October 19, 2019 – SPUP successfully conducted the first run of its pioneering development program for student-leaders in Cagayan. The endeavour bannered the theme: “Values and Service Learning: Role of Students Today and Tomorrow.” The seminar is one of the undertakings of SPUP in celebration of the Year of the Youth.
Sr. Merceditas O. Ang, SPC (University President) welcomed the participants as she delivered her opening remarks. She stressed the importance of such learning avenues to early formation of values, and highlighted every youth leader’s role in shaping a better society through the intensification of stewardship, commitment, and the spiritual gift of charism. She also encouraged them to return to the true essence of service, which finds meaning not in self-fulfilment, but in other-centeredness.
The program started with an invocation led by Mr. Moises Caluag (Head, Campus Ministry) and Ms. Jessievic Pico (Head, Religious Education. As a preliminary activity, the participants went through a series of invigorating teambuilding activities, facilitated by the Paulinian Student Government (PSG) officers. These underscored the internalization of the values learned and their application in a team or community setting.
In the first session, Dr. Jeremy Godofredo Morales (Director, International Relations) highlighted the collective task of youth leaders in nation-building: to contribute in uplifting their respective communities from weaknesses, apathy, and injustices.
Meanwhile, Dr. Allan Peejay Lappay, (Director, Alumni, External Relations and Advocacies) in the second session shed light on the different tensions existing in the world today and how they affect in fostering leaders’ holistic growth. He then urged the students to actively engage in advocacies and immerse themselves in their responsibility as solutions to overcome the challenges of leadership.
Lastly, Mr. Brendan Jansen Tangan, (Former, PSG President) shared his personal experiences of being a Paulinian student leader. He discussed how it helped him learn virtues unique and essential in service, and gave importance to the moral courage of youth leaders in fulfilling their purpose.
The seminar concluded with a liturgy at the Our Lady of Chartres Chapel, following a Campus Tour and the awarding of certificates to the participants.
Organized by Dr. Corazon dela Cruz (Head, Promotions and Marketing) and Ms. Alma Quinagoran (Director, Student Affairs), the Student-Leadership Development Program will also be held on October 26, November 16 and 23, 2019 and on January 11 and 18, 2020.
