ISSUE 7

News, Views and Analysis from Migrante Melbourne

BATINGAW; BELL; HERALD; The New Voice of Filipino Migrants in Australia

In this Edition ISSUE 7 April-May‘07

Pinoys and -Australians Vote for 9 GO Senator Survey Shows International Womens Day 2007 May Day in Melbourne Tips: Saving the Planet A safe pedestrian crossing campaign On Student Activism and Apathy Page 2

Editorial by George Kotsakis Chairperson - Migrante Melbourne The real issues at hand - the rights and welfare of the Filipino people.

e welcomed the celebrations of Mayday around reward herself the perpetual reign of power to further plun- the world. We have in symbolic terms com der the coffers of the country. Wmemorated the hardship, the long and bitter struggles and the trickling victories of our fellow work- Operation Bantay Laya I and now the Operation Bantay Laya II ers. In a fleeting moment we partook on the rewards of was from the very beginning a covert national policy of the their victories. But in reality these victories are quickly incumbent to suppress if not eliminate the progressive ele- being eroded by the introduction of the new industrial ments in the country. Since her inception to office Pres. Arroyo relations law. The division between the rich and the has 800 plus extra judicial killings attributed to her govern- poor have greatly widen to the point that the majority ment. To ask why only the parties that are critical of her man- that are suffering must again fight and struggle, some- agement have been killed and/or disappeared and no justice times must die to regain the benefit that is supposed has been rendered begs an answer. The Melo Commission and to be an inherent right. Professor Philip Alston, Special Rapporteur of the United Na- tions Human Rights Council, have reported that the military The world today is owned by a handful of men while the have a direct involvement in most of the killings. rest toils in agony, fighting for the crumbs that befall the table of the rich. No matter how much the poor The will hold an election this coming May 14. Once tries, the system itself fails them. So much for inspira- again we are faced with the prospect that the incumbent will tional talks and salesmanship, of opportunity taking, rig the election. A confidential memorandum from External trading and speculation and of a rosy future, the sys- Affairs Assistant Secretary Marcelo T. Fariñas dated 16 Octo- tem of capitalism has only room for a few and the rest ber 2006 to finance and established 5 party list at the tune of must contend itself to accept failure. 600 million pesos to counter and dilute the strength of the progressive party list headed by was leaked late Our President Gloria Arroyo claims to have in her heart April. The urban militarization and the rampant politicking of the Filipino people, but her action is contrary to what the military in the rural and urban areas where the progres- she preaches. She says that the Philippine economy has sive party list are strong are apparent electoral manipulation. improved leaps and bound under her watch. The ques- tion that need be asked is- does this economic upturn There is an atmosphere of despair as to the outcome of the translate to the benefit of the majority of the Filipi- May 14 election. Most Filipinos believe that this election will nos? She may be an economic graduate of Georgetown not be fair and will not reflect the will of the people. Most University, a classmate of the ex US Pres. Clinton, but believe that President Arroyo will not allow the defeat of her the economics of human lost has made Pres Arroyo a camp for fear of congressional question and impeachment. tyrant in her own term. Migrante International has raised concern as to the con- To heighten the labor export policy started by the Late duct of the absentee voting. 140,000 ballots that have re- President Marcos to relieve the Philippines from the turn unanswered to the Consulate offices abroad has the deepening crisis of unemployment, exploit its remit- potential to be used to augment the camp of Arroyo. They tances for debt servicing and to call our domestic help- have raised concern that it is as easy as swapping the in- ers as super maids is in itself an insult by President ner envelope containing the actual ballot and leave behind Arroyo to overseas Filipino workers. the detached portion of the ballot with the thumb mark and the signature. There are approximately 504,000 OAV vot- The president being buoyant to American policy, has ers and by contracting private couriers certainly raises surrendered the Philippine sovereignty, opened the en- doubts. tire Philippine territories for American warships by agreeing and adhering on the instrumentalities like VFA At present, Congressman Crispin Beltran is still in deten- (Visiting Forces Agreement), the perpetual joint mili- tion and not allowed to campaign for his Party list tary exercise called BALIKATAN, the Mutual Logistics “Anakpawis”. Congressman Satur Ocampo’s movement is Support Agreement (MLSA) and others without regards closely monitored. The reports of Karapatan on the blatant to the will and safety of the Filipino people. harassment and intimidation of organizers, the report by election watchdog about missing electoral roll in some The Mining Act of 1995 has opened the floodgate of barrios, the continuing killings and abductions of opposi- foreign investors to rape and plunder the mineral rich- tions are but signs of desperations. ness of the country, wherein Arroyo attempted unsuc- cessfully to change the constitution that will further The Arroyo government has lost its grip on the real issues legitimize the exploitation of these resources and to at hand - the rights and welfare of the Filipino people. Page 3

ISSUE 7: April - May 2007 Hot Topics PHILIPPINE POLITICS

Pinoys and Pinoy-Australians Vote for 9 GO Senator Survey Shows

The full results are: Filipinos and Filipino Australians 1) Legarda, Loren (Nationalist People’s Coalition (G0)): 123 would elect 9 ‘Genuine Opposi- 2) Recto, Ralph: (Lakas-CMD (Team Unity)) 98 3) Cayetano, Alan Peter ( (G0)): 96 tion’ and only 3 pro-Pres Arroyo 4) Pangilinan, Francis: (Liberal Party (G0)) 95 ‘Team Unity’ candidates if elec- 5) Villar, Manuel: (Nacionalista Party (G0)) 93 tion results mirrored the survey 6) Aquino, Benigno S (Liberal Party (G0)): 89 7) Escudero, Francis J: (Nationalist People’s Coalition (Genuine of 129 potential voters con- Opposition)) 84 ducted by Migrante-Australia via 8) Arroyo, Joker: (KAMPI (Team Unity)) 69 website, email messaging, over 9) Pimentel, Aquilino: (PDP-Laban (G0)) 68 10) Lacson, Panfilo: (UNO (Genuine Opposition)) 64 the phone and face-to-face on 11) Roco, Sonia: ( ((G0)) 58 12 – 15 April 2007. 12) Angara, Edgardo: (LABAN (Team Unity)) 57

The results indicate strongly that Filipinos living in Australia are rejecting President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, a regime marked by controversies around issues such as:

• On-going summary executions and illegal arrests of human rights, worker, peasant and other activists in a reign of terror against dissenting voices [over 900 killed since January 2001] justified by the rhetoric of the “war on terror”; • Strong evidence pointing to the regime rigging of the 2004 Presidential election narrowly won by Pres Arroyo; • Continuing poverty driving record numbers of Filipinos overseas in the search for employment and the capacity to provide for their families. • Deepening suppression of the rights of Filipino workers as harsh labour laws combine with anti-worker propaganda that equates collective action by workers to terrorism. • Cronyism and corruption at heightened levels reaching up to the very heart of the regime, including involving Arroyo and her husband. • Australian-based Filipinos work extremely hard to be able to provide additional support to their families who are suffering in the Philippines of President Arroyo. Filipinos in Australia suffer worsening employment conditions due to the Howard Governments’ ‘WorkChoices’ legislation.

Get Involved! migrante melbourne Name: Migrante Melbourne is a voluntary community organisation Address: of Filipino and Filipino-Australian migrants and workers promoting and upholding their welfare, human rights and Tel: workers’ rights. It also deepens members’ awareness of Email: the root reasons of the Filipino hegira to over 180 countries and settlement issues in their adopted homelands. I would like to: Visit us on the web at www.migrante.org.au become a member of Migrante Melbourne be updated with information from Migrante Melbourne SEND TO PO BOX 606, LAVERTON VIC 3028 or donate to Migrante Melbourne CALL US on 1300 3666 74 Page 4 ISSUE 7: April - May 2007 News INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY 2007

Gabriela Australia participates in the International Women’s Day celebration

This year’s International Women’s day marked the 150th year since women in different places around the world started to fight together for their rights and welfare. It was in 1857 when the women garment workers in New York marched and demanded for equal rights at work.

Last 8th of March, women in Melbourne rallied in the middle of the city. Many women were wearing colourful clothes in pink, purple, red and other colours. Purple balloons, placards, streamers and banners were flying in the midst of the crowds. The drizzle of rain in the morning did not dampen the celebrations, and women from different walks of life came to participate in the event and listen to various speakers. Speakers, include the Deputy Leader of the Opposition Julia Gillard, ACTU President Sharan Burrow, Gabriela spokesperson May Kotsakis, Victorian TradesHall Executive Council Vice President Ann Taylor and Australian netball player Eloise Southby-Halbish.

The issues discussed by speakers centred on the repressive new labour laws that the Howard Government has introduced and the conditions of women at work. Ms Kotsakis added in her speech the exploitation of the Filipino overseas workers by both the Philippine government who impose excessive fees and exactions and the host countries. Many host countries do not include the migrant workers as part of their labour force and therefore migrant workers are not covered by the protection of their labour laws.

On March 11, Gabriela Australia celebrated further the International Women’s Day and their 11th year anniversary. Members re affirmed their vision / mission and rekindled their spirit of unity and their efforts to address the issues of women and children.

The male members of Migrante Melbourne rendered a short skit featuring the different experiences of partnership between men and women as husband and wife or as couple. They expressed the different relationships that oppressed women in partnership and how the relationship changed. Indeed, relationship between men and women can be in equal footing, considerate, loving and happy.

MORE NEWS AND INFORMATION FROM MIGRANTE MELBOURNE ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE Visit us on the web at www.migrante.org.au Page 5 ISSUE 7: April - May 2007

Standpoints INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY 2007

RISE TO FIGHT FOR WOMENS RIGHTS AND WELFARE Speech delivered at the International Women’s Day Rally duce them, we did not plant and rear them, we did not 8 March 2007, Melbourne by May Kotsakis manufacture them yet we are exporting them and earning big profit from them. With a yearly remittance of US$13 n March 8, 1857, garment workers in New York billions, she has a reason to be happy. The Arroyo govern- City marched and picketed, demanding improved ment earns not only from the remittance of the overseas Oworking conditions, a ten hour day, and equal Filipinos but also from excessive fees and exactions im- rights for women. Fifty-one years later, March 8, 1908, posed upon these workers before they even leave the coun- their sisters in the needle trades in New York marched try. All the Philippine government has done was – not devel- again, honoring the 1857 march, demanding the right oping local industries, not giving Filipinos employment, not to vote, and an end to sweatshops and child labor. giving Filipinos a chance to live and support their family in their own country so that they will be forced to leave the In Australia, IWD was first celebrated in 1928 at a rally country to find work elsewhere. Not a bad investment ha!! that called for equal pay for equal work, an eight hour You cannot even call this investment!! This is neglect! The day for shop workers, no piece-work, a base wage for Philippine government is profiting from her neglect of her the unemployed and paid annual holidays. Rallies and own people. marches have been held throughout Australia every year since. Here comes John Howard and his cohorts. You know what, he thought, we can profit from this labour export policy of This day is a big day for us women. This is a day when the Philippines and other third world countries. We can women gather their strength and rise to fight for their take advantage of these low paid, docile, struggling and rights and welfare and for the recognition of their con- hard working people. This will increase profit for the capi- tribution to the workforce. This is a day we celebrate, talist, increase the competition between workers here in and we women are supposed to be happy and smiling. Australia, and give more choices, not to the workers but to the capitalist. More choices of who they will hire, how But what do we feel when we remember this, when we much they will pay, what benefits if ever they will give and come to a commemorative activity like this? We are not what are the terms and conditions. But, says John Howard, really happy, not that happy. Why? before we can freely take advantage of this situation, we need to break the union, reduce the capacity of the union My friends said that most of the news I share with them to enter the work site to help abused workers, encourage are sad, maybe they are getting sick of sad news. As a the workers not to join the union, promote if not force in worker in Australia what news in this day and age can we individual contracts and hence he changed the labour laws be happy about? When the government announces a good and the Industrial Relations legislation. economy, less trade deficit, higher market share, big busi- ness profit, what’s in it for people like us? Do we get an Now, where are we? While Arroyo, Howard and the mo- increase in wages? Are prices of commodities reduced? Or, nopoly capitalists are laughing, what are we the commu- do they share their millions of profit with us? No!! So, why nity and the workers doing? should we be happy about it? My fellow women, the struggle for women’s rights is in- We women are still being treated as goods. The big- terconnected with the struggle for peace and justice and gest export of many countries in Asia like the Philip- the struggle for national freedom and democracy. Women pines is workers, people. The majority of migrant work- liberate themselves from oppression and rise to the level ers from Asian countries are women. Women make up of equality with men by participating in the change or more than 75% of migrant workers from Indonesia, more the removal of the material basis of women’s oppression. than 70% from the Philippines and 69% from Sri Lanka. It is in the struggle that we women recognised our own More than 3 thousand Filipinos leave the country every power and develop our potential. Australian women as a day to work overseas. Some of them come to Australia significant part of the working class must not rest easy as and the Australian intake of workers on temporary vi- the struggle for change is not over yet. Let us join to- sas like the 457 is increasing. gether with other sectors of our society and end the sys- tem or the structure that breeds the oppression of women Migrant women workers work in many industries, most and the exploitation of workers. Let us unite, organise are in the service industry as doctors, caretakers, and continue to fight for our basic rights. nurses, entertainers, domestic helpers and others. The Philippine president, Gloria Arroyo is so happy about it. Mabuhay ang kababaihan! Mabuhay ang manggagawa! Wow, look at this product, she thought, we do not pro- Long live women! Long live workers Page 6 ISSUE 7: April - May 2007 News May Day in Melbourne The common call at the rally is the defeat of the new La- bour laws introduced by the Howard government, the op- position to the United States trampling of the Australian sovereignty with the upcoming joint US-Australia military exercises called “Operation Talisman Sabre 07” and the Stop to the killing and violations of the rights of the work- ers.

Philippine Australia Solidarity Association (PASA) and Migrante Melbourne joined the rally bearing two stream- ers calling for the release of Representative Crispin Beltran (Ka Bel) and Stop the Killing of Labour leaders and work- ers in the Philippines. Reyvi and Steph sang a Filipino song titled “Rosas ng Digma” or Rose in the Garden of War at the Mayday concert after the march. Katrina sang again the song she sang at the Multicultural function and this time mentioning the Title of the song “The Rights Song” The May Day commemorations were very inspiring and as suggested by the audience at the Friday Multicultural morale boosting. There are 2 Mayday events that Migrante function. Melbourne, PASA and Gabriela Australia participate every year, the Multicultual Function and the Mayday rally and concert. About May Day At the Multicultural function on May 4, members of Migrante: Reyvi, Charo, Steph and John danced the “La Jota Moncadeña” at the delight of the audience. With the absence of castanets May Day is celebrated as a day of working class struggle due to short preparation time, the dancers have improvised throughout the entire world. Its signifi cance lies in the pieces of wood fastened to their fingers with a rubber band. fact that the struggle for working class liberation is The sound was not as loud as the castanets but it made the linked regardless of nationality. Workers under capital- difference and highlighted the uniqueness of this Filipino folk ism suffer the same type of exploitation regardless of dance. where they reside and May Day provides a day to link our struggles and highlight the similarity of interna- Katrina, the youngest member of Philippine Australia Youth for tional working class demands across the world. May Action Group (PAYAG) sang a song she has written and com- Day 2007 in Australia is focused on the repeal of the posed the night before. She asked the audience to give her anti-worker IR laws. song a title. After the events several participants from the au- dience approached Katrina and suggested to call her song “The What the WorkChoices has delivered for Australian Rights Song” reflecting the fight for rights as the main subject workers of her song and also according to the audience the song she has written is very right for the occasion. Of all AWA individual contracts:

Other performers at the function are: Anthea, who also sang · 100% cut at least one so called ‘protected songs she has written and the dancers from the Lebanese com- award condition’; munity who performed an Arab native dance. There were also · 22% provided workers with no pay rise, some speakers as follows: Len Cooper, the State Secretary of Com- for up to 5 years; munications Electrical and Plumbing Union, Secretary of the May- · 51 % cut Overtime Loadings; day committee and also a member of the Trades Hall executive · 63% cut Penalty Rates; council; Alejandro Rodriguez, the convenor of the Victorian · 64% cut Annual Leave Loading; Bolivarian Circle; George (Butch) Kotsakis, the Chairperson of · 46% cut Public Holidays payment; Migrante and David Kerin the Coordinator of Union Solidarity. · 52% cut Shift Work Loadings; · 40% cut Rest Breaks; The Mayday march and concert on May 6 was blessed with a · 46% cut incentive based Payments and Bonuses; very nice weather. Many organisations and unions attended · 48% cut Monetary Allowances (for employment both activities. The rally was much bigger than the previous expenses; 3 years. It was a very nice sight to witness many youngsters skills; disabilities); and children joining the rally. This manifests that the fight · 36% cut Declared Public Holidays; and for workers rights and wages is a fight of the whole commu- · 44% cut Days to be substituted for Public nity and the attack on the workers rights is an attack to the Holidays. workers families. Column Page 7 ISSUE 7: April - May 2007 Insight By Reyvi Mariñas Saving our planet

So you want to help the environment but think there’s not much you can do? Rubbish!

ach of us has a role to play in our everyday lives in en- accounts for around 12 per cent of electricity, and costs suring the wise use of resources. As a resident and a Victorian households about $125 million each year. Switch- Econsumer there are many small actions you can incor- ing appliances off at the power point when not in use could porate into your day-to-day life that will help to conserve save you around $100 a year. water and cut down the amount of greenhouse gasses you directly and indirectly produce. Also, try and look for products with an Energy Star stand- ard, which indicates that they have a low standby power So you want to help the environment but think there’s not consumption. Energy compliant home electronics products much you can do? Rubbish! Below is a list of just ten things consume up to 75% less energy in standby mode than stand- you can do in and around your home that will help mother ard products do. nature breathe a sigh of relief. Plant a native tree in your area. Each tree planted pro- Walk, cycle or use public transport and leave your car at vides enough oxygen for two people for the rest of their home lives

Passenger vehicles in Australia produce almost 46 million Gardens are a major water user, soaking up to 35 per cent tonnes of greenhouse pollution a year and are a major con- of total household water use in some areas. Planting a wa- tributor to air pollution in urban areas. ter-wise garden using native plants is one of the most prac- tical ways to save water and money. By leaving your car at home and using ‘active transport’ – any journey that relies more on walking, cycling and using public Not only do native plants provide good habitat and food transport – both you and our environment can breathe easier. sources for birds and other organisms, they are generally adapted to Australia’s dry climate, so require less water Avoid plastic bags and take reusable ones shopping. than exotic plant species.

Australians use around 6.4 billion plastic bags a year, and Put your food scraps and plant scarps in a worm farm or can take hundreds of years to break down in our environ- the compost ment. Switch to reusable calico, string or ‘green’ bags, or reuse your old plastic bags when you go shopping. Over half of our household garbage is made up of food and garden waste, most of which could be put in the compost or Turn off lights and appliances when you don’t need them. worm farms instead of going to landfill.

Saving energy is one of the best ways you can reduce green- Composting can convert the waste into rich soil that can be house pollution, which is accelerating climate change. used to make your garden grow. The process only takes a couple of weeks. Leaving televisions, stereos and other appliances on standby Page 8 ISSUE 7: April - May 2007 Column

Saving our planet (continued...) By Reyvi Mariñas

Take four minute power showers to save energy and with the least packaging, or packaging made from recy- water cled materials.

Water is precious. We need to use it wisely. By reducing your Switch to ‘Green Power’ by calling your electricity re- time in the shower from seven minutes to four, you could tailer. save over 25,000 litres a year. On top of that, by installing a water efficient shower rose, which can cost as little as $20 at Over 90 per cent of our electricity is generated by burning your local hardware store, you can reduce water use by an- coal, which creates greenhouse pollution and contributes other 20 per cent. to climate change.

Buy the most energy and water efficient appliances you Green Power is government accredited clean, renewable can afford energy sourced from the sun, the wind, water and waste. Green Power produces no greenhouse pollution and is pur- If you’re in the market for a new appliance like a washing chased on your behalf by your electricity company. machine, fridge or air conditioner then consider buying an energy or water efficient model. They often cost a little more It only costs a small amount - $3–4 extra a week - to pur- than standard appliances, but save you money in the long chase 100 per cent accredited Green Power, but it makes term through smaller bills. a significant contribution to our environment.

Energy efficiency rating labels from zero to six stars help you Go green when you clean determine the efficiency and running costs of different mod- els. An improvement of only 1 star can mean savings of around Whoever said you need chemicals to make your house ten percent on running costs. spic and span? Everyday household items like bicarbonate of soda, white vinegar and lemon juice can be very effec- Instead, for water efficient appliances look for as many A’s tive cleaning agents, and are far less harmful to our envi- as possible, to help Victoria go easy on this precious resource. ronment.

Choose products with the least amount of packaging or packaging made from recycled material References: www.dse.vic.gov.au/thesustainables Recycling is great, but avoiding waste in the first place is www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au even better. Next time you go shopping, choose the products

A member of Migrante International Migrante Melbourne Inc PO Box 606, Laverton, VIC 3028 Publisher of Local Call: 1300 3666 74 ABN: 77 394 429 368 Email: [email protected] Internet: www.migrante.org.au

About Batingaw Batingaw is a bi-monthly newsletter expressing views, news and analysis from Migrante Melbourne. An important aspect of developing this newsletter is an intimate knowledge of and close involvement in all aspects of the Philippine and Australian struggles for justice, democracy and fair-go.

Contributing to Batingaw: Articles, photographs, cartoons, clippings, comments or a few lines are all very welcome. All material should be sent electronically to: [email protected]. Readers are encouraged to contribute whatever they can by sending donations to the above address.

Editorial Team: George Kotsakis Labrador Cojuanco Dinggin Dalisay Reyvi Marinas Contributors: Charo Pompa Stephanie Rabusa Shiela Galacio Katrina Kotsakis Dinggin Dalisay Malen Ang Malou Logan Gino Lopez Fe Nina Reyes Caesar Barona Danilo Fernandez A. Reyes Circulation and Advertising: Danilo Fernandez Jun Cabanos. For membership, advertising and subscription please call Migrante Melbourne on 1300 3666 74 Page 9 Local IISSUE 7: April - May 2007 Issues A safe pedestrian crossing at the intersection of Point Cook Road & Central Avenue

Migrante Melbourne launched a campaign for a construc- is equally dangerous. There is no footpath on this side of tion of a safe pedestrian crossing at the intersection of Point the road so it is muddy when it rains. Some motorists Cook Road and Central Avenue, Altona Meadows. The cam- are annoyed with people crossing as this is not a desig- paign was initiated early April by the members of the organi- nated pedestrian crossing. However, it is a bit easier to zation living in Altona Meadows, Laverton, Seabrook and Point cross than at the designated crossing because the traffic Cook and was joined by the residents of these suburbs. The is lesser. campaign included writing letters to the Traffic and Trans- port West division of Vic Roads. A copy of every letter was Residents say that it is very difficult and dangerous to cross also sent to Victorian Transport Minister Lynne Kosky. the designated crossing especially on peak hours because motorists do not give way. Sometimes pedestrians wait for Chairperson of Migrante Melbourne, George Kotsakis, first more than five minutes to be able to cross. wrote a letter to Vic Roads in September last year calling their attention to the danger and the difficulty in crossing this in- With the increasing fuel cost, the concern for environment tersection. According to Mr. Kotsakis, this intersection is the and concern for health and fitness, more and more people only access for residents who are taking the train at Aircraft are opting to take public transport. or Laverton train stations. On the approach to the intersec- tion along Point Cook Road, only the Southern side has a foot- Mr. Kotsakis said that many residents especially those with path, therefore the pedestrian has to cross two roads to reach children taking the train to and from school are worried for the side of the bridge with footpath. the safety of their children. There is a need for Vic Roads and other concerned authorities to urgently attend to this With the increase of the Altona Meadows east entry to the problem and help promote the use of public transport, pro- intersection to three lanes, it is very difficult to cross the mote walking and provide safety for pedestrians. intersection. In many cases, pedestrians especially school children and working people trying to catch their trains and People who want to support the campaign may call George buses cross the Central Avenue along the southern side which Kotsakis at 1300 3666 74 or Danny Fernandez at 93693158.

STOP THE KILLINGS IN THE PHILIPPINES ST P

Join Us in Demanding Justice for the victims and the end of killings, abduction and harassment of human rights and community activists in the Philippines Peaceful Protest during Gloria Arroyo’s visit to Australia 31 May 2007, 5:30pm Grand Hyatt Hotel 123 Collins St Melbourne Page 10 ISSUE 7: April - May 2007 Column YOUTH AND STUDENTS On Student Activism and Apathy By Stephanie Rabusa

n the past years, there have been debates surrounding the issue of the declining par ticipation of students in national movements. Students have been indirectly blamed because ofI their lack of interest of growing ‘apathy’ to national and international issues of social justice. Students have been accused of adopting self- centered attitudes and individualistic desires and taking no solid stand on current social and cam- pus policy issues.

In light of this, should we as activists really blame the students on their apparent indifference to mobilization? I propose that not only students’ APATHY attitudes should be changed but also our general attitude towards this situation. We should look at the situation carefully and analyze the underly- ing issues.

What are the causes of the seeming lack of stu- dent participation? The answer to this question will help us understand the current situation and enable us to formulate Much of this university evolution can be attributed to approaches on how to re-engage the students to social action. capitalism. Both in Australia and in the Philippines, the present educational system is driven by the capitalist I will be outlining several issues that may have contributed to system. In the Philippines, increase in the privatization student apathy. There have not been many studies on this topic. of educational institutions, mainly due to lack of social Thus, I am going to outline only some of the more popular welfare funds, has allowed capitalists to take advan- inferences on this matter. They are: (1) the effect of capital- tage of the system. This, in effect, has permitted capi- ism (2) lack of a unifying issue that matters to the current talists to impose their ideologies on their students and student population (3) demoralization (4) the pressures of work preserve the current status quo. It has defeated the and globalized life. original purpose of university education to be the bas- tion of intellectual freedom and development. Effectively, Effects of Capitalism this system promotes individualism and material-driven success and in turn loses critical thinking and social par- In both the Philippines and Australia, there have been several ticipation. issues faced by our parents, during the 60s and 70s. The students merely think of themselves as consumers, Examples are the Vietnam War, feminism and martial law. Univer- and do not feel the need to formulate their opinions and sity students would mainly hold debates in the respective cam- fight for what they believe in. puses and eventually take to the streets and protest. In today’s society, students do not face the same sort of exposure to the The current state of the world market has also dictated a same issues or the same atmosphere of the past student move- more competitive atmosphere. Individual thinking, to- ment. The current university system, it seems, fosters an envi- gether with aggressive competition, has intensified the ronment of an extension of the market. The university is now students’ desire for a clearer career goal. Students today perceived as an institution where students are only prepared and are more concerned about their grades than advocacy and trained to get the coveted diploma and get ready to work. debates about social issues. Several friends of mine com- Page 11 ISSUE 7: April - May 2007 Column YOUTH AND STUDENTS

“Individual thinking, together with aggressive competition, has intensified the students’ desire for a clearer career goal”

plain every semester about the lack of opportunities for gradu- never heard. Another example is the introduction of the ates. They study hard to get high grades to be able to get Voluntary Student Unionism (VSU). On the first stages of into honours or higher degrees. the introduction, students have voiced their opposition but they were again turned down. The passion to learn, in or outside the classroom, is overrid- den by the fear of unemployment. The reality of the growing The series of student collective protest failures may have rate of unemployment, even in industrialized countries, has left them demoralized. This might have triggered the on- put the pressure on students to do well in their studies leav- set of the loss of belief in the ability of collective action to ing less time for social participation. prevail. Many of them would say that instead of taking to the streets and protesting and not be heard they would Lack of unifying issue rather put more effort and time in their studies.

n a recent interview for On Line Journal, George Negus, Pressures of work and a globalized life a passionate activist during the 70s, has identified the Icurrent lack of unifying issue as one of the causes of study by the University of Queensland student union decrease of social participation of students. As mention identified that students usually work more that 20 above, during the 60s and the 70s, activists have rallied Ahours a week and that only 25 percent of students because there were only two sides to every story. You are rely on government Centrelink. These scenarios have put either pro or anti-war, pro or anti-choice and other black students in a position where, after a day of hard work and and white issues. a night of studying, they would have little time to think of anything else. One issue Negus has cited that is not black and white is the issue of the war in Iraq. Although highly debatable, the Why do the students have to work and study at the same contention lies in the fact that although an individual is time? It’s because students become more independent anti-war, there should be consideration about the reper- at a younger age nowadays. They move out of their par- cussions of the military troops withdrawing altogether. ents’ house and fend for themselves. This is not true for Negus also gave examples of other ambiguous issues like all the students. Most also need money for the new popu- stem-cell research and abortion. There are issues that the lar trends dictated by a consumerist culture fed through answers are just not clear cut. the media like Ipods, mobile phones, the new fashion, etc., etc. Although the point that he was trying to make puts the onus on the issue and not the students, it is important to recog- In conclusion, it is important to bear in mind that there nize that there should still be an ongoing debate about these may be other reasons why there has been student disinter- issues despite the vagueness they present. The issues have est in social issues in recent times. I have just outlined no single conclusion and are often times ethically testing but those ones that I find to be some of the root causes of this does not mean that dialogue and advocacy should stop. them.

Demoralization To be able to overcome this problem and lure the student population back to collective action, we would need thor- Another reason that presents students’ lack of interest on ough contextual analysis of the effects of consumerism, social issues is the continuing demoralization of students. class, globalization and inequality. This stems from the events in previous years that have made students ask for change but despite all the protests and de- We would need more understanding about these issues in bates, change was not given. An example is an increase in order to find a feasible approach to reengaging the stu- HECS fees in Australia. Students have protested but were dents back to tackling social issues. Events Calendar - Mark your Diary

6 June 2007, Wednesday – Public meeting - “Defend Australia from U.S. war games”

DETAILS: 6.30 pm, St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne Organised by Melbourne Peace Convergence against the US-Australia joint military exercises called “Operation Talisman Sabre 07”. For more information contact Shirley at 0417 456001

9-10 June 2007, Saturday & Sunday – International League of Peoples Struggles (ILPS) National conference

DETAILS: VTHC, corner Victoria and Lygon Streets, Carlton South. For more information, contact Len Cooper at 0438 389302 or May at 0411 406700.

14 – 23 June 2007 – Peace Train to Brisbane & Shoalwater Bay, Queensland DETAILS: To non-violently oppose the war games and the environmental destruction the “Operation Talisman Sabre 07” will cause. To voice our call for an end to the war in Iraq and Australian involvement with illegal and unjust US led wars. Will leave for Brisbance on the 14th of June and return to Melbourne by the 23rd of June. 11 August 2007, Saturday – Migrante Melbourne’s “Tipanan”

DETAILS: 6.00 p.m., Laverton Civic Centre, Cor Railway Ave & Crown St, Laverton. A celebration and a venue for the whole family to dance, eat, perform, watch and enjoy together. A fundraising activity for Migrante Shelter Philippines. For further information and tickets contact Danny at 93693158, Reyvi at 0421119776 or Migrante Melbourne at 1300366674.

01 September 2007, Saturday – Gabriela Australia’s Dinner Dance

DETAILS: A fundraising activity for Children’s Rehabilitation Centre. For further information, contact Resy at 93903506 or 0412 795318; Malou at 93993945 or 0448 842223; Christie at 0419 569656.

Affix Stamp

To :

Migrante Melbourne : : PO Box 606, Laverton, VIC 3028