PUPians join forces for academic rights

BY LOURENCE MARCELLANA

STUDENTS from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines rallied together to form an alliance and discuss their next step to address the growing issues and concerns of the university.

Rise for Education-PUP (R4E-PUP) and Defend PUP led the assembly, which was attended by various student bodies via Zoom & Facebook Live on April 21.

PUP Sentral ng Konseho ng Mag-aaral (SKM) President Kirchhoff Angala and Vice President Benhur Queqquegan tackled the current situation of the university and its branches, including the budget issues, power outage of Mabini campus, and the termination of the accord with the Department of National Defense (DND).

Angala linked other issues in the university to the budget issue, noting that the safety of the students on the return of face-to-face classes is at stake. He added that the university has insufficient funds to obtain and maintain operation of generators due to the power interruption caused by the demolition of the north wing.

They also raised the concerns of the students currently living in their dormitories, waiting for an update from the administration.

Other branches of the university also stated that they depend on the local budgets to pay loans, resulting in the removal of the Bachelor of Science in Accountancy (BSA) from PUP Santa Maria, Bulacan, and Maragondon, Cavite for the upcoming school year.

Meanwhile, Queqquegan reiterated that the PUP-DND accord protects the students’ academic freedom.

Queqquegan emphasized that they will fight back in the face of challenges, including the accord termination and budget cuts.

“Tayo rin naman ang magiging mapagpasiya sa kung ano nga ba ‘yung magiging ending nito. Just like before, sa kolektibong pagkilos ay matagumpay nating maipapanalo ang mga laban na kinakaharap natin.”

The alliance encouraged other bodies to share their concerns to inform and educate the studentry on the pressing matters.