This story
was taken from Bulatlat, the Philippines's alternative weekly
newsmagazine (www.bulatlat.com, www.bulatlat.net, www.bulatlat.org).
Vol. VII, No. 1, Feb. 4-10, 2007
Student Journalists Stage
National Day of Action The
pen is indeed mightier than the sword. And the 130 pens of student journalists
from the National Capital Region (NCR) chapter of the College Editors Guild of
the Philippines (CEGP) proved to be mightier than the repression of campus
press. BY
REYNA MAE TABBADA The pen is indeed mightier
than the sword. And the 130 pens of student journalists from the National
Capital Region (NCR) chapter of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP)
proved to be mightier than the repression of the campus press. The University of the
Philippines-Diliman (UP Diliman) became the venue for the National Day of Action
held last January 31, Wednesday, by student journalists in protest of
repression. They specifically cited the case of the Philippine Collegian, the
funds of which is being withheld by the UP administration. The theme of the
event was AKLAS PLUMA (Pahayagang Lumalaban) which featured a modeling
competition, cultural presentations, mural painting, and statements of
condemnation of suppression of student publications. Rampahayagan The highlight of AKLAS
PLUMA was a modeling competition called Rampahayagan. The CEGP-NCR area
representatives wore “their creation made out of copies of their publications
and depicting the plight of press freedom.” Also included in Rampahayagan was
the designing of advocacy shirts. Representatives from four
CEGP-NCR areas, namely Sta. Mesa, Metro South, Near Taft, and University Belt,
showcased their unique creations. The delegates from Sta. Mesa came in
gladiator-inspired costumes, saying that student press is very much like
gladiators, who were “prisoners of war” yet “matapang na mandirigma.”
(brave warriors) The outfits of members from
Metro South were inspired by the journalist’s job of “pagbaon ang bulok na
sistema” (defeating the corrupt system) and of “protecting the rights of the
people.” Super Pluma and Super Torch
were superheroes conceived by members from Near Taft, highlighting the power of
the pluma (pen) and the ability of the press to be the torch that gives light
during times of darkness. Students from the University Belt came in ethnic-style
fashion, depicting journalists as akin to our “ninunong mandirigma”
(native warriors) who protect the tribe’s freedom. The winner of the
Rampahayagan was the Sta. Mesa area, while the best advocacy shirt was made
by the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa. Performances were held by student
groups like KARATULA (Kabataang Artista para sa Tunay na Kalayaan or Young
Artists for Genuine Freedom) and UP Repertory Company. Gelacio Guillermo read
his poem dedicated to the theme of the event. The CEGP is the oldest and widest
association of student publications around the country. Philippine Collegian In an interview with
Bulatlat, Philippine Collegian Editor-in-Chief Karl Castro lamented that
because of the budget constraint imposed by the UP administration this is
“probably the term which has released the least number of issues.” He also said that this
problem might extend till next year as they are now preparing for the upcoming
editorial examination. Castro surmised that the “blatant repression” they are
experiencing may still be felt until June of the next school year. The current problem
besetting the Philippine Collegian began after the UP administration insisted
that the official student publication is covered by Republic Act No. 9184 or the
Government Procurement Reform Act. The administration asserted that all fees
collected by the university are government funds, and therefore the printing of
the paper must undergo public bidding and selection. In a statement issued by
the editorial board of the Philippine Collegian for 2006-2007, they said,
“However, the Collegian firmly asserts that it is exempt from RA 9184. It is not
a government unit, as it is funded only by the students. Moreover, the Campus
Journalism Act of 1991 stipulates that the editorial board should facilitate the
selection of the publication' s printing press. The administration' s sole task
is to collect the publication fee during registration, and thereafter give full
discretion of handling of Collegian funds to the duly selected editorial board.
The administration may not intervene in any of the publication' s operations.”
Bulatlat © 2007 Bulatlat
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