The Riser

‎𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗦: Candidates for the 2026 SSG and FSTLP Elections, students, and faculty gathered for the much-anticipated Miting de Avance held on April 20, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 NN.

The event formally opened with an invocation led by SSG Senator Clifford Marzon. In his opening remarks, SSG Adviser Mr. Jomari A. Orillosa reminded the audience that leadership begins with the willingness to serve.

In her inspirational message, Campus Director Dr. Roxanne P. Altea encouraged students to choose leaders grounded in integrity, accountability, and commitment.

This was followed by the presidential report of current SSG President Mr. John Merv E. Galanido, who reflected on the achievements and experiences of the previous administration.

The official candidates were presented by Commissioner President Ms. Karylle Ann Ampoloquio, who also explained the election mechanics. Representing the two competing parties—the United Student Service Representatives (USSR) Party and the Leaders with Objectives, Determination, and Ingenuity (LODI) Party, the candidates delivered their campaign speeches through their respective campaign managers, outlined their visions, and proposed platforms.

A question-and-answer portion followed, facilitated by a panel composed of campus journalists from The Riser and faculty representatives, including Ms. Maria Yvonne Camilotes and Mrs. Loreal Gianne Villalongja. The segment allowed candidates to address key student concerns and clarify their positions on relevant campus issues.

Students were also given the opportunity to actively participate through an open forum, where they directly raised questions and concerns to the candidates.

The program concluded with closing remarks from SSG Senator Ms. April Samoya, encouraging unity among students and urging everyone to vote wisely in the upcoming elections.

Serving as a vital pre-election event, the Miting de Avance provided a platform for transparency, accountability, and meaningful student engagement, reinforcing the values of leadership and democracy within the campus community.

✍🏻: Lilian Amores
📷: Christine Evangelio, Justin Angelo Digol
🖼️: Rea Joy Plazos

𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 2026 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗖𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻

✍️: Kyla Mosequera
🖼️: Eme Bon Calda
📷: Mr. Christopher Mamac & Kyla Mosequera

The Centralized Campus Student Organization (CCSO) conducted an online Coffee Table Discussion with student leaders from various campus organizations on March 13, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The activity was organized as part of the implementation of the four-day workweek and served as an alternative platform for leadership engagement.

The program opened with a welcome address and statement of purpose delivered by SDS Director Jonathan C. Neri, who highlighted the importance of creating a friendly and warm atmosphere for sharing ideas and transferring knowledge among student leaders.

The afternoon session featured Ms. Mariel L. Juntilla, a BISU Calape alumna and leadership awardee, as the resource speaker.

During her talk, she reminded participants that “everyone can be a leader, but not all leaders are great leaders.” She emphasized the importance of respect, observation, listening, setting boundaries, and working together as key elements of good governance.

Following her talk, Ms. Juntilla facilitated an open forum where participants were given the opportunity to ask questions and share their leadership experiences.

For the closing remarks, CCSO President Mr. Allen Reeve S. Florenosos shared his insights from the discussion, stating, “To be a leader is not to be on top, but to be in the middle,” reminding everyone to remain humble, approachable, and grounded in their leadership roles.

Through the online setup, student leaders were able to participate flexibly while exchanging ideas, insights, and competencies for their respective roles at BISU Calape.