Independent candidate Tristin Karmel De Mesa, a 4th-year Architecture student, was proclaimed as the new Chairperson and Student Regent (CSR) of the Bicol University (BU) University Student Council (USC) for AY 2026–2027 after a live canvassing of votes from 18 colleges, with results showing an evenly divided council among political parties and independents.
De Mesa secured 12,660 votes, while BU Leaders: League of Democrats standard bearer Camia Verallo received 4,499 votes, giving De Mesa a winning margin of 8,161 votes.
She said she felt overwhelmed and grateful after her landslide victory across all colleges, noting that she did not expect such a wide margin and had anticipated a close contest.
Actually, I feel overwhelmed and thankful kasi hindi ko talaga in-expect na maga-landslide win ako. Akala ko hindi. Akala ko like maglalabanan kaming dalawa,akala ko close match kaming dalawa kaya very unexpected for me and I’m very grateful sa lahat ng supporters and sa lahat ng naniwala sa kakayahan ko,”
she said.
De Mesa said her platform, ‘Kasama ka sa Mesa’ was carefully studied and based on student experience, and would serve as a guiding principle during her term.
Yung plataporma kong 'kasama ka sa mesa' is pinagaralan ko nang maayos and rooted siya sa pagiging estudyante ko rin, hindi lang dahil sa tatakbo ako, hindi lang siya magiging promise. Yun ang magiging guiding principle ko sa buong term ko sa USC and hindi lang syempre ako yung ah, hindi lang syempre ako yung magpapa- magpapatupad nito kundi ang lahat ng council ko,”
she said.
When asked if she could assure BU students that she would not simply follow the orders of the administration and whether she would defend student interests throughout her term as student representative, De Mesa said she had previously taken accountability within her college even in difficult situations to defend students.
She added that she intends to apply the same commitment across Bicol University, stressing that she would stand firm for students and would not be intimidated by any form of administrative power, as she believes her authority comes from the student body.
The live canvassing of votes and proclamation of winners commenced at the Office of Student Affairs and Services, at the BU Student Union Center on April 25, 2026.
BU Buklod sweeps 3 USC seats
While sending only three candidates in this year’s USC elections, BU BUKLOD successfully swept all races, with each of its bets winning, securing its full representation in the incoming council.
Mark Dominic Peregrino, Arly Uzui Marco, and Ashleigh Danielle Ladesma were elected Secretary General, Deputy Secretary General, and Finance Officer, respectively.
Ladesma, the first to be proclaimed among the Buklod slate, said she felt both anxious and grateful following her victory, noting she was also hopeful for her fellow candidates’ success.
Kinakabahan ako kahit alam ko nang nanalo ako, kinakabahan ako for my other two slate members kaya sabi ko, ‘please sana manalo din sila. I would love to work with them kaya kinakabahan talaga ako,’”
she said.
Meanwhile, Marco described the victory as a comeback for the Buklod slate, saying their candidacy was carefully prepared and selected.
Actually, this is comeback—comeback ito ng Buklod and sobrang proud ako sa kasama ko sa slate kasi pinaghandaan nila ito and hindi basta-basta yung pag-run nila kasi salang-sala talaga sa Buklod kung sino lang ang nag-ru-run kaya sobrang grateful ko na tatlo kami, may kasama ako sa Council silang dalawa and this will be a really good dynamic this year sa Student Council,”
she said.
Council split across slates, independents
Following BU Leaders’ dominance in the previous election, when it secured six seats, this year’s results shifted to an even 3-3-3 split among party slates and independent candidates.
Marco expressed hope for reduced political division within the student council and greater balance in decision-making, emphasizing that student service should remain the top priority.
This is actually a new dynamic for me kasi nung freshman year ako may—may nagdo-dominate. Ngayon equal na siya and I think sana less na yung politika sa student council and sana mas equal yung decision when it comes to service of the students and pinakaimportante talaga is mabigyan ng magandang serbisyo para sa mga estudyante,”
she said.
Dernmark Leopardas, an incumbent USC Deputy Finance Officer and now newly-elected Business Manager, said that the 85% voter turnout reflects the kind of governance students want, adding that representation from different parties creates a more active student council.
He noted that decisions must reflect multiple perspectives, with three independent candidates and two political parties, which he believes will lead to a more dynamic and representative council.
Meanwhile, Geoffrey Opeña, the newly-elected Internal Vice Chairperson, said that if other officers turn the council into a more political space, it is beyond his control, adding that he will instead focus on his duties as IVC.
It is out of my control. What I can do is as much as possible is to gawin 'yung trabaho as IVC. And I think na I have high hopes naman sa council na 'to. And especially we have diverse, we have different perspective from different party that we can, I think, unite as well,”
he said.
The oath-taking of new USC officers will happen on May 6, as announced by Prof. Jazzlyn Imperial, University Student Electoral Board Chairperson and Dean of the Office of the Student Affairs and Services.
The auditor post and other vacant positions in the colleges will be filled through special elections, in accordance with Resolution No. 7, which calls on the USEB and the College Student Electoral Board to conduct the polls.
