Jerica Balilu flies to Jakarta, represents PH in AFMAM Plus Japan 2023

Jerica Alvarado Balilu, a second-year School of Business and Accountancy (SBA) student, represented the Philippines as one of six delegates in the ASEAN Foundation Model ASEAN Meeting Plus Japan (AFMAM Plus Japan) 2023 held at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, Indonesia, last November 6 to 9, 2023.

With the theme “Advancing the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific through ASEAN-Japan Joint Cooperation,” 72 student participants from the member countries constituted insights into various facets of diplomacy and international relations — where Balilu became a Senior Official of the Brunei Darussalam delegation in the ASEAN Economic Community. 

In an online interview, Balilu shared that after being initially selected, she proceeded to undergo an online interview with the ASEAN panelists. 

Further, Jerica expressed that diplomacy and global change-making has always been her passion. She saw the AFMAM plus Japan event as a platform that she could use to showcase her advocacies so that it may reach across the globe. 

“I wanted to be a part of a network where national representatives and aspiring diplomats exist to maintain peace and innovation. Thankfully, I was graced to not only conquer my preliminary objectives, but it also paved the way for me to build connections with like-minded people as we developed intercultural friendships as the stronghold of mutual understanding.” Balilu stated.

“Not only as students but as stewards of the future, we must not let anyone or anything draw the line between us and our aspirations,” she added.

The SBA student shared dedication against more than 1,000 participants who went off to submit their application forms, essays, and recommendation letters. This event was a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the ASEAN-Japan Collaboration.