"Mr. Chair, I would like to raise a point of information" When I applied for this year's PMC, I really did not expect to pass. However, I passed and was qualified to be a delegate. I was hesitant and afraid. I lack the resources. My savings could not bring me to Manila. Yet I was very willing to go. I asked God, "Lord, if you permit, there will be a way". He has given me indeed a sign of going and this is through Maam Rosalie Enriquez (Sally-Eeya Tan). She was the go signal. It was also through her that I found resources. I thanked my sponsors, Maam Elizabeth, Ate Caselyn, Msgr. David, Sir Ronald, and my friend, who always believe in me, Alanna Escudero (Yue Ying). I also thanked Sr. Josephine Clepez Sambrano, our school principal for allowing me to attend. Many thanks also to Sr. Mea Wendelina Maria, for her undying patience especially when I needed someone to talk to. This experience changed me. From the motion to open the congress to the motion to ajourn, Philippine Model Congress never failed to make me feel elated. I never felt so much love for the country when I sang the Philippine National Anthem and stated the Panatang Makabayan during the preliminaries of the Congress. I never felt so much involved in the committee hearings especially during caucus and break time. Most of all, I never felt so much "makapal" in making friends and creating connections. In the congress, I found my identify as a Filipino Youth, so involved and so concern of the future of this nation. It served as a springboard to open my eyes to the realities of this nation. From corruption, the unexplained killings, and discrimination, this nation needs solid people to build solid solutions. This was an unprecedented experience for me. Who would have taught, a simple teacher like me would be part of this grandest activity? And so, I call all Zamboanga Youth! Join us next year! Be involved! Tayo'y magsama-sama para sa comunidad at para sa hinaharap ng ating bayan. Kun todo mi Corazon, iyo ta rindi mil gracias na PMC. Hon. Lemuel Ian B. Cua, LPT Delegate, Zamboanga City Philippine Model Congress 2017