TSU - The Bureaucrat

𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 | CPAG students vie for SSC seats, push inclusive and accountable leadership

Two students from the College of Public Administration and Governance (CPAG) entered this year’s Supreme Student Council (SSC) elections under Ligtas TSU, carrying platforms centered on inclusivity, transparency, and student-centered governance.

Mx. Jan Andrei Saborboro is running for Vice President, while Mx. Josh Kerr seeks the Senate on Records seat.

Mx. Saborboro anchored his candidacy on representation, particularly for differently abled students in the university.

“Bilang isang Differently Abled Individual, gusto ko na magkaroon ng representasyon ang kagaya ko sa leadership—na sa mas malawak na platform,” he said.

Although leadership was not part of his original plans, Mx. Saborboro said fellow student leaders encouraged him to run after recognizing his potential.

He added that his involvement in the Junior Philippine Society of Public Administration (JPSPA) TSU Chapter strengthened his advocacy for wider representation in leadership spaces.

Drawing from his Public Administration background, Mx. Saborboro emphasized participatory governance, inclusive communication, and people-centered leadership.

“Ang laban ko ay para sa isang inklusibong unibersidad at para sa bawat estudyanteng nais marinig, makita, at mabigyan ng pagkakataon,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kerr said her decision to run stemmed from her belief that leadership goes beyond titles and positions.

“Leadership is really about serving with the heart, with empathy, and genuine concern for its people,” she stated.

Kerr highlighted empathy, active listening, and accessibility as key priorities in her campaign.

She also aims to improve communication and transparency within the student council.

“In Public Ad, lagi naming pinag-aaralan yung importansya ng transparency, proper governance, organization, and being a responsible leader,” she said.

As a Public Administration student, Kerr added that accountability, integrity, and public service shape the leadership she hopes to bring to the SSC.

The participation of Mx. Saborboro and Kerr in this year’s SSC race reflected CPAG’s continuing commitment to developing and producing public servants and student leaders that are dedicated to inclusive governance, accountability, and empowering leadership.

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Report by Emmanuel Dulay & Crizalyn Mae Pacheco

𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 | TSU approves gender-affirming graduation attire for TGNC students; years of student-led calls spark policy shift

Following years of discussion for inclusivity led by the students, Tarlac State University (TSU) finally formalized revisions to the Graduation Attire Guidelines for Batch 2026, allowing Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming (TGNC) students to wear attire aligned with their gender identity during commencement exercises.

The approval marked a policy shift for the university, which previously enforced gender-specific graduation attire based on students’ assigned s*x at birth under Memorandum Order No. 22, s. 2025.

Moreover, the newly approved amendments came after continuous dialogue consultation headed by student leaders and organizations pushing for gender-responsive reforms within the university.

The revised guidelines now permit TGNC students to wear graduation attire that reflects their gender identity while the formality and dignity of the ceremony are still being observed.

The Office of the Student Regent (OSR) said in their statement that the approval is a “significant and meaningful step toward strengthening gender responsiveness, inclusivity, and student representation within the TSU community.”

Meanwhile, the OSR recognized the TSU Safe Space Society for its continued collaboration and advocacy for inclusivity.

The office also acknowledged the support of the Office of Gender and Development, Office of Admission and Registration, Office of Student Affairs and Services, Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Office of the University Presidentfor approving the initiative.

The change happened after the increasing criticism and backlash last year when TSU maintained a gender-specific dress code for the 36th Commencement Exercises, which drew opposition from LGBTQIA+ students, student councils, and publications.

In 2025, student councils, publications, and various student organizations released a unity statement backing the proposed Gender-Responsive Policy and urged administrators to recognize diverse gender identities and expressions on campus.

The issue also reignited conversations surrounding similar incidents reported as early as 2019, when transgender students alleged that the university barred them from wearing gender-affirming attire during graduation rites.

As the university implements the revised guidelines for Batch 2026, the Office of the Student Regent vowed to continue advocating for policies that promote equality, safe spaces, respect, and the recognition of every student’s identity within the academic community.

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Report by Carl Joseph Ramos
Photo by Raven Casiano

𝐈𝐂𝐘𝐌𝐈 | The College of Public Administration and Governance (CPAG) Student Council honored and recognized the winners of various College Week activities during the awarding ceremony held on Saturday, May 9, at 11:00 AM at the CPAG AVR.

Students and sections who excelled in the Amazing Race, Booth Making Competition, Video Competition, and Jeopardy Quiz Bee received recognition for their outstanding performances and competitive spirit.

Meanwhile, all participating sections also received Certificates of Participation in recognition of their active involvement and support for the success of the week-long event.

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Report and photos by Carl Joseph Ramos

NEWS | Sotto Ousted as Senate President in Duterte Bloc Coup

Senate President Tito Sotto was removed from his post today, May 11, after 13 senators voted to declare all Senate leadership positions vacant, paving the way for a new majority bloc aligned with Vice President Sara Duterte.

Before his ouster, Sotto stood by his position that the Senate must proceed “forthwith” with the impeachment process once the Articles of Impeachment are transmitted by the House of Representatives.

The coup revealed the defection of Senators Loren Legarda, Pia Cayetano, Mark Villar, and Camille Villar from the majority bloc to the Duterte-aligned bloc that now holds control of the chamber.

Amid the leadership shake-up, Senator Ronald dela Rosa resurfaced during the plenary session after months away from public view amid reports linking him to a possible International Criminal Court warrant and a subpoena from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

Senator Imee Marcos later nominated Senator Alan Peter Cayetano for Senate President, with Cayetano securing the post in a 13-9-2 vote.

With the Duterte-aligned bloc now leading the Senate, attention shifts to whether the chamber will proceed with or stall the impeachment proceedings against the Vice President.

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Report by James Ryan Navarro

𝐂𝐏𝐀𝐆 𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝐃𝐑𝐎𝐏 𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐓! ✨👕

Heads up, Jaguars! your shirts are finally here! 🔥

If you availed of Batch 2, it’s time to flex that Lingkod Bayan drip! 👊

📍 Where to claim?
Student Org Room, 2Floor CPAG Building, Lucinda Campus

🗓 When?
Tuesday-Friday (8AM–4PM)

⚠️ Reminder: STRICTLY hanggang Friday lang! Don’t let your merch wait in the dark 👀

𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒 | Fourth-year students of the College of Public Administration and Governance (CPAG) joined a full-day leadership and values formation seminar, S.A.L.T. (Self-Awareness, Appreciation for Others, Loving God, and Transformation), on May 5, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at TSU Hotel Priscilla Hall, Lucinda Campus.

Organized by the TSU Guidance and Counseling Unit, the seminar aimed to strengthen students’ self-awareness, interpersonal appreciation, spiritual grounding, and readiness for personal transformation as they prepare to transition from academic life to public service.

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Report by Reben Cabansag
Photos by Missy Corcuera

𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 | CPAG seniors strengthen leadership and values in S.A.L.T. Seminar

To strengthen leadership readiness and values formation, fourth-year students of the College of Public Administration and Governance (CPAG) attended a full-day seminar, Self-Awareness, Appreciation for Others, Loving God, and Transformation (S.A.L.T.), on May 5, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at TSU Hotel Priscilla Hall, Lucinda Campus.

Organized by the TSU Guidance and Counseling Unit, the seminar aimed to strengthen students’ self-awareness, interpersonal appreciation, spiritual grounding, and readiness for personal transformation as they prepare to transition from academic life to public service.

Dr. Oliver G. Cura, head of the Guidance and Counseling Unit, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of the seminar in preparing graduating students for life beyond college. He also shared that this marks the fifth year the program has been conducted for CPAG fourth-year students.

The seminar featured resource speaker Mr. Jerome Micoh E. Lustanas, who guided the participants through the four core components of S.A.L.T.

The morning session focused on Self-Awareness and Appreciation for Others, where CPAG seniors were encouraged to reflect on their personal strengths, weaknesses, and relationships formed throughout their college journey. One of the key activities included writing a letter of gratitude to someone who had a meaningful impact on their college life.

In the afternoon, the discussions shifted to Loving God and Transformation. These sessions featured the role of faith in the students’ lives, particularly during their college years, and the personal growth they are expected to undergo as they prepare for the next stage of their lives.

The activity served as a preparatory experience for CPAG seniors as they approach graduation, helping them build a strong foundation in both character and relationships.

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Report by Reben Cabansag
Photos by Missy Corcuera

𝐌𝐀𝐘𝐎 𝐔𝐍𝐎 | Uring Manggagawa, Hukbong Mapagpalaya!

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Dibuho ni Jhon Rhoan Sta. Maria

𝗝𝗢𝗜𝗡𝗧 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧: Para sa kabataang tinig ng katotohanan, ang pananakot ay hindi lamang paglapastangan sa katahimikan ng tahanan, kundi pagyurak sa dangal ng bayan. Sapagkat ang bawat hakbang ng kabataan ay hakbang ng sambayanan, at ang bawat matang nagmamasid nang may dahas ay mata ng sistemang takot sa liwanag ng katotohanan.

Noong Abril 28, 2026, dalawang lalaking nakasibilyan ngunit nagpapakilalang bahagi ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) ang dumating sa tahanan ni Rafael Jay Valix, Bise Presidente ng Tarlac State University Supreme Student Council (TSU-SSC) at kasapi ng National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP). Bitbit nila ang mga larawan at tala ng kanyang mga gawaing pang-estudyante—mga dokumentong ginawang sandata upang takutin ang kabataang nagsusulong ng karapatan. Sa harap ng pintuan, ang katahimikan ay ginawang kulungan, at ang tahanan ay ginawang entablado ng panggigipit.

Hindi ito bagong usbong na suliraning panlipunan. Ito ay bahagi ng unos ng panunupil na matagal nang bumabalot sa mga tinig ng mga aktibista. Ayon sa Amnesty International, daan-daang insidente ng red-tagging ang naitala mula 2020 hanggang 2025, na nagdulot ng takot, panggigipit, at maging ng mga pagpaslang sa mga g**o, mamamahayag, at kabataang lider. Sa ulat ng Human Rights Watch noong 2026, binigyang-diin na sa kabila ng desisyon ng Korte Suprema noong 2024 na nagsasabing ang red-tagging ay banta sa karapatan sa buhay, kalayaan, at seguridad, patuloy pa rin itong ginagamit laban sa mga kritiko ng pamahalaan. Sa katunayan, ang “Bloody Sunday” noong Marso 2021, kung saan siyam na aktibista ang pinaslang matapos silang i-red-tag, ay nananatiling mantsa sa kasaysayan ng karahasan.

Mula rito, mariin at sama-samang kinokondena ng mga pahayagang pangkampus ng Tarlac State University ang ganitong mapanupil na hakbang—mapagkubling banayad man o tahasang marahas ang pamamaraan. Ang red-tagging ay lason na dahan-dahang ibinubuhos sa ugat ng demokrasya—lason na naglalayong gawing krimen ang paglilingkod, gawing panganib ang tapang ng pagtindig, at gawing katahimikan ang tanging kanlungan.

Maaaring magdulot ng pangamba ang pananakot, ngunit hindi nito kailanman mapapawi ang lakas ng kabataang mulat. Sa bawat pagtatangkang durugin ang kanilang tapang, mas lalong lumilitaw ang katotohanan: ang kabataan ay hindi alipin ng pangamba, kundi tagapagdala ng pag-asa. At sa pag-asang iyon, muling babangon ang bayan—hindi bilang biktima ng panggigipit, kundi bilang tinig ng bukas na hindi kailanman magagapi.

𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀:

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