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Legal management sophomore Annie Nicholle Agon advocates for her fellow students in addressing both university and national concerns as she campaigns for the position of public relations officer (PRO) in the University’s Central Student Council (CSC).

With the upcoming election on Nov. 11 to 16, TomasinoWeb interviewed Agon to gather her insights on university issues and her platforms as a PRO candidate.

A stand for students

As the lone PRO bet, Agon shared that her decision to run stems from a call for genuine student representation despite the withdrawal of all seven candidates in last April's election.

“Ngayon, kinakailangan talaga ang mga student council na kung saan mag-forefront sila sa iba’t-ibang laban ng mga estudyante,” said Agon, emphasizing the importance of a proactive student council that advocates for student concerns.

The previous CSC election left the University without a governing student body after candidates withdrew their candidacies, citing a “repressive system” within the campus.

In the absence of the highest student body, members of the Central Board (CB), the legislative body of the CSC composed of top officials from various colleges and faculties, stepped in to fulfill student council duties.

Agon also emphasized that CSC’s role extends beyond representing students as it is a powerful symbol of student activism and unity on national issues.

“Hindi lang siya basta laban sa loob ng university, kung hindi paano nga ba ang kahalagahan ng isang student council lalo na sa mga national issues,” she said.

Vision for student engagement

If elected as PRO, Agon aims to prioritize open and continuous communication with students, ensuring consistent consultations on issues, even minor ones.

“Syempre kailangan [na ang komunikasyon] ay tuloy-tuloy,” Agon said. “Kasama rin diyan ‘yung pagbibigay ng mga educational discussions regarding sa society natin at sa kung ano nga ba ang situation sa loob ng University,” she added.

One of Agon’s main platforms,“Pag-asa ng Bayan sa Lipunan,” seeks to “foster collective learning through three-way educational discussions.” This initiative would incorporate an alternative curriculum reflecting the diverse experiences of the Filipino people, enriching students’ understanding of societal challenges and encouraging meaningful action.

To encourage student participation in discussions on social issues, Agon elaborated that the student council should clearly explain and demonstrate how these educational discussions benefit students themselves.

Agon also emphasized a streamlined approach to student feedback, moving away from heavy paperwork processes.

“Hindi lang siya through paper na magpapasa pa,” she explained. “Medyo mahirap ‘yun kung ang estudyante ay may gustong ireklamo or may issue siya.”

Instead of requiring formal letters, Agon encourages open conversations with fellow students or the student council to address their concerns more efficiently.

Another key platform Agon proposed is “Proyektong Pag-asa,” a program designed to deepen students’ social and political awareness through immersive experiences in marginalized communities. By visiting rural and urban areas, students gain firsthand insight into the daily struggles of peasants and workers.

“Ang kaibahan nito [sa ibang community programs] ay directly makipag-aralan ‘yung mga estudyante with the community, kung saan kasabay din ‘yung first program ay mabibigyan din sila ng educational discussion,” she explained.

Agon said that the program is not merely about integration or replicating the community’s activities, but about meaningful learning alongside them. She believes this approach fosters a deeper understanding and solidarity with those facing challenging realities.

On the repressive system

The growing disconnect between the student body and University administration, especially concerning student activism, has become a defining challenge for student leaders.

The press freedom advocate stressed the importance of respecting students’ democratic rights to voice concerns and call for change.

“Yung pagbibigay ng show cause letter ay hindi talaga siya katanggap-tanggap, lalo na sa end ng mga students na kung saan sila ang nagsisilbing boses lalo ng mga masa ng estudyante,” Agon said.

The aspiring candidate recalled an instance on Feb. 20, 2018, when senior high school students held a silent protest against the continued implementation of the K-12 program and what they saw as neoliberal attacks on education.

Agon described the administration’s response to that protest, as well as recent repressive actions like show cause orders, as tactics that create a climate of fear and intimidation for students who are simply fighting for their rights.

Despite this, she remains hopeful that the University’s repressive system can still change, especially if students unite and mobilize for it.

“Ang pagbabago ng sistema sa loob ng university ay hindi lang nangyayari sa loob,” she said. “Kaya tayong mga estudyante ay kailangang mag-participate sa iba’t ibang paraan ng paglaban.”

With the recent history of candidate withdrawals, the upcoming election will reveal if Agon’s vision for genuine student representation will resonate with the student body and secure her position as the university’s next CSC PRO.-L.V. Bantolo