Rjay Pahuganoy: The Student Regent Who Listens

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It wasn’t the grandeur of the oath-taking or the applause at ISUFST that marked the true start of Rjay Pahuganoy’s journey on May 20 at the university’s main campus boardroom.

It was a quiet conviction, shaped by experience and purpose, that took form when he raised his hand before fellow student leaders to take his oath as president of the Federated University Student Council and incoming student regent.

For 21-year-old Rjay, this wasn’t a coronation—it was a call to action.

Born of humble roots and guided by real student struggles, Rjay’s leadership grew not from titles but from defining moments.

From organizing in high school to late-night talks with working students juggling jobs and classes, his journey was always grounded in shared experience.

“Leadership isn’t about being above anyone,” the education major said.

“It’s about walking beside them.”

Now holding two of the most critical student roles at ISUFST, Rjay, a consistent dean’s lister, enters this chapter with bold yet grounded priorities.

Among them: institutionalized health breaks backed by data and a centralized scholarship platform.

“A well-timed break is a necessity, not a luxury,” he said.

“And information should never be a barrier to opportunity.”

These proposals, he noted, are structural solutions to everyday burdens—not grand gestures.

As outgoing secretary of the USC and president of the San Enrique campus student council, Rjay knows the weight of responsibility.

Balancing dual roles tests discipline, empathy and resolve.

But he draws strength from his core values.

“My secret?” he said with a smile.

“Purpose and people. I lead with purpose and surround myself with people who share the mission.”

His leadership isn’t powered by ego but by lived truths.

“A working student once asked for help with a shifting schedule,” he recalled.

“That one plea changed how I saw everything. I realized leadership is about advocacy that echoes beyond words.”

Under the banner Kawsa sang Estudyante ang Una, Rjay envisions a student council that is not just responsive but anticipatory.

He outlines three focus areas: wellness, academic equity and inclusivity.

He plans to launch “Campus Voices,” an initiative to gather grassroots student insights—because true representation starts by listening.

Though still an incoming student regent, Rjay is preparing for the role with humility and focus.

He succeeds Nathalie Jade Tanquerido and knows the legacy he is expected to uphold.

“No decision about us without us,” he emphasized, vowing to uplift the voices of IP students, LGBTQIA+ youth and those often excluded from policy conversations.

Integrity and social justice are the guiding principles of his leadership.

He advocates for inclusive language on forms, equity-focused financial literacy and student consultations on academic policies.

“These aren’t buzzwords,” he said.

“They’re moral obligations.”

Rjay’s advocacy aligns with ISUFST’s vision to be a leading research and empowerment hub in Southeast Asia by 2030.

He connects student-led green initiatives and SDG-aligned outreach to the university’s institutional goals for inclusive and sustainable growth.

Behind the title is a student who still eats at the same canteens and listens to hallway whispers.

“My notebook,” he shared, “is full of student stories. Those voices are my agenda.”

A turning point came when he represented ISUFST at the National Summit of Education Student Leaders in Baguio City last year.

His leadership style centers on co-leadership and critical thinking.

“Events are good,” he said.

“But systems change is better.”

He sees the USC not as a performance group, but as a policymaking body focused on long-term solutions.

Mentors like Instructor Kenth Mark Salcedo and Instructor Jayson Palma helped him shape this grounded vision.

“They taught me that proximity to people is everything,” he said.

“If you can’t feel their pain, you can’t serve them well.”

His flagship initiative, ISUFST Project Pag-Ulikid: Bringing Love and Hope for All, combines mangrove planting, community outreach and mental health advocacy.

It’s more than a project—it’s a movement of care and continuity.

At his core, Rjay hopes his legacy isn’t built on plaques, but on policies and possibilities.

“If one student believes more in their voice because I used mine,” he said, “then I’ve done enough.”

From student halls to policy tables, Rjay Pahuganoy’s journey reflects the future ISUFST aims to build: inclusive, student-led and purpose-driven.

In a world often too loud to hear the youth, here stands a leader who chose to listen.

And because he listened, he now speaks—not just for himself, but for all.

ISUFST President Dr. Nordy Siason Jr. expressed admiration for the young leader.

“I encourage our student leaders to walk with vision, speak with wisdom and act with integrity,” he said.

“Rjay embodies these values. He leads not only with words, but with example.”

Dr. Armando Katalbas, director of the Student Support Center, added, “Rjay reminds us that great leadership is rooted in genuine care.”

“His initiatives reflect what student representation should be—impactful, inclusive and forward-looking.”

Rjay’s story is still unfolding, but it already speaks volumes.

It’s the kind of narrative that doesn’t end with a term, because the systems he’s shaping and the voices he’s amplifying have a momentum of their own.

To those who doubt that one student can make a difference, Rjay Pahuganoy answers not with speeches—but with action.

In his quiet, relentless way, he reminds us that change doesn’t always begin with noise.

Sometimes, it begins when someone chooses to listen. (Herman Lagon/PAMMCO)