August 14–15, 2025 – The Social Sciences Unit of the College of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Education (CLASE) spearheaded a two-day community outreach program for 300 high school students from Rufino G. Palabrica,Sr. High School, in Dingle, Iloilo. The activity, held on August 14–15, 2025, focused on developing leadership skills among the budding youth leaders through interactive lectures, workshops, and group activities.
Organized under Project LINKS-USA, the activity aimed to empower young leaders to become more responsive and committed agents of positive change within their school and community, according to Dr. Edwin Samis,Social Sciences academic supervisor. The two-day youth empowerment and leadership Program, which was a collaboration of the Social Sciences Unit with the BA Communication and AB Political Science/BS Foreign Service programs, tackled essential leadership components, including group dynamics and team-building, effective communication, issue identification and project design.
Faculty members from the Social Sciences, Communication, and Political Science/Foreign Service departments, including Professors Mona Pico, James Amsua, Ledeah Baling, Adrian Camposagrado, Niño Joy Alcayde, and Michelle Bayaua, with Atty, Jamaica Molaga, and Dr. Samis, facilitated the sessions. This ensured a multidisciplinary approach that combined theory with practical application. Students were engaged in interactive discussions, collaborative exercises, and hands-on activities designed to sharpen their leadership potential.
The activity highlights the unit’s commitment to the University core values, extending its academic expertise beyond the campus.
“The active and meaningful participation of 300 student leaders throughout the sessions highlighted their immense potential. Given the right opportunities, these students can become productive and impactful members of society. They are the very youth whom Rizal once envisioned as the ‘hope of our motherland’,” Dr. Samis said of the recently concluded activity.
Participants expressed enthusiasm throughout the two-day training, particularly during the group projects and proposal-making workshops where they applied what they learned in practical scenarios. Teachers from the partner high school likewise expressed appreciation for the program, citing its relevance to the holistic development of their students.
Through initiatives such as this, the College of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Education continues to promote leadership, civic responsibility, and academic-community partnership, staying true to its mission of education in the service of society.
For more information about the different programs of the College of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Education, visit the CLASE office at RADA Hall, or the usa website at usa.edu.ph
