NEWS: ‎ Lighting the Way: CAPSU-Mambusao SSC joins national leadership gathering

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By Jennifer D. Gomez

RECOGNIZING LEADERSHIP. CELEBRATING GROWTH. CAPSU-Mambusao SSC delegates receive their certificates from TRAC Philippines President Mr. Rodel John Q. Damian after participating in the 2nd Outstanding Student Leaders and 6th Student Affairs and Services National Convention 2026 in Baguio City. / Photo: Jennifer D. Gomez

Three officers of the Supreme Student Council (SSC) of Capiz State University (CAPSU)-Mambusao Satellite College represented in the 2nd Outstanding Student Leaders and 6th Student Affairs and Services National Convention 2026 organized by Transforming Advocates and Champions (TRAC), Inc. Philippines, held from October 1 to 3 marking the institution’s third participation in the national gathering of student leaders.
The delegation comprised SSC President Trexy A. Heredero, Vice President Jennifer D. Gomez, and Senator Ryan Chester C. Soriano accompanied by Student Organization and Activities Coordinator Prof. Michelle L. Espartero.
The three-day convention, themed "π‘°π’ˆπ’π’Šπ’•π’Šπ’π’ˆ π‘ͺπ’‰π’‚π’π’ˆπ’† π‘»π’‰π’“π’π’–π’ˆπ’‰ π—™π—Ÿπ—”π—₯π—˜: π‘­π’π’”π’•π’†π’“π’Šπ’π’ˆ π‘³π’†π’‚π’…π’†π’“π’”π’‰π’Šπ’‘, π‘¨π’˜π’‚π’“π’†π’π’†π’”π’”, π‘Ήπ’†π’”π’‘π’π’π’”π’Šπ’ƒπ’Šπ’π’Šπ’•π’š 𝒂𝒏𝒅 π‘¬π’π’ˆπ’‚π’ˆπ’†π’Žπ’†π’π’•," brought together student leaders and representatives from colleges and universities across the country for discussions on leadership, student affairs, advocacy, community engagement, and youth participation.
The convention opened with welcome remarks from TRAC President Mr. Rodel John Q. Damian, who challenged the participants with the question, “What are you willing to sacrifice as a leader?”
The opening ceremony was followed by a keynote address by Ms. Heide R. Lloce-Mendoza, a Filipino auditor, certified public accountant, and advocate for anti-corruption and governance reforms. She underscored the importance of accountability, integrity, and transparency, emphasizing that these values should be embedded in every leader and reflected in every decision they make.
Mendoza later joined an open forum with Mr. John Darnell Castro, 1st mominee of 1PWD Partylist; and Mr. Donald James Gawe, Executive Director, Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency.
The panel addressed questions from student leaders and representatives about Transformative Leadership in the 21st Century and The Power of Self-Awareness: Knowing yourself as a leader.
In the afternoon, delegates participated in a training-workshop on Creating Sustainable Projects, where they were divided into 25 teams. Each team was tasked with proposing its own sustainable project aimed at addressing community or organizational concerns.
The evening segment featured competitions in English and Filipino essay writing, as well as traditional and digital poster making, providing participants with opportunities to showcase their creativity and perspectives.
The second day highlighted the major event, the OSLP CafΓ©, headed by the TRAC President and the OSLP finalists. The activity provided student leaders with opportunities to move beyond conventional leadership and begin developing their own leadership ideas, projects, and advocacies. Building on the experiences from Day 1, the OSLP CafΓ© served as a space for collaboration, reflection, creativity, and transformation, allowing participants to turn their ideas into meaningful action.
The program proceeded with a lecture by Atty. Reynold S. Beredo, who discussed the legal and policy perspectives relevant to student leadership and student affairs and services. He emphasized that student leaders and student affairs and services practitioners must understand legal concepts and the considerations involved in developing policies, making decisions, and managing organizations to promote fairness and prevent avoidable legal concerns.
Later, Assoc. Prof. Gene Justine P. Rosales, MIT, Coordinator of the MIS, Research, Strategic Policy, Planning, and Development Unit of Calaca City Global College, discussed “Future-Proofing Leadership in a World of Artificial Intelligence (AI).”
As the event moved into its evening session, participants took part in singing and dancing competitions, showcasing their talents, creativity, and confidence before the audience.
The program then proceeded with the Cultural Solidarity Night, which provided delegates with an opportunity to celebrate diversity and strengthen camaraderie. Student leaders shared their insights, personal experiences, and the sacrifices they were willing to make in fulfilling their responsibilities as leaders.
The evening also featured a cultural attire presentation, highlighting the rich traditions and cultural heritage of the delegates’ respective regions.
On the final day, Mr. Kiko Aquino Dee., Co-convenor of Tindig Pilipinas, delivered the closing message, commending the participants for their leadership and commitment to student development.
The final day also featured the awarding ceremony and recognition of the Ten Outstanding Student Leaders of the Philippines (OSLP). The CAPSU-Mambusao Supreme Student Council (SSC) participated in the ID Lanyard Exhibition and secured first runner-up, represented by SSC Vice President Jennifer D. Gomez, with the assistance of Prof. Michelle L. Espartero and SSC President Trexy A. Heredero.
Meanwhile, Jay P. G. Basa of the CAPSU-Main Campus secured the top rank in the Outstanding Student Leadership in the Philippines (OSLP).
The convention further motivated SSC President Trexy A. Heredero to uplift fellow students and contribute to the community by fostering meaningful conversations and turning ideas into action.
“Being part of this activity is a great privilege. I learned many things that I can apply to leadership. I was also able to meet new friends from different universities and share our experiences. I can say that it was all worth it. Thank you, TRAC Philippines,” Heredero shared.
The national convention provided a platform for student leaders to exchange ideas, strengthen their advocacies, and foster collaboration among institutions, reinforcing the importance of student leadership in creating meaningful change within their communities.