Lhander Josh P. Manzano

Platforms

1. VERITAS (Truth)

Veritas stands as the foundation of a transparent, accountable, and participatory

student government. It emphasizes the importance of truth in leadership—ensuring that students are well-informed, empowered to voice their concerns, and actively involved in governance. Through openness and integrity, this pillar seeks to build trust between the USG and the student body, fostering a culture where decisions are made with clarity, inclusivity, and respect for democratic processes.

• Promotion of Press Freedom
• Open Government Initiative (Student–Senator collaboration for bill creation)
• Publicize the liquidation of USG, LSG, and Organizations (via transparency board and website)
• Pasiklaban Student Manual and Institutionalization
• Gender Equality Initiative (Juana Says & OMGAD)
• Tri-People Summit (Bazaar, Laro – cultural awareness & unity)

 2. FORTITUDO (Strength)

Fortitudo represents the strength and resilience of the student body, cultivated

through programs that enhance skills, unity, and holistic development. This pillar focuses on empowering students to grow academically, socially, and culturally while adapting to challenges with confidence and determination. By promoting engagement, collaboration, and sustainability, Fortitudo aims to build a community that is not only capable, but also proactive in shaping a dynamic campus environment.

• Freshmen Day (retain)
• Pasiklaban (retain)
• Retention of Bangko Sentral Partnership & Kulta Kapegkamal Phase 3
• Sports Clinic (in partnership with JPEDS)
• Traditional Larong Pinoy
• E-sports Empowerment
• Establish network with student councils from prominent universities
• One Health Campaign
• Zero Plastic Waste Campaign Reinforcement
• Green USM Reinforcement
• E-Thesis System
• Psychological First Aid Symposium
• Voters Education

 3. SERVITIUM (Service)

Servitium embodies the heart of student-centered governance — dedicated to

delivering accessible, efficient, and compassionate services. It prioritizes the welfare and everyday needs of students through concrete actions and responsive programs that create a safe, supportive, and inclusive campus. Guided by genuine public service, this pillar ensures that leadership goes beyond plans and promises, translating into tangible improvements in the lives of every student.

Student Welfare

• Review Sessions for CSE and CEE
• Uniform Assistance for Interns (new)
• Food Stubs – partnership with OSA (retain)
• LSG Emergency Funds
• USG Lobby as Student Lounge & Help Desk
• Washday Initiative
• Water Fountain (major project)

Community Service

• Turno Cotabato (Community Based Outreach Program)- Flagship Program

Campus Services & Safety

• Consistency of Security
• Establish CCTV in canteens and public areas (10 units)
• Water Dispensers in all college hallways
• Resolution for major repair of waiting sheds

Partnership & Expansion

• Strengthen Partnerships and Linkages
• Partnership with PRC (Pre-board exam seminar)

Extension Campuses (same programs as main campus)

Awards & Recognitions

• Finalist Most Outstanding Freshmen of the Year
• Consistent Honor Student for Elementary up to Senior High School sy 2012-2024
• Boy Scout of the Year sy 2017-2018
• Leadership Awardee sy 2017-2018
• Leadership Awardee sy 2022-2023
• Naraniag Leadership Awardee 2024
• SDOSC Leadership Awardee 2023-2024
• Boy Scout of the Year 2023-2024
• Outstanding Katipunan ng Kabataan 2024 – Brgy New Cuyapo, Tantangan South Cotabato
• 1st Runner-Up Most Outstanding 4-H Member 2025 – South Cotabato Chapter

Seminars & Programs Participated

• Participant, Philippine Political Science Association International Conference
• USM LEAP Academy Alumnus
• Facilitator, Proponent, 1st NSTP-CWTS Culmination
• Supreme Secondary Learner Government Leadership Training sy 2016-2018
• 6th Asean Scout Jamboree
• Delegate, One Mindanao Youth Parliament
• Learner Sports Representative, Learners’ Convergence Philippines 2023 at Marikina City
• Proponent, DepEd (BLSS -SSD) Bureau of Learner Support Services – School Sports Division Program for S.Y. 2024-2025
• Participants, South Cotabato Provincial Youth Camp 2023 at Kablon, Tupi, South Cotabato
• Facilitator, Proponent, Panaghulma 2023 (1st School-Based Learners Convergence in SDOSC)
• Core Facilitator, Municipal Basic STI, HIV, and Aids Seminar
• MDRRMC First Aid Seminar (Certified First Aider)
• Delegate and Core Facilitator, Division Learners’ Convergence 2023-2024 at Libertad National High School
• Delegate, Division Stakeholders’ Convergence
• Moderator, Cotabato City Inclusive Young Leaders’ Congress 2025

Leadership Experience

• Executive Secretary-Office of the President University Student Government 2024-2025
• NSTP-CWTS Council Vice-President 2024-2025
• CASS Mayors League Treasurer 2024-2025
• Class Mayor – 1 AB Political Science A
• Public Information Officer – USM Debate Varsity SY 2024-2025
• Supreme Elementary Learner Government Officer for sy 2016-2018
• Supreme Secondary Learner Government- G10 Representative 2021-2021
• Supreme Secondary Learner Government – Secretary 2022-2023
• School Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council President 2023-2024
• Supreme Secondary Learner Government- President for sy 2023-2024
• Provincial Youth for Peace Vice-President
• Municipality of Tantangan Federated Supreme Secondary Learner Government- President sy 2023-2024
• Division of South Cotabato Federated Supreme Secondary Learner Government- Vice President sy 2023-2024
• Member, Tantangan Local Youth Development Council 2023-2024
• Board of Director, PYAP-AKO Tantangan Chapter
• President, PYAP-AKO New Cuyapo Chapter
• Auditor, 4-H Club New Cuyapo Chapter

Education

• Elementary, New Cuyapo Elementary School
• Junior High School, Tantangan National High School- STE Science Technology Engineering
• Senior High School, Tantangan National High School – STEM Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics
• Undergraduate, University of Southern Mindanao – Bachelor of Arts in Political Science