FOR the first time in six years, three candidates are vying for the Presidency: Justine Kyle Cruz (III-BSBA MM), Jules Mykel Reyes (III-BSBA MM), and Joanna Marie Del Rosario (III-BACMS). Bedan Electoral Committee (BELCOM) announced the roster of candidates running for the Student Executive Council (SEC) elections for the academic year 2024-2025 last Mar. 27. 

Representing the Bedan Party, Cruz, who previously served as the 2nd Year Level Representative (2022-2023) and Secretary for SEC, expressed her motivation for seeking a higher position this upcoming academic year. "In my two terms in SEC, I've learned that leadership isn't just about having skills or experience. It's about being passionate and dedicated to what you do that truly matters more." According to the Bedan Party standard-bearer, stepping into a higher position would allow her to broaden the scope of her impact. "I am well aware of the weight of responsibility that I chose to accept and further understood that this platform can extend more of my helping hands to other people while achieving the growth that I may gain for myself at the same time," she added. 

Formerly affiliated with the Bedan Party for two years, Reyes, who served as SEC’s First Year Level Representative (2021-2022), Secretary (2022-2023), and President this academic school year  — opted for an independent candidacy this time. “I prefer not to characterize my departure from the Bedan Party as a resignation nor a farewell from the candidates, but rather as a decision to pursue my own approach and pacing in [the] running." Considering her academic and organizational commitments, she wanted to prepare at her own pace, "I believe that running independently allows me to express more of who I am, guided not by the party's vision but by my own.”

Considered as the underdog, Del Rosario who previously served as the President (2022-2023) and now, Internal Vice President of Beda.Comm, the co-curricular organization of the Communication and Media Studies (CMS) department is running for SEC President for the first time. "There is no denying that this is an ambitious step for me, but I am ambitious enough to strive for selfless service for the community I belong in." Del Rosario said.  In a surprising move, she said that she was blessed with the opportunity to grab the highest position. "As long as you are a student leader that aims to serve with a pure heart, nothing is impossible, dahil kahit anong mangyari, laging nagwawagi ang mabu-buting puso,” she expressed.

Daniela Cronico (III-BSA), Chairperson of BELCOM, reiterated that all candidates, including the SEC contenders Cruz, Reyes, Archimedes Dingle (II-BSE), running for treasurer, and Charlene Beatrice Talayaratne (I-BAIS), running for Auditor, were required to submit resignation forms from their respective organizations. 

Other members of the Bedan Party include Atassia Soliveres (III-BAIS) for Internal Vice President, Isabella Shane M. Talusan (I-BSP) for Secretary, Cheska Ann Madieline P. Maitim (I-BACMS) for Public Relations Officer, and Margrethe Alyson Francisco (II-BSE) for Third Year Level Representative. Regarding unfilled positions, Cronico announced plans for special elections in the first semester of the next academic school year. Nonetheless, losing candidates are still eligible to re-apply. 

The voting period is projected to take place from April 29 to May 4. As the election draws near, Bedans are urged to vote wisely for the candidates who best represent their interests and aspirations for the tertiary community.