BPA 4-B Students and SSC Officers Conduct Seminar on Professionalism at SLSU-Maasin City Campus
On November 27, 2024, the Southern Leyte State University - Maasin City Campus hosted a transformative seminar titled "Upholding Excellence: Developing Professionalism for Future Public Servants" at the P.E. Hall. This event, which aimed to inspire students to embody integrity, dedication, and professionalism in their journey toward becoming exemplary public servants, was a collaborative effort by the Bachelor of Public Administration (BPA) 4-B students under the advisory of Dr. Magdaleno T. Samaco Jr. The event also benefited from the active participation of the Supreme Student Council (SSC) officers, further underscoring the collective leadership within the campus.
The program commenced with a warm welcome address by Ms. Yvonne Orais, who set the tone with enthusiasm and commitment. Ms. Annalyn Aguelo followed with a purposeful statement, emphasizing how professionalism plays a pivotal role in public service and nation-building.
To create an engaging atmosphere, the seminar hosts, Mr. John Michael Pia and Ms. Jussa Padilla, facilitated a leveling of expectations, aligning the audience's goals for the day. A soulful rendition of "Lucky" by Mailyn Flores and Franklen Gula then uplifted the audience, adding a creative spark to the event.
The seminar’s highlight was the keynote address by Mr. Conrad Owyn Novh Mercado, introduced by Ms. Rica Mae Ancot. A distinguished professional, Mr. Mercado delivered an inspiring talk that delved into the core principles of professionalism, emphasizing ethical leadership, a mindset of excellence, and the critical importance of accountability in public service. Through his engaging storytelling and personal anecdotes, he challenged students to reflect deeply on their aspirations and the values they must uphold as future public servants.
Mr. Mercado’s address transitioned seamlessly into an interactive workshop where students participated in a role-playing activity. This hands-on session, designed to enhance critical thinking and teamwork, provided practical insights into professionalism and allowed students to apply the lessons they had learned in real-world scenarios.
This seminar contributed significantly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, by instilling values of ethical leadership and integrity. These principles are essential for building inclusive, accountable institutions that uphold public trust and serve as pillars of societal progress.
The program concluded with heartfelt remarks from Ms. Jenelyn Lastra, who expressed gratitude to the organizers, resource speaker, and participants for their active involvement. The success of the event stood as a testament to the dedication and teamwork of the BPA 4-B students, their adviser, and the SSC officers, who worked tirelessly to bring the program to fruition.
This seminar was more than just an academic exercise; it was a vital step in shaping future public servants who are not only equipped with knowledge but also imbued with the values of excellence and professionalism. By fostering these qualities, Southern Leyte State University - Maasin City Campus reaffirmed its commitment to preparing students to be catalysts of meaningful change in society.
