Aspiring student leaders wrapped up campaign promises during the Miting de Avance for the KASAMA Special Elections hosted by the MSU-IIT Debate Varsity (MIDV) held at MSU-IIT Mini Theater last November 8, 2022.
The miting de avance was organized to serve as a channel for hopefuls of the vacant posts to lay out their visions as a policy and decision-making body to their fellow student constituents amidst conundrums that allude to the organization.
Hafzah Imam, an independent candidate and a third-year BS Biology student; and Pierre Paul Pitogo, a third-year BA Psychology student and the standard bearer of the Lihok-ASTIG party, were the contenders for the KASAMA presidential polls.
On the other hand, gunning for the senatorial positions were Cathlene Funny Apresto, an independent candidate and a fourth-year BA English Language Studies student; Queenie Mae Gabisay, a fourth-year BTVED Drafting Technology student lodging the banner of Lihok-ASTIG party; Adjemore Manabat, an independent candidate and a fourth year BA English Language Studies student and lastly; Kyle Christian Tuquib a third year BA English Language Studies student running under the Lihok-ASTIG party.
After introducing the KASAMA hopefuls, the audience was greeted by the Director of Student Development Services, Prof. Phyllis Marie S. Teanco. In her remarks, she explained to the audience the significance of the Student Regency. She noted that this post is a member of the Board of Regents as "they represent not only the campus, but also the whole MSU System as they legislate students welfare and interest policy." She continued by saying, "it will be very important that you will be electing someone who can articulate, push, and forward your voice—the interest of the student body."
The event commenced with candidates presenting their platforms followed by an interpellation from their counterparts. The MIDV likewise has thrown questions revolving around issues of mental health, student activism and red-tagging, the student regent position, the transition to face-to-face classes, and Chancellor Alizedney's five-year development plan.
Students were also allowed to ask questions and scrutinize the substance of the platforms as one of the two Presidentiables will soon bear the role of KASAMA President and future representative in the MSU System as Student Regent, and the others as legislators in the organization.
The event concluded with event moderators Jayvee Bondoc and Allen Dave Capa reminding students to cast their votes as the flock of contentions remained to be heard due to time constraints.
About the Author
John Vincent M. Balustre
John Vincent Balustre is a news correspondent and an AB Sociology student. Hailing from the small town of Oroquieta City he has polished his craft in writing and took part in major posts from his former school publication, The CAPITOL of MONHS. His writing interests are usually in politics, community engagement, and entertainment.