SOIT SC hosts Leadership Summit 2021

Article by: Crismhil S. Anselmo and Alexandra Isabelle G. Delavin

Graphics by: Cristelle S. Corpuz

With the aim of unlocking students’ potential to lead, serve, and inspire, the Mapúa University (MU) School of Information Technology (SOIT) Student Council held the Leadership Summit 2021 last June 7 to 12 through different online platforms.

The six-day long event invited professionals from various fields to share their insights and experiences as leaders through the years to emphasize the theme “Leaders Creating Leaders”.

Eyes on the summit

In his speech during the opening ceremony last June 7 via Facebook Live, MU President and CEO Dr. Reynaldo B. Vea mentioned the five principles he adheres to in his years of experience as a leader. “… articulate a vision and lead the organization towards the attainment of that vision […], never ask your followers to do what you yourself are not willing to do […], never put personal interests above that of the organization […], make those tough decisions and get used to the loneliness [...], [and] simply do the right thing,” he imparted.

Following this, Vice President of the Philippines Leni Robredo delivered her keynote speech and highlighted the importance of leadership amidst these trying times. “Ang panawagan sa‘tin ngayon [is] to further widen our circles of compassion [and] to listen and gauge more constantly […] an eye towards bigger, more impactful solutions. Be kind, do good, and continue to inspire others," she remarked.

Honing the skills to the top

Later that day, Former Mapúa Central Student Council President Gerardo Catangui hosted a webinar entitled “Defining Mapúan Leadership In and Outside the School” where he discussed the formula to become a top Cardinal in a globalized world. Subsequently, Co-founder and Managing Director of the digital marketing company, Sprak PH, Nicole Batungbacal led a workshop on how to create significant online content.

For the second day of the Leadership Summit 2021, Acting National President and Executive Vice President of the National Alliance of Youth Leaders, Inc. Rainer Suarez led a webinar on the power of youth leadership amidst the pandemic, while Nino B. Sangalang, the  Executive Director and Founder of the youth-led non-profit organization, BiyayaNiJuan, conducted a webinar on youth empowerment and motivation towards leadership advocacies. Afterwards, April Rivera, Executive Senior Sales Director of Mary Kay Philippines, facilitated a digital pampering class to foster confidence in youth leaders.

On June 9, Accenture App Development Team Lead Ranaika Basinillo talked about the useful career toolkits in the new normal while Accenture Client Service Delivery Manager Jay Jay Ilagan led a workshop entitled “The 3 V’s of Communication” to encourage students to be the catalysts of change through connection and communication amidst the pandemic

The following day, Andrea Santos, the Project Lead for the marketing technology company, Chimes Consulting, gave advice on amplifying one’s voice and boosting public relations through a webinar.

Closing the events’ series of webinars and workshops last June 11, Founder and Executive Director of the ASEAN Youth Advocates Network Mirus Ponon tackled the ripple effect of positive changes through leadership while Lecturer for the Mapúa Center for Continuing Education and Special Competencies Aileen Vasquez shared tips about Microsoft Excel 2016 through a workshop.

Mounting the flag

The week-long event was ended with a raffle draw and a program last June 12. During the closing ceremony, SOIT Dean Ariel Kelly D. Balan expressed his gratitude towards the committee and attendees who made the event possible and School of Social Sciences and Education Faculty Member Dr. Edward Jay Quinto shared his thoughts on service as the essence of the leadership summit.

Meanwhile, in her video message, Senator Risa Hontiveros highlighted that it is not always about the position or rank that makes one a leader.“Sa bawat pagkakataon na tayo ay tumitindig para sa karapatan ng ating kapwa estudyante, nagsasalita para sa mga walang kakayahan para ipagtanggol ang kanilang sarili o ‘di kaya’y aktibong pakikilahok sa mga programa sa school, tayo ay matuturing na leader,” she imparted.

The senator also urged the students to not let go of their idealism and continue to inspire, uplift, and help others to become better versions of themselves.

At the end of the ceremony, the Mapúa SOIT Student Council thanked their partner organizations, sponsors, guest speakers, and facilitators for their participation and support throughout the Leadership Summit 2021.