By Alexia Hernandez and Lysander Tiu
Technological upgrades, student welfare, and academic opportunities anchor the platforms of running college representatives under ‘big colleges’ bidding for seats in the 35th Silliman University Student Government (SUSG) Assembly.
Candidates from the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), College of Business Administration (CBA), and College of Engineering and Design (CED) presented their respective platforms during the election campaign period last April 28 to May 2.
Addressing institutional gaps
The candidates under CAS are Angel Corinne Jane Bitong, MJ Desquitado, Anne Hearty Victoria Dizon, Shakira Jacoba, Shelley Frienzylle Kate Jamera, Zayed Abukoya Mohamed, Zild Jan Teves, and Jovie James Vallecer.
Under their platform “CAS-OPS: The Triple Operations,” the candidates said that they will “operate in triple ways” by resolving issues on infrastructure, safety, and inclusivity.
According to them, Ausejo Hall, Science Complex, and the New Academic Building “do not provide enough safety signages” which raises serious safety and accessibility concerns.
If elected, they seek to provide solutions through “CAS-Reliance” and “CAS-Repair” which call for the implementation of a formal resolution following a comprehensive safety audit and installation of visual evacuation routes.
“CAS-Rapport,” an initiative that promotes religious inclusivity that advocates for multi-faith spaces and official recognition of religious holidays through public statements, will also be implemented.
Developing technology, academic tools
Meanwhile, CED candidates highlighted the lack of essential software and suitable areas for academic needs which they aim to address under their platform “TAGAY” or Technology, Academic, Growth with Alumni for You.
Chelsea Balbon, Shean Benedict Arbon, and Amelie Reigne Almagro are the candidates from the college.
For academics, they aim to establish a “designated area” for CED students to continue their studies and activities in an “ideal learning environment.”
The candidates also seek the provision of technological tools such as Structural Analysis and Design, SolidWorks, and Electrical Transient and Analysis Program.
According to them, these will help students to “excel and become effective future engineers and architects.”
Moreover, they aim to open an access to career and internship opportunities to “position Silliman engineers and architectures for competitiveness in the international stage.”
Prioritizing student welfare
On the other hand, the CBA slate composed of reelectionists Alexandra Bianca Chiong and Zoe Joaquin Jose Ozoa together with Mary Claire Bais, Adrian James Estolloso, and Gerarica Villaflores, bannered their “GAAP” platform.
They introduced “Groundlink: Smart ID System,” a modernized attendance and identification system, including essential information in student ID barcodes.
In terms of organizations that are “overshadowed by larger groups,” they proposed “Amplifying: Student Potential” which promotes smaller organizations through external partnerships.
Moreover, the candidates advocate for prioritizing student welfare with “PsycheCheck: Mental Wellness.”
“This will be achieved by institutionalizing mental health wellness breaks, have the time and support needed for their well-being,” their platform wrote.
All candidates are running under the Concerted Action for the Upliftment of Students’ Endeavors (CAUSE) Party, the sole party in this year’s SUSG elections.
