Gab Perez's Miting de Avance '08 Speech
“Walk the Talk”
Gab Perez’s speech at Sanggunian ’08 Miting de Avance
MVP Roofdeck, February 20, 2008
Monique, you mentioned about turning the house into a home. I’m ready to build. But any strong house cannot be built on mere words alone. I am Gab Perez, running to be your Sanggunian President. First and foremost, let me tell you what I am not and more importantly, what I am not here for. I am not eloquent enough to paint you a picture of utopia; a portrait of a disillusioned world that thrives on a bed of roses. Reality is tough and it comes with problems seeking for its solutions. Neither am I here to claim that I am a panacea, a messianic cure-all for all the illnesses that plague the Sanggunian. I am a far cry from being a savior. If anything, yes, I may wear the gains of experience but I also carry with me the scars of the Sanggunian.
But then why am I here? I stand before you because I have always been amazed with what can be created from the ashes of experience. To some, the Sanggu is still a beacon of hope but to most, it is but an ember of the flame it once had. Whatever they say, I personally refuse to believe that the Sanggunian cannot reclaim the role it once played in the life of every Atenean. The vision is simple- a “rebirth” of a Sanggunian that is true to its essence as an institution of student service and an arena for leadership training.
But apart from a vision, a STRONG Sanggunian entails two other things - relevance and results.
The Ateneo Student Concern Center. Hindi lahat sa atin alam na mayroon tayong mga karapatan sa Magna Carta at mayroong mga ahensya na dapat mangalaga sa mga ito. Hindi lahat sa atin alam na mayroong mga ahensya na puwedeng lapitan para huming ng tulong sa oras ng mga exam o midterms.
Kung minsan, para narin tayong gobyerno ng Pilipinas- hindi nagkukulang s batas, hindi nagkukulang sa polisiya, hindi nagkukulang sa salita. Pero madalas, nabibitin sa gawa.
Another point I want to emphasize is stronger sectorals wherein groups in the Ateneo are properly structured, for their needs not only to be heard but for these need to be actually acted upon. A concrete example would be hastening the re-accreditation process for the athletes. I am sure the administration would understand but I am pushing for the return of their early registration.
In addition, we must also identify groups like the scholars who up until now, do not have an organized representation in the current framework. We may be of different talents and interests but the Sanggunian must be able to weave all these together as one, united community.
But then all that I said are mere words and words can only satiate the craving for short-term satisfaction. Having a plan is one thing but actually doing it is another. Knowing the direction is one thing but actually driving the car is another. I run for the presidency not only because I understand how the system works but also how the people feel.
As a block representative, I felt the joy in seeing how my block would carry out our own little activities, but I also felt the frustration in feeling that I can do more but only given so much to work with.
As an Executive, I felt the thrill of seeing how ideas would concretize into reality but I also felt the disappointment in seeing how projects could have been made better.
Now as a Central Board Chairman, I feel the fulfillment in seeing how certain undertakings can actually bring relevance to the life of a student. When we had the Magna Carta week, I was pleasantly surprised to see how students began to talk to their teachers making sure their rights are upheld. Students are not apathetic. But they do look for relevance.
After everything I’ve said, the question will still remain. Why should you cast your vote for me? Beyond the vision, beyond whatever accomplishment, beyond the experience and technicalities, I want to answer this on a more personal note. I have been in the Sanggunian through thick and thin. I have never believed in anything so much that I face every challenge with all the conviction in me. I have never believed in anything so much that I give everything I can just so I can contribute.
Yes, I believe the Sanggunian needs change and yes, I am part of that very same Sanggunian. But that’s exactly why I am here. I walked with this institution. I celebrated with it, I fell with it. That’s why I admit that I am flawed and I have been wounded. But I am proud because scars teach us a lesson. They show us the paths that we have to take and the ones we have to avoid. After all, no leader can lead others toward a road that he has never even traversed.
Just like everyone else, I’m unsure of a lot of things but if there’s anything I am definite of, it is the Sanggunian. I have never believed in anything so much until the Sanggunian. Together, let’s bring it back.
I can no longer offer you words but I give you action.
Now, I’ll only say this once but may the passion resound a hundredfold. I am Gab Perez, running to be your Sanggunian President. I always say this but I will never grow tired because in the end, it’s what really matters…
Let’s walk the talk.