10
News
October - December
Protesters demonstrate their Community Rolling Library goes Regional || Airish Jane Lizaso opposition to the PUVMP Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa (PLMun) Young English Students’ Society (YESS) deadline in a nationwide strike successfully held the launching of Community Rolling Library (CRL) last October 7, 2023 || Ceven Rosquites & RV Balbuena
Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON), in partnership with Bayan Muna Partylist, conducted its first day of the two-day transport strike to oppose and protest the incoming deadline for the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) in front of the City Terminal, Alabang, Muntinlupa on December 14, 2023. An estimated 100-300 jeepney drivers and operators joined, carrying placards alongside the road of Alabang that called for the reversal of the decision made by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on the deadline of franchise consolidation of traditional jeepneys on December 31, 2023. Most jeepney drivers are taking a firm stand that the consolidation or the forming of jeepney drivers and operators into corporations and cooperatives is the government’s first step in eradicating traditional jeepneys to pave the way for modernized jeepneys and electric jeepneys, which costs Php 1.4 to 3 million per unit. The transport group pointed out that the Php 50,000–100,000 standard membership in the cooperatives is a futile attempt by officials to acquire money. Once a jeepney is consolidated, there is no assurance that it is more effective than what LTFRB claims. Moreover, in the current state of their salaries, which revolves around Php 500–Php 1000, they believe it is a far-fetched idea to let them shoulder the Php 1.4–3.4 million cost per unit of modern jeepneys, considering that the 8-hour duration of their job would likely decrease due to the charging hours of the electric jeepneys. The LTFRB is confident that the PUVMP will proceed despite resistance from transportation workers, and it is adamant about the deadline for the program’s consolidation requirement. Jaime Bautista, secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), has declared that there is no way to extend the deadline. “Adhering to the current timeline ensures that everyone can reap the benefits of the full operationalization of our modernized public transport system. Hence, the scheduled timeline will not be moved,” said President Marcos in his latest statement. PISTON demands the intensive review of the Omnibus Franchising Guidelines, opposing the impending Php 40 to Php 50 increase in fare rates once PUVMP is implemented, to junk the modernization program, abolish the excise oil and gas tax, give financial aid to jeepney drivers and operators, and remove the penalties served by the LTFRB. They also apologized to the commuters affected by the strike, highlighting that the protest was necessary for government officials to take action. “Dahil ang laban po ng jeepney drivers ay ‘di lamang po laban ng drivers kundi laban din po ng komyuter”, said Mr. Xavier Fajardo, a PISTON member at Alabang. Passengers and commuters sympathize with the jeepney drivers. They also opposed the fare increase if PUVMP is to be implemented. Moreover, they expressed dissatisfaction with the impending jeepney phaseout, stating that jeepney drivers and operators would suffer the consequences. Transport groups around Metro Manila gathered in front of the LTFRB office building in Quezon City, wherein PISTON and Bayan Muna Partylist members here in Muntinlupa also participated. Organizers may extend and continue the strike until officials respond to their demand; drivers may immediately cease their actions if negotiations prove successful. <w>
at the Pamahalaang Barangay ng San Roque, San Pedro, Laguna with the theme “Expanding Horizons: Community Rolling Library Goes Regional.” CRL is a series of simultaneous Saturday programs in different locations intending to help children learn. Student volunteers teach children about reading as well as values. They also give children supplies needed in school, gifts, learning kits, and food. CRL was the product of the research conducted by the English majors Kimberly Gabay, Roselle Guarino, and Alexys Jaira Faz. Its goal is to support students’ reading and literary skills, promote values integration opportunities, and provide students with learning materials and resources that will assist children’s development. On behalf of the College of Teacher Education (CTE) Dean Asst. Prof. Sannie A. Jusay, Mr. Eduardo O. Jusay Jr. delivered the opening remarks. Dr. Edsel R. Umali, Vice President for Research, Extension, Quality Assurance, Linkages, and International Affairs (REQALIA), followed with his statement of support. YESS Public Information Officer, Ms. Ma. Aurelyn Dumalaog, discussed the purpose and background of the CRL program. Moreover, YESS distributed food and gifts to the children who joined the event. They also conducted fun games for the children to participate in. Finally, YESS Adviser, Ms. Mary Jane De Vera, ended the event with closing remarks. Mr. Rhandel Lazo and Ms. Angel Julianne Arevalo hosted the event. “With the help of CRL, future educators can also improve their teaching method... In my personal experience, it made me equipped with the different personalities each student has, and with that, I can tailor my teaching strategies to cater to their differences.” Ms. Jasmin Joy Garces, YESS member, said in an interview, emphasizing that CRL opens a new opportunity for children, motivating them to learn and immersing themselves with various knowledge and imagination. <w>
The Warden Publication The Official Student Publication of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa
Editorial Board 2023 - 2024 Editor-in-Chief Wella Mae Tolento Associate/News Editor Airish Jane Lizaso Managing/Graphics Editor Rachel Casaljay Exchange Editor Cesca Marie Sumayod Features Editor Venus Jacinto Sports Editor Ronalyn Rodriguez Literary Editor Cassandra Nicole Bautista Entertainment Editor/Online Platform Manager Opinion Editor Jenny Gardose Angelica Matabang Head Correspondent Bernadette Anne Baldia Senior Layout Artist Nhel Christian Gecarane Senior Staff Writer Niñalyn Marcial Junior Literary Writer Cecille Grace Narisma Junior Literary/Entertainment Writer Tristan Uriel Cataluña Junior Sports Writer Andrea Kyla Carreon Junior Sports Writer John Herbert Leanillo Junior Graphics Artist Mark Brylle Ortega Apprentices Ceven Rosquites Ceinwen Guevarra Christian Benedict Caniones Harriet Catalla Jhena Mae Osia Jewel Magpale Technical Adviser Steven Barizo
John Darwin Encarnacion John Andrei Vincent Elio John Paolo Romero RV Balbuena Paul Nyll Muleta
