COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING – A fourth year civil engineering student here joined 27 other student leaders from all over the country in the sixth run of the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Leadership Journey held in Taytay, Rizal, June 8-10.

Glenn Mark Galiza was selected after a rigorous screening for the expedition that aims to build the nucleus of a new generation of leaders who are grounded on their spirituality that can eventually transform Philippine society. Using Ninoy and Cory Aquino as role models, the program seeks to reintroduce spirituality as a major foundation for Filipino leadership. Harnessing their innate values systems, the participants took part in a process of self-reflection that could ultimately lead to self-transformation and self-commitment for others and country.

Galiza is the treasurer of the Central Student Council, a member of the COE Talent Team, a staff of Blueprint, and a consistent academic scholar. According to him, “The program marked the start of my true journey towards my goal. The program taught me that I’m not just a leader — I am also a son, friend, and sibling. The Ninoy and Cory Aquino Center for Leadership (NCACL) molds young persons like me to be a leader rooted in sacrifice and in great love of God. I learned that God’s presence is always around us. All we must do is to awaken our senses and see His presence through the people around us. Before I entered the NCALJ, I was a man of pride. I was numb and fearless amidst God’s existence. But little by little, I could see changes in my deeds and acts. Thank you to Ninoy and Cory for their love and sacrifice. Their efforts will always be remembered. Through storms and sunshine, and through rocks and sands, they will be forever.”

One of the NCALJ facilitators was Rafael C. Lopa, current president and executive director of the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation (NCAF) who was with the late President Corazon C. Aquino in various efforts on microfinance, human rights, and now, youth formation. He is one of the most prominent leaders in the development industry as he is also the executive director of the Philippine Business for Social Progress.

Another facilitator was Rizalino D. Rivera, undersecretary for regional operations of the Department of Education. He is a known expert in change process, organizational development, leadership development, and strategic management.

Junior facilitator was Boom Enriquez, director for formations and youth engagements of the NCAF. He is a budding youth formator, educator, and trainer. His advocacies are youth leadership formation, and education, arts, and culture development. A former faculty member of Xavier High School and the Office of Student Activities of the Ateneo de Manila University, he has given workshops and seminars on youth empowerment, leadership, and the arts.

Under the program, the youth leaders undergo a three-day transformative experience and become living witnesses of leadership. The Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation and the NCACL, sponsors the program, hope that the young leaders would be moved to commit to a life of service and mission through effective and impactful community work.

The NCACL is an institution established with the help of doctors Rolando and Rosalinda Hortaleza of Splash Corporation. It seeks to identify, form, nurture, and recognize individuals who, through a process of self-transformation, can develop into a community of empowering, world-class leaders.