By Mark Vincent A. Durano

Chairperson of the Kabataan Partylist (KPL) Far Eastern University (FEU) chapter Ryan Ferrer has been appointed as the deputy secretary-general (DSG) of the National Executive Committee Council of KPL, announced last January 3.

Ferrer has been the institutional chapter’s helm since July 2023 and was elected KPL National Capital Region (NCR) Chairperson last December 2024. Prior to the post, he served as the regional secretary-general in July 2024. 

Since July 2023, he has become a full-time organizer of KPL.

Besides being the right-hand man of the Secretary-General, the DSG ensures the functionality and overall political work of Kabataan Partylist chapters, with emphasis on those in NCR. 

In an online interview with FEU Advocate, Ferrer expressed that he eyes to unite more students and youth in collective action for change through his new duty, holding the potential to stand with the masses.

“We, as youth, have a special role in society with our special skills, sound body and mind, sharpness, and progressive ideas. There is no better avenue to apply these than service to the people for genuine social change,” he said.

Ferrer specifically cited the country’s worsening education crisis, on top of the 2025 National Budget signing with underfunding for education, railroading of the Mandatory Reserve Officers Training Corps, and commercialization in institutions through tuition fee hikes, such as in FEU.

The DSG also urged the FEU community to unite with the campaign towards societal change.

“To the broad Tamaraw community, the time is ripe to act for societal change. This 2025 elections, let us achieve victory for our voice in Congress and the people. It is up to us to empower our collective voices and fight for better policies this election,” Ferrer stated.

With the upcoming 2025 National and Local Elections, the activist deems KPL for Congress as well as the Makabayan Coalition for senators and city councilors as alternatives against “trapo” politics.

Through these, Ferrer emphasized the role of progressive politics in bringing hope and change in uplifting various sectors, including farmers, workers, fishers, healthcare workers, vendors, indigenous people, and jeepney drivers.

Moreover, the KPL FEU head also urged his fellow youth to study the social realities that are often deprived of being understood within classrooms.

“There is much more to learn and understand as we break the limits of four walls of classrooms and go to the masses, learn from their experiences, and forward their calls. The working class being deprived of livable wage by capitalists, farmers facing feudal exploitation by landlords, a lack of sustainable industry, and foreign and local political domination of the rich upper classes,” he added.

The officers’ tenure, headed by President Julius Arvin Cantiga from the University of Caloocan City, will span until 2027.

Ferrer succeeded Eden Franchezka Guttierez from the University of the Philippines - Manila last September 2024.

(Photo by Kayla Babista/FEU Advocate)