College Editors Guild of the Philippines - National Capital Region

02/09/2024

Balatkayong Progreso: Ang Banta ng Kaliwa Dam sa Katutubo, Kalikasan, at Karapatan
|| RV Balbuena

“Build, Build, Build”. Nakakubli sa tatlong salitang iyan ang nakaambang panganib para sa Kaliwa Watershed Forest Reserve, bahagi ng kabundukan ng Sierra Madre, at sa 11,000 na katutubong Dumagat-Remontado na naninirahan at nangangalaga sa berdeng yaman sa paligid nito. Taong 2022, sa ilalim ng termino ni dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte, nang simulan ang pagpapatayo ng New Centennial Water Source-Kaliwa Dam Project (NCWS-KDP) o Kaliwa Dam. Ayon sa Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), tatlumpung porsyento (30%) na ang natatapos sa proyekto ngayong taong 2024. Sa halagang P12.2 billion na inutang mula sa Export-Import Bank of China at bukod na pondo mula sa taunang pondo ng nasyonal na pamahalaan, inaasahan na matatapos ang pagpapatayo sa dam sa taong 2026 at magiging operasyonal sa taong 2027.

Ang Kaliwa Dam reservoir ay may taas na 63 metro o halos katumbas ng 21 na palapag na gusali, kung saan kayang mag-imbak ng 600 milyon na litro ng tubig bawat araw (MLD). Bukod pa rito ang 27.7 kilometrong Water Conveyance Tunnel, na may kapasidad na 2,400 MLD na sinasabi ng gobyerno na solusyon sa kakulangan sa tubig ng 17.46 milyon na tao sa kalakhang Maynila, Rizal, at Quezon. Hindi maiwawaglit ang katotohanan na sa pag-usad ng panahon at pagtaas ng bilang ng populasyon, gayundin ang pagtaas ng pisyolohikal na pangangailangan ng mga tao tulad ng tubig. Subalit kahit kailan ay hindi naging tama na ipagkibit-balikat ang libo-libong buhay na masasakripisyo para lamang sa kaginhawaan at kapakanan ng iilan.

Ang Sierra Madre ay ang pinakamalaki at natitirang maulang gubat o rainforest sa Pilipinas. Tahanan ito ng libo-libong saribuhay ng mga halaman tulad ng Dendrobium aclinia, Milletia longipes, at Swinglea glutinosa. Ang Kaliwa Watershed ay protektado bilang Forest Reserve ayon sa proklamasyon bilang 573 noong taong 1969 dahil sa 172 na sanghalamanan na makikita rito, kung saan 39 ang endemic at 17 ang nanganganib nang maubos. Ang libo-libong pinagsamang puno at halaman sa kabundukan ng Sierra Madre ay ang nagsisilbing tagasalo ng hagupit ng mga bagyong dumaraan sa Kamaynilaan taon-taon.

“Just by the sheer size of Kaliwa, it can be considered an environmentally critical project (ECP). Yet, they push for this project and disregard its glaring environmental impacts.” Ito ang nakapanlulumo na mga salita ni Lia Alonzo ng Center for Environmental Concern-Philippines (CEC), sa panayam niya sa Mongabay Media Organization. Ang Kaliwa Dam ay itatayo sa lugar na bahagi ng National and Park Wildlife Sanctuary (NPWS) sa ilalim ng proklamasyon ng Pangulo bilang 1636. Ang mga hayop tulad ng Philippine Crocodile, Dugong, Green Sea Turtle, at Philippine Eagle ay ilan sa libo-libong mga buhay na nanganganib dahil sa kawalang balanse sa kanilang tirahan.

Kaakibat ng pagpapatayo ng Kaliwa Dam ang pwersahang pagpapalayas sa mga katutubong tao o IPs (Indigenous Peoples) na ilang libong taon nang naninirahan at nag-aalaga sa kagubatan ng Putyokan, isang sagradong bundok na bahagi ng Sierra Madre. Ayon sa mga nakasaad sa saklaw ng Republic Act 8371 o The Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997, malinaw na ang proyekto ng Kaliwa Dam ay isang marahas at tahasang paglabag sa karapatan ng mga katutubong Dumagat-Remontado. Nabahiran ng panlilinlang at pagsasamantala sa mga katutubo ang proyekto na puno ng pangakong progreso para sa mga Pilipino.

Ang Kaliwa Dam ay magiging banta para sa mga lugar sa paligid ng Sierra Madre tulad ng Tanay; Antipolo; Teresa, Rizal; Gen. Nakar at Infanta, Quezon Province. Ayon kay Kapitan, pinuno ng mga Dumagat-Remontado, hindi isina-publiko ng mga nasa likod ng proyekto ang tunay na sakop at nakabinbin na panganib sa pagpapatayo ng kabuuan ng Kaliwa Dam. Dagdag naman ni Joan Jaime ng Kalipunan ng mga Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas o Katribu, “The government wants this project to appear small because it becomes easier for the community to accept this. If we allow Kaliwa, what’s stopping the government from building the rest?”.

Taong 2019 nang pagbotohan ng anim na tribo ang desisyon sa pagpapatayo ng dam, kung saan lima ang tutol at isa ang sumang-ayon. Kahit na pansamantalang ipinatigil ang proseso sa pagkuha ng permiso noong mga panahong iyon, pinasimulan noon ni dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ang pagpapatayo ng daan patungo sa dam at ang pagpapadala ng mga militar upang bantayan ang mga makinarya na gagamitin sa pagpapatayo ng Kaliwa Dam. “While we recognize that Metro Manila has legitimate concerns on water security, these should not be addressed at the expense of human rights, our environment, Philippine laws and sovereignty,” Ito ang sentimyento ng STOP Kaliwa Dam, ang samahan ng mga grupo tulad ng Haribon Foundation at mga nagsusulong ng karapatan ng mga katutubong Pilipino.

“We all know building that dam has environmental repercussions, but why does the government insist despite having alternatives?”, ayon ito sa panayam ng Mongabay Media Organization kay Pete Montellana, isang aktibistang pari na kasapi ng STOP Kaliwa Dam. Ang alternatibong solusyon sa kakulangan ng tubig sa Kamaynilaan ay ang malawakang paggamit ng rainwater harvesting at recycled wastewater na pinangunahan ng Singapore sa kanilang bansa noong taong 2010. Ang Green Machine ay gumagamit ng tubig mula sa mga sewer system at ulan, pagkatapos ay dadaan sa matinding proseso ng pagtanggal ng mga dumi at kontaminante. Ang nalinis na tubig ay maaaring gamitin muli para sa milyon-milyong kabahayan at komersyal na pangangailangan sa Metro Manila at mga karatig na probinsya.

Ang kaginhawaan at pangakong progreso ay para sa lahat ng Pilipino. Kahit pilit na tinatago ang masamang epekto ng pagpapatayo ng Kaliwa Dam, darating ang araw na lalabas ang tunay nitong pinsala. Ang bawat buhay na mawawala sa pagpapatayo ng Kaliwa Dam ay repleksyon ng sistemang lunod sa korapsyon na mayroon ang bansa. Ang mga makatao at makakalikasan na alternatibong solusyon ay isinasantabi upang magbigay-daan sa mga proyektong maaaring magbigay-yaman sa bulsa ng mga nasa itaas. Ang Kaliwa Dam ay banta hindi lamang sa katutubo, kalikasan, at karapatan, kundi pati na rin sa konsensya ng mga kumpanya at politiko na naghahari-harian sa bansa.

31/08/2024

31/08/2024

In light of the commemoration of National Press Freedom Day 2024, the fight for press freedom remains a rough fight for campus journalists in the country. Cases of Campus Press Freedom Violations (CPFVs) continue to be recorded year after year, as the campaign for a genuine campus press freedom bill remains mired in bureaucracy.

Today, the Philippines is still one of the deadliest countries for journalists, with ongoing issues such as red-tagging of progressive journalists, media killings, and censorship. Under the Marcos administration, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) has recorded 20 incidents of red-tagging in various forms, including cyber attacks and death threats, putting journalists' lives at risk. These cases create a chilling effect for the new generation of journalists, as the state continues to undermine democracy and tolerate systemic repression imposed by various school administrations and the reactionary government.

In Southern Tagalog, campus publications are far from free. Instances of censorship, administrative intervention, withholding of funds, and even red-tagging continue to threaten students' rights to critical reporting and advocacy journalism. These actions highlight the significant role of student journalists in social transformation, as they amplify the calls of the masses in their struggle for democratic rights.

Alex Pacalda, the former Secretary-General of CEGP-ST, has been detained since their illegal arrest on September 14, 2019, due to trumped-up charges linking them to communist groups. This reflects the reactionary government's eagerness to silence critical voices among the youth and suppress freedom of expression.

Now more than ever, it is crucial to heed the calls of journalists, especially community and campus journalists, in the importance of defending the rights to express and rights for free press. A free press is a symbol of a truly free country and free masses. While the struggle continues, the College Editors Guild of the Philippines will continue to hold the line and uphold the miitant history of campus journalism in the country.

On this National Press Freedom Day, CEGP-ST honors the journalists and student journalists who not only tell stories but also immerse themselves in the narratives of the communities they aim to amplify. Continue to be critical and be a journalist who joins the calls of the masses.

Join CEGP-ST and be a press freedom advocate:
tinyurl.com/CEGPST2024
tinyurl.com/CEGPST2024
tinyurl.com/CEGPST2024

31/08/2024

30/08/2024

NATIONAL PRESS FREEDOM DAY STATEMENT

Press Freedom is not just a vague aspiration, nor a celebration. Instead of acknowledging the hundreds upon hundreds of campus press freedom violations reports submitted over the years, the government does but lip service in their declaration of National Press Freedom Day. Today, celebrating National Press Freedom Day, the campus press remains gagged and threatened to silence. Student journalists risk their future and even at times their very life as the price for reporting the truth of our education crisis as well as the crises occuring outside the campuses. As of just last year the Guild reports at least 206 cases of campus press freedom violations nationwide.

Local University publications like The Current from City of Malabon University are exemplary. In having done critical coverages of school's policies, the publication is constantly terror-tagged by the university administration, deprived of a budget and equipment, and its student journalists are threatened to have their grades failed or even face expulsion if they do not unwanted posts by the administration. Hayag from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina, had their Editor-in-Chief removed, their post takendown, and then placed under direct supervision of the university's acting president for covering the jeepney strike. The New Crossroads from the University of Caloocan City had their post on a university harassment incident taken down briefly after it was posted. In another case they were verbally threatened by the administration of "consequences" when they posted on an unexplained Php 2000 increase in graduation fees. Meanwhile, the Manila Collegian from University of the Philippines-Manila were physically restrained by police during their coverage of International Working Women's Day protest, despite clearly identifying themselves as media.

These few examples serve to illustrate the threats currently faced by campus journalists. Yet despite these threats, or perhaps precisely because of them, student journalists continue their reporting and their fight for true democracy.

30/08/2024

30/08/2024

Sa kabila ng mga pananakot ng karahasan at kawalang-katarungan, mananatiling matatag ang bawat mamamahayag sa harap ng katotohanan. Bitbit sa bawat artikulo, boses, sining, paglalatag, at litrato ang serbisyong patungo sa malayang daloy ng impormasyon para sa lipunan.

Ngayong , patuloy ang panawagang tiyakin ang kaligtasan at kalayaan ng bawat pahayagan, malayo sa banta ng armas at mapanirang impormasyon.

30/08/2024

NATIONAL PRESS FREEDOM DAY

The 1987 Constitution, the supreme law of the land, guarantees one of the fundamental rights of Filipinos, and that is the freedom of the press. Article III, Section 4 therein states, “No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press.”

Republic Act No. 11699, signed by then-President Rodrigo Duterte in 2022, declares August 30 every year as the National Press Freedom Day in the Philippines in honor of Marcelo H. Del Pilar, the father of Philippine Journalism.

Despite marking August 30th as the National Press Freedom Day, however, the country currently ranks 134th out of 180 countries and territories on the Reporters Without Borders’ World Press Freedom Index in 2024.

Under the present Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. administration, harassment by means of threats and red-tagging against Filipino journalists is still rampant. The Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) and the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) recorded around 135 incidents of attacks and threats against journalists and media personnel from July 1, 2022, to April 20 this year.

The United Nations Special Rapporteur revealed that the Philippines remains one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists. In the last 30 years, UNESCO reports showed that 117 Filipino journalists were killed, of which 81 cases remain unsolved.

Today, we are being reminded of the dangerous reality undertaken by Filipino journalists. We are called to join in defending the media from attacks and to pay tribute to the martyred community journalists in the exercise of their constitutionally guaranteed right to free speech, and the press.

The fight is far from over. To this day, The Red Chronicles, as the official student publication of San Beda College Alabang - School of Law and a member of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP), continues to uphold its steadfast commitment to the collective struggle of the media community and campus press against disinformation, terror-tagging, and attacks.




Words by Kim V. Naparan | The Red Chronicles
Layout by Lynden Valenzuela | The Red Chronicles

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Website: theredchronicles.net

30/08/2024

Today, August 30, the Philippines commemorates National Press Freedom Day in honor of Marcelo H. del Pilar, the “Father of Philippine Journalism.” This event serves as a reminder of the important role that press freedom plays in our country.

In celebrating this day, let the words of renowned journalist Maria Ressa serve as a reminder: “𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗼𝗺 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗼𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵.”

Today is a reminder for every Filipino to actively uphold and preserve press freedom; a call to embrace the importance of a free and independent press. In an era of pervasive misinformation, historical revision, and media censorship, the press serves as an important defense for the country’s democracy, liberties, and right to truth.

National Press Freedom Day is an opportunity to remember, honor, and act—for the truth, for the press, and for the future of our country.

30/08/2024

Today, we honor the legacy of those who have fought for press freedom, ensuring that the voices of the marginalized are heard and that the truth prevails, even in the face of adversity. Let this day serve as a reminder that our words have power, and with that power comes the responsibility to inform, educate, and inspire change. Press freedom is not just a right—it is our duty.

The Current will continue to be vigilant, brave, and unwavering in our pursuit of truth and justice, embodying the true spirit of journalism. Together, we safeguard the future of press freedom for generations to come.

Happy National Press Freedom Day!

30/08/2024

𝗛𝗲𝗮𝘃𝘆 | 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗼𝗺 𝗗𝗮𝘆
By: Ysabelle Dela Cuesta

Heavy is the burden,
upon the shoulders of lamp bearers,
who carries the truth,
and continues to hold it.

Heavy is the pen,
whose inks blots words,
unravels denied stories and facts,
all of which carries the truth.

Heavy are the lens,
that focus on the masses,
it shutters, captures—flashes,
a prime witness to injustices.

Heavy is the composition
of texts, elements, and pictures.
Bringing life to each concept,
eyes feast with alluring graphics.

Heavy is the brush of a brave maestro,
who graces papers with delicate strokes.
Canvasses mirrored the woes of masses,
created on levels of wit unmatched.

The burden is heavy.
It may become unbearable.
Yet, this burden is an oath,
and a purpose for most.

To carry, deliver, and hold the truth—
Becomes a purpose for most.
No guns, goons, and gold,
Should stop the truth from being told.

If this shall be our death wish, so be it.

(Graphics: Maxine Martirez)

30/08/2024

30/08/2024

When a student was manhandled, forced to the ground, and ended up in handcuffs, a tense silence followed. Right then, it became clear—terrorizing the people with threats, intimidations, and excessive force was how they kept Tacloban “tahimik” all these years. The city was not silent because of peace—it was quiet because voices were stifled.

See full story in the comment section.

18/08/2024

18/08/2024

TODAY IN HISTORY: Seven years ago, Kian Delos Santos became a victim of extrajudicial killings during the War on Drugs of the Duterte regime.

On August 16, 2017, a Grade 11 Kian Delos Santos was framed by three policemen for carrying an illegal drug and as they always said regarding these EJ killings, nanlaban. Kian’s body was then found on an eskinita near his house, without a life.

The three policemen who were responsible for the death of Kian were sentenced to prison for murder with no chance of parole on November 29, 2018.

If this tragedy didn’t happen, Kian would’ve been chasing his dream of being a policeman. Now, we can only remember a life that could have been.

16/08/2024

𝐁𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐝, 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐧: 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐧 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐂𝐒𝐂 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬
𝘉𝘺 𝘠𝘰𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘯 𝘋𝘦𝘭 𝘝𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦 | 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘑𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘌𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘰𝘳

𝘛𝘸𝘰-𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘥, 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘰, 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘣𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘯, 𝘴𝘺𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘵 (𝘴𝘪𝘱𝘴𝘪𝘱), 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺, 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘵 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘣𝘣𝘦𝘳. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘰 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘢 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳. 𝘈𝘭𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘧𝘶𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘛𝘝 𝘚𝘩𝘰𝘸.

There are two words that always creep into every election campaign: vote wisely. However, it does not take a smart person to see that those are the words that are said—not the words that are practiced. People often have their minds set already, leading into the conclusion without even getting started. Believing that they seek wisdom but failing to see that it is not wisdom they seek, but a rationalization of their ideas. 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲, 𝗺𝗮𝘆𝗯𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝘇𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽𝘀 𝘂𝘀 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝘂𝘀 𝘂𝗻𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱. Student leaders, we encourage you to prevent voting people who are unimaginative, lacking foresight, substandard, lazy, incompetent, and inexperienced. History can guide us to the future but, what does it tell us?

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗺𝗼𝗶𝗹
A few years back, when we were all locked within the four corners of our room but still had the luxury to study. The CSC, because of urgency, picked some of the rules to put someone in a position. Agreed by both its members and directors, the presidency became an exception. Since then there was a conflict between following the rules or following the practice, something that becomes a problem for the election of 2022 and 2023. Before those years we come to see two administrations, one that heavily values students' voices and another that values peace and productivity. It was until The Central Student Council members bowed down and accepted a system that should have been a temporary measure that things became messy.

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲
Eventually student leaders saw a president who tolerates idleness, saving faces, and merely looking after their best interest. Until that became an unspoken culture, bending the rules, bound by cheap tricks that turned out to be their weaponry, pretensions and rumors were amplified. Counting mistakes and blaming behaviors were pervasive all because of an unprepared election and uncontested list of officers. Leaders that side with each other just for self vested interest and a little sense of community.

𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘃𝘀. 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲
But that day stopped, the moment that Rizalian leaders started to use their vote in better ways. Where protest thrives, productivity rules, our university finally gets to see a council that engages with its students. An active central student council was like a dream before but it came true. Nevertheless, there is a difference between being active and being transformative. 𝗔𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 𝗶𝘀 𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲, 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗱𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝘁, 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝗯𝗲? 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺? 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗱? Do they value freedom of expression, freedom of speech? How will they support other organizations? This time students should not just longed for an active council but a novel, revolutionary one.

Rizalians should vote for the best interest of the students, not out of petty affiliation, not out of their association to a former administration. 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘃𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀' 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱, 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗱, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱. Leaders that create an environment not of change but growth. Student centered leaders as well as leaders who focus on peace and order. Look at their platforms, personality, achievements, and ambitions. This time Rizalians can prevent repeating a pattern of redundancy, unoriginality, and an appeal to a broken system of rules that caters the common but not the marginalized.

16/08/2024

Nagsulong ang mga tsuper, opereytor, at progresibong grupo ng malawakang tigil-pasada matapos isawalang-bahala ni Pangulong Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. ang resolusyon ng Senado na pansamantalang isuspinde ang Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) sa Welcome Rotonda ngayong araw, ika-14 ng Agosto.

Basahin ang kabuuan: https://tinyurl.com/4sfrpezd

16/08/2024

15/08/2024

Elements of the NTF-ELCAC threaten to slap student leader Paolo Tarra with trumped up charges under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.

This comes after NTF-ELCAC agents’ continuous surveillance and harassment of Tarra and his family since February 2024. On August 4, said agents visited their residence again and terror-tagged Tarra in front of his family, citing his attendance as a guest of KABATAAN PARTYLIST Representative Raoul Manuel during Marcos Jr.’s recent SONA as supposed evidence of his deeper involvement with “leftist groups.”

Tarra is the coordinator of the Coalition of Concerned Lasallians (CCL), a progressive student group at the Dasmariñas campus of De La Salle University.

15/08/2024

15/08/2024

Even more, while listening to his address, I was alarmed by his insinuation that the UP’s position as a leading social critic restricts its ability to render public service. “Unfortunately, many in the university have defined public service in being a social critic,” De Vera remarked.

Unfortunately. What did he exactly mean by this?

READ: tinyurl.com/4mcjvh4c

15/08/2024

14/08/2024

ICYMI:
MANIBELA and PISTON occupy Welcome Rotonda to open the 3-day nationwide jeepney strike against the Public Transportation Modernization Program (PTMP) today, August 14, 2024.

The strike is in response to Marcos Jr.'s rejection of the Senate Resolution 1096. The resolution, which majority of the senators uphold, urges to suspend PTMP, citing loss of livelihoods.

09/08/2024

𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒 𝐯𝐬 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒: 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬
𝘉𝘺 𝘑𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘢 𝘙𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘈𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘯𝘰 | 𝘔𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘌𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘰𝘳

In light of the continuous fight for student rights, it is the role of a student leader to abide by the claims of their jurisdiction without putting restraints on the information that might expose mishaps that will lead to consequences on the involved sectors. Student leaders are chosen to become the voice of the voiceless regardless of their position in the dynamics of the school setting—in times of trouble they must be the peers who are willing to help those who are being silenced, abused, and mistreated. However, when do we know if the leader is 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 or 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀? How will the student body identify if their ambassadors are striving for the betterment of the institution alone, while disregarding the alarming concerns of the heart of the university? When will a student know if the actions of their leader considers their well-being or if it is merely for public display?

Similar to the recent upbringing of the matters regarding the offense of "Cross-Dressing" on campus, The Journal and the Rizalian Psychological Society (RPsyches) have voiced their opinion and a call to action to a tradition that hinders the LGBTQIA+ community from freely expressing their identity in their environment. One must understand that an educational institution is part of the development and growth of an individual to prepare them for the outside world. The call to action of these organizations aim to amplify the voice of the community mentioned—and with the data cited in the previous articles, it is evident how 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗱 and such matters might lead to detrimental results to the academics and mental well-being of the students involved. It is one thing to be informed of the students' concerns, however it is another thing to take action towards these matters and resolve them.

𝗜𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀’ 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆. 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘂𝗻𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘂𝗻𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗴𝗼 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆—𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗳𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀. 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿❟ 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝘂𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺𝘀𝗲𝗹𝘃𝗲𝘀. 𝗜𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗮𝗱𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗮 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀. 𝗛𝗼𝘄𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿❟ 𝗻𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗱❟ 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲.

One must understand that leaders must listen to the student body—it is their responsibility to take action and prioritize student matters. Moreover, it is the students who experience firsthand whatever happens inside the university. Who else should be asked of their feedback about the school whether good or bad? It is important to listen and heed to the concerns of 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺; but if one puts more weight on the vulnerability of a reputation of a leader—𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀? What good does a position earn if you want to take control by using your power for self gain instead of taking actions that cater to the students' needs? 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆.

08/08/2024

ICYMI:
Thousands of demonstrators march in the "People's State of the Nation Address" from the Commission on Human Rights to Diliman Doctors Hospital.

Amidst the outpour of Bagyong Carina the demonstrators held their program criticizing Marcos Jr.'s "Bagong Pilipinas". They pointed out that his Bagong Pilipinas consists of empty promises, a public transport crisis, inflation, food insecurity, housing issues, a continued education crisis, and foreign-centric policies.

03/08/2024

ALERT: TWO PARALEGALS AND TWO ACTIVISTS DETAINED IN PASAY

Two paralegals and two human rights activists were detained. They were part of the clearing operation negotiations of Donald Compound, Pasay City demolition victims.

Among them, only Benedict Macabenta, the human rights activist from Anakbayan Manila has received a case filing of alleged direct assault.

THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY.

02/08/2024

27/07/2024

Matagumpay na nakapamahagi ng hot meals na pastil sa Barangay Maysan, Valenzuela City!

Sa paglunsad nito kasama ng College Editors Guild of the Philippines National Capital Region ang Tulong Kabataan - National Capital Region, Tulong Kabataan - University of the Philippines Manila, at ang Sining Bugkos.

Abot mahigit 300 na residente ang nasalanta ng Bagyong Carina sa Barangay na ito lamang. Marami pang kababayan ang patuloy na nangangailangan. Kaya malaking tulong ang maibibigay ninyong donasyon upang mas marami pa ang maabot!

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