Disclaimers: One, this is my own personal opinion and does not reflect those of OpinYon; and two, I am reacting to this news story as a former “Iskolar ng Bayan,” having graduated from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Sta. Mesa Campus in 2014.
For decades, state-owned universities and colleges such as the University of the Philippines (UP) and the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) have been hotbeds of activism, especially among the so-called “progressive” groups.
The fact that many of these groups have leftist leanings have, in turn, given way to that false assumption by some of our citizens that our state universities are active recruiting hubs for the communist rebel group New People’s Army (NPA).
I was never much exposed to these progressive groups during my time at PUP, probably since our college, located almost half a kilometer from the main campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila, was far removed from the hub of activism.
But as I became more exposed to current issues in my nearly eight years here at OpinYon, I soon understood what these groups are fighting for: a just and equitable society for Filipinos.
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Which is why when I read that a mayoralty candidate in Biñan City, Laguna has branded scholars at the PUP – Biñan City campus as “ghost scholars,” I couldn’t help but feel angry. Very angry.
The charge involves the 1,700 students of PUP-Biñan Campus which her Facebook page has branded as “ghost scholars.”
The allegations were so concerning to the point that the Office of the Student Regent at PUP-Sta. Mesa has issued a statement defending the students from the accusations.
Not only that, many supporters of this particular mayoralty candidate have apparently resurrected that stupid cliché that many of the students at PUP will be "future members" of the NPA.
Here we go again with this nonsensical red-tagging, which not only jeopardizes the lives of the so-called “Iskolar ng Bayan” but also negates the real reason why the state – ergo, the taxpayers – are subsidizing their education.
But first, I have to say this: even though I knew some of my classmates who did join progressive groups, none of us have joined the NPA. NONE. Nada. Zip.
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Let me remind the supporters of this particular candidate that, although the current administration in that city have poured support for PUP’s Biñan Campus, these students are scholars not of the city government but of the people.
That’s why we’re called “Iskolar ng Bayan”: it’s the taxpayers who fund our education, not politicians.
And in return, we are obliged to “pay it forward” to the taxpayers by using our education to better the lives of Filipinos.
If that doesn’t convince you, consider these lines from our hymn:
“Gagamitin ang karunungan mula sa ‘yo para sa bayan.”
Hindi dapat magkaroon ng “utang na loob” ang mga Iskolar ng Bayan sa mga pulitiko. Sa bayan, sa mga mamamayan, kami dapat tumanaw ng utang na loob.
Enough with dragging our state scholars through the mud of dirty, self-centered politics. They do not deserve this slander.