JPIChE Summit To Ignite Leadership Purpose in Baguio

Student leaders from across the Philippines are set to gather in Baguio City for the JPIChE Leadership Summit (JPIChELS) 2026, a national event designed to strengthen leadership capacities and deepen the sense of purpose among future chemical engineers.

Organized by the Junior Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers (JPIChE) National, the summit will be held from June 13 to 15, 2026, at the Quirino Conference Hall of Baguio Teachers Camp. The event is expected to bring together around 60 participants through a combination of onsite and online attendance.

Igniting Leadership Purpose

Now on its third implementation, JPIChELS has evolved into a national platform where student leaders exchange experiences, discuss organizational concerns, and align their perspectives on leadership and service. The summit continues JPIChE National’s commitment to leadership formation, academic excellence, and professional development.

This year’s theme, “ALAB: Igniting Purpose in Chemical Engineering Leadership,” emphasizes the importance of understanding the deeper motivations behind leadership. Organizers said the summit aims to encourage student leaders to reflect on the values that sustain their commitment to serving their organizations and communities.

The Junior Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers serves as the national organization for Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering students in the Philippines. Officially recognized by the Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers (PIChE) in 2023, the organization oversees a nationwide network of Area Junior Chapters, Island Junior Chapters, and institution-based student organizations.

Strengthening National Collaboration

The selection of Baguio City follows the summit’s rotational implementation across the country’s major island groups. Previous editions were hosted in Cebu and Davao, while this year’s Luzon-based gathering continues efforts to ensure broader regional representation within the organization.

Organizers also noted that the venue aligns with the location of the upcoming PIChE National Convention, allowing the summit to complement broader national initiatives within the chemical engineering community. The city’s environment is also expected to encourage meaningful discussions, collaboration, and reflection among participants.

A significant development for JPIChELS 2026 is the adoption of a hybrid format. By allowing both physical and virtual participation, the summit expands accessibility and enables student leaders from different parts of the country to engage in the program while maintaining opportunities for in-person collaboration.

Beyond leadership development, the summit will also serve as a venue for organizational alignment. Participants will discuss common challenges, exchange best practices, and gain a better understanding of JPIChE National’s direction while strengthening connections between national and chapter-level leadership.

The program will feature speakers whose experiences highlight the value of leadership beyond student life. Through discussions on professional practice, stewardship, and service, participants will gain insights into how leadership skills developed on campus can translate into long-term contributions to the chemical engineering profession.

Project Lead and Luzon Area Vice Chairperson Angel C. Lirag said the summit seeks to remind participants that leadership extends beyond positions and achievements.

“Through JPIChELS 2026, we hope to remind student leaders that true leadership extends beyond titles, recognition, and achievements. It is rooted in purpose, guided by integrity, and reflected in a genuine commitment to serve others. In the spirit of ALAB, we aspire to ignite a form of leadership that remains grounded in values and continues to create meaningful impact long after the summit concludes,” Lirag said.

National Executive Vice Chairperson Russel Delos Santos echoed the message, emphasizing the importance of sustaining purpose throughout a leader’s journey.

“We hope JPIChELS 2026 inspires student leaders and future innovators to realize that ALAB is more than a passion for honor, excellence, and service. It is a purpose that endures. When leadership is driven by a clear sense of purpose, it does not simply burn brightly for a moment; it grows, evolves, and creates a lasting impact on the communities and people it serves,” Delos Santos said.

As preparations continue, JPIChE National aims to use JPIChELS 2026 as a platform for cultivating leadership that is intentional, service-oriented, and capable of creating long-term impact within the chemical engineering community and beyond.