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A hundred torches burning:Kick off marks

UP Centennial bash

The entire UP system jolted to festivity as it officially kicked-off the centennial celebration last Jan. 8 at UP Diliman (UPD). Thousands of students, alumni, faculty and staff from different UP units filled the Oblation Plaza.

UP Los Baños (UPLB) delegation to the kick-off numbered around 700 students, faculty members, and employees.

Rewind memories UPLB Students Organizations and Activities

Division Head, Janett Dolor said she felt “privileged, happy, and emotional during the program” while reminiscing her 17 years of service in the university.

Dana Salunoy, BS Development Communication ‘06 related that the “UP pride” was prevalent throughout the celebration.

Culmination of flaresThe centerpiece of the event was the lighting of

100 torches, each held by distinct personalities from different UP constituents.

UPD’s 16-year old class valedictorian Mikaela Fudolig, actor Richard Gomez, musician Ryan Cayabyab, and broadcast journalist Cheche Lazaro were only some of the popular torchbearers.

Outstanding UP alumni, professors, student representatives, and former UP Presidents constituted the other bearers.

Leading the torchbearers was Civil Engineer Fernando Javier batch ’33. He is one of the oldest known UP alumni at 100.

“I was expecting to see some of my batchmates,” Javier jokingly said.

Meanwhile, Charisse Bernadine Bañez, University Student Council (USC) Vice Chairperson served as one of the torchbearers for UPLB.

“Bitbit ko ang torch na iyon in behalf of the UPLB students,” she said while holding the 56th torch.

UP President Emerlinda Roman wrapped up the lighting ceremony and ignited the centennial cauldron. Roman explained that the torch lighting represents the 100 years of the university.

In an interview with Perspective, she persuaded students and alumni alike to reflect on “what UP has done for them, what UP’s successes and achievements are, [and its] faults, failures and shortcomings.”

“Excellence, leadership, and service in the next 100 years” was the event’s theme.

100 years old

Leading the Flock

100th Torch

Blast to the future

100 Torches, 100 Years

Velasco walks with pride as he leads UPLB contingents.

Photo by Jovy de Manuel

Engr. Fernando Javier, who is as old as UP itself, bore the first torch.Photo courtesy of Miguel FaustoGantioqui

Roman, accompanied by CHED Commissioner Romulo Neri lights the last torch.

Photo by Jovy de Manuel

Spectacular fireworks display ends the celebration.

Photo courtesy of Miguel Fausto Gantioqui

UPLB students and some faculty members carry the red banner that depicts UP’s historic role in the society. Photo by Jovy de Manuel

100 torches tell the story of UP across its 100 years of existence. Photo courtesy of Tristan John Pia

by Ralph Martin Rivas and Harriet Melanie Zabalawith reports from Remelizza Joy Sacra

Kick off / p5

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VOLUME 34ISSUE 3

January 28, 2008

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Tallying the Scores

Solidarity

UPLB: Serve the People

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Mahigit isang buwan matapos ang eleksyon para sa unyon ng mga manggagawa sa UP, hindi pa rin ipinoproklama ang pagkapanalo ng ALL UP Workers Union (AUPWU) laban sa Organization of Non-Academic Personnel in UP (ONAPUP).

Ito ay dahil sa inihaing protesta ng Governing Council ng ONAPUP ukol sa di-umano’y mga paglabag ng AUPWU sa Election Guidelines na itinakda ng Bureau of Labor Relations (BLR).

Ayon kay Crispin Gupela, Vice President ng ONAPUP, kabilang dito ang di umano’y paghahakot ng AUPWU ng mga botante sa araw ng halalan at ang paglalagay ng election paraphernalias malapit sa mga presinto.

Bilang protesta, hindi dumalo sa huling araw ng bilangan ng boto ang ONAPUP.

Sa panayam kay Alexis Mejia, Pangkalahatang Kalihim ng AUPWU, sinabi niya na “hindi makita ng All UP ang dahilan [ng pagproprotesta] ng kabila. Very convincing naman ang pagkapanalo ng All UP.”

Sa eleksyon para sa terminong ito, lumamang ang AUPWU ng 1,487 na boto laban sa ONAPUP.

Ang halalan para sa unyon na kakatawan sa mga non-academic employees ay isinasagawa kada limang taon at dinadaluhan ng mga empleyado ng buong UP. Nagsimula ang paghalal sa mga unyon noong 1995, kung saan ang kauna-unahang panalo ay nakuha ng ONAPUP samantalang ang ikalawa at kasalukuyan ay nasa ilalim ng pamumuno ng AUPWU.

Ayon kay Mejia, sa mga taon ng panunungkulan ng unyon, naipakita ng AUPWU na “mayroon talaga siyang tindig tungkol sa pag-strike in accordance with law.”

Ito aniya ay nagbigay sa mga empleyado ng karapatan na magsagawa ng pagkilos upang madinig ang kanilang mga hinaing at kahilingan. Sa ilalim din umano ng pamumuno ng AUPWU, naipanalo ng mga empleyado ang mga dagdag na benepisyo. Ilan sa mga ito ay ang pagkakaroon ng dalawang kabang bigas taun-taon, sampung libong pisong merit incentive at isang libong pisong halaga ng Christmas grocery.

Dagdag ni Mejia, mas paiigtingin pa umano ng AUPWU ang mga kampanya para sa mga ganitong benepisyo sakaling magsimula na ang kanilang termino sa Enero 1, 2008.[P]

Pagproklama saAUPWU nakabinbinni Sugar Marie Baula

SLC elects new officers, tackles systemwide issuesby Nikko Angelo Oribiana

The Student Legislative Chamber (SLC), organized by different UPLB student councils, held its first meeting for this year last January 7.

In view of this, an election presided by University Student Council (USC) Chairperson Leo “XL” Fuentes was held to complete the presidium or the backbone of the student council.

“[ito ang] tagapagpanatili ng kaayusan [ng body] at nagpapadaloy ng agenda [ng meeting].” USC Councilor Rayan Brozula said.

With Fuentes as SLC Chairman are USC Councilor Marikris Lique, elected secretary , College of Development Communication Chairperson Karen Lapitan, College of Human Ecology Chairperson Marvin Libre, and USC Councilor Rayan Brozula, elected floor leaders.

The election was followed by the USC report discussing unanimous selection of UP Diliman USC Chairperson Shahana Abdulwahid as new Student Regent by the General Assembly of Student Councils last Dec. 21-22. (see related article)

“Dito sa UPLB, siya agad yung nakita [naming na magiging Student Regent]. Siya yung nag-stand out dahil na rin siguro sa galing niya sa negotiations at table battles,” USC Councilor Arbeen Acuña said.

The SLC also tackled Senate Bill 2587 or the UP Charter of 2007 authored by Senator Francisco Pangilinan approved by the Senate last Dec. 19.

“Parang nilegalize [nung UP Charter 2007] ang pag-commercialize [sa UP],” Fuentes said. He said this bill allows the utilization of UP’s idle assets the resorting to other income generating schemes such as the construction of a techno park and call center in UP Diliman (see related article).

Meanwhile, the College of Arts and Sciences Student Council (CAS-SC) has proposed to amend provisions on fund distribution stipulated in the USC constitution that 50% of the collected student fund shall be distributed depending on the population of registered students per semester. There was a debate on the said amendment, but after a few minutes of questioning the proponent decided to withdraw the proposal for further improvement.

The presidium still has not scheduled the next SLC meeting but Fuentes said the next assembly will aim to develop a USC constitution that will give more stress on democracy in student elections.

“[Gagawin ito] para mawala yung discrimination sa mga susunod na electoral candidates” he said. [P]

GASC selects first Muslim SRThis time, there are no fainting fits

or heated exchange of abuses. Yet whatever this year’s Student Regent

abdulwahid. First Muslim SR.Behind her is outgoing SR Ridon.Photo by Mark Vincent Baracao

by Christian Ray Buendia

(SR) selection lacked in parliamentary drama and ideological clash, it made up with historical significance. In what could be its shortest deliberation in recent years, the General Assembly of Student Councils (GASC) unanimously selected UP Diliman’s Shahana Abdulwahid to become the first Muslim SR of the UP system.

“Actually, overwhelmed ako sa naging suporta ng mga student councils, at isang humbling experience ang mapiling student regent sa susunod na taon,” Abdulwahid said after she was announced the next SR last Dec. 21 at UP Baguio.

When asked about how she feels being the first Muslim SR, she said, “Siguro nasa tamang panahon, tamang pagkakataon at tamang timing lang na ako ‘yung napiling student regent.”

Abdulwahid will succeed outgoing SR James Mark Terry Ridon pending the receipt of her appointment from Malaca-ñang.

The other nominees were Deo Flor-ence Onda from UP Baguio and Jose Ignacio Tenorio from UP Manila. UP Los Baños SR nominee Rula Yael Gongora

was a no-show in the deliberations due to a mild case of food poisoning.

Centennial SRAside from being the first Muslim

student regent, Abdulwahid will also serve as SR for UP’s centennial.

In her vision-mission paper submitted to the GASC, Abdulwahid stated that the “student regent is the product of unwav-ering struggles, collective strength and ac-tions of student leaders, Iskolar ng Bayan who fought for freedom, democracy and social change.”

“Ang vision natin sa susunod na 100 years ng UP ay [mapanatili] ang orienta-tion natin na pagiging nationalist at pagig-ing isang unibersidad na naglilingkod sa sambayanan,” she said.

“As the centennial student regent, I will stand by the interests of the students. I will continue the fight of the previ-ous student regent and the students. But it must be pointed out that the student regent cannot solve and address student issues. It is through the collective efforts of students that we can truly achieve sub-stantial gains. Together we shall continue

the fight,” she added.

Obstacle to service?At one point during the ten-hour SR

deliberations, a member of the National College of Public Administration and Governance Student Council asked Abdulwahid if her religious beliefs can be an obstacle to her desire to serve the studentry.

“Ako personally, hindi ako gumagawa ng bagay na nagcocontradict sa religion ko. I make sure na resolbado ako sa religion ko at sa prinsipyo ko. I think wala namang magiging contradiction at kung meron man, agad na resolbahin dahil hindi ko hinahawakan ang isang prinsipyo na ‘di ko kayang ipaglaban, ‘di ko kayang idefend sa mga estudyante,” she answered.

She said that during her stint as the National Chairperson of the Katipunan ng mga Sangguniang Mag-aaral sa UP (KASAMA sa UP), a national alliance of student councils in the UP system, she did not experience any conflict between her “responsibilities and ideological

GASC / P9

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VOLUME 34 ISSUE 3 | JanUary 28, 2008 3

The prime competence of the UPLB Judo team will never be defined without their chops and kicks.

Clashing against a dozen teams from all over the country, the UPLB Judo team represented Laguna and ranked over-all champion in the Philippine Olympic Festival (POF) Bicol and Southern Tagalog last Oct. 24-28 in Ateneo de Naga after reaping 7 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze medals.

Garnering a gold, a silver and three bronze, the team was also hailed over-all champion in the National Youth Judo Championships POF held at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex last Nov. 12-18.

And in what seemed like a winning spree, the team won 2nd over-all after taking home three gold, a silver and bronze from the Philippine Universiade Championships at the City College of Manila on Nov. 23.

Player HighlightsJohn Pocholo Leoncio, BS Biology ‘05

student, and Jan Camille Sintos, BS Computer Science ‘05, were consistent gold medalists in the tournaments and were recognized as the Most Outstanding Athletes of the Year by the College of Arts and Sciences.

“Mahirap manalo kasi best of the best na ‘yung naglaban noon sa finals,” Leoncio said.

He stressed the hard and extensive training the team had to undergo in just short intervals between matches.

“Although nababalance naman ‘yung acads, hindi naman pabigat [sa studies] ‘yung training kasi way of releasing stress din naman ‘yun,” he added.

Trainings and PerksHead Coach of the UPLB Varsity and

Department of Human Kinetics (DHK) Instructor Christopher Torres expressed pride over the Judo team because despite the relatively few delegates from UPLB, the players were still able to reap most of the medals.

“Sa nakikita ko, parepareho lang naman ‘yung training na ginagawa [compared with other teams]. Desidido lang talaga ‘yung mga players [natin] na manalo,” he said.

Torres, through DHK Chairperson Genaro Cuaresma’s lead, took care of the players’ transportation and registration fees, as well as provision for branded uniforms.

“Inayos din ’yung pagpapauna sa kanila sa registration para ma-schedule [agad] ‘yung training sa gabi,” he added.

Meanwhile, Torres hoped that somehow in the succeeding years, additional allowance would be given to the players.

Future Preparations“Now we are preparing for the 2008 Hong

Kong Asian Internationals,” Torres furthered. This would be the 2nd time the team will represent the country and the university in the said tournament.

He added that because of the winning streak, a number of Judo varsity teams from other institutions such as University of Santo Tomas, International School and the Philippine National Police Academy decided to visit the campus some time in January to train with the UPLB team. [P]

UPLB Judo blazesin nat’l tourneysby Rogene Gonzales

Players heap medals

Along’s mother: SDT finds APO GuiltyGuilty.

Last Dec. 14, the Student Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) released its decision on the case involving Alpha Phi Omega (APO) Fraternity Theta Chapter on the death of alleged hazing victim Marlon “Along” Villanueva.

According to Evelyn Villanueva, mother of Along, four officers of APO were expelled from UPLB while 27 members including the officers and members of Alpha Phi Omega Service Sorority (APOSS) were suspended. The decision only pertained to officers and members of the said fraternity and sorority during the Academic Year 2005 – 2006, when Villanueva’s death happened.

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa desisyon nila na expulsion bagama’t ‘yung iba [ay] suspensyon [lamang]. Pero sa totoo, nagagalak ako

dahil binigyan nila ng pagmamalasakit at pagpapahalaga ang pamilya ng anak ko sa ginawang paglapastangan ng APO,” Mrs. Villanueva said through a text message to Perspective.

The suspension of APOSS officers and members was due to “repeated refusal of appearance despite notices from SDT.” The suspension ranged from 60 to 300 days.

Cesar Villanueva, Along’s uncle, said through email that the SDT decision also included a “lifetime suspension” for APO and APOSS as student organizations in UPLB. The faculty advisers of both organizations were also “recommended for administrative disciplinary action.”

Three out of five members of the SDT approved the said decision including Parent Juror Lolita Vega, Dr. Wilma Hurtada, and Dr. Isabel Mendoza. SDT Chairperson

Eleno Peralta abstained while Student Juror Sunshine Salgado was absent during the majority of the trial.

RTC CaseThe RTC received the “comment/

opposition,” on the recent exhibits presented by the prosecution—accused APO members Dandy Dungo and Gregorio Sibal Jr.—“through their respective counsels” last Oct. 18.

According to their counsels, the testimony of Dr. Roy Camarillo, medico-legal officer who performed the autopsy on Villanueva, stated that the victim’s injuries were sustained “4 to 5 or 8 days” before Jan. 14, 2006, when Villanueva was declared dead on arrival at Dr. J. P. Rizal Memorial Hospital in Calamba. Meanwhile, the injuries found on the cheek of the victim

were said to be probably not caused by hazing.

The matchsticks, which were found in the clothes of Villanueva referred only to “Alpha Phi Omega in general” and not directly to “Alpha Phi Omega Theta (UPLB) Chapter.”

The recorded testimony of Maricel Capillan, caretaker of Villa Novaliches Resort where the final rights of APO Theta Chapter was held, was also opposed by the defense because she never appeared during the court trials.

As of press time, the RTC is yet to set the proceedings of the case.

The Perspective tried to interview members of APO and APOSS but they refused to comment on the issue.

Moreover, Villanueva’s second death anniversary was commemorated last Jan. 14. [P]

by Remelizza Joy Sacra

Ex-UPOU chancellorselected as new FRby Camille Garcia

Former Open University Chancellor is new Faculty Regent (FR).

Dr. Felix Librero, previously an academic professor at the College of Development Communication succeeded FR Lourdes Barcenas, a lawyer and professor from UP in the Visayas Cebu College.

Before the FR selection in November 2007, three of the five nominees withdrew, leaving Librero and former chair of UP Baguio’s Institute of Management Dr. Erlinda Palaganas to contend for the post.

Issues to Deal With“We have to work for better labor

conditions. We are way behind our counterparts in other universities abroad and even some universities within the country in terms of resources to work with,” Librero said.

The new FR added that to do good and useful research, all must work hard and collaborate with other sectors of the university.

Librero also aims to extend the one-year term of the FR to three years, formulate appropriate policy measures beneficial to Faculty and Research Staff and address compensation discrepancy among faculty and Research Extension and Professional Staff (REPS). He believes that a longer term may mean a higher prospect of service.

ControversyDespite the successful selection, criticisms

confronted Librero, and the possibility of lack of transparency and of bias during the campaign among administrators and deans were floated by some individuals.

An article published in the Philippine Collegian dated Nov. 15, 2007 stated that former FR Roland Simbulan expressed regret on the alleged administrative intervention in the selection process. He wrote a letter to Barcenas saying that some UP administrators used university resources to campaign for Librero. It was brought to his attention that certain UP officials, chancellors of college units and deans were openly campaigning for Librero.

However, an academic instructor who refused to be identified said she did not hear about such allegations.

UP President Emerlinda Roman later on approved the request to allow all union representatives to observe the tallying of votes for the final nomination in all UP units. Other sources who also asked for anonymity said they have heard the allegations regarding vote counts, transparency and some faculty being “not well informed” about the selection.

Meanwhile, Librero assumed office after the November 2007 selections and his term will end a year after.[P]

DUMALO AT MAGPADALO SA:

Feb. 12 Forum on PRESS FREEDOM SITUATION IN THE PHILIPPINES with renowned mainstream and

alternative media practitioners 1-4 PM, (Venue-TBA)

Feb. 18 USC Debate 7 PM, Makiling Ballroom Hall

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Students assess Systemoneby Harriet Melanie Zabala

On its second round

Students say UPLB SystemOne’s performance has improved as compared with its performance in the previous semester.

Also, Rodolfo Duldulao, SystemOne administrator, said he considers this semester successful for the first online registration system in UPLB because it gained more significant participation from faculty members of various departments.

He added that as compared with the “traditional” way of registration, this new system made the prediction for the demand of subjects more realistic.

Duldulao, however, related that students who did not attend to their SystemOne accounts during the Online Pre-registration made it hard for administrators to determine the number of class slots to be opened.

Meanwhile, students gave their feedbacks regarding SystemOne.

Patricia Paula Seriritan, BS Food Technology student ’07, said, “natuwa ako nung malaman ko ang tungkol dito at agad na gumawa ng account. Maganda

din siya kasi nakikita mo nang maaga ang mga subjects mo at may chance ka pa na magbago ng section. Napabilis ng SystemOne ang pagreregister ko ngayong second sem.”

In addition, Herson Arcilla, BS Agriculture student ’04, stated that because of SystemOne, students from far off provinces need not return to UPLB earlier than necessary since they can just register online, though changing and adding of subjects are not easy.

On the other hand, Marifel Geronimo, BA Communication Arts student ’06, said she was disappointed with SystemOne this semester. She said she was not accommodated in a subject despite being first in the waitlist because she had to finalize her schedule that time. She added that there are subjects listed in her form 5 that she had already taken up.

When asked for his comments regarding the negative feedback of students, Duldulao said, “hindi ko maintindihan ang mga UP students, we are trying to distribute the slots. Hindi ba nila narerealize na ganun

w‘yung situation? Na we don’t have that enough slots and they have the guts to go online and say, ‘SystemOne is hell’. Hindi ba nila naisip na nabigyan sila ng 15, 12, nine units ng walang kahirap-hirap?”

Duldulao added that instead of being thankful, students still complain even if they lack only three units. He added that before students complain, they should first understand the situation and know the process. He related that students do not react when told to use the manual process.

Meanwhile, Banyuhay Serrano, Instructor from the Institute of Chemistry said, “‘yung SystemOne this semester is okay. Mas maayos yung registration. At the same time, feeling ko kasi mas konti yung mga acivities, hindi siya masyadong nakakapagod, hindi siya masyadong complicated. Although, sana siguro next time per college na ‘yung manipulation ng registration.”

In view of this, Duldulao said they are looking forward to adding some modifications in the system such as room finding site, printable form 5, and tuition payment in banks.[P]

Roxanne David took over USC Christine Macabetcha’s post as councilor of the University Student Council after the latter filed Leave of Absence this semester.

David, BS Economics ’05, was officially assigned in the said position in replacement of Macabetcha, BS Development ’04, in December 3. This action is pursuant to Article VII Section 7 Paragraph C of the USC Constitution which states that the councilor candidate who garnered the next highest number of votes in the last election will occupy the absent officer’s slot.

“Hindi na ‘ko naka-reg kasi hindi ko nabayaran ‘yung loan ko sa SLB (Student Loan Board),” Macabetcha said in a text message to Perspective.

In line with this, the responsibilities regarding USC activities, especially in the upcoming Feb Fair, were rearranged to adapt to the said changes.

“In my part, malaking adjustment talaga, but there is proper time management naman. Nag-adjust talaga ang USC sa pagpasok ko kasi may mga committees na na-shuffle nung nawala si Tin (Macabetcha),” David said. [P]

11th USC councilor fills vacant postby Beverly May Indino

UPLB profs among RP’sfirst Nobel awardees

Dr. Victor Rex Cruz, Dr. Juan Pulhin and Dr. Rodel Lasco from the College of Forestry and Natural Resources, together with Dr. Rosa Perez, a meteorologist from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administra-tion, received along with other mem-bers of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize last Dec. 10 at Oslo, Norway.

They were the first Filipinos to receive the coveted award.

These Filipino members of the IPCC that authored series of assessment reports for global climate change issues. The award was equally shared with former US Vice President Al Gore who has been known to spearhead the study on climate change and to call for increase awareness on this issue in different policy making bodies around the globe.

The IPCC is a non-profit research council under the United Nations Federation Con-vention on Climate Change (UN-FCCC). It produces technical reports related to climate change that is primarily used in policy making. Its role is to collect, interpret and disseminate information on the said issue.

Pulhin works on the Global Chapter on Adaptation while Cruz focuses on the Asian Chapter on Impact Vulnerability and Adaptation. Perez and Lasco study Climate Change and Sustainable Development.

Cruz said their idea is to make the research

a proponent of revolution to acclimatization and address its adverse effects on human existence.

“The award is just a bonus for securing the welfare of human existence and influence the future generation and the policy making bod-ies of this country to step into this change,” he added.

Climate change in the country Pulhin reported that the Philippines is

already experiencing the effects of climate change. He cited the Payatas dump site ero-sion, landslide and flashflood in Quezon, 2006 typhoon Milenyo and 1995 typhoon Lucing as proof.

The Filipino authors of IPCC are the ones behind the National Climate Change Pro-gram, a multi-stake holder research that aim to create a ‘capacity building’ environment for Filipinos. It is composed of Local Govern-ment Units, the National Power Corpora-tion, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and some civilians. Cruz said the research will be more effective when coordinated with planning and application of knowledge on the issue.

Filipino PrideCruz said the award did not only give hon-

or to them as researchers but to the university and country as well. This motivated them to go beyond their past accomplishments. And

for them, this is a challenge on the future proceedings of their studies.

“Although we are a nation with limited resources, we still manage to do research,” Juan said.

He added that the plus factor of Filipinos is their ingenuity in their heart and mind.

“This is an example of how Filipinos show their strengths despite the challenges that they take,” Cruz added. [P]

by Jerome DulinKasama sina Ryan Cayabyab, Cheche

Lazaro, Maryo J. Delos Reyes at iba pang personalidad, binitbit ni University Stu-dent Council Vice Chairperson Charisse Bernadine Bañez and ika-56 sa isan-daang sulong na sinindihan sa katatpos lamang na UP Centenial kickoff sa UP Diliman (UPD).

Napili sa Bañez na kinatawan ng mga maqaaral ng UPLB noong Enero 4 matapos siyang papirmahin ng mga tagapangasiwa ng mga programa sa UPD.

“Actually, hindi ko masyado na-feel ‘nung time na ‘yon na representative na nga ako kasi ang focus ko lang talaga ay pagpapasama ng iba pang estudyante ng UPLB sa Dili-man,” aniya.

Kasabay ring umikot ni Bañes sa Aca-demic Oval sina Mikaela Fudolig, na sa edad na 16 ay ang pinakabatang class valedictorian ng UPD. naroon din si Shahana Abdulwahid, ang kauna-unahang Muslim na rehente ng mga magaral ng UP.

“Hindi ko naramdaman na nasa ‘ivory tower’ ako [nung kasama ko sila]. Mas naging mahalaga sa akin na naroon ako bilang lider-estudyante at para sa maraming hinaing ng mga estudyanteng kasabay ko sa pagmartsa.”

Maliban kay Bañes, may higit na 500 estu-dynte ng UPLB ang tumungo sa UPD upang makiisa sa selebrasyon ng buong UP.[P]

by Liberty Notarte

Sa liyab ng sandaang sulo. Kinatawan ni Bañez ang mga mag-aaral ng UPLB sa selebra-syon ng ika-100 taon ng UP.

Kuha ni Tristan Pia

USC Vice Chair binitbit ang ika-56 na sulo

sa Centennial Kick Off

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UP Los Baños constituents may soon be able to go to Manila by boarding buses stationed inside the campus, as the memorandum of agreement (MOA) between UPLB and HM transport, formerly Tritran, is set to be renewed after the previous MOA ended last 2001.

Dr. Fernando Sanchez, Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development, suggested this to Chancellor Luis Rey Velasco in order to lessen UPLB’s fuel consumption.

In the contract, HM transport will offer transportation via the UPLB-Cubao route at the same fare asked by buses passing Olivarez Plaza. The SU parking lot will serve as terminal for these buses which will bring UPLB constituents to Manila, specifically UP Diliman.

“First, this will help the employees of UPLB save gasoline. It will also serve the students going home to Manila, and also UP Diliman’s constituents who wants to go here in UPLB,” Sanchez said.

Meanwhile, Mike Mendoza, a jeepney driver, said this new route would lessen their

income because students will no longer ride a jeep from the campus to Olivarez Plaza.

He also added that the money they earn is just enough to pay for their boundaries. The decrease in income, he said, is brought about by the jeepney rerouting and the new bus route.

Agricultural Engineering ‘07 student Ace Dupla said, “ok lang naman [yung bagong ruta] kasi malapit lang ito sa dorm kaso nga lang ay masyadong maaga.”

Carlos Piocos III, instructor from the Department of Humanities and who is now pursuing his masteral degree in UP Diliman, added, “wala pa akong nakikita [na mga bus], masyado kasing maaga [ang biyahe] pero nakakatulong naman ito sa iba”

In the meantime, only eight airconditioned buses will accommodate UPLB. A dry run for this policy was held last Nov 5 at SU parking lot and Kanluran Road waiting shed, starting 5a.m. to 7a.m. in intervals of 30 minutes with 15-minute waiting time. Changes in bus schedule will depend on the outcome of the dry run. [P]

UPLB renews contractwith HM Transportby Nikko Angelo Oribiana

Kick Off...from p1Future endeavors Amid the festive sights, former Senator

and UP alumnus Franklin Drilon shared that the University needs support from its alumni. He added that UP should “maintain the quality of education” through faculty empowerment and improved facilities for students.

“As the premiere education institution, UP should be given all the support,” Drilon said.

Behind the Hundred LightsAfter the singing of the UP Naming Mahal

by the UPLB Choral Ensemble, student council representatives of various UP units tried to unfold a banner that depicted ‘Serve the People.’

Their attempt was foiled when they were halted by members of the Special Security Brigade (SSB). UPLB USC Chairperson Leo “XL” Fuentes said he does not know the motives of the SSB in preventing them from doing such.

“’Yung pagladlad ng banner ay reminder sa mga UP students sa role nila sa bansa bilang mag-aaral ng isang state university,” he said.

Chronology of events

Pride ParadeThe celebration started at UP Manila

(UPM), where a short program was held followed by a mass. Roman related that the program was launched at UPM because it was the “birthplace of UP.”

Afterwhich followed the converging of

different UP units through a parade leading to the UPD Oblation Plaza.

After the parade was the opening of the centennial kick-off celebration by Roman. Professional skydivers from the Philippine Air Force representing the different UP campuses descended from helicopters.

The lighting of torches then followed when Javier successfully completed running the academic oval course despite old age. Roman was escorted by Commission on Higher Education Head Romulo Neri when she lighted the 100th torch and flamed up the centennial cauldron.

Homegrown talents from the different UP units enthralled the crowd with different performances at the UP amphitheatre. UP Pep Squad, Ryan Cayabyab, UPLB Chorale Ensemble, and Philippine Madrigal Singers were only some of these artists.

Blast to the futureA 15-minute fireworks display blasted

the kick-off party to an end, and marked the start of the year-long celebration of the UP centennial.

Roman related that there are more activities lined up after the opening event such as the Loyalty Day celebration and Rodeo in UPLB, kick off party for the Visayas and Mindanao campuses, and Diliman Month, among others. A series of lectures will also be held in every UP unit.

The centennial celebration will end Dec.8.[P]

PARA SA MGA

ESTUDYANTEIto ay isang paumanhin.Bagamat nauna na naming naipaliwanag sa unang isyu

ng UPLB Perspective ang mga sirkumstansiya at kadahilanan ng iregular na paglabas ng inyong pahayagan, minarapat ng kasalukuyang pamunuan na ulitin at ilatag nang mas kumprehensibo ang nasabing mga kadahilanan. Nagmula na rin sa mahalagang bilang ng mga estudyante ang obserbasyon na sa mahigit pitong buwang inilagi ng kasalukuyang pamunuan, dalawang isyu pa lang ang nailalabas ng Perspective.

Marahil, hindi kami nararapat na humingi ng dispensa. Bilang mga mamamahayag pangkampus, nalalagay kami sa posisyon upang pagsilbihan ang mga estudyante nang hindi kumikilala ng pagpapaumanhin o pagtakas sa responsibilidad. Subalit naninindigan kami na kayo, bilang tagapaglathala ng pahayagan, ay may karapatang malaman kung ano ang nagaganap sa publikasyon.

Una sa lahat, ang kasalukuyang punong patnugot ng dyaryo ay natalaga sa posisyon noon lamang Agosto ng nakaraang taon ( na dapat Abril pa) dahil sa huli na ring paglulunsad ng pagsusulit para sa nasabing posisyon. Hindi naging malinaw kung bakit ganito ang naging pangangasiwa ng nakaraang termino, bukod pa rito ang pag-iwan sa opisina sa isang, sabihin natin, kalunus-lunos na kondisyon.

Bakit ito naging mahirap para sa kasalukuyang termino? Kailangan sa minimum ng isang buwan para makapag-angkop sa pasikot-sikot ng pangangasiwa sa dyaryo – bagay na hindi naibigay sa amin sapagkat kinailangan naming magsimula sa umpisa sa kalagitnaan ng nakaraang semestre, kung kailan abala na rin ang karamihan sa kanilang academics . Lalo pang pinalala ito ng pagkakaipit namin sa dalawang bakasyong pang-akademiko – semestral at Christmas breaks. Ang lahat ay nagsanga na mula rito.

pangalawa, wala rin kaming sapat na kagamitan upang disenteng makapagtrabaho bilang mga mamamahayag. Sa kasalukuyan, wala kaming ginagamit na computer (ang kaisa-isang naiwan sa amin, na kalimitan ay nagka-crash, ay tuluyan nang nasira), at pinaghahatian ng higit 20 manunulat ang iisang tape recorder. Nasa proseso pa kami ng pagkuha ng mga kagamitan sa ngayon.

Ikatlo, ang Perspective ay napapasailalim sa burukrasya, na natural na nagpapatagal sa operasyon ng publikasyon.

Sa kabila ng lahat ng mga ito, sinisikap ng kasalukuyang pamunuan na tupdin ang kanilang mandato na pagsilbihan ang mga estudyante sa pamamagitan ng pamamahayag. Asahan niyong mananatiling matalas at walang sini-sino ang aming pagsusuri sa mga isyung pangkampus at pambansa.

Ito lamang mula sa inyong pahayagan; ang nalalabi ay ipinauubaya na namin sa inyong tapat na paghuhusga. [p]

features6 UPLB PERSPECTIVEThE OffIcIaL STUdEnT pUbLIcaTIOn Of ThE UnIVErSITy Of ThE phILIppInES LOS bañOSVOLUME 34 ISSUE 3 | JanUary 28, 2008

Tallying the Scores

Student regent James Mark Terry ridon’s bout is over. another match is about to begin. but

before we proceed, a decision must be made while all eyes are fixed at “Mr. Stress-free regent”.

Assessing Mr. Stress-free Regent

round 1: Top-drawerIt has been a year since UP Manila’s 2006

University Student Council (USC) Chairperson has been unanimously selected by the General Assembly of Student Councils, composed of student representatives from different UP units, to take the lead spot at the Office of the Student Regent (OSR). This took place after more than 24 hours of deliberation in Baguio City.

After emerging victorious in the selection, Ridon took up the challenges left by then outgoing SR Raffy Sanchez – the fight against the 300 percent Tuition and other Fee Increases (ToFI), abolition of non-marketable courses and commercialization of UP education.

His term was never easy. In fact, it was recognized by UP Mindanao USC Chairperson Makpil Zarrin Dem Camacho as one of the hardest years of UP as a State University. She added that Ridon’s term faced relentless crises, primarily the ToFI issue.

round 2: his greatest counter-punchThe Board of Regents (BOR) approved ToFI on

Dec. 15, 2006 in the College of Law at UP Diliman with a vote of 7-0.

This slapped Ridon, but he defied it by coming up with a policy review that he submitted to the BOR last Sept. 28. It includes reports on low enrollment and recorded the 12.3% decrease in enrollment figures. It also focused on the threat of dissolution of particular courses because of decreasing demand and proposed several solutions such as internal efficiency check by a multisectoral University Committee.

To UPLB USC Vice Chairperson Charisse Bernadine Bañez, this is Ridon’s greatest contribution. She added that credit must be given to Ridon and everyone who helped in the completion of the policy review by compiling all the necessary documents when data and information are not easily obtained.

“Maganda ‘yung naging termino niya dahil nakapagpalabas tayo ng policy review at naipakita nito na hindi naman talaga sapat ang ToFI upang halinhan ang kakapusan ng budget, at maraming estudyante ang napagkaitan ng maganda at dekalidad na edukasyon,” Bañez said.

Likewise, UP Manila Councilor Marikris de Guzman said the OSR under Ridon’s leadership

has always been at the forefront of the struggle to junk ToFI. She added that even if their attempt to junk ToFI was not totally successful, still minimum gains have been achieved, such as UP President Emerlinda Roman’s assurance that non-marketable courses will not be abolished.

Also, Cando said Ridon worked even after BOR meetings by holding consultations and SR reports in various UP units to prove that the ToFI is insufficient to substitute for the decrease in subsidy.

round 3 – The JudgesThe panel of judges has reached a decision,

and almost everyone agreed that Ridon has proved himself a respectable fighter.

UP Visayas USC Chairperson Evaristo Niño Cando III said Ridon addressed the needs of different UP units, with the help of Katipunan ng mga Sangguniang Mag-aaral (KASAMA) sa UP, even those in the Panay and Mindanao regions.

“Nakita at naramdaman ng mga units na ito ang layunin ng SR na konsolidahin ang lahat ng mga UP units para palakasin ang kampanya laban sa ToFI, at tuldukan ang implementasyon ng mga anti-UP at anti-student na mga polisiya ng administrasyon. Bilang SR, hindi niya rin pinabayaan ang ibang sektor ng UP community gaya ng manininda, drivers, janitors at guards. Isinulong niya rin ang mga karapatan ng mga sektor na ito katuwang ang mga CSC’s at USC’s ng bawat UP units,” Cando added.

He said Ridon has stuck to his principles: pro-UP, pro-student and pro-people.

Furthermore, Bañez said Ridon remained persistent despite problems that haunted his term and has continued to battle with the administration in behalf of thousands of students.

UP Diliman USC Chairperson and incoming SR Shahana Abdulwahid said Ridon has been a staunch advocate of students’ rights, proving

that the OSR should provide the political leadership in advancing the interests of the students.

However, Mr. Jonel Labor, Instructor at the Department of Humanities and currently taking up his masters in Communication Arts, said Ridon may be consistent with system-wide issues like ToFI, but his visibility as a student representative was not much felt. He added that more than this issue, there are needs that should be addressed like scouting for scholarships for deserving yet underprivileged students. He also emphasized the need for transparency in the budget allocation of the OSR.

Sharing the same opinion, Sandra Lyn Delica, BS Mathematics ’05, said despite the SR’s efforts to uphold student’s interest, he is not well known to the majority of the student body. She said most of her friends do not know many of Ridon’s projects.

round 4: fight is (not yet) overRidon prides himself in the establishment of

the OSR as a research institution and flagship of the policy review on ToFI. Though he admitted that his visits to various UP units were irregular, he still plans to visit UP Mindanao and UP Palo in his remaining months as SR. Nevertheless, he was confident that his leadership has fulfilled every premise of his General Plan of Action (GPOA).

“Actually, simple lang yung GPOA ko, katulad ng lahat ng student councils, ang OSR ay activity, service at campaign center. ‘Yung dinagdag ko lang talaga dun ay ‘yung gawing research center ang OSR. Sa lahat po ng aspeto na iyan, talagang nabuo po natin siya,” he explained.

Abdulwahid will succeed Ridon soon. The successor for the crown. With this, Ridon left her with one advice – that she continue the fight against commercialization of UP education in the light of UP Centennial celebration, and more importantly, of the UP Charter.

finale: The winning comboRidon is almost finished with his SR tasks, and

now, it is time for him to proceed with his dream – to serve the Filipino people as their lawyer.

“Never naman tayong nag-break on the promise to genuinely serve the students and the people. The voice of the SR is a lone voice, for example in a den of regents so ibig sabihin, kung wala ‘yung mga Iskolar ng Bayan wala namang maipagtatagumpay na laban ang rehente ng mga mag-aaral,” he said.

One thing he realized in his round is that table battles and negotiations should be simultaneous with mass campaigns and struggles. His conviction is that the campaign’s conclusion will always depend on the joint actions of the different UP sectors.

A notable bout ended with a remarkable blow. But this doesn’t end the fight. His greatest competition still stands at the middle of the ring. This is just the beginning.

“Ang tunay na magpapasya ay ang kampanyang masa ng mga Iskolar ng Bayan,” Ridon ended. [p]

by Anna Mae Lamentillo

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VOLUME 34 ISSUE 3 | JanUary 28, 2008

new year = new contract?It appears that part of the university’s make-over

is a change of Code and Charter. House Bill (HB) 5508 and Senate Bill (SB) 1833 of the 14th Congress, reconciled to be collectively known as “The University of the Philippines Charter of 2007,” will take care of this matter before the end of January.

Like any other celebrities, contract changes are never out of the question. This proposal of changing the university’s charter has been opened up and subjected to scrutiny for more than 20 years.

It started through the Code Commission, created by Senator Edgardo Angara in 1982, that was tasked to propose modifications to the university Code and Charter. The next major progress happened 10 years later in 1992, when former Senators Leticia Ramos-Shahani and Wigberto Tañada introduced Senate Resolution No. 561 and 578, respectively, which aimed to conduct a review of the UP Charter.

These reviews of the UP Charter resulted in the creation of further resolutions that seemed to give greater power to the Board of Regents (BOR), the highest policy making body of UP, to decide upon matters that concern the university.

The UP Charter of 2007 aims to “strengthen the University of the Philippines as the national university.” However, this deliberately devoids UP of the title “state university” and the benefits that come with it. UP then will operate through internally generated funds as stated in Sections 13 and 14 of the UP Charter of 2007 (see side bar).

The Act has gone through years of reviews, consultations, amendments and criticisms. Because of particular sections that contradict UP’s nature as the premier state university, the 14th Congress version of The UP Charter Act of 2007 is seen as “undemocratic” by some students and faculty members. The Act, despite its attempt to strengthen UP as an academic institution, seems to miss giving due importance to people’s democratic access to UP education, democratic governance within the university, and proper utilization of UP’s assets.

To also present an alternative “contract” to remedy the UP Charter’s deficiency, Bayan Muna partylist Representative and UPLB alumnus, Teodoro Casiño authored HB 1275, which aims to, at the maximum, only “reorient” the UP Charter but maintain its status as a state university. HB 1275 emphasized even in its Declaration of Policy that it upholds the right of Filipinos to a “universal, economically accessible and quality education.”

However, HB 1275 was turned down in the first session of the 13th Congress in October 2004.

“don’t get near me please”

UP has somehow been accommodating for the years it has existed—welcoming everybody from all walks of life—in its arms. Nevertheless, a part of this contract encourages the university to start selecting the people it will entertain.

The UP Charter of 2007 further adds to the problems on strengthening the democratic access to UP education. With the Act’s mandate of bestowing power to the BOR to increase tuition whenever they deem necessary, so as to generate

For living through 100 years, UP portrayed an image similar to that of a well-loved celebrity: accommodating, friendly to

everybody and down-to-earth. However, as they say that change is inevi-table, UP is in for a total make-over! (Or is it really a make-over?)

income that will address the financial needs of the university (see sidebar), UP is on the verge of losing great minds just in favor of gaining profit.

During the first semester of AY 2007-2008, 42 percent of the total number of UPCAT passers failed to enroll in UP. It is generally perceived to be mainly caused by the UP tuition and other fee increases approved in December 2006. This increase in tuition limited the chances of eligible students, the UPCAT passers, to acquire the UP education because of their inability to pay for it.

Seems like the contract wants to change as well as UP’s “screen name”—transforming a state-funded institution into a national university. This change of name would also call for a change of career path then—the university will be deprived of government’s support. Thus, UP has to operate through internally generated funds, which seems to imply the abolition of the government’s responsibility to educate its citizens through UP.

new Good friends (?)It is but right for one to choose his friends

accordingly. As for UP, which is always at the spotlight, being with the right people is crucial. However, as UP changes its entire image, it seems to have failed in choosing the “friends” that will not use him solely for their personal gains.

The Act again further gives BOR the power to subject assets of the university to ties such as joint ventures, sales and long-term leases with private corporations whenever they deem necessary. However, the Act coined the term “academic core zones” to refer to the protected assets of the university that will not be subjected to ties with private companies like the Investment Association of the Philippines and Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines.

On the other hand, HB 1275 deliberately asked

Excerpts from the 14th Congress version UP Charter Act of 2007SEC. 30. Institutional Autonomy as the National State University. - To provide greater flexibility to

the University, it shall be treated in a manner consistent with its institutional requirements as the national state university by the service-wide agencies in the exercise of their respective jurisdiction. The University, taking into account national goals and priorities, shall exclusively determine its teaching, research and exten-sion thrusts, plans, policies, programs and standards and, on the basis of such determination, the University shall recommend its annual budget to the President of the Republic of the Philippines and Congress.

SEC. 13 & 14. POWERS OF THE BOR(m) To fix the tuition fees and other necessary school charges, after due consultations and consent of the

various student councils of constituent universities as provided for in Section 22 of this Act. Such fees and charges, including government support and other incomes generated by the University, shall constitute spe-cial trust funds and shall be deposited in any authorized government depository bank. Any and all interests that shall accrue therefrom shall form part of the same funds for the use of the University.

SEC. 24. Grant of Special Allowances. The grant of special allowances may initially be implemented upon approval of the Board uniformly in

such sums or amounts equivalent to twenty-five percent (25%) of the basic salary of the positions concerned. Subsequent implementation shall be in such sums and amounts and up to the extent only that can be sup-ported by internally generated funds of the University.

Excerpts from HB 1275

SEC. 28. Land Grants and Other Real Properties of the University. –(b)Such parcels of land ceded by law, decree or presidential issuance to the University of the Philippines

SYSTEM are hereby reserved for the purposes THEY ARE intended, AS CONFIRMED BY THE UPSA.(a)The state shall FULLY SUPPORT the University of the Philippines as the PREMIER STATE Univer-

sity in the form of lump sum amount, through general appropriations and other financial benefits, and in kind, through land grants and donations and use of other real properties.

(c) To prevent commercialization of the university “programs” projects or mechanisms to generate rev-enues and other resources from the land grants and other real property entrusted to the university should be consistent with the university’s academic mission and orientation as the premier state university and shall not meant to replace, in part or in whole, the annual appropriation provided by the national government to the university. Such programs, projects or mechanisms shall require the approval of the UPSA and shall be subject to a transparent and democratic process o consultation with the university’s constituents.

by Sugar Marie Baula

Unveiling a new image: Layo

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UP amid its charter‘make-over’

Unveiling / p11

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“Wake up. Stay with us, damn it” is all that I could murmur to Capt. Rogers, as he closes his eyes while he lies down at the dungeon cell floor, letting his heavy head rest for eter-nity at my shaking legs.

“Nice escape, old man. Go straight to hell.” that is Jim, my best friend, sitting across me. He cannot stand up for the same trembling knees he’s been having.

I could not agree more to what Jim just said. This son of a gun is the reason why we are locked inside this dungeon cell for almost a month and, most probably, for the rest of our miserable lives—if we do not die of hunger and thirst, that is. How fortu-nate Capt. Rogers is.

“I’ll die eventually. Why not end it right now?” Jim pulls out his dag-ger underhanded to us by the soldier who used to regularly supply us food after we were captured. That sol-

KOMIKS

Madness in Gushing Hunger and Absence of Food

Sketch[p]adGrotesque*

dier- he looks so familiar. Yet I can’t remember where I met him. Besides, at our current state, fi“Look at him. That goddamn bastard is so lucky, making an escape from the hell he created.” Lifeless. Almost a whisper said between heavy breaths.

“Do not kill yourself Lieutenant. There could still be hope.” Yep, my best pal prefers me to call him ‘lieutenant’ ever since his promotion. Airhead.

“Hope.” Anther whispered.Silence. All we could hear is our

heavy breathing. All we could see is the filthy dungeon. Jim lowers his heavy weapon. I remove, with all the energy I could gather, Capt. Rogers’ heavy head from the involuntary protests of my legs. Jim drops the weapon to the floor and starts to sob, as he covers his face. It had me recalling to the week before, when the worst just got even worse. ..................................................................

It was almost two weeks since the enemy captured us and put us in this dungeon cell. Captain Rogers was walking back and forth; waiting for the regular ratio of food to come, for it was already twelve hours late. He just continued walking back and fort for a long time.

Jim and I did not mind him until the next day came and, still, no sign of an enemy soldier. It was it that bothered us. Many questions gathered

in our heads. What happened? Did the enemy lose? Did they just relocate? Did they deliberately stop minding us? One thing is for sure—we won’t be having any food from then on....................................................................

And here we are now. After eating our own shit and drinking our own pee, there is nothing left to excrete. The smart rats dare not to enter our cell anymore for the fear of having the same fate as their comrades did. The cockroaches seem to have gone extinct in this place because hey do fit in our newly-developed exotic appetite.

Mustering all the force I can, I try to retrieve from the floor the dagger out of Jim’s reach. I put it by my right side. He is still crying his heart out. I could sense his helplessness. I don’t want Jim to leave. I don’t want to be alone. I don’t want to die.

All I could see is solitude. All I could hear are lifeless sobs. All I could taste is dehydration of my mouth. All I could smell is the stench of Death lurking around the four corners of the dungeon cell. All I could feel is hun-ger.

I look up, I see bricks. I look in front, I see a crying lieutenant. I look to my right, I see the dagger. I look o my left, I see the lifeless body of Capt. Rogers.

ni Chino Carlo AricayaSCHEDULE OF UPCOMING

USc-cSc ELEcTIOnSfeb. 4 (5:00)

Deadline for Filing Candidacy

feb. 5 CEB Meeting to approve official candidates

feb. 6 Posting of official Candidates

feb. 7-20 Campaign Period

feb. 18-19 Miting De Avance

feb. 20 Election Day (Definite)

feb. 21-22 Canvassing of Votes

feb. 25 & 26 Protest Period

feb. 27 Hearing of Election Protest

feb. 28 Submission of Election Results

*Grotesque

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VOLUME 34 ISSUE 3 | JanUary 28, 2008 9

KWADRADO

A Different Kind of hunger

framework in Islam and fighting for students’ rights and welfare.”

Supports and expectationsBeing the next student regent, Abdulwahid will have

to face greater challenges as the premiere state university of the country approaches its centennial.

Ridon said in his final address to the GASC that the continuation of the fight for students’ rights is deeply rooted in an understanding of the complex realities and the interest of the people that we serve and the students we sacrifice ourselves for.

“Ibig sabihin, sa gitna ng halos nakapapagod na mga usapin, sa isang lupon ng mga rehente at UP administra-tion na tila ‘di yata nakikinig, ang assurance na lang po talaga diyan ay ‘yung ‘pag nakikita natin ang mga Iskolar ng Bayan na nagkakaisa, nagsasalita, at naninindigan sa ganitong mga bagay. Ito po ang mga kailangang tang-gapin ng susunod na student regent.”

Onda said, “Ibinibigay po ng konseho ng mga mag-aaral ng UP Baguio ang kanyang buong-buong tiwala at suporta sa bagong student regent ng Unibersidad ng Pilipinas. At aasahan din naming ang patuloy na paninin-digan at patuloy pang tunay na tradisyon ng paglilingkod sa mga estudyante at sambayanang Pilipino.”

UPLB University Student Council (USC) Chairperson Leo Fuentes said, “Naniniwala tayo sa kakayahan ni Bb. Abdulwahid na maging student regent, maging kinatawan ng mga estudyante sa highest policy-making body ng university. Nakita kay Shan (Abdulwahid) ‘yung aura niya, ‘yung kakayanan niyang makapag-deliver ng malinaw na linya - ang pro-student, pro-people na linya.”

From UP Mindanao SC: “Isang taas-kamaong pag-bati po ang ipinapaabot ng UP Mindanao USC. Simula pa lang po ng nominasyon ninyo ay consensus na po

ang UP Mindanao sa paghahalal sa inyo bilang student regent. Ngayon po, bilang bagong SR ng Unibersidad ng Pilipinas, maaasahan po ninyo ang buong suporta ng UP Mindanao sa pagsusulong ng karapatan ng mga Iskolar ng bayan at ng mga mamama-yang Pilipino.”

From UP Manila SC: “Pinapakiusap din po sana ng UP Manila na matugu-nan po sana ang problema ng Philip-pine General Hospital, dahil po sa ngayon nakaamba ang pagtaas ng iba’t ibang mga singil sa Philippine General Hospital.”

UP Manila CAS: “Sana matutukan mo ‘yung isyu tungkol sa academic freedom at sa basis ng grades… may mga teachers na nagbabagsak ng higit

pong tinatanggap ang hamon ng mga estudyante para sa student regent sa susunod na taon.”

Track record of service and excellenceAbdulwahid, a second year MA student in Islamic

Studies, is the current USC Chairperson of UP Diliman. She is the first female Muslim student to hold such posi-tion, after the first Muslim USC chair Rommel Romato was elected in 2002.

She was College of Social Sciences and Philosophy representative to the USC from 2005-2006, USC coun-cilor from 2006-2007, and became head and member of various committees of the university and college student councils.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in Philosophy, cum laude, at UP Diliman. She is also the recipient of His Royal Highness Prince Salman Scholarship Grant from 2006 up to present. [P]

sa kalahati ng klase.”

PromisesIn Abdulwahid’s final deliberations, now as new

student regent, UPLB USC Vice Chairperson Charisse Bernadine Bañez posed the question, “Ano po ba ‘yung maaasahan ng malawak na bilang ng mga konseho if ever hindi po natin agarang mapagtagumpayan ang mga kampanya natin? Ano po ba ‘yung pwede naming pang-hawakan sa mga panahong hindi kaagad natin makamit ang mga gains na gusto natin?”

“Sa instance na hindi natin ma-achieve yung goal natin, asahan natin na ang OSR (Office of the Student Regent) ay hindi bibitiwan ang laban kung anuman ito o [maging] ang kampanyang ating panghahawakan,” Abdul-wahid answered.

When Fuentes asked her if she is ready to accept the challenges of the studentry, she said, “Buong-buo ko

Grilled. Student leaders from various UP units question the three SR nominees. From left; Jose Ignacio Tenorio of UP Manila, Deo Florence Onda of UP Baguio and SR select Shahana Abdulwahid of UP Diliman. Behind is outgoing SR Ridon.

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opinion

Rogene Gonzales

A Political Aquarium

A bomb exploded at the Batasan Pambasa in Quezon City, right after the plenary session adjourned on November 13. The

blast ripped the south wing of the building leaving four people killed and another twelve wounded.

The bomb took the lives of Marcial Taldo, driver of a Gabriela partylist Representative Luzviminda Ilagan, Maan Gale Bustaliño, staff of Negros Oriental Representative Pryde Henry Teves, Congressman Wahab Akbar of Basilan, and his aide Julasiri Hayudini.

Aside from the stench of blood, the investigation started to smell more like a rotting fish, and the quest for truth behind the bombing unfolds into Finding Nemo.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) remains firm on its initial reports of the once predator, Akbar, becoming the prey to the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) where he was a member of before he sided with the government. Akbar, besides his close proximity to the location of the bomb, was believed to be the primary target because he was a key person in the downfall of

ASG founder Abubakar Abdurajak Janjalani.The PNP was able to trace the “suspects” and

recover a fishnet of evidence ranging from the chassis number of the motorcycle that carried the explosive to a House of Representative shirt in a span of less than 48 hours after the explosion.

A fact that would either make you laud the performance of the PNP, or raise an eyebrow (which you cannot do without saying “Something in here really smells fishy!) because of the ‘clean-up’ proceedings that may have been bogusly set-up as bait by the government – like janitor fish polishing transparent walls for spectators to see.

But only insane cynics would choose the latter because no concrete evidence point to this ‘absurd’ speculation.

Unlike in Glorietta 2, the House of Representatives denied a parallel investigation for the Batasan bombing. This was despite the resolutions filed by some Liberal Party Senators as well as relatives and supporters of Akbar, further denying the possibility of opposing elements to be discovered by an independent probe.

The PNP remains vague on who the mastermind of the bombing is since the suspects may have been working as ‘small fishes’ despite the alleged involvement of ex-Basilan Mayor Hajaron Jamiri.

Enter the niece of Akbar, Lantawan Mayor Tahira Ismael who believes that one ‘big fish’ is swimming pretty inside the House. Ismael threw the pebbles at Anak Mindanao Rep. Mujiv Hataman and former Deputy Speaker for Mindanao Gerry Salapuddin. Both washed their fins from allegations that they have employed in the past Ikram Indama, one of the detained suspects.

Then we have the ‘angel fish’, Speaker Jose de Venecia, vowing full justice and reassuring the nation that the House is “not afraid”, while Department of Tourism Undersecretary Eduardo Jarque Jr., resembling a flying fish splashing on water, misleads foreign media into believing that the incident is “personal in nature” and does not signify “terrorism or political instability”.

And there you have it. A Philippine political aquarium bubbled with mixed suspicions and contradictions.

The only certain thing it creates though, which is as real as Gloria’s mole on her face and the flakes she feeds on her pets, is the sense of fear among the masses.

It is ironic that in a democratic country, leaders peddle themselves but just as well, people remove scales and butcher them like fish from wet market.

How secure are we then if those who govern us and have more money than most of us (but nevertheless corrupt) cannot even save their own tails from trouble?

Not even a year after the Human Security Act of 2007 was implemented that the very atrocities that should have been prevented happened not only in public malls (it doesn’t matter if investigations point to it as a terrorist attack or a mere methane-gas explosion)

but right on the walls of the institution where laws like these are passed, even under the noses of our ‘respectable and responsible’ lawmakers.

Reality check: the bombing, however, was a good diversion for the minds of the Filipinos from more massive bombs that have not gone off yet.

The Arroyo administration was saved: thanks to almost all the congressmen ruling out the possibility of another impeachment trial.

In a country that the United Nations Human Rights Council tags as “prosecutor of civil society leaders,” pinpointing to the military as perpetrators of the political killings, the greater lies in the aftermath of the Batasan blast are yet to be detonated.

It doesn’t take a K-9 unit to sniff out bombs that smell fishier than that.

And it looks like another year of ‘business-as-usual’ and ‘catchy holidays’ for the pork-barrel recipients of the House of Representatives.

Only this time, Nemo, though clearly fighting from being flushed down the sink, is not the only fish worth looking for. [P]

“The only certain thing it creates though, which is as

real as Gloria’s mole on her face and the flakes she feeds on

her pets, is the sense of fear among the

masses.”

No Fury So Loud

Mas madalas kaysa hindi, masyadong maraming pinagkakaabalahan ang isang

Elbizen. Bukod sa (ehem) mag-aral ng mabuti, nariyan din ang mag-research sa Lib, mag-ayos ng Multiply account, mag-marathon ng Naruto Shipuuden at kung tapos ka na dito, Heroes naman; gumimik sa Loata, IC’s, Jungle Java at kung saan-saan pa, maglamay ng walang kaumay-umay sa DoTA, mag-group study a.k.a. moni session, magplano ng gagawin pagka-graduate, at mag-assume (alam kong alam mo ito) ng mga bagay-bagay.

Pero sabi nga ni C. Wright Mills sa kanyang The Sociological Imagination, konektado ang ating mga indibidwal na karanasan at ang mga kaganapan sa lipunan. O, tapos na nating silipin ang ilang personal na pangyayari sa mga estudyante ng Elbi, tingnan naman natin ang mga eksenang kinapapalooban nito.

***PhySci o Dorm? Kung nabasa ninyo ang OMG

Ghurlz noong nakaraang issue ng [P] kung saan hindi malaman ng jeepney driver kung liliko ba siya o didiretso, malamang natawa kayo. Bakit? Kasi totoo. Ako mismo ay maraming beses nang naka-saksi nito. Minsan nga ay pinili ng drayber ng

nasakyan kong dyip na maghatid sa dorm dahil ika niya, “mas priority ang dorm.” Padabog na bumaba ‘yung pupunta sa PhySci. Okay na eh, kaso may pahabol pa siyang malutong na @*$&#%! at kung anu-ano pa. Kawawang manong drayber, apektado na nga ang kita ng forever na yatang jeepney rerouting, na-“in your face” pa ng super late na yata sa klaseng estudyante.

So next time, kung ayaw maabala, magtanong at itanong kung PhySci ba o Dorm ang daan ng jeep.

***Taho! Sa halagang P10, ito ay pansamantalang

magpapainit ng sikmura lalo na’t alas-siyete ng umaga ang klase mo, at dahil busy-busihan ka, wala ka ng oras para mag-almusal. Noong pagbawalan ang mga ambulant vendors na magtinda sa mga

Ehem.Beverly May Indino

buildings sa pagsisimula ng nakaraang semestre, tila nakalimutang sabihan ang mga naglalako ng taho, pamaypay, at iba pa. May mga nagsasabing tinitiktikan ng ilan sa kanila ang mga aktibista dito sa kampus kaya hindi sila pinagbabawalang umikot-ikot dito. Minsan makikita mo ang ilang propesor at opisyal na pinapagalitan (at hinihiya) sila sa harap mismo ng mga estudyante. Bakit kaya hindi itanong sa kanila kung bakit hindi sila kasama sa “no vendors allowed policy” ng admin? Nagtatanong lang.

Kung titingnan kasi, hindi hamak namang mas marangal ang “totoo” at matiyagang pagbibilad sa init ng araw ng ilan sa kanila, kumita lang ng paunti-unti kumpara sa pagpapa-pogi sa de-aircon na silid at panggigipit sa iba. Hindi po ba?

***Bawal na raw magyosi. Totoo. Kapansin-

pansin na halos wala nang naninigarilyo kahit sa labas ng mga gusali ng unibersidad bagama’t may pailan-ilang makikitaang gumagawa pa rin nito habang naglalakad sa CPark, Freedom Park, at Dirt Road. Walang ibinigay na sapat na paliwanag ang administrasyon hinggil sa polisiyang ito ngunit tila epektibo ang pagpapatupad nito. Kaiba sa pagpapa-suot ng ID, mas natanggap ng mga estudyante ang kautusang ito. Bagay na kataka-taka sapagkat halos parte na ng kultura ng Elbi ang senaryo ng mausok na Humanities steps.

Marami na talagang mabilisang pagbabago sa UP system. Naisip ko lang, may kinalaman na naman kaya rito ang ToFi? Tila pribadong paaralan na kasi ang nais maging imahe ng administrasyon sa unibersidad na itinatag para sa mga Iskolar ng Bayan. Baka sa susunod, may uniporme na rin tayo, puting polo o blouse, palda para sa mga babae at slacks sa mga lalaki. Ayos ba ‘yon?

“Kawawang manong drayber, apektado na nga ang kita ng forever

na yatang jeepney rerouting, na-“in your face” pa ng

super late na yata sa klaseng estudyante.

Hodge PodgeMaaaring naisip mo na rin ito: hindi lang Elbi

ang buong universe. At oo, hindi lang sa’yo umiikot ang mundo. Ang bawat maliliit na kaganapan dito ay maaaring repleksyon ng mas malawak na komunidad na ginagalawan mo. Masaya talagang mangarap sa tanghaling-tapat at magpakaabala sa kung anu-anong mga bagay; pero mas okay kung ie-extend mo pa ito sa mas malalaking isyu na kadikit ng simpleng pagliliwaliw natin. [P]

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UPLB Perspective’s Literary Folio

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vUPLB PERSPECTIVE

ThE OffIcIaL STUdEnT pUbLIcaTIOn Of ThE UnIVErSITy Of ThE phILIppInES LOS bañOSVOLUME 34 ISSUE 3 | JanUary 28, 2008

opinion

*ugay

I barely go home during weekends.I actually hate going back home

during weekends.The funny thing is I do not even have the

slightest family issue worth ranting about. For a person who has been living away from home since 13, my attitude towards that place of ours is quite unusual. I should be missing the place, or at the very least, I should be looking forward every time I board a bus to get there.

However, it is apprehension that I would feel.

There is nothing to dislike about the place: decent house, convenient location, secured area, big lot, just about anything that will give one the comfort of living. But the world outside is an entirely different story. I would always despise whatever I would see on the world outside.

Outside is an epitome of baby boom. Teenage mothers are procreating non-stop, never mind that most of them are unmarried. Naked children of all ages would vandalize walls with letters of the alphabet using either chalk or paint; they are the very same children who would knock on the window and say: “Ate, pahinging barya,” as we pull the car over.

The sight is disturbing. The situation is disgusting.

It is not the children, their mothers, or the men who impregnated these teenagers that I hate. What I abhor is the very root of their plight: poverty.

I hate going back home and have this painful social reality hit me hard on my face. I hate travelling just to be slapped by the fact

that there are people living their lives the exact opposite as how I live, yet the only thing that separates me from them is that green-colored gate of ours.

I hate that I can see, hear, smell and feel poverty right outside my home.

And the oddest thing is that I would feel the tug of guilt, as if it is I who is to be blamed for their suffering. I would feel that somehow, it is my fault that there are out-of-school children outside my home, while here I am studying in a university that asks a thousand peso per unit. Often, if not always, I would blame myself for being fully clothed while here are these small children who don’t even have footwear on. I would always feel shame for sitting inside that car seeing all those children knocking for some coins that only the toll ways will benefit.

I hate that I see poverty in them and see the opposite in me. I hate that life’s manifestation of being unfair can be as obvious as this one.

I hate that my Political Science class proved one of its theories right: “there are

people in this society that gets more of what there is to get.”

I hate going back home, because every weekend makes me see that no matter how determined I am to pursue my greatest dream of changing this damned world, I will still be faced by the truth that I am still inside my own little and selfish existence. I am still, in way, one of those people who would get more of what there is to get.

I hate that I see poverty.However, my selfish existence ignites it.And my cowardice disables me from

getting out of my box and start changing this damned world.[P]

Gates apart

“I hate that life’s manifestation of

being unfair can be as obvious as this one.”

Campus Forum[p]:ano ang masasabi

mo tungkol sa pagpa-patupad ng smoking ban sa loob ng UpLb campus?

Mumblings

“Speaking of health reasons, maganda siya kasi hindi na magkakaroon ng mga sakit ang mga students as a result of sec-ond-hand smoking. However, in terms of our freedom status, parang nawawala iyon kasi pinagbabawalan nila ang mga students na

gawin ang gusto nila.”-Emman, BS DevCom, ‘07

“Good. Para smoke-free na ‘yung cam-pus. Kasi mas naaapektuhan ‘yung mga hindi nagso-smoke, eh di ba mas masama ‘yun? Kung gusto nila mag-smoke, mag-punta na lang sila sa [Elbi] square o sa ba-hay nila.”

-Gracie, BS HumEco, ‘05

“Hindi naman siya mukhang effective dito kasi wala namang University Police Force na nagbabantay.”

-Shinji, BS DevCom, ‘05

“Ok lang. maganda nga ‘yun. Magig-ing masaya ‘yung mga katulad ko lalo na ‘yung roommate ko. Mas naaapektuhan kasi ang mga hindi nagso-smoke.”

-Ester, BS AgEng, ‘05 “It’s fine. Scientifically proven naman

that smoking is bad for your health and to others. The problem is implementation. I agree with the rule and my only concern is how successful it will be.”

-Dr. Virgilio Sison, Institute of Mathematical

Sciences and Physics

[p]:ano ang mga quali-ties na dapat taglayin ng

isang Student regent?“He must be sensitive sa mga reactions

ng mga students as well as sa mga epekto ng bawat pagbabago sa university, nang sa gano’n maiparating niya, bilang kinatawan ng mga estudyante, kung ano ba ang epe-kto sa pananaw ng nakararami.”

-Karen, BS ComSci, ‘07

“Hindi dapat maging bias sa kung ano ang gusto ng mga estudyante at ng mga nakatataas. Dapat malaman muna niya ang pananaw ng bawat panig para hindi padalos-dalos sa pagdedesisyon. Isipin dapat ang mg makabubuti sa karamihan nang halos walang masamang epekto sa kalidad ng edukasyon at kapakanan ng mga estudyante.”

-Berna, BS Stat, ‘07

“Gusto ko may paninindigan! Kailangan makabayan, makakalikasan, makatao at makabansa.”

-Salve, BS Stat, ‘06

“Sincere sa mga sinasabi.”-Yla, BS Bio, ‘05

“Good academic satnding, may commit-ment to the studentry/pro-student and may sense of responsibility and accountability.”

-Wensley Reyes, Dept. of Social Sciences

for the removal of this “academic core zone.” This is mainly because the university’s assets are intended not for the sole reason of gaining funds to aid UP’s financial requisites. This again boils down to the fact that UP is a state-funded institution, it is the government’s responsibility to allot UP the fund it rightfully deserves.

Consequently, as the UP Charter of 2007 aims to create private ties, the Act risks the university’s autonomy in decision-making. Having these ties, UP may work like a corporation, where those who control the stocks—not to mention those who hold the large part of these—may influence or may even intervene in the policy-making of the university.

Talent Management

As every celebrity needs to be managed accordingly, the UP Charter of 2007, as it sees democratic governance in a different way, addressed this need in a seemingly more problematic manner.

Clearly, the UP Charter of 2007 gives the BOR most of the authority in making crucial decisions for the university.

The Act “clearly favors the authoritarian method of administration as it is against…democratic process that may block or slow down the University’s march towards

commercialization,” as the UP Wide Democratization Movement said in a statement last September.

Because of these slated changes, students are becoming more and more threatened by the unfavorable implications the Act may bring to the whole UP system, as well as the effects in the lives of the Iskolars ng Bayan. The Act apparently does not cater to the real needs of the university.

Up OverhauledThe image that UP has successfully

portrayed for a century has managed to make the university a training ground for the Philippines’ brightest youth, mold them to carry the beacon of hope in facing the political, social and economic predicaments of the country.

However, as the UP Charter of 2007 is set to be implemented anytime soon, this advocacy that UP has upheld is dying.

Some would say that UP is in for a total make-over. But for the Iskolars ng Bayan—it seems that it is headed for a total wreckage.[p]

references:http://www.senate.gov.ph/lis/committee_

rpt.aspx?congress=14&q=24http://www.senate.gov.ph/lis/bill_res.

aspx?congress=14&q=SBN-1964http://www.congress.gov.ph/committees/

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Unveiling...from p7

UP ang galing mo(?)Matapos awitin ang UP Naming Mahal sa nakaraang centennial

kickoff sa UP Diliman (UPD), nagsama-sama ang mga lider-estudyante ng UP upang magladlad ng banner at ipakita sa mga nakiisa sa selebrasyon, lalo na sa mga nakaraan at kasalukuyang mag-aaral ng UP, ang mensaheng “paglingkuran ang sambayanan.” Ginagawa ang tradisyong ito sa taunang Pagtatapos sa UP. Ngunit ang sana’y simbolikong pag-alala sa kaakuhan ng UP bilang institusyong “para sa mamamayan” ay tahasang pinigilan ng mga miyembro ng Special Security Brigade ng UPD at maging ng ilang indibidwal sa administrasyon ng UP.

Ang ganitong pagwawaksi sa prinsipyong pinangalagaan ng UP sa sandaang taon nitong pag-iral ay nagpapakita lamang ng mga agresibong hakbang ng administrasyon ng UP upang tuluyang ilagay ang unibersidad sa isang bantayog na maghihiwalay dito sa masang dapat nitong pinaglilingkuran—sa sinasadya o hindi mang mga paraan.

Nahaharap ang UP sa makailang ulit na pagkaltas sa subsidyong ibinibigay rito ng pamahalaan. Ngunit itinuturing ni UP President Emerlinda Roman na “himala” ang pagtaas pa nito. Walang ibang implikasyon ang ganitong mentalidad kundi pagpapamihasa ng administrasyon ng UP sa pag-aabandona ng estado sa unibersidad.

Sa kanyang pagnanais na isalba ang UP mula sa kakulangan sa pinansya, isa si Roman sa mga nangunang nagsulong ng pagtataas ng matrikula at iba pang bayarin, dahilan upang maraming kabataang Pilipinong nakapasa sa UP College Admission Test ang hindi nakatamasa ng edukasyon sa UP. Buong loob pa niyang ipinahayag na papatnubayan ang taon ng sentenaryo ng UP ng paggampan sa papel nito sa pambansang kaunlaran. Ngunit pinalalala pa ng hanay ng mga proyekto ng administrasyon para sa taong ito ang pagtupad sa isa sa mga itinakda nitong layunin mula pa noong taong 1996 sa bisa ng UP Strategic Plan of 2008: umayon sa mga

dikta at pangangailangan ng mga pribadong korporasyon.

Ang UP Los Baños (UPLB) ay itinuturing na isa sa mga pinakamahusay na sentro ng

pananaliksik sa agham at teknolohiya sa buong Asya. Ang proyektong Science and Technology Park, na umano’y magpapaigi ng kahusayan ng UPLB sa larangan ng Agrikultura at Biotechnology, ay mistulang paraan lamang upang madagdagan pa ang mga pananaliksik ng unibersidad na pinopondohan ng malalaking pribadong korporasyon na sa kalauna’y pinakinabangan din ng mga ito at hindi ng unibersidad. Kung kaya, hindi maikakaila kailanman ang pangunahing interes ng anumang pribadong korporasyon: ang kumita.

Nakahanay rin ang mga proyektong Maria Makiling Ecotourism Village dito sa UPLB; Regent’s Hill sa UP Visayas at museo sa UP Manila bilang mga atraksyon sa turista; plaza para sa estatwa ng Oblation sa UP Mindanao. Nakapagtatakang may espasyo ang sentenaryo ng UP para sa mga ganitong proyekto habang walang sapat na pansing itinutuon para sa agarang tugon sa tunay na pangangailangan ng UP sa maayos na silid-aralan, mga bagong aklat, maayos na kagamitan sa laboratoryo, dagdag na benepisyo ng mga kawani, at iba pa. Hindi prayoridad ng administrasyon ng UP sa paggamit nito ng mga pagmamay-ari ng unibersidad ang lubos na pagpapaigi ng akademikong kalagayan o pagsusulong ng kagalingan ng unibersidad kundi ang pagtatayo ng tourist spot tulad ng mga nabanggit.

Sa huli, tunay na kikita ng milyong halaga ang unibersidad. Ngunit kasabay nito, papasok ang UP sa susunod na daang taon habang may paglimot sa mga katagang “Iskolar ng Bayan” at “UP: para sa bayan”—isang mitong walang kakambal na katotohanan.

Gayunpaman, pinakamagandang pagkakataon ang taon ng sentenaryo ng UP upang sariwain ang pinangalagaang kredibilidad nito—ang paglilingkod sa sambayanan.

Higit kaninuman, ang iba’t ibang sektor sa komunidad ng UP ang makapagbibigay ng tamang landas para sa unibersidad sa susunod pang daang taon. Hindi natatapos sa pagbabawal na iladlad ang “serve the people” banner ang pagsasabuhay ng tungkulin ng UP.

Sa kasalukuyang sistematikong paglapastangan sa kaakuhan ng UP, pinakamarahas na pagtugon ang pananahimik. [P]

Editorial In early November, UPLB students rushed to campus with their Form 1s and water bottles in hand. Up to the last minute of

the late registration, enrolling hasn’t been very hassle-free for the students. Though some were able to receive their Form 5s without so much as a blink of an eye and a click of the mouse, a lot were left with only little standing ground.

By this time, students have already familiarized themselves with the SystemOne Online Change of Matriculation. Last semester, the people behind SystemOne instituted the pre-registration, where they could predict the demand for every course. Since SystemOne was introduced, it has gained a lot of negative feedback from majority of the students. But a project as young as this should not be held in such a bad light. Though there are still bugs that need to be fixed and re-configurations to perform, it is safe to say that this service, through time, can only get better. Truly, the university needs to keep up with the times. And if this keeping up involves any sort of help that aims to assist in making the pace of the registration a little faster, then it should be recognized, at the very least.

An issue that the university is drawn against every registration is the lack of slots and sections that is brought about by insufficient number of teaching staff and classrooms. This is the concern that the pre-registration of SystemOne is trying to address. While students scurry to find subjects to fill their Form 26s, the faculty and administration also scampers to find enough teachers. Though they were able to add a few sections to some of the courses with high demand, it has still left a lot of waitlisted students finding a suitable alternative for the subject they were unable to enlist into. It is disappointing to think that a university as prestigious

Sheric K

eigh

Tablac

as UP is facing such a problem.Meanwhile, there are a lot of students who

were barely able to pay for their tuition. During the registration period, countless students lined up at the Student Union building to apply for loans, though there is still no guarantee that they will be able to provide for themselves for the rest of the semester. That they are uncertain of how long they will be able to study is not much a comforting fact.

Moreover, there are also students who cannot participate in the registration process at all, those not capable of enroling and studying in the university. After all, Tuition and other Fee Increases isn’t exactly the best Christmas present to give to the marginalized, who are still unable to raise enough money to afford the sky-rocketing tuition.

This problematic period comes as a challenge to most students, to the point that it has become almost chaotic. Though, like any other process, it

Solidarity

may never be flawless, it can still be shifted to the unmuddled path.

The university is not in its best state at present, but like SystemOne, it is possible to achieve a standard that everyone will strive to live up to. But this can only be achieved if the UP administration finally decides to join the students in getting the budget we rightfully deserve, so that students and our whole university will, in turn, receive what is really ours.

Should this denying of a rightful budget continue, we must hoist ourselves up from this current situation and bring back the essence of studying in UP. [P]

“That they areuncertain of how

long they willbe able to studyis not much a

comforting fact.”

Under Scrutiny

Angelica Mendoza

chrISTIan ray bUEndIa EDITOR IN CHIEF | JOVy dE ManUEL ASSOCIATE EDITOR, NEWS EDITOR| aarOn JOSEph aSpI MANAGING EDITOR, BUSINESS MANAGER | MarK VIncEnT baracaO CULTURE EDITOR | rEMELIZZa JOy Sacra RESEARCH EDITOR, COPY EDITOR | chInO carLO arIcaya GRAPHICS EDITOR | nIKKO anGELO OrIbIana, raLph MarTIn rIVaS, harrIET MELanIE ZabaLa nEWS | bEVErLy SUGar MarIE baULa, May IndInO, KIM arVIn fanEr, anGELIca MEndOZa

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EdITOrIaL OffIcE: rOOM 11 STUdEnT UnIOn bUILdInG UnIVErSITy Of ThE phILIppInES LOS bañOS cOLLEGE LaGUnaUPLB PERSPECTIVE is a member of the college Editors Guild of the philippines and Solidaridad-Up Systemwide alliance of Student publications and Writers Organization

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