PRESIDENTS and representatives of Cebu City’s Supreme Student Councils (SSC) engaged in workshops and dialogues over timely societal issues during the annual SSC training and election of officers held at Wellcome Hotel last Oct. 29 to 30.

Working with SSC officers is one of the flagship programs initiated by the Cebu City Local Youth Development Office (CCLYDO) and the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation of Cebu City.

The two-day summit embraced the theme “Sugbuanon Student Leaders Gearing Toward a Better Tomorrow.”

The summit convened the officers of student body organization heads to solidify their roles as Cebuano youth leaders in the effort of efficiently disseminating relevant training materials and good practices to their organization’s members for lasting community impact.

Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña initiated conversations with the SSC officers through “Talk to Tommy,” where Osmeña emphasized leadership as an important factor in amplifying the voice of the youth in bringing about positive social change.

Other speakers who graced the event include Cris Evert Lato-Ruffolo, Alein Navares, Marco Romas and Magdalina Robinsons.

“Student leaders play crucial roles in our society because they will become inspirational and influential adult leaders. Their training, exposure and interaction as youth leaders will significantly contribute to their brand of leadership in whatever field they choose to be involved in after school,” said Ruffolo, who delivered a talk on “Servant Leadership for Student Leaders.”

An important module covered during the summit was the Magna Carta for Students, more popularly known as the Student’s Rights and Welfare (STRAW) Bill. The STRAW Bill was discussed by Hendy Abendan.

Other modules tackled during the two-day summit include policies on relevant issues such as the Anti-Discrimination Ordinance, youth and media, project management and servant leadership.

Jowel Sollano of Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) was elected president of the SSC Federation.

Niño Jan Miole of University of Cebu (UC)-Banilad and Andre Pepito of St. Theresa’s College were elected vice president and secretary, respectively. Kylle Pulmones of University of San Jose-Recoletos, Adrian Aniñon of the University of the Visayas and Noel Mirambel of UC Main were chosen as treasurer and focal persons.

“The coalition of these great young minds leads to the pursuit of change and the drive to contribute for the betterment of Cebu. This can only be realized if we function together with one heartbeat,” said vice president-elect Niño Miole.

After the election, the SSC Federation discussed goals and potential projects by identifying relevant issues that need to be addressed.

In line with the Philippine Youth Development Plan, the CCLYDO integrated proactive community involvement of the youth through the summit.

The summit aims to bridge gaps in knowledge and linkages. It also provides opportunities for training and immersion to promote unified action, especially among youth-serving organizations. Contributed Article