Over the course of five days, student scholars across the region gathered at Taal Vista Hotel, Tagaytaty City, Cavite for a transformative and empowering experience at the 2024 DOST-SEI Student Leadership Camp (SLC). The camp, organized by the Department of Science and Technology, aimed to foster nationalism and patriotism, equip leadership skills, and ignite the potential of young leaders while promoting solidarity among science scholars.

Jhonel B. Bravante, a student majoring in General Science within the BS Education program, alongside Eunice S. Mendoza, who is pursuing a BS in Geology, and Chlouie Anne T. Narvato, a student of BS Biology, had the honor of representing Partido State University as official delegates at the esteemed Scholars Leadership Camp held from June 18-22, 2024.

During the camp, ParSU scholars and participants took part in various activities and workshops facilitated by experienced professionals and speakers. The camp also featured talks on DOST-SEI Scholarship Programs and insights from alumni-scholars, which offered valuable insights and inspiration to the participants. On the third and fourth days, there were additional talks on youth participation and civic engagement, leaving participants motivated to create a positive change in their communities. The participants also engaged in interactive "Star Gaze" sessions, networking opportunities, icebreaker activities, and a leadership skills workshop. The camp concluded with a heartfelt Pinning and Graduation Ceremony. Apart from the jam-packed activities, participants had the opportunity to showcase their talents during the evening socials and be able to mingle and build camaraderie with their fellow young scholars.

The sessions were carefully curated to address key aspects of leadership, including communication skills, teamwork, problem-solving, decision-making, and ethical leadership. From engaging in team-building exercises to participating in thought-provoking discussions, the students were challenged to step out of their comfort zones and explore their potential as leaders.

In addition, the camp also provided a nurturing and supportive environment for personal growth and self-discovery of the student scholar participants as they were encouraged to reflect on their values, strengths, and aspirations, and to develop a deeper understanding of their roles as leaders in their schools and communities.

Reflecting on the success of the camp, Bravante stated, “During my five-day stay in Tagaytay…I learned several valuable lessons. I realized the importance of kindness in fostering an inclusive environment, the necessity of balancing responsibilities to prevent burnout, the power of confidence and trust in teamwork, the significance of ethical leadership by acting with integrity, and the need for continuous self-improvement to inspire and drive progress within our community. I am a DOST scholar and I am a leader…Lagi’t lagi para sa Bayan! ”

Mendoza also stated, “I discovered not only fellow scholars but also friends, a network that stretched across regions, bound together by our desire for knowledge and service. By the end of the camp, I had not only refined my leadership skills and rekindled my patriotism, but I also had a purposeful heart…” Meanwhile, Narvato also recounted, “… the lesson that really stuck with me was the realization that before one can step up to be a leader, one must first lead themselves and improve themselves. So, in the camp, I had been able to reflect on myself, check my strengths and weaknesses, and be guided and taught the skills that I needed to develop and improve... I am forever grateful for having the opportunity to develop myself more to serve my country as a DOST scholar”

The Student Leadership Camp served as a powerful reminder that investing in the development of youth leadership is essential for building a brighter and more sustainable future. As these young leaders return to their schools and communities, they carry with them the knowledge, skills, and passion needed to make a positive impact and inspire others to embrace their own leadership potential.

To promote excellence among its students, the Partido State University College of Sustainable Communities and Ecosystems (Caramoan Campus) held its 2024 NSTP Graduation Ceremony and Recognition of Honors (Dean's Lister) with the theme "Bridging Communities through Excellence and Service" on May 23, 2024 at the College Covered Court.

Mr. Earl Peter Bonita, the Local Youth Development Officer of Caramoan, Camarines Sur, served as the Guest Speaker. In his speech, he challenged the students to continue aspiring to become who they wanted to be even if circumstances and people around told them that those dreams were impossible to reach.

Different sets of awards, including service, leadership, and outstanding community Projects, were also given to the students. Service and leadership awardees were recognized for their exceptional service, practical leadership skills, dedication, reliable commitment, and impactful fulfillment of all the responsibilities and duties. Two projects, namely Coastal Harmony and Sustainability (Group 10; Barangay Guijalo) and the Magtulungan Para sa Kalinisan ng Kalikasan of Group 1 (Paniman), were awarded in recognition of the project's impactful and nuanced implementation, efficient execution, and timely relevance in line with the goals of community immersion and the university. Certificates of appreciation were also presented to the partner communities and institutions for their proactive participation and collaboration with all the activities laid out by the students.

The awards were given to the students by the NSTP Instructor, Mr. Eljenmer L. Sindo; OSAS Coordinator, Ms. Carol P. Valencia; the OIC-College Dean, Mr. Diomerl Edward B. Baldo; the Guest Speaker, Mr. Earl Peter Bonita, and assisted by the Program Director, Ms. Sharmine Nunez, and the College Registrar, Ms. Marjorie B. Tuscano.

The NSTP graduation marked the successful completion of the community immersion and community organizing activities conducted by the first-year students. The oath-taking ceremony of the students as members of the National Reserve Service Corps (NSRC) was also held during the graduation. Meanwhile, the College Recognition Rites were done to give merit and value to the demonstrated academic excellence of the students, bringing pride to their parents and the community that has supported them.

- Eljenmer L. Sindo