03/06/2026
DEBESMSCAT SSC and CSC Turnover and Oath-Taking Ceremony Successfully Conducted
โThe DEBESMSCAT Office of Student Affairs (OSAS), through the Supreme Student Council (SSC), successfully conducted the proper SSC and CSC Turnover and Oath-Taking Ceremony on June 2, 2026. โThe event was attended by top key officials of the college, including Dr. Arnel B. Millesca (SUC President III), Dr. Elreen A. Delavin (Vice President for Academic Affairs), Prof. Grace B. Abella (OSAS Dean), and Dr. Ella P. Lotivio (SSC Adviser).
โDr. Elreen A. Delavin welcomed the student leaders by expressing appreciation for the past administration's contributions. Dr. Delavin compared the triumphs of the leaders to the song We Are the Champions, but noted that the position is also a "bed of roses" accompanied by thorns. โThe program proceeded with the awarding of certificates to the outgoing SSC officers.
Hon. Zaira Joy S. Maglente presented her accomplishment report, highlighting the key initiatives of her term. These included the Student Pantry, her travel to Thailand, Buruligan 2025, the SSC's reaccreditation with UNESCO, the launch of the SSC website, Salubong 2025, her attendance at BYLC 2024, and the UNESCO International Assembly in Batangas. She also highlighted recent activities spearheaded by the SSC that received approval from the Board of Trustees for campus implementation: Clean and Green DEBESMSCAT, Project Opong (a student recovery program), and the recently concluded National Youth Leaders Summit in Balud, Masbate.
Hon. Maglente admitted that she experienced silent pressure, disappointment, and exhaustion, realizing that privilege comes with a responsibility greater than oneself. Despite the challenges of balancing academics and student leadership, she emphasized that every hurdle was worth it. The commitment and motivation of the people behind her boosted her determination to continue. She added that they proved leadership can thrive despite obstacles, making a meaningful difference in the lives of others, and thanked the administration for its unwavering support throughout her term.
โThe newly elected officers from both the SSC and CSC were introduced by SSC Adviser Dr. Ella P. Lotivio. They then proceeded to the most awaited part of the program: the Oath of Office and Induction Ceremony, where they took their oath before Dr. Arnel B. Millesca.
โDr. Arnel B. Millesca delivered his challenge and inspirational message, noting that he has already worked with four SSC chairpersons during his tenure. He commended the excellent communication between the administration and the council and shared his own experiences as a former student leader. The President cited the importance of CMO 63 to student leaders and recalled milestones from the terms of the student trustees he has worked with.
During the term of Trustee Emmanuel Merioles, the regular dialogue between President Arnel and the student leaders was initiated. During the term of Trustee Trisha, the institution secured 500 scholarship slots. For the term of Trustee Zaira Joy Maglente, milestones included the establishment of the โฑ200,000 financial reward for Debesians who top the board examinations, environmental protection initiatives, the WURI ranking, the Typhoon Opong welfare program, and the transition from BMEYS to NEYLS.
โDr. Millesca highlighted the institution's support for students participating in international conventions and conferences by providing travel and transportation allowances. He extended his appreciation to Hon. Maglente for being an integral part of the TEAM. President Millesca also reaffirmed his commitment to the students' academic growth, announcing allocated budgets to transform part of the administration building into DAMGO Parkโwhich will serve as a student study hubโas well as renovations for the college Function Hall and the CIT Main building.
He reiterated that positions are temporary, stating that leaders are not remembered by their titles, but by how they treated people. In closing, Dr. Arnel challenged the new set of officers to continue working not just for themselves, but for the benefit and welfare of all Debesians.
โThe newly elected SSC Chairperson, RP Reel O. Acusta, delivered his acceptance speech and outlined his plan of action. His blueprint covers the SSC Transparency Portal, the Student Rights Help Desk, the Student Leader Mentorship Program, an agri-entrepreneurship partnership, the Green Space Project, campus sustainability initiatives, a SOGIE-led organization, a Society Awareness Workshop, the Mental Health Safe Spaces Initiative, a disaster readiness program, Project Kalipay, and his flagship initiative, the Piso Mula sa Puso Scholarship Program. He concluded his speech by rallying his fellow officers with the words, "Trabaho ta, trabaho ta!" (Let's work, let's work!).
Prof. Grace B. Abella delivered her closing remarks, becoming emotional as she cited the memories and experiences they shared with the outgoing officers. She stated that she sometimes gets angry because she wants them to grow and develop into the best versions of themselves. Dean Abella added that they have shared challenges and successes, as well as meaningful connections, and that she is truly grateful for those. For all of this, she extended her heartfelt gratitude and wished for them to carry the lessons and friendships they have shared wherever life takes them. As she ended, she said, "The true measure of leadership is the positive impact you share with the students."
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