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ADNU OSA Holds Training Workshop on Strategic Planning
ADNU OSA Holds Training Workshop on Strategic Planning
On October 25–26, 2025, the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) held this school year’s Skills Development Training Workshop (SDTW) at the Arrupe Convention Hall, Ateneo de Naga University.
The SDTW is part of OSA’s Ateneo Leadership Development Program (ALDP), which runs in progression and is distributed over one school year, designed to address the developmental needs of student leaders from recognized student organizations. This year’s workshop focused on Project Development and was facilitated by Dr. Marshal Murillo, Executive Assistant to the Office of the President.
A total of 39 student leaders from 20 organizations participated in the two-day workshop.
The First day of the workshop started with the introduction of the concept of strategic planning as a process of defining one’s purpose, direction, and desired transformation. Dr. Murillo guided the participants through key planning questions: Where are we now? Where do we want to go? How will we get there? How will we know we are succeeding?
Student leaders assessed their organizations’ current realities using SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) and later applied TOWS Analysis to craft strategies and flagship initiatives. Dr. Murillo also discussed the difference between strategy and a Strategic Action Plan (SAP), emphasizing how vision and purpose guide long-term organizational goals.
The afternoon session featured the presentation of each organization’s SWOT and TOWS analyses, followed by an introduction to Futures Thinking through the 3H Framework. (What’s happening now? What’s emerging? What’s possible?)
The second day focused on ensuring that organizational goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART). Participants learned how to translate their plans into concrete, achievable outcomes.
The day concluded with the critiquing of each organization’s outputs, guided by Mr. Rodolfo “Sonny” SB. Virtus Jr. and peer reviewers from fellow organizations. As part of their outputs, the participants collectively formulated around 24 strategies across their organizations. These include strengthening collaboration with other organizations, offices, and external partners; enhancing external representations; improving leadership development within the organization; promoting mental health and well-being; providing structured breaks for officers and volunteers; and ensuring consistent documentation to support future sponsorship and partnerships.
Through the SDTW, OSA hopes to continue equipping student leaders with the mindset, competencies, and systems necessary for sustainable, impactful, and mission-driven leadership, one that transforms vision into action for the greater good. The activity received an evaluation rating of 4.8 out of 5 (Excellent).
Some of the key insights shared by the participants include:
“I learned how to develop a plan using the SWOT, TOWS, Future Thinking, the 3 Horizons, and making a strategic action plan. Since I am an officer and will be taking on a bigger role next year, this would really really greatly help me in further improving my organization as well as the student body whom I serve.”
“Organizations should not only conduct events for the sake of publicity and just implementing something, but to have an identity and to provide a space for its members to express their ideas and themselves, and alleviate stress.”
“As Ateneans, we are being honed to not just be academically competent, but also be of service to others. Thus, such a workshop like this contributes greatly to shape our skills and competency as leaders. We are not just mere controlling the organization and its members, but we are aligning our values to the mission of the club as well as the change that it needs.”
ADNU OSA Holds Training on Event Hosting, Tech Skills
ADNU OSA Holds Training on Event Hosting, Tech Skills
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
ADNU OSA Spearheads New Round of Skills Training for Student Leaders
ADNU OSA Spearheads New Round of Skills Training for Student Leaders
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.
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