05/05/2026
𝗦𝗚 𝗮𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗲 𝗔𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲
Candidates for University of Batangas Lipa City Student Government (UBLC SG) defended their platforms and laid out their campaign promises during the face-to-face Miting de Avance at the Gymnasium, April 30.
The assembly allowed 11 executive and gubernatorial candidates to detail their stances, highlighting the contrast between the SINAG party-list’s goals and the initiatives of three independent aspirants.
“I am not here to promise perfection; I am here to promise dedication, consistency and a leadership that listens, learns and acts,” stated Presidential candidate Sean Laot as he introduced the SINAG party-list’s collective "S-T-L" (Stand, Thrive, Lead) principle.
Laot emphasized that the party’s priority is to eliminate “miscommunication” through a centralized system, making leadership opportunities accessible to all.
The executive session featured Vice Presidential contenders Nicole Belarmino (SINAG) and independent John Carlo Pineda. Belarmino presented "L.E.A.D." (Leadership, Excellence, and AI Development) reforms, and Pineda proposed a peer support model.
“I know the stress, the overload, and the pressure; it’s very difficult to keep track of activities,” Pineda remarked.
He stated that this system would facilitate knowledge sharing on shared subjects to make solo studying more manageable for the community.
Furthermore, independent candidates Joshua Anthony Mendoza for Public Resource Officer (PRO) and Kim Princess Villanueva for College of Criminal Justice Education (CCJE) Governor also pitched platforms focused on administrative clarity.
“I intend to replace fragmented messaging with a centralized way, providing every student with direct access to council procedures and a professional venue for advocacy,” Mendoza said.
He maintained that structured reporting would ensure the accountability the constituency deserves. On the other hand, Villanueva pushed for an inclusive approach through meaningful events and awareness seminars designed to provide vital information to the students.
Shifting to administrative logistics, SINAG Secretary candidate Chillian Rose Balhon proposed improving digital efficiency through organized document access. Meanwhile, Treasurer candidate Jazyln Sigue promised to improve the receipt process by integrating physical records with e-wallet gateways.
The program then narrowed to the local level, where gubernatorial candidates presented specialized reforms. For the College of Health Sciences (CHS), Samantha Alcantara introduced her "Ugnayan" platform, which focuses on sign language programs to improve accessibility.
During the Q&A session, candidates clarified their management styles regarding efficiency and accountability. The questions, raised by outgoing SG officers, instructors, students and even former SG candidates, centered on institutional integrity and the SG’s obligation to its constituents.
“I think deserve ng mga tao ang truth and transparency towards sa nangyayari,” Laot responded when asked if the student government under his leadership would disclose full details regarding organizational issues or obligations.
He asserted that the students have a right to the facts during controversies, noting that he plans to use student feedback to create specific community-driven solutions.
The dialogue on transparency also centered on financial accountability and budget accessibility.
“Absolutely, yes po... I believe that every student in our university needs to know where our funds go because hindi naman po siya bagay na dapat itago,” Belarmino responded regarding the disclosure of council funds.
She committed to immediate disclosure upon taking office to keep the student body informed of expenditures. The inquiry then turned to the reporting intervals required to sustain trust.
“I think that it is okay po, na mapublish regularly, then also why not do it quarterly para mas makita natin yung mga changes,” Auditor candidate Shanice Uri stated when asked about the frequency of unedited liquidation reports.
Uri explained that a quarterly schedule is more effective than a monthly one, as it allows students to track major allocation changes and evaluate the effectiveness of past events.
Regarding internal operations, Pineda addressed the necessity of cross-party collaboration.
“With the possibility of working with SINAG, I want to ensure that we have clear communication throughout all levels,” Pineda affirmed.
He maintained that while he is willing to cooperate, the success of council projects relies primarily on the dedication of those in charge.
With the floor closed, the student body will now cast their ballots as the election cycle moves to face-to-face voting on May 6 and 7, followed by online voting on May 8 and 9.
Report by: Timothy Armhand Marcus Alipio
Photo by: Estelle Dorothy Dioso
