FEATURE: “Small steps lead to big changes: an interview with an alumna” by Eric Paulin

One primary endeavor that The Spiracle wishes to amplify is the recognition of Lyceum of Alabang Inc.’s alumni body. On October 9, 2021, the publication is fortunate enough to be granted an audience by one of the school’s graduates, Ms. Jhanice Targa, for an interview that gives nothing short of inspiration and nostalgia.

Ms. Jhanice Targa is a Junior High School alumna of the school who is never shy in showing how proud she is of her roots at Lyceum. Now an Engineering student at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Sta. Rosa Campus, she recalls her days in JHS as well as the prominent teachers who have dearly contributed to her upbringing. With the mention of names such as Mr. Nickolas Tolentino, Mrs. Gonzales, Ms. Santillan, Ms. Pariente, Mr. De Asis, Mr. Atar, Mr. Balero, Mrs. Obrero, Ms. Pepito and many more, it is really apparent how educators in her early years have molded her inspirations and values, even up until today.

Currently, Ms. Targa is representing the Philippines as ambassador for WomenTech Global and is highly involved in giving webinars and gathering youths all over the country to participate in online donation drives. She spearheaded and became founder of her very own advocacy and established Youth Innovators Society publicly in year 2020 and followed on the same year she was accolade by WomenTech Network. For her, being part of WomenTech Global embodies her ideals by empowering women in arts of Science and Technology. As early as her JHS days, she is already made aware of the stigma and the stereotype towards field of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, being specializations usually for men. Ms. Targa is a living proof that such stigmas can be invalidated and that a woman can also lead in the field of STEM.

Towards her journey she was selected by the ASEAN-Australia Strategic Youth Partnership (AASYP) Spark Program as one of 11 Youth Impact Leaders from across the ASEAN and Australia region where she proudly represented the Philippines highlighting the Filipino Youth relief efforts for the typhoon victims last November 2020 and some of her works in proposing new innovations to spur the future of education and the environment.

To the students of Lyceum of Alabang Inc., Ms. Targa encourages everyone to pursue the things you want, learn to be more appreciative and give back to the community wholeheartedly. She also emphasizes the importance of listening very well to your teachers and understand the knowledge, skills, grit, compassion, humility and values that they are always imparting.

On the other hand, Ms. Targa tells her teachers that she commends your efforts for realizing the importance of education in changing lives. She also tells the teachers to always believe in your students because all of them can be doctors, teachers, engineers, or other professionals in the future. “Small steps lead to big changes,” she adds. WomenTech Global is an advocacy that empowers all genders who take interest about STEM, leadership and networking skills, although they are already very much open to students who would like to be part of the education and mission. Ms. Targa also encourages everyone to register as a member, for free!

“In a race, no one started as a winner, you might fall or win, nevertheless, keep going. Being consistent is better than being perfect.” - Jhanice Targa (2021)

Photos courtesy of Ms. Jhanice Targa

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Get to know more about her works and feel free to join:

WomenTech Network – Global Ambassadors

ASEAN-Australia Strategic Youth Partnership Spark Program – Jhanice Targa

WATCH: AASYP Spotlight Series Interview– Jhanice Targa, Youth Impact Leader from the Philippines