The Torch Publications

The Torch Publications The Torch Publications is a pro-student publication responsive to the needs of the academe and the community.

It upholds the standards and ethics of journalism, functions as a catalyst to tap the holistic development of the students exposing them to the objective social realities and to the people's right and welfare, and contributes to the development of responsible and committed student leaders and journalists. The Torch Publications is a student institution that publishes periodicals and other printed

materials funded, managed and led by the students. The Torch shall optionally publish at least seven issues annually with the option of supplements, a special Filipino issue called " Ang Sulo" and a literary folio called "Aklas." The office of the Torch is located at Room C, 2/f Student Center Building, Philippine Normal University, Taft Avenue, Manila. You may contact us at telefax 5284703 or e-mail us at [email protected]. Member:
Progresibong Lupon ng mga Manunulat ng PNU (PLUMA-PNU)

Colege Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP)

TINGNAN | Kampanya para sa Halalan 2025, inilunsad ng KTAPInilunsad ng Kabataan, Tayo ang Pag-asa (KTAP) ang kanilang ha...
13/01/2025

TINGNAN | Kampanya para sa Halalan 2025, inilunsad ng KTAP

Inilunsad ng Kabataan, Tayo ang Pag-asa (KTAP) ang kanilang hangarin at mga aktibidad para sa darating na Halalan 2025 kasama ang iba't ibang mga publikasyon, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), konseho ng mag-aaral, at organisasyong pang-kabataan, kahapon, Enero 12.

Ikinampanya ng KTAP na pagtibayin ang pananaw at tungkulin ng kabataan sa pagsulong ng malinis, tapat, patas, at mapayapang halalan. Gayundin, isinulong nila ang makamasang pulitika sa kasalukuyang mapanlinlang na sistema.

Ayon kay Brell Lacerna, Pambansang Tagapagsalita ng College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) at Pambansang Tagapag-ugnay ng KTAP, magsisimula sa kabataang Pilipino ang pagsulong sa malinis, tapat, at makatarungang, halalan sa 2025.

“We must unite in forwarding the people's demands by collectively strengthening our democratic rights to vote and to demand genuine change,” saad ni Lacerna.

Binigyang-diin din ng KTAP ang ilang isyung kontrobersiyal sa nakaraang 2022 National at Local Elections, kabilang dito ang mga sirang vote-counting machines (VCM), red-tagging, pananakot sa mga poll watcher, ilegal na pangangampanya, at mga kaso ng pamamaslang.

Sa ulat ng Kontra Daya sa nakaraang Halalan 2022, naitala ang 321 kamalian sa VCM, 1,800 na bilang ng VCM na sira, 112 kaso ng ilegal na pangangampanya, 2,000 VCM na nakatambak, 33 kaso ng pananakot sa mga poll watcher, at 7 na pinatay sa mga rehiyon.

“We cannot afford another chance for our national government's corruption and negligence of our basic services and human rights to be forgotten, as elections are the perfect time to hold these perpetrators accountable while selecting pro-people leaders of our country," giit ni Lacerna.

Sa nalalapit na Halalan 2025, layunin ng KTAP na manguna sa pagbantay at pangangasiwa upang isulong ang makamasang pamamahala.

"Kaya ngayong 2025, mamamanata tayong lahat para sa 2025 elections at titindig tayo ng kontra-korapsyon, kontra-dayaan, kontra-karahasan, para sa pagsulong ng pulitikang pagbabago at pagbabagong lipunan," diin ni Maricho Tagailo, National Co-convenor ng KTAP at Secretary-General ng CEGP.

Isinulat ni Mark Andrew Cadion
Larawan nina Fyra Tumimang, Mark Andrew Cadion, at ng KTAP


ICYMI | Taas-pasahe sa LRT 1, tinutulanUmalma ang mga progresibong grupo sa kontra-mamayang panukalang dagdag-singil sa ...
13/01/2025

ICYMI | Taas-pasahe sa LRT 1, tinutulan

Umalma ang mga progresibong grupo sa kontra-mamayang panukalang dagdag-singil sa Light Rail Transit 1 (LRT 1) ng Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) noong Enero 9.

Batay sa panukala ng LRMC, para sa mga gumagamit ng stored value tickets, magiging P21 ang dating P15 na singil mula Dr. Santos hanggang Ninoy Aquino Avenue. Tataas naman ng P58 mula sa dating P43 ang dulo’t dulong biyahe mula Dr. Santos hanggang Fernando Poe Jr. (FPJ) Station.

Sa kabilang banda, aabot din sa P60 ang dulo’t dulong pamasahe ng mga bumibili ng single journey ticket o SJT mula P45.

Ayon sa Alliance of Concerned Teachers Education Students - Philippine Normal University (ACT ES - PNU), nakikinabang ang mga malalaking negosyo tulad ng LRMC sa garantiya ng kita mula sa pribatisasyon ng transportasyon, tulad ng 10.25% fare hike kada dalawang taon sa kumpas ng 2014 Concession Agreement sa kabila ng hindi mapaliwanag na gastos at kita ng korporasyon.

"Sa huli, kaban ng bayan at bulsa ng masa ang mabubutasan sa kasunduang nilagdaan ng gobyerno,” giit ng ACT ES - PNU.

Samantala ayon sa Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), panibagong dagok naman ang taas-pasahe sa LRT 1 para sa mga mamamayan dahil sasabay pa ito sa pagtaas ng presyo ng mga bilihin at iba pang pampublikong serbisyo.

“Ang pagtataas ng pamasahe, katulad ng dagdag-singilin sa SSS at pagsirit ng presyo ng batayang pangangailangan, ay magdadagdag lamang sa pasanin ng mga manggagawang Pilipino,” giit ng grupo.

Dagdag pa ng KMU, hindi pa rin inaaprubahan ng estado ang ipinaglalaban na P1,200 arawang minimum na sahod ng mga manggagawa at kakarampot pa rin ang dagdag sahod sa ibang rehiyon sa bansa.

Apektado rin ang mga estudyanteng komyuter sa taas-pasahe, partikular sa mga unibersidad at paaralang dinadaanan ng LRT 1 gaya ng PNU.

“Tunay na magiging mabigat na para sa akin at sa kapwa ko estudyante ang mataas na pamasahe sapagkat limitado lamang ang nakalaan na budget para sa araw-araw na pag pasok sa unibersidad,” saad ni Cielo Kristel Murillo, isang mag-aaral mula sa PNU.

Binigyang-diin din ni Murillo ang abalang nararanasan sa pagsakay sa tren at ang kakulangan sa sahod na mas lalong nagpapahirap sa mga komyuter na sumasakay sa LRT 1.

“Sa kabila ng pagtaas ng pamasahe ay marami pa rin problema sa LRT 1, lalong lalo na ang mga bagon na nagdudulot ng hirap at abala sa mga komyuter. Wala ring usad at pagbabago sa pasahod, kaya mas lalong mahirap para sa karamihan, lalo na sa mga tao na talagang araw-araw sumasakay ng LRT 1 para makarating sa kanilang trabaho, bahay, at pamilya,” giit ni Murillo.

Kabilang sa mga naunang bumatikos sa taas-pasahe sa LRT 1 si Renato Jr. Reyes ng Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), aniya dapat ituring na serbisyo ang pampublikong transportasyon at hindi negosyong pagkakakitaan lamang ng mga pulitiko.

“Ang panukalang taas-pasahe ay malinaw na pagpabor sa kita ng mga pribadong kumpanya kaysa kapakanan ng publiko. Dapat itong tutulan upang mapanatili ang abot-kaya at epektibong pampublikong transportasyon para sa mamamayan,” diin ng Bayan.

Isinulat ni Julia Andrea Razon

ACT, iginiit ang dagdag pondo sa edukasyon, binatikos ang 2025 badyetNanawagan ang Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) ...
11/01/2025

ACT, iginiit ang dagdag pondo sa edukasyon, binatikos ang 2025 badyet

Nanawagan ang Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) para sa mas mataas na alokasyon ng pondo sa edukasyon kasabay ng pagkundena sa kontra-mamayang badyet sa 2025 ng administrasyong Marcos Jr., noong Enero 8.

Ayon kay ACT Chairperson Vladimer Quetua, malinaw na ang malaking bahagi ng pondo ay hindi nakalaan sa tunay na pangangailangan ng mga mamamayan sa bansa.

“Bilyon-bilyon ang nakalaan para sa pananatili sa pwesto ng mga bulok na politiko at naghaharing-uri, pagsamsam sa kaban ng bayan, at panunupil sa mamamayang lumalaban,” saad ni Quetua.

Binatikos din ng ACT ang pagtapyas ng 11 bilyong piso sa badyet ng Basic Education at 14.48 bilyon piso naman sa SUCs noong 2024, kasama ang 140 bilyong kaltas sa agrikultura, kalusugan, pabahay, at sakuna.

“Ang ninanakawan nyo sa budget cut na inyong ginawa sa 2025 budget para gamitin nyo sa eleksyon at sa korapsyon ay hindi lang mga mamamayan, estudyante, at mga g**o… pero pati yung kinabukasan ng mga mamamayan” giit ni ACT National Capital Region (NCR) Union President Ruby Bernardo.

Dagdag pa ni Quetua, nananatili pa ring mahirap ang kalagayan ng mga g**o, kawani, at mamamayan dahil sa mababang sahod at kakulangan ng pondo para sa edukasyon at iba pang batayang serbisyo.

“Nananatiling hindi nakakabuhay ang sahod at barat na pondo sa edukasyon at iba pang mga batayang serbisyo habang dagdag hirap ang buena mano ng administrasyon sa nakatakdang pagtaas ng kontribusyon sa SSS para sa mga empleyado’t manggagawa sa pribadong sektor,” diin ni Quetua.

Sa huli, hinimok ng ACT ang mga g**o, manggagawa sa sektor ng edukasyon, at mamamayan na sama-samang panagutin ang mga opisyal ng gobyerno sa pagtataksil sa tiwala ng publiko at paglalaan ng pondo sa hindi makamasang mga serbisyo.

"Hinahamon natin ang Kongreso at ang administrasyong Marcos Jr. na tugunan ang malawak na panawagan ng mamamayan para sa pananagutan at hustisya at simulan na ang pagdinig sa mga inihaing kaso ng impeachment laban kay VP Sara," giit ng grupo.

Isinulat ni Ma. Laura Dela Cruz

PANITIKAN | Kung bakit maraming tao sa Quiapo tuwing EneroSa pagsapit ng buwan ng Enero‘Di magkamayaw ang mga debotoSa S...
09/01/2025

PANITIKAN | Kung bakit maraming tao sa Quiapo tuwing Enero

Sa pagsapit ng buwan ng Enero
‘Di magkamayaw ang mga deboto
Sa Santo Niño o Nazareno
Samot-saring panalangin ang bulong
Sa pag-asang lunas at himalang hatid ng p**n.

Sa pagsulong nitong Traslacion
Yayanigin ng mga yapak ang lansangan
Sa walang maliw na debosyon
Nananalig na ang buhay sa pugon
Matutugunan sa himala ng p**n.

Papalapit na ang andas sa Quiapo
Nag-aalab ang pusong
Makapasok sa pinto
Ng dambana ng mga santo
Na magbibigay-liwanag sa mga tao.

Kapit sa lubid, salya sa kaliwa
'Di inda ang kalyo at pasa
‘Pagkat kolektibong bumubuhat
Para sa inaasahang lakas-biyaya
Na malabanan ang sistemang sinasakdal sa dusa.

Isinulat ni Ederlyn Terrado
Dibuho ni Fyra Tumimang

ALERT | Makabayan, mga lider-masa, sinampahan ng gawa-gawang kaso ng PNPNagsampa ng gawa-gawang kaso ang Manila Police D...
09/01/2025

ALERT | Makabayan, mga lider-masa, sinampahan ng gawa-gawang kaso ng PNP

Nagsampa ng gawa-gawang kaso ang Manila Police District (MPD) sa 13 personalidad, kabilang ang 10 senatoriable ng Koalisyong Makabayan at mga lider-masa, kaugnay ng naganap na kilos-protesta noong Araw ni Bonifacio, Nobyembre 30.

Ayon sa gawa-gawang kasong ipinaskil ngayong araw, Enero 9, inakusahan ng "illegal assembly" ang mga biktima batay sa Batas Pambansa (BP) Blg. 880, na nag-oobliga ng “written permit” mula sa mga organisador bago magsagawa ng protesta.

Kabilang sa mga sinampahan ng gawa-gawang kaso sina Rep. France Castro, Rep. Arlene Brosas, Rep. Liza Maza, Jerome Adonis, Alyn Andamo, Ronnel Arambulo, Mimi Doringo, Mody Floranda, Amirah Lidasan, at Danilo Ramos. Kasama rin sa sinampahan sina Ferdie Gaite (Bayan Muna nominee), Vlad Quetua (ACT Chairperson), at Cristy Donguines (Alliance of Health Workers).

Matatandaang naunang sinampahan ng gawa-gawang kaso sina Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) Chairperson Elmer Labog at Nilo Montifero ng Bayan Muna kaugnay ng parehong insidente. Ayon sa Makabayan, walang basehan ang mga kaso at malinaw na ito’y bahagi ng patuloy na panggigipit ng Philippine National Police (PNP) laban sa mga lider at tagapagtanggol ng karapatan ng mamamayan.

"The sloppy, wholesale filing by the MPD even misidentified Mody Floranda of Piston as “female” and Moro leader Amirah Lidasan as a member of ACT," diin ng Makabayan.

Giit din ng Makabayan, hindi dapat gawing krimen ang mapayapang pagpoprotesta, at ang pagsampa ng kaso ay isang malinaw na pag-atake sa kalayaan sa pagpapahayag at pagtitipon.

“Sa paulit-ulit nang karanasan, ang mga pulis na may dalang pamalo at shield at naka-full battle gear ang sanhi ng gulo at karahasan sa mapayapang mga pagkilos,” dagdag ng KMU.

Nakatakdang magsagawa ng paunang imbestigasyon ng kaso sa Enero 15 sa Manila Prosecutor’s Office.

Hinimok ng mga progresibong grupo ang publiko na patuloy na manindigan laban sa panunupil at isulong ang pagkakamit ng hustisya at karapatang demokratiko. Kasabay nito, nananawagan sila na ibasura na ang BP 880 na nagpapahirap sa mga mamamayang magprotesta laban sa katiwalian at inhustisya.

“Dapat na ring ibasura ang outdated at kontra-mamamayang BP 880 na nagpapakitid at nagpapasikip sa demokratikong espasyo para magpahayag at magprotesta. Ito ay mga karapatan na hindi dapat nililimitahan ng paghingi ng permit,” giit ng KMU.

Isinulat ni Fyra Tumimang

LOCAL NEWS | PNU Offices impose additional fee for batch ‘24 graduates amid payment discrepancy The Student Affairs and ...
04/01/2025

LOCAL NEWS | PNU Offices impose additional fee for batch ‘24 graduates amid payment discrepancy

The Student Affairs and Services Office (SASO) released an update on the delay of the distribution of graduation pictures and yearbooks of batch 2024 graduates requiring an additional 250 pesos payment per student, on Thursday, January 2.

In a written interview with the publication yesterday, January 3, Seniors' Committee (SC) stated that the issue started when the Supply and Property Unit (SPU) reported a budget deficit between the contract price and the actual collection last November 2024.

SASO claimed that "miscommunication" led to a shortage in the collected amount.

Meanwhile, SC previously released a statement stating the details of their actions regarding the issue in their group chat with class representatives.

Accounting error

The Procurement Management Unit (PMU), Accounting Unit (AU), and SC had a meeting on September 30, 2024. During the session, it was discovered that the total shortage on payment exceeded 100,000 pesos due to the calculation error of the “amount to pay” approved by the AU.

“Based on the document, the Suggested Retail Price (SRP) per unit of graduation picture and yearbook is Php 880.00 and Php 1,134.00. But upon checking the document, there was another price for the services, Php 1000.00 and Php 1300.00, respectively. The SRP where we based the amount did not reflect the tax and that made it deficit,“ SC explained.

According to SC, they repeatedly sought confirmation from AU whether the final pricing for the services was correct and that it had approval from the office.

"We raised this concern to the Accounting Unit repeatedly and Mr. Ronnie Pagal, the Accountant that time said that Php 880.00 and Php 1,134.00 would be okay as the final price of the Graduation Picture and Yearbook, respectively... We consulted again the Accounting Unit if we can have Php 900.00 and Php 1,150.00 as the final prices and we got a go signal," SC emphasized.

It can be remembered that SC announced the final price of the graduation package, which has lower prices than the values indicated in the contract. The package consists of a graduation picture with an initial price of 1,000 pesos, lowered to 900 pesos, and a yearbook with an initial price of 1,300, lowered to 1,150 pesos.

“The rationale of this proposition is to alleviate the expenses of the graduating batch,” SC stated.

The SC also mentioned to the publication that they are still waiting for the procurement documents from the Bids and Awards Committee to publicize the matter, but the office has yet to provide them.

Changes in ‘unpaid balances'

Big Ace, the photographic business service hired by PNU, delivered the framed photos to the university on October 30 and November 5. SASO met with SC on November 18 to do an inventory check. The SC continually updated the concerned graduates regarding the status of the pictures.

However, SPU raised the deficit in total payments and to follow the procurement documents. Each student will have to pay an additional 250 pesos, combining 100 pesos for graduation pictures and 150 pesos for the yearbook.

The SC asserted that neither the students nor the council bore any liability to the payment deficit. They emphasized that they only followed the proposed pricing they repeatedly inquired about, which the AU had approved before offering the package to the graduating students.

Meanwhile, the latest update from SASO required the students to settle their account. They also stated that the university will not release the package to students unless they pay the remaining amount.

“Your graduation pictures are ready for distribution. Once you are able to settle the above balance/s, we will be glad to hand your graduation picture to you. Please note that the Yearbook is still a work in progress,” in the letter from SASO.

Current situation

The SC initiated dialogues with offices to assert their ground. However, SPU maintained their stance to follow the procurement documents.

“The Committee once again conducted another set of meetings to assert our claim and proposition but SPU insisted to follow the procurement documents. Unfortunately, after almost a month of stand-off, until such time yesterday, January 2, 2025, Dr. Siena (SASO) asked us to give in to the directive made by the SPU," SC underlined.

According to SC, the Paglaom graduates expressed disappointment and grievances about the issue.

“Upon checking, most of the batch members were disappointed with this matter. Some of the batch members raised for a refund option,” SC stated.

Currently, SC is in communication with the concerned offices and waits for the procurement plan from SASO.

The SC maintained that students must not take the burden over the miscommunication between offices.

"We rallied that this miscommunication between offices MUST NOT be shouldered by the studentry; that [it is] their responsibility to check and approve the propositions of the Committee," SC highlighted.

Written by Darren Escobilla

FEATURES | I Hope The Lamp Wouldn’t Look Weird This TimeAnother year brings a flicker of hope within me, and if someone ...
02/01/2025

FEATURES | I Hope The Lamp Wouldn’t Look Weird This Time

Another year brings a flicker of hope within me, and if someone were to ask, my fantasy is for fate to always align in my favor.

When the year 2024 began, it was packed with a desire for it to be gentle and be showered with generous opportunities - for which, I may or may not be grateful.

First, I successfully avoided receiving any grades lower than 2.00. I pushed myself to take my academic responsibilities more seriously and to excel in them. As an Iskolar ng Bayan, I see this as the least I can do to honor the public whose contributions make my education possible - just as I strive to repay my mother, who works in a graveyard shift to support me.

I also finally believed in myself and my capabilities, recognizing the path I was on. I can finally say that I have overcome doubts about whether what I was doing was enough. And from there on, I don’t have to restrain myself of who I really am, including how I really love someone without the fear of being too much.

Meanwhile, as Typhoon Carina wreaked havoc in July, leaving much of Luzon battered, we were fortunate enough to have packed our belongings before the floodwaters surged into our area. Amidst the heavy downpour and cracking noise of thunder, I scrambled to save all of my books - ones I had begun to collect - along with my important files and our clothing.

However, in a snap of a glance at the lamp, it started to look weird. But it would be more strange now if I were to say that we don’t have a lamp at all. Because after all, it’s not even about the lamp itself.

It is safe to say that the year 2024 has brought the worst I never thought would happen. It’s far different from what I have hoped for: for it to be gentle, generous, and or at least bearable amid unavoidable circumstances.

When the fateful day arrived - amidst my hope of avoiding grades below 2.00 anymore - an undeniable 2.25 showed up in my grades portal while I lay shivering in bed and with weary eyes as I had contracted dengue already, which I still didn’t know I had at that time. What a good day to live, I say.

Meanwhile, while cramming our final paper in one of my major courses, a frantic knocking at our door alerted us that floodwaters were rising close to our floor. Despite having weathered many storms without flooding before - after the smart local state officials decided to increase the ground in our street without prioritizing the flood control first, which Marcos Jr.'s claims to be his achievement this year - all we have were just swept in an instant.

It is indeed true that last year’s color was not peach after all, but the red blood color of the people. Many families are still looking for justice and their missing loved ones after the state forces have captured or worse, killed them. Political prisoners have welcomed the year in the darkness of walls due to fabricated charges by the state. Farmers’ families faced empty tables despite their tireless labor providing food for others, all while at risk with state-sponsored violence against them. For some the lamp may only look weird. But for hundreds of thousands of children and families in Gaza, there is no light at all, as they continue to endure the horrors of Israel’s relentless genocide. And for us Pinoys, the new year was overshadowed by the pressing question of how far the cramped budget - especially for education and health - will stretch.

The year 2024 was about gains and losses. Nevertheless, one thing remains certain: we are struggling to continue.

Amid these challenges, I have learned that I don’t struggle alone. While we have our own personal takes and facets, our struggles are interconnected. Recognizing this interconnectedness empowers us collectively.

Though the difficulties I’ve had last year made me doubt myself at times, I am still deeply grateful for the people who stood by me and trusted me through it all. While my lamp had lighted weirdly, they were there to give me the light that I needed throughout the rough journey. From there, I’ve seen that the lamp may not look weird or would just stay in our fantasies this time. This time, we’re becoming the lights of our own and to another. At this point, I truly won’t fear being too much on those I matter because I can already show how I really love - that they would also do for me what I would do for them.

Now more than ever, as we enter a new year, we must collectively continue to demand accountability from those who are at fault for our unending problems - especially from the state and imperialist forces. And call for what we should have: a free access to quality education that doesn’t measure one’s self-worth through a numerical value; a reliable healthcare system that wouldn’t make one afraid to go to hospital immediately only because of the expenses rather than their illness; putting an end to bombings; resurface the desaparesidos; a stop to the attacks on human rights; and heed among the many other calls of each sector.

Finally, while I may not fully claim that I have already redeemed myself as I write this piece, there is a sense of progress at least I can say. On the first days of the year 2025 of choosing to write again - not just for myself but for the masses I am serving for - may this be a reminder to myself and for everyone that we have already come a long way.

While we have different paths, we can still find our purpose in illuminating others - collectively facing these shared struggles until we reach true liberation.

On a Wednesday, we can begin again.

Written by Ralf Aaron Macapagal
Photo by John Paul Arellano

KULTURA | 2024 Philippine Politics Wrapped: The Year of Drama and DilemmasPinoy political scene, you really know how to ...
31/12/2024

KULTURA | 2024 Philippine Politics Wrapped: The Year of Drama and Dilemmas

Pinoy political scene, you really know how to outdo yourselves— but in the worst way possible!

Akala niyo ba music streaming platforms lang ang may wrap? Oh, think again! This year, let us look back sa iba’t ibang porma ng pang-aabuso at lantad na pagtalikod sa sinumpaang tungkulin ng estado sa masa. Ano nga ba ang mga most controversial tracks and how does it wrap our shared struggles this year? Kaya without further ado, buckle up with a trigger warning of agitation as we reveal tracks ng mga anomalya at kakulangan sa pondo, umiigting na political dynasties, at hidwaan sa pulitika.

Isinulat ni Jude Gabriel Español
Pag-aanyo ni John Paul Arellano

OPISYAL NA PAHAYAG NG THE TORCH PUBLICATIONS SA PAGPIRMA NI MARCOS JR. SA 2025 NATIONAL BUDGET NGAYONG ARAW NI RIZALNgay...
30/12/2024

OPISYAL NA PAHAYAG NG THE TORCH PUBLICATIONS SA PAGPIRMA NI MARCOS JR. SA 2025 NATIONAL BUDGET NGAYONG ARAW NI RIZAL

Ngayong ika-30 ng Disyembre, ginugunita ang ika-128 anibersaryo ng kabayanihan ni G*t. Jose P. Rizal na inspirasyon sa pakikibaka para sa kalayaan at katarungan ng mga Pilipino. Kasabay nito, ngayong araw din nangyari ang pagkitil ng Administrasyong Marcos-Duterte sa aksesableng serbisyong panlipunan ng mga Pilipino sa pamamagitan ng pagpirma sa hindi makamasang badyet sa 2025.

Kilala si Rizal sa kaniyang mga akdang nagpasiklab sa makabayang diwa ng mga Pilipino. Ang kamatayan din mismo ni Rizal ang isa sa mga naging tuntungan ng mga Pilipino sa kahalagahan ng nasyunalismo, na siyang nagbukas upang matagumpay na ipaglaban ng mga progresibong grupo ang batayang karapatan ng masa. Hanggang ngayon, patuloy na nagsisilbing inspirasyon si Rizal upang isulong ang kinabukasang mulat at malaya sa kamay ng sakim na estado.

Tanaw sa susunod na taon ang kagipitang hindi karapat-dapat na maranasan ng mga g**o at kabataan sa sektor ng edukasyon, pati na ang masang Pilipino sa sektor ng kalusugan, dahil sa pagpirma ng pangulo sa Pambansang Badyet 2025, ngayong araw kung kailan makasaysayan nating inaalala si G*t. Jose Rizal.

Sa mga akda ni Rizal isinasabuhay ang kahalagahan ng akademya para sa pag-angat ng kamalayan ng bawat kabataan. Ngunit mula noon hanggang ngayon, sumasalamin pa rin ang panggigipit ng estado sa sektor ng edukasyon. Malaking halimbawa nito ang pagtapyas sa pondo ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyon (DepEd) at kabi-kabilang budget cut sa mga pangkolehiyong institusyon na naglilimita sa kakayahan ng mga mag-aaral na makamit ang aksesableng edukasyon.

Si Rizal ay isa ring doktor, na mayroong damdaming tumulong para sa ikauunlad ng kalusugan ng masa mula sa kaniyang inang may sakit. Kung si Rizal ay nasa kasalukuyang panahon, tiyak ikinangingitngit niya ang kawalan ng pondo ng PhilHealth para sa 2025, na programa sana para sa kalusugan ng masa sa darating na taon. Ang misprayoritisasyon sa pondo na maka-Pilipino ngayon ay hindi kailanman naaayon sa pagkamartir ni Rizal noon.

Hindi kailanman mapapatay ang apoy ng pagiging makabayan na sinindihan ni Rizal. Sa loob ng 128 taon, patuloy itong magliliyab habang umiiral ang kawalang-katarungan, kawalan ng kalayaan, higit na ang mala-kolonyal at pyudal na pamamahala. Ito ang apoy na nagtutulak sa pagbabagong tunay na ninanais ng masang Pilipino na kasalukuyang humaharap sa mga isyung panlipunan tulad ng huwad na reporma sa lupa, liberalization programs, at extrajudicial killings.

Taas-kamaong nakikiisa ang The Torch Publications sa pag-alala ng ika-128 taon ng pagkamartir ni Jose Rizal! Kinikilala ng publikasyon ang kaniyang sakripisyo para sa kalayaan ng ating bayan. Gayunpaman, nakakubli pa rin sa madilim na kalagayan ang ating lipunan dahil sa patuloy na pagtalikod ng estado sa mga hinaing ng sambayanan para sa makamasang badyet. Naniniwala ang publikasyon na ang pagkakait ng pondo para sa mga serbisyong panlipunan ay isang sistematikong pang-aabuso sa mga mamamayan lalo na sa umiigting na krisis.

Sa mapanupil na dikta ng estado, higit kailanman ay kinakailangan ang mas maigting at kolektibong pagkilos. Itambol ang batayang karapatan, itaas ang pondo sa edukasyon, kalusugan, at mga pabahay! Panagutin ang mga korap na pulitiko at bawiin ang para sa mamamayang Pilipino!

Pag-aanyo ni Josh Lyn Palmiano

NGAYON | Nagtipon sa kahabaan ng Mendiola ang mga progresibong grupo ngayong Disyembre 30, kasabay ng pagpirma ni Pangul...
30/12/2024

NGAYON | Nagtipon sa kahabaan ng Mendiola ang mga progresibong grupo ngayong Disyembre 30, kasabay ng pagpirma ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sa 2025 pambansang badyet. Binigyang-diin ng mga grupo ang pagtutol sa malaking pagtapyas sa badyet sa kalusugan, edukasyon, at serbisyong panlipunan.

Ayon kay Gabriela Partylist Representative Arlene Brosas, ang maling alokasyon sa badyet ng gobyerno ang dahilan ng gutom at kakulangan sa pondo para sa mga serbisyong panlipunan.

Larawan mula sa The Catalyst

LOCAL UPDATE | PNU-NUSG bares SR San Miguel's reason for resignationThe Philippine Normal University-National Union of S...
29/12/2024

LOCAL UPDATE | PNU-NUSG bares SR San Miguel's reason for resignation

The Philippine Normal University-National Union of Student Government (PNU-NUSG) released Memorandum. 002 s. 2023-2024, today, December 29, to formally inform the PNU Community of Student Regent (SR) Radjs Dylan Miguel’s reason for resignation and vacancy of the chairperson position.

According to the memorandum, San Miguel has vacated his position due to representation concerns, as he was no longer part of the student body after graduating last academic year 2023-2024.

“I believe that for the roaring student concerns that continue to perpetuate, to fully address and give proper attention to this, it is only right for a student to serve as the representative of the student body - which I no longer am,” San Miguel emphasized in a written interview with the publication yesterday, December 28.

The former SR stated that the position was immediately passed down to the remaining officers of the Union to ensure that representation is kept alive and true. His resignation has been delayed due to the shift in the university calendar.

“Our governing board deemed it necessary to clarify and adjust some of these changes to align with the current state of the organization, standards, and society. That is why I am now passing the student [regentship] to my co-officers who are still students to champion student concerns,” San Miguel stated.

Vice Chairperson for Academics, Janre V. Lachica of PNU Mindanao, will assume the position of SR and Officer-In-Charge (OIC) Chairperson of NUSG based on the ladderized version of the NUSG’s charter. For transition purposes, San Miguel will serve in the union until January 3, 2025.

“The student regent's formal selection will be cast at the next Annual Convention (AnCon). Although the student regenship has already been transferred, I will serve as chairperson of the union until January 3, 2025. This is for transition purposes, and the upcoming National Assembly is on the same date,” said San Miguel.

Current status of PNU hubs

San Miguel highlighted that PNU campuses still face challenges regarding student welfare, academic calendar, budget for activities, and campus facilities, which the union is discussing in their board meetings.

“As a union, these grievances were brought to the board meetings based on data gathered during Term 3 of the Academic Year 2023-2024. This 2024 academic year, during the upcoming National Assembly, the Union will once again collect data regarding the state of the university across different campuses,” said San Miguel.

Further, the former SR emphasized that the NUSG envisioned pro-student development; however, budgetary and welfare concerns still hinder it.

“As a union, we have also emphasized the union of all campuses towards one goal, which is pro-student development, although we have still not achieved that yet due to budget and student welfare concerns that are common in all campuses,” San Miguel underlined.

Accomplishments under San Miguel’s Leadership

San Miguel claimed that despite having the shortest tenure for Student Regency due to the changes in the university calendar, he led a progressive union.

“Upon starting the leadership in the union, as a governing board, we have taken on the challenge of evaluating the current organization based on the charter and passed operations. Our board decided, since this will be the shortest tenure due to the shifting of the calendar,” San Miguel affirmed.

The former SR listed the accomplishments under his tenure as follows:

From April to October 2024, student representatives from the governing board took part in revising and reviewing the Student Handbook. The NUSG Charter was also reviewed; formal amendments are to be implemented in the upcoming AnCon with the help of the PNU-University Student Council (USC) and Student Tribunal.

Committees under NUSG were created to strengthen the union and encourage the participation of student governments and councils across campuses. They will be introduced in the National Assembly, which NUSG also organized to address concerns, achievements, and ways forward for the Union.

Under San Miguel’s leadership, the Union joined local and national student campaigns with PNU-USC Manila and National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP), raising calls for a budget increase and liberation to student activism and welfare.

Further, in cooperation with PNU-USC, NUSG initiated a survey across campuses to extend the deadline for Term 3, A.Y. 2023-2024.

Plans for the 7th AnCon

San Miguel stated that he and Lachica have been discussing plans for the 7th AnCon to be held in PNU-Mindanao based on the charter. They have yet to finalize the event dates at the upcoming National Assembly.

“Since the calendar has shifted and current concerns on budget and expenses are considered, we have yet to finalize the dates for the next Annual Convention, which will also be discussed on the upcoming National Assembly in which the planning committee will be established,” said San Miguel.

Moreover, San Miguel explained that the 7th AnCon is being planned during the transition period, which is to be approved by the National Assembly and carried out by the planning committee.

As San Miguel resigned, he raised pressing issues that continue to prevail across campuses. He emphasized the NUSG's lack of budget and called for the university to address these concerns.

“It is also important to note that the budget of NUSG currently is 0. This is due to the ongoing concern related to the charter and the minimal budget allocation of the university in each student government and council, which also hindered our progress; despite that, we as a union progressed through and called upon the university for this concern to better serve the PNUans,” San Miguel highlighted.

Written by Almyra Elaine Medina

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