Last update: 11:13 pm
May 30, 2009
SANGGUNIAN PRESIDENT Gio Tingson (IV AB Philo) is asking Vice President Ma. Assunta Cuyegkeng, Ph.D. why the Sanggunian was not consulted regarding the statements sent by the administration regarding the deadly A (H1N1) virus.
In the letter sent to The GUIDON today, May 30, Tingson writes, “The Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral wishes to explore in further detail major measures undertaken by the administration that will affect the student body through proper discussion.”
E-mail blasts
Last May 27 and 28, e-mail blasts from the Ateneo Online Bulletin circulated among the student body. These were a moratorium on large gatherings in the university, safety guidelines to prevent spreading the virus, the Organizing Committee of the Orientation Seminar’s (OrSem) statement on the postponement of OrSem, and announcement on the change of ID validation dates.
In his letter to Cuyegkeng, Tingson said that he understands the urgency of these measures. However, as the Sanggunian comprises representatives of the student body, he questions why they were not consulted with the issuance of the memoranda.
In line with the memorandum on large gatherings, which prescribed a minimum of 500 attendees per event, Tingson asks if precautionary measures would be instated in the Ateneo Residence Halls, the Gonzaga Cafeteria, the Rizal Library, and other institutions which hold more than the approved number.
“The Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral would also like to inquire if the June Sesquicentennial kick-off will still push through in light of our moratorium on major activities on campus,” says the letter. The kick-off is set on June 14 in Intramuros.
Tingson also outlined the need for more concrete safety actions such as wearing masks and providing additional soaps and sanitizers. He also seeks consultation with the Vice President to define plans regarding the moved events.
Sanggu Secretary-General Kacci Morales (IV BS Psy) said the letter was sent in consensus with the Sanggunian’s Central Board, School Board, arms, departments, and sectors.
Fostering dialogue
“The Sanggunian… representing the primary stakeholders of this university, is one with the administration in prioritizing the safety and welfare of the students,” writes Tingson.
He stresses that the Sanggunian is thankful for the swift action of the administration but hopes to strengthen the lines of communication between the parties. “We hope that the aforementioned queries, seeking clarification, will lead to a strengthened communal effort in taking steps to address this pressing matter,” he says.
“We hope for dialogue with Dr. Cuyegkeng,” said Morales. “I think [if] we know then how the decisions were made, updates will be provided to the student body once available.”
School of Science and Engineering Secretary-Treasurer Gemmo George Fernandez (III BSM AMF) agrees. “I think that [the letter] is a good move from the Sanggunian as it seeks to reaffirm its role as the representative of the student body may it be in form of consultation or information dissemination,” he said.
To read the full letter, click here…
Well I kind of understand why no consultation was made since the issue was a bit time-pressured but I still think that there should be an open consultation, even a late one, with the Sanggunian.
And the act of moving the events and changing our calendar so swiftly shows the lack of appreciation they have for the efforts of student leaders, evident since the creation of rules banning many specifications in student-run events.
Thank you for this. 🙂
I really think that the gap between the student body and the administrators should be filled in. And I’m more than happy that the Sanggunian is doing their role to bridge the gap between the two. 🙂
Btw, Gemmo is the Secretary-Treasurer of the School of Science and Engineering. 🙂
FYI, OrCom stands for ORganizing COMmittee of the OrSem.
Speedy and fulfilling correspondences should always exist between the studenty and the administration…Making critical decisions, even though noble and appropriate, should be by a consensus of the university, especially its major beneficiaries: US students..However, the spread of the h1n1 virus caused our univ leaders to make immediate measures for our safety..
I am an incoming freshman and along with the others, wonder “Why is the ORSEM moved?, Should the first day of classes be delayed also, etc. etc.”…we often ask in our online forum those questions…we are thankful that the administration and the ORSEM organizers have given official statements…yet some of us question the postponement of different activities especially suited for us to adapt to the rigors of the Ateneo way…I believe that the freshmen are the ones who received the major impact
of these postponements…