Data Science student represents USTP in Ayala Young Leaders 2026

By Engr. Albert Christopher Daniot II, Department Head, Data Science USTP CDO
Share:

Mr. Clark James Tagalog, a third-year BS Data Science student from the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP), has been selected as one of only 31 delegates nationwide for the Ayala Young Leaders (AYL) 2026, one of the country’s most competitive and respected leadership development programs.

Mr. Tagalog, a PHILDEV Scholar, earned his place in the AYL 2026 cohort after a highly selective screening process that drew thousands of applicants from across the Philippines. The program officially begins with its Kick-Off Workshop in January 2026, marking the start of an intensive leadership formation grounded in values, service, and nation-building.

The Ayala Young Leaders program is known for developing young Filipinos who demonstrate not only academic excellence but also a strong commitment to ethical leadership, social responsibility, and public service. Participants undergo a rigorous process of dialogue, reflection, and collaborative learning designed to prepare them for leadership roles that extend beyond their professions and into the broader national landscape.

Tagalog’s selection reflects a leadership journey shaped both within and beyond the university. He previously served as Vice President of the University Student Government – CDO and currently holds the role of Head for External Linkages at Mundomuna, a youth-led organization focused on civic engagement and community collaboration. Through these roles, he has consistently engaged in initiatives that emphasize service, partnership-building, and social impact.

He now joins a growing network of Ayala Young Leaders alumni who have represented USTP, including former USTP Student Regents Raven Duran and Kenneth Asuncion, among others—further strengthening the university’s presence in national leadership spaces.

For USTP, Tagalog’s inclusion in AYL 2026 underscores the university’s broader aspiration to cultivate graduates who are technically competent, socially grounded, and purpose-driven—leaders who use their expertise not only for personal advancement but for meaningful contribution to society.

As he joins the AYL community, Tagalog becomes part of a national network of young leaders expected to carry forward the values of integrity, excellence, and responsibility—principles that strongly resonate with USTP’s mission of producing professionals and leaders responsive to the needs of the nation.