𝙻𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙷𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝙹𝚎𝚜𝚞𝚜: 𝙲𝙿𝙽𝙲 𝚂𝚝𝚞𝚍𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝙱𝚘𝚍𝚢 𝙾𝚛𝚐𝚊𝚗𝚒𝚣𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚃𝚎𝚊𝚖 𝙱𝚞𝚒𝚕𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟼

"Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success." — Henry Ford

Leadership is often measured by accomplishments, but its true strength is revealed in relationships. It is not merely about completing responsibilities or fulfilling positions, it is about cultivating trust, unity, and a shared purpose. This became the defining lesson of the Student Body Organization (SBO) Council Team Building 2026–2027, held on July 9–10, 2026, at Adlawon Vacation Farm in Sitio Proper, Adlaon, Cebu City. For two meaningful days, the newly elected student leaders of Central Philippine Nazarene College stepped away from the routines of campus life to embark on a journey of reflection, collaboration, and spiritual growth under the guidance of Rev. Leo J. Mahanlud, CPNC-OIC school president and Academic Dean.

The activity was more than a team-building program, it became an opportunity for the council to discover that effective leadership begins with understanding oneself and learning to serve others with humility.

The opening session invited council members to write their expectations for the activity and assess their individual leadership styles. Through the assessment, each student leader identified personal strengths and areas for growth, realizing that no single leadership style is sufficient for every situation. Rather, effective leadership requires wisdom, flexibility, and discernment.

One of the most memorable moments came when each council member illustrated their vision for Central Philippine Nazarene College through drawings. As the sharing unfolded, an unexpected pattern emerged. Half of the council independently envisioned unity as the heart of the student body, while the other half expressed complementary missions on how that unity could be achieved.

Recognizing the remarkable alignment of their ideas, Rev. Mahanlud emphasized that genuine unity can only flourish when leaders possess "a big heart like Jesus," echoing one of the reflections shared by a council member. What began as individual drawings became a collective affirmation of the council's shared purpose for the school year.

The first day continued with a series of carefully designed challenges that reflected the realities of leadership.

The Balance Challenge reminded participants that leadership requires managing multiple responsibilities without neglecting any of them. As students worked to maintain balance under pressure, they realized that every responsibility entrusted to a leader carries equal importance. Rather than becoming an obstacle, pressure can become a source of growth when met with wisdom and perseverance.

The second activity, the Puzzle Challenge, offered another powerful lesson. Initially, each team focused only on assembling scattered puzzle pieces without fully understanding the image they were creating. One group's puzzle revealed land animals, while the other depicted sea animals. As the pieces gradually formed complete pictures, the participants realized that leadership is not only about seeing the vision but also about understanding its deeper purpose.

A touching moment unfolded when both teams willingly exchanged puzzle pieces with one another. Instead of treating the activity as a competition, they chose cooperation over rivalry. Their willingness to help each other complete the picture reflected the very spirit of servant leadership which is a reminder that shared success is more meaningful than individual achievement.

The final activity, The Land Mine Challenge, tested communication, trust, and patience. Blindfolded participants relied entirely on the clear instructions of their teammates as they navigated an imaginary minefield. The exercise highlighted the importance of giving precise directions and walking alongside others rather than assuming they fully understand every instruction.

During the reflection, the SBO Secretary Sophia Antonet Salipot emphasized that effective communication begins with healthy relationships. She shared that genuine trust among leaders creates stronger collaboration and ultimately contributes to achieving common goals.

On the second day, the council experienced a different kind of learning.

Before beginning a guided tour of Adlawon Vacation Farm, Rev. Mahanlud challenged each participant to observe God's creation and discover an object or scene that reflected their own leadership journey.

As the council explored the farm's lush landscapes, towering trees, blooming flowers, and peaceful surroundings, the experience became more than a simple nature walk. It evolved into a quiet moment of contemplation, allowing each student leader to appreciate the beauty of God's creation while reflecting on their personal calling to lead.

After the tour, the council gathered once more to share their reflections. Every testimony revealed gratitude, renewed purpose, and a deeper understanding of servant leadership. The peaceful environment became a classroom where nature illustrated lessons that no lecture alone could fully teach.

More than a recreational activity, the two-day team building became a spiritual retreat that strengthened friendships, deepened faith, and renewed the council's commitment to serving the Central Philippine Nazarene College community with integrity and compassion.

As Scripture reminds believers in 1 Thessalonians 5:24, "The one who calls you is faithful, and He will do it." The verse served as a fitting reminder that God faithfully equips those He calls to lead.

The success of the activity was made possible through the dedication of Rev. Leo J. Mahanlud, whose passion for mentoring young leaders transformed every activity into a meaningful learning experience. The council also expressed its sincere appreciation to SBO Public Relations Officer Riele Cuyos for generously providing transportation to the venue, as well as to Mrs. Riza Cuyos for ensuring the council's safe journey throughout the activity.

As the SBO Council begins another academic year of service, the lessons learned at Adlawon Vacation Farm will continue to guide the student council not merely as officers fulfilling responsibilities, but as servant leaders committed to building a stronger, more united Central Philippine Nazarene College community.

Above all, may every success achieved by the council bring honor and glory to God, whose faithfulness continues to lead every step of our journey.

✍ By: Rachelle Ann Gulfo