Justine Mae Berceles Carino

Baguio City, Benguet—On the afternoon of May 26, 2025, the University of the Cordilleras’ UC Auditorium turned into a crucible of creativity, reform, and opportunity as the SJE General Assembly convened from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Set against the bustling backdrop of Gov. Pack Road and Session Road, the assembly bore the theme “Transforming Passion into Profit,” drawing students and officers together in a shared vision of turning entrepreneurial fire into sustainable futures.

The SJE, short for the Society of Junior Entrepreneurs, gathered its members, aspiring student leaders, and faculty under one roof to cast votes, nominate new leaders, and deliberate over key matters in their organizational laws. While student elections and procedural amendments took center stage, the event also featured raffle prizes, creative challenges, and motivational discussions, underscoring the balance between business-minded focus and dynamic student involvement.

Inspiring Leadership: A Call to Action for Future Entrepreneurs

Before the official kickoff of the scheduled events, Dr. Nikko Jayson P. Go, the respected SJE Advisor, addressed preliminary housekeeping matters, offering essential adviser updates and walking through the procedures and protocols that would govern the day’s proceedings. Known for his consistent involvement and structured guidance, Dr. Go laid the groundwork for an afternoon of clarity and purpose.

This was followed by the formal Opening and Welcome Remarks delivered by Dr. Orlina Ursula D. Regua, who welcomed the crowd and emphasized the real-world value of student leadership and how events like this bridge the gap between classroom knowledge and practical execution.

One of the highlights of the day was the appearance of the Guest Speaker, Ms. Maria Agnes Beng C. Garcia, whose presence was both impactful and symbolic. Introduced by SJE Officer and MC Alesandra Pearl T. Cuaresma, Ms. Garcia offered a spirited discourse that resonated with the day’s central theme. Drawing from her own experience in navigating the business world, she spoke on channeling one’s personal passions into ventures that not only generate income but create meaningful change in communities.

Empowered Leadership: Students Driving Change and Governance

The General Assembly was hosted by SJE officers Alesandra Pearl T. Cuaresma (a former PP USC Senator) and Mary Ann Rapisura (current SJE PRO), who tag-teamed as the event’s Masters of Ceremony. The pair orchestrated a fluid program, introducing segments, providing commentary, and adding just the right touch of student energy to an otherwise formal gathering. They were also tasked with the official introduction of Dr. Go and the explanation of SJE’s function to newcomers and fresh members.

With all opening ceremonies completed, the assembly dove headfirst into the heart of the event, which are the discussions and voting procedures regarding updates and amendments to the SJE Contributions and By-Laws. Led by President Karen B. Tambo and Secretary Eunice Angelica B. Estallila, the floor opened up to voting members as proposed reforms to the organization’s internal systems were debated and voted upon. Both Tambo and Estallila presided over the voting sessions with tact and precision, ensuring that every voice was heard and that procedural integrity was upheld.

In the spirit of democratic transition, the day also saw nominations and elections for the incoming SJE Officers. The election proper was conducted via secret ballot, with all SJE Officers present overseeing the process. A photo opportunity with the newly nominated winners was also included, capturing the moment for institutional record and future inspiration.

The following individuals were the nominated winners for the new officer roles of SJE 2024-2025:

• President: Jayvee Perez
• Vice President for Internal Affairs: Lawrence Cruz
• Vice President for External Affairs: Gabriel Panelo
• Secretary: Eunice Estallila (renominated)
• Treasurer: Valerie Nasudman
• Auditor: Mary Ann Rapisura
• Public Relations Officers (3): Eden Capili, Rizdel De La Cruz, Aira Disu
• Business Managers (3): Shakirah Bongar, Wali Villanueva, Iszhalyn Facun
  

Each nominee was given their due moment of recognition, and the energy in the auditorium reflected not only a passing of the torch but also a celebration of future possibilities for the organization.

Sparking Excitement with Side Events

To keep spirits high and involvement strong, the General Assembly also held a raffle prize event, with the three lucky winners, specifically three students from the Business Administration course, taking home surprise items. The draw was done live and was met with loud cheers and anticipation, temporarily pausing the serious tone of the assembly and giving way to laughter and applause.

Adding a creative twist to the day’s lineup, an announcement was made regarding a competition for the “Best Recreation of the UC Logo.” Open to all SJE members, the contest will run for two weeks starting May 26, 2025, challenging students to submit visually captivating and innovative renditions of the beloved university insignia. The competition reflects the theme’s message of monetizing creativity, rewarding artistic vision while reinforcing branding principles crucial in the business world.

Closing with Purpose: A Milestone Event for Future Entrepreneurs

As the program wound through its full schedule, officers remained engaged in the final responsibilities of the day, through collating ballots, verifying nominations, making formal declarations of the winning candidates and giving out certificates of participation. Secretary Eunice Angelica B. Estallila stood once again at the helm, officially announcing the names of the nominated winners and confirming their candidacy status to the assembly.

All SJE Officers collaborated in these final processes, keeping the energy organized and focused until the very end of the day’s programming. Attendees exited the UC Auditorium informed, inspired, and many with a renewed sense of purpose, prepared to channel their personal aspirations into structured pursuits within the framework of one of the University’s most active student organizations.

With a bold theme, structured transitions, and dynamic leadership both old and new, the 2025 SJE General Assembly proved itself not only a milestone event for the organization but a meaningful call to action for all students ready to take their passions seriously and profitably.

/jpi