Five SMU–DOST SEI CBPSME scholars participated in the 2025 Scholars’ Leadership Camp held on November 12–16, 2025 at The Glory Hotel in Clark, Pampanga. The event gathered a total of 100 CBPSME scholars nationwide for a five-day leadership and values-formation experience designed to strengthen their commitment to academic excellence, social responsibility, and nation-building. Representing Saint Mary’s University were Vanesa P. Capua, Christopher D. Julian, Somerson C. Kis-ing, Monaliza A. Pumihic, and Nover Luke T. Saludares.

The camp officially opened on November 12 with registration, kit distribution, room assignments, and Module 1, which introduced participants to camp guidelines and facilitated team-building activities to establish camaraderie. On the second day, scholars engaged in the Opening Program followed by a session on “Values: What Define Us,” emphasizing key principles expected of DOST scholars. This was followed by an introductory workshop on professional excellence that included listening exercises and identity-forming group tasks. Afternoon sessions focused on youth participation, citizenship, democracy, and core values integration. Scholars also attended discussions on the Six Horizons for Social Responsibility and participated in workshops on problem-tree and objective-tree analysis that trained them in diagnosing and proposing solutions to community issues. The day concluded with talks on speaker credibility, growth mindset, and creativity-building activities.

The third day centered on servant leadership and personal excellence. It began with a discussion on historical servant leadership, followed by workshops featuring activities such as “I Love Hue,” grit development, and Lava Flow. Afternoon sessions highlighted the values of professional excellence as core expectations for DOST–SEI scholars through the talks “AKO: Being EXCELLENT!” and “Becoming Professionally Excellent and Exemplary.” The day ended with post-input processing and a reflection session on self-leadership.

Day four provided scholars with inspiration from DOST alumni through testimonials and a PEP Talk on servant leadership. This was followed by the session “AKO: Living an Exemplary Life!” The afternoon was devoted to writing personal vision statements and the reflective activity Star Gaze, where scholars shared their experiences and insights. The camp culminated with an online evaluation, journal writing, pinning and graduation ceremonies, candle lighting, recital of the Scholars’ Credo, closing remarks, showing of the SDE, and the traditional “Balik Tanaw” community dance.

Throughout the five-day program, scholars learned from distinguished speakers from DLSU, CPU, CLSU, and DOST–SEI, gaining leadership frameworks, values-based strategies, and collaborative skills. The participation of SMU’s scholars in this national camp underscores the university’s commitment to forming future servant-leaders who embody excellence, integrity, and service. Strengthened by shared experiences and a renewed dedication to community upliftment, the scholars return to the university ready to contribute meaningfully to local and national development.