Promoting civic engagement and youth participation, Saint Louis University (SLU) welcomed senatorial aspirants during the “ANIDO: The 2025 Philippine Senatorial Forum” on 06 April 2025, at the Fr. Joseph Van den Daelen, CICM – Center for Culture and the Arts Theater in SLU, Baguio City.
Organized in partnership with the SLU Supreme Student Council (SSC) and Junior Chamber International (JCI) Baguio Sunflower, the forum brought together 20 senatoriables to present their platforms and engage in meaningful discussions ahead of the upcoming national elections. “Anidu” or Anido is a Kankana-ey word that generally refers to the act of warming yourself near a fire.
In his opening remarks Joselito Gutierrez, PhD, Executive Assistant to the SLU President stated, “Ang ANIDO ay hindi lamang simpleng pagtitipon, ito ay bahagi ng mas malawak na adbokasiya ng pamantasan ng Saint Louis University sa pamumuno ni Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, at higit sa lahat ang adbokasiya ng CICM na itaguyod ang katarungan at kapayapaan.” (ANIDO is not just a simple gathering, this is a part of the bigger scope of the advocacy of Saint Louis University under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, and most of all the advocacy of CICM to promote justice and peace.)
With the support of JCI Philippines, the JCI Office of the National Executive Vice President, and several local JCI chapters, the event created a platform for aspiring leaders to connect directly with the youth and the wider community in Northern Luzon.
The forum featured a mix of speeches, moderated panel discussions, and interactive sessions, giving aspirants the chance to tackle pressing national issues such as sustainable development, economic resilience, education, youth empowerment, and inclusive governance.
Another significant part of the program was the ceremonial signing of the Integrity Pledge and Peace Covenant, a symbolic commitment to honest, peaceful, and transparent elections. This act reflected the forum’s core values—integrity, accountability, and unity.
By hosting ANIDO, SLU reaffirmed its role not just as an academic institution, but as a catalyst for informed and empowered citizenship. The event not only gave voters a closer look at potential leaders but also reminded everyone of the power of collective dialogue in shaping the nation’s future.
Angel Heleana Galang, SSC President stated in her closing remarks, “Bilang isang kabataan at responsableng mamamayan, tayo ay may tungkuling magkaisa upang matukoy kung sino dapat talaga ang manguna at maglingkod sa ating bansa. Ang forum na ito ay isang paalala na ang tunay na kapangyarihan ay nasa ating mga kamay.” (As youth and responsible citizens, we have the duty to unite to find out who should lead and serve our country. This forum is a reminder that true power is in our hands.)
This proves that Saint Louis University is a living testament to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, SDG 4: Quality Education, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. By hosting ANIDO, SLU championed transparent and peaceful electoral processes, empowered youth through civic education, and fostered inclusive dialogue between aspiring leaders and the community. The event highlighted SLU’s commitment to nurturing informed, engaged citizens; and demonstrated the power of collaboration with organizations like JCI and the SLU Supreme Student Council. Through ANIDO, SLU not only upheld democratic values but also amplified the call for accountable leadership and meaningful change.
ANIDO continues the flame of civic action, echoing the call for meaningful change—from the grassroots to the national stage. (Article by Faithe Janerie Dugay, UIO Intern | Photos by Kyla Moreno, UIO Intern)
