Bauang, La Union — Saint Louis University (SLU) participated in the 2023 Congregation of Immaculate Heart of Mary – CICM Student Leadership Convergence hosted by Saint Louis College (SLC). SLU was joined by the delegates from different CICM schools, including SLC in La Union, University of Saint Louis (USL) in Tuguegarao City, and Saint Mary’s University (SMU) in Nueva Vizcaya. This annual event, which took place from 10 to 13 October 2023 revolved around the theme, “CICM Mission in Education: Moving Forward Together in Synodality.”
DAY 1: Louisian and Marian CICM schools delegates gather at San Luis Del Mar, La Union
Louisian and Marian delegates arrived at San Luis Del Mar (SLDM), Baccuit Norte, Bauang. They received color-coded personal kits according to their universities, including the Convergence shirt, notepad, program brochure, ballpen, ID and an alcohol container.
After ample time was given to delegates to prepare, they gathered at the pavilion wearing their university shirts. As the welcome dinner commenced, Mr. Keith Layson and Ms. Gemma Gambo introduced themselves as the main hosts for the next 3 days.
A welcome message was delivered by the SLC President Rev. Fr. Ramon Caluza, CICM. He highlighted three points in his speech: character, volunteerism, and prayer — principles that student leaders should practice. “We are transformational leaders,” Caluza relayed, emphasizing that student leaders should give their best to make a better reality. He further added that this 3-day event should bring them closer to Jesus, their sender.
The delegates shared their expectations for the three-day convergence, which they perceive to be a platform to cultivate their leadership skills. They expressed their excitement in meeting new people in different schools which could lead to closer connections with the four CICM schools that attended.
During the welcome dinner, performances were given by participant universities. Some of the performers were John Rey Mangaoang, the 2022 winner of Louisian Got Talent, and Archy Bernard Faroan, a Tawag ng Tanghalan challenger. Delegates from SLU and SLC also took the stage to sing.
DAY 2: Synod on Synodality
After a warm welcome by the host institution, Saint Louis College, day two started with a Thanksgiving Mass led by Rev. Fr. Gilbert Sales, CICM, and Rev. Fr. Roderick Villamar, CICM, the Vice President for Mission and Identity, at the Transfiguration of Our Lord Chapel.
Fr. Sales stressed that good leadership comes with great responsibility. “To be a great leader is a great responsibility. It is important that you are founded and fortified with prayer, so seek God’s guidance,” he stated.
Rev. Fr. Villamar, CICM then proceeded with addressing the delegates saying, “We can only be one heart and one soul if we respect each other despite differences. After all, leadership is about people. We lead people, not machines. We influence human beings, not robots. We don’t set ourselves apart,” said Fr. Villamar.
The inspiring messages were followed by insightful teachings and video clips featuring “Synod on Synodality” and its three facets—communion, participation, and mission—which were discussed by Fr. Victor de Guzman, JCL. After that, Mr. Joshua Dingle, a Catholic Faith Education (CFE) professor, discussed in small groups and gave a presentation titled “Synodality and the CICM Student Leaders,” where they responded to inquiries about personal and group leadership experiences.
To further understand Good Governance and Student Leadership, Taripnong Ken Tungtungan ti Luwisyano (TKTL) Convergence Edition was conducted in the lecture session where they answered different questions and queries from the student delegates.
Joining the discussion were Atty. Charity Ann Ines, Mr. Rafael Nacionales, Mr. Nino Nomyr Saavedra, Dr. John Kenneth Airol Valdez, Engr. Noriel Nisperos, Jestherin Balinton, and Nino Medina who responded to inquiries on their leadership experiences.
Meanwhile, Mr. Christopher Maynes facilitated the second activity. Delegates from different schools demonstrated student leadership and good governance by presenting the plans and platforms that each group has listed specifically for their institution.
To end the day, the delegates had the opportunity to see SLC’s on-campus buildings and facilities under the guidance of the Louisian representatives before returning to San Luis Del Mar.
On the night of day two, student delegates got the chance to strengthen friendships through fellowship with their groupmates. They shared their unforgettable experiences, the most remarkable part of their lives, difficulties, and challenges. All these worries and self-doubting thoughts were written on paper and burned. This activity helped them conquer their present situation and embrace the process to be a good influence as a Student Leader to the whole student body of their respective schools.
Day 3: PH CICM student leaders participate in #SaveTheTurtles movement
The convergence’s third day went full blast. The morning session started with a wellness activity followed by a symposium.
SLC’s Vice President for Mission and Identity Fr. Roderick G. Villamar, CICM tackled the CICM Mission in Education, highlighting people’s experiences in the early years of the CICM schools. He recalled how SLU, being the first CICM school to ever be established in the country, gave birth to numerous opportunities to the Cordilleran community.
Before the morning ended, the SSC presidents of the four participating schools presented their own project proposals that they think would benefit the six CICM schools, including the one outside Luzon. The projects ranged from creation of CICM Student Leaders Alliance to Community Adoption, all of which earned a commendation from Mr. Leo Esteene Galap, PhD, facilitator and former SLC-CSC President.
Student-leaders were energized once more as they prepared for a more physical activity planned for the afternoon session. The first trip was to La Union’s Provincial Capitol where the delegates had the opportunity to meet La Union’s Governor, Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David. Being the first woman in La Union to hold the position, the governor shared her tips and tricks to her fellow Louisians. Acronymed RVOD, the governor stressed the characteristics of effective leaders namely relevance, vibrant, outstanding, and developmental. After meeting with the esteemed public servant, the group was given a chance to tour the Provincial Capitol.
The highlight of the day was the trip to Coastal Underwater Resource Management Actions (CURMA) in Ili Norte, San Juan, La Union. CURMA is a Sea Turtle Conservation Effort in collaboration with the public and private sector. While Louisians and Marians expected to release the baby sea turtles to the ocean, owner Carlos Tamayo explained that the nesting season had only begun. Still, the delegates were ecstatic to do a clean-up drive along the shoreline.
After sacking bits and pieces of plastic, the group was enjoined to listen to CURMA’s history, their conservation projects, and the challenges that come with it.
To end the night, SLC entreated their guests with an exceptional performance from Center for Culture, the Arts, and Heritage (SLC CCAH) back at San Luis Del Mar. The Advocacy Concert was able to showcase the students’ passion and social involvement through singing and dancing.
Day Four: Conclusions and Contemplations
In an enthusiastic and inspirational conclusion to the 2023 CICM Schools Student Leadership Convergence, student-leaders from the four CICM schools tested their creativity, adaptability, and communication skills as Ms. Nella Brenda P. Espinueva, Guidance Coordinator, SLC-SFLU, facilitated team building. Honing the qualities that student-leaders must have in order to be effective leaders.
Aside from the personal development of the student-leaders, the convergence was also designed to foster the values of unity and cooperation among the CICM school community. Emphasizing the importance of cooperation and unity in attaining our common goals.
At the end of a transformative experience, certificates of achievement were awarded to each student-leader. Armed with the knowledge that they can apply to their respective schools and communities, working towards positive change and progress.
As the 2023 CICM School Student Leadership Convergence came to a close, it left a message of advocacy and commitment to generating tomorrow’s leaders who will bring change to their schools and communities.
The CICM schools look forward to the 2025 CICM Student Convergence, which will be held at Saint Mary’s University in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, where their mission of empowering leaders will continue.
Co-written by
Alexis Nicole D. Ulep – EIC of SLU Daily Dose
Levi Mark C. Dalagonan – EIC of Stellaris
Naaman Abraham Ariel R. Justo – EIC of The Buttress
Leila Gwen B. Aspiras – EIC of Schema
