The KASAMA Presidential and Senatorial hopefuls and the Public

[IN PHOTO] The audience during the Miting De Avance (C) Mohanisah Sarip.

The KASAMA Presidential and Senatorial hopefuls answered the peoples' questions head-on during the Miting De Avance of the KASAMA Special Elections 2022 hosted by the MSU-IIT Debate Varsity (MIDV). Much of the gush in the Public Question and Answer segment came from the theater's audience as they directed their questions to the Presidentiables and the Senatoriables concerning a range of issues, from gender to transparency, to student rights and practical platforms.

In Prof. Phyllis Marie Teanco's remark in the opening segment of the Miting De Avance, she explained to the audience the significance of the Student Regency and the importance of choosing people who can articulate, push, and forward their voices—the interest of the student body.

And so the audience did.

[IN PHOTO] The audience during the Miting De Avance (C) Mohanisah Sarip.

Several key themes of contention arose during the Public's turn to interpellate the KASAMA hopefuls. Prominent issues and concerns include student rights and freedom of speech as they engage in activism and dissenting opinions towards the status quo. The creation of a safe space and community for LGBT-identifying individuals within the University was also raised. Likewise, mental health and people with disability (PWD) concerns were directed toward the hopefuls.

All the while the hopefuls were responding to the queries and points of information, there were several moments where hopefuls received the "shame, shame," public reaction. CASSayuran sat down with a few of the audience present during the public forum. The student's identity shall remain in secrecy as per the student's wish; in this case, the student referred here is Student A. Student A noted that while the candidates had equal opportunity to share their plans and goals with the Public, however, "the candidates weren't able to present their platforms strongly," the student pointed out.

Student A explained that "there were many concerns and were just responded with general answers without clear convictions." Student A also reflected on the shared platforms, which were likened to the already existing programs in the University. "I think the act of promoting those existing courses of action is already a part of their work, and should not become their main platforms," the student clarified.

Reflecting the same sentiment as student A in a Facebook post, Marielle, a CASS student, shared her dismay. She said, "Readiness"... It's one of the take-away words that I could think of. I thought that the questions that were asked by the critiques earlier were general knowledge already to those who are running for the position. But the situation you guys showed us proved me otherwise."

In addition, student B, as this student also requested identity concealment, noted how they were not too satisfied with the answers. "Yes, they may have presented their platforms and plans; however, I do agree with what the other students have pointed out. They were being passive."

Nevertheless, student A, student B, and Marielle still hoped for the best for those who would come out victorious in the election polls and asked that these people live by their promises to the people.

About the Author

Reggy Bartido

Reggy H. Bartido is a Senior BA Sociology undergraduate student of the Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT). At the present, Reggy holds the post of Editor-in-Chief of CASSayuran - the official publication of the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) of MSU-IIT. That said, Mr. Bartido’s undergraduate thesis (on-going) primarily revolves around Environmental Sociology studies and Sustainable Development, areas that are part of his research interest that also includes Youth Studies and Political Sociology.