The Commencement Exercises in U.P.

By Krista Melgarejo

Chairperson, UP Mindanao University Student Council 2010-2011

In his article entitled “Parents and Activists”, Constantino used the term commencement instead of graduation, to refer to the moment when one has finished schooling. By definition, the term commencement is synonymous to beginning or start. In this context, we can say that when one finishes his/her formal schooling, he/she must now enter the world that he/she has prepared for four or so years. This is the period of transition wherein he/she now leaves the comforts of the academe in order to face head-on the social realities of his country.

For the past few days, rumors have been spreading like wild fire about an exchange of opinions between two parties regarding a petition urging the University Student Council and other concerned groups not to hold a graduation protest. I’ve already heard rumors about this petition about a month ago, but I was only able to confirm it last week when I finally received the petition.

The USC councilor referred to the blog obviously stated that it was her personal opinion and she was willing to talk to the concerned parties personally because she believed that this internal problem can be solved. But what I still do not get is why people keep demanding answers from the council without even attempting to send us a letter for the dialogue. Please, do let us know if you want to talk. The office of the USC is always open.

First, let us talk about the essence of a protest action or what we’d like to call as the “rally”. What is a rally? A rally, or what I would rather call as a mass action, is the highest form of parliamentary struggle. This is the venue wherein people like you and me and other oppressed sectors champion our rights and welfare. It is in this form that we have reinstated important student institutions and protected our basic rights from the bourgeois class, who continue to dominate the economic and political scene.

Second, what is the function of the “rally”? Basically, the rally is always a political activity, a venue to convince people to join the cause we’re fighting for. Activists don’t just do that because they were automatically programmed to do it. Constantino says, the youth (or activists, for that matter) are materialists, rather than idealists for the reason that the movement was out of a material basis. It is in the current social conditions that have driven the social movement onward and progressing throughout the years.

Third, rallies are far different from riots. Rallies have a specific objective (ie. Highlight a specific campaign or call) while riots are mere activities in order to create chaos. Rallies are forms of expression, a right that is provided in our 1987 Philippine Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights while riots do not. Thus, relatively, rallies are peaceful compared to riots.

Fourth, mass actions, like what has been stated before, are political activities. But such activities can take on various forms, and be used in different ways. Mass actions have not only been a venue in order to campaign against anti-people policies or anti-people personalities, but they have also been used to let people heed the call of a certain cause, like serving the people. Again, the office of the USC is always open. We are ready to clarify this issue with the parties concerned.

The commencement exercises in the University of the Philippines have been a tradition, usually with the call upon the graduates to serve the people. No, it is not upon the activists’ objective to ruin the graduation rites. Rather, such form of mass action takes the meaning of the term “commencement” to a higher level of analysis. A call upon the graduates to become a hero of the masses, to be somebody who’s willing to change the society, to be somebody who’s willing to take the masses’ cause to a higher level. As Antonio Tagamolila puts it, the youth can use their intellect to serve the masses or let it be used by the ruling classes. What path do we choose? It’s either change or go with the status quo.

Hypothetically speaking, if such were to happen again in UP Mindanao, I am in no place whatsoever to trample the right of any Filipino citizen to freedom of expression. That’s why I cannot promise you to stop anyone from doing so. You’re addressing the wrong body. Remember, my mandate as the USC Chairperson goes beyond that of the studentry, we also have our obligations to the Filipino society. I may be the student representative, but there are, what we call limitations. Think of it like this, when a student is found guilty for cheating in an exam beyond reasonable doubt, should the student representative still defend that student?

What about my right to a peaceful graduation? Don’t I deserve that? Now I pose these questions: Doesn’t the farmer deserve his right to claim the land he tills? Doesn’t the worker have the right to call for a higher wage? Doesn’t the youth have the right to free education? I’m not saying that just because their rights have continually been violated means that I have the right to ruin your graduation. The tradition of the graduation protest in UP has become a means to challenge the graduating class to defend the rights and forward the struggle of the society who have supported your schooling in the university. As former chief justice and now UP Board of Regents member Reynato Puno said during the commencement exercises in UP Manila last 2008, "To be from UP is to accept a sacred trust of leadership and service to the people." It’s not a mere return of investment to them. Rather, being part of this society, it’s your moral obligation to do so.

As Marx puts it, “The philosophers have only interpreted the world, in various ways; the point is to change it.” If serving the people was what the social conditions called for during the 1970’s, such call is all the more relevant today. As more and more members of our society continue to suffer the harshness of poverty and injustice, shall we continue to ignore their call?,

(Source: http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150209128573338)

Eggplants destroyed by Greenpeace activists at U.P. Los Baños, but group is apprehended by University Police Force

(Pictures 1 to 4: A Greenpeace Philippines “decontamination unit” removes Bt talong (eggplants) growing in field trials at the U.P. Los Baños. Picture 5: A security officer from the Bureau of Plant Industries removes a sign calling attention to hazards posed by genetically-engineered Bt talong. Photos courtesy of Greenpeace Philippines.)

BAY, Laguna - The academic and scientific community of the Philippines, represented by the National Academy of Science and Technology, expressed indignation on the February 17, 2011 attack made by Greenpeace Philippines on the Bt eggplant field trial in the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) – the first time a research project was assaulted in the more than 100-year history of the revered University’s campus, according to a press statement released on February 18, 2011 by SEAMEO SEARCA Biotechnology Information Center at College, Laguna.

The anti-biotech group Greenpeace forced entry to the field experiment but only succeeded in uprooting more than a hundred non-transgenic eggplants, which served as pollen traps and check varieties.

It was evident that the group had already planned the uprooting of the whole trial site. According to the press release in Greenpeace’s website, the group moved to “decontaminate” the trial site. They are insisting that the trial is dangerous to the environment and can contaminate local varieties and therefore has to be terminated. But what they mostly accomplished was to uproot the non-Bt eggplant pollen traps, which were planted around the trial to prevent cross-pollination in the first place.

Scientists reprimand rash act

“It is a sad day for Philippine science. Misinformed, misguided people are denying our poor farmers and consumers the benefits of good science,” said National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), and former UP President Dr. Emil Q. Javier.

He also said that the academy denounces and condemns the trespassing, destruction of government property, violation of academic freedom of university, and interference to legitimate activities of the scientific community.

The NAST president reaffirmed the academy’s support, in strongest terms, to the insistent and legitimate activity of the scientific community which is consistent with the national policy of the government on the safe and responsible use of modern biotechnology products.

UPLB Chancellor Luis Rey I. Velasco said that the incident was in violation of the National Biosafety rules and was an affront to academic freedom in UPLB. “Being a University, we promote and are committed to academic freedom. We expect people who adhere to academic freedom and to science to also have equal respect to people who oppose their ideas. We respect opposing views and the views of Greenpeace. And while we do that, we are still bound by the rules and laws of the land,” he said.

Chair of the Department of Agriculture-Biotechnology Program Office Dr. Candida Adalla also slammed the attack.

“The DA remains steadfast in its position that the Bt eggplant trial is compliant to all government guidelines and therefore should not be destroyed. I particularly condemn the uprooting of the Bt plants because that is tantamount to stopping the truth to come out. Scientific experimentation is the only means to generate the truth and therefore all scientists should be allowed to conduct independent experiments. I also condemn the act of trespassing because it is a violation of academic freedom and the security of university property,” she said.

Local farmer points out the benefits at stake

Meanwhile, biotech corn farmer from the province of Pangasinan, Ms. Rosalie Ellasus, also expressed regret on the recent intrusion and destruction of the Bt eggplant trial site. She called for the anti-biotech group to consider the benefits at stake and hear the side of the farmers when it comes to what is beneficial for them.

She said that such groups need to understand the true needs of the farmers, and should not rashly take actions.

Ms. Ellasus lamented that the anti-biotech groups would not listen to the scientists. “They [the anti-biotech groups] won’t listen to what biotech experts have to say. Maybe if they would open their minds, even just once, and see the truth, they would know how these crops really benefit our farmers,” she said.

Ms. Ellasus pointed out that biotech corn farmers, which are already more a hundred thousand small-scale Filipino growers, cannot be stopped by the groups from cultivating the biotech crops. “They cannot do anything about it because we farmers have already realized the benefits of biotech corn,” she said.

According to Ms. Ellasus, “many farmers are already anticipating the Bt eggplant seeds. The crop is still under research, and it needs to go through the field trials to generate the data. They (the anti-biotech groups) are making our lives more difficult.”

Legally and fully supported, safe and compliant project

The Bt eggplant project has been consistently complying with all the biosafety conditions prescribed by the Department of Agriculture Administrative Order 8, as set by the national regulatory agency Bureau of Plant Industry. The regulatory assessment of biotech crops in the Philippines is science-based and is considered as a biosafety framework model by other countries. Since 2003, more than a million hectares of biotech corn have been planted in the entire country, and has benefitted more than 125,000 small-scale Filipino farmers.

Bt eggplant is developed through modern biotechnology and has inherent resistance to the most destructive pest-fruit and shoot borer. The project is now on the second season of multi-location field trial for the open pollinated variety (OPV). This very promising technology is expected to reduce the pesticide use and increase farmers’ income. Similarly, it could also provide positive impact to the environment and reduce the health risks associated with the extensive use of chemical pesticides. Farmers, especially those who have benefitted from the adoption of insect-resistant corn Bt corn, are looking forward to the commercialization of this innovative technology.

All the communities and local governments adjacent to the trial site have strongly supported and endorsed the trial.

Illegal entry?

The anti-biotech group arrived at the Bt eggplant field trial site of UPLB at around 6:30 in the morning.

Approximately 20 people, headed by Daniel Ocampo of Greenpeace, forced entry to the experiment by destroying the steel gate with a bolt cutter. Some media practitioners came with the anti-biotech group to document the destruction of the ongoing experiment and for a photo opportunity. Indian nationals wearing Greenpeace shirts were with the anti-biotech group during the illegal activity.

The anti-biotech group was apprehended by the University Police Force and will be facing charges in court.

“The issue now is that these people have violated rules and legal procedures in the University and in the land. Because of their actions, we will have to deal legally with them as an institution,” said Chancellor Velasco.

Greenpeace gives its side

A Greenpeace "decontamination unit" removed genetically-engineered Bt eggplant, locally known as ‘Talong’, from a field trial site in Barangay Paciano Rizal in Bay, Laguna, and sealed the experimental food crop in hazmat (hazardous materials) containers to prevent further contamination of neighboring fields and the environment, Greenpeace Philippines said in a press statement.

The Greenpeace activists were supported by organic farmers from Davao who had participated in a similar operation carried out by their provincial government last year.

“Greenpeace is taking action … to prevent any further contamination from these hazardous genetically engineered crops. This Bt eggplant experiment poses a threat to the environment and to farmers’ livelihoods, aside from violating the spirit of the Organic Agriculture Act. Once these experimental GMOs (genetically modified organisms) flower, their pollen can contaminate both conventional and organic crops, irreversibly damaging them,” said Daniel Ocampo, Sustainable Agriculture campaigner of Greenpeace Southeast Asia.

“The public has the right to a safe environment and to food sources that are not genetically engineered. If the authorities, such as the DA, fail to uphold those rights, then it becomes legitimate for others to do so,” he added.

Greenpeace has called on the Department of Agriculture (DA) to:

• Halt all Bt eggplant field trials in the Philippines and decontaminate all existing field trial sites with immediate effect;

• Implement the Organic Agriculture Act and ban genetic engineering of all food crops in the Philippines.

• To take an active role in supplying sufficient quantity and quality of non-Bt seeds and support organic and ecological agriculture practices.

Bt eggplant field trials commenced in 2010 despite massive protests by farmers and consumers. Of the seven selected trial sites, Davao City, Baybay in Leyte, and Sta. Barbara in Iloilo, have issued municipal and barangay resolutions banning the field trials.

Similar statutes are still in process for Pangasinan, Laguna, Camarines Sur and North Cotabato, where field trials are already underway. Field trials were also conducted in Davao city last October but the plants were uprooted by the local government to uphold a resolution banning the trials.

“Like in India, there is no public support for Bt eggplant field trials and it is just not right for a few GMO proponents to conduct an open experiment that can inflict grave and possibly irreversible risks to an unsuspecting public,” added Shivani Shah, the sustainable agriculture campaigner from India who was on-hand to provide support to local efforts in implementing a shift to sustainable farming practices.

The Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) eggplant is genetically-modified to contain a built-in toxin to kill the fruit-and-shoot borer insect. It is currently not approved in any country including in India where the technology was sourced for use in the Philippines. Last February 2010, the government of India passed a moratorium on Bt eggplant commercialization to protect the country’s agriculture. In its decision, the Environment Ministry said that the science behind Bt eggplant is inadequate to answer the concerns raised by civil society groups, and that the country’s GMO regulatory system is inadequate.

An analysis of India’s Bt brinjal (eggplant) biosafety data by Professor Gilles-Eric Seralini, a French scientist, released in 2009 shows that the GMO eggplant is unsuitable for human consumption. The analysis concluded that Bt brinjal released into the environment, for food or feed, may present a serious risk for human and animal health.

“Greenpeace is urging DA Secretary Prospero Alcala to categorically ban all Bt Eggplant field trials. He has already stated that Bt eggplant will not be commercialized, which renders the field trials irrelevant. Safety concerns on Bt eggplant are still unanswered, and the risks are even more disturbing given the Philippines’ very lax and permissive regulatory systems. Only by halting the further entry and approvals of genetically engineered food crops can the DA achieve its goal of food security and sustainable agriculture in the country,” concluded Ocampo.

Earlier, the Diliman Diary had reported on the leading role that UPLB and U.P. Mindanao were playing in conducting field research on Bt eggplants being grown on a test basis in Davao City. Concerns over potentials of biological contamination impelled the Davao City government to destroy the plants over the protests of U.P. officials (http://diliman-diary.blogspot.com/2010/12/davao-revoke-upmin-permit-to-field-test.html). To see the copy of Davao City Mayor Duterte's cease-and-desist order sent to U.P. Mindanao Chancellor Gilda C. Rivero, please see the picture embedded below:

(To enlarge the scan, just click on it)

But even as the scientific debate rages in Davao City and Los Baños over the benefits and pitfalls of genetically modified organisms and the role of the University of the Philippines in furthering such research; the economic logic behind this goes largely undiscussed.

Neither side has so far referred to any big business interests that may be funding such University of the Philippines research on genetically modified organisms, in coordination with the Department of Agriculture.

The references to this are few and scanty, save for a leaked U.S. State Department cable quoting Vatican officials as saying that they and Philippine church officials were deeply concerned about the potentials of such patented biological products leading to the economic exploitation of marginalized farmers in poor countries such as the Philippines (see: http://diliman-diary.blogspot.com/2011/01/commentary-on-wikileaks-leaked-state.html).

U.P. Mindanao Student Council: Dialogue with U.P. President Alfredo Pascual

Last February 14, in his third day in office, UP President Alfredo E. Pascual visited UP Mindanao. His day was filled with sectoral consultations and each sector was only alloted one hour. With the time constraint, we only had the chance to raise the very urgent issues.

Note: These are not the actual words and statements from the dialogue. These are just interpretations from the notes of the secretariat.

Pres. Pascual: This is my third day in office. This is my second unit to visit, my first was in UP Manila. I have visited UP Mindanao last year for a BOR Meeting but I didn’t have the chance to look around the campus because it was a quick trip. (He then reiterates his vision statement for the students: Provide affordable education, prepare them for a successful career and responsible citizenship)

PE Laboratory Fees

Rey (USC Vice Chairperson): The PE laboratory fees is not only a concern of our unit but of all UP students because it will be applied system-wide. It should be scrapped because we should acknowledge the fact that there was already a 300% TOFI back in 2006. In UP Mindanao, there was no proper consultation done and despite this, the DHK still pushes for the collection of the fees. We think that these PE lab fees should be scrapped.

Pres. Pascual: The government still subsidizes 85% of your education. I am aware that this is a system-wide issue. Tuition fee increase is not a default solution. I will look into this issue.

Cherry (CSM SC Secretary): In addition, it is to be noted that last year, only 40% of the population in UP Mindanao were respondents of the survey whether or not to charge PE lab fees. This is not acceptable for it should be a minimum of 50% + 1. I’d also like to ask about the COA’s findings on Chancellor Rivero’s investiture. It took four years to clarify this issue.

COA Report regarding Chancellor Rivero’s 2007 Investiture

Pres. Pascual: I am not aware of what the BOR has come up with because my last BOR meeting was back in August 2010. But we will follow the recommended actions of the COA.

Krista (USC Chairperson): We have already written the BOR back in September 2010 and the constituents were assuming that former President Roman would do an action regarding her case. We also wrote the BOR again on January 2011 so that before President Roman steps down, she would do something about it. But as we have seen, it was not even included in the January BOR meeting. Can we have your commitment regarding this matter? (Hands a copy of the COA findings to the president)

Pres. Pascual: This is my first copy. I will look into the minutes of the BOR meetings (September 2010 to January 2011) and implement COA’s recommendations.

OJT Miscellaneous Fees

Anjel (CSM SC Biology Rep): The OJT miscellaneous fees (energy fee, library fee and internet fee) are inappropriate for students that do not undergo the OJT program.

Pres. Pascual: Then students who do not undergo OJT should not be charged with these fees.

Cherry (CSM SC Secretary): (Reiterates previous speaker’s point) Students with OJT cannot even use the facilities in the campus since they are having their OJT outside the school.

Pres. Pascual: In principle, OJT fees should not be charged from students who do not have OJT. I will ask the administration regarding this matter. I am concerned with the students who are academically excellent but cannot continue their education because of financial constraints.

Pres. Pascual: (Asked the STFAP brackets of the students; asked on “drop out” cases and asked if the fees are paid in full regardless of the problem. He also inquired if there is discounted fee for STFAP scholars. He found out that the miscellaneous fee is fixed regardless of the STFAP bracket.)

How do you see UP Mindanao six years from now?

Emcee: (Reads from a written question) How do you see UP Mindanao six years from now?

Pres. Pascual: I envision that UP Mindanao will provide trained graduates, provide leadership in the profession, address research problems in Mindanao, and address national concerns. However, I am aware that resources are needed to realize the mandate - to be excellent and relevant to this country.

Campus Militarization

Rendell (LFS): We have two issues we want to raise. First, in UP Mindanao, the camp of the Regional Community Defense Group (RCDG) is present in the campus. Not only is this a concern of our unit, but also of the other regional units. According to the Sotto-Enrile accord, a military camp should be 500 meter radius away from a campus. Its presence endangers the lives of the constituents. What can we expect from your administration? Second, students are restricted from using the CHSS AVR and Lorenzo Hall for forums and other activities. As of now, we cannot use the Kalimudan since it’s not conducive for these kinds of activities.

Pres. Pascual: Military entities should not be allowed in the campus. We have to enforce the tradition to keep our campuses free from the presence of military and police. It places a lot of responsibility to the students to keep peace in the campus. In other campuses, military personnel are in the campus because of ROTC.

Use of Facilities for Student Activities

Pres. Pascual: Why is the Kalimudan inappropriate for such activities?

Rendell (LFS): It houses the canteen and the tambayans, but it has no room to hold activities like seminars and forums.

Pres. Pascual: I will visit the Kalimudan and discuss this with the Chancellor why there are restrictions. The Chancellor does the implementation of rules in the unit while my role is to check the policies.

Departmentalization of the Architecture Program

Jeff (ASC): We would like to raise the clamor to departmentalize the Architecture program. We have a 100% passing rate in our department. We really need your support on this one. Other schools already have AutoCAD while here we have to do it manually.

Pres. Pascual: I want to assure you that your faculty is also asking for the departmentalization of your program.

What do you think about the issue regarding the Bt Talong?

Emcee: (Reads from a written question) What can you say about the Bt Eggplant?

Pres. Pascual: The local government was concerned on its effects to the other crops, but I am supportive to our scientists who revealed that the plant has no harmful effect. However, I suggest that proper communication should be done. UP Mindanao should work with the stakeholders.

Constitution of the Student Council and the Autonomy of Student Institutions

Krista (USC Chairperson): The issue of the ratification of our constitution is always brought up by the administration whenever we have big protest actions. Just last week, the OSA Director called me and asked me about this matter. What we don’t understand is the Chancellor herself knows that our constitution is ratified, but she keeps asking for the document. As the new UP President, what can we expect from you in order to protect the autonomy of these student institutions?

Pres. Pascual: Our students have the capacity to govern themselves through these institutions. The Student Council has rights and responsibilities as well. I support the right of these institutions.

Unlimited use to the dance hall

Katrina (Dance Ensemble): We cannot use the dance hall in the late hours of the night because we are only restricted until 7PM. With our concert coming up, the time for practice is not sufficient and we need to extend. We would also like to ask what your opinion is on the promotion of performing arts.

Pres. Pascual: Performing arts are important but the limited access to the dance hall is maybe due to security issues. Then you should use the time appropriately to lower power cost and avoid security risks. I will check on the practice of other campuses. UP Mindanao has its own administration (and wanted to understand the administration's reason for such policy). I don’t run UP Mindanao.

Oblation Run

Nassefh (APO): During the time of Chancellor de Ungria, our organization was able to conduct the Oblation Run. But under Chancellor Rivero, our organization was suspended for doing the activity. This year, we followed the guidelines for conducting an activity, we submitted all the necessary permits required by the OSA and we still don’t have feedback from them.

Pres. Pascual: (Asked for clarifications on the matter)

Nassefh (APO): The org was suspended two years ago because of the Oblation Run.

Pres. Pascual: Is there a written policy that you cannot do the Oblation Run?

APO: None.

Krista (USC Chairperson): I actually talked with some APO members and the OSA. The OSA director explained to me that such activity could be considered a “public disturbance” but we all know that her view is very subjective.

Pres. Pascual: Who among you want an Oblation Run? (Majority raises their hands)

Aleen (APO): We want to hold Oblation Run again but our requests are repeatedly denied by the OSA and were obliged to submit concrete objectives. Our org might be suspended again.

Pres. Pascual: You should ask your other chapters in order to help you justify the activity. You should also clarify with the OSA director the reasons for suspension.

Aleen (APO): Our org’s last Oblation Run was back in 2006 as a sign of protest and we got suspended for it.

Demolition of the Main Library

Stella (BA Anthro): We are concerned of the main library’s demolition in order to make way for the construction of the access road. We all know that aside from books, the library houses other equipment.

Pres. Pascual: I am aware of the issue. The old main library was not designed to be the main library of UP Mindanao under the Campus Development Plan. Under the Plan, the construction of the University Avenue would entail the removal of a part of the old main library. The new main library will be situated at the back of the admin building. The real issue is the communication problem between the librarian and the Vice Chancellor for Administration. The demolition of the library is a short-term sacrifice.

Cherry (CSM SC Secretary): What will happen to the books during the construction of the new library?

Pres. Pascual: The books will be transferred temporarily to a building or room while construction is ongoing.

Informal Settlers

Cherry (CSM SC Secretary): The settlers in the campus are also part of the UP community. What are your plans with this sector?

Pres. Pascual: We will do what is proper with the informal settlers. We have to consider the place and their livelihood.

Rendell (LFS): Can we invite some of them to talk you about their problem?

Pres. Pascual: Now is not the right time. And it’s the responsibility of the university administrators.

Pres. Pascual: “Don't ever think that you are the only one concerned with issues on laws and policies – these are also national and university concerns...”

(Source: http://www.facebook.com/notes/up-mindanao-university-student-council/dialogue-with-up-president-alfredo-pascual/146936242034545)

Himati: U.P. President Alfredo E. Pascual and Mrs. Carmen M. Pascual visit U.P. Mindanao

"The 20th President of the University of the Philippines System, Alfredo E. Pascual, visited UP Mindanao on February 14, 2011 for a Sectoral Consultation with the Administration, Faculty, Students and Non-teaching Personnel."

"The party, composed of Mr. Pascual, his wife Mrs. Carmen M. Pascual and UP Mindanao Chancellor Dr. Gilda C. Rivero, was greeted by the UPMin community upon arrival. He then proceeded with the consultation program held at the Gaisano Room (ExeCom) and Lorenzo Hall (faculty, students, personnel), listening and answering to many concerns opened up by the constituents."

To see the complete pictorial coveage of this event, please check out the Himati page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/manage/?act=27924693#!/album.php?aid=36275&id=133344730040995&fbid=182389038469897

A Testimony to U.P.'s Militant Struggle

 (Photos courtesy of Himati)

Official Statement on the Roman Testimonial Ceremony Protest

UP Mindanao University Student Council

February 8, 2011

The 4th of February shall be another mark in our history. That day was not a testimony for  outgoing UP President Emerlinda Roman. Rather, it was a testimony to the militant struggle of all Iskolars ng Bayan, faculty and staff, who together, continuously fought to defend the University of the Philippines against all forms of commercialization and privatization. A testimony to our enduring struggle to defend the university’s public character.

 In her six years as UP president, Roman acted as an emissary of the reactionary government in pushing for neoliberal policies to make quality education inaccessible to the Filipino youth. To commend someone who pushed for the approval of such policies is insulting not only to the UP community, but to the Filipino youth and masses, who expects the university to perform its obligation to society: to provide quality and accessible education to the youth. The 300% tuition and other fee increases and the land use schemes have proven that Roman betrayed not only the Iskolars ng Bayan but also the democratic interest of the entire nation. It was not a solution to the continually decreasing state subsidy, rather, these neoliberal policies served as catalysts for the privatization of UP and total state abandonment. Instead of fighting for greater state subsidy, it has tolerated the negligence of the state to perform its constitutional mandate of making quality education accessible at all levels. Indeed, it has performed well in serving the interest of the reactionary government and the capitalists, and has neglected the true interests of the UP community.

 But because of the strong opposition of the students, faculty and staff on these policies, the administration used systematic forms of repression in an attempt to silence the progressives. Many leaders, among the students, faculty and staff have bravely fought for our democratic rights and have faced different forms of political repression, from removing a regent in the BOR to delaying a professor’s tenure. The administration’s fascist character is revealed in a desperate attempt to preserve the neoliberal character and the feudal status quo. Our militant struggle has proven to be a powerful instrument in protecting people’s rights and interest. It has always overpowered the schemes of the fascist administration.

Spending a large amount of taxpayers’ money on that ceremony despite the P1.1B decrease in the university’s Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) for 2011 is just adding more insult to the injury. This display of extravagance is appalling. How can these university officials be so insensitive while students, faculty and staff have to make do with the slashed budget for the university? Indeed, UP is a microcosm of the Philippine society. This picture shows us the widening disparity between the rich and the poor. This is a picture of the leadership of the bourgeois class, insensitive to the plight of the masses and a futile attempt of bringing true change in society.

On that day, we stormed the testimonial ceremony to express our rage against Roman or what we refer to as Roman Empire. On that day, we sent a message that the UP community shall never forget the deep scars of political repression left by her administration. On that day, we have shown the strength of the masses and its ability to shake up a leadership that is unwilling to serve its true interests. We may have encountered violent reactions and threats, but it did not stop us and will never stop us. The cronies of the Roman Empire have failed to calm down the agitated students and were also exposed of their true reactionary nature conveniently camouflaged as former progressives. It also exposed them of their willingness to tolerate the Roman Empire’s leadership amidst its six year track record.

The act of pelting President Roman with eggs was symbolic, done out of accumulated rage and frustration. It symbolized how we cannot tolerate the bastardization of what our university stands for. Some may even regard it as a disrespectful act. But how can one respect someone from a corrupt institution? As one UP professor puts it, the ones who insist upon respect for an official of a corrupt institution are the ones who are actually, disrespectful. Disrespect towards members of the UP community, who have been deprived of and are struggling to protect their democratic rights. Disrespect directed against the youth and its families who have been deprived of a UP education, brought about by commercialization and privatization. With these said, it would then be more disrespectful to the majority if we did not do anything that day. It would then be more disrespectful to have not fought for our democratic rights. It would then be a disservice to our constituents.

A few days from now, the UP system will bid its final farewell to the Roman Empire, and another one will be taking its place. Let this be a testimony to UP’s militant struggle and go onwards with it. This is the only way that we can champion people’s rights and welfare. It is only through mass action that we can create history. Let us not be deceived by mere promises and plans. We must remain vigilant and active to ensure that our interests will be upheld. Together, let us stand and go onward with our militant struggle!

OPPOSE NEOLIBERAL POLICIES IN EDUCATION!

SERBISYO, TRABAHO, HUWAG GAWING NEGOSYO!

FIGHT FOR GREATER STATE SUBSIDY!

UP KILOS NA PARA SA DEMOKRATIKONG UNIBERSIDAD NG PILIPINAS NA NAGLILINGKOD SA BAYAN!

PAMANTASANG BAYAN, IPAGLABAN!