BOTOMASINO 2023

Lack of real competition, political parties in UST student polls alarming

There has been a persistent pattern of dwindling interest and a decrease in the number of candidates participating in the UST Central Student Council (CSC) elections. The reason for this occurrence can be attributed to various factors, such as the inadequate promotion of the student elections, the absence of political parties and opposition, and the arduous process and prerequisites for filing candidacy. Especially significant is the fact that the UST Commission on Elections (Comelec) has persisted with its antiquated methods despite the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, and this has remained the case until the present time, even with the resumption of face-to-face classes.

For this year’s CSC Executive Board elections, the campaign period coincided with examination days for many students. This is particularly problematic in the hybrid setup because students may not be aware of the campaign period as they are focused on their academic requirements.

Additionally, most of the campaigns and election-related events are now limited to online platforms, which means the traditional “classroom campaigns” are no longer happening. Unfortunately, the Comelec has not taken advantage of this shift to the virtual environment. Its online information campaign has been subpar, and it has not succeeded in capturing the attention of students. As a result, there is a higher probability that voters are not well-informed about the candidates’ platforms in the current virtual setup nor the proposed charter change all outgoing student council officers and candidates are supportive of.

To assist in educating voters and guide Thomasian students in making wise choices for their next leaders, the Varsitarian is publishing this Botomasino issue—the first to be printed amid the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition to exclusive stories and interviews on our website, varsitarian. net, and social media pages related to the CSC polls, we believe it is crucial to continue distributing Botomasino through multiple platforms to reach as many people as possible. This ensures that Thomasians have access to information about the elections and can make informed decisions. Even though this year’s candidates may be running unopposed, it is important to remember that their victories should not be automatic. When candidates are running without opposition, it diminishes the significance of having a choice in the election.

The upcoming CSC will have a significant responsibility in policymaking and collaborating with UST administrators to establish guidelines for in-person classes

and the school’s return to normal operations. Therefore, it is crucial for students to be informed about what is happening, especially with the proposed changes toeaningful progress.

Moreover, we urge the OSA to refrain from using its typical oppressive tactics and instead empower student politics. Many batches of CSC officers have been speaking out against such repression, and for the advancement of student politics, the OSA should be receptive to a wider range of ideas. the CSC charter.

While we promote the need for Thomasians to stay informed about the student polls through this Botomasino issue, we urge the UST Comelec to be innovative and devise methods to enhance student participation in student politics: No more to virtual elections! The Comelec’s outdated approach is

THE ABSENCE of political parties in the last three student elections has led to a streak of “unopposed candidacies,” a phenomenon that can indicate the diminishing interest of Thomasians in becoming student leaders and declining student-government quality.

In 2019, one of the lowest voter turnouts was recorded in the history of UST campus elections. Moreover, all candidates ran unopposed except for the secretary. In 2020, the UST Commission on Elections (Comelec) did not grant accreditation to any political party. The application of Lakas Tomasino Coalition (LTC) and Student’s Alliance for the Advancement of Democratic Rights in UST (Stand-UST) were denied by the Comelec because they allegedly did not meet the basic criteria, such as having at least 50 members and two representatives from 15 faculties, colleges, schools, or institutes.

The upcoming Halalan 2023 election nearly broke the trend of scarce candidates, as all positions were filled and two positions had at least two candidates for the first time in three years. However, vice presidential candidate Angelo de la Cruz and secretary candidate Peter Estalilla pulled out of the race, resulting in the remaining independent candidates running uncontested.

FAITH NICOLE S. GELACIO

disqualification of potential candidates for minor reasons. Even Nathan Agustin, the current CSC president, almost lost his position due to his failure to provide a temporary transcript of records, which is mandated by the UST Students’ Election Code of 2011. Although Comelec’s intention to impose strict requirements on student politics may have been well-intentioned, it has resulted in a decrease in students’ interest in running for office in the long term.

To encourage more students to participate in student politics, political parties must be reintroduced to the political landscape. Running for office without any reliable financial, moral, or material support can be daunting for students, and political parties can provide this much-needed assistance. Additionally, political parties can help groom and train student leaders, creating a clear line of succession among their members.

detrimental to the student body, particularly with the already-restrictive Office for Student Affairs (OSA).

We anticipate that our next group of student leaders will deliver on their commitments. As the charter change is proposed, we expect a change of era, and the new student leaders should capitalize on this opportunity to bring about meaningful progress.

Moreover, we urge the OSA to refrain from using its typical oppressive tactics and instead empower student politics. Many batches of CSC officers have been speaking out against such repression, and for the advancement of student politics, the OSA should be receptive to a wider range of ideas.

The absence of opposition renders the yearly “Tagisan” meaningless, as there is no intellectual discourse happening. As a matter of fact, the candidates only needed to win against “abstain.” Over the past three years, UST’s student politics has witnessed a decrease in the number of candidates, which was caused by the Comelec’s expulsion of political parties from the elections, resulting in uncontested candidacies.

This trend in unopposed candidacies is not new as no political parties are being accredited to join the elections. Despite being discussed in numerous articles and opinion pieces, this issue has worsened, exacerbated by the apparent lack of concern from the student body, UST Comelec, and the Office of Student Affairs.

In 2020, no political parties were able to become candidates because they didn’t meet the required number of members and representatives. The Comelec en banc refused to extend the deadline, citing the “several consid-

erations” that had already been given to the parties. However, the Comelec failed to realize that the procedural requirements were too burdensome for those who wanted to file their Certificate of Candidacies (COCs). The minimum membership and representative counts were difficult to achieve for these parties, as evidenced by the low number of sign-ups. Continuing to reject the accreditation of political parties causes more harm than good, as without them, unopposed candidates will continue to be elected, which negatively impacts student governance. Comelec, the administrative body responsible for overseeing electoral matters in UST, should have understood this.

The decline in political parties and the number of candidates can be attributed to Comelec’s cumbersome accreditation process. Comelec’s stringent requirements have led to the

The Comelec should consider extending the election season to accommodate more student candidates. This would allow for a more significant number of students to participate and engage in student politics. An extended election season would also give potential candidates more time to prepare and campaign effectively, which can be challenging, especially during the pandemic when most activities are limited to virtual platforms. This would also allow students to become more informed about the candidates and their platforms, thereby encouraging more informed voting.

The Comelec needs to review its rules to revive student politics in UST. When there are only unopposed candidates during campaigns, voters are only exposed to a single perspective, which can lead them to easily adopt the candidates’ views without being critical. The Comelec should realize how crucial it is to bring back political parties to counter the trend of unopposed candidacies and to revive Thomasian involvement in campus democracy.

Next era of UST student politics needs more innovative CSC and Comelec, less restrictive OSA

EDITOR’S NOTE

When there are only unopposed candidates during campaigns, voters are only exposed to a single perspective, which can lead them to easily adopt the candidates’ views without being critical. The Comelec should realize how crucial it is to bring back political parties to counter the trend of unopposed candidacies and to revive Thomasian involvement in campus democracy.

As the charter change is proposed, we expect a change of era, and the new student leaders should capitalize on this opportunity to bring about meaningful progress.

CSC leaders, aspirants bent on revising council charter

By Chalssea Kate Echegoyen, Eduardo Fajermo Jr., and Niña Angelica Rodriguez

THE OUTGOING UST Central Student Council (CSC) believes the time has come to push through with the constitutional revision necessary to overcome the “limitations” of the current system as Thomasians are set to elect new student leaders for Academic Year 2023 to 2024.

“[It is] something that will be beneficial, especially for the future of CSC — in a sense na magkakaroon tayo ng mas empowered systems to actually enact the policy changes needed, without having to be limited with the current one we have right now,” incumbent president Nathan Agustin told the Varsitarian Council leaders have sought to update the 2003 charter, only to see their efforts doomed because of a lack of support or time constraints.

In this new attempt, outgoing CSC leaders are using the remainder of their term to muster support from Thomasians and clinging to their successors to make the revisions a “reality.”

“[W]e really want to maximize information campaigns, especially when it’s already cleared na rin through the e-ReSERVe (Electronic Reservation of Scheduled Events and Reservation of Venue) processes that we have right now. We have one pending, but we’re waiting for its release,” Agustin said.

“[W]hat we can do to ensure that this will continue. Number one: Dapat seryosohin ang transitory process. Hindi ‘yung tipong ititiwala na lang natin sa next officers ito. The plan here is to lay down the groundwork during the end of this term. And by laying down the groundwork, this does not mean that we just leave something and let them pick it up. We pass it upon them; we pass it to them.”

Thomasians got a glance at the proposed amendments on March 5 when Agustin publicized a Google Docs working file.

Among the major overhauls eyed is the establishment of the Central Student Legislative Assembly (CSLA) in lieu of the existing Central Board, composed of senators voted locally.

“[T]his congress will be charged fully with legislative powers – no more ex officio duties, no more obligations in the student council, which will allow them to fully engage with the policy-making,” Agustin explained.

“LSC (Local student council) presidents are expected to supervise their home [organizations], which also has its own legislative assemblies and has their own processes they have to go through.”

Agustin emphasized that an LSC president and an LSC senator may serve as checks and balances on each other.

“[I]t's a demarcation of concerns that we also hope would be the emphasis na magkaroon na ng bagong system in governance. It would, hopefully, na pag-uusapan na rin ng LSC presidents and senators as to how they will view the responsibilities vis-a-vis their constituents,” he said.

Election overhaul

Another major overhaul eyed in the charter touches on which positions Thomasians can vote for. Only the president and vice president of the CSC executive board will be elected, while the CSLA will elect all the other positions down the line.

“[T]he President will yield nominees, ang nakalagay sa framework right now [ay] dapat meron siyang nominees per position, and these nominees may be taken from any process such as pwede sila ‘yung nakitaan ng president ng abilities to lead,” Agustin said.

The names of the nominees would then be publicized through student publications so that the student body could be made aware of the handpicked candidates.

“We want to make sure that the Executive Board is professional as possible in these positions, and one of them is to employ those executive principles na dapat meron talagang internal

choices when it comes to these positions, especially that they are static,” Agustin said.

But for Assoc. Prof. Dennis Coronacion, chair of the Political Science Department, the proposed election process may take away the democratic process of selecting student representatives.

“If their functions are the same, there will be issues related to the principle of differentiation of functions. If there are overlaps, the old and new offices will compete against each other,” he told the Varsitarian

“It’s too complicated. Why not stick to the old, effective and more democratic way.”

The Varsitarian sought the comment of the Office for Student Affairs (OSA) but has yet to respond as of writing.

‘We will not give up’

All six candidates gunning for CSC offices have indicated their support for the student “cha-cha.”

Ierathel Tabuno, who is vying to be the next president, told the Varsitarian that she would continue consulting with necessary stakeholders on this long and arduous endeavor.

“As we advance, we will work on finalizing the points of revision, consult the concerned student organizations and the general population, consider and accept suggestions, and then follow through with the procedures as laid down in our current Constitution and Central Board resolutions,” Tabuno, the incumbent Faculty of Arts and Letters Student Council vice president-external, said.

“While this may need a lot of time, constant lobbying, and political will in its execution, we will not give up.”

While it is still a working file, Agustin emphasized that the CSC will continue to adhere to the Thomasians’ say as they proceed.

“We want the Thomasians to know about this so we can hear what they have to say on it. Kasi, of course, as mentioned, it is a working file; it may still change,” he said. WITH REPORTS FROM CAMILLE M. MARCELO

All CSC bets unopposed as two candidates withdraw from race

TWO CANDIDATES have withdrawn from the UST Central Student Council (CSC) elections, allowing the remaining Executive Board bets to run unopposed.

Vice-presidential candidate Angelo de la Cruz and candidate for secretary Peter Estalilla told the Varsitarian they had withdrawn from their respective races due to health concerns.

“My withdrawal stemmed from a decision to focus on my well-being, which was prompted by the recent decline in my mental health,” Estalilla, the interim president of the College of Education Student Council, said in an email.

De la Cruz, the interim public relations officer (PRO) of the College of Architecture Student Council, said he would also seek other

avenues in which he could serve the Thomasian community as he focuses on his health.

“Due to personal and external considerations, I believe that I would be much better if I were to serve my fellow Thomasians in a different capacity; one wherein I would have more control of my own time in consideration of my own holistic health,” de la Cruz said in a letter explaining his decision.

Their withdrawals came days after the UST Central Commission on Elections (Comelec) released the final list of candidates for this year’s student polls.

The Comelec has acknowledged Estalilla and De la Cruz’s withdrawals.

The remaining six candidates for the CSC Executive Board elec-

tions are Ierathel Tabuno (president), Aiah Jacinto (vice president), John Harold Peralta (secretary), Rafael Luis Pesuena (treasurer), James Ceñido (auditor), and Maxine Javier (PRO).

The campaign period for the student elections will be from March 6 to 8 and March 22 to 25. There will be no campaign activities from March 9 to 21 due to the moratorium period and academic break.

The candidates will face off in the annual Tagisan, the mandatory debates for candidates, on March 25, followed by the election period from March 27 to April 1. Winners will be proclaimed on April 1. KARIS M. TSANG WITH REPORTS FROM JUDD ERICKA MARIE F.

► Angelo de la Cruz and Peter Estalilla

ART BY ATHEA MONIQUE Z. GALA AND ZYMON M.GAILO

PRESIDENT

IERATHEL TABUNO

ARTLETS STUDENT RUNS FOR HIGHEST STUDENT

By Marymon Frances Reyes

AIMING to redefine Thomasians’ perspective towards student governance by pursuing a policy-driven and “student-representing” leadership, incumbent Faculty of Arts and Letters (Artlets) Student Council vice president-external Ierathel Tabuno is running unopposed for the presidency in this year’s student polls.

“We will push for a Central Student Council (CSC) that is brave enough to follow through despite the hardships of the status quo and open enough to be transparent in its processes,” Tabuno told the Varsitarian Tabuno, a Legal Management junior, said that the University needs a council that will address the concerns of Thomasians and one that “will go be-

Who are the candidates for the CSC Executive Board?

yond organizing events,” which she believes is possible by amending the 2003 CSC Constitution.

“Ultimately, should I be granted the opportunity, we will have a council that shall remain focused and expeditious in revising the Central Student Council Constitution in line with achieving its legitimacy,” Tabuno said.

The independent candidate saw the need to change the University’s system and traditions after CSC auditor Dale Morallano relinquished his post due to a “restrictive system” that made him unable to render his vision on policy-making and advocacy for student welfare.

“May nakikita po tayong problema [sa] kung paano nakikita ang Sentral na Konseho […] ano ang tingin ng administrasyon sa ating Sentral na Konseho,” Tabuno said. “It’s time na rin for our Central Student Council to truly abide by their mandate to

be inclusive tablishment sembly within for whose universitya number dent sila scholars an persons others.”

VICE PRESIDENT

AIAH KARRYLLE JACINTO

ADVOCATING for a safer learning environment, a progressive council and effective student representation, Aiah Karrylle Jacinto, the public relations officer (PRO) of the College of Commerce and Business Administration Student Council, is gunning for the vice presidency in this year’s student polls.

Running unopposed, the former student coordinator to the vice president at the Student Organization Coordinating Council (SOCC) believes that her interpersonal skills as a student leader will significantly contribute to her leadership if elected.

“Throughout po my student leadership journey, I have learned the importance of, una, being able to connect [with] other people through active listening at pangalawa, the ability to empathize with others,” she told the Varsitarian

Through her “Tungkod Tomasino” platform, Jacinto pushes for proper representation and recognition of different sectoral groups in the University, which she believes can be achieved by forming independent commissions, one of the proposed amendments of the 2003 Central Student Council

(CSC) Constitution.

She plans to work with the CSC president to actualize the proposed constitutional revision and create a working environment to help execute her platform.

“Kahit po nasa president ‘yung legislative power [ng] konseho, maaari pa rin po akong makipagtulungan sa presidente upang maigi po kaming makapagplano sa mga gagawing hakbang,” she explained.

The incumbent CSC President Nathan Agustin released on March 5 the working file containing the proposed revisions to the charter.

Jacinto supports a constitutional convention instead of a constituent assembly where only the Central Board decides on the charter revision.

“Kung magco-constitutional convention po tayo ay maaari po akong directly makatulong po sa pag-rerebisa ng Constitution,” she said.

“Dahil dito po sa con-con na tinatawag po natin, pwede po tayong mag-delegate ng mga taong sa tingin natin mas makakatulong sa pagpapatibay ng mga provisions na ire-revise sa Constitution.”

SECRETARY

JOHN HAROLD PERALTA

FACULTY of Medicine and Surgery freshman John Harold Peralta will set his sights on improving the University’s activity management system, prioritizing the needs of persons with disabilities (PWDs) and amending the Constitution if elected secretary.

Running as an independent candidate, Peralta, the incumbent CSC executive coordinator, said that the charter change would help future executive boards push for “genuine student representation” and make the code more “holistic and inclusive” to the Thomasian community.

“Unang-una sa lahat ng aking mga priorities ay ang Constitution revision dahil dito mabibigyan o maha-highlight ang policy-making mandate ng sentral na konseho,” he told the Varsitarian

Peralta also promises to streamline processes in filing applications on the Electronic Reservation of Scheduled Events and Reservation of

Venue (e-ReSERVe), the official activity management system for scheduling events in the University, to hasten document processing and improve dialogue with University offices.

“Makikipag-coordinate [ang] mga local student councils at Central Student Council sa mga administrators at offices para nang sa gayon ay hindi na ma-delay ang mga projects natin,” he said.

Peralta also seeks to build partnerships with organizations providing assistance to PWDs.

“Pagtutuunan natin ng pansin ang braille para sa mga persons with visual impairment, ang wheelchair mount at mga ramps para sa mga persons with physical disability,” he added.

Peralta has been unopposed since Peter Estalilla, the interim president of the College of Education Student Council, withdrew from the race on March 6. ALLYSSA

MAE C. CRUZ

INCUMBENT CSC executive coordinator to the treasurer

Rafael Luis Pesueña is pushing to strengthen Thomasian connections and establish mentors from top professionals in different fields in his quest to be the next CSC treasurer.

“Thomasian Case Week,” he said, aims to build “avenues to connect with top professionals” that encourage “applications and learning, and mentoring sessions, as well as establishing connections” that will contribute to the Thomasian identity.

Currently, the UST Counseling and Career Center consistently conducts career fairs and partners with different organizations to prepare Thomasians as they enter the workforce.

Pesueña also proposes a unified financial manual entitled “ReAlign: Treasurer’s Manual” that will make the financial dealings of the CSC

and local bodies with the Office of the Vice Rector for Finance more efficient.

“Nakita ko na mahirap intindihin ‘yung mga finance process na meron tayo especially if galing ka sa labas […] ‘Yun ‘yung nakita ko talaga na dapat bilang isang treasurer [ay] matugunan natin,” Pesueña said in an interview with the Varsitarian The SOCC and Office for Student Affairs (OSA) internally organize a yearly financial seminar for treasurers and auditors from the CSC and local student councils.

If elected, the marketing management student wishes to reinforce the ties between the CSC and University administrators, stressing the need for proper communication.

“Bilang UST Central Student Council kasi, ikaw ‘yung bridge ng administrasyon sa Thomasian body and vice versa,” he said. KARIS M. TSANG

RAFAEL LUIS PESUEÑA

TREASURER

RUNS UNOPPOSED STUDENT OFFICE

inclusive and policy-driven.”

Among the revisions she offers include the establishment of the Central Student Legislative Assembly (CSLA), a legislative and policy-making body within the CSC, and the Recognition Commission Student Groups and Organizations (RCSGO), whose sole purpose is to process the recognition of university- and college-wide organizations.

“There are groups in UST that may not be as big number or as capable of being recognized as a student organization, but this does not mean na hindi dapat represented or heard,” Tabuno said.

“We do already have representation for women scholars and athletes, [but] we still need to provide avenue for other sectors like working students, persons with disabilities, indigenous groups and others.”

When it comes to the return of face-to-face

classes, Tabuno said that aside from supporting the Covid-19 health protocols implemented in UST, a policy allowing the CSC to recommend the leniency of deadlines or academic breaks should be added among the provisions in the charter.

“Should local student councils deem to push for on-site classes that is more fit sa timeline ng kanilang curriculum, the Central Student Council will fully support that na lang po and offer aid in whatever [way] we can,” she said.

Tabuno said that should she be granted the opportunity, the Council shall remain focused and expeditious in revising the Constitution: “We must go beyond the expectations na gumagawa lang po ito ng events. Ang mandato po ng council is to truly be policy-driven and to truly air your concerns, kailangan ‘yun po ang focus, ‘yun ang number one.”

JAMES ARRENKIEL CEÑIDO AUDITOR

JAMES Arrenkiel Ceñido of the College of Commerce and Business Administration aims to boost public accountability and capacitate local-level officers by creating a “unified strategic goal” as he runs unopposed for auditor.

“Syempre bilang isang auditor, hindi lang naman tayo sa pinansyal na aspeto. More of the compliance side rin tayo. Iche-check natin kung ‘yung mga target objectives natin ay nakakamit ba [sa] bawat lokal at maging [sa] sentral,” the business administration junior told the Varsitarian Ceñido, who is this year’s CSC deputy chief of staff, offers two platforms centered on upholding accountability:

“Amplify” and “Magnify.”

Through “Amplify,” Ceñido vows to “hear the Thomasian voice” and empower students by creating a semestral evaluation that will quantify the effectiveness of the CSC in implementing its policies and programs.

And through “Magnify,” he aims to implement unified strategic objectives by establishing manuals on general statutes for local student councils across the University.

Citing the platform of former CSC auditor Dale Marollano, Ceñido also plans to continue the outgoing administration’s efforts but is still keen on assessing its effectiveness.

Marollano resigned from his post on Feb. 24 due to the “restrictive system” that bars his vision for a “policy-driven student council.”

Given this, Ceñido plans to intensify the council’s communication with the University administration.

“It [boils] down to communication and good relationship with the admin. Of course, we would be representing the student body.

‘Yun ang gusto natin ma-establish: Maintindihan tayo,” he said. NYAH GENELLE C. DE LEON AND NIÑA ANGELICA M. RODRIGUEZ

FINE ARTS junior Maxine Javier advocates for effective information dissemination and a financial support system for competing organizations as she runs unopposed for PRO.

Javier, the incumbent executive associate to the PRO, has two primary platforms: a constitutional revision information campaign and a program to raise funds for e-sports and debaters organizations.

“If the students won’t come to me and they have concerns and issues they’d like to raise, then I’m willing to be the one to come [close] to them,” the advertising arts junior said in an interview with the Varsitarian

The campaign, Javier said, would disseminate the Google Docs working file of the proposed constitutional amendments.

“I’d like to make sure that the Thomasian community is well-informed about the old Constitution and the new working proposal so that we all know what we are fighting for,” she said.

“But I feel like if we were able to push through with this constitution revision,

we will be able to open more doors or opportunities for us to really pursue our duties as the Central Student Council.”

Javier also eyes giving more monetary support to dance troops, debaters, e-sports athletes and other competing groups representing the University by connecting them to the UST Alumni Association.

“We have organizations that do competitions that don’t have [the] time to do [fundraising] events — they have to focus on their training. I’d like to help them get financial funding from the alumni so they can compete in competitions without the issue of looking for funds themselves,” she said.

Javier believes she can still be a student leader despite the alleged “restrictive system” in the University that Marollano cited as one of the reasons for stepping down.

“For me, my motivation to keep going with this restrictive system is to just keep fighting and continue their fight, even if it’s only small — but at least it’s progress,” she said.

ANGELI

RUTH ACOSTA

MAXINE JAVIER

PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

May nakikita tayong problema [sa] kung paano nakikita ang Sentral na Konseho […] ano ang tingin ng administrasyon sa ating Sentral na Konseho

It’s time na rin for our Central Student Council to truly abide by their mandate to be inclusive and policy-driven.

Ierathel Tabuno PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE

TOMSPEAK

Do you feel the presence of the student government in this hybrid setup?

By Camille M. Marcelo and Eduardo G. Fajermo Jr.

As the hybrid setup was implemented, can honestly feel that there’s still a lack of presence felt by the student government. As a student body, it is still passive in managing state-wide events, activities, and programs, allowing it to evaluate and recognize feedback among students who undertake hybrid learning. In terms of everyday struggles, there’s still a missing mechanism in place in where students can be intensively assisted and guided in the process.

—Gia Karla Martin, Faculty of Arts and Letters

Yes. As a student leader of an organization, I had several interactions with the student government, some of which were attending webinars on leadership, receiving emails on certain memos and following up on papers for the project proposals. As a regular student, our local student government, the UST Organization of Medical Technology Interns, and UST Faculty of Pharmacy Student Council, help us relay our problems, especially in schedules of exams or classes, to our professors. This allowed us to have full face-to-face classes for our second-semester subjects, SEM and MTAP. It also helped our professors understand why most of us were having a hard time understanding certain topics.—

Sofia Alexandra S. Tasarra, Faculty of Pharmacy

Indeed, from service delivery, program implementations and monitoring, the current student government’s advocacies and action plans are effectively carried out. Although they have other commitments besides the council, they consistently respond to students’ general concerns. This I can say as I have witnessed the STRAW committee’s diligent involvement. Additionally, programs such as “AB Model Congress” and “STRAW Week: Through the Looking Glass” are essentially commended as they heighten the active participation of the student body in building the Artlets community we have today

Maxine Rhea Monte, Faculty of Arts and Letters

Yes, the student government serves as the bridge in representing the concerns of the student body in this time of hybrid setup. I appreciate their effort in organizing events and relaying the concerns of the students, especially given that the hybrid setup may be more difficult in terms of communication.—

Bernadette Ann C. Lim, Faculty of Pharmacy

In my experience as a Thomasian, I do feel that the student government is doing their jobs as student leaders, from successful events such as Agape and Paskuhan. Moreover, they provide us students with public announcements from the university, making it easier for us Thomasians to know what is currently happening or what will happen. Lastly, in times of the needs of students, they have constantly been amplifying our voices and progressively helping the students concerning their welfare and development.

Robert Ephraim C. Pabiling, Faculty of Engineering

I have never felt the student government’s presence since I entered UST three years ago. The Central Student Council (CSC) has yet to make any presence in the Thomasian community. I still don’t see the presence of the student council since UST implemented the hybrid setup. Now that we are slowly transitioning back to the typical face-to-face class, the student council must now do one of their jobs: to make us Thomasian students feel UST is our second home. Planning and carrying out school events related to building camaraderie and school spirit is one way to make us, Thomasian students feel at home whenever we are in UST.

Raven Divinagracia, College of Information and Computing Sciences

In this hybrid setup, I personally feel the student government’s presence. I can see that they devote a significant amount of their time and effort to ensure the welfare of the students. Since we’re transitioning back to face-toface setups, the student government makes an effort to help us adjust by relaying information about the school policies, do’s and don’t’s, and such. In my case, the announcements on their social media accounts aided me in staying up to date on the school’s events. However, since we have different social media algorithms and dissemination of information can be delayed sometimes, it can be difficult for some students to search for their posts constantly. Overall, I acknowledge their efforts to create a better community for Thomasians.

Karina Dyan Madayag, College of Science

Yes, I feel the presence [of student leaders in] this hybrid setup since they have a collective effort to conduct events online and onsite events like the traditional Agape and Paskuhan that would benefit the whole Thomasian community. Moreover, if there are situations that need to be addressed to the admin they immediately try to get some answers by sending some gforms to be answered by the students. In addition, this survey would help them gather data on what factors would need to be addressed and discussed with the admin. This collective data is one tool to use in order to identify the main problem and prioritize this problem.—Kyle Gericho Palomares, Faculty of

Engineering

OUTGOING OFFICERS HOPE NEXT CSC WOULD BE MORE STABLE

By Hannah Joyce Andaya, Nillicent Bautista, Alexandra Mangasar, Mikhail Orozco, and Joanne Christine Ramos

UNCERTAINTY loomed over the departing UST Central Student Council (CSC) officers as they navigated the challenges of a hybrid setup.

As they are set to exit the scene, they hope the next set of student leaders will continue the projects they started and make the CSC stable as more face-to-face (F2F) classes are conducted.

Nathan Agustin, the CSC president who last year introduced a 10-point plan aimed at establishing a “policy-driven council,” revealed that he was only able to accomplish four out of his 10 agenda points. Agustin attributed the shortfall to the conventional outlook that the council should concentrate solely on initiatives centered on advocacy and student welfare.

“The 10-point agenda was not intended to constitute promises immediately executory during this term — it was intended to be a longterm roadmap that will hopefully translate into the actions of the CSC even beyond this academic year, so I hope that its essence will still be carried out in the succeeding terms,” Agustin told the Varsitarian

“We saw how difficult it was to align this with initial expectations [of creating a policy-driven CSC]... Writing policies and going through the student governmental processes was hard, as numerous orientations and alignments had to be made with our higher-ups,” he added.

Agustin’s accomplishments include establishing the council’s external network and participation in progressive youth campaigns,

delivering a “State of the Council Address” modeled after the State of the Nation Address, enhancing the council’s involvement in University affairs, and the start of the CSC Constitutional Revision on March 5. Despite efforts made by the council, certain goals were left unfulfilled. These included the failure to expand the CSC Judiciary Board, provide legal aid to all students despite the creation of the Executive Legal Affairs Committee in the CSC, streamline the execution of student activities, and launch the CSC website to improve the dissemination of public information.

According to CSC Treasurer Benjamin Amper IV, the council worked with the University to enforce stricter gate protocols as a response to the increasing incidents of robbery and harassment in the vicinity of UST. Additionally, efforts were made to extend the opening hours of the University gates to accommodate students attending evening classes.

“May mga instances before na may hazard sa P. Noval, kasi may mga incidents na may na-snatchan, may mga sexual harassment cases sa Lacson, ” Amper told the Varsitarian

“Open ‘yung gates para safer ‘yung ‘pag pasok ng Thomasians instead of going around the gates,” he added.

Needed improvement

Other CSC officers shared the same sentiments with Agustin as they recalled their experiences of miscommunications and misalignments with University administrators this year.

Dale Marollano, who stepped down from the position of CSC auditor, criticized the “restrictive” system imposed on student leaders. According to Marollano, despite their

efforts to provide data from student surveys to support the policies proposed for face-to-face classes, they were disregarded by an administrative office.

“Ito ‘yung nilalaman ng survey, ito ‘yung pulso ng student body ng UST pero ayun, at the end of the meeting and the consultation, nasabihan kami na hindi kami taga-gawa ng policy dahil students lang kami,” Marollano told the Varsitarian

The surveys were part of Marollano’s platform, the “F2F Code,” which sought to guide local student councils about students’ concerns regarding the resumption of F2F classes in the University.

Agustin said that coming up with concrete plans and proposals concerning face-to-face classes was challenging because of the unpredictable policy changes implemented by either the government or the University.

“The gradual shift to on-site classes demanded many adjust -

CSC auditor resigns, decries

By Jacqueline B. Martinez

ments — from taking online classes to taking on-site assessments, constant changes in academic schedule, and the fatigue of having to manage both online and on-site platforms,” Agustin said.

“Our term was also faced with the challenge of assisting in organizing the first-ever face-to-face activities of the University, which entailed numerous adjustments and coordination, especially after organizing purely online events in the past two years,” he added.

Amper also recalled the challenges the CSC faced in arranging in-person University-wide events for the first time in two years.

“We really had to start from scratch in terms of its preparation because the organizers back then [had] already graduated,” Amper said.

Agustin said he also regretted “not immediately taking early opportunities to meet halfway with the higher-ups.”

Outgoing CSC Secretary Francis -

system’ for student leaders

UST CENTRAL Student Council (CSC) auditor Dale Marollano has resigned, citing what he described as a “restrictive system” that made him unable to render his vision for a “policy-driven student council.”

“After careful consideration, I have come to the conclusion that I am unable to fulfill my vision for a policy-driven student council that advocates for students’ rights and welfare within a restrictive system,” Marollano, a philosophy junior, said in his resignation letter dated Feb. 28.

It was addressed to UST Office for Student Affairs (OSA) director and CSC adviser Asst. Prof. Maria Cecilia Tio Cuison and the student body.

“While I admire and respect the tenacity of other student leaders to power through the status quo, I cannot in good conscience continue to serve as a student leader without adhering to the interests of the constituents that I have the responsibility to represent in the first place,” he added.

The CSC executive board and the central board are expected to release a resolution soon as they have already acknowledged Marollano’s resignation.

In an interview with the Varsitarian, the former UST Senior High School Student Coun-

cil president said he had grown frustrated over the “lack of progress” in student leadership.

He said the CSC officers had been minimized into “mere organizers” of events.

“Ang expectation ng mga offices sa atin, ‘yung mga administrator, ay event organizers lang tayo, and hindi tayo dapat gumawa ng mga policies dahil estudiyante lang tayo, wala tayong kapangyarihan para gawin ‘yon,” Marollano told the Varsitarian

“And I think sobrang kailangan nating baguhin ‘yon and palitan kung saan mas magkakaroon ng voice and lugar ‘yung student body, lalo na ‘yung mga student leaders ng UST, para makagawa ng policies na makakatulong talaga, na long-lasting ‘yung impact and sustainable,” he added.

The CSC auditor called for a “complete overhaul of the system” to allow student leaders to roll out their policy objectives.

“Ang kailangan natin ngayon ay isang systemic change at overhaul ng system na magpapalakas sa student power sa ating University, kasi kung walang mangyayaring systemic change or an overhaul of the system, hindi magkakaroon ng avenue to propose policies and rights ang student leaders natin,” Marollano said.

Marollano said he was unable to fulfill his campaign promises because of restrictions by the administration.

“Pinangako ko noong campaign ‘yung isang policy-centric na council, ina-allow ba ng sistema? Hindi naman. So, I’m giving way, para makita nila na need natin baguhin ‘to,” he said.

During the campaign period last year, Marollano vowed to strengthen sectoral representation among students and increase participation in crafting policies for face-to-face classes.

While the CSC was consulted in the transition to face-to-face classes, University administrators, whom Marollano declined to name, told them it was not within the council’s power to create policies.

“Yes, nagkaroon ng consultation, pero ‘yung natanggap namin na comment is ‘student lang kayo, ‘di kayo taga-gawa ng policy,’” Marollano said.

“Na-realize ko nu’n na sobrang limiting niya, ‘yung sinabi na ‘yun,” he added. Marollano became auditor of the CSC Executive Board after winning 27,020 votes in last year’s polls.

His resignation came on the day of the filing of certificates of candidacy for this year’s student elections and a month before the election of new CSC officers.

The Varsitarian has written the OSA for comment, but it has yet to receive a response as of publishing. WITH REPORTS FROM LOGAN KAL-EL M. ZAPANTA AND KARIS M. TSANG

co Mayuyu said these shortcomings could be considered areas for improvement for the council.

“These are the crucial points that we had to play to make sure that we ensure that students are being heard and that we are also working hand-in-hand with the administration,” he told the Varsitarian Mayuyu said that “stronger relationships” with the offices would have improved the planning and enforcement of the council’s policies.

“Things would’ve been more seamless and smooth if we were able to closely coordinate and establish a stronger relationship with the offices, especially with the OSA (Office for Student Affairs),” Mayuyu told the Varsitarian Agustin recommended that the succeeding CSC officers dedicate time to disseminating information about the CSC to the student body, prepare for the revision of the CSC constitution, and encourage student participation in decision-making to the fullest extent possible.

Ang kailangan natin ngayon ay isang systemic change at overhaul ng system na magpapalakas sa student power sa ating University, kasi kung walang mangyayaring systemic change or an overhaul of the system.

Dale Marollano FORMER CSC AUDITOR

‘restrictive

► Resigned CSC auditor Dale Marollano

► Outgoing CSC president Nathan Agustin, CSC secretary Francisco Mayuyu, CSC treasurer Benjamin Amper IV, and CSC public relations officer Rhojen Sianda