by Edward Lacap, AUSG President
(original Facebook note)
Another fruitful and unforgettable year has once again passed for all of
the Adamsonian community. Primarily, I’d like to extend my Merry
Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of you. I always believe that
God’s light would illuminate and guide each and every Adamsonian in
pursuance of our aspirations in life and in our collective faith of
reaching an international recognition for excellence in the field of
academics. A few more days from now would be the pivot to a more
unpredictable yet exciting year that we should look forward to with
optimism. But before the year ends, I would like to call the attention
of all my fellow Adamsonians, whether a student like me or an employee,
for me to be able to formally demonstrate my feeling/s or standpoint/s
about the recent issue/s that the AUSG (whether at my personal
involvement or not) have faced and are currently facing.
The opening of the school year was a blast most especially to me as
the newly hailed president of Adamson University Student Government. In
my perspective, the student council and the whole RSO’s were able to
penetrate the different departments of the university to induce that the
power of the student’s voice is pertinent in the smooth sailing status
of the Academe. Additionally, the AUSG was not only able to conduct
different activities intended to promote the interest, potentials and
skills of the whole studentry but also successful in encouraging the
administrators to entertain our requests or grievances that need to be
resolved.
On the course of my incumbency as the head of the students, I
received numerous threats, criticisms, discriminations, etc., thrown at
my very face at the most erratic moments of my life. But in spite of
these belittling efforts of my detractors, I kept on standing still and
pressing on for the benefit of the majority. However, every turn point
in history marks a significant shift in the paradigm of a person, or a
community itself. Since technology has become a very effective tool in
disseminating pro/contra messages intended to trigger a response, I
would like to take this opportunity to repose and at the same time lay
out my beliefs with regard to the “trending” malicious/libellous issue
imposed by this anonymous (soon to be infamous) Facebook user under the
account name Alfred Zaragosa. The mentioned enigmatic user has posted a
list of his/her sentiments/arguments regarding my ruling as president
and all the other baloneys stated therein that I believe were intended
to sabotage the government and create confusion not only upon the minds
of the student leaders but as well to the administrators and students.
Actually, even before the whole Adamsonian community was able to
read Zaragoza’s post, I already had fair share of hyperventilation as I
scan down the content of the non-sensical issue. Although it is very
disturbing and alarming since there were pin-pointed persons written on
that post for the entire world to read, I ignored it since I believed at
that time it was just another clout of my incompetent and ignorant
interveners who are so set on depreciating the value of student
leadership and on my own capacity to lead. However after a few more
days, Adamson University Headturners Facebook page has released/reposted
a copy of Zaragoza’s statement pertaining to the issue aforementioned
earlier and they even posted their own sentiments and asking the public
to comment their insights. I felt really disdained by the fact that
another Adamson affiliated FB page has once again been able to
directly/indirectly serve as a measure to lambast the AUSG by reposting a
mischievous tale of fraud. Of course, a lot responded to the issue and
commented based on what they believe they feel and recognize. Firstly, I
respect the right of every FB account user to post/repost/quote a
line/phrase/statement of a person or group of persons whether it would
be a side of the knife that could cut the flesh deeply. However, I could
not just let pass this kind of maltreatment/stigma to be attached to
the Student Government since it is fair for me to say that most of the
students have misinterpreted or were brainwashed to believe that the
council was frivolous particularly on the adherence of tasks and
implementation of activities.
Since Zaragoza’s statements are truly shakeable, let me take my
share of the spotlight that he once owned for a moment. Here is a list
of the past activities/reforms the council was able to implement:
1. The AUSG is the author of the On-Line Enrollment resolution
planned for the next semester. Any queries you might want to extend, my
office is always open for the answers.
2. The AUSG is also the author of the One-Time Bar Code System for
all gadgets. One week after we ratified and approved the resolution, it
was already implemented.
3. The AUSG collaborated with the university administrators to
launch the university wide Clean and Green campaign in the campus.
4. The AUSG provided concerts during first semester to remind all of
us that college life doesn’t always have to be stressful but should
also be an avenue for us to conduct our socialization skills or just to
simply enjoy after a hard day’s work.
5. The AUSG was responsible for the appeal and request of all the
suspension of classes during first semester. I was regularly conversing
with the university president even during the dizziest hours of the day
just to appeal for classes to be suspended due to heavy rains or
catastrophic events for your safety. We also advised the students stay
home and refrain from risking their expense in health and wealth because
under CHED memo, we are excused if we fail to attend classes because of
the disasters.
6. The AUSG provided university-wide activities every month during activity days at all the strategic places in the university.
7. The AUSG provided welcome party or Tatak Adamson for freshmen and
transferees to instill to them the Adamsonian ways and values they need
to imbibe.
8. The AUSG lobbied the beautification of Adamson university. If you
will notice, the "ST Entrance Tambayan" and the ST quad in front of the
library were emblazoned with lights, newly painted courts all over the
university and other adornments that suggest that Adamson University
also focuses on the orderliness and beautification of our surroundings.
9. The AUSG accommodated/entertained common problems regarding the
freshmen/transferees’ confusion on building/s location/s during 1st
semester. It was the officers of "Itanong Mo Classmate Booths" who
rendered their services during the opening of classes.
10. The AUSG helped 17 students this second semester to be enrolled because of financial problems.
11. The AUSG resolved 18 issues of student-professor concerns
(students who only complained to our office). We helped them to file
cases against the defendants. The AUSG monitored all the investigations
and hearings until the issue was resolved.
12. At a personal level, I have actively participated in all student
cases at OSA and VPSA especially on cases concerning the bringing of
pointed objects inside the campus which is prohibited as far as student
manual is concerned.
13. I have also instructed the grievance committee to appeal to the
VPSA’s memorandum pertaining to the faded uniform issue. The AUSG has
drafted the letter of appeal and submitted it the day after receiving
the memo. We pointed out that the blame should be on the supplier's part
for not using high class of thread and for that reason, all uniforms
shall be recalled and must re-embroidered again by the supplier for
free. After we submitted the appeal, the VPSA personally called me to
inform that they are concerned with our appeal and that they arranged a
meeting with the supplier. One day after the meeting, the VPSA called me
up again and informed me that the supplier agreed to re-embroider all
the uniforms for free. We are currently waiting for the VPSA to release
their rules and regulations regarding the mobilization and process of
the recollection and re-embroidery of faded uniforms.
14. All fraternity related violence hearings was actively
participated by myself especially during the stabbing incident in the
campus despite the threats that were thrown at me.
15. With regard to the sexual harassment case of Atty. Babista, I am
dignified to say that I participated in the committee hearings and that
the issue/case was already resolved in the school.
16. The AUSG does not repudiate the fact that we held our Christmas
party but let me clarify that we didn't have it at the ST quad and that
NO AIRCONS were raffled. I believe that all the presidents are entitled
for a break after their hard work for the studentry.
17. The AUSG gave our All Out Support during the UAAP tournament.
There was a time that I personally went to Ateneo and Araneta and waited
for seven hours for the approval of AUSG appeal to pull out tickets so
that we would be able to sell it to our fellow Adamsonians without them
spending time to travel to Araneta anymore and to deduct an amount of
Php 50.00 from its original price.
18. AUSG conducted the first ever UAAP party. Isn’t it proper to give them honor for what they have done for us?
19. The AUSG conducted the first ever “Buwan ng Wika” celebration at
CS plaza. Thank you for your students' fees because we were able to
provide free food for all students who were present in the event.
20. Regarding the Grievance forum issue, it is true that we have
spent Php 5,000.00 but not solely for the forum alone. The amount was
used for the UAAP mobilization and Party because it was the grievance of
the students, players, AUDYO and Pep squad that our UAAP teams has no
support from the AUSG and students.
21. Regarding the PACSA in Boracay and Baguio, again we do not deny
that we attended those conventions. The delegation/s from the different
universities in the Philippines gathered on those very special events to
promote the name/identity of their respective schools and to induce the
competitiveness of each university over the other by struggling with
different activities and challenges that mold the very essence of being a
(true blooded Adamsonian) leader. It is all for the benefit of the
school and students. We did not have vacation/escapade. We worked for
the promotion of the school.
22. The AUSG, together with ICES, supported the Hacienda Luisita
farmers crusade. Thanks again for the students' fees because we were
able to provide food and shelter for the farmers when they decided to
have protest by walking from Tarlac to Manila.
23. The AUSG acted on the call of RSO officers to have dialogue with the PFO regarding the use of the AdU facilities and busses.
24. The AUSG conducted a dialogue with the AdU Comptroller to
question the nurturance and student activities fees in the assessment.
We also questioned the medical fees and expressed our disappointment to
the administrators for not having an ambulance for Adamson.
25. The AUSG conducted the membership drive with culminating activity for the first time.
26. The AUSG and OIA provided a Send off party for all the graduates of October 2011.
27. The AUSG were able to help those 11 students who went to the
office to have their major examinations despite the fact that they were
not able to present a copy of the receipt/permit as proof of their
payment for the term. We have personally talked to the professors who
prompted their students to take the exam and informed them about the
existing CHED memorandum granting the students the right to take major
examinations even with the absence of a receipt/school permit.
28. The AUSG has called upon the attention of the school
concessionaires about the issue regarding the janitor/s who manifestly
scolds/admonishes students who failed to put their plates at its proper
place after dining.
29. By preliminary dialogue up to now. We are against the tuition fee increase for this school year.
These are the current achievements/reforms that the AUSG was able to
pursue this year and we are still hoping and praying that our remaining
days in the university would be more abundant and meaningful for
everybody. On the case of the fraudulent and mischievous statements
incurred by Alfred Zaragoza on his/her FB page, I wish to express my
disappointment to the perpetrator of libel and dismay on the part of
those who reposted the said statement/s of Zaragoza. The student leaders
have spent not only their efforts and capacities but as well the safety
of their lives to be able to give every Adamsonian what is due for them
and what is necessary for them to acquire even if it jeopardizes their
own security. I summon all of my decriers, specifically Alfred Zaragoza
and the Administrator/s of Adamson Headturners' Page who posted also a
malicious issue, to introduce his/her true self to public and face the
libellous account he has disseminated against the student government.
The AUSG is not afraid to trace the person who fraudulently and
atrociously disparaged the name of the council and have him/her
subjected to litigation under the specific laws and provisions as
provided by the AUSG’s constitution and that of the University’s. A
libellous mouth shall be stuffed with chocolates to replace the
bitterness that comes out from it.
I have always reminded my officers to be humble at all times and to
refrain from exposing the achievements or reforms that we have
successfully implemented since it is really our responsibility to
fulfill. For me we should be an example of true leaders working always
in behind for the betterment of the studentry. Typical politician's
style and way is a BIG NO-NO in the AUSG! But in instances when the
council is being subjected to criticisms and baloneys, I believe that I
also have the right and responsibility to address our
concerns/standpoints/reasons to support our organization and to repose
the minds of all our members so that such fabricated statements would
not mislead the Adamsonian community and could prevent any disputations
among the students, student leaders and adamson university employees and
administrators. For the last time, I dare Alfred Zaragoza to expose
him/herself, and lay his/her evidences if possible, to substantially
incriminate the AUSG with all his/her accusations about the
organization. And to the Administrator/s of the Adamson University
Headturners FB page, you chagrined me and I am expecting that those who
were responsible in reposting Zaragoza’s claim in your own page, which
is entirely unrelated to the essence of your page, shall visit our
office if you are in darkness with regard to the AUSG achievements, so
we can enlighten you with FACTS and not like you fabricating statements
that we are not acting/we are blind on the concerns of the stundentry.
But above all of these atrocities, I’d like to look at a brighter
tomorrow for all of us and I am praying that the days left for me as the
president of AUSG would be more productive on my part and on yours. The
investigation regarding this issue would be conducted soon as the
classes resume on the 3rd. Thank you very much and may God bless us all
always.
Yours truly,
Edward Bonifacio Lacap
Presidents of Adamson University Student Government (AUSG)
2nd Semester Plans and Activities:
Jan 11 - General Assembly of all students to inform them of the RSO
elections and a gathering for the benefit of typhoon Sendong victims.
Jan 27 - RSO elections
February - On Foundation Day, there will be a week-long activity and a concert for all in the last day.
March - Send off party for the graduates of second semester.
ON-GOING: AUSG SPORTS FESTIVAL
ON-GOING: Dialogue to the UNIVERSITY Administrators for GRADES
DIGNITY. This resolution aims to erase all dropped, incomplete and
failed subjects in the transcript.
