Benguet State University (BSU) hosted a voters forum titled “The Future in Focus: A Forum on Leadership, Vision, and the Future of Benguet Province” on April 24-25, 2025. The event was held at the University Gymnasium and was attended by BSU students of voting age, faculty and staff members, and members of the Benguet community.
In his welcome remarks, University President Kenneth A. Laruan stated that the event aimed to educate participants on liberalism and to promote educated decision-making in selecting candidates for the upcoming selection. He also encouraged the participants to maximize the opportunity of knowing the candidates better through the forum.
Following Laruan’s message, board member candidates for District 1 and 2 presented their visions, goals, and objectives. The candidates who attended the event are Frenzel A. Ayong, Jim G. Botiwey, Joel B. Tingbaoen Jr., Alexander C. Castañeda, Thorrsson M. Keith, Alexander T. Fianza, Thomas K. Wales Jr., and Lison G. Latawan Jr.
BSU studies on informing policy and practice including “Benguet IK on Governance” by Jhordan T. Cuilan, “Pasada: Implications of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program” by Matyline C. Talastas, “Leadership During the Pandemic Era: The Local Government Unit Experience” by Gretchen Gaye C. Ablaza, “The Tongtong System within the Indigenous Cultural Communities in Benguet” by Caroline B. Gano, and “Benguet Votes: A Testament to Local Democracy in the Philippines” by Julie B. Velasco were also presented in the forum.
The second day of the forum started with the message from Atty. Vanessa M. Roncal, Concurrent Acting Provincial Election Supervisor for Benguet and Director III of the Commission on Election-Cordillera Administrative Region. She emphasized that the forum was more than just a political engagement but a call for citizens especially the youth to choose wisely and think critically.
“We gather here not only to hear the candidates speak and listen to the forum but to reflect to the kind of leadership, governance, and the future we envision for the province of Benguet,” she said.
Roncal emphasized that the real leadership is not about the popularity, posters, or jingles but it is about the service to the people. She also included that politics should not be a battleground but about finding common grounds and solving problems.
Next, the resource speakers presented their vision, mission, goals, and objectives. The speakers were divided into three categories: Panel A for congressional candidates, Panel B for gubernatorial candidates, and Panel C for vice gubernatorial candidates.
The congressional candidates who attended are Ericson L. Felipe and Jerome E. Wakat. The gubernatorial candidates present are Ruben E. Paoad and Johny D. Waguis while the vice gubernatorial candidates are Nelson C. Dangwa and Samson C. Paran.
A question and answer session was held after the presentation of each candidate. Then a poll survey was made through Google Forms. The survey was conducted as an integral part of the voters’ education forum. It was accessible online to all participants who attended the forum. The poll aimed to gather insights and perspectives that would reflect participants’ takeaways in the forum’s discussions and outcomes.
The forum was organized through the collaboration of various BSU offices and colleges led by the College of Public Administration and Governance. The “Future in Focus” forum by BSU is a powerful initiative that champions Quality Education #SDG4 by empowering voters, strengthens Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions #SDG16 by promoting informed and accountable governance, and exemplifies Partnerships for the Goals #SDG17 through its collaborative approach. Its outcomes ultimately contribute to the holistic development and sustainability of the Benguet Province. //BTayaban