by Yel Cordova
Let’s start [out simply]. Why run for Externals Public Relations Officer (PRO)?
I think from what I know about the position is that it entails representing the school in external events. As a medical student I think I am more than capable to represent the school. I believe I have a good work ethic and I can communicate well with others. I think it also helps that I’ve known CJ Almazan, who is currently running for Externals Vice-President, since undergraduate school. Plus, we’ve worked on some projects together before. That’s the deciding factor for me when I decided to run for Externals PRO.
So did you two talk about running for your respective positions?
Yes. I asked CJ what he wanted to run for and he said he wanted Externals Vice-President.
I see. So you didn’t want to go against him for that position?
No, because CJ has been more visible than I am.
It says in your platform that you are planning an inter-medical school Halloween Party. How are you going to go about this?
Actually, that idea is based on the success of last year’s Halloween Party here at SLCM. I was amazed by the number of Lukans that were able to put on make-up and/or come in costumes. Based off that, I think we can make it much bigger. At the same time, it can also be a fundraising activity. I know of other medical schools that host parties and students from other medical schools are invited. For me, I think SLCM can host its own unique medical school party entitled “Quarantine,” which is a tentative title.
That sounds great. What are you going to do differently this year as compared to the previous externals PRO, Junelle Dumangon?
I think we should not limit ourselves with the APMC activities. There are many invites coming from other schools, not just medical schools, for medical missions. I think that’s where they need us since we’re medical students. I would like to propose a yearly medical mission, that’s of a different nature than the one conducted by SAGIP, that SLCM students can participate in. I believe that we have the capacity to help.
How do you delineate between your role as Externals PRO and the role of an Externals Vice-President?
The Vice-President is the main representative for external affairs like APMC. He is also the one to delegate tasks to the external representatives of each batch. I think the position I’m running for focuses more on promotions of the activities of outside organizations and medical schools. I am also going to be concerned with the relationships with other medical schools. Also, I’ll be handling the tasks assigned to me by the Vice-President.
About Student Participation
From your perspective, what is the most compelling problem within the school that needs to be addressed?
As an externals PRO, I think the main problem is the student participation in external activities. There are many APMC events but only a handful of SLCM students would go. Support is lacking. As compared with other medical schools, most of the students would go even if those events are held within the school.
Why do you think support is lacking?
Looking back, I think the promotions this year for the events were sufficient enough. However, CJ and I are planning to promote extensively not only for APMC events but also for other extra-curricular activities.
Do you have any specific ideas in mind in terms of promoting extensively?
I’m thinking of publication materials and promotions via social media such as Facebook and Twitter. I have a plan to coordinate with Lyka Atienza, who is running for Secretary, to create a Twitter handle for the Student Council. I can forward to her the materials and she can be the one to disseminate the information.
Let’s start [out simply]. Why run for Externals Public Relations Officer (PRO)?
I think from what I know about the position is that it entails representing the school in external events. As a medical student I think I am more than capable to represent the school. I believe I have a good work ethic and I can communicate well with others. I think it also helps that I’ve known CJ Almazan, who is currently running for Externals Vice-President, since undergraduate school. Plus, we’ve worked on some projects together before. That’s the deciding factor for me when I decided to run for Externals PRO.
So did you two talk about running for your respective positions?
Yes. I asked CJ what he wanted to run for and he said he wanted Externals Vice-President.
I see. So you didn’t want to go against him for that position?
No, because CJ has been more visible than I am.
It says in your platform that you are planning an inter-medical school Halloween Party. How are you going to go about this?
Actually, that idea is based on the success of last year’s Halloween Party here at SLCM. I was amazed by the number of Lukans that were able to put on make-up and/or come in costumes. Based off that, I think we can make it much bigger. At the same time, it can also be a fundraising activity. I know of other medical schools that host parties and students from other medical schools are invited. For me, I think SLCM can host its own unique medical school party entitled “Quarantine,” which is a tentative title.
That sounds great. What are you going to do differently this year as compared to the previous externals PRO, Junelle Dumangon?
I think we should not limit ourselves with the APMC activities. There are many invites coming from other schools, not just medical schools, for medical missions. I think that’s where they need us since we’re medical students. I would like to propose a yearly medical mission, that’s of a different nature than the one conducted by SAGIP, that SLCM students can participate in. I believe that we have the capacity to help.
How do you delineate between your role as Externals PRO and the role of an Externals Vice-President?
The Vice-President is the main representative for external affairs like APMC. He is also the one to delegate tasks to the external representatives of each batch. I think the position I’m running for focuses more on promotions of the activities of outside organizations and medical schools. I am also going to be concerned with the relationships with other medical schools. Also, I’ll be handling the tasks assigned to me by the Vice-President.
About Student Participation
From your perspective, what is the most compelling problem within the school that needs to be addressed?
As an externals PRO, I think the main problem is the student participation in external activities. There are many APMC events but only a handful of SLCM students would go. Support is lacking. As compared with other medical schools, most of the students would go even if those events are held within the school.
Why do you think support is lacking?
Looking back, I think the promotions this year for the events were sufficient enough. However, CJ and I are planning to promote extensively not only for APMC events but also for other extra-curricular activities.
Do you have any specific ideas in mind in terms of promoting extensively?
I’m thinking of publication materials and promotions via social media such as Facebook and Twitter. I have a plan to coordinate with Lyka Atienza, who is running for Secretary, to create a Twitter handle for the Student Council. I can forward to her the materials and she can be the one to disseminate the information.
About External Events
If you compare MedGroove/MedRhythmia and Palarong Medisina, the two events that were handled by the externals committee, you would agree that there was a better turnout for the former than for the latter, right?
Yes.
What do you think led to the decreased participation of students during Palarong Medisina?
I believe it has a lot to do with the venue of the event. Being held in Cavite, athletes and students alike found it difficult to go because they would have to worry about the transportation, a place to stay overnight, and the distance to travel. Possibly, if the event was held in Metro Manila, participation would have been better. Also, Michelle Austria, who is running for treasurer, proposes that certain fundraisers be made before the event so that the willing students can be better supported.
How can you improve the participation for Palarong Medisina?
The student body needs to know that our athletes need support not just financially but in terms of being there. It should be an effort of the entire community.
With respect to the performing arts league organizations, especially the chorale and the dance company, the remaining organizations have little exposure when it comes to external events. Do you have any plans on tapping the other organizations within the school? If yes, can you give examples as to what those plans are?
I know that AGAPE in SLCM conducts some of its activities with the other AGAPE members of other schools. So I guess they’re okay in terms of externals. Athletics Guild participates in Palarong Medisina but I think the teams can be more exposed through sports clinics. For example, we can strengthen the volleyball team by informing them that a certain clinic with a willing instructor is available. Also, I know of a friend in my undergraduate school who can hold friendly Frisbee matches with our own Frisbee team. This can also be applied to other teams. Finding those willing teams is going to be a challenge but it is still feasible.
About Himself
What do you think is your best quality that makes you qualify for the position of Externals PRO?
I’m a very versatile person. I can adapt and adjust to the situation at hand. This allows me to cope with stressors like a new environment or time constraints. I think it’s also important when it comes to communicating with people because people have different motives and personalities. My open-mindedness also sets me apart.
Have you had previous experience with the work of an externals PRO before? How was it like?
Yes. I was co-head of a socio-cultural committee of a pre-medical organization in my undergraduate university. We handled extra-curricular activities like sportsfest and we coordinated with other schools.
You mentioned your versatility as a person. How would you balance academics and your work for the Student Council?
Now, as a first year student, I spend at least two hours commuting. I live in Taft so it’s a bit tough to manage my own time. However, I was still able to join extra-curricular activities like the volleyball team for Palarong Medisina. Next year, I will be moving nearer to the school so that I can have more time on my hands to study and to work. Other than that, it is my personal goal to reduce time spent on unnecessary stuff like Facebook. I am committing myself for the good of the school; I have to make adjustments because I don’t want to give mediocre service. I will be representing St. Luke’s so I have to appear as a well-rounded and well-adjusted person, which is the reputation of Lukans.
Anything you would like the student body to know before the elections?
I want them to know that I will represent the school. I promise that I will keep them motivated and inspired so that they are able to participate in the activities. Personal growth and not just academics is absolutely necessary to become well-rounded physicians. We should not box ourselves within the confines of our school.
Alright, that ends our interview. Best of luck!
R-Jay: Thank you!
If you compare MedGroove/MedRhythmia and Palarong Medisina, the two events that were handled by the externals committee, you would agree that there was a better turnout for the former than for the latter, right?
Yes.
What do you think led to the decreased participation of students during Palarong Medisina?
I believe it has a lot to do with the venue of the event. Being held in Cavite, athletes and students alike found it difficult to go because they would have to worry about the transportation, a place to stay overnight, and the distance to travel. Possibly, if the event was held in Metro Manila, participation would have been better. Also, Michelle Austria, who is running for treasurer, proposes that certain fundraisers be made before the event so that the willing students can be better supported.
How can you improve the participation for Palarong Medisina?
The student body needs to know that our athletes need support not just financially but in terms of being there. It should be an effort of the entire community.
With respect to the performing arts league organizations, especially the chorale and the dance company, the remaining organizations have little exposure when it comes to external events. Do you have any plans on tapping the other organizations within the school? If yes, can you give examples as to what those plans are?
I know that AGAPE in SLCM conducts some of its activities with the other AGAPE members of other schools. So I guess they’re okay in terms of externals. Athletics Guild participates in Palarong Medisina but I think the teams can be more exposed through sports clinics. For example, we can strengthen the volleyball team by informing them that a certain clinic with a willing instructor is available. Also, I know of a friend in my undergraduate school who can hold friendly Frisbee matches with our own Frisbee team. This can also be applied to other teams. Finding those willing teams is going to be a challenge but it is still feasible.
About Himself
What do you think is your best quality that makes you qualify for the position of Externals PRO?
I’m a very versatile person. I can adapt and adjust to the situation at hand. This allows me to cope with stressors like a new environment or time constraints. I think it’s also important when it comes to communicating with people because people have different motives and personalities. My open-mindedness also sets me apart.
Have you had previous experience with the work of an externals PRO before? How was it like?
Yes. I was co-head of a socio-cultural committee of a pre-medical organization in my undergraduate university. We handled extra-curricular activities like sportsfest and we coordinated with other schools.
You mentioned your versatility as a person. How would you balance academics and your work for the Student Council?
Now, as a first year student, I spend at least two hours commuting. I live in Taft so it’s a bit tough to manage my own time. However, I was still able to join extra-curricular activities like the volleyball team for Palarong Medisina. Next year, I will be moving nearer to the school so that I can have more time on my hands to study and to work. Other than that, it is my personal goal to reduce time spent on unnecessary stuff like Facebook. I am committing myself for the good of the school; I have to make adjustments because I don’t want to give mediocre service. I will be representing St. Luke’s so I have to appear as a well-rounded and well-adjusted person, which is the reputation of Lukans.
Anything you would like the student body to know before the elections?
I want them to know that I will represent the school. I promise that I will keep them motivated and inspired so that they are able to participate in the activities. Personal growth and not just academics is absolutely necessary to become well-rounded physicians. We should not box ourselves within the confines of our school.
Alright, that ends our interview. Best of luck!
R-Jay: Thank you!