GAcaDemy leadership camp empowers future UCUian leaders

Urdaneta City University conducted a three-day intensive program called GAcaDemy Leadership Camp with the theme, “"Accelerating Progress Through Excellent Leadership” on September 12-14, 2024 at the University Gymnasium. 

Organized by the Gender and Development Office in partnership with the Center for Student Leadership and Development, the leadership training aimed to cultivate leadership skills in young leaders through hands-on tasks, lectures from expert speakers, and activities designed to enhance critical thinking and team collaboration.

In his keynote address, Dr. Nhorly U. Domenden, Director of the Center for Student Leadership and Development, introduced the acronym “MOTIVATE CHANGE” as a guide for impactful leadership. Breaking down the acronym, Domenden highlighted key components such as "Message, Optimize Resources, Technique, Interest, Values, Attitude, Talk and Test, Engage, Comprehend, Harmonization, Action, Nibble and Nudge, Goal, and Empower People." He underscored the importance of personal storytelling and self-awareness as foundational elements for effective leadership, stating, “The most important message is your story, and the most important resource is yourself.”

The camp celebrated the achievements of top-performing groups, showcasing the competitive spirit and camaraderie built among participants. Team Candor emerged as the top group with 5,180 points, followed closely by Team Amity with 4,885 points, Team Erudite with 4,385 points, Team Abnegation with 4,170 points, and Team Dauntless with 3,930 points. These results highlighted each group’s dedication, strategic planning, and adaptability, essential qualities that the camp sought to instill.

Additionally, 15 individual campers were honored for their outstanding performance. Angelo T. Rara and Melody H. Guerrero received the distinction of graduating With Highest Honors, while nine other campers, including John Cedrick D. Sioco and Aynze Fellic Bataoil, graduated With High Honors. Four more campers were awarded With Honors, recognizing their exemplary commitment and leadership potential demonstrated throughout the program.

After conferring 32 pioneering leaders, the graduation ceremony concluded on a celebratory note with campers performing a heartfelt dance and song dedicated to their camp mentors and fellow participants. The performance captured the spirit of unity and inspiration that had defined their camp experience. The GAcaDemy Leadership Camp successfully equipped these aspiring leaders with practical skills and a strong network, leaving them motivated to drive positive change in their communities.