The Varsitarian P.Y. 2016-2017 Botomasino

APRIL 7, 2017

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Editor's Note

To the next CSC officials: Stand up for Thomasians EVERY election season, almost all aspiring Central Student Council officers (CSC) never forget to mention the need to cure apathy among Thomasians as part of their campaign promises.

Apathy of UST students to national issues, let alone University issues, is indeed alarming.

But did they investigate the reasons behind this pathetic situation?

Asked about what the students wanted to know about the candidates for the CSC Executive Board, one Twitter user posted, “Paano mo maipaglalaban ang karapatan ng mga Tomasino kung ang mga simpleng hinaing namin sa mga pasilidad ay `di marinig?”

The next leaders of the council should remember that the moment they are sworn in to their positions, they hold the responsibility to uplift the rights and protect the welfare of UST students.

That way, they are helping crush the apathy that has afflicted the Thomasian community for years. They cannot be mere “event organizers,” as critics often allege.

We challenge the next officials of the CSC Executive Board to let their actions fulfill their promises.

The council should be our go-to organization every time there is a problem in our college or faculty involving student welfare. Stand up for the truth, and promote advocacies that truly matter.

Do not be silent on the issues surrounding not only our beloved UST, but our country as well.

To aid in voter education and help Thomasians choose the most deserving candidates, the Varsitarian has again come up with Botomasino — a special supplement on the 2017 CSC Executive Board elections.

The Varsitarian is hoping that with the help of the stories featured in this supplement, Thomasians will develop a critical mind and gain a better understanding of the importance of exercising their right to vote on April 18 to 21.

The Varsitarian FOUNDED JAN. 16, 1928 KATHRYN JEDI V. BAYLON Editor in Chief BERNADETTE A. PAMINTUAN Managing Editor ALHEX ADREA M. PERALTA News Editor PAUL XAVIER JAEHWA C. BERNARDO Online Editor DELFIN RAY M. DIOQUINO Sports Editor LEA MAT P. VICENCIO Special Reports Editor JOHN GABRIEL M. AGCAOILI Witness Editor AMIERIELLE ANNE A. BULAN Circle Editor KIRSTEN M. JAMILLA Art Director ALVIN JOSEPH KASIBAN Chief Photographer News Mia Arra C. Camacho, Hannah Rhocellhynnia H. Cruz, Christian de Lano M. Deiparine, Roy Abrahmn D.R. Narra, Theodore Jason Patrick K. Ortiz, Maria Crisanta M. Paloma Sports Jan Carlo Anolin, Carlo A. Casingcasing, Philip Martin L. Matel, Randell Angelo B. Ritumalta, Ivan Ruiz L. Suing, Ralph Edwin U. Villanueva Special Reports Ma. Angela Christa Coloma, John Paul P. Corpuz, Ma. Consuelo D.P. Marquez, Neil Jayson N. Servallos Features Daniella T. Cobarde, Ma. Czarina A. Fernandez, Alyssa Carmina A. Gonzales Literary Nikko Miguel M. Garcia Filipino Jolau V. Ocampo, Winona S. Sadia Witness Joel Sebastian D. Cristobal, Sigrid B. Garcia, Kathleen Therese A. Palapar Science and Technology Karl Ben L. Arlegui, Dan Albert D. Besinal, Edris Dominic C. Pua, Julius Roman M. Tolop Circle Klimier Nicole B. Adriano, Audrie Julienne D. Bernas, Chelsey Mei Nadine B. Brazal Art Chinny Mae F. Basinang, Shaina Mae L. Santander, Seldon May T. Tagao Photography Deejae S. Dumlao, Miah Terrenz Provido, Maria Charisse Ann G. Refuerzo, Ma. Alyssa Adrienne T. Samonte, Basilio H. Sepe, Jamillah N. Sta. Rosa FELIPE F. SALVOSA II Assistant Publications Adviser JOSELITO B. ZULUETA Publications Adviser Letters/comments/suggestions/contributions are welcome in the Varsitarian. Only letters with signatures will be entertained. Original manuscript contributions must be typewritten, double-spaced, on regular bond paper, and should include a signed certification bearing the author’s name, address, year, and college. The identity of a writer may be withheld upon request. The editors will not be responsible for the loss of materials. Contributions must be sent to THE VARSITARIAN office, Rm. 105, Tan Yan Kee Student Center Bldg., University of Santo Tomas, España, Manila.

Lakasdiwa, Lakas Tomasino Coalition clash anew in this year’s student polls TWO UNIVERSITY-WIDE political parties will clash head-on anew in this year’s Central Student Council (CSC) Executive Board elections on April 18 to 21.

Lakas Tomasino Coalition (LTC) has dominated the CSC elections for the past 10 years, nabbing majority of council positions away from competitors Lakas ng Diwang Tomasino (Lakasdiwa) and Alyansa ng Kristyanong Lakas (Aklas).

But Aklas’ accreditation was cancelled by the UST Central Commission on Elections in 2015 after it failed to field candidates for two consecutive elections.

This narrowed the field to LTC and Lakasdiwa.

Since 2008, LTC has secured 29 positions in the CSC’s six-man

Executive Board. It was the dominant party except during election years 2010, 2011 and 2015.

Last year, LTC won five of six seats in the council.

Glyden Aguilar, who won as an independent candidate for treasurer, prevented LTC’s full sweep.

“I think [our constant win] would be because of what the Thomasians saw in our candidates,” LTC Chairwoman Tanya Vasquez told the Varsitarian. “LTC is always just an avenue to give the students the power to choose, and the chance to make a positive, efficient and lawful change.”

Lakasdiwa believes its appeal to Thomasian voters lies on the party’s principles of authentic humanism and nationalism.

“We have these principles [that] we instill with our members so we try to bring these principles wherever we’re [going to] work,” Lakasdiwa

Legal Affairs Officer Gino Monsod said in an interview.

“Our candidates promote the welfare of each Thomasian by knowing and acting upon the characteristics of the human being and [what is] upright in society,” said Lakasdiwa Chairwoman Richie Abache.

Abache claimed Lakasdiwa candidates run not for the title but for the opportunity to serve Thomasians.

“The council [is] just as one of the big opportunities to serve in the best way we can. [In] the student council, [there are] a lot of resources and access to many things that would be helpful in the service that they want to provide,” she said.

More units, more chances Abache and Monsod said their candidates have higher chances of winning this year’s elections because of the establishment of three new local units of their political party at the College of Science, College of Tourism of Hospitality and Management, and the Junior High School.

Lakasdiwa has 11 college-based affiliates, compared with LTC’s 16. UST has a total of 21 faculties and colleges, and three secondary school departments.

“Establishing more local units will expand our reach, which means we are able to cater to more colleges and students,” Abache said.

Vasquez also attributed

LTC’s victories to the motivation and support given by their affiliates and units.

“It is through them that we were able to come up with leaders who have served the University in any way that they can,” she said.

CSC Vice President Steven Grecia is the LTC standard bearer in this year’s elections, while Lakasdiwa failed to field a presidential candidate.

‘Not a competition’ Speaking on behalf of Lakasdiwa, Monsod said the elections were not a competition as there were other ways to become a student leader.

“Hindi talaga namin iniisip kung sino `yong papatakbuhin ng other party,” he said.

Abache also said their candidates’ platforms were not drafted based on the political party’s interests.

“Isa ring importante is that we [do not] want them to have a platform that [they are] not going to be passionate about, so kung ano na lang talaga `yung hilig nila,” he said.

Every year, platforms of CSC candidates mostly focus on the passage of the decadeold Student’s Code, the promotion of students’ rights and welfare in the UST, and the removal of apathy among Thomasians toward University and national issues. ROY ABRAHMN D.R. NARRA and THEODORE JASON PATRICK K. ORTIZ

What has the CSC accomplished so far?

By THEODORE JASON PATRICK K. ORTIZ and KLIMIER NICOLE ADRIANO WITH only two months left in their term, the outgoing Central Student Council (CSC) Executive Board officers are looking to accomplish the remaining projects in their yearlong general plan of action (GPOA).

So far the council has implemented 14 out of 22 projects listed in their GPOA. CSC President Janela Nartates blamed the new one-month moratorium on University events, which bars organizations from holding events during examination period, for delaying the implementation of their projects.

“We’re trying our best na magkasabay-sabay [ang projects], na well-implemented at hindi magkakagulo,” Nartates told the Varsitarian.

The GPOA reflects the CSC’s five-point, “T.I.G.E.R. Agenda,” which aims to promote “Thomasian identity, Inclusive society, Genuine concern, Empowered studentry and Responsible leadership.”

Fulfilled promises?

In February, Nartates held the State of the Council Address, where she addressed the student body on the accomplishments of the council and their plans before their term ends.

Nartates drew flak on social media after saying that the CSC had forgiven the Marcos family—a pronouncement made after the council was hit for its inaction during the late dictator’s burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

Nartates is set to lead the annual celebration of the Students’ Rights and Wellness (Straw Week) in April.

Vice President Steven Grecia,

who is running unopposed for the presidency in this year’s elections, headed the “Humans of UST” exhibit last Nov. 7. It featured eight panels displayed at the Tan Yan Kee Lobby, highlighting the lives of students, professors and security and janitorial staff.

Grecia is also the head of the four-part “#MillennialGoals,” a series of advocacy seminars. The first part was held in February, focusing on mental health, while the remaining lectures will focus on gender equality and feminism, hunger, and social media literacy.

In line with her environmental awareness platform in last year’s campaign, CSC Secretary Nina Pasno proposed the “Paper Rebound Cabinets,” a sustainability campaign that promotes the use of recycled paper.

But the project failed to materialize during the target month.

“The papers are already in progress so `yung kailangan [na] lang gawin is to finish the design of the cabinets,” Pasno said.

She also led “Tiger Oasis: Environmental Symposium,” an environmental conservation seminar last Nov. 14.

Pasno continued the “Scraps at Libro Para sa Kinabukasan Mo,” an initiative by her predecessor Yvonne Erica Yap. It involved a book fair and seminar on proper waste disposal.

A portion of the total sales from the fair went to the Sampaloc-UST Neighborhood Watch.

Pasno, a physical therapy student, also held an advocacy project that championed the rights of persons with disabilities.

Pasno, alongside Grecia, headed last August an excursion with UST partner communities in Bayambang,

Pangasinan.

CSC Treasurer Glyden Aguilar is one project short from the three that she promised in her campaign.

In “Money Matters,” held last Oct. 25, Aguilar taught Thomasians proper financial management and budgeting.

“Diamonds,” an annual symposium of finance officers from local student councils and student organizations, was held last Aug. 22.

Aguilar’s fun-run project “Plague Run” failed to materialize last January due to its similarities with “Kislap,” a nighttime fun run also organized by the CSC. CSC Auditor Romulo Terrado established “Veritas,” where the CSC published monthly financial reports on their Facebook page, for financial transparency.

The Office for Student Affairs ordered “Veritas” to be an annual project of the CSC, Terrado bared.

Terrado’s pending project “CSC Cares: First Aid Cabinets” aims to promote first-aid care in case of emergencies or calamities.

Public Relations Officer Jherome Ramos led the first phase of “Kumusta Tomasino,” a series of talks on stress management for student leaders last Nov. 24. The second phase, which will be open for all Thomasians, is expected to take place in April.

Ramos has also proposed a project that would offer alternative classes such as cooking classes, media classes, language classes and personality development.

Ramos will also launch “Project Construct,” where the CSC will aid students in developing on-campus activities and projects.

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Comelec eyes higher voter turnout with manual vote OFFICERS of the Central Commission on Elections (Comelec) are confident voter turnout in this year’s Central Student Council Executive Board elections will be at an “all-time high” because of the return to a manual voting system.

Comelec Chairman Arvin Carlo Bersonda said they would conduct room-to-room voting, adding that this year’s elections would be “more efficient and organized” compared with the automated elections held from 2008 to 2016.

“Since most of the local units will be having room-to-room elections, it would be easier to encourage [the students] to vote,” Bersonda said in an interview with the Varsitarian.

“They don’t have to go to the polling places anymore and this method is more efficient especially due to time constraints,” he added.

In 2016, voter turnout slightly decreased to 68 percent or 30,645 voters out of 44,791 Thomasians, from 69 percent or 28,890 voters out of 41,869 students in 2015.

The faculties or colleges with the highest voter turnouts last year were the Faculty of Pharmacy (90%), College of Commerce and Business Administration (88%) and the UST-Alfredo M. Velayo College of Accountancy (87%).

The average voter turnout of the automated student council elections from 2008 to 2016 was 63 percent.

In the last 10 years, the highest voter turnout was 73 percent in 2006, the year before the last manual election took place.

The lowest voter turnouts were recorded during the years 2008 (59%), 2009 (54%) and 2010 (64%) — the first three years of automated elections.

Central Comelec Secretary Alayne Lavarias said the commission was expecting a dramatic increase in voter turnout because of manual voting, saying the ballot system should be able to capture a larger audience compared with the automated scheme.

Voter turnout from 2006 to 2016.

Faculty of Arts and Letters Comelec Chairwoman Meg Villarica said the extended time allotted for manual voting, set during regular class hours, could yield a higher voter turnout.

“The problem with the automated elections last year is the time to vote was limited. Before, students could only vote until 5 p.m. Ngayong manual, we could

utilize the normal class hours,” Villarica said in an interview.

Breaking the ‘apathy’ Villarica said voter apathy could only be resolved through active student engagement, which the Comelec and the candidates could initiate through effective campaigning. “[The students] are not as

involved because most of them are not visited by campaign stints at classrooms and not all are given priority,” she said.

College of Fine Arts and Design Comelec Chairwoman Kimbyrly dela Fuente said low voter turnout could be partly attributed to the apathy of some graduating students who are not eager to vote as they would not be

around next academic year.

“Some [seniors] can be too busy balancing studies with their own personal business and might not have the time to keep up with other things that don’t personally concern them,” she said in an interview. HANNAH RHOCELHYNNIA H. CRUZ and NEIL JAYSON N. SERVALLOS With reports from KARL BEN L. ARLEGUI

Students’ Code still up for revision after 13 years How much do political parties spend for campaigns?

By MA. ANGELA CHRISTA COLOMA and MA. CONSUELO D.P. MARQUEZ

THIRTEEN years after it was first drafted, the Students’ Code remains a draft amid a new round of changes in the lineup of administrative officials who are supposed to review and approve it.

Central Board speaker Nykko Bautista said the appointment of new administrators affected the revision process of the students’ charter.

“It just so happened that the secretary general has been changed, and we need to orient him [and the other officials] on the code, so we’re back to square one,” Bautista told the Varsitarian.

Fr. Jesus Miranda, O.P. has been appointed secretary general, while Antonio Africa and Leonardo Canoy were appointed dean of the Conservatory of Music and the College of Commerce and Business Administration, respectively.

Central Student Council President Janela Love Nartates has assured Thomasians that they would revise the code before making it available during the Students’ Rights and Welfare week on April 3 to 7.

“Revisions are ongoing. We, along with the Central Board (composed of local student council presidents), will sit down and finalize what we need

to revise in the code,” Nartates said.

CSC is planning to form a “special committee” composed of local student councils, which will hear suggestions from students regarding the Students’ Code.

Faculty of Civil Law Dean Nilo Divina said the Students’ Code should be approved to integrate all student-related policies including procedures for disciplinary action and penalties.

“It is more convenient to codify all existing policies into one code so they don’t have to keep on referring to other or different policies,” Divina said.

The code, which includes provisions on academic rights, freedom of expression, the right to information, participation in policy making, the right to organize and the right to due process, will go through the Student Welfare and Development Board, the UST Faculty Union (USTFU) and the Council of Regents for approval.

The code will be then submitted to the vice rectors, the Academic Senate and the Rector. Once approved, it will be submitted to the students for a plebiscite.

Academic concerns Bautista said the passage of the code would depend on concerned offices because there were certain provisions that

might affect faculty members.

“The current plan is to simultaneously seek the approval of concerned offices and will be defended by central and local student councils so that revisions in the code will also follow,” Bautista said.

Article 6a of the 2015 draft of the Students’ Code states that the dean’s office in every faculty or college must provide a substitute faculty member in case of absence.

“You have to consider the parties. Now, would the student council be willing to scale back their demands as regards the faculty? Because USTFU will insist on the provisions of the [collective bargaining agreement],” said lawyer Teodoro Fernandez, who teaches at the Faculty of Arts and Letters.

Fernandez said unclear provisions on policies that deal with student participation in decision-making also needed to be revised.

“To what extent can students interfere in academic affairs? You have to consider if the demands and the requests are reasonable,” Fernandez said.

Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Clarita Carillo said the code would not be “limited to academic concerns.”

“We advised the CSC that they should get the comments of other concerned offices regarding the rest of the provisions in the code,” Carillo said in an e-mail.

By MIA ARRA C. CAMACHO and CHRSITIAN DE LANO M. DEIPARINE AMID room-to-room campaigns, speeches and paraphernalia, it is time to look at how much the Lakas Tomasino Coalition (LTC) and Lakas ng Diwang Tomasino (Lakasdiwa) parties spend during the election campaign.

The UST Students’ Election Code of 2011 (USEC) states that central political parties are allowed to spend only P2.00 for every student enrolled in the University, which totals around P80,000. College-based political parties are allowed to spend only P4.00 for every student in the faculty or college.

The USEC provides that all funds of a political party “must come from the members’ contribution, alumni members’ contribution or any activity for raising funds that maybe sanctioned by the Office of the Student Affairs and the Central Comelec.”

LTC, which nearly swept last year’s elections by winning five out of six seats in the Central Student Council (CSC) Executive Board, said it spends a maximum of P80,000 annually for the student government elections.

“To be clear, those contributions are either in kind or in service and we vigorously

take note of the contributors, and send everyone a financial report by the end of the year,” LTC Chairwoman Tanya Vasquez said in an online interview with the Varsitarian.

Aside from members’ contributions, Vasquez said her party’s budget was “what was passed on from the previous years and a weekly shell-out from our core officers.”

Of LTC’s budget of P80,000 last year, 40 percent or at least P30,000 was spent on campaign paraphernalia, while the rest was spent on other expenses such as food, venue reservations and photo shoots, Vasquez added.

Several alumni and party members contributed materials to the party.

Founded in 2005 by former CSC auditor Froilan Pipit, LTC was a product of local political parties aiming to form a “united coalition.”

Although LTC has 16 college-based affiliate parties, Vasquez said they only ask for manpower from these units, not financial support.

Lakasdiwa Lakasdiwa, which will go Political parties PAGE 7

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CSC VP eyes highest council position

By ALYSSA CARMINA T. GONZALES and KLIMIER NICOLE B. ADRIANO DRIVEN by “passion” to serve the Thomasian community, Central Student Council (CSC) Vice President Steven Grecia is running unopposed for the presidency.

Still, the third-year medical technology student considers the possibility of him losing to “abstain” votes a threat.

“Para [kang] nanliligaw, pwede ka nilang piliin or [not]. For me, `yun `yung biggest competition talaga, na kailangan i-prove [na] worth it kang [iboto],” Grecia told the Varsitarian.

Grecia has been active in student leadership since high school. He was secretary of the student council of his alma mater, Colegio San Agustin in Biñan, Laguna.

Grecia served as the external public relations officer of the Faculty of Pharmacy Student Council in 2015, before he was elected vice president of the University-wide CSC Executive Board.

Grecia believes he is experienced enough to lead UST’s 40,000-strong student population.

“I think `yung experience na na-gather ko inside the local student council and Central Student Council is enough na para mag-run sa next student council,” he said.

“Siguro `yung edge ko sa abstain is `yung vision ko…na [maging] mas aware and mas involved sa different issues not just inside the University [but also the] nation,” he said.

As CSC vice president, Grecia led the “Humans of UST” project, an exhibit that highlighted the stories of students, professors and security and janitorial personnel of the University.

He is also head of “#MillennialGoals,” a four-part series of advocacy seminars. The first session, held last February, talked about mental health.

The succeeding talks will focus on gender equality and feminism, hunger and social media literacy.

Grecia

Collaborative leadership Amid criticism and social media flak drawn

by this year’s CSC, Grecia still commended CSC President Janela Nartates and his co-officers.

Grecia said shortcomings were inevitable in the student council. “`Yung fact na maraming naka-feel sa CSC this year, I think isa na `yun sa mga positive factors [ng CSC] ngayon, pero hindi naman maaalis na nagkaroon ng mga pagkukulang or pagkakamali,” he said.

The 20-year-old candidate described his leadership style as “collaborative.”

“Gusto ko sabay naming gagawin, matutuhan and madiscover `yung ins and outs ng process [sa council] para makita nila na dedicated ka talaga na mag-grow din sila together with you,” he said.

If elected, Grecia vows to break student apathy—a promise made annually by the presidential candidates.

“In my term, gusto ko sana marinig natin `yung voices ng Thomasians [sa different issues] and hindi ma-achieve `yun alone ng CSC. Kailangan din mag-reach out ng students sa CSC.” Platforms Grecia’s platforms are the “Generalized Grievance Cluster System,” a grievance process; “Lobby for the Revisit of the Tuition Fee” (sic), which aims to disclose the allocation of the students’ tuition payments; and “All Rights,” a series of infographics about provisions in the proposed proposed UST Student’s Code.

“Ito `yung permanent solution sa mga problems na hinaharap natin,” said Grecia.

“Magkakaroon `yung students mismo ng initiative para gustuhin na i-pass `yung Students’ Code.”

Grecia is also proposing to establish the Assembly of Student Councils, an organization composed of student council presidents from other universities.

“Doon, i-didiscuss `yung best practices [at] problems niyo [sa student council] and kung paano niyo [ito] masosolusyonan. [May] possibility din na pwede tayo magkaroon ng isang malaking project for the youth or joint statements ng different universities, which for me, mas powerful `yung message sa government natin,” he said.

LTC’s VP bet seeks to win council seat with peace advocacy LAKAS Tomasino Coalition’s vicepresidential bet, Gabriela Angela Sepulchre, was often bullied for growing up in a conflicttorn environment.

“When you’re from Mindanao, the notion of people towards you is discriminative [because] they are afraid of you. [But most of the time], you are the one who is afraid because the place where you came from is filled with terror and conflict,” the Davao native said in an interview.

Sepulchre moved to Manila in 2015 to pursue speech and language pathology in UST. Her experiences made her an advocate for peace, which she believes will encourage Thomasians to take a stand on Universitywide and national issues.

“I can help bring forth a generation of Thomasians who can stand up against issues with peace,” she said.

With what she calls a “student-centered” platform, Sepulchre vows to prioritize and address the grievances of Thomasians.

“Students need to feel na kakampi nila ang CSC (Central Student Council) at hindi dapat sila matakot,” Sepulchre said. “`Yong grievances nila need to be heard at hindi lang dapat maging rant,” she said.

“This time, we would like to take formal procedures for these [complaints] to be addressed properly.”

The 19-year-old also envisions a Thomasian community that is conscious of social issues.

“I want to share my advocacy of peace to Thomasians because I [witnessed disorder] myself growing up, and I believe we can all be aware of issues with peace as [our] source of courage,” she said.

Among her proposed projects are “Peace Camp,” which seeks to promote peace education and social awareness, and “Tara Tomasino,” an infographics campaign that seeks to broaden the student body’s external linkages.

Scholar, leader Having won leadership posts since

her years in basic education, Sepulchre is confident that she is qualified for the vice presidency.

During her stint as treasurer of the College of Rehabilitation Sciences (CRS) student council, Sepulchre organized a yearlong program that collected an amount of P1 from every CRS student each day, to pay for half the tuition of a chosen scholar.

Sepulchre said her ultimate goal as CSC vice president was to inspire more Thomasians to become leaders.

“In my years as a leader, I’ve always lived by my principle that a leader is not just someone who leads but someone who creates more leaders,” she said.

The primary objective of the CSC, Sepulchre said, should be to form student leaders who inspire Thomasians to be leaders themselves.

She urged Thomasians to take student politics seriously, saying the CSC is an outlet for students to aspire for what is best for the University.

“CSC means more than having an office, having something desirable in your curriculum vitae. It means you have a huge responsibility to play for every single Thomasian,” she said. NEIL JAYSON N. SERVALLOS

“I want to share my advocacy of peace to Thomasians kasi I [witnessed disorder] myself growing up, and I believe we can all be aware of issues with peace as [our] source of courage.”

Sepulchre

D THE NEXT CSC?

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Ex-CFAD council president aims to break student apathy

Santiago

AIMING FOR a more inclusive student government, Lakas ng Diwang Tomasino (Lakasdiwa) vice presidential candidate Renz Santiago intends to remove student apathy through projects that will “engage” the Thomasian community.

Santiago, who served as president of the College of Fine Arts and Design (CFAD) Student Council, promises to bridge the gap between the Central Student Council (CSC) Executive Board and students through the college-based or local student councils (LSCs).

“We will tap the students with the LSCs [kasi] `yon `yong number one problem ng [CSC] …`yung mga estudyante na hindi po masyadong napapakinggan dahil busy [sila] sa kanilang studies,” Santiago said.

To protect the rights of students, the third-year industrial design student is eyeing the passage of the UST Students’ Code by establishing a committee that will monitor the progress of the code.

“This committee will [be] open for students to give their comments or recommendations for the Students’ Code, making sure the student body is also consulted regarding the matter,” Santiago said.

The proposed Students’ Code, first drafted in 2004, contains provisions on academic rights, freedom of expression, the right to information, participation in policymaking, the right to organize and the right to due process.

The document has undergone numerous revisions over the years, between the CSC and the Office for Student Affairs. It must secure the nod of the faculty, the Council of Regents and the Academic Senate before it can be submitted to the Office of the Rector for approval. “[K]ailangan siguro this time na maipasa na `yong Student’s Code… para din ito sa mga students, hindi lang naman para sa [council].

And also `yong rights na [`yon], kahit kailan, ‘di mawawala sa isang estudyante,” Santiago said.

Santiago said his experience in the CFAD Student Council honed his leadership abilities, which motivated him to pursue a University-wide position.

“Naisip ko po na mas maganda siguro kung tatakbo po ako sa Central para naman hindi lang ako tumutulong sa aking kolehiyo. It’s time to help the Thomasian community.”

Santiago said his two years of service in his home college and participation in the Central Board, the legislative body of the CSC composed of local student council presidents, were his advantages over competitor Gabriela Sepulchre of Lakas Tomasino Coalition.

Santiago stressed the importance of a stringent procedure before releasing a stand to represent the student body in relation to University-wide or national issues.

“Alam ko po na may desisyon tayo as individuals pero may process kasi para magkaroon ng isang firm na stand [which will cover] UST po mismo,” Santiago said. “Once na naglabas tayo ng statement [na] late or hindi pinag-isipan, sa atin din babalik `yong problema.”

This year’s CSC was hit for its late release of statements, especially following the “victimblaming” incident involving a third-year Fine Arts student and the shock burial of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

Santiago said the CSC Executive Board officers have been productive, but said “there is always room for improvement.”

“Lahat po ng mga projects nila [ay] naging malaking tulong naman sa mga estudyante. [W] ala pong mali, wala rin pong dapat baguhin. Ang kailangan lang po [ay] mag-improve,” he said.

Santiago wants improvements next academic year by conducting monthly meetings with the CSC Central Board and local councils to ensure “better coordination” with the colleges and faculties. “[I]t’s time para gumawa tayo ng mga projects at programs na mas makaka-relate ang mga students,” he said. MARIA CRISANTA M. PALOMA

“Naisip ko po na mas maganda siguro kung tatakbo po ako sa Central para naman hindi lang ako tumutulong sa aking kolehiyo. It’s time to help the Thomasian community.”

6 Botomasino

The Varsitarian APRIL 7, 2017

Who will be on the next CSC Executive Board?

Secretary Alexandra Marie Guevarra (LTC) A FORMER secretary of the College of Tourism and H o s p i t a l i t y Management Student Council, Alexandra Marie Guevarra, is running under the banner of Lakas Tomasino Coalition and wants to “lessen student apathy.”

“It doesn’t mean na porke’t secretary ako, I only live behind the curtains. I wanted the Thomasians to get involved in [my] community development projects na hindi lang [limited] sa student councils,” the hotel and restaurant management sophomore said.

Guevarra, a staff member of the Central Student Council, believes a Thomasian leader should go beyond talk and be able to efficiently execute constitutional duties.

“Hindi dapat na sasabihin mo lang na passionate at dedicated ka. [The college student council] molded me into a responsible student leader and my work ethics can say a lot about it. My goal is to keep the Thomasian community together,” she said.

Josephine Beatrice Domingo (Lakasdiwa) T

R A V E L management s o p h o m o r e J o s e p h i n e B e a t r i c e Domingo is Lakas ng Diwang Tomasino’s bet for the position of Central Student Council secretary.

Domingo vows to develop leadership and unleash the potential of the students through her projects.

“Gusto ko pa mag-explore, magbigay ng student activities sa Thomasians na talagang mailalabas natin `yong potential nila. [K]asi I have seen that some just really need a push,” Domingo said.

Domingo was vice-president for travel management of AIESEC, a non-profit, University-wide organization that explores and develops student leadership potentials.

“Talagang meron tayong goal pero gusto natin na kaya ka nga student leader kasi you are both a student and a leader at dapat nababalance mo ‘yon. That’s how you will gain their trust and prove you are competent,” she said.

PRO Therese Gorospe (Independent) FORMER Central Student Council C o m m u n i t y Development Committee director Therese Gorospe takes pride in her experience as she guns for the position of secretary.

“I have been with them for two years and I already know the technicalities, the ins and outs of the work.

Through that nag-grow ako as a student leader and alam ko na may maibibigay pa ako sa Thomasians,” Gorospe said.

Gorospe, a pre-school education junior, was the president of her class from first to third year. She became part of the executive staff of the College of Education Student Council in 2014 and director of the Community Development Committee in 2015.

“Unlike the past years, now we are more on action. My projects will focus on environmental conservation, gender sensitivity, mental health education, people with disability, inclusivity and fight against animal cruelty. Hindi lang tayo simpleng seminar,” she said.

Treasurer Daveson Nieto (LTC)

Christopher Daniel Reyes (Lakasdiwa)

FINANCIAL literacy and equal treatment for the minority are the main advocacies of Lakas Tomasino Coalition’s candidate for the position of treasurer, Daveson Nieto, a business administration major in marketing management sophomore.

His said his experience as assistant treasurer of UST-Unesco boosted his knowledge in responsible handling of money.

“Financial responsibility aims to promote financial literacy, to give students knowledge on how to handle money correctly. Kasi ngayon kailangan malaman ng mga estudyante kung ano ba ang halaga at para saan ba ang ibinibigay nila sa CSC,” Nieto said.

He also wants to serve “minority groups” in the University such as the irregular students, because of his experiences as a shifter from the College of Fine Arts and Design.

“Gusto ko hindi sine-seclude `yong mga minority na just because irregular [students] sila, hindi sila part ng student body. Gusto ko para sa kanila, maparating `yong information na nanggagaling sa [council] mismo, sa mga classmates, at [professors] nila.”

JOURNALISM junior Christopher Daniel Reyes is gunning for the treasurer position under the banner of Lakasdiwa.

Reyes served as treasurer and vice president internal of the UST Journalism Society from 2015 to 2016 and 2016 to 2017, respectively.

He said he was was motivated to serve more than 40,000 Thomasians to uphold a “proper representation of the student body.”

He lashed out at the controversial “Marcos apology remarks” of outgoing Central Student Council President Janela Nartates. “[The outgoing CSC] was not effective in representing the whole student body. Forgiving the Marcoses? Bakit nagkaroon ng misrepresentation, kasi there was no consultation. When you are already [in the CSC], you are not just representing yourself but also all [of] the 40,000 Thomasians.”

Auditor Richard Javier (LTC)

Aston Estorpe (Lakasdiwa)

LAKAS Tomasino Coalition candidate Richard Javier believes the lessons and values he learned in college will give him the edge in running for the position of Central Student Council (CSC) auditor.

Javier, an accountancy student, vowed to uphold “truth, integrity and transparency” in serving the Thomasian community while also being “energetic and cheerful.”

“As your auditor, I will be passionate about my campaign for a clean and corruption-free council. I will be very transparent when it comes to the funds that the students pay, for projects that are intended for their benefit,” Javier said.

Javier had served as public relations officer in the UST Junior High School Student Council and as an assistant in the CSC.

INDUSTRIAL engineering junior Aston Estorpe, running for Central Student Council (CSC) auditor under the banner of Lakasdiwa, is advocating academic excellence and “error-free” leadership in his platforms. “‘Yong CSC ngayon marami silang flaws [and] shortcomings so naniniwala ako na ang CSC ay hindi nandiyan para magkamali [kundi] para mag-produce ng magagandang [projects] para sa mga estudyante,” Estorpe said.

Estorpe, a consistent dean’s lister, said education is the top priority of every Thomasian and he plans to reach out to students who need academic assistance.

Estorpe is banking on his knowledge of financial management and his experience as auditor in an academic organization under the Industrial Engineering Department.

Lance Santiago (LTC) LAKAS Tomasino Coalition public relations officer bet Lance Santiago promises to break student stereotypes inside the University.

The literature junior seeks to bring the Thomasian community together by exposing them to arts and literature, which he believes is the first step to student involvement.

Santiago was a Carlos Palanca awardee in 2015. He was also a host of Thomasian Cable Television.

Santiago believes these experiences shaped him to become a leader.

“If Thomasians want a critical and strongwilled leader with ideals and principles, a leader who willingly goes beyond his job description and the tasks given to him, they should vote for me,” Santiago said.

John Rhorick Legaspi (Lakasdiwa) RUNNING under the banner of Lakasdiwa, nursing student John Rhorick Legaspi plans to bring the grievance process closer to the students and enhance student welfare programs.

“A [Central Student Council] officer should go beyond his constitutional [roles] and make the connection between the students and the administration,” Legaspi said.

Legaspi, who served as public relations officer of the College of Nursing Central Board of Students, believes his first-hand council experience makes him more prepared for the position.

“I firmly believe that the CSC is not a training ground. It should be for those who are experienced and ready to face the issues. The difference is that this is the second time I will be holding the position and I will be serving a greater number of people,” Legaspi said.

Francis Santos (Independent) P O L I T I C A L science sophomore Francis Santos vows to address the disconnect between the student council and the Thomasian student body.

As an ordinary student, he says, he has observed a gap between the students and the council. He believes addressing such problems will break apathy in the University.

The election neophyte believes the duty of the PRO should not be limited to constitutional duties such as information dissemination. “[The] PRO should also inject awareness in the Thomasian community, after all [the PRO] is the mouthpiece and the earpiece of the Central Student Council in the entire Thomasian student body,” Santos said.

APRIL 7, 2017

The

Varsitarian

Botomasino 7

CSC accomplishments FROM PAGE 2 Mouthpiece John Vergonia, chairperson of the left-leaning League of Filipino Students in UST, criticized the council for its failure to address students’ complaints.

“Kung ano `yung bukambibig ng administration, `yun na `yung bukambibig nila,” Vergonia said.

Vergonia lambasted the CSC for its inaction at the height of the alleged “victim-blaming” incident involving a student from College of Fine Arts and Design last February.

He also accused the CSC officers of yielding to the administration’s proposed 10-percent tuition fee increase.

“Wala [silang] polls, wala [silang] sincere na pakikinig.

Kumbaga kung ano `yung stand ng nasa loob ng council, ‘yun na daw ‘yung stand ng buong Thomasian community,” he added.

For their part, Nartates said the council “did well” in representing the Thomasian community.

Nartates denied that they did not consult students on the tuition increase, adding that the council held opinion polls among Thomasians.

“Ginather namin lahat ng sagot nila, then nag-appeal kami. Ang hinihintay lang namin ngayon is `yung [response ng administration,]” she said.

“I think we keep in touch with the students. We’re really open kung may reklamo sila or grievance. Nandito lang kami,” she added.

Nartates, reiterating the role of the CSC, called on Thomasians to submit their grievances to the council.

“We’re representing the students, so gusto namin na maganda din yung tingin sa amin ng ibang parties or [groups], na nakikinig kami sa bawat isa, na we’re open,” she said.

Political parties FROM PAGE 3 against the candidates of LTC, said at least P25,000 was allotted for this year’s campaign, with expenses such as photo shoots, venue reservations and food excluded from the amount.

“We are still reconfiguring our budget. [But] we are making sure that it will not exceed the limit on allowable amount as mentioned in the USEC,” Lakasdiwa chief Richie Mae Abache in an online interview.

Lakasdiwa also obtains its budget mainly from financial assistance and contributions from officers and supporters, without requiring financial assistance from 13 college-based units, Abache said.

The party was established in 1992 by Errol Lachica as part of efforts to “form a multi-university sector political party” under the Partido Demokratiko Sosyalista ng Pilipinas.

The first Lakasdiwa CSC candidates won seats in 1993 to 1994.

Abache said their expenditures every year varied “on the requirement for the season” and depended as well on the amount of funds raised from contributors.

The party suffered a heavy loss in last year’s elections after its rival LTC took five out of six seats in the student council.

This year, Lakasdiwa failed to field a presidential bet, saying the party had no “competent and willing” member for the highest position.

Candidates’ platforms

#TOMspeak

What do Thomasians expect from the next batch of leaders?

WHAT DO Thomasians expect from the next CSC Executive Board?

“Inaasahan ko na magiging mas efficient ‘yong mga mae-elect. [Sana yung] multi-tasking, approachable at marunong makipag communicate sa mga students.” - Bea Reyes (AMV-College of Accountancy, third year) “I expect na ma-elect ‘yong right leader na magpapakita and magco-continue ng transparency ng mga ginagastos nila.

‘Yong kayang ipaglaban ‘yong voice ng students.” - Apple Reyes (College of Tourism and Hospitality Management, third year) “[Sana] approachable. As of now wala akong kilala sa CSC. Sana sa susunod na tatakbo sana mas social [sila] sa mga tao.” - Princess Hazel Vargas (Faculty of Engineering, third year) “Ine-expect ko na competent at saka maayos‘yong elections. Competent, meaning, ‘yong qualifications nila [ay] maganda at hindi lang superficial.” - Lean Magbanua (College of Commerce and Business Administration, second year) “Ine-expect ko sa upcoming elections ay sana maging maingay. Sana malaman ng buong UST na may elections.

‘Yong mga activities nila (candidates) sana hindi lang focused sa mga colleges na malapit dito sa Main Building, ‘yong abot sana sa other buildings.” - Mariz Maban (College of Rehabilitation Sciences, third year) “I expect to have better leaders. Sana ma-feel namin ‘yong elections kasi parang ‘di kami naka-vote [last year].

Sana ‘yong next leader ay someone who can showcase their capabilities and help the students more, because I believe

there are a lot of problems with regards sa UST so feeling ko ‘di natutulungan ‘yong students.” - Marqueses Faye (College of Commerce and Business Administration, second year) “Hopefully, ‘yong respect na gusto nilang ma-entrust sa Thomasian community ay ma-repay. Parang ire-respect namin sila ‘di dahil sa posisyon pero dahil sa karespe-respeto sila.” - Danielle de la Cruz (College of Fine Arts and Design, third year) “For the Thomasian community, sana wag ialay ‘yong future ng community based from a face value lang. Sana I-consider ‘yong background or previous experience ng candidates. Sana ‘di rin nawawala ‘yong mae-elect, I mean for the whole year may updates sa kung ano ang nangyayari sa CSC and kung ano ‘yong plans nila sa Thomasian community.” - Antonette Garcia (College of Education, fourth year) “Sana mas maayos ‘yong voting system ‘di katulad ‘yong sa last year.” - Marjorie Granada (College of Nursing, second year) “Sana ‘yong mga mahahalal, makikita natin na magagawa talaga nila ‘yong proposed projects nila. Sana transparent, kung may problema sa loob ng office sana sabihin nila sa Thomasian community hindi ‘yong tinatago at sana madali rin silang lapitan ‘di ‘yong nakakulong sa [Tan Yan Kee Building]. As a leader [dapat] nakikipag-communicate sa mga pinamumunuan nila.” - Razel Uy (Faculty of Arts Letter, fourth year) “[‘Yong] kayang pakinggan ‘yong mga problem ng student body. For example. ‘yong tuition hike. [Dapat] marunong gumawa ng stand. Hindi lang palaging neutral.

Dedicated talaga dapat, hindi ‘yong pang resume lang.” Hazel Ramoso (College of Science, second year)

“A batch of student leaders na para talaga sa students, na ire-represent ‘yong student body nang maayos and dedicated talaga, hindi lang sa posisyon, kundi sa pagse-serve sa Thomasian community. Tama na sa mga memoryadong speeches at pangako na hindi naman talaga napapanindigan dahil galing lang sa utak, hindi sa puso.” - Manilyn May Fransisco (AMVCollege of Accountancy, second year) compiled by KARL BEN ARLEGUI

Choose the leaders who will speak for you!

Sports

MAY 14, 2012

The Varsitarian