THE Bedistang Aktibong Naglilingkod (BedAN) party has a history of leading the Bedan community for the past years. Currently, it is the only party eyeing positions in the Student Executive Council (SEC). With only one opponent in sight, the challenge now lies in their platforms, leadership capabilities, and commitment to student leadership to prove to the Bedan community that they are deemed fit for the position they are aiming for. 

     This year, the BedAN Party’s main platform is Secure, Retain, Resolve, derived from the party’s previous Strengthen, Engage, Break-off platform. The party aims to continue the legacy of the previous officers by enhancing its platform while catering to the needs of the community. 

     Reflecting on the BedAN Party’s long-standing legacy of strengthening connections, preserving traditions, and fostering connectedness within the Bedan community, SEC 2024-2025 President Atassia Soliveres (IV-BAIS) acknowledged the party’s efforts into putting their platform into life throughout their term in office. Soliveres places her trust in the upcoming set of officers to continue their legacy as she also recognizes the inevitable room for improvement.

     Now the question is: Are the BedAN Party members ready to uphold the legacy of the former administration? Let's explore their platforms and visions for the Bedan community. 

The President Aspirant

     Charlene Beatrice Talayaratne (II-BAIS), or Bea, is the previous SEC Auditor, vying for the Presidency.  She recognizes the impact of the former council’s Strengthen, Engage, Break-off platform, particularly through student-initiated events and responsive governance. Now, she aims to take it a step further.

     For Bea, leadership is about adaptability. “Flexibility allows us to respond effectively to changing circumstances,” she shares, emphasizing the importance of adapting to the needs of the community.

     As she encourages active participation in voting, she reminds Bedans that voting is also a way of student empowerment. “It is your right to choose; it is your power as an individual to put the candidate who you see is deserving of it,” she said. Talayaratne hopes that the Bedan community could feel the BedAN Party's burning passion in serving and leading.

The Internal Vice President Aspirant

     Niña Nicole Biscocho (III-BSE), former External Vice President of the SEC, now seeks to transition into the role of the Internal Vice President. She highlights that the previous platform was utilized well to strengthen unity, communication, and community development, building student organization relationships and addressing student concerns. Biscocho mentioned how they now intend to strengthen their platform if given a seat. 

     As she sees herself as the next Internal Vice President, she promises to bridge the gap between SEC and the student body through leadership that extends beyond organizing events. Biscocho believes that she deeply values the qualities of being accountable and has initiative in serving the committee. 

     “I wholeheartedly stand with a party that values service over status, action over promises, and results over empty words,” she added. Nikki also believes that a vote for the BedAN party will not be wasted as they have meaningful initiatives, real solutions, and feasible plans for the students’ benefit.

The External Vice President Aspirant

     Isabella Shane Talusan (II-BSP), former SEC Secretary who is now running for the  External Vice President, stands as the only candidate in the race with an opponent. She notes that the previous SEC’s platform was actively implemented through events like the level orientations, integration activities, and the community Agape. Talusan holds on to the previous officers’ legacy as the party aims to improve and strengthen its platform by ensuring that the student body remains actively involved.

     The former SEC Secretary’s  vision extends beyond the walls of SBCA, as she vows to create opportunities for collaboration with external platforms to allow Bedans to build rapport among other institutions, fostering stronger relationships and more opportunities. 

     Talusan’s motivation for running stems from her first-hand experience with the concerns and goals of the student body. “I am running because I want to represent every Bedan and make sure that our plans truly meet the needs of the student body.” She emphasizes that her platforms, along with the BedAN Party’s initiatives, are centered on fostering connections, collaboration, and opportunities for every student. 

The Secretary Aspirant

     A new face in the BedAN Party, Ichiiko Natzumi Paderanga (II-BSE), is eyeing the position of Secretary. Pederanga claims that the previous platform was evident and that the party aims to sustain it by improving and continuing what has been started. 

     As an aspiring Secretary, she will prioritize transparency and accessibility for the SEC and intends to make its documents accessible to the community through its Facebook page. She believes this will ensure that the SEC officers make the best possible decisions for the students. 

     While she understands the students' wariness about voting for her party, she assures the Bedan community that they are fully committed to providing the best service to the student body. Pederanga hopes that through their campaign, they were able to show their willingness to serve the Bedan community.

The Treasurer Aspirant

     Another familiar face in the slate, Akio Nino C. Paule (III-BSA) aspires for re-election as the SEC’s Treasurer. Concerning his stance on the effectiveness of the Strengthen, Engage, Break-off platform of the previous party members, he fails to answer the question directly, rather, he focused more on his position as the aspiring Treasurer. 

     Paule’s priority is allocating a portion of the available funds into an interest-bearing investment in order to generate additional funds for future use. 

     While the reelectionist  sees the importance of electing a reliable leader of handling the funds, he assures the Bedan community of his relentless passion in managing the funds of the council, ensuring that it will be put into good use. “If you’re looking for someone who is responsible, transparent, and truly cares about making the most of our budget, I hope you’ll consider voting for me and for the BedAN party,” he added.

The Auditor Aspirant

     Stepping up into the position of Auditor is former first-year level representative Felicity Oliveros (I-BSLM). Like her fellow party members' previous answers, Oliveros recognizes the platform's effectiveness in the student body, claiming that tangible results are reaped through the community. She believes that the next step of the party to strengthen their platform is through gathering the insights and evaluations of the student body to allow them to continuously improve.

     Trust is the backbone of Oliveros’ service. She aims to make the financial data accessible within the Bedan community, whether online through their Facebook page or physically through monthly reports on their bulletin, but with limitations. 

     The former level representative  believes that each person’s vote is a reflection of their belief which is why she mentioned that the party respects the decision of those still unsure of voting for them. Yet, she encourages the Bedan community to review the track record of each candidate and assess whether they deserve a seat in the council. 

The PRO Aspirant

     Inspired by his service as part of the SEC’s Working Committee, Zameer Sultan Bashir (I-BSBA MM) wishes to step up as he runs for the position of Public Relations Officer. Throughout his time as part of the Working Committee, he saw these platforms come to life through the events they initiated.

     As he aspires for PRO, Bashir plans to improve the engagement between SEC and the community through existing online platforms. When asked about the relevance of being “handsome” to the position he is running for, “Handsome is a trait that is known to describe the physical attributes of one person; however, I feel like it can also define one’s heart.” he claims. He also added that being “handsome” should not just radiate on the outside but on the inside, using hard work as an example.

     The former Working Committee member  noted how critical and wise students should be in choosing leaders and he hopes that the students were able to capture the intention of their candidacy and the gist of their platforms throughout their campaign. He assures that the BedAN party will be beside the students, not above them. 

Seniors’ Level Representative

     Another fresh name on the slate, Nathaniel Fernandez (III-BSE), aims for a seat in the council as the fourth-year level representative. Similar to the others, Fernandez also claims that the previous platform was evident throughout the Bedan community and wishes to enhance it further. 

     As the Seniors’ level representative, Fernandez aims to foster inclusivity and unity within his batch and the Bedan community through his platforms where every student feels heard, valued, and connected. 

     He sincerely hopes that the Bedan community recognizes the genuine commitment of the whole party to serving and leading them. He assures them that they demonstrate their dedication to service and commitment to addressing the needs of the student body.

Sophomores’ Level Representative

     Mishka Ashley Dancel (I-BSBA MM) is leaping from the SEC’s Working Committee to being a second-year-level representative. Like the other party members, she recognizes the Strengthen, Engage, Break-off platform as evident within the community. Yet, she believes that every term carries a chance for improvement. 

     Through her platforms, she wishes to connect the incoming batch of second-year students by fostering a welcoming environment and promoting diversity.

     Dancel claims that the BedAN party believes in working with integrity and action as they get things done, not just said. “We refuse to be the kind of leaders that remain in back rooms or sit behind desks; we will stand with you, fight for you, bring the changes that you deserve, and work hard to create the Bedan experience that you deserve,” she added.

     Deep down, we know whether we have truly felt the impact of their words amid the familiar speeches and repetitive platforms. While the BedAN Party stands strong in upholding its traditions and continuing the legacy of the previous administration, the real question lies in whether or not the continuation of its platform is what we truly need. Within the red and white halls of San Beda are students who are genuinely seeking leaders who do not just listen but amplify our voices and create a transformative system that caters to everyone. 

     As we vote in this election, may we be reminded that true leadership does not lie in a candidate's charm, physical qualities, and fame but rather in their capabilities, commitment, and burning passion for serving the community. 

     Are we settling into the familiar, or do we deserve to be led by new perspectives? The future of student leadership rests not only on those who will lead but on those who choose them—vote wisely.