By Carla Adeline Via
Four former representatives eye for another term in the Silliman University Student Government (SUSG) Student Assembly, seeking to provide experienced representation and continuity in office.
The SUSG Committee on Elections (COMELEC) released the official list of candidates for this year’s elections last April 15.
This year’s student assembly reelectionists include Rep. Alexandra Bianca Chiong from the College of Business Administration (CBA), Rep. John Christian Rosell from the College of Computer Sciences, and Rep. John Alfie Rendon from the College of Education.
Zoe Joaquin Ozoa, former Senior High School representative, is also vying for a position as next year’s CBA representative.
When asked about her decision to rerun, Rep. Chiong expressed her disappointment at the student body’s lack of desire to take on leadership roles.
“The urgency came from seeing that many students today are hesitant to take on student leadership roles, which made me realize the importance of stepping up,” Rep. Chiong said.
She added, “I genuinely wanted to give other students a chance, but I understand and respect their decision not to take on this position.”
During her first term, Rep. Chiong co-authored Resolution No. 23, which institutionalized an annual university-wide first aid response training.
On the other hand, Rep. Rosell emphasized the importance of having students with experience to take on positions in the student government.
“What urged me to seek reelection this year was my desire to show up once more and represent my college. I believe we can offer something valuable,” he said.
Rep. Rosell co-authored Resolution No. 3 which proposed for asynchronous classes last Nov. 4 to 5, 2024.
Moreover, Rep. Rendon was one of the principal authors of Resolution No. 7 that requested the SU Facilities Management and Administrative Services to update the male comfort rooms in multiple buildings in the campus.
According to the SUSG COMELEC, more than 40 candidates are running as college representatives, all under the Concerted Action for the Upliftment of Students’ Endeavors (CAUSE) Party.
Meanwhile, three students are bidding for the standard bearer positions this year.
CAUSE bet Rep. Grylle Adrian Malala and independent aspirant Rep. Franz Clement Selwyne Tero are vying for the presidential seat, while Ang Sandigan President Antonio Jose Delicana is the lone candidate for vice president.
Rep. Malala from the College of Mass Communication and Rep. Tero from the College of Arts and Sciences both served in the 34th SUSG Assembly.
Currently, candidates are holding their respective campaigns starting April 28 to May 2, ahead of the election day on May 7.
