BADget CUT!

The Official Statement of the UPV University Student Council on the Recent Budget Cut for UP and the Whole Education Sector



11 September 2010





"We allocated Php23.4 billion to 112 State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in 2011. This is 1.7% lower than the Php23.8 billion budget for 2010. We are gradually reducing the subsidy to SUCs to push them toward becoming self-sufficient and financially independent, given their ability to raise their income and to utilize for their programs and projects."



- President Benigno Aquino,

Statement on the Budget for 2011







This has been the biggest budget cut in the history of the University of the Philippines . From the Php18.5 B proposed budget by the UP Administration down to Php5.5 B. This is Php1.39 B short than the previous year's UP budget. The Maintenance and Other Operating Expenditures (MOOE) is slashed by 52%. The Capital Outlay is reduced to an extreme ZERO.



It thus becomes evident that the promised change of the Aquino Administration has fallen into the ground as he continues the schemes of the past regimes.



The UPV University Student Council, mandated to defend and be at the forefront of the struggle for the rights and interests of each Iskolar ng Bayan, strongly opposes the Php1.39 B UP Budget Cut and the further commercialization and privatization of UP and the whole education sector.



We believe that education is a right, thus, it should be given affordable and accessible to all. It must be given the highest priority as stipulated in the Philippine Constitution. We believe that reducing the budget not only for UP but to the whole education sector is a manifestation of further commercialization of education. This would lead to more increases in the tuition and other exorbitant fees in the University. Despite the high cost of education in UP due to the increased tuition which deemed to answer the lack of facilities and budget, other fees were still collected. In UP Visayas for instance, implementation and collection of various fees have been rampant. In the May 27 Board of Regents (BOR) meeting, laboratory fee increases of over 600% on 7 Biology subjects and 2 statistics lab fees both in Cebu College and 5 laboratory fees in Miag-ao were approved by the BOR. In Tacloban College , laboratory fees on their Humanities subject have been collected despite the lack of laboratory. The struggle of the SOTECH students for additional laboratories and equipment particularly for the BS in Chemical Engineering majors has long been standing. Collection of PE Lab Fees, though it was recently deferred due to the lack of consultation to the students and opposition among the lines of the students and student councils, was never put into close by the Roman Administration. Truly, redundancy on fee collection is quiet apparent.



Further commercialization of education is always accompanied by intensified repression in the campus. The past administration has proven adept at this kind of manoeuvre. The 6 dreadful years of the so-called Roman empire had drastically diverted the public character of UP as a people's university through passing the 300% Tuition and Other Fees Increase (TOFI), more than 50 laboratory fees and increases system-wide, leasing of idle assets to private corporations for the sake of IGP, harassment of student leaders and organizations and worst, the ouster of the sole representative of the students in the BOR which is critical to their anti-student and anti-people policies – the Student Regent.



We believe that this step would only justify and aggravate the worsening condition of the Philippine Educational System – Colonial, Commercialized and Fascist – and this only confirms the state's abandonment to their responsibility to allocate a higher budget for education. Thus, we urge and challenge the UP Presidential nominees to take a vital position and action on the current crises inside and outside the university and uphold the public character of UP as the state's Premier University .



We likewise challenge the Aquino Administration to reverse the policies it makes that further lessen the budget for education. He must stand on his words during his campaign period that he will prioritize education among others and allocate 6% of the GDP to education as what the UNESCO recommended.



We are one with the other youth and students in the call to re-channel the budget spent for debt servicing, military and programs prone to corruption to the education sector. And in this light, we call on all the Iskolars ng Bayan to unite in the fight for greater budget for UP and the whole education sector.



History tells us that only through our collective action we can surpass and even trample down an administration that has been deaf in the calls of the students and of the people. It has been proven that our rights were never given to us for free. They were gained through the unwavering passion of the early Iskolars ng Bayan to uphold the institution's public character as well as to defend each student's rights and interests. Once again, let us link our arms together as time calls us to fight firmly for our just and legitimate struggle for education.







OPPOSE THE Php1.39 B BUDGET CUT FOR UP!

UPHOLD THE PUBLIC CHARACTER OF UP AS A PEOPLE'S UNIVERSITY!



EDUCATION IS A RIGHT!

NO TO COMMERCIALIZATION AND PRIVATIZATION OF EDUCATION!

NO TO STATE ABANDONMENT ON EDUCATION!

FIGHT FOR GREATER STATE SUBSIDY!


ISKOLAR NG BAYAN, TULOY PA RIN ANG LABAN!

Gawad Panitikang Pangkalusugan Winners Announced!!!

Health and literacy take the forefront in the first-ever Gawad Panitikang Pangkalusugan: A Nationwide Children’s Book Writing Competition created by the Mu Sigma Phi Sorority of the UP – College of Medicine.

In celebration of their Diamond Anniversary, this multi-awarded organization developed this pioneering contest which aims to produce top-notch children’s books focusing on health education.

With the desire to positively influence the health-seeking behaviors of the youth, and to tap the literary gifts of would-be writers nationwide, this competition was launched last December 2009 and concluded just this July 2010. With the theme Tabi-tabi po: Exploring Philippine Health Myths, the competition was met with enthusiasm and outstanding support – receiving a total of 144 entries from various regions of the country.



And now, the Mu Sigma Phi Sorority proudly presents its winners:




Brain/Behavior:
“MAKI’S COLORFUL WORLD” by Nikolai
Writer: Margaret P. Yarcia, 23/F, Diliman QC
MA Psychology, UP Diliman

“CROOKED” by Maria Colonia
Writer: Mary Gigi Constantino, 28/F, BLs Paranaque, Metro Manila
Software Engineer, Accenture


Fever/Infections:
“THE SPIRIT OF THE RAIN” by Oudein
Writer: John Anthony D. Tindoc, 24/M, Ermita, Manila
Medical Student, UPCM


Stomach:
“FIVE SECONDS ONLY” by Bunny Lyn
Writer: Hannah Lyn C. Creencia, 20/F, Cagayan de Oro City
B.A. Mass Communications, Silliman University


Nutrition:
“THE UNTOLD STORY OF SUPER BOY” by Bayang Magiliw
Writer: Benjamin R. Mangubat, 55/M, Makati City
Professor, UP Manila






Congratulations to all the winners!

Thank you to all the supporters of the Gawad Panitikang Pangkalusugan!


Visit www.gawadpanitikan. com

GMA’s egoistic Independence Day parade underscores lack of budget for education

National Union of Students of the Philippines
National Office Office of the Student Regent, Vinzons Hall, UP Diliman, QC Telephone 9818500 loc. 4511 or 4512



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 12, 2010



GMA’s egoistic Independence Day parade underscores lack of budget for education

The National Union of Students of the Philippines held a protest to reprove President Arroyo’s P10 million legacy parade despite poor state spending on the deepening crisis on education.

“It’s a foolish splurge for Mrs. Arroyo’s Independence Day caprices considering that there are massive shortages of school essentials, like classrooms, teachers, textbooks, et al. If there is one thing the government ought to fund, it’s our deteriorating education. To expend people’s money for a parade of lies is intolerable. ” said Bugsy Nolasco, NUSP Executive Vice President.

“Under Arroyo’s administration, state abandonment on education reached its peak. Currently, the government spends P6.85 for every basic education student a day. In State Universities and Colleges, budget cuts totaled P 3.194 billion, which resulted to almost 2 million out-of-school youth in the country,” he added.

From the data of ACT Teachers Partylist for the incoming school year 2010-2011, there will be a shortage of 54,060 teachers, 4,538 principals, and 6,473 headteachers; 61,343 classrooms, 816,291 seats, and 113,051 water and sanitation facilities.

Nolasco furthered that the P10M can build 15 to 20 classrooms or 27 water & sanitation facilities or purchase 226,500 textbooks or make 9,954 seats or hire 67 additional teachers or even send 1,800 out of school youth to high school.

On the other hand, NUSP NCR Chair Marie Torregoza said that even in the remaining days of Arroyo in power, the latter never failed to use public funds for herself. She added that the egoistic parade will never change people’s demand for her immediate prosecution and incarceration.

“For nine excruciating years, we were told of unfounded accomplishments of Arroyo. But truth be told Filipinos want her to be punished for her crimes immediately.” she added. ###

Youth Artists Decry Demolition of Rizal’s Second Home

January 10, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



NEWS:

Reference: Marish Viola

Media Liason <09061907038>



Youth Artists Decry Demolition of Rizal’s Second Home



UgnaYAN, a network of youth artists, joins the people of Binan in their calls to stop the imminent demolition of the Alberto House, the 200-year old ancestral home of Teodora Alonzo, Jose Rizal’s mother, and challenges the upcoming Noynoy administration to defend our national heritage.

“The love of the people to its country is reflected on how they value their culture and how they would respect the inheritances of their history,” said EJ Mijares, spokesperson of UgnaYAN. “The Alberto house is not only an invaluable treasure to the people of Binan and Laguna, but an historical and architectural treasure that survived since 1765 to the nation as well.”

Recently, the lone heir of the Alberto family found that he could no longer maintain and repair Jose Rizal’s second home, which suffered from government neglect and deterioration. After hearing no response to his call for help from the local government, he was compelled to sell the house that lead up to its attempted demolition. Reports stated that about 20 percent of the house has already been torn down before the Binan authorities acted upon it.

“We believe that the Alberto house needs to be guarded not just with crossed fingers but with a vigilance that such an historical and culturally significant artifact deserves,” Mijares declares, “It is evident that the government’s attention to the preservation of our culture is lacking and we enjoin the president-elect to provide programs that care for our heritage and thus develops national culture.”

Recently, artists in support of the preservation of the Alberto house demonstrated their unity in a night of cultural performances of songs, poetry and the like in the town plaza of Binan.

“The deterioration of the Filipino culture can be directly attributed to the existing attitude of our responsible institutions. This is an issue of our sense of nationhood, and our willingness to promote a culture and society that is relevant to its people,” Mijares concluded. ###

VolunteeRUN

Ugnayan ng Pahinungod Manila - The Official Volunteer Service Arm of the University of the Philippines is inviting you to help us in raising funds for all our programs.

We will be having an activity entitled: "VolunteeRun Part 2: Tara Na! Takbo Na Ulit!" on June 27, 2010 at the CCP Complex. Further details on the attached copy of our invitation, mechanics and map.

Should there be any question/s, please feel free to contact us at 526-6950 to 51 and look for Ms. Beng or Ms. Abba.

Together let us make a difference.




Mechanics:

Who Can Join

1. The race is open to all runners, male and female.
2. The race is divided into the following categories:
A. 3K open to Street Children (partner institution of Pahinungód)
B. 3K open to Parent & Child (12 yrs. Old below) Tandem
C. 5K open to Men and Women - individual runners
D. 10K open to Men and Women - individual runners
E. 21K open to Men and Women - individual runners
3. Participating minors should submit a written consent from a parent or guardian.

RACE PROPER

1. Assembly/ check in shall be from 4:30 a.m to 5:30 a.m., CCP Open Grounds (near Home Depot/ Jollibee Macapagal Avenue Branch).
2. The start/ finish area for the race will be at the CCP Open Grounds.
3. All runners for the:
3K category shall make 1 lapse from the starting line then will turn right to Atang Dela Rama St., Vicente Sotto St., Jalandoni St. and the back to the CCP Open Grounds.

5K category shall make 1 lapse from the starting line then will make a left turn to GSIS/ Senate then make a U-turn going to Atang De Rama St., Vicente Sotto St., Jalandoni St and then back to the CCP Open Grounds.

10K category shall make 2 lapses from the starting line then will make a left turn to GSIS/ Senate then make a U-turn going to Atang Dela Rama St., Vicente Sotto St., Jalandoni St and then back to the CCP Open Grounds.

21K category shall make 7 lapses from the starting line then will turn right to Atang Dela Rama St., Vicente Sotto St., Jalandoni St. and then back to the CCP Open Grounds.

4. All runners should get a color-coded band for each round-about or laps he/ she finishes.

PRIZES AT STAKE

1. The top three (3) finishers for each category shall be declared the winners. * 3K category winners must be parent-child tandem. Winners shall receive medals with an additional cash prize. All finishers will receive a certificate of completion.
2. Special Awards awaits the following:
- Oldest Runner
- Youngest Runner
- Biggest Delegation
3. The names of the winners shall be placed in the official newsletter of Ugnayan ng Pahinungód to be published in the 3rd quarter of 2010.
4. The decision of the organizers are final.

Call for participants of FY2010 Empowerment Seminar for Women Leaders in the Asia Pacific Region

Dear friends and colleagues,

Please be informed that National Women's Education Center of
Japan (NWEC) is now calling for participants of FY2010 Empowerment
Seminar for Women Leaders in the Asia Pacific Region.
This year's seminar will focus on
"Development of Women Leaders: Implications from Japanese Experience".
Government officials, NGO members and academe who are striving for
women's empowerment in the Asia Pacific region are welcome to
apply. Detailed application guideline and application forms are
available on our website. Application deadline is
June 14 (Mon.), 2010, 24:00PM, Japan Time.

http://www.nwec.jp/en/information/page14.html

Please note that some revisions have been made with regard to the
qualification of the applicatns (i.e. age limit = 35 years) and
assignments submitted to us.

We would appreciate it if you could circulate this information
within your network and encourage qualified applicants to consider the
application.

Should you have any queries on this seminar, please do not hesitate to
forward your questions to rese2@nwec.jp.

NUSP, Kabataan launch “Balik-eskwela” hotline, pressure CHED to pass tuition hike freeze

May 24, 2010



NUSP, Kabataan launch “Balik-eskwela” hotline, pressure CHED to pass tuition hike freeze



The National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP) and the Kabataan Partylist today launched “Balik-eskwela” hotline to gather complaints from parents and students regarding school violations on tuition and other fees consultation.



According to earlier statements from CHED, the 339 schools it has approved to increase may be sliced down should CHED be able to determine the schools which did not consult with parents and students.



Einstein Recedes, NUSP national president, took CHED to task for “its apparent softness towards the schools it approved when most did not in fact do any form of democratic consultation. As early as March 2010, we have notified CHED of various school violations on tuition consultations. Up to now, CHED has not released the list of approved schools with increases as if the list were some obscene secret that should be kept away from the public eye.”



“We launch the ‘Balik-eswela’ hotline to reach out to parents and students from all over the country and to collect reports about school violations. We now have an initial list of schools which violated the tuition consultation policy and we fear more will add to our list.”



Recedes likewise urged high school students and their parents to report any violations to NUSP and Kabataan’s ‘Balik-eswela’ hotline. This is in line with DepEd’s “no collection of fee” policy.



Recedes reiterated that “the tuition hike freeze remains the resounding demand of parents and students. CHED allows the yearly increase of tuition and other fees to the detriment of millions of students forced to drop out. Based on UNESCO’s study in 2008, 73% of the youth were forced to drop out due to the unattainable price of education in our country. This number continues to rise given that CHED has not done anything to improve the state of Philippine education.”



“The rotten education system leaves us with no choice but to counter it with militancy. The youth are prepared to do militant actions in order make CHED fulfill the people’s demand for quality and accessible education,” he said.



Reference:

Einstein Recedes, NUSP national president, 0915-646-91- 77



‘Balik-eskwela’ hotlines: 352-10-54, 0922-824-07- 40, 0915-646-91- 77

Student Leadership Training (May 20-21)

CAS STUDENT LEADERSHIP TRAINING
20-21 May 2010
Gusaling Andres Bonifacio GAB 301
CAS, UP Manila

DAY 1

10:00 AM National Anthem

Welcome Remarks
Dean Reynaldo Imperial

Presentations and Lectures

Professors Andrea Martinez
“Motivating Factors for Student Leadership”

Colonel Lysandro Suerte
“Nationalism, Community and Nationbuilding--The Role of the Philippine Military”

Ms. Charisse Banez
“The True Essence of Student Leadership”

Mr. Terry Ridon
“Challenges Confronting the New Breed of Student Leaders at UP: Nationalism and Social Responsibility”

OPEN FORUM

12:00 NN Lunch
1:00 PM Student Workshop

-Identification of the important core values that should be developed among student leaders
-Formulation of Action Plans, Programs and Activities consistent with the core values

DAY 2

10:00 AM Inspirational Talk
“Voluntarism and Social Responsibility through Education”
Ms Jenny May Bernal-

11:00 AM Awarding of Certificates of Attendance to Participants
Dean Reynaldo Imperial

11:15 AM Closing Remarks
Prof. Sharon Caringal


Source: http://casupm.blogspot.com/2010/05/student-leadership-training-may-20-21.html

Earthquake Awareness Seminar

Everyone is invited to the Earthquake Awareness Seminar tomorrow, Friday, 9 am to 12 nn at the CAS Little Theater.

Please confirm your attendance with the Office of the Associate Dean for Planning and Development.

Programme:

Opening Remark
Prof Samuel Go
Chair, CAS Disaster Preparedness Committee
Chair, Department of Biology

Introduction of Resource Speaker
Ms Carlota Surat
Administrative Officer, College of Arts and Sciences

Lecture: Earthquake Awareness
Ms Shelby Ruiz
Training Officer, Office of Civil Defense - National Capital Region

Closing Remarks
Dr Reynaldo Imperial
Dean, College of Arts and Sciences, UP Manila


Source: http://casupm.blogspot.com/2010/05/earthquake-awareness-seminar.html

Home Run Challenge

This fun run is made possible, aiming to help Chosen Children Village Foundation [www.chosenchildernv illage.org], a family-style set up for children with special needs, physically and mentally.
For more information, email us on [toughcookieproducti ons@gmail. com] or visit our facebook fanpage [Tough Cookie Productions] or visit [takbo.ph]

REGISTER NOW!!!
Registration Booths
Festival Supermall Customer Service - Filinvest City, Alabang
The Perfect White Shirt Branches ( Glorietta, Greenhills, Market Market, Marquee - Pampanga, Trinoma )


for inquiries call of text
Niel - 0932 5662686 / 0915 8982482
Bernice - 0920 9611644 / 09228611644
or email us - toughcookieproducti ons@gmail. com

7th Ang Abakada at ang mga Bata

Wala ka bang ginagawa sa bahay ngayong summer? Nais mo bang makatulong sa mga bata? Ikaw ang kailangan namin!

We need volunteers who would like to teach the alphabet to children in Tondo. This is everyday, 8-11 am only; til May 9, Sundays to Saturdays except on Mondays which serve as the children's rest day. If interested, pls coordinate with Herald Villarca (founder of Kanlungan Pilipinas) at 09153486737. May God bless your kind heart!

Ambisyon 2010

March 29 is Blog Action Day for Education

March 29 is Blog Action Day for Education

26 March 2010

This week was marked by several student actions that successfully prevented moves to make education less accessible. Among the policies that were either delayed or prevented are:

* an almost-2000% tuition hike in the Polytechnic University of the Philippines
* approval of tuition hike proposals in most of the 233 private schools that violated consultation guidelines

However, many issues continue to affect the Filipino youth’s right to a quality and accessible education, such as the continued implementation of forced graduation fees, and the ‘no permit, no exam’ policy, as well as tuition and other fee increases in private universities.

On Monday, March 29, students will again take to the streets to demand an emergency budget allocation for education and the prevention of any and all tuition and other fee increases for the coming school year. We in the KABATAAN Online Team invite you to show your support, both in the streets and online.

That’s why we invite you to take part in our Blog Action Day on Education this Mar.29.

Here’s how you can participate: write a blog entry on the theme “Education is a Right” on Monday (or prepare one before and just post it on that day).

You can write about the present state of our education system, and how well (or unwell) is the youth’s right to a quality and accessible education being implemented. You can write about the conditions in your school, or your personal struggles with regards to finishing your studies.

You can also write about your opinion on the PUP & UP protests, the issues surrounding the events, or even a personal narrative if you were able to participate. You can choose to write about the importance of education and the education system to Filipinos and the Phil. society in general.

After writing your entry, post a link to this page. Also, (especially if you are blogging on a social network like Facebook or Friendster) post the link to your entry at this page’s Comments section. This way, we’ll be able to monitor how many bloggers are participating and we can thank those who did. And don’t forget to insert this blog button into your entry with the following code

Here are other ways you can participate in the Blog Action Day for Education:

Post this message in your Facebook, Friendster, etc. Status: “Everyone has the right to a quality and accessible education. If you agree, please post this as your Status for the whole day on March 29”

Make this picture your profile pic in your various social network accounts for the entire day

Education is a right. Let’s all stand up for our rights on March 29. ###

Gawad Panitikang Pangkalusugan

Studies show that the single best determinant of health is educational attainment. Building a healthier Philippines begins with our children and their innate capacities to build better worlds in their minds. Let us foster this by helping them learn to read.
 
The MU SIGMA PHI SORORITY of the UP College of Medicine
is now calling for entries for the



1st Gawad Panitikang Pangkalusugan – a nationwide children’s storybook writing competition on health.
 
The contest is open to all Filipino residents aged 18 years old and above, and challenges participants to break away from the clinical, didactic presentation of health issues and create it into a form that is both enjoyable and educational for a young audience aged 5-10 years old.
 
Entries must creatively tackle the theme: “Tabi-tabi po” – Exploring Philippine Health Myths.
 
Winners will receive Php 25,000 in cash, a medal, and a chance to be published as a full-color picture in a 7-volume storybook series. Published books will be donated to the AHON Foundation and other beneficiaries.
 
Deadline of entries is on May 15, 2010.
 
Visit www.gawadpanitikan. com for details.

NUSP 4th Luzon-wide Student Congress

Warmest greetings of solidarity from the Student Union!

The NATIONAL UNION OF STUDENTS OF THE PHILIPPINES (NUSP) is a nationwide alliance of more than 650 student councils/government s/federations/ unions committed to the advancement of the students’ democratic rights and welfare. Since its establishment in 1957, the NUSP has been steadfast at the forefront of the students’ struggle for their rights and in solidarity with the Filipino people’s struggle for social justice and meaningful changes in society. As such, the Union has earned the recognition of being the premiere national student center in the country.

We are very proud and excited to inform you that the Union will be holding its 4^th Luzon-Wide Student Congress on April 20-23, 2010 at the Pampanga Agricultural College (PAC), College of Forestry, at the Municipality of Magalang, Pampanga Province. Our venue is nestled at the foot of the famous Mt. Arayat. The student congress is hosted by the student councils of the Holy Angel University, Pampanga Agricultural College, Systems Plus College Foundation, Republic Central College, Don Honorio VenturaTechnologica l State University and Gua Gua National College. The theme is:

Our 4^th Luzon-wide Student Congress offers discussions on contemporary social issues, informative lectures and engaging trainings on basic skills for effective student leadership, among others. What is more, this year’s Luzon-wide congress is an opportune venue for student leaders across Luzon to interact with each other and build resolutions as we commit ourselves to contributing to genuine social change in the upcoming May 2010 elections and beyond.

In this light, we cordially invite your student council/government/ organization to take part in this momentous assembly. You may send as many delegates as possible. Attached is the copy of the programme for your perusal. Registration fee is pegged at Php 1,500 to cover food, accommodation, training kits and souvenir. Also, please settle your student council/government’s annual membership fee of Php 300.00 and publication fee of Php 200.00. Please confirm your attendance on or before April 12, 2010.

For queries, you may contact the undersigned at 09156469177 or Vanessa at 09277515365 or Bugsy at 09228240740. You may also email us at nusp_national@ yahoo.com.

We look forward to seeing you at the congress!

In the service of the students and the people,

Einstein Recedes

National President

WOMENvironment: Beautifying UPM's Buildings

Good day! In line with Women's Month,
UP One Earth
in partnership with the
Center for Gender & Women Studies
invites you to
"WOMENvironment:
Beautifying UPM's Buildings"
where 250 indoor plants would be launched throughout the 7 colleges of UP Manila. For more details, kindly check out http://uponeearth. multiply. com/photos/ album/57.
Be involved in making our working areas more appealing!

For student organizations, having at least 5 members of your organization attend this activity entitles you to be our partner.

"Only when we have cut all our trees, killed the animals

and filled the Earth with garbage,

will we realize we cannot eat PRIDE nor MONEY ."

ANGELI V. GUADALUPE

Batch 2009, Bayer Young Envtl Envoy

President, UP One Earth

Class of 2014, UP-CM

09177851882; 09228518827

gelguadalupe. multiply. com

Free Underwater Hockey Tutorial

Young Artists' Studio Summer Workshops

Young Artists' Studio Summer Workshops

March 2010 Schedule


Painting for Teens and Adults: Sundays 1:00- 4:00 PM
From March 21 to May 30
March 21, 28 April 11, 18, 25 May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30



April 2010 Schedule
Batch 1 M-W-F
Art for Beginners 10am-12noon
Storytelling and Puppetry 2pm-4pm
M-W-F April 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26, 28, 30, May 3


Batch 1 T-Th-S
Basic Painting for Kids 10am-12noon
Photography for Kids 2-4pm
T-Th-S April 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29, May 4, 6


Early bird discounts available for registration before March 25, 2010

Young Artists' Studio is located at Unit 3A MS Tower, #29 Road 8, Project 6 Quezon City. For inquiries, you may reach us through:

Mobile: +639175685939 (globe) / +6329296875322 (smart)

Landline: (632) 9645951

Email: youngartistsstudio@ gmail.com

Website: www.youngartistsstu dio.wordpress. com

I tease, you come

Open letter from the Student Regent

BUKAS NA LIHAM SA MGA ISKOLAR NG BAYAN
HINGGIL SA PANGGIGIPIT AT PANUNUPIL NG BOR AT ADMINISTRASYONG PRESIDENT ROMAN LABAN SA OFFICE OF THE STUDENT REGENT

Opisina ng Rehente ng mga Mag-aaral
Unibersidad ng Pilipinas
March 8, 2010



Nagbabalik ang masalimuot na alaala at karanasan ng batas militar sa mga kasalukuyang pangyayari sa ating pinakamamahal na pamantasan.

Mula nang maitatag ang Office of the Student Regent (OSR) noong 1970, wala pang yugto sa kasaysayan ng ating Pamantasan kung saan nawalan ng kinatawan ang mga mag-aaral sa UP Board of Regents (BOR). Tanging sa loob ng isang dekada sa ilalim ng Batas Militar nilusaw ng diktadurya ang lahat ng mga institusyon at konseho ng mga mag-aaral, mga publikasyon at mga organisasyon sa loob ng pamantasan. Ngayong taon, matapos ang ilang dekada, Pebrero 25 nang ang BOR mismo ang tuluyang pumigil sa pag-upo sa kanilang pulong ang natatanging kinatawan ng mahigit 48,000 na mag-aaral ng Unibersidad ng Pilipinas.

Isang malaking kawalan at disbentahe sa libu-libong mag-aaral ng UP ang pagtatanggal ni President Emerlinda Roman at ng BOR sa ating Student Regent (SR). Tangan ang militanteng tradisyon ng institusyon, ang OSR ay inaasahang kumatawan at magsulong ng mga interes at paninindigan ng mga mag-aaral hinggil sa mga usapin ng pamantasan, hanggang sa mga usapin sa pambansang saklaw.

Sa kabila ng mahalagang papel ng OSR sa demokratikong pamamahala sa ating pamantasan, tayo ay tinanggalan ng representasyon sa BOR.

Malinaw sa atin ang dahilan: Alam natin na hindi ito simpleng usapin ng pagsunod sa mga panuntunan ng pamantasan, sa halip,

ito ay hakbangin upang magsulong ng makasarili at makauring interes ng iilan sa loob ng BOR.

Ngayon, hinubad na ng BOR ang kanyang maskara at inilantad ang sarili—hindi ito kailanman nagsilbi sa interes ng mga mag-aaral at iba’t ibang sektor ng pamantasan, pagka’t ito’y nilikha upang bigyang-wangis o bigyang-ilusyon lamang na may demokratikong pamamahala sa ating pamantasan.

Pebrero 17, 2010 noong makatanggap ang SR ng liham mula sa Secretary of the University and of the Board of Regents na si Dr. Lourdes E. Abadingo. Nakasaad rito na sa pulong umano ng BOR noong Enero 29, 2010, “the Board of Regents agreed that you should no longer be allowed to participate in its deliberations as Student Regent for your failure to comply with the qualifications to continue serving as Student Regent…The Chair, however, has instructed the undersigned to invite you as Observer in the meeting of the Board scheduled on 25 February 2010”.

Walang pagtatangging tinatanggap ng SR ang naging kahinaan nito na makapagpasa ng application for residency sa takdang panahon sa UP Los Baños, ngunit ito’y hindi mulat na paglabag sa mga panuntunan ng pamantasan.

Sa panahong iyon, mapagpasyang inuna ng SR ang paggampan sa kanyang mga tungkulin at gawain sa buwan ng Nobyembre at maagang bahagi ng Disyembre. Bumisita ang SR sa iba’t ibang mga yunit ng UP upang maglunsad ng konsultasyon, umupo sa mga dayalogo hinggil sa pagtataas ng mga bayarin sa mga laboratoryo, magsaliksik sa mga usaping nakasampa sa BOR, at magbigay ng mga pag-aaral sa mga kapwa Iskolar ng Bayan. Lalo na’t iyon ang kritikal na panahon ng deliberasyon ng badyet para sa mga State Colleges and Universities (SUCs), kabilang na ang UP na kumakaharap sa P2 bilyong kaltas sa badyet. Naging bahagi rin ang SR ng mga pamprobinsiya at pambansang aktibidad ng mga kabataan. Hindi rin ito nawala sa mga pambansang araw ng pagkilos ng mga kabataan at mamamayan para sa kanilang karapatan sa edukasyon at batayang serbisyong panlipunan.

Bukod rito, hindi na kailanman naging maluwag at ganap na malaya para sa SR ang pagluwas papuntang UPLB nang walang pangamba sa seguridad matapos makaranas ng red-tagging, sampu ng mga naging kasamahan nito sa Konseho ng Mag-aaral ng UPLB, UPLB Perspective at Samahan ng Kabataan para sa Bayan (SAKBAYAN), mga lehitimong estudyante, at miyembro ng kaguruan sa UPLB. ng Kasabay ng naging hayagang presensya ng mga militar sa UPLB campus, palagian at masaklaw rin ang pagpapakalat ng mga black propaganda sa UPLB campus, pinararatangan ang SR at mga kasamahan nito bilang mga terorista at kasapi ng CPP-NPA-NDFP—suliranin na matagal nang naiulat sa administrasyon ng UPLB ngunit hanggang sa kasalukuyan ay wala pang wastong tugon mula sa Chancellor nito na si Dr. Luis Rey Velasco.

Mariin nating pinabubulaanan ang ipinapalaganap ng administrasyon ni President Roman na ang mayor na dahilan sa pagtatanggal sa SR ay ang usapin ng bona fide status nito.

Kung ito nga ang mayor na dahilan, madali itong maresolba sa pamamagitan ng pag-rekomenda at pag-aapruba ng kanyang application for residency sa UPLB.



IBAYONG PANGGIGIPIT AT PANLILINLANG ANG DINANAS NG SR

Sa kasalukuyan, naisasandal ang administrasyon ni UPLB Chancellor Luis Rey Velasco sa hindi nito pantay na pagturing sa SR at sa iba pang estudyante ng UPLB. Malinaw na kaiba ang pinagdadaanang proseso ng SR sa karaniwang proseso ng late application for residency. Bago pa ang pagpupulong ng BOR noong Disyembre 18, 2009, gumawa na ang SR ng liham para sa application for residency sa payo ng College Secretary ng College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) sa UPLB. Matapos makuha ang endorsement ng Adviser, Department Chair at College Secretary, ipinadala ang mga dokumento sa Office of the Chancellor.

Buwan ang lumipas at hindi pa rin ito inaaprubahan sa kabila nang napag-alaman natin na noong Pebrero 3 at Pebrero 16, 2010, dalawang estudyante mula sa UPLB ang kagyat na nakakuha ng late residency sa mismong araw na iyon. Tanging endorsement lamang ng kanilang College Secretary ang kinailangan upang payagan ang mga ito na mag-enroll. ‘Di tulad ng dalawang nasabing estudyante, kahit na residency form lamang ay hindi ibinibigay sa SR, bagama’t may endorsement na ng College Secretary ang application for residency ng SR.

Sa regular na proseso ng late application for residency, hindi na kinakailangang umabot sa Office of the Chancellor ang nasabing application, kaya naman kagyat na humingi na rin ang SR ng aksyon mula sa Dekano ng CAS na si Dr. Asunsion Raymundo sapagkat ito ang may pangunahing jurisdiction upang magpasya sa application. Bilang aksyon, iniakyat muli nito ang mga dokumento ng SR sa Office of the Chancellor—prosesong hindi naman pinagdaanan ng mga estudyante ng UPLB o ng anumang UP unit na humingi rin ng late application for residency. Bagama’t maaaring umaksyon ang Dekano ng CAS at bagama’t sila mismo ang nagsabi na dalhin sa Office of the Chancellor ang application, ang naging tugon ng Dekano sa liham ng SR ay “since you had already elevated the matter to the level of the Chancellor, the decision/mandate now lies on him”.

Pinabubulaanan natin ang ipinapalaganap ng administrasyon ni President Roman sa kanilang mga opisyal na pahayag na iniatras ‘di umano ng SR ang application for residency nito noong Enero 12. Kahit kailan, hindi sumulat at nagpasa ang SR ng pormal na liham sa Office of the Chancellor na iniaatras nito ang application for residency, hindi kailanman ito sumulat ng pormal na liham na pinahihintulutan ang sino man na iatras ito sa kanyang ngalan. Patunay rito ang mga liham ni Chancellor Luis Rey Velasco sa SR noong Pebrero 18 at Marso 3 kung saan dine-deny nito ang pag-aapruba sa nasabing application.

Pinabubulaanan rin natin ang ipinapalaganap ng administrasyon ni President Roman na aktwal na pagfa-file ng Leave of Absence (LOA) ng SR. Sumulat ang abogado ng SR na si Atty. Julius Matibag sa Dekano ng CAS upang tunggaliin ang sinasabi ng UPLB na hindi maaaring mag-LOA ang SR dahil sa mga nakabinbin na kaso sa Student Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) at may intensyon itong mag-file kung gayunman. Ipinagkamali ng Dekano ng CAS ang liham na ito sa aktwal na pagfa-file ng LOA. Ito ay mga impormasyon hindi wastong inilalathala ng administrasyon ni President Roman.

Mapagbalat-kayong nagdadahilan ang administrasyon ni President Roman na ang pagsunod sa panuntunan ang tanging dahilan kung bakit tinanggal ang SR sa BOR, samantalang malinaw na sila at si Chancellor Luis Rey Velasco mismo ang tunay na nagmamalabis, lumalabag, at nag-mamaniobra sa mga proseso ng pamantasan upang maging pabor sa kanila. Malakas ang loob ni Chancellor Luis Rey Velasco na sabihin na siya ay nagpapasiya batay sa “merits” at pantay umano ang pagturing niya sa kaso ng SR at ng iba pang estudyante ng UPLB, habang ang administrasyon niya mismo ang nanlinlang sa SR mula sa wastong proseso na dapat nitong pagdaanan. Mapagbalat-kayo nitong sinasabi na ang kaso ng SR ay kakaiba, ngunit ang malinaw na tanging kaibahan ni Charisse Bernadine Bañez sa iba pang estudyante ng UPLB ay siya ang tanging kinatawan ng mga mag-aaral sa pinakamataas na lupon nito at susi ang pusisyong upang ilantad ang pagmamalabis ng administrasyon ng UPLB. Mapagbalat-kayong nagdadahilan ang BOR na ang dahilan sa pagtatanggal sa SR ay ang “failure to comply with the qualifications to continue serving as Student Regent” habang “incapacity to enroll or file an LOA” at hindi “failure” ang nakalagay sa CRSRS. Malinaw na may kapasidad ang SR na mag-apply kundi lamang iniipit at inaabuso ni Chancellor Luis Rey Velasco ang discretion ng administrasyon nito.

Sa lahat ng ito, hindi maitatanggi na may panlilinlang, panlilito, at pagkukubli ng mga detalye sa bahagi ng UP administration upang ipagtanggol ang pagtatanggal sa SR.



PAGTANGGAL SA SR, SUSI SA PAGPAPATALSIK RIN SA PGH DIRECTOR

Ang pagkakapanalo ni Dr. Jose Gonzales bilang bagong direktor ng UP Philippine General Hospital (PGH) ay isa sa minsang mga pagkakataon na nagtagumpay ang mga sektoral na representasyon sa BOR—ang Student, Faculty at Staff Regents—at nanaig ang desisyon ng mga sektor ng Unibersidad. Ngunit malinaw na hindi ito mapahintulutan nina President Roman at ng Malacanang.

Sa araw ng Disyembre 18, 2009, alinsunod sa palagiang ini-invoke¬ ng administrasyon ni President Roman at kanyang Vice President for Legal Affairs na si Atty. Theodore Te na Section 13 (T) ng UP Charter “the Board of Regents has the power ‘to prescribe rules for its own government’” (na nangangahulugan na may kapasyahan ito sa mga usapin inihahapag rito) pinagbotohan ang mosyon ni President Roman na gawing observer lamang ang SR. Natalo ang kanyang mosyon, 5-4 (pabor sa OSR).

Kabilang sa mga pangyayari na hindi inilalathala ng administrasyon ni President Roman ay ang pagpayag nila mismo na lumahok sa nasabing botohan at hindi pagrehistro ng anumang pagtutol rito. Kahit sa usapin ng paglahok at pagboto ng SR, sila ay pumayag at walang bakas ng pagrerehistro ng anumang “objection” rito. Matapos silang matalo sa botohan para sa PGH Director, saka nila tumutol sa resolusyong sila mismo ang lumahok. Ibinabato ng administrasyon ni President Roman na hindi dapat bumoto ang SR sa nasabing usapin, simple lang ang kasagutan—hindi katulad ng mga Malacañang Appointees na ang tanging kinakatawan ay ang kanilang mga sarili (o di kaya’y ang naglagay sa kanila sa pusisyon),

kinakatawan ng SR hindi ang kanyang sarili ngunit ang pinakamalaking sektor sa Unibersidad ng Pilipinas—ang mga mag-aaral. Ang hindi pagboto ng SR ay hindi pagboto ng mga mag-aaral.

Sa kaparehas na araw, Disyembre 18, mapagpasyang boto ang ibinigay natin kay Dr. Jose Gonzales dahil, ‘di gaya ng mga kandidatong may basbas ng Malacañang, malinaw ang kaniyang paninindigan na ang batayang serbisyong pangkalusugan ay karapatan ng mamamayan at gayundin ang sa kanyang matibay na pagtindig laban sa pribatisasyon ng Philippine General Hospital. Si Dr. Gonzales ang napili ng BOR sa botong 6-5 (kabilang ang boto ni Sen. Mar Roxas at Cong. Cynthia Villar).

Hindi kailanman naipaliwanag ni President Roman at ng mga Malacañang Appointees kung bakit hindi nila gusto si Dr. Gonzales bilang bagong halal na direktor ng UP PGH. Matapos ang muntikan nang hindi pag-appoint at pagbibigay ng oath of office kay Dr. Gonzales sa maagang bahagi ng Enero, agad nilang sinubok na tanggalin ang PGH Director at ang SR sa pulong ng BOR noong Enero 29, 2010. Dahil sa malinaw na maniobra sa proseso, nagpasya ang apat na rehente—student, faculty, staff at alumni regents—na mag-walkout sa nasabing pulong. Sa kabila ng kawalan ng quorum o sapat na bilang upang magpasya, unilateral na tinanggal President Roman at ng mga Malacañang Appointees ang SR sa BOR.

Nagsampa na ng kaso ang SR laban sa UP Board of Regents sa Quezon City Regional Trial Court.



PAGKUKUBLI AT KATIWALIAN, KINAKANLONG NG ADMINISTRASYON NG PAMANTASAN

Isang taon nang ikinukubli ng adminstrasyon ni President Roman at ng mga Malacañang Appointees sa komunidad ng UP na lagpas isang taon nang expired ang mga termino ng appointments ng tatlong Malacañang Appointees na sina “Regents” Francis Chua, Nelia Gonzales at Abraham Sarmiento; isang katohohanang ikinubli at kailanman ay hindi binabanggit nina Pres. Roman sa tuwing nagtatanong ang BOR Chair kung may quorum ba sa mga pulong. Ang mga nasabing “Regents” ay hindi appointed bilang regular regents (na may tiyak na termino sa loob ng 2 taon) kundi bilang acting regents lamang, na sa ilalim ng Administrative Code of 1987, hindi maaaring lumampas ang termino ng isang taon—usapin na hindi masagot ng administrasyon ni President Roman at may pagtatangka pang lusutan sa pamamagitan ng pag-iiba ng pakahulugan sa “acting” sa “temporary”.

Sa pulong ng BOR noong Pebrero 25, 2010, maka-isang panig na tinanggal si Dr. Gonzales bilang PGH Director (nang wala pa ring paliwanag) at sa kabila ng paggigiit ng mga sektoral na representasyon sa BOR na magkonsulta, sa mosyon ni President Roman, maka-isang panig rin na inaprubahan ni President Roman at Malacañang Appointed “Regents” ang pagrerekomenda ng kanilang mga pangalan kay Gng. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo para sa kanilang regular appointment.

Sa mga pangyayaring ito, lantad na sa atin ang tunay na katangian ng UP Board of Regents at kung kaninong interes ang pinagsisilbihan ng mga ito. Payag ang iilang makapangyarihang ito sa prosesong sila mismo ang lumikha hangga’t ito’y paborable sa kanilang pangkat. Minamalaki ang pagkukulang ng tumitindig laban sa komersyalisado at pribatisadong landas na tinatahak ng pamantasan habang minamaliit at ikinukubli ang panlilinlang ng mga kakatig nila sa pagtataas ng matrikula at iba pang bayarin at paglalako ng pamantasan sa pribadong interes.

Tinanggal sa Board of Regents ang Rehente na may tunay na mandato habang abot-langit na pinagtatakpan ang panlilinlang ng mga Rehente na ang tanging kinakatawan ay interes ng Malacañang sa pamantasan.

Hindi Board of Regents ang magdidikta sa pagtatanggal sa ating kinatawan. At ang sino mang magtangkang humati sa ating hanay ay walang ipinagkaiba sa kanila.

Hindi kinakatawan ng SR ang kanyang sarili. Ang bawat atake na tinatanggap nito ay hindi atake sa kanyang sarili kundi atake sa karapatan sa representasyon ng lahat ng mag-aaral ng Unibersidad ng Pilipinas.

Ang bawat bigwas na tinanggap nito ay bigwas sa ating karapatan sa edukasyon na pinagbayaran ng mga naunang mabubuting anak ng ating pamantasan. Ang laban ng OSR ay laban ng lahat ng mag-aaral ng pamantasan ng bayan.

Totoo at materyal ang tunggalian ng mga interes sa loob ng pamantasan. At tanging sa sama-samang pagkilos lamang tayo matagumpay na mananaig. Mananaig tayo hindi para sa ating mga sarili, kundi para sa interes at karapatan ng kabataan sa edukasyon at upang itaguyod ang tunay na demokratikong pamamahala sa pamantasang walang-imbot na nagsisilbi sa sambayanan.


Para sa mga mag-aaral at sa sambayanan,



CHARISSE BERNADINE I. BAÑEZ
UP Student Regent

THIRD ROGELIO SICAT WORKSHOP

PRESS RELEASE
Contact person: Romulo P. Baquiran, Jr.
09276331659, jbaquiran@gmail. com

THIRD ROGELIO SICAT WORKSHOP:
DFPP 2010 NATIONAL CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP

The UP Department of Filipino now accepts application to the Third Rogelio Sicat Workshop: DFPP 2010 National Creative Writing Workshop to be held in Baler, Aurora from April 28 to May 2, 2010. It is open to beginning writers in Filipino, especially college students, who write poems, fiction, and children's stories.

Applicants must submit the following: manuscripts (12 points, double-spaced, 8x11 inches) of any of the following: five (5) poems, two (2) short stories (10 pages), and two (2) children's stories (5-7 pages); short bio-note; photo (2x2, colored); and Application Form (find attachment or can be requested via email).

All expenses from UP Diliman to the workshop site are free for the chosen writing fellows. A modest stipend will also be provided.
Send manuscripts to palihangrogeliosica t@yahoo.com. ph not later than April 9, 2010. For further details, please send inquiries to said email address.

UPDATES on “2nd Quisumbing-Escandor Film Festival for Health (QEFF) for 2010”

UPDATES on “2nd Quisumbing-Escandor Film Festival for Health (QEFF) for 2010”

The contest is open to documentaries, short narratives, and
experimental films by Filipino amateur film-makers and multimedia
artists. Groups and organizations are also encouraged to join. Multiple
entries are allowed.

The festival is a tribute to Drs. Honorato L. Quisumbing and Juan B.
Escandor of the UP College of Medicine whose lives exemplified UP’s
and the medical profession’s ideal of service. Both were killed while
on duty—Dr. Quisumbing, while serving at the Philippine General Hospital
during World War II.; Dr. Escandor, while serving as a barrio doctor during
martial law (he was accused of being a rebel sympathizer).

THEME:
The following are suggested topics that may be explored:
Women and Children’s Rights and Health
Maternal and Child’s Health amid the War
Physical and Sexual Abuses among Women and Children
Abortion and Unwanted Pregnancy
Women and Juvenile Labor
Woman and Child Trafficking
Family Planning
Teenage Pregnancy
Single Parenthood

New Deadline: All entries must be received on or before
AUGUST 4, 2010 (5:00 pm). For mailed entries, all packages
be postmarked by August 1, 2010. For more information:
Web: www.qe-filmfestival.com
Email: ama.anak.ina@qe-filmfestival.com
Landline: (02) 567-8900
Cell: 0916-7172619

CALL FOR ENTRIES

CALL FOR ENTRIES

The 2^nd Pandayang Lino Brocka Political Film and New Media Festival

The worsening economic crisis that have dragged down living conditions. The political persecution of people and sectors fighting for livelihood or life itself. All in the time of the national elections, where people are hopeful to elect leaders that would serve their interests. These are the impetus for another year of purposeful film/media production and popularization via the 2^nd Pandayang Lino Brocka Political Film and New Media Festival.

From the auditorium to the eskinita, marketplaces, union offices and picketlines where it was first held in August 2009, the Pandayang Lino Brocka Political Film and New Media Festival is again launched to reach to more youth and students, workers and urban poor. Documentaries from alternative media groups, multi-awarded films and works from Filipinos abroad flocked last year’s film fest where they gained audience among the masses, a face-off with their subjects or the issues confronted in the works.

The 2^nd Pandayang Lino Brocka Festival is open to all students, independent or amateur filmmakers and film collectives. Interested parties may submit audiovisual works of any genre, length on the theme human rights (includes economic, social, cultural and political rights). Entries accepted until May 31, 2010.

For inquiries, contact tudla_productions@ yahoo.com or 345-8804.

CALL FOR PAPERS

CALL FOR PAPERS
International Conference on Postcolonial Praxis
University of the Philippines, Diliman: 21-23 July 2010


Through this conference, we invite scholars from the humanities and social sciences, teachers, creative writers, journalists and broadcast media practitioners, studio, visual and performance artists, architects, design specialists and participants from other parts of the Philippines and from other former colonies /countries in the “Global South” (i.e., “underdeveloped” , “developing”, “Third World”, decolonizing societies) to re-examine and to re-territorialize Anglo-American, English, American, French, German, Dutch, Hispanic, Latin American Studies, programs and projects.

The conference aims to provide a venue for the construction of a general programmatic of postcolonial knowledge-production and other postcolonial cultural practices which can be disseminated through formal educational institutions as curricula and courses; informal/alternative educational groups; professional organizations; mass media; computer-aided technologies, and through cultural networks.

Plenary speakers include Professor Reynaldo C. Ileto of National University of Singapore and UPD University Professor Emeritus Gemino H. Abad.

Postcolonial Praxis:
Theories, Cultural Practices and Movements for the Global South

Please submit abstracts for panel, paper, multimedia presentations, exhibits, and performance proposals to the Conference Convener:
Professor Priscelina Patajo-Legasto

Deadline for submission of abstracts is on 15 April 2010
Final conference details will be posted on 30 April 2010
Early Bird Registration Deadline on 30 June 2010


THEMES • Postcolonial Writing/ Visual Arts / Performance Arts and the New technologies • Recuperating Colonial Languages • Re-territorializing Language and Literature Studies in the Global South • Problematizing the “National” in National Cultural Practices • Issues and Concerns of a National Language in a Decolonizing Society • Dialectics of Native Authenticity & Cultural Hybridity • Politics of “Otherness”, Politics of “Othering” Nation Formation and Postcolonial Cultural Studies • Understanding / Re-semanticizing the Role of the “the Folk” / “Millenarian”/ “Cargo Cults” in the Histories of Nation Formation • History and Counter Memory or Alternative Historiographies in / for Postcolonial/ Cultural Studies • Problems of Representation (e.g., essentialism vs. ghettoism; “strategic essentialism”; tokenism) • Politics of Location (ethnic, class, race, gender, religion, generation, etc ) and Cultural Praxis • Postcolonial Politics and Climate Change • Postcolonialism and Critiques of Disciplinary Domain Assumptions / Theoretical Legacies / Subject Areas

Conference Registration Fees
Student Php2,000 Early Bird Php2,500 Regular 3,000
For further information, please visit the Postcolonial Praxis 2010 website or send an email to pcpraxis2010@up.edu.ph

Organized by the Department of English and Comparative Literature for its Centennial Celebration in cooperation with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts; Philippine Studies Association; Office of the President, UP System; and Office of Chancellor, Diliman.

The Faces of Women

Statement of Health Alliance for Democracy on International Women’s Day
08 March 2010

As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, the continuing ordeal of the 43 illegally arrested and detained health workers highlights the plight of Filipino women at the hands of a fascist government. It reveals the faces of women in conflict and in struggle for the genuine liberation of this nation.

On one hand, there are the 26 women detainees, health workers whose only crime is to go beyond just caring enough to cure. They are the symbols of true empowerment: unschooled but not uneducated, marginalized but at the frontlines of healthcare, and poor but with the wealth of heart and sacrifice.

These women, and the men who are with them in their incarcerated lives, have the power rarely afforded today - power drawn from the respect and recognition given by their people. That they are subjected to abuse and humiliation in order to break them is testament not only to the integrity of their empowerment but also to the pathetic feeble-mindedness of their captors.

Then there are the relatives: mothers, wives, and daughters. They are the ones who troop daily to Camp Capinpin, endure the snicker and harassments of the military custodians, calmly listen to the stories of their detained loved ones, and go home to prepare for the next day’s visit. Theirs is the strength without a name.

And then there is Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the woman who represents the prevailing social and sexual chauvinisms of a corrupt, decadent, and moribund system. Hers is a rule dependent on force - the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police - and propped up by her patron, United States-led imperialism.

That Mrs. Arroyo once turned a blind eye on the rape committed by US serviceman Lance Corporal Daniel Smith, and now ignores the mental, physical, and sexual torture perpetrated by her own security forces expose the cultivated prejudice of her detested leadership.

Today, the Filipino nation raises its clenched fist as a salute to the women who continue to oppose the fascist US-Arroyo regime.

Today, the continuing detention of the 43 health workers is a rallying symbol of the historic struggle to reclaim this nation, to attain freedom and democracy.

The cry of people and their immediate demand echoes true: free the 43 health workers now!


References:
Dr. Geneve E. Rivera
Secretary-General, 0920 460 3712

Dr. Gene Alzona Nisperos
Vice-Chair, 0927 483 2325

Dr. Darby S. Santiago
Chair, 0927 473 7700

Feb. 25, 2010 is Blog Action Day: The Real Heroes of EDSA

Twenty four years ago, our people toppled a tyrant. On February 25, 2010 let us re-tell their stories.

On Thursday, we are enjoining all young Filipinos to blog about the stories of the real heroes of EDSA: our parents, grandparents, ates and kuyas, titos and titas, ninong and ninangs.

We may have been too young then or were not even born yet, but we can ask them to recount their tales of real-life heroism to us. What prompted them to join the uprising? What were their thoughts and feelings? What did they wear, eat, chant? How did it feel to be able to be surrounded by overwhelming unity and patriotism among millions of other heroes marching in the streets on those three historic days.

Since EDSA was mainly about the people’s resistance to martial law, you can ask them their experience during the martial law era, how they fought, even before the culmination of the people’s mass movement that was the EDSA People Power Uprising. You may also post old photos, artworks and/or anti-martial law memorabilia.

Link your blog entries to this post and grab the button below by copying the link to mark your participation. We will start posting links of entries in our website at exactly 12:00 noon on February 25.

On February 25, let us give proper honor and citation to the millions of Filipinos who made EDSA People Power possible. ###

Source: http://kabataanpartylist.com/blog/the-real-heroes-of-edsa1/

UPM USC Statement

The UP Manila University Student Council Statement

on the Illegal Arrest, Detention, and Torture of 43 Health Workers in Morong

The University Student Council speaks in behalf of more than two thousand young students of medicine, nursing, public health, dentistry, pharmacy, and other allied health professions of the University of the Philippines Manila – the national health sciences center.

We strongly condemn the illegal arrest and detention and the inhumane acts of torture of the 43 health workers, which includes medical doctors, nurses, and community health workers (CHWs), undergoing a health training in Morong, Rizal almost two weeks ago. We students demand for the immediate release of the health workers who are, at present, still detained in Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal, and still with limited access to their families and relatives and even to their lawyers.

We also denounce the harassment and intimidation, and the violation of domicile done by the military and the police to Dr. Melecia Velmonte and her household. Dr. Velmonte, professor emeritus of the UP College of Medicine and an eminent expert in infectious disease, is known to us, young students, as an inspiring community health advocate, educator, and researcher, who is more than willing to lend not just her training facility but also her knowledge and expertise to fellow health workers, and is not deserving of such lack of respect from the police and the military.

Moreover, we, students of health professions, also wish to convey our apprehension. Our professional education in UP taught us, not just to cure sickness and relieve pain, but also to reach out to fellowmen who need us the most – those who inhabit far-flung communities, those who were marginalized by geographic, cultural, and even sociopolitical barriers.

Despite this incident, the desire to serve the underserved remains in our hearts and minds. However, the recent tragedy also inculcated fear amongst us, as it revealed to us how perilous the world is for those who, with the purest of intentions, reach out to the disenfranchised. Today, a doctor that traverses mountains in the provinces can be easily accused of being an NPA or a rebel, and gatherings such as health trainings like the one held in Morong can be planted with guns and grenades and tagged as a bomb-making activity. Worse, health workers can now be arrested and abducted without due process, or can be gunned down, or can even be buried alive. This reality is unacceptable, and all sectors of Philippine society, with the government in the lead, must do something to reverse this trend immediately.

We, future health workers of this country, are willing to make the sacrifice, to fill the gaps, to make up for the essential things that our government was not able to provide our people – basic quality and affordable health care, opportunities for better and meaningful life, and a ready ear that listens to the needs of men, women, and children. But we too demand from our government that it create an environment that will enable us to help them provide the health rights of our people. We call on the government, most especially the military and the police, to stop all forms of harassment of health workers and of all Filipino professionals who genuinely love and serve our country at large, especially the countryside.

We also call the Arroyo government to take immediate action in making accountable the military and police forces behind this deplorable act of cruelty and unlawfulness. The illegal arrest, harassment, and detention, and the acts of torture done by the military as reported by the Commission on Human Rights are clear violations of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, of which the Philippines is a signatory. We remind the government, especially the military and the police, that it is its prime duty to enforce these rules and protect the welfare of citizens, and not to be the first to violate them.

We also call for greater accountability on the part of the military and police for their defiance of the Supreme Court’s issuance of a writ of habeas corpus last week. As already expressed in the newspapers and by legal experts, this act might set a “dangerous precedent on how habeas corpus orders would be dealt with in the future.” Thus, we demand that those responsible for this disobedience and insubordination be immediately dealt with accordingly.

Lastly, but most importantly, as young students of health professions and as advocates for greater health for all Filipinos, we express our deepest admiration for the 43 health workers, and for all the health professionals who choose to forego opportunities in the metropolis or even overseas in order to work and serve the rural areas, for their unwavering passion and commitment to serve their fellow Filipinos in times of sickness and pain. Where the government is not providing health care to the poor, they are there. Where service rendered is not properly compensated or even appreciated, there they continually serve. We know that neither blindfolding nor electrocution, not even death itself, can kill their indomitable spirit. And that spirit inspires us to continue our education with diligence and responsibility, so that we can use our acquired knowledge and skills to care for the sick, to love our country, and eventually to heal our wounded land.

Free the 43 NOW!

Solon condemns sexual harassment of Morong 43 women

February 15, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Solon condemns sexual harassment of Morong 43 women

Signature drive launched in campuses


Representative Raymond ‘Mong’ Palatino today condemned the alleged harassment and sexual molestation of detained female health workers by their military guards in Camp Capinpin.

“It’s despicable, a very, very serious allegation. What bothers me most is that the AFP is easily dismissing it as ‘black propaganda’ instead of investigating the matter.”

“If they do not investigate immediately, the AFP would then be coddling and protecting the perpetrators. If this is true, it is are a clear violation of all humanitarian, criminal and moral laws and perpetrators should be punished, (and) more reason to release Morong 43 ASAP,” he said.

Palatino also called on the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to conduct a probe on the complaints of the female detainees.

“It is not easy for a woman to disclose to the public that she has been sexually abused, especially under duress.”


43,000 signatures

Kabataan Partylist also announced that it will launch a campus-based signature drive calling for the immediate release of the Morong 43.

The youth party-list aims to gather 43,000 signatures before classes end this March. The signatures will be submitted to Senate and Congress committees on human rights, Supreme Court, and AFP Commander-In-Chief Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Statement of SAMASA-PA on the Dismissal of the SR from the BOR

The Gambit of Despotism
Statement of SAMASA-PA on the Dismissal of the Student Regent From the Board of Regents

12 February 2010

The issue is not about the inability of Student Regent Charisse Bernadine Bañez to file an LOA or residency on time. It is about the tyrannical ploys of the U.P. Administration to depose a member that stalwartly contests and exposes its manipulative stances and effectively railroads its vested interests. It is not about unseen technicalities. It is about student representation.

Bañez's track record is one of consistent service to her constituents and the people. Despite the numerous schemes and threats posed by the UPLB Administration, Bañez remained at the forefront of the students in upholding their rights and welfare. Despite the coercions and black propaganda she has encountered, she remained unfaltering and still continued to lead the students' struggle against repression by the UPLB Administration.

Even with Bañez's selection as the new Student Regent, she still came across difficulties from the schemes manipulated by the UPLB and UP System Administration to prevent her from sitting as SR. It can be remembered that exactly 3 days after she was selected as SR through the General Assembly of Student Councils (GASC), several cases against her emerged. These cases caused a two-month delay of her confirmation as SR. Nevertheless, because of the students' collective effort to defend the Office of the Student Regent (OSR) and to preserve the democratic SR selection process, we overcame the challenge and won the struggle for representation in the Board of Regents (BOR).

As SR, Bañez served the students well. She was never delinquent in her responsibility of upholding the students' rights inside the BOR. She was never absent in every Board meeting and even once, she never came late. But once again the Administration chose to deny us student representation by unseating Bañez, the only voice of the students inside the BOR. With an Administration wherein various impositions of anti-student policies are prominent in every academic year, campus repression has always been the trend.

During the height of the university's current crisis of student representation in the BOR, it must be remembered that this is the Administration which forwarded commercialization and privatization schemes in our University. This is the same Administration who ruled out the collection of the students' fund in UPLB thus leaving the Student Councils as well as the Student Publication nothing but their own resources to go on with their services. It must be remembered that this is the same Administration that Bañez blatantly exposed and valiantly faced because of its anti-student policies.

The vicious step of removing a SR that has been critical of the administration' s moves and vocal in opposing its anti-student courses of action is therefore a blatant manifestation of repression. It is a clear repression of our rights as students. Desperate to remove anyone that blocks their malevolent ruses, the Administration chose to unseat the SR instead of ensuring the continuous representation of the students. Threatened by the SR's consistency to her mandate of genuinely serving the students, the Administration became alarmed that the SR might expose further machinations of despotism.

But despite the crisis that we are facing, certain entities are riding on the issue to forward their ambitious, untimely and selfish craving of amending the CRSRS which was ratified by the students all over the U.P. system through a referendum. Some groups are even abiding by the Administration' s line. They claim to be one with the students, but behind these deceptive words, they remain silent and lethargic and failed to lead the students from urgently addressing the issue. The claims to being pro-active therefore fall to the ground as these groups fail to present an alternative that does not compromise the interests of the students.

This is not the time to ride on the issue to forward one's selfish desires. Nor is this the time to copy-paste and disseminate information that comes from a single website (the UP Administration' s) and misrepresent this as looking at every side of the issue. This is not the time to act as mouthpieces of an Administration that has time and again trampled the rights and welfare of the students. Such an act only makes these groups unwitting adherents of the plan to phase-out U.P. High, the Large Lecture Class Scheme and the PGH privatization. That, in effect, is consenting to political repression in our University. That only misleads and creates division among the students.

As the largest sector in an academic institution which carries the tag "bastion of democracy" in our country, we students are the decisive forces that can bring-forth essential feats. This is not the time to divide. Rather, now is the time to link our arms together and fight for our right to representation in the BOR. Considering the current crisis in our University, we are in dire need of a representation in the BOR. However, that representation also needs the action of the students. We can never attain that unless we make a stand, a unified stand that serves the interests of the students and does not deflect the very purpose of the office that has long been defended by the past Iskolars ng Bayan.

REINSTATE CHARISSE BERNADINE BAÑEZ TO THE BOARD OF REGENTS!
DEFEND THE OFFICE OF THE STUDENT REGENT! FIGHT FOR OUR RIGHT TO REPRESENTATION!
ISKOLAR NG BAYAN, TUMINDIG AT IPAGLABAN ANG ATING KARAPATAN!

University of the Philippines - Visayas
Sandigan para sa Mag-aaral at Sambayanan Party Alliance (SAMASA-PA) at KABATAAN Party List

DEFEND UP HIGH

The University of the Philippines – Visayas is once again facing another challenge. Despite the resistance of many of the Iskolars ng Bayan, faculty and community, the scheme of gradually phasing out the UPV Cebu High School has been railroaded.

Last 8 January 2010, the UPV Cebu College Dean Enrique Avila wrote a letter to U.P. President Emerlinda Roman stating that "…the College shall soon propose the gradual phase out of the high school effective first semester of school year 2010-2011. With this, the high school admission test proposed for March 2010 will consequently be cancelled."

This letter was then followed by a memorandum issued by the Dean himself to the Professional Education Department (PED) Chair Rosario Montaño on the suspension of the acceptance of High School Admission Test (HSAT) of U.P. Cebu High School. The memorandum states that due to the lack of faculty resources, the profile of the current faculty complement servicing the high school, the refocusing of the College's academic programs and plans and the priorities set by the UP System and the new UP Charter of 2008, the UPV Cebu College is no longer in the position to sustain ably the implementation of the high school. Moreover it enunciated that the acceptance of applicants for the proposed HSAT on March be suspended due to the pending resolution of the proposal to phase out the high school gradually.

The desperate moves of the Dean to abolish the high school did not go through apt process of consulting the students and the faculty and does not hold ample basis to act upon.

Since the establishment of the U.P. Cebu High School, it has been faced threats of closure because of the lack of budget. But it still continued to exist because of its mandate of Democratized Access to Education wherein, under this policy, all U.P. High Schools is a program that helps economically destitute but intellectually deserving students gain access to tertiary education. Moreover, it also serves as a laboratory high school for innovative teaching strategies premeditated to better prepare these deserving students for access to tertiary education, particularly in University of the Philippines, where they can avail quality college education at a low cost.

As Iskolars ng Bayan, we have always played a crucial role on shaping momentous changes and junctures in our history. We remain steadfast in all our endeavors, whether it is a national or local issue that affects the nation. We never faltered even in the midst of Martial Rule. Instead, with our arms linked together, we faced every struggle and continued our immeasurable commitment of serving not only the students but also the people.

Today, we, the Iskolars ng Bayan, have a vital and decisive task to act upon. We cannot stay unvoiced and unresponsive while our future and our rights as students are being compromised for untimely and contemptible scheme that deflects the primary purpose of our University.

The Iskolars ng Bayan are wide awake and are ready to lead the fight for asserting their right to accessible quality yet affordable education. Once again, time has brought us into the arena where the secret weapons to triumph are critical minds and unity.

We believe that U.P., as an insignia of freethinking education, must uphold its commitment in uplifting quality education which is non-discriminating and is accessible to all. Thus, we recognize the role of U.P. High Schools in advancing the value of nationalism and freedom among its students for a more developed and progressive Philippine society.

We greatly convey our unity to the Students, Student Councils, Student Organizations, Faculty Members and all the constituents of the University of the Philippines – Visayas Cebu College who have spoken their opposition to Dean Enrique M. Avila's ploy on the gradual abolition of UPV Cebu High School. We contest the moves of phasing out the UPV Cebu High School on the following grounds:

• The attempt of phasing out the UPV Cebu High School by Dean Enrique Avila does not serve the interest and welfare of the students, the faculties and the community. UPV Cebu High School, for many years, has served as an institution that provides the youth affordable, accessible and quality education through its mandate of Democratized Access to Education. With this step of phasing out the high school, U.P. therefore closes its doors to those want to avail a quality education which U.P. can offer.

• Phasing out of UPV Cebu High School is a step railroading further commercialization of U.P. Education. This plan can be linked to the gradual state abandonment among State Colleges and Universities. With the budget proposed by the Department of Budget and Management to U.P. and the whole education, which was cut from the previous year's budget, it can be drawn out that the government may be making steps to slowly desert their responsibility of allotting greater state subsidies to its SCUs which results to disbanding of other state-owned universities in the country.

• This move by Dean Enrique M. Avila does not undergo due process of consultation among students and faculty members. Moreover, the High School Faculty has not received a copy of the proposal by the dean. This is an apparent move ignoring RA 9500, also known as the new U.P. Charter as of 2009, in which it was stipulated under Section 3 (h) that "As the National University, the University of the Philippines shall provide democratic governance in the University based on collegiality, representation, accountability, transparency and active participation of its constituents. " Moreover, pursuant to Section 13 (c) of the charter, only the Board of Regents (BOR) has the power to approve institution, merger or abolition of academic programs upon recommendation of the University Council of the constituent university. Furthermore, the letter dated last 8 January 2010 to President Emerlinda Roman by Dean Avila did not even pass through proper channels by having it pass first to the UPV Chancellor. With this, the bid of phasing out U.P. High School in Cebu without due process and ample grounds is a despicable move that does not recognize the rights and welfare of its constituents.

• Closure of U.P. High is not the answer for the lack of budget and aging facilities of the college. It is not as well an obstruction to make UPVCC a constituent university of UP. It must be regarded that the budget for the university has been gradually cut each year. However, this must not be the basis of imposing policies that can downbeat the constituents. Instead of eliminating a significant limb of the University, being in an educational institution, University officials, together with its constituents, must assert and fight for greater state subsidy to answer the call of insufficiency.

• This step of phasing out the UPV Cebu High School will aggravate the colonial, commercialized, repressive and fascist characteristics of U.P. and education. As a bastion of democracy, the University of the Philippines must provide an affordable, accessible and quality education among its students and to all. It must also cater the interest and welfare of its constituents – the students, faculty, staff and the community. Phasing out an academic institution that serves the interest of the people such as U.P. High steals not only the right of the people to education but also their right to have a bright future.

We call on all students, student organizations, student leaders, teachers, staff and all UPV constituents to avert the dire steps of phasing out the UPV Cebu High School. The desperate moves of Dean Enrique Avila to discontinue the existence of U.P. High in Cebu despite the honor and service that the high school has given to the University and the community have set profound disgruntlement among the students, teachers and the people in the community.

We strongly deem the sovereign right that lays on the students, the youth and the people to totally succeed the struggle to overpower the ambitious ideas that undermine the interests and the welfare of the people with irrefutable principles that can genuinely unite the students and the people and can bring forth meaningful victory.

Signed by (As of 22 January 2010):

Katipunan ng mga Sangguniang Mag-aaral sa U.P. (KASAMA sa U.P.)

UPV College of Arts and Sciences – Student Council (UPV CAS-SC)

UPV College of Fisheries and Ocean Science – Student Council (UPV CFOS-SC)

UPV School of Technology – Student Council (UPV SOTECH-SC)

Yupihay

National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP)

KABATAAN Partylist

League of Filipino Students (LFS)

AnakbayanPagbutlak (Official Publication of CAS)

College Editors' Guild of the Philippines (CEGP)

Sandigan ng Mag-aaral at Sambayanan (SAMASA)

Samahan ng Mag-aaral at Kabataang Kababaihan (SAMAKA-KA)

UPV Oikos