Issuu

The Analyst ELECTION SPECIAL

The Analyst

EDITOR’S NOTE The global health crisis we currently face continues to reshape what we have perceived as our status quo. The threat of the malignant virus would instill fear among us—the proximity between people, the restricted hustle outdoors. Instigated by this viral threat, people would comment on the feasibility of the upcoming 2022 national and local elections, which for some, should not be a priority. However, we people should not be deprived of our inalienable rights to vote, as guaranteed by our Constitution. The pandemic would not hinder voters from exercising their rights to choose who deserves to secure the government posts. The national and local elections in our country and the university-wide and local college elections in the University of Santo Tomas both aim for our electoral exercises to be practiced—to elect leaders who have high regard to integrity in their actions, to better serve the community amid the persisting global health crisis. The power of change lies in our rights to vote, and the pandemic would not be successful in perpetuating our rights. With novel ways to conduct smooth elections, in our case, utilizing the virtual platforms to vote, the Thomasian community will cast their ballots virtually to elect deserving leaders this May. Given the fact that the slate of candidates running for the executive board posts belongs to one political party, AMVians still must objectively examine their capabilities and competencies. The Accountancy Journal presents this special issue of The Analyst, the publication’s official broadsheet, as a reliable supplementary tool to equip the student body with information necessary to help them critically discern each candidate and guide them on their electoral exercises. With the ascent of the new normal, this special issue will also take students back to the pre-pandemic election season activities, and how these have changed as we traverse to virtual means. In addition, the paper features the Accountancy Student Council (ASC) Interim Officers— their success and struggles, as they serve the AMV Community amid the pandemic. Further, the special issue presents a Grapevine section containing the messages of students to the candidates. Also included in this paper is an infographics tracker of the proposed program of governance of the Accountancy Student Council (ASC) Interim Executive Board (2020-2021) to assess their collective projects as interim officers and report on their accomplishments during their administration. *** As the viral menace of the pandemic persists; and the virtual system had us dealing with uncertainties, this would not prevent us from casting our ballots in the electoral scene of the university. May we practice being a critical voter— ascertain candidates objectively through their issue-oriented governance and their sincere intentions to make a difference. Let us not be swayed by dramatic narratives, deceiving antics, and campaign stunts. We move forward by exercising our right to vote. As Thomasians and as Filipino citizens, we shall use it to affect the right kind of change.

NEWS

May 2021

The Unopposed Electoral Slate By Loren Jel R. Hallare

Eight candidates will strive to secure a position in the Accountancy Student Council (ASC) executive board for the academic year 2021-2022. Running unopposed, Lakas ng Diwang Tomasino (Lakasdiwa) will challenge this year’s polls. Since 2016, Lakasdiwa upheld the majority of its posts in the executive board, with seven posts in 2016, six posts in both 2017 and 2018, and four positions in 2019. Both the Alliance for Student Service, Equity and Truth (ASSET) and MISMO, decided to withhold their supposed roster of candidates for this year’s election. The candidates in this year’s electoral slate are currently composed of first and second year students. President Running for the presidency is Lynnuelle G. Corocotchia (Lakasdiwa) from 2A9. He served as an Executive Associate to the Finance and Sponsorship Deputy in 2020 and the Accountancy Student Council (ASC) Executive Coordinator to the Interim

Chief-of-Staff for this academic year. Vice-President Johannes Nelson F. Yap (Lakasdiwa) from 2MA1 will vie for the vice president seat. Prior to his candidacy, he acted as the Head of ASC’s E-Sports Committee for this school year. Secretary Contending for the secretary post is 2A8’s Kathrina A. Nazario (Lakasdiwa). This year, she assisted ASC’s Interim Secretary as an Executive Coordinator. Assistant Secretary 1A1’s Adriano O. Cornejo (Lakasdiwa) is committed to cinch a position as assistant secretary. He formed part of ASC’s Research and Evaluations Committee for the academic year. Treasurer Representing their party for the treasurer position is Seane Nicole C. Lim (Lakasdiwa) from 2MA1.

She served as an Accountancy Associate for both Community Development and the Sports Committee for ASC. Assistant Treasurer Striving to be the next assistant treasurer is Angelo Carlos S. Gutierrez (Lakasdiwa) from 1A6. This year, he worked as an Executive Associate to the Academics Head of the college council. Auditor Juan Miguel C. Nacpil (Lakasdiwa) from 2A8 will challenge the post of auditor. He acted as a deputy in the Events and Documentation Committee Photography as well as the Executive Associate for the Events and Documentation - Photography Committee Head. P.R.O. Finally, Shanelle Ann P. Ching (Lakasdiwa) from 1A1 will vie for the position of public relations officer. She served as this year’s first year batch representative.

UST-AMV COMELEC Adopts Online Voting System By Rholand Christian C. Francisco The UST-AMV Commission on Election (COMELEC) will take on changes in the electoral system for this year’s central and local student council elections to be held on May 10-12, 14-15, 2021. The online voting system is set to utilize Zoom meetings platform which will serve as the voting precinct. Meeting links shall be provided by the Commission. During the scheduled elections, the Commissioners would expound on the guidelines before students can cast their ballots through the Electronic Voting System (EVoSys). As per AMV COMELEC’s election guidelines, all current USTAMV students shall be qualified to vote for Halalan 2021, both for central and local student council elections. Further, the Commission opted to retain the abstain option for this year’s electorate. Article VIII, Section 2 of the ASC Constitution of 2017 states that in case more students

voted to abstain a certain position, the said post will be deemed vacant until the Commission proclaims a winning candidate through special elections. Meanwhile, Open Precinct Elections will serve as a platform to accommodate students unable to vote during the scheduled elections. Given the circumstances brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, this significant shift in the system will be aided by technological and

electronic devices, as mandated by Article II, Section 2 (1) of the UST Students’ Election Code of 2011 (USEC). The mentioned guidelines for the conduct of elections are based on the UST Central Commission on Elections’ Executive Order No. 2 Series of 2020-2021, Implementing Rules and Regulations for the Conduct of the Online Elections for Academic Year 2020-2021.

ASSET, MISMO, Steps Out of 2021 ASC Elections By John David G. Caday

Two of AMV’s most prestigious political parties: Alliance for Student Service, Equity, and Truth (ASSET) and MISMO, failed to participate in this year’s local student council elections as they were unable to file their Certificates of Candidacy last April 13, which was facilitated virtually by UST-AMV Commission on Elections (COMELEC). Upon the release of the official list of candidates vying for the Accountancy Student Council (ASC) executive board positions last April 17, only Lakas ng Diwang Tomasino (Lakasdiwa) completed its slate of candidates, making the upcoming elections a one-party show. In an interview with Ana Mikaela Guerrero, MISMO’s representative, she reveals that the party’s decision was a step forward for AMV, as they chose not to give halfbaked options for the college. “We chose not to romanticize the idea of stepping forward to succeed. We chose to envision a better AMV.

And, this is our choice to that chance gone by to still make a progressive change for our dear AMV community. As an organization who views the AMV community’s needs of utmost priority, we chose to put its best interest at heart and hold back when we believe that we are not able to provide the best candidates”, she said. Unfortunately, the publication did not obtain any response from ASSET’s side as of writing. With this decision, both parties will run the risk of cancellation if it fails to field official candidates for next year’s ASC elections according to Article V Section 9 D of the UST Election Code (USEC). COMELEC Chairperson Ma. Frances Rivera stated in an interview that “If the political parties who did not file their official candidates this year, won’t also be able to file their official candidates on the next academic year’s election, then it is a ground for cancellation.” Despite their non-participation

in this year’s election, MISMO assured that they can still make a positive impact or influence over the college body. “We will still continue to make a positive influence towards the college body by adhering to the activities from our general plan of action such as Palarong MISMO and Pagtitipong MISMO. Besides that, we are doing everything we can as efficiently as possible to look for and hone possible candidates who have innate sense of service and would like to become student leaders in the Council”, said Guerrero. When asked if there are possible revisions or amendments on certain election policies and requirements if non-participation of political parties continues, Rivera mentioned that USEC 2011 will still be the basis for regulations unless further changes will be implemented. Some modifications were only made with the procedures and guidelines to fit the current online setup.

FEATURES

May 2021

The Analyst

Transitioning to a New Chapter: UST-AMV COMELEC’s journey towards the online setup By Angeliza Marie M. Consolacion

The onslaught of COVID-19 has reshaped the lives of many and has created a new normal. From wearing masks to shopping online, the pandemic has turned our lives around. Educational institutions are one of those that were greatly impacted by this change evidenced by their transition to online classes. Students had to bid their goodbyes to see their professors write on the whiteboard and get accustomed to seeing them type on Microsoft Word. On top of that, student organizations had to adjust the activities mapped out before the pandemic to suit the online setup. UST-AMV COMELEC is one of the student organizations that had to make some alterations in their planned activities. Let’s take a look at how they adapted to the changes in the electoral scene. Traditional Practices Political Party Exposition This event of the Commission is an avenue for political parties to invite AMVians to be part of their parties. As part of the activity, the parties involved are to set up booths in the assigned venue. The Commissioners would also set up booths in the venue to oversee the recruitment process and make sure that the policies are met. guidelines for the virtual setup. “Another struggle is how to engage Filing of Candidacy the students to participate in our events since Similar to the registration and our communication with them is limited accreditation of political parties, the through emails and chats,” Frances Rivera Commission waits for the aspiring candidates added. to file their Certificate of Candidacy at the Two major things helped the William J. Shaw Library. The legal division, Commission overcome these challenges: together with the chairperson, will then their persistence and innovativeness. Before examine the candidates’ adherence to the the beginning of the semester, meetings requirements. were held in preparation for the upcoming events; guidelines were consistently assessed before the event date to ascertain Campaign As part of the preparation for this its precision and comprehensiveness, and event, the COMELEC prepares panel boards dry runs also took place to note the possible and publication materials for information room for improvements. Despite the limited dissemination. During the campaign period, resources, the commissioners found a way the Commission is tasked to monitor the to adapt to the present circumstances by candidates’ use of props, posters, wearable being innovative. They made use of video paraphernalia, and placards. These should be conferencing platforms that allow them to logged in at the start of the day and logged collaborate. Rivera emphasized that “Having out at the end. To add further, commissioners should also make sure that the paraphernalia that openness in trying out new things is is kept in the AMV stockroom at the end of what makes us successful in adjusting to this new normal.” the day. Central and Local Student Elections Before election proper, the Commission manually encodes all the students’ names and their corresponding student numbers to their master list. Afterward, they contact all class presidents for the list of irregular students in their blocks to collect and their class schedules. During the election proper, commissioners will accompany the class to the computer laboratory, which serves as the polling place. They also see to it that students do not hold any gadgets and campaign paraphernalia when they cast their votes using the Electronic Voting System (EvoSys). However, publication materials from Accountancy Journal and The Varsitarian are allowed. Upon arriving at the polling place, each student is given an access key and a reference number, which evidence the student’s vote. Included in the efforts of ensuring that all students cast their votes, COMELEC announces the students who were not able to vote at the end of the day. Adjusting to the New Normal The process of transitioning to virtual setup has brought challenges to the Commission for they have grown accustomed to the traditional ways. Chairperson, Ma. Frances Rivera mentioned that one of the challenges they face is the establishment of concepts on how to conduct events. She shared that it took several meetings, revisions, and dry runs before coming up with the final

Current Practices Political Party Exposition Instead of setting up booths, the political party exposition is done by posting publication materials on social media and through Facebook Live. Despite the change in the situation, COMELEC still makes certain that political parties abide by the policies in the UST Students’ Election Code (USEC) of 2011. Filing of Candidacy In the online setup, the aspiring candidates are to submit their requirements through Google Drive and Google Forms. Unlike in the registration and accreditation, the current situation has brought some adjustments in the submission because of the delay in processing the Transcript of Records. Campaign The current situations have restricted the candidates to campaign through social media and telecommunication platforms, but regardless of the online setup, the Commission still sets instructions for the candidates that should be conscientiously observed. Vice Chairperson, Hannah Chaves, also highlights the importance of disseminating the guidelines continuously during the campaign season because election posts on their page are not regularly checked by AMVians.

Central and Local Student Council Elections The preparation for election proper is similar to the traditional practices mentioned earlier, but a new voting system has been developed for the online setup. In addition to the Electronic Voting System (EVoSys), the Zoom Meeting Platform will be used in the facilitation of the election. Two COMELEC representatives assigned per class will check the students present in the meeting, and after the checking, no one is permitted to leave the Zoom meeting. Unique passwords received by the students through the Zoom private message are to be used to log in to EVoSys. Similar to the traditional process, students will receive a reference number after they vote, and they are encouraged to take note of

this or capture it to serve as proof of their votes. What’s next for COMELEC? The experiences they had this academic year have prepared them to embark on a new stage of their journey and continue to embody its reputation as the quasi-legislative body that promotes honesty, neutrality, and integrity. UST-AMV COMELEC is now set to apply its learnings and innovations to its future events and programs. “The Commission is ready to ensure that our plans will still be implemented whatever will be the situation for the next academic year. I may not be there with the Commission when the time comes, but I am confident that our people will remain as competent as always,” Rivera said.

Transition to Interim: Leveraging on Proactive Unity By Ricaux Viktoria E. De Leon The pandemic continued to challenge traditional academic practices and in response, the University called for an immediate shift to conduct classes online. The virtual set-up is definitely an unfamiliar territory for panic-stricken students who are in need of comforting guidance to keep up with the transition. The Accountancy Student Council (ASC) Executive Board answered the call to lead in interim and pulled through with creative proactivity, resilience and quick problem solving skills to tend to the student body’s needs. Once in position, changes were made immediately in the structure of the organization where some committees needed to be put on halt such as the Operations Committee. Cleverly, the council transformed other committees to fit the online set-up such as the Sports Committee to E-Sports Committee. Adjusting to the rapid shift to online learning, communication and information dissemination channels, vacancy of the council positions, and the continuity of council operations where no Local Student Council elections were conducted particularly posed great challenges to the student council. Further challenges include unusual concerns such as Blackboard site crashes and disconnections during exams. ASC held its ground against these challenges by persistently communicating with the college administration through different channels such as Facebook group

chats, emails, consultative meetings, and letters proposing any areas of improvement in the online learning set-up identified by the student council to address the everyday concerns of the students. The Council also opened their arms to be one with the students regarding their concerns and experiences in the new educational environment by maximizing the availability and accessibility of social media applications such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To take initiative, the council also equipped its members by conducting consultations with the college COMELEC and council advisers about the feasibility of online elections and transitioning for the next term. This experience was notably more difficult than their past experiences in the council because of the limited time to plan during the interim, unresponsiveness of the college administration, and the assumption of multiple roles. However, the interim officers found it as a fulfilling experience to have the opportunity to assist the students in adjusting to the new virtual set-up. “The most valuable lesson that we’ve learned is that recognition is just a temporary thing but being able to help and improve the lives of other individuals during a pandemic crisis is a priceless opportunity that we would forever cherish.”, says Interim President, Montgomery Tan.

Take Action: Make

The AMV community has always been keen through their objective and critical discernments on the faces have stepped up, attempting to bring forth the ch health crisis. Despite having a one-party slate in the AMV your ballots wisely, and let your voices be heard throug To aid you in evaluating this year’s aspiring co a comprehensive rundown of the candidates, their capa deciding on whom to place your coveted votes.

ASC President Contender Steps Up For Virtual Leadership By Jed Marcelo A. Rosales “A good leader is one who is empathetic,” said LAKASDIWA’s presidential hopeful Lynnuelle G. Corocotchia, who has big plans in mind to reshape the AMVian community. In a time of global crisis, the magnitude of which effecting systemic alterations to modern Philippine education, the candidate expressed his concern for the studentry of Thomasian accounting, and explained how putting oneself in the shoes of another may provide the best long-term solution.

The idea of an online campaign trail seemed unorthodox at first, as is the prevailing learning setup. Lynnuelle certainly had his share of virtual difficulty, saying that he and his party were engrossed in thinking of ways to connect with the students during the trail. Despite this, he felt that the campaign was an exhilarating opportunity, and he was grateful to have been given ample time in presenting the Lakas ng Diwang Tomasino agenda that he thinks will ease all online burdens. Bipartite and Tripartite Programs of Governance In constructing the party agenda, Lynnuelle and his fellow candidates sought to address student needs by tracing their root causes. A recollection of student complaints became crucial in achieving this. The candidate spoke purely from first-hand experience as he told the Accountancy Journal his envisioned reestablishment of AMV’s online mode of

education. He proposes two-part and threepart projects in anticipation of a prolonged COVID-19 situation. The tripartite iAMV puts emphasis on virtual connectedness, AMVian culture, and mutual trust among Accountancy Associates. It consists of the Study Hub, the remedy for academic troubles brought about by the foreign learning environment; PEERientation, the Freshmen Week culminating event aimed at fledgling first-years who are curious about the college tradition; and KwenThomasians, assemblies to be held for the empowerment of Accountancy Student Council (ASC) Accountancy Associates. As a response to the outcome of the state of affairs, i.e., lingering demotivation in the studentry, the bipartite Uncharted aims to enliven the AMVian ambition with the concerted efforts of both current and graduate AMVians. Coordination between the two groups will be vital to the success of the program. Circulating rumors about face-toface class resumption has piqued journalistic curiosity about his projects. When asked what the party plans if the pandemic persists for another year, Lynnuelle answered that LAKASDIWA has built the agenda to account for “factors beyond control”, and whether it may work or not, his government will have to be flexible. Likewise, this same agenda was made to accommodate changes in the postpandemic period, when the new normal will have hopefully normalized. Rising to the Challenge Oftentimes, AMVians might find themselves in problems that seem irreparable. When things go out of hand, Lynnuelle thinks that quandary should not be the sole weight of the world that would render a student unable to act. Instead, he suggests that when all effort is exhausted, one has to press on because it is most advantageous. He extends the same life advice to aspiring leaders, who may one day heed the AMVians’ call. This simplifies all prior considerations in constructing the LAKASDIWA agenda. Lynnuelle knew that the presidency is undeniably the most difficult office to hold, whether its setting be in the academe, in the organization, or in the national government. Regardless, he remained adamant on his decision to run. He is aware of the sacrifices he must make upon swearing an oath to his collegiate responsibilities, and is willing to do so to inspire and touch the hearts of the studentry. He has his supportive parents to thank for an awe-inspiring grit to fulfill his political ambitions.

an Informed Choice

n on casting their ballots during the electoral season e aspiring council officers. As Halalan 2021 nears, new hange AMVians yearn for amid the prevailing global

electorate scene, there is a need to take action—cast gh your informed choice. ouncil officers, the Accountancy Journal provides you abilities, competencies, and platforms to assist you in

LD’s VP Bet Eyes A Socially Aware AMV Community By Mojan Gairo D. Dizon As an unopposed candidate vying for the second-highest post in the Accountancy Student Council (ASC) executive board, Johannes Nelson F. Yap from 2MA1 wills to instill social awareness among AMVians. With his advocacy of producing compassionate individuals through active participation and social awareness, Yap emphasizes the need to exemplify compassion and empathy amid the circumstances when the bigger picture is of concern. “I think compassion is something that we need in our circumstance right now. Nung pinag-iisipan ko, parang ang idealistic. Compassionate individuals, madali ba ‘yon ma-attain? And I know it is not something you gain overnight, but everything starts with the idea of wanting something and of the goal,” he said. The 20-year old Caviteño has an extensive background in leadership under his belt, being a student-leader since his first grade. His drive to serve comes from his struggles as a student and knowing what kind of leadership students deserve. Promoting social awareness Yap intends to achieve his campaign advocacy through his main project proposal, Catalyst. This project is a two-form podcast that aims to tackle relevant social issues and internal struggles currently faced by AMVians. “The podcast, I really believe, is a very versatile platform. The goal is to educate,’’ he said. Yap further explained that the podcast would be through pre-recorded episodes and live talk shows. With a substantial array of topics to be discussed, he stressed the importance of being aware of the current happenings. “I do believe na even though we are not directly affected sa social issue na ’yon, we should still be aware. We should be in touch with the things happening around us. It’s here to talk about everything but of course, ipa-prioritize natin yung what is happening right now as we speak,” Yap explained. Proposed topics in the said project include mental health, student burnout, coping with the pandemic, national elections, poverty, world hunger, and more. It will also be a medium for ASC event primers. Student participation is promoted through guesting and content suggestions. The vice presidentiable also aims to inform AMVians regarding socio-political issues concerning the upcoming 2022 national and local elections. He intends to use the project as an avenue to encourage AMVians to take part in these crucial matters. Further, he envisions the podcast to

be objective on relevant social issues without compromising and diminishing its substance through establishing ground rules for the program. He vows to make all efforts in the pursuance of this platform and is passionate about accomplishing his advocacy. “When it comes to things I know is right, I will do my best and exhaust everything”, he said. Embodying empathy Moreover, Yap also eyes an empathetic council that will be there for the trials and triumphs of each AMVian. He shares that this pandemic has taught him to be more in touch with the people around him and wants to share this value with the AMV community as he strives to instill empathy and compassion in aligning council objectives. He promises to be all ears on the concerns of the studentry and wants to be a leader who provides avenues to address such.

“Now is the best time for us to be there for each other. Nobody has it easy in our circumstance and I think that it all starts with our one thing- ‘yung feeling that we want to be there for another person. I wish that in any way or form, at some point, maramdaman din natin yung urge maging nandun tayo para sa mga kasama natin sa buhay,” he said, promising to serve the AMV community with his best foot forward.

EXCLUSIVE

The Analyst

May 2021

Get to know your candidates Who will be part of the next Accountancy Student Council? S E C R E TA RY By: Bianca Rose S. Ariza

ASSISTANT SECRETARY By Bianca Rose S. Ariza

Kathrina A. Nazario (LAKASDIWA) Rather than being deterred by the demands and difficulties of the online setup, 19-year-old Kathrina A. Nazario of 2A8 looks back at her prepandemic moments and uses them as a motivation, igniting the will in her to also let AMVians experience the same despite the current limitations. As the eldest among her siblings, Nazario exudes a “mom” aura, which reflects toward her classmates and other people. It indicates her empathy—a characteristic she believes both a Secretary and a studentleader should possess, alongside good

communication skills and the drive to fulfill his/her objectives and goals. “When you’re a leader, you need to understand the concerns and needs of your constituents. You need to put yourself in their place para alam mo how you will address and respond to their needs,” she said. In line with her advocacy of amplifying people skills towards developing well-rounded individuals, she proposed two projects. First, Project Boost! is a three-phased event to prepare the students for their internship and other professional needs. Second, Project Yugto, a localized competition that sets the spotlight on businessrelated information. “I want AMVians to be ready, to feel equipped, and to feel confident. I want to unleash the potential na alam kong nasa kanila. And I hope, through these projects, they can confidently express themselves,” Nazario shared. Far from being a novice in the student council, Nazario acknowledges the possibility of her proposed programs to experience challenges along the way. If it happens, the aspirant expressed the need for her to exhaust all possible options. “At the end of the day, I have to really maximize every platform and everything that I can to make sure na ‘yong objectives talaga and ‘yong goals, maibigay ko pa rin sa students, kasi nga may current needs ako na gusto kong ma-address and masagot,” said Nazario.

TREASURER

Adriano O. Cornejo (LAKASDIWA) Driven by the support of his parents, to whom he dedicates his candidacy, Adriano O. Cornejo, also known by his nickname Adc, is committed to his core aim of extending help and engaging in community activities. He eyes for the holistic development of AMVians as he advocates to foster the AMV community by building extensive relationships through social interaction. In fulfillment of the said advocacy, the 19-year-old Batangueño has two programs in store for the college. First, iAMValid is a webinar

ASSISTANT TREASURER

By Bea Francheska S. Barbiran

As an Accountancy Associate for both the Sports Committee and the Community Development Committee in the Accountancy Student Council (ASC), Seane Nicole C. Lim from 2MA1 attests that it is never too late to develop such aspiration and desire to lead and serve. Discerning the hardships and challenges faced by her fellow AMVians in the enhanced virtual learning setup, some of whom are lamentably left behind, motivated her to run for this year’s student council elections as treasurer. “Bilang estudyante, nararamdaman ko at nararanasan ko rin kung ano yung mga nararanasan niyo.” Lim further added, “I know mayroon akong mga plano, mga projects na maaaring makatulong sa kanila in these trying times.” In line with her advocacy to provide equal opportunities for student development, she prepared three projects. Edukawntansi is a lenda-textbook project to help students who are deprived of the resources of purchasing prescribed textbooks. LiteraKwarta is a two-part financial webinar that highlights the discussion of budgeting and investing. Lastly, Odyssey: AMV Career Expo is a threeday career and internship expo which aims to orient AMVians on career paths and opportunities, including accounting and non-accounting related professions. Moreover, Lim is convinced that being objective in partaking in

Aspiring to be a lawyer who firmly represents his clientele and accord with what is due, Angelo Carlos S. Gutierrez, from 1A6, is somehow influenced by such ambition which transpired his interest in student leadership. Gutierrez asserts that he can better serve the AMV community, as he seizes the opportunity to run as an assistant treasurer in this year’s student council elections. Considering the challenges of the health crisis currently experienced and ceaselessly combatted, he felt the urge to take necessary actions for the AMV community. Thus, he arrived with the advocacy of igniting one’s passion through student involvement. “Napapansin ko na almost most of the students, they feel unmotivated in such a way na andaming kinakaharap na problems and wala na silang time to do something that they truly love,” he said. To effectively implement his advocacy, he wants to provide AMVians with opportunities to learn beyond the technical aspects of our profession. With this, Gutierrez introduced three platforms that will accentuate student involvement. AMV Merkado is a virtual marketplace—an avenue that provides business opportunities to students and enables the conduct of business transactions within the AMV community. Accordingly, Project LIYAB: Letting the Inner You Ascend Boundaries, provides a platform for

Seane Nicole C. Lim (LAKASDIWA) her duties and responsibilities is an essential principle a treasurer must uphold. “Being a treasurer is being objective about the allocation of the budget. Yung ime-make sure mo na effective talaga yung pag-allocate mo ng budget and na ma-maximize mo yung budget. Whenever you handle money, whenever you handle budgets, you need to be objective para hindi maging bias yung pag-allocate”, she said. Lim also mentioned that as the ASC treasurer, she will be the voice and representative of the students.

that focuses on role appreciation and how different challenges affect the community as a whole, spearheaded by guest interviewees and speakers. Second, iAMValiant is a three-phased community engagement program that consists of teaching academics, religion, and financial literacy to beneficiaries, spearheaded by the Community Development Committee (CDC). “My projects are not valueadding to our academics. ‘Pag nag-join ka ng project na ito, hindi tataas ang grades mo sa IntAcc, hindi tataas ang grades mo sa Tax; pero tataas ang value ng holistic development mo,” Cornejo shared. To arrive at his project proposals, Cornejo factored in the stereotype given to AMV students and how he intends to dismantle it. “‘Di ba kapag nasa AMV ka, sasabihin sa ‘yo magaling ka lang sa numbers. Pero gusto kong i-impart kasi na we are more than just numbers, that we can serve pa, that we can give more than what we are expected at the bare minimum,” Cornejo explained. As he is still a cub in the field of student service, the 1A1 student considers his participatory actions in the community, no matter how small, as a significant contributor to his eventual aspirations of becoming a studentleader. “Domino effect ‘yan—you have to start somewhere para makapunta ka sa mismong patutunguhan,” said Cornejo.

Angelo Carlos S. Gutierrez (LAKASDIWA) artistic expression and appreciation towards sports, particularly e-sports. Lastly, the Plus Ultra! is proposed to acknowledge students for their academic efforts or other extracurricular activities. Moreover, Gutierrez mentioned that he would like AMVians to see him as a leader who is attentive and selfless, prioritizing student concerns above his own. “In these trying times, more than ever, we need student-leaders who would stand-up for the students and listen to the concerns of the students”, he said.

GRAPEVINE

May 2021

The Analyst

What is your message for the candidates? Given that this year’s election is a one party slate I just hope that the winning candidates won’t take their win lightly. Even if the results seem to be already set in stone I still wish them luck. I applaud them for vying as student leaders amidst this grueling pandemic. I hope that as they win they’ll serve the Accountancy Student Body with the qualities of a true and blue Thomasian. - Markees Malamug, 3A6, JPIA Debate Team Candidates should ultimately be the voice of the AMV students, especially now that we are experiencing a global health crisis. Also, they should possess the core values of the university, as well as the expected principles in an AMV student in leading and serving our college. - Hannah Rae Baccay, 2A9 “These are unprecedented times and circumstances which in turn call for resourcefulness and a broadened degree of understanding. With that, I can only hope that the newly elected student council will take into account the challenges faced by students, educators, and administrators alike in order to find ways to realistically and effectively aid all those apart of the AMV Community.” - Martha Cruz, 5A1 Action speaks a lot louder than words, that’s why I really hope that their advocacies will be evident all throughout their days being the student leaders. As a member of the student body and a struggling student at the same time, I hope that they can handle the pressure really well; I wish to see problems being resolved — may it be acad-related or not. -Tricia Mae Dela Merced, 2A1 It is important for future officers to be adaptable. Deserving candidates should be able to build from whatever adversities are thrown at them and move forward; be it in typical or atypical situations. - Kiana Leaño, 3AIS2 Leading in its most unconcealed definition is having the means to serve and be of help at all times. To be an AMVian student [leader] one must not think that it is an honor but rather a duty that incorporates a lot of sacrifice and obligation. To the aspiring ones, may you do all these with so much joy and openness in your heart that being in service wouldn’t feel such a burden at all but rather something that comes natural within. - Alliah Bea Inductivo, 3MA7 I hope that when you have the position already, may you continue to hear our concerns in order to bring a solid and student-centered service. Keep in mind to be the student leaders that are from, with, and for the people! - Krishna C. Ticzon, 1A14 To the candidates: times may be tough right now but it’s always good to remember why you started in the first place. Stand out and be the change you want to see in people. You are greater than you’ll ever know. - Sharon Lau, 4A1 I hope that you have the courage to persuade the administration to resolve any student concern. Always remember to be humble and have compassion to everyone. - Czyrene Zulueta, 1A14

AUDITOR

PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

By: Rishi Lyanna F. Villalon

Geared with experience as class president during his junior and senior high school, Lakasdiwa’s bet for the auditor post, Juan Miguel Nacpil, desires to do more for AMVians through his advocacy in creating an interactive and safe learning environment. Given the struggles students face in the enhanced virtual learning, 20-year old Nacpil proposed Kapwa ko, Kapatid ko, an inter batch project for the subsequent academic year. He perceives it to be a time to create closed groups wherein students can freely interact and meet fellow AMVians. “Para siyang freedom wall. Magkakapag create sila [ang students] ng endless threads na “kaya ‘to”, ganyan, something na makakapag keep– going sa isang student,” Nacpil stated. More than the proposed freedom wall, there will also be minievents such as games, Zoom meetings, review tutorials, and movie watching sessions for the students to enjoy. Nacpil also envisions conducting seminars through his platform, League of Auditors, to enhance the skills and knowledge of AMVians about auditing. “Try natin magkaroon ng seminar about auditing para lalo silang ma- educate about what is auditing sa loob ng organization tapos eventually sa second phase, magkakaroon tayo ng univ- wide seminar para sa lahat,” he said. The 2A8 student believes that as the backbone of the council,

Rooted by her passion as the voice of the studentry, Lakasdiwa’s representative for Public Relations Officer, Shanelle Ann Ching, counted on her past student council experiences as a driver to pursue the executive board seat, despite the academic duties and pressure the college imparts. Her experience as a firstyear batch representative of the Accountancy Student Council (ASC) motivated her to be the instrument in voicing out the concerns of each student. “Kasi knowing din na narinig ko ‘yung concerns and ‘yung voices ng students, lalo na my batchmates, and through that, doon ako humugot ng motivation to really help them and at the same time, it fueled me to help a wider range of audience pa,” Ching said. The 1A1 student also added that throughout the entire planning process of her platforms, she considered the shift to virtual learning and established countermeasures to cater to the diversified needs of AMVians. Her advocacy, Start-up AMV, is a break-out room activity aiming to enhance interpersonal skills and time management; apply leadership skills, and build relationships. There will be speakers to help the students in adjusting to the online learning set-up. “Kasi naiintindihan ko na everyone is struggling, and everyone is trying to find a way to cope up with the situation that we are in. At the same

Juan Miguel C. Nacpil (LAKASDIWA) the auditor should possess a friendly disposition towards his co-officers. He shall supervise the welfare of his colleagues and the students; and attend to their eventual needs to ease the burden of work. As he aspires to be the next auditor, he believes that trust and cooperation from the students and council play a vital role in accomplishing the presented advocacies. “To accomplish [these projects], need yung cooperation ng lahat and I trust my co-EBs dito. Merong tiwala and cooperation among us”, Nacpil said.

Shanelle Ann P. Ching (LAKASDIWA) time, we could also input something like pag develop ng interpersonal skills knowing na we don’t really see people that much,” she said. Furthermore, she also proposed Level-Up AMV, a two-phase interactive webinar that will help students enhance their interpersonal skills in preparation for the professional world. “I acknowledge that the college is giving us the academic training, hindi naman natin iyon mapagkakaila. But at the same time, we need the interpersonal skills in order to navigate the professional world,” Ching stated.