KASAMA General Assembly Bares Plans to Redefine Student Governance; CASS Bags Best in Chant

by Randy Adriane Martin


The Kataas-taasang Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral (KASAMA) presented its agenda for the second semester during the General Assembly on Friday, January 31, emphasizing transparency and accountability through policy implementation.


Hon. Arnie P. Castillon, KASAMA President, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to setting a new standard for leadership, stating, “Reform and transformation—these two core values [have] guided the team since we began our term in September.”


“Before claiming this position as the KASAMA President, […] I was one of those students who felt frustration and disappointment over the governance,” Castillon said, underscoring his commitment to a responsive council that reflects students’ needs.


With their term already halfway through, Castillon expressed KASAMA’s focus on implementing policies and completing the 8-Point Agenda, a strategic framework presented at the start of their campaign.


One of their biggest initiatives is the KASAMA Constitution and Bylaws (CBL) Reform, which seeks to correct outdated systems, empower future leaders, and improve the quality of student governance.


Hon. Xander Cage Paman, KASAMA Vice President and Chairperson of the Constitutional Reform Approving Board, discussed the ongoing drafting of the new CBL, with approval targeted for March or April, and encouraged students to join the Constitutional Reform Committee Advisory Board.


KASAMA also launched the Full Disclosure Policy, promoting transparency and accountability by making important information and documents accessible to students.


The KASAMA STRAW Desk Act aimed to establish an organized system for information dissemination on student rights, welfare, and related services, as well as handle concerns.


In preparation for the upcoming elections, Pulso Ng KASAMA 2025 is being revived, a senatorial survey and voter education drive to help students make informed decisions at the polls.


Subsequently, the main highlight and most awaited event of the academic year, Palakasan 2025, where KASAMA unveiled this year's official theme—Powerpuff Girls.


Additionally, the student council has prepared activities focused on cultural and artistic development, environmental awareness and action, advocacy for rights and welfare, and leadership empowerment.


KASAMA also stressed the importance of student voices in shaping policies that directly affect them, encouraging students to participate in the feedback survey on proposed amendments to the Unified MSU-IIT Internal Scholarship or stipend, which has received mixed reactions from the student body.


While the assembly highlighted KASAMA’s accomplishments, plans, and financial reports, it also engaged the seven colleges and their students through chants and icon exhibitions.


The College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) won Best College Chant and secured first-runner-up in the college icon exhibition under Jul Ebio, a second-year BA English Language Studies student, dolling oneself up in an exquisite golden spider extension.