PULSO San Mag-aaram

Congratulations to our proud alumni student leaders who successfully hurdled the 2022 Bar Examinations!

Serve the People!

A CALL TO ACTION AGAINST ALL FORMS OF POLITICAL INTERVENTION IN THE UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN PHILIPPINES

[Official Statement of PULSO on the recently concluded USC elections]

In the recently concluded university student council elections, “political intervention” became a buzzword in Northern Samar. Thanks to the ubiquity of social media, screenshots of apparent influence-peddling by persons identified to be aligned with local politicians spread like wildfire online and offline. Threats of withholding student scholarships as consequence of not voting for their favored candidates were justified, as though scholarship programs, funded by public funds, were private property, only to be dangled like candies before poor, but deserving students.

But what is the definition of political intervention in the context of the lived experience of the party, and the historical and institutional memory of the University? What interests do these local politicians have in the University Student Council (“USC”), an office that has no substantial funds, no property, no wide-ranging influence?

Lest we forget, the USC is the highest governing body of the students in the University. Whoever elected as USC President is automatically a candidate for President of the Federation of Student Councils (“Federation”), composed of the USCs of the three campuses of the University. Historically, all USC Presidents of the Main Campus were elected as Federation President, except in 2014. The election of the Federation President has oftentimes been deemed only as ceremonial because the USC President of the Main Campus surely gets elected, as Main Campus officers dominate the Federation. The elected Federation President then assumes the most important position for student representation in the University, the Student Regent.

The Student Regent sits as the sole representative of UEP students in the powerful Board of Regents (“BOR”), the highest policy and decision-making body of the University. The BOR decides on the most crucial policies in the University, including, but not limited to, the annual budget, tuition fee policies, admissions, appointment of university officials, promotions, and most importantly, the election of the University President. In other words, the Student Regent has one vote in all decisions by the BOR.

Much to our disappointment, politicians are not interested in the student elections per se, but in the position of the University President. Curiously, the next (re)election of the University President will be held this year. Thus, the question of who becomes the USC President, the Federation President, and the Student Regent, is crucial to the survival of their influence in the University.

More than 10 years ago, PULSO carried strong condemnation against the then seemingly institutionalization of meddling by local politicians in the conduct of the USC elections. We then warned that surrendering even an inch of the University’s spaces to politicians would have pernicious, irreversible implications to not only the conduct of an otherwise democratic exercise, but more crucially, to the University’s long history of rich and vibrant academic freedom. PULSO wrote statements, built alliances, and conducted student mobilizations against all forms of political intervention in the University. PULSO was the only party that categorically and consistently condemned political intervention, even at the risk of losing in the succeeding elections.

True enough, political intervention has become a norm in the University processes, from appointments in the highest echelon of power down to the general student elections. What a shame to a university that prides itself as a bastion of critical thinking and free thought in the region. During the Martial Law Regime, student leaders of the USC and college student councils led the swelling of protests against the national project of stifling dissent. The USC was closed down. The Pillar was formally dissolved. Student organizations were banned. Thanks to the valiant student leaders who stood their ground, organized the studentry, and pushed back against political repression at the time, we had our USC, student publications, and student organizations back.

Once we allow external forces to influence and determine our democratic processes, the soul and meaning of the University is lost. The University is not a mere government agency that can be filled with politician’s lackeys to serve their interests. The University is a producer of knowledge, a social critic, a safe haven of differing opinions, and a fortress of scientific inquiry. Private, political interests impede the University’s mission. They are an anathema and an insult to the scholars’ quest for truth.

Thus, we enjoin all sectors of the University to expose, condemn, and reject all forms of political intervention in the University. The time is ripe to reassert the position of the students, the faculty, the staff, and the university community in charting the direction of the University’s processes. Politicians, their money, their influence, and their desire to perpetuate themselves in power, have no place in the University.

Expose and oppose all forms of political intervention now!

❗CALL FOR DONATIONS❗

College Editors Guild of the Philippines-Eastern Visayas is calling for donations and assistance for the victims of typhoon Ulysses.

You may send cash donations thru:

Antonio Narciso III
Union Bank
109651394855

Kimberly C. Axalan
BDO Kabayan Peso Savings
000880297808

Kimberly C. Axalan
Landbank Savings Account
0216-3297-08

Bank of the Philippine Island
Marianne Nicole M. Hojilla
8126 0714 07

GCash
Yan De Jesus
+639173292623

For partnerships and in-kind donations, contact us at [email protected] or message us at 0915-168-0774.

GABRIELA YOUTH-N. SAMAR:
END MISOGYNY! STOP SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND OBJECTIFICATION OF WOMEN!

Gabriela Youth-Northern Samar vehemently condemns the outrageous act of misogyny featured in a video uploaded on YouTube. The video showed men sexualizing and objectifying girls from Northern Samar. The video, according to sources, has only been made private but not taken down despite of the criticisms received by the creator(s) of the content.

This act against women stemmed from the ingrained macho-feudal system exacerbated by the misogynistic patriarchal ideology perpetuated not only by the men in question, but also by the agents and officials of the state including the president himself.

As a group that fights for women's rights, we are strongly disgusted by this act of lasciviousness. Victims of sexual harassments are triggered and enraged by this video.The justification of the said action is appalling.

We urge everyone to echo the call to put a stop to misogyny, sexual harassment and women objectification.

Abante, babae! Palaban, militante!
End all forms of misogyny!
End patriarchy!

UPDATE AS OF 8PM, MAY 19, 2020:

For monetary donations:

BPI: Php. 3500.00
BDO: Php. 1000.00
GCash: Php 6648.00

Total: Php. 11,148.00

UP Hingyap would like to express its gratitude to those who have already donated and to those who have helped in sharing the initiative. We are still accepting monetary and in-kind donations. Kindly contact us for the information needed if you have donated already. Thank you.

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For monetary donations:

BDO
004830444005
Kim Ymata

BPI
Angel Anthony Pacle Tobes
6426 0082 79

Paymaya/Gcash/Palawan
Michael S. Gacusan
0906-5442316

Paypal
https://www.paypal.me/ekimgacusan

For in-kind donations, contact:

Andrea Tejano
0956-6748987
Drop-off at:
Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office
Capitol Site, Dalakit, Catarman, Northern Samar 6400

Should you have any more queries, you may contact Andrea Tejano (0956-6748987)/Angel Anthony Tobes (0927-1875604); or you can also send us a private message.

EDIT:

BDO
004830444005
Kim Ymata

Paymaya/Gcash/Palawan
Michael S. Gacusan
0906-5442316

Paypal
https://www.paypal.me/ekimgacusan

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CALL FOR DONATIONS 🗣️

UP Hingyap, a geographical organization of students from the University of the Philippines Visayas Tacloban College (UPVTC) who come from Northern Samar, devoted to giving assistance to those in need, is once again knocking on your generous hearts to provide aid for the victims of Typhoon Ambo in Lapinig, Northern Samar. We are accepting monetary and in-kind donations such as food, clothing, or any basic necessities.

For monetary donations:

BDO
004830444005
Kim Ymata

BPI
Angel Anthony Pacle Tobes
6426 0082 79

Paymaya/Gcash/Palawan
Michael S. Gacusan
0906-5442316

Paypal
https://www.paypal.me/ekimgacusan

For in-kind donations, contact:

Andrea Tejano
0956-6748987
Drop-off at:
Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office
Capitol Site, Dalakit, Catarman, Northern Samar 6400

Should you have any more queries, you may contact Andrea Tejano (0956-6748987)/Angel Anthony Tobes (0927-1875604); or you can also send us a private message.

(Photo credits to Gov. Edwin Ongchuan's FB)

Alas dos bente ng hapon ngayong araw nang opisyal na sinimulan ang konsultasyon sa opisina ng UEP President Cherry Ultra.

Dumalo sa nasabing pagpupulong ang PULSO San Mag-aaram Committee Head on Students' Rights and Welfare Hinckley Carl Ballesta at Senior High PULSO San Mag-aaram Representative Erika Kyle Domiquel kasama ang UEP Student Regent Hanz Kennard Ramilla, USC VP Internal Marvin Carpio at USC Secretary Mitzi Justine Singzon.

Pag-uusapan sana sa nasabing pagpupulong ang iilang problemang kinakaharap ng kalakhang estudyante patungkol sa Online Classes, Admin-proposed Guidelines at Students Petition, ngunit dahil sa "urgent meeting" diumano ng Pangulo sa Provincial Capitol at Academic Council, agad din pinutol ang nasabing usapan. Tumagal ng halos dalawampung minuto lamang ang durasyon ng nasabing pulong.

Sa pagtatapos ng maikling pag-uusap, inimbitahan ng Pangulo ang mga lider-estudyante na dumalo muli sa gaganaping pulong sa Biyernes kung saan pag-uusapan ang naaprubahang Admin-Proposed Guidelines ng BOR at kasama na rin ang mga tanong ng mga estudyante patungkol rito.

Narito ang mga importanteng punto sa isinagawang konsultasyon sa Pangulo:

1. Patungkol sa Students Petition, iminungkahe ni Dr. Cherry na hindi maaring magkaroon ng Mass Promotion dahil nasa ilalim ito sa utos at protocol na inilabas ng CHED. Ngunit walang panukala ang CHED sa pagbabawal nito.

2. Magpapatuloy ang online classes pero hindi gaanong istrikto. Maaaring ipagbigay alam sa Pangulo kung hindi na maayos ang ginagawang Online Classes o nakakaapektado na ito ng masyado sa estudyante.

3. Naaprubahan na ang Admin-proposed Guidelines sa Board of Regents, nakatakda itong pag-usapan sa darating na Biyernes, kasama ang mga lider-estduyanteng dumalo ngayong araw sa nasabing konsultasyon.

4. Mamimigay ng mga Alcohol at Masks ang Pangulo sa mga estudyante.

5. Patungkol sa Application for Graduation, mag-iisip daw ng paraan ang Admin kung paano maihahabol sa deadline ang ilang mga estudyanteng nakatira sa malalayong Barangay.
6. Sa usaping "Graduation", nakapaloob din daw ito sa Admin-proposed Guidelines.

7. Inaanyayahan ng Pangulo ang mga lider-estudyanteng nakipagkonsultasyon na patuloy magmonitor para sa mga estudyanteng kumakaharap ng problemang pang-akademiya sa pamamagitan ng pagtitipon nito at pagpasa sa UEP Admin.

Dismayado ang mga representante mula sa PULSO san Mag-aaram ukol sa nangyaring pag-uusap. Walang naging resolusyon at walang naipangakong kongkretong hakbang ang Admin para masolusyunan ang mga panawagan ng mga estudyante lalong-lalo na sa usaping No To Online Classes, Mass Promotion at End The Semester.

Maraming katanungan at pagtutol ang ibinato ng ating mga representate sa Pangulo ngunit lahat ng tugon nito ay palaging ibinabalik sa Admin-proposed Guidelines.

Magpa sa hanggang ngayon, patuloy pa rin ang hirap na nararanasan ng mga estudyante sa isinasagawang online classes at mga bayaring modules. Sa halip na tugunan ito sa lalong madaling panahon, puro kibit-balikat ang ibinabalik lamang ng Pangulo.

Ngunit sa kabila nito, ang Pulso san Mag-aaram ay patuloy paring ilalaban ang Mass Promotion at End the Semester Campaign hanggang sa ito ay lubusan ng maunawaan ng UEP Administration, at maintindihan ang totoong kalagayan ng mga estudyante ng Unibersidad.

Ating antabayanan muli ang susunod na pagpupulong na gaganapin sa Biyernes.

Inaasahan natin na sa darating na biyernes ay hindi na maulit ang ganitong paraan ng pag-iwas ng admin sa mga lehitimong demanda ng mga estudyante gamit ang kung anu-anong rason. Hinahamon namin ang Admin na makipagdiskurso kasama ang PULSO San Mag-aaram upang talakayin ang ating petisyon punto per punto.

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