As the Laguna Campus sprints into various new developments, the Laguna Campus Student Government (LCSG) intends to follow suit by improving student representation and moving past Manila-centricism. Political neophyte Lawrence Arroyo banks on his experience as director for student services at the Laguna Campus Engineering College Government as he vies to take the helm in leading the LCSG.
The LaSallian: How would you describe your brand of leadership, and why do you think it is the one that the LCSG and its constituents need?
Arroyo: My brand of leadership is mainly focused on being receptive and more consultative with the student body. I think the students need this kind of leadership because we lack manpower, especially [in] the LCSG offices, so we need to work hand in hand as one campus [to] address [our] concerns promptly and decisively, forward it, and be a bridge to DLSU administrators.
The LaSallian: Let’s talk about the Tinig Coalition through a series of questions. First, what pushed you and your running mates to form the Tinig coalition? Second, the Laguna Campus is mainly a bailiwick of Alyansang Tapat sa Lasallista, so why did you choose to run under an independent coalition instead of running under a party?
Arroyo: As we know, both parties…are mainly based in Manila. This time, we decided to form a coalition because we want to represent and not be too political. We want our representation to be more balanced when it comes to our requests and concerns. We want to work no matter what color para mas mag-benefit ‘yung mga student ng Laguna Campus.
The LaSallian: Now, let’s discuss the presidency more. What aspects of governing the Laguna Campus do you think your predecessor has done well, and what could have been done better?
Arroyo: I think my predecessor has done well [in] establishing much more efficient and much more student-centered policies. He represented the student body well, so that was a good start. By the end of my term, I want to make the Laguna Campus more established. Mas maganda if mas matututo ‘yung Laguna Campus, especially ‘yung student body, to be more autonomous and be at par with other student bodies nationwide.
The LaSallian: Could you expound more on being established?
Arroyo: What I meant by being established is for it to have a centralized communication system, a smooth internal process, and seamless leadership transitions, which [are among] my platforms. I want the officers to be more empowered and developed.
The LaSallian: From your perspective, what is the biggest problem or concern that your government needs to address, and how do you plan to address it?
Arroyo: There are many concerns on our campus, especially [the] enrollment system, course availabilities, and [lack of] food options here…since the campus feels isolated [as] it is located in a very quiet place. So, I think what we need is a student government that branches out and partners externally.
The LaSallian: How would you describe the current campus culture in Laguna, and how will the LCSG play a role in improving that?
Arroyo: The current student culture in the Laguna Campus is somewhat tight-knit, and the LCSG can play a role in helping the students be more active, especially in participating in key events, not only by the LCSG but all the student organizations here. Not everyone needs to focus only on academics but also [on] some extracurriculars, too, to help them in their well-being.
The LaSallian: Let’s talk about USG-LCSG relations. Do you believe Manila-centrism within the USG remains a problem for the LCSG and its constituents?
Arroyo: Yes, somewhat. The USG and LCSG lack the projects and the representation…in [each other’s] campuses. The LCSG lacks representation there, and the USG lacks representation [on] our campus. It is one of my platforms to have key collaboration projects with the USG, so [that] the students feel that there is an LCSG there in Manila Campus and USG in the Laguna Campus [to make] the student life more balanced in both campuses.
The LaSallian: So far, are there any specifics on key collaborations you want to do with the USG?
Arroyo: As of now, my slate is still figuring out what key projects it is, but surely, we will find one.
The LaSallian: How would you like Laguna Campus students to remember you and see the LCSG after your term?
Arroyo: After this term, I want the Laguna Campus to remember me as someone who stepped up, represented them, and became the bridge for their concerns to be addressed.
This interview was edited for length and clarity.
