Welcome

Welcome to the Econ Rep’s official multiply site! As the Economics Representative, my duties and responsibilities are purely external in nature. So one thing I want to accomplish in this site is to inform the students of what we do and what we are doing in the service of the students and the Filipino people here in the Office of the Economics Representative. On a regular basis, this site will provide information on the campaigns, services and activities of the School of Economics Student Council (SESC) and the University Student Council (USC).

The blog will be used mainly for commentary on issues ranging from those within our University to those issues at the national and international level that are relevant and with emphasis to those issues that concern economics. Readers, not only students of the School of Economics, are free to comment on the articles posted. Most of the articles here will be written by me personally and will offer my personal opinions, thoughts and observations. Some articles will come from contributing writers who are part of the Volunteer Corp of my office. The goal of this blog is for all of us to gain from the pooling of ideas and opinions and engage in intellectual discourse.

Cheers,

Pierre Martin Reyes
Economics Representative

Announcement

Hi! This is Pierre Martin Reyes, your School of Economics Representative- Elect.

This blog is intended to update the School of Economics studentry about the University Student Council. Updates about the summer activities and campaigns of the School of Economics Student Council (SESC) will be posted here while our new SESC website is still under construction. Also, I would like to inform you that the Econ rep blog will be integrated in that site as well. For the time being, I will keep you posted through this site.

Please feel free to provide questions, comments and suggestions. You may email me at econ.rep@gmail.com

SESC Position Paper on the Rice Crisis

The UP School of Economics Student Council (SESC), in its commitment to make the study of economics relevant to the needs of the Filipino people, puts forward a position paper on the rice crisis. In behalf of the other members of the SESC, I am happy to inform you that the position paper is now available for download.

Download here


For comments and inquiries about the position paper, feel free to email me at econ.rep@gmail.com



Thank you!


Pierre Martin Reyes
Economics Representative-Elect

When all good things must finally come to an end

When all good things must finally come to an end
Thanksgiving and closing message
Marian Panganiban
School of Economics Representative, 2007-2008

There are those who view the University Student Council (USC) as the pinnacle of student leadership where the best and brightest students gather to serve the university. The there are those who view it as nothing more but an empty, gold-plated shell – illustrious only for its past prestige but not for its present substance. After being part of it for almost a year, I can say it is neither.

Like any team charged with the responsibility of executing vital tasks, the USC is riddled with many organizational problems. The call for me as a college representative was to bring in the high standard of professionalism and work ethic typical of Econ students but sadly quite unheard of in the past USCs. The goal was to make the USC a locus of empowered leaders who are accountable to the people they serve. As much as possible, we wanted to make the USC truly a gathering of the best and brightest student-leaders, no matter how difficult the process is – hence the first semester theme, “Bringing out the best in you, delivering the best from Econ.”

But the challenge remains for the USC to be truly responsive and relevant to UP students, particularly Econ students. How do we capture the imagination of Econ students so that once again they’ll find in the USC the inspiring leadership they are looking for? So we explored new venues through which we can tap and inform more students, we “blazed new trails,” so to speak. We invested our efforts in making information about the USC more accessible, brought high-profile leaders to engage students in the discussion of national issues, and helped produce and distribute the pioneering UP Centennial Planner – all novel efforts the hopefully will outlast my stay in office.

All these efforts were made possible because of a hardworking and dedicated team of staff members (volunteers) of the Office of the Economics Representative. The committee did not formally exist nor function before but I am very happy to say that it has played a pivotal role in realizing our goal of making the USC – especially the College Representative – felt by the students, and of providing a viable training ground for future student leaders.

I’ve always believed that a good leader knows how to inspire train other people to become leaders themselves; beyond all our pioneering and concrete achievements, it is them that I am most proud of. So to the seniors of the committee – Fatima, Jaymie, Golda, and Brylle – your wide experience and overwhelming willingness to help saved me in times of stress. To Billie, my Chief-of-Staff and wonder girl, whose creativity, initiative, and outstanding potential are only collectively exceeded by her humility. To the ever-bibo sophies – Audrey, Gene, Monique, Joel, Pakaye, you always manage to lighten our meetings and our work load with your amazing energy and sense of humor. I feel very optimistic about Econ’s future with you around to help SESC. And to our sole freshie, Niki, who was brave enough to take the challenge of being part of one of the more demanding committees of SESC - you epitomize your batch’s exceptional involvement in council events. Hopefully, the experience motivated you more to serve UPSE.

My term has officially ended and I have successfully turned-over the maintenance of the Econ Rep Blog to Pierre Reyes, our next College Representative, as well as my other functions in the council. I trust him well enough to make everything fun, exciting, and purposeful in the council the way we have this year.

This year has been one of the most tiring but fulfilling years of my life. Hopefully, while the USC is still far from being the pinnacle of student leadership we envision it to be, our efforts led it closer to making that vision a reality. It was a privilege to work for the USC, a great pleasure to work with the SESC, but the greatest satisfaction came from serving you.

USC Elections 2008

Results of the 2008 University Student Council Elections can be found through this link courtesy of the Philippine Collegian.

GMA Out

Be part of the 600 iskolars ng bayan calling for truth and accountability. Join us on March 15, 5pm, in our solidarity activity with our GMA OUT human formation with 600 UP students clamoring for genuine democracy. Let us show GMA that we have had enough.

University Student Council
2007-2008

AT THE FOREFRONT

AT THE FOREFRONT
USC Statement on the current national situation
Distributed last Advocacy for Sustained Accountability and Reform (ASAR) protest action last February 22.


The Arroyo Administration has gone far enough. The current scandal involving the National Broadband Network (NBN) has to be the last straw.

Now, we find ourselves caught in the national drama unfolding with Jun Lozada blowing the whistle on Gloria Macapagal Arroyo accusing First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo and former COMELEC Chair Benjamin Aalos of receiving an obscene amount of money for the ZTE NBN project. Malacanang also allegedly intervened by hindering him from testifying on the issue before the Senate.

This is definitely now what we deserve. Scandal after scandal, we have witnessed how the Arroyo administration has shamelessly made a mockery of the trust we have given to it. Not too long ago, this administration has been plagued by the fertilizer scam and the Hello Garci scandal; but even before it has absolved itself, it is now again being plagued by another one. Arroyo has gone far enough and we, the Filipino people, have had enough. We have had enough corruption. We have had enough of scandals. And we have had enough of Gloria Macapagal Aroyo. She must step down now.

But this cannot be translated to our desired result with our seeming culture of tolerance that allows those who commit crimes against the nation escape unscathed. At this important juncture in history, we Iskolars ng Bayan, must act. Let us not be limited by the vague alternatives, yet let us be empowered by our clear agenda. We know what we want and what we need for this country and it is high time that we be at the forefront for the struggle for social justice in order to bring back genuine democracy.

We, the University Student Council of UP Diliman, call on our fellow Iskolars ng Bayan to be on with the Filipino people in various forms of action seeking the removal of Arroyo from the Presidency, ultimately ensuring the attainment of our goals as a nation. We urge our fellow students to join the mobilization led by the Law Student Government (LSG), which will be attended by Jun Lozada, today at 5:00pm at the College of Law Lobby. There will be assemblies at Vinzons Hall, Palma Hall, and other key points around the Academic Oval at 3:30pm. The contingent from the College of Law will lead the march around the Academic Oval which shall terminate the program venue.

FIGHT FOR ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY!
UPHOLD GENUINE SOCIAL JUSTICE AND DEMOCRACY!
GMA OUT NOW!!!



University Student Council
University of the Philippines - Diliman

A.S.A.R.A.N. na!

FRIDAY
February 22, 2008
A.S.A.R.an
Advocacy for Sustained Accountability and Reform

The UP Law Community urge you to fight for Truth and Accountabilty. We persist in our call for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo' s resignation, and this Friday's convergence is OUR STAND against the administration's continued refusal to publicly condemn the corruption and bribery in the ZTE-NBN deal.

The UP Law Student Government, in cooperation with the Ateneo Law and UST Student Councils, is inviting all organizations, fraternities, sororities, professors and students to be ONE this Friday, February 22. Please assemble at your respective colleges at 3:00 pm, and march into Malcolm Hall (LAW) by 4 pm. We will be joined by Mr. Jun Lozada at 5 pm.

Please wear WHITE.

Filing of Candidacy for UP SESC now official

Consultative Forum for the next UPD Chancellor

Students are invited to attend the consultative forum and hear the nominees for UP Diliman Chancellor on February 12 (Tuesday) at the NISMED Auditorium, 9am to 12 noon. The two nominees for Chancellorship are incumbent Chancellor Sergio S. Cao and Prof. Ma. Serena Diokno.

Any U.P. constituent may ask questions or bring issues to the attention of the search committee by emailing 2008upchancellor@gmail.com. Please identify yourself when asking questions.

Click here for more details.

USEB, USET formed for 2008 USC elections

The Office of Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs recently released a memo announcing the members of the University Student Electoral Board (USEB) and University Student Electoral Tribunal (USET). The names were chosen from a list submitted by the University Student Council 2007-2008.

University Student Electoral Board (USEB)
Prof. Teresita Barrameda, CSWCD
Prof. Solomon Lumba, Law
Mr. Michael Tiu, School of Economics
Ms. Tatia Rashid, School of Statistics

University Student Electoral Tribunal (USET)
Prof. Teresa de Villa, UPIS
Prof. Vladimir Gonzales, CAL
Prof. Herman Kraft, CSSP

Election Coordinator: Dr. Oscar P. Ferrer
Assistant Election Coordinator: Ms. Olivetti Carullo


For the complete schedule of the 2008 University Student Council Elections, check the SE 101 Bulletin Board.

UP Fair Nights Preview

Click on the images to enlarge.

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Convocation on UP Charter held

The Office of the Student Regent recently held a University Convocation on the new UP Charter last Friday, January 25, 1-4pm at the Malcolm Theater, College of Law. The convocation highlighted the new charter's provisions on the Board of Regent composition and selection and utilization of idle assets.

Here is a soft copy of the new UP Charter.


And here is a link to UP ETC's discussion guide on the issue.

UP Fair Shirt Design

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Memo on ACLE class suspension

MEMORANDUM NO. SSC-08-04

TO: All Deans, Heads of Academic Units, Faculty and Students
SUBJECT: Alternative Classroom Learning Experience (ACLE)

The University Student Council (USC) through its Education and Research Committee will be holding once again its Alternative Classroom Learning Experience (ACLE) on Thursday, January 24, 2008 from 12 noon to 5:00pm at different venues within the UP Diliman Campus. Encouraged by its successful completion of previous ACLEs, the USC has lined up simultaneous workshops, fora, seminars, and others.

In line with this, classes are suspended on Thursday, January 24, 2008 from 12 noon to 5:00pm. Please send your students to this activity. The USC will issue attendance cards to participants to be presented to their respective professors afterwards.


(Sgd.) Sergio S. Cao
Chancellor

Go the Extra MILES 2008: A Marketing Seminar for Org Leaders

The University Student Council Finance Committee and UP Junior Marketing Association recently held the third leg of M.I.L.E.S (Marketing in Leadership and Excellence Seminar) at the College of Science Auditorium last January from 9 to 4pm. Organization leaders were trained on the basics of project management, sponsorship marketing, and public relations by JMA alumni, College of Business Administration professors, and industry leaders. Free kits and food were provided for organizations who pre-registered.

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c

ACLE list of approved topics as of January 13, 9pm

Organization	Topic
NNARA - YOUTH	Alingawngaw ng mga Punglo
UP Lingua Franca	Tesol- teaching English as second and other language
UP AME	Anime and Politics
Pugad Sayk	Arnis
Creed	My Piano
EURO	EU-la-la
Broad Guild	dubbing into Filipino of foreign TV shows
ETC	peso appreciation: a two-edge sword
KMS	makapilipinonmg sosyolohiya
Club of Environment and Tourism	Batanes: home of true Inculares
Kalilayan	Birds of the same feather, let's watch them together
PsycA	"Umaaraw, Umuulan"
EdCirc	100 years of exchanging excellence
MMC	Math= Infinite Opportunities
KEM	"Happy Feet" and an Educational Discussion on Pollutant effects and environmental protection
OPTICS	Going Lomo!
Ex Libris UP	Pride and Prejudice
Variates	Mga Pusang Gala
CSA	Wushu
SOCCKSARGEN	Kalingawan: presentation of food and festivals in soccksargen
SAPUL	Increasing Technology: Linking Technological Advancement in Arts and Political Socialization
Praxis	The University of the Philippines as a Totem
UP Prime Movers/ APSM	The politics of power dressing
jambangan	Zamboanga hermosa: Asia's Latin City
ALCHEMES	straight Talk on Homosexuality
PsychSoc	Psychology of Laughter
Subol Society	100 feet below the sea: Giant Pusit and other myths
Haring Ibon	Preservation of Species
Agham Youth	Science and Technology Park in UP
Beta Sigma Ladies Corps	100 ways to give love
AnthroSoc	pagbabalik tanaw sa 100 taong pakikibaka ng UP: Antropolohikal na pagtingin
IBALON	Resiklo: a recycling and waste management workshop
Babaylan	Religion as a Foundation of Gender Roles
Circa	Clockwork Orange
CNS/ Pro-Gay-Lesbond/ Gabriela	Laman, Laman, bakit ka Pinagkakaguluhan: Diskurso sa Libog at Lipunan
JPGS	filmshowing: Numbers
Explore	Filmshowing: Endangered Tales: Philippine Biodiversity
STPA	Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines
DOST SA	Rubiks Cube
PAFT- Alpha	OK ka ba Tiyan?
Tomo Kai	Kakabakaba Ka Ba?
UP ASTERISK	NOVIEMBRE- The Special ACLE Run
Catandungan	Film Showing: An inconvenient Truth
Art Studies Siciety	Sitar/ Jazz Music Talk
Pi Sigma Delta Sorority	Filmshowing: Crash
Sigma Alpha Sorority	Real beauty of women
ASCEnt	Araling Kpalaran: Experience Astrology and Fortune Telling
UP Guilder Institute	Environment and Business
UP Business and Service Administrators of the Philippines	Making Money with Food
BREAD	Sweet Torture o Kung paano nabubuo ang hororscope ng isang bansa
StatSoc	Breakingdown Media Survey
SPECA	The Filipino English: common mistakes in English made by Pinoys
UP SHARP	Chef-to-go
Geological Society	Is it just me or is it hot? (great Global warming swindle)
Kustura	I-NET ng Pagmamahalan

USC Statement of Cash Flows, First Semester, AY 2007-2008

Balance, June 1, 2007									Php 344,995.71
Inflows:
	c/o UP	Collections from Student Fund						Php 121,035.00
	c/o UP	Collections from Facilities Rental of Vinzon's Hall						28,313.25
	c/o UP	Interest Income						40,556.26
	Ways and Means	Sponsorship from Toblerone						10,000.00
	Ways and Means	Collections from Baller ID's*						21,700.00
	Academics Concerns	Sponsorship from Chocolate Kiss						5,000.00
	Education and Research	Sponsorship from OICA						17,000.00
	Sports and Fitness	Collections from Cerealicious						1,165.80
	Finance	Collections from Go the Extra MILES2						1,550.00
	Finance	Collections from Rummage Sale						867.50
	Miscellaneous	Advances from USC Members						33,620.43
	Miscellaneous	Collections from Pacquaio-Barrera Match						7,900.00
			Total Inflows						288,708.24
Outflows:
	Secretariat	Office Supplies					Php 2,207.20
		Office Maintenance and Renovation					12,154.75
			Subtotal					14,361.95
	Finance	Go the Extra MILES1					1,122.00
		Go the Extra MILES2					1,428.00
		HATCH					2,600.00
			Subtotal					5,150.00
	Mass Media	Freshie Guidebook					7,830.00
		Oblation Newsletter - 1st					15,770.00
		Oblation Newsletter - 2nd					35,000.00
		USC Tarp and Banner					590.48
			Subtotal					59,190.48
	Ways and Means	Manufacturing Cost for Baller ID's					30,000.00
			Subtotal					30,000.00
	Academics Concerns	Scholarship Fair					873.50
			Subtotal					873.50
	Culture and the Arts	CCA Primer					342.00
		Likha					500.00
		Miscellaneous					208.00
			Subtotal					1,050.00
	Education and Research	Alternative Classroom Learning Experience					25,403.75
		Pa-kape and Pa-bluebook					2,000.00
			Subtotal					27,403.75
	Environment	Clean-up					1,350.00
			Subtotal					1,350.00
	Freshmen	Welcome Freshmen Tarps					1,080.00
			Subtotal					1,080.00
	Gender	Go GAGA!					690.75
		Gender Desks					250.00
		Poetry Night					1,295.00
		Pride Week					1,380.00
			Subtotal					3,615.75
	Sports and Fitness	LCC Tournament					2,022.00
		CHK Week					1,500.00
			Subtotal					3,522.00
	Students' Legal Aid and Action	Human Security Act Forum					1,420.00
		Bar Operations					405.00
			Subtotal					1,825.00
	Students' Rights and Welfare	SONA Week					552.00
			Subtotal					552.00
	Miscellaneous	Org Recognition Day					5,000.00
		Payment of USC0607 Payables					17,205.20
		Protest Action - Fraternity Violence					2,300.00
		All Leaders Conference					1,830.00
		Printing and Photocopying					109.00
		Use of Electricity					50.00
		Refund of Student Fund					124.40
			Subtotal					26,618.60
			Total Outflows						(176,593.03)
Net Cash Inflow (Outflow)									112,115.21
Balance, October 31, 2007									Php 457,110.92
	Cash in Bank, University Student Council								273,650.52
	Cash in Bank, University Student Council-50% Share in Vinzon's Hall Rentals								166,230.92
	Cash on Hand								17,229.48
	TOTAL CASH								Php 457,110.92
*The USC is expecting an additional P26,200 (receivables) in cash from the sale of baller ID's.
Prepared by:							Noted by:
(Signed)							(Signed)
Maria Dalisay King							Shahana Abdulwahid
BS Business Administration and Accountancy							MA Islamic Studies
Councilor; Finance Committee Head							Chairperson
University Student Council - Diliman							University Student Council - Diliman

You will find in this link the Statement of Cash Flows the UP Diliman-University Student Council for the First Semester, 2007-2008 in .pdf form.

Thank you.

Innovations on the Application for Recognition from OSA

January 04, 2008

TO: ALL HEADS OF STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

HEADS OF FRATERNITIES AND SORORITIES

FACULTY ADVISERS

SUBJECT: INNOVATIONS ON THE APPLICATION FOR RECOGNITION

Greetings of Harmony and Abundant Blessings for 2008!

This is to officially inform you about some innovations on the application for student organization recognition effective this coming school year.

First, We are reducing the number of forms compared to previous years, and are now working it out to be downloadable from the internet. As soon as we are ready with the templates, we will upload it on the OVCSA website. This is part of our advocacy for a paperless society or, at least, minimizing on the use of paper and essentially on cutting trees.

Second, we are strongly recommending that all student organizations applying for recognition would attend and participate in two orientation seminars, which are part of OSA’s advocacy agenda in support of the Campaign for Peace, Security and Violence-free UP Campus:

1. Leadership Orientation and Workshop, conducted by this office, and
2. The Gender Perspective Training, which is conducted jointly by the UP-Gender Office and USC Committee on Gender Responsiveness.

The certificates of attendance to be issued henceforth will form part of the required documents to be submitted upon application.

Please coordinate with Ms. Olivet A. Carullo, Office of Student Activities, for your final schedules.

Please be guided accordingly. Thank you for your cooperation.

In solidarity with all of you,

(SGD) Prof. DR. Oscar P. Ferrer

Be part of the USC Community Fair!

The Community Fair is an annual project of the University Student Council, in line with its mission of serving not only the student body, but the other sectors of the UP Community as well.

This year, it will be held on January 26, 2008 at the Dagohoy Basketball Court in Barangay Dagohoy, UP Campus.

All organizations wishing to participate may contact us to inform us of their willingness, and the service they are wishing to offer. All orgs may also choose among the following services which were developed in coordination with the local leaders of the target community:

- Reproductive Health and VAW (Violence Against Women)

- Nursery (Children's Games and Storybook Reading for Children)

- LGBT Rights

- Dental Mission

- Diet Plan/Nutritional Advice

- Livelihood Skills Training

- Leadership Training

- Film Showing

More than one organization may offer the same service, to lessen the logistical burden on the organization. In fact, we recommend that more than one organization offer a given service.

This year, we aim to make the Community Fair more attuned to the needs of the UP Community, especially the target communities in which the Fair will be held. Many of us have been accustomed to the concept of community service as a one-time thing, such as a medical mission, or a donation of goods to the residents. While we do not discourage this practice, we wish to complement this by accompanying these services with an information campaign regarding the rights of the residents and other information relevant to their daily lives.

In line with this, all interested organizations must hold workshops on either January 16, 19 or 20, to coordinate with other organizations within their service cluster. Aside from that we will also invite resource persons to provide insights on basic human rights and issues related to the service your organization will be offering.

Please contact the Community Rights and Welfare Committee through the following number: 09272539215, or email us at radulce@gmail.com

Abdulwahid is official student-regent elect by GASC

Shahana Abdulwahid, UP Diliman University Student Council chairperson, is the official student regent-elect of the General Assembly of Student Councils (GASC) convened last December 21 to 22 at UP Baguio by current Student Regent Terry Ridon. Abdulwahid was elected from four student nominees from UP Baguio, UP Los Banos, and UP Manila after much deliberation and discussion. The other nominees from each campus respectively are: Deo Florence Onda, Ruel Gongora, and Jose Tenorio. Abdulwahid garnered 14 votes all in all, two votes each from UP Baguio, UP Diliman, UP Los Banos, UP Manila, UP in the Visayas, UP in Mindanao and one vote each from UP Extension Program in San Fernando, Pampanga andUPV Tacloban College. The designation of votes for each unit is designated by the Codified Rules of Student Regent Selection as approved last October 29's GASC in UP Los Banos.

Abdulwahid now awaits her official appointment to the Board of Regents by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

To read the vision-mission and the curriculum vitae of each nominee, click on the following links:

Deo Florence Onda (UP Baguio)
Shahana Abdulwahid (UP Diliman)
Rula Yael Gongora (UP Los Banos)
Jose Ignacio Tenorio (UP Manila)

The GASC's agenda can be found here.

About the UP Centennial Kick-Off

Here is an article from the multiply site of Jan Robert Go, UP Manila College of Arts and Science Student Council Chair, on the UP Centennial Kick-off.

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A HUGE MOTORCADE participated in by the different units of the University of the Philippines System from across the country will highlight the UP System Centennial Launching on January 8, 2008 that will kick off celebrations for the State University’s 100 years of existence.

The UP Alumni Association, the organization spearheading the kick-off activities, announced that the motorcade will start from the University of the Philippines campus in Padre Faura, Manila -- where the first UP campus was first established in 1908 – and will proceed to UP Diliman in Quezon City beginning at 12 noon.

UPAA President Ponciano E. Rivera Jr. said the Manila convoy will then be joined by other motorcades originating from UP Baguio, UP Pampanga and UP Los Baños and will converge with the UP Diliman contingent along Quezon Avenue at an appointed time. The grand motorcade is expected to enter the Diliman campus at about 4 pm, after which a series of grand launching ceremonies will unfold.

Lion dancers, ati-atihan performers and a host of UP dance groups will welcome the motorcade in front of the Oblation statue where a big crowd of alumni, students, faculty, staff, supporters and well-wishers are already gathered. Sky jumpers bearing the emblem of the various UP campuses will land in the open area near the College of Mass Communication.

Ten tambuli players will then blow their horns from atop the Administration building, amid the ceremonial firing of 100 rockets (“kwitis”) to announce the start of the program.

100 torches will be relayed around UP Diliman’s Academic Oval, with the first flame being lit by a 100-year old alumnus. The last flame will be lighted by UP President Emerlinda Roman, who will then proceed to light the UP Flame, as all the flaming 99 torches are extinguished. Simultaneous with the lighting of the cauldron, the “UP @ 100” lights display at the Quezon Hall go on and the grandly lit trees around the academic oval come to life, making the UP campus blaze with lights on its centennial.

One hundred rifle shots will be fired into the air by the UP Rifle Team, ushering in the announcement by President Roman that the UP Centennial Year is open.

A free concert featuring internationally acclaimed UP alumni, among them, the Philippine Madrigal Singers, Ryan Cayabyab, the UP Symphonic Orchestra, Nanette Inventor, and UP Symphonic Band follows at the UP Amphitheater. The evening will be capped by a grand fireworks display.

All UP alumni and friends are invited to take part in this historic event. For inquiries, please call 9818500, local 2589 or 2590 or send a fax via 632-9282947.

UP Econ and Ateneo Councils head First Senate Inquiries

UP Econ and Ateneo Councils head First Senate Inquiries

By Golda P. Cainglet

Published in SIDHI, the Official Student Publication of the UP School of Economics

December 2007

Senators Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and Francis “Chiz” Escudero were the main guests in the first-ever Senate Inquiries held at the Henry Lee Irwin Theater, Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) last December 7, 2007 from 4 to 7pm. UP School of Economics (SE) professor, Solita Collas-Monsod was the facilitator of the event.

The Senate Inquiries: A look into the pertinent issues of the youth today, was a venue for students from different schools to address their concerns directly to the senators. The main topics of inquiry revolved around the state of Philippine education, Philippine economic growth and development and the politicization of the military. Panelists include Rob Roque of Ateneo de Manila, Marian Panganiban of UP Diliman, and Ms. Levie Cequena of New Gen.

Other questions ranged a number of topics including the plight of the Sumilao farmers and the Trillanes stand-off. When asked if they would run for higher office in the 2010 elections, Mr. Pangilinan said he would answer it in a year while Mr. Escudero said “May plano, wala pero may pangarap, oo”.

University Student Council Chairpersons Shahana Abdulwahid (UPD), Karl Satinitigan (ADMU), and Reyner Villasenor (UST) also took part in the event as they tackled campus and national issues with the senators and the audience.The affair culminated with a concert by Urbandub hosted by MTV Pilipinas.

The Senate Inquiries was organized by the Office of the Economics representative to the University Student Council (USC) under Marian Panganiban together with the ADMU Sanggunian through Committee on Social Concert and Involvement Chair Faith Raagas. Partner groups included NEWGEN and the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Leadership Center.

P Econ and Ateneo Councils head First Senate Inquiries

By Golda P. Cainglet

Published in SIDHI, the Official Student Publication of the UP School of Economics

December 2007

Senators Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and Francis “Chiz” Escudero were the main guests in the first-ever Senate Inquiries held at the Henry Lee Irwin Theater, Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) last December 7, 2007 from 4 to 7pm. UP School of Economics (SE) professor, Solita Collas-Monsod was the facilitator of the event.

The Senate Inquiries: A look into the pertinent issues of the youth today, was a venue for students from different schools to address their concerns directly to the senators. The main topics of inquiry revolved around the state of Philippine education, Philippine economic growth and development and the politicization of the military. Panelists include Rob Roque of Ateneo de Manila, Marian Panganiban of UP Diliman, and Ms. Levie Cequena of New Gen.

Other questions ranged a number of topics including the plight of the Sumilao farmers and the Trillanes stand-off. When asked if they would run for higher office in the 2010 elections, Mr. Pangilinan said he would answer it in a year while Mr. Escudero said “May plano, wala pero may pangarap, oo”.

University Student Council Chairpersons Shahana Abdulwahid (UPD), Karl Satinitigan (ADMU), and Reyner Villasenor (UST) also took part in the event as they tackled campus and national issues with the senators and the audience.The affair culminated with a concert by Urbandub hosted by MTV Pilipinas.

The Senate Inquiries was organized by the Office of the Economics representative to the University Student Council (USC) under Marian Panganiban together with the ADMU Sanggunian through Committee on Social Concert and Involvement Chair Faith Raagas. Partner groups included NEWGEN and the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Leadership Center.

Students grill senators in forum
by Karl Louie B. Fajardo and Nikko Carlo A. Tolentino
Article from The Guidon, the Official Student Publication of the Ateneo de Manila University

ALTHOUGH SENATOR Francis Pangilinan has always spoken with the youth, it was his first time to meet young people with “very difficult” questions. “And it’s a good sign,” he said.

“It is an indication that young people are affected by what happened here.”

Pangilinan and Senator Francis Escudero were the guests at the Senate Inquiries on December 7 at the Henry Lee Irwin Theater.

The Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral, together with the University of the Philippines School of Economics Student Council, and New Gen sponsored the forum. New Gen is a group encouraging the youth to participate in political reform.

UP professor and economist Winnie Monsod facilitated the program. Students from the Ateneo, UP-Diliman, and De La Salle University attended the forum.

The sponsors also worked with youth projects and institutions such as the Ateneo School of Government, Simbahang Lingkod Bayan, Citizens of Good Example, and Bantay Pangako.

“It’s good to have talks like this,” Escudero said in an interview with The GUIDON. “It gives opportunities [for] dialogue between the senate and the youth.”

Stands in three minutes

Student representatives asked Pangilinan and Escudero’s stands on issues like the state of Philippine education, Philippine growth and development, and the politicization of the military. The senators were given three to five minutes to give their stand on the issues.

Pangilinan said that the Philippine educational system is in crisis because of a lack of funds.

“We won’t be able to address our ability to compete [with other countries] … We have to throw money on education and make sure that they are spent correctly,” Pangilinan said.

Escudero also said, “There are two things to be done: one, provide more money to education, and two, [the Department of Education] should learn to plan ahead.”

On Philippine growth and development, Pangilinan and Escudero said that while the macro-economic indicators show the progress of the country, the government must focus on micro-economics.

Escudero, meanwhile, also responded to the issue on the politicization of the military. He said that a soldier is free to
leave the military if he has grievances against the institution.

An open forum was also held where students raised questions based on the three issues discussed.

A good sign

According to Pangilinan, he looks forward to speaking with young people.

“[Young people have] so much energy, so much dynamism,” he said in an interview with The GUIDON.

Pangilinan added, “The presenters, in this case the academe, gave us perspective, provided us feedback and quotes, and at the same time the young speakers gave us insights to challenge us to get involve in changing the nation.”

Quotable Quotes: From the two Francis (Escudero and Pangilinan) and Urbandub

Q: Should people trust their government?
Chiz: The government? In general? Yes. This government no.
Kiko: I don't think so.

Q: What will you do to encourage people to trust this government?
Kiko: Why should I encourage people to trust this one when I myself don't trust it.

Q: Do you have plans to run for higher office?
Chiz: Libre mangarap. Pangarap meron ako. Plano, wala...
Kiko: Sharon and I talk about running for higher office. I tell her, bagay yata ako maging First Gentleman.

Q: What do you think of subsidizng the MRT fare after its buy-out?
Chiz: In general, I am against subsidies because they are not sustainable.

Q: Ano ang iyong konsepto ng pagkakaisa?
Kiko: Ano ba muna ang pinagkakaisahan?...Para sa akin, nagkakaisa dapat tayo tungo sa makabuluhang pagbabago.

Q: Your thoughts on corruption

Chiz: The highest government of the land must not only be perceived as not steal but must also not tolerate any act of stealing.

Urbandub: Kami lang ang bandang makapagsasabing naging opening act namin ang mga senador!