Faulty Foundation

The Editorial Board | Apr 23, 2024

The reign of the current Student Secondary Learner Government (SSLG) administration has brought many achievements and firsts, one of which, for the first time in Antipolo City National Science and Technology High School (ACNSTHS), a lone partylist submitted their candidacy, securing their victory. This, however, is not a milestone, for this may be a “first,” but this should definitely be the last.

Even after all of the leadership training events that took place, it seems to be all in vain if they did not serve their purpose—creating and training leaders. Leaders that will not run away from their aching desire to serve despite the opposition and even backlash that may come dashing towards their faces. Anscians are losing so many student leaders to the fear of defeat.

It is truly disappointing to see how the students are just forced to shade the only choice due to their lack of self-confidence to run. Their potential to lead will decline over time due to their reluctance to try. A risk should be taken, or someone else will take it. Aspiring leaders, even great leaders, should not be afraid of losing. Rather, they should be afraid of the absence of democracy, for it is impossible to choose if they are left with no choices at all. If nothing changes over the course of time, the students are bound to carry the burden of the consequences this situation will bring.

Moreover, the opposition that should have brought changes to the table is snatched away by silence because students are already too accustomed to accepting anything that will be catered to them. There are no more initiatives to reevaluate the leaders and their programs because they would not bother if there was no one brave enough to stand against the other party. Furthermore, without opposition, too much power will be given to the reigning administration since they are bound to think that their actions are tolerated and would void such attempts to call them out and criticize them.

In addition, Anscians continue to see the same faces dominating each year, and this causes students to be too lenient, often thinking that the current administration is all too strongly founded by their achievements and is already perfect for the school, therefore causing them to extinguish their fire to lead. They are too impressed with what they have achieved and would often not bother to exceed it because they fear that they may not be able to. However, effective leadership cannot be determined only by achievements, but by the changes and advancements it brings home.

A government built on power alone is bound to crumble. There is a need for opposition. To correct, call out, and criticize the administration. Without it, the government won't notice the faults and cracks crawling on the foundation, creating an illusion of perfection.