By Justine Mae Berceles Carino
Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines — April 8, 2025. In a landmark move to empower student leadership and deepen community engagement, the University of the Cordilleras (UC) and its Junior Financial Executives (JFINEX) organization convened a strategic exploratory meeting at the UC Conference Room. The session, which began at 3:00 PM, marked the beginning of a collaborative initiative aimed at integrating academic excellence with impactful social responsibility.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders from both the student body and university administration. Representing JFINEX were officers Justin Aubrey Soriano, Nathalie Eloise Olivera, Rey Trinidad, Scott Dulnuan, Manav Sakhi, and Joelyn Mojado, accompanied by their advisers, Joe-el S. Marcelo, MBA, and John Carlo B. De Leon, MBA. Their collective vision centered on fostering financial literacy, leadership development, and civic engagement among UC students.
University officials in attendance included Dr. Rhodora Ngolob, Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs; Ms. Gladys Corpuz, Head of the Center for Social Responsibility; and Ms. Elaisha Sumilao, a member of the Corporate Social Responsibility Technical Committee. Their participation underscored UC’s institutional commitment to nurturing student-led initiatives that align with its core values of integrity, excellence, and service.
Discussions during the meeting explored innovative strategies for implementing the proposed project, including potential partnerships, execution frameworks, and measurable outcomes. The initiative aims to create a ripple effect—enhancing student competencies while contributing meaningfully to the broader community.
The atmosphere was one of optimism and collaboration, with all expressing strong support for the initiative’s goals. The partnership between JFINEX and UC officials is expected to serve as a catalyst for future student-driven programs that promote leadership, financial education, and social responsibility.
As UC continues to champion transformative education, this joint endeavor stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in shaping socially conscious and academically empowered student leaders.
/jpi
