The Franciscan College of the Immaculate Conception (FCIC) was proudly represented at the 2nd Regional Student Leadership Summit 2025, organized by the Philippine Association of Private Schools, Colleges, and Universities Student (PAPSAS) Region VIII, with the theme “Empowering Future Leaders: The Second Student Leadership Summit 2025.”
FCIC student leaders Joana Serut and Ronel Dapar participated in the event held at Visayas State University (VSU), Baybay City Leyte, where they joined over two hundred participants from across the region. This highly anticipated event brought together young leaders to engage in thought-provoking discussions, skill-building workshops, and team-building activities aimed at shaping the next generation of ethical, resilient, and innovative leaders.
A Powerful Start: Welcome and Inspirational Messages
The summit kicked off with a warm welcome from Prof. Christopher Gallos, Treasurer of PAPSAS Region VIII, who introduced the participants from across the region. Dr. Prose Ivy G. Yepes, President of Visayas State University delivered her welcome remarks, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence (EQ) in leadership. Drawing inspiration from John Adams’ quote, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader,” Dr. Yepes encouraged the students to embrace their leadership potential while enjoying their time at VSU.
Dr. Erwin Vincent Alcala, the guest of honor and president of SPSPS, continued the discussion by addressing the convergence of team builders and leaders. He stated that leadership today is not about titles or authority but about service, resilience, and innovation. He further explained that young leaders today are expected to be ethical, flexible, and adaptable to meet the growing demands of leadership.
Mr. Ryan C. Ilaida, the Student Regent of VSU, echoed these sentiments, urging young leaders to be bold and courageous in their efforts to inspire others. “A leader is not someone who lifts themselves up, but someone who inspires others to lead,” he said. Mr. Lowe S. Tana, President of PAPSAS Region VIII, concluded the opening ceremony by stressing the summit’s goal to shape empowered leaders who would become catalysts for positive change.
Day 1: Leadership Skills and Empowerment
The first day of the summit was packed with dynamic sessions and activities. Ivan Lacbayo, Vice President of PAPSAS Region VIII for HEI, introduced the first speaker, Prof. Renato Jose Maria V. Molano, who delivered a powerful session on “Empowering Future Leaders: Promoting Active Participation & Sustainability Among Students in Leadership Empowerment, Accountability, and Dedicated Service.”
In his session, Prof. Molano emphasized the role of student leaders as catalysts for social transformation. He encouraged the attendees to adopt values such as nationalism, accountability, kindness, and dedication in their leadership journey. The session also highlighted the importance of rekindling one’s passion for leadership, an important message for the future leaders in the hall.
A Breakthrough in Thinking: Holistic Leadership Development
Session 2, led by Prof. Molano, tackled “Today’s Holistic Development Framework: Breakthrough Thinking.” The session focused on the importance of cultivating a positive attitude and overcoming negative traits such as crab mentality, procrastination, and mediocrity. Prof. Molano discussed the significance of being a role model through punctuality, respect, and law-abiding behavior, while encouraging students to embrace breakthrough thinking as a way to overcome societal challenges like climate change.
The session was followed by engaging activities where FCIC student leaders, Joana Serut and Ronel Dapar, teamed up with other students from various universities to work on collaborative challenges. This was an excellent opportunity for participants to build connections and share insights on leadership.
Servant and Ethical Leadership: Building a Foundation for Change
The next session, “Total Quality Leadership: Servant and Ethical Leadership,” discussed the three types of leaders: those “Who make things happen?”, those “Who watch things happen?”, and those who ask “What happened?” Prof. Molano highlighted the significance of emotional intelligence (EQ), resilience (AQ), and faith (SQ) in leadership. His acronym, BOBO (Bring Out the Best in Ourselves, Others, and Our Opponents), resonated with the participants as a leadership mantra that emphasized service and selflessness.
This session was followed by a fun team-building game of “Group Charades”, where participants from different schools interacted and collaborated, enhancing their teamwork skills while having fun.
Day 2: Collaboration, Innovation, and Modern Leadership
Day 2 of the summit kicked off with a synthesis of Day 1’s learnings by Alexander John L. Templa, who inspired the group with the quote, “Ambulate in Lumine Fidei” (Walk in the light of faith). Prof. Renato Jose Maria V. Molano led two important sessions: “Excellence and Process Improvement in Situational Leadership” and “Teamwork & Empowerment: Motivational Leadership.” He shared insightful leadership tactics, such as the Monkey Paradigm and situational leadership, along with valuable lessons on teamwork and motivation. He also shared the story of the rabbit and the turtle race, illustrating how consistency and perseverance always triumph over speed and impatience.
The afternoon session, led by Hon. Jake Espina, focused on “Leadership in the Modern Era: What Sets New-Generation Leaders Apart.” Through an interactive game of “Pass the Ball”, Hon. Espina engaged the participants, encouraging them to think critically and provide solutions to leadership scenarios. He emphasized the key traits of modern leaders: self-awareness, inclusivity, collaboration, and loyalty to the people they serve.
Building Collaborative Communities and Passionate Leadership
Session 7, led by Mr. Cyril Jose Ignacio, JCI President, discussed “Building Collaborative Communities.” The session highlighted how collaboration, built on shared values, trust, and open communication, can create meaningful change in communities. Participants were inspired by JCI’s history and its role in fostering business and community action since 1915.
In Session 8, Benjie Retuerto, RN, delivered an inspiring talk on “Shared Passion.” He encouraged participants to be passionate leaders who communicate effectively, take risks, and remain committed to their purpose. His statement, “You cannot give what you do not have,” struck a chord with the participants as they reflected on their own leadership journeys.
A Fiesta to Remember
The evening activities were filled with fun and team-building exercises. Hosted by Alex Templa, the Hawaiian-themed team-building event included games like “Pokpok Palayok” and “Tumba Lata”, fostering camaraderie and a sense of unity among the students. Hon. Ryan Ilaida, VSU Student Regent, encouraged participants to live in the moment and enjoy the festivities.
Day 3: Closing Reflections and Certification
The summit concluded on Day 3 with a synthesis of Day 2’s discussions and messages from Dr. Aleli A. Villocino, VP for Student Affairs and Services at VSU, and Mr. Jan Paolo K. Vega, Education Supervisor for CHED Region 8. The closing session featured an informative discussion on the CHED CMO 63, S. 2017 guidelines on local off-campus activities.
Dr. Erwin Salvatierra, VP for Student Affairs and External Affairs at Biliran Province State University, delivered the closing remarks. The FCIC student leaders, Joana Serut and Ronel Dapar, received their certificates of participation of FCIC and individualized certificate of completion, marking the end of an enriching and empowering summit experience.
A Transformative Experience for FCIC Student Leaders
The PAPSAS Region 8 2nd Regional Student Leadership Summit 2025 was an invaluable opportunity for FCIC student leaders to grow and connect with peers from other institutions. Through sessions on leadership, teamwork, and personal development, the summit equipped them with the tools and knowledge needed to become effective, compassionate leaders who will make a lasting impact in their communities. Joana Serut and Ronel Dapar left the summit with a renewed sense of purpose and the confidence to inspire others through their actions.
For the FCIC student leaders, the 2nd Regional Student Leadership Summit was a pivotal moment in their journey of growth and development. It was a powerful reminder that leadership is not about titles or positions, but about inspiring others, embracing service, and creating positive change in the world.
