Candidate’s Platforms

Kim M. Cabanig
President
___________________________________________________________________

 Baliklaya members involvement. Being a new organization, Baliklaya needs more active
participation from its members. Incentives should be provided to encourage members to
participate, such as providing group tutorials/review (eg. Acc.10 and Law 21). Other activities or
trips to Bilibid should also be scheduled on others days aside from Sundays for members who
would want to join certain projects but are not always available on Sundays. To motivate the
members, ―tambay weeks,‖ sportsfest or activities that enables the members to bond ought to be
encouraged not only to develop acquaintances and relationships, but to create a more
comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere as well. Part of next year’s goal is to provide every
member an opportunity for community involvement, friendship, and personal growth.
 Organization expansion. Baliklaya’s goal of demystifying misconceptions and stereotypes of
prisoners ought to be known in and outside the walls of the Ateneo. Hopefully, with tie-ups and
the help of more organizations like Strains (eg. internal and external improvements for
accreditation) and Entablado, political and social issues about the misconceptions of prisoners
can be disseminated to stimulate a positive outlook towards the inmates. Also, petitioning for the
inmate’s visit and concert within the Ateneo would most likely one of the glass shattering event to
the people about their perception towards prisoners. We can also invite faculty members (from
Social Anthropology Department, Political Science Department, Development Studies
Department, Theology Department, Philosophy Department, History Department, Psychology
Department and even Intact Facilitators) and parent/guardian to Baliklaya activities since these
people could possibly help us encourage members of the Ateneo community to support the
organization’s cause.
 Going beyond Bilibid. Seminar Workshops that are more inclined in fitted for juvenile
delinquents will be developed. We can also extend prison-service projects to other rehabilitation
centers such as Women's Correctional Institute in Muntilupa and even design livelihood projects
that would also help the families of the inmates.
 Baliklaya Shirts or Testimonial Shirts (walking billboards about the organization’s thrust)
 Continue the monthly newsletter with updates on current ―hot‖ cases (i.e. Vizconde Massacre
Case) and feature an ―inmate of the month‖ and their story.

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 Ruth Valorie D. Catabijan
President
___________________________________________________________________

In the past 3 years of my college life, Baliklaya has been a great part of the whole package that
college has presented before me. As I near my final year in college and in the organization, I want to step
up and take things further with my participation in Baliklaya by running as your next Baliklaya President.

My plans for the organization revolve around this particular phrase that has been going on my
mind these past few days:

“Work to empower the members and make the operations of the organization more
sustainable. Think about accreditation later.”
rd
Baliklaya will be celebrating its 3 year as an independent organization next school year. After
going through 2 years on its own feet, there are still some concerns regarding its sustainability as an
organization.

These concerns are what I aim to address and overcome given a year of handling projects and a
team of people dedicated to the cause of rehabilitating prisoners who want to make a difference in their
lives while still inside prison.

The following are the concrete actions I plan to carry out if elected as president for the coming
school year:

Professionalizing EB and ExeCom Meetings

 Baliklaya has the disadvantage of not having an org room to conduct its meetings, interviews, etc.
 Most of the time, EB meetings are held without having the complete set of officers deciding on
matters and discussing projects
 EB officers tend to get distracted easily when meetings are held in ―not so private‖ venues
 My proposed solution for this is to communicate to the officers the importance of taking on a more
professional approach when conducting our regular meetings to effectively decide on matters and
follow agenda
 Also, with the help of the Logistics Director, I would like to reserve rooms/venues that will make
meetings more private and encourage officers to go through agenda in a more systematic way
Centralizing Information Dissemination

 Baliklaya has numerous yahoo groups wherein all our information, updates and important
documents pass through.
 Having these many accounts can get confusing at times with members and officers not knowing
which accounts to use or turn to for necessary documents.
 With the help of the Human Resources Department, the creation of a more centralized
information dissemination system can help communication of important information flow more
effectively
Establish A Stronger Relationship With Selected Prison Communities

 The Bureau of Corrections has been the partner of Baliklaya in all of its Bilibid-based projects.
 Problems still arise in carrying out these projects because of miscommunications between
Baliklaya, BuCor and other personnel in Bilibid.
 Long before the school year starts, I plan to hold a meeting with the Baliklaya officers and BuCor
to straighten things out about the processes of hosting projects and events directly related to the

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 inmates. This will be followed up by consultations and called for meetings with said officers in
order to continue the evolving relationship between the two partners
 Officers directly concerned with this action, aside from the President, are the VP for SCI, Logistics
Director, Secretary-General and the Executive Vice President.
Investing On A Transport Vehicle or Scheme for Out-of-school Projects

 Transportation has always been a big problem thrown around in the organization
 A big portion of our funds for one project go to the rental of jeepneys that sometimes pose
problems for the members because of various reasons (ex. Breakdowns, expensive,
uncomfortable)
 Investing on a good transport vehicle or transport scheme can be good for the organization in the
long run
 This can help in reducing costs for the organization, increase efficiency in out-of-school projects
by taking out the previous hassles brought to us by past transport problems
 Officers directly involved in this project will be the VP for Fundraising and Treasurer
Increasing The Number of Partner Prison Communities

 One problem that Baliklaya faces with its prison-based projects is the distance of the venue from
Ateneo.
 Many students are discouraged from joining such activities because of this especially Freshmen
and Sophomore members who have very hectic schedules
 Increasing the number of partner prison communities can aid in getting more members to join
prison-based activities and actually interact with the inmates if the venues for them were closer.
 This can also increase the no. of visits within the year that would give more options for members
to join in.
 Departments directly involved would be the Office of the President, Advocacy Department and
the SCI Department
Effective Project Management

 The success of Baliklaya as an organization relies heavily on the success of its projects
collectively
 Effective project management should be carried out in order for the operations of the organization
to flow smoothly through the help of the officers and its members
 My proposal for this is to reevaluate the Project Management Seminar, Project Manager Kits and
Selection Process for Project Managers and Core Team Members with the help of all the officers
 Through this evaluation, we can revise these and find ways to make the preparation, execution
and evaluation of projects more effective
“Branding” Baliklaya

 Baliklaya has long been associated with Ateneo Lex as its former flagship program
 Coming from such a relationship with the other organization, Baliklaya still has issues about its
independence and how it should be marketed to the Ateneo community
 Building and clearly defining the identity of the organization is a big step in making Baliklaya’s
operations closer to its goals. Having such an identity that members can identify with and address
to can also be treated as a push for them towards concretizing their ideas for the improvement of
the organization in supporting its cause
 The ―branding‖ of Baliklaya , which would be in line with its mission and vision, will be something
that I want to discuss with and define through the help of all the EB members
 The image or ―branding‖ of Baliklaya is what I want to be carried out in the coming years to help
future members and officers identify with the cause and operations of the organization

With all of these in mind, I plan to work on forming a Baliklaya that can stand on its own feet as an
independent organization that carries out sustainable operations in advocating our cause of and providing
services in aiding inmates in their efforts to rehabilitation.
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 John Albert M. Bonifacio
Executive Vice-President

Effective – I want to be a leader that can transcend lives by inspiring them with my dedication to my
craft. I believe that a leader is truly successful when he is able to influence others. As an EVP, I want to
be a leader that listens to his constituents and at the same time, cares for their needs and welfare. I want
to be hands on in assisting project managers in their works and finally, I want to be always there for the
President to guide him with all the decision making in the organization. I want to establish a ―homey‖
feeling in the organization because I believe good things nurture in a good environment.

Visionary – Yes, I am a dreamer. I envision a Baliklaya that is founded on values of prison advocacy
and prison service. I envision an organization with members that know what they are doing and why they
are doing that. This year, I plan to tap the Philosophy department and coordinate with them our ―kapihan‖
sessions. I would also like to have Bilibid trips cored on educating the members of the history, ins and
outs of the Bilibid and the life in the prison. I envision a Baliklaya that is helping one another to achieve a
common goal. Through coordination and cooperation, hopefully a ―homey‖ environment can be
established so that the members of the organization can grow. Finally, I envision Baliklaya to the best
organization in the Ateneo and this can be best achieved by an accreditation at the end of the year if we
do not get it this year yet. Also it is theology that to love is to extend one self with the will to enlarge one’s
spirituality. With these things in mind, I plan to love.

Productive – I want everyone to have a purpose in the organization so that they do not feel left out and
besides, there is no room for waste of talent in Baliklaya since we are an organization with a small
population. I want to spearhead personally a mentoring program wherein future leaders can be trained for
the positions that would be vacated next year. But before that, I would like to train the project heads so
that they could execute their project as well. Extensive and comprehensive project management would be
given to these chosen project managers so that the outcome of their project would be desirable. Finally, I
want an Executive Board that is coordinating, uniting and working together. We should walk the talk. We
should serve exemplars to our constituents. Monthly consultations would be done so that feed back on
one another for the improvement of the person and the organization as a whole could be achieved. Also,
monthly consultation with the members should be implemented this year so that they have a voice or say
on the decision making in the organization.

Once I set my eyes on the goal, I do my best to achieve it. I want to leave a legacy I want. I want
to breakaway. I want to leave my own foot steps in the orange grounds.

Do yourself a favor, have a bestfriend. 

I am John Albert M. BoniFacio- Ang Best Friend ng Bayan

Vote for me 

For questions or clarifications, please contact

baliklayaelections2011@gmail.com or 09053217729
 Hans Cedric I. Santos
Executive Vice-President

My platform is basically founded on the concept of streamlining how Baliklaya delivers its prison
service and advocacy to the inmates and other stakeholders. I believe that Baliklaya already has
everything it needs to effectively push through with all its projects. At the beginning and over the course of
the year, the organization may attract a lesser number of applicants for membership and is limited in its
fundraising efforts compared to a full-fledged organization. Making better use of limited resources,
however, will allow us to meet the coming school year and its many challenges.

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 Katrina Rose A. Castillo
Secretary General

Streamline communication
One thing that is very important is proper communication. Whether it is through email, Facebook
or text messages, the key to success lies in effective communication. With this in mind, I will see to it that
all the necessary and important information about the organization will be known and put to heart by the
members. I will see to it that each member of Baliklaya will have a means of communication to the
Executive Board regarding their concerns, opinions and suggestions. To do this, I will exhaust all possible
means of communication and coordinate with the Director for Human Resources.

For questions or clarifications, please contact

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 Arvy Brian M. Uy
Secretary General

Definites
 Closed room venues for the EB meetings for more focused discussions
o If accredited (org room)
o If not accredited (room reservation)
 Strict implementation of meeting rules and regulations
 Digital audio recording of the EB meetings along with the type written minutes (typewritten minutes to be
uploaded online, digital minutes available by request)
 Improved attendance details and attendance checking system via log sheet
 Yes Report making consultation with project managers after every project (can be included in EB
meetings)
 Baliklaya newsletter at least every 2 weeks

Proposals
 Improved coordination with the Advertising Department for more efficient promotional activities +
newsletter layout
 Improved coordination with the Human Resources Department for membership participation updates +
active membership incentives
 Rotating member participation in selected EB meetings (not counted in activities attended)
 Team based project distribution system (to be proposed to EB)
 Project consultations

For questions or clarifications, please contact

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 Joanna Clarisse O. Young
Finance Officer

Platform— This shall be my P.A.C.T. as your SY 2011-2012 Baliklaya Finance Officer.

1. Proper Resource Generation and Allocation

 Hand in hand with the VP for Fundraising, the Finance Office will definitely be sure to safeguard
the precious money Fundraising Department earns for the organization. I shall ensure that the
funds go into the appropriate accounts, and that they shall only be utilized for feasible fundraising
projects, as well as SCI/Advocacy projects that really need funding. I shall impose upon the
project managers (and the various VP’s to remind them) a request system, in which they shall
detail the reasons for which they need funds, the approximate amount, and very specific and
reasonable projected expenses at least two (2) weeks before the said event, to have enough time
to go through their requests and decide on their soundness. This applies to all disbursement
systems as well- even if the generosity of the PM, VP or any concerned individual is to be
commended in shelling out the needed money for the project from their own pockets, the Finance
Office shall strictly impose a no-disbursement policy without filling out the request form by the
prescribed date. This means then that the unauthorized money shall be borne at the individual’s
own risk for failure to adhere to Finance Office Regulations
 I also plan to form a Budgeting Committee composed of the Finance Officer, his/her AVP/s, and
several other members of the Executive Committee to appropriately allocate all pre-existing funds
between the departments, typhoon (meaning unforeseen) expenses, savings, and etc. at the start
of the year. This is to maintain or better yet, improve the current state of our coffers, and make
sure that we have a general guideline to guide us throughout the school year
2. Accountability
In line with my request system, I hope to make people more accountable for the money that they
shall ask from the Finance Office, especially for non-fundraising projects. They need to be made aware of
the fact that Baliklaya is a start-up organization, and while she’s trying her best to keep her funds
relatively healthy, and as such needs all the help she can get from responsible, cautious and practical
members. They need to be accountable for the money even before they attempt to request the said
funds from the Finance Office, and more so after they spend it for their various projects. I likewise hope to
make the members of the Executive Committee especially aware that their dedication to the organization
does not only fall within the confines of their respective departments, but also remember that the Finance
Office is one sector that keeps things running, and as such, deserves as much taking care of as you
would any other project.

3. Continuous Auditing
More to do with post-project finances, I plan to establish an Auditing System through which just
like any real-life company, the project managers’ expense accounts and summaries shall undergo
thorough auditing, just to make sure that no funds were mishandled or misappropriated. Receipts and
other supporting documentation detailing where and how the funds were used will be required from the
project managers, and failure to submit such documents to the Office shall be met with a demerit. This
demerit shall be significant in determining the leniency of the Office in granting project funds to the same
project manager in the future, and should he or she continue to carelessly disregard its regulations, the
Office shall likewise frown upon the Department to which this project manager belongs to, and take this
into account the next time any other project manager from the same Department asks for funding. In

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other words, failure to submit proper documentation for auditing, failure to be present when called for
questioning and other similar matters pertaining to auditing a project’s expenses shall incur a demerit on
possibly both the project manager and the department in which he or she belongs to, severely restraining
their chances of getting their desired budgeting should this charade continue.

4. Transparency
Finally, transparency shall be effected out within and beyond the Finance Office. I shall make
sure that income statements, summaries of profits and losses, and other financial statements shall be at
everyone’s disposal, even for the regular members. All they need to do is to ask me for them, and I shall
gladly furbish them with a copy. The executive board and executive committee on the other hand may
expect a regular update regarding the state of Baliklaya’s coffers, just to keep everyone abreast of the
latest financial woes (or joys). It’s a minor detail, but for transparency to occur, there is likewise the need
for organizing and filing away every single piece of documentation for easy referencing and handling, thus
all these files are to be kept in one (1) sturdy box in the home of the Finance Officer for easy sorting, and
for easy distribution should anyone desire it.

For questions or clarifications, please contact

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 Robert Aldrin B. Ortiz
VP for Advocacy


 To handle advocacy projects successfully
 To facilitate an online group that showcase Baliklaya activities and events to better notify students
and affiliates with past and current events of the organization.
 To enable Ateneo community to better familiarize with what Baliklaya is and what it is for.
 To enjoy while being of service to Baliklaya

For questions or clarifications, please contact

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 Martin Angelo J. Arciaga
Director for Advertising

I am Martin Arciaga, Third Year Management student, applying for the Director of Advertising
position for Balilaya’s 2011 Executive Board. I joined the organization this AY 2010-2011 and actively tied
with its Department of Advertising and several projects both Bilibid and school-based. I headed one
Bilibid-based project (Livelihood Program) and made contributions in the advertising of some projects like
―Pasko sa Bilibid‖ and Baliklaya Livelihood Program. For the next line up of Baliklaya leaders, I am
expressing my intentions to be part of the 2011 EB as head of the Advertising Department with my
platforms focused on member contribution, effective promotions, and reliable production and
dissemination of advertising materials and campaigns.

Member Contribution and Reliable Production & Dissemination of Advertising Materials

For the past year of being part of the Department of Advertising, I have noticed that member contribution
is one of its major problems. The year started with a good turnout of members in its Department GA,
where everyone signed up to head promotions of projects for the academic year. The year has passed
and the projects were done but only a few people contributed in working for the advertisements as the
original plan did not take effect or at least, properly implemented. For my plans, nothing will change in the
sign-up process. Members will sign up as promo heads for their chosen projects, 2 members will be
assigned for each. As the head, I will personally oversee if the designations are properly employed.
Communications is a crucial aspect for implementation of the plan so to strictly adhere with it, I will keep
contact info of my members and keep track whether they are meeting the demands or not. For my
contingency plan, my AVP or I will take charge in extreme cases where the designated person does not
comply with the requirements 2 weeks prior the release of the advertisement. Members who have signed
up as promo heads will be automatically recognized as part of Baliklaya’s creative staff. Dissemination will
be initiated by the promo heads themselves, and to be assisted by the managers of the respective
projects.

Effective Promotions
Baliklaya has minimal problems in its advertisements when it comes to design. I just noticed that some of
its promo materials do not adhere with the assumed personality of the organization. In marketing, it is
important that what you say, do and express should always be in line with your product/ service’s image
and position in the market. Effective promotion for me is when you effectively relate your message to your
market. We are an organization known for the novelty of our advocacy so it is just right and perfect to
always stick with our message in the Ateneo community. With that I consider the following as sincere and
effective promotional materials that do promote our image as a prison service organization:

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I know that the organization is set to ―break stereotypes‖ the reason why it is understandable to somehow
skew the target audience from the traditional ―prison‖ theme. I am not saying that every time we release
ads, we should always impose our message of helping the inmates. Still, I know that aesthetics is one
criterion of advertising. But then, I am envisioning a Department of Advertising who lives the message of
the org, a department educated to communicate effectively and meaningfully and not just to create art
that is appreciated only in its cover.
In line with these visions of revolutionizing design concepts of Baliklaya’s Advertising Department, I am
positive that future members of the department can be trained to do effective promotions. These will be
possible via mentorship/ training within the department’s creative pool. WE are a small organization and
the best way to step up as a group is to bring the best out of the talents and skills of our members.
Advertising is not about making fancy art to catch eyes; it is all about art that catches fire- the fire to drive
people into action and desire. Yeah!

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 Maria Azel C. Gorne
Director for Human Resources

Tentative Plans for Baliklaya Human Resources Department 2011-2012

[1] Delegate a representative per course, or per year. They will be in charge of making sure the message
is well disseminated—and to ensure to others that events will be very enjoyable. This will also aid in a
more organized notification of attendance.

[2] A very strict and tangible manner in deliberating members; a proper minimum for retaining and evicting
members from the organization, maybe a more tangible gingerbread man.

[3] A different means in deliberating JTA or those in the exchange programs.

[4] Noting those who step up from the crowd and giving them proportionate acknowledgement or even
reward to promulgate more activeness within others and to make it to certainty that those who step up will
be encouraged more to keep their efforts up.

[5] There should be more Baliklaya not-Bilibid based trips so that the bond within each member would be
strengthened and the feel of the organization as a family flourish.

For questions or clarifications, please contact

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