Statement of the Student Regent on how the student body shapes One UP

The vision of One University, One UP is exhilarating, because it is as straightforward as can be. We need to unite on common grounds amidst increasing diversity, to hold on to agreements wherever we can find them. At the very least, we have to stand by universal ideals for justice, fairness, fidelity, honesty, and human decency. We face 2012 with the heaviness of last year. In 2011, we campaigned vigorously for greater state subsidy for education and social services. Did you feel how our students strike and the campout animated national social politics? Did you see how the government was put on the defensive by persistent students of society? Our efforts set the tone of public discussion and debates, and portended the type of politics our generation will cultivate. The results were minimal. The legislature approved a P200 million increase in the UP budget, putting thus our total allocation for this year at P5.74 billion, compared to P5.75 million for 2011. The cuts are where it hurts the most: P11 million for personal services, P184 million for maintenance and other operating expenses. Even the UP administration has admitted that ulitmately, to preserve the quality of education, we might be constrained to accept fewer students or offer fewer courses. We also integrated efforts to uphold human rights. UP was keenly involved in the search for Karen and Sherlyn of UP Diliman, and James from UP Baguio; in the campaign to release Ericson and Maricon and other political prisoners; and in the public indignation that followed arrests of UP students for free expression and peaceful assembly. The youth was also an important voice in debates about health, gender, land reform, living wage, and most especially good governance. Nonetheless, the outcome has been dismal. Our missing students are still missing, those in prison still in prison. Even though the students arrested for protesting have been released, they face criminal charges. The bills we want Congress to pass remain unapproved. It seems almost impossible to win the war for social and economic equality. Finally, it is almost embarrassing to report that grandstanding and corruption have found its way into our ranks. The General Assembly of Student Councils (GASC) in UP Miag-ao last December was one of the most fractious and deeply divided assemblies convened. It took a lot of bargaining and decisiveness, in the middle of accusations and libelous statements, to successfully close the GASC. The most disturbing development was that one student was offered an incentive in exchange for a position on the Codified Rules for Student Regent Selection (CRSRS). This is why we have deferred discussions on CRSRS, which will be used to select the new SR in April, pending the report of investigators across the UP system. To be clear, so far, there is no crisis in our institutions. What a relief thus, that we when we moved on to issue reports and the collation of efforts to help victims of Typhoon Sendong. Such show of solidarity and unity counterweighed earlier conflict, but we need more tactics to stave off disappointment and disillusionment that follows such serious misconduct. We count as victories the everyday moments when we find ourselves connected, united, collective. And even though we debate and discuss, we make it healthy and productive. As we critique our leaders, we make it constructive and not simply unfounded or malicious. As we do our schoolwork, we make it count not only for ourselves but for others. It is a difficult and immense challenge, but this is how we can all sing, Mabuhay ang pag-asa ng bayan, at the end of our hymn, with all the sincerity of our heart. Onward to One University for the People. Krissy Conti, UP Student Regent January 6, 2012 ======================================

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