Hannah Jade Nayal, a student from Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University-North La Union Campus (DMMMSU-NLUC), and her team won the Best Idea Award at the Community and Technological Camp (CommTech) Program hosted by Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) in Surabaya, Indonesia, from February 3 to 14, 2024.

Competing under the theme “Solving Local Problems with Global Knowledge: SDGs Innovation,” Nayal’s team developed the Resilience Hub Project, a network of modular, self-sufficient hubs providing renewable energy, communication systems, clean water, food storage, and emergency supplies to disaster-prone communities. The project was recognized for its practicality, sustainability, and alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Nayal, a BS Environmental Studies student, was among the participants in the program’s first stream in 2025, alongside students from China, Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand. The program also featured cultural immersion activities, including visits to Mount Bromo, Museum Sepuluh Nopember, and Surabaya Old Bank.

Her achievement highlights DMMMSU’s commitment to international collaboration and innovation, equipping students for global academic and problem-solving challenges. (By Jesus Rafael B. Jarata)