Open Letter Re: UPLB Student Council Elections

Isang bukas na liham para kay UPLB Chancellor Luis Rey Velasco at sa UPLB Central Electoral Board (CEB) hinggil sa Eleksyon ng mga Konseho ng Mag-aaral sa UPLB

Mainit na pagbati!

Sumulat kami upang ipahayag ang aming solidong suporta sa panawagan ng kapwa naming mga iskolar ng bayan mula sa UPLB para sa agarang paglulunsad ng eleksyon upang maihalal na ang mga konseho ng mag-aaral na maglilingkod, hindi lamang sa mga estudyante ng UPLB, kundi sa kabuuan ng sambayanang Pilipino. Malinaw po na ang patuloy na kawalan ng eleksyon para sa mga posisyon sa University Student Council (USC) at College Student Council (CSC) ay paglabag sa demokratikong karapatan ng mga mag-aaral na magkaroon ng opisyal na representasyon na siyang lalahok sa pagbubuo at pagpapatupad ng mga institusyunal na polisiya at makikialam sa iba pang usaping nakakaapekto sa kanila. 

Naniniwala po kami na ang mga huling kaganapan sa inyong kampus ay nagpapakita ng kawalan ng paggalang sa awtonomiya, demokratisasyon, at kolektibong pagpapasya ng mga estudyante sa pag-oorganisa at pagbubuo ng kanilang mga institusyon. Kaya naman kami po ay tumitindig sa panig ng mga kapwa iskolar ng bayan sa paggigiit ng awtonomiya ng mga konseho ng mag-aaral at sa pagtutol sa labis na interbensyon ng administrasyon sa mga gawaing pangmag-aaral.

Samakatuwid, kasama po kami sa paggigiit ng agarang paglulunsad ng UPLB USC at CSC elections nang ginagamit ang 1985 Constitution of UPLB Student Council sa mga sumusunod na dahilan:

Karapatan ng mga mag-aaral ng UPLB na magkaroon ng USC at CSC. Alinsunod sa University System Code, Chapter 71 Article 433:

There shall be a College Student Council in each college that offers at least a bachelor’s degree program and a University Student Council in each constituent university.

Lalong pinagtitibay ang prinsipyong ito ng bagong UP Charter na naipasa ngayong taon lamang. Ayon sa Artikulo 1, Seksyon 21

There shall be established in the University the following student councils: for every college and degree-granting institute, a college and institute student council; and for every constituent university, a university student council. Each student council shall advance the interests, welfare, and aspirations of its constituents. It shall have the power to adopt internal rules of procedure consistent with the provisions of this Act.

Naniniwala kami na ang pagtitiyak ng katuparan ng karapatang ito ay ginagampanan dapat ng administrasyon ng UPLB at ng CEB. Hindi po kailanman dapat mangyari na ang mga opisina at pormasyong ito ang mismo pang sumagka sa pagsasakatuparan ng mga ito. Kinukundena ang anumang pahayag, paniniwala, o hakbangin na may tunguhing hindi kilalanin ang pangangailangan ng USC at CSC sa UPLB at ang paniniwala na ang kampus ay maaaring manatili sa kabila ng kawalan ng nabanggit na institusyon.

Ang mga mag-aaral ng UPLB ang mapagpasya sa pagbubuo at pagtatatag ng kanilang mga institusyon at organisasyon nang malaya mula sa labis na interbensyon ng administrasyon. Alinsunod sa University System Code, Chapter 71 Article 434:

The composition of each student council, its officers and the manner of selection of its members and officers shall be in accordance with a constitution ratified by the student body concerned and submitted to the Chancellor/ President.

Malinaw na binibigyang-luwag ng University Code ang mga mag-aaral na kolektibong pagpasyahan ang pagtatakda ng alituntunin sa paghalal ng kanilang mga lider. Makailang beses nang inirehistro ng mga mag-aaral ang kanilang mga kapasiyahan sa prinsipyo ng itinatatag nilang konseho sa pamamagitan ng pag-aapruba ng 94.89% ng mga mag-aaral sa plebisito noong Agosto 22-23, 1984 para sa 1985 Consitution of the UPLB Student Council. Gayundin, noong January 11, 2008 CEB meeting kung saan inaprubahan ng kapulungan iyon mismo na ang gagamitin sa kabuuang proseso ng eleksyon ay ang 1985 Constitution na sumasandig sa prinsipyo ng demokratisasyon ng partisipasyon ng mga mag-aaral sa eleksyon. Naniniwala po kami na ang hindi pagtalima sa mga kapasyahang ito ay hayagang pagsasawalang-bahala sa prinsipyong pinagkaisahan ng mga mag-aaral na demokratikong pamamahala at awtonomiya ng mga konseho sa loob ng Unibersidad. 

Kami po ay lubos na naniniwala sa demokratikong pamamahala sa loob ng Unibersidad kung saan ang lahat ng apektadong sektor ay kinukonsulta’t kabahagi ng pagpapasya.Ang anumang kapasyahang nabubuo rito ay karapat-dapat na kinikilala at ipinatutupad. Naniniwala po kami na ang pag-iral ng CEB na may representante ng mga mag-aaral, Kalihim ng mga Kolehiyo, kasama ang OSA Director ay nakabatay sa ganitong prinsipyo. Kaya naman kami po ay nananawagan na igalang at ipatupad ang kapasyahan ng CEB noong January 11, 2008 meeting hinggil sa kwalipikasyon ng mga kandidatong pahihintulutan na tumakbo para sa mga posisyon ng USC at CSC. Kaalinsabay nito ay umaasa po kami na agad na magpulong ang CEB na ito sa lalong madaling panahon upang ituloy na ang eleksyon na naantala na ng halos limang buwan.

Sa kasalukuyan, kumakaharap ng matitinding mga usapin ang mga mag-aaral ng UP at ang sambayanan. Nawa’y nagkakaisa po tayo sa paninindigan na kagyat din ang pangangailangan ng lehitimong konseho ng mga mag-aaral na kikilos para sa pagtataguyod ng kapakanan at karapatan ng mga estudyante, kaalinsabay ng pagpapalahok nito sa mga pakikibaka ng sambayanan. Ang pagkatali ng administrasyong ng UPLB at ng mga estudyante sa usapin ng eleksyon ay panahon sanang ating iginugol sa buong panahong pagkilos para tanganan ang matinding hamon ng paglilingkod sa kabila ng matinding krisis pang-ekonomiya at pampulitika na ating nararanasan.

Huwag po sana nating kalimutan na ang muling pakakatatag ng mga institusyong pang-estudyante sa Unibersidad ng Pilipinas tulad ng publikasyon, organisasyon, at konseho ay ipinaglaban at pinagbuwisan ng buhay ng napakaraming mga Iskolar ng Bayan. Sa sentenaryo ng ating pinakamamahal na pamantasan, kami po umaasa na ating panghahawakan nang mahigpit ang mga demokratikong karapatan at espasyong pinaghirapang kamtin ng mga Iskolar ng Bayan.

Para sa paglilingkod sa estudyante at sambayanang Pilipino,

University Student Council
University of the Philippines - Diliman

USC Statement on the AS Walk Rumble

It is unfortunate that fraternity violence, in whatever form, persists despite the high ideals for which fraternities are founded.

It is even more unfortunate that in our University—touted as the training ground for the best and the brightest young minds of the country, bastion of academic freedom and excellence, and home of no less than the Iskolar ng Bayan—fraternity violence has remained so deeply ingrained in its traditions.

As we celebrate our 100 years of existence, we lament this decades-long tradition, and stand witness to yet another of its incidents.

Yesterday morning, the Beta Sigma fraternity reportedly attacked the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity at their tambayan along AS walk. The attack led to a violent rumble between the two fraternities. Professor Agerico de Villa of the Philosophy Department of CSSP attempted to stop the ensuing rumble but was allegedly kicked while doing so. As a result, five members of Beta Sigma were arrested, three were brought to UP-PGH while four members of APO were given stitches.

These incidents are not uncommon and, after all the resulting deaths and casualties, we in the University Student Council have realized that to condemn the act is nothing more than an exercise in futility. It appears that, from the failure of fraternities to arrest the rampancy of fraternity violence, the call falls only on deaf ears.

And so from this day on, we no longer condemn merely the acts of violence but the actors, the active participants who, despite being among the privileged few who were chosen to become Iskolars ng Bayan, failed to exercise good judgment and circumspection, and flagrantly flouted university rules, much less, basic decorum. We condemn the instigators who were expected, but failed greatly, to conduct themselves as gentlemen not only because such is inscribed in their fraternities’ tenets but because such is expected from a scholar of the people. Lastly, we condemn the fraternities that find themselves constantly embroiled in these incidences, for their failure to uphold the ideals of brotherhood and for tolerating these criminal acts. For any incident of rumble or hazing that takes place, is a sad testament to their failure to curb a pattern of violence that has ripened into an ugly tradition that indelibly smear fraternities as student institutions and the name of our University.

We urge the witnesses to cooperate with the administration, in order to bring the perpetrators of this incident to justice. We urge the UP administration to identify and prosecute fully and swiftly all the active participants- -those who attacked and those who retaliated, while observing their respective rights to due process.

Nearly ten months have passed since the last incident of fraternity violence that resulted in the death of one of our students. There has been no progress in the prosecution of the Cris Mendez case and we, in the University Student Council believe, that this is due largely to the undue observance of technical rules of procedure that hamper substantial justice. In light of this, we call for the continued review and eventual revision of policies in relation to fraternities, sororities and organizations, particularly the highly judicialized rules of procedure in the Student Disciplinary Tribunal.

In turn, we extend our services to the administration and to the witnesses. We guarantee that we will cooperate and assist in the investigation, that we will ensure that the rights of those accused will be observed, that we will extend protection to the witnesses who will come forward and that we will take steps and attempt to reconcile the differences of the erring fraternities.

We likewise urge all fraternities, sororities and organizations to exercise restraint in similar situations, and to observe at all times, the rules set by the administration governing their conduct.

It is high time for these Greek-letter fraternities, premised on excellence and service, to set aside their differences and work collectively to finally put an end to fraternity violence.

Lastly, we urge the UP studentry to remain vigilant and to continue to renounce all acts of fraternity violence against fellow iskolars ng bayan.

Vinzons Hall, 25 June 2008

‘Sangdaan Tungong Vinzons: The Vinzons UPgrade Launch

Dear Isko/ Iska,

Greetings!

You are cordially invited to ‘Sangdaan Tungong Vinzons: The Vinzons UPgrade Launch on 18 June 2008, 10:00 AM at the Vinzons Hall Front Lawn.

We hope that you can be a part of this groundbreaking centennial event. See you there!

In service,
UPD University Student Council Vinzons Hall Committee

For questions/ concerns, please contact Joseph Gutierrez at 0917-8247893

UP@100: Vinzons UPgrade

Known far and wide as an icon of student leadership, activism and involvement, Vinzons Hall was established as the university’s premiere student center. Through the course of its existence, it has been a leadership training ground for the Iskolars para sa bayan. However, over the past few years, the physical structure of Vinzons Hall has rapidly been deteriorating. The downgrade of its physical condition has greatly affected its image as a student center. Hence, this centennial year, the university student council recognizes the need to re-establish its true essence as a premiere student center.

 

Spearheaded by the USC Vinzons Hall Committee, the Vinzons UPgrade renovation project is a joint effort with various UP students and organizations. The aim is to tap into the skills of various students from their respective fields of expertise. The entire restoration project encompasses a long term plan involving four key phases. The first phases focus on the renovation and restoration of its existing facilities. The goal of this phase is to preserve the architectural heritage of Vinzons by applying modern day designs to further emphasize its historical features. This renovation phase shall then be followed by the integration of relevant student services into these facilities. All these are geared towards the establishment of a true student union. Funds for the restoration shall be raised through alumni solicitations and corporate marketing. We aim to complete the first phase before the end of 2008.

 

Vinzons Upgrade Team:

Project Heads

Councilor Joseph Miguel Gutierrez/ Arki Rep Marc Angelo Virtucio

Publicity Head

Music Rep Marianna Achacoso

Alumni Relations Head

Councilor Stephen Larcia

Corporate Relations Head

BA Rep Norberto Geraldez

 

Partner Organizations (as of Summer 2008):

1. UP Circle of Landscape Architecture Students (UPCLAS)
2. UP Architecture Forum (AF)
3. UP Adcore
4. UP Junior Marketing Association (UP JMA)

 

Do you or your organization wanna be part of this groundbreaking centennial event? Email us at vinzonsupgrade@yahoo.com or text JOSEPH at 09178247893

A Most Memorable LCC Meeting

Last Friday, May 2, The League of College Councils (LCC) of UP Diliman was officially convened by USC Vice Chairperson Airah Cadiogan. The meeting, which aimed to introduce the LCC and its functions to the newly-elected college student councils in UP Diliman, was the first for the Academic Year 2008-2009 and was hosted by the College of Education Student Council.

However, the unwelcome news of a blackout in the UP area resulted in a slew of logistical adjustments that saw the council members in attendance ushered from one bigger and brighter classroom to another. But when finally settled in the most conducive (given the conditions) room to hold the meeting, the more or less 50 council members coming from 17 different colleges went straight to business.

The USC Vice Chairperson delivered her brief welcome remarks to officially open the meeting, after which personal introductions of each council member in attendance were given. Copies of the LCC constitution were then distributed to the different councils and the principles, powers and duties, composition, and other functions of the LCC were subsequently opened for discussion.

The next item on the agenda was the UP Student Regent’s (SR) report to be delivered by SR Shahana Abdulwahid. However, as SR Abdulwahid had fallen ill after weeks of travel, Airah read the SR report to the councils.

SR Abdulwahid stressed three concerns that UP councils should be vigilant about: the recent signing and implementation of the new UP Charter; the ongoing and pending demolition of communities in the UP Diliman campus, and the related UP-endorsed MMDA road widening project that is putting such demolitions into effect; and the newly approved laboratory fees in different courses and colleges. The SR called for college councils to be at the frontline of defending students’ rights. They should be the body that will inform, guide and involve all students in issues and activities that will invariably affect the UP Community.

Also, SR Abdulwahid invited all councils to attend the National Council (NC) Meeting organized by the Office of the Student Regent thru KASAMA sa UP, the UP system-wide alliance of student councils. The NC Meet will take place in UP Cebu on May 22-23 with a registration fee pegged at P600 per delegate. SLIS Representative Hazel Rodelas, who is the chairperson of KASAMA sa UP, spoke on the primary objectives of the NC Meet and asked councils to schedule an orientation for further details.

The meeting then proceeded to the USC Committee reports beginning with Councilor Jaque Eroles for the Student Rights and Welfare (STRAW) Committee, Councilor Beverly Lumbera for the Ad-hoc Committee on the revision of the UPD Student Council Election Code, Councilor Bang Dizon reporting for CSWCD Representative Carmela Lagang for the Community Rights and Welfare (CRAW) Committee, and Councilor Joseph Gutierrez for the Ad-hoc Committee on the rehabilitation of Vinzons Hall. Finally, Councilor Eroles stood in for Ms. Ipay Bolibol of Youth Act Now, the national broad alliance of youth organizations standing for truth and accountability in the government and demanding the resignation of Pres. Arroyo, to share their upcoming events and campaigns.

For about half an hour from the committee reports, the meeting carried on in the dark, punctured with cellphone flashlights and other improvised means of casting some brightness on written notes and others’ faces. Eventually, however, it became too tedious to carry on with the meeting. Thus, the first LCC meeting was prematurely adjourned in light (pun intended) of the unfortunate conditions.

Consequently, College Councils’ Reports are now slated to be discussed in the next meeting, which was tentatively scheduled on the second week of May. Confirmation of the exact time and date shall be disseminated through the official LCC mailing list (to be created by Vice-Chairperson Cadiogan).

In closing, all college councils were reminded to 1) set venues for the USC projects and campaigns to most effectively reach out to and involve their respective constituents, 2) ensure that all given documents will be distributed to students in their colleges, 3) submit their council directory as soon as possible to Airah at airah.cadiogan@yahoo.com, 4) finalize their summer-June calendar of activities, and 5) properly report back to their councils all that had been discussed in the 1st LCC meeting.

GA Report: May 3, 2008

Thirty of the thirty-four members of the University Student Council (USC) were present in its third formal General Assembly (GA) last May 3 at the USC Office in Vinzons Hall. The agenda listed committee deliberations, the reports of the committee heads, college representatives, among others as the matters to be discussed for the GA. Much of the time, however, was eventually alloted for deliberations for the Committee on Culture and Arts (CCA).

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

Right after the roll call, CL Rep. San Luis raised a point of order with regards to the conduct of some members of the USC especially during the last GA. She raised the issue of the tardiness of CFA Rep. Manuel Mesina that caused the postponement of the committee deliberations for the Committee on the Culture and Arts (CCA) and moved that he be disqualified from proposing.

Members of the USC debated whether to allow Rep. Mesina to present his committee proposal or not. According to Rep. Mesina, he was late because he was caught in traffic. Those who supported that motion of Rep. San Luis said that his excuse is not valid, and that he should be disqualified to avoid future instances where such tardiness resulting to postponement of committee deliberations would be allowed. Allowing Rep. Mesina to present his proposal, according to her, will set a dangerous precedent and will result to it happening “over and over again,” and that “it is okay to be late.” She claimed, “My constituents are law students. I’m not prepared to face them and tell we don’t have a CCA chairperson because one of the proponents was late — he was practically absent.” Rep. Mesina arrived at the April 26 GA more than an hour after it had started. Rep. San Luis added that Rep. Mesina’s tardiness can also be a manifestation of how much or how little his dedication and passion are to his work and to the committee he wishes to serve as head.

Those who wanted Rep. Mesina to continue his proposal said that the other proponent, CM Rep. Anna Achacoso, and other members of the USC, were guilty of similar tardiness. Such tardiness, according to them, must not be solely counted on Rep. Mesina, and if such, disciplinary action must be applied on everyone, and not just to prevent someone from presenting a committee proposal. It was also raised that such motions must have been raised immediately at the last GA or at least before the GA if it is of such importance, and not in a manner that is sudden where the accused wasn’t given prior notice of disqualification. As to why he left early ahead of everyone, Rep. Mesina explained that the situation of the College of Fine Arts (CFA) Student Council at present demands his presence especially last weekend because it was the college’s graduation that afternoon. Apparently, many positions in the CFA Student Council are still vacant after the student council elections. Some members of the USC claim that isn’t the issue, rather it is that “he did not formally communicate to the body that he will be exiting and the reason behind it.”

A motion was raised by Councilor Jaque Eroles to divide the house, because there is an absence of guidelines for disqualification. CL Rep. San Luis objected to the motion because, according to her, there is sufficient precedence in what Chairperson Herminio Bagro apparently said a few GA’s before that tardiness resulting to the postponement of deliberations must not happen again, as what happened to the Sports & Fitness Committee, when CHK Rep. Lester Yupingkun was absent but was allowed to present his proposal the next week.

Some members of the USC proposed that the proponents must be allowed to present, and the debate on the tardiness be moved to the deliberations before the vote for chairpersonship, because according to them, whatever issues some USC members have against Rep. Mesina may be used at the chairpersonship deliberations together with the merits of their proposals.

After an hour of heated deliberations, a motion to terminate the debate was raised. The result of the voting was 18 – 11 in favor of terminating the debate, but such wasn’t equivalent to 2/3’s of the body required to terminate the deliberations. Because the debate had been going on for hours, CL Rep. San Luis was asked how she wanted the issue resolved. She insisted that the GA keep debating until it reaches a consensus.

After half an hour of deliberations and a five-minute recess, the body eventually agreed to a secret-ballot type of deciding on the motion of disqualifying Rep. Mesina from presenting his proposal. In a vote of 16 – 12, Rep. Mesina was disqualified from presenting his proposal for the Committee on Culture & Arts.

Rep. San Luis also pointed out that Councilor Bikoy Villanueva, the one who was taking the minutes of the assembly last April 26, left early without endorsing the task of minute-taking to anyone. She also raised the point that SLIS Rep. Hazel Rodelas did not present her proposal for the Graduate & International Students Committee because she left her flashdrive somewhere and was not prepared to present.

At 12 PM, CM Rep. Anna Achacoso presented her proposal based on a L.I.F.E. program (Lead the students into appreciating the diversity of our culture and history; Incorporate creativity in various USC campaigns and activities; Foster development of Filipino arts and culture as a means for social awareness and participation; and Engage the UP students in activities that will develop their skills and talents).

After Rep. Achacoso’s presentation, the USC unanimously voted to establish the CCA. The body eventually began grilling Rep. Achacoso before deciding to elect her as the committee chairperson.

Some members of the USC pointed out that the proposal of Rep. Achacoso on CCA seemed grounded on the framework of high art and art for arts’ sake, and suggested that she more projects that reach out more to and engage the students and the basic masses. According to one member of the USC, the presence of an art program that apparently aims to raise political consciousness is inconsistent with the other projects that focus on promoting abstract art. One member of the USC also raised the issue of the definition of Filipino culture. Councilor Bang Dizon also suggested that the CCA create a project that would promote the arts-related courses in light of declining enrollment, and relentless increases in laboratory fees in such departments.

Councilor Fudge Tajar poised the question, “Lahat naman ng bagay, art. Ang tanong what kind of art are we aiming to foster? Para saan ang art na ifofoster natin? Traditional art lang ba that exists for its own sake? Malabo ang pagpu-push ng art na wala namang perspective.”

Councilor Joseph Gutierrez, claims that he liked the projects because they are “high-impact” and would actually reach out to CBA students like him and other students in non-arts courses.

Soon after, SS Rep. Jeyson Ocay motioned for a consensus to elect Rep. Achacoso as chairperson of the CCA. Vice-Chairperson Airah Cadiogan disagreed, and expressed her disappointment that Rep. Achacoso was unaware of the issue that the UP Administration disallowed a performing arts organization from performing at UP’s freshmen assembly because of their political inclination. She said, she also found it utterly disappointing that some members of the USC seemed to have subscribed to the mechanism of prior restraint and seemed to be “duplicating the kind of mechanism [that the UP Administraion] is employing by silencing one proponent [Rep. Mesina] and not deliberating on his proposal’s merit.”

The body eventually moved to vote by viva voce. With 15 votes, Rep. Achacoso was elected chairperson of the CCA, against 13 abstain votes.

Those who voted abstain cited various reasons, most of which were with regards to the proposal’s absence of programs for cultural and social struggles. Aside from that, Councilor Bikoy Villanueva added, “Being from Mass Comm, I feel strongly about prior restraint, and I refuse to vote in support of Rep. Achacoso without having heard the proposal of Rep. Mesina because we refused to allow him to present.” This line of thought was echoed by USC members like CAL Rep. Issa Baguisi. SLIS Rep. Hazel Rodelas also said that, “Hindi ito ang panahon na ang CCA ay magiging art for art’s sake lang, dahil sa dami ng issues na kinakaharap natin ngayon.” CSWCD Rep. Carmela Lagang added, “Ang kultura at sining ay gumuguhit dapat ng paninindigan sa konsteksto ng malawak na tunggalian sa lipunan.” Rep. Mesina further added, “Hindi p’wedeng neutral ang art, and Achasoso’s proposal will not lead to a mass-oriented culture.”

Those who voted in favor of Rep. Achacoso’s proposal said that they believed in her programs. They added that the programs of Rep. Achacoso are open enough to accommodate suggestions amidst its apparent shortcomings. According to CBA Rep. Norby Geraldez, “As Rep. Achacoso said, she is not very well-versed about politics in the university and the nation. Help her, and not sour-grape!” “Give her a chance,” added CEng’g Rep. Ace Castillo. “Kung gusto niyo naman, you’re more than welcome to join CCA and help her.”

Rep. San Luis also said that she doesn’t think that what happened in the disqualification of Rep. Mesina should have had a bearing in the decisions of the members of the USC who abstained. She added that the word “censorship” was used loosely, which shouldn’t, because it has “a lot of legal implications ramifications.”

After the CCA deliberation was done, Chairperson Bagro moved that the committee reports expedite their presentations.

The USC held a pictorial right after the GA. #

POST-SCRIPT: The report has been revised several times as requested by some USC members

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.

 

GA Report: April 19, ‘08

Twenty-two out of thirty-four members of the University Student Council (USC) were present in its first formal General Assembly (GA) last April 19 at the USC Office. Discussed during the GA were the reports of the USC’s standing committees and the reports of the special standing committees. Also discussed were the reports of some College Representatives, the report of the Vice-Chairperson with regards to convening the League of College Councils (LCC), and the report of the Chairperson.

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

 

SECRETARIAT COMMITTEE
The Secretariat Committee was the first to report on the progress of the committee’s projects. Councilor Bang Dizon, Chairperson of the Secretariat Committee, reported on the progress of the VolCorps Recruitment program. According to her, recruitment forms and the recruitment booth had already been prepared. In addition to that, she informed the GA that the planned rummage sale in order to raise funds for the USC Office would be postponed due to her graduation on the 26th. Councilor Joseph Gutierrez added that he has sent marketing proposals for the renovation of the office. The Secretariat Refresher, on the other hand, the refresher course for USC members to acquaint themselves with the various procedures in the USC, is scheduled next week.

FINANCE COMMITTEE
The Finance Committee Chairperson, Councilor Nem Canete, reported that he would meet with the previous USC’s Finance Committee Head with regards to the turn-over of funds from the last council. According to him, the sale of planners reached more or less 250,000 pesos. Canete also reported that he would also meet with the UP Administration on April 28 with regards to the USC’s funds. He also reminded the other members of the USC with regards to the deadline of their financial proposals.

WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEE
Councilor Sherry Tismal, Chairperson of the Ways & Means Committee, proposed that the USC sell centennial shirts, jackets, and jersey-type UAAP shirts as a form of income-generation for the council. The proposal was subsequently approved by the GA.

NEXT USC PLANNING SEMINAR
With regards to the next Planning Seminar of the USC, Councilor Nem Canete said that he would try to solicit funds from the UP Administration. Chairperson Third Bagro added that if the funds turned over by the previous USC would suffice, it should be used to fund the activity.

MASS MEDIA COMMITTEE
Councilor Bikoy Villanueva was absent at the GA. He, however, relayed to the GA his request for suggestions and materials for the USC website which he is working on, and is partly up at http://www.upd-usc.net/.

STUDENTS RIGHTS & WELFARE COMMITTEE
Councilor Jacque Eroles reminded the College Representatives to submit their College Reports on time. She asked CSSP Representative Jay Bagcal for a copy of the Real Time Enlistment survey conducted by the CSSP Student Council. Eroles also reported that she attended, together with Councilor Villanueva and Vice-Chairperson Airah Cadiogan, the lab fee consultations conducted by the College of Mass Communication (CMC) Student Council with regards to the lab fee hikes in their college. Hikes in lab fees for thirty subjects are apparently on the way. In addition, Eroles added that she has consulted the Dorm Councils to which she has forwarded the Dorm Assembly Plan. She also asked the council for a tentative date for convening an All-Leaders Conference (ALC) to present the various projects of the USC and to consult the different leaders of student formations with regards to various issues.

FRESHMEN COMMITTEE
CMC Rep. Ruth Miguel relayed to the GA the various plans of the Freshmen Orientation Program Committee (FOPC). She also said that her committee’s calendar of activities is at the USC’s email groups. The Freshmen Committee also asked the Environment Committee for an update regarding the Smoking Ban, for inclusion in the Freshmen Booklet. Also for inclusion in the booklet, she proposed that the USC hold a pictorial on May 3. The booklet is planned to be released on June 6-10.

PEOPLE’S STRUGGLES COMMITTEE
The People’s Struggles Committee, under Councilor Fudge Tajar, will be holding a press conference / forum with regards to the rise crisis issue, on April 30. The target venue, according to Councilor Tajar is the Palma Hall Lobby. She said that the panel would consist of representatives form various UP sectors. The lecturer would be Sonny Africa form IBON Foundation. The committee is also planning to invite representatives from the agriculture sector. A statement with regards to the rice crisis would also be released by the committee. The GA was amenable with the points presented by Councilor Tajar and agreed that its release would be considered urgent. A draft would be posted at the USC’s email groups.

ACADEMIC CONCERNS COMMITTEE
AIT Rep. Chorva David said that the immediate plan of the committee is to coordinate with Students Rights & Welfare Committee and the College Representatives with regards to the Summer Enlistment Update. He also asked the College Representatives to inform him of registration matters in their respective colleges.

GENDER COMMITTEE
According to CEduc Rep. Acee Abulencia, the plans of the committee for this summer are: connection building with other organizations; dialogues with different institutions; participation in the International Day for AIDS Memorial at the Quirino Grandstand on May 18; and an IDAHO committee on May 17. The committee also requested that the USC release a statement with regards to AIDS.

EDUCATION & RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Councilor Mico Maestro said that the committee is working closely with the Community Rights & Welfare Committee with regards to the “One-Way Academic Oval” issue. He also reported that the committee will be working closely with the School of Library & Information Science Student Council with regards to the management of the borrowing and rental system of the TREC and the Center for Nationalist Studes (CNS) Library, which are under his committee. The committee shall also launch a “Policy Review”. On April 28, the committee would conduct a college-hop for the LEARN convention to be held on May 30. Councilor Maestro added that should there be a League of College Councils (LCC) meeting soon, he would consult the local college councils with regards to their positions to various pressing issues.

STUDENTS LEGAL AID & ACTION COMMITTEE
CL Rep. Sophia San Luis said that the immediate plans of the committee for the summer are the Paralegal Training and Grievance Desk. She encouraged fellow USC members to attend the Paralegal Training workshops. Councilor Jacque Eroles asked if the committee can extend its services to the residential communities in UP facing demolitions.

ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
CHE Rep. Rinno Camilit said that the USC, spearheaded by the Environment Committee, would be taking part in the Candle-Lighting activity by the League of Youth for the Environment (LYFE) at the Sunken Garden on April 21.

COMMUNITY RIGHTS & WELFARE
The committee, under CSWCD Rep. Carmela Lagang, and together with some members of the USC, met with the heads of the jeepney drivers’ organizations in campus to hear out their concerns with regards to the “One-Way Academic Oval” traffic policy. Some members of the USC also went org-hopping to gather reactions and grievances from the students regarding the policy. The committee also approached the UP Administration for pertinent documents to be able to come up with a position to the issue, but the requests were not acted upon. Councilor Eroles suggested that the committee write a manifesto and conduct a petition-signing campaign among students for a moratorium on the policy. According to her, “We are not against the bike line, but the thing is, it did not undergo consultation. The drivers had a proposed route but the UP Administration did not consider it.”

COLLEGE REPORTS
The Representatives from the College of Mass Communication (CMC) and the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP) briefly presented to the GA the conditions in their respective colleges.

CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT
Chairperson Third Bagro reported to the GA his plans of forming an ad-hoc committee for the project of renovating Vinzons Hall. The ad-hoc committee, according to him, will coordinate with alumni sponsors and donors, and arrange for corporate sponsorships. He also said that an Interior Design class would make it into their thesis. He appointed CA Rep. Marc Virtucio and Councilor Joseph Gutierrez as heads of this ad-hoc committee. Councilor Eroles suggested that the assignment of heads be delayed for the next GA, as a matter of procedure. Chairperson Bagro claims, however, that the matter is urgent and any member of the USC who is willing, is free to join the committee. Eroles added that the USC must be informed of such ad-hoc formations and plans earlier, to abide by the house rules of the USC. It was clarified in the discussion that the Vinzons Hall renovation shall only concern itself with the physical aspects of the renovation, its marketing, etc. It shall not be concerned with certain policies concerning the use of Vinzons facilities/rooms.

On other matters, the Chairperson also discussed election code revisions with regards to the student council elections. The matter, however, was deemed largely obsolete as the elections had just passed.

USC Committee Deliberations

The University Student Council has been holding special sessions and general assemblies this month in order to establish its various committees and elect the committees’ chairpersons.

During the initial deliberations held during the USC’s Summer Planning Seminar on April 5 to 6, 2008, the leaderships of the USC’s standing committees and the establishment and leadership of two special standing committees were resolved. Councilor Bikoy Villanueva was elected chairperson of the Mass Media Committee. Councilor Nem Cañete was elected chairperson of the Finance Committee. Councilor Bang Dizon was selected as Secretary General, or the head of the Secretariat Committee. Lastly, Councilor Sherry Tismal chairperson of the Ways & Means Committee. For the Freshmen Committee, one of the USC’s special standing committees, College of Mass Communication Rep. Ruth Miguel was chosen as chairperson. Councilor Jaqueline Eroles, on the other hand, was chosen as the chairperson of the Students Rights & Welfare Committee.

In a special session held on April 10 at the USC Office in Vinzons Hall, the establishment and leaderships of three more special standing committees were resolved. Councilor Fudge Tajar was elected chairperson of the People’s Struggles Committee. Councilor Mico Maestro, on the other hand, was elected chairperson of the Education & Research Committee. Lastly, Councilor Mik Bueno was elected chairperson of the Dormitories, Organizations, Fraternities & Sororities Committee.

On April 11, four special standing committees were resolved. College of Social Work & Community Development Rep. Carmela Lagang was elected chairperson of the Community Rights & Welfare Committee. College of Law Rep. Sophia San Luis was elected chairperson of the Students’ Legal Aid & Action Committee. College of Education Rep. Acee Abulencia was chosen head of the Gender Committee. Lastly, Asian Institute of Tourism Rep. Chorva David was chosen head of the Academic Concerns Committee.

On a third special session on April 12, College of Home Economics Rinno Camilit was chosen as chairperson of the Environment Committee.

The USC, however, still needs to hold special sessions to deliberate on the establishment and leaderships of a handful of special standing committees.