UPDATE (February 23, 9:35 p.m.): With regard to the press conference of Concerned UP Faculty Against Academic Calendar Change tomorrow (February 24), 9:00 a.m. at Vinzons Hall, UP Diliman, those who confirmed to speak are Dr. Emmanuel De Dios (UP School of Economics), Dr. Eduardo Tadem (Asian Center), Dr. Victor Paz (Archaeological Studies Program), Dr. Ramon Guillermo (College of Arts and Letters), Dr. Gerry Lanuza (College of Social Science and Philosophy), Prof. Sarah Raymundo (Center for International Studies) and Prof. Marivic Raquiza (National Center for Public Administration and Governance). Please feel free to share. Thanks!
MEDIA ADVISORY
February 23, 2014
Concerned UP professors wear `Sablay’ on Monday to oppose academic calendar shift
Concerned faculty members of the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman will wear their official academic costume on Monday (February 24) to symbolize opposition to the change in the academic calendar.
Monday (February 24) is also the first day of the referendum/survey where UP Diliman faculty members will be asked whether or not they are in favor of changing the academic calendar. The referendum/survey is being pushed by the administration despite the vote of the UP Diliman University Council (composed of assistant professors, associate professors and full professors) against the shift in the academic calendar.
There are also arguments that the issue of changing the academic calendar particularly at UP Diliman has become “political” given that the term of the UP Diliman Chancellor ends on March 1.
Called the UP Sablay, the sash which has the letters U and P in alibata is usually worn during the university’s commencement exercises held in April. It symbolizes the high standards of honor and excellence in the university.
WHAT: Press Conference of the Concerned UP Faculty Against Academic Calendar Change
WHEN: February 24 (Monday), 9:00 a.m.
WHERE: Vinzons Hall lobby, University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, Quezon City
Photo opportunities:
- “Oblation model” holding a passport to symbolize internationalization of UP;
- Writing of protest messages on the Oblation model’s Sablay; and
- Selected UP professors wearing the “Sablay” (UP’s official academic costume) to stress the need for “honor and excellence” in governance and the consequent “dishonor” brought about by the decision to change the academic calendar.
Interviews are also available with the concerned UP faculty members.
For verification and more information, please contact Prof. Danilo Arao (0908-866-2726).
