This allocation is only 32% of the UP budget proposal of P17.07 billion, which was set within the framework of streamlined operations of the Pascual administration. It is even smaller than the baseline UP budget proposal of P6.82 billion, which the national government granted in 2011.
One of the alarming issues, as with last year, is that there is no capital outlay allocated for the University. The UP System had itemized important projects for next year:
- Manila Centennial Building and Sports and Wellness Center (facilities formerly located at the old NEDA building) phase 1 – P300 million
- Diliman Engineering Research and Development for Technology – P300 million
- Cebu extension of library building – P200 million
- Mindanao concreting of road network – P155 million
- Diliman School of Statistics phase one – P41 million
- Open University Learning Centers in the regions – P30 million
- Los Banos Analytical Laboratory – P30 million
- Baguio dormitory – P28 million
- Diliman National Science Complex, for three new buildings – P10 million
- Miag-ao rehabilitation of roadways and replacement of electrical posts – P10 million
The budget for operations – maintenance and other operating expenses or MOOE – is P698 million, and personal services or PS is at P4.84 billion. These reflect cuts of P181 million and P26.55 million respectively.
Our campaign now will intensify its lobbying components as the budget deliberations come underway. Budget hearings are scheduled on August 4 for the Commission on Higher Education and state colleges and universities. We will course the conduct through the Ugnayan ng Mamamayan laban sa Kumersyalisasyon (Umaksyon). Of course, we will coordinate and forge closer unities with the Pascual administration, which issued last week an exhortation to the UP community to stand for greater state subsidy.
BOR updates
The BOR approved at the meeting last 25 July 2011 the graduation of summer graduates of Visayas, Los Banos, Baguio, Manila and Cebu.
In relation to academics, Regent Magdaleno Albarracin recommended that professional schools should report to the Board their respective performance in the board/bar examinations. This is so the university officials can keep track of the academic standing of the university in the specific areas.
The appointments of some key officials in the units, such as Diliman, were confirmed. The BOR also selected Dr. Florencia Charito Sebastian as the new director of the UP Diliman Extension Program in Pampanga. Their appointments are deemed effective as of the board meeting.
Much time during the meeting was spent on the contracts the University entered into this calendar year. The Board confirmed, among others:
- System memorandum of agreement with the Department of Science and Technology for the Automated Guideway Transit prototype
- Diliman donation of land from the Bases Conversion and Development Authority of 43,000 square meters in Taguig (previously a lease agreement)
- Diliman lease agreement with Ayala Land, Inc. for the UP Diliman East Campus Development Project, the former site of UPIS
- Diliman lease of space to the Via Mare concessionaire at the GT-Toyota Asian Center
- Diliman donation of an Innova unit to the National College of Administration and Public Governance, from the UP Public Administration foundation
- Manila renovation work for the transfer of the Newborn Screening program to the UP Ayala Technohub, and an ad placement with GMA-7
- Open University lease with the Bataan Peninsula State University for space to conduct distance learning activities
- Cebu cancellation of the South Road Property project, and the withdrawal of the award to the contractor of the Lahug Campus Academic Support Complex
Regent Chief Justice Reynato Puno emphasized the need for the university to look more closer into contracts entered into and executed by the University. He also suggests the university detail a lawyer to review all contractual matters discussed by the Board.
With regard to the concerns of other sectors, the Staff Regent Jossel Ebesate successfully secured Board approval for the release of the second and third rice subsidy. He also put on the table the hazard pay of personnel and sick leave compensation.
Avila trial
Dean Enrique Avila and Professor Ernesto Pineda took the stand at the last hearing of the Avila trial at the PGH HRD conference room in UP Manila, on 27 July 2011. They raised defensed and clarified details about the three charges against them. In the course of the cross examination by the university assigned prosecutor, they admitted that some of their actions and decisions had not been confirmed, approved or reviewed by the Board of Regents.
The case, Administrative Disciplinary Tribunal (ADT) Case Number 2011-001 for gross negligence, grave misconduct and gross neglect of duty, is expected to be resolved within the month. The members of the ADT are chair Atty. Rosario Rodrigo Larracas (Manila), Prof. Alden Lauzon (Diliman) and Dr. J. Prospero De Vera III (Diliman).
In attendance were the Student and Staff Regents, members of the All-UP Workers Union, as well as several of the original complainants.
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