To foster comprehensive practices in leadership, former Vice President Leni Robredo and award-winning historian Dr. Ambeth Ocampo recently called on the youth to cultivate holistic insights that may drive positive change in governance.
Dubbed “Inclusive Leadership: Quo Vadis? Bridging Divides and Creating History,” the public discussion aimed to provide strategies and frameworks to enhance the capacity of individuals and institutions involved in governance.
During the event, Robredo imparted her experiences as Hauser Leader at the Harvard Kennedy School Center for Public Leadership in the United States.
She recounted meaningful lectures and consultations with students, who were trained to be critical and tackle in-depth discussions beyond traditional textbooks. The human rights lawyer likewise encouraged the Filipino youth to expand their analytical thinking and challenge the status quo in order to navigate complex issues and thrive in a fast-paced world. “Trust the future generation and give them the opportunity to immerse themselves on the ground and they will find their worth,” she noted.
The above remark was echoed by Ocampo, who stated that historical narratives remind the public to hone reflective analysis and cognitive scrutiny. “History does not repeat itself, it is the people repeating history,” he stressed. “History educates you not to accept anything unless it is validated. It becomes very subversive because if we know it and fight for it, people will realize that things don’t have to be the way they are.”
The prolific writer noted that this contrasted the learning system in the country, which meant to enforce and build blind obedience to authority. He explained that education should center on the art of inquiry and develop valuable understanding to build a culture of continuous intellectual growth.
Robredo, chair of the nongovernmental organization Angat Pinas Inc., advised the students to never lose aspiration due to obstacles. “Just believe in yourself. I wish older folks will provide spaces for you so you can prove your value in those places,” she continued.
She likewise advocated for the inclusion of marginalized population and the establishment of people’s councils to provide platforms for underprivileged groups. Robredo said the power of the sector starts from the leaders who are willing to share it with the people. She underscored the importance of empathy and immersing oneself in the position of others to learn more about their perspectives and needs.
Ocampo then walked the audience through the controversies and long-lasting impact of the efforts and accomplishments of the previous Philippine presidents.
The educator shared several heroes in the past embarked on their most significant endeavors at a young age. He hoped their journeys inspired the learners to have faith in themselves and pursue their dreams with unwavering determination and perseverance. “Opportunity is nothing without a skill and it works in both ways,” he explained.
The initiative was organized by the Social Science and the Theology-Philosophy Areas of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Multidisciplinary Studies.
Robredo and Ocampo hold seats in the Council of Advisers of the Benilde SMS General Education and Bachelor in Holistic Disciplines Programs.