AS the new school year is on the horizon, the Student Executive Council (SEC) adjusts and prepares for what is ahead. “Reflecting our commitment to clear communication, responsible leadership, and keeping the Bedan community engaged and informed,” the caption said in a post on the Facebook page of SEC as it shared the minutes of the meeting and the attendance of the officers of its recent meeting held last June 2.

     In an exclusive interview with THE BEDAN HERALD, the newly elected President Charlene Beatrice Talayaratne (II-BAIS), Internal Vice President Jholhaimen Dimaporo (II-BSBA-HRM), and External Vice President Gabrielle Raines Calangi (II-BSLM) shared their thoughts and plans for this coming school year. 

Mixed bag 

     Compared to previous years, the slate of the SEC officers that were elected from the general elections and special elections are a mixed bag of candidates that came from the Bedan Party, Taratena Party, and an independent candidate. 

     According to Talayaratne,  the differences between their political parties will not hinder their service to the students. “We all have one goal, which is to serve the community, and with that we see our loyalty to the students we are leading,” she emphasized. 

     Dimaporo explained that agreed within the council to set aside the differences to pursue one goal.  On the other hand, Calangi feels thrilled and honored to be part of this year’s slate.  The newly elected EVP believes that the current officers will provide an opportunity for innovation as she sees it as an avenue to uphold San Beda's traditions and introduce new initiatives. 

     “I am confident this new board for the SEC will foster an even more responsive, inclusive, and effective student government,” she says. According to her, this will lead to an impactful and positive experience for every student. 

Plans ahead 

     When asked about her term’s top three priorities, Talayaratne shared that they are inclusivity, flexibility, and commitment. She explained that these values are important to foster leadership that can touch the hearts of others. “More than that, it's very important to me that we broaden our connections inside and outside our community, to extend ourselves, especially to our student-athletes, scholars,” Talayaratne added.  

     According to Dimaporo, who previously served as the president of the Junior People Management Association of the Philippines, one of the few things he would like to change as IVP is the revision of the SEC bylaws. “I personally made a proposal for the revision of the by-laws of SEC, which involves the mission and vision,” he said. 

     Besides this, he also shared that there would be changes within the SEC office that include the removal of curtain blinds and the installation of a CCTV inside. The IVP is also planning to launch “Boses mo, Isigaw mo” a campaign that will ensure all the needs of the students are addressed and heard. “Change is not impossible, change is coming,” he said.

     Talayaratne shared that in dealing with the concerns of the student body, “It’s essential that as officers we keep an open ear and mind towards the concern of our students.” The SEC president also said that they will ensure to address arising concerns in a diplomatic way with the administrators.

     As for strengthening the council's external engagement with stakeholders, alumni, and others, Calangi explained that their vision for strengthening these partnerships revolves around cultivation and sustained value creation. She shared that she has already identified possible sponsors and partnerswhot align with the institution's principles and values.

     Calangi is in constant communication with the previous EVP, Niña Biscocho (III-BSE), to ensure a smooth transition with the existing partners of the council. “The key is to consistently demonstrate the mutual benefit of our collaborations by clearly defining and meeting shared objectives,” the EVP said. 

     On May 27, the newly elected officers of the SEC took their oath of office during the 15th Lions Roar Awards. The positions of fourth-year, third-year, and first-year level representatives remain vacant. 

     Currently, the SEC has wrapped up its first batch of working associate interviews, as stated in an update titled “Council Connect #1,” which marks a significant first for the council.