Leading the way

A different kind of school is rising in Fort Bonifacio Global City in Makati. Called the Victory Leadership Institute, the school aims to inculcate integrity in present and future leaders.

"What VLI offers is a unique type of adult education. The emphasis is on practical living and work case studies rather than on theory," said marketing and development head Andrian Lee.

The one-hectare VLI campus is a long-term lease from the Bases Conversion and Development Authority. A 15-storey building, estimated to cost P300 million, will be put up on 6,000 square meters of the property. Construction of the building, which will include a world-class auditorium with a seating capacity for 3,200 people, will be completed in three phases. The first phase will be operational by Dec. 2002.

When completed, the VLI in Fort Bonifacio will serve as the central campus of 15 branches nationwide.

Vision

VLI was started in 1984 by Rev. Steve Murrell who wanted to make an impact on the lives of future Philippine leaders. He did this by conducting VLI seminars and workshops inside the various campuses in the University Belt.

"How to react as a leader in the work place, especially when the situation is not in black or white, is not taught in schools. VLI hopes to equip its students with the examples and experiences of other leaders so they are able to make the right decisions," said Lee.

Participants in VLI’s leadership courses for business and public governance work on case studies outside the classroom. Classes average three hours a week.

Among VLI’s alumni is MTV host, Donita Rose, who took a two-year course in leadership.

With the completion of the Fort Bonifacio building by 2004, VLI will be able to offer year-round workshops and courses in the performing arts such as ballet, acting and scriptwriting instead of only during summer.

It will also be able to provide pre-school and grade school education up to Grade 6.

"Our dream is to teach men and women to be adept leaders in their various fields and, in doing so, to put this nation back on its feet again," said Lee.