YEAR’S STARTING POINT: SWDS, USC, CPYDO collab for Resilient Leadership Training 2023
Angelie Kyle Babon 
As another year opens, Samar State University student leaders from different accredited organizations were offered a new set of opportunities as the Student Welfare and Development Services (SWDS), University Student Council (USC), and City Population and Youth Development Office (CPYDO) joined forces to conduct its first ever on-campus Resilient Leadership Training last January 9, 16, and 17 at the SSU Maceda Gymnasium.
Speakers in the highlight talks were as follows: USC President Christine Calley, CPYDO Staff Jovic Rapanan, City Tourism, Culture and Arts, and Information Office Staff and emeritus Waray-Waray Youth Advocate (WARAYA) Ronaldo Espino, Former President of Junior Chamber International (JCI) Catbalogan BALUD Inc., Community Development Worker of Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP) Mark Bons Fernandez, and City Youth for Disaster Risk and Reduction Management (CYDRRM) Officer Gerald Buco.
The discussed leadership training topics included Vision into Actions: How to Propose Activities in the University, Leadership Styles, Skills on how to Facilitate Ideas, Top Leadership Qualities, and First Aid.
Over 120 students from approximately 40 accredited university organizations took part in the said training. Participants were introduced to the group dynamics, expectation settings, program overview, training facilitators, and point system.
Moreover, they were grouped into eight competing teams: Red, Green, Pink, Blue, Yellow, Violet, White, and Orange with their respective chosen president, vice president, secretary, and house rules. All members engaged in various team-building, trust activities, team cheer, solidarity dance, zumba, group assessment and group presentation.
MR. AND MS. RLT 2023
John Michael Boloc, a second-year Civil Engineering student and a trainee from Team Green bagged the title as he stressed that a charismatic leader is needed so that “the people will not be afraid to share their experiences, share their ideas, because they believe that that leader could [lead them] better.” He was also hailed as Best in Eco Wear paired with Capper Rueda, a fourth-year Psychology student representing Team Yellow.
Meanwhile, Jevah Mae Piamonte, a fourth-year Psychology student from Team Pink paved the way to the crown as she graced the stage with beauty and brain emphasizing that “as a leader and as an officer, we should be mindful enough about how to manage our time” for she believes that “being a leader is not just our potential to lead, but also to give ourselves the better life we deserve.”
AWARDING
Team Green took the lead in the scoreboard gaining enough points to outstand from other teams as they obtained the first place in the overall ranking. This was followed by Team Orange, while Team Pink ranked third, Team Red was next, securing the fourth place, Team Violet obtained the next spot, Team White followed, Team Yellow, then Team Blue.
Meanwhile, Leila Mari Babalcon and Sunshine Cruz were announced as the Outstanding Female Participants, Brendon Toncayo and Eldiover Igdalino for the Outstanding Male Participants, and Russel Cinco for the Outstanding LGBTQIA+ Participant.
Resiliency was manifested among the facilitators and student leaders when the continuation of the second day had to be postponed for almost most a week due to consecutive days of heavy rainfall.
Resilient Leadership Training is one of the Skills Enhancement Trainings of Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS) through the Student Assistance Program, along with ongoing Soft and Hard Skills Training.
Angelie Kyle Babon, Marjorie Tan | News Writers
Photo Courtesy: Catbalogan City Youth Development Office Facebook Page
