17/05/2026
๐๐ข๐ก๐ง๐๐ก๐จ๐๐ก๐ ๐ง๐ข ๐๐๐๐ ๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ข๐จ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ฆ: ๐๐ ๐จ ๐๐ข๐๐๐ฆ ๐จ๐ง๐๐๐๐ญ๐๐ง๐๐ข๐ก ๐๐ข๐ก๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ก๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ฅ ๐ฆ๐๐ซ ๐๐ข๐ก๐๐ฅ๐๐ฆ๐ฆ๐๐ข๐ก๐๐ ๐ฃ๐ฅ๐ข๐ฃ๐ข๐ฆ๐๐๐ฆ
On May 13, 2026, student leaders gathered at the University Planning and Development Office Conference Room of Central Mindanao University for the Utilization Conference, where five winning congressional proposals from last semesterโs CMU LEADS 2025, alongside one proposal from the Sangguniang Sentral, were formally presented before the university administrators. The conference served as a platform for student leaders to advance legislative initiatives aimed at addressing the needs and interests of the student body through institutional collaboration and policy making.
The event reinforced the commitment of โLeading through Legis,โ transforming student ideas into proposals for dialogue with administrative offices. Beyond presenting policy recommendations, the conference highlighted the importance of meaningful student representation and how collaborative policymaking can contribute to a more responsive and inclusive student community within the university.
Last October 2025, five out of twelve congressional proposals won during the CMU LEADS 2025. Following the competition, the proposals underwent months of refinement, incorporating feedback and recommendations to strengthen their proposals prior to their presentation during the Utilization Conference.
In attendance were the University President, Dr. Rolito G. Eballe; University Registrar, ma'am Louiela Joromat; representative from the Office of the Vice President for Administration, Sir Enrico Nacua; GAD Director, Dr. Teresita Borres; representative from OSAS, Sir Joseph Paul Adorable; representative from OESM, Sir Joylinber Tandingan; and representative from OASP, Sir Alexis Dutarot. Administrators from various offices conveyed their support for the proposals presented during the utilization conference and provided valuable insights on how these initiatives could be further improved for its feasibility and to better equip the concerned offices for effective implementation.
Two of the proposals came from the Committee on Seniorsโ Affairs and were sponsored by Mr. Reynaldo Cortez Jr. The first proposal, titled โA Policy Mandating the Colleges and Departments in Implementing the Necessary Career Readiness Seminars for Graduating Students,โ was presented by Mr. Jeoff Klient Eleccion. The initiative received supportive feedback from administrators, particularly for its potential to better prepare graduating students for employment and professional life. University officials, however, also emphasized considerations regarding manpower and budget, and encouraged colleges and departments to take a primary role in its implementation.
Another proposal from the same committee, โA Policy Institutionalizing the Prioritization and Expedited Processing of Document Requests, Particularly the Transcript of Records and Related Academic Documents, for Students Undergoing On-the-Job Trainings,โ was presented by Mx. Gil James Amante. Administrators recognized the proposal as both impactful and administratively feasible, citing its direct benefits for students undergoing internship and training requirements. Key recommendations included adding a client-type specification for OJT-related requests, emphasizing system improvements.
Meanwhile, the Committee on Governance and Public Accountability presented the proposal โA Policy Institutionalizing a Computerized Receipt Tracking System for Student Organizations to Ensure Transparency and Accountability,โ delivered by Mr. Carlos Fidel Castro. The initiative was positively received for promoting accountability and proper financial documentation among student organizations. Discussions during the presentation focused on system security and the need for coordination with IPTBM.
Another two proposals were presented by the Committee on Gender and Development and sponsored by Mx. Lawrence Ligsanan. "A Proposal for the Revision of Chapter V - Student Conduct and Discipline in the Student Handbook : Focusing on Provisions Concerning Sleeveless or Sando Shirts, Cross-dressing, Body Piercings, and Offensive Tattoos" was presented by Mx. Charles Ivan Patilano. Administrators acknowledged that the proposal aligned with the universityโs ongoing handbook revisions and emphasized the need for inclusivity and socio-economic considerations. Clarifications were also raised regarding the scope and limitations of the proposed provisions to ensure balanced implementation.
The second Committee on Gender and Development proposal, titled โA Policy Institutionalizing a Student-Led Campus Task Force on the Reporting of Sexual Harassment in Central Mindanao University,โ presented by Mx. Christ Wayne Bayer was likewise appreciated for its relevance and advocacy toward student safety and welfare. Administrators suggested the initiative to focus primarily on referrals and initial response mechanisms and carefully consider legal sensitivity, scope, and the structure of the proposal.
The "E-XIT Initiative: Central Mindanao University E-Waste Collection Bin Projectโ by Mx. Jaime Alambatin from the Sangguniang Sentral was also presented during the conference. Administrators expressed support for the proposal and commended the proponents for introducing an initiative that addresses growing concerns on electronic waste management. The proposal was recognized for aligning with the universityโs solid waste management goals, while administrators also recommended several policy adjustments to further strengthen its implementation.
Through the Utilization Conference, student leaders demonstrated that legislative initiatives serve as a bridge between student concerns and administrative action. The event has highlight the capacity of students to contribute meaningful policy recommendations and exemplifies "Leading through Legis". As the proposals continue to undergo refinement, the conference stands as a testament to the growing role of student representation in shaping a more inclusive, participatory, and student-centered leadership at Central Mindanao University.
