UCU conducts leadership forum, features renowned national public servants

Urdaneta City University conducted a leadership symposium entitled, "Leading the Public Good: Strategies for Ethical and Equal Governance," featuring four distinguished national figures in good governance and public service: former Vice President Atty. Maria Leonor “LENI” G. Robredo, Atty. Francis “KIKO” N. Pangilinan, Mr. Paulo Benigno “BAM” A. Aquino IV, and Atty. Jose Manuel “CHEL” I. Diokno on June 13, 2024 at the UCU Gymnasium.

The forum is dedicated to UCU graduating students, student leaders from various school organizations, and employees, aiming to inspire and equip the attendees with practical strategies for ethical and equal governance, leveraging the wealth of experience and knowledge of the esteemed speakers.

Former Vice President Leni Robredo, when asked about the key strategies in implementing ethical governance said that, “May mga kasabihan na, it is not enough for a public servant to be good, there has to be a system that will force him to be good,” giving emphasis on the importance of a transparent system for accountability and integrity.

Atty. Kiko Pangilinan, with his extensive experience in legislative work and agriculture reforms, shared his perspectives on public service, highlighting that a good leader should have courage to decide against wrong systems, should practice what he preaches, and should be disciplined when it comes to time management.

Bam Aquino, a prominent youth leader and advocate for entrepreneurship and education, shared three things that he believes are not impossible for the youth to change: cost of living, educational system, and issues in the West Philippine Sea.

“Kung kayo po ay handang ipaglaban ang tama, handang ipaglaban ang deserve ninyo, handang ipaglaban ang tingin niyong tama para sa kapwa ninyo, at may kakayanan kayo na gawin mas simple ang mga bagay na komplikado sa ating bansa, kung kayo po may tamang tapang at tamang talino, kahit imposible, kaya po natin gawin,” Aquino said.

Atty. Chel Diokno, a respected human rights lawyer, focused on inspiring the student attendees, reminding them that they are the light that our tomorrow needs.

“Ako ay niniwala na hindi lang kayo ang pag-asa ng Pilipinas, kundi kayo mismo ang Pilipinas… you are never too young to be a part of nation-building… alam ko na sa kamay ng kabataan, we will have a beautiful and wonderful Philippines,” Diokno expressed.

The endeavor marked a significant milestone for the UCU community, engaging with some of the nation’s most respected leaders in public service, and reaffirming its commitment to nurturing future leaders dedicated to the public good.