IGNITE THE FUTURE: THE ROLE OF THE EXPECTED IGNACIAN MARIAN GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES (EIMGAS) IN HONING STUDENTS’ APPROACH TO POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT

Abstract

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Educational institutions play a vital role in shaping students into active citizens equipped to take on societal responsibilities. At St. Mary’s College, Inc., Quezon City (SMCIQC), the Expected Ignacian Marian Graduate Attributes (EIMGAs)—anchored in Faith, Excellence, and Service—serve as both a framework and guiding principle for fostering political awareness and engagement. This study explores how these attributes, in combination with values-centered education and the RVM Pedagogy, influence students' capacity to critically analyze and respond to political issues. The findings underscore the transformative role of Ignacian Marian educators in helping students connect academic learning with real-world contexts, thereby promoting civic responsibility and leadership. By cultivating these core values, SMCIQC empowers its graduates to become socially responsible leaders and catalysts for meaningful societal change. The target population of this study consists of alumni from St. Mary’s College, Inc., Quezon City, who graduated on or before the school year 2023–2024. The study employed purposive sampling, as the selected participants are presumed to have first-hand experience with the Expected Ignacian Marian Graduate Attributes (EIMGAs) and can offer valuable insights into how these attributes influence their approach to political engagement. The researcher targeted a sample size of eighty (80) participants, drawn from various graduation years to ensure diverse representation and avoid focusing on a single batch. The study revealed that the Expected Ignacian Marian Graduate Attributes (EIMGAs) have a positive influence on students’ political engagement, particularly among younger individuals and those in the social sciences and humanities. Respondents exhibited strong political awareness, with high levels of agreement on the importance of staying informed, participating in discussions, and engaging in political activities. However, variations emerged across demographic groups, with certain academic disciplines and age brackets underrepresented—highlighting the need for further research to explore these gaps more comprehensively. The findings indicate that the Expected Ignacian Marian Graduate Attributes (EIMGAs) encourage students to develop a sense of political responsibility, with values such as nationalism and justice playing a key role in fostering political awareness. In addition to EIMGAs, external factors—including personal experiences and political ideologies—also influence political participation. Overall, the study underscores the significance of values-based education in shaping students into responsible and actively engaged citizens.