With substantial wit and eloquence, MinSU’s Patricia Joy Catapang secures first runner up spot at the Developmental Talk 2026, elevating the University’s name on the national development communications stage.
Catapang, a 2nd Year BS Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering student, clinched the first placer finish at the English Medium under the State Universities and Colleges (SUC) Category held on March 27-28, 2026 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Pasay City, Manila.
Prior to the finals, she qualified during the preliminary round held on November 15, 2025 at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), where only the top three contenders advanced to the championship stage.
Demonstrating exceptional eloquence and critical insight, Catapang delivered powerful speeches on pressing national issues under the topic, “The Role of Education in Ending Poverty in the Philippines” for the qualifying round; and “Education as a Seed of Change” for the final round.
Carrying the MinSU name on her shoulders, she faced off against other competitors in the final round, where she eventually bagged her title alongside other placers: Jahna Isabelle Eboña from Camarines Norte State College, Jaenet Juanerio from Bulacan State University, Carmela Lanesca Berania of the University of Batangas, Sophia Chan of the University of Northern Philippines–Vigan, and Zeri Grace Dampulas from the University of Baguio.
The Developmental Talk 2026 serves as a platform that champions youth participation in poverty eradication through public speaking and elocution. The competition highlights the perspectives of young leaders on development and social issues, reinforcing the role of the youth as catalysts for change. Now in its third year, the program continues to expand its reach, engaging participants from diverse academic institutions and sectors across the country.
Reflecting MinSU’s pride in excellence and student engagement, Catapang’s victory further propels the University’s brand of an institution of learning. She took home a plaque of recognition, a cash prize, a travel voucher, and CARD MRI products.
#SDG4 #SDG16 #SDG17
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