Shiela Talusan and Julia Soriano August 25, 2023
“Kung hindi kakayanin sa lamesa, edi d’yan tayo sa kalsada.”
(If it cannot be handled on the table, then let us do it on the street.)
This remark was boldly expressed by Student Government President Arianna De Jesus, in response to the concerns of students regarding the presidential election of Bulacan State University, during the “TALAKAYAN 2023” yesterday.
In its initial plan, the student-led forum was expected to have all three presidential candidates but only Dr. Teody San Andres managed to be physically present.
The remaining two, Dr. Marwin Dela Cruz and Dr. Reynold Campo, had prior obligations. Nonetheless, Dr. Campo presented an 8-minute video outlining his plans.
The forum provided an opportunity for attendees to pose questions to De Jesus and address specific sector-related issues with the candidates, such as plans for satellite campuses, financial budgets, support for working students, concerns about red-tagging, and more, in order to strengthen influence over who to justly vote.
De Jesus stressed that her assessment of candidates extends beyond campaign promises and track records; she also evaluates their moral character.
In an interview with TC, the representative delved deeper into her selection criteria for a presidential candidate.
She shared that because all candidates are personally familiar to her family, she is able to observe firsthand how they interact with them.
This, in turn, gives her a clear indication of how they will likely treat the stakeholders if they are to be elected.
“Kakaiba sila. The candidates are unique, and they express their sincerity in ways na we have to see through carefully and personally,” said De Jesus.
De Jesus emphasized the significance of this vote by highlighting that it might not be limited to just a four-year term.
"There is a chance for re-election, potentially resulting in nearly a decade of leadership under the newly elected president," she added.
De Jesus noted it is crucial for her to carefully consider our choice, ensuring that the new president prioritizes student-oriented, emphatic, and rational decisions that are not driven by personal gain.
Given her role as both the Student Regent and SG head, De Jesus shoulders the responsibility of standing for the student body during the election and casting a vote on behalf of around 40,000 BulSU students within the 9-member Board of Regents.
“I can guarantee you na mapagkakatiwalaan niyo ako sa pagboto kasi nung tumakbo ako and when I was seated here, my leadership rooted from the very interest of serving the students,” affirmed De Jesus.
(I can guarantee you that you can trust me in voting because when I ran [for SG Presidency] and when I was seated here, my leadership rooted from the very interest of serving the students.)
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