The Manila Collegian Volume 27 Issue 16

The Official Student Publication of the University of the Philippines Manila Volume 27 Number 16 Thursday | 06 March 2014

MORE INSIDE

NEWS 03 UPM Admin pushes for

eviction of GAB Caf concessionaires CULTURE 06 Abante, Babae!

EDITORIAL 10 Kalakal OPINION 11Friend zone no more FEATURES 12 Demolition Job

02 NEWS

Volume 27 Number 16 06 March 2014 | Thursday

Youth groups, students storm CHED consultation Proposed tuition hike, condemned CHRISTINE JOY FRONDOZO ANGAT

S

tudents from various private and public higher education institutions (HEI) went to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on February 12, 2014 to oppose the impending tuition and other fee increase (TOFI) that will confront the students come academic year (AY) 2014-2015.

Among the students and organizations that joined the dialogue were: Rise for Education Alliance, National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP), Kabataan Partylist, College Editor’s Guild of the Philippines (CEGP); and the student leaders from Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (EARIST), Adamson University (AdU) and University of Santo Tomas (UST).

Protests were also held outside CHED during the consultation.

Growing discontent The students denounced the rising costs of education, campus repression, lack of student consultation, and anti-student policies that school administrations and the government implement. Students from EARIST also filed a complaint against the arbitrary suspension of their student leaders and the illegal collection of fees for the construction of new buildings.

Subsequently, the students expressed their dismay over the outcome of the forum, saying there were no concrete actions given to address the grievances of the students. They also condemned CHED’s silence on the cases filed with regard to illegal tuition hikes in UST and De La Salle-Araneta University.

CHED disclosed that they cannot impose sanctions to HEIs that implement tuition increases. The government body furthered that they can only encourage school administrations but they have limited capacity to regulate and monitor the consultations in the school level.

Nonetheless, Sarah Elago, NUSP National President and Co-convenor of Rise for Education Alliance, asserted that

CHED and the Aquino government are responsible for providing accessible quality education to the Filipino students.

“There are 26 state universities and colleges (SUCs) for the academic year 2014-2015 that will suffer due to a new round of budget cuts. Private universities and colleges, at the very least hundreds, will be increasing the matriculation fee.

Where will the students go?” Elago stated.

Massive tuition hike According to Tuition Monitor, an independent task force which scrutinizes tuition consultations in HEIs, around 400 academic institutions plan to raise their matriculation fees in the following school year. Likewise, around 1,000 out of 9,995 basic education schools are set to increase their tuition.

For the current academic year, 354 HEIs implemented tuition hike as per CHED’s approval. As of press time, academic institutions across the country are still holding consultations that will last until February 28.

Unregulated education According to Kabataan Partylist Rep. Terry Ridon, the lack of tuition guidelines and regulation “spurs the uncontrolled and overpriced nature of the country’s basic and higher education.”

Ridon stated that the CHED Memorandum Order 3-2012, which authorizes HEIs to hold tuition consultations, is contrary to Section 4(1), Article XIV of the Constitution, which mandates the State to exercise “reasonable regulation and supervision of educational institutions.”

The CHED decree, according to Ridon, only affronts student welfare through bogus consultations and fake reports.

Ridon stressed that in theory, CHED should have the power to determine Continued on page 05

Commercialization in UP. STUDENTS DECRY THE ACADEMIC CALENDAR SHIFT AND THE EVICTION OF GUSALING ANDRES BONIFACIO CAFETERIA VENDORS, AMONG OTHERS, AS FORMS OF COMMERCIALIZATION IN THE UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES ON FEBRUARY 11. PHOTO BY: PATRICK JACOB LAXAMANA LIWAG AND KESSEL GANDOL VILLAREY

Manila gov’t to charge fees in public hospitals New rule sparks fear of inaccessible health services NEWS TEAM

M

anila Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada and the Manila City council passed Manila Ordinance No. 8331 on February 18 which requires Manila public hospitals to collect minimal fees from well-off residents and non-Manila patients come first week of March.

According to the city ordinance, all patients in six city-run hospitals are obliged to pay hospital fees before being discharged, except for the indigent city residents who hold government-issued orange cards.

In addition, Manila residents with capacity to pay will be issued blue cards which entitles them to a fifty percent discount.

Those who are not from Manila will no longer receive free medical services.

Income generation According to Estrada, the rule is part of the city government’s program to generate funds to maintain Manila’s medical facilities. Estrada justified the said move by stating a Commission on Audit report which stipulated that the city-run hospitals suffer from lack of financial resources.

Estrada asserted that the new regulation will not impede access to healthcare.

Instead, he affirmed that the health card system will prioritize the health needs of the poor Manila residents.

Privatization Woes. UNION WORKERS EXPRESS THEIR GRIEF OVER THE PRIVATIZATION OF THE PHILIPPINE ORTHOPEDIC CENTER AND OTHER PUBLIC HOSPITALS AS THEY PROTEST IN FRONT OF THE SUPREME COURT ON FEBRUARY 13. PHOTO BY: JENNY DAGUN

“If we continue to give free medical service to the public who are not from Manila, this will put in peril the hospitals’ ability to continuously and speedily deliver basic health services to Manila’s residents,” Estrada stated.

Five city-run hospitals, specifically Ospital ng Maynila, Ospital ng Santa Ana, Ospital ng Sampaloc, Justice Abad Santos Hospital, and Gat Andres Hospital, already implemented the ordinance on February 17, while Ospital ng Tondo will start the implementation on March 3.

Additional burden Meanwhile, the new rule met opposition from the Anakpawis partylist, saying that the lack of government funds is not enough justification to pass the burden to the people. Anakpawis Representative Fernando Hicap stressed that while they understand the government’s position, the said regulation makes vital health services unattainable to patients from Manila and nearby places.

“Whether they are Manila residents or not, access to health is beyond territory.

It is protected by the Constitution,” Hicap said in a statement.

Extensive privatization Furthermore, Anakpawis blamed the charging of hospital fees to the PublicPrivate Partnership (PPP) policies of the Aquino administration. Anakpawis said that these programs by the government make social services such as health more inaccessible to the poor.

The Department of Health (DOH) already announced on February 14 that all 72 DOH-run hospitals across the country are candidates for PPP. Health Secretary Enrique Ona revealed that the department’s recourse to PPP is in line with the modernization of the county’s health system with minimal government expense.

NEWS 03

Volume 27 Number 16 Thursday | 06 March 2014

UPM Admin pushes for eviction of GAB Caf concessionaires

Students, various groups staged protests ADOLF ENRIQUE SANTOS GONZALES AND EUNICE BIÑAS HECHANOVA he UP Manila administration, T through the Office of the Vice Chancellor of Administration (OVCA),

enforced the shutdown of the Gusaling Andres Bonifacio (GAB) Cafeteria and the demolition of the stalls on March 2, 2014 due to alleged lack of contract of the vendors and to give way for the construction of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Student Center.

Inconsiderate termination In an interview with The Manila Collegian, GAB Caf concessionaires stated that on December, a staff from the CAS administration told them about the construction of the CAS Student Center, but failed to mention the termination of the operation of the food stalls.

On January 24, the administration announced to the vendors that they were given until February 28 to settle other matters.

Consequently, the GAB Caf concessionaires appealed to the administration to stop the closure of their stalls and requested for a relocation in line with the construction. However, their appeals were not acknowledged. Instead, they were urged by the administration to join the biddings that will be facilitated in order to reopen their stalls.

The concessionaires also disclosed that a certain staff member was being “unprofessional” towards them by yelling whenever the storeowners have comments during the meetings set by the administration, forcing them to agree with the latter’s demands. Also, the vendors were reprimanded for sharing their sentiments in order to gain the support of the students.

In addition, the concessionaires lamented that the GAB Caf does not only provide accessible food to the UPM students, but it is also their sole source of livelihood to support their families.

Amid the uncertainty of their situation, the vendors expressed their gratitude to the extensive support of the students in opposing the administration’s move.

Subsequently, the GAB photocopy center and food stalls in the health colleges and the Office of the University Registrar (OUR) also face the possibility of eviction.

There are also plans of demolishing the Sports and Sciences Wellness Center (SSWC) to give way to the construction of a new building under the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

According to concessionaires in OUR, stall operators within the vicinity renew their contracts daily. Whenever a construction commences, they were temporarily removed from the site and are reinstated once the construction is finished.

On the other hand, there are no final plans yet regarding the issue of the SSWC. According to Professor Jake Aparato of the Department of Physical Education (DPE), plans for SSWC are still undergoing consultations.

Absence of contract In a correspondence via e-mail with Vice Chancellor for Administration Jose Florencio F. Lapeña, Jr., he affirmed that the administration arranged the closure of all UPM concessionaires that do not have valid contracts. Moreover, he clarified that, “They are not being evicted.

Their day-to-day or month-to-month renewals are simply not being renewed upon expiration”.

Lapeña also said there was no need for consultations regarding the said closure.

According to him, the GAB vendors, without a legal agreement, have been operating for more than five years.

“No, there was no need for such consultations. Their day-to-day or monthto-month occupancies had actually dragged on for several years (most for more than 5 years) on verbal agreements only, without written contracts,” Lapena stated.

Additionally, he indicated that having a valid contract is essential for both parties to bind them to their obligation.

“If, for instance, the health and safety of students is jeopardized by any product sold by a concessionaire, who will be held responsible?,” Lapeña lamented.

Lapeña highlighted that the development of the Student Center will benefit the students. Regarding the inconvenience that will be caused by the removal of the GAB Caf stalls, he voiced that, “Clean, nutritious and affordable food is available nearby…if students simply walk a bit further. The PGH itself, as well as Padre Faura, Taft Avenue and Pedro Gil has food outlets, not to mention the nearby grocery stores. “ Moreover, Lapeña emphasized that the removal of the GAB Caf stalls does not mean accessible food will no longer be available to the students. “The students will not lack outlets to obtain food from; what they will lack (and miss) are the outlets they have gotten used to having.

The GAB Caf “issue” will only be an issue if it is treated as such,” Lapeña stressed.

Conversely, the administrators of the College of Dentistry and College of Pharmacy have also sent notices for the eviction of the stalls in their respective colleges last February 19. The College of Medicine, on the other hand, presented a valid contract with its concessionaires after a proper bidding process.

The administration will update the public regarding the replacement of the food stalls. Likewise, Lapeña verified that they will grant contracts to the new concessionaires of the Student Center, provided that they will submit themselves to the bidding process and subscribe to other legal terms that the administration deems applicable.

Meanwhile, the CAS administration refused to comment on the said issue, stating that the matter is between the concessionaires and the UPM administration. “This is not within our Continued on page 05

Daluyong. NAGLUNSAD NG PROTESTA ANG MGA MAG-AARAL NG KOLEHIYO NG AGHAM AT SINING (KAS) NOONG PEBRERO 28, 2014 UPANG IGIIT ANG PAGPAPATIGIL NG SAPILITANG PAGPAPAALIS NG ADMINISTRASYON NG UP SA MGA CONCESSIONAIRES NG GAB CAFETERIA. LARAWANG KUHA NI PATRICK JACOB LAXAMANA LIWAG

One Billion Rising movement marches against injustice

OBR protests for government neglect of Yolanda victims injustice. We will not stop until we achieve EZRA KRISTINA OSTAYA BAYALAN

9 different towns and cities across 1campaign the country conducted the global One Billion Rising (OBR) on February 14. Along with 207 countries, the said march was held in UP Diliman, Manila, Baguio City, Talisay City, and Davao City, among other locations in the country. This year’s theme was ending all kinds of injustice.

The event in UP Diliman was organized by movie and theatre actress Monique Wilson, global director of OBR in the Philippines. The Philippine OBR movement was in partnership with the UP Diliman Gender Office, GABRIELA, Samahan ng Babaeng Nagkakaisa (SAMAKANA), Gabriela Youth UP Manila and UP Diliman, and Center for Women’s Resources (CWR).

Fighting injustice Numerous people across the country danced in protest against government neglect of Yolanda victims, corruption, commercialization of education, and continuous increase in prices of basic commodities.

The event started with a dance protest at the Chino Roces Bridge in Mendiola joined by GABRIELA and Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU). At around 3 PM, the people marched from the National Housing Authority (NHA) and then ended with a culminating activity at the UP Amphitheatre.

According to Monique Wilson, OBR is not just about violence against women, but also about injustice and the culture of impunity, which according to the organizers, are the root causes of violence against women.

“We are escalating the call from violence against women to the larger issue of

justice,” Wilson said.

In addition, according to Vian Ramirez, GABRIELA-Youth National Taft schools coordinator, OBR 2014 is about fighting numerous social injustices against women, society, different sectors, and the Filipino youth.

“Because of the commercialization of education in the Philippines, the Filipino youth are slowly losing their right to education. Moreover, it has almost been a year since the death of Kristel and justice is still not achieved; anti-student policies still exist,” Ramirez said.

Upholding women’s rights Even with the Republic Act 9262 or The Anti-Violence Against Women Act of 2004, violence against women remains to be one of the country’s pervasive social issues.

According to the Philippine Commission on Women (PWC), one out of five women aged 15-49 has experienced physical violence, and one out of ten women aged 15-49 has experienced sexual violence.

Moreover, one in seven women have experienced physical violence from their husbands, and eight percent of married women were sexually violated by their own husbands.

According to Ramirez, the OBR plays a big part in raising the awareness of the general population so that they can help and stand up for their rights.

“OBR also helps call the attention of the authority, the perpetrators, and other people who are attempting to violate women. It should serve as a warning that women, who are a big part of the population, are ready to fight for their rights and fight for the society,” Ramirez stated.

04 NEWS

Volume 27 Number 16 06 March 2014 | Thursday

MGA FULUNG-VULUNGAN NG NAGJIJISANG

Lola Patola

Holler to mah evah wuv wuv cutiepatooties na mga afows! Farti mowd ang inyowng evah vhonggay-shoes and favyuluz Lola P. coz it’s YuFi fayr taym!!! Opkors namern, nid din ng inyowng lowlabells na pumartey-tey coz ol work en no play meyks Lola P. Tayrd and naught hafi. Harhar!!! Well, as olweyz, hindi akez makaka-aura if I ain’t got yor Lolo Upo bah mah sayd, forwards and backwards. LOL. Pero dahil gumora lang akez sa YuFi feyr dazant Mean Girlz na seyf en sawnd na ang mga zooooooooooo unfeyr farti poopoo. Ewwwwwww.

Izz-Sooooooo-Unfeyr-Dizz-YuFi-Feyr Numvah Wan: Noontime Vreak Show! Kalurkey!

Ansaveh namern ng zumvong ng ilang mga afows ko, lalo na yung mga Nida Blanca ang mga cervix (Oops! Serbiz pala.

Sarreh.) ng mga ofisinas ditey sa YuFiEm. At kahit na ini-imflement na ang No Noon Break fallacy (Oops! Falisi pala! Whut izz wrong wid meh? Hihi.) ditey, fara vang kebs lang ang iva at fuma-flylaloo fa rin when ze clock strikes twelve. Kaya kafag gumogora nah ang ivang mga afows ko to do zeyr viznezz, tuwaley na zilang nasa-sight at make weyt fa for the grand re-ofening of ze Bill Gates! KKLKLKLKLK! Hindi namern ata tomoh na i-seenzone lang ang mga falisi layk dizz and let it be, let it be lang ang peg. Karafatan kaya ng aking mga afows na getchingin ang zervizes from ze school coz za pockets full of sunshine namern nila hinuhugot ang moolah na gini-givenchi za mga employiz. Kaya namern gawin ang Steve Jobs na may tsek, tsek, tsek, errkay? Coz if not, Lola P. won’t wuv wuv yah enimowr na. Haluuh!

Izz-Sooooooo-Unfeyr-Dizz-YuFi-Feyr Numvah Choo: #RIPEnglish Dizz. Dizz tologo. Zumakit ang vrain zells ni atashi at kahit ni Lolo U niyo nang mazight namin ang izang fowst sa Feyzbook.

En megawatts worz, isang afow kow fa ang gumawa ng fowst, at mej Beyonce Knowles pa ziya ng sangka-YuFiEman!!! Huehuekells na ituuuuuu. Zumagot kase itong zi mej feymouz afow sa isang spider-webbie kwestyuneyr. Gets kow namern ang want ni afow na i-fass ze message sa madla, ferrero-ferrari kung grammar police kayow, malulurkey tologo kayow sa uber-ovyuzz na mga error za zagot niya. Nafansin namern niya yung wan error niya, kaya lungs, tuwaley ziyang respondez sil vous plait za iba. Anek, bhe?

Vutt don’t get meh wrong, huh? Hindi naman akez nangwa-warla ng wrong grahammar. Ferrero dafat namern na shore at tomoh ang ini-ispluk, lalo na kung ifo-fowst fara sa fublic.

Remembah, hindi kayow eni-eni stuydents lung. YuFi styudents kayow, so dafat more careful za grammar en everythaaaaang, k? Charaught!

Whew! Na-Stress Orena-Drilon din vah kayow za mga izyuz? Hayayay!

Well, yan na muna ang maishesheyr a seat, win a friend kong mga chizmaks na nasagap ng aking evah-active radar. Nida Blanca ko nang mag-take a rest dahil pagoda cold wave lotion na ang vyuti from all ze zinging en deyting wid Lolo Upo sa feyr, eh. Still, goodluckerz fa rin za inyow lalo na dizz coming helwik. Study pers, fartey leyter dafat ang mantra, errkay? Di vale, fag ka-edad niyo na akez, fwede na ang lots en lots of fartey!!! Asta la Basta, beybehz, kung meh zumthing strange en evil in ze neighborhood, tawag/text/PM/sneylmeyl/tweet lungs, huh? Framis, akez ang vahala.

Hihi. Mwahugs na muna! Heart heart! From your jumping jologs, Lola P. :*

ITANONG KAY ISKO’T ISKA

1

Ano ang masasabi mo sa pagdedeklara ng Korte Suprema sa online libel provision ng Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 bilang constitutional?

Napakagaling ng gobyerno natin. #NonLibelousComment - Aromaticity , 2012-04895, CAS I lost hope for humanity.

- Lusecua-Raseac, 2010-33377 , BS Pharmacy Patuloy ang kampanya sa social media patungkol sa probisyon hinggil sa online libel. Ikinatutuwa naman natin na ang ilang probisyon ay naideklarang unconstitutional kagaya ng take-down sa mga websites.

- Moves like Jeggar, CM Pareho po ba constitution na binasa natin?

- STPHealthForAll, CM 2019 Punyeta.

-- Madason, 68315, CAS Utak nila nasa puwet.

Oops.

Libelous.#PaalamMgaMinamahal - All-Around Maid, CAS, DP of Corporate slaves Okay lang sa’kin yung provisions ng Cybercrime Law. Kung ayaw makasuhan, wag gumawa ng krimen online.

- JoKe2013 I have no idea bb.

- MestizaNgunitChinita, OrCom, CAS

Pwede ring ipadala ang inyong mga sagot sa pamamagitan ng pag-text sa 09069447782!

(Pero bawal ang textmate!)

Anong pagkain ang maglalarawan 2 ng iyong saloobin kaugnay ng pagpapaalis sa mga manininda sa GAB Caf? Ipaliwanag.

Ampalaya. Bitter ako sa pagpapaalis sa kanila.

- Aromaticity, 2012-04895, CAS Gerber. Nakakadismaya.

- Lusecua-Raseac, 2010-33377, Pharmacy

BS

Yung Hungarian Sausage na malaki na sobrang paborito ko. Ipanghahambalos ko yan sa admin.

- Moves like Jeggar, CM Sabaw ng Adobo, maasim na para sa admin na nagpapaalis sa kanila, maalat para sa hypertension na idinulot nito sa akin, matamis para sa pagmamahal ng UPM community, at itim para sa pagtutol sa pagpapaalis na ito sa Gabcaf at iba pang concessionaires.

- STPHealthForAll, CM 2019 Graham Balls. Nakakabitin eh. Kung kailan may bago, saka naman biglang mawawala.

- MasteroftheLight, 2nd Year, BA OrCom, CAS “Banana Fritters”. Turon lang yun na nilagyan ng ice cream at chocolate syrup tapos ang presyo ginawang 75 pesos.

Pinilit na pasosyalin, pero sa bandang huli, turon pa rin.

- Madason, 68315, CAS Lechon. Nakaka-high blood kasi yung admin!

- CokeZero, 201x CAS

It’s a direct manifestation of the state’s attempt to silence the voice of the masses - the youth to be more specific since we constitute majority of the online population. It’s also their way of saying “KAMI ANG BATAS. KAMI ANG BOSS NIYO” (in contrast to PNOYs “kayo ang boss ko”).

- Earle Abrenica, CAS

Pancit canton. MASARAP ILUBLOB SA KUMUKULONG TUBIG ‘YUNG AhDiMarunongumIntiNdi. - All-Around Maid, CAS, DP of Corporate slaves

This is what a pathetic and hopeless administration does, just so it can boast something in the future. But please, is this the kind of legacy that it wanted to leave? Please take note that we are not a democratic country at all -- we are still in the process of democratizing. And then this nonsense shit? Silencing the people can never, and will never be an option or solution.

- nancydrewwhoyou, 201*-*****, CAS

graham balls. they came in like a graham ball >:) -MestizaNgunitChinita, OrCom, CAS

Honestly, hinihintay ko na lang na mangyari sa Pilpinas ang 1984 ni Orwell.

- DarkHorse, 2012-98076, CAS Isang malaking kalokohan ang cybercrime law. Kung titignan, ang tanging silbi nito ay patahimikin ang mga tao sa pagsasalita laban sa talaga namang inutil at napakayabang na gobyerno.

- superhero ng ermita ANG TALINO TALAGA GOBYERNO. TWO THUMBS #CAPSLOCKPARAINTENSE - BAPS, CAS

NG UP!

Smokey’s hotdog. Umuusok tenga at ilong ko sa galit pag naaalala ko yan eh.

- JoKe2013

Isang mainit na sabaw na kumukulo sa sobrang pagkainis na kapag tuluyang pinaalis ang mga manininda sa GAB CAF, mapapaso ang dapat managot.

- Earle Abrenica, CAS They say UP is the microcosm of the Phl society -- with what’s happening at UP Manila now, such belief could never been more manifested and true. Pakisabi nga kay Pascual subukan niyang maghanap ng makakainan kung ang break lang ng klase ay 30mins. Pakitry lang. Iimmerse niya ang satili niya. Baka sakalinh malaman niya kung gaano kahirap.

- nancydrewwhoyou, 201*-*****, CAS Public university po ang UP. Huwag niyo pong achibin ang mall ng UST sa loob ng campus.

- DarkHorse, 2012-98076, CAS Hindi tayo dapat pumayag na mawala ang gabcaf. Iskolar ng Bayan, karapatan natin ito. Higit pa rito, ang kabuhayan ng mga concessionaires hindi lamang ng GabCaf kundi ng buong UPM ang nakataya rito.

- superhero ng ermita

NEWS 05

Volume 27 Number16 Thursday | 06 March 2014

SC declares ‘online libel’ constitutional

Netizens, groups slam decision ELIZABETH DANIELLE QUIÑONES FODULLA

fter months of being under a A temporary restraining order (TRO), the “online libel” provision of the Republic Act No. 10175, also known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, was declared constitutional by the Supreme Court (SC).

Debated provisions “The high court… declared Section 4(c)(4), which penalized online libel, is not unconstitutional with respect to the original author of the post but unconstitutional only where it penalizes those who simply receive the post or react to it, ”stated SC spokesperson Theodore Te in a press briefing.

Consequently, sources of malicious e-mails, tweets from Twitter, and posts on social media like Facebook or any website will be held liable under RA 10175. However the provision did not clarify whether forwarding, commenting, sharing or retweeting could be considered a crime under the law.

The Cybercrime Law, which President Aquino signed in September 2012, aims to fight crimes committed on the Internet like cybersex and child pornography.

Nonetheless, several petitions assailing the constitutionality of the law were filed before the SC. Subsequently, the following are the Cybercrime Law provisions deliberated by the SC: Constitutional

‘No to E-Martial Law’ Since its implementation, RA 10175 has sparked public protests. As press time, netizens plan to file a motion for reconsideration against the Court’s latest decision. Around 15 petitions against the law remain pending and await future deliberations.

According to Kabataan Partylist Rep. Terry Ridon, one of the counsels of the petitioners, “even if the SC excised some portions of the law, it remains a threat to Internet freedom.”

He also added that while the high court tried to strike a balance between the protection of civil liberties and government control, netizens still believe that the law is potent enough to impede with the freedom of expression.

In a statement released by the Bloggers and Netizens for Democracy (BAND) they stated that “the provisions wholly or partially untouched by the court threaten and endanger the five basic principles of Internet freedom: expression, access, openness, innovation and privacy.”

On the other hand, Ridon and other members of the Makabayan bloc announced that they will push for the repeal of RA 10175 in Congress.

“We would exhaust all legal remedies available. We need to defend Internet freedom whatever it takes,” Ridon ended.

Unconstitutional

Section 6 that imposes penalties one Section 4(c)(3) that penalizes posting of degree higher when crimes defined unsolicited commercial communications under the Revised Penal Code are committed with the use of information and communications technologies Section 13 that permits law enforcement Section 12 that authorizes the collection authorities to require service providers or recording of traffic data in real-time to preserve traffic data and subscriber information as well as specified content data for six months Section 14 that authorizes the disclosure Section 19 that authorizes the of computer data under a court-issued Department of Justice to restrict or warrant block access to suspected computer data Section 15 that authorizes the search, seizure, and examination of computer data under a court-issued warrant Section 17 that authorizes the destruction of previously preserved computer data after the expiration of the prescribed holding periods TABLE 1. Provisions under RA 10175 that were declared constitutional and unconstitutional by the Supreme Court (Source: http://kabataanpartylist.com/)

YOUTH GROUPS, STUDENTS STORM CHED CONSULTATION / from page 02

tuition rate rather than being a stamp pad for hike approval.

“Fare is regulated. Water and electricity rates are regulated – albeit a minimal level.

Yet tuition remains unregulated, in the full sense of the term. There is something fundamentally wrong with this situation, and if we don’t act, the constitutionally guaranteed right of every Filipino to accessible and affordable education will remain in danger,” Ridon furthered.

Ridon already filed House Resolution No. 756 which urges the House of Representatives Committee on Higher and Technical Education (CHTE) to review CMO 3-2012 and existing TOFI and HEI guidelines.

Meanwhile, the Rise for Education Alliance declared February 28 as the National Day of Action Against Tuition Increase. Demonstrations will be held to condemn the anti-student policies and to call for increased state subsidy in education.

UPM ADMIN PUSHES FOR EVICTION OF GAB CAF CONCESSIONAIRES / from page 03

jurisdiction, but is the VCA’s,” Luciana V. Ilao, Associate Dean for Planning and Development in CAS, stated.

Student opposition A series of protests vehemently denouncing the eviction of GAB Caf stalls and the planned demolition of the SSWC were staged by the students from February 24 to February 28. UPM Kilos Na and Bigkis ng mga Iskolar Para sa Bayan Tungo sa Makabuluhang Pagbabago - University of the Philippines Manila (BIGKIS UPM) launched their respective signature campaigns to call for the suspension of the eviction.

Consequently, a standoff between the students and members of the administration occurred on February 27 in front of the CAS Dean’s Office.

This transpired after UPM students and student leaders protested outside the office and demanded a dialogue with CAS Dean Alex Gonzaga, and eventually with Lapeña, regarding the retention of the GAB Caf concessionaires.

During the standoff, the door to the Dean’s office was allegedly damaged by the students rallying outside the said office. Security guards and forces from the UP Manila Police were also dispersed outside the office to block the students from entering the Dean’s office and to protect the administrators inside the office.

When Lapeña came to the office, he pointed out that he was just checking the situation and that no dialogue will transpire. He also remained firm on his decision on the eviction of the concessionaires, emphasizing that the eviction was due to the lack of contract and not the soon construction of the Student Center. He reiterated that given his position and authority, he does not need to hold student consultations.

According to CAS Student Council (CASSC) Chairperson John Psalmuel V. Chan, a formal report demanding an extension to the stalls’ operations was submitted to the OVCA last February 24.

He cleared, however, that they did not receive any feedback from the OVCA. Conversely, the UP Manila administration, through its official Facebook page, condemned the alleged “mob violence” conducted on the February 27 protest.

“The UP Manila Administration strongly denounces the violence that erupted on February 27, 2014 at the College of Arts and Sciences, an act perpetrated by a mob of students which inflicted physical and emotional harm on a highranking University official and caused the destruction of University property. Such unruly and harmful behavior has no place on this campus,” the statement read.

Another protest was held on February 28 to block the supposed eviction of the GAB Caf vendors. However, the eviction was only suspended for two days as the GAB Caf was formally demolished on March 2, Sunday, according to the CAS Student Council.

NAUBUSAN NG KOPYA? PUMUNTA LAMANG SA http://issuu.com/ manilacollegian

COLLEGE BRIEFS The Society of Occupational Therapy Majors (SOTM) held its annual OT Week last February 17-21 entitled “OuT of the Box.” The five-day celebration was marked by “ExhibOT,” an exhibit showcasing tools used by occupational therapists; “OT for Reel,” a film showing event featuring disabilitythemed movies; and “PromOTe,” a nationwide event of CAMP OT volunteers going to different schools to promote occupational therapy.

The Department of Arts and Communication (DAC) of the College of Arts and Sciences held its Culture Week last February 10-14 entitled “DAC Rocks!” The week-long event featured lectures on Filipino rock music, Maralitang Innamorato play “Pluwent,” Jologs Quiz Show, and Culture Shock.

ORGANEWS The Organization of Area Studies Majors (OrgASM) is set to hold “Bridging Disciplines: The First Area Studies National Conference” on March 11-12, 2014 at the Balay Kalinaw, Balay Internasyunal, UP Diliman. The event, anchored on the theme “History, Politics, Economics, Geography, Culture and Heritage in Today’s Holistic Understanding of Global Society,” is part of OrgASM’s 10th year anniversary celebration.

For more information, visit the Area Studies Program’s Facebook page.

The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, in cooperation with the Office of the Vice chancellor for Research and the University Student Council, organized the 2nd Universitywide Research Competition with the theme, “Innovation: Igniting the Student’s Passion to Build Progressive Leaders in Research”. Cash prizes and possible publication in research journals are at stake for the winners.

The deadline for submission of entries is on March 7, 2014.

VISIT AND FOLLOW MKULE ONLINE! http://www.facebook.com/ themanilacollgian http://www.twitter.com/ MKule

06 CULTURE

Volume 27 Number 16 06 March 2014 | Thursday

Abante, Babae!

Pagtutuwid sa mga baluktot na mga paniniwala ukol sa Feminismo JAMILAH PAOLA DELA CRUZ LAGUARDIA AT THALIA REAL VILLELA GUHIT NI DEONAH ABIGAIL LUGO MIOLE

Juan, Pansin kong ayaw mo sa feminismo.

Sa ugat nga naman kasi ng salitang ito – feminine, tila may pinapanigan itong partikular na kasariang hindi tulad ng sa iyo. Ngunit nagkakamali ka, hindi porket ganoon ay nangangahulugang karapatang pangkababaihan lang ang ipinaglalaban nito.

Nakakalungkot dahil sa lipunang ito, tila kahit anong pagpapaintindi naming mga babae, iilan lang ang natututo. Minsan nga, pati kapwa naming babae, walang alam sa tunay na konsepto ng Feminismo. Kung hindi kami maiintidihan ng lipunan, hindinghindi kami lalaya.

Nagmamahal,

Maria

Who Run The World.. Girls!

Gender equality, hindi matriarchy – taliwas sa mga tsismis na naririnig mo tungkol sa aming ipinaglalaban, iyan talaga ang panawagan naming mga feminista.

Saan mo ba nasagap ang kwento na matriarchy ang pinu-push namin? Marahil, nagmula ito sa obserbasyon na ang mga babae ay mas maraming ginagawa – mapa-gawaing bahay man o tungkuling biyolohikal tulad ng panganganak, kaysa sa mga kalalakihan. At sa mata ng mga tao, noon at ngayon, ang mga mas matatrabaho ang silang mga minamaliit at kinakaawaan. Ito ang agbigay-buhay sa pagtutunggalian ng mga kasarian.

Nagsimula ang ganyang pagtrato noong nagkaroon ng sistema ng lipunan na nahahati sa iba’t ibang mga klase. Ang nagpaigting sa hindi pagkakapantay ng mga kasarian ay ang class struggle na dulot ng patriyarka, piyudalismo, at kapitalismo, kung saan ang mga lalaki ang naghahari, habang ang mga kababaihan ay inaaapi sapagkat itinuturing sila na kasangkapan lamang sa pag-unlad.

Subalit, bago pa man malason ang isipan ng lipunan ng imperyalismo, kapitalismo at piyudalismo, ang katotohanan niyan ay hindi naman talaga naghahari ang mga kalalakihan – kababaihan ang may hawak ng trono lalo na noong panahon pa ng mga primitibong lipunan. Sila kasi ang mga tagapamuno sa mga bagaybagay, gaya ng pagpapantay-pantay ng hati at distribusyon ng mga pagkain noon.

Ngunit taliwas sa nangyayari ngayon,

hindi napailalim si Adan sa kapangyarihan ni Eba – ang mga kababaihan pa nga raw ang nagbigay-daan at naging gabay tungo sa pagkadiskubre at paglinang ng mga kalalakihan sa kanilang mga kakayahan.

Kita mo na? Noon pa man, pagkakapantaypantay na ng kasarian, maging sa lahat ng dimensyon nito, ang nais ng mga kababaihan na manaig sa lipunan. Bukod sa paniniguro na natatamasa ng lahat ng tao ang kanilang mga karapatan, sinisikap din ng feminismo na masigurong malaya ang lahat ng kasarian sa lahat ng uri ng diskriminasyon at opresyon.

Mahalaga ring maintindihan na ang gender equality na aming isinusulong ay hindi ang kaisipang walang pagkakaiba ang mga kasarian – nais namin ay ang mabigyan ng pantay-pantay na karapatang mamili ang mga tao habang kinikilala ang pagkakaiba ng mga kasarian. At ang tsismis na kaming lahat ay man-hater? Nais din namin iyang linawin sapagkat siyempre, may mga ama, kapatid, tiyuhin, at kaibigang mga lalaki kaming lahat na aming mga minamahal nang tunay.

Oo, ang salitang feminismo ay kaakibat ng salitang “feminine”, ngunit, hindi ito nangangahulugan na babae lamang ang may karapatang magsulong ng feminismo dahil ang mga lalaki, pati ang mga bakla, tomboy, at iba pang mga kasarian ay maaari ring makihalok. Ang feminismo ay wala sa kasarian, kung hindi nasa paniniwala’t paninindigan ng isang tao.

Dahil hindi lamang nakukulong ang feminismo sa pakikipaglaban para sa kababaihan – ikaw, sila, at ang lahat ng taong pinagkakaitan ng mga karapatan dahil sa kanilang uri ng kasarian, na dapat ay malaya nilang natatamasa, She’s Just A Girl And She’s On Fire Feminism is dead.

Nag-transform na si Maria Clara sa pagiging Wonderwoman – kaya nga buong lakas na kinakanta ni Beyonce ang “Who Run the World”. Unti-unti ay nabali nila ang pagtingin at pagtrato sa kanila ng lipunan at nakamit na nila ang mga karapatan na matagal nang inaasam.

Sa pananaw ng marami, wala na ngang mahihiling pa ang mga babae sa panahon ngayon.

Pero, wala na nga ba?

Matagal na raw nakawala ang mga babae sa tanikala ng opresyon at diskriminasyon. Ngunit sana ay madali itong mapatunayan. Kung totoo kasi ito, sana wala na akong nakikitang mga hubad na larawan ng babae sa mga tabloid na binebenta sa Padre Faura. Mas dinadamayan muna siguro ang mga narerape, bago binabansagang “malandi”.

Wala na rin sanang mga babaeng nagaalok ng panandaliang-aliw sa mga kalye ng Malate, o pornographic na pelikulang ipinapalabas sa Quiapo.

Sabi nila, matagal na raw natamo ng mga kababaihan ang kanilang boses at ang pagiging kapantay ng mga kalalakihan.

Kung ganoon, bakit kaya may Women’s Lane pa rin sa LRT? Katuwiran ng mga tao, biological construct kasi ‘yan – talagang mahina ang babae, at wala silang magagawa dun. Gaya ng sinabi sa akin ng tatay ko nung sinabi kong gusto kong mag-Engineering – hindi pang logic at reasoning ang utak ng babae. Iyon din daw ang dahilan kung bakit kailangan nilang panindigan ang domestic roles pati ang pag-aalaga sa mga anak – kaya nga raw may “maternal instinct” eh.

babaeng corporate slave. Hindi natatapos sa pagiging babae ang diskriminasyon na kailangan nilang kaharapin.

Oo, pinagkalooban nga ang babae ng boses pero hindi ng kapangyarihan para makapagdesisyon para sa kanilang sarili.

Oo, binigyan ng karapatan kapantay ng kalalakihan pero hindi ng kakayahan para iwasan ang pang-aapi ng lipunan.

Oo, ginawaran ng makabuluhang posisyon sa lipunan pero hindi ng respeto at pagpapahalaga sa obligasyon at sakripisyong kanilang ipinagkakaloob.

Hindi natatapos ang laban sa pagbibigay ng boses sapagkat ang boses na ito ay kailangan pang panatilihin, palakasin, patibayin at paramihin.

Hanggang may babaeng nagdurusa dahil sa kanyang kasarian sa lipunang ito, hindi kailanman titigil ang mga taong nagsusulong ng feminismo. Dapat lamang magkaisa ang mga naniniwala na ang isang lipunang bulag sa kakayahan at kapangyarihan ng babae at nagbubulagbulagan sa opresyong kanilang pinagdaraanan ay dapat iwaksi.

Hindi na kailangan ng feminismo? I beg to disagree.

Juan,

Simula kasi nang bumoto ang mga kababaihan, nang pinasok nila ang mundo ng politika at nagawa nila ang kayang gawin ng mga kalalakihan, naging kumbinsido tayo na wala nang dapat pang ipaglaban ang mga kababaihan.

Masyadong nabigyang-pokus ang mga malalaking tagumpay umano ng kababaihan at naapektohan ang ating pagtingin sa feminismo. Nakalimutan nating isaaalang-alang ang maliliit na uri ng opresyon na pinagdadaanan ng kababaihan. Ang anumang pagmamalupit, malaki man o hindi, ay pagpapamalupit pa rin, at nangangailangan pa rin ng panawagan ng feminismo.

Kahit kailan, ang feminismo ay hindi naging armas para sa kasiraan ng lipunan dahil taliwas sa maling paniniwala ng marami, lagi itong nakapanig sa pakikibaka para sa karapatan at pakikipaglaban sa opresyon. Iyon nga lang, may mga taong binabaluktot ito upang humulma ng isang interpretasyong kumakalaban sa tunay na interes ng taumbayan.

Isaalang-alang din natin na hindi lang naman iisa ang mukha ng opresyon na kinakaharap ng kababaihan at hindi lang naman sekswal ang puwede nilang ireklamong pang-aapi. Iba ang kinakaharap na diskriminasyon ng isang babaeng Katoliko, sa isang babaeng Muslim; iba ang pinagdaraanan ng babaeng magsasaka sa

Ngunit dahil tao lang naman ang bumaluktot sa konsepto at prinsipyo ng feminismo, ang mga tao lang din ang makapagtutuwid ng mga ito. Tao lang din ang makapagpapamulat sa isang lipunang matagal nang nananaginip na may pagkapantaypantay at respeto sa lipunan.

Patuloy na makikibaka,

Maria

FEATURES 07

Volume 27 Number 16 Thursday | 06 March 2014

Insult to injury The future of Philippine healthcare system under ASEAN Integration

I

THE FEATURES TEAM ILLUSTRATION BY DEONAH ABIGAIL LUGO MIOLE

t is a trap.

Under the guise of cooperation and development of the nations in the region lies the ulterior motive of the proposed inter-state linkage. On October 2003, the 10 member-states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) signed the Declaration of the ASEAN Concord II or the “Bali Concord II” which stipulates that on the year 2020, the region will develop three communities: ASEAN Political Community (APC), ASEAN Socio-cultural Community (ASC), and ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). The AEC, according to its blueprint made in 2007, is envisioned to “achieve higher levels of economic dynamism, sustained prosperity, inclusive growth and integrated development of ASEAN” through cooperation among states, which is not only limited to the 10 ASEAN member-states, but also of other world powers that have their vested interests in the region.

Yet, it could not be disregarded that the paradigm where the AEC is rooted, which is the economic neoliberalism framework, could negate the AEC’s supposed benefits. From turning countries into labor exporters and from the feared exacerbation of “brain drain” among professionals, the horrors that hound the impending implementation of the AEC could not be dispelled with empty promises of growth and societal change.

Championing development United under the goal of inclusive growth of each of the ASEAN member-states, the ASEAN Economic Community envisages a regional market where the shared aspiration of eliminating the development disjunction among nations.

Apart from bridging the development divide between the newly-admitted states and the founding member-states, the AEC is said to be

the end product of economic integration among the nations in the Southeast Asian Region. Economic integration will be concretized into making a regional economy which features a single market and production base. This will be translated into institutionalizing economic reforms in ASEAN memberstates while introducing framework agreements which will facilitate free flow of goods, services, investment, capital and skilled labor. In line with this initiative, various sectors have been identified where free movement of skills and labor will be implemented such as financial services and healthcare, among other identified key sectors.

The goal of the AEC which is the enabling of free flow of services, skilled labor, and investment will likely affect the provision of healthcare services in the region. According to Nurul Imlati Haddad, member of the ASEAN Secretariat, the ASEAN economic integration will benefit the healthcare industry in ASEAN member-states by facilitating gains in both the consumer and the supplier ends.

For consumers of healthcare services, the economic integration will provide “more choices of suppliers” and “better quality of services.” On the other hand, suppliers will be able to take advantage of the AEC by providing “transfer of knowledge and technology” and facilitate “better access to foreign markets.” The ASEAN banks on the provision of services by the private sector in providing healthcare among its member-states and at the same time, believes that the movement of health workers in the region will be equal and even.

A landmark agreement that needs to be focused on when tackling the issue of the free flow of services in the ASEAN is the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services or the AFAS. According to the objectives of the said framework, t h e AFAS will facilitate fluid exchange of services t h r o u g h efficiency and

competitiveness and it will be achieved by enforcing no restrictions on trade on services and through liberalization of services.

Among the 11 key and 155 subsectors that will be liberalized, five subsectors have been identified which will concern the healthcare sector: Medical and Dental, Veterinary, Nursing, Midwifery, Hospital Services and Other Human Health Services (ambulance, morphological, chemical pathology). Thus, health workers under these five subsectors are covered under the AFAS and can be able to practice, study, or even put up clinics in other ASEAN member-states once the AEC has been fully realized.

There are four modes where healthcare services liberalization will be executed under the AFAS and consequently, in the AEC. First is through “cross-border trade” which means that “supply of a service from the territory of one member into the territory of any other member”. The second mode is “consumption abroad” which means that a supplier will provide service to a consumer from another member state. Next will be “commercial presence” where a supplier from the territory will provide services to another member state by commercial expansion.

Lastly is through the “presence of natural persons” meaning “a service supplier of one Member, through presence of natural persons of a Member in the territory of any other Member”. To illustrate the fourth mode, St Luke’s Medical Center can provide skilled Filipino nurses to practice their profession in Thailand.

These modes mostly describe the side of the supplier and do not describe the side of the healthcare worker that will be treated as a good that can be exchanged to other states.

Apart from the AFAS, mutual recognition agreements concerning Nursing and Midwifery Practitioners, Dental Practitioners and Medical Practitioners have been signed. These agreements have been envisaged to enable

health professionals to work in other ASEAN countries, facilitate knowledge sharing and exchange, and promote training of professionals.

It could be seen that the healthcare system of ASEAN member-states will be greatly affected by the implementation of the ASEAN economic integration.

At first glance, the benefits that could be reaped from the said move such as work opportunities for Filipino health professionals in ASEAN states and influx of capital and investment from other states will be consequential in the improvement of the healthcare system in the country. Yet, material conditions and objective social realities in the Philippines dictate that the integration is not only futile for implementation in the Philippines but will also produce detrimental repercussions towards the welfare of the Filipino masses who, in the first place, should be the primary concern of the state.

Distorting social realities The promises of mobility of capital and investment and greater opportunities for healthcare workers will never be realized Continued on page 09

08 CULTURE AG GISING MO SA UMAGA, ALMUSAL MO AY DOTA.

P

Kahit wala pang laman ang tiyan, parang hindi ka napapagod. Kung tutuosin, ito ang bagong solvent dahil ito ay nakakaadik. Ang iba naman, ginagawa itong pamalit sa ilang bahagi ng kanilang buhay na hindi napunan. Sabi nila, ang computer games kapag iniwan mo, puwede mo pa ring binalikan; ang karelasyon, walang kasiguraduhan.

Volume 27 Number 16 06 March 2014 | Thursday paghihirap na naranasan niya noong siya’y nasa mababang posisyon pa lamang. Para sa kanya, ito ang natatanging paraan upang itaas ang kanyang sarili sa lipunan at magkamit ng mga luhong matagal na niyang inaasam.

You’ party!re invited to join a Hindi ito yung party sa mga bar at

Sa patuloy na pagharap natin sa computer screen, hindi natin namamalayan na tayo mismo ay pumapaloob na sa mundo nito. Hindi lang natatapos ang laro kapag nanalo o natalo ka.

Kung sa tingin mo kailangan mo na ng tulong, i-pause mo muna ‘yan. Magpahinga ka muna’t magnilay-nilay. Maaaring napaghalo mo na kasi ang mundo ng laro at ang realidad.

batas ng lipunan upang maisulong mo ang iyong sariling interes.

Ang isa sa mga masamang epektong nadudulot ng pagiging indibiduwalista ay ang pagiging makasarili sapagkat untiunti kang nawawalan ng simpatiya para sa ibang tao. At isa pa, kahit kampante ka na sa sarili mong lakas, mayroong mga pagsubok sa buhay na talaga namang kakailanganin mo ng makakasama.

‘Kapit sa malakas’—iyan ang slogan ng karamihan ng mahilig sumali sa mga grupo.

Ang mga taong ganito ang slogan ay matatawag na mga freeriders.

Marami niyan sa laro, lalo

You’ve gained a level!

Pag-uwi, diretso kaagad sa kuwarto, bubuksan ang laptop, maglalaro. Hindi na baleng hindi maka-review basta’t malakas naman ang character sa laro.

Ang mga malalakas ay matitira, ang mga mahihina ay maglalaho—ito ang isa sa mga pangunahing pananaw ng gamers sa realidad. Survival of the fittest--sa paglipas ng panahon, makikita pa rin ang malinaw na manipestasyon nito sa kontemporaryong lipunan. Ang konseptong ito ay binigyang-buhay at diin ng mga larong tulad ng Ragnarok, Dragon Nest, at Diablo. Sa mga larong ito, ang manlalaro ay nakapaloob sa isang kapaligirang puno ng ka-kompetensiya.

Kung hindi matalas ang iyong pag-iisip, tiyak na maiisahan ka ng iba pang mga manlalaro. Kinakailangan ng manlalaro na magpalakas kaagad upang matiyak na hindi siya mapag-iiwanan ng iba.

Pagdating sa totoong buhay, maaaring ituring ng isang gamer ang sarili bilang isang game character na mayroong stats, abilities, level, at equipment.

Itinuturing ng isang gamer ang kanyang mga kakulangan at kahinaan bilang isang malaking hamon at oportunidad upang palakasin at pagbutihin pa ang sarili. Ang laging nasa isipan ng isang gamer ay maging mas malakas pa kaysa kahapon.

Ang lipunang ito ay maihahambing sa isang Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game—naglalaban-laban ang lahat para sa pinakamataas na posisyon. Masasabi na ang tao ay hindi likas na naghahangad ng mas mataas na kapangyarihan, ngunit ang lipunang kinabibilangan niya ang siyang nag-uudyok sa kanya na magpalakas at maghangad pa ng kapangyarihan.

Sa pagkamit ng mas mataas na posisyon o kapangyarihan, naniniwala ang tao na makakamit niya ang kalayaan mula sa mga

You’ score!ve got a new high Konti na lang, high score na.

Nasusukat ang mga laro sa iskor o puntos.

Anoman ang larong ‘yan, ginawa ang laro upang makita kung sino ang mas magaling. Dito pa lamang, makikita na ang koneksyon nito sa lipunan. Sino ba naman ang hindi natuwa at nabuwisit sa pataas ng score sa Flappy Bird at 2Fuse?

Kung tutuosin, ang patuloy na pagkakaroon ng mga laro at ang pagsukat nito sa mga puntos ay isang malinaw na manipestasyon na ang lipunan ay pinapatakbo ng mga numero. Isang halimbawa na lang dito ay ang sistema ng edukasyon kung saan lahat ay nagpapadala sa mga numero.

Bagama’t ang mga numerong ginagamit sa edukasyon ay nagbibigay lamang ng koordinasyon at kaayosan, marami pa rin ang tumitingin sa numero bilang kanilang mga diyos. Lahat ay tinitignan ang mga numero bilang isang repleksyon kung gaano sila kahalaga sa lipunan. Kung mataas ang iyong marka, siguradong marami sa mga tao ang titingnan ka bilang isang magaling na lider o halimbawa.

Tila wala nang ibang mahalaga pa sa lipunan kung hindi ang mga highscore na naabot mo sa buhay. Ang akala mong katapusan ng paghahabol sa numero sa pamantasan ay magpapatuloy pala hanggang sa pagtrabaho. Walang ibang tinitignan ang iba kundi ang taas ng sweldo upang masabing masipag ang isang indibidwal.

nightclub.

Sa mundo ng laro, mayroong konsepto ng party gaming at multiplayer.

Hindi palaging computer screen, keyboard, at mouse lang ang kasama mo sa paglalaro. May mga pagkakataong ang computer games ay mayroong multiplayer kung saan maaari mong makalaro ang ibang tao at makihalubilo sa kanila.

Marami sa mga gamers ang mas pipiliin ang solo gaming sa halip na party gaming dahil maaaring sarili mo lang ang iintindihin mo o kaya naman ay hindi ka lang talaga malapit sa ibang tao. Katulad sa laro, ang lipunan rin ay binubuo ng mga solo gamers. Pinapahalagahan nila ang pagkakaroon ng kalayaan mula sa iba at mas nagtitiwala at dumedepende sa sarili nilang mga kakayahan at abilidad.

Ang pagiging indibiduwalista rin ay nangangahulugang kaya mong talikdan ang mga nakagawian maging ang mga

GAME OVER:

Impluwensiya ng mga laro sa kontemporaryong lipunan

JOSE LORENZO QUEROL LANUZA AT ANGELO DENNIS ALIGAGA AGDEPPA GUHIT NI JOANNE PAULINE RAMOS SANTOS

na’t kung alam nilang mahina sila, kakapit lang sila sa malakas dahil gusto nilang buhatin sila sa buong laro.

Mayroon ring mga conformists o mga taong susunod sa isang tao o grupo nang walang pakundangan at walang tanong-tanong. Maraming ganitong tao sa lipunan—kung ano ang uso, iyon ang susundin; kung saan walang kokontra, iyon ang pipiliin.

Hindi dapat tayo nakukulong sa iisang game mode singleplayer/multiplayer.

Sa laro ng buhay, alam mo dapat kung kailan magiging isang indibiduwalista, o isang conformist, depende sa sitwasyon.

Palakasin ang sarili, hindi lamang para sa ikauunlad ng sarili, ngunit para rin sa ikauunlad ng ibang tao at ng lipunan. Mas mainam na alam ng isang tao kung kailan siya dapat sumabay sa agos, at kung kailan niya dapat labanan ang agos.

Sa ganitong pagkakataon, naisasantabi mo ang pagpapahalaga at respetong dapat makamit ng bawat magsasaka at manggagawa.

Wala ka nang ibang tinitingala kung hindi ang mga taong may mataas na sweldo. Ang masakit pa, tinitingnan ng lipunang ginagalawan mo ang mga matataas ang sweldo bilang masisipag, samantalang ang mga mahihirap naman ay inaakusahan na masama at tamad.

Kung ano ang mayroon tayo, iyon din ang naghuhulma sa kultura natin.

Sa mundo at lipunang nakasasakal, nagiging takbuhan mo ang mga larong maaari mong i-installo i-download. Ito ang nagiging pampalipas-oras mo sa panahon na tila ang bagal-bagal ng oras, o sa panahon na kailangan mo lang talaga ng pahinga. Subalit hindi mo namamalayan na ganito na pala ang epekto nito sa pagtingin mo sa mundo.

Malinaw man na repleksyon ang mga larong ito ng lipunang iyong ginagalawan, subukan mo pa ring tandaan na hindi ka dapat nakukulong sa laro at nagkukulong sa kuwarto. Maraming maaaring tingnan at maraming maaaring tuklasin kung ikaw ay nasa labas ng apat na sulok ng iyong silid. Ang mundo ay isang laro kung saan dapat mong tahakin ito sa iba’t ibang perspektiba at magagawa mo ito sa paglayo ng tingin mo sa iisang screen.

FREESYLE 09

Volume 27 Number16 Thursday | 06 March 2014

LRT ADVENTURES

GAYLE CALIANGA REYNA

DEMOLITION JOB / from page 12

issue. The student center was said to accommodate fast food chain outlets.

However, on January 24, 2014, the concessionaires were informed of their dislodgement in order to give way to the new student center. The administration, upon their hasty consultation, presented no plans of transfer for the stall owners.

The administration’s desire to generate more income through the construction of the student center and accommodation of fast food chains endangers the livelihood of the GAB Caf concessionaires. The stall owners can only return to the new student center building if they win a public bidding. This lessens their chances of regaining their livelihood because a public bidding will allow bigger and more financially capable concessionaires and fast food chains to join. Thus, after providing services for the university, the concessionaires will be displaced without any form of assistance from the administration. Such absence of support shows their abandonment to those who have provided services for the university.

INSULT TO INJURY / from page 07

in a country where healthcare is not even the priority of the state. For the year 2013, the budget spends a measly PhP 3.00 for every citizen, and that figure translates to a 3-3.5% budget allocation for health in the country’s Gross Domestic Product. This only shows how the current government remains impassive to the provision of the basic rights of its constituents.

With regard to the advantages offered by healthcare service liberalization through the AEC, it only worsens the current labor-export orientation of the Philippines. According to a Philippine Overseas Employment Administration report in 2012, an average of 3,000 Filipinos leave for abroad every day. This figure is a manifestation of an inutile government which does not generate jobs for its citizens. Rather than exporting the nation’s skilled health workers, the state should utilize this resource in order to provide the needed health services of the poor Filipino majority. To illustrate, there are only 72,000 registered doctors in the Philippines, which translates to seven doctors for every 10,000 Filipinos, according to the Department of Health.

With the implementation of the AEC, complemented with the AFAS, there lies the possibility of an exodus of Filipino doctors and professionals in search of higher paying jobs in other ASEAN member-states which will worsen the accessibility of health services in the country. This, in turn, will further

BOND

the prevailing “brain drain” of medical practitioners in the country. With the measly budget given to the Department of Health and the low wages given for healthcare practitioners in the country, the said probability is not a baseless assault to those who are altruistic.

On the other hand, with the provision of permitting other healthcare suppliers to open their facilities in the country, and the promotion of medical tourism by enticing consumers to visit the Philippines for healthcare, the AEC, through the AFAS and other mutual agreements, proves to affirm the rationality of the Philippine government to abandon its mandate of providing accessible and affordable healthcare for its citizens. This will also further the privatization of healthcare that this government has adopted which will make access to healthcare impossible for the marginalized.

With the implementation of the AEC in the near future, the Philippines is bracing itself for the sweeping reforms that will affect its citizens. The AEC, which champions regional integration for the development of every ASEAN memberstate, fails to address the objective social realities of the countries that will adopt the said program. The root of all evils that will be born out of the AEC is that it adopts the neoliberal economic framework which has been proven, time and again, to be exploitative as it only favors the elites while oppresses the masses.

CZARINA CATAPANG TUAZON

The lesson that should be learned by providing this bleak future of the healthcare system under the AEC framework is that before aspiring for internationalization, the country should first address the perennial problems that plague the health sector. Failure to do so would only render the AEC irrelevant and insensitive to the plight of the masses.

Alam kong matagal mo nang kinikimkim ‘yan at ang sakit sakit na. ispluk mo na sa’kin ‘yan, beh.

XOXO.

Lola Patola

Apart from the neglect, the concessionaires were also subjected to different forms of harassment. According to the stall owners, each of them was treated unprofessionally during the consultations and meetings with the administration. They mentioned that some of them were forced to sign documents that further finalized their eviction. Through this, the administration has already overstepped its authority.

Democratic consultation means that no one is coerced, and everyone is able to present their side. But the administration has chosen to remain deaf amidst the cries of the stall owners. The administration itself has spearheaded the violation of rights not only of concessionaires, but also of students, to proper consultation.

The motives of the UP Manila administration are clearly reflected in their actions against the concessionaires.

To acquire more income, it is only logical that they have to open a public bidding not only for the new student center but for all stalls to be located within university grounds. To satisfy the said incomegenerating scheme, the administration had to rob the many of their sources of living.

The UP Manila administration has betrayed the interests of its constituents to favor the interests of the few.

The unjust eviction of GAB Caf concessionaires mirrors the betrayal of the administration both to its students and its employees. The university is gradually unveiling its plans for commercialization – from the construction of town centers, to renaming a building after a prominent businessman, to outright preference for commercial fast food chains and concessionaires.

The income-generating scheme poses more harm than good – threatening the students’ security and financial capacity, and displacing employees from their only livelihood.

In order to serve the interests of the few, the administration had to abandon the interests of its constituents and the mandate of the university. *Vice Chancellor Lapena responded to all our questions via e-mail

10 EDITORIAL

Volume 27 Number16 06 March 2014 | Thursday

EDITOR-IN- CHIEF

Aries Joseph Armendi Hegina ASSOCIATE EDITOR FOR INTERNAL AFFAIRS

Angelo Dennis Aligaga Agdeppa

ASSOCIATE EDITOR FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

Kathleen Trinidad Guiang MANAGING EDITOR

Ruth Genevieve Austria Lumibao ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR

John Vherlin Canlas Magday NEWS EDITOR

Christine Joy Frondozo Angat GR APHIC S EDITOR

Deonah Abigail Lugo Miole NEWS CORRESPONDENTS

JOHN ZEUS CABANTOG TALLER

K

ailanman ay hindi makatarungan ang pagturing sa isang karapatan bilang isang kalakal.

Sukdulan na ang pagiging ganid ng mga kapitalista para lamang magkamal ng salapi. Ang karapatan sa edukasyon na dapat sana ay tinatamasa ng milyon-milyong kabataang Pilipino ay unti-unting pinababa at hinulma para maibenta ng mga negosyante at para maipagbili sa kung sino lang ang may kaya.

Ang abot-kaya at dekalidad na edukasyon sa lahat ng antas na dapat sana ay nakukuha nang libre ay tahasang pinipigilan na makamit ng mayorya dahil sa patuloy na pagtaas ng presyo nito sa ilalim ng isang mapagpabayang gobyerno. Ang edukasyon, lalo na sa pang-tersiyaryang antas, ay ginagawa na lamang na isang pribilehiyo. Ang pagiging inutil ng gobyerno ay makikita sa pagbubulag-bulagan nito sa mga kahilingan ng mga administrador na magtaas ng matrikula para sa ngalan ng kita.

Noong nakaraang taon, inaprubahan ng Commission on Higher Education (CHED) ang pagtataas ng matrikula ng 354 higher education institutions (HEIs). Isang taon pa lang ang nakalipas at muling humihingi ng pagtataas sa kanilang matrikula ang humigit kumulang 400 HEIs, kasama ang ilang mga pampublikong unibersidad.

Sa kasulukuyan, nagpapatuloy ang mga konsultasyon ng mga unibersidad na ito sa kanilang mga mag-aaral. Ayon sa Seksyon 6.2 ng CHED Memorandum Order 3-2012, kailangan matapos ng mga unibersidad ang konsultasyon bago ang ika-28 ng Pebrero bago ang taong panuruan kung kailan ipapatupad ang nasabing pagtaas.

Ngunit kadalasan na huwad o palsipikado ang mga konsultasyong ito dahil hindi naman napapakinggan ang panig ng mga estudyante at ang mga magulang.

Pinapairal ng mga administrador ang teknikalidad at burukrasya upang gipitin ang mga estudyante upang mapuwersa silang magbayad. Sa panig naman ng mga mag-aaral ay bigo silang mapahinto o mabawasan ang mga napipintong pagtaas, kahit na ang ilan sa ito ay hindi makatarungan at walang sapat na basehan.

Halimbawa na lamang ang tatlong karagdagang kabayaran na hinihingi sa

Kalakal mga mag-aaral sa University of Santo Tomas (UST) na special development fee (P2,000), physical infrastructure development fee (P1,700), at information development fee (P1,700).

Dagdag pa sa hindi makatarungang konsultasyon at pagpapataw ng mga labis na bayarin ay ang paglala ng komersiyalisasyon ng edukasyon. Ang mga multi-bilyonaryong negosyante tulad nina Henry Sy at Lucio Tan ay naguunahan na makapaglaan ng pera sa iba’t-ibang unibersidad dahil sa malaking kita na kanilang makukuha mula sa mga ito. Makikita ang pagkaganid nila Sy at Tan sa nakaambang pagtaas ng mga pamantasan na kanilang pagmamay-ari.

Sa taong panuruan 2014-2015, nakakasa ang 10% na dagdag sa matrikula sa National University na hawak ni Sy at 3.5% naman sa University of the East na nasa kamay ni Tan. Ayon sa Seksyon 4 (1), Artikulo XIV ng 1987 Constitution, responsibilidad ng gobyerno ang pangangasiwa at regulasyon

lubos na nagpapahirap hindi lamang sa libu-libong mag-aaral, kung hindi pati sa mga pamilya na sinusuportahan sila.

Ito ay resulta ng kawalan ng regulasyon sa presyo ng edukasyon sa ating bansa.

Hindi rin garantisado ang mas mataas na kalidad ng edukasyon o pagdami ng mga propesor sa pagpapataas ng matrikula.

Hindi maipagkakaila na ito ay patunay ng kabiguan ng CHED na gampanan ang kanilang tungkulin at mandato na gawing pangunahing pamamaraan ang edukasyon para sa pagpapaunlad ng sambayanang Pilipino at pagbawas sa kahirapan.

Isa rin sa mga pangunahing dahilan ng dumadaming out-of-school youth (OSY) sa bansa ang mataas na presyo ng edukasyon, maliban ng kawalan ng interes at sakit o inkapasidad. Ayon sa datos mula sa National Statistics Office, 14 porsiyento ng tinatayang 40 milyong Pilipino sa pagitan ng 6 at 24 taong gulang ang maituturing na OSY. Pinapamalas ng nasabing estadistika ang matinding kabiguan ng administrasyong Aquino na gawing bukas ang akses ng edukasyon sa lahat ng gustong magkamit nito.

Ayon sa Seksyon 1, Artikulo XIV ng 1987 Consitution, responsibilidad ng gobyerno

ANG KARAPATAN SA EDUKASYON NA DAPAT SANA AY TINATAMASA NG MILYON-MILYONG KABATAANG PILIPINO AY UNTI-UNTING PINABABA AT HINULMA PARA MAIBENTA NG MGA NEGOSYANTE AT PARA MAIPAGBILI SA KUNG SINO LANG ANG MAY KAYA. ng lahat ng mga paaralan, kolehiyo, at unibersidad. Sa kabila nito, nanatiling bigo ang CHED na pigilan o hintulutan ang mga unibersidad na humihingi ng hindi makatarungang pagtaas. Hindi napapatupad ng ahensiyang ito ang mga responsibilidad na nakaatang sa kanila ayon sa batas.

Lalong nagpapalala sa sitwasyong ito ang kanilang kawalan ng aksiyon sa mga pormal na reklamo ukol sa ilegal na pagtataas ng matrikula at iba pang bayarin sa mga unibersidad, tulad ng mga reklamong isinampa laban sa University of Santo Tomas at De La Salle University Araneta isang taon na ang nakalipas.

Ang taon-taong pagtataas na ito ay

Ezra Kristina Ostaya Bayalan, Elizabeth Danielle Quiñones Fodulla, Leonard Dangca Javier, Carlo Rey Resureccion Martinez, Ronilo Raymundo Mesa CULTURE CORRESPONDENT

Jamilah Paola dela Cruz Laguardia FE ATURES CORRESPONDENTS

Christian Reynan Ibañez Durana, Jennah Yelle Manato Mallari, Angelica Natvidad Reyes, Charlotte Porcioncula Velasco RESIDENT ILLUSTR ATORS

Lizette Joan Campaña Daluz, Mon Gabriel Posadas Distor, Daniel John Galinato Estember, Mark Jason Santos Flores, Gerald Miranda Goco, Princess Pauline Cervantes Habla, Noemi Faith Arnaldo Reyes, Joanne Pauline Ramos Santos, John Zeus Cabantog Taller RESIDENT PHOTOJOURNALISTS

Patrick Jacob Laxamana Liwag, Kessel Gandol Villarey RESIDENT L AYOUT ARTIST

Romelyn Taip Monzon 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

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MEMBER

College Editors Guild of the Philippines

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

The Cover

na siguraduhin ang dekalidad at abotkayang edukasyon sa lahat ng antas.

Bilang isang public good, dapat lamang isabuhay ng estado ang mandato nito na bigyan ng akses ang mga mamamayan nito sa libreng edukasyon sa lahat ng antas. Sa ganitong pagkakataon, lalong kinakailangan ng patuloy na pagmamatyag at pagkakaisa ng kabataan laban sa kawalan ng aksyon ng ahensya tulad ng CHED na dapat ay nangunguna sa pagpapabuti ng sistema ng edukasyon sa ating bansa. At sa panahon na ang mga may kapangyarihang pigilan ito ay nabigo o sadyang walang pakialam, nasa kamay ng kabataan ang responsibilidad na ipaglaban ito.

Illustration by Deonah Abigail Lugo Miole

OPINION 11

Volume 27 Numbers 16 Thursday | 06 March 2014

MENS REA

Sentiments of a Fangirl*

Jennah Yelle Manato Mallari

It is a very turbulent world.

There has always been a stigma attached to people who engross themselves with the issues of show business. They are deemed to be people of low aptitude because they choose to waste their time by knowing issues and news that concern their idols. Judgement is always given by people who speculate about the “realities” faced by those people who chose to be fans – and this view is epitomized by those who adore the Korean Pop industry.

“Bakit mo ba pinakikinggan ’yan, eh hindi mo naman naiintindihan?”

Initially, there is no need for me to fully comprehend the meaning of the song in order for me to enjoy it. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow once said that “music is the universal language of mankind” – language is never a barrier for someone to enjoy what he hears.

Due to modern technology, one is not burdened in getting the translations of K-Pop songs. The Korean Pop industry is a global phenomenon and taps audiences from different parts of the world. Through technology, the artists and the producers are able to communicate effectively with the fans and defeat the language barrier.

“Kaya walang tumatangkilik ng musika natin dito ay dahil sa K-pop.”

There is hardly any basis that proves the factuality of the statement.

Instead, it is a highly-prejudiced declaration barbed at fans and the Korean Pop industry itself. The influx

of the Korean Pop industry in the country must not be blamed with the decline being experienced by the Philippine music industry. I personally think that there is no need for the authorities to ban K-pop because it is a manifestation of racism and selectivity.

In utmost rationality, K-pop is not the only foreign influence affecting the industry. Music from other countries apart from Korea has also influenced the music landscape in the country.

“

BEING A K-POP FAN HAS NEVER BEEN A HINDRANCE AND IT WILL NEVER BE A HINDRANCE FOR ME TO SERVE THE MASSES AND FIGHT FOR THEIR RIGHTS.

But given the premise, none of them were considered to be damaging to the Philippine music industry. If the intention of the people is to spearhead the development of the Filipino music industry, they must exercise fairness in all aspects.

“Wala ka kasing magawa kaya K-Pop ang inaatupag mo.”

Apart from being fans, we are also students and professionals. Each fan is just like any average person – he faces his own struggles and battles every day. As a writer and as a student, I have my own realities to face. I have articles that are needed to be finished and exams to be taken and passed, so please never say that fans possess the luxury of time. Korean Pop has

ELECTROPHILE

We had no idea that the other existed. All we wanted back then was to find what we want.

You told me that all you ever wanted was a knight in shining armor. You wanted that dashing gentleman that nearly every love-struck girl prayed, wished, and hoped for. Back then, I looked at myself and failed to see the dashing knight that most girls wanted. I apologize for being a troll to your knight.

I knocked on your door and you saw that you didn’t get what you wanted.

But despite all that, you let me in.

You allowed me to become a part of your life. A few months later, I became a larger part of your life, and vice-versa. For that, I will forever be thankful.

“Kung di mo pahahalagahan ang sarili mo, ako magpapahalaga sayo.”

(Ome, 2014) Believe me when I say that you are the most beautiful person in my eyes. You have physical features, as well as skills, that I find beautiful. The way you personify cuteness makes me squeal every time. Whenever I see your artworks, both traditional

“May mas mahahalaga pang bagay, bakit ba iyan ang inaatupag mo?”

Just because we involve ourselves in the affairs of the Korean Pop industry does not mean that we have abandoned our duties as individuals.

My frequent FB posts about K-Pop do not mean that I have forgotten my duties as an Iskolar and as a Filipino. I remain grounded in defending human rights and serving the interests of the Filipino people despite being stigmatized as a K-Pop fan. Being a K-Pop fan has never been a hindrance and it will never be a hindrance for me to serve the masses and fight for their rights.

Being a K-Pop fan is not always about “spazzing” and rainbows. It is not merely about screaming your lungs out whenever albums are released. It is not continuously about enjoying the performances of your favorite artists.

Like a coin, being a K-Pop fans has two opposite sides and most often, one side remains hidden from the eyes of the speculator. We feel pain and disappointment. We experience prejudice and judgement. We also have our sentiments. *Congratulations to Girls’ Generation for achieving an ‘all-kill’ to all major music sites the moment their fourth mini album was released.

Prelude*

Patrick Jacob Laxamana Liwag urs was a typical love story.

O Prior to our meeting, we were strangers to each other.

become the main avenue in alleviating our stress and frustrations. Indulging into fandom activities and projects has been our way to keep our sanity because sometimes our realities far exceed our worst nightmares.

and digital, I become your number one fan. I have always said that my ideal girl is someone cute and is better than me in one field. In other words, you are my ideal girl.

You always failed to see how important and beautiful you are.

That was the one flaw I found in my diamond. But I tried very hard to fix that. For a long time, my one wish

“

DESPITE BEING FAR AWAY FROM EACH OTHER AND DESPITE THE FIGHTS WE HAD, I AM STILL HOPING TO SPEND ETERNITY WITH YOU.

was that you learned how to love yourself. I wished that you would see how important you are: to me, to your friends, and to the world. I prayed that you would see the great beauty hidden beneath the tiny girl.

One day, my wish came true. And the tiny girl that I love matured. “’Di mababali ng layo ang tunay na pagmamahal.” (Ome, 2014)

Studying here in UP will always be the best decision I have ever made.

However, it will also be one of my greatest regrets.

Even before I went to college, we were already far apart. We were in different year levels and in different schools. We lived in opposite sides of town. Yet, we managed.

That was back then during high school. But then came my time to grow and enter college. You feared what would happen to us, with you in Pampanga and me in Manila. I assured you that we will be alright despite the distance. I know I sounded reassuring back then.

It’s time I told you that behind that encouraging voice was someone as fearful as you. The possibilities were endless.

Two years after that moment in the church, I am still with you. Despite being far away from each other and despite the fights we had, I am still hoping to spend eternity with you. * This part in our lives is the prelude to our forever. ** I apologize to Prof. Ryan Redillas if the quotes above are not taken verbatim.

Luisa A. Katigbak

Friend zone no more Love is such a complicated thing — a subject where anyone can relate to. Sometimes, I would be more interested in reading and analyzing stories on The UPM Files than articles in The Manila Collegian. (And yes, this is one of my confessions.)

Apparently, love can overpower anyone. Even a smart person might throw logic out of the window and make a fool of him/her for it. Love is a show-and-tell thing because mixed signals and unuttered words may lead to confusion and the worst, heartbreak.

Five days ago, I didn’t have any idea why you stopped talking to me. You avoided me and ignored my messages. So, I started to think that everything special between us was just an illusion. It was like half of me died because the only person who understood me more than anyone was slowly drifting away from me.

However, this wasn’t the real story.

You went to my dorm this morning just to give me Nobokov’s Lolita and said, “It’s now time for you to have this. Please take good care of it.”

I thought this was your way of saying goodbye, but I was wrong. When my fingers flipped the last page of the book, I found this note.

October 13, 2013 L, I really don’t know where or how to start because I’m not a writer like you. But you had always been telling me that words are meaningless if you don’t mean it, and a writer would only be called a writer if his/her words come from the heart. So, this is me, writing. Being brave. And there’s no turning back.

My life could be summarized into five words: sunset, farm, books, and road trips. I know I have a boring life. Instead of enjoying all things that life has to offer, I chose to stay in my comfort zone.

I don’t want to get hurt and disappointed. I’m a coward. Maybe that’s why I’ve never been in a relationship.

I always console myself in believing that it’s not enough that you’re with the right person; you must also be the right person for her. It’s not enough that you’re in the right relationship; it must also be at the right time and for the right reason. But my Lolo Eugenio would always remind me, “Take a risk. Paano mo malalaman kung di mo susubukan? Don’t let fear control you.”

So, I would like to extend my sincerest apologies because before you continue reading these brief and awkward lines, I probably might have done something stupid. I might not have been able to express my feelings through words very well, so please bear with me and let my actions speak for myself. You might not have been able to fathom my mixed signals very soon, but there are two things I can assure you the moment I give you this book: we’re the right person for each other and we’re in the right relationship at the right time for the right reason.

Thank you for accompanying me to the bookstore, L. I would like you to know that you’re worth the risk.

Even before I wrote this, I had known all along that I would fall in love with you.

And I love you, still.

With heart and soul, SJ P.S. And now, if you would ask me what my life is all about, one word is enough. You. I noticed it was written five months ago. I guess I’d never been in the friend zone all along.

Demolition Job

Assessing the issues behind the eviction of the GAB Caf concessionaires RUTH GENEVIEVE AUSTRIA LUMIBAO, JENNAH YELLE MANATO MALLARI, AND ANGELICA NATIVIDAD REYES ILLUSTRATION BY DEONAH ABIGAIL LUGO MIOLE AND DANIEL JOHN GALINATO ESTEMBER

ast February 28, 2014, L all concessionaires in the university without a contract

were evicted. The livelihood of these people who have served the students, faculty, and staff of the university will be put in peril for the sake not only of modernization but also of commercialization.

But now we are faced with an administration that does not bow down to the rights of students and concessionaires.

The Despot In a meeting on January 24, 2014, the administration of the University of the Philippines Manila informed the concessionaires in the Gusaling Andres Bonifacio (GAB) Cafeteria that a new student center building was going to be built. For sanitary purposes, the administration informed the concessionaires that they will have to leave to give way for the construction.

This, however, created confusion in the primary reason for evicting the concessionaires because they could be easily transferred to a different location within the university.

In an interview* with The Manila Collegian, Dr. Jose Florencio Lapeňa, the newly-appointed Vice Chancellor for Administration (VCA), clarified that the concessionaires are being evicted because they do not have a contract with the administration. For the concessionaires to return to the university, Lapeňa said, “Your administration will announce if, and when concessionaires will be available for proper application processes, to the general public, including these and other interested prospective concessionaires”.

Opening the bidding to the public is not the same as granting business security to the concessionaires. Their contracts may have expired, but they still paid their rent to the administration. The lapses of the administration in ensuring that there is a contract should not be blamed on the concessionaires.

But the administration itself does not want to hear the grievances of the concessionaires. VCA Lapeňa himself said, “There was no need for [such] consultations. Their day-to-day or monthto-month occupancies had actually dragged on for several years (most for more than 5 years) on verbal agreements only, without written contracts. Many of the stalls are semi-permanent or permanent structures accessing utilities of the University.”Contrary to this, Section 22(f) of the 2008 Charter of the University of the Philippines requires that any income generating scheme or use of real properties in the university should undergo democratic consultations with its constituents. Neither the eviction of the concessionaires nor the establishment of a new student center building underwent proper consultations with the student body.

An administration that does not value democratic consultation is an administration that wants to relieve itself of accountability to its constituents. And a public office that is not held accountable to its constituents is bound to abuse its power.

The Stakeholders For several years now, the GAB Caf concessionaires have been the most accessible source of affordable food for the students taking their subjects inside the College of Arts and Sciences. In this case, the current actions of the UP Manila administration threaten the business

security of these concessionaires as well as the accessibility of a nearby food source for the students.

According to Vice Chancellor Lapeña, “Clean, nutritious and affordable food is available nearby, if students simply walk a bit further. The PGH itself, as well as Padre Faura, Taft Avenue and Pedro Gil has food outlets, not to mention the nearby grocery stores. All of these are closer to CAS than similar sites on other campuses like Diliman. The students will not lack outlets to obtain food from; what they will lack (and miss) are the outlets they have gotten used to having.” He also added that “ . . . The GAB Caf “issue” will only be an issue if it is treated as such.”

It is indeed possible for students to obtain food from other sources outside CAS. But in terms of expediency and security, such argument poses a threat to the students.

Not only does it cost the students more time to go out and look for other food concessionaires, it also endangers the safety of the students because they will have to go beyond school premises. The food outside are also more expensive than those offered by the GAB Caf concessionaires. Students who cannot afford other food sources will now experience the difficulty of coping not only with the rising cost of education but the deprivation of affordable food sources inside the University.

Lapeña also stated that “. . . Without written contracts arrived at based on due process, there are no obligations binding both parties (in this case, the concessionaire and the University), and therefore no basis for assuming responsibility. If, for instance, the health and safety of students is jeopardized by any product sold by a concessionaire, who will be held responsible? . . .” Based on this statement, the administration

waives the assumption of responsibility in case “the health and safety of students is jeopardized by any product sold by a concessionaire”. If the administration really worries about the health security of the students, then it is a huge hypocrisy to encourage the students to buy food outside the University since, as said earlier, these suggestions do not just pose threats to the health of the students but to their security and financial capacity as well.

But the power of the students to demand the accountability of the administration is not yet lost. As Vice Chairperson of the College of Arts and Sciences Student Council (CASSC), Rodel Cahiyang stated, the GAB Caf concessionaires will not give up easily, “basta makinang ang suporta ng mga estudyante.”

The administration seemingly wants to waive all their responsibilities and completely abandon the students. This is, however, impossible. None of their actions will make them unaccountable to their constituents.

The Persecuted The GAB Caf concessionaires have provided services for the University and the students. For several years, the concessionaires depended on the income generated by their operations within the university. Now, they are on the danger of being robbed of and displaced from their livelihood.

The representatives of the concessionaires mentioned that they were given a very short notice in relation to their eviction in GAB Caf. According to them, the initial discussions about the erection of the new student center showed no problems relating to the Continued on page 09