The largest college in DLSU has a certain Alexandra Rivera from Santugon sa Tawag ng Panahon vying for the college presidential seat. Batch president during her frosh year and now the Deputy Chief of Welfare under the Office of the Vice President for Internal Affairs (OVPIA), Rivera hopes to leverage her leadership background to strengthen ties between the Business College Government (BCG), the Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business (RVRCOB)’s academic departments, and the college’s batch units. For her, closing the communication gap is key to making student governance more responsive—and that’s exactly what she hopes to deliver.
The LaSallian: How do you think your previous experiences in leadership and service will aid you as a potential college president for RVRCOB?
Rivera: Since I was the batch president (BP) during my frosh year, and then I’m now the deputy chief of welfare under the OVPIA, I was really able to realize or, like, discover the different problems of the students, both batch-wide and University-wide. And given those experiences, I think I have already been able to overcome these challenges in a way that I was part of the solutions—or how we made these solutions for the students. And given that, I think these are enough evidences that I am more capable to lead a college government since those credentials, I think, really prove that I am someone who is worthy of the position.
The LaSallian: What is a pressing concern within the college that you want to address in your term?
Rivera: So, actually that’s one of the questions na laging natatanong… It’s the disconnection of both the batch or the college government [from] the student body. So in [RVRCOB] kasi, they really have different priorities in life, which is valid naman. But of course, as the next college president, I want them to realize how important both parties are, especially in college. Kumbaga if they need something, they come to USG, and [on the other hand], the USG needs to know what they need. That’s why my vision is “An Amplified RVRCOB: Cultivating Business Excellence Beyond Tomorrow.” I want a stronger and more connected RVRCOB in a way that our projects will make them realize how important we are to them, and, at the same time, how important they are to us for us to be able to successfully execute these initiatives.
The LaSallian: In turn, which of your plans and platforms is your priority for the college, and how do you plan to achieve this exactly?
Rivera: Given that I am more into student support since I was BP and now deputy chief of welfare, one of my passion [projects] would be my “BaSSta Kayo, COB!” It’s different recreational opportunities for the students, allowing them to be able to really feel the support of the college government beyond their academics. So for this, we have [a] destress lounge and then different fitness initiatives, all-you-need kits that include school materials and hygiene kits that would be available for them for free, as well as a study area since given that there are many students, especially for College of Business—it’s the biggest college here in our campus. So, I really want to maximize the spaces [that allow] them to have, really, the opportunity to be part of a community where they are being included, and, at the same time, really support their personal well-being while also balancing their academics.
The LaSallian: Given the large population of your college, how do you plan to bridge the gap between the BCG, BLAZE units, RVRCOB departments, and Alliance of Professional Organizations of Business and Economics organizations?
Rivera: Actually, basically, with that naman, it’s just communication. But beyond that, of course, we have to do some actions… I really want na all the BLAZE units are included or part of every plan that we will be executing, since I also want to hear [from] them, especially since they are more direct to their batchmates. So, in a way, I would be able to really understand in a deeper perspective how important these projects would be, and, at the same time, how it can really address the problems of these students. And…with the departments, ayun nga: constant communication, just being transparent, and really try to be consultative… This is my first time, so I really have to learn a lot. And with that, I would be really needing the help of the departments, the different offices. So, ‘yun, communication and being transparent [and] being open to everything that I have to learn talaga.
The LaSallian: Student organizations have long been offering future-forward opportunities for RVRCOB students, with one even offering to send students to a leading bank’s summit. How can the BCG and its BLAZE units equal these industry exposures for all RVRCOB students?
Rivera: Actually, I have this project named “COBnnecting You and Beyond!” and these are different tailored company tours that align [with] the different programs of RVRCOB. And given this project, I am trying to really prioritize allowing the students to really maximize the opportunities outside the University, in a way that alongside experiencing different business environments, they would also be able to realize or have a deeper understanding of the career path that they’re taking. Because, of course, in the College of Business, there are still a lot of students who are not really sure about their programs and, at the same time, there are a lot of students going [into] RVRCOB. So with that, I want them to feel na the BCG would really help them to champion their holistic career development.
The LaSallian: In a similar vein, what are your additional plans to help mold business students to become leaders in their fields after graduation while still in the University? Are there any career development plans on the table?
Rivera: Actually, that’s what I said na earlier, because one of my thrusts in my SPOA (specific plans of action) is that I want to champion the holistic career development of every RVRCOB student, wherein they will be empowered and they will be able to realize how impactful these opportunities, especially external opportunities, [are] to their career paths. Na beyond the confines of our University walls, ‘yung mga learnings nila in the classroom, they will be able to be exposed to different environments to be able to realize…the practical business skills possible. And, at the same time, to learn na they’re more than this—na outside the University, they can overcome more challenges…they can really realize na ‘yung path na they’re taking right now is something na really is for them.
The LaSallian: How would you assess BCG President Hannah Castillo’s term, and what would you continue, discontinue, and improve from her projects?
Rivera: Currently, Hannah Castillo, I know naman na she’s really doing her job… And actually, I’m really inspired because of her projects or, like, how she really led the…college na I also want to be like her—to step up, to step forward, and continue what she has already started. And, from “Maximizing the Relentless Pursuit of Business Excellence” (Castillo’s campaign vision), I now want to amplify it and cultivate [it] in a way na, just like what I’ve said before, I want to be stronger, because I think one main reason na kung bakit marami pa ring may hindi alam ng BCG is that kulang yung pag-communicate, ‘yung pag-publicize ng different initiatives, and…kulang sa pagre-realize ng mga students how much value the University Student Government [has]. So, right now, I know Hannah Castillo is really doing a good job, but for me, of course, I’ll do more than that.
The LaSallian: What does your party’s slogan, “Shaping a Transformative Tomorrow,” mean for you—and especially for RVRCOB students?
Rivera: “Shaping a Transformative Tomorrow,” of course, we want na alongside making these colleges stronger and more connected, we also want to shape what they have…in the future. And with my projects nga, I’m not just focusing on who they are today, but rather I’m also trying to let them realize na we also prioritize what they can be in the future, especially when they step out of the University. Because of course, as business leaders, magsa-start pa lang ‘yan when we go out of the campus. So, we just continue to support the students and, at the same time, really try our best to just really address the problems they are facing right now and help them the best way possible.
The LaSallian: Should you be elected as the RVRCOB College President, what would the college look like in the future, specifically after your term?
Rivera: It’s a legacy—a legacy through outstanding leadership. Ako, I’ve been a student leader ever since high school, and I really try my best to always go beyond my limits. Just like our vision, I always want to go beyond what I have achieved already. And now na I’m stepping in, if given the opportunity as the college president, I want na kung ano man ‘yung na-achieve ko as the batch president before and the deputy chief of welfare, I want to prove to them na I’m more than that. Na with my projects, I can now cater [to] an entire College of Business [with] 7,000 students. Na I will always show up no matter what. Kahit mahirap, kahit anong hirap ng academics, I will always be there because that’s what a true leader is.
This interview was edited for length and clarity.
