Empowering the next generation of young leaders toward dynamic, result-oriented, and purpose-driven leadership, Sorsogon State University – University Student Council (SorSU – USC), headed by Mr. Erwin Formento (SorSU-USC President & SorSU Student Regent), in coordination with the College of Student Council of the four campuses, successfully spearheaded HARUBAY II: SorSUganon Young Leaders’ Congress 2024, a three-day university-wide capacity building for SorSUeno student-leaders as well as participated by selected Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials and representatives from Sorsogon College of Criminology, Inc. (SCCI), & Solis Institute of Technology (SIT) from March 02-04, 2024, at the SorSU – Sorsogon City Campus.
Centered on the theme, “Moving Forward Towards a Purpose-Driven Leadership”, the three-day congress, dubbed as HARUBAY II as it is the second edition of the Young Leaders Congress since 2023, is primarily designed to convene the young leaders to a congress of holistic approach of leadership training and, at the same time, exhibit the student-leaders’ learning in management gained in the previous leadership trainings.
SUC President III, Dr. Geraldine F. De Jesus, likewise graced the event and delivered an opening message, underscoring to the student-leaders and participants that SorSU, as the premier higher education institution of Sorsogon, makes it a point to support the holistic development of its students and the youth from the communities within the classrooms and also in other settings where learning is possible.
“With the theme, ‘Harubay II: Moving Forward Towards a Purpose-Driven Leadership’, this congress highlights the importance of preparing our youth for their eventual role as leaders of our communities and institutions in the near future.”
“A Bikol term, harubay means, ‘to share or spread’ — and in our context, this means to share what we know to other people so that their skills may also improve. You become a true leader when you are able to train others to acquire the abilities you have and become leaders like yourself.”
Moreover, SorSU President De Jesus encouraged the young leaders to acquire the noble qualities of the shepherds since these may bring hope to the improvement of the current situation in society.
“As final words, I wish to remind you about an allegorical category of people based on their nature. Foremost are the sheep who are the helpless, weak, and vulnerable – they are the marginalized people of this world. Second, the wolves who are strong but opportunistic and selfish, and often exploit the weak for their personal advantage. And lastly, the shepherds who patiently guide and selflessly protect the vulnerable through acts of generosity and even self-sacrifice.”
She concluded her message by highlighting to the participants to uphold the true essence of what it takes to be a leader. President De Jesus remarked, “Kung kayo nga ang tinaguriang pag-asa ng ating bayan ayon kay Gat Jose Rizal, panahon na para patunayan ninyo na kahit sa ating mga pamayanan kayo ay tunay na karapat-dapat na tawaging mga pinuno.”
Alongside invited young leaders across the province, SorSUeno student leaders from four campuses (representing selected major and minor organizations) convened for three days as they actively partook and immersed themselves in in-depth talk sessions, meaningful workshops, and engaging activities, acquiring practical insights and fostering leadership capabilities as servant leaders.
Among the discussions and workshops during the three-day event were ISO Awareness (Panel Discussion) led by Prof. Shirley G. Dicen (Head, ISO/QMS); Republic Act 11913 – Safe Spaces Act by Ms. Glady Joy M. Mella (GAD Coordinator, Sorsogon City Campus); The Role of the Youth in Nation-building (Panel Discussion) by Ms. Nydia P. Delfin (National Youth Commission); UN Sustainable Development Goals (and Workshop) by Dr. Ramona Ines B. Raneses LIP, PhD (President, United Nations Association of the Philippines); Workshop on Basic Secretariat by Prof. Jopet B. Medalla, MAEd (Faculty, SorSU-Bulan Campus); Youth Leadership in Good Governance by Cong. Raul Angelo Bongalon (AKB Partylist); and Workshop on Treasury and Budget by Atty. Michael B. Bongalonta, CPA, DBA.
In addition, the participants also engaged in a series of team buildings which cultivated teamwork and collaboration. The HARUBAY Festival Night, including Festival of Talents and The Search for HARUBAY Ambassadors & Ambassadress, was also one of the highlights of the three-day congress. (SorSU PIO)
