Graphics by Emman Diola
To raise concerns and discuss possible solutions to institutional issues, student-leaders of Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) – Main Campus met directly with University President Dennis de Paz and key administrators during Harampang: Meeting with the President held at the Graduate School Function Hall on Monday, February 23.
The program was attended by officers of the Supreme Student Government (SSG), the Council of Leaders (COL), representatives from student-led organizations, and the Student Publications Office (SPO), who relayed their constituents’ concerns to the university administration.
The dialogue was attended by Vice President for Administration, Finance, and Auxiliary Services Dr. Lydia M. Morante, Vice President for Student Development, Internationalization and External Affairs Dr. Analyn Españo, and Vice President for Research, Innovation and Extension Services Dr. Danilo Pulma.
Also present were Student Affairs and Services Office (SASO) Director Dr. Sonia Enrile, Student Affairs Office (SAO) Head Dr. Eliditha Easter Gervacio, and Scholarship Office Coordinator Ms. Milbren Bato.
During the dialogue, the university president emphasized the importance of direct engagement with students and employees, stating that such conversations allow the administration to better understand sector-specific challenges and respond accordingly.
“When I started as your President, I [made] sure that I spent time with the students and the employees of the university, because that is one way of letting me know what issues and concerns that each entity of the university is experiencing, and I want my administration to address them right away if there are any concerns in the university, because our university will serve as our second home,” he said.
SSG President of Main Campus Christine Jane Gere raised a concern regarding the student lounge and suggested maximizing available spaces for classes.
“Regarding the student lounge, why not use the grandstand for PE and NSTP [classes] so it can be held in an open space?” Gere asked.
In response, the university president clarified that an existing agreement includes shared responsibility for maintenance and explained possible adjustments to campus access if changes are implemented.
“Before that, part of the agreement was to help with maintenance, and we already have started it, and if that happens, our entrance will be at the City Central School just across our main gate,” he replied.
Laboratory facility concerns were also raised by Phil Sebastian, President of Information Technology Link (INTEL), a program-based organization of Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) student.
“About the laboratory that has been conducted last year, months last year, or within that year, we were expecting na magagamitan na, pero hasta yana waray pa,” Sebastian said.
The university president explained that the administration prioritized the installation of a powerhouse generator intended to supply electricity to the entire university to ensure the smooth operation of the laboratories and cited increasing enrollment in the Information Technology program as an ongoing challenge.
“The team decided to prioritize the powerhouse. Ang mahal ng generator that it can power the whole university. Once natapos na yung wirings we will address other concerns. Problema sa IT madami. Pati freshmen umabot na ng 300. We are trying our best to address this concerns,” Dr. de Paz replied
A classroom concern was also presented by Anthony Joseph Manalo, President of the Society of Student Nutritionist-Dietitians (SSND) regarding a room in the School of Technology (SOT) affected by leaks during rainfall.
“Mayda po specific na room ha SOT nga naturo, pag nagamit po kami and if ever nauran man, nakukuha an 1 hour or more panlimpyo,” Manalo stated.
“Was it reported to the office already? Let’s make it repair immediately,” Dr. de Paz responded.
In an interview, Gere underscored the value of the dialogue, emphasizing that Harampang promotes transparency and allows students to understand administrative processes and responses.
“Events like this encourage transparency and allow students to see not only what the administration plans to do, but also how they think and respond to the needs of the students,” she said.
The gathering formed part of the 119th Founding Anniversary Celebration and the Sports and Culture and Arts Festival 2026, anchored on the theme Sustaining Excellence and Innovation towards NURCA.
Article by Sarah Lorica