WITH THE COLLEGE of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Student Council (SC) elections set to take place this April 17, candidates from the San Bigkis Party (SBP) and the independent slate presented their respective platforms during the room-to-room campaigns, outlining their proposed initiatives and advocacies for the student body. 

Across positions, candidates from both SBP and the independent slate showcased platforms centered on student welfare, accessibility, and representation. 

While these themes remain consistent, their proposed approaches reveal notable differences in how candidates intend to address longstanding concerns within the CAS community. 

From structural reforms to immediate student-facing initiatives, these platforms outline competing directions for CAS governance in the upcoming academic year.

President
The presidential race between Beige Benedict Campbell of SBP and independent candidate Enzo Xenon Ochoa highlights two different visions to CAS governance—with one revolving around long-term structural reform and inclusivity, and the other focusing on immediate campus concerns and student experience improvements.

While both camps frame their platforms around accessibility and student welfare, their proposed plan of action differs in execution.

SBP’s Campbell anchors his campaign on “CAS para sa lahat”, which emphasizes the creation of long-term systems of governance and sustainable structures designed not only for a single academic year but to the benefit of all succeeding batches as well.

His aim consistently returns to building and continuity, anchored on the rapport he has already established with the student body through his previous roles in the council.

“First and second year level representative at nagsisilbi pong treasurer ng student council. At ngayon, sa pang-apat na pagtakbo ang inyong susunod na student council president”, he stated, positioning his candidacy as a continuation.

This framing was further reinforced by the candidate’s statements, such as “Simulan po natin na magbuo ng isang matibay na pundasyon sa classroom,” coupled with his commitment: “buksan ang pera ng student council sa bawat Bedista,” he added.

Campbell further proposes the implementation of a “centralized system ng student concern,” alongside “Bukas na Usapan” as a mechanism for communication, asserting to reinforce a governance model that is system-driven and process-oriented. 

This is complemented by his forward-looking vision of “Isang bukas na may plano, isang CAS na ‘di lamang aktibo kundi mahusay, matalino at handa sa hinaharap,” supported by initiatives such as “research and development workshop” and “skills workshop para sa bawat estudyante,” which position the council as a space for long-term student development.

Independent Candidate, Ochoa, in contrast, grounds his platform on observable student experience, pointing first to everyday campus concerns such as malfunctioning facilities and sanitation issues. These form the basis of his “Brighter Space” initiative, which he described as “the enhancement or lobbying of all the suggestions of the Bedan students to enhance our community to have a more comfortable space for everyone.”

His platform extends into student welfare through initiatives. “That’s why we will be conducting, at itutuloy natin ang mental health awareness week or it is, hindi lang siya nakaka-hold sa isang week o pero it will be a year long para it will be a tradition,” he quipped, as well as the establishing of “a grievance form or safe-spaces form for everyone,” directly addressing issues of misinformation, bullying, and sexual harassment.   

On communication, he highlights gaps in awareness. “Minsan hindi natin alam kung mayroon talagang certain activity,” he replied. He also proposed a “CAS informed or legit checked” to ensure the proper dissemination of information.

Ochoa’s platform also looks outward. Through “Elevate and Bridge Connections… inviting San Beda Alabang and Rizal” and initiatives like “#CASonTour,” he frames leadership as expanding opportunities and exposure. 

He also emphasizes practicality and feasibility: “hindi lang po sobrang bongga, pero at least, makakaya naman po natin sya,” grounding his proposals in what he presents as achievable within the term.

Placed side by side, the contrast is clear. Campbell’s platform builds from “foundation,” aiming to structure governance through systems, transparency, and long-term planning. Ochoa’s platform builds from what students already encounter, translating everyday concerns into immediate initiatives and programs.

The divide ultimately lies not in the issues themselves, but in how they are addressed, either through systems designed to endure, or solutions meant to be felt immediately.

Vice President for Internal Affairs
Candidates of Vice President for Internal Affairs (IVP), Angel Raheema Edding of SBP and independent candidate Rafael Fernando De Castro, outlined their respective plans to improve internal coordination and student organization engagement by upholding their advocacies within CAS community during the said room-to-room campaigns.

As the elections drew near, both candidates vying for the Internal Vice Presidency maximized the campaign period to present their respective advocacies and plans should they secure the position. 

For Edding, she highlighted inclusivity and systematized planning through her platform “CAS na bukas sa lahat,” which proposes a calendar-based system for activities that strengthen coordination within the Student Organization Circle (SOC). “[C]onducting only one activity per organization per day will really increase the student participation sa mga activities ng SOC, which also increases student engagement,” she stated.

Edding also posed the need for religious initiatives such as an interfaith prayer room and interreligious dialogue forums due to the lack of religious inclusivity within the Bedan community, making it a challenge for some Bedans to feel included in practicing their own religious worship.

Alongside this, Edding also raised the need to address structural gaps brought by the CAS–CAB separation, particularly on the status and alignment of organizations, “we really want to develop a framework kung saan nakalista doon kung ano yung mga organizations na maiiwan ba sa CAS or kung meron mang mga malilipat sa CAB,” she further emphasize. 

De Castro, meanwhile, advocated for improving communication and collaboration among organizations through his platform “CASama,” which includes a centralized calendar and designated collaboration initiatives among groups, “I will strengthen the coordination of the SOC through my third platform, yung CASama… I will implement a centralized calendar para hindi nagsasabay-sabay yung events and mas maayos yung planning,” he said.

He also pointed out concerns on limited information dissemination and insufficient support for organizations as factors affecting student engagement, “I think ang problem dito is yung mga voters is hindi nila nakikitang qualified masyado yung mga candidates kaya either nag-aabstain sila and yung mga kulang din sa student leaders in terms of experience,” he said, pointing the declining engagement stems from voters’ perception of candidate qualification and gaps in leadership experience among student leaders.

Ultimately, both candidates shared similar positions on the need to strengthen student representation and improve existing internal systems, particularly in addressing organizational concerns and enhancing coordination within CAS governance structures, underscoring their shared commitment to advancing the CAS student body through their respective campaigns.

Vice President for External Affairs
Vice President for External Affairs candidate Mikaela Isabelle Quicho, representing SBP, centers her platform on the “Bukas” trilogy. This initiative focuses on strengthening the CAS through athlete support, global exposure, and proactive community outreach.

Under her “Bukas na Pinalakas” initiative, she aims to market all seven CAS departments and 16 sports programs more effectively to ensure equitable recognition and sponsorship for all student-athletes. 

Furthermore, her program seeks to promote a more united CAS community. Quicho also proposes “Bukas na Mundo” to elevate the university to a global stage and “Bukas na Palad” to establish a concrete system for calamity and emergency response.

Drawing from three years of student council experience, Quicho emphasizes that leadership success should not rely solely on personal networks, but on the strength of the committees behind them, citing the Corporate Communications Committee as vital for  institutionalizing partnerships and sponsorships. 

Secretary-General
Running under SBP, Secretary-General candidate Katrina Bianca Carreon envisions a more organized and responsive council. She aims to move beyond simple administration, transforming the council into a “true companion” for Bedistas by acknowledging that while life is not always easy, and that the journey is better when “shared.”

Through her C.A.S. initiative, she brings “clarity and governance” to leadership by implementing real-time tracking for requests and memos by her “Pulsong Bedista.” To amplify student voices, she introduces the “Bukas Box” and “CAS Box Stories,” ensuring that student grievances are not just heard but actively transformed into productive solutions that encourage inclusive representation.

Finally, Carreon is committed to “sustaining impact” by creating long-term initiatives that outlast a single term. She plans to present research aligned with the “Sustainable Development Goals (SDG),” ensuring that Bedan advocacies are institutionalized rather than lost in the archives.

Treasurer
Job Daniel Almocera running for Treasurer under the banner of SBP is campaigning on a platform anchored in transparency, accountability, and efficient financial management.

Drawing from his experience, he proposes implementing real-time public financial reports under the principle of “Open books, Open trust.” 

Almocera also aims to ensure equitable budget distribution across student organizations, particularly amid ongoing structural changes in CAS.

To reduce redundant expenses, he plans to establish a centralized resource pool for shared council assets. In addition, he seeks to continue financial training programs for organization treasures to strengthen financial practices across the college.

2nd Year Level Representatives
Second year representative candidate Ira Gabriel Mantes of the SBP framed her platform around the idea that “Ang bukas ay hindi hinihintay,” emphasizing collective action and student empowerment within the CAS community.

She looks into proposing initiatives that go beyond classrooms, including participation in the “San Beda ASEAN Meeting” to develop skills in debate and policy-making. 

Mantes also highlighted efforts to bring students closer to opportunities through scholarships and internships, alongside plans for a “Bedan Action” civic engagement fair connecting students with NGOs and LGUs. In support of environmental advocacy, she proposes “CAS Goes Green” to strengthen Laudato Si’ initiatives in the University. 

Aiming to address academic concerns, Mantes puts forward a “Sophomore Strategy” and programs such as “Sophomore Safe, Connect, and Impact” to reinforce academic support, organization of information, and accountability.

As the elections draw closer, the candidates’ platforms reveal both common ground and clear distinction in how they intend to serve the CAS community. These differences now frame the choice before voters, whose decision will ultimately shape the direction and priorities of CAS student leadership in the coming term.

(With Nicko Dela Vega, Catherine Botalon, Alexandrea Narbasa, and Eunice Buccat)