craig aquino,
Democracy empowers people. It gives them the freedom to decide who represents them, and allows them to have a say in societal issues.
What, then, happens to democracy if that power to choose is taken away?
For the past few years, this is what has been happening in the University of the Philippines Integrated School (UPIS) annual student council elections. Generally, only single candidates have run for each position in the Pamunuan ng Kamag-Aral (PKA), which are meant to represent students.
This is a problem.
It limits students’ choices as to who represents them. Granted, one can abstain from the voting if they feel the candidate is not worthy of their vote.
However, this is a false choice. Even if one does abstain, another student will just be recommended by the adviser of the organization to be appointed for the vacant position, which will then be approved by the Executive Committee, without another election being held. Despite the students having abstained, they ultimately get no say as to who represents them.
Why does this happen though? The answer lies in the politics of the school, and the mentality of the students.
Often, the few people who run for these positions are the same ones who are already known and nominated for such responsibilities. Other students may think that only a few will vote for them because of the fact that there are already more popular people vying for the positions.
As a result, students who are also capable — possibly more so — of being officers are discouraged from running.
Another reason that only a few people run is that students are indifferent.
The fact that only a few people run shows that students don’t care about the school, or at least not enough to sacrifice their time and energy for it. As UPIS students, we are expected to be aware of societal issues. However, awareness alone is not enough. We should also take action and participate in the resolution of these problems. One of the best ways to do so is to be a part of the student government.
Admittedly, there are grade levels this year that have more than one person vying for certain Year-Level Organization (YLO) positions.
However, since the PKA is the central government of UPIS, the students should also be willing to run for positions there as they are in YLOs.
Being an officer may have several drawbacks — additional responsibilities, stress, and less time for recreational activities. Despite those however, being able to serve your school and gain experience for life makes it worth the hardships.
So put your hands up, be brave, and run.//by Craig Aquino and Roan Ticman
Opinion: All the Single Parties (Put a Cap on It)
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| Photo Credit: Gail Clemente and Ezra Bustamante |
Democracy empowers people. It gives them the freedom to decide who represents them, and allows them to have a say in societal issues.
What, then, happens to democracy if that power to choose is taken away?
For the past few years, this is what has been happening in the University of the Philippines Integrated School (UPIS) annual student council elections. Generally, only single candidates have run for each position in the Pamunuan ng Kamag-Aral (PKA), which are meant to represent students.
This is a problem.
It limits students’ choices as to who represents them. Granted, one can abstain from the voting if they feel the candidate is not worthy of their vote.
However, this is a false choice. Even if one does abstain, another student will just be recommended by the adviser of the organization to be appointed for the vacant position, which will then be approved by the Executive Committee, without another election being held. Despite the students having abstained, they ultimately get no say as to who represents them.
Why does this happen though? The answer lies in the politics of the school, and the mentality of the students.
Often, the few people who run for these positions are the same ones who are already known and nominated for such responsibilities. Other students may think that only a few will vote for them because of the fact that there are already more popular people vying for the positions.
As a result, students who are also capable — possibly more so — of being officers are discouraged from running.
Another reason that only a few people run is that students are indifferent.
The fact that only a few people run shows that students don’t care about the school, or at least not enough to sacrifice their time and energy for it. As UPIS students, we are expected to be aware of societal issues. However, awareness alone is not enough. We should also take action and participate in the resolution of these problems. One of the best ways to do so is to be a part of the student government.
Admittedly, there are grade levels this year that have more than one person vying for certain Year-Level Organization (YLO) positions.
However, since the PKA is the central government of UPIS, the students should also be willing to run for positions there as they are in YLOs.
Being an officer may have several drawbacks — additional responsibilities, stress, and less time for recreational activities. Despite those however, being able to serve your school and gain experience for life makes it worth the hardships.
So put your hands up, be brave, and run.//by Craig Aquino and Roan Ticman
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