The Negrosanon Young Leaders Institute (NYLI) proudly announces that one of its leaders, Margaret Mary De Asis, Program Officer of the NYLI Center for Health and Well-Being is bound to represent the Province of Negros Occidental and the Philippines, in the upcoming Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative Academic (YSEALI) this Fall 2025.
The YSEALI Academic Fellowship is a program of the United States Department of State that provides young leaders from Southeast Asia with a deeper understanding of advocacy work, enhances their leadership skills, and promotes cross-border cooperation to address ASEAN and global challenges. The fellowship consists of an intensive five-week residency in the United States that combines academic coursework, community service, leadership development, and study tours.
De Asis serves as Program Officer of the NYLI Center for Health and Well-Being, where her work focuses on the mental health and wellness of children and youth. The center takes a holistic approach to person-centered care, integrating health and well-being services at the community level and envisioning a society where everyone has access to equitable and efficient care that nurtures overall growth and development. She also serves as Project Lead of Liwa-Liwa, a social and emotional play-based learning program designed for children in alternative care, reflecting her commitment to innovative approaches in child development.
A graduate of the University of the Philippines Visayas – Miagao Campus with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, De Asis brings both academic and practical expertise to her leadership roles. She is also an alumna of the Negrosanon Young Leaders Summit (NYLS) Batch 5, where she began strengthening her advocacy for health and well-being at the grassroots level.
With pride, NYLI will be sending its confidence and its humble works to the United States, trusting that De Asis will return with strengthened skills, wider networks, and renewed passion to continue advancing the institute’s vision for a better and sustainable Negros Occidental.
NYLI continues to strengthen youth leadership in Negros through capacity-building, mentorship, and meaningful engagement with local and global partners. De Asis’ participation in this fellowship underscores NYLI’s commitment to nurturing leaders who will champion inclusive development, health, and civic empowerment.