The Philippine Survivor Network (PSN), a community of empowered leaders and strong advocates, held a Survivor Leadership Camp in Tagaytay City last May 15-18, 2025.

Titled Philippine Survivor Network: A Community of Empowered Leaders and Strong Advocates, the camp was attended by 34 survivor leaders from Cebu, Iligan City, Ozamiz City, and various parts of Luzon.

This was the first PSN leadership camp in which the entire participant group was composed solely of PSN members. PSN is composed of survivors of child sexual abuse and exploitation who have answered the call to lead, advocate for change, and be visible examples of courage to their fellow survivors.

Camp highlights

The camp guided participants as they deepened their understanding of leadership, advocacy, and personal growth. The camp sought to equip each member with the tools to become a support person, a leader, and a changemaker in their communities.

Highlights include Survivor Leader Crystal’s (not her real name) discussion on PSN’s vision, IJM’s Apollo Piquero’s discussion on personal security, and a culminating collage activity led by IJM’s Jenette Carredo which allowed participants to reflect on their roles and aspirations within PSN.

Crystal, one of PSN’s officers, opened the camp by revisiting the network’s vision and core advocacy. For new members who had recently completed their foundational training, this was a powerful reminder of the mission they now shared: to protect children and empower fellow survivors.

Foundations of survivor leadership

The camp’s sessions covered topics such as Trauma-Informed Care, Leadership, Advocacy and becoming a Changemaker, Communication Skills, and Stress Management.

Sessions were tailored to address specific needs and challenges faced by survivor leaders.

They had the opportunity to reflect on their own leadership styles and see themselves not just as survivors, but as leaders with the power to influence and inspire.

They also explored how to use their voices to drive change through advocacy. They discovered the power of personal narrative in influencing policy, shifting mindsets, and mobilizing communities.

Exercises demonstrated how to overcome communication barriers, resolve conflicts, and speak confidently in various roles—whether as a support person, a leader, or a public advocate.

Addressing the emotional toll of advocacy work, strategies for managing stress and building emotional resilience were discussed. Participants learned how to regulate their nervous systems, maintain balance, and support others without burning out.

Connection and reflection

A bonfire evening, led by survivor leaders, provided a moment of fellowship and camaraderie with shared stories, laughter, and a sense of warmth and unity.

The final day culminated in a creative and introspective activity. Through the collage-making activity, participants visualized their roles within PSN—as support persons, leaders, and advocates—and identified what they needed to achieve their personal visions. Sharing these reflections in small groups fostered vulnerability, encouragement, and mutual inspiration.

As the camp drew to a close, each participant received a certificate of recognition—not just for attendance, but for his or her courage, commitment, and growth.

Shaping the future of survivor leadership

As the Philippine Survivor Network continues to grow and influence how communities and institutions protect children, events like this leadership camp are more than just training—they are investments in hope, healing, and the future.

They impart confidence in survivors as well as in the restoration process and ability to overcome their situations. Survivors recognize their potential to be strong, influential leaders in their own spheres of family and work, and in the child protection space.