Student leaders of Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT) strengthened their leadership competencies and governance skills as the Supreme Student Council (SSC) officers and College Student Council representatives successfully completed the two-day SIKLAB 2026: Igniting the Spark for Inclusive and Transformative Governance, a leadership training designed to develop competent, responsible, and service-oriented student leaders.
The leadership training officially opened with an inspiring message from SUC President III, Dr. Arnel B. Millesca, who challenged the student leaders to become catalysts of positive change by leading with integrity, inclusivity, and a genuine commitment to public service.
“Leadership is not defined by the position you hold but by the positive impact you create. I challenge each of you to become leaders who will bring honor not only to your respective organizations but also to DEBESMSCAT. Someday, one of you could become the first recipient of our ₱200,000 incentive for a national topnotcher. That is the level of excellence we aspire to achieve together.”
Dr. Millesca also shared the College’s continuing initiatives aimed at creating a more inclusive and conducive learning environment, including the construction of an all-gender restroom, the continuous improvement of laboratory facilities, and the procurement of additional laboratory equipment to further enhance the quality of instruction and student services.
Recognizing the institution’s pursuit of universityhood, the College President likewise sought the unwavering support of the student leaders in the upcoming Composite Evaluation Visit scheduled for the last week of October, emphasizing that every member of the academic community plays a vital role in achieving this significant institutional milestone.
The first day featured plenary sessions that provided participants with essential knowledge in student governance. Discussions on Gender Planning and Budgeting (GPB) emphasized the importance of developing inclusive, gender-responsive, and equitable student programs, while the session on Planning Student Initiatives: Mastering the Calendar of Activities, Projects, and Budget Essentials (CAPBE) equipped officers with practical strategies for planning, budgeting, and implementing organizational activities.
To reinforce the lectures, participants actively engaged in workshops on Crafting Activity Proposals, Crafting Project Proposals, and Writing Resolutions, allowing them to apply their learning by developing documents that can be utilized in their respective student councils. The day concluded with an open forum and sharing of insights, where participants reflected on the knowledge and experiences gained throughout the sessions.
The momentum continued on the second day as the training shifted its focus toward strengthening organizational management and administrative competencies. Student leaders attended discussions on Secretarial Duties: Minutes and Narrative Reports and Financial and Liquidation Reports, highlighting the significance of accurate documentation, transparency, accountability, and proper financial management in student governance.
Participants then took part in hands-on workshops where they prepared minutes of meetings, narrative reports, and financial reports based on actual organizational scenarios. Facilitators later conducted a calibration of outputs before participants presented their completed work, providing an opportunity for constructive feedback and collaborative learning.
The two-day leadership training concluded with closing messages recognizing the participants’ active engagement, enthusiasm, and commitment throughout the program. Equipped with enhanced leadership, governance, planning, documentation, and financial management skills, the student leaders are now better prepared to implement responsive, transparent, and impactful programs within their respective organizations.
SIKLAB 2026 was organized by the Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS), headed by Dean Prof. Grace B. Abella, through the Student Organizations and Leadership Training Services (SOLTS) Unit under the leadership of Ms. Mary Ane-Joy P. Ferriol, reaffirming DEBESMSCAT’s commitment to empowering student leaders who exemplify excellence, integrity, inclusivity, and servant leadership.
Ladies and gentlemen,
