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.
