By Mark Vincent A. Durano

After two years of starting late in the second semester, the 10th Far Eastern University (FEU) Congress officially began in its supposed opening schedule with the first session held at Science Building Room 201 last October 21.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, FEU Central Student Organization (FEUCSO) Vice President and 10th FEU Congress Chairperson Patricia Luansing expressed their goal to start the congress early.

“Napansin namin from the previous congress, medyo napuputol or hindi natatapos because pumapasok si elections so wala nang quorum. So ngayon talaga, goal namin is to start within September to October (We noticed from the previous congress, it is somehow either cut or left unfinished because of the election season which leaves no quorum. Our goal right now is to really start within September to October),” she said.

During the 8th FEU Congress, which started on February 8, 2023, then chairperson and FEUCSO Vice President Gabryelle Samonte’s constant absenteeism in the congress delayed its opening. Samonte was then impeached and assumed by Isabelle Cebu.

Meanwhile, FEUCSO Director for Legislative Affairs Hans Gabriel Empleo said that the 9th FEU Congress was delayed due to processes.

“It’s now in terms of the processes. I think there were certain processes that were overlooked,” he stated.

For Empleo, the previous delays prompted insufficient time to deliberate on further resolutions which affected its quality.

Luansing also backed that delays of the congress would eventually cause delays in resolution reviewal and adaptation. 

“It really affected it in a manner na medyo matagal na kasi pag magpapa-adopt ka ng resolution kasi it’s for reviewal. Tapos iaakyat mo pa ‘to sa admin. So, given na matagal na ‘yung process, mas tumatagal siya, ‘yung paga-adapt or pagkakaroon ng change within the community (that it takes quite a long time to adopt a resolution since it’s for review. Then you have to submit it to the admin. So, given that the process is long, its adaptation also prolongs as well as having change within the community),” she explained.

The congress chair mentioned that the delays would also pile up their pending resolutions.

Resolutions will only be passed to the Student Development (SDEV) for review after three House readings. Afterwards, concerned offices will receive the proposals.

To fast-track resolution adaptations, the congress aims to make policy proposals similar to organizations’ project proposals.

“So nakalagay du’n ‘yung budget, nakalagay du’n ‘yung goal. Then, naka-attach lang si resolution parang mechanism siya sa likod para mas mabilis ‘yung pag-adopt (It will show the budget and goals. Then, the resolution is added at the back like a mechanism for faster adaptation),” Luansing said.

However, the legislators are still not done with their discussion with SDEV regarding the proposals. 

Included in their current review with SDEV is submitting resolutions from the previous congress the chair remarked as of “high possibility.”

The first session also included the new student-legislators’ oath-taking and first reading of a resolution to amend their current house rules.

This includes revising the dress code, adding ex-officio committees, and reconstructing existing committees.

“In line siya, of course, with the priorities of the current moderating board and with the current House leadership within the FEU Congress. So because we don’t want to stay stagnant like what we’re experiencing right now with our present constitution that is amenable,” Empleo backed.

The congress is also eyeing to continue sessions online, shifting from following only a certain day to conduct sessions.

Luansing added their aspiration to bring at least one session to FEU - Makati and end the Congress around March or April.

When asked on common themes to forward in the congress, the chair wanted to prioritize quality over quantity and their institutional struggles.

“‘Yung common ground na lang ng mga representatives is to really lobby resolutions na naka-anchor or naka-connect du’n sa mga current [nilang] problems (The representatives’ common ground is to really lobby resolutions anchored or connected to their current problems),” Luansing added.

In his speech, FEUCSO President Christmer Roland Ordanes provided legislative recommendations such as an inclusive dress code and extended library hours during peak academic periods.

He also mentioned advocating for leniency on academic loads for students who lost their loved ones.

“This policy should allow students to catch up on missed assessments after a period of grieving or illness,” the president said.

Ordanes also urged the Administration to exercise autonomy in determining class suspensions during adverse weather conditions.

“We recommend that the Institution automatically suspend classes following orange and red rainfall warnings and swiftly transition to a synchronous learning with the aid of recorded lectures and extended deadlines,” he added.

Out of 69 representatives, 66 were able to attend the opening session.

Besides FEUCSO and the seven Institute Student Councils, the 10th FEU Congress seats have been secured by permanent organizations FEU Oratorical and Debate Council and FEU College Y Club, and non-permanent organizations FEU ACP3 Peace To All Youth Organization, FEU Anti-Bullying Core Group, FEU Drug and Abuse Prevention Group, FEU Young Women’s Christian Association, and Tamaraw Volunteers - Manila.

(Photo by Gwyneth Mendoza/FEU Advocate)