By Xarah Yap

By Noriko Yamamoto

On Wednesday, October 22, the Ateneo Senior High School (ASHS) held the Strand Vice Chair Elections (SVCE) for the Academic Year (AY) 2025–2026, organized by the ASHS Commission on Elections (ComElec).

The electorate — Grade 11 students — were able to cast their votes from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., with each strand assigned to designated voting precincts in the ASHS Main Building.

The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) strand students casted their votes in the Blackbox Theatre while the Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM) strand students voted in Room 110.

Meanwhile, both the General Academics (GA) and Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) strand students casted their votes in Room 118.

However, during lunch and dismissal, all Grade 11 students were allowed to vote exclusively at the Blackbox Theatre to accommodate joint voting.

To ensure transparency, the live vote tally was projected at the Main Building first-floor foyer and streamed via the Facebook page of the ASHS Programming Varsity.

Additionally, students shared their perspectives and insights on the election and the role of the SVC in the students’ life.

“The SVC plays a vital role in representing juniors within the Sanggunian, and I think this election reminds students of the true meaning and value of democracy, especially during a time when that feels fragile in the national context,” stated Aren Cainglet from 11 – Grande.

Moreover, Cedrick De Jesus, also from 11 – Grande, emphasized the importance of student participation, stating that he believes in the necessity of students choosing their own leaders.

When asked about the qualities he looks for in an SVC, he explained, “I am looking forward to having a leader who is truly ready to offer themselves in service to the students.”
The election results will be released on Friday, October 24, followed by the candidate debriefings on Monday, October 27.