AS the Boto Beda 2026: Bedista Wide-Elections comes to fruition, three presidential candidates present distinct visions of their Bedan leadership to guide the next academic year forward, ranging from structural reform and inclusive governance to proven execution, innovative engagement, and systems-driven efficiency. 

Each candidate offers their own approach to representation, transparency, and student engagement.

At the center student representation is the SEC President, whose leadership extends beyond events and initiatives. The president serves as the primary link between the student body and the school administration, ensuring that concerns are communicated, addressed, and translated into action. 

Holding the highest position in the SEC, the President sets the direction of the council, oversees programs, and ensures accountability in its operations. The role also demands inclusive and responsive leadership, one that represents the diverse needs and voices within the Bedan community.

Bedans are now faced with a crucial decision: what kind of leadership should define the next chapter of student governance?

Alyansa Bedista’s Presidential Candidate 

Running under Alyansa Bedista, Juliana Suzanne M. Garcia (II-BSBA MM) frames her candidacy as a continuation of unfinished responsibility from her term as SEC Secretary. For Garcia, leadership is not defined by comfort, but by navigating “collective disagreements” and raising unheard voices.

“I want to move beyond simply being a voice for the students,” Garcia said. “Leadership should create platforms where students can speak for themselves.”

Her campaign centers on long-term institutional reforms, including the Bedan Accountability Roadmap, which aims to revise the council’s constitution and bylaws, and the Full Disclosure Board, a transparency initiative mandating public access to budget allocations and expenditures.

Garcia also highlights her involvement in past initiatives such as addressing concerns on the mandatory uniform policy, community pantry efforts under Bedanihan, and sustainability programs that are experiences she says shaped her commitment to inclusive and responsive governance.

The TaraTena Standard-bearer

Running under TaraTena is Jholhaimen “Jho” Dimaporo (III-BSBA HRM), who positions his candidacy on a foundation of leadership experience and measurable results, having served as SEC Internal Vice President (IVP) this academic year and the former President of JPMAP last academic year 2024-2025. 

Dimaporo amplifies his track record during his time as SEC IVP, including spearheading the “Boses Mo, Isigaw Mo” initiative, which advocated for the return of the student lounge.

“I want to transform the student experience from passive participation to active empowerment,” Dimaporo said.

His proposed programs lean toward innovation and student engagement, including a digital feedback platform, town hall discussions for transparency, and large-scale initiatives such as a scholars’ benefit concert and leadership training programs.

Dimaporo also underscores his experience in managing institutional events and his academic achievements, presenting himself as a candidate ready to “hit the ground running.”

The Independent Contender 

Completing the three-way presidential race is independent candidate Vianca Mia (III-BSE), who draws from her leadership experience as an organizer of AutoFest and initiator of Culture Pop, introducing a platform centered on professionalizing student governance. These campus involvements are the key experiences that exposed her to the logistical challenges faced by student organizations. 

She frames her candidacy around the idea that the SEC should function as a strategic partner to the student body rather than a traditional representative body.

“I don’t just see problems; I build systems to fix them,” Mia said, emphasizing her “Bedan Blueprint,” a roadmap focused on operational excellence and transparency. Through this, she aims to streamline processes within the SEC, strengthen accountability mechanisms, and ensure that student-led initiatives are supported by efficient and sustainable systems rather than short-term solutions.

She also highlights her consistent presence in campus activities as a grounding factor in her understanding of student needs.

Her proposed approach prioritizes efficiency, accountability, and system-building, aiming to ensure that student initiatives are not only heard but effectively executed through structured support from the council, reflecting her intent to run as an independent candidate focused on solutions beyond party lines.

Presidential Bottom-line

Despite their differing approaches, all three candidates share a common goal: strengthening student voice and improving the connection between the council and the student body. 

Each candidate represents a distinct path. Ultimately, the outcome of this election will not only determine who leads the SEC but also define how leadership is practiced, whether as a platform for voices, a driver of action, or a partner in progress for every Bedan.

The responsibility does not rest on the candidates alone, but on the student body that will choose among them. In casting their votes, Bedans are not just selecting a president; they are shaping the direction, culture, and accountability of their own representation. 

In a time where student voices continue to demand relevance and impact, the election stands as a defining moment, one that will determine whether leadership remains a position or evolves into a shared and active force within the community.