Baguio City, Philippines

The Association of Philippine Private School Administrators and Mentors (APPSAM) hosted the 12th National Student Leadership Assembly and Talent Fair with the theme “Ignite, Inspire, Innovate: Youth Serving the Nation Tomorrow.” This was held on November 7-9, 2024 at the DepEd Baguio Teachers’ Camp, Baguio City. This dynamic event brought together over 500 bright and motivated youth leaders from across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao (LVM). At the heart of the assembly was a compelling speech by Dr. Genevieve B. Kupang, the Dean of the Graduate School at Baguio Central University (BCU) and International Relations Officer, who was invited by the APPSAM to address the “Challenges of Youth Leadership .” She was introduced by Ms. Jane Erish J. Lao from the Philippine Cultural College, Manila. 

The emcees for the event were Shiloh Gwyneth F. Bagunu and Richard T. Dong from the Philippine Cultural College of Manila.

Dr. Jacinta P. Corpuz, the APPSAM auditor presented the list of participating schools which included: Baguio Central University, Baguio City; Calayan Educational Foundation, Inc., Lucena City; Colegio San Agustin, Biñan, City of Biñan; Enfant Cheri Study Centre, ADS Branch, Inc., San Francisco, Agusan del Sur; General De Jesus College, San Isidro, Nueva Ecija; HSL Braille College, Taguig City; King Thomas Learning Academy, Inc., Sipocot, Camarines Sur; Makati Hope Christian School, Makati City; National Christian Life College, Marikina City; Olivarez College, Parañaque City; Philippine Cultural College, City of Manila; Regina Maria Montessori, Parañaque City; Siena College of Taytay, Rizal; Silliman University, Dumaguete City; Southernside Montessori School, Muntinlupa City; Sto. Niño de Novaliches School, Inc., Quezon City; University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos, Bacolod City; and University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, Las Piñas City.

Dr. Genevieve Kupang, International Relations Officer of Baguio Central University, highlighted the youth’s vital role in nation-building through patriotism, national identity, and active civic engagement.

Dr. Kupang’s speech emphasized the powerful role of youth in nation-building, urging the participants to embody the values of patriotism, national identity, and active civic engagement. She opened her address by quoting, “Patriotism is not just love for one’s country; it is actively participating in shaping its future.” This profound statement deeply resonated with the audience, as she outlined the vital role young people can play in their communities through community service, social change, and leadership in local governance.

She further emphasized that youth are the catalysts for change, challenging outdated norms and creating opportunities for sustainable development. “The strength of the youth lies in their capacity to think innovatively, look beyond existing systems, and envision a future shaped by integrity and purposeful leadership,” Kupang declared.

Dr. Genevieve B. Kupang sparks meaningful dialogue with a youth leader during a lively Q&A session, as participants attentively listen. Highlighting a visual from her presentation, she challenges the audience with the question: Is this place climate resilient?—a thought-provoking discussion on Sustainable Cities and Communities, tied to UN SDG #11.

In an insightful moment, Dr. Kupang illustrated how youth leadership aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She linked youth involvement directly to key SDGs such as quality education, gender equality, and climate action, sustainable cities and communities, peace, justice, and strong institutions, partnership for the goals, underscoring how each young leader present can play a critical role in advancing these global initiatives. “The future of our country, our world lies in your hands,” she said. “It is your innovative thinking aligned with your divine essence, your commitment to inclusivity, and your passion for action that will drive the world closer to the SDGs.”

Dr. Kupang also stressed the importance of building essential leadership skills such as self-love and resilience, collaboration, and critical thinking. She provided examples of various youth programs and initiatives that foster leadership and community involvement, including mentorship programs, youth councils such as UNESCO Youth, and global platforms for dialogue. These, she explained, are opportunities for youth to not only grow individually but also contribute to collective societal transformation.

A valid act of self-love and resilience, Dr. Kupang leads the participants in self-affirmation exercises.

In her concluding remarks, Dr. Kupang issued a powerful call to create a culture of service, advocating for every young leader to embrace volunteerism and service-minded actions. “Service is the foundation on which a nation’s future stands,” Dr. Genevieve Balance Kupang emphasized. “Through service, you not only uplift those around you but also nurture the values of compassion and unity—qualities essential for building a thriving and harmonious society,” she remarked. She prayed for the youth and wished them with this “May you bear abundant fruits as a leader, inspiring growth and positive change in everyone you lead!”

The event was energizing and inspiring for the speaker, the APPSAM officers and all attendees, who expressed their commitment to advancing the ideals of leadership and patriotism in their own respective institutions. With Dr. Kupang’s words echoing in their minds, the youth is empowered, ready to take on the challenges of leadership with renewed vigor.

Parent leader Wilhelmina Tayag of Sto. Niño de Novaliches School, Inc. in Quezon City poses for a souvenir photo with Dr. Genevieve Kupang, capturing a moment of connection.

Dr. Kupang’s message was clear: Leadership is not just about holding a title; it is about embodying values that inspire others and working tirelessly to create a better future for all.

Speaker Dr. Genevieve Kupang receives her Certificate of Appreciation from the APPSAM Executive Officers for 2022–2025 headed by Dr. Sining M. Kotah, president.

In a heartfelt thank-you note, Dr. Genevieve Kupang expressed her sincere gratitude to the APPSAM officers and Board of Directors for the invitation to share with the APPSAM participants of the 12th National Student Leadership: Assembly and Talent Fair:

“Thank you for the privilege of sharing my insights with such a dedicated and inspiring group of leaders. I am deeply honored by the warmth and support extended by the APPSAM officers and members. Your enthusiasm and commitment to leadership and innovation made this experience truly memorable. Together, we can ignite a brighter future through collaboration and visionary leadership.”

The APPSAM Executive Officers for 2022-2025 are: Dr. Sining M. Kotah, President; Dr. Helen S. Losbanes, VP for Luzon; Dr. Fe O. Cuenca, VP for Visayas and Treasurer; Ms. Flora L. Aurea, VP for Mindanao; Ms. Marinel R. Bagasala, Secretary; Ms. Natasha M. Francisco, Assistant Secretary; Dr. Resa R. Pestano, Assistant Treasurer; Dr. Jacinta P. Corpuz, Auditor; Dr. Josefina G. San Miguel, Business Manager; Dr. Erlinda Mercado, Public Information Officer; Dr. Loureli Carreon Siy, Managing Director; and Dr. Jesus Q. Javier, Immediate Past President.

The Board of Directors include: Ms. Ma. Socorro Arcilla, Ms. Fatima M. Estacio, Ms. Ma. Lita A. Montalban, Ms. Marianne Danielle Pesigan, and Mrs. Nancy Ann Samaniego.

With her inspiring speech, Dr. Genevieve B. Kupang once again proved that true leadership is about empowering others and catalyzing change at the grassroots level—an invaluable lesson for the youth leaders of today and the nation builders of tomorrow. The APPSAM’s invitation was a significant opportunity for Dr. Kupang to engage with future leaders across the Philippines and further champion the importance of youth in shaping a better, more sustainable future.

Dr. Genevieve Kupang shares a memorable moment with the faculty of Sto. Niño de Novaliches School, Inc., Quezon City: Sir Decson M. Tejada, Mr. Mark Jason D.C. Borrmeo, and Ma’am Maria D. Hachaso.

Photo credits: Dr. Sining M. Kotah, and Dr. Loureli Carreon Siy, Wilhelmina Tayag,