PROMOTING BEDAN IDENTITY and unity, the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Student Council (SC) proposes innovation for the upcoming Integration that aims to mark a core memory for every Bedan, while adjusting to the current status of San Beda University as a Laudato Si University.
Leading this year’s committee, Student Council President Mitziko Yema described the Integration as a collaborative effort among the council’s officers.
Normally handled by the Vice President for Internal Affairs (IVP), the occasion was instead co-chaired by the President, IVP, and Vice President for External Affairs-making one of the rare Integrations jointly managed by the Council’s top three officers.
Yema explained that the decision was both symbolic and personal. Having experienced her first Integration as a junior student, she emphasized the importance of bringing back the activity’s original purpose: to welcome freshmen through fun, community-centered engagement.
In planning its execution, the Council conducted research and consultations with alumni, administrators, and the Benedictine Mission and Identity Office (BMIO) to preserve traditions while “aligning with the University’s Laudato Si’-driven sustainability principles.”
Beige Campbell, the SC Treasurer, added that the event was planned two years ago by the former SC President, Eunice Bermudez, who also gave them the rough draft and the blueprint on the dos and don’ts during the program proper.
Campbell further explained that the committee reviewed previous Integrations and refined the activities based on student feedback, while working closely with BMIO Director Mr. Jerry Anton Flores, CPA, to revisit the history and meaning of integration to strengthen its foundation in Bedan values.
This year, a new system was designed to ensure safety and inclusivity among participants, as wristbands in different colors will indicate each student’s physical capacity and access to certain obstacles and booths.
The president enumerates the three kinds of obstacles: required obstacles, which were prepared by the Student Organizational Circle (SOC); optional obstacles include trampolines, jousting area, and slip and slide; and lastly, tented booths, which encompass activities such as bracelet making, face painting, and glitter on the face.
On the other hand, Campbell confessed that among the major challenges faced by the council were budget limitations and logistical coordination for permits, materials, and safety arrangements.
He revealed that the council had to allocate funds to meet the P150,000 budget while ensuring that all activities were both meaningful and sustainable.
Aside from this, the SC reckons their frustrations with paper processing outside the campus, since there are required permits for the ambulance, fire trucks, and to also inform the barangay and police about the event.
Moreover, the Integration now focuses on obstacle-based team activities handled by professional organizations, replacing outdated practices to the throwing of condiments with cleaner, more cooperative tasks that highlight teamwork and respect.
The celebration reflects both traditional and modern creativity. “As much as we want to make it traditional, we wanted to add a little color and a little more sparkle,” Yema explained, highlighting the Coachella-inspired aesthetic of the occasion.
Along with the news of the launch of the College of Accountancy and Business (CAB), Campbell emphasized that the activity will serve as a symbol of unity before the expected division of the College of Arts and Sciences.
“So this would be parang I don’t think kung anong mangyayari next year, but siguro ito rin parang masasabi natin last Integration na magkasama pa, na unified pa ang College of Arts and Sciences as one,” he said.
Both officers highlighted that Integration 2025 goes beyond celebration—it is a statement of renewal for the Bedan community.
Through inclusive planning, sustainable practices, and collaboration between student organizations, the Council aimed to create an event that will serve as both a legacy and an inspiration for future Bedans.
(With Bianca Ashley Bitanga)