Biliran Province State University student leaders participated in the 62nd National Rizal Youth Leadership Institute held at Teachers’ Camp, Baguio City on December 5-9, 2025.

Anchored on the theme “Rizalian Leadershift”, the said event is inspired by the legacy of Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal, country’s national hero, and how the late Rizal’s philosophy, ideals, and principles can bring proactive and change in the communities.

Nine students including the officers of the Federation of Supreme Student Council (FSSC) namely Student Regent Hon. Aluah Kane T. Cabalhin, Lawrence Jay Pentado, Chona MaryFlor V. Sanjojo, Remmie Joy Baluna, Dexter S. Garcia, Xyryl Heart Siat, and Arnold Sadoguio attended the institute. Joining them were Junmark C. Cabalquinto, a staff writer from The Pillar, and Joshua P. Abanes. The group was also accompanied by the SSC Adviser, Apple Joy Balondo-Visitacion.

At least 800 participants, majority are selected student leaders from various higher education institutions, high school students of the Department of Education and community leaders such as sangguniang kabataan officials coming from LuzViMin areas, attended the said event.

The Rizal Youth Leadership Institute, which started on November 12, 1961, was organized by the Knights of Rizal, and was supported by the Commision on Higher Education. 

This year, various competitions were held such as Rizal Quiz Bee, Oratory and Extemporaneous Speech, Poster Making contest, Journalism, Essay writing, and Makabanyang Sayawitan.

Moreover the event also featured prominent speakers which include Dr. Nestor Catro, professor from UP Diliman Department of Anthropology with discussion centered on understanding the shift in Philippine Culture and Society, Ian Christopher B. Alfonso of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and Paul John Hernadez or known as the ‘traveling salakot’ who both discussed Integrating history, heritage, memory and identity in the SHIFT Agenda. Other speakers include Kenneth Isaiah I. Abante, president, WeSolve Foundation, Kristine Jane S. Atienza of Space Generation Advisory Council, Dr. Norby Salonga, Major Ron JR. T. Villarosa, chief, Civil Affairs Division, and Kim Robert C. De Leon, secretary- general, Boy Scout of the Philippines. 

In his keynote address, Dr. Francisco Navaro, President of the Philippine Historical Association and Commissioner of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), shared three timeless lessons from Rizal’s life: the importance of vision and hope, courage and integrity, and empowering others. He emphasized the need to uphold our dignity until the very end and, above all, to prioritize service over self-interest.

“True freedom is only achieved when Filipinos are empowered,” Dr. Navaro concluded.

Meanwhile, Junmark C. Cabalquinto, a second-year Bachelor of Arts in Communication student and staff member of The Pillar, the university’s student publication earned third place in the Feature Writing category with his article titled “The Rizalian Way: The Role of Rizal’s Legacy in Shaping Youth Leadership and Character to Meet Global Changes.”

Cabalquinto was awarded by the Knights of Rizal with a medal, certificate, and a cash prize during the awarding ceremony held on December 8.

The event concluded with a floral and candle offering at the BTC Rizal Monument, commemorating the enduring legacy of the national hero.

The university continues to make its mark, demonstrating the leadership and excellence of its students on national platforms. 

[This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education, SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.]