Published September 28, 2024 by Campus Information Office
Kristine Leaño, a fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Criminology student and the current president of the Campus Student Council (CSC) of Cagayan State University – Sanchez Mira (CSU-SM), was recognized as one of the youth leaders of Cagayan Province who made it to the list during the first ever Search for Ten Outstanding Kabataan Kontra Droga At Terorismo (KKDAT) 2024.
According to KKDAT Cagayan’s official Facebook page, the ten youth leaders have gone above and beyond to promote peace, safety, and positive change in the fight against illegal drugs and terrorism in their own communities.
In an interview, Leaño said she was grateful to be part of the top 10 as achievements like this were just her dreams before.
“Hindi ito magiging possible without the help of my supportive family members, police station/uniformed personnel, my KKDAT family, and of course, the entire CSU family for inculcating me self-discipline at dedication to work and to serve other people,” the CSC president said.
Moreover, she also shared a list of activities conducted by KKDAT with the active participation of her fellow members and support from the Claveria Police Station headed by their chief of police, PMAJ. Mario Maraggun and police adviser, PCMS Walter Pacis, together with their co-advisers and the Local Government of Claveria.
Some of these are environmental activities, outreach programs in the inner barangays and IP communities in their municipality, participation in Brigada Eskwela of different schools, and multiple speakerships on topics on drugs, terrorism, the importance of being responsible in academics, and others.
“Never have I ever thought I was going to be nominated. We were called to be interviewed at Cagayan Police Provincial Office in Tuguegarao City... I love speaking in front of people, but that was the time I felt scared the most. Pero sabi nga nila, when you feel afraid of something, it means you are about to do something very brave,” she said.
Aside from the award, she was also elected as Provincial Officer of the 2nd District of Cagayan as a representative during the two-day KKDAT Leadership Congress on September 28-29 at the Ivory Hotel, Tuguegarao City. The event with the theme “Uplifting the Spirit of Volunteerism and Leadership of Cagayan Youth” featured seminars and various interactive workshops.
Asked about some tips to the youth and fellow students, she emphasized the need to learn to become productive and never to be afraid to volunteer to make a change and impact in their own communities even in simple ways.
“Once you are already on your way to realizing you found your purpose, and you already achieved recognitions for it, stay humble and never think you are better than anyone else. Always be teachable,” she added.