Equilibrium first sem

We have witnessed the histori-cal inauguration of the 15th

president of the Republic of

the Philippines, Benigno

Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III,

together with the new Vice-

President, Jejomar Cabauatan

Binay last June 30, 2010. The

event was truly endearing

since there were countless of

people, including celebrities

and delegates from other coun-

tries, who came to see the most

anticipated inauguration of the

year. The highlight of the

event was the Presidents inau-gural speech, which consists

his platform for the next six

years.

More than 400,000

people flocked to the Quirino

Grandstand to witness the un-

folding of a new chapter in

Philippine history. But before

the most awaited inauguration,

singers, Noel Cabangon, Juana

Change, Christian Bautista,

etc., offered an entertainment

to the audience. The inaugural

program officially started

when the incoming President

and Vice-President came.

The National Anthem was

led by Charice Pempengco

followed by the Ecumenical

Invocation. Came after were

more singers i.e. Madrigal

Singers, APO Hiking Soci-

ety, Ogie Alcasid, and

Regine Velasquez. Moreover,

there were more than 85 in-

ternational delegates from

other countries who were

sent as representatives.

Senate President

Juan Ponce Enrile read the

result of the election and pro-

claimed the new President

and Vice-President. After

that, the oath taking cere-

mony took place, conducted

by Associate Justice Con-

chita Carpio-Moralez. The

first one to take the oath was

the Vice-President elect Je-

jomar Binay followed by the

President elect Benigno

Aquino III. A 21-gun salute

was rendered after the oath

taking.

Finally, the long

wait for the delivery of

his speech is over. The

President started by de-

claring the source of his

inspiration, that is, the

thousands of people who

believe in him. The

speech was in Tagalog so

that people will under-

stand him. (Cont. Page 2)

July 26, 2010, a day which everyone was anxious about.

This is when our newly

elected president, Benigno

Cojuanco Aquino III deliv-

ered his first State of the Na-

tion Address (SONA). Politi-

cians, celebrities, every Fili-

pino, even the foreigners

were very interested in what

the President has to say.

As all of the SONAs de-livered by the past leaders

of our country, Pres.

Aquino started his report

about the things that the

past administration has

done for the country.

Anomalies with the budget

and different agencies

were his main concerns.

Startling amounts of money

were reported to have been

placed on less useful pur-

poses just before the former

president leaves her post.

This led to a further in-

crease in the budget deficit

of our country.

(Cont. Page 2)

VOLUME 2 , ISSUE 1

JUNEOCTOBER 2010

Equilibrium: The Official Publication of UST-Economic Society

Ka-1 sa 2011 4

MMITE 6

GA 7

EcoSoc Officers 8-9

Why Indonesia

Over performs PH 10

Interview with a Prof 13

Economists as Writers 15

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Born of New Legacy The Inauguration of Presidentelect Benigno C. Aquino Jr.

President-elect Benigno

Aquino giving his inaugural

speech.

Photo by April Maligayo

P. Noy on the State of Our Nation By: Genesa Rosales

EQUILIBRIUM

EDITORIAL STAFF

Shalom Makasiar Editor-in-Chief

Kristine May Distor

Associate Editor

Kristine April Vergara Managing Editor

Salvador Briggs Calo III Hazel Ann de Guzman

Features Editors

Jason Comia Literary Editor

Jhoanna Jane Pontanos

News Editor

Christian Joseph Lacia Marinelle Marron

Layout Artists

April Pauliene Maligayo Karen Ann Vidar

Senior Photographers

V OLUME 2 , ISSUE 1 P AGE 2

Born (cont. from page 1)

P.Noy (cont. from page 1)

President Benigno Aquino

commenced his first hand

salute as the new Com-

mander-in-Chief of AFP.

Photo by April Maligayo

Corruption was the main

theme of his address with the

saying kung walang korap, walang mahirap as the foundation of his administra-

tion. He promised to design

and implement an interaction

and feedback mechanism that

can effectively respond to the

peoples needs and aspira-tions; stated the problems of

the country for the past few

years; and shared that he is

tired of a government that has

been blind and deaf to the

peoples cry. The President vowed that under his admini-

stration, no more junkets, no

more senseless spending, and

no more turning back on

pledges made during the

campaign; whether today or

in the coming challenges

over the next six years.

Walang wang-wang,

walang counterflow, walang

tong were the words that

were instilled in the peoples minds.

In addition to his

speech, his platform con-

tained the promises of change

that his administration

pledged to implement. The

President assured a good,

honest and effective govern-

ance that will transform the

government from one that is

self-serving to one that works

for the welfare of the nation;

ethical, honest and true pub-

lic servants and leaders; re-

viewing midnight appoint-

ments; lessen the lack of in-

frastructures for transporta-

tion, tourism and trade; re-

vival of the emergency em-

ployment program; quality

education, including voca-

tional education and address-

ing the glaring shortage in

classrooms and educational

facilities; improve public

health services such as Phil-

Health for all within three

years; a home for every fam-

ily, within safe communities;

strengthen the armed forces

and the police; security for

farmers to to help them with

irrigation, extension services,

and marketing their products

at the best possible prices;

create employment at home;

however, while working to-

wards that end, tasked are

relevant agencies to be more

responsive to the needs and

welfare of the overseas Fili-

pino workers; strengthen the

process of consultation and

Products

such as

rice and

water

which

were some

of the ag-

gravating

problems

of our na-

tion were

also men-

tioned. In

2008, there

was a

shortage in the supply of rice in our

country. Our fellow citizens lined up

for long hours in order to get little

amount of rice to eat when according

to Pres. Aquino, the National Food

Authority (NFA) has imported ex-

cessive amounts of rice in the years

before. These excessive supplies of

rice have only been stored in ware-

houses and ended up rotting which

brought forth the rice shortage. And

just recently, we also experienced

water failures. Many people also

suffered from not having water to

drink. The funds that were supposed

to be used for maintaining our wa-

tersheds in order to improve water

supply was said to be wrongfully

used by giving too much salaries and

benefits to the officials of Metropoli-

tan Waterworks and Sewage System

(MWSS).

Many more anomalies and

misuse of fund were mentioned by

Pres. Aquino. Some of them are star-

tling, while some of them, we al-

ready knew of. The Presidents solu-tion to these problems is a zero-

based approach by stopping the

wasteful use of government funds

and creating a budget that focuses

attention on solving the problems

that were not addressed in the past

administration. A Truth Commission

was also said to have been formed in

order to address the frauds that were

committed in the last nine years.

While according to the

President, many investors have ex-

pressed interest in supporting the

nations needs through public-private partnerships without having

the government spend much of its

budget or even none of it, many

things are yet to happen in the next

six years. What we are left to do is

to be good citizens and we can only

hope that the plans in Pres. Benigno

Aquino IIIs first State of the Nation Address become reality when he

delivers his next one.

recognition by the AFP

(Armed Forces of the

Philippines) as the new

president of the Republic

of the Philippines. An-

other 21-gun salute was

given when the president

arrived at the Malacaang

Palace.

The inauguration

ceremony was peaceful,

successful, and remark-

able. The attendees were

joyful and contented with

what the President had

said. In spite of the hot

weather, they all went

home with a smile in their

faces. Jhoanna Pontanos

UST Economics Department Faculty

Almario-Miguel, Alma Aileen, M.A.

Economics Department Chairperson

Quijano-Arsenio, Jodylyn, Ph. D.

UST Economics Society Adviser

Baluyot, Mary Hildence, M.A.

Cabauatan, Ronaldo, M.A.

Cabral, Cristina, Ph. D.

Calara, Ma. Socorro , Ph. D.

Dinio, Rosemary, Ph. D.

Paguta, Ronald, M.A.

Quesada, Francis Ian, MSF Candidate

Racho, Clarissa Ruth, MDE

Rosete, Marie Antoinette, MDE

Valdez, Karen Grace, MBA

Villasis, George, M.A.

The Administration

Prof. Ma. Socorro P. Calara, Ph. D.

College Dean

Rev. Fr. Senen R. Ecleo, O.P.

College Regent

Prof. Mary Hildence M. Baluyot, M.A.

Assistant Dean

Asst. Prof. Maureen H. Gelle

College Secretary

EQUILIBRIUM :

THE O FFICIAL P UBLICATION OF UST-ECONOMIC SOCIETY P AGE 3

The country again has undergone a change of administration. Not all were happy with the result yet the people had spoken.

During the campaign period, the country had been bombarded

with the never-ending promises and pledges from the candi-

dates, and we, the voters were hanging by the hope of getting

all of them done as promised. Here is the platform* of the

newly elected President Benigno S. Aquino III, which he says,

his Social Contract to the Filipino People:

The Vision for the Philippines: A country with 1. A re-awakened sense of right and wrong, through the liv-

ing examples of our highest leaders;

2. An organized and widely-shared rapid expansion of

our economy through a government dedicated to honing

and mobilizing our peoples skills and energies as well as the responsible harnessing of our natural resources;

3. A collective belief that doing the right thing does not only

make sense morally, but translates into economic value as well;

4. Public institutions rebuilt on the strong solidarity of our so-

ciety and its communities.

Our Mission: We will start to make these changes first in ourselvesby do-ing the right things, by giving value to excellence and integrity

and rejecting mediocrity and dishonesty, and by giving priority

to others over ourselves.

We will make these changes across many aspects of our na-

tional life.

A Commitment to Transformational Leadership: 1. From a President who tolerates corruption to a Presi-

dent who is the nations first and most determined fighter of corruption.

2. From a government that merely conjures economic

growth statistics that our people know to be unreal to

a government that prioritizes jobs that empower the people

and provide them with opportunities to rise above poverty.

3. From relegating education to just one of many con-

cerns to making education the central strategy for investing in

our people, reducing poverty and building na-

tional competitiveness.

4. From treating health as just another area for politi-

cal patronage to recognizing the advancement and protec-

tion of public health, which includes responsible parenthood,

as key measures of good governance.

5. From justice that money and connections can buy to a

truly impartial system of institutions that deliver equal justice

to rich or poor.

Economy 6. From government policies influenced by well-

connected private interests to a leadership that executes all the

laws of the land with impartiality and decisiveness.

7. From treating the rural economy as just a source of prob-

lems, to recognizing farms and rural enterprises as vital

to achieving food security and more equitable economic

growth, worthy of re-investment for sustained productivity.

8. From government anti-poverty programs that instill a dole-

out mentality to well-considered programs that build capac-

ity and create opportunity among the poor and the marginal-

ized in the country.

9. From a government that dampens private initiative

and enterprise to a government that creates condi-

tions conducive to the growth and competitiveness of pri-

vate businesses, big, medium and small.

10. From a government that treats its people as an ex-

port commodity and a means to earn foreign ex-

change, disregarding the social cost to Filipino families to

a government that creates jobs at home, so that working

abroad will be a choice rather than a necessity; and when its

citizens do choose to become OFWs, their welfare and protec-

tion will still be the governments priority.

Government Service 11. From Presidential appointees chosen mainly out of politi-

cal accommodation to discerning selection based on integ-

rity, competence and performance in serving the public good.

12. From demoralized but dedicated civil servants, military

and police personnel destined for failure and frustration due

to inadequate operational support to professional, moti-

vated and energized bureaucracies with adequate means to per-

form their public service missions.

Gender Equality 13. From a lack of concern for gender disparities and shortfalls,

to the promotion of equal gender opportunity in all spheres

of public policies and programs.

Peace & Order 14. From a disjointed, short-sighted Mindanao policy that

merely reacts to events and incidents to one that seeks a

broadly supported just peace and will redress decades of ne-

glect of the Moro and other peoples of Mindanao.

Environment 15. From allowing environmental blight to spoil our cities,

where both the rich and the poor bear with congestion and ur-

ban decay to planning alternative, inclusive ur-

ban developments where people of varying income levels

are integrated in productive, healthy and safe communities.

16. From a government obsessed with exploiting the country

for immediate gains to the detriment of its environment to

a government that will encourage sustainable use of re-

sources to benefit the present and future generations.

President Aquino promises a term of service served with integ-

rity and transparency. Lets be vigilant, cautious and responsi-ble with the power we vested to the new administration. It is

our rights and it is the peoples power that we freely surren-dered to the government, hoping that we will see the face of A new Philippines at the end of 6 years. Kristine Distor

*from NOYPIPOL: The Official Blog of Sen. Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino

Remembering the Platform

The very first event held as a tribute to the upcoming celebration of USTs 400 years of Unending Grace was the Ka-1 sa 2011, organized by the College of Commerce and Business Administra-

tions Staff, Faculty, and Students. It also served as an Alumni Homecoming that happened on June 19, 2010.

At the St. Raymunds Building, the Economic Society prepared a Confluence about an alumnus life after graduation. The speaker was a Cum Laude of College of Commerce and

Business Administration Major in Economics Batch 2002; started

as a writer/reporter of the publication Business World; and

worked in Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in Treasury Department

for four (4) years. She is none other than Ms. Liezel Antonio.

At first, she had a hard time of finding job went through a lot of interviews. She has been doing various works

within different companies and as she went through the transition

of working environment, she realized that her first job was the

point of comparison. As a result she started to weigh the pros and

cons of being in a government office and private companies. She

would rather stay in a private company since the pay is high, the

processing of papers is faster, fresh ideas are welcomed, promo-

tion is easy, and less bureaucracy. On the other hand, government

offices pays low compare to the private companies, and ideas are

limited since there are norms or rules to be followed. In spite of

the differences between the two sectors, both have the same po-

litical problems.

She also gave tips on how to land a good job. According

to Ms. Antonio, one must have a good communication skills,

good in academics, active in organizations, and most of all, one

must have a leadership skill. Almost all of the Thomasians have

these characteristics but the problem is, according to her, Thoma-

sians are less assertive. She also added that, nowadays, compa-

nies are looking for those applicants with higher EI (emotional

intelligence) than IQ (intelligence Quotient), which is a charac-

teristic that the Thomasians has. It is also important to build con-

tact with other people inside the job.

Before the talk ends, she entertained some of the audi-

ences questions. Q: Is the on-the-job training (OJT) helpful for the students to be

hired easily?

A: I think it is. Since the company has the idea of what the stu-

dents are capable of doing and they are already knowledgeable on

the given tasks.

Q: Is it better to have a Masters degree before applying to work? A: No. I think it is always better to work before having a Mas-

ters degree since some private companies require it.

After the confluence some still have time to linger

around the classrooms, while some left to wait for the start of the

raffle at the Quadri Park. Everybody was excited as their raffle

tickets numbers were called. Major prizes were given away to the students, faculty and alumni.

The program ended after the Pledge of Commitment, led

Dr. Cristina Castro Cabral. The weather was patiently waiting

for the program to end before the clouds let go of its droplets.

Shalom Makasiar

Prof. Alma Almario Miguel with the speaker, Ms. Liezel Antonio, and two other alumni of Economic

Society. Photo by Shalom Makasiar

A Tribute to the 400 years of Unending Grace

Economics Society Junior

Orientation By Jeriline Garcia

Last June 30 2010, the Economics So-ciety held the junior orientation at the

Commerce AVR. The event started

with a prayer led by Ken Ucang from

3E5, followed by an opening remark by

the president of Economics Society,

Aldric Arriola. He started his talk re-

garding the activities (i.e. seminars,

interclass competitions, exhibits and

outreach programs) that the Economics

Society planned for the two semesters.

Soon after, Assistant Prof.

Alma Aileen Almario-Miguel men-

tioned the vision and the goals of the

organization. She proceeded by discuss-

ing the curriculum of the third year and

fourth year levels including a reminder

of the general guidelines enclosed in the

handbook. She ended the discussion by

asking who is an economist? While Prof. Alma is quoting each line of

the who is an economist? the juniors were reflecting and assessing themselves

and knew that they have some concerns

about this and upcoming semesters.

The concerns of the juniors, pri-

marily, are the challenging subjects. The

juniors have come this far that they are

pressured to pass all of the subjects. Sec-

ondarily, the new people they met. Some

were happy, some were not. But regard-

less of how each one of the juniors, they

have to face this new set of classmates

and just be who they are and make the

best out of each other. And finally, to

defend their thesis and to be able to

graduate in time.

As they push through with their

degree, the excitement, fear and appre-

hension is visible. As fresh as they may

be in this department, the juniors know

what to expect from their subjects. They

know it wouldnt be easy and are wish-fully thinking that their professors would

be as supportive as they can be.

The juniors would be supporting

all the activities of the Economic society

and they trust the council that there

would be a very open communication

between them.

The adviser of the Economic

Society Prof. Jodelyn Quijano-Arsenio

presented a short speech to the juniors.

Aldric Arriola, then, ended the program

by giving thanks to the juniors and tell-

ing them to support their programs.

The juniors have a long year

ahead of them, a long year accompa-

nied by learning, excitement, and excel-

lence.


Reduce poverty through improved education and youth opportunities.

Under the Medium-Term Philippines Development Plan, 20042010, the government aims to fight poverty by building prosperity for the greatest number of the Filipino people. One of the five main parts of the plan is through education and youth opportunity. So far, some of the targets are most likely to be attained while some are not. According to the report from National Statistical Coordination

Board (NSCB);

(cont. to page 12)

Target Comparison Performance

On Basic Education SY

04-05

SY

05-06

SY

06-07

SY

07-08

SY

08-09

Net enrolment ratio (NER) at elemen-

tary level will increase to 91.0% in SY

2005-2006 93.0% in SY 2010-2011.

87.1 84.4 83.2 84.8 85.1

The net enrolment ratio at the ele-

mentary level showed a fluctuating

trend with the 2010 target not likely

to be attained.

Net enrolment ratio at the secondary

level will increase to 67.5% in SY

2005-2006 and 83.7% in SY 2010-2011

60.0 58.5 58.6 60.3 60.7

The net enrolment ratio at the secon-

dary level has exhibited minimal

changes since SY 2004-06 and re-

mains far from the 2010 target.

Cohort survival rate at the elementary


2005-2006 and 78.0% in SY 2010-2011

71.3 70.0 73.4 75.3 75.4

The cohort survival rate at the ele-

mentary level is generally increasing

and the target is likely to be at-

tained.

Cohort survival rate at the secondary


2005-2006 and 71.5% in SY 2010-2011

78.1 67.3 77.3 79.9 79.9

Cohort survival rate at the secon-

dary level experienced increments

starting in in SY 2006-2007, and

hovering near the 80 percent mark,

thereby exceeding the target in the

last five years, except in SY 2005-

06

Dropout rate at the elementary level

will decrease to 5.5% in SY 2005-2006

and 4.3% in SY 2010-2011

8.6 5.5 6.4 6.0 6.0

Dropout rate at the elementary level

showed big improvement in SY

2006-2007 but remained at around 6

percent since then but still higher

than the target.

Dropout rate at the secondary level will

decrease to 11.2% in SY 2005-2006 and

8.1% in SY 2010-2011

15.0 11.2 8.0 7.5 7.5

Dropout rate at the secondary level

improved starting from SY 2006-

2007 and remained at around 8 per-

cent in the succeeding years; thus,

the target has been attained.

Maintain a classroom-

pupil/student ratio at an aver-

age of 1:50

P 59 37 37 39 39 The target number of pupils per

classroom has already been

achieved at the elementary level

since the start of the plan period. S 57 56 56 54 56

Close the classroom gap; 6,000 class-

rooms built per year 12,490 9,407 10,541 15,215 9,835

Construction of more classrooms

was vigorously pursued, thus, ex-

ceeding the target since

SY 2004-2005.

Maintain a 1:1 textbook-

pupil/student ratio

P 1 1 1 1 1 The number of textbooks per pu-

pil/student for both levels was main-

tained as targeted S 1 1 1 1 1

Maintain a 1:50 teacher-

pupil/student ratio

P 35 35 35 35 35 Number of pupils/students per

teacher for both levels maintained

but lower since the start of the plan

period. S 41 40 39 39 39

*P=Primary; S=Secondary

EQUILIBRIUM :

THE O FFICIAL P UBLICATION OF UST-ECONOMIC SOCIETY P AGE 5

as affirmed by the government insisting

on their claim directly related to the

motion, negative issues about the en-vironment rose in response to develop-

ment while the opposition asserting that development is contingent upon the environment. During the debate, we can observe slight stutters coming

from the government while a lack of

nuance from the opposition.

What is the verdict then? A split deci-

sion of 4-1, 4 for the government leav-

ing the opposition with only 1 point.

This decision provided confusion to

deputy leader of opposition, Prince Jay

Mayuyo, who was also awarded best

speaker of the debate and even other

members of the house because of the

speculation on the oppositions strength which clamored for an expla-

nation from the judicators.

The judicators justified with

statements such as everything the op-position said was in line with the mo-

tion when in fact, they have to be

against the motion, it was full of substance with

lack of nuance to the mo-

tion, and the opposition should have focused on

development just as how

the government focused

on the environment. James Andrew Obejas,

one of the judicators, even

expressed that it was as if

nag-shoot ang Adamson (referring to the opposi-

tion) sa ring ng UST

(referring to the govern-

ment).

Overall, it was a pretty

thrilling debate, with some

bets on 3E3 and some on 4E1, with

4E1 not apprehending the win as con-

firmed by prime minister Patricia San-

chez, this is my first time to compete, and I wasnt expecting at all, we just gave our best and tried to win. Well, in the words of Vince Lombardi

winning is not everything, but want-ing to is and with this, I rest my case.

Last July 25, 2010, the Economics Soci-ety held their inter-class debate entitled

Motions with a total of 7 sections in-cluding 1 swing team vying for the gold

bullion. The Economics Society touched

on topics such as social networking sites,

the euro, religion, human organs, and

finally, mama earth which was the last

motion tasked to the final contestants.

First, they had a warm-up round in order

to classify the different sections, fol-

lowed by the quarter-finals with 4 sets of

dueling teams.

These sets were composed of

3E1 vs. 4E1, 4E3 vs. 3E4, 3E2 vs. 4E5,

and lastly 3E3 vs. a swing team. Now

you might be wondering who played the

swing teams role. Yes, they are the sen-ior board officers of the Economics Soci-

ety, nevertheless, 3E3 failed to flinch as

proved by their victory in this round.

Along with 3E3, the sections 4E1, 3E4,

and 4E5, all who were from the opposi-

tion side except 3E3, emerged triumphant

with respect to this division.

Moving on, the semi-finals

dwelt on 2 sets of battling groups namely

4E1 vs. 3E4 and 4E5 vs. 3E3 tackling

motions related to human life. As a re-

sult, both 4E1 and 3E3 were able to seize

the upper hand and thus, they were able

to reach the end of the ladder. As previ-

ously mentioned, they were tasked to

expound on the motion concerning

mother earth, specifically Development trumps the environment.

The debate started with 4E1 as

the government and 3E3 the opposition.

Nuance against substance, this is the cen-

tral issue, with 4E1 focusing on the nu-

ance while 3E3 gaining all the substance

Finessing the motions: EcoSoc inter-class debate By Teffanie Quibod with reports from Shaira Manliclic and Jeriline Garcia

Winners of the inter-class debate competition along

with UST alumni Franz Bacani, one of the judicators

Photo by Gerbert Rubio

October 22, 2010, the UST Economics So-ciety conducted Mr. and Ms. Ideal Thoma-sian Economists: Seeing Beauty through

environmental consciousness. As what the title suggests, the whole point of the event is

environmental consciousness. Ms. Jezzeline

Ferrer, together with her co-project head

Mr. Paul June San Diego, believes that it is

important to expose us, Economics students,

to the current environmental issues at hand

because as researchers and scholars, we play

a significant role in informing and educating

the society.

At the very beginning of the event,

contestants were asked to give their own

insights regarding environment, where each

one has done a great job in expressing their

own. In every phrase given by the contest-

ants, realization hits the audience. But since

there was perfect competition between our gorgeous contestants deafening cheers

were created inside the room.

The cheering even grew louder

when talent portion of the pageant starts.

But like any other pageant, the best part will

always be the Q&A portion. It is that time

when audience quietly anticipates how their

bets would answer or react to the question

given to them. The Q&A portion was quite

different from the past pageants since the

contestants were asked to state their obser-

vation about the flashed picture on the

screen, which portrays the current state of

our environment.

Afterwards, Mark Lorenz Sta.Maria

and Lenard Paul Sumalde offered a song to

the audience followed by awarding of cer-

tificate of appreciation to Mr. Rolando Vit-

torio Gatmaitan and Ms. Yvette Hernandez

who acted as judges for the event.

The most awaiting announcement of

winners finally came. The second runner-

up winners were Mr. Myles Anciento (3E4)

and Ms. Sheena Pelimiano (4E3); first run-

ner-ups were Mr. Jeroen de Leon (3E2) and

Ms. Seong Jyeong Kim (3E2) and; Mr. and

Ms. Thomasian Economists were

(Cont. Next page)

Seeing Beauty through

Environmental Consciousness: The

Search for Mr. and Ms. Thomasian

Economists

We, economists are scarce, therefore our relative price is

HIGH. R. B. Paguta


The event took place at the Medicine Auditorium last August 23, 2010. It

was attended by students, professors

and, alumni as well as other people

who supported the said event. The

program started with an entertaining

short skit done by the two Junior

Board trainees, Roberta Obispo, and

Sheen Paysan; followed by the ap-

pearance of the Masters of Ceremony

(MC), Mark Lorenz Sta. Maria and

Ron Villacorta. Then, the opening

remarks, done by Mr. Francis Ian

Quesada; followed by a game called

Gayahin ang Video; showing of last

years Economics Societys events; Introduction of Economic Societys players, JPESs, and PhilCEs repre-sentatives. Furthermore, the Glee-

conomics singers did a beautiful sam-

ple song entitled Seasons of Love.

Afterwards, Ms. Gladys Pagdato, Mr.

Louis Asistio III and Ms. Diane

Camille Cortez were introduced as the

judges for the presentations that will

be done by the Economics students. The show started as the first batch of

the performers entered the stage. The

class of 3E2 performed with the

theme of Poverty; followed by the

presentation of 4E2 with the theme of

Unemployment; the class of 4E1

showed the effects of Patriotism and

Migration when used as theme; 3E1

having the theme Human Develop-

ment, and the class of 4E3 carrying

the theme Import and Export.During

the break, an intermission was given

by the EcoScyphers to energize the

crowd, followed by a dance number

from the Junior Board trainees. Then, the

last batch of performers began as the class

of 3E3 took the stage with their theme,

Education; the class of 4E5 presented with

the theme Bloated Bureaucracy; the class

of 4E4 with the theme Technological Ad-

vancement. And last but definitely not the

least, the class of 3E4 with the theme of

Foreign Exchange. After the breathtaking perform-

ances, while waiting for the announce-

ments of winners, another ice-breaker,

named Hephep! Hurray!,

was conducted by the

hosts. After that was a

dance presentation of

Senior Board of Officers

with the surprise appear-

ances of Mr. Quesada

and Mr. Cabauatan. This

drew loud cheers and

claps from the crowd.

Moreover, the president

of Economics Society,

Mr. Aldric Arriola talked

about the advocacy, to-

gether with the AVP

presentation of the Senior

Board; pledging of the

students led by Vice

President for External Affairs, Ms. Jezze-

lene Ferrer. The crowd sang together with

the host, Mark Sta. Maria and the EcoSocs VP for Treasury as his partner, Carmina

Milla when they offered a song Two is

Better Than One; followed by an

AVP of Mr. and Ms. Ideal Thomasian

Economists (MMITE) and Inquest

finalists. The awarding of Certificate

of Appreciation to the judges came

after, led by Mr. Arriola, and the So-

cial Events Director, Mr. Paul June

San Diego and Ms. Ferrer.

The most awaited announce-

ment of winners has finally come.

Firstly, Special Awards were given.

3E1 got the Best Teaser; 4E2 for Best

Poster; 4E5 for Best in Arts and De-

sign; 4E1 for Best Actress; and 3E1

for Best Actor. Came after was the

announcement of the top three per-

formances; third place was given to

3E1; second place came from 4E5; and

the highest award was given to 4E1.

The closing remark was given by

Mr. San Diego and was followed by the

prayer and the UST Hymn.

Jhoanna Pontanos

Mash-Up: East meets West: The Economics Society General

Assembly

Introduction of Economic Societys players, JPESs, and PhilCEs representatives. Photo by April Maligayo

Seeing (Cont. from Prev. page)

Mr. Nicolo Barcelona (4E4) and Ms. Marah

Paula Villanueva (4E4).

Special Awardees were Mr. Jeroen

de Leon (3E2) and Ms. Jeriline Garcia (3E3)

for Peoples Choice Award and; Mr. Miguel Zapanta (4E1) and Ms. Seong Kyeong Kim

(3E2) for Best in Talent. Nicolo and Marah

will be the representative of the Economics

Department for Mr. and Ms. Commerce Per-

sonality 2010 Pageant.

At the end of the day, the Mr. and Ms. Ideal Thomasian Economists: Seeing

Beauty through environmental conscious-

ness was successful. It presents Beauty not for our own vanity but instead it shows

beauty with a purpose. Environmental is-sues are an urgent matter and everybody is

expected to lend a hand and participate. If we

truly want to save Mother Nature, now is the

time.

Ms. Jezzelene Ferrer said in an inter-

view: I am thankful to everybody; this wont be possible without the help of our fellow Senior and junior Board officers, and

most especially to everybody who partici-

pated in this event. I hope that everybody put

into mind that the environment is already on

a critical state and I hope everybody would

take their own initiative. This is our fight. Indeed, this is our fight. L.P. Sumalde

Mr. and Ms. Thomasian Economists: Mr. Nicolo Barcelona

and Ms. Marah Villanueva. Photo by Sherry Mae Dio

Economics is an easy subject, at

which very few excel!

J. M. Keynes

P AGE 7 EQUILIBRIUM :

THE O FFICIAL P UBLICATION OF UST-ECONOMIC SOCIETY

Aldric B. Arriola

President

Jezzelene C.

Ferrer

VP for External

Affairs

Kristian Dean

P. Mongis

VP for Internal

Affairs

Jane Mariz S.

Tagle

VP for

Administrative

Affairs

Ma. Carmina

Aurora G. Milla

VP for Treasury

Dave Jr. H.

Diao

VP for Internal

Audit

Mark Lorenz C.

Sta. Maria VP for Promotions

and Communications

Maria Cecilia

M. Castillo

Wits Circle

Directress

Jason

Kristopher T.

Comia

Wits Circle

Director

Jan Erle T.

Manalaysay

Ways and Means

Director

Paul June D.L.

San Diego Social Events

Director

Sonny E. Tongco

Socio-Cultural

Director

Quadricentennial Officers of College of Commerce

Economics Society


Michelle Pieffer

G. Fenix Powertalks

Directress

Lhea L.

Pereira

Powertalks

Directress

Ma. Blessie

Conception L.

Dimatulac

Socio-Apostolate

Directress

Gerard G.

Dimalanta

Socio-Apostolate

Director

Patricia Kay L.

Sanchez

Promotions and

Advertising

Directress

Paul Oliver C.

Sayco

Sports Director

Ma. Theresa

B. Borra

PhilCes Directress

Theodore

Christian D.

Residilla JPES Director

Shalom S.

Makasiar Equilibrium

Directress

GARENA can save the

Earth By Genesa Rosales

Many of our biggest problems are because of the obliteration of

the environment. Too much heat,

floods, water shortages, and un-

predictable weather changes are

only few of what we suffer be-

cause of environment exploita-

tion. Now is the right time for us

to start compensating for our

abuse by reducing the damages

that we have caused this planet.

When we hear the word

GARENA, the first thing that

comes to our mind is a computer

game that is known by almost all

of us. Who would have known

that GARENA will also help

save our environment?

The Economics Society

was able to use this famous word

for their environmental aware-

ness program called Green Advo-

cacy to Raise Environment and

Natural Awareness or GARENA.

Each section in the Economics

Department participated by mak-

ing a video presentation that en-

courages people to take necessary

actions to help our environment.

Economics students

gathered last July 31, 2010 at the

Rizal Auditorium in St. Ray-

munds building to watch the products of their sweat. All of the

video presentations showed crea-

tivity and inspiration. Each had

different ways of showing how

we could help improve our envi-

ronments condition. Nonethe-less, there were few whose pres-

entations stood out. Among them

were the videos of sections 3E1,

3E2, and 4E1.

The winning presenta-

tion was awarded to 4E1 last

August 23, 2010 during the Eco-

nomics Societys general assem-bly at the Medicine Auditorium.

Moreover, everyones efforts paid-off since the pro-

gram, including all of the video

presentations created by each

section, achieved its purpose. It

made the students aware of what

is happening to the environment

and it also made them think of

ways to be able to help. Not only

that, they were able to share what

they have learned in a creative

way.

Through GARENA,

Economics students have not

only gained knowledge from one

another, but they have also

helped save Mother Earth.



Why Indonesia outperforms RP? A summary of the issue by Eduardo Climaco Tadem from

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Indonesia once faced a financial crisis with a hardest hit from 1997 to 1998 and, afterwards, fell into political and social turmoil

and economic decline. Today, Indonesia has attained stability and

prosperity that little would have imagined possible.

This was the conclusion reached by scholars of Indone-

sian studies at a recent First Indonesia Forum held at the Kyoto

University Center for Southeast Asian Studies.

Japans most distinguished Indonesianist, Takashi Shirai-shi, pointed out the three factors that led to Indonesias significant upturn: (1) a successful decentralization program (2) the contain-

ment of religious and ethnic conflicts at the local level Indone-sians now look at politics as a way of achieving economic growth

rather than as a vehicle for asserting ones ethnic or religious iden-tity, and (3) a strong nationalist imprint traceable throughout the

countrys history democracy and decentralization may have led to a fragmented local political scene but it has not jeopardized the

sense of national identity or Indonesianess. Economist Kosuke Mizuno, on the other hand, notes the

ability of the Indonesian economy to weather the worst effects of

the 2008-2009 global economic meltdown by keeping a balanced

financial and current accounts while increasing employment.

Professor Mizuno views the Indonesian economic resil-

iency as offering an alternative model of development that con-trasts with the East Asian experience of export-based authoritari-

anism. Instead, investments focused on expanding a domestic mar-

ket to take advantage of high levels of consumption among the

public. Rather than relying mainly on financial instruments tied

with the global system, the country leaned on what Mizuno calls

vernacular financial networks. Mizuno concludes that Indonesias strength lies in its

balanced and open economy that relies heavily on a large domes-tic market, strong private consumption, vital family businesses and

vernacular financial networks.

In his keynote speech at the Kyoto University Forum,

Professor Shiraishi made pointed references to the Philippine ex-

perience and contrasted this with the Indonesian case. What makes

for the disparity between the two Southeast Asian neighbors?

Philippine case

After the glory of its 1986 EDSA revolution that ended

the Marcos dictatorship, the Philippines has been relieved from its

suffering. In the long run, however, the country fell short on har-

vesting benefit from its victory. A government decentralization

program succeeded only in worsening its political state as local

government units became even more dependent on the central

government for their internal revenue allotments.

All these were evident during the nine years of Gloria

Macapagal-Arroyos unstable term. With her 2004 election flawed by serious charges of a manipulated count, Arroyo had to fend off

continuous challenges from both the political opposition and re-

formist military officers.

In only 12 years, and despite bumps along the way, Indo-

nesia has managed well the transition from centralized authoritari-

anism to a vibrant and stable democracy, a feat none of its South-

east Asian neighbors have been able to achieve.

Its economy still lags behind the top regional perform-

ersSingapore, Malaysia and Thailandbut it appears, for the moment, to have its fundamentals figured out. Shiraishi expects

Indonesias current upsurge to continue for the next 10 years. As for the Philippines, 24 years after the historic EDSA

revolt, its political life remains spineless and its economy brittle. It

remains to be seen whether current President Aquino, riding on the

wave of a landslide electoral victory, can rectify the overindul-

gence of the Arroyo years, invigorate the economy, restore confi-

dence in government, and steer the country and its people forward.

The 2009 statistical data graphically tells the story of how Indone-

sia now outperforms the Philippines.

Indonesias per capita GDP, at $2,362, was 35 percent higher than the Philippines per capita GDP of $1,750. Its GDP growth rate of 4.5 percent was four times higher than the Philip-

pines measly 1.1 percent performance. (cont. on page 14)

ID PH

ECONOMIC:

GDP at current prices (2009, in US$B) 546.4 182.7

Per capita GDP (2009, in US$) 2362 1750

Growth rate of GDP (2009) 4.5 1.1

Inflation rate (2009) 2.8 4.4

Unemployment rate (2005-2008) 8.4 7.4

Unemployment (2010, World Factbook) 7.14 8

Budget deficit as % of GDP 2.3 3.9

Gross domestic investment as % of GDP 31 14

Foreign investments inflow (2008-2009,

US$B) 14.2 3.5

HUMAN DEVELOPMENT:

Poverty index (% living under $2/day) 53.8 57.4

Birth rate (2005-2010, per 1,000 persons,

UN) 18.7 25.8

Income inequality (2009, UN; Gini, 0 = per-

fect equality) 34.3 44.5

Life expectancy (2005-2010, UN) 70.7 71.7

Infant mortality (2005-2010, UN)

deaths/1,000 births 26.6 23.1

Education index (1 = perfect education at-

tainment) 0.83 0.88

Literacy rate 92 93.4

OTHER:

Corruption index (2010, higher rank, less

corruption) 110TH 134TH

Tourist arrivals (2009, in million arrivals) 6.45 2.71

Happy Planet index (Higher rank, more

happy) 14TH 16

TH


EDITORIAL Reality Step-Back

Life is not always the Disney Land that youve been dreaming of

I remember a time back in my good old freshmen days. Our professor once asked us if it will be

possible for our planet to regain its condition be-

fore given only 50 years span of time. As ex-

pected, a lot of my blockmates took the verdict

on answering YES. I sighed.

I did not want to kill their false hopes, but reality-

check lang ha? 50 years is NOT enough.

The damage that we did for more than a century

cannot be undone with five decades span. Its not that Im pessimistic about the idea on saving the planet but we need to look at the status quo.

There may be existing programs that cater the

environment but, still, a lot of people have never

involved themselves. Educational institutions

have already been teaching the role of the stu-

dents as a steward of the planet and keep on in-

stilling them the hazards of the effect of global

warming but they still havent learned, even if they do, they never walk the talk. We dont need to go far to cite an example cause right here, in our college, we might have some people that I am

referring to. Ask yourself if youre one of them.

My day never end without seeing someone

throwing his waste right on the streets. Every

day, as I traverse my way from home to school

(and vice versa), I see people of different ages

and gender, doing the act of littering. Just throw

up here and there, and it never fails. What a

shame.

This led me to my conclusion that we will never

be able to achieve the so called Green Earth if

with this simple acts of ours will always belong

to the record of epic failure. We keep on saying

that we can have a nice place to live, but I beg to

disagree. Unless we learn, and practice what we

have learned, then only we can attain that Disney

Land of ours. The planet has already taken its toll

on us. We must learn from it because we need to face the reality that our world is in the brink of

destruction. Jason Comia

Manila Philippines was watched live on global television during the August 23 hostage crisis. The ex-police Senior Inspector Ronaldo

Mendoza, armed with an M-16, hijacked a tourist bus carrying 21

Hong Kong nationals and 4 Filipinos. The 12-hours ordeal ended with

Mendoza shot dead by a sniper and had left eight tourists dead. More

than the hostage taker himself, the government of the two countries,

the media people, and the citizens bombard networking sites and blog

sites of who is to blame for the turn out of the incident. No consensus

decision has been patched up.

The event could have strained the nations relationship with the Hong Kong government and its people. The act of one outrageous

man put a threat to the struggling economy of our nation. Series of

economic implications can be derived from the standoff. 1) HK is the

third largest employer of RPs land-based overseas Filipino workers as of 2009. The tension between the two countries might decrease job

orders by HK employers for Filipino workers (i.e. withdrawal or can-

celling of contracts of domestic workers). When this happens, tempo-

rary unemployment and low revenues for the country will arise. Con-

sequently, there will be a severe poverty and surge crimes rates. 2) The

ill tactics and rescue operation of the policemen and the Special Forces

puts the country to the list of dangerous places for tourists. The threat

of terror and chaos will discourage foreigners to visit the country and

will result to a decline in the revenue for the countrys tourism indus-try. This will later result to the shutting down of firms and laying off

of workers. Again, unemployment and poverty subsists. And, 3) the

perception of incompetent security will displease investors to establish

investments and launch business endeavours in the country. This

means forgone work opportunities for the unemployed and forgone

revenues.

Above all, the pursuit of a self-interested man will literally cause serious predicaments, if revenge and hatred will

prevail. It is heartbreaking that some works hard to face-lift our nation, while some selfishly razed all the efforts down to the

ground. No wonder why RP was far left behind by its neighbouring countries. God bless, The Philippines! Kristine Distor

Ex-policeman puts Pressure to HK-RP Linkages



Technical Vocational Education and

Training 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

1 million persons trained annually 840K 1,154K 1,341K 1,702K 946K

The number of persons trained on techni-

cal vocational skills steadily increased

and went beyond the target from 2005 to

2007, but dropped by 44.4 percent in

2008

29 training regulations developed and

promulgated by 2005 15 36 55 60 37

The target number of training regulations

developed and promulgated has been met

since 2005 but posted a big drop in 2008,

which is still beyond

the target.

At least 50% certification rate annually 50.5 48.4 62.4 73.5 78.1

Certification rate on an increasing trend

and target already achieved, except in

2005.

1,000 TVET programs registered annu-

ally 2,882 1,944 3,395 4,893

Number of TVET programs registered far

above the target during the plan period.

At least P50M additional funding for

TVET budget annually

1,738

Million

1,777

Million

2.338

Million

2,334

Million

3,295

Million

Higher budget allocated to TVET con-

tinuously increasing thru the plan period.

13,800 PESFA slots for 2005 and

34,500 PESA slots per year from 2006

to 2010

13,796 13,944 13,869 16,158 28,488

The target number of available PESFA

slots was met only in 2005, but remained

below the target in succeeding years de-

spite the big jump in 2008. less than the

target in the succeeding years.

Higher Education AY

04-05

AY

05-06

AY

06-07

AY

07-08

AY

08-09

42,600 scholarships in priority courses

annually 34,530 33,466 58,547 54,188 72,729

Scholarships provided in higher educa-

tion met targets in the last three academic

years.

Proportion of HEI faculty with Master's

degree will increase from 30.0% in AY

2004-2005 to 60.0% by AY 2010-2011

30.6% 35.7% 35.6% 35,7% 35%

Proportion of faculty with Master's de-

gree has been consistently at 35% and far

below achieving the 2010-11 target

Proportion of HEI faculty with Doctor-

ate degree will increase from 9.0% in

AY 2004-2005 to 18.0% by AY 2010-

2011

9.2% 10.7% 10.9% 10.9% 10.0%

Proportion of faculty with doctorate de-

grees remained almost unchanged at 10%

and almost 8 points short of target for

2010-11

Source: Basic Education DepEd; Technical Vocational Education and Training TESDA; Higher Education CHED

Reduce (cont. from page 5)

The target percentage of Net enrol-

ment ratio (percentage of students enrolled in

a year) for elementary and secondary level

was far beyond the reach of the actual per-

centage caused by a little number of enrol-

lees for the said years. Nonetheless, the Co-

hort survival rate (the effectiveness of an

institution that will make the student last

another year of schooling) exceeds the target

rate that resulted from the good performance of the students. Another reason why the stu-

dents prefer to stay in school was the imple-

mented project of the past president, such as

the daily ration of 1kg rice for poor pre-

school and Grade 1 pupils for 120 school

days. However, the Dropout rate (percentage

of students that flank out during the School

Year) of elementary students was not likely

attainable, but attainable for the secondary

level. The Dropout rate of the secondary

level was less than the targeted rate since

more of the secondary students can afford

the increase in tuition fee.

Classroom shortage, caused by the continu-

ing increase in student population and de-

struction made by natural and man-made

calamities, resulted to a decline in student-

classroom rate. More classrooms were built,

maintained a 1:1 textbook, and at least 1:50

teacher-student ratio. The ratio may be

higher in some remote areas due to high

population density and teachers preference to be stationed in urban centers and safer

places.

The number of students that took up

Technical Vocation Education and Training

(TVET) has increased since it provides im-

mediate employment even though the pay is

lower than those who finished college. More

and more of students receive the certificate

of competency (proof that the worker is a job

-ready skilled worker). However, enrollment

for TVET slightly decreased because em-

ployers still prefer to have a degree holder

employee.

Private Education Student Financial

Assistance (PESFA) increases as more of the

students perform better as anyone else. Nev-

ertheless, the rate of increase decreased since

several student prefer to stop or avail other

program.

Scholarships for Higher Education increased since more of the students avail

this program to attain higher level of em-

ployment. However, less of the faculty mem-

bers study for Masters degree and Doctorate since it is costly and some of the teachers

have families to feed.

6 out of 19 targets did not meet the set objec-

tives. However, the gaps between the figures

are becoming smaller and smaller that it may

result to the attainment of the targets by the

end of 2010.

Shalom Makasiar


People in the field of Economics are often type-casted as boring peo-ple with dead social lives. Strong words such as weird, bizarre, and

eccentric are frequently used to describe them. Thats when stereo-types go wrong. Because in the UST College of Commerce, Econom-

ics professors are anything but boring people with dead social lives.

As proof, I asked Maam Karen Grace Valdez to answer some random questions to erase the labels. And the interview starts

***

1. What would you be doing if you werent teaching economics in UST?

I refuse to be an accomplice to corruption, and I cannot imagine my-

self being a corporate slave all my life contributing to the wealth of the

capitalists. I would want to do something that is more significant.

There is a constant drive in me to be someone who can make a differ-

ence in this chaotic world we all live in. Given a chance, Ill probably work in the United Nations or be a social worker. Or if I have the

money, Ill probably own a school and a bahayampunan for the street children.

2. Have you ever stolen anything?

Time. Once in my life, I was able to steal time. Dont ask me how. Dont ask me why. *smiles*

3. If you were stranded in an island but mi-

raculously it had a fridge, what one food

would you wish was in it?

I would say isaw ni manong sa P. Noval. Kaya

lang, hindi na masarap yun pagnilagay sa

fridge. So maybe New York Cheesecake or

Mint Chocolate gelato from Amici, or an

unlimited supply of clair from Tinapayan, or a

gallon of coffee crumble ice cream, or a box of

brownies from Beckys, or a box of cake from Banapple, or bukopandan from Nathaniels, or any dark chocolate with mint. Sorry ang dami

kong naisip. *smiles*

One nga lang pala *laughs*. On second

thought, if I was stranded and having a foul

mood, then maybe Id rather have a case of Gilbeys premium.

4. Who is your biggest Econ-prof crush?

To be honest, WALA! For me, Economics professors (local and inter-

national) seem to have that certain peculiarity and eccentricity that is

very interesting, but never in a romantic sense. *laughs*

5. What is your best childhood memory?

When I won in an open belt national judo competition. I was a rookie

then, wearing a white belt and I won the gold over a brown belter.

Grabe yungfeeling. Adrenaline. That time, my heart danced a different

tune, a different beat.

6. Do you idolize economists? Who and why?

Malthus. He has pink hair, and an Aquarian. And like any other econo-

mists, he is eccentric. He believes that the power of population is

greater than the

earths power to produce subsistence

for man. Because of

him; population

became a topic of

serious academic

study.

Malthus talks about

moderation and the

natural mechanism

that address human

superfluity. That is

my guiding principle. That anything done in excess is bad, tangible

and intangible. Vices and love. One is responsible for his excess; he

must suffer the consequences of his actions.

7. Did it cross your mind to model in the womens plus size fashion industry?

No. Never. But I dreamt of owning a womens plus size store, and be one of its designers too. *smiles*

8. Do you think there is a deadweight loss when it comes to lov-ing?

Is that Hicksian or Marshallian deadweight loss? Anyway, if youre talking about a welfare loss that nobody else gains, well I

say yes, there could be a deadweight loss in loving. I say

COULD!!! Not absolute. Sometimes people love com-

plexities, and some people love each other even if they are

both in the losing end. Its not a perfect world.

9. What would you be doing if your vital statistics is 36-

24-36?

You'll probably see me on a billboard along EDSA, in a

flimsy two piece. *laughs out loud* Kidding aside, Id still be doing the same things. And probably eat more

frequent than usual. I love food. :)

10. Do you believe your time here on earth has been a

success?

I had my fair share of ups and downs. There are good days. There are

bad days. I kept things I can keep and endured fleeting things that

come and go. I can say Ive built lifelong friendships with good peo-ple, shared smiles to sad souls and lent my shoulder to troubled ones.

Ive seen beautiful places and appreciated the not-so-beautiful ones. Ive climbed a mountain, rolled on the shore, float on the sea and let the waves take me. Ive laughed hard and cried hard. This is success for menot money, not power, not wealth, but living, loving and learning.

***

Thats how Maam Karen sees it! All throughout the interview, Maam Karens bubbly personality stayed. There was never a dull moment and obviously no trace of boredom and weirdness. Do you

still think that people in the field of Economics are boring? Guess not!

Salvador Calo III

FEATURED: Subjects & Motions: How Maam Karen Sees It!

I refuse to be an

accomplice to

corruption, and I

cannot imagine

myself being a

corporate slave all

my life



DepEd Eyes Textbook-Free Education A Summary Report from September 27, 2010 issue of Manila Bulletin By

MARIO B. CASAYURAN

In a hearing by a Senate finance sub-committee chaired by Sen. Edgardo J. Angara, DepEd Secretary Armin F. Luistro said he

recently met with the United States Agency for International De-

velopment (USAID) officials on this issue where they (USAID

officials) agreed to finance a study on a possible textbook-free

Philippine education setting. Luistro said DepEd Undersecretary

Francis Varela would sit down with the UISAID to map out

strategies in implementing the textbook-free education system.

He hinted that this system might begin in the next two

years as the DepEd budget has a substantial IT budget. Before

Luisto revealed the DepEd-USAID meeting on a textbook-free

education, Angara mentioned a possible shift from textbooks to a

computer-based education after DepEd officials told Angara that

their textbook budget for next year is P3.65 billion.

Angara pushed for this radical shift in education as the cost of

computers in the international market is decreasing with price tags

ranging from $100 per computer in the US to $37 per computer in

India. The former Senate president said that the modernization of

Philippine education requires a powerful political will as it takes

time to repair the damaged or deteriorating education standards

and facilities.

The current DepEd budget of P170.74 billion has been

increased to P207.05 billion for 2011 or an increase of 18 percent.

The proposed 2011 DepEd budget summary stated that the Ulat

ng Bayan survey conducted in Feb. 2009 labeled DepEd as the least corrupt government agency, the highest public approval rating. As of December 2009 5,296 out of the 6,650 high schools

are already provided with computer laboratories. The DepEd has

also started its goal of promoting ICT in the elementary level with

2,534 elementary schools are targeted to be given multi-media

equipment.

Moreover, curriculum enhancement through ICT is be-ing highly promoted by the department to give students a good

place in the world of technology, in partnership with different

stakeholders from the private sector and non-government organi-

zations, the summary stated. Hazel de Guzman

Why (cont. from page 10) Inflation was kept at a low 2.8 percent while the

Philippines struggled with a 4.4-percent rate.

From 2005 to 2008, Indonesia had a higher unem-

ployment rate (8.4 percent against 7.4 percent) but by mid-

2010, Indonesia had improved with a 7.14 percent rate while

the Philippines fell behind with 8.0 percent.

As a percentage of GDP, Indonesias budget deficit of 2.3 percent was more manageable than the Philippines 3.9 percent. The strength of Indonesias economy was shown by a gross domestic investment inflow that was 31

percent of GDP while the Philippines turned in an anemic 14

percent. Despite Indonesias inward-looking policy, foreign investments poured $14 billion into its economy for 2008-

2009 while the Philippines had to make do with only $3.5

billion.

While the UNDP human development index for

2009 shows the Philippines with a higher ranking of 105th

to Indonesias 111th, the more important indicators show the latter to be ahead. Poverty rates in Indonesia are lower53.8 percent of Indonesians living under $2 a day compared

with the Philippines ratio of 57.4 percent. Indonesia also has a lower birth rate of 18.7 per 1,000 persons compared

with the Philippines 25.8 percent. The biggest surprise was a Transparency International as-

sessment of Indonesia as being less corrupt than the Philip-

pines. For whatever it is worth, the Happy Planet index also

ranks the Indonesian people as happier than Filipinos.

Kristine April Vergara

Youth Employment Challenges in the

Philippines

During the Commerce week last September 22, the Eco-nomics Department invited Mr. Alvin P. Ang, Ph.D of

the UST Thomas Aquinas Research Center to give a

seminar entitled Youth Employment Challenges in the Philippines at the TARC Auditorium.

Amidst the hard rain and strong wind, Econom-

ics students, especially PM sections, managed to attend

the seminar that started around 2 oclock in the after-noon.

Mr. Ang discussed the situation of education and

child employment in the Philippines by presenting statis-

tics from the BLES Integrated Survey BITS 2007-2008.

According to the data, out of 100 grade one pupils, only

66 finished grade six, only 58 of 66 of those graduates

continued to first year high school, and only 43 finished

high school. Of the 43 who finished high school, only 23

enrolled in college and only 14 out of 23 graduated from

college. On the other hand, 35% and up of high school

graduates became unemployed.

Meanwhile, Only 20% of GDP comes from agri-

cultural sector but it is the largest sector in terms of em-

ployment. 4.4% is the growth rate of GDP while 1.6% is

the growth rate of jobs, therefore, improvement in GDP

didnt create jobs. With high labor supply and low labor demand, workers were forced to leave the country and

work abroad. Mr Ang concluded that there should be a

strong linkage between the academe and industry; the

mismatch in supply and labor demand is worsening; and

the government is creating a subsistent employment but

not a sustainable employment.

With this fact imparted to us, it is a challenge for

us to be better in class because we are lucky for having

the opportunity of studying. Kristine April Vergara


Background by Teffanie Quibod

A PHILIPPINE STATE OF MIND John Martin Villarama

A Philippine state of mind,

A person's right to unwind

On what everyone would like to find.

When it rains, it pours.

Just like the dengue outbreak,

Everyone shouldn't ignore.

With deaths at a high rate,

Expect more cases to increase in rate.

With the recent Hostage crisis,

Media, police, officials and everyone should

know,

That they lacked in analysis.

It's never too late to make up,

For next time, any failure or mistake

Could lead to any break up.

MRT subsidies are a hot topic,

Think about people as critic

For they are elastic - any price increase,

Expect them to prefer other,

And consider that automatic.

Better education and Health bill in the works,

People should consider the perks

For People's standard of living is in jeopardy,

Just so you know, Philippine's future is still a mys-

tery.

And in this Philippine state of mind,

No one can't afford to be blind

For no one should be left behind.

THE TWO SIDES OF THE COIN

Kristine Distor

I am an Economist and I am a writer as well. A good economist must be a good writer, for an economist

speaks of facts and of theories prevalent in our surroundings. I am an economist, my tools are my graphs. I am a

writer, I make use of letters. Graphs are like poetry, they speak of hundreds or probably thousands of words.

The quadrants are my margins and the lines and curves make up the story. Graphs for an economist are

more than just graphs; they are stories and works of art. Graphs can tell you the story of the household's demand

for children or the likelihood to have more of work or more of leisure. I bet it takes intelligence to figure that out.

We, economists, are taught to be au fait with the use of these lines and curves; to always assume and to

realize the meanings implicit with every shifts and rotations. That we may no longer see the lines and curves

written by our pens but that these may become our letters, our words and our story.

Life is a Lesson Jeriline Garcia

This is my life.

Sometimes its like a knife.

Always ready to fight,

Fight for the things that

are right.

My life is a circle,

Never knowing where

to settle.

I can either be up or

down,

But the latter will make

me frown.

My life is a question.

Always in confusion.

Where to go?

Or simply go with the

flow.

My life is a wheel.

Never knowing what to

feel.

Always torn between

joy and grief,

Indeed my life is in stiff

My life is a doorway.

People come and go

every day.

But my life is a choice.

So out goes my voice:

whose hand to hold?; whose hand to set

free?

Thus, my life is a les-

son

With its own version.

It teaches in a mysteri-

ous way,

But is always worth the

pay.

Economists as Writers

Those who are willing to wait are the

ones who will succeed.

Delayed Gratification; G. Villasis




Inspiration by Gerbert Rubio

SAMPID SA PANAGINIP Dave H. Diao Jr.

Sampid sa panaginip, di taga rito

Gising dito tulog naman doon

Bihag ko ang sarili

Habang akoy malaya

Sampid sa panaginip, Isinulat na

eksena

Aking realidad panandalian

Perpekto ang lahat!

Ang mundo, mga karakter, ang

pagkakasulat

Sampid sa panaginip, di rin magta-

tagal

Buhay na nilikha

hahantong sa wakas

Andyan na ang magpapalayas

Sampid sa panaginip, pinalayas

ako

Nang Lumiwanag ang dilim

Nang Uminit na ang lamig

Tulog na ako roon gising naman

dito

HUWEBES Jason Comia

Natupad ang kahilingang

tayoy minsan magkasabay. Isang pagkakataong

aking inasam na tunay.

Sa aking diwa,

pagkakataong di na dapat mawala.

Ang hinihintay na sandali

huwag na sana tumila.

Ang oras ng pag-amin,

ng isang itinatagong damdamin.

Mga salitang di masabi ng harapan,

sa hangin na lamang ba idaraan?

Sa yugto ng pagkakataon,

aking sasambitin.

Makapiling ka lamang,

laman ng panalangin.

Kung sakaling

maunahan man ng kaba,

isipin sa sarili,

ito na lamang ang pag-asa.

At kung sa aking pagkabigo,

tanging dalangin ko na lamang,

maipagpalit ang kinabukasan

sa isang kahapong nagdaan.

Jeriline Garcia Shaira Manliclic Teffanie Quibod Genesa Rosales

Writers

Teffanie Quibod Gerbert Rubio

Artist & Photographer

Lenard Sumalde John Villarama

Contributors

EQUILIBRIUM EDITORIAL STAFF

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