Huling aksyon ng BPCI sa kaso ni Maria Venus Raj, isang hamon at hindi pagbawi sa naunang desisyon ng dethronement

Ano sa tingin ninyo ang maaring maging kahihinatnan ng isyu patungkol sa posibleng pagrereinstate kay Maria Venus Raj bilang opisyal na delegato ng RP sa Miss Universe?Ako’y may halong pananaw ukol sa balitang ito ng basahin ni Ricky Lo ang opisyal na liham mula sa BPCI. Maaring ang ilan sa ating mga sumubaybay sa isyung ito ay naka-focus lamang sa puntong karapat dapat naman talaga si Bb. Raj at ang BPCI ang nagkamali sa kanilang naging naunang aksyon nang i-dethrone ang naturang beauty queen. Hindi maikakaila na marami ng sumawsaw sa petisyon, marami ng nagalit at kumwestiyon sa paraan ng pagpili ng BPCI sa mga kandidata sa una pa lamang at samu’t sari na ang pinukol, kesyo may isyu sa kulay, racism, pagiging hindi makatarungan, etc. Marami naring mga nakisakay sapagkat kung nasaan ang “masa”, naroon din sila, “taking advantage of the situation for their own motives but neither reaching a hand to help clear the situation.”Sa ganang akin, ang liham ay nagpapahiwatig ng hindi pagbawi sa kanilang naunang aksyon kundi ito’y isang “paghamon upang hukayin ang ugat”. Sapagkat, ang BPCI ay wala sa posisyon para ibigay ang linaw sa totoong estado ng nationalidad (citizenship) ni Ms. Raj. Kung kaya’t nais ko lamang pong ilahad sa diskusyon ang punto: Maaaring si Ms. Raj ay nasa kategorya ng Person of Indian Origin/Non-resident Indian (na maaring sa puntong ito’y hahalukayin din ang estado ng pagkamamayanan ng kanyang ama). Eh ano naman kung nabibilang siya rito? Ang nalalaman lang kasi natin ay Indian National ang kanyang ama ayon sa mga naging pahayag sa kanyang kampo. Subalit, kailangan kasing magkaroon ng “linaw” kung ano rin ang totoong estado ng pagkamamamayan ng kanyang ama upang maging malinaw kung ano nga ba ang magiging basehan ng mga kinaukulan sa kaso ni Ms. Raj. Maaaring sa imbestigasyon ay maungkat din ang estado kung papaano nakauwi ang kanyang ina noong mga nahuling panahon nasa Qatar ito. Lahat ng mga signipikong detalye rito ay lubhang napakahalaga sa imbestigasyon para ang mga kinaukulan ay mailahad ang “tamang legal na pahayag sa naturang isyu ng pagkamamayan ni Ms. Raj” at anu ano ang kanyang mga karapatan at pribilehiyong nakalahad ayon sa kanyang pagkamamayanan. Matatandaan natin na masalimuot ang sitwasyon ng mga batang ipinapanganak sa puntong maglalagay sa kanila sa pagiging “illegitimate”, at sa aking pananaw, napakasakit ang mga katotohanang ito (Ito ay realidad na nakaukol sa usaping batas). Kung matatandaan natin ang mga nabubuntis o nagkakaanak sa middle east na naipalabas sa balita o dokumentaryo, maiintindihan ninyo ang aking nais ipahayag.Ngunit, ang natitirang matibay na puntos kay Ms. Raj ay ang pagiging Pilipina ng kanyang ina (Subalit kung nakasal ang kanyang mga magulang ay maaring ito’y magdulot ng karagdagan pang aberya.). Samakatwid, maaring dito huhugutin ang lakas ng kanyang kaso lalung lalo na na si Ms. Raj ay lumaki at pinapatunayan ng marami ang kanyang paglaki sa Albay. Hindi kuwestyon ito. Subali’t maaring naging basehan ng kumplikasyon ng BPCI ang naunang parapo na aking binanggit kung kaya’t pinatitibay ang kanila noong naunang pahayag na, “misrepresentation” (base rin sa hindi magkakatugmang impormasyon sa birth records) na nagdulot sa desisyong dethronement. (Gusto kong linawin na ito’y sa aking analysis lamang at hindi ko inaari na ito ang opisyal na pahayag). Kung kaya’t nabanggit kong isa itong “hamon” sapagkat sa pamamagitan ng pagkuha ng pasaporte maaaring mabungkal ang mga isyung yaon at ang legal na pahayag mula sa mga autoridad ay ang siya lamang makakapag-alis ng ating mga pagdududa. Ang nakakabahala nga lamang, ay kung ang kalalabasan nito ay magpapalakas sa posisyon ng BPCI na tama ang kanilang naging naunang desisyon. At ang kanilang sulat, ay isa lamang mekanismo upang hamunin ang posisyon ni Ms. Raj sa kanyang hinaing. Mula sa nakikita ng marami, ang paglabas ng opisyal na pahayag ng BPCI ay pagpapakita na sila ang nagkamali. Pero kung susumain at iintindihin, ang sulat ay pagbibigay-daan sa direksyon kay Ms. Raj upang bungkalin ang mga katotohanan sa bahagi ng kanyang pagkatao. Hindi ito kwestyon kung siya ay karapat-dapat na delegado ng RP. At nawa, ang BPCI ay balasahin/baguhin ang kanilang mga pamantayan ng hindi nalalagay sa kahihiyan/alanganin ang ating mga dilag na ang nais lamang ay itayo ang karangalan ng ating bansa sa pamamagitan ng mga patimpalak ng kagandahan na sa huli’y buong bansa ang siyang makikinabang.

Tuition Fee Hike

Nakakainis hindi ba? The CHED does cha-cha over their stand on schools who are requesting some tuition fee hike amidst the economic slowdown that the Philippines is on (Economic slowdown, not recession according to Winnie Monsod). Ang masaklap pa nito, maraming mga paaralan sa bansa ang abuso sa kanilang deregulated status na kesyo hindi na sila sakop ng CHED moratoriums eh halabira na silang gawin ang gusto nila at the expense of the "kawawang" parents (na nagkakanda-kuba na sa tuyot na sakahan na pagmamay-ari ng iba). Marami ding hanep ang sakripisyo, tigil-aral kasi hindi na kayang tustusan. Pero hindi kailangan masadlak nalang sa ganitong sitwasyon. Kung talagang magaling ka, puwede kang magbanat ng buto at labanan ang sistemang dulot ng kawalanghiyaan ng mga ilang paaralan, ang kakitiran ng mga utak ng mga nasa sangay ng pagbalangkas ng mga polisiya sa Edukasyon at iba pang awtoridad. Utak niyo amag!

Worse, karamihan ng mga estudyante ay feeling! Wala lang sa kanila ang mga aspetong ito bagkus mas inintindi pa ang pagliit ng kanilang kupit mula sa kanilang ibabayad sanang tuition fee sa kanilang paaralan para matustusan lamang ang kanilang luho: bisyong alak, babae, drugs, yosi, textmates, computer games, atbpa. (Huwag ka, totoo ito... nakatira ako sa community na maraming nagpapaboarding kaya alam ko ang huwisyo ng maraaming estudyante.). Imbes na mag-aral ng mabuti para kapag naka-top eh makadiscount or ma-exempt sa exam ng maging proud naman ang parents, hayun naroon sila sa kanto kanto ng Mormon's Church patext-text at pabaske-basketball... Hay buhay! Mabuti na lamang ay walang tuition fee hike sa LC. Pero hanggang kailan? Ano naman ang mga masasakripisyong services? Hindi naman ito magic magic para ignorin ang needs ng school para sa isang de-kalidad na Edukasyon at para sa mga empleyado nito. Pero saludo ako sa LC, katulad din ng ilang schools sa Dagupan sapagkat kasama nila ang parents na tumitiklop sa panahon ng krisis pang-ekonomiya na nararanasan ngayon. Matatandaan na hindi lamang sa taong ito nagkaroon ng "No tuition Fee Hike" sa LC kundi nagkaroon din ng ilang payment scheme sa naturang paaralan kagaya ng O down payment, enrol now pay later, etc.

Kaya mga estudyang pulpol... Huwag na kayong mag-aral kung hindi niyo kayang ayusin ang buhay niyo. Kung mahal niyo ang pamilya niyo; Makisama kayo sa pagtitipid. Nag-imbestiga na ba kayo kung nagmemeryenda ang nanay o kaya tatay niyo, may maiabot lang na datung na siyang kakaltasan niyo lang sa bandang huli? Kaya pala walang naglalakas-loob sa inyo para salungatin at ipaglaban ang karapatan sa school kasi karamihan mismong mga estudyante lalu na ang mga lider lideran, mga nagsisimula sa mababang uri ng corruption... ang "pagkupit" sa tuition fee. At ano ang susunod na mangyayari? "Infection", na magdudulot ng "chronic" na sakit na matindi pa sa TB na tatama sa inyong buong pagkatao at magpapahirap sa buong bansang Pilipinas. At pagkatapos, maninisi kayo ng iba? What a lame excuse!

Hay buhay... gising gising! Makibahagi sa pagtiklop, hindi lang school ang dapat gumawa ng paraan. Kayo din. Nakita niyo naba ang mga estudyyante ng DMMMSU? Maraming naglalakad hindi ba? I-divert ang ilang energy para makatipid. Gamitin ang utak hindi ang utak sa ibaba... turn off the TV when the freak shows are there, watch programs that matters. Hindi yung mga programang nagpro-promote ng hindi matalino at realistikong pakikipagrelasyon, "marami na pong tao sa Pilipinas buhay ng mga artista parin ang pinoproblema..."

For Pinoys or For Few?

5 Ways to Survive College

First of all, gusto ko lang mag-apologize kay Jenny for the late reply of her email. Gusto ko man sagutin lahat ng emails mula sa mga students ng Lorma Colleges, hindi ko naman kaya ang multitasking. Right now, I am bound to fly in Dhaka, Bangladesh to check on this University in which I intend to pursue a crash course in business.

The email question is, "How to survive College?". Since, Jenny (not her real name) mentioned that she is pursuing a BS Nursing. I was relieved that somehow I can relate
my experiences when I was still a student.

Nursing is not an easy course and it is in fact one of the expensive courses in the country today. Some may totally disagree but majority of the programs may even have the same financial quotations as if you're studying Medicine in a private institution. I would not mention any schools in that instance since this article is not about the cost of such course. Yet, I presume Jenny 's parents have really planned for her education since the choice was mutually decided by her and her parents. Meaning, as she wrote, "Umupo kaming tatlo ni mama at papa sa dining table para pag-usapan ang gastos after researching which College in La Union will be the best for me.". Since her Dad is an OFW, majority of the remittances ay napupunta sa kanyang College Education basically her mom sticked to the planned budget. That's pretty impressive because not all parents stick to any budgeting and Jenny stressed that it was effective since she would pay her tuition fee on required time.

The problem appeared when the dollar went down and worse, nagkaroon ng problem ang Dad niya sa work. So she continued her email on what are the possible/ available options that she could survive in College, should stopping for one semester a good option?

I took a deep breath and I went to visit Lorma's website to check on any good news because I was also moved by some news that most schools are also increasing the tuition fees due to the global economic crisis.

I am relieved that Lorma will not have a tuition fee increase and this is a good news for Jenny and the rest of the students. Or else, some would have transfer to another cheaper nursing schools in La Union and may have to undergo another form of adjustment/s.

Adjustments in taking the same course and with the environment may have different impacts to a College student. Kung tutuusin, kapag na-kick out ka, expected na may impact yan sa self esteem mo. Lalo kapag ang peers mo ay naroon, pursuing the course and you felt being left behind. On another point, if you are transfering because of financial problems, halos ganoon din ang impact sa isang student and certainly getting back on track is a crucial stage.

So to help Jenny ease her problems, dahil nga hindi pa siya decided if she will transfer or not; here are some of the survival tips.

1. Scholarships and discounts. Maraming hindi ito napapansin pero andaming scholarship option sa LC. Visit, lorma.edu.ph to know more about this or simply, visit Mrs. Melba C. Ano, Dean of Student Affairs to find out if you are qualified for any of the scholarships. If you are good with academics, meron ding discounts depending on your grades, meron ding discounts if you have relatives working in the company (Lorma schools, hospital), meron ding discounts if you have siblings (I'm not sure if this is still followed but ask the business office about it) at higit sa lahat, be an active member of an accredited school organization in Lorma because they have discounts sa tuition fees upon approval of the org's adviser and the College Director. Some of the most notable orgs are: the Lorma Highlights, SML, Lorma Dance Troupe...

2. Volunteer and be a working student.- There are postings for volunteers usually for some offices in the College. If maluwag naman ang schedule mo, you can make arrangements with it. Usually top sa list na nagpapa-volunteer/intern for a clerical work ang Library, Guidance Office, Registrar. Yet, kung gusto mo naman ng iba pa, I would suggest you to express your intention in writing sa Lorma Foundation, MIS or even in the hospital. This way, you can make arrangements for certain fees and you will be entitled for a work experience also while rendering volunteer work.

There are some establishments in San Fernando area that hires students like food chains, burger stands, and other services. I would suggest you to secure some necessary papers (NBI, barangay clearance and other stuff, it's also a good experience since you'll be doing the same processes after College and mahahasa pa ang interpersonal skills mo.). I also suggest to choose a work that is "decent" (hindi naman yung pang-club thing, siguro naman gets...) and something that you will learn for future application of your chosen field.

Is network marketing a good option?

I have mixed opinions to this because one of our professors in College was "makapal ang mukha" in introducing his networking business while we were having and after our class. It is unethical to do it in class because student-teacher may have to deal with conflicts of interests in the academic environment. It is not bad to be a network marketer. I am also engaged to this but you have to research first before joining and assess if you are capable with the terms of the networking system. Baka naman maabala ang schedule mo, you'll get exhausted and mabaon kapa sa utang. Keep your options open and be nice in declining if you wish not to when solicited by your professor.

3. Shared expenses.- I have been an advocate of this while in College. Gustong gusto ko ang group work kaya kung may projects sa mga subjects, Always suggest for group works. Yun nga lang may ups and downs din ito because you cannot expect everyone to really work on their assigned task dahil iba iba naman ang group dynamics. On the other hand, kung kelangan ng photo documentations, kelangan yung may mga kaklaseng may efficient na camera ang gamitin (good thing if everyone has a good camera phone), for paper works- siguro you have to do away from the Malls kasi mas mahal po ang school supplies nila doon (may mga mura option but same good quality along supermarkets), computer rentals is a no no (make a written request sa Internet room duly endorsed by your professor and Dean to make special arrangements kung hindi kayo makasingit), printing naman sa school is cheap but edit your work thoroughly before printing. If there are excesses in your supplies, assign a classmate to be the custodian (piliin naman yung nasa malapit ang boarding house) just in case kailangan niyo ulit gamitin ang pentel pens, bond papers for future projects.

If it's a big project like case studies, kelangan may listahan, keep all receipts para hindi akusahan na ibinulsa ang excess.

Another thing that can be shared in terms of expenses ay food, pamasahe (mostly sa DMMMSU area eh nakikita ko, naglalakad nalang ang students papuntang bayan, mainit but it's also an exercise.), boarding house (if there is a boarding house that has a lower rent but it has good amenities and safe, why not?). These are among the things I could say na puwedeng "shared". Ang problema lang minsan sa food ay kung mas matakaw ang isang contributor at nagdadala pa siya ng sabit like "syota" or barkada, sira ang budget so be specific to this when you decide with your peers.

4. Plan for the summer and semesters to come. -I had a good experience when I approached Prof. Pacita Apilado when she assessed my transcript of records. So, find a mentor to deal with your academic issues. If you feel like you want to take a subject in advanced, look for some of your classmates who wanted to "open" it, seek the advice or endorsement of the Dean for the Registrar to act on your problem. Do not leave pre-requisites and minor subjects behind. Lastly, when you're given a project, avoid cramming...

5. Sacrifices. - Of course, you are in College to Study and expected to finish the course with flying colors and with dignity. Kaya, huwag ng kupitan ang parents or tell lies about what you have to be needing na hindi naman. Wag na bumulakbol at magbisyo. I'm talking about some extra money to buy luxuries like clothing also (usually branded at mamahalin pa yung iba). I remember one classmate who is not ashamed that he "arbored" a uniform from a previous roommate because the latter is graduating. Some of my classmates also were good at "arboring" books, extra school supplies, notes from their roommates. I would not say you would do it na sobrang "OA" but there are some practicalities out there. Be assertive. If you can't buy brand new books, seek for used ones, if you can't buy fashionable clothing for now, work for it or find a better option at the "wagwagan". I tell you, there's nothing wrong about being "jologs" to that effect. Sir Ever even boasted he joined a fad and he was surprised to buy a designer pouch at wagwagan. Going back to books and manuals, you can advocate your classmates not to spend much on these if there is a viable reason. Be united, be a leader. My batch did not have a yearbook because majority of my section then were united and they fought for their rights at that time. Ikaw ba naman ang lapitan ng isang classmate saying, "Madi kam pay nakalako ti irik my friend. Tal-talaga." Anya ngay ti ubraem nu sika ti LEADER?

To end this 5-point Survival for College. (Which will be followed by more...) I hope Jenny would be enlightened and will have a good decision in staying and finishing her course in LC.

Does the School Matters?

I visited my old old school's website and I'm surprised to find an ongoing argument via the LH message board. It has been there for a while, the argument was posted by an unknown person claiming to be a Luisian. It was a funny ass I guess but as he keeps on bugging the site for Lormanians to react (not even sure if they are from LC); it arouses claims on the superiority of two rival schools who are totally different in terms of the standard of Education that it provides its students. Popularity-wise, Lorma and SLC do share their own domains but to tackle on its "superiority" without making concrete points as to what areas are mere immature quarrels that is not even viable as a Debate proposition. The LH blog is not even the proper forum to post such pronouncements as it lacks that kind of feature. Why the absence of such forum? Is this part of the transition from a threat? I know jalm might react on this because way-back few months ago, he did a little contribution in coming up with an amateur discussion forum that lacked support from the LH staff. There was even fear as we chat, is that due to censorship issues? Personally, I admire people like jalm because he is a proof of a student who seeks answers to variable questions and issues concerning them. However, we could not be sure how long his determination could hold him up and others; or simply he is just a representative of so many youth who are bored by this existing Educational Systems in most schools in the country.

Going back to the question, "Does the School Matters?" I would have to qualify my answer with a "yes" because it is a learned social behavior that is relevant to most Asians - it is in Education that uplifts the individual to interact from one social agency to another. An individual begins interaction within the Family through his parents and the school is usually the second agency that he interacts with. Education plays a crucial part in "career path" and certain elements within the school are influential factors in a man's self-esteem and ability to survive in each niche. Remember, Obama attended Harvard and it is within Harvard that he has expound his political views crossing from a least passive role in Chicago to now, the ultimate path of his career as the new US president. I would say that the school matters because that agency should have a "simulation" of the actual world up there but I think most schools stagnate because instead of moving forward as society progresses from agriculture to industry, it makes a significant picture that indeed it has a difficulty in adopting to such vicious change. The late Gov. Justo O. Orros rationalized that the "Philippines is taking its time" when confronted with a question as to why Malaysia and other rice-producing country in Asia are far progressive well in fact they trained from the Philippines via IRRI? The politician had that rationalization which stuck into my head for years in one of the events in LC. I was struck by the response of laxity and I bet those who listened have their own opinion. (Why would LC have such laxity on choosing such speakers? What are their guidelines?) I am not against politicians speaking in schools but how good are these "figures" in motivating students? The school matters because the student is supposed to take his first liberal step outside of his own family circle. I would affirm Dr. Emilio Joven's little chat while we were assisting him in a minor operation commenting on "Why would student still be accompanied by their parents in the enrollment process? Aren't they old enough to make decisions?" He has a point there, was it because of a certain level of "mistrust" that the parents are so rigid in entrusting their money or was it the over-protectiveness or fear of most mothers that they felt the need to accompany their children all the time from filling up those enrollment forms, doing the talking for their children at the Dean's office or Registrar. There are many implications of such unnoticed harmful effects of over-protectiveness. On the other hand, a "student" begins to "cheat" based on outside variables. His vulnerability is a result of so many laxities, within the family itself and yes, the schools are not addressing such laxities because some are just too concerned about getting the cash and providing a sound-to-be-good service disguising as Best Quality to be sold. Like what Inday said in her earlier testimonials about that Champion detergent commercial, that you have to pay... School matters because the school is supposed to be the first battle ground to exercise your freedom. It is saddening to realize that most schools are "underachiever" of so many things, that they could not facilitate to preach what they revised in their new directions. No matter how authorities would "revise and put a tag on a commodity if the content is still the same, fortification will fail (just like what happened with FIT, it did not replace water to wash our vegetables and fruits.)". You want to know where your money goes? Don't look at the new buildings, not the facilities... look at the heart of the institution- the teachers. They are significant determinants of the power of quality Education. The question is, how long will the teachers remain "passive"? Are the students ready to learn?

How are you Classified in Class?

djoyce71: Some schools use homogeneous sectioning wherein they classify students according to average grades which means that all fast learners are together in one room and all the slow learners are together in another room. While some schools use the heterogeneous sectioning wherein they just distribute the students equally into sections where extremes meet. I have been to both ways when I was in high school and for me both have advantages and disadvantages.
manunulat: In homogeneous, lessons are taught fast paced because students are fast learners and competition is healthy. In the heterogeneous, lessons tend to go slow because others could not understand easily, and the fast learners suffer sometimes because they get bored. But in heterogeneous, fast learners are tasked to help their slow learner classmates. They serve as paratutors and their classmates like it because they could improve in that way.
If you are a parent, what sectioning would you like for the school of your child? If you are a student, what would you prefer?
I prefer that heterogenous sectioning for more personal controls since I am no fast learner nor a slow learner, it's just that teachers should have a flexible method other than the classical method of teaching because there is a thing which we call as right and left brain learner which is I think more vital than utilizing the term homogenous or heterogenous sectioning. From your homogenous section point of view, this is done not in favor of students but rather more in favor of the teacher because the teacher won't be too concerned of who is catching up with his style or not. Yet competition could be healthy also and tension is high if students are highly participative. There is a tendency of more debates also in the setting. While in that heterogenous, this may not be possible since the fast learner may have to slow down and be in congruent with the others who can't catch up. Advantage? Maybe for the latter but it can also be a detriment to the advancement of the first. Secondly, slow learners may not be slow as we think they are. Motivation comes in different sources, they could use the whole idea as an advantage for them to outwit the known fast learners. If I am a parent, I won't be too concerned on which section my child will be in to. I would be more concerned on the quality of teaching he receives and how he digest or process the lessons. Do they have a fair grading system and curriculum? I would love my kid to fail and succeed in class also; be on his own.

Ulalume's Fate in two Schools Unveiled

While the contenders fight for whose the one who did it better over youtube, as I studied the videos, though they deserve considerable commendation for a "job well done". I think it's just self-exaltation to boast that the winner is the "best" when the performance is nothing but a drama that is "branded" positive but as a literary and drama enthusiast myself... this is a "circus" so amateur and deserved to be called "neophyte". The outcome always reflects about the English coaches' skills but they failed to train how to read one of the best written literary pieces of Edgar Allan Poe. They dramatize yes but the drama just plainly destroys what is supposed to be simple but elegant Ulalume. I hope the next interpretations would turn out to be better. My New York City friend commented that the poem is freely interpreted in parks by high school students and she believed that there was music as the lines are delivered. I think that point was distorted in these two interpretations. The natural music is lost as they interpreted it. There are too many elements where in fact, the essentials are not in props and drop-dead entrances, it's about RHYTHM.

Reading to kids

"Reading maketh a full man." as the saying goes and it's true that you cannot replace the quality of enjoyment that books could provide in Learning. While it is true that most of the materials today can be viewed in television or the internet- there are many important points missed. Have your children be checked by an specialists for physical impairment or Reading disabilities. Maybe that's one cause why your children could not stand long periods of time. Age also influence reading interests. Remember that each child have different "attention spans" so it is nice for you to be creative in making them love Reading. Before the advent of technology, reading have already contributed to man's curiosity and imagination. In that way, it allowed them to explore, seek visual evidences by traveling and do more investigation. Of course that's the missing part in television and additional media because it has already spoil the excitement of "wonders" that is supposed to be in the imaginative state in the human mind.
Do you have quality materials that fit to your children's age?
It is not necessary that children would read long paragraphs like us adults on a first introduction of a subject matter. Read with them. Demonstrate how you read and be creative. For example in reading stories, poetry and other prose that makes use of characterizations... you might want to change voice to emphasize character. In that way, children will have a grip that Reading is not purely narration but there is also Drama in it.
Do they have a routine for play and study?
If you just want your kids to Read without making schedules on their study time at home then I think this is stressful on their part especially if they are going to school... They should feel that you are not acting like their teacher. School age children normally do not listen to their parents when it comes to academic areas. If you want to impose something to your kids on this area, talk to his or her favorite teacher so that she or he will introduce it to your children then you reinforce it at home. Don't worry too much on this because this is how child develops socially.
Introduce materials related to their study and a variety.
This is something that most parents miss in seeking Reading materials. Children get bored when story books are often used most especially those stories that they are already familiar with and already watched (So don't let them be glued in the television. TV might spoil your technique. Schedule for TV viewing.). Introduce simple Science, then allow them to participate in the kitchen. Introduce sport, let your kids go out with your husband for fishing, skating, jogging, etc. There are a variety of ways to stimulate children to participate into Reading. Of course they wont be very willing at first but when you demonstrate and do stuff like that in school where there is singing and some skills demonstration; they would be interested later on. You could actually help them visualize and solve problems in mathematics by using available stuff inside your fridge. So next time they have this math homeworks, get them into the kitchen, go to a science fair, etc..
Children will love Reading, let them decide for materials. Get them into the bookstore or library with you. The more you expose them with stuff they haven't experienced, their attention will be re-focused.

Like Father, Like Son; Like Mother, like Daughter?

I read that children emulate both good and bad health habits. Teens whose parents smoke will have a tendency to smoke while kids whose parents exercise will develop the habit of exercising as well. I have read and also mentioned in our RRL on our undergraduate thesis that parents are the models of their children.
In the Journal of Health and Social Behaviour, research result show that parents influence on teens follow gender lines, boys emulate their Dad and mothers emulated by daughters.
In the aspect of health routines/ habits, what do you think have you acquired/ learned from your parents?

To a Married man or the Bachelor?

Cecelgay: There are poelple says married man are a good lover than a bachelor because married man knows how to show his care, love and gives his best effort to his woman.....
>Sorry to all bachelors in mylot but i will agree on that, married man are more showy than bacholrs, married man are not afraid to show thier feeling... while most of bachelors that i know doesnt really care how thier girlfriend feel, they are busy in so many things... and sometimes they are busy in hunting another girl....
Peace to all bachelors, that is just my view... what is yours?

Manunulat: Married man is not afraid to show their affection because being into a relationship with him with a single person boosts his self-esteem, that despite he's married... he can still be attractive and can enjoy what a single guy would have. On the other hand, they could be good lovers in the aspect that they have already enough experience in committed relationships like that and committed relationships oftentimes have a higher degree of communication. I don't think being married gives a guarantee that he is a good lover. There is something wrong in the marriage that is why a man resort to illicit affair like that. On the other hand, singles often are not that affectionate because each have a degree of priority/ies that are not solely on their girlfriends. And yes, some are busy hunting on another girl because there is no commitment but there are singles who could stick to one woman. It's just a matter of how singles view their freedom.

Do boys mature sooner too?

SViswan: My almost 8 year old (his birthday is in two weeks) behaves like a teenager and it's driving me crazy. He was a lovely child(and still is) but the temper tantrums and the 'not fair' (which I didn't expect till he was into his teens have started. He is irresponsible with his things and I just didn't know how to handle him (never had this problem earlier). Yesterday, I was reading a Reader's digest article on sleep patterns and his fits the teenager's sleep pattern and I suddenly could understand a bit of what he was going through.

Though I've always felt my son skipped an age (we never went through the 'terrible twos' and always had a child who was mature for his age), I didn't think the 'teenage years' would be here sooner.
But coming to think of it, girls are maturing at a faster pace now than a few years back. Could that be possible with boys too? Could that be what my son is going through? I tried to talk to my husband to find out what boys go through when they mature....but he's been of no help.
Can anyone explain this to me and help me handle my wonderful son? He's really skilled in different areas and a wonderful child. It's only the tantrums and the irresponsible behaviour I cannot stand because it's so unlike him. If it was my younger son doing it when he grows I wouldn't be surprised. But coming from my older one, I just don't know what to do!

Manunulat: It is generally perceived that girls mature earlier because their physical development seems to speed up. In puberty for example, they would develop their breasts or physical changes are more noticeable than in boys. Growth and development is a very significant matter in parenting but always remember that there are so many factors that are directly or indirectly affect growth and development. Nutrition for example is most attributed to quality of growth. Growth basically talks about physical aspect while Development basically is to maturity. These two go hand in hand.
When a child reaches 3 to six years old, they assert themselves more frequently by planning activities, make up games and initiate activities with others. If these opportunities are present, the child will develop a sense of initiative and sense of security in their ability to lead others and make decisions. If the tendency is squelched by parents by criticism and control, the child will develop a sense of Guilt making him a nuisance, a follower, lacking Initiative.
Your 8 year old is not yet a teenager so you might wanna drop your apprehensions to that sleep pattern issue that you read on teenagers; but I am not pointing that sleep is not important to your growing child. Your child falls to Erikson's psychosocial development which is Industry vs. Inferiority. This stage refers to 6 years old to puberty. Puberty is what we call the stage when a child enters the adolescence period. Going back to Industry vs. Inferiority. Your child is beginning to develop a sense of pride in their accomplishments. They initiate projects, see them through completion, and they feel good about this achievements. This is more exemplified in school. That's why, teachers play an increased role in child development. So if you're concerned to this aspect and want to find out how your child is doing in this area, you should ask your child's teacher on this. If children are encouraged and reinforced in their Initiative, they begin to feel industrious and feel confident in their ability to achieve goals. I don't think that temper tantrums and your child's mentioning of not fair a manifestation of his being irresponsible. Encourage your child for more initiatives. Define his role in the home. Don't expect him to fix his room or stuff when you fail to demonstrate it. Remember, if you have 2 children... do not compare them because they are two separate individuals. If Initiative is not encouraged, if it is restricted by parents and teachers, the child begins to feel inferior doubting his own abilities and therefore may not reach his potentials. Listen to your child and don't take his verbal replies as tantrums or his actions as tantrums. A tantrum happens when a child lacks the verbal ability to convey his needs and wants. When he say it's not fair, explore his feelings in order to determine his thoughts. Then it is your duty to present choices that enables him to make decisions. If otherwise you think a certain aspect cannot be met, you should tell the truth and make valid explanations. Children look at parents as their models so be more demonstrative in certain projects at home that they might wanna be involved with. It is a very good thing that you talk things with your husband. Try to encourage your husband to go out with some activities with your kids. Husbands may not be aware but they are effective teachers in terms of many adventurous ideas like fishing, and other sports. Determining physical changes are important also, most significant changes in boys would be physical: height, weight, hair growth, changes in voice (which marks puberty), and of course other areas of development (changes in appearance). Since you mentioned that your child is skilled in many areas, explore his needs in these areas and encourage more Initiatives to this that allow him to participate and make decisions. Don't worry, it will be fine. You are a great mom, you are observing such things. Other moms don't care this much.

SViswan: Well, my son has always been mature for his age...and a friendly and social child. His teachers at school also encourage him and they do it openly. They give him the challenging projects and don't forget to mention that they are getting him to do it 'because they know he can'. I also spoke about my concerns to one of his teachers who has known him for 3 years and she agrees that she sees drastic changes and he's not the same boy we know. She even finds him distracted in class which is so unlike him. At school, he is encouraged to do everything he can and he is the kind of child who takes initiative to do things on his own. Even if it's a competition he knows nothing about...he will enter his name and then try to figure out what to do so that he can participate....which I see as a good quality. He loves to learn new stuff and is interested in almost everything and I never stop him from exploring his interests. In fact, my only worry was that he would be over-confident and feel that there was no area that he could fail at.
Both my kids are never compared and they are very different from each other...and that is why if this behaviour I see in my older one....was seen in my little one at the same age, I wouldn't be surprised.
But you might be right on the part where my older one lacks the vocabulary to explain what is going on in his mind and maybe that is what is coming out as his frustrations. I've always had open conversations with him (he talks to me more than my husband). He even came and told me how he feels when he sees the body parts of women and he was worried it was wrong. That's when it struck me that this is how boys going through puberty feel and the way he was physically growing...not just tall.
Anyways, I have started talking to him and even though he might not have the vocabulary to verbalise what is going on, I will try and figure out what it is.

Sporting On

Sporting On
by
Igmedio Damian

Hindi natin alam kung papano nangyari ang aksidente.
It was posted:
Let us pray for the fast recovery of one of our
schoolmate...

Walang masama sa pagdarasal. Ang pagdarasal nga
"can move mountains". Hindi ba? Gusto kong iparating sa mga authorities na bagaman ito ay
matatawag na aksidente. Hindi kaya't mayroon ding
matatawag na kapabayaan o pagkukulang?
Pagsasawalang-bahala sa kaligtasan ng mga
estudyante na may kinalaman sa aktibidad ng
paaralan? Do all schools have safety rules on sporting
events?

Sa aking pagkakaalam, itong insidenteng ito ay
matatawag na grabe kung pag-uusapan ang bahaging
nasaktan. May mga aksidente narin noon na kung saan
nasaktan ang isang pep squad member. Hindi ko
sinasabing sa pep squad na ito, dito ring nagmula.
Sinasabi kong maaaring sa ibang departamento
sapagkat ang bawat Kolehiyo ay may sari-sariling pep
squad at ang main pep squad naman usually na pang
inter-school ay binubuo ng mga miyembro mula sa iba't
ibang departamento. Isa ito magandang tradisyon at
magandang ehemplong pagpapakita ng "true
leadership" ng mangilan ngilang guro. (Sinu sino pa po
ba sa mga guro ngayon ang may ganitong dedikasyon?
Mangilan-ngilan nga lamang hindi ba? Kung meron man
natitira ay yaong mga matatawag na lamang na
"remains", coaches for compliance sake.) Dapat po
natin tularan ang mangilan ngilan na aktibong
nagtataguyod ng interes ng mga estudyante.
Bagama't ito ay bahagi lamang ng usaping pang-
akademiko (maaring tutulang hindi nga pang-
akademiko sapagkat ang sigaw ng mga elitista ay
ibalik muli ang focus sa Agham at Teknolohiya);
sapagkat ang Isport daw ay hindi naman ang
pangunahing interes sa Kagawaran ng Edukasyon. (Is
this the reason why DE is no longer DECS?) Atin pong
alalahanin ang mga sinimulan ng the "great Dr. C." who
lived by example, advocating the value of physical
fitness in overall health.

Bagama't mukhang "cheering" na lamang ang
bumubuhay sa mapaklang sporting event ng bawat
paaralan at inter-school competitions; kung
pagbabasehan ang mga kumento sa LH blog at mga
opinyon ng common students; dapat din nating alamin
ang masalimuot na problema ng isport. Dapat,
dagdagan ang safety precautions sa mga practices ng
CHEERING o anumang event. Have it written. Science
should be applied in each stunts. It's not just an art.
"I've watched some documentries on how stunts are
executed, it's not just a matter of coming up with it
successfully (PE teachers know this) but behind
that... SAFETY should always be a priority. Needless
to say further, should we qualify an athlete's
assumption of risk factor?" O dili kaya'y nasabak
lamang sila sa naturang sporting event simply because
there is no better choice or simply this is quite the
easier choice than to take another exam? Or given No
choice? Oh yeah, because this is like an unwritten rule
kagaya ng isang Dean's prerogative over who
deserves to pass, who deserves to attend the
capping and badge ceremony, who deserves to
proceed in OJT or level higher and move one step
further, who deserves to graduate with flying colors.
Fact is, this is categorized in extra-curricular activity
to break some gaps in deliberation of grades. Or
rather, a poor interpretation and exercise of the so-
called Academic Freedom. Make sport an option to
supplement academics? If Logic could solve this
mystery, how would the logic gurus translate these?
Or just be blind and ignore the facial expressions of
students who don't want what they are doing? Watch
them in youtube, have fun, laugh till it hurts.

Kaya nga napakahirap maging isang boxer kasi
maraming exercises... Inaanyayahan kong suriin ng
studentry at mga student journalist ang
napakahalagang bahagi ng usaping pampalakasan sa
paaralan. Meron nga bang matinong sports program
ang bawat paaralan? Or simply it reflects how poor
and we lack so much that we can't even have a good
match in major events such as the Olympics? Or we
have the poorest Characters behind it that we can't
be proud of having?

Kung ikaw ay isang mapanuring estudyante,
napagtanto mo na ba kung ano ang importansya ng
PRISAA fee na inyong binabayaran? Bagamat hindi
natin nalalaman kung ano nga ba ang halaga ng
PRISAA sa buhay ng isang simpleng mag-aaral. Para sa
iba'y ito lamang ay payak na "patungkol sa simpleng
kataga na sports." Para sa isang tunay na atleta, ito
ay higit pa sa salitang sports. Ito ay nagpapahayag
dapat ng isang "pagkakataon" ng isang malalim na
paghubog sa isang pambihirang kakayahan ng
indibidwal. Ang salitang sports ay sumasalamin sa
isang kahusayan na hindi lamang pampisikal na bahagi
ng katauhan ang nahuhubog kundi ang kabuuan ay
natututong maki-ugnay sa bawat isa para namnamin
ang salitang "tagumpay" at "karangalan". Ano nga ba
ang kalagayan ng mga paaralan sa PRISAA? Marami ng
atletang sinubukang bagtasin ang rurok ng tagumpay
sa kabila ng "kawalan o kakulangan ng suporta" at
pansamantala'y maging popular pagkat nailimbag ang
kanilang nagawa sa mga pang-estudyanteng
publikasyon o promosyon. Hanggang pagpapalimbag na
nga ba? Hanggang padayu-dayong kumpetisyon kung
saang may piyesta na lamang ba? Manalo,
magpakasaya sa buong gabi sa isang night spot at
hintayin ang umaga? Let's aim for the National and
International Events. We can! Gaano ba kataas ang
ating pangarap? Gaano ba kataas tumalon ang isang
MVP? Makakaya ba niyang patumbahin ang mga
naghahariang mga kakumpetensiyang paaralan? Can
we give a good game or just mumble our bitterness
because of a beauty pageant? Kailan naman tayo
sisigaw sa level ng pang UAAP? One hundred years
from now?

Walang bang maayos na sport program? Everyone is
just preoccupied by Imeldific display of lighting
torches. Halos maghingalo na ang noo'y mga buhay na
buhay na guro ng PE. Nirarayuma na ang bawat kasu
kasuan ng mga ito sapagkat nanamlay ang kanilang
aktibidad. Papano'y wala namang malinaw na polisiya.
Wala hindi ba? "How do you make a Champion?" Paulit
ulit lang naman ang mga naglalaro sa basketball diba?
(Performance has never been so bland.) Kaalinsabay
ng ibang sporting event mula track and field,
badminton, tennis, chess, darts, volleyball, etc, sila-
sila na naman (minsan nagdo-double body ang isang
participant... dalawa or tatlo ang sport niya, conflict
tuloy sa schedule. Hindi na nakapagtataka if may
manalo by default.). Bad gaming. Bad schedule. Sila
na naman nung nakaraang taon, sila na naman
ngayon. Dapat kumukumpitensiya na sila sa labas para
"sila" naman na nagsisimula ay "sila naman". Saan ang
motibasyon na dapat ay nakapunla para sa mga
nangangapang freshman? Na-review na ba kung maari
nang isalang ang matagal nang nakaupo sa bangkong
atleta? O dili kaya'y naghihintay na lamang ng suporta
mula sa mga nag eeli-elitistahang student leader kuno
na pre-occupied sa isang napakagarbong "beauty
pageant" sa bawat school event. Pamilyar diba? Tipikal
na Filipino culture, mahilig sa pageant... di ba nga
halos lahat ng sulok may masasabing "pageant" mula
Miss Talipapa, Mr. Suwave, Mrs. Banyera. Pinoy na
Pinoy! Hindi ako nagtatangi sa mag ito pero ano nga
ba ang "sense", ano ang nais na iparating?
Imeldification. Bakit di niyo tignan kung maari niyo ng
palitan ang mga officers ng bawat sporting event?
Bakit hindi pag-aralan ang mga rules kung angkop ba
sa students? Baka naman may marunong sa faculty? o
sa non-teaching employee kaya? Ano naman kaya ang
mensaheng maipaparating nito sa isang baguhang
kolehiyala o high school? How could we erase the
blemishes of cheating? Meron ba?

Isa sa aking sina-saluduhang mga atleta ay ang
naghihingalong Martial Arts team ni Sir Noel Sumingwa.
Opo, ang walang kakupas-kupas na "Dragon" ng LC
martial arts Club. Mantakin niyong kayang kaya niyang
magpa-demonstrate ng routine sa ilalim ng puno ng
santol at sirok ng mangga? Hindi nahihiya ang team na
ibuhos ang kanilang high kick sa ere para lang ipakita
ang abilidad, ang pormang may disiplina. This team
should have a space in the Gym with real equipment!
Alam ni Sir Noel how it's like to have nothing to come
up with something but we can't wait to have
"quantum physics" take its effect. I mean, gosh
having a Champion coach is not enough to motivate
martial artists. This is not classical anime or
something. Martial arts is a discipline that Filipinos are
excelling in and out of the country. International
martial arts enthusiast come to this part of the world
just to train and learn variations from Kali to Sikaran,
etc.. Kaya support what the team deserves.

I met an athlete in a school in Pangasinan, yeah their
gym was in bad shape. The student paper keeps on
publishing how bad the gym was... but then, the lack
does not kill their morale. It sucks but their team was
struggling and they produce Champions. Should they
be given better equipment, their Champions are not
just ordinary Champions. However, when they should
be given a chance to compete in the Nationals, make
a step further to join the Olympic team... Hmmm some
crocodiles kill their hope. Yeah sad but true. Mafias in
the National Team. There's no unity to come up with a
powerful team. You can just feel how that Olympic
coach sighed. OMG! The lack, yeah the Lackl.

Sepak-takraw. Is sipa still our National Sport? Di
naman kasi importante ... (Hahah. No sense of
Nationalism nga ang kabataan ngayon. Biruin niyong
kailangan pang magpalabas ng directive si Sec. Lapus
just to stop playing canned Lupang Hinirang during
Flag Ceremonies. Well, do you still know how to sing
Lupang Hinirang with your heart?); Darn, do we know
how many teams that are viable for any sporting
events? Authorities would boast of the well-publicized
accomplishments of many students who made it to
the national or international arena but the reality is,
they only did little to the development of such talent.
Sad reality. I would say that those who made it to
these scenes are really the lucky ones because they
are well-supported by their parents, if not... let us
give commendation to PTO/PTA for their full support.
Give commendation for the Politician who signed some
clearance and gave financial support out from his own
pocket? (and make sure we dont forget to vote for
him in the next elections.) In most schools, an
athlete is lucky if student leaders will raise funds or do
something for the delegate. Sa barangay nga namin,
mismo yung mga atleta ang nagso-solicit pero
nakakainis, makikita mo lang silang tambay na naman
pagkatapos ng liga. When funds are available, there
are delegates... if non, hmmm maybe look forward for
another event next time or next school year anyway
the final exams are approaching, focus on your studies
instead. The high spirited athlete would go anyway.
Assuption of Risk factor. If he still have PE, inform the
instructor to make an exemption, don't tell other
students they might get jealous. For the remaining
subjects, make-up exams. Enter at your own Risk. Be
a Hero, they would just have to be too proud of the
"bacon" when you are LUCKY but truth is; the school
did only little. This is a sad reality again. Napapansin
ka lang kapag nananalo ka. If natatalo, normally
authorities would rethink of Politics behind the
sporting event: corruption, cheating, etc.; then wala
ng pasasalihin or kaunti na ang suporta the next time
kasi feeling nadaya yung result or di na worthy yung
competition. That should not be the attitude. Mas
masarap kaya ang matalo, at bumagsak, at
bumangon... It's better to fight and avoid
procastinations than to be Impotent. Impotent na
nga, wala pang erection.

We hate Politics in Sport. Some school authorities
really hate it to the point of discouraging inter-school
competitions. Others dance to the music. Can't beat
them, join them. Yeah, the fact that sports should
promote an apolitical environment as in the case when
Pacquiao's fight would allow politicians to enjoy the
fight nor we see the world leaders in Olympics to
convey their support... though the hot part is "We get
more ringings with activists outcry of Freeing Tibet".
No one would dare to talk much in media if a religious
fundamentalist burned himself as a form of protes.
Rather, we would track the medals, see who is the
hot babe or adonis among the athletes. Fact is, We
love sports to death that we are most amazed to see
our heroes demonstrate their world record skills. It is
like being in the game itself- inspiring, empowering,
adrenaline rush, sometimes stupid because it is spoiled
by technicalities and boboos from different factors,
protests due to age, scoreboards, unsportmanlike
behaviour, drugs, and shits. Hate Sports and Love it.
It's like reliving the Gladiator movie.

Worse and more exposes. In public schools... kids are
taught to lie on their age just to have a grip of that
scholarship; never try to break that old rule for the
school's glory. That expose is nothing more different
when that gymnast was asked... Too bad the
Standards imposed does not favor one's winning
strategy. Win, no matter how it takes. Be otherwise,
you'll break the rule then you'll have no future. Yet,
does an athlete ends being an athlete when the Game
is Over?

Sa ganang akin ay...

Sampung bagay na naglalaro sa aking isipan... 1. Nung huli kong makausap ang aking kapatid na lalaki, nabanggit niya ang katagang "racial cleansing" sa harap ng aming diskusyon sa pulitika. Aming napag-usapan ang mga posibilidad kung hindi napatalsik ang rehimeng Marcos... 2. Naninindigan ang aking ina na hindi lehitimong pangulo si PGMA bagamat nasambit kong hindi man lehitimo, sino naman ang karapat dapat? 3.Dalawang beses ko ng nakasalu sa inuman ang aking Ama at ang pinakamahalagang sinabi niya sa akin ay ang paghingi ng kapatawaran sa mga nagawa niya sa amin. 4. Hindi ko lubos maisip kung bakit hindi pa nareresolba kung sino talaga ang pumatay kay Ninoy Aquino. Maraming teorya ngunit mahalaga na sana'y mapahayag kung sino ang may sala. 5. Masyadong mahal ang usapang pangkapayapaan. 6. Nakakatakot pakinggan ang mga religious fundamentalists pero kung hindi ka naman makikinig... wala ka ng ibang magagawa kundi magpalahi... 7. Nakakabahala ang pilosopiya ni Manong Dolphy, wala daw siyang pinagsisihan pero nasusuklam siya sa kanyang sarili. 8. Kung gusto mo ng isang radikal na pagbabago, magpasabog ka ng bomba. Pero, kung katulad ng paunti-unting pagpapasabog lamang, malamang mabagal ang pagbabagong iyan. Ikumpara mo naman ang bomba sa Hiroshima at ang pangyayari sa twin towers; alin ba dito ang pagbabagong gusto mo? 9. Hindi mamamatay ang usaping pangkalayaan. Sino ba ang malaya? 10. Bakit kapa nag-aaral kung alam mong sa huli'y hindi mo naman gagamitin ang iyong pinag-aralan?

CEGP Corner

Campus Press Freedom

Our caucuses on campus situation prove the glaring cases of press freedom violations (CPFVs) in every formation. One of the worst is the case of UPLB Perspective. Direct interference of the university’s high official in the selection process is alarming and enraging.

Other publications remain closed such as The National of National University of Pintig ng Diwa of the Philippine School for Business Administration-Quezon City. Regina, student publication of Assumption University in Pampanga, was closed due to ‘vulgar and immoral language.’

These attacks aim to blunt our opposition to anti-student policies and practices of school authorities. Repression exists where commercialization of education is intense. Still, the Campus Journalism Act of 1991 (RA 7079) is being used by the enemies of press freedom to suppress student papers. Its provision on non-mandatory collection of publication fee results to closure of many student newspapers. Even as the Guild has been calling for the scrapping of the flawed law, the government continues to implement it to our detriment.

To launch an all-out campaign for CPF, all formations must systematize documentation of violations. Ensure that every member-publication accomplish the CPF profile. Submit the accomplished profiles to the National Office in the soonest possible time. Publish regional/provincial report on the situation of the campus press.

In pursuance of our three demands, [Reopen all closed student publications; Establish student papers in schools; End all forms of CPFVs] every formation, especially the chapters, must identify campaign schools with worst cases of CPFVs. Update the N.O. of your specific plans and actions. Our local struggles on campuses must reap concrete gains. Education, propaganda and alliance works are vital.

Sponsor/Co-sponsor forums, alternative classes and other venues for discussing CPF, CJA of 1991 and other issues hounding the campus press. Our objective is to raise the awareness of the most number of students and people.

Particularize the conduct of our CPF Week on July 22-26 and our National Day of Action for Press Freedom on July 25, the Guild’s 71^st anniversary. Inform us as soon as possible. We must unite the most number of students, press freedom and advocates and allies on this issue. We may launch a press conference as a kick-off for this campaign. Design broad and militant build-up activities for NDA. Our aim is to highlight our continuing struggle for press freedom vis-à-vis other democratic rights.

Tuition Hike

This is a hellish school year. Amidst the worsening economic crisis and increases in power and water rates and oil prices, many heartless capitalist educators managed to increase tuition. As a result, there has been an alarming trend of enrolment decline in many colleges and universities. Extended enrolment in many private educational institutions is a clear indication of a commercialized education. Those who cannot afford to pay high fees are compelled to transfer to schools with cheaper education or worse, to stop schooling.

If the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo government were a bit considerate, it should have declared a moratorium on tuition hikes and other fee increases. This year, 376 private schools increased their tuition. The national average of said hikes is 12.33%, equivalent to P36.66 per unit.

Instead, it continues to implement Education Act of 1982—the culprit of deregulation tuition increases. Even its own toothless agency, Commission on High Education, conveniently uses the law as an alibi. It is high time we seriously call and work for the abolition of Education Act of 1982. There is a need to develop it as a tactical fight.

Meanwhile, the sorry state of state colleges and universities has never gone any better with the government’s meager budget for education. Like her ousted predecessor, Macapagal-Arroyo ‘encourages’ SCUs to be self-reliant (read: rely on income generating projects such as privatization of assets and services and tuition hikes). In fact, tuition increases in SCUs reach to as high as 100%. Merging, essentially closure of other SCUs, is rampant.

Release regional/provincial Campus Watch, our monitor of tuition hikes, violations to democratic rights and other anti-student policies. Encourage our publications to write features and investigative reports on the history of tuition hikes vis-à-vis decline in student population, exorbitant fee increases, low salary of faculty members and employees, etc.

Most importantly, our formations must strive to develop anti-tuition hike struggles in schools and win concrete gains.

On July 11, there will be a National You and Student Summit at Balagtas Hall, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Sta. Mesa, Manila. Nearby provinces may end delegation. Other formations may launch similar indoor activities. Primary issues to be discussed in this year’s Summit include Economic Crisis vis-à-vis Rising Cost of Education, Education Act of 1982, Budget for Education and Miniaturization, among others.

Our demands: (1) Stop tuition increases; (2) Allocate higher subsidy to education; (3) Scrap Education Act of 1981; (4) Fight for a nationalistic, scientific and mass-oriented education.

Curriculum Revisions

Under the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo regime, globalization in education continues to escalate. Besides merging the state colleges and universities and lower budget for education, curriculums are revised in adherence to the impositions of International Monetary Fund and World Bank.

In tertiary education, the general education program in the University of the Philippines has been altered. The Revitalized General Education Program (RGEP), masquerading as a liberal program, actually makes nationalism optional. By giving ‘freedom’ to students to choose their subjects, history and social sciences become mere options. Sooner or later, the scheme will be implemented in other state-run schools.

The Millennium Curriculum or Basic Education (BEC) for elementary and high school students prioritizes English, Math, Filipino and Science. All other subjects are lumped together in one subject, Makabayan. At young age, Filipino youth will have their history forgotten, their creativity and skills dulled. Such abrupt and absurd curriculum revision has sown confusion among teachers and students.

Both programs replenish the colonial character of the Philippine educational system. Both aim at molding the Filipino youth into cheap, ‘globally competitive’ labor force for multinational and transnational corporations.

We must strive to expose and oppose these. We may link up with progressive teachers union and associations.

NSTP

The National Services Training Program (NSTP) is even worse than the ROTC as it requires women students to undergo the same nauseating, senseless program of fascist orientation. The NSTP is an insulting response to the students’ overwhelming demand to abolish ROTC.

We must continue to expose and oppose this and call for the scrapping of the NSTP. In particular, we may write investigative articles on the corrupt and violent practices of ROTC officials and intelligence work carried out against progressive student organizations and individuals.

US Interventions

The US and Philippine governments are talking about the extension and widening of the scope of Balikatan exercises, approval of the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement and the participation of US troops in actual combat operations. The MLSA would transform this country into a virtual US military zone.

We must intensify efforts in opposing such blatant military intervention. We must ensure in-depth discussion regarding the issue. Include the topic imperialism in every discussion. Use creative forms of propaganda such as film showing, exhibit, concert, cultural night, etc.

Strengthen/Establish Anti-Imperialist Movement (AIM) of the Youth or any similar alliance against US military intervention in schools and communities.

All information are encouraged to respond to the National Youth Protest to Balikatan on July 4. plan other activities for this issue.

Triple Whammy

As the Gloria-Macapagal-Arroyo regime implements its wages- freeze policy, it tolerates capitalists to increase power rates, water rates and oil prices. Forced by the decrease in her popularity rating, Ms. Macapagal-Arroyo merely pays lip service to the people on the issue of Purchased Power Adjustment (PPA). As a patroness of the deregulation and privatization, she connives with the prize sector in exploiting further the people.

All formations must respond to these economic issues. We must participate and may initiate protest actions regarding these. We may reach out to local associations in communities.

Youth WALKOUT - 18 July 2008

Walang Iwanan

Walang Iwanan...

Gaano tayo katatag sa ating paninindigan? Gaano tayo katagal sa pagtitis sa ating kinasasadlakan? Kailan ka nagmuni-muni kaibigan para sa kinabukasan ng ating bayan? Dili kaya'y sarili mo lamang ang iyong iniisip, pansariling kapakanan, pansariling pangarap...

Tayong lahat ay may pananagutan sa kapuwa. Ang ating mga anak, bilang regalo ni Bathala ay hindi kailanman atin kundi sila'y mga hiram mula sa Dakilang Maykapal upang ipunla sa mabuting lupa at payabungin hanggang sa sila'y makapagbigay ng binhi ng kabutihan.

Ang Pilipino ay hindi isinumpang lahi. Hindi tayo isinumpa para manatiling alipin ng mga dayuhang walang hinangad kundi pairalin ang kanilang batas na sila lamang ang sumulat. Alalahanin natin na ang sagradong dugo at pawis ng mga bayani ay bumuhos sa lupang Hinirang upang ipabatid ang mensahe na tayo'y may sariling pagkakakilanlan. Tayo ay buhay. Tayo ay nabubuhay hindi para yumukod sa mali at baluktot na paninindigan. Tayo ay lumuluha, hindi lamang dahil sa sakit ng katawan kundi sa katotohanang gusto nating sumigaw ng malaya at dumaan sa tahak na hindi niyuyurakan ang ating pagkatao. Ang panahon ay ngayon at ang ngayon ang nagbabadya sa hinaharap.

LETTER OF SUPPORT TO LH FROM FORMER EIC

LH peeps!

I am Karen Michelle Calacal, former editor. In high school we were repressed (LI/Usbong)... in College we pressed and were pressed... While we had our own issues before that we feel Campus Press Freedom was violated, more to say it's more than Repression per se but we have suffered almost all forms (from ignorant and angry teachers, etc.) yet I cannot imagine the "self-control" that we have to condition and impose on ourselves- perhaps because of the idea of fear, prioritizing first our Education/graduating, and some other or personal reasons, etc. Though we have our own share and differences in opinions, I am one with the Lorma Highlights for a variety of reasons; that LH is the only organization that is brave enough to do moral and social responsibility as the YOUTH exercising their DEMOCRATIC FREEDOM in an Academic Environment - that should serve as a breeding ground for the purpose of exercising such RIGHTS.

The role of the student paper does not have to reflect a distorted element of what is really happening to the Environment. This is just one manifestation of our Nation's current status, a picture of a derailed Nation suffering from major crises in the face of weakened leadership and spiritual dilemma. When the questioning mind begins to untangle human constriction, it is inevitable to stop it; for it is human nature to search for answers, to infer and discern TRUTH. We cannot further question when such ideas are more than visible to the naked eye and what a BLIND man can see nor feel with his breath. A man will die but not his ideas.

Though it is undeniable that the publication fee is the lifeline of the paper; SUPPRESSING its distribution is more than a GESTURE of authoritarian power- a kind of leadership that could kill human spirit and hope; ironic to the mission and vision of LC as an institution where it boasts its humble beginnings from a quiet peaceful barrio. The Administration's reaction is a pre-empted damage control.

We cannot deny the fact that CHANGE is inevitable and perfect TIMING is very important and crucial. This is a NEW WAVE of student Idealism taking its FORM. Anyway, there is more to this after College. The real world is not in Lorma and it is true that despite we see forms of injustices and sense of discontentment fired at us, we have to be reminded that this is not a PERFECT world... but at least they could have LISTENED. They should have listened using all their senses because we also CARE and there is a felt need for us to take action and work together. The article published is a clear picture of a desire to walk in a direction, a path to alleviate this sense of emptiness that the Educators and authorities have failed to fill-in because they too are in their own crises situations. The Student-Administration Dialogue is not enough to fill into the gaps; for democracy has no boundaries no matter theories have come out to define it. Lormanians are not IGNORANT and deserve to be respected. If the Academe is still in the DENIAL stage, let the STUDENTS move forward and take their coarse. Fight and stand up for TRUTH you believe in!

Why SUPPRESSION? Because Knowledge is Power so distort it. That's the idea. Whether it could be rationalized as some other way… the TRUTH IS OUT THERE.

Questions I wanna Know about RIZAL

Sa mga kumukuha ng Rizal's Life Works and Writings, may natutunan ba kayo sa mga sensational na pagsasalarawan ng kabataan ni Rizal? Sa paulit-ulit na pagrerecycle ng LECTURE nina Sir at Ma'am ukol sa pagiging kakaiba ni Pepe at sa walang katapusang pagyurak at sobrang OA na pang-iintriga sa di umano'y pagiging babaero ni Dr. JPR? Buhay pa kaya ang tanging LIBRO na tinuring nang Bibliya ng mga College studes sa library? o baka napudpod na ito karu-run sa photoopyiung machine para lamang may mapagrebyuhan. May katuturan pabang manatili sa curriculum ang patungkol kay Rizal? Gayong hindi naman epektibo ang pamamaraan ng pagtuturo nito. Gayoong hindi naman natin nakikita ang isang Rizal sa mga taong namamahala sa ating pamahalaan. Gayoong hindi naman natin naisasapuso ang pagmamahal sa bayan nating api. Simpleng analysis sa pinaka-importanteng pamana ni Rizal: ang Noli Me Tangere at El Filibusterismo; ni hindi alam, ni hindi maiksplika ng mabuti ng mga tagapagturo. Kung sa gayon, tatapusin nalang ang asignatura. Palalampasin na lamang ang kawalan ng buhay sa tipikal na dula-dulaan sa classroom. Basta matapos na lamang ang exams at makakuha ng pasadong grado... Ayos na?

Jasmineflower, kung nabubuhay kapa...
1. Did Rizal really wrote the retraction before his execution as claimed by the Jesuits? What is the role of Masonry in our National Hero's Idealisms?
2.Do you believe that Andres Bonifacio should occupy Rizal's place as National Hero? Did the Americans have a hand on deifying Rizal because of his non-violent approach to Independence?
Last but more to come...
In one of the theories in "pop culture"
3. Do you believe that Rizal's illegitimate children are Adolf Hitler and Yuriko- who have been linked to World War II? What happened to his child with Josephine Bracken: Is it true that the only offspring portrayed in movies was indeed a stillbirth?

Pinatigil ang Pagdistribute ng LH tabloid

This is getting exciting and intriguing. LH people, let the "tabloid" be circulated. Students already paid the publication fee. Besides, students know these issues before you even came up with it, LH acted as their voice since the authorities concerned seems inadequate in giving information that may shed light to these issues. Lahat po ng impormasyon, be it good or bad ay karapatan ng mga estudyanteng malaman. With regards to the authenticity of the reports, estudyante parin po ang bahalang huhusga niyan. It only shows that when an issue is PRINTED implies more than a CONFIRMATION of an issue/s. It only shows how powerful a pen is and what level of LH integrity has. "Wala po sa history ng LH na hindi na-circulate ang diyaryong pang-estuyante." Ang LH ay pag-aari ng estudyante. Do not be intimadated. "Bakit kasi pinakita niyo ang bomba?" Arrrgh! I'll give you a fact, the Black issue was supposed to suffer the same fate but the President said that it is against Law to stop its circulation. (Meaning, he is totally aware of the Law and we respected him more out of that statement. Out of that sincerity that he showed to us, we did our best to become more responsible student journalists.) Since that was a different situation, I would suggest the board to keep things cool. Listen more and be united. (Do not resort to CEGP bara bara ok but listen to whatever they could advice. You don't wanna end-up like UCC right? ). This is time to lay your cards. Remember, no one should be sanctioned because of this (there is no specific sanction in the LC handbook as to press issue is concerned (this is not about the writer/s, this is about the issue/s) since we are governed not by such law but by Freedom of the Press and by CJA). So, if your case reached the conduct board and Admin, Challenge them to make their own press statement to counter your issue/s. No matter what the impact is at stake against LH. You hold the TRUTH (is with evidence and witnesses) you believed in. It is only a sphere that can't be demolished by LIES. Allow them to REACT, compose yourselves and LISTEN. No one should even think of resigning. I am also encouraging you to publish a supplemental issue/position paper. What about the puppet Student leaders? Allow the non-puppets to get involved also. This is not about LH in the first place, it's about students' issue and the Admin's IMMEDIATE ACTIONS to such problems. Sa mga taga-Admin po, hello po. Ma'am Ano, Sir Mainggang, Ma'am Magpali et al. : napapanahon na po na lawakan natin ang ating pang-unawa at isipan ukol sa mga naturang bagay. Huwag po nating ituring na bata at pasaway ang mga Kolehiyalang naghahanap ng kasagutan at kaparaanan. Ito po ay isa lamang sa mga ebidensya na ang bansang Pilipinas ay humaharap sa pang-ekonomiyang krisis. Ang pagpigil sa sirkulasyon ng isang dyaryong pang-estudyante ay pagyurak sa karapatan. Ito po ay isang moral at sosyal na responsibilidad ng LH. Hayaan po ninyong gawin ng LH ang dapat. Ang dapat ay maaaring hindi tama para sa lahat, pero sino po ba ang nakakaalam ng tama para sa lahat kung hindi ginawa ang dapat? Pulsuhan po ninyo ang sangka-estudyantehan at tanungin po ang mga sarili... lalung-lalo na po ang mga guro at pangkaraniwang empleyado. Ito po ay nagpapakitang gising po ang kamalayan ng Lormanian. Kesa pigilan ang isang bagay na maaaring nakakatakot, harapin po natin ng sabay-sabay ang problema at matalinong solusyunan ang mga ito.

When Money is not Enough