Philippine Collegian Tomo 95 Issue 17

OPISYAL NA LINGGUHANG PAHAYAGAN NG MGA MAG-AARAL NG UNIBERSIDAD NG PILIPINAS DILIMAN MARTES ABRIL 24, 2018 TOMO 95 ESPESYAL NA ISYU

#G OO AN UT OT DV E

Maranaos demand return to Marawi JOSE MARTIN V. SINGH

A RETURN TO MARAWI, NOT just a visit!

This is what spokesperson of Maranao evacuees’ organization Tindeg Ranao (Rise up Ranao) Aida Ibrahim said in response to the war-torn Marawi City government’s project that allows scheduled visits for the city’s residents.

Dubbed as “Kambisita,” the program is done in partnership with the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) alliance. Under this project, displaced Marawi residents from the most affected areas are allowed to enter the city, go to their homes, and retrieve their personal belongings. However, they are not allowed to stay for long durations due to safety protocols.

Visits to Marawi started on April 1 and will end on May 10, said Ibrahim. “Scheduled po ang pagpasok.

Pagkatapos nito hindi na pwede bumalik,” she said.

Left in crumbles War broke out between Islamic State forces, known as the Maute Group, and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) troops on May 23, 2017. This led to evacuations of Maranaos and the massive destruction of the city which later prompted the declaration of martial law in the entire island of Mindanao.

Over 65,000 families were displaced due to damages caused by the war, according to data collated by independent think tank

THE SOLACE OF MUSIC

Ibon Foundation. Around 400,000 people evacuated to centers in the outskirts of Marawi, and 1,200 people were killed in the war, according to reports.

Five months after the war ended in November 2017, the city is still devastated, thus the residents’ prolonged wait to return to their homes.

Still, the visits under the Kambisita program will never suffice for the displaced Maranaos. “Hindi po bisita ang panawagan naming mga bakwit kung hindi, ay ang makabalik na sa Marawi,” said Ibrahim, reiterating how the Maranaos have already been out of their city for too long even after the war.

“Nakakainsulto ang programa ng TFBM na Kambisita dahil ‘Kambalingan’ o pagbabalik ang gusto ng mga bakwit,” she added.

The residents, led by the Maranao alliance Ranao Multi-Sectoral Movement marched towards the heart of the war in Marawi last March 30 and called for their inclusion in talks of rebuilding the city and their return to their homes. However, before even reaching ground zero, the Maranaos were blocked by military men led by Joint Task Force Ranao Deputy Commander, Colonel Romeo Brawner, due to security concerns.

Government projects Meanwhile, the city’s buildings and homes are still left in crumbles and shambles.

Early this year, at least 24 villages in Marawi

were identified by authorities as offlimits because of the presence of shrapnel yet to be removed. Rehabilitation operations will reportedly start in May after the visits.

The war indeed brought about a great need to rebuild the city. The Philippine government announced in December 2017 its plan to establish communitybased economic zones and military camps in Marawi.

The eco-zones are eyed to become centers for marketing, technical training, and food processing ventures for micro, small, and medium enterprises claimed to produce support for residents. The said projects are bolstered by the recently convened consortium of Chinese and Filipino firms that seek to rebuild Marawi.

However, the said focal points are deemed by a human rights group as a means to keep the Marawi residents from returning. “Prioritizing the military camp and eco-zones is not exactly a balanced view,” said Cristina Palabay, Secretary General of human rights group Karapatan.

“The Philippine government is using excuses and the current state of the area to keep the Maranaos from [coming back],” said Palabay, adding that the Presidential Task Force is creating a unilateral decision in their grand plans to rebuild Marawi when the people

should be in the center of every plan when it comes to such situations.

The Marawi residents themselves have expressed discontent over the kinds of rehabilitation projects proposed by the government.

“Ang aming panawagan na makabalik [sa Marawi] ay siyang pinagkakait sa mga bakwit dahil inalalako ng gobyerno ang Marawi sa mga dayuhang kapitalista,” Ibrahim said, citing how they are being stripped of their right to live with dignity and to express self-determination.

“Ang gobyerno mismo ang pumapatay sa amin dahil sa pangangamkam sa aming lupaing ninuno,” she added.

The government is in partnership with companies such as the China State Construction Engineering, the largest construction company in the world in terms of revenue. The said company is also involved in a recent P350- million mega-rehabilitation project in Sarangani province, as a recipient of the “ChinaAid Philippines” brought by the 2016 state visit of President Rodrigo Duterte to China.

A total of nine companies comprise the consortium, where five are Chinese and four are Filipinos. The different companies involved specialize in fields such as engineering, manufacturing, real estate, agribusiness, power generation, research, and development.

Giving what is due The pronouncement on creating eco zones and establishing military camps deeply disturbs the Maranaos because of their sentiments for their city and their request to at least have a say in the rebuilding efforts, which is continually being snubbed by the government.

The Maranaos deeply condemn such actions towards a place they call home because of factors that would intuit its further destruction. “Mariin naming tinututulan ang pagtatayo ng military camp at eco zones sa Marawi dahil ito ay pangagamkam sa lupang ninuno ng mga Maranao,” said Ibrahim, adding that the projects are but there to kick the Maranaos out of their land.

What ought to be done for this kind of situation is to give the Maranaos due consultations and a reconsultation, said Palabay.

“At this point there is still time for the government to back down from its plan to engage in unilateral rehabilitation projects… [The issue of building military camps and eco zones] is not only a question of consulting the Marawi community, because the project is already eschewed from the real situation,” she said.

COMMUNITY NEWS

LUCKY DELA ROSA

Iligal na pag-aresto kay Ruby Lacadman, kinundena ng CTUHR

Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas (DUP) parades timeless Kundiman classics in their newest play entitled The Kundiman Party, a play and music by Floy Quintos and directed

by Dexter M. Santos, at Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, April 11. The play is highly political and highlights the role of art as a unifying force in nation-building. It also presented the story of Maestra Adela Dolores, a retired kundiman and classical singer who believes in the transformative power of Kundiman songs.

KINUKUNDENA NG CENTER FOR Trade Union and Human Rights ang iligal na pag-aresto kay Ruby Lacadman, organisador at miyembro ng grupong Kadamay, noong Marso 29 sa kaniyang tahanan sa Barangay Cacutud, Mabalacat City, Pampanga.

Sapilitang hinuli ng mga pulis at militar si Lacadman sa bisa ng kahina-hinalang warrant of arrest para sa kasong murder na ipinalabas ng RTC 6th Judicial Regional Branch 60, Cadiz City sa Negros Occidental.

Ang nasabing warrant ay nakapangalan sa isang nagngangalang “Ruby Palabrica y Quitason’ na kabilang sa mga pangalang nakalista sa pekeng terror list ni Duterte.

“Patunay ang iligal na pag-aresto kay Ruby Lacadman kung gaano kapanganib ang pekeng terror list ng gobyerno kung saan maaari na lamang arestuhin ang sinuman, kasuhan ng gawa-gawang kaso at bansagan na terorista lalo na’t kritiko ng administrasyon. Nakababahala na ang kaso ni Lacadman ay patikim pa lamang ng mas marami pang kaso ng pag-aresto, pagdukot o pamamaslang sa mga aktibista at tagapagtaguyod ng karapatan,” sabi ni Daisy Arago, Executive Director ng CTUHR. Sinabi ng CTUHR na ang ginawang paghuli kay Lacadman ay bahagi ng orkestrado at pinatinding atake ng gobyerno ni Duterte sa mga tumutuligsa sa kaniyang mala-diktador na pamamalakad sa bansa at mga mamamayang nag-oorganisa.

Hindi nalalayo ang kasong ito sa ginagawa

ng militar at kapulisan na red-tagging, pagtawag namga rebeldeng komunista at panghaharass sa mga manggagawa at unyonista lalo na iyong miyembro ng Kilusang Mayo Uno na binansagan mismo ni Duterte na “communist front”.

Inihalimbawa ng CTUHR ang dinaranas na red-tagging ng mga miyembro ng unyon sa isang plantasyon ng saging sa Compostela Valley at ang pagdakip sa labor organizer na si Maoja Maga noong Pebrero 22.

“Makikita natin na wala na talagang puwang kay Pangulong Duterte ang pangmatagalang kapayapaan at hustisya.

Mula sa hindi pagtupad sa kaniyang pangako gaya ng pagwawakas sa kontraktwalisasyon, pagpataw ng dagdag pasanin sa mamamayan sa pamamagitan ng TRAIN law at pagkrikriminalisa sa mga tagapagtaguyod ng karapatang-pantao at mga aktibista, lalong inilantad ni Pangulong Duterte ang kaniyang mapanupil at anti-mamamayang pamamahala,” sabi pa ni Arago.

Nanawagan ang grupo sa agarang paglaya ni Lacadman at iba pang bilanggong pulitikal, at pagbabasura sa gawa-gawang kaso laban sa kaniya. Kaisa rin ang CTUHR sa mga lokal at internasyunal na organisasyon na nanawagan na ibasura ang pekeng terror list ng gobyerno. *Mula sa Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR), 31 MARCH 2018

MARTES 24 ABRIL 2018

2

BA LI TA

S TA N D A R D B E A R E R S EMMANUEL RODRIGUEZ

UP ALYANSA 2ND YEAR MS CIVIL ENGINEERING

Q: Sa iyong palagay, paano makaaapekto ang UP Master Development Plan sa buong komunidad ng UP? Ang UP Master Development Plan ay ang plano ng ating administrasyon upang i-reconstruct ang ating university. Sa aking palagay, ang pagplano nito ay hindi naging inclusive sa lahat ng sektor ng UP Diliman. Hindi na-take into account ang ating mga manininda. Hindi na-take into account ang iba pang mga residente dito sa UP. Kaya kailangan natin na mag-demand pa ng accountability sa ating administrasyon. Kailangan maging consultative pa sila para mas mapunan ‘yung pangangailangan ng bawat sektor. Katulad nga sa ating mga manininda, kailangan mayroon silang sariling infrastructures para mas accessible ‘yung mga tinitinda nila sa mga estudyante. Isa pa, ‘yung mga residente dito sa UP, parte na rin sila ng ating buhay kaya kailangan na-consult sila at maayos din ‘yung kanilang kalagayan kapag na-implement na ‘yung buong Master Development Plan. At siyempre, sa ating mga estudyante, bilang tayo ang major stakeholders, tayo ang may pinakamalaking populasyon, gusto natin na lahat tayo ay consulted, lahat ng pangangailangan natin ay napupunan. Isang halimbawa na lang ay ‘yung ating CAL, ‘yung pagkasunog ng Faculty Center. Nawalan ng tahanan ang ating CAL students, ang ating CAL faculty.

At gusto natin na sa Master Development Plan ay magkaroon sila ng bagong tahanan kung saan sila gagawa ng kanilang mga arte at literatura, at para magkaroon ng bagong facility para i-preserve ‘yung mga nagawa na nila para sa ating bayan.

Q: Ano ang iyong suri sa TRAIN Law? Naniniwala ako na regressive pa rin ang current form ng TRAIN Law na meron tayo.

Though, naniniwala din ako na ‘yung bansa natin, kailangan niya ng tax reform law na progressive, efficient, at simple. Sa TRAIN Law na meron tayo ngayon, hindi pa niya naa-attain ‘yung vision nating ‘yun for TRAIN Law dahil regressive pa rin siya sa mga mahihirap natin. Dahil nabawasan man ang personal income taxes, ‘yung mga minimum wage earners at ‘yung mga mahihirap ay hindi naman talaga apektado nito from the start. Kasama na diyan ‘yung excise taxes na nagtaas katulad ng fuel excise tax. Nagtaas pa ‘yung ibang mga produkto, ‘yung ibang mga consumption goods natin tulad ng sugar, sweetened beverages, at iba pang bilihin na naging pabigat sa mga mahihirap. Ngayon, ang gusto natin ay magkaroon— since nandiyan na ang TRAIN Law – gusto natin magkaroon ng safeguards ‘yung mahihirap. Kailangan ma-ensure na ‘yung unconditional cash transfers ay naibibigay sa lahat ng mga apektado nito. Pangalawa, kailangan nating ma-ensure na ang gobyerno, na ‘yung allotment ng incremental revenue na nakukuha sa TRAIN ay napa-prioritize ang ating basic social services, such as health and, of course, our very education. At siyempre, gusto natin na ang TRAIN Law ay mapunan ang pangangailangan ng bawat isa. And in the long term, gusto natin na by the time na ia-amend na natin ‘yung TRAIN Law ay ma-take into account pati ‘yang mga hinaing ng ating mga mahihirap na kababayan dahil we’re always standing for the marginalized, oppressed, and the powerless para ma-achieve ‘yung TRAIN Law na gusto natin. Dahil we must achieve social justice before social progress.

Q: Kung magiging hayop ang iyong mga kalaban, ano ito at bakit?

Kung hayop ‘yung mga kalaban ko, ‘yung isa uod, tapos ‘yung isa unggoy, kasi ako ay isang Philippine Eagle. Sa food chain, ‘di ba, ‘yung uod kakainin ng monkey, tapos ‘yung monkey ay kakainin ng Philippine Eagle. So, gusto natin na kahit tayo man ang manalo ay nate-take into account pa rin natin ‘yung mga perspektibo nila at nakikinig pa rin tayo sa hinaing ng bawat estudyante kahit ano pa man ‘yung pinanggagalingan nila.

KISHA BERINGUELA UP ALYANSA

4TH YEAR BA SPEECH COMMUNICATION

J O H N I S A AC PUNZ AL AN

J O S E R A FA E L TO R I B I O

KAISA UP

STAND UP

1ST YEAR MS INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING

3RD YEAR BA SPEECH COMMUNICATION

Q: Sa iyong palagay, paano makaaapekto ang UP Master Development Plan sa buong komunidad ng UP? UP is a community not only composed of students but also the different sectors inside the university as well as its residents. And while we see that the UP Master Development Plan aims to ensure kung pa’no ba gagamitin ‘yung mga espasyo natin sa loob ng ating pamantasan, lagi’t lagi nating tatandaan na ang UP ay isang public institution. We must do our best and we must stand in maintaining the public character of the university that is why we are against the master development plan and patuloy tayong titindig kasama ng iba’t ibang mga sektor dito sa loob ng ating pamantasan, mapa-estudyante man ‘yan, mapa-driver, mapa-residente, at iba’t ibang mga communities na nandito sa loob ng UP. Sisiguraduhin natin na ‘yung paggamit natin ng mga espasyo sa loob ng pamantasan ay lagi’t laging nakasandig kung ano nga ba ang ating gampanin at ‘yun ay paglingkuran ang pamantasan at ang ating sambayanan.

Q: Ano ang iyong suri sa TRAIN Law? The Tax Reform Acceleration and Inclusion Law is an attempt to reform our decades-old tax system. While that effort can be laudable, we have to look that in evaluating policies, we must evaluate all the stakeholders being involved. At isa sa mga sektor na talagang matatamaan ng TRAIN Law ay ‘yung mga minimum wage earners natin at mga nagtatrabaho sa informal sectors. Kasi sa kasalukuyan, while there is a reduction in income tax, in the status quo, wala silang binabayaran na income tax at tataas ‘yung iba’t ibang mga bilihin na kailangan nilang bilhin upang mamuhay nang araw-araw. Kaya naman tayo sa KAISA, we are against the Tax Reform Acceleration and Inclusion Law, believing that in the end, we must account for all the stakeholders, realizing that in the end, lahat ng mga polisiya natin dapat nakasandig para sa interes ng ating mamamayan, hindi lamang ng mayorya kundi ng lahat. That is why we will continue to fight for just, fair, equitable tax system wherein the burden would not fall on the poor, wherein the burden would fall on the rich and the powerful, and ensure that at the end of the day there will be social progress with social justice in every policy that our state will be forwarding to its citizens.

Q: Kung magiging hayop ang iyong mga kalaban, ano ito at bakit?

Siguro kung hayop ‘yung aking makakalaban, actually myself included din – kung kami ay hayop, siguro ito ay ibon. Kasi ‘yung ibon, ‘di ba kita niya lahat ng nangyayari sa baba with the bird’s eye view. If you look at it, sa eleksyon na ‘to, kaming tatlo – ako, si Ice, si Emman, kaming mga lider-estudyante na magbabandera ng susunod na University Student Council and during the campaign season, we would be exposed to the different contexts inside the university through our RTRs through our campaigns, through our debates, and it’s clear na lahat tayo kahit iba-iba man ’yung pinanggagalingan namin, pareho ‘yung nakikita namin at pareho naman ‘yung ating mithiin sa huli’t huli na pagsilbihan ang pamantasan at sambayanan.

Nagkakatalo na lang siguro dito kung sino nga ba ‘yung ibon na magtatagumpay, sino nga ba ‘yung ibon na mas makakapaglingkod sa pamantasan at sambayanan.

Kaya sa susunod na araw, antabayanan natin kung sino nga ba sa atin ang magpupunyagi at sino nga ba sa atin ang maluluklok sa pwesto. Pero higit pa naman dun, kahit matapos ang eleksyon, this election is a learning experience and that is what we would be using not only in our stay in the university but moving forward when we go on to our lives as part of the Filipino people at large as well.

J O KO D I N S AY INDEPENDENT

3RD YEAR B PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

Q: Sa iyong palagay, paano makaaapekto ang UP Master Development Plan sa buong komunidad ng UP? Nitong nagdaang taon, tayo sa STAND UP, kasama ang mga iskolar ng bayan, ay nanindigan at lumaban sa pagpapanawagan upang ibasura ang UP Master Development Plan. Actually, nitong nagdaang taon rin ay nakita natin ang manifestation na kung paano ang MDP ay tinatanggal ang public character ng University of the Philippines. Primarily, dahil ito ay inuuna o pina-prioritize ang commercialization ng ating education and, of course, ang commercialization ng ating spaces in our university. Nandiyan ang nangyari sa UP Baguio na nagkaroon ng cafe pero nagkaroon ng problema given na mahal 'yung mga binabayaran. Nandiyan din ‘yung problema sa UP Mindanao na kung saan 'yung spaces na dapat ay para sa students ay hindi naibigay sa kanila. At dito sa UP Diliman, actually, ang ating mga kasama or ating mga kababayan sa ating UP Community sa UP Villages ay pilit na pinatanggal, pinaalis, dinemolish 'yung kanilang mga tirahan upang maisulong ng ating UP administration ang UP Master Development Plan. Kaya naman since nitong nagdaang taon ay nakita natin na kaya nating tumindig at lumaban para sa isang pro-people, at isang para sa mga estudyante na isang university. Muli, tayo ay kakayanin na ipaglaban ang isang university of the people na titindig hindi lamang para sa karapatan ng mga estudyante, kundi sa karapatan ng lahat ng miyembro ng UP Community.

Q: Ano ang iyong suri sa TRAIN Law? Pagbungad pa lamang ng taong ito, tayo sa STAND UP, kasama ang malawak na hanay ng mga iskolar ng bayan at, siyempre, ng mga mamamayan, tayo ay tumindig at lumaban sa TRAIN law at tax reform. At tayo sa STAND UP, tayo ay tumutuligsa sa pagpapasa nito dahil ito ay anti-poor. Ito ay anti-poor dahil mas sinasadlak pa ang mga mahihirap nating kababayan doon sa mga sobra-sobra at napakamahal na presyo ng mga bilihin, at kahit na may offer ang ating government on cash transfers, ay hindi ito sasapat para sa kanila. At ito rin ay isang pro-rich na project ng ating government dahil sa tax cuts, mas tataas pa ang kanilang mga nauuwing pera. Pero huli't huli, kailangan nating tanungin sa ating mga sarili ay para kanino nga ba talaga ang tax reform na ito? Tayo, nakikita natin na ito ay hindi progressive na tax system; bagkus, ito ay mas lalong isasadlak at ipu-push pa ang ating mga mamamayan sa kahirapan. At dahil ang mga nauuwing pondo at nakokolektang pondo mula sa mamamayan ay gagamitin para doon sa pagpapatindi sa mga atake sa ating karapatan at pagpapatindi doon sa dictatorship ng ating presidente.

Ang ating mga nakokolektang buwis mula sa ating mga bulsa ay gagamitin para sa kanyang mga gyera – ang Oplan Tokhang, ang Oplan Kapayapaan, ang Martial Law sa Mindanao. Nandiyan din ang pagsulong at paggamit ng ating buwis para sa huwad na project na "Build, Build, Build" na ang tanging layunin lang naman buksan ang ating bansa para sa foreign investors at para patuloy na pagkakitaan ang mga mamamayang Pilipino. Isipin natin na ang TRAIN law, bilang isang policy o law, ay para tayong mga mamamayan ay nagbabayad upang patayin pa lalo ang ating kapwa mamamayan. Tayo ay nagbabayad upang mas lalo tayong patayin ng isang diktador. Kaya naman, since napatunayan na natin na kaya natin, mas kakayanin pa natin ngayon, this time around, upang ipabasura ang TRAIN law at, of course, pabagsakin ang diktador na si Duterte.

Q: Kung magiging hayop ang iyong mga kalaban, ano ito at bakit?

Kung [ang] aking mga kalaban ay hayop, sila ay isang tigre, ngunit isang tigreng papel, dahil tulad ng ating Presidente na si Duterte, sila ay isang paper tiger na kunwari ay maka-estudyante, kunwari ay progressive, at kunwari sila ay talaga para sa ating mga karapatan. Ngayon ang panahon upang tayo ay hindi magpalinlang at magpadala doon sa iba't ibang mga sinasabi nila at tingnan natin kung ano nga ba talaga ang ating kailangang ipaglaban. Dahil sa panahon na tayo ay kumakaharap ng iba't ibang mga atake sa ating mga karapatan, sa panahon na tayo ay patuloy na sinasagka ng iba't ibang mga polisiya sa loob at labas ng ating Pamantasan.

Kailangan natin ng mga lider-estudyante na tunay na titindig at lalaban para sa ating mga karapatan at tunay na sasamahan ang mga iskolar ng bayan doon sa ating nagpapatuloy na laban dahil, muli, kapwa iskolar ng bayan, kaya natin.

SHARA LANDICHO K AISA UP

4TH YEAR BS GEODETIC ENGINEERING

ALFREY ORIA STAND UP

5TH YEAR BS INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING

Q: Hindi nangolekta ng student fund sa UP sa unang taon ng implementasyon ng Free Tuition Policy. Bilang lider-estudyante, paano mo matutugunan ang kakulangan sa pondo ng student councils at publications sa pamantasan?

Bilang inyong susunod na USC Vice Chairperson, kailangan magamit natin ‘yung lahat ng local college councils natin at lahat ng organization and publications natin. Pagdating sa pagre-request ng budget, kailangan transparent siya.

Hindi kasi natin alam kung paano nga ba ginagawa ng bawat kolehiyo or administration ‘yung budgeting process natin. Ang nangyayari, bigla na lang siyang nilalatag at ini-implement without proper consultation. With actually having free tuition at hindi na pangongolekta ng student funds, kailangan magbigay ng tamang priority, siyempre, sa mga student councils and publications para magawa pa rin ‘yung mga proyekto nila. How can we do this? Of course, asking for transparency kung paano nga ba ‘yung process and having a bottom-up budgeting process. Ibig sabihin, kailangan inaalam mismo ng mga admin kung ano nga ba ‘yung mga pangangailangan ng bawat organizations natin; hindi lang organizations, pati rin student councils and student publications. Pagpasok dito, kailangan kasi naibibigay ‘yung tamang suporta sa mga pangangailangan para ma-implement ‘yung mga proyekto dahil at the end of the day, para naman sa mga estudyante ‘yung ginagawa ng mga organisasyon na ito.

Q: Kung kayo ng mga kalaban mo ay nasa isang Pinoy teleserye, ano ito, sinu-sino kayo, at bakit?

Siguro ito ‘yung Encantadia. Ako si Amihan. Si Danaya, possible na si Shara. Si Pirena, possible na si Alfrey. Si Joko ‘yung isa, pero nakalimutan ko na ‘yung isang character name. Pero ‘yun, Encantadia—pwede, kasi magkakapatid kami. Tapos, magkakaroon kasi, ‘di ba, ng one big problem, tapos we have to solve it as a team. Ngayon, we have to actually be one university. Kahit na iba’t iba ‘yung formation na pinanggalingan natin, dapat magtulungan tayo because may mas malaki tayong kailangan outside.

So, one of the reasons why I ran as your USC Vice Chairperson is that I want tailor-fitted projects for each college. I thought of an idea that could help the student and add budget to the student fund. This platform is called “Serbisyong Isko.” Serbisyong Isko is a website where students can earn through rendering services like tutorial services, mentoring, consulting, dancing, singing, and other services. In this website, we’ll also be featuring Isko Innovations if ever people from BA have new products to give, they could start in UP. Isko Art students from FA, they could sell their work of art. In this way, 10 percent of each product or service sold will go back to the student fund and in that way, it will be used in funding scholarships and helping the student publication.

Q: Kung kayo ng mga kalaban mo ay nasa isang Pinoy teleserye, ano ito, sinu-sino kayo, at bakit?

So, mare-relate ko ito sa “Ang Probinsyano.” Ako si Coco Martin sa Ang Probinsyano tapos ‘yung mga kalaban ko ay sila kasi mga kontrabida sila eh. I’m just kidding. But anyway, why I want Ang Probinsyano – it’s because the role of Coco Martin kasi, parang he just wants the best for everyone. He just wants to forward the best interests for the society and for his family.

Titignan natin ‘yung usapin ng budget diyan. At bilang inyong Free Eduk Watch Alliance Convenor, patuloy nating ilo-lobby ‘yung automatic appropriation ng budget para sa RA 10931 o Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education kasi ‘yung budget na ‘yan ay hindi lamang for tuition, hindi lamang for other school fees. And’yan din ‘yung pagdating sa mga other operating fees natin, sa resources – library man ‘yan at du’n papasok ‘yung student publication and lahat ng binabayaran sa loob ng ating pamantasan. Pagdating naman dito sa UP, since merong trust fund ‘yung UP na hindi naman ginagalaw at napakalaki nung pera na meron dito, uusigin natin ‘yung admin na maglabas ng sapat na budget para masuportahan ‘yung ating student publication and ‘yung mga student councils kung saan nakikita naman natin na napakahalaga para sa kanila na mag-operationalize kasi mahirap din if they will just depend on partnerships on corporations kasi ‘yun din ‘yung ayaw nating mangyari given that we are a public school. So gusto natin na maempower yung ating mga student councils. Gusto natin ma-empower ‘yung organizations na ‘yung student fund mismo, manggaling sa admin. And patuloy ‘yung paglolobby natin outside para sa automatic appropriation ng budget. Maghahanap tayo ng champions sa congress para maipasa ang automatic appropriation ng budget for RA 10931 and doon, kinikilala natin ‘yung napakahalagang parte, ‘yung integral part ng student publication, and ‘yung student organizations and councils natin.

Q: Kung kayo ng mga kalaban mo ay nasa isang Pinoy teleserye, ano ito, sinu-sino kayo, at bakit?

Para sa’kin, isang teleserye ito ng totoong buhay – Pinoy Big Brother – kung saan meron tayong Big 4 at syempre, ako ‘yung big winner. Big winner in the sense na mas pagpapanalunan natin ‘yung lahat ng laban, lahat ng campaigns and activities natin outside and inside the university kasama ‘yung mas malaking hanay ng mga estudyante and syempre iba’t ibang sectors ng society

Bilang isang lider-estudyante kasama ng mga iskolar ng bayan, dapat ay sama-sama tayong tumindig at lumaban para sa pondo para sa ating mga student publications and student councils dahil nakikita natin ito na ito’y isang atake sa kanilang karapatan na magkaroon ng pondo para sa kanilang maayos na pagpapatakbo at isang pagatake sa mga institusyon na sa matagal na panahon ay lumaban para sa mga demokratikong karapatan ng mga Iskolar ng bayan at lumaban para isiwalat ang katotohanan sa mga nagdaang rehimen sa loob ng ating bansa.

Q: Kung kayo ng mga kalaban mo ay nasa isang Pinoy teleserye, ano ito, sinu-sino kayo, at bakit?

Ayun, ‘yung pipiliin kong teleserye ay ang Wildflower. Ayan, ako si Ivy Aguas at ‘yung tatlo kong kalaban ay ‘yung mga sindikatong kalaban ni Ivy Aguas. And just like Ivy Aguas, matapang ako at walang takot na ipaglalaban ang ating mga karapatan. And just like gold, I am indestructible.

4TH YEAR BA POLITICAL SCIENCE

GEMINA DELA CRUZ

Siguro kung meme ‘yung plataporma ko, yung meme na naka-gan’to. Kasi parang yung platform ko’, gusto ko okay tayong lahat. And as an org execom kasi, ‘yung pinakaplatform ko is empowering our organizations in the university. Gusto ko na ma-utilize natin ‘yung potential ng iba’t ibang organizations natin in widening our calls for certain advocacies such as, example, sa mental health. I-eensure natin na yung mga organizations na may same advocacy and interest sa mental health ay magsasama-sama and mas ma-maximize natin ‘yung concrete initiatives natin such as lobbying, infographic dissemination, educational discussions, and many more.

4TH YEAR BS ECONOMICS

RIO DAYAO

Ang meme na sumisimbolo sa plataporma ko ay ‘yung “The Floor is Lava” tapos ‘yung may tatalon, ganon. Pero para sa’kin naman, the floor is sexual harassment. We see today that even in UP Diliman and outside, it’s still prevalent. At hanggang ngayon, marami pang nasasaktan dahil dito – not just women, also men, and all other genders.

At ang gusto natin ay tumalon tayo to reach greater heights sa pagtalakay sa issue na ‘to. And definitely, we can be able to do this by collaborating with existing offices by lobbying for safer spaces and most of all, by continuing to educate the students at kung paano natin mapoprotektahan ang sarili natin sa mga isyung ito. So, the floor is sexual harassment but we really want to reach greater heights with you, UP Diliman.

3RD YEAR BA POLITICAL SCIENCE

TIGER PEÑA

I guess if my platform was a meme, it would be that picture of Eddie Murphy going like — gano’n. ‘Cause, for me, I think, it’s important really that — well, rather, for my platform, I think, the emphasis is really on being critical and being a critical thinker and really empowering students to be able to think critically. So, I think, that’s also really what’s related to what the meme is, ultimately, which is really more of, “Ah, mautak ka.” So, yeah, that’s basically it.

3RD YEAR BS BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

JEDD ONG

Kung may meme na sumisimbolo sa aking plataporma, siguro sa’kin 'yung "Mocking Spongebob." Kasi parang, UP Admin, "UP is PWD-friendly." Spongebob, “UP is PWD-friendly.” Nakita natin na up until now, sinasabi ng UP na inclusive and open tayo. But it’s sad to see na even our administration and even the students disregard these differences, na hanggang ngayon ‘yung mga additional needs namin na mga students with additional needs, hindi pa rin nabibigay sa’min.

4TH YEAR BA SPEECH COMMUNICATION

2ND YEAR JURIS DOCTOR

Siguro, kung may isang meme na sumisimbolo sa aking plataporma, ito ay "No Other Woman." Sinasabi ko 'yun kasi bilang isang councilor, I will make sure na ipa-prioritize ko 'yung USC. And I will make sure that, if I get elected, ‘di lang ako maeelect dahil sa title na 'yun; I will make sure to do my job and I will also make sure to do right by the UP community. And that means, since I want to head the Committee on Legal Issues and Concerns, that I will also do my job to make sure that the platforms that I talk about, the things I say in the RTR, are not just words that I say randomly, but these are things that I will really push through; these are things that I will follow through with, and I will do the due diligence to talk to other offices. And the reason I said "No Other Woman" is because, 'yun nga, for me, USC will be my priority. It will be my commitment. And yes, this is my promise to the UP community.

PAT NICDAO

BASILIO CLAUDIO

UP ALYANSA

Kung ang aking plataporma ay magiging isang meme, ito siguro ay ang spongebob meme. Alam naman natin na sa panahon na

3RD YEAR BS INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING

MARCO DAVA

‘Yung sumisimbolo sa aking plataporma ay ‘yung brain na may rays. So bakit nga ba ganun? Dahil sa paggawa ng plataporma, kailangan talagang pinag-iisipan natin ito. Ang plataporma ko ay talagang ifofocus natin ‘yung mga struggles ng ating komunidad sa loob ng ating pamantasan at sa labas ng ating unibersidad dahil hindi dapat natin nililimita ‘yung paglilingkod sa loob ng ating pamantasan kundi tayo’y lalahok, lalabas, at lalaban para sa bayan at para sa masa.

2ND YEAR BS TOURISM

LEM CRUZ

Mayroong meme na nandun ‘yung isang lalaki at saka isang lalaki. ‘Yung isang lalaki ay pinapagalitan ‘yung isang lalaki tapos may mga thought bubbles sa meme na ‘yun. Itong meme ‘yung pinili ko para sumimbolo sa aking plataporma kasi hinihikayat ng isang lalaki ‘yung isang lalaki para gumalaw at lumahok. Dahil nga sa KAISA UP, ang campaign line at ang panawagan sa pamantasan at sambayanan ay lumahok, lumabas, lumaban dahil tayo ang bayan, atin ang laban — ang sini-seize nito ay ‘yung laban from the government kasi tayo ‘yung maaaring gumalaw para magkaroon ng pagbabago sa ating lipunan.

Sa education and research committee, ‘yun din ang panawagan natin — ang magengage, mag-educate, and magmobilize sa students. Dito, magkakaroon din tayo ng educational discussion, fora, panel discussion, at online ED series spearheaded by the education and research committee para mas i-encourage pa ang students to take a stand and to involve themselves in political action.

3RD YEAR BA ENGLISH STUDIES

KEZIAH ACHARON

So ‘yung meme na sumisimbolo sa plataporma ko is ‘yung meme na merong mathematical equation and then merong babae sa background na parang nalilito siya. Kasi, dapat ‘yung mga karapatan natin bilang mga tao, bilang mga estudyante, it

3RD YEAR B PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

BEA MAGTANONG

Ang meme na makakapag-reprensent sa aking plataporma ay ‘yung kay Bimby, ‘ yung ”I remember so many people.” Kasi umiikot ‘yung plataporma ko na tayo ay miyembro ng pamantasan at miyembro ng isang malaking Filipino society, and iha-highlight natin na kailangan nating gawing ang ating parte. And dahil dito umiikot ang aking plataporma, I remember so many people na maaaring makatulong. Sobrang daming tao mula sa unibersidad at labas ng unibersidad na maaaring tumulong sa ating laban para sa good governance. At hindi lang ito para sa good governance lamang — ang mga laban natin kasama ang mga manggagawa at iba pang marginalized sector ay kailangan natin ng so many people.

4TH YEAR B PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

GREG HUBO

‘Yung meme na may “Katipunan, Katip, Katipuns,” ‘yung parang sa brain. Because in the discussion of mental health, we need to realize that hindi lang siya nakapaloob sa mga taong diagnosed sa mental health and people who advocate for it. Mental health is a very inclusive societal issue. Lahat tayo may utak, lahat tayo may puso, lahat tayo ay may iba’t-ibang pinagdadaanan — when we equate it together, it is equal to our own mental health. We need to further realize that to advocate for mental health, kailangan hindi lang dito sa unibersidad kundi para sa buong community and what more for the whole nation. We need to continuously strengthen the clamor for a more inclusive nurturing and holistic society, wherein mental health will transcend from a societal issue to a right we all deserve.

5TH YEAR B SPORTS SCIENCE

ENZO ESPINOSA

KAISA UP

So ‘yung meme na sumisimbolo sa aking plataporma would be the Arthur's fist na

2ND YEAR BS CLOTHING TECHNOLOGY

KAT ESTRELLA

If I had to liken my platform to one meme, without question, it would be “distracted boyfriend.” So, we, the UP students, are the boyfriend. We’re walking with this girl, this lovely girl named— or this not-so-lovely girl named media repression, fake news, and culture of impunity. So, we’re going on a nice date with her. But then, all of a sudden, this more beautiful, more alluring girl whose name is press freedom, media literacy, and accurate dissemination of the truth is behind us, and we’re all like [the guy who looks back]. So, without question, I am the distracted boyfriend meme. So, we’re gonna uphold press freedom at all times.

Maraming salamat po.

2ND YEAR BA BROADCAST COMMUNICATION

NACHO DOMINGO

'Yung meme na sumisimbolo sa plataporma ko ay 'yung meme na may two roads na naghihiwalay; 'yung isa, jeepney phaseout, then 'yung isa, jan 'yung modernization. Siyempre, doon tayo pupunta sa modernization which is 'yung pagtataguyod at pagsulong natin sa ating national industries kasi nakikita natin na ito 'yung sustainable way para makapagproduce tayo ng sarili nating products, sarili nating jeepneys, modern jeepneys, mula sa sarili nating raw materials para hindi na ito aangkatin pa mula sa ibang bansa or 'yung raw materials naman sa ibang bansa at saka dadalhin dito ng mas mahal. Kasi, nakikita natin na 'yung pagsulong sa national industries, ito 'yung makakatulong para umunlad talaga 'yung ating bansa at the same time, hindi nasasacrifice 'yung hanapbuhay ng mga jeepney drivers kasi nga, ito ay para sa kanila, sila 'yung makikinabang. And at the same time, since sa atin na 'yung mga industriya na gumagawa ng jeepneys and other public utility vehicles, mura lang ito at mura lang din 'yung maipapataw na pamasahe sa ating mga commuters kasi at the end, tayo rin ay makikinabang sa pagtaguyod ng mga national industries."

5TH YEAR BS CIVIL ENGINEERING

CASILISILIHAN

SILI

Ang meme na sumisimbolo sa plataporma ko ay 'yung mocking Spongebob dahil naniniwala ako na 'yung estado at 'yung administrasyon ay hindi niya kinikilala ang karapatan ng mga organisasyon. At naniniwala naman tayo na sa mahabang kasaysayan, at sa sama-samang pagtindig at paglaban ng mga organizations, fraternities at sororities, kaya nating mapagtagumpayan 'yung laban ng mga

3RD YEAR BS STATISTICS

TIERONE SANTOS

Ang meme na napili ko ay ang meme ni Yao Ming na nakangiti, dahil bilang USC Councilor dadalhin ko ang matamis at masiglang ngiti na ito kapag naibigay na ang full and uncompromising education, and free, quality and accessible basic student services sa sama-samang pagtindig at paglaban ng mga Iskolar ng bayan. Dahil tatandaan natin, kaya natin mga Iskolar ng bayan.

3RD YEAR B SPORTS SCIENCE

PAGUIRIGAN

VITEX

Ang meme na mag-dedescribe ng plataporma ko ay ang Naruto Ninja Run, dahil tayong konseho ng mga mag-aaral ay dapat na mabilis na titindig at walang patumpik-tumpik na lalaban para sa ating mga karapatang pantao. Gagamitin natin ang ating mga techniques dahil kayangkaya natin.

4TH YEAR BA FILM

CLAUDEE MELAGRITO

Sa sama-sama nating pagtindig at paglaban, nakamtan natin ang free tuition at free other school fees. Ngunit naniniwala tayo na ang edukasyon ay hindi lamang nakukulong sa apat na sulok ng paaralan kung kaya't ang napili kong meme ay ang Salt Bae kasi nakikita natin na 'yung salt na binubudbod niya ay iba't iba pang mga bagay na puwede nating pagaralan sa labas ng ating classroom kasama ang malawak na hanay ng mamamayang Pilipino habang tayong mga estudyante ay ang steak at si salt bae ay ang mamamayang Pilipino sa labas ng ating pamantasan.

3RD YEAR BS CIVIL ENGINEERING

ABDUL BASIT MANALUNDONG

STAND UP

TAN O N G : AN O N G MEME AN G SU MISIMB U LO SA IYO N G PL ATAP O RMA AT BAKIT?

COUNCILORS

HA LA LAN

If meme ‘yung plataporma ko, siguro ito ‘yung “Salt Bae” – ‘yung lalaking chef na naglalagay ng asin sa niluluto niyang steak.

Kasi parang ‘yung UP education ‘yung steak na yun tapos hindi pa kumpleto.

Kailangan pang dagdagan ng ingredients para mapaganda kasi kulang pa sa facilities at kulang pa sa subjects kaya maraming nadedelay na students. At ‘yung nilalagay na ingredients du’n, ‘yun ‘yung UP budget na tumutugon sa mga pangangailangan ng estudyante. Ta’s kung nilalagay na ‘yung ingredients na yun, nagiging mas kumpleto at mas masarap ‘yung UP education na meron tayo. ‘Yun ang aking plataporma kapag isang meme: Salt Bae, Budget.

3RD YEAR BS ECONOMICS

IAN SERR ANO

So it’s Kris Aquino’s “Nakakaloka” or “Nakakalerkey.” Kasi guys ‘di ba, it’s so nakakaloka na we still have people who don’t recognize LGBT rights, we still people who don’t recognize the LGBT community as people. Ta’s nakakalerkey kasi up to now, hindi pa rin nila napapasa ‘yung SOGIE Equality Bill. So that two, check those out.

Wala nang nakakaloka dapat, wala nang nakakalurkey. It’s about time we move forward.

4TH YEAR BS INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING

ROMEO ROMERO

4-5

MARTES 25 ABRIL 2018

Tingin ko, ang meme na nagre-represent sa aking plataporma ay ‘yung si sudden realization Clarence kung saan nagkakaroon ng biglang epiphany na, “Oh shit, mahalagang issue pala ‘to.” Parang ‘yung issue na dala ko ngayon na safety and security – it had always existed sa ating unibersidad pero parang sudden realization na, “O, ‘di pala ito natututukan.” So, which is why I’m running. I want to address this issue na ever existing, pero suddenly realized na hindi pa pala tapos.

2ND YEAR JURIS DOCTOR

REIN GALLARDO

INDEPENDENT

‘Yung meme siguro na sisimbulo sa plataporma ko ay ‘yung, alam n’yo ba ‘yung video ni Shia Labeouf, ‘yung “Do it!

Just do it!” Ayun, kasi ang advocacy ko ay individual student empowerment – making sure that each individual is capable of their individual strengths and knows how they can contribute to the bigger fights. I want to be able to spark the fire of volunteerism in each and everybody in making sure na lahat sila ay maiaambag ang kanilang sariling individual strengths at, in the very end, they will be confident with themselves to “just do it.” Kaya ayun.

2ND YEAR BS CHEMISTRY

HERNAN DELIZO

Ang meme na sumisimbolo sa plataporma ko ay ‘yung kay Bobbie kung saan sinabi niya ‘yung “Bakit parang kasalanan ko pa? Bakit parang ako pa ‘yung may mali?” Kasi ako, ang plataporma ko ay for the protection of the rights of our student athletes, kung saan ang gusto lang naman ng ating mga student athletes ay magbigay ng pride and glory sa ating university. Pero bakit parang kasalan pa nila na ginagawa nila ‘to? Bakit parang hindi binibigay ‘yung mga karapatan nila and benefits na deserve nila.

Andiyan ‘yung limited health insurance na kailangan ng matinding review at saka ‘yung lack of facilities. Gusto lang naman nila na hindi mapahiya ‘yung UP sa mata ng mga tao. Pero bakit parang ‘yung mga simpleng bagay like facilities and funding, hindi mabigay ng university? Sila mismo nga ‘yung naghihirap. Ito ‘yung mga mukha na makikita natin inside and outside the university, pati na sa national TV natin. Pero bakit ‘di natin mabigay ‘yung mga kailangan nila para ma-represent tayo. Kasi it hinders

Kung merong meme na sumisimbolo o nage-explain ng aking platform, ito ‘yung meme ni Drake [He gestured kung ano itsura ni Drake sa meme] ‘yung nakaano siya, ‘yung ganun, tapos ‘yung ganun. Alam n’yo na ‘yun. Iyon ‘yung meme kasi marami ngayon, kailangan nating hindian at, you know, we need to reject exclusivity in forms of forwarding the struggles of the people and at the same time we need to say yes and we need to agree on things that would bring tactical gains to whatever we really want to fight for. Tayo rito sa KAISA, naniniwala tayo at tayo ay naninindigan na mayroon talagang systemic struggle out there that we have to be inclusive in tackling about and kailangan yes tayo dun, kagaya ng sinabi ng Drake sa third box ng meme na ‘yun. Ang gusto ko, kasama kayo sa picture na ‘yun.

Kasama kayo du’n sa ating pagkilos, sa ating pag-unawa, at ating paglahok, lumabas, at lumaban doon sa mas malaking issues there are outside. Ang status natin kasi bilang iskolars ng bayan, it does not insulate us from issues here in society and at the same time, we need to understand — does my status as iskolar ng bayan makes you part of the bayan? Yes, and we are yes to that.

2ND YEAR B PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

JEI EDOR A III

Kung may isang meme na magdedescribe sa aking plataporma, I think super maganda si sponge bob (naggesture) —‘yung nakaganun siya tapos “Burn down patriarchy” ‘yung caption niya. For once, parang ang laki lang kasi ng salitang patriarchy pero in fact, kailangan natin siyang pag-usapan nang mas higit pa.

For all we know, nand’yan siya sa arawaraw. Nandyan ‘yung mga manifestation na kultural. Nand’yan ‘yung misogyny and we have to work kung paano natin babasagin ang iba’t ibang paraan na nandyan siya, nakain-grain sa kultura ng mga Pilipino. Unconsciously, nangyayari siya. Sa USC, gusto natin, una gamitin natin, mas mapalakas natin ‘yung boses ng bawat iskolar ng bayan para basagin ang iba’t ibang kultura na ito. Of course, para magkaroon tayo ng UP community that will, firstly, of course, ensure safety for every student and make sure that the UP community will promote an environment that will foster empowerment and equality for everyone.

3RD YEAR B PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

MADS DE BORJA

papasok tayo sa council o di kaya’y pumasok tayo sa pulitika ay maraming mangungutya, maraming magki-criticize, at maraming magmo-mock sa mga trabahong kailangan nating gawin at mga trabahong ginagawa natin. Pero makikita rin natin na ang spongebob meme ay naging matagumpay sa reach niya sa public audience. Marami ang nakakaalam, aware dito, at maraming involved sa paggamit nito. Bilang inyong susunod na Basic Student Services Committee head, ito ang aking challenge sa aking sarili --- na mas mapalawak pa ang reach ng mga serbisyo na dapat ay natatamo natin bilang mga iskolar ng bayan.

Dapat ay hindi lamang ma-provide ang basic student services kundi ma-forward na rin natin ito at mas mapapalapit pa natin sa mga iskolar ng bayan.

Siguro ‘yung meme na nagrerepresenta sa aking plataporma ay ‘yung sa History channel na isang crazy dude sa Ancient Aliens dahil katulad nito ‘yung gusto kong dalhin sa UP ay ‘yung innovation — to be able to give students and organizations big or small opportunity to be able to become the solution to our problems.

3RD YEAR BS ECONOMICS

JE TOMAS

Sa susunod na USC, ‘yung sumisimbolo na meme sa aking plataporma ay ‘yung meme ni Meryl Streep du’n sa Oscars. ‘Yung nakaganun siya [He gestured kung ano ‘yung itsura ni Meryl Streep sa meme]. Kasi ‘yung susunod na USC, gusto natin ng mas malakas, mas maingay, at mass mediang University Student Council. And kasama na rin dito ‘yung meme ni Sasha Velour na wig dahil gusto natin ng wider, in the now, and greater mass media committee through our different branding initiatives, syempre not just online but also we want to maximize our different avenues katulad ng broadcast, katulad ng print, and, of course, kailangan ‘yung mass media committee, isa rin ‘to sa mga tumitindig at nagbibigay kampanya doon sa defend press freedom, fighting misinformation, and symepre sa freedom of information. Dito nakikita natin na it’s not just the University Student Council operating du’n sa pagbibigay boses sa USC but also the different students and organizations to empower them na ‘yung boses ng mass media ay malaki at powerful tool para sa ating mga pinaglalaban at gustong gawin.

3RD YEAR BS ECONOMICS

SEAN THAKUR

should be intrinsic, it should come naturally.

Dapat kusa siyang ginagalang, kusa siyang kinikilala. Pero ngayon, it’s very ironic. It’s very confusing na ‘yung mga karapatan natin, ipinagdadamot sa’tin, tinatapakan, or hindi kinikilala. Kaya naman bilang inyong next Students’ Rights and Welfare councilor, ang aking solution doon sa mga confusions na ‘yon is, of course, sama-sama tayo or we will have a cooperative. We will have a participatory solution to those equations.

We will have a participatory solution to those problems. Because naniniwala tayo that our fight for the protection of our rights, that our fight para makamit natin ‘yung right natin to safe spaces ay hindi lamang laban ng USC. Hindi lamang ‘yan laban ng mga Iskolar ng Bayan. Hindi lang ‘yan laban ng KAISA, ng Alyansa, or ng STAND UP. Moreover, our fight for the protection of our rights para makuha natin ‘yung right natin to safe spaces ay laban dapat nating lahat.

Kung meme ang plataporma ko, ito ay ang loss meme. Bakit? Kasi, sa sama-samang pagtindig ng iskolar ng bayan, kasama ang malawak na hanay ng mamamayang Pilipino, kaya nating ipanawagan at ipaglaban ang loss ng diktadurya ni Duterte, ang loss ng charter change na bulok at huwad at patuloy na niraratsada ni Pangulong Duterte at kaniyang cohorts sa legislative branch. And kaya rin nating ipanawagan ang loss ng pagatake sa demokratikong institusyon katulad ng Korte Suprema at Ombudsman.

3RD YEAR JURIS DOCTOR

MABUTIN

FRANCIS ELDON

‘Yung meme na naiisip ko na pwedeng magdescribe sa platform ko ay ‘yung car na nag-swerve to the right, ‘di ba, instead of going straight. Ang naiisip ko doon, ‘yung padiretso ay mga pa-UP Technohub, ‘yung mga tinatayuan ng mga commercialization spaces, no. ‘Yung pa-right ay, siyempre, org tambayan kasi sinusulong natin ‘yung karapatan natin sa espasyo at tsaka pwede rin nating ilagay ‘yung free education: ‘yung padiretso ay “Education is a privilege,” at ‘yung pa-right naman ay “Education is a right.” Naniniwala kasi tayo sa STAND UP na education is a right at karapatan ng bawat mamamayan na makapag-aral talaga ng libre. At dito rin sa ating pamantasan, sa organizations lalo na, palataporma ko talaga ay magkaroon talaga ng espasyo ‘yung mga organizations at bigyan ng mababa o free, actually, na rental sa venues na naranasan talaga ng mga organizations ang napakataas na venue rental fees.

Panahon na na dapat, libre ito at accessible.

4TH YEAR BA SPEECH COMMUNICATION

JESELLE LAGUNA

may needle sa loob, nasa gitna ng kaniyang fist, dahil 'yung caption doon, nakalagay na, historically, embroidery wasn't being taken seriously because it's a women's work. So, nakikita natin na, unang-una, 'yung Arthur's fist, kapag tinaas mo 'yung fist mo, taas kamao siya. So, siyempre, bilang STAND UP, tayo ay tunay, palaban, at makabayan. 'Tas 'yung mas naman sa meme, nakita natin, no, na nakapaloob tayo sa isang pyudal at patriyarkal na society. So 'yung babae, ang LGBTQIA, ay nakakaramdam ng multiple layers of oppression. So, una, 'yung sa women's work, may mga jobs na tingin nila ay dapat pambabae lang: pananahi, pagluluto sa bahay. Pero, nakikita natin na hindi na lang 'yun ang kayang gawin ng isang babae. Dapat lumalabas tayo sa kung ano 'yung sini-set ng pyudal at patriyarkal na society. Alam natin na 'yung babae, kaya niyang lumaban, kaya niyang tumindig sa lahat ng— sa iba’t ibang social issues kasi sa bawat sektor naman, may babae diyan. At, lalung-lalo dapat tumitindig ang babae sa lahat ng nangyayari sa lipunan.

Kasi 'yun nga, sa bawat sektor, may isang babae. So, sa platform natin, siya 'yung magpapalakas ng boses ng kababaihan at boses ng LGBTQIA."

‘Yung meme siguro na sa first photo may hard to swallow pills, tapos ‘yung sa second photo, ‘di ba ‘yung kamay tapos ‘yung pills, tapos ‘yung nakasulat du’n is, “May magandang opportunities pagkatapos ng K-12.” Pinili ko ‘yun kasi pinopostura kasi ‘yung K-12 as something that would make ‘yung mga nag-undergo nito globally competitive, have a good future, or pwedeng maging work ready after K-12.

Parang ‘yun talaga ‘yung sinasabing main point nu’n, ‘di ba, pwede daw maging workready. Pero, when in fact kung titignan natin, ‘yung ginagawa lang kasi talaga ng K-12 is to make a large group of skilled laborers.

Imbes na professionals na mas in-depth ‘yung alam sa mga fields na gusto nila, parang mas pino-promote nito ‘yung cheap labors— cheap, cheap laborers for foreign countries. Kasi una sa lahat, hindi rin naman naso-solve ‘yung unemployment dito sa bansa, ‘di ba? So, kung magiging workready man ‘yung mga magiging graduates nito, ano namang trabaho ‘yung makukuha nila, ‘di ba? Magiging contractual or labor nga. Or minsan mapipilitan pa silang pumunta sa ibang bansa. So ayun ‘yung tina-try nating basagin dito, ‘yung fact na di naman talaga ikauunlad ng ating mga estudyante ‘yung K-12 program.

1ST YEAR BS BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

R ACHELLE VILL AMOR

Sa sama-sama nating pagtindig at paglaban, nakamtan natin ang free tuition at free other school fees. Ngunit naniniwala tayo na ang edukasyon ay hindi lamang nakukulong sa apat na sulok ng paaralan kung kaya't ang napili kong meme ay ang Salt Bae kasi nakikita natin na 'yung salt na binubudbod niya ay iba't iba pang mga bagay na puwede nating pag-aralan sa labas ng ating classroom kasama ang malawak na hanay ng mamamayang Pilipino habang tayong mga estudyante ay ang steak at si salt bae ay ang mamamayang Pilipino sa labas ng ating pamantasan.

3RD YEAR BS GEOGRAPHY

IVY TAROMA

Kung meme ang plataporma ko, siguro ‘yung chum bucket versus krabby patty.

Kasi ‘yung chum bucket, ‘yung lahat ng antipeople policies, ganyan, ni Duterte, ‘yung paninira sa kalikasan, ‘yung hinahayaan n’yang ‘yung mga dayuhan ‘yung kumita at gamitin ‘yung natural resources natin. And then ‘yung Krabby Patty, ito ‘yung platform ko sa council – we will all contribute to a more environment-friendly UP community and Philippines. We will show the better alternatives, of course, na kaya nating gamitin ‘yung sarili nating natural resources and ito ‘yung— i-inform natin ‘yung mga students na kaya natin na magkaroon ng mas maunlad na lipunan na hindi natin kailangan ng tulong ng iba at hindi dapat natin— na hindi dapat tayo mag-settle sa Chum Bucket.

3RD YEAR BS MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

HANNAH SUCGANG

estudyante at ng mga mamamayan. Kaya nating ipabasura 'yung mga matataas na venue rental fees, kaya nating makuha ang ating karapatan para sa isang maayos na org recognition process. At kaya rin nating magkaroon ng enough, maayos at sapat na tambayan para sa ating mga organisasyon.

Dahil alam naman natin na ang mga organisasyon ay malaki ang kanilang papel sa ating lipunan. Kaya kaya natin, sa samasamang pagtindig at paglaban, makuha ang ating karapatan na mag-organisa."

PARTY PROFILES

UP ALYANSA

#BuildTomorrow

KAISA, A PROGRESSIVE POLITICAL party and dynamic student formation, envisions itself as the product of the continuing struggle for social change through genuine student leadership and proactive political awareness and involvement. KAISA practices inclusive activism which aims to champion campaigns through building alliances and broad fronts.

KAISA is the youngest university-wide political party. Since its establishment in 2005, the party had won two Chairperson positions (2009 and 2013) and three Vice-Chairperson posts (2012, 2013, 2017).

For this year, KAISA’s call is “Tayo ang Bayan, Atin ang Laban.” It seeks to engage the students in greater causes and in reclaiming the fight from this dictatorial administration.

KAISA actively engages with national and sectoral formations to address on various democratic demands and reforms. The party had continuously fought for a better education system—from forwarding legislative reforms such as the Six Will Fix, which automatically appropriates six percent of

STAND UP #KayaNatin

HA LA LAN

6

MARTES 24 ABRIL 2018

IN ITS 18TH YEAR, THE UP ALYANSA NG mga Mag-aaral para sa Panlipunang Katwiran at Kaunlaran (UP ALYANSA) proclaims a Message of Hope. In a time fraught with attacks on institutions of democracy and the mockery of long held principles, UP ALYANSA calls upon the Iskolar ng Bayan to rise above the anger and frustration, take up the struggle, and help “Build Tomorrow”.

UP ALYANSA was founded in 2000

by Buklod - College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP), Sanlakas Youth, Tau Rho Xi, and other student organizations at the height of the ouster movement against former President Joseph Estrada. UP ALYANSA has since clinched numerous positions in the University Student Council, including five chairpersons, five vicechairpersons, and sixty-seven councilors.

The party continues to uphold its principle of progressive multi-perspective activism, which recognizes and respects the diversity of viewpoints in which social issues can be understood. This openness reflects in the party’s advocacies for the rights and welfare of the marginalized and oppressed.

UP ALYANSA also highlights the role the gross national product as budget to the education sector, to the Free Eduk Watch, a newly formed alliance of youth organizations outside UP Diliman forwarding free and accessible education.

Beyond this, the party participated and organized events and mobilizations that call against the looming dictatorship of the Duterte administration.

The party joined Laban ng Masa, a coalition that postures itself as an alternative opposition front against the administration, criticizing its reactionary political and economic reforms.

KAISA called against the regressive Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law and condemned contractualization through the #StandWithWorkers campaign. The party forwarded the Manicani island community interests above corporate biases in the principle of climate justice.

KAISA looks forward to the forthcoming 2018 USC Elections as another challenge and opportunity to present to the students a competent choice for student leadership.

Through this democratic political exercise, the

CELEBRATING ITS 22ND ANNIVERSARY this year, Student Alliance for the Advancement of Democratic Rights in UP (STAND UP) remains to be the largest and longest-running student-led political party in the university.

STAND UP was an offshoot from the split of one of the earliest political parties on the campus, Sandigan Para sa Mag-aaral at Sambayanan (SAMASA), into two blocs owing to an ideological rift in 1995. The red party has since stood firm in its militant spirit and remained at the forefront of the struggle for students’ democratic rights in concert with other sectors of society.

That education is a right has been the core principle around which STAND UP’s campaigns have centered. The alliance’s call for a scientific, nationalistic, and mass-oriented education has led to mobilizations against UP budget cuts and commercialization schemes such as fee increases. Since the implementation of the 300 percent tuition hike in 2006, STAND UP has resounded its campaign for greater state subsidy.

student consultations play in crafting university policies, while also placing premium on a leadership that ensures “the change we seek is the one we truly need” --change that is reflective of the common aspirations of the university student body.

Meanwhile, the party has vigorously pushed for the legislation of bills and reforms both inside and outside the university, with initiatives geared towards the promotion of mental health, gender equality, and freedom of information. In the wake of the institutionalization of free tertiary education, UP ALYANSA has actively forwarded the call to ensure quality and accessible higher education for all.

For the road ahead, UP ALYANSA’s blueprint for tomorrow prioritizes building in the Iskolar ng Bayan resilience in facing the battles of today. Its general program of action includes the formation of support groups, better accessibility to medicine, sex and gender initiatives, mental health awareness and response training, and a cleaner and greener UP. In union with the university’s other

political parties, UP ALYANSA continues to be adamant and vocal in its opposition of what it perceives to be a dictatorship under President Rodrigo Duterte.

The party’s member organizations are as follows: Buklod CSSP, UP Alliance for Responsive Involvement and Student Empowerment, UP Economics Towards Consciousness, UP Sirkulo ng mga Kabataang Artista, UP Organization of Human Rights Advocates, Kasama Ka sa Paglikha ng Arte at Literatura Para sa Bayan, Strength in AIT, and Akbayan Youth UP Diliman.

party aims to obtain the mandate of leadership and governance from the students.

KAISA is comprised of five memberorganizations based in the College of Home Economics, College of Human Kinetics, Asian Institute of Tourism, National College of Public Administration and Governance, and College of Fine Arts. The party is also affiliated with national coalitions such as Freedom from Debt Coalition, SANLAKAS, and Philippine Movement for Climate Justice.

KAISA UP #AtinAngLaban

The passage of the Free Tuition Law in 2017 did not stop the party from demanding the removal of the Socialized Tuition System and other school fees (OSFs), alongside their just opposition to other privatization ventures such as the impending UP Master Development Plan.

For STAND UP, these student-oriented issues are not divorced from the larger social ills that cripple the country’s socioeconomic system. The party’s thrust is indeed encapsulated in its theme for this year’s elections — “Kaya Natin, Iskolar ng Bayan,” which enjoins students not only to aspire for but also to work towards genuine change through a collective, principled struggle beyond the confines of the university.

Together with the basic masses, STAND UP vows to galvanize a stronger student movement against the Duterte administration and its continuing assault on democratic institutions and civil liberties. It recognizes as well that the interests of marginalized groups should foremost be forwarded, and thus plans to launch multi-sectoral programs including Support a

Lumad School, Workers’ Rights Desk, and Peasant Caravan.

Apart from its chapters in other state universities, the 23 member organizations of STAND UP are as follows: AGHAM Youth; ALAB UP; Alay Sining; Anakbayan; Center for Nationalist Studies; Cinema as Art Movement; GABRIELA Youth; League of Filipino Students (LFS)-UP Diliman; National Network of Agrarian Reform Advocates (NNARA) Youth-UP Diliman; UP Praxis; Sinagbayan; Student Christian Movement of the Philippines; Ugnayan ng mga Manunulat (UGAT); Union of Journalists of the Philippines (UJP)–UP Diliman; Artists’ Circle Fraternity; EMC2 Fraternity; Kappa Epsilon Fraternity; Sigma Kappa Pi Fraternity; Tau Omega Mu Fraternity and Its Ladies’ Circle; Artists’ Circle Sorority; Pi Sigma Delta Sorority; Sigma Alpha Sorority; and Sigma Delta Pi Sorority.

A HOUSE DIVIDED

AN ASSESSMENT OF THE 2017-2018 UPD USC’S PERFORMANCE IYA GOZUM The assault on our democratic rights is a manifestation of the looming dictatorship of President Rodrigo Duterte’s dictatorship.

From attempts to coerce Chief Justice Sereno’s resignation to the thousands of extrajudicial killings, the blatant disregard for the rule of law threatens our pillars of democracy.

Times like these call for a strong response from iskolars ng bayan.

Holding a critical position, the iskolars occupy a dual role in service of the students and of the Filipino people.

Currently, however, iskolars are subject to criticism. Seen in a position of intellectual leverage and privilege, the students’ credibility is questioned. Recent attacks on social media shame UP students for walking out of classes and rallying in the streets.

But while UP’s dissent will not dull because of excessive criticism, the students’ dissent must also manifest in the local level as well.

Now that election season is ongoing, iskolars’ dissent must show through voting for a new University Student Council (USC) that can aptly fulfill UP’s mandate to the people.

Amplified services No party had singularly dominated the council this year. UP Alyansa ng mga Mag-aaral para sa Panlipunang Katwiran at Kaunlaran (UP Alyansa) bagged 12 positions, including the Chairperson post.

KAISA-Nagkakaisang Iskolar Para sa Pamantasan at Sambayanan (KAISA UP) clinched 7 posts as well as the Vice-Chairperson position. The Student Alliance for the Advancement of Democratic Rights in UP (STAND UP) secured 10 posts.

“We decided that the slogans of the three parties will be used. The principles [of each party] were given enough consideration [when the council set the vision for the year],”

USC Chairperson Benjie Aquino said. Aquino said that the council agreed on‘Sikhay’ or zeal which means a more amped-up student council that will deliver services and forward strong campaigns.

Based on the accomplishment reports of each committee, the council initiated mostly studentcentric projects. These include the Online Waitlist Module which made obtaining units easier through online queues. Other projects were Kapihan sa Diliman, a space to accommodate students’ all-nighters during hell weeks; checking of food sanitation, dormitory concerns, assistance in sexual harassment cases, and mental health cases, among others.

Such student-oriented programs were par for the course given that one issue that dictated last year’s election results was the UPD Students’ Magna Carta (MC), a document that promised to forward and safeguard students’ interests. Both UP Alyansa and KAISA UP slates vowed to lobby the document when elected into office, while STAND UP reaffirmed their oppositional stance.

According to the semester-ender report of the Diliman Rights Watch (DRW), a coalition that seeks to champion the MC, the intensified lobbying efforts proved fruitful. The Magna Carta is now endorsed by College Deans from the College of Home Economics, College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, and the College of Engineering. The DRW aims to win more endorsements in different colleges to secure the complete passage of the Magna Carta.

But while students are given services and their rights are protected, the same cannot be said for the rights of non-student sectors in the university. As such, Councilor Jethro Malimata acknowledged the limitation of the council. “Walang naging actual campaign na dinala ang USC strongly, except for the typical

DIBUHO NI JOHN KENNETH J. ZAPATA DISENYO NG PAHINA NI MARK VERNDICK A. CABADING

reactive or reactionary stances.”

President of Samahan ng Manininda sa UP Campus Edna Sinoy said of the lack of presence of the USC, “Sobrang nakakapanibago ngayon. Hirap na kami makahingi ng suporta.” While there had been involvement in campaigns with maninindas, jeepney drivers, and against the Master Development Plan, the USC was not able to lead the campaign as one body.

Sinoy noted her disappointment of the current USC. “Sa karanasan namin, kaya kami nahihirapan, puro lang kami usap, puro meeting.” For Sinoy, consultations had stagnated what could have been space for more actions. “Wala nang nangyayari sa mga napagkasunduan ng mga liderestudyante. Puro dialogue lang, wala namang mga aksyon.”

Missing zeal The perceived lack of leadership of the USC in sectoral campaigns was put side by side against the premium placed on providing student services.

Malimata described work done inside the council as doing the bare minimum, which is to provide assistance to their constituents.

This failure in the USC was attributed by Aquino and ViceChairperson Yael Toribio to the lack of internal cohesion within the council.

Aquino lamented the working dynamics developed through narrow focus on committees. He cited the many instances when members would not put prime to events they did not organize.

Toribio noted that committees were able to deliver the services and events they promised during the committee deliberations. However, there is danger in assessing the council based on the performance of each head per committee. He said that work is reduced to individual performance, instead of attributing the output to the whole institution.

Lack of internal motivation and cohesion held back the potential of the council to lead. Externally, the council endeavored campaign alliances with student organizations and councils, such as the Katipunan

Alliance, signatory campaigns of local college councils, and unity statements with various organizations and formations.

An example of this is the USC’s response to the Shopping Center (SC) fire. While the council released a unity statement with organizations, some USC members had not been apprised of the following steps other members took. In a Facebook post, Gabby Lucero, head of Community Rights and Welfare Committee, registered her dismay over not being informed of the actions taken for the SC stall owners.

“The USC being a house divided was not able to coherently act effectively on exceptional issues,” former President of Association of Political Science Majors Justin Baquisal said of this disunity.

This want of cohesion can also be attributed to the scattered efforts of the major political organizations.

“All in all, the USC [because of the parties] has not delivered on muchneeded efforts to unite the student body,” Baquisal commented. He added that the lack of coordinated approach resulted in multiple, cluttered efforts towards the same issues.

Demanding fervency Because no singular party dominated the USC and its output for the year, the credit became vulnerable to political posturing.

This manifested in the accomplishment report released

by UP Alyansa on the first day of campaign period. The report comprised of USC projects, even initiatives by non-members of their party. Malimata criticized this move in a Facebook post as plain politicking. “The USC as an institution remains independent of political parties and any of its individual members. No one person or party has claim over the USC and its work,” he wrote.

With its lack of coordinated working dynamics, the council lost direction and failed to deliver the sikhay

it had promised. Far from the parties’ grand slogans of change last year, the USC fell short. The disunity and low morale in the council reflected on the USC’s incapacity to lead the student body as one in responding to social issues.

In these trying times, the USC must immerse in direct organizing of students and campaigning. Sinoy remarked on the absence of the USC, “Sana maging bukas sila sa komunidad. Lalo na sa amin at sa mga drivers’ association. Kasi meron talaga kaming threat na mawalan kami ng kabuhayan dito sa loob ng UP.” More than posturing studentleaders, the council UP students need must be composed of leaders who have the ardor to exhaust all means possible to engage students in the big ge r f ight s.

It is time to carry out the proverbial role of iskolars, the dual responsibility for UP and for the nation.

MARTES 24 ABRIL 2018

7

LAT HA LAIN

L I N YA S A L I N YA

,,

Hinihingi ng panahon ang isang USC na handang humarap sa makapangyarihan, at hindi pakukulong sa burukrasya at “ligtas” na anyo ng pagkilos sa harap ng kaliwa’t kanang atake sa mga demokratikong institusyon, kabilang ang mga organisasyon sa UP.

HINDI ANG TINGKAD NG MGA kulay, kundi talas ng linyang pinanghahawakan ang dapat na maging batayan sa pagpili ng susunod na University Student Council (USC).

Maingay ang makulay na eksenang laging ipinipinta ng eleksyon sa UP Diliman taun-taon. Espasyo ang bawat klasrum at ang social media para sa plataporma ng bawat partido, pinananabikan ang maiinit na debate, at nagpapatalbugan ang iskrip sa bawat kampanya. Subalit natatangi ang eleksyon ngayong taon dahil nasa gitna ito ng mas malaki at umiigting na kontradiksyon sa loob at labas ng pamantasan. May pangangailangang balikan ang kasaysayan at esensya ng USC, at malinaw na iguhit ang magiging tunguhin nito.

Walang iisang mukha ang USC, ngunit lagi nitong tangan ang kasaysayan ng paggigiit para sa karapatan sa representasyon at pagoorganisa ng mga mag-aaral sa ilalim ng diktadurang Marcos. Produkto ito ng militansiya, ng pagsuong ng mga lider-estudyante sa legal at ekstra-legal na paraan hindi lamang upang ibalik ang konseho noong 1980, kundi upang pabagsakin ang mismong diktadura.

Ito ang linyang kailangang iguhit ng bawat nagnanais umupo sa susunod na konseho. Hindi postura o popularidad— ang rekisito sa bawat kandidato ngayon ay ang buong pagkilala sa diktadurang pinalalawak ng rehimeng Duterte, at walang pangingiming paglaban dito.

Wala mang pormal na deklarasyon ng diktadura, nahigitan na ni Pangulong Duterte ang bilang ng mga buhay na inutang ng estado sa

PHILIPPINE COLLEGIAN 95

EDITORYAL

ilalim ng diktadurang Marcos. Patuloy na sumisigaw ng hustisya ang mga pamilyang naulila dahil sa giyera kontradroga, Batas Militar sa Mindanao, at programang kontra-insurhensya sa kanayunan sa dikta ng Estados Unidos.

Walang humpay din ang pang-uusig at pag-aresto sa mga itinuturing na kalaban ng pangulo at ng estado—magsasaka, alagad ng simbahan, midya, punong mahistrado, at mga kabataan.

Kung kaya ang kahingian ng panahon ay isang USC na may malawak na pagtanaw sa lipunan. Kailangan itong buuuin ng mga lider-estudyanteng maguugnay, at hindi magbabangga, sa isyu ng mga mag-aaral at ng sambayanan—sa batayang lebel, may malinaw na pakikiisa sa mga sektor sa loob ng pamantasan tulad ng mga maninindang hinahagupit ng TRAIN Law o mga tsuper na nangangamba sa jeepney phaseout.

Samakatuwid, ang USC ang siyang dapat na manguna sa pagmumulat, pag-oorganisa at pagpapakilos sa hanay ng mga mag-aaral. Hinihingi ng panahon ang isang USC na handang humarap sa makapangyarihan, at hindi pakukulong sa burukrasya at “ligtas” na anyo ng pagkilos sa harap ng kaliwa’t kanang atake sa mga demokratikong institusyon, kabilang ang mga organisasyon sa UP. Hindi espasyo ang USC para sa kanilang palagay na sa sariling paniniwala at toreng garing, kaya sinumang tumatakbo ay dapat na bukas sa pagkilatis. Laging susuriin ang napapanatili o pabago-bagong tindig ng bawat partido sa mga isyu, partikular sa usapin ng libreng edukasyon.

Dapat tayong maging mas kritikal sa

posisyon ng mga lider-estudyanteng dating pinagdudahan ang konsepto ng edukasyon bilang karapatan, subalit may pagpihit sa prinsipyo ngayong patuloy nating pinagtatagumpayan ang libreng edukasyon.

Dahil sa huli, tunay na masusukat ang prinsipyo at pagsisilbi sa sambayanan pagkatapos ang ingay ng eleksyon. Tigib ng tumitinding mga krisis ang lipunan, at inaasahan ang mga lider-estudyanteng may klarong tindig buong taon, hindi tumutulay sa kompromiso, at may pagtanaw sa kasaysayan ng ating paglaban.

Ito ang linyang kailangang panghawakan ng sinumang nais mamuno sa susunod na konseho. Ito ang linyang nagbibigkis sa iskolar ng bayan at sa sambayanang kanyang dapat pagsilbihan.