“For evil to reign in this world, it only takes good men to do nothing.”
When I entered UA&P, getting involved and participating in politics was at the bottom of my list. I, like everyone else, got into the school having no idea what was in store for me. Apprehensive about expectations from me, I ended up looking forward to nothing but my hangouts after class, my next Friday gimmick, and my next weekend outing with my friends.
But slowly, as I began to discover what the University believes in and the untapped potentials it offers, I realized that the apathy I had succumbed to was rooted in my selfish unconcern. I went in as a stranger, but through diligent discernment and a conscious effort to think of others, I became Mio to all and they became friends to me. It then dawned on me: How can one care if one does not know who they are and what surrounds them? This question made me realize the true meaning of political consciousness: having knowledge of oneself and one’s surroundings, with these two interdependently playing a role in one’s decision and, of course, action.
The political consciousness that our liberal education offers, explicitly taught in some of our CAS subjects like Rizal, Philippine Society and Culture, Philippine Politics and Governance, and Political Thought has planted the seeds of political maturity that can be cultivated by applying them in our own little ways. I have to admit, just like any ordinary student, I did not realize the value of these subjects immediately. To me, all these were just mere abstract concepts that were meant to be learned inside the classroom only.
It was through running for office under KASANGGA and eventually being elected that made me understand the meaning of political maturity. This transformation was shaped by the aspiration of the socio-political party KASANGGA to spark this maturity in the student body. It became my first big step toward concretizing what I have been learning inside the classroom. For once, I made a choice. I took a stand. I guess this is what KASANGGA has placed on the table—something to choose from—an opposition. Not only does the party encourage constant refinement of two contrasting political ideologies, it also gives the students like me a chance to choose. I realized then that I had a firmly held opinion that entails a responsibility to always be in the know. That is why, for the first time, I took a stand on a social issue and joined a mass mobilization against death penalty. To me, this was a very humbling and eye-opening experience.
Joining KASANGGA also made me see how having a firm political belief can have a ripple effect. Our goal during the last University Student Government (USG) elections was for students to exercise their right to vote, as well as to vote wisely on the basis of platforms. It was a concrete way of shattering apathy—and that it did. After the longest time, the USG elections finally did not have any failure of elections. Majority of the university students made a choice, took a stand, and exercised their right to vote. In my whole experience with KASANGGA, I learned that any journey toward being more socially active becomes less difficult and more fulfilling when we are able to find similar-minded individuals.
This USG administration, most of whose members come from KASANGGA, upholds the party’s values and principles, debunking the misconception of a non-partisan USG. I think this is also a big step toward political maturity. The ideas and the values championed by the candidates of any political party should be the foundation of any administration. That is why for me, a political party is the bullet while the USG is the gun. Nonetheless, it is in no way a monopoly of power since at the end of the day, it is the students who vote.
This emphasis on being more politically mature and socially aware has taken roots because we have to puncture the wrong impression that UA&P is a university for rich kids only—those students who care only about themselves and never about what happens outside their gates. A semester after being elected as president of USG, I realized that the students of this University are not at all apathetic; rather, there is merely a lack of empowerment and awareness of the different avenues through which they can contribute. Most of them do care and would like to engage if the right opportunities are presented and the proper platforms are provided.
To date, this USG administration still struggles to find ways to uphold an inclusive office that ensures proper representation and better communication—the two principles that any USG administration should abide by—catering to the student body and the whole University. Personally, I have encountered countless challenges since I stepped into office. Working with the different units of the school has been naturally arduous because of differences in thinking, which is no surprise for a diverse community. For example, with the Center for Student Affairs (CSA), we had to calibrate and align our goals so as to really work more harmoniously and effectively. It has also been hard to convince the student body to attend important events that show school spirit or that allow them to expose themselves to more information about social and other events. Likewise, it was difficult, initially, to mobilize the different organizations in school to come up with projects and partnerships that are of substantive value for the University and society.
These struggles we faced and are still facing are overwhelming. However, we were able to overcome them because we believe in the simplest yet most important moral obligation—that is, to care. It all starts from there, that moment when we decide to have concern for others.
Upon stepping into office and making this crucial decision of caring, we were able to make at least some notable contributions to the University aligned with the USG’s main functions: (1) representation; (2) policy making; and (3) project making.
In terms of representation, it is essential for us to always uphold the values of inclusivity and transparency. With this in mind, we continue to hold congress hearings where all student varsities, clubs, and organizations have a more efficient and effective avenue to voice out their concerns and suggestions. To add, we have introduced two hashtags: #StayGold and #DragonsRoar. Every time a partnership is established with either the different units or student organizations, #StayGold is included in their online posts for people to see how we live the Unitas spirit. On the other hand, for those who have queries or issues, the #DragonsRoar can be used on their posts and we will make sure to note them. As to transparency, we have established a three-part Talumpati where the USG makes its progress and plans known to the whole University.
Regarding policy-making, we have clarified some issues with the Management Committee and the CSA Operations Committee. Thus, the communication between the different units improved, and the students are assured of being heard. We have also implemented the student varsity privilege in recognition of the athletes’ hard work, as seen both inside and outside the court. Now, our athletes are able to enlist at an earlier time.
With respect to project-making, among the many projects implemented by the administration is institutionalizing UA&P H.O.P.E.S. (Helping Others by Providing Efficient Service), an outreach arm of USG. A more proactive committee was formed, consisting of 90+ students. Under this committee, whose aim is to remind the student body to become civically responsible citizens, are the Red Cross Youth Council and ATMOS, an environmental organization.
Among the programs implemented, the closest to our hearts is Project Phoenix, the first Jubilee-USG Scholarship Program. For this semester alone, we have already taken three scholars under our wing. This achievement is due to the income-generating projects that we have executed with the help, of course, of the different units and student organizations. Three is only the beginning, and this only proves how there is much left to be done.
Looking back, this University used to be just a place, plain as any other building. Through the years, however, I have grown to understand the goal of the man who first dreamt of our University. A simple building then became a home that has nourished me and you through St. Josemaría’s spirit.
What is a place empty of people who care for each other? At the end of the day, this is what has led us to our jubilee year: empathy. We move forward because we matter to each other. This is precisely the first step toward political maturity. The dream starts in first caring for one another.
Celebrating our beloved UA&P’s 50th anniversary, we are still so young compared to other universities. Nevertheless, we have grown and continue to grow and dream, confident that this is what St. Josemaría would want us to do. #
Emilio Alvaro I. Tuason is a fourth year student of Integrated Marketing Communications and served as the University Student Government president for A.Y. 2017-2018 – the golden jubilee year of UA&P. He also served as the liaison officer of the School of Communication.
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