02/05/2025
[FEATURE]
Radiance of Leadership: Celebrating Light Bearers
By Lourielle Ainsley T. Valdez
Do you ever look at leaders and think about a light? A light that would not only radiate its energy onto everything around it—from the biggest to the smallest things—but would also lead you not just to a mediocre or a better path, but the best path with all one’s strength. Most would think that a leader should be resilient and steadfast through and through—like a light. But doesn’t a light eventually dim after continuously sharing its energy? So why don’t we give our energy to them the same way as they did to us?
On April 28, 2025, the Council of Leaders conducted a leadership orientation, "Build-a-Leader," aiming to build both leaders and followers. The program began at 1 p.m., with Lourielle Ainsley T. Valdez and Usher Vinz D. Revadomia as the masters of the ceremony, giving the opening remarks. It was then followed by the Opening Prayer, singing of the National Anthem and URS hymn, VMGO, and Quality Policy. The inspirational message was delivered by Prof. Marylou Riva, the Council of Leaders Adviser. She gave her insights about leadership, which influenced the audience’s view on the said topic.
Then, the officers engaged with the audience by encouraging them to play a game called “Guess that Officer,” where the learners guessed the officers by their silhouette. It was then followed by the COL Talk, where the selected officers shared their leader-awakening experiences, as well as their views on leadership, which touched the audience’s hearts.
The guest speaker, Prof. Angela Arwin E. Nogpo, then shared her experiences throughout her years leading, which astounded the learners. She said, "Leaders aren’t born; they are made.” She shared the attributes and qualifications of being a good leader with the use of the acronym “IRA,” which meant that a leader should learn to influence/inspire, take responsibility, and take action. She then led a game called “Hammer Game” to know where they lacked and should improve. The learners interacted with one another, showing their quick-thinking skills and attentiveness. Then, Prof. Angela gave a problem for the learners to work on, improving their communication, socializing, and quick-thinking skills.
Coming after, the awarding of certificates was led by Ezra Faith Gamboa, the Council of Leaders President. The guest speaker, along with the club adviser and the officers, were recognized for their dedication, time, and efforts to turn plans into reality. The program ended with the club president leading the closing remarks.
Some say if one wants to ruin their life, one should try to lead. But leaders believe otherwise. They chose and are still choosing to serve, even if helping others meant ruining their lives, and we couldn’t thank them enough for that. Leaders are ever so strong, patient, dedicated, compassionate, and selfless. Leaders may be the light that is willing to share their energy and lead us to the right path, but lights dim as well. We never know what our leaders are going through, so go out, hug them, and be a good follower.