The Manila Collegian Volume 30 No. 16

grace under pressure 03 features

usc candidates' interview

04 news

duelo

08 culture The Official Student Publication of the University of the Philippines Manila Volume 30 Number 16 May 5, 2017 - Friday

PANAWAGAN NG MGA MANGGAGAWA, ISINULONG NITONG MAYO UNO 02 NEWS

02 NEWS

NEWS DOSE

ASEAN and US-China Imperialist Agenda NIÑA KEITH MUSICO FERRANCOL

Historically, ASEAN was instigated

by United States in 1976 to counter the spread of communism and revolutionary movements across the Asia Pacific. It was first established by Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines. The ASEAN Economic community (AEC) envisions creating a region with free movement of goods, services, and capital.

Research group IBON contends that ASEAN Integration has been detrimental to the Philippine economy since its inception.

According to IBON, decades of economic liberalization have aggravated poverty and joblessness in the country while destabilizing the national sovereignty and public interest. Furthermore, Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) have intensified the underdevelopment of local industries and backwardness of agriculture. Based on IBON statistics, GDP contribution of agriculture has declined from 14.0% to 8.7% as foreign agricultural products flooded into the domestic market.

Southeast Asia has potential geopolitical significance ranking as the 7th largest economy in the world.

It has rich natural resources and cheap labor force. More importantly, it is the center of major trade routes.

As such, progressive groups argue that ASEAN has never served the public interest. Instead, it serves as a capitalist tool of plunder and exploitation of the SEA region: to exert control over the raw materials, labor and other resource supplies.

Evidently, the two imperialist countries today, US and China, have been vying for economic and military dominance in the Asia Pacific; both targeting to deepen their trade opportunities, ensure dominance and maintain hegemony. *Layon ng News Dose na na magbukas ng serye ng mapanuring pag-ulat hinggil sa napapanahong balita.

Isumite ang inyong mga katanungan, komento o suhestyon sa www.facebook.com/ themanilacollegian

Volume 30 Number 16 May 5, 2017 | Friday

Panawagan ng mga Manggagawa, isinulong nitong Mayo Uno NIÑA KEITH MUSICO FERRANCOL AT ARIES RAPHAEL REYES PASCUA

Sumama sa pagkilos ang mga mag-aaral ng Unibersidad ng Pilipinas Maynila sa Mendiola upang ipaglaban ang karapatan ng mga manggagawa at iba pang sektor kahapon bilang paggunita sa Araw ng mga Manggagawa, Mayo 1. Ilan sa mga grupong ito ay ang ASAP-Katipunan, National Network of Agrarian Reform Advocates - Youth (NNARA-Youth), at Minggan UP Manila.

Sa pangunguna ng Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), libo-libong manggagawa, magsasaka at estudyante ang nagsagawa ng kilosprotesta laban sa sumisidhing kontrakwalisasyon at mga neoliberal na atake sa mamamayan. Panawagan nila na itaas sa P750 mula P491 ang minimum national wage at ibaba ang presyo ng mga bilihin.

Dagdag pa sa kanilang panawagan ay pagbibigay ng pamahalaan ng trabahong may nakabubuhay na sahod. Kaugnay nito, nananawagan din ang iba't ibang sektor para maitulak ang kani-kanilang interes tulad na lamang ng tunay na repormang agraryo para sa mga magsasaka, pagtigil sa diskriminasyon sa kababaihan at sa mga miyembro ng LGBT community, at maayos na pabahay para sa mga maralitang tagalungsod.

Nagbigay suporta din ang grupo sa pagkilos ng KADAMAY at ng mga magsasaka laban sa mapaniil na sistema sa pabahay at lupa. Patuloy ng KMU na dahil sa mababang sahod at iregular na trabaho at sa pribatisasyon ng mga proyekto ng gobyerno ay lalong nabibigyan ng bigat ang mga manggagawa at ng maralitang lungsod na makapagpabahay.

Iginigiit nila na ipaunlakan ng gobyerno ang House Bill 6435 o ang Workers’ SHIELD (Safety and Health Inspection and Employer’s Liability Decree) Bill bilang pagkilala mga unyon ng mga manggagawa at pagalaga sa kanilang mga karapatan.

Idinidiin din ng KMU kay Pangulong Rodrigo “Digong” Duterte na pirmahan ang Executive Order na

iminumungkahi ni National AntiPoverty Commission Secretary Liza Maza na naglalayon na tapusin ang kontraktwalisasyon na kinakatawan ng Department Order 174 ni Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Kalihim Silvestre Bello.

“While we continuously engage the President in dialogue, Filipino workers remain assertive of our legitimate and just demands without compromise.

Workers should also remain vigilant against maneuvers of capitalists and procapitalist government officials to insist their anti-worker and antipeople policies”, ani ng KMU bilang pagtatapos ng kanilang panawagan at paghimok sa mga manggagawa na patuloy na lumaban.

KADAMAY intensifies call for NHA accountability SHAILA ELIJAH PEREZ FORTAJADA

Following the dispute on the issue on #OccupyPabahay, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Urban Planning, Housing, and Resettlement Senator Joseph Victor “JV” G. Ejercito deemed that the KADAMAY (Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap) should pay for the houses they have occupied. He justified his statement by saying that the government expects a return of their investment in order to build more housing projects in the future.

However, KADAMAY had refuted this by saying that the homes they occupied had been vacant. Other than this, they added that President Rodrigo “Digong” Duterte had already authorized them to claim these houses.

Insufficient Alternative The housing in Bulacan was originally planned to be given to Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) with a monthly fee. However, after being occupied by Kadamay, Duterte allowed the houses to be occupied by the poor and promised the AFP and PNP better housing with electricity and water connection.

In line with this, a resolution was filed to legally allocate the houses to qualified beneficiaries such as the KADAMAY members. The National Housing Authority (NHA) would manage the said allotment of the houses.

In addition, Kadamay members who

have occupied the houses for more than a month are now requesting for a direct connection of basic utilities such as water and electricity. This will mean a cheaper cost, and safer utilization for the residents. The residents have emphasized that the utilities would be paid for by them once available.

Prior to this, it was reported that in a relocation site in August 2016, two children namely Lorraine Balon and Justine Billiones died from drinking contaminated water from the tap, even though the provider had assured them otherwise.

Further Assessment KADAMAY Chairperson Gloria “Ka Bea” Arellano mentioned that the NHA knew of the unoccupied houses that are not being distributed to beneficiaries.

Furthermore, the project was funded from the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) which was declared unconstitutional.

“We call for further investigation on the criminal neglect of the NHA in the construction of so many housing units that remain vacant. Aside from the lack of consultation with the intended beneficiaries, the agency must account for the DAP funds channeled into the project,” stated Arellano. She also said that having a house to live in helps the poor but they will continue to call for fair wages, regular jobs, and in the longterm, national industrialization.

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Volume 30 Number 16 May 5, 2017 | Friday

GRACE UNDER PRESSURE ASSESSMENT OF THE 38TH UNIVERSITY STUDENT COUNCIL JUSTIN DANIELLE TUMENEZ FRANCIA, MIKA ANDREA OCAMPO RAMIREZ, AND RONALD SATORE SIMYUNN, JR.

With the lessons of the past learned the hard way, one interminable impediment stands in the way of collective action as a unified council: friction amid clashing colors.

While the tensions it cause may act as checks and balances essential for effective governance, history has determined how this actually leaves the council members themselves vulnerable to each one’s party policies, personal political views and goals respectively. Such internal pressures, coupled with external stress, made it possible for the institution to be subject to the unceasing process of change. Differing circumstances are also forces to be reckoned with that continuously mold each batch of aspiring student-leaders.

Each batch of the University Student Council (USC) has indubitably contributed in shaping the political landscape of the university. With the present batch’s incumbency drawing to an inevitable close, it is now left to the very students which the USC claims to stand for to hold them accountable for keeping its end of the bargain.

History Revisited Through the years, the USC has attempted to rise above traditional politics, while bringing the students closer to the masses in facing the struggles outside the university.

Recent years have witnessed the satisfactory mode of governance and representation showcased by the Alternative Students' Alliance for Progress - Katipunan ng mga Progresibong Mag-aaral ng Bayan (ASAP-Katipunan), albeit not without the need to reach a compromise with the elected minority composed of candidates either hailing from Bigkis ng mga Iskolar Para sa Bayan Tungo sa Makabuluhang Pagbabago (Bigkis) or running independents. With the three previous councils dominated by ASAPKatipunan, as well as their respective chairperson posts secured, the present one is banking on the momentum created by this streak of leadership.

It was a brand of administration validated to be capable of responding to the needs of the studentry and the Filipino people despite the apparent fragmentation caused by divergent principles.

The swelling pressures of their time were demonstrated to be in fact surmountable, just as substantiated by the flagship projects that now distinguished their corresponding terms. Consequently, this same thrust provided by the former has now found the incumbent trapped within high walls of expectations as well in facing the standards set by its precursors.

The USC’s distinguished campaignbased orientation had incessantly brought awareness to its constituents through frequent mobilization and online dissemination of the council’s stance on matters that impact the society. In this respect, actions that are expected to cause prompt, long-term solutions were proposed on the table, aimed at instituting unity with other sectors. With these facts, the USC in power has followed in its predecessors’ footsteps by being a pro-student and pro-people institution. It has strove to be an indispensable apparatus that fulfills its constitutionally mandated duty of instilling national consciousness for the holistic development of the Iskolar ng Bayan and, ultimately, of the masses as well.

As the USC evolved with the passage of time, the interplay of dissent and consent is emphasized in its growth, especially in keeping personality and partisan politics at bay. Yet, it is exactly for this reason that the governing body can manifest itself publicly as democratic and representative in performing their duty. Enduring trials and triumphs since then have come to characterize each passing term of the council as it endeavors to meet these demands, all the while politics is seen rigorously at work in the university.

Efforts Sustained Through the triumphs that prevailed in the face of defeats, are obstacles that the outgoing USC had to overcome through collective action and unity.

With regard to its goal of bringing the council closer to the students, the incumbent USC has successfully united the student body with its campaigns like the “We Need Space” campaign, in which they asked all colleges to contribute as all of them were invited to participate in supporting the movement. More so, CONTINUED ON PAGE 09

04 NEWS

Volume 30 Number 16 May 5, 2017 | Friday

ASAP-KATI Sakaling mahalal sa pwesto, aling isyu agad ang iyong bibigyang agad na aksiyon sa iyong unang buwan?

It would be the we need space now campaign. So, this semester we’ve been able to condense the many concerns of the student body to a proposal that we are having a dialogue with the admin.

As well, we’ve been able to unite the different colleges in campaigning and thinking of ways to promote, to advocate the we need space now. I believe that we need space now is an easy target, easy win for the students. So I can assure the student body that by next, in my first few months in office, we would complete, we would finish the fight for we need space.

Ano ang pinakaepektibong nagawa ni Duterte sa unang taon niya bilang pangulo?

It would be to allow the continuation of the peace talks. So the peace talks, as well as the Comprehensive Agreement on Social Economic Reform stands in stark contrast sa plano ng gobyerno sa war on drugs, sa tingin nga na with bullets and terror, kaya nila ma-solve yung mga roots of armed conflict and poverty but with the peace talks, we would be able to target the real roots of the armed conflict, the real roots of poverty. And however, ang peace talks, hindi si Duterte ang magtatapos nito. Hindi si Duterte ang mag-a-achieve nito, kung hindi ang samasamang pagkilos ng samabayanang Pilipino.

Bilang medical student anong medical diagnosis ang maglalarawan sa kawalan ng espasyo sa unibersidad at bakit?

ALJIBE, Miguel Sandino O. USC Chairperson

It would be ICP or what we call Increased Cranial Pressure kasi ang UP Manila ay merong very limited space at kagaya sa ICP, dumarami yung laman ng utak ng skull. Dumadami ang mga estudyante at activities na ginagawa natin. So ang kailangan talaga dito is palawakin pa ang espasyo.

Ano ang nais mong iparating kay Chancellor Carmencita Padilla sa kanyang huling taon bilang UP Manila Chancellor?

Sa huling taon ni Chancellor Padilla ay nais nating ipaabot ang ating pasasalamat sa iilang mga pagkakataon na siya ay ating nakaisa sa ating mga kampanya, mga advocacies at natulungan ang University Student Council sa mga ito at yun nga, dahil dito ay meron tayong ilang mga dialogues at tayo naman ay sinubukang pakinggan. Pero sa kanyang huling taon ay nais din nating ihapag ang ating hamon, hamon na bukod sa pakikinig ay kailangan din natin ng aksyon, kailangang maaksyunan yung mga kahilingan ng mga estudyante katulad na nga yung sa We Need Space Now na campaign at pati na rin yung sa Free Education Now na campaign dahil kailangang i step up yung game katulad ng, magandang example dito yung si Chancellor Tan na nangahas siya makibaka kasama ng mga estudyante at para din dito sa UP Manila mangahas tayong magtagumpay ng united kasama si Chancellor Padilla at mga estudyante.

Kung sakaling ikaw lamang ang pinalad na manalo mula sa iyong partido, paano mo isusulong ang plataporma o kampanya ng iyong partido?

Kung sakaling ako lang ang palarin na manalo mula sa aming partido, sa tingin ko ay kaya pa rin naman na maisulong yung ating mga plataporma dahil sa naging karanasan natin sa nakaraang konseho na, oo meron ngang mga ibat-ibang mga opinyon sa loob ng konseho, pero pinapuput natin itong mga points na ito ay cinocompare natin pinuput into test natin, kung ano nga ba yung mas tamang points dito at bilang yung mga plataporma ng ASAP- Katipunan ay para naman sa mga estudyante at kaugnay rin ng mga karapatan ng mga mamamayang Pilipino, malakas ang ating hope at malakas ang ating faith na itong mga ito ay maisusulong pa rin natin sa konseho, after all, tayong mga estudyante na mga nakaupo sa konseho ang primaryang apektado nitong mga plataporma o kampanyang ating mga sinusulong at hindi tayo dapat mag tunggali, magtunggali na kontrahin pa ito. Kundi, tayo dapat ay magkaisa para maisulong ang mga ito.

Sino o anong fictional character ang irerekomenda mong gawaran ng honoris causa?

Siguro marerecommend natin siguro si Ash from Pokemon dahil kahit bata pa siya at wala pa siyang experience ay nangahas siyang makibaka sa streets, nangahas siyang madevelop yung kanyang mga skills at maging the very best na Pokemon Master kaya bilang mga iskolar ng bayan, ito rin yung ating gusto na tayo ay mangahas makibaka. Dito tayo makakapagkamit ng mga tagumpay.

JIMENEZ, Charles Ashley G. USC Vice Chairperson

NEWS 05

Volume 30 Number 16 May 5, 2017 | Friday

IPUNAN Anong marka ang ibibigay mo sa mga kampanyang binitbit ng nakaraang USC at bakit?

Upang mabigyan ng marka yung mga kampanyang binitbit ng USC, magsespecify ako sa komiteng tinatakbuhan ko, sa Gender, Students’ Rights and Welfare and Basic Services. Halimbawa sa Gender, ay ipagpapatuloy natin ang GAGA o yung General Assembly for Gender Advocates kasi kasama dito yung kinakampanya ko ngayon kasama ang Gabriela-Youth na SHout Now, MADLANGBAYAN, Ma. Chriztina A. Sexual Harassment Out Now at sa Students’ Rights and Welfare naman USC Councilor ay itutuloy natin ang sinimulan ng USC na sa Shiftee and Transferee Concerns, para dito natin mapalawak yung development ng mga bagong Iskolar Ng Bayan na kakapasok lang ng bagong environment sa pamantasan.

Tasahin ang naging pamumuno ni UP President Alfredo Pascual.

In my opinion I think that PAEP had good intentions, but he was rather deluded in his projects during his term. If you think about SAIS, it’s a step in the right direction, it would’ve been more convenient for the students. But the way it was executed, it was given to a private company who exactly did not have an intrinsic intention to [benefit] the students. I think that one of the reasons why he was kinda deluded was because of CASTILLO, Nisom Andrew R. his lack of connection or he wasn’t USC Councilor very involved with the students. And then one of the other projects that he added was the STS. And although it was to address the problems of STFAP, it actually did more harm than good.

Ano ang masasabi mo sa isinagawang peace talks ng pamahalaan?

Nararapat lamang na ipagpatuloy yung peace talks talaga, at isulong yung peace talks. Kasi dito sa socioeconomic reforms na isinusulong ng natin sa peace talks nakasaad din diyan, kasama din diyan ang mga environmental na reforms, gaya ng pag-utilize ng ating mga likas na yaman ng tama at mahusay kasi nga yung tamang pag-utilize ng ating likas na yaman sa environment, BORROMEO, Luke Wesley P. susi yan sa pagkakaroon ng national USC Councilor industries. Isa yan sa mga socioeconomic reforms natin at ‘pag nagkaroon na tayo ng national industries, bukod sa uunlad ang ekonomiya, magiging self-sufficient na tayo, magkakaroon tayo ng sarili nating mga industry at matutulungan ng higit ang mga Pilipino. Pag nasulong ang national industrialization, tunay na magkakaroon ng development ang Pilipinas.

Tasahin ang naging pamumuno ni UP President Alfredo Pascual Sa time ni former President Alfredo Pascual, marami siyang development na nagawa sa UP pero hindi maganda yung developments na yun kasi hindi ito nagse-serve sa mga pangangailangan, sa mga interes ng estudyante tulad ng STS, SAIS. Ilan na ba sa atin ang pinahirapan ng mga yan. Isa pa yung GE Reforms.

Bilang running for councilor for Culture and Arts, isa ako sa mga matatapakan ng GE Reforms kasi di CATU, Christiana Louisse M. ba tayong mga UP students kilala tayo USC Councilor bilang holistic, well-rounded pero dito sa GE Reforms, nililimit niya yung mga kaalaman nating mga estudyante, nili-limit niya yung edukasyon para sa atin, pinapababa niya yung quality nito at isa pa geared towards to internationalization hindi siya magse-serve para sa mamamayang Filipino.

Ano ang masasabi mo sa isinasagawang peace talks ng pamahalaan?

Importante ang peace talks dahil inuugat nito ang social and economic problems sa bansa at bumubuo ito ng unified and principled solutions sa mga problemang ito. Kalakip nito ang CASER kung saan nagkaroon ng kasunduan na muling ipamahagi ang lupa sa mga magsasaka nang libre.

Sa usaping kalusugan naman, ito ay sumusulong sa pagrerevolutionize ng health care system na kung saan SUELAN, Lee Daniel E. ay magkakaroon ng accessible and USC Councilor quality health care system at itigil ang kontraktuwalisasyon sa mga health workers. Kaya tama lang na ipagpatuloy ang peace talks.

Sa loob mismo ng pamantasan hindi na bago ang pagiging kontraktwal ng mga kawani, ano ang magagawa mo bilang miyembro ng konseho anong magagawa mo upang tugunan ang isyu ng kontrakwalisasyon ng manggagawa?

For the longest time ang ASAPKatipunan ay tutol na sa kontrakwalisasyon sa loob man yan ng ating pamantasan, sa ating kampanya kasama natin ang mga kawani sa pamantasan CIERVA, Patricia Nicole M. at mapapatampok natin ang ating USC Councilor kampanya sa pamimigitan ng pagcoordinate sa mga estudyante, mga organisasyon through the Tanggulan Youth Networks for the Defense of Human Rights and Civil Liberties dahil parte naman ito ng batayang karapatan ng ating manggagawa na sila ay mabigyan ng nakabubuhay na sahod. Ang magagawa natin dito, kasama rin ng iba pang sektor ng manggagawa ng mga kawani natin dito sa loob ng pamantasan at magsasagawa tayo ng iba’t ibang aktibidad depende sa maaaring iambag ng organisasyon ng iba’t ibang sektor dito sa loob ng pamantasan.

06 NEWS

Volume 30 Number 16 May 5, 2017 | Friday

BIGKIS-UPM Sakaling mahalal sa pwesto, aling isyu agad ang iyong bibigyang agad na aksiyon sa iyong unang buwan?

Sa pagkaluklok natin sa puwesto, ay ifofocus natin ang isyu ng kakulangan ng isang Magna Carta para sa ating mga estudyante, organisasyon at sa ating mga leaders. Nakita kasi natin na mayroon tayong iba’t ibang problema at isyu sa ating university na hindi napagtutuunan ng pansin at hindi nagkakaroon ng isang legal na dokumento na puwede nating panghawakan sa administrasyon everytime na tinatapakan at hindi pino-provide ang ating mga karapatan.

Ano ang pinakaepektibong nagawa ni Duterte sa unang taon niya bilang pangulo?

Sa aking palagay sa Bigkis-UPM, na ang pinakaepektibong ginawa ni Pangulong Duterte sa taong ito ay ang pagka-divide-divide ng ating mga katauhan, ng ating, tayong mga Pilipino. Dahil nakita natin na talagang tiningnan ng ating pangulo ang iba’t ibang mga perspektibo para manatili tayong watak-watak. Kaya tayo sa Bigkis-UPM, ang panawagan natin ay ang higit na pagkakaisa ng mga Iskolar ng Bayan para sa mga ganitong challenges na kinakaharap ng ating bansa.

Bilang medical student anong medical diagnosis ang maglalarawan sa kawalan ng espasyo sa unibersidad at bakit?

LINTAO, Ryan Cristian V. USC Chairperson

Para sa aking palagay, ang diagnosis ng ating kakulangan ng espasyo sa ating unibersidad ay simpleng flu lamang. Dahil itong mga problema na ito ay napakasimple, napakadali ng solusyon na i-open up ang mga espasyo pero hindi natin nagagawa. Kaya tayo sa Bigkis-UPM ay nananawagan na ibuksan ang mga espasyong ito para sa ating mga mag-aaral.

Ano ang nais mong iparating kay Chancellor Carmencita Padilla sa kanyang huling taon bilang UP Manila Chancellor?

Kung may pagkakataon tayong makausap si Chancellor Padilla, ang gusto nating dalhin sa kanya ay yung mga problema at hinaing ng mga estudyante dahil nakikita natin na ang USC dapat kino-connect niya yung mga students at yung mga administrators – naririnig yung mga boses ng mga students. Halimbawa na lang ay yung problema sa mental health at sa space. Kaya kung magiging parte tayo ng konseho, dadalhin natin yun para marinig yung boses ng mga estudyante sa problema ng students’ issues.

Kung sakaling ikaw lamang ang pinalad na manalo mula sa iyong partido, paano mo isusulong ang plataporma o kampanya ng iyong partido?

Naniniwala ako na ang USC natin ay nagtratrabaho para sa estudyante. Kaya naman, kailangan lang natin ng unity and unity does not mean unity of ideas but rather open for debates and discussions. Kaya kapag nasa USC tayo, i-oopen up natin yung mga gusto nating plataporma, dadalhin natin yung mga gustong dalhin ng konseho natin sa USC kung sakaling mahalal tayo.

Pero siyempre, gusto pa rin sana natin na kasama natin yung konseho natin para sure tayo na madadala natin yung mga gusto talaga nating plataporma para sa estudyante at para sa kapwa Pilipino.

Sino o anong fictional character ang irerekomenda mong gawaran ng honoris causa?

Siguro si Mirmo. Kasi ever since naging favorite ko siya and somehow nung bata ako, naging inspiration ko siya parang ganito yung mga qualities ng masaya na bata pero may na-uuphold na values. Yun naman yung importante kapag inaawardan ng award na yun.

RIVERA, Nicola Christine A. USC Vice Chairperson

M

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Volume 30 Number 16 May 5, 2017 | Friday

Tasahin ang naging pamumuno ni UP President Alfredo Pascual.

TUPPIL, Caireen G.

USC Councilor

Sa ating palagay ang pamumuno ng pamumuno ng UP President na Pascual ay may kulang dahil nakita natin na dito palang sa UPM, maraming mga polisiya na naimplementa na kulang sa student consultation. Kabilang na diyan yung mga RSA at ganitong mga issue.

Tapos may mga problema tayo dito sa UP system na hindi natutugunan at tingin natin ay kabilang ang pagtugon sa pangangailangan ng mga estudyante sa trabaho ng ating UP president kaya kailangan ng student consultation.

Ano ang marka na ibibigay mo sa mga kampanyang binitbit ng USC at bakit?

‘Pag bibigyan ko po sila ng grado, I would give them a dos. Why? Because I believe that the campaigns they are fighting for are for a good cause but in the next USC we will make it better.

Kaya po dos because I believe kaya pa po nating gawing uno ‘yan.

KUE, Aira Alyssa U.

USC Councilor

Sa loob mismo ng pamantasan hindi na bago ang pagiging kontraktwal ng mga kawani, ano ang magagawa mo bilang miyembro ng konseho anong magagawa mo upang tugunan ang isyu ng kontrakwalisasyon ng manggagawa?

Nakakalungkot na mayroon paring kontraktwalisasyon na nangyayari.

Actually, hindi lang ito problema ng pamantasan kundi problema din ito ng ating bansa. So ang magagawa natin bilang ako'y bahagi ng Nursing QUIBINIT, Carina Burgos Student Council, magagawa natin ay USC Councilor patuloy nating suportahan ang ating mga kawani dito sa pamantasan sa pamamagitan ng patuloy na pagsuporta sa Security ng Tenure bill na ngayon ay nasa Kongreso na kailangan nating suportahan. Tapos kasama ang ating mga estudyante, kailangan maintindihan nila ang lagay ng ating kawani dito sa pamantasan upang sila mismo makatulong sila din mismo ay maging boses din para sa ating mga kawani dito sa pamantasan.

Ano ang masasabi mo sa isinasagawang peace talks ng pamahalaan?

So itong peace talks na ginagawa ng pamahalaan natin ay isang paraan upang matapos ‘yung armed conflict natin. And actually merong two phase[s] itong peace talks na ‘to kasi merong nangyayari at the same time na Oplan Kapayapaan. And as long as meron ‘yun at nangyayari ‘yun ay hindi natin makakamit ‘yung tunay na kapayapaan.

YU, Eric Raymund Q.

USC Councilor

INDEPENDENT

Sa loob mismo ng pamantasan hindi na bago ang pagiging kontraktwal ng mga kawani, bilang isang miyembro ng konseho anong magagawa mo upang tugunan ang isyu ng kontrakwalisasyon ng mga manggagawa?

Bilang isang bahagi ng konseho atin pong isinusulong na mas mapaintindi sa bawat estudyante ang atin pong laban sa kontraktwalisasyon sa pamamagitan ng malayang talakayan. Sa ilalim po ng malayang talakayan na ito, dito po natin mapapaintindi sa mga estudyante na hindi po nalalayo ang ating laban sa kontraktwalisayon dito sa ating unibersidad. ‘Pagkat tayo mismo na mga estudyante, tayo rin ay siyang apektado nito ‘pagkat tayo ay nakaangkla pa sa ating mga magulang ngayon. Dito po, ating lalabanan kung anuman yung problema sa kontraktwalisasyon at sa huli ay mapalaya na rin ang ating mga kasama, ating mga kapatid at ating mga kababayan sa ganito pong kontrata.

Kung may irerekomenda kang pelikula sa kalaban mong kandidato, ano ito at bakit??

SANTIAGO, Raphael Angel SJ. USC Councilor

Kung may irerekomenda po ako na pelikula sa aking kalaban, irerekomenda ko po ang pelikulang “One More Chance.” Dito po, puno po ito ng hugot at puno po ito ng pagdadamdam na tayo po ay bigyan pa ng pangalawang pagkakataon na manilbihan at tayo ay matuto rin na magbago para sa ating lahat na ikabubuti natin bilang estudyante dito sa ating pamantasan.

08 CULTURE

DUELO

Tapatan ng Paninindigan ng mga Partidong Politikal sa UP Manila

Alternative Students’ Alliance for Progress – Katipunan ng mga Progresibong Mag-aaral ng Bayan (ASAP – Katipunan)

Volume 30 Number 16 May 5, 2017 | Friday

Bigkis ng mga Iskolar para sa Bayan tungo sa Makabuluhang Pagbabago (BIGKIS – UPM)

RSA: JUNK/ REFORM JUNK. In its current form. Dahil yung current na Return Service Agreement ay problematic in REFORM. Nakikita natin yung RSA, sa totoo lang sa'ming white colleges, meron talagang nakikita a way na commercialized kung saan pwedeng magbayad yung estudyante para maiwasan nila. tayong mga problema. Actually, isa sa problema nun ay yung medyo restrictive siya pagkatapos Yung pino-propose ng ASAP-Katipunan ay ang pagkakaroon ng panibagong Return Service mo grumadweyt. Parang hindi niya nafu-fulfill yung kung anoman yung gusto mong gawin: yung Agreement kung saan ito ay crafted mismo ng mga stakeholders. By stakeholders, we mean ay progress mo in your career and as personal development mo. Though, kaya naman siya ginawa yung mga students, yung mga organizers mula sa community. Yung layunin natin sa pagkakaroon dahil nakikita 'to nung dati na ito yung sagot sa brain drain na pag-alis ng mga healthcare workers ng panibagong RSA ay magkaroon ng effective na admission. Halimbawa, paano siya pipirmahan dito sa bansa. Naniniwala pa rin ako at the end of the day, dapat hindi kontrata ang magdidikta ng mga estudyante? Tapos sa kurikulum din na dapat yung RSA sa mga colleges ay lapat doon sa nun. Kundi, dapat ma-inculcate sa mga estudyante na kailangan talaga ng Pilipinas yung mga kurikulum ng mga estudyante. healthcare workers. Kailangan bumalik dito yung mga iskolar natin para sa bayan.

Rental Spaces: NO RENT/LOWER RENT NO RENT. Ang paglalagay ng rental fees is a form of commercialization. Nilalagyan ng presyo yung pagpapagamit ng facilities sa mga estudyante at sa mga organization na in the first place ay libre at accessible para sa kanila. In a way, hini-hinder nito yung growth and development ng mga students at ng mga organizations dahil nahihirapan sila sa pag-schedule kahit yung mga simpleng General Assemblies ay nahihirapan sila dahil doon sa mahal na cost.

NO RENT. Sino bang gustong magbayad ng rental fees 'no? Kung kaya naman libre, bakit hindi? Dapat ikampanya natin na kung kaya naman i-free yung rental fees, bakit hindi? Pagkakaalala ko dati, may inaalok sila na free hours para sa mga organizations. Bakit hindi natin ibalik yun? I think that one's one of the options naman, short-term. Pero sa long-term, ipaglaban natin na magkaroon ng free hours ulit yung mga organizations at ibang student formations.

SUC’s Tuition Fee: FREE/AFFORDABLE FREE. Dapat maging libre. Ang ASAP-Katipunan ay nananawagan ng pag-abolish ng tuition system FREE. Kami sa BIGKIS, more than free, we believe na dapat accessible din yung education. Hindi hindi lamang sa UP kun'di sa lahat ng state universities and colleges. For the longest time, ang ASAPnaman kasi natatapos yung pagbayad ng estudyante sa tuition fee lang. Kailangan pa niya mabuhay Katipunan ay naniniwala na ang edukasyon ay karapatan. Kapag sinabing karapatan, dapat ay libre, sa araw-araw na pangkain. Yung sa dorm niya, saan siya titira? Bibili pa siya nung mga libro niya, accessible para sa lahat. At sa oras na nilagyan siya ng presyo, kino-commercialize mo siya at hindi tapos yung pang-Xerox pa. Lahat 'to nararamdaman ng bawat estudyante. Kaya more than free, it's mo na siya kino-consider na karapatan. more of the accessibility. Kung sino yung nangangailangan, yung pinakanangangailangan na mga estudyante, ba't 'di natin tulungan?

GE Reform: ACCEPT/ REJECT REJECT. Kinikilala ng ASAP-Katipunan na may kahinaan sa current na General Education Program.

Subalit kung papauntiin yung minimum na GE units, mas lalo nitong ide-degrade yung holistic education na dapat ay natatanggap ng mga iskolar ng bayan. Kumbaga, nandiyan ang GE program para maging knowledgeable ang mga iskolar ng bayan hindi lamang doon sa field o track na pinupursue nila kun'di pati sa ibang bagay. Nariyan ang GE program para magkaroon sila hindi lamang yung katalinuhan kun'di yung nationalism pagdating sa pagsusuri ng mga issues. Mahirap naman na magpoprodyus yung UP ng mga professionals at mga intellectuals na maalam nga sa kani-kanilang mga field pero hindi nakikita yung social cause benefit ng mga policies na mangyayari.

(NEITHER). Kailangan munang i-consult yung students. Kailangan mo na ring tanungin sa estudyante.

Ilatag natin kung ano nga ba yung GE Reform, yung kung ano nga ba yung madudulot nito. Pero dapat isipin din natin yung mga mawawalan ng trabaho, yung mga professors pagka binawasan na yung mga subjects. More than that, dapat i-consult yung students. Ipakita natin kung ano nga ba yung merits at yung cons ng GE Reform tapos yun, let the students decide. Kasi yung theme namin ngayon is Buksan ang Isipan, Kwento ng Iskolar Pakinggan. So I think, isa yun talaga sa resounding na gusto naming mangyari.

SAIS-eUP: FIX/DITCH DITCH. Malaki yung ginastos, nasa 700 million, tapos nasa kontrata na patuloy pa rin magbabayad sa eUP. Sa halip na ipagpatuloy yun, maganda i-junk o ditch yung kontrata. Tapo yung budget na sana ilalaan para dun sa pag-sustain ng project, ibigay na lang dun sa mga computer scientists natin at computer engineering students para sila mismo yung gumawa nung system natin para sa university.

FIX. Dapat i-reform natin kasi nakikita na every enrollment na lang may problema. For the next student council, dapat i-collate nila yun kung ano yung pwede bang ayusin dun sa SAIS. More than that, nakikita natin na sobrang laking pera talagang nagastos dito sa eUP. Yun yung ike-question natin: what is transparency and accountability? Magkano ba talaga yung nagastos nila dun at saan ba napunta yung pera Yung pinakaimportante talaga, bakit hindi ginamit yung homegrown talent ng UP 'di ba?

STS: DISSOLVE/RESOLVE DISSOLVE. Sa ASAP-Katipunan, naniniwala tayo na ang edukasyon ay karapatan. At yung pagpapanatili nitong socialized tuition system ay pagpapanitili nung paghuhuthot ng kita mula sa mga estudyante gayong nakikita naman natin na posible na wala yung STS. Halimbawa, 75% nung kabuuang kita ng STS from 2010-2014 napupunta lang sa trust fund. Tapos nakita rin natin yung initial victory nung student movement last year na nadagdagan yung budget kung kaya’t dapat magkakaroon ng free tuition for next school year.t

RESOLVE. Nakikita natin yung STS na meron talaga siyang flaws. I think yung isa dun ‘yung misbracketing. Nakikita natin na sa UP Manila, medyo mas marami yung Bracket A kumpara sa lower brackets. I think isa yun sa dapat i-resolve. Pero at the long run, yung sa education kasi, twopronged ‘yung approach namin sa BIGKIS, na ipaglaban yung higher state subsidy tapos yung para sa short-term, meron nga tayo yung sa STS na i-reform. Ayusin yung mga dapat ayusin.

EJK (Extra-judicial Killings): YES/NO NO. Essentially, paglabag siya sa karapatang-pantao. Sa ngayon naman, kahit sinong pangulo ang nakaupo, patuloy pa rin ang extra-judicial killings. Kung sa panahon ngayon 'yan, nariyan yung mga politically motivated killings kung saan pinapatay yung mga aktibista, mga lider sa communities dahil sa kanilang paglaban. Nariyan din naman yung umusbong na drug-related killings.

NO. Sa EJK, hard ‘no’ talaga. Naniniwala tayo na every human being has the right for due process. I think yung due process yung natatapakan dito, yung karapatan na to prove himself or herself na ano siya innocent.

CJA (Campus Journalism Act): YES/NO NO. Yung pag-propose naman ng Campus Journalism Act ay in its original form ay okay siya pero YES. Everyone has the right to express themselves, right of speech na kung ine-enforce ng act na nakuha na rin ng government. Although merong ganyang act ay patuloy pa rin yung censorship, 'to, bakit hindi natin isama na ipaglaba? Maganda tanungin rin ang Manila Collegian kung pwedeng harassment sa mga student publications. Halimbawa, meron ngayon yung pinapakialaman yung maki-partner dito kung ano bang tingin nila'ng better. At saka maisama din na sana mabbuhay yung mga student publications pagdating sa kung ano ang ipa-publish, kahit sa pag-participate sa mga iba't ibang publications ng bawat colleges. I think yun yung gusto kong makita rin at the long run. press conference and conventions etc. Parehong mali yung act at pagpapalakad sa act na ito.

MACRA (Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility Act): YES/NO NO. Mas jeopardy ito para sa mga kabataan laluna mga kabataan na out-of-school youth na prone NO. Itatanong natin bakit nila kailangang babaan nang babaan nang sobra. Kailangan natin tignan gumawa ng mga anti-social act or crimes na in the first place ay hindi naman nito sinasagot kung kung ano nga bang ginagawa ng mga batang 'to. 'Asan yung mga magulang nila? More than to ikulong bakit wala sila sa paaralan, kung bakit sila nakakagawa ng iba't ibang anti-social acts. sila or sampahan ng kaso, siguro hanapin yung mga magulang nila and more on tulungan sila to nurture them. Matulungan makapasok sa eskuwela, na sobrang bata pa nila. Maganda i-nurture sila rather than kasuhan sila. Ituro sa kanila kung anong tama o mali, rather than incriminating them.

Two traits that your party has/stands for?

GENUINE and MILITANT. Hindi nagbe-bend ang ASAP-Katipunan sa principles na pinaniniwalaan niya at pangunahin diyan ang education is a right. Ginagawa niya lahat ng avenues, consultation, admin dialogues, lobbying sa government institutions lalong-lalo na mobilizations para ipaglaban yung mga karapatan natin. Masasabi ko na yung pagiging genuine and militant ang magdidifferentiate sa ASAP-Katipunan sa ibang political parties kasi hindi nagbe-bend yung ASAPKatipunan sa principles. Although ang mga pinaniniwalaan ng AK ay maaaring dumating sa punto na maiiba yung pinaniniwalaan ng AK doon sa populist na stand, handa yung AK na mag-educate.

Some political parties may say na nationalist sila pero sa pagiging genuine at militant yung hindi nakikita sa iba.

PROGRESSIVE MULTI-PERSPECTIVE ACTIVISM and ENDURING INTEGRITY. Sa BIGKIS, more than anything else, sa bawat isyu titignan natin lahat ng sides. Pinapakinggan natin yung mga members natin na minsan meron tayong hindi pagkakaintindihan pero pinag-uusapan natin lahat ng sides para makita natin kung ano nga ba yung best na stand for an issue. Kailangan ma-consult muna lahat ng sides bago tayo gumawa ng anything. Yung enduring integrity ay yung kahit ano yung ibato sa'yong madumi, kung ginawan ng masama, always take the higher ground. Always look for something positive out of it na hindi mo kailangan gumanti kun'di stand for what is right.

Two traits which your party considers as detrimental to UP? BIASED at MAINGAY. Biased sa interes ng mga estudyante, ng basic sectors, mga magsasaka at manggagawa. Kung saan hindi naniniwala ang ASAP-Katipunan sa multi-perspective activism kung saan kinakailangan mong i-consult both sides at saka mag-come up doon sa stand na makocompromise yung both interest. Maingay sa pagdating sa mga usapin sa loob at labas man ng unibersidad. Para sa akin kapag sinabing biased at maingay, meron siyang negative connotation kapag narinig ng mga estudyante. Pero ang iisipin natin, biased sa karapatan ng mga estudyante at ng marginalized sectors at saka maingay sa mga isyu sa loob at labas ng paaralan. So I think hindi siya deterrent, kun'di kalakasan pa siya ng political party.

CLOSE-MINDED at HINDI PAGKONSULTA. Minsan, yung hindi na tayo nakikinig dun sa gusto talaga ng mga estudyante. Kung ano ba yung kailangan nila, kung ano nga ba talaga yung mga proyekto at mga isyu na kailangan talaga nila.. I think that's one na sana maging open-minded pa lalo na yung susunod na USC. Tapos yung hindi pagkonsulta, more than anything else, BIGKIS now is calling for na makinig tayo sa mga estudyante kasi at the end of the day pagkatapos ng eleksyon, sino nga ba talaga yung dapat ise-serve ng students 'di ba? A student council should be for the students, by the students.

GRAPHICS 09

Volume 30 Number 16 May 5, 2017 | Friday

A

ITANONG KAY ISKO’T ISKA

no

ang mga isyu sa Manila na dapat pagtuunan ng pansin ng mga kandidato ngayong eleksyon?

UP

Kakulangan ng tISYU at kawalan ng pansin sa mga ISYU ng MKule char maharoot na ugat 2014 STS, We need space, mga taong paasa, MAINIT NA PANAHON sasablaysajune, 2013 Hmm i guess legitimacy nila if ever they win. While totoo na hindi hiwalay ang struggle ng masa sa ating lahat, kailangan rin muna bigyan ng pansin yung pangangailangan ng nga students sa loob ng campus. Annyeong Within upm lang muna ito: A. Tambayan B. Venues C. Psychological health of students D. Inefficient bureaucratic process employed by offices E. Dapat ma-target ng candidates yung rising apathy among students tungkol sa mga isyu ngayon. I think there has to be a way for the students to be more involved F. Kaya ba nilang ma-target yung counterproductive academic freedom ng profs? Kasi legit, sobrang laya nilang gumawa ng bagay like they do not teach at all or they dont go to class.

They just waste the students' time and money. So the bigger problem would be: UP being a diploma mill.

G. Tuition fee!!!! - Marikit, 2013 Syempre, #WeNeedSpaceNow, Free Educ, Mental Health Issues, at yung katunayang mapaninindigan nila yung pinagkukuda nila ngayong eleksyon hanggang sa mahalal sila. rockabyebaby Sa tingin ko mga projects at events na para sa estudyante like we need space campaign, mas malawak na ACLE, UPM Fiesta, Bakbakan at PalaCASan for all, and more. - 12345, 2013

S

inong famous entity ang magliligtas sayo kapag inagaw ang upuan mo sa United Airlines?

Idol kong si Baron Geisler. tag team kami haha - fite.me.b!tches 2014 Kuya Wil. Kasi siya ang nagbigay sakin ng wil to seat - Maruya, 2013 SI JHEPOY DIZON dahil sa village siya nakatira at kayang-kaya nyang bilhin yung eroplano ng United Airlines na 'to. - ChocoButternutPaRinMgaToot, 2013 Si Cardo, para di na siya probinsyano levels dibuh - rockabyebaby si Captain Vietnam, kasi mas malakas siya kay Captain America - 12345, 2013

GRACE UNDER PRESSURE

FROM P.03

aside from their calls for a campus conducive to learning, they were able to utilize the Rise for Education (R4E) Alliance campaign to assert students’ rights on a wider scale of struggle. As they were able to hold local college conventions regarding free education in cooperation with college student councils, the demand for a free and accessible education for all became stronger along with the more intensive union with different student councils and publications.

Events like All Students Meet (ASM) together with the University Committee for Student Affairs were also launched wherein important discussions in relation to updates about students’ rights and welfare were delivered. The USC, being a member of KASAMA sa UP, were able to attend to concerns through a bigger lens as the struggles faced within UP Manila are included in the systemwide fight for students’ rights along with other UP constituents.

As stated by Councilor Babac,“. . .mas naging open ‘yung USC to changes this year and favored the athletes of UPM kasi naririnig yung voices nila na if they can’t make it sa game, we give them options na ma-move ‘yung game. Malaking tulong ang changes, kasi ‘di lang naman sila players, they are student athletes.” The USC was also successful in making their projects inclusive to their constituents. As an example, this year’s Bakbakan included “e-sports” for those who prefer the said games. Problems with Bakbakan that were faced by last year’s term were also conquered by this year’s USC as in spite of financial problems, the project’s quality remained the same.

However, despite successful projects, there were also few that the USC was not able to carry out. Such is the case with this year’s UPM Fiesta’s “Alpas: Artista Laban sa Pasismo”. Even though its first days were launched successfully, many of its remaining events did not push through due to insufficiencies. Contrary to its theme of celebrating and empowering arts and culture, this year’s UPM Fiesta was not able to successfully battle the repressive hindrances which held them back in executing the event. As Councilor Cortes further explained, “Naging midyum siya para mapakita paano ba ang mga artista na lumalaban sa pasismo na nararanasan natin, sa pagkait natin sa karapatan sa edukasyon, makamasa makabayan at siyentipikong sining at kultura.”

While the USC did not meet their goal of achieving success as one, the

assembly exhausted all its mediums to be able reach out to their constituents just like how they made this year’s campaigns and projects fit for every Iskolar ng Bayan. Notwithstanding the difficulties faced by the USC, the council’s unity as a collective body remained along with the persistence in serving the student body and the Filipino people.

Flaws Considered Through history, the USC as an institution had always been colored by stories of councils all striving for unity.

One of the major criticisms in this year’s USC is the lack of visibility among council members. While the USC boasts of a nine-member team, their members’ attendance in their events almost always boils down to only two or three, not even enough to reach half of their number. Councilor Babac clarifies the situation, explaining, “Hindi ibig sabihin na hindi visible sa event na iyon ay hindi na siya nag-participate sa event na yun. Sumali siya sa planning ang I believe na big help ‘yun kesa naman andun siya pero wala naman talaga siya naitulong.”. Despite attendance being the most visible aspect of the council members’ performance, that is not the only component that can be evaluated on. Much of the council’s operation is centered on behind-thescenes actions of its events, with most of its time and effort is focused on planning and logistics.

This issue also goes hand-in-hand with the complaints regarding Chairperson Balahadia’s visibility, who filed for leave during her term because of mental health issues. Explaining her absence, she says, “Ang school year na ito ang worst year sa UP Manila, dahil nagkasabay-sabay ang family, financial, and health problems ko na umabot sa point na pinagte-take na ako ng isang year off, and even ‘yung doktor na nagtingin sa akin na i-leave ko na yung council, sabi ko, may enough time pa ako.” While she wasn’t in charge of a specific event, her role as chairperson--the main administrator of the programs--made her accountable for the successes and failures of the events held. However, she acknowledges the effects of her absence on the council, particularly its performance.

Learning from the mistakes of past councils which utilized committees, the incumbent USC deviated from its predecessors’ approach in executing and launching their projects and campaigns. Duties accorded to each

council member have become more of a collaborative effort, with colleagues stepping up in another’s absence.

As Councilor Juliano mentioned, “Maganda sa USC ngayon ay they join together kahit may kaniya-kaniya kaming hinahawakan na komite. It doesn’t matter kung sino ang may hawak, pero nagtutulungan kasi ang USC.” However, its flaws cannot be masked by covering up each other’s absence.

While this year’s USC boasts of its success in showing unity inside the council, it should still be accountable for its members’ irresponsibility in attendance and failure in executing some of its projects.

Even so, a valuable lesson can still be gleaned from this term that reflects that of the previous ones as well.

Much of the wisdom that was acquired can be encapsulated in this: it is only through the shared experience, that is the constant remodeling of its public image, that accountable service transcends inherent differences.

Genuine solidarity thus revolves not around individualistic personalities and other divisive elements, but is rather founded on a rigid, collectivized conviction to unite the student body with the masses in the struggle for national freedom and democracy.

The incumbent USC, like all of its predecessors, has had a lot of shortcomings. However, in spite of these, it has remained true to its responsibility of upholding the rights of its constituents, both inside and outside the University.

The stakes are high for the next USC. The 38th USC has seen success in its commendable persistence and strength amid the turbulent tides that it weathered throughout its term. In addition, its unwavering perseverance in taking action against the plights of its stakeholders, while laudable, may also be powerful enough to stand against the negativities in their performance.

Hence, though it may prove to be difficult to correct the incumbent USC’s mistakes, continuing their achievements may even be harder.

These creditable qualities, together with successful concrete projects, serve as evidences that attest to the 38th USC’s accomplishments. However, these may not only be expectations, but minimal prerequisites for its successors, fueling them as it fulfills its mandate of serving the students and the masses.

10 OPINION

Mga Fulung-Vulungan ng Nagjijisang

RIEN NE VA PLUS

Truth Be Told

Mico Cortez A FIRST IMPRESSION And so the great game has begun #UPMEleksyon2017.

As of the time of this writing, the campaign season has just started. The first salvo, the opening statements, have just been released. The candidates have begun making their rounds in the campus, wearing those bright smiles and brandishing their laughably large name tags. They recite the spiels they worked so hard to memorize, hands clasped together and perfect posture maintained diligently.

So, what are my first impressions?

From the opening statements alone, it’s clear what kind of campaigns we should expect from each political party.

AK’s banking on the two (or is it three?) years that they’ve had majority control of the USC. They are focusing on the victories they’ve achieved with and for the students in the past, while also emphasizing the need for continuous struggle. They are banking on the social issues inside and outside the university, and the need to address them.

Bigkis’s core message this year puts the students first, as they always have.

It appeals to their vanity, almost - “we will listen to you, we will work with you”. It also assails the failures of the incumbent USC and past AK-controlled USCs. It implies that by prioritizing issues outside the university, the incumbent USC has failed to serve the students.

But has the incumbent USC truly been a total failure?

Yes, the UPM Fiesta fiasco is undoubtedly one serious f*ck up. I mean, how hard is it to put together an event despite having their entire term to prepare? I too was greatly disappointed by how things played out, and it feels better to point fingers and place blame.

But - and this is a big but - organizing events such as the UPM Fiesta is not the primary responsibility of the USC. As a council, it is mandated to serve the students and the people. Not one over the other, not either or, but both. After all, we as a student body are still a part of the people.

And so, despite my personal ideology leaning closer towards Bigkis UPM’s, I find that AK has succeeded in making a much stronger first impression.

Their message is one that is strong and proud without resorting to desperate nitpicking or throwing cheap punches.

But, who knows? By the time you get to read this, the tables may have turned.

After all, politics can be incredibly, unpredictably fickle.

I’ll catch you next time.

Volume 30 Number 16 May 5, 2017 | Friday

THREZENG RASON KUNG BAKEYT EDISHUUUUUN Heyyyyyy love and hate iz in the air agen mga afows ko! Ayern, we know namern all dat eleksyhun iz near and OH zo near. Zo we shud meyk masid-masid and meyk shur dat we know hu we are going chew meyk botoh botoh HA!!!

Zo dat’s huway we shud make suri-suri sa mga tao aside prom the elekshyuun. We all know dat eberybadi izz going thru taff and hard tayms dibuuhhhh! Dibuhuhh?? Yezz zo we shud be derr for each aderrr, layk yer lola izz for her afoowzz and Lolo Upo izz for mee!! Ahiee.

Huwelcum Chew Yer Teyp Sumvhong #1: Huway Yu Meyk Dizz so HARD per Uzz, Dear Frappy??

Hoyyy nakeww nakeww. Sinetch diz mga frappies ba na makesung pacrei crei sa aking mga afowssz na may incomplete subjects?

Mismong mga affowz ko na nga ang umaapprowch sa mga froppucinos na itez pero pinagdudusa pa rin! Mare, valid na excusez moi ng mga affows ko. Pag-arrive sa prof, imbalido?

Pahirapan pa i-lost and found sa Colehijo ng Agit Singits; wiz khalifa pa hagilapin ang contact! Stress drilon to the nth power!!!!!

OMG d e e z n u t s .

Wit niyo ba magc o m p l e t e from A to Zinc mga affowz ko? Wiz na rin ba ang mercy & kompashyun in the year of the Lohd 2017? Kaloka mars. Make accomodate na lang dapat para less stress no stress na mga frappies at apows. O di ba Bimb love love love lang!

Huwelcum Chew Yer Teyp - Sumvhong #2: Takot and Fanakot na mga Selebriteezz!

So ayern back to da prebyuss isyu yer Lola mentioned. Der are selebritezz dat meyk takbo-takbo but donut meyk pakita namern sa mga RunTorrestRuns. I heard dat diz fartey pipol na itey ay umiiwash sa izang kursow!! Homayghash huway you no meyk RTR sa mga afowszz hu want chew meet yer zo badly and ask you quezzzchunz abawt yer platformzz? May

ayaw va kayong matanong za inyew?

May izang stariray na blooming nga fero nakakataCUTE kafag nagRagsToRichez!

Homayghad yess my afowss said dat when dizz selebriti vizitz dem, farang guschew niyang makipagSAFAKAN kapag nagsasalita! Ohh scariiiebellz!

NanaCUTE bva siya fara waley magtanong?

Hoyy kayeng mga kandideytz na hindi nagfafakita! Magfakita nga kayo dewring RTRz zo dat my afowzz will know you more! Mwah! Ayern fara di kayow alwayz showting por boto-boto but meyk no fakita ha!!

Huwelcum Chew Yer Teyp Sumvhong #3: Huway U No Espasyew and No Equiffmenzz!

Huwat pa izz dizz pabigat chew may afowzz dat I hear!! Der izz dizz magandang mga kulchewr and artzy na mga organizeyshunns dat hab no espasyews por praktiz!!

FAano namern

makakaperform ng maayozz zila? Yezz hart hart.

Patuloy fa rin ganiteng sistema and kawawa ang ma afowz ko, dahil daw so uber taaz ng pagbayad sa rentz ng ibang venuez kaya they find venuez outsayd da school na kahit lezz eazy na ma-access ay maz affordable!! Madiskarte ang mga afowzz ko becoz da show muzt go on, fero dey need the espasyewz becoz it izz derr karafatan ohmaygahssshh dizz breaks Lola Patola’z hart.

Azayd prom dat, may mga ganap sa bagong UmagangPunongMasakit Teether!! I know we heard ov dizz new fashilitey sa ChosAngSakit na gaganda, taposh in dizz ganap namern na proshekTHOR! Sayeng namern ang ginaztos sa mga vagong fashilitey kung hindey namern gagana!!

Zooo mga lobely afowzz! Stay strong and be derr for each aderrrr!! Layf in general iz hard, lalow na ditey sa YufieEm!! College izz taff but layk dey say, huwen da going getz taft, the taft getz going!! So ayerrrn mga afowz, lezz get going!! End that’s a raft.

FROM P.12

– a division of votes – between the students of the College of Pharmacy is expected. In this race for vice chairpersonship, however, Jimenez is to emerge victorious albeit narrowly.

The win is attributed to the support the College of Arts and Sciences is to give Jimenez. Despite the high voter turnout of CP every year, the population of the college is too slim to overcome to the entire population of CAS. This, coupled with the division of votes offered by their home college puts Rivera at a disadvantage. Bigkis UPM’s bet, however, can exploit the shortcomings of this year’s USC and gather the votes from several swing colleges and students dissatisfied on present leadership. Jimenez’s incumbency is double-edged as his competency is challenged by the shortcomings of the 38th University Student Council.

Diversity – that is representation from the AK, Bigkis UPM, and independent candidates – will manifest on the 39th USC Councilorship. Independent USC Councilor aspirant Raphael Santiago is expected to lead this year’s councilorship. His autonomy from AK and Bigkis UPM is his primary advantage as trends suggest that students are more likely to vote candidates not colored by politics.

A maximum of four seats can be clinched by Bigkis UPM for this year’s elections with USC councilor bet Tuppil leading the slate. On the other hand, AK can clinch 6 out of 7 seats should they emerge as the majority with Borromeo, Catu, Cierva, Madlangbayan, and Suelan as frontrunners.

With both seasoned and neophyte players on the table, the stakes are high as ever for the Iskolar ng Bayan.

As bets pile up on propositions, platforms, personality and projects, it is the Iskolar ng Bayan more than anyone that gains or loses in this game. The student body may or may not take the risk associated with some of the candidates, but they want to win badly more than their last wager.

After all, the students of UP Manila deserve a unified and pro-active student council that exemplifies the virtues of the Iskolar ng Bayan.

It is up to the superior number of UP Manila students to vote for those who are truly worthy to serve, as the grand prize is a council that would not only genuinely represent and fight for the rights of the Iskolar ng Bayan, but of the whole Filipino people in general.

*In a game of roulette it means “no more bets”.

Volume 30 Number 16 May 5, 2017 | Friday

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E DI T O R-I N- C H I E F Agatha Hazel Andres Rabino A S S O C I AT E E DI T O R F O R I N T E R NA L S Aries Raphael Reyes Pascua A S S O C I AT E E DI T O R F O R E X T E R NA L S Sofia Monique Kingking Sibulo M A NAG I NG E DI T O R Arthur Gerald Bantilan Quirante A S S I S S TA N T M A NAG I NG E DI T O R Adolf Enrique Santos Gonzales N E W S E DI T O R Eunice Biñas Hechanova N E W S C O R R E S P O N DE N T S Elizabeth Danielle Quiñones Fodulla Patricia Anne Lactao Guerrero Anton Gabriel Abueva Leron Niña Keith Musico Ferrancol Leah Rose Figueroa Paras Shaila Elijah Perez Fortajada F E AT U R E S E DI T O R Chloe Pauline Reyes Gelera F E AT U R E S C O R R E S P O N DE N T S Justin Danielle Tumenez Francia Liezl Ann Dimabuyu Lansang Jennah Yelle Manato Mallari Marilou Hanapin Celestino C U LT U R E E DI T O R S Josef Bernard Soriano De Mesa Thalia Real Villela C U LT U R E C O R R E S P O N DE N T S Jose Lorenzo Querol Lanuza Jonerie Ann Mamauag Pajalla G R A P H IC S E DI T O R Jazmine Claire Martinez Mabansag R E S I DE N T I L LU S T R AT O R S Michael Lorenz Dumalaog Raymundo Jose Paolo Bermudez Reyes Danielle Montealegre Rodriguez R E S I DE N T P H O T OJOU R NA L I S T Kyla Dominique Lacambacal Pasicolan

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EDITORIAL 11

A PAGTATAPOS NG IKALAWANG semestre ng kasalukuyang taon, magsisimula naman muli ang panahon upang pumili ng mga bagong lider-estudyante na dapat ay maging katuwang ng mga iskolar ng bayan.

Solidaridad - UP Systemwide Alliance of Student Publications and Writers’ Organizations

The Cover Illustration Jazmine Claire Martinez Mabansag Layout Jazmine Claire Martinez Mabansag

Hindi na bago ang bihis ng eleksyon sa unibersidad. Sa bahaging ito ng taon naglilitawan ang iba’t ibang kulay, pangalan, pangako, at ang hindi maaaring makaligtaan na nagliliparang putik. Sa pagwawakas pa lamang ng termino ng kasalukuyang konseho ay sumibol ang kaliwa’t kanang sampal ng kanilang mga kakulangan. Maiging nakikita na mas nag-oobserba ang mga magaaral sa kung anong nagawa ng mga namumuno, ngunit sa kabilang banda isa rin itong manipestasyon at panawagan upang mas maging kritikal at mapanuri ang mga estudyante sa mga nagsipagsulputang kandidato sa ngayong eleksyon.

Sa nagdaang taon ng panunungkulan ng University Student Council (USC), maraming pagpupuna ang ibinabato sa kanila. Kalakhan nito ay ang palyado umanong pamamahala ng mga gawain sa unibersidad, tulad ng nangyari sa Bakbakan at ng sa UPM Fiesta. Naging kapuna-puna rin ang mga indibidwal na pagganap ng mga nakaupo sa kanilang tungkulin.

Ang ganitong mga obserbasyon ay dapat maging aral at gabay sa susunod na eleksyon, ngunit tila mas nagagamit ito upang mawalan ng tiwala ang kalakhan ng mga estudyante sa kakayahan ng konseho upang mamuno at maglingkod.

Ngayong nagsimula na ang panahon ng pangangampanya, nagsisimula rin ang panahon upang suriin ang kakayahan ng bawat kandidato na maging mas epektibo kung sakaling mahahalal. Maraming eleksyon na ang nagdaan at hindi na maikakaila ang paglipana ng mga paninira sa magkakalabang panig at madalas, ito ay mga personal na atake.

Mahalagang malaman ng bawat iskolar ng bayan na ang pagpili sa mga taong magiging katuwang nila ay hindi dapat binabatay sa mga personal na kahinaan ng mga kandidato.

Dito pumapasok ang kahalagahan ng pagiging kasangkot ng mga magaaral sa pagkilatis sa kung ano ang tindig ng kanilang mga manliligaw sa mahahalagang isyu sa loob at maging sa labas man ng pamantasan.

Kaagapay nito ay dapat maging maingat na rin ang mga botante lalo pa’t madali na lamang magbitaw ng mga salita lalo kung may matinding pagnanais upang maluklok sa pwesto.

Hindi lamang ang mga mag-aaral ang may kritikal na tungkulin ng pagkilatis sa eleksyon, ang panahon ring ito ay pagtawag sa bawat kandidato na maging tapat sa anumang salita at pangakong

JOSE PAOLO BERMUDEZ REYES

MEMENTO

bibitawan sa pangangampanya.

Hindi kailanman kinailangan ng pamantasan ang mga lider-estudyante na sa salita lamang magaling. Lalong hindi kailanman kinailangan ng mga mag-aaral ang mga lider-estudyante na mang-iiwan sa ere. Nananatiling hamon sa mga kandidato na magbigay ng taus-pusong katapatan sa mga platapormang ibinabandera at masiguradong hindi ito malilista sa tubig sa oras na maupo sila. Hindi kailanman dapat maging tungtungan ang konseho ng mga taong gagamit sa boto ng mga mag-aaral upang magkaroon ng mahabang kredensyal.

sa ngayong eleksyon, mahalagang isaisip ng bawat mag-aaral at ng mga maluluklok na ang paglilingkod sa bayan ay hindi na dapat mabahiran ng kulay. Hindi dapat maging pugad ang pamantasan ng mga papaling lamang sa panig kung saan lamang sila may ganansya.

Ang pagpanig sa masa laban sa mapaniil na sistema ang siyang dapat laging manaig. Sa pagkakataong ito, dapat nang isantabi ang mga personal na interes at mangibabaw ang pagnanais na pagsilbihan ang kapakanan ng mga estudyante at ng sambayanan.

Ang

pag-upo sa pwesto ay hindi nangangahulugang paglilingkod lamang sa loob ng tarangkahan ng unibersidad.

Nararapat na maging repleksyon ang mga nasa posisyon sa kung ano ang katangian ng bawat iskolar ng bayan - ang maging mapaglingkod sa masa .

Ang paglilingkod sa pamantasan ay marapat ring susugan ng paglilingkod sa sambayanan dahil ito ang esensya ng pagiging isang tunay na iskolar ng bayan. Ang sinomang mahahalal ay dapat mamuno sa mga estudyante sa pagmulat sa tunay na kalagayan ng lipunan. Ang pag-upo sa pwesto ay hindi nangangahulugang paglilingkod lamang sa loob ng tarangkahan ng unibersidad.

Nararapat na maging repleksyon ang mga nasa posisyon sa kung ano ang katangian ng bawat iskolar ng bayan - ang maging mapaglingkod sa masa.

Sa kabila ng iba’t ibang propaganda

Nararapat na maisabuhay ng bawat isa ang esensya ng pagiging iskolar ng bayan. Ang pagiging mabuti at tapat na estudyante ng masa ay hindi dapat mabakuran ng panahon. Ang paghalal sa mga lider ay mahalaga sa pamantasan, ngunit nararapat nating isaisip na hindi ito ang sentro, hindi ito ang magdidikta sa kung sino ang pagsisilbihan. Lalo pa’t higit na dapat tandaan na hindi sa eleksyon natatapos o nagsisimula ang lahat.

Ang bawat Iskolar ng Bayan ay mananatiling katuwang ng masang inaapi ng bulok na sistema.

Rien Ne Va Plus

The 2017 University of the Philippines Manila Student Council Elections Prognosis JENNAH YELLE MANATO MALLARI AND JOHN MICHAEL TRIBIANA TORRES

Another round is about to begin.

The croupier prepares to spin the wheel as patrons place their bets on the mat. The clash between red and blue remains as those who cast their chips vie for bets with the greatest odds of delivering what has been pledged. As the wheel spins and the ball is tossed, the colors could only hope to achieve the dolly.

To increase the odds of winning, contenders employ tactics and techniques that would paint the table accordingly. However, in this gamble, such methods are for naught as wins, losses, and trends impact the payout.

In this game of chance, it is the Iskolar ng Bayan that holds and dictates the ball.

Parlay: ASAP-Katipunan With the odds on their favor, the reds employ a strategy that combine their previous wagers to newer chips - hoping to continue the winning streak.

Being at the helm of the USC for 4 consecutive years, the Alternative Students’ Alliance for Progress Katipunan ng mga Progresibong Mag-aaral ng Bayan (AK) has been at the forefront of championing both local and national issues. Staying true to their militancy and progressive ideology, AK continues to lead on the fight with their campaign “Mangahas makibaka, mangahas magtagumpay!

Sa papatinding laban, padayon, Iskolar ng Bayan”.

Incumbent Councilors Miguel Aljibe (CM) and Charles Jimenez (CP) are AK’s Standard Bearers, running with Luke Borromeo (CPH), Nisom Castillo (CAS), Xiana Catu (CAS), Pat Cierva (CAS), Tin Madlangbayan (CAS), and Lee Suelan (CM) for USC Councilors.

With this year’s campaign centering on garnering more victories for the students and the people, AK continues to push for the genuine change. In its 18 years of existence, ASAP-Katipunan has remained true, militant, and nationalist.

AK continues to fight the neoliberal attacks on education - not yielding to reforms and band-aid solutions offered by the government. At

the forefront of this fight are AK’s campaigns on junking other school fees (OSF) and junking the Socialized Tuition System (STS). The party believes that these are mechanisms that allow the administration to gain profits from students. Unlike its rival party, AK believes that these structures are rotten to their core and cannot be further reformed. This also applies to the 700 million eUP project, which the party believes can be replaced with a much cheaper and much effective system developed by our Computer Science students. Keeping with its mandate of serving the people and the basic masses, the party also plans to revolutionize the currently watereddown Return Service Agreement (RSA) by upholding a new one that is formed through student consultation, and properly delegated to each program's curriculum. Furthermore, AK’s most recent and talked-about the We Need Space Now campaign continues to be its greatest asset, adding more to their advantage once the talks with the administration become successful.

ASAP - Katipunan’s chances of winning key positions in the council are higher than their rivals as support by AK’s stronghold, CAS. It would also be supported by votes coming from the second biggest college, CM, and the college with the highest voter turnout, CP, both home colleges of Aljibe and Jimenez respectively. The standard bearers may also benefit from their incumbency, though the failures of the past USC may haunt them in their campaign trail. Furthermore, AK’s slate of councilors are dominantly filled with CAS students and voters from the swing colleges may opt to diversify their USC by voting from the other party. However, the councilor bets are part of widereaching student organizations that may secure votes from other colleges.

Cierva, the Chairperson of Kabataan Partylist - UP Manila (KPL-UPM) can garner votes from CAMP and CPH, while Borromeo’s Science and Environment Assembly of Leaders (SEAL) and Agham Youth - UPM has members from different, if not all, colleges. Even so, ASAP - Katipunan’s dominance in politics, with its tried and tested leadership, and its victories in its campaigns would still be the greatest contributor to their chances of winning seats in the University Student Council.

ILLUSTRATION BY MICHAEL LORENZ DUMALAOG RAYMUNDO

Martingale: Bigkis UPM Chips are stacked higher - the wager doubled - in an attempt to regain what was lost.

Bigkis ng mga Iskolar Para sa Bayan tungo sa Makabuluhang Pagbabago (Bigkis UPM) continues their brand of multi-perspective activism through their “Buksan ang Isipan: Kwento ng Iskolar, Pakinggan” campaign.

Standard Bearers Ryan Lintao (CM) and Nicola Rivera (CP) together with USC Councilor bets Aira Kue (CAS), Carina Quibinit (CN), Cai Tuppil (CM), and Eric Yu (CD) offer the #KwentongIskolar 8-Point Program to address the issues that permeate the University and the society.

This year’s campaign focuses on unity. Through the All-In-One Magna Carta, Bigkis UPM aims to collate and assert the plights of the “Iskolars Para Sa Bayan”. The party contends that the legality of the document will protect the rights of the stakeholders – the students. The party is offering a concrete solution that will assert the rights of the students should these rights be trampled upon – a solution appealing to those who do not subscribe to the militancy of AK. If pushed through, the Magna Carta will be Bigkis UPM’s asset against ASAPKatipunan.

Apart from the Magna Carta, Bigkis UPM also poses a stand on other pertinent albeit selected issues. To address the plight for free education, Bigkis UPM calls to reform the currently implemented STS. To ensure that education becomes accessible to the Iskolars Para sa Bayan, the reform is coupled with PARTAKE (Progressive Tuition Roll-back Campaign). The party is also for the reform of the controversial eUP which, according to them, will improve the system through the inculcation of the University’s homegrown technologies. The lapses of the RSA will be addressed through reforms as well. Bigkis UPM remains to be student-oriented – their platform divorced from the majority of national and local issues.

Bigkis UPM’s attempt to clinch seats on the council is hindered by similar hurdles they faced last year. With an incomplete slate, the odds of securing the majority of the council appears to

be inauspicious. Only 4 out of 7 seats can be secured by the party due to this.

Standard bearers Lintao and Rivera are also at a disadvantage due to the incumbency of AK’s chairperson and vice chairperson bets. However, these odds are balanced by the diversity of Bigkis UPM’s slate. Representatives from 5 out of 7 colleges – including AK’s stronghold, the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) – were convened by the party. Swing colleges such as CN and CD may opt to support their own and by extension, the whole slate. Kue’s residency in CAS, the largest college in UP Manila, may also disunite the votes from the said college. This diversity, in connection with Bigkis UPM’s pro-student campaign will be the party’s edge – their asset in securing seats on the 39th University Student Council.

Manque ou Passe: Prognosis As the round moves to a close, the Iskolar ng Bayan is to deliver the payout - that is to represent the student body.

With candidates hailing from the same colleges, the rivalry between the parties’ Standard Bearers is viewed to be even. AK USC Chairperson bet Aljibe and Bigkis UPM USC Chairperson bet Lintao both hail from the College of Medicine. Because of this, votes from CM may be distributed between the two candidates – disuniting the college. However, Aljibe maintains supremacy. His association with AK translates to a significant number of votes from CAS. Moreover, Aljibe is involved with various campaigns during his term as a USC councilor.

Student organizations involved in the We Need Space Now campaign are expected to support Aljibe over Lintao. Additionally, The Manila Sunflower Project, also headed by Aljibe, will also gather votes in favor of AK’s USC Chairperson bet. Despite the failures of this year’s USC, his visibility on various campaigns ensures his ascendancy on this year’s race to chairpersonship.

Similarly, AK Vice Chairperson bet Jimenez and Bigkis UPM Vice Chairperson bet Rivera are both from the College of Pharmacy. A clash CONTINUED ON PAGE 10