Shaping tomorrow’s leaders at Andagaw Elementary School

By Maria Solita Zaldivar-Guzman

Eighty-three student-leaders of the Supreme Elementary Learner Government (SELG) and different club officers gathered for a two-day School-Based Encampment for Youth Leadership Development held on August 27 at Andagaw Elementary School. I had the privilege of participating in this meaningful activity together with my husband, Matt, as we served as resource speakers.

During my session, I highlighted the theme of environmental awareness and prevention, emphasizing the urgent call to protect nature from pollution, plastic waste, open burning, and deforestation.

I asked the students a simple but thought-provoking question: “What kind of environment will the future inherit from us?” It was my way of reminding them that leadership is not only about guiding people but also about protecting the planet they will one day pass on to the next generation.

I encouraged them to take immediate action through small but consistent steps, such as practicing proper waste segregation and saying no to single-use plastics that can create lasting change when done together. To make the lesson more engaging, I shared Jollibee’s Values Book “Mga Kaibigan ng Kalikasan.” Through the story of Angelo, his friends, and Jollibee and Yumburger, the children learned how teamwork and care can restore nature’s beauty after finding their river polluted with trash.

The excitement reached its peak when the Jollibee mascot surprised the students after the question-and-answer portion. Those who answered correctly received copies of the Values Book—a tangible reminder that they can be “friends of the environment.” After delighting everyone with the energetic Jollibee Bida dance, a photo opportunity was held with each club. The students expressed their gratitude to Jollibee for bringing joy and for reminding them to love and care for nature.

Meanwhile, Matt shared his journey in Youth Leadership Formation. From being an active student leader himself to now serving as a legislator of Kalibo, he has given the young learners a clear picture that great leadership truly starts at a young age. He discussed the 10 Qualities of a Good Leader, inspiring the students to embody values such as integrity, responsibility, courage, and innovation.

The encampment turned out to be more than just a leadership workshop; it became a space where young learners reflected on what it truly means to lead with empathy, responsibility, and stewardship. Through our stories, lessons, and interactive activities, the students realized that they hold the power to create change not only in their schools but also in their communities and beyond.

More than leadership lessons, these students carried with them the challenge to lead with heart, think critically, act responsibly, and care deeply for people, for their community, and for the environment.

I would like to thank AES Principal Lorienne V. Pallada for inviting us to be resource speakers for this seminar and Mr. Bart Vega, Manager of Jollibee Kalibo, for providing the Values Books as game prizes and for the delightful appearance of the Jollibee mascot. Truly, this collaboration made the encampment even more memorable and meaningful for the children—our leaders of the future.