On September 24, 2026, participants from various student organizations at the FGB Hall, University of Baguio, gathered at the Tongtongan Leadership Convention 2026 to fulfill a shared commitment to a leadership seminar and workshop designed to strengthen young leaders’ skills, values, and responsibilities. To serve, unite, and lead with dedicated social responsibility that comes with choosing to listen and inspire others.
Bringing together one hundred and two (102) representatives from clubs and organizations across higher and basic education, the activity created a space for students to exchange perspectives, engage in meaningful discussions, and reflect on the leaders they aspire to become.
The seminar pushed attendees to see beyond the accolades associated with leadership. Through conversations, exercises, and interactive workshops, student leaders were reminded that holding a position means carrying the voices, worries, and goals of the people they represent, exemplifying the spirit of “Tongtongan,” which stands for the language of listening.
Leadership through Ethical Social Responsibility: Tongtongan Leadership Convention 2026
The event brought together distinguished faculty members and institutional educators, including Ms. Roeanne Mylene K. Yango, Dr. Veronica Bito, and Dr. Sheridan Athena Gajete. The seminar provided crucial perspectives on administrative competencies and advocacy tools. Ms. Yango presented digital etiquette, liquidation reports, operational planning, and accomplishment reports, while Dr. Bito emphasized article composition and strategic social media use.
Alt Text: Highlights from the Tongtongan Leadership Convention 2026, held at the FGB Hall, University of Baguio | Photos supplied by the Office of Student Affairs and Project L.E.A.D.E.R.S.
In addition, Dr. Gajete directed attendees through the fundamentals of parliamentary procedure and resolution drafting. Through these contributions, student leaders gained a deeper understanding that leadership transcends title; it is a commitment anchored in purposeful service and collaboration.
Centering on the theme “Empowering the Student Collective for Actionable Leadership,” the event reinforced the vision that empowered Filipino youth, equipped with structured guidance, can drive tangible change throughout the UBian community. Reinforcing this mindset, Dr. Bito noted that her use of the term “period” was more than punctuation; it was a call to turn ongoing discourse into decisive, meaningful action.
Furthermore, Ms. Yango reminded the participants that true leadership, as reflected throughout the gathering, is not merely about standing in front. It is about standing with others and practicing listening before speaking, understanding before deciding, and choosing to serve even when recognition is not guaranteed.
- The training highlighted essential leadership skills: direct communication, teamwork, decision-making, accountability, and collaboration that shape how student leaders handle difficulties, collaborate with peers, and make wise choices. Characteristics that encapsulate the purpose and direct goal of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs) 1, 4, 8, 10, 16, and 17.
Dr. Gajete expanded on resolution-making, helping student leaders understand how to prepare proper documentation that embeds ideas, discussion, collective decision-making, and action to provide clear direction for student organizations. Moreover, she introduced parliamentary procedure as a democratic tool, giving students a structured path to facilitate discussions and make decisions before formalizing a resolution.
Carrying forward a simple yet powerful message, the Tongtongan Leadership Convention 2026 reminds us that leadership begins with them, and through service, hope becomes action, under one flag and united by a shared purpose.
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Written by: Rochelle T. Munar, UB Yes-O Club | Zhein Carlo Molina
Photos by: Alexis Cayabyab, UB COESAC | Denver Koby Soriano
Article enhancement by Gabriel Madriaga
