Written by Wendy Baloran and Alexandra Tolyaden
Photographs courtesy of Wendy Baloran and Alexandra Tolyaden
BAGUIO CITY – Student leaders and participants gathered at the Philippine Baptist Theological Seminary last February 27–28, 2026, for the Leadership Summit 2026, centered on the theme “BLOOM: Building Leadership Through Opportunities, Optimism, and Mindfulness.” It is a two-day event hosted by the University of Baguio’s Office of the Students Affairs that aims to cultivate holistic leadership by equipping students with the mindset, skills, and values needed to thrive in both academic and real-life settings.
The summit brought together aspiring leaders from various departments, creating a space for learning, collaboration, and personal growth. Participants engaged in meaningful discussions and activities designed to strengthen their confidence, communication skills, and sense of responsibility as future leaders.
The first day of the summit featured two inspiring speakers, Mr. Marc Gerard Mabunga and Mr. Reuben Aslor, who shared their insights on leadership development, resilience, and the importance of maintaining a positive and mindful outlook. Their talks emphasized how opportunities, when paired with optimism and self-awareness, can shape individuals into effective and compassionate leaders. Both speakers encouraged participants to embrace challenges as stepping stones toward growth and to lead with purpose and integrity.
In addition to the talks, interactive activities were conducted. The activities allowed participants to actively apply leadership concepts, collaborate with peers, and reflect on their personal leadership styles. Through group exercises and discussions, students were able to build connections and gain a deeper understanding of teamwork and adaptability.
The second day of the summit shifted focus to outdoor activities, where participants engaged in team-building exercises that highlighted cooperation, trust, and problem-solving. These activities not only strengthened camaraderie among participants but also demonstrated the importance of unity and effective communication in achieving shared goals.
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the summit supports multiple targets. It advances SDG 4 (Quality Education) by fostering an inclusive environment for leadership concepts, interactive discussions, and experiential activities that build critical thinking, communication, and lifelong learning skills. It promotes SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) through sessions on ethical leadership, resilience, and accountable decision-making. The event contributes to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by encouraging diverse participants to collaborate and embrace inclusive practices. It strengthens SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) via team-building and networking that build cross-departmental alliances. Finally, it ties into SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) by emphasizing mindfulness, optimism, and mental resilience for holistic personal growth.
The event concluded with a closing ceremony that celebrated the participants’ growth and experiences throughout the summit. Organizers expressed their gratitude to everyone involved, emphasizing that leadership is a continuous journey of learning and self-improvement. Participants left the summit inspired and motivated to apply the principles of BLOOM in their respective roles and communities.
The Leadership Summit 2026 successfully served as a platform for nurturing student leaders who are not only capable but also mindful, optimistic, and open to opportunities. As the event came to an end, it left a lasting impact on its participants, reminding them that true leadership begins from within and blossoms through action, reflection, and service.
