Written by: Jhoana Fidel
Photo by: Caster John Tabora
August 30, 2019—The Mandatory Debate “Miting De Avance” spearheaded by the UST Engineering Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in the Engineering Quadrangle.
The event was participated by students running unopposed for this upcoming special elections for Engineering Student Council Academic Year 2019-2020.
The debate was formally opened by Nicole Sophia Montero introducing the panel of judges right after: Katrina Miranda, former Hiraya president and current external vice president of UST MEC; Marlou Herrero, former UST ACES assistant secretary; Jyra Acebes, former COMELEC chairperson, current civil law student.
For the first round of the discourse, opening statements of the candidates were heard. “This is no longer about me, this is not about us, the slate. This is about you, the students.” Lakas-TUGON standard bearer Luis Concepcion said.
"Mahirap na walang student representation." He added, encouraging students to exercise their right to vote.
The participants proceeded to the second round answering questions from the panel of judges regarding their plans, platforms, and vision on the upcoming year.
Lakas-TUGON’s candidate for ESC auditor, Nermien Amerol, former UST Senior High School Student Council auditor, answered that they’re still in the process of developing their activities when asked regarding the overview of the allocation/division of budget for the coming academic year .
Kyle King, Lakas-TUGON’s candidate for Assistant Treasurer restated his initial statement regarding ESC’s recent progress, stating that ESC can be more progressive, and that activities can be improved in order to further help the engineering community.
Zharla Fernandez, an independent ESC assistant secretary candidate believes that the faculty’s activities are open for improvements when asked regarding the depth, relevance, and importance of the Faculty of Engineering’s activities.
Lakas-TUGON’s ESC internal vice president candidate, Christian Paul Villarin emphasized the process and flow chart of anonymous submissions of grievance forms and the importance of seeking help from the professionals in a panel inquiry on how online grievance forms can and should be anonymous, since the rampancy of issues among engineering students and faculty members.
Aldrei Jann Verdan, candidate for ESC external vice president believes that non-academic events the faculty are necessary and relevant because it helps the students relax and release stress as they grow in their engineering journeys.
In the last round of the debate, students gathered in the quadrangle were given the opportunity to voice out their concerns to the candidates.
Lakas-TUGON’s representatives Nermien Amerol, Thomas Ferrer, and Kyle King running for the positions of ESC Public Relations Officer, Treasurer, and Assistant Treasurer, respectively, were asked on how to achieve transparency among ESC’s financial matters and issues.
“Lahat confidential dapat, pero kelangan transparent sa huli.” Amerol answered.
“In a situation na nawalan ng pera, kahit anong mangyare, transparent. pero confidential somehow in the process kung magkakaroon ng gulo basta sa huli transparent.” Ferrer added.
Luis Concepcion was asked what is his edge on the upcoming elections,
"If ayaw niyo na lider na ipaglalaban ang tama, kung ayaw niyo ng lider na maisusulong ang engineering pataas at pausbong, then don't vote for me. And I believe I am your best option as your president" He confidently answered.
The electoral candidates concluded the mandatory debate with their closing statements encouraging students to vote.
"I believe we can all agree that for democracy to work, every person’s voice matters. Every vote, no matter the choice, makes a difference, [...]. Help us fight apathy and encourage others to vote as well,” UST Engineering COMELEC Chairperson Angelica Puno said.
The third special election is on September 2-7, 2019.
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