The Triumph of Reason

The recently-concluded General Assembly of Student Councils (GASC) in our campus last weekend saw the triumph of reason against dogmatic belief. For the first time in history, we saw real reforms being instituted in the Codified Rules for the Student Regent Selection (CRSRS). This is a moment of triumph for the students of the University of the Philippines, as this makes the Student Regent (SR) selection process a step closer to being truly democratic and representative.

We have succeeded in making an SR candidate satisfy the minimum academic requirements of the University. This requirement is not repressive, because this same requisite determines our status as a student. This requirement merely reiterates our responsibility to the Filipino people, to repay their sacrifice by pursuing academic excellence and social justice, without prejudice to one or the other.

We have succeeded in removing the direct reference to a network of partisans in the CRSRS. Although we recognize the historical role of KASAMA sa UP in helping reestablish the Office of Student Regent (OSR), the CRSRS as enshrined in its statement of principles should not be biased in favor of one political affiliation and orientation. The removal of such direct reference represents our commitment to a truly broad and open participation of students regardless of political persuasion.

We have succeeded in giving our local college councils a voice in the selection process of the Student Regent. Empowering our local college councils does not, in any way, make the process of selecting a Student Regent divisive. In fact, it opens the door for greater consensus, as more leaders get to scrutinize the SRs-to-be, and discuss their merits in an atmosphere of respect.

No amount of nay saying and rancor generated by other groups could hide these facts. As we urge our fellow students to remain vigilant and protect our gains, we congratulate our progressive student councils and student leaders for their courageous stand to fight for reform, and see reason triumph in the GASC.

Alyansa ng mga Mag-aaral para sa Panlipunang Katwiran at Kaunlaran (ALYANSA)