Article by: Therese Anne B. Cruz
Photo by: Angelica Stacy D. de Guzman
Last October, the elections for the new batch of student leaders were held through the myMapúa portal for the local student councils and Council of Organizations (COO) while in-person elections for the Council of Presidents (COP) and Central Student Council (CSC) officers were organized at the Intramuros Campus’ AVR2. The election results were released on the official Facebook page of the Central Electoral Board.
After the elections, the University Student Government, composed of the CSC, COO, and COP, shared their plans for the student body. In an interview with elected CSC President Mark Solomon Ferino, he stated that one of the concerns he looks forward to addressing is his observance of a divide between the students and the council. “…Gusto ko ibaba ang USG or ang Central Student Council. Ibaba, in a sense na mas malapit siya to our student body, na ang students hindi sila mahihiya magmessage or magtanong ng kahit ano mang tanong and […] mas madadama lahat ng mga ginagawa ng student council is for them,” the CSC President, who leads the highest governing student body, explained.
Meanwhile, Kae Santos, this tenure’s COO President, stated that there are four main concerns that he would focus on, namely the security of everyone on campus, safe spaces for their academic and overall growth as a student and as an individual, progressiveness of the Mapúan community in terms of social-political issues, and career opportunities after college. The COO President, who manages the student organizations, would like to provide Mapúans a fresh perspective on socio-political issues, such as LGBTQ+ rights, environmental concerns, mental health, and historical revisionism, “I want students to grasp the origins of these issues and why they are so essential to our society right now. These are the goals that I hope to achieve during my tenure,” he said.
Photo by: Angelica Stacy D. de Guzman
Furthermore, as per the newly elected COP Chairperson, Kenneth Salvador, they are leaning more towards attending to the unnoticed concerns of the student body. “I would want everyone in the Mapúan community to feel safe with the Council of Presidents as we would be readily available at all times to answer whatever questions or whatever concern they may raise,” the COP Chairperson, who heads the local student councils, stated.
As shared by Ferino, the CSC has mapped out its events for the upcoming months, all aligned with advocacies of quality education, gender equality, and events that will prove to be beneficial for all Mapúans. Together with his fellow CSC officers, they will spearhead their own events throughout the academic year.
Ferino urges the students to speak up and let their concerns be heard. “The CSC is for you. Kahit ano pa concern mo, kahit ano pa demand mo, or kahit ano pang comment mo, we appreciate it, we will listen, and we will serve the Mapúan community the right way,” he imparted.
On the other hand, Santos shared that the COO is currently focused on planning their upcoming annual event, the Organizations’ Week 2022, which will be held in December. Beyond that, the COO aims to implement platforms focusing on mentally and physically safe spaces, quality education, and organizational benefits.
Photo by: Angelica Stacy D. de Guzman
COP Chairperson Salvador expressed his gratitude to the students for being cooperative and promised to do their best in everything they do. “I want the whole Mapúan community to be comfortable with one another as we are venturing through this journey together,” he said.
The student officers took their oath to serve the Mapúan community for A.Y. 2022-2023 last November 17 at the Intramuros Campus’ Gymnasium and streamed live on the official Facebook page of the Mapúa Central Student Council. During the induction ceremony with the theme “Vision Realized: Student Leaders Leading Beyond Limit,” the outgoing officers and new student leaders imparted their speeches to extend their gratitude to the student body and share what they have in store for the coming months. Mapúa President and CEO Dr. Reynaldo B. Vea and Executive Vice President and COO Raul Victor B. Tan also shared their advice to the students, citing their leadership experiences. Mapúan performers exhibited their talent in singing and dancing during the event as well.
Photo by: Aliza Belle C. Dayao
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