Six students of state-run Mariano Marcos State University College of Teacher Education (MMSU-CTE) are currently in Hawaii for the cultural and language immersion program Nakem International Conference.

As part of the immersion’s goal of strengthening MMSU’s ties with Filipino communities in Hawaii, the delegates joined the gathering of Ilocano scholars, educators and cultural advocates.

The education exchange program, which will run until Nov. 28, is in partnership with the University of Hawaii.

For first-time exchange student Louisse Nicole Manding of Dingras town, the experience was overwhelming at first.

“To be honest, I felt extremely nega (negative) at first because the pressure was so heavy. I kept stressing and doubting myself, wondering if I even deserved to be there,” she told the Philippine News Agency in a previous interview.

“But once we started presenting, something shifted. I realized that our story matters too. Our journey, our struggles and our voice.”

Manding served as one of the panelists where he shared her insights on what it takes to be a global Ilocano youth.

“I am deeply grateful to everyone who supported us, who listened to our story and who made this experience meaningful and worth it. Being part of Nakem’s 20th year was a big honor and it reminded me that even young voices like ours deserve space,” she said.

Another delegate, Zyda Ysobel Manglal-lan, said even though Hawaii was not a part of her travel bucket list, she is nevertheless thankful for the opportunity to visit the place.

“Getting here was not easy, but I am thankful for the experience. I have no regrets, only lessons, growth and meaningful encounters that I will carry forward,” Manglal-lan, who is from Batac City, said.

Among the delegates’ tasks was serving as panelists in the session “I Am a Global Ilocano Youth” where they shared insights on identity, language and their experiences growing up as young Ilocanos in a rapidly globalizing world.

They also staged a cultural presentation during the Nakem Gala Night on Nov. 22.

Established through a memorandum of agreement between MMSU and the University of Hawaii signed early this year, the program aims to enhance students’ linguistic and cultural competencies while boosting the Philippine university’s connections with Filipino communities abroad and its partner institutions.

It is also envisioned that through similar immersion programs, students will be able to appreciate multicultural learning while building global networks for future academic and professional pathways. (PNA)