Competence and compassion

In whatever race in life, one has to consider his or her connection that would eventually determine the fate. And although certain processes are involved, one’s fate is decided upon by a select and powerful few. After all it is not a popularity contest.

Such is the case for the UP Cebu chancellorship. As a constituent university, its decision lies in the hands of the members of the Board of Regents, following a process of consultation with the constituents of the university based on standards and guidelines set by the board. It is important to know the complex nuances that would determine the individual or collective choices of the Board of Regents. It is important to understand their leanings, backgrounds, and affiliations. While they, as a body, would convene and listen to the search committee that is tasked to gather views from the ground, they are still more inclined to their own biases.

The Board of Regents, under the UP Charter, is the highest governing body of the University of the Philippines that will determine the fate of the two aspirants for chancellorship. And each member of the board has his or her leanings and orientations. But it cannot also be denied that one or two may have the influential voice that would one way or another influence the decisions of the others.  And in an arranged or unexpected encounter, one can lobby for his or her position. Or it could be another person, an intermediary, who will do the “lobbying” aspect. There is indeed politics even in this highest academic governing body.

This sort of influence peddling is the restricted routine with regards to utilizing one's impact in government or associations with people in power to get favors or particular treatment for another, or any conceivable future help.

All things considered, it's not so much new to state that even in well-working democracies, in whatever offices and organizations—riches, political impact, and influence regularly correspond.

Under specific events, our arrangement of liberal training can't thrive under such impedance, and along these lines we should proceed to distinguish and push concrete, non-presumptuous methods for clarifying and upholding the value of so-called "liberal" education, guided by educators and supporting genuine freedom of thought and learning.

I just hope that the highly esteemed men and women of the Board of Regents would come up with an enlightened decision that is based on the highest ideals of the national university that requires no less than an academic leader who can fulfill the very essence of the university, as envisioned by UP President Concepcion, as a public service university that serves its various constituencies with compassion.

For responsible academic administration, there is a need for sagacious academic leadership in universities. The board should truthfully choose an academic leader on the basis of caliber and competence, a genuinely tatak UP na may utak at puso.

I stand with my purest conscience and dictates of inner being that I strongly support Dr. Roland B. Tolentino as the rightful choice for UP Cebu’s chancellorship. On December 3, 2018, may the heavens and positive forces of nature enlighten the minds and touch the hearts of the 11 members of the Board of Regents. Padayon UP Cebu sa pakigbisog!