Trisha Casabar
April 02, 2024
ELECTION PLEDGE. Led by the commission on student elections, candidates for presidential, vice-presidential, and senatorial positions from two running parties, BulSUONE (B1) and Katipunan Student Movement BulSU (KASAMA-BulSU), vows to conduct ethical and peaceful elections this year during the convocation on Monday, April 1. | Photo by Danille Maye Lagman/The Communiqué
“Sana sa pagsisimula ng election, mapanatili na may nagbibigkis sa ating prinsipyo. ‘Yon ay mamuno, tumulong, at sumulong, regardless of the differences that we have, regardless of our ideologies, and regardless of how we fight for the sake of the students of course.”
BulSU Student Government President Arianna De Jesus stressed this point during the commencement of the Students Government Elections Convocation 2024, in response to the aspiring candidates who may lose in the upcoming election, recognizing it as a critical moment when the foundation of leadership stops.
Spearheaded by the University Commission on Student Elections (UCSE), the event themed "The Focal Point of Solidarity, Leadership, and Public Service," aimed to formally introduce the aspiring candidates from the two qualified parties and present their platforms at Bulacan State University Heroes’ Park on Monday, April 1.
Call for Inclusive Leadership
Presidential candidate from the Katipunan Student Movement BulSU (KASAMA-BulSU) Iesu Rex Judiel Cruz leads the discussion of their party's action plans and platforms, which include the full implementation of the Magna Carta of Students on Monday, April 1. | Photo by Danille Maye Lagman/The Communiqué
Iesu Rex Judiel Cruz from the College of Criminal Justice Education (CCJE), presidential candidate for the Katipunan Student Movement BulSU (KASAMA-BulSU) slate, initiated the discourse by sharing the outcome of their consultation.
Cruz highlighted numerous sectors they intend to address, including athletes, cultural performers, the LGBTQIA+ community, student assistants, and working students.
“Nirerespeto din po natin ‘yong importansya ng isang mental health-friendly university at pagkakaroon ng university na ang pagdulog sa mga kaso ay victim centered at hindi kung kani-kanino lang bine-blame ‘yung mga ganitong mga kaso,” Cruz stated regarding the management of mental health cases within the university.
Moreover, Cruz outlined KASAMA's general plan of action for this year, which includes fully implementing the Magna Carta of Students to address the mentioned issues. They also said to implement a priority-based budget allocation strategy, concentrating on concerns such as vacant hours, insufficient seating, and the need for electric fans and air conditioning.
At the end of his speech, Cruz encouraged everyone to support parties with clear plans and tangible projects for the university, while cautioning against those that rely on vague promises.
Call for Community-Centered Leadership
BulSUONE (B1) stand bearer for this year's student elections Queenie Quintero highlights the formation of the BulSU Ratification of Services and advocating for the Budget Prioritization Act during the presentation of action plans and platform on Monday, April 1. | Photo by Danille Maye Lagman/The Communiqué
Meanwhile, Queenie Quintero, the presidential candidate of the BulSUONE (B1) slate from the College of Science (CS), addressed the party's platforms, beginning with a proposal to establish a collective initiative within the council to form a BulSU Ratification of Services.
“Sa konseho natin isusulong ang kolektibo na magkakaroon tayo ng BulSU Ratification of Services kung saan ila-lobby natin ang mga services ng mga admin faculty kung nagagawa ba nang tama ang kanilang serbisyo dahil kinakailangan natin na magkaroon ng kwalidad na edukasyon,” Quintero said.
She also intended to persist in advocating for the Budget Prioritization Act within a progressive council and pledged to endorse initiatives that enhance individual strengths, hobbies, and interests.
“Naniniwala tayo na ang budget ay dapat nasa boses estudyante dahil tayo ang nakakaranas ng pang-araw-araw na hirap sa loob ng pamantasan. At syempre, isusulong din natin ang transpormatibong proyekto kung saan ang kanya-kanyang lakas, hobby, [at] interest ay palalakasin natin,” she added.
Students voices
The event was also attended by students across every BulSU college and campus, demonstrating their support for each party's causes and potential.
When asked the reason for supporting the KASAMA slate, Jed from the College of Engineering (COE) observed shortcomings in the governance of another party.
“Nakita ko kasi sa college namin na kasalukuyan, BulSUONE ‘yong nakaupo and parang may kulang sa pamumuno nila, kaya ayon napagdesisyonan ko na sa KASAMA BulSU ako sumuporta,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Kim Hardy Oabel from the College of Arts and Letters (CAL) views B1 as a student government that works together, promotes positive change, and embraces progressive ideas.
“Naniniwala po ako na sa BulSUONE, doon ko po naramdaman ‘yong isang student government na kolektibo, transpormatibo, at progresibo,” he asserted.
Jed and Oabel shared both sentiments about the events’ significance, stating that it will help them assess the platforms advocated by aspiring candidates. Thus, guiding students like them to select the most suitable for the position.
Convocation as a platform
In an interview with TC, Cruz emphasized the importance of this kind of event, stating that it helps student-leaders better understand and embrace the principles they stand for.
“Naniniwala po kami na ‘yong mga ganitong aktibidades na pinapangunahan ng UCSE ay isang mahalagang parte sa aming mga tumatakbo para mas lubusan naming ma-appreciate, mas lubusan naming maunawaan, at mas lubusan naming tanganan ‘yong mga prinsipyo na bitbit namin mula sa kampanya, na nanggaling naman sa mga estudyante,” he said.
On the other hand, Quintero stressed that this kind of event allows students to assess the qualifications and suitability of the aspiring student-leader candidates for their service.
“Napakahalaga ng gantong event like ng convocation, all candidates meeting, kasi dito nasusuri ng estudyante kung sino talaga ‘yung mga karapat-dapat na maglingkod sa kanila,” she stated.
Following the All Candidates Meeting on March 23, the convocation was part of the University Commission on Student Elections (UCSE) activities for this year's student elections, and it also marked the official start of the campaign period, which will run until April 14.
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