Jessie Gabonpa 
The University Student Council (USC) Federation of Samar State University formally formed its officers for Academic Year 2022-2023 on November 19, as a total of 67 USC officers from the different SSU campuses convened at the SSU Convention for the Federation Election.
The elections anchored to the USC Federation constitution and by-laws, with USC Presidents from each campus automatically nominated as Federation President. The same goes for the Federation Vice President position, with each campus’ USC Vice President automatically nominated alongside Presidents who did not win the federation presidency.
Elected Federation President Karylle Guindatuan of Mercedes Campus garnered 35 votes, ahead of 26 votes for Christine Calley of Main Campus and 6 votes for Mac Reymark Mabilangan of Paranas Campus.
Together with Calley and Mabilangan, Jayson Lamoste from Mercedes Campus and Melbin Abalos from Paranas Campus were nominated as Vice President. Mabilangan, who garnered 52 votes, was elected as the Federation Vice President.
Meanwhile, as the first three positions must be held by each campus, as stated in the federation’s constitution and by-laws, Edmund James Homena from Main Campus was elected as the Federation Secretary by default.
Shielalyn Fabilloren from Paranas Campus was elected as Federation Auditor with 39 votes while John Lloyd Papuran from Mercedes Campus and Margie Mabilangan from Paranas Campus were elected Federation Treasurer and Mass Media Officer (MMO), respectively, with 36 and 39 votes.
Right after the election, the elected officers took their oath before University President Dr. Marilyn D. Cardoso.
In a small talk, Dr. Cardoso reminded the officers to maintain the integrity of the federation and remain autonomous from the management and any other sectors, except students.
“To our representative of the student body, not only of your campus, but of the entire studentry, you should be the voice of the students; do not allow other sectors to influence you; and follow honor and excellence,” said Dr. Cardoso.
She also reminded the newly elected Federation President Guindatuan, who will represent the entire student body in board meetings, to “bring to the board the voice and best interests of the students”.
Student Welfare and Development Services (SWDS) Director Dr. Mae Cañal and Student Affairs and Services Vice President Engr. Maria Lourdes Amante were also present during the ceremony.
The Federation Election was presided by the USC COMELEC, led by its Chairperson Chad Abinguna.
Jessie Gabonpa | News Writer
Julio Laberon | Senior Photojournalist
