Let us do our duty because it is our duty

- Emmanuel Kant

Summer is time for fun and reflection void of any academic works yet I find myself working on two advocacies which are non-academic but require a large amount of rigorous thinking in this supposedly fun point in time. This only shows that duty chooses no time. My mission is my mission. One is on the environment and the other is on truth, accountability and transparency. Two seemingly unrelated issues yet they affect us therefore we should respond to it.

The Firefly Brigade is a non-stock, non-profit, and SEC – registered citizen’s volunteer action group which works for clean air and a habitable, people-friendly environments in our cities. This group plans to have a simultaneous nation wide awareness campaign about clean environment through a bike parade in major cities all over the country. To attract even more attention, this event also includes a costume competition where bikers are encouraged to wear creative costumes that best reflect their concern for the urban environment. The city as one of the major cities will participate in the nation wide bike ride and the KKP-SIP of XU is being tapped as a strategic partner in its realization. The event will be on April 20, 2007 and the CDO version will be called “Sikad Kalikasan”. Different groups in the city have already been gathered such as the Oro Bikers, SM Mall, Pueblo de Oro, and others. The ball is now beginning to roll and we can accelerate it by doing our part. We could participate in this event by joining the bike ride itself, donating funds, and telling a friend about it. For more information just text me on 0906-212-4886 or visit their website on http://www.fireflybrigade.org/

The Team RP is a youth-led initiative to advocate and proactively work towards the fight for Truth, Accountability and Reform in our government. It is led by college students and young professionals who want to see genuine reform in our country especially in our government leaders today. This I got from an online chat with Eli Convocar of the Ateneo de Manila. It’s a duty we all should commit if we want our country back on its moral footing. They are planning to collect 10,000 signatures supporting their campaign for complete access to public information and submit it to Congress as it opens on April 23, 2008. I will basically handle the signature campaign here in Xavier University. You could help by singing the manifesto. Just go to http://teamrp.multiply.com/ for more information , email them at team.rp.official@gmail.com or contact me on the same number above. I’ll roam around campus starting next week circulating the signature sheets.

This hype of issue advocacy missions can me managed effectively and efficiently by forming a taxonomy of influence which I will ponder upon in the following days.

NOW, DO YOUR PART!

Mission Vision, Amazing!

teachers thinking

Participating in the making a vision-mission for the School of Business and Management is no easy task. It requires both thinking and foresight. Even though the day was draining, my fascination overtook my drained state due to the way Dr. Mark Labuntog creatively managed the whole exercise. Starting from the contemporary prayer entitled “Love Changes Everything”, he managed to link the song to our personal values and then to a vision we see ourselves committed to and finally a vision we could share and collectively actualize as a school. Amazing! This was basically the flow of the whole exercise. It was really dynamic. Ideas were challenged and exchanged, words were chiseled, words were explained to its core, and the beauty of it appeared when all of our personal experiences and insights fell into place to produce a collection of words that we confidently declare as our mission vision. Yet the mission-vision is still half-made. We have to meet again tomorrow to further strengthen the mission-vision. What I’ve learned so far is this; Mission-Vision making is never easy. It deals with different frequencies of different people with different experiences. Diversity carves a good mission vision. We somehow entered into a battery of views and beliefs and hopefully would come out with a near-perfect carved mission vision we all be inspired to commit.

Vision

The School of Business and Management envisions to the center of excellent business and management education in Mindanao forming ethical graduates with a global perspective who are competent and self-driven to take on leadership positions in commerce, industry, and government.

Mission:

The School of Business and Management is committed to nation building through excellent business education forming leaders who are competent and self-driven effectively and ethically managing wealth for the common good and alleviating poverty through social entrepreneurship.

A thought about Magis

The Magis Awards 2008 Ceremony got me thinking.

Ah!!! The “M” word that my teachers keep on saying since nursery! What is Magis by the way? Aside from being the Latin translation of more, what is magis? I’m no Jesuit but growing with them for the past decade + 4 years may help.

Magis is not a standard. It is not a benchmark that students compete to achieve. In my way of looking at it, magis is an ability. It is an ability to see and extract the greatest possible potential of every moment. When I mean see, I touch on ones foresight in looking at situations, people and things. Magis is seeing more that what is obvious. It is seeing the potentiality of things and people. When I mean extract, it is also the ability to translate those potentialities into actual accomplishments. Another word to chisel is accomplishment. Accomplishment now a days are equated to glorious moments of victory. But in the context of magis it is as simple as winning a smile from a new friend, making orphans laugh, giving bible sessions to school children and sharing what you’ve learn to a scholar. This is what I see magis is. It is making the best of what you have; Making the best of every situation, of every moment. Further more, Magis is a process. It is dynamic. It does not stop when you extract the potential, it goes beyond that. It then grows into a personal disposition. It then translates into a personal sense of openness and willingness to grow and mature through those experiences. Lastly, to balance the equation, Magis is something to share. Seeing, extracting, growing and maturing will deteriorate if it is not being shared. Magis then as the yardstick of our actions is about receiving and giving. Receiving what is present and giving more than what is expected.

It is not hard to fight for what is right

I participated in my first “social oriented action thingy”. I mean, this I the first time I’ve marched and joined a rally. It was very peaceful and subtle. There was no sign of aggressive testosterone in the crowd.

With my KKP family and an entire barrio of people from Davao and Bukidnon, we marched from the Provincial Capitol to the Court of Appeals. Our message was to implement the Anti-aerial Spraying Ordinance in Davao City. I do not want to touch on legal jargon here but to make the story clear, I need to touch on the simplest way I can. The city government of Davao has already passed an ordinance banning aerial spraying 2 years ago (I think) but a group of corporations filled a motion to suspend the ordinance. So now, it is under scrutiny in the Court of Appeals in Cagayan de Oro. That is the simple reason why people from the south moved up here just to get their point across.

You may ask why students of Xavier would even get involved in an issue far away. The answer is simple. The issues being fought for in the legal battle are universal and ethical. It is our obligation to fight for it because it is right and true; it applies and affects every man. The basic contentions are profit and people. This case is a clear manifestation of how corporate greed can immorally compromise the general welfare of the people. People are getting sick and some already died because of this toxic rain. We can’t just let this clear and present injustice prevail.

On that moment, we may be seen by others as deviants causing traffic in a hopeless cause but I will say this to them: If it is for the common good, for what is right then I am proud to be a deviant! It is not hard to fight for what is right.

To help, just visit the KKP-SIP office in the Aggies Bldg. ground floor, you could raise awareness by writing about it in your own blogs.

IT’S ALL OVER; SEMESTER ENDS

My last exam is over. With the submission of my answer sheet comes the official end of my academic obligation for this semester. A great feeling of relief and outer freedom came over when I realized that all is over. I can now shove my books and have all the time in the world doing everything I need aside studying. I do not want to recap the exam; I just hope to capture the significant happenings of this day in depth and precision.

• The Block A and B outing in Lopez Beach Resort was fun and relaxing. The breeze of the sea blew away the heavy feeling of academics. Now, we just have to worry ourselves on what to do with our summer. We spent 7 hours bonding, walking on the beach, playing cards, making sand art, eating, and just enjoying each others’ company. A rainbow even appeared around mid afternoon.
• By 6:00 pm, Maki and I changed disposition. From an outing, we joined the KKP Volunteers’ tribute program for the seniors. It was very romantic, creative, and emotional. The stc lobby was transformed into a candle lighted hall. For me, the meaning of the whole event was articulated by the words said by Sir Pimentel during his “inspirational message”.
• The things you have done or the grades you’ve earned are not really that important. What is important are the things, the ideas, and the skills you have learned that will grow with you as you go out into the world. The very hallmark of the KKP Volunteer Formation Program is the raw social-oriented experience they provide and the training on how to process the whole experience.
• Therefore, it is the ability to process that raw experience and the ability to see oneself as a whole person in any given situation (demanding, draining, horrific events etc.) that highly counts. This is the stuff of leadership. The ability to process and extract insights, see oneself as a whole in any situation and convert all those personal insights (self-mastery, foresight) into actions of service are the key elements of heroic leadership, true atenean leadership. The interplay of these elements need tremendous amounts of energy and this could be provided for by our faith.
• Sir Ermin opened up a whole idea on the movement of our leadership this coming year. It is ideal for the CSG to expand its activities outside of the university, It should not be enclosed or insulated rather it should target the involvement of the greater community outside. That ought to be our role. Aside from governing in a daily basis, we should conceive and implement programs with a series of projects that are long term, multi-faceted, and wider in impact. Programs that deploy students outside the campus such as organizing an inter-high school quiz bee (good for XU marketing), voting registration drive, building homes, reducing in-campus trash through a community drive, election awareness and so much more.
• This was also opened up about the need to review the Awards and Recognition Committee's procedure in choosing a class valedictorian. The 50-50 policy of school performance and speech are quite misleading. The 50% allocated for the quality of the speech ought to be reduced to either 40 or 35 % because it does not reflect the true ability of the person to process his Xavier experience but only the talent of his/her articulation. The bulk should be given to his school performance (school involvements, academic performance) because the things he did in his 4 years in Xavier rather than what she/he said at that moment of deliberation is more heavy, substantive and real. This should be tackled by the Directorate by 1^st quarter and open this concern to the Academic Council.

EFFICIENT GENEROSITY

On our first triumvirate meeting in the lobby of the Old Library, multiple concerns surfaced but this in particular caught us - the red tape of the extra-curricular funding. This is by far the top concern we could address. Ever since, the extra-co orgs do not have a single stop funding process. They have to “machine gun” sponsorship letters to so many offices costing time, money and effort. For us to effectively stimulate student activities, we need to cut the funding red tape.

For this summer, we aim to collect data regarding this matter. With the joint efforts of the SacDev Coordinator, we hope to create a sound funding system design that we could confidently recommend to the Office of Student Affairs. The basic ideas for this mission is to give extra-curricular a “starting capital” for their operational needs, create a single Extra-Curricular funding managed by SacDev (appropriate a portion of the PTA fund directly to SacDev control), and a monitoring and transparency system for the extra-curricular orgs' liquidations.

God bless our thoughts, heart and actions!

“Ay! Sound Table diay!”

I just had my first taste of what my mission in school is all about.

My block mates were gathering in “Timberland” reviewing their notes, preparing for the next exam. A few of my high school batch mates were sitting beside us. We greeted, talked and updated each other. While talking about school life, Alon who was an active member of XU high’s music club mentioned his desire to unify all bands in Xavier U. I immediately interrupted by saying the word “Sound box!” (A student org of bands which was suspended 3 years ago if I’m not mistaken, the org was mentioned by Mae in one of our casual talks which captured my interest). He sarcastically corrected me that it was “Sound table”. The sudden twist of name made me laugh. After that momentary laugh break, the talk made me excited because this was one org I’m hoping to revive but can’t find the exact people to share the efforts and now I’m talking to one! The ball started to roll. I already mentioned the possibility of reviving it to Sir Ivan, the Student Activities Development Coordinator a week earlier and he is willing to review its recognition papers. It seems like the pieces of the puzzle for Sound Table are falling into place. I now have the people, the next move is to have the ideas, then gather the students again to consult on a new concept paper and then follow it up with technical support. In the entire technical labyrinth we are set to enter for us to accomplish this aim, it is where I found campus democracy at its best. It is gathering ordinary students who, if given an opportunity to get involved can do extraordinary things like create and organization. This is grassroots involvement in action - The humble beginnings of an org.

IT WILL DECIDE EVERYTHING

They say when you do not write your ambitions, it remains a dream. Writing them makes them a goal. Let us evoke the law of attraction and try if in some years time, these will be come a reality. They are not few nor plenty but hopefully they are much. To really say that I am living my life to the fullest is the same as dedicating most of my time and effort to service for others (especially the voiceless, powerless, and those who can’t think for themselves) through the community development programs I work with.

• Make a Non-profit organization which focuses on barangay/family development in the rural communities
• Be an alternative CPA - Lawyer
• Write a book about the vocation of leadership
• Be a professor in Xavier University or Ateneo School of Government specializing in people empowerment

I just don’t have any idea why this field (socio-political development work) captures so much of my imagination. The simple thought of doing it energizes me instantly. The job which is much of a vocation for me wakes me up every morning and peacefully tucks me in every night. It tells me what to read, what to be involved in, what to write, to think, to do. This is what I love. This is what I deeply love doing, and it will decide everything.

In the end of our days, it is not the achievements that are remembered but it is the character and love you shared to those who remember you. The memories and love you’ve shared make you immortal in the lives you touched.

ALMOST OVER

Half of the exam subjects are over and I'm looking forward for the last big fight for this semester! It’s quite remote if other people would agree to me but I somehow like exams week. Aside from the sleepless nights and the hermit lifestyle I employ myself I really love the smell of exams. The exam week is somehow a free zone if you think about it. You get to show up only an hour in school per day in most cases. You also have a very legitimate excuse not to engage in any of your extra-affairs and you have all the time in the world to sit, read, eat and write. It’s like a brief breath of fresh air, a big void in our daily haggard routines. But what is most exciting about the week is the moment when it is all over. There is this great unquotable feeling of relief and freedom. Ok, I think is quite a fantasy already. Bottom line, the culmination of this exam week is not just the grades we receive a month after but the great feeling of finally breaking from the bondage of academic demands at the very moment we pass the exam paper of that last subject.

I took advantage of technology this month by upgrading all my "apostolic" gadgets (laptop, cell phone, and PDA) for greater efficiency. I just love using this term: Apostolic efficiency. It was coined by the Jesuits as their reason for possessing great material wealth. The wealth they posses as an order is used to enhance the apostolic activities for the community. In my case, I lobbied this expensive upgrade in preparation for next semester’s big mission. I just like to see these gadgets in picture. It reminds me to see things as only two-dimensional objects. for order

to communicate

doing the rest

Ad Majore Dei Gloriam

The Ultimate Synergy

It is near stupid when one fails to understand that thoughts written on paper hold an immense influence in how a society perceive an event. In our community, student publications in particular bare this powerful responsibility in providing unbiased, clear, and as much as possible precise facts. These facts are so crucial because it is where the readers base their perception on issues. Written thoughts also significantly contribute in how a situation would unfold and how it is preserved in history. In a community where the students’ capacity to think independently varies greatly, one who holds the pen bares that immense responsibility to creatively craft his thoughts that even the humblest mind could clearly understand. Ironically, understanding must be followed by questioning for one written thought to play itself to the fullest – making student think critically. But the common denominator in this creative process is to never deviate from the truth. All opinions, reactions and interpretations should spring from the truth and this is where the challenge lies. The truth is solid yet it can be coated or misinterpreted. In this case, it is where the “crusaders” charge. It is their mandate and most especially their moral obligation to protect, promote and extend the truth. Yet I personally believe that it is a shared obligation by all but most especially to the key positions of influence. Articulating truth is just part of the whole creative process, translating truth into actions is another. What I foresee in the coming months is an intimate partnership with organizations critical for the preservation and promotion of truth. Looking in our own backyard, the community of Xavier is not spared from the plague of deceits and corruption. This present evil provides all of us fertile ground to be critical and most especially animate our school motto. Now outside, the unravelling of the web of lies in our government is a wake up noise for all of us. It calls us to serve the truth going back to ourselves, our homes and especially our schools where our ideals take root. Therefore, let us be vigilant and critical of ourselves and our community. Articulate the truth, promote it in any means possible such as writing a blog or painting a picture and tie up with organizations and influence others to also seek and be critical. I think this is what we ought to do as student leaders. We need to synergize our energies and strengths towards a common goal. The Truth!

TRUTH = BOSINA

We marched out campus with a stick and snare, whistles hanging on our necks, posters, and a couple of cans and rocks. We were set to do our first attempt to disturb people, to make their head turn in the hopes of making them listen. Around 6:00 pm we began the barrage of cans, whistles, and drums. It seized instant attention to the people across the street. Some stood in amusement, some captured the moment through their gadgets, some laughed furiously, some joined, some didn’t even mind. The noise we are creating made them turn their heads and read; some even participated by honking, by shouting with us.

Having the noise barrage in 3 days have its fair share of awkwardness and fear. It was awkward because it is something of a deviation of the norm; it was fearful because it exposed us to the misinterpretations and misguided labelling of others. This mix of emotions made me think in the midst of the deafening noise about the whole essence of the activity. I looked at the big blue banner; “We stand for the truth” and I added “ and for the truth alone”. The truth that has yet to surface after the web of lies and deceits is what we are calling for. We do not seek the ouster of the President nor the giving the support to any individual, we are simply seeking for the truth, calling all our leaders in both sides to serve the truth, and reminding the people to be critical in seeking for the truth. We want to transmit this simple message to the public in the hopes of making them aware and critical and I see that a noise barrage is one precise and effective way.

At the end of the day, seeking for the truth do not solely equate to investigating our leaders and their trades but it has everything to do with examining our very selves. This noise for truth is in fact a disturber not just for the public but it is for each and every one of us. We are reminded to be disturbed of our own noise from within. We are reminded to think for ourselves and rise above from our interior noise and be critical in this very fluid situation. I would always think that the leaders that we have is a clear refection of what we are as a people. Sad thought but it is true. The corruption that we experience in government, as systemic and embedded as it is, is a magnified picture of our lifestyle as individuals. Therefore, after the noise has settled, after people listen and start to think, we should look back within ourselves, our actions, our lifestyle, reflect and spot the silent and flash actions of corruption. Seeking for something invisible, systemic and imbedded as corruption is a great challenge but it is in the very effort where personal reform begins. Let our quest for truth start from there, from with in. The country has become what it is now because of its people. Then let us be the change we want this country to be.

Veritas Liberabit Vos!

The 15^th Agenda

“The challenge now is to bridge our vision with our experience, and to realize that vital link with sound policies and mechanisms.”

After scanning the archives of the past Directorates, I slowly digested the meat of the mission at hand and true enough, it helped me form a precise and clear vision what the 15^TH Directorate is capable of doing and what it ought to accomplish in 10 months of it in power. It is more than luck that we are in the helm when Xavier University hits its Diamond Year; it is really a blessing and at the same time a disturber. We are blessed because we are in the hype of things. The momentum is being laid before us by all players in the community because of the excitement of being 75. It is a disturber because we are then called to be more than what is expected of us. We are called to break from the past in a much higher trajectory and face the new chapter of our school’s history. It is then good to note that there is no place for complacency and satisfaction, there is only room for brightness, strength and precision. Our Student leadership should stem from these characteristic of a diamond. The challenge now is to bridge the vision with experience and animate the link with sound policy and mechanisms.

Note: I feel secure when I jot down all my thoughts especially during the “visioning” stage.

Brightness

“A Directorate who constantly works to innovate and explore new ideas and policies, who improves but do not compromise tradition and as much as possible, extract the brightest possible potential of every mission at hand.”

Manifestations:

1. Substance over from legislation


2. Policies prioritize according to need


3. Invest in “Think Tank” student circles in policy making producing creative solutions

Strength

“A Directorate whose strength comes from its capacity to compassionately listen to the concerns of the students, and its ability to magnify and facilitate those concerns truthfully to the proper authorities”

Manifestations:

1. Leaders of the Roundtable talks / Leveling


2. One-on-one consultation with presidents and orgs


3. Vigilant probing on issues we could address, grassroots consultation mechanism

Precision

“A Directorate who is fully conscious of its mission, who precisely knows what it needs to improve, uphold and protect, whose vision doesn’t fall short on students' concerns but also gives focus on concerns of the nation.”

Manifestations:

1. We know what is needed ( campus and national socio-political updater)


2. We know where we stand (consensus building on decisions)


3. We know how to do it (skills training in collaboration with SacDev)
   

GOD BLESS OUR WILL, OUR THOUGHTS, OUR ACTIONS

TRUTH PLEASE!

Being called as the largest Christian nation in Asia is not a label to be proud of anymore in the present predicament we are in where corruption allegations, deceit, and manipulation because of greed and power cast a dark shadow on our character as a people. And the sad thing is it is not new, it has become a national habit. It is a frightening reality we need to face. We have to accept the truth that corruption is the greatest shame we have as a people. What is more bitter is the fact that the people in position, the people who play with power are the clear reflections of what we have become as a nation, as a people. We may lag behind material possessions or we may have just focused in getting it so much that we have forgotten the true measure, the true wealth of a nation – the moral fiber of its people. This message then is a call for all of us to remind ourselves that the culture of corruption should be countered with our faith and morality. Corruption has grown into a national cancer yet continually fed with the roots that ground in our very psyche as a person. Let us not go directly to the streets and protest, let us first retreat within ourselves and search the “ZTE” in each one of us, the politics of greed in us, the manipulations we’ve committed, the cover-ups we’ve contrived, the deceits we’ve made, and the “favors” we’ve served. Let us start from there, identifying our faults, accepting them and then reforming them. Let us now see ourselves only in the eyes of truth and from there begin to reform our families, classmates and community. Let the pursuit of truth become the habit, let it live in our actions and words, and let us preserve it with the highest zeal. The country has become what it is now because of its people. Then be the change you want this country to be. Veritas Liberabit Vos!

ON ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT

I personally identified that one of the top three concerns the student government should give emphasis upon is the Academic Development of the student body. It is more than fitting that we invest on this as we enter into our 75^th anniversary because it contributes to the “more precise understanding of our mission as a university in its 75th year”. It is also one of the reason of the CSG's existance This has been a long program banner since I could recall and it is very well under the “Competence” section of the party’s platform. It is good to note that the Hapsah administration instantiated the “Panudlo” program, a collaborative and simultaneous tutorials before major exams. It was manned by the different co and extra curricular organization. Another auxiliary program is the Book Fair where textbooks are being sold in a much lower price. Other programs were initiated such that also tapped the oral and written competencies of the students. What this present administration should do is to sustain and innovate the initiated programs of the past. We should reinforce these programs with a long-term oriented trajectory design that could cover not only 10 months but half a decade.

In the context of student governance, Academic Development is the conscious and tangible enhancement of the academic performance and interest of the students. Our challenge now as student leaders is to create a sustainable and realistic long-term program whose core characteristic is the formation of formal partnerships with the research units of the university, schools and colleges, and academic oriented student organization. Through combined efforts, the CSG could effectively and efficiently implement and sustain this academic program. We ought to create partnerships that doesn’t only inform but a partnership that provides collaboration and technical assistance. Beginning with simple reminders and activities, we can encourage study time during break, raise awareness on the proper study tips and habits through leaflets and seminars, research and debate on campus and local issues, and the institutionalization of tutorial sessions as a permanent activity in the student organization’s GPOA. The 2^nd level of this program is the implementation of alternative classes which opens the opportunity to learn other fields. We should lobby for this initiative as soon as possible. We should also formally recognize students who contributed greatly in their field through their research and accomplishments. Through this approach of student leaders recognizing student scientists and inventors, we can actually send a positive signal to the community that we deeply value academic excellence. In sum, academic development is not only the concern of the deans and teachers; it should be realized by the collective effort of everybody. The ideas that I mentioned above are some of the tangible things we can really do to fulfill our mission as a university. We should always be aware that we serve a community who values the relentless pursuit for the truth. The best way to serve the truth is to seek and spread it in the best possible and creative way.

POLITICS OF INNOVATION

Given by a mandate by the voters of XU 2008 Elections, I resolve that I shall faithfully and passionately exercise my powers and responsibility as second – in – command, as convener, and as a community organizer of XU.

The Vice-Presidential service list is still conceived upon the party’s thrust of creating a “collaborative, synergized and holistic leadership for an involved student body in service of faith that does justice”. This 10-point legislative agenda aims to establish a new trend in CSG governance, to sustain its momentum and to propel it towards a long term development agenda in student leadership and community development. These programs must be designed to engage the student community as a whole directly or indirectly through their respective college councils. The agenda focuses on the following: an accountable, consultative and responsive CSG, emphasis on Academic development, and enhancement of student participation and involvement. The underlying principles that guide the following agendas are as follows:

1. Down-Up direction of empowerment (student organization mobilization)

2. Collaborative and Synergized efforts of implementation (creating links)

3. Consultative in conception (starts from the students)

4. Holistic in approach (implemented with the students)

5. Grassroots in movement (all goes back to the students)

(Arbie’s New Trend ideology + Tonton’s Interdependence concept)^teamwork = A new and better CSG

1. Directorate sponsored monthly (every 3rd Wednesday of the month) consultation forum (creation of a literature that serves as the guiding compass of the president) which is open to the willing public and discuses pertinent campus issues and create solutions.
2. Centralized online information dissemination system of student activities through the creation of an online bulletin and direct communication link via text, email and blog.
3. Formation of the Xavier Students’ Concern Center as an auxiliary arm of the STRAW Commission.
4. Academic Development and student organization mobilization through Alternative Classes and lobbying for the creation of academic varsities such as the debating circle.
5. Emphasis on Cultural and Artistic development through the creation of the CSG Department of Culture and Arts.
6. Redefinition of FSSID which focuses on community outreach, issue advocacy and awareness, spiritual development (institutionalization of inter-faith dialogues), and a formal and permanent partnership with the KKP-SIP.
7. Monthly council based facilities monitoring system
8. Institutionalization of the Ateneo Leaders League as the official CSG Leadership formation program for XU high school and grade school students.
9. Promotion of transparency and accountability through a bi-monthly Presidential address on the state of the Central Student Government (incorporate projects planned and implemented with financial flow reports).
10. Widening student participation of the XU Students’ Involvement Program. The Involvement program needs to expand to accommodate not only the student organizations and college councils but also other willing and able parties

Recommendation: An eye catching, witty, and creative brand name that encapsulates the thrust of the year’s administration is very essential in promoting the CSG’s activities, in establishing its identity and for efficient and effective marketing. This should be given emphasis during the planning process.

E.g. [i]UNITASS, Just do It!, myGOV, Alang Kanimo,

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!

Why me?

The vocation of leadership is relatively new to me. It began in the junior year in high school with a thought about people and events coming to life from the old pages of history books. It all started with my great admiration of men and women who made history. I pondered upon these great souls and wondered about a simple possibility of “what if”. What if I was in their shoes, in their place, in their bodies facing that very event in that very moment? What will I do? How will I do it? Why will I do it? This reoccurring series of questions filled my mind from time to time. It was not long that I realized that looking up to great men and women of history will end up deeply looking back to myself. An amazement of history was turned into a personal quest for meaning. It is in this constant retrospective exercise and eagerness to touch and experience the world in flux that widened my view and saw the greater picture of reality. Leadership is not anymore out there to gain as what I previously saw but an inward search for the self which I will nurture and share. These great realizations from simple questions started it all.

one of the people I look up to

It was in the junction between my college and high school life where my appropriation of leadership took root. It has transcended from the quest of meaning to a level where loving service is its perfect manifestation. Bearing these strengths of the self into good fruits is the prime challenge of leadership. This is what I passionately believe in. Leadership is all about taking care of the heart and the mind by grounding it on faith, filling it with good matter, with good thoughts, and good intentions, and animating them through different acts of service; a committed and loving service whose forefront are the less fortunate, the people who can’t even think for themselves and especially those who don’t even care.

Now that I am I a new context – college life, a new level of maturity, and a new level of responsibility, it is only fitting and appropriate to give back what I am gaining, what I love, and what I am learning in proportion to a larger and greater community – XU. It is in this manner that I can fully express my love and faith through the community and through the lives I serve. I ran because of this faith that calls me to do more for others than what is being called for. This is why I am running for office, the CSG vice-presidency in particular. (Positions help to get your point across quickly and effectively). The powers and responsibilities that entail this office are instrumental in the promotion of justice in a larger scale through its legislative power and the holistic development of students through its representative function. As the convenor of the Directorate, I have the capacity to mediate the strengths, the ideas, and the energies of the different councils and organizations. This position can be exercised to significantly develop how organizations and councils are being led. Aside from its pivot role, it also serves as the legislative body that could directly address concerns and needs of the students.

In the eternal words of Fr. Arrupe, “Fall in love, stay in love, it will decide everything”. I decided to fall and stay in love in the belief that a community’s greatest possible potential can only come to life through a leadership that is grounded on faith in God and love of self and others which I hold so dearly.

Complementary Angles

I think it’s high time to mention a unique business partner I’ve been working with through the years of my life. An “eventologist” and cerebral maniac working together on events and activities for 3 years in a row is a simple story yet deserves to be told. This partner is Michael Ho, a person who I see as a future brand, a future events guru, a future trend maker in the world of lifestyle and parties. His persona stands in contrast to my “formal”, “nerdy”, and calculated approach on things. But still we’ve been in back to back events from High School to College. I think this story needs to be told because it shows the powerful idea of complementing strengths and filling weaknesses. He fills my weakness and vise versa. This dynamic partnership continues to move with the events that we organize. I pretty much create the structure and order while he fills it with his overflowing creative juices. I advise you to look for people who are not necessarily standing with the same tastes as you but be with people who can fill your voids.

How do I live my life as both body and soul

Living for around 18 years on this earth has its fair share of monotonous and sometimes ungrateful moments. Now reaching this age highly capable of self-awareness, it is really a daunting task to sit and rethink what living is really for me and breaking from the routine lifestyle. I am confused with the notion of me as a human being, as a walking matter on earth but at the same time a being who is also an “I”, who is also capable of transcending from its own body. Reconciling these two facts became my personal celebrated philosophical journey that was even more pumped up because of the lectures on these truths in my philo of man Class. How do I live my life as a body and as a soul? I have somehow animated this dualist idea with a lifestyle which is grounded on self-awareness and community service. I treat and view self-awareness as more than an Ignatian exercise but it also as a basic human capacity that needs to be practiced constantly. This focuses on the very “I”, my very soul. Self-awareness translated as a practice is often called examination of conscience. In my present life, I constantly calibrate my thoughts so that it is in tuned with the workings of my soul. I sit, close my eyes, and pause 15 minutes every night with a pen and my journal notebook. I review the events of the day and try to see myself from a third person examining my every response and my actions towards others and events and write about it. This practice really contributes a lot in my personal development and spiritual growth because it creates a virtual evaluation report at the end of every day and a resolution to be better the next. Now as a body and as a matter walking on earth. With this “inward” living which dwells more of “I” now needs to be unleashed to my surroundings for it to be fully useful. This is where my body comes in. My body expresses those deep positive realizations about life through the community service I give with my hands and brain. I am presently a KKP volunteer. Going to barangays tutoring school children is a clear manifestation of my body at work fuelled by the contemplative lifestyle I practice.

THINK DIFFERENT

“Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers. The round pegs in square holes, the ones who see things differently. They are not fond of rules and they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. But the only thing you can’t do is to ignore them because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.” (Apple Ad)

7Hypotheses of Campus Leadership

1. Most actively engaged students in college are generally veterans of this level of involvement in their past high school lives. They have developed a relatively high “consciousness-level” which enables them to influence or lead others. They are the presidents, officers, or academic awardees of their high school. They feel the need to continue the upward momentum of their leadership/personal development. Therefore, they highly prioritize a student life with a mix balance of academics and involvements.
2. In the other hand, some students see organizational involvements as a threat to their academic standing or education as a whole. They primarily reinforce the fact that they are in school to study in the first place. Involvements are only optional or preferential therefore they don’t feel the need to get involved.
3. Most officers of the councils are products of the KKP Volunteer Formation Program. They enter in their Sophomore Year as a volunteer some having dual roles (council and KKP) and would either stay active in the program or move into the council arena. Either way, they address the need for “leadership”. Therefore, the KKP Volunteer Formation Program has become the de facto flagship leadership program of the university. The OSA’s leadership formation program has become a sort of a “complement” to the KKP’s formation program and is primarily designed for those already in the position of authority.
4. Council atmosphere varies from council to council. They could be intimately workable or rigidly authoritative. They could be either filled with artists or filled with managers therefore, a balance mix is essential for a balance council. The atmosphere not only depends on the course or interest background of the people in it but it also highly depends on the personal aura the council officers and especially the president radiates. Therefore we can say that a gullible president creates a flamboyant atmosphere, a serious president creates a sober atmosphere, an output oriented president creates a beehive.
5. Generally, majority of the students does not see the real purpose of the councils and the CSG more than the enrolment assistance, entertainment (GA etc.) and leisure they implement for the students. They see the council or other student organizations are only for those who excel. Others see it as an instrument of the administration, others see it as breeding grounds for politicians, others see it as an organizer and implementer of events, others see it as an elitist organization, and others see at as a catalyst for change. Either way, each bracket of the social and cultural demographic of the community has its own distinct view of student organizations that reflects their own experiences and biases.
6. Students generally vote officers who are highly inspiring and who they could easily relate. Ideologies, office positions or technical skills are only secondary considerations. Even they are plenty of factors to consider, they still need to evaluate a candidate’s ethical background, effectiveness and efficiency in work and his/her availability or commitment. But still majority doesn’t care about the elections.
7. Apathy has been labelled as an incurable cancer which led empathic people to reduce and categorize the student body into 2 kinds of students. Those who care or those who don’t. And apathetic people seem to alienate those people who are active. They somehow see it as a deviant to their lifestyle. This is alarming because it tends to funnel all activities conceptualized and planned by entities of authority to cater or address only to those who are “active” or those “who care”. There is some logic to it but the essence of “those who care” is somehow limited to only those kinds of students who directly and actively participate in socially oriented activities or those who passionately fight for a cause. The ones “who don't care” but cares on other “stuff” are generally left out. Activities initiated should specifically address the multi-facetted nature of the human person and apathy must not be seen as a permanent incurable illness but as an ephemeral state of mind.

"He didn't seek office,

The office sought him"

I finally saw the man in the flesh, not anymore in the TV, not anymore talking in front of a microphone in congress. (I have a hard time pronouncing his family name though - a tongue twister!) Fr. Ed Panlilio, the priest turned governor of Pampanga, was in the LT in the afternoon giving a talk, preaching his crusade for change. You may roll your eyeballs when you hear this politically overused word but again, the most obvious reality we are living in is the constant flux of our world - it changes and Fr. Panlilio asserts the need to change, a change for the better. His very election was a sign of change. People wanted somebody new, they are already fed up with politicians who give lands yet owns almost all estates, politicians who shell out money to the poor yet corrupts the vault five folds, politicians who excel not only in their rhetoric but also in the game of compromise. The people in that province instead chose a priest, a soldier of God, a man with a different support base - a church congregation, a man whose only education taught him to love and serve his God through others. Now that's something new. He gave a strong and inspiring message to the audience that I would like to share.

First, he advocates the idea of "social transformation". In our context, the young people, we may see this as an old person’s job, or a dirty stressful job we just don’t have time to do. You know, that notion is so old school. Social transformation, if I translate it to my own words and as mentioned by Fr. Panlilio is quite fun and fulfilling. Tutoring poor children how to count or read is “ST”. Blogging our thoughts about reality and sharing insights to the world is one of it is “ST”. Thinking about why things are is also “ST”. Telling your younger siblings about the dangers of addiction or perhaps the possibility of them drowning because of global warming is “ST”. The list goes on. We should not limit ourselves from notion of it as a total “one-step re-engineering of our society revolution”, but as a community effort rooted in our personal desire to build a great home one brick at a time upon a strong foundation of justice, peace, love, faith, hope and all the good words found in the last phrase of our preamble.

Second, Politics is a game of compromise. There is some truth to it but what a good leader must be constantly aware of this; to NEVER ever ever compromise principles or values for the sake of power and influence. The system is this kind of game and it is never easy not to play it as he mentioned. Therefore, he urges all people with a position of power to always, constantly, around the clock, take care of their hearts and minds. It is in the heart that one knows integrity, dignity and conscience. It is in the mind that one translates these ideals into action. And always remember that great leadership is rooted in faith nothing more, nothing less.

I think God made him a governor so that people will not grow weary and cynical about the system they live in. God led Fr. Panlilo to this unique “ministry of politics” so that people will see a symbol embodied in his being, as a man who challenges the status quo,a man whose only boss is God through the people he serves, and a man who reminds all of us that change for the better is not impossible, it could be done but must start from the very core of ourselves.

PSST! BE THE LIGHT . . .

I entered AVR 1 around 9:00 am this morning. I listened to the 1^st of a series of lectures about Spirituality, Governance, and Leadership by Bro. San Juan, S.J. This insightful event WAs sponsored by the XU – Governance and Leadership Institute. I still managed to focus my mind amidst the overflowing number of people who was literally crammed in the AVR 1 for the lecture. Before zooming in the subject matter, I looked around the room and saw numerous key movers of society in the locality. There were coucilors, Mayors one in particular Mayor Yasay of Opol, Arch Bishop Ledesma, The Sumilao farmers, NGO leaders, and the academe – a very diverse sectoral representation.

Transcendent Leadership

Now to the meat of the matter - transcendent leadership and its relationship to governance were given a new much complex meaning in the lecture. Leadership has something to do with a relationship, most likely a struggle between factors of our environment but most importantly, a constant interaction and analysis of ourselves. “The I” was greatly emphasized by the lecture as the bedrock of all others. Ignatian tradition itself banks in self-awareness as the core source of leadership. This struggle or “complexity” (another fancy word for problem) entails 2 contrasting set of realities present in every leader as tendencies or traits namely the indulgent self and the transcendent self. Obviously the indulgent self appeals only to the lust for power and pleasure while transcendence from the word itself, goes to a higher level of consciousness – the stuff of great leaders.

The pursuit of happiness <<> POWER

I would first like to dwell in the indulgent self as discussed by Bro. San Juan because it is quite common and dangerous. One striking point he tackled was the psychological factor of most leaders in our world – past and present AND I can certainly point out examples in campus. He mentioned that some people who rose to leadership position is mainly due to their passionate drive for power and influence. This “passionate drive” actually is a blind unchecked psychological reaction derived from their insecurities, weaknesses, and the lack of recognition and affirmation that can start from their childhood. They somehow need to prove something to others that they begin to exaggerate their achievements most of the time, not proportional to the true achievement, think very highly of themselves, and inflates their head. They evolve an unhealthy dose of narcissism that could poison their view towards others. They may become dismissive and judgemental, envious and afraid. They are always on the look out for potential threats and employ all their effort to cling to power or destroy those threats. Now this kind of the “unchecked leader” is quite dangerous. They need power so much (sees power as food, air, shelter, clothes, and water) that they are afraid to relinquish it, and sometimes abuses it, and fights for it to the bloody end. This is a very common psychology and normal for that matter but it should grow from an egocentric viewpoint to a socio-centric consciousness. The key of liberating oneself from this destructive drive is first to acknowledge yourself and your whole package. Confront yourself!

“Those who thirst for power are generally not the ones fit to lead for their actions are

intended to gratify or compensate their psychological fixations.”

The Stuff of Heroes

Transcendent leadership, a leadership which sees the world in a higher consciousness, a world-centric leadership, and a leadership were self indulgence are tamed to its very core. As presented by Bro. San Juan, Transcendent leadership is the animation of the universal traits of generosity, interiority, discernment and companionship. As found in the Ignatian tradition, these traits have long been the substance, the life-style of great leaders. They go beyond the limits and constraints of their negative tendencies, managed to block the shimmering reflections of themselves, achieved a higher way of thinking that ultimately made them produce a multitude of great things. The traits they posses are not just given to them. These traits, in order to be in animation, in order to come to life, need a tremendous amount of energy. It is like fighting gravity. It is here where SPIRITUALITY COMES IN. This then becomes the center of transcendences. The spirituality of a person what ever faith he is in acts as the amplifier of our actions, the source of energy, inspiration and guidance. That is why for the great majority of leaders, taking care of their hearts and mind are an utmost priority (aside from the game of power)! The spirituality we nurture must be rooted in love, hope and faith as in our case, the person of Jesus Christ otherwise, a “spirituality” rooted from an egocentric ideology is very destructive to man kind.