SSU-SSC Federation elects new officials; Paranas prexy steps in as student regent

The election for the new set of Federation of Supreme Student Councils officials of Samar State University (SSU) concluded on Friday, November 29, at the SSU CAS-Audiovisual Center with Brent Justine Diaz of Paranas Campus being elected as the head of the federation and will sit as the student representative in the SSU Board of Regents.

In a secret ballot system, Diaz won by a majority vote over Jason Vencio of Mercedes Campus, and Psalmer Dave Gulla of Main Campus who later on won the vice presidency against the former and three other nominees.

Diaz, surprised by his win, went to express his humility and gratitude and encouraged the newly elected officers to maximize their roles as leaders and assured them his commitment to be attentive to their thoughts and opinions.

“I’m humbled, given this opportunity na mag serve, not only to the students but also [to] you because all of you are students. I’m not really expecting this, cause I know there are more people nga mas deserve ini nga position. I would like to thank you all… if there will be any concerns hano, I just want to let you know that I’m all ears,” said Diaz.

Following the election proper, the new federation officials were inaugurated by the University President Dr. Redentor Palencia, which was witnessed by the Vice President for Student Affairs and Services Dr. Gina Españo, and the Director of the Student Welfare and Development Services Dr. Mae Cañal, as well as the members of the Commission on Elections.

Furthermore, in an exclusive interview with The Tradesman, Dr. Palencia expressed his vision for the federation incumbents.

“Lead the studentry, anchoring on our core values of leadership, excellence, discipline, and service. [And by] also being an advocate of our mantra — we innovate, we build, we serve. Always remember we have to lead with accountability and responsibility, and serve SSU with a heart—serbisyong may puso,” said Dr. Palencia.

Similarly, Diaz also shared his goals and priorities for his administration, emphasizing the need for collaboration across all campuses.

“I would start communicating with the University Student Council Presidents, wherein mayda naman ako contact ha ira. It’s just that I would like to collaborate with them; start with the council first, then down to the students. Ngan dida na mismo kami mag collaborate han pag create han activity to have everyone [a] meet and greet nga magkatitirok kami. [So] we can have fun as well,” he said.

“My priorities right now are not just my own campus, Paranas Campus, but also every campus. We have to investigate first, what are the needs of the students, what programs do they need, and what voices and concerns do they have. Siguro, it’s gonna be more of being transparent nalang regarding with the activities nga iglalatag namon. I’m not sure yet; I don’t have any projections, but we will see in the future kun ano an amon maihahatag cause we are just being realistic gihapon han amon goals,” Diaz added further.

The newly elected officeholders were: