SLSU Champions Youth Empowerment with Landmark Student Leadership Convergence, General Assembly

Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) made history as it held the university’s first-ever Student Leadership Convergence with the theme “Empowering Young Leaders through Advocacy, Transparency, and Climate Action” on August 13, 2025, at the Hotel de SLSU Ballroom, coinciding with the celebration of International Youth Day. The event was followed by the General Student Assembly on August 14, 2025, at the Multipurpose Court.

The convergence, the first of its kind in the region, was the brainchild of SLSU’s student ambassadors—Juana Marie Amplayo, Khane Dulfo, Jefferson Itaok, and Jaycel Lansang—who implemented their action plan under the Youth Financial Inclusion (YFI) and Freedom of Information (FOI) initiatives. The event was also a product of insights and skills gained from leadership trainings in Bohol, Iloilo, Baguio, Baybay, and Manila. A total of 86 student leaders from various campuses participated in the gathering.

University President Dr. Jude A. Duarte delivered the welcome address, recognizing the strong partnerships that made the milestone possible. Rey G. Comabig, FOI Head, explained the purpose of the convergence, stressing that it was designed to bring national-level speakers to SLSU so more student leaders could benefit from their expertise despite financial constraints.

The convergence featured notable speakers, including Hon. Rhett Anthony Gabronino, Sogod’s First Councilor, who emphasized that today’s student leaders are not mere officers “for the sake of paper” but changemakers in their communities.

The sessions included:

• Leading with Integrity: Student Leaders as Champions of FOI by Carla Bianca Serut, Frances Paula Liboon, and Jozelle Jhea Dela Cruz of the Presidential Communications Office.

• Championing Youth Financial Inclusion for Tomorrow’s Leaders by Cesar Augusto E. Villanueva, Jr., Deputy Director of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

• Retail Government Securities for Students by Maria Fe Luzette D. Lumapas and Jayson C. Basa of the Bureau of the Treasury.

• Breaking the Silence: Empowering Student Leaders for HIV Education and Action by Abigail Gonzales Amon, co-founder of Team Dugong Bughaw.

• Climate in Crisis: The Role of Student Leaders in Shaping a Sustainable Future by Joseph B. Pilapil of The Climate Reality Project Philippines.

Participants developed and presented action plans on these themes. The convergence concluded with closing remarks from Beverly Ann Isaga. A Quiz Bee capped the day, where winners received BSP merchandise.

On the second day, the General Student Assembly that was attended by over 1,000 students centered on Youth Empowerment through Finance and Information. Financial institutions—including BSP, Landbank, PNB, Palawan Pay, Maya, GCash, PHCCI-MPC Tacloban, and BPI BanKo—as well as the Securities and Exchange Commission, set up booths and presented their services to students. With support from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), students were able to conveniently open bank accounts online. As an added incentive, the first 800 students who opened a transaction account on the same day received free lunch. FOI Philippines also presented to the assembly, followed by updates on university policies and activities.

National Youth Commission Undersecretary Joseph Francisco ‘Jeff’ Ortega delivered a message on both days of the event, urging students to harness leadership as a powerful tool for community transformation.

On August 15, 2025, a sustainability meeting was held at Café Romara with BSP representatives. New ambassadors were challenged to continue the pioneering efforts of their predecessors.

“We are truly proud of the remarkable achievement of Southern Leyte State University’s ambassadors. This milestone marks the first of its kind in the country, and it now serves as a valuable guide for us to replicate and implement in other universities,” said Maria Georgina Carmel O. Fabreag, BSP Bank Officer V.

“When young leaders rise with advocacy in their hearts, transparency in their actions, and climate action in their vision, they do not just change the future—they redefine it,” emphasized Rey G. Comabig, adviser of the student ambassadors.

The groundbreaking events were made possible through partnerships with the Municipality of Sogod, House of Representatives District II, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Freedom of Information Philippines, Department of Information and Communications Technology, National Youth Commission, Dugong Bughaw, Bureau of the Treasury, Climate Reality Project Philippines, Landbank, PNB, Palawan Pay, Maya, GCash, PHCCI-MPC Tacloban, BPI BanKo, and Securities and Exchange Commission.