TO REPORT on the current progress and upcoming plans of the Sanggunian and the different sectors under the Central Assembly, the first State of the Sanggunian Address (SOSA) for Academic Year (AY) 2024–2025 took place on January 21 and 28 at the Colayco Pavilion.

Sanggunian officers and sectoral representatives highlighted key accomplishments from the first semester during the event, including improved recruitment, involvement in volunteer management for typhoon relief efforts, community pantries for scholars, streamlined internal processes, and initiatives for stronger community engagement.

New year, new rules

Sanggunian Vice President Iver Delos Santos emphasized the challenges in mobilizing members of the student government during the first semester. He explained that the offices and units often operate in isolation, resulting in “disillusionment” for both the leaders and the student body.

Similarly, Sanggunian President Lean Rosendo mentioned that the student council’s challenges demand its leaders to listen and recognize the community inside and outside the Sanggunian.

To address these internal issues, Delos Santos stated that the Office of Vice President (OVP) has undertaken a comprehensive review of all Sanggunian internal codes to initiate legislation changes. In particular, OVP Chief-of-Staff Jaybby Magallanes explained that the Code of Legislative Procedures Technical Working Group is looking to assess the rulings passed during the pandemic and propose updates that meet current legislative needs.

In discussing the need to strengthen the student government, Delos Santos acknowledged the Sanggunian’s need to move beyond the “failed systems of the past.” According to him, these systems have left members feeling stagnant in their work or fearful of challenging the status quo.

Aside from the OVP, League of Independent Organizations (LIONS) Representative Li Lim shared that the updated LIONS Constitution was released prior to the start of the academic year.

Ateneo Resident Students Association (ARSA) President Francheska Bugsangit also mentioned the ongoing review of ARSA’s Constitution to enhance operational efficiency and establish clearer responsibilities.

Meanwhile, Ateneo Sports Coalition (ASC) Chairperson Nina Lim noted that for the second semester, they plan to prioritize the strengthening of their Legislative Affairs Department to nurture policy-building within the ASC’s different entities.

Beyond office

Beyond internal processes, both days of SOSA also highlighted the reinforcement of the offices’ presence as a common goal among most Sanggunian officers and sectoral representatives, alongside improving support for their constituents.

In line with this, Bugsangit noted that ARSA hopes to become more responsive to dormers’ concerns and promptly raise them to appropriate offices.

Echoing this sentiment, Scholars’ Sectoral Board Representative Barbie Ortiz acknowledged the need to provide scholars with support beyond financial matters, particularly by addressing allowance delays and anxiety caused by scholarship appeals.

Following this, Council of Organizations of the Ateneo – Manila (COA-M) President Kayla Manlapaz also expressed COA-M’s commitment to continue its constituent support by improving existing projects—such as Coala’s Kit and Coala’s Workshop—which aid other organizations in operations and leadership skill development.

On the other hand, School of Humanities (SOH) Representative Nadine Espejo and School of Social Sciences (SOSS) Representative Mari Macasaet shared their plans for the relaunch of SOH Month and SOSS Week, respectively, in hopes to increase their offices’ presence through greater constituent interaction.

The SOSS Sanggunian is also in coordination with various student groups to tackle the upcoming 2025 National and Local Midterm Elections. According to Macasaet, they are in communication with the Ateneo Martial Law Museum and Library – Junior Fellows, the Ateneo Commission on Elections, the Ateneo Task Force for the 2025 Midterm Elections, the Sanggunian Commission on Sociopolitical Development, and the Ateneo Assembly.

Meanwhile, John Gokongwei School of Management (JGSOM) Romaine James Hubilla announced their initiatives to support the creation and growth of startups among the constituents of JGSOM Sanggunian. These projects include the JGSOM Grand Prix and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Expo.

Furthermore, School of Science and Engineering (SOSE) Representative Gian Marquez shared his intent to launch the first SOSE Convention in April 2025, which will serve as a planning session for the goals and agenda of the SOSE Sanggunian for AY 2025–2026.

Addressing concerns

As Sanggunian officers and sectoral representatives laid out their plans, SOSA attendees raised questions on the implementation of the Student Academic Subsidy (SAS) and Resource Partnership Program (RPP), as well as the Sanggunian’s involvement in the discussions of the new e-jeep express lanes.

Espejo stated that the SOH Sanggunian was unable to launch its SAS and RPP during the first semester due to a lack of manpower. However, she added that the SAS and RPP will be launched in the second semester, given the increase in their course representatives.

Meanwhile, Macasaet disclosed that coordination issues with the administration, especially during the student government’s transition period, caused a delay in the SAS provisions from the Sanggunian.

On the matter of the new e-jeep express lanes, Rosendo shared that the Sanggunian is working with the administration to ensure everyone’s safety through regular consultations on the guidelines and policies of e-jeep operations.

Following this, he further invited the Ateneo community to raise their concerns with the student government so that their grievances could be discussed with the administration.

With reports by Tim Abejar and Ashley Pe