By: Mervhi Lynne B. Lucio

The University of the Cordilleras, through the Student Affairs Services – Student Development and Welfare Center (SAS-SDWC), in collaboration with the Guidance Services and Wellness Center (GSWC), successfully conducted the Development Program for Student Assistants – Group Dynamics Activity titled “The Power of We 2026” on February 24–26, 2026, at the UC Cañao Hall. Held from 8:00 AM to 12:00 NN in three batches, the self-paced activity gathered Student Assistants (SAs) for the Second Trimester of AY 2025–2026 in a meaningful initiative designed to strengthen teamwork, deepen collaboration, and foster unity across offices.

Each day, participants were grouped into four teams and guided by Psychology student interns from the Guidance Services and Wellness Center during the interactive activities, while three Guidance Associates from the same office served as lecturers, facilitating sessions on effective communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. Activities were followed by reflection sessions that encouraged SAs to connect their insights to real-life workplace and academic situations. Emphasizing cooperation rather than competition, the program reinforced the message that collective strength and shared responsibility define the true power of a team.

The evaluation results reflected the activity’s strong impact. Participants highlighted teamwork, communication, trust-building activities, and the opportunity to socialize with other SAs as the most valuable aspects of the program. Many described the experience as “engaging and fun,” “wonderful,” and even “10 out of 10,” emphasizing how the activity helped them build new connections beyond their respective departments.

Ultimately, “The Power of We 2026” succeeded not only as a team-building initiative but as a reaffirmation of shared identity—reminding every Student Assistant that despite different assignments and responsibilities, they are united by one purpose and strengthened by working together as one community.