Silliman University History and Political Science Society

LOOK 🤝 | The Silliman University (SU) History and Political Science Society (HPSS) held a Dinner Meeting with former Secretary-General Lance Johann A. Sajenes of the Association of Political Science Organizations of the Philippines (APSOP) on April 28, 2026, in Dumaguete City.

The dinner was held during Sajenes’ visit to Dumaguete as a delegate of the University of Santo Tomas - Manila in participation at the 2026 International Conference of the Philippine Political Science Association (PPSA) held from April 28–30, 2026 in Silliman University. Taking this opportunity, the Society met with him to discuss plans for future collaboration and cooperation with APSOP.

Former Sec-Gen Sajenes also served as a liaison with the current APSOP leadership in facilitating discussions with HPSS officers regarding the organization and its initiatives. The gathering turned into an informal yet productive benchmarking session between HPSS and APSOP, creating a meaningful exchange of ideas on organizational development, student leadership, and academic engagement.

The Society looks forward to building a strong relationship with APSOP for Academic Year 2026–2027 grounded on trust, cooperation, partnership, and the shared pursuit of advancing Political Science organizations across the country.

Layout by🖼️: Jheska Madia | Informations Officer
Caption by✍️: Emmanuel Abal | President

SUSG STATEMENT ON THE IMPEACHMENT OF VICE PRESIDENT SARA DUTERTE

The Silliman University Student Government (SUSG) reaffirms its commitment to justice and accountability amid the ongoing impeachment proceedings of Vice President Sara Duterte.

On May 11, 2026 the House of Representatives moved to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte with 257 lawmakers in favour, 25 against, and nine abstentions. The indictment cited allegations of misuse of public funds, unexplained wealth, and threats against public officials, securing far beyond the constitutionally required number of votes to advance the case to the Senate for trial.

The Senate, as the constitutional body tasked with conducting impeachment trials, now bears the weight of proving that accountability in this country is not optional nor is it reserved only for the powerless. It must act as an impartial court of justice that is not a stage for personal allegiance. At a time when public trust is already strained, it must be reminded that power is only legitimate when it is accountable.

The Senate now stands at a point where its actions will show whether accountability in this country still applies equally, or whether political influence continues to outweigh justice.

The Senate must forthwith proceed with the impeachment hearing with full fairness and respect for due process. This is not the time for selective interpretation of rules. Every step must be guided by evidence and the principle that no public official is above scrutiny.

The Filipino people are watching.

The Silliman University History and Political Science Society warmly extends its heartfelt birthday greetings to our dedicated and hard working Partnerships Officer, Abigail D. Bomediano! 🎉🎂

Your dedication, reliability, and commitment continues to contribute greatly to the growth of HPSS. The society is truly grateful for your service and presence. 🫶

May this year bring you more opportunities and memorable moments. Wishing you a joyful celebration as well as a wonderful year ahead! 💛✨

Philippine Political Science Association International Conference 2026

April 28-30, 2026
Silliman University

SUCC | Leandro T. Credo

PPSA 2026 | Day 2—Cultural Night | 💃🎶

Music, movement, and culture took center stage last April 29 The evening became a vibrant showcase of Sillimanian talent, bringing together choral music, orchestral performances, cultural dances, and contemporary pieces in one memorable program.

The Cultural Night featured performances from the SU Campus Choristers under the direction of Prof. Elizabeth Susan V. Suarez, the SU Band led by Asst. Prof. Joseph Albert Basa, the SU Dance Company directed by Mr. Angelo Sayson, and the SU Orkestra Sin Arco under the direction of Asst. Prof. Mathilda Erojo.

Throughout the evening, the audience was treated to a diverse showcase of performances—from moving choral harmonies to cultural dances and contemporary musical numbers. The show highlighted not only the talent of Silliman University’s performing groups, but also the spirit of community and artistic expression present throughout the evening.

Among the featured performances were “The Call” accompanied by the Bodyong, Dabakan, Kulintang, and Banduria, “Babayetu,” “Sifuni Mungu,” “Pandango sa Ilaw,” and “Palladio,” alongside beloved musical pieces such as “Paraiso,” “When You Believe,” “Man in the Mirror,” and “superman.”

Captured By 📸: Rhea Jean Wee | PubMed Officer
Layout & Captions by ✍: Jheska Madia | Informations Officer

Special thanks to the Luce Auditorium Management for giving us access for documentation.

𝐏𝐏𝐒𝐀 2026 | 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 | 🇵🇭👥

Questions surrounding moral rebirth, hope, and the evolving realities of contemporary Filipino society took focus during a plenary session held last April 29 at the Claire Isabel McGill Luce Auditorium as part of the PPSA 2026 International Conference.

The session opened with welcome remarks from Dr. Lily Ann D. Bautista, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Research of Silliman University, followed by the introduction of keynote speaker Dr. Wataru Kusaka, Ph.D. from the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies by Dr. Dennis C. Coronacion, Ex-Officio Board Member and PPSA President (2021–2023).

Highlighting the session was the lecture, “Dilemma of ‘Moral Rebirth’: Hope and Suffering among ‘New-Age Filipinos’,” where Dr. Kusaka shared insights into the evolving social and political realities shaping contemporary Filipino society.

Captured By 📸: Leandro T. Credo | SUCC Photographer
Layout & Captions by ✍️: Jheska R. Madia | Information Officer

𝐏𝐏𝐒𝐀 2026 | 𝐊𝐀𝐒 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 | 🌐⚖

One of the conference’s key plenary discussions on political dynasties, democratic reform, and accountable governance was held during the “Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Philippines Plenary Session: Anti-Dynasty Network” last April 28 as part of the PPSA 2026 International Conference.

Centered on the session, “Breaking the Cycle: Anti-Dynasty Reform as a Path to Inclusive Politics and Accountable Governance,” the discussion explored the continuing impact of political dynasties in the Philippines and the importance of strengthening accountability and inclusive governance.

The discussion featured prominent and distinguished figures from the fields of political science, law, governance, and advocacy, with insights shared by Dr. Carmel Abao, Dr. Melissa Lao, Dr. Julio Teehankee, Atty. Mikee Defensor, Mr. Kiko Aquino-Dee, Mr. Jeff Ortega, and Mr. Jess Pasibe.

Captured By 📸 : Rhea Jean Wee | PubMed Officer
Layout & Captions by ✍: Jheska R. Madia | Informations Officer

𝐏𝐏𝐒𝐀 2026 | 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 | 🏛️⚖️

For 3 consecutive days, sessions were held across six different venues happening all at once. Providing a platform for each presentation tackling diverse political, social and governmental issues, fostering meaningful discussions and academic exchange among participants.

Each session became opportunities for delegates to meet individuals from different institutions, exchange perspectives, including creating lasting connections throughout the conference.

Captured By 📸 : Rhea Jean Wee | PubMed Officer
Layout & Captions by ✍️ : Jheska R. Madia | Informations Officer

𝐏𝐏𝐒𝐀 2026 | 𝐃𝐚𝐲 1—𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 | 🌐⚖️

Last April 28, guests and delegates gathered at the Luce Auditorium for the Opening Plenary Session of the Philippine Political Science Association (PPSA) 2026 International Conference, opening the conference with discussions and reflections on politics, democracy, and society.

The session featured the Welcome Remarks of Silliman University President Dr. Betty Cernol-McCann, followed by messages from Dr. Alana Leilani C. Narciso, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and Ms. Daniela Braun of Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) Philippines. Dr. Reynold D. Agnes, President of the Philippine Political Science Association (PPSA), formally opened the conference, followed by the recognition of conference delegates led by PPSA Vice President Dr. Anderson V. Villa.

The plenary session was highlighted by the keynote lecture, “Philippine Social Movements and the Struggle for Democracy: Navigating the Tensions of Unity and Divisions under Oligarchical Rule,” presented by Dr. Teresa Encarnacion Tadem, Professor Emeritus of Political Science at UP Diliman and former PPSA President (2011–2013).

Captured by📸: Rhea Jean Wee | PubMed Officer
Layout & Captions by ✍️: Jheska Madia | Informations Officer

The Silliman University History and Political Science Society warmly extends its heartfelt birthday greetings to our dedicated Auditor, Mhaien Balasabas! 🥳🧁

Your dedication, reliability, and commitment continue to contribute greatly to the growth of HPSS. The Society is truly grateful for your service and presence.

Wishing you a joyful celebration and a wonderful year ahead! 💛✨