BEDAN LEADERSHIP IS characterized by its persisting commitment to fostering empowered youth representation, as showcased by the student-leaders of San Beda University (SBU), who were recently-elected in the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) last October 30.
Having secured positions in the Sangguniang Kabataan councils, these student-leaders are primed to extend their commitment to service beyond the confines of the campus and into the broader community. Seizing this chance to become acquainted with these Bedans, embodying a profound sense of civic duty, they are stepping forward to bolster the nation’s aspirations for a brighter tomorrow.
Rio Gillian Acepcion – SK Kagawad, Brgy. Santa Ines, Bulakan
Despite the struggle of managing her academic responsibilities with her duties in public office, Acepcion’s adaptability, influenced by her Bedan upbringing, instills in her the perseverance to navigate such circumstances. To represent the young demographic in a province entrenched in conservative ideals, she keenly acknowledged the uphill task of bridging generational gaps and encouraging the youth to engage with societal issues openly.
Knowing her community, Acepcion eloquently stated, “Among all the barangays sa amin, ‘yung community namin is very rooted when it comes to culture. So, mahalaga na until further generations ma-preserve namin, ma-prolong namin, and mapayabong yung ganoong culture,” underscoring her advocacy for youth-driven initiatives to preserve their barangay’s vibrant cultural legacy through her leadership.
Hannah Lyn Baure – SK Chairperson of Brgy. 828, Zone 89, District 5, Manila
Motivated by an earnest ardency for grassroots transformation, Baure fearlessly confronts communication hurdles and systemic corruption in her barangay. Baure voiced out that she “ran for a position to be the change, para matulungan ‘yung kapwa ko kabataan na hindi masanay sa bare minimum kasi deserve nila malaman ‘yung rights nila. Maraming benefits ang hindi alam ng mga kabataan at madalas man siya naririnig pero alam mo ‘yung feeling na parang gusto kong maging ilaw sa kadiliman.”
Empowered by her education and a sense of social responsibility, Hannah aims to impart fundamental rights awareness, advocating for simple yet crucial reforms to uplift the youth and ensure their access to basic entitlements, aligning with her aspirations for a future in the legal field, guided by the principles instilled by her Nationalist Youth and Progressive Democrats (NYPD) family.
Kurt Francis Casano – SK Kagawad, Brgy. Sto. Niño, Marikina City
Casano’s leadership epitomizes a proactive purpose, accentuating his commitment to amplifying the voices of his constituents. Casano emphasized, “Ako, naniniwala ako na, the first step in solving the problem is by recognizing that there is a problem, to begin with. So, through maximizing mechanisms like the Katipunan ng Kabataan, we are able to effectively address the problems faced by the youth in our barangay.”
Casano’s governance proficiency equips him to utilize avenues ensuring alignment between his initiatives and constituents’ needs while directly engaging with youth to promote livelihood, cultural, and educational development. As Casano sustains collaboration across community sectors, he drives forward a vision for community progress that integrates the youth’s active participation and eminent representation.
Giro Louis Casinto – SK Kagawad, Brgy. 350, Manila
Casinto embodies a forward-looking approach to balancing academic commitments and public duties. With a radical mindset, he strives to efficiently instill a deeper sense of purpose within his barangay. He shared that that “Kailangan lang talaga is yung makabuo ng projects na makakatulong talaga sa mga kapwa kong kabataan, and para rin sa mga future na tatakbo sa SK na mag-i-guide rin sila para sa malinis na pagdaloy ng serbisyo.”
Looking ahead, Casinto envisions leaving a lasting impact on the barangay’s youth by providing meaningful support and mentorship, ensuring a path to empowerment. Despite encountering challenges with the demands of public service, Giro remains ready to embrace and address the unexpected challenges that come with his position.
Eril Yuri Edullan – SK Chairperson, Brgy. Concepcion Uno, Marikina
Edullan’s leadership philosophy, deeply rooted in humility and a profound sense of service, draws its essence from the core values instilled in him as a Bedan. He aspires to nurture enduring legacies and foster transformative solutions, particularly in education and for the marginalized out-of-school youth. Edullan imparted that ”education is very close to my heart. Nagsisimula ang lahat sa pagpaplano, sa tamang pagpaplano at sa pangarap kung paano mo matutulungan ang mga constituents mo.”
Drawing inspiration from his tight-knit community, he believes in the power of heartfelt conversations and informal exchanges to gauge the impact of his initiatives truly. Edullan cherishes the essence of small, personal connections—neighbors, friends, and families—embracing their stories and weaving their hopes and dreams into tangible programs that elevate lives and create opportunities.
Rick Lawrence Matthew Lagaya – SK Chairperson, Brgy. San Isidro, Angono, Rizal
Lagaya foresees the challenge of fostering youth involvement and inclusivity in their barangay, striving to give prominence to their voices in shaping a comprehensive, long-term plan that caters to their needs. Proposing the issuance of Sangguniang Kabataan IDs, Lagaya aspires to carve a unique identity championing rights of the youth in their local government, providing diverse avenues for academics, sports, and holistic development.
Affirming their Council’s unwavering dedication to transformative change,, Lagaya articulates, “So, regarding the stigma, kailangan natin ipakita na hindi lang ang SK para sa mga pa-liga at pa-pageant lang. Ang SK ay nandito para bigyang boses ang kabataan sa mga programa, projects, at ordinance ng barangay na makakatulong not sa pagbuo ng long-term plan for the youth.”
Erika Jude Sancho – SK Chairperson, Brgy. Quirino 2-A, Quezon City
Sancho, motivated by her tenacity, delineates an assertive strategy aimed at consistently collecting feedback from the youth within her barangay. Grounded by communicative action, she declared, “Sabi ko nga sa Council ko, ngayon na nakaluklok na tayo sa ating posisyon. we can collate suggestions [from the youth] for us para at least, naririnig pa rin namin yung suggestions nila or yung mga hinaing nila.”
Sancho remains resolute in integrating the Bedan values of obedience and discipline into her leadership approach. She endeavors to imbue these principles into her role, acknowledging the weighty responsibility bestowed upon SK officials and striving to impart significance to the newfound presence granted to her by the community.
Alec Joshua Santos – SK Chairperson, Brgy. Bambang, Pasig
Santos’ motivation stems from a resolute desire to instigate tangible change, introducing projects that cater to the community’s needs. He expressed that “one of the defining factors why I chose to run is… kasi pag nakakakita ako na mga bagay, na mga tao, na hindi talaga ginagampanan ang mga tungkulin nila… nai-inspire ako gumawa ng mga makabuluhang projects na mag-bebenefit talaga ang bawat kabataan sa community ko.”
Addressing prevalent stereotypes linked to SK officials, Santos passionately emphasized the need for meaningful initiatives, striving to break the mold by steering away from trivial activities. Fueled by a vision of inclusive governance, he aims to catalyze a paradigm shift in his barangay, envisioning an emboldened future for its constituents.
Narayana Rsi Das Mesina – SK Chairperson, Brgy. Longos, Calasiao, Pangasinan
Rooted in Bedan principles, Mesina acknowledges the interconnectedness of individuals, fostering unity and collaboration within his barangay. Inspired by his studies in political science, he envisions youth as pivotal agents of change and seeks to address issues of youth participation, aligning his aspirations with practical objectives.
Mesina verbalized that “in the context of being an SK chairperson, building a strong and united community is crucial. I see my role not only representing the youth but also actively working towards the betterment of the entire barangay.” Addressing participation as a critical concern, he encouraged the youth’s active involvement, echoing the sentiment that their engagement is paramount in budding a sense of growth, testifying to the enlivening value of young leaders’ participation in community development.
The resounding clarion call for Bedan leaders echoes louder, propelled by these distinguished student-leaders who forge a strong-willed and politically conscious legacy in local governance. Bearing witness to such stewardship beyond campus, the Bedan community heralds the inauguration of a bold chapter that promises a prosperous future within their barangays and on the broader canvas of the nation.