May 11, the Alyansa ng Nakakaisang Konseho ng PUP (ANAK PUP) and PUP Comelec presented the official candidates for the 21st Interim Student Regent Election during the Miting de Avance. The elected leader will assume office following the irrevocable resignation of the 21st PUP Student Regent President Ellenor Bartolome last May 1.
The official candidates for the 21st Interim Student Regent Election are the following:
Francis Bustarde of PUP Biñan and Laguna-Batangas Cluster Representative.
Joner Dacula of PUP Manila and Current Finance Officer of the Federation.
Rommel Gonzaga of PUP San Juan and NCR Cluster Representative; and,
April Shane Grajo of PUP Maragondon and Cavite-Mindoro Cluster Representative
During the Miting de Avance, the candidates were asked about their views regarding the most pressing academic and social issues that the 70,000 scholars are facing. They were given five minutes to introduce themselves along with their platforms and two minutes to answer the questions of student publications, COC, and SRC.
Given the vacancy of the position and election of Student Regent Representative, the candidates have varying opinions about the issue. Joner Dacula, one of the candidates, pointed out that all branches and campuses need a leader who will represent them.
However, he said that the university must take into account the current issue of difficulty to provide necessities and access to online elections. Reiterating that not everyone has the capacity to partake in online elections. Taking the position that the right to suffrage and the sanctity of the ballots must be of importance.
While Rommel Gonzaga urged that all branches and campuses shall partake in student council election. He said that if he assumes the position, he will prioritize research and development regarding the matter and for it to be possible, exemplifying the situation to be parallel as to how the university was able to practice the current modality of learning. Gonzaga also hopes for inclusive voting.
In his introduction, Francis Bustard said that the vacancy of the Student Regent Representative to the Board of Regents has a huge impact on the student body and that numerous issues need to be addressed, primarily, the proper communication among PUP branches and campuses. Consequent to his introduction, he conceded and declared his support to Rommel Gonzaga of PUP San Juan.
On the other hand, April Shane Grajo claimed that there is a need for immediate election so that the scholars will have a representative in the Board of Regents. Shortly, she also acknowledged and expressed her support to Rommel Gonzaga, claiming that the candidate deserves the position.
Joner Dacula, during his introduction, said that the situation the students are facing right now is very peculiar. He praised the PUPians and emphasized the struggles of the students from the online classes, asserting that the band-aid solutions of the government are not enough to solve the COVID-19 issues and that assemblies are necessary to assert unity.
Lastly, he discussed his platforms such as institutionalized organization for every student deprived of communication, the establishment of assemblies, and acts to create coherent academic plans. However, Dacula was not able to finish due to time restrictions.
On the flip side, Rommel Gonzaga emphasized that the scholars are extraordinary and that the crucial situation which the student-leaders are currently dealing with is no joke. He mentioned that the current modalities of learning are problematic and sharing legitimate information during these times is necessary.
And with the candidates' stand regarding the protection of the students’ right to education, fair, and just treatment as to the context of the recent announcement that the College of Accountancy and Finance (CAF) will push through with its midterm examinations despite a university memorandum terminating the need for the same. Dacula claimed that he had a dialogue with the CAF Student Council the prior week before the event. He said that he understands the rationale behind departmental examinations and one of which is that accountancy being a board course.
Dacula, however, added that a department or college should not overrule a university memorandum, and so there must be a miscommunication between the admins and the students which needs to be addressed through proper platforms.
Whereas Gonzaga stressed that the situation of the students is not normal due to the different crisis brought about by the pandemic and that even though there is a rationale behind the board exam, the admins should have a deeper understanding of what the students are experiencing at the present. He also added the phrase “strength in numbers”, giving emphasis that once the students’ pulse become one, then they will be heard. Bustarde and Grajo refused to answer the question.
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