T H E O F F I C I A L S T U D E N T P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES - MANILA VOLUME 31 • ISSUE 4-5 • NOV 10, 2017
NEWS
04
JEEPNEY MODERNIZATION
FEATURES 08
THE STAKE OF OWNERSHIP
CULTURE
10
OPINION
14
TAGAY!
EYES OPEN
Lakbay Magsasaka 2017 02 NEWS
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LAKBAY MAGSASAKA 2017: Continuing t LIAMSON ACEDERA GATAPIA & RYANA YSABEL NERI KESNER
Moreover, arable land is set to be lost to government development schemes, such as Duterte’s “Build, Build, Build” program. Farmers are expected to be displaced as the program constructs dams, expressways and centers for military operation across Central Luzon. The military compounds to be claimed will be utilized for joint military exercises with US troops.
This year, the peasant sector marched to the capital to demand genuine agrarian reform and to call for a stop to increasing militarization in the countryside. Over time, the transfer of land ownership from the country’s various colonizers to present-day Filipino landlords has deprived farmers the opportunity to possess the land they till. Moreover, the continual monopoly of these landlords, through the protection of the law, remains an obstacle these farmers continue to fight against.
Government Action
Problematic Legislation Hopes for genuine agrarian reform were first raised when Republic Act (RA) 6657, or the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), was signed into law in 1988. Despite being designed to redistribute both public and private land, provisions protecting the interests of landowners hindered distribution in favor of commercial development. The effects of CARP continued to be felt during the Arroyo administration, and the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Extended with Reforms (CARPER) in 2009 prolonged and worsened the plight of peasant farmers. The five-year extension allowed for the redistribution of private agricultural lands on the condition that CARP had managed to successfully redistribute 90% of its previously reduced scope. For this reason, then-chair of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) Rafael Mariano explained that it was ‘designed to fail’. Additionally, CARPER continued to lag behind during the administration of former President Benigno Aquino III. The program remained underfunded, and reports of corruption within the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) began to circulate. By 2015, Aquino made scarce mention of agrarian reform in his State of the Nation Address (SONA). Despite Aquino’s promises to finish distribution by the end of his term, an estimated 4 million out of CARP’s original target of 10 million hectares had been distributed by June 2016.
Students from UP Manila support the peasant sector at the October 25 protest. Photo by Agatha Hazel Rabino.
This was further obstructed by private armies hired by the landlords who continued to harass peasant-farmers, with those within the CojuangcoAquino’s Hacienda Luisita being among the most affected.
Further Neglect AMThrough reinforced governmentsanctioned counterinsurgency programs such as Oplan Bayanihan and Oplan Kapayapaan, peasant activists and indigenous communities were made more vulnerable to red-tagging by members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
eventually put distributed property back into private hands. Consequently, the export-oriented allocation of land in Mindanao has contributed in securing the influence of transnational corporations (TNCs) over vast tracts of property. Even more hectares are being appropriated to mining, thus lowering production for food security in the region.
The rejection of Rafael Mariano’s appointment as DAR secretary served as one of the biggest losses to the peasant sector this year. For many, this symbolized Duterte’s lack of resolve for his initial campaign promises for genuine agrarian reform to materialize. “Ka Paeng’s rejection will only intensify the struggle for genuine agrarian reform and rural development, especially that the peasantry and the Filipino people have nothing to depend on but their collective action,” remarked AMIHAN National Federation of Peasant Women Chairperson Zen Soriano. As a result, farmers now fear the threat of further repression upon the creation of the Philippine National Police
“There are already 91 farmer-victims of EJK across the country,”Anakpawis party-list representative Ariel “Ka Ayik” Casilao reported on October 20. “We blame this to his all-out war policy in the countryside, accompanied by his counterinsurgency program Oplan Kapayapaan.” In addition to this, landlords continue to avoid distribution of property by means of land conversion and land ownership schemes which
Members of the Samahan ng mga Ex-Detainees Laban sa Detensyon at Aresto (SELDA) join the peasant sector in intensifying their calls against increasing militarization of the countryside. Photo by Agatha Hazel Rabino.
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the Historical Struggle for Land (PNP)-AFP Inter-Agency Committee on Legal Action (IACLA) to combat terrorism. This fear is intensified especially with the possibility that the next agrarian reform secretary may be affiliated with the military.
Calls for Change In response, farmers across the country formed a protest caravan and held demonstrations in Manila from October 16 to 25. Dubbed “Lakbay Magsasaka”, the caravan put at the forefront the sector’s main call for genuine agrarian reform. Thousands of farmers from Northern Mindanao, Davao del Norte, Bicol, Central and Southern Luzon, Cagayan Valley and Ilocos-Cordillera converged at the capital to participate in various fora, educational discussions, cultural solidarity nights and other activities in line with the theme: “Pambansang Lakbayan ng Magsasaka para sa Lupa at laban sa Pasismo.” This culminated to a nationwide protest last October 25. Led by Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), representatives of the peasant sector assembled at the Welcome Rotonda in Quezon City and marched to Mendiola to rally against the implementation of martial law in Mindanao and against extra-judicial killings (EJKs), especially those of peasants and peasant leaders.
livelihoods for farmers deprives families their right to education. “Sa ganito, mas napapagsamantalahan sila ng sistema at ng mga nagpapairal dito - mga landlord, usurero, big companies, at iba pa,” Cortes expounded. “Kaya dapat ipamahagi na ang lupa sa mga magsasaka at magkaroon ng libreng edukasyon para sa mga kabataan regardless kung magsasaka, manggagawa, ptb o kung ano pa.” Until today, unbalanced low-wage schemes such as Pakyawan and the forced tenancy instead of ownership of the land they till have ensured the lack of sustainable livelihoods for farmers and their families. Agriculture without genuine agrarian reform ensures that the peasantry remains an impoverished sector.
Delegates of various peasant organizations converge in protest and march towards Mendiola. Photo by Agatha Hazel Rabino.
“They were all subjected to the most heinous atrocities—killed in the most inhumane manner,” NNARAYouth National Executive Committee member Steven Besana said of those from the peasant sector lost to EJKs. “Farmers demand an end to the intense militarization campaign carried out by government forces as sanctioned by the Oplan Kapayapaan.” Meanwhile, student- and youth-led organizations from universities and colleges around Manila came out in support of these calls during the October 25 protest. They emphasized the importance of free education in relation to genuine agrarian reform. National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP) Regional Coordinator for Northern Mindanao Alana Cortes explained how the lack of sustainable
An effigy created by UgatLahi Artists’ Collective, titled “Duts in Boots”, symbolizing ‘militaristic’ US-PH relations under the Duterte administration. Photo by Agatha Hazel Rabino.
04 NEWS
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JEEPNEY MODERNIZATION: Forcing the Transport Sector to the Corporate World ARTHUR GERALD BANTILAN QUIRANTE AND ROMEO EARNEST GERIAL FUNTILA III
Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) jeepney drivers and operators led a twoday transport strike last October 16 and 17 following the government’s plan to phase out jeepneys more than 15 years in service and replace it with modernized public utility vehicles (PUVs) amounting between P 1.4 to P 1.6-M.
Arroyo and P48/liter of diesel and P51/ liter of gasoline in Aquino’s term.
Stop and Go Coalition (SGC) National President Jun Magno stated that every driver is being compelled to coincide with the “modernization” program. “… ang ipapalit ay ang kanilang e-jeep, solar jeep o ang modelong may makinang Euro-4 na ang halaga ay P1.4 to P1.6 million na ipapautang daw ng Land Bank sa mga operator ng PUJ na huhulugan ng P800 a day at ang lumang jeep natin ay babayaran na lang ng P30,000 [na] salvage fee,” he expounded.
Simultaneously, IBON, a non-stock non-profit research and development organization, called on the government not only to repeal the competition, but to surpass it by taking the oil company Petron and giving it a firm anchor in the domestic market. The group also urged the administration to undertake other interventions such as centralized procurement and setting up a fund for stabilizing prices or explore alternative trading arrangements.
Struggle From Oil Firms It has been reported that for the past years, strikes have always been held by the transport sector to combat the policies and implementations that hinder their earnings and affects everyday commuters. Since the Oil Deregulation Law (RA 8479) of 1998, oil prices have risen drastically to as much as P51/liter of diesel and P61 per liter of gasoline in 2008 during the administration of
The said law grants the freedom of the oil industry to price their products solely based on market competition. This prohibited the government from influencing the pricing established by the oil companies.
Market-Controlled Prices
The issue of oil overpricing has reached its peak in 2011. According to IBON, oil firms have been charging an additional 20-22% more for diesel, for instance, than what is called for by the increases in the price of Dubai crude (the source of local gasoline companies for oil). Aside from government intervention, the 12% value added tax (VAT) on oil caused prices to spike higher. Correspondingly, IBON estimated that an average P48-B yearly from the VAT
Youth groups and mass organizations conducted demonstrations in support of jeepney drivers. Photo taken by John Michael Tribiana Torres
on oil or P239.6-B from 2006 to 2011 had been the intake profit of the government from oil prices alone. Furthermore, the February 2017 transportation strike has demonstrated the capabilities of the average Filipino driver by compelling the government to declare work cancellations nationwide. In line with this, strikes have been held against the takeover of corporations and the phase-outs by transport coalition PISTON. According to the coalition, the scheme is merely a justification for oligarch corporations to take over transportation sector.
No To Corporate-Led Modernization
Infographic by Justine Vince Amanca De Dios
During the recent two-day transport strike, the protest actions were held to denounce the phasing out of jeepneys, as well as the overwhelming costs the average jeepney driver has to shoulder during the process.
Furthermore, PISTON SecretaryGeneral Steve Ranjo described the modernization program as a whole package meant to hand over the jeepney transport to corporate interests. Additionally, he said that the government aimed to have all jeepneys manufactured in the Philippines to make the plan acceptable to the people. He explained that if the fleet management program would be enforced, large corporations such as the Ayalas and Pangilinans would displace small, independent driver-operators’ groups. Due to this, what remains then of jeepney transportation will then be cornered by the bigger corporations. Ultimately, transport groups PISTON have called the plan "anti-poor", saying a brand new jeepney would cost at least P1 million per unit, and would be financially impossible for drivers. Meanwhile, leftist group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) acknowledged the need to improve the quality of PUVs. Despite this, it said that the phaseout program would eventually lead to a loss of livelihood for drivers and operators and cause a massive decline in income to millions of Filipinos.
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Urban Poor Group Slams Demolition of Homes Displaced Families Demand for Social Housing Program EUNICE BIÑAS HECHANOVA
Around a thousand homes along East Bank of the Manggahan Floodway, Sta. Lucia village in Pasig City had been subject to demolition last October 18 due to standing on a “danger zone”. The Pasig local government nevertheless assured residents of a relocation site in Calauan, Laguna Province. Despite this, it was reported that residents who did not enlist for relocation and financial assistance were shocked to discover that their homes were target for demolition as well.
Dissenting Oppression Meanwhile, residents disagreed offered to move to the relocation settlements due to the fact that these sites were too far from their established livelihoods in the city. Aside from this, in another demolition in Pasig last August, over 40 protesters, including minors, were arrested when they put up resistance. In this process, Balikwas-Kadamay barricaded their homes for protection. According to Barangay Chair Edwin Bunag, families have lived in this area for already 30 years. Consequently, they have been appealing to President Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte to grant them the land.
Pressing for Rights
Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992 (UDHA). Maza argued that according to this law, a demolition will only be carried out once both parties agree on the assigned relocation site. Furthermore, she contended that the claim for evicting the families along Manggahan Floodway on the basis of standing on unstable grounds was unreasonable. She added that the displacement was mainly for the prioritization of projects to further “elite interests”. “The poor are not garbage that can be thrown to hell-like places and wasted just like trash”, Maza disputed. “They have rights and deserve more protection (compared to) other citizens because they lack vital resources and can only bank on basic decency and the law to protect themselves.” In line with this, Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (KADAMAY) asserted that they will continue to oppose the demolition of homes in the area.“We stand for the right to stay put, and for genuine on-site development which includes granting access to social services, recognition of housing rights, livable wages and the creation of jobs not the creation of homelessness”, they stated.
In relation to this, National AntiPoverty Commission (NAPC) Liza Maza stressed that these demolitions violated Photo by Agatha Hazel Rabino
THE STAKE OF OWNERSHIP provide better and efficient state subsidy and support to the agricultural sector, particularly by promoting cooperation. In an agricultural industry that repeatedly harkens back to the time of feudalism, GARB is a program that promises to be an avenue for actual reform. It aims to end the long overdue argument of land distribution, finally favoring the farmers whose rights have been trampled on since the country was dominated by foreign powers and governed by interests of the
| FROM P.9
elite. When the focus deviates from the landed elite who are desperate to protect their interests, the government, at last, has done its duty and served the masses, paving the way for progress to be for all. The Spaniards’ arrival in the Philippines have led to an arduous and bloody battle over the country’s soil. However, over a century after they have departed, the waves of blood has just gotten stronger. Peasants during that time who were trapped under the restraints
of landlessness have passed on their bondage to the generations of farmers fighting their forefathers’ battles today. The agricultural sector carries the entire country on its back, as it provides food for all. After decades of its hard labor exploited by the feudalist state, freeing the peasantry from the bondage of its landlessness remains at utmost importance. Prioritizing the needs of the elite vehemently undermines the need for emancipation, much less disrespect
the struggle for it. Only in joining the struggle of the masses and supporting the solutions that actually cater to them— such as implementing the Genuine Agrarian Reform Bill and promoting nationalistic, scientific, and massoriented industrialization—will the state, at last, achieve true progress. In liberating the peasantry, the Philippines shall finally be allowed space to grow.
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UPM Joins Yearly National Mental Health Awareness Week ADOLF ENRIQUE SANTOS GONZALES
NEWS DOSE ISYU SA ESPASYO (PART 1/3) SOFIA MONIQUE KINGKING SIBULO
Ang kampanyang #WeNeedSpaceNow ay patuloy na kolektibong iginagaod ng mga estudyante sa pangunguna ng konseho upang matugonan ang pangangailangan sa espasyo tulad ng mas mahabang oras sa silid-aklatan at tambayan ng mga organisasyon. Noong 2016, sinimulan ng Univerity Student Council (USC) kasama ang League of College Student Councils (LCSC), Coalition of Organizations, Fraternities, and Sororities (COFS), at Rise for Education (R4E) Alliance ang kampanya na noo’y #WeNeedSpaceNow. Dito pinasinayaan ang All Students Meet (ASM) para pagusapan ang mga pangangailangan sa espasyo na tumutugon sa paglago ng bawat estudyante, na inihahain sa administrasyon. Nagkaisa ang mga estudyante mula sa iba’t ibang kolehiyo at mga organisasyon, fraternity at sorority ng UPM para magkaroon ng tambayan, at panatilihing maka-estudyante ang layunin ng pasilidad at sa pagpapagamit ng mga ito. Gayundin, nakiisa ang mga nagtuturo at iba pang kawani sa kampanyang ito ng mga mag-aaral. “Only through the unity of the different stakeholders – the student, faculty, staff, administration, and even patients can we attain genuine development and enable us all to be effective Iskolar ng Bayan,” pahayag ng USC. Sa kasalukuyan, napagtagumpayan ng mga estudyante ang ilang panawagan ng kampanya sa pamamagitan ng kolektibong aksiyon sa iba’t ibang mobilisasyon, signature campaign, at mga paguusap kasama ng administrasyon.
In accordance to the annual National Mental Health Awareness Week, the University of the Philippines - Manila Office of Student Affairs (UPM - OSA) together with the UPM University Student Council (UPM USC), and other campus-based organizations led several university-wide events last October 9 to 13, this year to advance UPM’s value for mental health and break stigmas surrounding it.
Understanding Mental Health The Annual National Mental Health Awareness Week, observed every 2nd week of October is led by the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA). The said event aims to increase the people’s awareness towards mental health and issues surrounding it. The first National Mental Health Awareness Week in the Philippines commenced in 1994 as directed by Proclamation No. 452 under the Ramos Administration. This year, several conventions tackling mental health were held including that of the National Youth Congress on Mental Health (NYCMH) held last October 14 on City State Tower Hotel, Manila. The gathering was spearheaded by the Far Eastern University Central Student Organization (FEU CSO), Department of Health (DOH) and other Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) in order to create resolutions to advance mental health in the country. This includes a resolution pushing for the implementation of a mental health policy in workplaces to safeguard mental well-being of employees. NYCMH also urged the Philippine Congress to pass a legislation promoting the mental health and well-being of health professionals, students and their capacity to address the Filipinos’ mental health needs.
On the first day of the program in UPM, the USC and OSA conducted the training "Every Iskolar is a Counselor" at the OSA Conference Room last October 9. The activity discussed peer counselling in an effort to make the studentry more capable of alleviating mental health issues should it manifest. On October 13, an art therapy session titled “Likha” was conducted at the UPM College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). This program aimed to utilize the participants’ creativity to create motivational artworks and to increase the motivation of the participants. Meanwhile, a forum on mental health titled, “From Inner Peace to a Just and Lasting” was planned to be conducted at that date however, was postponed by the UPM USC for another date within the academic year. The said forum was supposed to discuss how the country’s economic, political and cultural structures affect mental health. As instructed by UPM Chancellor Carmencita D. Padilla, students who opted to join the week's events amidst concurrent classes were deemed excused. A Certificate of Attendance after every event will be given as proof.
Continuous Advocacy In a separate lecture entitled, “Reaching the unreached: Integrating Mental
Health Care in General Health Care” held at Luxent Hotel in Quezon City last October 12, Dr. Lourdes Ignacio, Professor Emeritus in Psychiatry at the UP College of Medicine, stated that one in three Filipinos are at risk for mental health issues this year. Furthermore, she mentioned that only 500 psychiatrists are available to cater the mental needs of the 110 million Filipinos. To alleviate the lack of such, she suggested that training and building the capacity of health workers on barangays makes mental health more accessible to Filipinos. In an interview with UPM USC Councilor for Environment, Science and Technology, Luke Borromeo, he stated that the events throughout the week aimed to build each student to be a counselor on their own. The events also aimed to correct misconceptions surrounding mental health. Moreover, he also articulated that mental health is an issue unrecognized by most Filipinos today. Lastly, Borromeo stated that a week is not sufficient to boost campaigns regarding mental health. “Syempre, nagpapatuloy ito, bagama’t walang formal events, magpapatuloy ang ating pag-spread ng awareness at pag-promote ng tamang pagtingin sa mental health.”, Borromeo concluded.
MKULE THROUGH THE YEARS...
2013-2014
2015-2016
2014-2015
2016-2017
MGA FULUNG-VULUNGAN NG NAGJIJISANG
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ITANONG KAY ISKO’T ISKA T- B A C K E D I I S H O O W N ( T A S I N T H R O W A H!) Halu mga orbskie! Turuy nakiki uso ang lola niyo. Pero mga af0wz ko pahr1n kayo. Wuv wuv. Kumuztah nam3rn kayo? Petmalu na ba ang mga pinagagawa ni froppy? Harhar nagpapakita pa ba sila senyo o hide and seek na ang class niyo. Charot! Kalerki naman andaming hanash in lyf. Bakbakan is around d corner na! lezz su4rt our collegemates. Tarush! Lately I’ve been, I’ve been losing sleep na ba peg niyo? Go guyz! Kaya hindi tayo papatalo za mga zumb0ngelya kong na hearing around d campus.
BANG BANG IN TO THE SUMBONG NUMVAH ONE: SHOO! SHOO! YOU SHOOED MAH AF0WS Haggardo verzosa na af0ws ko tas nakaririnig pa akez ng mga ganiteywang zumbongs! Kalerki mga mumshie. Tellingbels sakin ng isa sa mga af0ws ko na dis froppy from Dapat Purgahin Sila Mumshies na pinalayas daw sila sa isang bakanteng loteng kwarto sa Kolehiyong Asim at Suka kahit wala namang ganap doonchiwa sa room na yown. Iteywabels pa, bigla na lang kinilling ang haircon az in pack pindot tegui na. Kaloka talaguh. My afows just need space to stay kc tiring na cla at waley namerns talagang speyz sa lugar na iyown. Nkkloka talaguh. BANG BANG IN TO THE SUMBONG NUMVAH TWO: HOSPITAL NG BAYERN! Jusq hospitality of the nation na nga ang peg natin ditez pero and hirap pa rin ma-avail ang Vitamin Care. Kalerki talaguh. I have my afow who was brought to d weeyong weeyong care kc inatakers siya ng rashies niya pero syempre galling sa far far away land ang af0wz ko na itez kasi taga Kolehiyong Asim at Suka siya. Hay nakerz talaguh. Ken’t u have like ismol clinicles tentacles per cool edge. Kc haggard as in hilo-hilo na kz nga may sakit and u hab to run pa
sa far far away land. Nakowz talaguh. Pag-reaching pa ni afow doonchiwa ay walang bed to lie on kaya gorabels na lang agad ang peg niya kahit dizziness pa sa gamut na ginibsay sa Kenya. I can’t na talagauh ha. BANG BANG IN TO THE SUMBONG NUMVAH THREE: SINONG LATE? Harhar ang funny ng isang froppy! Na-hearing aid cool aid ko sa afow ko na dis cutie patootie na matchymatchy froppy ay sinita na latesung dumating ang afow ko. But but but butiki ang froppeh na itez ay twentyfive times two minutes too late na sa class, while mah af0w was inside d classroom at exactly the time of d class iskedyul. Hmmmm. Huli ka boi! Charez! Sineywa ba talagang leyt e lumabas lang namern nang saglit si afow. Kalerki. Heniwey, beep beep ang sabi ng jeep kaya suportahan ang jeepney draybers. Grabe tea! Handami paring added stressers sa mga haggarlaloo kong af0ws. But but but, buti na lang Perlas ng silangan na pala ang edaders ng ehem-cool-e noh? Hang galling-galing naman ng mga af0wz ko na itu. Ur Lola P hend lolo Upo har sow zow pr0ud of you. Zo meni kendi stories dot made u struggling pero iteywa parin kay0wz 4 d students. So mats lab lab 4 all of U. U da best mga lodi! More werpa! Muah muah chup chup!
PAANO MO MAPAPAHALAGAHAN ANG ISYU NG MENTAL HEALTH BILANG ISKOLAR NG BAYAN?
Makinig. Basta makinig ka muna. - bacardi for kids, 2015 Sa kritikal na pagsusuri sa lahat ng aspekto ng lipunan. Hindi nakakahon ang mga isyu nito! - Pagodnaacoe, 2014 Suportahan ang mga organisasyon, FB posts o tweets na sumusuporta o tumatalakay sa isyung ito. - shhh, 2*** Sa pagtulong sa pagtanggal ng stigma na nakadikit dito. - nagmamaganda, CAS, 201x Makinig. Makinig. Makinig. Maging sensitibo. - Wasak, 2015 Wag kang mangjudge, don't debase anyone's pain. Isa ka pa sa problema eh gusto mo ng kaaway. - solidsouth. 201X-XXXXX Be open-minded and be slow to speak but quick to listen. - ==is it covfefe or cofveve basta Maging sensitive sa iba, especially tuwing hell week kung kailan sobrang strained ang ating mental health - Paraluman, CAS, 2017-xxxxx Makinig. Huwag maging mapanghusga. - auqnapows, 2015, CAS Sa pagsama sa mga gawain na bumabasag sa stigma sa usapin ng mental health sa bansa. - petmalandi, CAS Siguro mapapahalagahan ko yun sa paraan na pagbabahagi ng kung ano mang kaalaman ang meron ako tungkol sa mental health. Paano ka magiging aware kapag may naencounter ka na ganyang issue. Syempre karamihan, wala namang pake. Di naman everyday marami ang nabibigyan ng perspective regarding this. - TitoBoi, 2012-106043, CAS
WHAT'S YOUR ULAM PARE? Ikaw, pare. - qtp2t, CAS Office Warehouse bright white multipurpose copy paper 70 gsm size A4 (500 sheets) -- yan ang petmalu't rapmasa kong ulam araw-araw mga orbs *sobs* - bacardi for kids, 2015 Stress. Araw-araw na stress. - Pagodnaacoe, 2014 Math 11 module :(( - shhh, 2*** Si crush. - nagmamaganda, CAS, 201x Ang matamis na oo sa mga proposal na sinusumite mo :(( - Wasak, 2015 Ang mga kinain kong salita habang naglelecture si ma'am tapos sabi ko kaya ko naman tandaan yan lahat. - +*+*sparkle*+*+, CAS, 2012 Wala kaming ulam pare so ginawa ko inulam ko yung kanin pare huhu adulting problems - solidsouth, 201X-XXXXX Ang aking pride, kasi pagpasok ko sa UPM nalaman kong hindi lang ako ang magaling - Paraluman, CAS, 2017-xxxxx Sardinas na naman huhu - allergy, 2015 S T R E S S walang katapusang STRESS - auqnapows, 2015, CAS Thesis hehe #Sasablay2018 - petmalandi, CAS Tokwa't baboy. YUMMY. #Cannibalism - TitoBoi, 2012-106043, CAS Sama ng loob. - katamad, 201*
Petmalung tapsi!!! - goose, CAS, 2014
08 FEATURES
O
NE CAN PLOUGH AND SOW and till a land for the rest of his life, but the fruits of his labor can only be savored once the fields that he sweats for truly become his. The colonial era of the Philippines continues to have a grave effect on the country not just because it still has its tentacles around the state, but because it planted deep and strong roots within, that, if uprooted, will destabilize the system. In the pre-colonial days, despite the existence of a social structure that upheld the reality of having different classes in the society, natives had access to all the lands that they could lay their eyes on. Come the Spanish era, the familiar structure was struck down and was replaced by an oppressive system that outlived all those who introduced it. The poison of feudalism intoxicated the innocent native culture, and the lands that were once free to use became bounded by patronage. Replacing the three-century domination of Spain, the American rule did not really aid the problem despite claiming to champion democracy, instead, it took advantage of the leftovers of its predecessor as it was beneficial to its reign. Centuries later, the problem of the past continues to plague the country - the masses still endure the consequences of living in a society that is dominated by feudal lords and elites of one kind or another. The outcry of the people has not changed - it still clamors for a progressive land reform that will free the nation from the shackles of feudalism, and redistribute lands, justice, and social rights in the society.
SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP The possibility of a genuine land reform is a far-fetched whim in a country that holds a tight grip onto feudalism and greed as its sources of power. Land reform attempts date back to, at least, the American colonial period of the country. From that era to the present time, one could assume that drastic changes have already taken place and that the remnants of the encomienda system from the Spanish era have already been wiped out from the Philippine culture. But as what is seen in the current status of land reform in the country, the past reform endeavors may have been written in the wind, as they are collectively ineffective. A lot of sacrifices made by peasants and farmers have already been offered in the fight for a genuine land reform; these do not only include the pain and exhaustion that peasants endure from their daily demoralized situation, but actual blood, sweat, and tears have been spilled and
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THE STAKE OF
Scrutinizing the Failed Attemp CZYRAH ISABELLA MANALO CORDOBA AND MIKA ANDREA OCAMPO RAMIREZ
offered up to a god-like system that pretends to be benevolent while acting omnipotently. Through the years, tragedies have accompanied the struggle for just land reforms as testified by the horrifying events that took place in the past. In a lot of circumstances, protests and mobilizations of peasants and farmers lead to bloody events that mark the history red. One of the most infamous events that happened in the name of land reform is the 2004 Hacienda Luisita Massacre. On November 16, 2004, workers of the sugar plantation held a protest to push for fairer wages, increased benefits, and generally, for a genuine national land reform. Come afternoon of that day, the combined forces of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) violently dispersed the protesters under the order of then-Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary, Patricia Santo Tomas. As the farmworkers and their supporters tried to resist the water cannons and teargas grenades, the police and military forces unleashed their beasts inside and fired into the picketers’ front lines using live ammunition. Dead bodies were found scattered around the main gate of the plantation – at least 7 farmworkers were reported killed, and about 121 people were injured, 32 of them from gunshot wounds. In the following weeks after the massacre, supporters of the workers’ strike were also killed. The dispersal left a bloody field. Instead of watering the lands with water, the state chose to sprinkle it with the blood of the workers, not knowing that it will eventually give life to an unrest that it could not suppress nor exploit. As a proof of the continued supremacy of a feudal structure in the country, Hacienda Luisita remains stubborn and intact in the face of suppression and maltreatment of its loyal workers. Like most of the agricultural lands in the country, the controversial land is still owned and operated by an oligarchical system. Hacienda Luisita is a 6,453-hectare wide land located in the province of Tarlac; it was originally a tobacco plantation awarded by the Spanish colonial government in 1882 to the Tabacalera firm that was later on turned into a sugar plantation. In the present day,
it is owned by the influential Cojuangco clan which holds a prominent position in the Philippine political arena. In 1957, Tabacalera offered to sell the hacienda and the sugar mill, and it was indeed sold with the blessing of patronage. Former President Ramon Magsaysay blocked the sale from the Lopez family in Iloilo, and, instead, offered the hacienda to Jose Cojuangco Sr. The Cojuangco patriarch bought the property with government support; the Central Bank deposited part of the country’s dollar reserves with a US bank to guarantee repayment of a loan the bank granted to Cojuangco, and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) granted him a P5.9-million loan. In both instances, a span of 10 years was given to Cojuangco to, either, distribute the land to “small farmers,” or subdivide it among tenants who shall pay the cost of the land. But before closing the deal with the GSIS, Jose Cojuangco Sr. managed to have a provision of the conditions amended. In the final deal, it was specified that Hacienda Luisita “shall be sold to tenants, should there be any,” after 10 years. In a rather unsurprising turn of events, in 1967, Cojuangco refused to surrender the land, and claimed that there were no tenants to distribute the land to on the hacienda. Oligarchs depend on the game of patronage and their cunning abilities, and resort to petty reasons and malicious loopholes just to deny the masses of their rights. Ironically, it was during the administration of the late President Corazon Cojuangco-Aquino, the daughter of Jose Cojuangco Sr., that one of the most extensive and
intensive land reforms was legislated – RA 6657 or the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) was signed by Cory Aquino on June 10, 1988. This year, CARP is already in its 29th year of i mplement a t ion , including its extension, the Comprehensive A g r a r i a n R e f o r m P r o g r a m Extension with Reforms (CARPER). This agrarian reform law aims to redistribute public and private agricultural lands to landless farmers and farmworkers, irrespective of tenurial
FEATURES 09
F OWNERSHIP
pts of Philippine Land Reform ILLUSTRATION BY JOSHUA DY ELEVAZO
arrangement. Originally, CARP was only given a span of 10 years to be completed, but as factors like politics and selfish interests interfered with the program, it stretched to merely three decades without producing clear and productive results.
ELITE TAKEOVER As the government became dissatisfied with its iron grip on the farmers’ throats, it soon relished the company of guns, sprinkling bullets and flooding the farmlands with blood. As
the sun introduced the El Niño and the drought
that rampaged all summer, thousands of farmers braved the scorching heat to march in the streets. They demanded the local government’s intervention in their predicament, asking for immediate relief. To be exact, the farmers asked for fifteen thousand sacks of rice. Two days of negotiations went by and the government retained their disapproving stance on the farmers’ demands. Instead, it offered an alternative, with then-North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza proposing to give only three kilos per quarter for every family. While this appeared as a viable and acceptable solution for the government, it served as a mockery to the farmers, adding insult to the hunger they were experiencing. Thus, they did not waver, refusing to leave the streets despite threats of being dispersed by the police. The police kept true to their promise. Before noon, on April 2, 2016, combined forces from the local police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines stormed the barricade. Wearing full dispersal battle gear and carrying long firearms, they rained bullets on the farmers. As they massacred the farmers, they claimed two lives and injured around a hundred more. Seventy-eight farmers were also imprisoned for direct assault. While many decried the government’s response regarding this issue, the state continued its inutile approach. Investigations were made to probe further into the incident, leading to the questioning of the governor and the officials involved, however these inquiries proved to be futile. Then-
President Noynoy Aquino himself stayed silent and neutral before voicing out his disapproval on the incident. Although he eventually came out in opposition of the issue, his earlier silence is evident that he is embodying the entire government and its perpetual attitude on the farmers’ issues: apathy. Truly, the process of attaining justice has not been slow; it has not even started. Hiding under the guise of sympathy with its initiatives of investigations and examinations is the government’s uncaring nature. Nonetheless, it remains, buried and obscured by the pressure to not evoke public dismay. The lack of change a year after the Kidapawan massacre is a testament to this, and the current administration’s inattention to previous and present abuses against the peasantry provides stronger evidence to this. This is also reflected in the history, and more importantly, the present state of agrarian reform laws. HR R077, more known as the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Extension with Reforms (CARPER) is another chapter in the history of ineffective and abusive agrarian reform laws. A five year extension of its predecessor, the almost thirty-year-old Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) retains its previous’s allegiance on the interests of the landlords and inattention towards the farmers’ welfare. CARPER dictates that private agricultural lands will only be distributed if the original program--CARP--has been able to distribute 90 percent of its mandated lands. Moreover, CARPER relies on a three-phase protocol, wherein private agricultural lands are the last to be distributed. This becomes inherently problematic as CARPER prescribes that ninety percent of the lands that are the subject of the two earlier phases (abandoned, or voluntarily given lands and other public agricultural lands, respectively) must be first distributed before the private agricultural lands. Because of the lack of proper implementation of this law, the private agricultural lands of feudalistic landlords remain untouched, benefitting them.
CARPER’s ineffectiveness can be rooted in the motivations of those who enacted it. As the majority of the government’s legislative body is composed of landlords, their true intentions in retaining the useless agrarian reform programs become clear. In order to protect their own selfish interests, they manipulate the government—an institution which is mandated to serve all Filipinos—to exact abusive and unjust measures against the farmers. With the feudalistic elite blocking all avenues for genuine agrarian reform, it is not a surprise that nobody, particularly the farmers, keeps faith in the government’s promises of true progress.
TRUE RECOMPENSATION Only through destroying its ivory towers and planting its feet on the ground will the government transform the dream of genuine land reform into reality. After a long history of unproductive legislations regarding agrarian reform, it is evident that the real problems have remained overlooked and unresolved. The government has still ignored the plights of the peasantry, benefiting from their struggle and protecting its own interests. Although it has been more than a century after the Spaniards vacated the country, their exploitation has neglected to follow them home. The system of oppression that they advocated have remained unchanging, and instead, even more proliferated. First filed by late Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran, and re-filed Anakpawis Representatives Rafael V. Mariano and Fernando Hicap, the Genuine Agrarian Reform Bill (GARB) is a proposed agrarian reform program that has garnered the most support among the peasantry, the primary sector concerned in this issue. In 2016, GARB was presented in the Congress once again, this time formally known as the House Bill No. 555, or the Genuine Agrarian Reform Act of 2016. GARB advocates a radical shift from previous state-sponsored agrarian reform programs. Considering the violent and abusive history of its predecessors and their lack of success, GARB seeks to offer free land distribution to all of whom are qualified. The bill also aims to resolve the problems of previous agrarian reform programs by covering all agricultural lands and revoking all previous laws on exclusion and exemption that have been instrumental in propagating injustice. Furthermore, the bill’s focus on the farmers is highlighted in its proposal to CONTINUED ON P.5
TAG Kultura ng Panginginom sa Ib
10 CULTURE
SEKSYON NG KULTURA
'WAG NA NATING IDAAN SA MABOTENG USAPAN
ba ang alak para mapayapa ang paga l na katawa’t isipa n, o kung mak akalakad pa ba sa kalsadang luba k-lubak paba lik ng barong-barong.
Halos gabi-gabi kung kam i’y umin om. Isang bilog o gin ang kaya ng ubus in. Madalas pa’y hina halo sa timplado’t yelo Pana hon ng ag-apit sa komunidad. Sa para lang dumami ang lama n ng pitsel, pagl ipas ng mga araw, papawiin din pampahaba rin ng gabi. Naglalaro ang ng kagutuma n, pagt itiis at muli ng talak ayan mula pasa nin sa taha nan tungo sa pagbibilad itong pana hon ng kaun ting galit sa mundo. Minsang nagi ng paksa ang kasagana han. Kaya naman sa pagl ubog bagyong kamakai lan lang ay nagpadapa ng araw, magsasa ma-sama muli ang sa’m ing pana nim. Isang bote rin ng alak mga kapwa ko manggagawang-bu kid. ang dalawang salop ng biga s. Darating ang Upang mag ing kaka iba naman ang araw araw, aagawin ng bangko ang lupa bilang na ito sa lahat ng mga araw sa halos kapa lit sa papa laking utang. Imposible anim na buwang pagh ihintay, kahit namang baya ran ‘to ng magsasa kang may sa isang maik ling sagl it, magbubu nyi dada lawa ng ekta rya lama ng. Mas lasing pa ang iilan sa amin nang pabu nyag . sa’m in ang bumuo ng ganitong kond isyon. Hind i paunti-unti at hind i rin bitin. Disiplinado kam ing manging inom. Magsisimula ang munting nakagaw Pagl igpit sa mga basyo, hum ihili k na kam i ian matapos iuwi ang pina kaiingata ng gam it: pag-uwi. Ang alak , para ng kaba ligta ran luma ng bolo, kina kalawang na karit , ang ng kape. Kung gaano kabi lis tuma mlay pagk atanda-ta ndang kalabaw at kahi t ang ilang oras pagk aubos ng kape ay agad din tagn i-tag ning sombrero. Magsisiu pong kam ing naka kaba ngon mula sa kamang palibot sa mesa ang tagagapa s, taga dilig, pina himbing ng alak . Bago pa sum ikat ang tagabunot ng damo at tagapaandar ng araw, mas masi khay pa kam i sa kalabaw reaper. Maglalaa n ng ilang sent imo sa pag-arar o ng buki rin. Bibih ira kam ing mula sa pambayad-uta ng. Hatian ng upa mala sing. Sumasak to lang ng naiinom para sa maghapong pagl ilina ng ng lupa. dahi l may pera pang pagk akas yahi n sa mas Bibil i, mag-aabot at magbubu kas ng bote. mahahalagang baga y. Mala king tipid kung Magsasa lin sa baso, mag papa rte ng babo y minsang may gumawa ng saril ing alak , — wala ng ibang iinti ndih in kun’ di sasa pat galing niyog man o tubo, ngun it madalas lang pagsaluhan kapag espesyal ang okas yon gaya ng kasa lang-bayan o pista. PATRICIA ANNE LACTAO GUERRERO
Minsang may nakipamuhay sa’m ing mga estudyanteng taga lungsod. Nagu lat sila nang minsang mag-alok kam i. Haya an na! Mas mak akapagkuwent uhan nang taimtim kapag may gumuguh it sa lalamunan, tagos hanggang utak at puso. Sa palit an ng dalawang magkaibang pina ngga linga n, hind i ako naka sagap ng kahit anong pang mamata. Itinu ring ako bilang kapa ntay ng nakausap kong sa ngayon lang naka apak ng saka han. Kung paanong pinagaga an ng alak ang mabigat na pagt anga n sa mala lagim na kara nasa n ng kina lalag yan ay ganoon din nito ipina ramdam ang posibilidad na magkaroon ng sitwasyong maglaho ang mga uring nagh ihiwalay sa mga tao.
nga yon linggo. Pagdadahilan ko pa, ngg i Tata Kumulo lang ang dugo ko nang a. ghil nan sila an hind i lang din nam ko mapigila ng maa lala ang g para an mga pa ba ‘ko kung sa gan iton akilala? asenderong mala mang ay kasa luku kak mag i kam yang na nga lang alubilo nagpapak asaya sa piling ng baso akah mak ko, ‘ka ito, ng Mabuti pala bag ito. may leeg at bumubulang alak . Hind ko wa kap mga i rin nila ang naman nila ito mabibili kung hind i sila patu loy na humuhut hot sa lupa ng sa nag ing ilang Umu lit ang isang beses hangga ng maitaka s henerasyon na nam ing pinupunla’t inaa g nan wa aga Nag lingguhan na. ni. Biyernes Totoong may hiwa-hiwalay na uri. Kahit ang napapasobra dah il tuw ing bangan mak ailang lagok pa ng alak , mananat inaa g han Lub ap. lang ginagan ili ay ahil pa rin iyang nand iyan. Ang laka mar y, taga pag ong s din ang salo -sal ly emb ng loob nilang mag paka lat ng sund Ass . aho trab ng igat dah il napakab alo aging, nang mahuli lang kam ing pumupus line ba naman ang moda ng pack lit gumusta. ng ligaya sa inom, takot sa pagpupul imposibleng may oras pang man ong. sapagkat Pabago -bago rin ang nak akausap vern ight Kung may leks yon mang iniwan may umuuwi kaagad, may nag-o-o ang shif t, o inuman, mas mai nam parati ang alaw dad nag man kung hind i ang l. Maaga sama-sa ma. Hind i ba’t mas mas dah il halos lahat ay kontrak twa arap hahabol lasapin ang pagk amit ng tagu nag iba, ng aho mpay din ang trab nustos. kung alam mong ipaglalaban nati n g-pa gda gda pan ta quo ng ito?
TAMA NA ‘YAN. INUMAN JOHN MICHAEL TRIBIANA
NA!
TORRES
pabrik a ang tunog Umalingaw ngaw sa buong aya ng him ig para ng pito, isa ng mapag pal na nag tatraba ho. sa am ing sampung ora s mag-uumpisa pa Habang kam i’y papaal is na, kat rabaho nam ing lang ang gabi ng iila ng buhay sa pagbuk as kasingkulay ng umaga ang ng ikinahon. ng mga boteng kan ila mismo : hindi ba sapat Kabalintunaan kung iisipin a pagsawaan nila ang amoy ng distileriya par gam itin ang ora s ‘to? Ma s ma ina m pa nga ng uling buk as para sa pah inga lalo’t ma y isa pa a. Kung tutuusi n, ma kipagbunuan sa ma kinary ng ngawit ang ala k. nak akabawas nga naman
acks na Sa beerhouse malapit sa barr na ang tinutulugan nam in, marang ya ring ra Bihi tan. pulu eng tatlong klas il dah skey whi o dy bran ng mak ainom an pagawa katabi man nitong bar ang sa kanyad saho ang pa a nito, ipapadal sa una ng man o Luh . ilya kanyang pam t itong ting in, mahalaga nang masingi alagang hira m na oras dah il mah liba ng. pag sa n aho pan ng magkaroon iwang gdid pina d, saho ng Sa liit pagsasa ma. minsana ng ang na
. Kah it Papahingah in ka pala talaga ng alak luwa l ang katiting ang kita, handang mag pampaw i ng lang i hind o mga katrabah sa ibang sa pagod, kun’di pangsag ip inansyal. nangangailangan ng tulong-p itan lap g na araw t nan Kah it doble kayod sa susu nod Hindi tuloy ako nag ula tinagur ian lang. ang ayos , stos han gina aga ang aum kin para mabawi ng bisor n taa ala agh ay, lalo il nap Batid nam in ang hirap ng buh nam ing promotor dah rer ebelde nag ggawa s-pa ang laka par ing it, nam sab lad y na sa katu siya ng ma a mg sa . Mapait kumpara lamang ang maiaalok sa merkado ganun. Per o kung iku sila an nam limutin , hindi man sa lasa, nagagawa nitong nak asabayan niya kagabi . uro sig g ggig ipit ara mi lan ang mas mapait pang pan mu kha ng tina ma an. Nap ncy, at ng mga supervisor, ng age an awa pag panya. niya sa ng mismong may-ari ng kom Del ikado na kung dadalh in ang ya pan sa kom ang paglala sing, balewa la sasa lita ang magla sing, wal nga it Kah . Ngayong gabi, mah inahong nag mapal itan siya sok apa kap r, kaiba Bila ng ang kila la nam ing tomado pinapa lita n pa rin kam i. na an buw panay unod na sa nak asanaya ng tagpong lang, bak a hangga ng sa sus e ant bak ma man ang kabilis pag pupuna s niya ng labi. Saglit lang ako rito. Kung gaa no oon gan , yon n pa rin. ko nga inu man, nag ing mak abu luha ang pwestong hinahawak an in. sa’k oy nam ing pag tab Bak a ito na ang huli ng beses din kabilis ang magig ing as ang magkita-kit a. Puputok kasi buk an aya kay ami ang on, nag isang malakihang welga. Mar Pagsipol ng 5:30 ng hap o sin g Kun gala n ng gsa ya. maa aring masakta n o tang ang mga kasama na ma k. -alo nag g pa’n litin ang trabaho. Ngayong gabi, susu pa’ng napagsabi han siya an nam di man ang ako. Hin bawat lagok at tawana n. Masarap Lak ing gulat, napasa ma ng na pantaya n kat apusan gan itong sandali, hindi kayang sig uro ma sama tuta l
GAY! ba’t ibang Sektor ng Lipunan
CULTURE 11
DIBUHO NI MARIE ANGELU DE LUNA PAGOBO
pamanh id ang ng kah it anong pam aisang ma sa. kak tapang at lak as ng nag
ANG BEER NA ‘TO O ANG PAG -IBIG MO?
hum ihikbi (‘yung tulo-sipon pa, wala nang luha ng mailabas) kaysa humalak hak.
Maii ntind ihan pa kung may reset butto n na ‘pag oras ng traba ho, seryosohan na. Nito ng MARI LOREAL MARQUEZ VALDEZ mga naka raang araw: lumi liban siya, nale Iba talaga ang burnout ng maghapo ng late. Late pumasok , late mag pasa. Papa sok, pagt unga nga sa harap ng computer, at kung mag ulo buhok. Ang ingat-ingat maglakad. minsan may over time pa! Paki ramd am May kabagala n bago umupo. Ang simple ko, robot akong hinu hulugan ng bary a lang ng request, kaka mot na ng ulo sa para lang mag-function. Buti na lang may inis. Alam ko nang may hangover siya. "Weekend Habit" kam i. Mahuhugasan na sa Dina la na pala nito 'yung Weekend Habit waka s ang stress sa pagk atao ko. sa baha y. Hind i na kam i nagu lat nung pinatawag na ng boss. Huwag sana ng Kaopisina ko na’ng nagbansag sa’ki ng sisantehin; siya 'yung tipong kaila ngang “high tolerance” sa tibay ng sikm ura mag traba ho para lang maokupa ang utak . ko. Bilang lang sa dalir i ng kamay ang beses na pinatumba ako ng alak , part ida Buti naku ha nam ing mak apanayam siya kalagitnaan pa ng quar ter-l ife crisi s. sa pant ry. Sa awa ng diyos, binig yan pa Mas mara mi pa’ng pagk akat aong ako siya ng second chance. Mala man-laman ang nasu kaha n, nag-alaga at nagh atid nam ing umikot na noon pa buha y nila sa mga pata y kong kasa ma. Pina kahi ndi sa alkohol. Nagk akila la sa bar. Nahu log ko mali limutan noong may bago ng ang loob sa isa't isa sa kala singan. Nang empleyadong nagk usang sumama. minsang naghanap ng gulo, kina ladk ad Hind i nam in inalok kasi naka kahi yang siya ng bouncer palabas. Doon na rin mak ita niya agad baho nam in. Pero hiniwala yan. Pinagtsismisa n sa opisina sobrang solid niya; naka kaal iw siyan g kaya lumipat. Beer ang ginawang pana kippanooring mabasag. Hina likan na niya buta s. Ngayon, kam i ang nagsisilbing ‘yung lupa at siyempre, ako ang puno ng taga salo ng kanyang hina nakit. taga hima smas. Kung ako tatanungi n, sana sa pisngi ko na lang dumapo labi niya. Sumasama pa rin siya pam insa n, pero nangakong hind i muna iinom. Nagbaba la Ganito kasi, gwapo talaga siya. Hind i ako, masama ring mag-wit hdrawal. nga hear tthrob pero alam mong pwed e Mapanga nib lang naman ang naglalabis. nang jowa in. Usap -usapan sa pant ry Nak ataob na kam i ng ilang bote, hind i tuwi ng tanghalia n. Pero ‘yung pinapaks a, pa nagagalaw 'yung kanya — nakaupo sa madalang lang mag para mda m sa’m in. gitna ng kont radi ksyon na binibigyang Sa mga pagk akat aong naka kausap pasya sa araw-araw kahit mal iit na naman, mahahalata talagang may bagay. Tum ingi n lang siya sa kaha rap lalim. Intelektwal, ganu n. Palabiro pa. niya, malalaman niya ng laging may Pagk atapos, tahim ik na uli kasi wala ng hand ang sumaklolo. Wala ng nagiging alak . Hind i sa introvert siya ha? Baka s lang resolbado nang wala ng kara may. sa muk ha niya ng may baga he ‘yun g tao. At siya na rin mismo nagk ukuwento nito. KAYAKAP KO Kapag pinadada ldal na siya ng mga buck et, ANG BOTE NG TEQUILA wala siyang ibang buka mbibig kun’ di ‘yung dati niya ng nobyang ubod nam JONERIE ANN MAMAUAG PAJALLA an ng panget. (Nak apag-stal k na ‘ko sa Facebook minsang bumili ako ng kape’t Nang .) pandesal, bigla kong napansin ang pagNapadala s ang kuwentu hang laba s iiba ng tono ng tindera ng magiliw namang na sa usaping traba ho. Palit an ng hina ing bumati kanina. Napalingon ako sa direksyon at himutok. Noong nagt agal, naba hala ng mga matang kanina pa naniningkit na ‘kong nagm istula siyang sirang plak sa galit — hindi naman pala dahil sa’kin, a. Kesyo ginoyo raw siyang mak ipagkitaa kun’di sa lalaking ikinagu lat ko rin kung n, ayun pala magbaba lik lang pala ng gam saan nangga ling. it. Noong sila pa dati, low profi le nam an pero ngayon daw, Instagram couple Hindi ko na halos marinig ang pagtata lak ng sila ng bago niya. Minsan, hind i na nam tindera dahil tinitiga n ko ang pamilya r na in naka kausap kasi nagda-dr unk call pigura ng lalaking pinagbubuntungan niya siya sa babae. Kadi ri, kaga lit-galit kay ng galit. Dahil sa pamilya r niyang tattoo sa Dua Lipa. Mas madalas na siyang naki kitan kaliwang braso, biglang sumagi sa’kin ang g
alaala ng isang dating kakilala. Madala s ko siyang nakaka sama sa mga inuman noong mga panahong paraket-raket lang din ako at patambay-tambay — buhay batugan para sa mga kinalimutan na ng lipunan at pinagka kaitan ng tiyansa ng makabawi. Ang bilis pala talagang lumakad ng panahon. Kung noo’y sa mangga s lang ang tastas ng kanyang damit, ngayo’y buong damit na niya ang gula-gu lanit. Ang dating tigasin, naging lantang-gulay na. Ang dating masaya hin, ngayon ay halos sa kawalan na nakatitig. Ang dating malaka s sa tindera, ngayon ay malaka s pa rin — malaka s at madala s na sinisigawan. Nang mabunt is ko ang mataga l ko nang kinakasama, ipinangako ko sa sarili kong magsusumikap ako alang-a lang sa pamilya ng mataga l ko nang gustong buoin. Kaya’t simula noon, medyo dumista nsya na ako sa barkada at natutong tumayo sa sariling paa. Dahil pamilya’t trabaho na ang pinagtutuunan ng pansin, nawalan na rin ako ng balita sa iba ko pang kasama noong panahong nagbubuhay-bi nata pa ako. Nag-umpisa kaming uminom para pagtiba yin ang pakikipagkaibigan. Nang magsia lisan ang karamihan, napalita n man ng bagong grupo ay hindi naman kinagisnan. ang napanta yan atnan ng kahihin Ito pala ang rin. pa an lumalab naiwang Kasaba y ng pagtawag sa’kin ng tindera para iabot ang mga pinamil i ay ang pagkawala ng kanyang anino bula. parang na Mukhang nabasa ng tindera ang iniisip ko’t bigla niyang binulala s ang natitira pang pagkain is sa ng sumira lalaking na raw Baon kanyang araw. n. tindaha sa kasi sa utang man, yaran Kung may mababa kakaunti lang: barya-barya pa buhat ng pagtambay sa bidyo karera — may hawak na ending card at bolpen, nagtata nong-ta nong ng
bawat taya at nangongolekta ng kakarampot na pera. Nang-usig pa ‘ko kung saan na siya dumada las. Kung hindi sa bilyaran, naglala ro naman ng dama o karakrus. May kaakibat pa ring sugal. Sinunda n ko siya. Doon pa rin siya sa maliit na bahay sa dulo ng makitid na eskenit a, pinapag itnaan ng matataa s na kongkretong dingding. Kumatok ako para muling magpak ilala pero sumugod na ‘ko nang matagpuan ko siyang nangingisay, bumubu la ang bibig sa tabi ng sinukahang sahig. Tinagil id ko siya, at nang humupa ang kombulsyon, gumapa ng siya patungong sopa at napatulala. Nanginginig ang kanyang mga kamay na nagbubuhos ng klarong alak sa gusgusing lumulon. nagmamadaling tasa, CONTINUED ON P.12
12 GRAPHICS
MKULE EVERYDAY LIFE
VOLUME 31 • ISSUE 4-5 N O V. 1 0 , 2 0 1 7
ABIGAIL BEATRICE OCAMPO MALABRIGO
T A G A Y ! | FROM P.11
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/themanilacollegian
@MKule
Halatang hindi ito ang unang beses na nangyari ‘to sa kanya, dahil animo'y parang walang nangyari. Namukhaan niya ‘ko, bumati at sinabing higit isang araw na siyang hindi nakakatikim uli. Sinamahan ko siya sa ospital at doon muna namalagi. Ngayon pa lang siya magpapatingin na may kinalaman sa pag-iinom niya. Dadaan siya sa parada ng mga espesyalista, susubukang gamutin kung anoman ang nag-udyok sa kanya para humantong sa ganito, huhukayin ang walang-wala na. Hindi pa ba mahahanap ang sagot sa kapaligirang nagtakwil sa kanya para magtago’t kahiyaan? Paano siya makakalapit kung pati kalusugan niya pinepresyuhan?
P U N L A A T P U N G L O | FROM P.14 kalamnan ang malamang silang mga nagtatanim, nagbabayo, at nag-aani ang minsang nagiging pataba ng lupang uhaw sa katarungan. Minsan kapag naririnig ko ang kuwento ng mga nakakausap kong magsasaka, hindi ko maiwasang magalit at maluha. May napipintang kalungkutan at pagod sa mata at mukha ng mga kasama sa tuwing nagkukuwento sila, ngunit naroon din ang nagpupuyos na galit, at matinding pag-asang mapagtatagumpayan din itong makatarungang laban. Minsan, sa sarap ng kwentuhan, nagbibiruan at nagkakayayaan na ang mga kasama na sumama na kami sa kanila upang makipamuhay at maranasan ang tunay nilang kalagayan. Siguro, kapag nakaluwag ay mas pipinuhin ang planong pangatawanan ang paanyaya. Nananatili ang panatang magkikita ulit at magkukuwentuhan, ngunit sa ngayon, sa ganitong paraan muna ako babawi: sa mga maliliit na kwentong sana’y
nakapagmumulat ng mga mambabasa. Sa pagsibol naman ng kaalaman at pang-unawa ay sisibol din sa gunita ang pangangailangang makibaka.
VOLUME 31 • ISSUE 4-5
GRAPHICS 13
N O V. 1 0 , 2 0 1 7
SIGNOS
HULI
KYLA DOMINIQUE LACAMBACAL PASICOLAN
SANGANDAAN L AYA V E R G A R A
PUNLA AT PUNGLO
Sa lahat siguro ng folk songs na narinig ko, isa na sa pinakatotoo ang kantang Magtanim Ay ‘Di Biro. Makailang beses na akong nakikipagdaupang palad kasama ng mga lidermagsasaka, ngunit hindi pa rin maalis sa aking isipan ang pagbahagi nila ng kanilang karanasan sa kung paano nila inaalay ang literal na pawis at dugo, maipagpatuloy lang na mapakain ang buong sambayanan. Minsan, hindi rin ako makapaniwala na ang bigas na sinasaing upang ihain bilang kanin sa malaking bandehado tuwing agahan, tanghalian, at hapunan ay dumadaan pa sa madugong proseso ng buhay at kamatayan. Buhay, sa kung papaano binabaka ng mga magsasakang nagpapalago ng pananim ang bawat pagsubok na kinakaharap sa araw-araw masiguro lang na ito’y sisibol at maging hitik. Kamatayan, sa kung papaano nito kinakaharap ang tagtuyot, delubyo, at ang masaklap, pagdilig ng dugo sa mga ugat ng pananim. Hindi lasang dugo at pulbura ang kaning inin na kinakain ko sa bawat araw ngunit napupuno pa rin ako ng pangamba. Nahugasan man ang bigas bago isaing, hindi pa rin nito maiaalis ang lansa at ang mga katanungan. Ilang magsasaka na naman ba ang nanlimahid para makakain ang karamihan? Ilan kaya sa kanila ang pilit na binusalan kapag iginigiit nila ang kanilang karapatan sa makatarungang kabuhayan? Ilan kaya sa kanila ang sinupil nang mamulat at mangahas na baguhin ang sistema ng opresyong nanunuot sa bawat sakahan at asyenda? Habang bumibigat ang kanin sa tiyan ko, lalong humihirap para sa akin na sikmurahin ang katotohanang silang mga magsasakang nagpapakain sa atin ay hindi man lang nakakatikim ng sarili nilang ani. At sa puntong iyon ay pumapait na naman sa panlasa ang malinamnam na kanin, kasabay ng pagtatanto na ang masalimuot na kasaysayan ay nagpapatuloy pa rin hanggang sa kasalukuyan: may bahid ng dugo ang gulay at kanin sa hapagkainan. Sa
totoo
lang,
nakakanginig
ng
CONTINUED ON P.12
OPINION
VOLUME 31 • ISSUE 4-5 N O V. 1 0 , 2 0 1 7
ARISE
EYES OPEN
MARGARET ANNE ELARDO
I don’t think I will ever forget the first time I used the LRT Line 1 System. They say that college is the time to embrace independence. While some students move out of their homes and into their apartments or dormitories, there are those who brave the unpredictable Manila weather, risky air pollution and sketchy public utility vehicles (PUVs). They are the commuters—I am one of them. Usually, I would ride a UV Express van or a bus to reach home. On this particular day, I decided to try out the LRT Line 1 system. As the train approached, I saw how the passengers inside the train were crammed like fishes in a sardine can. Even if some of them alighted, there was not enough space for the new passengers to get inside the train. It took me almost an hour before I could finally aboard the LRT. After that experience, I pledged to use the LRT Line 1 system only as a last resort. The one hour waiting time to finally get on the train was too long for me. My next option was a UV
Express van. Unfortunately, only the colorum vans are the nearest and most accessible. Along with the convenience and comfort colorum vans bring are risks—since they operate without franchise, they are not subject to inspection and insurances. These vans even use longer routes just to evade being apprehended by authorities. Must one sacrifice safety over comfort? The third option for me was to ride a bus. I find provincial buses to be the most accessible mode of transportation. The bus stop is just a few steps away from my college. However, this advantage comes at a cost. Bus drivers are known to be reckless. They get into accidents almost daily. Even worse, pickpocketing is rampant inside buses. My friend once fell asleep inside a bus and woke up to her bag’s front pocket opened and her phone missing.
The clichéd burning passion I have with writing was exacerbated by my love for stories. I immersed myself in the craft and fueled it will all the stories
Filipinos
better than they have
deserve what today.
All throughout grade school and high school, I would go to and from school inside a private vehicle. Commuting has opened my eyes to the one thing I am certain of—Filipinos deserve better than what they have today.
WRITER'S BLOCK*
JENNAH YELLE MANATO MALLARI
I was in fifth grade when a teacher told me that I have a knack for writing. The thing I wrote – a poem – was about patriotism and being inspired with my history lessons about the Katipunan, I worked. Three stanzas are enough but I wrote more. I was motivated and as cliché as it might sound, there was a fire within me that drove me to write. I submitted what I wrote and got commended in the process. To be frank, I remember liking what I wrote at that time. As a young aspiring writer, I felt validated and it is not because of what the people around me said about my work. It was because of how I felt during the process and what I felt when I saw what I made. I knew, back then, that I will be a writer.
In all honesty, experiencing the hardships in commuting never dampened my spirits. I am grateful that I have been exposed to this reality.
Of course, we have ride-sharing services such as Uber and Grab. However, for an everyday commute of almost twenty six kilometers, it would be too costly and impractical to avail of such services.
TACHYCARDIA I’ve always wanted to make something beautiful.
One cannot deny the flaws of our country’s public transportation system. Though achieving a sole, perfect public utility vehicle is pretty impossible, improving the reliability, accessibility and efficiency of our currently existing PUVs is something that our government should actively work on.
I
never recreated that moment that sparked everything. I lost the connection with my craft. I can write but then again, anyone else can do that too. I envied my peers. The words written by their hands flowed seamlessly while those written by my hands ceased to yield. my then young mind can comprehend. Just like every writer, I wanted to create something worthy to be told. The more I did it, however, the more I saw my flaws. I never recreated that moment that sparked everything. I lost the connection with my craft. I can write but then again, anyone else can do that too. I envied my peers. The words written by their hands flowed seamlessly while those written by my hands ceased to yield. The stories I wrote never stimulated me and only
showed me how much I lacked. The entire process is tortuous and I can’t find my way out. Oddly enough, after a lot of scrapped concepts and crossed-out sentences, I am still here. I am still working my way to master and experience whatever the craft has to offer because that is how you do something that matters. No matter how difficult things get, you continue. You remind yourself on why you do it and hopefully you’ll figure out how to do things. Despite the uncertainties, reach that goal. With all these insecurities and inadequacies, nothing is going to be easy. I am still going after my dream of creating something beautiful – a story worthy to be told.
*I apologize for using this platform for a pep talk but the writer’s block has become unbearable and I needed somewhere to vent.
EDITORIAL 15
VOLUME 31 • ISSUE 4-5
S
N O V. 1 0 , 2 0 1 7
E D I T O R -I N - C H I E F Aries Raphael Reyes Pascua A SSOCI AT E EDI TOR FOR I N T ER NA L S Sofia Monique Kingking Sibulo M A N AG I N G E D I T O R Arthur Gerald Bantilan Quirante A S S I S S T A N T M A N AG I N G E D I T O R Patricia Anne Lactao Guerrero N E WS EDI TOR Eunice Biñas Hechanova N E WS COR R E SPON DE N T S Shaila Elijah Perez Fortajada Adolf Enrique Santos Gonzales Ryana Ysabel Neri Kesner Anton Gabriel Abueva Leron Leah Rose Figueroa Paras F E AT U R E S EDI TOR Chloe Pauline Reyes Gelera F E AT U R E S COR R E SPON DE N T S Czyrah Isabella Manalo Cordoba Ronald Satore Simyunn Jr. Jennah Yelle Manato Mallari Mika Andrea Ocampo Ramirez John Michael Tribiana Torres Justin Danielle Tumenez Francia C U LT U R E E D I T O R Josef Bernard Soriano De Mesa C U LT U R E C O R R E S P O N D E N T S Jonerie Ann Mamauag Pajalla Mari Loreal Marquez Valdez GR A PHICS EDI TOR Michael Lorenz Dumalaog Raymundo R E SIDE N T ILLUST R ATOR S Justine Vince Amanca De Dios Marie Angelu De Luna Pagobo Genevieve Ignacio Seño Abigail Beatrice Ocampo Malabrigo R E S I D E N T P H O T OJ O U R N A L I S T Kyla Dominique Lacambacal Pasicolan
OF F ICE 4th Floor Student Center Building, University of the Philippines Manila, Padre Faura St. corner Ma. Orosa St., Ermita, Manila 1000 EMAIL themanilacollegian@gmail.com W EBSI T ES issuu.com/manilacollegian www.facebook.com/themanilacollegian www.twitter.com/mkule MEMBER
College Editors Guild of the Philippines
Solidaridad - UP Systemwide Alliance of Student Publications and Writers’ Organizations
LAYOUT Kyla Dominique Lacambacal Pasicolan Genevieve Ifgnacio Seño
ILLUSTRATION Erin Camyl Velazco Alviar
THE COVER
MICHAEL LORENZ DUMALAOG RAYMUNDO
ILANG TUMATAYONG GULUGOD ng lipunan na nagpapakain at bumubuhay sa buong sambayanan ang siyang nahaharap ngayon sa mas papalalang krisis ng buhay at kamatayan. Habang pinipinturahan ng rehimeng Duterte ang bawat lansangan ng dugo ng mga api, pinagpapatuloy rin ng sagadsagarang rehimen ang pagpapaulan ng punglo at abo sa bawat sakahan at asyenda sa mga rural na komunidad. Animo’y tinutupad ng rehimen ang panatang mananatiling hitik ang lupain at sakahan ng mga magsasaka sa bawat taniman, ngunit sa halip na irigasyon o patubig ang ipinandidilig sa bitak-bitak at uhaw na lupa, ang dugo ng mga pinaslang na pesante ang dumadaloy at umaagos sa lupang sakahan. Hindi na bago sa lipunan ang lantarang pamamasista ng nagdaang rehimen sa mga magsasakang siyang nagpapayabong at nagpapalakas sa sambayanan. Mula sa kagimbal-gimbal na masaker sa Hacienda Luisita noong Nobyembre 14, 2004 sa ilalim ng rehimeng Arroyo na kumompleto sa 603 magsasaka at manggagawang bukid na walang-habas na pinandilig ng palayan at sakahan, hanggang sa 270 na buhay na pinaslang ng rehimeng BS Aquino sa pagtatapos ng kanyang panunungkulan noong 2016, hindi na naiaalis sa krisis ng mga magsasaka at manggagawang bukid ang banta sa kanilang buhay. Ngunit sa patuloy na paglala ng krisis sa ekonomiya at ang pagdarahop at kagutuman sa hanay ng mga mag-uuma, animo’y nakikipagkompitensya na rin ang rehimeng Duterte sa pagpaslang sa mga magsasakang ipinapanawagan lang ang kanilang karapatan sa buhay at kabuhayan. Ayon sa KARAPATAN, pumalo na sa 91 ang bilang ng mga magsasakang pinaslang sa lagpas isang taong panunungkulan ng rehimeng Duterte, taliwas sa mga mababangong pangakong inilako niya noong mga panahong siya ay tumatakbo pa para sa kandidatura noong nakaraang eleksyon. Sa halip na tupdin ang pangakong unahin ang kapakanan ng mga magsasaka at ibigay ang mga pangangailangan tulad ng libreng patubig, libreng punglo o bala ang kanyang ipinamahagi sa mga magsasakang nais na payabungin ang sektor ng agrikultura sa bansa. Dagdag pa sa balang nagsisilbing lason sa mga bukirin, hindi rin magkamayaw ang rehimen sa paniniguro na manatili ang opresyon at pasismo sa mga sakahan. Sa kabila ng paglaban ng mga magsasaka sa pamamagitan ng paglulunsad ng bungkalan upang panimulang buwagin ang mga malalaking asyenda, labis
DALUYONG pa rin ang panunupil ng gobyerno sa kanilang hakbangin na patuloy na kamkamin ang lupa upang ibalik sa mga malalaking pamilya at panginoong maylupa. Nananatili ang surveillance, militarisasyon, at banta sa buhay ng mga magsasaka at manggagawang bukid. Nanggaling na rin mismo sa bibig ng pangulong Duterte ang banta ng redtagging sa kanilang mga nagpapataba ng bukirin. Sa ganitong lagay, ipinapakita na ng rehimen ang tunay na mukha at pagtanggap nito sa mga magsasaka at
A nimo’y
tinutupad
ng
nakatutulong din sa kabuhayan ng mga magsasaka, at iyon ay ang tunay na reporma sa lupa. Kung ninanais ng pamahalaan na pataasin ang estado ng ekonomya at kabuhayan sa bansa, marapat lamang na magsilbi ito bilang tagapamandila ng pagpapatupad ng pagbubuwag ng mga asyendang nakabinbin lamang sa iilang kamay, at pagpapamahagi ng lupa sa malawak na hanay ng mga magsasaka at manggagawang bukid. Ang pagsulong
rehimen
ang
panatang
mananatiling hitik ang lupain at sakahan ng mga magsasaka
sa
bawat
taniman,
ngunit
sa
halip
na
irigasyon o patubig ang ipinandidilig sa bitak-bitak at
uhaw na lupa, ang dugo ng mga pinaslang na pesante ang dumadaloy at umaagos sa lupang sakahan. manggagawang bukid: ito ay rehimeng kontra sa kaunlaran ng magsasaka at kontra sa masang api. Sa ganitong pagtrato ng estado sa kanyang mamamayan, hindi na nakapagtataka na habang lumolobo ang datos ng dugong dumadanak ay dumarami din ang bilang ng mga magsasakang handang lumaban para sa kanilang karapatan sa lupa. Habang nananatiling bingi ang administrasyon sa daing ng mga mahihirap, sumusulong ang panawagan ng mga manggagawang bukid para sa mga repormang siyang tunay na makakapagpasulong ng kalagayan ng agrikultura. Kung ninanais talaga ng administrasyon na palakasin ang ekonomya ng bansa, marapat lamang na imbis na dahasin ang mga nagtitiyak na sumusulong ang sektor ng agrikultura, ay magbigay ito ng puwang sa pagsaalang-alang ng alternatibo at epektibong solusyon na
ng lehitimong repormang agraryo ay magsisilbi ring tagahawan ng daan upang makamit ng bansa ang pag-unlad ng lipunan sa pamamagitan ng pag-usbong ng pambansang industriyalisasyong siyang lalong magtitiyak na kayang tumayo ng bansa sa sarili nitong mga paa at hindi na dumepende pa sa eksport ng mga bansang kanluranin at dayuhan. Ngunit, kung mananatili ang rehimeng bulag at walang pakundangan sa interes ng karamihan, marapat lamang na ipagpatuloy at palakasin pa ang laban para sa pagkamtan ng karapatan ng mayorya. Mahalagang magsanib ang laksa-laksang lakas ng lahat ng sektor ng lipunan, at maging daluyong laban sa mapang-aping hanay, upang ipagpatuloy ang pakikibaka patungong tagumpay. Sa pamamagitan lamang ng pagsalig at pagsandig sa malawak na hanay ng mamamayang lumalaban masisiguro ang pag-abante ng bawat pagkilos at panawagan para sa demokratikong karapatan ng lahat.