by Kirsten Isadore T. Bernardo
CBASC Pres. Edson Ella Jr.
CBASC President Edson Ella Jr. announces the release of new channels for student-faculty communication set to launch in the 2nd semester (A.Y. 2021 - 2022).
Edson Ella Jr. was proclaimed as this academic year’s CBASC President to serve under the ratified 2020 constitution.
In a virtual exchange with the Commerce Journal (CJ), Ella discussed the council’s main three platforms for this year: Tinig ni Ka-Komersyo, Sandigan, and Suri. Tinig ni Ka-Komersyo will be the council’s channel for the student body’s pleas and needs. He stated, “A student council should represent the students, that was my main motive.”
While Sandigan aims to uplift the Students’ Rights and Welfare (STRAW) desk and strengthen its presence in the College, “...it’s more of an active version of the STRAW department. More on bringing the STRAW department closer to the students.”
Finally, Suri is the council’s performance evaluation, “Suri [is] more of hearing from the students again [about] how the council can be improved.” The council’s evaluations are held before each semester ends.
He then proceeds to share a bit of what the student body can expect from him and this year’s CBASC roster, “You can expect a much more active council. We will be striving for a better student government, [and] be a much more proactive student council … to give the Commerce students the best service that we can offer.”
Ella garnered 1,225 out of 1,612 casted votes and was appointed CBASC President for A.Y. 2021-2022 on September 22. He officially began his term on September 27.
Prior to his delegation, Ella served the council as an Executive Coordinator to the President during the A.Y. 2020-2021, and the Interim President from June of 2021 until special elections were held last September of the same year. Clearly, Ella has fair experience with the council’s internal affairs and heading the student body, “When I [served] [as the] Interim President, it helped me get exposed [sa] responsibility [na] pinapasok ko. The interim period was like a training program for me.” he said.
Ella proceeds during his interview with CJ how he was intimidated about this great milestone, “Intimidating [din] kasi there are a lot of expectations, and there [were] a lot of things doon (constitution) na hindi applicable sa situation [natin] ngayon na online.”
He also shared how his peers felt when he announced that he’s running for presidency, “Ang daming doubts noong [tumakbo] ako for presidency. Majority ng mga comments ay, ‘Second year ka palang, baka ‘di mo talaga magampanan ‘yong work mo’.” he continued, “Pero there were also people that encouraged me. If you’re really willing to serve, willing to learn, [and] you have the passion, [then] you’re capable of leading.”
The council has already begun its platforms in operation as of the time of writing.