The second installment of the Bicol Young Leaders Summit (BYLS) took place from January 16-18, 2025, at the Ateneo de Naga University (ADNU) Gym in Naga City. This regional event was organized in collaboration with various esteemed organizations, including the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office V, the Bicol Council of Deans/Directors of Student Affairs (BCODDSAS), and the Philippine Association of Practitioners of Student Affairs and Services (PAPSAS) Region V Chapter. A team of student leaders from ADNU played a crucial role in bringing this event to life.
Nearly 200 student leaders and Student Affairs practitioners from 26 higher education institutions across Region V came together for this three-day summit. The event served as a platform for networking, skill-building, and sharing innovative ideas among young leaders.
The summit kicked off with an inspirational keynote address from Atty. Leni Robredo, Chairperson of the Angat Buhay Foundation, alongside welcoming remarks from Fr. Aristotle Dy, S.J., President of ADNU. The first session focused on self-awareness, featuring John Michael Rivera, Coordinator for Student Activities at ADNU Senior High School, as the resource speaker.
The afternoon session spotlighted essential leadership skills, led by Mayor Jake Espina of Kawayan, Biliran. The day concluded with a Socials Night, showcasing cultural performances from participating schools and a message from labor leader Atty. Luke Espiritu. The night also featured an exchange of cultural gifts, fostering connections among participants.
The second day began with team-building exercises that encouraged collaboration among attendees. Following this, two informative sessions were held. The first, on advocacy building, was presented by Councilor Tobit Cruz from Taytay, Rizal, while the second, focusing on project development, featured Ralph Jacinto “Tats” Quiblat, Director of the Office of Student Activities at Ateneo de Manila University.
The final day of the summit included a Fireside Chat with young leaders, including Leciel Ramos, Founder of Ikigaii Innovation Art Hub; Bernileth Montes, former Naga City Youth Mayor; and Gwen Joson, Barangay Councilor of Bagumbayan Sur, Naga City.
The event culminated in the presentation of eight project proposals to a panel featuring Rodolfo “Sonny” Virtus Jr., Director of ADNU Office of Student Affairs; Dessa Mare Lontayao, Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President, Iriga City; and Quiblat.
Additionally, Virtus, the BCODDSAS president, convened Student Affairs and Services (SAS) practitioners to introduce them to various professional organizations and capacity-building opportunities. The summit also saw the appointment of four new officers to the BCODDSAS Board, who will take their oaths at the upcoming Board meeting with CHEDROV Education Supervisor II and BCODDSAS Adviser Dr. Ma. Pamela Sorra-Viñas.
This year’s BYLS was spearheaded by ADNU student leaders Catherine LLaban (Project Head), EJ Niño Gubat (Co-Head), and Justin Glen Guingguing (Program Committee Head).
Photo Source: ADNU OSA
