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NEWS
October - December
PLMun addresses scantron fee controversy || John Darwin Encarnacion
Following the October Institutional Midterm Examinations, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa (PLMun) finally engaged in an interview about the controversial introduction of a fee for scantron sheets. Ms. Melissa A. Untalan, Assistant Vice President on Finance shed light on the motivations and consequences of this decision on November 7, 2023. Ms. Untalan disclosed that the matter was initially deliberated at the Board of Regents meeting before the Midterm Institutional Examinations. The proposal surfaced through the Management Committee, notably brought by University President Dr. Raymundo P. Arcega, CESE. This strategic initiative aimed at addressing the rising cost of living and the necessity to enhance university revenue for competitiveness. “We really need to raise our revenue otherwise, we can’t compete with other educational institutions,” emphasized Ms. Untalan, adding that “...the cost of living nowadays is high.” Financial challenges faced by the university on crucial operations such as faculty salaries, administrative personnel, security, utility personnel, and facility supplies and maintenance compelled them to increase revenue to support it. “Babalik sa inyo iyan in terms of good service, good faculty, good facilities,” Ms. Untalan remarked, underlining the positive impact of the fee on service quality. The decision to impose a fee stemmed from the escalating costs of examination materials. Ms. Untalan clarified that materials are not covered by the Free Higher Education program of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). She pointed out that funding for laboratory examinations and extracurricular activities is excluded from the scholarship. In a subsequent interview on November 9, Ms. Liwayway Villanueva, Officerin-Charge of the University Business Center, addressed the practical aspects of the implementation. She acknowledged students rushing to acquire scantron sheets days before the examinations, even following an announcement made weeks earlier. Ms. Villanueva recommended bulk purchases through departmental or section representatives for faster transactions. She clarified that the availability of scantron sheets is now consistent, ensuring a steady supply for the institutional examinations. “Kailangan maging [mapag]pasensya talaga, kasi syempre, mag-isa lang naman ako,” responded Ms. Villanueva to student complaints raised online. However, she did not provide details on any plans to expedite manpower operations inside the center.
Photo Courtesy: LU Comm Production
PLMun Mr. and Ms. LCUAA 2023 representatives bring pride to the university || Cecille Grace Narisma
Mr. McJoseph Yuan San Jose and Ms. Alexandra Nicole Pecundo of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa (PLMun) successfully secured the titles Mr. LCUAA 2023, and Ms. LCUAA 4th runner-up at the Mr. and Ms. Local Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (LCUAA) 2023 held at the Metro Central Mall, Sta. Cruz, Laguna, last October 11, 2023. McJoseph Yuan San Jose, crowned as Mr. LCUAA 2023, is a 4th year English major of the College of Teacher Education, an advocate of bullying awareness, and a volunteer teacher of the Young English Student Society (YESS) community extension program, Community Rolling Library (CRL), which aims to teach children, especially those unprivileged, to have a formal education. Mr. LCUAA 2023 was comforted by the result. “I know na hindi ako mababash sa school. ‘Yon ang naging pressure upon joining… Pag-uwi ko galing Laguna, I really [felt] happy at the same time there’s this kilig sa puso na I was able to really represent our university sa national pageant nang maayos.”
Looking back, Ms. Untalan outlined the evolution of examination practices at PLMun. Before the pandemic, students autonomously purchased yellow pads and test booklets externally. During the pandemic, all examinations transitioned online. Post-pandemic, scantron sheets were introduced temporarily on a ‘testing basis’ initially offered for free.
Meanwhile, Alexandra Nicole Pecundo, a College of Information Technology and Computer Studies (CITCS) student, captured the title Ms. LCUAA 4th runner-up. She also took part in an organization that promotes public good and welfare for the community and is an advocate of information literacy for marginalized societies.
Despite the ratified decision before examinations, there’s no concrete plan to lift the fee. Ms. Untalan stressed that it would persist until all aspects are successfully addressed. She acknowledged that despite online grievances, few members of the studentry interacted physically with the university regarding this matter. Notably, she expressed satisfaction that most students accept the fee, understanding the university’s financial challenges.
“I feel very grateful kasi with all my competitors. I saw how great and dedicated they were compared to me” Ms. LCUAA 2023 4th runner up said, feeling grateful in landing in the Top 5.
As PLMun enters the post-midterm phase, the discussion surrounding the scantron fee extends beyond financial matters. It serves as a transformative moment in time, urging stakeholders to shape an evolved educational measure marked by resilience, understanding, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. In this ongoing conversation, the university community is positioned to address challenges, promote transparent communication, and collaboratively work towards a learning environment that balances financial stability with the essential needs of the student body. <w>
Both winners started joining pageants and competitions in 11th grade in senior high and continuously ran in pageantries until their recent win. “I want to prove those people na kaya ko, hindi ako magpapadefine sa sinasabi nila.” Mr. San Juan further said. “Never be afraid of making mistakes kapag kinikilala mo ang sarili mo. Remember you are still young. You are still knowing yourself. You are still exploring, so never be afraid and be grateful,” the advice of Ms. Pecundo for the unheard voices of the students. Both are looking forward to an opportunity to join pageants in the future. Mr. San Jose wanted to use pageants to raise awareness and to break toxic stereotypes of Philippine pageants. While Ms. Pecundo wanted to promote her advocacies, particularly providing technology and information literacy. <w>
