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)

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)

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.

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

UP ALYANSA Kasi Ako …. Angal Ka?

Bilang parte ng ALYANSA mas minabuti kong isulat itong aking salaysay sa Filipino. Masakit sa ilong ang sumulat sa Ingles lalo na kung ito ang pamamaraan ng komunikasyon sa opisina. Natuwa naman ako nang maimbitahan akong sumulat tungkol sa personal kong experience sa ALYANSA. Nais kong ibahagi kung paano lubos na naimpluwensahan ng ALYANSA ang aking pagkatao mula sa aking karakter, pag iisip at pakikihalubilo sa mga tao.

Sinasabi natin na ang ating pormasyon ay progressive at multi-perspective, ito ang natatangi kong ipinagmamalaki sa aking pakikipaghalubilo sa mga tao. Alam naman natin na hindi pare-pareho ang mga tao at ang pagkakaroon na bukas at malawak na pang-unawa ay naitutulong ng pagiging multi-perspective. Corny kung iisipin pero kung tutuusin nangyayari nga ito araw araw. Sa dami ng nakakasalamuha kong tao lalo na sa ngayon, mahalaga maging mapag-unawa. Hindi ko kailangan ipilit sa tao ang mga paniniwala na mayroon ako, kailangan lamang maipaunawa sa kanila kung ano ang klase ng prinsipyo ko. Progressive pa rin ako kasi nakukuha ko pa rin palawagin ang pang unawa ko sa prinsipyo ng ibang tao at hindi ko isinasara ang pag-iisip ko sa mga pagbabagong pwede palang mangyari sa aking paniniwala.

Siyempre, dahil hindi perpekto ang mundo lalo na sa pribadong korporasyon, marami pa ring reklamo --- lalo na sa kaso ko! Reklamo kung reklamo pa nga eh. Pero, ang natutunan ko sa ALYANSA, sa bawat reklamo kailangan maging proactive. Sa bawat reklamo, importanteng tumbasan mo ng suggestion kung paano malulutas ang problema. Natural ang reklamo pero sa akin kasi nagrereklamo ang isang tao kasi alam niyang may mabuti pang paraan para gawin ang mga bagay-bagay. Alam ko na ganyan ang ALYANSA kaya nga tayo naiiba sa pormasyon na nasa UP.

Kung tutuusin ang isang miyembro ng pormasyon tulad ng ALYANSA, nahuhubog ang personalidad depende sa paniniwala na nasa pormasyon. Kaya nga. kapag may natatanong sa akin…

“Bakit ka ba ganyan?”

“UP ALYANSA kasi ako… angal ka?”

Libz Palomo
Web Process Owner, IBM Business Services
BA Political Science (2001)
MA Industrial Relations, UP SOLAIR (2007-to date)
Councilor, CSSP Student Council 1999-2000
Councilor, University Student Council 2000-2001
Founding Member, UP ALYANSA