ACC Student Leaders Resonate Unity and Purpose at ECHO 2025 by Iris Anne Oliveron, Angel Gatela
Abuyog Community College (ACC) student leaders from various departmental organizations came together for ECHO 2025: ACC SSC Leadership Summit, a transformative gathering held at the ACC Evacuation Center on Wednesday, March 12.
With the theme “Empowering Future Leaders” spearheaded by the Supreme Student Council, the event served as a dynamic platform for leadership growth, collaboration, and strategic planning.
With the guidance of the SSC Adviser, Prof. Ella Krista Traya, and Office of Student Affairs (OSA) Director, Christopher Gallos, the summit brought together 200 ACC organization officers, along with their advisers.
In his opening message, College President Dr. Clemelle L. Montallana, highlighted the self-transformative character of a leader.
“Sa buhay kung ano tayo, kung pinanganak tayong mahirap, kung pinanganak tayong hindi guwapo, kung pinanganak tayong ganito, wala na tayong magagawa doon. Pero sa pagtakbo ng mga araw pwede nating baguhin ang sitwasyon, and leaders do change their situation for the better,” Dr. Montallana emphasized.
Moreover, valuable guests such as the Abuyog Municipal Mayor and ACC Executive Chairman, Hon. Lemuel K. Traya and Mr. Rodulfo M. Cabias, EnP, who also delivered stirring message emphasizing the importance of unity in achieving collective goals within the organization.
Select SSC officers shared insights on ethical leadership, teamwork, and resilience as they lead the summit.
The topic on “Student Leaders as Role Models in Social Transformation” and ‘Building Collaborative Communities” was discussed by Edmar R. Maquilan, Vice-president External, meanwhile the talk on “Today’s Holistic Development Framework: Breakthrough Thinking” was explained by Nicole M. Manito, Treasurer.
The discussion on the “Total Quality Leadership: Servant and Ethical Leadership” and “Shared Passion” was clearly pondered on by Glaiza Marie C. Cabalhin, President, while the session on “Excellence & Process Improvement: Situational Leadership” was tackled by Rey Mart Lamparas, Peace Officer.
Moreover, the engaging topic on “Teamwork & Empowerment: Motivational Leadership” facilitated by Lianne Joyce S. Dimpas, Business Manager, the lecture on ” Leadership in the Modern Era: What Sets New-Generation Leaders Apart” shared by Rhea D. Lascoña, 2nd Year-level Representative,
Interactive workshops and team-building activities further strengthened bonds among student leaders, emphasizing the importance of unity in achieving collective goals.
In her talk, SSC Adviser Prof. Ella Krista Traya expressed the significance of the event.”This summit that include sessions on vision-building, crisis leadership, and collaborative governance will equip ACC student leaders with skills essential for their roles as catalysts of change.”
“Hopefully before you go home, mayda kamo mga realizations on what a leader should be, what are the importance of collaboration, shared passion, and other topics. So dapat mayda talaga kamo matutunan today,” Traya added.
In a post-event interview, League of Teacher Student Organization (LOTES) President, Ms. Marjorie Archin, shared that embodying integrity as a leader is the most important thing that she learned from the summit, followed by meeting new friends as her most memorable part.
“Dapat as a leader, it is your integrity. Bisan waray nakakita na iba na tawo buhaton nimo it karapat-dapat as usa ka leader sa usa ka organization,” Archin said.
Despite of the power interruption, the summit culminated in an electrifying Unity Dance, symbolizing the shared commitment of student leaders to serve with passion and integrity.
Moreover, certificate of participation was awarded to the students leaders not just a token of attendance but a symbol of responsibility—an affirmation that each participant holds the potential to lead with integrity and inspire others.
ECHO 2025 not only echoed the values of empowerment, collaboration, and holistic leadership but also set the stage for a more united and proactive student body at ACC.