Following the recent issues facing the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Rise for Education-PUP (R4E) and Defend PUP held their first Coordinated Alliance Assembly with student councils, organizations, and publications to craft a plan for their campaign for academic freedom and increased funding via Zoom last April 21.
PUP Sentral ng Konseho ng Mag-aaral (SKM) President Kirchhoff Angala and Vice President Benhur Queqquegan led the assembly including student councils from other branches.
𝗟𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝗯𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗨𝗣 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀
Angala noted that most problems fall under the umbrella of the lack of funds due to the budget cut, affecting the safe return of face-to-face classes.
Capital outlay for the building and repair of school facilities took most of the toll, as the school prioritizes operating expenses and the salaries of its personnel.
They also explained the reason behind the power outage at the Mabini campus: with the demolition of the north wing, it affected the power source and halted limited onsite classes.
Angala reported that obtaining the necessary materials to power the generators need to undergo a long process and the school currently has insufficient funds to maintain operation.
The Council also raised the concerns of students staying in dormitories, as they contemplate whether to go home to their provinces or wait for updates from the administration.
Angala added that some depend on their local government for additional funds and loans to pay their campus personnel.
PUP Sta. Maria and PUP Maragondon campuses have already confirmed that the Bachelor of Science in Accountancy (BSA) will be removed from their course offers in the academic year 2023-2024.
𝗔𝗯𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗨𝗣-𝗗𝗡𝗗 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱
Queqquegan recalled the timeline towards the revelation of the university's accord with the DND termination dated January 19, 2022.
The PUP SKM sent an official letter of inquiry regarding the status of the PUP-DND accord after receiving reports that the Department of National Defense (DND) had unilaterally terminated its 1990 Prudente-Ramos agreement, which prohibits unlawful entry of security forces inside the university.
The organization did not receive a reply from the legal office, prompting a quick response team protest outside the Office of the President last April 17 on the issue, including the power outage.
They were given the chance to have a dialogue with Queqquegan and PUP-COC Student Council President Ronjay-C Mendiola as representatives.
The PUP administration confirmed the following day that they received a letter in which the accord was unilaterally terminated by former DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.
University President Manuel M. Muhi and the school administration expressed their disappointment with the decision, asking Lorenzana to reconsider and have a dialogue, but did not receive a reply.
𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
Angala shared that the alliance joins the fight for a “quality, accessible, and democratic” education system that provides for all the needs of the academe.
"Sa mga issues na nabanggit kanina, gusto lang natin na banggitin na talagang bahagi siya ng nabubulok na framework ng kasalukuyang sistema ng edukasyon sa ating bansa," said Angala.
“As a community, nandito tayo to further expose ‘yung ganong framework ng edukasyon na natatamasa natin. To expose ang mga issue na kinakaharap natin sa kasalukuyan at makapag-propose ng mga course of actions that will help us na maipagtagumpay ang ating mga karapatan."
The alliance also reviewed its unity statement and its petition for Higher State Subsidy during the assembly.
A centralized press conference this Wednesday, April 26, was also announced to widen the reach of the campaign. PUP Maragondon also confirmed that it will have its localized press conference on the same date.
The alliance encouraged other bodies to join the fight and release solidarity statements to express the need for a budget increase and academic freedom.
Article: Lourence Angelo Marcellana
Graphics: Cathlyn De Raya
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