In line with this year’s Kataastaasang Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral (KASAMA) General Elections, candidates for the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) Executive Council (EC), along with the respective aspirants from the six colleges, convened for a Miting de Avance on the morning of August 27 at the IDS Multi-Purpose Hall to present their initiatives and plans for the academic year while addressing questions and scrutiny from their constituencies.
Headlining CASS EC’s candidates was the STEPS Party. Julia Barrera, an aspiring board member, proposed establishing a clear budget flow as a candidate for the head of the Budget and Finance Committee. Barrera aims to implement a digital tracking system to ensure the proper flow of finances and fiscal accountability within the college. She also plans to promote fiscal transparency by proposing semestral updates on budget allocations, liabilities, and resource utilization.
Another aspiring board member and candidate for Press and Publications Committee Head, Luisa Meneses, aims to provide a nurturing environment for CASS artists to improve their craft and showcase their skills in various forms of art. Meneses proposed organizing a workshop for young artists to learn and improve their skills, providing a social media platform for artists’ exposure; and creating a physical art booth to showcase their artistry.
Joevan Encabo, a candidate for board member and aspiring Ethics and Grievance head, advocated for safe and fair ethics and grievance processes. He proposed implementing a confidential process of grievance submission and holding a general assembly where students can share their sentiments, burdens, and experiences as well as a way for CASS EC and society officers to evaluate and exchange various leadership strategies.
Aura Rose Ito, another candidate for board member and aspiring head of the Sports and Development Affairs Committee, aims to cultivate healthy sportsmanship and quality sports services for CASS students. Ito proposed to have an inclusive players’ community and establish a systematic sports equipment borrowing process to ensure a safe and healthy sports environment.
Following Ito’s presentation was Jewella Omlero, running for board member and Culture and Arts Committee head. She outlined her vision for creating empowering platforms for young artists as well as proposed developing a digital platform as a talent database and organizing an interactive series of sessions to help young artists hone their artistic skills.
Clariza Jane Ovillo, another board member candidate and aspiring head of the Environment and Community Committee, brought forward an initiative that integrates environmental themes into each CASS department to create interdisciplinary projects addressing environmental challenges. Ovillo also aims to cultivate an eco-friendly CASS community by implementing sustainable practices and projects that foster awareness and address environmental issues within and outside the borders of the institution.
Shierlmahal Sahibul, running for board member and Ways and Means Committee head, highlights financial transparency, fundraising events and initiatives, creating a safe space for the LBGTQIA++ community, and promoting the mental well-being of their constituents.
The last on the roll of the aspiring board members from the STEPS Party is Freed Carl Turtosa, who is also running for head of the Training and Development Committee. Turtosa proposed conducting workshops and sessions that would equip students with various life skills, including leadership, life survival, mental health, and financial management.
Following the presentations of the aspiring board members, Hizam Tomawis, running for Vice Governor under the STEPS Party, emphasized the need for effective and efficient legislative processes and policy-making. He proposed setting up a bulletin board for easy and direct access to relevant information such as announcements, reports, and the like. Tomawis also advocated for regular council sessions to ensure a systematic approach to discuss matters, formulating policies, and making decisions. Moreover, he aimed to clearly define and enhance the responsibilities and roles of each CASS EC member to improve their functioning, and to strengthen partnerships as well as initiate extension activities to build a dynamic network within and outside the borders of the institute.
Jovan Virtudazo, running independently for Vice Governor, highlighted that although she is aware of the basic role of the Vice Governor in the council, she aimed to go beyond this function and give emphasis to the welfare and wellbeing of CASS students. She emphasized the welfare and well-being of CASS students, focusing on mental health awareness, civil and social justice movements, environmental stewardship, and creating a safe space for the LGBTQIA++ community. Virtudazo aims to cultivate the social responsibilities of CASS students that extend beyond CASS grounds.
Irah Guiang, the sole candidate for CASS Governor under the STEPS Party, focused on building a collective community by providing opportunities for students to address social issues and become responsible global citizens. Her proposed initiatives are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
After their presentations, the Miting de Avance moved into the Question and Answer portion. Kathleen Anne Fumero, a MSU-IIT Debate Varsity (MIDV) member and a 4th-year BS Philosophy student (Applied Ethics) questioned the relevance of the candidates’ proposed projects, noting that similar goals are already upheld by existing organizations within the institution. “When there are already organizations within IIT that have the same goals [as your proposed projects] that are already established, what makes your projects any different and why do we still need your projects now?” Fumero asked.
Guiang responded by emphasizing that their platforms aim to bridge gaps between institutional organizations and students, amplifying existing services and strengthening mechanisms to better reach and serve the student body. When asked about the potential increase in membership fees to support their programs, the candidates assured that they would seek financial support from various organizations and offices, avoiding additional financial burdens on students given the current economic challenges.
The aspiring CASS EC candidates collectively aim to create a community that fosters learning and responsible global citizenship. However, it can also be noted that previous administrations lacked a dedicated CASS Council By-Laws (CBL), instead adopting the KASAMA CBL, which provided the roles and responsibilities of the council. Yet, certain details for the members, committees, and appointees, as well as the specific details for the processes of the council were lacking in the CBL of KASAMA. Despite previous attempts to create a CBL specifically for CASS, challenges such as time constraints hindered its completion.
After the CASS presentations, candidates from the College of Engineering (COE), College of Health Sciences (CHS), College of Computer Studies (CCS), College of Education (CED), College of Science and Mathematics (CSM), and College of Economics, Business, and Accountancy (CEBA) followed the same program flow. The event concluded with the Institute-level Miting de Avance in the afternoon, where KASAMA candidates presented their platforms.
About the Author
.png)
Maan Deuda
Maan Deuda is a junior BA Political Science student, who began her journey in CASSayuran as a news writer during her first year in 2022. Outside the realm of journalism, she has served the Political Science Society as a level representative from 2022-2024, passionately contributing to student governance during her first and second years.
Post a Comment
Any comments and feedbacks? Share us your thoughts!