November 19, 2020 -- As part of the inaugural National Students’ Day (NSD) celebration program hosted by the Department of Education (DepEd), three former student-leaders on Wednesday imparted inspirational stories and lessons to learners aspiring to be like them.
Anchored on the theme Mag-aaral na Pilipino, Palaban sa Buhay, Gamit ang Puso, Galing at Talino, the 1st NSD became the avenue for former student leaders Ms. Stacy Danika Alcantara-Garcia, Dr. Jenny Lind Elmaco, Atty. Myrish Cadapan-Antonio to share leadership tips to motivate thousands of student leaders who attended the virtual celebration. Ms. Alcantara-Garcia recalled being a student leader, how it made an impact on her life, and how the traits that she developed during her student leadership days helped her in conquering the real world. “The trick is to enjoy what you are doing. Kailangan hindi mo ito makita bilang isang trabaho. More importantly, at that onset, you have to have that desire to serve. You have to have that desire to excel in your academics because you want to set a good example and you have to have the passion in doing the different things that are available for you to do,” Ms. Garcia said. She is currently a Foreign Service Officer of the Department of Foreign Affairs residing in London, United Kingdom. She also urged the students to stay authentic to themselves. “Do not compromise what you believe is right. Fight and stand for your principles because when everything else is gone, your sense of principle will be what is left,” she added. Meanwhile, Dr. Elmaco, who is a Vice-Chairperson of Asia Pacific Women Innovations and Inventors Network, commended the change that is happening because of the youth and student leaders’ actions. “To all the students, happy National Students’ Day, do not be afraid to be yourself, do not be afraid to discover everything you can. I’m so excited by all the changes that you are going to make with the kind of world we live in. Be kind, be brave, and be beautifully yourself,” said Dr. Elmaco as she further challenged the youth to make a difference in this world. Lastly, Atty. Cadapan-Antonio, the Director of Fellowship and Leadership Development Program of the Harvard Kennedy School Center for Public Leadership, emphasized staying grounded and looking back to the roots when serving the public. “Find happiness in helping others. When you find happiness in that, it will not become work, and it will come naturally to you. Build your tribe, you cannot do this alone, and you need other people. Never forget where you come from, and it is important to be grounded. Remember wherever you go in the world, whoever you are, from dust to dust we shall return,” Atty. Antonio said. The program also featured the Talakayang Estudyante, where current student leaders from selected regions shared their advocates, struggles, and their messages to their fellow students. DepEd, through the Bureau of Learner Support Services – Youth Formation Division (BLSS-YFD), in cooperation with the National Youth Commission (NYC), launched the 1st NSD to recognize the invaluable contributions of student activism to Philippine education and democracy for initiating efforts to foster leadership among Filipino students. "Binabati ko kayo ng Happy Students' Day. Tandaan na naandyan ang mga teachers, si kuya, si ate, at mga school para tulungan kayo, sa DepEd Commons, TV, o radyo. Kaming lahat ay tutulong sainyo, at maraming tutulong sainyo dahil mahal na mahal namin ang kabataan,” Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones said. DepEd Executive Committee (ExeCom) members, Regional Directors, Schools Division Superintendents, NYC officials led by Chairperson and CEO Ryan R. Enriquez, advocates and artists like Antoinette Taus, Bobby Yan, Xia Vigor, Isabelle De Leon, and Katarina Rodriguez, teachers, parents were also present in the virtual celebration. The event likewise aimed to commemorate the International Students’ Day celebration, which was spearheaded by the International Students’ Council in 1941.
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