The Official Student Publication of the University of the Philippines Manila Volume 30 Number 17 June 5, 2017 - Monday
challenge accepted 06 features
kawalang-kontrol 07 culture
kisapmata 10 opinion
A-K DOMINATES 39TH UPM USC 02 NEWS
02 NEWS
NEWS DOSE: Looming Fascism under Cimatu
NIÑA KEITH MUSICO FERRANCOL
Former Secretary Regina Lopez showed her passion to achieve environmental and social justice with her initiative for the cancellation of 75 Mineral Production Sharing Agreements, closure of 23 mines, and suspension of five other companies. However despite this, the Commission on Appointments rejected her and appointed Former Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief Roy Cimatu in her stead. As such, Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment contend that greedy oligarchs from large mining companies prevail with Cimatu’s appointment. Contrary to addressing environmental issues and protecting human rights, Cimatu has a track record of defending environment plunderers and engaging in corruption, according to Kalikasan. Evidently, as the commanding colonel of the 603rd Brigade of Philippine Army, he created “Task Force Lumad” and trained Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) to protect Alson’s logging area against the Ata-Manobo indigenous people opposing the massive logging operations of the said company. He was also involved in 2011 AFP ‘pabaon’ corruption scandal where he allegedlyrecieved P80 million as a ‘send-off money’ in his retirement. Moreover, NDFP Chief Political Consultant Jose Maria Sison said that Cimatu, as a military man, would prioritize investment defense force (IDF) which would enforce massive military deployment and operations. Kalikasan expressed worry that the progressive politics in the Cabinet will continue to shrink with the dismissal of Lopez. Appointments of Taguiwalo and Mariano are also nearing rejection as both have been bypassed twice by Congress. *Layon ng News Dose na na magbukas ng serye ng mapanuring pag-ulat hinggil sa napapanahong balita.
Volume 30 Number 17 June 5, 2017 | Monday
A-K dominates 39th UPM USC ANTON GABRIEL ABUEVA LERON INFOGRAPHICS BY JAZMINE CLAIRE MARTINEZ MABANSAG In a landslide victory, the Alternative Students’ Alliance for Progress – Katipunan ng mga Progresibong Mag-aaral ng Bayan (AK) won 7 of the 9 seats on the 39th University of the Philippines – Manila (UPM) University Student Council (USC), including both standard bearer positions. Bigkis ng mga Iskolar ng Bayan Tungo sa Makabuluhang Pagbabago (Bigkis UPM) and Independent candidate Raphael Santiago split the remaining Councilor seats. AK bet Miguel Aljibe clinched the chairpersonship against BIGKIS UPM's Ryan Lintao. Aljibe won out against his opponent in every college of UP Manila. In the race for Vice Chairperson, AK's Charles Jimenez bested BIGKIS UPM's standard bearer Nicola Rivera. Although Rivera garnered the majority of votes from the College of Medicine (CM), it was not enough to beat Jimenez who garnered the most votes from the College of Allied Medical Professions (CAMP), College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), College of Dentistry (CD), College of Nursing (CN), College of Pharmacy (CP), and College of Public Health (CPH). Notably, the opposing candidates for each standard bearer position each came from the same college with Aljibe and Lintao hailing from CM
Voter Turnout for UPM USC Elections 2016 CAMP
54.01%
CAS
52.84%
CD
72.11%
CM
57.61%
and Jimenez and Rivera both coming from CP.
recorded compared to last year's 1-day election period.
Independent candidate Raphael Santiago sat atop the list of councilors set to lead next year's USC. Following Santiago in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place were AK's Xiana Catu, Tin Madlangbayan, and Pat Cierva, respectively. Bigkis UPM's Caireen Tuppil finished in 5th place and is the party's sole representative in UP Manila's next USC. AK's Lee Suelan and Luke Borromeo completed the councilors in 6th and 7th place, respectively.
Overall, a majority of the colleges experienced a decrease in voter turnout – CD recorded a decrease of 6.56 percent, CM noted a 5.61 percent reduction, and CPH noted a decrease of 7.7 percent. Among the decreased turnouts, CN experienced the greatest loss noting an 8.55 percent decrease.
Marginal Growth In an effort to promote higher voter turnout, the University Electoral Board (UEB) decided to allot 2 days for the actual voting period, May 8-9. However, a mere 0.6% increase was
On the other hand, among the colleges that tallied an increase in voter turnout – CAMP, CAS, and CM – the College of Arts and Sciences had the highest percentage increase with 5.88 percent. Nevertheless, CP once again attained the highest voter turnout with 98.21%, an increase of 0.89% compared to last year.
Voter Turnout for UPM USC Elections 2017 438
1594
249
CAMP (56.85%) 298
877
389
936
CAS (58.72%)
255
CD (65.55%)
456
CM (52.00%)
4708 171
CN (57.38%) 447
CN
65.93%
2742
439
CP
97.32%
CP (98.21%) 701
Isumite ang inyong mga katanungan, komento o suhestyon sa www.facebook.com/ themanilacollegian
CPH
40.23%
TOTAL: 58.18%
228
CPH (32.53%)
TOTAL: 58.24%
NEWS 03
Volume 30 Number 17 June 5, 2017 | Monday
Breakdown of votes for the 39th UPM USC Elections for USC CAMP
CAS
CD
CM
CN
CP
CPH
TOTAL
ALJIBE, Miguel Sandino O. (ASAP-Katipunan)
164
755
157
325
120
297
465
1983
LINTAO, Ryan Cristian V. (BIGKIS-UPM)
48
58
42
66
25
67
36
342
ABSTAIN
37
123
56
65
26
83
27
417
JIMENEZ, Charles Ashley G. (ASAP-Katipunan)
109
579
94
148
74
252
117
1373
RIVERA, Nicola Christine A. (BIGKIS-UPM)
90
211
82
187
69
157
57
853
ABSTAIN
50
146
79
121
27
37
54
514
BORROMEO, Luke Wesley P. (ASAP-Katipunan)
72
398
59
103
60
96
124
912
CASTILLO, Nisom Andrew R. (ASAP-Katipunan)
72
357
53
112
48
99
72
813
CATU, Christiana Louisse M. (ASAP-Katipunan)
133
633
122
184
91
241
134
1538
CIERVA, Patricia Nicole M. (ASAP-Katipunan)
89
486
85
150
67
152
91
1120
KUE, Aira Alyssa U. (BIGKIS-UPM)
59
89
45
88
41
91
31
444
MADLANGBAYAN, Ma. Chriztina A. (ASAP-Katipunan)
142
613
133
147
89
203
129
1456
QUIBINIT, Carina Burgos (BIGKIS-UPM)
79
60
42
90
73
88
31
463
SANTIAGO, Raphael Angel SJ. (INDEPENDENT)
174
648
136
184
120
292
158
1712
SUELAN, Lee Daniel E. (ASAP-Katipunan)
72
383
67
215
41
84
80
942
TUPPIL, Caireen G. (BIGKIS-UPM)
109
212
80
290
68
185
100
1044
YU, Eric Raymund Q. (BIGKIS-UPM)
67
67
78
70
32
76
46
436
ABSTAIN
28
69
49
64
16
77
25
328
CHAIRPERSON
VICE CHAIRPERSON
COUNCILORS
Group photo of the 39th UPM USC after their interview with the Manila Collegian on May 9, 2017 .
04 NEWS CHED, DBM lay down guidelines for free tuition ARTHUR GERALD BANTILAN QUIRANTE Commission on Higher Education tuition fee shall be collected from (CHED) and Department of Budget undergraduate students. The policy and Management (DBM) have will cover all Filipino students released the protocol on how the enrolling in undergraduate course conditional implementation of the programs in SUCs for the said free tuition policy will work in State academic year. Colleges and Universities (SUCs) nationwide, April 20. In addition, the memorandum recognizes the prioritization of According to the joint memorandum students based on several criteria. of CHED and DBM, the guidelines According to CHED, the number of released by the two agencies aim students who may avail the tuition to ensure proper implementation of subsidy shall be determined by the the special provisions of the 2017 estimated tuition income of SUC General Appropriations Act (GAA) and that only academically-able which is subject to the conditional students shall be considered for the implementation as ordered by free tuition policy. President Rodrigo Duterte. Beneficiaries of nationwide Student Prioritization System Financial Assistance Program (StuFAPs), referring to a system of In the same document, CHED directs scholarships, grants-in-aid, student the SUCs that starting from the first loans, and subsidies, shall be semester of school year 2017-2018, no the first to be enrolled in an SUC
provided that the student meets the academic policies of the institution. Furthermore, the policy will also prioritize graduating students regardless of their household per capita income. On the other hand, non-graduating students will be ranked according to household per capita income with submitted documentation(s) for proof to determine the order of priority.
No Tuition Fee Collection Progressive youth organizations have urged the agencies and other authorities for no tuition fee collection policy come academic year 2017-2018. Kabataan Party-list, the first and only youth party-list group in the Philippine Congress, released a statement challenging the youth to strengthen the fight for free education.
Volume 30 Number 17 June 5, 2017 | Monday
Moreover, the statement also firmly dissents to the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) that disguises as a nationwide socialized tuition system claiming that it translates to profiteering in SUCs nationwide. “We call on the President to heed the call of the youth for free education. We demand that no tuition shall be collected for next year. The youth will not hesitate to #OccupyCHED if Licuanan will remain devout to profit, at the expense of the youth’s right to education,” Kabataan Partylist Representative Sarah Elago said. Meanwhile, the memorandum also showed the budget allocation for each SUC with Cebu Technological University garnering the highest budget with P379.192 million and University of the Philippines with P367.872 million.
Martial Law declared in Mindanao due to terrorist attacks Groups express protest over implementation EUNICE BIÑAS HECHANOVA
Following the reports of armed men allegedly from the Maute group taking over Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) stated that they dispatched forces to quell the disturbance in the area last May 23. The group was immediately identified by the AFP to have ties with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). In response to this, President Rodrigo “Digong” Duterte proclaimed that martial law be implemented in Mindanao on May 25, which he later announced may be extended to Visayas. "If I think that the ISIS has already taken foothold also in Luzon, and terrorism is not really far behind, I might declare martial law throughout the country to protect the people”, stated Duterte in a press briefing upon his arrival from Russia.
Security Compromised “We fear for the lives of the civilians who might get caught in the crossfire. We fear for the effects of war to the civilian population,” said Suara Bangsamoro Spokesperson Jerome Succor Aba. The group implored on the government to disband the military forces deployed in Marawi City. Aside from this, the group disclosed that they have received information
that the military will be directing aerial and artillery bombings in chosen areas within the city. Aba proposed that the government conduct peace negotiations with the Maute group through the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and other religious bodies. “(But) the diplomatic talks between Moro leaders and the Maute group will not prosper if the AFP will continue its military operations and bombings,” Aba conveyed. Likewise, Suara included that the United States-Central Intelligence Agency was most likely perpetrating this events from behind the scenes through the use of ‘terrorist’ groups including ISIS and the Abu Sayyaf Group in Mindanao. “This is a challenge for the Moro people, not to allow our legitimate struggle be used to fodder militaristic interests of US and their cohorts in the country”, Aba indicated.
Collective Effort Several groups expressed dissent and concern over the current situation at Marawi City. Last May 24, militant organizations trooped to Plaza Miranda in Quiapo, Manila to urge Duterte to dissolve martial law in Mindanao. Afterwards, the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) led a candle-
May 24, 2017 - Progressive groups convene at Mendiola Peace Arch to protest against Martial Law in Mindanao. Photo by Justin Francia
lighting protest to express support towards the people of Mindanao. Consequently, various groups villified the looming threat of fascism on the National Day of Action Against Martial Law last May 26, and condemned the move of the government and its failure in addressing the problem in consideration of the safety of the people of Mindanao. “We call on the Duterte administration to lift the martial law imposition and to prioritize relief operations on Marawi. Martial law is not the solution. Instead, it will only aggravate the worsening conditions of the people”, contended the University of the Philippines Manila University Student Council (UPM USC). “The immediate declaration of Martial Law without going through
the legal channels is a clear manifestation of the government’s sheer incompetence and sluggish response in addressing local terrorist threats and in providing protection for the Filipino people”, asserted CEGP-Metro Manila in a statement. “To lay the ground for a just and lasting peace, it is crucial that we realize that the ultimate and final solution to the crisis of the Philippine society is not Martial law nor militarization”, the CEGP-Metro Manila furthered emphasized. “Unless the socio-economic conditions of the Filipino people improve, the armed conflict will continue to persist”. Presently, the UPM USC, along with various organizations in the campus are collecting donations to assist the people of Marawi and other affected areas.
NEWS 05
Volume 30 Number 17 June 5, 2017 | Monday
Farmers occupy Luisita, protest illegal land-grabbing by land ‘oligarchs' RYANA YSABEL NERI KESNER
Hacienda Luisita farm workers took action last April 24 as they fought for a contested 500 hectares of land at Barangay Balete in Tarlac. The plot had been sold by the Cojuangco family to the Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) for development, and became heavily guarded after Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary Rafael Mariano partially revoked its land-conversion order. Farmers then moved for their right to the lands that were opened up for agrarian use once more.
A Legal Takeover The campaign, dubbed “#OccupyLuisita” on social media, followed the fifth year anniversary of the Supreme Court (SC) ruling that allowed distribution of the hacienda’s lands to farmer beneficiaries. However, the walled territory that workers gained access to last April 24 was originally not included in this ruling. When the area was sold to RCBC in 1996, it was set aside for development under a land-conversion order and was deemed unfit for agrarian use by the SC. Despite this, Anakpawis Partylist Rep. Ariel Casilao explained, the occupation enacted by the farm workers was legal. This is in line with the recent partial revoking of the land-conversion order in question by current Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary Rafael Mariano. As the company had failed to develop the area in their 20 years of ownership, farm workers were now authorized to the land and another P1.33 billion as stockholders of the land assets sold by the Cojuangcos to RCBC.
“Hence, there are no legal impediments for the farmers to occupy these lands,” Casilao explained, “but only the outright opposition of the Cojuangcos and their partners.”
Breaking Walls Members and supporters of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) and Alyansa ng mga Magbubukid ng Asyenda Luisita (AMBALA) were present. Within a day, over 700 workers were able to break through the concrete walls surrounding the contested lands. DAR assistant provincial director, Geraldine Yumul, confirmed the presence of policemen and private armed guards, but stated that they did not interfere with the ongoing campaign. “It is but just for them to tear down the walls built by the landlords – the Cojuangco-Aquinos and their business partners, the Yuchengcos of RCBC and Lorenzos of Lapanday,” said Unyon ng mga Manggagawa sa Agrikultura (UMA) in a statement. “These walls prevent farmers from tilling the land that is morally, historically and legally theirs.”
Farm workers also fought against the constant threat of eviction faced under the business interests of the owners, as land development in the area would have meant the complete removal of agricultural communities. The use of violence and military prowess against the farmers, as exemplified in the Luisita massacre of 2004, had also been a cause for the delay of the SC’s promised land distribution. “State agencies and machineries are clearly favoring the rich and powerful, hence, the farmers are only left with their amalgamated unity and collective effort, or through mass movement actions to attain fundamental reforms in society,” Casilao added. “This is just the start of our actions to reclaim our farmlands. We have demolished the walls, the symbol of land grabbing and terror in Luisita,” AMBALA Secretary-General Rudy Corpuz declared. “It is our duty to defend our right to the land and reclaim what is rightfully ours.”
Multisectoral Support
sectors declared their support to the #OccupyLuisita movement. Among these were Kabataan partylist, Anakpawis partylist, UMA and Kadamay. Kabataan Partylist Represenative Sarah Elago expressed the youth group’s willingness to offer assistance to the cause through the means available to them. “We will exhaust all venues to ensure that the your plights are heard — through venues such as DAR and the peace talks — and ultimately, through the growing movement of the youth, peasants and the people,” she conveyed to KMP and AMBALA members. “The Occupy movements are just,” Kadamay Chairperson Gloria Arellano remarked. “The severity of the crisis requires stronger action and militant engagement with the government because, in the end, we are only claiming the rights denied us. Hopefully, the growth of these movements will push the government to actually fulfill its duty and serve the people.”
Accordingly, groups from various
Libreng pamamahagi ng lupa, iginit ng mga magsasaka Duterte, nagpahayag ng pagsuporta ARIES RAPHAEL REYES PASCUA Higit-kumulang 200 magsasaka galing Mindanao ang nagkampuhan sa Mendiola upang igiit ang libreng pamamahagi ng lupa na inangkin ng Lapanday Food Corporation (LFC) sa kanila. Sa ika-siyam na araw ng kanilang kampuhan, dinalaw ang grupo ni Pangulong Duterte upang ipakita ang pagsuporta na tutulong para maibalik sa mga magsasaka ang kanilang lupa. Kaalinsunod sa apela ng Madaum Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Inc. (Marbai) ng Davao del Norte, nangako ang pangulo na ibabalik ang lupa ng mga magsasaka na ngayo’y nasa control ng LFC. Ayon kay Antonio Tuyak, miyembro
ng lupon ng Marbai at tagapagsalita ng Unyon sa Mag-uuma ug Dinaugdaug Nagtikad sa Tinuod na Repormang Agraryo (Union of Peasants and the Opressed for Genuine Agrarian Reform or UGMAD TRA), isang tagumpay umano ang pagpansin at pagtugon ng pangulo sa kanilang mga panawagan. Malaking bagay umano ito para sa kanila dahil pumanig sa kanila ang lider ng bansa at hindi sa mga panginoong maylupa. Matapos ang pagpapahayag ng suporta ni Duterte sa mga magsasaka, naglunsad ang Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) ng pambansang kampanya upang basagin ang monopoly ng lupa at igiit ang pagkakaroon ng libreng pamamahagi ng lupa.
Sa kabila ng suporta ng pangulo at ng dating tagapangulo ng KMP at ngayo’y kalihim ng Kagawaran ng Repormang Agraryo (DAR) Rafael Mariano, batid ng mga magsasaka na ang susi upang makamit ang tunay na repormang agraryo ay nasa kanilang mga kamay sa pamamagitan ng kanilang kolektibong aksiyon. Kaugnay nito, simula pa noong nakaraang taon ay ipinaglalaban na ng mga magsasaka ang bukid ng San Isidro ngunit dinarahas sila ng mga armadong tauhan ng LFC. Sinara ng kompanya ang lupa sa kabila ng utos ng DAR na ipamahagi ang lupa. Sa pagpapatuloy, ang pagbabalik ng mga magsasaka ng Marbai sa kanilang lupa, kasama ang supporta ng pangulo ay paglaban
sa multibilyonaryong negosyo na Lapanday Food Corporation. Ayon sa mga progresibong grupo, makapagniningas ito ng iba pang pakikibaka para sa lupa. “This will have a domino effect, not only on ARBs in the 1,400 hectare-land claimed by Lapanday, but on a nationwide scale,” wika ng kinatawan ng Anakpawis partylist, Ariel Casilao. Karamihan sa 200 magsasaka na nasa kampuhan ay miyembro ng Marbai, galing sa Madaum at San Isidro sa Tagum City, Davao del Norte. Bumalik sila sa kanilang mga tahanan noong Mayo.
06 FEATURES
Volume 30 Number 17 June 5, 2017 | Monday
Challenge Accepted THE 39TH UNIVERSITY STUDENT COUNCIL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES CZYRAH ISABELLA MANALO CORDOBA AND MARILOU HANAPIN CELESTINO A new kindling of hope is given to the University of the Philippines Manila student body as it elects its new student council. The end of the month-long election season in UP Manila signals and welcomes the coming of the 39th University Student Council – the new student leaders who promise to forward the student’s struggles while keeping in mind their mandate to the Filipino people. This council, just like all the previous ones, will have to face issues that it needs to overcome in order to serve, not only its constituents inside the university, but the whole country as well.
The Selection Difficulties and problems in governing prove to be inevitable regardless of the dynamics within the council. “Pula ang konseho!” claimed the students, as the Alternative Students’ Alliance for Progress – Katipunan ng mga Progresibong Mag-aa ra l ng Bayan ( A S A P Katipunan)
clinched majority of the seats in the
council – a situation that was also personified by the 38th university student council. While this circumstance is favorable because it avoids gridlock within the council, it consequently breeds a negative effect, which is the lack of checks and balances. Thus, to provide a sense of stability, the opportunity of offering other feasible solutions and sensible opinions is given to the two councilors who did not run under A-K – the councilor who campaigned as an independent and emerged as the number one councilor, and the other who hailed from Bigkis ng mga Iskolar Para sa Bayan Tungo sa Makabuluhang Pagbabago (Bigkis). Even though the previous student council (SC) was mainly composed of people from the same leading party, it still faced problems that were usually encountered by a fragmented council with differing opinions. These problems hindered the past SC to fulfill some responsibilities that were expected of them to do so. One of these complications would be the inability to carry out this year’s UPM Fiesta, which caused a lot of organizations and students to express their frustration regarding this matter, as it was an event that they were really looking forward to. Another criticism against the previous council was the lack of visibility among council members, and the absence of its Chairperson, Pholyn Balahadia. Such were the problems that were taken against them by the students at the end of their term. But amidst the weaknesses in the system, there were also strengths that overcame the shortcomings of the past council. Some of their triumphs include the campaigns such as the “We Need Space Now”, and the utilization of the Rise for Education Alliance. They also took pride in events such as the
ILLUSTRATION BY MARIE ANGELU DE LUNA PAGOBO
All Students Meet (ASM) with the University Committee for Student Affairs, as well as this year’s Bakbakan, which included “e-sports”. With the newly elected council exhibiting almost the same structure as the previous one, similar problems might prevent them from performing their mandate to the students and to the people of this country. Now, as the members of the incoming USC wish to pursue the commitments they individually made during their campaign, the promise of unity and harmony hangs in the balance. Chairperson-elect Miguel Aljibe stood by the promise of championing the “We Need Space Now” campaign all throughout the election season. “More than asking for spaces, we should campaign for genuine representation [among the students], and the use of quality facilities,” he said. In an interview, Aljibe promised that in the first months of his term, the said campaign would be completed as it is “an easy win” for the students. Vice Chairperson-elect Charles Jimenez’s end of the bargain, however, is the promise of enhancing the collective promotion of campaigns by activating the League of College Student Councils and the Coalition of Organizations, Fraternities, and Sororities. He also said that he will continue to support the campaign against the collection of other school fees in pursuance of a genuinely free education. The 39th USC also offered a solution regarding the struggles of students during enrollment. Councilor-elect Raphael Santiago said that they will be pioneering a university grievance procedure to hear the students’ plights, and act on them immediately. Moreover, Councilor-elect Lee Suelan ascertained that the USC will organize a semester planning to hear and finalize the plans of each councilors. On the other hand, the elected College of Allied Medical Professions Representative to the USC Sophia Villarama guaranteed to initiate educational discussions within their college to make the students aware of the ongoing campaigns, while College of Medicine Representative to the USC Omid Siahmard promised to continue the “Smash and Stash” campaign. Concrete plans are now laid on
the table, but the struggle of accomplishing them does not cease at such stage. As always, action is needed and expected in order to deliver a progressive change.
The Mandate One of the main challenges that the 38th USC had faced and conquered was the committee-centric approach in dealing with their projects and initiatives - a triumph that the incoming USC promises to carry on. Vice Chairperson Jimenez, being a part of the previous student council, learned the hard way regarding the style of work within the council. This was the complication that he suggested when asked about the probable challenges that the USC might face. Chairperson Aljibe agreed, and said that they will ensure the eradication of a committee-centric approach. He instead guaranteed that the participation of everyone in the council will be observed and will be of utmost importance, since they are supposed to champion campaigns as one body. “Gusto natin na bawat event at mga activities ng USC, hindi siya dapat dinadala lang ng isang councilor. Dapat bawat event ay lahat ng tao na na andito ay tumutulong at sumusuporta,” Aljibe said. Jimenez attested that the agenda of making the students more familiar and apprehensive of the ongoing campaigns in and outside the university would be one of the biggest challenges that the 39th USC will face. According to him, the council should exert extra effort in order to solve this problem. Getting the whole student body involved with local and national issues has always been a challenge— thus, it is significant that the council steers collective action among the students. Vice Chairperson-elect Charles Jimenez emphasized that the struggle of the masses is never isolated from the struggle of every Iskolar ng Bayan. “Hindi natin bibitawan ang campaigns para sa local at university issues, pero isusulong pa rin natin ang national campaign [tulad ng] human CONTINUED ON PAGE 09
CULTURE 07
Volume 30 Number 17 June 5, 2017 | Monday Minsan lang dumating ang pelikula gaya ng Bliss dahil hindi tulad ng nakasanayang horror na pinamamahayan ng mga sumpa at maligno, mangahas nitong ipinakita ang katatakutang nanunuot sa isipan — ang tipong ayaw nating maranasan, ngunit batid na nangyayari sa totoong buhay. Ipinamalas sa pambihira nitong pagkakatagni-tagni at tila umuulit na mga eksena ang layon ng sine na mapalitaw at mapag-usapan ang tema ng pang-aabuso. Sa maselan nitong pagkakakuwento ay muntik pa ngang hindi maipalabas sa publiko. Hindi natapos ang kababalaghan paglabas ng sinehan. Bagkus ay ipinaranas pa ng pelikula na mas nakakapanindig-balahibo pa sa bangungot ang mga implikasyon ng pagmulat mula rito — ang pagtatantong hirap ka nang makakatakas sa realidad na hawak na ng iba.
Paikot ng ikot ng ikot “Minsan, nakakapagod rin kasi ‘yung paulit-ulit”, komento ng bidang si Jane Ciego nang makapanayam siya hinggil sa trabaho niya bilang artista. Animo’y nasa kanya na ang lahat dala ng kasikatan mula sa pagiging dating child star hanggang sa pagganap sa mga soap opera. Ngunit sa kabila ng glamorosong pamumuhay, bakas sa mukha ang pagkasawa at kapagalan na mabuhay nang walang usad. Dito niya naisipang gumawa ng pelikula na tuluyang kikilala at gagawad sa kanyang talento bilang isang seryosong aktres. Sa daan niya tungo sa inaasam-asam na simpleng tropeo, lilintain siya ng mga taong inaasahan pa naman niyang tutulong sa kanya — kahati sa pangarap ang panghuhuthot ng mga palaasa. Kung babalikan ang komento, maaari nitong ilarawan ang kaligiran ng mga taong pumapaligid kay Jane
na pumipiga sa kapasidad niyang tumugon sa mga hinihingi nila: ang inang kapit-tuko simula pa noong mag-artista ang anak, ang walang karespe-respetong direktor na dudustahin pa ang crew kahit lagpas 24 hours na ang shoot, at ang napakasalang eskandolosong conyo na hindi pa mahiwalayan buhat ng misis na mas maimpluwensiya sa kanya. Lahat sila’y dumedepende kay Jane hindi sa malingap at maarugang paraan, kun’di sa parasitikong pagsipsip sa natitira niyang lakas: basta may makuha lang. ‘Ika nga ni Direk, “Inuubos na nila ang kaluluwa mo!” Patungkol ang Bliss sa tinamong paghihirap ni Jane matapos siya maaksidente sa set ng hinahangad niyang mabuong pelikula. Tiniis niya ang panggigiit ng ina’t ng direktor na nakakapagpaubos lang ng gana. Nag-aalala ang ina na baka mawalan siya ng pagkakakitaan kapag nanatiling maysakit ang anak. Dumadalaw lang sa ospital ang direktor para atupagin ang trabahong naudlot, kahit pagdirehe pa niya’ng nakadisgrasya kay Jane. Sumingit pa sa pagpapagaling niya ang pangaalipusta ng sariling asawa’t ng tumatayong nars. Nagsilbing salamin ang Bliss upang maipatanto sa atin kung ano ang dulot ng pagkakakulong sa siklo ng pang-aabuso. Walang kawala si Jane sa paulit-ulit na senaryo kung saan magpapapirma ang mister na si Carlo ng tseke pang-pondo raw sa ipatatayong restawran (na winawaldas lang rin sa casino) at panay bato ang insulto ni Lilibeth, ang bantay niyang nars na matalas ang dila. Sa pagkaubos ng pasensya ni Jane ay halos matulak siya sa bingit ng katinuan.
sa buhay. Naiipit sa namumuong tensyon, dapat interes lang ng iba ang sundin kahit sarili pa niya itong pasya. Kapag hindi ito nasunod, ibabato sa biktima ang sisi; hindi naman daw aabot sa parusa kung hindi sila ginalit e. Ang mahirap pa, ang pagpilit sa biktima na tigilan agad ang pakikisalamuha sa nagsasamantala ay hindi pagsaklolo. Hindi rin sila makaalis dahil dumadating minsan ang pagkakataong pauulanin ng nangaabuso ang biktima ng gantimpala. Makokontento tuloy ang biktima sa pag-iisip na kahit papaano’y may mabuting katangian pa rin ang abusadong karelasyon. Sakripisyo na lang marahil ang pagtitiis sa mga sapak at mura. Nambababae at sugarol man si Carlo, uuwian pa rin naman niya si Jane ng halik at saglit na kaligayahan, panakip-butas sa mga lumipas na pagkakasala. Nakangiting gigising ang biktima at gugulong muli ang siklo ng pang-aabuso. Gayunpaman, natatauhan din ang biktima sa huli. Sa bawat pagulit na kanyang pinagdadaanan, magisising siyang lalong nalilito, nagsasawa, natatakot, at napapagod. Sa katunayan, kahit na muling bumangon ang biktima, kahit malinaw na sa kanya kung anong mali, marami pa’ng kailangang
Kagaya ni Jane, maraming biktima ng pang-aabuso ang hindi mawari kung paanong tatakasan ang ganitong problema. Bihag sa sariling bahay, kahit anong gawing hakbang ay kikilatisin at kokontrahin ng mga kasa-kasama at itinuturing na mahal
Kultorepaso: BLISS
Kawalang-Kontrol Pang-aabuso sa Personal at Panlipunang Konteksto JOSEF BERNARD SORIANO DE MESA
ILLUSTRATION BY DANIE RODRIGUEZ
planuhin bago tuluyang kumawala sa siklo ng pang-aabuso. Ang mahalaga, tiyak na makilala ng biktima ang kabuoan ng mga pangyayari. Hindi kusang natatapos ang pang-aabuso nang walang hinihinging tulong. Walang krisis na nareresolba nang mag-isa lamang.
Kung ito ay panaginip lang “Lahat na lang sila, may piraso ng p*nyetang pangarap ko.” Simula pa lang ng Bliss, hinayag na sa atin ni Jane na said na said na siya sa mga taong humuhuthot sa kakayahan niya. Mapalad si Jane Ciego kung tutuusin. Ang kasunod niyang nag-audition na si Rose Madlangbayan ay hindi man lang nabigyan ng pagkakataong magpakitang-gilas dala ng kaba (at mukhang hindi rin ito hiniling ni Rose dahil mukhang hinila lang siya ng kanyang ina). Madalas na walang kasama sa tirahan, naging biktima si Rose ng pang-aabuso sa murang edad nang samantalahin ng kapitbahay na si Ate Ling. Nitong nasa ospital na si Jane sa kasalukuyan, tinutunton naman si Rose bilang suspek sa pangmomolestiya ng isang pasyenteng na-coma.
08 NEWS
Volume 30 Number 17 June 5, 2017 | Monday
ITANONG KAY ISKO’T ISKA
Mga Fulung-Vulungan ng Nagjijisang
A UPM
GUARDIANZ OF DA GALAKSEY EDISHUUUN 1 4hem groot. I am Groot!! Hehehe. Haluuu! Der n pla kau. wiz p m3 nkkg3t0v3r s datesung nm3rn sa s1n3h4n gal0r3 ng l0lo up0 niu hehehe. K3leg kel3g m3. Hihihi. Heniw3y highway, k4muZth4 nam3rn mGa af0wz? Hawhaw de karabaw ang naging saging baging niyong s3m? Nkklerki na b? Splookembang nga sa trailer chuchu na faith of d unibeers llies on uR sh0ulder bolder. Charet! Heni-waze, gR4duashun n ber 0 grad...waiting pa rn? Tarush! L0hl4 P. Luvs u sewing maCHine. Hart hart. Y z0w n01zy? So pL3nty namern ng mga fulung vuhlUNg4n. Kalerki! In10se namern nang mga happenings in dis un1v3rs1ty. Nakerz zow pl3nty ng mga alienitis. Pero doncha gongcha worry. I am here to hear ur sumvhongs. Hehehe. Kz if ever u feel n feel n inaapi n kau or something is not ritemed splookalulalu niu n sakin 2 tell to d students. Kaya nga ipapa-guard natin yan sa guardians of d galaxy. hehe
Ipa-guardian
of d galaxy
na yern kay sT4 r l0 r D numvah wan
Anetchiwa nanem3rn iteching nah34rsUng k0H? Chovaline Kyle nnm3rn diz propylaxis. Why y why delilah r u d0ing dat again n again? Mah af0w splookening boom boom 2 m3 dat d1s Don’t Be Shy frappe haz no sh0w ol true 0ut d s3m.Pagoda cold wave lotion n khihintay ang mga jafowz k0. Anong petsa na? Wiz kahlifa p ring showing up even disc frappy gave d date 2 meet. 50 golden years lang ang peg? Hmpf. award n itey si baklush a. Kalerki. Adding p ni afowz n they haz
pl3ntyful iskul bukol w0rks even w/0 dis frappe titsing watawat 2 d0. D klasmarurut r als0 splookening d same shumvh0Ng. H4ixt. Now 1 kn0w h0w Yondu felt… charet parapet. Str3zzing lng. Wiz dapt pinaaasa ang ak1ng mga af0wz. Day care sh0uld n0t be indiana jones specially if clazz.
Ipa-guardian
of d galaxy
na yern kay gaga gamora numvah tu
str3zz1nG g4l0r3. Anerbenemern, fatale diz pearson. Antibiotic lerngs af0wz. Chandiliers na kc. Balaj ang peginitis? Nakerz. U sh0uld n0t coconot tr3at mah af0wz lyk dot. Wiz daw kz knowsung nina af0wz na dey habermas 2 do dot. My af0wz only need space in d galaxy char in d unverse--sity por d class. Den kalerks kalerks imbey agadarut c baklush. Telling mah af0w dat aktvt iz ehey-kneething that occupational therapy ng space. Taray! E wiz namern daw na-putting ang meaning sa paperz. Splookening nga ni Gamora, “what is wrong with you?” heyhey char3t char3t leng. Ayanchibels, nagkahard time pa lalows ang mga af0ws ko e str3ssing na nga cla s ebrithing. Hayy. that sh0uld be cl3arer por future reference. Ayayayay. Hagarda verzosa talaguh. Nakerz. Wagchi maskeri boom boom pow mag-splookalulaloo sa jinyong na(ng)gigisang Lowlah P. aym olweyz por d istoodents. U wheel tutubee gurdian of d galaxy ng inyong nag mamagandang L0wla.harhar. Lezz not coconut jam hayaang mag grootatey eng mge nyumblema in UFiEm. Iz hour j0b to cleansing d universe char! D u-never-see-tea lerngs. Mwah hugs, xoxo
no ang gusto mong sabihin sa bagong halal na konseho ng at ng iyong kolehiyo?
Simple lang: Nawa'y maisakatuparan ninyo ang lahat ng mga plataporma't programang pinangako niyo noong nangandidato kayo. - Imaginebra Dragons, 2015, taga-puti Padayon! Paglingkuran sambayanan! - mema, gradw8ing
ang
Congrats po. Serve the people. - TAGA-KAS Make sure that you don’t disappoint the students who have trusted you enough na iboto kayo sa USC. Stay true sa mga pangako niyo sa mga students and wag niyo kaming bibiguin. – Anonymous CAS Tuparin niyo ang mga plano sa plataporma niyo. - gerrymander, 2014 CAS Please exceed our expectations. We will support you if you do your job. - 'di exempt sa math finals, CAS Good luck po at sana hindi lang kayo sa eleksyon magpapakita. - tapusin na yung sem pls, CAS Sana magparamdam pa kayo sa first sem at gawin niyo mga pinangako niyo. - beep beep im a sheep, 2014 white Yung mga ipinangako niyo ay sana matupad! – White
N
gayong kung sinosino na lang ang naitatalaga sa mga posisyon sa pamahalaan, anong posisyon sa pamahalaan ang gusto mong pagluklukan at bakit?
Assistant secretary ng PCOO nang matanggal na si Mocha Uson sa puwesto niya. Kung i-aapoint man ni Duterte yung ibang Mocha Girls, akin na rin yung positions nila. - Imaginebra Dragons, 2015, taga-puti DPWH Sec. paggawa ko lang sidewalk ng P. Faura pati na rin Pedro Gil. - TAGA-KAS DICT para di na palpak wifi/internet sa UP - gerrymander, 2014 CAS Gusto ko sa NEDA para naman maisulong na ang mga primerong industriya! - White DSWD Sec. kasi siguro sa logic na gamit nila ngayon kung magaling ka mag-socialize pasok ka na doon. - 'di exempt sa math finals, CAS DILG para uunahan ko na sa pwesto si Blengbong. - tapusin na yung sem pls, CAS Siguro sa Department of Foreign Affairs. Para naman magkaroon ng kahit onting hakbangin para maisulong ang independent foreign policy. Charing! – mema, 2012 CAS
Good luck at galingan dahil marami pang darating na challenges sa mga Iskolar ng Bayan. Manatiling nakasandig sa masa. Padayon! – mema, 2012 CAS
Siguro ang Department of National Defense. Masyado nang masakit ang manahimik, kailangan nang manindigan para sa bayan at sa tao. Hindi nararapat na manguna ang kahit ano man sa kabutihan at seguridad ng mga mamamayan. - Agitated CAS 2012
Galingan niyo para sa susunod na year! Mas pag-igihin ang pagtutok sa mga isyu na umaapekto sa iskolar ng bayan at ng masa! - Agitated, CAS, 2012
Ewan. Baka pwede naman ako maging House Speaker. Ayokong maging damage control ni Duterte. Lalo kong i-aamplify mga sh*t na sinasabi niya. - helpma,auqnabeshuhuhu, 2012
Alam naming hindi kayo perpekto, pero be better than the past councils and do not repeat the same mistakes. STP! - helpma,auqnabeshuhuhu, 2012
Kung pipili ako ng department na bagay sa akin, siguro ito na yung Department of Finance o siguro ang Department of Budget and Management. These two have a lot to answer kung nagagamit nga ba ang pondo ng gobyerno para sa ikauunlad o kailangan ng mga tao at kung tama ba ang pag-appropriate ng pera sa mga ahensya. - marrymebae, CAS
Kayo na po ang uupo next year kaya make this term a fruitful one. Serve the People! Patuloy payabungin ang mga iskolar ng bayan. - marrymebae, CAS
GRAPHICS 09
Volume 30 Number 17 June 5, 2017 | Monday
KULTOREPASO: KAWALANG-KONTROL (BLISS) FROM P.07 Dalawa ang naging negatibong epekto sa pangmatagalan ng bawat taong sumubok na kamtan ang iisang pangarap: ang bigo’y naging nagsasamantala habang ang sinuwerte’y umuwing inaabuso. Walang pinagbago sa kinalagyan ni Rose. Ganun pa rin mula kabataan hanggang sa nagtatrabaho na siya; ang tanging nagbago lang ay paglaho ng kanyang pagkabata. Samantalang kay Jane, katambal ng yaman ay isang diwang pinudpod ng industriyang nagpasikat sa kanya. Sa kaso ni Rose, masasabi nating ang pangmomolestiya niya sa pasyente’y bunga ng pangmomolestiya sa kanya ni Ate Ling ngunit hindi natin matutukoy kung bakit piniling gawin ni Ate Ling iyon sa umpisa. Mahalagang palutangin ang sosyoekonomikong katayuan ni Rose dahil isa itong malaking salik kung papaanong nagkrus ang landas nina Rose at Ate Ling. Kaugnay rito ang tinitirhan nilang lumang compound, ang kalagayan ng kanyang pamilya at, hindi man lantarang binanggit, ang pagkakaroon niya ng kapansanan sa pag-iisip. Masasaksihan ang Pamilya Madlangbayan nang ipinakitang kasama ni Rose ang nanay niya sa audition. Dahil bigong nakaawit si Rose sa harap ng hurado, pinagalitan siya ng ina na “Para kang ama mo, walang kwenta!” Tumango rin si Rose sa katanungan ni Ate Ling kung tatay ba niya ‘yung lasenggong tambay sa labas. Mahihinuhang wala ang ina sa yunit dahil may trabaho ito, kung kaya’t madalas na naiiwan dito magisa ang dalagitang si Rose. Dagdag pa rito na dahil nakatira sila sa compound ay labas na sa kanilang kontrol ang maaari nilang maging kapitbahay. Kung bunga man ng sekswal na pananamantala ang developmental delay ni Rose, kahirapan ang maaaring nakapagpapigil sa Pamilya Madlangbayan na ipatingin siya sa doktor. Habang dumarami naman ang fans ni Jane, inamin niyang “Yung dreams ko, naging dreams na rin nila.” Malabo na kung pangarap pa ba niya ang pangarap niya noon dahil naging puhunan na ito ng iba. Pagod na siya (at napipikon) sa pagnanais niyang mapaunlad pa ang sarili sa pinili niyang trabaho. Ngunit hindi niya magawang magreklamo dahil nasa ilalim siya ng kontrata — ng dugo (ina) at ng papeles (direktor) — na maykapangyarihang humawak sa bawat galaw niya.
Ang dinaranas ni Jane ay tinatawag na alienation, kondisyon ng isang manggagawa kung saan naliligaw ang isa sa sariling pinagsikapan dala ng pagmamanipula at eksploytasyon sa ilalim ng kapitalistang ekonomiya. Samakatuwid, wala nang kontrol si Jane sa sarili niya mismong pangarap dahil sapat na para sa iilan ang maperahan siya’t magamit sa pansariling mga interes.
Walang ibang taong may ganansya sa mga katulad pang kaso ng pangaabuso kun’di ang mga naghaharinguri. Sinisiguro ng pagliligpit ng mga kriminal sa mga kulungan ang pagpapanatili sa mga pinagkukunan ng resources. Walang talab sa kanila kung may alienation man sa lakaspaggawa dahil kung magkakanyakanya sila ay babagal ang produksyon at bababa ang kita.
Magkaiba man ang pinanggalingan at pinatunguhan ng dalawang babae, parehas lang sila naging biktima ng ginagalawan nilang sistema. Sa puntong mahuli si Rose Madlangbayan ay babansagan siyang latak ng lipunan. Bigo na ngang maprotektahan noong wala pa siyang muwang, parurusahan pa ng estado na makulong ang mga katulad niya at pahihintulotan pang maabuso ng ibang preso imbis na ipasok sa rehabilitasyon. Iigting naman ang pagiging mekanikal na papet ni Jane Ciego sa industriyang umupos sa kanyang sigla, walang magawa dahil hirap nang ibalik sa normal ang personal at propesyonal na buhay — mas pipiliin pa ang masamang panaginip kaysa magising sa katotohanan ng mga pinagagawa sa kanya ng mga tao.
Kayang manipulahin ng sistema ang ating pangarap para magatasan ng iilan. Sukdulan ng pang-aabuso ang maging daan ang pangarap upang tayo’y maging piyesa lamang. Ginagamit ang pangarap bilang binhi ng pagpapabuti sa sarili nang mapakinabang ng mas nakararami. Maraming dahilan, kinagawiang pag-iisip man o kinalakihang kultura, kung bakit may pangaabuso ngunit sa pananaig ng sistemang hinahayaang magpatuloy ang mga maling kaisipan, nakokondisyon ang mga biktima na magkimkim. Maisasambulat ang pananamantala kung bibigyangboses ang pinagsamantalahan nang sama-samang maasinta ang puno’t dulo nito.
CHALLENGE... FROM P.06 rights, peace talks na parehong may ambag sa mga estudyante” he even stated. Advancing this manner, the council believes that it would help the students to engage in understanding the roots and dynamics of conflicts in the society. In order to also carry out this aim, Councilor-elect Raphael Santiago forwarded the need to explain peoples’ struggles and issues in a way that the students can easily understand. Santiago specifically said, “ kailangang makita nila [kung] bakit ganito yung stand natin on issues, in a way na madaling ma-grasp ng mga estudyante.” Moreover, Councilorelect Xiana Catu suggested to conduct prior educational discussions and situationers inside or outside classes before launching certain campaigns. Having comprehensive discourses on local and national issues would give students the concrete basis of protests and campaigns. The council believes that these objectives are more feasible with the presence of proper coordination among its members and the student body. Recognizing the highs and lows that the previous USC had faced, Vice Chairperson-elect Jimenez said that these would serve as lessons to improve the council’s efficiency in serving both the students and the masses. Convinced by the power of collective action of all the stakeholders, Chairperson-elect Miguel Aljibe added, “lumalaban tayo para manalo, nakakapagod pero nakikita natin na kahit paunti-unti ay may nangyayari…only ‘pag united ang mga faculty, staff, students ay maraming makakamit na tagumpay sa loob at labas ng pamantasan.” Aljibe also stressed that it is essential for everyone to continue the fight and to have the drive to win. The USC’s promises are no good until the student body sees actual fulfillment of the slogans they uttered during campaign.
BIYAHE
KYLA DOMINIQUE LACAMBACAL PASICOLAN
GENEVIEVE IGNACIO SEÑO
Now elected, it is the duty of the 39th University Student Council to fulfill their vow on serving the best interest of the students. Moreover, the performance of the council is reflective of how they will lead every Iskolar ng Bayan in serving the people. More than being universitybound, the council is expected to expose the students with the true societal condition and how it is important to struggle with and for the masses. In the end, challenge accepted is challenge acted upon.
10 OPINION Well, thank God that’s over. The whole campaign period was marked by mudslinging, subtweeting, and rumor-mongering. Allegations were brought up against the parties, and the candidates themselves. For ASAP-Katipunan, it was the lack of student-centered campaigns and activities as well as the inactivity of several of their incumbent council members. Another vulnerability exploited by their critics is the failure of the few events their USC officers did have, namely the UPM Fiesta and Hartsy. As for Bigkis… well, where do I start? Their candidates are clearly unprepared, lacking the passion, conviction, and awareness of social issues expected of aspiring UP student leaders. There were projects in their GPOA that were questionable, to say the least.The ace up their sleeve, the Magna Carta of Students’ Rights, was not as persuasive as they hoped it would be. ASAP-Katipunan’s primary thrust was for national issues, asserting
Truth Be Told
A NEW CHAPTER
their relation and relevance to the students. Bigkis, on the other hand, used the same tune they had been playing for the past few years: a consultative, multi-perspective, student-centered USC. ASAP-Katipunan’s videos featured their candidates discussing issues faced by the university and the country, and the same rhetoric they’ve been using / chanting: collective action and militant activism. Bigkis’ videos contrasted sharply. They were, for the lack of a kinder term, sob stories; they were blatant appeals to emotion. ASAP-Katipunan’s biggest campaign this past year was We Need Space Now, our continuing demand for more classrooms, laboratories, offices, and venues in our campus. Bigkis focused on mental health, although given the statement released by the Chairperson and several members of the Peers Empowering Peers Society, it might not be as promising as it once was. At a glance, it would seem Bigkis’ promise is more appealing. After all, what student would refuse having a USC that listened to
ON HATE AND ISLAM
them,
put
their
needs
first?
Well, apparently most of us. Having won 7 of the 9 major seats, including both Chairperson and Vice Chairperson, ASAP-Katipunan continues to dominate the USC. Their brand of leadership will continue to stand strong. For Bigkis, these results show a clear message from the student body - ASAP-Katipunan may have had its shortcomings, but they have delivered results, they have achieved victories, and most importantly, they have always fought for the students. They never compromised, nor did they ever settle for second best or band-aid solutions. Over the next year, the 39th UPM USC will be at the forefront of the next chapter of our university’s history. Only history will decide if the 39th UP Manila University Student Council will learn from the past council’s mistakes. But the thing about history is, we - the people - create it. I’ll catch you next time.
ANACHRONISM
ANTON LERON
The recent attack on Marawi by the Islamic State of Maute has once again incited hateful messages towards our Muslim brothers and sisters. Why is it that those who leave these vitriol-filled statements seem to be so insensitive of those they condemn? I believe this, and a lot of the society’s problems today, are partly due to a very innate issue – a failure to think of others complexly.
Volume 30 Number 17 June 5, 2017 | Monday
Mico Cortez
these differences becoming points of contention, these dissimilarities are understood and incorporated in order to create a more holistic world view. Unfortunately, it seems that this is not how we have approached our differences lately, such as in the case of the recent demonization of Islam.
values of peace. Nevertheless, many people still fall into our predisposed habit of forming their opinion based on what they see – the vocal and volatile minority. By allowing this behavior, we are giving people a mandate to hate.
In this perennial dilemma of nature versus nurture, what is it really that we can do? The answer is as simple and as difficult as ever – never give in The act of simplifying things is not a to apathy. Once our news feeds have bad thing per se. Without an ample been oversaturated by these radical amount of time, the act of generalizing claims, it’s easy to choose indifference. people and situations Thinking that THE ANSWER IS AS SIMPLE AND AS DIFFICULT AS we’re helped our forebearers disjoint survive as hunters and from the EVER – NEVER GIVE IN TO APATHY. ONCE gatherers. It allowed problem and them to quickly assess allowing these OUR NEWS FEEDS HAVE BEEN OVERSATURATED the dangers and benefits radicals to tout BY THESE RADICAL CLAIMS, IT’S EASY TO present in their fasttheir supposed changing surroundings. superiority over CHOOSE INDIFFERENCE. However, the shift from Muslims only hunter-gatherers to communal beings countries under the guise of national deepens their delusion. presented a unique problem for these security. This, and everything else, is a people. Rather than simply rely on gross misrepresentation of the world’s As Filipinos, we need to speak out their instincts, civilization encouraged second largest religion. A drop of ink regarding this blatant offense against the idea of unity in diversity. should not stain an entire ocean and our right of religious freedom. We people should realize that Islam does need to urge others to understand For a civilization to function properly, not make terrorists, radical ideologues that had the radical minority been each citizen needs to make his/her do. Importantly, these ideologues can Christian, Christianity could just as own unique contribution in keeping and have come from every walk of life. easily have been condemned. In the the society running smoothly. This end, our choice of God should never type of society champions the belief Had people taken the time to learn be a hurdle for our quest for peace and that each person has their own about Islam, they would realize that social justice. set of skills and ideals. Instead of it is actually a religion that extolls on From ISIS’ war crimes to the Paris attacks, Islam has gotten a bad rap on the worldwide scale. Things have gotten so bad that US President Donald Trump even tried banning the entry of refugees from selected Islamic
KISAPMATA
ARIES RAPHAEL REYES PASCUA
AMNESIA NINA LECHON AT DE-LECHE ‘Di na kita kilala. Tila kaytagal ‘di nagkita. Natakot sa sakit na madarama, may lunas naman pala. ‘Di na kita kilala. Sa dulo, ‘di ka na kasama. Ako’y babalik mag-isa, sa matamis nating simula. ‘Di na kita kilala. Relasyon ay nag-iba, nagiba, nang dahil sa mga taong sumira; at pinili mong magpakubkob pa. ‘Di na kita kilala. Marahil pareho pa rin ang hitsura, ngunit nang tumitig sa iyong mga mata, napatanong ako, “Sino ka?” ‘Di na kita kilala. Nakita kong maligaya ka na. Ngunit ako’y nagtatataka, bakit sa piling na ng iba? ‘Di na kita kilala. Sagot sa mga tanong, mahihintay ko pa. Pero di tiyak kung sayo’y may aasahan ba, ang tulad kong laging “diyan ka muna” ‘Di na kita kilala. Pilit ko pa ring hahanapin ka. Naligaw ka lang, susunduin kita. ‘Pag nagkita tayo, sana sumama ka. ‘Di na kita kilala. Nagbago ka na, di ko alam bakit ba. Pagbabagong tila nagpasama, sa ating mabuting pagsasama. Kilala nga ba kita? Iyan ang tanong sa sarili sa tuwina. Sa tatlong taong pagsasama, Baka ‘di totoong kulay ang ipinakita. Ah! Kilala na kita. Ito lang ako, iyan ka na. Di ako ang nakalimot, ikaw yata. Ikaw na rin ang pumili kung kapit pa o ayawan na.
H
Volume 30 Number 17 June 5, 2017 | Monday
EDITORIAL 11
minahan ay palalim din ang pagkakalibing sa karapatan ng ating mga kababayan.
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
O F F IC E 4th Floor Student Center Building, University of the Philippines Manila, Padre Faura St. corner Ma. Orosa St., Ermita, Manila 1000 EMAIL themanilacollegian@gmail.com WEBSITES issuu.com/manilacollegian www.facebook.com/themanilacollegian www.twitter.com/mkule MEMBER
College Editors Guild of the Philippines
ABANG PALALIM ANG SA MGA
Solidaridad - UP Systemwide Alliance of Student Publications and Writers’ Organizations
The Cover Illustration Michael Lorenz Dumalaog Raymundo
Layout Kyla Dominique Lacambacal Pasicolan & Jazmine Claire Martinez Mabansag
Unti-unting napapalitan ang mga tao sa gabinete ng mga kabaro ng pangulong sinasabing makapagdadala ng pagbabago sa ating bansa. Ngunit kapansinpansin na karamihan na sa mga ito ay mula sa militar, at ang ilan naman ay masasabing wala talagang sapat na kredensyal para umupo sa iniatang na trabaho. Indikasyon ito nang palubhang sistema na nagbebenepisyo lamang sa mga may kapangyarihang magpaikot ng lipunan, at lalong maglulubog sa mga mamamayan lalo na ng mga naapektuhan ng militarisasyon sa kanayunan. Kamakailan lamang ay napalitan na si Gina Lopez bilang kalihim ng Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) ni dating chief of staff ng Armed Forces of the Philippines na si Roy Cimatu. Ito ay matapos tanggihan ng Commission on Appointments (CA) ang nominasyon kay Gina Lopez upang ipagpatuloy ang kaniyang trabaho sa DENR. Bukod sa kawalan ng anomang karanasan sa sektor pangkalikasan, kasama na ang mga kasong kinaharap niya noon sa AFP ukol sa pangungulimbat ng pondong pang-militar na kalauna’y ibinasura rin ng Ombudsman, hamon kay Cimatu kung paano hahawakan ang mga isyung iniwanan ni Lopez. Naging matigas si Lopez sa kanyang paninindigan at paglaban sa mga iresponsable at ganid na mining companies na nagdulot ng pagpapasara sa 23 sa mga ito. Sagasa sa interes ng malalaking kompanya ang ginawang audit ni Lopez noong nasa DENR pa siya, kasama rito ang pagtingin kay Lopez bilang balakid ng mga mambabatas na nakikinabang sa kita ng mga minahan na nagbunsod sa pagtutol sa pananatili ni Lopez sa puwesto. Sa pagtalaga kay Cimatu na kabaro ng pangulo at may kapangyarihan sa militar, inaantabayanan kung paano niya babalansehin ang interes sa sektor ng pagmimina at sa pangangalaga ng likas na yaman . Ang kawalan ng sapat na kaalaman at karanasan ng mga bagong talaga sa gabinete ay repleksyon lamang na ang CA ay hindi handang magtalaga ng nararapat na kalihim sa bawat departamento. Sila-sila lang ring makapangyarihan ang naiuupo sa gobyerno at nanatiling may kontrol sa pagpapatakbo ng bansa. Manipestasyon lamang ito ng pagnanais ng mga nasa itaas na mabusog ang kanilang mga makauring interes at alisin ang sinomang tututol o babangga sa pailalim nilang mga adhikain.
ABIGAIL MALABRIGO
TIBAG
Ang pagkapatag sa mga kabundukan at pagkasira ng mga watershed areas ay hindi bastang epekto ng pagmimina bagkus ng iresponsable at mapagsamantalang large-scale mining companies. Sa kasalukuyang industriya, mas malaki ang porsyento ng kita ay napupunta sa mining companies, at kakarampot ang napupunta sa pamahalaan na hinahati-hati pa bago umabot sa komunidad. Isang malaking panlilinlang ang ipinangakong pag-unlad sa ekonomiya at rural
Bawat
hukay palalim sa
mina ay lupang gabundok na tumatabon sa mga karapatang pilit inililibing nang buhay ng gobyerno.
developments ng Mining Act of 1995, na dinisenyo lamang upang makaakit ng mga dayuhang mamumuhunan. Ang mga ginto at iba pang mina na dapat na ang bansa ang nakikinabang ay nakukulimbat lamang ng mga dayuhang bumubusabos sa likas na yaman ng bansa, nagnanakaw ng kabuhayan at tirahan ng mga katutubo, at sumasagasa sa kanilang mga karapatan. Hindi masama ang pagmimina ngunit ang emansipasyon ng large-scale mining companies na pag-aari ng mayayamang dayuhan ay malinaw na anti-environment at anti-people. Ang mga isyung kaakibat ng pagmimina ay hindi nalalayo sa militarisasyon na kinahaharap ng mga Lumad sa kanayunan. Ang kagahamanan ng malalaking kumpanya na mahukay ang mga mineral at iba pang likas na yaman sa kabundukan ay ipinipilit na itinataboy ang mga nakatira roon, at kadalasang tinatakot pa ang mga katutubo. Kapag ang ating mga kababayang minorya ay lumaban para sa mga
karapatang inaalis sa kanila ng mga uhaw sa ginto at pilak, ang nagiging kapalit ay ang pagdanak ng dugo sa mga kabundukan. Lumalawak ang pagkakalbo sa ating likas na yaman habang ang mga indibidwalistikong nakatataas ay payaman nang payaman. Bawat hukay palalim sa mina ay lupang gabundok na tumatabon sa mga karapatang pilit inililibing nang buhay ng gobyerno. Hindi naman tunay na ang ating bansa ang nakikinabang sa ating likas na yaman. Noon pa man ay nagiging kuhaan lamang ng hilaw na materyales ang Pilipinas ng mayayaman at mas makapangyarihang mga bansa. Hindi lamang ang likas na yaman ng Pilipinas ang nasisira ng mga abusadong minero, dahil ang una talagang maapektuhan dito ay ang mga mamamayang naninirahan sa kabundukan. Hindi lang tirahan ang nananakaw sa kanila, kundi maging ang kanilang pagkukunan ng makakain at mapagkakakitaan. Kasabay ng pang-aabuso sa likas na yaman ng bansa ay pang-aabuso rin sa kinabukasan ng mga susunod na henerasyon na dapat sanang tunay na makikinabang sa bawat ginto at pilak sa ilalim ng lupa. Tayong mga nasa kalunsura’y hindi direktang naaapektuhan ng militarisasyon sa kanayunan, subalit kasama tayo ng pambansang minorya sa paglaban sa karapatang natatapakan, at sa pag-ako muli sa lupang inaagaw sa kanila. Kaisa tayo, mula sa lansangan hanggang sa kanayunan, sa pagsigaw sa karapatan at pagtibag sa hindi makataong sistema. Magkatuwang ang tapang at talino, kasama ng malawakang hanay ng kabataan ang mga masang api sa paglaban sa mapang-uring sistema.