By: Andrea Eleanor Cabaron
Photo is screen-grabbed from the hybrid MDA 2024 Zoom meeting via The LANCE correspondents.
The Letran Commission on Elections (COMELEC) commenced this year's Miting de Avance (MDA) at the St. Thomas Hall simultaneously live streamed via Zoom and the Commission's official Facebook page earlier today, April 16.
COMELEC Chairman Reigh John Bench Almendras opened the event with a remark, urging Letranites to utilize the MDA in scrutinizing the candidates, seeking for their votes, and practicing their right to suffrage at the two-day election starting April 17 to 18.
“Ngayong araw, kikilatisin na’tin ang lahat ng magigiting at matatapang na kandidato na nag-step up despite the unprecedented changes sa ating second semester at tumakbo sa ating Student Council Elections,” Chairman Almendras stated.
This year's election prospects include independent candidates for each executive committee position: Mark Jullian Ortanez (President), Alecks Gian Gallardo (Vice-President) in coalition with Jed Federico Acosta (Deputy Secretary), and senatorial candidates Matt David Obiena (Digital Arts), Jamella Maie Patricio (Psychology), and Louis Daniel Lalusis (Tourism Management).
Candidates Make Their Case
Starting with Mr. Matt Obiena, running for Digital Arts Senator, said it is imperative that voices of the students should be heard, patience realized, and talents celebrated.
“As your Senator, I pledge to champion innovation, advocate for equitable access to resources, and foster a collaborative environment where every artist can thrive,” Mr. Obiena remarked.
The running Psychology Senator, Jamella Maie Patricio, said she is a vocal advocate for mental health.
“Through my platforms and advocacies, I pledge to listen intently, to amplify your concerns and to serve tirelessly to create a campus where mental health is prioritized. Where inclusivity is celebrated, and where every student feels empowered to thrive.”
Mr. Louis Lalusis, running for Tourism Management Senator, stated the need to accommodate fellow citizens with disabilities and health conditions who are being neglected to which he proposed an emergency response disability assistance.
Candidate for the position of Deputy Secretary, Mr. Jed Acosta, said that being a freshman does not stop him from being a genuine representation in the council.
Mr. Acosta eyes for the continuation of the program TINDIG, a student forum where students can voice out their concerns to the Letran Student Council, which will be voiced out to the Letran Administration.
“And as a student that faces financial difficulties, the continuation of the Letran student council scholarship program would be beneficial to all Letranites.”
Running for Vice-President, Ms. Alecks Gallardo, recited her three missions for the Student Council: first, is by bridging the student body to the council; strengthening policy-making; and advancing advocacies and campaign.
“Staying true to my beliefs, I will champion the campaign that will make students be informed and involved on social issues and mass struggles. We should not only be confined within the walls of our academe, but also outside [it],” Ms. Gallardo added.
Her projects being: Woman Herstory, Reliving EDSA, Three-Day Advocacy Fair, and empowering breaking stereotypes and embracing differences.
Running for the position of President, Mr. Jullian Ortanez, assessed the CBAA concerns of more practical tools to use for their courses, the CEIT wanting more programs to hone their skills, and the call for support of the COED to stimulate their numbers.
“For general calls, Letranites are wanting new facilities. An improved school, a better system. The purple campaign offers you its center-piece programs; reform for systematic improvement and change to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and substance.”
The event was originally scheduled to begin at 8:00 am. However, it began late at 8:30 am and ended at 10:40 am due to technical issues and the late attendance of onsite commission members and candidates.
Only a mere 6% of the student body turned up to witness the anticipated Miting de Avance (MDA) for the Student Council Elections.
The online event garnered a peak viewership of 65 individuals tuning in via Facebook live and 115 participants consisting of students, faculty, and administrators participated through the Zoom online meeting, serving as the digital platform for the MDA's hybrid modality.
The Letran COMELEC stated their plans for the voting period and proclamation of election results will be released on their official social media platforms once approved by the relevant administrative departments of the Colegio.
The Miting de Avance 2024 is available to watch online through https://fb.watch/ru5EsrGb4Y/.