OSS, COL ignites student leadership

Igniting the spirit of leadership of every student leaders of the Medical Colleges of Northern Philippines and International School of Asia and the Pacific (MCNP-ISAP), through the Office of the Students Services (OSS) and Council of Leaders (COL) conducted its annual Leadership Seminar and Training last October 1-2, 2021 via Zoom Conference and Meeting Application with the theme “Accelerating Leadership Impact: Leading Others to Sustain Student Service”.

The said activity was participated by over 300 student leaders from different clubs and organizations, all were accredited by the OSS, of the said school.

The event was graced by the OIC President of MCNP-ISAP, Mr. Christian R. Guzman, stressing the importance of student leaders and the youth in the development of the community during this season of pandemic, while Atty. Cristina Guzman-Natividad, VP for Innovations and External Initiatives, delivered the key note speech on behalf of the Executive Vice President, Dr. Wilma Roa-Guzman.

During the first day of the webinar, Mr. Herald Kyut Villarca, guest speaker and the Founder and Chairman of Kanlungan Pilipinas Movement, shared the topic “PERSONAL EFFECTIVENESS AND LEADERSHIP PRESENCE: TAKING RISKS WITH THE RIGHT BALANCE,” which was followed by an open forum where student leaders had a meaningful dialogue with the speaker, the first day session ended with a breakout session wherein students talked about what it takes to be leader and the struggles of being a leader amidst the pandemic.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re making a small step, remember small progress is still a progress, believe in yourself that you can make the ordinary extra ordinary. Remember the story of ants, they may not be the biggest insect or animal in the animal kingdom but with unity, perseverance, courage and determination they can be strong. Remember that” Villarca said.

The second day was graced by Winnie Cancejo, RRT, MPH, OIC, VP for Academic Affairs, followed by the second speaker Dr. Venus Ibbara-Guyos with the topic “BUILDING MENTORSHIP FOR NEW STUDENT LEADERS AND STUDENT PROGRAMS” followed by a workshop wherein all clubs and organization have to conceptualize a list of activities for Academic Year 2021-2022.

“I’m pretty much overwhelmed with the number of response for our leadership webinar and training, we can see that even in this times of pandemic students are eager to learn new things and to take on the challenge of becoming a student leader in their respective club and organization, we will see a more competitive and more active Council of Leaders as well as with the Clubs and Organization this year” said Dean Aristotle Gonzales, OSS and Adviser, COL.

The aforementioned training and webinar, organized by the OSS and the COL, aimed to train student leaders and one of the requirements to have eligibility to run for a position for the highest student body organization, the COL, and on October 15, 2021, the start of filing of candidacy.

-Sergei Castillo