The Varsitarian P.Y. 2015-2016 Botomasino

Volume LXXXVII • April 15, 2016 • Special Coverage of the Central Student Council (CSC) Elections

17 bets vie for CSC posts This election has the highest number of candidates since 2011. Who will prevail among them?

Page 2

Q & A with the candidates

Know where the candidates stand on imprtant University issues and their proposed solutions.

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Who will lead the next CSC?

Learn more about the presidential and vice presidential candidates, and what they have to offer.

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2 Botomasino Editor's Note

Vote for a change THE CENTRAL Student Council elections from April 18 to 22 will be an opportunity for us to make concrete changes in UST by picking the right leaders.

We will elect people who will work for our interest, who will be our voice. That’s why we take the elections seriously.

We know better than to choose candidates out of their sheer popularity. We look at track record. We scrutinize issues. We examine character.

It is also a timely occasion for us, the Thomasian youth, to responsibly and wisely exercise our right to vote, in preparation for the May national elections.

As amplified so many times by many Filipinos, the adage coined by our national hero Jose Rizal that “the youth is the hope of our motherland,” would be so much possible if only the young people would be more enthusiastic in sparking change through their collective action and cooperation.

The CSC could be a good training ground in shaping the future leaders of our country.

If we want to have a positive change in our national government, we must start that change while we are young.

We must be true to the dreams of our forefathers, that we, indeed, could really make our country better.

We must be critical in scrutinizing the candidates for the University-wide elections as we are critical in choosing the next leaders of our country.

We must feel the need to vote not only because it is our right, but because we want to have our share in betterment of the country—by first electing the right people to lead us towards that path.

A Thomasian is not apathetic. A Thomasian knows better. A Thomasian is a responsible and wise voter. *** This Botomasino supplement is part of The Varsitarian’s commitment to raise student awareness of campus elections.

FOUNDED JAN. 16, 1928 LORD BIEN G. LELAY Editor in Chief ANGELI MAE S. CANTILLANA Managing Editor ARIANNE F. MEREZ Associate Editor DAYANARA T. CUDAL News Editor DANIELLE ANN F. GABRIEL Assistant News Editor DELFIN RAY M. DIOQUINO Sports Editor MARY GILLAN FRANCES G. ROPERO Special Reports Editor ERIKA MARIZ S. CUNANAN Features Editor ALILIANA MARGARETTE T. UYAO Literary Editor MARIA KOREENA M. ESLAVA Patnugot ng Filipino MARIE DANIELLE L. MACALINO Witness Editor DARYL ANGELO P. BAYBADO Circle Editor ROBERTO A. VERGARA, JR. Assistant Online Editor RHENN ANTHONY S. TAGUIAM Online Editor ROBERTO A. VERGARA, JR. Assistant Online Editor AVA MARIANGELA C. VICTORIA Art Director News Kathryn Jedi V. Baylon, Clarence I. Hormachuelos, Roy Abrahmn D.R. Narra, Alhex Adrea M. Peralta, Jerome P. Villanueva Sports Carlo A. Casingcasing, John Chester P. Fajardo, Philip Martin L. Matel, Randell Angelo B. Ritumalta, Leif Arild F. Sykioco Special Reports Paul Xavier Jaehwa C. Bernardo, John Paul P. Corpuz, Monica M. Hernandez Features Mary Grace C. Esmaya, Maria Corazon A. Inay, Vianca A. Ocampo Literary Josef Brian M. Ramil, Cedric Allen P. Sta. Cruz Filipino Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas, Bernadette A. Paminutan Witness John Gabriel M. Agcaoili, Lea Mat P. Vicencio Science and Technology Maritz L. Lubo, Mia Rosienna P. Mallari, Kimberly Joy V. Naparan, Julius Roman M. Tolop Circle Amierielle Anne A. Bulan, Ma. Czarina A. Fernandez, Ethan James M. Siat Art Chinny Mae F. Basinang, Kirsten M. Jamilla, Seldon May T. Tagao, Freya D.L.R. Torres, Iain Rafel N. Tyapon Photography Alvin Joseph Kasiban, Amparo Klarin J. Mangoroban, Miah Terrenz Provido FELIPE F. SALVOSA II Assistant Publications Adviser JOSELITO B. ZULUETA Publications Adviser

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APRIL 15, 2016

17 candidates highest in 5 years ELECTION season has begun in UST with 17 students filing their certificates of candidacy for the upcoming Central Student Council (CSC) polls, the highest number of candidates in five years.

The contenders include an incumbent CSC officer, candidates from two recognized Universitywide political parties, and independent bets.

Lakas Tomasino Coalition (LTC) and Lakas ng Diwang Tomasino (Lakasdiwa) are fielding candidates for all six CSC positions, while the remaining five candidates are running independently.

Competing for the presidency are incumbent CSC treasurer and marketing management sophomore Roi Sergio Rey (independent), former Institute of Physical Education and Athletics Student Council president Janela Love Nartates (LTC), and the outgoing assistant secretary of the Commerce and Business Administration Student Council (CBASC), Patricia Yi (Lakasdiwa).

For the vice presidency, the outgoing external public relations officer (PRO) of the Pharmacy Student Council, Steven Grecia (LTC), will run against former CBASC assistant treasurer Jose Ramon Liñan (Lakasdiwa).

Patrick Magyani, an independent candidate running for public relations officer, is the first to file his certificate of candidacy last March 29.

ALVIN JOSEPH KASIBAN

Eyeing the post of secretary are former Faculty of Arts and Letters Student Council secretary Samantha Anne Williams (independent), Physical Therapy freshman Niña Jessica Pasno (LTC), and Fine Arts student Nina Bianca Ramirez (Lakasdiwa).

Nursing junior Ma. Glyden Aguilar (independent), Engineering student Rjay Yu (LTC) and Architecture junior John Rick Marwell Bartolome (Lakasdiwa) will run for the position of treasurer.

Running for the position of auditor are Biology junior Neil Joseph Lee (independent), outgoing CBASC auditor Romulo Terrado III (LTC), and Accountancy student Amiel Justin Ollica (Lakasdiwa).

Three candidates are gunning for the position of PRO: Information Technology sophomore Patrick Joseph Magyani (independent), behavioral science student Jherome Ramos (LTC) and journalism junior Enna May Hermoso (Lakasdiwa).

Lakasdiwa and LTC are the only accredited political parties this year. The Central Commission on Elections cancelled the registration of Alyansa ng Kristiyanong Lakas, the oldest University-wide political party, for its failure to field candidates in the last two elections.

The campaign period will be from April 4 to 20, and the mandatory debates will be on April 19. The proclamation of the new CSC officers will be on April 22.

KATHRYN JEDI V. BAYLON and ALHEX ADREA M. PERALTA

Central Comelec expects rise in voter turnout TO MAINTAIN last year’s higher voter turnout, election officers are looking at measures such as longer voting periods and better information dissemination.

Last year’s voter turnout increased to 69 percent or 28,890 out of 41,869 students, five points higher than the 64 percent voter turnout back in 2014. It was the highest voter turnout in the last eight years, data from the Central Commission on Elections (Comelec) showed.

The UST-Alfredo M. Velayo College of Accountancy, College of Commerce and Business Administration and the Faculty of Arts and Letters (Artlets) registered the highest voter turnouts.

From 2007 to 2014, the overall voter turnout for the student council elections ranged from 55 to 65 percent. The lowest voter turnouts occurred during the years 2008, 2009 and 2010, at 58.86 percent, 54.71 percent and 64.27 percent respectively.

With the collective effort of all local election units, the Comelec hopes to reach an 85-percent voter turnout this year.

Comelec Chairwoman Alyssa Arreola said the local election units of the colleges and faculties played a vital role in the increase in voter turnout last year.

Improved voter turnout in the coming elections will again heavily rely on local Comelec units, she said.

“The students will vote and will be handled by the local Comelec units.

It is not the Central Comelec [which] handles elections in the local colleges and faculties,” Arreola said.

Low voter turnout during elections is often attributed to apathy and indifference among Thomasians.

“There are students who are not wellinformed about the elections and some do not prioritize voting. They have a notion the elections would not have any impact on them,” Artlets Comelec Chairman Kristoffer de Leon said in an interview.

In Artlets, voter turnout increased to 80 percent from 70 percent in 2014. This year, Artlets Comelec wants a 90-percent voter turnout, said de Leon, as Artlets are expected to be more politically involved than other colleges.

“The increase in the voter turnout was due to the better system of information dissemination,” de Leon said.

Longer voting period sought

College of Science Comelec Chairwoman Katrina Guinto argued that the voting period should be extended to increase the voter turnout.

Last year, the College of Science recorded a voter turnout in the local student elections of 67 percent, down from 69 percent in 2014.

“Scheduling elections is hard and

tricky. At times, some students fail to cast their votes because they were not given the time to do so,” Guinto said.

She said the voting period in the College of Science would be extended to four days this year from the usual three to accommodate more students.

De Leon agreed that extending the voting period would increase voter turnout.

“Usually, we are only given nine to 10 hours a day for the elections and sometimes it is not enough. We raised this issue to the Central Comelec and they said it was under the discretion of the local units. The next thing to do is to talk to the Educational Technology Center to have more voting days and sites,” de Leon said.

Collaborations The Central Comelec has also established partnerships with student organizations to disseminate election information “creatively.”

“Last year, we released infographics and [we] partnered with Teatro Tomasino to campaign for clean elections. We went room-to-room to campaign for clean elections,” Arreola said. “The catchy and creative ways of disseminating information helped in the increase in the voter turnout.”

The College of Fine Arts and Design (CFAD) Comelec recently partnered with advertising arts organization Touchpoint, and introduced “Tita Rea Lidad” as an “election correspondent.” CFAD Comelec includes Tita Rea Lidad on its online infographics and announcements to make information dissemination and

updates more interactive.

Meanwhile, Artlets Comelec has partnered with the faculty’s official student publication, “The Flame.”

“The voter turnout does not only depend upon the Comelec. The participation of other organizations [is] vital for a better system of disseminating information. Everyone needs to make an effort,” de Leon said.

Aktiboto (Aktibong Boto ng Filipino), a Thomasian-initiated voter education program, also helped local units in disseminating information and increasing awareness among the students.

“Aktiboto started in the Central Comelec as a branch. Departments like the Office of Student Affairs, Public Affairs, and Simbahayan worked together to form it,” Arreola said.

To raise awareness among Thomasians, Aktiboto spearheaded numerous voter education seminars and a forum.

The Central Comelec vowed to improve its election-rated activities such as the mandatory debates for the upcoming University-wide elections.

“We will be incorporating new segments and stages in the debates because we want to encourage the candidates to give it their best to prove to the students their capabilities and willingness to serve. This will also encourage students to vote,” Arreola said.

This year saw the highest number of CSC hopefuls in the past five years, with a total of 17 candidates. VIANCA

A. OCAMPO and ALHEX ADREA M. PERALTA

Botomasino 3

APRIL 15, 2016

Where do they stand? Q & A with the CSC candidates President Q: Should the draft of the Students’ Code be approved by the administration, what measures do you think are needed to ensure its implementation?

Janela Love Nartates (LTC) “We could intensify STRAW week and post it on every building of the University, or even online for the students. We could exhaust all resources to engage the Thomasian students.”

Roi Sergio Rey (Independent) “We students should be aware of our rights.

A low-cost information campaign should be done to ensure that details of the students’ code reach everyone. Instead of holding talks or events in each faculty or college, we will make an informational video, with the details to be shown in every room and the lobby of each college. Furthermore, I will initiate the creation of a three-man commission that will monitor and ensure the right implementation of the UST Students’ Code. This commission will come from the UST Central Board.”

Patricia Yi (Lakasdiwa) “If it happens that the students’code is approved by the administration, the implementing rules and regulations will begin its process and construction.

To provide transparency and enlightenment to students, we will be utilizing social media and produce awareness campaigns to promote the approved students’ code.”

Vice President Q: In the event that the president is unable to fulfil his/her duty, the vice president will take over. How will you lead your fellow officers in continuing your plans and projects?

Steven Grecia (LTC) “For the record, I am very much confident with the capabilities and the potential of our standard bearer, Janela Love Nartates. But if such an event arises, we are actually trained to be each other’s keeper, to rise to the challenge when it’s needed.

However, being in the CSC is not about the position; it’s about our role and contribution as a unit. So yes, I’ll be able to step up as the need surfaces, but I am very much confident that because we complement

one another undeniably well as a complete line-up from PRO to President, there is no need for such provision to be exercised.”

Jose Ramon Liñan (Lakasdiwa) “It will not be an easy task to step in the shoes of the president. But as they say, “business as usual.”

Given this situation in the future I will make sure all CSC operations will continue to function properly.

We officers will continue with our regular meetings, our plans and our projects. And I will do my best to motivate my co-officers for them to fulfill their tasks, even though we are facing a glitch.”

Secretary Q: What measures do you plan to implement to introduce a more involved CSC to Thomasians especially now that there is a prevalence of voter apathy?

Niña Jessica Pasno (LTC) “Student apathy is undeniably rampant in our University, and the only way there could be a closer involvement between the CSC and the Thomasian studentry is through empowerment. I am confident that by providing projects that will give the students a sense of belongingness, the CSC will be able to make the students realize the role and value they play in the University.”

Nina Bianca Ramirez (Lakasdiwa) “I will implement projects that are centered on student awareness. The aims of my projects are to give the Thomasian community a CSC that is more responsive and to cater to the needs of the student body, especially if it is something that we can respond to as fast as we can.”

Samantha Anne Williams (Independent) “By assuring [students] that it is not just the CSC that is prepared to give service to the Thomasian community but the local student councils as well.

Tapping them by giving them proper orientation of what their obligations are in pursuit of the protection of the rights and welfare of the students.

Measures will be taken through the promulgation of platforms that are prepared to address student concerns and avenues for the students to be part of the community they belong to. The higher voter apathy is an opportunity for the students to really be keen in observing and listening to each candidates’ plans and actions. Above all, this encourages leaders to challenge themselves and promote voting wisely

student council’s best interest to make sure all these platforms materialize.”

this elections.”

Treasurer Q: Are you for or against the continued tuition increase in UST? Why or why not?

Ma. Glyden Aguilar (Independent) “I am against tuition increase. Because for the past years, I have noticed that the student body and our parents are not being consulted. Kung mayroon man pong consultation dapat po sana mas maraming makaalam at makapag-participate.

Tandaan po natin na sa panahon ngayon marami po sa atin ang nahihirapan.”

John Rick Marwell Bartolome (Lakasdiwa) “Yes, I’m against the continued tuition hike of our university because there are fees that are very questionable and not disclosed by the administration, but if all students can feel the progress and change of the University each year, it’s justifiable.”

Rjay Yu (LTC) “Tuition increase depends on whether or not it is beneficial. We all know that the stakeholders of UST are not just the students. If I’m not mistaken, 60-70 percent of the increase will be allocated to the salaries of professors while 30-40 percent will be allocated to the modernization of facilities. If the reason for the increase is reasonable, why not? If it’s not, then I would be against it. Of course tuition increases are well thought of and deliberated. It will just depend on whether the increase is reasonable or not. At the end of the day, it will still be for the students.”

Amiel Justin Ollica (Lakasdiwa) “All of our projects are of equal importance and it has been our goal to develop each student holistically. Having said that, we will make sure each project will be allotted with the right and justifiable amount for its budget; and if deemed necessary, reevaluation and adjustments can be made.”

Romulo Terrado III (LTC) “I believe that all of our proposed projects are important and I, together with the treasurer will prioritize funding of all our projects. Financial management and efficient utilization of the CSC fund are the keys on how to properly fund projects.”

Public Relations Officer Q How can you ensure and/or improve dialogue between the student body and the administration?

Enna May Hermoso (Lakasdiwa) “We will partner with the local student councils to hold an open dialogue between the student body and the local administration to address the issues and the problems within their respective colleges. If there are issues that are repetitive in many colleges or issues that only our University administration can answer, we will collate them and give them to the office that can address them. We will constantly follow up the office concerned until the issue is answered.”

Q: If all the projects of your party are approved, which of them will you prioritize in terms of funds? Why?

Patrick Joseph Magyani (Independent) “We would improve dialogue by simply communicating. We need to have ties and a relationship with the administration and to just tell them your plans and what you want to accomplish and what you want to do. It’s the communication between the administration and us leaders that will improve relationships.”

Niel Joseph Lee (Independent) “As an independent candidate, I do not foresee this as a problem. I believe the student council needs to work together as a cohesive unit without placing our own platforms and our own ideas above the others. It needs to be a give-and-take relationship because, at the end of the day, all our platforms are for the Thomasian community and not for our own prestige as council officers. It is in our

Jherome Ramos (LTC) “By providing frequent avenues where students can participate openly and without the fear of punishment in raising their grievances or concerns. This can be done in two ways: First, the CSC can sponsor a per-college level consultation or a student-administration dialogue. Second, we can empower the local student council in such a way that there is a mechanism for feedback.”

Auditor

What do the candidates have to offer? Revised students’ election code not implemented, faces delay THE NEW students’ election code will not be implemented this year due to delays in its revision, the UST Central Commission on Elections (Comelec) said.

Central Comelec Chairwoman Alyssa Arreola disclosed that the delay in the progress of the new election code was mainly due to conflicts with the schedule of the Central Comelec adviser.

“Draft pa lang ito.

[Noong pinasa ‘yung draft] marami pang kailangan i-consider [at] marami pang loopholes. Very raw [pa ‘yung draft]. Hindi pa [ito] pulido,” Arreola said.

In a report by the Varsitarian last year, Central Comelec Vice Chairman Raymond John Naguit said the draft of the Thomasian Election Code of 2015 would be ready this year.

Comelec restructuring The revision of the UST Students’ Election Code of 2011 will focus on the restructuring of the Central Comelec to expand its scope, Arreola said, adding that the organizational structure of the Central Comelec limits its powers to the chairman, resulting in overlapping judicial and administrative workloads.

“Kasi nalilimit lang siya from chair to [public

information officer], so isang reason [‘yun]. Dalawa kasi nangyayari sa Comelec, administrative at legal matters, medyo hati siya sa dalawa,” Arreola said.

The Central Comelec is led by a 21-member group called the Comelec En Banc which performs the administrative and judiciary functions of the election body.

If the Thomasian Election Code of 2015 is implemented, the operational and judicial functions will be distributed within the Comelec En Banc.

The proposed Thomasian Election Code of 2015 will be composed of two books: the first will address the restructuring of the organization while the second will deal with electoral processes.

The first book will form two separate departments, judiciary and operations, within the Central Comelec. It will expand the powers given to the organization by the existing code and streamline its processes from the central level down to local Comelecs, Naguit said.

Arreola said they are yet to finalize the new workload distribution.

The new election code has to be approved by Office for Student Affairs and the Central Board, which is composed of local student

council presidents from every college and faculty.

Wider reach The Central Comelec also wants to be involved in advocacies and campaigns, Naguit said.

Preparations for the organizational restructuring began last year with the writing of the Central Comelec’s new mission and vision as well as the release of its own publication, Naguit said.

“We expanded the mission and vision not only to cover elections in UST, but also the [national elections].

We need to expand our membership [to] create more opportunities for training the future leaders of Comelec,” Naguit said.

Revising of the election code will only mean codifying the policies that are already being implemented, he added.

According to Naguit, the first election code of the University was the Students’ Election Code of 2007 which was the combined Omnibus Code of Elections of UST and Fair Elections Act of UST. The Central Comelec Batch 2011-2012 revised the 2007 code to come up with the existing election code.

KATHRYN JEDI V. BAYLON and JASPER EMMANUEL Y. ARCALAS

WHO WILL LEAD

4

Incumbent C Former Ipea council president ready gunning for high to take on bigger responsibilty

By JEROME P. VILLANUEVA THE LONE presidential bet from the Institute of Physical Education and Athletics (Ipea) is out to show that her competence is not confined to the four corners of a basketball court.

Claiming to have the discipline of an athlete, Lakas Tomasino Coalition presidential bet Janela Love Nartates seeks to build a “new” Central Student Council (CSC) with “leadership and competence driven by determination, passion and commitment.”

Nartates, forward of the UST Women’s Basketball Team, said being an athlete is her ultimate edge compared with other candidates running for the CSC’s top position.

“Without determination and passion, which are the values I learned from being an athlete, parang bale wala lang lahat. Kung hindi ka naman determinado kumilos or gumawa ng action, walang mapupuntahan,” the 22-yearold Pangasinan native said.

Starting from scratch B e i n g the first Ipea student council

NARTATES

president, Nartates helped in the formation of a budding student council last year by amending the constitution.

“Dati wala kaming program and council. Nangapa rin kami and we started from scratch. It was really hard for me.

Nung nangampanya kami, wala akong pinangako, but I made sure that they will not feel discriminated,” she said.

Nartates led several projects like Ipea week, Ipea Youth Ambassador and Ambassadress, the Ipea Leadership Training Seminar, the Ipea symposium and freshmen week.

Nartates led only 552 students at Ipea. She said this was not a disadvantage, but rather a challenge on how to handle and manage the student body. She said it would be just like representing the Thomasian community in her basketball games.

“Kasi lahat naman tayo we start from the bottom, lahat ng gusto nating mangyari pinaghihirapan natin. And I know that if you work hard enough, you will reach the goal that you want,” Nartates said. “I’m really passionate to run for this position because I want to empower the student to have the choice and change sa community natin.”

If she becomes the next CSC president, Nartates said she would still continue playing for the Tigresses. Juggling two responsibilities is difficult, she admitted. But she noted that she was able to manage being in the Ipea student council and the women’s basketball team at the same time.

“If ever mahalal man ako, I will talk to my coach if kaya pa bang maging president. Hindi ko igi-give up yung pagiging Tigress ko, positive po ako doon,” she said.

‘Inclusive leadership’ Commenting on the leadership of outgoing CSC president Anna Mangalili, Nartates rated her 8 out of 10, saying Mangalili had shortcomings but performed her duties well.

Nartates said this year’s CSC lacked speed in disseminating information, citing the low attendance in CSC events and projects.

“Gusto ko mas ma-involve ‘yung students when it comes to events. I want to make sure na every event is disseminated hindi lang a day before. One week before naka-assure na may aattend. Bakit pa nag-event kung hilaw ‘yung audience,” she said.

Nartates also said she would deliver a State of the Council Address, a progress report on CSC’s projects, and institutionalize a student grievance system, where the CSC will act swiftly on students’ concerns.

The aspiring candidate added she would coordinate with nearby barangays and establish linkages with them to ensure the safety and security of Thomasians even outside the walls of the Sampaloc campus.

‘Without determination and passion, which are the values I learned from being an athlete, parang bale wala lang lahat. Kung hindi ka naman determinado kumilos or gumawa ng action, walang mapupuntahan.’

By MONICA A. INSTEAD of being eaten up by fear, independent presidential candidate Roi Sergio Rey stands proud as the sole incumbent Central Student Council (CSC) officer to run for re-election.

Marketing Management sophomore Rey said being the only CSC officer to seek another term boosted his confidence. “[I am proud] kasi dala-dala ko sa pagtakbo ko sa pangalawang pagkakataon ‘yung mga natutuhan ko sa loob ng council. I think sa mga natutuhan ko, ready na talaga akong mag-step up to be the president of the next student council,” Rey said in an interview.

From difficulties in seeking approval for projects due to budget constraints and student apathy, Rey said the student government was able to surpass a number of challenges.

“Pinagisipan ko kasi talaga kung tatakbo pa po ako this year kasi ang dami po naming hinarap na problema. Pero sa mga hinarap naman naming problema, mas tumibay ‘yung loob ko, kaya po naisipan ko rin na tumakbo for the second time,” Rey said.

Rey said his position as treasurer trained him to become more organized, critical in making decisions, and determined in fulfilling his duties as a student leader.

To fulfill his pledge of transparency and advocacy, Rey is preparing CSC financial reports to be posted at the Miguel de Benavides Library this May. The incumbent CSC treasurer admitted he was not satisfied with his performance. But instead of focusing on his lapses, Rey promised to implement his projects with “utmost urgency” next academic year through “ONE UST,” his six-point campaign agenda.

ONE UST stands for “organized information dissemination, notable and innovative leadership, eminent student involvement, unified implementation of rules and regulations for grievance machineries, sustainable advocacy and transparency and accountability.”

Looking beyond politics, age The 18-year-old Rey believes that being an independent candidate does not hinder his purpose, which is to “cater to the needs of the Thomasians.”

“I think there is no difference between having a political party and being independent because our mindset is to serve

‘[I am proud] kasi dala-dala ko sa pagtakbo ko sa pangalawang pagkakataon ‘yung mga natutuhan ko sa loob ng council. I think sa mga natutuhan ko, ready na talaga akong mag-step up to be the president of the next student council.’

LTC’s VP bet rallies for student involvement SEEKING a shift from the Faculty of Pharmacy to the University arena, Lakas Tomasino Coalition (LTC) vice presidential bet Steven Grecia believes he can raise Thomasian involvement on issues both inside and outside the University.

Grecia, a sophomore Medical Technology student, vowed to go beyond his constitutional duties and survey the needs of Thomasians with the help of the entire student council.

“I plan to do my constitutional duties as vice president, pero I plan also to go beyond that. Sa Central Student Council (CSC), you don’t work alone. You function as a unit, so tulungan kayo na mapaganda ‘yung UST for the welfare of the students,” Grecia said.

Grecia said he wanted a Thomasian community exposed to various problems in society.

“Dapat ma-realize ng students na may mga nangyayaring [issues] and from there mag-branch out tayo outside,” Grecia said.

Grecia promised to implement “Yellow Info,” a project aimed at making students socially aware.

“First, kailangan nila maging aware sa nangyayari kahit it doesn’t directly affect them.

Second, after they become aware, they accept.

They accept that these are the realities of the world. [Lastly,] you involve yourself. What can you do to help, what can you do to learn more, what can you do to grow,” Grecia said.

Serving as the external public relations officer (PRO) of the Faculty of Pharmacy student council, Grecia said his experience would help him become an effective CSC vice president.

“Yung work ko sa [Pharmacy council dalawa ang functions, external vice president and external

PRO], so parang best of both worlds ito. May direct connection ako sa students kasi nga PRO ako, and then may connection din ako outside [as an] external VP. Pagdating ko sa Central Student Council, i-improve ko pa ‘yung nasimulan ko sa Faculty of Pharmacy,” Grecia said.

During his stint in the Pharmacy council, Grecia organized information dissemination and social awareness projects such as “FPSC Tackles” and “Monthly Social Awareness That’s Right For You.” Both projects sought to inform students on timely issues through infographics.

The 19-year-old Grecia said running on his second year as a student would not be a handicap.

‘Dedicated service’ Grecia admitted to difficulties in balancing student council work and academics, but said it eventually trained him to set priorities. He assured Thomasians he would not neglect the responsibilities assigned to him.

“Pinasukan ko [itong pagtakbo sa CSC] na ready ako, hindi naman ako basta titigil sa work ko kasi alam kong pinaghirapan ko ‘to,” Grecia said.

Grecia also emphasized the importance of “inclusive leadership.”

“Kailangan mo lang talaga ipakita sa kanila kung ano mabe-benefit nila in everything you will do kasi nga [ang CSC ang] representatives ng students. You are for the students,” Grecia said.

“Dapat nilang malaman kung ano makukuha nila from your projects and platforms. Kailangan nila ma-feel na maganda kang representation ng lahat ng Thomasians.”

Some of LTC’s plans of action focus on promoting the “wellness, openness and vigilance” of Thomasians. KATHRYN JEDI V. BAYLON

‘Sa Central Student Council (CSC), you don’t work alone. You function as a unit, so tulungan kayo na mapaganda ‘yung UST for the welfare of the students.’

GRECIA

D THE NEXT CSC?

5

APRIL 15, 2016

CSC treasurer Ex-Commerce council officer eyes hest council post for better student representation

. HERNANDEZ

By JEROME P. VILLANUEVA

the Thomasian community,” the College of Commerce and Business Administration student claimed.

Rey also believes that being a sophomore will not affect his performance.

“Naniniwala po ako na hindi kailanman magiging hadlang ‘yung edad mo sa pag-serve sa mga taong kinabibilangan mo. As long as you have the willingness to serve, magagawa mo naman ‘yung trabaho,” he said.

Rey is also proposing “Tomasaliksik.” Tomasaliksik, which stands for Tomasinong Mananaliksik, will be a research and community development program in partnership with the Thomasian Society of Development Professionals, the first Graduate School student organization, where students, upon doing their research, can seek help from development professionals.

He is also proposing BUCAS (Building Unity and Collaboration Among Students), a grievance system that will “protect the rights of students” and provide a place for Thomasians to air their complaints.

“I will work hand in hand with the Office of Student Affairs so they can give us an office or desk where the Thomasians can raise their problems and concerns in the U n i v e r s i t y, ” Rey said.

LAKAS ng Diwang Tomasino (Lakasdiwa) presidential bet Patricia Yi envisions a council that will encourage student participation and build a “strong student representation.”

Yi, one of the two presidential candidates from the College of Commerce and Business Administration, said the Thomasian community can expect her to be a “motivator and listener” if elected president of the Central Student Council (CSC).

Citing her experience as assistant secretary of her college’s student council, Yi said she possessed the essential characteristics needed for the top CSC post.

“As a leader, I am a motivator and a listener since naging officer ako from our local student council. I saw the primary factors that I need to work on, especially since students lack participation,” the 18-year-old Yi said.

The Entrepreneurship sophomore added that leading the 4,000-strong Commerce student population made her aware of issues in the college and the University levels. But student leaders need to start from below.

“I don’t think being a local student council president is the sole basis of being an effective CSC officer. Yes, it matters pero na-experience ko na from being assistant secretary since lagi kaming beside the president. Every meeting, kami ‘yung gumagawa ng minutes, bawat step na nangyayari alam namin and na-observe din namin,” she said.

During her almost two-year stay in the University, Yi has led several projects like the Commerce Welcome Walk 2015, Commerce Parade 2014, Commerce Night 2014, The Search for Commerce Ambassador and Ambassadress, Thomasian Idol Season 4 and Himig Tomasino 2015.

She also spearheaded the University-wide “Tinig: The Aktiboto Advocacy Concert,” collaborating with the Central Commission on Elections to spread the voters’ education campaign through music.

Karapatan Mo Tomasino will be an “intensified information campaign regarding Students’ Rights and the Students’ Code through a series of orientations, advocacy campaigns and other means of providing information, aimed at educating and increasing awareness on the importance and relevance of the Students’ Code.”

The Karapatan advocacy will involve the Students’ Code Tracker, which will provide updates on the students’ code’s progress through regular meetings, publication materials, and social media, aimed at providing transparency and information to the Thomasian community.

Hinaing Mo Tomasino will focus on strengthening student engagement through infographics and the establishment of a Students’ Rights Committee, a grievance mechanism.

Boses Mo Tomasino will be a collaborative “town hall” meeting with different offices of the University to improve coordination and communication with the CSC, local student councils, and organizations.

YI

‘Student-centered’ platform In her campaign for the CSC presidency, Yi has a single-platform strategy dubbed “StudentCentered Participatory Governance and Strong Student Representation.”

The platform includes projects named “Karapatan Mo Tomasino,” “Hinaing Mo Tomasino” and “Boses Mo Tomasino.”

‘As a leader, I am a motivator and a listener since naging officer ako from our local student council. I saw the primary factors that I need to work on, especially since students lack participation.’

REY

Lakasdiwa candidate says CSC not mere ‘events organizer’ ‘Thomasians need someone who would fight for their needs.

Hindi ‘yung for fame or popularity lang din.’

LIÑAN

AIMING to strengthen student involvement in the University, Lakas ng Diwang Tomasino (Lakasdiwa) vice presidential candidate Jose Ramon “Josh” Liñan promises to give Thomasians a student council that does not just organize events but engages and empowers students as well.

In an effort to remove apathy among students, Liñan is offering projects such as a University-wide leadership summit aimed at “honing [the] leadership skills of every Thomasian” and an assembly of local student councils, class representatives and the Central Student Council (CSC) that will provide leadership skills orientation and discuss important issues such as the Students’ Code.

“Students need to get more involved with life in the University,” he said. “Sa College of Commerce and Business Administration Student Council (CBASC) kasi, ‘yan din ‘yung isa sa mga issue na pinagtuunan namin ng pansin. Kaya naman i-improve ang involvement sa University by engagement, para masali sila sa happenings. ‘Wag lang talagang magsasawa ang council na lumapit sa students.”

However, the Financial Management sophomore believes students should be able to distinguish the responsibilities and duties that separate the student council from other offices and organizations.

“Naniniwala naman akong maibabalik ang tiwala nila (Thomasians) sa student council,” he said.

“Kailangan lang ma-explain sa kanila kung ano ‘yung kaya ng student council [at] kung ano ‘yung mga limitation nito. In that way, we can make them feel that we care and we want them to be involved.”

If elected, Liñan said Lakasdiwa would work to clarify the council’s constitutional responsibilities to prevent further misunderstanding with the students.

The sophomore Commerce student expressed his approval of student expression through hair color,

as long as it is toned down.

“While we respect the University’s right to impose policies,” he said, “I am not in favor of the strict implementation of such. In this process, their (students’) respective rights (to freedom of expression) won’t be violated.”

Liñan said he was also in favor of student protests inside the University provided they were “reasonable, peaceful and diplomatic.”

Continuing service The huge leap from assistant treasurer to the second highest leader of the student council would be a challenge for Liñan, but the Commerce student said he did not want to let the opportunity pass.

“They (Lakasdiwa) asked if gusto kong maging vice president,” he said. “After thinking, sabi ko, parang kakayanin ko naman. Kung may mangilanngilan na taong naniniwala sa’yo na kaya mong magawa ‘yong trabaho, siguro gagamitin ko ‘yon [para] maging motivation ko.”

Heading projects during his term in CBASC including the Tulong Komersyo Bookdrive, a bookdonation program that benefited Gregorio Del Pilar Elementary School, and a student achievement exhibition called “Commerce Hall of Fame,” Liñan said he wanted to run on a platform in which students contribute to the community and are recognized for their achievements.

Liñan vowed to be a leader who is not passive and not pro-administration.

“Hindi puwedeng kung ano lang ‘yung sinabi ng admin, ‘yon lang ‘yong gagawin ko. Of course we have our concerns, we have our limitations. The Thomasians need someone who would fight for their needs. Hindi ‘yung for fame or popularity lang din,” he said. BERNADETTE A. PAMINTUAN

6 Botomasino

APRIL 15, 2016

Who will comprise the next Central Student Council?

Public Relations Officer

Secretary Nina Jessica Pasno (LTC) Physical Therapy freshman Nina Jessica Pasno is Lakas Tomasino Coalition’s bet for the position of Central Student Council (CSC) secretary.

Pasno has been active in student leadership since elementary and also became the president of UST High School’s student council. She is also an executive associate of the community development program of the Physical Therapy Society.

“Student leadership has always been a part of my system. Even if it is not the student council, I always look for organizations where I can do something to help out no matter how small or simple it is. Serving others has been a necessity to me,” Pasno said.

Pasno added that along with commitment, a servant leader must have the perseverance and commendable character to be considered efficient.

“If you’re committed to something, you can do everything. A leader must have perseverance.

There are challenges and you have to stay on track to achieve your goals. Lastly, the character of a leader must be all-encompassing. She can establish good relations while doing her duties,” Pasno said. “She has to be strong enough to fight for her ideals.”

Nina Bianca Ramirez (Lakasdiwa) Industrial Design student Nina Bianca Ramirez, who is running under the banner of Lakas ng Diwang Tomasino (Lakasdiwa), wants to bring out the “best” among Thomasians through being the next CSC secretary.

“I am the type of person who is very bubbly, but serious with her duties. I think I can best be in service to Thomasians through becoming their secretary. The job of a secretary is very internal, but vital at the same time,” Ramirez said. “I want to bring out the best of other people. I know there is a lot more that Thomasians can offer and I believe I can find and make ways to bring out the best in them.”

Ramirez became the class president of her class from first to second year. She also became the internal vice-president and later on president of the House Industrial Design, the official organization of Industrial Design students in the College of Fine Arts and Design (CFAD). Ramirez, who served as the executive coordinator of CFAD’s student council from 2013 to 2015, said a leader has to know the rudiments of time management to be effective.

“I don’t really believe that you have to completely sacrifice something when you are a leader. A leader has to know how to balance her time properly. You have to have time for your family or friends and your work in the council. Ideally, nothing should overlap,” Ramirez said.

Samantha Anne W i l l i a m s (Independent) Faculty of Arts and Letters Student Council (ABSC) former secretary and Behavioral Science junior Samantha Anne Williams wants to serve in a bigger council to be able to serve a larger Thomasian community.

“I have done my job as the ABSC secretary and now I want to be the CSC secretary to represent the Thomasians. I am not the type of person that sees something and I just see it—I want to do something about it,” she said. “I have the heart to do this because I want to and I can help.”

Williams, who was a consistent staff member of the ABSC before she became secretary, believes that the Thomasian community deserves a leader who is passionate, determined and has the capacity to work under pressure.

“As a leader, you are working not to serve yourself nor the executive board, but the students. [An] efficient leader to me is someone who is relatable and has the passion to give the students the quality of service they truly deserve,” Williams said.

Treasurer Ma. Glyden Aguilar (Independent) Despite being a neophyte in the student political arena, Nursing junior Maria Glyden Aguilar has held several organizational positions

involving finance.

She served as finance officer of the Sacred Heart Chapter of the Junior Catholic Women’s League in 2014 and was auditor of the dance club and cheering squad of her alma mater, Manresa School, in 2012.

“I have been idle for the past years and I saw how the Central Student Council wasn’t felt in my college,” she said. “That is why I want to challenge myself, I want to step up.

I want to run because I know I can offer the Thomasians projects that are interesting and open to all of them.”

John Rick Marwell Bartolome (Lakasdiwa) Service is both a “passion and calling” for John Rick Marwell Bartolome, an Architecture junior running under the banner of Lakasdiwa.

Bartolome said the Thomasian community needed a more “peopleoriented” set of student leaders. He believes the way to eradicate student apathy is to strengthen the involvement between students and the CSC. “From my point of view, what happens is the students are the ones who approach the council,” he said. “[The council] should be the ones to approach [the students] and help them.”

During his sophomore year, Bartolome was executive coordinator to the secretary of the College of Architecture Student Council. He also served as auditor of the UST chapter of the United Architects of the Philippines Student Auxiliary.

Auditor Neil Joseph Lee (Independent) Biology junior Neil Joseph Lee, who believes his biggest edge is being an independent candidate, said he wanted to “redefine the position” by giving it a fresh perspective.

“Everyone has a million-dollar idea and we need to be able to tap each and every single person to learn from them and also to create newer [and] fresher services for them,” Lee said.

Prior to his candidacy, Lee served as College of Science Student Council staff member, executive assistant to the council secretary and CSC staff member. His general plan of action is dubbed TRUST, which stands for “transparency, responsibility, understanding, simplification and Thomasian camaraderie.”

Romulo Terrado III (LTC) Gunning for CSC auditor under the LTC banner is Romulo Terrado III, a junior Human Resource Development Management student and the incumbent College of Business Administration Student Council auditor.

Terrado believes he has mastered the ropes of being an auditor and wants to apply his advocacies on financial accountability and transparency at the University-wide level.

“If the Thomasian community wants a competent and honest leader, a leader that empowers them to voice out their concerns and a leader who reaches out to them, they should vote for me because I am that kind of a student leader.”

Rjay Yu (LTC) LTC’s candidate for treasurer, Rjay Yu, offers his experience, being the oldest among the candidates vying for the position.

Yu, a third-year Civil Engineering student, is taking up his second undergraduate program. He graduated from UST in 2012 with a degree in Information Technology and served as CSC public relations officer (PRO).

“I’m running again because there were things I was not able to accomplish. I’ve learned from them now, from my experiences before, in and out of the University,” said Yu, also a member of the Yellow Jackets.

Yu added that he chose to run for treasurer based on his experience in running a business during his time away from college.

Patrick Joseph Magyani (Independent) Information and Technology sophomore Patrick Joseph Magyani assures Thomasians that by being an independent candidate, he has his own goals, ideas, stance and platform that students will benefit

from.

Magyani claims to be acquainted with the tasks of being a PRO, having been director for club activities, publicity associate team head, and officer in charge of publicity.

Magyani plans to give students more opportunities outside of the University as well as provide them with an avenue to express their own identities. He plans to bring together local PROs of the University to strengthen the bond of the community and foster growth and creativity.

“My objective is to reach and inform 48,000 students. I am prepared to connect with each and every Thomasian student. By building a relationship between the students and the leaders, we will be able to get our message and our objectives across,” he said.

Jherome Ramos (LTC) Dedicated and passionate service is what LTC candidate Jherome Ramos promises to the student body.

Once a biochemistry student from the Faculty of Pharmacy, Ramos shifted to the Faculty of Arts and Letters and is now a Behavioral Science major, which he says gives him an edge to be the next CSC PRO. He is the project head of the AB Irregular Student Committee and was active in the Pharmacy Dance Troupe, Biochemistry Society and Behavioral Science Society.

Ramos said he had the ability to get along with different types of people. He believes the student body should be empowered, and to achieve this, the CSC must focus on student awareness and involvement.

“Amidst the diversity there is unity. I want to bring to the students of the University the message of being true to one’s self. That you should believe in yourself that you can exceed your potentials,” Ramos said.

Enna May Hermoso (Lakasdiwa) As a journalism student, Lakasdiwa candidate Enna May Hermoso is trained to deliver information on time and through any medium.

Hermoso takes pride in her active participation in various organizations and events. During her second year, she was a staff member of the Journalism Society and led the Thomasian Cable Television in its participation in the voter-education program Aktiboto. She later on became executive coordinator of the DX1 UST amateur radio club and executive assistant at the Central Student Council.

Exposure to the CSC has helped her to identify what needs to be changed or developed in the council, she said. She also believes that a leader should be able to hear the 40,000 voices of the student body.

“A leader should embody the student body.

She might not be exactly like her followers, but she should have bits and pieces that everyone could relate to. As a leader, you need to have empathy for your followers,” she said. PAUL XAVIER JAEHWA

Amiel Justin Ollica (Lakasdiwa) Accountancy sophomore Amiel Justine Ollica, Lakasdiwa’s bet for CSC auditor, wants to “uphold transparency and integrity.”

Ollica was a student leader in high school and was PRO of Francisco Duque Medical Foundation Special Science High School in 2014.

“I want to be remembered as an auditor that truly implemented genuine transparency, because for me, transparency is very important in the student council.

There should be a clear and constant communication and commitment to have an open and honest student council,” he said. C. BERNARDO, VIANCA A. OCAMPO, ALHEX ADREA M. PERALTA and RANDELL ANGELO B. RITUMALTA

Botomasino 7

APRIL 15, 2016

Did outgoing CSC live up to their promises?

THERE are only two months left before the semester ends, but the outgoing officers of the Central Student Council (CSC) are still halfway from accomplishing the agenda they set at the start of the academic year.

While having implemented only seven out of 17 projects listed on the CSC’s year-long general plan of action (GPOA), President Anna Mariz Mangalili said the members of council would still be able to implement their remaining projects before their terms end.

“The council was idle for a moment. We had our shortcomings but we make sure that every project we do benefits most of the Thomasian community,” Mangalili said in an online interview.

The CSC’s five-point agenda—S.T.E.P. UP UST!—was aimed at upholding the rights and interests of the Thomasian community as well as promoting “fraternal relationships” among Thomasians and with other sectors of society through “Student involvement and empowerment, Transparency and accountability, Environmental and social awareness, Pro-active grievance process and Uplifting Thomasian identity.”

Fulfilled promises?

Mangalili established “Tomasino, Anong Say Mo,” a project that utilized social media platforms to survey the opinions of the students about activities and issues involving the University. “[It] was used to implement the [Students’ Rights and Welfare Week] seminars [like] Great Charter,” said CSC Secretary Yvonne Erica Yap in an interview.

“Great Charter” was a forum last Jan. 26 that discussed efforts of student-leaders to secure approval for the proposed Students’ Code.

According to Mangalili, the council was still “trying to work on the CSC Open Policy,” one of the priority agenda items during her campaign. It aims to establish a “pro-active” grievance process to address problems of Thomasians.

“The [Open Policy] is still in process since the officers are still gathering basic protocols and procedures from different offices if ever the students have anything to clarify or if they have pending cases in the University,” Mangalili said.

In his campaign last year, CSC Vice President John Louis Tingzon called for disaster preparedness and leadership development.

In relation to this, he is set to hold “Growl to Survival,” a disaster and crisis management seminar for the Sampaloc-UST Neighborhood Watch (SUN-Watch) this May. Tingzon and CSC Auditor Zeth Renae Raquedan will head this year’s “St. Thomas Young Leader Engagement Institute,” a series of leadership proficiency programs of the Office for Student Affairs this month. The activity however is not in the GPOA. Meanwhile, community development, environmental awareness and leadership development were given attention by Yap, who has accomplished two out of the four projects she promised in her campaign last year.

Yap headed the “Scraps at Libro Ko para sa Kinabukasan Mo,” a book fair and fund-raising program. The beneficiaries were children from SUN-Watch communities.

It was followed by a literacy program last March 5 at the Beato Angelico Building. The final phase of the program, a hygiene workshop in partnership with the College of Nursing, will be held this month.

Yap also worked on “Institutionalization Using Recycled

Papers,” which encouraged local student councils and student organizations to use recycled papers for student activities.

In line with the 2016 student polls, Yap organized the “Thomasian Open Dialogue,” a leadership forum for the candidates of the next CSC last March 30.

Yap will cap her term as CSC secretary with the “Intensive Leadership Delegation Training,” a leadership training program in partnership with the UST Central Commission on Elections, in May. CSC Treasurer Roi Sergio Rey, who is gunning for the presidency in the upcoming student elections, called for transparency and accountability through “Diamonds,” a symposium held on Aug. 22 last year. It sought to monitor the state of the budgets and flow of expenses of local councils and University-wide organizations.

Roi Rey’s priority project, “Tomasmiles,” which aimed to provide leadership training seminars, livelihood education and catechism for the youth, was not approved by the Simbahayan community development office. “[Simbahayan] recommended that we think of new programs to avoid duplication with other organizations and student councils,” he said in an email interview.

Meanwhile, Raquedan’s projects focused on student involvement. Last February, Raquedan organized “The Big Switch,” wherein participating students attended classes for three days in an entirely different academic program from another college or faculty.

In line with the University’s founding anniversary, Raquedan is set to spearhead the “College Expo,” a fair that aims to showcase UST’s colleges and faculties, on April 25 to 29.

Raquedan will also head the “Open Literacy Training Service,”

another leadership forum, on May 14, with Meralco as a key organizer.

Ranel Simon Rey, CSC public relations officer (PRO), was unable to lobby for changes in the information dissemination system.

According to Ranel Rey, the Office for Student Affairs (OSA) turned down his proposal for the “Information Dissemination Messaging Suit,” which he described as an “SMS caster to send a message to 40,000 plus students.”

He said the OSA wanted to stick to the existing system— announcements to local student council PROs. The “Roar App,” a project carried over from the previous CSC administration, has yet to be rolled out. Proposed by former PRO John Jacob See, it is an online application that will allow the CSC to post announcements that can be accessed through smartphones.

Ranel Rey bared that the budget for the “Roar App” was already approved, but a “miscommunication” with the application’s developer prompted the council to look for a new developer.

“We constructed a new draft and look for the application,” he said in an interview, adding that the project was “back to zero.”

This month, Ranel Rey is set to implement “Thomasian FIT,” a health awareness campaign, and “TomaSine,” a video-making contest centered on the Dominican Order’s 800th anniversary celebration.

Another one of his pending projects is the “Tomasino para sa Kapwa,” an environmental awareness campaign for partner-communities.

Mangalili said the council was not lax in executing its projects, as it only abided by the timetable set under the GPOA. “The academic calendar shift also affected our term. The first semester went by too fast,” she said. PAUL XAVIER JAEHWA C.

BERNARDO and MONICA M. HERNANDEZ

What should the next CSC prioritize?

WHAT DO Thomasians really expect from candidates vying for positions in the Central Student Council? Do the elections matter to them and do they care at all? Here are some of their thoughts.

“Elected officers should already expect possible problems that would occur in the process of being part of the council, and how they should overcome these problems maturely and professionally.” – Jeremie Faye Umali (second year, Faculty of Pharmacy) “A newly elected officer must prioritize the welfare of the student body by solving any kind of problem such as: events, issues, and many more. The task that they should accomplish in their first month in the

office is to unite all the student council of different colleges.” – Vince Andre Christopher Gamez (second year, College of Science) “Newly elected officers should prioritize in setting realistic goals that they will surely be able to accomplish in their term of being officers and not be an individual of all talk and no action. What I would like to see them accomplish in their first month in office, is correcting any mistakes that the previous batch of officers might have made during their specific term. Let the new officers be more of an action kind of people rather than simply a face of the Central Student Council of UST.” – Jael Estrella (second year, College of Fine Arts and Design) “Officers should prioritize proper dissemination of information, aanhin natin ‘yung mga programa nila kung hindi naman natin alam.

Ni hindi ko ngang maramdaman na may central council tayo e. Make their voices be heard so that our voices are also heard.

Sila ang boses natin hindi sila ang bosses natin. Siguro for their first month in office maganda kung maiparamdam nila na sulit ung boto natin sa kanila at ‘di lang basta pa pogi o paganda.” – Fred Baustista (third year, College of Science) “I-prioritize nila kung ano ‘yung kailangan at kung saan mararamdaman ng mga students na may nangyayaring pagbabago dahil may nakaupo nang bagong officers.”– Joshua Simbulan (third year, College of Fine Arts and Design) “As a student of this institution,

I expect the newly elected officers to prioritize every right of the students, that they may help and encourage everyone to speak their minds. I think they should accomplish the things they’ve sworn before the student body, that they keep their words and that their proposals and projects be implemented.”– Maja Alversado (second year, Faculty of Pharmacy) “Improve the security of the University.

Para sa akin kasi, masyadong maluwag ‘yung mga guard sa gates ng UST. Usually ‘di na nila chinecheck kung may suot bang ID ‘yung students. Ngayong nakatype B [uniform] na tayo, ‘di na pansin kung naka-civilian lang ‘yung iba. So may tendency na kahit hindi students madali na lang makapasok basta sumabay sa mga grupo. Ngayong may threats na sa ibang university, hindi imposibleng mangyari din ‘yun sa UST. So to be safe and ma-avoid ‘yung threats na ‘yun, dapat mas maging mahigpit na ang security natin. And even the CCTVs, sana lahat nagfa-function.”

– Jazmine Oh (second year, College of Accountancy “Facilitating more talks with the administration for the student body to be heard. The students need to be heard by the administration as their best interests play to the future of the university and the society.”

– Calvin Teodoro (second year, Faculty of Arts and Letters) “A specific issue that I want the next CSC to tackle is about the security within the campus. Because in the past, there were moments that some students lost their valuable items even though they are inside the campus. It is because thieves entered the campus undetected and they are dressed properly as decent persons. The CSC must come up of something good in terms of

the security in the campus.” – Kurt Rodis (second year , Faculty of Engineering) “I think they must prioritize the students’ welfare and grievances. Their voices must be heard in order to make their term effective. They must first organize strategic methods on how to reach out to the whole Thomasian community and make us cooperate with them with regards to their projects.” – Patricia Cabela (first year, Faculty of Arts and Letters) “Regular student discrimination to student athletes. Kasi may mga ibang student na hindi nila alam kung gaano kahirap pag-sabayin ang pagiging atleta tsaka pagiging student. ‘Yung ibang mga regular students sinasabi nila na tamad daw ang mga student athlete. na parang ‘di sila bagay sa University kasi mas priority daw naming ang game sa class.” –Ann Antolihao (Institute of Physical Education and Athletics) “[Sana] maging successful pa rin ‘yung pagle-lead nila sa UST. Tapos sana wala na masyadong mariring na negative comments about them. Dapat [din] kapansin-pansin ‘yung projects, ‘yung mas mararamdaman ng mga students na natupad talaga.” – Kim Sosito (first year, College of Tourism and Hospitality Management) “Gusto ko lang matupad kung ano ‘yung pinakita nila. Unlike kasi sa past [student councils], hindi nila masyadong napakita ‘yung mga gusto nilang gawin.

Kung may program sila na ibibigay, sige ituloy nila basta ipakita nila na gagawin nila ‘yun. ‘Yung nandiyan para mag-serve hindi ‘yung ikaw ang seserbisyuhan ng mga tao.” – Vince Gamez (second year, College of Science) Compiled by RANDELL ANGELO B. RITUMALTA