600+ CEAT Students and Orgs Endorse Robredo-Pangilinan Tandem

Updated: May 1, 2022

With a few weeks left in what could be the most consequential election in recent memory, the College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology Student Council and the College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology Freshman Council, along with the signatories, is officially endorsing the candidacy of the following presidential and vice-presidential candidate:

For President: #10 VP Leni Robredo

For Vice President: #7 Kiko Pangilinan

The endorsement ensures a democratic and representative voice of the UPLB studentry. Last February 10, 2022, UPVote conducted the first 2022 National Mock Elections. From the 1,712 respondents representing the UPLB students, Leni Robredo and Kiko Pangilinan garnered 97.3% and 90.1% of the votes. Last March 19, during the 5th UPLB Student Legislative Chamber, Resolution 2022 - 03 was approved which endorses the presidential and vice presidential candidates, along with other senatorial candidates.

The signatories deem the presidential and vice-presidential tandem the most qualified, morally and intellectually, for their respective positions. VP Leni Robredo, has a doctorate in Public Administration, Humanities, and Law, and a former human rights lawyer, has long been vocal in her opposition to the War on Drugs and the red-tagging of activists – all while conducting on-ground work for various marginalized sectors. Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, a graduate of law and a master in public administration, has long been promoting food security, strengthening the agricultural sector, and has filed numerous bills for agriculture, education, and poverty alleviation.

Both candidates are the best representatives that promotes a nationalistic, scientific, and pro-people education. Pangilinan co-authored R.A. No. 10931, or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education which institutionalized free tuition and exemption from other fees in state universities and colleges (SUCs) and local universities and colleges (LUCs) in the Philippines. He also co-authored R.A. No 11314, or the Student Fare Discount Act, providing mandatory fare discount to students on public utility vehicles. Robredo has allotted millions for the building of educational infrastructures, school kits, scholarships and technical training, even before the start of the pandemic. On June 11, 2021, in the middle of the pandemic, Robredo suggested the declaration of an “educational crisis”, followed by her Kalayaan sa kakulangan sa edukasyon under her Kalayaan sa COVID Program, which remains to be the only scientific and consultative plan to address the education crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Both candidates have long pushed for mass testing in preparation for face-to-face classes as early as a year ago. Both recognized that the current online setup had widened the gaps in the educational system. Pangilinan called for the pilot opening of 100 schools in low-risk areas. Likewise, Robredo has pushed for the resumption of face-to-face classes in areas with no community transmission of COVID-19.

Every election season, trapos and political dynasties vie for power, and this election season is not different. Although morally unqualified, some candidates engage in underhanded and dirty tactics like spreading fake news and vote-buying. These tactics can woo voters, especially those with little to no access or time in research and politics. We cannot afford to let those who take advantage of victims of poverty and miseducation perpetuate their rotten system.

The CEAT Student Council, together with the signatories, are one with the calls to change the system dominated by such personalities. The above mentioned candidates are not perfect – we should be wary of putting them on a pedestal. Nevertheless, their platforms and track record show that they would not hide in uncomfortable times and are at least willing to listen to criticism.

As mga iskolar ng bayan, future engineers, and professionals, the CEAT students believe that gearing the future of engineering towards the masses means being involved in national issues. In this sense, we believe that actively participating in the upcoming national elections is one of the most important duties of each Filipino. Hence, the CEAT Student Council, together with the signatories, firmly believe that the endorsed individuals are the most capable of leading our nation. A vote for the endorsed candidates represents a vote for inclusion, gender equality and social inclusion, and the rights of the students, workers, marginalized sectors, and the Filipino people in general.

Let us continue to participate in and lead voter education programs in and out of the university to be more equipped to educate and mobilize others. Let us strive for a fair, honest, and transparent national election. In addition, we also urge student councils and formation to serve at the forefront of championing progressive, pro-student, and pro-people candidates from the national level to our communities. Lastly, let us continue to use our platforms and exhaust all our means to promote and support these candidates.

#OneCEATForLeniKiko #Halalan2022 #LeniKiko2022 #IpanaloNa10ParaSaLahat #KulayRosasAngBukas #AngatBuhayLahat #KikoAngManokKo