Monday, December 13, 2010

UP Student Leaders Must Uphold UP Ideals

UP student leaders must uphold UP ideals

[Published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer on 13 December 2010]

THE STORY of our student leaders is the story of the brave and the few who take on the role of primus inter pares, first among equals. Just like every student, student leaders struggle with their academics, but they have the added responsibility to lead and serve us as our elected representatives. It is a difficult road that they have chosen; we, UP students, are grateful for their sacrifices.

The chairman of the University Student Council (USC), Rainier Astin Sindayen, chose to walk this road. We sincerely thank him for leading us, students of UP Diliman, especially at a time when the quality of our education was being threatened by budget cuts.

However, we cannot ignore this disturbing trend among our student leaders to disregard their responsibility to pursue academic excellence, the responsibility to do no more and no less than the best that we can. To fail in this responsibility is to dishonor all who are sacrificing for our education: ourselves, our families, our university and our nation.

The motto of our university is “Honor and Excellence.” We, leaders or not, are expected to strive to be honorable and excellent. How can we allow anyone who doesn’t uphold honor and excellence to represent the university? With our USC chairman unable to re-enroll in his department due to academic delinquency, his legitimacy as a student leader is suspect. The consequences of his negligence are grave, as the USC will always be questioned, their acts constantly under a shadow of doubt. However, led by his partymates acting as a rubber stamp, the USC has upheld his tenure twice in spite of the clear rules mandating him to relinquish power. The USC is squandering whatever is left of its moral ascendancy to lead.

With this, we can only sincerely appeal to our USC chairman to exercise genuine leadership, to value his own integrity and to comply with the rules of his council. As we still believe in his sense of idealism, we ask him to make the supreme sacrifice of stepping down from his post for the sake of the students—to uphold HONOR and EXCELLENCE, to become an iskolar para sa bayan.

(You may also read this letter at this LINK.)

Sunday, December 12, 2010

The Logic of Student Leadership




This is Akbayan Youth UP Diliman's statement on the leadership crisis in the University Student Council. Akbayan Youth UP Diliman is a proud member-organization of UP ALYANSA.

Monday, December 6, 2010

To be an Iskolar para sa Bayan


We thank our student leaders for the sacrifice that they made for us. Nonetheless, for a student leader to disregard his or her academic responsibilities, to maintain even just the MINIMUM academic standing, is a disservice. It is a disservice, not just to the students that he or she serves, but also to the Filipino people, to whom we owe this education.

To our University Student Council, do the right thing.

Resolve the leadership crisis in the University Student Council.

Uphold honor and excellence in student leadership.

The UP Agenda


Para sa bagong halal na UP President na si Alfredo Pascual, nawa'y maging para sa mga mag-aaral at para sa Bayan ang mga gawain mo sa iyong termino. Iskolar para sa Bayan, kasama ka sa pagbantay ng bagong UP Admin.

Friday, November 26, 2010

A Higher Budget for Education




From our recent updates:

"While members of ALYANSA are at the UP community strike, a contingent led by Will del Rosario (ALYANSA Vice Chair for STRAW) and Arrow Pabiona (BUKLOD CSSP Director for STRAW) is at the Senate to lobby for a higher budget for education."

We unite with the rest of the UP community in pushing for a higher budget for education. This is an issue that transcends our affiliations, and we support different actions that would promote this cause.


Iskolar para sa Bayan, kasama ka sa iba't ibang uri ng pagkilos para sa mas mataas na budget para sa edukasyon!

(Watch out for our next updates regarding our lobbying efforts in the Senate.)

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Honor and Excellence

"Honor and excellence. Honor first before excellence. It's not excellence and honor, it's honor and excellence. And what is the fruit of honor and excellence? Is it not competence and integrity? In other words, if you have lived up to your promise and your potential as a university student, you are in a position to ...be part of the solution to this country's problems, not part of the problem."

-Professor Winnie Monsod

This is just one of the memorable quotes from Professor Monsod's last lecture to her Econ 100.1 students this semester. Watch the video here.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Online Student Evaluation of Teachers
















From the Computerized Registration System (CRS) site:

All students enrolled this First Semester AY 2010-2011 are required to accomplish the Online Student Evaluation of Teachers through the SET Answering Module of the CRS. The module will be open until October 8, 2010 (Friday).


Please proceed to the UP CRS site for the online student evaluation: http://crs.upd.edu.ph. Thank you!

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Pass the Freedom of Information Bill NOW!


The truth delayed is the truth denied.
Pass the Freedom of Information Bill NOW!

Congratulations, UP PEP SQUAD!


Congratulations to the UP PEP SQUAD, the 2010 UAAP Cheerdance Competition CHAMPIONS! Hala bira, UP!

Watch UP's winning performance here:


Thursday, September 9, 2010

Iskolar Para Sa Bayan


ANSWERING THE CHALLENGE

We in ALYANSA have always believed that the University Student Council (USC) is a showcase of our principles and shared values. Our leadership reflects our character. Our credibility, as student leaders, emanates from our decision to remain true to these principles, values, and character that we hold dear.

Our call, “Kasama Ka”, is a reflection of the formation’s character for the past decade. It is not merely a show for self-congratulation. Being “kasama” implies the our work as ALYANSA -- our constant efforts to bridge our differences, our passionate work for progressive change, and our purposeful service to the University and country. Summed by our challenge to become Iskolars para sa Bayan, we have enjoined students for a decade to go beyond themselves and become a force for social justice and social progress.

It is in this light that we answer the challenge of our friends from the other side of the fence.

When red banners unfurl with the fiery rhetoric of militant action, isn’t that borne out of a desire for social transformation? While we often clash and disagree on issues, ALYANSA has always been united with its counterparts in desiring for social transformation. We have shown throughout our history that we can unite for a common purpose even as we disagree. We have ousted a corrupt President in 2001, we have defended the Manininda’s tenure in UP in 2005, and we are now protecting the Office of the Student Regent by condemning its vacancy as a disservice to students.

When yellow is being touted as the color of unity, and students put it at the helm of the USC, isn’t that a result of a promise for change? Even if ALYANSA belongs to the opposite side of the fence, we have been consistent with serving the students. Even as promises are broken, and the prospect for change turns sour, ALYANSA never abandoned the USC.

For a decade, we held our blue standard high and lived out our words “Kasama Ka.” It is the reason why ALYANSA continues to be the best alternative for change. We spoke out against fraternity-related violence all throughout our ten years. We are the formation that advocated revisions for the UP Charter, which passed in 2008, way back in 2003. We are the formation that led the USC with integrity in 2004, 2007, and 2008. We are the formation that successfully pushed for the reform of the STFAP in 2009, consistent with the core concept of social justice.

This is leadership that we have always demonstrated for a decade -- ready to involve, never to leave behind. This is leadership that we serve to uphold -- ready to unite, never to divide. This is the leadership that carries our principle -- ready to listen, never to impose.

We may be different, but we share a common humanity. This is the humanity we serve to uplift in ALYANSA. This is the essence of “kasama ka”, and this is the brand of leadership we offer to our beloved UP.



Iskolar Para Sa Bayan, Kasama Ka.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

S.A.G.U.T. Ka ng SLAAC Primer

Click on the LINK to get your own copy!

The Student Legal Aid and Action Committee (SLAAC) of the University Student Council, led this year by USC Councilor Simoun Salinas from the College of Law, has recently come up with a primer of our basic rights. Taken from the 1987 Constitution, this primer is part of a series aiming to inform us of the laws we need to know. The Law Representative to the USC, Chingkay Martirez, is this primer's editor.

S.A.G.U.T. Ka ng SLAAC stands for Sasamahan, Aalalayan, Gagabayan, Uugnayin at Tutulungan Ka ng SLAAC.

Saturday, September 4, 2010

UPHOLD STRAW!













UP ALYANSA, with BUKLOD CSSP and AKBAYAN Youth, have successfully concluded the "Uphold STRAW" forum at Palma Hall on September 3, 2010. Former Rep. Risa Hontiveros of Akbayan Partylist was the event's keynote speaker. This well-attended forum discussed the advocacy for a Student Rights and Welfare Bill to be passed in Congress.

In line with this advocacy, UP ALYANSA is part of the Student Rights and Welfare Coalition, a broad alliance which includes the Student Council Alliance of the Philippines (SCAP) and the Movement for the Advancement of Student Power (MASP).











Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel is a Filipino activist, journalist, and politician who served as the party-list representative of the Akbayan Citizens' Action Party to the Philippines' House of Representatives. Having served as a journalist for ten years before venturing into politics, she is a recipient of the Kapisanan ng Mga Broadkaster ng Pilipinas' Golden Dove Award for Best Female Newscaster. She also earned a Nobel peace prize nomination for her work as chair the Government Panel's Reciprocal Working Committee on Socio-Economic Reforms in the Peace Talks with the National Democratic Front from 1998 to 1999.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

2010 Search for UP President


Iskolar para sa Bayan, kasama ka sa pagpili ng UP President!


Know more about the background and vision of the men and women vying to become the next President of the University of the Philippines. Click on the links for the following candidates to know more about their curriculum vitae (CV) and vision for UP.


1. Prof. Consolacion Alaras

(CV | Vision Paper)

2. Dr. Patrick Azanza
(CV | Vision Paper)

3. Prof. Leonor Briones
(CV | Vision Paper)

4. Dr. Esperanza Cabral
(CV | Vision Paper)

5. Chancellor Sergio Cao
(CV | Vision Paper)

6. Prof. Benjamin Diokno
(CV | Vision Paper)

7. Vice-President Ma. Serena Diokno
(CV | Vision Paper)

8. Dean Raul Pangalangan
(CV | Vision Paper)

9. Regent Alfredo Pascual
(CV | Vision Paper)

10. Prof. Virginia Teodosio
(CV | Vision Paper)

11. Chancellor Rey Velasco
(CV | Vision Paper)

How about you? What do you want for the next UP President? Please leave us your comments. Please join our straw poll as well. Thank you!

[Note: This poll is UNOFFICIAL and for survey purposes only. Thank you.]

NCR Youth Summit (September 1, 2010)


UP ALYANSA is currently with the Student Council Alliance of the Philippines (SCAP), Movement for the Advancement of Student Power (MASP), AKBAYAN Youth, Students' Rights and Welfare Coalition, at SK Reform Coalition! for the NCR Youth Summit. This event aims to catalyze action towards a progressive legislative agenda for the youth. This is ongoing at the Ateneo de Manila University campus and the Senate halls.

Iskolar para sa Bayan, kasama ka sa pagbabago!

Monday, August 30, 2010

Iiwasan Ko Mismo (Help Prevent Dengue)


IIWASAN KO MISMO ANG DENGUE
Educational Video Project: Dengue Control in the Philippines

A collaborative project of:
  • De La Salle University Manila (DLSU)
  • Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM)
  • Infectious Diseases Office, National Communicable Disease Control Program, Department of Health (DOH)
With funding support from:
  • The International Development Research Centre (IDRC)
  • Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR)
Cast
  • UP Sirkulo ng mga Kabataang Artista (UP SIKAT)

National Heroes Day (August 30, 2010)

"Mapalad ang bayang linitawan ng mga bayani sapagka't ang bayang iya'y walang kamatayan." (Andres Bonifacio)

ALYANSA joins the entire Filipino nation in celebrating the sacrifice of our country's countless heroes. Kasama ka, kasama tayong lahat, sa pag-alala at pasasalamat sa sakripisyo ng ating mga bayani. Kasama rin tayong lahat sa pagpapatuloy ng kanilang kabayanihan, sa ating sariling paraan.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Uphold Student's Rights and Welfare!




















Iskolar para sa Bayan, alamin ang ating mga karapatan! Know more about
the proposed Magna Carta of Students through Rep. Walden Bello and
Former Rep. Risa Hontiveros.

This is brought to you by UP ALYANSA, BUKLOD CSSP, and AKBAYAN Youth.

Friday, August 27, 2010

Sawa na kami sa Frat-Related Violence!



At around 1:00 am, exactly three years ago, the lifeless body of NCPAG student leader Cris Mendez was brought to the Veterans Memorial Medical Center due to alleged hazing by a UP fraternity. Up to this point in time, NO ONE has been held accountable for his death.



To this, we cry: JUSTICE! Iskolar para sa Bayan, patuloy na tutulan ang karahasan. Hindi ito sukatan ng kadakilaan, karangalan, o kapatiran!



UP Student-Led Anti-Fraternity Violence Watch (SAWA) video shown during freshmen orientation programs at the start of Academic Year 2008-2009.

UP Alyansa ng mga Mag-aaral para sa Panlipunang Katwiran at Kaunlaran (ALYANSA) is an active organization in SAWA.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

National Day of Mourning (August 25, 2010)


KASAMA ang ALYANSA sa pagdadalamhati ng buong Pilipinas sa madugong hostage-taking noong Lunes.

KASAMA rin ang ALYANSA sa panawagan sa hustisya para sa lahat ng biktima.

KASAMA rin ang ALYANSA sa panawagan upang hindi na muling maulit ang madugong pangyayaring ito.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

KASAMA KA sa patuloy na Laban!

August 21, 2010:



We remember a great man who died for this country. We remember his ideals, and his dreams for the country.

We remember Ninoy Aquino.

Makalimutan na ang pangalan, huwag lang ang ipinaglaban. Kasama ka sa patuloy na laban para sa pagbabago.

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Change for 100






We in ALYANSA continue to clamor for a vigilant and committed Filipino people, one that understands the necessity of accountability, transparency and fervor in achieving social justice and social progress.


(Please click the image to read our statement.)

Dignified, humane, and committed


















‎"Today, we look back on her life as an example of how it is to truly be a Filipino: dignified, humane, and committed."


(Please click the image to read our statement.)

Salamat, Tita Cory!


From ALYANSA's Statement on the Death of President Cory Aquino (released August 2, 2009):


"In her passing, let us remember and celebrate Cory Aquino's brand of leadership that is sincere and unwavering. With this, we Iskolars para sa Bayan are called to continue the fight to preserve the democracy that the EDSA People Power Revolution restored. In doing so, we in ALYANSA believe that we must first value the freedom that we have now by exercising our right to speak and act through peaceful means against injustice--a concrete manifestation of the triumph of EDSA through Cory Aquino."

Monday, July 26, 2010

SONA 2010 (Transcript)

State of the Nation Address
of Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III (transcript)

Posted at 07/26/2010 4:46 PM | Updated as of 07/26/2010 6:09 PM

July 26, 2010, Batasan Pambansa Complex, Quezon City

(Transcribed by abs-cbnNEWS.com)

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte; Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile; Vice President Jejomar Binay; Chief Justice Renato Corona; Former Presidents Fidel Valdez Ramos and Joseph Ejercito Estrada; members of the House of Representatives and the Senate; distinguished members of the diplomatic corps; my fellow workers in government;

Mga minamahal kong kababayan:

Sa bawat sandali po ng pamamahala ay nahaharap tayo sa isang sangandaan.

Sa isang banda po ay ang pagpili para sa ikabubuti ng taumbayan. Ang pagtanaw sa interes ng nakakarami; at pagkapit sa prinsipyo; at ang pagiging tapat sa sinumpaan nating tungkulin bilang lingkod-bayan. Ito po ang tuwid na daan.

Sa kabilang banda ay ang pag-una sa pansariling interes. Ang pagpapaalipin sa pulitikal na konsiderasyon, at pagsasakripisyo ng kapakanan ng taumbayan. Ito po ang baluktot na daan.

Matagal pong naligaw ang pamahalaan sa daang baluktot. Araw-araw po, lalong lumilinaw sa akin ang lawak ng problemang ating namana. Damang-dama ko ang bigat ng aking responsibilidad.

Sa unang tatlong linggo ng aming panunungkulan, marami po kaming natuklasan. Nais ko pong ipahayag sa inyo ang iilan lamang sa mga namana nating suliranin at ang ginagawa naming hakbang para lutasin ang mga ito.

Sulyap lamang po ito; hindi pa ito ang lahat ng problemang haharapin natin. Inilihim at sadyang iniligaw ang sambayanan sa totoong kalagayan ng ating bansa.

Sa unang anim na buwan ng taon, mas malaki ang ginastos ng gobyerno kaysa sa pumasok na kita. Lalong lumaki ang deficit natin, na umakyat na sa 196.7 billion pesos. Sa target na kuleksyon, kinapos tayo ng 23.8 billion pesos; ang tinataya namang gastos, nalagpasan lang natin ng 45.1 billion pesos.

Ang budget po sa 2010 ay 1.54 trillion pesos.

Nasa isandaang bilyong piso o anim at kalahating porsyento na lang ng kabuuan ang malaya nating magagamit para sa nalalabing anim na buwan ng taong ito.

Halos isang porsyento na lang po ng kabuuang budget ang natitira para sa bawat buwan.

Saan naman po dinala ang pera?

Naglaan ng dalawang bilyong piso na Calamity Fund bilang paghahanda para sa mga kalamidad na hindi pa nangyayari. Napakaliit na nga ng pondong ito, ngunit kapapasok pa lang natin sa panahon ng baha at bagyo, 1.4 billion pesos o sitenta porsyento (70%) na ang nagastos.

Sa kabuuan ng 108 million pesos para sa lalawigan ng Pampanga, 105 million pesos nito ay napunta sa iisang distrito lamang.

Samantala, ang lalawigan ng Pangasinan na sinalanta ng Pepeng ay nakatanggap ng limang milyong piso (P5M) lamang para sa pinsalang idinulot ng bagyong Cosme, na nangyari noong 2008 pa.

Ibinigay po ang pondo ng Pampanga sa buwan ng eleksyon, pitong buwan pagkatapos ng Ondoy at Pepeng. Paano kung bumagyo bukas? Inubos na ang pondo nito para sa bagyong nangyari noong isang taon pa. Pagbabayaran ng kinabukasan ang kasakiman ng nakaraan.

Ganyan din po ang nangyari sa pondo ng MWSS. Kamakailan lamang, pumipila ang mga tao para lang makakuha ng tubig. Sa kabila nito, minabuti pa ng liderato ng MWSS na magbigay ng gantimpala sa sarili kahit hindi pa nababayaran ang pensyon ng mga retiradong empleyado.

Noong 2009, ang buong payroll ng MWSS ay 51.4 million pesos. Pero hindi lang naman po ito ang sahod nila; may mga additional allowances at benefits pa sila na aabot sa 160.1 million pesos.

Sa madaling sabi, nakatanggap sila ng 211.5 million pesos noong nakaraang taon.

Beinte-kuwatro porsyento (24%) lang nito ang normal na sahod, at sitenta'y sais porsyento ang dagdag.

Ang karaniwang manggagawa hanggang 13th month pay plus cash gift lang ang nakukuha.

Sa MWSS, aabot sa katumbas ng mahigit sa tatlumpung buwan ang sahod kasama na ang lahat ng mga bonuses at allowances na nakuha nila.

Mas matindi po ang natuklasan natin sa pasahod ng kanilang Board of Trustees. Tingnan po natin ang mga allowances na tinatanggap nila:

Umupo ka lang sa Board of Trustees at Board Committee meeting, katorse mil na. Aabot ng nobenta'y otso mil ito kada buwan. May grocery incentive pa sila na otsenta mil kada taon.

Hindi lang iyon: may mid-year bonus, productivity bonus, anniversary bonus, year-end bonus, at Financial Assistance. May Christmas bonus na, may Additional Christmas Package pa. Kada isa sa mga ito, nobenta'y otso mil.

Sa suma total po, aabot ang lahat ng dalawa't kalahating milyong piso kada taon sa bawat miyembro ng Board maliban sa pakotse, technical assistance, at pautang. Uulitin ko po. Lahat ng ito ay ibinibigay nila sa kanilang mga sarili habang hindi pa nababayaran ang mga pensyon ng kanilang mga retirees.

Pati po ang La Mesa Watershed ay hindi nila pinatawad. Para magkaroon ng tamang supply ng tubig, kailangang alagaan ang mga watershed. Sa watershed, puno ang kailangan.

Pati po iyon na dapat puno ang nakatayo, tinayuan nila ng bahay para sa matataas na opisyal ng MWSS.

Hindi naman sila agad maaalis sa puwesto dahil kabilang sila sa mga Midnight Appointees ni dating Pangulong Arroyo.

Iniimbestigahan na natin ang lahat nang ito. Kung mayroon pa silang kahit kaunting hiya na natitira - sana kusa na lang silang magbitiw sa puwesto.

Pag-usapan naman po natin ang pondo para sa imprastruktura. Tumukoy ang DPWH ng dalawandaan apatnapu't anim na priority safety projects na popondohan ng Motor Vehicle Users Charge. Mangangailangan po ito ng budget na 425 million pesos.

Ang pinondohan po, dalawampu't walong proyekto lang. Kinalimutan po ang dalawandaan at labing walong proyekto at pinalitan ng pitumpung proyekto na wala naman sa plano. Ang hininging 425 million pesos, naging 480 million pesos pa, lumaki lalo dahil sa mga proyektong sa piling-piling mga benepisyaryo lang napunta.

Mga proyekto po itong walang saysay, hindi pinag-aralan at hindi pinaghandaan, kaya parang kabuteng sumusulpot.

Tapos na po ang panahon para dito. Sa administrasyon po natin, walang kota-kota, walang tongpats, ang pera ng taumbayan ay gagastusin para sa taumbayan lamang.

Meron pa po tayong natuklasan. Limang araw bago matapos ang termino ng nakaraang administrasyon, nagpautos silang maglabas ng 3.5 billion pesos para sa rehabilitasyon ng mga nasalanta nina Ondoy at Pepeng.

Walumpu't anim na proyekto ang paglalaanan dapat nito na hindi na sana idadaan sa public bidding. Labingsiyam sa mga ito na nagkakahalaga ng 981 million pesos ang muntik nang makalusot. Hindi pa nailalabas ang Special Allotment Release Order ay pirmado na ang mga kontrata.

Buti na lang po ay natuklasan at pinigilan ito ni Secretary Rogelio Singson ng DPWH. Ngayon po ay dadaan na ang kabuuan ng 3.5 billion pesos sa tapat na bidding, at magagamit na ang pondo na ito sa pagbibigay ng lingap sa mga nawalan ng tahanan dahil kina Ondoy at Pepeng.

Pag-usapan naman natin ang nangyari sa NAPOCOR. Noong 2001 hanggang 2004, pinilit ng gobyerno ang NAPOCOR na magbenta ng kuryente nang palugi para hindi tumaas ang presyo. Tila ang dahilan: pinaghahandaan na nila ang eleksyon.

Dahil dito, noong 2004, sumagad ang pagkakabaon sa utang ng NAPOCOR. Napilitan ang pambansang gobyerno na sagutin ang dalawandaang bilyong pisong utang nito.

Ang inakala ng taumbayan na natipid nila sa kuryente ay binabayaran din natin mula sa kaban ng bayan. May gastos na tayo sa kuryente, binabayaran pa natin ang dagdag na pagkakautang ng gobyerno.

Kung naging matino ang pag-utang, sana'y nadagdagan ang ating kasiguruhan sa supply ng kuryente. Pero ang desisyon ay ibinatay sa maling pulitika, at hindi sa pangangailangan ng taumbayan. Ang taumbayan, matapos pinagsakripisyo ay lalo pang pinahihirapan.

Ganito rin po ang nangyari sa MRT. Sinubukan na namang bilhin ang ating pagmamahal. Pinilit ang operator na panatilihing mababa ang pamasahe.

Hindi tuloy nagampanan ang garantiyang ibinigay sa operator na mababawi nila ang kanilang puhunan. Dahil dito, inutusan ang Landbank at Development Bank of the Philippines na bilhin ang MRT.

Ang pera ng taumbayan, ipinagpalit sa isang naluluging operasyon.

Dumako naman po tayo sa pondo ng NFA.

Noong 2004: 117,000 metric tons ang pagkukulang ng supply ng Pilipinas. Ang binili nila, 900,000 metric tons. Kahit ulitin mo pa ng mahigit pitong beses ang pagkukulang, sobra pa rin ang binili nila.

Noong 2007: 589,000 metric tons ang pagkukulang ng supply sa Pilipinas. Ang binili nila, 1.827 million metric tons. Kahit ulitin mo pa ng mahigit tatlong beses ang pagkukulang, sobra na naman ang binili nila.

Ang masakit nito, dahil sobra-sobra ang binibili nila taun-taon, nabubulok lang pala sa mga kamalig ang bigas, kagaya ng nangyari noong 2008.

Hindi po ba krimen ito, na hinahayaan nilang mabulok ang bigas, sa kabila ng apat na milyong Pilipinong hindi kumakain ng tatlong beses sa isang araw?

Ang resulta nito, umabot na sa 171.6 billion pesos ang utang ng NFA noong Mayo ng taong ito.

Ang tinapon na ito, halos puwede na sanang pondohan ang mga sumusunod:

Ang budget ng buong Hudikatura, na 12.7 billion pesos sa taong ito.

Ang Conditional Cash Transfers para sa susunod na taon, na nagkakahalaga ng 29.6 billion pesos.

Ang lahat ng classroom na kailangan ng ating bansa, na nagkakahalaga ng 130 billion pesos.

Kasuklam-suklam ang kalakarang ito. Pera na, naging bato pa.

Narinig po ninyo kung paano nilustay ang kaban ng bayan. Ang malinaw po sa ngayon: ang anumang pagbabago ay magmumula sa pagsiguro natin na magwawakas na ang pagiging maluho at pagwawaldas.

Kaya nga po mula ngayon: ititigil na natin ang paglulustay sa salapi ng bayan.

Tatanggalin natin ang mga proyektong mali.

Ito po ang punto ng tinatawag nating zero-based approach sa ating budget. Ang naging kalakaran po, taun-taon ay inuulit lamang ang budget na puno ng tagas. Dadagdagan lang nang konti, puwede na.

Sa susunod na buwan ay maghahain tayo ng budget na kumikilala nang tama sa mga problema, at magtutuon din ng pansin sa tamang solusyon.

Ilan lang ito sa mga natuklasan nating problema. Heto naman po ang ilang halimbawa ng mga hakbang na ginagawa natin.

Nandiyan po ang kaso ng isang may-ari ng sanglaan. Bumili siya ng sasakyang tinatayang nasa dalawampu't anim na milyong piso ang halaga.

Kung kaya mong bumili ng Lamborghini, bakit hindi mo kayang magbayad ng buwis?

Nasampahan na po ito ng kaso. Sa pangunguna nina Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, BIR Commissioner Kim Henares at Customs Commissioner Lito Alvarez, bawat linggo po ay may bago tayong kasong isinasampa kontra sa mga smuggler at sa mga hindi nagbabayad ng tamang buwis.

Natukoy na rin po ang salarin sa mga kaso nina Francisco Baldomero, Jose Daguio at Miguel Belen, tatlo sa anim na insidente ng extralegal killings mula nang umupo tayo.

Singkuwenta porsyento po ng mga insidente ng extralegal killings na nangyari sa maikling taon ng ating panunungkulan ang patungo na sa kanilang resolusyon.

Ang natitira pong kalahati ay hindi natin tatantanan ang pag-usig hanggang makamit ang katarungan.

Pananagutin natin ang mga mamamatay-tao. Pananagutin din natin ang mga corrupt sa gobyerno.

Nagsimula nang mabuo ang ating Truth Commission, sa pangunguna ni dating Chief Justice Hilario Davide. Hahanapin natin ang katotohanan sa mga nangyari diumanong katiwalian noong nakaraang siyam na taon.

Sa loob ng linggong ito, pipirmahan ko ang kauna-unahang Executive Order na nagtatalaga sa pagbuo nitong Truth Commission.

Kung ang sagot sa kawalan ng katarungan ay pananagutan, ang sagot naman sa kakulangan natin sa pondo ay mga makabago at malikhaing paraan para tugunan ang mga pagkatagal-tagal nang problema.

Napakarami po ng ating pangangailangan: mula sa edukasyon, imprastruktura, pangkalusugan, pangangailangan ng militar at kapulisan, at marami pang iba. Hindi kakasya ang pondo para mapunan ang lahat ng ito.

Kahit gaano po kalaki ang kakulangan para mapunuan ang mga listahan ng ating pangangailangan, ganado pa rin ako dahil marami nang nagpakita ng panibagong interes at kumpyansa sa Pilipinas.

Ito ang magiging solusyon: mga Public-Private Partnerships. Kahit wala pa pong pirmahang nangyayari dito, masasabi kong maganda ang magiging bunga ng maraming usapin (ukol ditto).

May mga nagpakita na po ng interes, gustong magtayo ng expressway na mula Maynila, tatahak ng Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, hanggang sa dulo ng Cagayan Valley nang hindi gugugol ang estado kahit na po piso.

Sa larangan ng ating Sandatahang Lakas:

Mayroon po tayong 36,000 nautical miles na baybayin. Ang mayroon lamang tayo: tatlumpu't dalawang barko. Itong mga barkong ito, panahon pa ni General MacArthur.

May nagmungkahi sa atin, ito ang proposisyon: uupahan po nila ang headquarters ng Navy sa Roxas Boulevard at ang Naval Station sa Fort Bonifacio.

Sagot po nila ang paglipat ng Navy Headquarters sa Camp Aguinaldo. Agaran, bibigyan tayo ng isandaang milyong dolyar. At dagdag pa sa lahat nang iyan, magsusubi pa sila sa atin ng kita mula sa mga negosyong itatayo nila sa uupahan nilang lupa.

Sa madali pong sabi: Makukuha natin ang kailangan natin, hindi tatayo gagastos, kikita pa tayo.

Marami na pong nag-alok at nagmungkahi sa atin, mula lokal hanggang dayuhang negosyante, na magpuno ng iba't ibang pangangailangan.

Mula sa mga public-private partnerships na ito, lalago ang ating ekonomiya, at bawat Pilipino makikinabang. Napakaraming sektor na matutulungan nito.

Maipapatayo na po ang imprastrukturang kailangan natin para palaguin ang turismo.

Sa agrikultura, makapagtatayo na tayo ng mga grains terminals, refrigeration facilities, maayos na road networks at post-harvest facilities.

Kung maisasaayos natin ang ating food supply chain sa tulong ng pribadong sektor, sa halip na mag-angkat tayo ay maari na sana tayong mangarap na mag-supply sa pandaigdigang merkado.

Kung maitatayo ang minumungkahi sa ating mga railway system, bababa ang presyo ng bilihin. Mas mura, mas mabilis, mas maginhawa, at makakaiwas pa sa kotong cops at mga kumokotong na rebelde ang mga bumibiyahe.

Paalala lang po: una sa ating plataporma ang paglikha ng mga trabaho, at nanggagaling ang trabaho sa paglago ng industriya. Lalago lamang ang industriya kung gagawin nating mas malinis, mas mabilis, at mas maginhawa ang proseso para sa mga gustong magnegosyo.

Pabibilisin natin ang proseso ng mga proyektong sumasailalim sa Build-Operate-Transfer. Sa tulong ng lahat ng sangay ng gobyerno at ng mga mamamayan, pabababain natin sa anim na buwan ang proseso na noon ay inaabot ng taon kung hindi dekada.

May mga hakbang na rin pong sinisimulan ang DTI, sa pamumuno ni Secretary Gregory Domingo:

Ang walang-katapusang pabalik-balik sa proseso ng pagrehistro ng pangalan ng kumpanya, na kada dalaw ay umaabot ng apat hanggang walong oras, ibababa na natin sa labinlimang minuto.

Ang dating listahan ng tatlumpu't anim na dokumento, ibababa natin sa anim. Ang dating walong pahinang application form, ibababa natin sa isang pahina.

Nananawagan ako sa ating mga LGUs. Habang naghahanap tayo ng paraan para gawing mas mabilis ang pagbubukas ng mga negosyo, pag-aralan din sana nila ang kanilang mga proseso. Kailangan itong gawing mas mabilis, at kailangan itong itugma sa mga sinisumulan nating reporma.

Negosyante, sundalo, rebelde, at karaniwang Pilipino, lahat po makikinabang dito. Basta po hindi dehado ang Pilipino, papasukin po natin lahat iyan.

Kailangan na po nating simulan ang pagtutulungan para makamit ito. Huwag nating pahirapan ang isa't isa.

Parating na po ang panahon na hindi na natin kailangang mamili sa pagitan ng seguridad ng ating mamamayan o sa kinabukasan ng inyong mga anak.

Oras na maipatupad ang public-private partnerships na ito, mapopondohan ang mga serbisyong panlipunan, alinsunod sa ating plataporma.

Magkakapondo na po para maipatupad ang mga plano natin sa edukasyon.

Mapapalawak natin ang basic education cycle mula sa napakaikling sampung taon tungo sa global standard na labindalawang taon.

Madadagdagan natin ang mga classroom. Mapopondohan natin ang service contracting sa ilalim ng GASTPE.

Pati ang conditional cash transfers, na magbabawas ng pabigat sa bulsa ng mga pamilya, madadagdan na rin ng pondo.

Maipapatupad ang plano natin sa PhilHealth.

Una, tutukuyin natin ang tunay na bilang ng mga nangangailangan nito. Sa ngayon, hindi magkakatugma ang datos. Sabi ng PhilHealth sa isang bibig, walumpu't pitong porsyento na raw ang merong coverage. Sa kabilang bibig naman, singkuwenta'y tres porsyento. Ayon naman sa National Statistics Office, tatlumpu't walong porsyento ang may coverage.

Ngayon pa lang, kumikilos na si Secretary Dinky Soliman at ang DSWD upang ipatupad ang National Household Targetting System, na magtutukoy sa mga pamilyang higit na nagangailangan ng tulong. Tinatayang siyam na bilyon ang kailangan para mabigyan ng PhilHealth ang limang milyong pinakamaralitang pamilyang Pilipino.

Napakaganda po ng hinaharap natin. Kasama na po natin ang pribadong sektor, at kasama na rin natin ang League of Provinces, sa pangunguna nina Governor Alfonso Umali kasama sina Governor L-Ray Villafuerte at Governor Icot Petilla. Handa na pong makipagtulungan para makibahagi sa pagtustos ng mga gastusin. Alam ko rin pong hindi magpapahuli ang League of Cities sa pangunguna ni Mayor Oscar Rodriguez.

Kung ang mga gobyernong lokal ay nakikiramay na sa ating mga adhikain, ang Kongreso namang pinanggalingan ko, siguro naman maasahan ko din.

Nagpakitang-gilas na po ang gabinete sa pagtukoy ng ating mga problema at sa paglulunsad ng mga solusyon sa loob lamang ng tatlong linggo.

Nang bagyo pong Basyang, ang sabi sa atin ng mga may prangkisa sa kuryente, apat na araw na walang kuryente. Dahil sa mabilis na pagkilos ni Secretary Rene Almendras at ng Department of Energy, naibalik ang kuryente sa halos lahat sa loob lamang ng beinte-kwatro oras.

Ito pong sinasabing kakulangan sa tubig sa Metro Manila, kinilusan agad ni Secretary Rogelio Singson at ng DPWH. Hindi na siya naghintay ng utos, kaya nabawasan ang perwisyo.

Nakita na rin natin ang gilas ng mga hinirang nating makatulong sa Gabinete. Makatuwiran naman po sigurong umasa na hindi na sila padadaanin sa butas ng karayom para makumpirma ng Commission on Appointments. Kung mangyayari po ito, marami pa sa mga mahuhusay na Pilipino ang maeengganyong magsilbi sa gobyerno.

Sa lalong madaling panahon po, uupo na tayo sa LEDAC at pag-uusapan ang mga mahahalagang batas na kailangan nating ipasa. Makakaasa kayo na mananatiling bukas ang aking isipan, at ang ating ugnayan ay mananatiling tapat.

Isinusulong po natin ang Fiscal Responsibility Bill, kung saan hindi tayo magpapasa ng batas na mangangailangan ng pondo kung hindi pa natukoy ang panggagalingan nito. May 104.1 billion pesos tayong kailangan para pondohan ang mga batas na naipasa na, ngunit hindi maipatupad.

Kailangan din nating isaayos ang mga insentibong piskal na ibinigay noong nakaraan. Ngayong naghihigpit tayo ng sinturon, kailangang balikan kung alin sa mga ito ang dapat manatili at kung ano ang dapat nang itigil.

Huwag po tayong pumayag na magkaroon ng isa pang NBN-ZTE. Sa lokal man o dayuhan manggagaling ang pondo, dapat dumaan ito sa tamang proseso. Hinihingi ko po ang tulong ninyo upang amiyendahan ang ating Procurement Law.

Ayon po sa Saligang Batas, tungkulin ng estado ang siguruhing walang lamangan sa merkado. Bawal ang monopolya, bawal ang mga cartel na sasakal sa kumpetisyon. Kailangan po natin ng isang Anti-Trust Law na magbibigay-buhay sa mga prinsipyong ito. Ito ang magbibigay ng pagkakataon sa mga Small- at Medium-scale Enterprises na makilahok at tumulong sa paglago ng ating ekonomiya.

Ipasa na po natin ang National Land Use Bill.

Una rin pong naging batas ng Commonwealth ang National Defense Act, na ipinasa noon pang 1935. Kailangan nang palitan ito ng batas na tutugon sa pangangailangan ng pambansang seguridad sa kasalukuyan.

Nakikiusap po akong isulong ang Whistleblower's Bill upang patuloy nang iwaksi ang kultura ng takot at pananahimik.

Palalakasin pa lalo ang Witness Protection Program. Alalahanin po natin na noong taong 2009 hanggang 2010, may nahatulan sa 95% ng mga kaso kung saan may witness na sumailalim sa programang ito.
Kailangang repasuhin ang ating mga batas. Nanawagan po akong umpisahan na ang rekodipikasyon ng ating mga batas, upang siguruhing magkakatugma sila at hindi salu-salungat.

Ito pong mga batas na ito ang batayan ng kaayusan, ngunit ang pundasyon ng lahat ng ginagawa natin ay ang prinsipyong wala tayong mararating kung walang kapayapaan at katahimikan.

Dalawa ang hinaharap nating suliranin sa usapin ng kapayapaan: ang situwasyon sa Mindanao, at ang patuloy na pag-aaklas ng CPP-NPA-NDF.

Tungkol sa situwasyon sa Mindanao: Hindi po nagbabago ang ating pananaw. Mararating lamang ang kapayapaan at katahimikan kung mag-uusap ang lahat ng apektado: Moro, Lumad, at Kristiyano. Inatasan na natin si Dean Marvic Leonen na mangasiwa sa ginagawa nating pakikipag-usap sa MILF.

Iiwasan natin ang mga pagkakamaling nangyari sa nakaraang administrasyon, kung saan binulaga na lang ang mga mamamayan ng Mindanao. Hindi tayo puwedeng magbulag-bulagan sa mga dudang may kulay ng pulitika ang proseso, at hindi ang kapakanan ng taumbayan ang tanging interes.

Kinikilala natin ang mga hakbang na ginagawa ng MILF sa pamamagitan ng pagdidisplina sa kanilang hanay. Inaasahan natin na muling magsisimula ang negosasyon pagkatapos ng Ramadan.

Tungkol naman po sa CPP-NPA-NDF: handa na ba kayong maglaan ng kongkretong mungkahi, sa halip na pawang batikos lamang?

Kung kapayapaan din ang hangad ninyo, handa po kami sa malawakang tigil-putukan. Kayo po ba ay handa na din? Mag-usap tayo.

Mahirap magsimula ang usapan habang mayroon pang amoy ng pulbura sa hangin. Nananawagan ako: huwag po natin hayaang masayang ang napakagandang pagkakataong ito upang magtipon sa ilalim ng iisang adhikain.

Kapayapaan at katahimikan po ang pundasyon ng kaunlaran. Habang nagpapatuloy ang barilan, patuloy din ang pagkakagapos natin sa kahirapan.

Dapat din po nating mabatid: ito ay panahon ng sakripisyo. At ang sakripisyong ito ay magiging puhunan para sa ating kinabukasan. Kaakibat ng ating mga karapatan at kalayaan ay ang tungkulin natin sa kapwa at sa bayan.

Inaasahan ko po ang ating mga kaibigan sa media, lalo na sa radyo at sa print, sa mga nagbablock-time, at sa community newspapers, kayo na po mismo ang magbantay sa inyong hanay.

Mabigyang-buhay sana ang mga batayang prinsipyo ng inyong bokasyon: ang magbigay-linaw sa mahahalagang isyu; ang maging patas at makatotohanan, at ang itaas ang antas ng pampublikong diskurso.

Tungkulin po ng bawat Pilipino na tutukan ang mga pinunong tayo rin naman ang nagluklok sa puwesto. Humakbang mula sa pakikialam tungo sa pakikilahok. Dahil ang nakikialam, walang-hanggan ang reklamo.

Ang nakikilahok, nakikibahagi sa solusyon.

Napakatagal na pong namamayani ang pananaw na ang susi sa asenso ay ang intindihin ang sarili kaysa intindihin ang kapwa. Malinaw po sa akin: paano tayo aasenso habang nilalamangan ang kapwa?

Ang hindi nabigyan ng pagkakataong mag-aral, paanong makakakuha ng trabaho? Kung walang trabaho, paanong magiging konsumer? Paanong mag-iimpok sa bangko?

Ngunit kung babaliktarin natin ang pananaw-kung iisipin nating "Dadagdagan ko ang kakayahan ng aking kapwa"-magbubunga po ito, at ang lahat ay magkakaroon ng pagkakataon.

Maganda na po ang nasimulan natin. At mas lalong maganda po ang mararating natin. Ngunit huwag nating kalimutan na mayroong mga nagnanasang hindi tayo magtagumpay. Dahil kapag hindi tayo
nagtagumpay, makakabalik na naman sila sa kapangyarihan, at sa pagsasamantala sa taumbayan.

Akin pong paniwala na Diyos at taumbayan ang nagdala sa ating kinalalagyan ngayon. Habang nakatutok tayo sa kapakanan ng ating kapwa, bendisyon at patnubay ay tiyak na maaasahan natin sa Poong Maykapal. At kapag nanalig tayo na ang kasangga natin ay ang Diyos, mayroon ba tayong hindi kakayanin?

Ang mandato nating nakuha sa huling eleksyon ay patunay na umaasa pa rin ang Pilipino sa pagbabago. Iba na talaga ang situwasyon. Puwede na muling mangarap. Tayo nang tumungo sa katuparan ng ating mga pinangarap.

Maraming salamat po.

Kasama Ka sa Pagbabago, UP!



Iskolar Para Sa Bayan, Kasama Ka.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Why I support ALYANSA

I've been active in campus politics for the past eight years. I've involved myself as part of the campaign machinery, as a member of the executive board of my political party, and a member of the council. It's been one big roller coaster ride. When I started out, I was idealistic, all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. I felt that through my party, and later through the student council I could actually change the world, even just a teeny tiny bit. But I soon found out that such is not the case. It was a rude awakening, actually. There was no one to hold my hand or walk me through it all as I realized that being involved in politics (campus or otherwise) is an almost certain path to disillusionment and burn-out. Not to mention the buckets of tears I cried over the years, big (literally and figuratively) baby that I am. At least that was the way it was for me. In my masochistic heart of hearts, I enjoyed the different responsibilities and the opportunity to get to know and work with other people, but at the end of the day, I realized that I didn't like the constant feeling of self-doubt that in my case inevitably comes with being in a public position. You constantly second-guess yourself and your motives and become sensitive to what others say and think even if in the past such was not the case. It was because of all this that I decided not to run again, both in undergrad and subsequently in law school.

It also did not help that over the years, my personal sometimes great, and sometimes not-so great, experiences were effectively multiplied and compounded as I was privy to the many misgivings and heartaches people I knew who were likewise involved in campus politics had. Through my not-so-baby brother who spent one year in the USC and two in the School of Economics Council, I vicariously experienced day in and day out how sometimes good intentions coupled with good ideas are sometimes not enough. Through many friends, I vicariously felt the pain of personal attacks and mudslinging. While I did not like what others were experiencing and felt for them, such also gave me a taste of reality, of the imperfections and flaws in the system, in any system for that matter.

Despite the imperfections and flaws, I remained with my party, ALYANSA. Sure I didn't always agree with certain decisions made by my party, quite vocally making it known to the world. I felt that my loyalty to my party was hinged on the principles espoused and not to the personalities involved. I think that is why despite my many misgivings over the past eight years, I have had no problem staying on. I've realized over time that it is practically impossible to attain perfection or even complete satisfaction with the way things are. It's simply a matter of making the most of what we have, and remaining true to ourselves and what we stand for. Yes, it may sound like I've settled, that I've compromised, but I beg to differ. There's nothing shameful in 'settling' for as long as there is consistency with principles and no one is harmed in the process. What is important at the end of the day is integrity. Whether you stood by unwaveringly for what you believed in and lived and led in such a matter as would be consistent with those principles especially in the face of trying circumstances even if there are more convenient paths to take. That for me is the non-negotiable.

That is why it's easy for me to say that despite the many heartaches and heartbreaks campus politics has given me a taste of over the years, I have no problems remaining with ALYANSA even as a mere supporter. Despite knowing the hardships of campus politics from the campaign, to the time one is actually holding the office, there is the internal drive and spirit to once again present themselves as a real choice to the UP students. That was something I could not bring myself to do and that remains something I continue to admire in others for that takes courage, strength of spirit and commitment to something bigger than the fleeting highly-charged emotions, criticisms, and the like that inevitably come with any kind of campaign. Politics can sometimes be dirty and frustrating, but there is that willingness to go beyond the bad – and sometimes ugly – in pursuit of the quixotic impossible dream.

In the same way I vote for candidates in the coming national elections based on platforms, principles, and integrity, I vote for ALYANSA because I know what they stand for. I know where they are located in the political spectrum. I know that with them, what I see is what I get and that they're not pretending to be something else simply to get votes. In the imperfect system we have to contend with, I choose to vote for leaders whose principles and ideals are consistent with mine and who have the audacity to aspire for better things for all of us. That appeals to the idealist in me. Maybe these ideals will never come into fruition, but I harbor no doubts they will at least try their very best and will take on the burden of standing for and speaking up for what they believe is right even if it's not popular or even if it's difficult, as true leaders would and should.

Arianne Reyes
Juris Doctor, UP College of Law (2010)

Vice-President, UP Law Student Government (2008-2009)
BA Political Science, magna cum laude (2006)
Chairperson, CSSP Student Council (2005-2006)
#1 Councilor/Secretary-General, CSSP Student Council (2004-2005)

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Answering the Challenge

We in ALYANSA have always believed that the University Student Council (USC) is a showcase of our principles and shared values. Our leadership reflects our character. Our credibility, as student leaders, emanates from our decision to remain true to these principles, values, and character that we hold dear.

Our call, “Kasama Ka”, is a reflection of the formation’s character for the past decade. It is not merely a show for self-congratulation. Being “kasama” implies the our work as ALYANSA--our constant efforts to bridge our differences, our passionate work for progressive change, and our purposeful service to the University and country. Summed by our challenge to become Iskolars para sa Bayan, we have enjoined students for a decade to go beyond themselves and become a force for social justice and social progress.

It is in this light that we answer the challenge of our friends from the other side of the fence.

When red banners unfurl with the fiery rhetoric of militant action, isn’t that borne out of a desire for social transformation? While we often clash and disagree on issues, ALYANSA has always been united with its counterparts in desiring for social transformation. We have shown throughout our history that we can unite for a common purpose even as we disagree. We have ousted a corrupt President in 2001, we have defended the Manininda’s tenure in UP in 2005, and we are now protecting the Office of the Student Regent by condemning its vacancy as a disservice to students.

When yellow is being touted as the color of unity, and students put it at the helm of the USC, isn’t that a result of a promise for change? Even if ALYANSA belongs to the opposite side of the fence, we have been consistent with serving the students. Even as promises are broken, and the prospect for change turns sour, ALYANSA never abandoned the USC.

For a decade, we held our blue standard high and lived out our words “Kasama Ka.” It is the reason why ALYANSA continues to be the best alternative for change. We spoke out against fraternity-related violence all throughout our ten years. We are the formation that advocated revisions for the UP Charter, which passed in 2008, way back in 2003. We are the formation that led the USC with integrity in 2004, 2007, and 2008. We are the formation that successfully pushed for the reform of the STFAP in 2009, consistent with the core concept of social justice.

This is leadership that we have always demonstrated for a decade--ready to involve, never to leave behind. This is leadership that we serve to uphold--ready to unite, never to divide. This is the leadership that carries our principle--ready to listen, never to impose.

We may be different, but we share a common humanity. This is the humanity we serve to uplift in ALYANSA. This is the essence of “kasama ka”, and this is the brand of leadership we offer to our UP.

Kasama Ka ng UP ALYANSA di lang sa salita, ngunit sa gawa.

It's been a good six years ago when campus elections had as its defining issue the draft New UP Charter, meant to replace the decades-old University Charter of 1908. Students were initially seen to be divided; political parties against the draft UP Charter wanted it scrapped. They alleged that it was anti-student. They campaigned that UP students had already rejected it outright. Having been elected as the UP Diliman USC Chairperson of that time, and guided by UP ALYANSA's pillar of Progressive, Multi-Perspective Activism, we literally brought the USC around the campus.

We did not have the benefit of internet bandwidth back then: there was no Facebook, Multiply, or Youtube. The General Assembly had to do the rounds and engage students as to how they felt about issues. After having compiled all the meeting notes, position papers, and statements, the USC had more than enough material to constructively deliberate and forward its position not just as pieces of paper to be circulated on campus, but as documents submitted to the halls of Congress. The proverbial student's voice had a multiplier in the UP ALYANSA-led USC, and our team made sure that every hearing or proceeding in the Senate or the House of Representatives had a UPD USC member attending and actively participating.

That was how it was with UP ALYANSA at the helm. The Captain of the Ship was the student body; the USC dutifully sailed the boat of policy towards the destination that students wanted. And we were vindicated: fastforward to the present and it is the very Charter that we students of yesteryears supported that has now led to the legal recognition of student councils and student publications, the inclusion of a Staff Regent, and even the groundwork for the CRSRS Referendum held recently.

From its name itself - UNIVERSITY Student Council, the USC must be seen not as an opportunity for any particular local college to shine. Its view is University-wide; its affairs are not colored by local college interests. We exchanged views directly with the Chancellor of UP Diliman, and at times had to advocate for student's rights before no less than the UP President. I found out that a Chairperson had to have a broad perspective. He should be someone who has been there at that level, someone who has the interests of ALL UP Diliman students in mind.

I may no longer be spending as much time on campus as I used to. Thanks to the internet however, all the posters, pins, documents, and GPOAs have found their way onto my computer screen. With the experience of running a USC in mind (one that I inherited with lots of debts but left with surplus cash upon turnover), I have determined that ALYANSA has not wavered in its commitment to strengthen student institutions by way of a sound platform of government.

Led by its candidate for Chair Mario Cerilles and his partner in management Vice Chair Bevs Lumbera, the entire team of ALYANSA Councilors and College Reps has great potential. I support their candidacy.

I hope and pray that students will see through all the flashbang, stun-effects of the campaign and realize that it is ALYANSA's slate that knows exactly what to do and how to do it as regards the complex institution that is the UP Diliman USC.

Atty. Kris Ablan
Chairperson, UP Diliman USC 2004-2005
Provincial Board Member, Province of Ilocos Norte
Chairperson, University Student Council (2004-2005)

Monday, February 8, 2010

Kasama natin ang ALYANSA ♥
















Kasama ka sa pagbabago --
our time for change is now.
We are called to transcend our differences,
through unity that reflects our shared values.

Kasama ka sa paglilingkod --
our service defines our purpose.
We are called to a cause much larger than ourselves,
to become persons for others, igniting transformation.

Kasama ka, Iskolar para sa Bayan --
our future is within our grasp.
We are called to a common endeavor,
charting a future shaped by our collective aspiration.

Kasama ka sa isang ALYANSA --
our individual voices are called to speak as one.
Let us create a new partnership for change,
realizing our heritage, taking charge of our common future.



Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Kuwentong puyat, o kung bakit hindi dapat nakatingala kapag nangangarap.

Pangarap ang madalas nagtutulak sa atin para makagawa ng mga bagay na sa unang akala ay hindi natin kakayanin. Batang-bata ako at promdi nang unang masalpak sa UP kaya’t aminadong dehado ako kung papaanong hamunin ang bagong tereyn na ito. Kung tutuusin, hindi naman bago sa akin ang magpakabibo --- maging elementary man o high school, batang may laban na ako. Pero UP naman na kasi ito, at ang daan paakyat ay hindi kasing dali dahil sa dami naming bibo at biba. Public Administration ang kursong pinili ko kaya’t hindi mahirap isipin na ang maging lider ang karir na gusto kong pasukin.

Bilang freshie, sa Kalai ako unang nadestino. Dahil batang sadyang mapangarap at pabibo, naging Corridor Representative agad ako ng pinakababang palapag ng dorm. Dahil nga nasa pinakababa, "there’s no way but up" sa isip-isip ko kaya’t salamat sa kati ng aking paang tumakbo at sa angking (ahem) charms, naging Chairperson ako ng buong Kalayaan Residence Hall. Magaan naman sa akin ang pagbalikat ng responsibilidad na ito dahil masarap makihalubilo sa iba’t ibang kultura lalo’t gayong well-represented pa ang lahat ng rehiyon sa bansa sa dorm admissions noon.

Akala ko sa Kalai na rin matatapos ang karir ko dahil di naman na biro ang maging kinatawan ng limang-daan sa mga pinakabibong isko at iska ng buong bansa! Solb na rin ika nga pero kung bibigyan pa rin ng mas malaking pagkakataon para umangat, tuloy pa. Dito na nagsimula ang kanilang pag-aligid. Una pangiti-ngiti lang, konting kwentuhan sa isawan ni Mang Larry, tapos sa driveway ng Kalai, hanggang pati na sa NCPAG! (clue: ka-course ko siya, at sa malaon ay magiging kinatawan siya ng mga isko at iska sa Quezon Hall). Masarap siyang kausap at dahil dun madali akong nagtiwala sa kanya. Minsan nayaya niya ako sa isang forum ukol sa kalagayan ng edukasyon, at interesado naman ako kaya’t hindi na niya ako kinailangang pilitin, kusang loob na akong sumama. Sa puntong iyon naganap ang bagay na babago sa buhay ko. Hindi naging madaling masikmura lalo’t iba ang sinasabi ng utak ko sa ipinaririnig sa akin. Kung mula Kalai Chair ay mismong kalayaan ko na sa pagtatanong at pakikipagdiskusyon ang magiging kapalit ng pag-akyat, hindi bale na lang. Nawala na lang sa isip ko ang mga pangarap kong makilahok sa pulitika ng UP.

Mga bandang February at dala ng pakikibonding sa mga floormates ko mula Pangasinan ay nakita ko na lang ang sarili kong nakikigupit ng blue pins kasama nila. Iyong pangalan sa blue pin, NCPAG din pala. Sa paggupit ng blue pin nagsimula ang magiging mahabang relasyon ko sa Alyansa. Sa Alyansa pala, kahit nagugupit ng pin, pinapakinggan ang tanong. Maski freshie at saling-pusa, binigyan pa rin ako ng halaga na magkaroon ng sarili kong opinyon. Napakalaking bagay para sa akin noon lalo na’t may maikukumpara akong naging masama karanasan sa iba.

Lalo pang nasinsin ang paghanga ko sa Alyansa nang sumalang ako bilang kandidato at isa iyon sa mga bagay kung bakit maituturing kong mapalad ako. Sa loob ng mga malayang talakayan ukol sa napakaraming issue ko nakita kung gaano pinapahalagahan sa Alyansa ang pakikisama sa iba. Mahaba man o nakakapagod o abutin man ng pagpupuyat hanggang madaling araw ang mga diskusyon at debate, walang puntong maliit o hindi pakikinggan. Siyempre, parang ulam na masarap papakin, natuto akong namnamin ang bawat salita, kanino man ito nanggaling— freshie, tander, girl, boy, bakla, tomboy.

Hindi naman pala kailangang galing sa taas at sa tinitingala lamang manggaling ang mga solusyon sa mga sitwasyong ating kinakaharap. Mas mahalagang mapakinggan ang punto ng ating mga katabi, lalo na iyong mga saling-pusa— iyong mga naisantabi, isinagilid, at walang kapangyarihan.

Totoo nga, sino ka man, mahalaga sa Alyansa na maging kasama ka sa paglalakbay tungo sa mga pagbabagong atin pa ring pinapangarap.

Rbee Mallari
BA Public Administration (2006)
MA Demography, CSSP (2007-to date)
Chairperson, Kalayaan Residence Hall Association 2002-2003
NCPAG Representative, University Student Council 2004-2005
Convenor, ALYANSA Circle of Individuals 2005-2006

The Work for Change Remains

A Reflection on the ALYANSA Majority, 2004-2005

For better or for worse, the first ALYANSA majority in the University Student Council back in 2004 would always be a fertile ground for debate. Its impressive sweep of the USC, its ensuing governance by an alliance of moderates and independents, and its subsequent inability to repeat a victory until 2007 is paradise for speculation. Nonetheless, as a member of that majority, my personal take on the Council is this --- excited with the prospect of victory, we knew we were at the cusp of sweeping change in the University. Looking back, we knew we succeeded on many fronts, and failed in some others. Nonetheless, we knew one thing for certain --- we showed UP the exciting possibilities of a more inclusive partnership in the USC.

The big idea that guided the ALYANSA majority in the USC was simple --- deliver accountable, visible and competent leadership. We wanted to show that we could do things differently. We wanted to show that moderates and independents could achieve a legacy in the USC. We wanted to show that our brand of leadership embodied character, competence and common sense.

To be accountable, to be visible and to embody competent leadership, this we did in the USC. We leveled down a debt, hundreds of thousands of pesos worth, to a first-ever surplus. The Ikot USC, showcasing the continued presence of the Council in colleges, dorms and orgs, succeeded in making the Council more visible for the first time in years. The campaign for a progressive UP Charter passage also took flight in our Council, resulting in its passage into law in 2008.

Human as we are, we had our shortcomings. We had lots of them, for sure. We knew that much of our work remained unfinished. Nonetheless, I guess, it was meant to be that way. As the work for progress always remains incomplete, there is always room for better ways of leading, of being, of doing. There would be leaders in ALYANSA much better than us, who would achieve more, who would bring us closer to that promise of change.

Thus, long after we have had our day in the USC, we remain fired up with that promise. Even as we have moved on to our individual fields, we continue to give back and guide our juniors in ALYANSA. Indeed, if there was ALYANSA taught us, it was this --- majority or not, the work for an inclusive, progressive, principled partnership with the University and country remains.

Patrick John “Pats” Alcantara
Faculty Member, Xavier School
BA Psychology (2006)
MA Basic Education Teaching, AdMU (2007-to date)

Councilor, University Student Council (2004-2005)
Vice-Chairperson for Education, ALYANSA (2005-2006)
Founding President, UP SIKAT
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