OSDS Hosts Onboarding Session with KASAMA, College Student Councils, and Council of Organizations

OSDS gathers new student leaders for onboarding session

With all student leader posts officially filled, the Office of Student Development Services (OSDS) brought together the Kataas-taasang Sanggunian ng Mag-aaral (KASAMA), the College Student Councils (SCs), and the Council of Organizations (COO) in an onboarding session on Friday, November 21, at the PRISM 2nd Floor Conference Room.

“Despite your different mandates, your mission is singular: to enhance the students’ experiences,” Dr. Rohane Derogongan, Vice Chancellor for Student Services, encouraged the leaders in her welcoming remarks.

She urged the student leaders to let their actions “reflect the highest ideals of our constitution” and challenged them that “the academic year ahead is yours to define,” inviting them not to just lead but to truly serve others.

Guidance Counselor Charlane Gabutan, who represented OSDS Director Asst. Prof. Phyllis Teanco, provided the rationale of the event, her message emphasizing the importance of staying connected with the core reasons for joining their respective organizations.

Building on this focus on purpose and commitment, OSDS representative Elmar Ablios also highlighted that “whoever comes are the right people” and reminded the leaders that their time at the university is a valuable training ground for their future roles.

Ablios also detailed the three-step protocol for officially sanctioning student activities, beginning with leaders completing the application in MY.IIT and obtaining signatures from the Vice Chancellor for Student Services and the OSDS Director, then moving to the MCR (OVCRE) for evaluation, and ending with final approval from OSDS, along with required supporting documents such as a Special Order or an approved letter for extra-curricular activities.

Meanwhile, KASAMA President Dave Andrei Gonzales set the stage for the discussion on upcoming university-wide events by presenting a detailed proposal outlining the institutional guidance and financial support needed for PALAKASAN 2026.

Key requests included urgent approval for a dedicated budget allocation to cover the substantial operating costs of the week-long event, as well as guidance on the processes and logistics necessary for the procurement and deployment of key resources.

Gonzales’ proposal specifically listed several technical requirements: securing contracts for professional lights and sound; establishing guidelines for budgeting food and refreshments for working committees; setting up procurement procedures for official trophies, medals, and prizes; and streamlining the requisition of crucial operational supplies, such as event marshals, first aid stations, and security.

In response, University Chancellor Alizedney Ditucalan gave a message, applauding KASAMA for initiating early discussions with the colleges in preparation for the upcoming PALAKASAN events, scheduled for April 2026.

In support of their initiative, he announced a significant fund allocation for each council from the Office of the Chancellor. He strongly encouraged early budgeting, collaboration with faculty and college deans, and the identification of sponsorship opportunities to maximize the use of available funds and ensure the success of the events.

The subsequent onboarding dialogue focused on strategic planning for PALAKASAN 2026, emphasizing the critical importance of enhancing genuine engagement to attract real student participation beyond merely fulfilling attendance requirements.

The discussion also addressed concerns from college representatives. College of Health Sciences (CHS) Governor Mary Zandra Saldia asked KASAMA to provide a list of potential sponsors to prevent overlap and ensure coordinated efforts among student organizations. Whereas, College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) Governor Jovan R. Virtudaso inquired about increasing budget allocations.

The Chancellor clarified that while MSU-IIT operates under strict budget and accounting guidelines, colleges may request additional funds from their respective deans.

KASAMA President Gonzales also raised concerns about limited participation from some offices due to separate planned activities, prompting the Chancellor to discuss fund realignment within established rules to optimize resource use for intended purposes.

Overall, the onboarding session aimed to equip student leaders with concrete strategies for collaborative leadership, effective event planning, and resource management, setting a strong foundation for a meaningful academic year.

Written by Raneshka Gudes
Proofread by Harris Donmoen Iligan and Andrea Ross Sedero
Photos by Andrea Karla Deligero
Photo Edit by Aiyeesha Abah