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Kapayapaan2 | editoryal
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balita HR VIOLATIONS IN ST INCREASE, CIVILIANS AFFECTED
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lathalain SOWING PEACE, REAPING LIFE
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kultura ADS AND THEIR HUGOTS
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opinion WHERE ARE YOU CHANCY?
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UPLB PERSPECTIVE
EDITORYAL
MARSO 20, 2017
KAPAYAPAAN Matapos lamang ang ilang araw ay binawi rin ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ang pagdeklara ng “all-out war” laban sa New People’s Army (NPA). Noong Pebrero ay winakasan ni Duterte ang peace talks sa pagitan ng Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) at National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) pero nito lamang Marso 12 ay muling ibabalik ang pormal na negosasyon sa Netherlands. Ang una sa agenda ay ang muling pagbabalik ng unilateral ceasefire na inimplementa ng magkabilang panig. Sinasabi ni Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza na si Pangulong Duterte ay para sa kaunlaran, asahan ang anunsyo ng gobyerno tungkol sa ceasefire sa pinakamadaling panahon. O kaya ang NDFP ang gumawa ng unang anunsyo. Siguro ito ay nakakabigo para sa mga tapagmasid ng gobyerno, lalo na sa Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), na laging gumagawa ng paraan para masabotahe ang peace talks. Para sa karamihan sa mga Pilipino, ay mas gusto nila ang giyera laban sa mga rebelde kaysa peace talks. Ngunit, ang kailangan tingnan sa armadong pakikibaka ay ang pinag-ugatan nito. Nagkaroon ng armadong pakikibaka dahil sa social inequality sa ating lipunan. Kung itong mga inequality ay masasagot, ang rason ng pakikibaka ay mawawala. Sa pagbabalik ng peace talks, kailangang masagot ang ugat ng armadong pakikibaka. Sa survey ng Ibon Foundation, lumabas na 85% sa 1,505 na respondent ang sumagot na suportado nila ang politikal at pang-ekonomikong mga reporma na pinag-uusapan sa peace talks. Sa kasalukuyan, ang mga pang-ekonomikong agenda ng administrasyong Duterte ay nananatiling para sa mga naghaharing uri lamang na nangaabuso sa karapatan at kapakanan ng mga ordinaryong Pilipino. Nagmula pa ito sa Aquino at nakaraan pang mga administrasyon. Ang mga agendang ito aytumutunggali sa makamasa at nasyonalistang posisyon ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte. Ang mga neoliberal na polisiya ay ginagawang inequitable at hati ang ekonomiya ng bansa. Mapapansin, nakakaranas ng mataas na paglaki ang mga oligarkiya at mga dayuhang namumuhunan na siyang nakikinabang sa mga manggagawa na nakukulong sa mga kontraktwal na trabaho na walang benipisyo matapos ang pagsisilbi ng ilan taon. Ang ginhawa na nararanasan ng mga oligarkiya at dayuhang namumuhunan ay saliwat naman sa nararanasan ng karamihan sa mga Pilipino. Marami ang walang trabaho, walang sariling lupa, mababa ang sweldo, kontraktwal, o kaya mababa ang kalidad ng edukasyon, mga ospital, o kaya pabahay.
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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
Itong mga neoliberal na polisiya ay malaking problema. Ang peace talks ay maaring magbunga ng mga sagot para sa pagpapaunlad ng ekonomiya ng Pilipinas at pagpapabubuti ng buhay ng milyon-milyong mga Pilipino. Ang pagkakaantala ng peace talks sa preliminaryong lebel ay nagpapakita kung gaano kahirap ang prosesong ito. Ang mga negosasyon ay magiging mahaba at detalyado dahil ang mga problemang kailangan solusyonan ay nakabaon sa lipunan. Hindi ito magiging mabilis at kung ang “all-out war” ang nakikitang solusyon ng iilang mga tao ay dapat tingnan ang mga komunidad na naapektuhan nito. Hindi lamang iilang tao ang dapat sumuporta sa peace talks, kung hindi lahat ng mga Pilipino sapagkat tayo ang apektado ng mga neoliberal na polisiyang patuloy na iniimplementa sa bansa. Kung maraming Pilipino ang susuporta sa usapang pangkapayapaan, mas mapapabilis ang pagimplementa ng mga makamasang polisiya para sa mga Pilipino. [P]
Punong Patnugot Jose Lorenzo Lim Kapatnugot Czarina Joy Arevalo Tagapamahalang Patnugot Julianne Afable Patnugot ng Balita Caren Malaluan Patnugot ng Lathalain Jey Filan Reyes Patnugot ng Kultura Mac Andre Arboleda Patnugot ng Paglalapat at Grapiks Vicente Morano III Tagapamahala ng Pinansiya Charity Faith Rulloda Mga Kawani Ysabel Dawn Abad ⋅ Ranielle Averion ⋅ John Joshua Azucena ⋅ Paul Christian Carson ⋅ Jandelle Cruz ⋅ Monica Laboy ⋅ Michelle Andrea Laurio ⋅ Miguel Carlos Lazarte ⋅ Deniel Sean Macapal ⋅ Ana Dominique Pablo ⋅ Lianne Rose Parajeno ⋅ Angelica Marie Paz ⋅ Francis Joseph Rafael ⋅ Mary Anne Gudito ⋅ Anna Maye Sagao ⋅ Jessa Angela Suganob ⋅ Juvelle Villanueva ⋅ Diana Jane Plofino ⋅ Albert John Enrico Dominguez ⋅ Karl Gabriel de Los Santos Administrative Aide Raquel Malaborbor
tungkol sa pabalot LIPAD
Dibuho ni Juvelle Villanueva
UPLB PERSPECTIVE
BALITA
MARSO 20, 2017
JUSTICE VICENTE MORANO III
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Different organizations and student councils come together for a candle lighting ceremony calling justice for Dr. Dreyfuss Perlas, a municipal health officer under the ‘Doctors to the Barrios’ program in Lanao del Norte. Dr. Dreyfuss Perlas was also a UPLB alumnus.
HR violations increase in ST, civilians affected Members from different Southern Tagalog alliances and organizations have been organizing and conducting separate Peace Missions and Quick Response Team on Laguna and Quezon, days after reports of human rights violations hound the said provinces. Led by Karapatan – Southern Tagalog and its provincial counterparts, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan – Southern Tagalog (BAYAN-ST), Katipunan ng mga Samahang Magbubukid ng Timog Katagalugan (KASAMA-TK), and ANAKBAYAN – Southern Tagalog (ANAKBAYAN-ST), the said missions came subsequent to the illegal detention and arrest of four KASAMATK peasant organizers by the military in Quezon and the forced evacuation of around 200 residents in Batangas due to military operations. “Illegal arrests and forced evacuation and reconcentration over the course
of weeks just came after the Duterte administration announced an all-out war. Ever since, military operations have intensified and affected local civilians,” said Peti Enriquez, BAYAN-ST spokesperson, during a candle lighting ceremony. Illegal arrests and detention in Quezon Despite being civilians and members of KASAMA-TK, Danah Marcellana, Jennifer Yuzon, Jose Yuzon, and Christopher Redota was illegally arrested in Brgy. Camflora, San Andres, Quezon on March 7 while they were organizing and preparing for rehabilitation of the area due to the past storm. This came hours after a clash between the AFP and NPA. The QRT team found out that they were brought to Camp Guillermo Nakar at Lucena, Quezon. A day after, they
WORDS l MICHELLE ANDREA LAURIO went to Camp Nakar to look for the four organizers but was not allowed inside by the military. “Umaapila at nananawagan kami sa taong bayan na samahan ang aking pamilya at kasamahang magsasaka na kaagad na ilitaw at palayain ang aming mga mahal sa buhay. Itigil na ang pandarahas at pamamaslang sa mga magsasakang lumilikha ng pagkain sa ating bansa at kaagarang ipamahagi ng libre ang malalawak na lupain sa ating bansa,” said Orly Marcellana, secretarygeneral of KASAMA-TK and father of Danah Marcellana, in an online post. As of March 13, Danah Marcellana, peasant organizer and daughter of slain KARAPATAN-ST secretary general Eden Marcellana, was recently “located and safe with her family” as per report by KARAPATAN. The other four have yet to be surfaced by Camp Guillermo Nakar
31st EDSA anniversary protests call for lasting peace WORDS l MICHELLE ANDREA LAURIO Last February 25, 2017, various progressive Herrera said that the people’s unity is needed to organizations held protest actions to remember the prevent yet another dark episode for the people and Marcos dictatorship and in calling for the resumption the country. of the Republic of the Philippines - National “Hindi tayo narito upang magdiwang, [kundi] Democratic Front (GPH-NDF) peace talks. upang igiit ang laban ay nagpapatuloy,” said Led by the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) Bonifacio Ilagan, CARMMA convenor, Martial and Martial Law victims through the Campaign Against Law survivor, and the sibling of Rizalina Ilagan, a the Return of the Marcoses to Malacañang (CARMMA), desaparecido of Martial Law. the groups first held a program at the EDSA Shrine The delegation then marched to Camp remembering the harrowing stories of martial rule. Aguinaldo to slam the string of human rights Trinidad “Ka Trining” Herrera, a Martial Law survivor, violations wrought by the all-out war and the recounted her experience in Army torture chambers. Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) new “Ako ay natortyur sa pamamagitan ng kuryente... internal security plan Oplan Kapayapaan. nakuryente po ako sa loob ng tatlong oras, at itinali ang BAYAN said that only more of the same will uncoated wire sa mga daliri kong malalaki... at kapag be brought by the recent movements of the AFP hindi gusto ni Eduardo Matillano ang aking mga sagot, and the Duterte administration’s scuttling of the may pinipihit at pumapasok ang kuryente sa katawan peace talks, arguing that the only “compelling ko. Nang tumutulo na ang dugo sa aking mga daliri sa reason” sought by Duterte to resume the tagal ng pagdaloy ng kuryente, pinaghubad ako ng peace talks, is the garnering... (cont. on p. 4) blusa, at nilagay ang wire sa dalawang nipples ko.”
(AFP Southern Luzon Command) where they are allegedly being held. Mass evacuation in Batangas On March 9, around 200 residents of Brgy. Kaylaway, Nasugbu, Batangas was forcibly evacuated and taken to Sitio Balagbag Elementary School after being harassed and threatened by two AFP battalions who were recently deployed within the area. The organized National Humanitarian and Peace Mission has been conducting back-to-back factfinding teams and assistance to the local residents. Around 60 people is part of the said team. “During the fact-finding mission, we found out that the members of the military stole 23 chickens owned by a local family for food and burned down their wooden gate for firewood. In another incident, one of the residents’
dogs was killed by the military for no reason,” said Fiat Oliva, chairperson of ANAKBAYAN-CEAT, who was part of the said mission. On March 10, the military allowed the residents to go back to their homes but on close surveillance. The military operations continue as reported by Arnold Evangelista, coordinator of KARAPATAN-Batangas. From a press release by KARAPATAN, they call on “Pres. Duterte and the GRP to abide by the CARHRIHL, to stop military operations in communities, to stop the killings of the poor through Oplan Kapayapaan and the war on drugs, and to release all political prisoners. The Filipino people will continue to resist fascist attacks of the AFP and PNP under the Duterte administration, and we will continue to persevere in struggle for a just and lasting peace.” [P]
UPLB February protest fair continues WORDS l JANDELLE CRUZ The UPLB University Student Council (USC) held its annual February Fair on February 14-18, 2017 with the theme “Layag: Kabataan, Katigan ang Adhikain para sa Katarungan at Kapayapaan”. Hosted by the USC and other student organizations, fraternities, and sororities, the Feb Fair 2017 offered protest actions, concerts, rides, and games that showcase various students, organizations, famous bands, and artists. Food stalls, student organizations’ booths, vendors and other merchandisers lined up the open field of Freedom Park during the week-long fair. The event was open and free for everyone. The annual UPLB Feb Fair trace its roots back during the Martial Law days. In October 1972, the UPLB February Fair has been a protest fair to oppose the Martial Law under former President Ferdinand Marcos. Since then, the fair became a major campus fair that unites students and organizations for social
change and human rights and against the national and local issues such as campus repression and commercialization of education. Sailing for Human Rights On Valentine’s day, the fair featured acts and performances on protecting human rights, specifically on gender and sexuality, thus the theme, “Layag Para sa Pantay Pantay na respeto sa Karapatang Pantao”. The programs held for this day included: the annual Class Distraction by the International Order of DeMolay, Mt. Makiling Chapter; One Billion Rising and War Against Repression (WAR) show by Gabriela Youth-UPLB; and UPLB Development Communication Society’s (DevComSoc) Star in Carillion XIV first eliminations round. However, the UPLB administration threatened to cut short the first night of the fair, (cont. on p. 4)
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UPLB PERSPECTIVE
MARSO 20, 2017
USC Chairperson faces charges for ‘gross, deliberate disobedience’ USC Chairperson, Merwin Jacob Alinea, will be facing charges at the Student Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) after allegedly displaying “gross and deliberate disobedience” towards the “agreement” made between the Office of the Chancellor (OC) and the UPLB University Student Council (USC) regarding UPLB February Fair guidelines. These charges are in line with the events that transpired on February 14 wherein the UPLB February Fair went past 12 MN, the supposed curfew set by the UPLB administration. Furthermore, the UPLB administration accused the protest fair as a disturbance to nearby dormitories and to Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD) where the sound system of the fair can still be heard. The UPLB Feb Fair released a statement via Twitter and Facebook, saying that the accusations are “part of the effort of the administration to divide the students from the communities, and to discredit the institutions that are most critical of their policies.”
They also encouraged the students to “stand together as a community to defend not only the UPLB Feb fair, but also everything that it stands for: unity in the face of oppression.” Series of Dialogues According to Alinea, they have been conducting a series of dialogues with the administration since February 9. The USC presented their proposal during the dialogues which includes the fair’s layout, the carnival, the sanitation, and the curfew which was at 2 AM. “Ang humarap sa amin [sa dialogues] ay mga Vice Chancellor from OVCPD, OVCCA, and representatives from UPMO. During the dialogues, blatantly naman na sinasabi na hindi pwede ang 2 AM curfew,” Alinea explained. Aside from the campus curfew, the administration also reasoned out that a municipal curfew is imposed in Los Baños. Additionally, the initial 10 pm program cut-off is also said to be for the safety of the students. However, the USC insisted on a 1 AM curfew as the program will be starting at
WORDS l MONICA LABOY
6 pm and the fair will not be able to fulfill its objectives and accommodate all the performances if a 10 PM curfew is imposed. On February 13, another dialogue was conducted with the UPLB administration. They issued a letter that said the curfew is at 12 MN. “We insisted pa rin na hindi talaga kaya, wala pa rin naman nangyaring changes kahit ilang beses kami umapila. For our part, parang hindi talaga siya agreement but rather an order. Although, kinonsulta kami, hindi pa rin naman nagkaroon ng concensus na decision yung both parties,” Alinea expressed. Misquotations According to USC Chairperson Merwin Alinea, a member of the UP Police Force (UPF) approached them last February 14, at 11 PM, and told them that the program should be finished by 12 MN. However, Alinea insisted that they cannot cut the program. “After an hour, bumalik siya, daladala yung letter addressed to Niro, yung Feb Fair head, at naka-cc sa akin, tapos
UP, ANFLOCOR sign MOA for CAFS extension A total of P271 million has been allocated for the first 11 years of operations of the campus. As stated in its project concept paper, “UP-PSAE is the university’s response to a knowledge capital gap, particularly in postgraduate education in Mindanao”. “With its huge agricultural, fishery and forestry output, which has gained brighter prospects with new infrastructure and access to (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) ASEAN, Mindanao could use expertise that can be provided by UPLB to manage growth and make it inclusive.” The donated land will be analyzed to ascertain its industry demands and other potentials to assure its compatibility with the proposed plans for the professional school. [P]
(cont from p. 3)
UPLB February Fair... since nearby dormitories will be disturbed once they let the program run past its 12 am curfew. University Student Council (USC) Chairperson Merwin “Berto” Alinea responded by urging people to approach the stage “as a show of force against the threats of the fair being shut down early.” The show still went on for the last event as the audience rocked and sang along the featured OPM band Mayonnaise who performed “Jopay” in UPLB Jock’s “Rock United: Unbound 2017”. Rising for Education For Wednesday, February 15, 2017, the fair had the theme, “Layag Para sa
Libre at Dekalidad na Edukasyon” to encourage students to fight against the commercialization of education and to promote free quality education. UP Student Regent Raoul Manuel together with the Rise for Education Alliance talked about the current state of UP education under the administration of the former UP President Alfredo E. Pascual. Also featured on this day were: Freshmen Fever brought by Office of Student Affairs Counselling and Testing Division (OSA-CTD); Star in Carillion XIV; the bands Chicosci and Brownman Revival by Rise for Education Alliance and Alliance of Economic Management Students respectively; and Class Distraction.
Youth for Labor Rights “Layag para sa Pambansang Industriyalisasyon” was the theme for the third day of the fair. The program started off with the powerful voices of the Star in Carillion XIV wild card contestants followed by the presentations on indigenous peoples’ education and contractualization and ACE UP speech from the representatives of All UP Academic Employees Union (AUPAEU). Meanwhile, ANAKBAYAN-UPLB kept the crowd excited with the acts in Paglaum: A Cultural Concert to celebrate the youth’s role in advancing national interest for Filipino farmers and workers as it featured various talents
Hindi pwedeng hanggang midnight lang.” Alinea expressed that although the missed quotations contained the same essence that they will not allow the program to be cut by 12, the tone of how it was reported was different from how they negotiated with the UPF. Furthermore, the report also recommended that the fair organizers should be given a disciplinary action. For the students Alinea encouraged the student body to enjoy the fair, the band performances, and the attractions as well as to remember the essence of the fair and to listen to the speakers. “Hindi natatapos sa fair ang pakikialam natin o ang pag-aaral natin sa social issues,” Alinea reminded. He added that the social issues that the society faces do not only last for a week like the UPLB February Fair, but rather it is on-going. [P]
(cont from p. 3)
31st EDSA anniversary protests... of peace itself – not through ceasefires, but via a comprehensive policy change. The program, albeit blocked by barriers and police shields, ended peacefully before nightfall. Meanwhile, other protest rallies were held on various convergence points across the national capital. Pro-Duterte groups held a rally at the Quirino Grandstand, which according to them housed 400,000 participants. The rally was in support of the crackdown on drugs by the President.
For the police, however, attendance in the rally stood only at 13,000. Organizers noted the attendance of Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial and a group of Marcos loyalists. On the other hand, former President Benigno Aquino III and Vice President Leni Robredo, along with other senators from the Liberal Party, attended the rally at the EDSA Shrine by afternoon, protesting the arrest of Senator Leila de Lima and the war on drugs. [P]
ns2017 o i t c e l E #UPLB of Activities Schedule
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and organizations like Umalohokan, Inc., Nina Virgin, UPLB Filipiniana Dance Troupe, UPLB Writers’ Club, UPLB Street Jazz Dance Company, Datu’s Tribe, UPLB Sandayaw Cultural Group, Tulisanes, and the Wyre Underground of UPLB. UPLB’s homegrown talents like Ebe Dancel, the Jen Rogers Band and the Flying Ipis also performed on the third day together with Ang Bandang Shirley, 6cyclemind and Banda ni Kleggy. Sovereignty and Independence; Justice and Peace By Friday night, students witnessed another set of talents and acts from UMALOHOKAN, Inc. and
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ELECTION PROPER APRIL 20 _
A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between UP and the Anflo Management and Investment Corporation (ANFLOCOR) for the establishment of the UP Los Banos satellite campus on Agriya, Panabo, Davao del Norte, namely the UP Professional Schools in Agriculture and the Environment (UP PSAE) has been signed on the Board of Regents (BOR) meeting on January 30, 2017. The MOA signing was result of the BOR approval for the establishment of UP PSAE on Davao del Norte during its 1322nd meeting on November 24, 2016. It was signed by outgoing UP President Alfredo E. Pascual, Anflocor Senior Vice President Ricardo R. Floirendo and Vice President Ricardo Luis Mateo F. Lagdameo. The MOA legitimizes the memorandum of understanding (MOU)
WORDS l JESSA SUGANOB that entails the donation of Anflocor to UPLB for the establishment of the UP PSAE in Panabo, Davao del Norte signed on November 20, 2014. According to the MOA, ANFLOCOR will be donating 3 hectares of land for the construction of the institutions in Davao. Initially, the campus will offer Master of Science programs in Agricultural Economics, Agronomy, Animal Science, Development Communication, Entomology, Environmental Science, Food Science, Forestry (Wood Science and Technology), Horticulture, Plant Breeding and Plant Pathology; Master of Management in Agribusiness Management and Entrepreneurship; Master of Forestry (Forest Resource Management; and Doctor of Philosophy in Development Studies.
signed by Chancellor Sanchez. So, nung pinapakita sa amin yung letter, sabi namin alam namin yang letter na yan. Sabi nung UPF, bakit daw hindi kami sumusunod eh nakalagay naman kami sa letter. Sabi namin, ‘yes, naka-address sa amin yung letter pero hindi kami approve. In fact, wala kayong makikitang signatory from us doon sa letter indicating na nag-aagree kami with the order’,” Alinea narrated the events that transpired last Tuesday. Alinea was called to the office of the Student Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) the following morning because of the case that was filed against him. Moreover, the case was filed by the UPF and according to Alinea, he was misquoted. He said that what was written on the report were, “Oo, alam namin yan. Hindi namin ni-receive yang sulat na iyan”, “Asan ang pirma na na-receive namin yan”, “Hindi kami pumayag sa gusto ni Chancellor”. The report also stated that the UPF asked Alinea if it was him or the Chancellor that should be followed to which Alinea reportedly replied, “Hindi kami susunod.
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Samahan ng Kabataan para sa Bayan (SAKBAYAN): Ephrot Act. With the theme “Layag Para sa Pambansang Soberanya at Kasarinlan”, the program showcased peformances by Autotelic, MilesExperience, We Are Imaginary, and Cinderblock in Razzmatazz XV. On the last day of the fair, Layag Para sa Katarungan at Kapayapaan featured the Freshmen Fever, Siklab, Class Distraction, Star In Carillion XIV, YAPJUST, Datu’s Tribe, Quest and Moonstar88. [P]
UPLB PERSPECTIVE
BALITA
MARSO 20, 2017
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Students mass up to protest free education WORDS l CHARITY FAITH RULLODA
DEKADA VICENTE MORANO III
The unveiling of the ‘Hagdan ng Malayang Kamalayan’, formerly known as Humanities Steps, was held on March 9, in honor of activists from UPLB, during the Martial Law era.
MTC defers arraignment of UPLB Chancellor
On February 24, 2017, a cultural protest was held at the Carabao Park after a snake rally in the Physical Sciences Building and Institute of Biological Sciences. The main calls of the protest are the fight for free education, resumption of peace talks, condemnation of human rights violations and commemoration of the EDSA Revolution. “Ine-encourage ko yung mga estudyanteng sumali sa mga ganitong rally. Kahit mas well-off na yung mga tao at kayang mag-afford ng tuition kahit mahal, lumaban pa rin tayo kapag naaagrabyado na tayo ng mga nasa taas. Kahit gasgas na gasgas na, sobrang totoo pa rin na education is a right, not a privilege. A basic human right na hindi naman nangyayari,” said Pauline Angela Delfinado, Batch ’15, Human Ecology student.
Delfinado said that she did not only come to the rally in behalf of the organization she belongs to but also because she, herself, campaigns for free education. Spearheaded by the University Student Council, the program started at 4:00 PM and ended at 7:00 PM. Several organizations expressed their support through solidarity messages. Organizations like Tulisanes, SikhayUPLB, Umalohokan Inc., UPLB Communicators’ Association, UPLB Writer’s Club and Samahang LAYB, performed cultural presentations in support to the protest calls. Encouraging the students to take part in the protest mob and campaigning for free education, the USC calls, “’Wag mong hayaang ang pag-aaral mo ang humadlang sa edukasyon mo.” [P]
WORDS l CZARINA JOY AREVALO UPLB Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez Jr.’s arraignment for oral defamation case moved to May 24 after petition for review before the Department of Justice (DOJ) has been filed. Presiding Judge Francisco Collado Jr. of the Municipal Trial Court (MTC) of Los Baños deferred the arraignment for the said case last March 8, Wednesday. Atty. Rosalio Aragon Jr., lawyer of Chancellor Sanchez, motioned for the postponement based on the ground that they filed a petition for review before the DOJ last February 9. The petition for review was raised because of the conflicting rules on the provincial and regional state prosecutor. Attorney Aragon cited Rule 116 Section 11 of the Rule of Court which states, “upon motion by the proper party, the arraignment shall be suspended for the case of a pending petition for review of the resolution of the prosecutor at either the DOJ, or the Office of the President; provided, that the period of suspension shall not exceed sixty (60) days counted from the filing of the petition with the reviewing office.” On the other hand, Atty. Emilio C. Capulong Jr., private prosecutor of Dr. Ruben Tanqueco, complainant, said that upon resolution of the Regional Prosecutor, the earlier resolution is considered final. “They have filed a petition for review in the Department of Justice, but then what we’re saying is that, that is no longer necessary because there was already a resolution from the Regional Prosecutor asking that we proceed with the criminal case. So, next time around, I’m very sure that the arraignment will proceed. There will be no more delay,” Atty. Capulong Jr. said in an interview.
Timeline RegionalProsecutorErnestoC.Mendoza found the appeal meritorious, which granted the petition for review last January 24, 2017. The petition for review was filed by Dr. Tanqueco before the Regional Trial Court after the case was initially dismissed by the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor of Laguna last July 16, 2016. On February 6, 2017, Provincial Prosecutor George Dee of the Municipal Trial Court has accused Dr. Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr. of “grave oral defamation”, with criminal case no. 14539. Chancellor Sanchez posted bail at the Los Baños Municipal Trial Court on February 20, for the said case. The December 8 incident “Sa loob ng tatlong taon, kinunsinte ko ang director niyo [Dr. Ruben Tanqueco] sa absenteeism, tardiness at immorality. Nanahimik ako hoping na magbabago kaya lang hindi. Nakokonsensya ako, I cannot look straight to Tita Helen’s eyes.” Based on the affidavit, this is the statement that Chancellor Sanchez uttered during the December 8, 2015 meeting in the Chancellor’s Office with engineers of Physical Plant Maintenance and Services Office (PPMSO), which Engr. Danny Rey Camus attested. Two meetings transpired last December 8 wherein the grounds for the grave oral defamation case took place. During the earlier meeting with university officials including then Human Resources Development Office (HRDO) Chief Administrative Officer Armando Palanca, he heard Chancellor Sanchez utter to the group, “Dr. Tanqueco is having a relation with a staff of PPMSO and further added that it was for this reason he was ashamed to the husband of this PPMSO staff who
works abroad as a seaman and was also ashamed to the wife of the complainant.” In an interview with the UPLB Perspective, former HRDO Chief Officer Palanca recalled that he asked to be excused when he heard the Chancellor’s statement during the said meeting, “Sir, tsisimis yan eh pwede ba ‘kong maexcuse na eh. Kung yan ay totoo Sir, kasuhan. Ground ‘yan for dismissal.” However, Sanchez insisted and asked him to stay in the meeting room. Chancellor Sanchez in his counteraffidavit says he “denied having uttered during the meeting that Dr. Tanqueco is having a relation with a staff of PPMSO” and denied having said that he felt ashamed to the husband of the PPMSO staff and to Tita Helen, the wife of Dr. Ruben Tanqueco. Moreover, Chancellor Sanchez claimed that he did not commit grave oral defamation against complainant Tanqueco because the words he uttered during the meeting were done in good faith in connection with the lawful exercise of his functions as Chancellor and disciplinary authority of UPLB, and in the exigency of public service. Pending criminal case “[T]he reason why we’re doing this is to prevent incoming officials to commit some kind of abuses. Dapat, kung sinong mabababa, syang dapat protektahan. Less in life, more on rights,” Dr. Tanqueco said in an interview with the UPLB Perspective. “We will wait and see. [In the] mean time, what we can do is to pray that justice can be done immediately,” Dr. Tanqueco said during a March 8 interview. On the other hand, Chancellor Sanchez declined to comment on the issue in deference and respect to the Honorable Court presiding, and under the principle of sub judice. [P]
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ORGWATCH Upsilon, Beta Sigma unite for blood drive WORDS l LESTER ARANTON AND ANDY PANGA The UPLB chapters of Upsilon Sigma Phi (ΥΣΦ) and the Beta Sigma (βΣ) Fraternity jointly participated in the UPLB Red Cross Youth “Bloodiest Rumble 2017” last February 8 at the College of Human Ecology (CHE). The event is an annual blood donation drive in UPLB, that draws hundreds of donors in campus, but an important highlight of this year’s activity was the collaborative participation of ΥΣΦ and ΒΣ. Knowing the history of the two since 1950’s the rivalry started through politics CSCUSC then the rest is history. According to Cyrus Digma, Second Grand Princep of ΒΣ, “ito yung mga activities na makakapagsimula ng [start] peace and camaraderie between our fraternities”. Meanwhile, ΥΣΦ Vice Illustrious Fellow Emil Santos explained that the activity was beneficial since, “nabawasan ang misconceptions and miscommunications para mawala na talaga ang rumbles ngayong era.”
“We hope that this interaction would ignite more lasting collaborations and augment SOAD, OSA and UPLB‘s campaign for providing peaceful, harmonious campus culture.” said Jickerson Lado, head of the Student Organization and Activities Division (SOAD) of the Office of Student Affairs (OSA). As two of the first fraternities in UPLB, the rivalry between the two dates back to the 50’s when they often contend for political leadership positions in campus. The competition eventually developed into physical confrontations during the 60’s to the early parts of the 2000s. But the reconciliation between the two fraternities formally began last November, 2016 with the signing of a truce agreement after like a series of dialogue were initiated and facilitated by Chancellor Sanchez, who is working towards a violence-free campus and forging healthy relationships among UPLB constituents.
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UPLB PERSPECTIVE
LATHALAIN
MARSO 20, 2017
Sowing Peace, Reaping Life:
Delving on the Agendum on Socio-Economic Reforms in the GRP-NDFP Peace Talks WORDS l PAUL CHRISTIAN CARSON
The almost one-year administration of President Rodrigo Duterte was first met with “guarded optimism”, as militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) said. This optimism is from the positive pronouncements of then-candidate and Davao City mayor on the continuation of the peace talks between the government’s belligerents, including the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People’s Army (NPA), which is represented by the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). Peace talks were also called to resume with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). However, high hopes were halted by the reinstatement of the all-out war against the CPP-NPA-NDF, as encounters with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) resulted in casualties. As such, NDFP consultants, BAYAN, public personalities such as John Lloyd Cruz and Lourd de Veyra, government officials such as Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno, and even some supporters of the President have called for the resumption of the peace talks. “The only compelling reason for the peace talks to happen is peace itself,” said Moreno. With the revival of the peace talks after the recently-signed Utrecht Joint Agreement imminent, it is not only important to see the peace talks only as a plug on deaths and rifle muzzles. It is then worthy to note that the peace talks have not yet fully progressed; besides the signing of pertinent agreements such as the Joint Agreement for Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) in the Ramos administration and the Comprehensive Agreement for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law in 1998,other discussions have delved well into the government’s ceasefire proposal. Some administrations, such as the second Aquino administration, stood firm that past agreements with past administrations became moot – even invalidating the JASIG since the government “could not verify the identities of the NDFP consultants... the floppy disk containing the file corrupted inside the vault which it was put into”. Meanwhile, the remaining four main discussion points set by the Hague Joint Declaration during the Ramos administration showed a promise of progress, yet were scuttled by Duterte’s scrapping of the peace talks and shifting into an all-out war. This has been the reason for massive evacuations, hamletting, and even aerial bombings set by the AFP on suspected NPA areas. Even when civilians are potentially affected and caught in the line of fire – recent pronouncements by the President, makes the countryside all the more threatening even for those that lived there. Just recently, an encounter between NPA and AFP forces also featured missing farmers. In Batangas province, 200 residents were held up by military
forces in a school as the AFP brought a batallion to the area along with police forces. If such is the fervor of various sectors of society, what may be in for all of us when the peace talks continue, prosper, and finally succeed? As one of the substantive agendum in the peace process, the discussion on socio-economic reforms (SER) remained the “heart and soul” of the negotiations, as considered by both sides. SER tackles salient issues pertaining to land reform, industrialization, and pertinent social services, which are to be discussed further on political and constitutional reforms (PCR). Aside from agrarian reform and industrialization, the SER also glosses on environmental protection, rehabilitation and compensation, and rural and economic development. A report from local news outfit DavaoToday said that the third round of talks between the government and the NDFP reached an “agreement in principle” to free distribution of land to farmers and farm workers, among other unities. A redefined countryside Rather than the increased focus on real estate and other products of land conversion, the SER points to the improvement of the agricultural sector in realizing solid economic development. Lifting from the NDFP draft on SER exchanged with the government’s peace negotiators, the agreement endeavors to end land monopoly as basis for the free distribution of land to farmers, farm workers and agricultural workers. Compensation, meanwhile, shall be given to landlords supportive of progressive land reform to “invest in industrial and other productive enterprises”. Farm production, meanwhile, shall be oriented for self-sufficiency and increased productivity in food production; and low-interest or interest-free credit shall be offered. Incentives for improvement and development of the agricultural sector shall be provided, along with protection against calamities, price surges, and the like. Amendment, suspension or termination of free trade agreements shall be undertaken; and massive importation of agricultural and fishery products will also be prohibited. Philippine-made brands made possible by SER OncetermedanobsoleteconceptbynolessthanformerPresidentBenigno Aquino III’s economic team, the parties tackled national industrialization and its conduct. It shall be done through developing the capacity to produce goods, breaking the decades-old practice of semimanufacturing and assembly plants. For this, the 86-page draft for the SER codifies a commitment to create a “modern Filipino industrial sector” in meeting the consumption and production needs of the country. This will be supported by tax
exemptions, import duty exceptions, incentives, and government procurement contracts, and will be protected by tariffs and other similar controls.
Nationalized economy When the country can produce more on its own, an economy that can support the influx of locally-made products than imported ones proves necessary. The SER vows to “break the economic dominance of foreign monopoly capitalists and the comprador big bourgeoisie to undertake an investment program that promotes national industrialization”. For this,foreign direct investments in industries shall be nationalized,and the placement of such based on the national interest. Future foreign investments shall be regulated and directed to national industrialization for technological improvement, market and product access, and domestic reinvestment. The prevalence of relatively miniscule sellers in various local markets will elicit participation, as micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) will be given support in most productive areas and can partner with the government in major ventures.
Protected environment With the presentation of destructive mining practices, most of the country’s natural resources are in danger of vanishing before our very eyes. As such, the SER draft proposes a program for rehabilitation and development of natural resources through renewal of fish stocks, protection of watersheds and critical areas, and bringing dead rivers back to life. It also presents goals to minimize and direct waste products and the cessation of environmentally-destructive practices. Defense of basic rights Various social sectors have slammed the furthening accessibility of social services such as education, health, and social protection. For one, the longdelayed hike in SSS pensions is marred by the continuing resistance by economic planners, citing the lack of budget for the hike. The recent push for free education, meanwhile, has been cast doubt, as Senate Bill No. 1277 of Sen. Bam Aquino has largely put socialized tuition to cope up for students “who can pay”. The NDFP SER draft first glosses on the rights of various economic classes and sectors, defining their specific needs and aspirations. It aims to reverse the trend of privatization of social services, and provide free education and health services from the primary to tertiary levels. It also gives light on the right of educators and health workers for living wages and adequate working conditions. Mass housing, with preference for the urban poor and semi-workers, is sought as a replacement for informal housing – which requires full participation of the sectors in planning and management. Demolitions are also prohibited without an adequate relocation plan and prior consultation to those affected, including assistance in transferring, employment or livelihood, and accessibility of social services in the relocation area. Water and energy utilities are to be mandated by the agreement under state ownership, management and control. Renewable energy services should be supported. For transport and telecoms, accessibility, efficiency, and safety of the former; and the reliability and affordability of the latter are sought. Similarly, providers should be state-controlled and owned, with private concessionaires subject to effective state regulation. Community-based efforts are also encouraged for the mitigation of damages wrought by natural disasters. Immediate action for victims of government neglect is also mentioned, subject to prosecution for criminal and civil liability. [P]
UPLB PERSPECTIVE
LATHALAIN
MARSO 20, 2017
f o y r o m e M In PAEP WORDS l JEY FILAN REYES
After six years, UP President Alfredo E. Pascual (PAEP) had finally reached the end of his term, but before this, the UPLB administration paid “tribute” to him on January 24 at the DL Umali Hall. Earning a tribute for his six-year term of service, how did PAEP affect UPLB? In memory of his service and legacy, let’s have a review of what UPLB would remember about him. In his farewell speech as UP President, PAEP took pride in the infrastructures and income-generating projects for the university. In UPLB, after years of construction of some infrastructures, they are still not ready to be used. The so-called improvement in infrastructures and equipment manifested in the form of renovation of some comfort rooms and installment of televisions in some CAS buildings that surround the Oblation statue, the central symbol of UP. Yes, these might contribute in proper hygiene of students and staff, and improve technology-dependent teaching, but these did not help UP students get what they despair in their college life, they were not provided with sufficient slots for needed courses. PAEP SAIS “This site can’t be reached. sais.up.edu.ph refused to connect.” Remember these lines? These were the lines that caused an uproar in UP, giving headaches to students and faculty. These were the lines that filled many with sympathy, disappointment, and anger. These were the lines that had brought #JunkSAIS to the top of the Philippine trends. Funded with P37.7 million from PAEP’s P752-million worth eUP, Student Academic Information System (SAIS) was introduced with the promise that it would lighten registration process and bring together the Information and Communication Technology (ITC) infrastructure and system of every UP unit, but upon its implementation, students and faculty were brought to tears of despair. Due to the start of online registration at midnight, about 500 UPLB students spent two nights, July 29-30, 2016, camping inside the campus just to be able to have a glimpse of hope in securing slots in their needed courses. Despite the sacrifices made, students still underwent manual registration and
petitioned for more classes. Students with unhealthy schedule and underload units continue to exist in UP, the boasted supposedly center of learning, honor, and excellence. PAEP Corn-y The highlight of UPLB administration’s tribute to PAEP was the presentation of a corn. The new corn variety was saved from being buried by other profitable varieties in Abra and was given the purpose of strengthening Filipino farming, thanks to the efforts of Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB) of the College of Agriculture (CA). From being buried, it is now being planted, bred, maintained, and served with PAEP’s name on it. The corn is now referred as Mais na Pinagbuti Alay sa Ekonomiyang Pangkanayunan or Mais PAEP. It is too long to mention its full name, but it is easy to attached the image of PAEP in it, the image of the person that ironically was given tribute, yet charged more than that. PAEP or not The baton is now passed to UP President Danilo L. Conception. He is burdened with the expectation of continuing the initiatives of his predecessor, PAEP. Among these are: •Turning UP as a research-intensive university; •Intensifying internationalization efforts; •Modernizing pedagogy; •Formalizing quality assurance; •Strengthening public service; •Sports development; •Increasing the admission of students from poor families into UP; •Strengthening the faculty through more funds for advanced studies abroad and performance awards, among others. Hopefully, the new UP President will succeed especially on giving sufficient care and service to his constituents, the UP students, staff, and community, which his predecessor seemed failed to do so in the eyes of many. The struggle for scientific mass-oriented education continues. [P]
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UPLB PERSPECTIVE
KULTURA
MARSO 20, 2017
l a v i v e r l a ur t l u c s or ol c d on y e b BOLEDA WORDS l MAC ANDRE AR
A cultural alliance has been reborn coinciding National Arts Month. The Kulturang Ugnayan ng Kabataan Alay sa Bayan UPLB, also known as KULAYAN, held its first All Artists’ Conference right before the beginning of February. KULAYAN started out in the early 2000’s as a singing group of individuals who called themselves the Kulayan Singing Group. Their frequent tie-up between other cultural organizations in UPLB such as Isko’t Iska and cultural nights inspired them to create a cultural alliance which would promote UPLB’s art scene and cultural relevance. In January 2011, the first convenors’ meeting of KULAYAN was held at the Student Union Building, attended by Kulayan Singing Group, Kartunista Manunulat Kolektib (visual arts, comics), UPLB Zoomout Multimedia Collective (multimedia arts), Umalohokan Incorporated (performing arts), UPLB Writers’ Club (literary arts), UPLB Jammers’ Club (music), and Indio (music). Despite the formation of the alliance in 2011, KULAYAN would have difficulty in having consistent meetings. Still, participation in cultural activities such as the annual Isko’t Iska, cultural nights, and other plays continued until 2014. KULAYAN lost its momentum, until Cruz, then coordinator of the alliance, stitched things together entering the 2nd semester of Academic Year 2016-2017. According to their Draft Constitution, KULAYAN aims to “create cooperation among cultural organizations and artists for the flourishing of a vibrant and cultural scene in the community.” Emphasizing unity, KULAYAN wants to promote art that is “relevant to our times”, “capable of raising awareness with regards to community concerns”, “art which is progressive or aiming for the improvement of Filipino society’s realities and conditions”, and “art which is nationalist in orientation” and that KULAYAN is a non-political alliance. Only two months in, KULAYAN has already participated in many activities, including the annual February Fair (they collaborated with Dekada Aktibista), workshops with Manny Garibay, the UPLB Bantayog Project, Likhandula, and the upcoming UP National Writers’ Workshop. The alliance has had four All Artist Conferences (AACs) so far, all open to UPLB cultural organizations and artists who want to sit in. Aiming for cultural revival, KULAYAN boasts a wide variety of planned activities and connections with UPLB alumni artists who offer opportunities and workshops for their members. One of their major plans is building the Magna Carta for Artists, in partnership with the University Student Council’s Community Rights and Welfare (CRAW). Artists and students have difficulty in conducting activities in the university, such as high cost for venues, equipment rentals, curfew, and the like. The crafting of the Mag na Carta for Artists’ consultation began on March 14, and will continue so that all artists in UPLB can share and contribute. [P]
UPLB PERSPECTIVE
KULTURA
MARSO 20, 2017
Ads and their
‘hugots’ WORDS l ANNA MAYE SAGAO
Nowadays, it is common to hear people utter one-liner statements that have deep and underlying meanings extending their overwhelming or often heartrending emotions. These are known as their “hugots”. From ordinary encounters to tragic break-ups, hugots play its role as an emotional device to let people express their bewildering feelings directly, but often indirectly to someone. Millennials surely proliferate its function through social media or even in ordinary interactions that made the hugot culture in the Philippine society eminent until today. Hugots astonishingly receive a massive response and acceptance from the netizens. One can pull off a sounding hugot by even just a replying a sensitive word to a thread of post on Twitter and it can also trend worldwide through hashtags, blogposts, vlogs. To think of it, your hugots can go beyond the barriers of emotions they tend to serve as people of different cultures make their own interpretations with their own feelings and experience. How Far has it Gone? From Basha’s, “Sana ako pa rin, ako na lang, ako nalang ulit”, Juan Miguel Severo’s, “Ayaw ko na maging mahalaga. Ang gusto ko ay mahalin. Ang kailangan ko ay mahalin,” to T.V. Ads? Popular fast-food chains here in the country sure knows how to empathize their market. The hugot culture seems to be effective for marketers to attract their consumers. For instance, the famous “Paraluman” and “Tuloy Pa Rin” of the “tall clown” received an outbreak of emotion. And the “cool bee” seems to be enjoying the reactions he’s getting from the crowd when he released three hugot ads titled, “Crush”, “Date” and “Vow”. Though the storylines were not that bizarre to Filipinos’ eyes, they still captured the hearts of the people through their unpredicted twists ---- the ostensibly hopeless ‘note on the burger’ move which ended up attending to their batch’s reunion, though not together but as a cute couple; the ever stinging ‘friendzone’; And the heartwrenching valentines date of the lad’s mother and a taped video of his dying dad. It seems that businesses found the purpose of such culture to actualize their business goals for these hugot ads have become another avenue for the hugot culture to extend its fame. And these ads somehow prove that Filipinos unconsciously relate to something although they’re not in the same situation as that of what the hugot really extends. Hugot for Social Change? Likewise, hugots should not only receive its prominence on social media and T.V. ads, for it can also serve as a tool for social change. If people are fond of making hugots to lessen the melancholic feeling they are having, then why can’t it be used to lessen the despondency of the nation? Since such culture is used by businesses, using it to resolve the social difficulties the nation is currently put on makes it more helpful than that of the purpose of T.V. Ads. More than what hugots primarily serve, its culture can also cultivate social consciousness by posting or uttering hugots that are related to the nation’s social condition or even “making a hugot” from a historical or present scene in bringing about effective social change. [P]
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UPLB PERSPECTIVE
OPINYON
MARSO 20, 2017
KWENTONG FRESHIE At What Cost? WORDS l JESSA SUGANOB
that cute sense of humor that leaves me and my friends in coughing fits or pretend-walk-outs with her corny jokes. She wanted to join this certain academic organization. “To have some sense of belongingness with my fellow course mates,” she said. I was happy for her. For someone like her, taking part in any extracurricular activity was a significant step away from her comfort zone. I was proud to see her grow. But then the stories came; the abuse, the tear-stained nights, the fear. Every night she cried. On some days she was so depressed to come to class. There were days in the processing week when her legs are so sore with the physical activities demanded of her to the point that she couldn’t stand properly the next day. But she persisted. It’s just a week long, after all. She already got so far. It would be a waste to quit now. And so every night in that week she crumbles and resurrects the next morning. Every time my mind drifts to her, some questions come to mind. Why did she have to undergo through such a depressing process just for the sake
of joining an organization? She might have finally gotten what she wanted, but at what cost? Through the months, I have heard some answers. To instill discipline. It is through exhibiting a militaristic disposition that we could efficiently inculcate discipline to the applicants, they said. But aren’t there more ways that we could imbue our organization’s values and principles through non-degrading and esteemcrushing means? To develop genuine passion for the org. The harder you worked to get into an org, the stronger the attachments you would form with it, they said. But aren’t there other ways that we could cultivate genuine passion and love for an org that doesn’t have physical or mental repercussions? To add some challenge to the process. This has been the worst so far. It merely goes to say that the repressive structure of a certain organization is a result of a lack of creativity in the part of the membership committee. As a UP organization, this kind of thinking brings them nothing but shame. Currently, my friend is a member of the organization now. It’s been quite a long time since we last talked. The last
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To instill discipline. It is through exhibiting a militaristic disposition that we could efficiently inculcate discipline to the applicants, they said.
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We heard it first from the mouth of our mothers. “Nak, ayaw baya jud pagapil anang mga org dira sa UP. Di ko ganahan nga nasa lungon na ka paguli nimo diri.” (Anak, promise me not to join any UP orgs. I don’t want you to be in a casket the next time I see you.) We’ve heard tales long before we set foot in the university, glaring grim headlines of “UP student dies of hazing” or “UP Org under fire for hazing accusations” from the usual early evening news casts and local newspapers. Not to say that all UP orgs are bad but it is undeniable that most of them adhere to the same “pangungupal” tactics and traditions. If you’re a UP student and you’re interested in joining an organization, you pretty much have an idea about what you’re signing up for. Or do you? Personally, I don’t know much about organizations. I haven’t exactly been a member of any since I have the proclivity to quit when things get boring and tiresome in the middle of the process. But I have witness someone change in a span of days because of it. She used to have very kind eyes and a sweet smile. She carried herself with
time I saw her, something was quite different with the gleam in her eyes. I don’t know if she’s happy or sad about what turned out with her organization. I mean, she’s finally a member of the organization. She finally got what she wanted, right? But instead, more questions just follow in my mind. Were the members’ validations worth the emotional and mental toils that she suffered from such a strenuous process? Does she even feel like she actually “belong” with them? And if yes, was that sense of belongingness worth the cost? [P]
NO FURY SO LOUD Kung Saan ang Hustisya ay Buhay SALITA l CZARINA JOY AREVALO
Tila isang malakas na putok ng bala ang ingay ng nasabing pagsasakapasa nito noong Marso 7. Isang ingay na dumagundong sa buong bansa, ingay ng isang babala. Liban sa libu-libong bilang ng mga taong namamatay sa digmaan sa droga, nakakatakot din ang bilang ng kongresista na walang pang-iimbot na umoo sa pagbabalik ng parusang kamatayan. Mula sa mga ito ay lupon ng mga kongresistang “prolife” kung ituring ang kanilang mga sarili. Mula sa mga mambabatas na ito ay mga kurakot ng bayan. Mula sa mga ito ay may mga kaso na ng pandarambong at pagtataksil sa bayan. Isang panukalang magtatanggol umano sa mga walang may sala, magbibigay hustisya sa mga napagkaitan, pero tila isang panukalang para lamang sa mga may sariling interes at may kapangyarihan ang siyang tangan ng panukalang batas na ito. Ating bigyang-pansin ang pag-alis sa panggagahasa, pandarambong, at pagtataksil sa bayan. Hindi sakop ng parusang kamatayan ang mga kasong nabanggit. Sa katunayan, mas sumesentro ang nasabing panukala sa mga kasong may kinalaman sa droga. Oo nga pala, isa itong digmaan kontra droga. Sabi nga nila, hindi mawawasto ang mali ng isa pang kamalian. Hindi
solusyon ang hatol na kamatayan upang malutas ang krimen sa Pilipinas. Sa pagnanais ng kalutasan sa mga salot ng lipunan, hindi solusyon ang pagpaslang sa mga taong biktima ng sakit na ito. Ngunit, sa ilalim ng administrasyong Duterte, tila ba ang paggamit ng dahas, ang pag-ubos sa mga taong may kaugnayan man o wala sa salot ng lipunan ang natatanging lunas. Ang unang hakbang upang masagot ang problema, maliit man o malaki, ay masusing pag-ugat sa pinagmulan nito. Sa isang administrasyon kung saan may digmaan kontra droga, may digmaan laban sa mga krimeng kinasasangkutan ng mga maralitang Pilipino, ang pagugat sa puno’t dulo nito ay mainam at rasyunal na gawin. Lahat ay mauugat sa kahirapan. Ang paglutas sa kahirapan ay pagbibigay-lunas sa sakit na mayroon sa Pilipinas. Ugatin muli, kahirapan ay bunga ng iba’t ibang inhustisya na dinaranas ng mga Pilipino-kakulangan sa natatamasang batayang serbisyo mula sa gobyerno, kawalan ng trabaho. Sa bulok at mabagal na karo ng sistema ng hustisya na mayroon sa Pilipinas, ang pagsasabatas ng pagpapahintulot sa parusang kamatayan ay isang sugal. Sa sugal na ito, may matagal nang nanalo. Sa isang bansa kung saan ang salapi ay para bang diyos o di kaya’y hukom, ang mga
mayayamang makapangyarihan ang siyang matagal nang nagwagi. Kahit ang kunwaring sugal at digmaan ay tila ba matagal ng produksyon kung saan sa likod ng telon, ang mayayamang ito ay nakakubli, nagmamasid, nakangiti sa isang tabi. Sa isang digmaan kung saan matagal nang may nanalo, ang pagbaliktad sa tatsulok sa pamamagitan ng samasamang lakas ng mamamayang Pilipino ay magpapabago sa nakagisnang lipunan. Mula rito tungo sa isang lipunang nais nating mapagtagumpayan-kung saan ang hustisya ay buhay. [P]
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Sa pagnanais ng kalutasan sa mga salot ng lipunan, hindi solusyon ang pagpaslang sa mga taong biktima ng sakit na ito.
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Hindi. Hindi mo na kailangan pang maghalungkat ng berso sa bibliya upang sabihing mali ang pumatay. Hindi mo na kailangan pang makipag-kape kay Hesus upang mapag-usapan niyo’t ikaw ay humindi sa pagkitil ng buhay. Masasalamin sa kasalukuyang administrasyon ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ang pagka-uhaw nito sa dugo, labis na pagkahilig sa karahasan. Isipin mo na lamang, tingnan mo na lamang ang mga tala. Balikan ang mga bilang. Daan-daan, libu-libo. Mahigit pitong libo. Sila ang mga tinaga, kinatay, binaril, pinaslang sa mapagpanggap na operasyon tungo sa kalutasan sa mga salot ng lipunan. Sila ang biktima ng sistemang kumikitil sa buhay ng mga inosente at maralita. Digmaan kontra droga, ika nga nila. At ngayon, ang talang ito ay kinatatakutan pang mas lalong tumaas. Ito ang takot na dala ng Panukalang Batas Blg. 4727 o ang Death Penalty Bill. Ang nasabing panukala ay pumasa na sa ikatlo at huling pagbasa sa Mababang Kapulungan sa botong 217-54-1. 217 mambabatas ang sang-ayon sa nasabing panukalang magbabalik sa parusang kamatayan. 54 sa mga mambabatas ang bumoto ng hindi, isa ang umiwas sa pagboto, at 21 ang nakaliban sa Kongreso noong araw ng botohan.
UPLB PERSPECTIVE
OPINYON
MARSO 20, 2017
11
UNDERSCRUTINY Where are you Chancy? WORDS l YSABEL DAWN ABAD
Sanchez to get a hold of the plans (if there were any) if ever the new process, SAIS, fails. However, he was nowhere to be found (or at least we haven’t had the chance to meet with him)”. Calvelo remarked that the last time they saw Chancellor Sanchez before the start of last semester’s classes was way back June 7, 2016 during the oath-taking ceremony of UPLB USC A.Y. 2016-2017. Chancellor Sanchez is also noticeably absent in dialogues with the UPLB administration regarding matters of SAIS and eUP, Campus Security and Curfew, Org Registration and Org Tambayan Phaseout, and Campus Militarization. USC only noted representatives from OVCAA, OVCCA, OVCPD, OUR and OSA during the first and second dialogues. During the dialogue about February Fair on finalizing the majority of plans and
It has been several months since the last attempted contact of the Divinity - the creep caller who put that burger in my bag which nearly killed my seatmate in one of my classes. I had been summoned to the Disciplinary Tribunal after that incident. A full four-weeks of trials with that lawyer who barely helped me to rest my case. But finally, this second semester, I have settled in. Or so I thought. The Divinity brought me nightmares over the past few months – it wreaked havoc to my life. The nightmares were horrifying. Text messages were dancing like I had dyslexia. Divinity’s messages became spam, a notification atop every notification. Every app I opened had Divinity’s name registered on it. I was losing it. Academics was a mess, my girlfriend and I broke up, and I was nearly diagnosed with schizophrenia along with several bouts of paranoia. In the past months, I had the manic habit to check my phone from time to time: anticipating Divinity to pop up like in the dreams. My girlfriend had gotten tired of it during a date in a mall when I had been continuously looking behind and around every minute. She called me a paranoid. I stayed silent. She didn’t know what I was going through, I thought. No, I knew. I just kept silent. The silent killed more than what Divinity could have done. It was over in almost a night – we were over. For those past weeks, I had been doing whatever the Divinity wanted me to – leaving my girlfriend at the hotel in the middle of the night, spending thousands of pesos on online shopping sites, and even posting pro-death penalty and pro-EJK Facebook statuses. I was being stripped off of my identity. The Divinity
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Chancellor Sanchez is also noticeably absent in dialogues with the UPLB administration regarding matters of SAIS and eUP, Campus Security and Curfew, Org Registration and Org Tambayan Phaseout, and Campus Militarization.
With these instances the students can’t help but to wonder, where was Chancellor Sanchez during these Missing-In-Action instances. More than his whereabouts, the students are also now starting to question: Where do you stand, Chancy? [P]
Divinity Part 2: 164 Pesos of Divinity WORDSl MIGUEL CARLOS LAZARTE
told me that non-compliance leads to another’s death this time. And truly, that had been proven true by my seatmate who ate the poisoned burger which the Divinity had magically put in my bag. I didn’t want to spend my days sitting in the Tribunal’s board again, being wrongly accused of attempted Riverdale-level murder. It was just a month ago when I had gotten Divinity’s last text: I will just watch you from now on. It drove me mad. I finally had the courage to go to the police, but they were skeptic. I was out of the police station in a few minutes’ time. I was stuck on my own. The Saturday was fine, a hot summer day on the upcoming hell week. I was going to the local police station in my hometown in Manila, my last hope to free my sanity. That last something to hold on to in case all boils down to a breakdown. I booked an Uber. In a few minutes, the Uber arrived as I entered the car with the usual greeting. The leather seat was fresh and clean, but I chose to corner myself at the edge of the scented car. A few seconds I waited as he finished tinkering to link the Uber app to his Waze so he knew I’d be going to the police station. A moment’s hesitation as he looked at me from the rearview mirror, maybe asking to himself Why would this boy go to the police station? I wanted to cry as I had sat in the back seat. I felt like I was being judged. Five minutes into the trip, the driver made small talk concerning the traffic of SLEX’s service road along with the usual water works and repairs being made for the skyway. I was simply nodding, replying with affirming
ooh’s and aah’s to keep the situation normal. It was not time for a breakdown. I had the police for that. I continued pretending to listen to the driver as we made our way to the intersection of the village’s gate to the other city boundary. He was complaining this time about the surges, the supply-demand of Uber booking prices vis-à-vis traffic, customers, and other Uber drivers in an area. It was unusual, I thought, for an Uber driver to be this talkative. People always had the stigma that Uber drivers were more ‘classy’ and disciplined compared with Grab and regular taxi drivers. The latter, Grab drivers, being too reckless and rough both as people and in driving and always complaining on the daily promos that Grab implements. It was a joke that Uber almost immediately suspends their drivers upon a violation of customer rights, and when Uber drivers get suspended, they end up on Grab. Regular taxi drivers oftentimes just rant about traffic, unfair Uber and Grab drivers and how they worsen traffic, and most of the time adds 50 pesos surcharges for long trips and traffic seasons. Welp, I thought. So much for my ride. A moment’s notice my driver stopped talking. He was simply looking at me from the mirror – his eyes haunting me as if he had known me for a long time. I saw how his eyes smiled, how the edges of his eye’s creases curved into a face of delight. I was freaked out. I let out a curse. He was shookt. “Ahh. Ar—,” I muttered, the voice was in my mind but the words were inaudible. “Are you the Divinity?” “Sir?” He repeated again. “Sir?” “Sir?” “S-“ My phone vibrated. Gzzz…
I let out a curse again. I hurriedly looked at the driver’s phone. We were already at our destination, and the receipt lay there. 164 pesos. In my hand, 200 pesos was prepared and I threw it almost violently. I scrammed out of the car, shut the door. And the police station was there. My phone vibrated. Ggzzzz… ggzzz.. the phone continued to vibrate, gzzz… gzzzz… In my mind, I knew. No, I knew. I really knew. Gzzz… I glanced one last time at the taxi driver. He was holding his phone, thumbs on the screen. I bent down to see his eyes, he was just there smiling in between the creases of his eyes but his lips were emotionless, but his eyes were a story. I didn’t hesitate. I checked the phone to see what was vibrating. Ah, it was an email, my Uber Receipt. I didn’t hesitate. I ran to the police station.
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He was complaining this time about the surges, the supply-demand of Uber booking prices vis-à-vis traffic, customers, and other Uber drivers in an area. It was unusual, I thought, for an Uber driver to be this talkative.
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SKETCHPAD
permits, only representatives from OVCPD, OVCCA and OSA were present and Chancellor Sanchez was still not in attendance. Calvelo said that as of now, ‘every dialogue regarding pertinent issues such as: SAIS and eUP, STS, Curfew and Org Registration – still remain to be hanging: without final decision(s) as the UPLB administration always points to the Chancellor as the one who has the power to decide on these matters.’ Without Chancellor Sanchez’ comment or approval, these issues continue to be unaddressed. During UPLB’s tribute to former UP President Alfredo E. Pascual, several students waited outside DL Umali Auditorium to talk with Chancellor Sanchez, who was present during the event. However, the students were only faced by the University Police Force.
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Last semester, University of the Philippines Los Banos has faced several issues – SAIS fiasco, first day rage and the death of a UPLB student associated with organization-related violence. Regardless of the exposure of some of these issues on national broadcasting networks, the administration has kept their silence amidst the students’ pleas. Starting with hundreds of students camping out in order to register in SAIS to the first day rage rally, the Chancellor failed to consult and listen to the student’s concerns regarding the new registration tool before the administration releases a statement about its ‘effectiveness’. In a statement issued by University Student Council Vice-Chairperson Jannsen Calvelo, he told that “even before the SAIS fiasco, the USC wanted to have a dialogue with Chancellor