By: Mark Asuncion
NEXUS Delegates alongside current and alumni members of SINAG Society of Leaders pose as the event concludes.
PHOTO COURTESY/CREDITS: BRENDAN BAUTISTA
In the dynamic field of university leadership, there exists a point of convergence—a nexus where purpose meets potential, and collaboration gives birth to transformation.
This aptly captures the essence of the NEXUS: Unveiling the Lasallian Synergy, a powerful gathering of student leaders from across Cavite, an event hewn by the Sinag Society of Leaders (SISOL) of De La Salle University – Dasmariñas.
Under the auspices of Angela Montero, Jenson Arvisu, Alliyah Miclat, and Geleen Engco, NEXUS brought together student leaders from a range of Cavite institutions, uniting under the earnest of collaboration for collective impact.
With the theme: empower, elevate, and collaborate under its wing, NEXUS beckons student leaders from diverse backgrounds to come together in a spirit of collaboration and innovation hailing from the hallowed halls of De La Salle University Dasmariñas to the vibrant campuses of partner institutions like the De La Salle Medical Health and Sciences Institute, National University Dasmariñas, STI College Dasmariñas, Kolehiyo ng Lungsod ng Dasmariñas, and the Cavite State University – Don Severino de las Alas Campus.
Delving deep, empowerment, as one of the esteemed guest speakers, Dr. Aquino Ilano Garcia, gave a spotlight to the crucial topic of the youth igniting positive change. The leadership seminar and workshops provided the student leaders with the knowledge to become more effective agents for participating on social issues and public affairs.
The event was not just about individual growth; it was about elevating the concerted influence of youth leaders in Cavite. Ivonne Balcuba, President of Sinag Society of Leaders, envisioned NEXUS as a catalyst for long-term collaboration. She expressed her desire for student leaders to connect not just within their universities but also across institutions, naturalising a convalescent network to advocate for important causes and make a real difference in society. “This kind of event,” she said, “is for developing more connections, more programs to advocate for, and empowering fellow youth leaders from different schools so we can do something right for our society’.”
The event culminated in a collaborative activity where participants envisioned a future Cavite-wide Youth Conference. Divided into groups, each with a facilitator for guidance, they were given an hour to brainstorm and plan various aspects of the conference.
This included essential departments like marketing, sponsorships, food, security, and logistics – essentially, everything needed to pull off a successful event. Finally, each group had five minutes to present their ideas to the rest of the participants.
Despite initial nerves, as mentioned by Denny “Lory” Lara from NU Dasmariñas Peer Facilitators, student leaders quickly overcame their shyness and dove into collaborative work. Their efforts culminated in engaging presentations, showcasing the power of teamwork and even a trace of magnetic humour. This spirit of connection, this “nexus,” laid the contingent groundwork for a visionary project: a Cavite-wide Youth Conference. This conference is the brainchild of empowered and connected student leaders who came together as one at the event.
Lory herself exemplifies this force. She shared, “I joined this event to widen my connections, which will be valuable for my upcoming volunteer work at a camp for children with disabilities. I saw this as an opportunity to invite others to join the cause.” Her passion for volunteerism shines through, setting an example for the younger generation to connect and build bridges within the community.
Emmanuel Castro, President of the Central Student Government at Kolehiyo ng Lungsod ng Dasmariñas, also shared his experience at NEXUS. He was impressed by the organisers’ vision, particularly the ambition of uniting student leaders from various universities in Cavite and leveraging their creativity to plan a future large-scale youth conference. Castro laboured the point of the event’s ability to uphold connections and empower student leaders to become visionaries themselves.
NEXUS was not merely about bringing student leaders together; it was about creating a harmonic convergence. A convergence where young leaders could amplify the voices of those they represent and develop impactful programs that advocate for the needs of the youth. It embodies the principles of empowerment, elevation, and collaboration.
SISOL’s vision sets a new criteria for leadership development. They champion the notion that stepping up is the essence of leadership, and that true leadership is about sharing the know-hows, the ability, and the power of empowering others. It is not a privilege to be hoarded, but a responsibility to be shared and taught.
