August 2014 - May 2015 Issue
2 2015 ASEAN Integration: Challenges and Opportunities By Gerriane Faith Rizon & Sherwin Oro Gabrinez
With the 2015 Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Integration, students and faculty members can look forward to more opportunities to study abroad. This is what ASEAN Universities Network (AUN) Executive Director, Dr. Nantana Gajaseni, said during her speech at the ASEAN Academic Summit held in UP Cebu on June 17, 2014. “We open opportunities to the ASEAN students not only for the AUN member universities but also for the nonmember AUN university as well,” she said. The whole day event, with the theme “ASEAN Integration and ASEAN Higher
Education” brought together 40 academic and private institutions from around the Visayas to talk about the opportunities and challenges presented by the 2015 integration. In her talk, Gajaseni, also an assistant professor at the Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, focused on two main topics – mobility and harmonization. According to Gajaseni, the AUN’s role in supporting higher education in the ASEAN regions is tri-fold. The AUN will focus on: (1) the internationalization of Higher Education or promotion of ASEAN awareness, (2) harmonization or betterment of the quality of higher education and (3) cross border mobility. Gajaseni also encouraged
students to be open-minded about opportunities and the ASEAN integration, saying “Some universities are still lecture-based and some students cannot be trained well in terms of creativity, analytical skills or decision making. The student has to learn outside the classroom by engaging in extracurricular activities, another channel for the student to learn.” Aside from academic knowledge, students can ensure their acceptance into exchange programs by being competent in science, mathematics, IT and linguistics, as, according to Gajaseni, knowing a second language adds to your value. For non-AUN member universities, they can raise their quality of education by following the AUN Quality As-
surance (QA) guidelines. Challenges However, aside from opportunities, the 2015 integration also brings with it challenges for the state universities and colleges in the Philippines. According to Dr. Rhodora Azanza, the Assistant VicePresident for Academic Affairs in the University of the Philippines (UP), it cannot be denied that the 2015 integration brings with it a lot of competition. “We will be opening up to the rest of ASEAN. Yung standards nung ASEAN employer, we have to meet that. We have to review our curriculum, see its comparability and competitiveness,” she said. Dr. Alvin Culaba from De La Salle University, also
stated in his talk during the summit that the cost of going on exchange programs is “prohibitive for outbound students” referring to the high amount of costs students will have to shoulder. Culaba also said that “Internalization competes with other priorities such as academics” going on to state that the end goal of a learning institution is the quality of its education. In terms of jobs, Azanza stated that UP is working double time to make sure that it will not be left behind. “Everybody else will be competing for a set of jobs, a set of opportunities. We have to prepare our students, our graduates to cope with that challenge, to be able to survive,” she said.
Pascual Reports to UP Cebu; Responds to Concerns By Korinna Lucero
“We in UP must succeed not because we have a reputation to protect but because we have a country to serve.” Pres. Alfredo Pascual, President of the University of the Philippines, closes his discussion with this statement, and tries to instil the spirit of serving the country towards the UP Cebu community. His visit took place in UP Cebu’s Arts and Sciences Hall on February 3, 2015. An open forum was conducted after his discussion as the highlight of the event. Being the 8th constituent of the UP system, Pascual reminds UPC is now part of the UP system despite encompassing only 2.8% of the UP population and despite being the only constituent college in the system. “You’re not small; you’re part of the big university.” He also presented UP’s strategic plan and the current situation and milestones on the programs previously implemented.
STS and Internationalization Part of the strategic plan is to “internationalize” the university. Its main goal is to increase UP’s productivity by bringing foreign students to our graduate programs. “I think the growth of UP Cebu should focus on graduate programs.” Academic calendar shift makes this possible. Pascual also voiced out his views on the Socialized Tuition System (STS) saying “I am very satisfied with the results.” Applications increased from 4091% and more are enjoying the full tuition discount, from 2654- 3350. Moreover, processing of applications became faster; from 2 to 12 months now 2 weeks to 3 months.” He admitted that 32% of the applicants appealed of the outcome of their STS results but he defended it by saying that there will always be “unique situations” which cannot be covered by the “predictive model” such as unforeseen expenses on an ill family member.
Despite his satisfaction on the current tuition system, he admitted the fact that “The socio-economic profile [of those] who enter UP do not reflect the socioeconomic profile of our country,” and that more and more UP students now belong to the higher brackets of the tuition system. According to him, the root cause can be found in admission and the only way to address this issue is by “democratizing” it. This means extending the chances of passing the UPCAT to those who experience low quality education. This can be done by making UPCAT reviews available over the web. Budget/ funds and facilities Pascual also delivered the good news regarding UP’s increased budget. Between 2012 and 2013, it has increased by 60% and this year, it has increased to 13, 143M from 9, 373M. He further expressed that funds must be utilized properly “I keep on reminding the chancellors that you need to spend the money,
don’t save.” During the open forum, Prof. Phoebe Sanchez, from the Social Sciences division, also raised the question on her policy research on housing programs in Cebu City. According to Sanchez, her research proposal has long been approved but, there seems to be a delay in the release of funds due to the “lengthy” accounting process. Prof. Gisela Concepcion, Ph.D, Vice President for Academic Affairs, responded by saying she will look up to this matter and will give updates as soon as possible. Unity and cooperation During the open forum, Pascual emphasized that student’s cooperation is badly needed in bringing out the best in UP. UP Cebu SC Councilor, Justine Balane, raised the concern on slow internet connection. In response, Pascual stated that an agreement has already been made with Smart telecommunications. The university will have access to academic
sites for free. He further explains that actions are made to increase bandwidth but still, it is not enough because aside from academic sites, students also access social media sites and other sites not really related to school works. What Pascual wants is cooperation from the students as well. France Degamo, UP Cebu SC Vice-Chairperson, also raised his concern on the “No ID, no entry policy” and questioned its efficacy. Dean Atty. Liza Corro answered by saying that UP Cebu spends 6 million for security out of its 15 million budget. “What do you want, we spend more?” Pascual adds that students can help minimize security expenses and should “Be proud in wearing the UP ID.” The said policy has already been implemented since April 16, 2015. The policy does not require students to wear their IDs all the time while inside the campus but, they are highly encouraged to do so.
3 opinion on this, stating that “Maybe they got used to the Justine Balane grabs the check mark system.” top position for the UP Cebu Student Council (SC) for Voter’s Turnout next Academic Year (A.Y.) There is a slight decline 2015- 2016. Balane ran un- for this year’s turnout-- from der the Union of Progressive 69. 70% last year to 69.11% Students (UPS) while Vince this year. Fine Arts students Dingding who ran under the had a 2.53 increase in its Nagkahiusang Kusog sa turnout compared to last Estudyante (NKE), wins the year’s 43.75% but still have Vice- chairperson position. the least number of voters compared to other year lev“Independent Coalition” els. What makes this year’s elections different from the Recount? previous ones is the formaIt is a one vote loss for tion of an independent coali- Nicole Carreon of UPS (336 tion. Not exactly a political votes) against Angel Trocio party, a coalition is formed (337 votes) of NKE. Of the 4 by independent candidates seats for the councilors, Tromerging together and having cio is the only one from aligned goals. In the format NKE. of their posters, the Office of UPS sent a letter adthe Student Affairs (OSA) dressed to the SEB requestalso instructed the coalition ing for a recount on the top 6 to use a distinct color for positions. Their letter stated each candidate so as not to “We believe that a one point confuse the voters and to gap is highly contentious emphasize that they are not due to possibilities of human running as a political party. error (tired, sleepy and hunIn the end, no one from the gry poll watchers). With this coalition earned a seat. granted, we aim for a more accurate results of the Stu“Bull Session” dent Council Elections.” Instead of having an elecUPS also requested ballots toral debate, Tug- ani (in with check marks to be conpartnership with Lantugi) sidered as valid. decided to host a “bull sesThe party received inforsion” in which the top 6 can- mation that an SMS blast didates (Chairperson, Vice- occurred on the election day chairperson and tge 4 coun- itself stating that circles cilors) take the stage. Candi- must be marked with a dates from each position check, although this remains take turns in voicing out an allegation since the party their thoughts on a given will not clearly state the issue. Highlights of the people who received and event can be seen online, on sent the SMS. our official Facebook page. Prof. Lorna Almocera, Questions from the audi- SEB Chairperson, stands ence were also acknowledged firmly by the results, saying and were not filtered given “We stick to the guidelines.” that such questions must not Christine Solon, SEB memattack a candidate person- ber, also defended the ally. board’s credibility by saying 19 invalid ballots from the “We were not tired and we 4th years were not hungry” adding Another thing that marks that ballots were also this year’s elections is the 4th checked throughout the enyears having the most num- tire procedure. Poll watchers ber of invalid ballots. Most of from each political party did the invalid ballots have not complain after the countcheck marks instead of ing of each batch of ballots. shaded circles. UPS finishes off with 8 In handling ballots, mem- seats while NKE fills the bers from the Student Elec- remaining 6 seats on the toral Board (SEB) instructed Student Council. and reminded the voters to shade the circle of their chosen candidate. Ms. Anabelle Maglasang from the Office of Student Affairs gave her By Korinna Lucero
UP Cebu on the way to Constituency Affairs (ADAA), task force ADMIN headed by the Associate Dean for Administration The UP Cebu administra- (ADA) and task force CU tion is taking steps to elevate headed by the Dean were crethe school's current status as ated. an autonomous college into a The second step is the arconstituent university. The ticulation of vision-mission administration has formulated statements. UP Cebu will then a step-by-step plan entitled have to review, streamline and “Proposed Roadmap for the strengthen the academic proElevation of UP Cebu into an grams. This comprises the Autonomous Unit of the UP ASEAN Universities Network – System” for this purpose. The Quality Assessment (AUN-QA) document states plans for each self-assessment of all programs. month from March 2014 to July 2015 Afterwards, a college-wide In an interview with Dean assembly will be held to discuss Liza Corro last May 15, 2015, the alignment of research and she discussed UP Cebu's cur- creative works for niche prorent status and the changes to grams. Next is the crafting of be expected by this promotion research direction for each clusto constituent university. ter. The elevation of programs Currently, UP Cebu is an to departments or institutes or autonomous unit under the schools follows. Next is the University President, Alfredo creation of colleges. After that, E. Pascual. “There are a lot of the reorganization of administhings he approves for us. If we trative offices will have to be become a real constituent uni- made. Review of the five-year versity, we become independent development plan (2015-2020) – fully autonomous,” Dean is the next step. Corro guaranteed. Finally, after all these steps The road to becoming a constituent unit starts with the have been accomplished, UP creation of task forces. Task Cebu will be elevated to a conForce ACAD headed by the stituent university. However, Associate Dean for Academic this is not an easy process to accomplish. A proposal made by
By Michelle Cabrales Angelica Galario
UP Cebu will have to be presented and submitted to all stakeholders, PAEP and the PAC to evaluate the university’s preparedness. Changes brought about by becoming a constituent unit include promotion of staff to higher positions such as Deans and Chancellors. Clusters will then be called colleges, and each college will be headed by a dean. “I really don't see any repercussion. It's for our advantage, especially in terms of the positions of our staff,” Dean Corro affirmed. “Being a constituent unit will have to be granted by the Board of Regents,” she explained. The Board of Regents will have to check UP Cebu's excellence in programs offered, the quality of staff, and the facilities, among others. Dean Corro also said that, “Once UP Cebu becomes a constituent university, we will have an equal footing with the other universities in terms of the positions of the faculty. The identity of UP Cebu will also be established. We will also have more access to funding and resources.”
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Photos courtesy of UP Cebu's Public Affairs Office
UNDERDOGS, NO MORE “We don’t want to be the underdogs anymore. We want to give them a good fight that every cluster deserves.” -Social Sciences Stallions By John Christian Trigo Matthew Torregosa
The curse has been lifted. After years of coming in last at the university’s intramural games, the Social Science Cluster’s Stallions finally reared their heads, gave it their all, and won. The reinvented SocSci Stallions relived the saga of the Hunger Games and captured the hearts of the audience during UP Cebu’s 2015 cheer dance competition breaking free from the fourth place at long last. Chairpersons of UP Political Science Society (UPSS) and UP Psychology Majors Association (UPPsyMa), Mary Iway and Pauline Monteroso respectively, expressed that to become champions was not the utmost goal. Rather, what compelled
the Stallions the most was the motivation to be a competitive challenger against the other clusters. They added, “We no longer want to be everybody's friend.” The SocSci Stallions proved to be a worthy competitor against the ArtsComm Bullets, the Management Tycoons, and the Golden Scions (who were crowned the champion of the cheerdance competition) by coming in second. This victory is not only limited to the people of Social Science Cluster. This is also a celebration for all who’ve been constantly defeated but remained on track and continued the quest for their goals. The odds really have been in Stallion’s favor this year. Truly, they are underdogs no more.
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Otakufest is UP Cebu’s annual event, which condenses the love of anime and Japanese culture all in one. Starting last year, Otakufest has expanded from an event focused on Japanese culture as it reaches out to those who love the KPop culture as well. In fact, one of this year’s highlights is the KPop rookie group FameUs. With their 1- hour performance, the crowd went wild with many screaming at the top of their lungs. Otakufest is in its 7th year and it has shown its success through an increasing number of participants and guests as it welcomed approximately 4, 300 people this year. Indeed, it justified this year’s theme; en-
The Trio Here (from left to right) are Isabella, Amanda and Tanya. All 3 of them go to Ateneo de Cebu and have been cosplaying in groups for 3 years. They portrayed characters from the hit anime Shingeki no Kyojin (Attack on Titan) last year and for their second cosplay at Otakufest this year, they are playing roles from the anime ‘Free!’. Isabella is the only one playing a female role, Gou Matsuoka. Her friends dared to play male roles namely Rei Ryugazaki and Nagisa Hazuki respectively. “We don’t do cosplaying for competitions because we see it as a hobby and a time to strengthen our bond as friends.”
Marchella wants a blue- themed costume this time Next are cousins Lyle and Marchella, portraying characters from the card game Spirit Stones. These kids blurted out different reasons in cosplaying characters from the said game. Lyle expressed his love for video games. He is a certified gamer and DOTA is one of his favourite games. On the other hand, Marchella is sick of the color pink and loves to have blue this time. This is their 3rd time joining Otaku and last year, they played the roles of Sakura and Shaoran from the anime series Card Captor Sakura. Despite being one of the kid cosplayers in the event, both cuties proved that size does not matter as spectators flocked to have a picture with them.
gaging into an “alternate universe.” Held on February 21, at the UP Cebu Grounds, one can see cosplayers, entrepreneurs who usually sell their pre-loved anime items, and spectators who enthusiastically chat about their interests in anime, Japanese and Korean culture with other fellow fans. But beyond what’s visible to the naked eye, this year’s theme also strengthens and creates bonds, putting an alternate universe into vision by tying human hearts together. We spotted a few cosplayers with special bonds in “real” life:
Here’s a real life couple, Kerty and Juri, portraying anime couple Kei Tsukishima and Kiyoko Shimizu from the anime Haikyuu. Haikyuu is is a Japanese shōnen manga series on high school teams competing in volleyball. Although both do not have any particular interest in this popular sport, they confessed that they both decided to pull off these characters due to budget concerns in having luxurious costumes this year. The couple confessed that Otakufest is one of the highlights in their relationship. Three days before Otakufest 3, they started dating. As an otaku, both are currently managing a business focused in props and costumes for cosplaying and action figures. Further, as proof of them being certified otakus, is watching anime together in an average of 4- 8 hours per day, making it their bonding time.
Photo courtesy of OF Official Facebook Page Last but certainly not the least, here’s Jack. After 2 years of constantly going to this event as a spectator, this is his first time going as the Masterchief from the video game Halo 4. However, unlike the abovementioned cosplayers, Jack decided to take a solo flight for this year’s fest. “I don’t feel alone. Everyone is friendly and approachable. I get to meet a lot of new friends. Nonetheless, I must say Otakufest is getting better and better each year.” Jack is proof that not only does Otakufest or the “alternate universe” per se, strengthen bonds among people who are related in the “real universe” but it can also tie strings to those who do not even know each other personally.
The Oxford Dictionary defines an otaku as “a young person who is obsessed with computers or particular aspects of popular culture to the detriment of their social skills.” Yet this time, the event itself gives another meaning of the word showing that being an otaku does not necessarily mean being confined in an “alternate universe” but, engaging in that alternate universe and creating and strengthening human relationships at the same time. Here’s to Otakufest’s 7 years and beyond! For the love of anime, for the love of being an otaku, and for the love of creating bonds, be it in an alternate universe or in the real world.
6 The foundations to shift have been set. The University of the Philippines took the inception of changing its academic calendar as it was implemented this A.Y. 20142015. Yet, again, this only signifies that U.P., the nation’s harbinger of educational excellence and national policies, has joined the bandwagon of contradicting goals.. Implementing the academic calendar shift means being in cooperation with the goal of internationalizing the university. The nation’s premier university wants its students to be competent enough and equipped with high-caliber skills not only for the regional but also for the global market. Furthermore, orchestrating with other universities in the world, especially in Southeast Asia, by changing the calendar is a good prospect for the incoming regional economic integration of the Southeast Asian Nations in 2015 (ASEAN 2015). This conforms to the vision of the ASEAN 2015, basing from Asian Economic Community (AEC) Blueprint, which is to unify countries within the region by breaking economic barriers, pushing reforms in investment, promoting free flow of trades and capital, and upholding well-skilled labor resources. Vox Populi Tug-ani asked students in U.P. Cebu to share their opinion regarding the academic calendar shift. Some tend to be ingrate with the shift while some look it up as U.P.’s progressive step. Here’s what they’ve got to say: “Initially, I thought it was fine. Other schools outside the country also applied this kind of schedule. However, I realized, not really. I can't speak for others but I feel like it has done some psychological dissonance on me. The [first] semester seemed shorter. Also, Finals Month and Christmas Time fused? That can't be fun. While you're eating your lechon or opening your gifts, you're stressing about grades that aren't released yet. Unsaon nako pagconcetrate ug kaon kung akong gihuna-huna kay grado?” – Tara
Prieto, BA Psychology 2012
“It wasn’t a bad idea altogether. But it didn’t make sense to rush the acad shift in the midst of all the other things that we need to change. Not to mention the upcoming ASEAN Integration.” – Imi
Espina, BA Political Science 2013
“For me, the academic calendar shift is a beneficial to the students. The shift will be in line with the ASEAN economic integration this coming 2015. Synchronization of the academic calendar with the other ASEAN countries will open more programs for the students. There will also be an alignment of the lessons and curriculum being offered which makes the graduates of the Philippines more globally competent.” - Rochelle Guerra, BS
Management 2013
“The calendar shift, in my opinion, is really okay. I mean, it's just the same really- the number of
school days we have to endure is When we reached about late more or less the same so all those November, everything was just complaints about the calendar shift piling up like garbage on Smokey for me are just bull.” – Klen Qui- Mountain. I would randomly see ñanola, BS Biology 2012 my classmates breakdown, one by “Priorities are never priorities sa one. Then I thought to myself, uhatong educational system. We need oh this is not good. better facilities, higher state subFinals week started, lessons sidy, just wage and more benefits unfinished, long exams here and for our teachers first. Pero giuna there, project deadlines everyang K-12 and this shift, which has where, plus case defense and presnever been an issue for us. Mag- entations. Our outputs? All sure.” – Vince Dingding, BS Com- crammed. And did I mention it was puter Science 2012 already finals week? “The academic shift has signifiI didn't like it because everything cantly affected the schedule and was moving by so fast that it didn't sense of time of my Professors; and give me the time to do my best and because of this, we are greatly af- to learn everything I should learn. I fected --- we are more stressed than mean, I understand the instructors. the normal stress level that a Psych They were adjusting too, just like major is supposed to feel. We are us. Their syllabus was neatly supposed to finish everything be- planned and their schedules were fore Christmas but Plot twist, this all intact. I just don't know what is when we are supposed to be busy happened along the way. with something else. The usual I don't know where it got messed remedy for this during the past is to up — miscalculation of the number cut down school works and to pass of days, scheduling, or some other it after the New Year but thanks to external factors? But what's done is academic calendar shift, the sem done. I just hope that the 'testing ends in the middle of December. period' for the calendar shift is Okay, so what if we find out that already over. we got an undesirable grade during If this was their idea of improvChristmas? Do you think there's ing the quality of education the time to be depressed about it espe- Philippines has, well I guess it’s cially during Christmas? I see con- time for them to rethink (if they are flict of interests but these are only actually thinking). As of now, I of the few things we have to suffer probably regret having the calendar because of the shift. #HolyShift shift and believe me, it was the Hahahahaa” - Von Karlo Bayutas, consensus of everyone. But for the BA Psychology 2012 long-term effects, I don't know... “It is very helpful for us to be we'll see.” – JB Bonghanoy, BS able to be at par with our neighbor- Biology 2012 ing countries in the ASEAN region. It also help us achieve more and Delving deeper become more competent and be able As its rhetoric overwhelmed the to adapt to the norms in the region academe, U.P.’s disclosure to intermaking us not an outcast anymore, nationalization has seemingly conthus being up to date. Though we cealed the adversities the students resist changes but these are what are facing in the university. For we need to be able to keep up with example, the manifestation of competition thus being able to get budget cut by the government in more investors.” - Moca Cañal, BS the university has led to impose an Management 2011 income-generating scheme, the STS Way back when the issue of cal- (Socialized Tuition System), to sufendar shift was still discussed and fice the meager budget. It obstructs, debated, I'd have to be honest, I however, the democratic access to was for it. I mean, who didn't want the university especially the poor. that long summer vacation, right? Moreover, the low state subsidy has Most of my classmates (incoming become one the causes of the lack or BS Bio III at that time) were in it non-entity of facilities in U.P. too. But fast forward to the afterInward-looking of the univermath of the so called 'calendar sity’s flawed system was not given shift', what did it really cost us? importance by the administration. “If I remember correctly, the Instead of focusing on these matschool year 2014 started about late ters by giving the appropriate soluAugust (and by late August that tions, the university on its acawould mean early September demic calendar shift has welcomed *wink). Anyway, when everything another defeating mechanism. This with the instructors and classrooms shift persuades the students to be were all settled and the lessons did challenge-driven in their education already start, it felt a bit different. I for the purpose of being employable felt that it was a bit 'chill'. I don't to global corporations and foreign know, maybe it was because of the employers. The present educational long vacation or because of the new system dictates the students as school year. essential commodities for foreign Moving forward where every- businesses. thing starts to get cramped. All Now, more than ever, U.P. must instructors were throwing exams mold its students to be competitive and projects everywhere and I and well-equipped with knowledge asked, where were these when the regardless of societal factors and to schedule was still 'light'? And then, channel them towards local job I realized it was already late Octo- creations in the community. In this ber and we even haven't had our way, national industrialization and second long exams yet. Hmmm. development could be achievable. That's interesting.
By Ed Samuel Bacaltos
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By Matthew C. Torregosa & Korinna Lucero
Approved by the University of the Philippines Board of Regents (BOR) on December 13, 2013, the Socialized Tuition System (STS) is seen as the university’s response to the never ending flak and issues of the previous Socialized Tuition and Financial Assistance Program (STFAP) since its establishment in 1989. The current system aims to have a more speedy application process, to eliminate the mismatches between assigned brackets and to satisfy the needs of those who belong to the lowest income bracket. It was implemented in the 1st semester of the academic year 2014- 2015. In a press release, UP President Alfredo E. Pascual expressed his belief that the old tuition system is no longer responsive to the needs of UP students. He admitted that over the years, the true merits of the said system were masked by implementation problems and issues as well. Major changes that are applied in the current system are as follows: (1) simplified basis for assignment of tuition brackets (from a 14- page application form to 2), (2) 30% upward adjustment to income ranges of the tuition brackets, not affecting the (3) increase in monthly stipend of Bracket E2 students (from P2,400 to P3,500 per month for 10 months a year in the form of cash, meals, dormitory accommodation, and other benefits and services provided by the university) and lastly, (4) streamlining of bracket assignment and appeal process through online application.
lected numerous criticisms and issues, the new system is not exempted from these. Criticism will always be present. Here in UP Cebu alone, the 2 existing political parties have opposing ideas on the new system. Union of Progressive Students (UPS) is campaigning for the “High Five Reforms”. On the other hand, Nagkahiusang Kusog sa Estudyante (NKE) stands firm in disregarding the system therefore, the #JunkSTS campaign. NKE previously campaigned for “Scrap STFAP.”
High Five Reforms UPS formulated 5 reforms. The party sees that the 1st and 2nd reforms lead to equity and not just equality. As stated in their official Facebook statement, the first reform suggests that “The tuition schedule must be made progressive by increasing income thresholds at the same tuition levels or lowering tuition levels at the same income thresholds.” In an interview, Vincent Pakson, UPS’ Secretary stated that “Simply the 2nd premise provides us with a system wherein not only the income is considered but also the expenditures and liabilities of a household, giving household with high income, high expenditures and liabilities a lower bracket.” Both reforms push for equity by applying equal treatment among students based on their capabilities in paying tuition, therefore, eliminating the thought of paying an equal amount of tuition regardless of the current socio- economic status. “We want to know how we get our brackets. We Critics Just as STFAP col- want transparency.” This is
emphasized in their 3rd reform. The party also sees transparency as an opportunity for students to better understand the system and in the end, help in identifying its discrepancies and as well as provide solutions to it. Mid- sem appeals is strongly suggested in their 4th reform. Here, UPS also sees the possibility of continuously changing socioeconomic contexts therefore, suggesting the annual adjustment of the system. As they say, reviews serve as prevention in order to prevent tragedies to happen that is why they are also suggesting the UCSFA as a review committee. UCSFA currently has sitting student representatives. Aside from the monthly stipend, UPS also sees that Bracket E2 students must be given book, meal and transportation allowances. Ideally, P 3,500 per semester is good for books. Transportation allowance varies depending on the student’s proximity to the campus. UPS admitted that the 3rd, 4th and 5th reforms can lead to a longer process. “But we think it is worth it. Would you rather have an immediate result pero dili diay ka deserving sa imong bracket?” John Isaac Saguit, a UPS member, also expresses the party’s stand by saying “We want to keep it as fast as we can without compromising the results.” #JunkSTS Nagkahiusang Kusog sa Estudyante (NKE) has been explicitly imposing contradiction against STS and its previous form, the Socialized Tuition and Financial Assistance Program (STFAP). Being a
nationalist, democratic and mass-oriented, NKE believes that education is a right at all levels. “We do not and we should not pay for our rights,” NKE Secretary- General Myles Albasin disclosed. Albasin furthermore emphasized that STS is no more than a disguise for tuition increase- an increase driven by the “failure of the government to fulfil its own mandate to allocate education the highest budget.” In connection, the campaign to #JunkSTS demands for a full state subsidy for education from the government. According to Albasin, “This (the demands for full state subsidy) would not only benefit the UP system. The aim of this demand is to liberate all SUCs (State Universities and Colleges), too, from commercialization. This also benefits the Department of Education.” However, the question now is amidst the current whether this demand is feasible. It is, NKE asserts. “There is a widespread fallacy that the Philippines is so poor its government could not provide a full- state subsidy,” Albasin stressed. The secretary-general further discussed that studies conducted in 2014 proved that the income derived from tuition and other fees from SUCs amounts to P7.3B, which is only 4.11% of President Aquino’s unconstitutional DAP in 2014 amounting to P177B. Subsequently, the campaign #JunkSTS also pushes for rechannelization of the Pork Barrel funds to education and other social services. On their official statement posted on their Facebook page, NKE asserted that
STS does not benefit the majority of the students. The organization added, “In UP Cebu alone, data from Office of the Student Affairs show that only 2 out of 10 students enjoy tuition free education through STS.” Nonetheless, the organization recognizes that the demand for a tuition free education is not an “overnightprocess”. Albasin pointed out that there is a minimum goal, however. This minimum goal, as indicated in their official statement “would be for a tuition roll-back to STFAP levels where the total amount paid per unit is P249.75 for Bracket 9 (P4, 495.50/18 units, Bracket 9 being the default bracket for those who will not apply for STFAP and are thus presumed to be from the highest income bracket.” The secretary general also highlighted that the NKE’s campaign to #JunkSTS is not only for the current UP students, but also for UPCAT passers who would have been UP students but did not due to financial incapacities. #JunkSTS, according to her, is not only beneficial to students under Bracket E to B, but also to those under Bracket A. Regarding UPS’ campaign of reforming, instead of junking the socialized tuition system, Albasin disclosed that “the campaign to simply reform STS is as good as saying that we legitimize increases in tuition and that the previous governments were right upon choosing to prioritize foreign debt servicing and military spending over education.” “#JunkSTS is the correct call,” Albasin added.
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ONE BILLION RISING FOR REVOLUTION By Michelle Cabrales
Drum! Dance! Rise! February 13, 2015 saw UP Cebu’s participation in the international campaign One Billion Rising for Revolution. Students and professors alike gathered at the Oblation Square at 4 o’ clock in the afternoon to witness the program and to proclaim their support for t h e c a u s e . Survey statistics shows the frightening estimation that 1 in 3 women will experience abuse in her lifetime. That means one billion women and girls. Hence, One Billion Rising was initiated on Valentine’s Day in 2012 as a call to end the violence against women and children. One Billion Rising this year aims to “rise to create a consciousness against violence until it is unthinkable,” Prof. Weena Gera of the Social Sciences Cluster stated in her opening speech. UPSTAGE initiated the program with a natureinspired cultural presentation. Afterwards, UP Serenata led in the singing of Lupang Hinirang. The UP Cebu Cultural Dance Group graced the audience with a cultural intermission number presenting a combination of dances: fan dance, la jota, banga and mantones. To seal their support for the campaign, various student organization representatives from Justice Advocates, UP Liberation for Gays Advocates (UP LIGAYA), Nagkahiusang Kusog sa mga Estudyante (NKE), Union of Progressive Students (UPS), Unified Student Organizations (UNISO), and the UP Cebu Student Council all gave em powering solidar it y speeches. Though each organization differed in their cause, they were all one in giving support to One Bil-
lion Rising for Revolution. One Billion Rising’s concerns also reach out to gender equality issues, as signified by UP LIGAYA’s participation. UP Sayaw Evolution (UP SAYAWE) also presented a two-person dance drama depicting real-life hardships faced by women all over the world. Prof. Henry Francis Espiritu also gave a speech, symbolizing male support to the cause. He received cheers from the audiences when he said, “Why One Billion Rising only? It should be Seven Billion Rising!” The community dancing at the end of all the speeches served as the highlight of the occasion. The UP Cebu Cultural Dance Group and SAYAWE led the audience in a joyous choreography of Gabriela: Bagong Rebolusyon. One Billion Rising channels dancing as a revolution, as it “allows us to come back into our bodies as individuals and groups and a world, it connects our feet to the earth and inspires us to move to her rhythms”. To close the program, UP Cebu Student Council Chairperson April Dyan Gumanao gave a few words to salute the success of the campaign. The program would never have been as successful without the behind-thescenes operations of the Gender and Development (GAD) Office, SIDLAK Gender Resource Center – 7, UP Ligaya, and the UP Cebu Student Council. One Billion Rising succeeded in stoking the flames of human rights concerns that day, and will continue to revolve in the different countries it touches. Till we dance again, Iskolars!
Ang mga Hinabang nga Gitaban; Mga Hilak sa mga Biktimang Gipasagdan By Matthew C. Torregos Usa ka tuig na ang paspas nga nilabay sukad sa Yolanda. Maypa ang panahon, paspas kaayo nakadagan. Apan ang mga hinabang nga gipanghambog sa gobyerno hangtud karun… Asa naman sad kaha kini nga bulsa nasaag? Puro mga relief goods nga gikan sa NGOs ra ang nadawat sa mga biktima sa Yolanda didto sa Northern Cebu. Pinili ra sad ang gipanaga-an. Kung dili kaalyado, wala’y madawatan. Ang serbisyo, ginahimo nang negosyo. Matud pa sa usa ka tigulang nga among nahinabi, “ Wala pa gyud mi nakadawat og bisan ni usa ka lata gikan sa gobyerno.” Sa syudad sa Bogo sa mismong adlaw sa unang anibersaryo sa Yolanda, Nobyembre 8, didto namo nakat-onan ang kapait sa kapalaran sa mga biktima. Tood man, pipila na ka buwan ang nilabay, gipapirma daw ang pipila og payroll nga balig P10, 000.00 para sa matag pamilya. Apan, sa pagpenirmahay ra di-ay naghuman ang tanan tungod kay hangtud karun, wala pa nahatag ang
kwarta. Wala pa nahatag ang kwarta. Og basig dili na gyud mahatag. Pagka-abot namo sa Bogo, aduna na ang mga tambok nga pulis, nag laroy -laroy. Nag-inisog og nagbinugo, gibawalan pag-una sa mga pulis sa pagsulod sa plaza ang katawhan nga pursigidong magkatapoktapok kuyog sa ubang biktima arun hisgutan ang ilang mga kabalaka og ang ilang mga kahimtang! Naa may nakalimot kadiyot nga ang plaza usa ka pampublikong lugar! Ing-ato ka desperado nalang gyud di-ay nga pugngan nga mabutyag ang mga modos sa gamhaan. Pagkamakalisang hunahunaon nga ang mga korap og mga kawatan pasudlon, niya ang mga gipangkawatan dili! Samtang nagsugod na ang programa og ang pakigbahin sa mga biktima sa ilang kalisod, nagpatukar dayun ang mga bata-bata sa administrasyon og kusog nga tukar arun ma disturbo ang programa. Apan ang tingog og ang hilak sa mga dinadaugdaug mao gihapo’y nagpatigba-
baw. Wala kini nga nagpasabot nga ang mga biktima nagpasagad o nagagad rasad sa hinabang gobyerno. Naningkamot sila tama’s ginhawa arun hawason ang ilang mga kaugalingon og ilang pamilya sa kalisod. Ang rason nganong sige’g tuki nato ang mga gisaad nga mga hinabang nga hangtud karun wala natagamtaman kay basig malubong nasad kini sa limot og mabulsa nasad. Gawas pa, katungod sa mga taw kini! Obligasyon sa gobyerno nga serbisyohan kitang mga taw! Aduna’y salapi nga gipagawas. Wala nay lain pang hapakan sa kwartang giandam para sa mga biktima kundili sa mga biktima ra gyud! Dili naman sad ingon sa makurat pa ta sa mga inganing panghitabo. Korupsyon. Pagpangawat. Dugay rang na-uso kini sa atong nasod. Apan dili kini igong rason arun muhunong kita sa pakigbisog para sa hustisya og para maningil sa mga butang nga para unta sa katawhan apan gitagoan, gibulsa, gipalami-an, og gitaban sa mga hakog.
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HEIGHTEN SECURITY, HIGHLIGHT UNITY “Ang gusto niyo kasi ng mangyari ata manghuhula ang mga guard. Be proud in wearing the UP ID.” President Alfredo Pascual, President of the University of the Philippines, said this during his visit to UP Cebu in response to a question raised by France Degamo, UPC Student Council ViceChairperson for the current academic year, on the possible implementation of the “No ID, No entry policy.” At that time, the policy is yet to be implemented in the campus. Oppositions raised the thought of not having the policy for it is not the concrete solution to the problem on the campus’ security. For them, higher fencing is better. Moreover, others see that having a machine that could detect the validity of IDs is a good move since there are high chances of faking it. Through Dean Liza Corro’s memorandum, the “No ID, No entry policy”
was implemented on April 16, 2015.Students and staff are required to present their IDs upon entering the premises but, they are only “highly encouraged” to wear it while inside the premises. One of the most recent cases of theft took place in the Arts and Sciences building. There, a projector was stolen. Another is a stolen Acer Switch 10 laptop in the campus’ dorm on March 28, this year. Although, CCTV footage could not exactly determine the face of the thieves, accounts from dormers themselves claim that 4 medium - built men where around the area. Estimated worth of the gadget was Php 15, 000 (standard price was around Php 20, 000 but considering a laptop usually lasts for 4 years and after subtracting its 1- year usage, the Campus Security office came up with this amount). Now here’s the catch; the student was paid
back with the amount as the 22 guards divided the amount among themselves. Yes, I must reiterate that the guards paid for the amount. Are the security guards ready? “Very clear ang instruction: No ID, no entry.”Sir Jerry Bajada, Campus Security head, said in an interview. But wait, did I just hear that? In an incident, I was holding my ID on my hand and just as I was about to enter the premises, the security guard left his post and had a pee in one of the corners of the building nearby or the CCC. For a minute, I was in a rage and thought that the policy is slowly losing its essence, the way I see how the guards perform. I did enter the campus without the guard checking my ID. I have also been hearing stories of students who can freely enter the campus just because the guard can rec-
ognize their face and can tell that they are students. Being “friends” with the guards is indeed a plus. “Security lapse nasa guard.” Bajada admitted. He added that in response to their lapses, he is going to post a memorandum next week (the interview was conducted on April 30), a follow- up from what the dean has previously released. He further mentioned that being lax in their posts and not getting their job done correctly can be possible grounds for the termination in the 3rd offense. “Wala man nilagibuhatilangtrabaho.” One can easily enter the AS building without an ID by passing the CCC entrance. For so many times, the campus security guards are caught “off- guard.” For so many times, I have entered the campus without presenting my ID. Isn’t this alarming? May this article serve as a wake- up call to all those
sleeping and “lax” guards hanging around or taking a break and leaving their posts. Seeing all these, the policy may have lost its essence but then, we must still unite in heightening campus security. Others may view the policy as a band- aid solution but I don’t think it is that hard to present your ID, right? As students, it is also our responsibility. Let’s think of presenting our IDs as our small contribution in assuring that we are safe while inside the premise . As students who now follow the policy, I think it is also about time the guards do their part as well in thoroughly checking our IDs. I don’t think thoroughly checking IDs would take much time and will only take 20 seconds at most. We can only heighten campus security through unity-- students who follow policy and vigilant guards must be a good combination.
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) recently approved applications for tuition increase of 28 universities here in Cebu. Once again, CHED proved itself unworthy of continuing to exist as it already ceased to serve its purpose. Instead of primarily protecting students and regulating tuition increases, it has become a facilitator as well as a conspirator of capitalists in the scheme of commercializing education. In fact, Dr. Freddie Bernal, regional director of CHED Central Visayas, was reported by Cebu Daily News to have said, “We (CHED) cannot put a stop to a tuition increase.”
Bernal reasoned out that tuition increases are necessary for these are the only possible means for private universities to meet the demands for a quality education, as these universities are not subsidized by the government. In accordance, Bernal reported that 70% of the income of this increase will be allocated to boost the salaries of the faculty; the 20% will be spent for the improvement of facilities; and only the remaining 10% will be saved as a return of investment. However, reality does not agree with the regional director. Universities and colleges do not generate income solely out from stu-
dents’ tuitions. For years of operation, universities have saved billions out from the excess of “other school fees” that students pay. The National Union of Students in the Philippines (NUSP) Cebu provides that the University of San Carlos (USC), for example, in 2013 alone has accumulated savings amounting to P195 million. Universities and colleges could have used these savings, to increase the salaries of the faculty and improve its facilities. These savings, then, could have prevented the occurrences of tuition increases because universities and CHED have always used the “salary-increaseand-improvement-of-
facilities” mantra to justify and sugarcoat their tuition increases. These savings could have saved a number of students from further burden but these did not. CHED, itself, established the reason why. Through its Memorandum Order No. 3, CHED enforces that salary increase should only be ejected out from the income of the students’ tuitions alone and never from the savings derived from the “other school fees.” Consequently, the rechannelization of the abovementioned savings is illegal. Thus, though USC, for example, has banked billions from the “other school fees”
paid by its students, the university cannot make use of these savings to increase the salary of its faculty-which in turn necessitates for tuition increase. CHED Memorandum Order No. 3 is basically encouraging tuition increases. CHED itself has become a lousy business partner of capitalists. Education is now but a business. Remember Kristel Tejada of UP Manila. Remember Rosanna Sanfuego of Cagayan State University. Remember these two students whose deaths were driven by the commercialization of education. Does this mean life equates the costs of having quality education?
HOW’S UP
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LIFE?
Biology Pagkadungog nimug UP mura’g proud kaayu ko. Here in UP… cramming kaayu; daghan kaayug buhatun. Karun sa UP… Daghan nasad kug friends. Ang mga professors paspas kaayu, then maulaw kag ask. Ang uban wiling mu tubag sa pangutana and gamay ra muhatag ug grado. UP life is lisud and dili kaayu ka maka enjoy. Sometimes, maka ingun ka na dili ko fit diri sa UP kay taas ra kayu ang standards ang mga professors. I remember by the time I sang during cookout, kay wa jud ku gkulbaan. Confident kaayu ko. Naka expect na gani ko na madaug ko, pero wa lang gihapun ko na assume. Happy kaayu ko nakadaug sa Cookout. Taas kaayu akung pagtan.aw sa Cookout kay daghan na man ang mga nangapil, tapos nakadaog ko. Nakarealize ko na pwede ra madaug ang maskikinsa kay dili kaayu bongga ang uban. Khryzl Yap Barbarona – Biology I
Interviewer: John Christian Trigo
and stories about UP life and many said that there was no life in UP at all, that it was all about academics. But somehow, in one way or another, that got me expecting for the best aside from the worst. So far, UP life has been challenging and stressful but not in the worst way I expected it to be, maybe because I’m still a freshie and I’m just starting out. I like my teachers very much and I’ve learned a lot from them already from academics to making good life decisions. They’ve all somehow given me epiphany about this and that which helped my analytical skills a lot. At first I thought I would be friendless because I wasn’t from here and I struggled with my Cebuano, but I actually met really extraordinary people who are the friendliest and the funniest and had the patience while they struggled speaking to me in Tagalog. My classmates and organization mates are very fun to be with too. Everyone is so friendly and approachable. The environment has been and still is very euphoric. It feels like every day is a new day both in Paradise and Hell. The most significant event of my UP Life would be getting in AIESEC. I wanted to be part of an org to be more than being just another student in UP and AIESEC is definitely helping me with that. UP life feels like being in a theme park: there are lots of rides and people, and they can make you feel happy, sad, crazy, shocked and confused, or all at the same time. There are a lot of things going on, and sometimes you’re just there in the center standing and watching or waiting in line for the next ride. It’s been tiring but nonetheless fun and I look forward to what’s to come. -J. Priyanka Dalagan— Management I
Computer Science UP equates to excellence, integrity, and serving the nation. And to be able to uphold these three things, one must exert tremendous amount of effort, self-discipline, time management. While balancing everything in the pursuit of entertainment and happiness and that is exactly what I’ve been trying to do for the past months. It just great, that I’ve friends, really great friends to help me in each & every way. So long, it’s been tough, and there are some moments which makes you rethink about your capabilities but there’s no other way than to go up in UP. The truth is life here is harder than how I projected it to be. But, I’m still really adjusting as to how I can set my priorities straight without necessarily compromising my Mass Communications academics or my interest. Lisud jud ang UP life, in a sense, na kahibaw ko na -Mary Rose Ampoon – Computer Science I akung kauban sa school kay puro mga bright jud. Didto sa ilang schools, hakot sila ug awards sila… Ako onetsly, Fine Arts wala koy rank. UP is welcoming especially the upper At first, akung pag tan.aw sa UP is intimidating class men. Uban teachers chill ra, pero naa puy uban, kaayu. Ang environment… nice kay daghan ug tress. terror. Pero, okay ra sya. Para nako, as the time goes by, Chada kaayu sya. Nag aabot man ang mga bright na tao. fit ra ang pagka terror. So far, so good. Except sa PolSci Char. Cool kaayu ang mga teachers. It’s a roller coaster 11. Wa ju kuy definite na barakada, pero every course ride. Na challenge ko, especially, sa amu ang mga plates naa kuy friend. It is so helpful, in a scence na makatakay among mga teachers kay dili basta basta, in short, bang sila nan aa kuy kailangan na specific na field na feel awesome sila, like us. Karun nga nagdugay nami dri sa nako na mau na ilang forte. UP, Happy kaayu mi sa mung mga friends kay enjoy sya Masscomm participating in the cookout and supportmaski na stress ang life. Labaw, na atong pagCookout, ing events like campus patrol, first time nako na witness kay enjoy kaayu tungud sa mga bands ug sa rampahan, ang mga nin.ana. First time nako maadto an ang mga kantahan, sayawan, ug tanan.tanan. Friendly pud kaayu facilities na wow kaayu, while sa public schools dili kayo ang mga seniors. I met people like me and I’m so happy. nin.ana. Prepared jud kaayu, every segment, equipment Different ra kaayu sa school nako sauna, mas friendly pa. and everything kay pinaghandaan. Maka ingun jud ko iba Naka adjust na sa culture, then okay ra akung UP life. Abi ang UP. Ma compare jud nako, kaysa ila jjud, kay para sa nakug lisud kaayu pero kaya ra d ai with the help of God ila kay 1.0 to 2 kay gamay ra sa ila. Didto ra sa ila kay and enough passion to drive me to become a good stu- chill lang, while here at UP kay maka kuha kag 1 if grabe dent. na imung effort, sometimes wal. Lisud kaayumakuha sa -Regina Marie Fernandez – Fine Arts I UP ang 1. Sunogun na jud literally ang kilay. The way students talk even ordinary conversations, Management kay naa juy something educational. Di parehas sa uban, Before entering UP, culture shock, challenges and uyab2. Dri kay about sa course, lessons and educational. the stress of them were expected. I expected UP life to Mass comm kay tabian and pinakavain na batch. UP life always burn me out due to less sleep and more home- is tiring and pressured ka but worth it tanan. work. I also got pressured at first because I’ve read blogs -Thesha Mae Godoy – Mass Comm 1
Hello again! I'm not surprised none of you has upgraded, you're still losers. I mean, what else are you? You follow rules, you're irrational and you submit yourselves to stupid shiznette all the farking time. Haaaist. How sad are your UP lives. Whatever, inyoha sad na. Di nalang ko mu-care. I have decided to stop caring about the world last month when I realized my parents don't love me enough (#hugot --> ew jej, pariha ninyo). Anyway, unsa ma'y atong sturyaan? I wanted to talk about what I heard
a long while ago: naa man diay kuno'y gitangtang nga worker kay nasakpang natulog sa usa ka respetado (?) nga person dinhi sa school! Pak boak kaluoy sad ni manuyyy! Nakalimot siguro'g inom ug kape! Haaay kaluoy sad. Wa bitaw koy sure sa sturya ha, pero ako mabawan ra bitaw ko sa rason. Hinuon, unprofessional man sad ang gibuhat gud. Aw pero unsaon nga di man gyud sad siguro professional si manuy! Char! Neweizzz, ang akong chika lain kay ang kagubot nga giagian sa atong pinalanggang NKE niadtong mga niaging semana. Di mo malain nga sa ilahang victory party, ni attend ang usa ka controversial nga former student regent nga nag bedazzle kuno ug crystals sa iyahang denim shoulder bag nga iyang ginamit pag high school!
Mathematics Pag HS, UP High man ko, mura’g nakakita nako sa overview of UP. Pagkakita nako, medyo stressful jud sya, pero at the same time naa jud kay makat.unan. Naa jud kay ma learn from it. So far, okay raman, medyo, nay times na maglisud sa mga test, and the same time fun gihapun sa mga activities. Lisud ang discussions and stressful ang mga activities. Aja pa. Nindut jud ang mga professors, mu teach ug tarung and learn through them, nay uban dili masabtan and others na outstanding. Masaban jud ang topic. Friendly man s dang mga Math. As a batch lingaw kaayu mi. Talk-talk to each other. Suod kaayu mi. UP is exciting and maka ingun ka na mabilib ka on how UP molds you. Nag start na syag mold namu from Stage 1 hantud magka anam, thorugh ideas and different things na pwede nimu makatunan -Deither Abilong – Math 1 Political Science UP is a university with the good name. As a political science student, my life stressful but definitely worth it. Professors, much like the students they teach have their own set of values and ideals and rather than impose them, instead provide an environment necessary in fostering these ideas closer to the absolute truth. Now, I believe UP is an institution that lives up to its name, honor and excellence indeed. Beyond that, it is an experience above the constraint of your words. Up can only be describe by itself, UP is UP, it is what it is… maybe even more. -Pierre Judd Alvizo – Political Science 1 Psychology UP is a prestigious school and only the smart people can go, and look up by people. Pag sud naku sa UP life, it was like a culture-shock. Akung expectations na lisud jud kaayu na I really need to focus in my studies that I might not able to make friends. After a few months, comparatively from other school, mas naglisud sila because they have many units, sa UP na less units… I can make friends. I find it weird that some professors give easier and, some, harder classes. Different classes vary from different professors. Some professor’s view on education is about you learn and it’s really interesting. Since, I’m not close with a lot of people and your first impression can be hard. In some of my experience, there are some of the people I don’t want to be associated but turned out to be nice. Describing UP in one word: Unexcpected. You know you could have so many expectations and there about UP, it’s really not it’s rumored to be. It’s different. Yes its challenging and fun, comparatively from other schools. Here it’s liberated and explore yourself more than other schools and you can feel the responsibilities and the freedom. -Feeona Jyllian S. Espiritu – Psychology I
Charbaki joke!!! Nag embezzle bitaw kuno ug kwarta, murag mga fifteen melyon lang naman! Kuyaw nis madz da! Magkalisod naman gani kog huwam sa akong kinolekta nga kwarta para intrams shirt kay ako untang ipamlete, siya kay sayun ra kaayong naka embezzle! Haaay kanindot gyud paminawn sa "embezzle", murag sparkles ug glitters gyuy akong ma-imagine! Char! Wa na gyud ni'y padulngan akong sturya ay. Unya giduka nasad ko ron (time check: 09:47am). So bye! Uy wait, can I make a special mention to all the pretentious f**** out there? Please, I hope you all realize how lame you sound, trying to act smart and cool on social media. Bisag unsaon ninyo, loser gihapon mo sa akong panan-aw. Bye.
11 JANUAR ERENO YAP Interviewer: Alex Durog BIRTHDAY January 13 DIVISION Arts and Humanities RANDOM FACT Writing what may be fiction and poetry, movie marathons, reading literature I hardly understand, photography, shooting documentaries, cooking, swimming, noodles, sleeping, eating, sleeping again WHY WORK IN UP? Not being a UP graduate, I always wondered about that rather peculiar sense of pride a UP graduate exudes when he talks about his/her alma mater. While there’s the pervasive fact that many of the big names in the community trace their education from the state university, I have not really appreciated the full weight of that self-worth. Yes, until I set foot here. I had to make the big leap to get a deep appreciation of that fact. The handful of years I’ve been here, I saw a culture of hard work, diligence and responsibility on all levels. Everyone breathes in the culture DESCRIBE COLLEGE LIFE It was schizophrenic in a lot of ways. I had to drop painting as a way of life because it was at that
By Bayani Acebedo
age when I discovered literature and the high that comes with trying to write one. And if that wasn’t romantic enough, I had to steal time to read novels and write stories without my folks knowing about it because I was aware that they had a stranger for a son. It was apprenticeship under duress, clandestine and dangerous. I was studying nursing, but when they weren’t looking, I had a double major. Can you imagine my parents discovering that I was college paper’s editor-in-chief only at the end of the semester? Can you imagine the fury that was already moot and academic? LOL. ADVOCACIES In one of my writing assignments as a journalist, I interviewed a fisherman in an island up north. The fellow told me he earned roughly P120 a day. With that, he had to feed a family of six. How was that possible with three meals a day? Back in the city, you often get stalled in the middle of eating your P120 “value meal” because you suddenly remember one true story from out there. You ask me about advocacy? It’s in that cramp, uncomfortable space between two tales of contrasting realities. There is an inequality that we all need to talk about, to do something against. MESSAGE FOR UP CEBU STUDENTS In simple terms, there’s no such thing as “selfie” here, it’s all “us-sie”. The simplest theories in whatever discipline you’re engaged in reaches out as useful knowledge to a larger community beyond yourself. You know that, that’s what your teachers tell you everyday in many different ways. Never ever miss the point of helping the rest of your countrymen.
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MARTIAL GROUNDS In the bastion of freedom and social-awareness, there is a scheme that threatens its stakeholders. The University of the Philippines Board of Regents (UP BOR), the highest-policy making body of the University, approved the new Code of Student Conduct (CSC) in UP Diliman last June 30, 2014 even though dissent against the student code were made by studentleaders for it is punitive in nature. Moreover, Commission on Higher Education Chairperson Patricia Licuanan and the BOR suggested that this code shall also be adopted by other UP universities, such as UP Cebu, in their student manual. The Student Code of Conduct, which was made for five years as a replacement to its 1998 version, is a set of “standards” and “proper norms” that students must heed in the university. Any act that deviates from the provisions implemented in the code is an act of “misconduct.” Since 2009, the year the student code was attempted to be revised and implemented, student leaders have drawn flak from it. In the same year, provisions of the code were made that was too imposing with stricter penalizations being given to “disruptive behavior” and “breach of peace”. The main revision of the code, which is to decentralize the Student Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT), will only allow the administration to turn a blind eye to students by the coerced removal of their rights to execute legitimate judgment on violations and offenses. Lack of consultation and lack of the student representation in its drafting committee are also some of the reasons why student formations negate the code and this led to the postponement of the code’s implementation. This only shows how controversial the code is. Yet, five years of drafting revisions only means enforcing more repressive rules in the University. The code has never acknowledged the rights and welfares of the
students — from vague provisions and much varied probable punishments that penalize the student’s misconduct, to rules that equate to the manifestation of deterring the student’s right to organize and expression. CSC’s section 2.2.1 of the CSC states that students with less than one semester of residency in the University are not allowed to join any student organizations. On the other hand, recruitment band for fraternities and sororities was extended to one-year of residency. Organizational force will eventually be inadequate to run tasks and activities and this might cause the death of student organizations. Provisions like this are an utter contravention to the Philippine Constitution. Moreover, Section 1.3.1 and 2.2.1 of the CSC stated that deeds causing disturbance or “breach of peace” will be penalized, ranging from a 15-day suspension to expulsion from the University. No activities were directly classified as “breach of peace” in the CSC. As a condition with no sufficient grounds for such, that is one of the lapses of the student code. This provision can be used by the administration to protest the mobilization of students in the University as an act of disturbance and penalties involved might be used to threaten them. Provisions that are imposed in the CSC are grave threats to the wellness of student body. The CSC inadvertently suggests that the students are naturally felonious and makers of mischief by not inputting any rights to the code. The policies that are mandated curtail the constitutional rights to expression, organization, and assembly. Presently, more revisions of the code are set to be drafted for more clarity and more objectiveness. Regardless of the revisions of the code that are to be made by the BOR, the point is still focusing on what students are not allowed to do rather than principally holding the rights and welfare of the stu-
dents. Apparently, the implementation of the new student code is irrelevant to the present concerns of the whole UP system. These should be addressed by the admin instead: the ceaseless stance of mitigating any forms of commercialization of education such as the socializedtuition system that prevents potential UP students from getting in the university; the academic calendar shift that is not a response to student body’s productivity in terms of global competitiveness; militarization of UP Mindanao’s campus that terrorizes the students; campus expansion that may affect the informal land settlers; and idle ass ets t hat ar e “supposed-to-be” used for the benefit of the students are instead being turned into hubs of capitalism. Divisive mechanisms such as the student code in the university will only obstruct the students to organize and respond to issues that affect them. In times like these, when the system outside the academe compels us to be more vigilant and critical, and through organization and any form of mobilization these issues affecting us can be addressed, it is absurd that the administration should impose a code that restrains us from doing so. The rights-based Student Handbook of Rights and Responsibility, which is similar to UP Cebu’s Student Manual, should be passed and ensued applicability to all UP constituents. Action will never breed progressiveness if students are hindered in exploring their interests or blocked from organizing to make objections. Unity, as one UP system, will never be achieved if students are prevented from exercising their rights and welfare. Now more than ever, the call to obliterate any form of repressive school policies is becoming more relevant. As Iskolars ng Bayan, we must uphold UP’s character as nationalist, democratic, and pro-people university.
EDITOR IN CHIEF
FEATURE WRITERS Jace Trigo Michelle Cabrales ASSOCIATE EDITOR (INTERNAL) Matthew Torregosa Ed Bacaltos Sherwin Oro Gabrinez Gerriane Rizon
MANAGING EDITOR Euben Arzadon
ARTISTS Armand Dayoha Aldrin Abellanosa Navarro Aldwyn Cabarrubias Bayani Acebedo Ressian Dhel Ebio
CIRCULATION MANAGER Rochelle Inferido Salas
LAYOUT ARTIST Alvin Pino
NEWS EDITOR Korinna Lucero
PHOTOGRAPHERS Frances Pasicolan Isabella Rain Bontuyan
ASSOCIATE EDITOR (EXTERNAL) Maggy Cerenio
FEATURE EDITOR Chelzee Salera SECRETARY Franel Mae Poliquit NEWS WRITERS Krystal Joy Lim Joanne Benedicto Joy Gorumba Alex Durog Angelica Galario
For decades now, Tug-ani has been a trustworthy medium in delivering quality news, preserving the details of our chronicles and giving light on current issues. And we continue to strive to be better. We welcome fresh new potentials to our hardworking staff, fine-tune our writing skills and journalistic approaches with workshops, and come up with exciting new ideas all in our attempts to reach the most glorious version of our school publication. We at Tug-ani endeavour to provide you the most basic and factually correct details under one of the most primordial journalistic principles: objectivity. We believe that information disseminated via the school publication must bear the hallmark of factuality and nonpartisanship. We believe in putting bare facts over our own biases and judgements. For even though we—the writers at Tug-ani—have our individual points of view, we have the
ADVISER Prof. Henry Espiritu AS 159, UP Cebu up.tugani@gmail.com www.fb.com/uptugani Member of College Editors Guild of the Philippines
publication’s interests at heart and so we set aside our own colors in favour of neutrality. Therefore, we hereby reaffirm Tug-ani’s status as a nonpartisan institution. We attest to the fact that Tug-ani is not affiliated with any socio-poltical organization, though its individual members have the freedom to be. We at Tug-ani pledge to never publish anything that slanders anyone, be it an individual or an organization. We pledge to never publish anything that may incite the implication that Tug-ani is associated with any side of any issue that may arouse. We pledge to disseminate correct and veritable information insofar as our own knowledge and research go. And we will continue to uphold the good name which we have been bestowed with as the official publication of our university. Be well guided, Iskolars!