IITians Gauge Candidates in Forum and Platform Presentation

 

by John Carl Vincent Dadulo and John Vincent Balustre 

In a show of unity and civic engagement, students from various colleges and departments at the Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology gathered today, September 21, 2023, on the Institute lawn for the eagerly anticipated Candidate's Forum and Platform Presentation.

As the university's motto aptly states, these elections hold the potential to influence the future, and that future is deeply intertwined with the students' experiences and aspirations. 

Jhon Dave Manos, a BA political science student, underscored the significance of the forum, stating, "The forum is very important because it gives the candidates an avenue to deliver their platforms to the students whom they are vying to serve, and it emphasizes that in moments like this one (the election), civic participation and responsibility must always be present."

Notably,  a face-off of two major parties highlights this year's bid for the KASAMA Special Elections, namely TINGOG and Lihok ASTIG. Lugille Marien Castardo, a 2nd-year BSEd Biology student, is TINGOG's standard bearer for the Presidency, while her counterpart from Lihok-ASTIG is Sachie Medina, a 4th-year Physical Education major.

In the Vice Presidency polls, Chester Laurie Tagacay, a 2nd-year BA Sociology student from the TINGOG party, stands as the only hopeful candidate for the post. Completing their slate are aspiring senators: Lana Mae Balaba, a 4th-year BA Sociology student; Mary Grace Cabalhin, a 2nd-year BS Biology student majoring in Animal Biology; Ariel Ebale, a 2nd-year BS Ceramic Engineering student; Cris Enterone, a 2nd-year BA History student; Alfrem Mogan, a 4th-year BS Biology student; Muhammad Naim Saad, a 2nd-year BS Electrical Engineering student; Hermione Sheevey Sansona, a 2nd-year BA Sociology student; and John Paul Villamora, a 2nd-year BA Panitikan student.

Moreover, 2nd-year BS Economics student Renvi Juryll Galorio is the lone contender for a senate seat from the Lihok-ASTIG party.

On the other hand, Hannah Polangi, a 4th-year BS Nursing student, has emerged as the only independent candidate vying for a senate post.

The feasibility and relevance of various proposed agendas and candidate standpoints on national issues are the subject of the program's Q&A session and an open forum. These issues go straight to the heart of student concerns, including the persistent challenge of low voter turnout and limited student participation in the electoral process.

With this event, students are not merely spectators but active participants in shaping their academic environment and the path forward for MSU-IIT. 

Accordingly, these student leaders are set to ascertain their fate in the hands of their constituents on September 22, 2023, for the election period that will run from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM. A voting link will be provided directly to all student university email.