Sole Party wins SSC Election 2021, achieves 28.4% voter turnout.
Achieving a voter turnout of 28.4% or 1,318 out of 4,630 students of Northwestern University (NWU), the candidates from the Liyab Party, this year’s sole party for the Supreme Student Council (SSC) Election 2021, were proclaimed as winners on November 5, 2021, via Facebook Live.
The newly-proclaimed student leaders are Ivy Karla Grande, President-elect; Crystal Faith Dela Cruz, Vice President-elect (Internal); Sander Jim Damo, Vice President-elect (External); Janine Sacramento, Secretary-elect; Blessed Aloha Mae Cimatu, Sub Secretary-elect; Wincy Lord Mie Taguinod, Treasurer-elect: Jemarc Asuncion Sub Treasurer-elect; Leomar Pedronan, Business Manager-elect; Lester Tombado, Auditor-elect; Jan Joshua Tomas, Public Information Officer (PIO) Internal-elect; Jessica Rose Aguto, PIO External-elect; Mary Angelika Ganal, Athletic Manager-elect; Ryan Dave Barillos, Athletic Manager-elect; Orlando Jara, Provost Marshall-elect; and Genelene Acebedo, Provost Marshal-elect.
“Unang-una sa lahat gusto kong magpasalamat sa nag-aalab nilang suporta sa akin [at] sa partido namin. Nakaka overwhelm kasi hindi ko inexpect na sobrang warm yung support nila sa amin. For me it is a good start na kasi nandoon na yung active involvement ng mga students. Sana magtuloy tuloy,” said Ms. Grande as she expressed her gratitude to the students who supported their candidacy.
The voter turnout increased this year compared to the 15.11% (610 out of 4,038 students) last academic year (2020–21). Students under Juris Doctor, BS Nursing, BS Medical Laboratory Science, and BS Criminology recorded high voter turnout.
“Voter turnout was not that remarkable because many students were not able to vote, but I appreciate the support of all the college deans wherein I talked to them a day before the election, another is the perseverance of SSC ELECOM, BEI’s, and THE REVIEW that makes it different. I do not want to compare what the voters had turned out last year and now because we encounter phases which are a concerted effort. I believe teamwork and communication are pros in meeting a fair output and thank God, we survived and all turned out just fine,” said Ms. Myra Michelle Guzman.
This year’s Election Committee comprises Ms. Therese Zsa Raval-Torres, Mr. Christopher Ching Viloria, Ms. Shirley Albano-Bumanglag, Mr. Jon Oscar Lois Rodas, Mr. Nick Harold Gajonera, Ms. Pamela Tadeja, and Ms. Myra Michelle Guzman as the Chairperson.
“My message for the new SSC officers is, “The best way to predict their future is to create it.” They are empowered, they can do it, do it much better to lead and make their purpose happen. Though a leader is not about making themselves more powerful. It is about making around them powerful. Be there to serve, being different as Northwesternians Student leader, walk confidently with a chastity, commitment, and dignity,” said Ms. Guzman as she expressed her message to the newly-elected officers.
Ms. Guzman, this year’s Election Committee Chairperson, was also elected as SSC President during the Academic Year 2007-2008.
“As saying “Fiat Lux”, there should be light, that light will make them worthy and kind because kindness begins on them, kindness from the heart that is eager to serve with honor and pride. Congratulations to all of you, heads up and be the voice of studentry and wishing you a productive year in service. All the best to each one of you,” Ms. Guzman added.
