Legaspi: Leaders?

LAST March 5, I gave the last module of the four-part leadership seminar-workshop with recollection to outgoing student leaders of the Supreme Student Government of a university. I had high regards with these young leaders since the day they held their position. Many of them had received local and national trainings as to leading their fellow young people. Most of whom who belong to batch 2009-2010 had also undergone series of trainings given by my team in the past four years.

The design of the program was simple; the first three modules were a cross of “survivor” and “big brother”. The participants were asked to pay a registration fee and the money becomes automatically the groups’ budget for three days. They had to make their own budget that will fit to the amount collected. Talks on “self and service” were delivered by people who had been student leaders also. The late Mr. Jessie Cadiz, Engineer Faraon Lopez, Ms. Jocelyn Gallos, Mr. Fernando Flores, Mr. Jack Pamine, Dr. Charles Nillos, Mrs. Elena Doruelo, Mr. Raymond Posta, Fr. Joel Alve and Mr. Ericson Rios were the team that had trained student leaders for the past years.

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The fourth module (given last March 5) was a recap of all the trainings these leaders have undergone.

I was the one to give the last module. Again, I miscalculated the time needed for the last module. Due to many conflicts of schedules, I was forced to move the opening to a later time in the evening instead of 5:30 in the afternoon. Then another activity was also on the way that I have to move it to a later time to accommodate everyone.

I was glad that at the opening session, there were 27 leaders present; however I was expecting more than 40.

The group was composed of a handful of elected officers of the SSG and majority was appointed officers and college council officers. The outgoing president texted a friend to inform me that he was not attending for he had examinations the next day. I was fuming mad when I knew that this was happening. Another student leader who also assured me of attendance was not around. It added great insult to injury. Soon, some members of the SSG made many excuses not to attend the sessions. I guess that was the effect of the absence of the leader. My impression of these leaders broke down to the ground.

I did not want those who were present to feel I was angry. So, I had to do a lot of praying and sacrifices in order not to affect the sessions. I was praying the Rosary simultaneously with the talk of one of the speakers so I will not be affected by the absence of many and significant people in the group. I was asking the Blessed Mother to help me and to give the grace to accept that the activity was not a priority of those who are not around. I kept on praying for grace and courage to continue despite the odds. Good, for I think it was the Holy Spirit that worked upon me during the sessions.

Many young leaders today no longer know how to prioritize things. It seems that personal intentions often overtake the noble intention of properly serving people. Proper Service seems to be the least of the priorities of young people today. I hope my perceptions are wrong, but I perceive them to becoming too materialistic and idealistic in their being leaders. One student leader would work only if he is recognized or if he is given something after wards. However, there are still some young leaders who see the dignity of being a leader.

I am saddened by the fact that these are the next set of leaders who will lead the country. My heart is very restless seeing the type of leaders I had produced after 4 years. My only consolation is that there are still some who I hope will keep the fire burning and prioritize service over personal intentions.

The 27 leaders that I had last Friday deserve great commendation for their sacrifice and dedication to their work. I wish that what I intended to give was given. I wish that the objective of knowing themselves better was achieved. And I wish that they will transform to be a better person and member of the community. I take off my hat to the 27. I give the space to them. They are: Arbe Bertuso; Dana Moniz Rada; Thessa Alba; Jocel Marie Verde; Arvin Salazar of the College of Arts and Sciences; Shea Kaye Palenge; Michelle Hiponia; Jennelyn Martir; Janna Mary Lagare; and Earl Jude Ruiz of the College of Education; April Lyn Bonita; Michelle Talapiero; and Mharley Palma of the College of Business and Accountancy; Ariane Torres; Ricky Diancin; Bernice Bontalilid; Jefferey Elleco; Robert Nicole Pesca; Ludelyn Erespe; Edel John Malojo; Irish Villanueva; Chrisse Anne Jonota; Lelanie Lubao; and Rizza Declaro of the College of Information Technology; Sarah Jane Mirasol and Stephanie Ray Gomez of the College of Nursing and Lorejen Fidelson of the Criminal Justice Education.

Worthy of acknowledgement are the staff at the UNO-R VP- Student Welfare office: Ms. Luz Cielo Ganza; Cheressa Sanchez; Donson John Sadava; Leobel Lyn Española; Justin Tabligan; and Rev. Fr. Joseph Dexter Palagtiosa,OAR. May you continue to share God’s blessings to other people.

St. Ezekiel Moreno and Pope John Paul II, pray for us.