A Crown of Purpose: The Lasting Footprint of Mx. IIT Influencer 2024, Valerie Acama

by Michel Angelique Ferolino


What does it mean to truly influence?


In a world where popularity is often measured by likes and followers, it is easy to forget that true influence is about more than just visibility—it is about making a real impact. As the lines between social media fame and real-world action blur, one might wonder: Can a title, a platform, or a crown be the catalyst for a deeper kind of influence? The answer lies not in how many see you, but in how deeply you touch those around you.


Hannah Valerie Acama, a second-year BS Philosophy student and the Mx. IIT Influencer 2024, redefined what it truly means to hold a platform. The title was not just a crown of prestige but a powerful tool for advocacy, allowing her to champion marginalized communities. Valerie’s journey, from her humble beginnings to becoming a passionate advocate for senior rights and elderly care, has shaped her growth and left a lasting impact. As her reign concludes, she reflects on the challenges, and triumphs, leaving a legacy that extends far beyond the crown.


A Path of Growth and Leadership


Winning the title of Mx. IIT Influencer was a transformative experience for Valerie, one that reshaped her view of leadership. At first, she never envisioned herself holding such a prestigious title.


“I really think that the Mx. IIT title impacted a lot, especially with my personal growth,” she explains. “Entering MSU-IIT, I’ve never really thought of that grandiose title being the Mx. IIT kasi, you know, like I came from a humble province. There’s nothing much, a lot. I mean, I do journalism. And at the same time, I also am a student leader. But I’ve never really dreamed of that.”


Her victory was not just about winning a title but discovering new aspects of herself. Initially focused on excelling in her studies and forming friendships, she never imagined the leadership growth that followed. “It helped me to discover more of myself and at the same time, explore my potential talaga,” she shares.


Beyond the sash and the stage, the title opened doors for Valerie to connect with others and become a source of inspiration. Through leadership, she found a space to exchange ideas and foster personal and collective growth. “As I influenced them, they also influenced me,” she says. “I’ve come to know more people, great stories, and great narratives.”


For her, the journey was a two-way street—not only did she inspire others, but she also found inspiration in others’ diverse experiences. The journey became a profound exercise in self-awareness. “How it helped me personally is that I have come to know more about me,” she reflects, “and it's something that I will carry on after this journey.”


Building a Community Through Advocacy


Leadership, Valerie learned, is not only about advocating for a cause but about building a community that believes in it. One of her profound lessons was the power of collective action, especially in championing Project ABEL, her initiative dedicated to senior rights and elderly care.


“The biggest lesson talaga is the importance of having a community with you,” she emphasizes. “Because you can never do it alone. You can never influence alone. It always is an institution and a community with you.”


At the start of her advocacy journey, volunteer interest was low. However, the visibility granted by Mx. IIT Influencer changed that. “Before the pageant started, we were seeking volunteers. But there was none,” she recalls. “But after it was given the platform, naa dayon mga gusto bitaw mo volunteer.” The attention her advocacy received drew in more people who resonated with its mission, reinforcing Valerie’s belief that meaningful change is never the work of just one person.


Despite budget constraints and logistical challenges, the commitment of volunteers has ensured that Project ABEL continues to seek opportunities and partnerships. For Valerie, this resilience—rooted in community support—is one of the greatest successes of her reign. “I think kana jud akong i-highlight bitaw,” she says. “It’s really one of my biggest achievements throughout this journey.”


In the end, beyond the title and the platform, Valerie’s reign was a testament to the power of shared purpose. She remains steadfast in her belief that an advocacy’s true strength lies not in a single leader but in the collective will of those who rally behind it.


Expanding Influence: Valerie’s Work in Action


During her reign, Valerie channeled her platform into tangible action, amplifying her advocacy through various initiatives. Even before being crowned Mx. IIT Influencer, she was already active in volunteer work. But her title allowed her to extend her reach and deepen her impact.


Her involvement in various causes expanded, from serving as Vice President of the MSU-IIT Indigenous Peoples Student Advocates (MIPSA) to participating in projects such as Project Lahutay and Project Buliga, which focus on Indigenous empowerment. “For context, I’m Subanen from Zamboanga del Norte,” she shares, emphasizing her connection to these initiatives.


Beyond local advocacy, she also became part of the Handala Project, a Filipino-based organization supporting Palestinian communities in Northern Gaza. At a time when donation drives were losing momentum, she recognized the power of her platform.


“There was one time na ni message jud ko nga ‘Pres, I’m part of this. Can you share this?’ Gi-share siya sa KASAMA nga page actually,” she recalls, proving that influence, when used purposefully, can reignite attention to urgent causes.


Still, her primary focus remained on strengthening Project ABEL. With its core mission of fortifying senior rights and elderly care, she aimed to establish a foothold for the initiative in Iligan City. This led to efforts to collaborate with the Office of the Senior Citizens Association (OSCA) and the City Health Office, though navigating institutional barriers posed challenges.


“It’s not easy,” she admits. “Maybe also it's part of the fact that I'm also not originally in Iligan City. So I don't know the ins and outs, how the government or offices work here. But we did try our best.”


Despite these hurdles, Project ABEL successfully carried out multiple outreach programs. Its first major activity was in partnership with the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) Executive Council, bringing aid to the Bienvenido Home for the Aged, the only known senior care facility in Iligan City. Later, the initiative joined forces with Haynayan Society from the College of Science and Mathematics (CSM) to assist the elderly in the Sama Dilaut, or Badjao community, in Barangay Tambacan following a devastating storm.


However, resource limitations remained a constant struggle. “We were only targeting at least 70 families kay mao ra pud kaya sa among resources,” she reflects, acknowledging the harsh reality that passion alone cannot sustain an advocacy without adequate financial support.


Project ABEL’s most recent endeavor was a collaboration with the College of Health Sciences (CHS), hosting a symposium on the intersection of aging and healthcare, tackling issues from skin health to mental well-being.


“One of the biggest issues talaga when it comes to senior care in the Philippines is that the ones caring for senior citizens are also senior citizens,” she notes. “It technically is not a youth problem, but if we would not involve ourselves in the conversation, who would?”


For Valerie, Project ABEL stands as a testament to what youth-led initiatives can achieve. “I would say, as an initiative, I'm really proud of Project ABEL because if it is not the first, it is one of the youth-led initiatives in the Philippines that is focused on senior care,” she declares. More than personal achievement, she takes pride in the volunteers and student leaders who have committed themselves to the cause ensuring that the advocacy, no matter the obstacles, continues to move forward.


Advocacy Struggles and Triumphs


Advocacy work is never easy, and for Valerie, the challenges were not rooted in a lack of passion or willing volunteers, but from the financial realities of sustaining a movement. Project ABEL had a clear vision, with plans for income-generating initiatives such as merchandise sales and a donor program. However, securing consistent funding proved to be the biggest hurdle.


“There comes a time when operations or the group becomes, you know, in hiatus because of the fact that sometimes nade-deplete talaga yung resources,” she explains.


Despite these setbacks, the commitment of those involved remained steadfast. In some instances, volunteers—including Valerie herself—had to cover expenses from their pockets just to keep the initiative running. “It’s something na we genuinely want to do. There's no problem about that,” she acknowledges. “Pero in the long run, looking at it in the grand scheme of things, we're still students, and we can only do so much.”


While Project ABEL never struggled with manpower or a lack of dedicated advocates, the financial strain persisted. “If we are to really materialize the advocacy, then we also need… you know, financial support,” she admits. However, the difficulties never diminished the collective passion behind the initiative. For Valerie, the struggle to sustain Project ABEL only reinforced the importance of long-term solutions, ensuring that advocacy work doesn’t just survive on passion, but also on tangible, sustainable support.


Overcoming Challenges in Leadership


Balancing academics, leadership, and personal life is no easy feat, but Valerie credits her environment and mindset for her success. “Being surrounded by like-minded individuals helped me stay motivated. When you're surrounded with people like you, it also entices you, nga okay, there's that. There's this work ethic. They can also do that. I mean, I can also do this as well,” she shares.


Unlike a rigid, structured schedule, she approaches her responsibilities with flexibility. “I don’t really constrain myself to a certain timetable. I don't want to become one-dimensional,” she explains.


Instead, she breaks down large tasks into manageable parts, ensuring that she meets her commitments without feeling overwhelmed. However, amidst all her duties, she never lets work consume her entirely.


“I always find ways to spend time with my friends, my family, my loved ones,” she says. While advocacy and leadership demand dedication, she believes in the importance of personal time and recreation. “We are to pour our hearts out in doing volunteer work. But at the same time, there's also like a me-time pud. And that's how I keep myself being sane.”



The Weight of the Title


Valerie’s biggest challenge as Mx. IIT Influencer was managing public expectations. “People will tend to project something onto you—Oh, you have to act like this, you have to do this and that,” she shares.


While she has always been surrounded by supportive individuals, stepping into a leadership role meant facing scrutiny. However, she emphasizes that true influence isn’t about changing oneself to fit others’ standards.


“Having this title is not about you changing yourself, but rather showing yourself authentically in a way that inspires and influences others to be the best version of themselves as well.” Being in the spotlight, she draws parallels between her position and other leadership roles on campus, such as a KASAMA president or an executive council governor.


“We’re in that vulnerable position, a default position where we can be praised. But at the same time, if we mess up, if we do something they don’t like, we're also gonna be criticized,” she reflects. This realization led her to one of her biggest lessons: “You cannot please everybody. There will always be impositions, but it is very important that you hold on to your core.”


Despite the challenges, she sees immense value in the platform she was given. “There’s a lot of positive impact that you can do. Shedding light on your advocacy, on the causes that really matter—that’s what makes it all worth it,” she says.


For her, the criticisms and pressures that come with the title are a small price to pay for the opportunity to inspire change. “At the end of the day, if with that spotlight you can help a lot of people, you can shed light on your advocacy, and you inspire others, then it is worth the risk.”


Words of Guidance for the Future


As Palakasan arrives, Valerie prepares to pass on the Mx. IIT Influencer title. Her advice: step into the role with confidence and humility.


“The ground is heavy, it’s not just about glitz and glamour. There are real responsibilities that come with it,” she emphasizes. To the incoming Mx. IIT Influencer 2025, she offers a guiding principle: “Hold your head high and remember that as you influence the future, you must also allow yourself to be influenced.”


For Valerie, leadership is never about superiority. “I may have the crown, but I’m not this high, mighty figure. I don’t want people to look at me and think, ‘Hala si Mx. IIT Influencer.’ No, I want them to see me as someone they can talk to, someone they can share stories with, like a friend, even a barkada.”


She believes that true influence is a balance between leading and listening. “A Mx. IIT Influencer is a leader, yes, but also a follower. Sometimes, you have to take charge and stand by your principles. But at the same time, you are not a master of everything. You have to be open to opinions, and even more so, to criticism,” she says. 

“Because trust me, if you always stay in a position of humility, if you keep listening to people’s stories and narratives, you will grow. It’s not just about influencing others; it’s about allowing yourself to be influenced and to grow with them.”


Her final advice: “Influence the future, but also allow yourself to be influenced by others.”


The Road Beyond the Crown


As Valerie’s reign ends, one thing remains unchanged—her commitment to her advocacy.


“There are so many ways to continue the work I’ve started,” she shares. “Project ABEL has already been established, and I plan to hold on to it. Hopefully, we can find avenues to generate income, secure financial support, and even receive budget allocations to sustain our initiatives.”


But beyond the title, Valerie remains true to her identity and purpose. “Beyond the crown, there is… another life,” she says with a laugh. “Ang OA naman ng another life, but what I mean is, the work doesn’t stop here. I’ve never built a persona around being Mx. IIT. Who I was with the crown is exactly who I am without it. And that won’t change.”


What’s Next for Valerie After Mx. IIT?


Valerie looks forward to a future filled with purpose, passion, and, of course, philosophy.


“Mag-artista ko, te! Joke lang,” she laughs. “But really, after Mx. IIT, my focus will be on my studies as a philosophy student. I also hope to contribute more to the Junior Philosophers’ Guild and stay active in my volunteer organizations.”


Valerie assures everyone that while she may be passing on the crown, she won’t be disappearing anytime soon. “You’ll still see me around CASS, smiling, waving, just being the same Valerie,” she says. “And I owe so much to this experience. It made me believe in myself more, and I wouldn’t have made it here without my friends and the people who supported me.”


She takes a moment to express her gratitude: “My deepest thanks to the CASS Executive Council, the former governor, Arianne, my SpeCom Head, Jovan Maxwell, Ate Yanni, Kuya Adnan, Ate Lenny—everyone in the EC, really. And of course, Governor Irah, who continues to support us, along with the current CASS EC administration.”


But the biggest shoutout goes to the ones who believed in her from the start: her best friends Charles, Mai, and Samuel, who also serves as CASSayuran’s Literary Head. “They were the first people who pushed me to take that step. I never saw myself on that stage, I mean, I’m 5’2!” she jokes. 

“But they reminded me that I had a reason to advocate for senior rights. They grew up with their grandparents, and through their stories, I saw just how important this cause is. That’s why, as we influence the future, we must ensure that no one is left behind—not even our lolos and lolas.”


With that, Valerie leaves a powerful promise: “Project ABEL will always be for the community, by the community, and with the community.”


A Final Message to the MSU-IIT Community


As she passes the crown, Valerie leaves a message of courage and perseverance for every MSU-IIT student.


“We’re all walking different paths,” she begins. “Right now, I’m here, being interviewed, looking back at this journey with gratitude. But at the same time, someone out there is burning the midnight oil for midterms and many are deep in preparations for Palakasan. Our paths may seem different, but they all intersect at this great university we call home.”


For every student facing uncertainty, she offers advice: “Dare to take a leap. Dare to influence.”


“It only takes one step to push you toward your dreams,” she says. “The journey won’t be linear. It might be messy, full of twists and turns. But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth taking. I’m not here to romanticize struggle, but I truly believe that what’s meant for you will always find its way to you. So take that leap. Step into your power. And dare to make a difference.”


With these parting words, Valerie’s reign as Mx. IIT comes to a close, not as an ending, but as a new chapter of influence, passion, and purpose.


As Valerie hands over the crown of Mx. IIT Influencer 2025, she leaves behind more than just an advocacy, she leaves a call to action for every student in MSU-IIT. Her reign was never about personal achievement alone; it was about fostering community, standing for meaningful causes, and showing that true leadership is about empowering others. Her message to future leaders is simple: leadership carries responsibility but also offers opportunities for growth and transformation.


Though she steps down from her title, her spirit, advocacy, and passion will continue to inspire. The crown may change hands, but the legacy of influence remains—carried forward by those who dare to lead with integrity and purpose.