04/10/2026
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ | ๐๐๐๐-๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐: ๐๐ก๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ก๐๐ข๐ซ ๐๐๐ซ๐ค
He arrived in Baguio as a finalist. He left with a championshipโand a publication milestone bearing his leadership.
Christian P. Jaud, a BS Architecture student of Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U), entered the 2nd Outstanding Student Leadersโ Convention and 6th National Training-Workshop for Student Affairs and Services 2026 as a National Finalist. Held from October 1-3 at Venus Parkview Hotel in Baguio City, the convention brought together student leaders under the theme, โIgniting Change through FLARE: Fostering Leadership, Awareness, Responsibility, and Engagement.โ
Alongside the leadership activities, Jaud took part in the on-the-spot Traditional Poster Making Contest, where he emerged as National Champion. Initially hesitant to join because of the demands of the OSLP formation, he eventually registered because of his love for art. Without materials from Iloilo, he bought what he needed in Baguio before completing his piece within the 90-minute time limit.
For Jaud, โWhen I was called the Champion, I was totally grateful and thankful as my co-finalists in OSLP cheered for me. And it is such an honor to represent ISAT U in the National stage.โ
Another mark came through the publication he leads as editor-in-chief. The Signal, the official publication and page of the College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) of ISAT U, secured its first national-stage championship in the Student ExhibitโSocial Media category, competing against 20 other social media pages nationwide.
The achievement came as The Signal entered a new chapter. Before Academic Year 2026โ2027 began, Jaud and his staffers decided to rebrand the publication, a move he described as a new beginning for the publication where they amplify more connections and deliver more valuable information for everyone.
For Jaud, the publicationโs first championship carried significance beyond recognition. โThat award is not merely an award, it is also proof that as a publication, we could offer much more than journalism,โ he said. He hopes The Signal will continue serving people with information, not for recognition, but for the betterment of their communities.
That purpose is reflected in the work that happens behind every post and publication update. As The Signalโs adviser, Engr. Adrian L. Pillano pointed to rapid reporting, campus-event coverage, outreach programs, and managing public comments while maintaining the publicationโs integrity and composure under pressure.
Engr. Pillano also emphasized the role of collaboration within the editorial board, saying he trusts his staff because they understand their strengths and weaknesses. That trust, built through working together, reflects a view of leadership that extends beyond simply holding a position.
โBeing a leader is not about the position you hold but about how you lead as leader and lasting impact to your community,โ Engr. Pillano said.
That responsibility continues through The Signalโs Amplifying Connections outreach program, which aims to inspire and develop young journalists through journalism and media skills. He sees the publicationโs national championship not as an endpoint, but as another step in its continuing work.
โThis is not the end. But this is the start of our step to continue forward,โ he said.
Beyond the publication and its achievements, the convention also brought Jaud back to the journey behind the recognition. His roles as a student leader, artist, and editor-in-chief converged in Baguio, where another chapter of his growth unfolded through challenges and opportunities.
Looking back at the person he was before all of it, Jaud offered a reminder to his younger self, โBelieve in yourself and keep going. The journey will not always be easy, but every challenge, failure, and opportunity will shape you into the person you are meant to become. Never forget why you started, stay grounded, and always use your talents to inspire and serve others.โ
At OSLP-SAS 2026, student leaders made their mark. For Jaud, however, the achievements are not the end of the journey, but another reason to keep going.
Article by Ruby Jean Santos
Layout by Jabez Paul Amaro
