Candidates for CSS Reps Propose Plans for Safe, Democratic Spaces
By Kharen Dela Fuerte | May 16, 2024
BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The candidates for College of Social Sciences (CSS) representatives proposed solutions to safe spaces and facilities issues at the University of the Philippines Baguio (UPB) during the Agora Debate 2024 Facebook live stream on May 12.
Following the Modified Asian Parliamentary Debate format, the Alliance of Concerned Students (ACS) and Campus Alliance for Dedicated and Unified Action (CADUA) took turns in sharing their plans. Meanwhile, Alternatibong Katipunan ng mga Mag-aaral sa UP (AKMA UP) responded through a follow-up interview.
Sophia Manio from ACS noted that while there are more than 2,500 students at the university, only 21 spaces are available for use. As a response, she introduced their General Plans of Action (GPOA).
“Mula sa aming mga General Plans of Action na ‘We Need Spaces Now,’ ang aming plataporma para rito ay paglalagay ng mga bubong o tents, upuan, at lamesa sa mga espasyong pwedeng pagtambayan o magamit sa pag-aaral, tulad na lamang ng KA (Kolehiyo ng Agham) Quad, Court B, at Inang Laya Grounds,” she said.
Lindsay Ortiz added that ACS plans to enhance mechanisms against red-tagging by working with the Crisis Management Committee (CMC) for accessible legal counsel and mobilizing students to support the Human Rights Defenders Ordinance in Baguio.
Moreover, Rebecca Lucero said that ACS aims to push for the revision of the Anti-Sexual Harassment (ASH) code and institutionalize ASH officers within organizations to better address gender and sexual harassment cases.
Meanwhile, Raizen Agulto from CADUA stressed the importance of revising the 2017 ASH code to simplify and localize the bureaucratic processes.
“As such, atin ding ikampanya ang gender-neutral bathrooms para sa lahat, na kung saan komportable ang bawa’t isa. Make our university gender-sensitive and friendly through campaigning [for] better and safe bathroom spaces, too,” Agulto added.
Kian Cruz stated that CADUA also aims to improve genuine student representation within CMC in light of the red-tagging and surveillance cases on UPB students.
“Kailangan din mamaksima ang mga pasilidad na kasalukuyang mayroon ang pamantasan gaya ng Balay International, na hindi naman magamit-gamit, na sana ay ginawang men’s dormitory or extension ng BREHA. Hindi dapat degrading ang ating mga pasilidad,” Hannah Cabria added to CADUA’s plans.
On the other hand, Jared Subijano from AKMA UP emphasized the need for the administration to work on the unfinished construction projects, as they pose safety risks to students.
“Pinapanawagan din natin ang pag-review ng Master Development Plan para makita natin kung saan pa ito pwedeng i-improve in order to address these issues,” Subijano said during a follow-up interview.
“Kasabay nito, it’s an admin issue, but also on our part, we would call for lessening the bureaucracy in terms of securing venues. Mas tangible na lang na solution yung pag-utilize or pagiging creative and resourceful in terms of utilizing the existing spaces inside the campus,” he added. “For example, medyo underutilized pa ang Court B, if possible we can call for the admin to make more rational use of this space.”
Jeric Palarca also mentioned that AKMA UP aims to enhance student representation by forwarding student grievances and discussing funding allocation with the administration.
The Agora Debate 2024 was organized by the Politically Inclined Students of UP Baguio (POLIS-UPB) to engage the candidates running for CSS representatives in an intellectual discussion. This year’s debate centers on the theme, “Navigating Campus Leadership: Addressing Governance, Opportunities, Reformation, and Advocacy for the CSS Students.”
