OVCSA-OSA holds leadership training for UPLB student leaders

More than 100 leaders of various UPLB student organizations joined the leadership training workshop “Paghubog: Dangal at Husay sa Paglilingkod” on March 18-19 by the Office of Student Activities (OSA) at the Development Academy of the Philippines Conference Center (DAPCC) in Tagaytay City. OSA is an office under the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs (OVCSA) Dr. Janette H. Malata-Silva, vice chancellor for student affairs, formally opened the training workshop, challenging the participants to embody the principles of a UP student leader. In a video message, Chancellor Jose V. Camacho Jr recognized the role of student organizations in the University. He said that UPLB’s student organizations are a powerful force for future-proofing, with resources such as their members to draw on. “You also have a significant capacity for promoting a future-proofing perspective that emphasizes preparedness, resilience, and action,” he added. Maria Rowena Beatriz Q. Inzon, director of OSA, said that the training workshop was designed to explore and enhance the potential of student leaders for personal development, leadership, and social responsibility through its four major topics: organizational management, collective leadership, gender sensitivity, and mental health consciousness. Resource speakers gave lectures to equip student leaders on the major topics and facilitated activities for the student leaders. The guest speaker, Dr. Consuelo Angela L. Santos, discussed Organizational Management: Effective Communication. Another speaker, Carlo M. Dimaano, a multimedia artist advocating for the community arts in indigenous communities, facilitated a workshop where student leaders designed paper mâché masks depicting their ideal leader. These masks will be exhibited at the Student Union building. Hon. Siegfred R. Severino, UP student regent, and USC Chairperson Gean Marie A. Celestial represented the student movement, discussing collective leadership with their fellow students. The discussion on SOGIESC 101 and Basic Gender and Development Concepts and Gender Fair Language was led by representatives from the UPLB Gender Center Sairah Mae R. Saipudin and Jullie-Ann C. Reyes. On the second day, Dr. Emilia A. Lastica-Ternura, coordinator of the UPLB Office of Anti-Sexual Harassment, discussed the UPLB Anti-Sexual Harassment Code. This was followed by Ordina S. Carlos, a guidance service specialist at the UPLB Office of Counseling and Guidance, who gave a lecture on Emotional First Aid and Psychosocial Response. The students then had an where they presented how they could promote psychosocial wellness in their organizations. The training, the first face-to-face activity held by OVCSA outside the UPLB campus, was concluded by acknowledging the participating organizations and their organization representatives. OVCSA gave one slot for each student organization in the event to maintain diversity and ensure good representation. In May, UPLB-OSA will hold the Student Organization Leaders’ Assembly to promote the formation of a consultative body that will design student activities under the programs of leadership, public service and extension, and culture and arts.