Ika-86 taon • Blg. 8 • 7 Ago 2008 Philippine Collegian Opisyal na lingguhang pahayagan ng mga mag-aaral ng Unibersidad ng Pilipinas - Diliman
Pagsiyasat sa kalahating terminong panunungkulan ni Emerlinda Roman Lathalain >>p.11
Dibuho: Nico Villarete Disenyo ng Pahina: Mark Angelo Virly Ching SUMMING UPLB students Superhero August 16, 1907 UP to hold plebiscite, Complex In a 20-year effort to revise the UP Charter, Senator Wigberto Tañada, with Sena- elections this tors Butz Aquino, Leticia Ramos Shahani, Heherson Alvarez, and Vic Ziga, filed a resolution to the Senate committee, urging them to conduct an inquiry to review the month UP Charter.
In commemoration of the University of the Philippines' centennial, the Philippine Collegian looks 02 Balita 08 Kultura back on one hundred years of history. 02 Balita Philippine Collegian | Huwebes, 7 Ago 2008 UPLB students Harapan to hold plebiscite, elections this month
John Alliage Tinio Morales election guidelines governing student councils would come from the constitution last rati- he five-month stalemate fied by the students. APerspective in the student elections in report, meanwhile, said that the TUP Los Baños (UPLB) may 1984 constitution was purported- soon be ended as student groups ly ratified by almost 95 percent of and the administration agreed to the total 1,760 students through simultaneously hold a plebiscite a plebiscite in August 1983. to ratify the student-backed con- Bañez claimed the old charter stitution and push through with is “beholden” to the administra- the student council elections. tion for requiring the student In a meeting with President councils to clear their budget op- Emerlinda Roman on August erations with the chancellor and n Hinarap ni UP President Emerlinda Roman ang mga estudyanteng nagprotesta matapos ang pulong ng Board of 4, representatives of the cur- coordinate on student matters Regents sa UP Manila noong Hulyo 31. Hawak ang mga pormal na liham ng mga UP student council, sinagot niya ang rent USC, student organization with the deans. ilang mga katanungan hinggil sa TOFI at inilahad ang ilang mga hakbangin para sa problemang kinakaharap ng mga Buklod-UPLB, and editors of the Continued on P.03 estudyante sa UPLB. Chris Imperial. Perspective, the official student publication of UPLB, reached a consensus to conduct a plebi- scite, initially slated on August 27, to ratify the 1984 UPLB Con- Student orgs demand policy revamp stitution that upholds the auton- omy and democratic character of each student council. Toni Tiemsin Should the majority of the es- General student demands timated 11,000 UPLB students ne hundred eleven student organizations in UP are seeking Preserve the students’ rights Revise organization recog- approve the 1984 Constitution, a “serious revamp” of student policies from the Board of Re- to self-organization, such that nition procedures in favor of a the UPLB administration would gents (BOR). the UP administration shall uniform system-wide policy then administer the long delayed O The student organizations’ alliance Ugnayan ng Mag-aaral Laban not dictate the classes of stu- Provide all student orga- university student council (USC) sa Komersyalisasyon (UMAKSYON), led by Student Regent Shahana dent organizations that may be nizations in all UP units with and college council polls using Abdulwahid, submitted to UP President Emerlinda Roman a proposal recognized by the university fully-functional tambayans im- the election guidelines specified containing 18 “general student demands” concerning issues such as Respect the right to assem- mediately in the ratified constitution, said tambayans, rental rates for facilities and equipment, and organization bly of student organizations Relax regulation require- USC Chair Leo Fuentes. recognition procedures, during the 1234th meeting of the BOR at UP and councils in all UP units ments in the circulation of USC Vice Chair Charisse Ba- Manila on July 30. Provide student represen- publicity materials for student ñez said the proposed plebiscite Abdulwahid said in the petition that revisions on student policies tation of the college student activities and the conduct of elections will must be made “if the students are truly to benefit from the new UP councils in the executive com- Remove rental fees for all be contained in a memorandum Charter.” mittees of their respective col- university and college equip- of understanding between the The BOR, however, did not take up the policy proposal during their leges ment and facilities for student current USC and the UPLB ad- meeting. Meanwhile, Roman said in front of picketing students on Provide student represen- organizations’ activities ministration. The memorandum July 30 that she will forward the students’ proposal to the respective tation at the UP autonomous Make the scheduling of the has yet to be signed. unit chancellors. unit level, where a member of use of university and college Once ratified, the 1984 - con the university student council facilities and equipment flex- stitution would also repeal the (USC) shall be given a seat to ible, especially on student ac- 1978 Constitution considered by Demands in Diliman the autonomous unit’s execu- tivities involving urgent mat- the administration as having “le- tive committee ters of university or national gal basis,” Fuentes said. Instead Immediate re-roofing of the student center without the Liberal construction of orga- importance, as endorsed by the of direct voting, Fuentes said College of Social Sciences and conditions set by UP Diliman nization recognition in favor of student regent or the respec- the 1978 Constitution states that Philosophy Tambayan Com- Chancellor Sergio Cao that the student organizations instead tive university student council only the elected college councils plex CoE student council shall also of the strict implementation Extend tambayan hours un- would appoint USC officials. Transfer the possession and provide a professorial chair of recognition guidelines and til 8 pm in all UP units The controvery over the legal- administration of the student fund worth P1.5 million procedures ity of the 1984 Constitution has conference rooms in Vinzons Immediate construction of delayed the February student Hall to the USC more bulletin and publicity polls, after the UPLB adminis- Immediate construction of boards in conspicuous places tration insisted on following the the College of Education (CoE) in the university Download the BOR-approved 1978 charter. Bañez pointed out that the Philippine Collegian 1984 constitution has gained in PDF! “legitimacy” for 20 years and Demands in Los Baños long superseded the 1978 con- Transfer possession and Immediate release of Per- stitution. administration of the Student spective editorial exam results* http://kule-0809.deviantart.com In a previous Collegian report, Union Building to the USC *Perspective released its maid- Fuentes argued that Article 434 Immediate USC elections en issue on August 1. of the UP Code states that the 03 Philippine Collegian | Huwebes, 7 Ago 2008 Balita Sa kabila ng bilyong pisong subsidyo ni Arroyo Kahirapan sa bansa, magpapatuloy
Mini Soriano, Toni State of Denial sa hinaharap. Kailangang ibasura ang rice-exportation dependency Tiemsin at Rishard Dy Arroyo’s SONA People’s SONA at tamnan ng pananim na pag- Self-rated poverty jumps to 59 percent in kain ang mga lupa sa halip na Polls on self-rated poverty down to a 20- a kabila ng P80 bily- the 2nd quarter of 2008 (Social Weather pananim para sa pandaigdigang year low in 2007 ong nakatakdang ilaan Stations) pamilihan.” Sni Gloria Arroyo para sa Government spending per student has Samantala, “Lalong lalala Funds for high school and college ang kalagayang pangkalusugan mga batayang serbisyo, lalo declined since 2001 by 2.4 percent lamang umanong titindi ang scholarships have quadrupled ng mga mamamayan sa bansa krisis sa bansa sa mga susunod annually bunga ng kawalan ng tunay na pang taon kung patuloy na pa- 16 million Filipinos in the labor force komprehensibong programang patawan ng mataas na buwis are unemployed or underemployed; 8.7 pangkalusugan ng pamahalaan Creation of a million new jobs in 2007 ang mga Pilipino, ayon sa iba’t million Filipinos work abroad as of 2007 para sa mga Pilipino,” ani Dr. ibang grupo. (IBON Foundation Inc.) Gene Nisperos, pangalawang Sa kanyang ikawalong talump- pangulo ng Health Alliance for 11.4 percent inflation rate recorded in ati hinggil sa kalagayan ng bansa Low inflation rate in 2007 Democracy (HEAD). noong Hulyo 28, sinabi ni Arroyo June, the highest in 14 years Sinabi ni Arroyo na may 65 na umabot na sa P80 bilyon ang VAT nonsensical, as revenue uncollected milyong Pilipino na ang may Value added tax (VAT) on oil contributes health insurance, ngunit ayon sa pondong inilaan ng pamahalaan from smuggling amounts to P140 billion mula sa “katas” ng 12 porsyen- P80 billion in government revenues HEAD, 30 porsyento ng mama- tong value-addded tax (VAT) para (Senator Francis Escudero) mayan ang hindi naaabot ng ser- sa subsidyo sa bigas, kuryente, Allocation of more than P3 billion for anti- Office of the Ombudsman 2008 budget bisyong pangkalusugan, habang college scholarships, pagpapalit graft fund was only P991 million pito sa bawat sampung Pilipino ng motor ng libu-libong jeep at ang namamatay dahil sa kawalan pamalit sa fluorescent lamp sa We import 10 percent of the rice we 14 percent of yearly rice necessity was ng perang pampagamot. mga pampublikong lugar. consume imported in 2007 (AGHAM) Ngunit ani Carol Araullo, taga- P32/kg-commercial rice addresses existing Cost of commercial rice up to P39 as of Bagsak na ratings pangulo ng Bagong Alyansang food problem July (National Food Authority) Sa survey ng IBON Foundation Makabayan (BAYAN), “VAT will Inc. bago ang talumpati ni Arroyo, cause higher inflation rate [on Natural family planning limited population Most Filipinos prefer artificial over lumabas na 84 na porsyento ng goods and services] in the long growth to 2.04 percent annually during her natural methods (2006 Family Planning mga Pilipino sa National Capital run, and the economy will be administration Survey, National Statistics Office) Region ang hindi naniniwalang pushed into more and more de- tutuparin ni Arroyo ang kan- pression.” produkto o serbisyo na dumaan sa mga mamamayan gaya ng ipi- Pamilyang gutom yang mga ipapangako. Umabot Dagdag ni Gabriela Partylist Rep- sa pagproseso gaya ng gasolina, nangako ni Arroyo. Ayon sa tala ng grupong Ga- naman sa 79 na porsyento ang resentative Liza Maza, hindi maiib- delata, at damit. Hindi pinapa- Anang grupo, mababawasan briela, 20 porsyento ng mga naniniwalang patuloy lamang na san ng anumang subsidyo at cash tawan ng VAT ang mga produk- ng P7.46 ang halaga ng gasoli- pamilyang Pilipino ang nakara- bubulusok ang ekonomiya. transfer ang krisis sa ekonomiya, at tong gaya ng binhi ng palay, isda, na kada litro, at madaragdagan ranas ng matinding kagutuman Ayon sa Social Weather Stations, patuloy lamang na “malulugmok libro, copra, natural gas at serbi- naman ng P212 ang kikitain ng sa kasalukuyan. Umakyat sa 17.4 bumagsak na sa -21 porsyento ang sa kahirapan ang mga Pilipino sa syo ng mga propesyunal. mga tsuper kung tatanggalin ng porsyento ang itinaas ng halaga net satisfaction rating ng mga Pili- patuloy na pagtaas ng [presyo ng] pamahalaan ang VAT sa langis. ng pagkain ngayong taon mula pino kay Arroyo, na pinakamababa bilihin dahil sa VAT.” Mataas na koleksyon Dagdag ni Bayan Muna Partyl- sa 2.6 porsyento noong 2007, mula noong panguluhan ni Cory Ani Arroyo sa kanyang ta- Halos P6 milyon bawat araw ist Representative Satur Ocampo ayon sa National Statistics Of- Aquino noong 1989. lumpati, “Take away VAT and you ang nadadagdag sa koleksyon sa sa kanyang privilege speech sa fice. Samantala, sa taya ng BAYAN, and I abdicate our responsibility buwis ng pamahalaan mula sa Kongreso noong Hulyo 30, “By Saad ni Anakpawis Partlist umabot sa 13,000 ang lumahok as leaders and pull the rug from bawat pisong itinataas ng presyo her policies, [Arroyo] has de- Representative Rafael Mariano sa protesta laban kay Arroyo sa under our present and future ng langis, na lalo lamang nagpa- prived the economy and her gov- sa panayam ng Collegian, “Kai- Commonwealth Avenue noong progress.” pabigat sa kalagayan ng mga Pili- ernment of any defensive shield langang kamtin ng bansa ang Hulyo 28. Kabilang sa mga su- Sinisingil ang mga mamimili pino, ayon sa pahayag ng Bayan. and flexibility to withstand the self-sufficiency sa agrikultura mama sa protesta ang mga sek- ng VAT, o 12 porsyentong dagdag Subalit hindi umano nagagamit destructive impacts of the fre- upang matustusan ang pangan- tor ng kabataan, manggagawa, sa presyo, para sa mga pinal na ang kabuuang “katas ng VAT” quently recurring crisis.” gailangan sa pagkain hanggang kababaihan, kaguruan at marali- para sa pagbibigay ng serbisyo tang taga-lungsod. n
UPLB... from P.02 percent last year. Stating that “no shortcuts” Monthly Burden Fuentes said the USC and should be made, Roman, n Divina Aloy, 38, a other college councils would however, said UPLB students sari-sari store owner directly ask the BOR to issue should first ratify the charter and a mother of two, a ruling in favor of the 1984 before the BOR approves it. shows her family’s latest electric bill from constitution if the plebiscite As much as possible, the BOR the Manila Electric fails to get the required 50 does not want to interfere on Company (MERALCO) percent plus 1 votes. issues over the autonomy of at their home-store in “(Kung) hindi na-ratify, the student councils, Roman Brgy. Bagong Pag-asa, hindi ibig sabihin nito na said. Quezon City. In order to save electricity, they ayaw ng mga studyante ang Fuentes said the USC use an ice cooler to 1984 constitution,” Bañez would also demand the BOR chill bottled softdrinks said, considering the limited to retain the interim officials instead of using their time frame allotted for infor- for the whole year, if the elec- refrigerator. But to mation dissemination. tions fail to push through. Aloy, saving electricity is almost useless because Fuentes recognized that “Kung hindi ma-ratify sa of high power rates mustering the required vote unang plebiscite, hihingi and additional charges is a “challenge,” as the vot- kami ulit na isa pang round like systems loss that ers’ turnout in the past UPLB ng plebiscite para ma-formal- consumers have to elections actually decreased ize na (ang) 1984 constitu- pay. Candice Reyes. from 42 percent in 2006 to 39 tion,” said Fuentes. n 04 Balita Philippine Collegian | Huwebes, 7 Ago 2008 Chancy Screaming Walls selection for three campuses underway Richard Dy
ssues on representation and transparency in the process Iyet again hound the ongo- ing search for the next chancel- lors of UP units in Visayas (UPV), Los Baños (UPLB), and Manila (UPM). Mae Therese Anglopez, Uni- versity Student Council (USC) chair of UPV, said the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) and Tacloban College were unable to participate in the nomination for the members of the unit’s search committee (SC). n An UPCAT taker and her father walk past a wall full of anti-TOFI graffiti in front of the Faculty Center on August 2. On the second year of the implementation of Anglopez said the memo call- the 300% tuition and other fee increases, the UP applicants decreased by 15% from 71,478 in 2007 to 62,026 this year, the lowest tallied since 2002. Aileen Karla ing for nominations to the SC Tablac was ignored by former dean Ebonia Seraspe. “All colleges from Tacloban to Miagao were P2 cut on power rate feasible, informed of the nomination. But CAS student council did not even know about it until last July 28 after all SC seats were taken,” Eng’g professors say she added. Seraspe could not be reached John Alliage Tinio Morales assumed by the government. erators be also removed. 2004 by the Energy Regulatory Generation Rate Adjustment Commission, citing the apprecia- for comment as of press time. and Jodee Agoncillo Dr. Erlinda Palaganas, national Mechanism (GRAM) and Incre- Lower generation charge tion of peso and sale of generat- president of the All-UP Academ- mental Currency Recovery Ad- Lowering the spiraling costs of ing assets like power plants. ic Employees Union (AUPAEU), xpensive electricity prices justment (ICERA), or the recov- electricity should necessarily re- The exchange rate has gone also said SC reports should be can reduced by at least P2 ery mechanisms of MERALCO duce charges on power genera- down to its current P40-level made available to the public. per kilowatt-hour (KWh) and NAPOCOR for changes on tion that accounts for 58 percent from P52 in 2004, and NAPO- E of electricity rates and 70 percent “Search committee reports are if only exorbitant generation fuel costs and purchased power COR’s basic rate still includes no exemption to the democratic and transmission charges and brought about by peso deprecia- if system losses and taxes are in- assets that were sold by the gov- process and transparency valued scores of expanded value-added tion, should be reduced to save cluded, the study said. ernment to private contractors. in the university,” she said. tax (EVAT) on power and royal- at least P.30 centavos. The team The team said NAPOCOR’s ba- The team said consumers still Currently, SC reports are sub- ties are removed, a UP study urged that incentives given to sic charge should be much lower pay NAPOCOR for its operation mitted only to UP President showed. host communities by power gen- today than the level approved in Continued on P.10 Emerlinda Roman, who will then Presented on August 4, the recommend a nominee to the initial results of the study “Anat- Board of Regents (BOR). omy of Power Rates in the Phil- UP Fighting Maroons break losing Leo Fuentes, UPLB-USC ippines” noted that regulatory chair, meanwhile, said the next adjustments and amendment of streak, beat Adamson chancellor should look at educa- the Electric Power Industry Re- form Act (EPIRA) can lower the tion as a right, and uphold the Glenn L. Diaz University Falcons on Satur- the Maroons while a reverse democratic rights of students by current Manila Electric Corp. day, August 2, at the Araneta layup by forward Kevin Astorga conducting consultations when (MERALCO) rates for Luzon at Coliseum. put some distance between the implementing new policies. P2.0913 per kWh. ecord performances from With two minutes remain- two teams. Answering back, The deadline for nominations The study was authored by several UP Fighting Ma- ing in the first quarter, Falcon Adamson upped their defense is set on August 12, after which a Engineering professors Allan Rroon players pushed the forward Paul Gonzalgo made and shot two straight baskets series of interviews and consulta- Nerves, Edna Espos, Ivan Bene- team to its second win to close a three-point shot just as a foul to close in at 24-25. Mean- tions with the nominees will be dicto Nilo Cruz and Rowaldo del the first round of eliminations, was committed under the basket. while, a fastbreak by Adamson held until September 5. Roman Mundo. The study will be fin- putting an end to a five-game A five-point possession gave the forward Jan Colina brought the will endorse a nominee in the ished this month. losing streak at the UAAP Men’s Falcons the lead with 33 seconds game to its seventh deadlock BOR meeting on September 29. The preliminary report point- Basketball Tournament. remaining, 20-15. at 26-26. “The challenge for the com- ed out that power rates can be The Maroons showed a form Co quickly answered back, Putting up a run of its own, Co, mittees is to conduct as much cut through the reduction of the different from their last five however, with a three-pointer Astorga, Reyes, and guard Mark as possible comprehensive con- National Power Corporation’s games, which they lost by an at the 13-second mark. After a Lopez combined for a 10-3 explo- sultations (with) all constituents (NAPOCOR) generation charges average of 19 points. Center traveling violation and a foul by sion with three minutes remain- and colleges. Active participation to distribution utilities like MER- Jay Agbayani posted a career- the Falcons, Maroon guard Paul ing in the first half to extend UP’s of [all] constituents is necessary,” ALCO, implementation of MER- high 20 points while forward Sorongon shot two free throws lead, 36-29. Reyes, showing a says Student Regent Shahana ALCO’s optimal power mix, and Woody Co and shooting guard to level the first quarter score at semblance of his 21-point game Abdulwahid. removal of EVAT on power, gov- Martin Reyes chipped in 15 20. against NU in the UAAP season There are no nominees yet in ernment revenue on natural gas apiece to lift the Maroons to a A three-point play by Co opener, shot two straight baskets the three units as of press time. n and charges for electrification 76-68 routing of the Adamson opened the second quarter for Continued on P.10 05 Philippine Collegian | Huwebes, 7 Ago 2008 Lathalain
he lake is perhaps one of na Laguna Lake 2000,” he says. the country’s dirtiest — Fernando Hicap, chair of Pa- Tstill, the lives of 32,000 malakaya, agrees. He adds that families are built around the ebb the first phase of the Laguna and tide of Laguna Lake. Despite Lake 2000 involves reclamation the constant threat of water- of lake shore areas and construc- borne diseases, residents read- tion of road-dikes, subsequently ily dive into the water with their leading to the massive demo- nets and guns, taking home a fish lition of communities in sur- or two at sundown. rounding areas, including Pasig, Shanties outline the curve of Cainta, Taytay, and Muntinlupa. Laguna Lake, with recycled wood “The LLDA said it wants to planks erected above muddy lake save the lake from biological de- beds. The houses are connected struction. But the government using bamboo poles, which serve projects facilitated by the lake as bridges from one house to authority have further exposed another. Crossing the poles is a the falsity of President Arroyo’s high-wire act, requiring people long-running claims that it is to grip fragile poles lest they slip really after protection of Lagu- into a thick pile of floating candy na Lake and the welfare of the wrappers, used cans, plastic bot- people,” states Pamalakaya and tles, and other debris. SLLM. About a dozen fish cribs are assembled at the middle of the Modes of deception lake, while all kinds of water veg- The LLDA gave the fisherfolk etables are planted on the shore. community three relocation sites Despite the waning amount of Manda states that the lake “is tests of residents, Manda hopes katayo sa may palibot ng lawa ay to choose from; namely, Tanay fish caught, residents remain suffocating from illegal human to demolish half of the illegal pinagtakpan nila.” and Baras, Rizal, and Montal- heavily dependent on the lake encroachment, uncontrolled structures before the year ends. “[The] Laguna Lake is on the ban. Ka Roger, however, argues proliferation of fish pens and brink of biological death because that relocation is not the “true for their livelihood and daily fare. Real motives The death of the lake, they claim, dumping of domestic waste by of the government and the LL- solution” because it will neither residents.” The SLLM points out that the DA’s policy of offering the lake assure the lake’s well-being nor will also be the death of their lake’s main polluters are the sur- families. Yet Ka Polding, a member resources at bargain prices to provide a stable source of liveli- of SLLM, refutes Manda’s as- rounding 1,507 factories that foreign and domestic business hood for the fisherfolk. Initial conduit sertions. “Hindi po kami mga throw their chemical wastes into clients at the expense of the peo- Ka Roger also describes the Laguna Lake, which measures burara…Kinabubuhay namin the water. Some of these facto- ple and the environment,” states dialogues conducted by LLDA 90,000 hectares, is the largest in ito [Laguna Lake], bakit namin ries are Advan, Kimberly-Clark SLLM and Pambansang Lakas with the residents as “paglilin- the country and is considered an dudumihan,” he says. and Pepsi. ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng lang.” The lake authority prom- important water basin in Metro This 2008, the LLDA is set to Ka Roger questions the mo- Pilipinas (Pamalakaya), a mili- ised to give the residents jobs if Manila. Driven by the search complete the first phase of - de tives of LLDA, arguing, “Hindi tant fisherfolk alliance, in a joint they cooperate with the demoli- for livelihood, families long ago molitions, removing over 70 fish yata tama kasi ang nakita yung statement. tion team. Community leaders settled at the lake’s fringes, with pens during the first quarter of mga bahay sa tabi ng lawa 'tsaka Ka Roger believes that the de- were likewise enticed to join the fishing as their main source of the year. Manda justifies this 'yung maliliit na mga manging- molition of the community is demolition team. The leaders, income. Five decades ago, the move, saying, “Not only do these isda. Samantala, 'yung mga not merely an issue of pollution. however, refused. average catch of one fisherfolk illegal structures obstruct the pabrika na na- He asserts that a commercial Recently, the government would be five kilos of fish per navigational lanes, [they] also and industrial recreation center, distibuted 100 bancas to 1,000 day, declare the residents. This add to the poor current flow an international airport, a golf fisherfolks in the community. consisted mostly of tilapia, ban- of the lake, which decreases course, and a yacht club are to be Ka Roger criticized this move gus, and karpa. the lake’s natural ability to built on the vicinity of the lake. as superficial, as the factories Today, however, residents are self-cleanse.” “Ang pangunahing nasa likod that pollute the lake remain un- lucky to catch an average of two D e s p i t e nito, 'yung hindi nila sinasabi reprimanded. “Kapag lupa ng kilos per day, pegging their daily the pro- o nilalantad, [ay] yung tinatawag gobyerno…dapat i-award na sa earnings at one hundred to three mga nakatira dito. [Ang lupa ay] hundred pesos. Many are forced dinevelop at pina-unlad [namin] to do odd jobs to supplement at ngayon biglaan na lang aa- their income. From fisherfolk, lisin. Dapat ibigay na ‘yan ng some have turned into garbage gobyerno kung ang gobyerno ay collectors, tricycle drivers, and may seryosong serbisyo para sa contractual workers. mga mamamayan,” he says ada- To save the lake and revive mantly. their livelihood, the fisherfolk Meanwhile, the residents’ formed the Save Laguna Lake lives remain entwined with that Movement (SLLM) in 2001. of the lake. They continue to ride “[Nais namin] buhayin at sagipin their bancas to the water, away ang namamatay nang lawa,” says from the factories that line one Roger Girray of SLLM. side of the shore. And with each Despite the residents’ efforts, net hauled into deep- the Laguna Lake Development er depths, with each Authority (LLDA), a government fish gun aimed into agency which claims that it seeks murky waters, are to save the lake, blames the com- hopes that the munity for polluting the lake will once freshwater body. In re- again abound ports, LLDA General with bounty. Manager Edgardo n
Artikulo Litrato Disenyo ng Pahina Mila Ana Estrella S. Polinar Timothy Medrano Angelo Reyes 06-07 Grapiks Philippine Collegian | Huwebes, 7 Ago 2008
“As your President, I care too much about this nation to let anyone stand in the way of our people’s wellbeing.” n “…Sa kanilang kalagayan, the answer must be special care and attention in this great hour of need…Napakahalaga ang Value Added Tax sa pagharap sa mga hamong ito. Itong programa ang sagot sa mga problemang namana natin.” n
Mga Litrato nina : Aileen Karla Tablac, Chris Imperial, Candice Reyes at Timothy Medrano Disenyo ng Pahina: Ivan Reverente “Our investments also include essential ways to strengthen our institutions of governance in order to fight the decades-old scourge of corruption. I will con- Sa labas ng Batasan, hindi mabilang ang bulung-bulungan, tinue to fight this battle every single day.” n balitaktakan, sigaw, panawagan at daing ng taumbayan. Narito ang dalawang mukha ng SONA. Kung umaalpas man sa pandinig at pang-unawa ang mga huwad na salita, ang mga tunay na imahe ay di nakakawala sa paningin at pandama.
Ika-8 SONA ni GMA Batasang Pambansa Renovation- P 200,000,000 6 na yarda ng tela para sa “modernized Maria Clara gown” – P 3, 000 “We have the money to care for our people and pay for food Talumpati ni GMA– 10 pahina, 4, 624 na salita n Alon ng palakpak – 101 when there are shortages; for fuel despite price spikes.” “we must go on building and buttressing bridges to allies around the world: to bring in the rice to feed our people, investments to create jobs; and to keep the peace and maintain stability in our country and the rest of the world. Yet even as we reach out to those who need, and who may need us, we strive for greater self-reliance.” n “Panahon ito ng pagsubok. Kung saan kayang tumulong at da- pat tumulong ang pamahalaan, we must be there with a helping hand. Where government can contribute nothing useful, stay away.” n
“Inflation was low, the peso strong and a million new jobs were created. We were all looking to a better, brighter future. Because tough choices were made, kumikilos na ang bayan sa wakas.” n
“Ngayong may P32 na commer- cial rice, natugunan na natin ang problema sa pagkain sa kasalu- kuyan. Nagtagumpay tayo dahil sa pagtutulungan ng buong bayan sa pagsasaka, bantay-presyo at paghi- higpit sa price manipulation” n 08 Kultura Philippine Collegian | Huwebes, 7 Ago Hul 2008
isang bagay. yang dumalo sa mga pagkilos. from Zorro! Zorro will finish Gloria Dumating sa puntong mga pe- Patuloy siyang nakikiisa sa mga with boomerang because Gloria is likula naman ang kinahiligan ni panawagang itaas ang sahod at ba- butata and sa kanya, taas ng E-VAT!” Sa paghihintay nga bus, sa pagsakay ng Dennis. Ani mang Danilo, “Na- baan ang presyo ng mga bilihin da- nanggagalaiting wika ni Dennis. jeep, sa paglakad sa mga lansangan ng kakaabot yan ng Cubao, sa kung hil sa paniniwalang walang magal- lungsod at kanayunan - nalulunod tayo saan-saan...saulo ang skedyul, ing na pangulo—maliban nga lang Superhero sa dagat ng mga mukha. Milyun-milyong titulo, artista at pati mga linya ng kay Erap. Sa panahon kababayan ang unti-unting umuukit ng mga pelikula at Ingles lang ang Sa mga na- ang isang superhero’y ngayon, kung saan ang mga kanilang pangalan sa ating lipunan. Sa pinapanood niya.” papanood ni- labas sa sistema, at sa likod Anonimo, pangangalanan namin ang mga Nakilala niya sa libangang ito yang peliku- institusyong mukha at bibigyang-mukha ang pawang ang personang aangkinin din lang aksyong ng maskara’y isang person- i t i n a t a g mga pangalan lamang. niya paglaon — si Zorro. Napa- pinagbibi- alidad na nabubuhay din sa upang pro- tektahan ang nood niya ang 1974 na bersyon dahan ni isang tagibang na lipunan na pinagbidahan ni Alain Delon. Erap bilang mga interes atikas ang tindig niya dahil sa pambihirang talino niya. Ginanap sa Gitnang Amerika, tagapaglig- ng publiko’y habang minaman- “Nangamba kaming baka si- umikot ang kwento kay Zorro na tas naging kumbinsido si Dennis umiiral na lamang upang protek- Mmanan ang paligid. napian na siya ng masasamang kilalang tagapagtanggol ng masa. na magaling si Erap. Kwento ni tahan ang interes ng mga tiwal- Nakasabit ang boomerang at es- espiritu kaya naman nung bu- Ito ang naging hudyat kay Den- Mang Danilo, itinuturing ni Den- ing namumuno, waring nangan- pada sa kanyang baywang, handa wang naging grade three siya, di- nis upang makiisa na rin sa mga nis na “ingenious leader” si Erap. gailangan talaga ng superhero. sa pagsalakay ng ‘di mawaring nala na namin siya sa Philippine isyung panlipunan. Nagbasa siya Ito ang dahilan kung bakit nagalit Sapagkat ang isang superhero’y kalaban. Buong pagmamayabang Mental Health Association para ng mga dyaryo upang subaybayan siya nang mapaalis si Erap sa pwesto labas sa sistema, at sa likod ng niyang sinusuot ang bandila bil- ipasuri,” ani mang Danilo. ang galaw ng ekonomiya at puli- at si Gloria Arroyo ang pumalit. Hin- maskara’y isang personalidad na ang kapa, ngunit pagkatao niya’y Taglay ni Dennis ang 120 IQ tika. Nakintal sa pag-iisip niya ang di niya tinanggap si Arroyo bilang nabubuhay din sa isang tagibang nakakubli sa maskara. level ayon sa resulta ng pagsusur- kabutihan ni Zorro at naging base- pangulo at mas lalo pa niya itong ki- na lipunan. Kilala siya ng karamihan bilang ing ginawa ng asosasyon -- lampas han ito ng kanyang pagbabago. namuhian nang malamang naging Ngunit, lagi’t lagi, hindi ka- si Zorro, Lawin, o Kapitan Pinoy. Di pa nakuntento sa napanood, pangulo siyang muli noong 2004 kayanin ng superhero mag-isa. Walang nakakaalam sa tunay ni- nagbasa pa si Dennis ng mga libro dahil umano sa pandaraya. Marahil isang paanyaya ang ipi- yang katauhan. Natawag na siyang tungkol kay Zorro. Sa pagka- Bakas sa kanyang pananalita ang napaabot ng karakter na si Zorro Fine Arts major, Engineering pro- humaling niyang labis na pagkapoot kay Arroyo. Nil- – imbitasyon upang lumahok sa fessor, o isang dating estudyan- ito, na- ilitanya niya ang mga kahirapang mga usaping panlipunan, pange- teng hindi nakayanan ang hamon nararanasan ng mamamayan dahil engganyong palawakin muli ang ng buhay-UP. Ngunit sa likod ng kay Arroyo. “No Gloria isipan upang mabatid muli na mga maskara’t pagkakakilanlang is ever safe makatwiran magsilbi sa tao. nabanggit, nakakubli ang isang Dahil kahit tinatawanan, personalidad – si Dennis Magta- kinukutya’t kinakantyawan, sa jas, 33 taong gulang. huli, si Zorro’y ‘di malilimutan. ■ Walang pagpapanggap Pangalawa si Dennis sa apat na anak nina Danilo at Virgie Magta- jas. Kasalukuyang tanod sa UP Vil- lage si mang Danilo at nagbu-book binding naman ni Aling Virgie. Sa murang gulang, kinaki- taan na diumano si Dennis ng sa 80-90 na nor- mal kakaibang galing. Tatlong taong para sa kanyang gulang. gulang siya nang magsimulang Kaya naman di kataka-takang apat na taon lang niyang tinapos ang magbasa. Ngunit hindi pam- pabayaan niya buong elementarya. batang kwento ang mga binaba- ang pag-aaral at di na Naguluhan pa noong una sina sa niya. Ayon kay Mang Danilo, nagpatuloy pa. “I am Zorro. People Aling Virgie at Mang Danilo. Hindi mga dyaryo raw ang madalas na need Zorro to save them!” aniya. nila lubos akalaing magkakaanak binabasa ni Dennis. Katatapos lang ng Batas Militar, sila ng tulad ni Dennis, kaya nai- Nag-kinder siya sa Krus na Li- taong 1988, nang tuluyang mag- sip nilang baka ‘di nila matugunan gas Elementary School taong 1982. ing Zorro si Dennis. Nanin- ang kanyang mga pangangailan- Tanda nga ni Mang Danilo, “In- digan siya, bilang kalahok gan. Ngunit, sa halip na ipaubaya away niya dati yung teacher niya... sa mga demonstrasyon, sa mga doktor at eksperto, pinag- gusto niya kasing sagutan na agad para sa karapatan patuloy nila ang pagpapaaral at ang assignment, at hindi sa bahay ng mamamayan. pagsuporta sa kanya. pa.” “Zorro will not Marami pang pagtatalo ang let anyone, not naganap sa pagitan ni Dennis at Ang kanyang laban Ang kakaibang katangian ni even Diego ng guro niya kaya naman inilipat dela Vega, siya sa Batino Elementary School. Dennis ang nagtulak kay mang Danilo na magtrabaho bilang sea- hurt the Fili- Unang baitang siya agad nang pinos!” Kala- tanggapin, dahil abante umano man upang matustusan ang mga pangangailangan nila. Prayoridad ban ni Zorro siya para sa kanyang edad. Dito, si dela Vega nabansagan siyang Lawin dahil niya si Dennis lalo na pagdating sa mga hinihingi nitong libro. kaya naman daw sa talas ng kanyang paningin ito ang nag- at kakaibang galaw ng mga mata. “Dahil hindi siya pangkarani- wan, hinayaan namin siya sa kan- ing turing Nalipat siya sa ikalawang niya sa mga baitang isang buwan lang mula yang mga kagustuhan, binigay lahat. Hindi namin siya ginu- mapagsa- nang pagpasok niya sa Batino. mantala. Ilang linggo pang lumipas, inan- gulo pati mga gamit niya dahil, naku! Iba yan kung magalit,” ani Hang- gat na siya sa ikatlong baitang g a n g dahil sa kanyang katalinuhan. mang Danilo. Maayos ang lahat sa kwarto ni Dennis at alam daw ngayo’y Hindi naman maiwasan ng mga madalas si- magulang ni Dennis na magtaka niya kapag may nagalaw na kahit
Artikulo Litrato Disenyo ng Pahina Marie Gerone Ba-ang Timothy Medrano Ivan Reverente 09 Philippine Collegian | Huwebes, 7 Ago 2008 Opinyon
nagrereklamo na sa piso, paano pa akong Survival kaunting kibot lang ay may dapat na ilu- (P)Utang(na) wang pera. Kakain ako, magbabayad ako. of the Louise Vincent B. Amante Sasakay ako, magbabayad ako. Manonood Fittest ako ng TV, magbabayad ako matapos ang a-kinse. Iinom ako’t maglalaba, magba- bayad ako sa a-bente. Tatawag ako sa mga to ang pinakaayaw kong mangyari sa Bukod pa riyan, kailangan kong kailangang kausapin, magbabayad ako sa Diana Kaye Precioso akin: ang manghiram ng pera para manghiram sa UP ng pang-tuition. Ngay- a-beinte singko. Magtetext ako, nagpapali- Imabuhay. ong semestre lang ako tumuntong sa pad ako ng piso. Mamamatay ako, mag- Pero wala naman tayong magagawa. Loan Board. At ngayon pang nage-MA babayad ang mga nagmamahal sa akin Remembrance Mas mabuti nang manghiram, o sa garapal ako. Hindi ko matanggap na ganito na ako para sa burol at libing ko. Kaya kakatwa alking to Vinzons the oth- na salita’y mangutang, kaysa sa manginig pero wala naman akong magagawa. Kai ang pahayag na “The best things in life are er day, a girl going in the sa gutom o hindi makauwi. Nakahihiya langang mag-aral, hindi dahil gusto kong free” dahil wala nang libre. Maski nga ang other direction paused to man ay hindi ko naman magawa kasi ma- madagdagan ang kaalaman maya’t mayang paghinga, look directly at me, smile, hirap talaga magkapera ngayon. Kahit ang ko, kundi para madugtu Paano pa kaya binabayaran na. and say, “Hi, Diana!” dating bumubuhay na honorarium sa mga ngan ng kapitaga-pitagang ang mga hindi pa Pinakamasahol pa rito I vaguely recalled seeing her face before. nalalathalang artikulo ko ay hindi na sa- daglat ang pangalan ko. ang marahil hindi alam ng W pat. Wala pa riyan ang buwanang sahod sa Lalo pa akong nahihiya kasi isinisilang ngayon? But I couldn’t remember where we had been maraming Pilipino. Bawat classmates. Or had we been co-applicants in dalawa kong trabaho. Hinihingi pa nilang red ballpen ang ginagamit Simple lang ang isa sa atin ay may bina- an organization? Maybe we’d gotten to chat- dapat uli akong mag-aral para maperma- ng staff sa pag-fill up ng sagot: may utang bayarang utang na hindi ting in line while trying to get a slot for a nente o kaya’y tumaas ang ranggo ko para loan forms. Parang idinidi- na rin sila naman tayo ang sadyang class. Or she was a friend of a friend. I racked tumaas din ang sahod ko. in na utang ito, hindi libre, nangutang. Ayon sa Bulatlat. my memory, but came up blank. Walang problema sa pag-aaral. Sanay na kailangang bayaran bago com, may P42,637 na utang So I just said hello, gave her a weak smile, ako sa edukasyong UP. Hindi na ako magu- matapos ang taon. Pang-ilan na kayo ako ang bawat Pilipino dala ng panghihiram and walked past. I hope she didn’t notice gulat sa mga pinagagawa ng mga propesor sa humiram para lang mag-aral uli? Ayon ng pamahalaan sa loob at labas ng bansa. my embarrassment. How was it that she re- dito. ‘Yun nga lang, kulang ang pera ko. sa balita ng Kulê, umabot na sa P9.2 mil- Sa salita ng mga tambay sa kanto, hindi membered me, but I didn’t remember her? May naipon naman ako, pero mas kaila lion ang ipinahiram ng UP para sa amin. pa nangungutang, may utang na agad. It’s happened before, this forgetting, ngan ng tiyan ko ‘yun. Hindi gagana ang Paalis na ako nang matanaw ko ang Form Paano pa kaya ang mga hindi pa isinisi but in different degrees. Sometimes I isip kapag walang laman ang tiyan. Kaya, 5 ng kasunod ko sa pila, PhD Sociology. lang ngayon? Simple lang ang sagot: may remember the name, but not where we kakaunti lang ang natira. Nanghiram na Naku po! utang na rin sila. met; and sometimes vice versa. Some- ako sa mga katrabaho para lang makapag- Ang pera nga naman, bakit pa kasi Iniisip ko tuloy kung kailan ako matitigil times I greet people who don’t seem to enrol. Nakahihiya nga lalo na’t isa rito’y ang ginawa. Tuloy, problema na ng lahat. sa pangungutang. Gusto ko kasing umikli have any idea who I am, which of course kasalukuyang department chair namin, at Maski bata nga ngayon, hindi na natu- ang listahan ko. Siguro, kapag hindi na uso makes me wonder if I mistook him or ‘yung dalawa’y ex-dept chair. Kapalan na tuwa sa piso. “Ano’ng mabibili ko rito?” ang pera, mawawala na rin ang salitang her for someone else. Or maybe that lang talaga ng mukha ‘yun. madalas na isasagot nila. Kung sila nga’y utang sa bokabularyo natin. n person just forgot me, as I forget others. This is part of UP life, I suppose — the frantic pace, the constant activity, the people who flit in and out of my life Pagdating sa bungad, bago namin tu- without leaving anything but the faint- Ang kweba ng lagim luyang marating ni Heathe ang liwanag, est memory behind. na ngayo’y isa nang napakalaking bilog, Many of the people I know were people Timothy Medrano napatigil ako dahil sa sakit at pagkaubos I sat next to for one semester. For those five na ng aking katawan dahil sa asidong months we saw each other twice a week, tubig. Ngunit natulak ako ni Heathe dahil trading life stories and opinions; then the hindi niya ako agad nakitang tumigil. Sa umusot, umilalim, lumangoy at ang malakas na agos tuwing gabi. Pagda semester ended, and we parted ways with lakas ng pagbunggo niya sakin, tumilapon umikot-ikot ako sa malaking kwebang ting namin doon sa kweba, halos umiyak each other’s number saved in our cell ako papunta sa maliwanag na bilog. Na- madilim. Marami akong kasamang na kami sa sakit ng malaasidong tubig phone. Occasionally I still receive quotes L kita kong ako na lang pala ang nakarating sumisid noon. Nagmistula kaming isang na nakapaligid sa amin. Madilim ang ka from people I haven’t thought of for awhile. mula sa libu-libong mga kasama namin. batalyon na papuntang gera. Sa unang salat piligiran maliban sa isang munting sulyap I always forward those quotes to other Marahil ang pinakamasakit ay nakita ko pa lamang sa tubig ng kwebang ito, para ng liwanag mula sa malayo. Ang lahat ng friends-turned-acquaintances, unwilling to ang aking matalik na kaibigan na tuluyang kaming pinakawalan na parang mga asong libu-libong kasama naming nadawit sa break the chain of tenuous connections. maubos ng tubig. ulol. Sabik na sabik kaming umikot-ikot, agos gabi-gabi ay nagsilanguyan ng na- Does any organism besides a human Pagbagsak ko sa maliwanag na bilog, pabunggo-bunggo kung saan-saan. Iyon pakabilis upang maabot ang possess the ability to store memories agad na may mga umakap na ang umpisa ng aming paglalakbay. liwanag na naghihintay sa away, to remember, and to feel again Ang kwebang iyon sa akin na mga anghel Ang kwebang iyon ay isang napakade- amin. Isa-isa nang nagkaka- what we felt then simply by recalling upang saluhin ang pagka- likadong lugar ayon sa mga matatanda. matayan ang mga kasama ay isang napakade- the moment? There are studies which tilapon ko. Unti-unti akong Ang lumalabas daw ng komunidad ay namin sa tindi ng pagkaasi- likadong lugar ayon show that maybe dolphins do, or chim- nabalutan ng pulang liki- dumidiretso na kagad sa kwebang ito. do ng tubig. Naaagnas na panzees. Would a dolphin cry if it en- sa mga matatanda. dong malapot hanggang sa Ngunit, wala nang bumabalik. Sinasa- ang aming mga balat nang countered something special given to it mawalan ako ng malay. bing malademonyo ang naroon. Madilim, unti-unti ngunit pursigido by someone who’s now gone? Ang tanging naaalala ko na lamang ay mainit, at nakakasunog ng balat ang tubig talaga kaming maabot ang liwanag. Hindi My memory is moody and selective. ang paglabas ko sa kwebang pinangga na aming papasukan. Ngunit, ito’y tila ko alam kung bakit talaga kami pumupun- I don’t remember any of the lessons I lingan na lahat ng gulong ito. Ang pinag- mga haka-haka lamang dahil wala naman ta dun kahit wala kaming alam kung ano memorized in one class, but I can still kaiba lamang ngayon ay tila naging ka talagang kwento na galing mismo sa kwe- iyon o ligtas ba talaga kami kapag naabot summon clearly the face of a student sing laki na lamang ng ulo ko ang kweba. bang ito. na namin iyon. Ang alam namin ay hindi who always arrived late. When I heard a Inasahan kong babalik na ako sa dati kong Kasabay kong lumangoy si Heathe da- kami pwedeng manatili dito sa madilim funny story, I kept telling it to everyone, tirahan ngunit iba na ata ang mundong hil magkasama kami noong dumating na kwebang unti-unti kaming inuubos. until a friend said with mild exaspera- ginagalawan ko. n tion that he was the one who first told me that story. And my brain casts in stone the things I wish I could forget; Join the Philippine Collegian's I still recoil from the smell of a flower Kultura section! pervasive at a funeral I attended. Exams can be taken anytime, Still, I’m thankful for our ability to Wala na bang 401 Vinzons Hall. forget, and to remember. After all, as I read somewhere once — “God gave us memories that we might have roses in KULTURA SA UP? Disenyo ng Pahina December.” n Sana mero'n pa. Sana ikaw nga. Ivan Reverente 10 Opinyon Philippine Collegian | Huwebes, 7 Ago 2008
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Pagsiyasat sa kalahating terminong panunungkulan ni Emerlinda Roman
angan ng bawat pinuno ng uniber- ang ilang positibong probisyon ng bagong UP tional Democratization of UP (STAND-UP), ni Bagro ang bagong sistema ng STFAP. “Nar- sidad ang pagsubok ng pagbabago. Charter, gaya ng pagsama ng Staff Regent sa ipinapakita ng S&T Parks ang “commercial- rowing down the lowest bracket is a highly ques- TItinuring na malaking tagumpay ang Board of Regents. Ngunit nanindigan ang grupo ization at clear violation sa paggamit ng UP tionable decision,” ani Bagro. Sa lumang STFAP, pagkapanalo ni Dr. Emerlinda Roman laban na sumasang-ayon ang kalakhan ng UP Charter land for academic purposes only.” walang binabayarang matrikula ang mga mag- kay Amb. Edgardo Espiritu, ang kandidato ng sa “assumption that the government cannot and aaral na kumikita ng P130,000 pababa kada taon, Malacañang, bilang ikalabing-siyam na pan- will not provide sufficient budget for UP.” Ultimo habang sa bagong STFAP, naging P80,000 ang gulo ng Unibersidad ng Pilipinas (UP) noong Isa sa pinakamalaking sagka sa pag-unlad demarkasyon. Sa kabila nito, sang-ayon si Bagro ika-22 ng Nobyembre, 2004. Si Roman ang Intermedio ng UP ang kakulangan ng pondo mula sa sa STFAP kung maayos ang implementasyon. kauna-unahang babaeng presidente ng isa sa Isa sa mga prayoridad ni Roman ang pagpapa- pamahalaan, ayon kay Roman. Halimbawa, Ayon naman kay Servando, hindi sapat ang mga pinaka-prestihiyosong pamantasan sa husay sa “science and technology thrust” ng UP. habang umaabot sa P8.4 bilyon ang pro- tugon ni Roman “sa pagbibigay ng economic re- buong bansa. Kaalinsabay nito ang paglunsad ng UP Scientific posed budget ng UP noong nakaraang taon, lief sa mga estudyante.” Sa kaso ng STFAP, “ang Sa simula ng kanyang termino, inihain Productivity System at Engineering Research and P4.4 bilyon naman ang approved budget – daming cases of students being assigned to STFAP ni Roman ang kanyang 10-point agenda Development Curriculum na naglalayong paun- halos kalahati lamang ng kailangang subsi- brackets that are not reflective of their economic na nahahati sa tatlong aspeto. Una, tutukan larin ang “scientific productivity for national de- dyo ng unibersidad. status…it seems like it helps, but really, it’s flawed, niya ang iilang piling larangan, partikular velopment.” Dagdag ni Roman, itinayo din ang Hindi rin sapat ang pondo ng UP para inaccessible, and hides the fact na nagbabayad ka sa agham at teknolohiya, upang manatiling National Science Complex sa UP Diliman upang “taasan ang sweldo at gawing regular ang be- pa rin nang sobrang laki compared sa dati before “center of excellence and culture” ang UP. maging “national hub for the generation and ap- nepisyo ng mga faculty at empleyado,” ani Ro- TFI,” ani Servando. Dagdag niya, isang “smoke- Ikalawa, tugunan niya ang maliit na subsi- plication of new scientific knowledge.” man. “Kinakailangan nating magkaroon ng screen policy” lamang ang STFAP para sa TFI. dyo mula sa gobyerno sa pamamagitan ng Layunin din ni Roman na maglaan ng “venue regular na pagkukunan nito,” pasya niya. Tutol din ang CONTEND-UP sa ginawang pagpapaliit ng “operation costs and resource for research and technology-based collaborative Upang makalikom ng sariling pondo, paraan ni Roman upang taasan ang sweldo ng mga imbalances” ng administrasyon. At ikatlo, projects between academe and industry…[where] ipinatupad ng administrasyon ang 300 por- propesor at kawani. “A great part of these promised patibayin ang lahat ng UP units at kumita ideas can be transformed into useful and com- siyentong tuition fee increase (TFI) noong higher wages shall come from rising tuition fees and ng karagdagang pondo para sa sentenaryo mercial products.” Bunsod nito, nagawang ipa-upa 2006. “Nakabase sa inflation rate at sweldo rampant commercialization,” ayon sa CONTEND- ng unibersidad. Sa ikatlong taong panunug- sa Ayala Land, Inc. ang 38.6 hektarya na lupain ang isinagawa namin pagtaas…Kinakalkula UP. Hindi dapat pinagbabangga ang karapatang ng kulan ni Roman, napapanahong tasahin at ng unibersidad sa Commonwealth Avenue para rin namin ang ginagawa naming pagtaas,” mga estudyante sa pag-aral at karapatan ng mga timbangin ang kanyang mga naisagawa. tayuan ng “Science and Technology (S&T) Park.” ani Roman. Sa kanyang propesor sa sahod, dagdag ng Kasama sa loob ng S&T Park ang mga call center, Midterm Report, pinali- Sa ikatlong taong grupo. Principio condominium, at hotel. wanag niya na ang TFI panununmgkulan ni Sa huli, hinuhusgahan Sa kanyang Midterm Report, ipinahayag ni Katwiran ni Roman, nakahiwalay ang ang isa sa pinakamahi- ang isang pangulo ayon Roman na, “the approval of our new charter is un- “academic core zones” sa mga komersyal hirap na desisyong na Roman, napapanahong sa kanyang masigasig na doubtedly the high point of the celebration of our na proyekto ng administrasyon upang ma- kanyang ginawa bilang tasahin at timbangin ang pagtugon sa mga pangan- centennial year.” Ipinagmalaki niya ang pagkapasa panatili ang academic freedom n g pangulo ng unibersidad. kanyang mga naisagawa. gailangan ng kanyang pina- ng Republic Act 9500 o “An Act to Strengthen the UP. Ngunit paratang ng “It was a decision I could mumunuan. Ayon na rin University of the Philippines as the National Uni- CONTEND-UP, easily have avoided. But… kay Roman, “I have no doubt versity” noong ika-29 ng Abril nitong taon. hindi malinaw the last time the University increased its tu- that in the eyes of some, there are areas where Mula dekada ‘80, nabuo na ang mga plano kung na- ition was in 1989,” aniya. Sa kabila ng pag- our performance has been less than satisfactory. para sa pagrebisa ng University Code at University saan at taas ng mga bayarin, binigyang diin ni My reply to this is: let us know what these are.” Charter na nilikha noong panahon ng Amerikano gaano ka- Roman ang bagong Socialized Maraming beses nang dumaing ang – patunay na naging mahaba at masalimuot ang laki ang Tuition and Financial As- mga mag-aaral. Kung tutuusin, malayo sa kampanya para sa modernong karta na maaaring academ- sistance Program (STFAP) payapa ang lumipas na tatlong taon. At sa tumugon sa kasalukuyang panahon. ic core bilang pagtugon sa pan- pagkakataong ito, umaasa ang karamihan “The most significant portions of the new z o n e s . gangailangan ng mga sa mataimtim na pakikinig ng UP Charter [include] the recognition of UP as Dagdag mag-aaral. pinakamataas na pamu- the country’s National University,” ani Roman. nito, “The Sa kabilang nuan sa loob ng un- Paliwanag niya, ang pagpapalit ng kategorya whole ter- banda, kinu- ibersidad. n mula sa “state university” tungo sa “national ritory of the westyon university” ay palatandaan na ang UP ang University ly- “pinakamahusay [na unibersidad] sa bansa.” ing outside of this Pabor naman ang ilang miyembro ng so-called ‘academic komunidad sa nasabing pagbabago. “Sina- core zone’…is there- sang-ayunan ko ang pagtawag sa UP bil- fore declared as a ang national university dahil maaari itong commercial zone.” gamiting ligal na basehan [para] sa patuloy Ayon naman kay na pagsuporta ng gobyerno sa unibersi- Kristine Servando, dad,” ani University Student Council (USC) education and re- Chairperson Herminio Bagro III. search officer ng Ngunit sa pahayag ng Congress of Teach- Stu- ers and Educators for Nationalism and dent Democracy-UP (CONTEND-UP), ang pag- Alli- palit ng kategorya ay nakabatay sa “crucial ance distinction between Private Higher Educa- f o r tional Institutions and State Universities and Na- Colleges (SUCs).” Paliwanag ng grupo, nan- gangambang mawala ang subsidyo ng gobyerno para sa UP, dahil “the yearly General Appropriations Act (GAA) only mentions SUCs as recipients of government subsidy.” Samantala, kinilala din ng CONTEND-UP Artikulo Dibuho Disenyo ng Pahina Marvin Lim at Alaysa Tagumpay Escandor Nico Villarete Marinelle O. Garcia 12 Opinyon Huwebes, 7 Ago 2008 Philippine Collegian
opisyal na lingguhang pahayagan ng mga mag-aaral ng unibersidad ng pilipinas - diliman
Punong Patnugot Larissa Mae R. Suarez
Mga Kapatnugot Jerrie M. Abella Melane A. Manalo
Tagapamahalang Patnugot Frank Lloyd B. Tiongson
Patnugot sa Balita John Alliage T. Morales
Patnugot sa Lathalain Alaysa Tagumpay E. Escandor
Mga Patnugot sa Grapiks Piya C. Constantino Ivan Bryan G. Reverente Candice Anne L. Reyes Janno Gonzales Tagapamahala ng Pinansiya Ma. Rosa Cer M. dela Cruz Editoryal Mga Kawani Louise Vincent B. Amante Mark Angelo V. Ching hundred obligated as the P500 monthly subsidy for Glenn L. Diaz rounds of applause Giving the Boot electricity, take the place of long- Janno Rae T. Gonzales does not render sound- term and sustainable economic Timothy Medrano ness to an assertion. refer to the reactions her admin- the oil deregulation law, which programs. Archie A. Oclos As such, it is only istration elicits, as tallied in the since its inception has been re- Jan Marcel V. Ragaza For the millions who are un- throughA the sheer logic of skewed polls. The regime is unpopular in sponsible for steep increases in Antonio D. Tiemsin Jr. able to avail of such dole-outs, Om Narayan E. Velasco political power that the 12 percent the sense that it has never been pump prices. For the sake of fulfill- however, the prospects are grim. Mixkaela E. Villalon reformed value added tax (RVAT) accountable to the people which it ing its obligations to international While the president assumed that may be deemed beneficial to the is mandated to serve. It is unpop- funding institutions, the presi- Pinansiya revenues from the RVAT return to Amelyn J. Daga people. And it is only in the farce ular because its economic policies dent remains firm in allotting 24 the people in terms of subsidies, called the state of the nation ad- place the welfare of the public in percent of the national budget to Tagapamahala sa Sirkulasyon millions still cry for social service. dress (SONA) that the RVAT may the bottom of the priority list. It debt payments while millions dig Paul John Alix Government spending on educa- be defended, amidst expensive is unpopular because it has long deeper inside their sorry pockets tion, health, housing, and other Sirkulasyon haute couture and dogged politi- since abdicated its responsibility for subsistence. social services has remained stag- Gary Gabales cal loyalty. to provide sustainable economic Moreover, it continues to tol- Ricky Icawat nant or dwindling. After all, the president can programs for the people, adopting erate, if not actively engage in, Amelito Jaena The University of the Philip- Glenario Omamalin never look at the people straight expedient poli- wholesale corrup- pines, for instance, has emerged in the eye. Doing so would cause cies to satiate the It is only in the farce tion. The presi- Mga Katuwang na Kawani as a classic example of state aban- her to flinch at every point made interests of a few dent’s SONA, Trinidad Basilan called the state of donment. Due to low budget allo- Gina Villas in her speech. For outside the — not excluding for instance, was cations, university officials were gates of her enclaves, guarded her own. the nation address markedly silent Pamuhatan prompted to increase tuition by day and night by security forces, a Thus, in a sin- regarding the Silid 401 Bulwagang that the RVAT may as much as 300 percent. If there different logic holds sway: higher gle breath, the First Family’s Vinzons, Unibersidad ng is indeed any inkling of truth in Pilipinas, Diliman, Lungsod prices and stagnant wages mean regime is both be defended, amidst hand in craft- the president’s pronouncement Quezon hungry people and mounting dis- unpopular and ing the dubious expensive haute that her measures spurred great- content. inutile. $329 million Telefax er state allocations, such travesty 9818500 lokal 4522 One may indeed posit that de- Instead of couture and dogged NBN-ZTE broad- should have never seen the light cisive solutions are not necessarily looking for band deal. The Email political loyalty of day. popular, as the president argued. other souces of administration [email protected] There is only one fitting com- It is why she insisted on retain- revenues, it has has also relied on Website the cloak of executive privilege in mentary on the president’s recent ing the RVAT despite the blow it passed the buck to the citizens http://philippinecollegian.tk SONA: reality bites. struck to her popularity rating in who are mired in abject poverty order to block executive officials http://kule-0809.deviantart.com It is as if she did not address a the opinion polls. The measure, through the RVAT. Obstinately from testifying in inquiries that nation populated mainly by the Kasapi she stressed, actually softened the subscribing to the dictates of for- aim to exorcise large-scale cor- unemployed, the uneducated, Solidaridad - UP System-wide impact of the world oil and food eign multilateral organizations, ruption. Alliance of Student the uncared-for, minimum-wage crises in the form of subsidies ac- the administration continues to It is under these circumstances Publications and Writers’ earners, would-be migrants, and Organizations corded to the people. play host to multinational compa- that the people are turned into the disenfranchised, all of whom College Editors Guild of the The reverse, however, emerges nies by giving tax incentives, tax charity cases. Subsidies are turned Philippines are “footing the bill.” from the president’s pronouncements: holidays, and a myriad of conces- into PR campaigns which feature It is only fitting to give the the RVAT as well as other government sions which account for billions of the president handing dole-outs president the boot for letting us policies actually worsened the effect of lost revenues. to select individuals. A minimum foot the bill for its corruption and the world food and oil crises. Due to such blind subscription, wage increase remains elusive, inutility. n Popularity does not merely the government refuses to repeal while band-aid solutions, such