26/06/2025
Guides to Leadership: A Glimpse into ICAS DC's Electoral Battleground
The halls of Immaculate Conception Archdiocesan School de Calarian (ICAS DC) are buzzing with anticipation as the junior high school department gears up for its highly contested student council elections. On June 25, 2025, the ICAS DC gymnasium will be the arena where two dynamic partylists, 1Sakalan and KISLAP, vie for the hearts and minds of young voters. Not to be outdone, the senior high school department also has its own battle brewing between The ELITE and SWIFT Partylists, promising a school-wide spectacle of leadership and vision.
Junior High: A Clash of Ideals
1Sakalan: United for Service and Knowledge
Leading the charge for 1Sakalan is their dedicated Campaign Manager, Fatima Zharlen Salih, whose mission is to ensure a pristine reputation and unparalleled service for the student body. This partylist boasts a strong lineup of promising young leaders. For Grade 7 Councilors, we have the dynamic duo of Princess Aishamae Marahail and Camielle Sicangco. Representing Grade 8 are Rhiyuie Shenam Miranda and Rejean Michaela San Juan. Grade 9 sees the capable Hannah Mae Patacsil and Kristine Liann Saracho stepping up as Councilors, while Grade 10's Jellane Danielle Perez and Meagan Joy Magutan are poised to be their representatives.
The heart of 1Sakalan lies with its executive team. Putli Aljeena Pulalon from Grade 9 embodies the spirit of a true right-hand as their Vice Mayor, while the party's excellence is personified by their mayoral candidate, John Brylle Garig from Grade 10. Their motto, "Serbisyong Tapat, Uno para sa lahat!" (Honest Service, One for all!), coupled with "One sa Karunungan at Laban sa Kabataan!" (One in Knowledge and Fight for the Youth!), clearly articulates their commitment to both service and empowering the younger generation.
KISLAP: Igniting a Spark of Change
On the opposing side, KISLAP is spearheaded by their diligent Campaign Manager, Aifha Jade Sarail, who is tirelessly working to cultivate a resilient and impactful team. KISLAP's roster of aspiring leaders is equally impressive. Naomi Uchida and Princess Sandy Gantalao are ready to represent as Grade 7 Councilors, while Nazeefah Ynawat and Angel Mary Benitez aim to be the Grade 8 Representatives. The Grade 9 Councilors, Zoe Elaikha Asuncion and William Luis Philip Sugabo, bring their unique strengths to the table, and Samantha Chelzey Memoria and Marcus Raphael Delos Reyes are the chosen representatives for Grade 10.
At the core of KISLAP's vision are their empathetic executive officers. Arrheane Rheina Amilasan, a Grade 9 student, brings passion and empathy as the Vice Mayor. Leading the KISLAP movement is Mayor Martha Castillo, a young woman renowned for her ability to cultivate compassion among students, emphasizing the good and discerning the bad. KISLAP is more than just an acronym; it's a philosophy:
K – Kaagapay (Ally)
I – Inspirasyon (Inspiration)
S – Serbisyo (Service)
L – Lakbay (Journey)
A – Aksyon (Action)
P – Pag-asa (Hope)
Together, these principles aim to create "A Spark of Change" within the ICAS DC community.
Senior High: Charting the Course for the Future
The ELITE: Empowering Leaders for Unity
From the senior high school department emerges The ELITE, a partylist synonymous with sophisticated leadership. Their formidable team of Senators includes Rafael Alfredo Ruste, Franz Sulayman, Abdurajik Khairy Usman, Prince Ken De Leon, Shyma Ylla Castillo, Czarina Sophia Estrada, Geremmie Asuncion, and Emshaina Hasani. Each brings a unique perspective and commitment to excellence.
The ELITE's executive vision is solidified by their Vice President, Mohammed Sarapuddin, known for his extravagant and unique approach to fostering companionship among students. At the helm, guiding The ELITE towards its goal of school unity, is their ultimate President, Jaica Angel Tañeza. Their motto, "Empowering Leadership, Innovation, Teamwork, and Excellence," perfectly encapsulates their ambition to reshape the school's future.
SWIFT: Innovating for a Brighter Tomorrow
Challenging The ELITE is the SWIFT Partylist, a group of outstanding students renowned for their diverse talents and their collective ability to drive development. Their roster of Senators is equally impressive: Ashwin James Geronimo, Alwyn Fernandez, Mary Fiona Sulayman, Rianne Leigh Valera, Azeenalyn Samdain, Maria Ivanna Torres, Hana Rabula, and James Phillip Cruz.
The heart of SWIFT beats with the aspirations of its Vice President, May Anne Dela Cruz, who is recognized as the "people's voice" and the dependable right-hand of their president. Leading the charge for SWIFT is their grand President, Zeena Nawaz, whose mission is to serve the student body, unite students from all walks of life, and "revive the heart to force the evil out." Their powerful name, SWIFT, stands for "Students With Innovative Future Transformation," a promise of progress and positive change.
As election day draws near, the representatives from each partylist stand ready to serve and empower their fellow ICASians. Their collective goal is to help students reach their full potential, ensuring sustained growth, fostering excellence, driving development, and expanding the knowledge of young minds. It is now up to the students of ICAS DC to listen intently, weigh their choices wisely, and cast their votes for the leaders who will truly guide them toward a brighter future.
✍️: Eureka Jade Bornales
📸: Al-Steven Igancio
Bryan Dominique Lumague