Published September 25, 2025
Written by: Mary Jane Pilawen, Joi Mari Angelique Mina, and Royce Vincent Alangsab
The University of Baguio Laboratory Elementary School (UBLES), through its Center for Counseling and Student Development (CCSD), successfully conducted its annual Leadership Training Seminar on September 8, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 NN at the UBLES Quadrangle. With the theme “UBIAN LEADERS: Leading with Respect, Action, and Purpose,” the activity gathered classroom officers, club officers, and Supreme Pupil Government (SPG) officers for a meaningful half-day program that focused on nurturing the next generation of UBian leaders.
The seminar aimed to promote inclusive leadership among young UBians by encouraging them to value diversity and build harmonious relationships with others. It also sought to instill a sense of purpose and leadership identity grounded in kindness, discipline, responsibility, and action. Most importantly, it introduced participants to the UBian attributes—UB-CARES—which highlight the essential qualities of Critical and Creative Thinkers, Active and Lifelong Learners, Reflective Leaders, Effective Communicators, and Service-Driven Citizens.
A highlight of the event was the participation of the University of Baguio Supreme Student Council (SSC). Representing the SSC, Mary Jane Pilawen (Secretary for Internal Affairs) and Joi Mari Angelique Mina (Secretary for External Affairs) served as resource speakers. They shared their experiences as student leaders and emphasized the importance of leading with respect, taking purposeful action, and inspiring others through service. Their talks, complemented by interactive activities and group discussions, allowed participants to reflect on their roles and responsibilities as young leaders.
The immediate impact of the activity was evident in the enthusiasm of the participants, who expressed newfound confidence and a deeper understanding of leadership as a responsibility rather than a position. In the long term, the lessons learned from the seminar are expected to foster a sustainable culture of responsible leadership within UBLES, as these young officers apply their skills to positively influence their peers and communities.
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the activity directly supported SDG 4: Quality Education by providing student leaders with meaningful learning experiences outside the classroom. It also promoted SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions by strengthening inclusive and effective student governance structures within the school.
The seminar was made possible through the collaboration of the UBLES-CCSD Office and the UB Supreme Student Council, showcasing the value of partnerships in developing leadership potential among the youth. What makes this activity unique is its integration of the UB-CARES framework, which ensures that leadership training is aligned with the identity and values of the University of Baguio. As an annual undertaking, the Leadership Training Seminar continues to provide a sustainable platform for equipping UBLES leaders with skills and values that will benefit not only their school but also the broader UB community.
