Mark Virgil Jamer

Mark Virgil Jamer, a student from a rural community, has overcome significant financial and personal challenges to become a dedicated advocate for rural development. Despite obstacles such as family financial struggles, his mother's job loss, and his father's limited income as a tricycle driver, Jamer persevered. He has experienced the hardship of studying by candlelight, selling street food, and nearly dropping out of school after his parents separated and his father passed away. Through all these challenges, Jamer maintained a strong belief in education as a means to break the cycle of poverty, consistently achieving academic honours and securing a merit scholarship from the Philippine Department of Science and Technology.

Jamer's academic success includes pursuing a bachelor's degree in Agribusiness Management and Entrepreneurship at the University of the Philippines, where he has consistently been on the honour roll and received nominations for the prestigious UPLB Natatanging Iskolar ng Bayan Award. His academic prowess goes beyond national borders, with Jamer winning international competitions in public speaking, business case studies, and pitch presentations, as well as participating in exchange programs funded by the US Department of State, broadening his global perspective and leadership skills.

Beyond academics, Jamer’s active involvement in student leadership and advocacy has seen him serve on the College of Economics and Management Student Council advocating for student-centric policies and addressing critical issues such as the financial hardships and mental health challenges exacerbated by the pandemic. As the Councillor for Community Rights and Welfare, he championed student and community rights, organized webinars, and collaborated with organizations supporting advocacy initiatives. Jamer also co-led the Youth Advocates for Peace with Justice, authoring statements on human rights issues and upholding academic freedom.

His passion for rural development led him to co-found Rise Rural Philippines, a health-tech social enterprise that improves healthcare access in off-grid areas through innovations like the solar-powered medical storage box. This initiative reached over 20,000 people in two provinces, demonstrating a strong commitment to addressing healthcare disparities. He also co-founded GamifiEd, which uses games to make STEAM education accessible to underserved communities, impacting over 500 students and partnering with different organizations.
This dedication extends to community service, where Jamer organized fundraisers for typhoon victims and led initiatives like Ating Klima Storya, empowering youth from coastal communities to become climate storytellers, all underlining his use of creative and innovative solutions for urgent social issues.

Through programs like the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative and the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program, he has gained valuable insights into regional and global issues, furthering his mission to create lasting change in healthcare, education, and rural development. Jamer's story is one of overcoming the odds and making a significant impact on his community and beyond through innovation, advocacy, and collaboration.