Article by: Alexandra Isabelle G. Delavin and Robert Kobe T. Garcia
Graphics by: Guinevere Rocel N. Rocamora
Leaders create more leaders. Through the first-ever Alfonso Yuchengco Student Leaders’ Summit (AYSLS) that will be held on February 21 and 26, 2022, the Mapúa University Student Government (USG) takes its time to shape Mapúans to become catalysts for change and promote student empowerment.
Outlining the legacy
Initially called the Mapúan Leader Summit, this year’s leadership workshop was named after Alfonso T. Yuchengco, the former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University, to honor his legacy during his years of service.
With the goal to leave a legacy of their own and unite the different student councils, the USG, consisting of the Central Student Council (CSC), Council of Presidents, and Council of Organizations, and the institutional organizations, namely The New Builder, Mapúa Radio Cardinal, Mapúa Cardinal Singers, Mapúa Tekno Teatro, and Cardinales Folklorico de Mapúa, collaborated to host the summit by Mapúans for Mapúans.
“What the summit aims to be is a bridge between the student leaders – to bridge that gap in communication and to give them a platform kung saan makakapag communicate sila between each other,” CSC Auditor Caleb Jalmasco shared regarding the inspiration behind the event.
Amidst the shift to digital mode, the summit aims to be a platform for student leaders to gather and exchange ideas, enabling better discussions and cooperation in tackling urgent issues within the university.
Honing the tools
The people behind the curtains had to start from scratch as they had no traces to follow. Most of the preparations were spent scrambling for ideas, finding available sponsors and speakers, and planning a worthwhile and exciting event despite limited resources.
Nonetheless, because of sheer will and determination, they organized an event to look forward to, which is anticipated to be a yearly occurrence. Even with some setbacks, the event organizers managed to push through with the summit. “With the collaboration of everyone and the ideas respective ng isa't isa, we were able to come up with a very exciting flow for the summit,” Jalmasco added.
Though the event was initially dated to launch during the University’s 97th Foundation week last January, it was rescheduled to February 21 and 26 to avoid academic conflicts and ensure that more participants can attend.
Forging the keys to the future
Following their theme "Forging leaders, finding solutions," Mapúans can expect various talks and workshops to help student leaders improve their skills and expand their horizons. To further inspire the youth, Mr. William Torres, the Father of the Philippine Internet and an outstanding Mapúan alumnus, will be the keynote speaker of the two-day event.
Moreover, Engr. Paul Hendrick C. Cortez, former CSC President A.Y. 2018-2019, will share his insights on improving leadership skills. Dr. Marthinson M. Villanueva, the Coordinator for Strategic Activities from the School of E.T. Yuchengco School of Business and Management, will explain financial, budget planning, and fund generation.
Focusing on enhancing the creative skills of the student leaders, Strategy, Analytics, and Optimization Manager Ms. Korina Mercado will discuss event planning and social media influence. Meanwhile, advocacy filmmaker and communication and film lecturer Mr. Seymour B. Sanchez and freelance illustrator Mr. Marx Reinhart Fidel will talk about creative and virtual content.
The USG believes that this event will also urge Mapúans to stand up for their principles and beliefs to help in the long run, especially during the upcoming elections. “I believe those skills are not only necessary for leading Mapúans, but also their respective communities. Outside the school, those skills are also necessary for them to be better citizens of the country,” the CSC Auditor expounded.
With this, Jalmasco calls out fellow student leaders to step out of their comfort zones and stand by their principles and beliefs. He hopes to inspire his fellow student leaders to go beyond the ordinary.
The AYSLS will be held on February 21 and 26, 2022, from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, via Zoom.