03
Youth Sector to Stage Anti-Budget Cut Strikes
News
08
The Price of Liberty: Anatomy of a Strike
Culture
10
Strike Back!
GRAPHICS
12
Cutthroat
EDITORIAL
02 NEWS
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 21, 2011
Violent Dispersal Concludes HOR Demonstrations
MON GABRIEL POSADAS DISTOR AND ACE VINCENT PONSECA MOLO
K
ilos na Laban sa Budget Cuts affiliated groups condemn the actions of the police officers
of Quezon City Police District Station 10 and the security officers of the House of
Representatives (HOR) on the August 25 demonstrations in Batasang Pambansa and vow
to file charges against the perpetrators of the violent dispersal.
The Kilos na Laban sa Budget Cuts alliance is composed of Movement staged a protest condemning the 2012 budget
groups from the sectors of the youth, teachers, students, and appropriation while the budget hearing for the Department
health and migrant workers.
of Education is ongoing in the House of Representatives.
According to The League of Filipino Students (LFS)
spokesperson Aki Merced, the protesters were peacefully
convening when the officers of the Quezon Police District
10 and security personnel of the House of Representatives
assaulted them with “metal rods” and barraged the protesters
with water from a fire truck.
The proposed budget for year 2012 showed a significant
reduction in basic social services sectors. According to
College Editors Guild of the Philippines National Deputy
Secretary General Pauline Gidget Estella, both the education
and health sectors will be greatly affected by the proposed
national budget.
The dispersal left 20 out of the 300 protesters seriously
injured. “We were in the middle of our program when in
front of the House of Representatives when police from QC
station 10 and security units from HOR assaulted us,” Merced
recalled.
From the National Expenditure Program of P1.816 trillion,
only P21.8 billion will be given to State Universities and
Colleges which is significantly lower than the P22.03 billion
allotted last year. In the University of the Philippines (UP)
alone, 3.6% was slashed from the previous year’s budget
allocation. The Department of Budget and Management
He also stressed that “the majority of the protesters were approved a P5.54 billion budget for UP, which is P208.2
caught unaware as they were still sitting on the road, ...million lower than last year’s P5.75 billion.
some on the sidewalks, listening to the program, when the
dispersal began.”
....“This is far from the Commission on Higher Education’s
(CHED) proposed consolidated SUCs budget of Php49
Denouncing Privatization
billion, which is based on the concrete demands of SUCs,”
On August 25 to 26, the Kilos na Laban sa Budget Cuts
continued on page 4.
CURTAIN CALL. As his term comes to a close, UPM Chancellor
Ramon L. Arcadio will give way to the ascent of the new UPM
Chancellor in November. Photo courtesy of Jesse Nicole Rubio Santos.
UPM Chancellorship Nominees Engage
in
Multi-Sectoral
Forums
Visions and Plans for the University Underscored
Angela Mariz Ulep Caudal
P
rofessor Roland G. Simbulan, Drs. Manuel B. Agulto and Albert B. Roxas - the three contenders vying for the
University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) chancellorship – met in a series of forums held at the College of Roxas, the current Dean of CM-UPM and Professor 12 of the
Department of Surgery, PGH, holds a Bachelor’s degree in
Nursing and College of Arts and Sciences respectively.
Pre-Medicine from UP Iloilo and a Post Graduate degree
of Medicine from UP Manila.
To ensure that all stakeholders are represented in the search subsidy from government.
process, the forums gave the students the chance to ask
questions and scrutinize the nominees regarding their stand Roxas: “UP Manila as the Health Science Center for Simbulan: “Isang Pamantasang Dalubhasa at
Makabayan”
on student concerns before the Board of Regent formally Filipinos”
appoints the chancellor.
Reinforced by UP President Alfredo E. Pascual’s vision Simbulan is a graduate of B.A. Political Science in UP
Agulto: “A Nationally and Internationally Recognized UP statement of “Remaking a Great University: UP in the 21st Diliman, with a Master’s Degree in Public Administration
Manila”
Century,” Roxas aims to strengthen UPM’s excellence in in Graduate School of Public Administration, New York
the fields of health, natural sciences, social sciences and University. Simbulan is currently a professor in the College
Doctor Agulto is a UPM graduate of Medicine with a Post the humanities by directing its services to the underserved of Arts and Sciences, with an academic rank of Professor
12 in Development Studies and Public Management,
Graduate degree in Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School. class.
and has also occupied administrative posts in the entire
At present, Agulto occupies a teaching profession with an
academic rank of Professor 6 in Department of Ophthalmology “I envision UP Manila to be the Health Science Center UP system such as Faculty Regent; Vice Chancellor for
at the UPM College of Medicine (CM-UPM, PGH).
for the Filipino and a great constituent university in the Planning and Development and several other positions in
health sciences, the best in the country and recognized university committees.
Brought about by the growing competition among the ranks of in the global community…[despite] the reality of a scarce
Simbulan foresees a UP Manila that gives vital importance
local and international academic institutions, Agulto expressed resource environment,” stated Roxas.
to both its nationalistic and public character as well as
the necessity of UPM as well as its constituent units to be more
academically competitive through applied research in science Roxas claimed that such vision is to be pushed through by its reputation as an outstanding research and extension
and technology.
securing funding and support from external government. service institute in the country that would provide for the
Moreover, he shall maintain UPM’s stance as a public changing needs of the people.
“We should not just stop at producing graduates, but move on service university that produces “excellent and sociallyto creation of new knowledge and invention of new gadgets or responsible healthcare professionals and other graduates” “…I envision a U.P. Manila that will not only maintain
machines… that are relevant and immediately applicable to the who will serve as future leaders in their respective fields of its core areas of academic excellence in the health
sciences, but will also excel in the humanities, the social
people,” Agulto said.
expertise and communities.
sciences, and the basic sciences – all indispensable fields
Outlined in democratic, participative and transparent To fulfill his vision, Roxas is set to granting every sector for molding patriotic and socially-conscious Filipinos,”
governance, Agulto’s main priority is to reestablish a UP Manila with equal footing in representing and participating in Simbulan noted.
that not only serves the masses but also maintains its public the policy generation process, promotion of development
character by providing accessible and quality education and programs, decision-making, leadership and many other In light of this vision, Simbulan laid out his 7-point
basic social services. To carry out his cause, Agulto’s plan is key results areas, to primarily constitute a democratic
continued on page 4.
to partner with industries to generate funds while maintaining administration.
NEWS
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 21, 2011
03
Youth Sector to Stage Anti-Budget Cut Strikes
SUCs to Intensify Call vs. State Abandonment
Alyssa Nicole Cacho Gratil
T
he youth sector, as represented by students from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), as well as
from the different University of the Philippines (UP) constituent units, will demonstrate a week-long strike, from
September 19 to 23, as a form of opposition against the budget cut on education and other social services.
Aquino Tagged as ‘Budget Slasher’
President Benigno “P-Noy” Aquino III pointed out in his
speech to the Fifteenth Congress that his administration
is biased to the poor, but the approved allocations tell
otherwise as the budget for social services was curtailed
from 34.1% of the total national budget for 2011 down to
only 31.7% of the national budget for 2012. A decrease in
terms of prioritization of the social services is manifested in
the drop of percentage allocation, and this downward shift
could also be observed in the budget share of the education
sector.
ANAKBAYAN Chairperson Vencer Crisostomo emphasized
that instead of looking out for the welfare of the people,
P-Noy’s administration resorted to slashing the budget
of education and social services twice consecutively, thus
pushing state colleges and universities (SUCs) and social
services to undergo commercialization.
Massive Protests to Hit P-Noy Admin
Progressive groups link arms in resistance against P-Noy’s
2012 national budget, tagging it as “anti-people.” Thousands
of students are expected to participate in the said strike
week to condemn P-Noy’s abandonment on the education
sector and other basic social services and partiality toward
the foreign creditors, military, and dole-outs in the recently
approved budget.
As part of the National Day of Action against Budget Cuts
on Education and Social services on August 25, the League
of Filipino Students (LFS), ANAKBAYAN, Student Christian
Movement of the Philippines, KARATULA, College Editors
Guild of the Philippines, and the National Union of Students
of the Philippines, together with other sectors such as the
health workers, migrants, and the urban poor, marched to
the House of Representatives to show their objection to
P-Noy’s 2012 National Budget.
“We refuse to let this president use public funds to the
benefit of the few, while perpetuating the people’s poverty
and suffering. It is not true that this kind of spending will
benefit everyone ‘in the long run’. The people have suffered
decades of abandonment, it is time we take matters into
our own hands,” declared LFS Spokesperson Aki Merced in
a press release.
The collective action of the masses, especially of the youth,
proved its efficacy during the heat of the 2011 budget
cut on education. For the year 2012, as another budget
cut matter arises, encompassing even a larger part of the
society, the call for greater action intensifies.
“Para sa rehimen ni P-Noy, meron siyang malaking
bagay na dapat paghandaan…Meron tayong libo-libong
kabataan na handang gawin ang kahit ano para sa
reporma. Sisiguraduhin natin na maipaparating, ‘di lamang
sa national government, kundi pati sa mga international
communities, kung paano patuloy na binubusabos yung
kalagayan ng mga karapatan dito sa Pilipinas,” PUP
Student Council Chairperson Fatima Villanueva stated in
an interview.
To amplify the call against the numerous budget slashes,
the youth sector organized a week-long strike as their
contribution to the multi-sectoral move entitled ‘Kilos
Na Laban Sa Budget Cuts!’ PUP students will have their
campus-wide strike from September 19 to 23, while UP
Manila will hold protest from September 22 to 23. In
addition, UP Manila will be having a press conference on
September 19 to inform the student body of the progress
of the fight against budget cuts, and an overnight vigil
on the 22nd. As a culminating event, the participating
universities, together with other involved youth groups,
will march to Mendiola on the 23rd day of September.
Bantang Pagpapasara sa The Warden,
Binawi ng PLMun Admin
M
YODHIM GUDEL GEPTY DELA ROSA
atapos ang matagumpay na protesta ng College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) at
ang mga miyembrong publikasyon sa bansa, binawi na ng administrasyon ng Pamantasan
ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa (PLMun) ang kanilang banta ng pagpapasara at pagpapatanggal sa
mga miyembro ng The Warden, ang opisyal na pahayagan ng mga mag-aaral ng PLMun noong
Agosto 23.
Pagyurak sa Karapatan
Binatikos ng administrasyon ng PLMun ang The
Warden sa paggiging “subersibo” diumano ng una
nitong nailathalang isyu at dahil sa pagtuligsa nito sa
nakaraang State of the Nation Address (SONA) ni Pang.
Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III at sa malawakang
pagsiwalat ng publikasyon sa mga isyu hinggil sa
matataas na dagdag-bayaring pang-organisasyon.
Dahil sa paggiging kritikal diumano ng mga
nailalathalang artikulo sa The Warden, napag-alaman na
ang mga miyembro ng publikasyon ay nakakatanggap
ng mga banta mula sa administrasyon ng PLMun na sila
ay tatanggalin mula sa kani-kanilang mga posisyon sa
pahayagan.
Binigyang diin ng CEGP na hindi lamang ang karapatan
para sa malayang pamamahayag ang malalabag sa
balak na pagpapasara ng The Warden bagkus isa rin
itong pag-atake sa indibidwal na karapatan ng mga
mag-aaral para sa impormasyon.
Kolektibong Aksyon
“We strongly condemn the act and question their
violation of the rights and freedom of the campus
press. We challenge them not to resort to unfair tactics
like this just to silence one of the representatives of
the students.” pahayag ng CEGP.
Ayon sa punong patnugot ng The Warden na si
Nericel Bantayan, hindi sila kailanman matatakot
na ipaglaban ang demokratikong karapatan nila na
isiwalat ang panunupil ng administrasyon. Kaniyang
ipinabatid na hindi dapat mapagod ang mga magaaral at ang mga pahayagang pangkampus na
manindigan para sa pagsusulong ng malayang
pamamahayag.
“Ang The Warden ay nagpupugay dahil sa tagumpay
na kampanya ng publikasyon kasama ang CEGP
na primaryang tumutulong at tumutugon sa mga
pangangailangan ng mga pahayagang pangkampus...
layon lamang namin na ipaglaban ang demokratikong
karapatan ng mga estudyante gayundin ang
malayang pamamahayag,” ani Bantayan.
Nakikiisa ang The Manila Collegian sa pakikipaglaban
Ayon sa pahayag ng CEGP, ang kinaharap ng The Warden ng The Warden at ng mga pahayagang pangkampus
ay hindi lamang laban ng mga miyembro ng publikasyon para sa malayang pamamahayag at pagsupil sa mga
o ng mga mag-aaral ng PLMun kundi laban ng lahat ng iba't-ibang uri ng pang-aabuso at represyon.
mga mag-aaral at mga publikasyon na nakakaranas ng
panggigipit mula sa kani-kanilang pamantasan.
VICTORY. The Philippine General Hospital administration suspended its previously-released
memoranda halting Class D patients from receiving free services from the premier state
hospital. Photo courtesy of Kessel Gandol Villarey.
04 NEWS
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 21, 2011
Violent Dispersal...from page 2.
...the Association of Concerned Teachers (ACT) said in The people have suffered decades of abandonment, it
a statement.
is time we take matters into our own hands,“ Merced
stated.
Meanwhile, funds for Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)
increased by P7.1 billion and budgets for pork barrel On September 7, following the August 25
increased by P200 million. Furthermore, the budget demonstrations, Anakbayan, Kabataan Partylist and
for the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program National Union of Students of the Philippines, together
increased by 86%.
with representatives from the Philippine Association of
State Universities and Colleges and ACT, held a protest
“Aquino is blatantly abandoning the people. Budget during the continuing deliberations on the 2012
allocations for education, health and other social national budget at the House of Representatives.
services suffered hefty cuts and remained lacking
while debt-servicing, military, dole-out programs To register their contempt on the budget cuts in sectors
like CCT, the President’s unprogrammed funds and of education, health and social services, the protesters
legislators’ pork barrel budgets are being increased. lied down on the streets. Furthermore, several of the
This plus last year’s budget allocation is a very clear students shaved their heads, symbolizing the ‘shaved
indicator of Aquino’s priorities,” said Merced.
off’ budget for the SUCs.
1
Bakit mo kailangang
sumali sa strike?
Kailangan kong sumali sa strike dahil
nanghihinayang ako sa allowance,
sayang kung di ako papasok.. – onipse
cj =)) BS ComSci, CAS
kailangan kasing may kumatok sa mga
taong nasa “posisyon”. baka masyado
silang napapatag sa kanilang pagkakaupo, nakakalimutan (o sadyang
kinakalimutan) na nilang silipin kung
ano ba ang epekto ng mga hakbang
nila sa taong bayan. - wastedhugz@@,
CAS
kasi kung hindi namin ‘to gagawin, hindi
magiging aware ang gov’t sa pinagagawa nilang kabulastugan..parang..
self(group) expression na rin to.. or
feedback kumbaga. - suzakueatscakes:3
sa lahat ng kabataang Pinoy. - dingoniche, BA PS
para ma-strike si AbNoy sa ulo nyang
kalbo. - Striker, CAS
Simple lang. Para ipakita ang aking
kawalan ng suporta, tiwala at pasensya
sa paulit-ulit ng kapabayaan at kapalpakan ng baluktot na daan ng kasalukuyang administrasyon, at para ipaglaban
ang karapatan ng bawat binansagan na
“ISKOLAR NG BAYAN” na mabigyan ng
sapat na budget sa pangangailangang
pang-akademika. - Jhong, BS Nursing,
College of Nursing
Dahil kailangan ang lakas at panahon
ng bawat isang estudyante upang
maipagtagumpay ang laban natin para
sa mas mataas na pondo sa edukasyon
at iba pang serbisyong panlipunan. Regina Decangchon, League of Filipino
Students
Dahil tungkulin kong ipaglaban ang
karapatan ko at ng bawat kabataang
pilipino sa dekalidad na edukasyon. Buknoy the Bitterman, BAPS
Dahil malaki ang nagawa ng Strike
sa pag-”save” ng UP Budget last
year,sasama ako - youthANGroleKosaSIMULATIONps14, BA Political Science
Anong ang paborito
mong becky word at
2
bakit?
Ito ay isa sa mga paraan upang maiparating natin ang mga hinaing hindi lamang ng kabataang Pilipino, ngunit pati
na rin ng buong sambayanang Pilipino.
UP STRIKES BACK! TARA! - Swastika, BA
Political Science, CAS
marami kasi akong alam na mga
churvaloo kaya tuwing nakikipagchines
ako sa mga chibernes ko, umiiklavoo na
lang ako..keribels? - suzakueatscakes:3
UP is now at rank 332 among the best
universities in the world, a relatively low
number from our last year’s rank.Kailangan nating sumali dahil ito ang magpapakita ng pagtutol natin sa budget cuts,
isang manipestasyon ng pagbaba ng
estado ng edukasyon. Higit kaninuman,
tayo ang dapat magpakita na hindi
natin basta ipagsasawalang bahala ang
pagtalikod ng gobyerno, na ipaglalaban
natin ang ating karapatan. Let us STRIKE
back! :) - Christine, BA Pol.Sci
eklaboo. flexible kasi. - wastedhugz@@,
CAS
Biogesic. Although this term does not
gain too much currency on the gay vernacular, it’s a fun fact to know that this is
a word used to describe masturbation.
- Buknoy the Bitterman, BAPS
Aglipay – Ugly Pinay ( chakang pokpok
na jowa ng mayaman na foreigner ) dahil marami nito sa Malate. :) - Swastika,
BA Political Science, CAS
Keber. Keber. :P - Christine, BA Pol.Sci
Lerler, because everything in the world
is full of LERLER!!!!!!!!! Charot! - #malandinghitad
Kasi pag nag strike sa Bowling tumba
lahat. Bka pag nag strike ako matumba
din lahat ng mga Corrupt na Officials.
Sna matumba din si P-noy. - BA™AN,
CAS
CHORVA. Sobrang gamit kasi nito sa
pang-araw araw na buhay, lalo na pag
di mo na alam ang sasabihin mo. Like,
Natapos mo na ang chorva? hahahahaha Chorvaness. - Pinocchio CAS
Para maramdaman at mapansin naman
ng gobyerno yun mga hinaing nating
mga estudyante. Hindi yung puro na
lang sila. May puwang din tayo bilang
mga simpleng mag aaral. Sana lang
mapakinggan tayo. - G-kun
Echos HAHAHAHA! mahilig akong
magsabi ng mga jokes eh xD - G-kun
betchiwariwariwaps!!! ♥ wla lng... mdalas manyare e chaaar!!! haha. pero ndi
nman un ngatatgal e~ XD – Mal
Dahil malaki ang nalilikom na taxes,
pero nilalaan ang budget sa militar kesa
unahin ang edukasyon at kalusugan. At
bukod sa inter-generational responsibilty, may malasakit ako sa mga hindi
kayang magbayad ng malaking halaga
ng matrikula o serbisyong medikal. – JT
when all else fails, sumali sa strike. aleah, Dentistry, CD
Simple lang. Education is a right. Period.
- - fyeahfyeah, CAS
Well? What are strikes for diba? It’s to let
the “higher people” know that you do
not agree with what they do/implement.
- Raseac-kun || BS Pharmacy || College
of Pharmacy
Dahil lahat tayo ay dapat kumilos para
sa ikabubuti ng future generation of
scholars. – keepcalmandplaysimssocial,
CAS, POLSCI
Dahil hindi lang to para saten, para to
Kahit anong mga ginagamit ni @superstarmarian sa twitter! – JT
shutanginamesh. sarap lang magswear
becky style :)) - aleah, Dentistry, CD
We adapted this from Sir Mong. “Jugs”.
It’s our block’s most abused word. Raseac-kun | BS Pharm | CP
Jirita Avila (kakairita, nakakainis), wagas
na wagas kasi =)) - kiligkaykiefer, BAPS
AWARRRDDD! - Benta saken e. :P dingoniche, BA PS
SHOKOT: means takot but what is the
meaning of this? - remington_69
PAMMY. Just because wiz na’ko mathink right now. Kalurkey itey. =))) Jhong, BS Nursing, College of Nursing
echos! - asero, BA PS sekanjir
According, to ACT Teachers Party-list representative
Antonio Tinio, the Aquino administration must
reconsider its PPP policy on education health and
other basic services. “This PPP scheme for education
and health will cost taxpayers more because the
government must guarantee the private sector
partners’ return of investment,“ Tinio said
“The public will only end up paying more. Taxpayers’
money will be used to subsidize private sector profit.
PPPs should have no place in social services, especially
health and education,” he added.
Protests to Intensify
“Nakakalbo na ang SUC budget. Wala nang natira
dahil sa kakatapyas at dahil sa maliit na alokasyon ng
gobyerno,” stated Anakbayan national chairperson
Vencer Crisostomo.
Calling for Higher Subsidy
The fight for higher subsidy for SUCs gained support
from Representatives Raymond “Mong” Palatino of
Kabataan Partylist and Joseph Victor “JV” G. Ejercito
of San Juan, who called their colleagues to join in
asserting the revocation of budget cuts to SUCs and
the allocation of sufficient funds for Capital Outlay of
these higher educational institutions.
The Kilos na Laban sa Budget Cuts alliance, stressed Supporting lawmakers demonstrated their stand
that the protests shall intensify until the budget for greater subsidy on education by wearing white
hearing reaches the Office of the President.
ribbons. CHED Chairperson Patricia B. Licuanan also
expressed support, as youth leaders from the National
According to LFS, nationwide and massive boycotts Union of Students of the Philippines placed a white
and strikes in different high schools, colleges and ribbon on her arm.
universities are to be expected by the third week of
September.
“If the Executive refuses to recognize the importance
of substantially increasing the budget of our public
“We refuse to let the Aquino administration use public higher education institutions, then Congress should
funds for the benefit of the few, while perpetuating the make a clear stand in support for our SUCs. We laud
people’s poverty and suffering. It is not true that this our esteemed colleagues, SUC officials, youth groups,
kind of spending will benefit everyone in the long run. and concerned sectors who are fighting for our public
Chancellorship... from page 2.
...priorities and action plans that would address
the issues that confront the university and society
which includes a relevant curricula, reinforced with
a people-oriented extension service; developing
UPM into a recognized research university; building
academic excellence in a scientific and secular
institution; strengthening democratic governance in
UPM and forging a sense of community; capabilitybuilding of all ...UPM Units; developing projects for
resource generation and advancing and enriching
Filipino cultural identity in the university.
Geared toward establishing the nationalistic identity
and people-oriented goal of UP in serving the
masses, Simbulan strongly recommends that Filipino
students must be liberated from their Westernoriented disciplines by redesigning and redefining
the current educational and healthcare systems.
NEWS
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 21, 2011
ORGA
NEWS
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 or text it to 09063344807.
Max of 100 words.
The Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity and Sorority is holding the UP Manila
Freshman Inter-Block Debate 2011, with the theme "Think GREEN. Talk
GREEN: The Rio+20 Debates". All iskolars ng bayan are invited to witness
the championships this September . See posters for more details. Like
their page on Facebook, the UP Manila Freshman Inter-Block Debate.
For inquiries, please contact 09056404150.
COLLEGE
BRIEFS
The official student publication of the College of Arts and Sciences, Ang
Tagamasid, celebrated its 30th anniversary on August 29.
The Department of Biology celebrated its 20th year of institution with
weeklong festivities in the Biology Week 2011. The DB’s chosen theme
this year, “The Forest: Our Last Stand Against Climate Change” goes
along with the declaration of 2011 as the International Year of the Forest.
The UP Manila Ugnayan ng Pahinungod office sponsored a health
training service in Palawan and Negros Occidental on September 15-16.
05
Mga Fulung-Vulungan
ng Nagjijisang...
Lola Patola
“You and I, You you and I, You you and ayayayay.” huwaat? Namiss nyo nakech mga evah
beloved afows? Wag kayong magworry at nanditechiwa na ang nag-jijisang evah vecky and
veautiful at nyong *tentenenen* Lola Patola! Kamustasa naman ang YuFiEmbassy? Updated
va kayech za mga kavalitaan at kavaklaan za inyong faligid-ligid? YES? Zige nga, let’s see..
Junang katanungan: nasagaf va ng gaydar ninyech ang ginawang helping hand ni PehNoy za
mga EzYuZis? Wiz? Me neither, chenelyn boom. Jikalawang katanungan: navalitaan nyo na va
ang ginawang helping hand ni PehNoy za sektoriray ng kalusugan chenelyn? Wiz fa rin? AKO
RIN! Fero wiz kayech ma-sad, afows because we will STRIKE BACK! Kaya if I were a boy, este,
if I were you, gorabells na akechiwa sa strikelaloo fara makafag-lamyerda at maifarinig ko
ang aking vaklang voses kay PehNoy at za ating lawmeykers! Keri? Boom! Next! Nabalitaan
nyo na ba ang:
You And I Will Join The Strike
Chismaxxx Numvah 1: Ninja Proffy
inyong Lola P kay PehNoy. Kafag zeryozong issues (edukathyon, kaluthugan, thocial serbisyows)
Waley! Fero fag walang kwentang issue (porshita gallore, sex layf juggs, LFS rants) havey na
havey! Gaaaaaaahhhd. Wiz ko na talaga keriboom
ma-take to stand here and watch the Philippines
buuuuuurn under his leadership! Sususugod na talaga akechiwa with my Zombarkadas! GRRRR! Mga
afows, I’m exfecting to see all of you za STRIKE!
After all, we are only demanding for the things
that are rightfully ours! Oyeah! Join forces tayong
zumugod at lumusov!
Haaaaaa?!? Sinechitechiwang proffy ng DonPepitoS.
Manaloto ang zinuzumbong ng mga afows ko na always daw leyt(se) fumasok za class? Jidagdag fa raw
dito ang mga abzenzes nya za klase because of his
super-mega-to the highest level leyt(se)ness at because of this ay next class na ang kanyang jinajabutan.
“Magsit-in nalang kayo sa next class kech,” vanat fa nya..
Huwat watawat?!? E faney namenchi ang afows kech
na may other subjekzz za horas na yown? Ang jijirap
na nga raw –learn ng numvers eh, lalo fa raw jumijirap
dahil za ninja proffy nila na Aappear, Magdidisappear, Oh budget, “this time I’m not
Aappear, Magdidisappear uli.. Goshness sir, why are you leaving without you!”
doing this to my beloved afows, huh? Knowslaloo kech Supsupsupsupsup!
na majiirap talagey fumazok ng early in the mowrning
bubutbut wiz pa rin yon VALID REASON para
magkandaleyt(se)-leyt(se) ka everydaykokey! At keriboom lang din umavsent
faminzan minzan fero wiz naman dafat
sumovra at umuber sa dami. Najijirafan kasi ang mga afows kong malearn ang lezzonz mo. Dapat lezzgo
and make-change na debeee? Fara rin
itechiwa za ikabubuti ng edukasyones
ng mga afowz ko. HORAYT?
You And I Will Join The Strike
Chismaxxx Numvah 2: Dugyot Afows
Ow. May. Ow. May. Sino naman itechiwang
mga naughty kong afows ang nagtatafon
at nag-iiwan ng finagkainan kung zaan
zaan zaan? Nakakalungkot naman, mga
afow. Nakavandera na nga ang posters na nagzazaving“ClAYGo-Clean
As You Go” za CAFederathyon fero
wiz niyo finafansin at iniiwan
nyo fa rin anywhere ang kalats niyow. Zumbong fa nga
za akin ng mga friendsters
kow na ang jiva kong afows
ay havey na havey din daw za
fagtafon, fag-uwi at fagtangay ng
kanilang mga utenzilitis. Avay mga ateh
a t
koyabells, mga stainlezz yan, wiz yan disposable at wiz din yan yours. Hayz. Yan tuloy, n a z i r a
na ang tiwala za inyo ng mga taga-CAFederathyon.
O devaaa, kinukuha na ang i.d. nyo vago kayo ipaborrowmore ng utenzilitis? Nung kafanajunan kechiwa (wiz ko na ma-remember kung whensha),
wiz ganitechilou ang sitwashonez. Loverador kasi
ng mga lileth at mudrakels ang vawat jisa kaya
happy meal sa YuFiEmbassy! Oh basta next time
ha! Vaguhin na ang jugali at linisin na ang pinagkainan, regardless kung what ang kinain niyo.
Harhar. Lezz make love our surroundings and our
CAFederathyon. Kaay?
Uwaaah. Fero change topic muna tayo mga
afow at nalolorkaboom talaga ang beauty ng
06 FEATURES
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 21, 2011
Exposing the Damages of Aquino’s Second Budget Cut
JEO ANGELO CHICO ELAMPARO AND JESSE NICOLE RUBIO SANTOS
N
ILLUSTRATION BY ERNEST JAY VICO CAFINO
ever in the history of the Philippines had there been a budget cut as barefaced and as deep as this.
As Aquino’s second year in power dawns, his plans for the country and its denizens unfold. And for the second time around, it becomes clear that
Aquino remains resolute in choosing to neglect, and to some extent, abandon his responsibility to the multitude of Filipinos in exchange of spoiling the
military and foreign creditors all in the name of political expediency.
But as the administration gears on forsaking its supposed bosses, the people are as militant and as critical as ever. Thus, the turbulence that transpired
last year is set to happen once again.
At the Helm of Privation
2010 saw the uprising of the youth sector all over the
country as the effect of the Aquino administration’s
unabashed slashing of the education sector’s budget.
The already-derelict education system in the country was
shoved further to abject destitution as a great chunk of
amount was brazenly curtailed from the state universities
and colleges’ (SUCs) budget.
Even the University of the Philippines (UP), the premier
state university in the country, was not spared from the
onslaught. A total of P1.39 billion was slashed from its
budget, making the UP system’s operation an everyday
struggle for the whole of its stakeholders, particularly the
common Iskolar who inevitably bore the burden of the
aftermaths of the budget cut.
The budget that was supposedly allotted for the education
of the Filipino youths was allotted instead to spoil the
military and to pay for the country’s debts. Aquino’s decision
of choosing to abandon its responsibilities to the youth
sector is downright unjustifiable as it breaches his mandate
as the prime ruler of the country. Consequently, his actions
do not make him any different from his predecessor whom
he vowed to persecute and jail.
As evidenced by the absence of any Philippine university
in the top 300 of the recent ranking of the Quacquarelli
Symonds World University Rankings, the budget cut and
the lack of support from the government have greatly
vitiated the SUCs performances. The poor ranking of the
Philippine universities only affirms the presence of crisis in
the education system of the country and the government’s
choice to ignore this predicament and even exacerbate the
situation.
But just as the wounds caused by Aquino’s budget cut
closes, the Filipinos find themselves at the mercy of Aquino
once again because for the second time, Aquino proposes
to slash the budget for social services even further.
This year, 50 SUCs will have their budget curtailed by more
than P500 million, another blow to the institutions that are
still nursing the damages inflicted by Aquino’s
first budget cut. UP still received the
biggest cut among the SUCs as
it was slashed by P800 million,
making the total cut of 2.2 billion
in the university’s budget during
Aquino’s two years as President.
The education sector, however,
is not the sole casualty of the
mishap; this year’s budget cut
affects also the health sector
as its budget was axed by
P1.165
billion,
plunging
the already impoverished
public
hospitals
deeper
into the depths of penury
and
deprivation.
By
choosing to slash the
budget allotted for
the country’s health
sector,
Aquino
chooses
to
deny the ailing
Filipinos
the
medical services
and attention
they rightfully
deserve.
In the Chasm of Turmoil
With the constant evasion of government responsibility
in funding social services, the burden falls on the
shoulders of the students, as tuition fee increases
wrought from privatization become the next step in this
vicious cycle.
The facts reveal the untold stories behind every high
school graduate who is intellectually competent but
financially incapable of
entering
UP. Over the years,
the premier state
FEATURES
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 21, 2011
University of the Philippines closed its gates little by little
to such students. Its dwindling public character grew even
more palpable, as the demographics drastically changed.
The poorest of the poor cannot enter the University by
any means possible; extraordinary measures must be
exhausted, and even then, rarely does one succeed.
History would tell of the University which served as a
golden ticket to a financially challenged yet intelligent
student who, by entering it, can be guaranteed a bright
future despite an impoverished situation. UP operated
with one fundamental principle; that is, to make education
accessible to bright young minds, especially those
who cannot afford such quality of education. But more
dangerous than it seems, UP is under threat of losing its
public character – its stronghold and identity.
The bastion of inexpensive yet excellent education has
almost fallen, trapped in the abyss of ignoble state neglect.
It began to venture into detrimental privatization schemes
to ensure survival – vile measures that would only milk
the students for what they are worth. The blinding façade
produced by privatization would never compensate for
the absence of state support for education, nor would
it account for the students who were deprived of UP
education. UP, first and foremost, should not scavenge
for its own funds, nor force it out of its students. As if the
budget cut imposition was not grave enough, the actions
of some of the leaders, wallowing in ignorance of student
rights and their own responsibilities, do not help matters.
The blood oozing freely from the deep wounds the budget
cut will eventually inflict taints not only the UP students, or
those about to enter the University but the entire country
as well. The lack of investment in public tertiary education
leads to a decrease in the possible benefits the country
may reap from the graduates. More than a question of
budget allocation, it became a matter of injustice. And as
this takes place in society, the social divide widens, with the
notion that only those who can afford education, or who
can be covered by what little subsidy is left have the right
to avail of it.
On the Brink of Pandemonium
As the country continues to struggle with the inadequacy
of education subsidy, the rest of the world is wrought
with the same crisis.
As austerity measures took center stage, the first
social service to suffer funding lacerations is tertiary or
postsecondary education. The sector, however, did not sit
idly by. Besieged by strategies imposing the diminution
of the education budget share, students around the world
rose in resolute protest. The administrations of various
countries saw growing unrest, coupled with violent and
raucous demonstrations. Pacification of the issue does
not merely rest on the activation of the repressive agents
of government; rather the only solution is the restoration
of investment in education. For the benefits reaped from
the light of education can never be quantified, nor can it
be treated and sold like a mere commodity. Unfortunately
though, budget cuts continue to proliferate, furthering
abysmal implications.
Movements in the United Kingdom frequented the city
streets, as news of imminent slashes in the allocation for
the education sector spread. Students organized rallies
that eventually became successful in causing much
disturbance and attracting attention. Tales recounting
the massive event told of students who, in unwavering
persistence to put their message across, extended far
beyond the original plans for the demonstrations. Some
ended violently, others proceeded peacefully.
In the United States, the same story holds true. The
apparent lack of funding in education and subsequent
drawbacks impelled students to rise up and remonstrate
against the materialization of state neglect.
The Latin American countries are not spared from
the same situation. Even as Chile is now the hotbed
of such demonstrations, Colombia is also plagued by
the same crisis. Revolts abound in Bogota, its capital,
which demonstrated a withdrawal of support for the
administration, as threats of the
07
privatization of education become imminent with certain
changes for the sector pushed for legislation.
Evidently, the problem persists in other parts of the globe,
and the victimized students will not allow its easy passage.
The students are united in the struggle for proper budget
allocation for tertiary education. Suppressive measures
did little to dampen the spirit and passion of the students
in fighting for the cause, or even, crush the movement
in defeat. Subsequent action knows no bounds, lest the
administration realizes the genuine value of education.
A
s the budget cut implies, the education sector is
slowly being transformed from a social service
to a corporate entity. And this move is unjustified
and downright inexcusable. Privatization does little
to absolve the harsh insinuations of the slashes in
funds. It would never be the solution, nor does any
truth lie in the notion that if funds are scarce, such
institutions as UP should procure its own. Even as
the state of education is scarred by deep gashes
inflicted by decreasing government subsidy, it will
remain as an inalienable right of every individual.
Amidst all the turmoil the country is facing,
progress in the future would be determined by the
proliferation of education in the present, and not
its hapless murder.
The atrocities shed from the deep wounds the
budget cut imprinted on the education sector now
becomes the calling for a united front in the fight
for education. The need for the assertion for higher
state subsidy is as stark as ever. And in the battle
for justice, the students should rise and demand
what is rightfully theirs.
Blood is pouring. But the fight continues.
08 CULTURE
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 21, 2011
(Mis)prioritization: The Scaffold of Inequality
The government’s power to serve the people is compromised by its
misallocations.
Allocation of time, resources, and funds, is the reflection of a
government’s priority. Each sector of society has different needs, and
often, those needs vary in degree. With this, the government has to
acknowledge long-run decisions, rather than being short-sighted.
But when the government is called to respond to public issues, their
action and decisions, however, seem to be more reactive. Thus, they
are overlooking the long-term effects of the decisions they make.
Whatever is in trend will be their priority and whatever will happen in
the future will be decided only later on as they are more inclined in
focusing on only one issue and shove everything else into oblivion.
The budget allocation last year saw more funds for the military
rather than education. This appeared to be more reactionary than
progressive because President Aquino himself thought that the
military needed more attention and assistance from the government
than the students. Clearly, such is an example of the misprioritization
of the government.
With varying degrees of needs of the country, wealth distribution
cannot be allocated equally. It can, however, be allocated fairly to the
sectors that need it the most. And although it is commendable that
the government strives to persecute most of the corrupt government
officials, it is important for them to remember that there are other
problems of the society that require more attention. After all, the
allocation of budget and resources should not be at the expense of
the other sectors of society.
The government’s inability to prioritize impartially makes it look as
if they are not able to carefully discern the problems of each sector.
Little do they know that they are already laying the foundation for
oppressed classes to rebel against them.
Oppression: The Continuing Struggle
Throughout history, the Philippine society is divided into two: the
ruling few and the oppressed class. The ruling few have managed to
collect and further expand their power over the majority. They have
misused their privilege as authorities and utilized the multitude to
their advantage. This thread of events led to a battle of social classes,
which still exist up to the present. The primary perpetrator of this
social ill is none other than the prevailing culture of oppression in the
country.
From the Spanish feudalism to the American capitalism, a demarcating
line between the so-called “superior” and “inferior” classes marks our
society. An explanation for this tragedy is the unequal distribution
of wealth that spawns iniquitous power play. When somebody gains
more money and property, he or she also gains more power. The
elites control the resources that enable them to further satisfy their
hunger for power. This has been the rule of the land.
On the contrary, those who do not acquire such wealth and property are
the ones who are discriminated against and subjected to oppression.
This went on from our ancestors from the Spanish incursion being
called as “indios”, subjected to polo y servicio, bandala, and other
forms of questionable impositions; to the American occupancy’s
“Benevolent Assimilation,” where resistances were dismantled by
killing the people behind it who were mostly coming from the masses.
THe Price o
Anatomy o
THE CULTURE TEAM
Today, oppression, in the form of capitalism, had caused the
continuous growth of the elites’ wealth and further impoverishment
of the oppressed. This highlights the peasants, farmers, women, youth,
and other sectors’ subservience because of the infused superiority of
the ruling few. The wealthy now innocuously paves the road of the
poor. The latter who is treated no more than just a laborer is strangled
to the stirrings of economic slashes by the former. Those who till the
lands are slowly being suffocated by their own labors. The system
may change throughout time, but the same effects still linger in the
process of gaining one’s interests, whatever cost it may take for others.
The ruling few may have controlled the masses’ wealth, but the
determination of the latter strengthens as they continue to fight
for equality. For the longer the oppression remains, the more the
resistance builds up.
Organization: Poised for the Challenge
Together we stand, divided we fall.
People have come to their senses, disgruntled. They finally realized
that they will remain helpless and hopeless unless they take action.
Discontent, said to be the prime mover of economic and social
change, led societal conflict to become what the country
think is deemed necessary to achieve it. At its core are
people with certain interests and motives opposing
other people with divergent interests and motives.
The opposition stems from conflicting desires,
incompatible objectives, goal values that are not
shared by the two groups. Organized on that basis,
refusing to be tricked and bluffed by promises or
stampeded into violence by threats, they will emerge
victorious from the age-long struggle. To win the
political power is the first step.
When a dialogue between the two conflicting forces
can no longer be enough to resolve the problem, it
leads the masses to take drastic actions. A strike becomes
a very powerful weapon used by certain groups to have their
demands accepted. It generally involves stoppage of activities
within a certain society for the purpose of bringing the
pressure on the opposing side. Thus, a strike is a temporary
withholding of function to attain change.
The real driving forces behind every strike are the
organizations that fuel the hearts of the people. These
organizations represent the different sectors of society. A
strike is said to be not merely a social act as it is also the
right that organizations can exercise. In short, it promotes
and protects the masses’ rights – whether political,
economic, cultural or social.
These organizations are the ones who inform the public
through educational teach-ins and discussions, various
forms of media and even through social networks. They
unite the people – informing and educating them of
the current situation of society. They arouse the
consciousness of the masses to raise awareness
of liberty:
of a strike
ILLUSTRATION BY ARIANNE FUNELAS VALLE
which, in turn, will allow them to be organized. The primary goal of
organizations is to build up the participants’ courage and indomitable
fighting spirit – factors that are highly necessary to make strikes
victorious.
Without organizations, there would only be an unorganized multitude
which would prove absolutely fatal to the whole uprising as it can lead
to its defeat.
Mobilization: Igniting the Fire
In a situation where individuals face a powerful adversary, they can
only succeed by acting collectively.
During wars, mobilization is a term used to refer to the act of making
sure the soldiers are ready for war. When it comes to strikes, the act is
no different except for the fact that it is the oppressed that are being
mobilized. It may seem that there is not much difference between the
mobilization of the masses and the soldiers. After all, their goal is to
protect the nation and its people. They both advocate for the rights
that are being disregarded. Yet, their means and actors differ.
While the military uses arms, the masses only use their voices and
some demonstration paraphernalia to echo their demands.
Amidst the heat or cold, these people do not falter and even
continue to dominate the streets while those in the ivory tower
remain deaf and blind to their calls.
Yet, what really motivates people to take action is
said to be economic adversity. Economic inequality
inspires grievances that urge people to rebel. It
particularly pertains to the people’s experiences
under the structural conditions of the society,
as well as the feelings and beliefs that people
form concerning those conditions. Deprivation,
oppression, political exclusion and hierarchy
in society strengthen the stand of the people
against their oppressors. Even so, those who are
in power continue to try winning the favour of
the oppressed by claiming that they can and will
solve the societal problems. It is ironic, however,
that the problems they promise to solve are the
ones created by the system which they are a
product of.
These so-called grievances inspire the masses to
be mobilized and to mobilize others. To gain the
support of the masses, the advocacies are presented
as plebeian as possible. Moreover, it is very crucial that
the people are ready to participate in collective action
and are aware of their responsibility. It is not merely telling
people when, where and why they should participate. It
is actually making the goals of collective action clear and
considered by the potential participants as important and
relevant to them. After all, their interest on the matter at
hand is what makes them take part in strikes. It is what
keeps the people resolute in demanding for change.
CULTURE
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 21, 2011
09
Violence: The Suppressing Force
Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent and the killer of what
social justice tries to create.
The urgency of the people to stage strikes have always been fuelled
by the indifference of those who commit abuses and wrong decisions.
And, as indifference flows through the veins of the body, reaching
violence is just a step away. As the government continue to slap the
faces of farmers, students and many others with its wrong acts and
decisions, strikes have become a medium by which the oppressed
claim back fervidly their inherent rights.
With the blaring noise from the shouts of the oppressed and the
warnings of the police officers, the heat on the battlefield turns on.
The first blood is drawn as opposing sides cross the lines of the other
through offending words and actions.
The rallyists organize and try to convey more information to strengthen
their strike. As for the police, different measures are planned to subdue
a multitude of cause-driven protesters. Both sides seem to get ready
for an incoming clash. Violence starts as one party inflict aggression
to the other. As one side attacks, the other cannot help but counter.
But violations are not seen on who attacked and showed violence first.
Violence is seen on the degree of physical and verbal abuse inflicted to
a person. The police have always claimed of using so-called humane
ways in controlling mobs. But as violent dispersals persist consistently
in demonstrations, it seems that they are not practicing it correctly.
Nevertheless, violence is not only encountered in rallies. As a matter
of fact, the worst side of violence is the part where the government
strikes back silently as they try to extinguish the people involved in
exposing the mistakes they try very hard to hide.
The government enforces violence for the public to know what they
are capable of doing – a sign that there is always an abuse of power
and authority in the country. Hundreds are still missing and some even
died for fighting their rights but still, these cases remain unsolved.
Despite the injustices, the worst form of violence is seen in P-Noy’s
silence amidst the shouts and screams of the oppressed class.
Justice: The End of the Road
After every strike, what is left is firm dignity.
After every robust step under the scorching heat, what is left is
the utmost propensity for a rule of law that protects the weak and
vulnerable. After every indignant plead, what is left is the unyielding
desire for a society free from all forms of violence and injustice.
Oppression does not pay for its damages. Hence, it will remain until the
oppressed class realizes the necessity of action. Strikes are for those
whose rights cannot be derided by intimidation. It is for those whose
collective action is the only tool against the infallible bureaucracy. The
government would say that we should not cast curse on policies until
we fully know them; we say they should not speak ill on uprisings
unless they fully know what oppression means.
Injustices are what cause people to strike. And injustice can only
be cured with justice. Nothing else could be an alternative.
10 GRAPHICS
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 21, 2011
STRIKE BACK!
Ni Ehcel Hurna
Unity statement of
the UP community
to be submitted to
the Senate
STAND FOR OUR RIGHT TO EDUCATION
FIGHT FOR GREATER STATE SUBSIDY!
August 2011
Quality education is a right; it is a right enshrined in our country’s Constitution, and in the long history of
the University of the Philippines as the country’s premier tertiary state institution.
Yet deepening poverty, coupled with the rising cost of education in our country, pushed 83% of the youth
to drop out of school from 2001-2010, based on government data culled by the National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP). Of those enrolled as freshmen in college, eight out of every ten students
will not be able to graduate. According to the same statistics, 7.93 million children 6-15 years of age are
highly unlikely to enter elementary or high school.
The persistent crisis indicated by poor facilities, low faculty salary, contractualization of employees, and
lack of basic student services in public schools is worsened by the trend of decreasing state subsidy for
education over the years. The lack of fiscal support from the government has forced university administrations to resort to measures such as tuition hikes, socialized tuition, imposition of new fees, and other
income-generating measures.
The crisis will get worse as the tertiary education budget systematically declines under President Benigno
Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III, who announced in his 2011 budget message that “we are gradually reducing
the subsidy to [state colleges and universities] 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.”
True to his program, the Department of Budget and Management, for the year 2012, approved only P21.9
billion for 110 State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), a 0.64% decrease from the current P22B. For the
University of the Philippines system, P1.16 billion was slashed between 2010 and 2011, and an additional
cut of P200 million is pending for 2012, bringing down the UP system budget from P5.75B to P5.54B — an
allocation that amounts to only 32% of the UP budget proposal of P17.07B. Budget for capital outlay, for
two years running, is zero.
We are alarmed that state support for education and other social services under President Aquino is diminishing in measures, and deteriorating in quality. Amidst the low wages of the Filipino workers and the
skyrocketing prices of basic goods and services, it is high time to ensure that fundamental education does
not become a further burden to the ordinary Filipino.
We assert that the government must prioritize education and basic social services. We demand that the
government commit to ensuring quality and affordable education at the basic and tertiary level, through
adequate funding for the Department of Education, the Commission on Higher Education, and other statefunded schools and universities.
It is in this united resolve that we, the undersigned officials and individuals from offices, student organizations and formations, faculty, research and extension personnel, administrative personnel, unions, and
other formations declare our support for the campaign to end education crisis and fight for greater state
subsidy.
The UP community will not stand for yet another round of budget cuts to the education sector. We are
prepared to fight for our rights, as demonstrated during the November 2010 campus strikes.
Let us show the resolve and strength of a united UP community through activities and programs designed
to encourage the active participation of our respective colleges, offices, organizations and constituents
to support this campaign. Let us show the power of collective action through mass demonstrations, and
focused lobbying with our legislators to ensure a sufficient budget allotment for SUCs — for only through
greater state subsidy can education be truly democratic, scientific, and geared towards serving the nation.
OPINION
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 21, 2011
Pagsinsay
B
Aries Joseph
Armendi Hegina
Nakakapagpabagabag
iktima ako ng terorismo.
huwad na solusyon sa kahirapan ng mga mamamayan, at palobohin ang pork barrel ng
mga alagad niya.
Nasa ikalawang baitang ako nang bumagsak ang dalawang gusali ng World Trade Center sa
New York. Noong mga panahong iyon, hindi ko makita ang dahilan kung bakit kailangang
ibalita ang pagguho ng mga gusali gayong ang mga ito ay nasa Estados Unidos naman.
Dalawang bagay ang idinulot ng trahedya sa aking murang kamalayan. Una, nagawa kong
makisimpatya sa mga taong nagdadalamhati sa mga kaanak at kapamilyang nasama sa
pagguho. At pangalawa, binigyan ng mukha ng trahedyang ito ang mga konseptong
dati ay pawang mga salita lamang sa aking murang isipan. Ang salitang terorista ay
naglalarawan sa tulad ni Osama Bin Laden at ang terorismo ang sumasalamin sa mga
hakbang na sumisira sa mga buhay at pangarap ng mga tao.
Matapos ang isang dekada ay muling namayani ang poot sa
puso ng mga naulila laban sa mga may pakana ng kahindikhindik na trahedya. Muling inalala ng mundo ang mga buhay
na nasayang ng dahil sa kagustuhan ng ilan na patunayan na
sila ang pinaka-makapangyarihan sa buong mundo. At higit
sa lahat, muling nanariwa ang mga ala-alang ninanais ng ilan
na ibaon na lang sa limot, kasama ng mga batong bumagsak.
Isang dekada na nang gumuho ang dalawang gusali ngunit sa
panahong ito, nagbabadya muli ang paglaganap ng bagong
uri ng terorismo.
Muli na namang kinaltasan ng gobyernong pinatatakbo ng terorista ang badyet ng sektor
ng kalusugan at edukasyon. Kahindik-hindik na pagkaltas na aabot sa 569.8 milyong
piso ang binawas sa subsidiya ng gobyerno para sa mga pampublikong kolehiyo at
pamantasan, at ang pondo ng Unibersidad ng Pilipinas (UP) para sa Maintenance and
Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) ay binawasan naman ng 200 milyong piso. Ang badyet
naman para sa 55 pampublikong pagamutan ay bumagsak ng higit sa 1.1 bilyong piso.
Ang mga pagkaltas na ito sa dalawang importanteng sektor ng lipunan ay sumasalamin sa
plano ng terorista na sirain ang buhay ng naghihirap
na mayoryang nagluklok sa kanya sa pwesto.
"Isang dekada na nang gumuho
ang dalawang gusali ngunit
sa panahong ito, nagbabadya
muli ang paglaganap ng bagong
uri ng terorismo."
Ang makabagong terorista ay inihalal ng tao at may baong mga hungkag na retorikang
“matuwid na daan” at “kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap.” Kuta niya ang palasyo
ng Malacañan at ang kanyang mga alagad ay ang mga politikong nakaupo sa Batasan,
Senado at mga probinsya at bayan. Sa pamumuno ng bagong terorista ay matagumpay na
nasagawa ang bagong uri ng terorismo na natatago sa pangalang “Operation: Presidente
Pagbabago” Nakapaloob sa operasyong ito ang pagsugpo sa mga nagwawang-wang na
mga mamamayang hindi nagpalinlang sa bagong terorista, pagpagamit sa mga banyagang
“mamumuhunan” tulad ng imperyalistang US at higit sa lahat, ang pagkaltas sa badyet ng
mga batayang pangangailangan upang pondohan ang Conditional Cash Transfer, na isang
Rêveur*
U
11
Sa hakbang na pagkaltas sa mga batayang
pangangailangan ng edukasyon at kalusugan ng
bagong terorista ay muling sumagi sa aking isipan ang
nangyari noong Setyembre 11, 2001. Ngunit sa halip
na dalawang gusali ang pinabagsak ng terorista ay
ang sektor ng kalusugan at edukasyon na sinisimbolo
ng dalawang parola—mga parolang nagsisilbing
tanglaw ng mga mamamayan upang makaalpas sa
mapanglaw na estado ng pagdarahop―ang walanghabas na pinaguho. Ang patuloy na pag-abandona
ng gobyerno sa pagsubsidiya sa mga batayang pangangailangan at ang pagtalikod sa
responsibilidad nito sa mga mamamayan ay kasinglubha ng uri ng terorismong ginawa
ng Al-Qaeda sa Estados Unidos.
Hindi dapat tayo nakukuntento sa sistemikong pagyurak ng gobyerno sa tungkulin nito na
paglingkuran ang sambayanan.
Biktima tayong lahat ng terorismo. Sama-sama nating labanan ang mapaniil at
nagpapahirap na mga hakbang ng namamayaning terorista sa gobyerno. Sapagkat sa
sama-samang pakikibaka sa kasulukuyang bulok na sistema ay ating makakamit ang
inaasam na reporma.
Beanca Jhanine
Mulato Samiano
Suntok sa Buwan
P Manila. Degree Program With Available Slots.
Noong una kong makita ang mga salitang ito, labis ang aking kaligayahan sapagkat isa ako
sa mga mapapalad na makakapag-aral sa Unibersidad ng Pilipinas Maynila (UPM). Ako’y
tubong Laguna, malapit lamang sa Unibersidad ng Pilipinas Los Banos (UPLB), subalit bakit
nga ba UPM ang una kong inilagay sa aking aplikasyon?
Musmos pa lamang ako, madalas na akong tanungin kung ano ang gusto ko paglaki ko.
Dahil bata pa, lahat na yata ng propesyon ay ninais ko. Habang ako’y nagkakaisip, dalawang propesyon na lang ang nagmarka sa isipan ko - medisina o abogasya. Dahil ayaw
ng aking pamilya na ako’y maging abogado, mas ninais kong
maging doktor.
Isa lang ang dahilan kung bakit ito ang gusto ko, ang makapanggamot ng libre - sa madaling salita, volunteer doctor.
Nasaksihan kasi ng aking dalawang mata ang nakapanlulumong sitwasyon ng mga bata sa squatters area at narinig ng
aking dalawang tainga ang hinaing ng mga may sakit subalit
hindi makapagpagamot dahil walang pera.
Sa aking pagninilay-nilay, aking napagtanto na hindi doon dapat matapos ang pagbuo
at pag-abot sa mga pangarap sa buhay. May paraan pa para makatulong sa kapwa ko
Pilipino. Ano man ang kursong pinag-aaralan ko ngayon, ito na ang pagbubukas ng mga
bintana kapalit ng mga pintuang nagsara. Sabi nga sa akin ng kaibigan ko, kung gusto ko
raw talaga tulungan ang mga taong nasa paligid ko, marami raw paraan. Hindi ko dapat
ikahon ang pagtulong sa kapwa sa isang propesyon lamang.
Kung saan mang larang ako dalhin ng kursong pinag-aaralan ko, isa lamang ang titiyakin
ko: darating ang panahon na matutulungan ko rin ang aking lupang sinilangan sa kahit
paanong paraan.
“Darating ang panahon na
matutulungan ko rin ang aking lupang sinilangan sa kahit
paanong paraan.”
Noong nalaman iyon ng tiyo ko, ako’y kanyang pinagtawanan
sapagkat wala raw pera sa mithiin na aking nais tunguhin. Para sa akin, may mga bagay sa
mundo na hindi kayang tapatan ng kahit anong salapi o ginto. Hindi kami mayaman pero
alam ko na sa ganitong paraan ay marami akong matutulungan. Marahil isipin ng iba, ako’y
mapagkunwari o nagpapanggap lamang ngunit sa kaibuturan ng aking damdamin ay naroon ang mithiin na makatulong sa aking kababayan at makapagsilbi sa sarili kong bayan.
Perpekto na sana kung iisipin ngunit sa isang iglap, ang pangarap na nais abutin ay naglaho na parang bula. Ang kurso na sana’y magsisilbing unang hakbang patungo sa pagiging
doktor ay pinagkait sa akin ng tadhana. Napunta ako sa isang kurso na hindi ko naman
ginusto. Lubos akong nainis sa aking sarili dahil maaaring simula ngayon ay hindi na patungong medisina ang landas na aking tatahakin. Marahil, nabigo na nga ako.
Kung maging abogado man ako, titiyakin ko na sa
tama ang kahahantungan nito. Kung hindi ko man
maabot ang alin man sa dalawang propresyon na gusto ko, siguro ang magiging anak o apo ko na lang ang
magpapatuloy.
Sa aking pananatili sa Maynila, mas lalo akong hinuhubog ng pang-araw-araw na pamumuhay. Nakikita ko
ang mga magsasaka, manggagawa, at mag-aaral na
naninindigan para sa kanilang mga karapatan. Naririnig ko ang panlilimos ng mga batang palaboy sa kahabaan ng Taft Avenue. Ang bawat
sitwasyon na aking nasasaksihan ay ang realidad ng buhay.
Hindi maitatatwa na ito ang katotohanan, ngunit sana isang araw ay isa ako sa mga aalalay
sa mga taong naulila, inapi at napabayaan. Sana balang araw, ang pundasyon na aking
ihahalili sa naudlot kong pangarap ang magiging susi sa maganda nilang kinabukasan.
Ang salitang “Iskolar ng Bayan” ay hindi ikinabit sa atin upang maging gamit pang-akademya lamang. Ito’y isang hamon kung papaano natin maibabalik sa taong-bayan ang bawat
dugo at pawis na kanilang pinuhunan upang tayo ay makapag-aral.
*ito ay isang salitang Pranses, na ang ibig sabihin ay taong nangangarap ng gising.
12 editorial
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 21, 2011
W
e will wage another war.
We have already rallied for and asserted
our rights but the government led by the
President who had sworn service to the
Filipinos remains resolute in its decision to
abandon its people. But as the injustices
persist, we will not yield nor falter. As the
social services bleed and suffer anew from
the present government’s oppressive
ruses, we will stand at the forefront
of battle, prepared to defend. We will
demonstrate our abhorrence and make
the state feel the wrath of the multitude
from whom rights have been taken. We
will exhaust the only option left for us to
do. Amidst all the turmoil, we will strike.
Last year, newly-elected President,
Benigno Aquino demonstrated how
ruthless and brutal his administration
can be as it slashed the budget for
tertiary education, plunging its already
derelict state deeper into the depths of
insolvency. This year, his administration
has once again turned its ears deaf to
the clamor of the people as it plans to
further the curtailment of the funds for
education and health, while bloating
those for foreign creditors, the military
and dole-out projects.
The dents previous budget cuts left
materialize in every form possible. UP’s
drastic decline in the university world
rankings comprise only the surface of the
problem. Underneath it lie the high school
graduates who are financially challenged
yet intellectually fit to enter the gates
of the University; the proliferation of
privatization which consumes its decrepit
walls, leaving behind the stain of increases
in tuition fee; and the deterioration of
UP’s public character with the poorest
of the poor unable to enter it, and its
ultimate purpose defeated. Perhaps now,
alarm may stir among the officials as UP
was voted out of the Top 300 universities
in the world in the recent ranking result
of the Quacquarelli Symonds World
University Rankings,– the clearest sign of
state neglect. But if the improvement of
the ranking would be the only measure,
it would not compensate for the horror of
Cutthroat
it all, for the murder of public tertiary
education.
Education is a right. There can simply
be no clearer statement, no other
fundamental principle. It is not an
enterprise, commodity, privilege or
trophy of some sort. Access to education
should not be laced with barriers,
especially by the one deemed to own
the responsibility of its proliferation.
Each one is endowed with the right to
know, and the enlightenment it offers
is beyond what can be measured by
monetary value. As such, no amount of
heightened military defense, lessened
foreign debt, or funded project would
ever compensate for the youth denied
of the right to education.
Past budget slashes may have bled
the University to its demise, but the
students – the greatest stakeholder
in the scenario – will never accept
an easy defeat. For even as an
alarming shortage of funds threatens
the existence of UP and ultimately
its precious public character, the
spirit of unity in the struggle is not
crushed. A strike becomes the means
by which resistance to any form
of denial of the right to education
takes full manifestation. Last year’s
historic strike has become a symbol
of both the potency and victory of
the students’ collective endeavor as
it resulted to the additional funds
bestowed upon the state colleges and
universities. The boycott of the system
reflects the dissent of the students
with the administration’s atrocious
plans to further the downgrading
of tertiary education. Perhaps, the
harsh insinuations of an alarmingly
meager budget may again become
the impetus for the people to rise and
fight for what is truly theirs to begin
with.
T
he time is once again ripe for
us to counter the unjust ruses
of the Aquino administration and
defend not only our rights but also
those of the ailing Filipino masses
and future generations of Iskolar ng
Bayan.
In this crucial time, we will wage
another war.
“Strike has become the
symbol of the potency and
victory of the students’
collective endeavor.”