By Janine Jeremy Flor Maniego
“We won,” she repeatedly vociferated while running in circles after the COMELEC finally declared her as the new SSG president for AY 2011-2012. Known for her charismatic smile, Theresa Lasquite (a.k.a. Tisay), a 3rd year BSEd student majoring in English wants to prove that she’s the perfect blend of optimism, intelligence, determination, and the passion to serve.
AS: How did you feel when for a long time, the administration (Students’ Democratic Party/SDP) took hold of the presidency and then now, the opposition (Students’ Republican Party/SRP) finally got it?
Tisay: I really felt overwhelmed with the result. It is undeniable that it was a tough competition between the two parties and I did not expect that SRP would have it. Imagine, SDP ruled the Supreme Student Government (SSG) for three consecutive years (if I am not mistaken) and now, it is SRP’s time. I am just so happy and thankful to the students who trusted SRP.
AS: What would you do with your first 100 days in office?
Tisay: In my first 1OO days in office, I am planning to have team-building together with the SSG officers in order to build camaraderie that will strengthen our relationship in serving the studentry. Another thing is to support the Centennial Celebration Activities, and the Leader’s Congress for Governors, Mayors, and the interested students who would like to develop their leadership skills. Also, we will have a University Acquaintance Party involving the three colleges in order to build friendship and break the barriers that each student feels towards other students of different department. Fund raising and outreach programs are also on my list.
AS: What are your plans, projects in mind for the students, for the school?
Tisay: Our plans for the school and the students include a university bell, more drinking stations, a fixed and concrete calendar of activities, transparency of accounts, financial assistance for students’ extracurricular activities, and the CNU – SSG Gazette / Missive.
AS: Describe your leadership style in a statement.
Tisay: I am not the type of leader who says “do it” rather; I’d say “let’s do it”.
AS: Do you feel threatened because the senate is composed more of the SDP people than the SRP?
Tisay: It’s not threatening because I believe that the officers will not work for SDP or SRP. Hopefully, we will work as one. We are not elected to serve our party but to serve the studentry.
AS: The ANG SUGA has been known as the one voicing out the complaints or suggestions of the students. Friction between us and the SSG is not a secret to anyone. What would you like to say to the publication staff?
Tisay: It is undeniable that there was some dispute between SSG and ANG SUGA. Most of the students knew it already. To the ANG SUGA, I salute your publication for not being biased regarding the events and issues in our university and for entertaining the students’ suggestions in “MOSULTI PA KO”. I hope there will be no more conflicts that will happen between us. After all, we both serve the students and we are the channels of their voices. Amiga baya ta.:)
AS: Any message for all the NOrmalistas?
Tisay: I can’t find the right words to express my warm gratitude to the Normalistas who believe in SRP. Sangko gyod sa langit ang akong pasalamat sa inyong tiunayng pagsalig ug pagsuporta kanako. In behalf of SRP – PAJAMA, thank you so much for trusting and putting us in these positions. The only thing that we can do is to render our service to you. We will be the channel of your voices. Sa makausa pa, daghan kaayong salamat mga AMIGA.:)
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