CMU LEADS: OSA, GAD conduct three-day Training Camp

The Office of the Student Affairs (OSA) and Gender and Development (GAD) organization in partnership with the Youth Empowerment Society (YES) Bukidnon held a three-day training camp entitled “CMU LEADS: Challenging, Motivating, Unifying Leaders through Leadership, Empowerment, Advocacy, Development, Sensitivity on Gender Perspectives” held at the university Social Hall, August 24-26.

Two hundred and seventy-five student leaders from 69 different student organizations of the university joined the activity. According to Prof. Raul M. Ebuña, OSA Director, the event was supposed to be a mid-year activity, but they have engaged with the YES Bukidnon just this semester, so they conducted this project during the holiday.

Caesar Enrico R. de los Reyes, the Founder and Chairperson of YES Bukidnon motivated the participants to become more of themselves. He challenged: “At the end of this camp, I hope you will come out to become the best [version of yourselves] that the country deserves.”

He also shared the mission of the organization which is to work with young leaders in their journey towards servant leadership. Moreover, De los Reyes emphasized that their organization does not only want the participants to come out as student leaders with skills but with the heart to serve.

Meanwhile, Jesus Antonio G. Derije, the University President, shared his testimony during his keynote speech as he was once a student leader in his college journey. He also relayed to the students that he is a text away whenever there is a concern that needs to be addressed.

“I am your father, your president, but I can step down to your level. I am a defender of student rights,” he assured.

Meanwhile, Aeron Calang, Chairperson of the Development Communication Society explained during an interview on how the training camp affects him as a person.

“I’m a very competitive person but after this three-day camp, I’ve had a lot of change of perspectives. They taught me how to value the impact that we give more than being a top of those group that we are competing with and I think that’s the greatest thing I’ve learned,” he stated.

Another interview with Ryan Anthony Cahucom, Chairperson of the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines – Council of Student Chapter (IIEE-CSC) revealed the things he realized from the camp.

“I learned to become an effective and efficient leader. I also realized that you need to experience some painful challenges because as a leader, you need to be ready in whatever circumstances and challenges that will occur anytime,” he elaborated.

Highlights of the leadership training were the six plenaries which focused on (1) Robert’s Rule of Order, (2) Minutes Writing and Writing Business Letters, (3) Office Management and Conflict Management, (4) Events Management and Marketing Organization, (5) Generation Z, and (6) Basic Protocols and Effective Communication. Other activities performed by the student leaders were group works and solidarity dances. (Aimee Lou D. Madjus)