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Mapagpalayang kaisipan sa malayang pahayagan Agosto-Setyembre 2014
MOTION DENIED
BOR scraps proposal for tuition rollback ANGELA LAUZON
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o suspend the implementation of Socialized Tuition System (STS) and to lapse back the matriculation was not an option by the University of the Philippines Board of Regents (BOR) as they rejected the rollback proposal in its 1299th meet last July 31. Student Regent (SR) Neill Macuha’s proposal took basis in the Mendoza Report, a review made by the Study Group on Admissions as ordered by UP President Alfredo Pascual.
ed that the Study Group on Admissions was created primarily to investigate into UPCAT as the main reason why poor students are isolated from access to UP, as rural areas are less capable.
Democratic access The motion submitted by SR Macuha was in line with the alternative proposal of the Mendoza report, suggesting “a uniform and affordable tuition befitting UP as a state supported institution for higher learning regardless of socioeconomic class.” Under the motion, SR Macuha plans to create a Special Committee to recommend a policy proposal of an accessible and uniform tuition rate system to the BOR. Also, the proposal sees to defer the further implementation of STS and revert the tuition to the pre-socialized tuition rate of P40 per unit across the UP system. The motion was dismissed by President Pascual, stating that points from the Mendoza report have already been applied. President Pascual further stat-
Purpose defeated According to the Study Group on Admissions led by Dr. Teodoro Mendoza of University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB), the high cost of tuition and other fees is one of the three interrelated drivers why the number of students from the poor sector is getting smaller. The report inferred that the poor have been ‘edged out’ from being Iskolars. The report also stated that with tuition rates that denies students from a supposed state university, only those who can pay are given access to the academic excellence offered by UP. In fact the average no show rate, or those UPCAT qualifiers who did not persist to study in UP, for the whole system is 40%. Moreover, more than 50% of those no-shows were due to financial incapacity.
The report also studied STS and concluded that it “became anti-poor despite the earlier claims that it was to make UP education affordable for students admitted into UP, particularly those coming from the poor families.” As an example, the study cited that the annual income to provide the basic need of a family of six is P438,000 while the threshold for the paying bracket (Bracket D) is a predicted income of P135,000. The Mendoza report stresses the demand to support more poor students given that a great number of Filipino households are necessitous. In line with this, the Study Group affirms that a tuition rollback to a uniform and accessible rate must be implemented. If UP wishes to maintain and promote “Iskolar ng Bayan”, there should be no socio-economic divide between its students, the group’s report concluded.
graphics by RICHMOND SIMEON and LEVI GELN INGENTE
In the report Democratizing UP Education, three main reasons were identified that causes the edging out of the poor students in UP namely:
Bracket Distribution of Undergraduate Students HIGH TUITION AND OTHER FEES
UPCAT
•Tuition fee increase •Very few E1 and E2 •Very low income threshold for bracket D
•Lack/Inadequate information about UPCAT •UPCAT is very difficult
HIGH COST OF LIVING •High lodging fees •High food prices •High school expenses
(First Batch - July 2014)
•Bracket A (No Discount) -23% •Bracket B (Partial Discount 33%-40%) - 30% •Bracket C (Partial Discount 60%) - 31% •Bracket D (Partial Discount 80%) - 12% •Bracket E1 (Full Discount) - 3% •Bracket E2 (Full Discount w/ Stipend) - 1%
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UP BAGUIO OUTCROP TOMO 41 ISYU 1 AGOSTO-SETYEMBRE 2014
STATE OF THE PEOPLE Several Baguio groups staged a protest during President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III’s Fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) depicting the situation of the Filipino people while the pork barrel of the President and his allies consumes the budget last July 28 at the Igorot Park, Baguio City. photo by LEAH PEREZ and LEVI GLEN INGENTE
National budget to increase by 15.1% in 2015 KYLE LEDESMA and DIVINE PEÑAFLOR
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o further support economic growth, President Benigno Aquino III’s administration anchored Department of Budget and Management’s (DBM) proposed budget of PhP 2.6 trillion for the year 2015. From the P2.3 trillion budget this year, 2015’s budget is expected to increase by 15.1%. Most of the allocation is expected to go to social services that is proposed to have P967.9 billion, 14.9 % higher than this year’s 841.8 billion. Budget Allotments On department allocations, National Defense (144 billion) moved from the 4th rank to number 3 on next year’s top ten departments with Education (365.1 billion) as the highest and Science and Technology (19.4 billion) as the lowest. The Primary and Secondary division of the education sector receives P317.1 billion. For higher education, State Unversities and Colleges (SUCs) will recieve a third of its proposed budget. From the P122.7 billion budget the public higher institutions requested, only P40 billion was approved by the DBM. Also, P27.4 billion is divided among regional SUC’s in Luzon wherein Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)
receives the lowest allocation. From the budget of regional SUC’s, P12.6 billion is allotted for the entire UP system. There will also be unused appropriations in the coming year that amount to P123 billion and conditional cash transfers that amount to P64.7 billion. ‘For economic improvement’ “This Budget expands with
the economy and supports further economic expansion,” said Aquino regarding the 2015 proposed national budget. The increase of the proposed budget is also from the agenda of rebuilding areas devastated by the super typhoon Yolanda and accommodate the poor and marginalized. According to Aquino, the government’s investments
for inclusive growth must complement the expansion of Philippines’ economy. The 2015 budget is based on the assessment of international experts and independent observers that our economy is on its path to success. “In 2015, we will borrow P700.8 billion in a manner consistent with our medium-term goal of reducing our debt stock,
particularly our external debt,” Aquino added. However, Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares stated that DBCC changed the definition of “savings” in the 2015 Proposed National Budget to nullify the Supreme Court’s decision that banned Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), allowing the president to realign the budget.
House Justice Committee kills impeachment case vs Pnoy BRONTE LACSAMANA
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hree impeachment complaints against President Benigno Aquino III were voted insufficient in substance by the House Justice committee at a hearing last September 2. Lack of accountability The complaints had stated that there were cases of betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of the constitution over the DAP (Disbursement Acceleration Program) and the EDCA (Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement). According to Bayan Muna Reps. Carlos Zarate and Neri
Colmenares, and Anakpawis Rep. Fernando Hicap, the endorsers of the first and second impeachment raps filed last July 21 and 22, the Aquino administration had violated the constitution when it collected discretionary funds through the DAP and distributed them to lawmakers to fund projects not approved in the budget. The Supreme Court had declared the DAP unconstitutional last July. The third impeachment complaint was about the 10year defence pact between US and Philippines that will allow presence of US military troops in the country.
It stated that the EDCA violates Article XVIII, Sec. 25 of the Constitution, which bans the presence of foreign troops and the use of nuclear weapons in the country without an approved treaty. However, the Malacañang has maintained that the EDCA is legal and builds upon the existing Mutual Defense Treaty between the Philippines and the US. Under EDCA, the Philippine government grants US troops and its private contractors access and use of public properties without rent and tax.
tice committee found these grounds insufficient in substance and trashed the case, voting down the impeachment raps by votes 54-4. The complaints would have little to no chance of being elevated for votation of the congress and trial at the Senate. During the initial stages of the case-filing, both Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Kabataan Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon had predicted that the president would be able to avoid impeachment due to his many connections and allies within the legislative branch.
‘Verdict of the allies’ In the end, the House Jus-
QUICK STAT: NOTES ON THE PROPOSED 2015 NATIONAL BUDGET Source: Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and Kabataan Partylist
P2.6 TRILLION EXPECTED GOVERNMENT BUDGET NEXT YEAR
THREE HIGHEST ALLOCATION
P789.8B
DEBT SERVICE EDUCATION PUBLIC WORKS & HIGHWAYS
P365.1B P300.5B
UNPROGRAMMED FUNDS
P123.05B P1.4B
CONFIDENTIAL & INTELLIGENCE EXPENSES
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UP BAGUIO OUTCROP TOMO 41 ISYU 1 AGOSTO-SETYEMBRE 2014
EMB-CAR: Baguio’s air still fresh and clean DAN RANZ LUNA
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fficer-in-Charge Chief for Planning, Programming, Statistics and MIS Division of Environmental Management Bureau-Cordillera Administrative Region (EMB-CAR) Wilhelmina Lagunilla, contradicted reports released by the World Health Organization (WHO) claiming that Baguio’s air quality is the worst in the Philippines. Claims of Sordid Air In 2010, WHO released reports stating that Baguio’s air contained both liquid and solid pollutants particles. These particles, measuring 2.5 microns called Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM 2.5) may be harmful to our health if inhaled. Compared to Manila and Cebu, Baguio proved to contain too much PM 2.5, making its air much more dangerous.
Baguio’s Response EMB-CAR claimed that the report contained a number of mistakes. WHO used the reports from the mid-air monitoring station located at Session Road. The station, however measures 10 micron pollutant particles known as coarse particles or Particulate Matter 10 (PM 10), it may be larger than the PM 2.5, but it is less dangerous. WHO converted PM 10 to PM 2.5 resulting to “inconsistency” and inaccuracy. Furthermore, the measurements from Session Road were recorded on the breathing level, and because more dust and smoke is emitted, the air contains more particles. The two other cities recorded measurements from the ozone, the general ambient level, making further discrepancy. On May 2014, using the newly installed apparatus at Burn-
Pagsasaayos ng UP Tacloban campus, sinimulan na
Ibang UP Units, naki-isa sa pagtulong DEBROAH FAITH PAJARILLO
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akalipas ang sampung buwan ng humagupit ang Bagyong Yolanda sa Tacloban at mga kalapit na bayan nito, umaahon pa rin mula sa pinsala ang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas (UP) Visayas, Tacloban Campus. Simula ng pagbangon Hunyo nitong taon, napagpasyahan ni UP President Alfredo E. Pascual at Public Affairs Vice-President Prospero De Vera na italaga si UP Diliman Office for Initiatives for Culture and the Arts (OICA) director Jose Danilo Silvestre, bilang taga-pangasiwa ng UP technical assessment team. Nilalayon ng grupo na tumulong sa rehabilitation at reconstruction ng UP Tacloban. Sila ay nakagawa na ng kanilang ebalwasyon ukol sa mga sirang naidulot ng bagyo sa unibersidad. Ayon kay Silverstre, patuloy
BUDGET FOR SUCs Proposed
DBM approved
ang mga klase sa UP Tacloban, sumailalim man ito sa tatlo hanggang limang taon ng reconstruction. Dagdag niya na gagawin rin nila ang kanilang makakaya upang patibayin ang mga pasilidad at mabawasan ang pinsala sa susunod na may darating na kalamidad. Samantala, ang Dean ng nasabing paaralan na si Dr. Anita Cular, kasama ang ibang staff, faculty at mga estudyante ng UP Tacloban, ay tumulong sa pagtatanggal ng debris, paglilinis ng mga pasilidad, at paghahanda ng isang silid-aralan na gagamitin ng technical assessment team. Tulong mula sa UP System Patuloy pa rin ang pag-aasikaso ng gobyerno sa sitwasyon ng mga apektado ng Yolanda; gayundin ang pagdating ng tulong mula sa iba’t ibang pampubliko at pribadong sektor, continued to page 5
ham Park, EMB-CAR measured Baguio’s air quality in terms of PM 2.5 and found out that it averaged good to fair in measurement. In contrast, the other stations scattered around Baguio City and Cordillera reported the air quality as fair, concluding that WHO “generalized” Baguio’s air quality as bad.
Not Getting Better Lagunilla admitted that there are numerous contributors that are worsening the good stature of the air quality. EMB’s emission inventory revealed that the three main sources are: mobiles, including buses and other vehicles; stationaries, with industries
and establishment; and areas with human activities like open burning. Mobile is still the largest contributors at 70%, while stationary and area at 30%. EMB-CAR recommends preventive maintenance and carpooling to further reduce the growing pollution in the city of Baguio.
PROSE TO OPPOSE Kislap Alitaptap recited his poem about President NoyNoy Aquino and the “hidden pork barrel funds” on the People’s Initiative signature campaign to abolish pork barrel at the People’s Park last August 25. photo by LEAH PEREZ
DBM releases proposed 2015 budget for UP ANGELA VALERIO
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ith an increase from last year’s proposed budget, the Department of Budget and Management released the proposed budget for UP for academic year 2014-2015, amounting to P12.6 billion. Based on last year’s budget proposal, this year’s proposed budget increased by 34.55 percent. However, this is only a half of the universities’ requested budget in 2015 amounting to P25 billion. Maintenance and Pay The 6 billion pesos from the proposed budget will be used for the Personnel Services (PS), which includes the payment of
P122.7B
the employees for their services as hired personnel of the University of the Philippines. Another 2.23 billion will be used for the Maintenance Other Operating Expenses (MOOE), which involves the payment for necessary expenses, like, electricity, water, and other necessities that would be needed for the university’s students as part of the maintenance of the establishment. For improvement As for the remaining P4.3 billion, it will be used for the Capital Outlay (CO), which is responsible for the construction of buildings for all the branches of UP. This will be used for the con-
tinuation of the construction of unfinished buildings, creation of research facilities, buildings for additional courses, improvement of laboratories, and the acquisition and upgrade of hospital equipment. This includes the construction of UPB international house, the establishment of UPB green campus, and the construction of UPB montane field station in Mt. Sto. Tomas, utilizing green architecture, suitable for physical and geology research. The money used for the construction of those buildings are locally funded, meaning it will come from tuition and other fee collections, donations, and income-generating projects of the university.
DBM APPROVED BUDGET FOR SUCs IN NCR (IN PERCENT) EARIST
P41.2B
88.9%
PNU
PUP
RTU
TUP
UP
18.6% 48.7% 58.6% 53.9% 50.4%
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UP BAGUIO OUTCROP TOMO 41 ISYU 1 AGOSTO-SETYEMBRE 2014
Due to lack of funds,
UPB campus renovation to be completed by 2015
KATRINA LAUTILLO
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n-going campus renovations in University of the Philippines Baguio are anticipating completion only on 2015 due to problems regarding allocation of funds and public bidding. The renovations started early January 2013 with Phase One, basic infrastructure, and were completed on April the same year. Phase Two, completion, was promised to be done around September during the 4-month long summer vacation, but so far no progress has been made. Facing a road block Regarding the completion of
Phase Two, Vice-Chancellor Jessica Cariño says the situation is a lot more complicated than it appears. She admits out of five of the campus renovations – Human Kinetics Program (HKP), College of Science (CS), College of Arts and Communication (CAC), the Galerya Kordilyera and UP Baguio Residence Hall (BREHA) – only one was really designated for completion, BREHA, and the rest of the budget are for the basic infrastructure. The rest of the renovations are on-hold until the campus administrators figure out where to get the funds, announce their interest to the public, and find a public contractor that would take the job. The new
ODSA and USC teamed-up,
UPB welcomes batch ‘14 JOHN VINCENT ARDIDON
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niversity of the Philippines-Baguio (UPB) community welcomes the freshmen of academic year 2014-2015 to their life inside the university and readied them for the intellectual and emotional battle they are about to face. Before, freshmen welcome assemblies conducted in UPB were separately handled by the Office of the Director for Student Affairs (ODSA) and University Student Council (USC). But this year’s freshmen orientation was conducted together by the ODSA and USC at
the Bulwagang Juan Luna dated August 11 2014. The orientation showed a quick history of the evolution of the Socialized Tuition System (STS) along with the Academic Calendar Shift, given that this is the pioneer batch where these changes are made in the whole UP System. Moreover, a Virtual Campus Tour presentation informed the students of the important institutions, while exhibiting buildings, inside the University. The partnership of ODSA’s Student Relations Office (SRO) continued to page 5
KALIWANG SULOK: SALAMIN kuha ni LEVI GLEN INGENTE
estimated time of completion is early 2015. The funds used for construction and renovation came from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in support of the Higher Education Act of 1994. Green grass still growing Before the renovations, the area around the Auditorium had a roof that helped students cross from Iskolar ng Bayan Building (IB) to College of Social Science (CSS) during the rainy season. It turned into a wide, cemented lot with a wide step they had to fix with stage props. The blocked areas in CS used to have Student Center Room, Student Council Office and Union Office. Union office was relocated to the area below the Canteen. The unfinished CAC theatre used to be a facility that contained the Fine Arts’ students’ artwork and the ramp way was not narrow. It was the primary passageway from library to CAC. The steps were made during construction.
FOR THE OTHER VERSION The Cordillera Peoples’ Alliance (CPA) along with other groups claimed that the current House Bill filed for the regions’ autonomy will only benefit the local elites and foreign capitalists. With this, CPA proposed to push for a genuine regional autonomy which promotes self-determination for the indigenous peoples in the Cordillera during a forum at the Bulwagang Juan Luna last August 18. photo by LEAH PEREZ
UPB USC calls for STS Reform NEIL GERSON ALVAREZ
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iming for a unifying statement towards the issue, the University of the Philippines Baguio University Student Council (UPB USC) ended up with an 8-6 vote in favor of those who wanted to reform the newly implemented Social-
ized Tuition System (STS). The USC were unable to make a unified stand in their regular session conducted in August 19 that lasted until 11:30 PM. With this, a special session was conducted on August 22 at 6:30 PM. Both sessions were open for the rest of the studentry to witness. At the start of the session, the UPB USC united towards fighting for greater state subsidy. As the discussion progressed, the members of the UPB USC who wanted reform and those who wanted to junk STS raised a cluster of points, arguments, and queries. ‘Surviving Mechanism’ The members of the UPB USC who wanted reform viewed STS as a ‘surviving mechanism’ of the University. While there is no greater state subsidy, STS was dubbed to be a necessity. They claimed that many students benefited from it, evident in the increase in the number of Bracket C and D students in addition to the increase in stipend given to Bracket E2 students, from P2400 in STFAP to P3500 in STS. However, concerns such as the misbracketing of students and transparency in the bracket determining process
were raised that reforming was viewed as a way to correct them. Recurring problem The members of the UPB USC who wanted to junk STS perceived the campaign of scrapping STS to be comprehensive, extensive, and longterm. According to them, socialized tuition schemes have been reformed many times only to end up in debates about its proven ineffeciency. They added that the proposed solution to the problem, other than junking STS, includes the tuition rate rollback to P40/unit and strengthening the scholarship program of the University for more accessible UP education, in line with the motion of Student Regent Neill Macuja to the UP Board of Regents, that was then rejected. On•Lack/Inadequate the said sessions, students were allowed to particiinformation pate through the open forum at the about end ofUPCAT the UPB-USC’s •UPCAT is this, very the UPBdiscussion. With USC will hold their stand for difficult the whole year. As a start, they plan to release their statement regarding their stand.
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UP BAGUIO OUTCROP TOMO 41 ISYU 1 AGOSTO-SETYEMBRE 2014
UPB ODSA eyes to adapt UPD org recruitment process DANNA LLAINE RUIZ
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ith reference to the 2012 revised student code of UP Diliman, the Office of the Director for Student Affairs (ODSA) of UP Baguio aims to adapt the new code’s recruitment process for organizations and fraternities/sororities in the campus.
In 2009, there were no student representatives during the drafting and student organizations were not consulted about the plan to promulgate the UPD student code. Christian Dave Ruz, as the UPB Freshmen Desk Head, consulted beforehand the ODSA regarding the matter. Ruz stated, “Noong naapru-
bahan ang Student Code sa Diliman noong 2012, iminungkahi ng isang board member ng Board of Regents na sana ay ipatupad din ito sa buong UP System”. Recruitment and Banning The new code presented new rules for the organizations and made the complicated rec-
Bogus bomb threat alarms UPB DARREN ORTIZ
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embers of the University of the Philippines Baguio (UPB) community were prompted to evacuate after receiving a bomb scare last August 27. The said threat rooted from an unknown text message received by Mr. Wilfredo Alangui, UP Baguio Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. He received the text message saying that a bomb was planted in one of the buildings of the university. The message was then forwarded to UP Baguio Chancellor Raymundo Rovillos and ordered for immediate evacuation. Buildings cleared out Students together with faculties, staff, canteen workers, and university employees were asked to immediately vacate their respective locations and go to the nearest evacuation sites upon news of the bomb threat. The people from the Iskolar ng Bayan (IB), Kolehiyo ng Agham (KA), and Juan Luna (JL) buildings were gathered at the UPB Oblation Grounds. Meanwhile, people from the College of Arts and Communication (CAC) and College of Social Sciences (CSS) were gathered at the Japanese Garden. They carefully cleared out the said buildings upon telling to do so. Search and clearing operation At exactly 9:00 am, the Baguio City Police Office arrived immediately upon the notice of
ognition process even harder for them. Former reports laid that the new student code may lead to the dissolution of several student organizations. One of the revisions included is the rule that freshmen are not allowed to join any organizations without completing a semester residency in the campus and must finish one school year before entering fraternities or sororities. According to Ruz, the student code violates certain rights of the organizations and of those who want to join namely the “freedom of choice” and the ‘‘right to organize” and added that organizations give life to the campus journey of students and aid in the student mobilization. There are still no
UPB welcomes batch ‘14 from page 4
SAFE MODE UP Baguio students during the evacuation with the aid of Baguio police. photo by ANGELA LAUZON the school authority. In case of unexpected casualties the BCP Office was equipped with their medical apparatuses, first aid kits and precautionary measures as well. Classes that day were suspended as ordered by UPB Chancellor. To ensure their safety, students were restricted to enter the school premises as long as the bomb risk was raised. The personnel of the Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) unit of the BCP Office deployed bomb experts together with two K-9 sniffing dogs to search for the alleged bomb. They scanned every building of the university and found no explosives in the end. After the campus-wide search and clearing operation, the BCP Office declared the bomb threat as a hoax and stu-
dents and faculties are already safe to enter the university. This is not the first time that UP Baguio encountered a bomb scare.
and USC’s Freshmen Committee also enabled faster dissemination of information and proper organization of the orientation. "At the minimum, we achieved the plans and objectives of the orientation. The proposals decided, fortunately, were achieved. The two bodies had compromised to plan this orientation for the freshmen and at the least, we’re successful", Happy Dave Ruz, Freshmen Desk Head, said in a follow-up interview.
from page 3
Ilang mga mag-aaral naman ng UP Tacloban ang naging cross enrolee, o hinayaang lumipat sa ibang UP campus. Nilagay rin ang ilan sa bracket E2 ng STS. Ayon kay Valiant Dayagbil, isang cross enrolee, “kahit na nagmumula o nabibilang tayo sa iba’t ibang campuses, mayroong iba’t ibang lenggwahe, kurso at kurikulum, ipinakita pa rin natin na tayo ay iisang UP, tinutulungan ang isa’t isa.”
NEWS BRIEF
UPB Canteen terminates free water service JOSIAH CYRUS BOQUE
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Pagsasa-ayos ng UP Tacloban campus, sinimulan na lokal man at maging sa ibang panig ng mundo. Hindi nagpahuli dito ang iba’t ibang UP campuses. Ang mga UP campuses ay nagkaisa upang makapagpamahagi ng pangangailangan sa mga residenteng nasalanta tulad ng pagkain, malinis na tubig, mga kumot, mga laruan, mga libro, laptop at cell phones. Kasabay din nito ang pagsagawa ng relief operations at medical assistance.
concrete statements from the UPB administration for they are still waiting for the copy of the revised student code from Diliman. In an interview with Student Relations Officer, Doris Wilson, she said, “Hinihintay pa naming ang official copy ng bagong code mula sa Diliman at pag-aaralan namin kasama ang SC at CL at possibly i-adopt. Ang maganda dito mabibigyan ng time ang mga freshmen na makapag-adjust at mas kilalanin ang mga orgs na sasalihan nila.” Though the new Student Code was not approved to be applied this academic year in other UP campuses, the administration hopes that it will be promulgated by next year
JUSTICE FOR THE SERVER Cordillera Human Rights Alliance together with several oraganizations condemned the recent military operations in Abra which resulted to the death of Engr. Delle Salvador, a non-gorvernment organization volunteer. photo by LEVI GLEN INGENTE
niversity canteen decided to remove the free water service on the start of the first semester of 2014. Due to the approval of the University in banning the canteen stalls to sell bottled water for promoting greener UPB, loss of funds and profits have been the result of the action. “We accepted the decision of the university on permanent banning of bottled water. But because of it, we have lost so much of our sales compared to the days when we are still selling bottled water.” said Mrs. Irene Columna, the operator of Spices and Seasonings. Selling water on a cup for a less expensive price was their alternative to regain their lost sales. They also accept refill but the price depends on the size of the container. All stalls have their own dispensers after the removal of the main dispenser to gain more profit. “If the students could buy a more expensive bottled beverage than of water, then it is just fine and fair to sell water to the students,” she added. Mrs. Columna also spoke about funding the free water service when it is still functional. She said that the money is from the extra profit from selling bottled water and it is provided by all stalls solely. The stalls provide the fund by rotational and sequential system.
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UP BAGUIO OUTCROP TOMO 41 ISYU 1 AGOSTO-SETYEMBRE 2014
KWENTONG PALENGKE:
Si Kano, si Tanda, at isang kariton ng fishball ARTHUR ASTAQUINTA
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akapunta ka na ba sa palengke? Doon sa may pagkalagpas ng overpass galing Malcolm Square. Masayang pumunta paminsan-minsan doon lalo na kung hindi umuulan. Mas masaya pa kung may pera kang pambili. Kasabay ng mga pagbabago ng Baguio city ang pagpapalit ng anyo ng Baguio City public market. Dito nagsimula ang pag-usbong ng Baguio na kilala natin ngayon. Javjavan Noong Kafagway (‘malawak na lupain’ sa wikang Ibaloi) pa ang tawag sa Baguio, bagsakan ito ng mga paninda galing Hilagang Luzon papunta sa kamaynilaan at karatig na probinsya nito. Dito nakikipagpalitan ng mga produkto ang mga lokal at dayong mangangalakal (viajeros ang tawag sa kanila noon) bago pa man dumating ang mga Kastila at Amerikano sa Kordilyera. Pormal na naitatag ang Baguio City Market noong 1913 nang magkaroon ng titulo na nagpapatibay sa paglilipat ng lupa sa lokal na pamahalaan na sinasakop ang 77,770 square meters (sq. m.) ng lungsod. Noong Dekada ’60, 4,672 sq. m. nito ang pinaupa sa Baguio Hilltop Enterprises, ang lugar kung saan nakatayo noon ang Hilltop hotel. Samantala 5,000 sq. m. naman ng kabuuang lupa ng Baguio city market ang binenta sa Human Settlement Development Centre. Dito nakatayo ang Maharlika Livelihood Centre at Marbay sa kasalukuyan. Nakahati na ang Baguio city market sa kung ano ang mga mabibili dito. Ito ay may apat na hatian kung saan makikita ang bagsakan ng gulay, tindahan ng mga gamit panluto, mga damit at sapatos, mga bulaklak, at iba pa. Sa pagdaan ng panahon, dumadami ang mga manininda nila. Kaya mas nagiging masikip ang bawat tindahan ng palengke. May ilang gusali din ang hindi na nakukumpuni. Sanhi na marahil ito sa iba’t ibang suliraning kinakarap ng Baguio city market tulad ng kabuuang kalinisan ng palengke, pagnanakaw, pisikal na pagpapaunlad sa plano ng palengke, at mga maninindang walang pwesto o ambulant vendors. Dalawang mukha Maraming nakahanda ang Baguio City Market depende sa kung ano ang pakay mo dito. May tourist market para sa mga pasalubong natin sa pamilya at kaibigan. Kung murang pansahog naman para sa lulutuin mong hapunan
ang hanap mo, nandyan ang wet market para sa iyo. Pero bakit may mga mahal ng gulay sa tourist market at kailangan mo pang magpasikot-sikot sa wet market para makabili ng masarap na kape? Kasi sinadya nilang ganoon ang pagkakaayos ng Baguio city Public Market. Kung mapapansin natin, hindi maitatangging mas pinagtuunan nila ng atensyon ang tourist market kumpara sa iba pang lugar ng palengke. Nasa isang mahaba at tuwid na alley ang mga stalls ng mga manininda dito. Mas nakakaayang tingnan din ang mga binebenta nilang maayos na nakasalansan. May takip din ang nilalakaran ng mga dumadaan dito at di-hamak na mas malinis ang daanan nila. At nitong nakaraan lang, naglagay na rin sila ng timbangang bayan sa gitna ng tourist market, para daw masiguro ng mga mamimili na tama ang timbang ng mga binili nila. Lumiko naman tayo sa wet market. Madalas ngayong umulan kaya kung hindi ka maingat sa paglalakad, malulublob ka sa mga butas na puno ng tubigulan sa daan. Katapat lang ng mga tindahan ng mga gamit panluto ang mga kurtina ng longanisa at meatloaf. Umaaligid din sayo ang mga naglalako ng tigbebenteng sibuyas, bawang, kalamansi, at iba pa. Hinding-hindi mo rin maiiwasang madaanan ang mga manang na nagbebenta ng patumpok na isda o dili kaya’y patinging prutas na nakabalot na. Patintero Ilang beses na rin nagkaroon ng sunog sa Baguio City Market. Ang madalas na dahilan nito ay mga nilumang kable ng kuryente. Problema na rin dito ang hindi maayos na pangongolekta ng basura lalo na sa looban. Ngunit marahil ang pinakamalaking suliranin na hinaharap ng lokal na pamahalaan ng lungsod ng Baguio ay ang mga illegal vendors na nakakalat hindi lang sa palengke pati na rin sa mga tabi ng kalsada. Nilunsad sa unang buwan ng 2014, binuo ang Public Safety and Order Division (POSD) upang mapanatili ang kalinisan at kaayusan ng lungsod ng Baguio. May humigit kumulang na animnapu‘t-anim na POSD ang kumikilos ngayon sa bayan. Kamakailan lamang, habang nagsasagawa ng isa sa mga clearing operations ang POSD sa mga tabing kalsada, may isang tinderong binugbog ng pitong miyembro nito na nagsanhi sa pagkamatay niya. Si Oscar Caranto ay limam-
pu’t-dalawang taung gulang na nagbebenta ng fishball sa palengke. Sumiklab ang mga damdamin ng mga kapwa niya manininda sa Baguio city market. Humantong ito sa isang rally habang pinaparada ang kabaong ni Caranto. Kamakailan pagkatapos ng libing niya ay nagsampa ng kaso ang biyuda niyang si Rosalinda laban sa pitong bumugbog sa kanyang asawa. Sinibak sa kanilang pwesto ang pito kasama ng iba pang hindi nakapasa sa standards ng munisipyo. Mariin pa rin ang kapasyahan ni Mayor Mauricio Domogan sa pagpapatuloy ng mga katulad ng naganap na clearing operations at anti-peddling drives sa kalakhan ng lungsod. Nitong buwan lamang ay may nasabat na tune-toneladang bagahe ng mga second-hand clothes o ukay-ukay ang Bureau of Customs kasama ang Regional Police District ng Lungsod ng Baguio. Pinasok ang mga ito sa Pilipinas bilang mga retasong tela. Milyon ang tinatayang halaga ng mga kagamitan at ito ay isang malaking dagok sa industriya ng ukay-ukay. Sa huli Malaki ang pagpapahalaga ng lokal na pamahalaan ng lungsod ng Baguio sa mga turistang dumarating dito. Malaking bahagdan ng annual income ng Baguio city ay nanggagaling sa kanila. Malaki ring porsyento ng kanilang gastusin ang napupunta sa paglilinis ng Baguio. Mga bagay na sa kanilang mga paningi’y dumi at makakasira sa imaheng binuo ng mga Amerikanong dumating dito: ang Summer Capital ng Pilipinas. Makatwiran lamang sa kanilang pananaw na magbigay ng mataas na pagpapahalaga sa dayuhang nagsusunog ng kanilang mga pera para sa ikaliligaya nating lahat. Ngunit kung iisipin, hindi ba dapat ang mga residente ang dapat nitong paglingkuran? Sa paglilinis ng mga duming iyon, hindi rin maiiwasan na madamay ang mga taong nais lamang makaraos ng isang araw na hindi kumakalam ang tiyan sa gutom. Mga taong sa halip na hintaying mamuti ang mga mata sa kahihintay ng mga tulong ay nagpasyang makipagpatintero sa kalsada para maglako ng talbos ng sayote. Sana ay isipin lang natin kung kanino nga ba ang mga pagbabagong nangyayari sa paligid natin. At kung sino ang dapat makinabang sa mga kaunlarang sinasabi nila.
KULTURA 7
UP BAGUIO OUTCROP TOMO 41 ISYU 1 AGOSTO-SETYEMBRE 2014
H
apon pagkatapos ng klase ko, naisipan kong bumili muna ng walis at dustpan para sa lilipatan kong bahay. Kaunting lakad mula sa overpass ng Maharlika, daan sa iba’t-ibang amoy tulad ng shawarma, isda, at kape, at lakad pa ulit nang paakyat tungong Hillside. Sa gitna ng isang sari-sari store at hardware ay isang pwesto na punong-puno ng mga gamit pambahay, katabi naman ng mga iyon ay ang mag-asawa na nagbabantay rito. “Walis po at dustpan, magkano ho?” Dito ko nakilala sina Nanay Isang at Tatay Gordon. Walumpu’t apat na si Nanay habang walumpu’t siyam naman si Tatay; may tatlong anak na dahil na rin sa pagsisikap ng mag-asawa, ay nakapagtapos lahat ng kolehiyo. “Patay na nga lang yung isa, yung nasa gitna naman, aba’y nandun sa Antipolo umanak lang ng umanak.” sabi ni Nanay Isang nang nakangiti pa ring nakatingin sa akin. Hindi ko pa nasasambit ang ilang salita na naglalaro sa isip ko ng sabihin ni Tatay Gordon na, “Yung bunso? Andun sa Malcolm! Nagtitinda ng DVD.” Isang araw sa tindahan Matumal ang benta nina Nanay at Tatay noong araw na iyon. Ang sabi nga ni Lea, isa sa mga saleslady nila, tuwing Disyembre lang sila kumikita ng malaki. Madalas walang kinikita, minsan pa’y lugi. Malaki daw kasi ang ginagastos nila sa pagkuha ng mga gamit mula pang Dagupan. Syempre isama mo pa doon
ang pampasweldo nila sa mga kasama nila sa pagtitinda. “Buti na lang talaga madiskarte tong sina Tatay.” sabi naman bigla ni Marge, isa pang saleslady. Nakipagusap pa kasi si Tatay sa iba upang magparenta ng pwesto dahil na rin dalawa ang sa kanila. Imbis na magpahinga na lang, buong maghapon nagbabantay ng pwesto sina Nanay Isang at Tatay Gordon. Kung tutuusin, maari naman nilang iwanan ang pwesto nila kina Marge at Lea ngunit mas pinipili nilang magbantay sa pwesto na pinagsimulan ng “love story” nila. Napangiti ako. Kahit may katandaan na, napakakulit at napakadaldal pa rin kasi nina Nanay at Tatay. “Mas maganda na ‘to para may gawin pa kami. Kesa naman mamatay ka nang para ka na ring bangkay noong buhay ka pa.” dagdag ni Nanay Isang. Masipag, maintindihin, makwento, at palangiti: iilan lamang ito sa mga katangian na nakita ko sa mag-asawa. Kaya naman nagtaka ako ng biglang napakunot ng noo si Tatay Gordon, binibili na daw kasi ng ‘bumbay’ itong pwesto nila. Ngunit sa pagkakataong ito, sa tumal na rin ng bentahan, malamang sa malamang ay ibenta na nga raw nila talaga.
pwesto sina Nanay at Tatay. Tila mga alikabok, buhok, at nahulog na pagkain, na winalis isa-isa ang mga may pwesto. May mga nakiusap na sa barangay captain nila ngunit sinabing marami pang dapat unahin. May mga pumunta naman na daw ng city hall ngunit wala pa ring napala. Pagkatapos ng kung anu-anong prosesong pinagdaanan nila, andun pa rin daw ang mga kumare at kumpare nila na nagtitinda ng tinapa, gulay, kape, sapatos, o basahan sa gitna ng daan at hindi sa sarado na nilang pwesto. “Sa tinagal namin dito, sumagi na sa isip namin na ibebenta rin namin itong pwesto.” Hindi din naman daw nila kakayanin ang pagbabalik-balik sa city hall o baragay hall para sa ilang papeles na requirement, benefit, o loan. Okay na rin daw siguro yun para hindi na rin sila malugi at mas matuunan nila ng pansin ang kanilang mga anak. Nagawa pang magbiro ni Nanay Isang nang “Magbebenta na lang din kami ng DVD, para mas maging close din kami ni Marilyn.” “Family Bonding, Nay?” napasinghal ako. Bayad ng isangdaan, sinuklian ng sampu, pagkatapos ay nagpaalam na ako kina Nanay at Tatay.
Kung kaagaw ko sila, wala namang mapapala Marami-rami na rin nasaksihang pagkalugi, pagkawala, o pang-aagaw ng
TILA DUMI KUNG WALISIN LEAH PEREZ
PIPOL Ito ay isang bahagi ng seksyon ng kultura kung saan itinatampok ang isang tao, sikat man o hindi. Dito natutunghayan ang mga taong hindi binibigyan ng boses at pagkakataon ng mainstream media at mga talk show sa telebisyon.
grapiks ni LEAH PEREZ
8 EDITORYAL
UP BAGUIO OUTCROP TOMO 41 ISYU 1 AGOSTO-SETYEMBRE 2014
“An Act Abolishing Pork Barrel”
From the people, for the people T
he people are angry at it. The Supreme Court did not allow it. But the pork barrel system still persists inside the national budget, our budget. When the Supreme Court declared both the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) and the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) unconstitutional, these programs were no longer included in the budget allocations for this year. But despite the people’s resistance against this corruption-infested funding, President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Butch Abad and their allies found a way to continue their unconstitutional funding program by changing the definition of ‘savings’ in the national budget. In the Lower House approved budget for 2015, this ‘savings’ provision became a tactic to create a lump sum discretionary fund by sacrificing several government programs and projects. This
means that the Aquino administration can access it and may still have funds for his and his allies’ suspicious projects which are usually not included in the line item of the national budget. With this, the people intervene. Through the People’s Initiative, a law can be passed given that it will be signed by six million registered voters. Now, a massive petition signing to support the “Act Abolishing Pork Barrel” is being campaigned nationwide. The proposed Act plans to “abolish the presidential and congressional pork barrel, to mandate line item budgeting, to prohibit and criminalize appropriation and use of lump sum discretionary funds, to penalize violators with six years and one day to ten years imprisonment and disqualification from holding public office.” If passed, all the public officials who allegedly misused the people’s money will be probed. Those who will be proven guilty will be imprisoned.
The corrupt will be punished. And the law will prevent those who will use the national budget to suspicious programs and patronage politics. Also, if passed, the law will mandate the government to use a line item
‘‘
With the rechanneling of funds, our education and healthcare will be accessible.
OUTCR P
Opisyal na Pahayagan ng mga Mag-aaral ng Unibersidad ng Pilipinas-Baguio
Punong Patnugot Angela Lauzon Kawaksing Patnugot Arthur Astaquinta, Levi Glen Ingente Tagapamahalang Patnugot Annalyn Rebecca Eisma Patnugot sa Kultura Ellainemor San Pascual Patnugot sa Lathalain Anna Marie Jude Patnugot sa Disenyo Leah Perez Kawani Jesusa Paquibot
budgeting system. All the usage of funds will be and should be defined clearly while no vaguely defined programs and projects will be passed. And there will be a greater budget for our social services. With the rechanneling of funds, our education and healthcare will be accessible. The longstanding shortages in chairs, books, classrooms and teachers can be solved in just a few years of sufficient funding. The wages of the public school teachers will increase. There will be an adequate budget for our public hospitals that needs to be improved. The privatization of these institutions will be prevented. And the cost of healthcare services will drop. All of these will be possible once the law is passed. All of these will be possible if the peoples’ initiative is successful. All of these will be possible once every one of us participates. Let us join the peoples’ initiative to abolish pork barrel system. Sign now and let our voices be heard.
Miyembro ng College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) at Solidaridad, Alyansa ng mga Pahayagang Pangkampus sa UP upboutcrop@gmail.com Facebook page: “UP Baguio Outcrop” Unang Palapag ng Alumni Center Building, UP Baguio, Gov. Pack Road, Baguio City
OPINYON 9
UP BAGUIO OUTCROP TOMO 41 ISYU 1 AGOSTO-SETYEMBRE 2014
Mas buo tayo kapag nag-iisa* ELLAINEMOR SAN PASCUAL
N
atatakot akong mag-isa. Sa pag-iisa ko kasi madalas naiisip lahat ng mga kapalpakan ko sa buhay. Wala rin naman sigurong may gustong makaramdam ng pag-iisa sa isang kwartong puno ng mga tao. Lumaki ako sa pamilya na kung matulog ay tabi-tabi, lahat kami nasa Master’s bedroom. Kung wala man kami sa Master’s bedroom, magkasama pa rin kami ng kapatid ko sa kwarto sa pangalawang palapag ng aming bahay. Rason ni mama, ang konti nalang namin, maghihiwahiwalay pa kami sa pagtulog. Nasanay ako sa ganoong buhay, laging may kasama kumbaga. Magmula sa eskwelahan, kasama mga kaibigan; hanggang sa bahay, kasama ang pamilya. Kaya naman noong nagkolehiyo at unang beses akong maiiwang mag-isa sa kwarto ay natakot ako. Nahirapan akong walang makausap, walang makaramay. Wala akong ibang magawa kundi mag-isip. Kung anu-anong naalala ko. Mula sa mga kamalasan ko, mga oportunidad na sinayang hanggang sa mga kasalanan ko sa sarili ko pati na rin sa mga mahal ko sa buhay. Simula noon, hangga’t makakaya, kapag uuwi ang roommate ko, uuwi din
ako sa amin. Kaso, nahirapan din ako sa huli, bukod sa nakakapagod, sayang pamasahe. Kalaunan, binato ko ng tanong ang sarili ko na hanggang kailan ko tatakasan ang pag-iisa? Sinubukan kong dahan-dahang ipakilala sa sarili kong maglakad ng walang kasama sa Session Road, maglakad sa Porta Vaga tapos maglakad pauwi. Noong una, nakaka-asiwa. Pumasok sa isip ko paano kung may makakita sa akin na kakilala ko, baka isipin wala akong kaibigan. Baka hindi nila maintindihan na minsan gusto ko lang rin ng nag-iisa. Dumaan ang mga araw at hindi ko naalintana, masaya naman ako. Oo, naisip ko lahat ng mga iniiwasan kong alalahanin pero kasabay noon ang pagkakaroon ng oportunidad na mas makilala ang sarili ko pati na rin ang aking mundong ginagalawan. Noong mag-isa ako lahat ng atensyon ko nabaling ko sa iba’t ibang klase ng tao, bagay na hindi ko magagawa kung meron akong kasama. Nandiyan pala si Kuyang Drummer na bago na ang lalagyan ng barya at si lola na na nakaupo sa gilid at may mapungay na mga mata. Pagbaba mo naman ng SM, sina ate at kuya na nag-
titinda ng mangga at suha ang makikita. Sa Skyworld, matatanaw si lolo na tila laging tulog at ginawa nang tirahan ang kalye sa Skyworld. Kapag sineswerte, gwapo ang kasabay kong maglakad. Malas, may kasabay din palang iba. Syempre sa paglalakad, hindi mo maiiwasang may makasalubong. Masarap pala sa pakiramdam na kapag
‘‘
Ang daming nangyayari sa paligid natin. Maliit man o malaki, lahat sila may halaga, may epekto sa bawat isa
may nakasalubong ka, ngingitian ka. Yung ngiting alam mong totoo at taos sa puso. Nakakatuwang isipin na sa laki ng mundong ito, nagkakaroon ako ng mga pagkakataon na maging parte ng buhay ng iba’t-ibang taong bumubuo sa ginagalawan kong lipunan, kahit pa sa isang sandali lang. Ang daming nangyayari sa paligid natin. Maliit man o malaki, lahat sila may halaga, may epekto sa bawat isa. Sabi nga ni Sherlock Holmes, iba ang tumitingin sa nag-oobserba. Matagal na siguro ang mga ganoong nangyayari pero hindi ko pa sila mapapansin kung nagpadaan ako sa takot kong mag-isa. Kaya ko naman palang walang kasama. Noon ko mas napagpahalagahan ang mga aral na maituturo lang sa akin kung lalabas ako sa aking comfort zone. Ang mga mumunting gawain at mga galaw sa aking paligid din pala ang tutulong sa paghahanap ko sa aking sarili. Totoo nga naman na minsan, mas buo ang tao kapag nag-iisa.
*Mula sa akdang “Horoscope” ni Ed Rueda Guieb
Of what is left LEVI GLEN INGENTE
E
very organization needs its members. Members give an organization a life. And the strength and commitment of each member makes an organization last. In Outcrop, one of the difficulties the publication faces is the retention of its members. There are always few people left while there are tons of articles, photographs and illustrations to be finished. There is always an unfilled position. There is always someone who works in two or more sections. There is always the problem that for every batch of recruits, only few will stay. When I entered this publication, one of my editors told me that there were many of my batch mates who attended the mass orientation and wanted to join Outcrop. By the time I started writing, there were only few of us attending the meetings and educational discussions. I think we were less than ten freshmen who stayed that year. The next year, only seven of us remained. On our third year, five of us
were left. By the year that would be the last for some of us, only three of us were still writing for Outcrop. With the numbers trimming down, tears have been shed, departing words were
‘‘
With the numbers trimming down, tears have been shed, departing words were uttered but lessons were learned.
uttered but lessons were learned. Nobody said that publication work is easy and if anyone says otherwise, they are wrong. It is not that those who quitted cannot hold the responsibilities of being an Outcrop member, it is in the appreciation of the responsibilities and tasks where each member differs. As the appreciation dwindles, so is the drive of a member to write for the publication. Appreciation comes when a member is encouraged to be ceaseless in learning. To learn not only what he/she writes but also the issues behind and connected with it. Constant investigation of the concrete situation makes a budding journalist recognize the fact that there are important and pressing issues that the students and the people should know. It is then the desire to learn that makes a staff committed. It is the desire to learn that makes a member a strong pillar of the publication. On the other hand, it is the task of the editors not only to learn more, but also to teach every new member what
it is to be a staff of Outcrop. It is the editors’ responsibility to instill in every member that Outcrop is more than just writing, that Outcrop is more than about publishing something to read. Our task is to make them realize that to be an Outcrop member is to be involved. As Mao would put it, “to investigate a problem is, indeed, to solve it.” Editors should encourage everyone in the publication to participate in the process of changing the present situation. That aside from reporting, every member should act against or in support of these issues and where people’s lives will improve. That to be an Outcrop member is to be with the people; to serve the people. There may be few of us left from last academic year but the lessons of the past, the experiences of the former, are still here with us. And for us who are still here lies the challenge to gather a new wave of writers, graphic artists and photojournalists who will continue the principles of the publication.
Hindi pa huli ang lahat! Pwede ka pa ring sumali sa Outcrop. Pumunta lamang sa aming opisina sa unang palapag ng Alumni Center Building at magpa-orye! wink!
10 LATHALAIN
UP BAGUIO OUTCROP TOMO 41 ISYU 1 AGOSTO-SETYEMBRE 2014
REPUBLISHED:
WE ARE THE GENERATION CREATING HISTORY Decades since the 80s may have evoked changes in this nation but the signs remain the same. Eras began and ended but we find ourselves in the same disposition despite transitioning periods. Despite whatever authority instills that we are on our way to being a nation-state benefiting all, we are still a country of conflict with our sovereignity in question. With then and now's static state, the challenge to our generation is kindred.
T
he signs of the Eighties are unmistakable: Filipino destiny, like Asia, is returning to Asian hands with a vengeance. There was an era when regional security and growth rested almost wholly on super-power support. That era, roughly speaking, spanned three decades for the Philippines. It began when communist regimes emerged in other countries like China and Vietnam, and as a consequence of these regimes’ aggressive intentions, other countries were split and embroiled in vicious wars. It ended when such communist regimes, along with totalitarian governments, were given respectability and admitted to the United Nations and when the United States, fatigued by Vietnam started disengaging from mainstream Asia. The end of that era finds Asia no more united or not much less poorer than it was. The Philippines, upon which the United States has consistently embroiled itself in remains, like its continental mother, a country of conflict, with an armed ceasefire finally obliterated: an uneasy truce dividing the centrists and the Mindanao rebellion and yet both of them poised, as was the NPA-government ceasefire, for a war of attrition: a love-hate relationship between Rightist elements
and loyalists, and the extreme Left. It also remains a country of discontent, with two-thirds of the nation’s havenots hopefully aspiring to a dignity that is not yet theirs. Will it ever be in their lifetime? The answer depends on a number of preconditions. An eminent 20th century philosopher would say, “No one will ever solve problems rooted in human poverty; they must be solved by nations themselves.” Ironically, in the outrage of technology, it appears less easy to banish poverty than to avoid global conflict, although clearly one must aggravate the other. In our quest for self-reliance, Filipinos, as peoples else-
where, require a lasting peace. External peace may be underwritten by aggressive nation’s admittance to the international communities and strengthened by regional cooperation among other Asian nations. However, internal peace can never be underwritten by paper promises, but by positive performance alone. And it is precisely in this respect that most Filipino policies are found wanting, therefore facing wide-spread unrest within. If the Philippines is to make any kind of progress, the Eighties must prove to be an era not only of economic growth but also social justice. These goals are not inherently incompatible, but our experiences make them appear so. A dramatic illustration of this schism was the 70’s green revolution of which that particular a d m i n i s t ra t i o n
was proud. In point of fact, however, it has primarily benefitted farmers with large holdings, quality lands, better irrigation and credit facility. This way, it has created inequalities instead of reducing them. The technology was confined to a small percentage of farmers and failed to reach a vast majority of small holders, “who for lack of resources, could not apply the package of practices required… (its) immediate impact has been a sharp increase in rentals, insecurity of tenure, landlessness and polarization in the levels of production and income which (resulted) in increasing social tensions.” (United Nations Inquiry into Green Revolution) These social disparities are aggravated by tension in the development of different regions within the same country. Growth has proved to be lopsided, with the percentage below the poverty line varying from urban 33% to rural 72%. At present, the percentile ranking has never changed. It is precisely in the rural area that there has been constant unrest. These criticisms are not made to belittle the slow growth of the Philippines but to give an idea of the magnitude, the Constitution, even the Mendiola and GMA episodes had. Will this generation continue wielding the peace?
graphics from Outcrop Tomo 33 Issue 1 Agosto 2006
KULTURA 11
UP BAGUIO OUTCROP TOMO 41 ISYU 1 AGOSTO-SETYEMBRE 2014
ALINGAWNGAW 1. SULIT BA ANG FOUR-MONTH VACATION MO? BAKIT?
Masaya pero nakakawalang gana pumasok ulit. Sana mas mahaba na lang weekends. 2013-19125 Masaya nung first few weeks kaso nawalan ako ng gagawin tapos repetitive na lang everyday. 2013-24787 Meckie Oo, sulit in terms of rest. 2014-73211 Raisin Mejiah Hindi. Kasi wala akong part-time job. :(( 201466248 Oo naman. Kasi nakasama ko ang family ko at nakapag-move on ako sa kanya <3 <3 <3 2012-17290 Sa sobrang dami ng kinain ko bumigat ako ng 2kg -_- 2014-38100
2. MAGKANO BINAYARAN MONG TUITION NGAYONG SEM? PAANO NAKATULONG ANG STS BRACKET MO?
P19k po nung enrolment pero baka SANA! may refund na ASAP. Naging C po kasi ako from A. Hindi pa nakatulong kasi alaws pa refund. :) 201*-66763 9k… Yep, well, actually halos walang pinagbago. 2013-24787 9k, lumiit naman. 2014-73211 23k. Nakakainis maging ND tapos hindi pa bumaba tuition kahit nag-appeal ako. =( 2011-XXXXX
3. ANONG MASASABI MO SA NANGYARING RECOGNITION PROCESS NG MGA ORGANIZATIONS NGAYONG TAON?
Beyond the crystal ball W
klv lv d zrun ri ilfwfrq. Dqbuhvhpeodqfh wr dfwxdo shuvrqu, ghdg ru dolyh, dqg/ru sodfhv lv sxuhob frlqflghqwldo. I sent letters to this publication for my vain attempts to save something futile: the future. My name is Madame Futura and trust me when I say that I’ve seen it all from Kris Aquino’s new baby named Chibi to the peeling of potatoes of Princess Sarah. This All-powerful and All-knowing (not to mention having the face of Georgina Wilson and body of Ellen Adarna) seer is indeed worried by this affair. I sensed a storm that sends Ondoy and Yolanda to shame. I have seen civilizations’ rise and fall, monarchs with their heads cut off, puppets neglected after long use. Trivial as it may seem, don’t be fooled by their friendly faces for behind them are strings. Strings from a hand more devious than you can ever imagine. In the future not far away from us, everything has changed just like what Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran has predicted. Not because the Fire Nation attacked (wrong universe, wrong timeline), but because of a far more dreadful circumstance. They wore the same skins we have. They bedazzled us with their scholarly words shining bright like a diamond. And before we truly uncover their actual intent for us, it
Chuckey!!! Ang daming di na-recog! Good luck na lang sa paghahanap ng sponsors. I feel sorry for the freshies T.T 2012-05318 BLUEstelle lunei Nakakalungkot kasi andaming naging isyu at nasisisi pa yung mga walang kasalanan. 2011-XXXXX Eh bakit kasi may hindi na-recognize? Ano bang nagawa nilang mali para hindi na-recognize in the first place? Ang masasabi ko: naglolokohan lang ata tayo e.
BUWANANG DALAW: An unexpected journey by KATRINA LAUTILLO
YUPIANG YUPI MADAME FUTURA
was already too late. First, after fully assimilating with the public, they convinced us to carry their words for them. Effortlessly, they quickly overthrow the last of us. They made it look very simple. How can that very simple act waste away what has been built for years? Proudly carrying their colors, they stomped everyone who opposed them with ease. Even those who are once their comrades did not escape their ruthless army of fully-mechanized, half-squirrel, half-justin-beavers soldiers. They all look fuzzy and cute, as if they just came out from their puberty shells. But beware; those soldiers are extremely loyal to their masters, often bordering to fanatical veneration having anacondas of Nicki Minaj cover their intentions. These monsters may have everything we can imagine – money, power, hygiene – but there is one thing they are not programmed with: contentment. It was not enough that they beat us to pulp, now they want to decimate our allies. This is it for now. But brace yourselves, winter is coming. Not here, but in some other places. L oryh brx, Sdxo!
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UP BAGUIO OUTCROP TOMO 41 ISYU 1 AGOSTO-SETYEMBRE 2014
graphics from Outcrop Archives remastered by ROBERTO PURUGGANAN and KATRINA LAUTILLO