SMU Student Central Council

𝐒𝐌𝐔 𝐇𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐍 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐕𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐈𝐒 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄!🗳️

The ballots have been cast, the tallies are locked, and the next chapter of Saint Mary’s University (SMU) student governance has officially been written.

Out of a total eligible tertiary population of 5,522 students, only 𝟭,𝟮𝟰𝟱 𝘃𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 participated. This places the official voter turnout at just 𝟮𝟮.𝟱𝟱%,

The Student Central Council (SSC) votes, matching the total voter turnout of 1,245, showed varying levels of political participation across different schools.

The School of Accountancy and Business (SAB) proved to have the highest voter turnout on campus with a 7.19% turnout (397 votes), polling nearly double the numbers of other departments. They were followed closely by the School of Health and Natural Sciences (SHANS) at 6.39% (353 votes), and the School of Engineering, Architecture, and Information Technology (SEAIT) at 5.13% (283 votes). Conversely, the School of Teacher Education and Humanities (STEH) registered the lowest engagement with just a 3.84% turnout (212 votes).

In the Student Central Council presidential race, Sethrach Mar A. Navis secured the university’s top student post with 807 votes (64.82%) with a 35.18% abstain rate (438 votes). On the other hand, Kim Zyrelle S. Lumayas locked down a commanding victory for the Vice Presidency, pulling in 929 votes (75.54%) with 316 abstentions (25.38%) securing the highest voter turnout among all posts.

Additionally, Elaina Jeanne P. Rivera took the win as Executive Secretary with 729 votes (58.22%) against a 41.78% abstain rate, while fiscal and transparency roles went to Jurojin M. Cabanilla for Finance with 777 votes (62.41%) and 468 abstentions (37.59%) and Kurt Anthony B. Covita for Audit with 825 votes (66.27%) with 420 abstentions (33.73%) .

Campus communications saw strong support with Gospel Joy C. Sibayan capturing 908 votes (72.93%) and 337 abstentions (27.07%) for Public Relations, while Rj Franz Argueza obtained 825 votes (66.27%) with 420 abstentions(33.73%), securing the Secretary for Peace.

Yet, in the race for Secretary for Business Affairs, German A. Bacoleta IV garnered 811 votes (64.78%) with 441 (35.22%) abstentions. His fellow candidate, Candice Therese M. Polecina, captured 623 votes (50.04%), with 622 votes (49.96%) for abstain.

This year’s student voter participation is significantly lower as compared to the previous years, urging everyone to engage in means that aims to boost students’ participation in the next campus elections.

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 || 𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐈𝐓’𝐬 ‘𝐆𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐍𝐠𝐚 𝐀𝐲𝐚𝐧’ 𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐬 𝐒𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐩-𝐒𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐛 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐦 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔.🎥

Chills, culture, and cinematic triumphs collided as the Fr. Gerry Bouckaert, CICM Conference Hall where Sirip-Sirib Film Festival 2026 Awarding Ceremony concluded last 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟲, 2026. Anchored on the theme, “𝙋𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙝𝙞𝙞𝙣: 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙏𝙝𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙎𝙪𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣,” the event showcased student filmmakers weaving local folklore into silver-screen masterpieces.

“𝗚𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗡𝗴𝗮 𝗔𝘆𝗮𝗻”, a film by Marahuyo Films of the School of Engineering, Architechture, and Information Technology emerged as the biggest victor of the night, capturing 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗶𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲. 𝗥𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗷𝗲𝗹 𝗠. 𝗘𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲 was named 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿, while lead stars 𝗦𝗶𝗷𝗲𝘆 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗼 and 𝗞𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝗕𝗶𝗻𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗼𝗻 swept the 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 & 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 Award.
Meanwhile, “𝟴:𝟲”, a film by Bangsilog Production of the School of Teacher Education and Humanities proved to be an absolute blockbuster, breaking records as the 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗺 with 982 tickets sold (Php 29,460) and landing the 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿-𝘂𝗽 spot. The film also dominated the supporting acting categories with wins for 𝗦𝘇𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗿 𝗔𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗹𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗧𝘂𝗺𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗮 and 𝗟𝗼𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗚𝘄𝗲𝗻 𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗶𝗮.

Rounding out the podium, “𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗮 𝗧𝗮𝗻𝗮𝘄”, a film by Studio Sanitas of the School of Health and Natural Sciences claimed 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿-𝘂𝗽 and the Committee’s Choice Award, while “𝗞𝗔’𝗧𝗢𝗞”,a film by Ovuvuevuevue-Enyetuenuevue Production of the School of Accountancy and Business proudly took home 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗱 𝗥𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿-𝘂𝗽.

Official Summary of Awards
• Best Picture: Ginget nga Ayan (SEAIT)
• Overall First Runner-up: 8:6 (STEH)
• Overall Second Runner-up: Tala Tanaw (SHANS)
• Overall Third Runner-up: KA’TOK (SAB)
• Committee’s Choice Award: Tala Tanaw (SHANS)
• Mater Amabilis Award: 8:6 (STEH)
• Highest Grossing Film: 8:6 (STEH) – 982 Tickets | Php 29,460 Gross
• Best Director: Rianjel M. Erese (Ginget nga Ayan)
• Best Actor in a Leading Role: Sijey Aprecio (Ginget nga Ayan)
• Best Actress in a Leading Role: Kath Binbinon (Ginget nga Ayan)
• Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Szamir Angelo Marone Tumolva (8:6)
• Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Lorly Gwen Garcia (8:6)
• Best Screenplay: Ginget nga Ayan (SEAIT)
• Best Cinematography: Ginget nga Ayan (SEAIT)
• Best Film Editing: Ginget nga Ayan (SEAIT)
• Best Sound Design: Ginget nga Ayan (SEAIT)
• Best Musical Score: Ginget nga Ayan (SEAIT)
• Best Production Design: Ginget nga Ayan (SEAIT)
• Best Art Direction: 8:6 (STEH)
• Best Costume and Make-up: 8:6 (STEH)
• Best Film Trailer: Ginget nga Ayan (SEAIT)
• Best Film Poster: Ginget nga Ayan (SEAIT)

𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐰𝐬! 🐾✨

Our FurEver Friends needs our help, and it’s time for the community to step up! We are officially launching 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐰 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐨𝐠𝐬, an outreach program dedicated to supporting stray animals and giving them the care they deserve.

We are pool-ing resources to collect essential items, and every little bit helps. If you've been looking for a way to make a difference, this is it!

𝐖𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝:
- Wet & Dry Cat Food
- Wet & Dry Dog Food
- Other Pet Necessities (Toys, feeding/drinking bowls, beds, vitamins, and medicines)

Donation Period | 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟏𝟖 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔
Drop-off Location | 𝐒𝐂𝐂 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞 (𝐀𝟏𝟐𝟓)
How to register | Scan the QR code below or click this link to log your donations: https://forms.gle/N3wGWPb1txYBH7dm6

Donations will receive corresponding extension points from CEIPSC.

Let’s work together to bring comfort and hope to our furry friends! 🐈

Marians! Let’s take a look back at the 𝗦𝘂𝗹𝘆𝗮𝗽 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 through these photo highlights!

The event has been a vibrant showcase of Marian artistry, courage, and collaboration. Today, we proudly announce the champions of this year’s competitions!

𝗔𝗖𝗥𝗬𝗟𝗜𝗖 𝗣𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡
Champion – #7 Senela Jen O. Rilloraza | SEAIT
1st Runner Up – #2 Michael Jerome F. Bueno | SEAIT
2nd Runner Up – #8 Chyna Ahra P. Comia | SEAIT
Consolation – #5 Nhathalie B. Salvador | SAB

𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗟𝗗𝗥𝗘𝗡’𝗦 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞 𝗠𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡
Champion – #4 Ariel Jansen T. Almendra | SAB
1st Runner Up – #1 Gertrude Faith L. Gemino | SHANS
2nd Runner Up – #2 Mariel M. Evangelista | STEH
Consolation – #3 Allyna Nicole P. Aquino | STEH
𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘰𝘯𝘦 (1) 𝘌𝘹𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘗𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘵. 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳, 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘷𝘢𝘤𝘶𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘈𝘭𝘣𝘢𝘺 𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘢𝘺𝘰𝘯 𝘦𝘳𝘶𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 — 𝘪𝘯 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘈𝘴𝘴𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴 (𝘜𝘕𝘠𝘈 𝘗𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴).

𝗣𝗢𝗘𝗠 𝗪𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡
Champion – #4 Angelle D. Dulnuan | SEAIT
1st Runner Up – #6 Clowie Faye T. Alagano | SAB
2nd Runner Up – #2 Precious D. Agcaoili | SHANS
Consolation – #1 Femy Ann B. Jomocan |STEH

Each art piece reflected the theme “Ani ng Sining: Katotohanan at Giting” — proving how art uplifts truth, courage, and collaboration in our communities.

Winners may still claim their cash prizes and certificates today, 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟴, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 at the 𝗦𝗖𝗖 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 (𝗔𝟮𝟭𝟱) from 𝟴:𝟬𝟬 𝗔𝗠 – 𝟱:𝟬𝟬 𝗣𝗠.

Congratulations to all winners and participants for making this celebration of Filipino artistry truly remarkable. Mabuhay ang sining, Mabuhay ang Marians!

To all the winners of the 𝐒𝐮𝐥𝐲𝐚𝐩 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔, this is a friendly reminder to collect your prizes at the SCC Office (A215) between 𝟏𝟐 𝐧𝐨𝐨𝐧-𝟒:𝟑𝟎 𝐩𝐦 today.

VOTING ENDS IN A FEW HOURS, MARIANS! (Monday, May 18 | 7:30AM) MAKE SURE TO CAST YOUR VOTES THIS SMU HALALAN 2026‼️

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐌𝐔 𝐇𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐍 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐑 𝐈𝐒 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐘 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍, 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐒!🗳️🏛️

The power to shape the future of Saint Mary’s University is now in your hands. Leadership requires a mandate, and that mandate comes directly from you. As we officially go through the election Proper, we encourage every student to look closely at the platforms, consider the visions presented, and cast a vote that reflects the progress you wish to see in our campus community.

𝗛𝗢𝗪 𝗧𝗢 𝗖𝗔𝗦𝗧 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗩𝗢𝗧𝗘
Please follow these steps to ensure your ballot is counted:
1. 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀: Only verified SMU Corporate Emails are accepted by the system. Ensure you are logged into your official esmis account.
2. 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗸:
-Scan the QR Code provided below.
-Or access the voting portal directly through this link: https://form.jotform.com/SaintMarysUniversity/SMU-Halalan-2026?fbclid=IwY2xjawRyZzdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA80Mzc2MjYzMTY5NzM3ODgAAR70XkBEIs4xy2ObHDJGwEtqW3BvQ17rSQPl5RN2TkdenI38Y3vZPAjT4TcX9Q_aem_DqBIvjHVm4DihGOZ7QRaDA&utm_id=97757_v0_s00_e231_tv0
3. 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝗺𝗶𝘁: Carefully select your candidates and hit submit.

Stay informed on the next steps of our electoral process:
-𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟴, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀. This us where we officially announce our new student leaders. This will coincide with the 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 𝗔𝗱𝗱𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 (𝗦𝗢𝗖𝗔), where we reflect on our achievements and transition toward a new chapter of service.
-𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟬, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲: This date marks the formal end of the election period and the 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗼𝘄 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻-𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀, ensuring a fair and transparent result for the entire student body.

Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Be the catalyst for change.

𝗩𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗹𝘆, 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘀!✊🏻💙

| Due to the recent power interruptions and weak connectivity, the voting period of Saint Mary's University (SMU) Halalan 2026 is extended until Monday, May 18, at 7:30 am.

Marians, remember to cast your vote and make it count!

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| Take a look on the stands and answers of the aspiring Student Central Council (SCC) officers concerning various issues raised during the Highlights round of the Miting de Avance and Roundtable held on May 13.

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| FAST TALK

Here is a summarized look at how the aspiring Local Student Council (LSC) officers responded to key issues during the Fast Talk segment of Miting de Avance and Roundtable.

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Words by Sarah Adaem