Following the withdrawal of director-elect Emmanuel Josef Cabunagan, the Holy Angel University – University Student Council (HAU-USC) appointed Julius Christian Nietes as the new director for the Department of Human Resources on May 20.
In his letter of resignation filed on May 16, Cabunagan attributed his withdrawal to non-enrollment due to academic concerns.
Julius Christian Nietes, who placed ninth with 1,386 votes (26.69%), was appointed, succeeding Cabunagan in the currently vacant position within the department.
In an interview, Nietes said that “the exit of a leader is always difficult,” but emphasized the importance of showing respect and understanding for their personal circumstances and situation.
“Pero, siyempre, at the same time, disheartening din kapag ‘yung elected roles is male-left siya na vacant, and since ‘yung student body, ‘yun ‘yung doon sila nag-place ng immense trust sa mga leaders na ‘yun, and ‘yung mga tao na ‘yun ang pinili nila para i-represent sila,” he said.
Nietes further stated that the council would remain dedicated and “completely intact,” adding that his focus as the new Human Resource director is on getting things done effectively while ensuring the well-being of staff members, directors, the student council, and the student body.
Despite losing the directorship last HAUlalan, he described it as a “humbling” experience that led him to believe the council no longer needed him.
“Pero, ‘yung heart ko naman para sa service is nag-remain pa naman siya so ano that led me na mag-apply pa rin sa USC Executive Staff para, of course, to ensure na I could keep showing up for the students din and para matulungan din ‘yung current council and of course, ‘yung transitioning din into Department of Human Resources,” he explained.
With the transition period underway, Nietes described it as “entirely new territory” for him, particularly as he moved from his previous role as outgoing Associate Director for the Department of Public Communication.
“But I’m looking at it now in a perspective na parang ito ‘yung beauty ng leadership. Like it breaks your heart a little, and then it humbles you, and then it redirects you to the paths na hindi mo alam na ma-cro-cross mo pala,” Nietes concluded.
The appointment was carried out in accordance with the provisions of the 2024 Student Elections Code and the guidelines established by the Holy Angel University Student Government Commission on Elections (HAUSG COMELEC).
HAUSG COMELEC explained that the list of elected candidates should first be redetermined, with priority given to other candidates for the same position, before applying general vacancy-filling rules from the rest of the student council, if necessary.
Further withdrawals before the commencement of the term on June 1, 2026, will be addressed under the same principles, with remaining director candidates offered the position. Once the term commences and officers officially assume office, the provisions on filling vacancies shall apply.
Director-elect Cabunagan declined an interview with The Angelite, citing personal reasons and the sensitivity of the matter.
