KNY-TSU holds General Assembly, underscores ethical leadership

Report by Mandie Asejo | Photo by Sabine Amber Flores

Kaya Natin! Youth – Tarlac State University (KNY-TSU) held its General Assembly on September 20, 2025, at the Academic Building Audio-Visual Room (AB AVR) with the theme “Carrying Forward the Torch of Ethical, Effective, and Empowered Leadership."

The assembly emphasized the role of youth in promoting integrity and good governance, alongside the recognition of new members.

Tarlac Vice Governor Lita Aquino, in her keynote address, underscored honesty, fairness, and accountability as the cornerstones of genuine leadership.

According to Vice Governor Aquino, leadership is a position of trust that requires treating public funds as the people’s money and not as personal property.

“The first quality is doing what is right… When leaders act with integrity, they earth a path that allows real progress to happen,” Vice Governor Aquino said.

Vice Governor Aquino emphasized that effective leaders must ensure results and not merely rely on good intentions.

“The second quality is getting things done… So good intentions are not enough,” she pointed out.

She also stressed that true leadership welcomes diverse voices and collaborative solutions.

“True leadership does not hold all the answers… It invites ideas, leads them to different voices, and gives people a chance to take part in solving problems,” Vice Governor Aquino explained.

She likewise condemned corrupt politicians for abusing their positions.

Aside from the keynote, Assistant Professor Maricor Cheska Santos delivered the opening remarks, while Nehemiah Reu Tagulao, KNY-TSU member and past aspirant, introduced the organization to the attendees.

Kaya Natin! Youth Governor and former KNY-TSU Chairperson Joshua Emil Sacalimatao also shared the history of the movement.

To cap the event, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan delivered a recorded inspirational message, encouraging the youth to help build a stronger and united community.

The gathering served as a reminder that leadership is not defined by position but by service, reaffirming the commitment of KNY-TSU members to become active catalysts of change within the university and the broader community.