LeaF CAMP 2026 Empowers Student Leaders at SLSU–Hinunangan

The Business Innovators’ Guild (BIG), in collaboration with the Agribusiness Department of Southern Leyte State University (SLSU)–Hinunangan Campus, successfully conducted the Leadership and Financial Inclusion Camp 2026 (LeaF CAMP 2026) from January 6 to 8, 2026, at the Multi-purpose Academic Building, SLSU-Hinunangan.

Anchored on the theme “Building Leaders, Strengthening Futures,” LeaF CAMP 2026 served as a dynamic leadership development platform for student leaders across the campus. The program aimed to strengthen leadership competencies, enhance organizational planning skills, and deepen participants’ understanding of financial literacy and ethical resource management—reflecting the University’s continuing commitment to holistic student formation.

The three-day camp featured a distinguished roster of resource speakers who shared practical insights and real-world perspectives on leadership and governance. Mr. Glen Zimore E. Valerio opened the program with a session on Foundations of Leadership, establishing the core values and mindset essential for effective leadership. Mr. Eduardo E. Lleve, Jr. delivered two key sessions—Vanguard Leadership: Leading with Purpose, Integrity, and Influence, and Financial Inclusion and Ethical Financial Management for Youth Leaders—equipping participants with strategies to lead responsibly and manage organizational resources with integrity. Meanwhile, Mr. G-mar D. Mondragon facilitated Strategic Leadership and Organizational Planning for Student Leaders, emphasizing goal-setting, decision-making, and sustainable organizational practices.

Student leaders from various recognized organizations across the SLSU–Hinunangan Campus actively participated in the camp. Through collaborative activities, workshops, and team-based exercises, participants strengthened teamwork, expanded leadership networks, and fostered a shared sense of purpose and accountability as campus leaders.

In his message, Dr. Ian A. Navarrete, Campus Director of SLSU–Hinunangan Campus, underscored the importance of leadership development programs in shaping value-driven student leaders. He emphasized that initiatives such as LeaF CAMP play a crucial role in cultivating integrity, responsibility, and service-oriented leadership—qualities essential for future professionals and community leaders.

The program concluded with an inclusive open forum led by Ms. Roxan D. Pille-Plana, MSc., Head of the Student Affairs and Services (SAS), together with Ms. Charisse Ann Bugais-Pagobo, Guidance Counselor III. The session provided a venue for student leaders to voice concerns, share insights, and offer recommendations, ensuring that leadership programs remain responsive to student needs.

LeaF CAMP 2026 was spearheaded as an academic and co-curricular activity of the Agribusiness students and the Agribusiness Department, reinforcing experiential learning beyond the classroom. The camp aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through leadership and financial literacy training, SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by promoting ethical financial management, and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by fostering accountable, values-based leadership among the youth.

Through LeaF CAMP 2026, SLSU–Hinunangan Campus continues to affirm its role in developing ethical, competent, and socially responsible leaders—empowering students not only to lead organizations, but also to contribute meaningfully to inclusive and sustainable community development.