What’s Next for the ASSOC’s Newly Elected Secretary for A.Y. 2023-2024?
Photo courtesy of ASSOC Elections Committee
By Joshia Marie Morta
Gabriel Emmanuel Gabrillo is elected as the UST Asian Studies Society's new Secretary in the recently held ASSOC Special Elections on Thursday, Oct. 26. As per the memorandum released by the ASSOC Elections Committee, Grabrillo garnered 153 votes over the total votes of 184.
In an exclusive interview with the Asian Studies Gazette, Gabrillo shared why he ran for the position of Secretary, saying that it was a last minute decision considering that the position was vacant.
He stressed that the paper processing will be different, and considering that there were only three occupied positions in the ASSOC Executive Board, as the former ASSOC Secretary himself, he would like to help in running the Society for the second time.
This year, Gabrillo proposed the focus group discussions among the different home societies of the Artlet community to “highlight the capabilities and knowledge of Asian Studies students.”
Through these discussions, Gabrillo aims to eradicate the spread of fake news by educating the people and the general masses on how to approach them.
"False information or fake news, the spread of false information and targeted propaganda is common and widespread in the Philippines," he said.
The new ASSOC Secretary also puts forward the continuation of last academic year’s "Agents of Diplomacy" to hone the diplomatic skills even outside the UST Model United Nations and the UST Model ASEAN Meeting.
Furthermore, Gabrillo believes the importance of establishing connections between the ASSOC Guilds and improving their capacities. He points out the need to fund the guilds to allow them to produce better outputs and performances.
“[The] opportunities we have should be made available and accessible for the students," he added.
When asked about leadership, Gabrillo told the Asian Studies Gazette that leadership is not just about leading but also connecting with people that he works with, not just giving orders but also getting to know his colleagues' experiences and making a working relationship with them.
He points out that a leader should move around and go beyond their position. Gabrillo sees himself as an organized leader, the one who respects boundaries, and values professionalism–he also wants others to see that.
The new ASSOC Secretary envisions this academic year to be “more proactive” in what is happening around the world and the University. He expects ASSOC to "stand for itself" and to be "out there and not be bypassed."
