League of Filipino Students » Blogs

In Defense of Student Activism

admin — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 13:56:15 +0000

By DLS Pineda

“Do not go gentle into that good night… Rage, rage, against the dying of the light.” –Dylan Thomas

We thought we were dying. We thought student activism had gone down the slope, and had become irreconcilably “uncool” for this generation. Truth be told, for the past four years that we’ve been in UP, walkouts have barely reached a competitive number compared to the number of attendees from the last corporate-sponsored shindig. We thought that, nowadays, it was impossible for the students of the University to mobilize for something other than the Oblation Run or the Lantern Parade. But we were wrong. At least, for a day.

Last November 25, an estimated number of three thousand students from UP Diliman walked out in protest of the 1.39 Billion-peso budget cut that the Aquino administration was slashing off from State Universities and Colleges (SUC’s). True, there remains a strong opposition from our Senators, namely Sen. Drilon and Sen. Sotto, on the reality of the budget cut, but even Malacanang admits to committing the reduction. More credible than Malacanang itself are the thousands of University-educated young individuals—not just from UP Diliman, not just from the UP System—who took it to the streets and made themselves visible and vulnerable to the state’s most gentle police force. Any UP student knows what it’s like to come to a classroom with chipped linoleum tiles, dilapitated plywood ceilings, while at the same time, trying to complete their thesis in the Main Library which has not had electricity for three months now. We needed, and still need, that additional budget. Thousands of us tried to take a stand. It was high-time for student activism.

Nevertheless, last Wednesday, the Senators, our Senators, turned deaf ears to the protests held right in front of their gates, voting against the re-alignment of the country’s budget; voting for bombs, not books, a militarized budget with an overblown increase for the purchase of arms. The Aquino administration, undeniably overflowing with wisdom, has insightfully advised for SUC’s to find other ways to generate income to replace the lost budget. They suggested that UP utilize its land grants, by selling or renting these lands to corporations to earn money, citing Ayala TechnoHub as such a project; as if the University, or worse, the SUC’s, could earn as much as 1.39 Billion with such projects. True, the UP Charter allows such dealings to be made. However, it does not allow these deals to replace the budget allotted for the University. And if the government continues to encourage corporations to take hold of the University, the graduates of UP will not feel morally obliged to serve the country any more. On the other hand, they, we, would be adopted sons and daughters of corporations—and education would simply be a matter of money, a commercial asset.

There, I have said the necessary lines to justify protesting against the budget cut. It’s quite well-known among us who were there in the mobilizations. Now, let me get on your nerves.

During the first day of the walkout, we defaced the white pillars of Palma Hall with spray paint stencils of a hangman tied to a yellow noose. The noose was shaped like Noynoy’s yellow ribbon. Quite artful, in fact. Witty. Far from mere vandalism. With our less than legible penmanship, we wrote our messages of protest on the walls with red paint. On the streets, we painted caricatures of the President which showed a more realistic image of the President for us—twisted and unmerciful. We cut our classes for those days and missed out on lessons students were obliged to learn in order to “truly become students.” We know these “activist habits” usually turn off those who are not in to the rallying scene. Trust us, though, these turn us off, too. I mean, wala na ngang budget, sisirain pa ‘yung gamit, or, wala na ngang budget, di pa papasok sa klase, right?

Believe us, if it didn’t turn us off as well, we would not have wanted to do it in the first place. Why do we protest against the budget cut, when we spend so much for spray paint to deface school property? Twisted logic, we know. However, that’s exactly our point. We are happy we turn you off.

True, Palma Hall is indeed much more beautiful without the hangman. I’ve had a dozen group pictures of myself taken there with friends when it was much cleaner during my earlier years in UP. True, it would have been neat to jog around the Acad Oval without the gangsta graffiti on the road. True, I would have had a clean attendance record for my classes had I not rallied. I know these for myself. However, we would not have been able to show our aghast at the filthy misdeeds of the Aquino administration had we done none of those. We would have been complacent, conforming to the “alternative” offered by the government. Anyway, we know we are brilliant Iskolars ng Bayan, we can get the grade even if we miss a few meetings, but we can never fight for the future Iskolars ng Bayan if the budget is slashed now. Had we not vandalized, had we not disrupted the everyday routine of coming to class, then it would have been submission to the blatant neglect done by the government.

We have to ask ourselves, what conditions would make us rage? We don’t rage when we comfortably watch the sensationalized news of a reporter too excited to get the scoop. We don’t rage against the news of the budget cut when it’s sandwiched between commercials of our favorite celebrities. We don’t rage against the violence committed against our farmers when it’s shown to us in class and we need to write an essay on it to get a grade. We rage only when we, ourselves, are held tight, suffocating. We rage when we see disorder, when we are in disorder. Thus, our cry is to heighten this disorder. The atrocities done cannot be countered by silence.

Philippine society has become too comfortable with this supposed “order” of things. What we agitated students want to do is to rouse you, rattle you, to rage against this comfort we all know so well. True, that sumptuous feast of bacon and eggs you’re having is not an illusion, but the comfort is a farce. What society has successfully trained us to do is to shut off our critical minds to the violence we, ourselves, are unconsciously dealing by simply being thankful for the simple things in life, when nothing ever is that simple. We must be active against active decay. We are not pushing for anarchy, though. That’s why we’re extending our invitation to everyone who can and are willing.

That is why we’re here. We’re right beside you. We’re not just faces on the boob tube, not just Facebook status messages, not just signatures on a piece of paper those Senators would never see, not just students confined in the classroom, but we’re students who stand by our choice and its consequences. And we choose to fight for a decent answer, even if it means standing under the heat, being accosted by the police, and missing out on our classes which, really, we value. A lot.

Perhaps, too much.

We’ve tried lobbying in Congress, we’ve tried talking to those in power, we’ve pulled out all the stops, but we still get no decent answer. So, how else do you accommodate thousands of raging students? Definitely by keeping them out of GSIS Complex.

A day is good enough for a restart. We are losing time. Soon enough, the Iskolar ng Bayan might take on the face of only those who are financially-fortunate if this injustice continues. We can serve the country now, even if we have yet to join the workforce. Represent the student sector. Let it be that for once, the students of the University feel what it’s like to fight for a greater cause, to fight a losing game, and in the end, lose it. Just as Rizal’s character, Simoun, fueled Basilio’s anger against the system by subjecting him to defeat, let the administration’s stupidity fuel the anger of the youth, the young, to lead them to an inspired war against the status quo. In a way, we are thankful for losing that battle. More and more, we are seeing how this Administration is trying to kill us.

Yes, we are dying. But we are not dying without a fight.

Dino Pineda is a student of UP Diliman and an active member of UP Asterisk.

Share now!

We Can Learn From Student Militancy

admin — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 13:42:31 +0000

We Can Learn From Student Militancy

Lightning Rally for Education! — Photo taken by Prof. Sarah Raymundo

October 6, 2010

First, we had the July student walkout. Then the bigger one just this September. Now we have back to back protest actions of high school and college student activists from the ranks of the League of Filipino Students, Anakbayan, Student Christian Movement, Karatula and the National Union of Students in the Philippines taking the headline news with their stepped-up protest actions in defense of the dwindling state subsidy for education. The nation became witness once again to student militancy unleashing its justified rebellion in the halls of congress with a lightning rally.

I remember the last time when I participated in a lightning rally in Congress: we were more numerous as compared to the numbers here, but because the security got whiff of what was going to happen, our propaganda materials were prematurely discovered and confiscated. The issue back then, correct me if I am mistaken, was the UP Charter.

So when the opportune time came, right after the privilege speech of Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casino (Kabataan Partylist still didn’t have a congressional seat back then), we clapped loud in a standing ovation, and raised our fists over a prolonged period. Apparently, such a disruption was threat enough to provoke pro-UP charter proponents in congress to threaten us with security detainment.

Despite the act being relatively conservative as compared to the unfurling of a banner and chanting, you could still cut the tension in the air with a knife. Security personnel began surrounding us, probably not sure what to do without any propaganda material left to confiscate and with our progressive lawmakers negotiating our safety as their constituents. We weren’t sure what to do at that point either, but the standing command was simple: stand your ground the way you would stand firm for your right to education.

Suffice to say, the state trembled before us in this show of readiness to risk all for a just cause. And we can learn much from how tactical reforms were made possible by the struggle of the militant student movement.

We youth scientists and technologists know the implications of the state’s abandonment of education. The worsening performances in regional S&T education trends, lesser R&D and facility support, and the eventual “brain drain” of good teachers and professors are clear manifestations of these darker times. Education was, is and will always be a democratic right that everyone is entitled to, but in an elite-dominated, and foreign-controlled society it will never be handed to us on a silver platter.

We must therefore not confine ourselves to the utopia of our laboratories or the comfort in front of our computers — let us struggle for the welfare of not only the S&T sector, but of the Filipino people in general. Always remember what revolutionary physicist and agriculturist Joan Hinton said: “Science, technology, production — what are they without people?”

Share now!

UGLY LEFTIST

admin — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 01:14:54 +0000

By: Rep. Raymond “Mong” V. Palatino

First Posted: April 27, 2010,

http://mongpalatino.com/2010/04/ugly-leftist/

‘Ugly’ refers to the politics of Risa H. and her media officers who issued apress statement accusing Satur Ocampo, Liza Maza, and the Makabayan political coalition of having ‘sold-out’ their principles by aligning with Manny Villar in the 2010 elections. Risa also described Makabayan leaders and organizations as members of ‘nondemocratic left’ who are condoning the alleged criminal activities of the New People’s Army.

A few days before Risa published this statement, she called for a moratoriumon election mudslinging. It is unfunny that she ignored her own plea by vilifying her colleagues in Congress and fellow senatoriables Ocampo and Maza.

Did Ocampo and Maza betray their principles when they joined the senatorial ticket of Villar as adopted candidates? The emphatic answer is no. Maza and Ocampo remain committed activists and street parliamentarians who vow to advance their advocacies inside and outside Congress. Their inclusion in the Nacionalista slate is indicative of 1) Villar’s recognition of the militant left’s organized strength and his openness to adopt progressive politics if he becomes president; and 2) the sincerity of Ocampo, Maza, and the Makabayan political bloc to pursue the people’s agenda through parliamentary work.

The left has a sterling record in remaining steadfast as vanguard of the poor and oppressed while keeping a tactical alliance with bourgeois parties and politicians. The left supported Gloria Arroyo during Edsa Dos but it became critical of the new administration when Arroyo mutated into a monster. Ocampo and the late great Crispin Beltran were jailed because of their position that Arroyo must be removed from power.

The left did not financially benefit from its brief alliance with Arroyo. It was the NGO friends of Risa who received a billion peso racket from Arroyo through the so-called peace bonds. When Beltran died a poor man in 2008 despite his three-term stint as member of Congress, it gave a valuable lesson for progressives of all stripes on how to live modestly and avoid the corrupting lifestyle of many politicians.

Its exemplary attitude towards Arroyo during and immediately after Edsa Dos and its brave defiance against the Arroyo dictatorship in the past decade are the left’s best assurance that it will not “sell-out” once Villar becomes the country’s next president. Ocampo and Maza can boast of their untarnished reputation as public servants for nine years as proof that they will not abuse their links with Villar for selfish reasons. The Makabayan Coalition can easily make Villar accountable by invoking the people’s agenda document which Villar signed in a public event last December.

But for Risa and other “Liberal Talibans”, the decision of the left to support Villar is unacceptable because of their naïve belief that Noynoy is the only candidate blessed with a pure heart and good intentions. The other lie (naïve and hilarious at the same time) being peddled by the Liberal Party is that Noynoy is unlike Villar who is spending billions of pesos to win in the elections. Ano sa tingin nila ang ipinambabayad ni Noynoy at Mar sa TV at radio networks, campaigners, at local candidates ng partido sa buong bansa – autograph ni Kris at Korina?

Actually it is Risa’s support for Noynoy which smacks of opportunism. Risa initially endorsed Mar for president but when Noynoy announced his candidacy, she immediately raised the hands of Noynoy. She and her group did this even if Noynoy has not yet publicly stated his platform. Remember the assertion of Noynoy supporters who arrogantly reminded the public that based on tradition (as if the only correct behavior is to follow tradition), the period of finalizing and publishing a platform is only after parties and candidates have filed their candidacy papers? Despite his failure to advance or articulate a meaningful social policy issue, the very popular Noynoy was instantly endorsed by Risa.

Villar had to rescind the NP-KBL alliance and boldly included two militant leftists in his senate slate before he got the approval of Makabayan. Villar was endorsed by the left despite his lower public ratings because he proved to be a more sincere candidate with better track record and competence. It would have been easier for the left if it endorsed Noynoy last November or December who at that time was rating 50-60 percentage points in surveys. But our endorsement is not just based on popularity alone.

Did Risa question the inclusion of VATmen in Noynoy’s campaign team? Did Risa clarify the role of Kamag-Anak Inc. in Noynoy’s candidacy? Did she consider the plight of Hacienda Luisita workers and those who were killed in 2004 when she joined Noynoy?

Landlords like Noynoy are thankful for the amended land reform law (CARPER) which Risa supported in Congress. This law was initially being opposed by landlords in Congress but after successfully inserting their amendments last June, even the Arroyo family and other sugar barons voted in favor of this measure. Risa’s sponsorship of the pro-landlord CARPER complements Noynoy’s adamant refusal to treat the Hacienda Luisita matter as a social justice issue. To use Risa’s own words, it surprises me how easily she has sold out.

In fairness to Risa, she is a consistent critic of the militant left. This is the reason why military officials are supporting her. An anti-communist, military-backed partylist solon in Congress (sorry I can’t mention his name, baka sumikat) always enjoins the group of Risa in advocating the elimination of leftist groups from the political mainstream. Why? Because the military and Risa are mouthing the same demands against members of the legal left – that the latter should also condemn the alleged atrocities committed by the NPA; that by refusing to condemn revolutionary taxation, Ocampo, Maza and other activists are affirming their links with the NPA. Through the press statement mentioned above, Risa legitimized the “murderous lines” echoed by Jovito Palparan.

Risa, who claims to be a leftist, should know better that the group she is attacking is not a terrorist organization. The Communist Party is a revolutionary group which espouses the establishment of a new political order through revolutionary means. If she thinks that the Communist Party is a mere terrorist cell which exists to extort money from businessmen and politicians, then why did she agree to become a member of the GRP-NDF peace panel representing the Arroyo government in 2001?

As a student of politics and history, I am aware that most revolutionary groups employ various means, including use of arms, to overthrow the established order. Let us agree that there are now peaceful means to advocate change. But we can’t blame other segments of the population if they continue to think that the reign of injustice and numbing poverty in the country can only end through revolutionary violence. Even the UN recognizes the right of the people to take up arms if they think the elected government has made it impossible for the people to demand change through peaceful means.

By parroting the Palparan doctrine that NPA members are mere murderers and extortionists, isn’t Risa providing ideological justification for the continued postponement of the stalled peace talks? Isn’t this moral-booster line giving the military another reason to step up the all-out war tactic in the countryside instead of addressing the root causes of armed struggle? As leftists, isn’t it more correct and progressive to advocate peace talks and tackle the reasons why many Filipinos continue to take up arms instead of prodding activists to denounce the CPP-NPA? That the insurgency has lasted for more than four decades (the longest insurgency in Southeast Asia) means it is more than just a band of gun toting crazies who love to sread mayhem in the country.

Risa’s insinuations against Maza, Ocampo, and Makabayan members are dangerous because the military can use them to butrress its red-baiting campaign against activists in the legal arena. At least the NPA can defend themselves during military operations but unarmed activists are helpless against illegal combat and psy-war operations. Politicians like Risa, Palparan, and Arroyo who continue to link the legal left with the underground left is the reason why activists continue to be harassed, abducted, tortured, and killed in this part of the world.

Risa’s press statement is not just a demolition job aimed at Ocampo, Maza and Villar. It is part of a systematic campaign to defeat and isolate the left. From day one of campaigning, the military has been very aggressive in its illegal campaign to sabotage the candidacies of Ocampo, Maza, and Makabayan partylist groups. It sends poison letters and death threats to Makabayan candidates, leaders, supporters, and now politicians who endorse the left. Military officers conduct illegal assemblies in communities and schools to warn residents and students against voting Satur, Maza, and Makabayan candidates. Soldiers and their supporters are actively defacing the campaign posters of the left. Palparan is given substantial media time to spread lies in public. The Liberal Party spokesman questions the inclusion of communists in the Villar senate lineup. It is unfortunate that the communist bogey is being used againto get the support of the US imperialist masters.

The post-election scenario is very scary for activists and leftists.

A few years ago, Akbayan stalwarts denounced their inclusion in the so-called NPA hitlist. It turned out that the hitlist was fictitious and the Akbayan leaders who feared for their lives are still very much alive today. They raised a lot of noise in global NGO summits presenting themselves as victims of a totalitarian ideology. What was tragicomic from that affair was that the groups and activists whom Akbayan accused of having ideological and organizational links with NPA were the ones who got abducted and killed by elements close to the military.

Akbayan didn’t kill my comrades and I’m sure it has many members who sympathize with our cause but by spewing out the same malicious accusations hurled by the military against militant activists, (again to use the words of Risa) it “indirectly helps human rights violators like Palparan to commit further abuses.”

Will there be another crackdown against the ‘nondemocratic left’? The signs are evident that the anti-communist bloc will pressure the next president to intensify the war against “communist terrorists” and their “legal fronts.” Wittingly or unwittingly, Risa and her party are being used to whip up insane anti-red hysteria in the country.

Is Risa a leftist? Palparan claims he is a human rights defender; he is even a member of the House Committee on Human Rights. Is Risa a democratic leftist? Palparan is a protector of democracy. What binds Palparan, the democracy-loving general and Risa, the democratic leftist is their shared hatred against the politics of Maza, Ocampo, and Makabayan.

But is she a leftist? Her statements on land reform, living wage, debt moratorium, human rights have been described in the media as progressive. Often, she is mistaken to be a member of Anakbayan or Gabriela. Maybe her statement against the ‘nondemocratic left’ is an attempt to publicly dissociate herself from the ranks of the militant left. Fine. I’ll return the favor by paraphrasing Fredric Jameson: “We have much in common with Risa and her party, in fact virtually everything – save the essentials.”

Long live the revolutionary tradition of the left!

Share now!

Youth on (and under) fire

admin — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 07:07:18 +0000

http://www.facebook.com/?sk=messages&ref=mb#!/kenneth.guda?v=app_2347471856&ref=ts

March 26, 2010
by Kenneth Guda

Marami raw ang na-shock sa “barbarikong” mga aksiyong protesta sa PUP at UP nitong nakaraang linggo. Napag-usapan na ang mga batayan ng pagpoprotesta — 200% pagtaas ng matrikula sa PUP, at tumitinding pagkokomersiyalisa, panunupil at di-demokratikong mga pamamalakad sa UP — pero para sa ilan, tila hindi ito sapat para bigyang katwiran ang radikal na katangian ng mga protesta.

Siyempre, ang mismong mga tumutuligsa sa mga protestang ito ang siyang mga taong naging apatetiko sa mga isyung inihahayag ng radikal na mga estudyante bago ang nakaraang linggo. Hindi man ako privy sa mga kaganapan sa PUP at UP nitong nakaraang mga buwan, tiyak na katakut-takot na mga konsultasyon, usapan, “mapayapang” protesta ang naganap. At tulad ng mayabang, kampante, at basagulerong tambay na neigborhood bully sa kalsada, dinedma lamang ng mga kinauukulang administrador ang mga ito. Kaya ano ngayon ang opsiyon sa mga estudyante? Paano sila mapakikinggan?

Sa pamamagitan ng mas radikal na mga protesta. Sa maraming pagkakataon, tila ito lang ang lengguwahe na pinakikinggan ng mga awtoridad. Kung hindi napupuwersang makinig dahil nakuha ang atensiyon ng madla, hindi mapapakinggan ang mga estudyante. Nangyari na ito sa Pilipinas, noong unang siklab ng kilusang protesta ng mga estudyante noong dekada ’60 hanggang 1971. Nangyayari ito ngayon. Sa ibang mga bansa, sa nakaraang limang taon, paulit-ulit na nangyayari ito. Sa huli, tanging sa radikal na pagpapakita ng lakas at pagkilos ng mga estudyante lamang nagtagumpay sila.

Sa maramign pagkakataon, hindi lang upuan ang sinunog at pintura ang isinaboy ng mga estudyante.

Nepal

Paggamit ng mga estudyante sa Nepal ng radikal na mga porma ng protesta para dinggin ng pamahalaan ang kanilang demokratikong mga hiling.

News report: Students in Nepal cut electricity to protest power outages (2008)

France

Protesta ng mga estudyante sa France noong 2006.

News report: French Student Protests Turn Violent (2006)

Greece

Kumprontasyon ng mga pulis at estudyante sa Athens, Greece noong 2006.

News reports: Greek student protest turns violent (2006)
Greek Youths Break Into State TV Center, Broadcast Protest Message (2008)

Protesta ng mga estudyante sa UC Berkeley nitong Pebrero.

News report: UC Berkeley fee protest turns rowdy (2010)

Share now!

Activism makes you happy

admin — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:51:39 +0000

Activism makes you happy – New research shows there is a link between being politically active and well-being

Brain food: does activism make you happy?

Who’d have thought it? New research shows there is a link between being politically active and wellbeing

by Aditya Chakrabortty

The Guardian (UK) – March 2, 2010

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2010/mar/02/brain-food-activism-makes-you-happy

Marching in the drizzle against wars in far-off countries, writing letters protesting the government’s latest
reactionary policy, sitting through interminable meetings that keep sprouting Any Other Business. It may be noble, but political activism is hardly a barrel of laughs. And yet it makes you happier.

So find two university psychologists in new research that looks for the first time at the link between political
activity and wellbeing. Malte Klar and Tim Kasser started by interviewing two sets of around 350 college students, both about their degree of political engagement and their levels of happiness and optimism. Both times, they found that those most inclined to go on a demo were also the cheeriest.

So there’s a link – but can politics actually make a person happier? In the third study, the academics took a bunch of students and divided them up into groups. The first were encouraged to write to the management of the college cafeteria asking for tastier food. The next lot wrote asking the cafe to source local or Fairtrade products. They were then tested on their wellbeing, and the group who had involved themselves in the political debate were far and away the strongest on the “vitality” scale: they felt more alive and enriched than those who merely complained about the menu.

There are many fascinating aspects to this. First, the activist-students didn’t necessarily care about food ethics, but just taking action made them feel better. Second, sending a memo is hardly the most engaging political action – and yet it had a big impact on those taking it. Third, the study flies in the face of the popular wisdom that happiness resides in creature comforts and relative affluence. Perhaps activism gives people a sense of purpose, or of agency or just a chance to hang out with other people. Most likely it
does all of the above.

“I will fight for what I believe in until I drop dead,” Barbara Castle told this paper in 1998. “And that’s what
keeps you alive.” Maybe the Red Queen was on to something.

[Aditya Chakrabortty is economics lead writer for the Guardian.]

Share now!

Tuition increases continue amidst crisis

admin — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 09:40:54 +0000

The following is the list of schools (in the National Capital Region) that will increase their tuition in Academic Year 2009-20010 based from the reports that the NUSP, through its Tuition Monitor Campaign, has received

Lyceum of the Philippines
+ 5% increase in tuition and another 5% increase in miscellaneous fees

University of the East (UE)
+ 5% tuition increase

Far Eastern University (FEU)
+ 6% tuition increase

San Juan de Letran College
+10% tuition increase

Philippine School of Business and Arts (PSBA)
+15% increase

San Beda College
+20% tuition increase

University of Sto. Thomas (UST)
+7% tuition increase to incoming 1st-3rd year students
+8.52% tuition increase to incoming 4th year students

Miscellaneous Fees Increase:
+ 90.5% Guidance and Counseling Fee increase
+ 7% Library fee increase
+ 5.56% registration fee increase
+ 66.7% Audio-Visual Fee increase to incoming 1st year students and 14.3% increase to incoming 2nd-4th year students
+ 7.14% drug testing fee increase
+ 9.09% energy fee increase
+ Student activity fee increase of 3.58% to 1st-3rd year students and 42% increase to incoming 4th year students
+ 7% ROTC/NSTP fee increase
+ 7% related learning experience fee increase
+ In the College of Science, 70% thesis advising fee increase
+ In the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery: 7.61% Learning Materials/ Test paper fee increase to 1st-3rd year students and 88.32% increase to 4th year students; and 46% LRU fee
+ 40- 50% Community Service Fee increase in college of commerce, Institute of Physical education and athletics, Institute of tourism and hospitality management, college of accountancy, college of fine arts and design, and faculty of arts and letters
+ In the College of Fine Arts, 8.52% increase in thesis advising fee
+ In the faculty of Arts and letters, 81.82% increase in Special lab fee- Edtech radio and TV

The following are the schools that conducted tuition consultation with students but did not inform them about the exact rate: Technological Institute of the Philippines (TIP), Jose Rizal University, Manila Central University

——————————————————————————————————————–

With an online degree, working adults can continue their education conveniently.

Share now!

Militant Youth stage ‘Dulaang Kidlat’ in streets, market in rage against global financial crisis

admin — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 07:51:55 +0000

Holds US and puppet regime Arroyo liable to Filipinos

DAVAO CITY–Members of militant youth organizations ANAKBAYAN and League of Filipino Students (LFS) here staged a “dulaang kidlat” or a lightning street play last February 5 (at the Bankerohan Intersection) depicting the people’s growing rage against the current global financial crisis.

The militants blamed the imperial United States as the main culprit of the current world-wide economic crisis as the leader among monopoly capitalist states. The groups cited the burst in the US’ bubble economy (housing and IT) and the crisis in overproduction as indicators of the cause of the current recession.

LFS Davao City spokesperson Karlos Manlupig said the US needs its neo-colonies and puppet regimes such as, among others, the Arroyo government in order to dominate the world economically. This, Manlupig said, does not insulate the Arroyo administration of being culpable with the extent of the effects of the crisis in the country. The Arroyo government is guilty of outright selling of the Filipino people and our resources through pro-US policies (mining, export rights, cheap labor, etc.)

“Aggravation of the educational crisis, skyrocketing prices of consumer products and massive lay-offs greeted the Filipino people this year,” said Sheena Duazo, Anakbayan Southern Mindanao spokesperson.

Duazo added that more than 15,000 workers were already laid-off and more than 19,000 workers had their working hours reduced and most of them are from the youth sector, and that by the end of the year, there will be more than 11 million jobless Filipinos.

“These are contrary to the lies Mrs. Gloria Arroyo told us, that our economy is resilient and secure from the impacts of the global crisis,” Duazo said.

Duazo expressed that the youth’s dream for a quality and free education is becoming unpropitious. “Under the US-Arroyo regime one in every three Filipino youth between 6-24 years old is a drop-out or had never been to school. Due to the high cost of education, most of our fellow youth have no choice but to leave school and are forced to find jobs to survive,” Duazo stated.

“If the government is really sincere in its campaign for quality education, it should prioritize the allocation of enough budget for education rather than implement random drug-tests and the proposed nonsensical 1-year extension in college courses, Nursing and Education among others,” said Manlupig.

Manlupig added that the 1-year extension is just another band-aid solution of the government. “This will only delay the students’ stay in their college or university preventing them to mass-up in the swelling numbers of unemployed and is just an added burden for students and parents,” explained Manlupig.

“It is high time for the youth to unite and urge the government to act upon our demands. The condition is very ripe to kick Arroyo out of Malacanang.” Duazo stressed.

“Moreover, in the midst of this extreme crisis, Arroyo and her cronies cannot deny that we are gravely affected by the collapse of the world capitalist system. And we have no other option but to turn this rage into a fight against the crisis of monopoly capitalism and to advance our national democratic struggle,” Manlupig said. ###

____
Click thumbnails to view images

Share now!

Mga kaganapan noong 2008 sa saliw ng pop songs

admin — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 07:56:00 +0000

PARA sa ilan sa mga kaibigan, “life-changing” daw ang 2008. Ang iba, ayaw pa itong matapos. Marami naman, nalulula sa dami ng mga nangyari, pero bitin pa rin.

Balikan natin ang mga tampok na kaganapan para sa progresibong kilusang kabataan, sa saliw ng mga cool na cool na awiting nakapagpa-LSS sa atin noong 2008.

YOUTH ACT NOW!
Soundtrack: Crank That/Superman (Soulja Boy)

Sa pagputok ng kontrobersiyang ZTE at pagbabalik ni Jun Lozada, naging sing-uso ng bagong dance step ang noise barrage, mga protesta sa kampus at malalaking mga martsa sa kalsada. Talaga namang pinanindigan ng mga kabataan ang pagiging soldier boys and girls para sa katotohanan at pagbabago.

Pinanunganahan ng YOUTH ACT NOW! ang masisiglang pagkilos at paglahok ng kabataan, at sinamantala ang iba’t ibang mga mapanlikhang porma para iparating ang paninidigan.

GRADUATION PROTESTS
Soundtrack: Susundan (Calla Lily)

Susundan kahit san man magpunta… ng protesta ang mga amuyong ni Gloria Arroyo. Kahit sa mga graduation ceremonies, protesta ang itinambad ng mga kabataang mag-aaral. Tampok ang pananalita ni Eduardo Ermita sa PUP, na binulabog ng protesta ng mga bagong tapos.

RICE CRISIS
Soundtrack: Umbrella (Rihanna)

Pila.. pila.. ehh.. ehh…

Pila kung pila sa NFA rice dahil sa sirit ng pagtaas ng presyo ng bigas. Todo protesta naman ang itinapat sa mga piket sa NFA, paglalantad sa pananagutan ng gubyerno sa krisis at pangangailangan ng higit na pagkilos para sa pagpapatalsik kay Gloria.

KA BEL: PERSON OF THE YEAR
Sountrack: With You (Chris Brown)

Boksingero ang Person of the Year ng masa, pero hindi si Manny Pacquiao. Mas mabagsik siya rito. Hindi nagluroy sa kayamanan, at nanatiling matibay ang prinsipyo’t paninindigan para sa interes ng mga mamamayan. Ang pagkamatay ni Ka Bel ay nagpakita ng tunay na paninidigan ng kilusang mapagpalaya para sa masa at bayan.

Tunay na idol ng kabataan at masa, kaya naman sa pagkamatay niya, lahat ay kasama sa pagdakila at pagpaparangal.

TUITION FREEZE
Soundtrack: Keep Bleeding (Leona Lewis)

Pagdating ng pasukan, talaga namang duduguin ang mga magulang sa taas ng matrikula sa mga pamantasan. Kaya naman protesta ang ibinungad sa enrolment pa lang. Nagbitiw ng salita ang gobyerno na wala raw magtataas ng matrikula, pero too late na, boladas lang din pala.

OIL PRICE HIKE PROTESTS
Soundtrack: Always Be My Baby (David Cook)

You’ll always be a part of me na ang mga pagtaas ng presyo ng langis. Halos linggu-linggo ang pagsirit ng presyo. Sunud-sunod din na militanteng mga aksiyon ang pinangunahan ng mga kabataan sa mga opisina ng mga kompanya ng langis sa Makati, hanggang sa Oil Depot sa Pandacan.

JULY WALKOUTS
Soundtrack: Imposible (KC Concepcion)

Hindi na raw para sa henerasyong ito ang malakihang mga pagkilos ng mga kabataan at walk-outs. Wala raw mainit na kontrobersiya na gaya ng noong unang kuwarto. Pero ang inaakalang imposible, nangyari noong Hulyo. Libu-libo ang lumabas sa kanilang klase at nagmartsa sa Kamaynilaan. Bitbit ang panawagan ‘di lang ng mga mag-aaral kundi ng mga mamamayan: pagpigil sa pagtaas ng presyo ng langis, pagtatanggal sa VAT at pagtataas ng sahod ng manggagawa.

LFS ANNIVERSARY
Soundtrack: Betamax (Sandwich)

Wala pa noong Myx, wala pa noong MTV…

Tila blast from the past ang pagdiriwang ng anibersaryo ng League of Filipino Students noong ika-11 ng Setyembre, na kinatampukan ng isang produksiyon at pananalita ng mga naging kabahagi ng 31 taon ng liga. At siyempre, nagtapos ito sa isang lighting rally na muling kumalampag sa seal ng US Embassy habang sumisigaw ng “Imperyalismo, Ibagsak!”

ANTI ALL-OUT WAR PROTESTS
Soundtrack: Pare Ko (Eraserheads)

Kasabay ng euphoria ng Eraserheads reunion, mapapakanta ka ng: “O, Diyos ko, ano ba naman ito! Di ba, @#$%!” Dahil sa paglulunsad ni Arroyo ng todong digma sa Mindanao na ang ipinalusot pang dahilan ay ang MOA-AD. Hinarap ito ng mga forum at mga candle lighting protests sa mga paaralan.

CAMPUS MILITARIZATION
Soundtrack: Low low low (Waray Version)

Dahil sa pagsigabo ng kilusang kabataan, talaga namang low, low, low na sa kawalanghiyaan ang mga pamamaraan ng rehimen sa panunupil at karahasan. ‘Di makatarungang pinatalsik ang mga mag-aaral ng JRU, nahuli ang mga ahente ng militar na nanghaharas sa PUP, at samu’t saring mga kaso pa ng paglabag sa karapatan ang natala sa mga kampus. Dagdag pa ang pekeng Magna Carta na pinakana ng mga nagpapanggap na progresibo sa Kongreso.

KOWLOON WORKERS’ STRIKE
Soundtrack: I’m Yours (Jason Mraz)

Kanilang-kanila talaga ang suporta ng mga kabataan na araw-araw na natulog at dumagsa sa picketline ng Kowloon at dumayo din sa iba’t iba pang mga picketline gaya ng sa Advan, Far East Garments at iba pa, lalo na noong panahon ng bakasyon.

GLOBAL MIGRATION FORUM PROTESTS at ASA GENCON
Soundtrack: No Air (Jordin Sparks)

Naubusan man ng hangin sa pagsasalin at pagsasalita ng Ingles, todo ang paglahok ng mga organisasyon ng kabataan sa internasyunal na kaganapang ito na nagpakita na puro hangin lang talaga ang sinasabing ginhawa ng buhay at pag-unlad sa pamamagitan ng pangingibang-bayan.

CHA-CHA
Soundtrack: I Will Always Love You (Charice Pempenco)

Todo kung todo sa pagbirit ang rehimen sa pagtutulak na makapanatili sa puwesto at maisulong ang interes ng dayuhan. Cha-Cha pa rin ang sayaw ng rehimen, kilusang masa naman ang pantapat ng bayan. At showdown kung showdown ang tapatan, na siya pa ring posibleng maging tono sa pagpasok ng 2009. Pumiyok na ang rehimen, habang papabuwelo pa lang ang mga mamamayan.

Nakakitaan ang kabataan ng sigasig sa pagtugon sa mga isyung pambayan ang mga kabataan noong 2008, at unti-unti, nauunawaan nito ng higit ang kahulugan ng pagiging pag-asa ng bayan. Pero marami pang kailangang pag-aralan, paghusayan at paunlarin para higit pang mag-ambag sa pagbabagong panlipunan.

Mitsa pa lang sa excitement ang 2008, mas malaki pang mga pasabog na tagumpay katapat ng pagsambulat ng krisis ang naghihintay sa susunod na taon.

Maligaya at makabuluhang 2009! Tuloy-tuloy sa pagkilos, paglilingkod at paglaban!

Share now!

Yes we can, too

admin — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 08:15:45 +0000

“Vencer has started a conversation: Grabe. Ang saya nila o. Nagsasayawan sa kalsada ang mga Amerikano!”

Hindi ako nakapagpigil at kinailangang i-chat ang mga kaibigang online noon habang namamanghang pinapanuod sa YouTube ang pagdiriwang ng mamamayan sa Amerika sa pagkapanalo ni Barack Obama.

Ang pagkamangha ay bahagya pang nahaluan ng inggit nang sa isang video, ipakita na ispontanyong nagmamartsa papunta sa White House ang mga tao sa Washington DC.

Nagbubusinahan a-la Katipunan noise barrage ang mga sasakyan. Nagkakamayan at nagyayakapan ang hindi magkakakilala.

—-
”Siyempre naman impe pa rin, at syempre ruling class pa rin ang kakatawanin nyan. Pero parang People Power! Umiiyak si Oprah! Hehe.”

Nagiging mas malinaw ang importansya ng pagkapanalo ni Obama para sa mamamayan ng Amerika at daigdig. Isa itong malakas na pahayag laban sa militarista, anti-mamamayang rehimeng Bush at matinding pagpapakita ng kagustuhan na magkamit ng pagbabago.

Sabi ng TV reporter na nag-ulat ng pagkapanalo ni Obama, hindi lang pagboto ang naganap kundi isang kilusan. Sa sumunod na araw, kinumpara ng isang kolumnistang Pilipino ang naganap sa ating pag-aalsang EDSA.

Sa speech ni Obama, aniya, walang imposible sa Amerika. Pero mas angkop marahil: walang imposible sa pagkakaisa ng taumbayan at kilusang masa.

Pinakita ng mamamayang Amerikano na sa kanilang pakikilahok, sa pagkakaisa at sa sama-samang pagpapanawagan, makakahakbang pasulong tungo sa pagbabago. Pero gaya rin ng EDSA, dapat na maintindihang nasa kilusang masa ang tunay na kapangyarihan. Dapat itong tuloy-tuloy na palakasin, at dapat na tuluy-tuloy na maging mapagbantay at maging aktibo sa pagususulong ng mga batayang interes ng mamamayan kung ayaw nilang mauwi sa wala ang kanilang tagumpay.

—-
”Yes we can! ”

Pinanuod ko ulit at ibinahagi sa mga kaibigan ang video ng pananalita ni Obama na kinanta ng mga artista at mga tanyag na personalidad. Kinakatawan ng video ang pagiging malikhain ng kampanya sa pag-abot at pagpapakilos sa mga tao lalo na sa kabataan, at paggamit ng iba’t ibang paraan para sa pag-oorganisa.

Maraming mainam na matutunan ang mga kabataang aktibista dito hinggil sa pagiging malikhain ng pangangampanya at pagpapakilos hinggil sa mga isyu at usapin, gayundin sa pagsamantala sa iba’t ibang larangan at porma ng pagpapakilos. Hamon sa mga paaralan at komunidad kung paano mas mahusay na mapupukaw ang imahinasyon ng mga kabataan, mabibigyan sila ng tiwala sa lakas ng sama-samang paglaban, at sa pamamagitan ng iba’t ibang porma ay mapakilos sila at maorganisa sa laksang bilang.

—-
“Yes we can too!”

Sa Amerika, dinaig ng mga mamamayan ang isang pasista at anti-mamamayang rehimeng Bush. Pinili nila ang landas ng pagbabago laban sa pakana ng mga tirano at mapang-abuso.

Dito sa Pilipinas, ganoon din ang hamon sa mamamayan: tapusin na ang rehimeng Arroyo at sama-samang manindigang laban sa pangungurakot, panunupil, at pambubusabos. Sa harap ng pagtindi pa ng mga pakana ng rehimen na makapanatili sa pwesto lampas ng 2010 at pahirapan pa ng lubos ang taumbayan, tiyak na paparating ang mga tagumpay para sa mamamayang pipili sa landas ng paglaban at pagbabagong panlipunan.

—-
“Status message: Vencer has gone offline (and started discussions on movement-building, prop work, US financial crisis and the Obama victory)“

*Mula sa kolum Radical Pinoy ang kolum ni Vencer Crisostomo, pambansang tagapangulo ng LFS sa Pinoy Weekly.

Share now!

Pasismo sa pamantasan at kataksilan ng Akbayan

admin — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 06:52:23 +0000

Vencer Crisostomo

SA NAKARAANG buwan, paparami at papatindi ang mga kaso ng panghaharas at paglabag sa mga karapatan ng mga mag-aaral sa kampus: mula sa mga di-makatarungang mga parusa na ipinapataw ng kanya-kanyang mga administrasyon, hanggang panghihimasok ng mga militar at direktang panghaharas sa mga aktibista sa loob ng kampus.

Kamakailan lang, lumabas sa balita ang pagdakip ng mga mag-aaral sa ilang ahente ng militar na kumukuha ng mga litrato at naniniktik sa mga mag-aaral sa PUP (Polytechnic University of the Philippines). Matapos ang insidente, tuluy-tuloy na lantarang nagsagawa ng mapanirang mga propaganda at harassment ang mga sundalo laban sa mga organisasyon ng mga mag-aaral, kabilang ang konseho ng mag-aaral at publikasyon.

Higit pang matindi ang kampanyang ala-batas militar sa mga kampus sa mga rehiyon. Sa PUP-Lopez, Quezon, sinampahan ng gawa-gawang kasong rebelyon ang tatlong kasapi ng konseho ng mag-aaral, kasabay ng paninira at pananakot sa kanila at kanilang mga pamilya.

May iba’t ibang antas ng paniniktik at panghaharas din na naiulat sa mga yunit ng Unibersidad ng Pilipinas at iba pang paaralan. Gayundin, ipinagmamalaki ng mga sundalo ang paglulunsad ng mga porum sa pampublikong mga hayskul na naninira sa progresibong mga organisasyon ng kabataan at nananakot sa mga mag-aaral.

Noong isang buwan, sa JRU (Jose Rizal University) naman, 19 na mag-aaral ang di-makatarungang sinuspinde, apat dito ang pinatalsik ng administrasyon dahil sa paninindigan nila sa mga katagang “pag-asa ng bayan” at paglulunsad ng kampanyang room-to-room laban sa Value-Added Tax.

Target ng panunupil ang kilusang masang nanguna sa mga walkout at iba pang protesta ng kabataan at mamamayan laban sa korap at pahirap na rehimeng Arroyo. Takot ang rehimen sa higit pang paglawak at paglakas ng mga organisasyong nagtatanggol sa mga karapatan sa loob at labas ng kampus, lalo’t inilalatag nito ang mga hakbang para makapanatili sa puwesto hanggang 2010 at lagpas pa.

Kasabay ng pagtindi ng pasistang mga kampanya sa paaralan, isang batas para sa “karapatan at kagalingan ng mga mag-aaral” ang isinusulong sa Kongreso. Sa una’y aakalaing progresibo pagkat ilalatag ang mga karapatan ng mga mag-aaral. Ngunit sa pagsusuri ng nilalaman, tatambad ang kataksilan ng panukala.

Inilalako ngayon ng Akbayan! Party-list — isang partidong sa isang kampanya sa halalan ay idineklara ang sarili na “partido ng kabataan” — ang Straw (Students Rights and Welfare) Bill of 2007 o HB 2584 ni Rep. Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel. Bersiyon nila ito ng nakaraang mga tangka na isabatas ang isang Magna Carta para sa mga mag-aaral. Sa lahat ng bersiyon, ito ang pinakamahaba at pinakadetalyado. Ito rin ang pinakamapinsala.

Inilantad ng iba’t ibang organisasyon, sa pangunguna ng NUSP (National Union of Students of the Philippines), sa mga pulong sa loob ng Kongreso na ang mga panukala sa Straw Bill ay higit pang magpapamukhang lehitimo at magpapatigas ng panunupil sa mga pamantasan. Sa mga probisyon nito hinggil sa karapatan sa pag-oorganisa, kalayaan sa pagpapahayag, pagtatayo ng konseho at publikasyon, binibigyan pa nito ng puwang at lisensiya ang administrasyon ng mga paaralan para limitahan at kontrolin ang mga organisasyon, mga aktibidad at mga kalayaan ng mga mag-aaral.

Sa kongkreto, halimbawa, sa pag-apruba sa mga organisasyon sa loob ng paaralan at paglulunsad ng mga aktibidad, binibigyan nito ng masaklaw na kapangyarihan ang OSA (Office of the Student Affairs). Hinggil kalayaan sa pagpapahayag, nais ng probisyon na magkaroon ng isang lugar kung saan doon lang puwedeng magprotesta. Hinggil sa diyaryong pangkampus, pinaboran lang nito ang Campus Journalism Act o CJA, na ginagamit ngayon para ipitin ang pondo at paghigpitan ang mga publikasyong pangkampus.

Nakakasuklam ang bahagi ng panukala hinggil sa pagtaas ng matrikula kung saan itinatakda na magkaroon ng “minimum na mga pamantayan” ng konsultasyon sa bawat pagtataas. Sa aktuwal, bogus na konsultasyon gaya ng mga nagaganap sa kasalukuyan ang itinataguyod nito. Kung tutuusin, batay sa karanasan, dapat konsultasyon at pagsang-ayon ang isulong na patakaran.

Kataka-taka ring wala sa bersiyon ng Akbayan ang isang probisyong mayroon sa mga nauna, na tutol sa pagpasok ng militar sa mga pamantasan.

Siguro’y hindi nauunawaan ng mga sumulat ng panukala na bawat butas sa kanilang batas na puwedeng gamitin sa paniniil ay sasamantalahin ng administrasyon para kitlin ang karapatan ng mga mag-aaral – tulad ng ginawa sa CJA. Maaari ring wala talaga silang aktuwal na karanasan sa mga pakikibaka laban sa paniniil sa loob ng mga kampus at hindi naiintindihan ang mga implikasyon ng kanilang mga panukala. O, marahil, ito talaga ang kanilang pinipiling posisyon: ang pagbukambibig ng mga karapatan habang sa aktuwal ay pinapanigan ang mga puwersang sumisikil dito.

Para maakit noon ang mga kabataan na bumoto pabor sa kanila, ginamit ng Akbayan sa isa nilang poster ang mukha ni Che Guevara, isang tanyag na lider-rebolusyonaryo at icon ng mga progresibo. Pero ipinapakita ngayon ng kanilang praktika ang tunay na mukha ng kanilang pulitika: panig sa mga kleriko-pasista at taguyod ng tiraniya ni Gloria.

http://www.pinoyweekly.org/cms/2008/10/pasismo-sa-pamantasan-kataksilan-ng-akbayan

Share now!