No Friend In You

By: Kyle Strauss Abastillas

Is that what you call a friend?
The one you can lean on till the end?
The person that'll cherish the moments you're together?
And swore that never will you forget each other?

It tore me apart, that thing I knew?
That I have no friend in you.
That superficial attitude you show daily,
deceives not just me but everybody.

I tried my heartfelt best to treat you ethically.
I did my best not to tease you ostentatiously.
But I lost my temper, my equanimity
There's nothing more hurtful than what you did to me.

I thought you were my buddy,
But you treated me as your enemy.
I know it's not my fault, I am sure.
You need not treat me like we do not know each other.

Nevertheless, I am still open to forgiveness,
Since I am the one who understands the situation best.
You know that this is my weakness,
Confrontation instead of sweet caress.

Forget Her, Find Someone Better

By Kyle Strauss F. Abastillas

Unbelievably, I got to this point
To this point of no return
Where I, once a cub, small and stupid
Now a bear, big and brave
Is strengthened to let go
Is ready to forget

Consciously, I knew that it wasn't me
That will fulfill her ideals and dreams
But still I was there, hoping and believing
When she was just denying and not minding
I willed to love her.
I chose to wait.

Proudly, I can say that she once loved me.
When we exchanged I love you's
That I touched her cheeks, spontaneous and sweet
That she waved hellos and goodbyes, cute and inspiring
But it all passed to fast.
That she wasn't able to catch up.

Imaginably, if she were still here by my side
She could have had a lot of things.
She and I together, everyday, every night
To our anniversaries and date nights.
She and I together would have been
She and I forever.

Actually, I really am renewing my life
New days and nights where she's not there.
Days where I am single, happy and free
Nights that I am at peace, happy and contented.
This may take a while but
I will forget her and find someone better.

EdCart: Regalo para kay Isko at Iska

Editorial cartoon by David Carlos Servado

Ombudsman Integrity Caravan Goes to UP

by Edwin Vladimir P. Mengullo

Atty. Rhodora N. Felix-galicia, Chairperson of the University Integrity Tour,
discussing the Campus Integrity Crusaders project

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – In celebration of its 25th anniversary, the Office of the Ombudsman, in partnership with Asian Development Bank (ADB) and United Nations Development Program (UNDP) held the University Integrity Tour last December 9, 2013 at the NCPAG Assembly Hall, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City.

A view of the NCPAG Assembly Hall
 as the event goes on from the back center aisle

The tour was held with the theme “Empowering the Nation in its Unrelenting Pursuit of Good Governance”. It was held in connection with Proclamation No. 506, signed November 16, 2012, which declared the 9th day of December as the Anti-Corruption Day in the Philippines. In addition, RA 10589, signed May 27, 2013, declared the month of December as the Anti-Corruption Awareness Month. The aforementioned date runs parallel to the International Anti-Corruption Day.

In her Welcome Remarks, Dr. Maria Fe Mendoza, Dean of National College of Public Administration and Governance (NCPAG), talked about the importance of integrity and the Integrity Tour being one of the five components of the Ombudsman Integrity Caravan. “Let us be one in the crusade against corruption,” the dean said as she rallied for support towards the cause.

After her speech, Mr. Toshihiro Tanaka, Country Director of United Nations Development Programme
talked about the existence of corruption everywhere, expressing that combating it through integrity is the paramount global framework of UNDP. Dr. Caesar A. Saloma, Chancellor of University of the Philippines Diliman, then talked about the Philippines being the third least transparent country in the world with 30-39 Corruption Index. He also said that the University of the Philippines is an institution that helps combat corruption. “Clean government starts within ourselves,” said Chancellor Saloma.

Director Dennis Russell D. Baldago, Chairperson of the Integrity Caravan Committee, gave the overview of the Ombudsman Integrity Caravan and the University Integrity Tour. He discussed the eight-point priorities of the Ombudsman, the current administration of Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales and the five complementary activities of their office.

Mr. Raymond Rodis, UP-NCPAG Student
Council Chairperson, giving his response on behalf of
the student body of the college

Subsequently, Atty. Rhodora N. Fenix-Galicia, Chairperson of the University Integrity Tour, discussed the Campus Integrity Crusaders (CIC) project. “Campus Integrity Crusaders aims to enhance youth participation in promoting a culture of integrity in the society,” said Atty. Galicia. According to her, it also aims to develop in the youth leadership, integrity, and social responsibility. She said that there are a total of 317 accredited CICs in the Philippines and only 3% or 10 are colleges/universities.

NCPAG Student Council Chairperson Raymond Rodis gave his response on behalf of the student body of the college. He said that the fight against corruption must start at the University level and UP-NCPAG supports the International Anti-Corruption Day. He then led the Pledge of Commitment and Atty. Asryman T. Rafanan, Assistant Ombudsman of the Office of the Ombudsman, delivered his Closing Remarks. “Ang may pagkukulang ay dapat panagutin,” said Assistant Ombudsman Rafanan. ■

NCPAG SC Hosts General Assembly

by Edwin Vladimir P. Mengullo

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – The Student Council of the University of the Philippines – National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP-NCPAG) called for a General Assembly last November 28, 2013 at the NCPAG Case Room, University of the Philippines - Diliman.

Students from the college’s undergraduate programs attended the said Assembly to be informed about the current performance of the Student Council, deliberate problems faced by the college and the proposed solutions to them, and learn about upcoming events in the college.

Highlights of the program were the presentation of the SC members’ attendance record in their meetings from March 25 to September 25, 2013 by NCPAG SC Chairperson Raymond Rodis and  presentation of the council’s financial statement as of October 30, 2013 by Reynamae Longay, the Finance Administrator of NCPAG SC.

It was followed by a recollection of the past events of the college and a preview of upcoming activities for the second semester. Also Lui Angeles, the NCPAG Representative to the USC, announced updates and shared the current performance of the University Student Council (USC). Lastly, Chairperson Rodis held the Constitution Review and discussed the changes in the NCPAG Constitution, particularly about the SC Elections. The proposed changes will be in effect in 2015. ■

More Articles Coming Soon

(PHOTOS) NCPAG Student Government General Assembly highlights

BOR clarifies November 28 meeting

By Allana Marie P. Nacino

The University Student Council (USC) together with other student leaders had a meeting with the Board of Regents (BOR) led by UP President Alfredo Pascual on 02 December 2013 to discuss and clarify matters regarding the alleged meeting held by the BOR on 28 November 2013.

It was brought about to the students’ attention on the afternoon of 28 November 2013 through room-to-room visits of various student leaders that the BOR has allegedly approved a number of student policies that are against students’ right to education. The rumor immediately spread around the campus and outraged the student body prompting the student leaders to ask for an emergency meeting with the BOR to clarify on the matter.

When asked by the Philippine Collegian’s representative to shed light on the controversial meeting, Pascual said that a formal meeting was not held by the board last November 28. A formal meeting would have been held however only five (5) members of the board were present, thus only an informal discussion was held among the attending members.

On the alleged approved anti-student policies, Pascual stressed that no formal voting was done. Apoll was taken among those who were present to gain cursory information on the position on the issue of those present. Also, Pascual said that all the policies proposed are for the betterment of the students and are based on the BOR commitment that no qualified student shall be denied access to UP education due to financial incapacity.

Socialized Tuition System 2013

Brackets	Present STFAP	Proposed STS2013
A	Over P1,000,000	Over 1,300,000
B	P500,001 to P1,000,000	P650,001 to P1,300,000
C	P250,001 to P500,000	P325,001 to P650,000
D	P135,001 to P250,000	P135,001 to P325,000
E1	P80,001 to P135,000	P80,001 to P135,000
E2	P80,000 and below	P80,000 and below

Table 1: Current STFAP and Proposed STS2013 Bracket Ranges

Among these policies is the Socialized Tuition System 2013 (STS2013), which is proposed to replace the Socialized Tuition and Financial Assistance Program (STFAP). It composes of the following changes:

1. simplification of the basis for assigning tuition brackets by using only two indicators: a) the declared household income as expanded in scope and b) the Marketing and Opinion Research Society of the Philippines Socioeconomic Classification (MORES 1SEC) instrument for all students starting in academic year 2014-2015;
2. upward adjustment of the gross income cut-offs of Bracket A, B, C and D by 30% , but still retaining cut-offs for E1 and E2 (refer to Table 1);

3. increase in the monthly allowance of Bracket E2 students from P2,400 to P3,500 for 10 months each year;
4. streamlining and automation of the bracket assignment;
5. streamlining and decentralization of the appeal process; and
6. implementation of supporting measures that includes: a) appointment of System-level official; b) proper training of concerned UP personnel at the different CUs; c) intensified dissemination of STS2013 information to the students; d) issuance of more detailed guidelines and procedures; e) strengthening of control systems; f) institutionalization of the mechanisms for sustained regular review; and g) enhancing the related student financial assistance service (e.g., more scholarships, more need-based grants-in-aid, more and better paying student assistantships).

Tuition fee decrease?

STFAP has always been a controversial topic in the university. Since its implementation in 2007, it was met by various movements clamoring for its amendment or repeal. When asked if it was possible to have a provision about the decrease of tuition, Pascual answered, “I see no reason. Mura na ang edukasyon sa UP kumpara sa Ateneo. Ano ba ang gusto nyong mangyari? Scrap STFAP? Ano bang ibig sabihin ninyo ‘don? Ibalik sa P40.00 per unit? May nag-propose na ba sa inyo ‘nyan sa board? Basta may proposal kayo at may ipapalit kayong sistema we will consider your proposal and take a look on it. Pero kasi wala naming nagpapasa”

Revisions in the University Code

Article	Existing Provision	Proposed Provision
330	No person who has not duly matriculated may be admitted to the classes. In exceptional cases, the University Registrar, may on the recommendation of the Dean or Director concerned, authorize the admission of a visitor to a class for not more than five sessions.	All students must be duly registered before they are allowed to attend classes. A student who is unable to pay the required tuition and other fees due to financial incapacity may apply for a loan from the Student Loan Board to complete the registration.
430	Students who are indebted to the student loan board, their sureties and parents or guardians, shall be notified that such indebtedness must be paid in full one month before the final semestral examinations begin.	Students who are unable to settle their loan accounts with the Student Loan Board by the final due date shall be notified, together with their parents and/or guardians, of their past due obligations.
431	If a student fails to settle his account at the time herein provided, the faculty members should either bar the delinquent student from taking the exam or, if they allow him to take the exam, to withhold his grades – that is, instead of indicating the grades, the faculty members should write a note in the ‘remarks column’ – ‘has account with the student loan board’. If the account is not settled by the opening of the following semester, the student may not be allowed to register.	In no instance shall a student, who has unpaid loan obligations due to financial incapacity as attested to by his/her parent, guardian, or professor in an appeal endorsed by the concerned Dean and approved by the Chancellor, be barred from registering for, and attending, his/her required classes. However, the said student shall have to settle his/her loan account in full as a condition for the release of his/her diploma, transcript of records, clearance and other academic credentials.

Table 2: Existing Provisions and Proposed Revisions of Articles 330, 430 and 431

Also discussed was the proposed revision of Articles 330, 430 and 431 of the Revised University Code.  (Refer to Table 2)

With the proposed revisions, Pascual and the BOR members present assured everyone present that all the proposed revisions are for the benefit of the students. However, alleged issues like the “Super Bracket A” was not further dwelled upon in the meeting but its possibility was not also denied by the board. Also, to ensure that no student will be deprived of UP education due to financial incapacity, it was also proposed that students be allowed to loan amounts of up to one hundred percent (100%) of total assessed fees without interest for the first three months.

Pascual added that we should not immediately believe all of the rumors we hear because not all of them are true. “Maganda ‘tong ginawa ninyo na lumapit sa amin. Mas okay na itong alam ninyo ang talagang nangyari because none of the rumors are really true.”

Another consultation was held on 10 December 2013 to clarify with the students everything that was discussed during this meeting. Three venues and schedules were identified.

Umalohokan joins 2013 Solidaridad mid-year congress

by Carl D. Manayan

Solidaridad Team together with their Advocacy Journalism speaker, Pauline Gidget Estella

Three Umalohokan staff represented the publication in the 2013 Solidaridad (Soli) Midyear Congress held last 30 November – 2 December at the University of the Philippines-Diliman bearing the theme: “Addressing the Challenges in Campus Paper Management.”

Solidaridad’s National President, Aries Hegina, conducting an orientation to its member publications

Member student publications dividing the tasks 
for the coverage of the protest rally 
among themselves

The Editor-in-Chief, John Robert Española, along with Carl Manayan, Finance Manager, and photographer Dessa Babiano participated in the 3-day congress organized by Solidaridad, the UP System-wide Alliance of Student Publications and Writers’ Organizations. Along with Umalohokan, member student publications of the alliance present in the congress were the Philippine Collegian, Cyber Isko of UP Open University (UP-OU), Scientia of UP College of Science (CS), The Guilders Institute of UP Virata School of Business (VSB formerly College of Business Administration (CBA)), Tinig ng Plaridel of UP College of Mass Communication (CMC), Palo Kat-ani of UP Manila-School of Health Sciences (UPM-SHS), Frontliner of UP Diliman Extension Program in Pampanga (UP-DEPP), Perspective of UP Los Baños (UPLB), The Accounts of UP Visayas Iloilo City Campus (UPV-Iloilo), and Himati of UP Mindanao (UPM).

Aries Joseph Hegina, Solidaridad National Chairperson and Mary Joy Capistrano, Solidaridad Vice Chairperson for Luzon opened the congress with orientation and discussion of the Solidaridad Constitution. In the afternoon, the alliance covered the protest rally at Mendiola Bridge which was attended by various militant groups from different sectors of the society in commemoration of the 150th birthday of Andres Bonifacio, acclaimed leader of Kataas-taasang Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK). Afterwards, there was an assessment of the coverage.

The Guilders Institute, the official student publication of the UP Virata School of Business, 
Editor-in-Chief Jason Virtucio looking for viable stories

On the second day the alliance conducted Sumbungang-Bayan where different student publications raised their concerns regarding campus paper management. Then, there was a deliberation of the proposed resolutions.Various talks and workshops to address campus paper management included Social Media and Campus Press by Tonyo Cruz, Table Battles and Negotiations by Cleve Arguelles followed by a Mock Negotiations and News and Feature Writing by Victor Limon.

Solidaridad members proudly and fearlessly
showing their banner

The congress concluded on the third day with a Basic Mass Integration (BMI) at the UP Arboretum spearheaded by Earl Orio from the Center for Nationalist Studies (CNS), where it focused on the proposed Botanical Garden a land-use plan encompassing a total of 17 hectares in the said location. It was followed by a talk on Advocacy Journalism by Pauline Gidget Estella, National Chairperson of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) and a UP Situationer by Eds Gabral, Chairperson of Kalipunan ng Samahang Mag-aaral sa UP (KASAMA sa UP) wherein different issues and concerns of different UP units were tackled.

Hegina delivered the closing remarks, the congress concluded in the hopes of attending publications to be able address and resolve the challenges in their respective campus publication, as well as a promise to never betray public trust of their constituency, the students.

Member Student Pubs commenting on the outcome of the protest rally

(PHOTOS) Basic mass integration - UP Arboretum

QC Government, UP organized 2nd LGBT Summit

by Paul Eugenio

16 November—Hundreds of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people and allies from different barangays of the city attended the 2nd QC LGBT Summit held at the Amoranto Multi-Purpose Hall, Sct. Chuatoco, Quezon City

The event was spearheaded by the Quezon City government in partnership with the UP Center for Women’s Studies.

In her remarks, Quezon City Vice Mayor Josefina “Joy” Belmonte has acknowledged the rights of LGBTs in all aspects of life and has assured the attendees that the city government will work to have these rights available to everyone Furthermore, she also asked for support regarding the development of a comprehensive anti-discrimination ordinance for the city, parallel to the efforts to pass the Anti-Discrimination Bill in Congress. Currently, the city has an existing anti-discrimination ordinance for LGBTs limited only to public and private workplaces.

The results of the summit were presented as a list of amendments for the anti-discrimination ordinance being drafted by the Quezon City Council. Notable measures are the assurance of security for LGBTs against hate crimes, freedom of speech and gender expression, non-discrimination in schools and universities, representation in local consultative councils, and a separate Gender Development Fund for LGBT-related projects in both the city and barangay level.

At the end of the summit, participants expressed hope that the ordinance will be passed and a national law will be crafted for LGBTs soon, as well as pride that they have contributed to the city’s efforts in drafting local ordinances affecting marginalized and under-represented communities.

Study International education fair: A world of opportunities

by Kevin John Domingo

MAKATI - Study International, a non-governmental organization dedicated to help students pursue their education abroad, has partnered with the British Council, Imagine Education in Canada, and Education Malaysia for the Study International Education Fair held at the New World Hotel last November 23 from 1 pm to 9 pm.

It was also held last 19 and 21 in Cebu and Davao, respectively. Study International Counsellor Dianne Siozon said that the fair caters to those who want to pursue studies abroad and perhaps also intend to work and build a life in that country.

"The objective of the fair is to develop and grow the global education market in the Philippines by providing students with access to affordable quality international institutions and courses," says Siozon.

"The fair also aims to provide a wider range of options and pathways to Filipino students seeking world class education opportunities," she added.

In the Makati installment alone, around two hundred (200) people from different parts of Metro Manila pre-registered and attended in the education fair. The attendees were warmly welcomed by the organizers and facilitators from some of the participating universities from the United Kingdom, Malaysia, and Canada. Students were given time to inquire about the various programs and scholarships offered by the participating academic institutions

The participating colleges and universities were also given a chance to share a 20-minute keynote speech to further encourage the attendees to study outside their home country.

"Education is the best investment you can give yourself and that studying abroad is not as expensive as you think.  There are pathways available that will cater to every budget.  Having an International degree is becoming more and more important as we have gone global.  The youth of our neighbouring Asian countries understand this concept fully and are studying international degrees as they recognize that this will get them better employment not only in Vietnam but in other countries," says Siozon.

Study International is a non-governmental organization established in 2004 which "mission is to assist any student through the process of research, application, testing and pre-departure arrangements, as well as travel and visa planning. Working closely with select institutions in Australia, Canada, Malaysia, Thailand, New Zealand, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States, the organization aspires to be the premiere education service provider in the Philippines.(1)" They can be contacted with the following details: 817-80-90 (Tel), 817-94-37 (Fax), info@studyinternational.com.ph (E-mail) or you may visit their office at the UG36 Alfaro Place, 146 LP Leviste St., Salcedo Village, Makati City.

[1] Study International Brochure