SSC to outline STRAW ordinance through ‘Champstudyante’ with various HEIs across GenSan

Anchored to their mission in prioritizing the welfare and safety of every Heneral, which includes MSUans, Mindanao State University–General Santos City (MSU-GSC) Supreme Student Council (SSC) approved “Champstudyante: Drafting the GenSan STRAW Ordinance” during their 1st General Assembly under the Committee on Students' Rights and Welfare as part of their proposed project for the 1st Semester of Academic Year 2025–2026, August 19.

Inspired by their mandate to protect, promote, and strengthen the welfare of students within the Home of the Champions, the committee targeted to connect with other Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), addressing the specific needs of every learner despite different origins.

© Katrina Elises

SSC Senator CJ Salarza, proponent of the project, shared the driving force behind the creation of these initiatives, citing the essence of legal provisions for the welfare of every student in GenSan.

“If done greatly, it was highly expected that the City could approve this ordinance and formalize it within the Local Government, ensuring the safety and welfare of the students here in General Santos,” he stated.

Salarza shared that the project was patterned from Ordinance No. 2023-323 or the Code of Student Rights and Welfare from Cagayan de Oro City, which aimed to reinforce and initiate avenues addressing issues that affect students’ welfare.

“Every participant from every HEI’s role was to create provisions that were not only self-serving within their institution but rather multifaceted, holistic, and democratically reflective of what the students needed urgently,” he explained.

Furthermore, Salarza pointed out that there was a certain chance these initiatives could be pursued and adapted in other municipalities.

“However, one step at a time; we needed to solidify first the STRAW Movement within our metro cities, like Davao, CDO, and now, GenSan,” he specified.

With a deep heart of warmth and gratitude, Salarza expressed his love towards everyone who supported and helped in lobbying these concerns, sustaining the light in every dark alley of the academic sanctuary.

“A lot had been fought because of them and through consistent movement we soared to higher heights and remained in the reality that was once an aspiration,” he expressed.

During the General Assembly, different committees were tasked to present their project proposals for the 1st Semester, underscoring the needs of every aspect they held through.

The council deliberated and examined the projects thoroughly, with the participation of every college, raising concerns, amendments, privileges, and inquiries.