How far can you play it safe?

From the small crowd of Sipat Lawin held at the open CEIS grounds last August 18, 2025, to the large gap caused by abstained votes, the student engagement this election season has been more subdued than in previous years. The unfortunate flow of events might be the primary culprit here, yet it also revealed how deep this unsettling “neutrality” runs through the students.

The time was quite unfortunate for the election. From August 11 to 14, each party has only two hours to campaign per day, with a time limit of 20 minutes for every classroom. Consequently, some candidates failed to introduce themselves in some classes. To further intensify the situation, the Miting de Avance (MDA) — the opportunity to know the candidates' intentions firsthand — was robbed as the crowd dissipated during the event. 

We might be the victims of circumstance with how the Sipat Lawin  2025 unfolded, yet we also unconsciously took part in the fast orchestra of events. During the MDA, most students were already lost in their own bubbles. Not only do the low volume of the speakers and the scorching heat of the grounds divert the students’  interest, but also how they regard the importance of the event.

Makinig, makisali, at kumilatis: this is the goal of the Sipat Lawin in assessing how candidates are fit to take on the roles of student leaders. As voters, we should be aware that we have the power to elect a candidate who might bring change by standing firm with our concerns. However, how can we maintain social consciousness if we are choked in the tight grip of  “circumstances?”

Some Escolarians also expressed their concerns regarding the impact of the Supreme Student Government (SSG) and the recent elections in CEIS. In a recent interview with two high school students, they stressed the small progress of the previous administration and how the election seems to repeat itself.

According to Student A, “I think they're not focusing on the right stuff. Naisip ko kasi, walang magkakatotoo roon sa mga nasabi nilang projects kasi wala naman silang pera… and I feel like it’s all gonna be promises again,” showing how the proposed platforms are hard, if not rare, to be implemented. 

During the MDA, they emphasized how students have been seeking comfort under the sun, which made them prioritize themselves over the event proper. Student A also pointed out how “repetitive” the cycle was for them and that it did not fully capture the general interests of many. “I guess dahil nga sa repetitive na ‘yung cycle sa mga elections, mapapaisip ka talaga: is it even worth it enduring this heat?”

Student A added, “I think, young people … are too out of that. I can’t blame my people. Iba ‘yung iniisip nila right now, but it’s good to be politically aware pa rin, kahit ‘yung mga maliliit na bagay lang katulad noong sa SSG.” Despite the situation, they still emphasized the importance of political awareness, even inside the school: “When you don’t exercise your right, you slowly take that away from you; and it’s our right to be socially aware.”

The lack of political participation among Escolarians is alarming; yet it is a multifaceted problem rooted in the system and culture of the student body. With how the events transpired, it was proven that it is not conducive enough for awareness to flourish. Still, this blank space should not be left empty; it only prompts us to start the change. 

The system is the challenge itself; yet we are urged not to conform, but to become agents to transform it, even in the smallest ways. Awareness is our first step towards social change — thus, we must strive to stay conscious and seize our rights to make a difference.