NEWS Features Culture Editorial

WHEN MONEY
STUDES OUTRAGED STAND AND DELIVER CANNOT BUY YOU IN RETALIATION FOR
OVER BUDGET CUT Pages 6 to 10 EDUCATION
GRATITUDE
FMAB ESTABLISHMENT Pages 11 to 12
Pages 2 to 5 Page 20

The Official Student Publication of the University of the Philippines Manila | Volume 24 Numbers 8-9 MONDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2010
 NEWS
Studes Outraged over Educ Budget Cut
Series
A BURNING ISSUE. Students from Metro Manila conducted the first Aquino effigy burning during the National Day for
Walkout Against Budget Cut on September 24. Photo courtesy of Charlette Coronel
USC, CSCs Convey
Student Demands in Summit
MON GABRIEL POSADAS DISTOR AND ALYSSA NICOLE CACHO GRATIL
V arious student demands were registered by representatives from different colleges of the
University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) at the recently concluded “Sulong Isko: Ang Pagtindig
ng mga Iskolar ng Bayan Para sa Karapatan,” a student summit held at the PGH Science Hall, September
16.
Pressing issues of the
university and the studentry
were likewise highlighted in
the summit.
Spearheaded by the USC
Councilor and Students’ Rights
and Welfare Basic Services
(STRAWBS) Committee
Head Mohammad Muktadir
Estrella, the Student Summit
was conducted as a part of the
STRAWBS Week on September
13-17.
UP Budget Scrutinized
The summit began with
USC Chairperson Cesarie
Ann Santos’ discussion of
the current UP situation,
describing the UPM students’
dismal state including those
in School of Health Sciences in
Palo, Leyte and Baler, Aurora.
2 • 11 OCTOBER 2010 •
Volume 24, Numbers 8-9
of
ANGELA MARIZ ULEP CAUDAL AND KATHLEEN TRINIDAD GUIANG
Moreover, Santos tackled issues
regarding the impending budget
cut to state universities and
colleges (SUCs). She revealed that
from UP’s 2011 Budget Proposal
of Php18.5 billion, the government
would only provide a meager
Php5.5 billion due to several
budget cuts to SUCs. The portion
of the UP budget designated for
personal services dropped from
Php5.9 billion to Php4.87 billion,
maintenance allocation decreased
from Php3.7 billion to Php654
million, while capital outlay
budget went from Php8.87 billion
to nothing.
Santos further said that the
looming budget cut is a clear
manifestation of the incumbent
administration’s curtailment of
students’ rights.
USC Rebukes Private Accreditation
MONDAY
Protests Staged
S tudents from various state universities and colleges (SUCs),
along with various progressive organizations, held a national
walkout from their classes and marched to Mendiola on September
24 to express their radical opposition to the Aquino administration’s
drastic budget cut in the education sector (see Iskotistiks).
An estimated 1,200 students
from Ilocos Sur, Baguio-Benguet,
Central Luzon, Metro Manila,
Southern Tagalog, Bicol, Cebu,
Iloilo, Tacloban, Bacolod, and
Davao walked out from their
classes on the said rally dubbed
“National Day of Action for
Education.” Protesters from
Metro Manila also staged the first
burning of Pres. Benigno Aquino’s
effigy at the protest action since he
became president.
Students Slam Budget Slash
Urging members of the congress
to counter the education budget
cut and re-channel funds to the
education sector, students from
different campuses of UP joined
the marching to Mendiola.
Cleve Arguelles, Vice Chairperson
otohP PA / zeuqraM tilluB fo ysetruoc otohP 13 yluJ no dnatsdnarG and Executive Council Secretary
of University of the Philippines
Manila (UPM) College of Arts and
Sciences (CAS) Student Council
emphasized that the united
effort from the students is still
historically proven to be more
effective than obtaining support
from the congress.
“Kasaysayan ang siyang
makakapagsabi na
pinakamatagumpay pa rin at
pinakaepektibo ang mga pagkilos
ng mga kabataan sa ganitong
mga isyu. Ang militante at
The USC Chairperson also tackled kolektibong pagpapahayag natin
the complaints of the students ng ating pagtutol ang siyang
toward the on-going private magpapanginig ng mga tao sa
accreditation of several colleges Malacanang.”
in UPM. Santos declared that the
accreditation pushed through Highlighted by the participation
without consulting and seeking of the different stakeholders in
the approval of the student body. the said sector, the demonstration
was also a united struggle of
Private accreditation is a system the National Youth Formations,
scrutinizing and evaluating National Union of Students of
universities and colleges in all the Philippines, College Editors
aspects. Accrediting bodies such Guild of the Philippines, League
of Filipino Students, Anakbayan,
as the Philippine Accrediting
KARATULA, Student Christian
Association for Schools, Colleges
Movement, KABATAAN Partylist,
and Universities (PAASCU) and
Asap Katipunan, Gabriela,
Philippine Association of Colleges Polytechnic University of the
and Universities Commission Philippines, Philippine Normal
on Accreditation (PACUCOA) University, College of Business
observe, evaluate, and advise Administration, among others.
undertakings to gratify university
issues concerning competence and Pre-Walkout Mobilization
academic excellence.
A week prior to the walkout,
student-leaders from the UPM
CONTINUED ON PAGE 14
USC, CAS Student Council, and
different mass organizations
mobilized students along the CAS
corridors carrying a symbolic
coffin and wearing black shirts to
show that the education system
in our country is currently in a
mournful state.
Student activists further claim that
this condition is even worsened by
President Aquino’s proposed 2011
budget for SUCs amounting to a
meager P23.4 billion – a large cut
from last year’s equally insufficient
P23.8 billion appropriation.
To further disseminate the extent of
the administration’s misallocation
and misprioritization of the
country’s budget, progressive
students also conducted room-
to-room assignments to enlighten
students to fight for their right to
quality and accessible education.
In addition, organizers explained
the rationale of the walkout they
were about to demonstrate as
tantamount to standing up not
only for the present generation but
more so for the next ones.
Impending Privatization of SUCs
Aquino mentioned in his 2011
Budget Message that this budget
cut scheme is intending to
eventually reduce the subsidy
of SUCs “to push them toward
becoming self-sufficient and
financially independent, given
their ability to raise their income.”
“Nakakatakot lang po na ma-
commercialize, ma-privatize
na yung edukasyon natin, na sa
halip na yung ating gobyerno
ang talagang nagpi-finance sa
edukasyon ng mga mamamayan,
ang nagpi-finance na nito ay yung
mga private institutions,” said
Mark Panganiban, UPM (UPM)
USC Vice Chairperson.
Panganiban expressed his fear of
this neoliberal policy remarking
that in the near future, education
in our country would only be
accessible to those belonging to
the well-off class if this measure is
not blocked.
UP Student Regent Cori Co
also expressed dissent over
Aquino’s unjust proposal of
slashing appropriations for SUCs,
remarking the promise of Aquino
to put education and the youth on
his top priority and increase the
budget for education.
 Volume 24, Numbers 8-9 NEWS
AUPWU, HEAD Condemn
FMAB Establishment
Budget Misappropriation Stressed
YODHIM GUDEL GEPTY DELA ROSA

W ith the government’s low budget allocation for the health sectors, the All UP Workers Union
(AUPWU) and Health Alliance for Democracy (HEAD) condemn the establishment of Faculty
Medical Arts Building as the solution to the problem of the University of the Philippines (UP) Manila-
Philippine General Hospital (PGH).

Despite various oppositions to the
establishment of a private hospital
in PGH, the FMAB formally opened
its services on pharmacy and
laboratory on September 1.
Institutionalizing Social
Dichotomy
AUPWU-Manila Chapter
vehemently opposed the
establishment of FMAB, believing
that such project would serve
as a contradicting factor in the
operations of the PGH.
is not the answer to the lack of
budget in PGH. He, however,
stressed that there are funds but
the government fails to properly
allocate it to different institutions.
Bastardizing Democratic Rule
Due to the seemingly decreasing
budget that is being allocated for
the UP system, the BOR resorted
to the establishment of FMAB
in order for PGH to generate
funds necessary for continued
operations.
by UP Manila Chancellor Ramon
Arcadio on August 26 regarding
the guidelines in the sharing and
management of rentals from
the lease of the UPM-PGH FMAB
stating that “All rental payments
for FMAB, including interest
and penalty charges, if any,
shall be equally shared between
UPM-Academic and UPM-PGH.
Accordingly, fifty percent (50%) of
the rental payments shall belong
to the UPM-Academic and the
other fifty percent (50%) thereof
shall belong to the UPM-PGH.“

According to Dr. Melfred
Hernandez, Coordinator for
Flagship and Special Projects
of PGH, the FMAB will serve as
faculty incentive program and an
income-generating unit for PGH.
The building is currently leased to
Daniel O. Mercado Medical Center
for 25 years and an estimated
rental income of Php815 million
In addition, to show that the idea
of having the FMAB is solely for
the doctors, the BOR calls it as
the University Physician’s Medical
Center so that they can easily
attend to their clinics near the
hospital premises.
Dr. Gene Nisperos, Vice President
of HEAD, however, said that the
In response to the memorandum,
Dr. Nisperos said that the order
of the Chancellor does not justify
anything because the whole COPING WITH LACK OF SUBSIDY. Despite oppositions from different
complex of FMAB is deemed groups, the Faculty Medical Arts Building officially opened its doors to the
inappropriate for the community public on September 1. Photo courtesy of University Physicians Medical Center
CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

UP Pres Nominees Present

for the said duration will be earned FMAB should be abolished, if not,
by the university. be turned into a public Out Patient
Department for PGH because

Platforms in Forum Series

Furthermore Secretary of AUPWU-
Manila chapter Jossel Ebesate said
that under the new UP charter, any
contract that is worth 50 million
or has a lifespan of more than five
its establishment creates a
contradiction of having a private –
owned hospital inside the national
public hospital. ACE VINCENT PONSECA MOLO

years should be approved by three-
fourths votes of all the members of
the Board of Regents (BOR)
“Ang FMAB ay inaprubahan
lamang ng apat in favor at 3
against on the final voting. Matigas
talaga ang ulo ng UP BOR dahil
malinaw na nilalabag nila ang
sariling charter ng pamantasan,”
said Ebesate.
Ebesate also said that the conflicts
brought in the establishment
of FMAB is prevalent and is
manifested in its month old
operation. He said that the FMAB
is indeed counter-productive
because it is countering the
services being offered by the
pharmacy and laboratories of PGH.
“Hindi lamang sa usapin ng
paglabag sa karapatang pantao,
kundi lahat ng proseso ay sa
tingin ng lahat ng nakaupo sa
pamahalaan o sa higher level ay
nakakaya nilang gawin ang lahat
ng gusto nilang gawin ng walang
accountability,” he added.
He strongly said that the FMAB
“Hindi lamang sa Pharmacy
[magkakaroon ng counter
productiveness], magiging excuse
siya na i-limit ang services offered
by PGH.”
Dr. Nisperos added that the
detrimental effects of having
FMAB inside the PGH premises
will be primarily shouldered by
the patients especially by the
patients in the charity ward.
“Imbes na makatipid, lalo pang
napapagastos. Kung ano ang
kulang sa PGH ay kayang punuan
ng FMAB kaso babayaran mo
na ... ang detrimental, ang lahat
ng papasan niyan ay ang mga
pasyente,” he added.
Dr. Nisperos further agrees with
the statement made by the AUPWU
on budget misappropriation of
the government especially on the
unequal allocation of the national
budget on the military and the
health and education sectors.
Justifying the Effects
A memorandum was released
N
ominees vying for the highest position in the University of the Philippines (UP) discussed their
visions and plans for the university in a series of fora spearheaded by the UP Board of Regents (BOR),
in line with the forthcoming selection of the next UP president on November 19.
The forum series, “The Search for
the Next UP President: Nominees’
Fora,” “intends to enable the
University constituencies to raise
issues and concerns they would
like the next UP President to
address.”
The Nominees
The BOR, at its 1259th Meeting
held on August 17, 2010 at UP
Mindanao, accepted eleven
nominees for the UP presidency,
namely: Consolacion R. Alaras,
retired professor from the UP
Department of English and
Comparative Literature; Patrick
Alain T. Azanza, U.P. Diliman
College of Education Senior
Lecturer ; Leonor M. Briones,
former National Treasurer and
currently professor from the
UP National College of Public
Administration and Governance;
Esperanza I. Cabral, former Health
and Social Welfare Secretary and
presently Senior Policy Advisor
of the United Nations Population
Fund; Sergio S. Cao, UP Diliman
Chancellor.
Also in the list are Benjamin
E. Diokno, professor from the
UP School of Economics and
former Budget and Management
Secretary; Ma. Serena I.
Diokno, former Vice President
for Academic Affairs and UP
Department of History professor;
Raul C. Pangalangan, former UP
College of Law dean; Alfredo E.
Pascual, Alumni Regent (on leave);
Virginia A. Teodosio, professor
from the UP School of Labor and
Industrial Relations; and Luis Rey
Velasco, UP Los Baños (UPLB)
Chancellor.
The Forum Series
In accordance to a memorandum
released by the BOR regarding
mechanics of the fora, nominees
shall be given 10 minutes
to present his/her Vision
Statement, following the sequence
predetermined through drawing
lots. After all the nominees have
presented their Vision Statements,
questions from the host
constituent unit (CU) and remote
sites must be answered by each
nominee.
The first of the series was held
at the D. L. Umali Hall of UP Los
Baños, September 20. All but
Cabral were present in the forum.
The forum was also beamed
through live streaming at other
UP CUs, including UP Manila. Live
streaming of the forum was seen
in the College of Dentistry (CD)
Auditorium.
The second forum was held on
September 24 at UP Diliman’s
National Institute for Science
and Mathematics Education
Development (NISMED)
Auditorium.
Most of the visions presented
CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

MONDAY • 11 OCTOBER 2010 • 3

 NEWS Volume 24, Numbers 8-9

Apportioned Neglect and Abandonment

D i s s e c t i n g Aq u i n o ’s B u d g e t P r i o r i t i e s f o r 2 0 1 1
JOANNA MARIE ICASAS UDARBE AND MARK JASON SANTOS FLORES

R eflected in a government’s annual budget are its priorities and plan of

action, and yet it is evident that with the 2011 budget proposal, nothing has
changed - from the priorities of the incumbent government, to its ineffective
Given that the Aquino administration openly
advocates for Public-Private Partnership,
it becomes a possibility that the increases
in the budget for education will neither be
policies and solutions. These similarities with the past administrations used for the improvement of the quality
debunk the promise of change that the Aquino administration prides itself on. of education in the Philippines, nor for the
improvement of educational facilities, but
will instead be utilized as a head start for
the privatization of the educational sector.
On the other hand, while basic education
received an increase, the budget for State
Universities and Colleges (SUCs) was again
reduced.
high education fee. Furthermore, the SUCs
are bound to increase the tuition in order
to compensate the budget that they need. In
desperation for fund allocation, the SUCs also
face the possibility of accepting privatization
and commercialization.
Hampered Healthcare System
Aside from education, the health sector also
experienced insufficiency in fund allocations.
Though an increase has been allotted for this
sector, the goal of having health services
made accessible to all is still unattainable.

The slashing of the SUCs’ budget by Php2.127
Billion shows not only a bastardization
of the rights of the students for higher
education, but also a manifestation of the
desire of the Aquino administration to
push for privatization. This was evident
in Aquino’s speech explaining the budget
distribution, wherein he stated “[w]e are
gradually reducing the subsidy to SUCs to
push them toward becoming self-sufficient
and financially independent, given their
ability to raise their income and to utilize it
for their programs and projects.”
In public hospitals, nurses handle a ward
not just of 15 patients but three times more;
doctors handle not just 400 but 28,000
patients. Likewise, they lack many basic
equipment and supplies such as incubators,
hospital beds, reagents and medicines. To
address these worsening conditions of public
health, the health sector submitted a budget
proposal of Php90B to the DBM. The budget
allotted however, was only Php49.9 Billion:
an amount proven insufficient to sustain
the 55 compensated public hospitals in the
Philippines.

Through this Private-Public Partnerships According to the same speech by Aquino,

Figure 1: Deceiving Allocations. This graph shows the difference in budget allocations
for health, education, and debt servicing from year 1986 to 2011. Source: IBON
Foundation
President Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino
III, through the Department of Budget and
Management (DBM), submitted the proposed
Php1.645 trillion budget appropriations for
fiscal year 2011.
The principle of revising the budget is that
“the taxes paid by the people will be spent
for the people” said Aquino in his speech
regarding the national budget. The budget
allocations, however, contrast the supposed
priorities of the state, which the Aquino
administration is mandated to focus on.
The government’s negligence on health and
education is evident in its miniscule efforts
to reach out to the masses. Through the past
decades, the population of the Philippines
exponentially grew, yet, the number of
schools and hospitals remain the same.
Likewise, books, medicines, facilities and
the quality of service continue to degrade
because of the meager budget that the state
commissions. This resulted to the growing
number of deaths due to diseases and school
drop-outs which in turn backfires on the
progress of the country.
Throughout the history of the Philippines,
the budget allocation for 2011 is the
highest among all the national budgets.
Nevertheless, the increase of funding
among these sectors is negligible because it
will serve as initial funds for privatization
instead of the improvement of their social
services. See Figure 2 for a graph containing
(PPP) scheme, Aquino assumes a cure-all to “[w]e put importance on the advancement
the ills of society and the education system. and protection of public health. Equally
Such thinking, however, is in fact a clear important is making healthcare services
reflection of the government’s abandonment accessible to all.” Ironically, public hospitals
and neglect of its responsibility to provide which caters the poorest of the poor, found
genuine solutions to the problems that the themselves slashed by Php1 B off their
SUCs face. With this proposed solution, already meager budgets. On the other hand,
Aquino ignores the plight of the students military hospitals which are not accessible to
the magnified version of the proposed 2011 who cannot afford to pay their already all, have been increased by sum amounting
national budget.
The allocations unmistakably prove that the
social sectors are neglected as debt servicing
and national defense is given more priority
over health, and education. Moreover, with
the large allocations in debt servicing, the
Philippine economy is more likely to fall
because of the decreased allocations in other
social sectors.
State Abandonment of Education
During Arroyo’s regime, the Department
of Education (DepEd) was given with the
largest allocation, or 11% of the total budget.
For Aquino’s term, DepEd remains as the
department with the highest allocation with
funds comprising roughly 13% of the total
budget.
As reflected in Figure 2, the government
gives us the illusion that they prioritize
education. If carefully examined, however,
this budget still falls short with the global
standard as 6% of the GDP is certainly
not enough to cover the huge shortage in
teachers, textbooks and facilities of schools
nationwide. This year, the government aims
to acquire only 18,000 new classrooms out
of the 150,000 needed, 10,000 new faculty
teachers out of 100,000 shortage, and 32 Figure 2: Wrong Priorities. The graph reveals the budget allocations in debt service,
million new textbooks out of the total 95 defense, health, and education per billion pesos for the fiscal year 2011. Reference:
million new books that are required. DBM

4 • 11 OCTOBER 2010 • MONDAY


Figure 3: Enormous Difference. The graph compares the huge gap between the World
Health Organization recommended budget, the health sector’s proposed budget and the
actual budget submitted by the government. Source: Ibon Foundation
to Php300 Million.
The number of deaths due to untreated
illnesses from lack of medicines and
equipment rationed among thousands of
charity patients per day and is continuously
rising. With the minute budget allotted,
this cut in the health budget equates to the
further worsening of the health situation in
the Philippines.
State’s Foreign and Martial Prejudice
“Consistent with our bias for the poor, the
social services sector will be our top priority,”
remarked Aquino in his budget speech, and
yet he contradicts his very words with the
vulgar and continuous decrease in fund
allocation for the health, education and many
other social and economic sectors. Under the
proposed 2011 budget, the government also
intends to cut Php23B in Agriculture and
Agrarian Reforms and totally cut off subsidy
for the National Food Authority which sells
rice to many families who cannot afford the
usual price.
On the other hand, the Department of
National Defense (DND) and Department
of Interior and Local Government (DILG)
received a budget amounting to Php200B.
According to a research done by IBON, this
budget will be used for the modernization of
the military, recruiting more soldiers, and the
improvement of arms and intelligence units
to uphold justice. This allocation however,
does not equate to an improvement to the
peace and order of the country but instead
spells an increase in number of human rights
violations, fascism, and repression.
Consequently, the fund for debt servicing,
which is used to pay for the debts that the
Philippines has acquired over the years was
increased to Php357.1 Billion: the biggest
allotted budget for debt servicing in the
history of the Philippines.
This huge allocation in debt servicing
cripples the Philippine economy and does
not attend to the needs of society. In fact,
it just serves as a scheme to maintain the
good name of the government so that they
can continue on selling the Philippines to
foreign corporations and imperialist nations.
Dependence on these international giants
amounts to the continuous leeching off of the
budget that should have been of better use
if allocated to education and health sectors.
Likewise, Aquino’s pet phrase “kung walang
corrupt, walang mahirap” certainly did
not match with his 2011 budget proposal.
Notable increases in corruption-prone funds
such as the pork barrel fund, which increased
from Php10.9B to Php24.8B, the shady 1.4B
intelligence fund, and the lump-sum funding
for his Public-Private Partnership program
deliberately destroyed the chances for the
realization of his selling slogan.
Given all these figures on budget allocation,
it is evident that the ones adversely
impacted by the unjust appropriations
are the health and education sectors. The
Filipino people, therefore, must make the
president remember that he is mandated
to prioritize books and medicines over
guns and ammos.
Never shall the people suffer from unjust
and oppressive budget allocations of the
heedless administration. The welfare
of the people, as the rightful owners of
the country’s wealth and finances, must
unmistakably be the one promoted in
every centavo appropriated. The call to
reduce allocations for debt servicing,
oppressive military ploys and to increase
state subsidy for basic social services
shall be intensified.
The appropriations made by Aquino in
his 2011 budget are prompt reminders
of the past administrations’ negligence
of the people’s real demands. With
the erroneous policies of the past
administrations repeated and reflected,
it is an idiocy to hope that the promised
change of the current administration will
be attained.
Volume 24, Numbers 8-9 NEWS
College Briefs
COLLEGE OF NURSING
*The call for nominations for the new dean of the College of Nursing
started on September 14 and the deadline of submission of nomination
papers to the Chancellor’s office was on September 27. Other events for
the selection of the new dean of CN are as follows:
State of the College report - September 21, at the CN Auditorium
Public Forum - October 12, CN Auditorium
Interview of Nominees - October 15, UP Board Room
The Bazaar Rummage will be held at the UP College of Nursing on
November 18-19. For donations, call 400-4818.
COLLEGE OF PUBLIC HEALTH
A post-graduate course on Occupational Health and Safety will be held on
October 18-23, and 26-27 at the CPH Auditorium. For more information,
log on to www.updeoh.com
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
The UP Behavioral Studies Society, in cooperation with the UP CAS
Culture and Arts Committee, celebrated the World Teacher’s Day on
from October 1-5 through inviting students to write messages to their
teachers and by dropping them on “Dear Teacher” boxes in the college’s
departments.
ORGANEWSATION
The Manila Collegian reserves a space for announcements, gigs,
and rendezvous tidbits of organizations in UP Manila. Submit
your announcements via email to themanilacollegian@gmail.
com. Max of 100 words
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
T he Organizational Communication Society (OrComSoc) held
their first OrCom week on September 27-October 1 to celebrate
BA Organizational Communication’s 26th anniversary. With the
theme, “Braving the Shift: Celebrating 26 Years of BA Organizational
Communication”, the week-long activities included a seminar on
Crisis Management, the OrComlympics, film showings, a debate
and a fashion show.
•••
B
A Philippine Arts celebrated its 22nd anniversary with “Palong-
Palo!”, a week long celebration held on September 20-24.
The celebration included activities such as the Palarong Panlahi,
Musikula, Sawsaw Festival and MASA BA U?: The Jologs and Jejemon
Quiz Show.
•••
T
he Alpha Pi Omega – Iota Eta Sorority Chapter celebrated their
18th anniversary with “Intensified @ 18”, from September
20-24. Events include a photo exhibit, book covering at the CAS
library, seal mosaic unveiling and the 12 Jewels, where members
sold accessories to raise funds. They also gave out free shampoos,
bluebooks, and coffee (sponsored by Nescafe).
•••
T
he Alpha Sigma Fraternity and
the Sigma Alpha Nu Sorority
will be launching a block screening
of Harry Potter and The Deathly
Hallows on Nov. 18 at the Robinson’s
Galleria. For inquiries about ticket
availability, just approach any
Alpha Sigman or Sigma Alpha Nuan
MONDAY • 11 OCTOBER 2010 • 5
Features Volume 24, Numbers 8-9

STAND AND DELIVER LEONES M

The Mistake
n
. BRIONES
Financial E
The Search for the Next UP President Wants UP to
Will spearhea
gain financia
nterpriser
l autonomy
THE FEATURES TEAM ILLUSTRATION BY MARION BIOLENA d the pursuit
Thinks UP re of financial so
ceives genero urces
Recognizes U us additions
P’s contributi to its budget

S ix years marked with unjust tuition fee increases, anti-student policies, ons to societ
y
and anomalous appointments created a university which rapidly lost its The poverty
ex
public character and mocked the stature of the “premier state university.” The certainly ha perienced by UP
s taken its and contribu
University of the Philippines (UP) experienced turbulence and turmoil under the only on the toll
students, bu not the Millen te to the attainment of
administration of President Emerlinda Roman. Her administration conversely on the instit t also ium Develop pro
ut ment Goals.
commercialized education and initialized the further collapse of the quality of mer reputati ion itself. Its for- ef fi
on of actually
education offered by the University. All these took form despite Roman being the the “premie being But for the transition of Uni
r state univ to re al ity, Briones as m er e pa per
degraded ov ersity” com
crusader of pro-student policies prior to her appointment. er sumes
existence was the years, as its for financial independen the need and
co m prom ised by go ve rn ment–UP ne ce fr om th
Amidst the ill-effects of privatization the Roman administration left and the
tuition fee hi
ke eds to gene e to h
ment subsidy. s and less govern- its own funds. She goes rate
cess
looming 1.39 billion budget cut for state universities and colleges (SUCs), the ing that UP as fa
has received r as say- conc
search for the next UP president will be the sole premonition of the track the UP Presiden am ounts of fund generous
t candidate s to su insuf
University will pursue in the next six years. Not only will the current students Magtolis Bri Leones budget. And it is abou pplement its ap
ones aspires on its own feet, t ti m e it stood pro
in the University be significantly affected by this turn of the tide; rather, the untarnished for an as if it were still h
image of the m on private inst a co m-
fates of the future Iskolars and the University as well, are at stake. The trials and sity, one that univer- itution. Bri fundin
w
tribulations under the last administration must and should not be repeated. restore its fo ould completely plans to obtain funds fr ones
zenry
rmer blazing so ur ce s, through “a om un ta pp ed SU
its prestige, an glory, ppea Cs.
d indeed, its
The time has come for the selection of the person who exudes the qualities character. B public alumni” and creating sp ling to the denc
riones’ adm te es to address this ec ia l co m m it e
a UP president must and should possess. Below are the candidates with their tion aims to inistra- problem spec - not be
stre
demic perfor ngthen UP’s aca- cally, as she points out ifi-
respective characteristics and qualities. Every Iskolar is invited to analyze and m he
recognize the ance and legacy, in financial managemen r expertise UP
rate each presidentiable. The chosen candidate will play a significant role in im t. is p
ous UP forum portance of vari- comes f
mapping the next six years of UP. s and confer B ri on es ’ financial sc
make educat en
ion more acce ces, conseque hemes seem
in-
What B
ssible ntial an
an evident ne d costly, as there is turn UP
ed to substa
ntiate her reason
built in t

CONSOLAC
The Equivo ION R. ALA
ca l Bearer of RAS
Morality
Ambiguous pl
ans for the U
Strong focus niversity
on morality
Lack of conc
retized action
Wrought wit
h
the Philippin the notion that
es
ing its moral is slowly los- phrases actu
al
it
fessor Dr. Co y, retired pro- remains the ly mean, there ciety. The ab
senc
Alaras unde
nsolacion Rus
tia cut definition
question, as
clear de fined goals fo e of clearly
rscores the s were not si r the Univer- ence of he
try’s need fo coun- vided. pro- ty, concrete r religious vi
m easures by her vision ews
r
ing through a moral uplift-
which to achi
eve these goal for the Unive on
an rs
of the ideals
the recognit
ion Apart from an d even a sing s, d U P be in g a secular un ity
th le st at em si ty . iver-
of
or a Moral “Pamathalaan” with a pseudo e jargon laced regarding th
e state of th
ent
Sacred Natio -religious un U ni versity m e
Along with th n. tone, Alaras’ der-
is vision, Ala vi
does not tr sion statement shortsighted anifest the In the seat of the po
straightforw ra s ne wer and
ardly stresses an
theoretical re scend the flat vision and th ss of Alaras’ duty the president
significance the al e po ss ib le lack th er e is a need holds,
of not fail to em m. Alaras does of developm
in Sacred Pr Gat Jose Rizal phasize Pam ent her admin fine what trac to clearly de-
ophetic Polit laan’s percei atha- tr at ion may br is - k the Unive
that the nati ics;
on ved supposed single focus ing. Even the would take for the year rsity
exemplifies w al hero wholly portance bu
t sh
im- on th e issue of ad ministration. s of the
ha short on ou e largely falls morality is qu
stands for. Ala t Pamathalaan tl es ti on ab le m or al it
Values and
ra
University to s envisions the action for th ining concrete well as her
char
, as y are, to som
e de
e University’ of what UP sh acterization important. But the sign gree,
ideals as wel embody these ses, areas of
im
s cri- ou ld re pr es pl ac ed ificance
l,
sive research and her exten- most import provement and and stand fo
r.
ent on thes
shun the mor e should not
an d expertise an tly, it s students, e
on the matte under her of identifyin relevant matter
r
to suggest th prompted her Ambiguity m administration. With this la
ck of apparent fo r the affairs
g concrete ac
tion
ar
may be the be
at Pamathala
an statement as ked her vision administrativ
e vision an si de
of and issues
in-
st an th e University.
take; the succ track for UP to of morality to cestral values measures, A
laras’ possib
d
ess of UP wou ok center st ru le may inad le
mean “the su ld Vague terms age.
cc be
plan for th came her main spond not on equately re-
loved Nation ess of our Be- e ly to the pres
to
it being a un the World” and and unificat transformation ing issues w
racking the U
s-
iversity “to be ion of the ve rs it y, ni -
versity, and U bu
to All”. But
as to what All ultimately fo ni- times as t to the changing
these betterment r the well. Conflic
of Philippin arise, consid ts may
e so- ering the in
flu-

6 • 11 OCTOBER 2010 • MONDAY

 Volume 24, Numbers 8-9 Features

A. AZANZA
DR. PATRICKAdministrative Hero
d
The Two-face
Pro-PPP
ization
Pro-commercial
or merely
Against TOFI ad em e an d fa cilities pi ck ed up on the trend, ogram af-
ngthening the ac acter and the sired pr
patterned his de decision-maker
Focuses on stre of es- UP’s public char ts this solu- tim at e
ts of pr en ter th e ul
oposals and ev rect appointmen at apparent detrim suggested so- ent of the new
UP
en, initiate m Azanza would sors. He also mentions th ses. This in the appointm all, he stated that
icient ones. ore Patrick Alain v- us se c- tio n po
ove the phys i-
president. Af te r
She realizes oice of the go ices of the vario lution may impr and faults of behind by
iversity’s ne
ed for more
the seem a likely ch pr es idential the vo the Board of Regents in gs UP is now being left stitutions.
fo r th e UP in cal sh or tc om in
me to sustai
n its current in- ernment tors e t it is also this nced
other more adva timate goal is to
s to the call of e directly in lin the University, bue existence of
d hopefully st seat. He adhere by abhorring (BOR) that ar concerns such e ul
improve it, bu ate dy t that threaten s th An d in th at , th
g a leading
her proposal t as the student bo r fee increase with studen , Administrative bl ic , op en and fair re pa ir its image of bein
to d ot he Fa cu lty UP as th e pu
sity, there lie meet this ne- tuition an
so promotes the
as the
Regents. His ad
- it is supposed institution, at al
l costs.
sa
ception. Despi familiar mis- (TOFI), yet he al Public Private and Student ist of recreating institution that on of better
ov isi ized
te the appare proliferation of ) to develop vocacies cons g academic and to be. The pr nately emphas
fficiency of nt sources comes Azanza passio wards TOFI, but
the governm PP
Partnerships (P ward becom- UP as a lead tion, obtaining
in facilities and re recreating UP sm to
opriation, th ent to itu with the price of y, which will his antagoni to prove other-
holds the re
e governmen
t the University t and efficient. research inst s and increas- e en tit hi s proposals tend ill eventually
su ffi ci en r fa ci lit ie to a pr ivat
sp ing self- bette rs in
ly to those who ion w
wise. Privatizat of the University
ng the educat onsibility of what both the ing the benefits its worke g permit entry on
ion of its citi He answered th e st ud en ts za ’s re de em in ha un t th e ro om s D
y that of prov
idin
- d
government an though in real- receive. Azan his recognition can afford. rn ish ed ceilings, new LC
With that, fina g funds for wanted to he ar , factor re st s in w ith re fu
only st ud en ts w ho
nc
on the govern ial depen- present a con- dling social sta- oven that PPP projectors, and ice–the price of
ment should ity, these views instances of of UP’s dwin dilemmas. But History has pr lar and in- af fo rd its pr
po pu ca n n and the
questioned. ,
tradiction. Also with the pres- tus and inne to remedy these
r is a largely r by which ed public educatio t UP truly
ca m e tio ns effect iv e m an ne de ni
PPP usually his solu y attained by a e of wha
shameful defianc anza would pre-
there is a need esent an uncann progress can be its setbacks
public educat
io ence of TOFI, as e for these ad- problems pr ntradiction. ng stan ds fo r. Ho w Az
from govern n, and this m
to generate inco more so that yet familiar co country relievi tal. It paved happening with
ment subsidy. w little capi vent TOFI from w budget might
Briones trie vancements, no under threat ds , w ith
e privatiz at io n
PPP and a ve ry lo
s to prove, or is ese possible en the way for th public goods e University
P into, defe the University ction from its Despite all th eans to achieve ly be a situation that th .
ats r re du en m pp os ed
why the Uni the very of a furt he his ch os
e as mistaken
of su
er of the bur- cannot afford to
watch
ve
the first plac rsity was funds. UP’s progress ar all the oth- and the transf these goods
as en t of
e. and misleading e den of paym
its unknowing
tual leadership . To answer th to the people, za probably
Azanza’s even arency, the ef- ers’ solutions s of problems, Az an
sp ow s.
boasts of tran ancial resourc- looming shad to PPP, despite consumer
s
ficient use of fin n for the UP Azanza turn
tio
es, collective ac just and cor-
stem , an d th e
sy

o
. CAOtion Crusade
r due t
I O S t e nure ressive
S ERG cializr
a
ymund
o ’s
me pr
og his
omme of. Ra tion to so d critical of fore
The C f re e d o m P r
a f f il ia a in e s b e
ic her m ct
P academ that re ious a g his
Pro-PP e p re s sion of li c ie s fo r p rivate groups oman’s dev as also durinegian,
y of r faculty
po
the w
ay P rathe
r and R iversity. It w ippine Coll n of
Histor of anti- paves penetrate U support il
n e n t o n ly the un hat the Ph nt publication for
Propo it
r a t io ns to hat will f t h e e r m t s t u d e eratio
r e cord
o
corp n area
a
t
e r t a k ings oveno t
e o f ficial pped its op tration’s in
track than ademic und spite its pr s to th o is
armed has st admin
x
nal
ceptio accolades on the t he ac ity. But de still plan the UPD, s due to its s.
e t h n d
His s w s
univer tiveness, Ca ership with as
o mon ce of its fu
variou ied for and Diliman he per
son
and h e v U P a r s . in e f fe c p a r t n h e w in abeyan n ly for t sts of the
a s o f ive ye U P ’s u ld n t s cy is o
him ip pursue sectors sh that cons of
o e ere
ellorsh nsecut UPD esiden he int s, the
Chanc for two co ppened in red p r iv a te a m o ve p la n The pr ill uphold t orkers. Thu ediate
e ent’s who w ts and its w itizes imm ersity
(UPD) er, what ha term shatt as ent,
presid e governm push it ins
tead
r
Howev Sergio Cao’s faith in himtion t h a n d s . studen that prio of the univ erely
’s to g UP own fund n m m
during community UPD’s direc wed d o n
aban enge for it
in s p e r s o
e
z a t io n
rciali ic freedo e. And Cao,
e U P h if te d n f la v e in o m m
th zenly s h his o
w to sca to beli
ev c academ y natu
r
e is a
he bra laced it wit d if ficult promises
of over emes its ver ven that h ame a
e p y h ro e c
and r It is
now aling
pro-fa ness
cult blasp ime, has p f this. He b it, he
r of appe n
vision
.
s C h a ncello hed C a o ’s a n d
r e w it over t te example o of one UP u whole
s a an d is d e n t w e em ic c re ll o r t h e
six ye
ar
had br
u
pro-st s as many anti-acad tint con Chanc
e of
cate sident
In his ergio S. Cao mined advo ring p o li c ie is e d his g h is s terribleworse a Pre
UPD, S as a deter n. It is du ced dev
as he m policies 2008, Cao king
durin was will be tem.
lf io a UP Sys
himse mercializat most baref tion e d o I n - ra n
of com m that the mmercializa wed
fre
h a n c ellor. many high iology
r as C st of the So c
his te em of co PD. He allo yala t he fir h
nied
o de aymundo ied
her
stra t a g d in U t h e A ia ls w R e n
po s e of ple of f ic ar a h ao d
was imonstruction espite amtors sor S ure. C
e c d s e c Profes served ten
th b s e
Hu variou less, well-d
Techno tions from y. Neverthe that
n n it n
conte P commu has prove
U
of the e, the Hub
ove im
7
r t
MONDAY • 11 OCTOBER 2010 •
 Features Volume 24, Numbers 8-9

. DIOKNO
BENJAMIN E
The Fiscalizer RAUL C. PANGALANGAN
ization
Pro-commercial The Man Caught in Ambiguity
at ion policy
Fiscal liberaliz Sees UP as a “university perverted by democracies”
rtnerships
Public-private pa Wants UP to enhance its research capabilities and s
well as
Pro-faculty sche
mes nal affairs, but as Considers alumni and public and private donations
UP not only in natio neling of international
na nc ia l prudence public service
has be en
abroad through
chan
its declining
Aims for Fi Assimilation of UP graduates, despite mentors. But if UP will retain ternational
Endorses the use of financial flexibility given by the
r at th e m in
no, a professo expected fro t support. This
caused
ademic standa
rds, then Raul C. Pangalangan is a Pro- the UP Charter.
Benjamin E. Diok Philippines School of lte ring governmen rships to be under ac emicians will never take th
e urge to
Unive rs ity of th e
pu bl ic fa
pa rt ne ac ad fessor of Constitutional and
been un de r th e public- pr iva te cial so ur ce s.
Economics, has ical and economic r securing finan teach here. Public International Law and His vision paper e
lit the limelight fo esident Noynoy Aquino,
interest of po t two decades. From Pr l post even Despite Diokno’s unparallele
d reputation former Dean in the UP College ills of running a pu
ra ta fo r al m os na l Aside from UP pr es id en tia omist and a of Law. His claim for the posi- sity like UP, in a de
st tio e
of Philippine Na aspirants for th effects that the scheme both as a distinguished econ in handling
being the CEO d Fiscal Adviser to le dg e th e et ar y r, hi s ca re er tion of UP Presidency focuses ciety. Democracies
an acknow e mon university profes
so
Oil Company ancial ging to alleviat the internal
to gaining fin would be brin okno holds a position in DBM ended up even worsening untry. The on grooming UP as a research ion, are an errone
the Senate, up e Department of ortcomings . Di productive debts accumulated by th e co institution committed to the determine a unive
th BM) sh fact that those in DBM
expertise on anagement (D ary, this, holding the ong private entities will under his term natural and social sciences ure. Research and
Budg et an d M
d Se cr et ra tio ns am th is w or st case scenario ternational Monetary
tary an collabo es. Bu t, e In and humanities. Also, he wants toil in the laborato
as Undersecre en acclaimed as a dgetary schem staged with th of inducing
augment UP bu ntrast to what the whole Fund happened. Instead the university to rediscover things that matter
Diokno has be in terms of financial co ok no has proved
e is in startling public-private efficient frugal policies, Di
prominent figur On top of these community ne ed s as
to be in hand g selin rious its strengths in teaching and national level.
developments. w ere se en on UP rs hi ps is th e last option st . to be incapacitatedns. This proves that no transformative work.
terest s partne to wor ow
positions, his in eralization and cost- n matters come economic breakded a person is in terms of He also cites what
undertaken whe how skill
favoring fiscal lib itures. m at te r
insufficient academic affairs, it can neve ice to the
r compensate As a source of funding in his the true threat to
cutting of expend has become a no rm th at
severe actual serv administration, he considers sity― the “smart”
th e Un ive rs ity for It rnment allocations caused ppine the need for an the utilization of the alumni equipped with a fa
r at gove ili
Being a professo okno’s visualization the entire Ph university.
Di implications to em. Equipped with the donations and establishing that only aims to
thirty-six years, idacy involved a l sy st uation,
educationa rious UP fiscal sit cused partnerships with the public public. He voices
for his cand rspective. He insists ckgrounder of se e fo
io na lis tic ” pe lty ba ve be en m or and private sectors and the fi- university is filled
“nat iation for both fa
cu ha
Diokno would g a constrained budget
that fuller apprec assist the University plementin
nancial opportunities given by with inadequate
w ill on im voring public-
and alum ni
of ec on om ic drawbacks, al lo tm en t rather than fa the hardships
at the height een hips. Despite
operation betw private partners g as the “premier state
given that co promotes a lifelong be en fa cin pe
s
varying sector ly to financial needs
UP ha s believes in the ho
n no t on un ive rs ity,” Diokno still most reputation of
integratio t. the fore
a moral catalys of re-instituting
of UP but also as

VIRGINIA A. TEODOSIO
The Welfare Advocate Gone Wrong
Supports UP’s Modernization Program
Believes that UP must ensure a “society of inclusion”
Pro-PPP
Pro-commercialization
She has made possible a coop-
erative to grant UP employees
a home, chaired a program on
advancing worker’s welfare and
helped former rebel commanders
to establish rural industrializa-
tion in Mindanao. Together with
these work experiences and her
ideals, UP School of Labor and In-
dustrial Relations Professor Vir-
ginia A. Teodosio plans to make
UP a “society of inclusion”. This
“society” is said to be attained by
the unity of the university’s con-
stituents in rethinking opportuni-
ties and being united in cooperat-
ing with the Aquino regime and
beyond.
She upholds academic excellence,
collective wisdom and morality.
Yet, it turns out that no programs
M
T
were provided by her vision paper idle land grants must be utilized. Ma.
to make these abstract goals into She also upholds the use of UP’s re- well-
reality. It would have been more im- sources through PPP as a means of and
pressive, however, if Teodosio elab- “subsidizing the poor students, in- at U
orated on a more student-friendly crease the salary of professors, and and
policy on funding rather than on construction of buildings.” affilia
brandishing her work experiences. for
Through her distorted proposed was
Teodosio voiced out her support for solutions, though not reflected on chanc
the UP Modernization Program, a her vision paper, the students of the po
move which she believes is for so- the national university is in danger
cial transformation and would en- of battling a revisiting demon― the Diokn
able an environment grounded for tuition fee increase. This is not an that p
the common good. Sadly to attain exaggeration, for she promotes the u
this so-called “meritocratic society”, commercialization and PPP as her benefi
she will tap the possibilities of com- income-generating stratagems. And impar
mercialization and public-private if given the chance to become the and a
partnerships. She justifies her com- premier state university’s president, apprec
mercialization scheme through the protecting UP’s public character and a conc
UP Charter. Stating that in order to the Iskolar’s right for an affordable UP fac
prove that UP is institutionally and tertiary education will be a never- by Dio
financially stable, the university’s ending struggle.

8 • 11 OCTOBER 2010 • MONDAY

 Volume 24, Numbers 8-9 Features

ALFR
The P EDO E. P
atron
of Un
ASCU
Wants ju st Cau L
A
to rega s es
Pro-co in the “U
mmer P as th
Pro-PP c ia lizatio e prem
P n ier un
” iversit
Aims t y” stat
o dem ure
scholarship programs ocratiz
e adm
s as source of funds ission
Citing into th
the ran e univ
e UP Charter compa k of UP ersity
rative surv in w or
which aims to serve the in- and U
P eys, A ld university
terests of the present-day Alfred Alumni Ass lumni
Reg throug
hw
o oc
stewar E. Pascual s iation Presid ent Bank fo orking in th
exudes of the elites− and not to change the d that ees him e n t m r 19 y e Asia
institu w a ea n
ublic univer- world. tion to ill be able to self as the t n is propos rs, it is alar Developme
univer it r o in m nt P
emocratic so- sity.” T s old glory emake the u be adapted g a scheme t ing that su a
grand o be a as a “g nivers . To an hat is t ch a scual aims t
s, in his opin- His vision paper reflects his vision ble to r e a t ity’s c swer t o o c o a dmiss o imple
,P r us on he nee rs io m
eous basis to obvious incapacity to handle
of wh
at a “ ascual offer ealize this o e of the univ stituents, ds of t e of UP a n” scheme w ent a “demo
look li great ed his f land ersity’s he he he a s the n hich u cratize
ersity’s stat- the UP presidency. No con- k u n v ie a ra lds th c c a tio ph d
develo e―a front-r iversity” sh ws with th nd assets” “significant e w ording to P nal univers olds the role
d the “silent crete plans of action could pment unner ould c e help to genera h o ld ings o u ld g a s c ua it y. If
an ins
tit
, a le
ader
in nat
io
ompan of li te the un ive applican l’s visions, pursued
ories” are the be found and the thing that excelle ution that in res nal what ies― an un nkages wit income iversit
y ts who this p
lan
r in the inter- he regards as a true threat is n up ear the can h p to d ye de
popula ce in its fa holds acad ch, Pascual ending Rom ny resemb rivate T isadvantag t is hampere sire to ente
nothing but an obscure claim ce , a culty e mic th even d an reg la nce o h us, this e d h d to do s r
and a fin an
role m ancially-st d student p at such “tr efended this e has don f for UP t
im plan m igh school o due
remolded into an opinion. Yet, th odel o able fa roduct ansfor stand, e. id o plac ig ht be b a ckgrou
is fg cil iv ma ea e it a p nd.
t he thinks is Pangalangan’s rule if permit- only s image of t ood govern ity, other “ e uses” is tion of ass saying H ls as the tr self nearer ositive mov
o the univer- ted may run short of answer- erve a he un ance. great a ls o e t s in oweve u e u n in re aliz e
partly s an u iversit will ne univer being to p r, iv
nr y w ver sitie do lan is s how would ersity of the ing its
man that is ing the university’s pressing solutio because o eachable dr ill of educa be equated s” and su ne by till clo P
aked in ascual exe eople. p
n f his eam tio to ch
alse learning issues and may merely be a the UP s that pose propo , false claim n. Such view commerciali move The uncert cu
o dazzle the showcase of powerlessness ’s pub a grav s e d univ , ho z a s e lo ainty. te this
lic cha
racter. e threat to ersity of a would wever, is an tion univ oming
out that the cloaked in a deceptive eu- landin tha -be oth ersit th
Having
been g of co t vehemen president o er Pascua y’s futur reats ren
d with people phemism. experie soils. mmer tly op f a l’s rule e un der
cial op p a grea . c th
knowledge nced in
Financ
portun oses the t univ And his pro ertain un e
ists in show e rsity m m is e o der
e Onc to its fe ig f remak
e given dubiou aturing unr ht just as in
the ch
ance to s prom esolve well b g
lead th s olution ises of d predic ea
e univ
ersity, winnin ideas― all le change and aments,
g the I r
skolar ading to an ehashed
’s appr attemp
oval. t of

MA. SERENA I. DIOKNO

The Contemporary Global
ist
Comparative globalization of
education curricula
Extension service of UP facu
lty
Unsubstantiated fiscal plans
Strengthening of RGEP (Revita
lized General Education Pro
gram)

Serena I. Diokno came from

a a more aggressive social involve
-distinguished political ment is This is what Dio
clan to be done through extending kno
has been a professor of hist residual Concrete ground has been missing.
ory faculty activities. There are also s for prospective
UP for almost three dec no plans detrimental effe
ades with regards to the University cts of the lack of funds
presently holds a chair as ’s problem for UP are not
an of lacking apposite professors. being analyzed. The vision
ate faculty of the UP Cen More so, of Diokno, focu
ter Diokno must stress out the fact sed on making UP on top
International Studies. She the that what of the educationa
University badly requires l hierarchy, is based on
a candidate for UP Dilima is a more her comparativ
n assertive campaign for a higher e studies of international
cellorship but ultimately salary universities. We
lost and even complacent benefit cannot ignore the fact
osition to Sergio S. Cao. s for all that UP has bee
faculty members. n one of the foremost
institutions for learning rec
no stresses out the ognized in
fact World class education has bee the country; yet it will not
professors prefer to stay n one of out of this fina make its way
on Diokno’s strong standpoints. Exc ncial crisis if there is no
university not for materi ellence substantial plan
al shall always be served among for corresponding to its
icence, but for they chose the best deficit.
to students of the nation, and UP
rt their knowledge to studen already
ts, held its place for this recognitio
also as their way of showin n for the
g longest time. But due to financial
ciation to the University. Yet decline,
, this hope for reinstituting UP out
crete agenda for strengthen of its
ing old image seemed a mirage.
culty has not been cleared No state
out university, deprived of funds, wil
okno, though he suggests tha l persist
t unless independent schemes took
place.

MONDAY • 11 OCTOBER 2010 • 9

 fEATURES Volume 24, Numbers 8-9
ESPERANZA I. CABRAL
The Pacemaker
h-care
The sole UP Presidentiable specializing in healt
“Moral boost” for UP stude nts and facult y
State-support as fiscal stabilization ploy
es
Assertiveness against conservative Church polici
the forthcoming of an intended
the ongoing scarcity of funds agenda. education budget-cut is on the
Esperanza I. Cabra l finish ed her palpably worsened the health
medicine degree at the Unive r- In order to addre ss the grow ing hands of those in power. Though
services of PGH. of stude nts, Cabra l she did not indicate an interest
sity of the Philippines-Manila. predicaments
affilia ted with differ ent for her allude d to acade mic freedom on public-private partnership to
Being Cabral’s approach sphere gain a considerable outsourcing
medical associations and insti- contention involved a “moral through inducing an atmo sts. scheme for UP, her lack of asser-
distin c- oting collec tive intere
tutions, Cabral gained boost” for all UP students and prom s, the tiveness in pushing a distinct de-
tion with her appointment as faculty. Provided that the Uni- Despite fiscal break down
tary of the Depa rtmen t vated pursu it of acade mic excell ence mand for financial backing in case
Secre versity has been aggra Cabral’s of a pending budget-cut shows
of Social Welfare and Develop- by continuous cutbacks, it is remains to be on top of
rtmen t . But the said acade mic ex- waterloo.
ment (DSWD) and Depa now time for the government A-list place
of Health (DOH). She is cur- to aid the university in reviv- cellence would not take ding
rently appoi nted as the Senio r educa tion if contin uing issues regar Moral uprightness would not
ing its excellent izatio n and worse n- prove to be the sole solution
Policy Adviser of the Unite d Na- system. A strong emphasis in comm ercial
, which educa tiona l curric ula will not for the drawbacks suffered by
tions Population Fund rejuvenating the lost sense of ing utmo st atten tion. the University. Threats of com-
gave her critical responses from moral values incorporated in be rendered ence mercialization had taken its toll
the Roma n Catho lic Churc h due amon g What make s acade mic excell
academic distinction that the among the whole student body
to her pro-contraceptive cam- UP students is one of Cabral’s a headstone agendum is have and integrating moral boost
lation rsity does not even
paign for birth and popu priorities for being a UP presi- Unive fund- sourcing reform. amidst recurrent dilemmas, such
control. dential candi date. The facult y, a stable
comes to worst, the as tuition fee increase, would
who served as the channels of When worse ble solution for revi- not suffice the need for a more
Her renown is not witho ut hints social awareness and involve- only possi
of the g acade mic standards of stable internal course of action.
of anomalies. Being one ment, must be given consid- talizin on a secur ed fiscal What UP is facing is not just a
most confidential cabinet mem- erate remunerations for they UP will rely
bers of forme r presid ent Gloria stude ntry strata gem. mere lost of integrity or a wan-
have taught the ing public accountability, but it
Macapagal-Arro yo, Cabra l was the essence of becoming ef-
the cor- gover nmen t, throu gh its is fiscal cutbacks that obliterate
allegedly involved in ficient leaders of the society. The rity, must pay off quality education. The Univer-
ruption of donations and goods However, the allegations that vested autho finan- sity has retained its image on the
g the typho on calam ities rema ins its citize ns. And garne ring
durin were set forth on her UP until pedestal of standardized ethics
inside DSWD. A notable medi- to be cases and her silence cial support to stabilize ge its and reliability, what seemed to be
tor of can indep enden tly mana
cal specialist and educa shall hold no advantage for it ure prove s to be of taken for granted is the problem
the country for the past four de- her in the long run. Cabral’s internal struct
, Cabra l has been expos ed issue use. But Cabra l’s positi on with re- itself, and that is establishing a
cades position on corruption of higher pro-student policy involving just
not only to insufficient medical will be one of the strongest gards to the stipulation uous. matriculation and fair student
to its re- subsi dy is still ambig
budget allocations but loopholes that will implicate state that the state, as liberalization.
percussions to the UP system her moral boost policy. If Ca- Her proposition entire-
as well. Expos ed on the appal l- ed on a a sole finan cing unit, must
bral herself is involv is still
ing condition of the Philippine fraud case, then she is mak- ly sustain the needs of UP since
), she has a blurred prospect
General Hospital (PGH ing a blunder out of her own facing
gained existent insights on how

LUIS REY I. VELA

Torchb
SCO
T he incoming UP President’s role for the
next six years is of great significance. The
Roman regime has placed UP on turbulent
earer of Roman’s
legacy
Pro-commercializatio waters of controversy and scandal. And in
n order to save the institution from a retake
Repressing academ
ic freedom of the detested rule, the eventual president
Roman’s staunch all
y must think of new yet pro-student means of
addressing UP’s perennial predicaments.
Perhaps for two ma
in reasons, the To purge the institution from inflicted ills must
most controversial not only degenerate lives of the UPLB Isk
among the presi- the
dential aspirants is teaching in the unive system of throughout his stint
olar in peril be the top priority of the would-be president.
the UP Los Banos rsity but can as Chancel-
(UPLB) Chancellor, also result to the lor. And yet, he int Slamming PPP and commercialization in
Luis Rey I. Velasco. mass layoff of ends to apply
First, because he wa members of the facult to the whole UP Sy
s identified as one y. stem what he the UP System schemes and abolishing the
of the key persons did in UPLB should
responsible for the he win as UP 2006 Tuition and Other Fees Increase may
reprehensible issue Academic freedom President. His vision
s that transpired in in UPLB was of transform- be a starter for the eventual president to
UPLB in his term. Se ruthlessly removed ing the Iskolar ng
cond is for his guts during Velas- Bayan into his
to run as president
despite the said is-
co’s reign. He rem
ained incred- so-called more prod implement.
sues. ibly silent when ma uctive Iskolar
ny of Para sa Bayan pres
students were red-ta the UPLB community a scena
ents to the UP
gged by the rio which is The turn for the candidates to prove
Having written sev military; in fact, very similar to tha
eral publications he has never t of his vision themselves worthy to be chosen is still
and equipping him spoken against to UPLB years ago.
self the extensive
demic achievements with his aca- militarization of the cy is only for the
The presiden- at large. However, no matter how the
ca
tional affiliations, an d orga niz a- repression furthered mpus. The possesses a pro-stud
candidate who
presidential aspirants sugarcoat their visions
he instantly rose as The Per- ent and pro-
to prominence and spective, UPLB’s off worker agenda that and promises to UP, its students and faculty,
was elected UPLB icial student will serve only
Chancellor. But he publication, was for the interest of the UP
became even more ced to oper- community. it will still be in the hands of the Iskolar to
popular as the ate irregularly when Clearly, Velasco does
very well-known Velasco and not. choose who they want to lead them in the
staunch ally of for several other memb
mer UP President ers of the uni- move of the university to retake its old glory.
Emerlinda Roman, versity’s administra
trailing proudly tion brazenly
behind her as she restrained in releasin
devised ruses that g its funds.
deceived the whole The checklist has been made. All there is
UP system. He fol-
lowed Roman’s footst Velasco has proven
ep that he cannot left to do is to choose wisely and choose
lessly proposed the s as he shame- uphold his campus’
academic free-
Class Policy in UPLB La rge Le ctu re dom and serve the responsibly.
, a policy that will interests of the
students. More so,
he has put the

10 • 11 OCTOBER 2010 • MONDAY


When Money Cannot
Buy You Gratitude
The Existence of Social Currency in a World Run by Paper Currency
T
he prices we have to pay cannot all be compensated by money.
Paying money for those who are serving us might result to an
offense or an evasion of responsibilities. What do we deal with,
then, otherwise? Gratitude is what we pay when money seem to be
superfluous. We have to delve deeper in this context for we are circulating
on what we call the social currency.
You help
your friend
re-programming
her laptop free of
charge. Your act of
helping her seems
automatic just as you
instantly pull a bill after
a technician did the same
thing to your laptop. In
this situation, friendship
has a value—it became a
currency in exchange to your help. Re-
programming might bring you a dime
but since you are in friendship with that
person, she will have it free of charge.
Your friendship seemed to be the unseen
agreement for the two of you are aware
that some time, it is her turn to do favors
for you. It is, thus, a currency existent
in its own rules. Social currency is not a
mere flip of whims. It has its own value,
policy, and own exchange rates.
This is how social currency works in our
lives – some situations call for that we
are happy to do things for free, but not
when we are paid to do them, consciously
or subconsciously. We return favors
with favors and we find it occasionally
offensive when we offered to get paid for
it. But social currency does not limit its
circulation in family and friendship just
as paper currency does not only involve
business matters. In our overpopulated
society, helping someone you do not
know can be compensated by a simple
‘thank you’ without expecting a favor
back.
Clearly, may it be social currency or paper
currency, it involves trade. However,
the trade for the two currencies involve
different set of rules. The trouble with
social currency is that it is not accurately
quantifiable. This would however work
wonders in the society run by paper
money, where everything is with tagged
with a paper price. Inequalities existent
due to paper currency are dissolved
MARIE KRISTEL ANTONIO GABAWA
in the face of social currency which
does quantify. A ‘thank you’ does not
necessarily justify, or at least match,
the effort for carrying someone else’s
baggage but we do not dare complain
about it. We feel delighted for we did
something that is considered good and
we are aware that its acknowledgment
goes far beyond the involved people.
By this saying, we, as social
animals, are very much
concerned on how we project
our image in society and
how will that matter to
us as actors of this
society. Take
the example of
volunteerism.
Most non-
governmental
organizations
put up charity for humanitarian’s
sake – the responsibility born of
us to take care of other
beings for we are living
in the same land. They
are the types who are
only concerned with
how much impact they
think they made in this
world atop regardless of any
material ownership. Through
this example, it shows that we
rate the value of our own social
currency. And this rate of value does
not necessarily be in agreement with
others. We only agree on the fact that it
is existent, and there is an exchange.
On the perspective of paper currency, we
can surmise how people relate to each
other. People get closer when money
is not involved. Take the example of an
employer and an employee. Since the
employee is paid to do clerical work, he
would think that he does not necessarily
need to get along with his employer. And
the employer, in turn, would think that
since the employee is paid, he does not
necessarily have to give something (say,
gratitude) back. In short, money, in a
way, defers human interaction. The ups
and downs of this trend are apparent
Volume 24, Numbers 8-9 culture
between charity groups and business costs cheaper in the sense that gratitude
establishments. We see how people bows can be given without the bounds of
gratitude to charity and sees them as money. Its impact also looms large.
heroes while business establishments
are simply market where you get your Now, we are starting to realize how
needs in turn for a payment. money is shaping the norms of society
and, in turn, how it affects our behavior.
After looking a human interaction-money Anything done with money is considered
relationship, another way of looking at simply work while anything done for free
the existence of social currency is on is considered promising. Dan Ariely, the
the realm of individual work-money author of the book Predictably Irrational,
connection. In a study conducted discussed the two kinds of norms that
by James Heyman, a professor at the rule our society: the social norms and
University of St. Thomas, two individuals the market norms. Social norms are
are subjected to do the same task. One the inherent rules that define how we
will receive a payment after the task and behave when faced with circumstances
the other one will not receive any. Both that involve social gratification. This
are aware of these conditions. They are kind of norm includes human emotions
allowed to ask for help if ever it happens and could induce warmth and closeness
that they find it difficult to do the task. In between its participants. Market norms
the end, the one who will not receive any are those that involve, usually, written
payment turned out to be the first one contracts that have to do with money. Its
to ask for help. The one who will be paid rules are stringent and definite, and there
tried much harder to solve the task alone. is nothing emotional about it. Both norms
go together in society to the extent that it
From the study presented above, when draws limitation on how people work.
money is involved in work, it stirs up
on individuals that a work should be As we separate these two norms, we
accomplished on his own. This is not see the delineation on how people act
necessarily bad though. Put the efficiency based on which norm is appropriate in
aside, people who are paid tend to the context. After distinguishing that
isolate themselves from others. Money business establishments are of the
puts pressure to people in terms of market norms, these establishments
accomplishment. Hence, we tend to put nowadays know the importance of
greater effort for money, and lesser for social currency. See how credit card and
gratitude. Usually, money stays insurance advertisements include their
where it started and will ‘care’ for their clients. It is but a setting
keep on circulating on up of relationship beyond the bounds of
that certain altitude market making their clients
of society for a long attached to their holds.
time. On the other To get a gist of these
hand, social concepts on
currency o u r society, let us
t a ke education as an
example. If
education
is seen in
the light of
social norms,
meaning it
is of cheap
cost if not
free, more or
less, students
will obligate
themselves to
at least return
some dash of
profession to
their society to
whom they
owe their
MONDAY • 11 OCTOBER 2010 • 11
CULTURE Volume 24, Numbers 8-9

education. On the contrary, education
entering market norms bears a different
response. Since students paid for their
share of education, then they will not
hold any bars in return to serve for they
do not owe anyone. This type of thinking
is not limited on the realms education. It
is existent in almost all institutions, may
it be formal or informal. It is the same
way of absorbing things as we do not feel
a sense of gratitude.
Through this, we can see how money
takes away the any emotional and
obligatory attachment between man and
society and man and man. Without money
though, it is compensated by something
unseen yet as powerful, if not more, than
money. It is the acknowledgement that
you owe someone something and it gives
you the innate responsibility to repay
them by gratitude relationship. This
gratitude relationship can go far longer
than money can stay in our pockets.
Gratitude is paid when no money can
compensate to something. Money is
paid when something
is not great enough to
pull our gratitude.
advantaged or disadvantaged us. Our
current president, on the other hand,
is a perfect example as to how social
currency impacts regardless of time.
The perceived legacy of his mother, the
late Corazon Aquino, catapulted him
on top and, surprisingly, that ‘legacy’
overshadowed other drawbacks of the
Aquinos’ background.
Now, given these sets of premises, we
might try to weigh which can better
dominate society. If everything has a
price, even inside family and friendship
domains, it might be as well that you
detach yourself to them and find a set of
people who will match your interest. For
example, if you are going to pay for your
mother’s cooked dinner, you might as
well find someone who can cook better.
Meaning, money pushes people to be
self-reliant; it pushes social constructs
to disparity; it takes away human
attachment. Now, since
almost all of the government service is
paid, citizens have lost the notion that
certain rights, such as education, should
be achieved freely. By this, many have
lost their attachment to our society as a
whole and find a better place on where
can they make sense of their paid skills.
This is not a good thing. On the other
hand, if social currency takes the stage of
our society, gratitude and ‘utang na loob’
will rule our trade. We said a while ago
that this social currency is not accurately
quantifiable and besides, we live in a
money-ruled world. It may take away the
stratification brought by money but this
may purport to seek reliance on those
who can offer more.
In a society screaming that an excess of
money rules supremacy and the lack of
it results inequity, anything done out of
pure intention
and free of charge is considered noble.
Put the nobility aside, what makes these
actions compelling is that everyone is
acknowledging it just as everyone is
subjugated to it. It might be a construct
we do not dare criticize in spite of its
irregularities because we are in one way
or another indebted to this currency.
What are we aiming for after all? Self-
reliance? Equity? Social attachment to
the people around us? The betterment
of society in whole? Until we decide on
the better preferment, we live to coexist
and struggle to attain these values and
continue to pay to our indebtedness.

Since the debt of

money is harder to
repay than the social currency, the latter
is seen as an ideal. By saying ideal, it
means that people who do good deeds
free of charge are considered heroes. This
might be an explanation why we admire
the likes of Efren Penaflorida, pro-bono
lawyers, and human rights lawyers. They
are those who serve the society whose
primary drive is to uplift society’s morale
not by financial aid but by moral support.
It is easier to rationalize Philippine
society with the idea of social currency,
with the prevalence of ‘compadre’
system and the idea of ‘utang na loob’
from our daily lives to the political sphere
of the country—however they have

Disclaimer: The Manila Collegian does not own any of the pictures used in this article.

12 • 11 OCTOBER 2010 • MONDAY

 Volume 24, Numbers 8-9 NEWS
MGA FULUNG-VULUNGAN NG NAGJIJISANG...
Itanong Kay

Lola Patola Isko’t Iska

line ang mga afows ko havang nag-babarrage! Por
eberibadi’s infow, free tayong sumamwey sa kahit
anong movement, dahil meron teyowng FREEDOM!
At ayon sa navasa kong Forbes magazine ay ako na
daw ang finakamayamang lowla sa daigdig, at more Sino ang pinaka-“epic fail” sa hostage fiasco?
Wooooo-woo-woooo! Kot in a Vajet importantly, navasa ko rin na walang karafatan si
Go-Go-Go-Away na i-treat ng ganun ka-harsh ang
kaaaaaaat! mga afows ko na gusto lang namang ifaglavan ang commander nila. K – Anonymous, BA
karafatan ng mga jiskolar ng vayaaan! Waaah!

R
a-ra-ra-a-ay! Mga afows! Hellows-
marshmallows-sinawsaw-sa-fondooo!
Kakaazar! Nafafakanta nanaman ako dahil sa
1.39 vilyown freakin’ vajet kat na yaaan! Angsaraf
chuguhin at gawing siofao mygah! And, sfeaking op da
vajet kaaat, ever-present va keyow sa walk-out
lavan ditow??? Kung keyow ay nakiisa, nakidalawa,
or kahit nakitatlo pa, vehery goooood! Fero kung di
naman nakazama, keriboom! Vasta dafat we are one
in da spirit at sasamabelle na you nektaym! Wooot!
Ngunitweytlang, hanow nanaman va itong navavalitaan
kooo?!?! May mga halimaw raw na kasing halimaw
ng freakin’ vajet kaaat na jumejeksena sa sangka-
YuFiEm-an?? Wooo! Wattamaysupposedtodowichu?!
F e y m - M o n st e r s I n c .
C o n fi d e n t i a l C h i s m a k y u
Numver Wan: Go, Go,
G O A w a a a ay ! ! !
Talaga namang nasasayang ang
peys-lift ko dahil sa pangungunsime
ng mga pipoley na toolad nitong
zi Go-Go-Go Away!!! Viruin mo va
naman wag lang sa vagong gising,
kuntodo meyk anti-anti itong zi Go-
Go-Go-Away za mga afows kong
nakisali nung noise barrage against
sa eklavoong vajet kaaat! Kwento
ng isa kong dearest grandchild,
nung dumaan daw sila sa klase
ni Go-Go-Go-Away, ay vigla
silang vinanatan ng isang
malupit, mapakla at uber-
duber-hawtt na ‘go-away’
dahil dinidisturv daw nila ang
kanyang lecture-lecture! And
I was like, HALLERRR??!?!?!
San ka va nakakita ng noise
barrage na farang prusisyon
sa katahimikan, aber?! Delhins
naman itech SILENT barrage, frop.
Gusto fa ata niya na naka-fall-in-
F e y m - M o n st e r s I n c . C o n fi d e n t i a l
C h is m a k y u N u m v e r T u u : T h e
M ey k i n g o f T h e W a r o f T h e
Worlds of Fun!
Joklang yung ‘fun.’ Waley na kasi akong masavi eh.
Hahaha! Fero talaga namang montek nanamang
magka-warrr vetween the ever-active annoying
TOMatoes and the MASIGasig makifagvasag-ulos!
Ayon sa aking shining-shimmering reydar na hindi
pa nauubusan ng vattery simula nung last issue,
nagkaambahan nanaman ang jisang TOMatoe at
jisang MASIGasig. Mygaaah! Hindi fa va nafafagowd?!?
Hindi fa va nagsasawaaa?!? Enough na yaaan kasi
naman bangkulet aba! Walang ivang mapapala
dyan kundi sangkatutak na pamamaga
at violet-stuff sa mukha at sexy-body!
Nakup! Kung ako senyow, makifag-
lavan nalang tayow fara itigil ang
vajet kaaat, fero wag na tayowng
mag-away-away against each
and eberiwan! Ok? Kokey!
“Hala! Vira! May zunflower pa!
Wag i-kat ang vajet!...Hoy! Sinaving
wag i-kat eeh!!!” Ayan ang aketch
vattle-cry lavan sa freakin’ vajet
kaaat! Yulayket, my dear afows?
Yulayket??? Goodness! Kammon!
Let’s join me! Let’s join me! Let’s
join eberibaaaadeee! Hindi fa
tafows ang lavan, at dehins
susuko ang lowla niyow! As
a matter of pak, fafunta na
kamey ni Lolo Upo ninyo sa
malacanang tudey! I’ll sing to
PNoy at vaka matauhan na!
Suffort me mah dear afows,
ha?! Shigeh, vusy-vusyhan muna
mee! til next taaaaym! I’ll vee
vaaack. Framis. Hahaha. Vavwey,
my lovable grandchildren! Halabya
all! Tsuuuuuup! :* <3
President Aquino, due to his
lack of tact as the head of state. -
09-XXXXX, CAS
Pinakaepic fail tlga ung mga pulis.
kalamu hindi mga pulis dahil
prang mga dagang ngtakbuhan
nung ngpaputok ung hostage
taker. – tensionated02, CP
Pinakaepic fail ung mga taong
natatawa pa sa pangyayaring
hindi naman katawa-tawa. -
Diliman Rep, 09.
Nang “sumugod” na ang SWAT at
sa likod lang ng bus pumwesto.
*facepalm* - Hanban, 2009-
29524, CAS, BA DevStud
Yung SWAT.. Kasi they were
trained to handle situations like
that.. Tapos biglang ganun yung
nagyari.. Anong ibig sabihin nun?
It’s either kulang sila sa training
or Silip Wait Atras Tago ang ibig
sabihin ng SWAT sa Pinas.. :) -
APTX 4869, BA SocSci
Si Rolando Mendoza. –
Anonymous, BS OT
PNP! Swat division! – Mara
Mercado, BA Beh Sci
Yung SWAT…and ground
Sino ang pinakamamimiss mong prof ngayong first
sem?
Si Burn! Pero magkikita pa
rin naman kami next sem sa
OrCom140. :D - anonymous
Si Mam Joson... Sobrang na-
enlighten ako sa klase niya eh.
-Isabella Vincent, BA BS
Si Sir Harold Henrison Chang
Chiu! :)) Sana magkita pa kami
next sem sa chem 40.1 :P - an
anonymous biology student
Pol Sci
Yung bus driver. Sinabi kasi nea na
patay na lahat ng nasa loob, kahit
hindi pa. -Isabella Vincent, BA BS
Well I think all of them. But it is not
significant whether who was the most
epic fail among them, the substantial
part about it was what would be the
reason of this failure. And for that
question, lack of organization and
management would be the answer.
-Tin, BA Development Studies
Fail sa hostage, pulis talaga, masyado
na lang pinlaki ang issue, pero
technically, sila talaga sala ang
diskarte. -re4mat, BA Political Science
Uhmm, I wouldn’t really know who
was the epic fail during the hostage
crisis. In the first place, I am not the
one to judge. Yes, merong mga obvious
na pagkakamali dun pero just think
what if you were in their shoes. I
mean, no one wanted anything like
that to happen. If I were one of those
involved in that situation, I’d probably
shit my pants anyway. Haha. -Jer, BA
Organizational Communication
Lahat. Mula kay Noynoy, kay Lim, kay
Mendoza, sa mga pulis, ang media,
hanggang sa mga uzi. Lahat epic fail!  -
Helvetica Corsiva, CAS
mo talaga ang History pag siya ang
nagturo... - APTX 4869, BA SocSci
Ma’m Ma...teo. period :( - its me leo XD
Si Sir Redillas. – Anonymous, BS OT
Si Sir Chong [Ardivilla] <3 – Mara
Mercado, BA Beh Sci
Si Sir Billiones. – Ninjaassasin, BS
Pharm

NEWS UP President...from page 3 Si Dean, sayang wala na akong

during the second forum centered
reforms in the university,
especially on the aspects of
governance, emphasis on UP’s role
as a research university and self-
sufficiency in terms of funding and
resources.
The final leg of the series will be
held at the Philippine General
Hospital (PGH) Science Hall on
October 14, 2010 at 1:30 to 4:30
in the afternoon, also to be shown
live at UP CUs and UPM’s CD.
Assertion of Qualities and
Priorities of Next UP President
During the first forum at UPLB,
protests were held outside the
Umali Hall. The protest action was
led by students and organizations
mostly coming from UPLB,
emphasizing matters concerning
the CU such as campus repression,
press freedom, the large class
policy and anti-student policies.
Along with students and union
members, Faculty Regent Judy
Taguiwalo, Student Regent Cori
Alessa Co, Staff Regent Clodualdo
Cabrera and Acting Alumni
Regent Gladys Tiongco joined the
protesters in challenging the next
UP president to address issues
confronting the university.
Student Regent Cori Alessa Co
refused to give a statement to The
Manila Collegian regarding the
search for the next UP President,
for she will be involved in the
process. However, she emphasized
that her office has given letters to
the nominees urging them to stand
up on the issue of UP’s budget cut.
UPM University Student
Council (USC) Chairperson Ces
Santos reiterates the next UP
President’s role in reaffirming
the public character of UP as
the National State University, in
upholding democratic access to
UP education, in reversing anti-
student and anti-people policies,
particularly privatization and
commercialization schemes, and
in safeguarding the interests of all
sectors of the university.
After the forum series, the
nominees will present their visions
and programs before the BOR and
will undergo an interview, also
with the BOR, on November 8 or
18, 2010. In the September 24 BOR
Meeting, it is agreed upon that the
selection of the next UP President
will be on November 19, 2010.
SSP. =)) - 09-XXXXX, CAS
Pinakamamimiss kong prof si sir
Junie Billones (prof ko sa chem
18) kasi napakabaet nya! and
sbe kamuka ko daw. hehe. ^^, -
tensionated02, CP
(Pwedeng yung namimiss ko na
lang? HAHAHA) Si Mam Roque at
Mam Labor --- because of their
toxicityness (ANO DAW)! =)) -
Diliman Rep, 09.
Si Prof. Sioco with her awesome
Philo11 kasi maski nakakasabaw
ang Rules of Replacement at
Quantification, ang galing-galing
niyang ituro samin yun. \m/ -
Hanban, 2009-29524, CAS, BA
DevStud
Si maam Grace Estela Mateo.. :( -
10-20441
Si Maam Mateo. :’( - ASDFGHJKL.
Si Ma’am Mateo… Bow talaga
ako sa kanya… Magugustuhan
Pinaka-mamimiss kong prof si Sir
Arcilla. Dahil ang saya ng Econ! J –
Anonymous, BA Pol Sci
Prof. Esguerra (History 1). I guess all
of the students who underwent into
his class knows why. It was tough
though, I was so thankful since I
learned a lot. And it had enhanced my
study habits well enough. (hooray!
1._ pa grade ko) haha. Thank you sir!
Mwah! -Tin, BA Development Studies
Si Prof. Esguerra. -EC, BA Political
Science
Prof? Uhmm. Si Doc Abe siguro. -Jer,
BA Organizational Communication
Si Sir Chong Ardivilla! Mamimiss ko
nang major major ang  byutih at ka-
zozhalan niya! - Helvetica Corsiva,
CAS
Ma’am Odal-Devora, nakaka-amaze
siya eh. Laging free time class niya at
halos maubos na ang absences ko sa
kanya. >:)) – Tilapia Eater

MONDAY • 11 OCTOBER 2010 • 13

Freestyle Volume 24, Numbers 8-9

NEWS FMAB...from pg 3
of UPM-PGH.
“What we perceived to be
benefiting from the FMAB is no
excuse for its existence. Hindi
siya dapat maging katwiran para
manatili ang FMAB na iyan kasi
essentially mali siya,” stated Dr.
Nisperos.
According to Dr. Nisperos, the
government should be blamed
for this dilemma because it is
completely aware that the PGH
is in dire need of ample budget
allocation yet it is only providing
minimal appropriations for the
past decades.
Moreover Dr. Nisperos stated
that the government is pushing
the PGH to enter into contracts to
let it be self reliant. Thus, it gives
the government more reasons
to essentially turn its back to its
responsibilities to PGH and other
local hospitals as well.
Dr. Nisperos stated that, “Ang
FMAB ay isang malaking sampal
ng privatization sa usapin ng
pampublikong kalusugan.”
Mula sa Department of Social Sciences at Area Studies Program,
Maraming Salamat sa paglinang sa mga
Iskolar ng Bayan,
P INT PRESERVE OUR
GAINS, HEIGHTEN OUR
VIGILANCE
BLANK by Anakbayan
W e extend our thanks and highest praises to the thousands
of youths and students nationwide who joined the Sept.
24 Walkout against education budget cuts.
This early, our collective and We invite the tens of thousands
militant efforts have already of Walkout participants and
borne positive results: Last Sept. sympathizers to strengthen our
29, more than 30 lawmakers from unity by joining Anakbayan and
the Lower House have signed a other progressive youth groups.
Unity Statement which proclaims Only under these organizations
their opposition to the proposed can our individual efforts and
education budget cuts, including talents be coordinated together
partylist solons Mong Palatino, into a force capable of even
Teddy Casiño, and Rafael Mariano. more powerful actions than our
Walkout.
The students have no one to thank
but themselves for this latest Under these organizations, we
victory in the struggle for our right can deepen our understanding
to education. of the current education
system as well as the burning
Yet this is not the end of our right, social issues of the day, a key
but rather, only the beginning. to victory in our struggle for
education and other democratic
Many things can happen between rights. Also, we can unite with
now and when the 2011 national other sectors who share the
budget is passed into law: some of same objectives with us, thus,
the congressmen might withdraw strengthening our cause.
their support, or the Aquino
administration could persist in We reiterate the battle cry
slashing the education budget.
With the fire of our righteous
of the youth during the First
Quarter Storm: Only through
struggle now ignited, the point militant struggle can the best in
now is to keep it burning and to the youth emerge.

Dr. Estela Grace Mateo

make it spread.

The Manila Collegian calls upon you to drive straight to the

(Sept. 12, 1965 - Sept 21, 2010) center of the issue, mark your aim, and deliver the blow at
point blank range.

NEWS USC, CSC Convey ...from page 2

As of 2010, the College of
Medicine already reached Level 3
accreditation, while the College of
Nursing is currently undergoing
the process of certification.
“Oo, may mga magandang dulot
ang accreditation, pero ito,
na mula sa mga International
Private Accrediting Bodies tulad
ng PAASCU at PACUCOA, ay hindi
talaga kailangan at nababagay
sa mga state universities. Ang
UP Manila ay isang pambansang
unibersidad. Kung itutuloy ang
nasabing accreditation, lalong
tataas ang tuition, at lalong
magigipit ang mga Iskolar ng
Bayan,” Santos said.
Impending Budget Cut
Intensifies Recurring
Demands
The STRAWBS Representatives
from the colleges of UPM present
in the said event also presented
the needs of the student body in
general.
14 • 11 OCTOBER 2010 •
The issues on inadequate facilities
and scarcity of modern equipment
were put forward in the student
summit by almost all of the
colleges. In addition, problems
on sanitation and incompetent
sanitary implements were also
broached in the event.
Issues on competence, attendance,
and teaching schemes of some
UPM instructors and professors
were also raised.
Accordingly, the summit provided
venue for the students to give
comments and feedbacks
regarding the performance and
visibility of the USC and the college
student councils (CSCs) of the
university.
Though there were various
minor issues raised, the student
leaders essentially agreed upon
the general necessities of the
university.
USC Guarantees Action
MONDAY
despite Admin Absence
The absence of the UP
administration’s representative
in the summit was also noticed
for it defeated the objective
of the event, which was to
directly and personally relay
the students’ demands to the
university’s administration.
“Kahit naman wala sila rito,
makakasiguro naman na ang mga
napag-usapan at naipresenta
ngayon ay makakarating sa
kanila at mabibigyang-pansin…”
Estrella answered when asked
for a statement about the
administration’s absence.
“Hindi dapat mag-alala ang
mga studyante. Sisiguraduhin
naming hindi mababalewala
ang mga demands na naihain
ngayon. Pamumunuan ng
USC at STRAWBS Committee
ang pagpapaabot ng mga
problemang ito sa UP Admin.”
USC Councilor and STRAWBS
Head assured.
Grafeats Noy’s BADget Game
Ni Ruth Genevieve Lumibao
 Volume 24, Numbers 8-9 Opinion

GUIDA* Dominoes
Ruth Genevieve Austria Lumibao
E verything starts with an option. But as the stakes get higher, it is harder to
choose one, especially without the advantage of certainty. In leadership,
options have to be studied carefully because when a choice is made, it will
President Aquino’s allocation of allowing a huge chunk of the budget to pork barrel while he
prides himself as an advocate in stopping corruption? The answer is, it did not, because the
president showed the contrary. This goes the same with the issue with education and land
have, without a doubt, its own consequences, just as the past has affected distribution—of which we have seen the forces rallying in our very streets in Padre Faura.
our present, and how our actions in the present will mold our future—clay There is power in decisions only if it is coupled with action.
put in the hands of mankind. Nevertheless, it will also lead to a series of
events, and go back to making another decision like a never-ending cycle.
Lately, we have witnessed a series of dramatic events, which would someday play a role on
how other people will view us as a nation. However, the administration would not really be “...EACH DECISION CAN MAKE A CHANGE—
named as such without the decisions made by the Filipinos last election, notwithstanding the
possible factors that could have affected their personal judgments. Things happening today NO MATTER HOW SMALL IT MAY BE...”
were put in motion by decisions made back in time—a result of a domino effect that goes on
with an indefinite length, going on as the people move on, with no one aware when it will end.

More than the decisions made by the masses, there are also those that come from people who
govern our country. And with his one hundred days in presidency, the President’s decisions
over the hostage crisis, the budget cut and the perpetual problem in Hacienda Luisita and the
delayed resolution of various problems have tested his own abilities to rule a country and to
lead more than a million Filipinos.
The hostage crisis revealed more than just how our S.W.A.T. needs more training—the PHP
150,000 payment for a review of Mendoza’s case, Lim’s said-abandonment of the command
post, the interference of the media and the violent arrest of the hostage-taker’s brother show
how much they were without a plan. It showed more than what the police lacked—it also
showed what the past governments lacked.
On the other hand, the budget cut shows how they prioritize sectors in our society. However,
the subsidy for State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) have dropped from PHP 23.84B to
PHP 23.4B. It would seem ironic because the pork barrel is more than a million higher than
the allocated subsidy for SUCs when education should be the priority of the government,
along with health. Yet the present administration continues to neglect their responsibility
to the people despite President Aquino’s promise to pay more attention to social services.
It is true that the events of present are affected by past decisions can be affected by other
factors besides a person’s own judgment, just as the mistakes of the past administrations
affects this government. There is power, still, in decisions. But how can does that manifest in
Even so, the events today are consequences and results of what happened in our past, but
we cannot continue on regretting and blaming the past for what we see today—it would be
like wasting time on reading a book that means nothing instead of picking another one that
can inspire and tell us something good. Thus, every fork in the road requires a lot of thinking,
because each decision can make a change—no matter how small it may be.
What we’ve seen for the past few days aren’t just coincidences—they are serious matters from
which we could draw how much political will President Aquino holds within himself. Yes, a
hundred days in six years isn’t enough to judge a person, yet the start gives the impression
of what we are to expect in the remaining years left for the Aquino administration. His every
decision serves as a crucial step in the development of a country.
The Filipinos are already done with hoping and dreaming. It is time for us to see a change, but
change is affected by the decisions we make. And just like dominoes—as one piece tumbles,
the others tumble down as well.
*Guida, an Italian term, means leadership

VERDAD*
Jethro Cimanes Perez
Paranoia, etc.
L ife’s intricate patterns are hard to follow. When you get lost, you will
find yourself helpless, drowning in distress. Sometimes, it would seem
better to ignore those trivial yet overt details, but acting as if nothing is
duties are done, you have to learn to stand on your own once again and recover trust and
belief— neither in life nor in love, not even in promises—but in yourself. Only then will you

wrong in spite of these quite palpable realities will never change anything.

Now, I admit I am at a loss. I do not know what to think. I do not know what to do. I cannot “...YOU HAVE TO LEARN TO STAND ON YOUR
point my finger on what I want. And these empty moments wherein these thoughts suddenly OWN ONCE AGAIN AND RECOVER TRUST AND
materialize just aggravate my frustration. It seems that the intertwining of such inimitably
deceitful circumstances has brought life to a lapse in my sanity. Fortunately though, my
BELIEF— NEITHER IN LIFE NOR IN LOVE, NOT
overstressed brain is still lucid enough to determine that something is wrong. EVEN IN PROMISES—BUT IN YOURSELF...”
I wish it is enough to believe in life, in love, in promises. But that is a wish that has been asked
by many and yet simultaneously, that is a wish that has stagnated at some point in time.
Believing is something that many-a-person has underrated. And once again, I admit to this. really be able to believe in life, in love and in promises.

I have lost myself trying to believe the things that negate the things that I am afraid to face. All
could have been better if I, myself, knew better. Believing is beyond just the utterance of the
words “I believe…” In fact, believing has nothing to do at all with its declaration.
The authenticity of belief can only be realized by mutual trust. And by mutual, I do not
mean blind. One can never trust with the foundation of lies, or better yet, uncertainty. To
build belief, it has to have firm grounds. Bottom-line, trust first before you believe. Trust is a
prerequisite to belief.
I need not curse or rant or pester myself with these empty moments and the thoughts they
give birth to. For the only things I could be sure of are my own emotions. Being doubtful and
inducing vile thoughts in this frolicking mind I have atop my neck would only banish me into
the fires of bitterness. Let not the mind think and allow the heart to perform its miracles.
Someone once told me, “Love is a matter of heart over mind…”
I trust and believe you, but that does not need any saying anymore. I feel it now.

Sometimes, however, the hands of fate take control. It does not only hold sway, it has the
power to shatter even the strongest belief that you hold on to, even to the point of beguiling
you with the world’s most evil temptations. But life always has two sides. It is with fate’s
coming that external forces pick you up and fight with you and you wonder why you have
struggled alone when you can fight your demons with fervent help. Then again, when their
In the end, I have realized, it is hard to follow life’s patterns because it is not meant to be
followed. I have decided to create my own path for in a path that is my own, I will never get
lost.
*Verdad – Spanish word meaning truth

MONDAY • 11 OCTOBER 2010 • 15

Editorial Volume 24, Numbers 8-9

In Retaliation
for Education
T he government constantly affirms its role in society,
to help its people and ensure a better nation for all.
But the looming 1.39 billion budget cut from tertiary
public education presents an all too familiar and uncanny
contrast. And the reason behind it, that of making State
Universities and Colleges (SUCs) less financially depen-
dent on government subsidy further establishes the gov-
ernment’s attempt to escape their recognized function.

Amidst all the gloom and doom posed by the proposed

budget cut, Iskolars and The Manila Collegian, along with
the victims of budget cut in the public tertiary educa-
tion, vehemently condemn the government’s display of
unclear priorities and passionately fighting for the edu-
cation that is supposed to be a right and not a privilege.
With the onset of the new
administration, a budget proposal
was submitted to Congress
with 1.39 billion slashed from
the measly budget of State
Universities and Colleges (SUCs).
Apparently, SUCs should lessen
their dependence on the budget
allocated by the government, and
begin to stand on their own two
feet, akin to an ordinary private
institution.
With this reckless move, the
government can possibly halt the
college education of most, and
deny the entry of many. This budget
cut may invoke nothing new: the
country has realized a lessening
of education appropriation over
time. In fact, this budget cut is
the biggest that the University of
the Philippines has faced yet. This
only implies however, that this
administration presents nothing
new from its predecessor, because
same policies shall breed the same
detriments. In the end, it will be
the students that shall suffer. The
government realized the need
for the country to progress, but
in doing so, it shunned the very
reason why it was installed in the
first place–to serve the people
and ensure justice in society,
amidst the demands of economic
development.
The government, while assuring
the public of a brighter tomorrow,
destroys the very means and access
of the people to such a future. This
transference of responsibility is
tertiary public education up for
grabs in the private market. It
is obviously known that SUCs
cannot cope on their own, without
financial aid or increased revenue.
If dependence on the government
continues to diminish, SUCs
must create their own funding
scheme, and an increase in tuition
fee is not far off, as the battle
against an insufficient budget
begins. Privatization will imprint
its mark on the walls of public
schools, eventually putting the
word “public” to shame. The
privatization of education will
become the means to sustain the
presence of public schools, and
improve them even—but that is not
without price. President Aquino
constantly ensures the people
that Public-Private Partnerships
(PPP) or privatization in general
warrants no harm.
The proponents of the budget
cut must realize that corporate
planning does not apply to the
sector of education. The procedure
that the administration is taking
to solve society’s dilemmas is the
least constructive one; that is,
slowly and indirectly transforming
public matters into private
affairs. An education system run
on the principle of profit motive
within a culture of kickbacks and
fund embezzlements will not
thrive—the government should
recognize at least this much.
What it eventually leads to is the
furthering of social divide, as if
There is a need to progress,
given the worsening condition
of the country’s economy and its
inhabitants’ lives. But in order
for this to happen, education
must be proliferated and revived,
not ensured a slow and sure
death. Supposedly free education
benefits not only the students but
also the community for whom this
education truly is for. Aside from
simply weighing the benefits and
detriments of the gory solution of
diminishing the budget, the people
must realize what such a proposal
will mean for the country, for the
government and its people.
Education is a right. But the
administration, in its persistence
to stand by this ignorant solution,
is trying to prove otherwise.
At the end of the day, education is
not another bill the government
has to pay for. It is not a commodity
that they can sell to ease the
burden of unceasing payments.
Rather, education should be for all,
and the enlightenment it provides
to every person and ultimately, to
society is priceless and definitely
unmatchable. Privatization, and
even the overwhelming solutions
it promises, will never be the
genuine solution to the social ills
that the country faces. This blatant
move towards the deprivation
of the people’s right may be the
waking call, however, to gain the
masses’ disgust enough to demand
what is truly theirs.
By Katrina Joy Capulong
THE M ANIL A COLLEGIAN
Magna est veritas et prevaelebit
ALLANA RUTH GARCIA DELA PEÑA
Editor-in-Chief
A N G E LO LU N A M U R I L LO
Associate Editor for Internal Affairs;
News Editor; Features Editor
M A R I E K R I S T E L A N TO N I O G A B AWA
Associate Editor for External Affairs;
Culture Editor
J OA N N A M A R I E I C ASAS U DA R B E
Managing Editor
M A R I O N C A R L A Q U I N TO B I O L E N A
Graphics Editor
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EMAIL
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not only downright inexcusable,
but the ill-effects it may generate
exceed any form of threat SUCs
may receive.
Through this budget cut, the
government passes its duty to
the people, and indirectly makes
education is exclusive for those No to budget cut! OFFICE
4th Floor Student Center Building,
who the meager subsidy can cover. No to privatization and University of the Philippines Manila,
And without full knowledge of the commercialization of education! P a d r e F a u r a c o r. M a . O r o s a s t s . ,
Ermita, Manila
act’s consequences or simply a lack Assert for higher state subsidy!
of care about what can happen, so MEMBER
College editors guild of the philippines (CEGP)
long as they are rid of what they U P S O L I DA R I DA D
consider as burdens.

16 • 11 OCTOBER 2010 • MONDAY