The Face-off: Compassion vs. Intelligence at YDPSI Senior Supreme Student Council Miting De Avance.

News Report by : Princess Junem Zapico of Grade 10-Diamond, Gabriel Angelo Mabazza & Shannest Bea Casuga of Grade 9-Gold (Legacy)

On the 4th of October 2023, the campaign period for the Senior High School Supreme Student Council elections marked a momentous end for both competing parties. with brimming enthusiasm, the candidates participated in the miting de avance, seizing the opportunity to present themselves and connect with the student body.

Students spanning from grades 7-12 have gathered to witness and hear the electrifying commitment and visions of their future student leaders. With their colorful banners and enthusiastic cheers, the students showed support for their favored running candidates.

The event kicked off with great enthusiasm as the Approachable, Rational, Active Tenacious (ARAT) Party took the lead in introductions. The room buzzed with anticipation as Maria Pangdanon, STEM Representative, began introducing their candidates, including Vice President; Philip Cabeje, and President; Elisha Feliciano. 

On the other hand, the Alyansa ng Lideratong may Puso, Hangarin, at Adhikain (ALPHA) Party, under the efficient guidance of their campaign manager, Kyle Cassandra Lerado, ignited the campaign trail with their own introduction of party members. The party unveiled its roster of candidates, including, Kim Allen de Castro as Vice President, and Samuel Gacad as President.

Q&A Debate

Following the introductions of the party members, the students gathered to listen and observe the winning answers of their future student leaders from both parties to questions posed by Mrs. Rowena Del Rosario;

"Anong katangian ang kailangan taglayin ng isang Lider? Lider na matalino, o Lider na may puso?"

The running president, Elisha Feliciano from A.R.A.T Partylist, confidently answered first. She emphasized the importance of intelligence in leadership, stating, “Kung i-isa lang ang pipiliin, Lider na matalino. Dahil, sa lahat ng sitwasyon kailangan mo maging matalino.” She argued that using one’s intellect is crucial for problem solving and planning. 

Samuel Gacad, President of ALPHA Partylist, answered the same question with a different perspective. He argued in favor of leadership with heart, saying, “Para sa akin kung ano ang taglayin ng isang lider, ay dapat ang lider na may puso.” He highlighted the importance of empathy and connection with others, believing that intelligence alone is insufficient for effective leadership. 

"Dahil lider ang pinag uusapan, pangalawang tanong, sino ang paborito mong lider?"

This time, Samuel Gacad from the ALPHA Partylist was the first one to answer the given question. He stated that he has been leading various groups in recent years, emphasizing his practice of considering the ideas and opinions of his group members before taking action. “Kaya ang masasabi ko sa tanong ni ma'am Weng kung sino ang paborito kong lider ay ang sarili ko," he concluded.

Going back to Elisha Feliciano from the A.R.A.T Partylist, she said that her favorite leader is our creator and her parents. “Wala naman ako rito kung hindi sa mga magulang ko, hindi ako gagawing lider at isang independent na indibiduwal.” Her parents have taught her how to deal with the ups and downs of life, not to focus on the things they have to say, and inspired her to be independent.

Let's now move forward to the responses provided by the Vice Presidential candidates to the questions;

"Describe your leadership style."

ARAT Party's Vice President, Philip Cabeje, declared that he has both compassion and intelligence he use to effectively lead his community. "Naniniwala rin ako na kailangan rin natin ng matalinong pag i-isip at may puso sa pagiging lider, bakit? Kasi kailang ‘yon para makatulong sa ibang tao.” He added.

Finally, ALPHA Party's Vice President, Kim Allen De Castro offered a short but impactful confident response to the question, stating, "Communication. ‘Yun ang leadership style ko." "Aanhin mo ang puso mo, aanhin mo ang talino mo pero kung hindi ka marunong makipag-communicate ‘di ba?" Adding to his response.

The culmination of the campaign period marked as the ultimate face-off between leaders with compassion and intelligence. Serving as an enlightenment students to get to know more insights about their future student leaders.