FILIPINOS are known for our distinctive Asian values; our communities acquire the philosophy of “pakikiramay,” “utang na loob,” “bayanihan,” and other attributes that build an unbreakable relatedness among us. They are the cornerstone of our ties, establishing a setting in which differences are considered as an avenue for progress instead of distinction. 

        In our diversified environment, disagreements are unavoidable, specifically, inside the school setting. For instance, we observe events that challenge our concept of “agreeing to disagree” most importantly during student elections. Nevertheless, we can only negotiate these distinctions healthily if we choose genuine leaders, those who reflect these vital principles and emphasize the welfare of everyone. By keeping the ideals of empathy in choosing a potential leader, we may guarantee that even in the face of disagreement, our friendship remains close.

The Bedan Values 

       Community engagement is not just a principle we have been taught but a way of life. Despite our differences, our institution inspires us to cultivate sensitivity towards one another. It has been part of our culture to participate in learning activities, engage in class discussions, and seek help when needed. Moreover,  it cultivates versatility, resilience, and the ability to maintain a productive lifestyle, all of which are crucial life skills as we transition into adolescence. Our institution ensures that we internalize these values that bind our community together through various events. The power to choose our student leaders lies in our hands, emphasizing the importance of our role in the San Beda College Alabang (SBCA) community. 

Erase the Apathy

       As the beginning of the new academic year is approaching, the Bedan Electoral Committee (BELCOM) opened candidacy for the new Student Executive Council (SEC) last February 26th for aspiring SEC officers for the academic year 2024-2025. Part of our obligations as students are to holistically engage in student activities that maintain our oneness as a community; thus, it is our responsibility to ensure that we elect the student leaders we deserve, and SBCA gives us the platform to practice that. Our role during elections is deeply intertwined with our Bedan values. During this season, we are not just encouraged but urged to help build a learning and caring community, and these roles start with our voter education. Let us not just make, but strive to make this academic year’s election fair, effective, and systematic. Become a part of a student force that gives power to student leaders whose hearts are centered on serving its students, amplifying the students' voices, and standing up with and for the students of the SBCA Community. 

School Is Not Just About Academics 

       Empathy is more than just a trait; it is an essential component of students’ connection that creates a safe avenue for a peaceful and inclusive atmosphere; it is visible through the little tasks we practice unconsciously. It can go from agreeing to join your friends for lunch at the cafeteria and talk about each other’s lives to voting for the fittest student leader who will serve the community the most, or even disagreeing with each other while being able to ensure a safe space to address the issues. Empathy is not an overnight activity; it is interconnected with various hard work that the institution fulfills; this can mean the events that foster our well-being, the compassion that SCBA instills in its students, and the daily life that we experience inside the university; it works both ways. 

       The presence of empathy is rooted in genuine care and understanding for the students around you, therefore it requires collective participation fostering a culture of demanding and ensuring a good set of leaders that initiate harmony and welfare for all in SBCA. As it is challenging to keep the spirit of oneness alive in times of differing perspectives, the only way to engage with others is to uphold compassion. It is during the season of diversity that we embrace the goodness in differences, and we turn it into something beautiful, for instance, learning to acquire empathy in a holistic way, in a Bedan way.