Reaffirming its commitment to strengthening mission-driven, collaborative leadership, and its continued formation of leaders that are faithful stewards of the university’s Jesuit mission, Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU) gathered senior administrators, deans, and principals for “Rooted and Recharged: Nurturing and Sustaining Mission-centered Leadership,” a formation initiative designed to deepen leadership identity, strengthen institutional stewardship, and renew engagement with the university’s core mission amid the growing complexities of educational leadership.
Held on May 8, 2026, at the Carlos Dominguez Conference Hall (CDCH), FEC Building, the session provided university leaders with a structured space for reflection, discernment, dialogue, and spiritual renewal anchored on Ignatian spirituality and the shared responsibilities of leadership in a Jesuit institution.
Organized by the Office of Mission Integration and Leadership Development (OMILD), the activity is one of the outcomes of collaboration and synergy among the Formation and Social Development units and the Human Resource Administration and Development Office (HRADO). It is part of the ELEVATE Program for AdZU’s engaged leaders and administrators.
Using the metaphor of a living tree, participants examined the “roots” that sustain the university’s leadership ecosystem, i.e., mission, Ignatian charism, and institutional memory, and explored how these foundations enable the institution to remain responsive and mission-centered amid evolving challenges.
In his talk, University President Rev. Fr. Guillrey Anthony “Ernald” M. Andal, SJ, encouraged participants to reconnect their leadership roles with the university’s mission and values through the session, “Rooted in the Mission: Grounding Leadership Identity.”
The formation session also included guided meditation and journaling, facilitated by Formation Unit Director Honey Rod T. Alfaro, assisted by Social Development Unit Director Ms. Aurora C. Gonzales. These activities helped participants reflect on practices that deepen mission-centered leadership and strengthen relationships within the university community.
University Chaplain, Fr. Manuel “Manny” A. Uy, SJ, deepened the attendees’ experience through his session entitled “Recharged by Faith: Sustaining Leadership Energy,” highlighting the importance of spiritual renewal in sustaining compassionate and purpose-driven leadership.
In the afternoon, small-group conversations, facilitated by Ms Cecile B. Simbajon of HRADO, further encouraged leaders to identify practices that nourish institutional culture, areas that require growth, and emerging opportunities that need support and protection.
The activity concluded with plenary sharing and synthesis led by OMILD Program Coordinator Mr. Jayson V. Sabdilon, followed by closing prayers and forwarding rites.
Through this initiative, AdZU continues to strengthen its formation of leaders who embody discernment, integrity, and service in carrying forward the university’s mission.
