Chief Legislator Giorgina Escoto called for an emergency Legislative Assembly (LA) session last April 8 to authorize resolutions for the inclusion of a sensitive content warning for statements and initiatives, the appointment of Trisha Martinez as Laguna Campus Student Government (LCSG) Treasurer, and a statement for Araw ng Kagitingan.
(Day of Valor)
Meanwhile, discussions on a resolution to include Commission on Audit (COA) requirements for clearance of units in the University Student Government (USG) were called off as legislators needed more time to have consultations on the matter.
Sensitive content warnings to be added
Legislators tackled a resolution spearheaded by FAST2019 LA Representative Lara Jomalesa to include a sensitive content warning in all statements and announcements released by the USG. Students’ Rights and Welfare Executive Gabriel Calo explained that the guidelines would cover content on abuse, discrimination, violence, pornographic content, and death.
The resolution, Calo said, would promote safety and transparency as it “allows students to further understand such content and how easily it may upset certain individuals.” Templates for the captions to be used for the warnings were also provided in the proposal. In addition, statements involving mental health shall be endorsed by the Office of Student Leadership, Involvement, Formation, and Empowerment (SLIFE) and approved by the Office of Counseling and Career Services before being posted online.
Noting the lack of repercussions for those who fail to comply with the resolution, FAST2018 LA Representative Marts Madrelejos suggested that guidelines on penalties should be added. FAST2019 Students’ Rights and Welfare Vice Chairperson Jasmine Paras clarified that failure to comply will result in the post being held back by SLIFE until the appropriate warning is added.
Meanwhile, EXCEL2021 LA Representative Katkat Ignacio suggested having sensitivity training programs in succeeding terms “to educate not only the USG but also the student body.”
LCSG Campus Treasurer seat filled
Legislators also unanimously approved the appointment of Trish Martinez as the first LCSG Campus Treasurer. Martinez aims to release financial reports every term for transparency and establish a financial process system so “there will be a tangible proof for documentation of cash flows and transactions for the funding of their (LCSG) programs and activity.”
Martinez also plans to build a platform to increase student involvement, proposing to use sites such as CuriousCat for students to voice out their opinions anonymously as she believes that student feedback will help LCSG “strategically allocate the funds accordingly with the students’ needs.”
Martinez added that she plans to conduct an orientation for finance executives and host webinar sessions with financial coaches to improve the financial literacy of her constituents.
The LA also approved a statement on the Day of Valor, encouraging Lasallians to commemorate the holiday and honor Filipino veterans who fought during the Second World War.
