By Michael Visaya

Alona Daniela Balucio, an incoming fourth-year civil engineering student from the College of Engineering (COE), won the Executive Chairperson seat of the University Student Council (USC) in her second attempt, garnering a total of 8,455 votes. 

As she will lead over 18,000 students at MMSU, let us meet the next Student Regent of the MMSU Board of Regents for the academic year 2025–2026.

Leadership background

Balucio has been a student leader since she was in elementary and high school. She recalls serving as one of the officers of the Supreme Pupil Government and the Supreme Student Government, which introduced her to student leadership. 

When she entered college at MMSU, she continued serving her fellow students. In her first year, she was the First-Year Representative of the COE Student Council (COE SC) for the academic year 2022–2023, Treasurer of the same student council from 2023 –2024, and later became the Membership and Partnership Lead of the MMSU Technobiz club from 2024–2025.

As a student leader, she shared that it provided her with experiences full of inspiration and motivation from the people around her, who believed in her capability and potential. 
Since then, she has realized that the value of service lies not in high positions, but in one’s desire to serve–whether as the head of a certain organization or simply as a member. This, she believes, is what truly defines a leader.

Ran twice for USC Executive Chairperson

In 2024, Balucio ran for the executive chairperson post to lead the MMSU student body. However, she was unsuccessful in her bid, garnering 6,231 votes against the winning candidate Aleczandrix Marc Alcid, who garnered a total of 7,007 votes. 

After losing the 2024 USC Elections, Balucio shifted her focus to her home college. She ran for president of the COE SC and was elected for the academic year 2024-2025. Her term was successful in reviving The Blueprint, COE’s student publication, and the talent team. 

As COE SC President, she also managed the pressure of keeping the college’s undefeated championship title in the UniGames. She ensured that every athlete and artist from the college stayed focused, motivated, and well-prepared for the university-wide sports, culture, and arts festival.

She also spearheaded partnerships and collaborations with various organizations both within and outside the university to support student-led initiatives.
Despite her loss in the 2024 USC Election, Balucio sees it as her stepping stone to her victory this year. She believes that it gave her the chance to build a wider network to introduce her platform to more students.

Balucio’s leadership style and her role models

When asked about her leadership style, Balucio said she leads by listening to everyone. “I have to make sure that in making decisions for a greater body, it is not solely mine. It should reflect the collective decision of the students,” she said.

Additionally, servant leadership is Balucio’s brand. She views being in a position not as a source of power, but as an opportunity to serve and follow. Her early leadership experiences taught her an important lesson she now shares with the entire student body: leaders are followers. 

Balucio believes no one should lead without following because great leaders always start as humble servants. She embraces failures and setbacks, seeing them as tools to improve the system. 
When asked about her role models, this young leader draws inspiration from individuals who shaped her understanding of leadership. She did not fail to mention her mentor from the College of Engineering, Engr. Mary Angeli Penaflor, who consistently encouraged her to strive for greatness and persevere.

Moreover, she sees herself leading like Dr. Shirley Agrupis, 7th MMSU President and Chairperson Commission on Higher Education, whose leadership transforms and ignites. She draws bravery and courage from Dr. Agrupis’ example.

Additionally, Alona acknowledges her parents’ role, especially her father. She saw and appreciated how her father won his business clients through his relationship with them, and this is one thing she plans to bring to the table: a great relationship with her co-students. 

Plans for the next academic year

Her administration will push the ASCEND Agenda, focusing on academic achievements, students’ welfare and empowerment, connection and inclusivity, environment, network and collaboration, and development and sustainability. 

Some of her plans include extending financial assistance to students through bayanihan initiatives and leading collaboration between USC and college student councils to raise students’ concerns through direct conversations.

She also plans to collaborate with the administration to revive the e-jeepney system for campus mobility, promote and support student businesses, advance environmental awareness campaigns and programs, build networks and collaborations, and align student activities with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

With a passion to unite, ignite, and collaborate, she will focus on a leadership that promotes community involvement, upholds academic excellence, maintains social advocacy, and highlights justice. 
Balucio sees the road ahead as somewhat bumpy, but she remains committed to championing students’ rights as her mission. Among the challenges she anticipates are balancing confidentiality and transparency regarding student fees, improving campus mobility, and addressing other pressing student concerns.

As the representative of the entire MMSU student body on the Board of Regents, she is drafting a strategic plan to advocate for these concerns to the administration, aiming for solutions that require no compromise from either side. 

“I will serve as the voice of my fellow students and make sure that their concerns are heard and are lobbied,” she said 
As Balucio’s term starts during the first semester of the academic year 2025-2026, she is hopeful that student representation in the Board of Regents will continue to be strong, impactful, and a true voice for the student body.