The open forum of this year’s Meeting de Avance 2015, held in Dean Basa Hall last February 23, 2015, commenced with a big question from outgoing Externals PRO Junelle Dumangon, directed to the Externals PRO candidates.
Junelle presented a “case analysis” where one member of the representing SLCM team in MGMR backs out due to medical reasons, thereby jeopardizing the college’s right to participate.
The question for the candidates emerged: How will they balance the interests of the college as well as implement the rules?
R-jay Agbon responded that given “rules are rules”, it is better to withdraw from the competition in order to uphold the integrity of the college.
Patpy Miranda also responded that as an impartial implementer of rules, the college should withdraw, but only if an appeal to get a replacement is rejected and all other means exhausted.
Projects and Compromise
Freshman Cheryl Argent addressed questions towards several candidates regarding their platforms and projects. She asked Patpy Miranda about her projected entitled “Hair-OH-graphy”, specifically on how she would get hair donations for the cancer patients.
Patpy intends to collaborate with institutions like “Cuts Against Cancer” and the medical center to get more people involved in the project.
With regard to sustainable income generating schemes, R-jay said that he planned to continue #TeamLukan since it proved to be a good project, with the addition of Lukan notebooks and planners as merchandise.
He also emphasized that his proposed sports clinic will be different from the Athletics Guild because it will provide opportunities for external teams to play with the members of AG, and consequently raise competitiveness.
Lorenz Villegas referred to his plan in creating a suggestion box, and discussed that the box would not be limited to issues and complaints, but also suggestions.
To address the question on how she would distinguish herself from the treasurer, Caroline stressed that the auditor is mainly responsible for book-keeping and making sure that there is proper allocation of money for the different projects.
Elaborating further on her microfinancing project, she explained that students will be given the opportunity to acquire the capital for their small businesses.
Proposals will have to be sent to the finance committee for approval, depending on the feasibility and marketability of the business. If it is approved, a contract will be formed.
Cheryl’s last question was addressed to the presidential candidates. She asked why they didn’t find a compromise, given there were a lot of other positions available. “Were their projects so different that they had to go against each other?”, she asked.
Henson expressed that both Cheska and he have the desire to serve, and he believes that the best way to render his service is to run for presidency. Cheska responded similarly, saying that after doing some “soul-searching”, she is wholeheartedly running for the position because she believes it is the best use for her capabilities.
SC and Medical Education
The next question came from JM Deblois, who addressed all the candidates. He asked what the role of the council was in trying to make the students participate not only in extra-curricular activities but also in helping improve the quality of education in the college.
Jayvee believes that the role of the council was to provide the activities and that participation of the students should “come from the students themselves” and not from the council.
Cheska, meanwhile, responded that the Student Council is the “voice” of the student body. CJ affirms the thought that the council exists to cater to the students’ interest, and that activities will serve as avenue for personal growth.
“Kayo ang boss ko”
Glynise Pobre directed her first question to the Internals Vice President candidate, Jayvee, and asked him how his platforms will address the concerns of the student body.
Jayvee said that a solid internals team will help address the problems of the students.
Glynise then addressed the outgoing officers, and asked if the officers’ previous achievement in the council prove their worth to run for the position, and asked if the candidates would confidently be able to say to the student body, “kayo ang boss mo”.
All four candidates—Cheska, Henson, DJ and CJ—who shared their thoughts, said they can attest that the “students are their boss” and that the student body is perceptive and “smart” enough to vote for them based on their platforms.
Cheska also added that, more than being able to say “it”, if she wins the elections, she will be held accountable for each of the students, and that her actions should ideally reflect what the student body’s thoughts are; and being the incumbent Outreach Head has prepared her for the position she is currently running for.
Freshman CJ said that his running for the position of Externals Vice President is not on the grounds of his past achievements for the Externals Committee, but on his passion to learn and improve himself more.
On the Flipside
Incumbent Student Council President, Arjo De Castro, directed a somewhat provocative question to the candidates with opponents—namely, those running for External PRO, Treasurer and President—about the disadvantages they possess are and “why the student body should not vote for them.”
Patpy admitted that she has no experience as an officer of the class or any organization, but she can bank on her previous experience.
R-jay jokingly replied that their PrevMed group will be compromised if ever he won since he was also the present leader of their group.
Candidate for Treasurer, Michi said that DJ clearly had the advantage when it comes to experience with handing the finances of the student council, considering that DJ is the incumbent Finance Head.
She also mentioned that her experience as the Finance Head of the Christmas Party organized by the freshmen should not be discounted.
DJ, meanwhile, responded by admitting that the workload of third year may prove to be an obstacle to her duties, if ever she was elected, and had every confidence in Michi’s ability to take on the position.
Speaking first for the presidential candidates, Cheska emphasized that what the student body should focus on is both her and Henson’s desire to serve, and expressed that Henson had the advantage when it comes to dealing with external activities since he has his current position as the Externals Vice President to back him up.
Henson backed this up by saying they were both currently in a position that is their “forte”, and what good he is handling external affairs he lacks in other areas like Outreach. However, he assures that he is very much willing to learn.
Arjo then proceeded to ask about the presidential candidates’ plans if ever they did not win the elections.
Henson said that what he can do for the student body is “not limited by his position” and that “he can still serve and bring honor to the school even if he loses”, since he is a member of the different orgs, and can still push himself to do something as long as people believed in him.
Cheska promised that she would still pursue creating activities for people outside the school who need help. She mentioned about having her personal outreach programs, but disclosed that it would be much better if people could join her in her cause.
“Legacy”
Incumbent Internals Vice President, Marvin Castillo, drew a close to the Miting de avance by asking the candidates about the “legacy that they will impart to the student body”, given that they win the elections.
Cheska, Henson and DJ chorused their aspiration to increase student participation.
Patpy expressed her desire not only to increase participation, but to create more student leaders. [x]
OTHER LINKS:
http://slcm-iatros.weebly.com/features/meet-the-candidates-a-platform-guide
http://slcm-iatros.weebly.com/news/miting-de-avance-speeches-rehashes-candidates-platforms