Bonfire Pledges

By Herman M. Lagon

The fire flickered against the Barotac Nuevo sky as students and mentors gathered last week, their faces lit by the flames and quiet reflection. This was more than an ISUFST KampSama Day 2 campfire; it was a moment to face fears, embrace strengths, and commit to something greater. Before stepping forward, they had to look inward.

Leadership is not about titles but responsibility—standing firm in uncertainty, speaking up when silence is easier, and choosing service over self-interest. As students reflected on the leaders they wanted to become, the fire before them became more than flames; it became transformation. Their pledges were not just burned but carried forward.

One by one, they stepped up, holding their promises. Some wrote about courage—the resolve to finally raise their voices. Others pledged to uplift their peers instead of competing against them. Some committed to listening more, reacting less, and leading with patience. These are different words but have the same essence: a commitment to lead with awareness, integrity, and purpose.

For many, this moment was deeply personal. There was the student who had always doubted their ability to lead, unsure if they were strong enough. Another had been told they were “too much”—too loud, too ambitious—so they had learned to shrink. Others had stumbled before but now stood ready to rise again. This night belonged to them.

Self-reflection reveals both strengths and shortcomings. Leadership is not about perfection but about awareness—knowing when to step up, step back, speak, and listen. It is about taking ownership of mistakes, learning, and moving forward instead of retreating into self-doubt.

As the fire crackled, a sense of unity settled over the group. Titles did not matter here. Everyone was on the same journey of growth. The facilitators, who had led leadership programs for years, knew that real leadership is tested not in training but in everyday moments—in tough conversations, moral dilemmas, and standing up when it would be easier to stay silent.

Filipino student leaders carry a unique burden. In today’s climate, speaking up can mean standing alone. The bonfire pledge was a reminder that leadership is about responsibility—not just ambition. It is about serving the community, upholding the truth, and standing by values that should never be compromised. Knowledge must be acquired and used, skills not just honed but applied for the greater good.

Academic excellence, another key point of the pledge, is not just about grades but about empowerment. In an age of disinformation, where falsehoods spread faster than facts, thinking critically, questioning narratives, and seeking truth are more important than ever. Education should not just be about employment—it should be about enlightenment. And for leaders, learning must always be tied to action.

Integrity stood at the heart of the pledge. Many seek leadership for the wrong reasons—status, power, recognition. But true leadership is often thankless. It means making tough choices, sometimes without acknowledgment. It is about staying true to principles even when no one is watching. The bonfire was a symbol of passion and purification—burning away self-serving motives and leaving only what is real.

The inclusion of social justice was striking. In a society where privilege often decides whose voices get heard, student leaders have the power to advocate for those who cannot. This is especially vital in schools, where biases—economic, gender-based, or systemic—persist. Leadership is about guiding those with platforms and creating platforms for those without them.

As the last pledges turned to embers, the facilitators reminded everyone that the real challenge begins after the fire fades. Making commitments in a moment of reflection is easy; living them out in the chaos of daily life is more challenging. The bonfire was the spark, but the true fire that fuels leadership must burn long after the camp ends.

The ISUFST KampSama 2025 bonfire night ended not just with applause and jubilant affirmation but with an AP song “Liwanag sa Dilim.”. It was not a conclusion but a celebration of a journey still unfolding. The fire had done its part. Now, it was up to the leaders to do theirs—to carry their commitments beyond the embers, to turn words into action, to prove—day by day—that they were not just leaders in title but in action.

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Doc H fondly describes himself as a “student of and for life” who, like many others, aspires to a life-giving and why-driven world grounded in social justice and the pursuit of happiness. His views do not necessarily reflect those of the institutions he is employed or connected with.