FEATURE ESSAY STUDENT’S CORNER HUMANS OF AC 4 Adventure, Data Gathering, and 6 Remote Learning as UP’s Educational 7 Serving at the Frontline: Building Network in Indonesia Strategy: Are We Really Ready? Asian Center’s Skeletal Force

UP shifts to remote learning for ay 2020-2021

With stay-at-home measures implemented due to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases, the University of the Philippines adopted a complete shift to online platforms for teaching and learning in this academic year. This despite calls from various sectors for a more inclusive alternative. Courses will be delivered remotely Clockwise (from top): Dr. Caroline Hau, Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan, Zhandra Tam, Jefferson Mendez, and Marie Bernadine Umali. Photo Credit: through “the entire spectrum of Araw ng Pagkilala Online Ceremonies asynchronous or non-real time communication between teachers 7 ma and 9 phd degrees conferred and learners—from text-based (basic in first virtual graduation of asian email, FB messenger, Viber group, center and tri-college program etc.) to online discussion boards in The Asian Center and the Tri-College Cerda, Michael John Fast, Maria-Teresa different platforms (UP’s Learning PhD Philippine Studies Program held the Galura, Marichu Liwanag, Joanne Manzano, Management Systems (e.g. UVLE, first ever virtual recognition rites to honor 7 Guillerma Mendoza, Romeo Peña, Minard VLE), Canvas, Google Classroom, MA and 9 PhD graduates last 26 April 2020, Reyes and Elyrah Salanga-Torralba. Edmodo etc.)—and synchronous or amidst the lockdown imposed because of “This afternoon’s program is a historic real time communication between COVID-19. event,” noted Dean Joefe Santarita in teachers and learners (e.g. lectures, This year, three were graduates of his opening remarks. “You were able to webinars and teleconferences using MA Asian Studies: Sarah Jean Grutas, earn your degree despite the threat of such platforms as Zoom, Google Abdulwahid Panganting and Marie COVID-19… and you were able to witness Meet),” as indicated in OVPAA Bernardine Umali. Another three graduated your graduation through this special online Memorandum No. 2020-68. “CUs are with the degree of Master in Asian Studies: program,” he said. urged to adopt a uniform LMS or at Jefferson Mendez, Denzel Sarmiento and From their homes, all graduates also most two LMSs” to avoid confusion Zhandra Tam; while the lone graduate of delivered a short message, a move away among students and teachers. Master in Philippine Studies was May from having one class representative to The memorandum, released by Haydee Serona. The PhD Philippines deliver the batch’s graduation speech. the Office of the Vice President for Studies graduates were: Christoffer Mitch Turn to Page 2 Turn to Page 2

raduate candidates last May, marking the completion of their G academic requirements. defend thesis via Zoom Coincidentally, the MA students’ theses The pandemic may have put a halt on were all related to Southeast Asian studies. many things, but it certainly did not hinder Each thesis looked at Indonesia and touched Asian Center’s students from graduating. on themes such as literature, state order, Three students from the MA Asian Studies and conflict resolution. program and five from the PhD Philippine The said MA thesis are: Studies Program successfully defended their thesis through Zoom (video calling platform) Abdulwahid Panganting defends thesis via Zoom. Photo credit: Turn to Page 2 Dr. Sevilla’s Facebook 2 musyawarah: The Asian Center Newsletter

7 MA AND 9 PHD from page 1 UP SHIFTS from page 1 “I am thankful to my professors and what’s happening and to make intervention Academic Affairs on 19 July, outlines classmates who have been instrumental to to the best of [your] abilities…through the academic plans and timetable, my growth. Medyo malungkot nga lang na networks and institution…[and] participation preparations for, and implementation hindi ko sila personal na mapapasalamatan at in social and political movements,” she said. of remote learning. This was part of the personal na makakapagpaalam,” said Sarah Galvez Tan, on the other hand, drew University’s early plans and strategies Grutas in her graduation message. from his experience in working in the developed even before the COVID-19 The guests of honor were Dr. Caroline grassroots communities to highlight the in case of class suspensions brought Hau, professor at the Center for Southeast culture and traditions of the Philippine about by natural hazards, disasters, or Asian Studies in Kyoto University, for the indigenous peoples, such as traditional social and political eventualities. The Masters Program ceremonies and former medicine and healing practices, and unique implementation was now propelled by Health Secretary, Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan, for writing systems. the current public health crisis because the PhD Philippine Studies Program. Highlighting this year’s graduation of the pandemic. Tracing the developments in Asia that theme, “Maglingkod, Magmalasakit, The Board of Regents (BOR), signified its “position as the leading growth Manindigan,” he called on PhD graduates UP’s highest decision-making body, center of the world,” Hau pointed out in her to make their research beneficial. “Sana approved the shift to remote learning speech that the “growing regional clout, po ito ay maging policy, maging program during its 1352nd meeting on 30 July. connectivity and interdependence among guidelines, part of communication. Sana In the same meeting, it also adopted nations” belies the “politics of inclusion magamit ito ng maraming tao,” he said. the proposed calendar of the UP and exclusion, the unequal processes that Deviating from the usual conduct of Administration, opening classes on underpin the processes of nation as well as graduation, two separate ceremonies for 10 September and shortening the first region making in Asia.” Hau also called on the Masters Program and the Tri-College semester from the usual 16 to just 14 the important role of graduates “as students PhD Philippine Studies Program were weeks. of Asia.” prerecorded and streamed via YouTube. Sectoral regents (Student, Faculty, “It is your task… to make sense [of] and Staff Regents) have since called for a more pro-student approach to GRADUATE STUDENTS from page 1 the “new normal.” Based on the ∙∙ “The Converging Role of Traditional business and governance, history, and local university’s data, more than 5,600 Leaders and Non-Traditional Leaders literature. students may be unable to keep up in Conflict Resolution: The Cases of The PhD dissertations successfully with and afford the approved mode of Mindanao, Philippines and Maluku, defended via Zoom are: learning. Indonesia” by Abdulwahid Panganting; ∙∙ “Diskarte: Understanding Design ∙∙ “Pramoedya Ananta Toer’s Buru Culture through the Chairs of the ∙∙ “Naratibo ng Lubi sa Ating Gunita: Ang Quartet: Literature as a Site of Filipino Design Exemplars” by Industriya ng Niyog sa Panitikan at Counterhegemony and Contestation Guillerma Mendoza; Kasaysayang Pilipino, 1940–2018” by in Indonesia’s New Order” by Marie ∙∙ “Subli (Ang Pamana): Philippine Romeo Peña; and Bernardine Umali; and Culture and Values in the Governance ∙∙ Katwiran ng Kasaysayan: Ang ∙∙ “Lustful Lords, Dead Deities: Female of Filipino-Owned Family Corporations Alegoryang Pangkasaysayan at Sexuality in Indonesian Folk Literature” in the Philippines” by Maria-Teresa ang Diskurso ng Kasaysayan, by Sarah Jean Grutas. Galura; Nasyunalismo, at Bayan sa mga The PhD dissertations defended ∙∙ “Piso, The Image of Filipino Identity: Nobelang Pangkasaysayan sa Wikang remotely, on the other hand, examined The Concealed Value of Philippine Tagalog, 1905–1927” by Christoffer Philippine culture, tradition and values as New Generation Currency” by Minard Cerda. seen in aspects such as design, kinship, Reyes;

THE DEAN’S CORNER

MILESTONES by Prof. Joefe B. Santarita, Ph.D. “Time flows away like the water in the river.” I am glad that we have revived this newsletter, despite being at Indeed, this saying from Confucius perfectly fits the bill to a time when the world is suffering from COVID-19. Regardless of describe the development of Musyawarah. Time flew by in the past the limitations, we continue the dialogue and record the milestones 14 years since the release of the newsletter’s maiden issue. Its of the Center and its constituency. The newsletter complements the inception was geared primarily towards documenting the activities Asian Center’s website and other social media platforms in widely conducted by the Asian Center and the achievements of its students disseminating our activities and advocacies. Furthermore, it gives and alumni. As the newsletter’s first editor-in-chief (EIC), I remember our students the opportunity to share their travels and travails, flights well that it featured the experience of an alumna studying in South and plights, as well as inspirations and inhibitions regarding Asia and Korea. After a decade and four years, that alumna is now the EIC of beyond. By and large, the collective narratives greatly enable the the revived newsletter. Asian Center to perform its mandate, as envisioned by its founders— Musyawarah, the Bahasa term for “discussion,” is a fitting to be a “world center” for the study of Asia. word to carry the newsletter’s purpose of promoting and facilitating With the help of Dr. Michelle Palumbarit and her team, I hope discussion among stakeholders, and providing space for students that this newsletter will encourage Asian Center’s students to take to showcase their achievements, passion and skills related to Asia. It part in the discussion, as their time, likewise, flows away like the is a forum where academic and literary expressions of faculty, staff, water in the river. students, and alumni are highly welcomed. Padayon! SEPTEMBER 2020 | Volume 1 | Issue 1 3

ASIA IN FOCUS NORTHEAST ASIA japan’s pm abe resigns due to health condition by Justin Beneraba Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe consecutive days from November 9, 1964 to announced his resignation due to his poor July 7, 1972. health condition on August 28. “In politics, what matters more is not “I apologize from the bottom of my how many days you were in office, but what heart that despite all of the support from the you have accomplished,” Abe said. Japanese people, I am leaving the post with Markets have responded negatively one full year left in my term and in the midst following the announcement of Abe’s of various policies and coronavirus,” he said. resignation. Tokyo’s benchmark Nikkei index The 65-year-old prime minister has long reversed earlier gains and closed down suffered from an intestinal condition called more than 1.4%, while the Japanese yen ulcerative colitis. His recent hospital visits rose 0.3% against the U.S. dollar. The Nikkei have fueled the rumors about his ability to 225 Index fell 1.41%, or 326.21 points, to handle the job before his term, as the leader Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Photo from CNN Philippines 22,882.65 after the country’s local media of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), reported that Abe was set to step down. increased government spending, and and hence, premier, expires next year. Abe’s resignation also raises the structural reforms. Abe also pledged to It was the second time Abe has question of his replacement. The LDP is set strengthen Japan’s military and to revise the resigned due the same health condition. His to hold an election which will be followed by pacifist, U.S.-drafted constitution. first tenure as prime minister started in late a parliamentary vote to elect the new prime Shinzo Abe is Japan’s longest-serving 2006 but he abruptly stepped down in 2007. minister who will hold the post until the end prime minister. On August 24, he marked Abe was re-elected in a rare second of Abe’s term in September 2021. his 2,799th consecutive day in office since term in 2012. He launched his multipronged he retook the prime minister position in late economic program called “Abenomics” Justin Beneraba is an MA Asian Studies 2012. He surpassed Eisaku Sato, his great which included massive monetary stimulus, student, specializing in Japanese studies. uncle, who held the same post for 2,798

SOUTH ASIA SOUTHEAST ASIA WEST ASIA

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a rifle during a defence Protests in Thailand. Photo by Adam Dean, New York Times IAEA Dir. Gen. Rafael Grossi with Head of Iran’s Atomic Energy expo in February. Photo by AP Organization Ali-Akbar Salehi inTehran. Photo by EPA

India is set on acquiring In the latest wave of On 26 August 2020, the $2 billion worth of arms and pro-democracy protests in Islamic Republic of Iran has weaponry despite making policy Southeast Asia, at least 10,000 voluntarily given the International announcements that ban the demonstrators in Thailand call for Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) import of military equipment to a new constitution and demand access to two locations specified by the agency to facilitate boost local production. This move a change from the repressive verification of Iran’s possible comes four months after the militaristic governance in the undeclared nuclear material and confrontation between India and country. Many sectors have activities. In a joint statement China in the Himalayan borders, since joined the rallies, openly published by the Director which increasingly heightened defying the taboo of challenging General of the IAEA and the Vice the tension between the two the monarchy. In the past, human President of Iran, the two have superpowers. India has failed rights violations have been resolved to cooperate facilitating to make significant headway rampant in Thailand as critics of the full implementation of the in strengthening the local the crown have disappeared and Comprehensive Safeguards weapons industry since it was been killed. Agreement and the Additional first proposed by Prime Minister Protocol (AP), to which Iran applied for in 2016. Narendra Modi in 2014.

News reports collated by Jane Dasal and Danae Pantano 4 musyawarah: The Asian Center Newsletter

THE KEY NOTE Adventure, data gathering, and building network in Indonesia by Abdulwahid Panganting A day after my panel members accepted my research proposal on October 2019, I immediately started drafting an itinerary for a fieldwork in Indonesia. Intended to be completed in less than a month, from 16 November until 12 December, the itinerary was dense and consisted of five cities: Surabaya, Malang, Jogjakarta, Ambon, and Manado. While the allocated time was quite short for the cities to be explored thoroughly, I was confident in my decision because I think that one is truly baptized as an Asian Studies student when you travel to historical places in Asia, such as Jogjakarta where famous Hindu and Buddhist temples are housed.

Photo from Mr. Abdulwahid Panganting (fourth from left) shows the raja of Negeri Hitu Lama, Leihitu, Maluku (fifth from left) with the students from Universitas Pattimura.

The transit from Manila to Indonesia— where I did research, was also located there. Protestantism and Islam. It is inaccessible to with a layover in Kuala Lumpur—took almost I was unable to visit the said temples, but tourists because of the limited flights to and 24 hours. Hence, I decided to sleep in I was still lucky to have visited the official from Ambon. Transportation was inefficient: Surabaya, where I landed, before going to residence of the Sultan and the presidential there were no taxis or ride-hailing services. Malang. The next day, I headed to a train palace. Regrettably, my stay in Jogjakarta Only motorcycles and a few jeep-like station near my bedspace accommodation was cut short since I must proceed to vehicles roamed the city. The only things to to catch a train to Malang where one of my Ambon. be observed are the serenity that envelopes respondents lives. I went back to Surabaya to catch a flight the city and the rhythmic lull of the sea’s Malang’s probinsya-like ambiance to Ambon via Makassar. For many reasons, waves. welcomed me. Compared to Jakarta’s I felt uncomfortable going to Ambon, the The lack of necessities in the place sprawling metropolis, Malang is bounded locale of my research. Ambon, or Central is secondary to its tumultuous past. Two with refreshing sceneries, with a fair Maluku by large, is frequently jolted by decades back, Ambon had gone through demography and quite comfortable earthquakes. During my entire stay in a bloody ethnic cum religious conflict that transportation. The Dutch influence on the Indonesia, 145 cases of earthquakes had claimed thousands of lives and destroyed architectural style of picturesque houses and been recorded in Maluku and nearby areas. houses, properties and places of worship. a church amidst the suburb—distinct from In fact, there was an alert that a tsunami may The city’s slogan, “Ambon manise” or grandiose Mosques outside the exclusive come a day before my flight because of the “pretty Ambon,” might be the opposite of village—revealed the remnants of Dutch tremors. Upon arrival, I was welcomed by its bitter past. This, however, is redeemed colonization that once controlled the city. by the truly pretty, congenial and sweet In Malang, and across Indonesia, “Surprisingly, Manado locals. Contrary to my biases, the people motorcycles were everywhere. While I of Ambon are in fact the most welcoming should not be stunned by this aspect of closely resembled the and accommodating, compared with other Indonesian culture, I was still enthralled ethnolinguistic groups in Indonesia. as everyone—elderly, young, men and Filipino communities back As evidence of their hospitality, I was women—comfortably used a motorcycle home. Naturally, it gave me able to interview all the professors I needed as their mode of transportation. In fact, my to just by introducing myself as a researcher teacher fetched and toured me around using a feeling of serenity.” from the Philippines. One professor invited her motorcycle. me to his office and, upon knowing the title After staying in Malang for a week, I of my research, arranged a meeting for me bade adieu to travel to Jogjakarta. an earthquake-damaged airport and cracked with the dean, Dr. Pariela. The dean was Jogjakarta is special for being the only buildings. generous to give me a brief yet substantial province in Indonesia that still practices Ambon is situated in Central Maluku, presentation on the topic I was researching, the Sultanate system. Thus, the sultan east of Indonesia. Formerly a Dutch- together with books and a photocopy of his also stands as the governor in the city. The controlled city, it is an island rich in spices master’s thesis that he assumed will be province also houses a lot of tourist spots and is a forgotten gem. It is also a melting useful to me. such as the Prambanan and Borobudur pot of different ethnolinguistic groups in The students were equally helpful. Temples. One of Indonesia’s topnotch Maluku province and nearby islands including Despite the city’s lack of accessible university, the Gadja Madah University, Makassar, and of different religions such as transportation, students occasionally fetched SEPTEMBER 2020 | Volume 1 | Issue 1 5

EDITOR’S CORNER dr. aileen baviera: remembering the legacy an invitation to by Prof. Antoinette Raquiza, Ph.D. the discussion The last time I had a chance to talk by Prof. Michelle R. Palumbarit, Ph.D. to Dr. Aileen San Pablo Baviera was in November. The Asia-Pacific Pathways I am delighted to introduce to you to Progress Foundation, Inc. or APPFI, the first issue of Musyawarah for this of which she was the founding president academic year. Since its inception in 2006, and moving force, organized in Manila the newsletter has featured stories of great an international workshop, entitled significance. It highlighted various events in “Southeast Asia Regional Cooperation Asia, featured perspectives from scholars on Amidst Great Power Competition,” for various issues and showcased achievements the ASEAN-ISIS network. of Asian Center’s constituents—from The APPFI was accepted as the students, faculty, staff and even its alumni. Philippine representative to the ASEAN- From capturing proud moments of Institutes of Strategic and International students’ achievements to featuring timely Photo Credit: FES Philippines Podcast in 2019 Studies (ASEAN ISIS) in May 2018, and, conferences and lectures, Musyawarah served as chair and host of the network invites you to spare a moment and listen focused on specific country in 2019. Needless to say, APPFI’s to the precious stories of the people from studies, was overhauled to membership in the regional network of various walks of life that makes the Asian promote a comparative analytical elite think tanks was a feat unto itself; Center an institution. It also enjoins you to framework around specific themes. to be given the leadership role in such take part in the ‘musyawarah’ (discussion) of This reorientation allowed for a a short time spoke volumes of Aileen’s the happenings not just in the Asian Center deeper study of similar and distinct incredible cachet in the community but also within the national and international development patterns as a result of international relations and security arena. of historical legacies as well as experts in the region and beyond. Let us continue the discussion. I look intensifying globalization and I cite this experience to illustrate the forward to receive your contributions to regionalism. kind of leader that Dr. Baviera was. Musyawarah in the succeeding issues. 2. In line with this programmatic Dr. Baviera brought this rare Amidst this pandemic, I trust that reform was the strengthening of AC combination of expertise, grit, and everything is well with you. programs on other regions, starting gravitas during her tenure as dean of the with the aggressive recruitment of Asian Center from 2003 to 2009. faculty members. In 2003, when she took over the helm 3. The forging of the partnership from page 4 ADVENTURE of the Asian Center, Dr. Baviera already between UP and the Toyota Motors had more than 20 years of experience me from my place. With them, I visited Philippine Corporation for the as a foreign and strategic studies scholar restaurants, beaches, and amusing places. setting up of the GT-Toyota Hall of and policy analyst, specializing on China During their free time, we sat near the shore Wisdom and the GT-Toyota Asian and Philippines-China relations, and also and watched the sunset while talking about Center Auditorium. Aileen initiated Southeast Asia and ASEAN. By then, she Filipino artists. In the evening, they toured the P100 million-project in March had already assumed different roles that 2008 as part of the then AC’s UP me around the city in their motorcycles. gave her depth as an academic and a Centennial fund-raising activities. They were of great help as I interviewed public intellectual. respondents in and outside the city. The Fresh out of college in 1979, she When I look back at Aileen’s life, camaraderie I had built with them was the got involved in the anti-dictatorship I see her as always peaking, always most precious treasure in my travel. movement and, while pursuing growing, always setting new goals for From Ambon, I proceeded to Manado, higher studies in China, helped with herself and the people she worked with. my last destination. Surprisingly, Manado international solidarity work. Since then, Whether by force of circumstance or by closely resembled the Filipino communities she also worked intermittently with the design, she excelled in whatever role she back home. Naturally, it gave me a feeling of Department of Foreign Affairs’ Foreign assumed. She had an indomitable spirit, serenity. I was unable to explore much of the Service Institute—which eventually even in the face of adversity, that it often city because I spent only a couple of days culminated with her heading its Center seemed to me that nothing at all could there, but I was glad to have a peek of its for International Relations and Strategic ever crush her. environs by hanging out in a mall for hours to Studies in 1993. Just before she joined Equally important, when she spread stroll around and look for batik. the Asian Center in 1998, she served her wings, she would take us along with As I look back on these memories, I as executive director of the Philippine- her. All of us—in our professional careers, thought that this experience would not be China Development Resource Center in our private lives, and in our institutional realized were it not for the Asian Center and that built people-to-people linkages in positioning, benefitted from Aileen’s my panel members who pushed me to go development and cultural work. wisdom, decency, and commitment. beyond my comfort zone. Indeed, studying One can argue that it was this Many of the students and staff whom at the Asian Center opened doors for me to accumulated knowledge and diverse she mentored and who followed along explore the world. experience as well as her exposure to the paths she carved for them have gone new trends in area studies and regional on to build their own careers. In those Adbulwahid Panganting is a graduate of and global trends that allowed Dr. Baviera lives, in the possibilities she opened for MA Asian Studies of Class 2020. This essay to steer the Asian Center toward three so many of the people around her, we chronicles his fieldwork experience for his thesis, fundamental changes: find her true legacy. “The Converging Role of Traditional Leaders and Non-Traditional Leaders in Conflict Resolution: 1. Under her term, the 40-year old Dr. Antoinette Raquiza is an Associate Professor at the Asian Center. The Case of Mindanao, Philippines and Maluku, Asian Studies curriculum, which Indonesia.” 6 musyawarah: The Asian Center Newsletter

all solid has STUDENT VOICES melted into air: REMOTE LEARNING AS UP’S EDUCATIONAL The COVID-19 pandemic through the accelerationist perspective STRATEGY: ARE WE REALLY READY? by Allen Casey Gumiran by Sean Thakur Until recently, the term Late as it is, the Philippine national government was compelled by the looming threat ‘accelerationism’ has been referred as of COVID-19 to suspend classes in Metro Manila and in nearby Luzon provinces for a week, a political heresy. Likewise, right-wing starting on March 10. Little did we know that this was the beginning of the world’s longest extremists have used accelerationism community quarantine that would cause the on-going semester, including each bit of normalcy as a tactic of gaining power, even if in our lives, to come to a halt. accelerationist philosophy has preceded Adversely affected by the situation, various student concerns. their existence. To begin this trip to a educational institutions faced the inevitable The administration’s efforts to deal contested terminology, how can we need to re-assess learning systems and with gaps in learning for this semester is define accelerationism and how does execute changes for the incoming academic commendable. There is, however, a need to it relate to the ongoing COVID-19 year. In UP, as in other schools, the Board realize that addressing continuity in education pandemic? of Regents (BOR) resolved to implement is not devoid of our country’s struggle against According to the British philosopher remote learning, an education modality in the pandemic, as its onslaught brought us to Nick Land, its original proponent, a synchronous (real-time) or asynchronous re-assess learning in the first place. Student accelerationism claims that mere resistance to the ruling ideology is (flexible) setup which can be accessed support programs for internet connectivity not enough. Instead, accelerationists anywhere using a device with internet and gadgets only provide partial relief to advocate for capitalism to be stretched connection. This despite opposition from those in need. In the face of an economic into its limits and be taken over by radical university sectors. recession that contracted the Philippines’ projects. Some champion social revolution With the Philippines still battling GDP to 16.5%, coupled with a minuscule through programs such as universal basic COVID-19 eight months after the first economic package to boost the economy, income and green economy to tackle reported case in the country, an essential where will our students, faculty, and staff get climate change. Others believe that question should be asked as we open the the money to pay for electricity and internet intensive forays to artificial intelligence will new academic year. bills, assuming that everyone will be reached resolve the dilemma of unemployment by the support programs? Faculty and staff and bureaucratic intervention on citizens. members are at a greater disadvantage: What they have in common is the grim a one-time device subsidy costing P6,000 reality that future technologies such as for the faculty was proposed; there was no automation will cause massive changes provision for the staff. The proposal also in society, and drastic preparations will be includes a P1,000-1,500 internet subsidy necessary for the rest of humanity. for both staff and faculty, which allows for Accelerationism is becoming a monthly data allocation of 70-100 GB for relevant due to the travails that various home wi-fi. An hour-long good quality Zoom governments are experiencing in this call typically uses 700 MB to 1.2 GB of data. pandemic. Accelerationists claim that Such problems are partly behind the neoliberal orthodoxy is not doing well calls from various youth groups to implement to cope; and this situation is not just an academic freeze and postpone the an accident. Neoliberalism by design school opening. These calls also concern is fragile. It relies on interdependence our professors, who need to scramble to on trade and open borders to function, Photo Credit: UPD USC’s Facebook principles which have been reversed create course packs for their classes while in recent months with lockdowns and Is UP ready to fully implement remote contending with copyright restrictions state intervention. Even mainstream learning for this semester? for learning materials, and administrative publications such as The Financial Times support. Taking into account pedagogical note that neoliberalism is in serious doubt Teleconferencing and comprehensive considerations, imagine how difficult it must as the world enters an uncertain era, course guides are the main tools expected be for them to compress a semester’s worth tilting between the replacement of the to make remote learning possible in the first of learning in a course pack with just a month system in its entirety or a total collapse. semester, as discussed by UP System officials before school opening. The concerns and stances posed by during the UP Diliman town hall for students. Everyone is forced to adjust to the accelerationists have their critics. They In the same event, support programs for so-called “new normal in education,” but accuse the accelerationists of being student concerns on connectivity, devices, who would even want to live in a rehash pessimistic. Accelerationists retort that and mental health were guaranteed to be of an already unequal and unjust normal of neoliberalism must be overcome, and instituted by the university. Consultations before? Our right to education has long been their proposals are meant to provide on colleges, including the Asian Center, compromised by a neoliberal framework that the means to break loose from the were also conducted by student councils to treats such as a commodity, creating a divide cycle. Whether you agree or not with collate on-the-ground sentiments regarding that makes education inaccessible to many. accelerationists, they represent an the university’s plans. Concerns raised This disadvantageous situation should not be attempt to look at things beyond the rose- were mostly on the preparedness of the amplified by the mere acceptance of remote tinted glasses of today. university to institute distance learning— learning as our sole option. And if it is, for Allen Casey Gumiran is a student adjust classroom and practical courses to how long must we endure it? This pandemic of MA Philippine Studies, specializing in Society and Culture. the remote setup and develop programs for Turn to Page 8 SEPTEMBER 2020 | Volume 1 | Issue 1 7

HUMANS OF AC SERVING AT THE FRONTLINE: ASIAN CENTER’S SKELETAL WORKFORCE by Jane Maren Dasal Even before 6 am, Lito takes his motorcycle out to begin his 20 km travel from Montalban, Rizal to Quezon City. This is his routine for 15 days of every month when he is assigned as the security guard on day shift duty at the Asian Center (AC). At 7 am, his 12-hour shift officially begins until he is relieved from duty by another colleague in the evening. Lito Abrilla, “Abre,” to his colleagues or “Kuya Lito” to the students, is one of our kuyas and ates that serve as the skeletal workforce of the Asian Center. Kuya Lito’s nature of work, and that of the other frontliners, does not allow the same The Asian Center staff, custodians, and security guards during the 2019 UP Diliman Lantern Parade. From L (back) Cristian Limban, liberties as with many university employees Jeffrey Mariano, Jonjon Katigbak, Mark Manliclic, Frankie Bogoc. From R (front) Chris Lleno, Roderick Castillo, Arlene Espinola. Photo from Arlene Espinola’s Facebook page. who can transition into a work-from-home arrangement. magkakasama sa araw. Minsan lang din kami and deliver essential documents within half- His usual 40-minute travel to work magkita,” Ate Arlene described. a-day, after which he heads home. acquired an additional 30 minutes when Unlike Kuya Lito, Ate Arlene and the The limits to movement, even just the enhanced community quarantine was other custodial staff come to the office only within the university, was a big adjustment imposed because of checkpoints. “Ang twice-a-week. For each day, only two to for Kuya Jun. Even before the lockdown, dinadaanan kong checkpoint noong ECQ, three custodial staff are on duty. he was one of several AC staff who biked minsan apat o lima. Pinakamababa na yung The two-day work schedule has different to work. He said that biking ensures that dalawa. Hindi maiiwasan na mahaba ang implications for the other frontliners in the he gets a healthy amount of daily physical pila, puro motor lang yun. Wala namang Asian Center. activity. But because of a comorbidity, he is social distancing sa motor,” Kuya Lito said For Frankie Bogoc, one of the Center’s now fetched from his home to lessen the regarding the risks he faces when going to technical assistant, the new schedule and risk of possible exposure to the virus. work. the lack of physical classes mean that his While the limited activities brought on Aside from this, he is also constantly time is now more spent on repairs and by the community quarantine resulted in exposed to visitors at the Asian Center as gardening. Prior to the quarantine, Kuya drastic changes that affected work routines, he implements standard precautionary Frankie was responsible for setting up the it has another implication on people’s way measures, such as temperature check, for technical equipment used during classes of bonding together. Ate Arlene thinks back those transacting or delivering documents in and events. on the days before the lockdown, “Dati the college. “Walang mga customer ngayon dahil masaya kaming nakakapasyal kahit saan “Hindi mo alam baka magka-virus ka wala ring mga estudyante at event. Kaya namin gusto. Nakakakain kami sa labas ng sa dinadaanan mo, o baka may virus yung maaga ako nakakauwi kapag pumapasok. mga anak ko.” kausap mo,” he said when describing his Nakafocus ako sa pamilya [at] sa pagtulong With the kind of government response in biggest challenge during the community sa household,” said Kuya Frankie. His shift the Philippines, the battle against COVID-19 quarantine. used to be from 11 am to 8 pm to ensure has become more than just a health concern. The same worry occupies Arlene that all equipment was returned to safety It has seeped into various aspects of our lives Espinola, who has been part of Asian after classes. Now, his shift has been from and by extension, affected mental wellbeing, Center’s custodial staff for eight years 8 am to 5 pm. livelihood, and family relationships. In this already. What Ate Arlene fears most is the Similar physical reporting policies situation, our frontliners bear the brunt. Many risk of contracting the virus and infecting her implemented in other offices in the university in the skeletal workforce of the university are family. brought a different challenge for Felipe Nario, outsourced from agencies and thus are not Precautionary measures and guidelines Jr., who has been with the Asian Center for afforded the same policies that safeguard have been imposed at the Asian Center to nearly 40 years already. Kuya Jun, as he is their protection and benefits. As a university decrease the risk of possible transmission, more commonly called, handles and delivers that serves the people, it is only right for UP changing the dynamics of interaction in the the documents to be submitted to other to ensure and act so that they, the frontliners, workplace. offices in UP Diliman, such as the HRDO and are given their due in terms of protection and “Nagbago yung pakikihalubilo the Cash Office. compensation for serving in our frontlines. namin sa mga kasama sa work, yung “Minsan, hindi mo kasabay ng pasok ang While many of UP’s employees, faculty and pakikipagkwentuhan. Hindi na [kasi] kami hahawak ng papeles sa ibang opisina. Kaya students are protected in their homes, who sabay-sabay kumakain. Hindi na kami kailangang bumalik,” he said. On days that then will protect our frontliners? he reports for work, he manages to process 8 musyawarah: The Asian Center Newsletter

ACSO CORNER ALUMNI CORNER: STAYING IN TOUCH so why go to grad HOME LIES IN THE HEART: school? ASIAN CENTER AS HOME by Rebecca Verzola by Prof. Grace Odal-Devora, Ph.D. There’s a whole lot more to getting Before enrolling at the Asian Center, I was a graduate of BA English, major in Comparative a Master’s degree than merely facing Literature. I was a lover of literature even in high school. academic challenges. Emotional, mental I took up a Master’s degree in Asian Studies focusing on Southeast Asia, with Indonesia and even financial stress could take their toll as country of specialization. In my literary studies, I wanted to come home. on a graduate student trying to accomplish While studying at the Asian Center, I discovered the wayang puppets. It became a topic class requirements amidst deadlines and, for my thesis, “The Hero in the Javanese Wayang Purwa Texts” where I derived three kinds sometimes, work responsibilities. And now, of hero: Arjuna-“alus”, Bima-“kasar”, and Semar, the trickster. I was coming home to my we also must consider an uncertain future understanding of heroes. because of these trying times. Through the wayang puppets, I also discovered my inner-dance advocacy, which I called So why pursue a Master’s degree? Sayaw-Bathala, Alay-Sayaw, Sayaw-Babaylan, and Alay Sayaw-Mutya for Earth – Healing. Students enter graduate school for various By understanding the wayang wong (dancers imitating the movements of puppets by reasons: to start a career; to expand surrendering to the movements of the puppeteer), I got the idea of divine dancing as an knowledge in their profession and field unschooled way of tuning into a natural flowing state, or inner rhythm of the body, through of specialization; to widen employment breathing, humming and chanting, inner visualization, and hearing inner melodies. I was opportunities; or perhaps, just to study a coming home to my body. field that they love. I got to tour Sagada with international students at the Asian Center. As we were Admission to Asian Center’s MA entering a cave with an underground waterfall, my foot was caught in-between two rocks. program is not an easy task, and what This experience introduced me to the story of Bernardo Carpio; the story of Bathala as a comes next is another matter altogether. local giant-god imprisoned within a giant rock; and the “mutya” as talismanic gemstone, Graduate school, for me, was a novel symbolizing inner power, or local metaphor of the hidden, spark of light and divinity within; experience because I had to jump from one the “pearl of immortality” of Lao Tzu; the “Blue Pearl” of Hinduism; the Chintamani (Wishing- technical field to an entirely different one. Stone Gem of Buddhism); the Pearl of Allah of Islam; and the Pearl of Great Price of Eastern You will have to read and write academic Christianity. I was coming home to my indigenous home. papers—papers, papers, and look, more This discovery of “Mutya” as the local alchemy for the Philosopher Stone, and as the papers. Will you impress your professor? image of the Divine Female as Shakti, Shekinah, and Sophia—made me write about it for After finishing coursework, you still have my dissertation in the PhD Philippine Studies Tri-College Program. I can say that I have come to pass your comprehensive exams. What home to my heart, my spiritual home. will be your topic for your research proposal? It was the Asian Center that served as my educational home, that provided my inter- Will you continue writing your thesis? This is disciplinary strength to write about the “mutya” in language; in narratives and folklore; in the future—your future—I am talking about. literature and the arts; and in history. Difficult as it may seem, there is always light at the end of the tunnel as long as you do not Prof. Grace Odal-Devora, PhD is the president of the Asian Center Alumni Association. lose your motivation. My advice: DO NOT STOP READING! Learning never and should never stop. Join REMOTE LEARNING from page 6 conferences—expanding your environment must end but the government in charge of executing plans to make physical classes possible will bring you new perspectives. Connect with necessary health measures is incompetent, to say the least. with your classmates—you never know Neighbors in the region—Taiwan, Brunei and Vietnam, to name a few—are commended who you are going to meet. Develop good for their early and public health-centered measures to fight COVID-19. Some were already study habits—it will help your professional able to hold physical classes with proper health measures in place to prevent a resurgence of development, as well. Commitment and cases. The Philippine government’s response, on the other hand, is still led by a “guns and determination are keys to surviving graduate goons” approach. How will remote learning proceed when families are struggling to keep school. When you feel or think about giving up with living expenses without enough government intervention during an economic and up, remember what made you decide to medical crisis? take a Master’s degree. Remember your Economic concerns on remote learning might seem bigger than the university, but drive and your inspiration. These will help history proves to us that there is no battle big enough for UP to take on. It must realize you get past this stage of your life. Relax. the need to press for the healing of our nation—one that would start by calling for a better Breathe. Smile. Know that your professors normal through a better pandemic response (salute to our UP COVID Response Team). This will always be there to guide you in your is essential if it really wants to prioritize the safety of its constituents, along with the Filipino academic journey. Anything is possible people, and to stay true to its mandate of service. when you have the right people to support At this rate, no one, not even UP, is fully ready to pursue a remote semester. It is a you. We all started from the same point. For challenge to push for the maximum; or else, the alternative will only end up leaving more you, that is today. Welcome freshies! You people behind. got this.

Sean Thakur is chairperson of the UP Diliman University Student Council A.Y. 2019-2020. He is a Rebecca Verzola is the president of the Asian currently taking up MA Philippine Studies, specializing on Development Studies. Center Students Organization. She is taking up MA Asian Studies, specializing in West Asia. SEPTEMBER 2020 | Volume 1 | Issue 1 9

ASIAN CENTER IMPLEMENTS GENERAL HEALTH GUIDELINES TO BATTLE COVID-19 by Miccah Angela Frayna Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the UP Asian Center is through the AC online system at least a day before the desired closely monitoring the health, safety, and well-being of our schedule. All employees and visitors must use the Hall of Wisdom students, faculty and staff, as well as the UP Community. The main entrance, wear a facemask, wipe footwear on doormats Center instituted a Post-Enhanced Community Quarantine with disinfectants, fill out a health screening form to facilitate (ECQ) Team and Health Committee to ensure the proper future contact tracing, and undergo temperature screening. implementation of health protocols, and immediately respond to Everyone is also advised to strictly follow the University’s policies health emergencies and other potential hazards that may affect and guidelines, maintain physical distancing, and regular hand the health and safety of personnel and clientele. washing to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Currently, work-from-home (WFH) is the default work setup Anyone exhibiting COVID-19-related symptoms will be of the AC staff. For essential and priority functions, staff may immediately isolated and brought to the designated holding area report physically to work for a maximum of two days a week while the health liaison officer or any member of the unit’s post- as prescribed by the Post-ECQ Team and the UPD COVID-19 ECQ team shall coordinate with the UP Health Service (UHS) for Task Force. Vulnerable employees such as senior citizens and an immediate consultation. employees with comorbidities were offered an alternative work We encourage everyone to continue to work together and arrangement to avoid exposure. support the community as we face these challenging times. As After the ECQ was lifted in Metro Manila, the Asian UP shifts to remote learning for the first semester of A.Y. 2020- Center was sanitized and disinfected. Control and public health 2021, the Asian Center is committed to providing expanded measures implemented were: the installation of physical access to academic resources and support systems, strengthen barriers in the visitor’s area, placement of floor markers and our linkages, and prioritize health and well-being during the global infographic signages, designation of unidirectional walkways pandemic. Together, we can win against COVID-19. and different entrance and exit points, and a holding area with You may contact the following for any COVID-19 related proper ventilation for employees who may contract symptoms, information and concerns: etc. These measures help lower the risk of disease transmission, ∙∙ University Health Service: 0947.427.9281 avoid contact among workers, decrease the duration of ∙∙ UP Diliman COVID-19 Task Force: covid19.taskforce@upd. infection, and increase the physical and mental resilience of edu.ph our constituents pursuant to the DOH Memorandum No. 2020- ∙∙ Counseling Services via telemedicine: 8981.8500 local 2702 0157 or the “Cleaning and Disinfection in Various Settings as an ∙∙ PsychServ: 8981.8500 local 2496 or mobile number. Infection Prevention and Control Measure against COVID-19” 0916.757.3157 and the UPHS Memorandum on Cleaning and Disinfection of You may also visit the Online Portal of University of the Building and Offices. Philippines COVID-19 News and Information to see the latest Students or visitors who require the physical presence of information and updates on UP’s response during this public any AC personnel for a transaction should set up an appointment health situation.

AC: TALK OF THE TOWN AC’S FIRST WEBINAR TACKLES FILIPINO MIGRANT CHILDREN

The Asian Center in cooperation with UP CIFAL, the ∙∙ Ian Simbulan, Executive Producer, The Reporter’s Notebook Commission on Filipinos Oversears, the Philippine Department of ∙∙ Marita del Rosario-Apattad, Director, Project Management Education, Diaspora 4 Education, and UNICEF organized its first- Division, Commission on Filipinos Overseas ever webinar titled, “Inclusive education for Filipino Children on ∙∙ Ellene Sana, Executive Director, Center for Migrant Advocacy the Move: Making the invisible visible.” It was held last 31 July ∙∙ Diosdado San Antonio, Undersecretary for Curriculum and 2020, 2 pm, Manila Time through Zoom, an online teleconferencing Instruction, Department of Education platform. Dr. Maruja Asis of the Scalabrini Migration Center delivered the welcoming remarks followed by an overview on ensuring the right of education to children by Ms. Teresita Felipe of UNICEF. The main presentation by Dr. Jocelyn Celero, an assistant professor from the UP Asian Center, discussed the present education situation Filipino migrant children as well as issues on the availability of child-migrant related programs of host countries, accessibility, quality and type of educational opportunities and programs provided by the Philippine government for repatriated Filipino migrants. To address these issues, reactors shared their comments and presented their own insights: 10 musyawarah: The Asian Center Newsletter

AC BITS AND BITES

NEW ACQUISITIONS FROM THE ASIAN CENTER CONFERENCES AND LIBRARY: FEATURED ARTICLES LECTURES Established in 1956, the Asian Center Library is UP’s primary hub of Asian and Philippine January 31 studies related materials. It supports the learning, teaching, and research programs of the Center through acquiring, organizing, and dissemination of information materials to all stakeholders: students, faculty, Conflict in West Asia: Implications for staff, and scholars. In this list, we feature articles that tackle current issues on health, governance, culture, Philippine Migration and development in Asia. February 20 Japanese Society and Culture: Mobilizing Policy (In)Capacity to Fight COVID-19: A Lecture and Debriefing Seminar Understanding Variations in State Responses Giliberto Capano, Michael Howlett, Darryl S.L. Jarvis, M. Ramesh & February 21 Nihit Goyal (2020) People’s Mobility in the Time of COVID-19 1 Policy and Society Volume 39, 2020 - Issue 3 March 2 This collection of essays seeks to gain insights into the different national-level VFA Termination: New Strategic Moves? state responses to COVID-19 around the world and the conditions that shaped them. July 31 Inclusive Education for Filipino Children on the Move Politics and Science: The Case of China and the Coronavirus Kerry Brown & Ruby Congjiang Wang (2020) August 14 Asian Affairs Volume 51, 2020 - Issue 20 ASEAN Centrality: Up Close and Personal 2 This article looks at the spread of the disease across China, and around the August 28 globe, as a multi-layered issue affecting both politics and science. It highlights Wikang Filipino at iba pang Rehiyunal na issues on Chinese governance during the public health crisis, and examines the Wika at Gamit Nito sa Panahon ng mga geopolitical atmosphere among states, particularly China and the United States. Hamon at Krisis

September - November Living in Guyub: Assessing the South Korean Model of Emergency Management during the Asian Center Webinar Series COVID-19 Pandemic Min-Hyu Kim, Wonhyuk Cho, Hemin Choi & Joon-Young Hur (2020) Asian Studies Review 3 This article analyzes South Korea’s response to COVID-19 and how it reflects musyawarah expectations of good governance. It assesses the strengths and challenges to the model, showing that South Korea has been reactive rather than preventive EDITORIAL BOARD amid outbreaks in key public places. Editor-in-Chief: Prof. Michelle R. Palumbarit, Ph.D. The Role of Culture in Post-Emergency Reconstruction: Case Studies from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Indonesia Associates: Jonathan Rider, Daniel Skillings & Flore de Taisne (2020) Danae M. Pantano Asian Affairs Jane Maren M. Dasal 4 This article discusses the role of cultural heritage in post-emergency Contributors: reconstruction. Through field experiences, it argues that cultural heritage has significant potential to foster economic development, especially in remote Sean Thakur communities. Justin Beneraba Allen Casey Gumiran Miccah Frayna Capitalism, Conflict and Contradiction: Southeast Asia’s Development and Rebecca Verzola the Reorganisation of Production Abdulwahid Panganting Toby Carroll (2020) Journal of Contemporary Asia Prof. Antoinette Raquiza, Ph.D. 5 Prof. Grace Odal-Devora, Ph.D. This article locates the political economy of Southeast Asia’s highly uneven and Prof. Joefe B. Santarita, Ph.D. (Dean) constrained development within the context of capitalism and its most recent “world market” stage. It argues that its development must be understood Layout Artist: relative to key historical dynamics beyond the nation-state—such as colonialism, Danae M. Pantano superpower relations, and shifting production relations.

GT-Toyota Asian Cultural Center, Magsaysay Avenue cor. Katipunan Avenue University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines 1101