The Forerunner

Predominantly freshman slate from the BulSUONE (B1) party has filed its Certificates of Candidacy (COC) for the upcoming student elections at Bulacan State University (BulSU). The candidates, who submitted their COCs on Wednesday, March 5, are running for various positions, including senator, governor, vice governor, and nine Board Member (BM) seats representing different academic programs. The composition of the B1 slate has sparked discussions on the role of experience in student governance, as most of its candidates are in their first year at the university. Despite this, they emphasize their leadership backgrounds and commitment to student representation. Senatorial candidate Juan Gabriel Vasques stated, "Mula noon, paglilingkod na talaga yung nagpapasaya sa akin. Mas gusto ko yung pakiramdam na nakakapag lingkod ako ng totoo at tumulong para sa iba. Kaya kahit first-year pa lang ako, alam kong kaya kong tumayo bilang isang lider dahil hindi ako bago sa pagiging lider at hindi rin bago sa akin ang makinig at kumilos para sa iba." He also addressed concerns about experience, saying, "Hindi sukatan ang tagal mo sa unibersidad para masabing kaya mong gampanan ang isang tungkulin. Ang mahalaga ay kung paano mo ginagamit ang oras mo para makinig, matuto, at maglingkod ng totoo. At doon ako sigurado—nandito ako dahil nasa puso ko ang paglilingkod at handang maging boses ng mga kapwa ko estudyante, pati [na rin] gumawa ng aksyon na may tunay na epekto sa kapwa kong estudyante." Gubernatorial candidate Miguela Lusuegro emphasized the importance of proactive leadership, stating, "Leadership is not about waiting for the 'right time'—it's about showing up and taking action." She also cited her experience, adding, "Mula nang pumasok ako sa BulSU, hindi lang ako naging estudyante—I showed up for the students, to help the students. Bilang isang [student volunteer] at [student leader], hindi ako naghintay ng "tamang panahon" upang maglingkod. Lumahok ako upang maging bahagi ng pagbabago." The B1 slate also includes vice gubernatorial candidate Lawrence Jacob Plamenco, along with Board Member candidates Dan Angelo Garcia (BIT), Jhenz Shiena Bartolome (BSED), Danren Jey Mendoza (BIT-Computer Technology), Godwinjohn Sagala (BSIE), Jhamaica Pagaduan (BEED), John Emmanuel Samonte (BSE), Kaith Razel Payumo (BTLED), Pauleen Marie Ignacio (BSBA), and Rey Miguel Quero (BSIT). | 📷: Jenel Cyrus Rivera via Kristine Eunice Bersabe, THE FORERUNNER #TheForerunner #UntiltheInkRunsDry