Malala, Tero eye sustainable, proactive leadership
by Deorafe Basong
Incumbent college representatives Grylle Adrian Malala and Franz Clement Selwyne Tero are bannering their leadership principles and plans following their bid as the next Silliman University Student Government (SUSG) president.
Rep. Malala and Rep. Tero served for two terms during the 33rd and 34th SUSG Student Assembly.
This marks the return of contested candidates vying for the highest position since last year’s unopposed election.
Malala for sustainable leadership
Rep. Malala from the College of Mass Communication is this year’s presidential bet of the Concerted Action for the Upliftment of Students’ Endeavors (CAUSE) Party.
Malala worked as the representative to the University Publications Committee (UPC) for School Year 2023-2024 and is currently the minority floor leader of the 34th SUSG Student Assembly.
As a two-termer in the student office, Malala cited his personal experience and motivations for running.
“More than just the genuine drive and passion for service; as someone who comes from a place of discrimination as a queer individual, I understand the hurdles and struggles that individuals like me go through,” he shared.
When asked about how he can address the students body’s concerns, Malala stressed that solving such “cannot happen in one night nor can it be resolved by a single platform.”
“Our platforms, anchored to the core values of [the] CAUSE Party, highly aim to connect to the students in new ways to get to know their concerns on a deeper level,” he said.
In terms of leadership experience, however, Malala admitted that “no any experience” proves his preparedness for the role.
“My role in my previous positions in organizations and entities all does not suffice; it takes more than just experience to lead the SUSG,” he said.
He added, “I’ve always believed in sustainable leadership; having an avenue for continuous growth, inculcating adaptability among others, and developing initiatives within the organization.”
Malala authored nine resolutions under the 33rd SUSG Student Assembly and was recognized as top four performing representative of S.Y. 2023-2024.
Tero for proactive governance
Meanwhile, Rep. Tero from the College of Arts and Sciences is taking another year as a running independent candidate.
He fell short during last year’s election, but later on filled a position after a sitting representative resigned.
To address student apathy, Tero presented his platform called “LAMBO,” which focuses on leadership, accessibility, and mobilization by “actively campaigning projects and events” across all departments.
Through this platform, he claimed to aim for a transparent and accountable SUSG by “carefully and diligently” scrutinizing budget proposals, financial reports, and related documents.
When asked about his leadership style, Tero stated that he is a “mix of servant and visionary” leader.
“I want to establish a government that is close to the students, a government wherein they can say that the president and their government [have] their back,” he said.
He furthered, “A true leader sets the tone by being present – not sitting back in a chair, but standing alongside the people, making sure they are supported, fed, and hydrated.”
Currently, Tero is the Sgt. at Arms and a member of the 34th SUSG Student Assembly’s majority floor.
He formerly served as the year-level representative of the SU History-Political Science Society from 2022 to 2025.
Moreover, the candidates will present their platforms and take on different issues concerning the student body during the Miting de Avance on April 30 and Election Forum on May 2.
The election day is set on May 7.
