STI Student Leaders Learn to Lead with Purpose

STI College student leaders took part in the webinar “Student Leaders: Lead Yourself First, Lift Up Others” on September 30, 2026. The virtual event gathered around 1,500 participants to explore how self-leadership, personal accountability, and a commitment to others shape effective student leadership. 

Leading with Intention 

The webinar’s first speaker, Patricia Faith Dela Cruz-Dionio, RPm, from Mindscapes, emphasized the importance of delegation in self-leadership, encouraging student leaders to trust their members and share responsibilities. She stressed, “Learn to delegate tasks to your team members. You need to recognize that you are not alone, and you have people around you with whom you can share the burden,” highlighting the value of teamwork in effective leadership. 

Drawing from her background in psychology, Dela Cruz-Dionio highlighted how the 3L’s of Psychological First Aid (PFA) can be applied in leadership. She encouraged student leaders to (1) listen by giving members space to speak and be heard, (2) look by observing changes in behavior, mood, participation, and engagement, and (3) link by connecting members to the appropriate support when they need more help. These practices can help leaders build a more supportive and responsive team environment. 

Growing Beyond Comfort Zones 

Former Gilas Pilipinas player and former team manager of the NLEX Road WarriorsLarry Fonacier, meanwhile, shared insights from his basketball career on the qualities and mindsets that athletes need to develop to lead and influence their teammates. He emphasized that impactful leadership starts with personal discipline and mastering one’s craft. “To master your craft, to avoid mediocrity, to become skillful in your work, you really got to study whatever your field is,” he remarked, underscoring how dedication, discipline, and continuous learning help build the skills and credibility needed to lead others. 

(From left) Almania Reyes (Student Development and Welfare Officer), Loida Dumaguin (Student Development and Welfare Head), Rey Joble (Manager for Sports Development & Programs), and Larry Fonacier ahead of the Student Leaders Webinar.
Preparation meeting with Larry Fonacier before the Student Leaders Webinar.

 

Ahead of the webinar, STI College representatives, led by Student Development and Welfare Head Loida Dumaguin, with assistance from Student Development and Welfare Officer Almania Reyes, met with Fonacier to coordinate his participation as a resource speaker. Having previously visited STI College Ortigas-Cainta for the SBP Rizal Huddle Coaching Clinic, Fonacier returned on September 30 to engage with STI student leaders. 

Preparing for Future Opportunities 

During the panel discussion, Kyrie Meliz Ferrer, Bacolod Local Organization President Awardee and Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) awardee from STI West Negros University, also offered actionable advice to student leaders. She encouraged her peers to develop their skills while in college, overcome procrastination, and build confidence through practice. 

Drawing from her experience as a recent Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management (BSTM) graduate, she emphasized the importance of developing practical skills before entering the workforce. “Practice the hard skills while you’re in college, because you will use that when you work and the opportunities come if you are confident enough to showcase yourself to the world.” 

Lessons That Last 

 

Students shared valuable takeaways from the webinar, including the importance of empathy, collaboration, and setting healthy boundaries. Many realized that leadership is not about doing everything alone but about working effectively with others while maintaining balance and accountability. 

As the webinar concluded, STI student leaders were reminded that leadership begins with leading themselves first, enabling them to better support, inspire, and uplift others. 

STI College continues to nurture student leaders who are ready to turn their potential into action, uplift others, and make a meaningful difference in their communities.