Last February 15 and 17, the University Student Government (USG) Legislative Assembly (LA) opened its first and second session this academic year at the Emilio Yap Jr. Case Room. The agenda consisted of a resolution calling for the strict implementation of safety measures in science and engineering laboratories, a resolution calling for strict implementation of safety measures in the University, and a resolution calling for the approval of the USG Administrative Code.
The former two resolutions’ purpose was to heighten the safety measures and ensure that every unfortunate circumstance is covered, while the latter, focusing on financial affairs, was to prevent both the elected and appointed officers from using the USG as leverage for their own enterprises.
On safety measures
The first resolution’s proponent was 69th ENG LA Representative Hazel Chung who asserted that first aid kits be made available in the science and engineering laboratories and other strategic locations. She clarified that the said laboratories will be prioritized. Other strategic locations are also included since DLSU Health Services Director Dr. Lily Cabuling stated a lack of budget for first aid kits.
Chung emphasized that due to the dangerous nature of work being done in said laboratories, “numerous students had encountered accidents, may it be minor or major, and they could not do anything at that instant because the clinic is far from where their classes are.” Chung recalled a colleague’s experience which resulted into a second degree burn without being given immediate treatment.
Upon consultation with Gokongwei College of Engineering Dean Dr. Jonathan Dungca, Chung reported to make visuals and have it played every class for student awareness. She also posited that Dungca will coordinate with the faculty and Philippine Red Cross about training seminars.
Due to slight confusion with a similar resolution regarding the University safety measures, the floor deliberated to lay the resolution on the table.
On USG Administrative Code’s Financial Affairs
BLAZE2017 LA Representative Tatsuya Sato and Hazel Chung began with a review of minor amendments made in the Code, such as publishing soft copies of archived official reports on the USG website.
Sections 24 and 25 of the Code were put into deliberation as it talked about generally disallowing any elected and appointed USG officer to grant financial contract to any business enterprises and organizations that they declared.
Mikee de Vega (V, ISE-LGL), co-author of the resolution, affixed that “[the resolution] was to prevent any selfish incentive that can roam around USG.” She clarified that it is not a violation as long as the elected and appointed officers are not directly involved with a project, such as being project heads or part of a central committee.
The resolution was subject to a series of propositions and therefore deferred a final disposition. With 10 voting for, zero against, and zero abstain, the resolution was laid on the table for further discussion.
Last February 17, the LA resumed its discussion regarding the Code. There have not been any results as of now. Another LA session will be held on February 24.
