LCP GRADUATES. New bridging leaders graduate in the Leadership for Convergence Program (LCP) of the Southeast Asia Rural Social Leadership Institute of Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan.
Report by Xyla Mercedita Gualberto | Photos by Evelio Lyn Magdadaro
Close to a hundred new bridging leaders graduated in the Leadership for Convergence Program (LCP) of the Southeast Asia Rural Social Leadership Institute (SEARSOLIN) of Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan on Friday, February 24.
LCP is an initiative of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) - Region 10 to harmonize its numerous efforts to end poverty. It has a vision of moving 2.3 million families from survival to self-sufficiency level by 2017.
Despite the odds to realize this vision, XU and DSWD are hand-in-hand to form bridging leaders who will “own, co-own, and co-create solutions to problems in the local community.”
After more than six months of studying and doing practicum work, the students gathered at the colloquium that served as the program’s culminating activity. The event was attended by Xavier Ateneo president Fr Roberto C Yap SJ, DSWD-X assistant regional director Aldersey Mumar-Dela Cruz, LCP faculty in-charge Luther D Labitad, faculty members Estrella T Borja, Robert Dela Serna, and Meiyoshi Masgon, and LCP Mindanao quality assurance consultant Maria Teresa Fabugais.
BRIDGING LEADER MODEL. Former Damulog Mayor Romeo Tiongco shares the story of his once rebel-infested community and how how it became a peaceful and progressive municipality in Bukidnon.
The former mayor of Damulog, Bukidnon, also a fellow of the Mindanao Bridging Leaders of the Asian Institute of Management, Romeo P Tiongco, graced the occasion as the keynote speaker. As an advocate for peace, Tiongco shared the story of his once rebel-infested community. Today it is known as a peaceful and progressive municipality in Bukidnon. He highlighted that peace is not his legacy, but it is the legacy of the community.
A public narrative session preceded the colloquium. The students presented how they used bridging leadership to create positive impacts in their cities and municipalities. Guests from different government agencies such as Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Public Employment Service Office (PESO) were invited to form part of the panel.
XU-SEARSOLIN is dedicated to work with various partners to form leaders who will work for social justice and development for the poor and the marginalized. The institute is currently handling Northern Mindanao and CARAGA. The CARAGA group is set to have their colloquium on March 17.∎
XAVIER ATENEO SEARSOLIN. The event was attended by Xavier Ateneo president Fr Roberto C Yap SJ, DSWD-X assistant regional director Aldersey Mumar-Dela Cruz, LCP faculty in-charge Luther D Labitad, faculty members Estrella T Borja, Robert Dela Serna, and Meiyoshi Masgon, and LCP Mindanao quality assurance consultant Maria Teresa Fabugais.