Leading Waves of Change: The Virtual Graduation of Daluyong’s First Cohort

Eldrin Steven Dones, Kylie Niechols Miranda, & Prince Robel Tecson

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021 - After four months of weekly leadership training, coaching sessions, and workshops, the first cohort of Daluyong: The Alyansa Leadership e-Bootcamp completed their journey through a graduation ceremony.

Hosted by Trisha Santiaguel and Gio Guerrero, the program commenced as the head coach of the first cohort, Mr. Arvin Ramos, delivered his opening remarks and congratulations towards the graduates. “That’s why to our graduating cohort, harness the power of your ideas, reimagine the world we live in, take courage, and do not be afraid to fail. Your journey in Daluyong is a product of an idea. Today, and as you move forward, is your chance to show us the product of your ideas,” Mr. Ramos said.

The presentation of the graduates composed of 36 members followed. The graduates were introduced by their coaches and gave them recognition and acknowledgment for their works as members of Daluyong for the past weeks.

Subsequently, the commencement message of the Vice President of the Philippines, Her Excellency, Maria Leonor Robredo went after. Vice President Robredo expressed her regards and gladness for the graduating participants, that they were able to find leadership opportunities while amid a pandemic. “Hindi madali ang trabahong ito. Paalala rin ng tema ninyo na may daluyong ng mga pagsubok pang naghihintay sa landas ninyo. Marami pa kayong kailangang harapin sa buhay bilang estudyante, bilang lider, bilang Filipino. Pero ang tugon dito, sariling daluyong ng pagkakaisa at malasakit. Hindi sumasabay sa agos, hindi nagpapatangay sa takot, hindi nagpapalunod sa pagkabigo; kundi sabay-sabay na sumusulong, na bumabanagon, na lumilikha ng panibagong maliliit na mga alon na kapag sama-sama, puwedeng makagawa ng malaking daluyong ng pagbabago,” Mrs. Robredo stated.

Moreover, a speech was delivered by Gian Maverick Mandap mentioning the importance and purpose of leadership and that it is not yet over until the objectives of Daluyong are sown. Mr. Mandap noted, “Daluyong is still not over. In fact, we are just getting started. So on behalf of the first cohort of Daluyong: The Alyansa Leadership e-Bootcamp, we accept the challenge to lead the waves of change. Not just for our target communities, but for the rest of the Philippines as well.” He also mentioned that whenever an opportunity to help others is presented, never hesitate to take it.

Afterwards, the President of Aksyon Alyansa Letranista and the Learning Coordinator of Daluyong, Mr. Gian Valiente, announced the recipients of the Leadership Excellence Award. The 10 awardees are the following: Louise D. Mondragon, Jason Kyle C. Julian, Airah Nicole T. Jimeno, Jerina V. Andres, Mari Francesca S. Maniquis, Micah Queisha E. De Guzman, Gian Maverick C. Mandap, Patricia Yvonne M. Baligod, Julian H.D.R. Bhojwani, and Hannah Rose F. Licardo.

Furthermore, Mr. Julian Bhojwani delivered an acceptance message on behalf of the awardees. He stated, “Leaders who can adapt to different circumstances, challenges, and requirements despite their lack of experience or accolades. The need for individuals such as them, have never been greater than before. And with more individuals waking up to what it means to finally be human, the more we must safeguard our dear communities.”

Finally, the presentation of awards was held. For the Best Awareness Campaign: “Agapay Dumagat” (3rd Place), “Ako Lumad” (2nd Place), and “Ahon Artex” (1st Place). The ceremony then proceeded to award the Best Presenters. Mari Franchesca Maniquis of Superhueman and Airah Nicole Jimeno of Agapay Dumagat Project were named as 3rd Best Presenters. Meanwhile, Prince Robel Tecson of Project KinigKuwento and Julian Harish Bhojwani of Ako Lumad Project were the 2nd Best Presenters. And lastly, the Best Presenter Award went to Gian Maverick Mandap of Agapay Dumagat Project. For the Bayanihan Project winners: “Superhueman” as 3rd Place, “Project KinigKuwento” as 2nd Place, and “Agapay Dumagat” as 1st Place.