LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Senior high school students in La Trinidad attended a series of enlightening discussions hosted by Dive Into Youth Organization, featuring notable speakers who shared their wisdom on public speaking at the Benguet Capitol Legislative Building on Friday, November 29.
Freddie Guisdan, Executive Assistant to the Vice Governor of Benguet, emphasized the importance of education as a cornerstone for success. “Palpasen yu eskwela yu, simpaen yu eskwela yu. If education cannot really prepare you for the future, how much more if you do not have education?” he remarked.
Highlighting the role of continuous learning, Guisdan added, “Every day is education, every day is change, every day is public speaking because every day is communication. Every time we speak, it is education.” He also encouraged students to explore entrepreneurial ventures early, saying, “Start a business as young as you are. Iyong good business. Part-time jobs as young as you are.”
Guisdan delved into the five critical functions of the legislative government, explaining its pivotal role in governance. First is Law Making, which is crafting and amending laws at various levels, from Congress to barangay ordinances. Second is Policy Making, which entails developing policies within their jurisdiction and respecting the boundaries of other provinces.
Third is Budgeting, which manages provincial budgets, where he reported the remarkable increase from ₱1.7 billion to ₱2.5 billion between 2024 and 2025 as Benguet moves toward becoming a first-class province. Fourth is Oversight, which is monitoring and ensuring proper implementation of laws and ordinances, including budget allocation. Lastly is Representation, which addresses public concerns through consultations, prioritizes issues, and crafting ordinances based on community input.
Guisdan highlighted the quasi-judicial role of the legislative government, particularly in addressing issues involving officials before they reach higher authorities like the Ombudsman or the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Another esteemed speaker, Adamson Labi stressed the importance of preparation and practice. “You’re not human if you do not experience anxiety or panic attacks. You should prepare because if you prepare, you prepare to fail. And if you fail, do what you have prepared,” he said.
Labi outlined key elements for effective public speaking. First is mastery, where people can notice if you do not know what you are doing or talking about. Rehearse your lines so that you can easily adjust when the environment changes. Second is confidence, which is combining mental and physical preparation to help speakers succeed. “Picture yourself in the audience; half of the job is done.”
Lastly is continuous learning, where he said the more you know, the more you know things you don’t know, which makes you ignorant. That is why we never stop learning.
He underscored the importance of first impressions and voice modulation, noting, “Voice first before content. Even if the content is good, but the modulation is bad, minsan walang dating,” he said.
Labi advised aspiring speakers to seek mentors, adjust their style based on audience needs, and maintain honesty when faced with challenging questions. “Perception is in the mind, persuasion is in the heart. Don’t let emotions get in the way of public speaking,” he concluded.
Other speakers were Joshua Leo Andaya and Joseph Quinto, who tackled about building confidence and managing anxiety. By Michael Dadd
