UST CSSC closes term with SOCA; opens door for new executives
By Morris Tan
As Academic Year 2023–2024 drew to an end, the UST College of Science Student Council (CSSC) delivered its State of the Council Address (SOCA) on May 27, reviewing the plans and programs led by the outgoing administration. The ceremony also marked the formal turnover to the new executive lineup, who will assume office in the succeeding term.
Bearing the banner tagline of #AghamPinainam, the outgoing CSSC executives provided a comprehensive outline of the projects and initiatives undertaken during their run.
To bid farewell to her term, outgoing CSSC President Julianne Jesh Villena recounted being fearful and insecure as the front face of the Science community. Whereas, she admits that having a support system is what pushes her motivation to keep going.
“Just like you, tao rin ako. And when I could no longer find that fighting spirit within me, I ran to my EB [executive board] — I ran to my core,” she said.
Villena also challenged the new CSSC leaders to always seek to be courageous despite unfavorable circumstances along the way.
“There will be many harsh situations that will test you, but be that leader [who] saves space for grace. The journey wouldn’t be easy, but if you [will] ask me: were the tears worth it? Definitely, yes,” she added.
Meanwhile, incoming CSSC President Kevin Karl Escosar expressed his eagerness to accept the challenge of upholding a student-centered council.
“Bilang susunod na konseho, we accept the challenge. Bilang student of this modern and challenging time, it’s our goal to raise the student-centeredness of the council — to give a driven student governance, to maintain our students’ rights and welfare,” he vowed.
When asked about the controversies surrounding student-led organizations at the University, Escosar highlighted the importance of student leaders being present in these discourses.
“We believe that with student-leaders, ‘yong initiatives and pagpapakita namin [that] we’re stepping up sa nakikita nating issues now in the University, it is enough reason to still hold on. So, given our platform, we’ll utilize it to fight for causes not only for our students, pati na [rin] sa mga kasama natin sa komunidad, kagaya ng mga propesor, na nasisiil sa kanilang mga gusto gawin,” he answered.
Proclaimed last April 27, officers-elect of the CSSC, the primary governing student body of the UST College of Science, expect to venture on their #MadaSCIgon journey, sailing with an eye in reaching a ‘keen and driven’ council.
UST CSSC #AghamPinainam Projects and Initiatives
Office of the President: Baccalaureate Mass 2023, Pagtatapos 2023, Freshmen Week 2023, Science Week 2024, Uniform Proposal, Centennial Shirt, Year-long Constituency Check, Student Assistance through Communication Channels (Presidents’ and Vice Presidents’ Channel, LOOP Channel, SWIS Channel, and Graduates’ Channel)
Office of the Internal Vice President: The Class Officers’ Summit 2024, CosPlay: Palarong Agham 2024, SWIS Channel, Student Assistance Help Desk, Convergence with the Dean, Courtesy Call with Block and Academic Society Presidents, FAQCheck: Check your FAQs!
Office of the External Vice President: SCIger’s University: University Exposition 2024, Project Satellite, Science Community Mass, Food Bazaar, TOAST (The Outstanding Alumni of Science Tribute) Awards Night
Office of the Secretary: SECRETips: Learn the Secretariat Way, Scribe in SCInergy, Balintataw, ‘No to Single Use Plastic Policy’ Posting, Transport Strike Awareness
Office of the Assistant Secretary: OPEN Science: Outreach, Partnership, Empowerment, and Networking with UST CoS
Office of the Treasurer: Piso Paaral Program, Project Paaral-Pabatid, FUNraisers, CoSPlay: Palarong Agham 2024, Tatak Science 2023–2024, Rent A Locker, Centennial Shirt
Office of the Assistant Treasurer: Tatak Science 2023–2024, CoSPlay: Palarong Agham 2024, Rent A Locker, Distribution of Class Pictures
Office of the Auditor: Envision, CoS I Never Knew, Seniors’ Retreat: Palanca Letters, Science Community Mass, SMARTs (Synergized and Methodized Audit Reports)
Office of the Public Relations Officer: Tatak Science, Sciger Snaps, SciLens Coverage Projects, SciPubs Publications, CSSC Logo, CSSC Letterhead Templates, CSSC Publicity Materials
Office of the Chiefs-of-Staff: Sciger’s Search, Sciger’s Search 2.0, CSSC, G ka ba?, PiZapped: CSSC General Assembly, Liham 2023, Thomasian Goodwill Games, Paskong Agham, Liham: Valentine’s Day Special, Painting Exhibit, Maski-Pops
