𝐅𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 | 𝗔𝗔𝗔-𝗧𝗔𝗣 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗔𝗘 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀

Last July 11, 2026 at AVR 4 LIC UM Matina. Guided by this timeless proverb, the AAA-TAP Leadership Seminar gathered the College of Accounting Education’s academic awardees for a transformative learning experience centered on the theme, “Qualities of an Effective Leader.” More than a seminar, it challenged participants to realize that leadership is built through resilience, integrity, and purposeful habits long before it is recognized through titles. The morning session featured Dr. Reynaldo Castro, Vice President for the External Relations and International Affairs Office (ERIAO), as the resource speaker. Through his discussion, he explored the habits that lead to failure, Stephen R. Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, and Kouzes and Posner’s Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership. His lecture emphasized that effective leadership begins with character, discipline, and the willingness to persevere despite setbacks. Carrying the seminar’s message into the afternoon session, Ma’am Maricel F. Felix, manager at Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, former senior associate at SyCip, Certified Public Accountant, scholar, organizational leader, and Magna Cum Laude graduate, delivered her talk entitled “Building Bridges, Breaking Walls.” Rather than focusing solely on her accomplishments, she shared the realities behind every achievement—stories shaped by sacrifice, resilience, and the ordinary experiences that molded her into the person she is today. Raised in Toril by a father who worked as a magtutuba, Mrs. Felix came from humble beginnings. Long before completing her degree, she had already entered the workforce, serving as a checker, a fast-food crew member, and a staff member. Despite her modest upbringing and the insecurities, she faced during high school, stepping into the University of Mindanao became a turning point in her life. Although she initially dreamed of pursuing Political Science and eventually entering law school, she enrolled in the Accountancy program instead. Yet within this unfamiliar path, she thrived. She became one of the pioneering members of the Association of Academic Awardees in 2001, served as president of the Dynamic Society of Accounting Students (DYSAS), spearheaded peer tutorial sessions, and graduated Magna Cum Laude. For many students, academic excellence often comes with overwhelming pressure. What begins as a simple desire to pass eventually evolves into the challenge of maintaining success. Addressing the dean’s listers, Mrs. Felix acknowledged this struggle, reminding them that no matter how carefully one plans, “Life will not always go your way.” Instead of attributing her achievements solely to hard work, she highlighted the importance of community. According to her, one of the greatest secrets behind her success was surrounding herself with people who shared the same dreams and aspirations. “Some people do not know what you are fighting for,” she reflected, emphasizing the value of finding companions who understand the weight of ambition, especially for scholars whose futures often depend on their academic standing. For Mrs. Felix, it was her circle of friends that carried her through moments of failure. Rather than dwelling on disappointments, they would gather to discuss what went wrong and relearn the lessons that setbacks had to offer. Through these experiences, she came to appreciate the importance of meaningful connections. “The joy is multiplied, the burden is divided,” she shared, encouraging students to invest not only in their goals but also in the relationships that sustain them. At the same time, she cautioned participants against defining their worth solely through achievements. While ambition can be a powerful source of motivation, she reminded the audience that success is never guaranteed, regardless of the effort invested. “It’s the pressure that brings you down,” she said, explaining how many brilliant individuals lose sight of their purpose when they tie their identities too closely to accomplishments. Years after leaving the university, Mrs. Felix’s journey has carried her far beyond Toril and Davao, even taking her beyond the Philippines. Yet despite her professional achievements, she continues to pursue the dream she once set aside, enrolling in law school at the age of 43. The seminar concluded with a Project Pitching session, where participants transformed the lessons from both speakers into innovative initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). As the event came to a close, the awardees left with more than leadership theories and project proposals. They carried with them a renewed understanding that leadership is not measured by titles alone, but by resilience, humility, and the courage to continue despite adversity—and, as Mrs. Felix aptly put it, to remain “happy tired” in the pursuit of one’s dreams. ✍️ Stephanie Anne Rabe & Jaypee Madendog 💻 Charles Emyrrhson Tabac 📷 Joseph Niño Estrella & Alexander Gabriel Tapong