RECOGNIZING the importance of student leaders’ presence to the CAS community, the Student Executive Council (SEC) together with the Council of Student Leaders (CSL) held a Leadership Training Seminar with the theme, “Thriving Through Traditions”  last Aug. 6 via Zoom. 

The event was hosted by Jules Mykel Reyes (II-BSBA-MM), SEC Secretary and Ezekiel Fernandez (IV-BSE), SEC Internal Vice President. The guest speakers of the event were Lyan Cabral, an SBCA alumni from Batch 2022, BSBA Major in Financial Management and former SEC Secretary of AY ‘21-’22 and Rudy Rafael Aniñon, also an  SBCA alumni from Batch 2020 under the program Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship, and former SEC Internal Vice President of AY ‘19-’20.

Redefining Leadership

Prof. Roma Wynn Sedo, SEC Moderator and Vice Dean for Student Affairs, gave the opening remarks in which she acknowledged the adjustment of going to the new learning modality: Transitional Gradual Face-to-Face Experience (blended-learning). As SBCA is slowly going into limited face-to-face classes, Sedo recognized the significance of the role of SEC and CSL as the extension of the school administration in instilling discipline, monitoring and maintaining peace and order to the CAS community and by serving as a role model even outside the campus. Sedo concluded her speech with, “We hope to collaborate [well] with you. Let us do what is best for the CAS community.”

The first guest speaker, Cabral, emphasized that it is necessary to possess leadership-like skills — respect, authenticity, transparency, and humility — with the concern of putting people first, and to keep in mind for the greater good of all.  She also claimed the importance of having a right mindset on balancing roles and responsibilities by remembering the worth of actions and the reasons for each goal. Moreover, Cabral also pointed out that a leader must be open to corrections and suggestions for improvement. 

Guest speaker, Aniñon, started his speech by looking back on his own experience as a student leader.  Aniñon reminded the audience, “When there are times you don’t believe in yourself, believe in the people who believe in you.” He also pointed out there are different aspects of leadership (towards oneself, towards others, and toward community), and it all goes down to having goals as a leader and to always think of how to be of service to others.

Welcoming SEC Officers

The SEC officers for AY ‘22-’23 introduced themselves together with the messages they had prepared. The official list of SEC officers for this academic year are as follows:

Alexandra Diane Anadon (IV-BSBA-MM), SEC President; Ezekiel Fernandez (IV-BSE), SEC Internal Vice President; Dane Raphael Oquias (IV-BSBA-MM), SEC External Vice President; Jules Mykel Reyes (II-BSBA-MM), SEC Secretary; Sophia Dayao (IV-BSA), SEC Treasurer; Kristine Magtoto (IV-BSA), SEC Auditor; Pauline Antonio (IV-BSBA-FM), SEC Public Relations Officer; Faye Zamora (IV-BSA), SEC 4th year level rep and Justine Cruz (II-BSBA-MM), SEC 2nd year level rep.

The Voice of CSL

The Bedan Herald reached out to a few student leaders who had attended the event about their own personal experiences on leadership as a student leader, together with their reflection on what it takes to be a leader. 

Fritzen Aldaba (II-BAP), BPS VP for Communications explained that he became inspired to lead as he came from a family of public servants. Aldaba added that in order to influence others to become leaders, it is also important to provide enough encouragement and support for the aspiring. 

Andrea Alzona (IV-BSBA-MM), JBMA External Vice President shared that she wanted to become someone who motivates and inspires other people to do good. Alzona also stated that being a student leader made her improve as an individual, pointing out that the experience of being a student leader would allow an individual to step out of their comfort zones, in which they can also gain real-world experiences.

Dana Miranda (III-BSA), JPIA Internal Vice President expressed that one should lead as an example. Miranda also quoted “Ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan,”  as it was the current situation of disinformation in our country that had urged her to become a student leader.  “I wanted to be one of those people  who can prove that we are indeed the hope of our country and we can do so much to stand up,” Miranda added.

The SEC were also able to provide icebreaker games with GCash prizes, led by Sophia Dayao (IV-BSA), SEC Treasurer and Kristine Magtoto (IV-BSA), SEC Auditor. The solo song intermissions were performed by Darren Jimenez (IV-BSA) and Mijesric James Turla (II-BACMS). Presentation of the certificates of appreciation for the guest speakers was done by Hosts Reyes and Fernandez.

SEC President Anadon gave the closing remarks by addressing the possible challenges that could arise upon taking the role of being a student leader. She hoped for the student leaders to be reminded to continue what they had started and to stay truthfully committed to their respective positions. “Let us all keep in mind that we are here for a reason, and that is to be that ‘one call away’ student leaders for our fellow Bedans,” She stated. 

The Leadership Training Seminar is a preparation for the CSL to be reminded of their essence in the CAS community as well as their responsibilities to the people who they are serving: the student body.