Ma. Sophia Re-an Reyes · NEWS · 1 min read · June 29, 2025

Anchored on the theme “Trailblaze: Charting New Paths Through Visionary Leadership” and inspired by the Disney film Up, this year’s Leadership Training Seminar (LTS) held last June 19-20 featured a variety of engaging activities aimed at empowering Augustinian student leaders.

Unlike previous editions, the 2025 LTS spanned two days and welcomed participants from both the High School and Grade School Student Councils. Attendees took part in team-building exercises and pitched project proposals designed to strengthen their respective organizations.

The seminar was headlined by esteemed keynote speakers: Atty. Renee Co, the Representative-elect and National Spokesperson of Kabataan Partylist, Mr. Joseph Querijero, a former Assistant Secretary-Treasurer of the Supreme Student Council, and Ms. Rebecca Baliton, the Regional Coordinator of the National Union of Students of the Philippines. Each speaker led unique, insightful discussions on the roles, responsibilities, and challenges of servant leadership.

“The youth feel hesitation because the prevailing culture asks us to be silent. [...] As individuals, we can't change the world alone, but we need to understand that our place in the world is not singular, and there is great power if we are hand-in-hand with fellow youth and other oppressed sectors. To do that, we have to speak up and stand up, and it starts in every little thing we do,” shared Co, when asked about youth participation in leadership and the lack thereof.

Co also emphasized the importance of communication within organizations. Meanwhile, Baliton introduced frameworks for effective leadership and discussed key skills leaders must develop, while Querijero shared his experiences and practical advice on navigating leadership as a form of service. 

Participants also attended sessions led by the Supreme Student Council, which focused on the personal dimensions of leadership, emphasizing self-awareness, commitment, and growth.

The program briefly paused for an earthquake drill, which was conducted in coordination with school-wide safety protocols. All students and faculty on campus participated in the drill.