By Chrissa Serandon
In a joint celebration of the Lasallian Festival (LSF) and Student’s Week, the Council of Student Organizations (CSO) held the “Kabataan, Arat na! Youth Leadership Congress” via Zoom and Facebook Live on Friday, April 23, focusing on leadership development among the Lasallian students.
Personalities from inside and outside the University shared their insights on youth leadership and its importance for the Lasallian community.
Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation President-Tagaytay City Theresa Llorente tackled “Youth Involvement through Active Citizenship” and highlighted that small action can make society a better place.
“Ang bawat action ng kabataan maliit man ito o malaki, ito ay isang malaking puntos para sa pagbabago ng ating lipunan,” Llorente stated.
Meanwhile, CSO President Franchesca Garcia talked about “Youth Empowerment and Women in Leadership”, claiming that a thriving community must have men and women working together as leaders of society.
Garcia said, “Women leaders can be emotional and aggressive on what they want to, and so are men. Women can be pushy to her colleagues as she is trying to bring the best out of them, and so are men.”
On the other hand, Chief Youth Mobilizer, Positive Youth Development Network’s (PYDN) John Carlo Borja discussed “Youth Engagement and Mobilization” where he highlighted the importance of voting wisely at the end of his speech.
He said, “In our journey as young leaders (and) as student’s leader[s], ganito talaga yung biyahe pero kapag mas maayos na yung Pilipinas, sabay-sabay tayong papara. If you are not yet registered, you have it on September 1 to do so…. Do register and vote wisely.”
In addition, Department of Education Dasmariñas’ Senior Program Education Specialist Mark Jayson Espinoso explained the importance of being a student and a leader at the same time.
“It is an honor to be called a student-leader, but difficult to be one. It is so exciting to be a student leader but its tiring. It is not easy, but things become easy because this is what we love to do,” he said.
Participants’ feedback
Facebook Live viewer Jozam Leonardo (BTM23) expressed her insight on Borja’s talk, “Yes! Register. Vote. We need leaders who act upon the sustainable development of the country and visionary leaders who work upon the country’s potential,” she said.
On the other hand, Facebook viewer Earl Patrick Ramos (BIO12) commented on Espinoso’s talk, “Student-leader or not, kabataan are catalysts of change. We empower youth, [and] we empower each other,” he stated.
Furthermore, Rechilda Estores (JOU21) explained how the virtual event inspired her in realizing the importance of leadership, and what this can do in sparking social change.
“As a Lasallian leader, [this] event deeply ignites my purpose to continually help and contribute to pave the path towards reaching the positive difference that will influence everyone for mobilizing active, sustainable, and peaceful community. It enhances my perspective that leadership has a great role, which is to cultivate an essential impact for the betterment,” she said.
“Kabataan, Arat na! Youth Leadership Congress” concluded the week-long LSF and Student’s Week celebration that lasted from April 19 to 23.
