Himati

Himati is the official student publication of the University of the Philippines Mindanao. Est. 1996.

18/01/2024

NEWS UPDATE | University of the Philippines Office of Student Development Services released a memorandum for opening the Student Learning Assistance System (SLAS) online applications for the 2nd semester of the Academic Year 2023-2024.

This opening accommodates UP students, including undergraduate, Juris Doctor, and Doctor of Medicine students seeking to apply for SLAS via additional financial aid and other support programs.

The application period is from January 17, 2024, to January 24, 2024, and appeals may be done from January 23, 2024, to January 31, 2024. A 2nd round will be opened for those who could not apply during the given period.

Interested students may visit https://slasonline.up.edu.ph/ for further information.

30/12/2023

Bukas na Liham Para sa mga Bagong Propagandista ng Bayan

To live is to be among men, and to be among men is to struggle, a struggle not only with them but with one's self; with their passions, but also with one's own.

Ika nga nila, “To write is already to choose.” Ngayon higit kailanman ang gampanin ng mga mamamahayag ay napaka mahalaga sa pag-usbong ng tunay na pagbabagong makamasa.

Kung babalikan natin ang kasaysayan, naging tanyag ang responsibilidad ng mga propagandista sa pagkamit ng kalayaan mula sa mga mananakop na Espanyol. Sa pangunguna ng mga ilustrados, isa sa mga layunin ng kilusan ang bigyang kalayaan na magpahayag ang mga Pilipino. Si Jose Rizal, ay isa sa mga tagapanguna ng kilusang propaganda na pumukaw sa mamamayang Pilipino mula sa mga mapang aabuso na kolonyang Espanyol.

Datapwat mapangahas ang tunguhin ng kilusang propaganda, hindi nito nakamit ang tagumpay. Ang pagkabigo nito ay siya ring naging daan sa tagumpay ng Rebolusyong Pilipino.

Katulad na lang ni Rizal na dinakip ng mga Espanyol, sa panahon ngayon, ang pagtahak sa buhay ng isang mamamahayag ay nababalot din ng takot at banta sa seguridad. Lalo na’t sa ngayon ay dala ito ng banta ng Anti-Terror Act of 2020 na ginagamit ng estado bilang chapa upang bukas na ired-tag at ini-intimida ang kung sino man ang tutol sa usad ng pamahalaan.

Sa harap ng panggigipit, panunupil, at ang laging anino ng pambubuntot, natural na maramdaman ang bigat ng takot. Ngunit ito ay tiyak na mga oras kung saan ang ating papel bilang mamamahayag ay lubos na kailangan. Sa kabila ng mga atakeng ito, nananatiling matapang ang hanay ng mga mamamahayag.

Isipin natin ang maraming kwento na nakabuo ng ating kasaysayan. Tulad na lamang noong panahon ng lagim ng Martial Law—mga ulat na naglantad ng katiwalian, mga artikulo na nagbigay daan sa pakikiramay, at mga kwentong nag-udyok ng mga kilos ang nagmulat sa sambayanan.

Ang ating mga salita ay may kakayahan na magmulat ng pagbabago, hamunin ang mapanupil na sistema, at pagpapalakas ng boses ng mga hindi naririnig. Sa bawat pagtapik ng mga keyboard at bawat lipon ng mga salita, mayroong kapangyarihan ang mga mamamahayag na hulmahin ang naratibo ng ating panahon.

Ngayong Araw ni Rizal, alalahanin natin na ang bawat kuwento na iniuukit ay may potensyal na baguhin ang isip, damdamin, at sa huli, ang takbo ng kasaysayan. Sa kabila ng mga banta sa seguridad ng mga mamamahayag, patuloy ang pagsulat para sa masa at para sa sambayanan. Gawing ilaw ang mga salita sa mga oras ng dilim, isang puwersang lumalampas sa mga hangganan at kumikilos kasabay ang malawak na hanay ng batayang masang Pilipino.

Sulat at anyo ni JLZ.

30/12/2023

IN PHOTOS | The two leading transport groups, PISTON and MANIBELA led the last transport strike of the year, December 29, to call against the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program.

The groups along with the other progressive masses gather in Mendiola for the abolishment of the upcoming deadline of the transport consolidation that may lead to the phaseout of traditional jeepneys.

Together with the other sectoral groups, the jeepney drivers and commuters march starting at Mabuhay Rotunda in Quezon City heading to Mendiola. The nationwide strike aims to clamor to the government to not proceed with the said Omnibus Franchise Consolidation Guidelines.

The jeepney drivers together with the commuters firmly believe that the said modernization will not be beneficial for all. The current situation of drivers having little income and bigger debts proves that the structured plan for 2024 will only benefit those in power.

“Kung inaakala ng gobyernong ito na inutil ang mga mamamayan, pagmasdan natin ang nagkakaisang hanay na nandirito sa paanan ng Mendiola at lumalaban kontra sa PUV Phaseout,” Kyle Angelo Salgado of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan - Timog Katagalugan explained.

The state forces gathered in lines to shield the way starting from the Mendiola Arc to block the people going to Malacañang. Despite the threats, the jeepney drivers together with the youth and the other sectors stayed until the night amplifying their calls while setting up camps along Recto Avenue.

Report and photos by JFM.

30/12/2023

IN PHOTOS | Davao City-based TRANSMISION-PISTON alongside progressive groups led a protest action through a transport strike condemning the the government's move to push through with the PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP) and the Davao Bus Project, December 27.

The calls against PUVMP emphasized the demand for proper support for jeepney drivers and operators alike.

The conducted transport strike led to the paralysis of major commute thoroughfares in the city, including Maa and Matina Crossing in support of the call to action.

Report and photos by MLT.

27/12/2023

Laban ng Hari ng Kalsada

Sa pagsalubong natin sa bagong taon, kasabay rin nito ang pagkawala ng kabuhayan ng ilang daang jeepney drivers sa bansa dulot ng agresibong hakbang tungo sa modernisasyon ng transportasyon. Kung iisipin, hindi lamang ang mga drayber ang lubos na nakinabang sa mga tradisyunal jeepney—pati na rin ng mga komyuter, na naging pangunahing paraan ito ng transportasyon.

Gaano man kalapit o kalayo ang destinasyon, tiyak na mayroong dyip sa lansangan na nakapaghatid sa atin. Kung kaya’t tunay na kahindik-hindik ang mangyayaring jeepney phaseout sa darating na taong 2024.

[Buksan ang mga larawan para sa buong kwento]

Ulat at larawang kuha nina CRD, COS, ESA, JFM, EJM.

27/12/2023

WATCH | Beverly Gofredo of Anakbayan - Souther Mindanao Region asserted how the Davao Bus Project imposes a financial burden not only to jeepney drivers and operators, but also to commuters.

Under the PUV Modernization Program, fare prices are expected to increase as the modernized jeepneys also require a large amount to procure and maintain.

27/12/2023

LIVE | Davao-based group Transmision-Piston along with allied groups and individuals are currently conducting protest action and transport-strike in Freedom Park, Davao City regarding the PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP) and the Davao Bus Project

27/12/2023

ALERT | As the transport strike against the jeepney phaseout commenced in Davao City today, protest points at Matina and Maa were dispersed by police forces.

The protesters resort to the only remaining protest point at the Davao City Freedom Park to continue the strike.

24/12/2023

IN PHOTOS | The UP Mindanao community celebrated Kasadya 2023 with the theme, "Duyog: Pagdala sa diwa sa pagpahinungod ngadto sa komunidad," December 21.

"Our initiatives and accomplishments have been made possible through Duyog. Our collective effort in making our university and our community a better place for everyone," Chancellor Lyre Anni Murao quoted through a video message.

Students, teachers, and staff participated in various events that showcased their camaraderie and embracing the holiday spirit.

Photos by GTB.

22/12/2023

NEWS | Transmision-Piston clamor against jeepney phaseout, announces transport strike on December 27

Transmision-Piston led a street press conference to express their disapproval of the Davao Bus Project and Public Utilitity Vehicle Modernization (PUVM) plan of the government which aims to replace traditional jeepneys with modern buses on December 22, 2023 at Acacia Circle.

The progressive group addressed the disenfranchisement of PUV operators and phasing out of traditional jeepneys under the local government's implementation of the transport programs.

Larry Argilles, Transmision-Piston spokesperson, explained the jeepney modernization plan for the whole city and its implications to drivers and commuters alike.

Although Argilles supports the promise of progress for the transportation sector through modernization within the city, he is burdened by the loss that will be incurred with the current modernization plan that leads to the phasing out of traditional jeepneys.

"Sakit kaayo para sa amoa nga mga driver ug small operator na mawadan ug panginabuhian tungod kay pipila nalang ka mga adlaw, bulan mawala nami diha sa kadalanan," he said.

[Masyadong masakit para sa amin na mga jeepney driver at operator na mawalan ng hanapbuhay dahil sa iilang araw o buwan na lang ay mawawala na kami sa kalsada.]

Tatay Gersamio, an operator from the Maa jeepney route, further highlighted this as the Davao Bus Project and PUVM does not cater to the elderly to be operators of the PUVs under the proposed city-wide bus transportation system.

"Ako ginahangyo sa mga kadakuan sa Davao labi na sa ato presidente na dili unta i-dayon ang phaseout sa Davao, mao ni ako panawagan," Tatay Gersamio pleaded to the government to reconsider the phaseout for people like him who rely on their jeepneys as a main source of income.

[Pinapanawagan ko sa mga namumuno ng Davao, lalo na rin sa ating presidente, na hindi sana ituloy ang phaseout sa Davao.]

The press conference concluded with an invitation to support the transport strike on December 27 led by Transmision-Piston to express their opposition towards the jeepney phaseout, a turnout of 80% to 90% of operators and drivers city-wide are to be expected.

Currently, an estimate of 8,000 jeepney operators and drivers will be affected by the PUVM in Davao City alone.

Words by MLI. Photo by EA.

22/12/2023

NOW HAPPENING | The members of the Davao-based transport group Transmission-Piston are gathered today, December 22, at Acacia, Poblacion District for a press briefing for the upcoming transport strike on December 27 campaigning against the PUJ phaseout, and Davao Bus System.

22/12/2023

IN PHOTOS | Students of the University of the Philippines Mindanao convened for the annual Student Summit conducted by the Office of the Student Regent, which provides a platform for the community to raise issue and construct resolutions.

With the theme "LagabLABAN: Para sa Kalayaang Akademiko at KArapatan sa Edukasyon," 40th UP Student Regent Iya Trinidad expands this forum for constituent units around the UP system to unify their calls and lobby their demands to the UP Board of Regents.

"Challenge talaga is to go beyond the four corners of the classroom at lumubog sa mga kapwa mamamayang pilipino. Kung ano ang nararanasan dito, mas nararanasan siya worse ng mga mamamayang Pilipino na talagang inaatake at inaapakan ang mga karapatang pantao," SR Trinidad quoted.

After the student summit, the forum proceeded to a courtesy meeting that was attended by SR Trinidad, SR 2nd Nominee Red Masacupan, HIMATI Editor-in-Chief Jay Lozano, and members of the All Student Councils Assembly, lead by UPMin USC Chairperson Ken Melegrito and Vice Chairperson Cobbie Canda.

Also present in the meeting to answer the students' concerns were Chancellor-in-Charge and CSM Dean Cleto Nañola Jr, VC for Administration Leo Estaña, VC for Academic Affairs Annabelle Novero, and Office of Student Affairs Director Ma. Stella Salazar.

Photos by GTB, EJM, AL, RM.

15/12/2023

OUT NOW | "With the imposed state policies on the prices of goods and confidential funds, the administration whose acts differ from their performance has yet to fulfill its promises to the masses - turning a nation into a circus filled with foolishness by those in power."

As the socio-economic climate in the Philippines worsen with each passing day, the Filipino people suffer from the circus that runs hold of our country. In this magazine, issues concerning the worsening political climate, student representation, and student grievances were highlighted.

With its first print since the pandemic, Himati, the official student publication of the University of the Philippines Mindanao, returns with the same mantra that stands with the People to serve fearless, relevant, and relentless journalism.

Read the September 2023 Issue of Himati, from the Second Semester of AY 2022-2023: bit.ly/himati-september-2023

You may also grab a copy of the issue at the CHSS Atrium or the CSM Lobby at designated boxes.

14/12/2023

NOW HAPPENING | UP Mindanao students gather for the Student Summit 2023 - LagabLABAN at the UPMin TTBDO.

The LagabLABAN serves as a platform for the 40th UP Student Regent Iya Trinidad along with the UPMin University Student Council (USC) on lobbying student concerns to the Board of Regents.

Follow Himati () on X for the live coverage.

11/12/2023

IN PHOTOS | Jeepney drivers of the seven impounded jeepneys last August during the GASC received the students' relief efforts through the UPMindanao All Student Councils Assembly (ASCA) and ISKOKA 2023.

The jeepney drivers received the relief goods collected during the ISKOKA 2023 and financial assistance.

"Wala ta magpatarug, wala ta mughunong. Kay gitan-aw naton na ang panginabuyan ng PUJ driver para ni sa pamilya; sa serbisyo sang katawahan. Nalipay mi wa mi gipasagdan sang mga estudyante. Karon nadawat pud nila [jeepney drivers] katong assistance para pambayad sa katong mga jeepney na na-impound. Naa pa gani karon isa ka unit na wala pa nakuha. Dako ni siya nga natabang syempre kadaugan," stated by Larry Arguilles of Transmission PISTON.

Words by DJR. Photos by EJM

11/12/2023

NEWS UPDATE | In a memorandum released by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, students are prompted to accomplish the Student Evaluation of Teaching (SET) for the First Semester of AY 2023-2024 through the Computerized Students Record System (CSRS) which is accessible from December 11 to December 21 only.

The memorandum also stated that the students who fail to accomplish the SET during the said schedule will not be able to access the CSRS and enroll during the registration period in the next semester.

11/12/2023

IN PHOTOS | Progressive and advocate groups gathered yesterday, December 10, at the Davao City Freedom Park for the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of Human Rights Day.

During the mobilization, a march to plead for the addressing of societal grievances and injustices was followed by a candle-lighting ceremony to pay tribute to fallen activists and political prisoners who were killed during the Duterte-Marcos Regime.

Fe Salino, Secretary General of SELDA, expressed dismay at the number of extrajudicial killings and the holding of activists without proper justification.

She called for a stop in the culture of killing and justice for those who have died under this system.

“Ang panawagan sa Karapatan ug SELDA, undangon na ang kultura sa walay pagpahadlok mupatay. Ikaduha, hustisya ug tulubagon sa mga gipampatay,” she stated.

Sakura Aiko Nemis, Chairperson of Gabriela Youth Davao, condemned the systematized violence against women and children.

She also stated that the mandatory ROTC should not be approved in the country.

“Para sa mga panawagan, mariin nating kinukondena ang pagratsada sa mandatory ROTC sa atong nasud at sa paglala ng mga harassment at abuso sa mga kababaihan at kabataan,” she said.

Furthermore, Harvey Lao, Kabataan Party List Vice President for Mindanao, explained the role of activists and Human Rights in society on the quest for proper platforms to achieve sustainable reforms.

He expressed a dream wherein the community does not need activists since the needs of the masses are already addressed.

“Gusto nato ug usa ka katilingban na di na kinahanglan mag rally, diba nindot kaayo na? Di na nato kinahanglan mag rally, di na kinahanglan ug mga aktibista kay tungod natubag na ang mga panginahanglan sa katawhan,” he spoke.

Beverly Godredo, Chairperson of Anakbayan SMR, supported the Free Palestine movement as continued Israeli attacks hit Palestine.

She also tackled the injustices brought upon by the Marcos-Duterte Regime towards the public.

“Bilyon bilyones ang ginagasta ug karon ang utang natong katawhang Pilipino anaa na sa P140,000, wala pa na anak, mga ulitawo, ug mga bata pa anaa nay utang na ginasagubang karon. Tungod kana sa 40 Bilyon na utang ng nasud Pilipinas,” she stated.

Human Rights organizations assessed that there are more than 30,000 cases of Human Rights violations in the Philippines.

In light of the 75th celebration of Human Rights declaration in the country, these rights are continually assaulted under the guise of political agendas.

Words by MLI. Photos by ASL, ESA.

10/12/2023

NOW HAPPENING | Progressive groups and individuals in Southern Mindanao Region are holding a parade around Roxas Avenue, Davao City to commemorate the International Human Rights Day.

Follow on X for our live coverage.

10/12/2023

NOW HAPPENING | To commemorate the International Human Rights Day, progressive groups and individuals around Davao City are holding a mobilization at Freedom Park, December 10, Sunday.

Follow on X for our live coverage.

08/12/2023

FEATURE | KARAPATAN: Para Kanino nga Ba?

Ang pagkakaroon ng maayos na tirahan at ligtas na komunidad ay isa sa mga panguhaning karapatang pantao na dapat ay tinatamasa ng bawat isa sa atin. Subalit, kung tatanawin ang kasalukuyang sitwasyon ng ating bansa ngayon, hindi maipagkakaila na marami sa ating mga kababayan ang patuloy pa rin na pinagkakaitan sa mga bagay na ito.

Habang ang iilan ay matiwasay na namumuhay sa kanilang mga magagarang bahay at condominiums, ang karamihan sa atin ay nababalot ng pangamba kung hanggang kailan sila maaring manatili sa kanilang tinitirhan at kung mayroon ba silang mapunpuntahan kung sila ay paaalisin. Karamihan sa atin ay kailangan pang makipaglaban at makipagkompetensya sa mga pribadong kompanya upang makamit ang karapatang magkaroon ng maayos na pamumuhay. Kaya para sa iilang mga Pilipino, ang pagkakaroon ng disente at ligtas na tirahan ay isang pribelihiyo lamang.

Mahigit 15 taon nang ipinaglalaban ng mga residente ng Bunawan Homeowners Association ang kanilang karapatan sa lupang tinitirikan ng kanilang mga bahay, ngunit hanggang ngayon, ang liwanag ay mailap pa rin sa kanilang kapalaran.

Taong 2009 itinanatag ng mga mamayan ang kanilang homeowners association sa tulong na rin ng KADAMAY Work Plant Workers. Binuo ang organisasyong ito upang mabigyang tuon at representasyon sa lokal na pamahalaan ang kanilang hinaing. Subalit sa kabila ng mga hakbang na ginawa ng mga mamamayan, ang kanilang kahilingan at karapatan sa lupa ay ipinag kibit balikat lamang ng mga awtoridad.

Manipestasyon ng isang pasistang pamahalaan ang walang habas na mga pananakot at demolisasyon na nararanasan ng mga residente. Makailang ulit silang hinarass ng mga pwersang pang estado at sapilitan na pinapa-alis sa kanilang mga bahay. Ayon pa sa Presidente ng homeowners association na si Robert, halos umabot sa limang demolition notice ang natanggap nila simula noong itinatag ang kanilang asosasyon.

Noong taong 2018, nagkaroon ng demolisyon sa karatig lugar ng Bunawan kung saan naitala ang ilang paglabag sa mga karapatang pantao. Naging panay rin ang pananakot ng estado sa mga residente, dahilan upang magkaroon sila ng tinatawag na kuratong. Ang mga pangyayaring ito ay iilan lamang sa mga dagok na kinakaharap ng mga mamamayan, nagpapatunay sa bulok na liderato at sistema ng gobyerno.

Mayroong humigit kumulang 170 na mga pamilya ang kasapi ng homeowners association. Samakatuwid, mahigit dalawang daang indibidwal ang nakararanas sa mga kalapastangang ginagawa ng estado. Iilan sa mga malalaking kompanya ang nagpakita ng interes na bilhin ang lupa na tinitirhan ng mga residente kagaya na lamang ng SM Supermalls at 2HGL at iba pang mga Condominium developers. Sa una’y nagkukunwari na tutulong sa mga residente upang mapasakanila ang lupa, pero noong tumagal, lumilitaw na may ibang layunin pala.

Sakop ng Republic Act 7279, o ang Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992 ang komunidad na ito sa Bunawan, ngunit ayon sa lokal na pamahalaan ng Davao City, ang Bunawan ay hindi umano nabibilang sa ressetlement plans ng lungsod.

Noong una ay nirerentahan pa nila ang lupa ngunit, sa tinagal-tagal na nilang namalagi sa lugar na iyon, nakipag-koordinasyon sila sa may ari ng lupa ng mahigit isang taon. Ngunit ayon pa sa salaysay ni Manong Robert, noong malapit na umanong matapos ang negosasyon, bigla na lamang nag-iba ang desisyon ng may-ari, nag -iba ang ihip ng hangin.

Bingi ang gobyernong sa ganitong uri ng mga suliranin sa lipunan, lalo na kung ang mga mamamayang Pilipino ang pinag-uusapan. Makikita natin kung para kanino lang ang kanilang atensyon at kung kanino nila ibinibigay ang tunay na karapatan.

Sa kabilang banda naman, hati ang panig nga residente, dahilan upang magkaroon ng mga hindi pagkakaintindihan sa kanilang asosayon. Ngunit, hindi sa mga mamamayan nag-ugat ang mga suliraninng ito. Kung tutuusin biktima lamang sila ng kawalang pansin at pananagutan sa mga problemang kinakaharap ng kanilang mga nasasakupan.

Habang patuloy na ipinagkibit balikat ng gobyerno ang kahilingan sa karapatan sa lupa ng residente ng Bunawan, hindi matatapos ang agam-agam kung para kanino nga lang ba ang karapatang ito.

Sulat ni VGOG.
Graphics ni NOH.

04/12/2023

JUST IN | An advisory from the City Government of Davao declared the suspension of classes on all levels for public educational institutions on Tuesday, December 5, 2023.

This was done to conduct rapid damage assessments of infrastructures due to recent earthquakes felt around Davao City.

Private schools on the other hand were allowed to hold classes but were encouraged to suspend activities for the safety of students and employees.

03/12/2023

JUST IN | In response to the successive earthquakes over the weekend, the City Government of Davao declared a suspension of classes on December 4, 2023 for all levels of all public education institutions in Davao, while private institutions are enjoined to do the same. Local government offices are also shifting to a work-from-home set up on the same day.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3GsVUeE

03/12/2023

LOOK | The Board of Regents of the University of the Philippines has approved the appointment of Prof. Jhoanna Lynn B. Cruz, PhD as the Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, UP Mindanao on Thursday, November 30.

As the sole Nominee during the Public Forum for the Search of CHSS Dean last August 21, 2023, Professor Cruz expressed her commitment to “student-focused and democratic governance within the larger context of UP System’s quality policy of academic excellence in the service.”

Furthermore, Professor Cruz stated her determination to prioritize the strengthening of Mindanao Studies Center and the construction of CHSS Building in her term.

Professor Cruz has preceded Prof. Raymundo Pavo who has been on a Sabbatical Leave since July 2023 after an extension due to the re-composition of the Search Committee, and two official extensions of the deadline for Nominations for the Search of CHSS Dean.

The BOR has granted the appointed CHSS Dean three years in service.

03/12/2023

IN PHOTOS | Mass organizations in the Southern Mindanao Region gathered for Bonifacio Day at the Davao City Freedom Park in remembrance of Andres Bonifacio's 160th birthday.

The mobilization served as a platform to raise pressing issues continuously happening such as the implementation of jeepney modernization, red-tagging, budget cuts on education, and even the call to stop the genocide happening in Palestine.

Transmission Piston - SMR Larry Arguilles highlighted the jeepney drivers and operators plight on the implementation of the jeepney modernization program resulting to oil price hikes and debts due to not getting subsidies as promised by the government.

Arguilles on Davao City's high-priority bus system stated, "Kung magtake effect ini, daghan na mawad-an pangabuy-an, daghan na mga anak na dili na ka eskuwela, daghan ang magutman."

Sharine Sulla of Gabriela Youth - Davao enumerated the abuses and violence occurring to women and different communities in the country brought by administration such as the human rights violation cases of the AFP-PNP and the death of Yvonne Chua Plaza.

"Nandiyan din ang mga kaso ng intimidasyon, sexual harrassment, panggagahasa, hazing, at iba pang mga porma ng karahasan at pang-aabuso sa mga kababaihan at miyembro ng LGBTQIA+ kung sapilitang ipapatupad ang programa ng Mandatory ROTC," as stated by Sulla that the MROTC will only be an avenue for the state forces to spread the culture of impunity.

Kabataan Partylist - SMR Harvey Lao discussed about the recent press conference of Sen. Bato Dela Rosa that banners the red-tagging of progressive organizations and student activists through present photos implicating them as communists. KPL condemned the said act of the senator reminding everyone that activism is not terrorism.

"Sa kakulangan sa atong classroom; sa pagbara sa sweldo sa atong teacher. Ang prioridad makit-an nato ni Marcos Jr. naa dinha sa iyang confidential ug intelligence funds. Ang KPL nanawagan sa pagabasura sang confidential funds," Lao called for the abolishment of the confidential funds on the context of the country's education crisis.

Lastly, Beverly Gofredo of Anakbayan-SMR commemorated the 25th anniversary of Anakbayan and called out the issue regarding the budget cuts suffered by state universities and colleges (SUCs) and rise of tuition percentage in private universities.

Gofredo further raised the role of the imperialist United States on the economy of the country and the allocated budget on state forces. "Nasaksihan namong mga kabataan ang papel sang mga kabataan sa pagpadayon sang gisugtan na rebolusyon ni Andres Bonifacio. Ang bini sang mga kabatan-unan wala lang sa upat ka sulok sang paaralan," Godfredo stated as she calls for the youth to remain vigilant.

Notably, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued Proclamation 90 that moved Bonifacio Day to November 27, instead of November 30. Progressive groups called out this administration's move as it serves as means for historical distortion.

Words by JFM. Photos by ASL.

02/12/2023

ALERT | DOST-Philvocs reported a magnitude 6.9 earthquake with Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur as the epicenter, 10:37 pm, December 2, 2023. Everyone is advised to stay alert for possible aftershocks.

Additionally, a Tsunami Warning was also released by Philvocs, 11:05pm. Tsunami waves are forcasted to arrive between 10:37 pm to 11:59pm, December 2, 2023. Residents in coastal areas, particulary Surigao del Sur and Davao Oriental are advised to evacuate to areas with higher elevation.

01/12/2023

NEWS UPDATE | UP Mindanao Interactive Learning Center-Learning Resource Center (ILC-LRC) sent out an email December 1, 2023,10:52 am informing the UPMin body that UP Diliman has allowed the constituent unit to have access to UPD Canvas Community Edition which is hosted under UPD's own servers while UPMin Canvas Instructure is under suspension.

Enrollment data from CSRS have been successfully imported to UPD Canvas, while needed files and courses from Canvas Instructure are currently being imported. UPMin ILC advises its constituent unit that the migration to UPD Canvas might take time due to manpower and internet connectivity.

The students and faculty are reminded that this version of Canvas has limited features compared to the Canvas Instructure platform previously used.

Students may start accessing their UPD Canvas accounts today-- an Email has been sent by the ILC-LRC on how to do so.

Related story: bit.ly/3NqXy4n

30/11/2023

OPINION | Long Live the Philippines – 160th Bonifacio Day

Commemoration or Distortion?

A man of bravery is all it took for the Philippines to be freed from the shackles of colonialism. Kindling an armed struggle against Spaniards and Americans, the Filipinos finally established a sovereign nation and the first Philippine Republic in 1899— a government that is at long last our own.

Today marks the 160th birthday of Andres Bonifacio, one of the many heroes behind the Philippines’ independence. Bonifacio founded the Kataastaasang, Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (K*K) and led the resistance movement in 1896 to fight against the oppression, exploitation, and control imposed by the regime, standing worthy to be the Father of the Philippine Revolution, as he is titled now.

Since 1920, the 30th of November has been celebrated as Bonifacio Day in remembrance of his patriotism and of how the Philippines had finally reached the grasp of its true owner, the Filipinos. Long recognized as a national holiday, it is this year that the commemoration, for the very first time, is held on the 27th by virtue of Proclamation 90, which was signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last year.

This change is in conformity with Republic Act 9492 or the Holiday Economics Law signed by former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, which moves special and regular holidays to the nearest Monday in an attempt to boost tourism revenue and expenditures.

Bonifacio Day may never be celebrated again on his actual birthday starting this year, but at the very least, Filipinos can afford to have a long weekend. At the expense of public knowledge and the real purpose of this holiday, which is the remembrance of the Philippine Revolution, citizens get to enjoy a lazy Monday—a very impactful contribution indeed by the government.

Andres Bonifacio surely did not fight for the country just to lend the Filipino people to leaders as controlling as the Spanish colonizers. So as we speak, Filipinos are drowning in poverty, the educational system is falling apart due to budget cuts, and farmers are suffering from rice price caps; and yet, the government still has the audacity to allot confidential funds.

Imposing a law such as Proclamation 90 is then again one of their ploy to control the people because as harmless as it seems, Filipinos are unconsciously deprived of their right to know, even if the information is as simple as a holiday commemoration date. Unsurprisingly, this is not the first instance where the government manipulated history.

This change in the commemoration of national holidays such as Bonifacio Day without the general public’s knowledge prior to the announcement just shows how easy it is for the higher-ups to tweak long-accepted information to fit the narrative that they want to show. It just proves that the Filipino people still have little to no say when it comes to matters concerning the country.

One evident example is the continuous seclusion and watering down of the happenings during the dictatorship of Marcos Sr. in elementary textbooks. In fact, a DepEd memorandum stating the proposal to remove “Diktadurang Marcos” from the 6th grade curriculum and change it to “Diktadura” instead surfaced just this September.

Although Jocelyn Andaya, DepEd Bureau of Curriculum and Teaching Director, insisted that there is no political agenda behind this proposal, it is clearly an act of historical revisionism once imposed. Replacing the original curriculum with something that will clearly diminish the weight of Marcos Sr.’s dictatorship is nothing but an insult to all of his victims and will soon cause the future generation to forget about his atrocities.

As if trying to water down the former president’s wrongdoings isn’t enough, Marcos Jr. also removed the EDSA People Power Anniversary from the list of national holidays for 2024 on his Proclamation 368 last October. The Palace claims that making the 25th of February a national holiday will be useless since it falls on a Sunday and it coincides with the rest day of most workers.

However, this justification does not make sense as the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary every December 8 which happens to fall on a Sunday next year is still included as a Special Non-Working Holiday. If one stops and thinks about it, it is evident that the president’s decision to exclude the 37th EDSA People Power Anniversary from the list has a hidden personal agenda.

Given Marcos Jr.’s character, one can conclude that these measures are just a part of his scheme to distort history and to gradually change the public’s memory of his late father. If this atrocity continues and if the public lets him, he will then soon be successful in removing the Marcos Dictatorship, especially Martial Law, from history.

With these examples in mind, it is clear that the government is indeed an expert when it comes to withholding necessary information as well as distorting history. If they can even change and mess with the commemoration of Bonifacio Day, a national holiday that every citizen is aware of, in just a snap, then they can also mess with crucial information that the public may not know of.

In celebrating Bonifacio’s 160th birthday, it will be best if the population will take him and his actions as an example. Everyone must realize that these actions by the government, and the president itself, should not be tolerated. Choosing to celebrate his birthday at an earlier date just because of some economic reasons that they cannot even explain is nothing but an insult to the hero.

Like Bonifacio, everyone must stand up, see the bigger picture, and fight for the rights of the people, just as he did. In this case, Filipinos must fight for their right to information and say in the government. Student activists must continue making noise and speaking up against injustices; journalists must continue using their platform for the masses. Regular citizens must also stop turning a blind eye on these happenings as doing so will just tantamount to siding with them.

If the entirety of the population actually starts to be less passive and follow the footsteps of Andres Bonifacio today, on his 160th birthday, then in a way, the true essence of the holiday remains—to remember him and his contributions to the nation.

Words by KLG and ASG. Art by GAA.

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