CAS officers assembly sets sail to strengthen student leadership

  To strengthen leadership skills and knowledge, College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Student Council gathered freshmen block mayors and officers from different programs during the CAS Officers’ Assembly held on October 9, 2026, at the PHINMA University of Pangasinan (UPang) Gymnasium.

      CAS Dean Franklin Q. De Guzman asked the block mayors and officers, “What does it mean to be a good leader?” Dean Franklin explained that being ‘magaling’ means possessing the skills and capabilities to help others, while being ‘mabuti’ means demonstrating kindness and good character. Dean Franklin emphasized that effective leadership requires both competence and genuine goodness.

    Engr. Lydon G. Padama, Chief Operating Officer of PHINMA UPang, followed by asking, “Why are you here?”, acknowledging students’ different motivations, from pursuing their dream professions to fulfilling their parents’ wishes.

     COO Padama described being a PHINMA student as a privilege, noting the institution’s high number of freshmen in Pangasinan and the opportunities it provides to build meaningful connections.

      “Matatandaan nila tayo hindi dahil sa mga programa, bagkus mas matatandaan ng ating mga estudyante na mayroong student leader na nakinig sa kanila nang walang judgment. Your challenges are not meant for you alone.” Center for Student Development and Leadership Director Adele S. Traspe stated.

    Ms. Maria Carmela De Perio, Student Formation Manager, led the Pagbabasbas segment, guiding student leaders in blessing one another with values and wisdom to help them remain resilient through challenges.

  Mr. Joshua B. Jesalva, RPm Guidance Counselor, spearheaded the Red Flag Discussions,  highlighting the importance of recognizing warning signs of mental health struggles. Mr. Joshua emphasized early awareness, empathy, and appropriate peer support and referral strategies to promote student well-being.

    Aaron John P. Capuno, Supreme Student Council Vice President, opened the Making Lives of Others Better talk by asking participants what superpower they would choose as superheroes and why. The activity encouraged them to reflect on how they could use their strengths to make a positive difference through compassion and service.

   Ma'am Lani S. Gonzales, CAS Student Council adviser, led the Polaris Talk, introducing CAS and its role in nurturing first-year students as they adjust to college life before proceeding to their respective colleges.

    CAS Student Council Vice Governor Ishiro Andryu N. Pabuna presented the council’s accomplishment report, outlining its duties, responsibilities, and organizational policies.

    As the assembly neared its conclusion, the Polaris teaser was shown, followed by the presentation of the CAS mayors’ groupings for the upcoming Lead Camp 2026.

  In her closing remarks, CAS Student Council Secretary Riayona Julia M. Macabeo encouraged CAS officers to live by the principle, “Mata sa langit, paa sa lupa,” reminding them to remain ambitious while staying grounded in their values.