I wasn’t going to start this column on this note since I had another topic in mind, but it occurred to me that these two concerns may after all be related and have a bearing on one another.
You may have missed it since it was just local news, but a few weeks ago, elections were held for the University of the Philippines Student Council in Diliman – historically, the breeding ground of young hopefuls destined for national politics. It’s always been a tight and sometimes even bitter contest of personalities and platforms, strategies and tactics, rhetoric and resources.
I could understand that; as a teacher , I’ve opened the classroom door to scores of student candidates asking for five minutes to make their campaign pitch, and almost invariably, it’s the same familiar litany of complaints over this and that – valid complaints, to be sure, but thoroughly tired and uninspiring.
Likely of greatest impact to most Filipinos was PAJ’s pledge to democratize UP even further by adopting policies that will bring in more students from underrepresented and marginalized sectors of the country, to correct the lopsidedness of UP’s student profile now favoring private and largely metropolitan high school graduates without necessarily compromising UP’s high admission standards.
That “abstain” vote should be minded by the administration as well, and not just in UP. Our youth are seeking to be engaged and inspired – but their cynicism will abate only if they see, in their elders, the exemplars of the integrity and accountability, aside from ability, that any prospective servant of the people should bring to the job.
The video that caught the latest acts of aggression and trespassing of the Chinese Coast Guard personnel last June 17 at Ayungin Shoal was not a case of “armed attack” against our Philippine Navy... Masayang inanunsyo ni Department of Budget and Management Secretary Amenah “Mina” F. Pangandaman na aprubado at pirmado na ng kanyang opisina ang pagpapalabas ng higit-kumulang na P1 bilyong pondo para...r
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Alas Pilipinas coach says there's enough talent to keep national team goingOn the heels of qualifying for their first-ever semi finals appearance in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup, Alas Pilipinas head coach Jorge Souza De Brito proclaimed that this isn’t a one-off thing, as the talent pool widens the room for growth in the national team program.
Read more »
Osaka has more going on than tennis at French Open: Her daughter is learning to walkPARIS — The big news in Naomi Osaka's life has nothing to do with the French Open or clay-court tennis: Her 10-month-old daughter, Shai, is taking her first steps.
Read more »
Going the wrong way on right-of-way issuesGoing the wrong way on right-of-way issues
Read more »
Morado-De Guzman stresses need for Alas Pilipinas to keep things goingIn the midst of celebrating Alas Pilipinas’ bronze medal win in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup on Wednesday night, tournament best setter Jia Morado-De Guzman contemplated the future of Philippine volleyball.
Read more »
Is something going on between Kobe Paras and Kyline Alcantara?Latest Philippine news from GMA News and 24 Oras. News, weather updates and livestreaming on Philippine politics, regions, showbiz, lifestyle, science and tech.
Read more »
Peace talks with Reds going pfft?Defining the News
Read more »