09/10/2025
๐๐ด๐ป๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ช๐ถ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ป: ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป, ๐ฃ๐๐ฟ๐ฝ๐ผ๐๐ฒ, ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ฝ
Polytechnic University of the Philippines - San Pedro Campus (PUP SPC) Central Student Council (CSC) conducts Leadership Training Symposium 2025 with the theme, โIgniting the Leader Within,โ enjoined by various student organizations from both academic and non-academic sectors for a day of learning, inspiration, and unity.
The event commenced at 9:50 AM, highlighting the spirit of collaboration among academic organizations โ Explorers in Communication and Information Technology (EXPLICIT), Junior Executive Marketing Management Association (JEMMA), Guild of English Majors (GEMs), Junior People Management Association of the Philippines (JPMAP),
Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA), Young Entrepreneurs Society (YES), and Society of Math Educators (SME) โ and non-academic and cultural groups including Lighthouse of Innovation and Knowledge for Hopeful Authors (LIKHA), Debate Society, Sports Development, Authorized Regiments and Marshalls at Service (ARMS), Dulaang Oyayi Theater Arts (DOTA), Sampaguita Chorale, Multimedia Arts and Information Association (MAIA), Campus Star, and Bridging Active Responsiveness and Gender Development Association (BARGADA).
The program opened with a solemn rendition of the Lupang Hinirang and a prayer led by the Sampaguita Chorale, setting a reflective tone for the day.
Ms. Cristmell Subiaga, CSC President delivered the opening remarks, reminding the audience that โit is the day to rediscover what it truly means to be a leader,โ emphasizing that leadership is not about authority alone but about service and purpose.
The first keynote speaker, Divine Marie Santos, captivated the audience with her talk titled โEquilibrium of Leadership: Leading with Brilliance and Purpose.โ She encouraged student leaders to seek balance between responsibilities, relationships, and self-care, quoting, โHow can you help others when youโre not helping yourself?โ
She likened leadership to economic equilibrium, where demand and supply must align โ reminding everyone that leadership requires both giving to others and nurturing oneself.
โA leader with authority commands attention; a leader with empathy earns trust,โ she said.
Ms. Santos further inspired the students with her words: โA true student leader doesnโt just survive the workloadโthey grow through it.โ
Adding to the energy, Hiyas, the universityโs cultural dance troupe, set the stage ablaze with a fiery red-themed performance filled with swag, rhythm, and passion โ earning loud cheers as one of the best cultural highlights of the morning.
The second keynote speaker, James Alzona, continued the momentum with his powerful talk titled โIgniting Through Growth, Service, and Impact: The Leadership Fire.โ
He challenged the audience to reflect on their purpose, asking, โBakit kayo nandito?โ and reminded them that โTrue leadership is an action โ a conscious choice made every single day.โ
Alzona introduced the Three Pillars of Leadership โ Growth, Service, and Impact as he reminded student leaders that no one is perfect and that growth begins with embracing mistakes, managing energy, and caring for oneself.
Moreover, he emphasized that true leadership is defined not by titles but by service โ by listening, enabling others, and leading by example.
Lastly, he urged everyone to create a lasting impact by inspiring and building others, saying that great leaders grow to improve themselves, serve to uplift others, and strive to leave a meaningful legacy.
He left a lasting impression, declaring, โThe future of your university โ and perhaps even your community โ rests not on the shoulders of giants but in the actions of committed student leaders like you. Donโt wait for permission. The time to ignite your leadership is now.โ
Following the talks, guest speakers were recognized for their outstanding speeches before the SME team claimed victory in the exciting icebreaker game โBato-Bato Pics.โ
The second half featured lively presentations from various non-academic and academic organizations, showcasing each groupโs creativity, advocacy, and commitment to holistic student development.
From DOTAโs โMagwawagi ang Katotohananโ to introduction of non-academic organization presidents, talking about what they advocate and what they represent about.
Meanwhile, during the long table discussion, organizations reflected on their progress and shared insights on transforming competition into collaboration.
The consensus was clear โ competition, when guided by respect and passion, fuels shared growth.
The eventโs team-building activities sparked laughter and camaraderie among the participants.
Each team carried symbolic color themes โ from Red (Mabaya) to Purple (Love-Bender) โ representing the many facets of leadership.
Fun-filled games like โBlow Me Upโ and โSack Race Reversedโ kept the energy high throughout the afternoon.
In the awarding ceremony, all participating organizations were honored for their active involvement as the Brown Team (Brownies) dominated the competition, winning Best in Banner Making, Best in Yell Making, and the title of Overall Champion.
Meanwhile, the Purple Team (Love-Benders) was hailed as the Most Participative Group.
As the day concluded, the CSC Vice President for Internals, Mr. Reniel Loprez delivered a heartfelt closing message, expressing gratitude to all who made the event possible and reminding everyone that leadership is a continuous journey fueled by passion, empathy, and service.
Written by Suzanne Antonette Gurion
Photographed by Ma. Andrea Perez