Written by Rashemaiah Puruel
In pursuit of the University of Baguio Science High School’s commitment to developing confident and compassionate student leaders, last June 24-25 saw the Student Parliament Government (SPG) and Youth Development Training (YDT) Body conduct a Leadership Training Seminar at the UBSHS Function Hall.
The organizing committee, headed by former SPG ministers Laurence Velasquez, Ingrid Yu-ing, Euri Torrefiel, and Yohanne Barbon, facilitated a series of leadership and team-building activities for the incoming ministers and YDT Body. Under the supervision of advisers Ms. Jerrel Panayo, Mr. Dean Aguado, Mr. Jesus Boac, and Mr. Michael Deatras, the event was themed: “Where Leaders Evolve: Navigating Change, Leading through Service, Serving with Integrity.”
Throughout the two-day seminar, participants engaged in activities designed to strengthen collaboration and communication. This was followed by a lecture on leadership delivered by adviser Ms. Jerrel Panayo and a motivational talk with alumnus and current City Administrator Vittorio Cawis.
Serving as the seminar’s guest speaker, Cawis centered on the four pillars of effective leadership: connection, integrity, servanthood, and mentorship. He encouraged participants to build meaningful relationships, uphold trust and strong values, lead with humility and service, and prepare the next generation of leaders. His lecture anchored on the message, “touch the heart before the mind”.
Connection
Cawis highlighted connection as a powerful aspect of leadership, emphasizing the importance of being connected to the organization one represents and the people one serves. He explained that leaders who lose touch with their communities risk losing sight of their purpose for growth and improvement. It was added that a true leader is someone who moves forward while inspiring others to follow.
Integrity
Describing integrity as the heart and soul of leadership, Cawis stated that trust is difficult to regain once it is questioned. The speech reminded participants that integrity can be affected not only by major actions but also by small decisions. He described integrity as a continuous test that requires consistency, accountability, and commitment to the values being upheld.
Servanthood
Cawis emphasized that leadership is rooted in sacrifice and service rather than privilege. This encouraged student leaders to embrace humility by being willing to work, serve, and take responsibility alongside those they lead. According to him, effective leaders understand that their role is not to be elevated above others, but to serve and support them.
Mentorship
For mentorship, Cawis underscored the responsibility of leaders to guide and empower future leaders. He encouraged participants to become a source of inspiration to others, stating that “the only way you can scale leadership is through mentorship.”
The seminar concluded on its second afternoon with the awarding ceremony and closing remarks, celebrating the participants’ growth and reinforcing the commitment of the UBSHS to nurturing future student leaders.
