by: Francine Gail M. Dela Tonga
Excitement was in the air as the crowd murmured in anticipation. It was a historic event that represented a critical turning point in the development of student leadership. The Commerce Student Body assembled for the much awaited SILAB 2024 Miting De Avance with hearts full of hope and dreams.
The event kicked off with opening remarks and the introduction of candidates, setting the stage for a day of spirited discourse and impassioned appeals.
In the first segment, In Favor or Not/Fast Talk, candidates faced a series of pointed questions about leadership qualities, student concerns, and philosophical assertions or beliefs about various aspects of education, inclusivity, ethics, and social justice.
Following the brisk exchange of the Fast Talk segment, candidates seized the opportunity to present their campaign platforms and perspective policies.
Maximilian Briones, vying for Future PRO, promises to prioritize student concerns, ensuring diligent service to all Commerce students under the motto "Serbisyong to the Max."
Jea Daligcon, also a PRO candidate, emphasizes community connection and collaboration, with platforms like Community Connection and COMM Collaborative.
Charles Tan, running for Treasurer, focuses on transparency and financial excellence through platforms like Sulyap Sa Salapi for budget reports and Dagli for fund request processing, prioritizing accountability and effective financial management.
Christian Asturias, also a Treasurer candidate, introduces the FinanSaya Project, aiming to raise financial awareness, enhance literacy, and develop skills through phases like COMMonsense and Kaching, while promoting financial inclusion through COMMnect.
Arian Garcia, a Secretary candidate, aims to enhance communication and efficiency with platforms like Kilos Konek and Event Pulse Monitor, integrating them seamlessly into the Secretary's role for accurate record-keeping and council support.
Marichelle Gatela, absent but running for Secretary, proposes student engagement initiatives like KamPINKhan and Commerce SPORTS Fest that emphasize sustainability, mental health, and student input through Showcase KOMERSYO.
Johann Sarrapudin, vying for Vice President, focuses on providing business-related experiences through initiatives like Commerce Market and Workshops.
Kenrik Sabio, also running for Vice President, pledges to amplify student voices and promote inclusivity through projects like Project Elevate, fostering a community-driven student council.
Another Vice President candidate, Van Aguirre, prioritizes student welfare and engagement through initiatives like Ate/Kuya Paprint Po and Commerce-Tahan, aiming to enhance the student experience and promote transparency.
Mark Alpas, the sole Presidential candidate, vows to empower student leaders and prioritize student rights through projects like Poroyekto Kakomersyo and Legacy Leaders, aiming for a more involved and inclusive college community.
Following their presentations, the candidates face collated questions from the Commerce student body covering various topics from platform clarifications to broader policy inquiries. Each question provided candidates with an opportunity to showcase their understanding, readiness to tackle challenges, and alignment with student needs and aspirations.
For the next segment, candidates faced a rigorous question-and-answer session with esteemed panelists: Instructor James Romulus M. Buzon, MB HRM; Atty. Jennifer Lam-Saludo; and Associate Prof. Elizabeth Vivien S. Magbata. They faced insightful inquiries probing their platforms, leadership capabilities, and vision for the Commerce student body, covering topics such as implementation strategies, top priorities, platform success, and distinguishing strengths. Panelists evaluated candidates’ readiness to lead and navigate challenges based on their responses.
Amid the debate, an electrifying moment unfolded as the audience actively participated by raising colors representing their favored candidates. Each candidate's supporters raised their respective colors in a show of solidarity and enthusiasm.
For the last segment of the Miting De Avance, candidates delivered their final remarks.
Daligcon emphasized her unique blend of skills, character, and dedication to the Commerce Student Body. "Let’s make those possibilities a reality, and together, let's witness a progressive council and strive to create a legacy of excellence," she concluded.
Briones urged for votes and trust, emphasizing his dedication to serving the Commerce Student Body with integrity. "Let’s make our voices heard, and let's make our college community stronger than ever before," he concluded.
Asturias drew inspiration from Atty. Robredo's words: A good leader inspires, empowers, and listens.
Tan reiterated his pledge to serve in the best interests of the Commerce Student Body, vowing to uphold transparency and effective financial management.
Garcia highlighted her innovative leadership, promising fresh ideas and solutions. "Ako ay may puso at kakayanan para pagsilbihan kayong kapwa ko Kakomersyo" she declared.
Gatela concluded her remarks with a memorable tagline: Gatela guides, Gatela leads, Gatela Gat YOU, encapsulating her approach to leadership.
Sarrapudin underscored his credentials and dedication to selfless service. "Leadership is a commitment; it comes with passion; there is no turning back when you feel the joy of leading. Leadership is not for clout," he emphasized.
Sabio reiterated his commitment to prioritizing student concerns. "I am confident we can work together to make a real difference," he assured.
Aguirre expressed gratitude to his supporters and pledged to embody competence, commitment, and compassion.
Alpas expressed his determination to initiate change and called for collective effort. "Together, we will make a change. We will help each other. This is a collaborative work between us, the student leaders, and you as the student body," he rallied.
As the Miting De Avance held on April 6, 2024 at the UST Medicine Auditorium drew to a close, it marked the final opportunity for candidates to rally their supporters ahead of the upcoming elections. The event urged the Commerce Student Body to be critical as they face the important decision of choosing the leaders who will guide them in the coming term.