Anamarie Antolin
August 25, 2023
While credentials are crucial to qualify candidates; it does not solely define their deservingness. Context is king. Awareness is power.
Awards, academic background, and affiliations—things that wrap up someone's credentials—are important, but they should not be the end of it. Leadership abilities and character should be considered, as well as knowledge of the issues facing the institution one will be serving for years.
Examining prior attempts for the Bulacan State University Presidential Election revealed a number of insights. These efforts include the presidential public forum held on August 7, as well as student-led initiatives such as closed-door interviews and Talakayan 2023, held from August 22 to August 24.
Those who can only hear their promises will most likely fall, but those who can listen and think critically will notice how predictable some of their responses appear to be—common patterns for candidates campaigning for votes.
During the two-day closed-door interviews, the issue of the red-tagging and intimidation incident last February was brought up in the discussion. This issue resulted in a slow-paced progress, leading the victim to stop her studies. Presidential candidates were also asked about their intentions for empowering press freedom and protecting every progressive action and individual inside and outside the institution.
While they acknowledged the issue and its importance in being prioritized, and even expressed concerns about it, some of their responses are vague and questionable. One vowed to revisit the matter during his 100 days in office, but looking back, he was a part of the incumbent administration, with an influential position, when this occurred. Why is it only now?
The other one even answered: "Hindi ko hahayaang ang ating pamantasan ay magkaroon ng mga elemento ng makakaliwa, pero hindi ko rin naman papayagan ang militarisasyon dahil hindi naman tama kung lahat kayo ay nagka-klase rito at may mga armas ang mga pulis at sundalo na papasok dito." What exactly does 'makakaliwa' signify in his context?
A 'help' suggestion is also made: to assist the victim by offering and assisting her in becoming a student assistant at his office. In this response, it is also crucial to detail and clarify how this can benefit someone who has been victimized by red-tagging.
Furthermore, the conversation about press freedom did not end with these occurrences, as the problem of publication budgets was also brought up during the discussions.
Candidates made comments when asked about their plans to resolve concerns regarding the publication's budget.
One even suggested that the stages and paperwork required for publication be reduced. However, the need to still comply with the criteria of the Commission on Audit (COA) is emphasized.
This can be seen as beneficial in empowering one group's finances, but it is also vital to identify the actual issue here—the restrictions and bureaucratic procedures that produce delays and the inability to get these budgets that are part of their rights. There is already a source of funds. The Assessed Fees part of the Certificate of Registration (COR) can serve as proof that development fees for College Paper (P25), School Paper (P28), and Publication (P41) are deducted from every student's tuition. (as reflected in CAL student's COR)
Promises and cliches are prevalent during elections. Previous efforts to assist in the selection of the next university president are insufficient to determine their integrity. It was helpful, but it cannot be used as a solid basis because words can be simply uttered.
"Context is king," as the saying goes. Learning about the issue will help formulate better solutions to problems. Hence, it is important to qualify and elect someone aware of the university and its conditions.
Choosing someone unfamiliar with the environment in which they will serve, or picking someone who has a history of serving the institution but does not have a significant legacy in addressing university challenges, is akin to letting history repeat itself.
Similarly, it is critical to make someone aware of the candidates' and university's backgrounds, as well as an overview of the past efforts described, for them to cast their vote. Nonetheless, it is difficult for this election, in which the majority of voters are from outside the community.
The student sector, which has an estimated 40,000 students, has only one vote, which will be represented by SG President Arianna de Jesus—one out of nine votes.
To the Board of Regents who will be casting their vote today, your position is critical to the history and future of the institution, thus every decision and vote is important. More than credentials, awareness of the environment is an advantage; knowing more beyond it is a power. Allow your vote to alter the existing political climate and paradigm at Bulacan State University.
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