EVERY public and private high schools, under the Department of Education (DepED) in the Philippines, boast of a complex student organization, popularly known as student government and student council.  Such organization is run by elected students, whose talents and capabilities help the growth and development of the studentry and the school. These student governments are given a range of responsibilities to represent the interests and concerns of the student body.

In 1996, the Center for Students and Co-curricular Affairs was created to supervise all student organizations, in order to further facilitate co-curricular work of student councils in the country.

Student Leaders Defined

There are several kinds of student leaders—he can be an active elected officer in student government, he can be an officer in student clubs, or he can serve as captain of a sports team.

Regardless of the particular role he takes, good student leaders share some common characteristics — a desire to help others succeed and a simple willingness to extend a hand or offer a “hello” to a new student or someone having a hard time. Showing you care motivates other students to follow your example.

Not only that, others may notice opportunities to help others, or make decisions and lead, but student leaders take immediate action and get the job done in a jiffy.  Just like the Boy Scout’s motto of being “Laging Handa,” they are always  ready to help when needed, ready to  offer support to fellow students, and ready to do what is right despite peer pressure, hence, making them the self-starters who push themselves forward to success.

During the two-day Philippine Model Congress (PMC), an annual student-run and student-participated conference patterned after similar initiatives in topnotch universities abroad, over 500 students from across the country occupied the Senate halls last July 27, 2014 in a simulation of the affairs of the legislative branch of government.

The most cited reason for participation, based on the essays of applicants, was the prevailing sentiment that they could do more if they were given the platform to air their views on pressing national issues. Organizer Lean Leviste, a youth leader himself and the son of Sen. Loren Legarda, explained that PMC attracts youth leaders hungry for reform.

Empowered Youth

During the global observance of the International Youth Day last August 12, 2014, Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter “Companero” S. Cayetano called on the Filipino youth to continue the struggle for empowerment and representation in governance.

He further called on the youth, “As champions of change, you can be the better example in good governance by implementing mechanisms in your own backyard so that public funds are spent specifically for the welfare of the youth.” Cayetano also believes that “if all youth councils adhere to transparency and accountability, the Filipino youth will benefit more from meaningful projects and activities.”

Clearly, the good senator is alluding to the student leaders who have visions and the sense of purpose to accomplish big things in their roles.

Since the Supreme Student Government is the highest governing body of the entire student populace, it is the vehicle that influences and molds student leaders as well as ordinary students to be vigilant and active citizens in their respective community and to the country as a whole. It also influences students’ awareness of their basic rights, not to mention the benefits and privileges that they ought to get or are entitled as students of their school, as students, as members of their communities and as citizens of this country.

Active participation teaches the students not to be passive in addressing problems and issues that substantially affects their community and our country as a whole.

The student leaders are the torch bearers of the empowered generation. They are not insensitive or just plain copycats.  They devise new plans and envision new opportunities. They have a way of influencing others to their way of thinking and joining whatever their cause is. They motivate individuals to accomplish a certain goal or implement changes in their lives and make it on their own.

Such is empowered leadership. They take on the challenges, take responsibility and become involved in what they are doing to achieve their goal. Wholeheartedly, and without reservations.

Personal Impressions

      The Limay National High School is no stranger to the supreme student government (SSG) phenomenon—in fact, the school’s SSG leadership gets better every school year. The current crop numbers to thirty-one officers, mandated to cater to three thousand students, ratio is almost 1:100 and the disproportion is quite apparent. Nonetheless, Limay National High School has a strong support group, coming from the Limay High’s school administration, the faculty, the students, and even the parents and the community. 

      Coming in strong is the active support of the volunteers’ brigade composed of first year to fourth year students, who spend precious vacant periods and after school hours just to be counted in every campus-wide programs and activities that the SSG has lined-up for the school populace. Be it a tree planting or other environmental related concerns, school and community clean-up drives, school donations and fund drives and other student recognized co-curricular activities, the Limay National High can count on cooperation of the SSG and the Volunteers.

      Truly, this spirit of volunteerism indicates how united a community can be in the face of a challenge. Being involved with the student government and the students volunteers’ brigade can also be a means to social regeneration, and in warding off the disruptive influences of rampant drug use and internet addiction among the young people. 

      This topic is close to my heart because I look on Limay National High School’s Supreme Student Government as my second family since I became its adviser four years ago.  In my years of being the SSG adviser, I saw first-hand how elected students to the SSG metamorphosed from larvaes to beautiful butterflies, with wings outstretched. I saw how they made a difference, and how motivated they became with what they’ve learned in and out of the school premises and in all school-organized events.

      And my heart always swell with pride every time a new batch of SSG officers are elected, for it means that those who have finished their terms are now more than ready to move on to greater things as they graduate and go to college and beyond. Who knows, one of them might be the next mayor, the next governor or even the next senator. The late President Manuel L. Quezon was a popular student, athlete, class orator and leader. Even Bro. Eddie Villanueva was known as a student and labor leader in the 1970’s.  Congressman Lorenzo ‘Erin’ Tañada III, currently the Deputy Speaker of the Lower House, was also a former student leader.  The possibilities are limitless, you know. 

By: LORENA M. NAVATA | T-III | LIMAY NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL | LIMAY, BATAAN