Journal blog for socio 10

2009-10-16T23:31:00.000+08:00

To God be the Glory

Has Roman Catholicism been positive/ detrimental to the Philippines?

First, I would like to share this poem I made as a supposed journal entry. I made this poem before discussions about government and religion were all held. Now, at the end of the class, I would like to ponder upon this poem again and explore it a little further. I wish to either prove or debunk the contents of this poem using what I have grasped from the previous Socio 10 meetings.

To God be the Glory
By MJ Ching

Of more than three hundred years
Under a disparaging dominance,
We, the ignoble indios partook
In such a devout countenance

Christianity is the greatest remnant
Of the sneering Spaniards, indeed
Razing the indios’ ancient tenets
To drill their noblest creed

Now, more than a century transgressed
With this vestige of faith sustained
Catholicism, though apart from state
Has its morality decrees maintained

Discerned as a Christian state,
We persist to abide to the doctrine
With this fair coercion to be moral,
We avoid the occasion to sin.

Perfidious wrongs are committed
At this age of intrepid existence
But religion implanted us the decency
To contrite with upright conscience

Our faith alleviates the dreariness
Of the nation’s destitution
Faith grants us the chance to hope
And yearn for future redemption.

Aside from the emotional assistance,
Moral and physical aid are contrived
As religious bodies are always of relief
To the afflicted, abused and deprived

The church takes part each time
The Filipinos are in downcast confusion
Whether in political or social crises,
Our Christian faith unifies the nation.

Through religion, we become one,
In mass grief and prayer rallies,
In times of despair, clergy prays for us,
As one with their devout allies.

Espousing this sectarian conviction
Even with self-righteous ones at hand,
Catholicism has indeed been amenable
And resplendent to our home land

Now, as one can infer, I implied that religion has in fact been positive to our country. I still somewhat agree to my poem (as I presented it as a journal entry with even more conviction), however, as the classes progress, and more debates and deliberations were conducted, my fairly strong adherence to the inference of my poem somewhat decreased.

Roman Catholicism, as well as any other religions, is legitimately separated from the state as per the constitution. However, because of its great influence and long existence, the Philippines, even with its secularist observance is considered and is referred to as a Roman Catholic/ Christian country. This is probably so because majority of Filipinos are Catholic and we recognize and ensure to sustain a strong involvement of the Roman Catholic clergy in particular of the state affairs. Having also said that Filipinos abide by the moral values taught by the Catholic Church is another testimony of the said reference. But has Roman Catholicism been really an encouraging influence on the Philippines? It has been constructive on the grounds of establishing morality and the aspect of “goodness”, perhaps. But has Roman Catholicism done a great impact or influence that can actually uphold the country’s pursuit towards development? What has Christianity actually done to alleviate sufferings of Filipinos? These are only few of the many inquisitions regarding the matter.

“Christianity is the greatest remnant
Of the sneering Spaniards, indeed
Razing the indios’ ancient tenets
To drill their noblest creed”

True in one aspect, as Christianity, I believe, is only the principled remains of the Spaniards. However, we cannot at all call Christianity as great remnants as we are (I am speaking here in behalf of the indios during the Spanish era) enforced and subjected to change our primordial beliefs. Our babaylans were at once replaced with dominating priests, and we were suddenly imposed on memorizing Latin prayers and abiding on strict “morality” (in order for us to be “saved and go to heaven”). The Spanish priests themselves were dead-on violators of what they’re preaching, and even from that time, the said religion has not been whatsoever beneficial to the country.

Stanzas 3-5 depict Catholicism’s impact to the Filipinos by inflicting on the “morality” that we shall all put up with. This, almost certainly, is one of the few helpful and affirmative effects of Christianity. Because the Bible has established the Ten Commandments, and because of the austere preaching of Jesus as transcribed in the book, Catholics, especially us Filipinos, were persuaded to abide by the teachings. We were talked into following these commandments for us to go to heaven and be good citizens. And the fact that we still abide by these religious decrees up to now means that we still believe to concept of goodness and salvation. We want to perpetuate the concept of morality because we are concerned about the decency and the sanctity of the future lay people.

Also, the concept of conscience was introduced by the decrees of Roman Catholicism. Conscience appears to be idea that sets the parameters of morality. I personally consider the notion of concept as something positive
because there is something that “bothers” and people whenever they did something wide of the mark.

“Our faith alleviates the dreariness
Of the nation’s destitution
Faith grants us the chance to hope
And yearn for future redemption.”

I began seeing this stanza as somewhat a negative thought. It is indeed true that in times of desperation, people immediately turns to religion. Because of the belief inculcated to us that “God will save us”, we right away turn to God and pray in times of hardships. We are stuck on believing and ardently hoping that God will do something, and that in we will be saved from this adversity in the near future. We, in turn, remain idle in our devout state. Instead of doing something to alleviate our hardship, we hold on to anticipating, hoping and praying as we become solely reliant to God.

“Aside from the emotional assistance,
Moral and physical aid are contrived
As religious bodies are always of relief
To the afflicted, abused and deprived”

We recognize the presence of religious bodies not only in their morals and homilies, but also in their utmost care and love for the marginalized, the ill-treated, and the children. Through numerous charities and religious programs, we distinguish the highest effort of the clergy and the parishioners to alleviate the poor situations. In one perspective, this is such a benevolent thing. I see a small hole on this aspect, though. In line with my previous thought, people will always see God/the clergy as something to turn to in times of destitution. Poor people will have fewer reasons to redeem themselves from poverty as they will rely on religious bodies to feed and nourish them.

“The church takes part each time
The Filipinos are in downcast confusion
Whether in political or social crises,
Our Christian faith unifies the nation.

Through religion, we become one,
In mass grief and prayer rallies,
In times of despair, clergy prays for us,
As one with their devout allies. “

The church indeed takes an active role in times of chaos, as seen People Power 1. Religion moderately unifies our nation through prayer rallies and mass grief, as witnessed through the death of Former President Cory Aquino. This unifying idea of religion is definitely a positive thing, and I see no detrimental side to it. However, I just hope that people do not rely on religion on this unifying aspect as much as they rely on Christianity in times of desperation (as mentioned in the previous paragraphs). The act of uniting the nation is primarily a duty of the government.

I dare not to delve on the involvement of Roman Catholicism in the aspects of media and politics. Being raised as a Roman Catholic and being molded by a Christian society, I still want to view Roman Catholicism as not entirely negative and disadvantageous. (Though, I am aware of the appalling flaws and detriments of religion) Stating the interest of the church to the state will greatly increase the holes mentioned in this journal entry. And so, I will end this post with wee bits of positive treats to somewhat redress the increasing detrimental view of Roman Catholicism in the Philippines.

2009-09-29T09:03:00.002+08:00

“If I were the President of the Philippines …”

…I will enforce a progressive reconstruction of the country. This absolute restitution would entail concentration on the renewal of the current political, cultural, industrial, educational, and public health undertakings of the Philippines . I shall be no authoritarian; nonetheless, I shall be strong on the execution of such renovation. I recognize a keen need for transformation in our country’s present situation, and I opt to act upon this need if I will be of authority.

The main objectives of the transformation are, (1) to establish an effective and impartial government system (2) to set up economic stability in the country, (3) to yield off an operational urbanized nation, and (4) to foster healthy and globally-competent Filipinos.

Form of government

If I were given the power, I will change the form of government in the Philippines completely. I have acknowledged that the country has in fact lost the essence of democracy in the government system today. The nation is seemingly becoming an oligarchic country, ruled by what has been currently acclaimed as Caciques, or local elites. Majority of the rulers of the country at present are amongst the privileged, hence, there is a deprivation of the right to be elected into office among the ordinary public. The nation appeared to have been bereaved of putting people in authority, which is, indeed, the quintessence of democracy. The run of the mill middle-class (up to the lower-class) people with good (even greater) credentials are deprived of the chance to administrate the country. I deem this faulty “democratic” supremacy as the grounds of the awfully ineffective political system in the country.

Taking the Philippines ’ existing situation into account, I, if put in authority, will transform the country from being a “democratic” state, into a federal nation. I will adopt federalism as the form of governance as I believe that it is the practical and effective way to distribute power among the public. It is fundamentally structured as a representative democracy, through which sovereignty in the country will be divided between a prime governing authority and constituent political units. The nation will be put in partition so as to be segregated into states, and a representative (governor) will be elected from each state. A sensible state division would be following the formally accepted administrative regions, and further dividing their partitions in half, thus, creating 34 contiguous states (approximately.

In the adopted federalist system, citizens are subject to three levels of government: federal, state, and local. The federal government per se is composed of three “check and balance” branches, namely, Legislative (the bicameral Congress), Executive (the president), and Judicial (the Supreme Court). The local government’s duties are split between city and municipal government for each state. Through the enforcement of the three-level government, more people will have the occasion to run for office. Also, the new form of authority will become more dispersed and mass-oriented, thus, having immediate focus on the localities in line with the states.

Economic and Industrial

If put in position, I will not drastically transform the economic system, hence, I will work on the development and further improvement of the individual important sectors of the economy. I recognize a depletion of the economic standing of the country; however, I would not at all alter its mixed economic system as I deem this system fairly effective. What the country needs is just effective manipulation and stipulation of its resources in order to acquire development in the economy.

A very substantial economic sector of the Philippines is agriculture. The agricultural sector is one of the major income resource of the country, hence, an improvement on the running of this economic area shall be necessary. The Philippines is still primarily an agricultural country despite the plan to make it an industrialized economy by 2000. Most citizens still live in rural areas and support themselves through agriculture. The country's agriculture sector is made up of 4 sub-sectors: farming, fisheries, livestock, and forestry (the latter 2 sectors are very small), which together employ 39.8 percent of the labor force and contribute 20 percent of GDP.

One of the problems experienced in this sector is the unbridled conversion of agricultural land to residential areas and leisure grounds. Small town farmers who own their land find it more profitable to sell their land to real-estate developers in exchange for money, especially since they lack capital for seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and wages for hiring workers to plant and harvest the crops. In this regard, I shall prohibit the utilization of agricultural land by real-estate developers, and these land developers shall be incriminated if they violate this statute. I shall propose to residential builders to operate on other lands like on reclaimed areas, or construct high-rise residential communities. The agricultural land owner would be also charged if he decides to sell his farm land. I shall apportion greater subsidies and government lending firms to the farm owners, so that they may utilize and profit from their own land. This greater allocation of budget also resolves the concern that the agriculture sector has not received adequate resources for the funding of indispensable programs, such as the construction of efficient irrigation systems.

Major industries that comprise the other great income resources of the country are food processing, textile and garments, electronics and automotives, and mining. I shall allocate greater funding and a government lending office for the manufacturing companies so as to raise their capital and alleviate financial shortages. With greater capital, these companies can supply greater demands in and out of the country, as garments, electronics, and mined products (such as copper, petroleum products) are amongst the country’s main export goods. Also, by giving these companies larger subsidies as incentives, they will be encouraged to hire more employees for their manpower. Thus, this allocation of funds in the major industries will not only generate more income for the company, but for the nation (as individual citizens) as well since a lot of job opportunities were opened.

Infrastructures

As the country’s leader, I intend to transform the Philippines into a highly-civilized and industrialized nation. I also recognize the need to systematize and modernize the transportation systems in the country. I am attaching importance to the upgrading of communication systems, as well. Therefore, I shall allot enough funds for the construction of additional infrastructures and the repair and reordering of previous ones.

In the aspect of aerial transportation, I believe that improvement in the local domestic airports’ runways and facilities is necessary. The three national airports’ facilities shall be improved, albeit they are in fairly satisfactory conditions. If funding is enough, there shall be another national airport with a separate runway, so as to alleviate aircraft traffic in the sole runway of the three national airports. Concurrently, enhancement in water transportation systems is essential. Additional “Roll-on, Roll-off” ports shall be constructed and additional RoRo vessels shall be purchased to improve interisland transportations. I shall assign a new government sector that will ensure safety of commuters concentrating on those that will travel by air and by sea. This new branch of government shall conduct regular mechanic and security inspection of the airplanes and vessels to secure the wellbeing of the passengers.

I will allot great concentration on the improvement of land transportations. Highways connecting towns and states shall be upgraded to ensure the safety of travelers. Traffic problems especially in the metro will be resolved by the construction of additional freeway flyovers and underground connectors. The building of these new flyovers and underground connectors in their respective locations shall, of course, be initially analyzed to alleviate the greater traffic problem. Other ways of settling traffic problems are by appointing a stern ruler in the land transportation sector of the government, and by funding numerous road-widening projects so as to increase transportation areas.

Numerous Light Railway Transit lines shall be created, ensuring easier transportation from rural to urban areas, from one state to another. The new LRT routes shall be connecting major towns and cities throughout the nation. The addition of new LRT trains and routes shall be patterned from the MTR hauling in Hong Kong, or in Tokyo . In connection to this, I shall enhance effective communication throughout the nation by improving the country’s technological facilities. I shall entice cellular companies to further increase and distribute their cellular satellites through out the states. I will ensure efficient internet access in every state; as a result, very household shall have the right to access free internet. Proficient transportation through LRT’s/MRT’s and enhancement of communication systems will have seemed to compress time and space throughout the country, thus, being one step closer through globalization.

Education and Health

If I were to govern the nation, I would assign the highest budget allocation in education and in health. It is in one of my primary objectives that I aspire to foster healthy and globally-competent Filipinos. I believe that investing in education and in health is a very fundamental reposition so as to improve the quality of living of the people. Fostering well-nourished and well-educated citizens would be for the country’s own profit and development.

Poor quality education is one of the greatest problems our country is facing today. This predicament arises from formidable causes such as deficiency in functional classrooms, inferior quality of instructional materials, hard accessibility to schools (especially in rural areas), and remarkably high student-teacher ratio. Poor quality of education, or worse, complete denial of education, in turn, causes low overall literacy rate and incompetent and less-skilled citizens. The outward effects of inferior education to the country, such as an increase of the unemployment rate, are appalling and somewhat demoralizing. Consequently, I shall apportion a large amount of the country’s budget to education with the intention of resolving the nation’s problem in this aspect.

Bearing this problem in mind, I will oblige every child of every family to enroll and to study in an educational institution. As authority, I would inflict the strong prioritization of public schools, science high schools, and state universities. I would impose that there should be at least 40 operational public schools in each state, depending on the land area of the state. Educational facilities on existing schools (whether public or private) will be inspected and further improved to nurture classrooms that are conducive to learning. Students belonging to public schools/science high schools/state universities will be each be given stipend to motivate learning and to alleviate financial problems. Books and school materials used by public school students shall be supplied to them, as well as school lunches. Teachers in subsidized schools shall be provided with a much greater salary (than those working in private). Scholarships will be distributed evenly throughout the states, but will fairly prioritize Education majors to encourage people to teach.

The curriculum of every school (private or public) will be modified so as to nurture multi-skilled and globally-competent, yet culture-appreciative students. Technological and vocational subjects (e.g. robotics, automotives) shall be imposed on the secondary level curriculum in all schools. Also, each student shall be required to take cultural electives in order for them to appreciate and not lose the fervor of being a Filipino. They shall be encouraged to take cultural electives such as Philippine Music and Philippine Art so that they may discover their potentials as well.

Public health would be chiefly prioritized above all authority aspects. In order for a country to run in good working condition, its citizens should be in a mentally and physically healthy state as well. I decided to invest greatly in the health of the citizens because the wellbeing of the country’s human resources is the most vital component of the nation’s entirety.

The local municipalities today offer low-quality health services. Hospitals and health centers among rural towns and barangays are of substandard conditions. Consequently, people in these rustic areas cannot meet the expense of being confined in a private hospital in the nearby town. Also, citizens belonging to the marginalized cannot afford prescribed medicines and they cannot pay for being confined in a private hospital as well. Poor sanitation is another factor amongst the greatest health issues subsequently. People die of diseases caused by poor sanitation in their residence areas. In view of these alarming conditions, I will designate the largest funds in providing superior quality health care and sanitation to all.

I shall impose the provision of at least 50 enhanced quality health centers and 30 high-class public hospitals distributed per state. Private hospitals will now be partly subsidized, so that they can also cater for those in need. Every Filipino citizen is required to be a member of PhilHealth, in order that they can avail of the privileges of PhilHealth members. In turn, the benefits and rights of PhilHealth card bearers shall be increased and well-considered. Also, I shall fully negotiate with all pharmaceuticals to fully execute the Cheaper Medicines Law. Pharmaceuticals will also be partly subsidized depending on the demand of the medicines. Generics of all drug prescriptions shall now be made available in drug stores. I shall enact the Reproductive Health Bill to provide superior care for mothers and for effective population management as well. Basic reproductive health education and free contraceptives shall be made available in all health centers and public hospitals. The reproductive health education will also be made accessible through mass media –televising and printing campaigns or articles in support of a better reproductive health for families.

Lastly, I shall also invest on sanitation services as this is a major concern in affecting the health of the people. I shall ensure effective and potable water supply for each household. In acting upon this, I shall also negotiate and partly fund water-supplying companies for them to guarantee that clean water shall reach every family. Thus, reconstruction and addition of water supply pipes will be operated upon by the water companies. Refurbishment of sewerage systems will also be ensured in line with the massive water sanitation project.

Word count:

2, 327 words.

-Marielle Justine Ching

2009-10986

BA Speech Communication

2009-09-29T08:58:00.000+08:00

n Service to the Filipino Nation

A reaction to the debate about the implementation of public service among graduating UP students

Personally, I am not at all in approval nor in disagreement of the implementation of public service work to graduating UP students. Nonetheless, I have inferred a lot from the recent debate that made me think twice about my views about the topic.

At the outset, I can somewhat appreciate the point asserting that a year of public service is a way of giving back to the nation, knowing that UP students are subsidized by the Philippine government. The affirmative side also mentioned the percentage of the educational budget allotted to the UP, and this act made their motion rather more convincing. I immediately recognized that UP students are funded by taxes for four years at minimum, and consequently, in one way or another, we are necessitated to give something back. Conversely, I believe that UP students should not be at all confined to a year of involuntary public service. I mean, there are surely a lot more ways to exhibit gratitude for the nation other than the suggested constrained work.

Moreover, I had thought upon the resentment of some students to “give back”, bearing in mind that this aforementioned public work will be obliged (therefore, constraining), and an uprising to this obligation will be foreseeable (considering the liberal nature of UP students). Furthermore, I thought of the possibility that students may oppose the implementation by stating that we UP students somewhat deserve to be subsidized, as the nation will inevitably benefit from us in the future. UP students are perceived as people of the higher intellect, and are supported financially by the nation in the hopes of producing credible future leaders and highly-knowledgeable workers of the nation.

A significant point was raised in the class about the definition and stricture of Public Service. I deem that the sole nature of public service is being able to serve a multitude (as form of gratitude, to say the least). Hence, I contest the opposition’s belief that public service should be solely of service to the government. I believe that the government per se was not the one who funded the allotted subsidy, but instead, the taxpaying nation as a whole. Thus, if UP students shall be compelled to give back, I suppose that they may do so not only by working in the government, but also by working in jobs that will outwardly benefit the taxpaying nation. Therefore, I opt to be transparent on the issue concerning the jobs in public and the private sectors (on whether which jobs are considered “public service”). I fairly believe that one can serve the public even in independence, or in accordance to a private sector.

Lastly, I do not see the significance of enforcing a fine to the violators of the implementation of this obligatory work. The fine, as recommended by the affirmative side, shall be equal to the amount a UP student was subsidized throughout his stay in the campus. Well, I have some particular question concerning this proposed fine. Where will the budget go? How would it benefit or aid the public in replacement of public work? And how sure are we that this fund will not be corrupted by officials in charge of this public service program? (Here, I rather empathize with the opposition on their point on corruption).

Word count: 569 words

Third Post

2009-07-21T01:28:00.000+08:00

On Academic Freedom

Students of the University of the Philippines are incessantly being stereotyped as activists –the people who urge rallies, spur campaigns, and fight for numerous advocacies. The grounds for this typecast, almost certainly, is that the UP is brought up as a free society. There is never a slur in religion, race, gender, cultural minority, or belief. Everyone is outwardly encouraged to voice out opinions, express own viewpoints, and battle for what is right.

One can ostensibly conclude that the university abides on the merit of academic freedom –the belief that the liberty of query and proposition of the faculty and students are of significance to the objective of the university. Being long considered as an unbound environment, it is quite easy to arrive at the assumption that it practices the virtue of the believed institutional autonomy. Yet, there are present arguments concerning the seeming desertion of the essence of the said belief.

Very recently, a forum was initiated to confer about issues involving the somewhat baffling ‘academic freedom’. “Striking a Balance: Excellence, Autonomy, and Freedom in the Academe” was held on July 9, 2009 at the Claro M. Recto Hall, in the Faculty Center building. The discussion embarked upon the topics of academic freedom and faculty tenure, focusing on the case of Professor Sarah Raymundo.

The said event was deliberately facilitated by credible speakers, and as I entered the forum venue, UP Faculty Ms. Judy Taguiwalo was the one addressing the issues. She emphasized on defining absolute academic freedom, and how this institutional autonomy influence the individual freedom of the faculty and students. She classified this liberty in the academe into two –the individual and group freedom. I conclude that this classification applies on students, as she stated concisely about how the academic freedom affects teachers –professors may teach what they want to teach.

Institutional autonomy, as per Ms. Taguiwalo, is the enjoyment of liberty with respect to human rights. Self-governance is a vital component on this academic form of independence. In connection, she also mentioned on how the professors and the student body are subjected to political pressure, and thus, being repressed of the academic freedom.

From her terse description, I was able to connect the issue to the present situation in the campus. I can perceive the individual freedom through the previous mentioned liberty in expressing oneself, in the same way, I can observe the group autonomy, as seen through the active involvement of cultural and academic organizations inside UP. I greatly concur to the contribution of political pressure in suppression of the said independence in the academe. The government system somewhat affects the freedom of the university; one way is through the implementation of laws concerning the higher educational system.

Ms. Judy Taguiwalo also discussed about the situation of a probationary faculty. She stated that a faculty is allotted a certain probation period so that the faculty board can assess his/her professional competence. The provision of the said period is also for the faculty’s maintenance of professional standards. During the probation stage, the provisional faculty is given the right to know the reasons of the probation, the privilege to appeal, and to obtain recommendations from the authoritative board. This allocation of time is, I perceive, an indispensable part in the process of giving tenure. However, I cannot at all comprehend the difference between a faculty without tenure, and a probationary faculty. I merely assume that the probationary period is a process or a transition stage in the furnishing of tenure.

In Ms. Taguiwalo’s address, she cited the situation of a certain Professor Salazar that ensued back in 2005. She stated that this Prof. Salazar pleaded for tenure, but was denied by the board due to “no sufficient reason to tenure”. Ms. Taguiwalo explained that the weight given to his/her collegiality and professionalism outweighed his/her academic credentials (Her academic credentials include: being sent to work abroad with pay, noticeable rising salary, and excellent recommendations from the senior). The denial of tenure was vindicated through his/her “unethical acts” in her stay.

After elucidating the condition of Professor Salazar as example, Professor Taguiwalo gave concise details on the procedure of handing a tenure to a faculty. She declared that a faculty should be given a notification for tenure. He/ She should be informed of the qualified basis for his/her tenure in a written notification in compliance to value criteria. The board that holds the pronouncement of the faculty’s tenure should observe rights and transparency while examining possible options for tenure. The decision is finally declared in a meeting between the board and the faculty member concerned.

By giving a concrete example similar to the concurrent issue, I was able to have a broader understanding of the process of bequeathing tenure. The only major setback for me was the seeming lack of extensive evidence in Prof. Salazar’s denial of tenure. Ms. Taguiwalo did not utterly reveal what “unethical acts” the professor committed. Also, I cannot give justice to how Prof. Salazar was deprived of tenure when, as Professor Judy Taguiwalo asserted, the board shall be of transparency (I perceived that the indicated “unethical acts” was not much of a big deal compared to the impressive credentials).

Professor Judy Taguiwalo ended her commencing address mentioning how to attain Institutional Balance, in its institution sense and individual sense, by theory and practice in the university. She stressed that the forum (Striking a Balance) depicted how the Institutional Balance is not achieved in University of the Philippines (evidently in connection with the forum’s issues).

The next speaker was Professor Ramon Guillermo, the president of All UP Academic Employees Union. He discussed the responsibility of the union with regards to the issue. He pronounced that the union has the duty to construct discussions concerning issues in transparency, academic freedom, and the due process for tenure. He distinguished between an excellent department and a lousy department, with referral to the tenure matter. A set of faculty that has “no tenure” is considered lousy, as per Dr. Guillermo, considering that this department’s faculty doesn’t formally abide in any rules concerning tenure. He quoted that many of the rules or guidelines are already “on paper”, and the current predicament just revolves on the implementations of these regulations relating to the tenure process.

Dr. Ramon Guillermo highlighted the grievance committee/procedure in correlation with the process of tenure. He explained that grievances are essential as they are the faculty’s means of expressing discontentment with their work. He noted two kinds of grievances –the economic and non-economic grievance. The aspect of tenure, which falls under the non-economic type, gives all the employees the right to submit grievances or complaints. The individual concerned may submit his/her objection either by himself or through an authorized representative.

Professor Guillermo stated that members of the academe, together with the union, must fight for justice and peace inside the academe. The statement seemed slightly perfunctory and overrated, but I primarily supposed that mentioning the union’s stand in support of the issue is a very crucial thing. I commend on how he described the departments with the notable distinction of a lousy and an excellent department involving tenure. His highlight on the grievance procedure is also an eye-opening declaration in my opinion as I was not previously aware that employees and faculty are given this said right. His talk about the grievances somewhat influenced my view towards the academic freedom inside UP. My outlook on the faculty’s freedom became lighter to some extent as I was made conscious that there exists a certain right reserved for the faculty’s negative concerns.

After Dr. Guillermo’s stirring discourse, the forum then converged on the focal apprehension of the students and faculty –the justice and tenure issue concerning Professor Sarah Raymundo. The first thing that can be manifested when entering the C.M. Recto hall was the huge streamers (“Tenyur para kay Prof. Raymundo”) prepared by CONTEND-UP (Congress of Teachers/Educators for Nationalism and Democracy) . Through these streamers, one can immediately perceive that the fretful educators were really pugnacious towards the matter. I was not personally in attendance when Prof. Raymundo delivered her controversial stand on the problem. Nevertheless, I am more than willing to impart my views and rants based on my research on her state of affairs.

Professor Sarah Raymundo, after nine tedious years as faculty in the Department of Sociology, applied for tenure last February 2008. Because of her laudable academic credentials (which includes publishing articles and researches to her name, being invited to address and partake in certain colloquia locally and internationally, working towards the actualization of academic excellence and social responsibility as an educator, and more) Ms. Raymundo, her colleagues, and her beloved students felt assured of the conceding of her tenure. However, they were stunned in awe as on November of the same year, she was verbally informed the denial for her application for tenure. She was then advised to abstain from meeting her classes until a given notice.

Prof. Raymundo’s active commitment and association as General Secretary of the Congress in CONTEND-UP, together with her dynamic involvement in AUPAEU and in Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), were the commonly regarded bases for the denial of her tenure. CONTEND-UP’s view scrutinizes the lack of transparency in the tenure process and the taking part of political repression and suppression of democratic rights.

If I may say so, I was first blinded by her academic achievements as I have found them very praiseworthy. I ought to believe that she, as an educator, correctly portrayed the values inherent to the university from the fact that she exerted efforts towards building a foundation of academic excellence and depicting awareness of social responsibility. This is quite inevitable after almost a decade of teaching in the academe, but still, her credentials are of deserving acclaim.

I feel that there shall be no consequence along with the denial of tenure (as the denial is bad enough). In Professor Raymundo’s case, aside from the non-granting of the essential right, she was also requested to refrain from teaching in her classes. I perceive no logical reason on the act as it was easy to presume that she is a fine professor (through her students’ and colleagues’ recommendations, and her outstanding qualifications).

My final and key concern about Ms. Raymundo’s instance is indeed, the lack of transparency in the decision. The Department of Sociology never formally declared their reasons for the denial since they only notified the professor verbally. I strongly believe that the generally regarded bases (being a member of CONTEND-UP, AUPAEU, and ACT) are the actual grounds for the refusal. I recognize that her department might have been timorous and worried that she, with her connections in the repellent faculty organizations, will sooner or later establish a revolt or an alliance towards the department. Otherwise, I sense that her case might have been of biased influences within the faculty board.

Whatever may perhaps the reasons be, the matter still gyrates on the absence of transparency. Hence, Professor Sarah Raymundo’s case can be deemed upon as a rebuttal of the “academic freedom” gist in the university. Her situation merely portrays the stand of political influence and the suppression of democratic revolt. For now, I yearn that they reconsider Ms. Raymundo’s plead without putting greater weight on her affiliations.

TOTAL NUMBER OF WORDS: 1, 886

2009-07-06T13:26:00.003+08:00

My Sociologically Imagined Biography

Introduction

“I am MJ” –the concise reply I answered when my professor asked the question. The way I responded seemed so nonchalant, that it might have had appeared as an impulse.

Who am I?

Biologically, I am an estrogen-producing Homo sapien. My medium-built physique, my thick dark hair, and my pugnacity are all genetically determined. I was born with the ability to talk, the capacity to adapt to changes, and the unique aptitude for learning. I have long known myself from this perspective, and somehow, an introduction introduction in this manner will seem perfunctory.

Who am I?

I am human, and therefore, as per the economists, I am rational, calculating, and self-interested. I am human, and therefore, I have an ethereal being; I have a soul. Through the economic and metaphysical perspective, I made assumptions which are of no magnitude. The beliefs are not conventional and I cannot contest their truth or falsity.

Hence, I shall profess who I am in my relation to the “outside world”. As I am now aware that there exists a connection concerning the self and the society, I ought to recognize myself through the institutions I am involved. And thus, I shall begin with my upbringing by my family.

Family

I am born of a typical Filipino family. We are adherent of strong family ties, and we treat each other as primary support and sources of moral strength. We are austere on following certain traditions that are uniquely Filipino, even if we are of a mixed heritage and culture.

My mother is half-Chinese, and half-Filipino. Learning from her Chinese father’s legacy, she strongly inculcates to her children the value of education, and the significance of money management. She is inherent of practicality, which is why my brother and I were not nurtured extravagantly. She believes in the effectiveness of empiricism, the knowledge that arises from own experience. Her PR (public relations) is commendable and she is very pertinacious in her work.

My father is of an Ilocano descent. Contrary to the stereotype, he is very generous and noble. He is greatly considerate and of clannish loyalty. He also advocates on the worth of good education, and he makes sure to set by example.

My brother is the apotheosis of “cool” (Well, metaphorically.). He is responsible and liberal, as he was formed by a ‘free society’. Despite his sheer dedication to work, he still can manage to occasionally spend time for leisure. He served as an icon and a second father-figure, as I was born when he was already nineteen (19) years old.

The combined and dynamic upbringing of my mother, father, and brother is a greatly substantial part of who I am today. I am raised to be quite frugal and practical, yet I am also encouraged to dedicate ample time for enjoyment. For as long as I can remember, I was always advised to momentously focus on my studies that I may excel academically. (In fact, I was partly strained to enter school at an early age, as dictated by family tradition.) My talents and forms of self-expression are significantly supported by them, and inevitably with certain restraints.

Our family had been subjected to a range of predicaments that may have shaped each one of us as an individual. I did not have a dead-on perfect childhood, and by so, I promptly learned to depend on myself and to be broad minded upon a lot of issues.

Education

Schools, in all probability, are the institutions from which I learned the most, not only in the aspects of academic foundation, but also in the formation of my stand in the society. Family maybe the basic unit of society, but entering an educational institution enables an entity to grow by learning from experience through the integration of school and interaction.

Zion Center of Knowledge School

I spend my primary and intermediate years in a school situated within our village. Zion is a Christian school with a diminutive and intimate population. Its mission, as a Christian society, is to produce knowledgeable and God-fearing youth. Its setting seemed fairly conducive for learning, but its standard for scholastic excellence is not at all imposing.

During my roughly 6 years of stay there, I subsisted on a homey environment, wherein I am influenced to enhance and share my creative skills as form of worship to God. As my first actual social environment, I have managed to learn the value of communication and interface there. I started on developing my speaking skills as we were impelled to join numerous speech choir contests (I was even provoked to join a public reading competition.).

To conclude, my years in Zion were the indispensable foundation times of myself as a mental and social being. My cognitive skills were developed, my contact abilities were enhanced, and my devout viewpoints were established.

St. Bridget School, Quezon City

From a small learning environment in the suburb, I had the urge to transfer to a big school on the city. I had the need of a greater challenge, that I may acquire further knowledge about being “street-smart”.

Pragmatically, I had to endure an assortment of changes as I shifted among two different realms. Example of which is leaping from a born-again Christian school, to a Private sectarian school, administered by the Good Shepherd sisters. From the alteration of religious influence, I became more affixed to my actual creed as a Roman Catholic.

From the change, I also wrought the consequence of being studious. I was used to a cumulative scoring scheme, and I was obliged to change my study habits to cope up with the demands of a higher-standard averaging grading system.

Also, my social environment was quite distorted, as I transferred from a co-educational school, to an exclusive female culture. Hence, during my four-year stay in Bridget, I seemingly disregarded proper interaction with the opposite sex. However, I do not recognize my stay in an all-female society as a disadvantage. In fact, I might have even been subjected to greater peer pressure and worse influences if I pursued high school in a regular co-ed establishment.

In St. Bridget, I met a lot of feat and quandaries that have greatly predisposed my being. I discovered how the “outside” society works, having been exposed to outreach programs and culture interactions. I already had an implication of how the “adult” world performs through the effective communication and socialization of the meager atmosphere inside.

Residential Community

Living in a town neighboring Metro Manila, I can impartially claim that I was fashioned in a progressive laissez-faire community. I was denuded by the spirit of democracy early on as I used to assist the committee during the homeowners’ elections. I was introduced to the custom of bayanihan, in a palpably modern sense. (This can be witnessed especially during floods, when neighbors voluntarily aid out fellow neighbors).

I have first witnessed the importance of unity and togetherness as a society from my neighborhood. Even from the shallowest example of being united as a group of playmates (in beating the opponent playmates), to a more intricate instance of being one as a commune in proposing a new drainage in the baranggay, I am able to assert how our community works well together.

Betty la MJ

2009-07-02T00:16:00.000+08:00

Betty la MJ

--A mini-interview series concerning the society’s view upon the “baduy” and eccentric ‘Betty la Fea’ image

Enthused by the topic of the society’s effect on beauty and fashion, I decided to conduct several small interviews, with the pursuit of arriving in a conclusion involving notions about the standards of beauty and clothing today. I chose to imitate Betty la Fea’s mismatched and unconventional style as by doing so, I would extract varied reactions from the interviewees.

Respondents were to mull over the sole question:

"What would your initial reaction be if you encounter “Betty La MJ” in a public place/in a mall?"

-Elsa R. Ching, 57 years old, part-time real-estate broker

"I would definitely give you a second glance, from head-to-toe, if I saw you strolling in public dressed like that. You look hilarious as your attire is so outrageous. Kahindik-hindik nga naman! Your micro-mini reminds me of majorettes, and then your somewhat look reminded me of Cher. Hindi ko malaman kung saan ka papunta, whether you are going to a party or a to field day or some place else! Do your friends dress like that, as well? "

-Marc Anthony Patriarca, 34, lawyer

"My only concerns are the shortness of the skirt and the stockings paired with the trainers. Otherwise, if I come across upon this outfit of yours in a mall, I wouldn’t at all mind its flagrancy. I even might not be able to take notice of it."

-Paul Candelaria, 22 years old, freelance photographer

"My lens has been defiled by this! You look lost; you should be in Florida *laughs*. You look like a barbie doll that's been desecrated and experimented on by dirty old scientists. The emo culture pales in comparison to this nightmare."

-Anna Celina V. Ulanday, 17 years old, student (BS Architecture, UST)

"If I were to see something like this walking fashion disaster, my initial reaction would be blurting out the words “what the f***” or I could just burst into laughter. Just look at it, I don’t even know where to start. The hideously matched clothes, the shoes -everything is just so wrong. I couldn't even think of anyone in the right mind who wear such a retarded outfit. Maybe just for kicks, but, for real? No way."

-Joana Celine T. Manuel, 16 years old, student (AB Communication Arts, UST)

Ang baduy! I could not even fathom what style that is. Parang nasa beach? And since when did a peplum match stockings and rubber shoes? Kaloka! The color combination and the style were epic fails, as well as the unmatching accessories. The whole look is so shocking that you can assess it as in desperate need of a stylist. Are you a contestant in a pa-baduyan competion? Just for fun, I might take a picture of the outfut, for laughs.

Conclusion:

The society inevitably assigns certain standards for fashion and clothing through the various influences (i.e. media, designers). By knowing these standards, people can discern the argument between what’s fashionable and what’s “baduy”.

Wearing the “Betty la Fea” look, I was professed as deranged. I received diverse comments, and some of the exceptionally frank were of the adolescents. This, perhaps, is so since the youth are the ones easily affected by fads and they are constantly well aware of the new styles.

From the lecture and the interviews, I now strongly concur to the idea of the society’s impact on beauty and fashion. I used to consider that preference had a greater effect on judging attractiveness. But now, I have managed to see another perspective of defining beauty, and I was enlightened and at the same time, anxious as I began to recognize a certain societal dictation (on the aspects of beauty and fashion).

END

Total word count (excluding pictures): 627 :)

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