• THERESA MAE DULMAN
A two-peat victory marked another milestone for the STI-West Negros University as two of its students were named among the Top 10 Outstanding Student Leaders of the Philippines of the Transforming Advocates and Champions (TRAC).
The school’s Supreme Student Government President Kyrie Meliz Ferrer and Vice President Donna Marie Alimpolo, both scholars of Bacolod Public Employment Service Office, bagged the second and fourth places, respectively.
Their journeys, rooted in service, excellence, and faith, lived up to their philosophy; aim high, and for both, the recognition was a humbling experience.
As a fourth year Tourism Management student, Ferrer believes that her course shaped her perspective on leadership and student advocacy. She models her approach after the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence, which emphasizes the values of hospitality, warmth, and inclusivity.
“Surrounded by exceptional student leaders from across the country, each advocating for diverse causes and pursuing their own callings, I felt deeply honored and humbled to be chosen as top 2,” she shared.
Meanwhile, Alimpolo, a third-year Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English, described her journey as a full circle moment, emphasizing that it was not about the title and more about the impact of the journey.
In her 12 years of serving the student body, she found the beauty of serving that merged the values of education not just as a profession, but as a powerful tool for transformation.
“It inspired me to become an advocate for equitable access to education, emphasizing the importance of reading, writing, and comprehension, skills that open doors to endless possibilities,” Alimpolo expressed.
In their unified message to aspiring leaders, Ferrer and Alimpolo stressed that the true measure of success lies in purpose over praise.
Ferrer reminded students that every major recognition comes with sacrifice, urging them to let their passion for service outweigh the desire for any reward.
“This is not a one-time victory but a journey filled with challenges, lessons, and moments of growth,” she said.
Alimpolo echoed a call, emphasizing the power of authenticity, “Never be afraid to dream big; instead, be afraid of not dreaming at all.”
She encouraged peers to start small, lead with sincerity, and simply be themselves.
TRAC Philippines is a non-profit organization and premier holistic development training provider that promotes transformational and purpose-driven leadership.*
