Skills Development Training Workshop

On February 1, 2025, the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) organized the second set of 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 (𝐒𝐃𝐓𝐖) for School Year 2024-2025 at the James O’Brien Library Multipurpose Room, Ateneo de Naga University. The SDTW is part of OSA's Ateneo Leadership Development Program (ALDP), specifically aimed at equipping student leaders with leadership and management skills. The latest offering focused on providing the participants with hosting-facilitating and technical skills to enhance their ability to manage and execute onsite or online activities effectively.

A total of thirty-three participants from various student organizations attended the workshop, which featured two key sessions led by experienced speakers.

The first session, 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠-𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬, was given by 𝐉𝐨𝐚𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐢𝐧𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐱𝐱 𝐁. 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐚, ADNU alumnus, founder of the Ateneo Hosting Association, and an experienced event host. He shared techniques on engaging audiences, managing program flow, and handling different hosting scenarios, helping participants gain confidence in public speaking and event facilitation.

In the afternoon, 𝐀𝐥 𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐕. 𝐀𝐥𝐛𝐨, a Junior High School faculty of ADNU, and former technical staff volunteer for various OSA events, led the 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐟 session. Drawing from his experience as a volunteer, he shared firsthand insights on the challenges and responsibilities of handling event logistics, emphasizing the importance of technical preparedness. He also discussed the risk assessment, highlighting the need to anticipate and mitigate potential technical issues to ensure smooth event execution. Participants learned about troubleshooting and contingency planning, gaining practical knowledge applicable to both on-site and online events.

The event concluded with the awarding of certificates to the speaker and participants for their participation and commitment to leadership development. Through the SDTW, the organizers hoped that the participants had gained valuable insights and practical skills that will empower them to take on leadership roles with greater confidence and technical proficiency.

Written by: Sofio Joseph L. Almoneda

On September 28-29, 2024, the Office of Student Affairs organized the Skills Development Training Workshop (SDTW): The ABCs of Leadership at the Arrupe Convention Hall, Ateneo de Naga University. As a major component of the Ateneo Leadership Development Program (ALDP). The SDTW aimed at bolstering competency building among officers of recognized college student organizations.

Seventy-four student leaders from 26 student organizations participated in the event. The program covered four core topics, each led by leadership and organizational development professionals.

Dr. Ronald Elicay started the event with an interactive session on Basic Facilitating Skills, discussing facilitation principles, group management, and handling correct and incorrect responses. He also explored various leadership styles, encouraging participants to reflect on whether their approach was more person-oriented or

task-oriented.

Paul John Legaspi followed with a session on Resource Generation: Maximizing Resources in Student Organizations, where he shared strategies for securing funding and resources for student organizations. His discussion emphasized the importance of utilizing internal resources, organizing fundraising events, and establishing partnerships and sponsorships. He outlined the key components of a resource generation plan, including needs assessment, strategy development, and risk management. PJ underscored that resource generation should be an ongoing process, incorporating diverse and creative methods for sustaining organizational goals.

Day 2 opened with a session with James Nathaniel Refugio, LPT, MMath, on Project Development: Challenging the Status Quo, Creating Spaces, which offered a detailed guide to creating impactful projects. He introduced tools like PESTEL analysis—a framework for considering Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, and Legal factors that can affect project outcomes. Refugio also walked participants through the essential elements of a project proposal, ensuring they were equipped with a comprehensive strategy for successful project execution.

The final session, Understanding and Managing Conflict, was led by John Michael Revilla, RGC, RPm, LPT. He taught participants to identify the sources of conflict within teams and apply effective conflict management strategies. Revilla introduced Nonviolent Communication (NVC), a method that promotes empathy, collaboration, and positive communication to resolve conflicts. His session highlighted the importance of clear and empathetic communication in maintaining a constructive team environment.

By the end of the workshop, the organizers hoped that the participants had gained competencies to strengthen their leadership abilities, empowering them to guide their organizations toward impactful projects within and beyond the University. The SDTW focused on providing technical expertise while encouraging participants to embrace empathy, collaboration, and innovation in their leadership roles.