Aiming for better security, Far Eastern University (FEU) is set to install closed-circuit televisions (CCTV) in different spots in the campus.
CCTV cameras were installed last March 19 at gates 3 and 4 for demo purposes. Engineering Office plans to install more cameras at gate 2, visitor’s lounge, executive offices, and cashiers.
“We’re planning to install it also in elevators since we sometimes have power shortages. That is just the phase 1 for this year. Others will take place next year,” Consultant of Electrical Engineering Department and proponent of the project Engr. Nemesio Guillermo stated.
CCTV device processes, stores, and displays images. It is capable of 30 frames per second with a resolution of 720 per 480 pixels which is of high definition and can record even up to 90 days or even 355 days.
“It is modular. When we say modular, it means later on we will add units. Also, even if you’re home or abroad, you can access it since it is through land cable. You can even access it through smart phones. If you have blackberry, you can access it. That is if you have the right username and password,” Guillermo added.
He also stated that the device is close to impossible to be hacked. “[The] security has specific username and password. The cameras record what is happening so we would know who came inside. Wrongdoers will think twice,”
Regarding the budget for the installation of CCTV, Guillermo noted that they cannot state it yet since the bidding is still ongoing.
“The value we will get [from CCTV] is more than it compensates. For example, last March 12 there was an incident. For all we know the student just pushed the guard. The student was very arrogant. What happened was he wants the guard to open his bag. Kasi if you’ll just rely on the student and guard’s statements they can twist the story, but with CCTV it is very clear what happened. It saves you the effort and time,” he remarked.
CCTV showed the incident of the student refusing to undergo bag inspection, including its time and date which was later forwarded to OSACS.
According to Guillermo, the cameras will not only serve as a monitoring device but also a powerful tool as documentary evidence.
The cameras are monitored by the Security Office which is manned for 24 hours by the guard on duty.
“There is no disadvantage. If there is, it would just be on the guards. Wala ng matutulog (No one will sleep). Guards are on alert. Besides, the cameras would be placed in public places and signs will be put up,” said consultant engineer.
The project which was proposed and in works since two years ago had its final evaluation last June 11 and is scheduled to set up and finished on July after the installment of CCTVs in FEU Makati.

Far Eastern University Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (FEU-JPIA) won awards at the 27th National Convention of Accountancy Students in Playa Tropical Resort Hotel, Ilocos Norte last April 20 to 23.
The annual event was organized by National Federation of Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (NFJPIA). Supported by Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants, NFJPIA is a national organization acting as a link between accountancy students and professionals tasked with directing its members to the significant segment of the business community.
Meynard Sardalla placed first both in level three (Business law) and level four (Taxation) while Madelle Amora followed in second place on the same category.
FEU-JPIA’s Sunday School Program was awarded as the most outstanding non-academic activity. The program is an outreach in Bulacan wherein they teach kids on basic education. The organization also represented the regional council and clutched third in dressmaking competition.
“FEU is known as one of the most competitive schools in academics, and once again FEU proved that it is one of the best accountancy schools in the Philippines,” former president of NCR-JPIA Fernan Michael San Diego stated.
Furthermore, FEU-JPIA was also nominated as one of the most outstanding local chapters.
“It’s a competition among schools in NCR. A criteria was set by NCR-JPIA, first we need to excel both in academics and non-academics, quality and quantity of projects we provided to general members, and then they evaluated the support received by the regional council from the school, and the support FEU-JPIA gave to other schools that are also members of the regional council,” San Diego said.
FEU has been consistent in entering the top four in Most Outstanding Local Chapter (MOLC) in NCR.
“JPIA was not named as the MOLC. To be considered as MOLC is not easy kasi every year binabago yung criteria, ibig sabihin nasusustain ng feu yung pagpasok nila sa kung ano mang criteria yung sinet ng regional council, (To be considered as MOLC is not easy because they change the criteria every year, it means that FEU sustains whatever criteria the regional council had set) “he added.

President’s Committee on Culture (PCC) continues to portray Far Eastern University’s (FEU) richness in arts and culture as it marks its 20 years of existence.
Despite the absence of performing arts courses in the line-up of FEU programs, University’s artistic arm managed to complement top-caliber performances and productions through PCC.
“Given that we do not offer any major [courses] in performing arts, the PCC has created a balance that complements with the actual opportunities to engage experience and enjoy the performing arts here in our historic FEU,” PCC Executive Director Martin Lopez said.
Founded in 1990, PCC was established by former FEU president Felixberto Sta. Maria as he perceived the sole importance of performing arts as a way of promoting the abundant history of FEU.
“As years went on, the functions of PCC also grew. This includes the handling of groups which continues to grow,” Lopez shared.
Under PCC are five cultural groups namely: FEU Theater Guild, FEU Dance Company, FEU Chorale, Drum and Bugle Corps and Bamboo Band.
Lopez said that an Ushering and Tour Guiding Committee was established in view of PCC’s improvement.
The new group is composed of Tourism students to help conduct tours in FEU’s United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization certified campus.
This year’s celebration will be centered on youth as performances from children’s orchestra and youth-related film screenings are anticipated in PCC’s calendar of events.

Stepping stone
With the active annual cultural calendar, PCC continues to expand the promotion of University’s artistry showcasing FEU talents through productions.
Lopez also said that groups under PCtC play an important role in representing FEU in different nationwide and international competitions.
Looking through the improvements and accomplishments of PCC, Lopez shared, “It is a stepping stone. We would not be here today without the achievements of the past Administrations and past executive directors.”
PCC has invited country’s premiere performers like Philippine Harmonic Orchestra, Liza Macuja-Elizalde, Tanghalang Pilipino and other international groups from Korea, Israel and Canada.

Representing again the school and the country, third year Mass Communication student Sedfrey Lacsamana together with six other scholars are off to United States (US) to learn journalism and new media.
Organized by the US Department of State in cooperation with US Embassy in the Philippines, the five week program will cover all elements of journalism: researching, writing, editing, and reporting with particular emphasis on new forms of media.
Study of the United States Institutes for Scholars (SUSI) on New Media aims to provide its scholars a deeper understanding of the American culture and its society while enhancing leadership skills in covering major topics concerning journalism, including the concept of free press, First Amendment rights, the media’s relationship to the public interest and media business models.
“It aims to underscore the impact of new technologies on journalism, and give the participants new skills such as working with online photos and videos, twittering, publishing blogs, utilizing social networking and other Internet sites, and other new technologies,” Lacsamana said.
Seven scholars were chosen including students from University of the Philippines-Diliman and Los Baños, Ateneo de Davao University, West Visayas University and Baliuag University in Bulacan.
“I am very proud that I will represent FEU once again outside the country, and I really feel grateful that I was chosen by the US Embassy as one of its scholars for the said program because it was a highly competitive search. Student leaders all over the country were invited to apply,” he added.
SUSI scholars’ stay in the US is from June 26 to August 1 at the University of Illinois.

Celebrating the European Union (EU) month last May, Far Eastern University (FEU), together with President’s Committee on Culture (PCC) hosted the Second EU Chorale Competition last May 28 at FEU Auditorium.
After the success of the 2009 EU choir competition, this year’s second choir battle gathered nine groups from universities in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
Outside-Manila groups University of the Philippines (UP)-Los Baños, Tarlac State University and De la Salle University (DLSU)-Dasmariñas notched first, second and third places respectively.
Vell Luis Tan, DLSU-Dasmariñas chorale conductor, was awarded as this year’s Best Conductor.
Other participating groups included Polytechnic University of the Philippines Bagong Himig-Serenata, DLSU-College of St. Benilde’s Coro San Benildo and UP Medicine Choir.
University of Asia and the Pacific Chorale, Mapua Institute of Technology Cardinal Chamber Singers and First Asia Minstrels of First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities in Batangas also joined the competition.
Participants performed renditions from both Filipino and EU composers’ pieces. Commemorating the EU month, the event helps students to get acquainted with European languages, history and culture.
According to Gabriel Manuera Viñals, EU delegation Charge de Affairs, the annual competition showcases Filipino talents and musical prowess.
PCC executive director Martin Lopez hoped that next year’s EU choir competition would include choir groups nationwide and international.
In line with the celebration EU held series of events within Metro Manila which highlighted the friendship and partnership of EU countries and the Philippines.
EU is an organization of 27 economic and political countries in Europe.

Demanded by the rapid growth of population, Far Eastern University-East Asia College (FEU-EAC) extended its facilities to cater students while two specialized computer studies programs are now offered for incoming freshmen’s preference.
According to FEU-EAC executive director Benson Tan, the rapid growth of enrollees for the past five school years demanded EAC administration to build 12 rooms in AMSIR building at R. Papa Street.
As of June 5, EAC population for this semester reached 5,278 students—a 17 percent increase from last year’s population of 4,506 students.
On school year 2005 to 2006, EAC population marked 2,971 enrollees which surged a 77.7 percent increase from this year’s students.
The sudden increase of students materialized the extension at AMSIR building. The four-storey and then athletes’ dormitory were converted to 12 newly-constructed air-conditioned rooms.
Engineering and computer studies students now occupy the rooms as the construction, according to Tan, underwent last April.

Specializing courses
Incoming freshmen now choose what computer studies course to take as Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) and BS in Computer Science (BSCS) underwent Commission on Higher Education’s approval to offer two specialized curriculum for the said two courses.
BSIT program specializes in Digital Arts and Web Applications Development while BSCS specializes in Software Engineering and Game Design and Development.
Digital Arts helps to create visually rich content for virtual media while Web Applications Development enables students in creating design and testing web applications.
Moreover, Game Design and Development helps students learn the two-dimensional, computer-based generation of digital images and three-dimensional representation while Software Engineering develops students’ computing solutions and design software applications.
According to Doris Rowena Albelda, FEU-EAC Admissions and External Relations Office Officer-in-Charge, the specialized courses are vital in producing marketable and competitive students.
She added that these courses will make students more knowledgeable in their chosen craft.
Information Technology program director Rosana Adao clarified that the specialization is just an enhancement of the courses’ old curriculum.
“Ngayon, nakita namin ‘yung demand at malaki ito (Now, we see the big demand for) for digital artists, animators and game programmers so we have decided to come up with that specialization na talagang full bloom,” Adao said.
As of press time, 745 IT and 196 CS freshmen are enrolled in the said specialized courses. Second to fourth year students followed the old curriculum.
FEU-EAC is a sister school of FEU which offers degrees in Engineering and Computer Studies in a tri-semester basis.

With reports from Gel V. Dectoria

The Pasig River rehabilitation intensifies as 13 University-belt (U-belt) schools collaborated in avoiding further deterioration of the river.
With the program titled “Pasig River Stewardship Initiatives Through Science and Technology Advocacy,” 13 U-belt university presidents signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between U-belt Consortium Research and Extension Linkage, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc. last February 18 at the FEU Plaza.
DOST Secretary Estrella Alabastro emphasized to the involved schools the significance of students’ help to increase environmental awareness.
“There’s a need of change on how people treat esteros and this project will create social consciousness not only to students but to community near the esteros,” Alabastro said.
The U-belt Consortium through FEATI University, Mapua Institute of Technology, University of Sto. Tomas, Adamson University, Industrial Technology Development Institute, and Far Eastern University acts as implementing agencies.
Moreover, University of the East, Manuel L. Quezon University, Jose Rizal University, National University, Lyceum of the Philippines University, University of Manila, Arellano University and ABS-CBN as cooperating agencies. The undertaking will be monitored by Philippine Council for Industry and Energy Research and Development.

Program framework
“This program works on Pasig River together with other members—the very first project taken as a group,” program leader Dr. Rogelio Panlasigui said.
He narrated that three years ago, Chemical Engineering students from FEATI University conducted a study and figured out how to resolve the Pasig River’s deterioration.
For possible funding, the said program was proposed to DOST while the feasibility was approved by Pasig River Rehabilitation Center.
The program provides technical support to rehabilitate esteros along the River. The implementation of the program settles on Data Acquisition, Technology Intervention and Advocacy and Awareness.
Part of the project will perform extensive sampling and analysis of heavy metals present in selected esteros.
The project also develops environmental information which educates and warns the public against the hazardous effects of degraded esteros.
According to him, each U-belt university will clean a preferred estero.
Panlasigui said that in order to make the project successful, awareness and sustained effort should work hand in hand.
The project is in completion within a year’s time from February 1 to January 31, 2011.

Academic value
Panlasigui highlighted the active role of students as the project bounds everyone’s social and environmental accountability.
In addition, ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc. Managing Director Regina Paz Lopez articulated her gratitude to youth as it intensifies every time she seeks help from students.
Lopez defined the value of academe in helping save the Pasig River and other environmental deterioration.
“No matter what we do in esteros, if the community along the esteros sees it as trashcans, it’s not going to work,” Lopez said.
The test of shifting consciousness, according to her, challenges the project.
Moreover, the environmentalist stressed that the word Tagalog was originated from taga-ilog.
“We are taga-ilog. Our country is a water country which comprises 400 water systems. If we can clean the river, estero by estero, if we work together, the project will be a successful,” Lopez ended.
On the other hand, University President Dr. Lydia Echauz said that FEU students will share big contribution to the Pasig River rehabilitation.
“Our students will definitely be involved in this project because in all actions of the University, students should contribute,” Echauz said.

Increase of 3.5 to 5 percent in tuition loomed during the University Tuition Consultation.
Far Eastern University (FEU) administrators, teaching and non teaching personnel, student council and academic organization officers and representatives, scholars, students, alumni and parents were present in the event last February 10 at the University Conference Center.
“It is to explain to parents kung saan ginamit ‘yung tuition this year. The increase before parang sinasabi na yung Tuition dito ginamit. Ngayon na naman it is the same, kung anong paggagamitan this year same last year, to improve the facilities and benefits. This is to prove na ginagamit talaga namin. To show saan ginamit and to explain why we need it again (It is to explain to parents for what is the increase for this year was allocated. Now again it’s the same, it is to explain where the increase would be spent, to improve the facilities and benefits. This is to prove that we are really spending the tuition for the cause of the students. To show where we spent it and why we need it again),” University Comptroller Glenn Nagal said.
It was discussed during the consultation that the tuition branches to different expenditures of the University.
“‘Yung tuition fee hinahati hati ‘yan, 70% sa professors, 20% sa facilities and 10% lang ang share ng FEU. Bale ang bumabalik lang ay 10%, the other 90% sa iba (Tuition is divided and 70% is allotted to the professors, 20% on facilities and 10% goes back to FEU. Only 10% is regained [by the University] and the 90% to other allotments),” he added.

Raised issues
The consultation which served also as a venue to answer the issues of students and faculty. Questions raised concerns the problems on professors, campaign for awareness, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) connection, Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts (IARFA) Electronic library (AutoCAD and Maya laboratory), uniform of students under Institute of Accounts, Business and Finance including Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM), printing of Certificate of Registration, Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiation, international fees, and research center.
One student questioned the competency of some professors in their respective fields; however Anido retorted that loads are given to professors based on their specialization and conferences and seminars are given to them. Also an added factor was the periodic teaching performance evaluation tool that helps in identifying which areas the professors must focus on. Another issue was the improvement on Wi-Fi coverage.
“With limited resources and given available budget, FEU is improving its Wi-Fi capability for a more improved internet access. To date, the bandwidth is at 16 mbps,” Anido said.
With regards to IARFA electronic library, Anido stated that FEU has plans on increasing the computer laboratories at the Technology Building to be connected with internet access.
Another issue was the Institutional Quality Assurance Monitoring and Evaluation (IQUAME) accreditation though the result is yet to be released, Anido pointed out that the accreditation efforts for the IQUAME assessment did not affect the students’ tuition.
Planned projects for next school year was Institute of Law’s yearbook wherein a meeting with Dir. Albert Cabasada, chair, Virtual Yearbook Committee will be set for the inclusion of Law graduates in the virtual yearbook.
Issues raised on the discrepancy on the amount of tuition fee printed on the Certificate of Registration (COR) and the actual amount paid by students was given light on the event. Anido noted that these discrepancies however should be addressed to Nagal, Budget director Arnie Macapagal, and deans’ offices.
Furthermore, the issue on the disbanded strike was discussed in the consultation and was explained by Nagal.
“The increase that the University is asking is not even enough to fund the increase in salary. The increase that the University is asking ay maliit lang, para lang madagdagan (The increase that the University is asking is little, just an addition [to the budget]),” he added.
Also, Admin cleared in the event that the fees between Chinese students and Korean students are the same. It was also stated that there will be a 5 million fund for student development this coming school year.

Positive response
The Tuition Consultation sparked different reactions from its audience though the opinions were mostly positive.
“None [no violent reactions]. There were only suggestions on how to improve services. No reactions about the tuition increase because it’s below the inflation rate. Actually in the memorandum of CHED, it states that there’s no need to consult if it’s below [tuition increase] or within the tuition consultation but through the years, even if the increase is below [the inflation rate] the University will check up for the information of the students for them to know what happened,” Dean of Office of Student’s Affairs and Community Services Dr. Adelaida Fronda said.
“At least ‘yung kagaya naming [parents] nalaman ang hinaing ng mga teachers and students, pati ‘yung kanilang mga pangangailangan (At least, parents like us learned the grievances and needs of professors and students),” Luningning de los Reyes, parent of an Accounting student remarked.
“There were no objections. As for the parents, walang nag-raised ng questions, walang violent reaction. They were able to explain kung saan napunta or napupunta ‘yung (where it is allotted) budget ng FEU like we have this new software for HRM, we have renovation like the grandstand and repair ng mga facilities na na-destroy ng Ondoy,” IABF-SC President May Anne Manzano said.
Improvements in the University were also discussed as SCs of different institutes aired their concerns.
“FEU should focus sa bago nating programs like HRM. The negative perception kasi pag bago ka, neophyte pa, ‘yung facilities, parang experimental parang ‘yung first batch. I think they should prioritize the new program and prove that we are competitive enough but it is not only the facilities that we need to improve, it’s not only the infrastructure or the equipment that they should improve, also sana yung mga faculty,” Manzano added.
“It was good. It discussed the expenses made by the University for the whole year. They should focus more on the teacher-training and competency-based teaching. So that our University will produce more competitive graduates,” IE-SC president Liezl Panganiban remarked.
IN-SC President Jan Marie De Leon added, “Fair naman siya, at na-state nila ang mga improvement, na plano nila na paglalaanan ng increase ng tuition fee yung Lydia Palaypay Hall, the seminar room, it would be renovated tsaka na-state naman ni Dean na i-improve yung research field (It is fair since they were able to state their plans on improvement, that they are planning to allot the increase in tuition on the Lydia Palaypay Hall and seminar room renovation, and also Dean stated that there will be improvement on research field).”
“I think since there are very few students during the tuition consultation and given the fact that we have a small venue, I believe that not all of the concerns of the students were addressed. Not all the issues in the grass root level were tapped primarily because most of the students invited were just student leaders, scholars, and maybe parents, but there was no parent who asked anything,” Oratorical and Debate Council Public Speaking Chair Sedfrey Lacsamana stated.
“The concern is the same, to have better services and better facilities. How can we improve facilities? There is always room for improvement. Yun lang naman ang concern ng mga estudyante, ang maturuan ng tama, kung anong makakatulong sa pagaaral. Every year, kahit papalit-palit ang mga estudyante, same concerns: to improve services and facilities (that is the only concern of the students, to be aptly taught, whatever can assist in their learning. Every year, though the students are changed, same concerns are addressed: to improve services and facilities),” Nagal concluded.

Expectations were not met when only two vice presidential candidates showed in TAPATAN 2010.
TAPATAN 2010 is a forum organized by Political Science students intended to showcase presidential and vice presidential candidates at the University Auditorium last February 5.
Former Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Bayani Fernando and environmentalist Dominador Chipeco Jr., both vice presidential aspirants were the only candidates on stage during the forum.
“[It is] down-right disappointing. ‘Di ko naman sila masisisi. I think kailangan pa nila ng mas matinding preparations. Sabog ‘yung event ‘eh. Pati ‘yung security, hindi mahigpit. May nakakalabas ngang nga estudyante ‘eh (We can’t blame them though. I think they still need more intense preparations. The event was a flop. Even security weren’t that strict since some students were still able to exit the doors),” said fourth year BS Political Science who asked for anonymity.

A flop?
Former Far Eastern University Central Student Organization (FEUCSO) president Weber Amores commented in his blog on a social networking site citing the event as a flop.
“Then came the day of the event, which is today, sources said all were laughing, all were seeking for the presidentiables, and the environment was covered with anxiety and surprise, and at the end of the day, the event, TAPATAN 2010, FLOPPED. In all aspect, except for the apparent positive response of the student body to Bayani.” Amores posted.
Also, he remarked that the said event was included in the projects of FEUCSO waiting for consent of Office of Student Affairs and Community Services (OSACS).
“Just a piece of history: FEUCSO 2009-2010, under Ramon Victor Roxas, Jr. as the FEUCSO President had this sort of a project even before the proposal [has] been brought up to OSACS for approval. They, FEUCSO 09-10 thought of it in summer, but, due to certain circumstances, FEUCSO didn’t have the opportunity to execute such a good project and was given to other organization for spearheading purposes,” Amores quoted.
FEUCSO Secretary Angela Lou Manuel said that while transaction for execution of the event was on-going, they [FEUCSO]’s function was disregarded.
On the other hand, Aljolyn Maquiddang, one of the organizers of the event said, “No presidential forum was included in the proposal of FEUCSO since during the DAP (Development Academy of the Philippines) in Tagaytay it wasn’t there in their General Plan of Actions.”

Meeting the objectives
Spearheaded by Political Science Society together with Institute of Law Student Council and Association of Law Students in the Philippines, preparations was done since November last year.
“By December 4, Former Defense Secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro, Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino, Sen Manuel “Manny” Villar and Sen Dick Gordon already said yes to us,” TAPATAN 2010 Publicity Head Macki Labalan said.
Labalan also revealed that when the Administration together with ABS-CBN News Channel set the media-sponsored presidential and vice presidential forum on April 18, they [organizers] settled with second set which consists of candidates former President Joseph Estrada, Mayor Jejomar Binay, Sen. Richard Gordon, Engr. Bayani Fernando, Bro. Eddie Villanueva, Atty. Perfecto Yasay, Jr., Councilor John Carlos de los Reyes and Atty. Dominador Chipeco, Jr.
On the day of the event, Maquiddang confirmed that they were shocked when even the second set faced unexpected engagements.
“Sina Erap at Binay naipit sa Iloilo, tapos si Gordon nasira yung chopper because may prior forum siya sa PUP [Polytechnic University of the Philippines] (Erap and Binay were stuck in Iloilo, as for Gordon, he had a problem with his chopper since he had a prior forum in PUP),” Labalan said.
“Nasa state of shock din kami, especially ‘yung host, si Johnuele Elica, ngarag na din kami kasi super ganda ng picture yet biglang bumagsak kasi biglang nag-back out (We were shocked especially the host, Johnuele Elica. We were also disappointed since we expected them to come, unfortunately the candidates backed out),” Maquiddang furthered.
The aim of the forum is to educate the students on the upcoming 2010 National Elections and a chance to address their queries concerning the government.
According to Marinelle Fortuno, first year AB Mass Communication,”Hindi ganun kagaling yung sagot ni Bayani. Malayo ‘yung sagot nya sa mga tanong. Yung event, medyo maganda naman. Pwede na. Dapat sana kumpleto ‘yung mga pulitiko para mas worth sa time na binigay namin (Bayani’s answers weren’t that good since it seems rather far fetch. The event was okay. However, it would have been better if they had completed the candidates).”
When asked if they met the objectives of the event, Maquiddang said, “Technically hindi. Pero confident ako na hindi namin fault, di namin hawak ang oras, may iba pang pwedeng mangyari (Technically, no. I’m quite confident that it’s not our fault. We don’t hold the time, some event might have happened.).”

Assessing the event
OSACS Director Marcon Espino confirmed that Fernando and Chipeco were not the only invited speakers but the top-slots presidential and vice presidential candidates as well.
“What I know is, the organizers invited candidates like Aquino-Roxas, Villar-Legarda, Gordon-Fernando. But unfortunately, those candidates made last-minute back outs due to valid reasons like engagements. They confirmed their participation in the event, we saw their letter,” Espino said.
Though unanticipated that the event only held two vice presidential candidates, Marcon said, “Everything’s in place.”
“The audiences were ready, the technicals were ready, the professors were ready, and there came two vice presidential candidates. If we will cancel it knowing that only two of them came, then what kind of image are we projecting? They showed up, the least we could do is to push through the forum even though it’s only the two of them,” Espino detailed.
Concerning the claim of FEUCSO of the event, Espino opted to not dwell on detail.
“Part of the General Plan of Actions (GPOA) is the Voters Education Advocacy. In that advocacy, its aim is to make the students aware of the political happenings, which could be learned from the said forum,” Espino said.
Evaluating the event, Espino stressed that “We-cannot-go-thing because of uncontrollable events.”
“In some way, yes, it’s successful because there are audiences. The event is a very important one. The intention of the program is to educate the students about the platforms of the candidates. The organizers did what they are supposed to do; it’s just that our expectation is the candidates would show up. It happens to other schools,” Espino concluded.

Administration-Faculty union labor dispute reposed last March 10 as both parties agreed to settle through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), canceling the planned strike last March 15.
Settling the clash due to MOA between the Far Eastern University Faculty Association (FEUFA) and the Administration, Union’s notice of strike was dropped.
“Though not really necessary getting the idea that I and the rest of the officers want, those benefits were settled on an ideal way. We have to be realistic,” FEUFA President Geofferson Ting said.
Ting thought that the canceled strike pressured Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to settle the labor dispute, preempting the FEUFA’s notice of strike to pursue.
The Union president said that both parties achieved win-win solution as the MOA met neither of their respective proposals bringing the dispute to an end.
”It’s actually really the first time the Administration, the Management, moved progressively. Kasi for the longest time, they just give whatever they want to give, and not moving in. Although it’s not the ideal kasi hindi mo naman talaga makukuha ‘yung maximum na gusto mo (Although it’s not the ideal since you won’t be getting the maximum [benefits] that you want). So the mere fact that it did move, we accepted it. It’s actually a win-win solution,” Ting explained.

Meeting half-way
Due to MOA, the four unresolved issues—load assignment, across the board salary increase, rice subsidy and medicine and eyeglasses benefits—were settled.
In load assignment, a regular faculty member will be granted the 24 salary units per semester but can be reduced due to decrease in enrolment, curriculum revisions, a sanction for inefficiency and a failing health certified by a reputable hospital.
In addition, the numbers of units will decrease through refusal to participate in training programs and community extension assignments.
For across the board salary increase, both parties agreed that 10 and eight percent for fourth and fifth year will be increased and 10 percent increment in base pay if the enrolment reaches 25,000 for the first semester of academic year 2010-2011.
“It [the 25,000 enrolment mark] can be achieved because, remember, FEU-Makati will open and that will be part of the enrolment in FEU-Morayta,” FEUFA president said.
Rice subsidy was settled on P6,000 per year while medicine and eyeglasses benefits on P25,000 per year.
“I am not really 100 percent happy but because of the progressive movement, I was able to feel now the respect to the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and to the faculty union,” Ting stated.

Airing grievances
In a meeting with both parties and National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) last March 2, Ting counted on Admin’s last words “Let’s settle our differences”.
“Ang pag-strike kasi is an air of grievance, we want to be heard that is why we will hold a strike. The Admin doesn’t want to give in our needs, which we actually want and need,” Ting said.
After the declaration of deadlock, both parties brought the dispute to NCMB of DOLE.
“We, at the management panel, are all trying our best to negotiate. That’s the reason why the DOLE is trying its best also to put the heads of both parties together,” Vice President for Academic Affairs Arch. Miguel Carpio said.
NCMB sustains union and management relations through alternative dispute resolutions.

Strike vote
In FEUFA General Assembly (GA) last February 19, faculty members voted whether they support union officers’ decision to stage rally or not after the Union passed a notice of strike to DOLE last February 5.
Out of 268 attendees, 236 professors voted for ‘yes’, 31 votes for ‘no’ and one abstained vote.
“If they go on strike, we cannot tell them not to go on strike,” Carpio expressed.
In an interview with NCMB observer Grace Estorque who was present during the GA, she shared that the election is part of the process to make the strike legal.
“The Union only tried to get the pulse of its members in connection to the issues,” Estorque said.
However, she, as part of DOLE, said that they will try to settle the labor dispute between the two parties in order to not have the union strike.

Unsecured tenureship
“Kumbaga, mag-ra-rally kami then magdi-decrease ang enrolment, the more na hindi masi-secure ‘yung tenureship namin. Nakakatawa kasi para kaming commission-based, parang we are not regular faculty. Why? Kasi nakadepende ‘yung sahod namin sa enrolment. Commission-based, kung gaano karami ‘yung pumasok sa enrolment, ayun ang paghahati-hatian. That is not security of tenureship (For instance, we would rally then there would be a decrease in enrolment, the less is our security on tenureship. It’s funny how we’re commission-based, it’s like were not regular faculty members. Why? It’s because our salary is still dependent on enrolment. That is not security of tenure ship),” Ting expressed in an interview last February 23.
In the load assignment, FEUFA proposes a guarantee of 24-unit load. However, faculty union’s proposition was objected by the Management.
Ting explained the professor’s security of tenureship should be granted through the benefits of being a regular faculty member.
“Dapat kumbaga kahit ‘di man namin ma-meet ‘yung teaching load na 24 units, meron dapat silang i-a-allot (For instance, even if we don’t meet the 24 units teaching load, they should allot something) aside from the teaching unit, to make it up for the lack of units ,” Ting pointed out.
The Union president revealed that their salary rates are not that high compared to other universities.
However, according to Human Resource Division Assistant Vice President Melinda Macaraig, designation of the minimum number of loads will be in the Management’s discretion.
“The union wants the 24-unit load even without teaching the subjects. The Management will not allow that because it’s the Management’s prerogative. We will make everything possible to give the number of loads but we don’t guarantee them the 24-unit load,” Macaraig said.
Commission on Higher Education Memorandum Order (CMO) Article XXIV Section 119 guided Management’s counter proposal, stating that regular teaching load of full-time academic teaching personnel will be determined by the higher education institution but in no case will exceed 24 units per semester.
The Management also reasoned that the loads may lessen due to the reduction of number of classes or section.
“We try, as much as possible, to give them the 24 units but in case that the curriculum has changed, where enrolment has changed. What will happen if we commit to a 24-unit? Where will we get the units to pay them? What if all of a sudden there’s a decrease? Can we afford to promise that we will give the faculty 24 units if we have no units to give?” Carpio reasoned.
Macaraig added that curriculum revisions, non-offering of professor’s specialized subject along his expertise, sanction due to inefficiency and faculty member’s failing health counter FEUFA’s proposal to 24-unit load guarantee.
“Management also considered the existing CBAs and practices of other universities,” Macaraig stated.
Ateneo de Manila University, University of Santo Tomas, San Beda College, Centro Escolar University, University of the East, Adamson University and Miriam College are among others.
Macaraig emphasized that employment in a company is always unsure. “In our case, students serve as our employment. No company really guarantees employment,” she said.

Getting richer
“They can never conceal the fact that they are growing, that FEU as a system is getting richer and richer. It is obvious because they keep on renovating, and also they have so many soon-to-be schools outside FEU,” Ting said, pointing out the low salary rates the Union is getting.
The faculty union proposed a 16 percent in September 1, 2009 to August 31, 2010 and 17 percent increase in September 1, 2010 to August 31, 2010 but the Management proposed a 10 and 7 percent salary increase for the same period.
“Ang hinihingi lang naman namin ay hindi naman kagulat-gulat, dahil dapat ay matagal na ngang sa’min ay ibinibigay. It’s just that nagulat lang sila with the kind of union we have (What we were asking is not surprising considering that it should have been given to us a long time ago. They were just surprised with the kind of union we have). This time we want to be heard, this time we want change from how they treat the Union,” he added.
For the longest time, according to Ting, teacher’s salary rates or percentages are constantly decreasing.
“Even if every year, let’s say, an increase of a certain percentage will mean a lot, pero kung susumahin mo, i-analyze mo ‘yung graph ng across-the-board salary ay padausdos (Even if every year, let’s say, an increase of a certain percentage will mean a lot, but if you’ll add it all up, you’ll analyze that the graph of across-the-board salary is decreasing),” he reasoned.
However, Macaraig stated that Management took into account the 3.2 percent inflation rate, 5.4 percent general industry salary increase and salary rates of other universities.
Moreover, VPAA said that the Management cannot give a salary that is higher than the inflation rate. FEU enrolment and tuition increase also support Management’s proposed salary increase of the union.
Other issues prior to the agreement through MOA are the rice subsidy and the medicine or eyeglasses benefit.
FEUFA wanted the Admin to subsidize P4,000 for two semester and P2,000 for summer while Admin proposed P4,500 per year for rice subsidy.
For medicine or eyeglasses benefits, the Union proposed P50,000 per year while Admin retained the existing provision at P5,000 per year.

Domino effect
“I am speaking in behalf of the Faculty Association, these are the consequences we would like to pose or would like to address to the Administration. Kasi sila ang dapat makapag-foresee nito kasi sila ‘yung supposedly monitors sa’ting lahat. So ‘yung impact nu’n will be their responsibility (They should have been the ones who have foreseen this for they were supposed to monitor us all),” Ting stressed.
The Union president admitted that there will “definitely have a negative impact” to students, professors and the FEU community holistically as the disagreement of both parties intensifies labor dispute.
As an example, Ting revealed the possible postponement of the transcription and release of graduating and non-graduating students’ grades.
“Because when you are having a strike, may work stoppage, and it’s naturally known to everyone na kapag nagsisimula na ang strike, usually, walang pumapasok, tulad na lang ng pag-i-stop sa pagpasok sa trabaho. This is the time when you are suppose to give grades kasi nga finals at s’yempre dahil may work stoppage, hindi na mari-release ‘yung grades (Because when you are having a strike, there’s work stoppage, and it’s naturally known to everyone that once the strike has started, usually, there no one who would go to class, then no one will go to work. This is the time when you are suppose to give grades since it’s finals and since there’s work stoppage, the grades won’t be released),” he elaborated.
The Union President also noted that if the mass media get involved, both Admin and FEUFA will reap fair share of setbacks.
“Whether we like it or not, the media will see the condition of the faculty in FEU, because all the while they thought that nothing is wrong in the faculty, bigla na lang pumutok sa media na (then suddenly the media would know that) the faculty has a problem with the Administration,” Ting stressed.
“Affected din naman kami kasi kami ‘yung workers. S’yempre, ang mangyayari kasi, (We are also affected since we are the workers. Of course, what would happen is) media will study the whole story, the whole thing—how did it start, how it is going now, how the present condition is and what are the future solutions,” he furthered.
With the anticipation of the rally, Ting considered that parents might see the University as unpeaceful and inconducive to learning, thus, the decrease in enrolment next school year and Admin’s discretion to file cases “not only to the faculty but also so participating students” in the March 15 movement.
Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation Level 3 Accreditation of Institute of Education visit will be on March 16, which according to Ting could deprive FEU of much needed positive response for the autonomous status.

Of roots and ties
Despite acquiring students’ sympathy, the FEUFA President cleared that FEUFA as a union cannot release statements influencing students on what to do regarding the strike, pointing out that it is an individual’s prerogative.
According to him, student participation is inevitable regardless of Institute or university, and has always been supportive of teachers especially in issues related to suppression of rights.
“We will never release such whether we would encourage or discourage students. [But] I believe we are so tied up with students. We cannot dictate whatever decision they want and we cannot also prevent them from doing what they want. I believe students here on campus are critical students,” he assured.
Ting assumed that a huge crowd but a non-violent rally as he spoke of other institutions and organizations outside the University to show up.
“The only thing I know is, and the only thing I believe is, we would never be alone; that this fight is not only a fight by the faculty but also of everyone else— not only the students, not only the faculty but also of other outside sectors like Education,” he proclaimed.
Ting singled out the active support and involvement by the Alliance for Concerned Teachers to the Union and its principles.