01/04/2025
๐๐ง๐ ๐ข๐ง๐๐๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ฎ๐๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐ก๐๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ ๐ฌ๐จ๐๐ข๐๐ฅ ๐๐ฐ๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐ฑ. ๐๐๐ ๐๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐๐ง๐๐๐ซ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ข๐
Kieran Francis Benedict S. Lagapa, a first-year BS Environmental Engineering student, is representing the College of Engineering (COE) in the upcoming Mx. IIT Influencer 2025 pageant at Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) this coming April 2, 2025 as announced during his March 29, 2025 appearance on the 96.7 Friends Radio show "Chickchat."
Despite being a first-year BS Environmental Engineering student, Lagapa embraced the challenge of representing the COE in Mx. IIT Influencer 2025. "There were doubts about whether I could manage it, considering my workload," he said. "Even I was shocked. I initially stepped in during the COE Summit just to fill in [a spot] for my department, but I saw it as an opportunity to share my advocacy. I was fortunate to be chosen."
He is dedicated to social advocacy. His campaign, "MASALI: Makialam sa lipunan, maki-jam sa lipunan, makilahok sa lipunan," seeks to address social apathy by encouraging active citizenship. "It is an approach, not a solution," he said. "Many people ignore pressing social issues. MASALI serves as a first step to change that." Kieran also shared that the initiative is derived from the Kilos Kabataan song.
When faced with the question on how to stop social apathy, Lagapa acknowledged that it is difficult, describing it as both an effect and a reaction. He suggests starting with MASALIโs first pillar, Makialam (Awareness). "Through dialogue, we can learn a lot. We can find out what problems are going on and find ways to solve them. One way of addressing apathy is by starting to get to know each other, and having a safe space to engage in conversation."
At one point, the host proceeded to ask questions about his doubts in taking up engineering. Lagapa admitted that while engineering holds prestige, it comes with academic challenges. Despite these hardships, he believes the knowledge he is acquiring will be valuable in the long run. "Iโm struggling, faced with the reality that I really have to study fundamental subjects such as chemistry, but at the end of the day, it will all be worth it."
Lagapa reflected on how his engineering studies could contribute to democracy and active citizenship, emphasizing the responsibility inherent in his chosen field. "Engineering isnโt just about earning money or prestigeโitโs about serving the community," he said.
As Lagapa vies for the title of Mx. IIT Influencer 2025, he represents not only the College of Engineering but also the ideals of active citizenship and meaningful social engagement.
Report by Annabelle Nueros
Photo Courtesy of 96.7 Friends Radio
