As the voting phase of the #FEUElections2026  remains in progress, Far Eastern University Central Student Organization (FEUCSO) candidates engaged in multiple rounds of discussions on their respective plans of action and perspectives on relevant campus-wide and national issues during the Grand Debate held at Pavilion 1 yesterday, May 5.

See the full transcript of the Grand Debate below:

Round 1

Each candidate was given three minutes to present their general plans of action. The opposing candidate may ask up to three questions or clarifications for 30 seconds each, which should be answered by the candidate within a minute. If the candidate has no direct counterpart from the opposing party, they will be interpellated by the moderators instead. Meanwhile, though unopposed, the two parties’ respective standard bearers were considered as individuals who may engage with one another.

Isanliyab Servant Leaders’ Union Press Relations Officer Jayson Khyle Conde

Apat. Apat na karapatan ng bawat estudyante na hindi dapat pinagkakait, bagkus pinaglalaban: karapatang makialam, karapatang makilahok, karapatang matuto, at karapatang bumoses. Dito pumapasok ang posisyon ko bilang inyong P.R.O.

Pakikilahok. Mula sa ‘FEUnite Org System,’ hindi na malilimitahan ang estudyante sa kung ano ang puwede nilang salihang organisasyon. Pakikialam. Mula sa ‘TAMflow Planner,’ mas magiging malinaw at organisado ang bawat impormasyon na ibabahagi sa Tamaraws. Pagkatuto. Mula sa ‘PIYUNDASYON,’ sisiguraduhin natin na handa at may alam ang bawat estudyante bago grumaduate ng kolehiyo. At pagboses. Mula sa ‘Isyu sa Piyu,’ bibigyan natin ng diin ang bawat problemang pinagkakait sa atin na dapat sa atin naman talaga una pa lang.

Dito, sisimulan natin ang movement na magpapatunay na ang Isanliyab ang magbibigay sa atin ng tunay na serbisyo. Ako si Jayson Khyle C. Conde, isang estudyante mula sa IABF at ang inyong susunod na FEUCSO Press Relations Officer.”

Question: The ‘TAMFORMATION OVERLOAD’ initiative centralizes organizational information, event calendars, and weekly promotions while also introducing politically oriented content through ‘Isyu sa Piyu.’ Given that this system relies on continuous coordination with multiple student organizations and real-time updates, how will you ensure the accuracy, timeliness, and completeness of information across all platforms, especially when organizations fail to submit updates or provide inconsistent data? (Interpellated by moderator)

“Alam naman natin na ang impormasyon ngayon ay kalat-kalat at layunin ng proyekto kong ito na gawing centralized ang mga information para sa Tamaraw para upang isang link na lang, isang pindot na lang, makikita na ng Tamaraw ang buong kailangan nilang malaman for the whole month, at rather, for the whole year. Mula sa proyekto na 'to, I will coordinate with all the concerned offices as well as our Institute [Student] Councils, Academic Organizations, through, of course, our group chat platform. Through a voting system, they will see kung tama nga ba ang event at ang dates na nilalagay namin doon. At we will be coordinated through this process upang mabigay natin sa students ang nararapat naman talaga sa kanila. Mula sa learning modalities, event initiatives, at activity periods, lahat 'yon makikita sa calendar na ito. Mula sa TAMFORMATION OVERLOAD, para ito sa Tamaraws.”

Follow-up question: Given that student leadership is a tumultuous endeavor, and that all the time, we're not going to be experiencing the best possible scenarios for the programs or the projects that we're trying to espouse, we’d like to call on accountability or for safety mechanisms. As a follow-up on this project, what accountability mechanisms will be in place if misinformation or outdated content is disseminated under this program? (Interpellated by moderator)

“So firstly, to even prevent this, actually, we have a preventive measure before this. Hindi natin hahayaan na mangyari 'to na magkakaroon ng misinformation or disinformation sa plataporma kong ito. Pero kung dumaan man sa ganoong pagkakataon ay, of course, magkakaroon tayo ng pampublikong apology at statement para lubusang maintindihan ng students kung ano nga ba 'yung totoong event or date na kung saan puwede [silang] mag-participate din. So, through… through an announcement, we will announce the correct date in accordance with the specific organization or institute council para mas makita ng student kung kailan nga ba ang event na ito at magpu-public apologize tayo for the misinformation or disinformation that we may have spread during this process.”

Follow-up question: ‘PIYUNDASYON’ introduces seminars and workshops aimed at improving student employability and political awareness. Given that similar initiatives are often already conducted by academic units, external partners, or other CSO offices, how will you ensure that these programs are not redundant, and what distinct value does the P.R.O.’s office bring in delivering these initiatives beyond publicity and promotion? (Interpellated by moderator)

“So, to reiterate the purpose of PIYUNDASYON, it is meant to cater all the students that we have here in FEU by providing many platforms or events that they could partake in na feel nila [ay] belong sila. And through this, magkakaroon tayo ng result-based sa mga seminars na ito, meaning na there will be a result na kailangan na makuha ng estudyante. Example na lamang ang ating ‘TAMpapel,’ na kung saan [ay] gagawa sila ng resumé, CV [curriculum vitae], at kailangan makita ang mga output na ‘to para ma-prove talaga na sa estudyante na kailangan na natin 'to as early as now pa lang. Through those results-based initiatives, and events, and seminars, makikita natin na, ah okay, natututo ang estudyante mula sa proyektong ito at mas lalo nilang naintindihan kung bakit nga ba kailangan ng mga documents at mga other important materials para dito.”

Isanliyab Servant Leaders’ Union Auditor Alyanna Sophia Madrideo

With my advocacy, ‘TAPAT GOVERNANCE,’ isusulong natin ang three-part program: ‘TAPAT Check,’ ‘TAPAT Action,’ at ‘TAPAT Talks.’

Hindi lang 'to tumitigil sa kaalaman; ito ay hinuhubog ang bawat Tamaraw community patungkol sa mas impormado, mas mapanuri, at mas participative Tamaraw community patungkol sa tapat na pamamahala. But beyond these programs, we cater to controlling, we cater to strengthening the control systems. At ang sentro ng sistemang ito ay ang ‘TAM TRAIL.’ Through this program, [the] Tamaraw community will be able to read summaries of fund allocations, progress of projects, and direct answers to your grievances.

Tamaraws, ang problema ay hindi kakulangan ng boses, kun’di kakulangan ng sistema na nakikinig. Kaya nandito ako para ipagpatuloy ang mas transparent, mas efficient, at mas maayos na government. As we continue for an FEU community, where transparency is clear and accountability is true, let's charge the now and next.

Once again, I am Alyanna Sophia E. Madrideo, charging as your next FEUCSO Auditor.”

Question: Hello, good afternoon, Alyanna. Sa TAM TRAIL niyo po, since your grievance mechanism is anonymous, how will you ensure that submissions genuinely come from FEU students, given that anonymous platforms can be prone to abuse and infiltration by outsiders? What verification [and] safeguards will you put in place to protect the system from malicious or non-FEU submissions while still preserving the anonymity? (Interpellated by Kadiwa Student Coalition Auditor Chi Suavillo)

“Thank you for that question. Now, to preserve the anonymity and also [to] ensure that the people who will answer the anonymous student grievances are FEU students, we will closely link it to our Microsoft accounts. So that only the students will only be the ones to address their concerns in the platform. Subsequently, we will coordinate with external organizations and internal organizations to verify. And not only us FEUCSO will check all the details, [but] all the details will also be counterchecked by external organizations within the FEU. That is to ensure [that] all the data are well-tracked and also well-checked.”

Follow-up question: Since your project relies on a large volume of data, how will you determine which responses are outliers? What methodology will you use to distinguish meaningful concerns from anomalies, spam, or isolated submissions that may not accurately reflect the broader student body? (Interpellated by Kadiwa Student Coalition Auditor Chi Suavillo)

“Now, the mechanism of the anonymous grievances are mainly for two. First is the general concerns, which are equally answered [by] our department in FEUCSO, which is SWAG. Second is the administrative or urgent questions. These are closely directed, closely monitored, and also communicated with concerned offices so that we can address the student concerns from the organizations involved.”

Kadiwa Student Coalition Auditor Chi Suavillo

Ako si Chi Martinez Suavillo, an incoming third-year BS Tourism Management student, the Associate Director of FEUCSO’s Advocacy and Campaigns, at ang inyong 91st FEUCSO Auditor.

Twenty-thousand Tamaraws. Libo-libong mga estudyante. Pero iilan [lang] ang may [pang-unawa] kung saan napupunta ang pondo. Iilan [lang] ang may sapat na access sa impormasyon at ilan pa rin ang naghahanap ng linaw. Sa loob ng dalawang taon natin sa Office of the Auditor, nakita natin na mayroon pang [kailangang] ayusin at may mga labang kailangang isama ang mga estudyante. Kaya ang mga liquidation reports ay hindi lang dapat ino-audit. Dapat naiintindihan ng mga estudyante dahil karapatan nilang malaman kung saan napupunta ang perang binabayad nila. And for that to happen, kailangan natin ng sistemang malinaw. 

Through ‘CRYSTAL,’ we will build a system that is organized, accountable, at understandable for every Tamaraw student. But for me, hindi lang doon nagtatapos ang serbisyo because leadership is not just about systems, it is also about connections. Kaya po bitbit ko po ang ‘NARDA,’ isang proyektong naglalayon na magbigay ng espasyo sa mga estudyante to listen, to learn, and to engage with the communities. At sa lahat ng pinagdaanan ko, isa ang malinaw: ang lider ay hindi lang dapat nakikita. Dapat may sistemang nagbibigay-linaw. At bilang auditor, hindi lang tayo naglalabas ng mga reports, bumubuo tayo ng prosesong malinaw, maayos, may pananagutan. At higit sa lahat, may puso.

Ako si Chi Martinez Suavillo, batang FEUCSO, nasa opisina na. May pagmamahal at pag-unawa sa kung paano ito [gumagana]. At ako ang inyong susunod at kauna-unahang transgender woman FEUCSO Auditor.”

Question: So, for your project ‘CRYSTAL,’ how can you ensure the enforcement of SOPs [standard operating procedure] across different organizations, given that each organization [has] different systems and [autonomy]? (Interpellated by Isanliyab Servant Leaders’ Union Auditor Alyanna Sophia Madrideo)

“Thank you po for that question po. Ako po ulit si Chi Martinez Suavillo, tumatakbo po bilang FEUCSO Auditor. ‘CRYSTAL’ aims to give clarity po sa mga estudyante kung saan napupunta ang pera po nila. And now to answer the question po, ‘yung sa SOP, kaya po sa may phase two po, we will be collaborating po with them. Magkakaroon po tayo ng forum na kung saan mas ma-strengthen na po natin hindi lang ‘yung sistema ni FEUCSO kun’di ng bawat organization po na meron po sa FEU. So ayun po”

Follow-up question: Won’t the inconsistencies of the standard processes make your entire project unreliable? And what are your measures to uphold accountability of your project? (Interpellated by Isanliyab Servant Leaders’ Union Auditor Alyanna Sophia Madrideo)

“Okay. So, one of the many reasons why I have created ‘CRYSTAL’ ay dahil marami pong estudyante ang nalilito at nako-confuse kung saan po ba talaga napupunta ang pera po nila. So that's why I have created this project para po malaman na po nila kung saan… Kaya po ipa-publish po natin ‘yung mga transparency reports po ng bawat organization, and then para rin po ma-strengthen pa rin po natin ‘yung sistema po ng… ng ating mga organization in terms of, like, delays ng mga reports po nila, aayusin po natin ‘yun. And in terms po of accountability, that is also why we will be collaborating, or we will be in touch with the concerned offices po. And so ayun po.”

Follow-up question: You said na you will be in touch with other organizations. Knowing again na different talaga ‘yung mga processes ng per organization of their Audit Department, how can you make [the] SOPs be standardized if differing talaga ‘yung mga processes ng per audit ng each and every organization? (Interpellated by Isanliyab Servant Leaders’ Union Auditor Alyanna Sophia Madrideo)

“So that is also why nga po magkakaroon tayo ng forum. Ipe-present po nila do’n sa forum na ‘yon ‘yung mga reports po nila and then ‘yung mga sistema po ng bawat… ng organization po na hawak po nila. So para alam din po natin kung ano po ‘yung sistema na meron sila. And then we will also follow it po. Like kaya po, for example, meron… ang iba’t ibang organization, meron po silang mga audit manual. Lahat po ng organization ay susundin po natin ‘yun. Hindi po natin pakikialaman ‘yun. So we will follow it… sa… we will follow their… ‘yung mga organization can follow their… their old system, their old procedures po…Thank you so much.”

Kadiwa Student Coalition Treasurer Mei Lyn Kuo

Finance. When you say finance, you don't just deal with numbers; you deal with concerns. With ‘Tamaraw, Isumbong mo!’, this is a centralized, structured, and consultation initiative that aims where students can have their voices enacted upon.

Partnerships — this is where support is built. With ‘The Hygiene Hub,’ it is about providing an accessible [supply of] hygiene products and maintaining sanitation standards because student leadership starts when the needs of the students [are] being met.

Procurement — this is a centralized procurement system of a one-stop file link, where it provides the list of materials, pricings, and even suppliers. 

Finance, partnerships, procurement. Tatlong malinaw na plano. This is how we transform ahead, making sure that every peso is accounted for, every policy works better for you, and every promise is clear. Ginagawa ko na pong itong trabaho. I'm not here to introduce myself as someone new to this role. I am here as someone who's already doing the work. 

Tamaraws, ako si Mei Lyn ‘Mei Mei’ Kuo, ang babaeng ginagawa na po ang trabaho bilang Treasurer ng Political Science Society at ipagpapatuloy po ang trabaho bilang inyong 91st FEUCSO Treasurer.”

Question: The Hygiene Hub proposes placing hygiene product dispensers across FEU restroom facilities, benchmarked from DLSU [De La Salle University]’s Free Sanitary Napkin Vendo Machine initiative launched in 2023. The project relies on securing external sponsorships and partnerships to fund implementation, citing this approach as a way to avoid burdening students with additional fees. With this being said, The Hygiene Hub's sustainability depends heavily on securing and maintaining corporate partnerships and sponsorships, rather than dedicated institutional funding. If a sponsorship falls through or a partner withdraws mid-implementation, what is your contingency plan to ensure students are not left without access to these hygiene products? And how will you prevent corporate partnerships from influencing the CSO's independence? (Interpellated by moderator)

“Thank you for that question. Bilang treasurer, naniniwala ako na dapat lagi tayong may backup plan in terms of sponsorships and partnerships. Kaya naman bago ko pa lang ‘to sinulat, [nakipag-usap]  na po ako ng tatlong malinaw na suppliers na willing mag-fund, willing mag-sponsor ng ating project. This is a shared value with them and [a] commitment to providing an accessible hygiene product within the institution. Kaya naman po if ever man na hindi naman natin talaga maikakaila na may mga contingency plan dapat meron si FEUCSO, I made sure that the [proper] budget allocation are somewhat more effective [for] the students, especially with their basic needs. Kaya naman po nirerespeto din natin ang kontratang binibigay ng mga suppliers natin to be able to execute the same plan, the same commitment, and the same values inside Far Eastern University.”

Follow-up question: ‘TAMSource’ is a centralized collaborative procurement database that aims to consolidate supplier information across all FEU student organizations into a single shared file link, producing repetitive canvassing efforts and maintaining and improving procurement efficiency and consistency. With that being said, TAMSource relies on the voluntary and consistent participation of treasurers across all student organizations to remain accurate and useful. How will you enforce data quality and prevent the system from becoming outdated or unreliable over time? And what recourse do student organizations have if a supplier listed in TAMSource turns out to be inaccurate or exploitative? (Interpellated by moderator)

“So, regarding TAMSource, malinaw po sa mekanismo ng project na ito na meron po tayong consultation with the Office of Treasurer within AOs [academic organizations], within SCs [student councils], and even within [University-wide organizations]. Second, after this consultation, we will gather all the materials that the students need and the student organization needs. And after that, of course, fact-checking is very important within this institution as I continue to uphold transparency and integrity. So with this, upon the consultation, we will have specific measures of a specific office for it to be [reviewed] and to be able to not have repetitive information, suppliers, and even the reviews of the students.”

Follow-up question: Given that most of your projects, programs, and advocacies promise to make financial information accessible and understandable for all FEU students, including the publishing of breakdowns of tuition and other fee adjustments. Given that the FEU administration has the prerogative to control what financial data is disclosed, how will you ensure that your projects and programs go beyond repackaging whatever the University chooses to release? (Interpellated by moderator)

“FEUCSO is not an individual working organization. I believe that FEUCSO should be rooted with AOs, with institutes, and even within our [University-wide] organizations. With this, after the collaboration, we would work hand-in-hand with the administration and concerned offices into making policies that work for the students, work for student leaders, and work for the administration.”

Isanliyab Servant Leaders’ Union Secretary Frances Gian Valenzuela

You. We all make this community. We all make this Tamaraw community together. In these challenging times, we need to be together para magkakaisa tayo… Sa gitna ng pagkakaiba natin, kailangan natin ng isang lider na nakakaunawa, alam ang plataporma, alam ang bawat sektor, alam ang bawat isa. Kaya naman samahan niyo po ako bumuo ng isang komunidad na may boses at impormado.

With ‘PROJECT LOOP,’ gagawa po tayo ng komunidad — bibigyan po natin ng plataporma ang bawat isa, bawat isang estudyante para nare-raise, napag-uusapan po natin ang bawat… napag-uusapan po natin ang inyong issues, both international and local issues. Para in this way, nako-connect natin, napa-participate natin, namo-mobilize natin ang bawat student leader, bawat estudyante, at bawat sektor. 

With ‘TAMHealth Card’ under ‘PIYU Ang Spotlight!’, paiigtingin natin ang health access sa ating Unibersidad. Paiigtingin din natin ang mga talents natin, pagagalingin natin, ite-train natin ang ating [student-athlete] talents. And at the same time, bibigyan natin sila ng maximized opportunities, dahil naniniwala ako na hindi dapat tumitigil sa iisang initiative na… na nakikilala lang natin ang ating mga student talents. In this way, nakikilala po natin at nabibigyan ng oportunidad ang bawat estudyante. 

Muli, ako po si Frances Gian V. Valenzuela, an incoming third-year nursing student and your next FEUCSO Secretary. Samahan niyo po akong bumuo ng isang komunidad na may boses. NanGIAN para sa’yo.”

Question: As we all know, with the existing [Microsoft] Power Apps, merong UHS [University Health Services] category, so how will the health card be different from these UHS Power Apps through existing partnerships externally, and how will your project be elevated? (Interpellated by Kadiwa Student Coalition Secretary Mariah Alysa Parole)

“Again, ‘yung TAMHealth Card natin, it’s giving access sa ating external and also internal health services. At the same time, ‘yung TAMHealth card, may isang consolidated… consolidated database, kung saan makikita natin kung ano ‘yung puwedeng malapitan ng mga estudyante, both [internal] and external organizations, when it comes to accessing consultations, katulad ng gender-based sensitive consultation, HIV testings, both internal and external organizations through partnerships. So with TAMHealth Card mas consolidated, and at the same time nako-customize natin through [the] TAMHealth Card ‘yung information na nilalagay ng mga students. So in this way, magiging efficient ‘yung pagbibigay natin ng information sa UHS, and ‘yung pag-access natin sa health… health access natin sa ating University services.”

Follow-up question: One of your POAs [plan of action] stated the OB-GYN. So it was proposed already from the FEU Congress last year. So, how will… and it was not implemented. For next year, if this will be implemented, how can you ensure the feasibility of this project? (Interpellated by Kadiwa Student Coalition Secretary Mariah Alysa Parole)

“Again, we recognize na it was proposed [na] talaga na magkaroon tayo ng OB-GYN inside our campus. So with that, mas paiigtingin natin kung ano man ‘yung na-propose during Congress and kung saan nagkaroon ng lapses… or saan nagkaroon ng gaps when it comes sa implementation kung bakit hindi siya… bakit hindi siya na-approve. So, in this way, ayun nga, pinapaigting natin ‘yung partnership with external organizations. So, we’re not slowly relying sa kung ano man… kung ano ‘yung puwede nating maibigay dito sa Unibersidad, but also accessing kung ano ‘yung meron tayo outside of this University. So, in this way, nakakapag-provide tayo… outside of our University.”

Kadiwa Student Coalition Secretary Mariah Alysa Parole

Ako po si Mariah Alysa Parole, an incoming fourth-year BS Internal Auditing student, the President of One FEU Music and Records, and your 91st FEUCSO Secretary. But before any titles, I am first a student, a student who has seen how hard our fellow Tamaraws worked for their ideas to turn into realities. That is why, as your FEUCSO Secretary, I want to push for initiatives that would make these realities. ‘TamCreate,’ an initiative that advocates for accessible spaces that our students, our homegrowns, our organizations can use and reserve. And beyond these spaces, we also want to showcase the diverse talents within the Tamaraw community. Through 'Likha Tamaraw,’ we will organize a two-day student artist festival to showcase both the non-performing and performing talents in the Tamaraw community. ‘Open Minutes’ — we will strengthen the transparency in student governance by ensuring that students are informed about the discussions that directly affect them. Because student leadership should not be distant from the people it serves. 

The Tamaraw community is not defined by one sector alone; we should listen to the voices of the students. Hindi sa gilid, hindi sa likod, kun’di sa gitna. Tamaraws, I am one of you, and I am the one for you. Muli, ako si Mariah Alysa Parole. Handa na po ako maging inyong FEUCSO Secretary.” 

Question: Given that TamCreate is aiming for a booking system, how will you ensure that it will not overlap with academic usage of these rooms? (Interpellated by Isanliyab Servant Leaders’ Union Secretary Frances Gian Valenzuela)

So upon checking with the administration and the WRP [Wellness and Recreation Program] department sa Arts Building, we have come into a conclusion na from 7:30 p.m. to 9 o’clock p.m., na-check na po kasi [namin] siya na wala, vacant po talaga ‘yung mga rooms dito. And we, upon checking from the previous weeks, wala pong gumagamit. And through this po, hindi po siya mag-o-overlap since vacant na po siya and scheduled po ang mga reservations ng mga estudyante, free na po nila magagamit itong mga rooms na ito. 

Follow-up question: Given that the University is leaning towards energy saving, what is your plan of action if this is not approved by the administration? (Interpellated by Isanliyab Servant Leaders’ Union Secretary Frances Gian Valenzuela)

If this is not approved, isa po kasi sa mga plataporma pa namin is ‘Tamaraws First’ from our president, Jasper Calara. So sa ‘Tamaraws First,’ both [the] administration and the students will co-create policies together, and if hindi man po ito ma-approve, dito po natin [puwedeng] makausap ang administration at magkakaroon po tayo ng data-driven information kung ilan pa po ba [sa] mga estudyante ang may kailangan ng mga accessible rooms na ito. So, with that, with ‘Tamaraws First,’ both the administration and the students can co-create their policies for the needs of the students. 

Follow-up question: Given nga na we’re considering or talking with the administration continuously, do you have a backup plan if ever man na these data-driven [data] are not approved? Kasi nga, even though we have data, we have presented data, hindi siya nagiging enough sometimes na para magkaroon ng approval from the administration. So, do you have any backup plans for this? (Interpellated by Isanliyab Servant Leaders’ Union Secretary Frances Gian Valenzuela)

To be honest po kasi, our administration is very receptive [to] us, sa mga plans natin. And since they are, they also base to the data, I believe na ang administration natin ay for the students. Kasi, they listen to the students, kapag may provided tayong data. So if ever po na hindi po siya mapayagan, ipaglalaban at ipaglalaban pa rin natin siya kasi para po ito sa ating mga estudyante, patuloy po tayong magpo-provide ng data, ng testimonies, na kailangan ito ng estudyante natin. 

Isanliyab Servant Leaders’ Union Vice President Maria Eliza Lasala

These numbers remind us that we share the same struggles, same challenges, and same hope to change the system that fails us and strengthen those that support us. But Tamaraws, we are not just numbers. Hindi lang tayo halaga sa isang financial statement. Hindi lang tayo bilang sa isang polisiya, at lalong hindi lang tayo taon sa isang kasaysayan. Because numbers do not create policies, they do not create change; people do. At dito pumapasok ang ating paninindigan. From 5.4 billion to transparency that every Tamaraw can see and understand. From 19 academic policies to reports that really accommodate the students. For 91 years, we have charged and championed wins, but we recognize the lapses that brought us here. And that, we own. And we will face that head on.

Ako si Maria Eliza A. Lasala, isang political science student, kasalukuyang direktor ng FEUCSO, at isang dating iskolar ng PUP [Polytechnic University of the Philippines] kung saan ko natutunan ang paninindigang “mula sa iyo para sa bayan.” At dala-dala ko ang paninindigang ito dito, mula sa bawat Tamaraw para sa buong komunidad. Kasi malakas ang panawagan natin. Hindi na sapat ang pag-asa. Hindi na sapat ang pangako. Kailangan na [nating] kumilos nang may direksiyon, may tapang, at may resulta.

Together, let us speak and make sure we are heard. Together, let us act and ensure that it leads us somewhere. Together, let us charge the now and next. With me, Maria Eliza Lasala, as your next FEUCSO Vice President.”

Question: So first of all, I would like to commend [you] on your inspirations and your projects. But regarding ‘ARANGKADA,’ if I’m not mistaken, I would just like to ask: how do you clearly differentiate this initiative from the traditional ayuda that we receive from the government and forms of patronage politics, especially since naglalayon ito na makakapagbigay ng materyal na assistance sa ating mga kapwa na estudyante? (Interpellated by Kadiwa Student Coalition President Jasper Calara)

“Ayuda is focused on fixing short-term problems and not really taking into consideration ‘yung mga long-term na dapat pinapansin natin. However, when it comes to ARANGKADA kasi, we are taking into consideration the accessibility of education that every student should be entitled to, kasi it is within our right. And aside from that, ayuda, kasi, kapag ayuda, you just give an envelope and say you’re done with the project. But with ARANGKADA, we will continuously monitor the project, its progress, and its constituents. In a way, gagamitin natin ang ‘TAM TRAIL’ ni Ms. Alyanna Madrideo para makita sa transparency dashboard kung kamusta na nga ba, kung saan napunta ang pera, at kung naging epektibo ba ito. Gagamitin din natin ang ‘PROJECT LOOP’ ni Mr. Francis Gian Valenzuela kung saan ‘yung mga data na makukuha natin from the initial survey ng ARANGKADA ay magagamit natin to accommodate and reform policies na nagke-create ng burden for transportation.”

Follow-up question: That’s very nice that you’ll be monitoring follow-ups for the project, ‘no? But then again, considering the inherently transactional nature of having a subsidy program, what concrete safeguards will you put in place to ensure that it does not become a source of corruption — which we do not like — favoritism, or even political bias? (Interpellated by Kadiwa Student Coalition President Jasper Calara) 

“ARANGKADA, as a project, has already — has already [been] taken into consideration na baka ma-perceive siya as patronage politics. However… sinusunod ko siya in a way na… cinollaborate ko siya with the administration and external auditing organization to ensure impartiality and fairness when it comes to choosing the beneficiaries ng ARANGKADA. Alongside that is meron ding clear criteria and waitlist for the ARANGKADA para… para makita ng mga estudyante where we will be transparent kung bakit nga ba hindi ka nakakuha. Therefore, we have already systems in place to ensure that corruption will not take place in the implementation of ARANGKADA. Because we focus on prevention rather than taking action when it has already happened. And that is our goal as FEU Central Student Organization.”

Follow-up question: Right! That’s very nice! It means na there’s a criteria, and systems in place or mechanisms in place for the project. So, can you please walk us through or specify ano ‘yung specific criteria, just by using mechanisms and accountability systems, rather than what will govern, aside from the external organization, who receives a subsidy and how funds are distributed? Again, since you mentioned the criteria and systems that you put in place, can you walk us through — the students — on the specificities of the criteria and transparency mechanisms that will govern, aside from the external organization, who receives a subsidy and how funds are distributed? (Interpellated by Kadiwa Student Coalition President Jasper Calara)

“So when it comes to the criteria, we realized na multifactor ang transportation for them. Therefore, we plan on taking [into] consideration pagdating sa pag-screen sa kanila kung gaano sila kalayo from FEU, kung gaano kamahal ang pamasahe nila, at kung gaano sila ka-financially constrained. Kasi, we want to focus on the people [who] need it more. May mga times talaga na we have to do that. And when it comes to transparency, we will release the criteria and appointing system for transparency para maintindihan ng bawat estudyante na nag-apply sa ARANGKADA kung bakit nakakuha sila at kung bakit hindi sila nakakuha. Lastly, when it comes to accountability mechanisms, we want to make sure that every recipient of ARANGKADA is using the transportation subsidy for transportation and not for anything else, na hindi naman talaga ‘yung purpose no’n. Therefore, we plan on checking up on them on a semestral basis.”

Kadiwa Student Coalition President Jasper Calara

At alam niyo, bilang Presidente ng College Y Club, nakita ko na kung ano ang [puwedeng] mangyari kapag kabataan ang kumikilos. Nakita na natin na kapag tayo ay nagkakaisa at kapag nasa atin ang kapangyarihan, ang tunay na pagbabago ay kaya at posible.

Ako si Jasper Calara, ang nag-iisang kandidato para sa FEUCSO President. At nais ko lang pong linawin para sa ating lahat: hindi ito senyales ng tagumpay. Mahirap po ang mag-isa, at ito ay isang patunay na mayroong mali sa ating sistema na taon-taon na nating hinaharap pagdating pa lang sa modality of classes, nakakalitong enrollment system, at mga patakarang hindi naman naiko-consult at malinaw sa ating mga estudyante. Paulit-ulit na lang.

Kaya bitbit namin ng FEUCSO Kadiwa ang ‘Tamaraws First.’ Transform ahead to a student-powered government. Isang transformative system that you’ll get to know the lived experiences of all the Tamaraws and enables the co-creation of solutions with the students, the student leaders, and the administration. Dito, masisiguro natin na ang bawat polisiya, ang bawat guideline na ibibigay sa atin ay consulted na sa lahat ng ating stakeholders. 

Tamaraws, this is how we will transform ahead. Kahit anong kulay at kahit anong pinanggagalingan. Dahil ang ating 91st FEUCSO ay hindi tumitingin sa kulay, kun’di magdadala tayo ng pagbabago sa sistema. Kaya naman magsama-sama tayong sumulong, let us charge the now and next, and let us transform ahead to a transformative future. Tamaraws, samahan niyo po akong buhayin muli ang lakas nating mga estudyante. Muli, ako si Jasper Calara, ang kasalukuyang Presidente ng FEU College Y Club, at ang Presidente ng Tamaraw community. 

Question: Your Tamaraws First project mentions 11 themes, but if the administration refuses to engage with some themes, what is your predetermined prioritization framework, and what is your criteria? (Interpellated by Isanliyab Servant Leaders’ Union Vice President Maria Eliza Lasala)

“Since we are talking about the criteria, ‘yung respective themes po na binigay natin dito, ayun po ‘yung nakita na natin na mga possible na problems na ma-raise sa mga naging surveys na po ni FEUCSO at ‘yung gusto pong ihandog ni ‘Tamaraws First’ ay agad na tulungan natin ‘yung lived experiences. Kasi ‘yung napansin ko po during ‘TamHall [Forum]’ ay ang nakita ng administration at mga student leaders ay ‘yung numbers. While it’s important to recognize the majority, kailangan tingnan din natin saan ba nanggagaling ‘yung mga sagot nila. So, doon po nanggagaling ‘yung expected themes, but still, we are expecting different themes na puwedeng mag-come up doon po sa ating mga quantitative at qualitative data na gagawin. If ever po na hindi receptive si administration, actually, naranasan na rin naman po natin iyan sa different terms na nasalihan po natin, ano, or naging bahagi po tayo. Kaya nga po dito natin masasabi ‘yung co-creation of solutions together, kasi dito, maririnig natin ang administration — maririnig natin ang mga students. We are closing the gap between the students and the administration para ma-ensure natin na student-powered talaga hindi lang ang FEUCSO kun’di pati ang buong Tamaraw community. Maraming salamat po.”

Follow-up question: When it comes to the co-creation forum, what if the FEU administration also refuses to engage in that space? What will be your contingency plans? (Interpellated by Isanliyab Servant Leaders’ Union Vice President Maria Eliza Lasala)

“First of all, we do not expect our administration na hindi maging receptive o mag-engage dito. ‘Yun nga po ‘yung point nung co-creation of solutions together, and saan ba natin kinuha ‘yung inspiration dito sa project na ‘to? With one of the forums or FGDs [focus group discussions] I have joined with the Office of the Student Discipline, kung saan nagbibigay sila ng mga FGDs kasama ‘yung mga student leaders para ma-ensure na consulted ‘yung ating mga policies. So, with the current offices that we have, the administrative offices that we have, we are ensuring na dapat mapakinggan ng administration ‘yung mga estudyante. That's the real point of co-creation; that’s our backup plan. At tulad po ng sinabi ng ating FEUCSO Secretary, ilalaban at ilalaban natin ito. Because as FEUCSO, we should be bridging the gap [between] the students [and] the administration. That is how we transform ahead our FEU community.”

Follow-up question: You mentioned in your reform project (‘Bagong Simula: The FEU Electoral Reform 2027’) that you will establish an improved accountability mechanism for elected officers. What is currently lacking in the FEU administration’s code and rules of procedure that would make your improved accountability mechanisms more inclined to the community? (Interpellated by Isanliyab Servant Leaders’ Union Vice President Maria Eliza Lasala)

“So, hindi lang po, ano, sa ating accountability mechanisms nagkukulang, but moreso the processes that we have in FEUCSO, stay internally. So, isa nga po sa gusto nating ilayag ay ‘yung sectionization at ‘yung pag-unify ng ating mga student organizations not just for accountability, but for different processes. Kasi dapat nagtutulungan po tayong mga organizations. So say, for example, with the accountability mechanisms na meron si FEUCSO, it stays within the Internal Affairs [Department] and all the other departments na meron si FEUCSO. Wherein tayo po ay elected, so dapat po nakakasali ang mga estudyante and ‘yung mga kapuwa nating student organizations dito po sa mga accountability mechanisms po na ito. So dito po sa ating stronger accountability mechanisms in ‘OneFEU: Unifying Student Organizations for the Tamaraws,’ na-e-ensure natin na hindi lang si FEUCSO, kun’di lahat ng student leaders dito po sa ating community ay nagtutulungan para maging student-powered ang ating community. Again, this is our vision: to transform ahead our FEU community.

Round 2

The moderators presented a series of statements about campus-related issues. In response, the candidates raised a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ marker to indicate their respective stances.

Question 1: Should FEU fully abolish its dress code policy?

Question 2: Should FEU fully transition to on-site learning as its sole mode of instruction?

Question 3: Should participation in the FEU Congress be made open to all registered Tamaraw students, not just elected student organization delegates?

Question 4: Should academic performance be a requirement for the eligibility of Tamaraws running for elected student leadership positions?

Question 5: Is the periodic Tuition and Other Fees Increase (TOFI) or adjustments justifiable within the University as it is today?

Question 6: In their current form, are the political parties in FEU conducive for student engagement and political participation?

Question 7: Is there political apathy in FEU?

Question 8: Should Tamaraw student leadership actively move away from personality politics?

Question 9: Should the official student publication of FEU have full editorial independence from the University?

Question 10: Should the central student organization, institute student councils, and academic organizations play an active role in organizing student activism in FEU?

Final Round

Each candidate received a randomly assigned question regarding various University-wide and national issues. They were given two minutes to respond to the question, while the opposing candidates or moderators were allowed to interpellate for 30 seconds. The candidates were then given a minute for their final response.

Isanliyab Servant Leaders’ Union Press Relations Officer Jayson Khyle Conde

“Una sa lahat, hindi ako support sa red-tagging and I am contending all the Tamaraws that we have to have collective action within this. And I think na kailangan nating mag-speak up and ipagpatuloy pa rin ang pagbabayanihan when it comes to fighting for our rights. Una, ang mga laws natin ngayon, ang mga batas natin na naitaguyod sa bansa ay hindi 'yan nabuo dahil lang sa gobyerno. Nabuo ito because dinala ‘yan sa kalsada… Pinaglaban natin ‘yan bilang estudyante, pinaglaban ‘yan ng mga mamamayan natin. And we owe it for the people that really fought for us. And we owe it to them to continue fighting for our rights, to continue having the rights that we surely deserve, to have the Tamaraw community that we deserve.”

Follow-up question: Given that red-tagging and student activism remains a very sensitive topic within Philippine politics as well as other universities currently here in the Philippines, how exactly are we going to be able to constitute safety mechanisms that go beyond constitutional letters to ensure that each and every student that has something to say and fight for their rights could actually have the means, the platform — to do this without feeling fear for their own lives or feeling fear for their community? (Interpellated by moderator)

“Bilang ang inyong susunod na FEUCSO P.R.O., I think ang isang importante at integral part dito ay patuloy nating ipaglalaban ‘yung karapatan natin sa pagsasalita at kasama na dito ang continuous na ipaglaban na i-diminish ‘yung NTF-ELCAC [National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict] na kung saan nagpipigil ito para sa mga estudyante na magsalita kumbaga para sa kanilang mga rights. Through that movement — through that, matatanggal natin 'yung karapatan ng gobyerno na maaaring tayong i-red-tag because of simply just saying what we think is right. Because this is our right as students, we have to fight for it in order to have it, basically.”

Isanliyab Servant Leaders’ Union Auditor Alyanna Sophia Madrideo

“There is what we call constructive criticisms. These constructive criticisms are the reason that we are improving as a student leader and also as a Tamaraw community. Only these constructive criticisms have the right to criticize our actions and our beings.

Furthermore, any more criticisms that personally attack the person or personally attack the Tamaraws does not give any… any Tamaraw a right to condone any other students. With that being said, it is the duty of the FEU [Central] Student Organization to actively seek and to actively be with the students to know what are their concerns and have policies that cater to their concerns.”

Follow-up question: I would like to ask lang sana, as the Auditor, do you have a main plan or policies na mame-make sure na constructive criticism po talaga ang maibibigay po nila?

“As an auditor, and also as with my platform, the ‘TAM TRAIL,’ where students can raise their concerns and anonymous grievances. Through that, meron talaga tayong mechanisms kung saan makikita natin kung ano ang mga actual concerns and what are the criticisms that are personally attacking other people or other Tamaraws. With this — to screen those — we are collaborating with external organizations within the FEU para mas makita natin kung ano ba talaga ‘yung concerns na kayang tugunin at kayang [i-address] ng FEU [Central] Student Organization.”

Kadiwa Student Coalition Auditor Chi Suavillo

“For the political party, I do agree with it. Dahil sa political party po nagsasama-sama ang mga student leaders na kung saan may pare-parehas po silang mga prinsipyo. May mga pare-pareho po silang pinaglalaban. Now, ano po ang pinagkaiba namin? Sa Kadiwa Student Coalition po, pinaglalaban po namin… or ako po, pinaglalaban ko po ang pag-i-standardize po ng transparency po dito sa FEU. Kaya nga po ginawa ko ang CRYSTAL to make sure na ang ating institusyon ay may transparency, accountability, and the FEU is built in trust. That is all, and I thank you po.”

Follow-up question: As a member of a political party, do you agree to a year-long accreditation of political parties in the University? (Interpellated by Isanliyab Servant Leaders’ Union Auditor Alyanna Sophia Madrideo)

“To answer your question po, Miss Alyanna, yes po, I do agree with it dahil mas maipapakita po ng political party po, ng bawat political party po sa FEU, ang kanilang ipinaglalaban, ang kanilang mga prinsipyo, at makikita po ito ng mga estudyante. That is all, and I thank you po.”

Kadiwa Student Coalition Treasurer Mei Lyn Kuo

“With student apathy, naniniwala ako na hindi ang estudyante ang may kasalanan nito, kung hindi ang sistemang hindi nakikinig sa estudyante. As a political science student, the participation of the students within University elections is very important as this transpires to our national election — to be able to scrutinize the leaders in front of you, not because of the color, but because of their credentials, their platforms, and their intention to lead. Kaya naniniwala ako na dapat ang mga lider-estudyante na binoboto natin ay mayroong tatlong characteristic: transparent, nagtatrabaho, at may alam. Kaya dapat naniniwala tayo na ang mga estudyanteng binoboto natin within the University at ang mga taong binoboto natin sa labas ng Unibersidad ay mayroong tatlong characteristics na ito. Dahil kung walang problema, walang magrereklamo. At kung walang reklamo, eh ‘di walang problema.”

Follow-up question: Given that most of the time, the accountability is provided, or at least, reframed to center the student body so that they may be able to vote more wisely. With that being said, given that almost all of our candidates have the credentials, the experience, and the skills necessary to be able to lead the student body, the fact remains that most students would rather choose to disengage with University politics. With that being said, if credentials, skills, and experiences are not enough to convince the average student that these institutions are worth putting our trust in, what other avenues can we take to win their hearts back so that they may be able to fully and actively engage in the University politics? (Interpellated by moderator)

“Bilang lider-estudyante, nalulungkot ako sa onting engagement ng mga kapuwa nating estudyante sa pag-scrutinize ng mga leaders na meron kayo sa harapan niyo. Kaya naman dapat ang mga student leaders na pinipili natin ay nagpu-put forward ng platforms na hindi student-leader-centered, but student-first-centered. With Kadiwa Student Coalition slate, mayroon po kaming sapat na plataporma na inuuna ang mga estudyante. Mayroon po kaming sapat na credentials na magpapatunay nito. At mayroon po kaming sapat na resolve na itaguyod ang pag-transform ng mga polisiya nito sa FEU.”

Isanliyab Servant Leaders’ Union Secretary Frances Gian Valenzuela

“Again, we have to find the root cause of these problems. Naniniwala ako na lahat ng problema na pinagdadaanan ng ating bayan right now is may underlying cause. Number one, ‘yung economic struggle natin right now sa country, it’s leading to further amplification of these online gamblings… online gambling platform. So, the government should take proactive measures in improving our economic standing. In this way, hindi na nagre-resort sa online gambling or illegal sites ang ating mga kababayan, para in this way, na-i-integrate natin ang mas… mas efficient and mas stronger na economic development ng ating mga kababayan.”

Follow-up question: What do you think our government should do to limit ‘yung online gambling that is seen here in our country? (Interpellated by Kadiwa Student Coalition Secretary Mariah Alysa Parole)

“Ayan, regulation should always be implemented. Naniniwala ako na ‘yung online gambling should be always monitored [ng] ating government, and including na rin diyan ‘yung mga online gamblings na na-a-access ng mga kabataan right now. So it's really a systemic problem na hindi namo-monitor ng ating government, when it comes sa regulation niya. So in this way, we call upon the regulation of these platforms para… para nakikita natin that the governments are taking steps na para maprotektahan ang ating mga kabataan, and at the same time, napoprotektahan natin ang ating mga kababayan.”

Kadiwa Student Coalition Secretary Mariah Alysa Parole

Question: Universal healthcare in the Philippines places two compounding crises. One, medical costs rising by over 18% annually, and second, roughly 27,000 health professionals leaving the country each year for better opportunities abroad, leaving the Philippines with less than half the health workers recommended by global standards. The healthcare system that our generation is set to inherit is simultaneously losing its people and pricing out its patients. As a student leader, what systemic reforms would you advocate for to bridge the gap between the promise of universal healthcare and the reality of a system that is underfunded and understaffed?

“First of all, we should recognize na kaya umaalis ang ating mga talents, ang ating mga Pilipino to other countries [is] because there is not enough opportunities for them here in the Philippines. And that is the first thing na dapat po gawin ng gobyerno natin, na bigyan ng solusyon, bigyan ng mas maraming opportunities ang ating mga Pilipino especially ‘yung healthcare, na dito sila mag-stay. Because that is the first problem, that is why they are leaving: for more opportunities. And as a student leader one of my platforms, one of my systemic reforms is to showcase, is to be more active, to be more engaging to student activism, maging voice tayo ng ating, ng mga estudyante sa healthcare. Because that is what a student leader should do. We should be the voice for the students, para sa mga estudyante, at para sa mga Pilipino.”

Follow-up question: For my question, we recognize that student leaders should amplify kung ano ‘yung voice na nare-raise ng mga students. So with this, what specific plan of action when it comes to amplification of these concerns that was given and in turn, how will you make them realize that it’s a systemic issue and na maraming opportunities here in our country? (Interpellated by Isanliyab Servant Leaders’ Union Secretary Frances Gian Valenzuela)

“So ayun, we can partner with LGUs [local government unit], with corporations, na dito, puwede natin silang i-tap to help us be more, be a voice sa mas maraming mamamayang Pilipino, kasi we cannot do everything alone. As a student leader, I know I cannot do everything alone and I need the help of other people. And through partnerships, through external organizations, ito po ang magiging paraan natin kung paano natin mas ma-a-amplify pa, mas mari-reach pa ng wider audience of Filipinos to be more aware of the issues here in the Philippines.”

Isanliyab Servant Leaders’ Union Vice President Maria Eliza Lasala

“As a student leader, I stand against what happened to Alyssa Alano. She was a scholar and she was a student na… ang education kasi, hindi siya napapaloob sa loob ng eskuwela lang, dinadala siya sa labas. Ang ginawa ni Alyssa Alano [is] to identify and to study the communities that… is Negros Occidental. It isn’t a crime at all. And my stance is to make sure that every student knows their rights. Kasi ang bawat estudyante ay may karapatan [na] mag-organisa, bawat estudyante ay may karapatan [na magbigay-puna sa] gobyerno, at lalong-lalo na lahat ng Pilipino, kasi they are serving us, not the other way around.”

Follow-up question: So given the context of the question, I would just like to ask, bilang isang lider-estudyante, how do we amplify awareness to Filipinos given the propaganda, or the black propaganda, that led to hundreds or thousands of red-tagging of activists? (Interpellated by Kadiwa Student Coalition President Jasper Calara)

“Informing the Filipinos regarding their rights and when it comes to these issues ay integral talaga sa community natin, given na, sabi nga kanina, naging part siya ng bayanihan in a sense na ginagamit natin ‘yung culture na ‘yun to red-tag people. However, our culture, or whatever we stand on, is not an excuse to disrespect or to criminalize our kapuwa Pilipino. Therefore, as student leaders sa FEU, we have Jayson Khyle Conde, our P.R.O., where he plans on implementing Isyu sa Piyu kung saan puwede magkaroon ng healthy discourse ang mga estudyante regarding national politics and University politics. We also have Alyanna Madrideo with her project TAPAT GOVERNANCE kung saan makakaalam ‘yung mga estudyante regarding University and national landscape. And we also have Frances Gian Valenzuela with his PROJECT LOOP that focuses on electoral processes that inform the students regarding their rights and the national and political landscape in the Philippines.”

Kadiwa Student Coalition President Jasper Calara

“Thank you very much for that question. Alam niyo, dito na nga pumapasok na bakit kailangan natin timbangin kung kakayanin ba natin ‘yung mga positions na tinatakbuhan natin. Running for positions, running for the elections, or being a student leader itself, or even being a student… or even being a student leader in this University is a choice. Kasi kailangan nating timbangin if our personal lives, if our emotional capacities, is able na mag-serve pa rin sa mga estudyante. Because when you are a student leader, you also cater to the emotional well-being of our students. Kaya nga po with our project, the ‘Tamaraws First,’ gusto nating alamin ‘yung lived experiences ng ating mga kapuwa estudyante kasi hindi natin gusto na nabu-bury lang ‘yun sa numbers. We want to get to know, or we aim to get to know, rather, the lived experiences of the students so that we can propose policies and projects na akma doon po sa mga nararanasan nila, whether objective, whether emotional, or whatever experience na nakakabahala or nagko-cause ng disturbance sa kanilang academics at kanilang araw-araw na pamumuhay dito sa FEU.

And as a leader myself, I have ensured that I have weighed enough ‘yung aking personal life bago ako tumakbo dito sa presidential position na ito. And I think hindi naman naging lingid sa kaalaman ng lahat na hindi naging madali itong desisyon ng aking pagtakbo. Hindi naging mabilis ‘yung aking pagdedesisyon because I have weighed a lot of factors. I’ve ensured na ‘yung aking personal life ay hindi nakakaapekto because I don't want my personal life and my emotions to get in the way of serving the Tamaraw students, because the Tamaraw community deserves a leader that will empower everyone.”

Follow-up question: In the event that you have to choose between academics and organizational works, what will you choose and why? (Interpellated by Isanliyab Servant Leaders’ Union Vice President Maria Eliza Lasala)

“We should always understand na tayo ay student first, ‘no? Kahit tayo ay mga leaders. So, we should always put our academics [first]. Ito rin po ‘yung aking pina-practice bilang isang student leader. At bilang student at bilang leader, dito na pumapasok ‘yung importance ng delegation at proper communication. So bilang presidente, mahirap nga pong mag-isa, at hindi naman po puwedeng magtatrabaho tayo na mag-isa dahil that would be micromanaging. And even as a student, wherein I usually lead my academic work or academic groupworks, I usually delegate [and] always ensure na may proper communication ‘pag mayroon akong mga events, upcoming initiatives na magiging busy para ma-ensure natin na nagagawa pa rin natin ang ating academic responsibilities and we’re still able to serve the students. So bilang presidente ng FEU-CYC [FEU College “Y” Club], at naging overloaded student ng BA Communication dahil nga isa po akong shiftee — so at one point or two points in my semester [where] I was taking 27 units, I ensured na ma-balance natin ‘yung ating academic responsibilities with the proper delegation and by being a leader as a student here in FEU.”

CLOSING SPEECHES

Isanliyab Servant Leaders’ Union Vice President Maria Eliza Lasala

“If trust in leadership is broken, then leadership must answer for it. Kasi there is a growing silence in our community, but not because students have nothing to say, but they have stopped believing that they will be heard. There is this disbelief that systems won’t work, disbelief that voices won’t be heard, disbelief that student leaders truly serve. And I stand here before you, not to deny that discourse, but to confront it and rewrite it with you. And now, allow me this moment to introduce to you the candidates that will stand with me in this commitment to rebuild trust, uphold accountability, and serve with integrity. Our Isanliyab standard bearers, and my co-slates from FEUCSO, that I’m proud to stand beside me. From our Academic Organizations, from our [Psychology Society] President Alwin Deocareza, from our Nursing Society Ms. Hazel Buenaventura, from our International Studies Society Treasurer Dominic Tolentino, from IHSN [Institute of Health Sciences and Nursing] Student Council Ms. Chloe Yvanna Gagan, from IE SC [Institute of Education Student Council] Mr. Charles Delfin, from IAS [Institute of Arts and Science] Student Council Ms. Dara Leoven Ecleo, from IABF [Institute of Accountancy, Business, and Finance] Student Council Mr. Jairus Opao, our FEUCSO Press Relations Officer Jayson Khyle Conde, our FEUCSO Auditor Ms. Alyanna Madrideo, our FEUCSO Secretary Mr. Gian Frances Valenzuela, and lastly, Ms. Maria Eliza A. Lasala, running as your FEUCSO Vice President. Together, we will charge the now and then.” 

Kadiwa Student Coalition President Jasper Calara

“Muli, mga kapuwa ko Tamaraws, hindi ako nawawalan ng pag-asa. Sabi nila, ang kalaban natin ngayon ay student apathy, pero sa araw-araw nating pakikipag-usap, naniniwala akong hindi apathetic ang mga Tamaraws. Lahat tayo, may pinaglalaban — para sa sarili, para sa pamilya, para sa pangarap, at maging para sa bayan. Ang dami-daming FEU students ang kasama nating nakipagsapalaran sa kalsada, at ang daming FEU students ang bumoboses sa social media. Kaya naniniwala ako, magsasama-sama tayong bubuhayin muli at mas lalong papaigtingin ang lakas nating mga Tamaraws. Kasama ang ating ITHM [Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management] Student Council President na si Sanjim Bulaong, si Precious Juls Ng mula sa [Political Science Society], at si Karl Lenin Bautista mula sa Makati Student Council. Kasama ang buong Kadiwa Student Coalition at siyempre ang ating FEUCSO Kadiwa na si Chi Martinez Suavillo, our 95th FEUCSO Auditor. Mei Lyn ‘Mei Mei’ Kuo, our FEUCSO Treasurer, at si Mariah Alysa Parole, our FEUCSO Secretary.

Muli, samahan niyo po kaming mag-transform sa isang inclusive at participatory Tamaraw community. Samahan niyo po kaming mag-transform ahead sa isang transformative future. Ako, si Jasper Calara, ang presidenteng magseserbisyo at magsisilbi para lamang sa Tamaraw community. Maraming salamat po.”

END OF THE FEU STUDENT ELECTIONS 2026 GRAND DEBATE