HAU – University Student Council (HAU-USC) presented its first academic year (AY) 2025–2026 accomplishment report, highlighting completed projects, upcoming events, and student welfare initiatives in a press conference on August 15.

According to HAU-USC President Adonis Cayanan, the council has prepared seven student welfare initiatives under two major categories, which will be headed by the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG).

“We also want them to give an opportunity or platform to help the students din talaga, since ‘yung mga departments natin are bombarded din talaga with the events,” Cayanan said, stating that a separate platform for student concerns will be “more conducive.”

HAUwak Kamay: Student Services Program and HAUwak Gabay: Student Guidance Program serve as the project’s two main divisions, with HAUwak Gabay branching into Project HAU and Project Sagip, while HAUwak Kamay includes Project Kasama.

Central to Project Kasama was the June 15 re-establishment of the KALINGA: Students’ Rights and Welfare (STRAW) Desk through Executive Order No. 2, providing students a platform to raise academic, non-academic, and representation-related concerns.

According to the council, the desk logged five academic and four non-academic concerns from June 16 to 30. 

Kamustahan — used as a basis for letters or appeals to administrators — and Lakbay, an enrollment support initiative, are among the three projects under Project Kasama.

Meanwhile, Project HAU under HAUwak Kamay features three initiatives, including Handa, which provides Angelites with access to hygiene products through the HAU-USC office.

“But then, of course, we’re also limited when it comes to the resources. So, if ever man na magkaroon ng kakulangan ng resources, of course, we also try to find sponsors or like try to limit it per month kung ano ba ‘ yung kayang i-provide ng council,” Cayanan stated.

Moreover, through Antabay, the HAU-USC plans to set up an academic lending hub offering calculators, laboratory coats, and other essentials “useful for the entirety of the university.”

Project HAU’s final phase, Ugnayan, promotes HAU student services in partnership with the Office of Student Affairs (OSA). The initiative connects Angelites with the Guidance Office, University Registrar, University Library, Office of Scholarships and Grants, and other offices under OSA.

According to Cayanan, many students are unaware of these services, prompting the council to “maximize its resources and disseminate the information Angelites need to know.”

Lastly, Project Sagip under HAUwak Kamay provides data loan assistance to help students attend synchronous classes during heavy rainfall and prolonged class suspensions.

Beyond student welfare initiatives, the HAU-USC also discussed office appointments and highlighted monthly accomplishments, including Mental Health Awareness Month in May and the “Bahagharaya: Rays of Hope” Pride celebration in June.

Cayanan addresses freedom wall, opposition pages

In an interview, Cayanan addressed recent controversies involving the Angelite Freedom Wall and the HAU-USC Opposition page.

Regarding the Freedom Wall, which has since been deleted, he said the council “affirms” the decision to remove it. While originally intended to foster discussion, the platform “became a platform for negativity” and “attack[ed] different people,” creating what he described as an unhealthy environment.

He urged students to raise concerns through the official STRAW Desk platform, calling it the “right way” to address issues. On alleged data privacy violations, he noted that the council coordinates closely with the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) and that both refrain from engaging in the page’s discussions.

Cayanan stated that if another freedom wall were to emerge, the council would “stand firm in taking it down once again” should it promote “toxicity, negativity, or bashing.”

He also addressed the HAU-USC Opposition page, which has called for his resignation, stating that the council chooses not to engage with it as doing so would “breed negativity.” He added that the council remains focused on addressing legitimate student concerns through official platforms.

Director of Public Communication and Acting Press Secretary Adriana Dionisio opened the session by citing Article 14, Section 6 of the USC Constitution, which mandates press conferences as a tool for student government accountability.

“The USC recognizes the importance of communication with the students we represent. This press conference is part of our responsibility to address concerns directly and publicly,” Dionisio said.