IT IS a rare opportunity to be given a chance to ask US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton a single question but Silliman University students were among the lucky ones Friday.

Via ABS-CBN’s Hillary Clinton: The Manila Forum, the voice of students from the City of Gentle People was finally heard.

Broadcaster Tony Velasquez facilitated the forum in Dumaguete, which was held at the Silliman University compound.

Clinton meanwhile was in the University of Sto. Tomas campus in Manila, but students outside the country’s capital such as Dumaguete and Zamboanga were able to participate in the forum.

Anna Espino, a third year Economics student from the Silliman University, was the first to throw a question to Clinton. It was related to global recession.

In response, Clinton first commended the Philippines on economic growth while admitting that effects of global recession have been reversed slowly. She also made mention of free trade.

“We would like to see free trade… that discourages climate change. We want free trade that has positive impact on workers and environment,” Clinton stressed.

In Manila, Ateneo Blue Eagle Chris Tiu asked Clinton what sports she follows and what her prediction is on the upcoming fight of Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao against Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto.

Clinton shared that she followed two NBA teams namely Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks.

“I am born and raised in Chicago… I followed the Chicago Bulls, particularly when Michael Jordan was there. And then New York Knicks.. but that’s kind of discouraging,” she said. Clinton was a senator from New York.

On the boxing match-up this Saturday in Las Vegas (Sunday Manila time), Clinton believes that Pacquiao will beat Cotto. “Of course, the Pacman (Manny Pacquiao) is going to win.”

At the end of the forum, Silliman students offer Clinton their very own “i-heart” Silliman pin.

Clinton arrived in Manila Thursday. She went to a school in Marikina to personally see the area, which was badly-hit by Typhoon Ondoy. The US government is extending help to typhoon victims.

The US official visited Philippines before going to Singapore for the APEC Summit.