‘FOR, AND ALWAYS FOR, THE TRADESMEN’ Pasidungog ’23 plugs feats, visionary map, honors student orgs
Jessie Gabonpa 
“In the face of unprecedented challenges and adversity, we have stood strong, and our achievements are a testament to the indomitable spirit that defines our university community.”
Samar State University Student Council (USC) President Christine O. Calley quoted Thursday, June 22 as she presented the accomplishments of the USC and its visionary map during the Pasidungog: Araw ng Parangal at Pagkilala held at the SSU Convention Center.
Taking pride in the achievements of her term this academic year, Calley listed nine remarkable accomplishments during her speech, one of which is the leadership development that helped hone the skills of the student leaders of the university.
“We understand the profound importance of nurturing leadership skills among our officers. To that end, we have actively engaged in an array of dynamic workshops and training programs organized by our esteemed university,” said Calley.
She emphasized that by investing in the growth and development of the student leaders, the university can produce leaders who can pave the way to new heights.
The USC President also mentioned some other activities that were fulfilled in the academic year 2022-2023 which she noted as “a testament to collective determination and unwavering commitment to excellence.” These include RAYHAK: SSU Student Organization Fair; World AIDS Day Commemoration; SSU Entrepreneurial Day; Panunumpa sa Katungkulan 2023; Resilient Leadership Training and Team Building; Month of Love Celebrations; Gender Equality and Inclusive Society Campaign; and Kamagkarit: Students’ Week 2023.
To continue the university’s excellence in student leadership, which was denoted by University President Dr. Marilyn D. Cardoso in her inspirational message as “one of the reasons why SSU ranked first under the First Industrial Category by the World Universities with Real Impact (WURI),” Calley also unveiled the USC’s transformative roadmap for the next academic year, anchored in the best interest of the Tredesmen.
“As we march towards the future, our visionary map encompasses a multitude of ambitious plans, aiming to transform our university community into a haven of growth, inspiration, and innovation,” Calley remarked.
The visionary map contains three plans and activities, including Organizational Fair and Freshman Walk; Revision of Constitution and By-laws; and Organizations Assembly.
According to Calley, the Organizational Fair and Freshman Walk will serve as a welcome ceremony for the first-year students.
“In August, as we embark on a new academic year, we envision an awe-inspiring organizational fair and a captivating freshman walk,” said Calley. “These grand events will serve as a resplendent welcome ceremony for our incoming freshmen, providing them with a captivating introduction to the multitude of advocacies championed by our accredited organizations,” she added.
Furthermore, the revision of the Constitution and By-laws and separation of Commission on Elections from the council will be undertaken as these measures, as per USC, will “enhance the efficiency and transparency of our operations, ensuring a more robust and accountable student governance system.”
Meanwhile, the annual Organizations Assembly will serve as “a gateway to benchmarking and empowering our esteemed student organizations.”
“In our pursuit of continuous growth and excellence, we recognize the significance of providing our student organizations with a platform to thrive and evolve,” Calley emphasized. “With this vision in mind, we propose the establishment of an annual Organizations Assembly,” she added.
Calley concluded her speech by once again expressing her sense of pride and encouraging other student leaders to be one in fostering the student community.
“I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished this far. Our achievements serve as a testament to our collective determination and unwavering commitment to excellence. As we embark on this visionary journey, I invite each and every one of you to join me in shaping the future of our organization,” she expressed.
The USC President then extended her gratitude to the stakeholders and other accredited student organizations, acknowledging their valuable support and cooperation that contributed to the fruitful execution of the organization’s activities.
“Without you all, all the accomplishments I have discussed will not be plausible. So with heartfelt gratitude, damo damo nga salamat ha iyo,” Calley expressed. “Once again thank you for your unwavering support and here’s to a future filled with limitless possibilities,” she added.
The Pasidungog 2023 bestowed honor upon the top 10 SSU-USC Officers and top five Most Outstanding SSU Student Organizations, recognizing their contributions to the student community.
The Tradesman, Red Cross Youth – SSU Council, Delta Epsilon – SSU Chapter, Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) – SSU Chapter, and Educators’ Guild were among the awarded student organizations.
In her opening remarks, Engr. Ma. Lourdes P. Amante, Vice President for Student Affairs and Services (VPSAS), urged the student leaders to strive for even greater achievements as they received their recognition.
“I can envision our Gen Z student leaders from SSU as successful individuals and role models who will inspire the young and next generation to be the best versions of themselves. As you receive recognition this evening, may you be reminded that you are being trusted and given an opportunity to do more,” Engr. Amante said.
Calley ended her speech by highlighting her favorite mantra that has accompanied her throughout her journey in SSU, remaining steadfast to the USC’s core principle.
“Lagi’t lagi para sa mga estudyante ng Samar State University. For, and always for, the Tradesmen,” Calley remarked.
