Photo by Yana Bulao

By Heather Pascua and Glaiza Salanio

On Monday, February 19, the Ateneo Senior High School (ASHS) Commission on Elections (ComElec) organized “Kahidlaw: Dagitab ng Puso at Paglilingkod.”

Kahidlaw was a leadership orientation seminar that took place at the ASHS Blackbox Theatre, enlightening ASHS students on the upcoming year-end elections.

The event started with an introductory game hosted by Mx. Daniel Allones and Mx. Raine Reyes to welcome the participants.

Following this, the ASHS ComElec revealed the theme for the year-end elections entitled “SUNOD: Para sa ASHS, Para sa Susunod,” and briefed the participants with a short overview of what to expect in the coming months. 

The theme reveal was succeeded by a talk by the event speaker, Atty. Mickey Ingles, who is also a professor and author, as well as a graduate of the Ateneo Law School. 

In his speech, Atty. Ingles emphasized servant leadership, saying, “I would always think about what the Jesuits would say, ‘go where the need is greatest.’”

He then proceeded to share that the antidote of servant leadership is entitlement and that as a leader, one should always think beyond themselves. 

“You’ll realize, it’s not only about you, it’s about other people, it’s about the world,” Atty. Ingles concluded, holding a question and answer portion afterwards.

As the event came to an end, the participants were led to their assigned breakout rooms—each with a Sanggunian member to oversee the discussion. 

Profound longing or desire

From the Cebuano term ‘Kahidlaw,’ which symbolizes profound longing or desire, this orientation was organized to instill the principles of servant leadership in the aspiring Sanggunian members of ASHS.

“The importance for this orientation is to empower students to cultivate a commitment to servant leadership, fostering an inclusive approach that transcends differences, and equip them with the skills to lead effectively amidst diversity,” ASHS COMELEC said.

“The orientation also applies significance to inspire and guide students to channel their passions and advocacies into meaningful actions,” they added.

For the upcoming election, everyone is expected to participate and engage actively in the events prepared as well as contribute to the betterment of the ASHS through servant leadership.

The grade 11 juniors are highly encouraged to take the initiative in getting to know the candidates and contribute to the growth and success of the next school year.

Significant learnings

Members of the Sanggunian, current class officers, and aspiring student leaders attended Kahidlaw.

“This LeadOr has definitely opened people’s eyes in the field of leadership. It’s not just about the paperwork, and definitely not about the power and status. It’s about being a people person,” ABM Strand Vice Chair James Bautista expressed.

He further elaborated on his definition of the field, stating that, “Leadership, as we all know, does not come to one instantly. Leaders aren’t born, they’re made. This means that the gradient of progress as a leader isn’t linear, and there will always be bumps on the road. Leaders tend to be too harsh on themselves when they should be treating every mistake as an opportunity to learn.”