UPLB Perspective Tomo 43 Issue 7

, 2017 BRERO 14 E P • A IN 12 PAH BLG. 7-8 • • I II L X O TOM

E P B UPL MGA AGAN NG Y A H A P A YAL N ANG OPIS

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balita FREE EDUCATION RESOLUTION ADOPTED AT 43RD GASC

E V I T C E P S R

MAG-AAR

OS S LOS BAÑ A IN IP IL P G ERSIDAD N L NG UNIB

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Hanggang sa Tagumpay2 | editoryal

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kultura “WAG KA MAKULIT, IPAPAMIGAY KITA SA 5-6”

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lathalain THE “FIGURES OF SPEECH“

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opinyon THE SUSTAINABILITY OF SSS PENSION HIKE

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UPLB PERSPECTIVE

EDITORYAL

PEBRERO 14, 2017

Y A P M U G A T A S G N HANGGA Sa pagtatapos ng termino ni UP President Alfredo E. Pascual ngayong Pebrero, malaki ang hamon sa mga estudyante na labanan ang mga neoliberal na polisiyang kanyang ipinatupad sa Unibersidad.

Humaharap ang mga iskolar ng

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PEC S R E P B UPL

bayan sa mataas na matrikula, prokeytong eUP, at mga represibong polisiya sa loob at labas ng pamantasan.

Ngunit katulad ng dati, hindi natigil ang laban ng mga estudyante sa apat na sulok ng silid-aralan at tayo ay naglunsad ng mga kilos protesta upang ipakita sa kasalukuyang administrasyon ang ating pagtutol sa anumang porma ng polisiya na ginagawang komersiyalisado ang edukasyon.

Tuloy ang laban ng mga iskolar ng bayan para sa libre, makabayan, siyentipiko, at makamasang edukasyon. Nagpatupad na ng P8.3 bilyong karagdagang badyet sa Comission on Higher Education (CHED) para matuloy ang libreng edukasyon sa kolehiyo sa lahat ng state universities at colleges (SUCs). Ngunit ang pagkamit ng libreng edukasyon ay nanganganib dahil may planong gawing socialized tuition system ang pagpapatupad nito.

Matagal nang tinututulan ng mga iskolar ng bayan ang walang pakundangang pagpapasa ng responsibilidad ng pamahalaan sa mga estudyante upang maging self-sustaining at self-sufficient ang mga SUC sa porma ng Socialized Tuition System (STS), isang iskema ng pagbibigay diskwento sa matrikula.

Sa simula rin ng ikalawang semestre ay nakita ng mga iskolar ng bayan na hindi sapat ang Student Academic Information System (SAIS) para solusyunan ang problema sa registration. Ang 752 milyon na ginastos ni PAEP para sa bagong sistema ay hindi sapat upang sagutin ang problema sa kakulangan sa mga guro at pasilidad upang makakuha ang lahat ng estudyante ng subject na kanilang kailangan. Kita rin na kahit magkaroon ng pre-registration at magbukas ng katiting na slots ang mga department ay hindi pa rin ito sapat. Ginawa lamang ito ng SAIS team upang hindi na maulit ang kilos protesta noong first day rage na kung saan nasugod ng mga estudyante ng UPLB ang opisina ng Chancellor sa main library.

Ang Payment Appointment System (PAS) na ipinatupad sa unibersidad ngayong ikalawang semestre ay hindi nakasagot sa magulong sistema ng registration. Bagama’t mas umiksi ang pila sa mga payment center ay mahaba pa rin ang pila sa Student Union (SU) building ng mga estudyanteng nag-aapply para sa Student Loan Board (SLB). Marami

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S LOS BAÑO PILIPINAS RSIDAD NG NG UNIBE L RA AA MGA MAGective YAGAN NG /uplbpersp AL NA PAHA issuu.com ANG OPISY

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Kasapi UP Alliance of Student Publications and Writers’ Organizations (Solidaridad) Pamuhatan Silid 11, Pangalawang Palapag, Student Union Building, Unibersidad ng Pilipinas, Los Baños, College, Los Baños, Laguna , 4031

pa ringg mga iskolar ng bayan ang hindi makapagbayad ng kanilang matrikula. Kahit gaano kaganda ang SAIS o PAS ay hindi nito masasagot ang problema ng mga estudyanteng walang kakayahang makapagbayad ng kanilang matrikula. Babalik at babalik ang problema sa laban ng mga estudyante upang makamit ang libreng edukasyon.

Patuloy ang laban sa mga represibong polisiya ng administrasyon na nililimitahan ang karapatan ng mga estudyante. Ramdam ng mga organisasyon ang tambayan phaseout sa Kolehiyo ng Sining at Siyensya. Nandiyan rin ang 10 PM curfew sa unibersidad kung saan pilitang pinapalabas ang mga iskolar ng bayan sa unibersidad na siyang dapat isang lugar na dapat magbigay ng seguridad sa mga estudyante. Kita sa 10 PM curfew ang pag-iwas ng administrasyon sa responsibilidad sa kanilang mga pinagsisilbihan.

Sa mga panahong tinatalikuran ng gobyerno ang tungkulin nitong tugunan ang karapatan na makapag-aral ang bawat kabataan, mahigpit ang pangangailangan ng bawat iskolar ng bayan na manawagan upang gumuhit ng isang linya na kaisahan na siyang susi sa tagumpay ng laban.

Kasabay ng tunggalian sa loob ng pamantasan ang mas malaking hamon na kinakaharap ng mamamayang Pilipino. Nariyan ang malalang sitwasyon ng extrajudicial killings, kahirapan, reporma sa lupa, peace talks, at kawalan ng trabaho. Ngayon, nagpakita na ng totoong kulay si Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na walang pinagkaiba sa mga nakaraang pangulo. Ang pagbuburol sa diktador na si Marcos sa Libingan ng mga Bayani ay isang kataksilan sa mga martir na lumaban para sa kalayaan na natatamasa natin ngayon. Ang pagtigil ni Duterte sa usapang pangkapayapaan sa pagitan ng gobyerno at Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)- New People’s Army (NPA)National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDF) ay isang kapalpakan sa pagtamasa ng pangmatagalang kapayapaan sa bansa.

Sa mga nangyayari sa loob at labas ng pamantasan, kailangan maglatag ng kritikal at matalas na suri sa diskurso ang mga iskolar ng bayan. Hindi dapat maging tagapagmasid ang mga iskolar ng bayan, kailangan nilang gamitin ang lahat ng lunsaran upang higit na maabot ang malawak na hanay ng masa. Sapagkat, sa mga diskursong ito magkakaroon ng isang tinig ang mga estudyante at masa upang kumilos at baguhin ang lipunan. [P]

Punong Patnugot Jose Lorenzo Lim Kapatnugot Czarina Joy Arevalo Tagapamahalang Patnugot Albert John Enrico Dominguez Patnugot ng Balita Caren Malaluan Patnugot ng Lathalain Jey Filan Reyes Patnugot ng Kultura Diana Jane Plofino Patnugot ng Paglalapat at Grapiks Vicente Morano III Tagapamahala ng Pinansiya Charity Faith Rulloda Mga Kawani Ysabel Dawn Abad ⋅ Julianne Afable ⋅ Mac Andre Arboleda ⋅ Ranielle Averion ⋅ John Joshua Azucena ⋅ Paul Christian Carson ⋅ Jandelle Cruz ⋅ Monica Laboy ⋅ Michelle Andrea Laurio ⋅ Miguel Carlos Lazarte ⋅ Deniel Sean Macapal ⋅ Jovanni Onsat ⋅ Ana Dominique Pablo ⋅ Lianne Rose Parajeno ⋅ Angelica Marie Paz ⋅ Francis Joseph Rafael ⋅ Mary Anne Gudito ⋅ Anna Maye Sagao ⋅ Jessa Angela Suganob ⋅ Juvelle Villanueva Administrative Aide Raquel Malaborbor

tungkol sa pabalot

SA HARAP NG BUGSO

Dibuho ni Jandelle Cruz

UPLB PERSPECTIVE

BALITA

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Students hold a protest action against outgoing UP President Alfredo Pascual during his visit to UPLB. During the tribute at DL Umali Auditorium, students call for PAEP to step out of the auditorium and face the students protesting against his university presidency.

REVERSAL TRIBUTE VICENTE MORANO III

Students protest against PAEP tribute WORDS l CAREN JOY MALALUAN & MONICA LABOY

A protest action against the recognition program held for President Alfredo E. Pascual (PAEP) was organized by the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) students primarily led by the Samahan ng Kabataan para sa Bayan (SAKBAYAN) and the Anakbayan - UPLB Chapter on January 24, 2017.

According to the students, the tribute to President Pascual was given because of his “fruitful term” as the UP System President. However, according to Rennard Marquez, SAKBAYAN strongly believes that Pascual should not receive any recognition for his term as the UP System’s President.

Mobilization Manifestations “Isang malaking kalokohan ang pagbibigay parangal kay PAEP. Una sa lahat, si Pascual ay isa sa mga proponents ng commercialization dito sa unibersidad. Isang manifestation niyan ay ang eUP project na sobrang notorious.” said Marquez.

The Electronic UP (eUP) project implemented under PAEP’s term is a flagship project which “seeks to integrate, harmonize, and inter-operate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems and infrastructure across all constituent universities (CUs) of the UP System.” Reportedly, the eUP project cost the UP System P745-million. The Student Academic Information System (SAIS), which was first implemented in UPLB 1st semester A.Y. 2016-2017 is part of the core information system of the eUP project.

“Marami nagsasabi na sayang yung pera sa project, pero in the long run mas hindi sustainable kapag ginamit ang eUP

Project dahil sa maintenance pa lang niya, patuloy pa rin ang paggasta doon,” he added.

Marquez also cited the Socialized Tuition System (STS) as another manifestation of PAEP’s ineligibility to receive a tribute. He explained that the number of “poor” students in UPLB is lessening because of the STS and the continuous increase of the tuition fee despite being a state university. In addition to this, Marquez said that the contractualization within the university during his term is also a reason why he should not be given any recognition.

“Marami pa ring manggagawa natin ang hindi pa rin nabibigyan ng benefits dito sa UP. Yung All UP Academic Workers Union in Diliman, patuloy pa ring pinaglalaban ang CNA [Collective Negotiation Agreement] incentives.

Patuloy pa rin itong tinu-turndown ng Board of Regents (BOR) with PAEP as the chairman,” he explained.

Cry for Justice Furthermore, Jethro Pugal of SAKBAYAN stated that the mobilization is a manifestation of the students’ cry for justice, “Gustong-gusto natin ng hustisya na mapanagot si President Pascual, na singilin siya at harapin tayo.”

“Hindi lang actually si President Pascual, si Chancellor Sanchez din.

He has been so elusive sa lahat ng mobilizations and dialogues na ginawa natin,” Pugal added.

Pugal said that Pascual should be responsible for the cases that will be filed against him and that he should answer the students.

PAEP’s Recognition The event which was held at D.L. Umali was an invitation-only gathering.

Attendees were mostly composed of VIPs, faculties and some selected students. The heavily guarded event was closed to all media. The campus publication, UPLB Perspective, along with Philippine Daily Inquirer and ABSCBN News, was denied access during the event.

University Student Council (USC) Vice Chairperson Janssen Calvelo, who gained access to the event, said that the tribute praised PAEP for his contributions in UP under his term by naming a new corn variety after him – the “Mais na Pinagbuti Alay sa Ekonomiyang Pangkanayunan or Mais PAEP.” “Basically tinapaktapakan lang nila tayong mga estudyante dahil pinupuri nila si PAEP sa lahat ng ginawa niya, sa international schemes niya, sa mga iba’t-ibang programa niya, at polisiya na talaga namang nagpahirap sa atin na mga estudyante.”

Calvelo was sent out of the auditorium after he raised a placard as President Pascual was giving his speech.

According to the University Police Force, Pascual invited a lot of VIP and standing audiences were not allowed hence, entry of guests is strictly observed.

Pascual is the 20th president of the UP System. Last November, Danilo Concepcion, current Dean of UP Law and Executive Director of UP BGC was chosen as the new president.

Concepcion will take office in February. [P]

USC continues call to #JunkSAIS WORDS l CHARITY FAITH RULLODA

For the second time around, almost 14 000 undergraduate and graduate students of the University of the Philippines Los Banos used the Student Academic Information System (SAIS) as a registration system.

The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Administration (OVCA) implemented an online queuing system called the Payment Appointment System (PAS) created by the UPLB e-UP Core. PAS to facilitate the processing of matriculation fees, Student Loan Board (SLB) payments, and other financial accountabilities at the Cashier’s Office and other UPLB paying centers.

College Student Councils (CSCs) expressed their views on the second implementation of SAIS. According to the College of Agriculture Student Council (CA SC), the SAIS registration was a lot better compared to its first launching on the first semester of A.Y. 2016-2017.

Meanwhile, the College of Arts and Sciences Student Council (CAS SC), SAIS registration for this semester and the previous are the same.

The College of Engineering and AgroIndustrial Technology Student Council (CEAT SC) noted some loopholes and concerns that are still needed to be addressed such as inefficient flow of program. Some of the usual concerns observed are the wrong tags of academic standing and misinformed instructors on assigning subjects to students.

Although the implementation of SAIS this semester has exhibited a

number of improvements, the call to junk SAIS is still ongoing.

“Although tayo sa USC ay nag aassist sa students, at nirerecognize yung efforts ng admin, ongoing pa rin ang campaign against SAIS dahil hindi nito sinasagot ang perrenial problem sa kakulangan ng slots, facilities and faculties na talagang magdadagdag ng slots sa subjects para maging madali ang registration at hindi na nag-aagawan,” said University Student Council (USC) Vice Chairperson Janssen Calvelo.

According to Calvelo, the USC still receives multiple concerns about reinstatement, readmission and extension. “Until now arbitrary pa din yung pag-approve sa mga students na nag-uundergo sa mga processes na ‘yun,” he added.

Calvelo also pointed out that the SAIS implementation this semester was similar with last semester’s. “’Yung glaring difference lang siguro ay yung pagkakaroon ng pre-registration na dalawa yung batches. Although may mga preregistration na ngayon through the efforts of UPLB administration, may mga students pa rin na nahihirapang makakuha ng slots; still wala talaga silang makuhang slots dahil kulang naman talaga,” he stated.

On January 25, the USC’s request for the extension of registration and payment of fees was approved by the Office of the Chancellor until February 1. [P]

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UPLB PERSPECTIVE BALITA 43rd GASC adopts free educ resolution

A resolution promoting free, quality, and accessible education for all, along with five other resolutions, was adopted at the 43rd Convention of the General Assembly of Student Councils (GASC) held at UP Visayas Tacloban College (UPVTC) on January 6-7, 2017.

The resolution on free education was adopted after 33 Student Councils (SCs) voted in favor of the resolution, one SC voted against it, and one SC abstained.

The resolution authored by UP Cebu University SC (UPC USC) and UPVTC SC calls for the institutionalization of free, quality, and accessible education in all levels. As a response to the resolution, various youth groups across the country participated in a National Day of Action for Free Education on January 27, 2017 where mobilizations and educational discussions were held at different UP units before being convened at Mendiola.

Students protested against the commercialized, colonial, and fascist nature of Philippine Education System.

The League of Filipino Students UP Diliman (LFS-UPD), in their statement released for the National Day of Action, said that the commercialized, colonial, and fascist nature of the education system is manifested by the administration’s plan to socialize tuition in all State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and its neoliberal policies through the implementation of the K-12.

The call for Free Education Various SCs across UP units manifested their support for the resolution on free education; UP Los Baños College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) SC said “ang edukasyon ay karapatan na dapat tinatamasa ng bawat Pilipino”. Also, they added that

PEBRERO 14, 2017

despite the recent P8.3 B re-allocation funds for SUCs by the 17th Congress, the call for a nationalist, scientific and mass-oriented education still continues.

UP Diliman USC emphasized the importance of the student movement in actualizing free education.

“Meron tayong napagtagumpayan, initial victory ito, marami pa tayong mapagtatagumpayan,” said UPD USC. Moreover, UP Manila School of Health Sciences Palo, Leyte SC (UPM SHS Palo SC) highlights that students of SHS are trained in a step-ladder curriculum to serve the communities as midwives, nurses and then as doctors.

UPM SHS Palo SC manifested that there are still many students who have no access to education because of poverty and emphasized that free education is not just for the poor but for everyone because it is a constitutional right.

“Marami ang hindi nakakapagtapos ng pag-aaral dahil ang edukasyon ay hindi libre, constitutional right ito [education], hindi lang para sa amin ang libreng edukasyon,” stressed UPM SHS Palo SC. Despite the support of SCs across UP units for the resolution on free, quality, and accessible education, the UPD School of Economics SC (SESC) voted against the resolution. SESC said that they believed in equity and that those who have the capacity to pay should pay. SESC did not give any other manifestation regarding their stand.

Meanwhile, UPD Business Administration Council (BAC) abstained on the grounds that they still have to discuss their stand on free, quality, and accessible education within their council.

Resolutions adopted by the GASC Five other resolutions were also adopted by the GASC. The first resolution on the Marcos Burial and the

WORDS l JULIANNE AFABLE

Martial Law was authored by UPD USC condemns the burial of the dictator Ferdinand Marcos in the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) and the historical revisionism by the administration.

UPD College of Mass Communication (CMC) SC reiterated the importance of voicing out our objection against the Marcos burial, “Mahalaga na patuloy pa rin ang pag-laban natin upang ma-revert ang decision, hindi lamang ito insulto sa media, insulto ito sa bawat Pilipino.”

UPD CMCSC authored the second resolution adopted in the GASC, which calls for unified campaigns for the release of political prisoners in the country.

The third resolution adopted in the GASC authored by UPLB CAS SC is a resolution on just and lasting peace which condemns state fascism and human rights violation. It calls for the support of the UP community in the peace process to address the roots of the armed conflict in the country.

UP Visayas College of Arts and Sciences SC (UPV CASSC) presented their resolution on ending the contractualization of Filipino workers, which was the fourth resolution adopted by the body.

The resolution on declaration of students’ democratic rights authored by the UPM College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) SC was adopted via consensus despite objection from the UPD Statistics SC (UPD Stat SC).

UPD Stat SC said that there are parts of the resolution which goes against their ideologies as a council, “Hindi namin inuundermine ang collective action pero naniniwala kami sa iba’t ibang forms of activism.” UPLB USC emphasized the need for collective action while UPV USC (UPV USC) highlights that “collective action is not an ideology; it is a tactic.” [P]

730 Days Later: Still no justice for SAF 44 troopers WORDS | RANIELLE AVERION Two years have already passed since the encounter, known as Oplan Exodus, in Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao happened.

The encounter, dubbed as the ‘Mamasapano Massacre’ left 44 Special Action Forces (SAF) troopers, 18 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members, five Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and 23 civilians deceased. The encounter happened while there was an ongoing operation against Zulkifli bin Hir aka Marwan and Abdul Basit Usman.

On January 24, 2017, President Rodrigo Duterte hosted a dinner in

Malacañang Palace to commemorate the second anniversary of the Mamasapano Clash. 39 out of the 44 families were present in the said gathering.

On the same day, criminal charges against Alan Purisima, former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, and Getulio Napeñas, ex-SAF director, were filed by the Ombudsman and Sandiganbayan as the main people responsible for what happened two years ago. Meanwhile, former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III defended himself against President Duterte’s accusations and assured that the United Sates

government was not involved in the said operation.

One of the targets, Marwan, was included in the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Most Wanted Terrorists with $5,000,000 placed above his head. On the other hand, Usman was known for his expertise in making bombs for the BIFF. Duterte also announced that a commission composed of seven members is on its way to reinvestigate Oplan Exodus. It will be a mix of former justices of the Supreme Court and civilians. He expects them to complete their investigation before the year ends. [P]

STUDENT LEADERS VICENTE MORANO

KASAMA sa UP Chairperson Joshua Sagdullas gives a discussion on student council orientation and management during the 43rd Convention of the General Assembly of Student Councils at UP Tacloban.

Old, new activists join arms for martyrs’ memorial WORDS | MICHELLE ANDREA LAURIO

After waves of various meetings and get-together over the years, the University of the Philippines Los Baños Bantayog project has finally come to tilt.

One of the main goals of the project is to “honor, remember, and recognize the contributions of those who died for freedom and fought against the Marcos tyranny during the Martial Law.” Rizalina Ilagan, Leticia Ladlad, Cristina Catalla, Jessica Sales, Modesto Sison were some of those student leaders and activists who disappeared and died during Martial Law, with countless others who are yet to be named.

“Sa kani-kanilang maliliit na mga paraan, tinutulan nila ang diktadura. Hindi nila ginamit ang katalinuhan sa pansariling interes lamang, inalay nila ito sa interes ng sambayanan, sa interes ng kapwa.

Panahon na rin para kilalanin ang katangitanging ipinamalas ng mga nawala at napatay sa ngalan ng sambayanang Pilipino,” said Atty. Filemon Nolasco, the first UPLB USC Chairperson and Martial Law-era student activist.

Repository of memories The idea of Bantayog project first started out over a gathering of Martial Law-era student activists back in February Fair 2013. A year after, the idea still floated around during the alumni homecoming of different organizations involved in the UPLB student movement. Talks stalled temporarily but then renewed with the Marcos burial at Libingan ng mga Bayani issue last November 2016.

Over the series of meetings and dialogues with and among different organizations and institutions, the Bantayog’s main objective is to create a repository of memories in UPLB where names and events significant to student movement will be memorialized. This will be known as Hardin ng Gunita.

To start off with the intended objective, CAS Dean Felino Lansigan fully supported the said project and even approved the calling of Humanities steps as Hagdan ng Malayang Kaisipan where a plaque will be placed. This will serve as a foundation marker for the repository of memories. “ The UP must play a pre-eminent role in not only ensuring the future generations will know them but in building a future that is based on social justice and respect for human rights,” stated Dean Lansigan in his opening remarks read by Associate Dean Myrna Rodriguez.

Student power in UPLB Nolasco reiterated the role of student movement in UPLB which has largely played a role in the dissent against Marcos. During the Martial Law, UPLB Perspective and UPLB USC were the first student institutions to be established all over the Philippines.

“The Bantayog project will immortalize the sacrifices that have happened and it will serve as a reminder that in times na tinatapakan ang ating mga karapatan, tama lamang na ipagpatuloy ang paglaban sa ngayon,” said Charmane Maranan, CAS Representative to the USC. [P]

UPLB PERSPECTIVE

BALITA

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Hum building orgs, damay sa tambayan phase-out SALITA l JOHN JOSHUA AZUCENA

TURN TABLE courtesy of UPLB College of Arts and Sciences Student Council

College of Arts and Sciences administration displaces the tambayan of UPLB Sociology Society after a new window for the CAS College Secretary Office has been opened.

Patuloy na nakararanas ang ilang mga organisasyon sa College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) ng Org Tambayan Phase-out kung saa’y nagkakaroon ng sapilitang paglipat, pagkalas at pagsira sa ilang mga tambayan. Nauna na rito ay ang nangyaring phase-out sa tambayan ng mga organisasyon sa Institute of

Biological Sciences (IBS) kung saa’y nilagyan ng mga halaman ang ilang upuan sa tambayan. Mayroon pang mga ulat na nawawala ang mga ito.

Kabi-kabila na ang naging insidente ng nasabing isyung kinakaharap ng mga organisasyon. Noong nakaraang semestre ay may ilang organisasyon

mula sa College of Forestry and Natural Resources (CFNR) ang sapilitang nawalan ng tambayan. Bago magsimula ang pasukan ay muling nagkaroon ng sapilitang pagtaob at pagsira sa mga tambayan sa CAS Humanities Building.

Mariing kinundena ang insidenteng ito ng mga organisasyong nananahan sa nasabing gusali kabilang na ang UPLB Sociology Society (UPLB SocioSoc) at The UPLB Com Arts Society (UPLB ComArtsSoc).

Ayon sa isang pahayag mula kay Charmane Maranan, residente mula sa SocioSoc, “The tambayan of the organization holds so much meaning and tradition and the left wing of the Humanities has always been our home.

From what we have gathered, the location of our tambayan was actually awarded to us by the first CAS dean.

The displacement and destruction of the tambayan is a clear manifestation of org and student repression. ” Tahasan ding tinutulan ng UPLB ComArtsSoc ang mga hakbang na ito ng administrasyon.

“Ito ay nagpapakita ng pagiging pasista at di maka-estudyanteng oryentasyon ng kasalukuyang

pamunuan ng nasabing kolehiyo. Mas binibigyang pansin ng namumuno ang turismo ng kolehiyo at pamantasan kaya’t itinuturing nitong “eye sore” ang mga tambayan ng mga organisasyon. Pilit pinagtatabuyan ang mga organisasyon, kahit na nakatutulong ang mga ito sa mga estudyante- mapamiyembro man ng organisasyon o hindi – para lamang sa sasabihin ng iilang dayuhan at yaong mga nabibilang sa burgesya,” anang pahayag ng ComArtsSoc. “Kaya, patuloy na naninindigan ang The UPLB Com Arts Society laban sa represibong aksyon ng dekano ng Kolehiyo ng Agham at SIning pagdating sa hinaing ng mga organisasyon,” dagdag nila.

Akreditasyon sa AUN Isa sa dahilan umano ng administrasyon ng CAS sa mga nasabing aksyon ay ang kasalukuyang isinasagawang pagsasaayos sa nasabing gusali. Ngunit ayon kay Maranan, “We were only informed of the plans for the Humanities Building through the CAS Student Council and the administration never directly informed nor consulted members

of the UPLB Sociology Society. What disappoints me more is the fact that the administration chose to fully implement the renovation plans during the semestral break in which students were not in the campus.

The organization is not against the renovation of the Humanities building; however, what we are asserting is for the college administration to respect and provide space for us.”

Bukod pa rito, isa rin umanong dahilan ng Org Tambayan Phase Out ang patuloy na pagrerehistro ng iba’t ibang kolehiyo at departamento sa unibersidad sa AUN o ASEAN University Network. Nakikita ‘di umano ang mga tambayan bilang isang “eye sore” na maaaring maging balakid sa pagpaparehistro sa nasabing akreditasyon. [P]

Release of political prisoners in limbo as NDFP-GPH comes to end President Rodrigo Duterte cancelled the peace talks between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) during a Cabinet meeting in Malacañang on February 7.

In a Facebook post, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol, who was in the meeting, said that the President decided to suspend the peace talks “after [rebels of the New People’s Army (NPA)] abducted and killed six army soldiers while there was a ceasefire in effect”.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and NPA clashed in Makilala, North Cotabato last January 21, 2017.

The firefight which took the lives of eight AFP soldiers and one NPA fighter, identified as Rojet Ranara.

The Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) has been suspended. The request of the rebels to release 432 political prisoners is also hanging in the balance.

Round 3 of talks The suspesion of the peace talks came after both parties wrapped up the third round of the peace talks last January 25, 2017 at Rome, Italy.

During the week-long talks, discussions focused on the Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), and developments on the impending signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on SocioEconomic Reforms (CASER) and on Political and Constitutional Reforms (CAPCR).

In their Joint Statement, the two Parties talked about six major issues, including the implementation of CARHRIHL and the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG); amnesty and releases of 3 NDFP consultants still in prison and 200 prisoners qualified to enter various kinds of pardon; progress on the proceedings of the Reciprocal Working Committees (RWC) for CASER, and CAPCR; meetings of the Parties’

WORDS l PAUL CHRISTIAN CARSON

Ceasefire Committees; and scheduling the fourth round of formal talks.

The talks were brokered by the Royal Norwegian Government (RNG), with which former negotiations took place in the country.

GPH implementation of CARHRIHL, JASIG raised The NDFP panel also expressed concern with urgency for the GPH to follow the Hernandez political offense doctrine. They also raised the perceived political rehabilitation of Marcos and its implications to Martial Law victims; military occupation of rural communities as part of GPH’s Oplan Bayanihan; and the due process issues in relation to the GPH’s anti-drug campaign.

They also forwarded documented complaints of ceasefire violations prior to the third round of talks, in relation to the implementation of Oplan Bayanihan and the impending approval of Oplan Kapayapaan.

NDFP Negotiating Panel chair Fidel

Agcaoili also mentioned the killing of National Federation of Sugar Workers leader Alexander Ceballos and Katribu Party Surigao del Norte provincial coordinator Veronico Delamente last January 20, 2017.

The GPH panel responded by assuring the NDFP that it acknowledges having signed the CARHRIHL, and will study the submitted reports and mete appropriate action, albeit there is “no conscious policy on the part of GRP to violate the CARHRIHL and JASIG”.

RWCs on SER and PCR progress Within the week, resource persons and consultants from both Parties met to discuss further the contents and issues to be mentioned and raised for the CASER and CAPCR. As per the Joint Statement, “the RWCs-SER agreed in principle to the free distribution of land to farmers and farm workers as part of the governing frame of CASER”, which also featured the committees to reach an “understanding on the general

features of the agrarian problems in the country”.

A report from Kodao Productions revealed that the NDFP is in favor of free land distribution, while the GPH was for land distribution at the least cost for the farmers.

Meanwhile, the committees on PCR exchanged views on certain provisions in the drafts, including a proposal for a federal government and “the need for certain constitutional guarantees and safeguards demanded by the people”.

In an earlier statement, NDFP Chief Political Consultant Jose Maria Sison expressed hope on the signing of the CAPCR that can “take good and viable examples from both unitary and federal forms of state”. [P]

PALAYA G A M .

D O K IN L G A MAGSULATis. M entices. now accepting appr E UPLB PERSPECTIV

. 11, For inquiries, visit Rm

Building 2/F, Student Union

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PEBRERO 14, 2017

PAPAMIGAY WAG KA KITA SA MAKULIT! 5-6!

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SALITA l MIGUEL CARLOS LAZARTE “Wag ka makulit, papamigay kita sa 5-6!” Takot sa karamihan sa atin ng ating mga magulang.

Naka-motor. Iba ang wika. Marahil ay papunta itong palengke para mangolekta. Sila ang tinuturing nating 5-6. Sa Pilipinas, 97% ng mga negosyo ay mga microenterprise. Karamihan rito ay ang mga tindero’t tindera, may stall man o naglalako sa mga palengke at bangketa.

Ang pamumuhay ng mga ito ay karaniwang may utang na kapital. At saan pa ba uutang, kung saan walang hassle.

Marahil sa 5-6 rekta.

Sistema ng 5-6 Hindi ka ba nagtataka, sa araw-araw sa bawat kalsada ay nakakasalamuha mo ang mga tindero’t tindera dinadaanan mo papuntang eskwelahan o kaya’y sa trabaho. Paano kaya sila nangapital at nagsimula? Maliban sa kanilang mga mukhang nakikita mo umaga’t hapon; sila kaya? Kaninong mukha kaya ang nakikita nila tuwing umaga?

Maaaring, ngayon mo lang narinig ito. Maaari lang naman.

O kaya’y naririnig mo na ‘to noong bata ka pa. O kaya’y alam mo lang na ang mga 5-6 bombay ay kikidnapin ka at dapat kinakatakutan mo. O ngayon mo lang talaga narinig ‘to dahil (hindi ako magugulat) burgis na ang mga kabataan ngayon. ‘Wag ka mahiya, okay lang. Explain natin. Kung matanong mo, ano nga ba ang 5-6? O kaya’y bakit 5-6?

Kapag umutang ka ng 5 (limang) piso. Piso ang interest. Simple lang, 20%. Kaya 6 (anim) na piso na ang babayaran mo sa susunod.

Ngunit hindi lang naman mga Indian ang nagpapa-5-6.

Ang sistema ay matagal nang laganap sa mga mahihirap na komunidad. Maaaring kapitbahay mong hindi “bombay” ay nagpapa-5-6. Hindi lang naman sa negosyo.

Maaaring dahil lang sa hirap ng buhay ay kinailangang humiram.

“Kapag gipit, sa 5-6 kumakapit.” Ika nga.

Sa balita naman, noong Enero lamang ay ipinahayag ng Department of Justice na ang mga “5-6” kung saan karamihan sa mga nagpapautang na ito ay mga Indian, ay maaari nang hulihin ng walang warrant. Ito ay dahil raw lumalabag sila sa kawalan ng mga striktong requirements, nakakalusot sa pagbayad ng buwis, at masyadong mataas na interest rate.

Ang sabi ng Pangulo ay uutusan niya ang mga pulis na hulihin ang mga 5-6 na Indian at ipa-deport ang mga ito. Ito ay kaakibat ng mga panata ni Duterte na pipigilan niya ang tradisyong ito, kapalit ng alternatibong sistema ng pagpapautang ng Department of Trade and Industry, kung saan popondohan ng 1 billion pesos.

Bakit may 5-6?

Karamihan ng mga may negosyo ay pinipili ang 5-6 kaysa sa mga bangko o microfinance agencies.

Una, walang pirma pirma. Walang dokumento. Pawang salita’t tiwala lang. Marahil dahil na rin ang mga Pilipino ay hindi alam kung kailan magkakapera, at takot rin sa pirmahang legalidad, sa bangko, o kaya’y sa kumpanyang nagpapautang. Pangalawa, walang kolateral – kapag hindi nakapagbayad, on-time, keri lang basta mabayaran agad-

agad. At least, walang mawawala sa’yo, walang stake – tiwala lang at reputasyon ang nasa patalim.

“Di ko gets. Yun lang? Ang labo. Bakit ba kasi may 5-6?”

Sabi ng utak mo.

Bakit? Dahil patuloy tayong naghihirap. Hindi ba’t nakapagtataka na lagi na lang tayong mga Pilipino ay umaasa sa mga dayuhang may laman ang bulsa?

Katulad ng mga BPO o call center kung saan mga dayuhang kumpanya lang din nagmamay-ari sa karamihan ng mga ito. Nabibigyan nga tayo ng madaming oportunidad sa trabaho, pero, sa lengwaheng 5-6, nasan ang 20%? Nasaan ang kita? Nasaan napupunta ang kasanaya’t serbisyo, dugo, at pawis ng mga Pilipino?

Sa bulsa ng mga dayuhan lamang. At pawang mga compensation lang at panandaliang papastahan ng mga piraso ng salapi ang ating mga pitaka.

Sa dami ng indicators of poverty na pwedeng ipaliwanag ang kahirapan ng Pilipinas, iisa na rin ay dahil sa kalidad at access sa edukasyon. Sa K-12 palang ay binabago na ang sistemang “para” sa Pilipinas dapat ang Pilipino. Halimbawa na lang ay ang vocational track sa Senior High School kung saan hindi na kakailanganin mag-kolehiyo ang mga bata, para maging mga skilled workers ang kabataan at magsilbi sa mga kailangan ng ibang bansa. Marahil baka na-revise na rin ang kasaysayan nati’t nakalimutan na natin ang polo y servicio ng mga Español.

Sa UPLB na laang, may pagpapautang. Kahit sa dinamirami ng mga panakip-butas tulad ng Socialized Tuition System (STS), ay laganap pa rin ang pangungutang sa Student Loan Board (SLB) na may 6% interest. Ang hindi pagbayad dito ay ang pagkahadlang mo rin sa enrollment sa SAIS, sa unang hakbang pa lamang.

Simpleng logic na lamang. Ang pagkakaroon ng SLB ay patunay at manipestasyon na may mga estudyante hindi kaya magbayad ng tuition. Kung tunay na nakaangkop ang bracketing system ng STS, ay dapat wala na ring nag-s-SLB,

o kaya’y tanungin natin bakit. Bakit hindi pa ba kasi libre ang edukasyon sa bansa nang tuluyan? Marahil ang pangungutang ng mga Pilipino ay nasa kung saan saan, eskwelehan man o sa simpleng baryo. Dahil mahirap ang sistema at mahirap tayo.

Sa dami ng pinagkakagastusan ng gobyerno para sa kapulisan, militar, at equipment ay hindi mapagtuunang pansin ang edukasyon. Iba’t iba ang problema, iba’t iba ang tugon. Sa pagpapataw palang nitong Oplan 5-6 Tokhang ay simpleng pinapaalis lang ang mga kapwa rin namang mga mahihirap na mga Indian sa bansa. Marahil baka para na ring mapagsilbihan nang tuluyan ang mga mayayamang dayuhan natin. O kaya’y sa 1 bilyong inilaan ng DTI na lending system kapalit ng mga 5-6, ay ipanampalataya na lang natin na hindi ito muli maging pork barrel o kung ano mang katakot-takot na proyekto.

Minsan, mapapasabi na lang tayo ng “Wala eh, ganyan ang buhay. Ganyan ang kahirapan.” Kaya utang lang ng utang, kahit laking interes man, makaraos lang sa araw, sa linggo, sa buwan, sa taon, at sa buhay.

Karaniwa’y sa likod ng mga maskara’t pagkakakilala sa’ting mga Pilipino ng mga dayuhan bilang mga masiyahing tao, ay pawang totoo nga dahil unti-unti na rin tayong nawawalan ng pag-asa at natutong makuntento. Baka minsan, masaya na lang tayo dahil alam nating hanggang dito na lang tayo dadalhin ng bayan natin.

Kumusta ka ba, Pinas?

“Wag ka makulit, papamigay kita sa 5-6!” Takot sa karamihan sa atin ng ating mga magulang. Malaki ang takot natin noon na baka dalhin tayo ng mga Bombay sa India at ibenta. Nang lumaki ako, napaisip-isip ako: Baka utang lang din pala ang bayan ko. Ang Pinas kaya? Kung saan-saan at sa kung kani-kaninong bansa na kaya ipinamigay? [P]

UPLB PERSPECTIVE

KULTURA

PEBRERO 14, 2017

S

a Aking Mga Suki

Sa aking mga suki,

Lubos akong nakikidalamhati sa inyo, at alam kong napakabigat ng inyong dinadala sa ngayon.

Kamakailan ay napag-alaman ko kay Kumpareng Tiktik ang balitang inuunti na ng pamahalaan ang nalalabing araw niyo sa mundo ng “kasarapan”.

Labis akong nalulungkot sapagkat batid ko na ganoon na lang ang kaligayahan niyo sa tuwing tumatambay kayo sa mundong ito. Ngunit may tama sila kung tutuusin. Masyado na kasing napapadalas ang pagbisita niyo sa mundo na kung saan iba’t-ibang putahe ang inihahain sa inyong mga mata na karamihan doon ay hilaw pa para sa ganoong daigdig. Pinapaaalalahanan ko kayo na mahigpit nang ipinagbabawal ng batas ang mundo ng kahilawan. Mas mahigpit pa sa mundo ng mga naging hinog na. Hindi ko kayo masisisi dahil kapag ang katigangan ay sumanib sa inyo, ang ipinagbabawal ay siyang lalong sumasarap.

Wala sa akin ang pagkokondena. Katunayan, kasama niyo ako sa inyong laban. Sapagkat ako ang nagiging kasangga niyo sa tuwing nagsisilakasan ang trip niyo sa utak.

Tanda ko pa kung paano kayo manggigil habang kayo’y tutok sa inyong pinapanood, mailabas lang ang kapana-panabik na latak ng katawan. Kahit ako’y banat na banat na, nananatili akong pabagubado dahil nasa inyo ang aking mga salita na hindi ko kayo pababayaan.

Ang mga katagang ito ay buhat-buhat niyo sa tuwing naiisipan niyong pumasok sa sagradong kweba. Ako ang nagsisilbing “entrance ticket” niyo kapag upang sa gayon ay maging ligtas ang inyong paglabas-pasok dito. Sa mga ganitong pagkakataon, ang buong suporta ko ay nasa inyo kung kaya’t lubos ang pagtitiwala rin ang ibinibigay niyo sa akin.

Samantala, napag-alaman ko na maliban sa mundo ng “kasarapan” na madalas niyong pasyalan ay mayroon pa kayong inililihim na daigdig na ilan lamang ang nakagagawang makapasok. Mas malawak at mas malaya kayo sa bagong daigdig na ito kung tutuusin ngunit nasabi sa akin na nagkalat ang sari-saring krimen dito. Ang mga pirata, adik, at mga mamumuslit – sila ay nagsama-sama upang makahita sa bawat isa sa paraang iligal.

May naghahatid ng kakaibang antas ng sarap dito para sa mga taong may kakaiba ring antas ng pag-iisip. Aaminin kong hindi pa ako naisasama sa lugar na ito, ngunit ayon sa mga kwento ng mga kagaya ko, hindi na nila nais bumalik pa at kailanma’y hindi na sasama sa nais magdala sa kanila roon.

Pakiusap ko sa inyo na sana, bago niyo ako isama sa mga biglaang lakad ay magkaroon muna kayo ng wastong Sex Ed nang sa gayon ay wasto rin ang paggamit at pagtrato niyo sa katulad ko.

Kailan lang, nabalitaan ko ang pagpaplano ng pamahalaan ukol sa pagbabahagi sa akin sa mga kabataang mag-aaral na may “proper sex education”.

Ang ligalig ko na sana sa tuwa kaso, sinabi ni Kumpareng Tiktik na may umapela rito na galing sa taas. Nagpintig ang tenga ko kahit na wala akong tenga nang malaman ko iyon sapagkat napagkamalan akong hindi ligtas gamitin sa kadahilanang maaaring may makalusot pa, samantalang ayon sa mga siyentipikong pag-aaral, malabo nang may makatakas sa akin dahil sa dekalidad na materyal kong yari. Nang dahil sa maling paratang niya sa akin, maling impormasyon pa ang makukuha ng mga taga-suporta niya at ng mga tao lalo pa’t malaki na ang pangalan niya sa industriya.

Aking mga suki, batid kong mas matalino kayo at mas nakakaalam. Suhestiyon ko na kayo ay patuloy pa ring maggalugad sa katotohanan at huwag agad magpapaniwala sa kung sinuman na nandiyan sapagkat nauuso na ang pangbabash sa Internet. Hiling ko rin na sana kayo ay umaksyon nang ayon sa inyong natamong Sex Ed, kaligtasan at pangangatawanang responsibilidad.

Hanggang sa muli niyong pagbili at muli nating pagkikita!

Ang inyong lingkod,

Con

P.S. Kung nais niyo pa ring bumisita sa mundo ng kasarapan, maaari niyong subukan ang Opera Mini App sa inyong mga android phones. Kung walang android phones, magtiyaga sa mga bangketang plaka.

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UPLB PERSPECTIVE

LATHALAIN

PEBRERO 14, 2017

” h c e e p S f o s e The “Figur WORDS l MONICA LABOY GRAPHICS l JUVELLE VILLANUEVA

In the seven months that President Rodrigo Duterte has been sitting as the Philippine President, outrageous statements fired from his mouth and later retracted as if it has not brought any consequence to the Filipino people, and most of the time, the country.

From a string of curses, to rape jokes, to his criticisms regarding the Church and whatnot, President Rodrigo Duterte has earned the title as the “foul-mouthed” president. That title has been criticized by Duterte fanatics to be a propaganda of the “Yellows”. They have cried foul against the “bayarang media” for framing Duterte in such a “biased” way. They prefer the dear president to be referred as the “tough-talking” president.

Those titles have a big difference in meaning. The former means “using a great deal of bad language” while the latter means “talking real hard to both enemies and allies.”

The Dirty Statements Here are just some of the PDu30’s controversial statements that have brought mixed reactions from his constituents.

1. When Duterte said he personally killed criminals but he wasn’t sure because “baka”: “Ako mismo sumama minsan. Kung sabihin mong may binaril ako, baka. Pero nakapikit ako kasi takot ako magpaputok, ganun lang.” Duterte stated during the Wallace Business Forum in Malacanang 2. When PDu30 compared himself to Hitler but he got his statistics wrong: “Hitler massacred three million Jews. Now there are three million drug addicts. I’d be happy to slaughter them,” … according to World History, Hitler killed six million Jews.

3. When he thought he was funny when he commented on the rape and death of an Australian woman: “Napakaganda. Dapat Mayor ang mauna.”

4. When he said all the wrong things not just for journalists but for all people in general: “Just because you’re journalist, you’re not exempted from assassination if you’re a son of a bitch.”

That was not enough so he went on to justify the media killings in the Philippines saying, “Most of those killed, to be frank, have done something. You won’t be killed if you didn’t do anything wrong.”

5. When he said he would curse US President, Barack Obama in the forum if he questioned him about human rights: ““You must be respectful. Do not just throw away questions and statements. ‘Putang ina’, I will curse you in that forum,” …so then Obama cancelled his meeting with Duterte.

6. When he criticized the Church: “I challenge the Catholic Church. You are full of shit. You all smell bad, corruption and all,” 7. When he threatened to declare martial law if the country’s drug problem gets worse: ““I have to protect the Filipino people. It is my duty. And I tell you now, if I have to declare martial law, I will declare it,” Duterte stated in a gathering in Davao City.

He even added that he will declare martial law “to preserve my nation.”

The So-called Meanings The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) was not established for nothing. Currently headed by PCOO Secretary, Martin Andanar, they continue to live up to its mandate by “involving and engaging the citizenry and the mass media in order to enrich the public discourse on all matters of governance and build a national consensus thereon.” However, it is still a question as to how one can enrich the level of public

discourse through continuous retraction of statements every now and then or by revealing the hidden messages to the public.

Through the series of controversial statements that Duterte made in the public, Andanar, along with other spokesmen, Salvador Panelo, Ernesto Abella, and Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay, have stepped in to give light to those controversies.

These men are quick to act and make excuses such as: 1. “The president did not mean he would do that. It was just frustration he expressed through language. You know that is how the president talks,” Andanar reasoned out when Duterte threatened to kill human rights activists after they criticize his war on drugs.

2. Andanar on splitting with the US: “Let us not be too literal. You’ve seen the way he speaks, so in other words watch and understand the context of what he says, okay?”

“Maybe the most important thing here is to understand the words ‘cut ties.’ He said it’s a possibility that he could, that he might… so let’s try to use our creative imagination, okay.” …The Filipinos were not informed that they had to think outside the box to understand what Duterte is really trying to say.

3. Yasay’s response when PDu30 threatened to leave the UN (as if it were allowed): “The president was tired, disappointed, [and] hungry when he made the statement. We must give him leeway. He is also human.”

Duterte was later on quoted saying “Can’t you take a joke?” after reporters flooded him with questions on the issue.

4. When Duterte apologized to Obama, but denied ever cursing him: The president expressed regret saying, “While the immediate cause was my strong comments to certain press questions that elicited concern and distress we also regret it came across as a personal attack on the US president.” … but as soon as he had left Laos, Duterte stated that he “never made that statement.”

And last but most definitely not the least:

5. When Andanar said Duterte has never killed a criminal: “Kapag nagsalita [ang president] matapang. Since he was mayor, he speaks like that, but hindi lahat should be taken literally… the president should be taken seriously but not literally.”

However, when their interpretations are so far from the exact words of the president that they did not make better sense, they simply blamed the media for their “incorrect reports”.

The Warning Contrary to popular belief that Duterte is often direct and on-point, his statements seemed to be filled with metaphors or hyperboles that they need to be interpreted by the PCOO to avoid “incorrect reports” and “misinterpretations” from the media.

Despite advices and criticisms on Duterte’s style of speaking, Duterte stood firm and said that he would not change it, and as this was not retracted by the PCOO then it means that he really meant it. Therefore, the public is expected to hear more dirty statements from the president and their so-called meanings by the PCOO. And just like what Andanar warned the public, “Take it seriously, but not literally.”

UPLB PERSPECTIVE

LATHALAIN

PEBRERO 14, 2017

On ‘Mainstream Vs Indie’ & Tito Sotto Among the film fest’s changes, including a new mission statement, a new logo and a new committee, the most noticeable change was the inclusion of mostly independent films in the roster. Sunday Beauty Queen, Die Beautiful, Kabisera, Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 2, Oro, Seklusyon, and Saving Sally were all independent films, with Vince and Kath and James being the lone commercial film among the entries that made it to the cut. The MMFF committee promised more “quality films” this year, which of course, several commercial studios opposed for the indie films’ lack of commercial viability.

It is unclear whether this year’s run made less money than last year’s, but the changes that were made is a small step forward for the film industry. This year, all eight entries earned money as the films weren’t as unfairly distributed as before. This year, the criteria for accepting films were more competitive, allowing only “finished films”, and more diversity, disregarding the potential profit of the film. Short films were added to the roster and they were screened for free before every On Mocha Uson feature film. And finally, there was no longer a separation between “mainstream” and “indie” (formerly labeled as “New Wave” in MMFF One of MMFF’s changes this year was the appointment 2015). of an ambassador for the festival. Mocha Uson, a staunch The false dichotomy of “mainstream vs indie” has always been supporter of Duterte’s War on Drugs, was tasked to promote WORDS l MAC ANDRE ARBOLEDA unnecessary. Most people confuse “mainstream” with “commercial” the films through social media. Some people reacted strongly The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is an annual and “indie” with “quality films.” People associate romance films and against this, asking others to boycott the film festival. It was film festival that runs from December 25 to the first week Vice Ganda comedy to “commercial” when in fact, commercial an interesting commotion, seeing people who were against of January, an event that has long profited from people on films simply mean that a film was produced by a commercial studio.

Mocha Uson propose to abandon a great cause. However, their vacation with many carrying their 13th month pays.

Meaning, they have a big budget and the means for wider distribution one can also sense the irony of it: how a person who supports After last year’s controversies including ticket-swapping, and promotion. As for “indie films”, this simply means that a film was the admin responsible for extrajudicial killings is expected to and the disqualification & pullout of Honor Thy Father, the produced independently, and not under a commercial studio. Simply promote films such as the full-length entry “Kabisera” starring MMFF went through some changes. Here are some notes put, a film being independent does not automatically make it a Nora Aunor and short film entry entitled “EJK.” and insights on this year’s yet again controversial film fest. “quality film”, and an independent film could also possess the same As a film enthusiast and a festival-goer, I admit that I was characteristics and tropes of usual romance/comedy film. Labels aside, optimistic at first, knowing that Mocha Uson does possess one hopes that these films could be more accessible so that their messages could be heard across enough influence to gather groups to watch the MMFF. However, upon scrolling her timeline, you all audiences and open opportunities for dialogue and criticisms. would see that she barely spoke about the MMFF films; probably 3 out of 10 posts were shared This is why Sen. Tito Sotto’s resolution to create an independent film festival is invalid. Putting posts or trailers of the films (with barely any caption or personal insight), and the rest were attacks aside the fact that his brother, Vic Sotto, starred in “Enteng Kabisote”, but failed to make it into the against Duterte’s political foes. Granted, she defended the festival to the end, showing support for Top 8 (giving you an idea of his motivations for such a resolution), what we really need is a stronger our Filipino filmmakers. law that would help revitalize our film industry and build a critical and informed audience. Grace Shortly after the MMFF, it was announced that Mocha Uson had been appointed as a board Poe proposes a national film festival, which is excellent seeing that MMFF rejects such as “Mano member of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB). MTRCB regulates Po”, “Enteng Kabisote”, and “Super Parental Guardians” (all commercial films) still managed to lock and classifies motion pictures, television programs, and publicity materials and has long been a screenings nationally outside Metro Manila. Whoever said they needed support? tool for state censorship. Was Uson’s appointment to MTRCB the end goal of her stint as MMFF ambassadress? One may find difficulty seeing them merits of her appointment, especially after she pledged to “get rid of softcore pornography”, shattering the expectation that she would advocate for On Oro Dog sex positivity and non-conservatist culture.

One of the highlights of last year’s MMFF was the controversy surrounding the entry “Oro”.

Directed by Alvin Yapan, the film recalls the true story (known as the Gata 4 Massacre) of small-scale Filmmakers cry foul for censoring the film. Netizens wish death upon the filmmakers of Oro. miners—Julio Labiano, Rene Labiano, Salem Virtuz, and Jesse Brondia—who were killed in Caramoan, While PAWS may have a strong legal basis against the producers, this makes one think about the Camarines Sur in 2014. way we view animal rights. How come people value dogs over other animals? In the first place, what In one scene of “Oro”, a dog was shown to have been killed to be eaten by the villagers. Some have these agencies done to stop indigenous communities from having to consume dogmeat just people who saw the movie raised concerns over the slaughter, asking whether the killing of the dog to survive? Is it fair to use legal authority over people in areas who barely even have access to was real or done with prosthetics. The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) filed a case against basic social services, over citizens who are hardly ever represented in legislation? Moreover, does the filmmakers for the alleged crime, saying it violates Republic Act 9495 or the Animal Welfare Act. censoring the film, shown mostly in Metro Manila, STOP people from eating dogs? Isn’t the point of The filmmakers denied it at first, and later admitted killing the dog. However, they claimed that the art (separate from how we see movies as mere escapist tools) to bring to light the truths happening butchering of dogs was something that happens in the community. around us?

The film was stripped of its FPJ Memorial Award, edited to remove the dog-killing scene, and later With everything that’s been said, we can expect that our fight for a better film industry will be pulled out from theaters before the end of the festival’s run. In addition, the producers of Oro were rigorous, but we have to keep fighting. banned from joining the MMFF for a year.

Notes on MMFF

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UPLB PERSPECTIVE

OPINYON

PEBRERO 14, 2017

University of Pila KWENTONG FRESHIE SALITA l LIANNE ROSE PRAJENO

Unibersidad ngunit sariwa pa rin ito sa aking alaala. Mula sa paggising ko ng alas- kwatro ng umaga upang maagang makarating sa Examination Center ngunit ang nadatnan ko ay ang malasawa sa haba na pila ng mga kapwa ko estudyanteng susubukin din ang kapalaran hanggang sa noong ako’y natanggap at nag- pasa ng reply slip sa Window 1. Nagpatuloy pa ang simula ng aking buhay Iskolar noong araw ng aking Medical Examination kung saan excited akong umakyat sa Japanese Garden Steps at tumungo sa University Health Service kahit na pagod pa ako mula sa may kahabaang byahe at ganun na lamang ang aking pagkabigo nang makitang kahit anong aga ng pagpunta ko ay madami na ring nauna sa akin na nakapila na. Sariwa pa rin sa aking alaala ang napaka- rami na pila sa Windows ng OUR upang makuha ang pinaka- una kong Form 5, iba pa sa pila sa pagkuha ng classcards, pagpapa- ID at sa pag- bayad ng tuition fee. Tunay ngang una pa lang ay inihahanda ka na para sa marami pang pilang nagaabang sayo sa matagal- tagal pang pananatili sa Unibersidad.

Dumaan pa ang Orientation at Campus tour ngunit ang pinaka- hindi ko malilimutan ay ang AlmOSAlan na pinilahan ko ng halos alas- singko ng madaling araw, halos madilim pa nang lumabas ako, kasama ang ilan

kong dormmate, upang pumunta sa nasabing kaganapan. Laking gulat naming nang halos pumaikot sa buong VetMed ang pila papasok sa Copeland.

Medyo madilim pa nang kami ang nasa dulo ngunit inabot na halos ng pagsikat ng araw bago pa kami maka- abot sa Gym. Ang sabi daw ay may libreng almusal kaya naman ganun na lamang ang kagustuhan naming makapasok agad. Ngunit ng makapasok na kami ay nagsisimula na ang programang ihinanda para sa mga Freshman, taob na mga mesa ng mga org ang aming nadatnan at may namimigay na lamang ng tig- iisang tinapay sa bawat pumapasok sa gate. Nakakatawang alalahanin na pumila kami ng halos dalawa’t kalahating oras para sa tigiisang pandesal.

“Uy, time na pala”, yaya sa akin ng kaibigan ko na siya ring nagpabalik sa akin sa kasalukuyan. Oo nga pala. “Tara mamayang break na lang uli pumila”, sagot ko na lang. Labag sa loob na tumayo kami at umalis sa pila upang tumungo sa unang klase namin. Halos isa’t kalahating oras din ang pinila namin ngunit sayang naman kung liliban kami sa unang meeting n gaming klase.

Habang naglalakad kami papapunta sa klasrum ay nawala na naman ako sa kasalukuyan at napaisip, bakit nga ba sa kabila ng kaliwa’t kanan na pagkokompyuterays ng mga proseso sa loob

“

Tunay ngang una pa lang ay inihahanda ka na para sa marami pang pilang nag- aabang sayo sa matagal- tagal pang pananatili sa Unibersidad.

“

“Cha, anong oras na?”

“Abot pa kaya?”

“Dun po yung dulo ng pila sa nakaupo.”

“Jam, iwan na kita. Class ko na in 5 minutes e.”

Ilan lang yan sa mga linyang naririnig ko habang naka-pila ako sa College Secretary’s Office para makakuha ng Form 26. Bakit ba naman kasi tatlo na nga ang naging online registration sa SAIS, may mga kailangan pa rin gumamit ng Form 26. Sa narinig ko ay madami na rin daw ang tao sa SU na nakapila para mag- SLB. Iba rin ang pila sa mga Payment center na ayon sa iba kong kaklase ay medyo bumilis na dahil sa bagong patakaran na Appointment System. Puyat, pagod, o di kaya naman ay pawisan ang ilan lamang sa maglalarawan sa mga kapwa ko Iskolar ng Bayan na gaya ko ay matiyaga ring nakapila. Kung may isa namang magandang bagay ang makikita sa kabila ng mga pila ay ang mga nakangiting mukha at masigasig na mga estudyante- tila ba sanay na sa sistema ng pag- pila kaya naman nginingitian na lamang ito.

Habangnaka-upokongpinagmamasdan ang pilang unti-unting umuusad ay tila ba bumalik sa aking alaala ang Freshman days ko na hindi nalalayo sa kasalukuyang sitwasyon. Higit isang taon na rin akong namamalagi sa

ng ating Unibersidad ay ganun pa rin kahaba ang oras na dapat gugulin sa pagpila para sa mga bagay- bagay, kung minsan pa ay nagiging dahilan ng iba sa pagliban sa kanilang klase.

Ganun na lamang ba kasanay ang mga estudyante na pumila kaya naman patuloy na lang tayong magtitiyaga sa ganitong sistema? Ganun na lamang ba ang kagustuhan n gating Unibersidad na patunayan na may forever? Bakit nga ba sa tinagal- tagal ng panahon at sa dinami- rami ng mga pagiimprobisa ay nanatili pa rin ang sistema ng mahabang pilahan sa iba’t ibang sector sa ating Unibersidad?

Naputol ang aking pagiisip ng kalabitin ako ng katabi ko, “Oh, bakit?”

Bakit nga ba? [P]

NO FURY SO LOUD The Sustainability of SSS Pension Hike WORDS l ALBERT JOHN ENRICO DOMINGUEZ

resolution was posted to resolve this worry.

The long-debated issue of an increase in SSS pension primarily lies in the question, “Can it be sustained in the long run?”. Proposals or resolutions which can resolve the issue of additional funding for SSS is on the rise. Apparently, President Duterte’s economic advisors are on the fence since they are established on the possibility of the 2029 fear.

Almost a year ago, former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III vetoed the resolution by the Congress to increase SSS pension because it can destabilize the life span of the agency. According to Aquino, increasing SSS pension

by P2,000 will result to a projected bankruptcy of the agency by 2029, 13 years earlier to the estimated life span end of the agency by 2042.

Ironically, still a presidential candidate at that time, President Duterte was at the forefront of criticizing Aquino, saying that there are ways on which SSS can extend its life span and still offer an additional pension to its beneficiaries. Now

elected president, history seems to be repeating itself as the 2029 fear is again foreshadowing President Duterte’s thoughts on the topic of SSS Pension Hike.

President Duterte’s economic team composed of Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno, and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia were pensive about the SSS Pension Hike since it poses threats to the financial capabilities of the agency. They repeatedly said in press interviews that they thoroughly assessed the proposition and it poses greater risks to SSS than it could benefit the retirees.

With all this debate, the question remains. Is increasing SSS pension sustainable? Yes. Should it happen?

Yes, it is what the people deserve and have been long-promised before. The government can look onto many different ways to sustain funding while still maintaining its promise to the SSS pension beneficiaries. A primary way of easing the SSS dilemma is to

have private companies surge the contributions of their employees, which can benefit them in their future ahead.

Lastly, President Duterte should start realizing the gravity of his decisions and promises. He should stop listening to his “economic advisors” and instead attend to the cries of the SSS pensioners themselves. After all, it is them who he is intended to serve. [P]

“

He should stop listening to his “economic advisors” and instead attend to the cries of the SSS pensioners themselves. After all, it is them who he is intended to serve.

“

Announced last Tuesday, January 10 by presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte approved a longawaited increase in the Social Security System (SSS) pension which is set to be effective anytime this month. This came after a long, and rigorous discussions between President Duterte and his economic consultants.

Fears of financial instability and bankruptcy of the agency were the main problems posed by President Duterte and his team after their “careful and strenuous” review of House Bill (HB) Number 18. HB Number 18 is the amalgamated and reviewed bill of the 17 other bills proposing for an SSS pension hike starting from three years ago.

According to SSS Chairman Amado Valdez, an increase of about P1,000 to P2,000 in the pension of its beneficiaries would result to an additional spending of an estimated P64 billion on part of the agency. Questions of how to sustain this amount for the next 1520 years were raised as no concrete

UPLB PERSPECTIVE

OPINYON

PEBRERO 14, 2017

11

MUMBLINGS Nationwide Bracketing and Bakiting?

WORDS lDIANE JANE PLOFINO

what will happen. Will it really be free tuition that as soon as the first semester of academic year 2017-2018 comes, and once we shop our subjects in SAIS and take them to the counter, we will be hearing, “Ma’am the products you purchased are free of charge, you can now live in peace, no more SLB, no more automated ‘pila’ in OSA?” Oh how sexy those words are for our ears! But, well do you know that this is money is really not intended for us?

This money is just a relocated money away from money-sucking leeches in congress. The story is the money should be for ARMM infrastructure projects but allocating it to Department of Public Works and High-ways (DPWH) instead of directly giving it to ARMM smells porky. So they decide, that instead these leeches swarm on the money, let the deserving college students have it.

Hence, there is no promise that by 2018 and the succeeding years

Isang blangkong papel ang tumitig sa akin. Nasilaw ako. Kailangan ko pa ba talagang punuin ‘to?

Nakakahiya man ay linahad ko ang lahat ng aking mga pagkukulang, ang aking mga pangangailangan.

Ang iniabot niyang papel sa kaniyang bintana ay pinilahan din ng daandaang pang iba. Hinintay ko siyang makabalik nang napagdesisyunan niyang kinailangan niyang mananghalian. Nadismaya ako pero lahat naman siguro ay gagawin ko para masilayan ang kaniyang ngiti at marinig ang matamis niyang oo.

Huling pagkakataon ko na iyon.

Kinailangan galingan.

Binisita ko siya kahit malayo-layo ang aking linakad; kahit na nababad ako sa init at nasunog ang aking balat. Kinaya ko ang mga iyon para sa kaniya. Alam kong pag ginawa ko ang lahat ng makakaya ko ay mapapansin niya ang pagsisikap ko.

Nang mapuntahan ko siya ay may natutunan ako: hindi ako nagiisa. Hindi lang ako ang gustong mapalapit sa kaniya. Nanghina ang loob ko. Paano niya ako mapapansin kung may mga mas nakakatanda at mga mas may karanasan kaysa sa akin? Paano ako mapapalapit sa kaniya kung marami ang mga ibang mas nangangailangan ng kaniyang presensiya?

Noong una ko siyang nakilala ay nasabi niya sa akin, “Kaya ka nandirito ay dahil isa kang bituin na sa tingin ko’y lalong kikinang kapag sa akin napunta.” Napaniwala ako naman ako. Hindi ko agad naisip na hindi

“

Sounds familiar? Sounds something like bracketing in nationwide scale. Goodbye free-of-charge education...

usual issue of how they will determine the deserving to the so-so, the poor to the capable? The dream of free tuition might turn to nightmares because of the outcry of students insisting for their right bracketing. So let’s expect for another walkout or first day outrage next semester. [P]

GIANT BANIEL: The Origin Story SALITA l DENIEL SEAN MACAPAL

paisa-isa lang ang mga bituin pag gabi.

“Kanta ka muna,” utos niya sa akin. “Kailangan mong galingan para matanggap kita.”

Pumunta ako sa harap nilang lahat; puno ng kaba, takot, at kahihiyan.

Gayumpaman, ibinuhos ko ang lahat ng makakaya ko sa pagkanta.

Pumiyok man ako at nanginig man ang aking boses ay ipinagpatuloy ko ito – nagbabakasakaling ako ang mangibabaw sa kanilang lahat.

“Sayang ang oras at masyado pa rin kayong marami. Bunutan na lang. Ang mga makakuha ng mga may number sa papel ang mga tatanggapin ko.”

Isang laro lang ang lahat ng ito para sa kaniya. Wala siyang pakialam sa amin. Wala siyang pakialam sa akin.

Alam kong naunahan na ako pero marami pa rin kaming mga sumusuyo sa kaniya. Hindi ko inaasahan na ang inakala kong mailalaan niya para sa akin ay puro mga tira-tira na lang pala.

Nakakasuka.

Nakakayamot.

Akala ko kung napasakaniya ako, magagawa kong maging mabuting tao. Akala ko kapag tinanggap niya ako ay magkakaroon ako ng lakas para maging mahusay at kagalanggalang. Sinusumpa ko ang laro niyang ito at ayokong makisali. Pero ano nga bang magagawa ko? Kailangan ko siya.

Kung kami’y mga bituin, siya ang araw na iniikutan namin.

Naglalaho kami sa kaniyang liwanag at nakakakinang lang sa loob ng kaniyang anino.

Naglaro ako at bumunot ng papel mula sa kaniyang palad. Napakalapit ko sa kaniya pero alam kong ganoon rin kalayo ang loob niya sa akin.

Tinignan ko ang aking nakuha.

Blangko na naman. Nakakasilaw.

Paano na ako ngayon? Hindi man lang nabigyan ng pagkakataong magpakilala. Hindi man lang nakapangumusta ay mamamaalam na agad.

Inilabas ko mula sa aking bulsa ang papel na iniabot niya. Ang papel na pinuno ko ng aking mga pagkukulang at pangangailangan.

Ang papel na ito na siyang naging rason kung bakit hapon na pero hindi pa rin ako nakakapag-umagahan.

Ang papel na ito ay hinintay at pinilahan ko. Pati ba naman papel.

Binuksan ko ang pinto at lumabas.

Bigla akong hindi makahinga sa loob.

Nanghina ang aking mga tuhod.

Mataas ang sikat ng araw ngunit nandilim ang aking paningin. Ang matamis na pagtiririt ng mga ibon ay para bang pangungutya sa aking mga tainga.

Kinaya ko ang lahat, makuha lang ang pabor niya – naging manunulat, mang-aawit, payaso. Hindi naging sapat.

Gusto kong mapalayo sa kaniya at sa kaniyang mga inaalila. Gusto kong mahulog mula sa tuktok ng Carillon.

Ang noong inakala kong isa sa mga pinakamagandang nilalang na nakita ko ay bulok pala ang pag-iisip.

Nagagalit ako sa kaniya pero higit sa lahat ay ikinakahiya ko ang sarili ko na nahulog ako para sa kaniya.

Nanikip ang aking dibdib at hindi ako halos nakahinga. Nakaramdam ako ng panibagong lakas na dumaloy sa buong katawan ko; isang kakaibang kapangyarihan.

Ilan na kaming napaglaruan niya? Ilan pa ang mga katulad namin na mamanipulahin niya lang din?

Hindi ko kayang manahimik lang at hintayin na may mapahamak dahil lang sa lason na sinusubo niya sa mga binibiktima niya. Hindi magiging madali, pero kailangan ko siyang pigilan. [P]

“

Isang laro lang ang lahat ng ito para sa kaniya. Wala siyang pakialam sa amin.

Wala siyang pakialam sa akin.

“

SKETCHPAD

to come us still have P8.3B or more in Commission on Higher Education (CHED) pocket. Kabataan Partylist Representative Sarah Elago, already proposed for a comprehensive Free Public Education Law and also there is the Free Higher Education Act of Senator Sherwin Gatchalian. All we need to do well is wait, hope, see, and keep on banging these politicians door or worst let’s just wait for another suspicious budgeting.

But for now, what will happen to this P8.3B, it was rumored that there will be prioritization on who will benefit the free tuition first. Poor first, then others. Sounds familiar? Sounds something like bracketing in nationwide scale. Goodbye free of charge education goods for some, but at least “discounted”.

However, this discounting scheme aka STS will be another cause of clamor when the next semester comes The

“

Well, dreams do come true. Hurrah for free education!

For decades, it had been the call of every Filipino student to be educated without money as hindrance, and with simple stroke of his pen, the dream will come true yay! Or will it really will be?

As the 2017 budget was signed by President Duterte under Republic Act 10924 with the promise of P8.3 Billion for free education for all SUCs, here comes the Game of Thrones drama that took ever our Fabebook feed of who should take the credits. There are those congressmen and senators who at the first place opposes the idea but here they are claiming the victory, ehem.

On the other side we have those one with the masses who had been on the street shouting for free education and claiming that it is the collective action of the people that makes this possible.

So, the budget was signed, what now? There’s still no exact promise of