Written by Daniella Mae Nimer and Milagros Guinsad
On this day, January 23, 2025 marked as a pivotal moment bringing student leaders of the different organizations and programs of the University of Baguio together. This year’s leadership summit serves as a welcome event of 2025 for future leaders and a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation redefining the future of leadership.
Dr. Froilan Aspa, the director of Office of Student Affairs, opened up the program by emphasizing the framework of the summit’s theme: UB LEADERS: Learn, Empower, Achieve, Develop, Engage, Reflect and Succeed within and beyond UB for effective leadership.
The summit featured an impressive lineup of speakers that was designed to inspire and educate. The first speaker for day 1 is Mr. Peter Ray Bautista, who is the 5th grandchild of the UB Founders and serves as the older brother or “kuya” to former UB President and current Vice President for Finance Mr. Johann Ben Bautista. He highlighted storytelling in leadership, urging educators to connect with students through relatable narratives. He stated that one doesn’t need to do what we believe is the norm but to do the best that you can.
Beyond each engaging session, the summit offers the university’s student leaders an opportunity for networking. Student leaders participated in roundtable discussions, work breaks, ice breakers, and workshops that helped them connect, inspire, and engage with their fellow leaders strengthening their relationship that extended beyond the summit.
Going through the afternoon session, Ms. Eden Vidal – a former Research Assistant and Linkages staff of UB pointed out the importance and essence of self-awareness in leadership, thus her discussion revolved around “Knowing oneself: understanding mental wellness amidst serving above self” wherein self-awareness serves as the foundation for transformational leadership, enabling these student leaders to serve above self effectively.
In today’s complex and fast-paced world, effective leadership goes beyond technical skills and strategic thinking. Mr. Justin Samson defined Emotional Quotient as the ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions while recognizing and influencing the emotions of others. It plays a pivotal role in fostering a positive work environment, driving team performance, and enhancing overall organizational success.
Today’s 16th leadership summit provided an edge for the student leaders with a renewed sense of purpose and a wealth of new ideas to implement in their own organizations. These leaders understood the importance of continuous learning, collaboration, self-care, and team teamwork in the ever-evolving landscape of leadership.
Day 2
The second day of the 16th Leadership Summit began bright and early with a 6 a.m. call time for a Zumba dance session, led by the UB Graces at the PBTS gymnasium. The activity not only energized the participants but also set an upbeat tone for the rest of the day, preparing them for breakfast and the events ahead.
The main program commenced with a final rehearsal of cheers and yells, followed by the presentation of each group’s posters. The students skillfully anchored their posters to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) they advocate for, demonstrating a strong commitment to meaningful causes.
The fourth speaker, Mr. CJ Amadeo, a distinguished member of the Corps of Professors, Armed Forces of the Philippines, delivered an inspiring talk centered on the theme, “Leaders are Builders”. Mr. Amadeo shared stories of leadership that transcend challenges. He outlined the essential traits of effective leaders as builders: Vision, Innovation, Compassion, Dedication, Resources, and Networks. Drawing on the legacies of iconic leaders like Efren Penaflorida.
He emphasized that while young people may face limitations in resources and networks, these challenges should not be seen as barriers. Instead, they should serve as motivation to hone the other leadership qualities—vision, innovation, and dedication—that are vital for making a lasting impact. He ended his talk with a memorable quote, “The true measure of leadership is not what we build, but what we build in others”.
Finally, the Capstone/Community Impact Project proposals were diverse and aimed at addressing various community needs. Group 1 proposed the “Pagkakaisa Fair,” a free music initiative led by the university-based orgs to promote musical growth and enrich the community. Group 2 introduced “Cause for Paws,” a humane solution for stray animal welfare in Baguio City, which includes Trap-Neuter-Return, feeding stations, and adoption efforts. Group 3 introduced “ASLAGAN: HANDA,” a project focused on empowering and preparing communities for emergencies. Group 4 presented “LIWLIWA,” a cultural initiative designed to preserve and showcase the traditional attire, music, and dances of the Cordillera region. Group 5 proposed the “Dream, Believe, Achieve!” program, which aims to support students through family guidance, career counseling, scholarship applications, and tutorials to enhance their academic and personal growth. Group 6 launched “One UB, One Community,” a series of outreach activities promoting sustainability and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Lastly, Group 7 suggested the “Sanitary Vending Machine,” a project aimed at improving public hygiene by providing accessible, sanitary vending machines in key locations.
The program ended with the awarding of prizes and certificates, as well as photo opportunities. The event also included a solidarity dance led by the working committee.
