Grounded on the principles of St Ignatius of Loyola and St Francis Xavier, the Central Student Government of Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan exists to serve as the highest seat of student governance of this institution; represent its constituents in all university bodies and other associations; respond to the general interest of the students in a dynamic, effective, and united effort; and uphold genuine student participation and democratic representation in a dialogical, and consultative manner.
As a student government, XU-CSG is tasked to represent and give service to the student body; promote and protect their rights and welfare; and serves as the bridge between the students and the university administration. As the student government, it is our responsibility to help the university administration in addressing the needs and concerns of the student body; and in inculcating to the lives of the students, the core values and principles of a Filipino, Catholic and Jesuit university.
With the announcement on the university’s action in conferring commencement awards to three prominent people involved in the peace process negotiations in Mindanao, a handful of issues and concerns sprang in the university which called the attention of various parties --- the XU students, administration, faculty and staff, parents and even the general public. As the highest student governing body in the university, a unified statement is hereby issued to present the student government’s stand on the current concerns and issues brought by the conferral of commencement awards to Teresita Quintos-Deles, Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and Mohagher Iqbal.
XU-CSG issues this unified statement in the hope of giving enlightenment to the general public.
APPRECIATION
As the student government, XU-CSG is one with the university in attaining its Jesuit mission of reconciliation with God, with others and with creation. The university wishes to honor the mentioned leaders who have courageously chosen the path of seeking a just and lasting peace in the island of Mindanao; thus, XU-CSG appreciates the efforts of these leaders to engage in democratic dialogue and negotiations for peace in Mindanao. Through their diligent efforts, along with others who joined the quest of seeking a lasting peace in the island, Philippines is now closer to realizing her aspirations for the inhabitants of Mindanao towards a meaningful self-determination to live their religious convictions and shared culture in peace and prosperity. With the conferring of awards to Deles, Ferrer, and Iqbal during the 2015 Commencement Exercises, XU-CSG appreciates this action of the university in the hope of listening the stories of the different parties involved in the peace process as a venue ‘to inspire her graduates to be brave and bold and not be afraid to walk the demanding but necessary path of peace in our troubled island of Mindanao.’
UNDERSTANDING
XU-CSG encourages everyone to be informed with the details of the selection process and its timeframe before making generalizations and conclusions. During the 29 November 2014 Board of Trustees’ Regular Meeting, the Board approved the conferral of the following commencement awards:
Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa
Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles (Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process)
Fr William F Masterson SJ Award for Contributions to Social Development
Miriam Coronel-Ferrer (Chair, GPH Peace Panel in Talks with MILF)
Mohagher Iqbal (Chair, MILF Peace Panel and Bangsamoro Transition Commission)
The approval of the awards happened almost two months before the Mamasapano encounter, which happened last 25 January 2015.
As an advocate of peace, XU-CSG does not tolerate any acts of violence and injustice, and all other acts which pose fear and harm to people. XU-CSG is one with the university community, and all other Filipinos, in grieving with the bereaved families of the seventy (70) Filipinos who perished during the incident: forty-four (44) SAF troopers; and Mamasapano combatants and civilians, including one child. Moreover, it is our hope that the perpetrators of this purposeless act of violence be brought to swift justice.
XU-CSG hopes to enlighten all concerned Filipinos that the three leaders are partners in peace who choose to avoid the ways of extremism and terrorism. Lifted from the statement of Fr Roberto Yap, XU President, it is best to note that Deles, Ferrer and Iqbal ‘are for negotiated political solution. They continue to work hard to build mutual confidence and trust, coupled with mutually agreed upon processes and mechanisms. They endeavor to keep alive the hope that dialogue, negotiations, and kept agreements replace guns, violence, and war.’
COOPERATION
Amidst all these issues and concerns to personal safety and security, we ask the student body to remain calm and vigilant; to continually pursue the quest for truth, justice, and peace; and to continuously seek for God’s guidance and protection. XU-CSG will do its best to coordinate with various safety and security entities and groups in implementing heightened or improved security measures inside the campus and within the proximity of the city which shall protect the student body during the commencement exercises on 26-28 March 2015.
In light with one of the missions and principles of the university, the Central Student Government of Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan gives its support in conferring commencement awards to Teresita Quintos-Deles, Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and Mohagher Iqbal, for their commitment to peace based on truth, justice, and non-violence.
HAROLD JOHN M LABORTE
President, Central Student Government
ERCILLE MAE O PACAMO
President, Association of the College of Engineering Students
CHRISTIAN DAVE P QUILANG
Prime Minister, Agriculture Student Council
LOWIE C HOJAS
President, Center for Integrated Technologies Student Council
ALTHEA KRISTILLE P LUMACAD
President, Council of Nursing Students
FRANCES LORRAINE Z BULATAO
President, Computer Studies Student Council
DEOANALIN MAY L CASTILLO
President, School of Business and Management Student Council
ALAIN ELIJAH A BITOY
President, Teacher’s Guild
JEMECHO J TORAYNO
President, United Arts and Sciences Student Council