𝐈𝐒𝐎 𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐬 𝐨𝐟𝐟 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐲

Wrapping up the year, the International Students Organization (ISO) held its first organization-wide gathering of officers and members for the school year with the theme “Spots On! Fortifying Foundations, Conquering Global Borders,” via Zoom, June 14.

During her opening remarks, ISO President Rania Omar reflected on the organization’s growth over the past year, acknowledging the support of its members.

“Whether you’re actively involved in the activities this year or simply showed your quiet support, your presence has always meant so much to ISO. This afternoon is a moment for us to come together to reflect and appreciate the small but meaningful steps we’ve taken as an organization,” Omar said.

According to Omar, the organization focused on strengthening its foundations, redefining leadership and “slowly building the [organization’s] identity” after years of transition.

She also linked ISO’s mission to values rooted in the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those promoting “inclusivity, peace, empathy and global understanding.” While often considered buzzwords, Omar emphasized that these principles “shape the way we organize, lead and care for our members.”

Mary Danielle Jainar, the ISO executive secretary, proceeded with explaining the overview of the organization’s Constitution and By-Laws (CBL).

Looking ahead, Omar also announced upcoming plans and activities for the next academic year, such as the celebration of United Nations Day, International Day of Sign Language, and Internationalization and Linkages Week.

ISO also sets its sights on organizing a Model United Nations (MUN), a simulation of the United Nations where students take on the roles of delegates from various countries to discuss and debate global issues.

Aside from introducing the incumbent officers of the organization, vacated and available positions for the next academic year have also been presented during the assembly. Among those include the position of the president.

ISO did not have organization officers for the academic year 2024-2025 until early this year, who duly proclaimed by the SPC-Commission on Elections (COMELEC). All officers were appointed.

Additionally, in-between segments, participants took part in various activities and games handled by event hosts Kent Catalo and Allya Sophia Mangadlo.

Concluding the nearly half-day assembly, Romelle Hilamon, the ISO moderator delivered her closing message.

Apart from stating her gratitude to everyone who made the event possible, Hilamon also expressed her hopes for the organization’s members to reflect on diversity beyond it as a concept, per se.

“I hope that in ISO, you can find some good friends and you can find [a] home away from home.”

She also commits to expanding ISO’s community in the upcoming years.

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