Reflections on the 15th Congress Campaign from UP ETC

Arjay Mercado: As a member of the Executive Committee of UP Economics Towards Consciousness (UP ETC) for three years, I can definitely say that the organization has transcended to a lot of new heights. From mainly focusing on raising people's consciousness, the organization managed to be involved in campaigns for progressive legislations. One of which is being an active part of the Freedom of Information Youth Initiative (FYI).

Arjay (second from left) with other leaders of the
Right to Know, Right Now! Coalition.

Being a signatory to the manifesto of FYI, I personally experienced campaigning for the passage of the Freedom of Information Bill. I'll never forget inviting Rep. Erin Tañada to go to a UP dormitory and discuss the bill's relevance to the youth. Renting three Ikot Jeepneys with the initiative's logo and statement as part of UP ETC's anniversary was really something new for our organization as well. 

I'm definitely proud that we even joined other progressive groups in marching in the streets to stress how important it is for the country. However, the most memorable experience for me was to represent the youth sector in a dialogue with one of the President’s Undersecretaries.  At that point, I realized how important the perspective of the youth is when it comes to this campaign.  

Sadly, we have yet to witness the passage of this important bill as some so-called "representatives" delayed important legislation. Now that I'm part of the University Student Council, I'll do my best to help more in propagating for the passage of the bill. At the end of the day, the voice of the youth is definitely an important factor to win this battle for a more transparent and accountable government. This time, we won't settle for anything less.

AJ at the January mobilization for FOI.

AJ Montesa: When I first got into UP, I never really believed in rallying or marching and shouting in the streets. I felt this even more so as I had grown to explore other forms of activism. However, there are issues whose importance cannot delivered without a shout, without a sense of urgency. The Freedom of Information Law is decades overdue. Any government that promises true democracy, citizen participation, and full transparency cannot fulfill those without an FOI measure. It is quite ironic then that an Administration that has promised an anti-corruption stance cannot seem to understand the urgency and prioritize this measure. But we from the Youth now see this and respond.

It was a great experience for me to show our support for the passage of this crucial measure by being a part of the various groups that marched to Mendiola and voiced our need for this bill to be made priority. When bills like the RH and Sin Tax have become law, it is crucial that this progressive law is passed in order realize our full rights as citizens. It is our right to know; we need it right now!

Anne (third from left) with fellow FYI members
and Malou Mangahas of the PCIJ.

Anne Trajano: Calling the offices of Representatives. Walking on the streets to Mendiola for the first time. Giving out flyers of my organization's stand. Sharing materials online. All these I experienced because of the need to pass a bill. All these I experienced with the youth who have the same advocacy as I have. It is fulfilling for I know the efforts were worth giving. And I want to be fulfilled more-- only when the bill is already passed. Tuloy ang laban para sa FOI, para sa bayan. 

The 15th Congress Partner Organizations of the FOI Youth Initiative (FYI)

• College of Social Sciences and Philosophy Student Council (CSSPSC), University of the Philippines - Diliman [Lead Convening Organization]

• BUKLOD CSSP, College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, University of the Philippines - Diliman

• Movement of Students for Progressive Leadership in UP (MOVE UP), University of the Philippines - Los Baños

• UP Alyansa ng mga Mag-aaral para sa Panlipunang Katwiran at Kaunlaran (UP ALYANSA), University of the Philippines - Diliman

• Bukluran ng mga Progresibong Iskolar - UP System (BUKLURAN - UP SYSTEM), University of the Philippines System

• Linking Everyone Towards Service CDC (LETS CDC), College of Development Communication, University of the Philippines - Los Baños

• Katipunan CHE, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines - Los Baños

• Sandigan ng mga Iskolar para sa Nagkakaisang CAS (SINAG CAS), College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines - Los Baños

• Alternatibong Katipunan ng mga Mag-aaral (AKMA), University of the Philippines - Baguio

• Bigkis ng mga Iskolar Para sa Bayan Tungo sa Makabuluhang Pagbabago - UPM (BIGKIS-UPM), University of the Philippines - Manila

• UP Organization of Human Rights Advocates (OHRA), University of the Philippines - Diliman

• Coalition for Students’ Rights and Welfare (STRAW Coalition)

• Bagong Benilde, De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde

• Metro Manila Alliance of Communication Students (MACS)

• Akbayan Youth

• Alliance of Progressive Labor - Youth (APL Youth)

• Laban COC Party, College of Communication, Polytechnic University of the Philippines

• UP Economics Towards Consciousness (ETC), University of the Philippines - Diliman 

• Sanggunian ng mga Paaralang Loyola ng Ateneo de Manila, Ateneo de Manila University

• Alliance of Student Leaders (ASL), Ateneo de Manila University

• Law Student Government (LSG), College of Law, University of the Philippines - Diliman

• AngKAS (CSSP History Department Core Group), University of the Philippines - Diliman

• Student Council Alliance of the Philippines (SCAP)

• UP Alliance for Responsive Involvement and Student Empowerment (ARISE), College of Engineering, University of the Philippines - Diliman

• Center for Youth Advocacy and Networking (CYAN) 

• UP Kalipunan ng mga Mag-aaral ng Sosyolohiya (KMS), University of the Philippines - Diliman

• College of Allied Medical Professions Student Council (CAMPSC), University of the Philippines - Manila

• University Student Council (UPM USC), University of the Philippines - Manila

• UP Kabataang Pilosopo Tasyo (KaPiTas), University of the Philippines - Diliman

• UP Kalipunan para sa Agham Panlipunan at Pilosopiyang Pilipino (UP KAPPP), University of the Philippines - Diliman

• UP Bukluran sa Sikolohiyang Pilipino (Buklod-Isip), University of the Philippines - Diliman

• UP Lipunang Pangkasaysayan (LIKAS), University of the Philippines - Diliman

• College of Education Student Council (CESC), University of the Philippines - Diliman 

• Union of Progressive Students (UPS), University of the Philippines - Cebu 

• People United to Lead, Obey, and Serve (PULOS), University of the Philippines - Mindanao 

• Kabataang Liberal

• UP People-Oriented Leadership in the Interest of Community Awareness (UP POLITICA),  University of the Philippines - Diliman

• UP Sirkulo ng mga Kabataang Artista (SIKAT), University of the Philippines - Diliman

• University Student Council (UPD USC), University of the Philippines - Diliman

• Cor Jesu Association of Graduate Students (CJAGS), Cor Jesu College, Digos City, Davao del Sur

• Barkadahang San Joseño, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan

• Youth Against Debt (YAD) Eastern Visayas 

• Animal Concerns and Awareness Club (AC2), University of the Philippines - Visayas Tacloban College

• School of Business and Management Student Council (SBMSC), Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan, Cagayan de Oro City

• Children International - Child Sponsorship for Community Development Inc. (CSCDI), Tabaco City, Albay

• REPUBLICA Socio-Political Party (UA&P REPUBLICA), University of Asia and the Pacific

• Partido sang Mainuswagon nga Bumulutho (PMB), University of the Philippines - Visayas, Miagao, Iloilo

• Council of Maritime Leaders (CML), University of Cebu - Maritime Education and Training Center, Cebu City

• UST Political Science Forum (UST-TPSF), University of Santo Tomas - Manila

• College of Communication Student Council (COC-SC), Polytechnic University of the Philippines

• School of Business and Management (SBM) - Business Economics Society (BES), Universidad de Zamboanga, Zamboanga City

• Supreme Student Government - Northern Cebu Colleges, Bogo City, Cebu

• Team Communication (TeamComm), De La Salle University - Manila

• SENTRO - La Salle, De La Salle University - Dasmariñas

• Samahan ng mga Mag-aaral para sa Alternatibong Reporma at Pagbabago (SAMAR Party), University of Eastern Philippines, Northern Samar

• UEP Office of the Student Regent, University of Eastern Philippines, Northern Samar

• STI Student Council, STI College - Southwoods, Carmona, Cavite

• UP Sigma Beta Sorority, University of the Philippines - Diliman

• University Student Government (DLSU USG), De La Salle University - Manila

• Youth Aids Filipinas Alliance (YAFA), University of the Philippines - Visayas Tacloban College

• Vox La Salle Debate Society, De La Salle University - Dasmariñas

• TLF - Sexuality, Health, and Rights Educators (TLF-SHARE) Collective, Inc.

• National Alliance of Liberal Student Formations (NALSF)

• KILOS! - PUP, Polytechnic University of the Philippines - Manila

• Filipino Liberal Youth - PUP, Polytechnic University of the Philippines - Manila

• Alyansang Tapat sa Lasallista (TAPAT), De La Salle University - Manila

• School of Economics Student Council (SESC), University of the Philippines - Diliman

• Angat Kabataan, Taytay, Rizal

• Akbayan Youth - UPD, University of the Philippines - Diliman

• Association of Political Science Students, University of Nueva Caceres, Naga City, Camarines Sur

• Cebuano Youth Ambassadors

The FOI Youth Initiative 15th Congress Batch (Manifesto and Roster of Partner Organization Leaders)

MARAMING SALAMAT! MAGKITA-KITA TAYO SA PANIBAGONG LABAN SA 16TH CONGRESS! 

MABUHAY ANG MGA KABATAANG NAGBUBUKLOD 

PARA SA ISANG PAMAHALAANG BUKAS AT MAY PANANAGUTAN! PADAYON! 

MANIFESTO OF YOUTH AND STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

FOR THE PASSAGE OF THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION LAW

We are the FOI Youth Initiative (FYI), a network of youth and student organizations that call for transparency and accountability in government through the passage of the Freedom of Information Bill.

We are in solidarity with different sectors of society in the clamor for more solid mechanisms in ensuring governance that is open and honest to the people.

We affirm that our right to information enshrined in the Constitution must be institutionalized through the FOI Law to guarantee that transparency among public officials and employees becomes a norm and not simply a discretion of individuals bound by their terms of office.

We believe that the FOI Law is a measure that shall curb corruption and advance participatory governance that will ultimately benefit each and every Filipino.

We appeal to Malacañang to not merely express support for the FOI Bill, but to strongly push for its enactment in fulfillment of its promise of change under the Administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III.

We call on the Senators and Representatives in the 15th Congress to sincerely respond to the interests of the people by eliminating all obstacles that cause the slow pace of tackling the measure in the legislative mill.

Finally, we invite our fellow young leaders to join us in ensuring the passage of the Freedom of Information Bill into law to strengthen democracy and to transform our government into a genuine instrument of social justice and social progress.

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Kami ang FOI Youth Initiative (FYI), isang ugnayan ng mga samahan ng kabataan at mga mag-aaral na nananawagan para sa pagkakaroon ng pamahalaang bukas at may pananagutan sa pamamagitan ng pagpapasa ng Freedom of Information Bill.

Nakikibuklod kami sa iba’t ibang sektor ng lipunan sa paghangad para sa mas solidong mga mekanismong magsisiguradong ang paggugubyerno ay bukas at tapat sa mamamayan.

Sumasang-ayon kaming nararapat na mainsitusyonalisa sa pamamagitan ng FOI Law ang ating karapatan sa impormasyon na nakapaloob sa Saligang Batas upang matiyak na ang pagiging bukas ng mga pampublikong opisyal at kawani ay maging praktika at hindi lamang simpleng diskresyon ng mga indibidwal na saklaw ng kanilang termino ng panunungkulan.

Naniniwala kaming ang FOI Law ay isang paraan para mawaksi ang katiwalian at maisulong ang pakikilahok sa pamamahala kung saan tuluyang makikinabang ang bawat Pilipino.

Umaapela kami sa Malacañang na hindi lang sana basta ihayag ang suporta sa FOI Bill, kundi manindigang itulak ito para maisabatas upang maisakatuparan ang pangako ng pagbabago ng Administrasyon ni Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III.

Nananawagan kami sa mga Senador at Kinatawan sa ika-15 Kongreso na tugunan nang may sinseridad ang mga interes ng mga mamamayan sa pamamagitan ng pagtanggal ng lahat ng mga balakid na nagdudulot ng pagbagal ng pagtalakay sa panukalang ito sa prosesong panlehislatura.

Higit sa lahat, iniimbitahan namin ang aming mga kapwa lider sa hanay ng kabataan na sumama sa amin sa pagtitiyak ng pagsasabatas ng Freedom of Information Bill na magpapalakas ng demokrasya at babaguhin ang pamahalaan para maging tunay na instrumento ng panlipunang katwiran at kaunlaran.

Signed:

1. Carlo Brolagda, Chairperson, College of Social Sciences and Philosophy Student Council (CSSPSC), University of the Philippines - Diliman
2. Viko Fumar, President, BUKLOD CSSP, College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, University of the Philippines - Diliman
3. Joseph Angelo Gutierrez, Chairperson, Movement of Students for Progressive Leadership in UP (MOVE UP), University of the Philippines - Los Baños
4. Ace Ligsay, Chairperson, UP Alyansa ng mga Mag-aaral para sa Panlipunang Katwiran at Kaunlaran (UP ALYANSA), University of the Philippines - Diliman
5. JC Tejano, National Chairperson, Bukluran ng mga Progresibong Iskolar - UP System (BUKLURAN - UP SYSTEM), University of the Philippines System
6. Tristan Daine Zinampan, Chairperson, Linking Everyone Towards Service CDC (LETS CDC), College of Development Communication, University of the Philippines - Los Baños
7. Joshua Lorenzo Layog, Primer, Katipunan CHE, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines - Los Baños
8. April Lamentillo, Supremo, Sandigan ng mga Iskolar para sa Nagkakaisang CAS (SINAG CAS), College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines - Los Baños
9. Deg Daupan, President, Alternatibong Katipunan ng mga Mag-aaral (AKMA), University of the Philippines - Baguio
10. Joshua Young, Chairperson, Bigkis ng mga Iskolar Para sa Bayan Tungo sa Makabuluhang Pagbabago - UPM (BIGKIS-UPM), University of the Philippines - Manila
11. Edward Dayog, President, UP Organization of Human Rights Advocates (OHRA), University of the Philippines - Diliman
12. Mickey Eva, President, Coalition for Students’ Rights and Welfare (STRAW Coalition)
13. John Mark Salvador, President, Bagong Benilde, De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde
14. Curt Russel Lopez Delfin, President, Metro Manila Alliance of Communication Students (MACS)
15. Marlon Cornelio, National Chaiperson, Akbayan Youth
16. Melba Tampakan, National Chairperson, Alliance of Progressive Labor - Youth (APL Youth)
17. Marian Bahalla, Chairperson, Laban COC Party, College of Communication, Polytechnic University of the Philippines
18. Arjay Mercado, President, UP Economics Towards Consciousness (ETC), University of the Philippines - Diliman 
19. Gio Alejo, President, Sanggunian ng mga Paaralang Loyola ng Ateneo de Manila, Ateneo de Manila University 
20. Moses Albiento, Chairperson, Alliance of Student Leaders (ASL), Ateneo de Manila University
21. Benedict Nisperos, President, Law Student Government (LSG), College of Law, University of the Philippines - Diliman
22. Walter Tamayo, History Department Representative, AngKAS (CSSP History Department Core Group), University of the Philippines - Diliman
23. Ernest Calayag, Secretary General, Student Council Alliance of the Philippines (SCAP)
24. Nico Ibaviosa, President, UP Alliance for Responsive Involvement and Student Empowerment (ARISE), College of Engineering, University of the Philippines - Diliman
25. Gibby Gorres, Executive Director, Center for Youth Advocacy and Networking (CYAN) 
26. Ara Tan, President, UP Kalipunan ng mga Mag-aaral ng Sosyolohiya (KMS), University of the Philippines - Diliman
27. Serge Aclan, Chairperson, College of Allied Medical Professions Student Council (CAMPSC), University of the Philippines - Manila
28. Jason Alacapa, Chairperson, University Student Council (UPM USC), University of the Philippines - Manila
29. Marjorie Anne Yoro, Suprema, UP Kabataang Pilosopo Tasyo (KaPiTas), University of the Philippines - Diliman
30. Karla Mae de Leon, Suprema, UP Kalipunan para sa Agham Panlipunan at Pilosopiyang Pilipino (UP KAPPP), University of the Philippines - Diliman
31. Luisa Lioanag, Bos Tsip-Tsip, UP Bukluran sa Sikolohiyang Pilipino (Buklod-Isip), University of the Philippines - Diliman
32. Patricza Torio, Tagapangulo, UP Lipunang Pangkasaysayan (LIKAS), University of the Philippines - Diliman
33. Paulina Miranda, Chairperson, College of Education Student Council (CESC), University of the Philippines - Diliman 
34. Joni Dumasig, President, Union of Progressive Students (UPS), University of the Philippines - Cebu 
35. Fred Omalza, President, People United to Lead, Obey, and Serve (PULOS), University of the Philippines - Mindanao 
36. Adrian Martinez, National President, Kabataang Liberal
37. Ema Escanilla, Speaker, UP People-Oriented Leadership in the Interest of Community Awareness (UP POLITICA), University of the Philippines - Diliman
38. Van Battad, President, UP Sirkulo ng mga Kabataang Artista (SIKAT), University of the Philippines - Diliman
39. Heart Diño, Chairperson, University Student Council (UPD USC), University of the Philippines - Diliman
40. Robin Charles Ramos, President, Cor Jesu Association of Graduate Students (CJAGS), Cor Jesu College, Digos City, Davao del Sur
41. Juan Paulo Oreta Rodriguez, Executive Board / Federation Chairman, Barkadahang San Joseño, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan  
42. Leo Christian Lauzon, Chairperson, Youth Against Debt (YAD) Eastern Visayas
43. Jennifer Julia Lacaba, President, Animal Concerns and Awareness Club (AC2), University of the Philippines - Visayas Tacloban College
44. Princess Kimberly Ubay-ubay, President, School of Business and Management Student Council (SBMSC), Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan, Cagayan de Oro City
45. Frezalva Vir Burce, Program Coordinator / Child Protection Officer, Children International - Child Sponsorship for Community Development Inc. (CSCDI), Tabaco City, Albay
46. Xavier Peredo, Party President, REPUBLICA Socio-Political Party (UA&P REPUBLICA), University of Asia and the Pacific
47. Roy Dahildahil, Chairperson, Partido sang Mainuswagon nga Bumulutho (PMB), University of the Philippines - Visayas, Miagao, Iloilo
48. Glosuvel Requina, President, Council of Maritime Leaders (CML), University of Cebu - Maritime Education and Training Center, Cebu City
49. Cedrick Sagun, President, UST Political Science Forum (UST-TPSF), University of Santo Tomas - Manila
50. Dawn Po Quimque, President, College of Communication Student Council (COC-SC), Polytechnic University of the Philippines
51. Jonah Elaine Abubakar, President, School of Business and Management (SBM) - Business Economics Society (BES), Universidad de Zamboanga, Zamboanga City
52. Michael Villamor, President, Supreme Student Government - Northern Cebu Colleges, Bogo City, Cebu
53. Danise Talaba, President, Team Communication (TeamComm), De La Salle University - Manila
54. Xander Losaria, OIC / Secretary General, SENTRO - La Salle, De La Salle University - Dasmariñas
55. Jem Francelle Sanico, Chairperson, Samahan ng mga Mag-aaral para sa Alternatibong Reporma at Pagbabago (SAMAR Party), University of Eastern Philippines, Northern Samar
56. Charisse Marie Catama, Student Regent, University of Eastern Philippines, Northern Samar
57. Marlon Padua, Vice President for Non-Academics, STI Student Council, STI College - Southwoods, Carmona, Cavite
58. Anne Lorraine Garcia, Most Idyllic Sister, UP Sigma Beta Sorority, University of the Philippines - Diliman
59. Jana Cabuhat, President, University Student Government (DLSU USG), De La Salle University - Manila
60. Allenia Nia Chua, Vice President, Youth Aids Filipinas Alliance (YAFA), University of the Philippines - Visayas Tacloban College
61. Arisa Bajana, Lord Chancellor, Vox La Salle Debate Society, De La Salle University - Dasmariñas
62. Renier Louie Bona, Youth Representative, TLF - Sexuality, Health, and Rights Educators (TLF-SHARE) Collective, Inc.
63. Robbie Edward Dalanon, National Chairperson, National Alliance of Liberal Student Formations (NALSF)
64. Paula Escamis, University Chairperson, KILOS! - PUP, Polytechnic University of the Philippines - Manila
65. Francesca Glenn Ymata, University Chairperson, Filipino Liberal Youth - PUP, Polytechnic University of the Philippines - Manila 
66. Gab Andres, President, Alyansang Tapat sa Lasallista (TAPAT), De La Salle University - Manila
67. Kelvin Tagnipez, Chairperson, School of Economics Student Council (SESC), University of the Philippines - Diliman
68. John Tobit Cruz, President, Angat Kabataan, Taytay, Rizal
69. Migs Angeles, Secretary General, Akbayan Youth - UPD, University of the Philippines - Diliman
70. Khim Joseph Naval, President, Association of Political Science Students, University of Nueva Caceres, Naga City, Camarines Sur
71. Paolo Martin Saberon, Executive Director, Cebuano Youth Ambassadors

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