Student Leaders from different organizations joined the incorporated Student Leadership Forum (SLF) and State of the University Student Government Address (SUSGA) 2024 organized by the Adamson University Student Government (AUSG) on May 3, 2024, at the Adamson University Theater.
Dr. Rosula S.J. Reyes, Adamson University’s Vice President for Academic Affairs, opened the SLF event with an inspiring speech about the characteristics of successful leaders. “A great leader is not necessarily the one who does great things, he is surrounded by people who do great things”.
After the speech, the Adamson University Folk Dance Troupe entertained the crowd with classic Filipino Folk dances, alluring the audience with their moves.
Hon. Raoul Danniel A. Manuel, a representative from the Kabataan Partylist, was the first to speak among the young leaders of the country. He addressed where today's youth can find hope and how to break stereotypes of leadership.
The Kabataan Partylist representative encourages young leaders by emphasizing that their journey will not be easy. He advises against seeking instant changes and instead advocates for focusing on contributing to long-term improvements. “Dahil tayong mga kabataan, hindi lamang pag-asa, pero malaki ang ating potensyal. Nakakahawa ang takot pero mas nakakahawa ang tapang,” said Manuel.
In the afternoon session, Dr. Venusmar Quevedo, Adamson University’s Vice President for Administrative Affairs, commented on the role of education in shaping student leadership. She emphasized the importance of nurturing students' wisdom and regarded it as an investment in fostering such qualities.
The event then transitioned to the next speaker, Hon. Ana Theresia “Risa” Hontiveros- Baraquel a Senator of the 19th Congress, Republic of the Philippines, where she talked about being a leader growing up and her stories as a student leader.
The lighthearted talk had everyone engaged as she discussed her life experiences and how she continues to fight for equality. “Nagpasa na ako ilang mga batas na kaugnay sa mga kabataan… Patuloy parin akong lumalaban maipasa ang SOGIE Bill upang maging pantay-pantay tayong lahat.” The senator emphasized the importance of engaging with children while they still possess the courage, energy, and idealism needed to shape the future.
After the Senator's speech, the leaders of various organizations were serenaded by Adamson University's very own HIMIG Musicians, who led a jamming session featuring classic Original Pilipino Music.
Following that, SUSGA took place as the second part of the event. An inspirational video message greeted the audience, featuring Hon. Loren Legarda, the Senate President Pro Tempore, who spoke about investing in equality and empowerment among youth. She recognized the vital role that student leaders play in challenging the status quo and redefining norms.
The State of the University Student Government Address began with the AUSG Vice President for Internal Affairs, Kyle Matthew V. Ronquillo, honoring the AUSG President, Adrian Julian G. Lignes.
Following that, the AUSG President listed all of their administration's accomplishments in the spirit of accountability and transparency to the student body. The president expressed pride that Falconer’s Hub, one of their administration's projects aimed at creating a space for students to study, had been adopted by other schools.
“Just like in sailing, encountering challenges and navigating through cross waters are essential for growth and development, for effective leaders are born out of comfort, but are forged to facing adversity, overcoming an obstacle and learning from their experiences,” Lignes said.
AUSG Vice President for Internal Affairs Kyle Ronquillo then closed the event. “Together we change things to help unleash our potential, innovation, and investment in the student body,” remarked Ronquillo as he recognized and inspired the student leaders present.