The University of Bohol (UB), in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) Tagbilaran City Division, successfully hosted the Tagbilaran City Division Learners’ Convergence 2025, a two-day leadership gathering held on September 16–17, 2025 at Reyna’s The Haven and Garden, Calceta Street, Cogon District, Tagbilaran City. The event brought together elementary and high school student leaders, along with their advisers, representing the city’s public schools.
UB and DepEd Collaboration
The convergence was made possible through DepEd’s invitation, coordinated by its dynamic Youth Formation Coordinator, Mrs. Joermelyne P. Pasilbas.
Leading UB’s core facilitation team were Sofila L. Gantalao, JD, Principal of UB VDTALC Senior High School; Engr. Lemuel O. Belarmino, Ph.D., Dean, Student Personnel Services; and Mr. James Emmanuel Tabigue, UB Marketing Head, concurrent OIC CESO Head. They were ably supported by UB Guidance Counselors Quicy Mae Catalonia, Jessel S. Bacarisas, and Asherah Joy C. Francia, while UBSSG leaders Jessa Christie A. Tajale, Princess Marielle A. Tajale, Lee Rafaela G. Noble and Andrea O. Talosig added youthful energy as volunteers and animators throughout the sessions with Mrs. Elaine Joyce G. Diez taking charge of technical and incidental needs.
Nurturing Young Leaders for Nation-Building
With the theme of cultivating values-based leadership, DIVISION LEARNCON 2025 sought to strengthen leadership skills, foster collaboration, and instill a culture of service among the youth toward the greater goal of nation-building.
A Dynamic Lineup of Sessions
The convergence featured transformative sessions facilitated by Team UB. Engr. Lemuel O. Belarmino, Ph.D., opened with “Start Young, Lead Strong!”—a call to plant the seed of leadership for nation-building. UB VDTALC Senior High Faculty Vince Anquilero, MA-Soc Sci, and Micah Bornea, LPT, followed with “From Ideas to Impact: Lead with Design!” highlighting the power of design thinking. James Emmanuel Tabigue then shared “Leadership that Moves,” underscoring leadership as service. Rounding out the sessions were Jay Mar J. Masibay, LPT, with “Leadership in the Social Media Era,” and Charisse Dianne A. Araco, LPT, with “Integrity in Budget Appropriation.”
The event culminated with the much-anticipated Project Pitch Competition, where student leaders showcased their creativity, innovation, and passion for leadership through impactful proposals.
Moving Forward
DepEd Tagbilaran City Division officials expressed deep gratitude to UB for its unwavering collaboration, emphasizing that the convergence aligned perfectly with their mission of empowering learners to become responsive and proactive citizens while team UB was honored to share to all DepEd public schools the transformative power of Scholarship, Character, Service and Leadership in the field of student governance.
The Learners’ Convergence 2025 concluded with a shared commitment from UB and DepEd to continue nurturing the next generation of leaders. Special recognition is extended to UB President Dr. Victoriano B. Tirol III, DepEd Tagbilaran City Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Wilfreda D. Bongalos, CESO V, and SGOD Chief Maurine C. Castaño for their steadfast leadership and support in advancing the shared vision of educational excellence through youth leadership initiatives.
(Sophia Antoinne L. Gantalao)
