WHAT do we actually want from the people who lead us? This year’s Boto-Beda: Bedista Wide-Election 2026 offers a possible answer. With Taratena and Alyansa fielding competing slates and an independent candidate entering the presidential bid for the Student Executive Council (SEC), the election has become a three-way race between structured party governance, community-centered leadership, and the promise of independent representation.

The three presidential candidates—Jholhaimen Dimaporo of Taratena (III-BSBA HRM), Julianna Suzanne Garcia of Alyansa (II-BSBA MM), and Vianca Mia (III-BSE)—are not the only ones on the ballot. Behind each presidential bid sits a fuller picture: two parties have built slates across executive and representative positions, while the independent candidate stands alone at the top, unanchored by a party structure. . What each ticket looks like, and what it stands for, is only the starting point.

Taratena’s Vision of Collective Change 

In an interview with THE BEDAN HERALD, Taratena’s Internal Vice President (IVP) candidate Diana Gale Bucoy (II-BSLM) shared that “Taratena was created on the concept of change—not just change brought by one individual, but change driven by the entirety of our partylist.” The name itself reflects this idea, derived from the phrase “Tara, Tena,” it serves as a call to move forward together—framing leadership as a collective process shaped by the student body.

This perspective extends into how the party approaches governance. External Vice President (EVP) candidate Charlz Danielle Sison (I-BAP) describes their leadership style as collective, where decisions are formed through consultation and teamwork rather than individual direction. Within this structure, leadership becomes a shared responsibility anchored on strengthening student communication, deepening engagement, and preparing students for future challenges.

At the core of Taratena’s approach focused on listening as a foundation for action. Their initiatives reflect this intent: “Peer Through” seeks to strengthen coordination among students across year levels and programs, while “Bedan Connect” aims to establish a centralized system for routing student concerns to the appropriate offices. Together, these efforts position student governance as more accessible, responsive, and grounded in the needs of the community it serves.

Service as the Foundation of Alyansa

  Emerging from a shared belief that leadership is an act of service rather than status, Alyansa is a slate shaped by purpose and collective intent, grounded in the conviction that every student has the capacity to create meaningful impact within the community. This shared value brought the team together not for titles or recognition, but for a common cause. As both student leaders and fellow Bedans, they emphasize alignment in purpose, where leadership is guided by responsibility and commitment beyond individual gain.

Sustainability anchors their vision. The party is not only focused on what can be achieved within a single term, but on systems that remain effective beyond it—self-sustaining structures built on data-driven policy and clear dialogue between the student body and administration. Alyansa IVP candidate Diego Jaradiniano (II-BSP) emphasized the importance of collaboration within the community, stating that “It is imperative that we collaborate in the best ways possible… creating a community of leaders and innovators, not just for the school, but also for the nation.”

For Alyansa, leadership is as much about how it feels as what it does. Secretary candidate Marian Rose Amo (I-BAIS) described the kind of leader the party aims to put forward—approachable, consistent, and present. She emphasized the importance of being a supportive leader who guides students toward accurate information while remaining accessible and less intimidating. 

Alyansa frames this approach as making student governance feel less like a distant structure and more like a resource students can directly engage with, where concerns are heard and participation shapes the community through initiatives such as “Bedan Voice,” a platform designed to amplify student concerns, supported by regular town hall meetings that provide a direct space for dialogue, concrete solutions, and feedback between the SEC, co-curricular organizations under it, and the student body.

Defining the Difference 

What differentiates both parties is not only their platforms but the way they define and approach student leadership itself. Bucoy emphasized that “One of the beauties of each candidate in Taratena, we always think about the feasibility of our platforms. Personally, I have a platform called ‘Break Game’ wherein we take donated board games from different students within the community and repurpose them for enjoyment and relaxation of the Bedan community.” Sison added that their platforms aim to prepare students for the future by making professional development opportunities more accessible and relevant, with a focus on equipping the student body for life beyond the university.

Alyansa, meanwhile, emphasizes active student participation, shared decision-making, and long-term policy development. The slate underscored the need for the SEC to be defined not only by events but also by stronger and more consistent communication between the council, the student body, and the administration. In line with this, Jaradiniano claims that “We are looking to build from the ground up. The Bedan community has to evolve, and our partylist aims to contribute to that through consistent follow-through on projects, active listening to student concerns, and feedback-driven changes for a more student-friendly environment.”

Seeing It Through

The power to shape campus life lies in the hands of the students, but it is only as effective as the choices made, guided by discernment and responsibility. Beyond campaign narratives and carefully crafted platforms, the Student Executive Council remains fundamentally accountable to the student body. Every initiative, decision, and response—no matter how small it may seem—is subject to scrutiny from those they are meant to represent. In this space, visibility is constant, but impact ultimately defines leadership. Words, especially during campaign season, can only go so far when promises are abundant and intentions are carefully presented.

It is in the work that follows—once elected—that competence is truly tested. The effectiveness of student leadership is not measured by platforms alone, but by execution: how consistently plans are carried out, how responsive leaders are to student concerns, and how effectively proposals are translated into tangible outcomes. Ultimately, governance within the SEC is not defined by what is said during campaigns, but by what is delivered in service of the Bedan community.