USG conducts two virtual leadership events

Ley Nicole V. Jangolan

Amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the University Student Government (USG) of the University of the Immaculate Conception (UIC) initiated two virtual events to enhance leadership skills and global competence of the student leaders.

As part of the opening celebration of the UIC College Week 2021: The First Virtual Year-End Party, the USG organized the very first Virtual Leadership Training of UIC that was conducted last April 16, 2021, via Zoom. The event was participated by the outgoing and incoming Ignacian Marian Leaders composed of the USG Executive Officers, College Officers, Academic and Non-Academic Club Officers, and the Class Mayors.

During the training, different speakers were invited to impart their expertise and knowledge about leadership. Sister Ma. Marissa R. Viri, RVM, university president, shared her experiences and thoughts on visionary leadership. She imparted among Ignacian Marian Leaders how to be a leader just like Mother Ignacia, the founder of the RVM community.

Meanwhile, Dr. Porferia S. Poralan, the UIC Faculty President, conveyed her knowledge to the participants in her talk dubbed “Touching Core Values: Facilitating Event and Resources as a Unified Student Leaders.” The topic aimed to guide the participants on how should they work hand-in-hand in organizing events and programs.

Moreover, the USG also invited Miss Mardilyn Garcia, an Outstanding Youth Leader of Cagayan. In her talk, Garcia recounted her journey in youth leadership which motivated the student leaders to continue serving their organization amidst personal and social challenges.

The whole event became successful as the Ignacian Marian Leaders actively listened to the speakers and participated in every open forum session. Students who participated were reminded of their duties and recalibrated their goals as student leaders. Additionally, as the said event was one of the university’s first, the USG organized it to strengthen the core of the Ignacian Marian Leaders. It was an essential feature of the College Week, as it contributed to the holistic development of all student leaders which reminded them to be responsive leaders despite being hindered by COVID-19 pandemic.

Charles Andre Nieves, former USG Executive President, the training was conducted to help the Ignacian Marian Leaders identify a new torch that would ignite the University in the direction of continual transformation and innovative ideas for their benefit.

“The annual leadership training of the UIC is not new, but it was the first time it was delivered using the virtual platform. The University Student Government of UIC, Batch 2020–2021 chose to offer leadership training, though virtually, in order to maintain relationships amongst leaders and practice Ignacian Marian principles, particularly humility in service,” he added.

Aliyah Grace Zarza, incoming executive treasurer of the University Student Government, shared her experience during the training. She narrated that upon joining the said event, she learned a lot about leadership which she then applied in her life. She became aware of what type of leader she is due to the talks given, things she needs to do as a leader, and many more.

On the other hand, during the closing ceremony of the UIC College Week celebration, the USG also conducted the International Leadership Night Congress last April 23 via Zoom with the theme: “Student Leaders of 21st Century in the Call of Leadership, Asian Community Spirit, and Cohorts.” The said congress was joined by the Ignacian Marian leaders and different student leaders from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Kenya, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Germany, and etc.

During the congress, the participants assimilated the words of Mr. John Mark Jacinto, the curator of the Online SDG Youth Action Forum and the Country Head of We Make Change PH, as he shared his involvement in Youth leadership and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

A breakout session also took place where the participants shared their thoughts and experiences in leadership. After their sharing, the participants from each breakout room worked together to finish their slogan-making task which they posted on Miro board.

“I think the common issue we all had was how the pandemic has shaped our leadership style. I learned that it’s very important for leaders to have compassion and be flexible during these uncertain times. It’s also essential to take a break or take one thing at a time if we feel that the responsibilities are just too much so that we can come back physically and mentally stronger,” expressed Marsya Amani, a third-year law student from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia as one of the international delegates of Leadership Congress.

The congress aimed to widen the perspectives and expand the connections of the student leaders as it provided opportunities for them to collaborate and engage with other youth leaders across the world.

USG’s former Executive Vice-President External, Ms. Shanaia Twain S. Ng, mentioned that this event was conducted to gather student leaders across the world to engage in a meaningful dialogue to learn from each other, promote unity and collaborations. A way for student leaders to encourage each other to continue serving through their sharing of stories, learn from their ways of conducting events in the new normal, and strengthen their passion for service.

“It proved the possibility of linkages and collaborations of universities beyond borders. In spite of the distance, cultural difference, and our current situation, students were able to meet in between as leaders. Aside from the learning opportunity, everyone was given time to share their leadership experience and have meaningful dialogue. It paved the way in building the relationship, inspiring and learning from each other, especially in their way of addressing concerns in their respective organization. The congress was represented by students of different courses, from different universities and countries — fostering camaraderie, unity, and a way to celebrate leaders in the 21st century,” Ng added.

The glorious feat of the events was made possible by the University Student Government of UIC headed by Mr. Charles Andre Nieves with the assistance of the Office of Student Affairs Discipline (OSAD) spearheaded by Mrs. Anaflor Sacopayo, Mr. Rene Babiera II, coordinator of Bachelor of Physical Education (BPE)/Culture and Arts/Sports, Dr. Jo-ann Solomon, the Vice-President for Academics, and the SAGA Party-list.

Moreover, the help and support of all Colleges, Academic Clubs, and Non-Academic Clubs of the university, as well as the active involvement of the UIC’s partnered schools shared in the success of the event.