West Visayas State University (WVSU) University Student Council (USC) opened the three-day Student Leadership Development Program (SLDP) 2026 today, Aug. 27, bringing together more than 150 student leaders for three days of leadership formation, learning, and fellowship across the University campus.
Held Aug. 27-29 under the theme “Resilience: The Strength to Continue, The Vision to Advance,” this year’s SLDP is the USC’s flagship leadership formation initiative designed to strengthen the competencies, values, and resilience of student leaders and equip them to lead with integrity, purpose, and service.
The program brings together representatives from the USC, College Student Councils, university-wide and college-based student organizations, and student publications. Participants are organized into groups called “guilds,” creating opportunities for collaboration, shared learning, and meaningful connections among student leaders from different sectors of the University.
Building resilient and purposeful leaders
Day 1 focused on establishing the foundations of resilient student leadership, with sessions centered on personal growth, governance, and the practical responsibilities of leading organizations.
The first session, “When Leadership Hurts. Resilience: The Strength to Continue, The Vision to Advance,” was led by alumna and newly-elected SK Federation Vice President of Nueva Valencia, Guimaras, Mitz Mostizo. The session explored resilience as an essential part of the leadership journey, particularly when student leaders encounter challenges, setbacks, and the difficult realities that come with serving others.
The second session on Governance in Practice entitled “Leading with Order: Parliamentary Procedure, Institutional Leadership, and Policy Writing” was facilitated by WVSU Student Regent and USC Chairperson 2025-2026 Shalene Margrete Joy C. Cachuela. The session introduced participants to practical aspects of organizational governance, emphasizing the importance of structure, sound procedures, institutional leadership, and effective policy writing in guiding student organizations.
Both sessions were held at the WVSU Cultural Center, setting the tone for the succeeding days of the program as participants deepen their understanding of leadership, organizational development, teamwork, communication, and collaborative problem-solving.
Strengthening a community of student leaders
Beyond developing individual leadership competencies, SLDP 2026 seeks to cultivate a stronger network among the University’s student leaders. Through interactive sessions, group activities, and fellowship, the program provides a space where students from different councils, organizations, and publications can learn from one another and build relationships that can extend beyond the three-day program.
The opening day will culminate in a socials night, providing participants an opportunity to strengthen fellowship and celebrate the community they are building throughout the program.
As SLDP 2026 continues through Aug. 29, succeeding sessions will further develop the participants’ capacity to lead organizations, respond to challenges, and contribute meaningfully to the University and the communities they serve.
Through initiatives such as SLDP, WVSU continues to support students not only in their academic pursuits but also in becoming innovative, critical-thinking, resilient, and service-oriented leaders who are prepared to help advance the University and its mission of Transforming Generations.
