By AC Putong
A five-point agenda presenting its first semester’s accomplishments and recent initiatives highlighted the Silliman University Student Government (SUSG) State of the Student Body Address (SSBA) last Nov. 19.
SUSG President Grylle Adrian Malala discussed their initiatives under the Ready Silliman, Secure Silliman, Grown Silliman, Aware Silliman, and Connect Silliman agenda.
According to him, one of its platforms under “Ready Silliman”, such as the Action towards National Drive for Administrative Mobilization (ANDAM) is currently ongoing to equip students for post-graduate life through workshops and information sessions.
“[ANDAM is] an initiative designed to equip every Sillimanian with the requisite knowledge, skills, and official documentation necessary to face the challenges of adult life confidently,” he said.
A new student grievance system is part of SUSG’s “Secure Silliman” agenda, achieved through conducting departmental visits and providing orientations on SUSG’s support systems.
Malala said that the revamp utilizes flowcharts, preformatted letters, and online platforms for submitting and monitoring concerns.
He also shared that they will continue to empower student-led advocacies through supported funding, resources, and manpower, in line with its “Grown Silliman” agenda.
Meanwhile, the “Aware Silliman” agenda was conducted during the SSBA open forum dubbed “TAPOK” or “Talks Aimed at Progress, Openness, and Knowledge” which provides students an avenue to express their concerns on various aspects of campus life.
Among other developments Malala highlighted was an SUSG-led website which consolidates information for all student government needs.
According to him, the website will showcase SUSG’s programs, provide a system for student concerns, and access to student government services.
“This platform’s goal is clear: to be the central hub where students can discover, learn about, and participate in all SUSG initiatives without having to scour through multiple sources,” he explained.
Malala further vowed that through the SUSG’s goal of “Silliman coming as one,” all students would feel “involved and looked after.”
“All of the things we do in the SUSG [have] always been driven by our 5-Point Agenda, through executions in the platforms and flagship programs that we feature for this academic year,” he said.
Meanwhile, SUSG Vice President Antonio Jose Delicana revealed their second-semester programs, focusing on student rights, inclusivity, health, advocacy, services, and upskilling.
Before the year ends, the SUSG eyes to launch an 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women starting in November.
Various activities for Women’s Month will be held next year such as the annual “Reclaim the Night” event and acoustic night in March, while the “PAGMUTAL: An Anti-Human Trafficking and Illegal Recruitment Campaign” will be launched in April.
Among its planned activities for the first two calendar months of 2026 will be the “Dumaguete Young Environmental Leaders’ Summit,” the “All Things Infomedia!” And Bisaya Workshops, the “Let’s Talk About HIV” education session, and the MUGNA 2026 creativity platform.
Delicana also announced that the SUSG will start to offer free printing services from Mondays to Fridays without limit.
Other upcoming initiatives he presented include the university-wide disaster drill, first aid training, scholarships, expanded study spaces, and the “Fact Checker’s Guild” workshop.
The SSBA was attended by members of the executive, legislative, and judiciary branch, as well as representatives from key university offices.
