A ZINE THAT IS TO BE A CATALYST FOR GRIT, A TRIBUTE TO TRIUMPHS, AND A RALLYING CALL TO PERSIST IN RESISTANCE
THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF ADAMSON UNIVERSITY-PULITIKA
A ZINE THAT IS TO BE A CATALYST FOR GRIT, A TRIBUTE TO TRIUMPHS, AND A RALLYING CALL TO PERSIST IN RESISTANCE
Danica Jane Guieb Editor-in-Chief
Mark Daryl Rosaban Managing Editor
Gwen Hailie Cortez Associate Editor
Louie Alexis Tumaneng
Emmanuel Cadacio
James Gabriel De Castro
Joshua Dave Natalaray
Princess Japon
EDITORS
Rachel Albano Copy Editor
Mishal Akhand Literary Editor
Paul Angelo Fabia Feature Editor Jayvee Macapagal Editorial Editor
Ma Edriana Bautista
Asst. Graphics Editor
In our continuing fight towards a more compassionate society, truth-tellers have risen to prominence. They have become our potent force, amplifying our voices in the struggle against oppression These courageous individuals have taken on the mantle of leadership in this battle
Through their steadfast dedication to truth, these individuals have become our resounding voices and the frontline players in this fight Their unwavering commitment to truth has enabled them to bring to light the concealed flaws of our society, giving voice to those who have been silenced. Through their tireless efforts, they have not only shed light on these issues but have also triggered critical discussions, raising awareness and driving change These people have been crucial in ensuring accountability for those in positions of power and in maintaining justice
Their role in our society cannot be overstated.
The zine is a collective composition of the arduous efforts of individuals who have dedicated themselves to the mission of using their pens to channel their passion toward advocating for truth and justice It became their life's primal duty to bear witness to the injustices that pervade our world and to use their art to inspire others to take action and effect change.
This serves as a beacon of hope for those who stood unwavering in the face of attempts to silence them, refusing to back down in the face of adversity, and striving to bring about meaningful change in the world, and a reminder that the power of the written word can transcend even the most formidable barriers
Educational institutions have long been recognized as bastions of creativity and intellectualism, where free thought is encouraged and ideas are valued However, recent years have witnessed a wave of censorship and oppression of the press, including university newspapers and student publications Despite these challenges, student-run media outlets remain committed to fulfilling their duty of disseminating information and promoting critical thinking. Like their counterparts in the wider media landscape, they continue to play a vital role in shaping public discourse and advancing the cause of free expression
The rise of this issue dated back to a time when the NTF-ELCAC (National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict) brazenly named anyone who criticized the government as “enemies of the state ”
An accusation that branded progressive groups with terms so outrageous that human rights watchdogs described them as mere plotters to put a muzzle on media entities, including those that reside in universities
In a statement, Dr Lorraine Badoy the agency ’ s then spokesperson was quoted as saying before she stepped down on her role as the new Marcos administration undertook cabinet reshuffles: “No matter how these fronts use the word ‘democracy’, they will never be anything other than what it is they truly are: rotten terrorists and violators of International Humanitarian Laws And communist terrorists don’t get to quote the best of humankind They’re more on the rotten dregs of society ”
These statements aren’t just an attack on our student publications, but also on the entire media institution Destructive statements coming from leading agencies only sullies an important tenet in we ascribe to as a nation: one in which there is penultimate regard for liberty and rights for all
University publications serve as a vehicle for disseminating truthful information to students, which is important given the ongoing constraints that journalists must endure globally today Threats like this are clear violations of press freedom. We work for the benefit of the students, not for our personal advantage
The Synthesis is united in mourning the loss of one of our fellow students
Violence and impunity have long been embedded in our culture, with many institutions perpetuating these harmful norms The practice of hazing has been used by some fraternities to physically and psychologically abuse neophytes under the guise of building loyalty and obedience This practice has led to countless instances of suffering and even death, and it is time that we take decisive action to put an end to it
The deleterious effects of hazing are not confined to just the immediate victims of this harmful practice Rather, they extend far beyond, impacting not only the individuals who are directly subjected to it but also the broader community at large The normalization of hazing perpetuates a broader space for harm and impunity, which undermines the very foundations of a just and equitable society
Republic Act No 11053 [commonly referred to as the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018] gives us a stronger reason to strongly take a stance against the continued existence of hazing and other forms of physical abuse that may be embedded within organization application procedures
It is high time that we break this cycle These barbaric acts, which are often carried out under the guise of fostering brotherhood have caused countless injuries, traumas, and even deaths, and have no place in a civilized society
We must recognize that true camaraderie and mutual respect can only be built through positive and constructive means, not through intimidation and abuse As members of the academic community, it is our collective responsibility to take a stand against fraternityrelated violence and hazing, and to push for meaningful reforms that will safeguard the wellbeing and dignity of all students Only by doing so can we create a truly safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for learning and growth
BY PAUL ANGELO FABIA
BY JAMES GABRIEL DE CASTRO
The subject of politics was frequently discussed among Filipinos, particularly during election years Politics was our national pastime in the Philippines, just as baseball was in the United States. Why then would we not?
The 2022 Philippine National Elections went down against a backdrop of polarized animosity The recent contest proved to be more divisive than we have ever seen before, and fake news had been the titular concern during the campaign period as candidates gun for the highest elected office in the country Former Vice President Robredo was the most hit with misinformation Its peddlers spread such for one or two reasons: It had for the most part a lot to do with her gender and her gutsy to stand up against the steel-fisted reign of the incumbent during her time
Smokescreens that were edifice complex in the form of government spending at a time of a flailing economy, brutalist-style infrastructure despite people struggling to keep a roof over their heads, and distorted folklore about Nutribun that now had been served as a recycled campaign material could not hide the fact that the most recent presidential race was all about qualifications, achievements, and the ability to get things done.
Exit polls have also become a lightning rod for public scrutiny. Between the third and last quarter up to voting day, the two leading candidates were separated by an "insurmountable margin", one that showed a different story when it came to crowd count and enthusiasm during rallies
Nevertheless, furor for presidential hopefuls had set the spirit of volunteering apart from elections past attendance one had never seen since the 1986 People Power Revolution
Philippine politics has pitted the competent against the asinine, with calls for unity urging the public to obey without question
The peril of divisiveness cannot be exaggerated, and banking on a blanket statement of unity alone would not suffice perhaps polar opposites do not always attract.
Then I succumbed to the temptation and opened the portal to the endless void of opinions on Twitter
Only to see content [again] posted just minutes ago, and when a prominent figure posts on any platform that one can think of, the response can be instantaneous and overwhelming.
"Leni will always be my TOTGA", as the post goes sparking a diverse range of reactions as some voiced their backing while others censured her and extolled the triumph of her adversary A particular commenter's assertion "Just accept your defeat, Leni is a failure; the people have already decided that BBM is the winner" was met with resistance being questioned the logic behind it But when asked to provide justification, the sole response given was a resounding "Basta "
“Basta
While Robredo's supporters were commending her for her comprehensive platform, exceptional credentials, and successful projects as Vice President, supporters of Marcos Jr held fast to their unwavering support for him with a resolute "basta".
Before even developing solidarity, we were wedded to our rationality Rather than seeking to develop a nuanced perspective and fostering empathy, we were entrenched in our own ideas and facts They had no incentive to listen even if we had a lot to say We haven't been listening either, so we eventually find ourselves in total incredulity
With so much alienation on both ends, how can genuine listening happen? We called them names like “apologists,” and “bobo” while they shout back at us as being boastful and elitists Who’s the winner in this argument, anyway? Do we even have one? With our flashing desire to “radicalize” them, we ’ ve alienated them and drawn them together in their estrangement
If we look into it, there were supporters of former President Duterte that didn’t identify themselves as pro-Marcos, yet they voted for him in their idea of antagonizing Leni And we cannot blame them for doing so For a long time, we have been affronting their bet, calling them insulting names, separating ourselves from them– in person or in social media just because we differ in our stances, and so on We failed to recognize that we are not our foes The same political dynasty and oligarchic system that oppresses us all also oppress some of our fellow citizens more severely than others We are all slaves of their thirst for wealth and power, corruption, and exploitation They have turned us against one another far too convincingly
In Paulo Freire’s book Pedagogy of the Oppressed, he urges communication as a way of liberation for both sides If we are to break free from the bonds of oppression, individuals must be willing to take part in dialogue in which the goal is reciprocal understanding and compassion, not just the exchange of facts and information
As he said, “Faith in people is a first requirement for dialogue.”
SingKwenta: Mga Kanta at Kwento
Tungkol sa Martial Law, idinaos sa UP
Diliman bilang paggunita sa ika-50 taon mula nang idineklara ni Marcos ang Martial Law Iba't ibang organisasyon, kasama na ang ilang nakaranas ng buhay sa ilalim ng diktaduryang Marcos, ang dumalo at nagsagawa ng kilos protesta bilang pagtindig laban sa masalimuot na karanasan ng bansa sa ilalim ng rehimen
Dinaluhan ito ng iba't ibang organisasyon, kabilang na ang mga indibidwal na nakaranas ng epekto ng diktadurya ni Marcos Layunin nito na ialay ang pagpupugay sa mga bayani na lumaban para sa demokrasya noong panahon ng martial law
Maraming mga indibidwal at grupo ang nagpakita ng katapangan upang labanan ang diktadura ni Marcos Ito ay kabilang ang mga mag-aaral, propesyunal, artista, manggagawa, at iba pang sektor ng lipunan na nagtayo ng mga organisasyon at samahan para sa mga adhikain na maitaguyod ang kalayaan at demokrasya
Sa pamamagitan ng mga kanta at kwento, nais ng SingKwenta na ipaalam sa mga kabataan ang tungkol sa panahon ng martial law at ang epekto nito sa lipunan ng Pilipinas Nilalayon nito na magbigay ng pagpupugay at parangal sa mga bayani at martir na nag-alay ng kanilang buhay para sa kalayaan at demokrasya ng bansa.
The Adamson University Student Government and the student body in its commitment to honoring the bravery and sacrifices of those who fought against the authoritarian rule of Marcos Sr recently commemorated the mark of the 50th anniversary of the declaration of martial law. It serves as a solemn reminder of the atrocities committed during that dark period of Philippine history and highlights the importance of remaining vigilant against any threat to democracy
As we look back at this tumultuous time, we are reminded that the fight for justice and democracy is ongoing The university's commemoration serves as a call to action for all to remain vigilant and uphold the values of human dignity and freedom, lest we forget the lessons of history and allow history to repeat itself
The Synthesis, the esteemed official newsletter publication of AdU-Pulitika, stands shoulder to shoulder with the Adamson University Student Government and other academic institutions in the fight against historical denialism and distortion of our nation's tumultuous past.
The iconic jeepney, once a symbol of Philippine culture and ingenuity, is now facing an uncertain future as the push to phase them out gains momentum for several reasons, were some: they are the beating heart of our traffic jams or sometimes, urban cancer that chokes our roads and arteries Some will say that jeepneys are the outdated embodiment of a bygone era's transport ideals.
In order to acquire new jeeps that cost millions per unit, drivers are compelled to join cooperatives Second, the Fleet Management Program, where the jeepneys will be subject to corporate ownership and a strategy to ensure the coordination of all aspects involved in the operation and maintenance of a group of jeepneys And lastly, Route Rationalization, aimed at optimizing the routes of jeepneys to provide more efficient and effective transportation services
It pulls the wool over our eyes The grand plan to phase out jeepneys is nothing but a thinlyveiled attempt by corporations to swipe everything under their greedy noses
The stringent criteria set for drivers coupled with the exploitative contractual agreements that offer minimal compensation and no benefits would push those who fail to meet these standards toward impoverishment Monopolizing jeepneys and the requirement for drivers to join cooperatives create an environment where financial institutions have more power to set high-interest rates, leaving jeepney drivers with limited options and potential financial burdens It will also drive up the cost of public transportation, as these corporations will be free to set their own fares without any competition This, in turn, will make commuting an even bigger burden for the already struggling masses.
The monopolization and corporatization of jeepneys can engender consequences for the wider transportation ecosystem It has the potential to displace small-scale operators who depend on jeepneys as a source of livelihood, and this displacement could have severe socio-economic ramifications for the local community Given the significant role jeepneys play in the daily commute of many individuals, their forced removal or transition to corporate entities should be approached with great care and caution, in order to prevent a more disastrous situation that we have to deal with again
In the pursuit of progress, we must not sacrifice the livelihoods of the people Strive to strike a harmonious balance between innovation and preserving the socioeconomic foundations of our communities
The theme of the assembly this year was "Nagkaisang Pag-alpas: Pagtahak, Pagbaklas, at Pagkatuto" Speakers of the event highlighted the importance of political science students in society and how they can influence change in the political landscape
In Mr Patrick Pineda's discussion, he emphasized the significant influence of entertainment in shaping our present perception of history Entertainment and politics have been closely linked and interwoven, as he pointed out Political figures have resorted to showbiz strategies to gain an advantage, which often led to a surge in popularity. Consequently, our political landscape has become highly glamorized and celebrity-driven
He also discussed the dynamics of Philippine Elections throughout the year and how history has been framed for us to believe what we believe today He emphasized how Filipinos are more powerful than the government by reminding us of our right and power to hold the government accountable when needed
In his discourse on the pertinence of political science students in society, Mr Mayuga tackled various concepts that deserve deconstruction beyond the academic setting He highlighted the inadequate emphasis given to the study of humanities and social sciences, as well as the hierarchical structure of science courses that undermine the value of social studies teachings.
In the latter part of the discourse, Mr Mayuga emphasized the critical role of constructive and healthy discourse in nation-building, geared towards creating a more orderly and just society that benefits the greater good He firmly believed that achieving such an ideal requires applying the principles and teachings of Political Science to our daily lives Doing so will help us understand the complexities of governance and politics, and how it affects our society as a whole
Remember, Polsci is not just a theoretical discipline but is, in fact, practical and applicable to real-life situations It equips us with the skills to navigate and understand the complexities of power dynamics and decision-making processes that shape our society
As Mr Mayuga had put it, "The theories of political science are not divorced from everyday living because it is connected to it, per se. Real-world learning is what political science students do and that occurs through our everyday living because things are better learned outside the classroom."
BY PRINCESS JAPON
Our grandfathers used to say that once in our lives we will need a doctor, a lawyer, a policeman, and a preacher, but every day, three times a day, you will need a farmer
The Philippines has a of 9.67 million hectare 5 million farmers a Statistics Authority farmers in the Philip account of the countr distribution
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The 1987 Mendiola massacre was a pivotal moment for land rights movements when thousands of farmers gathered to protest in front of Malacañang Palace, demanding just and comprehensive land reforms However, their appeals were ignored, leading to the death of 13 farmers and multiple injuries
35 years have passed, yet landlessness remains the largest shackle of rural poverty in the Philippines, while peasant massacres remain a headline staple
These killings highlight the criminalization of social dissent opposing human rights We must continue to fight for farmers and peasants to attain the land and justice they deserve, and for reforms without fear of condemnation from the law.
The struggle of farmers and farm workers' groups is rooted in their recognition that genuine land reform is a crucial step towards achieving food security and sovereignty. It seeks to break free from the existing system that perpetuates inequality and marginalization in the farming sector By gaining control over their lands and resources, farmers can freely adopt agroecological practices that promote sustainable and equitable farming practices
The struggle of farmers and farm workers' groups is rooted in their recognition that genuine land reform is a crucial step towards achieving food security and sovereignty. It seeks to break free from the existing system that perpetuates inequality and marginalization in the farming sector
By gaining control over their lands and resources, farmers can freely adopt agroecological practices that promote sustainable and equitable farming practices
It is not fair for me to pretend that I understand what it's like to be one The historical system did not require my gender to fight for decades for suffrage, to attend schools, or even to enjoy the fruits of our labor So instead, I write this as a son of a mother, a brother of a sister, someone's male best friend And so, from the other side of the lens, I answer the question "lamang na ba ang babae?" [Are women now at an advantage?]
I do not think women are advantaged now. Nor do I believe they ever went beyond the line that draws the limit of opportunities And even if they did, even when once they so desperately wanted to free themselves from abusive bondages and systemic restraint, that is clearly not where we are now And although it is true women have meritoriously achieved milestones within centuries of brawls and blows against the grip of oppression, it only took a portion of the road it would take toward the yearned equality
I asked female members in our group chat what it is like to be a woman in the 21st century Danah, 20, responded, "you can still read, hear, or watch [men] make discriminatory remarks about [women] which is demoralizing " Another commented, "tigilan na nila pangingielam sa katawan namin." [they have to stop controlling our bodies]
Kyle, 22, stressed her frustrations saying, "at times I feel degraded and I still fear becoming a victim of violence merely for my gender "
Women's excellence and efforts are often uncredited or disregarded. Patriarchy finds its way to rule over every story, monopolize power, and dominate our economy through exploitative exclusion in our society I am a man and I understand that this is wrong And if men are too vile to prioritize their pride over equality, then are they real men after all?
Clearly, there is still plenty of water in the ocean and the nearest shore is too far But history has proven that women survive
Women conquer. Women are strong and women prevail Feminist movements trailblazed tall waves that men aren't capable of calming And through our immutable support and participation in progressive activism, we can altogether secure a future where acceptance supersedes tolerance. Where there is no segregation of worth Where objective morality rises above invented social structures And where we recognize that women are not "less", nor "advantaged", but rather sufficient coequals who are allowed to be And it doesn't take a uterus to accept that only a human.
BY RACHEL ALBANO
The darkest chapter in Philippine history transpired during the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos Sr Power was in the wrong hands, the Philippines saw one of its worst recessions, the media was silenced, and human rights atrocities occurred But, did the Filipinos learn their lesson? Or has the general public's perception of that traumatic period in Philippine history changed?
The Marcos dictatorship should have opened the nation's consciousness, and as a result, the populace should now be wary of political leaders. However, it appears that this is an issue now that the dictator's son occupies the highest position in the nation. It seems that Marcos Sr’s proclamation of martial law, which was marked by injustices, significant plunder, and cronyism, has been overlooked With manipulated information and plain lies, there has been a continuous endeavor to portray the late Marcos' rule as the Philippines' golden age The majority of his clan and supporters utilize social media as a forum to impose their narrative of history on the rest of the country
Filipinos are no longer vigilant and reluctant to speak up for themselves They cast their votes recklessly Philippine citizens should keep in mind the hardships and lessons the Marcos regime inflicted in light of the current events and the revisionist history being taught
The sufferings of the martial law era should be remembered, not to gratify the opposition's fixation on the past, but rather to make sure that lessons are learned
What, then, did we learn despite everything?
The Marcos regime taught Filipinos to resist tyrants Due to Marcos' abuse of authority, our countrymen had to live in terror During this time, numerous activists and critics were arbitrarily detained, subjected to torture, and killed Public criticism was cast aside, and the information that the citizens could access was under the direct supervision of the administration
Until now, we continuously emphasize the need for truth and truth-seeking in tackling civil rights atrocities Justice is impossible without the truth To achieve democratic governance, it is crucial for every Filipino to protect our history and the truth embodied in the nation's communal experience under martial law since time can make memories susceptible.
The sacrificial acts of the Filipino people serve as a reminder of the value of democracy, the rule of law, and civil rights in a democratic society in upholding the dignity and rights of everyone. Present and future generations must learn the significance of democracy from that dark period; and that the Filipino government of the people should be by the people, for the people
The misconception that feminism is rooted in male hatred is deeply flawed. Rather, at its core, feminism is a movement that recognizes and upholds the inherent worth and value of women This movement strives to address and rectify the systemic marginalization of women in all aspects of society by advocating for their rights By placing women at the forefront of this fight, feminism seeks to create a world that is just for all genders
This is the antithesis of misogyny, a system of beliefs that perpetuates the idea that women are inferior to men Feminism is a bold declaration that women deserve to be treated with dignity, respect, and equity, and that their voices and experiences matter
At its core, feminism recognizes and values the diverse experiences and perspectives of women, and seeks to amplify their voices and stories It is a call to action, inviting everyone to participate in the pursuit of a society that embraces and celebrates the inherent worth and value of all people, regardless of their gender It is about acknowledging and addressing the systemic barriers that hinder progress toward a more just and equal world
It seeks to tear down the barriers that have prevented women from reaching their full potential and to create a world where they are free to pursue their dreams and ambitions without fear of discrimination or oppression.
To be a feminist is to be brave, unapologetic, and unafraid of speaking truth to power It is a rejection of the status quo, a refusal to accept the way things are, and a commitment to fighting for a better future
To embrace feminism is to embody a spirit of courage and conviction, a willingness to stand up for what is right, regardless of how difficult or unpopular it may be It requires a steadfast refusal to accept the status quo, recognizing that the current state of affairs is not only unjust but also detrimental to the well-being of society as a whole
Here, we don't demonize men or cast them as the enemy Rather, it is about recognizing that patriarchal systems that have been in place for centuries have harmed men as well as women It is about creating a world where men and women can coexist in harmony, with mutual respect and understanding
It is about challenging and transforming the societal narratives and norms that have been constructed around the concept of femininity and how women's strength is perceived and valued It is about promoting a shift in mindset and understanding that women's strength is not limited to physical or emotional resilience, but also encompasses their intellectual, social, and political capabilities
This is not about making women strong. Now more than ever, make them stronger.
Isang gatang na bigas lamang ang inabot ngayong gabi
Bukas aani ulit tone-tonelada, sakosako
Hiraya nya'y nasa balat lamang kung san ang palad ay dumapo
Mahirap daw ang maghapong nakayuko
Ngunit bakit sa paglubog ng araw mahirap pa rin?
Tayo'y binuhay nitong mga kamay
Nilamatan nga lamang ng dugo
Ng sistemang kanyang iginapang, tinaguyod
Ang isang gatang ngayong gabi, bukas wala na
Nilamukos at hanggang sa banaag na lamang
Banaag kung san ito huling nasapo
Ang tao ang soberanya
At ang pesante ay tao rin
Ang bumubuhay sa atin kelan naman natin bubuhayin?
Listen, listen to the river that flows downstream
Rocky streams and uphill stones
Rhythmic flows and upbeat tones
Rippling currents and surging waves
These are but the voices of people
Ensembles of those who choose to speak
Rights and Privileges that one must seek
Leave not but mouths shut and doors closed
Hush, they say, and succumb to suppression
A fearful trill comes out yet we do not yield to oppression
The people will march like soldiers with their voices
Presenting only the truth that one will preach
The rivers will never quell
And the voices will never stutter
The river flows in us and the truth shall prevail
So listen, listen as it leads us to the bosoms of freedom
THE SYNTHESIS IS CONCEIVED FROM THE HEGELIAN PHILOSOPHY, THE FINAL STAGE OF DIALECTICAL REASONING. IT IS CONCEIVED TO FORM THE TRUTH
AMONG OPINIONS. IN THE CURRENT CLIMATE OF DECEPTION, DISTORTION, AND DENIALISM, WE AIM TO TRANSFORM THE COMPLEXITIES OF POLITICS INTO SOMETHING ACCESSIBLE BY THE PEOPLE –INTO PEOPLE-POWERED JOURNALISM. WE STRIVE TO BECOME NOT JUST EFFECTIVE RECEPTORS, BUT ALSO PROGRESSIVE FORERUNNERS OF INFORMATION.
