Western Mindanao State University, through the University Student Council (USC), once again opened its doors to democracy and civic engagement as it hosted the 2025 Candidatesโ Forum on Monday, April 7, at the Dr. Juanito Bruno Gymnasium. This marks the second time the university has organized such an event, the first being during the 2022 national elections.
Among the mayoral candidates present were Majority Leader and District II Congressman Manuel Jose Dalipe, District I Congressman Khymer Adan T. Olaso, and retired Assistant City Schools Superintendent Dr. Pedro Melchor M. Natividad. For the congressional race, candidates included Vice Mayor Josephine E. Pareja and Kaiser Adan T. Olaso for District I, and Mayor John M. Dalipe and Michelle Natividad for District II. 2nd Nominee Jade T. Jamolod of Malasakit and Bayanihan Partylist and Arch. Neil Dalena l, representative of Akbayan Partylist, also took part in the discussion.
The event was attended by WMSU students, faculty members, and administrative officials, led by University President Dr. Ma. Carla Ochotorena, highlighting the universityโs commitment to shaping informed, participative citizens.
USC President and Student Regent Hon. Ahmad G. Mundoc officially opened the program with his welcome remarks, emphasizing the importance of youth participation in democratic processes and political discourse. He encouraged students to be proactive in shaping their future by staying informed and critically engaged.
The forum was moderated by Asst. Prof. Kharylle Kenoh of the College of Teacher Education, Atty. Christine Joy L. Bucoy of the College of Liberal Arts and Officer-in-charge of the Human Resource Management Office, and Atty. Irma Marie M. Rivero, OIC-Dean of the College of Law. They facilitated the programโs dynamic and structured flow.
The forum featured a series of segments that challenged candidates to articulate their visions and stand on vital public issues. The questions were sourced from various sectors of the society, including farmers, fisherfolk, senior citizens, Indigenous Peoples (IPs), women, LGBTQIA++ community, transport groups, persons with disabilities, and the studentry. This ensured that the concerns of grassroots communities were brought to the forefront of public dialogue.
Closing the program, USC Vice President Vince Joaquin M. Loquias extended his gratitude to the candidates, moderators, organizers, and attendees for making the forum a success and for contributing to a more politically aware Crimson community.
By staging this civic platform once again, WMSU reaffirms its mission to not only educate but also cultivate a conscious, active, and socially responsible student body. The university continues to uphold the values of participatory democracy and nation-building through student-led initiatives like this. (LMP, PAO)
