The Department of Public Works and Highways is completing now the last leg of a road expansion that will link the provinces of Nueva Vizcaya and Pangasinan through the Valle Verde trail which converges in Barangay Malico, San Nicolas, Pangasinan. Previously this trail was known to historians for the relentless drive of United Forces to sustain enormous casualties during World War II to decimate the troops of General Yamashita who were on retreat mode at the tail end of the war.
The trail is expected to foster more economic development and opportunities for Pangasinenses and Nueva Vizcayans. This is good news.
DILIMAN DIARY
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
Valle Verde trail
Labels:
DPWH,
Malico,
Nueva Vizcaya,
Pangasinan,
San Nicolas,
Valle Verde trail
Saturday, November 18, 2017
No to EJKs
The Diliman Diary opposes Extra Judicial Killings (EJKs) because it is simply the wrong thing to do. It is a crime against humanity.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Shortlist for U.P. Diliman Chancellors has been set.
Sources from the University of the Philippines at Diliman Search Committee have identified the seven (7) nominees for UP Diliman Chancellor:
Dr. Patrick Azansa (UP alumnus), Dr. Guy Claudio (Director, UP Center for Women's Studies), Dr. Prospero de Vera (Vice President for Public Affairs and UP NCPAG Professor), Dr. Roger Posadas (retired UP professor), Prof. Nes Raneses (AVP for Administration and Directors, UP ISSI), Dr. Cesar Saloma (incumbent UP Diliman Chancellor), and Dr. Michael Tan (Dean, College of Social Sciences and Philosophy and Professor of Anthropology).
A special meeting to discuss the issue is expected on Monday, January 20, 2014 at 8:00 a.m. at Quezon Hall, U.P. Diliman.
Dr. Patrick Azansa (UP alumnus), Dr. Guy Claudio (Director, UP Center for Women's Studies), Dr. Prospero de Vera (Vice President for Public Affairs and UP NCPAG Professor), Dr. Roger Posadas (retired UP professor), Prof. Nes Raneses (AVP for Administration and Directors, UP ISSI), Dr. Cesar Saloma (incumbent UP Diliman Chancellor), and Dr. Michael Tan (Dean, College of Social Sciences and Philosophy and Professor of Anthropology).
A special meeting to discuss the issue is expected on Monday, January 20, 2014 at 8:00 a.m. at Quezon Hall, U.P. Diliman.
Labels:
Chancellor,
search committee,
U.P. Diliman
Monday, November 18, 2013
Statement of UP President Alfredo E. Pascual on the Status of Disaster Management Efforts for UP Visayas in Tacloban and UP School of Health Sciences in Palo, Leyte
Statement of UP President Alfredo E. Pascual on the Status of Disaster Management Efforts for UP Visayas in Tacloban and UP School of Health Sciences in Palo, Leyte
Tropical cyclone Yolanda hit the eastern seaboard of the Philippines on Friday, 8 November 2013, and devastated the provinces of Samar, Leyte, Cebu, Bohol, Iloilo and Palawan. Two UP units were severely damaged by the super typhoon – UP Visayas Tacloban College (UPVTC) campus (1,543 students, faculty and staff) and UP Manila School of Health Sciences (UPM SMS) in Palo, Leyte (209 students, faculty and staff).
As news of the devastation reached me, I immediately instructed Vice President for Public Affairs Prospero E. de Vera to organize a disaster relief effort.
I also met with my executive staff and the chancellors of all UP constituent units on Monday, 11 November 2013 to map out a coordinated effort to reach out and assist our students, faculty and staff in the affected areas.
Aware of the need for urgent action, I also issued the following memoranda to hasten our disaster management effort:
1. Memorandum PAEP 13-35 (11 November 2013) launching Tulong UP to mobilize material and financial donations for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda (http://www.up.edu.ph/memorandum-no-paep-13-35-help-for-victims-of-typhoon-yolanda/). By late afternoon of the 11th, dozens of of UP students, faculty, and staff worked together to pack 1,000 relief packs which were immediately dispatched for delivery to Tacloban via Air Force C130 flight. We also shipped out that night several boxes of clothes and other goods collected by the UP Diliman Student Council. A truckload of relief goods was provided by UP Los Banos the other day. Senator Koko Pimentel responded as well with a cash donation of P100,000 and medicines worth P100,000. We thank all our students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends here and abroad who are sending donations for this effort.
2. Memorandum 13-36 (13 November 2013) and Memorandum 13-37 (15 November 2013) instructing the chancellors of UP Diliman, UP Manila, UP Baguio, UP los Banos, UP Mindanao, and UP Visayas in Iloilo, plus the dean of UP Cebu to accommodate all affected students from UPVTC who wish to cross-register in their respective campuses for the second semester so that these students do not suffer a delay in their studies. (http://www.up.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Memo-PAEP-13-36-URGENT-cross-registration-of-UPVTC-students.pdf) (http://www.up.edu.ph/memorandum-no-paep-13-37-implementing-guidelines-cross-registration-of-upvtc-students/). A number of UPVTC students have already signed up to cross-register in UP Diliman, Manila, Cebu, and Iloilo. UP Los Banos has offered dormitory accommodation and living allowance to at least 100 of those who will cross-register there. Still, there is a need to further widen the dissemination of information re the cross-registration opportunity for benefit of the UPVTC students.
UP Visayas Chancellor Rommel Espinosa sent a 4-member reconnaissance team to Tacloban to look over the UPVTC campus and bring money for cash advance to UPVTC faculty and staff. The team arrived in Tacloban on Thursday, 14 November and stayed for two days. The contacts on the ground for UPVTC are Dean Anita Cular (0917-328-1357) and Associate Dean Anida Lorenzo (0917-357-0650).
UPM SHS Dean Buddy Dastura (0917-803-4929) returned to Palo from Manila also on the 14th and is now on the ground to assess the situation and provide recommendations on how we can best assist our constituents in the School of Health Sciences there.
From reports received so far, we are thankful that there is no fatality among our students, faculty and staff in the two areas. We will continue to seek and assist all the affected members of our academic community until we know everyone in need of assistance been provided with aid.
A UP Manila Pahinungod medical team led by Dr. Eric Talens will leave this Sunday (17 November 2013) to render emergency medical assistance to our Palo, Leyte campus. A forensics team led by Dr. Racquel Fortun is now working with the Department of Health, Asia Foundation, and the International Red Cross to handle the management of dead bodies in Leyte and Samar.
We are also preparing to send a technical team of UP professors who are experts in civil engineering, architecture, urban planning, and geohazard assessment to be led by former Architecture Dean Dan Silvestre. The team will evaluate the damaged physical infrastructure and facilities of our Tacloban and Palo campuses. Their work will provide guidance to our rehabilitation plan. We will continue to work with Philippine authorities on the ground to offer the services of our medical, forensics, and technical experts in the areas that are not covered by other government agencies.
While the situation on the ground is improving, the road to relief and reconstruction will be long and challenging. I appeal to all members of our academic community to continue helping us locate, reach out and help all our students, faculty, staff and their families in the affected areas. I also ask that you continue to mobilize resources and expertise to help us provide relief and reconstruct our campuses, the communities around them, and all other areas devastated by this typhoon.
The loss in the affected provinces is immeasurable, but there are reasons to hope. For one thing, this Philippine tragedy has served to bring the world together, as the international community quickly responded by sending aid and rescue teams. Help came pouring in from foreign governments, from international agencies, and from ordinary people. We are truly living in a global village now, and this growing awareness of our interconnectedness, not only among nations but with our own planet and its inhabitants, is a source of inspiration for us.
In the wake of this devastation, we are given an unparalleled chance to start again. When we rebuild our towns and cities, we can take the opportunity to make them better, smarter, more resilient and more sustainable. We can redesign our communities into places that healthy and creative lives for people.
http://www.up.edu.ph/statement-of-up-president-alfredo-e-pascual-on-the-status-of-disaster-management-efforts-for-up-visayas-in-tacloban-and-up-school-of-health-sciences-in-palo-leyte/
Tropical cyclone Yolanda hit the eastern seaboard of the Philippines on Friday, 8 November 2013, and devastated the provinces of Samar, Leyte, Cebu, Bohol, Iloilo and Palawan. Two UP units were severely damaged by the super typhoon – UP Visayas Tacloban College (UPVTC) campus (1,543 students, faculty and staff) and UP Manila School of Health Sciences (UPM SMS) in Palo, Leyte (209 students, faculty and staff).
As news of the devastation reached me, I immediately instructed Vice President for Public Affairs Prospero E. de Vera to organize a disaster relief effort.
I also met with my executive staff and the chancellors of all UP constituent units on Monday, 11 November 2013 to map out a coordinated effort to reach out and assist our students, faculty and staff in the affected areas.
Aware of the need for urgent action, I also issued the following memoranda to hasten our disaster management effort:
1. Memorandum PAEP 13-35 (11 November 2013) launching Tulong UP to mobilize material and financial donations for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda (http://www.up.edu.ph/memorandum-no-paep-13-35-help-for-victims-of-typhoon-yolanda/). By late afternoon of the 11th, dozens of of UP students, faculty, and staff worked together to pack 1,000 relief packs which were immediately dispatched for delivery to Tacloban via Air Force C130 flight. We also shipped out that night several boxes of clothes and other goods collected by the UP Diliman Student Council. A truckload of relief goods was provided by UP Los Banos the other day. Senator Koko Pimentel responded as well with a cash donation of P100,000 and medicines worth P100,000. We thank all our students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends here and abroad who are sending donations for this effort.
2. Memorandum 13-36 (13 November 2013) and Memorandum 13-37 (15 November 2013) instructing the chancellors of UP Diliman, UP Manila, UP Baguio, UP los Banos, UP Mindanao, and UP Visayas in Iloilo, plus the dean of UP Cebu to accommodate all affected students from UPVTC who wish to cross-register in their respective campuses for the second semester so that these students do not suffer a delay in their studies. (http://www.up.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Memo-PAEP-13-36-URGENT-cross-registration-of-UPVTC-students.pdf) (http://www.up.edu.ph/memorandum-no-paep-13-37-implementing-guidelines-cross-registration-of-upvtc-students/). A number of UPVTC students have already signed up to cross-register in UP Diliman, Manila, Cebu, and Iloilo. UP Los Banos has offered dormitory accommodation and living allowance to at least 100 of those who will cross-register there. Still, there is a need to further widen the dissemination of information re the cross-registration opportunity for benefit of the UPVTC students.
UP Visayas Chancellor Rommel Espinosa sent a 4-member reconnaissance team to Tacloban to look over the UPVTC campus and bring money for cash advance to UPVTC faculty and staff. The team arrived in Tacloban on Thursday, 14 November and stayed for two days. The contacts on the ground for UPVTC are Dean Anita Cular (0917-328-1357) and Associate Dean Anida Lorenzo (0917-357-0650).
UPM SHS Dean Buddy Dastura (0917-803-4929) returned to Palo from Manila also on the 14th and is now on the ground to assess the situation and provide recommendations on how we can best assist our constituents in the School of Health Sciences there.
From reports received so far, we are thankful that there is no fatality among our students, faculty and staff in the two areas. We will continue to seek and assist all the affected members of our academic community until we know everyone in need of assistance been provided with aid.
A UP Manila Pahinungod medical team led by Dr. Eric Talens will leave this Sunday (17 November 2013) to render emergency medical assistance to our Palo, Leyte campus. A forensics team led by Dr. Racquel Fortun is now working with the Department of Health, Asia Foundation, and the International Red Cross to handle the management of dead bodies in Leyte and Samar.
We are also preparing to send a technical team of UP professors who are experts in civil engineering, architecture, urban planning, and geohazard assessment to be led by former Architecture Dean Dan Silvestre. The team will evaluate the damaged physical infrastructure and facilities of our Tacloban and Palo campuses. Their work will provide guidance to our rehabilitation plan. We will continue to work with Philippine authorities on the ground to offer the services of our medical, forensics, and technical experts in the areas that are not covered by other government agencies.
While the situation on the ground is improving, the road to relief and reconstruction will be long and challenging. I appeal to all members of our academic community to continue helping us locate, reach out and help all our students, faculty, staff and their families in the affected areas. I also ask that you continue to mobilize resources and expertise to help us provide relief and reconstruct our campuses, the communities around them, and all other areas devastated by this typhoon.
The loss in the affected provinces is immeasurable, but there are reasons to hope. For one thing, this Philippine tragedy has served to bring the world together, as the international community quickly responded by sending aid and rescue teams. Help came pouring in from foreign governments, from international agencies, and from ordinary people. We are truly living in a global village now, and this growing awareness of our interconnectedness, not only among nations but with our own planet and its inhabitants, is a source of inspiration for us.
In the wake of this devastation, we are given an unparalleled chance to start again. When we rebuild our towns and cities, we can take the opportunity to make them better, smarter, more resilient and more sustainable. We can redesign our communities into places that healthy and creative lives for people.
http://www.up.edu.ph/statement-of-up-president-alfredo-e-pascual-on-the-status-of-disaster-management-efforts-for-up-visayas-in-tacloban-and-up-school-of-health-sciences-in-palo-leyte/
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Why the government should continue increasing the UP Budget
University of the Philippines Diliman
26 August 2013
The Philippine government, through the Aquino administration, started to increase earnestly the budget of the University of the Philippines in fiscal year 2013. It allocated Php10.09B which is 1.66 times more than the 2012 UP budget. The average UP budget per year in the last ten years ending 2012 is Php5.63B. The UP budget was Php 4.34 B in 2003.
UP is the only national university of the country (Republic Act 9500). Its annual budget consists of three major expense categories: Personnel Services (PS), Maintenance, Operating & Other Expenses (MOOE), and Capital Outlay (CO). The PS allocation is used to pay for the salaries, wages and other compensation of permanent, temporary, contractual and casual employees while the MOOE is utilized to operate the seven (7) constituent universities of UP and maintain its fifteen campuses. On the other hand, the CO allocation permits UP to purchase goods and services as well as implement infrastructure projects that add to its collection of assets. Included in the UP budget is the allocation for the Philippine General Hospital (PGH).
The PS component of the 2012 UP budget was 64.8% higher than that in 2008 implying an annual average increase of 16.2% in the said span of time. The increases enabled UP to apply a series of compensation adjustments for its employees in accordance with the Salary Standardization Law Policy of the Philippine government. For example, the full professor salary (SG 29‐8) in 2012 was 1.37 times higher than that in 2010. For associate (SG 25‐5) and assistant (SG 21‐5) professors, the corresponding increases were 1.32 and 1.2 times, respectively.
Better compensation is aimed at attracting and retaining highly talented and productive scholars, scientists, researchers and artists to serve in UP on a full‐time basis. The PS component of the 2013 UP budget is 24.69% higher than in 2012.
The MOOE component is a distinctive feature of the 2013 UP budget. At Php2.06B, it is 2.88times larger than its 2012 counterpart. The relative increase is even more telling at 3.53 times when the MOOE allocation for the PGH is considered separately. The average annual MOOE budget for UP is Php785.655 M from 2003 to 2012.
In 2012, UP Diliman, the main campus of UP, received an MOOE allocation of Php 103.243 M which was highly inadequate to cover the cost of energy and water consumption as well as security and janitorial services. The energy bill of UP Diliman amounted to Php 193.203737 M, which is 6.99% higher than that in 2011. Energy consumption increased by 4.18% primarily due to the completion of new buildings and facilities particularly in the National Science Complex and the Engineering Complex. The 2012 water bill was Php70.130146 M, which is 8.74% lower than in 2011. Concerted efforts to repair or replace leaking pipes and defective water fixtures have led to a noticeable 21.95% reduction in water consumption in UP Diliman buildings.
The 2013 MOOE allocation of UP Diliman is Php 268.983M, which is 2.61 times larger than in the previous year. The said amount however, is still not sufficient to cover the increasing cost of energy and water consumption as well as security and janitorial services that is projected to be at least Php 420M.
To bridge the gap between actual operations cost and insufficient MOOE allotment from the national government, UP Diliman uses its income from tuition fees and other asset utilization initiatives. Such a deficit‐funding scheme however, reduces the amount of money that is available for making the campus more enabling and nurturing. It has postponed the overdue rehabilitation/retrofitting of aging infrastructures, scaled down vital student support programs, and stymied the acquisition of modern equipment and facilities that enhance the safety and welfare of the UP community and the general public that regularly spend time in the 493‐hectare campus.
The 2013 UP budget included a CO allocation of Php1.45 B – none was allotted in the previous two years. In 2012 however, UP, through the efforts of UP President Alfredo Pascual was able to secure Php 1.3B from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as part of the Disbursement Acceleration Plan of Philippine President Aquino, that enabled it to implement new CO projects in its constituent universities.
For 2014, UP has requested for a budget of Php17.1 B that included funding proposals for major CO projects such as the Sports Complex (Php435M), the College of Architecture Complex (Php260.590M), the College of Home Economics Complex (Php 425M) and Vinzon’s Hall‐Student Center (Php100M) in UP Diliman. The Executive Branch has submitted to Congress a National Expenditure Program (NEP) for 2014 that includes a UP Budget of Php 8.098 B of which Php1.991B is allotted for PGH. The UP Budget in the proposed 2014 NEP represents only 47.36% of the amount that has been originally requested. It features a proposed MOOE allocation that is 1.04% higher than in 2013 and there is no explicit CO budget allocation.
The instruction is for UP to source the funds for its proposed CO projects separately from CHED. Investing seriously in UP is a wise strategy for the Philippine government and the country. The infusion of public funds that permitted the on‐going completion of the National Science Complex and t he Engineering Complex, and increased the available number of graduate scholarships in the basic and applied sciences, mathematics and the engineering sciences, has already resulted in meaningful human capital buildup in the form of more highly trained PhD and MS graduates. It has accelerated the generation of new scientific knowledge, and advanced the development of technical expertise in critical areas of national importance such as weather forecasting, disaster risk response and mitigation as well as terrestria l and marine resource management.
Other government agencies such as the DOST, CHED, DA, DENR, DOH, DA and DepEd as well as Congress and the Judiciary continue to rely on the valuable expertise of UP scholars and researchers in the formulation and implementation of their respective programs and projects. State universities serve about a third of all college students in the country, and they have depended on UP to provide them with their next generation of PhD faculty members.The number of high school seniors taking the yearly UP College Admission Test is increasing at an average rate of 3.94% since August 2007. In the 2012 UPCAT, only one out of every 13 applicants qualified for admission into UP Diliman – a majority of them came from private (55.7%) and public science (29.4) high schools. A total of 12,732 applicants were qualified for the entire UP System indicating a success rate of one in 5.83.
More than 83,500 high school seniors took the 2013 UPCAT ‐ an increase of 8.95% than the number in 2012. About 65% of them are competing for the 3,875 available slots (the same number as in 2012) that are distributed in the 68 undergraduate degree programs offered by UP Diliman. Admission is getting more difficult for SY 2014‐2015.
Providing solid budgetary support to UP would allow it to continue rationalizing public access to top‐quality higher education by young Filipinos from all over the country.
The additional funds would enable the training of more talented undergraduate students at a rate that is proportional to the annual increase in the number of UPCAT applications. More investments are also needed to enhance and strengthen the academic and research programs in the other six constituent universities (UPLB, UP Manila, UP Baguio, UP Visayas, UP Mindanao, Open University) and reduce the relatively high concentration of undergraduate and graduate students (representing 45% of all UP students) studying in UP Diliman.
As the leading university of the country in terms of research productivity and breadth of academic programs, UP is at the forefront of on‐going efforts to harmonize and standardize the academic degree programs that are offered by leading ASEAN universities in line with the implementation of the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint in 2015. UP should be provided with the means and resources necessary to become one of the truly great universities in the ASEAN. The success of UP will mean greater opportunities of leadership for many more highly skilled Filipinos in this dynamic ASEAN region and the Pacific Rim.
Thank you.
-----------------
About the author. Dr. Saloma is a professor of physics at the National Institute of Physics, UP Diliman. He received the Galileo Galilei Award from the international Commission for Optics in 2004 and the triennial ASEAN Outstanding Scientist and Technologist Award from the ASEAN Committee on Science and Technology in 2008. He is included in the Ultimate List of 15 Asian Scientists To Watch by Asian Scientist magazine (15 May 2011). He is a member of the National Academy of Science and Technology Philippines and a Senior Member of the Optical Society of America. In August 2011, he wrote an article entitled, “Why the Philippine Government Should Increase Its Budget for the National University.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Manila Hotel Kapihan reveals that PDAF abolition is just the tip of the iceberg
By Chanda Shahani
Abolishing the pork barrel or the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) would not solve the systemic problems of corruption and mismanagement plaguing in the Philippines, an emerging consensus at a forum at the Manila Hotel, held last August 26, 2013, shows.
I went to this forum with my mother, former Senator Leticia R. Shahani; which was held on the same day as the million person march. "Come with me instead," my mom said, promising that I would gain more in sights than merely attending the medley of sit-ins held right outside the Manila Hoitel and in other venues. And so I did.
One of the organizers of the march, Rasti Delizo of Sanlakas, said that the march was one where the miuddle class was expected to take the lead. "People are outraged at the misuse of funds worth PhP 10 billion or more," he said, adding that the uniting line of thge various groups involved in the march was to scrap all pork barrel, and to hold all those guilty to account and to punish them.
The forum or kapihan also revealed the following which, loosely, could be lumped under the general heading of "pork barrel" or funds which fell under government discretionary spending:
- President's Social Fund, funded from Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and Philippine Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) remittances.
- The Judicial Development Fund
- The Mampalaya Fund
- Local funds. For example, the Quezon City pork barrel is PhP 42 million a year.
- Internal Revenue Allotments of the local government units (LGUs).
- The intelligence fund of the President.
- Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).
The forum was emceed by Manila Hotel President, former Senator Joey Lina. Atty. Lina said that the senators had PDAF or pork barrel of PhP 200 million a year, of which PhP 100 million had to go towards "hard" projects while PhP 100 million had to go towards "soft" projects. In the case of congressmen, they were alloted a total of PhP 70 million, of which PhP 40 million had to go towards "hard" projects while PhP 30 million had to go towards "soft" projects.
Sister Mary John Mananzan, one of the forum participants, said that rather than funding projects helter-skelter via PDAF, it was more important to use the money to fund "the most glaring" projects in order to solve these problems as quickly as possible. These areas were in housing and government hospitals.
Former Senator Leticia R. Shahani, a member of the Former Senior Government Officials (FSGO) a group made up of former high-ranking Philippine government officials, said that the million person march was "a manifestation of the anger of the people." She said that no matter what form of structure evolved to take the place of PDAF and other pork barrel funds, it was "useless," unless long-term attention was paid to changing the values and mindsets of people, because ways and means could be found again and again to sybvert the structure and filch money from the people.
Given that Philippine-style government is operating under a system with two houses of congress with one president given one six (6) year term; and with congress given the power of the budget, it would become apparent that congress is allowed (under the 1987 constitution) to approve items on the budget. Thus, in order to remove this glaring self-serving anomaly; the constitution itself has to be amended in order to reflect a system of government that is more attuned to the people's needs.
More on our system of government later.
Sister Mary John Mananzan, one of the forum participants, said that rather than funding projects helter-skelter via PDAF, it was more important to use the money to fund "the most glaring" projects in order to solve these problems as quickly as possible. These areas were in housing and government hospitals.
Former Senator Leticia R. Shahani, a member of the Former Senior Government Officials (FSGO) a group made up of former high-ranking Philippine government officials, said that the million person march was "a manifestation of the anger of the people." She said that no matter what form of structure evolved to take the place of PDAF and other pork barrel funds, it was "useless," unless long-term attention was paid to changing the values and mindsets of people, because ways and means could be found again and again to sybvert the structure and filch money from the people.
Given that Philippine-style government is operating under a system with two houses of congress with one president given one six (6) year term; and with congress given the power of the budget, it would become apparent that congress is allowed (under the 1987 constitution) to approve items on the budget. Thus, in order to remove this glaring self-serving anomaly; the constitution itself has to be amended in order to reflect a system of government that is more attuned to the people's needs.
More on our system of government later.
Sunday, August 25, 2013
PAHAYAG NG UPCSWCD: TANGGALIN ANG PORK BARREL NGAYON NA!
PAHAYAG NG UPCSWCD
22 Agosto 2013
TANGGALIN ANG PORK BARREL NGAYON NA!
PONDOHAN ANG MGA BATAYANG SERBISYONG PANLIPUNAN!
Nakikiisa ang Kolehiyo ng Gawaing Panlipunan at Pagpapaunlad ng Pamayanan (CSWCD) ng Unibersidad ng Pilipinas (UP) sa mga miyembro ng faculty, staff, estudyante at alumni ng UP na mariing nagkokondena sa walang pakundangang paglulustay ng pera ng bayan sa mga bogus na NGO at proyekto gaya ng ipinahihiwatig ng tinatawag na P10-bilyong Napoles scam. Bilyun-bilyong piso ang inilalaan sa Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) ng mga senador at congressmen ngunit walang linaw kung paano ito nagagasta kayat nagiging oportunidad para sa walang habas na pandaraya at pandarambong.
Mayroon din ibang malalaking pondo na ang tawag ay lump sum appropriation ng mga ahensiya ng gobyerno, kasama na ang ehekutibo, na hindi alam kung ano at saan ang pupuntahan.
Ang ganitong sitwasyon ay tunay na nakakapanlumo, nakakaiyak at nakakagalit lalo na sa konteksto ng laganap na kagutuman at kasalatan ng mahihirap na Pilipino. Ngayon ay dagdag pang hagupit ang pananalanta ng mga bagyo at pagbaha.
Sa harap ng ganitong kalagayan ay malinaw ang tuwid na landas na dapat tahakin ng lahat ng mamamayang Pilipinong may malasakit sa Inang Bayan. Di dapat palampasin ang tahasang pagtalikod sa matitinding pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan at garapal na paglustay ng pondong dapat sila ang nakinabang.
Dapat imbestigahan at parusahan ang lahat ng maysala!
Dapat suportahan ang panukalang batas para sa pagtatanggal ng sistemang pork barrel! Isabay na rin dito ang pagtatanggal ng lump sum appropriation ng lahat ng ahensiya ng gobyerno!
Dapat gamitin ang pondong nakalaan sa pork barrel (P25.4 bilyon para sa taong 2014) at sa mga lump sum appropriation sa mga batayang serbisyong panlipunan para sa kalusugan, edukasyon, pabahay, mass transport, imprastruktura sa kanayunan, at reporma sa lupa!
Lumahok tayo sa sama-samang pagkilos ng pamayanan ng UP at sa pamayanang binubuo ng lahat ng mga Pilipinong naghahangad ng isang malinis na pamahalaang nananagot sa lahat ng kanyang gawain at gastusin, at tumutugon sa mga pangangailangan at hinaing ng mga maralita at nasasantabi sa lipunan.
22 Agosto 2013
TANGGALIN ANG PORK BARREL NGAYON NA!
PONDOHAN ANG MGA BATAYANG SERBISYONG PANLIPUNAN!
Nakikiisa ang Kolehiyo ng Gawaing Panlipunan at Pagpapaunlad ng Pamayanan (CSWCD) ng Unibersidad ng Pilipinas (UP) sa mga miyembro ng faculty, staff, estudyante at alumni ng UP na mariing nagkokondena sa walang pakundangang paglulustay ng pera ng bayan sa mga bogus na NGO at proyekto gaya ng ipinahihiwatig ng tinatawag na P10-bilyong Napoles scam. Bilyun-bilyong piso ang inilalaan sa Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) ng mga senador at congressmen ngunit walang linaw kung paano ito nagagasta kayat nagiging oportunidad para sa walang habas na pandaraya at pandarambong.
Mayroon din ibang malalaking pondo na ang tawag ay lump sum appropriation ng mga ahensiya ng gobyerno, kasama na ang ehekutibo, na hindi alam kung ano at saan ang pupuntahan.
Ang ganitong sitwasyon ay tunay na nakakapanlumo, nakakaiyak at nakakagalit lalo na sa konteksto ng laganap na kagutuman at kasalatan ng mahihirap na Pilipino. Ngayon ay dagdag pang hagupit ang pananalanta ng mga bagyo at pagbaha.
Sa harap ng ganitong kalagayan ay malinaw ang tuwid na landas na dapat tahakin ng lahat ng mamamayang Pilipinong may malasakit sa Inang Bayan. Di dapat palampasin ang tahasang pagtalikod sa matitinding pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan at garapal na paglustay ng pondong dapat sila ang nakinabang.
Dapat imbestigahan at parusahan ang lahat ng maysala!
Dapat suportahan ang panukalang batas para sa pagtatanggal ng sistemang pork barrel! Isabay na rin dito ang pagtatanggal ng lump sum appropriation ng lahat ng ahensiya ng gobyerno!
Dapat gamitin ang pondong nakalaan sa pork barrel (P25.4 bilyon para sa taong 2014) at sa mga lump sum appropriation sa mga batayang serbisyong panlipunan para sa kalusugan, edukasyon, pabahay, mass transport, imprastruktura sa kanayunan, at reporma sa lupa!
Lumahok tayo sa sama-samang pagkilos ng pamayanan ng UP at sa pamayanang binubuo ng lahat ng mga Pilipinong naghahangad ng isang malinis na pamahalaang nananagot sa lahat ng kanyang gawain at gastusin, at tumutugon sa mga pangangailangan at hinaing ng mga maralita at nasasantabi sa lipunan.
Saturday, August 24, 2013
U.P. Diliman: Remembering 32 journalists killed in Maguindanao
By Chanda Shahani
Last August 23, 2013, Cyd Godinez and I went ot to the College of Mass Communication at U.P. Diliman to attend the commemoration of the November 23, 2009 massacre in Maguindanao where some 32 journalists died, out of a total of 58 victims.
On hand were the faculty and students of the College of Mass Communication, headed by CMC Dean Roland Tolentino. There were some talks, and then candles were lit to commemorate the victims.
Coming before the August 26, 2013 million person march to Quirino Grandstand to protest the existence of the priority development assistance fund (PDAF) or pork barrel resulting in losses of at least PhP 10 billion to the Filipino people; Dean Tolentino and fellow CMC professor, Danilo Arao, collectively made the point that PDAF was an egregious instance of the misuse of government resources towards unethical ends. On the other hand, the machinery of the local government: local police, personnel, even a backhoe were used to massacre 32 journalists and other people. These assets employed were paid for with the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) of the local government units (LGUs).
In other words, even IRAs are subject to abuse, and even IRAs, PDAFs should be looked into and be subjected to oversight and inspection so that abuses of such horrendous proportions can never be repeated again.
In both instances - that of the PDAF and that of the Maguindanao massacre - presidential patronage allowed actors to act with impunity. In the case of the Ampatuans, who delivered valuable votes to former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Maguindanao, and are still seen as political assets to the President benigno S. Aquino III, the trial seems to drag on with an ever elusive sense of justice for the families and friends of those who died in Maguindanao.
Dean Tolentino called for the abolition of the Presidential and Congressional pork barrel.He urged those who attended the commemoration of the murder of 58 people, to attend the million person march towards Quirino Grandstand and other points of Metro Manila and throughout the Philippines to march with the PDAF in mind, and the Maguindanao massacre in mind.
"Makibaka tayo at huwag tayong matakot," Dean Tolentino reminded his audience.
At issue regarding the IRAs, it turns out is that the IRAs reflect the same kind of greed for resources and power that are reflected in the presidential and congressional pork barrels, said Danilo Arao, a professor of journalism at the CMC.
Arao also urged journalism students to stick to the time honored University of the Philippines ideals of honor and excellence as part of their public service as working journalists; which included letting concealed information come out to be scrutinized by the public.
He also said that other issues that need to be kept on the front burner through activism were:
- Justice for the Maguindanao massacre victims and other victims of extra judicial killings.
- The retention of freedom of speech.
- Stop the killing of journalists
Labels:
College of Mass Communication,
IRAs,
LGUs,
Maguindanao massacre,
PDAF,
Pork barrel,
UP Diliman
Noynoy PDAF `abolition’ misleading, protests to continue – UP community
PRESS RELEASE
August 24, 2013
Noynoy PDAF `abolition’ misleading, protests to continue – UP community
Concerned students, faculty, staff and residents of the University of the Philippines denounced the misleading announcement of President Noynoy Aquino as regards the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).
In a press conference last August 23, Aquino said that it is now time to “abolish” PDAF and put in place a new mechanism to meet the needs of the people. Members of the Senate and the House of Representatves can still recommend projects but they will have to go through the process of finalizing the national budget.
The concerned UP community members said that Aquino’s policy pronouncement is just a “sugar-coated reform of the inherently flawed pork barrel system.”
In a statement, they stressed that the PDAF will just be repackaged, “such that the Congress will be at the behest of the Department of Budget and Management and the Office of the President.”
They called for the “just distribution and rechanneling of funds to basic social services, NOT a rehashed pork barrel system that is even more vulnerable to corruption. These funds must be allocated through public agencies such as public hospitals, state universities and colleges, public schools, salary upgrading of teachers and government workers, etc. The skewed regional allocations in the proposed budget must be realigned, with sufficient allocations for neglected regions in the Visayas and in Mindanao.”
In this context, they stressed the need for people to rage against “unbridled corruption” in government. “On August 26, we shall march from Liwasang Bonifacio to Rizal Park to Mendiola to decisively assert our resolve to abolish the presidential and congressional pork barrel and rechannel funds to basic social services!”
The statement was signed by the UP Faculty for the Abolition of the Presidential and Congressional Pork Barrel System, UP Kilos Na, Multi-Sectoral Alliance, Office of the Student Regent, Office of the Staff Regent and the University Student Council.
For verification and more information, please call Prof. Sarah Raymundo at (0939) 925-9368
STATEMENT
Marching On: UP Community for the Abolition of the Presidential and Congressional Pork Barrel System
We, the University of the Philippines community, strongly condemn the deceitful and misleading announcement of President Aquino to “abolish” the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) and to institute, in its place, a supposedly “new” mechanism for allocation. This is a clear attempt to pacify and diffuse the just anger of the people and their clamor for the abolition of the pork barrel system and the rechanneling of funds to basic social services. In fact, PNoy’s proposal is by no means an abolition of the PDAF; rather, it is a sugarcoated reform of the inherently flawed pork barrel system. It drowns the more substantive problems of graft and corruption and patronage politics that result from this system. Worse, it conveniently leaves the president’s Special Purpose Funds, amounting to at least 310.1B, untouched, even increasing his discretionary power in the management of national funds.
In PNoy’s proposal, the congressional pork barrel (PDAF) will merely be repackaged, such that the Congress will continue to be at the behest of the Department of Budget and Management and the Office of the President. In the guise of transparency, the proposal actually places the PDAF under the stricter and more direct control of the President, making legislators more beholden to Malacanang. This farce is by no means an “abolition” but a perpetuation of the pork barrel system: it fortifies patronage politics both at the presidential and local levels, and violates constitutional principles by blurring the lines between the executive and legislative functions of government.
We are calling for just distribution and rechanneling of funds to basic social services, NOT a rehashed pork barrel system that is even more vulnerable to corruption. These funds must be allocated through public agencies such as public hospitals, state universities and colleges, public schools, salary upgrading of teachers and government workers, etc. The skewed regional allocations in the proposed budget must be realigned, with sufficient allocations for neglected regions in the Visayas and in Mindanao.
Let not the deceitful machinations of the PNoy Administration dampen our rage against unbridled corruption in government and attacks on our right to social services. On National Heroes Day, we shall continue the legacy of our heroes in upholding the people’s interests against the rich and the few who secure seats in government and reduce the national agenda to their own selfish interests. On August 26, we shall march from Liwasang Bonifacio to Rizal Park to Mendiola to decisively assert our resolve to abolish the presidential and congressional pork barrel and rechannel funds to basic social services!
Join the August 26 March from Liwasang Bonifacio to Luneta to Mendiola: 7AM mass-up at Quezon Hall, UP Diliman; 9AM meet-up at Liwasang Bonifacio and march to Rizal Park.
UP CMC calls for abolition of pork barrel, investigation of corruption, arrest of plunderers
N.B. – This is the official statement of the UP College of Mass Communication on the pork barrel issue, signed by 29 faculty members and 14 staff led by Dean Roland Tolentino and former deans Luis Teodoro and Georgina Encanto.
Statement of the University of the Philippines
College of Mass Communication
August 23, 2013
THE FACULTY, students and staff of the University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication (UP CMC) will join the people’s assembly and march at the Luneta on Monday, August 26 to express our collective outrage. We demand the abolition of the pork barrel system; the immediate arrest of, and the filing of appropriate charges of plunder and other high crimes against those involved in the P10-billion pork barrel scam from both the private and public sector; and a thorough and non-partisan investigation into the entire system of which the scam is only a small part of the estimated P250 billion lost to corruption in the public sector.
Together with the rest of the Filipino people, UP and its constituents, as well as the other state universities and colleges, are among the victims of the corruption that has metastasized throughout officialdom as well as the private sector. While our budgets are being reduced to the detriment of our mandates to train those among our young men and women with the most potential to serve this country and its people, billions are funnelled annually into the pockets of scoundrels and thieves both in and out of government so they may indulge their greed for fleets of luxury cars, palatial homes, and shopping binges abroad.
This is a horrendous crime for which those guilty of it should be penalized. President Benigno Aquino III should first of all forthwith cause the withdrawal from the 2014 General Appropriations Act of the P27 billion in pork barrel funds for Congress, selected agencies, and his own office the Department of Budget and Management has appropriated. He should immediately organize an investigative body credible enough to look into the extent to which not only pork barrel but also other funds have been and are being misused, while ordering the Department of Justice to file the appropriate charges of plunder against those involved in the P10-billion pork barrel scam.
President Aquino’s “bosses” have spoken. His defense of the pork barrel and his insistence on keeping the system intact despite widespread outrage and opposition of the Filipino people are unacceptable. These are completely at odds with the people’s sentiments and the objective interest in seeing to it that taxes are well-spent for the people’s own benefit rather than that of a handful of rapacious individuals whose greed knows no limit.
COLLEGE OFFICIALS
Dr. Roland B. Tolentino, Dean
Prof. Danilo A. Arao, Associate Dean
Prof. Randy Jay C. Solis, College Secretary
Dr. Georgina R. Encanto, Former Dean
Prof. Luis V. Teodoro, Former Dean
Prof. Jane O. Vinculado, Chair, Broadcast Communication Department
Prof. Lucia P. Tangi, Officer-in-Charge, Journalism Department
Prof. Patrick F. Campos, Director of Office of Extension and External Relations
FACULTY
Broadcast Communication Department
Dr. Elizabeth L. Enriquez
Dr. Perlita G. Manalili
Prof. Rosa Maria T. Feliciano
Prof. Victor C. Avecilla
Prof. Josefina C. Santos, DZUP Radio Station Manager
Prof. Fernando A. Austria, Jr.
Ms. Ma. Ivy A. Claudio
Communication Research Department
Prof. Jacques Rusanna Yves DM. Gimeno
Journalism Department
Prof. Evelyn Katigbak
Prof. Ma. Diosa Labiste
Ms. Teresa Congjuico
UP Film Institute
Prof. Shirley P. Evidente, Faculty Coordinator for Academic Programs and Research, UPFI
Prof. Eduardo J. Lejano, Jr., Faculty Coordinator for Film, Theater and Extension Services
Prof. Jose C. Gutierrez III, College Webmaster
Mr. Roy C. Iglesias
LECTURERS
Broadcast Communication Department
Prof. Melba S. Estonilo
Prof. Marinela M. Aseron
Mr. Dexter Mantes
UP Film Institute
Maria Lourdes De Guzman
Carlo Gabriel Pangilinan
Bryan Quesada
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF AND REPS
Gina Villegas
Marianita P. Cinco
Rosalita S. Burlat
Armando H. Hirao
Nemesio B. Faulan
Clarissa S. Concepcion
Raquelita Bacarra
Jacqueline Manalo
Teresita Santos
Irene Sia
Hermana Dela Paz
Ma. Christine Hernandez
Jam Tolentino
Janette Pamaylaon
CMC Student Council (composed of 13 elected student leaders)
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
U.P. Professor shoots a student dead: Remembering a death
Photograph by: Chanda R. Shahani |
Student organizations, at the time, were actively involved with issues concerning the Philippines and were often very enthusiastic about their advocacies. UP later on came to be known for its activism whatever issue it may be.
It was February 1, 1971 when students decided to do a massive human blockade to keep vehicles from entering the university. By 9 AM student leaders started rallying their fellow students to join the protest and a few hours later, the UP Security Force arrived at the scene acting on complaints from professors and residents of the area. As one can imagine there was a scuffle right at the University Avenue with students behind pillboxes and in a heated argument with university security.
Although activism at the time was not only popular but necessary, there were still those with dissenting opinion and those who did not want to involve themselves in the protests. One of these people is a professor of the Mathematics Department. Prof. Inocente Campos is known for his eccentricities and is infamous among students because he kept on ignoring boycotts –on three occasions to be exact.
The professor tangled with student activists who wanted to go inside his classroom to persuade the class in joining the respective rallies. In one occasion, Prof. Campos fired three warning shots to drive away student activists out of his classroom. Despite his rather eccentric nature, there is no question that Prof. Campos is a dedicated teacher. In fact, he believed that teaching was a sacred responsibility as well as a public duty.
On that day, the professor was on his way to the university to conduct a class since the University Secretary’s office did not suspend classes. Upon entering the first checkpoint, the professor slowed down but he was not blocked by the students. However, someone recognized him and soon, students started throwing pillboxes at his car. He continued driving but one of the tires was damaged and his car stopped. By then, students advanced toward the teacher as he got out of the car.
According to records, he put on his vest and took his shotgun from the back seat then tried to fire it to scare the activists. The gun however was jammed so the professor took out his .22 caliber rifle and started shooting. He did not stop firing and at the heat of the moment drew his revolver and fired more shots. Minutes after the shooting, Prof. Campos was arrested by the police and brought to the Quezon City police station.
As a result of this untoward incident, a student by the name of Pastor “Sonny” Mesina Jr. was seriously wounded. He was rushed to the UP Infirmary and was later transferred to the Veterans’ Memorial Hospital located just a few minutes away from the university. He however did not survive and died four days later.
It is important to note that while many of Mesina’s peers were both angered and saddened by the incident, his death became a crucial factor in latter developments because it turned the protests for gasoline price increase into a massive protest against military intrusion. Pastor Mesina Jr.’s may not be remembered by many but the plaque in remembrance of the student can still be seen today. The plaque was placed right where he fell when he was shot by the irate professor.
Because of the rich history of the university, many incidents are no longer remembered but many of Mesina’s peers will always have a vivid picture of the shooting.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Press Release of UP Staff and Student Regents: UP Board of Regents reopens discussions on naming college after Marcos technocrat
N.B. – This is a joint press release of the Staff and Student Regents on a controversial issue at UP. Please feel free to share. Thank you.
Joint Press Release of the University of the Philippines Staff Regent and Student Regent
31 July 2013
UP Board of Regents reopens discussions on naming college after Marcos technocrat
The University of the Philippines Board of Regents (UP BOR) has decided to reopen discussions on the renaming of the UP Diliman College of Business Administration (CBA) to the Cesar EA Virata School of Business.
At its 1,289th meeting last July 29, the members of the UP BOR agreed to discuss the issue further even if the renaming was already approved last April 12.
According to UP Staff Regent Razel Ramirez, this will allow UP to revisit opinions and expand discussions. “It will also give more time to consider the necessary steps, including the establishment of guidelines in renaming colleges and schools in the university.”
Ramirez made a motion to rescind the renaming of the CBA. In her position paper, she stressed Virata’s role as prime minister during the Marcos dictatorship. This, according to her, is the main reason there is a public outcry over the BOR’s decision last April. She said that Virata supported the Marcos dictatorship until the very end.
She also questioned the claim of the UP CBA Dean that the renaming is the sole concern of the college and the BOR. She said that this sets a dangerous precedent in the university, especially in the absence of clear guidelines. “By allowing CBA to change its name in honor of its supposedly distinguished alumnus, what will prevent the other colleges from changing theirs and on what bases? If a simple change of nomenclature of an academic course requires approval of the University Council (composed of assistant professors, associate professors and full professors), what more the renaming of an academic unit?”
For her part, UP Student Regent Krista Melgarejo said that Virata’s being a loyal technocrat of Marcos is not a good role model for the youth. She said that Article 3.1.2 of the UP Naming Rights Policy approved by the BOR on August 28, 2009, clearly states that the individual “must have sterling reputation or could be looked upon as a role model of the youth.” This policy, however, does not include the renaming of academic units.
“This is yet another case where the university’s soul is being sold in exchange for funding. A clear and present danger brought upon by commercialization schemes resulting from the national government’s failure to provide greater subsidy to education,” she said.
According to Melgarejo, the petition papers signed by many students from the university, including those from the CBA, must not be disregarded. She said that the online petition has more than 500 signatures and comments.
Aside from Ramirez’s position paper and the online petition, the two regents also presented a statement from the UP Alumni Association in America, Inc. President Dr. Romulo Aquino supporting Ramirez’s arguments on the issue. They also furnished copies of the petition paper signed by 13 deans from various UP constituent universities, as well as by former and current UP officials, faculty members, staff members and students.
The BOR is the highest policy-making body of UP.
For verification and more information, please call UP Staff Regent Razel L. Ramirez (0908-591-3737) and Student Regent Krista Melgarejo (0920-645-3953).
Joint Press Release of the University of the Philippines Staff Regent and Student Regent
31 July 2013
UP Board of Regents reopens discussions on naming college after Marcos technocrat
The University of the Philippines Board of Regents (UP BOR) has decided to reopen discussions on the renaming of the UP Diliman College of Business Administration (CBA) to the Cesar EA Virata School of Business.
At its 1,289th meeting last July 29, the members of the UP BOR agreed to discuss the issue further even if the renaming was already approved last April 12.
According to UP Staff Regent Razel Ramirez, this will allow UP to revisit opinions and expand discussions. “It will also give more time to consider the necessary steps, including the establishment of guidelines in renaming colleges and schools in the university.”
Ramirez made a motion to rescind the renaming of the CBA. In her position paper, she stressed Virata’s role as prime minister during the Marcos dictatorship. This, according to her, is the main reason there is a public outcry over the BOR’s decision last April. She said that Virata supported the Marcos dictatorship until the very end.
She also questioned the claim of the UP CBA Dean that the renaming is the sole concern of the college and the BOR. She said that this sets a dangerous precedent in the university, especially in the absence of clear guidelines. “By allowing CBA to change its name in honor of its supposedly distinguished alumnus, what will prevent the other colleges from changing theirs and on what bases? If a simple change of nomenclature of an academic course requires approval of the University Council (composed of assistant professors, associate professors and full professors), what more the renaming of an academic unit?”
For her part, UP Student Regent Krista Melgarejo said that Virata’s being a loyal technocrat of Marcos is not a good role model for the youth. She said that Article 3.1.2 of the UP Naming Rights Policy approved by the BOR on August 28, 2009, clearly states that the individual “must have sterling reputation or could be looked upon as a role model of the youth.” This policy, however, does not include the renaming of academic units.
“This is yet another case where the university’s soul is being sold in exchange for funding. A clear and present danger brought upon by commercialization schemes resulting from the national government’s failure to provide greater subsidy to education,” she said.
According to Melgarejo, the petition papers signed by many students from the university, including those from the CBA, must not be disregarded. She said that the online petition has more than 500 signatures and comments.
Aside from Ramirez’s position paper and the online petition, the two regents also presented a statement from the UP Alumni Association in America, Inc. President Dr. Romulo Aquino supporting Ramirez’s arguments on the issue. They also furnished copies of the petition paper signed by 13 deans from various UP constituent universities, as well as by former and current UP officials, faculty members, staff members and students.
The BOR is the highest policy-making body of UP.
For verification and more information, please call UP Staff Regent Razel L. Ramirez (0908-591-3737) and Student Regent Krista Melgarejo (0920-645-3953).
Labels:
CBA,
Cesar E.A. Virata School of Business,
Diliman,
Krista Melgarejo,
Staff Regent,
Student Regent,
University of the Philippines
31.7.2013
Dear Diliman Diary,
I am awakening again. =)
I am awakening again. =)
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
The Indian Navy to expand maritime interests in South and Southeast Asia, retired Indian military official says.
By Chanda Shahani
India can provide a balanced multipolarity to the increasing assertiveness of China in East and Southeast Asia, said Major General Vinod Saighal (Ret.), India's former Director General of Military Training and presently the Executive Director of Eco Monitors Society, an NGO involved in demography and ecology issues, at a forum today at the Asian Center at the University of the Philippines at Diliman.
Saigal said that India is now definitely committed to projecting further east into the South China Sea and beyond is no longer in doubt. Thus far, its maritime projection has been towards maritime activities related to trade and exploration for hydrocarbons, when it has been invited by a host country, such as Vietnam.
He said that much will depend on China's military assertion in the region as well as the projection of the Chinese navy into the Indian Ocean to either balance or rival India's historic primacy in the Indian Ocean.
He said that if and when India does move in more meaningfully into the maritime speheres claimed exclusively by China as its core interests, the chances of tensions heightening between the two regional powers becomes a distinct possibility.
Saigal said that a greater presence by the Indian Navy beyond the Malacca Straits would be welcomed by practically all the nations of Southeast Asia as well as Japan and South Korea.
Referring to the Philippines in particular, Saigal said that the Philippines was Asia's first democracy, and that India was Asia's largest democracy. He said that both India and the Philippines, therefore were standard bearers for democracy in Asia.
In the same forum, Commodore Caesar Taccad, the Deputy Commander of the Philippine Fleet, Philippine Navy, said that countries such as China and India were already major regional maritime players, and that India's projection into the Indo-Pacific region "would heighten tensions" with China.
He said that India's roile would complement that of the United States, which has begun concentrating its military resources in the Pacific; but whose sustainability to continue operations would remain in question.
He said that India has interests in the South China Sea, and that it was entirely possible that it would seek strategic partnerships with countries such as Australia and the Philippines.
Dr. Aileen S.P. Baviera, a professor of Chinese studies and international relations at the Asian Center, University of the Philippine and currently its officer-in-charge and former Dean whose research interests include regional security, territorial and maritime disputes, major power relations and China-Southeast Asia ties, said that there was now a trend towards "balanced multi-polarity in South East Asia."
"All countries operate under pressure from domestic considrations," she said, but said that norms such as the following of the rule of law" should prevail and that "the resort to arms buildup isndicative that diplomacy is failing."
Saigal said that India is now definitely committed to projecting further east into the South China Sea and beyond is no longer in doubt. Thus far, its maritime projection has been towards maritime activities related to trade and exploration for hydrocarbons, when it has been invited by a host country, such as Vietnam.
He said that much will depend on China's military assertion in the region as well as the projection of the Chinese navy into the Indian Ocean to either balance or rival India's historic primacy in the Indian Ocean.
He said that if and when India does move in more meaningfully into the maritime speheres claimed exclusively by China as its core interests, the chances of tensions heightening between the two regional powers becomes a distinct possibility.
Saigal said that a greater presence by the Indian Navy beyond the Malacca Straits would be welcomed by practically all the nations of Southeast Asia as well as Japan and South Korea.
Referring to the Philippines in particular, Saigal said that the Philippines was Asia's first democracy, and that India was Asia's largest democracy. He said that both India and the Philippines, therefore were standard bearers for democracy in Asia.
In the same forum, Commodore Caesar Taccad, the Deputy Commander of the Philippine Fleet, Philippine Navy, said that countries such as China and India were already major regional maritime players, and that India's projection into the Indo-Pacific region "would heighten tensions" with China.
He said that India's roile would complement that of the United States, which has begun concentrating its military resources in the Pacific; but whose sustainability to continue operations would remain in question.
He said that India has interests in the South China Sea, and that it was entirely possible that it would seek strategic partnerships with countries such as Australia and the Philippines.
Dr. Aileen S.P. Baviera, a professor of Chinese studies and international relations at the Asian Center, University of the Philippine and currently its officer-in-charge and former Dean whose research interests include regional security, territorial and maritime disputes, major power relations and China-Southeast Asia ties, said that there was now a trend towards "balanced multi-polarity in South East Asia."
"All countries operate under pressure from domestic considrations," she said, but said that norms such as the following of the rule of law" should prevail and that "the resort to arms buildup isndicative that diplomacy is failing."
Labels:
Asian Center,
Commodore Caesar Taccad,
Dr. Aileen S.P. Baviera,
Indian Navy,
Major General Vinod Saighal (Ret.),
Philppine Navy,
University of the Philippines at Diliman
Saturday, April 27, 2013
An Open Letter to U.P. President Alfredo E. Pascual
An open letter to UP President Alfredo E. Pascual
Dear Sir:
The baybayin characters on the Sablay of our graduates read as “upa”.
This would connote that the iskolars ng bayan are for HIRE upon their
graduation, when they are suppose to prioritize service to the nation.
Baybayan characters are not the same as our Abakada alphabet where each
letter is a basic sound or phoneme, either a vowel or a consonant. In
baybayin, which is a syllabic writing system, each character is already a
syllable. It seems that there was no in-depth study in using baybayin
characters on emblems. Somebody just thought to translate the English
letters “U” and “P” to the Pilipino abakada “U” and “Pa” and then to the
baybayin characters of syllables “U” and “Pa”. This was reverse
engineering at its worst and without any historical basis whatsoever, most definitely not worthy of a UP scholar.
In the military, we revere symbols, especially those made with the
blood of our heroes. A well-known usage of the baybayin characters is
that found in the flags and emblems of the Katipunan in the 1890s, which
bear the baybayin script Ka Ka Ka the acronym for Kataas-taasan,
Kagalang-galang Katipunan. They DO NOT stand for the first letter “K”
but for the first Syllable “Ka” of the three words. We are often
confused into thinking that the symbol is the same as the letter “Ka” in
our Abakada. The Abakada is an indigenized Latin alphabet of the
Tagalog language, created by Lope K. Santos in 1940. During the
Philippine Revolution against Spain, THERE WAS NO Pilipino alphabet then
and the baybayin character “Ka” stands for the FIRST SYLLABLE of
Katipunan. Therefore, to “abbreviate” words using baybayin, the
character of the first syllable of the word is used.
The
baybayin characters on the Sablay are the acronym for Unibersidad ng
Pilipinas. The first syllable of “Unibersidad’ and the baybayin script
for “U” on the Sablay is correct. The first syllable for “Pilipinas” is
“pi” but in the Sablay the character there is for “pa”. A tuldik must be
placed on the “pa” character to change it to “pi”.
Since 1990,
when the Sablay was first used, we have been parading our graduates for
the world to see, carrying the word “UPa”, a tagalog word for “Hire”.
Sadly, this does not speak well of UP.
Eliseo M. Rio Jr. (UP Vanguard ’65)
Labels:
Eliseo M. Rio,
Jr.,
sablay,
U.P. Presisdent Alfredo E. Pascual,
University of the Philippines
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