UPLB Perspective Tomo 43 Issue 3 by UPLB Perspective

16 BRE 21, 20 M E Y T E S ITAR INA • BATAS MIL 3 • 12 PAH G . N G L A B IT • N I II U PAGG TOMO XL LIMBAG SA A P A N L ESPESYA

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

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

The Myth of Objectivity | editoryal

balita CSL APPROVES STUDENT-CRAFTED ORG REG GUIDELINES

kultura VOLTES V REVOLUTION

lathalain ALIMPUYO NG PLUMA

opinion A NEW ‘MESSIAH’

UPLB PERSPECTIVE

EDITORYAL

SETYEMBRE 21, 2016

Y T I V I T C E J B O F O H T Y M THE During the 99th birthday anniversary of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr., the social networking sphere was rattled. The Official Gazette of the Philippines, the official journal of the Philippine government, claimed that dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. declared martial law to “suppress communist insurgency and secessionism in Mindanao and stepped down in 1986 to avoid bloodshed during an uprising later known as People Power”. The post was later taken down and was replaced with a shorter one highlighting the political career of the late dictator after receiving criticism from the public. The Official Gazette of the Philippines was accused of historical revisionism due to the post. But was it really historical revisionism? Time and time again history would always be written by the winners. Like newswriting or any form of writing, history is not objective. Nietzsche says that there are no facts only interpretations. History would always be in the perspective of the historian. Some historians would be selective of the facts they present and which they do not. Which would mean that the facts presented to the masses are never objective, they would be distorted or even altered by the writers own interpretations. The reader must in turn also be selective, critical and analytical about the facts presented to them. The readers’ own understanding is formed by their own political, ideological or moral consciousness. It can be noted that Marco Angelo Cabrera, the person who wrote the post for the Official Gazette of the Philippines, was a former staff of senator Bongbong Marcos. The close ties between President Rodrigo Duterte and senator Bongbong Marcos cannot be denied but what the Duterte administration is doing seems to be revising history in favor of the Marcos’ in order to justify his burial at the

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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

Libingan ng mga Bayani. The communications group of the new administration which has been experiencing a lot of blunders lately may be putting a “spin” on the Marcos family. In public relations, spin is a form of propaganda, achieved through providing a biased interpretation of an event or campaigning to persuade public opinion in favor or against some organization or public figure. Politicians have been known to use this Public Relations (PR) technique in order to persuade the public. Politicians are not the only ones putting a “spin” on news. UPLB’s Office of Public Relations (OPR) has used this technique for the Student Academic Information System (SAIS) implementation during the first day rage. The OPR under Ms. Josephine Bo released an inaccurate statement regarding the incident at the main library with hopes of putting public opinion in the UPLB administration’s favor. The post has received backlash from UPLB students. The eUP team’s official Facebook page when they claimed they experienced a “DDoS attack” also received criticism from the students. UP President Alfredo E. Pascual’s (PAEP) open letter to the students who joined the #BORMob and marched to the 1320th BOR meeting was not immune to questioning. With all these said, sadly putting a “spin” on events is not only a government propaganda, it is a wider systematic problem. The challenge for the Iskolar ng Bayan now lies in finding the accuracy of the information presented to them. The means of critical thinking should always be put into practice however, it does not end here. As Iskolars ng Bayan they should also engage and be one with the masses. The propaganda war is now starting and the Iskolar ng Bayan should face up to the challenge. [P]

Punong Patnugot Jose Lorenzo Lim Kapatnugot Czarina Joy Arevalo Tagapamahalang Patnugot Albert John Enrico Dominguez Patnugot ng Balita Caren Malaluan Patnugot ng Lathalain Mary Anne Gudito 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 ⋅ Monica Laboy ⋅ Jey Filan Reyes ⋅ Karl Gabrielle De Los Santos ⋅ Deniel Sean Macapal ⋅ Julianne Afable ⋅ Miguel Carlos Lazarte ⋅ Ranielle Averion ⋅ John Joshua Azucena ⋅ Jandelle Cruz ⋅ Ana Dominique Pablo ⋅ Angelica Marie Paz Mga Apprentice Juvelle Villanueva ⋅ Francis Joseph Rafael ⋅ Lianne Parajeno ⋅ Jessa Suganob ⋅ Khean Christian Ragasa ⋅ Anna Maye Sagao ⋅ Michelle Andrea Laurio ⋅ Mac Andre Arboleda

tungkol sa pabalot STUDENT MOVEMENT Dibuho ni Juvelle Villanueva

UPLB PERSPECTIVE

BALITA

SETYEMBRE 21, 2016

CSL approves student-crafted org reg guidelines WORDS l YSABEL DAWN ABAD

The Council of Student Leaders (CSL) has approved and finalized the Student-Crafted Organization Registration Guidelines as a proposed alternative to the Student Organizations and Activities Division - Office of the Student Affairs’ (SOADOSA) Organization Recognition last September 5, 2016. Aiming to assert the students’ right to organize, these guidelines address the issues of SOAD OSA’s Org Recog policies such as freshmen recruitment ban, tambayan phase out and conduct of activities. SOAD OSA’s Org Recognition vs. Student Crafted Org Registration Aside from allowing freshmen students to join organizations, fraternities or sororities and letting them keep their tambayan as long as it’s not a university property in the Org Registration, there are more notable changes in the student crafted guidelines. Students’ Autonomy and Collective Action UPLB University Student Council (USC) Chairperson Merwin Jacob Alinea clarified that while the ongoing registration has finally started last September 13, the USC do not require the organizations to register. “Registered man o hindi ang organization, nandiyan pa rin naman ang USC para magserve sa orgs… pero kung mapapakita natin na kayang

mag-exist ng organizations with the registration guidelines, mas malaking bagay ito para mas mapush as an alternative, replacement sa existing na repressive organization recognition policies.” Alinea also highlighted the guidelines’ aim for a bureaucratic process in terms of accomplishing the needed documents for conducting activities. “Pwedeng sabay sabay na ang paglakad ng letters at hindi na hiwahiwalay ang pag-approve. Pinapadali lang talaga natin ang process para sa mga orgs. Tinatanggal ang mga unnecessary requirements.” But more than the benefits, Alinea and the USC would like to ask the organizations to exercise their right to organize. Because of the problems encountered with the SOAD-OSA’s recognition policies, the proposed organization registration system will be wholly implemented by the USC. Alinea explained that based on the last meeting of CSL, no counterchecking from the SOAD office is needed. “Autonomy talaga ng student organizations and student institutions ang end goal ng organization registration guidelines. Kinikilala naman na student institution ang USC, so why not student council na lang ang mag-approve ng papers?” However, Alinea is quick to explain that the role of SOAD-OSA in this organization registration can still be worked out since it’s still a proposal.

He added that these organization registration guidelines will be part of Student’s Agenda and List of General Demands that will be forwarded to the Office of Chancellor on September 22, 2016. ‘No comment yet’ – SOAD OSA “Hindi pa ako pwedeng magcomment diyan kasi hindi pa naman siya samin naka-address. Nakita ko na siya pero hindi ko pa nababasa nang in-depth.” Professor Jickerson Lado, head of SOAD-OSA said when asked about the student crafted organization guidelines. He clarified that they haven’t talked with the USC yet regarding the proposed guidelines, but he emphasized the students’ need to discuss the guidelines especially in terms of membership count with the impending K+12 effects. “There’s something to be done. Baka sa mga darating na Student Organization Leader Assembly, baka mapagusapan.” Lado also stressed the relevance of the anti-hazing talk during the recently concluded organization orientation. “We are trying to create a campaign in SOAD-OSA on ending the culture of student org violence for any type of organizations. We have to be very proactive on that. It’s very timely so we have to heighten and make sure na talagang mapush namin yun. Sana maunawaan ng bawat student orgs that we are abiding on the law of Republic,

RA 8094: Anti-Hazing Law.” Around 180 organizations, fraternities and sororities have already been recognized by the SOAD-OSA. Lado clarified that they are still in the process of compiling the information

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to produce a database, but there’s still some organizations that have their activation process on pause. [P]

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UPLB PERSPECTIVE

SETYEMBRE 21, 2016

2%-5%concessionaire-rent increase leads to 50% fallout WORDS l RANIELLE AVERION

The rent of university concessionaires increases by up to 2%-5% annually, for food stalls or kiosks and canteens, respectively. Unfortunately, this leads to a 50% fallout before the end of their twoyear lease contract. According to Ms. Rabanne Claire Rañola, a business analyst from the Business Affairs Office (BAO), the increase is clearly specified in the contract between the university and the concessionaires. The Fiscal Policies and Operations Committee (FPOC) is the one who sets and implements the rules

and guidelines about the increase and they are just following it. Rañola cited that one of the possible reasons behind the 50% fallout could be due to low income returns of the concessionaires, making it hard for them to earn back their capital. Concessionare rents ranges from P2,000 up to P33,800. Mr. Albert Borrero, owner of Kaiju Izakaya Ekiben located in the Student Union (SU) building is just one of the owners affected by the increase. According to Mr. Borrero, when he started his business last February 2015, he had to replace

the faucet and have the ventilator repaired with his own money. He reiterated that “the spirit of ‘concessioning’ is amiss. Kasi “concessioning” is like a little close to being partners.” He also shared the sentiments of Salad Country owner Ms. Dina Sedano – del Rosario. “It’s a good thing she runs a catering business. This is not her only source of income. She maintains this space as a sort of storefront office kasi there’s a destination people can go to for their catering. With her current sales [in Salad Country] and with the increase [of rent], she

has to get [funds] from her other businesses to pay for the rent.” He said. Borrero continued, “If they’re going to invite outsiders to actually provide food as a service sa students, kailangan partnership yung dating so that in turn, we could actually do good for the students. As a university, as a public institution, and as an institution that actually gives concessions to concessionaires, there has to be due diligence.” “I see it that it should be food as a service [in his case], not food as a business. I think the university

should be able to support that, hindi lang nagpapa - rent.” He added. As of August 2016, 14 classifications of university concessionaires were as follows: bowling facility (1), gas station (1), photocopying booth (2), canteen (11), coffee shop (1), food kiosk (colleges) (8), automated teller machine (ATM) (1), photocopy and printing booth (1), restaurant/ diner (1), food stall (Student Union) (10), internet café/ coffee shop (1), computer center (1), convenience store (1), and billiard facility (1). [P]

PH in state of lawlessness after Davao blast WORDS l MONICA LABOY

The suspect of the Roxas Night Market blast in Davao that killed 15 people and injured more than 70 has been identified by the Davao City police. Senior Supt. Michael Dubria, chief of the Davao City police, said in a press conference on September 14, 2016 that they already have the identity of the suspect but declined to disclose it to the public as of the moment. “We have identified the suspect and we are filing a case against him today,” said Senior Supt. Michael John Dubria, chief of the Davao City police. With regards to the suspect’s affiliation, Dubria said that they are still on the process of investigating and gathering intelligence. “We are currently investigating his affiliation. We just cannot go on accusing or trying to identify him with any specific group. That is still an intelligence job. I don’t want to make a premature statement about it,” he said. PH in state of lawlessness Following the explosion in Davao, President Rodrigo Duterte, verbally declared a ‘state of lawlessness’ across the country as the explosion was an “act of

terrorism”. On September 5, 2016, he then signed the proclamation that officially put the entire country under a State of National Emergency on account of lawless violence. Duterte clarified that the state of lawlessness is not martial law; he will not impose a curfew, nor suspend the writ of habeas corpus. “I am declaring now a state of lawlessness. It is not martial law. It has nothing to do with the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus. We go about but I said there will be checkpoints,” The declaration of the state of lawlessness has led to setting up various checkpoints headed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) all over the country. Multiple bomb threats After the bombing in Davao, the PNP was in high alert as text messages and calls threatening a bomb explosion were received in various places. The University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) received a bomb threat last September 1 through the maintenance office text hotline from someone who claims to be

PANANAW

a member of the terrorist group, Abu Sayyaf. Despite the threats, UPD Chancellor, Michael Tan, did not order a suspension of classes as it would “encourage more pranksters” but have already ordered security forces to be on full alert. Furthermore, two more schools have received bomb threats but these were already confirmed to be hoaxes. The Philippine College of Criminology received a call at around 9:05 am on September 8, saying that a bomb will explode in the campus. This was followed by another phone call telling officials to suspend the classes. On the same day, Adamson University had the same experience but no bombs were found after experts searched the campus. As a security measure to the government’s declaration of state of lawless violence, Chancellor Sanchez issued Memorandum No. 107 or the “Compulsory Wearing of ID within the UPLB Campus”. All UPLB consitutents are requested to report any questionabble individuals or groups within the campus to the UPF. [P]

ANOTHER BUSINESS VICENTE MORANO III

The access bridge along Victoria M. Ella Ave. to Pili Drive is being reconstructed after being hit by Typhoon Milenyo. The bridge is one of the infrastructes being built within the campus along with the resumed construction of a CEM Building and the halted construction of a building within the Math Building compound.

Submit your works and get published. PANANAW, the literary folio of the UPLB PERSPECTIVE, is now accepting entries.

The deadline for submission is October 31, 2016 through uplbperspective@gmail.com Fore more information, contact Meanne (09126459452)

15TH BAÑAMOS FESTIVAL VICENTE MORANO III

UPLB PERSPECTIVE

BALITA

SETYEMBRE 21, 2016

GPH, NDF agree on six UP acad staff, workers to receive benefits major agenda in peace say incentive “product of militant assertion, struggle” talks WORDS l JULIANNE AFABLE

Formal peace talks between the Philippine government (GPH) and National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), the political arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), was held last August 22 to 26, 2016 in Oslo, Norway in an attempt to end one of Asia’s longest running insurgencies. The temporarily freed Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, who posted bail at P100,000 each, together with Renante Gamara, Alan Jazmines, Rafael Baylosis, Adelberto Silva and other communist leaders represented the NDFP while Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza and Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III led the government panel. Unilateral Ceasefire Before departing to Norway for the formal peace talks, Dureza announced the restoration of a unilateral ceasefire with the Communist Party of the Philippines, New People’s Army, and National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) effective 12 midnight of August 21, 2016, this came after the announcement of a seven-day ceasefire by the CPP-NPA. Dureza said in an interview with GMA News To Go, “The duration of the ceasefire will last for as long as necessary to bring peace in the land and also in order to provide an enabling environment for the success of the peace negotiations in Oslo Norway.” CPP-NPA previously announced a seven-day ceasefire after the release of 20 communist leaders who will be NDF consultants in the peace talks, which was then extended after the lapse of its sevenday ceasefire in response to the government’s unilateral ceasefire. Agreement on six major agenda The GPH and the NDF announced separately that they

reached agreement on six major agenda which includes the following: •Reaffirmation of previously signed agreements •Reconstitution of Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) list •Acceleration of formal peace talks in the peace negotiations •Release of political prisoners •Amnesty Proclamation for the release of all detained political prisoners, subject to concurrence by Congress •Mode of interim ceasefire Previously signed agreements under the Ramos administration were reaffirmed including: •The Hague Joint Declaration in 1992, a framework agreement signed between the government and NDFP in 1992 which opened the formal peace negotiations in the past •JASIG list which was signed in 1995 containing names and photos of NDF consultants who will be immune to arrest while the peace process is on-going •ComprehensiveAgreementon Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRHIL) A joint agreement between the Philippine government and the NDF was signed last August 26, 2016 to mark the end of the first round of formal peace talks. The second round of peace talks will be held on October 8 to 12, 2016. Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, told the media that they are optimistic that the peace talks with the Philippine government will succeed, “dahil maganda ang simula, malaki ang aming pagasa na magiging matagumpay ang susunod na round ng paguusap ng dalawang panel na nakatakda sa Oktubre 8-12, 2016, sa Oslo, Norway.” [P]

UP President Alfredo E. Pascual approved last August 26 a Health and Wellness Benefit (HWB) amounting to fifteen thousand pesos (PHP 15,000) for faculty members, REPS and administrative staff “with employer-employee relationship with UP”. This was disseminated through Memorandum No. PAEP 16-47.

UP contractuals exempted to benefits The benefit will also cover fulltime employees, or “employees who are expected to have rendered four (4) months of service to the University as of 31 August 2016”. Some UP employees will also receive a prorated amount based on their months of service in the University. Those not entitled to the HWB will be those under preventive suspension and/or with penalties, those absent without official leave,

WORDS l PAUL CHRISTIAN CARSON

and personnel “with no employeremployee relationship with the University”. This also meant that contractuals, listed as non-government workers (NGWs), will not be covered by the HWB. According to the memorandum, funds for the HWB will be sourced from the “income-generating projects and activities of the University System administration and PGH”, which included publicprivate partnership projects. HWB “product of militant assertion, painstaking struggle” Meanwhile, the All UP Academic Employees Union Los Baños (AUPAEU-LB) said in a Facebook post that the HWB is the fruit of assertion and struggle of the All UP Workers’ Alliance, which called for the implementation of their new Collective Negotiating Agreement (CNA), “in the last 10 months”.

The calls for the implementation of the CNA included particularly the CNA Incentive for 2015. The alliance remained firm on their demand for a PHP 25,000 incentive, which is the maximum amount allowed under DBM Circular 2015-2. It also condemned the “attempts of the administration to undermine the CNA and the All UP Workers’ Alliance”, as it said the UP President and the Office of the Vice President for Administration “set aside” mandated mechanisms and processes for the implementation of the provisions under the agreement. This, they said, was a “clear violation of the CNA and existing labor laws”. Meanwhile, the AUPAEU stated that it will “continue its complaint against the PAEP administration currently lodged at the Office [of the] Ombudsman for violation of the CNA, DBM Circular 2015-2 and unfair labor practices” [P] ⸀

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UPLB PERSPECTIVE

K ULTURA

SETYEMBRE 21, 2016

“KUYA POGI’S” KARINDERYA WORDS l LIANNE PARAJENO & JESSA SUGANOB GRAPHICS l JUVELLE VILLANUEVA

Kung trip mong kumain sa karinderya na masarap at tiyak na mabubusog ka, WAG ka kumain dito. World-class ang pagka-low-class ng mga ulam dito. Kung trip mo rin namang kumain kahit saan basta mura, naku, wag na talaga dito. Mumurahin nga ang mga ulam, world-class naman ang bayad. Pero kung trip mo ang kumain sa patok na patok sa masa at araw-araw dinarayo ng mga iPhone pang- Instagram, gora na rito. Atsaka kahit mabutas ang bulsa mo, at least nabusog naman ang mata mo dahil sa bet na bet na anak ng owner. Literal na sa titig pa lang, busog ka na. Isang beses nang sinara ang karinderyang ‘to dahil sa dami ng mga nagsusuka’t tae ng dugo pagkatapos kumain dito. Ngunit nung oras na binuksan itong muli, dinagsa pa rin ito ng mga parokyano, makikiring kabataan at ilang mga nakikisabay lang sa uso. Bukod sa feeling sosy ka na pag kumain ka dito, sino nga bang di mabibihag sa makalaglag underwear na kagwapuhan ng anak ng may-ari? Yum! “Kuya Pogi, ano po ito?” palanding tanong ni ateng ni wala pa sa high school. Maharot na kumindat si “Kuyang Pogi” sabay sabing “Dinuguan.” Dinuguan. Dugong mula sa kinatay na mga binaboy at pinakuluan sa napakainit na timpla ng galit at pagkamuhi. Dinuguang kasing lapot ng dugong dumanak sa kanilang bakuran para lang mapagtakpan lahat ng pang loloko nila sa mga -parokyano. Malansang dugo ng mga bangkay ng mga taong sinubukang isiwalat ang nakakadiring sikretong sangkap ng mga nakaka-utang pagkaing hinahain nila.

“Hehehe, eh ito po ano?” Sabay kagat-labing makulit na tanong uli ni ate. “Ah, eto bang crispy, juicy, fingerlickin’ good na fried chicken?” Fried- chicken. Mula sa buhay na manok na walang awang inisa-isang binunot ang bawat balahibong nakadikit sa pakpak. Mula sa karne ng manok na tumitilaok habang walang kahabaghabag na iniihaw. Crispy fried chicken na kasing lutong ng mga “putang ina” ng mga nasusuka sa suya sa lasa ng pagkain. Juicy fried chicken na kasing juicy ng mga kawalan ng malay ng mga first time na kakain sa “putang inang” karinderyang ‘to. Para bang ginahasa ang kalusugan nila dahil sa botchang karne na basta- basta na lang binalot sa sangkaterbang harina at nilubog sa kumukulong bulok na mantika. “Ano na oorderin mo, miss?” palandi ring sagot ni “Kuya Pogi” sabay kindat at pasimpleng hipo sa braso ni ate. “Ahhh! Kuya, ikaw na lang kaya!? Hehe.” Pabebeng sagot pabalik ni ate sabay “Charot!” “Mahal yan, miss! Imported yan e!” Sabat ng may-ari ng karinderya. “Itong world class bulalo, try mo!” Bulalo. Sabaw na katas ng pinakuluang butong galing sa lumang karne na halos amagin na. Bulalong paborito ng mga trip ang humigop at magpahigop sa bulok na pamamaraan ng pagluluto sa karinderya. Bulalong sa bawat paghigop, maaalala mo ang pagka world-

class rate ng low class nilang putahe. Sabaw na kasing alat ng pawis at luha ng mga nag-tinda ng sakit sa sikmura dahil sa baba ng kalidad ng putaheng ito. Sabik na tinanggap ni ate ang bulalo at tumungo sa mesa sa isang sulok ng karinderya. Pag-upo niya’y takam na takam na sinimulang higupin ang katas ng bulalo. Maya-maya’y tila nasusuka na si ate ngunit nang siya ay kindatan ni “Kuya Pogi” ay agad din niyang nalunok ang mamanis-manis na sabaw. Sa kabilang sulok naman ng karinderya ay isang grupo ng kabataan na todo selfie at post sa instagram kahit na tuyot na tuyot na fried chicken lang naman talaga ang inorder. Sa kabilang dako naman ay ang may-ari ng karinderya na tila maamong tutang namimigay ng libreng juice- suhol sa mga kumakain upang iboto siya sa darating na eleksyon. Magpapatuloy ang kwento ng mapanlinlang na karinderya. Oo, medyo nagtatagal nanamang muli ang maduming negosyong ito. Sino nga bang nakaka-alam kung lalago pa ito? Lalago pa nga ba ito o unti-unti nang tuluyang mamamatay? Nakasalalay na ang mga kasagutan sa mga susunod pang “ate”, kung magpapaloko at haharot muna. [P]

UPLB PERSPECTIVE

KULTURA KULTURA

SETYEMBRE 21, 2016

VOLTES V REVOLUTION WORDS l MAC ANDRE ARBOLEDA GRAPHICS & LAYOUT l MAC ANDRE ARBOLEDA

“LASER SWOOOORD!” If you were alive during the Martial Law era, you’d know that this was the finishing move against enemy invaders in the legendary TV show “Voltes V.” That era was a time of significant yet short-lived robot shows like “Daimos” and “Mazinger Z” which were banned by then President Ferdinand Marcos only after a year of airing in the Philippines. Government-run stations were losing ratings to stations airing mecha anime, and Marcos had to ban them for the shows’ “excessive violence” and its supposed negative effect to children. However, many Filipinos then (now the so-called “Martial Law Babies”) speculated that Marcos was simply afraid that the remaining episodes of hit show Voltes V would inspire a revolt against his regime. TEAM VOLTES V AND THE BOAZANIAN FORCES In the show’s story, a team of young fighters, namely, Steve, Big Bert, and Little John Armstrong, Mark Gordon, and Jaime Robinson pilot the super electromagnetic robot known as “Voltes V.” Each member pilot different parts of the robot called “Volt Machines” and fight the horned humanoid alien invaders known as the Boazanians. The Boazanians launch their “beast fighters” all over the world—a tool ordered to create by the Evil Emperor of Boazania as a means to take over the planet and expand his empire further. MARCOS AND THE EVIL EMPEROR In the eyes of many Martial Law Babies, Marcos is the Philippines’ version of the Evil Boazanian Emperor. Cruel and highly ambitious, the Evil Emperor known as “Zambajil” was the ultimate villain of the show. He sends the best student at the Military Science and Warfare, Prince Zardoz, to take over the Earth and to remove a perceived threat to his rule. Anyone who opposes him, whether it be someone from his own race or a human being, is imprisoned, enslaved, and executed. Sounds familiar? While the Marcoses controlled the AFP and illegally monopolized multiple industries, Zambajil formed a Fantasy Caste System where he tortured and used slaves to support his planet’s thriving galactic industry and his conquest to rule. As the show progresses, it is apparent that despite being immensely power-hungry, Zambajil is a huge coward. In the last few remaining episodes, at a time when the team Voltes V has reached the enemy planet Boazania, the Evil Emperor tries to escape carrying Boazan’s riches.

ON DR. ARMSTRONG, THE REVOLUTION & THE LASER SWORD Voltes V’s Closing Theme “Chi Chi Wo Motomete”, literally translating to “I Want Father”, alludes to the father of Steve, Big Bert, and Little John Armstrong: Doctor Ned Armstrong. Since Doctor Armstrong was also a Boazanian and a legitimate heir to the throne, Zambajil branded him a traitor and sent him to prison. He soon escaped, was led to Earth where he met his wife and left his sons at a very young age to put an end to the tyrannical rule of the Evil Emperor of Boazan. For the longest time, the Armstrongs search for their father, the creator of Voltes V, who has disappeared to start a revolution. In 1983, Marcos opposition leader Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino was assassinated. It was said that one of the other reasons why Marcos had banned the anime was because of Voltes V’s finishing move: The Laser Sword. Whenever Voltes V uses the Laser Sword, he harnesses power from the heavens (in the English translation, it’s called Sword of Heavens) and becomes yellow before turning his enemies to dust. Yellow then was the color of the opposition against the Marcoses.

FIGHTING FOR FREEDOM AND LIBERATION The last four/five episodes of “Voltes V” were unaired during the Martial Law when Marcos decided to put a halt to the anime. In the remaining episodes of the series, the team finally arrive in the enemy planet, and they find out that this isn’t just a war between humans versus aliens. There were members of the alien race who, unlike the ruling elite, were hornless and were placed at the bottom of the food chain. Prince Zardoz is quick to bail out, and soon, team Voltes V together with the hornless Boazanians revolt against the powerful dictator Zambajil. In a karmic sense of justice, the Evil Emperor is killed by Prince Zardoz himself, who did it to redeem himself from all the evils he committed against the humans and Boazanians. Of course, the Martial Law Babies didn’t get to see this epic final battle happen until after the end of the Martial Law era when stations were finally able to air the remaining episodes. The last five were compiled into a movie aptly entitled “Voltes V: Liberation.” Similar to the People Power Revolution, the people had had enough and rebelled against the dictator, and his allies turned against him and fled. Looking back in the cartoon, they were literally just teenagers who were up against an evil emperor and his entire army, but they still succeeded. Although, like any war, the casualties were difficult to avoid. Nonetheless, if history repeats itself, the future generations will know exactly what to do: “LET’S VOLT IN!” [P]

LATHALAIN

UPLB PERSPECTIVE SETYEMBRE 21, 2016

DUTERTE AND MARCOS: A COMPARISON Forty-four years has passed since the declaration of Martial Law by the late President Ferdinand Marcos but that nightmare still haunts Filipinos, they who witnessed the brutal and inhumane incidents that had happened after its proclamation. Cases of disappearance, prohibition of freedom of speech, abuses, tortures, and extrajudicial killings were among the issues and concerns that were associated at that time and addressed even until now as the Philippines is currently dealing with the relative issues concerning the impending repetition of the dark past. Martial Law: 44 years to remember September 21, 1972, the date when everything started. This marks the date when the former President Ferdinand Marcos declared Martial Law after the Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile was ambushed. There are a lot of people saying that life was a lot better during Martial Law because things were calm and disciplined. This was also the thought behind the statement of political scientist Clarity Carlos: “People were at home at exactly 10 pm. People crossed the streets and pedestrian lanes. Many things were achieved under Martial Law mainly because under authoritarianism you could do things or you could not do without duress.” However, the Philippines had one of the worst human rights records in Asia. The army and police were notorious for their use of torture. Victims – which included political dissidents and suspected drug dealers – were beaten, flogged, given electric shocks, victims. According to Amnesty International, about 70,000 people were imprisoned while 34,000 were tortured, and 3, 240 were killed during Martial Law from 1972-1981. The term “salvagings” was created at that time which defined as “the total number of extra judicial execution of individuals by military or parliamentary forces of the government.” Impunities which were very evident under the rule of the dictator justified that time as the dark age of the Philippines. State of Lawlessness VS Martial Law State of Lawlessness is declared by the President to call out the Armed Forces of the Philippines to do law enforcement operations with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to prevent lawless violence. As stated in Article VII Section 18 of the Philippine Constitution, the President shall be the Commanderin-Chief of all Armed Forces of the Philippines and in case of lawless violence, invasion or rebellion, he may call out such armed forces to prevent or suppress these cases. It does not suspend the bill of rights, including the privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus, nor any laws. In contrast, Martial Law suspends the Writ of Habeas Corpus as stated in Article VII Section 18 of the 1947 Philippine Constitution. Marcos also ordered to close private media and public utilities, shut down congress

WORDS l KHEAN CHRISTIAN RAGASA & ANNA MAYE SAGAO GRAPHICS l JANDELLE CRUZ and most newspapers. He also jailed his political tolerance against drugs and crime, under the rule opponents, assumed dictatorial powers, and of Duterte. ruled by presidential decrees. Sen. Bongbong Marcos, son of the former There may be a chance that the State of President Ferdinand Marcos, ran for Vice President. Lawlessness will become Martial Law in the future Unfortunately, he lost against Leni Robredo, the for it has resemblances of what has happened in widow-in-yellow. During the campaign period, the past but this is dependent to the use of power many were already against Bongbong as seen by our current president. during debates and rallies. Some of the reasons behind these are: 1) he is a Marcos and, 2) despite Rodrigo Duterte: The New Marcos? the fact that Martial Law is over, the marks of this President Rodrigo Duterte’s name became nightmare are still present. well-known even when he was still the Mayor of Duterte, however, is in Davao City for his zero tolerance against crime favor of Bongbong. and drugs. So when he said that he will be As mentioned in running for President, many most of his became excited. They began to imagine a Philippines with zero

interviews, they are close friends. This could be the reason why President Duterte did not assign any cabinet seat for Leni Robredo right after her proclamation as the vice president. Former President Benigno “PNoy” Aquino III was quoted as saying “Thirty years ago, we risked our lives to fight for our freedom and on May 9 we will return to the situation of a possible round two. Who among us wants a round two of Martial Law?” The father of PNoy, Benigno Simeon “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., was also a victim during the time of Marcos. The statement stipulates PNoy’s impression of Rodrigo Duterte, who was then running for presidency with an identity similar to Marcos. When Duterte was officially appointed as the president, he had already started his campaign against drugs and drug users. Two months passed and the campaign is still ongoing. Many drug users and pushers have already surrendered and were promised jobs after rehabilitation. However, some Filipinos are still against his campaign because many are being killed. Not only that, Duterte is using asperity to fight against criminality, the same way Marcos had done with drug dealers. The President even boasted about a number of criminals who were killed in Davao in the recent years. Human Rights groups, however, said many of the victims were innocent. There was a bombing in Davao City last September: 14 individuals died, 71 were injured. Shortly after, President Duterte declared the State of Lawlessness. Upon this declaration, many thought that it will serve as an initial step, one that will lead to another Martial Law. Duterte disagreed; he said that the State of Lawlessness is not Martial Law for it does not suspend the privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus and there will be no curfew. According to the president, “These are extraordinary times and I suppose I am allowed to authorize security forces to do searches. I have the duty to protect the country, keep intact the integrity of the nation… There is a crisis in this country involving drugs, extrajudicial killings, and there seems to be environment of lawlessness, lawless violence.” He also added that the Filipinos are not the only ones who are at risk by this time; he and other government officials are too. On the other hand, Albay representative Edcel Lagman sees things differently: State of Lawlessness may lead to Martial Law. With all these, the current President’s actions- his campaign against drugs, the way he addresses aggravating events happening todaymade it seem like Marcos has returned. If ever, will the Philippines survive another Martial Law? [P]

UPLB PERSPECTIVE

LATHALAIN

SETYEMBRE 21, 2016

a m u l P g n Alimpuyo SALITA l MICHELLE ANDREA LAURIO & FRANCIS JOSEPH RAFAEL

Hirap nang maipikit ang mga matang mulat sa karumaldumal na kaganapan. Pilitin mang itikom ang mga bibig, hindi pa rin masusugpo ang katotohanan. Takpan man ang mga tenga, marinig pa rin ang alingawngaw sa bawat hinagpis, lalo na sa panahon ng Batas Militar kung saan sinisiil pa rin ang kasalukuyan na hindi matahimik sa huling hantungan. Ang katotohanan ay dapat maipabatid sa lahat sa kabila ng panganib na naranasan lalo na noong panahong iyon. Diwa’t layuning makabayan, prinsipyo, katapangan at pananalig sa katwiran ang siyang naging sandigan ng mga manunulat na isinugal ang kanilang buhay sa ngalan ng pamamahayag. Bilang pag-uugnay, ang pagkakaroon ng karapatang magbahagi at makatanggap ng mga ideya at impormasyon na walang anumang hadlang na nakasaad sa Bill of Rights ng Saligang Batas 1987 at ang walang-harang na paglilimbag nito ay parehong ipinagkait ng Martial Law. Ang karapatang ito, na natatamasa ng kasalukuyang henerasyon ay sadyang napakahirap matikman noon. Mga Gunita noong Batas Militar Sariwa pa sa mga alaala ni Psyche Roxas-Mendoza, kasulukuyang tagapamahalang patnugot ng Philippines Graphic at manunulat ng Business Mirror, ang ilan sa napakaraming kaganapan noong panahon ng Batas Militar kung saan naglingkod siya bilang pangunahing patnugot ng UPLB Perspective. Bilang magaaral ng Development Communication taong 1975, kanyang inilarawan kung gaano kasigabo ang buhay estudyante noon: aktibo silang nakilalahok sa mga kaganapan sa lipunang kanilang ginagalawan. Ito ay lalong umigting noong 1979, ang taong laganap ang kaalamang pulitikal saan man sa unibersidad. “Halos lahat ng estudyante noon ay may diwang palaban. Noong katangian ng student life noon ay dahil din sa mabagsik na estado. Kung sa Diliman, ang mga estudyante ay ikinukulong. Sa Los Banos, ang mga estudyante naman ay pinapatay o kaya winawala,” saad ni Mendoza. Maraming mga isyung bumabalot sa loob ng unibersidad. Naisalaysay niya ang ilang agarang pagkilos ng maraming magaaral: hinggil sa usapin ng pagtataas ng singil sa mga dormitoryo; sa pagdating ang siyam na bus ng UPLB sa UP Diliman patungkol sa usaping Grants in Aid (ngayo’y STFAP/STS); sa kung gaano nakialam ang UPLB sa insidente ng pamamaril sa Hacienda Cayco, at ang pamumulitika sa mga manggagawa ng IRRI. At ang pinakahindi niya malimutan ay ang sandaling naganap ang malawakang boycott na nilahukan ng halos lahat ng mag-aaral noong “watershed year” ng 1979. Doon daw niya natunghayan ang pagkakaroon ng iisang diwa ng mga Iskolar ng Bayan. Ang dahilan ng kanilang pagbo-boycott ay dahil ipinagkait sa kanila ng dating Vice Chancellor Lantican ang karapatang magkatipon-tipon sa hindi bababa ng tatlong tao sa pamamagitan ng memorandum circular. Isang alituntunin labis na nakasasakal.

“Nilahukan ito ng halos lahat ng mga estudyante. Gabi noon nang nagkatipon-tipon kami sa Student Union Building. Biglang dumating si Parker, head ng OSA, pinapaalis kami. Kung hindi raw kami aalis, ire-reyd daw nila yun. Huhulihin daw kami lahat,” ani Psyche. Imbis na umalis, nagsagawa ang mga estudyante ng malawakang educational discussion sa loob ng SU building kung saan napuno ang basement, 1st floor, at 2nd floor. Ito ay sa pangunguna ni Filemon Nolasco, dating taga-pangulo ng Katawang Tagapag-ugnay ng Mag-aaral (KTM) o mas kilalang University Student Council ngayon. Sa katunayan, mayroon ding mga ahenteng nagmamatyag sa tuwing nagkakaroon ng pagsasama-sama na kanilang binansagan bilang “hapon” o “pongee”. “Kahit ordinaryong meeting lang, mainit na ang mga mata. Maski nagdadasal lang kayo, masama pa ang tingin.” saad niya. Labis din daw ang pag-iingat na kanilang isinasagawa sapagkat oras na mahuli sila, kargo lamang nila ang kanilang sarili. Noong mga panahon ding iyon, sa oras na nakilalahok ang isang estudyante at lumalaban kay Marcos, sa sandaling mahuli siya ay gagawaran siya ng kaparusahang hindi makatwiran. Ang bawat araw ay tila isang hamon na kanilang kinahaharap. Walang katiyakan ang kaligtasan ngunit patuloy pa ring nabubuhay bilang isang mag-aaral na kinakailangang tuparin ang mga gawaing pang-akademiko gayundin ang pakikibaka laban sa mapaniil na pamahalaan. Panunupil sa pamamahayag Isang araw pagkatapos magdeklara ng Martial Law, naglabas ang administrasyong Marcos ng Letter of Instruction No. 1 na naglalayong kontrolin ang midya. Naglabas din ang Department of Public Information (DPI) ng Order No.1 kung saan ang lahat ng mga pahayagan ay kailangang kumuha ng clearance bago maglabas ng kahit ano. “Pag ayaw mo kay Marcos noon at lumaban ka, delikado ka na. It doesn’t matter whether you are really anti-government. Basta if you are critical of the Marcos administration, you find yourself in hot water,” wika ni Psyche. Nagkaroon ng epekto ang ganitong mga porma ng panunupil hindi lang sa mga tanyag at kilalang pahayagan sa buong bansa kundi pati sa mga pahayagan sa loob ng mga unibersidad at kolehiyo. “Pag sumobra ka, wawalain ka. Kami lang yung nagpapatakbo ng dyaryo noon. Ang banat ng estado sa iyo, “Doon ka sa Eldridge, magpaliwanag. Or worse, mawawala ka na lang. Talagang lakas ng loob mo lang yung gabay mo,” dagdag ni Psyche. Upang makatakas sa panunupil sa pahayagan, nagkaroon ng mga malikhaing pamamaraan ang dyaryo, katulad na lamang ng paggamit ng satire sa porma ng lampoon issue. Naglaan

ng seksyon sa dyaryo na tinatawag na Atsara, na, bukod pa sa artikulong satire, ay mga kanta ni Imelda Papin o Eva Eugenio na pinapalitan ang mga liriko hinggil sa mga problema ng lipunan noon. “Meron kaming nilabas dati na kanta ni Eva Eugenio (…kay rami ng winasak na tahanan) pero ang pinapatungkulan naming ay National Housing Authority o NHA dahil marami silang mga pinapalayas na urban poor noon,” kwento ni Psyche. Taong 1975 ng pumutok ang balitang nawawala ang dating manunulat na si Leticia Ladlad kasama ng iba pang mga estudyante sa unibersidad. Dinukot sila sa Maynila ng mga hinihinalang pwersa ng estado ni Marcos. “Isa si Tish (Leticia Ladlad) kasama pa ng iba pa niyang mga kasama sa mga kinakanta pag may nawawala. Pero nangyari yun, wala pa ako sa Perspective. Imagine na freshman ka pa lang, yung nangyari sa kanila ay sinasabi agad sa mga student orientations, freshman bloc assembly, at iba pa. Paulit-ulit silang pinapaalala sa mga bata, sa mga estudyante,” aniya. Tinuturing na desaparecidos bunga ng sapilitang pagkawala, hanggang ngayon ay wala pa ring nakaaalam sa kanilang sinapit; kung buhay pa ba sila o patay. Ang Hamon ng Pagpapatuloy Sa kabila ng mga iba’t ibang mga porma ng panunupil noong panahon ng Martial Law, nagpatuloy pa rin si Psyche kasama pa ng ibang mga estudyante sa pagmumulat sa mga isyung kinakaharap ng bayan. Patuloy pa rin silang nagsasagawa ng mga integration at community exposure sa mga komunidad, sakahan at protesta upang mas lumalim pa ang pang-unawa nila sa nangyayari sa lipunan. “Totoo yung kasabihan na mula sa masa tungo sa masa. Kung gusto mong alamin sila, lapitan mo at tanungin mo. ‘Wag kang mag-assume sa gusto nila. Doon mo malalaman kung paano mo mapapaunlad. The more you think you know everything, the more you distance yourself from your mass base,” wika niya. Nang tanungin kung ano nga ba ang nag-udyok kay Psyche na magpatuloy sa kabila ng represyon noong Batas Militar, wika niya, “Ang gusto ko lang noon [ay] magsulat. Gusto ko lang magsabi ng totoo kung anong nangyayari.” Sa nilabas na datos ng Task Force Detainees Philippines, tinatayang umabot sa 3,257 ang pinatay, 35,000 ang tinortyur, at mangilan na 70,000 ang inaresto. Malagim ang sinapit ng mga kabataan at estudyante noong Batas Militar. Hamon ni Psyche sa mga katulad niyang mga manunulat ang ipagpatuloy ang nasimulan noon: ang paglingkuran ang malawak na hanay ng masa. “Hindi ka lang manunulat, manunulat ka ng sambayanan,” panapos niya. [P]

UPLB PERSPECTIVE

OPINYON

SETYEMBRE 21, 2016

The Agony of Recognition

MUMBLINGS “Uulitin mo ito, paprint papirmahan mo ito ulit.”

I almost fainted upon hearing those words. Imagine you’ve been accomplishing these org recognition requirements and forms for two weeks from repeatedly asking your brods and sisses to confirm their membership at uplbosa.org, looking for new adviser, writing a letter addressed to Dr. Nina Cadiz of Office of Student Affais (OSA) through Prof. Jickerson P. Lado of Student Organization and Activities Division (SOAD) just to request for a key pin to change your adviser which I did thrice, THRICE, going back and forth from one college to another asking for signatures. All these efforts just to hear those words, because of just some minor corrections! Well, enough with the ranting, but for years we’ve been following this bureaucratic process for our organization, sororities, and fraternities to be recognized by the university, just to be rightful to have that University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) in our organization’s name. And to end this agony of being recognized, here comes the proposed Org Registration by the University Student Council (USC) which started last September 13, and currently on-going.

To be recognized or to be registered? What are the perks of these two different processes? UPLB USC’s student crafted Org Registration guidelines, which by the way is just a copy paste version of the existing SOAD Guidelines for Org Recognition Process with just removed sections and renamed terminologies, aims to eliminate the strict policies and lessen the forms to be filled out. But, to cite the benefits as directly stated in the Article II. A of SOAD Org recognition guidelines, Any student organization seeking to attach the name of the University (University of the Philippines Los Banos, UP, etc.) to the name of the organization, use the facilities of the University, conduct activities, partner with any UP unit, and participate in activities led by the University must apply for recognition every academic year to the Student Organizations and Activities Division, Office of Student Affairs (SOAD-OSA), and application must be duly approved.

Thus, clearly stating the benefits of being recognized, on the other hand, this part of the article was removed in the student crafted Org Registration and no clear statement on the benefits of being registered.

WORDS l DIANA JANE PLOFINO GRAPHICS l JANDELLE CRUZ

So we get nothing from being registered? UPLB-USC Chairperson Merwin Jacob Alinea promised in terms of the processes of conducting activities, “Pwedeng sabay sabay na ang paglakad ng letters at hindi na hiwa-hiwalay ang pag-approve. Pinapadali lang talaga natin ang process para sa mga orgs. Tinatanggal ang mga unnecessary requirements”. He also, assured that USC will be helping organizations in accomplishing documents for their activities. An additional job for USC, well good luck to that. If living in the world of what is supposed to be, university facilities should be easily accessed by the students, since it is actually made for us. But going back in the world of reality, it is really hard to have this one process that the USC hopes for. Therefore, what is the purpose of Org Registration? USC had been proposing even before the incumbent student councils the approval of Org Registration, but SOAD-OSA are firm on the Org Recognition Guidelines, with contains the freshmen ban and having a minimum of 15 including exec to form an organization. This policies repress the right of every students and organizations, imagine, what will happen to the orgs next year without allowing freshmen

KWENTONG FRESHIE “2106.” Iyon ang numerong ibinigay sa akin ng “queuing machine” sa Land Bank. Mukhang matagal pa ang aking hihintayin bago matapos ang simpleng transakyong ito pero ayos lang. Wala pa naman akong klase sa loob ng apat na oras. Mahaba-habang oras din ito para maghintay at magnilay-nilay. “2077” ang numerong nakaflash sa screen sa harap. Bakit kaya maraming tao ang nandito ngayon kahit hindi pa katapusan ng buwan? Marahil karamihan sa kanila ay katulad ko na gustong mabawasan ang ilan sa mga suliranin nila sa buhay. Baka ‘yong iba naman ay gustong may maitago upang may maidukot sa mga panahong alanganin sa sitwasyong pinansyal. Pero anuman ang layunin ng bawat isa sa amin, ang kinalaman ay kaperahan pa rin. “2078” ang tinawag ng teller upang lumapit sa counter. Patuloy ang pagpasok ng mga tao sa loob kaya naman ay dali-dali akong humanap ng upuan. Upang hindi ako mapagod sa pagtayo at paghihintay, umupo ako sa tabi ng babaeng subsob at tutok na tutok sa pagbabasa ng hand-outs niya

sa isang subject. Mukhang kanina pa siya dito dahil nangangalahati na siya sa makapal na readings niya “2079.” Paulit-ulit ang tunog na naririnig mula sa harapan. Napaisip ako saglit habang hawak ko ang limang piraso ng papel na lagi kong natatanggap tuwing sasapit ang ika15 ng buwan. Itutuloy ko pa ba ito o huwag na lang? May bukas pa naman at pwede rin namang sa isang buwan ko na lang bayaran pareho. Nanghihinayang kasi ako. Parte ng dalawang libong baon ko para sa dalawang linggo ang perang hawak ko ngayon. Sa pagkain pa lang, alam kong hindi na talaga kakasya ang matitira sa akin, kung mayroon man. Marami ring gastusin sa amin kaya hindi na rin nakakapagtaka kung hindi makakapagpadala ang mga magulang ko. “2080.” Dahan-dahan kong isinulat ang aking pangalan sa puwang na nasa piraso ng papel. Limang beses ko itong paulitpulit na isinulat at pinirmahan. Hindi ko muna sasabihin kina

recruitment? Although, SOAD already provided a solution of allowing the orgs to be recognized next year even if having a member of less than 15, the existence of these organizations will be threatened. How can an

“

University facilities should be easily accessed by the students, since it is actually made for us, for our welfare. But going back in the world of reality, it is really hard to have this one process that the USC hopes for.

of the students, and for them to recognize that our right to organize can be exercised appropriately with the org registration guidelines. IT IS MORE THAN THE BENEFITS. It is merely for us to truly exercise our right to organize. As stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article 20, 1. Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association. 2. No one may be compelled to belong to an association.

And, as the State recognizes the right of the students to organize, wherein as included in the proposed Magna Carta of Students

“

organization conduct an activity, especially big activities or events that an organization used to hold with limited number of members? With this, Alinea added that registered or not, the USC is there to serve the organizations. Hence, clarifying that Org registration is in fact a student movement, for the admin to see the collective action

The rights of student to form, assist, or join any campus organization, alliance or federation, not contrary to the school mission, for their physical, intellectual, moral, cultural, spiritual and political interest shall not be abridged.

So even if you are a freshman, or even if you are just a group of 5 person who wishes to form a fan club/ organization of Jadine. YOU. HAVE. THE. RIGHT. [P]

Bracket D-ormer SALITA AT DIBUHO l JANDELLE CRUZ

Mama at Papa na magtitipid na lang talaga muna ako. Iiwasan ko munang dumayo sa mga mamahaling fast food chains doon sa Grove. Kaya ko namang pagkasyahin ang limang daang piso sa loob ng isang linggo. Kaya ko kasi ginawa ko na dati. “2081... 2082... 2083.” Sunudsunod na tinawag ang mga numerong iyon bago tumayo ang babaeng katabi ko. Hindi na siguro makapaghintay ang iba at nainip. Pwede rin namang inabutan na sila ng oras ng susunod nilang klase. Klase. Lagi na lang akong nakaka-idlip sa klase. At hindi lang ‘yon. Nakakapagod na, marami pang gastusin dahil marami ring gawain. Gastos na naman kaya pera na nam. Pera na naman. Pera na naman lagi. “2084...2085.” Dahil hindi puwedeng ilabas ang cellphone sa loob, inilabas ko ang notebook ko at nagsimulang magsulat. Unti-unti na ring dumadapo ang pagkabagot at pag-aalala. Marami pa rin akong iniisip. Paano ko pagkakasyahin ang perang matitira sa akin? Kailangan ko na bang maging student assistant?

Sasabihin ko na ba sa mga magulang ko o mangungutang na lang ako? Bracket E kasi ako noon kaya hindi ko siya masyadong pinoproblema. Pero ngayong nasa bracket D na ako? Hindi ko na alam. “2086.” Nilibang ko na lang ang sarili sa pagsusulat. Pansamantala lamang ito habang hindi pa tinatawag ang numero ko dahil mabilis lang lumipas ang oras. “2103... 2104.” At totoo nga dahil andyan na pala. Malapit na tawagin ang numero ko. Niligpit ko ang aking gamit at tumayo upang lumapit sa counter. Hindi na ako aasa. Wala nang atrasan ‘to. “2105.” Wala na talaga. “2106.” Baka magtayo na lang ako ng tent sa Freedom Park sa susunod na semestre. [P]

UPLB PERSPECTIVE

OPINYON

SETYEMBRE 21, 2016

The search for the next “Messiah” is on. The savior of the University of the Philippines is being called for. Alfredo E. Pascual’s six years of presidency is about to end. The question every iskolar ng bayan would ask: Is it six long years of honor and excellence, or six years of presidency with a badge of lowness and mediocrity? Pascual is the 20th president of the Philippine’s premier state university. He

assumed position on February 2011, and shall end his term on the 9th of February 2017. Dr. Emerlinda R. Roman was the president before him. Looking into Pascual’s term, he envisioned the remaking of UP as a great university. In the roadmap, he pioneered “One UP”. This collective recognition, that President Pascual claims, is to make UP be one through greatness. This will be a fruit of the unified effort of the UP students, faculty, researchers, administrative staff, administrative officials, and alumni. How can one become a president of the national university, University of the Philippines? Aside from the minimum requirements and qualifications of having a Master’s or Doctorate degree; substantial academic

The ‘Messiah’ of UP WORDS l CZARINA JOY AREVALO GRAPHICS l JUVELLE VILLANUEVA

experience at the tertiary level; served six years before reaching the age of 70; and no conviction for administrative and criminal offense, there are clusters on the becoming of a UP President. These are values and perspective, academic, and leadership and management capability. These prerequisites are of the nominal value. But, what is really the essence of becoming and of being the UP President? Does one need to have the unimagined strategic plan, extraordinary from that of the presidents before him? Does one must have the distinguished awards conferred upon him to establish the sense of honor and excellence? Does one need to exhaust every possible means just to get into that great goal but leaving out the honor and excellence in the process; leaving the sense of humanity and sympathy of the people? In Pascual’s strategic plan, the role of UP emphasized, “As the national university, UP must lead our country toward true national development and global competitiveness while nurturing the spirit of our nationhood.” This is how the whole picture of UP as the national university works. Yet, it still remained as an imagined photo. How can such goal be realized if in the first place, you do not look into the roots of where your constituents are coming from?

This is putting your students’ safety at stake just for them to get their subjects in a supposed “online enlistment”. These students were supposed to have their enlistment in the confines of their homes, but gone camping at midnight to struggle for slots. Worse is to not have any word from the administration at the time

“

How can such goal be realized if in the first place, you do not look into the roots of where your constituents are coming from?

“

NO FURY SO LOUD

which students plead for assistance. In another case, the mere fact that students with outstanding loans were not allowed to enlist manifests the culture of repression in education. This divides students depending on their financial capabilities when in fact education is a right, and not a privilege. This is putting priority on projects which benefit the capitalists rather than the students. Just look into the Ayala and the Sy. Just look into the Math Building, where generations of iskolar ng bayan have witnessed its deterioration, yet the unhurried construction of the new building is still ongoing far from its supposed year of completion. Just look into the scarcity

of subjects, facilities and faculty. This is putting lack of importance to the employees and workers who gave years of service to the university. Just look at the Collective Negotiation Agreement, and the basic labor rights which have been stolen away from them. This is using government funds on a questionable project, violating government procurement process. This is discrediting the honor and excellence of the iskolar ng bayan just because dissent on a multibillion project has been posed as a threat. This is compromising the skills and talents of the iskolar ng bayan. This is where honor and excellence got blurred in the picture. Perhaps once you get the power, you always stayed in the confines of a cold, giant room in a skyscraper building that you forget about those in the ground. Probably, advices from subordinates having their personal interest are what you solely listened to. You forget the students, the faculty, the staff, the workers. A greater picture may be unfolding for the greater UP, isn’t it? Possibly, one need not be any of these. The next UP President may have his or her own critical take, own “Messiah” way. There is a need for the next UP President to be reminded of the past administrations which the history of UP education has witnessed, and learn from the past. Moreover, the next UP President be rekindled to the core idea that UP education is for the Filipino people. [P]

SKETCHPAD Basahin mo ito III: Multilingual SALITA l MARY ANNE GUDITO

“Eric ano bang nangyayari? Nasaan ako? Kapag nag-espanyol ka pa ulit kamao ko na ang matitikman mo.” Napailing ang kaharap ko. Parang nagrestart ang utak dahil sa sinabi ko. Matapos ang ilang segundo ay tumingin siya sa akin ng masinsinan. “You’ve been blessed, mi amigo.” sabi niya with a straight face. Kumonekta ang kamao ko sa pisngi niya. Blessed? Biniyayaan? O binasbasan? Naalala ko ang tinatawag nilang “Pagbasbas”. Teka, ibig ba nitong sabihin ay nasa loob na ako ng HAWLANG TATSULOK? “Come, Imma give you a tour.” sabi ni Eric. Paanong nabasa niya ang nasa isip ko? At bakit may halong Ingles ang kanyang mga sinasabi? Hindi ko na lamang tinanong at baka tuluyan ko na siyang mabugbog. Tumingin-tingin ako sa paligid. Iba ang itsura ng lugar na ito, hindi tulad ng MATAAS NA SILID at PUTING SILID. Bawat bagay na tamaan ng

mga mata ko ay parang kumikislap sa karangyaan. Sa paglalakad ay may nakasalubong kaming mga tagaroon. Isang babae ang may ponytail na may Swarovski crystals. Si Kuyang nasa tabi niya ay may designer shoes. Napalingon ako sa tabi ko at nakakita ako ng taong may bag na kupas at sirasira. Teka, ako pala yung taong yun. Bag ko pala yung kupas. Nakaharap lang pala kami sa isang salaming may gold finish ang frame. Sa di malamang kadahilanan ay nauhaw ako. Kinalabit ko si Eric. “Nauuhaw ako,” sabi ko. Mula sa kawalan ay naglabas siya ng isang bote ng tubig at iniabot ito sa akin. “Sparkling water,” sabi nya. “Drink up. We’ve only just begun.” Tinungga ko ang laman ng boteng ibinigay niya. Infairness, Masarap siya. Yung tubig. Hindi si Eric. Nagpatuloy kami sa paglalakad. Sobrang daming pasyalan dito. Sobrang dami ring kainan. Para kang naglakad sa Maginhawa Street sa

dami. Bawat mukhang masilayan ko ay nakangiti na para bang walang inaalala sa mundo. Wala rin silang wrinkles sa mukha na bunga ng

“

“Sagutin mo ako Eric. Nasaan ba talaga tayo?” tanong ko sa kanya. Ngumiti siya, isang ngiti na nagpataas ng mga balahibo ko. “Enrico, ni minsan naman ay hindi kayo nakawala sa amin,”

“

Sa di kalayuan ay may natanaw akong isang nilalang. Habang papalapit siya ay patuloy ako sa pagpapanic. GG! Anong kalokohan ito? Masama pala ang hiniling ko na kainin ako ng lupa sa kasabawan. Mas ayos na mag-quiz kaysa naman lapain ako ng kung ano dito. “ Ola, Enrico!” Hindi ako makapaniwala. Si Eric! At nag-eespanyol pa! Proletariat lamang kami pareho. No read no write pa si kumag. Paanong kaya nitong magespanyol? “Eric, ikaw nga ba yan? Bakit parang nasobrahan ka sa panonood ng Dora the Explorer?” “Dora la Exploradora? No, no veo la tele.” Ano raw?! Isang kakaibang lugar na nga ang napuntahan ko, weirdo pa ‘tong kasama ko. Sinampal ko sa kaliwang pisngi. Napalakas yata ang sampal ko at may naiwang bakas ang palad ko sa mukha niya. Bakas na mukhang pixelated.

stress at pressure ng pang-arawaraw na buhay. Habang tumatagal ay nakakatakot na silang tingnan.

Imbis na tao ay mga manikang nagtatawanan ang makikita mo. Napa-atras ako. Hinawakan ako ni Eric sa braso. “Nani? Daijoubu desu?” Nanlaki na lamang ang mga mata ko sa narinig. Bigla kaming natransport sa isang restawran. May lumapit na waiter at naglagay ng platito na may soy sauce sa harap ko. Isang waiter pa ang lumapit at nagiwan naman ng tempura. Tinitigan ko lamang ang mga ito. Bigla akong nawalan ng ganang kumain. “Sagutin mo ako Eric. Nasaan ba talaga tayo?” tanong ko sa kanya. Ngumiti siya, isang ngiti na nagpataas ng mga balahibo ko. “Enrico, ni minsan naman ay hindi kayo nakawala sa amin,” Muling lumapit ang waiter. Ang dala naman nito ngayon ay isang envelope. Ang envelope! Kukunin ko na sana nang biglang agawin ito ni Eric. Wala akong nagawa nang punitin niya ito sa aking harapan.

Move on na

(daw)

Illustrated by: Juvelle Villanueva

Beh!