by Patricia Samin
Lyceum Central Student Government (LYCESGO) President Patrick Sarsalejo’s leadership is about to end. With only inches away from the end of their term, Sarsalejo’s administration claimed 72.72% of the LYCESGO projects have already been implemented.
LYCESGO Secretary Chester Jan Singian has provided a report stating that out of the 22 target activities, the LYCESGO has fulfilled 16 of those projects.
Two of the 22 projects were not implemented by the council for various reasons. These include the EAF Revision, and the LYCESGO University-wide LED TVs which was originally the idea of the officers but is now adopted by the LPU administration.
Meanwhile, four of their projects such as Intramurals Closing, State of the University-wide Address, Research Forum, and the Calendar Rental, are yet to be implemented by the end of this term.
The incumbent LYCESGO is comprised of mixed representation from other parties. Sarsalejo was the representative of Partido Independiente and was elected as the head of the government while his council includes Vice President Karl Jerome Zapanta and Treasurer Eljohn Lagrada from Pamana; and Secretary Chester Jan Singian and Auditor Danielle Fontanilla from Kalayaan.
When asked about how the diverse LYCESGO today is different from the usual one-party rule before, Sarsalejo answered that it reformed the status quo in the student government.
“The structure I have created fosters teamwork, where everyone in the organization regardless of their degree programs/party affiliations works toward a common goal. It’s not a mere tool of delegating tasks and projects to subordinates so the council can meet project deadlines. It’s a mentorship program designed to students who shares the same endeavor with us, and that is to serve the Lyceans with [utmost] commitment,” he explained.
As student body president, Sarsalejo did not deny that he had struggles when it comes to serving the university.
“Being the 35th President of LYCESGO in post for a limited time frame, geared with audacious projects, aiming to make a mark and leave a legacy, puts me into huge challenge to make this dream possible,” he replied.
Furthermore, he elaborated his exasperation in the council caused by the strains of political partisanship.
“Frustrations are inevitable and probably my biggest frustration is when I think my efforts wasn’t enough to influence the behavior of self-interested student politicians in LPU to change for the better. They continue to be driven with greed, has the audacity to run for office lacking competency and advancing the interests of their respective political party,” he stated.
Now that his administration draws to a close, Sarsalejo hopes for the best in the next roster of officers from today’s elections for the next academic year. He advised them to “showcase the art of diplomacy in your leadership” and “evaluate and continue the major changes we wrought in the Lycean politics, be prudent, start young and have the courage, ambition, and passion for making a major social impact.”
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