The Basic Education High School Student Leaders had their Leadership Training and Team-Building Activity last August 21, 2025, at Payag sa Plaridel Resort, Brgy. Plaridel, Baybay City, Leyte, with the theme “Together in Hope: Advancing Leadership and Student Empowerment for a Stronger Team.” The activity aimed to develop leadership skills, promote teamwork, and strengthen the bond among student leaders.
While waiting for the participants to arrive, Mr. Rowen Jay Loquillano, the High School Student Body Organization Moderator, gave the first task called “Egg-soon.” Each student received an egg, which they had to decorate and treat as their “brother or sister” throughout the activity. The challenge was to take care of the egg and keep it safe. This activity taught the value of responsibility and being a good companion, reminding leaders that they should always look after the people they lead.
The program officially started at 9:30 in the morning and was hosted by Ms. Joana Serut, former CSBO President, together with current college student leaders. To start the day, Mr. Loquillano led a fun exercise called “Switch Clap” to energize everyone. Then the first activity, “Lava Island,” was introduced. In this game, the floor was considered lava, and the students had to rescue their “Egg-soon” without stepping off their safe spot. This activity taught teamwork, problem-solving, and the importance of helping others in challenging situations.
After the games, Mrs. Christine Cardoza, Head of the Guidance Department, gave a talk on Temperaments. She explained that understanding our temperament helps us become better leaders because it guides how we deal with people and situations. To apply the lesson, the students joined an activity called “Build Me a Castle.” They used drinking straws to make a strong castle within 15 minutes. After the time was up, the castles were tested by blowing and tossing them to see if they could survive. This showed that a strong foundation is important for success, just like a leader who needs strong values to keep a team together. The morning ended with an AGAPE lunch, where everyone shared food and enjoyed being part of one Catholic Franciscan family.
In the afternoon, the student leaders listened to an inspiring speech by Sister Mary Michael Bactong, OSF, the school president. She talked about Transformative Leadership, which means leading by inspiring change and helping others grow. Students were encouraged to be positive role models who influence others for the better. After the talk, everyone gathered for a photo session.
The most exciting part of the day was the team-building activity, which had 12 fun and challenging stations. These included Crocodile Farm, where teams crossed an area using rice sacks without leaving anyone behind, Spider Web, where they passed through ropes without touching them, and Penguin Walk, where members walked with their feet tied together. Other games were Make Me Sweat, Give Me Bucket (carrying water without spilling), Balloon Relay, Eat Me, Lemon Do, Land Mine, Hula Walk, On the Flour, Endless Count, E-Shoot Mo, and Catch Me, I’m Falling. Each game had a lesson about teamwork, communication, focus, and perseverance. After all the games, Mr. Loquillano explained the meaning behind the activities and reminded everyone of the first challenge, Egg-soon, which symbolizes responsibility and care for others.
The day ended with a refreshing swim in the pool and a short time at the beach, where everyone relaxed and enjoyed each other’s company. It was truly a fun and meaningful day that taught student leaders how to work together, take responsibility, and be stronger as a team.
By: Rowen Jay Loquillano
Photo by: Lille Beatriz Martinez
