With the theme “Fostering Borderless Leadership in Education: SEA Innadal ken Linglingay para ti Ayat ken Wayawaya (SILAW),” the College of Teacher Education (CTE) facilitated the second South East Asian (SEA) Leadership Camp at BALAI Ylocos Beach House, San Sebastian, San Vicente, Ilocos Sur on November 21-22.

Spearheaded by the CTE Students Organization, the two-day event gathered the officers from the different accredited organizations of the College, including the SEA-Teacher participants from Indonesia. 

In her welcome remarks, Dr. Ma. Teresa Susan L. Manzano, dean, emphasized that the camp was not only about leadership in its traditional sense but about discovering the leader within each of the students through igniting curiosity, courage, and connection with others. 

“This camp is a safe space for you to experiment, make mistakes, and learn from them. It is a space to nurture your potential and gain insights that will serve not just here but in every aspect of your life,” she added.

In her keynote speech, Dr. Victoria R. Arce, the Gender and Development Focal Point System-Technical Working Group (GFPS-TWG) head and CTE faculty member, regarded the camp as an avenue to tackle women’s leadership and its impact on society.

“As we move forward, let us not only focus on gender but keep in mind that women’s leadership is about justice, progress, and unleashing human potential. Everyone gains when women are given leadership opportunities,” she stated.

The first day was an opportunity for the campers to develop friendships with other participants and show their diverse talents in the activities during the socialization night.

On the second day, a zumba exercise, followed by team-building tasks, fostered camaraderie and teamwork among the student-leaders.

Further, four of the keynote speakers delivered their lectures on best practices in school leadership: Mr. Edmar James A. Mauricio on “Brewing ‘EASThetic’ Leadership: Sipping the Blend of Modern Vision and Wisdom,” Ms. Joyce Ann R. Returia on “Empowering Youth Diplomacy for Global Harmony,” Mr. Mark Anthony A. Castillo on the “Future of Leadership Development,” and Mr. Jeffrey B. Martinez on “High School Science Clubbing.” They shared their own experiences and expertise of leadership with some of the initiatives and activities conducted under their guidance.

To conclude their day, the students took part in a coastal clean-up, removing trash from the shoreline while contributing to the preservation of marine ecosystems.

This 2024 leadership camp conducted by the CTE aimed at honing leadership skills through building connections, practicing collaboration, and cultivating values amidst cultural diversity among the students.

Article by Leilanie Vesa Rabara. Photo by John Patrick Ecal.