CAL Cluster: A Look Into the Experiences of UP Students

CAL CLUSTER: A LOOK INTO THE EXPERIENCES OF UP STUDENTS

MONICA CHU

LOUISA ROSALES

The University of the Philippines

Diliman (UPD) is home to many academic disciplines with a diverse student community Among the thousands of students at UPD, there are many inclined toward the social sciences and arts. Every year, the university produces the next generations of artists, media practitioners, filmmakers, musicians, academic scholars, and many other specialists in their respective fields.

However, it is no secret that the arts are not given enough support in the Philippines. Because of the neoliberal capitalist conditions of our society, there are not only unjust biases toward science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses over arts and social sciences courses but unequal access to opportunities, e.g. internships, employment, etc. This inequality, unfortunately, is seen within the premises of the university.

There are numerous manifestations of these science-oriented biases.

Stark differences in college facilities, quality of education, resources available, and growth opportunities include only the main bulk of these inequalities

Of course, with every problem, there is a root cause This is when the government comes in. UP is a state university, supported and maintained by taxpayers and budget allocations from the Commission of Higher Education (CHED).

The contemporary government, of course, is also dictated by larger societal forces like globalization and neoliberalism. Taking from Raymundo's "Media, Marketisasyon, at Globalisasyon" (Media, marketization and Globalization in English), Raymundo breaks down how a powerful few dictate education, infrastructure, housing, health services, the media, and many more. Globalization has allowed the spread of capitalist ideology, including how science should be valued more than arts and social sciences

BREAKING IT DOWN

Pursuing the arts and social sciences, especially the arts, is riskier to pursue in today's economy due to many factors This includes, naturally, disparities in job opportunities Today's job market has become so cutthroat Artists earn barely enough to get by Many of their income can also be depleted by shouldering expenses for resources, studios, materials, funding for films, and many more. Artists in the Philippines earn ranging from 18,000 Philippine pesos to 35,000 Philippine pesos--and this is only if you decide to pursue the corporate route (Indeed). Many have to take on second or even third jobs to maintain a livable salary, especially considering the state of the economy

Now, these biases do not come out of nowhere. Here, we can reference Louis Althusser's "Ideology and Ideological State Apparatuses". Ideological state apparatuses (ISA) "denote institutions such as education, the churches, family, media, trade unions, and law, which were formally outside state control but which served to transmit the values of the state, to interpellate those individuals affected by them,

and to maintain order in a society, above all to reproduce capitalist relations of production."

(Encyclopedia) In today's economy, money is prioritized over passion and creative exploration and development

In the Philippine context, pressure from local educational institutions and families i most prominent. Starting from a young age, children are taught to pursue money-making careers, many of them including science-oriented careers. Many Filipino children grow up to believe that pursuing anything besides the "safer" jobs, would be risking not only their future but the future of their family. However, this problem is not applicable to all. Unlike the 99%, the 1% have the complete freedom to pursue whatever they want.

NOW, HOW DO THESE BIASES AFFECT UP STUDENTS?

Let's take a look at personal experiences of students belonging to the College of arts and Letters (CAL) cluster.

INTERVIEWING STUDENTS

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND LETTERS

KennethFamy I-SpeechCommunication

Why did you choose your course?

Actually, I was supposed to pursue a course under the College of Mass Communication (CMC) pero DPWAS (Degree Program with Available Slots) ako so ang pinuntuhan ko ay Speech Comm because both are communication-related.

Why? Well, I am very interested in arts and practicing theater but I couldn't push myself to go to theater because there is a bias over the arts "walang pera, walang income " So, I pushed myself to communication. Pwede rin ako pumasok sa corporate. But, I am planning to settle in Speech Comm I'm starting to love the program

What was the deciding factor? What made you settle for this course?

The initial deciding factor was that... Nakita ko na may theater programs under Speech Comm. Under siya ng Department of Speech Comm and Theater Arts. May dalawang tracks kasi sa Speech Comm: instructional and interpersonal. Then the other one is Rhetoric and Theater Arts. Gusto ko mag-major sa latter part I would be practicing both passions.

Are you a direct admission student? Or have you shifted from another course or transferred from another campus/university?

I am a direct admissions (DA) student but DPWAS.

Do you believe that STEM courses are given more importance than arts and social sciences courses? Why or why not?

Absolutely. STEM courses are given more importance over HUMSS and arts courses May stigma na, with the arts and social sciences courses, mas maraming opportunities and mas maraming pera I can say that this generation has been debunking these stigmas

STEM and the arts cover different aspects of society With the arts and social sciences, it is how we see the world and how we communicate. You cannot say that one is lesser than the other. But yes, of course, may bias.

Initially, I wanted to apply to BMAS (Broadcast Media Arts and Studies) and film but my parents said na "walang pera doon " Before, gusto ng parents ko, mag-PolSci (Political Science) and mag-law ako, actually.

I get comments about my course Like, "Speech Comm? So, public speaker?" 'Yun lang yung naiisip na opportunity. “Ano ba meron dito sa Speech Comm?” Well, dalawang schools lang sa Philippines na nag-proprovide ng major na Speech Comm. 'Di siya known as a discipline. Ang hirap pag 'di kilala ang course mo.

Are you aware of the biases towards STEM colleges?

I'm aware that STEM students get more scholarships and grants. Wala masyado for arts students At least, how I see it, the issue is rooted in how the government values scienceoriented more than arts-oriented courses.

*Passageshavebeeneditedforclarity

What was the deciding factor? What made you settle for this course?

Art is my life What I like about art the most is i think it's one of the strongest forms of conveying human emotions and stories and struggles. It's something I'm good at as well.

If I complete studio arts, that's 2 years. Added onto this, I can do fine arts for 2 years. So yes, I hope I make it.

Do you believe that STEM courses are given more importance than arts and social sciences courses? Why or why not?

Yes, I believe that there is a bias over stem and arts and social sciences. I have been to the science buildings and there is a stark difference of the quality of facilities, amenities, air conditioning, and stuff like that Down to the chairs and tables we use, a lot of it is old but functional It’s clear that there is a bias.

I've gotten those comments na “art isn't as worthwhile as a career or choice of study”. You know, it’s thought to be frivolous or inconsequential to society they try to suggest that it's a much more difficult industry to make it in In reality, it's just the same as a career choice My family doesn't really take it as seriously but they would like me to get a degree. They expect me to go into an office job.

Why did you choose your course?

I was initially aiming for BA fine arts but I settled for studio arts since it is a good alternative

Are you a direct admission student? Or have you shifted from another course or transferred from another campus/university?

I'm a transferee from iAcademy. My major used to be multimedia arts. I transferred because of UP's free tuition. I also didn't feel like iAcademy's curriculum was in the best shape.

Are you aware of the biases towards STEM colleges?

Yes, I am. The lack of funds has affected my education at Fine Arts (FA)

I'm not sure about my professors but what they give to us students. Materials aren't provided Students have to buy materials, as simple as pencils and as complex as oil paints and canvases

The daily expenses din like commuting, food, etc. it piles up. Whereas if you are a STEM major, you are provided with lots, like the needed technology, equipment, et cetera.

Why did you choose your course?

Before, ang option ko rin, MasKom (colloquial term for the College of Mass Communication), and PubAd (Public Adminstration).

Pero, gusto ko sana talaga yung MasKom, journalism in particular. Pero I chose music because I love music. I like gospel music, funk, jazz, classical, contemporary, and more

What was the deciding factor? What made you settle for this course?

One factor that made me settle for music was my senior high school strand was arts and design (A&D).

Akala ko magiging preparation siya for my current course, from A&D to music. But it didn't meet my expectations lalo yung music theory kasi 'yun yung need ko. Focused siya sa visual arts and communication arts. May mga performances kami noon. 'Di ko siya masasabi na preparation siya for AA music.

Are you a direct admission student? Or have you shifted from another course or transferred from another campus/university?

I am a direct admission student.

Do you believe that STEM courses are given more importance than arts and social sciences courses? Why or why not?

I believe that there is a bias over stem over arts and social sciences Yung university sa amin, (referring to his hometown), friend ko, valedectorian pero 'di natanggap sa isang university dahil 'di siya stem.

Yes, of course I have recieved the typical comments about my course like “Walang pera diyan.” One time, one of my family mambers said to me, “Warning lang ah, diyan sa music…” I finished the sentence for them. “Opo, walang pera dito.” They said, “Oh, buti alam mo.”

Kahit ako, napapaisip ako, "Wise ba yung pinasok ko na course? Natitignan mo sa future, practical ba yung course na pinasok ko? Love ko nga siya, pero mabubuhay ba ako?"

Aware naman ako sa mga ganon Feel ko, masyadong nageglect yung arts Kasi ang arts, 'di lang naman siya para sa entertainment Para rin siya sa culture

Kung yung mga ibang bansa, prinopromote yung sarili nilang arts Why not promote our own art? We need to invest in our local arts.

Maria Angela R. Dayro II - Sports Science

What do you think about STEM courses over arts and social sciences courses?

Back then, I wanted to be involved in STEM courses because society led me to believe that there would be more career opportunities over other courses However, I later on learned that arts and social sciences also hold value Both of them have their own merits.

Do you believe that STEM courses are given more importance than arts and social sciences courses?

Yes. In our society, STEM courses received more importance in recent years. I think it is linked to a number of things, such as the rising demand for STEM professionals and the idea that careers in this field tend to have higher-paying jobs.

Why did you choose your course?

I wanted a pre-med course as I plan on getting into med school I chose SportsSci because it was recommended by my coaches and seniors in Fencing

What was the deciding factor?

I was informed that it is considered as a premed course. It is also important for my athletic performance or career.

What made you settle for this course?

When I saw an article about a former UP Volleyball player who got admitted at UP College of Medicine. I heard her course was B Sports Science, so that was my go sign.

Are you a direct admission student? Or have you shifted from another course or transferred from another campus/university?

I am a direct admissions student.

*Passageshavebeeneditedforclarity.

Sabrina Rodolfo I - BA Film

Why did you choose your course?

Why film? It’s honestly my second course after BA Fine Arts (FA). I didn’t get into FA but film was still a passion of mine and pursuing. It has been rewarding because I found out how much more I enjoyed film over art, at least at the moment

Do you believe that STEM courses are given more importance than arts and social sciences courses?

Why or why not?

What was the deciding factor? What made you settle for this course?

I initially wanted to shift to Fine Arts but I enjoyed film a lot and I think it will still be something worthwhile to pursue. Especially if I enjoy film and if I have the skills for it.

I’m able to enjoy films and watching films and shows better because I understand that it's not just for entertainment. I enjoy analyzing films and seeing where and how they mean to present certain things. I have a greater appreciation for film. Besides watching, being able to produce films or videos is also a cool process overall. There are also good people.

Are you a direct admission student? Or have you shifted from another course or transferred from another campus/university?

I transferred from UP Baguio (UPB). My course there was BA Communication. My experience at UPB was okay but I didn't like it. I just went to UPB to just transfer to Diliman.

Yes, I believe that there is a bias over STEM vs. the arts and social sciences. When I was applying for colleges, I saw that scholarships were mostly talent-based or stem courses. It was difficult because I didn't take up anything stem-related in senior high I don't think my grades alone would get the scholarships and if I took up the stem-oriented scholarship, I wouldn't be able to pursue my passion for multimedia arts

My family is accepting of my course but also they also sometimes talk about how i could take up a science course. They also feel like it has passed since I didn't take the stem in senior high They accepted i was aiming for arts Kasi, my eldest sister was pushed to pursue She really didn't like it Her life was pushed back and she didn't take the bar for nursing She wanted to pursue fashion so she had to go to school. She worked in the field she wanted at a very late age. My mom learned to let us do whatever we want because it's not going to make us happy.

ALAGAD MIDYA

As a film student, it’s difficult because we don't have equipment but our facilities are just okay enough We really have to outsource our needs for equipment and for our classes, especially if you don't have anyone to borrow from It’s production, besides research and classes Kailangan talaga ng budget Without studios, the students provide the money themselves and not all of us can afford it.

*Passageshavebeeneditedforclarity.

A SUMMARY OF THE INTERVIEWS

Out of all the 5 students that we interviewed, all of them agreed that STEM courses are given more importance than arts and social sciences courses due to the prioritization of the government and how society perceives STEM courses.

Most of the interviewees have expressed that in order for a person to be able to live well and have a decent salary, it would be better to opt into any STEM courses as opportunities society perceives that this usually opens a lot of opportunities rather than pursuing arts and social sciences.

3 out of the 5 interviewees are aware that the government gives out stipends to STEM students which could look like the arts and letters students are being neglected compared to the attention and funds given to the STEM students

3 out of the 5 interviewees chose their courses as this is connected to their passion

IT IS CLEAR THAT THESE STUDENTS RECOGNIZE, AND EVEN EXPERIENCE THE SEVERITY OF THESE EDUCATIONAL DISPARITIES.

This zine highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the prioritization of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) courses over Arts and Letters. The comparison presented sheds light on the prevailing trend in educational institutions and society at large, where STEM subjects are often given priority due to their perceived economic and technological benefits.

However, it is crucial to recognize that Arts and Letters disciplines offer their own unique contributions to society, fostering critical thinking, creativity, cultural understanding, and social engagement. Neglecting these

It is important to strike a balance between STEM and Arts and Letters education, acknowledging their interdependence and ensuring a comprehensive and wellrounded educational experience for students. By recognizing the significance of both fields, we can foster innovation, problem-solving, and societal progress while also promoting cultural enrichment and nurturing individuals' overall well-being.

Achieving such a balance will require a collective effort from educational institutions, policymakers, and society as a whole to redefine the value and prioritize the integration of both STEM and Arts and Letters disciplines in our education

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