SSPotlight! Social Sciences and Philosophy on the Spotlight

It's time for the Social Sciences & Philosophy to SHINE

 

Campus Safety & Security Status: COMPROMISED

On February 1, 2012, sometime between 2:30-3:15PM, a student of the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy was left in a critical condition after a robber and three other accomplices attacked her with an ice pick while she was alone in the University Student Council (USC) office in the Vinzons Hall. But thanks to the alertness and professionalism of the guard on duty at that time, one of the four suspects was apprehended and is currently detained at the QC Police District 9 - the rest of the group remain at large. As of 10:30PM of the same day, the condition of the victim has become relatively stable, but she remains to be under intensive care at a medical facility.

In the interest of respecting the wishes of her mother and ensuring their privacy and safety, we limit the disclosure of the victim’s personal and current information and ask that the readers follow suit.

However, what we cannot allow to pass is the glaring fact that the sense of safety and security of the University has been compromised. Throughout the year, we have experienced everything from petty thievery, fraternity-related violence, violent skirmishes among the jeepney drivers, to complex crimes such as the recent case of robbery and frustrated homicide.

Causing more alarm is the brazenness of the crime, as it occurred in the middle of the afternoon, in an area which sees significant student traffic, and in the office of our very own University Student Council. It sets a convincing example that hardly any place in the University can be considered safe anymore.

The CSSP Student Council urges all students to take all precautionary measures to ensure their safety and security. As much as possible, keep to a group and don’t stay later than you have to. In cases of emergency, it would be best to keep these numbers at hand:

General Emergency Number (including fire and ambulance assistance) - 117

QC Central Police District - 9274444 / 9201378

QC Emergency Rescue Team - 9211063

STRAW Month: Students, this is your month!

September 2011 is STRAW MONTH

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A Month-long Celebration of Students' Rights and Welfare

Sept 6-9 : Sino si Isko? (Diversity Week)

Sept 13-16 : FirST Time ni Isko (Freshies', Shiftees', and Transferees' Week)

Sept 20-23: Bukas ni Isko (Graduate and Graduating Students' Week)

Sept 24-30: Galing ni Isko! (Talents Week)

Proudly brought to you by your CSSP Student Council.

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To formally launch the much awaited Students' Rights and Welfare (STRAW) Month, 

your CSSP Student Council presents:

WEEK ONE: Student Identity and Diversity

ISKOLTURA

celebrating the cultural diversity of Iskos and Iskas

With performances by:

UP Filipiniana

UP Kontra-GaPi

UP Indak Oryantal

UP SIKAT

With food from the localities of:

Zamboanga (UP Jambangan)

Tarlac (UP Sandiwa)

Pampanga (UP Aguman)

Marinduque (UP Moriones)

Bicol (GSUP)

Davao (UP POLITICA)

Rizal (UP KAPITAS)

Bulacan (UP BUKLOD-ISIP)

PRISMA:
Paniniwala at Relihiyon ni Isko sa Makabagong Panahon

An exhibit of beliefs

... and non-belief

PROJECT GENDERWAY

a Fashion Show for Gender Identity, Equality

and Anti-Discrimination

with speakers for the Anti-Discrimination Bill and the Gender Advocacy




***Photos and descriptions will be updated regularly***

Remembering Our National Heroes Day

 Photocredit: National Youth Commission

Glorious skirmishes for independence, exciting epics to pass down to our sons and daughters, and pages from history that we should take to the heart and learn from. These are the stories of our country's colorful struggle for independence and democracy - all of which were made possible by our heroes, both revered and unsung alike. They are the subjects who we should honor during our National Heroes Day. Unfortunately, it's just another weekend for most.

But more important than a passing celebration is the realization of our roles as baton carriers. Our heroes did not simply struggle and die for our freedom, they also passed down to us the responsibility of uplifting our country. 

“Mapalad ang bayang linitawan ng mga bayani, 

sapagka’t ang bayang iya’y walang kamatayan." 

(Fortunate is the country where heroes emerge 

because that country will live on)

- Andres Bonifacio

Without new heroes to replace the icons of yesterday, our country is doomed to disappear from the annals of history. The katipuneros and propagandistas of yesterday are the incorruptable policemen, noble politicians, hardworking employees, authoritative parents, and responsible students of today. This responsibility was not handed to a single successor, since we are all beneficiaries of their sacrifices. 

Admittedly, the Philippines is nowhere near the ideal land that everyone dreams to live in. Alarming poverty, dirty politics, senseless conflict - it all exists today. But without enough people who will work hand-in-hand in solving these, that dream of an ideal Philippines to live in will forever be a distant dream to chase. Rather than being reactive with complaints and opposition, it's high time that we all became proactive by playing a part in the solution. It's a daunting task that we all face as Filipinos; but it's one that will forever hound us until we muster the courage to heed its call, God forbid that it be too late. We have to remember that once upon a time, even our revered heroes were average, everyday people who just happen to come face to face with reality, but decided to do something about it.

I'm proud to consider the CSSP Student Council as passionate, responsible baton carriers.

But all is not bleak, for I found inspiration and hope in many members of the youth today. They are those who are not afraid to look at the harsh realities of life, and actually do something about it. For many, the role of baton carriers is not something easily grasped, but is done so anyway because so few take up the role. For every Iskolar ng Bayan, the moment we realize, internalize, and decide to do justice to our roles is the moment of becoming an Iskolar para sa Bayan.

In celebrating our Nation's struggle and remembering what our heroes stood for, perhaps the most important question remains: the baton has long since been passed, are you ready to accept it?

Social Osmosis, SSP in Practice

Social Osmosis, SSP in Practice:

An Immersion Opportunity with the Ata Matigsalug People

Where:

Matigsalug Village in Tapak, Davao City

When:
October 20-28, 2011

What to do:

(1) Be one with the Ata Matigsalug People

(2) Appreciate the culture of our Indigenous People

(3) Observe and apply the Social Sciences and Philosophy Disciplines

Interested?

Contact CSSP Rep Dan Christian Ramos for the in-depth details

09053159388

09228530509

dan.ramos2@ymail.com

***this opportunity is open for ALL CSSP Students
SLOTS ARE VERY LIMITED

Brought to you by:
CSSP Representative to the USC

Core Alliance of Representatives (CALLREP)

iEmergence

UP the Budget! UP deserves better!

***Taken from http://www.facebook.com/notes/cssp-student-council/up-the-budget-up-deserves-better/197973060266741




For the past few years, economic data show trends of low priority for education in the country as reflected by the usage of only meager percentages of the gross national product (GNP), far below what is recommended by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Delors Benchmark of 6%. This year, the situation remains the same – P241.1 billion or only 2.5% of the GNP is allotted to education. Without even looking beyond the University of the Philippines, the country’s national university, we are allocated only a small fraction of what was proposed by the UP Board of Regents, the University’s highest policymaking body. From the P17.1 billion recommendation for 2012, we are only given P5.54 billion by the Department of Budget and Management. This budget for UP is P208.2M or 3.6% lower than last year’s budget after going through the House of Representatives and the Senate. This is the deteriorating situation of education today in the Philippines.

Aside from the state of education in the country in general and even closer to the students of the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP), it has been a glaring fact that the government gives unreasonably low priority for the fields in the College, namely, anthropology, demography, geography, history, linguistics, philosophy, political science, psychology, and sociology. The President’s Proposed Budget Highlights stipulate that the curricula of SUCs will focus on priority areas for economic development such as business process outsourcing, tourism, agriculture and fisheries, and infrastructure development. While economic development is indeed important especially for a developing nation like ours, development in the social, cultural, and political aspects must also be given due focus. This is the basic principle behind holistic national development.

The CSSP Student Council - the duly elected representative body of the students of CSSP - and the CSSP Academic Circle - the official alliance of academic student organizations in the College - affirm and assert that quality, relevant, and accessible education is the key to alleviating the country from the ills of being an underdeveloped nation. Providing the basic social service of education for all will not only equalize socioeconomic opportunities and raise standards of living but also provide a more human and meaningful life for each Filipino. Education therefore is a key to social progress. More important than this, however, is the fact that education is a right; it does not even have to be rationalized for its goals because education should be seen as a goal in itself. Education is rightfully and justly deserved by every human individual; therefore, it is also an important aspect of social justice. In fact, it is mandated by the 1987 Philippine Constitution that education at all levels as a right should be protected and promoted by government (1987 Constitution: Art. XIV, Sec. 1; italicization added) and that education should be given the highest budgetary priority (1987 Constitution: Art. XIV, Sec. 5).

This value for education must not and cannot be selective. We believe that all levels of education must be given equal support and priority, from the preparatory to the tertiary, as well as the technical. Beyond being mandated by the Constitution, support for one educational level without the other will lead to gaping inefficiencies, professional voids, and lack of educational fulfillment. While the foundation at the first few years of education is important, the final years must also be taken into account for the holistic development of a person. Thus, with the fact that the country’s SUCs are supposed to be government-supported, there is no reason for the government’s lack of investment in these public higher educational institutions (HEIs). Indeed, privatization of education in the country is evident in various trends, most fundamentally portrayed by the data showing that there are 1573 private higher educational institutions in the country compared to only 110 SUCs. For many Filipino high school graduates, their only option is to enroll in a public institution of higher learning. To provide even less support for SUCs is tantamount to depriving these Filipinos of their chance and opportunity for upward social mobility.

This depressing picture of low priority for SUCs is the context within which the University of the Philippines is situated. As the premier national university producing the next leaders of this country, UP must be given due attention by government. Housing numerous centers of excellence accredited by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the University needs sufficient support from the State to maintain its tradition of honor and excellence and to continue serving the needs of the Filipino nation. A walk into any campus of the University will orient anyone to the unjust situation in UP: from deteriorating armchairs to dilapidated buildings, from outdated equipment to unsafe environments exemplified most recently by the fire that engulfed the Chemistry Pavilion at Palma Hall, from underpaid faculty members to contractual non-teaching staff laborers unable to support their families, from students subjected to the faulty socialized tuition program to deserving high school graduates who ultimately opt out of UP because of high tuition fees. It is clear that the University deserves better.

Finally, the administration and our legislators must also understand that development is not merely economic but also social, cultural, psychological, ethical, and political. Unfettered industrialization focused only on the economy can possibly hinder real societal improvement. Development must be complemented by, for examples, anthropological understanding for indigenous cultures, a demographic assessment of the population geographical value for territorial integrity, historical admiration for nationalism, linguistic respect for the country’s polyglot characteristic, philosophically grounded ethics in this rapidly changing world, institutional reform based on the principles of political science, psychological comprehension of the Filipino mind, and a sociological imagination of social statistical trends. Indeed, the state must learn to prioritize social sciences and philosophy.

On these bases, the CSSP Student Council and the CSSP Academic Circle launch UP the Budget! UP deserves better! - a campaign for higher budgets for education in general, state universities and colleges, the University of the Philippines System, and the fields of social sciences and philosophy. Among the efforts being undertaken are:

• Online video lobbying through social networking sites. You may access the video via http://www.youtube.com/watch?hl=fil&v=c58jOq9jyQE. Legislators who have responded and pledged support as of 20 August 2011 include:

1. Rep. Pablo John Garcia
2. Rep. JV Ejercito
3. Rep. Amang Magsaysay
4. Rep. Kimi Cojuangco
5. Rep. Mercedes Alvarez

• Sending of the CSSP Student Council’s position paper to members of the House of Representatives Committee on Higher and Technical Education. Recipients of the position paper are:

1. Rep. Oscar Malapitan
2. Rep. Pangalian Balindong
3. Rep. Josefina Joson
4. Rep. Emil Ong
5. Rep. Eric Singson Jr.
6. Rep. Mark Llandro Mendoza
7. Rep. Teddy Brawner
8. Rep. Romeo Jalosjos Jr.
9. Rep. Dakila Carlo Cua
10. Rep. Kaka Bag-ao
11. Rep. Ma. Georgina De Venecia
12. Rep. Nur Jaafar
13. Rep. Josephine Veronique Lacson-Noel
14. Rep. Joseph Emilio Abaya
15. Rep. Jonathan Cabilao Yambao
16. Rep. Narciso Bravo Jr.
17. Rep. Jocelyn Limkaichong
18. Rep. Joseph Gilbert Violago
19. Rep. Ma. Rachel Arenas
20. Rep. Anna York Bondoc
21. Rep. Cesar Sarmiento
22. Rep. Romeo Acop
23. Rep. Eulogio Magsaysay
24. Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr.

• Signature campaign for a petition to be sent to House representatives and senators. You may access the petition via:

http://www.petitiononline.com/upbudget/petition.html

Itaas ang budget para sa edukasyon!

Itaas ang budget para sa UP!

Bigyang halaga ang agham panlipunan at pilosopiya!

UP the budget! UP deserves better!

References

CHED. (2010, August). Information on Higher Education System. Retrieved August 8, 2011, from Republic of the Philippines Commission on Higher Education: http://202.57.63.198/chedwww/index.php/eng/Information

DBM. (2011, July 27). Highlights of the 2012 Results-Focused Budget. Retrieved July 30, 2011, from Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines: http://www.gov.ph/downloads/2011/07jul/2012-Proposed-Budget-Highlights-BSA.pdf

DBM. (2011, July). National Expenditure Program Year 2012: VII. Department of Education. Retrieved July 30, 2011, from Republic of the Philippines Department of Budget and Management: http://www.dbm.gov.ph/NEP2012/DEPED/DEPED.pdf

DBM. (2011, July). National Expenditure Program Year 2012: VIII. State Universities and Colleges.Retrieved July 30, 2011, from Republic of the Philippines Department of Budget and Management: http://www.dbm.gov.ph/NEP2012/SUCS/SUCS.pdf

DBM. (2011, July). National Expenditure Program Year 2012: XVI. I. Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. Retrieved July 30, 2011, from Republic of the Philippines Department of Budget and Management: http://www.dbm.gov.ph/NEP2012/DOLE/I.pdf

Shirts and shirt-related activities from CSSPSC and USC

FROM THE CSSP STUDENT COUNCIL

What:    CSSP Shirt Sale booth 

Where:  in front of the CSSP Student Council OfficeWhen:   July 26 - August 5How much?
              preorder =        (July 26-29) Php200 per shirt (Php150 downpayment);
              selling price =  (Aug 2-5) Php200 each

What's the design?

Check this to find out! (Vote for your favorite model, while you're at it!)
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.184911191572928.49599.154617297935651




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FROM THE UNIVERSITY STUDENT COUNCIL

Get your UP Shirts now! The USC Ways and Means Committee, headed by Councilor Cathy Alcantara brings you Suit UP Diliman:

Sizes range from XS to XL. Text Apa at 09175527274 or Trisha at 09175941020 to order, or visit us at our booth this week in Cinemalaya at the UP Film Institute!

Watch out for our booth coming soon at AS :)
For more info, like and check out the Ways and Means page!http://www.facebook.com/us​cwaysandmeans

Photo by Angelo Velandria :)

Kinaya ba ni PNoy???

KINAYA BA NI PINOY?

an assessment by students and faculty of the University of the Philippines on the performance of President Aquino in the fields of:

(1) Administrative Efficiency

(2) Education Policies

(3) Economic Policies

This video series is brought to you by the CSSP Student Council, College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, University of the Philippines, Diliman.

On Administrative Efficiency

Kinaya ba ni PNOY gawan ng paraan ang korupsyon? 

Kinaya ba ni PNOY pagandahin ang mga serbisyo ng gobyerno? 

Ano ang opinyon ng mga Isko at Iska ng CSSP?

Featuring Political Science Prof. Amado Mendoza on the President's efficiency in responding to crises.

On Education Policies

Kinaya ba ni PNOY pahalagahan ang edukasyon sa bansa? 

Kinaya ba ni PNOY na iangat ang kalidad ng edukasyon? 

Ano ang opinyon ng mga Isko at Iska ng CSSP?
Featuring CSSP Dean Dr. Michael Tan on the K-12 education policy.

On Economic Policies

Kinaya ba ni PNoy bigyang ginhawa ang mga mahihirap sa bansa?

Kinaya ba ni PNoy tugunan ang kakulangan sa trabaho?

Ano ang opinyon ng mga Isko at Iska ng CSSP?

Featuring Psychology Prof. Tin De Villa on the issue of land reform.

Ikaw, ano sa tingin mo? Kinaya nga ba ni PNoy?

Viewer, if you can, please join the CSSP Student Council when we voice out our concerns on the day of the SONA. We'll be assembling in Philcoa at 11:30AM =)

don't worry, it's one of the safest mobilizations of the year (as it happens every year, and there are already protocols established for any eventuality). At siyempre, aalagaan naman namin kayo =) If you are going, please coordinate with Councilor (and EDUC Committee Head) Pola Lamarca (09164707250), Vice Chair Mickey Eva (09169612378), or Chairperson Juan Carlo Tejano(09178360345) para at least mababantayan talaga kayo, for more safety and security =)

Also, beyond mobilizations, please continue to be participative in the Council's multitude of campaigns, programs, and activities; for these are geared towards the betterment of your welfare, as well as that of the Philippines. =)

CSSPSC on STFAP: Kayang Kaya para sa Edukasyong Abot Kaya

Kayang Kaya para sa Edukasyong Abot Kaya

For more than 20 years, the Socialized Tuition Financial Assistance Program (STFAP) has endeavored to provide a more democratic access to UP education on the premise that those who are able to pay for the cost of education should pay while those who cannot should be subsidized.  The recent memorandum requiring freshmen of AY2011-2012 to present a Bracket B certification before being declared within this bracket is an effort to streamline the STFAP process. In consulting with students and organizations in the college however, the CSSP Student Council maintains that such efforts have not addressed the program’s more serious flaws.

Using simple random sampling, the CSSP Student Council gathered data showing that only 29% of the CSSP student population applies for the STFAP, less than 10% of these students are assigned to Bracket D and below, and only 15% were placed in the bracket they applied for.These numbers indicate that the STFAP has not fully lived up to its promise to subsidize financially challenged students, and the CSSP Student Council sees the need for the program to be reviewed.

First, we call into question the basis of the current bracketing system. A family’s annual income should not be the main determinant of students’ ability to cover the cost of education. We urge the UP administration to consider more nuanced indicators that will accurately assess a student’s current capacity to pay. For instance, a family’s liabilities are equally important in assigning a student’s bracket.

Second, while the STFAP is not intended to have a default bracket for non-applicants, Bracket B with the base tuition of P1000 per unit has appeared to fulfill this role in the past years. However, the division of brackets may no longer be reflective of the current socio-economic conditions in the country. We see that the designated base tuition may no longer correspond to the present average paying capacity of UP students.

Third, a deeply rooted problem is the lack of information dissemination amongst those who until today, have insufficient or no knowledge of the STFAP.  Students have expressed concern that the Office of Student Scholarships and Services (OSSS) does not provide a complete list of required documents for application, presenting students with the difficulty of procuring these documents on time. Moreover, students are discouraged by the slow processing of applications and refunds for over-assessment.

The CSSP Student Council stands by a mechanism for financial assistance that puts premium on the equal rights of every student to become an Iskolar ng Bayan and a socially just process to grant them. The CSSP Student Council believes that with critical and vigilant participation from students in the University, the STFAP can embody such a mechanism.

We ask first the UP Administration to conduct a comprehensive review of the STFAP process. We urge them to consider ways to improve its transparency and efficiency; and to ensure that the formula of the bracketing system remains relevant to the present socio-economic context, and will no longer be resorting to “default brackets.”

We ask first the UP Administration to conduct a comprehensive review of the STFAP process. We urge the Administration to consider ways to improve the STFAP's transparency and efficiency and to ensure that the formula of the bracketing system remains relevant to the present socioeconomic context.

We urge students, organizations, and college councils to participate in raising awareness on the STFAP; to inform each fellow Iskolar ng Bayan of his/her right to be appropriately assessed under this program and to be given the financial assistance that he or she rightly requires.

Kaya nating makilahok sa pagpapabuti ng STFAP.

Kaya nating itaguyod ang isang prosesong angkop at makatwiran.

Kaya nating ipaglaban ang abot-kayang edukasyon sa Unibersidad.