By: Kristiana Chloe Bautista, Julianne Leigh Aliling, and Naomi Serrano
The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde has been and continues to be guided by the Lasallian core values of faith, zeal for service, and communion in mission; Most especially in realizing the Benildean Expressions of being God-centered, with Integrity, Creative and Innovative, Socially Responsible, Appreciative of Individual Worth, Professionally Excellent, and One with the Plight of the Poor.
Championing social responsibility, the Student Trainers under the Center for Student Life—Student Involvement Unit (CSL-SIU) of the college annually organize #WeCan, an advocacy week casting light on timely and relevant societal issues. Following the Philippine elections in May this year, #WeCan2022: ‘Pilipino para sa Pilipinas’ aims to educate Filipino citizens and communities about their indispensable role in nation-building beyond suffrage.
Barriers to press freedom, the stigma and discrimination against frontline workers, and issues faced by ordinary Filipinos are long-persisting threats magnified by the COVID-19 Pandemic. This year’s #WeCan will bring together Benildeans and non-Benildeans through various virtual spaces, with these as its foci and the theme “Makabagong Pilipino sa Makabagong Panahon”.
On May 18, #WeCan2022: “Mga Pahina ng Pag-Asa” is a Digital Album that will formally launch the advocacy week on the Student Trainers’ Facebook page. Released to the public, this will feature digital illustrations, photographs, and literary pieces by Benildeans about the Filipino identity and the roles of Filipinos in their country.
#WeCan2022: “Mga Tinig ng Tumindig” is a Roundtable Discussion that will be conducted through Zoom on May 20 focusing on the aforementioned challenges. Invited guests will share their experiences during the pandemic and the relevance of such in identifying the roles of the Filipino citizens in a community. The RTD will be on May 20 from 3 PM to 5 PM (PST) and is open to all. To join, register at bit.ly/WECAN22RegForm until May 14.
#WeCan2022: “Bantayog ng Bagong Bayani” will be the Culminating Performance on May 21, which will be streamed live on Facebook. Catch the featured pre-recorded sets of art forms, such as singing, acting, dancing, and speeches, of both Benildeans and non-Benildeans on May 21 from 4 PM (PST) onwards via the Student Trainers Facebook page.
This week-long advocacy event encourages the Benildean community to find out what they can do to contribute to nation-building, especially in trying times. #WeCan2022 is the chance for the Benildean Community to gather insights from different artworks, distinguished guests, and performances. Through these, the students could be inspired to be more socially aware and to acknowledge their role in society.
To stay up to date on #WeCan2022, follow Student Trainers on their various social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @StudentTrainers, as well as YouTube at Student Trainers.
