Student Affairs and Services (SAS) department officially opened part 1 of the Student Leaders’ General Assembly and Orientation on September 6, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the PT-Audio Visual Room. The event was designed to provide student leaders with a solid foundation for their leadership journey by orienting them on key institutional policies, procedures, and responsibilities. It also served as a platform for leadership development through training and collaborative engagement. The program was initiated by Ms. Lei Charmaigne Espiritu, Student Affairs Officer, who also served as the emcee. The session focused on helping student leaders understand key areas such as recognition and eligibility requirements, budgeting and documentation processes, and compliance timelines. Additionally, it encouraged them to build collaborative networks, foster peer-support systems, and apply inclusive, gender-responsive, and intercultural leadership in their organizational planning and activities.
The event opened with welcome remarks from Mr. Jasyon Belino, Head of the Student Affairs and Services (SAS) department. In his message, Mr. Belino emphasized that student organizations must constantly strive to be active, compliant, and impactful. He reminded the student leaders that public trust comes with accountability, responsibility, and integrity, noting that these values are essential in safeguarding the confidence placed in them by their fellow students. He also formally introduced the 11 recognized student organizations and one new applicant organization.
Mr. Belino led several important topics throughout the orientation. He discussed the privileges of recognized student organizations and the criteria for securing and maintaining recognition. He also presented the evaluation results of student services related to student organizations for the academic year 2024–2025. During his talk, he stressed the importance of listening to the opinions and ideas of members, emphasizing that true transparency starts with inclusion and active engagement.
Another topic introduced by Mr. Belino was the Awards for Excellence in Student Leadership and Organizational Impact, which recognize outstanding performance and commitment to service across various fields such as leadership, sports, culture and the arts, media and journalism, and community engagement. Key awards presented included the Gawad P.I.N.E.S. (Passion, Integrity, Nurturance, Excellence, and Service) for continuing students, which comprises the Outstanding Organization Leader, College Organization of the Year, Institutional Organization of the Year, and other awards. He also highlighted the Gawad Eugenio S. Baltao (ESB) and Gawad Nimia R. Concepcion (NRC) for graduating students. All these awards are under the umbrella of Gawad STARSS (STudent Achievers in Research and Student Services), which aims to celebrate the exceptional leadership and contributions of student organizations throughout the year.
Mr. James Joshua Yang-ed, Student Affairs and Services Officer, followed with an overview of the objectives of the program. He encouraged student leaders to stay informed about updated guidelines, remain connected with one another, and stay motivated in fulfilling their roles. In the closing segment, Mr. Yang-ed also delivered feedback on the performance of student organizations during the previous academic year. He highlighted their strengths, identified areas for improvement, and offered actionable recommendations to help guide and inspire the new set of officers to build on past successes, address current challenges, and thrive in their leadership roles this academic year.
The orientation covered a range of essential topics, including the updated guidelines on student organization recognition, proper use of organizational forms, accreditation and re-accreditation procedures, required reports, and the Student Organization Code of Conduct along with its corresponding disciplinary measures. These discussions were designed to ensure that all student leaders are well-informed and fully equipped to navigate their responsibilities effectively
The day ended with a strong message from the SAS officers: “In doing your duty, do it with pride and use caution with it because you are holding and representing your college, organization, and the institution.” This statement served as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with leadership and the impact that student leaders can make when they lead with integrity, purpose, and heart. Through this initiative, PCC reaffirms its commitment to nurturing capable, inclusive, and purpose-driven student leaders who are ready to contribute meaningfully to their organizations and to the larger community. #Iveeh Amparo
