News Culture Features Editorial

USC RESULTS USC INTERVIEW

RH BILL ENVIRONMENTALISM FEMINIZATION OF IN DESPAIR
MIGRATION
HIKES Page 6 to 7 Page 8 to 12
Page 2 to 5 Page 16
The Official Student Publication of the University of the Philippines Manila | Volume 24 NumberS 19-20 FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2011
 NEWS Volume 24, Numbers 19-20

Fully-Automated SC Elections Concluded

AK, Bigkis-UPM Split USC Posts
T
he fully-automated University Student Council (USC) elections
in the University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) was recently
concluded on March 4, yielding a slate having almost equal
members from the Alternative Students’ Alliance for Progress-Katipunan
ng mga Progresibong Mag-aaral ng Bayan or ASAP-Katipunan (A-K) and
Bigkis ng mga Iskolar para sa Bayan Tungo sa Makabuluhang Pagbabago
(Bigkis-UPM).
Fully-Automated Poll Results Bigkis-UPM and A-K acquired
three and four USC councilor seats,
respectively. A-K’s Benralph Yu
The chairpersonship of Bigkis- topped the slate, having more than
UPM bet Angeli Guadalupe was a hundred vote count difference
secured by votes from the College from Ferozza Simbulan of Bigkis-
of Medicine (CM), College of UPM, who came in second. They
Pharmacy (CP), College of Allied were followed by Katrina Ysabel
Medical Professions (CAMP) and Ortiguerra (Bigkis), Regina Gabriel
the College of Public Health (CPH). Decangchon (A-K), Johanne
Del Rosario (A-K), Madison
Dominguez (Bigkis), and Jose Mari
Meanwhile, A-K candidate Ellen Lanuza (A-K). (See table for tally of
Mariz Tayag acquired a significant votes.)
lead in the College of Arts and
Sciences (CAS), but still lost the
position to Guadalupe by a total The induction of the new USC
of 84 votes. Moreover, the College officers with UPM Chancellor
of Dentistry (CD) and College of When asked about the apparent show you unity despite adversity, “…Nag-automate tayo ng elections
Ramon Arcadio was held on March division within the USC, newly- kase para daw mapataas yung
Nursing (CN) delivered votes for despite the diversity.” Gaudalupe
15. elected chairperson declared that voters’ turnout pero yung nakita
Independent candidate Jaimee stated.
Marie Balgos. there will no longer be parties natin sa result, hindi naman siya
within the USC. Guadalupe tumaas. So at the end of the day,
Dichotomy in the USC
asserted that the USC’s General Diminished Voter Turnout it’s not about it being manual or
For the Vice Chairpersonship post, Plan of Action shall be revised to automated, it’s about involving
A-K’s Cleve Kevin Robert Arguelles Neither party dominated the USC “have the best of both parties” in the students, reaching out, tsaka
won a landslide victory, from CAS, service of the UPM students. UPM’s first fully automated maganda rin yung napoint out niya
for the next academic year in
CN, CD, CAMP and CP, over Bigkis- elections held on March 4 resulted na napkaikli yung campaign period
terms of the numbers of positions
UPM’s Masaki Mitsuhashi. to a 54.6% voters’ turnout which is talaga, “ USC Vice Chairperson-
achieved.
“This year… we would really lower than last year’s 63.58%. elect Arguelles pointed out.

Dejectedly, the expected turnout college population voted.

for this year’s USC election was
not met by the meager 56.49 per

NEGLECTED RESPONSIBILITY:
Aside from the bloated figures,
cent over-all voters’ turnout in
projections of campaign managers,
spite the first-ever campus-wide
candidates and voters reveal
automation.
2011 USC ELECTIONS VOTES’ that one factor possibly affecting
the low turnouts was the short
TURNOUT SCRUTINIZED Unexplainable Downfall campaign period.
MARK JASON SANTOS FLORES AND ALYSSA NICOLE CACHO GRATIL

I
n the recently concluded polls of the 2011 university Student Council (USC) elections on March ***
The 2011 USC elections is a history
4, the overall percentage of voters in the University of the Philippines Maila (UPM) was 56.49 per because it is the first election that In spite of efforts to encourage
cent. It is 7.51 per cent smaller than the 2010 election voters’ turnout. This upsets one of the goals was fully automated. Despite some student participation in each USC
of incorporating a fully automated election which is to encourage the participation of the students technical difficulties – reverting elections, the graph still features
and improve the voters’ turnout in the university. some students back to the manual an unpredictable trend. The
way of voting – the automation students’ tendency to vote may
was generally successful. not depend on the USC’s effort
alone, but is also dependent on
other factors such as awareness,
Nevertheless, the assumption of involvement, among others.
a higher voters’ turnout for the
USC elections this year collapsed
due to inexplicable reasons. Many Participating in the 2011 USC
guessed that it may be because of elections is a way of exercising
academic tasks during the day of the students’ rights. Voting is
the elections, but others inferred crucial and necessary, for the USC
that majority of the students just will stand at the forefront of the
lost their interest on choosing new entire student body on various
Figure 1: In Ten Years’ Time: The graph shows the voters’ percentage in UPM for the past 10 years leaders. existing and forthcoming issues.
(Source: Office of Student Affairs) The governing body represents
the interests of the students, and
In addition, the overall turnout electing the right people is a duty
Through breaking down the voters’ be easily disregarded. (Refer to Starting in 2007, however, the also decreased because students of each and everyone.
turnout per year, it is observable Figure 1) voters’ percentage increased, taking up Masters and PhDs, who
that the trend is unsteady, having leaving good marks that almost were not allowed to vote, were
unusual inconsecutive positive reached the 95 per cent mark, the included in the total population. If the voting percentage will
and negative peaks. The fact, The table shows that in the early highest percentage acquired in the In the College of Public Health, the continue to decline, only the
however, that the year 2011 half of the time interval, only 40 span of ten years. The turnouts overall turnout released by OSA opinion of a few will be catered,
had an obvious drastic downfall to 50 per cent of the population in since then were dwindling around was 34.22% whereas students leaving the voice of the majority
compared to the past years cannot UPM participated in the election. an average of 79.95 per cent. claim that 81% of the whole unheard.

2 • 01 APRIL 2011 • FRIDAY

 NEWS Volume 24, Numbers 19-20

Libu-libong Pilipino Nanindigan sa Araw ng mga Kababaihan

BEANCA JHANINE MULATO SAMIANO

B
ilang paggunita sa ika-100 anibersaryo ng Araw ng mga Kababaihan noong ika-8 ng Marso,
libu-libong mamamayan mula iba’t ibang sektor at organisasyon sa bansa ang nakiisa sa
militanteng pagkilos sa Mendiola, sa pangunguna ng Gabriela, Migrante, Bayan, at Kilusang
Mayo Uno.
Ani Liza Maza, kinatawan ng minimum wage na ito ay kulang sa kongreso 16 taon na ang nakararaan
Gabriela na siyang tanging partido kung ibabawas ang bayarin sa bahay, ay hindi pa tuluyang naisasabatas
na representante ng mga kababaihan kuryente, tubig, at iba pa. dahil na rin sa magkasalungat na
sa Kongreso, "…Nararapat lamang pananaw ng Simbahang Katoliko at
na sa espiritu ng tradisyon ng Marso ng gobyerno.
8, ating ipagpatuloy, itaas, at isulong Maliban sa pagtaas ng presyo ng
ang militanteng pakikibaka ng mga bilihin at transportasyon, nais din
kababaihan.” iparating ng naturang pagkilos Ayon sa Gabriela, sinusulong nila ang
na pagtuunan ng gobyerno ang naturang panukalang-batas upang
karapatan ng bawat kababaihan. mabigyan ng sapat na serbisyong
Panawagan sa Gobyerno pangkalusugan at proteksyon ang
mga kababaihan. Sa pamamagitan
Ang nasabing militanteng pagkilos nito, inaasahan nila na mababawasan
Upang higit na maisulong ang
ay nagsilbing panawagan sa ang maternal death rate sa bansa na
karapatan ng mga kababaihan
administrasyon ni Pangulong Benigno halos 11 kada araw.
sa bansa, patuloy ring iginigiit sa
Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino tungkol
Mababang Kapulungan ng Kongreso
sa estado ng bansa. Ipinahayag ng
ang Panukalang-batas 1434, o
mga ralyista ang matinding pagtutol Sinabi ni Dianne Lyneth Alavado, bise-
“Women Empowerment Act of
sa pagtaas ng presyo ng mga bilihin, tagapangulo ng Gabriela-Unibersidad
2010”, na naglalayong madagdagan
paninindigan sa katarungan para ng Pilipinas Maynila (UPM), na
ang bilang ng posisyon ng mga
sa mga nakaranas ng pang-aabuso, binabasag lamang nila ang naunang
kababaihan sa gobyerno.
at pagsuporta sa Comprehensive maling pananaw ukol sa RH Bill. Ayon
Reproductive Health Bill (RH Bill). sa kanya, ang RH Bill ay nagtataguyod
Pakikibaka para sa RH Bill ng gender equality…at nagbibigay
daan para maiwasan ang mataas
Naging mabigat na problema ng Kasama sa layunin ng kanilang na antas ng pagkamatay ng mga
bansa ngayon ang sunod-sunod na pagkilos ay ang pagsasabatas ng kababaihang ina sa Pilipinas sanhi ng
pagtaas ng presyo ng mga bilihin, RH Bill, isang panukalang-batas na kakulangan sa kaalaman, kagamitan,
transportasyon, at iba pa. Sa kabila ng matagal nang ipinaglalaban ng mga pasilidad, mga "trained and skilled
mga pagtataas na naganap, nananatili progresibong organisasyon at mga health workers" at iba pang serbisyo.
pa ring nakapako ang minimum wage kababaihan. Ang RH Bill naglalayong
sa 370 piso kada araw. magbigay-kaalaman ukol sa birth
control at maghandog ng serbisyong Ayon pa kay Alavado, “Ipinapakita
medikal para sa mga buntis. natin sa lahat ng mga institusyon
Ayon kay Nenita Gonzaga, bise- na ito na may boses at kakayahan
presidente ng Kilusang Mayo Uno para ang kababaihan na dapat nilang
Photo by: Luis Liwanag sa Kababaihan, ang kasalukuyang Sa kasalukuyan, ang RH Bill na inihain pakinggan.”

Mga Pagkilos Laban sa ng tinapay at gulay. of St. Benilde (5%), Technological

Institute of the Philippines (9.6%), at
Lyceum of the Philippines University

“Price Hikes,” Pinaigting Idinagdag pa ni Maglaya na dahil sa

tumataas na halaga ng harina at trigo
at sa bumababang suplay ng asukal
(7%).

Pag-ibsan sa Pasanin ng Mamamayan, Ipinanawagan sa bansa, dalawang piso ang itinaas

ng presyo ng loaf bread at piso
Ayon kay CHEd Executive Director
Julito Vitriolo, kailangang magtaas
ACE VINCENT PONSECA MOLO naman sa bawat sampung piraso ng ng mga bayarin ang mga unibersidad
pan de sal. Tumaas rin ang presyo at kolehiyo ayon sa inflation rate

I
ba’t ibang grupo sa bansa ang nagpahayag ng kanilang pagtutol sa sunud-sunod na pagtaas ng ng gulay sa hanggang P80 kada kilo na tutugon sa mga suliranin ng
presyo ng mga bilihin, pag-akyat sa singil sa pasahe, paglobo ng mga bayarin sa iba pang batayang sa ilang pamilihan, dahil rin sa pag- pagpapasahod sa mga guro at
akyat ng halaga ng gasolina. pagsasaayos ng mga pasilidad.
pangangailangan, at sa mga nag-aambang pagtaas ng matrikula sa mga unibersidad at kolehiyo sa
paparating na akademikong taon.
Higit pa rito’y mayroon ring 12 Sa gitna ng nakaambang pag-
Pinakamaigting sa mga nasabing para sa kerosene at P1 kada litro pisong dagdag-pasahe sa dyip porsyentong pag-akyat sa bayarin akyat ng bayarin sa mga paaralan,
pagtaas ang mabilis at madalas na para sa gasolina. sa buong bansa. Sa Luzon, ang sa tubig, 5 hanggang 10 bahagdang ipinahayag ni Vencer Crisostomo,
pag-akyat ng presyo ng langis, na mimimum fare ay itinaas sa P8 pag-akyat sa presyo ng gatas at tagapangulo ng Anakbayan, na
sinasabing nagbunsod ng sunud- mula sa dating P7, at sa Visayas kaugnay na produkto, at pag-akyat nararapat tugunan ng pamahalaan
sunod na pagtaas ng halaga ng ibang Bukod sa langis, tumaas rin ang at Mindanao, itinaas sa P7.50 ang ng presyo ng asukal sa P64 kada kilo. ang krisis na ito sa pamamagitan
mga bilihin, ayon sa maraming grupo halaga ng liquefied petroleum gas dating P6.50 na minimum na pasahe. ng pagpapatupad ng moratorium sa
at sektor. (LPG), ng P1 kada litro o P11 sa pagtataas ng matrikula at ibang mga
bawat tangke ng LPG, ayon sa LPG Nag-aambang Pagtaas ng Matrikula bayarin.

Marketers Association (LPGMA). Noong Enero 1, ipinatupad ng
Patuloy na Pag-akyat ng Presyo ng Langis Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) ang Ayon sa datos ng National Union of
karagdagang bayad sa toll sa mga Students of the Philippines (NUSP),
Patuloy ang mabilis na pagtaas ng Pagtutol at Pagkilos
Paggiit ng mga Dagdag-Pasahe pangunahing tollways ng Luzon, ang mayroong humigit-kumulang
presyo ng langis at krudo simula 400 mula sa 2,180 unibersidad Sari-saring grupo mula sa iba’t
North Luzon Expressway (NLEx),
pa lamang noong Disyembre ng Noong Enero, inaprubahan ng Light at kolehiyo sa buong bansa ang ibang sektor, sa pangunguna ng mga
South Luzon Expressway (SLEx)
nakaraang taon. Ayon sa Bagong Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) at magtataas ng matrikula ng lima grupong Strike the Hike Movement
at Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway
Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN), ng Department of Transportation hanggang labinlimang porsyento at Riles Laan sa Sambayanan
(SCTEx). Kasunod nito ang paghingi
ang presyo ng langis sa bansa ay and Communication, may-hawak sa paparating na akademikong (RILES Network), ang nagsagawa
ng 30 hanggang 50 sentimo kada
overpriced ng P6.72 kada litro sa sa MRT-3, ang dagdag-pamasahe sa taon. Ito ay sa kabila ng pangako ng ng mga militanteng pagkilos na
kilometro na dagdag-pasahe sa
pagsasara ng 2010. Lines 1 at 2 ng LRT at sa MRT-3. Ayon Commission on Higher Education nagpapahayag ng pagtutol sa serye
mga bus na naglalakbay sa Metro
sa LRTA, piso ang kanilang idaragdag (CHEd) na iilang paaralan lamang ng pagtaas ng presyo, pamasahe
Manila at Timog Luzon. Kasabay rin
sa boarding fee, na mula P10 ay ang magtataas ng matrikula sa at matrikula sa ilalim ng bagong
nito ang pag-apruba ng LTFRB sa
Ngayong 2011, tinatayang P0.68 ang magiging P11, at piso rin ang dagdag Hunyo. administrasyong Aquino.
pagpapatupad ng P40 na flagdown
magiging pag-akyat ng presyo ng sa bawat susunod na kilometro. Ang
rate sa mga taxi mula sa dating P30. Simula pa lamang noong Enero,
diesel at P0.65 sa presyo ng gasolina dating P15 na “maximum one-way
kada linggo. ticket” sa tren ay aabot ng hanggang marami nang mga kilos-protesta
Sa Metro Manila pa lamang, lima
P30. ang isinagawa upang pigilan ang
Sunud-sunod na Pagmahal ng Bilihin hanggang sampung porsyentong
mga nag-aambang price hike,
pagtaas sa matrikula ang ipapatupad
Nito lamang Marso 8, nagkaroon Ayon kay Department of Trade and pangunahin ang mga protesta sa
ng mga pribadong unibersidad tulad
ng pagtaas sa presyo ng langis ang Liban sa pagtaas ng pamasahe sa Industry (DTI) Undersecretary mga istasyon ng LRT at MRT at ang
ng University of Sto. Tomas (6%),
mga kompanyang bumubuo sa “Big LRT at MRT, kamakailan lamang Zenaida C. Maglaya, dala ng pagtaas walkout ng sektor ng kabataan sa
Far Eastern University (4.5%),
3,” ang Chevron, Pilipinas Shell, at ay pinayagan na rin ng Land ng halaga ng mga produktong public consultation ng DOTC hinggil
University of the East (5%), Trinity
Eastern Petroleum, ng P1.50 kada Transportation Franchising and petrolyo, tumaas rin ang presyo ng University of Asia (10%), College
litro para sa diesel, P1.25 kada litro Regulatory Board (LTFRB) ang mga produktong agrikultural tulad CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

FRIDAY • 01 APRIL 2011 • 3

 NEWS Volume 24, Numbers 19-20

Nominasyon para UPM Chancellor Approves 22.3M CAS Fund

sa Susunod na SR, PAASCU Involvement Foreseen
Inumpisahan na JOANNA MARIE ICASAS UDARBE AND ANGELA MARIZ ULEP CAUDAL

OSR Umaasa sa Patuloy na

A
s the University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) Chancellor Ramon Arcadio approves
the Php22.3M budget for the renovation of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), several
Pagtindig ng mga Mag-aaral progressive groups claim that the said renovations is in preparation for Philippine Accrediting
Association for Schools, Colleges, and Universities (PAASCU) accreditation.
YODHIM GUDEL GEPTY DELA ROSA The said fund would be utilized already proposed by the different stated.

B
for the construction of a student departments of the college
ilang paghahanda sa nalalapit na pagpili ng susunod Tayag emphasized that this
center, purchase of laboratory beforehand.
na rehente ng mga mag-aaral (SR) ng Unibersidad ng accreditation inevitably entails
equipments, renovation of 12
Pilipinas (UP), ang Office of the Student Regent (OSR), higher funds for the improvement
classrooms and reconstruction
of facilities and equipments.
sa pakikipagtulungan nito sa iba’t ibang mga progresibong of the Department of Behavioral On the other hand, the CAS website
Likewise this would mean another
organisasyon at mga konseho ng mga mag-aaral, ay masuring Sciences (DBS) faculty room. clearly defined that Chancellor
Arcadio’s recent approval of the looming tuition fee increase, an act
sinimulan ang nominasyon para sa susunod na kinatawan ng mga of rechanneling the burden to the
Php 22.3 million appropriations
mag-aaral sa Board of Regents (BOR). for CAS is for the improvement students.
Agenda for Renovations Questioned
lupain ng UP upang pagkakitaan of the college’s facilities. Several
Paghahanda sa Nominasyon progressive groups in UPM deem
ng mga pribadong kumpanya, Furthermore, Tayag asserted that
Upang lubos na makapaghanda at usaping pagpapaunlad ng Despite claims that the renovations this as the administration’s
the funds for CAS should have been
at masiguro ang partisipasyon ng demokratikong pamamahala sa are solely for the improvement support for the CAS’ initiative for
given even without the program or
mga mag-aaral para sa pagpili ng pamantasan, nararapat lamang na of CAS, the reconstructions to external accreditation.
institutional accreditation from
susunod na SR, ang mga konseho ang mga magiging posisyon at tugon be carried out are deemed as PAASCU.
ng mga mag-aaral ng UP Diliman ng susunod na rehente ay kakatawan preparations for the July PAASCU
at Kolehiyo ng Agham at Sining ng sa interes ng mga mag-aaral. affirmation. CAS SC Firm against PAASCU
UP Manila ay nagpahayag sa OSR “Kailangan ba ng PAASCU to give
ng kanilang pagnanais para sa mas the college what it needs? Hindi
mahabang panahon ng paghahanda Inaasahan rin niya na ang sususnod In response to these allegations, Meanwhile, the CAS Student
Council remains firm on their ba dapat lang namang bigyan ng
sa nominasyon. Bilang tugon, na ipagpapatuloy ng sususnod na CAS Dean Reynaldo Imperial budget ang isang state university
itinakda ng OSR na sa Mayo 10 ang SR ang mga proyektong maaring asserted that the renovations stand against the PAASCU
accreditation. “[PAASCU] will regardless of any external
huling araw ng deliberasyon ng mga hindi matapos sa kaniyang in CAS are not connected to accreditation? I firmly believe
nominado para sa mga kolehiyo ng panunungkulan. Ilan sa mga ito ay the PAASCU accreditation. trample academic freedom with
standards set by accreditors that any private accrediting
UP, at Mayo 16 naman para sa buong ang panawagang ibasura ang refund Furthermore, he implied that body is inappropriate for a state
pamantasan. deposit fee, pagtutol sa large lecture prior to the issues on private from private institutions,”CAS SC
Chairperson Ellen Mariz Tayag university, more so, the national
classes ng UPLB, at panawagan para accreditation, the fund was university,” Tayag mused.
sa mas malawak na partisipasyon

I t a n o n g K a y ?!
Ang General Assembly of Student ng estudyante sa pamamahala sa

?
? Isko’t Iska ?
!
Councils (GASC) ay magaganap sa pamantasan.
UP Mindanao mula Abril 4-5, upang
kolektibong maihalal ang susunod
na rehente ng mga mag-aaral. Pagtugon sa Responsibilidad
Ayon kay Eroles, bagamat pitong
buwan lamang ang kaniyang
1 - Ano ang masasabi tuparin nila ang mga pangako nila. maayos din. sana nga lang mas
Ang mapipiling SR ay inaasahang -strawberriesandchampagne maraming estudyante ang sumali.
maglilingkod at kakatawan sa mga naging termino bilang SR , naging mo sa naging resulta
hindi tuloy nila na-experience
mithiin ng mga mag-aaral sa loob ng makabuluhan naman ito dahil ng eleksyon sa UPM? ang eleksyong paclick-click lang.
isang taon. nagkaroon siya ng pagkakataon Maayos lang. . – knight in shining ---soundeffect
na katawanin ang mag-aaral ng armor
pamantasan sa mga napapanahong ok naman...mabilis naman sya kasi
Pagpili sa Susunod na Rehente isyung kinaharap nito. automated....at mababait yung Hindi ko matanggap na nanalo
mga UEB sa college namin.... sayang yung boto nung mga hindi siya. :( -number11
Ipinahayag ng kasalukuyang rehente
bumoto.- iloveCHOCOLATES
ng mag-aaral na si Jaqueline Joy Binigyang pansin din ng rehente - 2009-xxx33
Eroles ang kanyang mga inaasahan ang pagsasabalik ng oryentasyon ng
para sa susunod na mapipiling Whatever happens, heto lang ang
OSR bilang institusyon ng mga mag- basta ang alam ko, hindi ko masasabi ko... I would just keep
rehente. Ayon sa kaniya, nararapat aaral at hindi lamang isang puwesto Andaming abstain, parang
inaasahan na ganun yung magiging an eye on them... literally! Ayusin
lamang na katawanin ng rehente ang na nagpapalit ng namamahala taun- mashadong madali mag-abstain
resulta~ 2010-****2 ninyo... because I am watching
interes ng mga estudyante ng UP at taon. kasi automated :P -unplug
magsilbi itong tulay upang buuin you!- 20**-***25 BAPS
ang pakikiisa ng mag-aaral sa iba hanep, mabilis! kaso, sana lang
pang sektor ng pamantasan at bayan. Hinaharap ng termino ni Eroles eh. okay lang. tamang ano lang.
resulta iyon ng lahat ng isko at hmm. i think ung elections maayos
ang pagsasaayos ng kakayanan at basta hindi ako nagabstain pwede
iska. marami kasing hindi bumoto. naman. mabilis. wala na sa system
kagalingan ng OSR upang mas lalo na. – summersanshayn
kung anu-ano ine-exercise nila, ung problema. sa tao na since sabi
“Inaasahan na sa lahat ng tindig at pang matugunan ang hinaing ng mga pero yung karapatang bumoto
aksyon nito, isinasaalang-alang lagi nga na konti ang turn out. atchaka
mag-aaral. Isa sa mga plano niya hindi nila inexercise. sayang nainis lang ako kasi di nanalo
ang kapakanan at karapatan ng mga bago matapos ang kaniyang termino Okay lang. Kaso ang daming di
bumoto. Sayang talaga. talaga. -- the-one-whose-name-is- ung kandidato na gusto ko.:))
mag-aaral at mamamayan. Partikular ay ang koordinasyon , pakikipag- on-your-desk
na inaasahan ang matapang at -inextremis
ugnayan at pagtatalaga ng mga -2009-0**4
walang-paumanhing pagtindig nito katuwang ng OSR sa lahat ng yunit
para sa interes ng nakararami,” ani ng UP. k... sana lang maging at peace sila Walang pinagbago sa dating
Eroles. kahit ano pang resulta meron ang :) - [insert name here] elections. Hindi naman lahat
eleksyon, ganyan pa din ang up bumoto eh. - adik sa kape
“Sa hinaharap, inaasahang manila..walang pagbabago..ilang
Nilinaw ni Eroles na hindi makapagtalaga ng mga coordinator taon na kong nasa upm pero ganun Isa lang ang masasabi ko, buti na
magiging madali ang trabaho ng ng OSR sa bawat kampus. Sa ngayon at ganun pa din naman. lang at gagradweyt na ako. (sana. Nakakagulat ang resulta. Hindi ko
susunod na SR dahil ang trabaho ay pinag-aaralan kung papaano shet.) -fightnight
– CODENAME ineexpect - Anonymous
nito ay pamalagiang nakalubog sa makakapagdagdag ng mga posisyon
BOR kung saan matindi ang mga sa ilalim ng OSR na magiging
tunggalian sa usapin ng pagtaas ng katuwang ng SR sa malawak na keri naman. mabilis. parang Fair naman. At least may diversity
bayarin, pagpapaggamit ng mga Wala naman akong reklamo
gawain nito” dagdag ni Eroles. sa resulta. Ang mahalaga, sana kakaupo mo lang tapos na agad.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

4 • 01 APRIL 2011 • FRIDAY

 Volume 24, Numbers 19-20 NEWS
ORGANEWSATION
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itey mga halow-halow at family pagsubok na only in YuFiEm
winners will be receiving special gift packs from Unilab.
get togetherness sa mga beaches makikita. Kahit na you’re making
All entries will be shown on March 21 and 22, during all ober the Philippine are of go-go na, olweyz rememver laheyt
the 2-day quality fair to be held at CAS Little Theater resposivility! At dahil samertayms ng mga itinuro ng inyong mga
Quadrangle. na, end na naman ng jisang prowfs inside the four corners ng
hakademiiik year. Hava! Matatafos klasrumey. Perdermore, huwag
na nga ang hakademik yiiir ay na huwag as in never na never din
The UPM Ugnayan ng Pahinungod is calling for summer mmay mga fasaways far in insayd ivaon sa limot hang mga natutunan
immersion service program volunteers to participate YuFiEm!!! Havey na havey na awtside the klasrums. Herkaaaaay?
in their 2011 community immersion to be hald at naman ng mga issue makers ang That’s soooo imfortant! Dapat rin
Marinduque, Zambales and Romblon on March 23 to April ma-vroadcast to the whole wide na dehins mawala sa inyo yung
27. For inquiries, contact JC at 09491391713. world kamunduhan ng Pilipinas fagiging malavan! SERVE THE
ang kanilang mga ehemers! Hey PEOPLE, SERVE THE COUNTRY.
tow na!

COLLEGE BRIEFS
Lagiiing tandaan na dapat you’re
olweyz der fara sa mga kavavayan
natin. Ang di knows lumingon ka
TsunaChismis Numero lang sa finanggalingan, dehins
Uno: FROPuccino says maganders ang kinavukasan.
COLLEGE OF ALLIED MEDICAL PROFESSISONS “Graduates, grad WAIT!” Klapeypey-klapeypey sa inyo!
The UP College of Allied Medical Professions Class of Anetch itech mga kumakalat
2010-11 and CAMP Volunteer Corps invite you for a photo kalat na naman at nadaig fa ang It’s taym na! May flight pa
contest and exhibit entitled Lens for Change: Transcending mga cutttieee cats sa CASpus? kame ng inyong Lolo Upo!
Barriers of Disability on March 17 -18 at the CAS LT Walk. Ang hava hava naman ng Fufunta kames a aming to the
hairlaloo nitong sumvong nth time na honey moon! YEY!
sa akin ng aking mga Hay em soho happy! Haveeey
COLLEGE OF MEDICINE dearest afows na meron na naman! Nakakalurkey
at there exists yung mga na summer bakasyowness.
In their support to Brotherhood, Leadership, Scholarship prowfs na ang demanding
and Service, the UP College of Medicine Mu Sigma Phi Enjoy niyo everything- the
and hebrything! Havaianas! Itey waters and the food and the
Fraternity has celebrated a series of events entitled mga prowfs na itey ay making pa-
4MULATION from March 7 to 11 which includes Big luuuuuurrrrrrvvvvvveeee! See
delaaay sa mga ibang gradweyting you all next sem! Chikichikikoooo!
MUrienda at the hut—a kick off food and drink sale, Ball for istudyents. Not so Gooodddiiie
the Glory; a game for basketball and futsal, Bloodletting I love love lalalalalalab you all!
Ever prowfs! Sovrang fillet na fillet Mula sa sa sovraang talino at masa
basic life support course, Great MU grill off and the Grand ang mga ito na kulang-kulang ang T s u n a C h i s m i s
draw for the iTouch Lives raffle promo. All benefits will Numero Dos: Batch mataaas pa sa summa cum laude
mga requirements ng mga afows kaya hanggang today ay dif a rin
go to the UP-Philippine General Hospital Department of ko kahit dehins naman. Ano va TWENTEYELEBEN,
Emergency Medicine. disisorporyu! Winner na pinakakawalan ng YuFiEm, Lola
ang need niyo? Halaaaaa. Why o Patola.
why? Hasan ang konsiderasyones? winner na naman!
NEWS Itanong kay isko’t iska...from page 4
cards sa malamig na casino – init sa summer :b - hot daw Ibabad ang ulo sa isang timba
amongst the different parties. does it? ^^ - Ginnie Carandang summersanshayn ng tubig for one minute... 10
-Mara Mercado, 2nd yr BehSci
repetitions, 8 counts... repeat till
So i take it na maglalaho nanaman Hindi ko papawiin ang init na dala fade... :))) - 20**-***25 BAPS
Sa air conditioned na mga kwarto ng bakasyon. Buong loob ko itong
For me, the first ever automated ang USC nyan? Tsk, sana nag-aral ng CAS. May class ako sa summer
elections in UP Manila was a na lang kayo, tutal dun naman dadamhin. - fightnight
eh :))) -2009-0**4 Magsi-swimming ako araw-araw
successful one. Kudos to all of kayo di ba magaling?. Yung lang. -
sa manila bay, hehe joke! magpapa-
those who took part in the process. BEACH
hindi muna ako dadaan ng upm. aircon sa mall, magsi-swimming
However, it remains a big challenge edi magbanat ng buto buto tapos baka may bigla akong makita. iinit kung kakayanin at mag-a-icedrop
to encourage every UP Manila maligo. –CODENAME lang lalo ang summer at kukulo pa araw-araw :D -adik sa kape
student to exercise their right to
vote. Hopefully next elections we’ll
2 - Paano mo balak bakit kailangang pawiin? ang dugo ko. ~ m&m
get a good voters turnout. - BEN10 pawiin ang init na dala lez enjoy the summer heat!
-strawberriesandchampagne I plan to spend my summer in
ng summer? nagtitinda kasi kami ng ice tubig at Davao City. I want to take care of
yelo sa bahay eeh. so, sa tingin ko... my mother. She’s a bone cancer
Akala ko ba kaya automated na ang
Maghahanapbuhay para may ako ang papawi sa init ng summer patient (stage 4). In fact, she’s
eleksyon ay para tumaas ang voter sana magkatsunami ng malamig pambili ng halu-halo. - Knight in ng iba ;)) ---soundeffect recently been admitted to the
turnout? Ang dami pa ring nag- para siguradong tanggal ang init... shining armor. hospital. Being the son closest to
abstain. Yung sa resulta? Sige, e joke lng....-2009-xxx33 her, I’d like to make her summer
ganun talaga. Ang mas importante pawiin ang init na dala ng summer.
Depende sa anumang klaseng init warmer with the warmth of a son’s
ay tuparin ng mga na-elect yung mag chill out lang sa bahay o sa
‘yan :> - Mara Mercado, 2nd yr magbabantay ako dun sa gotohan tender loving care. - BEN10
mga pangako nila. Diba? :)))- mall since di ako makakabakasyon
BehSci namin. tapos hihingi ako sa
fyeahfyeah dahil sa summer class.:))
lola ko ng sweldo. may pambili
na ako sa chocolate spoon. ~ makipaginuman din minsan sa Magkukulong ako sa loob ng ice
Hmm.. Maliligo mayat maya :)))) - iloveCHOCOLATES mga barkada.:)) - inextremis plant na may aircon. Haha. :))) –
Fair naman ung election eh, nanalo
Anonymous fyeahfyeah
ung binoto ng tao. -Piatos
mag-swimming ako doon sa resort Chill, chill lang sa harap ng electric
magkulong sa ref..ahaha -tikgirl na galing sa bundok yung tubig. fan. Basta ala ng school works Haha! I'm planning to spend the
ok lang... -tikgirl
LAMIIIIIG!! yehey! ~ 2010-****2 solve na lahat. - Piatos entire summer dancing sa All Stars
Happy ako sa election results. ^_^ summer workshop, so maiinitan
Well, um, considering first year ko Sa mindoro, practicum :P -polsci talaga ako sa ayaw at sa gusto ko
palang sa UPM kasi Diliman girl student iiwas ako kay ________. --the-one- bibili ako ng ice tubig –vocalchords XDDDDDDD – Ginnie Carandang
ako the first four and a half years of whose-name-is-on-your-desk
my univ life, my opinion regarding
this doesn't really count for much, nescafe ice plus maglaro ng Magswimming sabay tapat sa I like beaches, to the point that I’m
pano nga ba? eh ako ang nagpapa- aircon. -Isabella Vincent, BA BS one. -BEACH

FRIDAY • 01 APRIL 2011 • 5

Culture V 24, N olume 19-20
umbers

Calamities do not choose its victims, and so do businesses. Somebody must do something.
Drastic earthquakes, killer typhoons,
ironic that they sponsor and promote
environmental activities when they

Countless proofs of the imminent “end” of the world through

own the very companies that destroy
raging tsunamis, and massive landslides
the Earth. In short, they provide
– these are among the supposed
deceiving solutions for the problems
the destruction of the environment are seen everywhere. These evidences that the end of the world
they, themselves, created.
are seen in numerous documentaries made to the blockbuster is near. Destructive forces threaten to
films which explored the possible outcomes that we are running end millions of lives in one blow. This
out of time. These trigger the rise of awareness among the masses is apparently how nature answers our The anomaly is, we let them modify our
which leads the monopoly of solutions to natural phenomena. lack of responsibility to Mother Earth, concept of caring for the environment.
We see these problems addressed through the media and our or at least how the media projects We are blinded by the chance to
government with famous personalities campaigning for the it. Through media propaganda, we do something for the world that we
salvation of the Earth. It is a big deal. But the world-view which realize something must be done. We immediately follow their lead. We
fixates on climate change and environmentalism as the big issue cannot sit idly while our resources believe that these actually create a
is certainly dishonest. If it is to be the basis for action, then the are depleting, our forests are burning, big impact on the environment when
agenda of climate change should be critically examined, as and our lives being at risk. But once in fact; these are mere scapegoats
fomenting panic of a coming apocalypse may not really be the the shock passes, the fear disappears for the grand plot of exploitation. We
most interesting direction in which to move. and the drive that pushes us is gone, support them thinking that they are
we go back to our daily lives forgetting leading the path to survival. This only
that something must be done. We led us to make changes to ourselves
look at people who are in power and stay under the influence of those
to lead the rescue mission. We in power. What we have that are
urge businesses to supply promoted by these people defines us
us with materials to address and slowly gains control of our lives. It
the needs of the victims of means that false needs are imposed on
disaster. Yet, we are unaware the individuals. These needs are both
that through supplying this created and satisfied by the capitalist
false consciousness, the media system which is their way to keep the
earns profit. masses under control.

We are what we have. The oil burns, the forests burn, the sun
As we look for the answer to all our shines, the world turns. People eke
environmental problems that are posed out a living, institutions consolidate
by the media, we encounter solutions their power. Climate change leaves
that are proposed by politicians and the atmosphere, the forests and the
businessmen. They propose projects, icecaps behind and becomes twisted
products, activities and movements and mangled by capitalistic institutions
that they benefit from. They urge us and ends up a creation of their market
to buy recyclable bags, eco-friendly needs. Our perception of it cannot be
appliances, plant trees, and join events isolated from their manipulations, and
like fun runs that seemingly aim to save if we use their concept then we run the
the Earth. These fun runs, however risk of simply serving their agenda and
innocuous, are aimed to raise fund for reproducing their desires.
tree-planting activities. In this scenario,
the tree is commodified. It is, indeed,
anomalous that people have to pay Being green isn’t enough.
hundreds of pesos when people can While participating in massive
simply plant seeds from the fruits and worldwide reduction of consumption
vegetables we eat. has helped in raising the awareness
and mobilizing the masses, it is of little
impact in our present world where
Aside from the fact that these consumption equals development.
merchandise do nothing to the So far our efforts to reduce electrical
environment, the means of producing use, Styrofoam and plastic in our
these products also harm the everyday living has only accounted
environment and exploits the masses. for our individual responsibility. More
We must remember that the pollution saddening is the fact that we advocate
that is generated from the factories of for ecological change and saving
these environment-friendly companies the environment through wearing

Surviving “Green” and P

actually destroys the environment. It is

The People’s Struggle in the Context of

AUBREY NICOLE LEONES ARBOLEDA AND CRISELLI LAGONOY ENDAYA

6 • 01 APRIL 2011 • FRIDAY

 Volume 24, Numbers 19-20 Culture

=
P
statement shirts and buying products present social order and to the profit of
which in reality does not help in solving some institutions. We forget that being
even the environmental problems, let “environment-friendly” does not really
alone societal problems. If we only aim cure major social problems. It only
to change our way of living instead intensifies the situation of those who
of changing the way we live, we can live in poverty since their needs are
realize how important our role is in juxtaposed to created need of these
the class struggle we are participating environmental propagandas.
in. The influence of our actions and
individual endeavours should not be
limited to the extent of our way of life. The masses are not aware of the fact
We must initiate a social perspective that they are exchanging their ability
campaigning not only for going green to act for pressing issues not for the
but also for addressing the improper sake of a shared environment but for
use of resources and distribution of the grand plan of the businessmen.
resources utilized by an elite few and The businessmen then use this lack
inequality of rights and power in the of knowledge to further lure the
society. masses into their trap. The masses
are campaigning for something that
capitalists twisted to their advantage.
Furthermore, the story remains the Going green has always been flaunted as an attribute with
same: Individuals making moral choices capitalistic endeavours. However, most of these advocated steps
will transform society. What is hidden Earth first means prioritizing the are just mere steps to a more environment-friendly Earth in a
within that narrative is an assumption people. society that is ingrained with tyranny.
that we are not one story: we are a It is common knowledge that the global
multiplicity. We are not made up of ecological crisis we are struggling to
Our pursuit to save the environment should have been our first
environmental heroes and bystanders, fight against is becoming a component
priority and our innate duty to the Earth. But instead, our desire
we are the combination of those who of our daily lives. Coupled with this
for rapid economic development is causing changes in our
created capitalism and those who are struggle is our continuous fight for the
environment that threatens to destroy the ecological foundations
oppressed by it. worsening conditions of living in the
of the economy. We use every chance we get to exploit the fruits
country. To know that the powerful
of the Earth and turn every resource as a chance to benefit profit.
force which urges us to change are the
We are not helping ourselves. Now, we are retracing the steps which led us to this disaster by
people who lead the oppression of the
encouraging everyone to participate and do their duty in saving
In a nation where the welfare of the deprived. To be aware that the same
the Earth. It is ironic that there is a call for collective action when
masses should be one of the top people who create the need to save
it comes to the preservation of our resources but not when it
priorities, it is quite ironic that our the Earth from being doomed are the
comes to the issues of inequality. Just as the claim that we are
lives are exchanged for the survival ones who will eventually destroy our
all inhabitants of this Earth therefore we should all take part in
of Mother Earth. We advocate for environment. We are suffering from
caring for the environment, we should open our minds to the fact
the supposed preservation of the exploitation of work, inequality of rights
that however flawed our political and economical system is, we
environment nearing doom to the and an unjust social system. Until we
are nevertheless participating, and perhaps, reinforcing it.
point that some problems that are realize that our struggle for the Earth
immediate and which leads to greater is connected with our struggle for the
struggles are neglected, and sometimes society, we will continue to see only a We fail to show our unity when we discuss issues in the society
excluded. Those who are poor remain fragment of the problem that each of that are actually essential to human life. We are advocates for
poor. For example, instead of making us is facing. Equal rights and the equal the salvation of the environment through various industries that
more projects for the masses, we focus distribution of resources in the society promote environment-friendly products. Yet we do not realize
our attention to projects promoted by affect the environment and not the that these industries are the major deterrents of the environment.
the media. We join these activities, and other way around. Our surroundings We support something that eventually destroys the environment.
we are content that we have “done only respond to the way we live in and In short, we are leading ourselves to our own graves.
something” for the greater good, and develop our societies. We become so
at times, people stop there. Fact is that focused in saving the environment that
this form of “social action” diverts the we forget that we must first direct our Yet even in that we fail, for even as we reverse and try to patch
masses’ attention, emotively pushing attention in saving ourselves from the the damages we have caused the fact remains that our goal is
them to fight beyond any motivation dictating rule of the powerful few in to make everything work to our advantage. Large companies
coming from a kind of motivation society. Focusing on the consequences advertise environmental propagandas making it into a big craze
which is more of a form of exploitation: of our actions will not help in making it in order to earn more profit. Our government, too, is preoccupied
not much for social change but to save easier to create the impact necessary with making the issue of environmentalism a business to benefit
their own threatened survival. That for revolutionizing our society and from.
pushes them to adapt to the reasoning salvaging our environment.

Profiteering:
leading to the conservation of the

If we continue to immerse ourselves in this demented dream

that we can reverse everything through sheer determination and
hope, the end is not too far. The only way to save ourselves is to
change our perspective and the way we view living. It is not too
late to realize that we can still help the world by starting with

f Environmentalism ourselves and changing the way our society sustains our needs
and greeds. Environmentalism should not be limited to caring for
the environment, just as the potentiality of action is to be limited
to the planting of commodified trees.

FRIDAY • 01 APRIL 2011 • 7

Herstory:
FEATURES Volume 24, Numbers 19-20

JEO ANGELO CHICO ELAMPARO AND ARIES JOSEPH ARMENDI HEGINA

ILLUSTRATION BY KATRINA JOY CAPULONG

The Plights of the Filipina Migrants Overseas

T
cooks, receptionists and entertainers.
he changing times have posed inevitable and unforgiving episodes that This domination of women in these
epitomize the modern human struggle—that which shatters families and fields has seen its boom from 1990
concludes relationships all in the name of modern-day slavery. This till 2005 wherein, the ages of sixty-
event that deliberately derails the Filipino family culture has first two percent of these women migrants
ranges from as young as 15 to 34. The
served a noble purpose: to provide sustenance for every family. However, the mass exodus of Filipinas into these
repercussions that resulted from this unfortunate picture of migration have fields can be traced into the fact that
reached the point of obscuring the true values of heroism. these sectors are not covered by labor
laws, making these jobs more open for
labor. The bleak reality also dawns
Harsh as it is, migration has successfully taken most of the Filipinos, particularly upon those who are working in these
the Filipinas, who are one of the pillars of their own home and brought it to industries: their fates mainly rely on the
offer service to others abroad. Despite this, the modern Filipina tried to exercise mercy of their employers.
her choice to be a provider for her family and her power to be free by laboring
in the other parts of the world. Yet , as what it has turned out , she became
vulnerable and weak under the different forms of abuses, maltreatments and The Filipina has shown that she can
sexual exploits. maneuver her own fate and is willing
to sacrifice when the turbulent times
call for her. Through exercising her
She was taught by the society that the materialization of her aspirations for freedom and will, she proved that she,
her family’s comforts lies on the mercy of the opportunist foreign powers. too, is a potent catalyst that would able
to materialize change in the prevailing
system. Yet, this freedom rendered her
Tracing Vitality in her Face The year was 1992 when the country and unconscientious powers. Delving vulnerable to the exploitative blows and
could not anymore seclude the reeking deeper into these figures, only three subtle attacks of her foreign masters.
smell of reality—the income generated million are experiencing permanency in And on these masters’ hands, the
She has endured too much, and by a single breadwinner in the family their jobs while more than four million Filipina migrant’s noble aspiration is
such is her drive to brave dangers is not sufficient enough provision. Filipinos are in danger of being removed put into jeopardy.
in other lands. The further impoverishment of the at any moment in their work and the
Filipino family was the result of the remaining number are undocumented
Philippine government’s venture into workers. These numbers only Mending Malevolence in her
The Post-Marcos regimes saw how the partnerships with private businesses. elucidates what really is the priority Body
Filipino labor culture has drastically These partnerships, on the other of the Philippines government—
altered and gave in to modernization. hand, are caused by the boom of trade that is to capitalize on its people and
From having the notion that only the liberalization after it was introduced to unabashedly disregard the daunting She only wanted to provide
males of the family should toil, due the country by Western superpowers to ill-effects of such move to every Filipino sustenance but what she obtained
to worsening living conditions and safeguard their control over the world home. The government has turned its was desecration.
escalating crises in the national level, the through globalization. The aggravating ears deaf to the impasse of its people
women are forcibly rooted from their state of the republic pushes the so-called and this is reflected by the promotion
accustomed lives. There is no problem beacon of light of every home to leave of human resources as the Philippines’ The Filipina migrants have braved the
in the growing number of Filipinas in her motherly-duties and make sacrifices greatest export product—a stark irony seas in search for a greener pasture
the labor force; it was lauded in fact as only to give her family a life that is stable of the country as it is unable to develop to graze on. They have yielded the
it became a form of women liberation yet engulfed with uncertainty. and bank on agricultural products it is comforts in living in the confines of
from the chains of the distorted norms known for. their homes to labor in the lands of
of the society. The problem arises on the strangers. Fighting the isolation to
inadequate opportunities and pitiable At present, fifteen million Filipinos are realize their aspired alleviation, that
safeguards the Filipinas are receiving laboring in more than two hundred Filipina migrants have been known and is their driven force to work arduously
from the Philippine government. countries in the world. This illustrates have dominated the domestic services overseas. However, the road leading
that twelve percent of our population and entertainment sectors. This is to that fabled utopia was not all paved
are packaged as commodities and to be exemplified by the jobs Filipinas abroad and perfect as it was sought to be.
feasted upon by neoliberal economies are enduring—domestic helpers, The migrants fell into the inequitable
caregivers, factory workers, waiters, system of the bureaucracy being run
by pervasive masters and in the spell of
unfortunate vents. What they saw was
a paradise transformed into a hell hole
for the vulnerable Filipina.

The quandary of the Filipina workers

overseas depicts the joys and sorrows
of human existence. They have had their
share of good times through success
stories in their conditions abroad or
declarations filled with fear and despair
by those who are facing death sentences

8 • 01 APRIL 2011 • FRIDAY

 Volume 24, Numbers 19-20 FEATURES
and victims of defilement. Yet, what move. The mandatory pregnancy test Inculcating Stance in her Administration (OWWA) Shelter in
is unique in the experience of human only duplicates the test which has Heart Jordan. The repressive state policies
workers overseas is that they are been already a part of the required being imposed by the Philippine
casualties of abuse and violation solely medical check-up ergo, another milking Overseas Employment Agency in Hong
because of their gender. cow for funds. Lastly, the removal of She had been violated and the time Kong and Canada were stopped due to
direct hirers lessens the chances to be has come for all the atrocities to mass protest actions. Six thousand out
employed and induces middlemen to cease. of the thirty-four thousand workers who
Filipinas who are desecrated abroad control the workers. These issues and were caught in the Lebanon War were
have not only has their taste of the predicaments, adding to the abuses and able to be flown back to the Philippines
common injustices being exposed maltreatments inflicted on the Filipina As time went by, the Filipina has learned and the corruption that prevails inside
to their male counterparts but also migrants are the hurdles that hamper not to remain mum and silent in her the OWWA was also exposed. The
of different kinds of abuse and the realization of their dreams. ordeal of being abused in the hands of retrenched women workers in Taiwan
maltreatment such as starvation, her overseas employers. She has learned due to the Global Financial Crisis were
physical violence, overworking and to fight for her right to be treated in able to refund their tickets and an
being imprisoned in their rooms. Sexual The Filipina workers are caught in the humane means and has developed her investigation is even still ongoing for
offenses are also rampant such as rape, clutches of a scrupulous system being standpoint of what she knows is right. their claims. The Filipina workers’ plight
molestation and harassment. These implemented by scheming factions in different countries uncovered the
untoward incidents reflect the heavier both in the government and their fellow intensified Labor Export Program policy
burdens rested upon the shoulders citizens. They are subjected to abuses Some of the achievements and causes by the detested Arroyo regime. Ongoing
of Filipina migrants. Their lives are in that are unique to them because of of the Filipina migrants abroad campaigns for the benefit of Filipina
constant threat to the violating motives their gender. Despite of all the setbacks, included saving fellow Filipinas that are workers includes helping the Annasban
of their masters on foreign soils. the modern Filipina has remained stranded and lobbying for the ceasing workers who have been victimized by
They, however, have decided to keep composed and steadfast in obtaining of repressive measures of certain illegal recruitment, probing the twenty
their silence regarding the numerous what she yearns the most—that of governments. Five hundred women plus rape cases in Saudi Arabia and
violations inflicted upon them for they providing ample provisions for the workers from Jordan, Kuwait and Saudi sex trafficking in Sabah, and aiding the
doing otherwise will lose them their people she holds most dear. Arabia were saved from being stranded stranded women migrants who are in
jobs and will bring them back to the in the Overseas Workers Welfare deportation cells in Lebanon.
Philippines where job opportunities are
but scarce commodities.

Abuse and violence are just some of the Women have exercised her will to give the life that her family deserves yet the
issues that Filipina migrants are facing. struggles and repressions from the exploitative classes in society are the things
Predicaments that also plague their that have been returned to her. For food she endured beatings, for success she
conditions are being contributed by the lost her dignity.
agencies that have employed them and
the promulgated policies of the national The impasse of the Filipina workers only reflects the glaring evidences of
government. The recruitment agencies persisting repression and exploitation of the ruling class. The women of our
implemented unfair measures such as kind should not be treated in a lesser stature. Equality has become more of a
contract substitution, nonpayment of wish than being a fundamental human principle which is to be upheld.
wages and illegal deduction on salaries.
They are also forced to pay huge sums
of money before they can go abroad Women do not deserve to be desecrated and their still-uncertain freedom
which make them largely indebted. from exploitative factions only exemplifies the freedom that the masses in turn
yearned to achieve. The struggle continues as the deserved conditions of our
women migrants are not yet fully achieved. The road to take to be able to
On the other hand, the concocted policies realize equality in society is still a long way ahead.
of the government further suppress
and extort Filipinas who want to go
abroad such as the Supermaid program, The modern Filipina may be clasped in the chains of repression and be wounded
Mandatory Pregnancy Test and removal by the attacks of her oppressors but this does not mean even a tinge if giving
of direct hiring. The Supermaid program up for her fundamental rights as a person and as a woman. The fight is still
is a one year certificate course required to be won, and when that day has finally come—the women who have been
to be taken in her expense if a Filipina assailed and bruised would attain the equity she is entitled for.
wants to be a domestic helper overseas.
The program however, teaches skills
that are already known by the would
be migrant such as how to use the
dishwasher and cleaning bed sheets
among others, making it a measure
that serves as a mere money generating

FRIDAY • 01 APRIL 2011 • 9

FEATURES Volume 24, Numbers 19-20

RENOUNCING THE DISSONANCE

JORE-ANNIE RICO AND JESSE NICOLE RUBIO SANTOS

The merger of the two long-

A new USC rises. But as the shift of power materializes, former ills all sides of issues for the students.
established party systems in wrack its very foundation. REINSTATING THE
the University of the Philippines the USC): One of the greatest
the entire slate. It now becomes agad. Naglo-lobby po tayo, nag- DISCONTINUITY
Manila (UPM) University Student a question of how the council challenges is of course yung ipairal aassert tayo para sa karapatan
Council (USC) sparks another With the start of a new regime, it
would attempt to overcome ang professionalism. No matter ng mga estudyante, sa senado,
gripping series of traditional is but necessary to create a new
these difficulties and fulfill what the party, no matter where tulad po nung sa budget cut. So
reform agenda and collective image projected to the student
their intended purpose instead, we’re from or what college we’re we expect po mula rin sa Bigkis
service for the student body body. This year’s USC still does
considering the unsuccessful from, we all have a job to perform UPM naman that nung experience
this upcoming school year. The not have a consensus as to the
attempts of the previous destroy and we’re gonna do the best ko sa CAS Student Council na
same old rhetorical tricks of actual method by which they
of the dichotomy. possible that we can to perform nagtutulungan talaga lahat hindi
collaboration and camaraderie would operate, despite similarity
our jobs regardless of our party. lang sa mga programa at syempre
arbitrate the opposing viewpoints The Manila Collegian (MC): It in goals. Nevertheless, promises
sa mga projects and umattend
of multi-perspectivism and is apparent that the previous Cleve Kevin Robert Arguelles were declared and actions are
talaga regularly ng GA para
military activism; the challenge, USC experienced problems with (USC Vice Chairperson): For us highly expected to unfold.
marami talaga tayong nagagawa.
however, still remains in leading the dichotomy of parties and naman from ASAP-Katipunan (AK),
And yung pag meron talaga tayong It would be exigent for the USC
the direction the national ideologies within the council. dun sa mga past mobilizations,
ipinaglalaban, maging united to manage to instill differing
university will take. How would the newly elected past actions natin regarding
talaga tayo dahil sa atin talaga ideologies in the pursuit of similar
USC overcome the same issue? national and local issues, nakita
In an interview with The Manila umaasa yung mga estudyante para goals, without actually sacrificing
natin that AK is united and one
Collegian, the newly elected Angeli “Gel” Guadalupe (USC sa mga karapatan nila. principles. Still, the council’s
with the students. And now the
student leaders unfolded their Chairperson): Unang-una, promise remains as such. The
challenge is, and the question is: Arguelles: For us in ASAP-
expectations and plans, stood by pagpasok na sa USC, wala nang students will be the judge of
Will Bigkis UPM be united and be Katipunan, I think yung
their principles, and attempted parties dapat dito. Pati yung the eventual performance. The
one with the students this time for expectation namin from the other
to create unity within despite the GPOA, irerevise namin to have USC must create bridges amidst
us to deliver a better USC that will party, Bigkis UPM, is that sana po
onset of a revival of a party-based the best of both parties, to have irreconcilable divides.
stand up for their lives? ay hindi maulit yung ginawa nila
rivalry. the best of both worlds nga. It
last year na hindi sila present the MC: Ano ang bago sa USC
would really deliver to students MC: Ano ang expectations ng
REVIVING THE DISSENT whole year, that they were not ngayon?
who voted for us. Kasi, ang petty magkabilang partido sa isa’t-
there when the students needed Guadalupe: This year, we would
As the turn of the tide ushered eh. We don’t need drama in life. isa?
them. Sana this year ay maprove really show you unity despite
in a change of administration, Siguro nahirapan kasi we left it Catindig: I expect the ASAP- nila sa mga students that they are
the same adversities haunt the within ourselves to make friends adversity. Syempre, ito ang naging
Katipunan to always be vigilant to student leaders whole year round
newly elected USC officers. As the with each other and try to work dream namin sa Bigkis UPM
the students’ rights and be the first and not just for election season,
past USC failed to overcome the things out. But this year sa USC last year pa. And sana this year,
to sound the alarm. Every time and that they prove that they are
dichotomy of parties within, the meron tayong success, as yung marealize na sana namin ang
there’s an issue, ang bilis magreact one with the students in every
same may hold true for the new sinabi nating Smart University goal na ito for the students who
ng AK and that’s what I admire fight.
council as the divide is as stark Student Council Evaluation believed in us. And of course, we’re
about them. But also, syempre
as ever, with the addition of a System wherein we’d leave greater Guadalupe: So siguro na-clarify going to promote UP Manila as the
from Bigkis UPM, we will also not
split-ticket between the Chair and transparency to the students. naman naming sa miting de premier health sciences center of
just go for street parliament but
Vice-Chair, and the almost equal Kung pwede ngang every month avances, sa pre-election issue ng the country and not just another
also multi-sectoral lobbying in the
number coming from both parties na yung report, hindi na lang Kule na Bigkis UPM has been there UP campus.
street and also with the congress,
elected in the USC. every semester para makita nila since June last year. Siguro kulang Decangchon: Last year po, medyo
with the senate and above and
yung every meeting. Magpo-post lang kami sa publicity or whatever. hinanapan po talaga ng estudyante
As expectations from both parties beyond especially on matters
din kami sa website ng minutes Pero yun, as a chairperson, I ask ng mga activities yung USC. So this
were revealed, past sentiments to health and environment and
ng every meeting para makita nila from everybody here na let us year po, yung USC talaga, magiging
resurfaced. Despite apparent syempre students’ rights of which
kung sino ang nagko-contribute work altogether, let us forward mas marami talaga yung projects
efforts to create a unified council, we are serving.
talaga from ideas to efforts. So yung mga strengths natin, and niya, specifically sa committee
staunch differences in ideology Regina Gabriela Decangchon
makikita ng mga students dito yung mga weaknesses natin, we ko po talaga-yung Bakbakan ay
manage to surge through. The (USC Councilor): Let me just
ang totoong serbisyo na ino-offer should ask help from each other. talagang makukumpleto yung
capacity to successfully transcend correct what he said. Tayo naman
ng mga nakaupo sa USC ngayon. So primarily, ‘pag may issue, games. And more than yung
the boundaries of divergence po sa ASAP-Katipunan, hindi tignan nating issues-based tayo,
would be an arduous task for Jegar Catindig (CM Rep to traditional projects po talaga, this
naman po tayo diretso sa streets tignan natin both sides of issues,

10 • 01 APRIL 2011 • FRIDAY

 Volume 24, Numbers 19-20 FEATURES
year sa USC patuloy pa rin po yung half and half, there’s a concrete yung congress natin na meron OT. And of course, mapush na rin magtatrabaho ‘don.
paninindigan natin sa karapatan platform, we would be threshing nga tayong budget cut, saka lang yung, nagkakaroon na rin kasi ng
ng bawat Iskolar. how to deal with the issues naglabas ng statement yung other Speech Pathology Bill. So sana Trazona: Dapat yung chancellor
in a holistic manner of going partry. Sinabi muna nila na pinag- the issues regarding the courses na mae-elect next, alam niya
Catindig: Yung bago dito is yung dapat kung ano ang ipaprioritize
grassroots as AK has always done. aralan muna nila, but again dapat in the College of Allied Medical
iba sa amin ay nanumbalik sa at yun ay yung basic services,
And of course that is being to day before na nagkaroon ng issue Professions, sana matulungan
council. Tapos, what am I saying for example yung isang issue
multi-perspective activism which ng budget cut dapat inaral na nila kami.
to you is we’re bringing you an na lang natin ay yung museum.
Bigkis responses—which means ‘yon. And nakita natin na kung
experienced council that although Del Rosario: Sa ano naman, bilang Yung museum, hindi naman siya
that, we’ll not just go through it hindi kumilos yung AK, walang
we do not come from the same council for culture, iniexpect natin directly mapakikinabangan, well
head-on, we’d also go through it mage-gain na positive action dun
party, we’ll be striving to work dun sa susunod na chancellor na in fact, pwedeng i-improve ng
from the ground-up and from the sa ginawa nila.
together for a better USC, for a yung mas mataas na pagtingin ating administration yung mga
top to bottom. So I think it’s also
better UP Manila. Jose Mari Lanuza (USC para sa sining at kultura sa UP laboratories, yung mga beakers,
an advantage that this council is Councilor): Wag na nating Manila. At siyempre, tutulungan hindi dapat yan manggagaling sa
Arguelles: More than siguro not dominantly of either color, of pagtuunan ng pansin kung ano niya tayo sa pagsusulong natin pera ng mga estudyante. Dapat
sa unity, because we believe na either party, because it is a chance yung pagkakaiba ng approach sa pagkakaroon ng UP Manila ng pinondohan muna nila yun bago
united naman ang UP Manila, to really work out differences in

“dito.
kagaya naman po ng sinabi ng issues.
AK, hyped up yung mga activities
natin, that means na yung mga Benralph Yu (USC Councilor):
We’re composed of almost half
Pagpasok na sa USC, wala nang parties dapat
Pati yung GPOA, irerevise namin to have
activities natin ay maramdaman
and half coming from both
ng bawat estudyante, and to
parties. I would take that as an
serve their needs. And secondly,
yung unity natin is that unity to
continue our fight for our right to
opportunity to reflect on, we have
different mechanisms in terms the best of both parties, to have the best of both
education, and of course our fight of addressing an issue. I hope
we’ll take this as an opportunity worlds nga. It would really deliver to students
”
for the increase in state subsidy.
who voted for us.
to reflect on which type of
Johanne Joseph Del Rosario mechanism yields positive results
(USC Councilor): Siguro yung
bago sa USC ngayong 2011 ay
at the end of the day. Case in point:
budget cut. Yes, we can easily say
-Angeli “Gel” Guadalupe (USC Chairperson)
mas marami yung mga councilors there’s multi-perspective activism.
galing sa AK. Unlike nung mga But we take that opportunity to nung dalawang partido. Sana sarili niyang Office of Tradition, nila inuna yung museum. So it’s a
nakaraang taon na USC councilors believe in collective action and ang tanong niyo, kung paano Culture and the Arts dahil sa challenge for prioritization of the
ay nagmula sa Bigkis UPM na hindi see what a collective action can ia-approach na USC yung mga buong UP System, yung UP Manila services to the students.
talaga nakita katulad na lamang do against an issue. Because yes, student issues. Hopefully, ang lang ang wala nun. Arguelles: Siguro, challenge to the
nung committee na pinamunuhan I know for a fact, naging first isasagot ko, kung ano yung paraan
Catindig: Ang hamon ko sa UP Manila Chancellor na, unang-
nung galing sa Bigkis UPM na ni- year student din ako, may stigma na result-oriented, kung ano yung
next chancellor ng UP Manila is una, sana yung susunod na UP
minsan ay hindi natin nakitang on going to the streets, they call paraan na mas convenient, hindi
yung tungkol sa issue ng FMAB. Manila Chancellor ay tumayo para
mag-RTR para i-mobilize yung it street parliament. But at the sa student leaders kung hindi sa
Kasi yung Faculty Medical Arts sa pagbabago na gusto ng mga
mga iskolar ng bayan laban sa end of the day, which mechanism student body.
Building, alam ko na it’s kinda estudyante at ng mga mamamayan,
budget cut, laban sa iba pang or which system delivers more, MC: Ano ang hamon niyo sa viewed as privatization and that at kaya niyang maki-march with
mga mapanggipit na polisiya ng diba? Which mechanism yields bagong magiging UP Manila a lot of things are very unclear the next set of university council
ating administrasyon sa UP at a result at the end of the day? So, Chancellor? about how it was put into being, for the students. May several
siyempre yung administrasyon sana maging open tayo, diba? We who contracted, etc., marami pang challenges tayo para sa next UPM
sa pamahalaang gobyerno. At say na, dito kame because pag Decangchon: Firstly, sana hindi
siya member ng PAASCU Board. flaws. So I want the next UP Manila Chancellor. Sana, una, mabigyan
siyempre, mas makakaasa ang mga you choose a side, masyado kang Chancellor to please set the records niya ng isang USC office na closer
iskolar ng bayan na mas maraming blinded on the other side. But Jon Sergei Aclan (CAMP Rep to straight, kung ano ba talaga, who to the students. Secondly, sana
proyekto na tradisyunal, at presented na yung dalawang side, the USC): Sana matulungan niya does it serve and how will PGH maitindig niya yung Philippine
siyempre patuloy na maninindigan now is the time to see and to prove kaming maipasa yung Physical benefit from it because as of now, General Hospital as a Ospital ng
ang inyong councilors mula sa AK which mechanism is effective. Therapy (PT) and Occupational wala tayong clear idea mangyayari Bayan, sana mapanindigan niya
para sa karapatan ng mga iskolar Therapy (OT) law or bill. Patuloy sa PGH kasi diba magkakaroon ng yung public character ng PGH,
Tessa Trazona (CAS Rep to
ng bayan. naming itong ipinaglalaban. two sets of diagnostic centers so hindi lang nun gating pamantasan.
the USC): Dapat yung issue,
MC: Paano titindig ang USC sa hindi tayo naghe-hesitate kapag Ngayon, wala kaming sponsor anong mangyayari sa kiknikita ng Pangatlo, sana yung CAS
issues na kinakaharap ng UP dumating yan. And dapat, kapag sa congress or I think, di ko alam PGH mismo na dapat ay ginagastos Student Center na matagal nang
Manila? may issue na dumating, hindi tayo kung sino, meron na yata recently. para sa taumbayan? Tsaka yung kinakailangan dahil halos lahat ng
maglalabas ng ating action after Pero sana matulungan kami ni implementation nung mga rules students ay nakakapunta sa CAS,
Catindig: I acknowledge that AK Chancellor na bilang isang major regarding dun sa pagtakbo ng yung decent cafeteria man lang for
and Bigkis have different ways nakagawa na nang or nakapag-
deliberate na ng positive solution. sa university, sana matulungan FMAB, maihanda niya lalo na the College of Arts and Sciences
of dealing with an issue. But as niya kaming ma-improve yung sa mga estudyante, lalo na sa ay magkaroon. And next, yung
the council is, as here said by the For example yung budget cut,
diba? After maglabas nang result aming courses—yung PT and mga health sciences courses na PAASCU Accreditation, sana gawin
Collegian, composed almost of

FRIDAY • 01 APRIL 2011 • 11

Features Volume 24, Numbers 19-20
niyang democratic yung issue dito. Kasi, issues tulad ng kawalan ng pondo o quality up high and kasi nga walang naging sistema ang mga Iskolar ng bayan pagkatapos ng
like from Chancellor Arcadio, nagrelease education ng ating mga extension schools, yung USC kasi nga it’s difficult yung parang hagupit ng black propaganda?
na agad siya ng accreditation without kawalan ng corums ng mga medical interns, ikaw lang mag-isa when you feel na you have
the knowledge of the students and even problema din yun sa kanilang medcourt the burden of uniting everybody when in fact Arguelles: Hindi ko alam kung saan
without consulting the USC at napakalaki na ginagawang parking lot. At siyempre it’s everybody’s work. It’s not just everybody nanggaling ‘yon, ewan ko. Ang intent
nun. And lastly, sana ayusin niya yung issue naman, ang patuloy na pagsulong sa higher in the USC’s work; it’s every student’s work. siyempre is to malign yung pagtakbo ko as
sa TOFI kasi four years na ‘yan, nakatago state subsidy for UP Manila and PGH dahil the USC Vice Chair and to discredit me as a
lang sa trust fund, hindi na-uutilize ng mga yun naman talaga ang kailangan nating mga
REBUKING THE DISCRIMINATION student leader. But I think haharap ako sa
students. Hence, bakit na-late yung salary mag-aaral at ng mga mamamayan. Rest The stench of desperation was pervasive mga iskolars ng bayan that I am not a less
ng ating mga faculty, hence, bakit walang assured na makikita niyo ‘yan dun sa banner in the USC elections of 2011, as black of a leader, not a less of a student and I am
laboratory equipments na maayos yung project ko na One More Chancy which is propaganda once again swarmed the media, not less of a human being. Kasi, diba, anong
mga UP students? addressing the students needs and giving particularly a certain social networking site. problema? Siguro ‘don sa issue na ‘yon, wala
them to the chancellor. Makikita niyo yun, And as far as black propaganda manages to namang nagbenefit. May nagbenefit ba?
Guadalupe: Sana si Chancellor mismo ay Natuwa ba kayo sa nakita niyo o naharass
magreach out sa mga students. Kasi yun magmamaterialize yun. elicit deceit at the expense of every known
person in the electoral arena, personal kayo? Hindi ko alam. Nalihis lang yung
nga, yung ibang mga students hindi alam RESTRUCTURING THE aspects were not spared. However, this time issue na dapat na mga pinag-uusapan
kung saan yung office ni Chancellor, yung DISORGANIZATION natin instead of student issues, napunta sa
iba parang “wow, eight floor, PGH pa”. around, the most popular resurgence of
black propaganda came in the form of an ad personal na issue na hindi naman talaga
Minsan lang nakikita ng ibang students si Being a minority Chairperson and ruling
hominem attack against a Vice Chairperson dapat pag-usapan. Last thing, gusto ko
Chancellor. They don’even get to talk to him over a mixed slate, Guadalupe faces a tough
candidate, Cleve Arguelles. magpasalamat kasi, madaming nag-effort
unless they are part of the student council challenge in consolidating the council
na magstatus for me against dun sa black
or bibong student. Sana, si Chancellor and ensuring its proper functioning. Her Bombarded with an online black propaganda. Madami din nagmessage,
mismo as a person, not just a chancellor leadership skills will be gauged and tested, propaganda which aimed to hitch the votes madami akong natanggap na text message.
himself or herself, sana as a person, siya as these additional trials await her term. of the student body during the election Siguro I think yung mga students, mga true
mismo ay genuine, mabait at talagang Moreover, the direction that this council and period, Arguelles remained firm in asserting UP students sila. At sabi nga ni Jegar, non-
makikinig kahit sa sinong student man na in turn, the University will take would be the need to serve rather than focusing issue talaga siya. So okay lang naman siya.
lalapit sa kanya. Na talagang makikinig siya determined largely in part by Guadalupe’s on the released malicious deathblow. As
at hindi lang lalabas sa kabilang tenga para performance as its Chairperson. discrimination becomes the focal issue prior Joshua Young (PH Rep to the USC): Just
talagang mangyayari at ma-aaddress yung to his victory as the USC vice chairperson, to add, Bigkis UPM released a short note
MC: How do you plan to lead the USC?
ifoforward nating lahat sa kanya. liberalized principles of the Iskolar played a while ago in Facebook, I tagged Manila
Guadalupe: Ako kasi, siguro masasabi ng a pivotal role in reaffirming the divergence Collegian in it, I guess by now nakita niyo na
Lanuza: Una, sana sa magiging bagong iba na mabait ako, kwela ako, pero when it iyon. So I suppose that everyone is united on
UP Manila Chancellor, sana hindi uso ang between public accountability and personal
comes to business, todo na, you don’t want preference. the stand against gender discrimination and
red tapes. At pangalawa, sana mas student to see the true side of me pag magagalit we need to encourage them to develop more
oriented siya katulad na lang ng pagharap sa ako. Kung kailangan talaga, I’m gonna step MC: Paano haharapin ni Cleve Arguelles gender tolerance.

In the face of persisting dissonance and clash of political ideologies between the two factions, the steadfast
effort to maintain solidarity and cooperation remains. The will to serve the studentry and the society must
subsist in the face of unconstructive differences. Nonetheless, the promise of change and reform must not
solely be relied on the effort of the USC. Moves for change should not only be sourced from the USC, rather
each Iskolar must contribute to this effort.
The council must remain resolute amidst the hordes of injustices plaguing the student body. While the call to
be unified for the USC is as resilient as ever, the same holds true for the need to be vigilant and critical of the
Iskolar.
The USC of 2011-2012 must now go forth in fulfilling their set promises and ideals, as the stakes become higher
due to the problems UP is facing. And above all, the will to sufficiently address the issues of the University and
the passion to serve must transcend personal and ideological boundaries.
The student body gave its verdict. The challenges were presented. The trials have been laid. All that remains
now is the actual governance.

12 • 01 APRIL 2011 • FRIDAY

 The Manila Collegian Volume 24, Numbers 19-20 Freestyle

Dibuho ni Abie Miole

Latag ni Joan Udarbe
I S A N G T A O N N G P A G P A S YA A T P A G T I N D I G

The Manila Collegian office

People’s SONA (August 26, 2010)

National Day of Action for Education (July 16, 2010)

UPM on STRIKE!
(November 26,
2010)

MKule Sections:
News, Feats, Cult,
Grfx

Mkule Christmas Party (December 17, 2010) Last genmit for AY10-11 (March 16, 2011)

National day for Walkout against budget cut

(September 26, 2010)

Magna Est Veritas Et Prevaelebit... The Truth is Mighty • 01 APRIL

FRIDAYand shall2011P 13 !
• revail
Graphics Volume 24, Numbers 19-20

NEWS Hikes...from page 3

TN
sa pagtaas ng pamasahe sa LRT at MRT noong he Congress of Teachers/Educators for
Pebrero 4. ationalism and Democracy call on our
colleagues and students to take a unified stand
Imperialist Troops Out of Libya, Now!
on the United States-lead war of aggression
“The MRT-LRT fare hike shows us that Noynoy
is pimping the Philippines and it is the Filipino
against the people of Libya. U.S. President Barrack Stop the Slaughter in Libya!
Obama’s military operations in Libya “to prevent
people who are bound to suffer. This is a direct human catastrophe” is a worn-out imperialist ruse
jab in the face of workers as he shows that his to convince the whole world that the United States Statement of the Congress of Teachers/Educators for Nationalism
and Democracy-University of the Philippines (CONTEND-UP)*
government prioritizes the interests of big and its imperialist allies are all out to export
business over that of the people. The people democracy to places where it does not exist.
could just hit him back – and harder,” ani Roger
Soluta, Secretary General ng Kilusang Mayo
Uno (KMU) hinggil sa pagtaas ng pamasahe sa First of all, any democratic regime deeper crisis. And the cycle repeats Ghadafi is no saint for his country.
MRT at LRT.
can only be spawned by the people’s itself at the expense of thousands But that can never justify all forms
struggle for national sovereignty. upon thousands of peoples who are of imperialist attacks against
Noong ika-28 ng Pebrero, nagdeklara ang Freedom from imperialist control supposed to assimilate America’s the people of Libya. They, like all
sektor ng kabataan ng National Day of Action of all forms is a necessary condition brand of democracy. The cost of which non-westerns, deserve the right
Against Price and Tuition Hikes, kung saan for the construction of genuine is nothing less than these peoples’ to struggle against all forms of
maraming mag-aaral ang nag-walk-out mula sa
kanilang mga klase upang sumali sa miltanteng democracy. In the case of Libya, lives. corruption and dictatorship in
pagkilos sa Mendiola at ipinahayag ang sama- President Obama merely re-enacts their own land as a free people. In
samang pagtutol sa pag-akyat ng mga presyo at the fatal schemes of former President the spirit of international solidarity
matrikula. Bush in the well-directed slaughter Third, the U.S. maintains its power with all progressive and anti-
of the people of Iraq soon after 9-11. over its semi-colonies and control imperialist movements around the
Ayon kay Anakbayan Secretary General Clearly, the current US president over the United Nations through its world, we call for the immediate
Charisse Bañez, “We cannot tolerate that who talked about change is now preservation, expansion and assertion ceasefire on the attacks of the
while the government ultimately favors the architect of intransigent foreign of military power. To this day, it finances Western coalition against Libya.
profits of big foreign companies, the increases policy that is poised to claim human its own military forces scattered
in commodities unjustly burden the poor strategically around the globe. Apart
majority of the Filipino people.” lives and enforce the worst kind of
societal destruction. from the billions that it allocates for
its military forces in the home front, Down with fascism that
“In fact, the rise in the rates of tuition and other the Obama regime, no different from hides behind western liberal
school fees, transportation, and the prices of Second, America’s interest in oil its predecessors, drowns its semi-
basic commodities will have grave effects on democracy!
the already dire situation of the millions of
is no longer a secret agenda in colonies with foreign debt dedicated
the Filipinos facing poverty and hardships,” its imperialist engagement with to military servicing to ensure that Down with Imperialism!
wika ni Terry Ridon, tagapangulo ng League of “war against terror.” Imperialism’s military operations in strategic nations Down with Imperialist Wars!
Filipino Students (LFS). strategy of accumulation requires are in line with imperialist schemes.
wars to be launched against nations This is why at a moment when people Stop the War in Libya!
Ayon naman kay Trina Federis, tagapangulo ng like Libya whose profitable oil in Libya are being bombed to death, Justice for the Libyan People!
College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP), resource potentially serves America’s no head of state nor any branch of
“Why do the fares keep on rising, but the wages own economic crisis due to its government outside of Mission Creep’s
of employees remain stagnant? If President expansionist interests and methods. direct victim has released a statement *CONTEND-UP is a member
Aquino is so gung-ho about hikes, he should of UP Kilos Na, an alliance of
be able to give this gift to workers. If there’s
Imperialist America’s economic against the human slaughter that
anyone who can afford the hikes, it’s the rich interests and its obstinate drive to is happening in Libya as we speak. student, faculty, staff, community
businessmen and women.” realize these have caused the nation Imperialist America has led the world organizations in the University of
to be locked up in a vicious cycle of to a situation where military power the Philippines.
its own drive for profit accumulation reigns supreme over a democratic
Kabilang sa mga susunod pang pagkilos laban
sa mga nasabing pagtataas ay ang Multi- that leads to imperialist expansion, claim to civilian supremacy.
Sectoral March patungong Mendiola sa Marso and which inevitably leads to
18 at ang Nationwide Transport Strike laban sa
oil price hikes sa Marso 31.

14 • 01 APRIL 2011 • FRIDAY

 Volume 24, Numbers 19-20 opinion

AL DENTE Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?*

ALLANA RUTH GARCIA DELA PEÑA

T his is the story of how a person was bestowed an honour of her

generation, how she did only good. It tells of how she was invincibly
strong when she fought for what was right, she stood for what
hopelessness that pained me. In half-contemplation of how to impress corporate bossess
for the job interview, in that posh waiting room, my thoughts wandered to half-baked
articles I left at the MKule office, and the educational discussions I failed to attend that
was true. It ends with a themed march, with medals and proud smiles day. In that crowded room was emptiness, of the hollowness of that kind of future for
as years of work are finally ending and promises of a more challenging myself and for thousands who shall graduate this summer. What happened to the youth of
future is beginning. This story happens to be lying. tomorrow? Can they not do better? Can I? The job interviewer, at the end of our session,
commented that I was too idealistic. I almost laughed, partly in exasperation and in part,
I could, if I want, write it that way. I had been told that I had a knack at being convincing,
an overwhelming relief. I was idealistic still. I liked that.
but my impenetrable convictions could perhaps only go so far as this term ends, or how
people will remember it afterwards. The fact, however, that I am here divulges that I
was not here to write what I want, but to to write of stuggles and necessities outside of I felt I could do better. Heck, I know we could do better. The potency of the youth as a
one’s self; an unselfish offering to the masses and embrace their sufferings that the petty catalyst lies in that conviction in a better future, the great story perhaps, behind one
bourgeois could only examine in a distant theoretical eye. Reality, most of the time, turns student’s late papers and attendances, the eyebags which served as battle scars from her
out to be lacking from expectations. overnight struggles: the sacrifices of an ordinary student who had that nerve to serve.
That, I knew I gave, at times queasingly, but always wholeheartedly. There should be a
word for the things we do, not because we want to, but because we want to be the kind of
I will not venture forth in ranting my frustrations, just to say how difficult it was for me
person who wants to. It is as tragic to lose ideals, as to cease being the kind of person who
and my staff to deliver an issue in the midst of the tug-of-war between our personal
aspires for that ideal.
doubts and desires and social responsibilities. I will not delve into details anymore on
how each release was like bimonthly giving birth to a child, not merely requiring love
but labour of sleepless nights and hard grit. It will not be good to dwell on the gloom This is the story of how a person was bestowed an honour of her generation, but there
we felt when members quit due to the pressure of academics or because they felt that were screw-ups. She was not invincibly strong, but the perception of necessity drove her
the publication asked too much from them. I never had sympathy for quitters, although to fight for what was right and to stand for what was true, with what she could exhaust of
I always undestood laggards too well— MKule writers could attest to that. Perhaps, I herself. The promise of tomorrow does not end with a themed march because as she grows
justified myself too much, put weight in goodwill and intentions a bit too many times. old, she will surely be replaced with another who shall rise from the mistakes of the past
and who will hold that same promise: that is the beauty of it all. There could be no perfect
ending to a history of sweat and sacrifices than that of a continuity of the struggles of the
In the end, apologies will always be futilities. I would like to believe that tomorrows hold
past and present generations which will transcend disappointments and setbacks. In her
utopias that are never bound to materialize anyway, just as the splendor of superheroes
case, it transcends age and jadedness, broken dreams and hopelessness. Tomorrow will
and the Nietzchean idealized self are bound to be farcical— only to exist in pulp paper
never cease to end.
pages of comics and softbound fictions. For one, I wrote in this same column a year ago
how I sulk at the thought of a day job in ubiquitous suits in cold square cubicles. It was
a heart-breaking experience to apply for such a job, only a week ago, out of the sheer *My apologies to Alan Moore, and to those accorded with broken promises and inevitable
necessity of financing another five-year education in law school. More than the sting failures. We shall overcome. Padayon.
in my scalding feet due to the steepness of stilletos, looking back, it was the feeling of

MONSTER KILL Langit-lupa*

ANGELO LUNA MURILLO

S a nalalapit na pagtatapos, kasing-halaga ng

bawat oras ang pagtanaw sa nakalipas. Ang iba man ay nasa mas mataas na lugar at ako’y nakalubog, naging malakas ang kutob
kong magiging mas kritikal ako dulot ng pagpapanibagong-hubog.
Ginulat ako ng katotohanang hindi lamang puro pag-aaral ang aking aatupagin sa
unibersidad na ito; makikipaglaro rin pala ako. Maaaring magtime-out nang panandalian,
Hinabol ko ang mga nasa langit sa pamamagitan ng pagsusulat. Gamit ang bawat titik at
ngunit ang kabuuan ng laro’y walang katapusan.
pahina ng pahayagan, sinubukan kong manaya at magmulat. Ang lipunan ang nagsilbing
tinta ng aking pluma. At hawak ang panulat na ito, ako’y naghatid ng balita at nakibaka.
Langit-lupa. Pamilyar sa sambayanan ang alituntunin ng laro. Papanhik lamang sa Katulad nga ng nasabi, “Sumulong, sumulat! Manindigan at magmulat!”
kahit anong mataas na bahagi ng isang lugar ang hindi taya; ganito kadali. Kalaban ang
oras at pagod, ang taya nama’y nasa ibaba – kakaripas sa paghabol hangga’t makahuli
Naging malupit ang institusyon sa aking pag-aaral at personal na buhay. Ang sukat ng
ng kalarong nasa langit; ganito kahirap. Ang salawahang katangiang ito ng langit-lupa
handa kong ibuwis bago ako sumali’y malayong malayo pala sa tunay na hinihingi ng
ay sadyang nakababahala. Hindi maitatangging palaging kawawa ang taya sa lupa, at
institusyon. Hanggang sa huling mga oras bago ang aking pagtatapos ay nananatili pa
malayong pagurin ang mga naghihintay lamang sa langit.
rin akong taya sa larong ito. Sila’y kampante sa itaas at halos walang magawa, ako’y
naiipit sa paghahabol ng oras at mga gawaing itinakda. Sa kabila ng mga ito, patuloy kong
Isang maalab na repleksyon ng naging karanasan ko sa loob ng unibersidad at ng pinaniniwalaan na ang paglagi ko sa lupa ay isang mahalagang sakripisyo. Na sa bawat
Kule ang larong langit-lupa. Ngunit isang mas maalab na repleksyon ng larong ito ang isyung inililimbag ng Kule ay kahit papaano, may nahahabol at natataya ako. Na sa bawat
tunggalian sa lipunan. pahinang inilalapat, may isang kalarong namumulat.

Una kong inilapat ang aking mga paa sa mataas na bahagi ng pamantasan – sa langit, Sa mahigit isang dekada ng aking kamalayan, nakagisnan nang kutyain at kaawaan ang
hindi ako taya. Hindi ko ginustong mataya, sino nga ba ang may gusto? Ngunit ang paglagi mga taya sa langit-lupa; palaging nasa ibaba, naghahabol sa minsa’y halos wala. Ngunit
ko sa langit noo’y nakabuburyo pala. Bingi ako sa maraming mahahalagang kaalaman. matapos ang ilang taong inilagi ko sa unibersidad at institusyong ito, nalaman kong mas
Bulag ako sa katotohanan. nararapat kaawaan yaong mga nasa langit. Angkin man nila ang kaginhawaang hindi
pagpawisan, hawak naman ng mga nasa lupa ang katotohanang lunan ng tunggalian.

Sa kalagitnaan ng mga ito, sinubukan kong pumasok sa Kule. Nagpamaliw sa

marurunong na aking pinagkakatiwalaan. Napakaraming pinagdaanan. Tinimbang Sa huli’t huli, ang mga naging taya lamang ang nanindigan. Manalo o matalo, sila lamang
ang mga pinaninindiga’t pinaniniwalaan. Kinalaunan, ang lahat ng bagay sa paligid ang mga tunay na naglaro at lumaban.
ay nagkaroon ng nagsusumigaw na kahulugan. Lahat ay naging malinaw, naging
makabuluhan: ang animnapu’t walong paitaas na hakbang patungong opisina, ang tindig
*Matapos ang tatlong taon sa institusyon, ito ang aking huling artikulo sa Manila Collegian;
sa likod ng hindi magamit na kubeta, ang kagandahan ng Book Antiqua. Bonus pa ang
isang alay sa mga taong humabol at tumaya sa akin sa larong ito. Kilala ninyo kung sino
mga tunay na kaibigan. Mahirap ngunit masaya. At nitong huli ko lang napagtanto na sa
kayo.
mga oras palang iyon, ako’y isang ganap na taya na.

FRIDAY • 01 APRIL 2011 • 15

Editorial Volume 24, Numbers 19-20

In Despair
T he Philippines, along with the rest
the world, is in despair.
of

The Middle East crisis and the television. Even without the
looming interventionist war “kurap,” when the abuses and
in Libya, the unprecedented iniquities towards the common
natural disasters, the execution tao are ignored and unheeded,
of three overseas workers in the “mahirap” will never cease inspired them to wage their
China, with the booming oil to be prolific. own war against their ruthless
and price hikes in the country
had resulted into a confluence
potentate, Muammar Gaddafi.
But in the midst of the Libyans’
THE M ANIL A COLLEGIAN
of events which turned out Concurrently, the fact remains
to dampen the spirits of the that the current head of state struggle for liberation, Western Magna est veritas et prevaelebit
refuses to be free from the nations led by the United
Filipino even before the end States have entered the Libyan
of this year’s quarter. We are pushes of his class interests ALLANA RUTH GARCIA DELA PEÑA

and his foreign masters. “Tuwid battleground, presenting Editor-in-Chief

besieged with worry and fear themselves in the name of
because the global contraption na daan” was laid down indeed A N G E LO LU N A M U R I L LO

for the wealthy capitalists humanitarian goals. Yet, it

that the Philippines finds itself would reek of deceit because
Associate Editor for Internal Affairs;
News Editor
trapped in is warped in the to protect their interests
in their newly-designated akin to the war in Iraq, it had
failures and self-interest of little to do with the name
M A R I E K R I S T E L A N T O N I O G A B AWA

each nation. For a country that government positions, for Associate Editor for External Affairs;

traditional politicians through of democracy and more to Culture Editor

has been lodged at the bottom do about the reassertion of
of the international food chain, the revolving doors in the JOANNA MARIE ICASAS UDARBE

bureaucracy, and for the dominance and reaffirmation Managing Editor

the future is a bleak and grim of vested interest: to keep their
picture of conspiring events flourishing of privitization, EHCEL SAÑGA HURNA
deregulation, and liberalization stronghold over Libya and
that the Philippines was never safeguard their control over its
Graphics Editor

prepared to surmise, much to the glee of foreign

multinational exploiters. most precious resource – oil. J E O A N G E L O C H I C O E L A M PA R O
more, to overcome. This is brazen interference in
Features Editor

It is uncannily inane that a

government refuses to see the the context of a people seeking C R I S E L L I L A N G O N OY E N DAYA

The bottom line should be evils of such policies when the to overthrow a dictator, who Office and Circulations Manager

evident at this point. To put it people fervently react to each struggle for self-determination. A N G E L A M A R I Z U L E P C A U DA L

simply, that the “matuwid na blow the market unsparingly Likewise, the imposition of will YO D H I M G U D E L G E P T Y D E L A R O S A

daan” was never bound to be delivers. For one, when oil by the superpowers is existent M O N G A B R I E L P O S A DA S D I S T O R
A LY S S A N I C O L E C A C H O G R AT I L

the nation’s saving grace. It prices brutally surged due to in the Philippines, through DEONAH ABIGAIL LUGO MIOLE

was a convoluted concept to speculation and monopoly in the government’s shackled News Correspondents

begin with, and a year of the the world market, the people embrace of neoliberalistic ARIES JOSEPH ARMENDI HEGINA

yellow presidency was allotted were left unprotected to carry policies that only serve to J O R E -A N N I E R I CO

to bark at the corruptions of the burden of value added impoverish us. In the end, the JESSE NICOLE RUBIO SANTOS
Features Correspondents

the previous term while hiding taxes and deregulated prices Libyans can only strengthen
the dingy truth that the poor while the government called their resistance forces in order A U B R E Y N I C O L E L E O N A S A R B O L E DA

will have the same and even for energy conservation, to overthrow Gaddafi. But Culture Correspondent

less than what they began President Aquino drove his while doing so, they should also K AT R I N A J OY C A P U L O N G

with in this administration. Porsche and Lexus using assert their independence from Illustrator

The biggest farce of the year is tax-subsidized gasoline, and the intervention of the Western
not the stories of corruptions foreign imperialist countries superpowers for to accept the WEBSITES

within the military ranks once again cheated on Juan so-called “aid” of the foreigners h t t p : //w w w. t h e m a n i l a c o l l e g i a n . m u l t i p l y. c o m

and the galling tirades of the Dela Cruz from when the is to agree for another era of h t t p : //w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / t h e m a n i l a c o l l e g i a n

Ombudsman on the issue of Philippines gave up the huge renewed oppression. h t t p : //w w w. t w i t t e r. c o m /m k u l e

h t t p : //w w w. s c r i b d . c o m / t h e m a n i l a c o l l e g i a n
her impeachment—it was that chunk of its national budget to
the present administration debt servicing. Libya deserves nothing but EMAIL
played the angst of the genuine emancipation, not themanilacollegian@gmail.com
masses to fill their stomachs another form of repression. So
despite the reality of another More than the lessons from the
supposed war of democracy do us. OFFICE
stunted administration and
anti-poor governmental turbulently being waged in 4th Floor Student Center Building,

policies. The starkness of the region, Libya could deliver We could despair, or rally our
University of the Philippines Manila,

the commonplace injustices a strong point for us. For discontent of this vicious cycle
P a d r e F a u r a c o r. M a . O r o s a s t s . ,

towards the underemployed forty-two years, the people of false hopes and failures
Ermita, Manila

and contractualized workers, of Libya have learned to live that only hasten the decay
of the deprived and abused with extreme poverty, tolerate of this system in which the
farmers, and of the trickeries profuse nepotism in public Filipinos cope with foreign and
MEMBER

toward the ordinary consumer office and stomach rampant government imposed hurdles
College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP)

should never be underplayed corruption. However, the in the battle for everyday
U P S O L I DA R I DA D

to the big names which are success of the major revolts survival. Let the emancipation
being grilled on national in other Arab countries begin.

16 • 01 APRIL 2011 • FRIDAY