On April 15, 2026, Guimaras State University (GSU), through its Office of Student Development and Services (OSDS), convened student organization officers, advisers, and campus leaders for Lead Forward 2026: Capacity Enhancement Seminar-Workshop at the Agri-Eco Hall, Salvador Campus. The activity brought together participants for a full-day exchange on leadership practice, organizational direction, and program planning.
The program opened with a welcome message and statement of purpose from Prof. Jimmy P. Luzuriaga, adviser of the GSU Student Republic, who outlined the need for structured leadership support within student organizations. An inspirational message followed from Dr. Erly M. Martir, Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), who stressed the role of student leaders as extensions of the university’s academic mission.
The first session, led by Dir. Violeta C. Efondo, Information Officer III, centered on leadership dynamics and advisory responsibilities within student organizations. Participants were then guided through a workshop on leadership self-assessment and the mapping of organizational concerns, allowing each group to identify operational gaps and areas for improvement.
In the second session, OSDS Director Dir. Rey M. Arturo discussed the positioning of student organizations as partners in producing graduates equipped for broader academic and professional demands. The discussion extended to strategic planning, review of activity calendars, and the importance of risk management and policy compliance in student-led initiatives.
A follow-through workshop focused on the preparation of action plans for Academic Year 2026–2027, where organizations outlined proposed activities, timelines, and implementation strategies. Outputs were later presented per organization, offering a platform for peer review and shared input.
The activity concluded with a commitment-setting segment, where participants formalized their pledges through a signing of a pledge of excellence. A synthesis of the discussions was delivered prior to the awarding of certificates and closing remarks, marking the end of the workshop.
