The Manila Collegian Volume 29 Number 17

Page 1

The Official Student Publication of the University of the Philippines Manila Volume 29 Number 18 June 10, 2016 - Friday

MORE INSIDE

02 EDITORIAL Talim 03 NEWS Kabataan, muling kinondena ang programang K to 12 08 FEATURES The Social Injury 11 OPINION The Last Song 12 CULTURE Satiri-Critical


02 EDITORIAL

Volume 29 Number 18 June 10, 2016 | Friday

E DI T O R - I N - C H I E F Carlo Rey Resureccion Martinez A S S O C I AT E E DI T O R F O R I N T E R N A L A F FA I R S Patrick Jacob Laxamana Liwag A S S O C I AT E E DI T O R F O R E X T E R N A L A F FA I R S Elizabeth Danielle Quiñones Fodulla M A N AG I N G E DI T O R Thalia Real Villela A S S I S TA N T M A N AG I N G E DI T O R Jennah Yelle Manato Mallari N E W S E DI T O R Aries Raphael Reyes Pascua F E AT U R E S E DI T O R Liezl Ann Dimabuyu Lansang C U LT U R E E DI T O R Jose Lorenzo Querol Lanuza

MICHAEL LORENZ DUMALAOG RAYMUNDO

TALIM

A

ng pinakamataas na opisyal ng pamahalaan na siyang inaasahang itataguyod ang pagsunod ng batas at karapatan ng lahat, lalo na ang kababaihan, ay tila mas pinapapahalagahan ang pansariling kabaluktutan. Ayon sa mga Pilipinong tumatangkilik at sumusuporta sa susunod na Pangulo na si Rodrigo Duterte, isa sa mga dahilan kung bakit siya ang kanilang binoto ay ang kanyang pangakong tapusin ang mga krimen sa buong bansa sa loob ng tatlo hanggang anim na buwan. Ngunit kamakailan lamang, umangal ang ilang mga netizens, partikular na ang ilang lumalaban para sa mga karapatan ng kababaihan, nang sipulan ni Duterte ang mamamahayag na si Mariz Umali. Iginiit ng mga ito na catcalling ang ginawa ng susunod na Pangulo. Sa kanyang depensa, iginiit ni Duterte na ang kanyang pagsipol ay biro lamang at bahagi ito ng kanyang kalayaang magpahayag o freedom of expression. Ayon sa Davao City Ordinance Number 5004, isang batas na si Duterte mismo ang pumirma noong siya pa ang alkalde ng siyudad, itinuturing na uri ng sexual harassment ang pagsipol, pagmura, o pagtawag sa isang babae sa kahit anong nakakabastos na paraan. Hindi na bago ang ganitong kritisismo kay Duterte, kahit na hindi pa siya pormal na nakakaupo sa Malacañang. Ilang araw lamang matapos ang pambansang halalan, sinabi ng kanyang transition committee na nais nilang maging katulad ng gabinete ni Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ang magiging gabinete ni Duterte. Malinaw na hindi na ito ang nais ni

Duterte, sapagkat mga nakakatandang mga kalalakihan ang karamihan ng kanyang inimbita. Iilang babae lamang ang inimbita, at maging ang susunod na Pangalawang Pangulo na si Leni Robredo ay hindi na umano niya nais bigyan ng posisyon. Ayon kay Duterte, ayaw niyang masaktan ang kanyang kaibigan at kaalyado na si Senador Bongbong Marcos.

pundasyon na nagbibigay katwiran sa catcalling at iba pang uri ng pambabastos at panghahamak sa kababaihan. Pinapalakas nito ang loob ng mga tao na mambastos, at pinapalawig ang isang baluktot na kultura. Sapagka’t, kung anong ginagawa ng matanda ay siyang sinusunod ng mga bata, at ang halimbawang ipapakita ng Pangulo ay tinitingala at nagiging tama.

Sa kabila ng pagporma bilang alternatibo sa mga trapo, malinaw na halos walang pinagkaiba ang ating susunod na Pangulo. Hindi siya ang mesiyas na inaasahan, at hindi siya perpektong lider.

Ang sektor ng kababaihan ay ilang dekada nang nagsusumikap na pumiglas mula sa rehas ng machismo at patriyarka, at makamit ang pagkakapantaypantay at respeto na nararapat lamang sa kanila. Sa kabila ng bagong pangako ni Duterte na siya’y magbabago sa kanyang pagpasok sa Palasyo, malinaw na pinapakita ng kanyang nakaraang pahayag na hindi ito sigurado.

Ilang beses nang nagbitiw ng mga matatapang na salita at matatalas na pangako si Duterte, ngunit sa huli ay binawi o binali ito. At ilang beses na rin siyang tinira sa mga pagkilos at pahayag

G R A P H IC S E DI T O R Jose Paolo Bermudez Reyes N E WS COR R ESPON DEN TS Patricia Anne Lactao Guerrero Adolf Enrique Santos Gonzales Eunice Biñas Hechanova Ronilo Raymundo Mesa Arthur Gerald Bantilan Quirante Sofia Monique Kingking Sibulo F E AT U R E S C O R R E S P O N D E N T S Chloe Pauline Reyes Gelera Katrina Maria Limpiada Perolino Angelica Natividad Reyes C U LT U R E C O R R E S P O N D E N T S Josef Bernard Soriano De Mesa Pia Kriezl Jurado Hernandez Jamilah Paola dela Cruz Laguardia Gabrielle Marie Melad Simeon R E S I D E N T I L LU S T R AT O R S Maria Catalina Bajar Belgira Jamela Limbauan Bernas Jazmine Claire Martinez Mabansag Michael Lorenz Dumalaog Raymundo

O F F IC E 4th Floor Student Center Building, University of the Philippines Manila, Padre Faura St. corner Ma. Orosa St., Ermita, Manila 1000 EMAIL themanilacollegian@gmail.com W EBSITES issuu.com/manilacollegian www.facebook.com/themanilacollegian www.twitter.com/mkule themanilacollegian.tumblr.com MEMBER

Napakadaling sabihin ng isang lalaki, lalo na ng

isang lalaking uupo sa pinakamakapangyarihang trono sa bansa, na biro at tukso lang ang kanyang ginagawa.

niya patungkol sa kababaihan, na iginigiit niya bilang pawang pagbibiro at pagpapatawa lamang. Totoo man o hindi na pawang katuwaan lamang ang kanyang nais, hindi ito ang nagiging epekto ng kanyang pinamumunuan, at sa mga Pilipinang araw-araw hinaharap ang walang habas na pambabastos at paghamak. Napakadaling sabihin ng isang lalaki, lalo na ng isang lalaking uupo sa pinakamakapangyarihang trono sa bansa, na biro at tukso lang ang kanyang ginagawa. Pero ang implikasyon nito sa iba ay hindi basta’t biro at tukso lang. Naglalatag ang pagkilos ni Duterte ng

Dahil dito, responsibilidad ng bawat kababaihan at bawat Pilipino, lalo na ng 16 milyong bumoto para sa kanya, na manindigan at maging matalas. Ang mga matatalim na salita ni Duterte ay hindi lang kayang manghamig, ngunit kaya ding manakit at manupil. At sa kabila ng tronong kayang uupuan sa loob ng anim na taon, hindi sa pamahalaan o sa kanyang kamay na bakal mahahanap ang tunay na makapangyarihan – tanging ang masa, ang nagkakaisang sambayanang Pilipino, ang siyang pinakamalakas na puwersa.

College Editors Guild of the Philippines

Solidaridad - UP Systemwide Alliance of Student Publications and Writers’ Organizations

The Cover

Illustration by danielle montealegre rodriguez Layout by Joma Michiko Cruz Kaimoto & Kyla Dominique Lacambacal Pasicolan


Volume 29 Number 18 June 10, 2016 | Friday

COLLEGE BRIEFS College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Dean Leonardo Estacio led the meeting with the Department of Social Sciences (DSS) faculty with the Bulacan State University (BSU) officials on May 12, 2016 for the introduction of AB Social Sciences program in BSU. The Bahay Kubo Kahit Munti program marked the opening of the Rizal-Van Gogh Garden at the University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) on May 16, 2016. DSS Professor Benjamin Mangubat gave a lecture on Dr. Jose Rizal’s research during his exile in Dapitan, Zamboanga and its relevance to educational institutions and the community.

ORGANEWS Several student organizations collaborated with the College of Public Health for Fahrenheit, a yearender party which took place on May 20, 2016. The party featured performers from UPM MOrg, Oh Flamingo!, Benny Bunny Band, Jensen and the Flips and the Ransom Collective. In partnership with the UPM Indayog Dance Varsity, UP Sigma Alpha Nu Sorority Manila, UP Manila Belle, and Sigma Delta Pi Sorority UP Manila, CAMP Synergy organized Contagion: Afterlife as a finale to the Contagion series. The event was held at the Chaos City of Dreams on May 27, 2016.

Kabataan, muling kinondena ang programang K to 12

NEWS 03

LFS, nanawagan kay Duterte na ipatigil ito ARIES RAPHAEL REYES PASCUA

Nagsagawa ng malawakang kilos-protesta ang iba’t ibang militanteng grupo sa tanggapan ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyon (DepEd) upang kondenahin ang K to 12 curriculum, Mayo 26. Ilan sa mga nanguna sa kilos-protesta na ito ay ang League of Fiipino Students (LFS) at ang College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP), kasama ang mga mag-aaral mula sa iba’t ibang unibersidad. Ayon sa secretary-general ng LFS na si Aries Gupit, kinakailangang magkaroon ng konsultasyon ang administrasyong Duterte sa mga mag-aaral at magulang upang malaman ang pananaw nila ukol dito. “We urge the next Philippine president to heed our demand to stop and junk the K to 12 program. We ask President Duterte to also give time to listen to the students and other affected sectors,” ani Gupit. Punto ng pagbabago Naglatag si Gupit ng tatlong mahahalagang punto kung bakit kailangan na talagang ipatigil ang programang K to 12. Una’y ang K to 12 program ay naglalayon na pababain ang sahod ng mga manggagawa sa hinaharap, ikalawa’y dagdag pasanin lamang ang programa sa mga mag-aaral at magulang, at ang huli’y mas nagpasama lamang ito sa sistema ng edukasyon sa ating bansa. “With the scarce job opportunities in the country, K-12 graduates which are of employable age will be added to the ocean of 11.2 million unemployed and

underemployed Filipinos. This will only increase joblessness in the country and lower the value of Filipino labor,” wika ni Gupit. “K to 12 is also a burden forced on to the students and their families. Private schools dominate senior high schools. In the National Capital Region alone, 78.89% of senior high schools are private. Even if there are public schools offering senior high education, the slots are very limited. Under K to 12, basic education is further privatized and commercialized,” dagdag pa niya.

ni Gupit. “…on top of matriculation costs, a student needs to produce 100 thousand to 200 thousand pesos in order to finish the additional two years imposed by K to 12. This will take most of the family’s income,” dagdag pa niya. Ayon din sa LFS, ang programang K to 12 ay nag-aabandona sa responsibilidad ng estado na magbigay ng libre at dekalidad na edukasyon sa mamamayang Pilipino.

Tinitiyak lamang nito ang kita ng mga may-ari ng mga pribadong paaralan Dagdag na pahirap sa pamamagitan ng mga voucher na binibigay sa mga Ayon sa huling datos na pamilyang hindi kayang nakalap ng LFS, 78.89% magpa-aral sa mga pribadong ng mga paaralang handa paaralan. para sa Senior High School (SHS) sa National Capital Ayon kay Gupit, diretso sa Region (NCR) ay pribado. mga paaralan ang vouchers Dagdag pa rito, karamihan at hindi na dumadaan pa sa sa mga pampublikong kamay ng mga pamilyang paaralan na handa sa SHS ay nangangailangan nito. may limitadong kapasidad Nanawagan si Gupit sa lamang kaya’t napipilitan bagong pangulo na ituloy ang iba na lumipat sa mga ang mga pahayag niya noong pribadong paaralan o kaya’y panahon ng kampanya na iwan na lamang ang pag- ititigil niya ang programang aaral. K to 12. Ayon kay Gupit, nanalo si Duterte dahil sa “K to 12 curtails the rights of kagustuhan ng mga tao ng every youth to a free public pagbabago kaya’t dapat ay education. It turns students ibasura na ang programa into milking cows even at the na ipinatupad ng rehimeng expense of right education. Aquino bilang sagisag ng K to 12 crushes our chance pagbabago at pag-unlad. for a better future,” pahayag


04 NEWS UPM SHS Koronadal, kasalukuyang humaharap sa iba’t ibang isyu

Volume 29 Number 18 June 10, 2016 | Friday

Kawalan ng dormitoryo at trabaho, inirereklamo SOFIA MONIQUE KINGKING SIBULO

Ipinahayag ng ilang mag-aaral mula sa Unibersidad ng Pilipinas Maynila School of Health Sciences Extension Campus in South Cotabato (UPM SHS ECSC), o mas kilala bilang SHS Koronadal, ang ilang isyu na kanilang hinaharap. Ipina-blotter ni Lheo Saragena, isang instruktor ng UPM SHS ECSC si Mars Gamutan, isang miyembro ng San Marcelino Foundation Inc. dahil sa kusang pagpapagawa ng mga sirang bubong ng mga bahay kubo na nagsisilbing tirahan ng mga magaaral. Habang pinaaayos ni Gamutan ang mga bahay kubo ay pinatitigil ito ni Saragena sapagkat wala naman daw itong papeles. Nanindigan si Gamutan na aalis lamang ang kaniyang grupo kung may sulat na pinaaalis sila kaya’t gumawa nito si Saragena at ipinablotter si Gamutan. “The act of helping is good but the manner of doing, ‘yun’ yung dapat i-question,” pahayag ni Normandy Carpio, direktor ng UPM SHS ECSC. Ayon kay Carpio, mayroon na namang plano na ayusin ang mga kubo, kahit gamitin pa ang personal niyang salapi, o ipaaayos SATIRI-CRITICAL

damdamin ang mararamdaman ng mga Pilipino sa pagbabasa ng mga satirical articles. Nang kumalat sa social media noong 2011 ang tungkol sa pagsasabatas ng Anti-Angry Birds Bill ni dating Quezon City Representative Winston Castelo, kaagad na naghimagsik ang damdamin ng mga Pilipinong netizens, na humantong sa pag-bash sa naturang mambabatas. Para kasi sa mga Pilipino, isang malaking “sampal” sa kanilang pagka-Pilipino ang nakakahiyang pagkapasa ng batas ng isang ginagalang na politiko. Ngunit, lalong nadagdagan ang pagkapahiya ng mga Pilipino nang mapabulaanan ang balitang gawa lamang pala ng isang satirical news website. Sa huli, mahalagang tandaan na ang pag-aalinlangan na nagdala sa mga Pilipinong magtiwala sa mga bersyon ng kasaysayang ipinapakain sa kanya ng mga dayuhang mananakop nang panahong nakalipas, ay siya ring pagaalinglangan na maaaring magsalba sa kanya sa pagpili ng bersyon ng katotohanang paniniwalaan niya.

sa utility worker kapag nagkaroon mag-aaral. na ng sapat na pondo mula sa provincial government. “Malaking tulong para sa amin ang maging bahagi [iskolar] ng San Marcelino Foundation. Sira-sirang pasilidad Pagkatapos ng nangyari ay hindi Isang kinatawan ng Department na nakapunta dito si Sir Mars, siya of Trade and Industry (DTI) na ang nagbibigay ng bigas sa amin. bumisita sa mga bahay kubo ang Ngayon, hirap kami dahil wala mismong nakita na tinatakpan na kaming bigas.” pahayag ni Regino. lamang ng mga tarpaulin ang mga bubong at sira-sira na ang mga Ipinahayag naman ni Kris Bianca Buaron, tagapangulo ng konseho sahig. ng mga mag-aaral ng UPM SHS “May mga butas na rin ang kubo, ECSC, na nakalulungkot ang nung nakaraan nga nahulog ako nangyari dahil kung kailan sa butas at nasugatan ako. Ang atip panahon na ng tag-ulan ay ay tumutulo na rin,” pagbabahagi tsaka pinatigil pa ang libreng ni Charlene Grace Regino, isa sa pagpapaayos sa mga kubo mga mag-aaral na naninirahan sa kasabay ng panghihinayang sa mga nabiling gamit na bahay kubo. pampagawa. Idiniin niya rin Kalahating porsiyento ng mga na marami na ang natulong ng iskolar ng bayan sa UPM SHS foundation sa kanilang mga magECSC ay naninirahan sa bahay aaral sa mahabang panahon at kubo. Ipinatayo ang 13 bahay kubo sana ay nakipag-ugnayan na lang limang taon na ang nakararaan ang administrasyon ng paaralan. ng kanilang lokal na pamahalaan para may matirahan ang mga Kamakailan lamang ay nagkaroon ng plano na ipatanggal ang mga

MANIPULATION TACTIC #4: PAGPAPALAKAS SA “MAMIMINGWIT” Ngunit hindi natatapos sa pagbingwit ng mga balita, at paghuli ng impormasyon ang pagmanipula ng mga satirical articles sa mga datos na ipapakain nito sa mga Pilipino – maging ang imahe mismo ng “manghuhuli” ay kailangang protektahan at pagandahin. Sa umuusbong na impluwensiya ng globalisasyon, hindi maikakailang tunay na nakakapagtaka ang pagkahumaling at madaling pagkapaniwala ng mga Pilipino sa mga satirical articles, gayong malawak ang hanay ng mga entidad na maaari nilang pagkuhanan ng balita. Ngunit ang mainstream media, kahit may iba-ibang mukha ay may iisang isip – ito ay ang patuloy na mai-project ang kanilang imahe bilang iisa at tanging bukal ng impormasyon ng mga tao.

Kahit magkakaiba sila ng anyo, ang pagnanais bilang isang kolektibong grupong nakasandig sa ratings at patalastas mula sa mga korporasyon ang nagiging puhunan nila para umakto bilang iisang institusyon na may limitado at absolutong kontrol sa daloy ng impormasyon sa tao. Kung pareho nga lang namang ibinabalita ni Arnold Clavio at ni Julius Babao na dadalhin sa isang mental rehabilitation center si Senador Juan Ponce Enrile dahil sa kahiligan sa Candy Crush, walang masyadong pagpipilian ang taumbayan, lalo na ang mga nasa laylayan, kundi ito’y paniwalaan. Kaya naman ang pagsulpot ng mga satirical articles ay isang matalinong taktika sa paghila ng ratings at pagpukaw ng mga manonood at mambabasa, dahilan naman para mas makakalap ng patalastas ang mga itong magpopondo naman sa kanila. Hindi na mahalaga kung ilang pagmamanipula at pagbabaluktot ang gawin sa datos at impormasyon na ipapakain sa tao – mas ‘di kapani-paniwala ang balita, mas mabuti; mas kagila-gilalas, mas patok.

bahay kubo dahil kulang na raw ang budget ng UPM SHS ECSC.

Nawalan ng trabaho Noong Mayo 27 ay sapilitang pinapirma ng resignation letter si Rey Rivera, utility at driver sa UPM SHS ECSC dahil hindi raw siya propesyonal na drayber. Sinubukang makakuha ng pahayag mula sa sangkot ngunit hindi ito nagbigay ng kaniyang pahayag. Ang nasabing manggagawa ay ang unang utility worker sa UPM SHS ECSC. Siya ay nasa estadong Job Order na empleyado ng pamahalaan ng South Cotabato. “Nakakabahala yung sitwasyon niya ngayon dahil hindi na siya ni-recommend ng UP. Mayroon pa naman siyang pamilya na sinusuportahan… sana hindi na umabot sa ganito na patalsikin siya o mawalan ng trabaho.” paninindigan ni Buaron.

MULA SA PAHINA 12

Ang tao ay binigyan ng kapangyarihan upang mag-isip. Gamit ang kakayahang ito, nagiging maalam ang tao sa lahat ng bagay sa kanyang paligid – mula sa mga pinakamaliliit na detalye hanggang sa pinakamalalaking kaganapan. Nagiging bukas din siya sa iba’t ibang uri ng kaalaman - kung tama ba ito o hindi. Nasa tao lang din kung gugustuhin niyang paniwalaan ang kanyang nalalaman, o sumalungat sa ideyang tingin niya ay mali; nasa tao lang din kung kakagat siya sa “pain”, o sasalungat sa daloy ng mga pangyayari, at hahanap ng alam niyang tamang bersyon ng “katotohanan.” Sa panahong ang pagmamanipula ng impormasyon ay pinadadali na ng teknolohiya, ang pagiging maalam sa pagsasala ng kaalamang natututunan ay nagsisimula sa pagiging mapagbantay ng tao sa pagtanggap nito.


NEWS 05

Volume 29 Number 18 June 10, 2016 | Friday

Duterte names new cabinet officers

Military men, leftists join office ARTHUR GERALD BANTILAN QUIRANTE

President-elect Rodrigo Duterte announced the individuals that will head the executive departments of his administration following a press conference held by Presidential Spokesperson Sal Panelo in Davao City last June 1. Included in the Cabinet are Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, who served as Duterte’s personal lawyer; Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, a law school fraternity brother of Duterte; and Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Arthur Tugade, who was a former Clark Development Corporation President. In addition, former North Cotabato Governor Manny Piñol will be Duterte’s Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary while Representative Mark Villar will head the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Other Cabinet appointees are shown in Table 1.

the Department of National Defense (DND), retired General Delfin Lorenzana will now head the DND. Meanwhile, retired Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr. will be the incoming head of the National Security Council while Ronald Dela Rosa will be the presumptive Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief.

Vacant seats Meanwhile, Duterte has yet to name a Department for Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary, due to sensitive mining concerns which he initially offered to the leftists. Other departments still vacant as of press time are the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Tourism (DOT), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

any position. “Whether with a position or not, I will strive to keep the promises I made to our people to the best of my ability,” she stated.

Furthermore, Duterte has received criticism after stating that he would pattern his cabinet after that of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, but instead appointed mostly older men. This is in stark contrast with the “young Meanwhile, Duterte didn’t offer and brilliant” personalities any position or department to supposedly wanted by Duterte his Vice President-elect Leni during his campaign. Robredo from the Liberal Party. Duterte stated that it would However, Duterte’s argued that be offensive to do so given the president-elect aims to fill his friendship with Senator the top positions with people Bongbong Marcos whom who have proven their loyalty Robredo had defeated in the to him in the past and can be race for the vice presidency. trusted.

On the other hand, the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) presented several names for the president-elect Duterte to pick. Duterte, with his transition committee, chose former UP Professor Judy Taguiwalo for Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), former Anakpawis Representative Rafael Mariano for the Department of Agrarian Leftists welcomed Reform (DAR), and Silvestre Bello for the Department After the refusal of former of Labor and Employment presidential candidate (DOLE). On the other hand, Robredo Gilbert Teodoro III to head claimed she didn’t mind having Table 1. List of Cabinet appointees


06 NEWS

Volume 29 Number 18 June 10, 2016 | Friday

ITANONG KAY ISKO’T ISKA 1P K

Oo, kasi oo. Change is coming your face, D.

Kailangan. Hassle naman na buong bansa magaadjust sa lahat ng “nakagawian” nya. Hindi naman binabago yung mga prinsipyo nya pero yung mga bagay kagaya ng pucha mayor wag naman po kayong magpromote na okay lang ang catcalling, mahirap ba talaga yon? -SanaAlumniNaAkoNextYear, CAS

Opo, kailangan kasi buong bansa na yung pinamumunuan niya. -invisible, 2013, CAS

Oo. Siya ang lider na magsasabi ng kwak kwak kasi. I don’t want that quacking to be hatespeech. -acromiotrapezius, 2013

ailangan bang baguhin ni resident-elect Duterte ang kanyang paguugali at pagkilos?

Bakit o bakit hindi? -dumpling, CD, 2014-05844

Oo naman. Ano ‘to change is coming talaga? Filipino people ang mag-aadjust ganern? -Thibault, 2013, CAS Dapat lang na baguhin ni Duterte ang ugali niya. He’s representing PH now, not just Davao. -lilonistitch, CAS, 2014-***** Kailangan nyang maging pormal, magalang at maayos ang pananalita’t pagkilos niya dahil siya rin ay ang head of the state, hindi lamang head of the government. Kailangan ng Pilipinas ng mukha para irepresenta sa ibang bansa. Kailangan din niyang ipakita na ang kaniyang sinasabi na “pagdidisiplina” sa mga Pilipino ay isinasakatawan din niya LALO NA ANG PAGRESPETO SA KABABAIHAN, hindi bilang babae lamang, kung hindi ay KAPWA TAO. Mas maganda kung magiging mas maalab at matalino tungkol sa mga isyung kinakaharap ng pamahalaan tulad ng mga media killings. Yung tipong tinitignan lahat ng angulo ng isyu bago magsabi ng kung anu-ano, given that ang opinyon ng tao ay nakabatay sa iba’t ibang pananaw. In short, dapat niyang IRESPETO ANG LAHAT, hindi dahil siyang ANG PRESIDENTE ngunit dahil PAREPAREHAS LAMANG TAYONG TAO. -Kazeha, CAS, 2014-53797 Oo dahil siya yung magiging lider ng ating bansa kaya dapat maging mabuting ehemplo sya para sa mga tao lalo na sa kabataan. -Halaman2017, CAS, 2013-***** YES. Kita ko naman malinis ang intensyon niya, ang sakin lang, sana isipin niyang marami siyang natatapakan sa mga pinagsasabi’t pinaggagawa niya ngayon.Bituin, CD, 2014 Oo dahil sa kasalukuyang sitwasyon ay marami na ang kaniyang nababangga lalo na ang mga women’s right advocates sa kaniyang mapang harass na ugali tungo sa kababaihan -kamote kid, 2014, CAS Oo. Kumbaga ituloy niya ang sinimulang niyang pagsuyo sa mga Pilipino noong nangangampanya siya. Ang pinagkaiba naman dito ay ang target niyang makuha ang loob ay ang mga hindi bumoto sa kanya habang inaalagaan ang mga taong nagbigay na ng tiwala sa kanya. Isang pamamaraan nang pagbabago ng paguugali ay ang pagbibigay niya ng kunsiderasyon sa kung ano ang maaring maramdaman ng indibidwal na kausap niya at kung makakaapekto ba sa bansa. Naniniwala naman akong kaya niyang gawin ang kahit ano para sa bansa, kahit kasing liit pa ito nang pagayos sa sarili, habang nanatili ang personalidad na mayroon siya. -Pag-unlad, CN

Oo kailangan niyang baguhin. Kaya nag away si Baron at Kiko sa bar ay ayon daw kay Baron ay may binastos si Kiko na waitress. Kung hindi babaguhin ni duterte ang kaniyang ugali at patuloy na mambabastos, baka dumating ang araw na kitain ni Baron si Duterte sa mata, at bigwasan siya. - sadboy, cas 2014-44*** Oo. Dahil siya ang humahawak sa pinakamataas na posisyon sa ating bansa at hindi ito magandang ehemplo sa mga mamamayan. -misspretty, CAS, 2014 Yes, because he serves as an example sa nasasakupan niya. -mALAMANG 2012 Yah. Kasi with the way he is right now, he is promoting the machismo attitude, which is what feeds the patriarchal system. -twinkletwinklelittlestar CAS He should be prim and proper. (Excuse me Mr President, hindi lahat ng prim and proper mga hypocrites). Also he should start addressing questions properly, nakakasakit na ng ulo minsan mga sagot niya. -howmaygash CAS 2012-3xxxx Nararapat lamang dahil mas respetable ang isang lider na maaayos ang imahe sa publiko. Kung maraming flaws na makikita sa kanya, mas magiging madali na hindi siya respetuhin. Kung fear lang ang gagamitin niyang pang-execute ng batas, hindi pa rin tuluyang matututo o mababago ang bansa. -Ms.I-guess-so-don’t-judge-me In numerous international matters, he shall be the sole representative of the country. Do we want the Filipino people to be known as a race led by a leader with a crass mouth and disrespectful mannerisms? -SAISBeGood, 20xx Oo, dahil he is the President of the Philippines, and his attitude reflects that of the Filipino people. Peace po! -survivor, CAS Syempre, hindi pa nga siya nagsweswear into office tapos sangkatutak na mga isyu ang nagaganap dahil sa sinasabi niya. -awtsubeh, 2014 Yes po! Naju-justify kasi ang mga pamacho na mga polis dyan. -winterIScoming, 2012 Oo. CHANGE IS COMING TALAGA! Pag-iba nagsasabi ay mali pero kapag siya palaging okay lang. -Nagkulang, 20** OO. Kung ang mismong lider ng ating bansa ay bastos, walang modo, at sarado ang isip, hindi maikakaila na magsisilbi siyang masamang ehemplo sa mga kabataan at maging sa mga nakatatanda. -{60564}

Sa palagay ko, hindi lamang mag-focus sa pagbabago ng pag-uugali at pagkilos. Ang usapin dapat ay kung paano babaguhin ng Pangulo ang kanyang mga ideolohiya at prinsipyo. He can retain his character and his strong and firm aura. But he might want to consider to change his principles and ideologies, for the greater good of his people. If he is saying that he can bring the change to this country, he should start first implementing that change on himself. -IncomingDentProper, CD, 2014-0xxxx Sa aking palagay ay dapat baguhin ni Duterte ang ilan sa kanyang pag-uugali na maituturing na balbal tulad nang pagmumura na lang basta at ang mga iba pang gawain na mayroong sekswual na imperensiya upang maiwasan ang makaoffend sa mga taong sensitibo sa mga ganoong bagay pati na rin ang pagiging nonchalant nya sa mga puna sa kilos at ugali nya. Ilan lamang iyon sa aking palagay na dapat baguhin ni Duterte bilang na uupo na siya na lider ng ating bansa -#Lambily CD, 2014-***** Oo, sobrang kailangan niyang baguhin ang ugali niya. -keribeks, 2012 Sa tingin ko, ang kailangan baguhin ni President-elect Duterte ay ang kanyang pananalita at ang kanyang hindi pagtanggap sa kanyang kamalian. Dapat niyang matutunan ang kahalagahan ng respeto sa ibang tao (lalo na sa mga babae) at tamang pag-uugali hinggil sa certain events, places, and audiences. Malakas ang kanyang impluwensya sa masang Pilipino kaya’t dapat siyang maging magandang ehemplo sa mga ito. Siya rin ang nag/magrerepresenta sa ating bansa at sa milyungmilyong Pilipino kaya’t gusto natin ng isang lider na magpapakita hindi lamang ng magandang performance, kundi pati na rin ng magandang moral at pag-uugali. -geluace, CAS, 2013-secreeet Bukod sa talamak na isyu tungkol sa kawalan niya ng respeto sa iilang sektor ng lipunan, marapat din ang pagkakaroon ng konsepto ng pagkakaalinsunod ng bawat prinsipyo o plataporma na kanyang isinasambit. Isang kabalintunaan ang layunin tungo sa pagbabago kung ang mismong namumuno ay pabago-bago. -ANNE- CAS, 201454498

2M

aliban sa mga nasa laylayan, sino o ano pa ang dapat i-angat ni Vice President-elect Robredo? Yung grade ko po sa chem. -dumpling, CD, 2014-

05844

Yung puso ko pong dinurog ng bestfriend ko. -invisible, 2013, CAS Yung mga unti-unti nang nanhuhulog kasi iniwan sa ere.-Thibault, 2013, CAS Kababaihan. -lilonistitch, CAS, 2014-***** Kailangang maangat ni VP, pati na ng lahat ng opisyal ang mga taong nakararanas ng opresyon, pang-aabuso, di pagkapantaypantay, at pati na rin ang estado ng kababaihan (lalo pa’t parang limitado ang pagrespeto ni Duterte sa kababaihan) sa loob at labas man ng bansa. Mas maganda rin siguro kung iangat din niya ng kaniyang pangalan lalo pa’t marami pa rin

Pwede ring ipadala ang inyong mga sagot sa pamamagitan ng pag-text sa 0917 510 9496 o sa 0917 539 0612! (Pero bawal textmate!) ang tumuturing sa kaniya ng tuta/ sunudsunuran kay PNOY/ Kano (since “tuta” si PNOY sa Kano) at gumawa ng pagbabago sa pamahalaan lalo pa’t isa siang social activist base sa na-research ko. -Kazeha, CAS, 2014-53797 Ekonomiya -Halaman2017, CAS, 2013-***** Turuan niya sa Duterte ng GMRC hahahaha -Bituin, CD, 2014 (kung tama ang pagkakaintindi ko) kailangan din bigyan ng pansin at iangat ang kalagayan ng mga OFWs dahil sa lumalaking bilang nila ngunit hindi gumaganda ang suporta sa kanila. -kamote kid, 2014, CAS Bukod sa love life ko, siguro ang maaaring iangat ni VP-elect Leni Robredo ay ang tingin ng mga tao ukol sa posisyong bisepresidente ng bansa. Hindi kasi kaaya-aya ang iniiwang imahe ng mga naghawak ng posisyong ito o di kaya’y tinitignan bilang isang posisyong bale-wala dahil sa pagiisip na mas makabuluhang ilapit ang mga isyu diretso mismo sa presidente. Totoo, mas may kapangyarihan naman talaga ang presidente pero ito ang pagkakataon ni VP-elect Robredo na ipakitang mayroong siyang bearing sa ang mga isyu na kanyang pinangungunahang isulong at hanapan ng permanenteng solusyon. Sa pamamagitan ng mga ganitong hakbang, naniniwala akong unti-unting makikita ng nakararami ang kahalagahan ng isang bise-presidente mapa-nasyonal at internasyonal na usapan man ito, at hindi lamang isang tungtungan tungo sa pagkapangulo. -Pag-unlad, CN Spaghetti kasi pababa ito ng pababa kaya kailangang iangat HAHAHAHAHA -SanaAlumniNaAkoNextYear, CAS Mga magsasaka -acromiotrapezius, 2013 I-angat niya ang mga estudyante na kinain na ng kama dahil sa bakasayon. hehe -sadboy, cas 2014-44*** Mga journalists! -mALAMANG 2012

End

impunity.

Ang mga kababaihan. Para matuluyan na ang pag-eliminate sa rape culture. -twinkletwinklelittlestar CAS Kailangan talaga pagtuunan ng pansin ang mga mahihirap. Poverty is usually the cause of increasing crime rates. -howmaygash CAS 2012-3xxxx Ang GWA ko huhuhu -SAISBeGood, 20xx Ang hair nung nang-agaw sa akin ng crush ko. Ang haba kasi eh, baka pati isa kong crush makaabot din. -survivor, CAS Basic social services dahil sa sagad na kakulangan natin ditto -awtsubeh, 2014 Yung number nung FB friends ko. :’( -winterIScoming, 2012 Ang bagong national maternity hospital, ASAP :( -Nagkulang, 20** Sana ay maging boses siya di lamang ng mga kababaihan, kundi pati na rin ng mga naaapi lalo na ng mga magsasaka sa ating bansa. Sana gamitin niya ang kaniyang pwesto upang ilapit ang mga hindi naririnig na hinaing ng mga Pilipino. -{60564}


FEATURES 07

Volume 29 Number 18 June 10, 2016 | Friday

Mga Fulung-Vulungan ng Nagjijisang

Lola Patola

KABOGERA EDITION

Hallur hallur der, mah afowz!!!!!! Betsin na betsin niyow buh eng supah kabowgerang gawn kow?????? Hihi! Dehins lungs knowing ng paparachi pero sa Divi lungs galing itech!!!!! Charot!!!! Eyniwey, bak na bak na eng cornfidently byutipul wit a seksi bodeh na Lola niyow mula sa awarding!!!!!!!! Siyempre, winner kami ni Lolo U no!!!!!! Hihihi. Pero segway muna us afowz!!!!!!! Voltes V na buh eng greyds niyo, o Lost parin eng peg????? Meyk kalampag your froppies nuh!!!!! Kalurkey!!!!! Especially yerng mga gradw8ing afowz kow!!!!!!!! End spicking ob gradw8ing, oras na muli para magbyebyebye aketch tu u!!!!!! Huhuhuhuhu. Iz tym por u tu meyk rak en rol in da real na real whorld!!!!!!!!!! Kaya bilang grad gift sa inyowz, itech na ang mga kabowgerang sumvhongs mula sa ilang mga afowz!!!!!!!!!!!! Keri boom pak, ganern!!!!!! Eksahadorang rumarampang sumvhong numbah wan: SAIS got 99 problems Hay nakow!!!!! Dehins na nga fun ang summer ng ilang afowz kow nuh need mag-short term, mas hasslepuff pa eng lyf niluh bc sa kachuklamchuklam na Sikat ng Araw sa Init at Singit!!!!!!!!!!!!! Paano buh nemern hindi maagit eng afowz kow, eh after forever na ilang semezters nang nausing ang sistemang itech, eng dami-dami paring problemz!!!!!!! Sinasabayan ata eng Math 11!!!!!! Charot!!!!! Pero juzkelerd nemern, kailan buh mafeferpect itech????? Mas better pa siguro kung magjojoining sa FeeBeeBee eng afowz ko eh!!!!!!

Haixt. Eng mahal mahal na nga ng tuition fez ng afowz ko, merown pung miscellanews fez!!!!! Anyare nemern dun????? YuFiEm admin, what’s New sem, same gud???????? haggardness!!!!!!!!! Worrying tu da max na eng isa kong afowz dahil So der u go, sagow!!!!!!! patuloy na nabubulok eng Keri boom pak na us sa facilities at equipments short short term!!!!!! ng YuFiEm!!!!!! Galawang At para sa mga afowz climate change nuh eng kowng gradw8ing..... airconz ng YuFiEm, sala werk werk werk werk dat sa hotness at sala sa sablay oki!!!!!!! I-channel coldsung!!!!!! niyo eng kabowgera vibes kow at ni mareng Yerng mga lights daw, Maria Isabell Lowpes!!!!! nagdidisco disco Charot!!!!!! nadin!!!!!!!!!! Talo pa ang Contajown Apterlyf!!!!!! Baste, meyk yo mamas Charot!!!!!! At siyempre, (and Lola) proud!!!!!!!!! eng matagal nang problem Hihihi. Hanap-hanapin na projectorz na di feels niyow us ni Lolo U!!!!! m a g - p r o j e c t z ! ! ! ! ! ! We’ll be cheering Kalurkey dibuh???? chariring por u ol da Lalow nuh pag ikaw wey!!!!!! Lab lab, mah eng kailangan afowz. XOXO m a g present!!!!!! Hihi. Eksahadorang rumarampang sumvhong numbah tu: May sirang bibe


08 FEATURES

Volume 29 Number 18 June 10, 2016 | Friday

THE RELOCATION OF FABELLA

MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON THE COUNTRY’S HEALTHCARE SYSTEM JUSTIN DANIELLE TUMENEZ FRANCIA ILLUSTRATION BY MICHAEL LORENZ DUMALAOG RAYMUNDO

functioning healthcare system provides equitable access to quality care regardless of people’s capacity to pay while protecting them against the financial consequences of ill health – a definition that does not embody and is clearly contrasts with the Philippine health care system. As the s t a te remains inefficient a n d incompetent i n providing its people the right to accessible public healthcare, lives are put at risk as the deteriorating healthcare system gradually euthanizes its people. The relocation of Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, the biggest public maternity hospital in the country, will temporarily deprive thousands of Filipino mothers of affordable health care services. For decades, it has been one of the maternity homes for the less fortunate, given that it is accessible to everyone and it offers maternal care at no cost. With its relocation comes the displacement of its employees and the transfer of its patients to other public hospitals—hospitals with conditions even worse than Fabella itself. With the government’s neglect and apathy towards its people, the condition only worsens. As of present time, Fabella Hospital— one of the most competent and needed hospitals in the country— is on the verge of demolition, reconstruction, and alleged privatization.

LANGUID DIAGNOSIS As the government fails to exercise their duty of rendering quality health care service, the deteriorating quality of the public hospitals in our country has become a fatal obstacle for the underprivileged. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a well-

In the Philippines, statistics show that 11 Filipino mothers die every day or an estimated 4,500 every year due to cases of severe hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, sepsis and problems related to obstructed labor and abortion. According to data gathered by UNICEF, the Philippines is one of 68 countries which contribute to 97% of maternal, neonatal and child health deaths worldwide. In addition to that, about half of the deaths of Filipino children under five happen in the first 28 days of life, which is the infancy stage. Reportedly, seven out of ten Filipino patients die without any medical attention because of poverty. In addition to this are the thousands of babies and pregnant mothers who die from diseases and complications which are actually preventable. This is a clear manifestation of the administration’s neglect of health-related issues as the death rates are continuously inflated, with little to no concern for the people involved. In 2008, the government-run Fabella Hospital was noted for its high number of births on a daily basis. Averaging around 60 deliveries a day, it was regarded as the country’s “baby factory.” Fabella Hospital is a practical and affordable choice, as only P200 to P300 is charged for every admission, except for situations when there are necessary charges or when patients have exceeded the state insurance’s rate allocation. The WHO has also commended Fabella’s effective implementation and pioneering of the notable Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) technique—a method of care for pre-term infants. However, despite the various adjustments made and innovative KMC technique used to cope with overcrowding and deficiency of equipment, the hospital continues to face terrible circumstances. Problems with comfort and sanitation

are evident within the premises. Ventilation comes only from the windows, and the labor and delivery rooms are often inadequate for the vast number of patients waiting to be accommodated. Worse, sterility is no longer strictly observed anymore as the maintenance and cleaning of the facilities are usually hurried, with three mothers at one labor room waiting to give birth one after the other. The intensive care unit has up to three babies sharing a bassinet while the other infants who are stable enough are placed on their mother’s chests, skin to skin, to avoid having the nurseries and incubators crammed. In the long run, Fabella Hospital — amidst the lack of budget, inadequate facilities, and threat of demolition — remains persistent in providing affordable services to Filipino mothers.

RAMPANT MALPRACTICE The impending relocation of Fabella Hospital puts the lives of its constituents at an even greater risk as it causes temporary disruption on its services. The Fabella Hospital is about to undergo abrupt changes as the Department of Health (DOH) plans to transfer it to the nearby DOH compound on Rizal Avenue. The number of maternal mortalities that it may cause during the absence of its facility will increase, especially for the population of women who suffer from complication and high-risk pregnancies and who are in most need of immediate accessible healthcare services. Fabella Hospital Director Dr. Esmeraldo Ilem has declared the end-of-contract for resident doctors, and transfer of other hospital staff to the Lung Center Compound. However, Arlene Brosas, Gabriela spokesman and second nominee, believes that the government should keep the world’s busiest birthing facility open and available. According to her, the closure of Fabella hospital will further deprive tens of thousands of indigent mothers of much needed healthcare. With Fabella’s closure comes a burden to its patients who

cannot afford private hospitals and to those who will be transferred into other public hospitals with worse conditions. This closure, combined with the privatization of several other government-run hospitals and healthcare facilities, is expected to result in inevitable hike in maternal and infant mortality rates in the country. Apparently, the abolition of Fabella Hospital was fleshed out without consultation with the health workers or indigent mothers, the most important stakeholders. In addition to this is the alleged privatization the Fabella Hospital is currently facing. Public-private partnership arrangements are merely long-term contracts between a government and a private entity, through which they, in cooperation, invest in the condition of public services. When an establishment is constructed under a PPP agreement, the private sector takes an important part on the financial outcomes. With the privatization of public facilities is the inflation in the cost of services these institutions provide – something that the less-fortunate, who need these public services the most, could not possibly meet. The hospitals will create profiteering schemes as their focal point, rather than servitude— as those who could not afford to pay will be denied their right to the accessible public health care services they ought to have. The government’s neglect on the country’s health care facilities is one of the biggest manifestations of its apathy and abandonment on its constituents’ struggle—a social injury one knows too well, but is not easily cured. As long as the government does not focus its concern on health issues that greatly affect the masses, the deprivation of the rights of underprivileged will still persists. A cure for such a disease is found in the people’s united struggle to emancipate each other and secure their right to basic health services.


FEATURES 09

Volume 29 Number 18 June 10, 2016 | Friday

INSIDE THE DEN The Drug Industry in the Philippines PAOLO MIKHAIL BUTED AND JENNAH YELLE MANATO MALLARI ILLUSTRATION BY ABIGAIL BEATRICE MALABRIGO

Under a government that extends a hand in favor of those profiteering in prohibited markets of illegal substances, the situation of the masses lured into the drug industry are continuously placed in harm’s way.

inaugurated, all aiming to eradicate the persistent drug problem in the country. However, such decrees are deemed futile as the number of drugrelated cases continue to increase and promulgate.

Laws regarding dangerous drugs, enacted merely as facades for the administration and the system, continue to succumb to the partnership and bribery of the syndicates themselves. Treatment for drug dependent victims have also been undermined, as the lack of facilities and centers remain a flaw in the practice of drug rehabilitation in the country.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) listed 8,629 or 20.51% of the total 42,065 barangays in the country to have drug-related cases in 2015. The agency stated that regardless of the number, a barangay with noted drug users, drug pushers, drug manufacturers, and marijuana cultivators, among others, is said to be drug-affected. They also pinpointed Metro Manila as the most drug-affected region with 92.10% of its barangays affected, followed by Region 4A with 33.78% of its barangays having drugrelated violations.

Rights remain nowhere to be seen, as the government continues to turn a blind eye to the hazards and illegality of the industry.

HALLUCINATIONS In the midst of various laws, ordinances, and guidelines to eradicate drug abuse, the problem continues to proliferate. The government, through Republic Act No. 9165 (RA 9165) or The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, aims to “pursue an intensive and unrelenting campaign against the trafficking and use of dangerous drugs and other similar substances through an integrated system of planning, implementation, and enforcement of anti-drug abuse policies, programs, and projects”, as stated in Section 2. The law states a seemingly h o l i s t i c approach in addressing the drug problem in the country by thoroughly listing unlawful acts and penalties as well as various preventive measures in relation to drug dependence and abuse. The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, as an example, is an amendment of the RA 6425 or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972. The law features specific measures in addressing the drug problem – ranging from unlawful acts and their penalties, to the participations of various sectors in the implementation of the law. Various ordinances spearheaded by government agencies and local government units were also

Apart from the increased incidence of drug abuse in local communities, the Philippines is also troubled with the increasing number of transnational drug syndicates operating in the country. The International Narcotics Strategy Report, presented by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), revealed the involvement of ethnic Chinese crime groups in cases of shabu trafficking and production in the country as well as other South East Asian countries. African drug trafficking organizations were also recognized, with African-produced methamphetamines being smuggled through airports in the country. Even in the presence of laws that deem to protect the masses from the harmful effects of drugs, the problem persists. The laws, with RA 9165 being implemented since 2002, are proven to be inefficient and insufficient. Years after its implementation,

cases of drug abuse and dependence among Filipinos remain rampant and the country continues to be a den of transnational drug syndicates involved in illegal drug trade.

EXACERBATION The continued prevalence of drug abuse and dependence yields to various societal ills in the country that remain neglected by the authorities. Filipinos have become entangled with the problems generated by the continued proliferation of drugs. According to PDEA, drug trafficking remains to be the most common and extensive means of transaction among drug pushers and users. Combined with the role of various transnational drug syndicates, drug trafficking becomes a lot more grave as these syndicates serve as the backbone of the illegal drug trade locally and internationally. These syndicates recruit Filipinos as drug mules and couriers, making them participate in illegal international drug trade resulting in peril for Filipinos who were caught red-handed. In 2014, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) listed 787 Filipinos facing drug-related cases worldwide. Majority of these cases occur in Asia with 343 cases followed by those occurring in America, Europe, Middle East, and Africa. The arrested drug mules were sentenced to the death penalty, life imprisonment or fixed terms depending on the country in which they were detained. The case of Mary Jane Veloso, a drug trafficking victim who was given temporary reprieve from death penalty, epitomizes the threat brought by the prevailing incidence of drug trafficking in the country. The incidence of drugrelated violence also increased due to drug abuse as drug users tend to engage in risky and chaotic behaviors when under the influence. Apart from drug trafficking, the prevalence of drug abuse and dependence also poses problems on health – both physical and mental – of drug users, and heavily compromises their quality of life. These illegal drugs are capable of altering both the physiology and behavior of the drug user. The National Institute of Drug Abuse noted instances where drug users suffer from complications such as kidney and

liver damage. Sometimes, drug users may even be subjected to overdosage which may result in death. Common practices in illegal drug use, such as sharing of needles, also contribute to the spread of diseases like HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B. Mentally, drug users tend to become addicted which impacts their behavior and causes withdrawal symptoms when ceased. Similar to the inefficiency exhibited by the government in curbing drug abuse itself, minimal actions are also done in addressing the repercussions caused by the usage of illegal drugs. Actions against drug trafficking remain weak and negotiations with foreign governments remain languid. Provisions in rehabilitation are also not delivered by the authorities which further exacerbate the state of drug users in the country.

GROUND CONTROL The constant proliferation of drug abuse thrives through the negligence and corruption of the authorities tasked to uphold the laws. Cases of drug abuse permeate various institutions tasked to address and eradicate the proliferation of illegal drug use in the country. Recently, Marine Lt. Col. Ferdinand Marcelino, a known “drug buster” responsible for the arrest of the infamous Alabang Boys, was arrested alongside a Chinese national in a drug raid conducted by the PDEA. This shows the outright desecration of the authorities expected to uphold the law and eradicate drugrelated problems in the country. Negligence and incompetency are also exhibited by the authorities in terms of implementing the law. In 2014, a raid conducted in New Bilibid Prison (NBP) exposed the lavish lifestyle donned by 19 prisoners in the said facility. Bags CONTINUED ON PAGE 1O


10 GRAPHICS

Volume 29 Number 18 June 10, 2016 | Friday

DIBUHO NI JAZMINE CLAIRE MARTINEZ MABANSAG

INSIDE THE DEN

of shabu were discovered and cash amounting to P2,000,000 were also found, supporting reports of continued illegal drug-related transactions of convicted drug lords from the confines of their prison cells. Apart from the corruption manifested by the said authorities, the government fails to provide accessible means of rehabilitation for drug users. Presently, there are 60 private and public drug rehabilitation centers in the Philippines, most of which plague patients with monthly fees that are difficult to sustain. Governmentowned rehabilitation facilities costs P5,000 to P10,000 monthly, while private facilities charge anywhere from P10,000 to P100,000 monthly for their services. On the other hand, some governmentowned centers such as the New Bilibid Prison Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center are connected with correctional facilities and provide services aiming to rehabilitate DIBUHO NI LIZETTE JOAN CAMPAÑA DALUZ

Signos

FROM PAGE 09

and reintegrate drug abusers and dependents to society. However, the Commission on Human Rights, after monitoring the condition of correctional facilities in the country, concluded that the said facilities are not fit for human confinement. According to them, the situation of most prisons in the country are “unlikely to rehabilitate but certain to punish”. The dismal state of these facilities shows how the government neglects the basic needs of individuals undergoing correction. The perversion and neglect demonstrated by the authorities contribute to the propagation of illegal drug use in the country. With the authorities being lenient in the implementation of the law, the aggravation of drug-related cases in the country is expected to soar and the lives of the victims experiencing neglect will continue to be compromised. The system of the drug industry in the Philippines only continues to branch out further, as the roots— the big syndicates and some of the public officials themselves— continue to slip past the laws of the land. Justice is not served in a country where the people are milked of their money through substance abuse itself and the exorbitant dues of rehabilitation treatment. In the same way, their lives are compromised both inside and outside the country, with their bodies being used to transport illegal substances. In the eyes of the perpetrators, the people are merely human barriers and commodities— they are both the market, and the first to experience the legal and physical consequences brought about by the drug industry.

UNTITLED

Kyla Dominique Lacambacal Pasicolan

But even as the government remains blind on the dire situation of drugs in the country, the people continue to struggle—struggle to end not only substance abuse, but the systemic corruption and poverty that cause the drug industry to grow in the first place. In the absence of the government’s ways in pushing for genuine change, the people remain unwavering to their cause.


OPINION 11

Volume 29 Number 18 June 10, 2016 | Friday

REBEL WITH A CAUSE

THE LAST SONG*

Carlo Rey Resureccion Martinez

Four years. Eight semesters – twelve, if you include the short terms. One subject failed (but later passed), one incomplete (but later completed), and one long-awaited 1.00. Numerous reports presented and speeches delivered. Countless exams passed and papers written, from the mind-numbing reaction papers to the almighty thesis. These pretty much sum up my college life. For some, these facts and figures are what matter most. After all, we are first and foremost students. We are expected to study and learn, memorize and analyze, and – most importantly – pass. For some, it would be a shame if you don’t get to graduate on time. And for others, even if you worked your ass off to get that precious cum laude, it would’ve been better if you worked even harder so you could be a magna cum laude instead. In a university that prides itself on excellence and in a society that puts a premium on good grades and profitability, it is easy to succumb to the belief that the only things of value are the numbers – grades obtained, units taken, and awards received. But for me, that is not the case. No number or figure could ever sum up my college life. Years from now,

whether I’m sitting in an office chair overlooking the cityscape or teaching a classroom of naive freshmen, it is the people and experiences as well as the triumphs, defeats, and struggles that I will look back on. The experiences, as bitter and frustrating as some of them may have been, are what I owe my growth as a person to. The triumphs and defeats are what taught me the value of both humility and pride, of grace and resilience. The most important of all, however, is the people. From my batch mates and friends, to my professors, and to my

as an Iskolar ng Bayan, you will always have a home. second family in The Manila Collegian, they have influenced and shaped me the most. They have taught me lessons greater than any from a textbook or reading, and shown me that the little things make life worth living. However, endings aren’t always about looking back, but also looking to the future. From this point forward, we will all be forging our own paths. Some will find themselves at the peak of success, doing

XENOLEXIS

But the constructs and concepts that surround this world are more than enough to metaphorically and physically restrain me from doing so. Frankly, that very thought frustrates me. I can count on the fingers of one hand the reasons I consider valid enough to make me stay. More often than not, I stare at the ceiling eliminating one reason after another until I am left with nothing but the shadows of those that fuel my existence. It’s not so much as sadness or loneliness that force me to just do away with my life, but more of the knowledge that I’ve only been leased with a life that I’m not able to control or steer the way I see fit. The thought that I’ve stayed for two decades living a life that is still as stagnant and pointless pains me so much it merely cements the only way I know how to remedy it: to just disappear. But I stayed for two decades, what can a few more do? A lot, of course.

However, others will struggle. There are those who will not be joining the workforce yet, but will pursue their dream in medical or law school. There are those who do want to join the workforce, but will be hard-pressed to find a suitable job. Regardless of what we achieve or fail to achieve, we must remind ourselves of one thing: to keep pushing forward. In the same way that contradiction sharpens the line, struggle makes us stronger. It pushes us beyond our limits and helps us cross lines we didn’t think we could. And if amidst the struggle you find yourself faltering, do not feel shame or regret because as an Iskolar ng Bayan, you will always have a home. It is the home that has grilled and tested us to allow us to transform ourselves for the better. It is the home that has served as both our personal hell and treasured sanctuary for the past four (or more) years. Goodbye for now, UP. *Apologies to Nicholas Sparks for borrowing his novel’s title.

FULLMETAL

Pia Kriezl Jurado Hernandez I could and would have ended my life any way and any time that I wanted to.

what they love most and achieving their goals.

I am unsure as to how much more I can tolerate and endure. I am unsure as to how many times I can go about the cycle of falling and standing back up. I’m neither divine nor supernatural and already, I’m overflowing well beyond the limits. I have no regrets as regrets leave such a lingering bitter taste in the mouth that fouls even more the already foul aroma we inhale each day. Instead, I

I am unsure as to how many times I can go about the cycle of falling and standing back up. keep in mind that every decision I make is a decision borne of the conglomerate thoughts and emotions deep within my mind. I am accountable and I deal with every off-course spiral as I am expected to. I have endured so many risky things for god-knows-what and then it ends up exactly the way I expected it to. And at this point, I would very much think I

deserve some rest. When? I still don’t know. What I do know is it will come. At this point, I know full well that a cluster of experiences, good and bad, looms near. More than scared, I am tired. More than anxious, I am fatigued and I decide to rest. When that time comes, I will very much appreciate it to be able to go the way I want to. If there is enough reason to live, I shall. But it seems as though with each added year, I become less and less and I expect it to be so until I am no more. So to my friends, I do appreciate all those words and I thank you for tolerating me. I’d say I’m tired of laughing but I am not, especially in your company. To my family, don’t blame yourselves even if I did so once, twice, a hundred times. To the world, get your sh*t together.

Famous Last Words Aria Hernandez LIFE CHOICES It’s been months since I last saw my sister. I almost thought I’d never see her again. I still recall my sister yelling at our mom and saying hurtful words to her. She said that she’ll never set foot in this house again. But now she’s back. I honestly do not know what to say. I tried to ask her about what happened to her, but she barely said a word. She just stared blankly at me. I kept on thinking if I should call an ambulance or someone who could help us. I have never seen her act like this before. My mother, on the other hand, berated her. She wanted her to move on and get on with her life. I could still picture her lecturing my sister in front of me. She shouted at her, reminding her that she already told her that this is exactly what would happen to her when she left us. It was brutal. Surprisingly, I could not help but agree. I am pretty sure that it had been easy to just go on with her life during the first few weeks. She would ignore me when I call her out, explaining what might happen to her. She would immediately disregard our mother’s advice or side comments. We had her best interest at heart but she just wanted to focus on making herself happy. The thing that really frustrated me about her whole ordeal is not the fact that she got pregnant before she got married. Or the fact that she came back. Or the fact that he often abused her emotionally. Or the fact that she is seriously considering our mother’s offer to go abroad. Or the fact that my mother is right about all of these. It is the fact that she was wholly unapologetic. She was not blind to all his habits or his personality. She knew that it was only a matter of time before he decides to run away. She was willing to live with that. I could still recall the early days of their relationship when she’d complain (and I would pretend to listen) about his weird tells and his apparent commitment phobia. I wonder, how can you love someone knowing that ever y thing could abruptly end in an instant? How can you stay with someone when you already know that things might not end well? While I had my own share of love and heartbreak...it had never come to this. It was mind-boggling. Still, I admire her for standing by her choices no matter how much I disagree with her. She was willing to learn from her mistakes. She was willing to sacrifice a lot of things to make sure that her future child will not suffer the same way she did. It was not much but it was a start. W hen everything’s said and done, can you also live with your choices


JAMILAH PAOLA DELA CRUZ LAGUARDIA AT JONERIE ANN MAMAUAG PAJALLA

Isa ka siguro sa ilang mga nilalang na gumuho ang mundo nang inanunsyo ng Facebook na magsisimula na silang maningil ng $2.99 bawat buwan sa mga gumagamit nito. Pero isa ka rin siguro sa mga napahiya nang malaman mong fake ang balita, samantalang ilang daang tweets at posts ng matinding pagkasuklam patungkol kay Mark Zuckerberg na ang nagawa mo. Hindi maikakaila na tunay na naging malawak at makapangyarihan na ang impluwensiya ng mga satirical articles sa ating lipunan – mga artikulong humuhugot ng talino sa pagmamali o pagbabaluktot ng balita upang maging katawatawa o kagila-gilalas para sa mga mambabasa nito. Ngunit sa henerasyon kung kailan kritikal ang pangangailangan sa impormasyon para umunlad, impormasyon din ang maaari nitong maging mapait na kalaban sa anyo ng mga satirical articles.

nito sa anyo ng “nilikhang” sirkumstansya. Ngunit hindi maaari ring paglilihis ng atensyon ng masa mula sa isang kritikal na isyu ang maaaring intensyon ng isang satirical article, na madalas namang makita sa mga showbiz issues kung saan araw-araw yata ay may nababalitang aktres na nabuntis. Kaya naman ang pagsusulat ng isang satirical article ay parang pagsusulat lamang ng isang blog entry, sapagkat wala itong ipinagkaiba sa huli na ang intensyon ay ang interes ng manunulat, at hindi ng taumbayang magbabasa.

Dahil sa panahon ng matinding komersyalisasyon ng impormasyon, ang tanging isip ng satirical articles ay iisa – ang pagmamanipula ng impormasyon para sa iilang kapakinabangan at interes.

MANIPULATION MANIPULATION TACTIC #1: TACTIC #2: PAGPILI NG “PAMINGWIT” PAGHAHANDA NG “PAIN”

Maghanda na sa “Oplan U2U2” – ang pinakabagong istratehiya ng mga manunulat sa mainstream media kung saan ang target na bingwitin ay ang mga mambabasa, at tanging mga mabubulaklak na salita sa isang satirical article ang “pain.” Pinagsamang talino ng agham at sining ang kailangan sa pagpili ng paksa sa pagsulat ng artikulo – ito ay nangangailangan ng metikuloso at maingat na pagsusuri ayon sa intensyong gagampanan nito. Kung ang intensyon ng isang manunulat ay ilantad ang karupokan ng pagkatao ng isang sikat na personalidad, epektibong instrumento ang isang satirical article para ito ay mapalabas. Halimbawa, kumalat noon ang balita ng paghingi umano ng tulong ni Senador Nancy Binay sa Korte Suprema na i-exempt siya sa mga public debates dahil sa hindi niya ito napaghandaan. Sa isyu naman ng tangkang pagpupuslit ng PDAF ni Senador Jinggoy Estrada na itinago pa sa kanyang dibdib, layunin naman ng aritulo na iangat pa ang isyu sa pagpapakita ng kritikal na kahalagahan

Hindi masasabing epektibong “pain” ang isang satirical article kung hindi ito nakatatawag ng pansin ng target audience. Upang maisagawa na ang paglulublob ng “pain” sa kumpol ng masang uhaw sa impormasyon, nakasalalay sa medium na pipiliing gamitin para maipabatid ang balita ang pagiging matagumpay nito. Hindi na nakapagtatakang malawak talaga ang impluwensiya ng media sa pagpapalaganap ng impormasyon. Ayon sa Classical Medium Theory ni Marshall McLuhan at Harold Adams Innis, isang malaking aspekto ang medium na gagamitin sa pagpapahayag ng mensahe, dahilan upang lumikha ito ng isang makabuluhang koneksyon sa pagitan ng medium at ng mismong mensahe: na malaki ang impluwensya ng una sa kung paano ia-absorb ng target ang huli. Sa ngayon, ang dalawa sa pinakaepektibong medium ay makikita sa anyo ng social networking sites at print media. Madaling makapag-share ng impormasyon sa Internet sa isang click lang. Patok naman sa mga nasa laylayan

ng lipunan ang naglilipanang mga tabloid dahil bukod sa mura, madali itong intindihin at madali na lang ang paglikha ng maraming kopya nito. Gamit ang kalakasang ito, tinatarget ng mga manunulat ng satirical articles ang lower middle at lower class sa lipunan dahil pinaka-accessible ang Internet at mga babasahing tulad ng tabloid sa kanilang populasyon. Ito ay bukod pa sa kadahilanang ang mga parte na ito ng lipunan ang siyang pinakamarami ang bilang sa buong bansa. Kung gaano kadali ang pangangalap at pagpapakalat ng kaalaman ay ganun din kadali ang pagmamanipula rito. Dahil dito, nagiging “prone” na ang impormasyong nakakalap sa panganib na dulot ng misleading information; nalilihis na ito sa dapat na tunay nitong ipabatid sa masa.

MANIPULATION TACTIC #3: PAMIMINGWIT NG MGA NAIS “MABINGWIT”

Kapag naihanda na ang mga gagawing “pain”, at napili na ang “pang-bingwit” na mga artikulo, maghintay lamang ng tamang temperatura bago ito ilublob sa masa. Hindi na dapat ayusin o baguhin ng anggulo ang pang-bingwit habang inihahain ito sa masa– ang taumbayan na mismo ang “kakagat” ng artikulo. Madaling “maipakulo” sa kumpolan ng mga Pilipino ang isang satirical article. Kung gaano kasi kabilis ang pagdaloy ng balita sa panahon ngayon, ganoon rin kabilis ang pagabsorb dito ng mga Pilipino na nagsusumikap na maging maalam at matalino – para sa isang bansang tatlong beses itinakda ng mga dayuhan a n g impormasyon at talinong dapat m ay r o o n ang mga tao, pakiramdam ng mga Pilipino ay panahon na para ipakitang ang kanyang lahi ay matalino at maalam. Kaya naman para sa isang balitang hindi lamang katalinohan, kundi pati puso at pride ay kinakanti, hindi maiiwasang isang malaking paghihimagsik talaga ng mga IPAGPATULOY SA PAHINA #


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.