The LAMP is the official student publication of the Far Eastern University's Department of Nursing.
31/01/2025
“Igniting the Leader Within: What Fuels the Heart for Leadership?”
DILAAB, an annual event hosted by Far Eastern University - Nursing Society, is dedicated to cultivating exceptional and passionate leaders. From its definition: “fire” or “flame”; during this event, Tamaraw student nurses’ inner flame ignited, fueled by the spark in their heart for leadership and their burning passion in serving the people. For the 6th year of DILAAB, which was themed “Fueling the Leadership Pipeline”, distinguished guest speakers embodying the very essence of leadership—each with a unique and inspiring journey—were invited to share their invaluable insights, meaningful experiences, and profound wisdom with the nursing community.
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“A Compassionate Leader”
Mr. Adrian Dela Cruz, a renowned nursing leader, emphasizes the need to become
compassionate, empathetic, and a responsible leader towards their subordinates that can help improve relationships in the workplace and spark hope and inspiration within the team. He focused on the importance of building connections with members by getting to know them better, hence creating an opportunity to have a deeper sense of camaraderie between the group. This helps them be more encouraged that later on leads to an improvement in their skills.
Furthermore, Mr. Dela Cruz also emphasized knowing where to stand as leaders. When a member receives an accomplishment, leaders should stand behind, which also shows as a sign of support. However, when difficulties arrive, he elaborated that leaders should stand in front and become responsible by solving the problem at hand. These also indicate that leaders should also know when to take charge especially in most critical moments, making them role models in which their members can look up to.
He also stated that “Learn and get much experience as soon as possible so when the time comes when you become a leader, you can pass something to your members,” which helps us prepare in becoming the next generation nursing leaders that leads with utmost compassion and dedication. These characteristics will never fail to become one of the pillars in becoming an empathetic manager.
As Mr. Dela Cruz ended his speech. We learned that in order for us to efficiently lead our members, we should also take the time and effort to connect with them better. Through this, not only does our compassion reflect in our leadership, but it can also be seen in how we treat our patients. Together, we can build a compassionate community that takes care of one another all
while striving to become better.
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“Leading with Light and Hope”
Mr. Bryan Soria, a registered nurse and the former president of the FEU Drug Prevention Core, described “Bituing Marikit” as a symbol of light, beauty, and radiance. But to him, it is a beacon of hope, reminding us to seek life in everything we do. His story showed resiliency and emphasized the importance of believing that every person has the capacity to shine.
He was raised by his father who was a drug addict. “This is the kind of story that was not easy to talk about.” Mr. Soria admits. Despite his life challenges, he chose to be a light to others. His courage to share and to advocate his story has inspired those around him to confront their own battles as well.
Moreover, Mr. Soria’s experience became his driving force and led him in becoming a great and reliable student leader. Guided by his advocacy, he created projects deeply rooted in his passion and values. Like stars forming constellations, he brought together a community that empowers resiliency and fosters growth.
He is a “Bituing Marikit” in the lives of many. Even if his own life is dimming, he shone brightly, guiding others through life’s challenges. “We always look light in every story, even if it is the tiniest glimpse of hope,” he added. Mr. Soria inspired us to embrace our inner light and extend its warmth to those in need.
As he concluded his speech, he left us with a profound reminder: “Be a Bituing Marikit for other’s life, or someone's life. And together we can form a constellation of hope for the lives of others.”
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“Purpose-Driven Leadership”
Ms. Jeanne Isabelle Bilasano, a speech language pathologist and a beauty queen, talked about one’s purpose. She expounded upon the idea that everyone is here for a reason, and as a healthcare professional, she stated: “We are in this profession because we want to help people”.
She further conveyed: “My role will not be limited to what is expected of me,” the reason behind her strong commitment in her work for both healthcare and pageantry. With this, she uses her platform to raise awareness and to advocate for important social causes, particularly in healthcare.
Additionally, she shared that her main purpose for participating in Miss World Philippines is to get people listen to her advocacy, as having more people becoming involved and joining the conversation can significantly make a big difference. This is because she believes that every individual has the chance to talk about something great, which can be transformational for others.
With this, Ms. Bilasano said that it’s really important to stay committed and rooted to the society, as it is also from other people’s stories that we can learn so much from; and she added, “You’re not here just for yourself, but also for other people”.
Her advocacy, along with her heart in serving the community extends beyond what a healthcare professional is presumed to be; indeed, a “Beauty with a Purpose”—inspiring others to pursue their passion and create a difference in the world. As she concluded her talk, she left a message for Tamaraw nursing student leaders: “At the end of this, I hope we realize that our purpose is what drives us as good leaders”.
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As the event ended, the plenary talks ignited a fire in every student leaders’ hearts that will push them to become a compassionate leader, a symbol of hope, and the one who always reaches out and extends a helping hand to the community. From the first speaker down to the last one, the guest speakers successfully shed light on the three aspects that every leader should have. As Mr. Dela Cruz put importance on how leaders should know how to connect with their peers, nurturing a caring relationship between the team, this also reflects Mr. Soria’s message in his
speech. By being open and compassionate to members, one can easily become a beacon of hope and light that will encourage others to strive more. And as they aim for professionalism and success, they will now have the chance to reach out and give back to the community just as Ms. Bilasano emphasized, stating that one’s purpose is what makes a good leader.
DILAAB 2024 has sparked its advocacy, reaching every nursing student at FEU. Through the inspiring and transformative stories shared by the three guest speakers, student leaders were given an opportunity to take a pause, to reflect on their purpose, and to ignite their sense of passion for leadership.
The event conveyed that leadership is not just about fulfilling our responsibilities to others—it is about finding a deeper purpose and understanding that we can be a hope and light to others. True leadership is using our voice to uplift others and to demand for a positive change that will benefit each and everyone.
Article by Precious Gem Anilao, Janine Rocha, and Erika Mae Dela Peña
Layout by Chrysandra Marin and Krysta Gale Bayoneta
