CONTINUING the Sto. Niño festivities, the Student Executive Council (SEC) hosted its Bedan Leaders Congress, with the title “Race to Success: Resiliency Leading through Diversity”, at the Multi Purpose Hall, last Jan. 16. 

     The event was opened by Dr. Andres Ignacio C. San Mateo, Jr., Vice President of Academic Affairs. He welcomed and expressed gratitude to the students  from Southville International Schools and Colleges and St. Scholastica's College, for accepting the invitation to attend the event. Dr. San Mateo also mentioned that the Office of the Student Affairs (OSA), which spearheaded the event, aims to spread the Benedictine values to students beyond the SBCA Community.

     Atty. John R. Jacome, the first guest speaker, discussed the Benedictine Rule and the qualities of being a Benedictine Rule, namely: being humble, a listener, a role model, and taking the role of Christ. “Leadership is a service,” Atty. Jacome expressed this in his speech, highlighting the importance of obedience despite being a leader.

     Alexandra Anadon, the former SEC President, discussed being a resilient leader. She stressed  the importance of acknowledging and being held accountable for your own actions. “To step back and to reflect on yourself,” she said. 

     Following next, James Tolentino, an alumnus of SBCA batch 2006. Tolentino discussed student leadership during difficult times and how student leaders should be diverse and inclusive, “We should listen, emphasize, and [we] act on data that would be inclusive for everyone.”  

     Trice Junay, the Vice President for Externals at the Southville Communications Society, said that she was ‘culture-shocked’ by the Benedictine Values that were discussed during the event, but she learned a lot about becoming resilient and adaptable to situations. “You have to be strong for them [members] and for yourself.” she said, revealing that the experience was insightful for her. 

     Second-year Representative from St. Scholastica’s College Manila, Naomi Ricci Caguimbal, said that her experience in the community of San Beda was very welcoming, and the hospitality was clearly instilled in the identity of Bedans, “The discussion was very insightful; I think all of us in St. Scho, we’ve learned a lot and we are willing to use the lessons that we have learned on our own.” She also added that being a leader is all about helping each other out using teamwork. 

     Niñah Nicole Biscocho, SEC Vice President for External Affairs, announced that the next Bedan Leader Congress is scheduled on May 30, 2025.