PUP`s International Feats - Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Congo, Africa
Sydney, Australia
California, USA
Michigan, USA
PUP’s International Feats
Cover Story
Inside This Issue
Vol. 1, Issue 4, September 2012
The PUP Observer is a collaborative output of the Publications
Office and the Communication Management Office
Cover Stories
3
4
5
7
VP Salvador Benchmarks on
Leading Universities in the US
PUP Signs MOU with ULPGL
A PUPian’s Love Affair with
Softball
Dr. Ruiz Presents Two Researches
in Australia ICD 2012
Admin Highlights
8
The Gender Academic Agenda:
A Forum on Special Leave
Benefits and the GAD Focal Point
System
Bits & Pieces
9
9
10
10
11
11
PUP-COC’s Journalism Program
Applies for CHED Center for
Development
Dr. Ruiz Tapped by a Group of
USA Dietitians to Edit Book
SciTech Director Guests in
International Radio Programs
Research Centers Hold Forum on
Environmentalism
Various IT Professionals Gather in
the CT’s 2nd ICMT Conference
Unforgettable Cultural Night
Features, Opinion, &
Commentaries
12
14
15
WANTED: Men of Principles
The Epistemic Community
Theory: A Vision
Damayang PUP
Editorial Board
Manuel M. Muhi
Editorial Consultant
Angelina E. Borican
Anna Ruby P. Gapasin
Ma. Junithesmer D. Rosales
Editors
Rafael Michael O. Paz
Writer
Dr. Samuel M. Salvador during his visits to state universities in the United States benchmarked on the
best practices on education for the benefit of PUP.
Christine S. Bautista & Susan S. Dejito
Layout Artists
Jules F. Asedillo
Sandino B. Cardenas
Lorna T. Enerva
Rudolf Anthony A. Lacerna
Adela Jamorabo-Ruiz
Hilda Felipe San Gabriel
Hermogenes P. Verano
Contributors
Michael Angelo Z. Jugado
Ellen Grace F. Fallarcuna
Raymart N. Vergara
Student Correspondents
Hector B. Calma
Roy Mark B. Gerez
James Brian Ona
Photographers
Israel D. Balignasay
Edwin C. Padilla
Production Staff
We would love to hear from you!
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VP Salvador Benchmarks on Leading Universities in the US
D
r. Samuel M. Salvador, Vice President for Academic
Affairs visited leading universities and colleges in
California, U.S.A. to benchmark on best practices and
standards. The month-long stint of VP Salvador from July 4
to August 10, 2012 hopes to pave the way for the creation
of a model to improve the system delivery of Polytechnic
University of the Philippines and propose the same to the
Commission on Higher Education.
The Vice President revealed that in California, the 23
state universities belonging to the California State University
(CSU) Consortium – CSU Bakersfield, CSU Camarillo, CSU
Chico, CSU Carson, CSU East Bay, CSU Fresno, CSU
Fullerton, Humbolt State University, CSU Long Beach, CSU
Los Angeles, California Maritime Academy, CSU Monterey
Bay, CSU Northridge, California State Polytechnic University
in Pomona, CSU Sacramento, CSU San Bernardino, San
Diego State University, San Francisco State University, San
Jose State University, California Polytechnic State University
in San Luis Obispo, CSU San Marcos, CSU Stanislaus, and
Sonoma State University—follow one system policy, charter,
and standard. Although the consortium seems equal, the
universities have to pass state board accreditation and meet
standards.
Five universities out of 23 and three other colleges
including Stanford University were visited by VP Salvador.
He reported that all schools in California are strong in
education because it is the number one program of the state.
However, there are schools that, aside from education, are
known particularly for the excellence of its program like San
Francisco State University in computer and San Jose State
University in business.
VP Salvador revealed that aside from a uniform system,
the responsibility for the California State University is vested
in the Board of Trustees, whose members are appointed by
the Governor. The trustees appoint the Chancellor, who is
the chief executive officer of the system, and the Presidents
act as chief executive officers of the respective campuses.
Moreover, the Chancellor and the Presidents develop a
system-wide policy. The implementation takes place on
the campus level through broadly-based consultative
procedures.
On the other hand, the Academic Senate, which is
composed of elected representatives of the faculty of each of
the campuses, recommends academic policies to the Board
of Trustees through the Chancellor. This system is followed
using the set standard.
Meanwhile, VP Salvador hopes to visit the U.S. on
another benchmarking endeavour focusing on private
universities sometime in the future.
(J. Rosales)
Volume 1, Issue 4|
3
Cover Story
Cover Story
Prof. Elmer De Jose explains his point as VP Birion and the UPLGL listens.
PUP Signs MOU with ULPGL
T
he Polytechnic University of the
Philippines embarks on another
international quest as University
President Dr. Emanuel C. de Guzman
signs a Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) with the Universite Libre des
Pays des Grands Lacs (ULPGL) of
the Democratic University of Congo on
August 9, 2012.
Dr. Kambale Karafuli Leopold,
ULPGL Rector, invited Dr. De Guzman to
deliver a speech for the commencement
program of their university on the theme
“Towards an Excellent University in the
Great Lakes Region of Africa”. Vice
President for Student Services Dr. Juan
C. Birion served as Dr. de Guzman’s
representative in this notable event that
was held in the Moses and Solomon
Campuses of the ULPGL on August 11,
2012.
The two Universities agreed to
exchange resources to attain goals
leading to the fulfilment of their
academic pursuits for excellence. This
includes designating coordinators from
4
| The Observer
A PUPian’s Love Affair with Softball
Rafael Michael O. Paz
both PUP and ULPGL to manage the
designing and coordinating of activities
that will profit both institutions. The
MOU also stipulates an exchange
program of faculty and students from
both Institutions to establish a scientific,
technical, pedagogical, and logistical
co-operation of ideas and talents. “The
College of Languages and Linguistics
should send faculty members to learn
French from ULPGL. In turn, PUP will
teach English to the University officials,
academic and administrative staff, and
students of ULPGL. President Karafuli
aims to develop the English proficiency
of their University,” said Dr. Birion.
“The PUP Graduate School will host
students from ULPGL in its Doctorate
Programs. PUP can also help the
ULPGL by sending books in learning
English written by Filipino teachers.
We have started by donating copies
of the PUP Graduate Forum to ULPGL
through Prof. Elmer G. de Jose of the
Graduate School,” he added.
“All of this started through one of
my former students in the Graduate
By Augusto Sandino B. Cardenas and Michael Angelo Z. Jugado
VP Birion and Prof. De Jose pose
with two UPLGL officials before the
graduation ceremonies
School,” said Dr. Birion. “ULPGL sent a
scholar, Mr. Abner, to pursue his Doctor
in Business Administration in PUP. For
a time when he was my student, he
kept on inviting PUP to visit ULPGL.
Dr. de Guzman and I talked to the
Rector of ULPGL, President Karafuli,
and he came here to the University
to discuss the possible linkage of the
two Universities. That’s where it all
started.”
“[The experience was] perfect.
They are so caring, accommodating
and warm. They escorted us from the
time we arrived until we went home,”
said Dr. Birion. “I felt like a missionary in
the 21st Century. It is now a challenge
and a mission for PUP to assist ULPGL
to grow through [our competency in
the use of] the English language as
medium of instruction.”
M
ary Joy Floranza plays for the proud colors of the
Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP),
taking her wares in the not-so popular sport of
softball in this basketball-crazy country and being a member
of the Philippine team that went home victorious in the 2012
Big League Softball World Series at Kalamazoo, Michigan--the only player coming from a non-UAAP member school,
makes her a cut above the rest.
Floranza, a fourth-year Bachelor in Physical Education
student and left fielder of the Sta. Mesa-based school’s
Mighty Maroons first fell in love with softball during her
high school heydays when she was still playing for Calawis
National High School, her alma mater, located in a far-flung
barangay in Antipolo City, Rizal.
She has competed in various softball tournaments--including a stint in CALABARZON’s grassroots meet, the
Southern Tagalog Athletic Association but Floranza never
had the chance to play in the fabled Palarong Pambansa.
You can’t teach height, as the mantra goes, but there is
an exception in the sport of softball.
“Sa opinyon ko, dapat lang
naman talaga na ‘dun ako
mag-focus sa sports (softball)
na kahit hindi matangkad e
pwedeng mag-excel,” quipped
Floranza.
(cont. on page 6...)
Volume 1, Issue 4|
5
Cover Story
Cover Story
Dr. Ruiz and Dean Lorenzo pose with other delegates to the conference.
Dr. Ruiz Presents Two Researches in Australia ICD 2012
A PUPian’s Love (from p. 5)...
T
he International Congress of Dietetics (ICD), considered
as the “Olympics” of dietitians and nutritionists from
around the world, is an event that highlights important
research findings and exchange of opinions about nutritional
issues, policies, education and activities of experts from
around the world. The International Confederation of Dietetic
Associations (ICDA) based in Toronto, Canada together with
a host country sponsor the ICD every four years. Since the
first Conference held in the Netherlands in 1952, the 2012
Conference marks the 16th event with the theme “LEAP:
Leadership, Evidence and Advancing Practice”.
With players from Adamson University, UST, UE, and
Floranza herself, the Philippine softball team under the
tutelage of multi-titled coach Ana Maria Santiago of the
vaunted Adamson University women’s softball squad cruised
past opponents in the Asia-Pacific Regional Championships
held in Indonesia last June to earn the right to represent the
Asia Pacific region in the World Series.
The team did not have a rosy start though as they
suffered two straight setbacks in their first two games but the
squad regrouped just in time to regain their bearings back
and keep their chances of winning the title.
“Sabi sa amin ni coach kapag naglaro dapat nasa puso,
ang kailangan kong player ‘yung disiplinado,” said Floranza,
echoing her coach’s sentiments after the team’s sordid
performance in its first two outings.
With their backs against the wall, Floranza rose to the
occasion as she essayed a performance for the books as
the Philippine softball team pulled the rug from under the
heavily-favored and series host, Michigan District 2, 11-8, to
post the scrambling victory.
“Nung una hit ko ‘yung bola at na narrating ko yung first
base, pagkatapos nag-umpisa swerte namin, sunod-sunod
yung home namin,” shared an elated Floranza.
The team then swept all of its remaining games by
cruising past opponents and eventually finished with a 6-2
win-loss record, but because of the winner over the other
format was used, the team bagged the coveted title.
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| The Observer
Floranza went home as a heroine last August 18 and
she was warmly welcomed by his coach in PUP, College
of Human Kinetics Dean Remus Laglagaron and the
hardworking PUP President, Dr. Emanuel C. De Guzman.
Indeed, Floranza’s love for softball has taken her places
while making her Sintang Paaralan proud.
Some 2200 delegates from 60 countries convened at
the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Center on September
5-8. The 800 foreign delegates and 1400 Australians
attended the educational lectures, research presentations,
and various symposia and workshops which offered a rich
tapestry of the versatility of the dietetics profession. Other
events such as receptions, teas, food festival, exhibitions,
and tours provided platforms for mutual exchange and
communication among participants, companies, and
organizations. There was one keynote lecture, 10 plenary
presentations, 48 concurrent sessions which saw 259 oral
research presentations, 25 symposia with 109 presenters,
41 workshops with 184 presenters, 3 poster presentations
consisting of 445 researches and 19 interest group meetings
during the four-day congress. Japan, New Zealand, USA
and Canada had the biggest number of overseas delegates.
There were also 54 exhibitors led by the following major
sponsors: Nestle, Chobani, Nutricia, Kellogg, Simplot
Australia, Flavour Creations, Mars Chocolate, and the
Dietitians Association of Australia.
Dr. Ruiz during her presentation
Only nine presentations came from Filipino dietitians
- four posters and five oral researches. Professor Adela
Jamorabo-Ruiz of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines
presented her poster research on “Concepts Learned and
Problems Encountered in Community Practicum of NutritionDietetics Students: Basis for Improving the BSND Course”
(co-authored with Ms. Susan Arevalo). She also had an oral
research presentation of the paper “A Model for Planning
and Implementing Nutrition Education Programs in Philippine
Settings.” Philippine institutions/organizations with research
paper/poster presentations include the Food and Nutrition
Research Institute-Department of Science & Technology,
University of Santo Tomas, Philippine Rice Research
Institute, and the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.
Prof. Ma. Esperanza SJ. Lorenzo, dean of the PUP
College of Nutrition and Food Science, along with Dr. Ruiz
were among the 24-member Philippine delegation who
attended the ICD 2012.
Volume 1, Issue 4|
7
Admin Highlights
Bits & Pieces
The Gender Academic Agenda
A Forum on Special Leave Benefits and the GAD Focal Point System
The Gender and Development
Desk of the University Center for
Human Rights Research and Education
(UCHURRE) held a FORUM ON
Special Leave Benefits for Women
Employees under the Magna Carta for
Women (RA 9710) and a Discussion
on the Gender and Development Focal
Point System with Prof. Hilda Felipe
San Gabriel, Consultant and Chief
of UCHURRE, as resource person
together with Director Alberto C. Guillo
of the Human Resource Management
Department on August 22, 2012 at
the Bulwagang Bonifacio. The Vice
President for Research Planning, and
Development, Dr. Manuel M. Muhi gave
the inspirational remarks.
According to Prof. Felipe San
Gabriel, under the Magna Carta,
all female faculty members and
administrative employees of the
University, regardless of age and civil
status are entitled to two-month leave
with full pay based on her gross monthly
compensation provided she has the
following conditions:
1. She has undergone surgery due
to gynecological disorders as
certified by competent physician;
This refers to disorders that would
require surgical procedures such
as, but not limited to dilatation
and curettage and those involving
female reproductive organs such
as the vagina, cervix, uterus,
fallopian tubes, ovaries, breast,
adnexa and pelvic floor. As defined,
gynecological
surgeries
shall
include hysterectomy, ovariectomy,
and mastectomy.
2. She has rendered continuous
aggregate employment service of
at least six (6) months for the last
twelve (12) months prior to the
surgery;
| The Observer
Dr. Ruiz Tapped by a Group of USA
Dietitians to Edit Book
The Journalism Program of the PUP College of
Communication was evaluated last September 5 by
members of the Technical Panel for Journalism in line
with its application for Center of Development recognition
by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
The team, headed by Prof. Ben Domingo Jr.
reviewed the documents submitted by the Journalism
Department and conducted an ocular visit of the facilities
and laboratories at the College of Communication. The
said visit is part of the process of evaluation being done
by the CHED before it awards the said distinction.
VP Manuel Muhi addresses the participants of the forum while
Prof. San Gabriel orients the attendees.
3. She has filed an application for
special leave at least five (5)
working days prior to actual date of
leave; and
4. She has submitted a physician’s
certificate who will perform the
surgery.
Prior application shall not be
necessary in cases requiring
emergency surgical operations.
Instead, the employee shall notify
his/her Head or Supervisor or the
Human Resources Department
verbally or in writing within a
reasonable period of time. After
the surgery or recuperation, the
female employee must immediately
file her application for special leave
and submit a certified true copy of
the following hospital records:
•
•
•
•
8
PUP-COC’s Journalism Program
Applies for CHED Center of
Development
Fit-to-work certification from the
physician;
Medical Abstract;
Histopath
Report,
Operative
technique or surgical memorandum;
and
Discharge summary
According to Prof. San Gabriel,
concern for women as productive forces
of society is given greater attention
under President Emanuel De Guzman’s
administration.
She also pointed
out that the HR Department of the
University will ensure that the proviso of
the Magna Carta will be implemented.
In the open forum, Director Guillo of
HRMD also concurred with what has
been discussed by Prof. San Gabriel,
and assured the participants that their
request for leave benefits will be given
attention.
The members of the team were warmly welcomed
by the University officials represented by Executive
Vice President Victoria C. Naval as well as the College
officials headed by Dean Edna T. Bernabe along with
Chairpersons Cherry C. Pebre and Racidon P. Bernarte.
Journalism students and faculty members were also
around to give their support to the activity.
(A. E. Borican)
Dr. Ruiz receives copy of the Renal Diabetic Cookbook she edited
from UFANDA officers led by its President, Josie Ramos.
Dr. Adela Jamorabo-Ruiz, a renowned faculty member of
the College of Nutrition and Food Science and Graduate School,
was tapped by the United Filipino-American Nutritionists &
Dietitians Association (UFANDA) based in Northern California
to be the editor of the Renal Diabetic Cookbook.
The book project started in 2008 and was completed in
2011. It was off the press this August 2012 from Audubon
Media Corporation in Iowa, USA. UFANDA President Josefina
Ramos presented a copy to Dr. Ruiz in Sydney, Australia.
Around 200 male and female
employees and faculty members who
attended the forum signified their
interest and welcomed this positive
development.
As regards the GAD focal point
mainstreaming
program
of
the
University, Prof. Felipe-San Gabriel
reiterated that the program will be
cascaded to different units of the
University and would push for trainings
on gender sensitivity alongside the
issue of equal opportunities for men
and women, and the LGBTQ.
Dr. Ruiz was assisted by registered nutritionist-dietitians
who were PUP Nutrition & Dietetics graduates, namely: Maria
Estela Jamorabo, Mark Angelo Lorenzo and Annabelle Gilo.
top: DOJ Chair Cherry C. Pebre assists the Technical Panel
during the ocular at COC
bottom: Prof. Ben Domingo Jr. with CHED representatives
review documents
Using the Nutritional Computing ConceptsTM software
provided by UFANDA, Dr. Ruiz did the nutrient analysis of
the recipes. In addition to editing the recipe procedures, Dr.
Ruiz did the book layout and provided the glossary of terms.
A total of 127 tested recipes consisting of soups, salads,
entrees, vegetable dishes, rice, pasta, bread, noodle, and
desserts recipes are featured in the book to help patients with
diabetes and renal disorders prepare nutritionally adequate
and palatable meals.
Volume 1, Issue 4 |
9
Bits & Pieces
Bits & Pieces
SciTech Director Guests in International Radio Programs
SciTech Research and Development
Center (STRDC) Director, Dr. Lorna T. Enerva,
was invited as guest in the international
radio programs “Magnegosyo Tayo” and
“Trends and Insights” last September 5 at
the Philippine Broadcasting Service. The
program’s radio anchors CED Director
Apolonio A. Duque and Chief Victoria G. Red
invited the SciTech Director to discuss some
of the researches conducted by STRDC and
disseminate their research findings.
Dir. Enerva enumerated and talked
about some of the researches conducted
by the Center which are in accordance with
the Center’s research thrusts on Material
Science and Natural Products. According to
her, one of the objectives of SciTech is in line
with the Millennium Development Goals that
is to ensure environmental sustainability.
From Left: Mr. Timothy Mislos, Mr. Demeke Bayyou, Prof. Rudolf Lacerna, and Mr. Daniel Wang
Various IT Professionals Gather in CT’s 2nd ICMT Conference
By: Rudolf Anthony A. Lacerna
Dr. Lorna T. Enerva pose with radio anchor and CED Chief Victoria G. Red
during the latter’s radio program.
Dir. Enerva emphasized that dissemination of research findings and other key messages are increasingly
acknowledged as a vital yet complex process and that researchers must be willing to provide peers and other field
stakeholders with research results and findings in an appropriate and collaborative manner.
Research Centers Hold Forum on Environmentalism
Some 700 students attended the “Youth Forum on Environmentalism”
sponsored and organized by the Center for Human Development, Center for
Global Warming Studies, Institute of Social History-Research for Politics and
Economics and College of Science in coordination with the Office of VicePresident for Research, Extension & Development held at the Bulwagang
Balagtas, July 27.
The forum aimed to articulate the holistic approach on solving the problem
of environmental destruction. Various topics were discussed that tackled
environmental concerns and environmental sustainability such as: “Being
Innovative: Community Involvement and Sustainability” by Dr. Theresita V.
Atienza, President, College of Science Faculty Association; “Object-Oriented
Ecology” by Prof. Virgilio A. Rivas, Director, ISH-RIPE; and “Environmental
Stewardship” by Mrs. Cynthia Villar, one of the founders of the Villar Foundation
which advocates the use of alternative solutions to solving environmental
problems such as transforming garbage into recyclable materials.
Former Cong. Cynthia Villar
addresses the attendees of
the forum.
10
| The Observer
The program proved to be a beneficial activity since it opened the minds of
its audience to possible measures in maintaining, sustaining, and living in an
environment that takes care not only of human beings but also of organisms
that share the ecosystem.
College of Technology (CT) students
under the Information Communication
Management
Technology
(ICMT)
program organized a technology
conference held at the CT Audio-Visual
Room on September 14.
Global
perspectives
from
Information
Technology
(IT)
professionals favored the invitation
of the CT faculty members to
gather and share insights to the 2nd
ICMT Conference, with the theme
“Information
Technology
on
its
Progressing Advancement Pursuing
International Success,” to prepare
students to be Globally Competitive.
This was attended by faculty members
and students from the PUP College of
Technology, AMA Computer University
and
Eulogio Amang
Rodriguez
Institute of Science & Technology;
and Dr. Carolina Panganiban with her
behalf from the PUP Graduate School
Community Extension Office.
The conference highlighted talks
by foreign and Filipino IT practitioners
from both industry and academe.
Mr. Demeke Bayyou, an African IT
expert in the area of programming and
technology research, emphasized the
use of Oracle Database in the corporate
setting. Meanwhile, Mr. Daniel Wang, a
Singaporian businessman who arrived
in the Philippines a day before the
conference, tackled the innovation of
Codes for programming used in the
business. Other than that, Mr. Timothy
Mislos, an IT educator and Software
Development Engineer from Gurango
Software Corporation, discussed the
use of Microsoft Sharepoint in the
industry. Finally, Mr. Bonifacio Biodor,
IT educator from the Eulogio Amang
Rodriguez Institute of Science and
Technology, demostrated ASP.net in
building dynamic websites.
The conference was supported by
the Converged IT, Royale Ink, Microsoft,
PUP Graduate School Community
Extenstion Office and Greenwich SM
Centerpoint.
UNFORGETTABLE CULTURAL NIGHT. A night of
song, dance, and skit characterized the 35th Founding
Anniversary of the College of Human Kinetics (CHK)
last August 20 at the PUP Gymnasium. Led by the
CHK dean, Prof. Remus Laglagaron, the cultural night
was a reverberating success as it showcased the
talents of faculty and students. In the picture, “Singkil”,
a folk dance from the Mindanao Region was one of the
memorable numbers of the event.
(Jules F. Asedillo)
Volume 1, Issue 4 | 11
Features, Opinion, & Commentaries
Features, Opinion, & Commentaries
W A N T E D: MEN OF PRINCIPLES
By (Fr.) Hermogenes P. Verano
“It would seem as if the rulers of our time sought only to use men in order to
make things great; I wish that they would try a little more to make great men;
that they would set less value on the work, and more upon the work man; that
they would never forget that a nation cannot remain strong when every man
belonging to it is individually weak, and that no form or combination of social
policy has yet been devised to make an energetic people out of a community of
pusillanimous and enfeebled citizens.”
Generally, people would often say,
“You cannot live with principles alone; it
cannot give you food at the table, so just be
practical and you will survive.” This is as if
life depends only on being pragmatist—of
making sense of what applies in a given
circumstance.
In this dog eat dog world, we are in a
dilemma as to what road to follow; what is
right or wrong; and what are the practical
and available alternatives that we can use
at a given moment. Most people opt for the
easy road but only few dare to walk the road
less travelled. The former is for men who are
do not want to get out of their comfort zones
and who are afraid of compromise while the
latter is for men who are patiently looking
for self-restraint and sacrifice for the benefit
and welfare of other people. Nowadays, we
seldom see people with guarded principles.
Men who are not afraid to stand up for what
is right, what is ideal.
In actuality, we are not bereft of men
and women who choose to live and die for
causes. Their choice is not for themselves
but for others, not for self-aggrandizement,
not for the opulence of life but for the
welfare of the marginalized, deprived and
less- privileged people.
Some of these men are not remote
from us. Take the example of former PUP
president Dr. Nemesio E. Prudente,
the nationalist educator. He lived a life
12
| The Observer
of courage, passion and principles; a
worthy example to students and others.
He promoted and practiced the type of
education that is clearly, resolutely and
militantly in the service of the Filipino
people in their struggle for national
liberation and democracy, social justice,
development and peace. He upheld
his principles and courageously put
his life, limb and liberty on the line in
fighting for a just cause of the Filipino
people (Sison, 2008). His philosophy of
education that was nationalist, critical
and activist was concretely put into
practice to the Polytechnic University of
the Philippines.” He remained a steadfast
advocate of nationalism and democracy
despite two attempts in his life, first in
1987 and in the second in 1988, both of
which cost a number of lives (Navarro,
2011). Unwavering in his stand, he
was held in high esteem by the broad
masses of people. He once wrote while
in detention:
Another principled man worthy of
mentioning is Jose W. Diokno, also
a nationalist. As founding chair of
Commission of Human Rights and Free
Legal Assistance Group (FLAG), his
career was “dedicated to the promotion
of human rights, the defense of Philippine
sovereignty and enactment of pro-Filipino
legislation. He gave free legal services to
the victims of martial law. He personally
defended tribal groups, peasants and
Alexis de Tocqueville
Dr. Nemesio E. Prudente
Jose W. Diokno
social workers threatened by exploitation
and military atrocities. He did not fear of
being arrested.”
On the other hand, Lorenzo M.
Tañada is a political idealist meriting
emulation. His philosophy is, “Fear of
God is the start of wisdom”—a belief that
was ingrained in him by his mother. He
used this in his social dealings. Regarded
as the “leader of the parliament of the
streets”, he was described to be a person
who metamorphosed from a graft buster
to nationalist and crusader to various
causes. As a man of principle, he was
praised by all sectors of Philippine society
for his infallible stance against corruption,
inequality and tyranny. As founding chair
of Bagong Alyansa Makabayan, he was
known as the “grand old man of Philippine
politics.”
Whistleblowers
Rodolfo
“Jun”
Lozada Jr. and cashier Acsa Ramirez
joined the league of principled men and
women. The Black and White Movement
hails Jun Lozada’s moral courage and
strength of character when he revealed
the explosive story of the ZTE Broadband
Project scam. Against all odds, he accused
the former First Gentleman Miguel Arroyo
of masterminding the said scam. Facing
great fear, he found the heroism to defeat it
at great risk to his personal safety and wellbeing of his family. While Acsa Ramirez
received the brunt of being maligned and
suspected of being part of the bank tax
scam. She got the shock of her life when
in front of the television she was presented
by the then NBI Director Wycoco and not
less than the former President Gloria
Macapagal as the principal suspect of the
said scam. Her only mistake is to heed for
the call of honesty by exposing the scam.
Although, Director Wycoco and Pres.
Arroyo remorsefully apologized later, the
harm and torture for her family had already
been done.
In the entertainment world, Rodolfo
“Dolphy” Quizon, the comedian,
outstands others when it comes to
credibility. Although he sired many children
from different women, there is one principle
that he is best admired for. That is when
he opted not to enter politics in spite of
his immense popularity with the local
folks. A sure win could have catapulted
him to more power, more money (more
adulation?). His famous answer, “what if I
win?. Translated, if he wins what would he
do? He has no knowledge about politics
and governance or about legislation. He is
uniquely different from others in his group,
even if some actors have no credentials;
yet they still have the gall and temerity
to force themselves to politics, or higher
positions in the government. Good for
Dolphy, he could not in conscience accept
what is not right.
Lorenzo M. Tañada
Rodolfo “Jun” Lozada Jr.
Acsa Ramirez
Rodolfo “Dolphy” Quizon
Just recently, we witnessed the
spectacular outpouring of praise for
the unassuming and unaffecting Jesse
Robredo, the then Secretary of Interior
and Local Government who died in a plane
crash in the waters of Masbate. He was
hailed as the champion for the poor and
marginalized. Noted for idealism, humility
and principle, he went out his way to help
others without drumbeating it. A silent
performer, he is an epitome of a loyal
and sincere public servant who knows no
boundary when it comes to public service.
A symbol of good governance, his legacy is
likened to a germ that should contaminate
others. He died so that others may live.
Finally, there are other dignified men
and women unmentioned here who had
or have exhibited a desire to follow what
their hearts dictate, a desirous wish to walk
the road less travelled. Some are dead
fighting for the highest ideal. Some are still
living, experiencing deep seated anguish
and are frustrated because people have
not really changed for the better. But they
are still determined that someday they will
see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Jesse Robredo
Volume 1, Issue 4| 13
Features, Opinion, & Commentaries
The
Epistemic Community
Theory: A Vision
I got hired by PUP in 1988 when
Dr. Nemesio E. Prudente was the
university president. It was during
his incumbency that I witnessed the
unprecedented progress that PUP
made both in the educational and
political frontiers. After more than
two decades, a young idealistic
president was installed in the person
of Dr. Emanuel C. De Guzman. As a
graduate of sociology, he assiduously
presented to the members of our
academe his blueprint capsulized
in his eight-point agenda which are
anchored on his vision of transforming
PUP into an “epistemic community”.
When I first heard the term
“epistemic community”, I had no
idea what it really meant. Having
been interested to understand the
direction that Dr. De Guzman wishes
for PUP to take, I took the initiative to
make a research on the connotation
and implication of the term. First,
I looked into the etymological
meaning of the word “epistemic”. I
found out that it is derived from the
Greek word “episteme” which means
“knowledge” or understanding”. Since
it is used as an adjective to describe
a “community”, I also looked into the
meaning of the latter word which,
as it turned out, is derived from the
old French term “communite”. This
French term originated from the Latin
word “communitas” which stemmed
from the words “cum” meaning
together and “menus” meaning “gift”.
Subsequently, I surfed the Internet
to find out if I could come across
the term “epistemic community”. I
discovered that the concept was
introduced by a political scientist
14
| The Observer
Peter M. Haas from the University
of Massachusetts Amherts in 1990.
He describes it as “ a network
of professionals with recognized
expertise and competence in a
particular domain and an authoritative
claim to policy relevant knowledge
within that domain or issue area”.
Emphasizing that its end-goal should
be the betterment of society rather
than self-gain of the community,
he identified four of its unifying
characteristics namely:
1. A shared set of normative
and principled beliefs which
provide a value rationale for
social action of community
members
2. A shared causal beliefs
which are derived from their
analyses of practices leading
or contributing to central set
of problems in their domain
and which then serve as
the basis for elucidating the
multiple linkages between
possible policy actions and
desired outcomes
3. A shared notions of validity
, that is , intersubjective,
internally defined criteria
for weighing and validating
knowledge in the domain of
their expertise; and
4. A
common
policy
or
enterprise or set of common
practices associated with a
set of problems to which their
professional
competence
is directed presumably out
of conviction that human
welfare will be enhanced as a
consequence
Features, Opinion, & Commentaries
By (Fr.) Hermogenes P. Verano
Based on what I read, an
epistemic community is a group of
people who do not have any specific
history together. Its existence was
born out of the need to respond
to the rapid professionalization of
government agencies. It came about
as more decision-makers began
turning to experts to help them
understand complicated issues.
Hence, its members join it to form a
community which intends to focus on
information-based projects. Its cause
is more of connectedness in terms
of interest in planning and future
oriented research.
After gaining useful information
about epistemic community, I began to
think if it could be successfully applied
in PUP. Any belief or philosophy
always has a chance to be proven as
the true and correct path. Its advocates
must have the determination to
convince stakeholders on the validity
and the urgency of the proposition.
No matter how callous and hard
some people maybe, with massive
information dissemination coupled
with consistent consultations and
dialogues, any progressive idea
will always find a solace in a heart
yearning
for
metamorphosis.
Take away participatoriness and
democratic space will be dead. And
the philosophy will die a natural
death
Envisioning an ideal epistemic
community is not an easy feat
considering
PUP’s
variety
of
disciplines and backgrounds. Our
university has been handled by
diverse administrative disciplines
since its inception from Manila
Business School days to a fullfledged state university. Despite this,
I personally believe that our faculty
members should welcome President
De Guzman’s challenge rather
than meet it with indifference and
skepticism. We should realize that we
constitute one academic community.
As such, we should behave as onecommunity of professionals sharing
common values of competency and
excellence. We should be open to
changes, no matter how tough they
may be, in order to develop not
only ourselves but the entire PUP
community as well. We should be
supportive of his vision to transform
PUP into a community of experts
in the different fields of studies.
However, the envisioned change is
not one-way. We should also demand
from the present administration to
deliver its commitment to support us
in pursuing further studies and delving
into significant research projects in
order to harness our knowledge in
our areas of discipline.
I strongly believe that President
De Guzman’s eight point-agenda
can serve as a take-off point in his
aspiration to realize his vision. They
constitute the paradigms of good
governance which are congruent
to the expected end-goal of an
epistemic community, which is, the
betterment of our society. It must be
stressed that the pursuit of academic
excellence should always be coupled
with the inculcation of disciplinal
integrity. For indeed, real education is
attained only when we have learned
to take the correct path. This is in line
with President PNoy’s challenge to
educators to lead our youth to “daang
matuwid”.
With a morally upright and
dedicated
leader,
supported
by informed and open-minded
constituents, the light at the end of the
tunnel will no longer be impossible to
illumine us.
Damayang PUP
By Jules F. Asedillo
“Mabuti pa ang PUP nadadamayan kami, salamat sa inyong pagdamay.”
Iyan ang sambit ni Nanay Lani Advincula, Presidente ng Samahan ng Kababaihang
Nagkakaisa sa Guinayang, San Mateo, Rizal. Sa halos 300 pamilya nakapagbigay
ng kaunting pagkain ang Community Relations Office (salamat sa suporta ng ating
pangulo na si Dr. Emanuel De Guzman) sa mga mahihirap na naapektuhan at
nasalanta ng Habagat. Ang mga relief goods ay nanggaling din sa mga donasyon ng
istudyante, guro at kawaning PUP at mga pribadong organisasyon.
Ano nga ba ang kahalagahan ng pakikiramay? Ng pagmamalasakit sa kapwa? Ng
pagtulong sa mga mahihirap at mahihina? Para sa akin ito ang kabuuan ng pagiging
tao, ang pagdamay, pagmamalasakit at pagpapakita na sa mundong ito hindi dapat
maramdaman ng tao na sila ay nag-iisa. Bilang State University alam natin na ang
kakarampot na budget ay hindi nagkakasya upang tugunan ang pangangailangan
ng ating mga Iskolar ng Bayan, sila yung mga anak ng mga simpleng tao, simpleng
manggagawa, magsasaka at empleyado. Pero higit sa hirap na tinamasa baba ng budget
para matugunan ang pagpapaunlad ng ating pasilidad, higit pa sa mga problemang
kinakaharap natin sa araw-araw hindi naging balakid ito upang buhayin natin ang
katangian ng “PUP DAMAYAN”, hindi lamang sa loob ng ating unibersidad (na
may plano rin na makapagbigay ng kaunting tulong sa mga nasalanta, kasalukuyang
nililikom ang listahan ng mga pangalan ng mga nasalanta) kundi sa labas din.
Isa lang ang natutunan ko, hindi kinakailangan na maging mayaman o magkaroon
ng maraming pera para tumulong sa kapwa, kundi ito ay kapasyahan na ibahagi ang
kakaunting meron ka (konting pera, kaunting talento, kaunting panahon) para sa
ikagagaan ng kondisyo ng nararanasan ng iba.
(Bukod sa Guinayang San Mateo, Rizal nakapagbigay din tayo ng tulong sa
Olandes, Marikina ng 500 school supplies na nanggaling sa ating PUP Alumni,
nagbigay din tayo ng mahigitsa 400 na relief goods at 600 na batang pinakain sa
Manuggal, Kitanlad, Tatalon, Quezon City, kasama natin ang Alay sa Bayan
Foundation at NSTP)
Patuloy po ang pangangalap ng relief goods ng opisinang Community Relations
Office, maaari po nating sadyain ang kanilang opisina sa Rm 310 South Wing, PUP
Sta. Mesa.
Volume 1, Issue 4| 15
Intramurals 2012