Marking the end of the academic year, the outgoing Student Government (SG) officers officially welcomed the incoming officers at the Signum Fidei: Service and Governance Awards ’23 held at the De La Salle Lipa (DLSL) Sentrum, Aug. 5.
In his opening message, Glark Farol, the outgoing SG Executive President mentioned that he was deeply grateful for the dedication and hard work of the executive council officers, expressing his heartfelt appreciation for their unwavering commitment to putting the student’s needs first, even before their own.
“Sana huwag niyong kalimutan ang mga masasayang moments natin at learnings dito sa student government, lalo na ang paglaban sa nararapat at tama,” Farol said.
Outgoing SG executive officers receive their awards (H. Jain)
Farol also provided tips for the incoming officers, likening their responsibilities to driving a car—advising them to hold the steering wheel properly and to look far ahead to perceive the bigger picture, while encouraging them not to be discouraged by bumps on the road and to remain focused on their destination.
Additionally, he emphasized the importance of occasional stops to check the engine and refuel, ensuring they remain in good condition and can ultimately achieve the dream of serving the student body successfully.
As a symbol of passing the torch to a new generation of leaders, the incumbent SG executives, college governors, vice governors, and program coordinators from each college council stood face-to-face with the incoming officers, as they stepped forward to recite their pledges and embrace their roles and obligations as the future leaders of the student body led by Jan Elaine Baliwag, former College of Business, Economics, and Accountancy Management (CBEAM) Governor.
In her address as the incoming SG Executive President, Baliwag expressed her deep sense of honor, as they officially assumed their roles as members of the student government for the academic year 2023-2024.
“It is better to live with the thought of at least instead of what if, and here I am living the other what if that I have,” Baliwag said.
Glark Farol delivering his message to Jan Elaine Baliwag, the succeeding SG Executive President (H. Jain)
As a message to the succeeding officers, Baliwag also emphasized the significance of staying true to one’s purpose, encouraging the new leaders to turn their visions into reality through actions, while reminding them that mistakes may happen, but learning from them and avoiding repetition is crucial.
Moreover, she reassured that embracing vulnerability doesn’t signify weakness, instead, it means facing uncertainties while shrouded in doubts and fears. She urged her SG Family to take things one step at a time, keeping the fire burning as a driving force in fueling their passion to serve without burning out.
Major and minor awards were also given to significant people and organizations present during the event to recognize their service to the student body. Signum Fidei concluded with a closing message from Hannah Quisha Mosca, outgoing SG Executive Vice President.
Article by Lei Feliz Estrella
