SLSU Bontoc Student Leaders Empowered at 2025 Midyear Interactive Youth Forum

Student leaders Clarice R. Gumapi and Miles Aidrian C. Lopez proudly represented Southern Leyte State University – Bontoc Campus at the 2025 Midyear Interactive Youth Forum held on September 17–19, 2025, at Summit Galleria Cebu, carrying the theme “NextGen Leadership: Champions of Good Governance.”

Organized by the Philippine Association of Practitioners of Student Affairs and Services, Inc. (PAPSAS), the three-day forum brought together young leaders and advocates from various universities nationwide. It aimed to cultivate responsible, visionary student leaders who uphold integrity, accountability, and service in governance.

Representing SLSU Bontoc, Gumapi, who serves as SSC President, and Lopez joined a series of plenary sessions, workshops, and collaborative activities that deepened their understanding of ethical leadership and advocacy work.

The forum opened with a keynote address titled “From Campus to Country: Reigniting Good Governance” delivered by Mr. Jeffrey Ochoa Tarayao, President of One Meralco Foundation. He inspired delegates to view themselves as “governors of today”—leaders responsible for upholding courage, compassion, and integrity within their communities.

This was followed by Dr. Christian Emmanuel P. Enriquez’s transformative talk, “Youth in Governance: Finding Our Seat at the Table,” which emphasized the importance of empathy, inclusion, and accountability in leadership. Dr. Enriquez encouraged participants to ensure that the people they serve feel heard, valued, and empowered.

The plenary session “Mobilizing the Youth: Turning Advocacy into Impact,” led by Mr. Metodio Margaruinot Jr., Founder of YouthLead Philippines, inspired participants to translate passion into actionable initiatives. His message underscored that advocacy must be rooted in tangible impact rather than mere enthusiasm.

Participants then engaged in a series of interactive workshops designed to strengthen collaboration and ethical leadership, including:

• #UgnayanNgKabataan: Bridging Voices and Power, which fostered teamwork and the sharing of ideas among youth leaders;

• #KabataangKumikilos: From Awareness to Action, which guided participants in transforming advocacy concepts into implementable plans; and

• #PamumunongMakabago: Leading with Purpose and Integrity, which focused on staying true to one’s leadership values amid challenges.

Beyond the discussions, the event encouraged camaraderie and cultural exchange through the Regional Treasure Exchange, where participants shared local products and symbols of identity. The culminating Declaration and Commitment Rites marked a powerful moment of unity, as delegates pledged to champion integrity and good governance in their respective institutions.

Reflecting on the experience, Gumapi shared that the forum strengthened her commitment to champion good governance:

“The three-day forum was more than a learning experience—it was a call to action. It reminded me that leadership success is not measured by titles, but by integrity, accountability, and compassion,” she said.

Lopez shared, “The Midyear Youth Forum empowered me to lead with purpose. It reminded me that true leadership means influencing others through service, character, and action.”

Returning to SLSU Bontoc, both student leaders carry with them a renewed sense of mission—to apply the principles of ethical leadership in their campus and community. Their participation in the 2025 Midyear Interactive Youth Forum exemplifies SLSU Bontoc’s continuing commitment to developing young leaders who embody integrity, service, and social responsibility.

Through forums like this, SLSU Bontoc reinforces its vision of producing not only competent graduates but also empowered youth leaders who will help shape a transparent, accountable, and compassionate nation.