RECOGNIZING excellence, service, sacrifices, and achievements, the Council of Student Leaders (CSL) of SBCA Tertiary Schools gathered for the 15th Lion's Roar Awards last May 27 at the Tugade Auditorium. 

     The Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Roma Wynn C. Sedo, emphasized in her opening remarks that student leadership throughout the year was grounded in Benedictine values, supported by teamwork, and focused on community impact. “Your contributions and impact cannot be directly measured. Still, we sincerely appreciate the time, energy, grit, resilience, and the attitude of trying your best to lessen overthinking and the desire for study, life, and balance,” she said.

     This academic year, the event honored the outgoing Student Executive Council (SEC) officers and their working committee. It also introduced the incoming SEC leaders to take their oath of office.

     “When you don't believe in yourself, believe in the people who believe in you. Let their faith carry you until you find yours again,” said Rudy Aniñon, (Batch 2019-2020) Entrepreneurship alumnus and former SEC Internal Vice President (2019-2020), who served as the inspirational speaker for the event. Aniñon’s speech sends a message to inspire student leaders to serve not with pride but with heart. 

     Each organization was recognized for its contributions to the entire San Beda community, and some student leaders and organizations were also formally recognized for their outstanding leadership, commitment, and service. 

     For the Best Bulletin Award, The Bedan Herald (TBH) was awarded under the Special Interest category. The Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA) bagged the Best Bulletin for Co-Curricular Organization for two consecutive years. 

     JPIA celebrated its fourth year of receiving the St. Placid Award in the Co-Curricular Organization category. The Bedanz Dance Troupe Alabang bagged the St. Placid Award for Special Interest Organization and the St. Placid Overall Organization Award, the highest recognition for student organizations.

     For the St. Bede Club Leadership Award, Clarisse Saddi (III-BSA), President of Eureka, was conferred in the Special Interest category, and Juan Carlos Dulce (IV-BSE), President of the Bedan Entrepreneurship Society (BES), was awarded in the Co-Curricular Organization category. 

     Juan Miguel Diaz (III-BSLM), Associate Editor of TBH, received the Abbot Wilfred Rojo Leadership Award. While Em Endo (IV-BACMS), Editor-in-Chief of TBH, received the St. Gregory the Great Leadership Award, the highest leadership distinction given to a graduating student.

     According to the Office of Student Affairs, the St. Lorenzo Ruiz Award was not given this year as there were no applicants.

The Lions Roar Awards also honored two exemplary moderators. Engr. Dexter Umil, moderator of Eureka, was awarded Best Moderator for Special Interest. At the same time,  Prof. Maria Exequel Panaguiton, moderator of JPIA, earned the distinction of Best Moderator for Co-Curricular Organization for the third time.

     The nominated organizations and individuals underwent deliberation with external panelists, namely Kevin Allison R. Cembrano, Ronnie B. Carpio, Mark R. Ibo, Jayson P. Herrera, Jaymee R. Moreno, and Patricia Angelica Perez, all of whom were recognized during the event. This marked the first oral presentation defense as part of the evaluation process for the prestigious awards.

     In his closing remarks, Dr. Andres Ignacio C. San Mateo, Vice President of Academic Affairs, urged the students to maintain integrity above all accolades. “Let us continue to serve—to be a leader of service,” he said. 

     The annual celebration continued with a dinner held at the Manny Reyes Hall.