Written by: Lorden Xavier Alvaro and Chire Venice Pastorfide
The University of Baguio (UB) made history with its first-ever fully digital student government elections, which transformed how democracy functions within the campus community. The University of Baguio Commission on Elections and Student Administrative Committee (UB COESAC) spearheaded this groundbreaking electoral process, from June to September 2025, which served as a model for future institutional elections.
Anchored on the Sustainable Development Goals
Guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), #UBHalalan2025 strongly reflects the University’s commitment to global and local citizenship. The electoral process advanced:
- SDG 4 (Quality Education): immersing students with real-world experiences in leadership, democratic participation, and responsible voting.
- SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): providing students access to open, digital participation that allows every qualified student equal opportunity to run for office and exercise their right to vote, regardless of background.
- SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions): upholding a transparent, accountable, and peaceful electoral process with impartiality and integrity.
- SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): closely coordinating between UB COESAC, various student organizations, and the university administration to implement an innovative, modernized, and established electoral system.
General Elections
Digital platforms proved highly effective in expanding democratic participation. As of June 18, 2025, over 100 students filed candidacy applications, with 87 officially qualified after thorough evaluation by UB COESAC.
The campaign period from July 14-19 required candidates to create compelling two-minute videos instead of traditional poster campaigns, which demonstrated the candidates’ creativity and authenticity as they connected with voters through digital narratives.
Voting took place on July 24–26, via Google Forms, authenticated through the use of official UB emails. A total of 707 students cast their votes, with the School of Nursing achieving the highest turnout. Positions were successfully filled across the Supreme Student Council (SSC), Student Legislative Council (SLC), and Student Body (SB)—proving that digital platforms can strengthen, rather than diminish, democratic engagement within the university community.
Miting De Avance
On July 22, 2025, the Miting de Avance Proper was conducted via Zoom and livestreamed on UB COESAC’s Facebook Page. The hybrid setup expanded access to audiences and candidates and allowed students to participate regardless of distance or scheduling conflicts.
Candidates from all schools presented their advocacies, principles, and party values within set time limits. After each presentation, candidates were immersed in a question-and-answer portion with a series of questions gathered from the students of the university.
Behind the scenes, the UB COESAC team worked on-site to ensure a seamless program. The team included Adviser Hon. Denver Koby Soriano; Chairperson Hon. Chire Venice Pastorfide; Secretary Hon. Lorden Xavier Alvaro; Treasurer Hon. Erry Mae Bryz Abayon; Public Relations Officer Hon. Jon Francis Cardenas; Publication Committee Head Hon. Jamil Jesus Uy, and Commissioners Hon. Jasmine Salvatera, Hon. JC Casticimo, Hon. Mia Farah Dulatre, and Hon. Vinn Denzel Bantic.
Special Elections
From August to September 2025, UB COESAC conducted the Special Elections to ensure full and inclusive representation for freshmen positions and vacancies:
- August 12 – Publication of election guidelines
- August 18–20 – Application period
- August 21–22 – Candidate screening
- August 23–30 – Announcement of candidates and campaign video submissions
- September 2–6 – Campaign period
- September 8 – Online voting
- September 9 – Vote tallying and verification
- September 10 – Announcement of results and email notifications
The streamlined timeline achieved 100% completion on all its activities, underscoring UB COESAC’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and equal democratic opportunity.
The success of #UBHalalan2025 highlights every UBian’s right and democratic responsibility to choose leaders who embody integrity, service, and excellence. The University of Baguio has shown that digital platforms can nurture a smooth, peaceful, and participatory electoral process—setting a new benchmark for student governance.
