26/07/2026
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ππππππ | A New Chapter Begins: CTE Welcomes New Student Leaders for AY '26-'27
Every school year opens with blank pages waiting to be writtenβnot only by students stepping into new classrooms, but also by leaders entrusted to guide an entire academic community. With every oath taken comes a promise, and with every promise comes the quiet challenge of transforming words into meaningful action.
Last June 27, the newly elected officers of the Filamer Christian University, Inc. Student Republic-College of Teacher Education (FCUSR-CTE) officially took their oath and were inaugurated during a ceremony held at the FCU Roblee Hall, formally marking the start of their service for the academic year 2026-2027.
Alongside the transition in student leadership, the council also welcomed Ms. Ruth T. Golingan as its new adviser, ushering in another significant change as the organization begins a new chapter.
Yet, like every beginning, this year's transition remains a work in progress. Several positions in the local councils are still unfilled, with the third- and fourth-year levels yet to have elected officials. Amid these changes, Governor John Lawrince Basinang assumes leadership as the first third-year student in many years to hold the department's highest student positionβa role long associated with graduating seniors.
Leading the council, Basinang's message centered less on grand promises and more on the responsibility that comes with the position.
"I won't make unrealistic promises or use fancy words," Basinang shared. "Instead, I'll let my actions and commitment show my leadership."
Rather than defining leadership through rhetoric, he emphasized unity as the heart of his administration, encouraging every CTEzen to become active participants in shaping the department's future.
"Pag-updanay, Pagbinuligay, kag Paglakip para sa mas mabakod nga CTE."
Grounded on this vision, Basinang shared that his administration intends to focus on practical and meaningful initiatives that strengthen both student engagement and academic development. Among the programs students may look forward to are a research colloquium and more purposeful year level convocations, creating opportunities where every CTEzen can participate, discover their strengths, and contribute to the continuous growth of the college.
"My goal is to create more opportunities where every CTEzen can participate, grow, share their talents, learn valuable lessons, and contribute to the continued development of the College of Teacher Education," he said, ending his vision with a rallying call familiar to many students: "ABANTE, CTE!"
Standing beside the Governor is newly elected Vice Governor Isaac Zaki Duga, who envisions leadership as a shared responsibility built on collaboration among students, faculty members, organizations, and the college administration.
Drawing from his previous experience as Mayor, Duga highlighted that genuine progress begins with listening and working together.
"Leadership is not about working alone but about bringing people together toward a shared purpose," he explained. "No man is an island, and through unity, mutual respect, and collective effort, we can build a stronger and more inclusive CTE community."
Looking beyond the present academic year, Duga also reflected on the kind of legacy he hopes their administration will leave behindβnot merely through completed projects, but through systems and initiatives that future leaders can continue and improve.
"I hope our administration leaves behind initiatives and systems that future student leaders can continue, improve, and take pride in," he shared. "Ultimately, leadership is not measured by what we achieve for ourselves, but by what we leave behind for others to carry forward."
As another academic year unfolds, the inauguration of a new set of student leaders serves as more than a ceremonial transition, it reflects the continuous passing of responsibility from one generation of leaders to the next. Whether through fresh perspectives, renewed collaboration, or the simple commitment to serve with sincerity, the new FCUSR-CTE administration now carries the hopes of the students they represent.
The oath has been spoken, the challenge has begun, and the next chapter of CTE leadership now rests not only on titles, but on the actions that will define them in the days ahead.
Words by Hana Gabriela Nalica
Photos courtesy of FCUSR-CTE
