𝐈𝐍𝐘𝐃𝐎 𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐍𝐖𝐔 S𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 L𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝟏𝟎𝟏

The Supreme Student Council, in close cooperation with the Ilocos Norte Youth Development Office, conducted a seminar titled “Youth 101” at the New Media Hall, BAN Building on February 28, 2023. Officers from the different colleges and student organizations gathered to participate in the said event, as the seminar aimed to indulge the youth more in the societal stage.

Dr. Gregoria Najorda, Vice President for Academic Affairs, in her opening remarks stated three types of Youth: the youth of the past, the youth of the present, and the youth of the future.

According to her, PILLAR stands for, peace, integrity, love, loyalty, adaptability, respect and responsibility. “I would like for you to include “PILLAR” in your life and wrap it up with your strong faith in God,” Dr. Najorda said.

The first speaker, Mx. Weenter P. Ventura, Youth Development Officer II, led the talks about the Youth being 21st century leaders and stressed that present youth are now living in a VUCA world – a term used by the US Army to describe the radically different and unfamiliar events that emerged following the 911 attacks.

VUCA means volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous, according to Mx. Ventura, it can also be countered with the acronym VUCA itself – mix referring to vision, understanding, clarity, and agility. Mix also emphasized the importance of internet responsibility by saying, “We need to become responsible. Be mindful of what you post online.”

Furthermore, Mx. Ventura connected the topics to the Social Divides, and presented ways on how youth leaders can bridge divides with the Bridging Leadership Framework.

Mx. Ventura challenged the youth leaders of NWU with three questions: How will they stand ownership in their leadership skills? How are they going to work with other leaders? And how are they going to co-create a reality in the University?

Concurrent to the talks of the first speaker, Mr. Willie Jake B. Sib-at, Youth Development Officer III, discussed further about INYDO, particularly its programs and the Sirib Express. On the other hand, Mr. Randy Labasan, Youth Development Assistant II, gave instructions on how the youth leaders could register their organizations under INYDO. He also motivated the students to register their organizations to enjoy the different benefits from INYDO.

The lectures were followed by a special screening of the documentary film “Arapaap” by Ryand Angelo Ugalde, which featured the story of a student who worked in the carnival to help his family and finish his studies.

In conclusion, Prof Agustina Dancel-Matias, Acting Dean of the Office of Student Affairs, quoted in her closing remarks a famous statement from Dr. Jose Rizal, “The youth is the hope of our future.”

“You must show us what you’ve got, you have to hone your potential, and you have to develop the competencies for you to become better leaders,” she stated.