HULYO-AGOSTO 2019

MAPAGPALAYANG KAISIPAN SA MALAYANG PAHAYAGAN Tomo 46 Isyu 1 Hulyo-Agosto 2019

JUMPED SHIP: Duterte reverses stand on West Philippine Sea resident Duterte made it clear that the Philippines was not ready to wage war against China concerning the P territorial dispute over the islands in the West Philippine Sea and said that he would resolve the dispute in a peaceful way on his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), July 22. \\ Isagani Caspe

Recently, the Chinese boat Yuemaobinyu 42212 violated Article 98 of the United Nation Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) which directs that every state is required to render assistance to any person in distress or in danger of being lost at sea, after abandoning 22 Filipino fishermen boarding F/B Gem-vir 1 at Recto Bank after a collision incident on the evening of June 9.

The President later issued an apology towards the Filipino fishermen on June 24 stating that he could not take an aggressive approach against China since it was merely a maritime incident.

The incident caused tensions to occur between Philippines and China and it refueled their decade-long territorial dispute over West Philippine Sea. China started to develop bases, deploy fighter jets to other military facilities they constructed on the islands and built bunkers, shelters, radars and signaling systems that still operate until today.

An arbitration case was filed by the Philippines in January 2013 to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) and invited China to join the proceedings but China rejected it.

HAGUE RULE

MARITIME DISPUTE

In April 2012, eight Chinese fishing vessels were spotted by the Philippine Navy in Scarborough Shoal which were later discovered to contain large amounts of illegally collected corals, giant clams and live sharks after a standoff incident between the Chinese and Philippine vessels.

The Philippine patrol ship BRP Gregorio del Pilar attempted to arrest the Chinese fishermen but were blocked by Chinese maritime surveillance ships’ Zhonnguo Haijian 75 and 84.

in Masinloc, Zambales, the privilege given by the arbitral victory does not really apply in Scarborough Shoal, because down there none of those matters and the Chinese still rules.

They are also prohibited to use large boats inside the lagoon of the island and only small boats can fish inside because at the entrance of the island, vessels of China are guarding.

Fishermen in Scarborough Shoal also reported that the Chinese coast guards boarded their boat, opened their storage, take the best of their catch without permission, then they leave as soon as they have their fill.

And while Filipinos are still prohibited to fish freely in the area, the Chinese fishermen abusively and improperly harvest giant clams that damaged and ashened the corals into pieces and turned the Scarborough Shoal’s seafloor into white.

Despite the reported exploitation of our men and resources, Duterte, a supposed to be defender of its citizen remained dismissive.

In fact, Duterte established a strong political bond with China.

The Philippines won the arbitration case on July 2016 at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague which invalidated China’s nine-dash line claim which covers nearly the entire West Philippine Sea including parts of the Philippines’ Exlusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

However, China did not recognize the arbitration result and insisted that they have ‘historic rights’ over the West Philippine Sea and reiterated that it is part of continue to page 4 their EEZ. According to fishermen

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Graphics by Adrianne Paul Aniban

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MAN DATO RY R MAN O DRU DATOR TC G TE Y STIN G

UNDER CHINA’S LEASH W hen the government takes significant measures to serve foreign interests more than its own people, it puts a large question mark on the country’s own sovereignty.

In the news alone, Filipinos are reminded on how their sovereignty is being compromised; how their government cannot prioritize their own people in terms of manpower and employment, and how they cannot keep a firm hold to their own territory—the West Philippine Sea. The growing influence of China in global affairs shows how eager they are to maintain their superpower status. Meanwhile, Duterte’s evasive actions indicate how he is willing to gamble Philippine independence just to be part of this narrative.

This “friendly” relation with China kicked off with the presence of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea. Artificial islands and military outpost by China were built in the sandbar between the Pag-asa and Zamora (Subi) Reef. It is not just their presence which pose threats to the country’s sovereignty, but China trying to gain authority and control over the Philippine territory.

Recently, the story of how a Chinese vessel rammed a small fishing boat carrying 22 Filipino fishermen and left them in the middle of the sea circled the news and social media. The onset response they got from the government was silence and not even a hint of concern. In the end, the government had the audacity to refute the fishermen’s testimonials of the incident, and even gave them run-of-the-mill boats that were visibly incapable to navigate around the West Philippine Sea. While the local fisher folks are struggling

to make a living in their small boats, they are being casted out by these Chinese nationals who engulf the sea on their large ships to exploit and damage the marine environment of the West Philippine Sea. Moreover, according to the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, 311 hectares of coral reefs were buried by China’s reclamation activities. All of which are a clear violation of Philippine’s sovereign rights and jurisdiction under the international law as stated in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

In line with the government’s relation to China, Duterte’s “Build Build Build” project is set to make a massive infrastructure overhaul all over the country. According to the Department of Finance, over ₱380 billion in soft loans and grants were pledged

by China to fund large-scale projects in the Philippines.

Among the projects that will be funded by the loan agreement is the New Centennial Water Source - Kaliwa Dam in Infanta, Quezon Province which would cost around ₱12 billion, the Chico River Pump Irrigation Project in Cagayan Province worth ₱3.7 billion, and the Philippine National Railways South Long Haul Railway in North Luzon which will cost ₱149 billion.

Within the agreements of these projects, however, are high interest rates and provisions seemingly waiving off the nation’s policies regarding foreign business ownership. These loan agreements might well be part of the Chinese debt trap. If the government fails to pay off its debt to China, the country might end up just like Sri Lanka who had no choice but to hand a major port to China as payment.

Business relations with China sounds like

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Duterte is fooling them with the false pretense that the “friendship” with China, promises economic growth, and progress to the country, just like all his promises.

Opisyal na Pahayagan ng mga Mag-aaral ng Unibersidad ng Pilipinas Baguio MAPAGPALAYANG KAISIPAN SA MALAYANG PAHAYAGAN

Patnugutan Punong Patnugot Adrianne Paul Aniban Kawaksing Patnugot Joemariequeen Del Rosario, Christel Janela Baptista Patnugot sa Kultura Reginald Patrick Flores Patnugot sa Balita Mecy Siteg, Kate Paulyne Tayco Patnugot sa Lathalain Kricel Marianne Grace Garcillan Patnugot sa Disenyo Isagani Caspe Patnugot sa Dibuho Joshua Gallardo

the Philippines has lost its trust on its own manpower. With 3.8 millions of recorded unemployed Filipinos as of July 2018, employing Chinese nationals in the country is deemed unnecessary.

The Build, Build, Build project promised employment opportunities for the Filipinos, but as part of the loan agreements with China, Chinese nationals were once again prioritized by the government. Department of Labor and Employment records show that there are 2,884 Chinese nationals working in construction. According to the guidelines for the issuance of Special Working Permits, foreign nationals can only be employed only if any Filipino cannot perform the work.

Hiring foreign nationals deprive Filipinos of job opportunities in their own country; leaving them with no choice, but to go overseas. While many Filipinos opt to go overseas, contractualization and unfair labor conditions also exist which further emphasizes why it is highly unreasonable to open the country for foreign labor force.

It is quite ironic how Duterte acts tough towards Filipinos who dare go against him yet instantly become tongue-tied when it comes to confronting those that oppress Filipinos. Duterte is fooling us all with the false pretense that the “friendship” with China promises economic growth, and progress to the country.

Duterte’s submissive stance on territorial disputes against China builds the impression that he is under China’s leash which also manifests in the growing influence of China on the Philippine economy and the shrinking recognition on the plight of the Filipino people.

Miyembro ng College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) at Solidaridad, Alyansa ng mga Pahayagang Pangkampus sa UP Email: upboutcrop@gmail.com Facebook page: UP Baguio Outcrop Twitter account: UPB_Outcrop Unang Palapag ng Alumni Center Building, UP Baguio, Gov. Pack Road, Baguio City

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MO 32 escalates killings of HR activists, peasants, civilians \\ Mecy Siteg

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Tomo 46 Isyu 1 Hulyo-Agosto 2019

Negros killings since M.O. 32 took effect

ontrary to lawless violence suppression, Memorandum Order No. 32, a counter-insurgency program of the Duterte administration resulted to a 350 percent surge in the killing rate in Negros which involve human rights defenders, peasants and civilians.

MO 32 allowed the deployment of additional forces from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) amid the successive acts of violence in Samar, Bicol, and Negros Occidental and Oriental which were allegedly committed by lawless groups.

However, it appears that the Negros killings are not entirely New People’s Army (NPA) perpetrated since based on the report of the Alliance for the Advancement of People’s Rights (Karapatan), 55 out of the 87 killings in Negros are state enforced.

remarked that the NPA is responsible for most of the cases.

However, Deputy Spokesperson of the Leonardo Panaligan Command of the CPP- NPA Ka Ann Jacinto said that the killings were government-sponsored and denied General Arevalo’s accusations saying that those who were killed in Negros Oriental were not their targets.

In addition, the killings only intensified after the AFP and PNP reinforced Oplan Sauron, a campaign against suspected NPA guerillas which resulted to the deaths of 20 peasants and activists in Negros Oriental.

ANCESTRAL EVICTION Oplan Sauron was launched The Defend Negros in December 2018 following Network earlier reported that MO 32’s issuance. of the Philippine Army have

87 human rights defenders, peasants and civilians were killed in Negros since MO 32’s issuance which now rose to 116 deaths as of August 18 with 66 in Negros Oriental and 50 in Negros Occidental.

Twenty-one deaths also occurred in just a span of ten days from July 18 to 28 including four policemen, which were allegedly tortured after they were cornered by armed groups in Ayungon and a one-yearold boy who was shot in Sta. Catalina.

Following these incidents, Philippine Army 303 rd Brigade chief Brigadier General Benedict Arevalo

BICOL AND SAMAR

According to the report from the National Federation of Peasant Women (Amihan), the deployment of nine Philippine Army battalions in Eastern Visayas affected 545 villages, which forced evacuations in San Jorge, Calbiga, Las Navas, San Jose De kaliwa de Buan, and Pinabacdao, Samar including aerial bombings in Matuginao and Las Navas.

The human rights group Katungod Sinirangan Bisayas also reported that the military operations of the 87th Infantry Battalion of the 8th Infantry Division

also forcibly evacuated 251 families from their communities in barangays Hagbay, San Nicolas, Canponte and San Pedro in San Juan de Buan, Samar on March 8 and 17 to 26.

In Bicol, 62 individuals were killed including human rights activists Bagasala, Hubilla, and Morada and the three farmers who are members of Masbate People’s Organization who were allegedly killed by soldiers from the Army’s 2nd Infantry Battalion.

Human rights group Karapatan remarked that Bicol region was fast becoming a killing field as

Baguio youth speak in SOYA 2019

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the government intensifies its Defense (DND) Secretary crackdown on activists after Delfin Lorenzana dismissed claims that MO 32 will be MO 32’s issuance. the prelude for declaring martial law MARTIAL LAW GROUNDWORK nationwide Executive Secretary while the AFP and PNP both Salvador Medialdea signed affirmed that they do not have MO 32 last November 22 the intention to support its upon the order of President imposition.

Karapatan Vice Chairperson Duterte.

The Kilusang Magbubukid Reylan Vergara however ng Pilipinas (KMP), however, thinks otherwise since based warned that MO 32 will only on the documented killings give further authority to by Karapatan in the first two the AFP and PNP to carry quarters of 2019, most of it out red-tagging of activists, were concentrated in Negros, illegal arrests and detentions Eastern Visayas, and Bicol.

Vergara also remarked that ,and military encampment in communities in the said this was not a coincidence and that Negros is already under a provinces.

On the other hand, the de facto martial law.

Department of National

\\ Adrianne Paul Aniban

outh leaders from different organizations in Baguio City gathered together for the State of the Youth Address (SOYA) 2019, titled Youthspeak: Youth Voice Matters, at the University of the Philippines Baguio Outcrop Office on July 20.

The delegates, comprising publications face censorship youth in Baguio, in which, he Richard Gabaen of Gabaen said that not Progressive Igorots for all students can be catered a majority of K-12 graduates and academic standing of stated that the majority of them Social Action (PIGSA) by State Universities and also shared their insights on students in the university is are currently in diaspora and that many of them have grown Cordillera discussed the Colleges which then force the implementation of the threatened,“ he said.

Furthermore, he out of their cultural heritage. current youth situation in them to enroll in Private K-12 curriculum, which was In line with SOYA, the mentioned about the Metro Baguio, mentioning Higher Education Institutions said to be unprepared, rushed, youth leaders also held the attacks on youth such as and ineffective. the issues faced by the youth (PHEIs).

2019 Baguio-Benguet Youth Gabaen also stated that the political vilification and such as neoliberal attacks on “Besides having to pay education, which manifests tuition fees, students from student’s democratic rights youth militarization through Covenant.

Gregorie Timango, National Mandatory Reserve Officers’ in the declining rate of PHEIs also experience are under attack.

Union of Students of the “Students right to Training Corps (ROTC). enrollment, budget cuts, annual tuition and other Philippines (NUSP) Baguio.

Gabaen also discussed and lack of accessibility to fees increase and carry over protest and mobilize are being repressed, student the situation of indigenous students. schemes,” he said. continue to page 6

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UPB Freshies nakiisa sa mga kilos-protesta \\ Kate Paulyne Tayco

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asubok ang pakikiisa ng 642 na mga bagong Iskolar ng Bayan ng Unibersidad ng Pilipinas Baguio (UPB) sa pagtindig laban sa mga isyung kinahaharap ng bayan sa sunod-sunod na mga kilos-protesta sa kanilang unang linggo sa unibersidad.

Sa ginanap na Freshman Welcome Orientation noong ika-5 ng Agosto sa Himnasyo Amianan, hinamon ng iba’t ibang progresibong grupo at Konseho ng mga mag-aaral sa UPB (UPB USC) sa pangunguna ni Nationalist Corps Head Perine Agraviador ang mga bagong iskolar ng bayan na tumindig laban sa mga isyung kinakaharap ng masa.

Ilan sa mga itinampok na isyu ni Agraviador ay ang problema sa edukasyon tulad na lamang ng Commission on

Higher Education (CHED) Memorandum Order No. 20 o ang pag-alis ng wika at panitikan bilang core courses sa kolehiyo.

Nabigyang diin din ang Memorandum Order No. 32 na naglalayong magtalaga ng mga dagdag na tauhan ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) sa Bicol, Samar, at Isla ng Negros upang bawasan ang bilang ng mga karahasan na di umano ay gawa ng mga “lawless groups.”

Naglunsad din ng kilos-

Workers strengthen fight against contractualization amidst Anti-Endo Bill dismissal

protesta sa kantina ng UPB sa unang araw ng mga bagong iskolar ng bayan bilang pakikiisa sa malawakang First Day Fight sa buong UP System upang sila ay himukin sa paglaban sa mga isyung kinakaharap ng bansa.

Dagdag pa rito, nakiisa rin sa Indignation Rally ang mga iskolar ng bayan at mga progresibong grupo sa Cordillera upang kondenahin ang ginawang pamamaril sa paralegal volunteer ng Cordillera Human Rights Alliance (CHRA) at

Bayan Muna representative.

According to Jessie Gerola, Nagkakaisang Manggagawa ng NutriAsia Chairperson, workers are required to work for 12 hours in which overtime pay is irregular and their 13 th month pay is lower to what they are promised, which pushed them to strike.

“Unang-una, natural, karapatan ng manggagawa ‘yan – lalo na kung tatanggalan mo ng trabaho, tatanggalan ng boses. Saan sila pupunta,” said labor undersecretary, Joel Maglunsod.

In addition, contractual workers from Zagu Food Corporation and PEPMACO Manufacturing Corporation have also organized strikes, June this year, due to illegal labor-only contracting and unfair labor practices.

Furthermore, Secretary Benjo M. Benavidez of Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), said that most of union busting allegations can be traced from the problem of contractualization.

Meanwhile, Senator Joel Villanueva, sponsor of Security of Tenure (SOT) Bill, refiled the Bill in senate and Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP partylist will also be refilling the measure to the House of Representatives.

TUCP now calls for the President to certify the Security of Tenure Bill (Anti-Endo Bill) as urgent and to neglect pessimistic views that some of his economic managers and foreign and local businessmen have put around Endo bill.

Agor, isa sa mga bagong iskolar ng bayan mula sa Kolehiyo ng Agham Panlipunan.

Kaugnay nito, naging malakas ang panawagan ng mga progresibong grupo at Konseho ng mag-aaral sa UPB sa mga bagong iskolar na makiisa pa sa mga kampanya laban sa mga isyu na kinahaharap ng masa.

JUMPED SHIP continued from page 1

However, despite having friendly ties with \\ Kricel Marianne Grace Garcillan the Chinese government, resident Rodrigo Duterte vetoed the anti-endo stories of exploitation in our bill in the middle of continuous strikes organized resources and our people continued. by different progressive labor unions on July 26.

On the other hand, Contractual workers from “They (workers) refuse Senator Grace Poe said that Nutriasia had organized a strike to stop their protest because if China is indeed a true July last year to call against they know they are fighting friend, it should initiate unfair labor practices but it for what is right!” said Jerome the probe and file charges only led to violent dispersal.

Adonis, Kilusang Mayo Uno against its own people “Walang habas at secretary general in his speech. illegally extracting resources pakundangan ang marahas According to the report of from our seas.

na pagdisperse sa mga the National Conciliation and But, in Duterte’s fourth mangagagawa ng NutriAsia at Mediation Board (NCMB), SONA, he said that he does ng kanilang mga taga-suporta labor strikes had increased not want war with China na nagresulta sa maraming to 10 incidents this year and because in any angle we sugatan kasama na ang 90% of which is due to alleged will lose and that China isang lola at marami din ang unfair labor practices such as nawawala,” said Carlos Zarate, union busting. is in possession of West

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Provincial Human Rights Officer ng Ifugao na si Brandon Lee noong ika-6 ng Agosto.

“Sa una, kinilabutan ako dahil unang beses kong makakita ng mga kilosprotesta na laging binabalita ng mga midya pero simula ng dumalo ako sa EDs [Educational Discussions] at iba pa, doon ko nalaman na may mga ipinaglalaban pala ang UPB para sa masa na sa tingin ko ay ipaglalaban ko rin bilang bagong iskolar,” pahayag ni Bryan Dominic

This, however, received Philippine Sea and he cannot criticisms because it appears just drive them away. that Duterte is abandoning our legal victory which JOINT EXPLORATION Duterte had been invalidated the China’s nineconsistent that he preferred dash line claim.

According to Albert del pursuing bilateral talks with Rosario, former foreign China to resolve the maritime secretary, “To come up with dispute. an economic activity in On August 29, 2019, our EEZ need not involve Duterte discussed the arbitral setting aside the arbitral ruling with President Xi and ruling and running afoul of proposed a joint exploration the Constitution.”

He further and development of natural resources between the two said that, “The possibility of economic activity in our EEZ countries.

Under the planned joint is always present; however, exploration, China will get 40 when we lose our EEZ, we percent of the oil and natural lose it forever.” gas reserves while Filipinos will take the 60 percent.

SERVE THE PEOPLE. Progressive organizations in UP Baguio conducted a lightning rally during the Freshmen Welcome Orientation challenging the freshmen to uphold their mandate to serve the people as the new batch of Iskolar Ng Bayan at the Himnasyo Amianan, August 5. \\ Photos by Joemariequeen Del Rosario

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PISTON-BB appeals for jeepney rehab instead of phase-out \\ Kricel Marianne Grace Garcillan

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aguio jeepney drivers strengthen their fight against jeepney phase-out as the Department of Transportation Cordillera (DOTr-CAR) confirms the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), August 23.

Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide BaguioBenguet (PISTON-BB) organized meetings with jeepney drivers in BaguioBenguet to talk about their proposed unified action against PUVMP. They also held a dialogue with government officials to extend their contentions.

Lito Wayas, president of PISTON-BB, explained that the government requires them to form cooperatives wherein, they would have one route, one operator, and one franchise in which an operator or independent jeepney drivers would have to consolidate to form one fleet.

“The problem with forming cooperatives is that it is an onerous thing to do and is costly specially to small operators. And even if we consolidate to form one fleet, the cost per unit of a modern jeep which is about 1.6-2.4 million pesos is still inaccessible for us,” Wayas said.

Under the program, operators are required to have a minimum of 10 modern jeepney units per fleet wherein the government will be subsidizing 80, 000 pesos per unit.

PUVMP also promotes jeepney phase-out where 15 years and older units will be replaced by environmentfriendly units with electric powered or Euro-4 compliant engines.

“Gusto naming linawain na hindi kami tutol sa modernization per se, in fact sabi nga namin sa pamahalaan magsulong tayo ng modernization na applicable at the moment nang hindi mo winawasak ang kabuhayan ng mga small operators,” said George San Mateo, PISTON president.

Meanwhile, PISTONBB already passed a position paper to DOTr CAR highlighting their sentiments on the program and suggesting a more feasible solution considering their financial capabilities on pursuing the goal of PUVMP.

HANDS-OFF OUR SCHOOLS. In line with the UP Day of Walkout, students of University of the Philippines Baguio linked arms in unity to form a human blockade as a symbolic protest action to defend the university against the proposed military and police intrusion in schools, August 20. \\ Photos by Joemariequeen Del Rosario

They proposed to rehabilitate old jeepneys to be roadworthy as defined under the provisions of PUVMP instead of completely scrapping old jeepneys as it would be costlier to buy new ones.

Wayas also emphasized

that the government should consider the terrain of Baguio since the new vehicles are not made for steep roads.

Wayas also added that, disadvantages of PUVMP will not just be felt by the transport sector but also by regular commuters due to

the tendency of return of investment in which operators will have to regain their investments by increasing the minimum fare.

Police force to probe on schools, universities \\ Christel Janela Baptista

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tate forces demand permission to enter universities in response to the rise of reports against progressive student organizations which were said to be zones for communist group recruitments.

Universities condemned the act saying it is against the LFS-DND accord which does not allow police presence in schools as they are declared as ‘safe-zones.’

Furthermore, they claimed that such act will only intensify red-tagging cases among youth activists and progressive organizations.

“The proposed entry and intervention of the police and military in state universities including University of the Philippines is expected to result in massive surveillance and monitoring on our students, faculty, and

officials, especially those who are vocally critical,” John Isaac Punzalan, student regent of the University of the Philippines said in a report.

On the other hand, the AFP countered that police presence does not curtail academic freedom and will not lead to campus militarization.

“We do not find basis in the accusation that giving access to military personnel in schools is militarization and will translate to curtailment of academic freedom,” AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said in a

statement.

The proposal was in line with the hearing on the student activists who went ‘missing’ after joining organizations, Anakbayan and the League of Filipino Students.

The hearing was led by Senator Dela Rosa where parents claimed their children joined leftist organizations and went missing afterwards.

However, the students refuted Senator Ronald Dela Rosa’s claim that they were brainwashed and kidnapped after being recruited by leftist organizations.

Alicia Lucena, a student of Far Eastern University and one of the allegedly missing students, posted a statement on her Facebook account testifying that she was not kidnapped nor recruited by the CPP-NPA. “I joined Anakbayan voluntarily, I was never coerced to do things na hindi ko gusto o gumawa ng bagay na beyond sa aking pagpapasya. It’s really painful and outrageous na ina-accuse ako, kami, nila Bato at ng mga cohorts ni Duterte na “brainwashed.” Hindi yan totoo,” Lucena wrote on her

Facebook statement after the Senate probe linked her organization as a part of the CPP-NPA. Organizations involved such as Anakbayan, League of Filipino Students, and Kabataan Partylist immediately condemned the Senate probe in a press conference last August 12.

They claimed that it is a form of harassment towards youth activists and progressive organizations.

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NEWS BRIEF

\\ Jandale Jimenez

Kaliwa Dam to pose risks on local, wildlife

esidents of Quezon and Rizal, including indigenous peoples (IPs), and the Sierra R Madre biodiversity are on the brink of jeopardy as the multi-billion loaned Dam Tongtongan Ti project from China impends its construction, which may result to flooding, displacement Umili highlights of IPs, and loss of several and fauna species.

Despite the backlash of environmentalists against the construction of the controversial 12.2 billionpeso project, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) signaled its approval to the Kaliwa Dam project in Quezon province.

FRIENDLIER OPTION

The construction of the Kaliwa Dam presumes to solve water shortages along Metro Manila by supplying another 600 million liters per day through loans borrowed from China.

On the other hand, Global Utility Development Corporation (GUDC), a Japanese firm, offered to build a mini-dam along Kaliwa river with a lesser cost compared to the Chinafinanced mega- dam. This could supply about 550 million liters of water per day to Metro Manila, a little less but not far from the expected 600 liters per day from the Kaliwa Dam. The 7-meter Japaneseproposed weir will not flood

nearby areas which will prevent the displacement of the indigenous peoples and residents. However, GUDC was bid out of the project and was instead given to China.

‘DAMN THE DAM‘

The residents of Infanta, Quezon and its local government resisted the massive building of the artificial water reservoir due to its dire effects to the community. The project will submerge up to eight villages and 424 families will be affected of possible landslides and flooding.

Furthermore, locals also woe about potential dam break caused by earthquakes, threat to health and safety due to change in water quality within the area, siltation of rivers, soil erosions, endangered biodiversity and loss of income and food because of affected agricultural lands.

On the other hand, deemed to be the “Backbone of Luzon” and home for diverse wildlife species in the country, the Sierra Madre mountain range is also at

risk because of its possible the location of the Kaliwa devastation due to the project.

“This isn’t really about us. imminent construction of the It’s about the next generation.

Kaliwa Dam. If in the beginning the dam is strong what happens when ANCESTRAL EVICTION Meanwhile, the Kaliwa it disintegrates and breaks?”

Dam would also displace Nanay Angeline added. the indigenous peoples (IPs) living in their ancestral DEBT TRAP The loan for the domains within the Sierra construction of one of the Madre mountain ranges in Quezon and Rizal. flagship projects of the Subsequently, the Dumagat government was from a and the Remontado groups bilateral loan agreement will be driven away with lend by a Chinese firm, China Energy Engineering over 10,000 families. under the They want to relocate us Corporation, to grassland, but we already Official Development scheme have a good life here. If they signed last November 2018.

In the agreement, drown our crops then we would have to plant again, 211.21-million dollars was it would take a while before loaned for the said project we can enjoy the fruits of our payable for 20 years which labor,” Nanay Angeline, a will add to the ballooning 8 trillion pesos debt of the Dumagat, said.

Over 28,000 hectares of Philippines to China.

Thus, former Bayan indigenous peoples’ land Muna Representative Neri will be converted as part of Colmenares feared that the gigantic water resource China might exploit and infrastructure. seize Philippines’ natural There are over 35 dams in operation in the Philippines, resources “with no limit” and 21 of which are situated according to Article 8 of the on indigenous peoples’ loan agreement if Philippines ancestral lands including cannot meet the terms of the contract.

KALIWANG SULOK / KIAN REMEMBERED

Cordillera situation

\\ Reginald Flores

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tudent leaders, indigenous groups, and members of progressive organizations gathered at the Baguio Central School for the Tongtongan ti Umili Political Conference, August 26, 2019.

The conference was a discussion regarding the current situation of the Cordilleras and Metro Baguio under the political climate of the Duterte regime. The conference also spoke of the urgent local problems that the region has been facing such as large scale mining and human rights violations.

The program concluded with a call for genuine national democracy along with campaign calls for land reforms, minimum wage, regular employment, free education, and human rights.

Baguio youth speak in SOYA 2019 continued from page 3

Benguet Spokesperson, led the youth leaders on the drafting of the BaguioBenguet Youth Covenant 2019.

Delegates were divided into groups for a comprehensive discussion on the issues faced by the students in each participating school which the groups then presented their identified problems and proposed resolutions afterwards.

The youth leaders signed the drafted BaguioBenguet Youth Covenant 2019 which advocates \\ Kuha ni Joemariequeen Del Rosario

for anti-discriminatory laws, democratic rights of the youth, and quality education.

The event was organized by the Cordilleran Youth Center, College Editors Guild of the Philippines – Cordillera, National Union of Students of the Philippines Cordillera, Rise for Education Alliance Baguio-Benguet, Progressive Igorots for Social Action, and Kabataan Partylist Cordillera.

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Experiment No. FR3SH135: The Prototype Generation \\ Reginald Flores

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wo years after being guinea pigs for DepEd’s K-12 Program, the first batch of senior high school students across the country have just finished their first academic year of college. Little did we know that more challenges awaited us right after K-12, from adjusting to college life to handling new responsibilities. As the first academic year of Batch 2018 came to a close, let’s look back on the obstacles we have passed, and those that lie in wait ahead of us.

MAD SCIENTISTS, MADDER GUINEA PIGS

It may be through faulty infrastructure, lack of academic spaces, sporadic curriculums, or influx of mismatched practicums (Filipino subjects but you have to dance for a project? Huh?), the K-12 program has proven on its own to be poorly implemented. I myself have had a fair share in dancing my heart out for a grade in a completely unrelated subject, little did I know that this was not the worst manifestation of K-12. I have heard stories of friends who have their classes in cramped stockrooms, due to the lack of classrooms in their campus, and who could forget the news about the teachers from Cavite who had no other choice but to renovate a comfort room (with their own money, no less!) into a faculty room?

Teachers, especially those from public schools, are also victims under K-12. Back in my old school, I have witnessed how teachers struggled in teaching subjects beyond the scope of their original specialization, due to the lack of staffing and training allocated by the DepEd. One manifestation of this half-baked education is when one of my classmate fails to answer a question and the professor asks

Graphics by Reginald Flores Layout by Isagani Caspe

“Diba napag-aralan niyo na to sa Senior High?” and we all respond with a collective sigh.

Issues regarding instructional materials were common as well; never in senior high school life have I touched a textbook, not because I’m lazy, but because there were no textbooks—at all. A senate probe recently revealed that there are P27-M worth of undelivered textbooks supposedly for the K-12 program stored in Godknows-where. A cruel analogy of how DepEd is storing the potential of senior high school students in their pockets.

Parents across the country, including my own, were also forced to spend the money that they saved up for their children’s college matriculation for two more years of high school instead.

DepEd has made use of vouchers to justify the unwilling reallocation of funds they enforced upon our parents.

The vouchers which values ranged from 8k to 20k pesos; were a temporary band-aid solution that cannot possibly sustain an entire schooling of two years. DepEd’s touch-and-go type of administration has not only hindered us SHS students from achieving our fullest potential, but has also left some unmotivated and penniless for college.

OUT OF THE LABORATORY, INTO THE FIELD

“No one prepares you for college, let alone UP,” said an upperclassmen as I asked for advice during my stay here in UP, and she was right.

The cold climate doesn’t help with mornings wherein the last thing you

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This imperialistic framework of creating graduates ready for shipping to other countries is a rotten and broken invention that needs replacement.

want to do is shower, especially if you have 7 AM classes. Whether you innocently deposited them outside the library, or forgotten them in the classroom from your last subject, one thing is for sure, umbrellas are free game. There is something about the intense day-to-day rainfall here in Baguio that brings out the inner bandit inside each and every fellow Iskolar, so don’t forget to hold your umbrellas tight and close to your person at all times.

But the most common and eye opening experience is finding out our dear Oble has high standards we could only dream of reaching. The brightest valedictorians and smartest members from star sections will later find out that their prowess in high school means nothing here in UP. As the saying goes “Akala mo matalino ka na—tapos pumasok ka sa UP”.

This sudden surge of new cultures and experiences has disillusioned freshies, unofficially christening them as a part of the community. Soon enough, these will become anecdotes we will

pass to the next generation of freshies after us.

LOADING 99% NEWS

Under the name of globalization, DepEd promised to turn us into job and college ready students to justify adding two more years in high school.

This inability to fulfill their objectives, paired with their subpar implementation, has mentally and financially taken toll on all students involved. Our school system shouldn’t have to push the resiliency of its students to its limits, placing them between a faulty education system and the expectations for society to get a degree and a job by the age of 23. This imperialistic framework of creating graduates ready for shipping to other countries is a rotten and broken invention that needs replacement.

Hopefully, students from the prototype generation finds UP Baguio as a new home wherein they can fight and campaign for their basic rights as students. The victory won by those who came before us for free education in colleges is surely a victory to defend.

But as new Iskolars ng Bayan, it is now our duty and privilege, to uphold the same call for free and quality education for all levels, and now, to resound the call to junk the K-12 program, once and for all.

8 LATHALAIN

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Tomo 46 Isyu 1 Hulyo-Agosto 2019

BANDERANG HINDI TUTUMBA

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\\ Karl Ramboyong

Paglilinaw sa konsepto ng pagkakapantay-pantay

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ng isyu sa ekwalidad ay isa lamang sa napakaraming kapalpakang dulot ng mapaniil na estado. Sa halip na palawigin ang diskurso at bigyang puwang, nananatiling sarado ang isipan ng marami hinggil sa tunay na pagbabago kaya naman humahantong ito sa salasalabit na suliranin. Bagamat marami ang nais na makamit ang ekwalidad, iilan lamang ang lumalababan upang mapagtagumpayan ito.

Malinaw itong naipapakita sa kalagayan ng usaping kasarian na pawang mga mulat lamang ang wari’y lumalaya at nakakaunawa at hindi ang lahat. Malaking katanungan ang patungkol sa pagkilala’t pagtanggap diumano sa pagusbong ng heterosekswalidad, sapagkat hindi batid nito ang adhikain ng ekwalidad. Bagay na humahati sa kaisahan ng lipunan.

SIMULA NG LAVARN Taong 1969 nang magsimula ang isang pangyayaring pumihit sa takbo ng mundo -- ang Stonewall Riot.

Ito ang malawakang protesta na isinagawa ng mga Amerikanong homosekswal laban sa mapang-usig na gobyerno sa minoryang seskswal.

Nagsimula ang pag-aaklas sa pagsalakay ng kapulisan sa Stonewall Inn, Greenwich Village, New York City dahil matinding pinatupad ang pagbawal sa mga kilos-homosekwal sa panahong ito. Bukod pa rito, higit pang parusa ang ipapataw sa sinumang nag mamay-ari ng establisyimento kapag matuklasang tumanggap ito ng homoseskwal na manggagawa.

Sa parehong taon ng ika-6 ng Hunyo, sumiklab ang paglaban ng isang babaeng homosekswal na inaresto ng awtoridad. Naging mitsa ito sa galit ng marami at nagmarka sa kilusang-karapatan ng mga homosekswal na indibidwal tulad ng Gay Liberation Front. Ang mga kilusang ito bagaman humarap sa mga balakid, ang naging salik sa pagkabuklod ng gay community.

Patriyarkiya ang nakikitang ugat sa pagkabuo ng hirakiyang sekswal na sapilitang ibinabaon sa isipan ng marami bilang makapangyarihan, na may kakayahang dumikta sa kapalaran ng tao. Kulong ang isipang ito sa pagbukas sa ideya ng pagbabago dahil kabaligtaran ng ekwalidad lamang ang dala nito. Makatotohanan ito sa estado ng Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer + (LGBTQ+) community na siyang pinakanasasakal kaya karayom SOGIE’LTY KA? Sa bansang tulad ng Pilipinas, mahirap tumbukin ang ekwalidad sa kadahilanang

magkakasalungat ang bersiyon nito na nagdudulot ng kalituhan. Naisisiwalat ito sa magkaibang paniniwala't pananaw ng simbahan, ng politika at ng mga liberal na grupo na litaw sa kalagayan ng LGBT. Ang Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) Equality Bill, na naglalayong protektahan ang LGBT laban sa gender-based na diskiminasyon at panagutin sinumang lalabag nito, ay umani ng batikos, dahil problematiko raw ito.

Kamakailan lamang, mahigpit na tinutulan ng relihiyosong grupo kabilang ang Coalition of Concerned Families of the Philippines ang usapin tungkol sa pagpapasa ng Bill, dahilan upang iprotesta nila at pangaralin ang diumano makatwiran.

ay may SOGIE, at ang dahilan para sabihing walang ispesyal na karapatan na iginagawad sa sektor ng LGBT. Hindi magkasalubong ang tindig ng magkaibang panig na sumasalamin sa dibisyong namamayani sa pagitan ng mamamayang pilipino, dahil salat sa ideya ng pagtanggap ng bagong posibildad ang mga nasa kapangyarihan. Kaya dapat puspusang pag-aralan ang mga batas na ipinapasa at isulong ang edukasyong mapagpalaya upang wakasan ang mga bagay na nagpapabulag sa atin. Hindi na dapat hayaan na marami pang tulad nina Gretchen Diez, at Jennifer Laude ang humantong sa hindi makataong karanasan dahil lang sa kulang ang kaalaman tungkol sa SOGIE. Dapat ding bigyang pansin na ang paglaya ng kasarian ay ang paglaya ng lipunan.

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Hindi na dapat hayaan na marami pang tulad nina Gretchen Diez at Jennifer Laude ang humantong sa hindi makataong karanasan dahil lang sa kulang ang kaalaman tungkol sa SOGIE.

Iginiit nila na m a y pagkiling ito sa isang sektor ng lipunan at lilikha lamang ng gulo.

Gayunpaman, may ilang relihiyosong grupo tulad ng National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP), na naniniwalang ito ang lulutas sa problemang pangkasarian lalo na’t ekwalidad naman at pagmamahal ang inaasahan.

Subalit maging sa senado ay magkakaiba pa rin ang pananaw.

Sinalungat ni Sen. Tito Sotto na nagbigay komento na walang tsansa ang bill.

Sinegundahan ito ni Jesus Is Lord (JIL) Church Founder Eddie Villanueva na tinuran ang bill bilang isang class legislation at pipigil sa religious at academic freedom ng isang Pilipino. Ani ni Sen. Risa Hontiveros, ang bill ay may pantay na pagtingin, dahil lahat ng tao

RISE AND SHINE Hindi sa hakbanging pagpapanalo ng bill lang matatapos ang paglaban para sa ekwalidad. Sa katunayan, mas lumalaki ang bahagdan ng mga pilipinong nakakaunawa sa mga isyung higit pa sa usaping gender equality sapagkat minumulat sila ng kapaligirang kinabibilangan. Ang Pride March, na taong-taong inilulunsad ay higit pa sa pagdiriwang ng pagkakakilanlan dahil porma ito ng protesta laban sa bulag na estado. Hindi maipagkakaila na ang LGBT community ay multisektoral, ibig sabihin ay may kasapi itong magsasaka, propesyonal, militar, katutubo, at kabataan na ang tanging hiling ay igalang ang karapatang pantao at wakasin ang bulok na sistemang patriyarkal.

Kung susumahin, mag pa hanggang ngayon ay pati heterosekwal na indibidwal ay biktima ng walang basehan na panghuhusga, lalo pa sa isang bansang dinodomina ng Kristiyanismo. Ang ‘Not so Ogie’ ay manipestasyon lang na hindi lubos na tanggap ng ibang pilipino ang pagbabago. Bagay na hindi rin lubos na mauunawaan ng lahat.

Bigo man ang pagsubok, hindi magtatapos ang laban. Ilalansag ang kabaluktutan ng Gender Athleticism, Gender Stigma, patriyarka at ang kabuuang krisis na kinakaharap lalo na ng LGBTQ+ community. Hindi rin magiging batayan ang SOGIE ng isang tao para gawin siyang katawa-tawa o hindi kaya ay kutsain. Ika nga, tao rin sila, at pilipino rin sila. May kakayahang umibig, sa sarili, sa iba, sa bayan at sa Diyos. Sasapit lang ang pagkakataong ito kung lahat ng pilipino ay handa nang tanggapin ang pagkatao ng kapwa na mula pagkabata hanggang magkamalay.

Marahil malayo pa ang araw ng pagwawagi.

Gayunpaman, ang laban ay patuloy na iwawagayway ang bandera ng mga inapi, ng mga nawalan ng boses, at hindi kayang tumindig sa sarili. Kaya’t upang mapagtagumpayan ito, mananatiling buhay ang pagkilos hanggang mamulat ang lahat sa tunay na diwa ng pagkakapantay-pantay.

Graphics by Joshua Gallardo Layout by Isagani Caspe

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Tomo 46 Isyu 1 Hulyo-Agosto 2019

DIGGING OUR OWN GRAVE

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resident Rodrigo Duterte’s “Build, Build, Build” project is built upon the dream of progress and world-class infrastructures. To make this flagship project run, the administration took the ‘friendly’ help of China by entering into loan agreements funding the project.

Looking behind these agreements and taking into account China’s reputation on debt trap, the Philippine sovereignty might be at risk. Our country’s freedom and resources are the price the government is willing to pay just to make this ambitious project come through.

The “Build, Build, Build” project might be the hole where the Philippines will fall into the Chinese debt trap. When this happens, we have no way to go.

TRAPPED The Chico River Pump Irrigation Project is the first large-scale infrastructure under “Build, Build, Build” funded by China. The project aims to irrigate 8,700 hectares of land in Kalinga and Cagayan. In a web post by the National Irrigation Administration Cordillera, the said project would benefit 4,350 families.

The long-term effect on those who own the ancestral lands, however, are more of a burden than a benefit. Tribes living along the area to which the project will take place will be affected and displaced.

The constitutionality and issues including its suspected failure to secure Environmental Compliance Certificate from Environmental Management Bureau in Cordillera were taken forward to stop the questionable project.

Another important concern looking at the issue is, what happens if the Philippines failed to pay the loans?

The issue on the Chinese debt trap comes into play.

Critics have claimed that the Philipines might be the next victim to be trapped on China’s scheme once we get involved in these suspicious agreements.

The Chinese debt trap or the debt-trap diplomacy scheme has led developing countries to compromise their assets to China. In this scheme, China funds infrastructure projects to countries as part of their Belt and Road Initiative.

This BRI

of China aims to build ports, bridges, airports and other projects to different countries. This is China’s way to aid countries build their own infrastructures. But at what cost?

Countries like Sri Lanka and Ecuador failed to pay their loans to China. As a result, they are forced then to give up their assets to China as a repayment. Sri Lanka was forced to lease the Hambantota Port for 99 years to China to repay the loan for its construction. Ecuador on the other hand gave out 80% of their oil resources to reoat a hydroelectric dam funded by the Chinese government.

ON THE LOSING END CRPIP costs 4.37 billion pesos with 3.6 billion pesos loaned from China Export Import Bank. The project will be implemented by China CAMC Engineering Company. According to the loan agreement, an interest rate of 2% annually will be implemented. This rate is comparably much higher to Japan’s rate of 0.25% to 0.75 per year.

Under the agreement, the repayment period will be for 13 years with a 7 year grace period. Certain provisions have leveraged theories that the Philippines might be on losing end. Article 5.5 of the agreement states that “Neither the Borrower nor any of its assets is entitled to any right of immunity on the grounds of sovereign or otherwise from arbitration, suit, execution or any other legal process.” Article 8.1 of the agreement further emphasized the Philippines’ waiver of immunity over our assets, including our resources such oil reserves found in our country.

These provisions imply that in case of defaults, wherein we fail to pay, we are forced to give up our patrimonial assets. We pay China millions for decades or more while they hold control over our resources.

This is a clear manifestation of China shatteing our country’s sovereignty. Furthermore, our sovereignty in moments of dispute on the conduct of the project is not

\\ Christel Janela Baptista

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Our freedom and the people’s rights are what should be on the pedestal when thinking about progress.

recognized. That is, according to the loan agreements.

NO WAY UP In case of dispute, it shall be resolved under Chinese laws. It is stated in Article 8.5 of the agreement that disputes shall be submitted to the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission to resolve the conflict. Also, it is indicated that the arbitration will take place in Beijing, if any incident arises.

It is truly a question grounded on what will happen to the Philippines once a dispute will arise. Given that China holds the arbitration, they may bend such prosecution favouring their side. There may be no way up once we fall uinto any arbitration.

The Philippines is not far from falling into the Chinese debt trap. Given our economic situation and unsolved corruption within our own government, the people and our sovereignty is at risk.

Progress is something that everybody wants. But progress without thinking how this will affect the people is not progress at all. Our freedom and the people’s rights are what should be on the pedestal when thinking about progress. Not about one’s own political interest or one’s desire to be on top by trying to cling on “friends” we’re not even sure we can rely on. The Duterte administration should look again and think.

The “Build, Build, Build” project is supposed to be built upon the want of progress for the whole nation and not for someone’s interest only. Progress is going all the way up. But once we let imperialist schemes again, we have no way to go when trapped.

Graphics by Dianni Adrei Estrada Layout by Isagani Caspe

10

KULTURA

Tomo 46 Isyu 1 Hulyo-Agosto 2019

BUWANANG DALAW / PAYONG ISKO \\ Iginuhit ni Jethro Bryan Andrada

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OPINYON

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Tomo 46 Isyu 1 Hulyo-Agosto 2019

For display only \\ Adrianne Paul Aniban

While the construction of the Himnasyo Amianan has seemingly pointed us an answer to the lack of democratic spaces for the students, it is yet to be proven if it was truly built for the students or if it is simply an idle trophy that primarily functions as a mere decoration rather than a student service.

For many years, students of the university have cried foul over the lack of democratic spaces for them to hold activities. Events such as the Freshie night and Consol night were either cancelled or moved to a later date due to difficulties in finding venues. Volleyball players would split time on their training sessions with the basketball team as there is only one court to use. It would also be normal to hear choir-like sounds at night - don’t worry it ain’t ghosts - as the Tinig Amianan usually practices at the lower canteen.

Dance orgs usually crowd the IB lobby to practice. Furthermore, most of the orgs hold their meetings and general assemblies at the canteen.

When the Himnasyo Amianan was officially inaugurated by Chancellor Raymundo Rovillos last July 30, fresh grads and alumni alike were left in awe when they saw posts of the newly constructed gymnasium.

Truly, the UPB Himnasyo Amianan is a sight to behold. However, guidelines for the accessibility of the gymnasium are yet to be

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We are not against development, however, we must evaluate if the Master Development Plan truly seeks development for the welfare of the students or if it is simply added aesthetic which aims to paint a picture of false progress inside the campus. progress inside the campus.

released. It remains unclear for students how the gymnasium can be accessed. Even faculty are unable to issue a request to use the gym, forcing them to conduct NSTP classes at the Alumni Lobby or Sarmiento Hall. Only a few PE classes and some of the athletes are currently able to use the gymnasium.

While we understand that the newly constructed building should be handled with caution as to not immediately depreciate its value, students have waited long enough for a space to hold their activities and now that there is one, it is still inaccessible.

Surely from the long span of years of its construction, the proper guidelines for its usage must have been drafted. Without the proper guidelines, the Himnasyo Amianan remains a car without tires, a gun without its bullets, a pen without ink or in simpler words - useless.

More and more, the Himnasyo Amianan is turning into something similar to the Oblation Grounds where students cannot step unto as to not destroy the grass.

Looking back, the Himnasyo Amianan is actually one of the projects under the Master Development Plan. The Master Development Plan or simply MDP, is the massive construction and infrastructure development and modernization project of the UP system which is basically the University version of the Build Build Build Project.

With the implementation of MDP, the

campus faces a lot of ongoing construction. It would be a normal scenario to hear loud thumps and thuds during classes. Sometimes the loud noises become so unbearable that classes are forced to dismiss early or sometimes, completely cancelled. Furthermore, because of the presence of construction workers inside the campus, there have been multiple reports of catcalling towards female students and even a report of peeping at members of the women’s volleyball team.

Besides disrupting the atmosphere which should be conducive to learning, there is also an apparent prioritization on campus beautification projects over projects that shall serve the students. Behind the tall fancy unused building and the fresh green grass, student services and facilities are being compromised.

We are not against development, however, we must evaluate if the Master Development Plan truly seeks development for the welfare of the students or if it is simply added aesthetic which aims to paint a picture of false progress inside the campus.

Now that the Himnasyo Amianan is finally finished, let us make sure that it won’t be a trophy that is only for display. We must assert that the gymnasium should be easily accessible for students to hold their activities and will truly be of service to the students.

Just as it should be.

Halfway through hell \\ Joemariequeen Del Rosario

Halfway through the Duterte regime and his promise of change was nothing but bloodshed and suffering. The iron fist Filipinos believed to fight corruption and poverty turned out to be the hand of the oppressor.

His promise to end drug problem in three to six months turned out to end the lives of many. Since he was elected, the Philippines have faced countless extrajudicial killings and human rights violations. Workers’ strike also intensified as his vow to end contractualization never happened. A look back to how this administration has been for the past three years reminds us of how wrong we are to believe the strongman persona.

The regime’s intent to uplift the poor and employ millions of Filipinos through TRAIN Law and Build, Build, Build program brought nothing but a burden instead of a relief.

While TRAIN law puts a guarantee on lower personal income taxes, it also puts higher excise taxes on coal and petroleum products.

One peso increase on petroleum products means another increase for the prices of basic commodities which a normal family avails.

As someone from a middle class family, the effect of TRAIN law is not that drastic. But to families who only refits the minimum wage just to make ends meet, it could mean another meal skipped or a child needing to drop out of school.

While all these anti-poor policies are

happening, Duterte continues to downplay our country’s sovereignty. His close ties with China manifested through the Build, Build, Build program which promised employment for Filipinos but turned out to cater Chinese workers for their so-called specialized skills which Filipinos cannot offer. The funding for these projects also adds up to the ballooning debt of the Philippines to China.

Moreover, the program has also displaced a number of indigenous communities since its implementation. Aetas who tilled the land for decades were displaced in place of the construction of the New Clark City. This just shows how he is willing to give up the pearl of the orient in exchange of the agreements which will trap us in debt in no time.

The government continuously turn a blind eye on what it should really prioritize. Instead of allocating sufficient funds for universal healthcare and accessible education, the administration chooses to increase the fund allocation for national defense. The president’s tactics to put the whole of Philippines under military rule is evident on how he appoints retired military men and police generals in his cabinet. Martial rule is not declared, but we can feel it.

As a student, the state’s eagerness to extend their forces on universities and colleges scares me. Police presence in schools is nothing but a mere disguise to militarize and repress

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We are only half past his term and many Filipinos have already sacrificed their lives just to feed the pockets of the few. It is terrifying to look forward to what the other half of this regime could bring us. Now it is time to admit that we held on the wrong hand believing that it will lift us up from poverty.

our academic freedom. It will only serve as their gateway to further vilify and accuse progressive organizations and individuals of being part of the communist groups.

Furthermore, while the number of extrajudicial killings in the country increases, Duterte sees no other answer but to assert the imposition of Death Penalty to address crimes related to illegal drugs. In this political climate, where innocent bodies pile up on the streets, where peasants fighting for their land are being killed, and where activists fighting for basic human rights are being tagged as terrorists; justice plays no part in the game.

We are only half past his term and many Filipinos have already sacrificed their lives just to feed the pockets of the few. It is terrifying to look forward to what the other half of this regime could bring us. Now it is time to admit that we held on the wrong hand believing that it will lift us up from poverty.

Little did we know that it is our own hands raising banners and flags of our own sectors and only through our collective action that we can fight this oppressive regime. We do not need another dictator, a coward who wags his tail while looking up to US and China, and more so we do not have to wait till the end of his term to oust Duterte.

1212 KULTURA KULTURA

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TomoTomo 46 Isyu 46 1Isyu Hulyo-Agosto 1 Hulyo-Agosto 2019 2019

HIGIT SA PAGDIRIWANG Sapagkat hindi sapat ang mga gunita

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pinagdiriwang taon-taon tuwing Agosto ang Pista ng mga Wika sa lahat ng dako ng Pilipinas. Tulad ng makukulay na kapistahan na ating makikita sa bawat rehiyon, hitik ang ating bansa sa pagkakaroon ng samo’t saring kultura at wika. Kaugnay nito, ang pista ng mga wika ay isang selebrasyon upang bigyang buhay ang mga wikang katutubo sa bansa na sumisimbolo rin sa yaman ng ating kultura, sa pag-asang hindi lang ito mag silbing banderitas na mistulang pandagdag atraksiyon lamang sa ating multikultural na bansa.

Palagiang sumasabit ang mga katutubong lingguwahe sa taunang tema ng Buwan ng Wika at ito’y minsang napapansin ngunit sa kadalasan ay hindi pinapahalagahan. Sapagkat sa maraming pagkakataon, silaw ang pagdiriwang sa tingkad ng mga dayuhang wika na siyang dumadaig sa mga makukulay na katutubong wika sa bansa.

Kaya’t nais ng Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) na bigyan ito ng engrandeng selebrasyon bilang pakikiisa sa International Year of Indigenous Languages na proklamasyon ng UNESCO sa taong kasalukuyan. Tampok sa pagdiriwang ang temang “Wikang Katutubo: tungo sa Isang Bansang Filipino,” isang pagdiriwang ng demokrasya at pagpapayaman ng isang wikang Pambansa na sasalamin sa mga Pilipino.

INAPAKANG YAMAN Kung ating susuriin sa tunay na kalagayan ng taontaong pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Wika, katutubong mga lingguwahe ang laging naisasakripisyo sa intelektuwalisayon at tanging napag-iiwanan sa selebrasyon.

Hindi mo maririnig ang mga ito na ginagamit sa tanghalan, o kaya naman sa mga islogan sa paaralan.

Unti-unti na ring natatabunan ang mga kwento at tula ng bawat rehiyon dahil walang naipapakitang pagpapahalaga sa mga ito. Kung minsan pa nga’y ito ang sentro ng katatawanan bilang itinuturing itong isang “regional defect” ng ating lipunan. Dahil dito, nagkakaroon ng diskriminasyon sa paggamit ng wika dahil ang mga ito ay nasa mababang istandard kung ituring ng ating estado.

Upang baguhin ang ganitong kaisipan, isinusulong ng KWF ang isang layon ng pagpapayabong ng Wikang Pambansa bilang wikang nagtataglay ng dibersidad ng kultura at kasaysayan na siyang tunay na depinisyon ng wikang Filipino.

Ito’y nararapat na isang selebrasyon ng lahi at hindi lamang dapat ito wika ng mga taga-lungsod ngunit wika rin ng mga etnikong grupo.

Maihahalintulad ito sa isang

senaryong pangpista kung saan ang lahat ay kasapi sa selebrasyon, anoman ang kulturang sinasagisag nito.

Sa buwang ito, ipaparada ang iba’t ibang wika sa Pilipinas bitbit ang mga natatanging panitikan ng bawat rehiyon. Isang pagpapahayag na hindi isang kababaan ang ipagmalaki ang sariling mga wika bagkus ito’y isang pagpapahalaga sa ating kinagisnan at hindi ito nararapat na sentro ng diskriminasyon.

KINUPASANG PALAMUTI Ngunit ang selebrasyon na nararapat sana ay pagdiriwang ng mga kulay ay naging maputla sa pagmamanipula ng gobyerno sa ating mga wika.

Hayag na ang epekto ng CHED Memorandum no. 20 sa mga kolehiyo sa bansa at ang unti-unting paglimot sa mga umiiral na wika sa bawat rehiyon.

Layon ng memorandum na gawing opsiyonal ang Filipino at Panitikan sa kolehiyo sa kadahilanang paulit-ulit lamang itong naituturo sa elementarya at sekondarya. Sa pag-aakalang sapat na ang pagaaral na ito sa Senior High School at hindi na ito kinakailangan nang malalimang diskurso. Taliwas ito sa naging epekto sa mga mag-aaral lalo na sa kalagayan ng ating wika. Naikikintil sa ating kaisipan na mas paglaanan ng panahon ang malalimang pag-aaral sa Ingles dahil walang kinabukasan sa pagpapahalaga sa mga wika sa Pilipinas.

Isa itong kontradiksyon sa tunay na layon ng KWF. Nagsisilbi itong banta laban sa pagpapanatili ng panitikan at tradisyon ng ating mga ninuno upang maikintil ang kanluraning pag-iisip sa mamamayang Pilipino sa pag-aakalang ito ang mag-aangat sa atin.

Dulot nito, apektado ang mga wika ng mga pangkatetniko sa bansa lalo’t 39 sa 130 katutubong wika ang nanganganib na mawala at anim na katutubong lingguwahe ang tuluyan nang naglaho.

Habang ang pagtingin natin ay nasa wikang Ingles, unti-unting kumukupas ang tingkad ng ating sariling mga lingguwahe. Pinatutunayan na nagsisilbing palamuti lamang ang mga wika sa Pilipinas upang punan ang mga espasyo ng pagiging multikultural ng ating bansa at sa kalauna’y hahayaan ding makapusan ng panahon. Sapagkat sa tunay na kalagayan ng bansa, ang idinadakila sa prusisyon ay mga banyagang wikang binihisan ng estado upang manlinlang tungo sa isang mala-kolonyal na hangarin.

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\\ Jobelle Ruth Mila

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Sapagkat higit pa ang mga wikang katutubo sa mga palamuting banderitas o isang pangunahing palabas, ito ang kasaysayan ng ating nakaraan, at hininga ng ating kasalukuyan.

lamang ang pagyurak sa kanilang identidad at ang paghihingalo kanilang wika kung hahayaan natin itong matuldukan ng mga panukalang batas.

Kaya hindi nararapat na ituring lamang ang mga wika sa Pilipinas bilang isang dekorasyong isinasabit lamang tuwing Agosto upang masabing may dibersidad ang ating bansa, bagkus kinakailangan nito ng pagpapahalaga at pagtangkilik nating lahat. Ito marahil ang dapat na pangunahing palabas ng parada.

Kaakibat nito, isang paraan ng pagpapayaman ay ang pagbuhay natin sa mga katutubong wika bilang midyum ng mga panitikan, panturo at pananaliksik sa paaralan.

Nararapat lamang na naisasama sa araw-araw na pamumuhay ang pagpapayaman ng ating mga wika.

Hindi lamang ito natatapos sa taunang selebrasyon na itinatakda tuwing Agosto. Bitbit natin araw-araw ang ating mga panawagan sa pagpapaunlad ng isang wikang panlahat upang muling buhayin ang mga namatay na wika at pagsalba sa mga nasa panganib ng pagkawala. Nasa diwa ng Pista ng mga Wika ang pagtuligsa sa masahol na trato sa mga ito bilang isang dekorasyong dinadaan-daan lamang ng nakararami.

Sapagkat higit pa ang mga wikang katutubo sa mga palamuting banderitas o isang pangunahing palabas, ito ang kasaysayan ng ating nakaraan, at hininga ng ating kasalukuyan. Hindi sasapat ang mga gunita kung nais natin ang ating wika bilang maging sangkap ng pag-asa sa mga darating na bukas. Sa pagabante ng makabayang parada, nangangailangan ang bansa ng isang makapangyarihang pagsulong tungo sa isang tunay na makamasang wika.

MAKABAYANG SELEBRASYON Itinuturing ang mga wika sa Pilipinas bilang isang kayamanan ng kultura at sagisag ng lahi ng mga katutubo. P a t u l o y

Graphics by Adrianne Paul Aniban Layout by Isagani Caspe