“You are the voice of the students for any of their concerns and issues.”

This is what MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr. told the newly elected University Student Council (USC) and selected SIRMATA Editorial Board members, who will serve during the academic year 2025-2026, during their oath-taking on July 1, 2025, at the Office of the President.

Dr. Manzano challenged the USC officers to commit their time to the students beyond their academics. “It is not a glamorous job. It requires long hours, and you must give this service to the student body,” he added.

Meanwhile, the university president told the editorial members of SIRMATA–the official publication of MMSU college students–to use their writing skills to voice out the student body’s concerns. “Ensure that the information that you will release is complete and objective,” Dr. Manzano added.

Elected as the incoming USC Executive Chairperson and the Student Regent is an incoming civil engineering senior Alona Daniela Balucio.

Other sworn-in executive officers were Edriane Gerby Maloom, vice chairperson; Abigal Jemima Pasion, executive secretary; Mervin Saimon Luz, secretary for finance; and Christian Joseph del Rosario, secretary for logistics.

For councilors from different colleges and laboratory schools who were sworn in were Naiki Rostok Bello, Raineil Suguitan, Adrian Angelo Villacorta, Jewel Vin Dela Cruz, Leah Angelin Tangona, John Lloyd Asunion,

Gian Cariaga, Angelina Maxine Martinex, Mark Jaylord Ibana, Kenyon Vince Calad, Prince Charles Addu, Earp Jedaiah Asuncion, Milmarie Franj Macadangdang, Majell Pasalo, and Allegra Ziva Arancon.

Leading the oath-taking for SIRMATA was incoming Editor-in-Chief Chris Jeremiah Antonio, an incoming senior communication student.

Antonio was joined by Associate Editor for Print Benedict Jay Collado, Associate Editor for Online Rejenlei Karyl Fabro, Associate Editor for Broadcast Jirah Dean Failano, Managing Editors Moyra Shaina Colobong, Mae Rich Eyecah Virginia, and Jzryl Rychnyl Carreon, as well as Circulation Manager Joriel John Balicao.

Also present during the oath-taking were outgoing Officer for Student Affairs and Service Director Emil James Tanagon, Student Organizations, Publications, and Activities Chief Maria Deleilah Adriatico, and SIRMATA Technical Adviser Bryan Realgo.

MMSU students elected their USC officers in May, while SIRMATA conducted the screening and interviews for its editorial board applicants in June this year.