WHAT TO EXPECT
We are torn between adapting and adjusting. Thus, underscored during an online interview by the standard bearer of the Ang Partidong Tugon (APT) for the Supreme Student Council (SSC) elections, Edwin Karl Basa from the College of Science, the new SSC president shall face the challenges of student leadership amidst the pandemic.Withan exit poll of 50% of the total student voter turnout or 3431 votes, the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) Student Commission on Elections proclaimed Basa as the new SSC president, overhauling his competitors with a wide margin in the first-ever PLM online elections conducted, Jan. 27.
KENJO DE PAULA JOHN COBY CABUHAT
“I should go deeper and tap students who won’t feel my leadership,” he said. Basa also mentioned that he aims to make the SCC be more felt by the students in a way that they can really consult with them. In addition, he visions a council that is transparent and more open to collaborate with other organizations and students.
“Dalawa naramdaman ko kung nalaman kong nanalo na ako. First, pressure and challenge, because I have to make sure na lahat ng promise ko is magagawa. And excitement doon naman sa fact na I won as the SSC president, and I will be working with new people,” he added.With a council formed by officers from various student political parties, and being the only representative from APT, Basa expressed enthusiasm and interest in working alongside them and to what new fellow officers have to offer the students. “Not because we are student leaders, we are different from them [regular students]. We are also experiencing the connectivity issue, and other problems brought by the pandemic like financial concerns, and ang ating emotions din,” Basa emphasized. The new SSC president accepted the fact that students will always expect him to help them by all means. And with a positive light, he mentioned that this shall serve as an opportunity and challenge for the officers to alike serve the student’s needs and lead as an example to the entire school community.
“I’m encouraging everyone to participate. Don’t be shy to reach out to your student officials,” he stated. Nonetheless, he urged students not to think of student leaders and officials higher than the regular students; that they should serve as watchdogs to check and balance the quality of work student officials carryAsideout. from Basa, the following shall form part of the new SSC officers: Katrina Villarin, College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences as vice President; Earl Sotto, College of Education as Secretary; Nicole Dela Peña, Treasurer; Samantha Vitan, Auditor, and Alexandrei Cetron as Public Relation Officer.
The Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Student Commission on Elections (PLM COMELEC) released the names of the official candidates for the 2021 Supreme Student Council (SCS) and College Student Council (CSC) Elections through a post on 11 January 2021. With the PLM COMELEC’s assessment of the requirements during the filing of certificates of the candidacy and in accordance with PLM Omnibus Election Code the following students are registered as official candidates.
Miguel Asiel Bautista of Student Alliance for Advancement of Democratic Rights (STANDPLM), Edwin Karl Basa of Ang Partidong Tugon (APT), and John Eldrine Roxas of Bukluran Student Alliance (Bukluran) will be facing each other for the seat of the PLM SSC President. The following are the official candidates for the SSC. Katrina Mikaela Villarin (STAND PLM) and Daphne Pia Bacsafra (Bukluran) for Vice President; Earl Vincent Sotto (Bukluran) for Secretary; Nicolle S. Dela Pena (STAND PLM) and Patrick Russel C. Figueroa (Bukluran) for Treasurer; Samantha Mae O. Vitan (Bukluran) for Auditor; Alexandrei A. Cetron (STAND PLM) and Jericho J. Robles (Bukluran) for Public Relations Officer (PRO).
‘TO FILL THE GAPS’ Basa, new council president; aims to make SSC ‘felt’ by the studentry 50% Basa Bautista Roxas 31% 14% 5% Abstain Supreme Student Council CAUP CET CED CMCHASSCNCPTCSPLMBSSOGCL CollegeRepresentatives Ang PartidongBukluranTugon STAND-PLM PulsoIndependentMedisina Vacant CollegeStudentCouncil The Official Student Publication of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila ANG PAMANTASAN Volume 41, Issue 2 • Post-Election 2020 OFTOTAL3431NUMBERVOTESSSC’S FLAGSHIP2132PROGRAMS951 Basa LangkayAgapay CommitteeEducationaEstablishStudentOnline RevisionStudentManual Bautista Roxas 1 2 3 PLM CandidatesandnamesCOMELEC2021SCSCSCElection PLM SSC OFFICIAL CANDIDATES READ MORE ON PAGE 2 President Vice President Treasurer Public Relations Officer SecretaryAuditorMiguel Asiel Bautista Daphne Pia Bacsafra Patrick Russel C. Figueroa Jericho J. Robles Samantha Mae O. Vitan Edwin Karl Basa John Eldrine Roxas Katrina Mikaela Villarin Nicolle S. Dela Pena Alexandrei A. Cetron Earl Vincent Sotto 4 7 10Pamamahala sa Kabila ng Pandemya PAGE 4 How Pandemic Reshaped PLM Student Elections PAGE 7 A CallClarion PAGE 10
FLAGSHIP PROGRAMS When asked about his future projects, Basa mentioned interesting proposals which project a studentcentered idea, leaving no student left behind the online class system. Langkay Agapay. As mentioned in the interview, this project shall be a student loan and gadget subsidy program. As the inaccessibility of education poses a great threat to students, creating this plan shall help ease the gaps of those with limited resources. Establish a Student Online Education Committee. This project is projected to help students be part of the process. This committee shall focus on informing student representatives from various sectors and organizations and keep them updated on the policy-making and revision queue of the SSC. Student Manual Revision. “Make the student manual more studentfriendly.” Basa also stated the incorporation of the Magna Carta of Students where they would like to further enforce the inherent rights of students, some of which are constrained due to some prevailing policies, and merge it in the manual. He stressed that these projects aim to help students financially and that the SSC would be able to maneuver these once the turnover of all accounts and budgets are completed.
BelizarTriciaeightdominatedsolethecandidatesreleasedcommissionrespectively.(PLMBS),Thealsothefor11CSCs.APT’scandidatesintheCSCs.ForCAUPSC,DanicaL.(President),
Certificate
TIMELINE OF EVENTS
FROM PAGE 1
For CN SC, Joanna Marie A. Balagtas (President), Erika Kyle O. Rosales (Vice President), Czarina Kim P. Musa (Secretary), Cara N. Bustria (Treasurer), Jessrel Mark C. Abayon (Auditor), and Marianne Victoria T. Gonzales (PRO).
On 11 December 2020, the PLM Commission on Elections (COMELEC) released a timeline of electoral activities for the 2021 PLM elections from 11 December to 1 February 2021.
of TimelineElectoral Filing of Petition
The Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) Supreme Student Council (SSC) and College Student Council (CSC) elections went online this year for the first time as the pandemic continues in the country. In the middle of a global pandemic, education in PLM shifted to distance and online learning modalities, the same as in the 2021 PLM elections. Several issues on the manner of the conduct of elections and the electoral calendar arose.
DEC 11, 2020 DEC 14-18, 2020 JAN 8, 2021 JAN 11, 2021JAN 12, 2021JAN 13-21, 2021JAN 16, 2021JAN 20-21, 2021 JAN 22-23, 2021 JAN 25, 2021 JAN 27, 2021 JAN 30, 2021 FEB 15, 2021 DEC 30, 2020 - JAN 5, 2021 DEC 21, 2020 - JAN 7, 2021
The outgoing Supreme Student Council (SSC) underwent organizational restructuring, budget realignment, and other internal changes to adapt to the challenges and demands of its responsibilities amid the online mode of learning.
On the other hand, independent candidates run for School of Government (SOG) Student Council (SC) and CL SC seats. For SOG SC, Marianne Bañez (President), Lorlyn L. Romano (Vice President), Zuie B. Reyes (Secretary); and for CL SC, Janis Angela J. Ilagan (President), Catherine Jade M. David (Vice President for External Affairs), Jell Effie Waje (Vice President for Internal Affairs), Johndel B. Cruz (Assistant Secretary), Maridie Katelyn Torne (Treasurer), and Angelina Maridele Paras (Auditor).
On the other hand, the Hatid Kalinga Project, which focuses on providing financial assistance and basic necessities for students who contracted COVID-19, did not also push through due to an insufficient workforce.
Orientation on Campaigning, Election Propaganda, and Miting De Avance Campaign PeriodPosting of Guidelines for Harapan Miting De Avance Election Days Announce of Result Proclamation of Newly Elected SSC and CSC Officers Submission of SOCE Oath Taking
Padilla also shared the difficulties posed by the transition to the digital platform in forwarding the student concerns to the university administration compared to face-toface“Mostinteraction.ofthe time, it takes days before the admin offices respond to the student concerns, unlike during physical classes. Before, what we just need to do is go to their office and forward the concerns of the students tapos right there and then maaasikaso na kaagad nila but now? Matatabunan pa yung emails namin ng madaming emails na nare-receive nila” Padilla said. She also stated that the slow bureaucratic process of receiving and delivering emails across university offices affects continuous communication, including meeting requests. Misunderstandings are also inevitable during discussions. Nonetheless, she noted that the current administration is more responsive regarding student concerns than the former administration. MAE GUMADE THE END OF AN ERA: Outgoing SSC’s Hits and Misses
Candidacies
Release for Political Parties Reconsideration for Filing of Petition for PartiesPolitical of of Release of Unofficial List of
For PLMBS SC, Christiana Jade Sa. Co (President), Kristein May E. Devilla (Vice President), Renee Herminylle C. Ruz (Secretary), Alyssa Mae R. Escano (Treasurer), Rhona Marie Marquez (Auditor), and Patricia Nicole Guevara (PRO).
PLM COMELEC set an orientation for the candidates about the campaigning, Mitingpropaganda,electionanddeAvanceon12January2021.
PLM COMELEC also named 22 candidates for the position of College Representatives. The following candidates are Ma. Eriel Jancel V. Garcia (APT) for College of Architecture and Urban Planning (CAUP); Janus D. Aventurado (APT) for College of Education (CED); Nathaniel S. Engineeringfor(Independent)Mae(APT),AbbygailM.StephanieM.(APT),CarloBacliliChristopher(Bukluran),AguinaldoBryanC.(APT),AngeloM.EslavaTristanKyleLayug(APT),MaeLuna(APT),B.SalasandChelseaT.TolentinoCollegeofandTechnology (CET). For College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHASS), Angela G. De Jesus (STAND PLM) and Sam Luis F. Valenzuela (APT); Donald P. Fiegalan (Independent) for College of Law (CL); Jheroche A. Cacalda (APT), and Katherine Anne M. Medina (APT) for College of Nursing (CN); Von Marc Gregore T. Mendoza (APT), College of Physical Therapy; Carl Jason Guevarra (STAND PLM), Alexander Danielle P. Lallamant (STAND PLM), Mariella Elaine B. Agliam (APT), and Edrea Mae S. Ramacula (APT) for College of Science (CS); and Janry S. Mendoza (STAND PLM), Monica Amido (APT), and Ma. Donabel C Hisita (APT) for PLM Business School
ReleaseCandidatesofFinalListofCandidates
For CED SC, Mazo, John Francis S. Mazo (President), Arcelyn G. Ocampo (Vice President), Dale Dexter E. Opinion (Secretary), Ianne Hillarie R. Ronato (Treasurer), Serafin Jr. B. Rapsing Jr. (Auditor), and Nestlyn Carla P. Martinez (PRO).
Former acting Vice President of the Interim Executive Committee Erica Jane Padilla said in an interview that the Council adjusted accordingly to optimize data and their human resources to efficiently serve the student body. “Lahat ng [information] and details na need hinahanda na namin beforehand tapos accessible sa lahat. Kaya sabi ko na malaki yung changes na nangyari sa pag-cater ng student concerns tapos pinapractice din na kasama ang student representatives sa paggawa ng decision na makakaapekto sa buong university na hindi rin ginagawa dati.”
The Council successfully launched the COVID-19 Help Desk, Health E-skolar, Series of Educational Discussions (SEEDS), and other civic activities such as donation drives and fundraising within their term, which extended help to those who are affected by natural calamities.
PLM COMELEC set an orientation for the candidates about the campaigning, election propaganda, and Miting de Avance on 12 January 2021.
GENERAL PLAN OF ACTION Changes to their General Plan of Action (GPOA) took place in line with their prioritization in raising student concerns.
Filing
2021 Elections struck the Social Media HANNAH ANDRIE ADAME
PAMANTASANANGThe Official Student Publication of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Volume 41, Issue 2 • Post-Election 2020newsPLM02
MECAELA
For CPT SC, Jerous Andrew C. Cantavieja (President), Hanna Carmina C. Aran (Secretary), Erica Mae C. Canlas (Treasurer), with an independent, Emmanuel Ryan Felix T. Marquez (PRO).
For CS SC, Janine Clare S. Dela Cruz (Secretary), Liana Neil C. Estoque (Treasurer), and Ezyrah Marielaine V. Angsuco (Auditor). With independents, Kisha D. Esternon (Vice President) and Lexandrine Gwyn G. Belenzo (PRO).
However, two major projects from their initial GPOA, namely the Langkay Agapay and Hatid Kalinga Project, were postponed. Langkay Agapay, a project that aims to provide capable devices and sufficient data allowance for students who are financially struggling to continue their studies for the academic year, was not materialized due to a delayed audit of the Council’s 2019-2020 financial statement.
SSC-ADMIN RELATIONS
While the only two candidates of CM SC, namely Bernadine Puti-an (President) and Sophia Lei L. Martinez (Vice President), are from Pulso Medisina.
However, the three official student political parties, Ang Partidong Tugon, Bukluran Student Alliance, and Student Alliance for the Advancement of Democratic RightsPLM, issued a joint statement sought for PLM COMELEC to reschedule the released Electoral Timeline and information dissemination on the manner of the elections. On 30 December 2020, PLM COMELEC released an adjusted electoral calendar through a post on their official Facebook page. The deadline for the filing of certificates of candidacy was moved from 30 December 2020 to 7 January 2021. On the other hand, as stated in the guidelines, Microsoft Teams was the official online platform used to facilitate voting, monitored by the Information and Communications and Technology Office (ICTO) and PLM COMELEC. All bonafide students of PLM were encouraged to exercise their right to suffrage to fair, accessible, and honest conduct of elections.Considering that the strict compliance on the process of filing requirements for candidacy should be met, the PLM COMELEC has denied the request for reconsideration of five PLM undergraduate students who aspired to run for 2021 Elections. This denial for the motion of reconsideration was made public by the PLM COMELEC on January 9 and rooted many emotional responses from some students of the said campus.To ensure smooth execution of elections, the PLM COMELEC, together with ICTO and the PLM administration, has also conducted a Mock Election on January 16-17. In addition, the PLM COMELEC also set an electoral calendar for professional schools composed of the College of Law and College of Medicine Student Councils. The Oathtaking Ceremony was held on 19 February 2021. The PLM shifted into online voting as students undergo distance and online learning modalities due to the pandemic.
For CHASS SC, Katrina Faith C. Nuñez (President), Hanna Niña Daniel A. Calma (Vice President), Kathryn May M. Orgasan (Secretary), Fiona Apple B. Fernandez (Treasurer), Immanuel Floyd T. Lim (Auditor), with an independent, Estrella, Martin Carl F. Estrella (PRO).
Danielle Angeli G. Pastrano (Vice President), Kent Marvin M. Mojica (Secretary), Kyle G. Serva (Treasurer), Ezequiel Joshua A. Punsalan (Auditor) and Shena Andrei M. Mercado (PRO). For CET SC, Maria Valerie E. Catapang (President), Denise Angela B. Francisco (Vice President), Charisse Nicole P. Aberin (Secretary), Mary Grace F. Perez (Treasurer), Kurt Kyle Azrae R. Garcia (Auditor), and Joyce Ann O. Orata (PRO).
COMELEC names 2021 SCS and CSC Election Candidates
Online Electoral Timeline
STUDENT GOVERNANCE CONTINUES:
On 8 January 2021, The PLM COMELEC Vice-Chairperson, through its COC Committee, declined the request due to the said members’ failure to provide the requested evidence of the said error in the form.
The following day, 9 January 2021, the APT filed a motion for reconsideration with attached screenshots. APT argued that the members did approach immediately the PLM COMELEC and that its members would have been able to submit the form if they did not experience errors, and if they were, at that time, assisted by the commission.
For CN SC, Joanna Marie A. Balagtas (President), Erika Kyle O. Rosales (Vice President), Czarina Kim P. Musa (Secretary), Cara N. Bustria (Treasurer), Jessrel Mark C. Abayon (Auditor), and Marianne Victoria T. Gonzales (PRO).
APT Chairperson Edwin Karl Basa informed PLM COMELEC Commissioner Jude Christian Mutuc on the night of 7 January 2021 about the issue with the uploading of COC-related files. In response, the PLM toemailsituation.explainingindividuallyformaltoAPTconcerneddirectedCommitteeExecutiveCOMELECthememberssendaemailtheInajointsentthePLM
Amidst a global pandemic and new learning modalities, the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) students elected the new Supreme Student Council (SSC) and College Student Councils (CSC) officers on the first-ever 2021 PLM Online Elections held last January 22 - 23, 2021 for undergraduates and February 9, 2021, for professional schools. The Tugon’sPartidongAng(APT) standardbearer and sole candidate in SSC, Edwin Karl Basa won in the SSC presidential race with 3,431 votes against Miguel Asiel Bautista of Student Alliance for Advancement of Democratic Rights - PLM (STAND - PLM) and John Eldrine Roxas of Bukluran Student Alliance (Bukluran) which have 2,132 and 951 votes,Togetherrespectively.with Basa, the following SSC candidates won, namely Katrina Mikaela Villarin (STAND PLM) for Vice President, Earl Vincent Sotto (Bukluran) for Secretary, Nicolle S. Dela Pena (STAND PLM) for Treasurer, Samantha Mae O. Vitan (Bukluran) for Auditor, and Alexandrei A. Cetron (STAND PLM) for Public Relations Officer. The PLM Commission on Election (COMELEC) also proclaimed the college representatives-elect, namely Ma. Eriel Jancel V. Garcia (APT) for College of Architecture and Urban Planning (CAUP); Janus D. Aventurado (APT) for College of Education (CED); Chelsea Mae T. Tolentino (Independent), Tristan Kyle M. Layug (APT), Stephanie Mae M. Luna (APT), and Nathaniel S. Aguinaldo (Bukluran) for College of Engineering and Technology (CET); Sam Luis F. Valenzuela (APT) and Angela G. De Jesus (STAND PLM) for College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHASS); Katherine Anne M. Medina (APT) and Jheroche A. Cacalda (APT) for College of Nursing (CN); Von Marc Gregore T. Mendoza (APT) for College of Physical Therapy; Mariella Elaine B. Agliam (APT), Carl Jason Guevarra (STAND PLM), Alexander Danielle P. Lallamant (STAND PLM), and Edrea Mae S. Ramacula (APT) for College of Science (CS); Janry S. Mendoza (STAND PLM), Monica Amido (APT), and Ma. Donabel C Hisita (APT) for PLM Business School (PLMBS). Sole candidates for the CSC posts were also proclaimed after being voted in by their respective electorates. The elected officers per the CSC are President-elect Tricia Danica L. Belizar, Vice Presidentelect Danielle Angeli G. Pastrano, Secretary-elect Kent Marvin M. Mojica, Treasurer-elect Kyle G. Serva, Auditor-elect Ezequiel Joshua A. Punsalan, and PRO-elect Shena Andrei M. Mercado for CAUP Student Council (SC).
On APT’S Motion for Recon: “Denied” - PLM COMELEC
Attached also in the email are the screenshots of communication between APT Chair. Basa and Comm. Mutuc, Basa’s sending the forms to five APT members and a screenshot of the form itself notifying the said aspiring candidates that they could no longer submit past the deadline.
The Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Student Commission on Elections (PLM COMELEC) denied the motion of reconsideration of five Ang Partidong Tugon (APT) aspiring candidates to submit their certificates of candidacy (COCs) after they missed the set deadline on January 9, 2021. APT’s aspiring candidates Jon Ehroin GayleandRicablanca,HannahRetardo,AubreyEnriquez,HannahBarawid,MaeSamanthaSantos filed a joint motion beforethroughreconsiderationforemailPLM COMELEC to accept their certificates of candidacy (COCs). The said appeal was made after they failed to submit their respective COCs on time due to an alleged system error. In PLM COMELEC’s Resolution No. 08-2020, the commission denied the motion for the five APT members “for their lack of due diligence to observe the proper timeline for the filing of COC and/ or for failure to submit their COC within the time provided and within the extended period.”
JOHN COBY CABUHAT COBY CABUHAT
The commission denied the motion for the five APT members “for their lack of due diligence to observe the proper timeline for the filing of COC
For CPT SC, Jerous Andrew C. Cantavieja (President), Hanna Carmina C. Aran (Secretary), Erica Mae C. Canlas (Treasurer), and Emmanuel Ryan Felix T. Marquez (PRO).For CS SC, Kisha D. Esternon (Vice President), Janine Clare S. Dela Cruz (Secretary), Liana Neil C. Estoque (Treasurer), and Ezyrah Marielaine V. Angsuco (Auditor), and Lexandrine Gwyn G. Belenzo (PRO) For PLMBS SC, Christiana Jade Sa. Co (President), Kristein May E. Devilla (Vice President), Renee Herminylle C. Ruz (Secretary), Alyssa Mae R. Escano (Treasurer), Rhona Marie Marquez (Auditor), and Patricia Nicole Guevara (PRO).
JOHN
For School of Government Student Council, Marianne Bañez (President), Lorlyn L. Romano (Vice President), and Zuie B. Reyes (Secretary).Forprofessional schools, PLM COMELEC proclaimed College of Law Student Council President-elect Janis Angela J. Ilagan, Vice Presidentelect for External Affairs Catherine Jade M. David, Vice President-elect for Internal Affairs Jell Effie Waje, Assistant Secretary-elect Johndel B. Cruz, Treasurer-elect Maridie Katelyn Torne, and Auditor-elect Angelina Maridele Paras; and College of Medicine Student Council President-elect Bernadine Puti-an and Vice President-elect Sophia Lei L. Martinez.Onthis year’s online election, PLM COMELEC recorded a voter turnout of 55.40%, with 6,871 voters out of 12,403 student population.
COMELEC, APT admitted to the commission that the said members started filing their respective COCs only a few minutes before the deadline but immediately after careful deliberation of the candidates to run for the elections. “Apart from this, an error in uploading a required file through the form was experienced.” added by the APT through the said joint email quoted in the resolution.
In a 17 - 22 vote, the commission denied the motion because the concerned members failed to prove that the said aspiring candidates experienced the errors themselves.
Katrina Mikaela Villarin VICE PRESIDENT Samantha Mae Vitan Earl Vincent Sotto Student Council Officers AY 2021-2022 55.40% 6,871 voters out of 12,403 populationstudent voter turnout
PLMayers elect its new student council officers
With the said error, the five APT members accomplished forms only a few minutes after the deadline.
On the same day, the APT sent a follow-up email containing the screenshot of the alleged system error from Fiona Apple Fernandez, an APT member, and an unofficial candidate.
The follow-up email containing Fernandez’s screenshot did not come from the concerned party members. In addition, PLM COMELEC was not also notified by any individual who successfully accomplished filing of COC about the alleged errors. Lastly, APT only approached COMELEC through Comm. Mutuc at 11:57 PM of 07 January, few minutes before the formThecloses.decision of the PLM COMELEC is not subject to appeal. With this, APT Chairperson and Presidential Candidate Basa, if accepted, will be the party’s sole candidate for the six top seats in the Supreme Student Council.
For CET SC, Maria Valerie E. Catapang (President), Denise Angela B. Francisco (Vice President), Charisse Nicole P. Aberin (Secretary), Mary Grace F. Perez (Treasurer), Kurt Kyle Azrae R. Garcia (Auditor), and Joyce Ann O. Orata (PRO).
ANGPAMANTASAN The Official Student Publication of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Volume 41, Issue 2 • Post-Election 2020 news 03
“Because no assistance or alternatives were given, the members exhausted means, such as converting file formats, inserting signatures in documents instead of uploading an image, re-uplaoding files multiple times etc. to accomplish the form; but were only able to settle everything at around 12:07 AM” the APT added.
For CED SC, Mazo, John Francis S. Mazo (President), Arcelyn G. Ocampo (Vice President), Dale Dexter E. Opinion(Treasurer),R.Ianne(Secretary),HillarieRonato Serafin Jr. B. Rapsing Jr. (Auditor), and Nestlyn Carla P. Martinez (PRO). For CHASS SC, Katrina Faith C. DanielHanna(President),NuñezNiñaA.Calma (Vice President), Kathryn May M. Orgasan (Secretary), Fiona Apple B. Fernandez (Treasurer), Immanuel Floyd T. Lim (Auditor), and Martin Carl F. Estrella (PRO).
Pinatunayan na buhay pa rin ang alab ng pamamahala at pamumuno ng mga magaaral na lider sa panunumpa ng mga bagong halal na opisyales ng Kataas-taasang Konseho ng mga Mag-aaral ng Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) noong ika-19 ng Pebrero. Hindi maikakaila ang hamon na dulot ng isang ‘online learning’ at ang epekto nito sa mga mag-aaral upang kolektibong magsama-sama para makabuo ng pangkat ng mga estudyante na may magkakatulad na nais na maglingkod sa pamantasan at isulong ang kapakanan ng mga mag-aaral. Sa kabila ng pandemya at krisis na kinakaharap ng sektor ng edukasyon, namamayani pa rin ang alab ng serbisyo para sa kapwa mag-aaral at ang kalidad ng pamumuno na maaaring maipakita ng isang kabataan. May kababaan man ang bilang ng mga kumandidato para sa eleksyon ng taong ito, ngunit sa katotohanang mayroon pa ring tumanggap ng hamon ay isa pa ring manipestasyon ng potensyal na mayroon ang kabataan. Kung mapapansin, lalo na sa mga konseho ng bawat kolehiyo, halos walang katapat mula man sa ibang partido o isang ‘independent candidate’ ang ilang mga tumakbo sa kani-kanilang posisyon. Mahalaga ang karakter na ito sa isang eleksyon, lalo na sa mga paaralan, sapagkat dito nakikita ang pag-asa na mayroon nang tumutugon sa tawag ng serbisyo. Gayunpaman, ang pagtanggap sa tawag ng tungkulin, na hindi naman pangangailangan ng isang mag-aaral lalo na at dagdag pa ito sa isipin habang may pandemya, ay nagpapakita pa rin ng malalim na pagnanais para makapaglingkod sa kabila ng lahat. Makikita mula sa iba’t ibang partido ang mga naihalal. Makakasama ng naihalal na pangulo, na nag-iisang kandidato ng isang partido, ang kapwa nito mag-aaral na lider mula naman sa dalawa pang ibang partido. Kapwa isang hamon at kalakasan ang ganitong resulta mula sa isang halalan. Maaaring mas mapalakas ang pamumuno ng konseho mula sa iba’t ibang ideya na maaaring dala ng bawat pinuno. Ngunit, maaari din itong maging sanhi ng hindi pagkakaunawaan mula sa mga miyembro ng konseho. Matatandaan noong eleksyon ay may iba’t ibang paninindigan at pananaw ang bawat partido na kanilang isinusulong. Mayroong mga magkakasalungat sa pamamaraan o nagkakaiba sa aspetong binibigyang diin. Base sa mga plataporma ng mga bawat partido ng mga kumandidato na ngayon ay mga nanumpang opisyales na ng konseho, may pagkakaiba ng pananaw patungkol sa estado ng tugon na nagawa ng administrasyon ng pamantasan gayundin ang aksyon na maaari pangMayisakatuparan.partidong nanindigan na hindi sapat ang mga nagawa ng pamantasan. Sa kabilang banda may nagsabing ang tugon ay maaari pang mas paunlarin upang matulungan pa ang mga mag-aaral at kaguruan. Dagdag pa rito, may naniniwala sa tawag ng ibang mag-aaral para sa ‘academic ease’ o pagkakaroon ng mga konsiderasyon at mas maluwag na pagsasagawa ng pag-aaral. Gayundin ang mga nagsulong para sa ‘academic freeze’ o ang tuluyang pagsuspinde ng panuruang taon. Sa kabila ng mga pagkakaibang ito, natunghayan din naman ang kakayahan ng mga magaaral na lider, mula man sa magkakaibang partido, maging iisa sa pagsasaalang-alang ng kapakanan ng mga naghalal sa kanila. Ang tatlong partido ay iisa para isulong ang mas maayos na Social Amelioration Program (SAP) para sa mga mag-aaral ng PLM, pagbibigay atensyon sa mental health, at maging tugunan ang pangangailangan ng mga nahihirapang estudyante sa online learning sa pamamagitan ng fundraising, load subsidies, at pamamahagi ng gadget. Hindi isang pagkakamali na bumuo ng mga plano na tumutugon sa malawak na pangangailangan ng mga mag-aaral. Sa katunayan, isa itong indikasyon na pinagisipan at naging kritikal ang mga magaaral na lider na tukuyin ang mga isyung ito lalo na at nasa gitna ng krisis. Ngunit, hindi rin naman maikakaila na hamon din ang dami ng mga panukala ng bawat partido at paano ito isasakatuparan ng mga nahalal na mula sa iba’t ibang partido.Kung hihimayin, ang mga sumusunod ay ang mga pangunahing punto ng mga plataporma ng ng bawat partido: Ang Partidong Tugon (APT): SAP Distribution, Langkay Agapay, Student Online Educational Committee, Accessible Office Directories and Processes, Student Assistance and Grievance Committee, and Mental Health Development; Bukluran Student Alliance: PLM Iskolar Coalition of Student Organization for Development and ExcellenceCODE (Makilahok), SAP for all Students, State of Emergency Button, Haribon Competition Fund (Magbahagi), Iskolar Rights Watch, Magna Carta of PLM Students, and Kaibigan, Kamusta ka? (Manindigan); Student Alliance for Advancement of Democratic Rights (STAND - PLM): Comprehensive Academic Ease, Safe Return to Face to Face; Genuine Student Representation, Higher Budget on Education, Student Wellness, Gender and Development, Genuine Academic Excellence, Democratic Rights, and Freedom of Speech andKungInformation.bibigyan ng pansin ang mga panukala ng bawat partido na siyang bubuo sa konseho ng mga mag-aaral, kinakailangan bigyan diin na mapag-isa at mapalakas ang pagsasakatuparan ng mga planong ito. Hindi ito basta mga panukala lamang sapagkat ito ang inihain ng mga mag-aaral na lider upang sila ay iboto ng mga kapwa nila mag-aaral. Hindi dapat maiwan sa eleksyon ang kanilang ideyalismo at mga ‘ipinangako’ sa kanilang mga paglilingkuran. Isa sa natatanging katangian ng politika at pamamahala sa mga paaralan ay ang siyang literal na nakatayo at naka-ugat sa isang akademikong institusyon na binubuo sa mga kritikal, may pinag-aaralan, at may kamalayan na mga mag-aaral, kaguruan, at administrasyon. Limitado ang kakayahang makilahok sa pamamahalang ito dulot ng pandemya at kasalukuyang pamamaraan ng pag-aaral. Gayumpaman, ang mga hamong ito ang siyang dapat magpalakas ng partisipasyon ng mga magaaral sa pamamahala ng konseho. Ito ay hindi lang dahil nais nating masiguro na maisakatuparan ang kanilang mga pangako, kung hindi upang matulungan sila na mapagtagumpayan ito.
MOGOL, CARL JUSTINE HERNANDEZ, ASHLEY MAY TUPAZ, JUNNINECACNIO,MARIEFAITH VALENZUELA, ANGELYN BIANCA MANUBAG, ANNE LOUISE Illustrators and Cartoonists
GUMADE, MECAELA MAE Acting Editor-in-Chief MENDOZA, NICOLE ANNE Managing Editor CABUHAT, JOHN COBY News Editor MANANSALA, ALAIZA ELAINE Features Editor CABALQUINTO, ELECYL Filipino Editor CARIG, ANNE NICOLE Literary Editor CASTILLO, JOHN DENZEL Sports Editor ROMERO, ART CEDRICK Online Editor GONZALES, FLORIANNE KHAYE Board Secretary ALMARIO, PHOEBE STACEY Circulations Manager MERCA, MAUREN DOROTHY Business Manager
The Official Student Publication of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
BANZON, TRISHA MAY Sports Staff PROF. LUNINGNING GALINDEZ Technical Adviser ADAME, HANNAH ANDRIE PATCO, ELIRA VERA News Staff DE PAULA, KEN JOSHUA SAGUN, DAPHNE Features Staff
Pamamahala sa Kabila ng Pandemya
PAMANTASANANGThe Official Student Publication of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Volume 41, Issue 2 • Post-Election 2020 opinion 04
Mapapansin din sa eleksyong ito na halos nasa 55.40% lamang ang mga bumoto mula sa kabuuang populasyon ng mga mag-aaral. Maaaring dulot ito ng mga hamon ng isang online voting. Dagdag pa rito ang limitadong pangangampanya ng mga kumandidato online na dahilan din na maaaring hindi lubusang nakilala ng mga magaaral ang mga kailangan nilang maihalal. Malaki ang gampanin ng isang aktibong eleksyon at pagboto sa pamamahala ng mga mag-aaral na lider sa mga pamantasan.Kaugnay nito, isang kolektibong responsibilidad ng mga mag-aaral, kandidato, ang Komisyon sa Halalan, at ang administrasyon, na hindi kailangan na laging maging katwiran ang kasalukuyang estado gayundin ang pandemya upang gampanan natin na panatilihing aktibo at buhay ang halalan at pamamahala ng mga kabataan. Sa kabuuan, mahaba-haba pa ang lalakbayin ng mga nanumpang kabataang lider. Isang hamon ang pandemya sa pamamahala ngunit nakasalalay rin sa bawat magaaral ang magiging tagumpay ng konseho at pagsasakatuparan ng mga programa na higit na makakatulong sa lahat. Higit kailanman, ito ang mga panahon na mas kinakailangan na tumayo at manguna ang mga kabataan sa kabila ng ibang hamong panlipunan at pang-edukasyon. Nanatili mang buhay ang diwa ng mga kabataan lider ngunit mas nangangailangan ito ng suporta dahil ang mga susunod na araw, linggo, at buwan ang tunay na hahamon hindi lang sa liderato ng konseho, maging sa buong pamantasan.
ANDEDITORIALBOARDSTAFF
GONZALES, INA FRANCESCA REGENCIA, REENA FAYE Filipino Staff CRISTOBAL, MARY JILLIAN MARQUEZ, PATRICIA GABRIELLE Literary Staff DAVID, JESSA YUKI DIONISIO, KEITH KENDRICK Online Staff BELENZO, LEXANDRINE GWYN CABALLERO, MARIANE GAYLE LAGONERA, MA. GIFTA SANTOS, PATRICIA Graphic Artists PAYOS, JHON BERT NAVAJA, KIM ANGELO SAN JUAN, BENJAMIN Layout Artists ARIEGA, BILL PHILIP DIONISIO, IBANICA GUILLANG, LORRAINE ANNE Photojournalists
ANGPAMANTASAN The Official Student Publication of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Volume 41, Issue 2 • Post-Election 2020 opinion 05
Student involvement in previous elections and campaigns during faceto-face classes was always the spectacle. The attendance of everybody under the Tanghalang Bayan, whether by intrigue or interest, gave pressure to aspiring student leaders during electoral debates to push them towards their wit’s end. Campaigning from classroom to classroom; a part of the tradition that beheld the university during this period wherein candidates would lay out their platforms, programs, and plans when they secure electoral seats were rampant. These faceto-face interactions among voters and aspiring studentleaders were integral to student governments. It allowed them to secure involvement from the students when they took their positions and eventually helped them implement their programs towards the constituency more effectively.Now,to say that the political parties’ campaign in the recent student elections (which were held online) went swimmingly would be a lie. While their advocacies felt like they had the same spirit as previous campaigns did by stirring up the students’ beliefs, they fell short of people’s expectations. People were detached; voter turnout was not as impressive considering the supposed ‘convenience’ of online ballots, and participation wasn’t as high as anybody had hoped. The buildup towards the occasion was mired with delays and issues, too; some predictable, others unavoidable.Buttobe completely honest, who didn’t expect it to happen as it did?The transition to an online platform for education has dramatically changed the landscape of how students interact with each other, and no more was this great shakeup evident with the recentlyconcluded student government elections within the university. But after the dust has settled and the succeeding casting of ballots has finished, I’ve come to understand that we should pull down our expectations a few notches more than we would like to do so. Things are not going to get better after this academic year because no one is equipped to lead under the circumstances we see ourselves in. Extending help towards students will be a monumental task for the upcoming officers. Rallying people behind an advocacy will prove even more challenging. A lot of us will be looking at the new officers with a gleam of hope in our eyes that they’ll overcome the challenge of distance and disconnection and look for an impactful term. History has told us tales of past student leaders who surmounted challenges posed by previous administrations and oppressive national governments. In all those times, leaders were thoroughly involved in motivating, organizing, and mobilizing the studentry as a collective to push for reforms. Everybody rallied behind figures and stood together in solidarity with each other. This same flare remains within every iskolar of the university. But today, we see students detached and uninvolved. We are weakened and worn, pulled apart and separated, but definitely hopeful. The challenge posed now is that of pulling the hands of our fellow to bring them back to their feet, a challenge all too difficult to achieve with distance and through a screen. Expectations
Usually conducted during the second semester, the 2021 Elections was delayed due to the ongoing pandemic. In an interview with current PLM COMELEC Chairperson, Ms. Patricia Mari Alcid, she stated that they planned the election by drafting a calendar as guided by the omnibus code. Specific tasks were distributed to the commissioners after the calendar was approved by the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (OVPAA), such as reaccreditation of political parties, screening of candidacy filings, monitoring the campaign period, the Harapan, and the election proper up to the oath-taking. Despite the delayed election timeline and the constraints of the online setup, they were able to work systematically while ensuring the conduct of a secure and fair election. In terms of student elections, voter turnout is one of the most crucial indicators of how stakeholders participate in the governance of the university. Low voter participation is a common problem in university-level elections, and it is not exclusive to our university. Several points are amplified by the transition from the traditional to the online voting process. Foundational issues include the electoral system, institutional factors, and security concerns. Aside from these, political, social, and cultural barriers also contribute to the problem. As students, our participation in university-wide elections is hugely determined by our perceptions of the issues at stake. Our responsibilities, as stakeholders, goes beyond voting alone. Understanding the depth and impact of our vote goes a long way. It boils down to knowing our role in deciding where the peoples’ taxes will be spent. We need to be involved as a representative of the diverse population of the university’s stakeholders.Avoterturnout of 55.4% in the most recent university elections is slightly more than half of the population of the students. If we are going to look closely, we can say that this is low. On the other hand, the omnibus code begs to disagree given its provision stating that voter turnout should not be less than 30% of the student population for the Supreme Student Council and not less than 25% for the College StudentDespiteCouncils.this, these statistics can also suggest that the functions of the PLM Supreme Student Council (PLM-SSC) and College Student Councils (CSC’s) are based on the opinion of the limited sample. At this rate, it is likely that the students have experienced a disconnect from their student leaders and programs. To expound further, we are well aware of the current online classroom setup and how it has crippled some students who do not have the same access as others. Therefore, we can also say that the sample lacks representation from stakeholders who do not have the same access to the internet and the required devices.Given that the problem arises with the low voter turnout and issues on representation, it is a must to trace it back to its roots. The problem goes beyond the way the PLM COMELEC conducted the elections or the limits provided by the pandemic. As Alcid mentioned, “Even if the internet is rampant and that everyone is on social media, it’s still not easy to get people involved in university elections.” It stems from the lack of interest and knowledge of the students regarding their role in the elections. The issue is that the students think that it does not matter. Still, given that it surpassed 30% and 25% of the minimum voter turnout rate respectively, it is commendable. It reflects stakeholders who are informed and concerned with the university elections. To solve this, immediate action to improve voter participation is necessary. The administration, faculty, staff, student councils, and the student body must work handin-hand with the PLM COMELEC in fostering an environment and culture of political participation at the university level up to the national level. This way, the students would feel connected and involved with the student leaders and their programs. Specifically, given the slightly low voter turnout, a universitybased research unit could help collate voter participation data, providing a substantial backbone in determining the trends and statistics behind the low voter turnout.
More than Just a Ballot Box MAUREN MERCA Switch Our Pamantasan held its first online election ever for HALALAN 2021. Despite the pandemic and challenging setup, it was still made possible with the collective effort of the PLM Student Commission on Elections together with the Information and Communications Technology Office (ICTO). Students were still able to practice their right to vote amidst all the hindrances, and yes, although it is new and unconventional, for now, it is what we have and what we should work on - but why should we decline the idea of online or electronic voting system for choosing the nation’s leaders? Democracy. There are two critical components to true democracy - anonymity and trust. No one should determine who you voted for, and each vote cast should not be tracked back to the voter. With confidence, the vote you cast should be secure and accurately counted and should be apparent to everyone even if it gets technical. The election is one of the ways we see each other as equals. Regardless of your position in life, profession, or any other factor to which we categorize ourselves, every vote has the same amount of influence to sway the results. It turns ‘a’ country to ‘our’ country. However, true democracy is beyond the ballot boxes during elections. Democracy literally means the ruling of people. Ergo, people are the ones in power to decide on important matters that affect their lives. Ideally, the heart of democracy lies in the best interest of the people, by the people. It should also give the voters confidence in voicing out the changes they wish to see. As children, we were exposed to classroom and campus elections as early exposure to the election process by voting for the leader of our choice. It becomes our training ground for practicing our legal democratic rights, from voter’s education to educating ourselves in choosing the right leaders. Voters' education is provided by the state or those in authority, most likely the electoral commission, giving the citizens basic information regarding their participation in the elections. This includes the education on the process of registration to be a voter, the election process itself in accomplishing the ballots and the electoral system as a whole. Every election, the most significant chunk of registered voters belongs to younger generations but will only be relevant if they make their vote count. “Isang boto lang naman yun e” is the phrase we usually hear from those who do not practice their right to vote. Based on lower turnouts in the previous midterm 2019 elections, staying on the sidelines enables the oppressors to continue to take advantage of the voiceless is still a vague idea to many.Democracy is only as good as the intelligence and education of the people making the decision. It relies on the understanding of people of the choices they are making.The system we currently have is not perfect. The anonymity and trust needed are compromised based on stories in and out of the law. This laborious and timely process has been there for quite some time, and we still cannot manage to put it to near perfection. However, that is not the point. The point is that the attacks against it are familiar to us and have greater chance to be void rather than the new and electronic platform and this is not the time to experiment with that part of our democracy. Same goes if one wants to sway an election, there needs to be an immense amount of money, time, and number of people to be able to influence an election. Yes, it is the modern day where we do most things with the use of electronic machines and codes in its system, so shouldn’t online or electronic voting be around the corner? It is not. Blockchains and new technologies will not be able to assure the anonymity and trust of the people and this is the part where it gets technical. Again as democracy requires that all citizens should be able to trust the system regardless of its technicalities which will not be satisfied if we were to use such. The election process we have now is supposed to be less vulnerable to attacks, but can you imagine the attack on an electronic and online voting system by a small group of people generously funded and supported by some powerful people in society?
DENZEL CASTILLO
Satellite Elections: To vote or not to vote?
Per Orem Tipping Point
Curb Your
NICOLE ANNE MENDOZA
Make dreams into reality.
“I’m not the best. Pero gagawin ko lahat katulong ng aking mga kasama para makuha natin kung ano yung best para sa mga estudyante at para sa Pamantasan.” Naniniwala kasi ako na yes, there should be standards para sa student leaders, but the true power ay mula sa mga estudyante, at ang totoong leader ay yung kaya ‘yong ipalabas mula sa kanila.
New SSC officers: they are, what they’re up to KENJO DE PAULA Q3
As we greet the second semester, the PLM studentry also welcomes its newly elected set of Supreme Student Council (SSC) officers for the Academic year 2020-2021, who shall face the challenge of student leadership in the new normal setting. “We are expected to be more ready sa set-up, and master it to achieve our plans and goals for the term,” stated by Edwin Karl Basa, the new SSC president.
What more can you offer as a student leader that your predecessor lacks?
It is in my personal objective to pursue the creation of a Student Regency for a better student representation, despite the process it shall undergo, for it shall help raise student’s concerns and give us a special power to vote in the board of regents.
“Rise and stand with the students in fighting for what is right.” I believe that the SSC is an avenue to which I can help my fellow students who are experiencing hardships.
Aside from that, I want to end the connotation that we have with our student leaders. That we SSCs are “nakakahiya i-approach” and I want to let the students know that we are all equal; that we are in this together, and they may approach us for any concerns or questions that they have. I myself, as the SSC Auditor, is open, approachable, and transparent sa mga kapwa ko iskolar. setting. “Hindi ako titigil hangga’t mayroon akong magagawa. At kung wala na akong magagawa, gagawa ako ng paraan.” that I won’t stop until there’s a dead end. And if ever I reach that dead end, I will find ways or better yet create a new way for me to get past it.
What is studentmantrayourasaleader?
It’s all about communication Bilang isang estudyante-lider ninanais natin na maging produktibo sa paraan na natutugunan natin nang maayos ang bawat isyung kinahaharap ng kapwa natin mag-aaral. Syempre kakambal nito ang maayos na pakikipagkomunikasyon at relasyon sa kanila na ramdam na kaisa ako/tayo nila upang ‘di sila mahiya at matakot na mag-reach out sa konseho dahil kung ganu’n ang mangyayari para saan pa ang konseho?
“My main goal is the implementation of SAPat.” However, I know that this will not be possible without the help of other officers, other councils, and the help of my fellow students. Mayor Isko’s response to this request should also be taken into consideration but rest assured that the student councils will exhaust all possible means for this project to materialize.
“Kailangang mailapat ng bagong konseho ang sistema ng pagtugon sa bagong sistema rin ng edukasyon.” We are also focused on the creation of student regency and committees that shall focus on addressing student concerns.
Who
PAMANTASANANGThe Official Student Publication of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Volume 41, Issue 2 • Post-Election 2020 features 06
My mantra of being the embodiment of a world that we currently dream of but can make into reality, by being a living testimony of what we wish to see by being an example of the nourishment that the world needs amidst the circumstances.
“Allowing the students to feel that the Supreme Student Council is within their reach.” To be able to fulfill and live by the pursuance of plans and bringing to life the course of action that is necessary for the sake of the whole university.
It is to help make our current setting bearable and easier for every sector in PLM. And above everything else, the heart to stand indignant and fight for the students’ rights and well-being.
The new council aims to efficiently address student concerns in the test of online schooling through the creations of necessary committees organizing, uniting, and empowering fellow Haribons. In addition, they underscored the importance of inclusivity through the “SAPat,” or SAP for “Angall.kabuuan ng plano ng termino ngayon ay pagtayo at pagsimula ng mga nararapat na komiteng kailangan ng estudyante nariyan ang AntiDiscrimination Board, komiteng magsusulong para sa SAP for all, para sa pagrebisa ng PLM Charter at Student Manual,” said Katrina Villarin, the new SSC vice president.Replacing the incumbent SSC officers are as follows: Basa, President; Villarin, Vice President; Earl Sotto, Secretary; Nicole Dela Pena, Treasurer; Samantha Vitan, Auditor; and Alexandrei Catron as Public Relations Officer. Here’s a short introduction to PLM’s new student leaders:
Q1 Q2
and
“Prinsipyo, Puso, Paninindigan,” Putting my heart onto this obligation is a must, to know where our fellow students are coming from, and holding my convictions tight, being unfazed of different opinions, is key to serving the studentry.
“I will focus on inclusivity. We, the SSC, along the CSCs are pushing a SAPat, or SAP for all.” We are all adjusting in this online learning set-up and it is hard for everyone, but I think it is harder for those people who lack resources needed to cope up in this setting.
What is your main goal during your term?
“We are expected to be more ready sa set-up, and master it to achieve our plans and goals for the term.” Although, I do not see it as their shortcoming, for no one was really prepared from the shift of face-to-face to online mode of schooling.
“To help and to fight for the students.”
Photo courtesy: PLM Student Commission on Elections Facebook Page
“Secure all the student representation” I want all students to be heard at all times. My goal is to ensure that while we are in the online set-up, no one shall be left behind, and that the learning process continues.
“Aim for excellence, perseverance, resiliency, and genuine love.” My individuality as a student leader is what makes me distinct amongst everyone, it is what I can offer as a student leader.
“I personally aim for a pro-student council wherein students’ concerns are well addressed and I strongly hope and believe that in our term, we can achieve such a thing.” We are also focused on the creation of student regency and committees that shall focus on addressing student concerns.
“Understand the student’s struggles.” A student leader should always walk with the students to fully understand their struggles while thinking ahead for a solution or a move to address these. He should also always remember his purpose and for whom his service is for.
“I am here to help my colleagues to address the problems that we have encountered with our current setting and find proper solutions to these problems.”
“Mapalalim ang pang-unawa nating mga estudyante na hindi lang dapat tayo nakaturol sa pang-akademikong usapin sa loob ng Pamantasan bagkus ay mamulat natin ang isa’t isa sa dinaranas ng masang anakpawis.”
What should our student leaders be like?
When we see the word leadership, what exactly do we envision? Is it someone standing proud and tall, brimming with confidence with every step that they take? Is it someone wellspoken, standing behind a podium, smiling with the friendliest of smiles? Is it someone that you can relate to, someone approachable, someone who’s just like you? They are often put in the spotlight and looked upon by those that they serve. In the supreme student council, they are the ones who represent the student body. It is no joke to serve the student body while being a student yourself. It is a role that people often admit that they cannot handle. Not everyone can take the responsibilities that come with it. So, what should our student leaders be like?
The Miting de Avance, also known as Harapan, which was usually conducted in the University Activity Center (UAC) or the Tanghalan Bayan (TB), was now done through a Facebook Live broadcasted in a Facebook group named PLM 2021 ONLINE ELECTIONS. The loud noises usually heard in approval or disagreement to a candidate’s answer in a face-to-face debate were not present this election. Instead, PLM students showed their support through the comment section.Microsoft Teams was the platform used for the conduct of the actual elections. Students were added to their respective cluster precincts where they can access the e-ballot. Instead of manually shading, students clicked on the circle next to a candidate they wanted to vote for. And unlike before, where students shoot the ballot in a box, they only need to click the submit button to finish. Now, instead of an indelible ink on fastermaterials,reach,andOnlinedenyaboutpeoplewhileouradjustmentshaddogeneratesGooglequicklyThetheusedTheManilaonmanualnoCanvassingsubmitwillconfirmationvotedyouthefingernail,yourproofthatalreadyisthethatappearafteryouyoure-ballot.ofvoteswaslongerdonethroughcountingandtallyingconnectedsheetsofpaperintheUAC.PLMStudentCOMELECaspreadsheettoshowsummaryofthevotes.resultoftheelectionswasdeterminedbecauseFormsautomaticallyareportonit.Thepandemicforcedustoalmosteverythingonline.Wetogothroughconsiderableinordertocontinueliveswiththenewnormal.Butitmaybeviewednegativelybywhoaren’tknowledgeabletechnology,wealsocannottheadvantagesitgaveus.electionshavetheirproscons.Moreextensiveaudiencefreshideasforcampaignconvenientvoting,andmorereliableresultsare
topits Whilebenefits.technical issues, the possibility of election tampering, and lack of personal connection between the students and candidates are some of its drawbacks. Changes can either be good, bad, or both. But since the circumstances we are left with gave us no choice but to accept it, we shall utilize it to our benefit. Whether these changes are only temporary or will become our new normal, no one can tell.
How pandemic reshaped PLM student elections ALAIZA ELAINE MANANSALA Photo Ubisecurecourtesy:Website
Gone were the election campaign practices we have known for years—candidates shaking hands with the students, visiting classrooms to broadcast their platforms, and walking around the university wearing huge name tags to introduce themselves. Even the voting process itself shifted from manually shading the ballots to voting through online forms. The pandemic sure brought loads of changes to students’ lives—from how classes are conducted to how examinations will be taken. Now, it has also redesigned how student elections are administered.
Leadership.
Former Acting Vice President of the A.Y. 2020-2021 Interim Executive Committee Erica Jane Padilla shares the challenges and responsibilities that came with being in the SSC. The first of many is making sure that they genuinely represent every student and making sure that their suggestions and concerns reach the school administration. She shares that she learned about the importance of keeping all the sectors in PLM balanced to make sure that we coexist in one community. “Mahirap dahil, katulad nga ng nauna kong nabanggit, kailangan din namin isaalang-alang ang magiging epekto nito sa ibang sektor. Naniniwala kami na kaya nating bumuo ng mga suhestyon sa mga suliranin na ating kinakaharap na hindi nakokompromiso ang ibang sektor,” she said in an interview. She also shares that it is challenging to balance everything, as each group or organization has its ideology and calls that aim to help the student body. Another challenge is convincing the students that they have the ability to fight for their rights. With these challenges, what kind should our student leaders be like, and what are the standards they must be held accountable for? Ms. Padilla says, “I think they should be driven, smart, and courageous enough to fight for students' rights and welfare. Itong characteristics na ito is just the bare minimum of what student leaders should have. Naniniwala ako na it would be more bearable and easy to handle for student leaders to handle each situation kung sila mismo ay buo na at hindi na basta-basta mase-sway ang grounds or yung principle mismo nila.” She stresses the importance of not forgetting your own core values while being open to other people’s ideas, because if you do forget your values, the decisions and actions as a leader will depend on what other people say. “Kailangan buo ka bago mo pasukin ang student leadership dahil malaki ang posibilidad na hindi mo makilala ang sarili mo pagkatapos.”Inchoosing the next student leaders on the campus, Ms. Padilla says that we should first and foremost look at the individual’s beliefs, as their principles and core values will dictate how they will pave the way for their constituents towards change and improvement. Secondly, for the candidate, it should be clear to them what steps they need to take in order to achieve their vision for the university students and for the university itself. Third is our belief in the candidate’s ability in handling the responsibilities. She says that we should assess the candidates well as students, who can we trust and who could handle the aforementioned challenges.
“. Kailangan natin magamit ng tama ang kapangyarihan natin sa pagboto at ibigay ang kapangyarihang iyon sa taong pinagkakatiwalaan nating gagamitin iyon sa tama,” she shares.She recalls that being in the council was fulfilling. “Sobrang dami kong natutunan sa panahon ng panunungkulan ko, mula sa pagpoproseso ng mga dokumento na kinakailangan hanggang sa pakikibaka para protektahan ang karapatan ng mga mag-aaral at idulog sa mga nakatataas ang mga suliranin na kinakaharap nila. Natuto rin ako ng table negotiation with different officials from the university, from faculty members to university president himself. Nakita ko kung paanong ‘yung struggle from other sectors within university are interconnected and at the same time needs to be dealt with by each sector. Yung struggle ng students ay hindi nahihiwalay sa struggle ng faculty members.” Hearing all these things from someone who has experienced serving the students, it can be said that being a student leader is a demanding role to take. On top of all the academic work and personal struggles, you also have to carry other students’ struggles. It takes more than just being a good student to be a good leader. It takes courage, the right motives, and being grounded. With the next batch of student leaders that we will have, let us see if they truly have what it takes to be a good student leader.
DAPHNE SAGUN ANGPAMANTASAN The Official Student Publication of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Volume 41, Issue 2 • Post-Election 2020 features 07
Last January 22-23, 2021, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila held its first-ever online election. The filing of the certificate of candidacy was done through the submission of an online form provided by the PLM Student Commission on Elections. The campaign period began on January 13 to 21, 2020. Instead of the usual face-to-face introduction of candidates, they announced their candidacy through social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and even Tiktok. Most of the candidates changed their profile pictures on Facebook to let the student body know that they are running for a particular position. Since informing the students of their platforms by visiting classes is not possible, they broadcasted their programs and projects using Facebook. Before, the party lists channeled their creativity through making jingles and slogans; now, it is done through videos, infographics, and posters. Political parties like Ang Partidong Tugon (APT) and Student Alliance for the Advancement of Democratic Rights (STAND) did a Facebook Livestream where students threw questions to the candidates by commenting or tweeting. Bukluran Student Alliance and APT let the students know of their General Plan of Action through infographics posted on their respective Facebook pages. These three political parties also posted videos of their candidates introducing themselves and their projects. The social media platform popularized during the pandemic, Tiktok, was also used by the candidates of College Student Councils from APT. Online campaigns seemed to provide more freedom, creativity, and audience. Since anything can be posted online at any time, it will be harder to keep track of the campaign materials published. To ensure that it will not be abused, the PLM COMELEC established a set of guidelines for the candidates to follow. Boosting campaign materials on any social media platform is not allowed. The utilization of mass email is also prohibited. They were also mandated to use the #PLM2021OnlineElections in every campaign material they will post for monitoring. They should also adhere to the University’s policies regarding freedom of expression and standard of behavior. Candidates were also required to have at least one post about the importance of voting.
Since this is the first time for PLM students to experience an online election, a mock election was conducted on January 1617, 2021, in preparation for the actual election. According to the post of PLM Student COMELEC, its goal is to evaluate the online voting platform’s integrity and functional capabilities from voting to consolidation and canvassing of votes. It also aimed to resolve technical issues that may arise.
Cindereller
Nag-iisipbecause?siya, Mga izkalats, kabilang ka ba sa mga nag-sign up sa membership ng pag-abstain nitong nakaraang halalan? Kung ano man ‘yang sagot mo, congrats! Mayroon kang (hindi ito free trial) one year subscription sa mga representanteng ito! Mayroon akong nakilalang dalawang philosophers mula sa sikat na sikat na bird app. Ang sabi ng unang philosopher, mayroon tayong karapatang mag-abstain, gamitin natin ito. Interesting. Pero saan nga ba lulugar ang mga iskalats kung wala silang makitang dezurving at pasok sa kanilang standards bilang maging representante? Basta na lang ba tatanggapin kung ano ang nasa hapag? Ika naman ng pangalawang philosopher, ang pagpiling lumiban sa pagboto ay tila pagechapwera ng sakripisyo sa pagbuo ng mga organisasyon ng mga iztudent liders mula sa history.
FindingOption
Sa eleksyong naganap, hindi lingid sa atin na bawat iskalats ay may karapatang mamili kung sino ang bet nila. Sabi nga ni mareng Moira, #MalayaKaNa. Kaliwa’t kanan ang pangangampanya at naging trending topic din sa komunidad ng PaMinTasAN ang naganap na Miting de Avance kung kaya’t kung titingnan, naging sapat na ang pamamaraan na isinagawa upang makilatis ng mga Phlegm-ayers ang mga kumandidatong lider, lalo na sa kasalukuyang sitwasyon.
The Official Student Publication of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Mayn Volume 41, Issue 2 • Post-Election 2020
Ngunit hindi lahat ay matatanggap ang desisyon ng bawat isa. Isang pahayag mula sa ibon ang pumukaw sa atensyon ng iilan na cUtE raw di umano ang mga gradweyt iskul dahil nag-iisip ang mga ito. Mahihinuhang sa mga departamentong ito lamang nanalo ang isang partido, partikular na sa pagka-pangulo sa EsEsSi. Kung gayon, sila lang ang nag-iisip because? Damay na rin ang samu’t saring mga pasaring kaugnay sa naturang pahayag. Talaga nga namang mas magiging cUtE kung marunong lang sanang rumespeto ang bawat isa sa desisyong i-practice ang rights para walang iskalats na ma-left behind.
Heller, heller, heller , my dear isKalats! Kahit binubugbog na akes ng mga requirements at assignmentZ na kailangan ng bonggang turn-in sa MicroSurFTimz, lam n’yo naman na ‘di papahuli ang lola ninyo sa mga superjinet na chiKa lalo na ngayong eLeksYown sizon. Kahit mega daming ganap ng bAdet na itey, I kNow naman na magsasara ang Tab sa Timz ‘pag wiz akes nag turn-in ng assignment bago pumatak ang 11:59 ng miDnayt at magsara nang tuluyan. AY, Cinderella yarn?! Pero chrue! Wit naman akes magko-call out nang bongga sa aking pRof kahit kNows naman n’ya na ‘di lang jisa jisa ang mga #Tasks na dapat kong gawin, lalo na kung i-aalay ko ang aking self para sa subject na beri beri challenging, gaya ng aking mga cLassmeytZ.
Ang desisyon bang iwanang blangko ang balota ay sumasalamin sa pagiging apolitical? At ang pagdedesisyon bang pulutin na lamang kung ano ang inihain para sa mga iskalats ay pagwawalang bahala sa kung ano ang dapat na makuha talaga ng mga iskalats? Bilang mga iskalats ng bayan, medyo mapili at mataas kasi ang standards ng mga ‘to pagdating sa pamumuno. Hindi sa pagiging choosy, ‘no. Charot, choosy pala talaga! In my opinion (eme!), ang ‘vote wisely’ ay hindi lamang para iboto ang mga pangalang maiingay at mabulaklak, ito ay pagpili sa kung ano ang sa tingin mo ay dapat. Kung minsan, ang lesser evil ay nagkakaroon ng pagkakataong isaayos at ituwid mula sa kabilang riles ang kaniyang mga plataporma pagkatapos niyang mahalal. Pero madalas, sa iba, wala tayong mahihita mula sa mga salita nila. Kaya masisisi mo ba kung ang piliin ng mga iskalats ay wala sa balota?
Sa katatapos na eleksyon, ang say mo ba sino?
Isa ka ba sa mga abang na abang sa kaliwa’t Getz kita! I’m sure, naniniwala kang pwede nitong na ise-select mo sa voting form. Well, aminin mo man listahan kami ng ilan sa mga iyon. Pero ang tanong, tinutukoy ng hanash?
‘Di tulad ng gLass sHoez ni vAkLAng Cindereller, wit naman mAgiCkK na magkakasya ang aking hambol self para sa #Readiness en #Rezponsibility na need bilang righteous na iStupident ng pAmintasan. Knows ko naman din na wit ang mga pRof katulad ni Ari na will sWitch my #PositionZ for U ‘pag sumablay akes sa deadtLine.
Isyung
Chika here, chika there. Spill here, spill there. naman pala kasi.
there. Thread here, thread there. Hayst. ElecSHOWn sizon na kaliwa’t kanang #patutsada, #tirada, at #tsaa tuwing eleksyon? madiktahan ang iitiman mong bilog, pero this time, bilog man o hindi, affected much ka sa mga ito, kaya naman may tanong, isa ka ba sa mga pinanggalingan ng hanash o isa mga ay naging dahilan ng pagkapanalo o pagkatalo ng kung At syempre ‘di magpapahuli ang mga filemeyrzz sa mga nagbabagang chika. Hayaan mong paulanan ka namin ng mga malupitang blind item. #spillthetea Da who ang kandidatong NAGMAMAKATI raw at nasasangkot sa isang NAPAKAKATING KAGANAPAN in the past? Kamutin natin yan, gh0rl? *sinuntok yung pader, kinamot yung makati* Truly naman na looooooooong time ago na ‘yon pero marami talagang naloka sa mga naungkat na wititit. Kung ‘di ka naman naaliw sa bruhang itech, ‘wag na mangamba pa. May ihahain pa kaming mainit-init na tsaa.
The Official Student Publication of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Volume 41, Issue 2 • Post-Election 2020
Isyung Isko
Oh well, buti na lang at pagod ako para tumakbo dahil baka ‘di ko naman ma-FuLfilL sa tamang oras ang aking goaLz o kahit ang mga simpol beybi steps. Masyadong matigas ang aking kNeez and tOes para sa mga bagay na keribels sa‘king tots, pero ‘di ko naman pala kaya tapusin bago ang deadtline. Osya, dami pa akes requirementz. Babayuu, mga chakang iSkaLatz! Candidate yan, gh0rl?
Siz mo, sawa na “Ah, “Bakitsiya.”siya lang?” “Bakit kahit na anong gawin ko, siya pa rin?” “HUHU, yaw qou na!” *inihagis ang phone* *tumulo ang luha kasabay ang sipon* Hay,Yikes!akala mo usapang pag-ibig na naman ‘no? Parang kayo ni bebe mo na dapat isa lang, kung ‘di lagot na. Pero hindi ‘to usapang pag-ibig kaya tumigil ka na sa pag-iimadyin. Spell NO CHOICE. N-O *space* C-H-O-I-C-E. Sa ganitong sitwasyon, nakakaimbyerna ang isa lang at paulit-ulit na parehas lang naman ang pagpipilian. Paano ka pipili kung no choice ka naman? Lalo pa kung kilala mo ‘yong isa na ‘yon at alam mong wapakels naman talaga siya sa #social responsibility. Surelalu ba itey na may say at alam ang pwestong nilalaban o baka naman basta next-in-line sa #family, oks na. At para lang ma-make sure na sa linya nila manggagaling ang hahawak ng title? Woah, taas ng IQ level! (pero mas mataas sa akin ghorl *hair flip*) At why naman tumiklop ang ibang #family? Mukhang dinamdam masyado ang #paubaya. ‘Di rin pwedeng sisihin ang mga ayaw pumili at kumampi na kay kumareng #abstain, lalo na kung nakikita nilang for #formalitypurposes na lang ang lahat. Lakasan na lang ang wish na ‘wag manalo si kumareng abstain. Pero ano bang mas maganda talaga? Si kumareng abstain na blangko ang posisyon o ang kandidatong hanggang papel lang? Ikaw na sumagot. *bato-bato sa langit, guilty ang magalit*
Da who naman ang mamshie mo na kandidato rin pero puro eventzzz lang daw ang knows? Knows mo ba? Kebs naman kung mahilig talaga siya sa BONGANG EVENTZZ (push mo lang yan, mamsh!) pero nakakapagpataas talaga ng hairline at bangs ang nasagap ng aming radar. Ang mamshie mo raw ay nag-aattitude sa mga bagong filemeyerzz. #welcometoPhLegM Truly ba ito or chika lang inez? Naiintriga na ba ang vaklush na nagbabasa nito? ‘Wag ka na magpahuli, gh0rl!
Pero ang tunay na nakakalerki ay ang #fact na sa ganitong mga ganap, talagang naglalabasan ang kaniya-kaniyang baho at intriga sa past at present life ng kandidato. Hay, sinetch itey kayang nanalo sa elecSHOWn? Isa kaya siya sa dalawang itech? If yes, pangatawanan sana ng vaklush na itey na waley namang truth ang mga say! Dahil kung truth itey, pwe!
I remember sweat droplets built up on my ittemples;created a sea mixed with those who clamor; My gut was desperate to lure me onwards beyond the scorching ground to which I stand Betweenon. these fears and the noise that demands areclaritythe sea of uncertainty; and the land where I could hide from; their waves were inviting, and the cries were —convincingoverwhelmingenough even if I walk in blindly; At last! I dashed free beyond the shoreline of my Overquandary.theocean where the quiet storm awaits, we settle ourselves amidst the battleground. The waves were deafeningly silent, but only collecting, waiting for another one to be the subject to Theyjudge.demanded, listen to what the ocean would Thesay. deep could be our guide back home safely. Go with the flow, but not too complacent; be bold, but above all, hold wisdom in the Thejourney.sea does not need another one to go against thewith;furious squall will not wage war on those who oppose its current. What it needs is a wanderer that begs withunderstanding,awilltolive and become one with the Andocean.someday, the moment we set our sails back from the shoreline, we’ve dipped our toes only to know how deep this sea has come; the unknown struggles and uproars underneath its we’vetrenches,drowned ourselves to wash off our qualms.
by: Mary Jillian Y. Cristobal
A clarion call
Sino ang Tunay na may Pananagutan?
PAMANTASANANGThe Official Student Publication of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Volume 41, Issue 2 • Post-Election 2020
By: Patricia Gabrielle L. Marquez
Hindi kasalanan ang kritikal na pakikibaka Ngunit ang pagpikit kapag namulat na At ang pagkitil sa mga inosenteng mamamayan Na siya lamang nagsanay ng karapatan.
To cease the flow of pernicious influences from days past‒Understand, the road to true emancipation was never easy; Gifting the fire, a divine spark that frees hollow ohbeings,Psyche, guide us through treacherous ravines that nab aspirations from steadfast, youthful visionaries! Brooding melancholy for an unreachable hope, use these ambitious dreams to defy self-imposed status quos; Keep away from the sundry herds of zealots and pragmatists lest they jeer again at our ardent desires with cynical spectations. Until we become the people that we are meant to be: Reform, arbitrate, be fierce in the pursuit of failure and success‒for an envied throne of class refinement waits fervently, so never be disenchanted, be dignified in potential Slingsactualities.andarrows of false pretense from crooked systems may scour; These dismal situations, do we stand to lose or to Asgain?our fears weaken our resolve into dismal practicality and dispassion, Now in the hands of the youth is the last in Pandora’s box‒Do we dare to dream, or do we simply submit?
Mga paglilitis at paratang na walang saligan, Sa sariling baya’y inalipusta ng mga Pilittampalasan,napinatatahimik ang boses ng Lansanganpagsusumamo,aybinalot ng panaghoy at silakbo. Sa halip na pakinggan ang mga panawagan, Kasundua’y binuwag sa batayang hindi Atmakatwiranipinagkait pati ang huling ligtas ng tahanan. Ngayon, sino ang tunay na may pananagutan?
Ang patuloy na pagpulisya sa loob ng mga Aypamantasanbantasakarapatan at kalayaang pangKinakailanganakademiko. ba talagang umayon sa marayang pamantayan Na walang humpay na idinidikta ng may Nakasandigkapangyarihan?parin sa anino ng nakaraan Ang mga polisiyang itinatakda Kaya’t patuloy mang punawin ang kolektibong Ayhangarinpatuloy pa ring ipaglalaban Sapagkat balutin man ng panglaw at pangamba, Pagbubuklurin pa rin ng iisang hiraya, Mamumutawi pa rin ang layong lumaya— Sa huli, kalayaa’y siyang pithaya. Ni Anne Nicole Carig beyond the shoreline
