One decade.
One decade may be a passing era in a lifetime, a heartbeat in human history, or a speck in the universe. Nonetheless, one decade can also represent a quantum leap, a change so fundamental, that it can alter the course of experience.
One decade ago, out of the movement that ousted a president who symbolized decadence and excess, we formed ALYANSA. A decade later, ALYANSA, borne out of the promise of its time, remains true to its calling. ALYANSA remains to be a formation of principles, of values, of character, with an unchanging battle cry challenging students to go beyond themselves, and become Iskolars para sa Bayan.
One decade of existence saw our numerous hurdles and triumphs. Many challenges tested our resolve, but we emerged stronger and wiser. We ousted a president in 2001. We campaigned for volunteerism back in 2002. We pioneered the revision of the UP Charter in 2003, leading to its passage five years after. We led, for the first time, the University Student Council (USC) in 2004. We never faltered against fraternity-related violence in 2005, even at much cost. We ushered in reforms in the Student Regent selection process in 2006. We marched on to bigger gains in the USC in 2007. We brought in the Eco-Active Campaign for the environment in 2008. On that same year, we also launched the STFAP Under Protest, generating a clamor for revising the UP scholarship brackets, which finally led the University to fix the system in 2009. We have been true to our name as Iskolars para sa Bayan, as we mustered the biggest bayanihan for fellow typhoon survivors this year. In ten years, we firmly established ourselves as the best alternative in student politics, an alternative rooted in service.
One decade of existence as ALYANSA could not have been possible without our participation. We were there all along, forging unity through principles, leading with values and character, and serving with utmost pride. It is fitting that our theme, “Kasama Ka sa ALYANSA”, reflects that shared heritage and optimistic view of the future.
Thus, as we press on to the challenges of another decade, we remind ourselves of our past, as we persevere on to the future.
Isang Dekada ng Paglilingkod.
Isang Dekada ng mga Iskolar para sa Bayan.
Isang Dekada ng ALYANSA. Kasama Ka!
