Count Me In: The power of ONE

Can ONE person really make the difference?

It took one Filpino, who proved his people
is worth dying for, to spark a movement
against a corrupt regime in order to restore
the country's hard-won freedom.

It took one African-American, who refused to
tolerate racial discrimination, to make a
lasting statement on American Civil Rights.

It took one man, who willingly sacrificed
himself on a cross, to change the face of the earth.

There is power when an individual decides to take a step towards something bigger than himself.

It just takes ONE person who has counted himself in for a worthy cause.

Make this election count.

Count yourselves in.

Vote Straight TAPAT.

Beyond Change: On Being Progressive

Being progressive has always been a hallmark of Tapat.

From the 1985 barricade that led to the creation of the Multi-Sectoral Committee on Budget (MSCB), to the formulation of the Students Charter, Pahiram Libro, SC Assistance Fund (SCAF) and the Academic Grievance System in the 90s, to the establishment of the Students Cooperative (SCOOP), SC Community Development Program (ComDev), and the Students Code in the new millennium, Tapat was and continues to be at the forefront of far-reaching changes both within and outside the University.

Tapat's 20 years of progressivism goes beyond the mere advocacy of change however. Change is indeed rendered hollow unless it provides a clear direction towards mutually-agreed upon goals -- in this case, that of empowering every Lasallian not just as students, but as a potent force for meaningful social transformation. Before this can happen, it must be ensured that the University becomes a true breeding ground for the next set of social movers, thinkers, and leaders.

It is with this end in mind that Tapat clamored and continues to clamor for change: from fighting policies that infringe students' rights and interests, to the formation of long-term programs that advance the welfare of students, to the advocacy of just social causes.

No doubt, change will continue to sweep the University and the greater community it belongs to. Whether or not these changes lead to betterment now rests on the votes of every Lasallian.

Make this election count.

Count yourselves in.

Vote Straight TAPAT.

Manifesto on the COUNT ME IN! Campaign

History will remember the school year 2005-2006 for all the fundamental changes we collectively achieved.

We’ve won in various fronts including issues on liberalizing the dress code and the attendance policy. We were able to maximize student representation in the student discipline process by giving access to free legal consultation provided by the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG). We continue to push for legislation that will pave the way for a National Students’ Code, one that protects the rights of all students wherever they may be. We have incessantly engaged in the fight for credible leadership and good governance in order to push for lasting and meaningful changes for our country. Overall, we lead key initiatives not just in issue advocacy but also in nation-building.

A heightened student governance, successfully lobbying for more liberal university policies coupled with the manifestation of a strong, vigilant and an action-oriented citizenry, proves that Lasallians are indeed ready to take it to the next level.

So this year, it’s time to believe, commit, and say: “COUNT ME IN!”

• COUNT ME IN to render my voice and partake in initiatives that optimize student representation
• COUNT ME IN to join efforts in ensuring quality of student services across all parts of the University
• COUNT ME IN to make the most of a Lasallian education and be a true resource for Church and Nation
• COUNT ME IN to be a voice of hope and actively work to uplift the plight of our country
• COUNT ME IN to demand leadership of utmost integrity, credibility, and accountability both here in and beyond the University

In the spirit of unity and collective effort, make this election count.

Count yourselves in.

Vote Straight TAPAT.