By Roselle Mitch Gabinete, BA Comm-4, Centralian Link Intern

Student leaders and award recipients gather for a photo during the Panther Legacy and Panther Good Governance Awards at the Educational Media Center.

To honor the dedication and hard work of academic organization and student leaders, the Central Philippine University College of Arts and Sciences held its annual Panther Legacy and Panther Good Governance Awards last May 14, 2026, at the Educational Media Center.

The ceremony commenced with opening remarks from CAS Provincial Council Governor John Lloyd T. Panizales, followed by messages from the outgoing officers. In a symbolic passing of the torch, the newly elected student leaders were formally recognized and took their oath of office, pledging their commitment to the CAS community before delivering their collective vision for the upcoming term.

The afternoon session resumed with a message from Mariel Shree Yu, CPU Biological Society President and League of Presidents Chairman. Before proceeding to the main awards, presidents from the college’s various academic organizations took the stage to share messages of gratitude regarding their leadership journeys.

Individual excellence and collaborative engagement took center stage during the special awards presentation. Kris Anne H. Masangkay, President of the Junior Social Worker’s Association of the Philippines (JSWAP) – CPU Chapter, was named Most Outstanding President for her exemplary organizational leadership. Meanwhile, the CPU Biological Society (BioSoc) took home the Akbay Alalay Award, a distinction given to the organization that most effectively boosted student participation in both College and Council initiatives.

The main highlight of the ceremony focused on the presentation of the sub-seals of governance. The Seal for Transparent and Accountable Governance, which recognizes fiscal discipline, accountability, transparency, and proper financial management practices, was awarded to APPS-CPU, BioSoc, PsycSoc, and the JSWAP-CPU Chapter. Honoring the ability to establish effective mechanisms that encourage meaningful student participation, the Seal for Innovative Governance was presented to ACS-CPU, APPS-CPU, BioSoc, PsycSoc, and the JSWAP-CPU Chapter. Meanwhile, demonstrating prompt sensitivity and responsiveness to their constituent’s needs earned APPS-CPU, BioSoc, and PsycSoc, the Seal for Responsive Governance.

For the fair and consistent implementation of organizational laws and policies, the Seal for Predictable Governance was claimed by a wide coalition of groups including ACS-CPU, APPS-CPU, BioSoc, CCC, PsycSoc, and the JSWAP-CPU Chapter. A commitment to preserving culture and enhancing artistic interests brought the Seal for Conservative Governance to ACS-CPU, APPS-CPU, BioSoc, PsycSoc, ELS, and the JSWAP-CPU Chapter. Lastly, the Seal for Participative Governance, which honors the establishment of effective mechanisms that encourage active student involvement was successfully captured by ACS-CPU, APPS-CPU, BioSoc, and ELS.

To be awarded the Seal for Good Local Governance or SGLG, an academic organization must successfully secure all six of these seals. This year, the ultimate SGLG distinction was officially awarded to the CPU Biological Society and Association of Political Science and Public Administration Students – CPU, recognizing their absolute excellence across all pillars of governance.

The celebratory event concluded with a closing message from BM Femy Ceanne C. Ombega, followed by a documentation session to capture the memorable gathering of CAS leaders.