MDA: On leaders’ perspective, what to foresee

To get to know the aspiring SSC candidates, Northwestern University (NWU) held a Miting de Avance for the A.Y. 2021-2022 Supreme Student Council (SSC) Election via Zoom Videoconferencing App on November 3, 2021. The event was hosted by Mr. Jon Oscar Lois Rodas and co-hosted by Ms. Pamela V. Tadeja.

“If you want to become a great leader, you must serve first the people, and it will come back to you. So, as a Northwesternian and the upcoming Supreme Student Council officers, I hope that being a leader is you know how to serve with dignity, you are the voice of all the Northwesternian studentry, and you know where to go,” said Ms. Myra Michelle Guzman, the Election Committee Chairperson, in her welcome remarks.

The aspiring President, Ivy Karla Grande, started her introduction by sharing their party’s mantra, “Madilim man ang kalangitan ngunit mananatili pa rin ang nag-aalab at naglalagablab na paglilingkod. Mula sa nagliliyab naming liderato, kami ay handa nang makinig, tumindig at kumilos.”

As introduced by their aspiring Vice President (Internal), Crystal Faith Dela Cruz (CAS), their lineup consists of Ivy Karla Grande (CAS) for President; Sander Jim Damo (CAS) for Vice President (External); Janine Sacramento (CAHS) for Secretary; Blessed Aloha Mae Cimatu (COBE) for Sub-Secretary; Wincy Lord Mie Taguinod (COBE) for Treasurer; Jemarc Asuncion (COME) for Sub-Treasurer; Leomar Pedronan (COME) for Business Manager; Lester Tombado (CEAT) for Auditor; Jan Joshua Tomas (COME) for Public Information Officer (PIO) Internal; Jessica Rose Aguto (CCJE) for PIO (External); Mary Angelika Ganal (CTE) and Ryan Dave Barillos (COME) for Athletic Managers; and Orlando Jara (CCJE) and Genelene Acebedo (CAHS) for Provost Marshals.

As a part of getting to know the candidates and their platforms, Ivy Karla Grande mentioned the summary of their platforms. SSC Scholarship, Virtual Calming Room for students, E-load allowance, “Concern mo, Sagot ko,” Online Talipapa or online market, and the Serve, Share, Care of SSC are included in the said platforms.

Powered by The Review, a set of questions were prepared to ask the aspiring student leaders about their standpoints, platforms, and future plans for Northwesternians. Jezreel Larry Caunca, the Editor-in-Chief (EIC) of The Review, asked Tombado about the possible challenges that the SSC may face this academic year and how they would address them. Tombado answered, “As the running Auditor of the SSC, involving the money matters, I see problems in the SSC funds … I want to give transparency for the liquidation and the audits.”

Janine Sacramento was asked about how she would manage her time between becoming a student leader and a full-time student at the same time. She was also asked about her priorities, and she answered, “I am a former student council officer before the pandemic have strike us, and I think I have the capacity and the ability to serve again. [And] I’ve taken a break on school so, everything is new to me right now…Time-management lang naman ang kailangan… My priority, of course, my studies [which is my course but of course] I will use my time wisely in providing my service for the students at Northwestern University. We will be doing these platforms that we have, in the full capacity and ability that we have and to use the past experiences to be better as of today.”

“You are a Political Science student and an incumbent SSC officer, and you are studying governance and administration. Why did you decide to run for Vice President instead of President, knowing that you have this background that can help you achieve the position?” was the question thrown at the aspiring candidates for Vice President for External and Internal.

Sander Jim Damo answered, “A lot of you questioned me that why I was not in the highest position, but my answer is I am still at the process of doing my thesis, and as a working student, I know that it is very hard for me to divide my time. That is why I told Ivy that with or without my position, I am willing to serve and conquer Northwesternians. But they insisted that “you can do it” that’s why I divided my time. I offered my time to Northwesternians. I am willing to do the obligations and duties as being the next Vice President External, and I am ready to conquer, and I have the burning passion again to share and to care.”

Crystal Faith Dela Cruz also answered, “Actually, potential naman kaming tatlo na maging President [be]cause we are serving the council, we are serving the school for almost three consecutive years. So, with or without the position of President, I can carry the position like a President. With or without the position, gagawin parin namin ang aming makakaya para mapaglingkuran ang [aming] kapwa ko estudyante ng maayos.”

Ms. Guzman asked Grande, “When you heard about CHAMPS, there is the last letter there, letter “S” which is selfless service. If you were voted as the President of the Supreme Student Council of the Northwestern, how will you apply the word selfless service as the President?”

Grande answered that they would deliver their platform without expecting anything in return. They will strive to be transparent regarding SSC budgets or linkages.

“We, the Liyab group, are dedicated and committed to serve, share and care for student[s]. We will provide knowledge on the importance of their vote, and we will come up with the programs that are best in their interest, and we will assure you, we will 100% assure that these programs are entertaining and fun to take a break from their academic stress,” Grande said.

Cast your vote. Let your voice be heard. Be more involved. Your vote matters.