Ninety-seven UCUian student leaders from Class Sumagpil completed the three-day Student Leaders’ Summer Camp conducted from June 4 to 6, 2025 at the University Gymnasium.
The training included sessions on crime prevention, cyber safety, drug education, sex education, and basic life support.
This was made possible following a Memorandum of Agreement signed between the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office and UCU on May 7, 2025 which aimed to support youth involvement in crime prevention and leadership growth, in accordance with CHED Memorandum Order No. 42, s. 2005.
Dr. Nhorly U. Domenden, Director of the Center for Student Leadership and Development, encouraged campers to lead with conviction and compassion remarking, “Let this camp not only change your perspective but also your heart– for the service of the Filipino people and the world.”
P/Capt. Socorro Fiesta Arciaga, OIC of the Pangasinan PPO Women and Children Protection Desk, discussed gender-based laws and emphasized the role of student leaders in fostering inclusive and respectful communities.
Prof. John Leonard Caluag, Director of the UCU Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, addressed sex education and the increasing HIV cases in the Philippines, stressing the need for open conversations to combat ignorance and stigma.
Police Master Sergeant Jonathan P. Fernandez conducted a session on drug awareness, explaining the dangers of illegal drugs, relevant laws, and their implementation.
In the afternoon, student leaders participated in basic life support training and learned Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for first aid.
On the second day, PCpl Kid Edcille F. Pascual of the Police Community Affairs and Development Unit introduced the basics of crisis negotiation using real-life scenarios to show the value of communication and decision-making. He also urged campers to reflect on past experiences to help resolve challenging situations.
Atty. Phillip Raymund S. Rivera, NAPOLCOM Region I Provincial Officer for Pangasinan, discussed cybercrime interventions using local and international case studies to highlight the need for digital awareness and proactive online safety measures.
Atty. Dar A. Diga, UCU Chief Operating Officer, reminded student leaders of their greater purpose in leadership and service stating, "The purpose of leadership is to inspire other people to do things that they do not know that they can do, to take them to a place or to a destiny that they think they can not go on.”
Day three opened with PCPT Aileen P. Catugas, Public Information Officer of the Pangasinan PPO, discussing the Criminal Justice System, its structure, role in crime prevention, and its current challenges.
Keynote speaker Police Staff Sergeant Dominador DG Edos Jr., PNP Martial Arts Instructor, highlighted the importance of self-defense and taught participants basic techniques to protect themselves from physical harm.
PLTCOL Jose L. Abaya II, Deputy Provincial Director for Operations of Pangasinan PPO, encouraged participants to carry the lessons and leadership values gained from the camp, emphasizing that leadership is defined by impact, not position.
“May you carry with you the lessons, laughter, and the leadership spirit that this camp has instilled. Always remember, leadership is not about holding a title—it's about making a difference.”
PCpl Kid Edcille F. Pascual, Plans and Programs PNCO of PCADU, confirmed that the camp will continue next year with enhanced and more engaging activities.#