Campers from all four campuses of Carlos Hilado Memorial State University solidified their commitment to become effective student leaders as they graduated in the 7th RIPPLES Training Camp last August 9, at the Functional Hall, CHMSU Talisay Campus, a press release from CHMSU said.
The six-day training camp, which started on August 4, became an avenue for 137 CHMSU student government officers and student publication staffers to upgrade their leadership skills through workshops, get inspired by leaders and experts in various fields, and analyze pressing issues in their respective campuses to draft strategic action plans for the incoming AY 2025-2026.
In video message during the graduation, Negros Occidental 3rd District Rep. Javier Miguel “Javi” Benitez encouraged the campers to empower their fellow young leaders to do more and strive for greatness together.
“It is good that you know the basics first, but after you master it, share it with others. Multiply your knowledge by sharing it with others, not by keeping it for yourself,” said Benitez.
Talisay City Mayor Maria Rowena “Weng” Lopez-Lizares, served as the keynote speaker during the opening of the camp.
Lopez-Lizares said the young leaders in the camp are already “ready to lead, not someday, but now.”
“Leadership today is no longer about age or seniority; it is about action. It is about who steps up, who speaks out, and who shows up when it matters the most,” the Talisay City mayor said.
The RIPPLES Training Camp–which means Responsive, Innovative, Proactive, Passionate, Leaders by Example, Social Change–was organized by the Office for Student Affairs and Services (OSAS) and the Center for Internationalization and External Relations (CIER).
The camp was filled with workshops and inspiring talks, including the Fireside Chat, a series of sit-down sessions with experts and community leaders in the fields of community development, environment, innovation, leadership, peace, and social action.
CIER director Rhoderick Samonte, who served as the RIPPLES camp director, facilitated key workshops that helped the student leaders analyze the pressing needs of each campus and come up with strategic, research-based, and community-driven action plans.
Meanwhile, OSAS director Maria Victoria Violanda critiqued the outputs and led the mentoring of the student leaders, together with the camp facilitators, during the planning sessions.
On August 8, CHMSU also joined the global celebration of the 58th ASEAN Anniversary.
The campers, along with the camp organizers and employees of CHMSU, joined the parade of nations, flag ceremony, and showcase of ASEAN culture through performances.*
