Candidates present platforms in Special Elections MDA

Candidates vying for a position in the University Student Government (USG) presented their platforms during the Miting de Avance (MDA) held last October 16 at the Amphitheater.

After a distastrous turnout in the last General Elections (GE) held earlier this year, candidates from political parties Alyansang Tapat sa Lasallista (Tapat) and Santugon sa Tawag ng Panahon (Santugon), along with some independent candidates, grabbed another chance at pursuing the 90 unoccupied positions in the USG.

In the succeeding sections, The LaSallian presents summaries of the MDA speeches.

President

Tapat candidate Meg Buensalido emphasized in her speech the relevance of the USG in society and the need for DLSU to be a standard of student governance. In highlighting why the student body deserves a Tapat leadership, Buensalido expressed the need for student participation in USG operations not only for the accountability of the officers, but also of the political parties.

Watch Buensalido’s speech here.

Independent candidate Pram Menghrajani declared the need for the USG to be more collaborative with the students. With this, she expressed that time is the most valuable thing the USG can give to the student body. She mentioned that time is not only about the moments or days of serving the students, but also about ensuring transparency, integrity, proper management, and empowerment. 

Watch Menghrajani’s speech here.

For Santugon candidate Mae Mae Gonzales, empowerment, purpose, and legacy are the three words she values in serving the Lasallian community. Gonzales stated that her experience as a USG officer has improved and increased her strengths and skills; thus, one of her platforms focuses on obtaining and developing the skills of students, which they can put into good use. To accomplish this, she said that the USG must be able to properly represent and govern students and address their needs so that Lasallians may have several opportunities for personal growth and development.

Watch Gonzales’ speech here.

Vice President for Internal Affairs

Santugon’s Micah Fernando declared the need for a collaborative USG structure with other sectors within the University. He also advocated the need for improved innovative services, ease in student services and initiatives, and representation for students in every administrative office. He also shared that though circumstances have not been ideal, he remains motivated to serve.

Tapat’s Mark Ilano expressed his belief that the administration is not the problem when it comes to affecting change in the University. Likewise, he also stated that many students are talented and willing to get involved, and invited students to be part of the solution. He maintained the need to make sure that every proposal should be research-based, pro-student, and concrete.

Vice President for External Affairs

Enzo Manzano of Tapat began by questioning whether the policies in place within the University, such as the ID policy and the dress code, are decisions that students willingly make on a daily basis. He then advocated the need for a pro-student and pro-people government, and declared that he speaks not just as a fellow student, but as a fellow Filipino.

Levin Garcia of Santugon emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities within and outside the University. He declared that “special” truly happens when opportunity is taken, and highlighted the need to help Lasallians discover their maximum potential. He also advocated national awareness among students.

Executive Secretary

Santugon’s Geanne Custodio promoted renewed governance via refined communications through active student participation, purpose-driven officers, and increased transparency within the USG. She stated that she will ensure that the information the Office of the Executive Secretary (OSEC) disseminates would be both reliable and relevant.

Tapat’s Kitkat Cuenca declared that she has a vision to see and fight the injustice in society. She emphasized the relevance of USG to students and called for student empowerment. She also talked about transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the USG operations, especially in the OSEC.

Executive Treasurer

Tapat’s Tristan Felipe proclaimed his desire to show the “true state” of the University. He asserted that USG officers have the duty to discover this by interacting with students rather than merely sitting in the office. He lamented the fact that in spite of having plenty of funds and resources, the University still raises tuition fees and is unable to provide assistance to students. He proposed providing financial aid to students in collaboration with DLSU and NGOs.

Santugon’s Zed Laqui stated that change happens gradually and step by step. He declared his passion for service and thanked Santugon for the opportunity to run and help students. He also revealed his aim for the population of scholars to reach 25 percent of DLSU’s population and advocated the provision of more student loans.

College of Science (COS)

Ashley Parto, Santugon candidate for FOCUS 2013 Batch President, expressed her passion for service, and that she should go beyond her purpose. According to her, she, along with Santugon, will together reach for the dreams of the USG and the University.

Tapat candidate for FOCUS 2013 Batch President Joleen Fernandez talked about her desire to address the needs of every student in COS, to utilize research-based programs of the USG for them to be more effective, and the importance of the academic and social development of the students in the University.

Tapat candidate KM Lunar won the position of COS College President in last March’s GE 2015.

Br. Andrew Gonzalez FSC College of Education (BAGCED)

Tapat’s candidate for BAGCED College President Nats Dela Rosa declared her belief that Lasallian educators have the biggest potential to help the marginalized in society and hold crucial roles in shaping the country’s future. She stressed that Lasallians must not only come to the University for education, but also to be shaped as catalysts for change. She proposed to establish a system for opportunities that will help maximize the potential of Lasallian educators.

Santugon’s Reigner Sanchez, also running for BAGCED College President, expressed his passion to fight for the right to education. He also emphasized the empowerment of fellow Lasallian educators, and the importance of touching the minds and hearts of each individual one step at a time.

College of Computer Studies (CCS)

Miggy Torres, Santugon’s bet for College President of CCS, talked about his passion and his calling, which, according to him, is to serve and empower Lasallians. Despite losing in previous elections, he said he will not give up on serving CCS, and declared that he wants to be of service to budding Lasallian innovators.

Running for Batch President of CATCH 2T17, Tapat candidate Marc San Pedro stated that CCS students would continuously utilize technology for society’s improvement. In his platform, he focused on pro-student representation that is inclusive, research-based, and sustainable.

Tapat is not fielding any candidate for the position of CCS College President.

School of Economics (SOE)

Tapat’s contender for SOE College President Erielle Chua emphasized increasing USG accountability, ensuring justice and fairness, and applying one’s learnings to contribute to society. She also proposed to address issues such as ID policy, lack of parking spaces, and low rates of student participation.

Aly Tan, Santugon’s candidate for the same position, maintained that although this is her first time running in the elections, serving has never been new to her. She discussed the purpose of service and the need for renewed Lasallian governance and advocated student representation, maximized functions of the USG, and collaborative governance.

Gokongwei College of Engineering (GCOE)

Santugon’s GCOE College President candidate Karl Ong stated that the purpose of students goes beyond learning and studying. He promoted the need for self-empowerment through experience and by maximizing the potential of students in GCOE by continuing what the past College Presidents have done.

Andreanna Santos, running for 69th ENG Batch President under Tapat, asserted that because problems continue to exist, there is a need to continue serving and fighting for justice and start thinking about long-term solutions. Problems she mentioned include issues regarding enrollment within GCOE.

Tapat is not fielding any candidate for the position of GCOE College President.

70TH ENG

Lone independent candidate running in the batch level Zam Doctolero explained that his batch government should be dauntless in student representation. He also emphasized the need for transparency as well as being zealous and enthusiastic, ambitious in the quality of service, and methodical in finding systematic solutions to problems.

College of Liberal Arts (CLA)

Oli Amatorio, running for CLA College President under Tapat, began by lamenting the failure of elections and the persistence of dirty politics. He questioned the student body if they are willing to let these issues happen again. He also fostered proper student representation in the college.

Santugon’s candidate for College President Matthew Yabut expressed his passion for service. He also mentioned the importance of collaboration among students, organizations, and administration in order to provide more services and opportunities.

Ramon V. Del Rosario College of Business (RVR-COB)

Santugon’s candidate for RVR-COB College President Sarah Phoebe Lim shared that opportunities within the college have been possible because of student collaboration and past Santugon leaders. She pushed for excellence, collaboration of individuals, and quality student services in the college.

Lauren Ng, running for RVR-COB College President under Tapat, expressed his dissatisfaction with the injustices and poverty in society. He shared his desire to fight against injustice in society within and outside DLSU. He also promoted the need for better student services.

Voting period for the Special Elections will be from October 20 to 22.

Update: This article has been edited for factual errors.