To the future leader reading this,

Right now, you may be an excited optimist, a nervous wreck, or even somewhere in between. Perhaps you’re unsure about everything, and that’s okay. At least once in our life, we have all felt lost. Having no idea where to go or what path to take, we often wonder how we can lead when we don’t even know how and where to start.

Being a leader is never an easy task. It means so much more than planning and giving orders. It requires empathy, understanding, communication, and above all, a mission and a purpose in achieving a common goal. As Ateneans, there is always that pressure for us to do well just as how many Ateneans did before. It can be exhausting and draining at times. Despite that, Ateneans always rise to the challenge and continue to exceed expectations amidst uncertainty. It’s hard to believe that the leaders we’ve come to know today once went through this phase in life. 

Of course, you have heard of Vico Sotto, a well-known and beloved politician, especially by the millennials. He graduated from Ateneo de Manila in 2011 and continued his post-graduate studies in the Ateneo School of Government. Elected as mayor of Pasig in May 2019, Sotto made significant contributions such as the allotment of funds for scholarships and health care centers renovation along with the provision of food rations and housing projects to those in need. His actions in handling the COVID-19 pandemic has received praise not only from Pasiguenos but also from Filipinos nationwide. A few of his projects include spearheading mobile palengkes, providing shuttles for frontliners, and giving financial assistance to people whose livelihoods were affected by the ECQ. His passion for serving the community has truly shown that he is indeed a man for others and, more than that, an admirable leader.

Benigno ‘Ninoy’ S. Aquino Jr., famously known for his opposition against the late President Ferdinand Marcos, also studied in Ateneo de Manila for his college degree. From a young age, he showed interest in journalism, and had exhibited leadership qualities when he was elected as mayor of Concepcion, vice governor and governor of Tarlac, and national leader of the Liberal party. He also received research fellowship grants from Harvard University and MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). Due to his opposition to the Marcos regime, he has been charged with subversion. When he was allowed to travel to the US for medical treatment, he was assassinated upon his return to the Philippines. His assassination sparked an uprising and ultimately led to the end of Marcos’s dictatorship. 

Another notable Atenean is Risa Hontiveros, an activist, journalist, and politician. She studied in the Ateneo de Manila, graduating as cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science. Starting off as a journalist for channels such as RPN-9, PTV-4, ABS-CBN, IBC-13, and GMA-7. Eventually, she got involved in politics and joined the AKBAYAN Party, taking part in committees for higher education, ethics and privileges, human rights, good governance and public accountability, foreign affairs, women’s rights and gender equality, and health. Even today, she continues to show exemplary leadership as she advocates for women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and mental health awareness. Her strong will and dedication to fight for social justice have earned her numerous awards including a Nobel Peace Prize nomination, Love Gala Ripple Award for HIV-AIDS awareness, Lagablab Network Equality Champion Award, and the Silver Rose Award. Through the years, her actions have brought awareness and instilled positive changes on the issues society is faced with.

Being a leader is never an easy task. It means so much more than planning and giving orders. It requires empathy, understanding, communication, and above all, a mission and a purpose in achieving a common goal.

Lastly is Antonio Carpio, a prominent figure in the law-governing system of our country. He finished his undergraduate studies in Economics in the Ateneo de Manila and became the editor-in-chief of the school paper. After finishing law school in the UP College of Law, he established his own law firm and also had experiences being the Senior Associate Justice, Chair of the Senate Electoral Tribunal, and Chair of the Second Division. His hard work has earned him commendable achievements such as the Presidential Medal of Merit, Outstanding Achievement in Law Award, Distinguished Alumnus Award, and an honorary Doctorate of Laws. Today, he is well-known for his passion for advocating the Philippines jurisdiction over the West Philippine Sea and highlighting the importance of protecting our territorial sovereignty through the means of actively participating in lectures on the dispute both locally and internationally.

Although leadership is, without a doubt, demanding, it is certainly rewarding. The lives of the leaders we’ve come to know today weren’t made in an instant. They were shaped through years of setbacks, obstacles, and sacrifices that allowed them to grow. Nevertheless, all of them have managed to carve their own path by finding meaning in what they do.

Sources:
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Benigno-Aquino-Jr
https://kami.com.ph/109477-risa-hontiveros-bio-husband-net-worth-children-age.html
https://www.set.gov.ph/member-justices/1150/hon-justice-antonio-t-carpio/
https://kami.com.ph/111477-vico-sotto-bio-age-wife-net-worth-achievements-latest-news.html
https://www.msn.com/en-ph/news/national/heres-everything-that-mayor-vico-sotto-has-done-so-far-amid-covid-19/ar-BB11VWua?li=BBr8Mkn

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Megan Olladas