Student governance is facing significant challenges across Philippine higher education institutions, as evidenced by recent voter turnout statistics. The Far Eastern University observed participation drop from 44.79% to 36.36% from the previous year, and the University of the Philippines Manila marked its lowest turnout at 37.70%—a record low not seen in 25 years. Despite Ateneo de Manila University experiencing its highest turnout post-pandemic at 22.66%, this figure still reflects only about one-quarter of its undergraduate population.
The importance of the Sanggunian, Ateneo’s student government, is under scrutiny as questions arise about its effectiveness. Political Science instructor Hansley Juliano, M.A., describes the student government as more than just bureaucratic; it plays various roles within the campus community. Former Sanggunian President Tristan Joseph “TJ” Alcantara elaborates on its three main functions: representation, service, and politicization.
Representation involves being the voice of students within university administration dialogues. Juliano emphasizes the need for student governments to assertively pursue student concerns, stating, “The position, […] is [to] not stop asking until [the administration] answers it to our satisfaction.” Service focuses on providing support for student issues—such as mental health and gender-based violence—through commissions. Meanwhile, the politicization role creates space for political engagement, exemplified by petitions and protests against government actions, highlighting the Sanggunian's potential impact.
Yet, many students feel disconnected from the Sanggunian’s initiatives. Second-year student Niki expresses concerns about the misalignment between government support and actual student needs. She explains how the Sanggunian's projects often lack student feedback and effective follow-through, leading to surface-level responses to deep concerns.
Juliano, serving as the Partido Pandayan faculty moderator, suggests this disconnect arises from ineffective transitions between Sanggunian terms, impairing officials' abilities to build on prior initiatives. Former Sanggunian School of Humanities Representative Angelo Almodiel provides another viewpoint, noting high participation at specific advocacy events such as One Big Pride, but general disengagement at other initiatives. He reflects, students engage when they find personal relevance rather than through loyalty to the Sanggunian.
Alcantara points to student complacency, attributing low voter turnouts to the belief among Ateneans their needs will continue to be met by the Sanggunian regardless of election outcomes. Amidst this backdrop, changes in student priorities—due to increased academic workloads and personal commitments—factors heavily contribute to declining participation.
Juliano argues today's students often view university as merely transactional—a place to learn and then return home, diminishing community engagement. Alcantara adds the rise of interest-specific organizations may draw attention away from centralized governance, noting, “Students feel like they are already able to express or live out their advocacies through other organizations.”
To address the relevance of student governance, there must be effective collaboration with these other groups, as highlighted by Alcantara’s call to amplify their efforts. Niki highlights the necessity for structural reforms and clearer communication channels to bridge governance aspirations with student realities, indicating student governments here need to evolve and reflect their constituency.
On the broader scale of political engagement, these challenges echo elsewhere. The UK Labour Party's recent success—with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the helm—seems especially pertinent as centrist and center-left political entities worldwide examine their pathways back to relevance. Labour celebrated 125 years since its founding, reflecting on its tumultuous history amid varied political climates.
The party’s fruitful comeback from defeat offers insights for struggling polling entities globally. Labour's resurgence post-2019, after garnering only 202 seats—its lowest since 1935—reconstructed its political narrative, driven by clear, bold visions, much like those prominent political figures showcased through the decades, including Prime Minister Clement Attlee and Tony Blair.
Yet, similar to Labour, various global political entities, including the Democrats, faced significant setbacks, raising questions about realignments. While Labour thrived when offering distinctive platforms, success also hinged on their capability to rejuvenate after adversity—an experience echoing Republicans today amid evaluating Trump’s long-term appeal.
Overcoming challenges also rested on effective engagement strategies, particularly with demographic shifts reflecting diverse value systems. The Labour Party has experienced this dynamic, continuously adjusting to socio-political transformations, marking distinctions with previous attempts.
Echoing similar participatory dynamics, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) strives to navigate altered geopolitical landscapes as outlined by MP Liang Eng Hwa concerning ASEAN’s centrality and relevance. Considerations of how ASEAN can bolster its impact amid international relations changes remains pivotal as states adapt to new threats and opportunities.
AMP Liang highlighted how existing concerns have made regional leaders more apprehensive, evaluating the need for collaboration at varied levels. Amid increasing global contestation, ASEAN’s role may pivot to orchestrate governance focused on stability, re-invigorated by the challenges faced by its member states, as suggested by recent shifts.
The historical perspectives of both Labour and the Sanggunian elucidate the significance of inclusivity and adaptability—qualities underpinning effective governance and representation. With not only student initiatives but broader political frameworks facing evolution, the core principle of democratic engagement resonates across various spectrums, underscoring the necessity for participation and connectivity.
Editor’s Note: The name of the interviewee has been changed to protect their identity and privacy.