DAGUPAN CITY, Philippines - – Ten high school students from public and private schools here enplaned to Milpitas City, California, USA on Oct. 5 for a 10-day trip as part of a student, civic and cultural exchange of both cities.
The students belong to Manlingcor a Kalangweran (Young Public Servants) who were invited by the Office of Milpitas City Mayor Jose Esteves, a Dagupeňo.
The group is headed by its young city mayor Julianne Geronimo Go of Mother Goose Special Science High School (MGSSHS) together with City Administrator Farah Marie Decano, who represented Mayor Belen Fernandez and St. Albert the Great School Principal Adelaida Carvajal, who serves as the students’ adult chaperone.
“The purpose of this trip is to help our students understand the diverse cultural and community perspective and help them widen their views on global issues. In terms of social benefits, this will expose our students to be more socially aware of the culture of other students of the different countries,†Fernandez said when as she presented the group in a meeting at the city hall conference room.
“In addition, they will also learn how to be independent as they will work outside of their comfort zones aside from fostering camaraderie among other students,†she added.
Fernandez donated her two-month salary as mayor so that each of the students will have $300 dollar pocket money.
During their stay abroad, the students will learn about public services provided by the City of Milpitas. They will tour the Milpitas community, sports and senior centers to demonstrate how that city offers recreational services in the community.