Project LEAD Strengthens Youth Leadership Through Two-Day Leadership and Team Building Retreat
Project LEAD (Local Empowerment and Development) successfully conducted a two-day Leadership and Team Building Retreat on December 14–15, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, as part of its continuing research-based extension initiatives. Project LEAD is a research-based extension project anchored on the study entitled “The Effectiveness of SK Mandatory Training Conducted in the Local Government Unit of Maasin City,” which serves as the empirical foundation of its extension interventions. Guided by the findings of this research, the project aims to strengthen the leadership capacities of barangay Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials in the Municipality of Macrohon, Southern Leyte.
Anchored on the belief that effective leadership is vital in building resilient and sustainable communities, Project LEAD focuses on empowering young local officials through structured, evidence-based training in leadership and governance. The Leadership and Team Building Retreat was designed to enhance participants’ ability to lead effectively, communicate clearly, manage teams, and foster positive working environments that support community development.
The activity was led by Junelen G. Inting, MBA, who opened the program with a Welcome Message and Statement of Purpose, emphasizing the importance of leadership development and teamwork in youth governance. The activity was facilitated by Salvacion Teng, MPA, with the assistance of two student-facilitators, Ariel Escol and Janeth Buscagan, who supported the conduct of sessions and workshop activities. The overall coordination of the training was handled by James Michael P. Amrinto, LPT, serving as the Training Coordinator. The retreat brought together barangay SK officials for a series of lecture-discussion sessions and interactive workshops that encouraged active participation, reflection, and practical application of leadership concepts.
The first session, facilitated by Junelen G. Inting, MBA, focused on Leadership Styles and Team Dynamics. Participants explored various leadership approaches and examined how these styles influence team behavior, performance, and morale. The session highlighted the importance of adapting leadership styles to the needs of the team and organizational goals, resulting in improved team performance and collaboration. A workshop followed the lecture, allowing participants to assess their leadership styles and apply the concepts through team-based activities.
The second session on Day 1 was facilitated by Engr. Ma. Dulce S. Gonzalez, MAED, who discussed Effective Communication and Problem Solving. The discussion emphasized the role of clear and open communication in reducing conflicts and resolving issues efficiently. Participants engaged in guided activities that strengthened their communication skills and reinforced collaborative problem-solving approaches, contributing to improved teamwork and faster issue resolution.
On Day 2, the retreat continued with a session facilitated by Dr. Jonathan J. Palco, who discussed Motivating Teams and Managing Stress. The session focused on strategies to promote well-being, manage stress effectively, and motivate teams to sustain productivity. Participants gained insights into creating positive and supportive team environments that encourage engagement, resilience, and overall performance. A workshop followed to help participants apply stress management and motivation strategies in realistic leadership scenarios.
Throughout the two-day activity, participants demonstrated active engagement in discussions and workshops, reflecting increased awareness of leadership styles, communication strategies, and team motivation techniques. The retreat also fostered stronger collaboration and camaraderie among SK officials, reinforcing the value of teamwork in youth leadership and governance.
The Leadership and Team Building Retreat marks a significant milestone in the implementation of Project LEAD. The activity not only contributed to the development of leadership and governance competencies among SK officials but also provided valuable inputs for the ongoing assessment of SK Mandatory Training effectiveness. Insights and outputs generated from the retreat will inform future extension activities and support the continued empowerment of young leaders in local governance.
Project LEAD remains committed to advancing research-based extension initiatives that strengthen youth leadership and promote sustainable community development. Documentation photos and activity highlights from the Leadership and Team Building Retreat are attached to this article to showcase the active participation and learning experiences of the participants.
