Leading as stewards to inspire collective action for a lasting impact: Ateneo student leaders attend AYLC

“Steward leadership starts with wanting the best for the world, not only being the best in the world. It is a basic call for all humankind to become more than it currently is. But you can only be more you if you, through purposeful action, help others and allow them to be more than you. You cannot be more if you do not know who to be less.”

Three Ateneo de Manila University student leaders ventured into the once in a lifetime opportunity of participating in the annual Ayala Young Leaders Congress (AYLC) organized by the Ayala Foundation Incorporated. This year’s edition was held at Seda Nuvali, Laguna from July 1 to 5.

Students Riva Suzane Comia (3 BS COMTECH), Sheris Angel Casurao (4 AB POS-MPM), and Lean Rosendo (4 BS PSY) were among the 49 students from across the country who have been rigorously chosen by the organization to foster steward leadership as the annual program’s new framework.

The five-day congress was filled with various talks from keynote speakers of whom reflects the value of being a steward leader in their respective profession. The program was also graced by the high caliber leaders of the Ayala Group of Companies. Participants were also immersed in various Ayala projects from agriculture, electronics, and renewable energy.

The five-day congress began with an inspiring introduction to the Steward Leadership Framework by Atty. Myrish Cadapan-Antonio, Trustee and Chief Operating Officer of Khan Academy. Her powerful insights set the tone for the event, emphasizing the importance of leading with purpose and accountability. Karl Kendrick Chua (BS ME 2000), Managing Director of Ayala Corporation, and former Director-General of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) of the Philippines, followed with an enlightening national situationer, urging participants to understand the broader context in which they lead. This session underscored the urgency and significance of effective leadership in the Philippines, highlighting the need for leaders to be informed and proactive in addressing societal issues.

One of the most impactful moments was the panel discussion on vision and working towards it, featuring leaders such as Ellwyn Tan, Co-founder of Bagosphere, Felicitas “Joji” Pantoja, CEO of Coffee for Peace, and Ma. Lourdes "Joy" Onozawa, Principal Architect of MLMO Architecture and Planning. Their stories of perseverance and innovation were deeply moving, reinforcing the idea that a clear vision, combined with resilience and participatory efforts can lead to transformative change and lasting impact.

A highlight of the congress was the community and industry exposure visits. Participants traveled to different partner institutions of the Ayala Foundation, witnessing firsthand how leadership principles are applied in various sectors. These visits provided valuable insights into sustainable practices and innovative thinking, demonstrating how steward leadership can drive progress.

Throughout the week, participants engaged in hands-on workshops and interactive discussions. A standout session on practical skills in steward leadership was led by Mharicar Reyes, CEO of Asticom Group, and Miguel De Jesus, Head of Commercial Operations at ACEN. These sessions, filled with real-world examples and practical advice, brought the concepts of self-organization, stakeholder management, and sustainability to life. Along with these talks are the daily workshops wherein the Ayala Young Leaders get together in their small working groups and reflect upon their learning and experiences facilitated by officials and members of the Ayala Group of Companies. A major highlight too was the Outdoor activities wherein participants get to showcase their creativity, cultural diversity, and leadership skills through applying the concepts and lessons learned from the previous plenary sessions.

The final day featured an alumni panel on working together for a better future, with contributions from Nina Terol, Co-founder and CEO of Imaginable Impact, and Christian Vallez, Head of Knowledge Management at Ayala Corporation. The day concluded with action plan presentations and a personal leadership covenant exercise, where participants committed to their own leadership goals and visions.

As these student leaders continue to serve our community, may we be reminded that every action we take contributes to a greater collective effort. Their experiences show us that by embodying the values of humility, visionary thinking, and dedicated stewardship, we can lead with purpose and motivate others to join us in making a positive difference. May we be inspired by the journeys of Riva, Sheris, and Lee, and together, strive to create a meaningful impact on the world. Tayo ang simula ng pagbuklod at pag-asa.