Campers across 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, 2025 at the Functional Hall, CHMSU Talisay Campus.
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 his 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 Rep. Benitez.
Atty. Maria Rowena “Weng” Lopez-Lizares, mayor of the City of Talisay, served a the keynote speaker during the opening of the camp.
Mayor 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.
Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs Ma. Riza Manalo welcomed the participants and guests to the opening of the training camp.
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.
Day 1
On the first day of the camp, Director Samonte gave a refresher on CHMSU’s Vision, Mission, and Core Values, grounding student leaders in the university’s institutional principles as they begin their RIPPLES journey.
Talisay City Vice Mayor Angel Gabriel Villacin also encouraged the young leaders to see their youth not as a limitation but as a strength in making meaningful contributions to the university, their communities, and the nation during his inspirational speech afternoon of Day 1.
This was followed by a series of team-building activities led by Genrick Catalonia of the Negrosanon Young Leaders Institute, which further strengthened the bonds and personal connections among the campers.
Day 2
Day 2 of the 7th RIPPLES Training Camp opened with a compelling Fireside Chat titled “Principles and Values: Leadership That Creates Ripples of Positive Change,” August 5.
The session brought together three dynamic speakers: Director for Student Affairs Dexter Paul Dioso of the University of Negros Occidental – Recoletos, OIC Director for Linkages and International Affairs June Carl Seran of the University of St. La Salle, and Atty. Christine Thel Geollegue, Municipal Councilor of La Castellana.
Each speaker shared stories and reflections that highlighted the importance of principles and values in leadership. Director Dioso emphasized the role of humility and staying true to one’s values even in the face of adversity.
Meanwhile, Atty. Geollegue spoke of the power of integrity, serving the voiceless and the youth, as well as the importance of maintaining well-being while serving others.
Director Seran focused on confidence and collaboration, sharing how building strong, honest relationships with fellow leaders and mentors can open doors for impact.
Moderated by Prof. Ma. Rosa Caraballe, the session became an insightful exchange of experiences, allowing student leaders to reflect on their own paths and learn from the diverse leadership journeys shared during the presentations and open forum.
In the afternoon, the campers gathered in their assigned groups for the Campus Analysis Workshop, facilitated by Camp Director Samonte.
This interactive session served as an avenue for the participants to critically examine the current state of campus life across all four CHMSU campuses.
The students tackled a wide range of aspects of campus life—economic, academic, social, environmental, and spiritual.
Rev. Fr. Leo Alaras, Vice President for Identity, Formation, and Mission at the University of Negros Occidental – Recoletos capped off Day 2 by guiding the campers through a meaningful discussion and reflection on the essence of faith-driven leadership. He emphasized the importance of grounding one’s leadership in spiritual values and personal conviction.
During the session, the participants were introduced to the concept of using their VOICE—Vision, Openness, Integrity, Communication, and Empathy—as essential pillars in their journey as student leaders committed to positive change.
Day 3
Camp Director Samonte facilitated a series of workshops designed to help campers recognize, develop, and embody the essential qualities of effective leadership, August 6.
Day 3 began with a reflective activity where campers searched for objects that symbolized their personal journeys and experiences—an exercise that grounded them in self-awareness. The succeeding workshops challenged the participants to apply and sharpen their skills in collaboration, communication, and critical thinking through engaging and interactive tasks.
In closing the final session, Director Samonte emphasized the value of openness and the importance of building consensus in leadership.
The third day of the camp concluded with an engaging session introducing the Event Management Team (EMT)—a dedicated volunteer group composed of students, staff, and faculty who provide production support for institutional events.
Information Officer Ma. Faustina Magbanua, Greening CHMSU Support Staff Stephen Peñafiel, and CAS Student Governor JC Aurelio shared the history of EMT and highlighted the team’s involvement in various on- and off-campus events.
Campers were then given the opportunity to plan hypothetical events, followed by a discussion led by the speakers on good practices to observe before, during, and after event production.
The session, facilitated by CIER Support Staff Jason Pascual, ended with an open forum where campers actively asked questions and exchanged ideas.
Day 4
The campers began Day 4 of the 7th RIPPLES Training Camp with open minds during the Fireside Chat themed “Innovate, Inspire, and Involve: Student Leaders as Drivers of Research, Innovation, and Engagement,” August 7.
First speaker, Jeanette Patindol, a research and development consultant, highlighted the importance of research in developing people-centered solutions to pressing issues within the campus, the community, and the country. She also emphasized the need to ask for citations and links when using AI text generators for research.
Meanwhile, Engr. Jovel Young, Head of the TUP Visayas Extension Services, challenged the campers to use data, information, and research to innovate solutions. He also provided a refresher on the design thinking process, stressing the need for innovative approaches to modern-day problems.
Lastly, Ken Paolo Gilo, National Vice Chairperson of Akbayan Youth, gave an overview of the current state of Philippine education. He then urged the campers to go beyond the usual expectations of student leaders and to become progressive agents of change.
Moderated by Prof. Jansen Tumabing, the open forum provided a space for campers to voice their insights, raise questions, and engage meaningfully with the panel.
The final Fireside Chat of the 7th RIPPLES Training Camp centered on the theme “Student Leaders as Champions of Peace, Justice, and the Planet.”
Director Teresita Barcoma of the USLS Balayan Social Development Office opened the afternoon session by sharing her journey as a peace advocate, which began in her childhood. She emphasized the value of purposeful outreach initiatives that respond to the pressing needs of partner communities.
Ma. Fe Trespuentes from the Bacolod City Environment and Natural Resources Office followed with an overview of current environmental issues—from global to local levels—and discussed the ongoing efforts of government agencies and non-profit organizations to address them.
Adding depth to the discussion, Joshua Villalobos, Secretary-General of the Negrosanon Initiative for Climate and the Environment, shared his first-hand experiences attending the Conference of the Parties (COP) under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and connected these insights to grassroots climate initiatives on Negros Island.
The session was again moderated by Prof. Tumabing, who guided a reflective and interactive open forum where campers asked questions about accountability to the environment and their communities, and explored actionable steps they can take as student leaders. The day ended with the campers reflecting and sharing insights on the Fireside Chat sessions with their respective groups.
Day 5
The young leaders began the morning of Day 5 cleaning the CHMSU Talisay Campus in preparation for the opening of classes. As part of the activity, each group then conducted an inventory of the trash they gathered during the clean-up initiative.
The clean-up was followed by a planning session on Greening CHMSU and environmental activities facilitated by OSAS Director Maria Victoria Violanda.
As part of its commitment to internationalization, CHMSU celebrated the 57th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Day through a Parade of Nations, Flag Ceremony, ASEAN Showcase, and Fellowship Dinner, August 8 at the Multi-purpose Gym.
The student leaders participating in the 7th RIPPLES Training Camp along with top CHMSU officials, faculty and staff joined the flag ceremony
The festivities began with a parade of nations and flag raising ceremony in the afternoon led by host country, Malaysia. It was followed by performances from the campers showcases the culture of each ASEAN member state.
The evening concluded with a fellowship dinner, fun and games, unity dance, and the camp Solidarity Night.
Day 6
The final day of the RIPPLES Training Camp started with the in-depth strategic action planning for each campus led by their respective University Student Government presidents.
Director Samonte and Director Violanda then critiques their plans, providing the student leaders notes and insights to improve their plans in order to effectively address issues and concerns at the student government level.
To celebrate the final day, the campers together with the camp organizers enjoyed a boodle lunch.
The afternoon of Day 6 started with Holy Mass led by Rev. Fr. Claude Alvin Maria Umali and was followed by the graduation and the awarding of certificates to the participants and camp organizers.
