MARKING A NEW chapter in its 84-volume history, The Bedan, the official student publication of San Beda University (SBU), welcomed its incoming Editorial Board last July 12, as the publication prepares to broaden its editorial scope, covering both the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) and the College of Accountancy and Business (CAB).
Leading the publication this academic year 2026-2027, Maria Samantha Calderon, from the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Legal Management, serves as the Editor-in-Chief (EIC), having previously served on the Editorial Board in the preceding volume. Joining her are Joaquin Zacchary Tadeo of BS Psychology as Associate Editor, formerly operated with the editorial staff, and Manssel Jianne Latonero of BS Legal Management as Managing Editor, who likewise served on the Editorial Board in the preceding volume.
Completing the Editorial Board are Nicko Gabriel Dela Vega of BS Legal Management as News Editor, Myrna Ydwina Xialea Pelayo from Artium Baccalaureus (AB) English as Features, Culture, and Reviews (FCR) Editor, and Maria Jamille Perolina of BS Accounting Information System as Sports Editor.
The composition of this year’s Editorial Board likewise marks the return of a dedicated Features, Culture, and Reviews Editor—a position that had remained vacant for the previous two volumes. For Pelayo, assuming the role carries both honor and responsibility, saying, “It is an honor and a privilege to be the FCR Editor after having it vacant for two volumes.”
With the FCR Editor position being typically handled by a senior member, Pelayo shared her sentiments, expressing, “It really means a lot to me… that they gave it to me because that basically means they trust me enough to handle it.”
In an interview, Thirdy Pabilico, the publication’s Volume 83 EIC, expounded on how the selection process remained anchored in The Bedan’s Constitution and Bylaws. Applicants underwent a month-long evaluation consisting of psychological examinations, editorial examinations, and panel interviews, during which they were assessed not only on their technical competence but also on their readiness to assume leadership.
“It has not changed since the past few volumes. The Bedan has continuously strived to maintain the highest standards of choosing the next editors who will take on the mantle of leading The Bedan,” Pabilico said.
“One of the key takeaways based on the panel discussions and what the panel was looking for in the next Editorial Board was the love they had for The Bedan, and their willingness to step up, especially in changing times… and were much more willing to defend The Bedan,” Pabilico added.
Beyond its expanded editorial scope, Volume 84 also carries historical significance through Calderon’s appointment as EIC. Since SBU opened its doors to women in 2003, she became only the ninth woman to hold the publication’s highest editorial position.
Calderon shared how she is not inclined to celebrate her appointment differently in consideration of her gender, “as women are as capable, “ shown in their long-proven capacity for broader roles.
“I celebrate with every woman in San Beda, and I value the idea that I’m only the ninth EIC in the decades since San Beda became co-ed,” Calderon said. “But I still disprove and dwell on, siguro, on the fact of the overwhelming statistics that… definitely favor Bedan men over women.”
The incoming Editorial Board assumes office at a pivotal moment for both the publication and the University. Following SBU’s adoption of the multiple-college system, The Bedan will expand its coverage beyond CAS to include the newly established CAB, broadening its responsibility to serve a larger Bedan community.
As the publication approaches its 85th year of campus journalism, the succeeding Editorial Board takes the helm at a defining point in its history. With a wider editorial mandate and a renewed commitment to truthful, relevant, and responsible reporting, Volume 84 signals not only the continuation of The Bedan’s enduring legacy but also the beginning of a new chapter in serving the Bedan community.