynamic public speaking competition where students share their projects and innovative ideas.

As 1st place winner, Marfil received $500. She will also represent Asia in the World S!NERGY competition.

"Since it is my first time competing on an international level, I never expected something big to happen until it happened. I feel blessed, honored, and pressured to represent Asia Pacific in the World S!NERGY Competition because I know that I still have a lot to learn,"Marfil said.

Encouraged by her friends, Rica submitted her proposal entitled, "Nurturing Child's Talents: Scaffolding Technical Vocational Training to Children with Special Needs."

After qualifying with the screening, Rica started competing for the national level and landed 2nd place against four other entries last Dec. 16, 2020.

Rica said she never expected to compete and win in an international competition.

"It was prayers and the people who were with me in my darkest times that allowed me to bounce back. Whatever happens, if this is for me, it will be for me,' became my mantra on every level of the competition. This allowed me to look forward again in the Worldwide S!NERGY competition," she added.

With the implementation of her project, Marfil further calls for potential partners and sponsors who are willing to help in her cause of helping children with special needs.

Marfil is also engaged in various local and national organizations. Currently, she is the Interim Representative of BUCENG - College Student Council (CSC).

The competition's theme: "The Role of Youth in Resolving Conflicts and Achieving Sustainable Development Goals" seeks for entries that propose solutions to current social issues.

Presentations must support at least one of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and will be judged based on inspiration, content, and delivery. (SAA/BU-PIA5/Albay)