LYCESGO:80% of strat plan already implemented

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February 2013

LPU COMELEC

bares plans for 2013 elections

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Legarda,Escudero topPulse, SWS

Surveyspage 14

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HooplaEDITORIAL

The Student Council election is, by far, the most festive time of the semester. For the whole three weeks, the LPU campus will evolve into a microcosm of our national election scene. The campaign, the promises, the room to room persuasion, the Miting de Avance and the main democratic exercise—from the manual ballot-counting in 2006, to our own version of the Precinct Count Optical System (PCOS) machine starting in 2010—have made the LPU Student Council elections the university’s next best thing to a national-level election.

The student council election hoopla has also become the equivalent of a national-level campaign. We have witnessed accusations hurled back and forth. There are issues of LPU alumni intervening in campaigns. Other campaign platforms have always been the same — from promising more “acquaintance parties” to the most ambitious like revising the LYCESGO constitution.

Then we have the celebrity endorsements. Sure we have heard celebrities endorsing “presidentiables”, “senatoriables”, and all other “–ables” in the country. But celebrities doing a promotion for a college student council party? These celebrities don’t even know the candidates personally nor do they know the status quo in the university. Worse, these celebrities don’t even know the ideologies and platforms of the parties running for seats! Is it ethical for any party to use celebrities to woo voters, while others just resort to simple, plain campaigning? Where is the “level playing field” we want to have? We hope the LPU COMELEC decides on the matter for the next council elections because it has become a mockery of the same political system that we have in our country.

Lyceans, the election season is here once again, and we all hope that the hoopla surrounding this elections would not diminish your enthusiasm to choose the next leader of the Student Council. The frolics, antics and dirty tricks are there, but remember that you have a mind that is independent, and that independent mind should help you decide who the rightful person is to lead you for another year. Do not be swayed by your friends, gimmicks, or the yelling and bickering on social media. Your vote is a reflection of what you believe is the change necessary for the entire Lycean population’s betterment.

You and your vote, Lycean: Your vote will decide the fate of your stay here for next year. Watch the presidential debates, participate in the Miting de Avance, go out and vote.

As the national election approaches, much has been done to entice the Filipinos to vote. Aren’t you tired of seeing the same things we’ve seen, heard, and read in the past elections? I further suppose you are tired of the same things you’ve seen, heard, and read in your student elections. Now let’s go local and see the realities of the battle between the colorful and the colorless.The mudslingers

We are a microcosm of the national elections. I have seen a lot of accusations of bashing and personal tirades on social networking sites. Can’t we keep this election clean and fair?

Promoting your party by taking advantage of what the other failed to do is, as in the settings of politics, necessary at times. However, just look at how you do

it: you attack others’ integrity by destroying your own.The omnipresent performances

This has been proven as a characteristic of Philippine elections and—true enough—of ours. The parties

should use their showmanship simply to get the attention not the students’ votes. Jingles are catchy and they make you remember the party. However, it is

unfortunate if students will vote for a candidate simply because of their jingle and dance numbers. Will singing and dancing help bring down the tuition fee rates? Will face value give you a better LPU?

Our election’s realities

There are two things I noticed during elections in LPU, particularly in my college.

First, is the way the parties campaign. The candidates sing, dance and act, taking most of the time trying so hard to make an impression instead of explaining to the students their platforms. Sometimes I can’t help but wonder. Are they underestimating the students’ capacity to think critically?

Elaborated acts are unnecessary if you ask me. Candidates should focus more on the important issues

concerning the student body. They should explain carefully to the students the details of their platforms. Make sure each program is well thought of and not just planned overnight or days before the campaign.

The second thing I noticed is the bashing of parties against each other in social

networking sites. These people seriously need a hard hitting on the heads.

The student government election is not a playground. It is a training ground for you, student leaders, to practice good leadership and camaraderie. Why should it matter if you’re on the pink or’ red’s side?

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On Campaigns and Elections

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The battle of the reds, pinks and yellows are once again visible around LPU this election season, while everyone seems to speak of a common dogma – change – how does one achieve it in the first place? And how can the students genuinely feel that it is happening?

In the course of my four years stay in LPU, I have witnessed five elections that aimed to achieve that dogma. But

unfortunately the same old problems never get resolved, where have we gone wrong? Did we vote the wrong people or is this problem rooted in the lapses during elections?

Thinking about it, it’s time that we have stronger electoral reforms in LPU, reforms that can look into lapses like candidate line-ups, the party system and LYCESGO elections should be addressed.

It has once been debated that students should also have a

say in the election of LYCESGO, that we should leave the local college presidents within their own turf, I strongly agree in that idea, because shouldn’t the student body have the right to vote who will lead them as a whole? The purpose of the Central Student Government has always been to protect the welfare of the students and bridge the gap between the administration.

How can they

perform that function if LYCESGO officers are voted among seven people (the college presidents) who had just been divided because of their political ideologies which were instilled within them by their respective parties, it is foreseeable that the winning college

Presidents who came from the same parties have a bigger chance in electing among them who can be the LYCESGO President.

Elections are the time to make changes happen, but this can only be achieved if reforms are done to make the elections more significant.

“Buwan ng Pebrero, buwan ng p a g b a b a g o / A n o n g klaseng pagbabago?/Saan? Kailan? Kanino?” - mula sa awit ni Chikoy Pura na pinamagatang “Sayaw sa Bubog.”

***Ngayo’y dumating

na naman ang panahon upang tayo’y himukin, pilitin at utuin ng mga kandidatong kung hindi anak, kapatid, asawa o kamag-anak ng mga politiko o mula sa angkan ng mga naghahari-harian sa ating bayan. Sila ba’y tunay na maglilingkod sa mamamayang buhay ng ating bayan?

Ang pagboto ay

ang tanging paraan ng ordinaryong m a m a m a y a n upang direktang lumahok sa gawaing politikal. Ngunit ito’y nababahiran ng dumi dahil na rin sa kasalukuyang sistemang umiiral sa ating lipunan.

Uulanin na naman ang ating mga lansangan ng mga campaign paraphernalia ng mga taong nais makuha ang ating boto. Mangangako ng sangkaterbang p a g b a b a g o . Mangangako ng kung ano-ano.

Ang kailangan ng bayan ay mga pinunong tutugon

sa tunay na p a n g a n g a i l a n g a n ng mamamayang Pilipino. Ang e d u k a s y o n , s e r b i s y o n g p a n g k a l u s u g a n , h a n a p b u h a y , m a k a b u l u h a n g pasahod, pabahay at tunay na repormang agraryo ang ilan lamang sa mga pangangailangan ng mga mamamayan na ‘di gaanong natutugunan ng pamahalaan.

Kailangang alagaan at pagyamanin ang mamamayan upang sila’y may maiambag sa kaunlaran ng ating bayan. Sila ang dugo na bumubuhay sa ating bansa.

Ang kabataang hindi nabibigyan ng sapat at libreng e d u k a s y o n . Ang maralitang tagalungsod na walang makain at pilit na tinatanggalan ng tahanan sa mga demolisyon. Mga manggagawa at kawani na hindi nabibigyan ng nakabubuhay na sahod at benepisyo. Ang mga magsasakang na walang sariling lupa at nagpapatuloy sa makalumang paraan ng pagsasaka. Sila ang dapat nating pagyamanin at

paunlarin, sila na nagtataguyod ng ating ekonomiya.

H i n d i makatarungan ang patuloy na pag-abandona ng estado sa mga tungkulin nito sa mamamayan. Sila na dapat nangangalaga sa kapakanan ng masa ay siya pang nangunguna sa pagpapabaya.

Ang sambayanan ang ating isipin sa pag-shade sa balota. Mahalagang paunlarin ang masa upang maibalik nila ang kaunlaran sa bansa.

Pondering the LPU Student Elections

Para kanino ka boboto?

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Getting to KnowKalayaan by Cleo Angeline B. Cachapero

The Kalayaan Party has been one of the three active parties during student elections since its founding in 1996. In an interview, current Kalayaan Secretary General Maverick Roxas and Deputy Secretary General John Giray bared the party’s background, ideology, and stance on the most pressing issues in the University.

Kabataan Lakas ay Alay sa Bayan was founded in 1996 by their Honorary Chairman Mr. Albert Banico, the party’s President from 1996 to 1997 and Mr. Jonathan Abubot, the Secretary General from 1996 to 1998.

“Kalayaan started from the College of Arts and Sciences…sa Tanghalang Batingaw,” said Roxas. “There was a group in Tanghalang Batingaw that felt the University was lacking in improvements.”

“From that hindi nila alam na tine-train na pala sila to be student leaders. Doon nag-start sa

CAS hanggang sa nagkaroon na ng [representation in] the College of International Tourism and Hospitality M a n a g e m e n t (CITHM), College of International Relations (CIR), College of Business Administration (CBA), saka College of Computer Studies (CCS),” Roxas added. Ideology

According to Roxas, Kalayaan believes that the students’ voice is important and they value the demands of their stakeholders. They also believe that progress takes place and Kalayaan aims to be the “bridge and voice of the students from different colleges.”

“Ang partido

namin hindi lang isang lipon ng mga estudyante,” Giray added. “This is also their training g r o u n d — [ w e emphasize] not only the academics but we also let them build their leadership skills which they can also use after graduation,” he explained.

“As what our founder said, Kalayaan is not simply a party [but] a family,” said Roxas.

Giray said that since Kalayaan candidates win in most colleges, they build up on the already existing programs. Annual college programs are improved to accommodate the demands and needs of students.The Issues

In the past years, the tuition

fee has increased considerably but according to Roxas, despite the constant increase, they were able to control it.

They believe the increase was due to the rise in the cost of living, and for facility i m p r o v e m e n t which includes the replacement of broken airconditioners and renovation of offices, among others. He assured the students that they are vigilant of whatever changes that occur in LPU.

Roxas and Giray justified the support given by incumbent LYCESGO officers—most coming from Kalayaan—for the Courtesy Campaign. They believe courtesy is

important for the students to practice not only in the University but even after graduation.

Regarding the ID confiscation issue, Roxas said it is not actually practiced.

“[It acts] as a reminder [to] students that courtesy has to be practiced kasi ‘di ba pag sinabi mong violation matatakot ang estudyante [and] from that, matututo sila,” he explained.

As for the U n i v e r s i t y ’ s O u t c o m e s - B a s e d Education system and the Student Quality Circle program, Giray explained that they were implemented to improve the University’s education standards.

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Lirio Ann Rodriguez is a junior student taking up Bachelor of Science in International Travel and Tourism Management, running for the College of International Tourism and Hospitality Management (CITHM) Presidency under the Kalayaan Party.

Rodriguez is the incumbent president of LPU Chorale. “Handling a university wide organization, given the fact that LPU Chorale is one of the busiest organizations here because it’s a performing organization, we are very much exposed with the administration.” Rodriguez said.

According to Rodriguez, some doubt her ability to lead a student body because of her age. “From my

experience, I believe that personal growth is not measured by age but rather by maturity and experiences.”

Rodriguez’ experience as a performer has exposed her to different kinds of people and she believes that those experiences were her training ground. “I am good at communicating with other people and approaching them because that was my experience as a performer,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez believes that her student body needs self-discipline.

“A good leader must be a good example. A good leader must be a good follower,” she said.

According to Rodriquez, the number

one problem in CITHM is information dissemination due to the large number of students under their college. According to her, under their Student Development Program, they will create a network involving LYCESGO, college student councils, college-based organizations, and homeroom presidents.

On the other hand, Rodriguez said that the main problem among CITHM students is their English communication skills. One of their platforms is the Business English Training (BET). They will provide tutorials from English professors in LPU.

Rodriguez plans to fulfill the Kalayaan platforms collectively.

“I want to be their voice and head, but I still have my constituents and officers. The college-based presidents and

Council of Homeroom Presidents are also there, that’s why we integrated them into our platform,” she said.

WARLEY YAP,CBA KALAYAAN

LIRIO ANN RODRIGUEZ, CITHM KALAYAANProfile by Eunice Mallari and Susmita Policarpio

Profile by Ansherina Dela Cruz

Warley Sherren Yap, an 18-year-old junior Management Accounting stu-dent, is running for the College of Business Administration President under the KALAYAAN party list.

According to her, she has the qualities of a president because she knows how to listen and is open for suggestions. With those qualities, she says she knows what the student body wants and needs.

Yap shared that “mission [and] vision without an action, is nothing”. She says that all their platforms will be established in her term and will become an achievement for the betterment of their college.

If she wins, her prioritized platform is the Student Electronic Portal, a website that receives announcements via phone, email, and student’s ac-count on the electronic portal, in order to have a transparent communication with the student body.

“Connection to all [ay] useless kung hindi malalaman ang mga events. Eh para sa kanila [students] naman ‘yon,” (It’s useless if the students are not informed about the events because those events are for them) she said.

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Wilhensy Sison is KALAYAAN Party’s Presidential bet for the CIR Student Council elections.

Asked about her edge over her opponent, the International Trade major emphasized her stint as the incumbent CIR Student Council Public Relations Officer as what gave her the necessary experience.

“I [already] have a background on how it works inside the Student Council. If I win, I won’t start from scratch,” she said.

Their party plans to implement the “Diplomatic Platform” if ever she wins. First priority is the

Diplomatic Decathlon—an Olympic-like competition where the IR students’ critical thinking will be honed through debates, essay writings, and quiz bees.

Second is the International Trade Convention where corporates will be invited to give talks for students to gain a “broader perspective on the outside world”. It is for International Trade majors and Diplomacy majors alike.

Last is the Foreign Service Congress aimed at inviting other International Studies students to participate in exchanges of ideas.

Regarding her

personal platform, Sison said hers is a simple one. She plans to put up a fact bowl in the CIR office which will contain educational information for the students. She chose to not disclose other personal plans at the moment.

Sison said she is willing to integrate the other party’s platform to hers if she wins.

“The two parties have one goal: it is to serve the students. So, why not? It’s just how you implement it. So kung ako ang nakaupo, certainly,” she commented.

With the LYCESGO Presidency not being too far, Sison said accepting the CIR-SC Presidency will not be

easy but it means she is not afraid to take challenges.

“I know this will double my responsibilities but I have my Vice President who will be supporting

me…and I believe my line-up [of candidates] will always be there to help me,” she said.

As for her fellow IR students: “Ang masasabi ko lang, vote wisely!”

WILHENSY SISON, CIR KALAYAAN

Nico Casipit is the incumbent treasurer of the College of Computer Studies (CCS) student council and now the official Presidential candidate of the KALAYAAN party.

Casipit said that with his experience he is capable enough to lead the CCS students.

Casipit aims to conduct more seminars and tutorials for the students. He also said that he will pursue a project for the effective information

dissemination in their college.“We ask the students: ‘What do

you want?’” he said.Thus, he said that if he will

be elected as the next LYCESGO President, he will propose projects involving the participation of students.

Casipit believes that “the task of a leader is to fulfill his vision that comes from passion, not from the position”.

NICO CASIPIT,CCS KALAYAAN

Profile by Cleo Angeline B. Cachapero

Profile by Adrian Reodique

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Rengie Jamila is the incumbent auditor of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) student council and now the official candidate of the KALAYAAN party for Presidency.

According to Jamila, with his experience and credentials he is capable enough to handle a student body.

“I accepted it wholeheartedly. I know that I can do it,” he said.

Moreover, he also believes that

their platforms are what the CAS students need since those platforms were consulted to the department chairs of every course.

He also added that if he is elected as the next LYCESGO President he will implement activities that will be enjoyed by the Lyceans.

Lastly, he shared that the CAS Student Council will not be just a student body, but rather a friend.

“I would be a friend; the council would be a friend,” he said.

RENGIE JAMILA, CAS KALAYAANProfile by Adrian Reodique

Our ‘meh’ attitudeI have heard that

one party, in fact, dominates some colleges without an opponent. Kudos to the party for they may have served you well, but this is an indication of something worse—apathy. You do not want to stand up because you’re contented? Or you don’t want to run because you don’t

care? We all have the opportunity and there is a time for everything. If you are willing, able and dedicated to serve better, why won’t you give your fellow students that opportunity?

Lyceans, elections are crazy and chaotic. We came up with this special issue because maybe you only need to be shown things you

need to think about. We did this because we believe you can do more during elections, not just hear campaigns, vote, and then go back to your life.

For my fellow students, look at the parties’ platform, their ideology, and if they deserve the position. For the candidates, enjoin your supporters

in clean elections, not in mudslinging. If you really think you deserve victory for your platform and ideology, what help should mudslinging give you?

Before you vote, think if your past officers did enough. Did your student life improve? If your student council claims they were consulting

you, were you asked? Were you able to tell them what you need? They claim achievements, but did they do enough? P a r a p h r a s i n g what COMELEC Commissioner Grace Padaca, an LPU alumna, said: Do not give up your right to a better student life. After all, it’s either you care, or you don’t.

Our election’s realities from page 2

“This is one of VPAA’s means to empower stakeholders as this does not only benefit few students, but everyone,” Giray explained. Roxas seconded this saying

that the SQC program encourages those who get good grades to help students with low marks.

On the issue of platform integration, Giray and Roxas

emphasized that Kalayaan officers and candidates consult and hear suggestions, regardless of party affiliation. Proof to this is LYCESGO’s annual strategic planning

wherein they integrate opponent parties’ platforms to their 1st and 2nd semester plans.

“We get and integrate platform programs from the

other part[ies] for the benefit of the students,” Roxas said. “We know that’s the aim of every party—to give the students better service through those projects.”

Getting to know from page 4

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Heritage: Pamana’s Callingby Redhor Markie Mendoza

This year, Pamana or the Partido ng mga Mag-aaral na Nagkakaisa will field candidates in three colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business Administration and the College of International Tourism and Hospitality Management.

The LPU Independent Sentinel talked with their Secretary General, former LYCESGO and College of Business A d m i n i s t r a t i o n president Mark Jason Vivas and Deputy Secretary General Klinton Jean Dayson of the College of Arts and Sciences to discuss their party’s background, history and their answers to some of the issues that are currently prevalent in the LPU Community.History

Dayson remembered from a Pamana alumni and former LYCESGO President, RJ Javellana, that Pamana was created because the founders saw a lot of mistakes in the school, something that is worth fighting for.

“Merong mga things noon na they don’t think it’s necessary, meron mga subjects that they think they shouldn’t be paying for, kaya they fought for it,”

Dayson says.He stressed that they

were a part of those

students who rallied for what they think is their rightful cause.

Vivas recalls that during that time, student leaders were extremely active in social issues and there were no definite parties yet at that time.Ideologies

When asked by The Sentinel about the party’s vision, Dayson said that the one thing constant about the party’s ideologies is

change, as he stresses that without any change, there could

never be any progress.Vivas stressed that

one of the main features of the Party’s platforms is their consistent call for transparency in the LYCESGO, which is why the party always places transparency as one of their university-wide platforms.

The party also bats for the change in the LYCESGO constitution, something that Vivas emphasized being a former

LYCESGO and the Student Council president at the same

time.“Well, ang

ipinaglalaban namin last year was [to amend] the LYCESGO constitution. We wanted to separate the local student council and the central student council.” Vivas said.

PAMANA is also for the transparency of the tuition fee increases.

“Pasok sa university-wide platforms namin ang review ng financial statements ng school…

para kung magkaroon ng increase, alam ng students,” Dayson said.

The party does not believe in vetting candidates, internal surveys or the like about their candidates’ chances on winning.

“ N a g p a p a t a k b o kami ng presidente ayon sa kakayahan niya. Nagpapatakbo kami ng presidente dahil alam namin na responsable itong batang ito. Nagpapatakbo kami kasi alam namin na siya ang rightful person for that position,” Dayson stressed.

Finally, Dayson has this message to impart to the LPU student electorate for the upcoming elections.

“Sa isang taon, isang beses lang nakakaboto ang mga estudyante para tangkilikin ang mga lider na gusto nilang maupo sa isang posisyon, I think they should maximize that. If they are for change, and if they should support us, this is what we offer.”

“I want to encourage them to practice their right. Kahit ayaw nila [o gusto], apektado sila. Kung ikaw, hindi ka bumoto, wala ka ring karapatang sisihin ang mga nakaupo kung mali ang ginagawa nila o nakukulangan ka.” Vivas ended.

9JEAN MUNSAYAC,CAS PAMANA

LOUIE VILLAMAYOR, CBA PAMANA

Profile by Redhor Markie Mendoza

Profile by Dolly L. Idlisan

Jean Keavy Munsayac is PAMANA Party’s presidential candidate in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Munsayac, a third-year Advertising student, took on the challenge as their party’s standard bearer with a platform for change.

P A M A N A ’ s university-wide platforms include the revision of the LYCESGO constitution, and a move towards overall transparency in the council and in the

school.Munsayac and her

party’s platforms for the college include the launching of the SineCAS Film Festival, ‘Teach Me How to Edit’, an editing tutorial for CAS students, and The Student Advertising Congress among others.

“Our mandate is change, change na matagal na nating inaantay,” she expressed.

Munsayac has gladly accepted the challenges that she will face in the

coming elections and she says that right now, during the campaign, students are approaching her to ask questions and also to show their support.

“Initially, nagre-reach out kami sa mga estudyante, tinatanong namin kung ano ang kulang sa course nyo, ano yung dapat idagdag na mas makakabuti sa course ninyo,[my only] passion [is] to serve the students -- 100 percent passion for my constituents,”she said.

Louie Villamayor, a third year Customs Administration student and incumbent Vice-President of CBA Student Council, is PAMANA’s bet for President in the College of Business Administration.

Villamayor has been part of different organizations and competitions since high school. In LPU, he is an active member of Philippine Society of Customs Administration Students (PSCAS).

The quality of a good leader which most reflects him is time management. According to him, he balances his time between studies and council duties because he is maintaining

a quota grade.Villamayor’s strongest

motivation is his family. He wants to prove something that they will be proud of. Regarding his dream of becoming the President of the Philippines, some of his classmates tease him and that dream is too far for him. Even so, he believes that running for the council will train him for politics in the future.

His loyalty to PAMANA was fueled through the spirit of family. According to him, the red party was not only there to help the students, but they treat them as a family member as well.

He said that their proposed platforms are

the needs and wants of BA students. He said that the student’s needs and wants should be equal. The wants take off the stress of the students from their academics. In his view, the needs are continuously implemented. However, they need to improve by also giving activities that the students want.

According to him, the needs of the student body are the improvement of facilities, and an innovation of their own uniforms. He added that it was before proposed by Mark Jason Vivas, a former Lyceum Central Student Government (LYCESGO) and CBA Council President, and until now they still want

their uniforms to be changed.

Villamayor assures that all his platforms will be implemented on time. Every April or May, according to him,

they make a time line or set planning to follow. They indicate the target dates of completion and implementation, the venue and the event in their strategic plan.

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ZI PANGAN, CITHM PAMANAProfile by Eunice Mallari and Susmita Policarpio

Zhanel Irene Pangan, nicknamed Zi, began her public service in LPU-Manila during her first year as Working Committee Member of the CITHM Student Government and her service continues as a Public Relations Officer for this academic year.

The sophomore Bachelor of Science in Hospitality M a n a g e m e n t specializes in Cruise Line Operations in Hotel Services (CLOHS) student said that she wanted to serve more and longer for her fellow students and she believes that by being a president,

she can do a lot.“I want to serve

more because I am a leader. I am destined to be a leader. I was born as a leader. I want to lead people. I want to serve people. I want to encourage people that they need to be a good and responsible student. I can be a good example for my fellow students,” she said.

Pangan said that her fellow students need a “responsible leader who will lead them; a leader who will upgrade and improve them to be the best that they can.”

“Our platforms are what the

students need,” she said. Among their proposed platforms, Pangan believes that I-Speak, an English improvement seminar, is the priority need and want of students. “We all [CITHM students] need this,” she said.

The platforms were consulted to CITHM Senior O f f i c e r - i n - C h a rg e Roberto Zozobrado. “He already approved this. He said that he likes all the platforms and he will support us when we win the election,” Pangan said.

If elected, Pangan will implement their platforms by

following a strategic plan with the help of her officers and the administration.

“I think my experiences as a student leader in our government is my edge against her [opponent] and the

transparency of our platforms and my officers,” Pangan shared.

“I have my officers and I have our platforms. I have myself and I have my experiences,” Pangan concluded.

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Partido Independiente is a stand-alone College of International Relations-based party list that has been operating for 17 years as of date. In an interview with The LPU Independent Sentinel, Partido Independiente Secretary-General Asia Cuico and Partido Independiente Deputy Secretary-General Jessica Mendoza discussed the party’s history, platforms, past achievements, and their stand on issues in the university.

According to Cuico, Partido Independiente created its own identity as a party from PAMANA 17 years ago. Their party name came from the word “independent”, she shared.

Partido Independiente is “affiliated” with the PAMANA party list. Cuico shared that Partido Independiente and PAMANA “have almost the same goals.” Candidate selection

Mendoza shared that the candidates of their party were acquaintances and friends of theirs. “Knowing them, ma-aassess na namin ang capabilities nila,” Mendoza shared.

When asked about her opinion on Franz Gempis, Partido Independiente’s presidential bet, Cuico said that he’s more of a wallflower, but then they see potential in him.Platforms

According to Cuico, the partido wants to change the status quo.

“We don’t want to settle with the status quo. We want to serve the students more. They’ve been asking for more,” she said.

Cuico also said that their platform is geared towards the “holistic development and formation” of the students. The partido is sporting an “All-In” platform which touches upon the student’s academics, co-curriculars and personality development. Their

platform also provides assistance programs for freshmen.

Cuico said that because of the curriculum, CIR freshmen and sophomores don’t feel that they are IR students.

She also shared other achievements that the partido has done in the past.

The college’s newsletter, the IR Square, came from Partido Independiente’s initiative. Former CIR College President John Oliver Corciega was also an alumuns of the partido.The issues

Cuico said that if their presidential bet becomes the LYCESGO President, they want “more transparency on how the institution increases their tuition fees.”

“We’re not totally against it, just as long as the increase is justifiable,”

Cuico said.The partido also wants to amend the

LYCESGO constitution if they gain a slot in the LYCESGO.

“First, we want to amend the constitution by having a representative in the LYCESGO,” Cuico shared. “LYCESGO needs to dwell more on the problem of the campus,” she added.

With regards to mudslinging during the campaign period, Mendoza shared that they had a seminar with the Filipino Liberal Youth in which they were advised by the said party.

“They advised us to address issues immediately to clear out the issue,” she said.

Cuico concluded by saying “Why do we need to drop names like bombs if we can give what we have, we can show what we can do, what we can give and offer to them?

by Kenno Nishioka

Partido IndependienteAn Eye on

12FRANZ GEMPIS, CIR INDEPENDIENTE

According to Partido Independiente Presidential Franz Greggy Gempis, leadership comes from everyone.

From being a homeroom president of

his class since he was a freshman to officers of different organizations, especially the Foreign Service Club (FSC) and participating in different educational and leadership

programs like language and cultural classes, the third year foreign service student knows that he has the experiences that will help him to be a succesful and efficient student council president.

Gempis shared that running for student council president was not included in his original plans. He just wanted to be a writer when he entered college, but his friends and colleagues encouraged him to pursue and develop his leadership skills.

Gempis assured that Partido Independiente’s programs are the most suitable for the IR students. Gempis said that their platforms not only encourage students to be

competitive individuals but also enhances the student’s intellectual development. The i n s t i t u t i ona l i za t i on of the IR Square, the official newsletter of College of International Relations, team building activities, international and local leadership trainings and workshops on critical and analytical writing and public speaking are some projects included in their platfom.

“Its not just implementing the program but assessing if the program is really effective, if it must be continued for the next year or not,” Gempis stated.

He also pointed out that their platform’s main aim is to develop the student’s credentials and that every IR

student can participate, relate and benefit from their platform. “It is not just about academics. Our platform also covers personality and social development and all aspects of learning,” explained Gempis.

If elected CIR President, he wants to suggest changes particularly in the transparency of the student government. He wants to promote clarity in audit reports by posting of transparency reports that will inform the students where the student council funds go.

In the case of defeat, Gempis said he will still support the other party. He will suggest ideas and cooperate with their programs.

After all, at the end of the day, your loyalty and responsibility is not to your respective parties but to the student body. There is really no need for fighting and bickering.

The true testament of a responsible and heartfelt leader is the passion to serve his fellow students. This includes respect--respect for the elections, for the students and most especially to your fellow candidates. Prove to us that you are worthy of our votes, that you are

not just some clones of most politicians in our government.

Okay, I am coming clean. In my four years in LPU, I only voted once…when I was a freshman. Seeing how politics in LPU works, I somehow lost faith in the student government elections. But I realized that for the past years, I’ve only been saying that I don’t see any changes or major improvements. I was only complaining without doing anything about it. This year, my last year in LPU,

I will exercise my right as a student who aspires for change. I will vote for those who I think deserve to be truly called students leaders.

They say Lyceans are rather passive. I still have faith in you, my fellow students. Free yourselves from apathy. Observe. Ask. Think critically. Vote. And vote for those who don’t just say empty promises. Vote for those who have the courage to be your voice and the guts to fight for change.

Of Elections from page 2

Profile by Erica Santiago

13

The Lyceum Central Student Government (LYCESGO) said that they have already implemented 80 percent of their platforms for the academic year 2012-2013.

According to LYCESGO President Aisa de los Santos, the LYCESGO has already completed 80 percent of their strategic plan for this academic year.

De los Santos also said that the remaining 20 percent will be implemented by the end of the year.

However, de los Santos said that they

can only implement up to 90 percent of their strategic plan for the remaining part of the academic year.

“There are projects slated for the first semester which can’t be done during the second semester,” de los Santos explained.

L Y C E S G O Treasurer Matthew Valdeavilla explained that there were other activities implemented that weren’t on LYCESGO’s strategic plan. He further explained that there were also activities listed in the strategic

plan that weren’t implemented.Visibility

When asked about why some students do not feel the activities of the LYCESGO, Valdeavilla explained that the LYCESGO tends not to disrupt ongoing classes. He also explained that they target certain courses with each activity. However, LYCESGO’s forums, talks, and symposia are open to all courses.

“Impact can be felt by students who really participate,” Valdeavilla shared.

According to Valdeavilla, the major projects LYCESGO has completed this academic year include the following: International Day of Peace Forum, Freshman Day, the Student’s Leader’s Congress, Dumagat Outreach programs, and a Netiquette Forum.Role and impact

When asked about LYCESGO’s role is, De Los Santos said that they serve the students by being the bridge of the administration to the students.

L Y C E S G O

Secretary Rioliza Camantigue said that their role is to be the guide and role models to the students.

R e g a r d i n g LYCESGO’s impact, De Los Santos said that the students recognized LYCESGO for co-sponsorships and help during events. They have also communicated to organizations, colleges, and councils.

Valdeavilla said that at the end of the day, the impact will be felt by students who participated.

Outside LPU, LYCESGO also helped organize the Intramuros Consortium Student Council, an organization composed of student governments from the four main universities inside Intramuros, namely, Lyceum of the Philippines University, Mapua Institute of Technology, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, and Colegio de San Juan de Letran.

De Los Santos adviced the incoming student leaders to continue platforms they already implemented. “Andito kayo para magserve. Tatagan ang loob. ‘Pag nagpatalo ka, apektado ka,” she concluded.

LYCESGO: 80% of strat plan already implemented

by Kenno Nishioka

COMPLETION: 80%. LYCESGO Treasurer Matthew Valdeavilla gives a brief description ofthe major activities the LYCESGO has accomplished in the past academic year.

14

Legarda, Escudero Top Pulse, SWS Surveys by Adrian Reodique

R e - e l e c t i o n i s t senators Loren Legarda and Chiz Escudero lead the 2013 Pulse Asia and SWS Senatorial surveys.

According to Pulse Asia, Legarda dislodged Escudero, with a 4.3 % lead against the latter. Escudero’s rating decreased from 74.1% to 54.3%, while Legarda dropped from 69.3% to 58.0%.

Meanwhile, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano landed 3rd attaining an average of 48.9%, while Vice President Jejomar Binay’s daughter, Nancy Binay, ranked 4th to 9th place obtaining 43.6 %, sharing to the position is San Juan City Representative

JV Ejercito Estrada obtaining a 43.5 rating.

Completing the probable winners are as follows: Senator Antonio Trillanes IV (41.1%), Senator Aquilino Pimentel (40.7%), Cagayan Representative Juan Ponce Enrile, Jr. (40.4%), former Las Piñas Representative Cynthia Villar (39.1%), former Senator Migz Zubiri (37.6%), Aurora Province R e p r e s e n t a t i v e Edgardo Angara (37.1%), and Senator Gringo Honasan (36.8%).

Pulse Asia is an enterprise that believes that the periodic measurement of the public pulse will create a stronger democratic

country. It not only monitors the cultural issues of the countries, but also the political aspect of Philippines.

Legarda also topped the Social Weather System (SWS) survey obtaining a 65% rating, proceeding Legarda is Escudero with a 61% rating. However, according to the SWS survey MTRCB chairman Grace Poe Llamanzares (45%), Antonio Trillanes (45%), Sonny Angara (39%) and Nancy Binay (43%) contested for the last 3 spots on senatorial race.

This survey was conducted from January 17-19, 2013. SWS is a private non-stock and nonprofit social research

institution, that conduct surveys and different researches in different fields.E l e c t i o n advertisements

In line with the election season, Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. reminded the candidates and the media companies to be mindful of the commercial airtime, guestings and newspaper advertising limits.

According to the Republic Act 9006 or the Fair Elections Act, a candidate for election only has 120 minutes broadcast time for television and 180 minutes for radio. In addition, newspaper

advertisements should not be bigger than one-fourth of a page.C O M E L E C ’ s reminders

The COMELEC also reminded people of the start of the campaign period. February 12 to May 11, 2013 is the campaign period for the senatorial candidates and party-list groups, while the campaign period for the House of Representatives and elective regional, provincial, city and municipal officials will start on March 29 and ends on May 11, 2013.

The midterm elections will be on May 13, while overseas voters will be allowed to vote starting April 13 until May 13, 2013.

Images courtesy of Yahoo! News Philippines

15

In an interview with The Sentinel, The Lyceum of the Philippines University Commission on Elections (LPU-COMELEC) released their plans during the 2013 Student Council elections.

When asked about changes regarding their role in the upcoming elections, COMELEC C h a i r p e r s o n Fatima Nolasco said via an e-mail correspondence that “we’re here to ensure that the conduct of election will be honest and peaceful like it has always been in the past academic years.”

Nolasco said that the election procedure this year will be the same as previous years --starting from the composition up till the formal announcement of winners.

The formal announcement of winners will take place immediately

after the canvass of votes on Friday, February 22, 2013.

Nolasco also said that this year’s election will still remain automated. “It’s been automated for more than two years now and we don’t have any plan to ‘abort’ it as it serves the voting public well,” she shared.

The COMELEC will also continue with the ‘quick count’ of election turnouts -- a partial unofficial tally wherein votes will be shown via an LCD projector in the Mabini Hall. Nolasco said that the different college parties agreed to continue with this practice.

Nolasco also answered issues regarding parties “camping out” at Gate Two even after the campaign period is over.

“That ‘get-together’ after the campaign has become some sort of practice in

the university ever since I assumed Chairmanship in the COMELEC. It is not any case of “extended” campaign but more of last briefing and show of moral support to the candidates primarily led by their alumni supporters. We do not see anything wrong

with it. They just want to stand by their candidates up until the formal announcement or proclamation of winners which immediately follows after the votes have been canvassed,” she clarified.

The LPU COMELEC oversees

the yearly Student Council elections in the university. The Commission is comprised of college secretaries, faculty members, non-teaching and support staff, security, maintenance and non-partisan student members.

LPU COMELEC bares plans for 2013 electionsby Kenno Nishioka

Student participation for the student body elections. A large mass of Lyceans came to gather at the Miting de Avance last year.