IN A SURPRISE turn of events, The Repvblic’s (TR) President, Louis Dominic Nipas, stepped down from his position last January 17, and appointed the Vice President for Internal Affairs Krystelle Doce as his successor.
In a letter published through TR’s official Facebook page, Nipas expressed his gratitude to TR, the professional organization of the Department of Political Science, saying that “The Repvblic has been my home for four years… I am eternally grateful and appreciative for the opportunities and lessons that this organization has taught me throughout the years.”
Moreover, his letter elucidated what caused his resignation, citing how he wanted to “focus more on his studies,” considering his status as a graduating student, along with a desire to “[improve] his business,” which he cited as his main source of income. Aside from this, Nipas also added how he wanted “to prioritize my physical and mental health, which have regrettably fluctuated for the past months.”
At the time of his resignation, Doce assumed Nipas’ role, leaving her own position vacant for the rest of the academic year.
But in an exclusive interview with The Bedan, the former TR president revealed another reason behind his sudden resignation as well as lamenting on how his journey as president began, and what prompted him to assume the position.
“Leading has always been my passion… I served The Repvblic as the organization’s Auditor and Treasurer, assuming the Presidency would be a significant step to exhibit my leadership skills further and challenge myself to go beyond it…It was never about the title; running for this position was always about rendering service,” he said.
Regarding his resignation, Nipas said that was able to receive support from his closest friends and family. “They know me more than anyone in the organization, so they know I don’t give up easily, or in that case, not at all, especially without good reason.”
Additionally, Nipas also reflected on what became of TR during the time of his presidency. “I have seen how passionate, dedicated, and talented the members of The Repvblic as they are (were) willing to answer the call of leadership even beyond school hours…However, conflicts arose between the Repvblic’s executive board later in my term. There were so many things to do and accomplish at this time, which is what we kept looking for common ground for us to be able to push through with the projects lined up for the first semester but failed to do so.”
When asked about the reason for his resignation, Nipas reiterated those that are stated in the letter and revealed that “The continuous clashing has created a toxic environment for everyone, making it harder to communicate and work together. Furthermore, I can no longer surround myself with power-hungry individuals.”
For her part, Doce declined to share her thoughts behind the former TR president’s resignation. Given the turn of events, Doce instead expounded on what’s in it for TR for the upcoming semester. “The Executive Board for The Repvblic has realigned its activities for [the] second semester, considering the inputs during Organization Selection and Evaluation as well. Also, we are looking forward to working with the brilliant and talented members of the Executive Committees in promoting Solidarity, Truth, and Commitment… Our plan is to make the department even more vibrant, through the creative and brilliant minds of the members of The Repvblic.”
When asked about her aspirations for The Repvblic, Doce said that she wants to protect the “heart of TR.” She learned that, for her to lead, “valuing” her peers must also be important. The current TR president stressed as well that the current members of TR had great personalities, skilled, and are visionaries. Her aspiration is rooted in protecting her member’s colors and sparks so that they wouldn’t lose it—so that she could properly lead TR.
Both Nipas and Doce had few words to say to The Repvblic moving forward. “May you continue to serve the organization and the whole Political Science community with great passion, dedication and pride. All for the Repvblic,” Nipas said.
As for Doce, she has this to say: “For The Repvblic, despite all the pitfalls, you became the reason why I should remain firm. I see the beauty and the potential of every member and that’s why I’m hopeful that there would be a bright future that lies ahead of us…Always remember that always aspire yourself as to how you visualize your future self; that;s when the real responsibility comes in and that’s when the exciting journey awaits us. Onwards and always, for The Repvblic.”
(with Manssel Jianne Latonero)