Jerve Robin T. Paterno, a fourth year Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering student of the Institute of Computing, Engineering, and Technology bagged a spot in the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Cultural Heritage Hackathon 2023, following a demanding selection process.

The YSEALI Cultural Heritage Hackathon is a virtual hackathon on brainstorming ideas, concepts, and knowledge to conserve Southeast Asia’s heritage and mitigate the threats with the aim to raise awareness of such issues and connect youths and expert enthusiasts of cultural heritage in Southeast Asia.

This international activity centering on Tangible Southeast Asia Heritage- climate change and water management and Intangible Southeast Asia Heritage: urbanization, displacement, gentrification, and disappearance of culture, is set to happen on March 16-19, 2023.

Paterno conquered the selection process and earned a place in the virtual conference on climate change and water management among other chosen participants in Southeast Asia.

“When I applied for a spot, I was asked to answer an essay, but I was not expecting at all,” Paterno remarked.

Paterno is determined to showcase his leadership skills and knowledge to be able to contribute to climate change and water management solutions.

The YSEALI Cultural Heritage Hackathon committee will award a whopping cash prize of $7,500 to the deserving winner. (Ana Marie Matalines/DSSC IARO FP)