SCRUTINY
TAUNANG PAGTATASA SA MGA MIYEMBRO NG KONSEHO NG MGA MAG-AARAL MAPAGPALAYANG KAISIPAN SA MALAYANG PAHAYAGAN
Graphics by Divine Peñaflor
A MISSING PIECE
A UNITED YET PARTIALLY DISCONNECTED USC editoryal page 8
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UP Baguio Outcrop Tomo 44 SCrutiny
CLUSTERS AS ASSESED BY THE COUNCIL MEMBERS
This is the summary of the qualitative assesments of the USC members on all the committees and clusters.
EXECUTIVE CLUSTER
Council members commended the chairperson and the vice chairperson for being effective and efficient leaders and for embodying their principles grounded with the masses. The executive cluster’s collective and not authoritarian brand of leadership and relationship consolidated the members of the council amidst the presence of different political colors. Hence, there was no evident division inside for the council worked as one, which considered as the council’s strength. Also, the executive cluster was also commended for establishing a good relationship with the administration, which became one of the council’s strengths. Many council members commented that the chairperson was objective, firm and had clear goals for the council, which made him an “ideal leader.” Even if the chairperson was late in some of their meetings, council members praised the experienced chairperson for not leaving any desk behind; he had helped every desk to improve and perform better. The launched activities of the USC were involved/grounded with the students
and the masses because of the “Walong Puntong Programa,” which initiated by the executive cluster, that served and still serves as the guide of the Student Council. There was a very good dynamic between the two top posts; the vice chairperson was always ready to assist the chairperson whenever the council’s head is not available. Council members commended the vice chairperson for quickly thinking alternatives when the council’s plan does not work. The vice chairperson was able to maintain the harmonious relationship and consolidated stands on issues inside the council through initiating team building activities, educational discussions, and through regularly consulting and talking with every council member. The vice chairperson was also able to build networks for the council outside the school. However, due to thess numerous activities and responsibilities outside the council, the vice chairperson was not able to attend some of the council meetings and events. Overall, the two top posts handled the council, in all aspects, well compared to the past councils.
STUDENT WELFARE AND SERVICES CLUSTER
The council members commended the student welfare and services cluster. The cluster were able to produced effective and sustainable projects (i.e. USC Hotline, free water, intramurals, free lockers, Kapihan sa UPB, etc.). Some of the cluster’s member committees (Sports and Volunteer Corps) gained positive response in the council for launching new projects such as the Cheercamp and the first Volunteers’ Choice Awards. On the other hand, the volunteer corps committee was not able to consolidate its volunteers. Also, some of the council members pointed out that the volunteer corps lack in doing task outside his responsibilities. Furthermore, most of
the council members considered the Basic Student Services (BSS) committee as effective for its projects and activities were relevant to the studentry. The Special Events Committee (SPECS) was also commended for handling traditional events (i.e. Tagis Lakas, Pasiklaban, UP Fair, etc.) successfully. However, some council members commented that the SPECS was not good in handling people. Also, most of the council members pointed out that communication within the cluster should be more effective in order to better deliver services to the studentry. Overall, most of the council members considered the cluster as relevant, compared to past councils.
ADMINISTRATIVE CLUSTER
Compared to the past councils, the current administrative cluster evidently improved and the cluster performed an exemplified internal work, even if the cluster were not really seen by students. Both of its member committees worked efficiently. The Secretary General was very responsive in doing assigned tasks (i.e. publication materials, regular minutes of the meetings, document compilation, etc.). The Finance Committee was also commended for being reliable in financial works and for its transparency. Even if there’s
the difficulty of the council in dealing with the bureaucratic processes of the administration, the finance committee was able to quickly process financial papers and to produce regular financial reports. However, some of the council members commented that the member of the cluster has individualistic tendencies has poor camaraderie with other council members; some of the council members encountered conflicts with the finance officer. Nevertheless, the council members were satisfied with the performance of the cluster.
ISSUE-BASED CLUSTER
The cluster, composed of the issuebased committees, was praised for serving its purpose of raising the consciousness of the students. The cluster was able to produce its PRIMER, which raised awareness to the studentry regarding the national issues in our country. Also, many council members commended the cluster’s quickness to release statements that showed the stand of the council on issues. On one hand, its committees were able to launch relevant activities (I.e. Amianan Pride March, Green Fest, Lakbayan ti
Amianan, etc.). On the other hand, some of its committees (Envi and National Corps) were not able to launch their own committees’ projects and activities. Some council members also commented that the cluster sometimes worked alone or only with themselves, which can be both the strength and weakness of the council. Overall, the cluster was able to actively respond to the issues faced by the university and the country, which the council members think as the strength of the council, in general.
CAC COMMITTEE
Many council members considered the committee as the most efficient in the council and that the committee was able to extend its efforts and help to other committees. The CAC committee was remarkable for building good relationship within the committee and with the CAC administration. These resulted to the committee’s success in launching relevant projects (i.e. CAC Night, CAC Fair, activities that related
the responsibilities of the students to the Filipino masses). However, the committee lack in inviting students in their events, and in consolidating with CAC academic organizations. Also, some council members pointed out that the committee often crams their works. Nevertheless, the committee was able to address the problems of the CAC students and has represented the students inside the council.
CSS COMMITTEE
The CSS committee strengthened its consolidation with CSS academic organizations, manifested in their projects such as the CSS Night, Knowledge Fest, Martial Law statements of acad orgs, MAKISALI, etc. However, many council members commented that there were no variations in the committee’s launched projects. Also, sometimes the committee was not able to inform and coordinate to the council about its actions and projects. Many council members commented that
the cooperation within the committee was evident. Some council members positively pointed out the personal growth of the committee members in the council; its timid members actively participated inside the council. Even if the committee members have individualistic tendencies, they were quick in giving help to other council members if needed. In addition, the committee was able to effectively communicate with the CSS students, faculty and administration
CS COMMITTEE The committee was commended for forwarding its “Science for the people,” with its advocacy to show the importance of science for the Filipino masses, through conducting activities which involves not only the UPB students but even outside participants. The committee was able to involve the faculty in most of its projects and events. However, some council members stated that the committee was not able to establish strong relationship
with the CS admin and faculty. Some of the council members also pointed out that the CS students felt its projects but the committee did not coordinated much with the council regarding its events. The committee also lack in consolidating its volunteers and was not able to address the low participation of CS students in the council’s campaign and events. Nevertheless, the committee was able in serving the CS students.
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UP Baguio Outcrop Tomo 44 SCrutiny
USC AS ASSESSED BY THE COUNCIL MEMBERS
USC evaluated themselves as consolidated and connected with each other. They pointed out that unlike last year, there was no division even though there were differences in political organizations. The activities they launched involved the students and the masses because of the “Walong Puntong Programa” which has served as the guide of the council and the traditional events like the annual Pasiklaban and Tagis Lakas contained relevance. Aside 9.5
from the events they held, their other projects and campaigns were evaluated with exemplified consistency in having themes that align with the projects and campaigns themselves. Besides from evaluating themselves as having a relatively good relationship with the admin, the council members assessed themselves with having a clear goal and stand on issues related not only to serve the basic needs of the students and the university but also the society and the
nation. However, they found difficulties in terms of encouraginh student participation due to both internal and external factors. Also, they admitted that there was difficulty in planning events and activities because they had to juggle so many activities including overlapping ones and they also had problems in processing paperworks, budgeting, and other needed preparations. Another difficulty they admitted was working with student volunteers. Other weak 9.2
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8.8
8.7
8.5
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7.8
points revealed were being disorganized, mismanagement with time, which would result to the tendency to cram works, having financial problems such as having a huge debt, and the low commitment level among members in launching and handling minor events. Overall, despite needing improvements, they evaluated their year as a year of productivity and claimed that they were the most active and effective student council in four years.
8.2
8.4 8
8.4 8.17
8.2
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7.7 7.4 7.1
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6.9
ASSESMENT TO THE POLITICAL ORGANIZATIONS
This is the result of the qualitative and quantitative part of the student questionnaire for the SCrutiny. Below is the summary of the answers of the 263 students who participated in the survey.
ACS
CADUA
AKMA
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M
A
ost of the students commended the Alliance of Concerned Students (ACS) for being an active and visible political organization. They also commended the organization’s campaigns and programs, saying that they are consistent, socially relevant, and felt by the UPB community. The students answered that ACS has a clear and firm stand on issues faced by students and the Filipino masses. According to some students, they are also the only political organization that studies and immerses with the masses. ACS was also commended for being vocal in their stand on issues inside and outside the university. However, there are students who criticize them for being too vocal in that the organization is described as being “noisy.” The main criticism of ACS is that the solutions and alternatives that they offer are not so much discussed.
ajority of the responses from students criticizes the Campus Alliance for Dedicated and Unified Action (CADUA) for lacking publicity and presence. There are those who answered that they only felt CADUA as a political organization during elections. Most students also answered that the organization is inconsistent in their stance and statements released in response to issues. According to them, research regarding student and national issues is inadequate. There were those who answered that the actions and activities of CADUA are just enough and satisfactory. They answered that there were activities conducted which gave information about issues but they feel that there is still more room for improvement.
ccording to most of the respondents, AKMA UP has a very low visibility or presence among the UPB community. Most of them also criticized the organization for lacking in research when it comes to issues. AKMA UP is seen as very idealistic when it comes to issues and lacks concrete action and activities. The organization is also criticized for being indecisive in that AKMA tends to change stands on issues without explanation as to why. Students encourage the organization to improve its communication style by not always relying on social media and online publication materials. There were respondents who answered that AKMA UP did a “good job” and that the organization was able to connect with the members of the UPB community in its calls for action in response to issues.
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COMPARISON OF RATINGS
Assessment from the students Assessment within the USC
The graphs below are the assesments between the incumbent USC members and 263 who answered the SCrutiny survey. 9.3 7.6
8.9
CHAIRPERSON
VICE-CHAIRPERSON
CHAIRPERSON
USC
7.8
VICE-CHAIRPERSON
7.7
8.2
ISSUE-BASED COMMITTEE: Nationalist Corps Envi Desk Gender Desk Ip/Cultural Desk
8.9
ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE:
7.4
Secretary General Finance Committee
8.7
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STUDENT WELFARE COMMITTEE: Volunteer Corps Special Events Sports Committee Basic Students Services
7.8
8.9 CAC COMMITTEE
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8.5 CSS COMMITTEE
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8.4 CS COMMITTEE
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Council of Leaders
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DO STUDENTS FEEL REPRESENTED BY THE USC?
ASSESSMENT FROM THE STUDENTS T “majority of his is the result of the qualitative part of the student questionnaire for the SCrutiny. Below is the summary of the answers of the 263 students who participated in the survey conducted from March 15 to 23.
PERFORMANCE AND REPRESENTATION The university student council’s (USC) performance this academic year received varying remarks from the studentry. Majority of the respondents commended the USC for being active, visible, and consistent through their different activities and advocacies inside and outside the university. Some also stated that the council efforts were evident because of the projects that were successfully executed. They also pointed out that the members of the council were approachable concerning the problems and concerns of the students and they are responsive through their hotline and online page. In line with this, the dissemination of information was very fast and efficient on the online space. Furthermore, they said that a strong point of the USC is their solidarity and collective action. In addition, they also said that performance of the Executive Committee, Issue-Based Cluster, Student Welfare Cluster, and the CAC Committee, was commendable specifically in addressing issues and sustaining relevant projects. However, some students said that they lack in some aspects, particularly in disseminating information about some of their projects and campaigns to the studentry, and in reaching out to the students. They also said that the council was only felt during rallies, and that other council members failed to do their responsibilities. Likewise, some students stated that the Executive Committee, IssueBased Cluster, Administrative Cluster, Student Welfare Cluster, and the CS Committee, lacked in their engagement with the students. Even if the students assessed that the council
the students [...] stated that they were wellrepresented by the university student council because they advocated relevant causes . . .”
lacked student involvement in their projects, the majority of the students who answered the survey stated that they were well-represented by the university student council because they advocated relevant causes and raised some student issues. ASSESSMENT ON PROJECTS The council produced a number of projects and programs this academic year. Roughly 92% of the students surveyed said other projects of the council were successful and some were not. Some said this year’s events hold a better quality in comparison to the events of the past USC. However, these projects are merely events. Some pointed out that the USC only continued the legacy of the past student council. Others believe that this year’s events were more organized and more improved than the past administration. The USC’s projects were not limited to the traditional events, such as the Tagis-Lakas, Pasiklaban, Salakniban, and UPB Fair. They also conducted the free lockers project, the First Day Fight, the Kampuhan sa UP Baguio, different candle-lighting activities and walkouts, and launched the USC Hotline. The said events lacked student participation since many students still chose not to attend. Nevertheless, students said the council should continue what has been started, but without neglecting the issues the UPB community needs to know about. POINTS FOR IMPROVEMENT The USC have both strengths and weaknesses enumerated by the students. The students said the USC was more active in social media which was seen as positive because more students can see the announcments. Some students said that the council is more united and has a positive diversity despite its members coming from different political organizations.
Many students said that this year’s USC was active but it was not enough because most students did not feel involved in the events conducted. Some students also pointed out that some council members were missing in action in several events. This was manifested in the fact that many students did not know who the USC members are. Furthermore, the council lacked announcements and its minutes. Others said that the council lacked publicity of their events in bulletin boards, and of basic information regarding their campaigns that was why there was less student participation. STUDENT RECOMMENDATIONS Majority of the students recommended that the dissemination of information should be improved. Many students felt that the USC does not communicate with them and there’s no encouragement from the USC to the student body to participate in events and to be aware of social issues. Also, students demand that the USC release financial statements and the minutes of their meetings in places where it is visible to everyone. Some also felt there was a lack of projects catering to basic student needs. Most of these include projects regarding the cleanliness of restrooms, needs in the UPB Ladies’ Residents Hall, and the free water in the canteen. Many also recommended that there should be improvements regarding the school services, facilities, and equipment. Others said that the issues that should be addressed by the next student council are issues about the environment, mental health, services for athletes, and national issues such as fake news, Charter Change, the TRAIN Law, state fascism and dictatorship, and the SOGIE bill. Some also suggested that the issues on enrollment procedures, GE offers, student welfare, and freshmen desk committee should be given attention.
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ASSESMENT FROM THE POLITICAL ORGANIZATIONS Alliance of Concerned Students
ACS N
aniniwala ang Alliance of Concerned Students na malaki ang pinagkaiba ng kasalukuyang Konseho sa mga nakalipas pang iba, at masasabing nakaalpas na ito mula sa pagiging partisano at eventcentric. Mataas ang ibinibigay na pagpupugay ng alyansa sa kasalukuyang konseho sapagkat nagsagawa ang konseho ng mga kampanya hindi lamang sa UP Baguio bagkus maging sa Kordilyera. Kasama sa mga pinagpupugayan ng organisasyon ang mga naisagawang kampanya gaya na ng Amianan Uprising, Lakbayan 2018, pagsali sa mga mobilisasyon ng Martial Law Commemoration, Walkout, Pride Week, at international Human Rights Day. Pinagpupugayan din ng organisasyon ang mga naisagawang makaestudyanteng kampanya sa loob ng unibersidad. Nakikita ng organisasyon na ang kasalukuyang konseho ay intact at ang mga myembro ay konsolidado sa mga kampanya at proyekto. Pinagpupugayan ng ACS ang paglalabas ng Konseho ng kanilang tindig sa mga isyung panlipunan. Sa pangkabuuan, matagumpay na nakapaglapag ng isang magandang simulain para sa mga susunod pang mga lider-estudyante ang kasalukuyang konseho. Mula sa matagal nitong kahinaan sa pagharap sa isyung panlipunan at sa interes at hinaing ng sangkaestudyantehan, ipinapakita ng kasalukuyang konseho ang potensyal at papel ng institusyon ng mga mag- aaral sa muling pagpapanumbalik ng makasaysayan nitong gampanin at tungkulin: ang paglingkuran ang sambayanan. Naniniwala ang ACS na malaki ang gampanin ng kabataan sa pagtataguyod ng pagbabago sa lipunan. Kung ating aalalahanin ay masasabi nating ang
kabataan ang nanguna sa pagtataguyod ng Katipunan at Hukbong bayan laban sa mga Hapones. Gayun din naman nakita ang pagkilos ng kabataan kontra sa rehimeng US- Marcos gayundin naman sa Rehimeng US Estrada. Sa kabila ng pagupo sa pwesto ng rehimeng US-Duterte, hindi parin natin maikakaila ang tagumpay sa pag-gigiit ng libreng eduksyon para sa lahat dahil sa pagkilos ng kabataan. Matagal nang pinatunayan ng ating kasaysayan ang maaaring magawa ng samasamang pagkilos ng kabataan. Hindi dapat matakot ang mga kabataan na humarap sa mga hamon gaya ng nga ng nagbabadyang diktatura. Naniniwala ang ACS na kung hindi kikilos ang kabataan ay walang mangyayring pagbabago sa lipunan Isa sa mga nakikitang malaking usapin ay ang nagbabadyang diktaturya sa Pilipinas kaya ganoon nalamang ang pangangailangan sa tuloy-tuloy na pagkilos ng mga kabataan. Naniniwala ang ACS na malaki ang gampanin ng mga Iskolar ng bayan na manguna. Isang hamon para sa mga Iskolar ng bayan na ilantad ang kabulukan ng kasalukuyang administrasyon at kumilos laban sa tiranya ng rehimeng US-Duterte. Nandyan ang mga usapin na masasabi nating kontra sa mga mamamayan gaya ng neoliberal na polisiya gaya ng TRAIN, Jeepney Phaseout, at paniningil ng tuition sa kabila ng implementasyon ng Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Edcation Act. Nakikita rin pamamasista ng estado llaban sa mga mamamayan sa pamamagitan ng Charter Change, Martial Law sa Mindanao, Oplan Tokhang, Oplan Kapayapaan, paniniktik ng Student Intelligence Network laban sa mga lider-estudyante at Crackdown sa mga lider ng mga ligal na organisasyon ng mamamayan. Binabalak ng organisasyon na magsagawa
ng malakihang pagkilos at pag-aaral tungkol sa mga isyu ng estudyante ng UP Baguio, ng syudad, rehiyon at ng bansa. Ngayong taon, tinanganan ng ACS ang mga kampanya ng mga estudyante at kabataan tulad ng Free Education, Stop K-to-12 campaign, at pag-alala sa kamatayan ni Kristel Tejada at sa iba pang mga kabataan na piniling kitilin ang kanilang buhay dahil sa mataas na mga bayarin sa eskwelahan. Tinanganan din ng ACS ang mga kampanya laban sa tiraniya ng rehimeng USDuterte (Oplan Tokhang, Oplan Kapayapaan, Martial Law sa Mindanao; TRAIN; Charter Change; Jeepney Phaseout; Free Education; Lakbayan 2018 at iba pa). Nagsagawa ng maraming mga pag-aaral ang alyansa para lubusang maintindihan ang mga isyung nasabi. Nagsagawa rin ng candle lighting activities, “pose to oppose” at marami pang porma ng pagkilos. Nanguna rin ang alyansa sa protesta ng pag-alala sa Martial Law at sa katatapos lamang na Walkout laban sa tiraniya ng US-Duterte. Naniniwala ang ACS na hindi hiwalay ang isyu ng mga kabataa’t estudyante sa isyu ng mamamayan. Kung ganoon, dapat makita at tugunan ng mga estudyante ang mga isyung ito para sa kapakanan, interes at kagalingan ng parehong estudyante at mamamayan. Nagpupugay ang ACS sa aktibong partisipasyon ng mga iskolar ng bayan sa mga kampanyang pinangunahan ng organisasyon sa kasalukuyang pang-akademikong taon. Umaasa ang ACS na dadami pa ang mga iskolar ng bayan na may pakialam at kritikal sa mga isyung panlipunan, at kumikilos para sa sambayanan. Hamon sa ating lahat na isabuhay ang diwang palaban at dugong makabayan ng mga iskolar ng bayan!
Campus Alliance for Dedicated and Unified Action
CADUA O
verall, the University Student Council was able to clearly deliver its advocacies to the UPB community. The Student Council was mostly felt in their monitoring of the yearbook editorial board, and in their sports and in college-based and gender-related events. The same cannot be said when it comes to activities supporting a UPB green community and improving the basic services given to students. The council was also not able to maintain an inclusive environment despite ranging beliefs. The Campus Alliance for Dedicated and Unified Action (CADUA) commends the close relationship of the members of the Student Council. However, the roles of each member must be made clear through providing a ‘center of command’ to whoever holds the responsibility. In addition, other members of the Student Council shall be made secondary in order to avoid the monopolizing and overriding of one’s role. When it comes to the role of the youth sector in achieving change, CADUA believes that the youth has a very important role in criticizing and influencing the Philippine society. For change to be enforced in the country there must be cooperation of most, if not all,
youth members, who are said to have the potential for being the future leaders in the country. They have the ability to bring forth unaddressed issues and to be the voice of the voiceless. Since the future of the country depends on present occurrences and beliefs, the efforts of the present youth members will affect the future situations of the next generation. Because of this, CADUA focuses on delivering to the students the services and information which greatly concern them. The organization views the campus as the microcosm of the Philippine society. The organization coordinates with other organizations in order to better facilitate programs and to have a multiplicity of discourses to enable the students of giving them options and providing them various means to utilize for future participation in and outside the UPB community sphere. The main issue faced by the students is the lack and/or poor fulfillment of their rights such as discrimination of their abilities and the loss of their right to free expression and basic needs, which are affected by factors outside the UPB community. To address these issues, CADUA continues its
campaign for the interests of the studentry. The organization advocates the attitude of being gendersensitive and for the assertion of rights as belonging to a community (i.e. students, women, IPs, etc.). CADUA organizes talakayan series, forums, and discussions dealing with issues that are being faced by the students. Recently, a talakayan series regarding women’s rights and dignity were held as part of the celebration of the International Women’s Day. In line with this, CADUA ensures to provide multiple views on an issue so that students will be able to utilize such means on creating their own initiatives and actions as a response to a certain predicament. For the promotion of inclusiveness, the organization also annually holds its community lunch in the campus. Donations and other basic services are also part of the organization’s actions in order to forward and help in addressing such grievances. Lastly, CADUA coordinates with other organizations to expand the range of efforts and knowledge that will be invested to a campaign.
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Alternatibong Katipunan ng mga Mag-aaral sa UP
AKMA UP M
atagumpay na nagampanan ng University Student Council ang kanilang gampanin na imobilisa ang sangkaestudyantehan na tumindig sa mga isyung kinakaharap ng ating bayan. Mabilis ang USC sa pagbibigay ng mga impormasyon at updates sa mga mag-aaral ukol sa mga events na isinasagawa nito. Subalit, naniniwala ang AKMA UP na marami pang maaaring gawin upang ang konseho ay maging mas maganda ang mga pagkilos na ito. Mas mainam sana kung ang USC ay nagkaroon ng mas malalimang Educational Discussions ukol sa mga isyu upang mas maitaas pa ang antas ng kaalaman ng mga mag-aaral tungkol sa mga usaping panlipunan. Puna din ng AKMA UP ang kakulangan sa pagtugon ng USC sa ilang isyu na kinakaharap ng mga mag-aaral gaya ng nga ng usapin tungkol sa mental health. Gayon din naman na mas mas mainam sana kung ang USC ay nakatutulong sa mga mag-aaral sa usapin ng naaantalang mga stipends. Kabilang din sa inaabangan ng AKMA UP ang pagkakaroon ng isang UPB Student Handbook na kampanya noong nakaraaang eleksyon ng partido na siyang karamihang bumubuo sa kasalukuyang konseho sapagkat hindi maramdaman ng mga estudyante ang pagusad ng nasabing handbook. Naniniwala ang AKMA UP na ang kabataan ay puno ng mga bagong ideya kaya nararapat lamang na manguna ito sa paglutas ng mga suliranin sa bayan. Sa panahon ng kabataan ay masidhi ang ambisyon, adhikain, at emosyon kaya nararapat lamang na gamitin ito sa pagtindig at pagsulong para makamtan ang isang
progresibong lipunan. Ang kabataan din ay dapat na nagigiging tulay sa pagbubuklod ng gobyerno sa mga mamamayan nito sapagkat bilang isang malawak na sector, ang mga panawagan ay dapat laging naka-angla sa prinsipyo ng pagpapabuti sa lagay ng mga Oppressed, Powerless, at Marginalized na mga sektor ng lipunan. Higit sa ‘mobile’ ay ang pagiging ‘mobilized’. Bagamat mas ramdam ang pagkilos ng kabataan sa Social Media, hindi dapat dito nahihinto ang gampanin ng kabataan na magbigay alam, magorganisa at magmobilisa ng ibat-ibang sector ng lipunan ng sa ganoon ay mas lalo pang mapaigting ang mga panawagan sa pagkamit ng pagbabagong hangad nating lahat para sa bayan. Ang pinakamahalagang usapin na kasalukuyang kinakaharap ng mga sangkaestudyantehan ng UP ay ang paglaganap ng mga maling impormasyon at balita na siyang nakikita natin sa Social Media dahil sa pagiging popular ng mga taong tulad nila Mocha Uson at Sassot. Naniniwala ang AKMA UP na ang pagpigil sa paglaganap ng mga maling impormasyon ay isang responsibilidad ng mga Iskolar para sa Bayan. Sa kabilang banda, nailunsad ang Student Agenda sapagakat nais nitong solusyunan ang mga suliranin na kinakaharap ng mga estudyante sa loob ng paaralan. Ang mga pagsusuring nagmumula sa Student Agenda ay isang malaking opurtunidad para mailapit sa Chancellor ng UP Baguio ang mga kinakailangan ng mga mag-aaral. Naniniwala ang AKMA UP na ang balanseng pagtugon ng sa isyu ng lipunan at sangkaestudyantehan ay isang mahalagang
METHODOLOGY SCrutiny is the students’ yearly assessment of the University Student Council’s performance, published by Outcrop with utmost respect for objectivity and integrity. Indicated below is the research methodology we employed in accomplishing the said issue. QUESTIONNAIRE There are three kinds of questionnaires, given specifically to students, to the three recognized political organizations, and to the University Student Council incumbent members. These questionnaires were designed to qualitatively and quantitatively assess the performance of the USC throughout the academic year based on the answers of the participants. SURVEY PROPER After approval of requests, Outcrop members handed out questionnaires to the students. Letters attached to the questionnaires explain the purpose and rationale of the SCrutiny. The publication’s staffs handed out the questionnaires for the USC members and the political organizations. These were given on March 15, and they have been given until March 23 to submit the questionnaires. 263 out of 1172 students from the three colleges (College of Arts and Communication, College of Sciences ,
and College of Social Sciences), or roughly 22% of the UPB student population, answered the questionnaires. Outcrop excluded its own members and incumbent members of the USC to ensure the integrity of the said survey. Gathering of questionnaires, tabulation of quantitative assessment The accomplished questionnaires were gathered from the students, council members, and political organizations. We handed out questionnaires to students in their classrooms, in the canteen, and other places in the university in which a total of 263 participants were tallied. Outcrop apologizes in part for the lack of time in conducting the survey proper. The publication admits fault in its lack of proper information dissemination during the survey proper. Some students refused to answer the questionnaires because they claimed that they do not know what to say. The publication’s members encoded the quantitative results using MS Excel and Google Docs, which were then averaged and represented in graphs. Soft copies of the recorded data can be viewed if requested; however, the questionnaires themselves are limited from public view for confidentiality. QUALITATIVE ASSESSMENT Political organizations. The answers from the political organizations are published as they were written.
katangian ng isang progresibong organisasyon. Ang AKMA UP ay nakiisa sa samot-saring mga pagkilos hingil sa kasalukuyang lagay ng Pilipinas sa ilalim ng pamumuno ni Rodrigo Duterte.Tumindig ang organisayon ukol sa ibat-ibang usapin gaya ng sa isyu sa Marawi, Martial Law sa Mindanao, kampanya kontra droga at maging sa nakambang CHACHA. Nakipagtulungan ang AKMA UP sa pagsusulong ng mga programang tutugon sa mga isyung nabanggit gaya ng naisagawang Alternative SONA sa Maynila, Donation Drive para sa Marawi, pagsasagawa ng mga diskusyon, pagsasalita sa harap ng Senador upang mailapit ang paniniwala tungkol sa Charter Change, at pakikilahok sa mga mobilisasyon upang iparating sa lansangan ang maraming isyung kinakaharap ng lipunan. Lumahok din ang organisasyon sa mga dayalogo na ginanap sa loob ng Senado at Kongreso upang maiparating ang posisyon sa usapin sa Batas miltar, Anti-Discrimination Bill sin tax usapin sa mental health at iba pa. Nagsagawa din ang AKMA UP ng siyentipikong paglilikom sa mga hinaing at naisin ng sangkkaestudyantehan upang maipalabas ito sa Student Agenda nang sa ganoon ay maiparating ng pormasyon ang boses ng mga mag-aaral sa sinumang tatayo bilang Chancellor ng Pamantasan. Masasabing samu’t saring mga isyu ang dapat na tinitindigan ng mga mag-aaral sapagkat naniniwala ang pormasyon na ang isyung kinakaharap ng mga mamamayan ay hindi maihihiwalay sa mga isyung dapat tinutugunan nating mga Iskolar para sa Bayan.
USC. There are 21 members, with 13 committees grouped in 7 clusters. These clusters include Executive cluster, composed of the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson; Issue-based cluster, composed of the Nationalist Corps, Envi, IP/Cultural, and Gender Committees; Administrative cluster, composed of the Secretary General and Financial Committee; Student Welfare cluster, composed of the Volunteer Corps, Sports, Basic Student Services, and Special Events Committees; CAC committee; CSS committee; and CS committee; and also the inclusion of the Council of Leaders Chairperson.The assessment points of the council members, which include important and recurrent points by each council member regarding cluster works and individual performances throughout their term, were summarized. Students. The important and recurrent points of the students are also summed up in the same manner. These include points on the USC’s relevance, performance, projects, and representation of the students. Also, the student’s assessment of the political organizations’ performance were summarized, including points on their projects and visibility in UPB. EDITORIAL Subsequently, a focus group discussion among the Editorial Board was conducted to determine the points of discussion for this year’s assessment
of the USC. The points came from observations of Outcrop members, and also from the analysis ofthe answers ofthe political organizations, USC members, and the students. The outline of the editorial focuses on the improvement points,strengths and weaknesses,and issues that were unaddressed or needto be addressed for the referenceofincoming USC members.
PASASALAMAT Taos-pusong kaming nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng nagpaabot ng kanilang tulong sa pagbubuo ng ating SCrutiny ngayong pang-akademikong taon. Sa mga gurong pumayag na kami’y magsagawa ng survey sa kanilang mga klase, maraming salamat po. Sa mga miyembro ng kasalukuyang University Student Council at sa mga political organizations (ACS, CADUA, at AKMA), maraming salamat sa pakikiisa at pagtugon sa SCrutiny. Higit sa lahat, maraming salamat sa mga estudyanteng nagbigay ng panahon sa pagtugon sa aming survey. Maraming salamat po! Tungo sa makabuluhang pagtatasa at pag-unlad ng sangka-estudyantehan! OUTCROP 2017-2018
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UP Baguio Outcrop Tomo 44 SCrutiny
A MISSING PIECE
A united yet partially disconnected USC
P
olitical partisan took a backseat in this year’s University Student Council (USC), with the highest representatives of the studentry in UP Baguio achieving a higher level of consolidation compared to previous years’ student councils. The council led the students in numerous campaigns and activities throughout the year under a looming dictatorship, yet many of these still lacked wider student involvements. This year’s USC is united but not fully connected with their constituents. In previous years, the USC remained divided with political colors leading the debates and meetings of the council. Students saw the USC as merely an arena for political organizations to debate on social issues, preventing them from forming informed resolutions and leading effective campaigns. It was last year when the USC became relatively united, but this year’s council attained a higher level of internal unity enabling them to head the students in campaigns on state fascism and tyranny, free education, indigenous peoples’ rights, among others. The USC spearheaded the Amianan Uprising to struggle for the rights and against the oppression of national minorities. It was part of a larger nationwide campaign to join the Lakbayan ng Pambansang Minorya, wherein the student council, along with some UPB students, immersed with the national minorities camping in UP Diliman. The council also led students against state fascism and tyranny, effectively making a stand on Duterte’s wars against the people; it played an active role in the September 21 commemoration of Martial rule more than thirty years ago, and
relative to the USC’s efforts to mobilize the students. It can be assessed that this behavior from the studentry is a manifestation of the inefficiency of previous student council who failed to impart to the students its importance as a student institution, thereby resulting in a sense of apathy and disconnection among the students. Meanwhile, the council members pointed out logistical problems encountered by the council in its events. The USC faced obstacles in planning activities, particularly paperworks and budget. There is also the reported problem of low commitment level on the parts of some council members. However, it is laudable that the council was able to again release Anya Ngay? publication, as well as minutes of the council’s meeting, a financial report, and an accomplishment report. Through the IssueBased committee, the council also released the Iskolar ng Bayan Primer on the national situation. We saw the council’s efforts in uniting the students, and this we liken to a jigsaw puzzle. The council finished the puzzle, yet one piece is mismatched—thus, the puzzle’s image is odd and incomplete. That piece is essential to the overall image, and the council needs to find that piece to complete the picture. This will be achieved only if the council’s unity remains as it is but continuing to struggle for the students and people’s rights. It has been a good start for the next council, and now the studentry is challenged to go beyond the boundaries of apathy and disconnection to social relevance. The student publication poses the challenge for the studentry to move forward for a more receptive and active UP Baguio.
Opisyal na Pahayagan ng mga Mag-aaral ng Unibersidad ng Pilipinas-Baguio MAPAGPALAYANG KAISIPAN SA MALAYANG PAHAYAGAN
Miyembro ng College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) at Solidaridad, Alyansa ng mga Pahayagang Pangkampus sa UP
Punong Patnugot Quimberlyn Ranchez Kawaksing Patnugot John Rey Dave Aquino Patnugot sa Balita Jemimah Cresencia Patnugot sa Lathalain Kimberly Joy Alejo Patnugot sa Guhit at Lapat Divine Loraine Peñaflor Tagapangasiwa ng Pinansya Daoden Kate Sarmiento Kawani Maria Catherine Isabel Garcia, Nicole Falcasantos, Maria Elaine Pamisaran
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Patnugutan
OUTCROP
“this year’s council attained a higher level of internal unity enabling them to head the students in campaigns [. . .]”
in the nationwide walkout in February against Duterte’s tyranny. Also, efforts of the council to link traditional events with persistent national and local issues needs to be commended. This enabled the USC to maintain the relevance of such events, not only as tradition but as a show of the students’ unity against such problems. Said events are Tagis-Lakas against state fascism, Pasiklaban for human rights and equality, and the UPB Fair opposing tyranny. Unlike past councils, this year’s USC also addressed the problem of free education and launched protest actions on the matter. The council’s activities engaged the students in conversations regarding the said issues. But it is worth noting that while the USC is united, it did not fully unify the studentry. Events launched by the USC, while socially relevant, lacked wider student involvement which is a must. Some students commented they do not fully see the council’s activities but hear about them; they also stated that they themselves observed the lack of student participation in the said events. The problem of student involvement needs to be addressed. In such tumultuous times when political and unwarranted killings plague the nightly news, the government is hell-bent on terminating dissent, and the masses suffer from anti-people policies, UP students must know about these issues and actively oppose them. Aside from leading, the USC must embolden the Iskolar ng Bayan. As the students’ representative body, it must not stop at internal consolidation but extend it to their constituents. This will be gauged by wider student involvement, one that is imminent but
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