Written by Giovanni Ballog, Zhekianah Ordonio, and Kennu Poyaoan | Photo credits SSC
Inclusive governance depends on the meaningful participation of those affected by institutional decisions. Whether in public institutions or academic communities, effective governance requires representation, accountability, transparency, and opportunities for constituents to participate in shaping policies that affect them. Universities provide an important environment for developing these principles by allowing students to engage in leadership, deliberation, and collective decision-making. Reflecting this commitment, the University of Baguio (UB) School of Criminal Justice and Public Safety (SCJPS) Student Body, together with its recognized student organizations, participated in BOSIS 2026 2.0: Building an Open, Strong, Inclusive Student Government on October 17, 2026, at Centennial Hall, University of Baguio.
Organized by the University of Baguio Supreme Student Council (UB SSC), the gathering brought together student leaders from different academic units to discuss governance structures, student representation, and the responsibilities of elected and appointed student leaders. Through deliberations and exchanges of perspectives, participants examined how student government can become more inclusive, accountable, and responsive to the needs and interests of the university’s student population.
Representing the SCJPS community were its Student Body officers and members of its recognized organizations: the Forensic Science Society, Junior Police Club, Post Mortem Societas, and Praeclarus Society. Their participation provided an opportunity for the School’s student representatives to contribute to university-wide discussions and bring forward perspectives concerning the structure and effectiveness of student governance.
A central component of BOSIS 2026 2.0 was the parliamentary session, during which participating Student Bodies deliberated on a proposed transition from a presidential to a parliamentary system of student government. The discussion examined how different governance structures could influence executive accountability, legislative participation, organizational representation, and decision-making processes within the University.
During the deliberations, the SCJPS Student Body and its participating organizations expressed their support for the proposed parliamentary system, emphasizing its potential to strengthen coordination between student representatives and executive leadership. Their position highlighted the importance of collective responsibility, meaningful representation, and mechanisms through which student leaders remain accountable to the constituents they serve.
SCJPS Student Body Governor Alexandra L. Tolyaden emphasized that the discussion should extend beyond the distribution of leadership positions and focus on the effectiveness of governance in responding to student concerns.
“For us, advocating for a parliamentary system is better because we want to strengthen the relationship between student leadership and representation. We believe that student governance should be built on collaboration, accountability, and the active participation of the students we serve. We want a system that has the ability to listen to its constituents, respond to their needs, and ensure that leadership remains responsible for its decisions,” she said.
The deliberations also provided an opportunity for student leaders to demonstrate their ability to articulate positions and engage in reasoned discussions on institutional matters. Recognizing this contribution, SCJPS Student Body Councilor Giovanni M. Ballog received the Best Speaker Award, highlighting the importance of effective communication, critical engagement, and persuasive argumentation in governance discussions.
Beyond the proposed change in student government structure, BOSIS 2026 2.0 demonstrated the value of providing students with opportunities to participate in institutional decision-making. Through the involvement of Student Bodies and recognized organizations, the activity encouraged the exchange of perspectives across academic units and emphasized that effective student governance requires more than elected leadership. It also depends on active constituent participation, constructive dialogue, and mechanisms that allow different student groups to be heard.
The initiative contributes to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, particularly Target 16.7, which promotes responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels. The SCJPS delegation’s participation in deliberations on the proposed parliamentary system reflects this principle by giving student representatives an opportunity to express their positions on governance arrangements that affect the wider university community. The activity also supports Target 16.6, which calls for developing effective, accountable, and transparent institutions. The discussion on executive accountability, representation, and collective responsibility reflects the governance principles promoted by this target.
BOSIS 2026 2.0 also contributes to SDG 4: Quality Education, particularly Target 4.7, which emphasizes education that promotes human rights, a culture of peace and nonviolence, global citizenship, and appreciation of diversity. Through participation in governance deliberations, students gain practical exposure to democratic principles, responsible citizenship, and respect for differing perspectives. The activity also develops transferable competencies in public speaking, critical thinking, argumentation, and collaborative decision-making, which complement their academic preparation and future professional responsibilities.
Through its participation in BOSIS 2026 2.0, the SCJPS Student Body demonstrated the importance of student engagement in shaping institutional governance. Its advocacy for a parliamentary system, together with the recognition received by Councilor Giovanni M. Ballog, reflects the value of informed participation, constructive dialogue, and responsible leadership. The initiative reinforces UB-SCJPS’s commitment to developing students who are not only academically prepared but also capable of contributing meaningfully to inclusive, accountable, and participatory institutions.