I AL EC E SP SSU I
VOL. 2 | FEBRUARY 2016 INTRAMUROS, MAYNILA | YEAR XXXV
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA
DEMOCRATIZATION. Dr. Gilmore G. Solidum speaks in front of the students during the public hearing for the student manual revision, January 21-22, 2016 at Justo Albert Auditorium. (Photo by: P. Fernandez)
PLM TO ACCEPT TRANSFEREES byJerica Veron Telesforo
The Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) will now accept transferees from other universities, the first time in the five-decade long history of Manila’s public tertiary school, a new policy that drew some strong adverse reactions from the student body.
The university will open the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Admission Test (PLMAT) for the next school year not only for freshmen but for transferees from other colleges and universities, a senior administration official said, adding a board resolution had been
made allowing this new rule. Dr. Gilmore Solidum, OIC Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs on academic support unit, explained the new admission rule during the first day of the public consultation for student manual revision at Justo Albert
PLM SECURITY TRANSFERS ENTRANCE GATE FOR STUDENTS DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS by Angelica Rose R. Quero The University Security Office (USO) has implemented new rules on the entry to the school, enhancing the safety and security of students, faculty and non-teaching staff of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM), part of its disaster preparedness plan and due to reports of petty crimes outside the campus. Starting last January 17, only university students will be allowed to pass at the Muralla Gate of the campus, Felipe M. Cariño Jr., a retired marine lieutenant and head of the University’s Security Office said. Faculty, non-teaching staff and visitors will continue to use the main gate as added measure to improve the screening of non-students entering the university. These rules, however, are temporary until the construction activities at Gusaling Villegas are completed, Cariño told Ang Pamantasan. “First of all, ‘yung changing of the main gate to Muralla is for the safety and security of the whole student [population],” Cariño said after PLM students complained about
having to walk farther from the main gate at the corner of General Luna and Muralla Streets. “Kasi yung dating dinadaanan ninyo, medyo delikado, dito sa between Corazon Aquino and Gusaling Villegas. So madilim pa, masikip. For your information, siguro hindi ninyo nalalaman, may nauntog diyan sa aircon na nagtetext.” He said the passage between the Gusaling Villegas and Gusaling Corazon Aquino was too narrow and cramped for all the students, faculty, employees and visitors to pass, making it unsafe if a disaster, like an earthquake happens. “Nakita ninyo kung gaano kasikip ‘yung dinadaanan ng estudyante coming in and out,” he said. “Kasi kung magkaroon ng Big One, lalong magkakaroon tayo ng problema. Kaya napag-isip-isip ng PLM na buksan na ‘yung Muralla Street, Muralla Gate para sa safety ng tao.” The USO said that they will be strict in implementing this new rule on the use of Muralla Gate for students. “And the entrance sa Muralla Gate ay only, I repeat, only
for the students,” Cariño said. “So malalaman natin kung estudyante ka ba ng PLM. Eh kung hindi, eh di hindi ka pwedeng pumasok. Kahit na empleyado ka pa o kaya faculty ka pa, hindi ka pwede roon. Kaya nga sinabing “for students only.”” He explained further that the main gate is only for employees, faculties and visitors’ use. It will also serve as they exit so they are not allowed to use the Muralla gate to exit the university. For example, it will be more convenient for faculties who stay in Gusaling Lacson to use the Muralla gate as their exit but Cariño again emphasized that they should use the main gate. He also said there had been instances in the past when vehicles hit students entering the main gate. “Hindi lang first or second time na may mga nasagi diyan... so now, nakita naman ninyo kung gaano ka-safe ang maglakad sa Muralla kasi walang vehicles na masyadong dumadaan, may kalayuan nga lang ng kaunti pero masasanay din ang estudyante sa Muralla gate. The university security office Turn to page 3
auditorium, saying the university’s charter allows it. “In the past, it has been a matter of policy that PLM will not accept transferees. However, a review of our mandate, of our charter does not actually prohibit us from accepting transferees that’s why there was a board resolution that specifically mandated the university to accept transferees” he told during an open forum last month. Solidum said there are still no set of rules on the enrolment of transferees and it is up to the colleges to draw up sets of criteria for their admission. ‘But yes, as a matter of policy, we are accepting
transferees’ he added. Last year, the university has implemented an “open application” policy allowing non-Manila residents to enroll at PLM. Thus, transferees can be a resident of Manila or non-Manila student as long as they passed the PLMAT. Based on the Board Resolution No. 3818 “Proposed Guidelines for Transferees and Applicants to the Graduate Programs” it says there: The University Code of 2005 provides that transfer of students from other educational institutions shall be subject to availability of places, provided that Turn to page 4
PLM HOLDS PUBLIC FORUM ON REVISED STUDENT HANDBOOK by Ra niel C. Lorenzo
The Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila held a public forum in January to consult the student body on the revised Student Handbook, the first time the review and revisions are being made in five years, integrating the core values of the university and taking into consideration some students’ concerns Held on January 21-22 at the Justo Albert auditorium, school officials and a student representative answered queries from the student body on some important issues, like the wearing of school uniforms, initiating school activities and incurring some infractions that have corresponding sanctions. The revisions in the Student Handbook are not final and
executory because the policymaking body of the university has yet to approve the recommendations made by committee that reviewed the handbook, said Enrique Adolfo “Boogie” San Juan, president of the Supreme Student Council, who sits in the committee. “I would like to inform everyone na recommendatory level lang po ang committee,” San Juan said. “So, not necessarily na pag approved na po ng committee ay approved na po siya as an existing policy of the university. We have to undergo the process of presenting it to the executive committee and then the university council and lastly is the Board of Regents.” Some of the most important rules discussed during the two-day Turn to page 4
2 EDITORIAL/OPINION ESSENTIAL REPRESENTATION
ANG PAMANTASAN/ FEBRUARY 2015 ALLAINE JOLINA MATIC
Helter Skelter
WORK UNTIL YOUR IDOLS BECOME YOUR RIVALS.
The truth is, we all kinda suck at something at first, and eventually we get good at it. Here’s a fact: The first step at being good at something, is sucking at it. 10,000 Hours of Practice According to Malcolm Goldwell’s Principle, it takes 10,000 hours, estimated 20 hours per week for 10 years of “deliberate practice” to become or to be considered, at least a world class at any field. Experts practice what they learn, and in addition, they never seem to be content in discovering more of the field they are interested in. Note that in doing so, you need to focus on the task at hand and start small. Setting realistic goals and achieving them is an easier way to feeling more accomplished. Work until your idols become your rivals. I now finally understood why this became my sister’s favorite quote, because there is nothing more satisfying (for me at least) than to finally be able to become neck and neck with someone you idolize. Such situation is not impossible, it might take years, months, or for some, days probably
PATHRICK FERNANDEZ
Side Effects
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On revising the university’s student manual, the students must not only participate on a public hearing but they must also have their part on the contents of the handbook. EDITORIAL
The university is now on its way to strengthening the democracy within the campus as it called on to the student body to actively participate on the two-day public hearing for the revision of the existing student manual. The student manual is for the students to be guided on what is appropriate for them to be fully engage on the facets of being a scholar. This handbook is an identification of our university for it has the content that makes our university unique than the other as our handbook can be very effective in our student body but not on the other university premises. On revising the university’s student manual, the students must not only participate on a public hearing but they must also have their part on the contents of the handbook. Public hearing is an upright way on reaching out with the students but before the release or the implementation of new regulations, it’s a need to let the students be consulted upon the revisions to make them feel a part of the university’s decisions and for the student body to easily adapt with the newfangled rules if there will be any. However, to fully democratize the university, students must also be able to take part in drafting policies, in which the students call for a regent coming from the student body itself. Along with this, there is an alarmingly huge amount of students who has not received a copy of their student manuals. Ignorantia legis neminem excusat or ignorance of law excuses no one, but how are we to know of the rules we should abide to if we do not have a student’s bible? How are we to know what rights we have as students of this university? The student manual is not made
solely for the students, it should be respected by the faculty and the administration for the well being of the whole PLM community. The administration has made its efforts to reach out to the student body to inform them of the contents of the manual. It is both the administration’s and the students’ responsibility to be aware of the rules inside the university and the law that ensures their rights as members of the academe. In regards to this, the university must issue an edict of having a student regentsinside the Pamantasan who can assist on making the student handbook. These students will be the very voice of the student body on expressing their views and opinions on what policies they can agreed with the administration. Unsettling aside the existence of Supreme Student Council (SSC), the students only disseminate new regulations implemented to the student body. The councils can also help the students by bringing their opinions on what is already prepared but they are not in the position of making policies with the university regents. Having the student regents that will make the thoughts of the student body possible, this will make the university more democratic and the students can be easily aware on the changes as they have their representative on the talks of policies. Our administration’s decisions are still what we need to follow as they are the humble ones who take part on making the best out of the student body but what we want in here is to just be a part of the rules that we need to follow and I think as one of the best university, the PLMayers must do their part on being the best students too.
“I suck...”
The City Lights
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IT’S TIME FOR US TO TAKE A LEAP BY WORKING TOGETHER ...
There are things that we actually want to do just to make our lives much better. However, most of the time we tend to be very inconsistent with our actions. These inconsistencies hampers our personal growth. Our lack of certainty in making decisions and taking appropriate actions make us lose every opportunity that comes in our way. If being inconsistent slows down our own maturity and success, then we can also imply that inconsistency in a system of work impedes improvement in our society. It is undeniably obvious that sudden changes on how a process work consumes a lot of time on the side of the student organizations which they may use in enhancing and improving other
but it can happen, it all boils down on how badly you want to surpass their level. People become discouraged when they hear what it takes to be and or do great: a.) HARDWORK b.) a Your Worst Critic It took me this long to realize this but you know what? We have to stop putting pressure on ourselves that we are never good enough. We are our worst critics. There will always be someone better than you, but you can either opt for things to be that way or instead of feeling insecure, we can use these people as the source of our inspiration. The fear of judgment has made us (myself included) hesitant to do things, which eventually leads us to not do anything at all. We feel a lot pressure with what we do, especially because we know that everyone has a say in everything. But deciding to finally go out there and have some back bone to start your passion, whether it’s deciding to start a novel or even wanting to start to learn how to draw is the only way for us to hone our skills.
aspects of their capability. Presently, our student organizations are facing difficulties in seeking approval for their proposed projects and events. We understand the position of the university administration on implementing rules and regulations that the proposed projects should undergo. However, there are instances where policies are given which unintentionally causes delay for most of the pending proposals submitted by different organizations. If such scenario continue to prevail, there are side-effects that are expected to worsen. One of which is that many student organizations may no longer exist on the next academic year since
Ang Pamantasan
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The Official Student Publication of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila staff writers filipino editor editor-in-chief Clark Ivan Torres Sofia Jan Manlapaz Allaine Jolina O. Matic Amabelle Santos literary editor associate editor Shania Faith Loveres Pathrick Kyle B. Fernandez Carl Jerome O. Velasco art/illustration circulations manager managing editor Markuss O. Javier Pauline Jewel L. Sumayang Jonjielynn P. Ramos Ehren de Dios business manager news editor layout artist Raniel C. Lorenzo Jerica Veron S. Telesforo Pathrick Kyle B. Fernandez board secretary features editor technical adviser Angelica Rose R. Quero Glendel P. Nazario Prof. Manuel S. Mogato /angpamantasanplm | @AngPamantasanPLM | Gusaling Villegas, Rm. 305
NEWS 3
VOL. 2 / YEAR XXXV
SSC POSTPONES GINOO’T BINIBINING PAMANTASAN 2015 by Jonjielynn P. Ramos
STUDENT INBOX
WHAT CAN YOU SAY ABOUT THE OPENING OF PLM TO TRANSFEREES?
I'm uncertain if this is a good news or bad news. Maybe the K12 program greatly affects our university, yet, be that as it may, I want to know the reason behind this sudden change in our admission system. There's no problem with me if PLM accepts application for transferees as long as these students deserve to be scholars of Manila. It is a good opportunity for them, however, I hope PLM will still set the bar high and maintain its academic excellence. Colleen Lacuesta, BSE English
It is extremely disappointing to know that PLM is accepting transfer students and for what reason? The student population will not be that big of a problem because they are still accepting new FRESHMEN students right? But what if they were really thiking about the population of PLMayers they should have made a move and pushed that PLM can cater to the K-12 curriculum because it doesn’t seem right that they did not begin in PLM. It would be better if they really started their freshman year at PLM for them to even be considered as PLMayers. That’s what we did before and I didn’t see a problem with that. Elliza Camingawan, BSE English
In my opinion, having transferees in our university is better because of opportunities we might have. But I hope that they also have the qualities of a true PLMayer, the one who is intelligent,.competitive and comes from poor families, not just having them as an option to raise the quantity of students. Jillian Rose E. Recondo, BSBA MM
In my opinion, it is unfair, especially for those who previously aspired to transfer here in PLM. Bakit sa dinami-rami ng dapat baguhin sa loob ng Pamantasan ‘yun pa ‘yung naisipan nilang unahin? In the first place, nakilala ang PLM dahil sa high standards regarding sa pag-filter ng deserving students. i don’t think there’s a need to change the standard. Bakit kailangan baguhin ang nakasanayan kung naging effective at maayos naman siya these past few years? BAVES, BS Psychology
Side Effects...
they don’t have any accomplished project. This is crucial for many students since the existence of a student organization they belong to, helps in developing their human capacity, most especially their social well-being. It is essential for one’s development to participate actively in events apart from their academic concerns since it will boost their confidence by engaging with other people and being exposed out of their comfort zones. Without activities that aims to improve one’s self, a student
may be discouraged to go farther on learning his fullest capacity. We do not question the intention of the university administration in implementing their rules and regulations. But, we would like to respectfully ask the administration to give each organizations a chance to be able to hold their pending events under a more established and efficient process as it would help them carry on their goals as an organization next year. It’s time for us to take a leap by working together to meet the concerns of both the students and the university administration.
(Photo by: MM Rances. Courtesy of: Hannah Santioque) The University Supreme Student Council (SSC) has indefinitely postponed the annual Ginoo at Binibining Pamantasan 2015 due to weather conditions last December, but promised to hold the coronation night this year. The event is a university wide tradition that promotes personality development and an inspiration to the student body. The nine sets of contestants representing the different colleges for the much awaited beauty and talent competition were introduced on December 14 after the Dance Battle 2015 but rains halted the event and the organizers were given limited time to hold the contest. SSC Secretary Katrina Aguilar, head organizer of the Ginoo at Binibining Pamantasan 2015, said
ERRATUM
they could not risk the safety of the students including the candidates, because of the weather conditions. “The reason why we were really pushing for this event is because we believe that this pageant not only showcases the beauty and brains and heart (advocacy) of our students, but it also promotes personality development, camaraderie, school spirit and unity, and even serves as an inspiration to other students to be at their best,” Aguilar said, adding the competition is an annual event and held traditionally before the Christmas break. The SSC said they will push through with the Ginoo at Binibining Pamantasan 2015 this year but will still make arrangement with the university’s administration and looking for a date for the project.
In Ang Pamantasan’s previous issue, December 2015-January 2016 in the article entitled “PLM Merges Colleges in Preparation For Asean Integration”, we would like to clarify that there is no abolition of colleges that happened. Instead the colleges were merged because part of the university’s vision and mission is to be ASEAN integration-ready, which makes it proper for PLM to be compliant with the minimum standards of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), one of which is to observe vertical articulation. And to do so, PLM considered the recommendation to merge some Colleges. The department of Social Work that was before in the College of Human Development (CHD) is now in the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (CHASS) together with Mass Communication and the former College of Liberal Arts (CLA). We would like to clarify that VPAA said “Arrangements have been made to address the needed adjustments, such as that on some merged student councils. Moreover, the merging of some Colleges resulted to a more focused approach in responding to the academic needs of students, faculty members, and programs, which have been categorized according to area of discipline. In Ang Pamantasan’s previous issue, December 2015-January 2016, pertaining to the plans of PLM to offer senior high school approval, on the fourth paragraph states: “Current PLM students, who will shift courses or will take general education subjects next academic year can also enroll in the senior high school program, Sabio said.” We would like to clarify that the VPAA said “Should some students shift courses in PLM, they shall be accommodated as usual, that is, for as long as doing so does not run counter any university policy.”
“But, what I can assure the students is that the SSC is doing everything we can, seeking out every opportunity, trying out every option, to give the PLMayers our best,” Aguilar added. Aguilar said the council will release a financial statement for the project as soon as all expenses are accounted for and properly documented. The candidates had done their rigid preparation through workshops and rehearsals. They also had conducted an outreach program for children at barangay 655, Intramuros, Manila.
PLM SECURITY ... said students should not be surprised by the opening of the Muralla Gate because there were already announcements made before January 17. Cariño also assured the security and safety of faculty and students leaving the university late. Some classes end around 8:30 p.m. or 9 p.m. “Kapag gabi, may ilaw lahat ‘yung sides ‘nung building. So, mas safe ang estudyante if they will use the Muralla Gate,” he added. He said PLM security guards also escort faculty and students leaving the campus late because there had been cases of robbery and snatching in dimly lit road near the Round Table “The last colleges, especially College of Law, umaabot sila ng hanggang 8:30 and USG will accompany them or escort them up to the Round Table,” he said. “Nakakarating yung USG sa Round Table para ma-secure lahat estudyante ng PLM. Kasi minsan, wala ring pulis doon, so ang order ko, at least two USGs ang mageescort sa estudyante pauwi kapag gabi na. Kasi marami ng naii-snatchan diyan, nahohold-up.”
4NEWS
PLM ENGINEERING STUDENTS GEAR UP FOR SHELL ECO-MARATHON ASIA
ANG PAMANTASAN
INTRAMUROS, MAYNILA | YEAR XXXV
VOL. 2 | FEBRUARY 2016
by Pauline Jewel L. Sumayang
APEX 2016 (Courtesy of: Orven Gutierrez) A team from the university’s College of Engineering and Technology has made it the fourth and final round of the 15-country Shell Eco-Marathon Asia 2016, an international competition on designing and building a fuel efficient car, a member of the team said. The engineering students had completed in December a prototype vehicle, named SULO 2.0, which will be entered in OffTrack Awards for the gasoline category on March 3-6 at the Rizal Park in Manila. About 100 studentteams are competing. “We are doing final checks on the performance of the vehicle in terms of stability, fuel consumption, emission, and compliance to rules of Shell Ecomarathon," the team told Ang
Pamantasan in a written interview, describing the design of SULO 2.0 as a futuristic streamlined body car. The team started building the prototype vehicle around the second week of August last year and finished it by the first week of December. SULO 2.0 was finally launched at the PLM facade on Dec 14 The PLM engineering students also described their preparation for the event in one word— challenging. “Challenging in a way that we have to have the balance our work schedule, sponsorship requests, promotions together with our time for academics," the team said. The team said it is still trying to improve the electronics and communications system of the
-SUBMIT YOUR ENTRIES ON OR BEFORE FEBRUARY 17-
model and apply the real world engineering problems. “As pioneers in creating these prototypes here in PLM, we are looking forward to our successors to continue creating eco-friendly vehicles or maybe reconfigure SULO and SULO 2.0 for we admit that there is still room for improvement in our designs,”the team said. “Eventually, five years from now, our creations would be the best in Shell Eco-Marathon history and who knows, be a game-changer in the automotive business.” The team said as scholars of the City of Manila, despite the lack of resources, the team could still find its way to contribute and help create a cleaner and greener future.
PLM HOLDS ... public forum include the school uniform, the haircut policy, student misdemeanour, student-sponsored activities in the campus and the issue of transferees from other universities and colleges According to the draft presented, San Juan said that any student-sponsored activity inside the campus will be allowed until 9 p.m., wherein students were given an hour-long extension. The committee also proposed a new system for accrediting university organizations, allowing only 15 working days for the organization to submit all the required documents. Meanwhile, the committee was vague on the list of offences that carry sanction saying that community service cannot be imposed as a sanction to a student found violating some rules and regulations in the university “ Nagdedeliberate pa kami on that,” San Juan said.
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PLM TO ACCEPT ... they finish at least two years (2) in this University, and provided further that their admission is favorably recommended by the concerned College Dean after passing the required qualifying examination. In addition, interested applicants, both as transfer students or to graduate programs, must still pass the required qualification examination and comply to other admission requirements set for each program. The resolution says that interested applicants shall pay Php 600.00 for the Qualifying Test and processing fee worth Php 400.00. However, implementing rules and regulations with regards to the board resolution is still under the process of finalization on which the administration is currently working on. The Supreme Student Council (SSC) had earlier made an online announcement last December 28, 2015 on its social media account, giving instructions to both freshmen and transferees on how to take PLMAT. It also posted the
sets of requirements along with the frequently asked questions (FAQs). The school administration clarified that students who stopped but graduated from high school before the K-12 program and would like to continue a college education in the next school term are considered freshmen students. They will not be admitted in the senior high school program. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) also has set guidelines for the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) as to the students who will enroll as first year college next school year. Based on the CHED guidelines, higher education institutions can accept students this coming school year from “Early Adopters.” These students are from the schools the Department of Education (DepEd) has authorized to pioneer the Senior High School curriculum who are graduating this coming March 2016 and will be the freshmen HEIs can accommodate next school year.