February 15, 2025
by Althea Nicole N. Leoncito
AISAT Horizon, the official yearbook publication of the Asian International School of Aeronautics and Technology (AISAT), serves as the institution’s final tribute to its students, capturing memories, milestones, and achievements. However, behind every finished yearbook lies a team of dedicated students facing numerous challenges. From staffing shortages to backlog issues, Horizon has had to adapt and overcome obstacles to continue its mission.
It stands at a turning point as the current Editor-in-Chief (EIC), Mr. Gino Paulo Albutra, prepares to pass the torch and towards a future of structural changes and improvements.
Past and Present Challenges
One of the biggest hurdles Horizon has faced is recruiting and retaining members. The current EIC shared that the organization has consistently struggled with manpower, often leaving critical tasks to just a handful of individuals.
“People come and go in this org. We constantly have to adjust,” Mr. Gino Paulo Albutra, the current EIC explained.
Workloads have been overwhelming with a limited team. The EIC found themselves juggling multiple roles—initially assigned as a layout artist, he ended up taking on all responsibilities when other members left. The lack of structured delegation has made operations difficult, especially as deadlines approach.
The organization has also been dealing with three pending yearbook backlogs. The 2022 edition is currently undergoing final adjustments due to formatting issues, while the 2023 and 2024 editions are still in the design phase. The Assistant EIC, Mr. KLeeve Lourenz Dacayo, who is leading the effort to complete these editions, emphasized the urgency of streamlining production to prevent future delays.
Horizon had to switch to a new printing press however, training remains an issue—scheduling conflicts among members from different departments have made it difficult to conduct structured learning sessions. Furthermore, even though a new member has recently joined, the team remains small, and training gaps persist. There are two current members—a photographer and a caption writer— that have yet to receive full training but are already assigned to specific tasks. Mr. Gino Paulo Albutra, who is also a graduating member, emphasized that these challenges have made leadership transitions more crucial than ever. Without proper training and a clear workflow, new members often struggle to integrate into the team efficiently.
The Road to Improvement
Looking forward to the transition to a new Editor-in-Chief, Horizon is preparing to revamp its operations. The incoming EIC recognizes the need for better task delegation and a more structured workflow to ease the burden on individual members.
“I’ve been considering ways to streamline the production process to improve workflow efficiency, but I still need to discuss this with the team,” Dacayo stated.
The outgoing EIC has expressed full confidence in the incoming leader, believing Dacayo has the experience and leadership skills to push Horizon forward.
Horizon’s work is demanding, but there are efforts to keep morale high. The school has provided new equipment and transitioned to a more reliable printing press to assist in production. Additionally, the organization ensures that staff members are compensated for their efforts, reinforcing the value of their work.
Beyond financial incentives, being part of Horizon is a personally fulfilling experience. As Albutra puts it:
“Yearbooks are the last stop for each individual in an institution. Imagine if you are part of its producers—you can proudly claim, ‘Hey, I was part of the last stop of each student.’”
Why Students Should Join AISAT Horizon
While Horizon has its challenges, it remains one of the most rewarding student organizations at AISAT. Members gain valuable skills in time management, creativity, and teamwork, which will benefit them in future careers.
Even with the workload, those involved in the process take pride in seeing their work come to life. The yearbook is not just a publication—it is a lasting legacy for students to look back on.
For those hesitant to join, the new leadership is actively working on making the workload more manageable and providing better training. As Horizon undergoes its transformation, now is the perfect time to become part of the team.
AISAT Horizon stands at a crucial crossroads. Thanks to a new leadership structure and a commitment to change, the organization is hopeful about the future. While challenges remain, there is a clear vision for improvement.
Mr. Albert Bije, the organization’s moderator, highlighted that Horizon’s primary mission is to document the institution’s milestones while fostering a commitment to excellence among its members.
For students looking for a meaningful way to contribute to the AISAT community, Horizon offers a chance to be part of something lasting. As the yearbook captures the memories of graduating students, those behind the scenes can take pride in the fact that their work will be cherished for years to come.