Written by Kyra Kelly
Effective leadership goes beyond holding positions and managing responsibilities. It is rooted in empathy, active listening, and genuine care for others. As author Simon Sinek wisely said, “Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in our charge.” The University of Baguio is committed to developing compassionate and service-oriented student leaders.
Representing the University of Baguio at the PeerKada Vibe: Building Healthy Connections, Nurturing Inclusive and Supportive Spaces were Ms. Leny O. Estacio, Director of the Center for Counseling and Student Development (CCSD), Mr. Ian Alengdeo, UB Peer Facilitator Adviser, and Ms. Kyra Kelly, President of the Supreme Student Council. Held on June 24 to 26, 2026, the three-day program was organized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in partnership with the UNILAB Foundation, Bagong Pilipinas, and HeadsUpPH. The summit gathered student leaders, peer facilitators, and guidance counselors from higher education institutions across the country to strengthen peer support initiatives and promote student well-being.
The program included interactive workshops, role-playing exercises, discussions led by experts on Psychological First Aid and peer facilitation, collaborative problem-solving activities, and the development of peer support action plans and advocacy initiatives for implementation in participating higher education institutions. These activities are connected to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The summit promoted SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being by raising mental health awareness and strengthening peer support systems among students. It also supported SDG 4: Quality Education, particularly Target 4.7, by equipping student leaders with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to create inclusive and supportive learning environments.
With Psychological First Aid, peer facilitation, and collaborative leadership, the University of Baguio empowers its student leaders to offer meaningful support to their peers. More than just developing leadership skills, the university fosters leaders who inspire compassion, resilience, and service, creating a campus community where every student feels heard, valued, and supported.
