ThePILLARS November 2016-March 2017

ThePILLARS The Official Student Publication of Ateneo de Naga University / VOL. LV, ISSUE NO. 3 | November 2016 - March 2017 Member: College Editors Guild of the Philippines

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CONGRATULATIONS!

BATCH 2017

Serve the people!

ThePILLARS Publication

2 November - March Issue

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EDITORIAL

ThePILLARS Since 1961

Raul Rodriguez, AB ‘63 First Editor

AY 2016-2017 EXECUTIVE BOARD Ray Duovani Regondola Editor in Chief Miguel Enrico Imperial Associate Editor Jan Joseph Goingo Managing Editor SECTION EDITORS Vince Sagala Art and Design Director Jhoan Villanueva Digital Media Director Ma. Noreen Salvacion Evalla News Editor Ryan Cristopher Yaba Features Editor Miguel Enrico Imperial Community Editor

Elegy for justice

Donna Rose Fraginal Inquiry Editor Donna Rose Fraginal Research Director

Renz Marion Benosa Photojournalist

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Jaira Kim Linatoc Jhoan Villanueva Associate Managing Editors Jean Mikko Paragas Associate Arts and Design Director Ma. Josephine Reyes Associate Digital Media Director Vanessa Trixie Leah Filio Associate News Editor Ma. Josephine Reyes Associate Features Editor Grace Margaret Jaucian Associate Research Director Rikka Mae Nepomuceno Circulation Manager Jastine Joy Escuro Alman Larcena Associate Circulation Managers

Angelica Rebeta Layout Artist APPRENTICES Christian Jessie Bala Dessa Mae Broncate Jessie De Lima Alexander Matthew Dy Geosh Gomez Merielle Jardinel Angela Morales Jerry Pasobillo Writers Nico Jeffrey Abendanio Kristel Nicole Beltrano Ramir Franco Flores Jeremiah Morales Reca Ellaine Palino Photojournalists Mel Norman Cortez Ramon Emmanuel Salvadora Videojournalists

Kimberly Luciano (on leave) Head Photojournalist

Jerahmiel Navo Jane Carla Ebalo Cartoonists

Van Jose Martinez Head Videojournalist

SENIOR EDITORS

Ralph Raye Filio Armando Sta. Cruz Web Administrators Jason Clyde Bayta Business Manager

Althea Abergos Ma. Criscilla Parrameda Cherilyn Sta. Ana

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Tristan Sean Paul Cinco Rachel Ruth De Vera Pamela Stephanie Ferrer (on leave) Writers

T

hat the term “extrajudicial killings” or “EJKs”—a phrase that had before been used mainly by political activists—have become common parlance under the Duterte administration speaks volumes, to say the least, about the appalling status of human rights in the country.

With more than 8,000 victims until March 2017, killings dispassionately dismissed as “drug-related” have painted a rather grisly shade of red in urban and rural communities alike. To make matters worse, the recent approval of death penalty in the House of Representatives, would only seem to legitimize state-sponsored killings in its current version.

Meanwhile, in the countryside, peasants and indigenous peoples (IPs) have also been subject to the same horrors of violence and senseless killings. Peasant groups note that at least 39 farmers have been slain since Duterte took office, contrary to his earlier proclamation of standing for the poorest of the poor. IPs, if not brutally harassed or murdered, are fed with water cannons and run over by vehicles when asserting their rights.

In stark contrast, dictators are glorified. While innocent civilians easily fall prey to the machinations of state-sponsored killings, Ferdinand Marcos, whose long list of crimes to the Filipino people are yet to be accounted for, is buried beside the very people he victimized. Worse, the current administration has served as a staunch apologist for the late dictator, if not echoing his use of force and jus-

tifying Martial Law for the sake of so-called peace and order.

The intensifying reliance on police force and brutality could not help but echo a rather familiar tune— the cacophonous interlude to the 70’s, where verdicts are meted out from the barrel of a gun and sowing fear and terror is the absolute rule of law. Mandates of the police and armed forces serve as unquestionable tenets and state fascism is what dictates the existing social order. What all this inevitably spawns is a blatant disregard for justice and accountability, a climate of impunity.

As state-sponsored killings are passively desensitized, it becomes easy to completely silence the call for justice. Of the “drug-related” killings, close to zero ever come close to being investigated, especially when it is the Philippine National Police itself that is involved. Meanwhile, activists have long struggled for accountability for extrajudicial killings and other affronts to human rights, only to be served a blind eye by the very institutions which are supposed to

mete justice out. It is also glaring how this current administration’s adeptness for facilitating historical revisionism piles up to the culture of impunity long prevalent in the country.

This blatant disregard for human rights—and its perceived normalcy in the status quo—sends a rather chilling effect. Ultimately, what is victimized is our sense of justice itself.

What citizens need to do is to be ever-vigilant and resilient, to defy the use of force with collective action. None should allow killings to be further continued and to be regarded as normal. All avenues must be utilized in registering the remonstrance against the looming state fascism.

For when the very institutions which are supposed to uphold our sense of justice have taken justice in their own hands, when the very people who should protect justice are the ones who abuse it, it is now up to the citizens to speak up, resist, and say “enough.” Lest it be an elegy for justice.

ABOUT THE COVER Aggression is usually robed, painted, and clothed with red: the color of the angry, the passionate soul.

But not justice; white, gray, and silver are its usual colors - of neutrality. And the ones who benefit from this unbiased justice makes sure it stays that way. Coin-operated is what becomes of the justice system.

Shades of red are deemed anti-democratic and -justice. The ones who fight back are outcasted.

In this issue, ThePILLARS is none of that. The letters and figures are devoted to the landgrabbed farmers gunned down in Hacienda Lusita, the almost 7000 victims of drug-related killings, and the Filipinos who are resisting yet silenced. ThePILLARS remain bold and critical.

Shifting from traditional centrist values to progressive ones in order to put the essence of social reportage back to where it should be, this is what journalism is: just.

ThePILLARS Publication

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On its 9th strike in 16 years, TOFI remained non-negotiable

3 November - March Issue

NEWS

By Jastine Joy Escuro and Jaira Kim Linatoc with reports from Jerry Pasobillo

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midst the student protests and negotiations held last 3 February on Tuition and Other Fees Increase (TOFI) consultation at Instructional Media Center (IMC), the administration still stands firm in the implementation of a 3% tuition hike for the next academic year 2017-2018.

With this, TOFI will proceed to the faculties and employees of the university. “It has, a manner [of fact], that the incremental proceeds of 70% should go to the salaries and benefits of faculties and employees and 30% goes to the school,” University Treasurer Ramon Nonito Ayo elaborated.

Quality education According to Ayo, AdNU, as a non-profit institution, allocates 70% of the proceeds to the salary increase of university faculties to maintain salary competition among other state universities and colleges (SUCs).

However, a 2nd year BSBA Business Engineering student believed that professors’ performance were not proportionate to salary increase due to the annual TOFI. Moreover, the student emphasized that, “My professor last sem, who barely attended our class even during exam schedules, would come late or worse be absent - the prof did the same thing to the other class.”

Because of this, a 4th year BS Accountancy student requested for an update on the improvement of the poor evaluation system of the teachers. However, in response, Graduate School Dean Dr. Rebecca Torres said, “This is what I am telling to the students, be honest with the evaluation of your teachers.”

In an open forum, contrary to the said 30% allocation of TOFI, the students raised their concern about the equipment and facilities used in the university. According to a 2nd year BS Biology student, disposable gloves were not evenly distributed to a class, which holds 45 students, and scalpels in the laboratory were already rusty and unsafe for student use.

Furthermore, a 5th year BS Accountancy student observed the inefficient distribution of yearly TOFI because of the nonviable facilities in the university such as mossy water stations, broken projectors and projector screens, and non-functional comfort rooms.

According to her, the minor facilities which is the basic needs of the students were neglected given that there were already TOFIs in the past academic years and

still the student body have not seen any improvement.

Dubious and redundant fees A 4th year BS Biology student stated in the consultation that there were problems within the university pertaining to dubious school fees. She emphasized that once a subject does not have enough students to carry on a class, it will be dissolved by the Registrars’ Office. In her case, she furthered that when their subject was dissolved, they were still charged Php50.00 as withdrawal fee.

In response, Ayo clarified that, in general, a student will be charged for a Php50.00 fee if said student withdrew a subject after the adding, dropping, and withdrawal deadline.

After Ayo provided the breakdown of other school fees, a 2nd year BSBA Legal Management student raised his concern regarding the fees that were already redundant such as Sports Development Fee (SDF), similar to the 30% TOFI allotment for equipment and facilities, as well as the PE fee, Athletics fee, and SDF. However, Ayo explained that the 30% will cover the recurring expenses while SDF will be allocated for future enhancements of the university.

In another concern, a 2nd year BSBA Legal Management student questioned Ayo, “Paano naman po ang Athletics fee na binabayad namin kung meron naman nang Sports and Development fee?”

In response, Ayo clarified that PE fee, Athletics fee and Sports Development Fee have different subsidies such as intramurals, and alternative course program substitute to the Private Schools Athletic Association whereas the university was a previous participant.

Not a consultation - studes “Is it really Sir a consultation or is it just a mere reporting again?” a 4th year BSBA Legal Management student inquired during the consultation.

In the Commission on Higher Education Memorandum Order 13 s. 2012, it stated, “TOFI consultations should serve as an avenue for dialogue between student body and administration, where both sides could discuss possible pros and cons of tuition hike. As the consultation is among the requirements before implementing TOFI - nonconformity would mean forfeiture of TOFI request.” >> page 8

Unlucky nine. University Treasurer Ramon Nonito Ayo listens to a student asking on where does the Special Development Fee actually go last 3 February during the Tuition and Other Fees Increase (TOFI) Consultation.

Photo by Miguel Imperial

A call for responsible journalism

Campus Journalists convene for 9th Regional Rayterista

By Vanessa Trixie Leah Filio

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n its ninth year, the Bicol Universitarian (Unibe), the official student publication of the Bicol University, held the annual regional Rayterista (Rayte) last 12-14 January at Jaass Resort, Bacacay, Albay, bearing the theme “Of Freedom and Ethics: Philippines Press in the 21st Century.

and journalism values.

Presscon preps

As internet trolls and fake news become the central topics, Shawn Puri, a photojournalist from Unibe said that “Namumuro na yung mga fake news sa facebook. Napansin namin na, what if we grab this opportunity para [i-present] yung issue na to.”

According to the Rayte Project Head and Associate Editor of Unibe Keren Anne Bernades, this regional event is rooted in the change in media and political landscape, adding that the theme of the event is drawn from the daily experiences of freedom, social media and its relation to ethics.

“There are some instances wherein na-cocompromise yung ethics itself, or the journalism values, and it happen now in the 21st century,” Bernades stated, explaining the story behind the theme.

As one of its goals, Rayte promotes awareness against cyber trolls and fake news lurking in the internet in the modern time. To combat this journalism adversity, student journalists must be observant and vigilant.

Puri also highlighted that student journalists must not forget the accuracy or truthfulness of journalism that they must not lean on the downside road, fast yet inaccurate sources from social media.

Moreover, a staff member from Unibe Sharmaine Adovizo said that responsible journalism involves ordinary folks, “I-verify yung source, maging responsibe netizens especially kapag nagbibigay ng opinion online.”

A decade of Rayte With Rayte to hold its upcoming 10th year in regional press convention, some members of the Bicol Universitarian publication shared that people should expect something exciting and fun in the upcoming [10th] Rayte.

“I hope Rayterista would be something bolder and wider and more manageable with regards to their planning and more mature organizers.” Bernades added.

About the number of participants, 90 campus journalists from across the region joined the event.

Though smaller compared to last year’s number of participants, Bernades explained that it is due to Typhoon Nina that the universities and colleges in the region had to redeem themselves.

Few of the invited speakers are motivational speaker Lloyd Luna, Rappler social media head Stacey de Jesus, TV5 host and broadcast personality Lourd de Vera, and a Filipino poet and a professor from Catanduanes State University Jovert Balunsay.

Towards responsible journalism Having it lined with this year’s theme, the Rayte provided talks on the preservation of social media

Photo by Renz Marion Benosa

ThePILLARS Publication

November - March Issue

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NEWS

Publication Fund Status Report

As of February 6,2017 Beginning Balance, May 31, 2016 Collections

375,554.00 Jun-16 Jul-16 Aug-16 Sep-16 Oct-16 Nov-16 Dec-16 Jan-17

37,528.20 1,226.80 1,170.00 480.00 105,792.00 131,767.00 1,510.00 1,745.00

Total

281,219.00 Php 656,773.00

Less: Disbursements 27-Jun-16 11-Jul-16 03-Aug-16 17-Aug-16 06-Sep-16 07-Sep-16 20-Oct-16 22-Oct-16 23-Nov-16 23-Nov-16 26-Nov-16 10-Jan-17 12-Jan-17 03-Feb-17

Apprenticeship Exam Journalism Skills Training Nat’l Schools Press Con Refund-Goingo Tabloid-Newsprint Intramurals Coverage Midyear Planning & Evaluation Tabloid Refund-Goingo Refund-Bisenio Apprenticeship Exam Refund-Goingo 9th Regional Rayterista 8th LIYAB Preparation

6,000.00 41,350.00 86,124.00 (515.00) 97,500.00 11,470.00 22,980.00 50,000.00 (276.25) (376.00) 6,450.00 (94.60) 12,040.00 10,276.00

30-Jun-16 31-Jul-16 31-Aug-16 31-Aug-16 30-Sep-16 31-Oct-16 31-Oct-16 31-Dec-16 31-Dec-16 31-Jan-17

Adjust payment breakdown Adjust payment breakdown Scholarship Expense (Jun-Aug) Application of college stude credit balance Academic Scholarship for Sept Academic Scholarship for Oct Scholarship Expence Adjustment Academic Scholarship for Nov and Dec Application of college stude credit balance Academic Scholarship for Jan

(220.00) 50.00 1,047.00 450.00 349.00 349.00 540.00 1448.40 525.00 724.20

(342,928.15)

Add: Adjustments

Ending Balance. February 6, 2017

5,262.60 Php 301,107.45

Walkout stages stude defiance

By Althea Abergos

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ndignant over Marcos’ abrupt hero’s burial, more than 1,500 students, together with few members from the faculty, staged a noise barrage and walkout protest around campus last 18 November, the Ateneo de Naga University-Supreme Student Government (ADNU-SSG) reports.

Urging Nagueños and students from other universities to participate in the mobilization, Ateneans also took to the streets their re-

monstrance and held a short program and candle lighting activity at Plaza Quezon.

Abrupt burial Despite the period for filing of motion for reconsideration not having lapsed, 15 days upon receipt of the court’s decision last 8 November 2016, the late dictator’s kin Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos announced at around 10:30 AM on 18 November his scheduled burial at noon the same day.

This “sneaky” move drew flak and outrage from Ateneans and other groups, prompting student leaders to lead an indignation rally at 1:00 PM at the Four Pillars. This was followed by a noise barrage around campus, where students chanted “Walkout, walkout!” to persuade those still inside their classes to go out.

ADNU-SSG also consulted with Vice President for Higher Education Dr. Alfredo C. Fabay and re-

quested that classes be cancelled from 2:30 until 9:00 PM to encourage students to attend the activities scheduled inside and outside campus.

“Dai man nanggad” Reiterating the University’s stance that Marcos is never a hero, the student body marched through Penafrancia Avenue and Liboton to call for students from Universidad de Sta. Isabel, Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technolo-

gy, Naga College Foundation, and University of Nueva Caceres (UNC) to take part in the demonstrations.

“He [went] out of the Philippines as a coward and in 2016, President Duterte buried Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, He was buried as an immortalized coward,” UNC student leader Magello Rainer Fenis.

We the Opposition. Supreme Student Government (SSG) Internal Vice President Brian Ramos leads the chant “Panahon ng Diktadurya, Pahirap sa Masa!,” during the university walkout last 18 November. The burial of Marcos happened at 12 NN that day and was done discreetly with no prior announcements made.

Photo by Renz Marion Benosa

Photo by Miguel Enrico Imperial

ThePILLARS Publication

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NEWS

November - March Issue

Future buildings on the rise, admin reveals

By Jhoan Villanueva and Tristan Sean Paul Cinco

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indi naman sa absolutely hindi naki-cater ang needs, more like hindi enough.”

These were the words of a 2nd year BS Psychology student with regards to the rise of several problems that come with the lack of classrooms and regressing quality of some of the buildings. To give solution to these problems, the Ateneo de Naga University (AdNU) administration responded with plans for the constructions of new buildings, one of which is the ongoing construction of the Fr. Godofredo Alingal SJ Building.

The construction of future buildings is expected to start by 2017 and end at 2019. “Kasi the regular college first years will be coming already so there will be no space for them here kung nandito ‘yung senior high school (SHS) [students],” according to Administrative Services Director Br. Raymund Belleza, S.J..

Fr. Godofredo Alingal SJ Building One of the reasons for the construction of this building is the (SHS) students’ occupancy of several classrooms during the day in college buildings. This resulted in a decrease of daytime subjects being offered by the university and the lack of available classrooms and facilities. “Nagdiit ang classrooms, iyo, ta na-occupy ninda ang Dolan and Bonoan na dapat sana classrooms mi man,” a 4th year BSBA Major in Banking and Finance student explained.

According to Physical Plant Administration (PPA) Director Engr.

Jigger Bugtong, the new building would house at least 21 classrooms, three computer laboratories, and two biology laboratories that will primarily be used by both college and graduate school students.

“

There will also be a new mock hotel to be located at the fifth floor.

According to Bugtong, this was requested by the Tourism Department since the existing mock hotel at Francis Burns S.J. Building was said to be not as fully equipped as it should be.

The building will also have a convention hall, similar to that in the Arrupe Building that is expected to cater 300 persons. Parking lots for 40 vehicles are also to be placed at the front and back of the building giving a solution to the students’ complaints about the lack of parking space.

Another reason for the construction of this is the Law School which will start next academic year.

The building is furnished with facilities and conference rooms to cater the Law students’ needs.

Bugtong shared that the building is planned to be finished on April next year. “Kasi ‘pag May, that will be the preparation for the upcoming school year.” “At least may one month na window para sa preparation,” Bugtong furthered.

New buildings to rise Aside from the Professional Schools Building, the Administrative Services revealed other new building projects in the university, one of which is the SHS building which is planned to rise at the parking lot beside the Engineering Building. It will house 26 classrooms, additional computer and science laboratories, and a parking lot.

Some of the students see these projects as beneficial. A 4th year BSBA Financial Management student believes that the quality of education might also be improved because of these future projects.

“Sobrang makakatulong siya kasi maraming mao-open na subjects, maraming nakaka-enrol na es>> page 7

Pause. Just behind metal bars and pipes, a worker is having a short break during his night duty after a long tiring day at the 2nd floor of Proffessional’s School Building construction site.

Photo by Renz Marion Benosa

On the process of peace talks

Studes call for youth participation

By Vanessa Filio & Alman Larcena

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irm words from students ushered regarding the on-going peace talk between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). “Mas ok kasi kung nadadaan sa usapan hindi yung atake lang ng atake,” BS Psychology student said.

“Feeling ko kapag napatupad yan [issues sa peace talk] hindi naman yan mai-implement eh kasi aabusuhin yan ng NDFP.” Despite this, a BS Psychology student mentioned that peace talk is good way to meet the needs amongst the NDFP and the GRP - understanding will be promoted and insurgency will be avoided.

With hopes to seal the gap between GRP and NDFP, the peace talks resumed under President Duterte’s rule last 22 August at Oslo, Norway. This had been the main course of discussion in the Peace Forum conducted last 19 November at the Xavier Hall, attended by various sectors such as the humanitarian sector, laborers, agricultural sector, and student delegates.

The current status “Ang peace talk ay rooted doon sa social, economic, and political topics, kung saan nabibitin ang ilang sektor sa ganitong sistema.”

Conference Minister of United Church of Christ of the Philippines and forum emcee Rev. Sam Divino enumerated the issues discussed.

Aiming to disseminate the information regarding the current state of peace talk between the two opposing parties, the Peace Forum progressed with guest speaker NDFP consultant Tirso Alcantara.

Facing consequences and impact The peace talk garnered various viewpoints as 4th year BS Environmental Management student stated his support on the matter, saying that it will have a huge impact in strengthening the foundation of our democratic country. He furthered that if peace and order is properly implemented, it will open new doors such as job opportunities for graduating students. “May impact din siya sa safety and security ng estudyante,” he added.

National Democratic Front of the Philippines Consultants Renante Gamara and Tirso Alcantara discuss the current state of the Peace Talks between the Communist Party of the Philippines- National Democratic Front (CPP-NDF) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP), in a forum entitled Just and Lasting Peace held at the Xavier Hall last 18 November.

Photo by Kimberly Luciano

However, concerns emerged regarding the peace talk as a 3rd year BS Biology student said,

On an article published by GMA News Online, the peace talk had resolved three out of five major issues namely; affirmation of previously signed agreements such as the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CAHRHIL), Joint Agreement on Security and Immunity Guarantee (JASIG) reconstitution and accelerated process of negotiation in terms of political, economic, and socio-economic reforms.

With two more issues to resolve, such as the amnesty proclamation for the release of political prisoners and mode of temporary ceasefire, the peace talk remained on-going.

On youth’s view and role Alcantara, emphasized that youth can contribute to the peace talk by spreading the contents, importance, and benefits of it to the youth. “Isa sa mga inaasahang sektor ay ang kabataan para

malawakan ang pagpalaganap ng usapang pangkapayapaan sa ating bayan,” he said. Alcantara also suggested that the youth may organize group discussions on the state of peace in the Philippines.

“Marami akong natutunan, naintindihan ko ang mga naramdaman ng bawat isa [panig], nalalapit ang saloobin nila [ng bawat sektor] sa atin,” a University of Nueva Caceres delegate shared. He added that the peace forum is significant for youth to be aware on national issues.

Not the end “So after nito ay mag-organize tayo ng Pilgrim’s for peace.” Divino suggested regarding the possible actions after the peace forum to unite the different sectors that aimed to lengthen the peace in our country. He expanded that the peace talk was not just a mere converse between the GRP and NDFP but something that concerns the whole country and the people.

Divino stated that he speaks of genuine peace and not the concept of peace based on the absence of war wherein he said, “Ang genuine na kapayapaan ay kapayapaan na nakabase sa hustisya na kung saan mabibigyan ng hustisya ang mga biktima o sektor batay doon sa kanilang pangangailangan.”

On the other hand, a student delegate insisted that youth should partake in peace talk and execute actions to benefit not just the government but to other sectors as well. “Dapat makialam ka. Dapat may movement na gawin,” he stated.

Sources: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/578742/news/nation/3-of-5-major-issues-resolved-in-oslo-peace-talks-between-phl-gov-t-ndf http://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/143551-cpp-npa-ndf-peace-talks http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/08/24/16/ph-govt-ndf-agree-on-3-of-5-issues

ThePILLARS Publication

November - March Issue

Future buildings...

>> page 6

tudyante.”

A 2nd year BSBA Major in Business Engineering also expressed his “Dai mamomroblema sa mga classrooms, kumbaga kaito sabihon ta kulang, ngunyan garo nadagdagan kaya sakto na.”

According to Belleza, they are also planning to demolish the Main Right (MR) Building because of the building’s poor condition and the dangers that it poses to the students and the faculty. He also added that according to the Bureau of Fire Protection, both the MR and Admin Building were assessed as fire hazard zones in the university.

However, a 2nd year BSBA Legal Management student expressed his disappointment on the proposed demolition of the MR Building, “I don’t think it’s a good idea kasi it’s been there for the duration na nandito ang Ateneo,” “So, kung tatayuan siya ng bagong building, hindi na mape-preserve yung historic significance nun,” the student explained.

Moreover, a 4th year AB Political Science student stated, “Preserve the MR. If the foundation is already weak, maybe they can find a way to fix it. I mean there

NEWS

are many universities that go with preservation like the Gabaldons of Bicol University.”

Meanwhile, Belleza clarified that part of the plan is also to relocate the university admin offices. The current admin offices, which will then be vacated, will be turned into a museum, although the theme and features are still to be planned. “So bale yung MR, gagawing admin,” says Belleza, “tapos iyong admin gagawing museum.”

However, Bugtong stated that they are still exploring their financial capacities since the current building project still left a significant impact in the infrastructure budget of the university - putting the aforementioned plans on hold.

Money matters According to Belleza, the main source of the building’s fund is from a loan acquired from Ateneo de Davao University, which was supposed to be used to finance the AdNU Grade School. However, Belleza noted that the amount loaned and the duration of the leeway given to them to pay it are confidential.

Building, Belleza hopes that the university can cope up with their financial needs. “Pagdating ng senior high, financially makaya na because when we have the senior high that’s additional income revenue for the university,” he elaborated.

Nonetheless, some students worried that these expenses will have a negative effect in their tuition fee. “Baka nga tumaas yung tuition namin pagdating ng bagong school year,” a 2nd year BS BSE student exclaimed.

Meanwhile, Belleza explained that as much as there will be an increase in the tuition fee, it will only be much less than what the students expect it to be. “Kasi only 10-15% of TFI ang para sa facilities at 70% naman sa salaries so whatever increase that we have, it’s just a little bit,” Belleza clarified.

However, a 4th year AB Political Science student aired his concern regarding the possible hike of tuition fee, “If they will be increasing the percentage [of TFI] because of having new buildings then that is still not justified. With our current tuition fee right now, there should already be new facilities.”

VOX

Collated by Donna Rose Fraginal

Prior to the TOFI consultation, ThePILLARS Publication conducted a survey to know the stance of the student body with regards to the proposed increase.

Are you in favor of the proposal?

YES

NO

“It would help ADNU be of equal footing with the other Ateneo schools.”

“Dae man masyadong napapakinabangan ang miscellaneous tapos dagdagan pa.”

III - BS Dev Com

“There are lots of improvements that I can see. Ateneo may need more money to improve facilities, especially now that we have Senior High School and College of Law.” III - BS Entrepreneurship

“If this is for the betterment of the school, then why not?”

II - BS Psychology

A

According to former College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS) Representative Ted Dogillo, the SSG’s argument is that it is taxing for the students, with valid reasons for not taking the exam on time, to go around, get the required signatures, and then paying the fee.

Moreover, he stated that they would at least try to reduce the fee if they are unable to remove it completely.

When questioned why the policy is not more considerate to working students, Vice President for Higher Education Dr. Alfredo C. Fabay said, “This arrangement was discussed in the Academic Council and discussed with the representatives of the students before, so it’s not as if the considerations of the students were not considered.”

Fabay added that, “It’s a choice between work and studies.”

Tracking the Fee

“Education is becoming a business. Increasing in value but decreasing values.”

III - BS IT

“Dae na makatarungan. Dae namamati.”

“Namamahalan ako maski dae nabayad.

Pano itong dae man scholar na dae man fortunate, pano na?”

II - BSE

“Because I believe that education is not for sale.”

III - AB BSE SS

“Binibigay ko na ang lahat ngunit di pa rin sapat.”

II - BS ECE

“Quality education does not need to be expensive.”

III - BS ECE

“I’m a working student. I can’t afford it anymore.”

the interests of the faculty and students, is making sure that routines are not disregarded.

Meanwhile, Ayo, when asked if he is in favor of having the fee removed, replied that it rests upon the teacher if they wanted to be compensated or not. “This is similar to tuition fee increase (TFI), if the teachers agree that they will not receive an increase, then there’s no need for TFI,” Ayo elaborated.

Ayo further stated that this will not make the university richer or poorer. “So, for me, as a treasurer, if you will ask me, I do not mind not assessing students for [delayed] exams permit fee.”

Current progress

It is written in the 2013 Ateneo Student Handbook that students who are unable to take the scheduled exam should secure a delayed exam permit, bearing such valid reasons listed in the said handbook. If not, a Php50.00 delayed exam fee is charged per subject.

A working student from CHSS expressed her support for the SSG’s initiative, stating that her work is the main reason why she can pay her school fees. “Kung dae maiintindihan kang school or kang admin ang arog kaitong sentiment; then, I don’t know, just work and stop going to school,” she added.

Presently, the SSG has surveyed about 600 respondents, which is only a fraction of their targeted 3,000 respondents; though it has been put on hold. “Ang problem kasi is marami kaming kailangan unahin, gaya ng Magna Carta and also ‘yung sa ACP din,” Dogillo clarified.

“Primarily, the [fee] was assessed for the extra work that the teacher will do in preparing a separate set of test questions,” University Treasurer Ramon Nonito Ayo clarified. In addition, Ayo said that the ratio of the fee’s allocation—70% goes to the teacher and the remaining 30% covers the ad-

Admin’s sentiment

Meanwhile, the survey and construction of a bill will be carried over to the next administration.

Dogillo said, “Itutuloy namin siya on the next administration, kung sino man yung mag he-head ng Committee on Student Academic Freedom, sila na yung mag co-continue.”

With regards to the SSG’s initiative, Fabay said, “I’m more concerned with the reasons and how [the policy] is implemented.” Fabay expounded that the fee is an issue between teachers and students and that the main concern of the academic administration, beyond

II - BS Psychology

II - BS CE

By Alexander Matthew Dy

Moreover, according to Ayo, if the policy is strictly followed, working students will not be exempted from paying the fee if their reason for not taking a scheduled exam is work-related.

“Because there are no changes and upgrades in school equipment and facilities.”

“Greedy tapos mayo man kong nahihiling na pinag gagamitan kayan.”

With regards to the budget needed to support the future building projects, such as the SHS

ministrative cost, paper, ink, printing, and the work of the office staff.

IV - BS ECE

III - BSE

SSG appeals for delayed exam fee abolishment fter conducting a survey to the student body on November 2016, the Supreme Student Government (SSG) initiated the process of abolishing the delayed exam permit fee.

7

III - AB Lit

Do you think the increase is reasonable?

YES

NO

“It would help ADNU be of equal footing with the other Ateneo schools.”

“Puro payaman nalang baga, mayo improvements. No joke.”

III - BS Dev Com

II - BS CE

“There are lots of improvements that I can see. Ateneo may need more money to improve facilities, especially now that we have Senior High School and College of Law.”

“Every year may tuition fee increase pero hindi naman nafifeel ng students ‘yon, and di rin natin alam kung saan napupunta ang binabayaran natin.”

III - BS Entrepreneurship

“If this is for the betterment of the school, then why not?”

II - BS Psychology

IV - BS Psychology

“There should be a list of things where this would be allocated.”

III - AB English

“May ibang fees na redundant.”

II - BS CE

“There’s no evident improvement in quality education.”

IV - BS ECE

“Mas pahirap para sa mga magulang ng estudyante.”

Educ Student

“It is reasonable if it was done every 4 years or more but not every year.”

III - BS Accountancy

“If the institution is doing it for 16 years, it is too much.”

II - BS Psychology “Kulang pa sa transparency.”

II - AB Philosophy

ThePILLARS Publication

8

NEWS

On its 9th strike,,,

>> page 4

Meanwhile, Ayo emphasized, “An consultation bako man negotiation.” However, a 4th year BSBA Legal Management student reiterated that the consultation should not only be made for the sake of compliance [but also] both parties should reach a negotiation and a compromise.

In response, Ayo said that treating the consultation as a negotiation is equating it to tarawadan where in both parties meet halfway until an agreement is reached by both parties. Hence, “If that’s the case, the school is not being sincere [with the TOFI],” Ayo elaborated.

Having heard of Ayo’s response, a 2nd year BSBA Legal Management student exclaimed, “Ilang taon nang nagkakaroon ng TOFI ngunit hanggang ngayong ay mayroon pa ring pagrereklamo?”

SSG against TOFI “One thing I noticed is that the students here are not satisfied with the services,” Supreme Student Government (SSG) President Roselyn Balmes said in the TOFI consultation open forum. It was after the TOFI consultation, 4 February, when SSG officially asserted its stand against the proposed 3% TOFI. In the official statement released by the SSG on its Facebook page, it stated that the TFI happens annually for nine consecutive years; yet, no significant improvement of facilities and student services were observed. It was also stated there that they uphold

SSG ELECTION 2017 RESULTS

the ideals in fighting for quality education that should be within the financial reach of the students.

According to Balmes, the SSG conducted researches and signature campaigns to get into the pulse of the students and officially makes its statement based on consensus.

November - March Issue

13 March 2017

STUDENT CENTRAL BOARD PRESIDENT (1,044)

CHANCOCO, Katherine OCBINA, Kimberly Shayne abstain (67)

However, Balmes said that they decided to stop the signature campaign due to time constraints and they were prioritizing other matters such as Magna Carta, which includes provisions related to TOFI. “I think that’s what the next administration [of SSG] should do [fighting against TOFI], given na they have a lot of time to prepare for the incoming school year,” she clarified.

A 2nd year BSBA Legal Management student, in a separate interview shared his disappointment to the incumbent SSG leaders for failing to represent him in the TOFI issue. “Ang pagpasa ng obligasyon sa mga susunod na uupo ay isang porma ng pagiging traditional politicians katulad ng kasalukuyang nangyayari sa ating gobyerno,” he furthered.

INTERNAL VICE PRESIDENT

Meanwhile, Balmes also mentioned that the TOFI issue is still unclear to the student body, because there is a lack of information dissemination about the financial aspects of TOFI. Supporting this statement, a 4th year BSBA Legal Management student requested for an official statement from Ayo regarding the processes and specific definition of terms that were used in describing each fee, so that the student body will be more informed on the matter.

APOLONIO, Mary Francis

(533)

DE VILLA, Tristan MONTERO, Bianca Melanie

(640) (890)

abstain

(134)

EXTERNAL VICE PRESIDENT BADURIA, Karla Denise

(777)

DIZON, Micah

(770)

abstain

(117)

SECRETARY BAUTISTA, Guia Jade

(765)

DOGILLO, Ted Aaron

(730)

abstain

(169)

TREASURER (753) (704)

PENAFLORIDA, Lyka (207)

abstain

PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER BORJA, Niel Joseph

(733)

GEOLIN, Penafrancia

(769) (162)

abstain

STUDENT CONGRESS CBA REPRESENTATIVES

CHSS REPRESENTATIVES

DE MESA, Ma. Eunice

CONGRATULATIONS

BATCH 2017

(205)

HUIT, Marjerry Nicole

(331)

NASE, Khing Edward

(317)

REIS, Patricia

(363)

abstain

MORTIZ, Paula Marie

BSBA Management

ORTEGA, Krishteen

Raquitico, Joshua

PALAAD, Jeremy

BS Digital Illustration and Animation

PASOBILLO, Kate

CLERIGO, Chrisitian

(124)

(67) (79)

(86)

GUTIERREZ, Patrick

(112)

MARIANO, Jayson Gil

(137)

COE REPRESENTATIVES Nepomuceno, Rikka Mae

(127)

FULLANTE, Samantha

(233)

RAMOS, Suzanne

CARILLO, Teresa

(132)

abstain

(11)

CCS REPRESENTATIVES BEGUIA, Jhonina

(72) (59)

BRACERO, Xenia abstain

(88)

(137)

(123)

abstain (2)

Regondola, Ray Duovani BS Biology

CON REPRESENTATIVES Sta. Cruz, Armando BS Infomation Technology

Yaba, Ryan Christopher

BORROMEO, Angel

(49)

CSE REPRESENTATIVES REBADAVIA, Jonathan abstain

DE VILLA, Clarissa (42) abstain (2)

(142) (53)

BS Biology With 1,664 students who voted out of the 4,956 registered and enrolled students of the Ateneo de Naga University, 2nd semester AY 2016-2017, the ADNU-SSG Comelec announced a 33.58% voter turnout, about 10% higher than the special elections held last semester.

LEGEND:

Independent

Partido SIGWA

Abstain

ThePILLARS Publication

9

IN THE KNOW

November - March Issuae Issue

Duterte’s 9 Months in Office: A Recap

By Mary Joy Gasis

Sweeping into power by 16 million votes, Duterte took office for Presidency. Famous for his iron fist, he promised a revolutionary change to the Filipinos from waging a war on drugs, to eliminating criminality and corruption, to cutting down red tape in government agencies, to creating a color-coded map for agricultural crops.

RESUMPTION OF THE PEACE TALKS Duterte affirmed the previously signed agreements on Peace talks—the release of 22 political prisoners and the resumption of the Joint Monitoring Committee for a human rights pact signed by both sides. Last February, Duterte lifted a unilateral ceasefire to the The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), New People’s Army (NPA), and National Democratic Front (NDF) and eventually terminated the peace talks after NPA rebels continued attacks on soldiers while talks were ongoing in Oslo, Norway.

BATTLE AGAINST DRUGS Claiming over 3 million drug addicts against official figure of 1.8 million, more than 6000 people were recorded dead in his aggressive war against drug since July 2016 according to statistics released by Philippine National Police (PNP) . Nearly 4,000 of the deaths were extrajudicial or vigilante-style killings. Low-level drug users and pushers alongside big names—like derelict Peter Lim, receives more suffering and impunity than the latter.

THE LEFT JOINS THE CABINET Duterte unanticipatedly opened his cabinet to the revolutionary forces of the CPP. The progressives being considered a minority in the cabinet continued to push pro-people reform under the government. Ka Paeng upholding the interest of people on agriculture and land reform, Judy Taguiwaldo representing the vulnerable sectors, and Liza Maza of Anti-Poverty Commission working to alleviate poverty stood firm on their respective hopes for a more liberal government.

VIOLENT DISPERSAL AT THE US EMBASSY Duterte being vocal on his plans of separation from the US, protesters from different groups gathered at the US Embassy in Manila last 19 Octoer. They were violently dispersed after Philippine Police claimed that the demonstrators broke the police line. Police car ramming about hundreds of unarmed protesters, majority were injured and more than 40 were arrested.

Sources: https://natoreyes.wordpress.com/2016/12/31/2016-recap10-important-events/ http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/03/05/1678164/ duterte-reds-lets-talk-peace-again http://www.esquiremag.ph/images/2016/08/25/duterte04. jpg

Artwork by Mel Cortez Page Layout by Ralph FIlio

THE MARCOS BURIAL The Supreme Court sudden decision to bury the dictator Ferdinand Marcos shocked the Philippines last January.

Supporting the decision, President Duterte received utter criticisms from anti-Marcos community. Consequently, it awakened political apathy of the youth through initiated protests after the burial.

TUITION-FREE SUC’S With the vindication of the historic position against commercialization of education started by student movements across the country, the Congress ensued a Tuition-free for State Universities and Colleges (SUC’s). This complied with the hopes for accessible education.

ARREST OF DE LIMA Associated to her alleged involvement in the New Bilibid Prison drug trafficking scandal exposed by his driver Ronnie Dayan, Senator Leila De Lima was arrested for violating the Republic Act 9152 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Act of 2002.

16 10

ThePILLARS

November - March Issue

S

tand up, raise your right hand, and repeat after me…

New set of officers take their oath: to uphold Ignatian values in student service. The studentry meets a new brand of leadership.

A new - or revived - energy takes place.

For the janitor, it is just a different set of faces to ask where’s the office’s key.

Are student leaders and their constituents aware of non-student issues?

“Actually, ‘di ko alam ang endo,” a running Supreme Student Government (SSG) candidate this semester’s and last elections, now elected, said during an interview with ThePILLARS Publication last July 2016.

Contactualization exists inside the very institution the officer wants to lead.

Meet the contractuals.

They are *Jun-jun, *Conny, maintenance staff, and *Nash, a security guard. They are the faces of the faulty Philippine labor system, and these are their stories.

History of employment Before September 2015, maintenance staff had been directly employed by Ateneo and included in its payroll. In fact, they had been managed by the Four Pillars Multipurpose Cooperative, an organization organized and handled by the workers themselves. According to Jun-jun, his wage reached almost Php300 per day and he was working with his brother that time. It was a good time to be employed.

Unfortunately, the cooperative was brought down due to financial discrepancies; their manager allegedly stole their savings fund or in Jun-jun’s words, “na-staffa.”

They were aslo unable to release required financial documents according to Administrative Services (Admin Services) President Bro. Raymond Belleza.

Now with the cooperative dissolved and the administration’s budget cuts according to Jun-Jun, Administrative Services employed them to manpower agencies to retain their jobs: All Source Manpower Agency (ASM) for the maintenance personnel and Caceres Security Agency (CSA). They are outsourced from these agencies on a contractual basis.

Permanence of the temporary According to Article 281 of the Philippine Labor Code, an employee after working for the probationary six months should be regularized; he/she is now entitled to benefits such as healthcare, so-

11 COMM

cial security, and retirement benefits. However, an employer may terminate an employee upon “just cause.” Most are laid off before reaching the sixth month.

And the default for the employers is to save; they outsource. The lesser the regulars, the lesser the employees to be given benefits.

“That is what companies are doing now, they outsource labor to escape responsibility of maintaining expensive benefits. These simple benefits would give workers better quality of life, especially that the Philippines is a third world country,” Political Science Instructor Duke Dolorical said.

Jun-jun, Conny, Nash, and their co-worker’s contracts are handled strictly between Admin Services and the manpower agency. It is a closed affair, “sila nagpipirma at Ateneo. Kami hindi naman namin alam anong laman ‘nun,” Nash said. They are just told to do their job well and they are assured of renewal.

His wife was willed to work due to Nash’s inadequate pay; when his daughter gets sick and there is no one to watch, she sits beside his father gaming on his smartphone.

“Kung ako lang [matrabaho], kulang pang maray,” Nash added.

His daughter waved goodbye.

Conny is a 24-year-old janitor who plans to work abroad soon; right now she is saving up for it. “Mapapadali si pag ipon ko di makakahali tulos ako. Mas makakatabang,” Conny said on the help of being a regular.

Jun-jun has been a janitor for about 16 years, and one of the remaining janitors since the cooperative dissolved. He is married to *Joanna – who called during the All of them are regular interview to tell she was assigned contractuals. outside Ateneo for her work in Globe - and has no children except Their for his wife’s daughter from her c u r past relationship. “Number one talaga noy ang sahod. Kung para samuya na may pamilya, kulang talaga. Kung magkaigwa man kaming problema o helang, dara-dara gabos. Nagkakautang kami,” Jun-jun said.

When one of his co-worker’s wife died, they were on their own since their contract does not include any financial loan or compensation during a relative’s death. Father President Primitivo Viray Jr. S.J. adviced them to go around the campus and ask for donations. “[N] agpapasalamat kami sa Ateneo,” he added.

Nash, a father of a second- and fourth-grader, is a mid-30s security guard since 2008. He was suspended for four months because he allegedly did not notify beforehand his absence. He did not state if it was during his past or current job. Just like the others, he wants to be absorbed and made regular by Ateneo; but he remains skeptical. “Ayaw naman nila mag absorb. Kasi kung iabsorb ka, matagal ka na at magreretiro ka na, obligado sila magbigay ng benepisyo,” Nash said and quickly looked around.

rent three-year-contract – which was a one-year-contract before Duterte’s pronouncements against endo - includes SSS, PagIbig, and PhilHealth benefits. “[T]uwing nagre-renew kami, yun hininga namin, parang nasa [lalamunan na], kasi d i naman namin alam

kung pipirmahan pa nila,” said Nash. “Baka bukas wala na kaming trabaho,” he added Jun-jun, who has Sunday as his only day-off, however, is optimistic about it. His service is important, there is no reason for being laid off according to him. But one cannot be too sure when one is bound on a temporary agreement. He often jokes to Bro. Belleza on becoming a regular, “Brother, pwedeng gawin mo na kaming regular. Kasi mga datihan na kami”, the latter usually replies with the lack of fund.

If Conny’s main plan is to work abroad after, Jun-jun has none.

Yet, he has a Plan-B – his padyak.

“Dae naman ako pwede sa construction ta aka dae ko na kayahon,” he said. Contractuals are full of Plan-Bs in their head and plans for the actual better tomorrow.

As movem e n t s against the M a r c o s burial, 7,000 plus drug-related killings, and the revival of capital punishment, the Jun-juns, Nashes, and Conny-s in our society should not be forgotten, and be also fought for.

Wage war on weak wage The wage itself and its possibilities are one of the main differences between the contractuals and regulars in Ateneo. Jun-Jun has three co-workers (as identified by Jun-jun, two are Raul Rivera and Lito Devergara), that are already contractuals ; all of whom are working either in the church or Jesuit House according to Junjun. “Naglalangkaw pati siya kada

Publication

Novermber - March Issue

MUNITY

fearful of its zsimilarity to the previous.

The contractuals are crippled.

Their wage is enough to let them survive and come back for the next day’s work. A life of movement and not growth.

taon,” Conny said, referring to a regular co-worker.

According to Jun-Jun and Conny, Ateneo adds more or less Php20 to their daily wage. Her Php265 is then now Php280. They are thankful for it.

Their existing benefits good, all of them agree to that. But, it is the non-existent benefit they worry about.

Jun-jun’s supposed to be housing fund, Nash’s savings for his family, and Conny’s budget for working abroad: the retirement benefit.

are

One of Nash’s coworkers back then who retired after 10 years was not given any compensation. This is what he fears t h e most.

This tiyaga is probably in the minds of Nash, a guard of a university and two kids, and Conny, an aspiring overseas worker, too. It comes from the hope and fear of finding a better or worse job - hopeful of the possible b e n efits and

The day before the interview, his nephew went to Ateneo to ask for money; their family’s youngest was hospitalized due to breathing complications. Jun-jun had none to give. “Pag emergency wala talaga kami makunan,” he said.

Most employers say that if endo is junked, the hiring and maintenance of regulars would be more demanding and costly. But the company would prefer to give more work to less regulars than to hire more regulars. “[Y] ou cannot force the employers to give what they do not have,” stated in an article from philstar.com.

Third was the admission: “There was no resistance or objection from the President,” said DOLE Undersecretary Dominador Say. Duterte and DO 30 ended endo but not contractualization; in fact, it basically legitimized it, and not finally prohibit it. Employees can now become regulars under an agency and not under their company. Labor groups denounced the order saying that endo would still go on despite the provision; this time, it can be masked under “seasonal employment.”

DO 30 may far be the change the contractuals need. The benefits and rights are still out of the argument - something only the lucky will get.

“Sana talaga pag-aralan at tapusin na ‘to,” said Nash.

Progressive Against the Oppressive “[F]rom a principled standpoint, there’s something wrong,” Dolorical said on the legality of contractualization.

This wrong widens the gap between classes of differing heights.

Interests are conflicting: a program to better the lives of one class will degrade the other’s. Sucked is the marrow of the working class.

“The people who are ones actually involved in production are only given trickle down wealth,” Dolorical said.

Employees get commodified and among commodities, the stale gets removed.

“Yun talaga, halos wala kaming maipon ta kahit sa pagkain, kulang pa,” Jun-jun said.

And this is where the government comes in.

The State

Astute

And they came in indeed.

Junjun, his mother, and three more relatives share a little piece of land.

Only thin plywoods and the need for privacy are the things that separate one family from another. His room is his house, and so is everyone’s else “Tiyaga lang noy,” he said. A phrase ready to be said for the low times.

Order No. 168 or “DO 30.”

First was the assertion: Contractualization must go. It is anti-people,” the President said.

Second was the proclamation: Department of Labor and Employm e n t (DOLE) Department

So how should contracualization and endo be ended?

Starting on politics and economy, Dolorical and Reola, both labor activists, suggest parliamentary and class reform.

Dolorical said that the law itself should be repealed. When workers are given incentives, benefits, and enough pay, they will use it. “It stimulates economic activity,” he said. Everyone benefits.

With the revisions done on the Labor Code on the last month of 2016, the workers were disappointed on the first month of 2017.

The worker’s struggle goes on.

Being a regular is still rare. “Nagsasabi nga ako sa mga kasama ko, habang buhay kami janitor, basta regular,” Jun-jun said.

9 16 11

As said by Reola, “Ending contractualization will not be given on a silver platter Only when pro-worker policies are put up and through the struggle of the working class will these victories be won.”

Beyond the bureaucracy, contractualization should be made known by individual and institutions be made familiar. It is how mass movements and public concern start.

According to IV AB Political Science student and Remontados Debater Franklin Berdin, citizens lose or ignore the issue of endo despite how degrading it is, especially to the common man.

Sensationalist media overblows sellable issues and hides vital issues. Berdin explained, “Di nabibigyan justice yun isa kasi pahapyaw lang sya.”

It’s a matter of relatability according to him. Student leaders need to make the issue, especially the worker’s situation, near to the students. “[They] should make it appear that these issues affect the lives of these individuals,” said Berdin. The language of the populace should be spoken.

As the system victimizes, the underdogs should fight. As the underdogs fight, the youth should act. Silence favors the oppressor. If not, a Jun-jun will still put up plywoods to fit his family and relatives in his house, a Nash will still think of pending unemployment despite working enough, Conny will still wish to work abroad just to have a good life, and the topic of regularization will always end up laughed at during breaktime conversations.

Inside the classroom, students are taught how to help those in need, and the guy that waxed the room’s floor needs one. *Not their real name.

Left Jun-jun’s makeshift altar where the cosmetics and sacramentals are. “Iyo. Pinapangadyi ko man na maging regular ako. pati man mga kaiba ko. masakit kaya talaga, may pamilya ako eh,” he said.

Middle These hands have been cleaning our toilets, shining our floors, and wiping his forehead sweat, all for 15 years. What’s next after?

“Sana ang hanapon ko na lang pagkakan na lang.”

Right Jun-jun’s padyak. His plan B.

Photos by Miguel Enrico Imperial Page Layout by Ralph FIlio

ThePILLARS Publication

12

“

FEATURES

H

November - March Issue

Ang Daluyong’ Sumira sa Lupang Naghihinagpis

oy ano ba? gumising ka na diyan!”

By Van Jose Martinez

Mariing sabi sa akin ni inay matapos akong makaidlip sa biyahe papuntang Maynila. Halatang pagod na pagod siya sa biyahe, paano ba naman kasi? Sobrang layo ng Tacloban sa Maynila. Katakot-takot na biyahe lang naman ang pinagdaanan namin bago marating ang pinaka-tanyag na lungsod sa buong kapuluan. Ang masaklap pa, wala kaming dalang pamasahe. Ang tanging dala lang namin ay ang aming mga sarili at ang pag-asang muli kaming makakabangon sa pagkaka-sadlak sa trahedya dulot ng isang delubyo.

Storm surge? Ano yun? Ngayon ko lang yata narinig ang salitang iyon. Pero ayon din sa kapitan ng aming barangay, ligtas daw kami sa evacuation center dahil malayo naman daw ito sa dalamapasigan.

Malayo? Ano bang akala nila sa malayo, yung abot-tanaw pa ang dagat? Eh halos dalawandaang metro nga lang ang layo ng evacuation center mula sa pangpang!

Sa pag-aakalang ligtas na kami sa aming kinasasadlakan, matiyaga naming hinintay ang pagdating ng bagyo habang nasa evacuation center.

“Pero ‘nay? Bat ba kasi umalis pa tayo sa Tacloban?”

“Bakit may tubig na dito sa loob?” Pagtatakang tanong ko kay mama. Agad din kaming bumangon sa pagkakahimbing at nung tumingin kami sa labas, bumungad na saamin ang rumaragasang tubig na galing sa dagat. Dali-dali naming nilisan ang evacuation center nung nakita naming papalapit na ang tubig sa aming kinatatayuan.

Tanong na hangang ngayon ay hindi parin malinaw sa aking isipan. Kung tutuusin nga, mas mahirap pa ang buhay sa siyudad keysa sa probinsya. Pero kailangan ba talaga naming iwan ang lugar na matagal nang kumopkop saamin dahil lamang sa isang bangungot na bumayo rito? Tila yata tadhana nalang ang makaka-sagot sa mga tanong kong ito.

Malagim na Trahedya Ika-8 ng Nobyembre taong 2013, tandang tanda ko pa ang eksaktong araw ng pagkawala ng aming mga pangarap nang matinding hinagupit ng super typhoon Yolanda ang Tacloban city, Leyte.

Kung tutuusin nga, napaghandaan naman naming mabuti ang papalapit na unos. Bago pa man kasi tahakin ng bagyo ang piling kapuluan ng Leyte, agad na kaming inabisuhan ng aming lokal na gobyerno na lisanin ang aming mga tahanan.

Hakot dito hakot doon na tila ba’y wala ng balikan, agad rin naming tinungo ang evacuation center upang doon magpalipas ng bagyo.

Pero lahat ng paghahandang ito ay nawalan ng saysay dahil lamang sa isang maling impormasyon.

Ayon sa mga balita, may kaakibat daw na “storm surge” ang bagyo at marahil ito raw ay tatama lamang sa mga komunidad na malapit sa dalamapisigan.

“Bilisan niyo! Maabutan na tayo ng tubig!” pasigaw na sabi saamin ni inay matapos naming suungin ang panganib. Malayo ito sa inaasahan naming mangyari, ang makipag-tuos sa bagyo at harapin ang hagupit nito. Para narin kaming nagpakamatay sa aming desisyon na umalis sa evacuation center ngunit ano pa nga ba ang aming magagawa? Isang oras pa nga lang ang nakalilipas simula ng binayo ni Yolanda ang Tacloban pero agad na nitong nilamon ang lugar na sana’y paglilipasan namin habang nanalasa ang bagyo.

“Kidlat! Tinay!” sigaw ng isang ina habang pinapanood ang kaniyang anak na mawala sa kanya.

Si inay iyon. Sa kasamaang palad, dalawa sa aking kapatid ang tinangay ng rumaragasang tubig.

Halos gusto ko na ngang tumalon sa baha maisalba lamang sila sa pagkalunod. Masakit! Lalo na’t bilang isang panganay ay wala

akong nagawa kundi ang panoorin silang tangayin ng putik! Dahil sa sobrang bilis ng mga pangyayari, wala na kaming nagawa ng inay upang mailigtas ang buhay ng dalawa kong pinakamamahal na kapatid. Wala na. “’Yon na pala ang storm surge.” mapait kong sabi sa aking sarili.

Mula sa puntong iyon, pikit-mata ko nang tinanggap ang trahedyang bumalot sa amin ni inay.

Kinaumagahan matapos lamang ang ilang oras na pananalasa ng bagyo, bumungad saamin ang nakapanlulumong itsura ng Tacloban.

Mga buwal na poste at kalbong puno ng niyog na halatang sa unang bayo pa lang ay ‘di na nakatayo, mga imprastraktura na sa unang tingin ay alam nang mahirap pang ayusin, mga nawawalang kamag-anak na sa unang kutob ay panghihinaan ka na ng loob at mga bangkay na animo’y parang basurang nakakalat lamang sa gilid ng kalsada. Isang bangungot na maiituturing para sa aming mga naging biktima ng tinaguriang pinakamalakas na bagyong naitala sa kasaysayan ng Pilipinas.

Sapilitang Pagbangon “Kung hindi kayo bababa, ako mismo ang hihila sainyo palabas ng bus na ito!”

Kitang-kita ko sa mga mata ng drayber ang kaniyang pagka-dismaya. Kahit anong pakiusap namin, wala ni isang tao ang nakinig. Kusa nalang kaming bumaba ng bus upang makaiwas sa ano pa mang iskandalo. “’Nay, ano po bang buhay ang nag-aabang sa atin sa Maynila?

Hindi umimik sa akin si inay.

Marahil ay siya rin mismo ay hindi alam kung ano bang klaseng buhay ang dadatnan namin sa Maynila.

Halos tatlong araw na kaming naglalakad at nasa kahabaan

palang kami ng Sorsogon diversion road; mukhang matatagalan pa bago kami makarating sa aming destinasyon. Gutom na sikmura ang ngayo’y nagbabadyang pahinain ang aming katawan, tuloy aking nataandaan ang mga panahon matapos manalasa sa aming bayan ang bagyong Yolanda.

Sinasabi nila, agad raw na nagbigay tulong ang gobyerno ni Pangulong Aquino sa mga nasalanta ng bagyo matapos nitong manalasa sa iilang kapuluan sa kabisayaan. Ngunit sa halos limang araw naming pamamalagi sa Tacloban, ni isa, wala saaming nakarating na tulong.

Habang kami ay kumakain ni Inay sa isang karinderya malapit sa isang unibersidad sa Sorsogon, may narinig akong mga estyuadanteng journo, pinag-uusapan ang artikulong nabasa nila sa website ng Rappler. Ayon sa usapan nila, halos Php 692 million raw ang nakalaang budget ng Office of Civil Defense (OCD) ang hindi agad naipamigay sa mga biktima ng super typhoon Yolanda noong 2013.

Bukod pa diyan, halos aabot sa Php 48 million raw ang natanggap na donasyon ng NDRRMC galing sa ibat ibang grupo at indibidwal sa magkaparehong taon.

Kung ito sanang mga nabangit nilang numero ay agad nakarating sa tunay na mga nangangailangan at hindi sa bulsa ng iilan, edi sana, hindi rin kami mag-aalsabalutang umalis at tumulak papuntang Maynila upang maghanap ng makakain! Hanggang sa kahuli-huliang sandali ng aming pamamalagi sa Tacloban, kami ay pinagkaitan ng karapatang bumangon ng mga taong akala namin ay tutulungan kami sa oras ng aming matinding pangangailangan.

Naudlot na tulong Tinatayang aabot sa Php 95.48 billion ang naidulot na pinsala ng bagyong Yolanda sa bansa habang humigit kumulang Php 105.42 billion naman ang na irelease ng pondo ng gobyerno at

iba pang foreign agencies sa pamamagitan ng mga Yolanda related projects mula pa nang magumpisa ito noong 2013. Bukod pa diyan ay mahalagang matandaan natin na merong 3,424,593 pamilya ang labis na napektuhan ng nagdaang sakuna. Ayon ito sa diyaryo aking nabasa habang nag-hihintay kami ni inay na may dumaang sasakyan sa gilid ng Almeda highway.

Hindi ako kagalingan sa Math pero kung iintindihin nating mabuti ang mga numero, madali rin din lang natin itong masasagutan.

Kung merong halos tatlong milyong biktima ang bagyong Yolanda at merong nakalaan na bilyon-bilyong piso para sakanila, edi sana, mayaman na dapat kami!

Ngunit kung realidad ang pagbabasehan, ang mga numerong nabangit ko ay mananatiling mga numero na lamang. Korupsyon at pansariling interes lang naman kasi ang pinairal ng mga opisyal na humawak sa mga pondong ito. Kung ito sana’y ginamit upang iaangat ang antas ng buhay naming mga biktima, edi sana, hindi na kami dinadalaw ng bangungot dulot ng Yolanda sa aming pagkakahimbing.

Mabuti nalang at nung araw ding iyon, meron isang pamilya ang nag-magandang loob at pinasakay kami sa kanilang magarang kotse papuntang Maynila.

ESA-an na?

“Tao po! May tao po ba riyan?”

Malalakas na katok ang sumalubong sa aming pintuan habang sinasambit ang mga katagang “tao po” noong ika-3 nang Pebrero taong 2016, siyam na buwan bago sumapit ang ika-tatlong anibersaryo ng bagyong Yolanda.

“Ano bingi ka ba? Narinig mong may kumakatok, ba’t di mo pa buksan?!”

Pasigaw na sabi saakin ni inay habang siya ay abala sa pagluluto ng mga kakanin na ilalako niya sa

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November - March Issue

kahabaan ng EDSA. Kasalukuyan kaming nakatira sa kasuluk-sulukan ng squatter area sa may Samapaloc, Maynila. Kaunti din lang naman ang naipundar naming mag-ina magmula nang makarating kami dito noong ika-5 ng Enero taong 2014, ngunit masasabi ko na kahit papaano ay mas mabuti na ang aming kalagayan kumpara noong mga araw na matindi kaming tinamaan ng delubyo.

Agad kong pinapasok ang isang estrangherong nagpakilala bilang si “Teressa”, isang empleyado ng Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) at nais raw niya kaming tulungan na makapasok sa programa ng DSWD na naglalayong tulungan ang mga naging biktima ng super typhoon Yolanda. Ang programa raw na kanyang tinutukoy ay ang Emergency Shelter Assistance program o ESA. Ang sabi niya, ang ESA raw ay inilunsad ng DSWD upang bigyan ng tulong ang mga biktima ng matitinding sakuna na makatayo sa sarili nilang mga paa. Nakapaloob daw duon na sinumang indibidwal na matinding napinsala ang bahay dahil sa isang bagyo o matinding kalamidad ay agad bibigyan ng kaukulang pondo upang magamit bilang pampapaayos ng kanilang bahay. Napabalitang Php 30,000 pa nga daw ang ibibigay ng gobyerno sa sinumang matinding napinsala ang bahay!

Sa pag-aakalang siya ay empleyado talaga ng DSWD, agad naming ibinenta ni inay ang karamihan ng aming naipundar na gamit. Ayon kay Teressa, kinakilangan daw muna naming siyang bayaran ng sampung libong piso upang mas madali niyang maasikaso ang pagkuha sa aming ESA. Iwan ang matatamis na salita at mababangong pangako, agad din siyang tumulak papuntang Tacloban upang tuparin ang pinangako niyang agarang tulong.

Ngunit lumipas ang mga araw at buwan ng paghihintay, hindi na namin muling nasilayan pa si Ter-

essa. Sinubukan naming tanungin ang noo’y lider ng organisadong grupo ng mga biktima ng bagyong Yolanda na si Mang Cecilo tungkol sa kinahinatnan ng aming ESA. Ayon sa kanya, Agusto 2016 pa mula nung binagay nila ang Php 30,000 na tulong sa noo’y nagpakilalang sakanila bilang si Zenayda Tria.

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ing mga hinaing. Sana hindi na nila kami pag-kaitan ng karapatang makabangon muli. Sana sa susunod na yugto ng aming buhay ay tuluyan na kaming magising sa bangungot na hatid ng daluyong sumira sa lupang naghihinagpis.

Sana hindi lang matapos sa sana ang aking mga hiling.

Sadya yatang mapagbiro ang tadhana, na taon na natapat pa sa ikatlong anibersaryo ng Bagyong Yolanda ang malagim na balitang hatid saamin ni Mang Cecilo.

Halos walang tigil sa kaiiyak si inay nang malaman niyang ginamit ang kaniyang pangalan sa pan sariling interes. Kasabay ng paglaho ni Teressa ang pangarap naming tuluyang makabangon muli sa mga matitinding unos na dumaan sa aming buhay na mag-ina. Mula sa puntong iyon, aking napagtanto na ang tao, katulad ng bagyo o anumang sakuna, ay kayang magdulot ng matinding delubyo sa buhay ng kapwa niya tao.

Sana hindi na maulit muli Kasabay ng pag dating ng bagong adminitrasyon ang pagasang sana’y manumbalik na ang dati naming buhay. Sa ikatlong anibersaryo ng pananalasa ng bagyong Yolanda sa Tacloban, isang bagong mukha ang humarap sa libo-libong biktima dala-dala ang mga pangakong tuluyang pag-bangon. Si Pangulong Rodrigo, hatid ang isang nag uumapaw na pangako, ay inatasan ang DSWD, DPWH at National Housing Authority na agad tugunan ang mga pag-kukulang ng nakaraang administrasyon.

Habang pinapanood ko siya sa balita na nag-bibigay talumpati sa harap ng mga kapwa ko biktima, hindi ko napiligan ang aking sarili na maging emosyonal lalo na at karamihan saamin ay umaasa pa din na mabibigyan pa ng karampatang tulong.

“

Hanggang sa kahuli-huliang sandali ng aming pamamalagi sa Tacloban, kami ay pinagkaitan ng karapatang bumangon ng mga taong akala namin ay tutulungan kami sa oras ng aming matinding pangangail-

angan.

Sana naman sa pagkakataong ito ay pakinggan na nila ang am-

Artwork by Vince Sagala Page Layout by Ralph FIlio

Sources: http://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/151549-in-numbers-3-years-after-super-typhoon-yolanda-haiyan http://www.rappler.com/nation/68525-coa-quick-response-fund-donations-yolanda-victims http://www.philstar.com/revgion/2016/11/09/1642003/3rd-yolanda-anniversary-duter te-orders-agencies-finish-housing-projects https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXCN0VHKFmc

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alang parehong dugong dumadaloy, kulay na nagdidikta, lupang kinatitirikan sa nabansagang Pilipinong piniling magbuhat ng kamay laban sa kapwa niya mamamayan.

Ang sinumang magtangkang nakawin ang karapatan, abusuhin ang kapangyarihan, at kumitil ng buhay ay tatawagin kong banyaga sa kanyang sariling lupa.

Ika 19 ng Oktubre “Isabela Santiago. Nasa ikatlong taon sa kursong Journalism.

Press.,” mga salitang sinambit ko kasabay ng paghablot ng ID na nasa dibdib ko. Isang tango lamang ng ulo ang natanggap ko mula sa guwardiya ng Embahada.

Hinahabol ko pa ang hininga ko dahil sa halos isang kilometrong tinakbo ko papuntang gate ng embahada nang makarinig ako ng isang sigaw sa di kalayuan.

May rally na naman.

Isang buntong hininga ang kasunod ng pagpihit ko sa button ng kamera. Suot ang itim na polo shirt na basa na ng pawis, maong na kupas at rubber shoes na pudpod na ang swelas, handa na akong sumabak sa giyera.

Marami ng demonstrasyon ang nasaksihan ko. Mula sa mga estudyanteng sumisigaw na ibaba ang matrikula, mga manggagawang humihirit ng taas sweldo, mga pamilyang nawalan ng tirahan dahil sa urbanisasyon, mga tagatuligsa ng mga nagdaang administrasyon, mga taong sigaw ay patalsikin sa pwesto ang tiwaling pulitiko, at mga katutubong ipinaglalaban ang inaangking lupa ng pamahalaan. Ang mga taong ito ay nabibilang sa 5% na tinatawag na Pambansang minorya. Sektor na patuloy na nakikibaka sa malayang pagpapasya at pagkilala hanggang ngayon.

“Itigil ang militarisasyon!”

“No to plunder of ancestral lands!”

“Yes to Independent Foreign Policy!”

BaTUTA ng Banyaga

By Mary joy gasis with reports from pamela stephanie ferrer

lak ako ng tawag ng tungkulin para lumakad at tuluyang nagtugma ang ritmo ng aming mga hakbang.

bawat tao ay naputol ng hampas ng mga batuta at suntok ng kamaong bato.

Ang simula ng lahat Mag dadalawang oras na ring babad ang mga raliyista sa nakatirik na araw. Bakas ko sa kanilang mukha ang pagod ngunit sa bawat pagtanggal ng sumbrero at paghawi ng pawisang buhok, makikita mong tila naiibsan ang kanilang sakripisyo.

Agad kong hinablot ang kamera at kumuha ng litrato. Isang batutang sumampal sa braso ng isang mama, isang aleng hinahawi ang basang buhok sa mukha, isang pulis na kumakaladkad, pulang digta at bandal sa pader ng embahada, isang nakataas na kamay sa gitna ng makapal na usok ng teargas, at isang pagpupulong ng mga taong galit at dismaya ang agenda.

Nanatiling maingay ang paligid.

Mali. Hindi na nga ingay ang rehistro ng mga tunog na naririnig ko.

Ang bawat sigaw, salita, at boses ay nagmistulang musika ng nagkakaisang pagkilos.

Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.

Nabasag ng businang ito ang musika sa aking pandinig. Patuloy na lumalakas ang tunog. Ang mga pulis na dati ay 100 metro ang layo mula sa amin ay papalapit ng papalapit. “Nakikiusap ho kami na kung maaari ay tapusin ninyo na ang inyong programa at lisanin na ang embahada dahil nakakaabala na ho tayo sa publiko.” Anunsyo ng Police Officer.

Nagsimulang bumagal ang usad ng trapiko, lumakas ang sigaw ng mga rallyista na marahil ay pinaigting ng insultong narinig mula sa kapulisan. At kasunod nito ang tuluyang pagkawala ng himig ng pagkakaisa at pag igting ng galit mula sa magkabilang kampo.

Hindi kami aalis!

US TROOPS OUT NOW! Larawang kupas Ang mga rallyistang kanina’y maayos na nakahanay ay unti unti nang tumitiko. Ang espasyo na humahati sa dalawang kampo ay tuluyan

“US TROOPS OUT NOW!” Iyan ang sigaw ng halos isang libong hindi magkamayaw na mga demonstrador na nanggaling sa timog kasama ang iba pang katutubong grupo at mga mamamahayag. Lumad. Tribal Filipino Program of Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS). Moro and Indigenous People Alliance: SANDUGO. Muslim. Ilan lamang sila sa mga tumayo para ipaglaban ang iba’t ibang isyu ng mga grupo ng menorya. Malinaw mula sa kinatatayuan ko ang bawat letra ng kanilang panawagan. Sa bawat pitik ng lente ng aking kamera, tila humahakbang ako papalapit sa kanila; hindi na lamang letra ang malinaw sa aking paningin, maging ang kanilang mga mukhang kunot na sa lagablab ng araw.

Nang ilayo ko ang kamera sa aking mata, natanto ko na walang hakbang ang nagmula sa akin. Sila ay siyang umaabante. Ngunit itinu-

November - March Issue

nang naglalaho.

Ang hindi nakikitang lubid na nagbibigkis sa

Sa kabila ng pagsuporta sa mithiin ng kasalukuyang administrasyon na humiwalay na sa Amerika at pagpanig sa pagkamit ng makapilipinong panukala, ang simpatyang hangad nila sa kapulisan at sa mga mamamayan ay nasuklian ng karahasan.

Ni hindi ko magawang mailayo ang kamera sa aking mata dahil ngayon mas malinaw ang aking nakikita. At ako ay umaasang mabura na ang linyang humihiwalay sa menorya at kalahatan kasabay ng pagkupas ng mga larawang ng karahasan na nakuha ko. Dahil noon pa man mailap na ang pag unawa at pagdining sa kanilang mga boses na sa matagal na ng panahon ay unti unti nang napapapaos.

Higit na masaklap ang kapalaran ng menorya sa tigang na lupang kanilang kinatatayuan na sa kalaunan ay napalambot na ng sariling luha, pawis, at dugo nang simulang paikutin ang manibela ng may kapangyarihan at tahasang patumbahin na parang bowling pins ang sino mang haharang. At, higit na maswerte ang pumiling manatiling hawak ang batuta at kalasag at magtago sa anino ng ban-

yagang hawak sila sa leeg kaysa itayo ang kapwa tao, kapwa Pilipino. Sila na maaaring nabulag ng kapangyarihan at nakapikit na ginagawa ang tungkulin laban sa higit na marurupok na kung iisipin mas nangangailangan ng pagsuporta at pagprotekta.

Tila lumiliit ang lugar para sa aming lahat. Kumakapal ang komosyon at sumusukob ang langit.

Halos wala na akong makita. Puro tulak sa likod, tapak sa paa at pukol sa ulo ang nararamdaman ko.

Namamanhid ang aking mga bisig na kaninapang nakataas hawak ang aking kamera. Kinakapos na ako ng hininga. Pinilit kong lumayo sa centro ng kaguluhan at nagtagumpay ako. Naitapon ako sa gilid ng bugso ng mga rallyista.

Si Boboy Saka pa lamang lumiwanag ang lahat.

Tila mga natutumbang dominong nakahanay pabilog ang paghupa ng mga tao. Naiwang nakabulagta ang isang binatilyong dugo ang sapin sa ulo. Halos 10 metro ang layo ko sa kanya ngunit rinig na rinig ko ang kaniyang bulong.

“Tulong! Tulong!”

Bigla kong naalala ang isang binatilyong katutubo na nakapanayam ko noon. Si Boboy.

Tandang tanda ko pa ang bawat letra ng kaniyang hinaing: Lumalaban kami ngayon dahil sino pa ba ng magtatanggol sa aming mga katutubong hinihintay na lamang na maglaho sa lipunang ito. Sino pa ba ang maninindigan sa mga lupaing saksi na ng aming paglago at pakikibaka para sa kulturang ipamamana? Sino pa ba ang ipaglalaban ang aming mga karapatan at boses bilang menorya, na sa tingin ng nakakarami ay isa

lamang hadlang sa pag unlad ng bansa? Ako. Lumalaban ako dahil maaaring wala na akong ipaglaban bukas dahil tuluyan na kaming iniligpit ng lipunan.

Ang mga daing na ito ay hindi na lamang boses ni Boboy o kung sino man iyong nakabulagta. Ito na ang sigaw na ng Pamabansang menorya.

Ang Batuta Humupa ang dagsa ng tao na parang mga bulang unti unting naglalaho. Mangilan ngilan na lamang na kapwa ko mamamahayag ang nakikita ko. Ang mga pulis ay bitbit ang 29 rallyistang kanilang inaresto. Sa pag-iral ng pagpapalayas sa mga rallyista ay mahigit kumulang 50 ang nasugatan at nasaktan at tiyak na natikman nila ang bangis ng batutang nasa harap ko.

Walang pagdadalawang isip kong pinulot ang nakatiwangwang na batuta. At tila bumalik ako sa mga nangyari isang oras pa lamang ang nakalilipas. Sa mga oras na iyon iniisip kong hawak ko ang batutang sumampal sa karapatang pantao ng karamihan. Hawak ko ang batutang bumasag sa salamin ng matahimik na protesta. Hawak ko ang batutang nagdulot ng bukol at pasa sa mga huwad na braso ng mga rallyista. At, Hawak ko ang batutang instrumento ng kapulisan na nagdikta ng kanliang aksyon at tungkulin.

Walang parehong dugong dumadaloy, kulay na nagdidikta, lupang kinatitirikan sa nabansagang Pilipinong piniling magbuhat ng kamy laban sa kapwa niya mamamayan. Ang sinumang magtangkang nakawin ang karapatan, abusuhin ang kapangyarihan, at kumitil ng buhay ay tatawagin kong banyaga sa kanyang sariling lupa.

Ngunit, hindi tulad ng mga unang may hawak dito, HINDI AKO BANYAGA!

Artwork and page layout by mikko Paragas

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FORGIVE THE

WATCHDOGS

BY CHRISTIAN TADURAN | HORNS FOR HALOS

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his is a column of good news, bad news, and why the media have to report both. I am writing this column days after the Philippines has seen a dramatic jump in its economy: a 6.8% jump, higher than expectations, etcetera, etcetera, you get the point. And a lot of months after the Philippines has seen a dramatic jump in the judiciary: Corona ousted, judicial reforms, to God be the glory says Chief Justice Lourdes Sereno. I am writing this column now because this is one of those times when people gather in hushed voices, saying that what the media always do is to report bad news, that they do nothing to help the country.

Let’s say this right.

On a nice Sunday morning, the newspaper on your doorstep tells you about the Philippine National Police being handed a new set of assault rifles, but not the staggering crime rate in your neighborhood.

And the next day, newscasters are reporting on the rising economy, but not the tens of thousands of people who h a r d ly make both ends meet.

That kind of media was last seen back in 1972 when we were still under martial law.

It was when truth was hiding in the slums where people die of hunger, it was when truth was the bullet you load into the rifle, the trigger you jerk, and the target you kill.

Now fast forward 40 years later and we’ll see that the media have taken on a new form, to the dismay of no less than President Benigno Aquino III. A quick trip down to memory lane will tell us that it was President Aquino who has lambasted the kind of media we have today twice and he has delivered them quite well in many media celebrations in which he was guest. Many times he has blamed the media for reporting the bad news, for writing about the rising economy along with the rising crime rate. Your bad news is a danger to us all, he says. He

goes on to of the motley crew of potential tourists we could have attracted had it not been for the media. Our tourist influx, he adds, is already on a free fall continuum.

Why don’t you give us good news, he asks, why do you make us look bad to the international community.

Once and for all, let’s get things straight. I do not claim to know everything about the government but as far as I am concerned – and

is now eating your taxes for breakfast. After all, good news doesn’t make good government; good governance does.

To dictate the media what they should and should not report is to suppress freedom of expression and the right of the people to the truth, at the very least. If ever comes to that, then media institutions will be no more than a bunch of public offices where the government announces its projects and achievements for the day. Who helped who, who gave what, who fed who. In fact, I’ll bureaucratic journalism for good measure.

Perhaps the media can start this closure by giving government officials part time jobs in newspapers and, while they’re at it, they can also let journalists hold public offices. And it will all be the end of journalism as we know it.

Technically – and this is hard journalism – the media worth meant to ally their selves with the government. They were meant to stake their allegiance to the public. The media weren’t called the great fourth estate for nothing. I’m not the first person to say this, but it pays to emphasize that the media’s main function is t o check on the other three estates: the executive, legislative and judiciary. To put it simply, the media’s job is to act as a watchdog not as a mouthpiece.

this is not h a r d politics – the job description of every government official is to protect and serve the people. There you have it. It doesn’t take a political analyst to know what the government should have up its sleeves or projects that truly benefit its people. It doesn’t take a law student to know that the government has plucked its country out of the mess, one or another. That means that a 6.8% economic bounce is its job, that means that providing a safe environment is its job. The default government should be a good government. If it’s somehow veers away from the matuwid na daan then that’s where the media comes in because they have to report to the people that the good government

If the government somehow ends up in other paths other than the righteous one, expect the media to report the wrong doing to the people. That’s the pernicious job of the fourth estate. This is also the reason why the other three estates always make it a point to gang up on the media. That’s the pernicious job of the three estates, if not they’re not excessively hang up with something else they don’t want us to know. That the media have been criticize for being allegedly unhelpful to the country is unhelpful in every sense of the world. This is how the media skin a cat. If bad governance comes from home to roost, forgive the watchdog, but hell hath no fury like a Filipino scorned.

Page Layout by Mikko Paragas and Ralph FIlio

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OPINION

Homegrown Cynicism Miguel Enrico Imperial

enda Luisita were voiceless.

Morally, of course, a child bleeding needs more attention. We are still humans no matter what. The danger of singling out an issue is that it creates a faction of supporters only looking at the said issue, the rest are invisible.

Green should be a primary color

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hat is worse? A bleeding child or a burning tree?

I googled top headlines of 2016.

Scoured for “green” news, there were a few and they all revolved to two things – either statements from Trump or Lopez regarding climate change as a hoax and rebuttals against mining moguls. Not one actually was about the environment itself. Even in possible “green” news, it turns into “skintoned” news.

Probably, you chose the former.

Me too. But after watching Racing Extinction (it features covert operations against shark-fin sellers and a professional track racer against high carbon emissions), I reconsidered. Then I realized that before pity, there should be obvious visuals of suffering, a noticeable expression of sorrow, and a tree burning does not have these. Lot of things do not have these; our inability to deduce the pain and suffering from the plain should be talked about and changed.

Researching further, I realized that most of my Facebook friends, most are activists, and including me, have not posted anything about the environment, at least according to our recent activities, most were anti-capitalist and social justice statements. I immediately thought that they should feel guilty but I am the one who should feel guilty the most – an Environmental Management student.

Yet, there is no answer, choosing one would single out an issue; and the last time we did this, Cory Aquino farmed the public’s voice and became the Mother of Democracy while mother farmers of Haci-

When a tree burns, it does not simply burn and go to ashes, it produces Carbon Dioxide (CO2) due to the smoke. A dying tree (especially if burning) emits Methane (CH4) and Carbon Dioxide, these

Environmental justice has become left out of the mainstream.

gases roam around freely, with Carbon Dioxide not being converted to Oxygen (O2).

As it roams around, it piles up in the atmosphere, thus called as the Greenhouse effect. What the Greenhouse effect does is it basically traps dangerous gases inside our atmosphere. One effect of this is the acidification of our oceans and the death of phytoplanktons.

Just like proper labor laws or local-leaning markets, phytoplanktons are also vital to a healthy human society.

Marine conservationist Boris Worm, tells the audience during his talks to breathe two times – a demonstration, and not a warm-up activity. His reason? Half of the oxygen in the world is produced by these phytoplanktons; and they are dying at rates faster than the previous three or five years combined.

More locally, the emergence of Starmall and Robinson’s mall.

Not just it will convert greenfields to concrete but it will also generate a lot of commercial waste and Greenhouse gases. When our mountains of waste are already in for transfer, it is a clear message that the waste are a lot and management cannot keep up.

This is not to defame the benefits these two establishments - employment of contractuals, municipal tax which blurs out af-

ter passing from a few concerned individuals, entertainment that is systemic consumerism - will bring but as Schumacher of Economics said, “much of the economic decay of Southeast Asia (as of many other parts of the world) is undoubtedly due to a heedless and shameful neglect of trees.” In this case, healthy grass and soil.

Quality of life is not measured solely by wage, education, and social welfare, the environment should also be factored in. There is no quality of life to be measured, or even life when there is still shark fin soup sold or when a plastic bottle is in the biodegradable bin.

Even in social justice, we are selfish, species-wise. Back to what I said earlier, most of us pity only to those things with obvious visuals of suffering like crying, bleeding, shouting – too human features. We fail to connect to un-human kinds of suffering like a spilled sack of rice or a typhoon (sometimes we even wish to have one).

This also speaks for altruism.

People are more inclined to people-service and not environmental service because in people-service there is confirmation, the affirmation of the act. In environmental service, it is rare or even none, unless one documents it; one does it for the whole. And the trees would not affirm one’s act.

To deconstruct situations like the burning tree and find its dan-

ger, one must study to relate a mundane scene to devastation and correlate it to the bigger picture. The burning tree would not speak up, well, unless it is a Burning Bush, it might.

This dependency is normal.

Who will look at a burning tree with enough time to analyze it? It is like watching a paint dry, also environmentally dangerous. Analyze then sympathize.

This is how activism starts.

People act on things under the limelight; that is basic. Why hide the environment from it? As long as these issues far from priority number one, there is no complete social reform.

If only a turtle or an icecap can talk, just like the children in wartorn areas, they probably will say, “fight for me.” Social responsibility does not stop to two-legged creatures; it goes beyond the number of legs. It does not have any stops.

Rapid extinction of many species, increase of Carbon emission, gradual increase of global temperature, undisciplined basic segregation, rampant illegal poaching and logging, these are things still worth fighting for, especially for the youth. There is no society to be fought for when everything is gray and dead. Remember the fact we are living and alive in in Earth, if there are any victims of injustices, it is the nearest tree.

Birds of Prey Jastine Joy Escuro

Daring the difference

R

emember when President Duterte catcalled GMA Network reporter Mariz Umali?

It was, according to him, a compliment to the said reporter. But would you consider such behavior a compliment if it is a subject to unwelcome sexual advances?

Gender discrimination and sexism are important issues that have been highlighted not only the type of bias that plagues sexuality, and discrimination wherein it often intersects with one other.

“You can’t do it,” said the boss, referring to all the research fieldwork projects of a pregnant woman.

“You are kicked off!”

This is a scenario told by a pregnant woman working in academia kind of development program agency in Chile - women are underrepresented in work positions or promotions because of sexism or gender discrimination.

In the most destructing sense, “being a woman is being weak”, they say. To support this would be the racism in science- the racism of evolution theory of Darwin, wherein it taught that women are ‘biologically’ inferior to men. These ideas of science, have had a major impact in the society.

“There is neither east nor west/ border nor breed nor birth/ when two strong ‘women’ stand face to face though they come from the ends of the earth.” If we could rewrite Kipling’s poem, well, we will have it right. It helps to have a common enemy, which we have in any law or tradition that tries to prevent females from doing anything they want to. It is tempting to regard this as a plus, but there is an unresolved dilemma for feminists.

Many women also feel that if they speak up about sex discrimination, it will have negative repercussions for them. But why should it? Feminism is not a dirty word.

Feminists do not hate men, they are not ‘feminist-killjoys’ whining

about every good thing that may happen to men.

How often does it have to be said that feminism is not about hating men. It’s about wanting the same rights, chances and privileges that men have – things like decent chances of promotion at work and equal pay for equal work and being taken seriously about sexual harassment. Feminism is created to avoid these gender discriminations and to instill that there is a sense why women exist; that women must be empowered. They are, or shall I say ‘we’ are just aware that there is inequality between the sexes and we attempt to resolve this, FULL STOP. Let’s say this right. On a nice Monday morning, a student rode a tricycle to school and seated in the driver’s seat. After her, a man rode the same tricycle and seated beside her. So, the scenario is, ‘driver-student-man’ in the motorcycle part. The man in a secret manner, caressed her. Having no enough space, she couldn’t move and she cannot find for a step to hurt the man in return. She’s in a helpless scenario. All she can say to the man after she landed to school was “Ang lakas ng tama ng libog mo kuya!” She ran and cry.

I witnessed another situation, same as hers. A student from a dif-

ferent university. She was in a bus from school, seated before a man with ranging 30-40 year of age. I am standing in front of her and this old man. My innocent mind has just witnessed a random scandal. Few kilometers away, the lady dressed in her school uniform stopped the bus and went off. I followed her with my belief that she needed someone with her. She was standing, waiting for another bus to come. “Bat wala kang ginawa?”

I asked her without even thinking why. She just cried herself off.

We are women; many men think that we are weak, we are nothing more than them, but that’s a fallacy. We are greater than what we think we are. We have our own rights that could improve our status quo.

Technically – women were not made to be just a ‘sex-labor’. You were meant not only to serve your husband, give him pleasures, cook him meals, or wash his clothes. You were meant to be part of this society where your life lies on, where it brings definition of who you are and who you will be. You were not called to be “woman” just for nothing. I am not the only person to say this, but it pays to emphasize, that women’s main function is to protect herself so she can protect her society and participate fully in life across all sectors is essential to

build stronger economies, achieve internationally agreed goals for development and sustainability, and improve the quality of life for women, men, families and communities. To put it simply, women are women, useful and responsible for change.

Women, you have your potential – potential to create a future, potential to drive yourself for a better future to lie on, potential that your mindset has. A mindset that goes beyond, allows you to take risks, question the status-quo and stretch the boundaries of what you think you are capable of.

As words of Sylvia Plath says, “We shall by morning inherit the earth—our foot’s in the door”. We have certainly made great strides toward gender equality. But while our foot might be in the door, we are still standing outside—in the cold.

It is now time to fulfill the promise—to create a world where every little girl from every corner of every continent can fulfill her potential without impediment and without prejudice. To make sure that nobody ever again will doubt for even an instant that a woman can be a top surgeon, or indeed a leader in any field that she might choose. If we dare the difference, the difference will deliver.

ThePILLARS Publication

November - March Issue

17

OPINION

Clockwork Chronicler G r ac e M a r g a r e t J a u c i a n

dous event that was taking place.

It hurts to have thousands and thousands of victims cheated that easily.

Protests are the pursuit for truth. Truth sets you free as the cliché says. A nation trying to function despite in-authenticity and lies is a nation being hindered from reaching its goal – justice. It lacks the oil that loosens its rusty chain rings.

Storm before the calm

G

oing out onto the streets, marching under the sun’s prickly heat with your voices and fists high in the air, this projection of persistent belief is a value that is sometimes unseen. For so many years all over the world, protests have been the catalysts of change in oppressive regimes. Protests gave birth to a lot of rights people are enjoying today.

The period to appeal for motion reconsideration regarding the court ruling was not actually over yet when the Marcoses decided to stealthily proceed to bury the ex-dictator of the Philippines at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. It was around noon time at home when I found out about this, I rushed to school as soon as I heard that there were people gathering at the Four Pillars. At around one o’clock we were still few, but we were determined to initiate collective indignation of the horren-

Truth is Treason Ray Douvani Regondola

Sympathize with the Sympathizers

P

overty porn is guaranteed to be the most famous porn of them all in this country.

We could attribute millions of papers, videos, and reports to the never-ending quest of helping and saving the poor – strikingly at the expense of the very poor people themselves.

It is already ingrained in the deepest thoughts of society with the help of educational institutions

Protests has also had its negatives. Not all protests are good.

Sometimes, the advancements are too rigid that it strays away from what they are supposed to be about. There is a tendency for the current system to be replaced only by an alternative version of implicitly similar premises.

During that time, a lot of people were questioning the youth’s stances just because they were not alive during the Martial Law era. Some even say that we were only walking together with those people because of class incentives.

The youth is filled with energy and letting the fire die down, only clouds the truth with black smoke.

If people were to shut up, the burial would only serve as a legitimate reason to dismiss the atrocities of Martial Law as a myth, and the Martial Law golden era as a fact.

Silence helps historical revisionism become more successful.

Catalysts I remember a dinner time discussion about the best colleges in the Philippines, upon hearing several names of schools someone said, “Oh! I don’t like those protesters, they’re all so uneducated.”

When the University of the Philippines, a school where student activism is highly actualized was mentioned. Not being so sure how to defend protests anyway, I just sat there in silence with a blank face.

To be honest, I started out as someone who did not have a hard stance towards anything. I had my half-baked views on socio-political issues because even my knowledge were limited, I did not bother to expand them. I am often surrounded by journalists, debaters and writers. Labels that I am not a fan of identifying myself with despite my membership.

As I have observed – they are people who almost always have something to say about things.

Having had the influences of these people I surround myself with here in Ateneo, I have grown to dig deeper into things that matter– human rights, gender equality, protection of the minorities and so much more.

I strive to know more not only for my own benefit but because I have come to realize that the pressing issues are not just issues that I should know because

and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that citizens should extend their hands to the marginalized – promoting catchy slogans and heart-wrenching photographs left and right. Our eyes soften and our hearts “bleed” when stories of poor people keep circulating in social media or in hard print.

dren who should be in school and having fun have been observed at night being sold to pedophiles for allowance money. All of these stories face the same tragedy over and over again, these remain as just that – stories without action, except in garnering likes and shares for the popularity of a page or person.

Such as the story of an old person who carried his sick wife on a large blanket to the nearby hospital. Drenched in sweat and tears, and walking by foot, he managed to get near the place of his wife’s salvation with bystanders looking intently on the old couple. But at the end of the merciless trek his wife left him. And the only thing that was left in many people’s minds, “Why was there no medical clinic nearby or even a barrio doctor to assist the village?”

But despite these social media machinations, still one of the most blatant and most obvious sources of poverty porn are game shows.

Many game show studios would often play videos of the poor person of interest with three main elements: squatters area as the background, sad or tragic stories as the plot, and hope as the main theme.

While social awareness may sound nice, it is the intent that should draw flak – get higher ratings.

Numerous stories such as a homeless mother who works day and night to feed her seven children, farmers who exhaust themselves to death so that their children could graduate, and chil-

Many poverty-ridden people would do anything that the game show host would like them to do which is usually at their expense.

They would do mostly embarrassing skits, and being subjected to

the academe calls me to be socially aware. I thought being socially aware already equated to the opposite of apathy but I was wrong. Compassion, solidarity, rage – whenever you feel strongly against or for something, that is the opposite of apathy, not being unwitting. Hollowness is being void of emotions.

cate but choose to disregard this knowledge. I have heard values like democracy come from the same leaders who eliminated people just when their faulty system was challenged. I witnessed these leaders use their power to manipulate people into going with their righteousness-filled-excuses for their unfair configurations.

The problem is that people never really tend to bother unless things hit home. Some would rather resort to individualism if negating things would not work for their own benefit anyway. To not be apathetic, is to not be selfish.

There is a social contract supposing that the government should serve the people but its as if it’s the other way around.

Though power is supposed to be from the people, there is still a struggle as to how they would be able to forward their rights given that the people in the office today more often addresses issues lousily. Especially if it serves none of their interests. This is where public clamor becomes highly relevant.

I have cultured the ability to genuinely care as I delved further into the issues that are affecting the society. Caring is the opposite of apathy. A question that may be frequently asked by the curious, detached, the young, the elitists, or just people wondering is this: Why rally?

Relevance of Public Clamor “You can always forward your concerns through diplomatic procedures anyway.”, “Why not run for the office yourself instead?” or even “Protesters. They’re the cause of traffic!” These are just some of the things people say against rallying.

It is such be in when with people count on to

a difficult position to the room is packed you know you could know what to advo-

horrible stereotypical jokes just to attain dole-outs.

However, if many of them stand up to such hypocrisies of society, they would be lambasted by the very same people who supposedly vowed to protect them. When they are dressed in simple and tattered clothing and are collecting pieces of trash in the streets, majority of the Philippine society would call them marginalized. But when their hands are clenched and raised up in the air with matching shouts of “Alisin ang kontraktwalisasyon,” “Libreng medisina at edukasyon,” or “Itaas ang sahod ng mga manggagawa,” they are called nuisances.

Unfortunately, this is the only realistic mean of letting the government and the people know, after countless negotiations had already fell on deaf ears, that their area is steaming with opportunists.

A reality wherein their rights are violated and their lives are exploited just so the “vultures” would earn thousands of pesos each day.

When people choose to remain silent in times of discord, that is when they are unwittingly favoring for the oppressor’s side.

Even then, it still contributes to the shackling of a pillar of belief.

Public clamor is highly relevant despite all of the inconveniences that comes with it. Going out onto the streets, marching under the sun’s prickly heat with your voices and fists high in the air, in this projection of persistent belief there is a value. I am still hopeful that amidst these hardships and even after the storm, is a peaceful calm that awaits us.

Now, how do we vanquish poverty from its roots when we keep on planting and making it grow intensely in the country? Especially if many people would continue to fall for the false promises of traditional politicians, usually guised under saccharine jingles and other colorful paraphernalia during elections, thus keeping the culture of corruption alive and well? Especially if apathy reigns supreme when trying to fight for the rights and welfare of the people?

These are the circumstances that should trigger many of our fellow men and women to act and to unite against such injustices. Bringing forward messages and proposals of having a more pro-people policy that should mandate the government and other organizations to provide high quality services at a low price instead of gaining profit from such services.

ThePILLARS Publication

18

MOVIE REVIEW

BY MIGUEL ENRICO IMPERIAL

T

he Filipinos have been given back democracy when the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos was ousted, and yet were all these people truly free? Orapronobis, a 1989 movie that was directed by the famous Lino Brocka and written by Jose Lacaba, tackled the disturbing state of the people who were still struggling to fight for human rights even after the tyranny of Marcos. Being inspired by the real atrocities under Corazon Aquino’s administration, the movie was later on banned from being shown in the Philippines by the president herself for seemingly containing a subversive message.

Orapronobis has shown the harsh reality without appearing too fictional. Hearing any background music wasn’t even needed to catch the viewer’s attention, for the scenes of oppression, though disturbing, wasn’t one that would make you close your eyes, rather, open them. The lead, Jimmy Cordero (Philip Salvador), symbolized the people who needed to see the continuing harassment before realizing that even after Marcos, violence didn’t stop.

When the political prisoners were released during Aquino’s time, Jimmy was one of them who changed their views in life.

From being a priest who joined the armed struggle, he married a human rights activist, Trixie (Dina Bonnevie) and was firm that democracy now reigns in the country.

Yet as he goes back to Dolores where his then sweetheart, Esper (Gina Alajar) lives, he started to see

November - March Issue

FEATURES

BOOK REVIEW

BY MARIA JOSEPHINE REYES

the fear that lived on. Paramilitary groups were formed after the release of the vigilantes, and one of those fearless, government-controlled groups is the Orapronobis.

Led by Kumander Kontra (Bembol Roco), the Orapronobis mercilessly executes anyone they suspect to be rebels, even when a lot of them are just civilians, just like Esper’s husband.

Wanting a safer place to stay, the people of Dolores seek refuge in the city. This did not guarantee their safety though, for later on, Esper and her son with Jimmy were abducted and harassed before being shot dead.

Towards the end of the movie did Jimmy really decide—from the dramatic turn of carrying his son’s lifeless body to the last scene where he searches and calls the number of his friend in the underground. It was time, for him to actually fight again and stop believing that peace can be attained by conforming.

Are the people of today like Jimmy, who needed his family to be harmed to finally stand up for what is right? Human rights are still violated today, and so there is a possibility that more and more people are merely conforming. To be aware is important, but to take action is another. We don’t need to suffer directly in order for us to know the abuses of power. We don’t need another Orapronobis, and it is in our hands to fight them now. Freedom and justice can only be truly ours if we seek for them.

“A cry for Justice.”

– Times Magazine

fairs then an anecdote from a local then a statistic; all these attributing to each statement’s strength.

However, the book poses a risk of being single-sided. It is biased; every writer has a bias but that should not limit having a bigger pool of sources. As said above, Corbett follows up each anecdote or statement with a statistic. The problem is the statistic is limited, only verbal and not visual. Here is an excerpt from Chapter 7 which discussed the rampant prostitution and high number of STDs:

For two years, Cubans were barred from the few tourist discotecas that stayed open. Like busy spiders, the police rid the concrete web of Havana and the Varadero beach resort of prostitution. The official red flag for this initial sweep was the marked rise in STDs such as gonorrhea. But HIV-positive cases had more than doubled, from thirty-four in the first four months of 1995 to eighty during the same period of 1996.

Even in interviews, majority were from the lower and middle class – despite the Revolution’s goal to abolish classes, divisions still remained. But, the limitedness of upper-class Cubans willing to speak or even interact with a curious tourist may be a reason. Corbett is also cynical with the obvious achievements Cuba have, the free education and world-renowned Cuban cardiologists; both are just propaganda of the Socialist media which he says as “Castro’s greatest weapon.”

W

here does the line between hero and tyrant mark itself? Progressive and regressive?

Ask the Cubans.

With the death of the country's Revolutionary president-dictator Fidel Castro, the question has not been more fitting.

Led and replaced by the same person, the 1959 Cuban Revolution ousted the oppressive Fulgencio Batista regime in hopes for a better government and country. Now, Cubans are experiencing the same woes they felt during the pre-Castro regime - at least according to Ben Corbett's book This is Cuba.

A 320-page book published last 2004 that “devoured a total of four years on both sides of the gulf and involved hundreds of people” according to Corbett.

The book has 23 chapters and each investigates its own turf: from the ideology of the Revolution to the country’s sugar industry, from accounts of fleeing citizens to a critique on the Cuban economy. Yet, each chapter is seamlessly connected to one another.

One talent Corbett surely has is subtle yet in-depth investigating. In his four year stay – and not detained and made a book after - he managed to befriend Ana, a 25-year-old professor and a member of the Young Communist League; an international artist who left Cuba because of the censorship and persecution and insisted anonymity for safety; and Carlos, an imprisoned celebrity for he tried to leave the island illegally.

Inside the book are anecdotes such as “This isn't really happening. Not in Cuba. Here we are the victorious Cuban Revolutionaries waving our flags and fighting for justice. Haven't you seen us on television?” These anecdotes place themselves randomly in the book, a reinforcement for the organic authenticity the book intends to deliver. It may seem that the book is just am opinion piece of Corbett against Cuba; but it is not. The opinion is shared apparently.

Having talked a lot to unsatisfied and disgruntled Cubans, – some are even part of the 1959 Cuban Revolution – the flow of each chapter is usually started by an observation of the current af-

Corbett shows a finesse in illustrating points. Despite being a tricky topic, he criticized well the Cuban economy. He does not save on words, yet still brief, when explaining key concepts and connecting ones. On the country’s tourism industry and dollar economy, he spelt out how the sugar industry was replaced by the tourism industry in order to obtain dollars and boost the economy, contradicting to Castro’s anti-imperialist, -capitalist, and –U.S. “Cuba is not Socialist. . . Cuba is Centralist,” said the author’s friend Enrique, finishing their dinner conversation.

What is wonderful about This is Cuba is it is not just an informal social reportage nor a slice-in-the(Cuban)-life that demands immediate sympathy, it is a reminder of classic tones. To see this book as a mere journalistic piece would be unfair to Armando who sells his work-given sandwich, his lunch, for extra income.

It is not just stories of who's who and what happened. Behind it all are lessons that warns us of propaganda, conviction, and the lack of do-it-your-own inquiry. Relevant themes of the times.

Page Layout by Mikko Paragas

ThePILLARSPublication Publication ThePILLARS

BERIBENTOT

November - March Issue

19

BERI SAD NEWS Si Beri, sarong studyante kang kurso Bs STP, Bachelor of science in Serving the people ay nawawara. Pasilon man lang marecognize si Beri. Naka T-shirt na nagsasabing “BERI Awesome� and regular na jeans.

Pirang aldaw na daa na dae nag laog si Beri. Si Beri dae man daa siya nagpapara absent sa mga klase niya.

Dae man daa nagpapahiling kay Gerlpren niya. She is Beri worried daa huhu. Sabi kang BesPren niya mayo man daa siya sa LIB nageenjoy kang Free Waypay (S/O sa smart)! nag shout out naman lang si Gerlpren niya sa Secret Files na magpahiling na siya. Dae man baga nagpapahiling.

Nag hanap naman sinda sa Meta. Mayo man sindang nadangog na kurahaw ni Beri, ta seryosohon itong mag DotA. Naka-Debate na daa sa Oral-com and Finals na sa Integral Calculus, and ang mga hapot daa kang mga Bespren niya - Nasain si Beri?

Anu naman daw hinihithit kadto?

On this sad sad day, si Beri ay nawawara. #thingsRBerihardW/OBeri