GA Report: April 26, 2008

Twenty-four out of thirty-four members of the University Student Council (USC) were present in its second formal General Assembly (GA) last April 26 at the USC Office. Quorum wasn’t reached on time, so the members present had to wait for half an hour to be able to start the GA. First in the agenda of the meeting was the committee deliberation of Sports & Fitness Committee. The establishment and leadership of the Committee on Culture & Arts was supposed to be deliberated but was postponed. The rest of the GA was spent to update the members on the progress of the various committee’s projects and upcoming activities.

The attendance during the GA is as follows:

Chairperson Third Bagro Vice-Chairperson Airah Cadiogan *         Councilors Mik Bueno Nem Canete Rye Castillo *** Bang Dizon * Jacque Eroles * Joseph Gutierrez Stephen Larcia Bevs Lumbera Mico Maestro Fudge Tajar Sherry Tismal Bikoy Villanueva *** * excused ** late *** left early

College Representatives Acee Abulencia Anna Achacoso Jay Bagcal *** Issa Baguisi *** Rashell Cabrera **/*** Rinno Camilit Ace Castillo Chorva David Norby Geraldez Dyan Hatague Carmela Lagang Eshei Mesina **/*** Ruth Miguel * Jeyson Ocay Raquel Perez Pierre Reyes Hazel Rodelas Sophia San Luis Marc Virtucio Lester Yupingkun

- After the two proponents presented their proposals, the USC unanimously voted to establish the Sports & Fitness Committee. In further deliberations, NCPAG Rep. Raquel Perez, in a vote of 13-6 was chosen as the chairperson of the said committee over CHK Rep. Lester Yupingkun. One member of the USC abstained.

- After the deliberation of the Sports & Fitness Committee, the USC proceeded to discuss the manifesto presented by the Community Rights & Welfare Committee under CSWCD Rep. Carmela Lagang with regards to the implementation of the “One-Way Academic Oval” policy of the UP Administration. The manifesto was ratified with minimal revisions. It can be seen here. Rep. Lagang also talked about the various issues that the transport groups in UP are facing.

- Councilor Fahima Tajar discussed the progress of the preparations for the Rice Against the Crisis forum to be held on April 30, 2008. She also asked the GA to stick to the procedures in drafting urgent statements, as there had been minor problems and delays in the drafting due to numerous objections from some members of the USC.

- Councilor Mico Maestro updated the GA of the Education & Research Committee and the Community Rights & Welfare Committee’s progress on their planned community fair to be held on May 17, 2008.

- CEduc. Rep. Acee Abulencia updated the GA of the various activities that the Gender Committee would undertake for the rest of the summer. Rep. Abulencia said that the Gender Committee shall release a statement on the Cebu Canister Scandal issue in a few days.

- Councilor Bikoy Villanueva updated the GA of the progress and development of the USC website. He also answered questions form among the members of the USC who were having problems logging in to the website. He asked his co-members to actively take advantage of the medium and publish their own committee and college updates.

- Councilor Sherry Tismal reported to the GA the progress of the projects of the Ways & Means Committee. She updated the USC of the progress of the centennial merchandise that her committee is planning to sell in order to raise funds for the council.

- Councilor Fahima Tajar reported to the GA, in behalf of Councilor Nem Canete who was absent, the updates of the Finance Committee.

- Chairperson Third Bagro reported to the GA the news about the signing into law of the new UP Charter. He also told the GA of an invitation for some members of the USC to attend a forum in Ortigas about local government units. He also relayed to the assembly the progress of the Vinzons Renovation project.