'Lead, don’t echo' - CatSU OIC President Barba challenges new USC officers to guard student voice
StudentsThe oath took seconds. The responsibility behind it? Much heavier. When CatSU’s newly elected student leaders stood before University Officer-in-Charge Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr. on May 5, the message was clear: hold your ground, speak your truth, and never trade independence for influence. “Lead, don’t echo,” Barba told them—reminding the new officers that the University Student Council (USC) is more than a seat at the table. “You’re not here to please everyone. You’re here to represent the students and guard their trust.” Sworn in during a formal visit to the Office of the President were USC President-elect and incoming Student Regent John Lester T. Templonuevo, Vice President-elect Anthony Sales, and Senators-elect Alexis Aurea Cabrera and Mel Vincent Arcilla. Barba's challenge came just days after the CatSU Commission on Elections (Comelec) proclaimed the victors of the 2025 USC-CSC Synchronized Elections on May 2. Students cast their votes on April 30 across all colleges and campuses. The OIC emphasized that independence is the USC’s greatest asset—and must be protected at all costs. “When you sit in meetings or face administrators, remember who sent you there. Represent with backbone. Student leadership is not about popularity; it’s about principle.” The new council is expected to take the reins from outgoing USC President Virgilio Jr. S. Cortado, with Templonuevo slated to become the next Student Regent upon formal swearing-in before the CatSU Board of Regents.
