Initially invited as an international student delegate for SCUSA 71 in November of 2019 to represent Fordham University and the Philippines at West Point's annual Student Conference on US Affairs. In his first conference, Jonathan served on the committee on Foreign Policy & Domestic Polarisation, participating in discussions and engaging fellow delegates in debate. For his second SCUSA conference in 2022, Jonathan served on the roundtable for China: Implications of its Rise, wherein he co-authored a policy paper and co-presented at the plenary session of the conference. For his third and last SCUSA conference in 2023, Jonathan served on the Indo-Pacific roundtable, also contributing to the submitted policy proposal as well as presenting at the conclusion of the conference. 

Attendance at these West Point SCUSA conferences proved to be a highlight of Jonathan's time in university, as it gave such unique opportunities to network with peers in a wide range of professions, learn from civilian-military experts, and engage in meaningful discussions. Moreover, Jonathan was able to experience a glimpse into being in the military, sleeping on barracks cots, and eating alongside cadets. 

After being introduced to a naval officer at West Point, Jonathan was invited to attend the US Naval Academy's Foreign Affairs Conference (NAFAC) as an international student delegate representing Fordham University and the Philippines. On his first NAFAC, he served in Roundtable 10: South Korea & Japan, wherein he was awarded Outstanding Delegate by Cadet Commander Kang and USMC Maj Tice, for his top-quality contributions to the discussion and military-civilian relations. Additionally, he was invited again to serve in Roundtable 10: Hidden Instability in the Indo-Pacific for his second NAFAC, fulfilling his role as a regional representative alongside fellow Southeast Asian international delegates. 

The US Naval Academy's conference proved to be an incredible experience for Jonathan, having been given the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share his knowledge of Indo-Pacific geopolitics, engage in discussions, civilian-military relations, and simulated wargames. Moreover, the relationships built through Jonathan's attendance at these conferences have greatly widened his international network of contacts.

What began as an introduction to an afterschool activity club in middle school was quickly stoked into a passionate love for all things debate-related. Spread over six years of high school and four years of university, Jonathan has attended domestic and international Model United Nations conferences in Beijing, Singapore, Manila, and New York. He has participated as a delegate, committee chair, and Secretary-General over the course of his various conferences. It was through this multitude of experiences that Jonathan also developed his passion for geopolitics and urban issues.

Additionally, he was invited to the Stanford National Forensic Institute's Parliamentary Debate tournament in 2015, ranking fourth place overall, and Harvard University's Debate Council's summer tournament in 2016, making it to the quarter-finals.