The Official Student Publication of the University of the Philippines Manila Volume 30 Number 12 March 20, 2017 - Monday
emotion-omics 12 culture
the trump card 06 features
sandcastles 10 opinion
UPM ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS SUPPORT MINING CLOSURE 02 NEWS
02 NEWS
Volume 30 Number 12 March 20, 2017 | Monday
UPM environmental groups support mining closure
Lopez on mining operation, environment policies for national industrialization SOFIA MONIQUE KINGKING SIBULO
Militant student groups convened to advocate for the progressive directive of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Regina “Gina” on environmental justice last March 3 at the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). Spearheaded by Saribuhay, Minggan, Agham Youth, ASAP-Katipunan, and the CAS Student Council, the program forwarded messages of solidarity supported the stand of Lopez on the closure of mining corporations. “These orders can be seen as the first possible steps toward a grand and necessary reorientation from export-oriented, unsustainable mining towards national industrialization-which entails responsible, sustainable, and more importantly a pro-people mining industry,” stated Minggan-UP Manila.
Intended Direction Last February 2, Lopez announced the suspension of five and closure of 23 mining companies and turned down 75 mining contracts nationwide who operate near watersheds. She emphasized the significance of water resources to life and that mining operations in watersheds implies that ores are imperative than people’s drinking water. “We will not allow the water of our people to be at risk for any business interest,” she stressed. She also signed a special order authorizing the conduct of simultaneous community consultation and engagement to the affected communities initially from Caraga region. IBON Foundation’s study attested that Philippine’s mining is exportoriented having 97% of mineral production goes to foreign industries. “The mining industry has remained a weak economic contributor after 20 years of mining liberalization under the 1995 Mining Act,” restated IBON, explaining that the Foreign investments in mining fell from US$1.45 billion to US$693.1 million in 2014. De facto, Secretary Lopez implored the real beneficiaries in the Philippine’s natural resources and added that if mining was beneficial, people working in the industry should not be poor. “It is time for social justice. You cannot run your business and affect our farmers and fishermen. This is not acceptable under the Duterte administration and not acceptable under DENR,” stated Lopez. On the other hand, Presidential
"In commemoration of the 22nd anniversary of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 (R.A. 7942), progressive and environmental groups gathered at the front of the Senate of the Philippines in support of DENR Secretary Gina Lopez. Moreover, they condemned the perpetuation of abuses committed by the large-scale, export-oriented, and foreign-dominated mining industry." Photo by Patricia Guerrero. spokesman Ernesto Abella said after their cabinet meeting that the President and his Cabinet collectively decided to observe due process with regard to the mining issue. Consequently, President Rodrigo Duterte stated that the decision is up to the DENR Secretary and that there is nothing he could do about the firms destroying the environment.
Saribuhay and Minggan UP Manila with Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment (Kalikasan PNE) and members of DENR – Employees Union, earlier this February.
In support of DENR Secretary’s flight against large-scale, foreign-dominated, abusive mining nationwide, different environmental and progressive groups, with the peasants, fisher folks, indigenous people and students convened on March 1.
“We still believe the mining industry is still a vital industry, but the present framework is export-oriented and doesn’t contribute to the country. The People’s Mining Bill (PMB), if this will be passed, will re-orient the mining industry to contribute to our wish for national industrialization. It will give more jobs to the Filipinos and will strive to put into minimum the effects towards the environment and work for rehabilitation of mining areas,” Panalipdan Southern Mindanao Network Kim Gargar encapsulated.
An action with the similar call was held at the DENR Central Office by UP
Accordingly, Coordinator
Supported Resolve
Kalikasan Clemente
National Bautista
reiterated that Mining Act of 1995 is the root of the problems, and that it should be replaced with the PMB. PMB or House Bill 2715, in its explanatory note seeks to reorient the Philippine mining industry towards a wise and sustainable development and judicious use of its mineral resources. “The passage of the PMB will radically reorient our mining industry from being profit oriented and insufficiently regulated towards a framework based on people’s needs, environmental safety, and genuine national industrialization and development,” said Bautista.
Volume 30 Number 12 March 20, 2017 | Monday
Student groups slam neoliberal attacks on education
NEWS 03
Resumption of peace talks, demanded EUNICE BIÑAS HECHANOVA
Various universities and colleges participated in the system-wide walkout held last February 23 to decry the oppressive policies on the youth sector caused by the commercialization and privatization of education. Progressive organizations including youth group Kabataan Party-list (KPL) and Anakbayan led students as they trooped to Mendiola to further voice their claim on the government to implement accessible education for all. “Today, the people have made their will known as thousands of youth and student leaders from all over the country walked out of classes”, conveyed National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP) National Spokesperson Mark Vincent Lim. “The NUSP is one in their call to make public education free and accessible in all levels. Education is a right, and it should be treated as such”. At the same time, these groups also demanded that the Duterte government continue the peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). “We denounce the Duterte regime for the systematic and intensified neoliberal attacks against the youth and how they ceaselessly show how in favor their actions are to the ruling elite and to foreign powers such as the United States,” stressed College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) National President Jose Mari Callueng.
The implementing rules and regulations (IRR) composed by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) imply that the P8.3 billion allotted for free tuition would be apportioned to a nationwide application of the socialized tuition system (STS) from the University of the Philippines (UP). “We point out that UP’s STS has registered wide opposition from the students, as it has been proven to further narrow down access to education counter to its purported purpose of democratizing it. In addition, it only justifies further tuition increases, decreasing subsidy, and privatization of UP and other SUCs through collection of internally generated income,” Elago stated.
Unfulfilled Directive
Elago assailed the forwarded propositions to utilize the free tuition funds to financial assistance for students. “This is being apologetic to private schools, which have long been exposed as businesses in the guise of education. Free education is a long overdue right of the people, no need to defend the rotten profiteering system of private schools,” she explained.
In line with this, Representative Sarah Elago from KPL criticized the government on not following through with their declaration of free tuition for state universities and colleges (SUCs) last year.
Meanwhile, House of Representatives Standing Committee on Higher and Technical Education held a meeting on March 6 to discuss the draft substitute bill on universal access to tertiary education.
Restrictive Schemes
Continuing Advocacy
Aside from tuition fee hikes, Callueng cited that the democratic rights of students are further curbed through the restraining of campus publications and the implementation of the Reserve Officers Training and Corps (ROTC). “Along with Duterte’s declaration of all-out war, the ROTC will help the military to imbibe its fascist operations in academic institutions particularly to the students,” he elaborated.
Elago pointed that the neoliberal framework in education has existed in earlier forms, such as the Education Act of 1982 and the Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997.
Callueng manifested that the ROTC promotes blind obedience among the youth and provides an avenue of influence from imperialist US. Along with other militant groups, CEGP implored the government to confront the roots of armed conflict and to quell the worsening allout war, which had led to several cases of violation of human rights. “Duterte’s all-out war has targeted legal democratic mass organizations and civilians, and not the New People’s Army”, he indicated. Furthermore, Lim emphasized the persisting state fascism that has now intensified under Duterte’s term. “The worsening state violence and the inaccessibility of education in the country show how urgent the peace talks are”, furthered Lim.
Similarly, Lim pointed out that college education has been a pathway for capitalists to generate profit. “The neoliberal attacks on education have been relentless. With these policies, the state has promoted the skyrocketing of tuition and other school fees—both in state universities and colleges (SUCs) and private institutions”, he stated. Following this, Elago encouraged the youth to remain vigilant and critical of the policies implemented by the government. She urged students to strengthen the collective campaign to purge the system that afflicts the masses. “CEGP joins the youth in their call for a free public education and the immediate junking of neoliberal policies”, Callueng affirmed. “We will join the fight of youth and student groups across the country to assert our right to a free education that is nationalist, scientific and mass oriented through these kinds of protests”.
"Various youth groups participated in the system-wide walkout in line with the conditional implementation of the free tuition policy. They marched to Mendiola, to further protest against the persisting neoliberal and anti-student policies in the educational system." Photo by Kyla Pasicolan (left) and Agatha Rabino (right)
04 NEWS
NEWS DOSE:
Tigil-putukan, itinigil ng pamahalaan (Part 1/3) All out war, tuluyan nang itinulak ARIES RAPHAEL REYES PASCUA
Hindi naging kalugod-lugod sa mga progresibong grupo ang naging desisyon ng pamahalaan na itigil ang usapang pangkapayapaan sa pamagitan ng gobyerno at ng National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). Sa mga nakaraang ulat, ilang beses nang kinondena ng NDFP ang mga paglabag ng militar sa tigil-putukan na idineklara mismo ng pamahalaan. Kaugnay nito, nagbanta ang Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas (PKP) na tatapusin ang idineklara nilang tigil-putukan dahil agrabyado umano ang Bagong Hukbong Bayan (New People’s Army o NPA) sa patuloy na pananambang sa kanila ng militar sa kabila ng kasunduan. Agrabyado rin umano ang mga magsasaka at pambansang minorya dahil sa paglabag ng kanilang karapatang pantao. Dumating ang punto na binawi na ng PKP at NPA ang kanilang tigil-putukan at naglunsad ng depensibong aksiyon laban sa mga atake ng militar. Dito idiniin na maaaring magpatuloy ang usapang pangkapayapaan kahit naglalaban ang military at NPA. Kung tutuusin umano ay ganito na ang dati pang kalakaran – usapan habang may putukan. Labis naman ang tugon ng administrasyong Duterte sa hakbang na ito ng PKP. Bukod sa tigil-putukan na idineklara ng pamahalaan, pinawalang-bisa rin ang Joint Agreement on Safety and Imminity Guarantees (JASIG) na mahalaga sa pagpapatuloy ng negosasyon. Nagdeklara rin ng “all-out war” ang pamahalaan. Kaalinsabay ng mga ito ang patuloy na paglabag sa karapatang pantao ng mga miyembro ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan at mga sumusuporta rito. Bilang tugon ng CPP-NPA-NDFP, naglunsad ito ng paglaban sa todogiyera ng military. Kinokondena rin nito ang pag-apak sa karapatang pantao sa mga pinagbibintangang kasapi at sumusuporta sa kanila. Sa katunayan, ilang datos na ng pananambang at pagpatay na naitala nito lamang Pebrero. Ilan na nga lamang dito ay ang pag-aresto kay Ferdinand Castillo, campaign officer ng Bayan Metro Manila, noong Pebrero 12, dahil umano sa hindi pa napapatunayang kaso ng pagpatay. Samantala, binaril naman ng hindi pa nakikilalang suspek ang lider-magsasaka na si Willerme Agorde na naging sanhi ng kaniyang pagkamatay. *Layon ng News Dose na na magbukas ng serye ng mapanuring pag-ulat hinggil sa napapanahong balita.
Volume 30 Number 12 March 20, 2017 | Monday
Sen. De Lima surrenders to authority, Duterte’s critic now behind bars ARTHUR GERALD BANTILAN QUIRANTE
Known critic of President Duterte’s war-on-drug Senator Leila De Lima voluntarily submitted herself to the Philippine National Police (PNP) after a court in Muntinlupa ordered the senator’s arrest on February 24, following her alleged involvement in drug-trafficking with convicted suspects inside the New Bilibid Prison. “It’s my honor to be jailed for the principles I am fighting for,” said De Lima who is currently in PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame. The senator was escorted to Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC) on the same day to appear before Judge Juanita Guerrero, after the booking process at PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG). In addition, the alleged collaborator of the senator and former driver Ronnie Dayan who was a key witness in plotting the controversies against the senator, was also arrested in Urbiztondo, Pangasinan.
Political Persecution Although several witnesses have testified against De Lima, including big time drug convicts, the senator has been consistent in denying the charges filed against her. She even declared herself as the first political prisoner under Duterte’s administration. “While the issuance of the warrant of arrest is questionable, I do not have any plans to evade it,” claimed De Lima, calling herself a victim of political persecution. De Lima, who is under the Liberal Party, has been a consistent pundit of the administration when Duterte and PNP Chief Dela Rosa initiated their action against drugs.
The war on drugs campaign saw almost seven thousand killings in less than nine months, 60% of which are executed by unknown assassins. Most of the victims were only purported as suspects to criminal drug charges. "My arrest is an appalling sign of the return of a power-hungry, morally bankrupt and abusive government," De Lima said. " The Filipino people know your style, Mr. President. To put the rule of law in your hands, silence your critics, and destroy those who will go against your caprices."
Progressive perspective On the other hand, the arrest of Senator De Lima stirred different views for progressive organizations and youth groups who has long criticized the administration against its violation of human rights, indecision and false promises regarding the peace talks, and failure to end contractualization for workers. “It is disgracefully hypocritical – for those who were in power before to, ironically now, cry foul or for those who kept their silence during those long years – to inaccurately depict a transitory intra-elite sordid ordeal,” said National Union of Public Lawyers’ Attorneys Edre Olalia and Ephraim Cortez in a joint statement.
SANDCASTLES FROM P.10 mga damit. Mga hikbi ang nagsilbing himig na nagpapaalala sa amin na ito na ang aming kaharian. Ngunit taliwas sa nakasanayan, may ibang tono na ang mga hikbi. Ang pagod na pagtangis ay napapalitan ng galit. Sa gitna ng unos, napagtanto naming kailangan na naming singilin ang dapat na para sa amin.
aming takot sa mga naghahariharian, at kung ang mga hikbi ay mapapalitan ng mga panawagan.
Ang pag-asa naming pilit na inagaw at yinurak ay nananatili pa rin, umaalab at nagbabaga. Matutuldukan lang namin ang siklo kung magpapaalam kami sa
Sa panahon nga naman daw ng panggigipit, sabi ni papa, makatarungan ang mag-alsa.
Tama rin pala si mama. Ang tunay na mayayaman ay ang mga maralita. Mayaman sa lakas at karanasan, at ngayon ay handa nang sumuong upang lumaban.
They further acknowledged that the treatment of the Senator has all the appearances of political harassment, corruption of legal and judicial processes, selective punishment and abuse of transitory power. “But the stand for human rights cannot be selective, time-bound and self-serving, even as we must view it holistically,” they added. Moreover, Anakbayan said the arrest of Senator De Lima is a sign of the intensifying rivalry among the various factions of the ruling classes and the worsening decay of the political system under the Duterte regime. “It can be recalled that the Liberal Party under De Lima and Robredo conspired early on to call for the overthrow of Duterte while it has not yet consolidated state power. They tried to court the support of US imperialism which previously criticized Duterte for human rights violations. Now it is payback time for Duterte,” said Anakbayan National Chairperson Vencer Crisostomo.
NALILIGAW
FROM P.10
Mahanap ko man ay wala na rin akong babalikan. At hindi man ako madala ng mga ito sa ‘yo, nawa ay madala man lang ako nito sa inaasam kong pagtakas. Nawa ay mahanap ang labasan kung saan maaari na akong manirahan sa iba; kung saan baka nga namang mahanap ko na ang aking landas.
NEWS 05 EDSA 31: Progressive & anti-Marcos groups continue to decry modern-day fascism
Volume 30 Number 12 March 20, 2017 | Monday
RYANA YSABEL NERI KESNER
In commemoration of the 31st anniversary of the People Power Revolution, youth groups rallied against fascist remnants of the Marcosian era as they marched toward the EDSA Shrine and Camp Aguinaldo. Meanwhile, anti-Marcos protesters set up camp at the People Power Monument in White Plains, and supporters of President Duterte gathered at Luneta in large numbers.
"In remembrance of the People Power Revolution over 31 years ago, groups condemned state fascism and the looming threat of Martial Law under the current administration. Aside from this, the groups also commemorated the people's collective action that lead to the collapse of the Marcos regime in 1986". Photo by Agatha Rabino
Marching for Change Groups Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN), Kabataan Partylist, Anakbayan and KARAPATAN were among those present. They called for ‘genuine change’ to free the current state of fascist policies which the EDSA revolution failed to get rid of. “If democracy has indeed returned, why do political killings and detentions remain?” Kabataan Partylist spokesperson Sarah Elago questioned in a press release. “It was in Marcos’ era when the term ‘desaparecidos’ was coined, but enforced disappearances kept increasing in number even after Marcos.” The groups warned that Duterte’s increasingly Marcosian behavior point to the looming threat of martial law. Such actions include the revival of the Philippine Constabulary and ROTC, as well as the declaration of an all-out war against the New People’s Army (NPA).
Additionally, Anakbayan - UP Manila released a statement remarking that the holiday stands as a reminder to continue fighting against the country’s neocolonial system. “[Kaya] kung may aral tayong makukuha dito, walang duda ang kakamting tagumpay sa samasamang pagkilos ngunit atin nating alalahanin na hindi lang ang Pangulo, bilang pinuno ng estado, ang kalaban natin,” Anakbayan stated. “Kalaban natin ang buong sistema sa porma ng Mala-kolonyal at Mala-pyudal (MKMP) na lipunan na pinagtitibay ng Imperyalismo, Burukrata Kapitalismo, at Pyudalismo.”
Aquino: the fight continues
Meanwhile, a crowd also gathered to remember the revolution at the People Power Monument in White Plains. Among those who attended were antiMarcos protesters, who called for the exhuming of Marcos’ remains from
the Libingan ng mga Bayani, and for Duterte to cease such familiar relations with the Marcoses. They also held the event to protest against the Duterte administration’s proposed ‘simple and sober’ commemoration of the revolution’s 31st anniversary. Members of the Liberal Party (LP) were also present at the gathering, which was aptly named “The Power of We.” Among them were LP interim president Senator Francis Pangilinan, Senator Paolo Benigno ‘Bam’ Aguirre Aquino, Senator Risa Hontiveros, Senator President pro-tempore Franklin Drilon, Vice President Leni Robredo, and former president Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III. "For a long time, celebration ang ginagawa natin,” Aquino said when interviewed. “Ngayon medyo mas may dagdag na kailangan gawin, ‘di lang doon sa paggunita at pagalala, pero pati na rin ‘yun siguro paalala sa atin na talagang ‘di tapos ang laban kung di tayo handa
ipagtanggol ang ating mga karapatan.”
Rallying for Duterte On the other hand, an estimated 200,000 or more supporters of President Rodrigo Duterte convened in large numbers at Luneta on the same day. However, according to Department of the Interior and Local Government Assistant Secretary Epimaco Densing, it was not to celebrate the anniversary of the People Power Revolution. He revealed, the rally was merely to display their support of the president’s anti-crime agenda. "Fino-focus natin ang atensyon sa ating pagsuporta sa ating Pangulo sa kanyang pananaw na kailangang matigil na ang iligal na droga, kailangang matigil na ang korapsyon at malabanan ang kahirapan sa ating bayan," Densing stated in a press conference. Simultaneous actions were also held in Cebu and Davao.
06 FEATURES As Donald Trump assumes presidential seat, an anticipated danger threatens not only the United States of America, but the whole world as well. Having strong discriminatory stances, Trump has undoubtedly created an image of a strong yet divisive man. As early as the campaign period, Trump had proposed policies that would be pushed through once he gains triumph in the elections. Justifying his abhorrence for immigrants, Trump has pronouncements on building walls and doing necessary measures to keep America immigrant-free. A week after his inauguration, Trump had already issued an executive order, banning immigrants of Muslim countries to enter the US borders. Being one of the powerful countries in the world, this executive order has inevitable impact on international relations. However, as Trump now owns the rule over US, he has wellbuilt opportunity to control things in accordance with his best gain. And as he is now armored up with greater power, it seems to come with the preservation of his self-interest rather than the protection of people’s welfare.
HIDDEN AGENDA What was supposed to be an order to protect the people has now become one that leaves them threatened. Being the president of the state, Trump’s executive order (EO) has already been effective without even having to undergo extensive reading by the Congress. The EO entitled “Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States” or also known as the Muslim Ban, prohibits citizens from seven Muslimmajority countries from entering the US temporarily, for a period of 90 days. Moreover, it includes the suspension of the US refugee system, which accepted 12,486 Syrians in 2016, for a span of 120 days. This bar, according to Trump, is a move of “extreme vetting” and a prevention of extreme Islamic terrorists out of the country. Upon the signing of the ban, consequences and evidences of concealed scheme have started flashing. In contrast with Trump’s claimed purpose of the ban to protect the nation, the order comes as a justification of discrimination against non-whites and Muslims. Despite of the entry suspension of the people from Muslim countries, the order selectively allows refugees as long as they are minor religion applicants, or belong to any other sect which are not part or a denomination of Islam.
Volume 30 Number 12 March 20, 2017 | Monday
This provision of the command indicates the prioritization of refugee claims on the basis of religious persecution. This allows the state to prioritize and accept Christians over the Muslims, despite of their similar residence in a Muslim country. Instead of making its citizens feel relieved and secured, the ban has immediately caused confusion and fear among ports and airports. Approved refugees, valid visa holders, non-US dual citizens, and US legal residents were seized and restricted from planes. People residing within the borders are warned not to leave the land for the dread of being stopped from re-entering. From 2006 up to present, there are approximately 500,000 people from the seven banned countries who have received green cards, or permits allowing them to live and work permanently in the US. They are at stake of being prohibited from the US and separated from their families. While the order is primarily portrayed by the White House as a measure of protection from terrorism, banning these Muslim-majority countries seems to be protecting a different interest. Citizens from Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, Yemen, and Iraq are banned from entering the US, except those who are members of minor religion. The ban also exempts diplomats and people of big businesses from being outlawed. Selecting these seven countries from the Middle East shows the favor given to those nations which are not banned. Trump’s conflict of interest is evident as the ban has avoided those countries in which the Trump organization has done business and potential deals. This includes Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates which are the countries where the carrier of terrorist attacks in the US, particularly the 9/11 bombing, originated. The Trump Organization has all kind of business operations with those Middle East countries e x c l u d e d from the ban. Trump himself has several proper ties, majority of which are golf courses in UAE, concentration of luxury towers in Turkey. Also, business opportunities are foreseen by her daughter Ivanka in UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. With this
THE TRUM MARILOU HANAPIN CELESTINO AND JOHN MICHAEL TORRES
particular arrangement, it can be seen that Trump has built the framework of his EO in favor of those countries with which he has been doing business and casting off those which he has nothing to do with. Aside from the immediate consequences and the evident conflict of interest, the ban has been facing several legal anomalies. Their Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 banned all discrimination against immigrants on the basis of national origin, and obviously Trump’s ban is a clear violation of the said act. In addition, the American Constitution contains the Emoluments Clause, referring to the disapproval of accepting gifts or bribes from foreign governments. These inconsistencies manifest the unfairness of the situation with the order being ratified regardless of whose interest it protects. Aside from defying the discrimination against immigrants, and infringing the law against accepting bribes, the ban is said to be violating the right to due process stated in the fifth amendment and the freedom of religion stated in the first amendment. However, since it is an
executive order, it has easily paved its way to take effect and is a power advantage of Trump. Having the ban already implemented affects not only immigrants from the specified countries, but also those from the Philippines. As the Executive Order gives power to the White House and their Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) the ‘discretionary authority’ to question every natural born US citizen and those who have legally acquired citizenship who will be coming from the specified M u s l i m majorit y nations by the ban. This brought fear to the refugees from Syria, i nc lud i ng Filipino
FEATURES 07
Volume 30 Number 12 March 20, 2017 | Monday
MP CARD
ILLUSTRATION BY MICHAEL LORENZ DUMALAOG RAYMUNDO
workers. Piling up to this fear is the recent ban inclusion of the Southern Philippines due to having two large terrorist groups. Despite of this, President Rodrigo Duterte has firmly said that he would not interfere with the US regarding the immigration ban. He said that this serves as an act of returning the favor to Trump, who in turn said that he would not interfere with the existing war on drugs in the Philippines. However, a policy concerning the entrance and exit of migrants to protect its citizens does not deal with the internal factors alone. Consequences from such mandate arise immediately, in and out of the borders. The ban is only a partial measure to prevent
terrorism. Pushing a move to guard the country and portraying the ban as security action, the order is seen to be a cover up to serve the prevailing bigoted ideology.
MOTIVATED DECEIT What was ideology of be one that system that
supposed to be an service turned out to is driven by the very oppresses the people.
These immigrants seek a place where they could have better lives far from what they are suffering in their homelands, where jobs are only enough to last them not less than a week and social services are far from their reach. Countries like India, Mexico, and the Philippines who contribute largely to the immigrant population, owe these problems to the neoliberal policies piloted by the US. These are set of policies and regulations which favors high-end capitalism by compromising the welfare of the public, thus, giving profits and gain to the private sector while undermining the services which are supposed to be given to the people. These policies continue to widen the income gap between the rich and the poor all the while failing to address the disposition of the majority of their populace.
Though the United States is enjoying relatively low unemployment rate compared to other powerful economies like France, with 10.5%, and Canada, with 6.9%, Trump’s “America First” Policy intends to give back jobs to Americans. Trump justifies this through saying that almost 13.3% of the US population is composed of immigrants. This estimated 42.4 million people live and work in the US and take advantage from the state benefits the President deems should be exclusive to full-blooded Americans. He cites that immigrants and refugees compete with the actual citizens of the country and more often than not, d isplace
The refugees trying to find a safe haven in the US are merely victims of the war of aggression of America in their respective countries. New York Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines (NYCHRP) Educational Discussion Officer Rodrigo Bacus has said that “the US continues to wage wars in the Middle East and Africa while depriving the very people impacted by these wars any avenues of exit and escape.” All seven countries listed in the ban have been targets of aggression under former President Obama’s underhanded drone bombing war and continue to be targets now that Trump has heightened the threat for the people in the listed countries.
them in one or industries.
Donald Trump’s perceived priority of the white American race may stem from his own personal bias and ideologies, but its roots are purely driven by gaining profits and extending power over less developed nations. While pushing the seemingly heroic purpose to protect the country by making foreign investments divert from target countries back to US, Trump creates a mistake. He fails to see that these businesses expand not only to take advantage with cheap labor in third world countries, but also to hone their industry and find potential avenue to gain more. Trump has also voiced out his insistence on terminating treaties such as North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), which main purpose is to sustain freedom and security among its member countries through political and military means.
more
Trump also bats eye on defunding the United Nations (UN). But all the while, the US continues to militarize the East, establishing imperial dominance by constructing and rebuilding US bases in South Korea and the Philippines. While proclaiming the massive improvement in the US military for state defense, Trump has undeniably utilized it to continue terrorizing other nations and instilling the idea of American superiority. The United States must have forgotten its imperialist history to crave more power and authority across the globe. In a closer inspection, it is revealed that the true nature of President Trump’s “America First” policy hides in a cover of prioritizing state budget on the country. Leaving other nations under US control, it is a veil that conceals his intentions on keeping America politically, economically and militarily dominant across the world. President Donald Trump’s policies and executive orders do not really mean giving back power to the people. Instead, it is an order that focuses on the idea of gaining more profits, and further aggravating the underserved. Moreover, the Muslim ban aims the affirmation of America’s global dominance. For the President of the US, making America great again is making it the superior global player while leaving other countries inferior and submissive to the system handed by him. The implementation of the Muslim ban widely affects not only the US alone but every other nation in the world, including the Philippines. As the widespread of globalization takes place, it is essential to every citizen to be vigilant and critical to the immediate, as well as the longterm effects of such policies. The Philippines is more than a modern day colony and shall be able to stand against neoliberalism and imperialism. More than any aspect of ‘development’, it is always the country’s national sovereignty and cultural identity that is important. The world does not bow to only one entity but rather follow the interplay of the various changes across nations. No single policy would be a universal solution against the growing crisis of the capitalist system. It is always the continuous proliferation of consciousness among the masses and the power of collective struggle that would push genuine development forward.
08 NEWS
Volume 30 Number 12 March 20, 2017 | Monday
Mga Fulung-Vulungan ng Nagjijisang
ITANONG KAY ISKO’T ISKA
A HUGOTS-ALL-AROUND EDISHUUN! Halows mga afows, I’m here agen to make spluk yer sumvhongsss! Ayern grabeh I waz zo shookt nung nakita kows mga komersyalz dat meyd ebryiwan crie. Galing fa namern sa jolliest na bee I knowz. Diz meyks me go throwback tuloy chew when nagliligawan fa kamey nila Lolo Ufow ninyo, we still pabebe and oll haha. Yess ayun, we alwayz thot dat we were meant por each other, kahet na star-crossed ang feg haha. Pero pinili fa rin namern namin ang izat-iza and eetz perfect parfait! Moving on, lezz talk namern about your zumvhongz!!
Hugot-yer-back fam
sumvhong numbah one!
Maraming nagtatanong sa akern na mga afowz ko. Gets namern nila ang pagchecheck ng bagz fagpasok sa kanilang pinakamamahal na eChoserAngSaumench ng ating dear fafa at ateh guardz, itz for awr sekuritey namern dibahh?? Layk kaya kailangan talaga chinecheck ng maayowz ng mga guardsz yung vags. Fero ayun nga, bakit fa daw kailangern icheck yung vags ng mga estudyante pati faglabazz? Vaka daw ba nakapagnakaw ng vato mula sa stony gharden? Or makakpagtake home ng cats from dah stony gharden? Mejj tinanong langs. M u m s h i e s huway da s t u d e n z z asking dizz, unlezz its inconvenientzz for dem?? Aywan lang ha, nuffin agenz our kuya and ate guardsz, dey’re justz doin deyr trabahowz. Hugot-yer-back din kuya and atehhz!! Kaya mga afowz pacheck namern kayo ng vags kazi nakakaloks lang for da ghaurdz daheel deyr juzz doin deyr jobzz dibaaa.
Hugot-yer-back fam sumvhong numbah chu !
Hayzz may narinig mehh na daing from mahh tired afowssz. Hinde lang namern sa lablayf pagod makifaghabulan za pagzulat ng nowts sa klaze. Da frappy meykz falit-
falit dah slayds so fast dat da ngarag ztudentss kenat fallowz. Imfortant rin namern na ma-learn ng afowz to bee fast and jot dawn nowts, pero at tayms when dey kenat do eet at da speed of layt diba haha kalurkey. Gib dem at least da copy of da ppt, lalo na if dey really toxic sa layf at kung rezonabolls talaga dat dey need it.
Hugot-yer-back fam sumvhong numbah fhreee!
Fahabol! Kalurkey daw zumbongz by may afowz! Dibuhh nga my afowz saying dat dey need sface in da YuFiEm?? Eh what iz diz I hear wid mah earss? Naguusaf langz for projekks itong akeng mga afowz sa izang empty clazroom in da GorgeousAmbianceBulwagan. Tafows ba namern ay finafaalizz silah ng peepz in da uniformsz dat make ayowz dah roomsz? Huway namern yuu not let dem stay in da roomz? WAley na nga silang stayz plazes, alangern namern ay za hallwayz sila magstay at magdizcuss ng kanilang groupf werqz? Yun lang mga bibis, alwayz know dat yer lola iz alwayz here to air yer concerns and sumvhongs! Tahan na muna sa crie crie mo dyern ha, alwayz know dat somwern iz derr chew lizzen chew youuuu! Juzz rayt it dawn samwhere layk sa carchewlinas sa CR cubicles so samwhan izz aware of what yer goin thru!!!
no ang masasabi mo sa pagkontra ng mga estudyante ng mga UP Diliman Geology students sa posisyon ni DENR Secretary Gina Lopez?
naiintindihan ko ang plight ng mga UPD Geology at ang kanilang mga hinaing kasi gets na napipintura sila sa masamang ilaw pero ito ay hindi oras para batuhin sila ng insulto ngunit paintindihin natin din sa kanila ang mga hinaing ng mga anti-mining. Kailangan magkaroon ng diskurso ng dalawa at bumuo ng synthesis para mahanap ang solusyon. - Okie okie, 55899 May point sila, tama ang sinasabi nila. Mas kailangan nga lang palawigin ang kaalaman ng masa na nagpupuntirya sa kanila bilang 'taga-sira ng kalikasan' dahil mining is not bad, it is the mismanagement nung mining industry na masama sa kalikasan. - hellofromtheotherside Lahat ng bagay nadadaan sa matiwasay at ma-sistemang usapan. - beshie, 201x + 1 Idk, may ibang may points yung sinasabi, merong iba na wala naman. Depende sa argument na ipresent sakin haha - Percy, CAS, 2012-5**** Gets ko sila sa UPD Geology kasi maraming scientific at technical terms that Gina got wrong, i.e. mining causes earthquakes. On the other hand naman, Gina’s progressive stance is commendable. - beaTRES, 2012, CAS Tama sa tingin ko ang ipinaglalaban ng UP NIGS (tama ba) at ni Ma’am Gina parehas. Like kasi diba ang sinasabi ng UPD Geol ay na dahil sa lack of credibility na information galing kay DENR Sec eh mawawalan ng trabaho ang mga estudyante nila. In fact, ang dapat na resolution ay responsible mining, hindi mining per se ang evil. - bbklance<3 Go Gina Lopez! Encouraging ang stand mo dahil nga no amount of riches could validate yung pagkasira sa kalikasan. She said something like ‘the quality of life of the people is nonnegotiable’. I support her all the way. - echosera, CPH My hashtag says it all. Collective action is crucial for progress, thus the settlement between two panels is significant for development. #implementCASER #resumepeacetalksNOW #no to export-oriented, extractive, foreign dominated mining! #sarilinggaodAWOOOO - maydagasaofficenamin!, CAS, 201235XXX
S
ino ngayon ang paborito mong senador? Bakit?
si Pacquiao kasi ang galing niyang boxingero - Okie okie, 55899 Jusko lord. - hellofromtheotherside pwede mag-pass? - beshie, 201x + 1 Manny Pacquiao Duh. Jk HAHAHA I'd say si Risa Hontiveros dahil sya yung idk maraming pinaglalaban na maganda + sa choices ng mga nakaupo ngayon it's either they're stupid or they're cheeky and she's not classified as either of those two so HAHAHA - Percy, CAS, 2012-5**** Fave ko siguro si … Um … - beaTRES, 2012, CAS Sino ba ang tunay na senador dyan? Eh Fake lahat yan eh. Lumaban kayong patas mga dilawan bwahahaha Okay sh*t suspended na twitter ko. - bbklance<3 Well siguro kung si Neri Colmenares ay isa sa mga senador, siya magiging favorite ko. He highlights the prioritization and establishment of national industrialization. Eh isa nga yun sa mga crucial points para umunlad ang Pilipinas. Hindi lang dapat production of raw materials ang meron tayo, we need a legit and stable manufacturing industry. Yes, I learned this from a variety of forums I attended, most of them by environmental groups and a few with Colmenares as guest speaker as well. Naalala ko pa nga yung example niya yung electric fan for this concern. Lol. - echosera, CPH Hon. Risa Hontiveros! As a feminist, I agree with some of the bills she voices out should be passed into law, especially about gender identity and encouraging women to step up against any form of sexual harassment. #boocatcallers - maydagasaofficenamin!, CAS, 201235XXX Anyone courageous enough to stand against fascism Anyone intelligent enough to refute invalid arguments Anyone with integrity to oppose and expose graft and corruption Anyone with a heart for the people Anyone who serves the people for the people and not for wealth and prestige Anyone who is aware of social realities and acts to forward people’s rights In short, NO ONE Not yet - poetic acoe, CAS
GRAPHICS 09
Volume 30 Number 12 March 20, 2017 | Monday
EMOTION-OMICS
hindi na nakagugulat na pumapatok talaga ang mga pakulong may hugot. Kung sa panliligaw ay mayroong panghaharanang with love ang nagaganap, commercials that will melt your heart and strike you right in the feels naman ang taktika ng mga kompanya upang makuha ang matamis na “oo” ng mga mamimili. Sa pagpapalabas ng mga advertisements na may kurot at bakas sa damdamin, nahahatak ang mga konsumer na tangkilikin ang mga produktong ibinabandera ng mga hugot commercials, na nagiging dahilan upang pumabor sa mga kapitalista ang mga sirkumstansya.
KYLA DOMINIQUE LACAMBACAL PASICOLAN
Law of Emotional F r a g i l i t y Sa mundo nina Jollibee at Ronald McDonald, wala na sigurong mas bibida pa sa kanila. At sa pagtangkilik mo sa kanilang mga produkto, guess what? They’re loving it, ika nga ng Mcdo. Masasabing malakas ang appeal ng mga hugot commercials, o ng hugot mismo sa tao, dahil kawangis nito— kung hindi man— ay kahalintulad ito ng mga pangkaraniwang isyung kinakaharap ng tao, dahilan upang madali lang itong makahatak ng target audience. Dahil na rin sa matandang paniniwala o pilosopiyang “hindi makakamit ang ginhawa kung hindi ito pinaghihirapan”, madaling kumurot sa puso ng masa ang simpleng pagpapakita ng sitwasyong pahirapan muna bago makamit ang happy ending bandang huli. Kaya nga hindi na rin nakapagtatakang napaiyak ka nang ‘yung regalong pinaghirapang bilhin ni Lolo na Jollibee stuffed toy ang nagustuhan ng kanyang apo sa lahat ng mga regalong natanggap nito: “Siyempre, galing kay Lolo eh! I love you, Lolo!” Dahil sa lawak ng kapangyarihan ng media na masalamin ang tunay na buhay ng tao in real time, nagiging dahilan din ito upang patukin at kagatin ang mga pakulong may hugot na kanilang napapanood sapagkat halaw naman talaga sa mga totoong karanasan ang hugot. Kaya ganoon na lamang kalaki ang impact sa’yo ng pitong taong pagka-torpe ni Carson kay Dio, sapagkat alam mong tunay naman talaga itong nangyayari. Kaya nga hugot ang tawag, kasi literal na may malalim itong pinanggagalingan, at ang realidad ay may malalim din na pinanghahawakan. Sa matinding pagnanais ng mga kapitalista na mapalapit sa mga tao, nagagamit ang media bilang alas upang makakuha ng mga mamimili. Dahil sa lawak ng impluwensiya nito sa buhay ng tao, hindi maiwasang magamit ito bilang isang instrumento para maipalaganap ang isang huwad na mensahe— na ang mga kompanya ay may puso at simpatya sa karaniwang tao na nasasalamin sa kanilang mga hugot commercials.
JAZMINE CLAIRE MARTINEZ MABANSAG
FROM P.12
Law of Increasing Returns Marahil ay vision and mission na ng mga fastfood chains ang kasabihang “the key to a man’s stomach is his heart.” Dahil sa mga napanood mong hugot commercials, nahikayat ka ng mga ito na mag-move on at ituloy ang awit ng buhay mo sa tindahang may simbolo ng Golden Arches. At ngayon, umaasa ka namang mahahanap mo ang forever mo sa tindahang may masayahing bubuyog sa harapan. Oo, bukod sa kinain ka na ng sistema, ‘di mo namalayang nahulog ka na pala sa patibong ng mga kapitalista. Bukod pa sa nagagamit ang taktikang paglalapat ng isang makabagdamdaming story line, nagagawa ring maikubli sa mga hugot commercials ang huwad na doktrina ng konsumerismo— na makatao ang layunin ng mga kompanya kaya nararapat lamang na bumili ng produkto mula sa kanila. Kagaya na lamang sa mga short skit commercials ng Jollibee, ipinalalabas na isang mahalagang tauhan din sa pagbuo ng kwento ang kanilang Yum!™ burger dahil nabibigyan din ito ng kaukulang exposure sa commercial. Kaya kahit na wala naman talagang makabuluhang koneksyon ang Yum!™ burger na itinatampok sa commercial sa kabuoang repleksyon ng kompanya, nahihikayat ka pa ring bumili at tangkilikin ang kanilang mga produkto. Sa tangkang “pagsungkit” ng mga kompanya sa puso ng mga mamimili, nagkakaroon ng maling parallel perspective ang mga tao—na ang interes ng kompanya ay ang interes din ng masa. Naipalalabas ang kaisipang binuo ang mga kompanya para sa mga tao, kaya dapat lamang na maglingkod ang mga ito para sa interes ng mga tao. Napagaganda ang imahe ng mga kompanya dahil naipalalaganap ang kaisipang makamasa ang kanilang adhikain, na naipapakita diumano sa kanilang mga hugot commercials. Ang paghahanap ng kapital sa damdamin ng tao—sa pamamagitan ng paggamit at pagmamanipula rito— ay maihahalintulad sa pagpapakitanggilas ng isang manliligaw sa kanyang nililigawan. Pilit na ikinukubli ng pagpapakitang-tao at pakikisimpatya ang mga hindi kanais-nais na paguugali na maaaring makasira sa diskarte ng manliligaw. Ipinipilit na ipalabas na ang mga hugot commercials ay nagpapalaganap ng moralistikong katangian, ngunit ang totoo’y inilaan lang ito upang mapalago ang sariling negosyo at magparami ng salapi.
10 OPINION Truth Be Told
Mico Cortez A PRIVILEGE CHECK I don’t like public especially jeepneys.
transportation,
On a normal day with light to moderate traffic, it takes me about an hour or so to get to and from school coming from home. There are different ways for me to get to school: the suffocatingly cramped, dilapidated LRT; the dangerously reckless UV express; or the absurdly expensive Uber and Grab. I could also drive, but I just don’t want to. That’s a whole other story. However, of all the forms of public transportation available in this concrete jungle, it’s jeepneys I dislike the most. Perhaps because they’re not airconditioned. Probably because of how reckless the drivers often are, sometimes more than UV express drivers. While I have the privilege to not have to take jeepneys, millions of Filipinos do not. Those rusted metal carriages are the go-to mode of transport across Metro Manila, taking people to and from work, school, and everywhere in between. That’s why I understand why the masses would feel like they’re lives are being held hostage every time transport groups hold strikes - whether it’s to demand higher fares, lower gas prices, or in the most recent case, to oppose an oppressive policy. This policy is of course the proposed phasing out of older jeepneys, as well as imposition of new requirements for jeepney operators. These new requirements include at least P7 million in capital and 10 units per franchise, requirements not easily met by smaller operators. It is easy to dismiss their strike as an annoyance or inconvenience. But such movements show a simple truth: that we need jeepneys and other forms of public transportation. We rely on them to be there when we need them as much as they rely on commuters for their daily income. These jeepney drivers are not opposed to modernization; they are opposed to their source of livelihood being taken away and given to the hands of profit-hungry private entities. It’s easy to dismiss this when you have a college diploma hanging on your wall and a 9 to 5 office job you can count to feed you and your family. But for the drivers who ply the streets all day and all night long just to have enough to get through another day, that rusted metal carriage is all they have. The strike last Monday was a privilege check, a reminder that even the struggles of people who aren’t one of us can still affect us greatly. And it is for that same reason that instead of criticizing or complaining, we must work together to find the best possible solution for everyone. I’ll catch you next time.
Volume 30 Number 12 March 20, 2017 | Monday
SELECTRIC
NALILIGAW
CHLOE PAULINE REYES GELERA
Ipikit man ang mga mata ay handa akong libutin ka, sinta. Kahit na nakapiring, at sampung beses na ikutin ng mga kalaro, ay kabisado pa rin kita. Kampanteng kahit ano ang mangyari ay mahahanap ko ang aking pupuntahan, sukat ko ang aking mga hakbang, at gamay ang bawat pag-igkas. Sapagka’t ikaw ang aking tirahan. Na kahit iisang daan lamang ang alam na tahakin ng mga tao ay alam ko ang bawat kanto, pagliko, kalye, at minutong itatagal kung paano ako dadalhin ng aking mga paa sa aking paroroonan. At sapagkat kahit na ilang beses man akong sumubok na lumayo, ay patuloy akong umuuwi sa ‘yo. Lumipas man ang limang taon ay masasabi kong kabisado pa rin kita. Ang bawat kalyeng may mga bako, bawat kalye kung saan may mabubuti at mga nakakatakot na aso, kapitbahay, kahit na nga tinderang nagpapautang. Kabisado ang mga nakatagong lagusan at maliliit na
eskinita; pati ang bawat sikreto na nakatago sa bawat pagliko at pag-ikot. Kasabay ang kaalaman na sa bawat pagtatago ay alam kung saan masarap magtago ‘pag nagtatagu-taguan at kung saan masarap itago ang nararamdaman. Kabisado ang bawat bahay, at bawat pamilyang nakatira
tinatatayuan, pati ang dating sulok na pinagtatagpuan— bagaman pareho ang ikaw na minahal ko, at patuloy na minamahal. Nasa gitna ako ng kawalan. Nasa gitna ako ng isang lugar na dapat alam pero hindi ko alam. Wala akong mapagtanungan, malikuan, o mapuntahan.
Isa man akong bisita sa dati kong tahanan,
Hindi ko na alam. Hindi ko na alam kung nasaan ako. Sinubukang lumiko, sinubukang dumiretso, ngunit hindi ko magawang humakbang papalayo sa ‘yo. Isa man akong bisita sa dati kong tahanan, hindi ako magsasawang umasa na sa dulo ng araw ay sa iyo pa rin ako tatahan.
hindi ako magsasawang umasa na sa dulo ng araw ay sa iyo pa rin ako tatahan. dito; kung sinoman ang madaling tanungin kung sakaling maligaw. Pero imposible atang mangyari ‘yon. Dahil hangga’t hawak ko ang pangako mong hindi ka mawawala, malibang umalis ako, hindi ako maliligaw. Ngunit isang araw bigla na lang akong nagising na hindi makilala ang kahit ano. Bagaman parehong-pareho ang dating lugar, at mismong kalyeng
BANYUHAY
Iyan ang litanya ng nanay ko noong kabataan ko. Alala ko pa noon, paulit-ulit niya pang kinukuwento ito habang binubugkos ang buhok ko sa isang mahigpit na ponytail. Galing daw kasi sa bibliya ‘yun, kaya maniwala na raw ako kapag sinabi niyang tunay kaming pinagpala ni Papa Jesus. Ang mga maralita raw ang magmamana ng sangkalupaan. Pasasaan daw at makakaahon din kami, sabi ni mama, ngunit sa ngayon ay kailangan tiisin at mahalin itong kastilyong tinitirahan namin. Ito raw ang kastilyo namin, ang lugar himlayan para sa aming mga ‘mayayaman’. Binubuo ang haligi ng inaanay na kahoy, na kahit ilang beses nang binagyo ay nananatili pa ring nakatayo, habang ang kinakalawang at butas na yero naman ang sumasaklob sa amin. Minsan kapag nakaswerte si Papa ay may pantapal na vulcaseal para sa tag-ulan, ngunit mas madalas ay wala. Paglaon ay natutunan na rin naming maging kaibigan ang tubig-ulan. Animo’y himig na nagpapaalala sa amin na ito ang aming kaharian. Kahariang marupok man at pinagtagpi-tagpi, ay nanatiling matayog at may dignidad. Taliwas sa nakasanayan ng mga tipikal na kaharian, sa kastilyong ito rin natapos ang aking kamusmusan.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 04
SANDCASTLES
AGATHA HAZEL ANDRES RABINO
Ang tunay daw na mayayaman ay ang mga mahihirap.
Sinubukan ko namang magtanong sa mga nakakasalubong. Nagbabakasakaling matutulungan nila akong hanapin ang mga dati kong bakas. Sundan ang mga linyang iginuhit ko sa ‘yo noon. Hakbangin ang mga dati nating hakbang. Bilangin ang bawat minutong lumipas na pag-aari natin ang isa’t isa. Ngunit wala.
Sa maliliit na espasyo, sa amoy ng alimuom at tubig-ulan, at sa butas ng kisame at dingding ko nakita ang lawak at lupit ng mundo. Sa labas ng kaharian, nagsisilitawan ang gahiganteng tore: SM Prime Holdings, Robinson’s Condominiums, at iba pang naglalakihang gusali na may kakaibang mga pangalan. Kung noon ay misteryo lang sila sa aking paningin, mabilis ko ring naunawaan na ang mga nagbubukol-bukol at
Ilang
oras ang lumipas hanggang sa wala nang natirang bakas ng tahanan. Animo’y nakatira lang kami sa kastilyong buhangin na matapos tangayin ng alon ay wala na. matatayog na gusaling ito ay senyales na ang mumunting kanlungan namin ay napipinto nang mabuwal. Sa unang pagguho ng tahanan namin ko naintindihan na kaharian man ang tawag namin sa aming bahay, dumi naman ang turing dito ng mga nagwawangis na hari’t reyna. Sa unang demolisyon, napalitan ang awit ng ulan ng bulyaw at mga traktora. Maingay ang gabi dahil sa pinaghalong sigaw ng mga inang palahaw ang iyak at dagundong ng pagpupukpok sa mga marurupok na haligi ng
kabahayan. Ilang oras ang lumipas hanggang sa wala nang natirang bakas ng tahanan. Animo’y nakatira lang kami sa kastilyong buhangin na matapos tangayin ng alon ay wala na. Pinangakuan man kami na magkakaroon din kami ng panibagong masisilungan ng mga emisaryo ng mga naghahari-harian, nananatili pa rin kaming walang sariling tahanan. Doon ko lang din napagtanto na baliktad ang mundo at taliwas ito sa litanyang sinasambit ni mama. Hindi ang mahihirap ang tunay na mayayaman. Silang may materyal na karangyaan at oportunidad, silang may kapangyarihang idikta ang takbo at buhay ng mga salat, ang tunay na mayayaman. Hindi rin nagtagal ay naging siklo ang pagbuo ng bahay at patuloy na demolisyon. Hindi pa man kami mahimbing na nakapirmi ay bigla na naman kaming papatirin ng mga nagdidiyos-diyosan. At dito, sa nakakaumay na siklong ito, unti-unting napanday sa aking isipan na hindi pa sapat na durugin nila ang ano mang natirang materyal na kayamanan, tinangay na rin nila ang aming dignidad at karapatan. Ito na ngayon ang kastilyo namin, ang lugar himlayan para sa aming mga ‘mayayaman’. Sa aming paanan ay ang patche-patcheng kahoy at semento. May basag na salamin at naapakang CONTINUED ON PAGE 04
Volume 30 Number 12 March 20, 2017 | Monday
E D I T O R- I N- C H I E F
Agatha Hazel Andres Rabino A S S O C I AT E E D I T O R F O R I N T E R NA L S
Aries Raphael Reyes Pascua
A S S O C I AT E E D I T O R F O R E X T E R NA L S
Sofia Monique Kingking Sibulo M A NAG I NG E D I T O R
Arthur Gerald Bantilan Quirante A S S I S S TA N T M A NAG I NG E D I T O R
Adolf Enrique Santos Gonzales NEWS EDITOR
Eunice Biñas Hechanova NEWS COR R ESPONDENTS
Elizabeth Danielle Quiñones Fodulla Patricia Anne Lactao Guerrero Anton Gabriel Abueva Leron Niña Keith Musico Ferrancol Leah Rose Figueroa Paras Shaila Elijah Perez Fortajada F E AT U R E S E D I T O R
Chloe Pauline Reyes Gelera F E AT U R E S C O R R E S P O N D E N T S
Justin Danielle Tumenez Francia Liezl Ann Dimabuyu Lansang Jennah Yelle Manato Mallari Marilou Hanapin Celestino C U LT U R E E D I T O R S
Josef Bernard Soriano De Mesa Thalia Real Villela C U LT U R E C O R R E S P O N D E N T S
Jose Lorenzo Querol Lanuza Jonerie Ann Mamauag Pajalla GR APHIC S EDITOR
Jazmine Claire Martinez Mabansag R E S I D E N T I L LU S T R AT O R S
Michael Lorenz Dumalaog Raymundo Jose Paolo Bermudez Reyes Danielle Montealegre Rodriguez R E S I D E N T P H O T OJ O U R NA L I S T
Kyla Dominique Lacambacal Pasicolan OFFICE 4th Floor Student Center Building, University of the Philippines Manila, Padre Faura St. corner Ma. Orosa St., Ermita, Manila 1000 EMAIL themanilacollegian@gmail.com WEBSITES issuu.com/manilacollegian www.facebook.com/themanilacollegian www.twitter.com/mkule
MEMBER
College Editors Guild of the Philippines
Solidaridad - UP Systemwide Alliance of Student Publications and Writers’ Organizations
The Cover Illustration Jose Paolo Bermudez Reyes
Layout Kyla Dominique Lacambacal Pasicolan & Genevieve Seño
A
PAT
NA
TAON.
EDITORIAL 11
Apat na taon na ang nakalipas nang kitilin ang buhay ni Kristel Tejada ng mga mapaniil na polisiya ng pamantasan ng bayan. Apat na taon na ang nakalipas nang isang Iskolar ng Bayan ay tinanggalan ng oportunidad na maabot ang kaniyang mga pangarap at mapagsilbihan ang sambayanan. Apat na taon na ang nakalipas ngunit patuloy pa rin ang pag-iral ng mga mapamantalang alituntunin na patuloy na nagpapahirap sa kabataang inaasahang magsisilbing pundasyon ng lipunan kinabukasan. Sa paglipas ng panahon, kailangang higit na paigtingin ang paglaban para sa libreng edukasyon. Isang malaking kasinungalingan na sabihing wala o kulang ang pondo para dito, sapagkat napatunayan na ng mga datos na posibleng maipatupad ito. Kung tutuusin, kakarampot na bahagdan lamang ito ng mga pondong napupunta sa walang kapararakang mga bagay, tulad na lamang ng pagbabayad sa utang ng rehimeng Marcos at sa Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) ng mga mababatas. Sa kabilang banda, taunang sinasalubong ang mga mag-aaral ng pagtaas ng matrikula na siyang nagiging malaking sagka sa pagpasok nila sa mga paaralan. Iba’t ibang polisiya at programa ang isinasakatuparan upang makakalap ng malaking kita ang mga pribadong institusyon sa ngalan ng edukasyon. Gayundin naman ang nagiging iskema ng iba’t ibang pampublikong unibersidad dahil sa kapabayaan ng estado na gampanan ang responsibilidad nito sa mga pambansang pamatasan. Nagsimula ang walang humpay na pagtaas ng matrikula noong rehimeng Marcos sa ilalim ng Education Act of 1982. Nagbigay ito ng pahintulot na magtaas ng matrikula ang mga paaralan kada taon nang may kalakip na pagpapabuti ng serbisyo nito. Sa kabila ng polisiyang ito, sa kabila ng patuloy na pagtaas ng matrikula, nanatiling tatlong unibersidad lamang sa Pilipinas ang nakakapasok sa pinakamahuhusay na unibersidad sa buong mundo. Patunay lamang ito na hindi napapangatawanan ng mga unibersidad ang pagtaas ng matrikula nito sapagkat hindi naman tunay na umuunlad ang kanilang sistema, bagkus, naging daan lamang ang Education Act of 1982 upang walang habas na mapalaki ang kita ng mga unibersidad sa bansa. Dagdag pa rito, ayon sa pinakahuling datos ng Kabataan Partylist, doble ang pagtaas ng matrikula sa mga pribadong unibersidad, umaabot ito mula P30,000 tungong P50,000 hanggang P60,000 tungong P100,000. Samantala, sa state universities and colleges naman (SUCs), kung saan inaasahang pinopondohan ng gobyerno, ay talamak na rin ang pagtaas ng matrikula dahil sa pagbabawas ng badyet ng gobyerno para sa mga ito. Noong 2015, nakaranas ang
DANIELLE MONTEALEGRE RODRIGUEZ
SABLAY Unibersidad ng Pilipinas ng kaltas na higit dalawang bilyong piso mula sa capital outlay (CO) at maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE). Kaugnay ng patuloy ng pagtaas ng matrikula sa UP at sa iba pang SUCs, lima nang Iskolar ng Bayan ang piniling tapusin ang kanilang sariling buhay dahil sa problemang pinansiyal. Ang kawalan ng kakayahang magbayad ng matrikula sa kanilang mga paaralan at ang kapabayaan ng estado na magbigay ng libreng edukaasyon ang nagtulak sa kanilang sarili sa kamatayan. Ilan na nga rito ay sina Jessiven Lagatic ng Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, Rosanna Sanfuego ng Cagayan State University, at si Kristel Tejada ng Unibersidad ng Pilipinas Maynila.
napakalaking kasayangan na naglaan ng 700 milyong pisong pondo rito ang administrasyon ng unibersidad, imbes na inilaan na lamang sa mas makabuluhang mga bagay. Napakalaking kabalitunaan na may mga Iskolar ng Bayan na pinipiling tapusin ang kanilang sariling buhay dahil sa kawalan ng pag-asang matatapos nila ang kanilang pag-aaral. Nakagagalit ang katotohanan na tinutulak ng unibersidad ang mga estudyante nito sa bangin ng kamatayan dahil sa mga mapaniil na polisiyang ipinapatupad dito. Nakakaahitang isipin na sa kabila ng kaganapang ito, wala pa ring pagbabago sa sistema ng pamantasan, bagkus patuloy pa rin ang mga
wala pa ring pagbabago sa sistema ng pamantasan, bagkus patuloy pa rin ang mga pagkubkob ng mga neoliberal na polisiya sa unibersidad, na siyang patuloy na nagpapahirap sa mga estudyante. Sa pagpapatuloy, kaalinsabay ng layunin ng unibersidad na magkaroon ng inobasyon, humalaw ito ng bagong sistema noong 2014 upang palitan ang UP Computerized Registration Sysytem (UP CRS) at SystemOne, ang Student Academic Information System (SAIS). Layon nitong maabot ang buong UP system ngunit agad napukol ng iba’t ibang isyu lalo na ang laki ng pondo na inilaan para dito na nagkakahalagang 750 milyong piso. Napatunayan na hindi nararapat na pinaglaanan ng malaking pondo ang SAIS noong hindi kinaya ng sistemang ito ang bulto ng mga nagpapatala para sa akademikong taon 2016-2017 mula UP Manila, UP Cebu, UP Baguio, at UP Los Baños. Nagpatunay din ito na hindi kailangang palitan ang dating mga sistema dahil, ayon sa karanasan, mas episyente ang mga ito. Sa mga talang ito, mahihinuha na
pagkubkob ng mga neoliberal na polisiya sa unibersidad, na siyang patuloy na nagpapahirap sa mga estudyante. Kailangang maging mapagmatiyag ang bawat estudyante sa bawat hakbang na ginagawa ng administrasyon ukol sa katayuan ng unibersidad dahil pawang mga estudyante lang din naman ang lubos na maaapektuhan dito, negatibo man o positibo. Huwag hayaang manatiling istatistika na lamang si Kristel Tejada at ang iba pang naging biktima ng neoliberal na polisiya sa edukasyon, bagkus, maghain ng mga kongkretong alternatibo nang sa gayo’y maisiwalat ang tunay na ugat ng problema at makita ang tunay na solusyon para dito. Higit sa lahat, kailangang kapitbisig na singilin ang pamahalaan na bayaran ang kanilang pagpapabaya sa mga unibersidad na nagdulot ng labis na dusa sa mga mag-aaral nito.
Naniniwala
ka
ba
sa
forever?
Napa-"Oo naman! Yung kahit may bago, doon ka pa rin sa matagal mo nang kakilala.” ka naman at pustahan, with matching feels pa. Bukod sa given na na fan ka ng JaDine, aminin mo na ring isa sa dahilan kung bakit kating-kati ka nang bumili ng burger steak sa tindahang may masayahing bubuyog ang sumasalubong sa’yo papasok ay dahil sa tila parang magic na alam nilang ang salitang “oo” lang ang bukambibig mo sa kahit anong tanong ni James Reid. Shet, alam nga ng Jollibee ang iyong feels. #ginalingan Pero hinay-hinay lang sa pagbili ng burger steak, friend. Mag-isip ka muna. Matutong mangilatis ng mga bagay-bagay, dahil sa panahon kung saan patuloy ang pag-igting ng kompetisyon sa merkado, iisa lamang ang nasa isip ng mga korporasyon—ang mang-akit ng mga mamimili upang tumaas ang kita para matugunan ang interes at para sa kalamangan ng iilan.
Law of Sentimental Demand HAPPY Meal at ChickenJOY-magkalaban pero pawang nakaangkla sa happiness, ika nga naman kasi, ito ang best feeling in the world. Bilang ganoon, ay bebenta
ka kung maitatanim sa isip ng mga tao na may kaakibat na makukuhang saya sa iyong produkto. Gayonman, atin bahagyang kontrahin si Jollibee dahil ‘di laging Bida ang Saya. Sa panahon ngayon, pati ba naman kasi kalungkutan--na ugat ng ating mga hugot--na ‘di na nga dapat ginagalugad pa ng iba, ay ginagamit na rin. Sa kabuuan, ang ating sentimyento--mapalungkot o saya--ay parehas nagagamit para at laban--bilang kapital o alas ng mga negosyante--sa atin. Kung kompetisyon at panliligaw lamang ang pag-uusapan, wala na sigurong mas hahaba pa sa hair ng mga mamimili sa dami ng mga manliligaw nito: ang mga korporasyong patuloy na nagpapakitang-gilas upang makabenta. Para makaakit ng mga kustomer, kailangang mag-isip ng estratehiya at taktika ang isang kumpanya upang makahalina ng mas maraming kustomer kaysa sa iba. Aba, sa panahon ngayon ay tiyak na hindi na uubrang ipain ang nakasanayang taktika. The more creative strategies, the more chance of winning. Siyempre, kung manliligaw lang din naman, kinakailangang isaalang-alang parati ang kagustuhan ng nililigawan. Bilang mga konsumer ang bumubuhay sa mga negosyo, kinakailangang bumuo ng mga partikular estratehiya’t taktika para maengganyo sila; ngunit dahil sa batas ng mundo at lalo na sa marketing na it’s harder to talk to--thus
harder to please--everyone, mahalaga ang pagpili ng espisipikong grupo ng masang handang tumangkilik. Dapat nakasandig sa kiliti nila ang layunin ng estratehiya—kung sa mga milenyal ‘yan, ‘yung siguradong tatatak sa isip at aantig sa damdamin bilang isang katangian nila ay ang pagiging sentimental— at ito ay nagkukuta sa anyo ng mga makabagdamdaming TV ads, o ‘yung tinatawag na mga hugot commercials. Kung tutuosin, hindi na rin naman bago ang estratehiyang paglalapat ng hugot sa mga bagay-bagay. Bago pa nito “masakop” ang mundo ng telebisyon, nagagamit na rin ang hugot strategy sa mga pelikula. Oo, ito ‘yung mga pelikulang nagpaiyak, nagpakilig, nakapagpagalit, nakapagpalungkot, nagkapagpasaya, o kaya naman ay nakapagpasambit din sa’yo ng linya ni Liza Soberano na “Panget ba ako? Kapalit-palit ba ako?”. Sa simpleng istratehiya at layuning pagpapaantig sa damdamin ng mga manonood, nagawa ng mga film producers na ihain sa publiko ang kanilang ipinagmamalaking putahe. Tumabo na sa takilya, blockbuster pa for weeks. Marahil ito ang nakikitang strategy ng mga kompanyang nanliligaw upang mabingwit na ang puso ng mga mamimili. Sa anyo ng mga makabagdamdaming product advertisements, sinusubukan din nilang makipagugnayan sa damdamin ng tao upang ito ay maantig. At sa pagsasaalang-alang ng
damdamin o emosyon ng tao, magagawa nilang makaakit upang dumami ang kanilang mga kustomer. Dito, mahihinuhang nagpapalit-anyo lamang ang hugot strategy sa media dahil bukod sa timeless ang mga ito, marami nga naman ang makaka-relate sa mga ito. Ngunit higit pa sa pag-target sa kaibuturan ng damdamin ng mga mamimili, higit na mas kritikal ang pagpili ng paksa na kung saan iikot ang istorya ng komersyal. Sa magandang story line ng bubuoing commercial kasi nakasalalay kung kakagatin ba ito ng masa: mas hitik sa hugot ang nilalaman ng script, mas patok sa takilya. Kaugnay nito, hindi na nakapagtatakang malaki ang hatak ng mga kuwentong umiinog ang istorya sa pamilya, pagibig, at pagpapakasakit, kaya nga hindi na rin nakagugulat kung sobra kang apektado sa lalaking best friend na akala mo ay si “The One”, ‘yun pala ay abay lamang sa kasal sa commercial na “The Vow”, o kaya naman ay naramdaman mo ‘yung hinanakit ni Elise habang inaalala niyang nag-break nga pala sila ng jowa niya sa McDo. Bukod kasi sa nagagawa nitong masalamin ang buhay ng karaniwang tao, madaling makatawag-pansin sa masa ang taktikang pag-target sa sinasabing pinakasensitibong bahagi ng katawan ng tao: ang puso. Kaya kahit ano mang paksa ang itampok na close to the heart of the people, CONTINUED ON PAGE 09
Emotion-omics Emosyon ng Tao, Puhunan ng Kapitalismo JONERIE ANN MAMAUAG PAJALLA DIBUHO NI ANGELU PAGOBO