MI YERKULESOKTUBRE18,2017
Youth groups condemn harassment, red-tagging of students CAMILLE LITA & BEATRICE PUENTE YOUTH GROUPS CALL FOR THE resignation of President Rodrigo Duterte following the increasing cases of harassment of students by state forces manifested in different forms like heightened surveillance and shutting down of student institutions. The latest attacks against the students are linked to their strong campaign against the Duterte regime which is rife with human rights violations, fascism, and tyranny, said Anakbayan in a statement. With the endless attacks against the youth and student leaders, martial law seems to have already taken effect, said Kabataan Partylist (KPL) Representative Sarah Jane Elago in a separate statement, citing cases of intimidation and red-tagging of students in different universities. Infringing on rights Several uniformed military men visited the house of an 18-year-old Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) senior high school student in Nasugbu, Batangas. The student, who requested for anonymity for security reasons, said that only her parents were home at that time. The soldiers then asked her parents where she was, but her parents did not answer, she said. The student is an active member of the League of Filipino Students (LFS) in PUP. Her parents are both farmers and staunch supporters of genuine agrarian reform. “Natatakot [‘yung mga magulang ko] sa militar kasi nanununog sila ng taniman. May ibang militar din na inaasawa ‘yung [mga residente sa amin],” said the student, who remained hesitant in giving further information to the media during a press conference held in UP on October 3. In effect, her family discouraged her to further join activities of her organization, said LFS National Spokesperson JP Rosos. Several other harassment cases against PUP students have been documented including police authorities roaming around the campus. A policeman insisted on checking the bag of a Computer Science student near the premises of the PUP College of Engineering.
“May lumapit sa kanya na nakamotor. May threat na alam nila kung saan siya pumupunta at may [intel] sila,” said outgoing PUP Student Regent Karl Paulie Anareta. In another case, a police disguised as a civilian followed a female senior high school student headed home after a mobilization. The police threatened her that she will get murdered soon, said Anareta. Intensifying espionage against studentactivists has increased cases of student harassment, intimidation, and red-tagging, said Elago in a statement. Moreover, the PUP administration decided to remove Anareta from his SR post. The SR is the sole representative of around 70,000 students in the PUP Board of Regents. A federation composed of students selected the new student regent through an election process, said PUP President Emmanuel de Guzman in a statement. Ousting the SR was caused by his nonenrolment for a year which made him ineligible for the post, according to recent reports, but Anareta contends the decision. “May isang resolution na nagsa-cite na tapos na ang term ko noong March. Pero ayon sa constitution, walang concept ng vacuum of power. [Lahat ng student councils dapat] ang magpatawag hindi ang PUP administration,” said Anareta. Meanwhile, KPL recognizes the reported incidents as a desperate move from the government as it uses all its tools to intensify the attacks against students’ rights which complements the full-scale attack against civil liberties and human rights. “The PUP administration has made itself nothing more than a blunt instrument for the aspiring dictator,” said Elago in a statement. But tthe PUP students’ cases of harassment and repression are not isolated, as students from other universities also face the same problems (see sidebar). State of surveillance Two unarmed policemen in civilian clothing went after a De La Salle University
student who was headed home. The policemen spoke to the student’s parents and showed a log of Caloocan-based student activists who did not follow the curfew, and said that they were instructed to take down Anakbayan’s chapter in the city, according to Anakbayan’s statement. Not only progressive student organizations experience repression as campus publications in different universities face similar issues. Some members of The Spark, Camarines Sur Polytechnic College - Nabua’s official student publication, were informed that they were being monitored by the military, after publishing articles critical of some government policies. In Manila, both the student publications of the Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) and PUP are threatened to be taken over by the school administration. The LPU admin plans to manipulate the outputs being published by The Sentinel, said Jhena Sy, acting editor-in-chief of the publication. The PUP admin, on the other hand, plans to intervene in the operations of The Catalyst due to the decline in the number of releases which PUP President de Guzman blames on the members’ laxity. Even media students in UP are facing policies that may hinder their right to organize as the College of Mass Communication (CMC) administration is imposing the Faculty-Student Relations Committee (FSRC) manual and a set of high rental fees (see related article on page 3). Meanwhile, despite these attacks, Elago in a statement stressed that students should not falter in fighting for their rights and against the administration’s anti-people policies. “These fascist attacks are meant to cripple the students’ capacity and zeal to continue demanding for free education, free use of spaces and facilities, and the right to organize and assemble. The task now is to unite and fight for our democratic rights and interests,” said Elago in a statement. WITH REPORTS FROM JD BOONE
RECENT ATTACKS AGAINST STUDENTS INSIDE AND OUTSIDE CAMPUSES RESEARCH BY JD BOONE
AUGUST
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POLICEMEN IN FULL GEAR KEPT PUP MOBILIZATION AGAINST KILLINGS UNDER SURVEILLANCE AFP RELEASES PROPGANDA MATERIAL RED-TAGGING YOUTH ACTIVISTS LYCEUM-MANILA ADMIN THREATENS TO CLOSE DOWN ITS OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION, THE INDEPENDENT SENTINEL POLICE OFFICERS HARASS STUDENTS IN A MOB AGAINST EJKS
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POLICEMEN WERE SEEN IN TWO SEPARATE STUDENT MOBILIZATIONS AGAINST KILLINGS UPD STUDENT CARL ARNAIZ FALLS VICTIM TO TOKHANG AND WAS FOUND DEAD IN A CALOOCAN MORGUE AFTER TEN DAYS OF GOING MISSING
SEPTEMBER
9 16 20
LUMAD STUDENT OBILLO BAY-AO WAS KILLED BY MILITARY AGENTS ARMED MILITARY AGENTS INFILTRATED A LUMAD SCHOOL IN DAVAO MILITARY MEN IN FULL GEAR STATIONED OUTSIDE THE SLEEPING HALL OF PEASANTS WHO WERE IN UPLB FOR THE REGIONAL PEASANT SUMMIT THE MILITARY DROPPED BOMBS NEAR A LUMAD SCHOOL IN NORTH COTABATO PUP STUDENT ACTIVIST’S PARENTS WERE VISITED BY MILITARY OFFICERS IN THEIR BATANGAS HOME
21 25
THE MILITARY DROPPED BOMBS NEAR A LUMAD SCHOOL IN COMPOSTELA VALLEY CAMARINES SUR POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE’S OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION, THE SPARK, WAS INFORMED THAT IT WERE BEING UNDER SURVEILLANCE BY THE MILITARY LPU ADMIN REVEALED THAT SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS OF STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS ARE BEING MONITORED
27
PUP POLICE HARASSED STUDENT ACTIVISTS PUP ADMIN CLOSED DOWN OFFICE OF STUDENT ORGANIZATION SAMASA-PUP
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UPD COLLEGE OF MASS COMMUNICATION (CMC) ADMIN FAILED TO RECOGNIZE ANAKBAYAN AS AN ORGANIZATION, SAYING THAT THE PRINCIPLES OF THE ORG IS NOT ALIGNED WITH THE MISSION-VISION STATEMENT OF THE COLLEGE
29
A CIVILIAN APPROACHES A PUP STUDENT AND SAID, “KILALA KITA. BAKA MA-MURDER KA MAMAYA”
OCTOBER
1 3 4 5 6
CALOOCAN POLICE HARASS A DLSU STUDENT ACTIVIST, SAYING THAT POLICE OFFICERS KNOW THE RESIDENCES OF ACTIVISTS IN CALOOCAN UPD CMC ADMIN IMPLEMENTED EXORBITANT RENTAL FEES FOR VENUES IN THE COLLEGE PNP OFFICIALS VISITED UPD CMC FOR PARTNERSHIP AFP HELICOPTER LANDS IN MSU MAIN CAMPUS IN MARAWI CITY. SOLDIERS WERE SPOTTED INSIDE THE CAMPUS TWO AFP OFFICERS WERE CAUGHT TAKING PHOTOS OF STUDENTS IN ATENEO DE NAGA UNIVERSITY
SOURCES PREVIOUS COLLEGIAN REPORTS, COLLEGE EDITORS GUILD OF THE PHILIPPINES, KABATAAN PARTYLIST, ANAKBAYAN, LEAGUE OF FILIPINO STUDENTS
CREAM OF THE CROP DYLAN REYES
A taker of the UP College Admission Test (UPCAT) hugs her friend after finishing the five-hour exam at a testing center in UP Diliman, 30 August 2015. Data from the Office of Admissions show that around 10,000 took last year's UPCAT and only 1,558 passed, of which two qualifiers are from public schools and five were from foreign schools. The university expects a surge of examinees in this year's test on October 21 and 22 because of the first batch of graduates from the K-12 education curriculum.
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CMC to train PNP in comm skills
BARGAINED
DYLAN REYES
BEATRICE P. PUENTE
A GROUP OF PHILIPPINE NATIONAL Police (PNP) officials seeks the help of the College of Mass Communication Foundation Inc. (CMC FI) for training in communication skills as initiated by a Journalism alumnus who currently works for the PNP. However, the services to be rendered by the college are not for free as CMC FI only does extension projects for institutions and other private entities that are willing to pay, said College Secretary Teresa Congjuico who concealed the name of the alumnus. Other institutions or individuals coming to the foundation but cannot pay are passed on to the Office of Extension and External Relations of the college, Congjuico added. But rendering services to the police is contrary to the essence of being a journalist who is supposed to be a watchdog in the society, said CMC Student Council (SC) Chairperson Mikko Ringia. Teaching them ways to make their institution look better is not aligned with a journalist’s mandate to expose the society’s flawed system, he added. Ringia acknowledged that the officials might want to learn or to change, but also said that the PNP is the number one killer under the Duterte administration’s war on drugs. “’Yung political context ng bansa ngayon does not render it very safe for the presence of policemen and uniformed military men na pumasok dito sa UP,” he said. At least three uniformed policemen went to the college on October 4 to discuss the partnership. The group comes from the Community Relations Group of Camp Crame, said CMC Administrative Officer Gina Villegas. Ringia condemned the visit of the police in the college, citing the UP Department of National Defense (UPDND) Accord signed in 1989. “Except in cases of hot pursuit and similar occasions of emergency, … no member of the [state armed forces] shall enter the premises of any of the campuses,” the agreement states. It also states that when there is prior coordination with offices, UP officials must provide assistance in enforcing the laws of the university. However, Congjuico said that the visit of these officials was legal since the college knew beforehand that the police would come. “Hindi naman police operation [‘yung ipinunta nila rito],” she added, saying that students might just had been shocked with the presence of uniformed police personnel because it is unusual. There is no final agreement, yet, as they are still discussing and clarifying the specific communication needs of the PNP, according to CMC Dean Elena Pernia.
The Collegian also tried to interview CMC FI Executive Director Angelica Abad but has not responded as of press time. Repressive institutions like the PNP do not have a place in the college as they “violently oppress the masses and propagate the culture of impunity,” said Victoria Uy, chairperson of Anakbayan Maskom (ABMC), adding that police presence is an insult to the “midyang malaya at mapagpalaya” motto of the college as the police have active participation in the state’s atrocities. “This is a grave offense to the struggle of the students and media practitioners against martial law and fascism,” she added. But police presence is not the only problem in the college. A few weeks prior, the CMC administration imposed the FacultyStudent Relations Committee (FSRC) manual that provides stricter guidelines for organizations and students, resulting to several organizations being unrecognized by the college. This includes performing group UP Samaskom and ABMC. The FSRC manual is repressive for it imposes all officers and most organization members must be CMC majors, the UP Journalism Club (UPJC) said in a statement. The manual also restricts the maximum number of orgs to be recognized to 16, including the CMC SC and the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA), they added. In protest of the FSRC manual, all CMC organizations withdrew from the recognition process on October 2. In response, the CMC administration required them to pay room rental fees in order to hold activities, citing a memorandum released in 2005 by former Chancellor Emerlinda Roman as basis for the rates. CMC organizations were previously not charged for room rentals. “The reason they were not being charged was because they were recognized. Recognized student organizations [have] privileges in the college,” said Congjuico. But the fees now are exorbitant and beyond the means of students, the UP Broadcaster’s Guild said in a statement. Rental for the CMC auditorium is pegged at around P1,000 per hour based on the computed rates of the administration. These policies are ways of shutting down student organizations, said Ringia, adding that the administration are not the students’ enemies. “’Yung pagpo-protesta natin ay doon sa mga palisiya, doon sa sistema na nag-perpetuate sa pagpatay sa organizations. China-challenge namin [ang admin] na maging kakampi ng mga estudyante,” he said.
A Badjao woman sells baskets of seaweed and sea urchins to locals and tourists for P50 each in an island southwest of the Sulu province, July 30, 2017. Government data show that approximately 90 percent of the Badjao in the area live below the poverty line and only make a living as fishermen or navigators. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty since it was declared by the United Nations on October 17, 1992. However, Badjao communities remain beyond the reach of government assistance. Various human rights groups have already urged the government to strengthen their efforts to protect the indigenous peoples' rights to food and livelihood, and to improve their quality of life.
Karen-She decision delayed anew MARK VERNDICK CABADING
THE DECISION ON THE KIDNAPPING and illegal detention cases of UP students Karen Empeño and Sherlyn Cadapan has been delayed again after the camp of the defendants presented a new witness in their latest hearing on October 9 at the Malolos Regional Trial Court. The primary suspect, Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan’s co-accused, Staff Sgt. Edgardo Osorio presented Lt. Col. Jose Navarro, Jr. as his fourth witness in the trial. Navarro is the commanding officer of the Intelligence Service Group (ISG) of the Philippine Army. He claimed that Osorio could not possibly be involved in the abduction of Karen and She. Karen and She were abducted by military agents headed by Palparan on July 26, 2006 in their rented apartment in Hagonoy, Bulacan while they were doing their thesis about peasants. The UP students have not been found, 11 years since their abduction. In the trial, Navarro said that he issued a memorandum in July 2011 assigning Osorio to provide covert security to Palparan during the preliminary investigation of the case to the Department of Justice (DOJ). The memorandum was issued by the
Philippine Army Headquarters upon the request of Palparan. Even before the arrest of Palparan, Osorio had already failed several times in presenting his witnesses despite orders from the court. This has delayed the hearings multiple times, prompting the court to implement a “one day, one witness” policy on their camp, said Atty. Jun Oliva of the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL), legal counsel of the mothers of Karen and She. Failure to present the witness on his set hearing date will be deemed a waiver. “We hope that with the application of the said policy, the resolution of the cases will be expedited,” Oliva added. Osorio is expected to present his fifth and last witness on November 9. This is the last day Osorio can present all evidences against the case. “Nakakainis nga. It takes time na mag-present. Previously, walang witness. Next schedule, wala silang attorney,” said Linda Cadapan regarding the delays of the hearing. Another witness named “Sgt. Cruz” has never appeared before the court and will be given a subpoena by the Malolos Regional Trial Court. Hearings have been furthered delayed because Osorio changed his legal counsel four times, Oliva said. A new counsel, Atty. Arturo
Cabides, is expected to accompany Osorio on the November 9 trial. Meanwhile, Palparan is scheduled to present his witnesses after Osorio’s trial ends with the court decision. During the preliminary conference of the case, Palparan listed 27 witnesses that will present on his behalf. This includes Osorio and his five witnesses. The prosecution, however, persists that no witnesses should be called back to the stand to testify for Palparan. The Court of Appeals (CA) confirmed the kidnapping and serious illegal detention charges filed against Palparan on October 3. Oliva believes that Palparan would not be able to present the barangay officials as witnesses as they were already charged along with Palparan on a separate kidnapping and illegal detention case. Meanwhile, Sgt. Rizal Hilario, one of the co-accused, still remains at-large. The court has already issued a warrant of arrest for Hilario. The mothers of Karen and She remain vigilant regarding the case. “Sobrang bagal ng takbo ng case. Several schedules na nasayang dahil dumarating sina Palparan pero walang attorney o walang witness. Hirap na ako bumiyahe to court pero hindi ako titigil hanggang promulgation,” said Cadapan.
USC, LSG to investigate frat-related violence CAMILLE LITA
THE UNIVERSITY STUDENT COUNCIL (USC) and the UP Law Student Government (UP LSG) are set to investigate an alleged incidence of fraternity-related violence (FRV) which involved damages to a vehicle owned by a fraternity member. A black Isuzu MU-X owned by a member of the Sigma Rho Fraternity was reportedly hit by assailants on October 6 while being driven along Osmeña Avenue near the College of Music, a UPD Police (UPDP) report showed. The owner of the car accused members of the Alpha Phi Beta Fraternity (APB) responsible for the incident.
Tensions between the two fraternities allegedly started in an inter-block party led by the LSG on September 30 in White Plains in Katipunan. Findings by the LSG placed an undergraduate Sigma Rho member who is said to have allegedly bumped the body of APB Lord Chancellor Ervin Dy. Around 100 students were present in the party with limited spaces, and getting bumped is of high possibility, Martinez said. A standoff started between 10 APB members backing up Dy and four from Sigma Rho including their undergraduate member.
Both fraternities settled their issue that same night, according to the information received by UP LSG. After the car incident, the UPDP alerted all operating units to heighten security in the campus, said UPDP Captain Ruben Villaluna. The authorities guarded all entrances and intersections which are high-risk places for FRVs, including streets surrounding the College of Law. “Ayaw talaga nilang magsalita, kahit sa mga magulang nila. ‘Yun ang nagiging problema. Mas nagiging matimbang pa [ang fraternity] pagdating sa mga ganoong bagay,” said Villaluna.
Senior officers of the parties and university officials have already obliged fraternities to speak, said Villaluna. “Mas pinapakinggan kasi [ng mga involved] ‘yung seniors nila,” he added. However, both fraternities are keeping mum regarding the conflict, Martinez said, adding that the LSG has no other information besides witness accounts. The police report is also the only verified information the USC has managed to obtain, said Councilor Cassandra Deluria who also heads the Students’ Rights and Welfare Committee. The intensifying tension between
the two fraternities could result to other students getting hurt for mistaken identity or inadvertently getting hurt due to being present at the site of an altercation, Deluria added. “We'd want all persons who are concerned or who have information to come forward and aid in the investigation. Speed would be greatly CONTINUE READING ON PAGE 5
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Peasants push for land distribution, denounce killings JD BOONE AT LEAST 7,000 FARMERS FROM different regions are expected to march toward Mendiola on October 25 to assert their right for free land distribution and condemn the recent spate of killings of peasants. Farmers, farmworkers, and agrarian reform beneficiaries coming from places as far as Bukidnon and Cagayan de Oro are expected to camp out in front of the office of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Quezon City starting October 16. This is part of the Lakbayan ng Magsasaka para sa Lupa at Laban sa Pasismo (Lakbayan ng Magsasaka), a month-long solidarity campaign initiated by different peasant groups. Still landless Lakbayan ng Magsasaka was organized this year because President Rodrigo Duterte failed to deliver his promises to distribute lands to farmers, said Danilo Ramos, chairperson of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP). There has been no genuine land reform for 30 years under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), and at least 70 percent of farmers all over the country are still landless he added. After being elected as president, Duterte appointed former KMP Chairperson Rafael Mariano as DAR secretary and promised to speed up land distribution. But while Mariano has launched campaigns to dismantle huge landholdings all over the country, complete distribution of lands is still at far sight without the passage of the Genuine Agrarian Reform Bill (GARB) into a law, Ramos said. T=housands hectares of land are still under the control of landlords including at least 6,000 hectares of Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac, 8,650 hectares of Hacienda Looc in Batangas, and 40,000 hectares of Yulo King Ranch in Palawan, among others. All these parcels of lands and haciendas are up for
fair and free distribution under CARP but were not given to farmers because of the policy’s loopholes, according to a statement by KMP. In his one-year term as DAR secretary, Mariano advocated dissemination of lands to farmers through the passage of GARB in Congress and abolition of CARP. GARB seeks to end land monopoly in the country by breaking down haciendas and distributing lands to farmers for free. Mariano also pushed for a two-year moratorium on land-use conversion which effectively hinders government and private institutions to use agricultural lands for commercial or residential purposes. However, after being rejected by the Commission on Appointments last September 6, Mariano now fears that another military official will sit as DAR chief and repeal the policies he implemented to safeguard farmers’ rights. Several cabinet positions were given to retired military officials, disregarding issues in competence and experience, Mariano said. Killing the tillers Meanwhile, KMP and other peasant groups branded Duterte as an “executioner,” citing 81 farmers and land reform advocates that were killed from July 2016 to August 2017 alone. The victims were subjected to abuse and were killed in the most inhumane manner possible, according to the groups’ joint statement. Several farmers were killed executionstyle by vigilantes and masked ridingin-tandem. There are also reports of farmers murdered by goons and guards of landlords. Even children were not spared from the attacks as several have already been orphaned after their peasant parents were murdered. The rampant killings and human rights violations against farmers are even aggravated by the intense military operations in rural communities such as
HALINA, MGA KALIYAG
ADRIAN KENNETH GUTLAY
Farmer-leaders from all over the country urge the people to join their calls for justice while holding a picture of President Rodrigo Duterte during a press conference on the Lakbay Magsasaka at the Coconut House, October 10. Ninety-one farmers have been murdered under the Duterte administration alone starting July last year, while the president's promise on land reform has remained unfulfilled, according to farmers' group Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas. Hundreds of farmers and farmworkers from various regions are heading toward Metro Manila for the Lakbayan to raise their calls for genuine agrarian reform and justice for slain farmers.
in Batangas where several aerial bombs have been dropped in the past months (see related article on page 5). Militarization in communities has resulted in red-tagging, attacks on civilians, aerial bombings, arson, and indiscriminate firing, which later led to forced displacement of several thousand farmers from their homes and away from their livelihood, said Ramos. Human rights violations against peasants are a result of their being staunch advocates of genuine agrarian reform as well as their being critical of the Duterte administration, said Fernando Hicap,
former Anakpawis representative and current chairperson of the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya), adding that the administration’s critics like the Commission on Human Rights, the Ombudsman, the Chief Justice, and the media continue to be harassed. Earlier this year, peasants have also launched a series of campaigns to dismantle haciendas and large landholdings as protest against all atrocities to the farmers. The Lakbayan ng mga Magsasaka continues their advocacies and registers their calls in Metro
Manila near the seat of the government. Different sectors are also expected to join the caravan, said Ramos. “Tens of thousands of farmers, supported by workers and other sectors and progressive groups, will march [to] Mendiola to demand genuine land reform, a stop to political and extrajudicial killings, the lifting of martial law, and an end to Duterte’s tyrannical rule,” he said in a statement.
Sustainable funding for student institutions sought amidst free tuition JOSE MARTIN V. SINGH THE STUDENT INSTITUTIONS IN UP Diliman are at monetary odds. Sustainability has been problematized by the University Student Council (USC) and the Philippine Collegian since the passing of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (R A 10931) which provides for the implementation of free tuition in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs). The USC and the Collegian, who rely on the st udent f und (SF) for their f unctions, a re now f inding ways to address the possible outcome given the implementation of free t uition in the universit y. President Danilo Concepcion may release an order to have fees collected
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for the said institutions given that the student institutions, moreover the studentry, request for it, said Student Regent Shari Oliquino, the sole representative of the student body to the UP Board of Regents (BOR), the highest policy-making body in the whole UP system. “Kapag na-release na yung memo, we have to ensure na mapupunta talaga sa student institutions yung funds,” said Oliquino. “Batay sa karanasan ko as USC councilor, maraming proseso pa ang pinagdadaanan kahit may binayad for student funds. Umaabot kami sa point that time na naglalabas kami ng sariling money for USC campaigns and activities, which shouldn't be the case,” she said. However, Oliquino said that the
studentry should not be burdened by the said fee. “Hindi dapat sa students manggagaling yung paniningil ulit. Malaki ang nalikom na pera ng pamantasan through its incomegenerating schemes such as the Socialized Tuition System (STS),” she said. Oliquino asked Concepcion if they could tap funds from the income of the STS. However, Concepcion said that the money in the revolving fund is already alloted for something else. “ The Collegian only relies on the student fund to sustain its week ly operation. There is no way the publication can substantially selfgenerate funds while maintaining editorial independence and ensuring the qualit y of its content,” said Collegian Editor-in-chief Sanny
Afable, citing that the Collegian, unlike the USC, has no other means of raising funds. “The Collegian should get P3.8 million from the student fund collection as estimated by the Accounting Off ice,” he said. At least P3 million has been used on average in the past terms, he added. However, Afable worries that the Collegian’s current fund of P4 million might not suffice for the next term’s needs. The Campus Journalism Act of 1991 states that “funding for the student publication may include the savings of the respective school’s appropriations, student subscriptions, donations, and other sources of funds.” “ The administration is obligated to release subscription fees to
the st udent publication, but the col lection of these fees is not mandator y,” said Vice President for Public A ffairs Jose Da lisay, Jr. Concepicon is w il ling to col lect such fees, but there must be a specif ic request for it, he added. The student regent and the Collegian are currently seeking a dialogue with the president and chancellor, respectively. WITH REPORTS FROM JUAN GREGORIO LINA
Batangas attacks may lead to ML—Karapatan JOSE MARTIN V. SINGH THERE ARE PROSPECTS OF THE DECLARATION OF martial law in Batangas as the unjust use of military power is manifested, said Edwin Egar, spokesperson of human rights group Karapatan–Southern Tagalog (ST) chapter. “Ala-Marawi ‘yung nangyayari. Gusto rin siguro [ng militar] i-declare [ang] martial law,” said Egar, citing similarities in the military attacks in Marawi and Batangas. It can be used as a justification to declare martial law here in Luzon. It might also lead to a nationwide declaration since martial law in Mindanao is still ongoing, he added. “[With] the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)’s use of excessive force, it seemed that aerial bombings are becoming the new normal for AFP troops whenever there are conflicts, regardless of their impact on civilian communities,” Karapatan-ST said in a statement. The AFP began attacking areas in the municipality of Lobo in Batangas in mid-September. The AFP cited a “firefight” with the New People’s Army (NPA) guerillas in the morning of September 24 at the tri-boundary near Lobo area as the reason for the aerial attacks, according to reports. A fact-finding team led by Egar was spearheaded since September 24 to look for evidence and determine the number of casualties. However, the military prevented them from entering the said area. As such, details were only culled from reports made by residents, organizations and local officials, said Egar. “Hindi namin ma-confirm [‘yung exact data] dahil 'di kami pinapapasok … Hindi pa namin nakikita yung area,” he said. Nevertheless, residents have reported at least three civilian deaths. A father and child had been killed due to the recent aerial strikes. An alleged member of the NPA was also reportedly killed in an encounter with government troops on September 24. Hundreds of families have been forced to evacuate since September 24, according to a statement by Karapatan. However, Egar finds the evacuation and clearing of the areas as a means to take advantage of a piece of land perceived to be a mining site. “Ganun nangyayari sa areas na balak [nilang] sakupin … [Inaatake nila] para minahin,” said Egar. Meanwhile, the aerial bombings reportedly stopped as of October 5. “[The] residents are [now] safe in the said areas,” said Karapatan Secretary-General Cristina Palabay. There are no reports of forced displacement as the residents are able to return to their domains immediately. They did not stay too long in the evacuation centers, said Egar.
UPRISING
However, a number of harassment cases in Barangays Talibayog and Hukay in Calatagan, Batangas were recorded on October 6, according to a factsheet prepared by La Paz de Padua of Karapatan-Batangas. The attacks and harassments of state forces violate the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), the factsheet stated. The houses of Councilor Eduardo Peñaflorida, Brgy. Captain Manolo Delos Reyes, Senando Marco and Allan Dimaisip were reportedly searched without warrant by military elements, especially men from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams, in Calatagan since October 5. The men whose houses were searched are leaders and members of worker groups. Marco is president and Delos Reyes is vice president of Samahan ng Mamamayan at Magsasaka sa Baha at Talibayog (SMMBT). Dimaisip, on the other hand, is a member of the Samahan ng Magsasaka at Mangingisda ng Barangay Hukay Inc. (SMMBHI). On October 6, guns, bullets and a grenade were allegedly found in their houses. The said officials denied the accusations of possessing arms, saying the police planted them in their houses. “We call on the AFP to pull out the military troops from the said communities. Civilians are victimized by [the] aerial bombings and harassment [by military men],” said Palabay. Likewise, Egar calls on the citizens of Batangas, especially the church people, to join in the fact-finding mission on October 15. We also call on the local government and the Commision on Human Rights to cooperate with us. Help us investigate the events and end the attacks, he said.
USC, LSG to investigate ...
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appreciated but accuracy is also an important aspect. In addition to police reports, we hope that people will [go] on record,” said Deluria. Sigma Rho and APB were also involved in a fight during the 2016 UP Law Bar Operations held last November. The incident is considered the first FRV involving members of the UP College of Law in the recent years, according to a statement of LSG. “The studentry has, in recent years, expressed full condemnation sa ganitong activities. There is no tolerance from the UP community sa ganitong conduct,” said Martinez. Martinez also reiterated that the safety of the students is always the primary concern of the LSG and that the council is taking further steps to secure everyone in the campus and in surrounding areas. JOHN RECZON CALAY
Despite a 62-85 blowout from defending champion De La Salle University last October 15, Fighting Maroon Jun Manzo shone in the 80th basketball season of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines as he led the UP scoreboard for two consecutive games in the league's second elimination round. The Cebuano baller averaged 11.7 points and 3.2 assists in his debut season with the Diliman squad. After two games, Manzo tallied a combined 24-point and 6-board markers, reviving the state university's dream of bringing home the crown which was last won in 1986.
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Fighting Maroons close first round with 3-4 record, open second 1-1 JUAN GREGORIO LINA THE UP FIGHTING MAROONS concluded the first round of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 80 Men’s Basketball Tournament with a 3-4 record after going on a skid that led to a three-game losing streak. The Maroons are at 1-1 two games into the second round. Despite scoring an unlikely victory against the UAAP Season 79 defending champion De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers on September 23, the Maroons went on to drop their next three contests against the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws, Adamson Soaring Falcons, and National University (NU) Bulldogs. The Maroons’ woes began on October 1 where momentum from its previous victory was nowhere in sight after the Tamaraws took UP to a 59-78 blowout defeat at the Araneta Coliseum. FEU had took note of UP’s hot shooting in the latter’s matchup against the Green Archers, succeeding in what DLSU had failed to do: defense. While the Maroons shot 47 percent overall from the field for a total of 98 points against the defending champions, UP’s marksmanship was considerably poorer against the Tamaraws as tight defense had the Maroons stroking the ball at a dismal 39 percent shooting clip. UP’s overall point production that game — at 59 points — was also the lowest this year so far for the squad. UP recorded its second consecutive loss and fourth overall to the Adamson Soaring Falcons, 71-73, on October 4, also at Araneta. The Maroons started the game strong, building an early 14-point advantage. However, the match proved to be a neck-and-neck affair as the first half ended with UP clinging to a slim 1-point lead over Adamson, 44-43. The game was a slugfest until its dying seconds where a combination of poor inside defense and rebounding for UP allowed Falcon Sean Manganti to score on a putback with only a second left on the clock. The Maroons’ final game for the first round came against the NU Bulldogs at the Mall of Asia Arena and was a 70-77 loss for
UP. Despite the Bulldogs’ tough competition — they were coming off a three-game losing skid — the Maroons had momentum in the game’s first half. This was highlighted by a huge 2nd quarter performance that saw them go on a 17-3 run. UP’s drive came to a halt in the third quarter, however, when starting point guard Jun Manzo took a bad fall during a layup attempt in transition and sprained his ankle, causing him to be taken out of the rotation. After the injury, the Bulldogs went on a 6-0 run and ended the third canto ahead by 3. UP’s scattered rotation struggled to gain a solid foothold during the game’s final frame which saw the lead pass hands several times. Eventually, the Bulldogs powered their way for the victory and left UP its fifth loss. The Fighting Maroons, meanwhile, began its second round campaign last October 11 against the University of Santo Tomas (UST). UP managed to eke out its fourth win against the Growling Tigers, 71-69, in another closely called game at the Araneta Coliseum. The outing was reminiscent of the two teams’ last face-off in the first round as UST came dangerously close to overtaking UP for the lead after Growling Tiger Marvin Ang sank a trey with 11 seconds left in the game to cut UP’s advantage to 1. UST then fouled Manzo who went on to split his free throws at the stripe to give the Maroons a 2-point advantage for the win. On October 15, the Maroons again faced the De La Salle University Green Archers who handed UP its first loss in the second round, 6285, and sixth overall for the season. The rematch was nothing like the two teams’ initial meeting: the Green Archers dominated UP throughout the entire game who, on the other hand, could not seem to get the lid of the basket as they shot a sordid 33.3 percent from the field. DLSU’s defensive pressure had effectively stifled UP’s point production from almost all areas of the court and, with a thunderous offense spearheaded by Ben Mbala, browbeat UP on the way to the victory.
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BA LI TA
RESONANCE OF
RESISTANCE RICHARD CALAYEG CORNELIO THE STORY BEGINS WITH THE FALL of a good man. The man journeyed into the mountains and braved sweltering fields to serve the farmers and peasants. But in the morning of September 20, Guiller Martin Cadano, along with eight other comrades, was killed in an alleged clash with the 84th Infantry Battalion in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija. At 26, he died at the hands of a fascist regime that brands those who dissent as enemies of the state. There are many ways to frame this loss. One is where an old man with a graying goatee comforts his wife who wheezes and weeps in her bed behind a wall against which their son’s coffin leans. Another is where the young man’s girlfriend chokes down tears in silent grief. Then there are his comrades in the armed struggle and the youths and workers he helped, who gather in his home in Valenzuela City to pay their last respects to the fallen hero. They have different stories of him to share. But all of them agree that though his life was cut short, his was spent selflessly serving the people in whose memories he will persist. Guiller may be gone, but he will never be forgotten. 'Would you be the savior of the broken, the beaten, and the damned?' The revolutionary once lived a comfortable life. As an only child, Guiller enjoyed a degree of luxury, said Tatay Boy who for decades worked as a bank manager to provide for his family. Guiller repaid his father’s hard work by consistently making the honor roll in class while he spent his spare time playing video games just like any other kid. He entered UP Diliman Extension Program in Pampanga (UPDEPP), where he joined progressive groups such as the League of Filipino Students (LFS), the labor group Anakpawis, and Pi Sigma Fraternity. When Guiller became a youth leader of the militant organization Anakbayan and the chairperson of Kabataan Central Luzon, Tatay Boy was surprised. “Ang sinasabi namin sa kanya, ‘Kung sa tingin mo tama ang tinutumbok mong landas, sumige ka. Full support kami,’” he said. In 2012, he graduated Cum Laude and went on to serve as a full-time researcher and peasant organizer of Alyansang Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luzon. He used his degree in psychology to better understand the
LAT HA LAIN
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struggling masses among whom he found a new home. In broiling heat, he would work the fields having eaten just crackers and coffee, Tatay Boy said. One day, a group of scout rangers of the 3rd Infantry Battalion stormed the house of Guiller’s host in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija where he and another youth organizer Gerald Salonga were staying. The two were held at gunpoint, blindfolded, handcuffed, and forced into admitting their links to the New People’s Army (NPA). The next morning, on August 10, 2014, they were arrested on charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives. It would not be until December 5, 2016, after over two years of continued abuse in detention, that the trumped-up cases against them were dismissed by the court. Yet even behind bars, Guiller helped the people of Carranglan who visited him to seek his counsel on their plight against land-grabbing foreign companies. Throughout this ordeal, Tatay Boy stood unwavering at the forefront of families of other political prisoners demanding the release of their loved ones. He said he could not be prouder of his son’s decision to immerse with the masses. "Iniwan niya ang maalwan na buhay para tahakin ang landas na iniiwasang tahakin ng ibang kabataan.” 'And though you're broken and defeated, your weary widow marches' It was also the young man’s passion for justice that awed Brilliant Pearl Salas, Guiller’s girlfriend. She was 18 when Guiller went to her campus in Pampanga denouncing budget cuts and urging students to fight for greater state subsidy. Clad in a holey shirt and baggy jeans, he struck her as a loudmouth, spouting propaganda. But several months and a series of educational discussions later, she fell for him despite herself. At his prodding, she ventured into urban-poor and peasant communities, into the margins of oppression outside the confines of a classroom. She later became a youth organizer herself. "Ang relasyon namin ay nagsisilbi sa bayan, 'di lamang sa aming pansariling kagustuhan," she said. It was through their working together that she got to know Guiller better. Brilliant will tell you of how humble Guiller was to a fault. She will speak of how he once walked barefoot in a wet market, holding his battered slippers, smiling like a fool. She will say he had an easy laugh and a rapacious appetite, and will tell you of that time he gobbled
“pagpag,” re-cooked leftover fast food, with their hosts in a depressed community in Angeles City. She will tell you, too, that a marriage was in sight: only Guiller was killed three months shy of what should have been their fourth anniversary in December 2017, before they could even tie the knot. 'Defiant to the end we hear the call' In a statement, Anakbayan cites the loss of Guiller and other members as testament to the state’s vow to quell dissent with impunity and intensified violence. Like the activist he had now become, Tatay Boy said, “Sana maintindihan ng mga reaksyonaryong pwersa ng estado na sina Guilly ay nakikipaglaban 'di lamang para sa mga sarili nila. Ang adhikain nila ay maiba ang kasalukuyang bulok na sistema para sa kapakinabangan ng mas nakararaming mga tao.” At Guiller’s wake, Tatay Boy consoled Nanay Baby who could barely grieve, frail as she was due to her failing lung. Through an oxygen mask, she talked with Guiller’s friends and laughed and wept with them during their recollection of her boy’s short yet meaningful life. For Brilliant, Guiller’s death does not mark the end of the fight. “Kung hindi man ako, meron at merong magpapatuloy sa naumpisahan ni Guilly,” she said. For the story does not end with the fall of a good man. The task of remembering should not be left to the families of those who did not live to see the wages of their cause. Beyond the fringes of memory is the locus of staunch resistance, where we continue to brave into the fray, to lend every rallying cry resonance.
ILLUSTRATION BY DANIEL LORENZO MARIANO PAGE DESIGN BY JOHN RECZON CALAY
LAURICE SY “I INVOKE MY RIGHT TO SELFdiscrimi… incrimination," said blogger and government official Margaux “Mocha” Uson. On October 4, Uson pleaded victim of fake news in the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media hearing on the proliferation of fake news, misleading news, and false information online. Despite the plea, she has admitted to posting multiple falsehoods from other websites, saying that they are symbolic and that veracity is beside the point. Her post about drug killings had a picture of a Brazilian girl who was raped and murdered. In asking for prayers for Filipino soldiers fighting in Marawi, she posted a photo instead of Honduras Police. Her ‘mochausonblog’ has more than four million followers and can engage 33,000 social media users in heated arguments. She also has the steadfast support of President Rodrigo Duterte who appointed her as Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) assistant secretary for using social media to forward the president’s agenda. Double-edged sword The agenda is set by the doubleedged sword of media to either benefit by informing or to harm by misinforming. Determining the agenda, the hearing investigated Uson’s claim that Jaemark Tordecilla, editor-in-chief of GMA News Online, did not get her side before publishing an article criticizing her. The official GMA statement clarified that they were quoting someone else’s criticism and tried to get Uson’s side. Uson’s credibility is tied with the reputation of her blog which praises Duterte and is active in defending him against criticism. This defense often comes at the expense of truth and logic for the belief that Duterte cannot be wrong. Economists Hunt Allcott of New York University and Matthew Gentzkow of Stanford University define fake news as news articles that are intentionally and verifiably false which could mislead readers. However, UP Diliman College of Mass Communication associate professor Danilo Arao argues that this term should not even exist. “’Real news’ is redundant and ‘fake news’ technically refers to a ‘fake real,’” he said. There is an idea of fake news as a tool which certain interest groups use to gain something from the resulting social division and confusion.
Online attacks are why Uson was upset that her side was not heard. Although Arao affirms that she was a victim of fake news and cyberbullying, he says that it does not excuse her from being irresponsible in social media and beyond. Clearing Out Social media platforms allow broader reach for information systems which bombard the public with information from various sources. When asked about her right to demand fairness when she fails to exercise it herself, Mocha responded with “blogger ako, hindi journalist.” Uson differentiated being a blogger, who primarily states opinion, from being a journalist, whose job entails fairness and fact-checking. Since blog posts become part of the public domain, these can reach various audiences, just as journalism can. This power comes with the responsibility to use that influence mindfully. Arao says that journalism has the objective of shaping public opinion by providing relevant information to people while blogging is more dynamic as it entails the use of a Content Management System (CMS) to write articles, upload graphics, and other media files. Uson’s reply to Binibining Pilipinas International Mariel de Leon’s tweet about extrajudicial killings shows misuse of influence. De Leon’s criticism on the normalization of violence was met with Uson’s defense that criminals, not innocents, are the ones being killed. “There is a segment of the marginalized sectors of society who would look up to her [Mocha Uson] because they think that she belongs to them and not to the elite they despise,” Arao said. Her Facebook posts seem credible as she cites legitimate news sites as well. She knows how to engage and enrage her followers with provocative questions and scathing replies. Furthermore, Uson gives the administration a sense of legitimacy — a rightfulness or binding character transforming power into authority, as defined by political scientist Andrew Heywood. By rationalizing extrajudicial killings as something criminals deserve, Uson downplays the attack on human rights and rallies Filipinos behind a fascist regime. “After exposing herself in the last Senate hearing, more and more people realize why staunch defenders of lies should be heavily criticized and not be
given any position of power and privilege”, said Out of the Box (OOTB), a nongovernment organization campaigning for media literacy in the Philippines. Such realizations cast doubt on media institutions. Philippine Trust Index reports that 73.4 percent of Filipinos trust media institutions while 87.3 percent trust social media. Though generally satisfied with media performance, Filipinos have come to trust social media more than media institutions. Arao explains that this is because corporate structures subject media to conflicts of interest. The content presented is thus seen as a questionable source. On the other hand, social media gives the audience a false sense of empowerment and warped idea of freedom of expression. Determining Causes The question of media credibility comes as a challenge for media today at a time when truth is systematically distorted by the state and the regime’s supporters. As the PCOO assistant secretary, Uson should promote communication, yet her misinformed posts only perpetuate miscommunication. Her spreading of fake news and active defense of the president serve to legitimize his actions and desensitize masses to plights of the masses and the casualties in the war on drugs. But just as media can be a tool to suppress, it can also be a tool to combat oppression. Free media with conscience and public interest at heart adhere to truth. Ethics dictates a commitment to arm Filipinos with a clear image of the world instead of catering to commercial, political, or economic gain of a privileged few. Accountability ensures that public figures cannot hide. Republic Act 6713, the “Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees”, states that citizens are to hold public servants at a higher standard of ethics and accountability. Uson then cannot excuse her actions as those of a private citizen. There is a growing interest in media literacy from NGOs, individuals, and mainstream media outlets themselves. In the end, the choice to be critical falls unto the masses. Until media and the masses unite in the fight against fake news, the double-edged sword of media will continue the disservice to and misinformation of the people.
DIBUHO NI JOHN KENNETH ZAPATA
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FEA TUR RES
TILA AYAW NA NATING MAGING kamukha ang ating repleksyon sa salamin. Sa tagal ng pagpoproseso ng larawan sa Photoshop at sa dami ng ginamit na filter, halos hindi na makilala ang orihinal na itsura ng mga tao sa bawat larawan sa social media. Isa nang bagong hulmang talento ang pagpapaganda — pagalingan sa pagme-make up, pagandahan ng ipinagawang ilong at flat na tiyan. At mula sa pisikal na kaanyuan, umabot na sa identidad ang kasalukuyang pamantayan sa kagandahan. Kahit may layuning magbago ng pagkakakilanlan, isa pa rin itong malaking kabalintunaan — nagiging pantubos ng inaasam na hitsura ang mismong katauhan. Sa halip na mahalin ang taal na pagkatao, pinapatay na lamang ito para sa bago. Lumilikha ito ng nosyon na ang pagpapaunlad sa sarili ay nakasalalay sa huwad na pagbabago na nakatuon sa pagpapalit, sa halip na paglinang. Pagtutuklap Ang bagong mukha ni Marlou ang naging mukha ng mga balita kamakailan. Sa lahat ng nakatutuwang imitasyon ng “boy-band” sa bansa, ang grupong Hasht5, kung saan kabilang si Marlou Arizala, ang siyang umani ng hindi matawarang likes at views sa social media. Taong 2015 nang maabot ng Hasht5 ang rurok ng kasikatan, ngunit agad ding nabuwag dahil, kaiba sa mga grupong tinitilian, puro pangungutya ang laman ng comment section ng kanilang mga bidyo sa Facebook na kung hindi kumakanta ay sumasayaw. Si Marlou ang tampulan ng tukso dahil sa iisa niyang pares ng pantalon at mukhang suki sa mga memes. Ngunit patay na si Marlou Arizala — siya na ngayon si Xander Ford. Kakabit ng pang-Kano na pangalan ang kaniyang bagong maputing mukha, matangos na ilong, at bagong hubog na panga matapos magparetoke. Sa likod ng bagong pangalan at pagkatao na inilalako sa telebisyon at social media, matatagpuan ang pagkakakilanlan na pinagkakaitan ng pagtanggap. Mas naging malinaw din ang mga umiiral na kondisyong nagtulak upang mangyari ito. Sa panahong ganap na ang pamantayan sanhi ng globalisasyon, nawawalan ng kontrol ang lahat sa usapin ng pagdedesisyon. At sa kasamaang palad, ang paglikha ng pamantayan ay itinatakda ng makapangyarihan na makikita sa pinagbabasehan at pinaniniwalaang “maganda.” Kung gayon, apektado ang paghahanap at paglikha ng sariling pagkakakilanlan na isang naturang pangyayari. Ito’y dahil ang pangunahing nagpapaandar dito ay ang “sense of belonging,” ayon kay propesor Sofia Guillermo mula sa Departamento ng Art Studies. Mababakas ito sa malawak na kasaysayan ng prekolonyal na pamantayan ng kagandahan, na nakasandig sa pamayanang kinabibilangan. Ang puting ngipin ay tinitingnan bilang katangian lamang ng mga hayop kung kaya ito ay nililiha at iniitiman. Kaugnay nito ang tradisyon ng pagnguya ng ngangâ na laganap sa buong kapuluan, gayundin ang pagtatato. Ilan ito sa halimbawa ng pamantayan ng kagandahan na nakaayon sa pagkakakilanlang Pilipino. Isa-isa itong winasak noong panahon ng kolonyalismo. Bagaman mayroon pang nagngangangâ, winakasan ito ng mga kolonyalistang Amerikano bilang maduming kaugalian. Ang pagtatato ay karaniwang tinitingnan bilang ekspresyon na ngayon ng indibdwalismo at pagsuway, dagdag pa ni Guillermo. Matapos ang lahat ng ito, kakatwa pa na ang tradisyunal na pagtatato ay binubuhay na ng komersyal na turismo. Lumikha ito ng ilusyon ng pagsasalba ng tradisyon dahil sa katunayan, ang interes pa ring pandayuhan ang puhunan dito.
KUL TU RA
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SHEILA ABARRA
Pagpapalit Sa kabila ng lahat ng kondisyon sa ngayon, ang paglikha at paghanap sa pagkakakilanlan ay umiikot na sa kung aayon ba sa dominanteng pamantayan o sasalungat dito. Dito nag-uugnay ang kaso ni Jake Zyrus na tumataliwas sa pamantayang ang babae ay hindi dapat maging lalaki, at si Xander Ford na pilit umaayon sa umiiral na katangian ng isang “pogi.” Kung nagiging kapital ang pagkakakilanlan, nagiging totoo rin ito sa hitsura. At kung kapital na ang hitsura, natural lamang na maglaan ng panahon at pera para rito. Kung kaya, alinman sa pag-ayon o pagsuway sa pamantayan ang piliing landas, sa laganap na komodipikasyon pa rin mauuwi ang lahat. Samakatuwid, isang mito ang pagkakaroon ni Marlou ng kalayaang magparetoke dahil ito’y sapilitan. Ang pagbabago niya ng anyo ay hindi isang pagtupad sa pangarap na magpalit ng katauhan, bagkus isang hakbang upang tuluyan siyang tanggapin ng lipunan, at hindi lamang pagtawanan. Kung gayon, wala sa pagpipilian ang tunay na kasagutan. Ilusyon pa ring maituturing ang konsepto ng pagpili kung limitado ang pagpipilian. Malaki ang bahagi ng midya rito na mababakas sa mga patalastas ng mga komersyal na produkto. Isang halimbawa ang patalastas ng Dove kung saan tampok ang isang AfricanAmerican na babae na matapos hubarin ang kaniyang brown na t-shirt ay naging Amerikana na nakaputing t-shirt. Naglalakihang kumpanya ang nasa likod ng mga produktong pampaganda, kaugnay ng lahat ng produktong nalilikha gaya ng pelikula, awit at marami pang iba. Estados Unidos ang nangunguna sa mga bansang nakakapagsagawa ng mabentang plastic surgery sa buong mundo, ayon sa International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Nakasentro sa mga bansang gaya ng Estados Unidos ang kita mula sa pagiging ganap ng pamantayan sa kagandahan. Hindi ito nalalayo sa binanggit ng mga teoristang gaya ni Theodor Adorno na isang malaking network ang sistema ng paglikha para sa pagkonsumo. Ang kultura ng pagkonsumo ay nakabatay lamang sa kung ano ang inihahain ng mga tagapaggawa. Samakatuwid, mistulang isang malaking hawla ang sistemang kinapalolooban ng lahat ng kumokonsumo. Pagtatapal Sa kabila ng kawalan ng kalayaan sa pagpili, ang pagtuklas sa katotohanan sa likod ng mga itinatapal na kasinungalingan ang dapat pagtuunan ng pansin. Nasa kasaysayan ang patunay ng pagkakaroon ng porma ng identidad kung saan walang nananamantala at pagka-Pilipino lamang ang pinatatampok. Sa malaking bahagi ng Mindanao noong panahong prekolonyal, kaugaliang ihulma ang bungo ng sanggol bilang pamantayan ng kagandahan. Tinangad kung tawagin ang mga sanggol na may malapad na noo at ilong at ginawa rin ito sa Visayas, ayon sa mga tala ni William Henry Scott. Nakatala sa kasaysayang Pilipino ang kagandahan sa pagiging pango na isinusuka ngayon. Hindi ito naiiba sa pagpapaputi at iba pang pamantayang Kanluranin. Sa tuwing umaayon ang bawat Pilipino sa pamantayang labas sa kaniyang nuno, nagkakaroon ng pagaabandona sa sariling-atin. Higit pa sa pag-ayon, lumilikha ito ng patuloy na kawalan ng pagtanggap sa sarili. Mas nagiging malabo at mahirap ang pagtanggap na siyang pangunahing pangangailangan sa proseso ng pagpapaunlad ng kagandahan. Kung magwawakas lamang ang pagiging alipin sa maka-Kanluraning mga pamantayan, hindi na kailangan ni Marlou na magparetoke at mabuhay sa katauhan ni Xander Ford. Hindi na mawawalan ng anak ang kaniyang ama, at makakasayaw na siya nang hindi ginagawang katawa-tawa.
system breakdown Ang Depresyon ay 'di Kathang-isip lang
MARVIN JOSEPH E. ANG PANANDALIANG DUMILIM ANG telebisyon nang tanghaling tapat na iyon. Ang dating puno ng tawanang “Juan for All, All for Juan” ng Eat Bulaga ay binalot ng batikos nang bumanat ang host nitong si Joey De Leon laban sa mga dumaranas ng depresyon. Gawa-gawa lamang umano ito at hindi dapat sinusuportahan ang mga nakararanas nito. Bagaman agad humingi ng tawad ang TV host sa kaniyang sinabi, hindi sapat ang paghingi ng tawad ayon sa mga mental health advocates — kailangang magkaroon ng isang “educational discussion” ukol sa paksa. Sa muling pag-init ng isyu tungkol sa depresyon matapos ang sunud-sunod na kaso ng pagpapakamatay noong nakaraang taon, malawak pa rin ang maling impormasyon tungkol dito. Nananatiling mailap ang mundo para sa mga mentally ill at pinalalala ito ng mababang suporta ng estado para sa sektor ng kalusugan. "'Yung depression, gawa-gawa lang ng mga tao 'yan. Gawa nila sa sarili nila." Hindi lahat ng nakararanas ng depresyon ay komportableng pag-usapan ang kanilang kondisyon. Humigit-kumulang 20 porsyento ng mga Pilipino ay mentally ill at patuloy ang pagtaas ng bilang na ito, ayon sa tala ng World Health Organization (WHO) noong 2015. Mahigit 2,558 na kaso naman ng pagpapatiwakal at tangkang pagpapatiwakal ang naitala noong taong 2012 lamang. Taliwas ito sa karaniwang ipinakikita sa midya na isa ang Pilipinas sa “pinakamasayahing” mga bansa sa mundo. Sa ganitong pagkukubli ng depresyon, na nararanasan ng marami sa atin, ang ideyang nais itanim ng mga palabas na katulad ng Eat Bulaga. Unang tinawag na “melancholia” ang depresyon. Para sa mga sinaunang mamamayan ng Mesopotamia, isa itong kondisyon na ikinakabit sa mga sinasapian ng demonyo na ginagamot ng mga pari. Sa kanilang pakiwari, ang depresyon ay isang karamdamang ispiritwal at hindi pisikal. Sa paglipas ng panahon, napagalamang nagbubuhat ang depresyon sa mga kemikal na hindi balanseng napoprodyus sa utak. At noong kalagitnaan ng 1970s, pinangalanan itong Major Depressive Disorder matapos ang masinsing pag-aaral base sa mga paulit-ulit nitong sintomas. Sa kabila nito, nagpapatuloy pa rin ang negatibong pagtingin sa depresyon.
Dahil dito, kadalasang ikinakaila ng mismong mga dumaranas ng depresyon na sila ay may ganitong kondisyon, ayon kay Dr. Marie Grace A. Gomez ng Office of Counselling and Guidance. “Nagdi-deny sila kasi nahihiya sila’y may depresyon. Nakakahiya magpatingin sa psychiatrist kasi ang tingin nila, kapag nagpatingin sa psychiatrist, [nasiraan] na,” dagdag pa niya. Bunga ito ng kaisipang isinususog ng namamayaning kaayusan — limitado lamang ang usapin ng depresyon sa indibidwal na nakararanas nito at hindi sa mas malawak na lipunan. "Nagpapasosyal lang" Karaniwang nagkakahalaga ng humigitkumulang P3,000 ang konsultasyon sa mga psychiatrist, samantalang P1,500 naman para sa isang session ng tuluy-tuloy na therapy. Hindi pa kasama rito ang antidepressant pills na nagkakahalaga ng P120 bawat isa na kung susumahin ang konsumo ay aabot ng mahigit P3,600 kada buwan. Maaari pa itong tumaas o bumaba base sa bilang ng dosage ng gamot at bilang ng kinakailangang konsultasyon sa doktor. Nagmumula ang pormal na diagnosis mula sa mga espesyalista, kung kaya’t kadalasan tanging ang may kakayahan lamang na magpatingin ang mas may kapasidad na magsalita tungkol sa kanilang kondisyon. Dahil dito, may nosyon na “nagpapasosyal” lang ang mga may depresyon kahit pa maaari naman itong maranasan ng lahat. Sa bansang atrasado ang serbisyong panlipunan kabilang ang para sa sistemang pangkalusugan, hindi kataka-taka ang pagtaas ng bilang ng mga kaso ng depresyon. Lumabas sa pag-aaral ni Jay Watts, isang clinical psychologist at psychotherapist, na malaki ang papel ng nararanasang pananamantala sa isang indibidwal sa loob ng isang lipunan sa kaniyang kalusugang pangkaisipan. Aniya, “Poverty, relative inequality, being subject to racism, sexism, displacement ... all increase the likelihood of mental suffering.” Kung kaya’t makikitang hindi labas ang usapin ng depresyon sa namamayaning krisis sa lipunan. Ayon kina Luigi Esposito at Fernando Perez, mga iskolar mula sa Barry University, mahalaga ang ginagampanang papel ng lipunan sa kalusugang pangkaisipan ng isang indibidwal. Anila, malaong ginamit ng namamayaning kaayusan ang depresyon
DIBUHO NI FERNANDO MONTEJO DISENYO NG PAHINA NI JOHN RECZON CALAY
upang maghain ng iba’t ibang mga lunas, ngunit isinasantabi ang mga panlipunang salik, katulad ng kahirapan at hindi pagkakapantay-pantay. "'Pag mayaman, depression. Kapag mahirap, wala ... Wala nang pag-asa 'yan" Kung tutuusin, karaniwan ding biktima ng depresyon ang mga mahihirap. Pilit na pinagkakasya ng karaniwang manggagawa sa maliit na sahod ang pang-araw-araw na pagkain ng pamilya at pambayad ng tubig, kuryente, at upa sa bahay. Dahil dito, napipilitan silang isawalang-bahala ang kanilang kalusugan. Ngunit tila wala nang pag-asa para sa mahihirap tulad ng mga manggagawa sa mga pabrika sa Tsina na nagtala ng humigit-kumulang 14 kaso ng pagpapatiwakal at 18 kaso ng planong pagpapatiwakal sa taong 2010. Ayon sa mga lider-manggagawa sa Tsina, resulta ng pang-aabuso at hindi makataong pagtrato ang insidenteng ito. Sa konteksto ng Pilipinas na may mailap na sistemang pangkalusugan, kakaunti lamang ang mga serbisyo at pasilidad para sa mga may kondisyong mental. Dahil sa mababang subsidiya mula sa pamahalaan, nananatiling mataas ang bayad para sa simpleng konsultasyon. Sa buong bansa, dadalawa lamang ang mental hospitals na, ayon sa WHO, naglalaan lamang ng 5.57 kama kada 100,000 katao. Kakaunti rin ang mga ospital sa kanayunan kung kaya’t hindi sila naabot ng mga serbisyong pangkalusugan.
Paano nga ba magiging malusog sa ilalim ng isang sistemang maging ang kalusugang pangkaisipan ay tinutumbasan ng salapi? Kasabay ng diskusyon at tamang edukasyon tungkol sa depresyon at iba pang kondisyong pangkalusugan, mahalagang bakahin ang sistemang nagkakait ng pagasa para sa mga nakararanas ng mga ito. “Kapag may nakakaranas ng depresyon, kailangan nating bigyan ng suporta,” ayon sa host din ng Eat Bulaga na si Maine Mendoza bilang pagtutol sa sinabi ni De Leon. Bagaman isang hakbang pasulong ang pagsasabatas ng batas na magbibigayproteksyon sa mga dumaranas ng depresyon, tuluyan lamang itong maiigpawan kung may maayos na sistemang pangkalusugan para sa lahat.
MIYERKULES 18 OKTUBRE 2017
9
KUL TU RA
MELTING POINT
WARREN RAGASA
KUMUSTA KA, M?
STATUS QUOTES
KULAY KAHEL ANG DAIGDIG NG HAPONG iyon. Ang langit. Ang bagong pinturang dyipni na sinakyan ko. Ang hawak kong libro. At ikaw, na sa laking gulat ko ay pumasok suot ang kahel mong T-shirt at kahel na tali. Naalala ko, kahel nga rin pala ang paborito mong kulay. Para itong baduy na pelikula. Hindi pinagisipan ang color scheme ng eksena. Wala ring bago sa plot — nagtagpo tayong muli ngunit sinubukan kong ibaling ang tingin ko sa malayo. Pero magkatapat tayo sa isang maliit na espasyo, at malas kong nahuli mo ang pagsulyap ko. Masigla kang bumati. Halos wala kang pinagbago. Kumusta ka, M? Tatlong taon na rin pala. Bihag pa rin ako ng mga alaala: ikaw sa tagong dako ng Sports Oval; ako, papalapit sayong humahagulgol. Hindi ito parang sa pelikula — 'di kita binigyan ng tissue o panyo (bimpo lang ang dala ko n’on.)
PAPANAOG
Lumapit lang ako at tumabi sayo. Ibinagsak mo ang mabibigat mong mga mata sa kaliwang balikat ko. Gusto kong suntukin ‘yung gagong nagnakaw ng mga ngiti mo. Pero sa mga sandaling ‘yon, mas gusto lang kitang yakapin. Sa Melchor ako bababa. Ikaw sa Fine Arts, sabi mo. Oo nga pala, tatlong taon na rin mula nang lumipat ka ng kurso. Napupunta pa rin ako sa paborito nating tambayan dati sa Melchor, baka lang naiisipan mo minsang bumisita. Kung namimiss mo man ang mga alaala. Dumadaan din ako sa mga rally. Baka lang makita kita roon. Sa totoo lang, wala rin naman akong lakas ng loob kausapin ka. Nilamon tayo ng katahimikan. Pero mas awkward pa rin n’ung inamin ko sayong gusto kita, M. Hindi rin ‘yon parang pelikula — hindi mo sinabi sa aking wala namang magbabago. Hindi mo rin ako binirong nasisiraan na ako. Tumingin ka sa akin at direkta mong
ADRIAN KENNETH GUTLAY
sinabing wala kang nararamdaman. Tangina, M. Gusto kong magpalamon sa lupa. Gusto kong ibagsak ang mabibigat kong mga luha sa kanan mong balikat. Pero gusto kong suntukin ang sarili ko. Tatlong taong katahimikan at mukhang masaya ka na, M. Ang dami kong gustong sabihin sayo, d’on sa loob ng kulay kahel na dyipni sa ilalim ng kulay kahel na langit. Patawad, kung umasa ako. Patawad, kung hanggang ngayon, masakit pa rin ang mga alaala. Hanggang sa muling pagkikita, sabi mo. Pasensya kung nahihiyang ngiti lang ang naisagot ko. Gusto ko na lang hilahin ang kahel na lubid ng dyipni. Hindi tulad ng baduy na pelikula, malamlam ang closure at wala ‘tong happy ending.
SUMA TOTAL
RESEARCH BY LAURICE SY
The new GE curriculum of all programs in UPD
ONLY ONE DEGREE PROGRAM IN UP DILIMAN WILL CUT down their required general education (GE) units to a minimum of 21: BS Family Life and Child Development in the College of Home Economics. Most degree programs will require an average of 27 to 36 units, according to the latest data from the GE Council approved in March 2017. Students and faculty heavily contested the GE reform, but the UP Diliman University Council, composed of faculty members with ranks of assistant professor or higher, still moved to trim down required GE units to a minimum of 21. UP Diliman will implement the new GE curriculum next academic year after getting a nod in September from the UP Board of Regents, the highest policy-making body in the whole UP System. How much GE units will be required by your course, following the GE reform? Find out in the following tables.
Jed Cueto
/jedmarmcueto Tandaan natin na ang problema at ang pag-solve sa problema (Mental Health, Education, State Repression, at EJK) ay systemic at nakaugat sa iisang bagay. Lahat ng bagay ay magkaka-ugnay at kung isang bahagi lamang ating sosolusyonan, aabutin tayo ng pagsabog ng araw, marami pa rin ang nagpapakamatay.
MANAGEMENT AND ECONOMICS CLUSTER
A true advocate of Mental Health is an advocate of social change.
REQUIRED NUMBER OF GE UNITS DEGREE PROGRAM
27 units 30 units 33 units
9:11 PM - OCT 5 2017
BS Tourism, BS Economics, BS Business Economics, BS Business Administration BS Business Administration and Accountancy B Public Administration1, BA Business Economicsa, BA Business Managementa, BA Applied Psychologya
ARTS AND LETTERS CLUSTER
Rebo Lu Shun
REQUIRED NUMBER OF GE UNITS DEGREE PROGRAM
27 units B Music1 30 units BA Comparative Literature 33 units BA Creative Writing, BA English Studies, BA European Languages, BA Theater Arts, BA Speech Communication 36 units BA Art Studies, B Sports Science, BA Broadcast Communication, B Fine Arts (Paintingb, Sculptureb, Visual Communicationb, Industrial Designb) 39 units BA Philippine Studies, B Physical Education1, BA Journalism 42 units BA Communication Research 45 units BA Film, BA Filipino at Panitikan ng Pilipinas1, BA Malikhaing Pagsulat sa Filipino1, B Fine Arts (Art Historyb, Art Educationb)
/choy.pangilinan.7 Huwag magalit sa mga tsuper na nagpoprotesta. Tunay na hindi makatarungang kayod kabayo ka na eh pinapatay ka pa ng sistema.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CLUSTER
9:29 AM - OCT 16 2017
REQUIRED NUMBER OF GE UNITS DEGREE PROGRAM
FEBRUARY 2015
STUD FARM, UP DILIMAN
That Girl
@highreaching Default Aquino: Kasalanan 'to ng nakaraang administrasyon. Default Duterte: Kasalanan 'to ng mga destabilizers. WOW MAY CHANGE NGA. 11:08 AM - OCT 16 2017
CONTACT US!
Email us at phkule@gmail.com. Save Word attachment in Rich Text Format with INBOX, NEWSCAN, CONTRIB, or PIGEONHOLE in the subject. Always include your full name, address, and contact details.
WWW.PHILIPPINECOLLEGIAN.ORG
21 units BS Family Life and Child Development 24 units BS Mechanical Engineering, BS Physics, BS Applied Physics, BS Molecular Biology and Biotechnology 27 units B Landscape Architecture, BS Geodetic Engineering, BS Mining Engineering, BS Materials Engineering, BS Metallurgical Engineering, BS Chemical Engineering, BS Electronics and Communications Engineering, BS Biology, BS Geology 30 units BS Industrial Engineering, BS Food Technology, BS Home Economics, BS Chemistry, BS Mathematics 33 units BS Computer Science, BS Community Nutrition, BS Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management 36 units BS Statistics 39 units BS Clothing Technology, B Library and Information Studies 45 units BS Architecture, BS Interior Design
SOCIAL SCIENCES AND LAW CLUSTER REQUIRED NUMBER OF GE UNITS DEGREE PROGRAM
36 units 42 units 45 units
B Elementary Education, B Secondary Education, BA Sociology, BA History, BA Social Work, BA Community Development BA Geography, BA Psychology, BS Psychology BA Anthropology, BA Philosophy, BA Lingustics, BA Political Science
1 - Unconfirmed a - Offered in UP Diliman Extension Program in Pampanga (UPDEPP) only b - Tracks under Bachelor of Fine Arts
MIYERKULES 18 OKTUBRE 2017
11
COM MUN ITY
HINDI PA L U L U P I G
,,
Kung ang kasaysayan ang pinakamahusay na guro, pader ang pisara at lansangan ang silid-aralan, itinuturo ng kasaysayan na walang bumabagsak sa paglaban.
MARIING KINUKUNDENA NG Collegian ang malawakang pang-uusig ng estado sa mga mag-aaral ng iba’t ibang pamantasan sa bansa. Sunud-sunod na naiulat ang mga pagsikil sa mga organisasyon at pahayagang pangmag-aaral habang tumindi ang panghihimasok ng pulisya at militar sa mga pamantasan Tahasan itong panlulumpo sa makatwirang pagkilos ng mga kabataan. At hindi nalalayo ang kaso ng Kolehiyo ng Pangmadlang Komunikasyon (CMC) sa laganap at sunud-sunod na panggigipit na nararanasan ng mga mag-aaral sa ilalim ng administrasyong Duterte. Kung ang mandato ng CMC ay maging pandayan ng midyang malaya at mapagpalaya, mismong pamunuan ng kolehiyo ang sumusuway dito. Matapos na hindi kilalanin ang dalawang organisasyong pangmag-aaral, pagpataw ng malaking renta sa mga pasilidad na dati’y libre ang naging tugon ng administrasyon ng CMC sa protesta ng mga estudyante. Mahalaga ang ginagampanang papel ng mga organisasyon at pahayagang pangmagaaral sa kasaysayan. Naging lunsaran ang mga ito ng diskusyon ng mga isyu at mga bagong ideya. Aktibong nakikisangkot ang mga miyembro sa iba’t ibang isyu sa loob at labas ng pamantasan — hindi bilang nagsasariling boses kundi bilang bahagi ng mas malaking sektor. Patunay ng kanilang kapasyahan ang kamakailang tagumpay sa laban para sa libreng edukasyon. Subalit hindi ito kinikilala ng pamunuan ng Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP). Matapos
PHILIPPINE COLLEGIAN
EDITORYAL nitong tanggalin ang dating rehente ng mag-aaral, ipinasara ang mga opisina at tambayan ng mga organisasyon, sinuspende ang eleksyon para sa konseho ng mga mag-aaral, at nagpataw ng mga bagong bayarin. Sinagkaan din ng kanilang administrasyon ang operasyon ng The Catalyst, ang opisyal na pahayagan ng mga mag-aaral ng PUP. Parehong kaso ang naitala sa Lyceum of the Philippines (LPU), kung saan planong kontrolin ng mismong pamunuan ng LPU ang pahayagang Independent Sentinel. Sa panahong pinaiigting ng mga mag-aaral ang kanilang pagkilos laban sa karahasan ng rehimeng Duterte, tumitinding pasismo naman ang tugon ng estado — tulad ng pagpapapasok ng kapulisan sa loob ng mga gusali. Gayundin ang sunod-sunod na pagkakataon na namamataan ang miyembro ng pulisya sa kilos-protesta ng mga mag-aaral mula sa iba’t ibang pamantasan. Halimbawa na lamang ang pagtanggap ng pamunuan ng CMC sa ilang miyembro ng pulisya noong kasagsagan ng protesta ng mga magaaral sa kolehiyo. Hayagan itong nakikipagmabutihan sa institusyong kumitil ng libu-libong buhay sa giyera kontra-droga, kabilang ang mga kabataang biktima tulad ng dating magaaral ng UP na si Carl Arnaiz, at menorde-edad na sina Kian Delos Santos at Reynaldo De Guzman. Nagpapatuloy naman ang kaso ng red-tagging sa mga kabataang mag-aaral. Itinuturing na miyembro ng New People’s
Army ang mga mag-aaral na sumasalungat sa karahasan ng estado. Ngunit hindi ito hihilinging magkatotoo ng gobyerno, gayong itinutulak ng mga kalagayan ang mga kabataan upang maghimagsik. Mababakas sa pahina ng kasaysayan na tinumbasan ng paglaban ng mga magaaral, organisasyon at pahayagan ang malawakang pang-uusig sa kanila noong panahon ng Batas Militar. At hindi maaaring mag-atubili ngayong hinihingi ng panahon ang pagsiklab ng mga pagkilos. Unang banta sa diktadura ang radikal na mga ideya at pagkilos ng mga kabataan. Subalit hindi umuugat sa ideyalismo at tanging kamulatan ng mga mag-aaral ang binhi ng paglaban. Bunga ito ng materyal na kondisyon, ng laganap at hindi natatapos na krisis sa lipunan. Hangga’t patuloy na ipinagkakait ang mga karapatan, hangga’t nagpapatuloy ang kaliwa’t kanang pagpaslang, ang kawalan ng hustisya at pananagutan, patuloy na magluluwal ang mga ito ng mga mag-aaral na handang magorganisa at sumalungat. Aparato ng estado ang mga pamantasang dapat ay huhubog sa ating kamalayan, kaya nararapat lamang na hindi nakukulong ang edukasyon sa apat na sulok ng konserbatibong silid-aralan. Hindi ganap ang edukasyon kung ito ay hindi mapagpalaya; walang saysay kung hindi mapagpakilos. Kung ang kasaysayan ang pinakamahusay na guro, pader ang pisara at lansangan ang silid-aralan, itinuturo ng kasaysayan na walang bumabagsak sa paglaban.