HOW does one become a leader? Is it through formal training, the consistency of their actions, or the accolades attached to their name? For King Vincent Banaag, leadership began with something simple: caring for others. 

King Vincent Banaag, a Batch 2026 Communication and Media Studies graduate and former staffer of THE BEDAN HERALD, placed third in the 2026 Outstanding Student Leaders of the Philippines (OSLP) search during TRAC Philippines’ 2nd Outstanding Student Leaders and 6th Student Affairs and Services National Convention. Yet his leadership journey began years before the recognition, on a football field.

Where Leadership Begins

In Grade 6, when he first represented Quezon Province at a regional football meet, Vincent noticed that some of his teammates struggled to afford football shoes and daily allowances. For some, football was a passion; for others, it offered them a chance to earn scholarships and continue their education.

For Vincent, he started playing football in Grade 4 after trying badminton and lawn tennis. His older brother, whom he looked up to, also became one of his biggest motivations by learning about his hopes of returning to football and competing at higher levels.

He became determined to pursue those dreams himself. And eventually, football stood out to him because of the teamwork and friendships he found in the sport. 

At the time, Banaag was not thinking about leadership. He was thinking about what he could give. If he had food, he could share his meal, if a teammate needed football shoes, he could lend his own.

“Whenever I hear someone’s story or see someone struggling, my instinct is not to ask what position I have or whether it is my responsibility. I ask myself, “What can I do to help?” he said.

That experience shaped the way he approached leadership throughout his student years. For Banaag, serving others was never dependent on having a position or being recognized for his efforts. Instead, it began with recognizing what people needed and considering how he could help.

“I believe that true leaders do not first ask, ‘What can I get?’ They ask, ‘What can I give?’ And for me, leadership has always started there,” he said.

He did not consider himself a leader then. He simply saw teammates who needed help. “Whenever I hear someone’s story or see someone struggling, my instinct is not to ask what position I have or whether it is my responsibility. I ask myself, ‘What can I do to help?’” he said. 

Redefining Leadership

Vincent entered the 2026 Outstanding Student Leaders of the Philippines (OSLP) search to challenge the idea that leadership requires prominent positions, numerous events, or an extensive list of achievements.

During his time at SBCA, he encountered students and athletes who hesitated to act on their ideas because they lacked formal leadership roles. He wanted them to see that they could contribute without waiting for someone to grant them authority. Yet entering the national search also meant confronting his own doubts.

From more than 200 applicants, Vincent emerged as one of 31 finalists, many of whom held prominent organizational positions or had extensive leadership experience. At times, he questioned whether his own experiences measured up. Despite these doubts, Vincent remained true to himself throughout the process. When the Top 10 was announced, he did not expect to be included. By the announcement of the Top 5, he had come to see reaching the finals as an achievement in itself.

Then his name was called as one of the Top 3 finalists.

Vincent recalled freezing before bursting into tears when he saw his photograph in a red academic gown bearing the SBCA badge. The moment was emotional not only because he had received national recognition, but also because his story could now reach more aspiring student leaders.

Shaped by Service and Sacrifice

Vincent’s perspective was shaped not only by the national search but also through his experiences at SBCA, particularly as a member of the Men’s Football Team.

His teammates came from different provinces and backgrounds, each navigating personal circumstances while working toward shared goals: finishing their studies, representing the Red Lions, and overcoming challenges. Being part of the team taught him that leadership requires sacrifice. It means showing up even when circumstances become difficult, especially when others depend on you. 

The same sense of responsibility followed him beyond athletics. As a member of THE BEDAN HERALD, he strengthened another aspect of his leadership: his commitment to truth, honesty, and purpose. “The Bedan Herald taught me to value truth, honesty, and purpose. It reminded me that whatever position you hold, you have to remain grounded in your values and be honest about why you are doing what you do.” He said.

Beyond the Award

Being among the OSLP finalists also taught Vincent to recognize the value of others’ service. Each finalist brought different experiences and advocacies, leading him to recognize that a ranking could not fully reflect the impact each had made.

For him, recognition should acknowledge achievements without diminishing the contributions of those who did not receive awards. Now that he has graduated, Vincent hopes to continue listening to others, sharing his knowledge, guiding those who need support, and taking responsibility without relying on a formal title. 

Vincent continues to share what he has learned through leadership talks at schools and career talks for graduating Grade 12 students. Drawing from his own college experience, he shares the challenges he faced and the lessons he hopes students can learn from his journey. He also credits the Quezon Young Leaders Organization in Quezon, Quezon, for helping him grow as a leader.

His message to aspiring student leaders is simple: they do not have to become presidents, organize hundreds of people, or wait for public recognition to begin helping their communities. 

So, how do you make a leader? 

For Vincent, the answer has never been found in titles, training, or recognition. It begins with something far simpler: “Leadership is not about what the position can give you. It is about what you are willing to give because you genuinely care. And perhaps, that is where genuine leadership begins, not when you are given a position, but when you choose to serve even when there is nothing to gain.”