JPIChE Brings First Hybrid Leadership Summit to the Summits of Baguio
The Junior Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers (JPIChE) concluded its 2026 Leadership Summit on June 15 at Teachers’ Camp, Baguio City, gathering student leaders nationwide under the theme “ALAB: Igniting Purpose in Chemical Engineering Leadership Through Years of Excellence” to strengthen collaboration and share best practices among chemical engineering student leaders across the country.
The three‑day summit featured keynote talks, organizational showcases, team‑building activities, and fellowship sessions designed to ignite purpose and sustain excellence among chemical engineering student leaders.
When asked what made JPIChELS 2026 distinct from past summits, National Secretariat Officer Samira Najwa Laud explained, “What distinguishes the JPIChE Leadership Summit (JPIChELS) 2026 from previous editions is its emphasis on creating a more holistic and immersive delegate experience while maintaining its core objective of leadership development.”
She recalled that earlier summits were successful in fostering learning and camaraderie, yet each carried its own character and limitations.
“The first summit offered a straightforward and convenient setup, with accommodations located near the venue, allowing delegates to focus primarily on the program proper,” Laud said.
Meanwhile, the second summit, characterized by a smaller delegation size, provided an environment where participants could easily establish close connections and meaningful interactions.
By contrast, the 2026 summit expanded the experience beyond the sessions themselves by maximizing opportunities for engagement throughout the event.
Shared transportation between accommodations and venues, larger room arrangements, and thoughtfully planned logistics encouraged delegates from different chapters to interact more frequently and build relationships beyond formal activities.
Moreover, the Baguio setting provided a refreshing atmosphere that complemented both personal and professional growth.
“In addition, greater attention was given to delegate comfort and overall experience, reflecting the summit’s continued evolution through the years,” Laud added.
Rather than focusing solely on leadership training, the 2026 summit integrated learning, networking, collaboration, and community‑building into a more comprehensive experience.
National Chairperson Christie Amaryllis Neis emphasized that the summit also marked several firsts in its history.
“It was the first time to be held in Baguio, the first time hybrid, and the first time to try a different set of activities,” Neis said.
Among these first times was the welcoming remarks virtually delivered by the PIChE National President, which set a formal tone and underscored the summit’s growing stature and recognition in the professional setting.
Moreover, company talks from Dr. Jopeth Ramis of ARC Review Center and Engr. Ria Grace Abdon of 10RC served as sponsor support, offering delegates practical strategies for licensure exam preparation and success.
In addition, interactive sessions such as the World Café encouraged delegates to exchange ideas across chapters in a dynamic and collaborative setting.
The Way Forward session capped the program by challenging participants to envision the future of JPIChE leadership and commit to sustaining excellence.
This year’s JPIChELS concluded with the turnover ceremony, signaling the transition of the next installment to the capital of the Philippines, the National Capital Region (NCR).
