IN THEIR COMMITMENT to answering the “clarion call” of service toward their constituents in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), the San Beda Student Council (SC) has taken up the mantle of responsibility associated with bearing such a title. But what better way to define the roles of the SC than by looking into the perspective of the College’s watchdog student organizations? 

Operating behind-the-scenes, armed with a stance that asserts impartiality, let us delve into the views of the heads of The Bedan and the San Beda Electoral Board (ELBO) in what they believe to be the essential duties and functions of elected student leaders, who are notable for being stewards of positive and compelling change to the student body. 

From the watchful eyes of the media 

As it is well-known, student publications have been at the vanguard of echoing the feelings and sentiments of the students, tasked with disseminating information on the current affairs of the University and exposing irregularities happening from within the corners of the campus. Of course, The “B” is no stranger to this effort. 

Leading such an undertaking, The Bedan’s current Editor-in-Chief, Paul Alexis Arga, believes that, while the SC are at the “helm of planning traditional activities” such as the Integration and Freshmen Welcoming Day (FWD), they are above all else “the policy-making body and voice of the students [at] whatever school that they are in.” 

Additionally, Arga reified his point by describing the SC as a “microcosm” of the actual national government of the country—drawing on similarities in their foundations and organizational structure. “You have a chief executive, ‘di ba, and then some policy-making prerogatives na parang reminiscent of the legislative branch. So kumbaga, [the SC is] a small version of the national government that we know,” added the Editor-in-Chief. 

In tackling issues more applicable to student publications, Arga emphasized that, while the SC and student publications may be “parallel” to each other, the former should, nonetheless, continue to protect the interests of the media as its constituents, regardless of their differences. 

“My expectation is that the Student Council should always side with what’s dictated by the masses, by popular will as well. That includes press freedom and freedom of expression, and also freedom of assembly always—to organize and mobilize people towards a greater cause,” said Arga.  

As “messengers of the truth,” The Bedan is also regarded for its role in providing a platform to magnify issues invisible to the naked eye, including the plight of the San Beda employees. In this manner, Arga urged the SC to be more aggressive in battling the salient issues circulating within the University. “Dapat maging agresibo ang Student Council because we are not going to be there at the forefront of these issues all the time. And so, if not us, then who? Who will advocate for the people who are being victims of a system that continues to ignore, ‘di ba, their voices?” he asked.  

With the 2024 SC electoral race heating up, the Editor-in-Chief also advised the populace to carefully assess how candidates tackle the said issues prevalent in San Beda, how these leaders will serve the students well, and how they would embody the voice of the people. “These are the things that you should look for in a leader, that they should have the courage and guts to do what is necessary to enact pro-student policies in our University,” he exclaimed. 

As a final word of mouth, he also encapsulated the need for a proactive response in all the SC’s affairs, saying “Dapat mabilis silang kumilos.” 

From the view of the CAS’ poll body 

Ensuring free and fair elections, along with safeguarding the votes of the student body, is what the ELBO does for the CAS. It facilitates the elections, while acting as the umpire between the complexities of running for office. In doing so, their role also transcends their principles in embodying integrity, accountability, and transparency. 

When asked about the duties and responsibilities of the SC, Ayrah Celline Asis, the current Chairperson of the ELBO, shared how the SC, due to it being notably known as the “highest-ranking organization” in the student body, is a demanding role, given that it carries with it the responsibility of having integrity, accountability, and most especially commitment. 

“The Council members are not just students, but also leaders that influence, motivate, and guide the students throughout their term. Leadership, as I believe, transcends positions or titles because it is all about taking action and setting a positive example,” she added. 

In addition, Asis also stated how the SC Constitution expects its members to adhere to what is being stipulated, in order to ensure that the best interests of the student body and the general welfare are being acted accordingly. That also implies being independent from any political or personal agendas, which also includes their independence away from the affiliations of their respective political parties. 

Moreover, with elections right around the corner, the ELBO also looks to grapple with the issue of having a low voter turnout. As such, the Board aims to provide accessible outlets throughout the season in order to increase student engagement in the political process, including events like the Miting de Avance (MDA). 

“The [Electoral] Board strives to highlight the importance of voting by initiating voter education campaigns. Other initiatives also include strengthening partnerships across organizations, disseminating election-related updates, and innovating the voting system. Moreover, the organization endeavors to empower students to engage in shaping matters affecting the welfare of the Bedan community,” said Asis.  

Either if it is within the campus, community, or the country, both the The Bedan and the ELBO have acted as the bastion of sustaining free and fair elections from time immemorial, through disseminating information, guarding the sanctity of suffrage, and engaging in the community to ultimately reinforce the good name of democracy.  

Moreover, as the elections are fast approaching, this is also a reminder for the Bedan community to participate in this political process. Your vote reflects your voice, and through a collective action on participating in electing the next leaders for the SC, it is within our vote that would make a brighter change for the entirety of the CAS. May we vote wisely and exercise our right to suffrage.