The Benilde Commission on Elections (COMELEC) introduced the newly-elected Benilde Central Student Government (CSG) and School Student Government (SSG) officers who will take charge of their concurrent and interim positions for the rest of A.Y. 2021-2022 during an induction ceremony via Facebook Live on Nov. 19.
After the opening prayer led by Benilde COMELEC’s Vice Commissioner for Public Relations Hyrum Lorico, Vice Commissioner for Internals Precila Marie Ballon gave her opening remarks to congratulate and thank the ingoing and outgoing officers for their service and dedication for leadership and service.
“A few moments from now, we will be witnessing our newly-elected student leaders taking their oath and pledging their commitment to provide just representation to be the voice of the student body and to contribute to [nation-building]. […] The process was definitely not easy, but the passion and dedication of these officers proved that the pandemic will not stop them [from being] of service to the Benildean community. We recognize that each of you has great talents as student leaders. Now, it is time to walk your talk and serve with passion, commitment, and sense of responsibility,” Ballon stated.
Benilde COMELEC Chairperson Samantha Aguirre then introduced the newly-elected SSG officers and the incoming and outgoing CSG executive board members.
Departing CSG President Arianna Garchitorena, Vice President for Operations King Albaña, Vice President for External Affairs Doreen Kelsey Lagman, Vice President for Internal Affairs (VPIN) Sachiko Vista, and Vice President for Academics Eudosia Quilao gave their outgoing speeches before the new VPIN and interim CSG President Justine Grace Mendoza gave their acceptance speech and shared their reason for running for CSG amidst the challenges.
“I saw the dire need for a better bridge between the [administration] and the student body, a dire need for transparency between the student body, [administration], and the organization, and a dire need for the student body to trust the student government—a dire need for a healthy student government that [helps] create healthy student body,” they stated.
Mendoza then highlighted the importance of good health, passion, sincerity, and warmth in serving the Benildean community. “Anyone can write policies, release statements, and brainstorm on projects, but not everyone can make a warm and welcoming work environment, creating a safe space and healthy environment where we practice healthy, peaceful, and respectful dialogue to address the concerns of fellow members and the student body is the way to strengthen not just the unity of the organization, but also the competency, abilities, and efforts of CSG to serve the student body,” they added.
“I would like to thank you all, those who voted, those who didn’t, and everyone watching right now for having confidence in me and making this happen. […] This brings me closer to my goal of creating a better CSG: one anchored on sincerity, a stronger bond between student organization and admin, and care. Thank you,” Mendoza concluded.
After their speech, Mendoza led the oath-taking ceremony with the rest of the elected officers. To formally close the event, Benilde COMELEC’s Vice Commissioner for Electoral Affairs Trey Sison provided his closing remarks, calling the incoming student leaders to lead and follow the example of the College’s patron saint, Saint Benilde Romançon, in doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.
“The school has listened to your campaigns, listened to what you have to say, and now, they’ve listened to your oath. Your oath to be the leader your fellow students and your school deserve. […] [Always] remind yourself about how Saint Benilde found happiness and contentment when helping his students and hopefully you get that same kind of feeling once you guys take on your respective roles. […] Benilde is a school where everyone has something to offer, where everyone can contribute to a better future,” he emphasized.
Better CSG for a better Benilde Student Body
With major positions in the CSG Executive Board vacant and only 13 CSG and SSG officers elected, Center for Student Life Dean Ms. Norie Ador Dionisio recommended the adoption of the interim structure of CSG for AY 2021-2022 to address the challenge and highlight the role of CSG as the highest governing body that ensures student welfare and representation. This was also in response to the provisions in the Benilde Undergraduate Student Handbook A.Y. 2019-2022.
Listed below is the released Interim CSG Structure for A.Y. 2021-2022, where the elected officers will assume the following positions and roles respectively after the Induction Ceremony:
CSG Executive Board
- Acting President – Justine Grace Mendoza (concurrent Vice President for Internal Affairs)
- 2nd Term Acting Vice President for Academics – John Romel Ortua (concurrent School of Design and Arts (SDA) SSG President)
- 3rd Term Acting Vice President for Academics – Ian Vince Romulus Guina (concurrent School of Diplomacy and Governance (SDG) SSG President)
- Acting Vice President for External Affairs – Bianca Isabelle Andal (concurrent SDG SSG Secretary)
- Acting Vice President for Finance – Ysabella Wuthrich (concurrent SDA Frosh Representative)
Acting Vice President for Operations – Diane Jane Marquez (concurrent SDG SSG P.R.O.)
