PULSO: Aktiboto 1.0 Advocates for Active Student Political Participation
Written by: Arie Barde & Marion Lapuz
The University of Santo Tomas College of Science Student Council (CSSC) and Commission on Elections (COMELEC) hosted PULSO: Aktiboto 1.0, a forum aimed at empowering students to actively participate in student politics, emphasizing their right to suffrage within the university. The event took place last Friday, October 18, at the Frassati Auditorium.
CSSC President and co-project proponent Kevin Karl Escosar stressed the critical role of student councils in amplifying the voice of the student body, representing their concerns, and advocating for their welfare both inside and outside academic spaces.
The keynote speaker, Hon. Krystel Kyla Ranchez, a senior AB Political Science student and a Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Chairperson, urged students to understand the weight of leadership, emphasizing that running for office requires more than just the desire to help — it demands sacrifice and commitment to the community.
CS COMELEC Chairperson and co-project head Mary Margarette Zafra wrapped up the forum by discussing the duties of COMELEC. Zafra also elaborated on the electoral process and political parties, equipping aspiring student leaders with the knowledge regarding procedures they must undertake to run as candidates.
Strengthening the need to engage students with the realities and challenges in their communities, Zafra urged that by modeling active citizenship and consistently raising awareness on significant issues, student-led organizations can empower the student body to take an active role in these discussions. This leaves us to ponder: how can we better equip future leaders to navigate the complexities of their society, starting from the classroom?
