The newly-elected members of the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) University Student Council (USC) took their oaths on 26 April 2023, in a hybrid setup. The attendees who were present in person were at the UPOU Oblation Hall, while USC Councilors Francelle Joanne Bacud, Luna Alexandra Cañal, and Raine Tuason joined virtually via Zoom. The UPOU Commission on Elections (CoE) and University Student Council (USC) organized the event in coordination with the Office of Student Affairs (OSA), Office of Public Affairs (OPA), and Multimedia Center (MC).
The ceremony commenced with the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, followed by an introduction of the special guests, including UPOU Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Primo G. Garcia, UPOU OSA Director Dr. Ria Mae Borromeo, UPOU Committee on Elections Chairperson Aaron Lopez, and UPOU USC Chairperson Isaiah Athanasius Crisanto. They were joined by USC members, CoE members, UPOU administrative staff, and volunteers.
UPOU CoE Chairperson Lopez delivered his opening remarks, congratulating the newly-elected student leaders on their win and emphasizing their commitment to serve their fellow students. He also thanked the current USC leaders for supporting and guiding the newly-elected student leaders and encouraged them to take time to learn things.
Dr. Borromeo gave a message to the newly-elected officers, thanking them for taking part and supporting the Special Elections. She expressed her hope that the new officers are excited and ready to take on the challenge of being part of the USC. She reassured the students of the support of the UPOU administration and its willingness to work with them to help improve the University and enhance their experience as students.
Dr. Garcia also gave a message on behalf of Chancellor Melinda dP. Bandalaria, congratulating the new officers on their new milestone in the USC. He recognized how student leaders shape the image for the new breed of learners represented by the UPOU students. He emphasized that the USC and its volunteers are the University’s partners in promoting the welfare of the students and getting a degree through open and distance e-learning is realized. He reiterated that communication lines are open for concerns, and the UPOU administration will always be supportive of its undertakings.
Dr. Garcia led the oathtaking of the newly-elected councilors and house representatives of the UPOU USC and offered a welcoming handshake to each and every one of them.
These are the new officers of the UPOU University Student Council:
USC Councilors
Andrei Angelo Canlas
Faith Margeux Caubang
Harvy Josh Pitargue
Shaine Tabuquilde
USC General Assembly
Voltaire Abiog – Undergraduate Representative
Priiti Mae Bandril-Overos – Graduate Representative
Mark Daryll Overos – Graduate Representative
Ricardo Romero – Graduate Representative
UPOU USC Chairperson Crisanto gave his closing remarks, recognizing the efforts of the CoE, Dr. Borromeo and OSA staff, Dr. Garcia, and the CODTL Team. He expressed his joy as the new members join the USC, and shared that forming the UPOU USC after more than 28 years is a historic achievement as it advocates for student representation. He also shared that the UPOU USC is the most diverse student body in the UP System as it represents students from all over the globe and different walks of life. He shared with the new members that their journey has only begun, and the USC is excited for what they have to offer to the UPOU student body.
The event ended with the singing of UP Naming Mahal.
Written by Betina Paula Cardenas
Edited by Myra C. Almodiel and Anna Cañas-Llamas
Contributed by the Office of Student Affairs
