Karangalan ng Paglilingkod

Written by: Anika Joy N. De Capia and Rhianne Carys B. Yarra

Contributions of: Anne Kirsten M. Cupo and Krystelle Ann A. Visda

This year’s Senior High School Student Government (SHSSG) election was a shock to all—marking a first in nearly 10 years of the Senior High School (SHS) department’s history, with only one party running. It was a special case, one that prompts reflection on how to navigate similar situations and approach other scenarios that may arise in the future.

As the election period approached, the absence of an opposing team—or even independent candidates for certain positions—still brought doubts to the student body. Opposition isn't only about competition; it gives students the chance to make a truly informed choice and brings in a range of ideas, plans, and visions for the school community to consider.

“I think it's good for candidates to have an opposition because it makes both the candidates and voters more involved in the student government. Without opposition, some candidates may think that they just need to do the bare minimum because the people can't choose anybody else anyway. Personally, I feel that I have more of a choice when there is more than one candidate running. I can actually weigh between who has the best intentions for the student body and the school as a whole,” says Krystelle Visda from Grade 12 - St. Luke ABM, former Manresa School General Student Board (MSGSB) auditor.

However, it does not pass us by that this situation can, and likely will, happen again. As the years go by, fewer and fewer students seem to have the passion, skill, or confidence to step up and serve—especially now that we are in our final two years of high school.

When some students were asked why they chose not to run this year, their answers were unanimous: they wanted to focus on their academics. While it's admirable that they recognize the demands of the role and the commitment it requires, it makes us think beyond the present and ask what lies ahead: who will rise to lead, and what kind of future awaits the student body? 

In systems like schools—or perhaps within our society—leadership can sometimes be shaped by familiarity or public appeal. These phenomena challenge us to reflect upon the kind of leaders we need to uplift. Because of this, it is our responsibility as active members of a democratic society to look beyond the mere surface and recognize leadership that is rooted in integrity, action, determination, and service. The leadership we see today serves as a foundation for the potential leaders we may have in our future. 

“Isang karangalan na kailangang panindigan ang pagiging isang lider. Leadership is not just about the title, but about the actions that follow—showing up even when others can’t, stepping up even when there’s no competition, and leading by example,” says Anne Cupo from 12 - St. Matthew STEM, former MSGSB treasurer. 

School elections, while often seen as an annual routine to keep order in place, hold the power to showcase how our generation portrays leadership. These potential leaders reflect the values we, as students and voters, prioritize. They teach us how to truly lead and act in times where voices matter more than appearances. We vote not only to elect, but to learn about the leaders we hope to one day become.

May this become a point of insight to the upcoming aspiring leaders to step up despite the uncertainties that may come. Leadership will always come with the ups and downs, the doubts and the achievements. Stepping up is not always about the 100% chance of winning. You may win or you may lose. But merely stepping forward and presenting yourself and your role as a leader is one that already shows courage, commitment, and potential to lead with purpose.

And perhaps, with that small but brave step forward, real leadership begins.