The Arellano University Juan Sumulong Campus (AUJSC) marked a historic day for leadership and student engagement with the two-part Induction and Oath-Taking Ceremony held last July 21, 2025, for the Basic Education and Tertiary Departments.
The day began at 10:00 AM with the Basic Education Department’s virtual oath-taking ceremony via the Zoom Teleconferencing App. Leaders, advisers, and guests were warmly welcomed by the master of ceremonies, followed by opening remarks from Senior High School OSA Coordinator Ms. Jhonna Del Rapsing, who delivered an emotional message
"Madalas nakakapagod ang mga trabaho pero pwede kayo magpahinga pero hindi pwede sumuko lagi natin isipin club adviser, para sa mga bata para, at sa ating student leaders naman lagi isipin para sa kapwa-students at para na rin sa inyo." she said.
This was followed by a special message from Ms. May V. Eliano, M.A.E, Principal of the Elementary Department.
The program formally recognized student organizations from all three levels:
Elementary Department
- Arellano University Elementary Student Council
Junior High School Department
- Arellano University Junior Student Council
- Kabisadra Eugenio (Filipino Club)
- Young Writers’ Club (English Club)
- 2 ∞ & Beyond (Mathematics Club)
- Scieteriffic Club (Science Club)
- Kapisanan ng Lahing Tagapagmanang Sosyalista (Araling Panlipunan Club)
- Livelihood Learning League (T.L.E. Club)
- Good Samaritan Club (EsP Club)
- La Differencia Danza Compania (Dance Club)
- Young Olympians Club (Sports Club)
- Plot Twisters Club (Library Club)
Senior High School Department
- Arellano University Senior Student Council
- Accountancy, Business and Management Club
- Arts and Design Club
- General Academic Strand Club
- TVL-Home Economics Club
- Humanities and Social Sciences Club
- Information and Communication Technology Club
- Performing Arts Club
- Sports Club
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Club
The virtual oath-taking was led by Director Sonia M. Dignadice, Director of the Alumni Services and Placement Office, who also delivered an inspiring keynote message.
This was followed by the State of the Council Address delivered by Eczequel John Martinez, elected President of the Arellano University Senior Student Council.
"This council was formed not for positions, but for a purpose. And that purpose is to be the voice of the student body, to build initiatives that matter, and to lead by example."
Martinez further emphasized that "...we are committed to finding solutions together with you, through listening, learning, and leading with heart. Dahil sa huli, 'hindi sukatan ng pagiging lider ang titulo, kundi ang puso at gawa.'"
In the afternoon, at the AU Gymnasium, the event was spearheaded by the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) of Juan Sumulong Campus and AU - Supreme Student Council (AUSSC) , under the guidance of Ms. Catherine Mancenido, together with the Department OSA Coordinators and Staff, Council Advisers, and the esteemed Dean Sherwin Punla, MBA, LPT. As the ceremony progressed, VIPs and guest speakers were welcomed down the red carpet. These distinguished individuals included:
- Dr. Sammy Q. Dolba, Dean of the College of General Education and Liberal Arts
- Ms. Maria Glenda Ang-Mondiguing, Dean of the College of Radiologic Technology
- Mr. Harold Gadaingan, AUSSC Adviser and Academic Coordinator of the Senior High School Department
- Ms. Catherine S. Mancenido, Branch OSA Coordinator
- Ms. Sonia M. Dignadice, Director of the Alumni Services and Placement Office and President of the Faculty Organization
They were joined by student leaders of the Arellano University Supreme Student Council (AUSSC), including President Krizel Mie Yano, Vice President Dhennis Castañeda, Secretary Francisco Corencho, Treasurer Phoemela Ashley Razon, Auditor Mary Joy Pinongcos, Business Manager Gerard Bacaoco, and Public Relations Officer Sophia Caranto.
Following the opening remarks delivered by Mr. Harold Gadaingan, Adviser of AU Supreme Student Council - Manila, the presentation of student organizations showcased the wide array of vibrant student-led groups across different disciplines and interests. Among those presented were:
- Teatro Arellano
- Arellano University The Standard – Juan Sumulong Campus
- Arellano University Dance Company
- Arellano University Rotaract
- Arellano University Politeia
- Junior Philippine Pharmacists Association
- Arellano University Hospitality Management Society
- Arellano University Tourism Management Society
- Young Educators Society
- Society for Inclusive and Transformative Education
- Junior Psychologists Society of Arellano University
- Computer Science Society
- Arellano University Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants
- Junior Executive Society
- Sining Sanghaya
- AB Psychology Society
- Arellano University Criminology Student Organization
- Arellano University Association of Physical Therapy Students
- Society of Radiologic Technology Students
- Arellano University Nursing Society
- Arellano University Society of Maternal and Child Care
- Arellano University Philippine Society of Medical Technology Students
Moving forward, the program featured inspirational and motivational messages from the university’s academic leaders. Dr. Dolba delivered a dynamic and participative talk about the five key qualities of being a student leader, emphasizing vision, responsibility, and active involvement.
Ms. Ang-Mondiguing, on the other hand, courageously shared her fear of public speaking. “Leadership is showing up for your constituents,” she expressed, highlighting the essence of leadership through presence and accountability.
Meanwhile, Ms. Mancenido encouraged all leaders to stay grounded in purpose. "Bilang mga lider, kayo ang inaasahang maging gabay, hindi lamang sa direksyon kundi sa puso ng bawat miyembro ng ating unibersidad," she stated, urging leaders to lead not only with strategy but also with compassion and empathy.
Eventually, the ceremony reached its core moment, the official oath-taking. This was led by Ms. Sonia Dignadice, a former student leader as president of the Nursing Society and current Director for Alumni Services. "I will always be proud to give back," she shared, as she encouraged the new leaders to embrace responsibilities, grow through failures, and lead with empathy.
To cap off the afternoon, Krizel Mie Yano from Manila Campus, the newly elected Supreme Student Council President and became the first female president in six years, emphasized the value of service-oriented leadership. "As student leaders, we are nothing without the students we serve," reminding her peers that their leadership is defined by the voices and needs of the students they serve.
Indeed, the Induction 1and Oath-Taking Ceremony did not only affirm roles but also ignited a deeper sense of responsibility and community. As the academic year moves forward, the newly elected leaders of the Juan Sumulong Campus are now officially empowered. Ready to serve, inspire, and lead the student body with purpose under the CHIEFS framework.
Arellano University extends its warmest congratulations to all newly inducted student leaders. The university looks forward to a dynamic and productive year ahead, filled with initiatives that will further enhance student engagement and uphold the university’s commitment to excellence.
- Heaven Joy Prado and Carlo Ansula
