Written by Edrian Maureen Dellosa
Despite decades of struggle for accessible and quality education, persistent problems plague the university, and Palma Hall—commonly referred to as ‘AS’ in the University of the Philippines Diliman has been undergoing renovations since late February 2024 – a substantiation of the Philippine education system on a ‘consistent breakdown’ as the budget for state universities and colleges (SUCs) is continuously reduced and neglected.This led to the unavailability of classrooms and other facilities (e.g., PH 207 and PH 400) inside the college, which posed an additional difficulty contributing to the bigger picture of the lack of accessible student spaces within the university, and lack of available units for students. Apart from this, basic establishments such as the female restroomsin the various floors of the Main Palma Hall building are in substandard condition, with dilapidated ceilings, and toilets that have been out of order for a long time with faulty flushing mechanisms. Students are not the only ones who are affected, but also the faculty, custodians, staff, and the CSSP administration in general.
In February 2024, the CSSP Office of Student Affairs (CSSP OSA) held meetings with the student organizations housed within Palma Hall. The discussions within these meetings have revolved around alternative spaces, and org tambayan cleanupswherein the organizations have been instructed to clean out their tambayans of their equipment and belongings (e.g., tables, chairs, books, and documents) in preparation for the temporary vacation from these spaces which was then completed in the same month. To accommodate the concerns of the organizations about the security of their valuable equipment and documents, the CSSP OSA has allotted two locker slots for each organization, which are accessible on the 2nd Floor of Palma Hall.
In an interview with Asst. Prof. Aaron Viernes, the CSSP OSA Coordinator, last August 12, 2025, it was noted that Palma Hall is currently undergoing the 2nd phase of renovations; the 1st phase being the construction of smart classrooms. The 2nd phase, however, includes the renovations of academic facilities, the 3rd and 4th floors of the building, and soon after, the computer lab. Initially, this phase was expected to be completed by March 2025. However, until today, renovations in the College are still far from being complete despite the initial projected date of completion.
A Delay in the Bureaucratic Systems
The delay in the timeline of renovations was said to be an aftermath of the delay within the bureaucratic process,which, according to Asst. Prof. Viernes is beyond the controlof the college administration. With this, the target date of completion of the 2nd phase of renovations is yet to be determined – with a tendency to be further adjusted because of bureaucratic limitations and budget constraints.However, their office is still hoping that the renovations will be completed by the end of the year.
Right now, the Main Palma Hall building is affected by the further extension of the CSSP Computer Laboratory renovation, which caused unstable internet connectivity from September 4, 2025 according to a statement released by the CSSP Office of the Associate Dean for Administration and External Affairs (OADAEA).
Beyond the aforementioned attempts in expanding common spaces, there have been concerns specifically about internet connectivity. Asst. Prof. Viernes informed us that within the UP Diliman campus, Palma Hall already has one of the most up-to-date internet access – “Hindi lang talaga ma-accomodate lahat,”he explained.
Furthermore, the CSSP Computer Laboratory renovations also caused the inaccessibility of the CSSP’s official website as well as several other departments, which are specified in their announcement accessible here. Moreover, the SINAG office, located on the Mezzanine floor of the building was also affected by the instability of internet connectivity, which limited the operations of the publication.
As for the CSSP Reading Hall, which is available from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, the administration would want to extend the reading room hours, but must consider the limitations of the space and the staff. The additional working hours also entail additional expenses for the administration.
Continuous Budget Cuts on State Universities and Colleges (SUCs)
Previously on August 18, 2025, SINAG was one of the publications that attended the Budget Training initiated by Kabataan Partylist (KPL) who invited their National President, Mx. Julius Cantiga as the main speaker.
In this discussion, KPL has pointed out that based on the National Expenditure Program of 2026 (NEP 2026), they have flagged these as the priorities of the Marcos Jr. administration: Budget for Corruption, Fascism, and Wars and Aggression. These have been arranged next to the allotted Budget for Education, wherein SUCs are only allotted Php 128B. The UP Budget for 2026 in particular has a Php 21B deficit from their proposed Php 46.8B budget.
| Budget for Corruption | Budget for Fascism | Budget for Wars and Aggression | Budget for Education |
| Confidential Funds Travel Funds Presidential Unprogrammed Appropriations | PNP: Php 209B NTF-ELCAC: Php 1.084B NICA: Php 1.12B BDP: Php 8B | PNP: Php 295B AFP: Php 142B Ph Navy: Php 59B Ph Air Force: Php 59B Revised AFP Modernization Program (RAMP): Php 40B Unprogrammed Appropriations Allocation: Php 50B DPWH: TIKAS Program (PHP 3B): military and police enforcements in the urban setting | DepEd: Php 874B CHED: Php 33B SUCs: Php 128B Tesda: Php 19B UP Budget for 2026: Proposed: Php 46.8B Approved: Php 25.8B Deficit: Php 21B |
In relevance to the ongoing renovations, the UP Budget mainly involves three of the budgetary classifications under the NEP, namely:
- Personnel Services (PS) – refers to salaries, wages, and benefits of the employees
- Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) – refers to the normal expenses needed to ensure the operation of an agency (e.g., free tuition, utilities, subscriptions, etc.)
- Capital Outlay (CO) – refers to the funding needed for infrastructure and equipment (e.g., chairs, tables, etc.)
These being pointed out, the ongoing renovations in Palma Hall and the other buildings within the campus fall under the category of MOOE. Additionally, under the 2024 General Appropriations Act’s (GAA) Special Provision Applicable to the State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), projects exceeding Php 5M shall be taken over and implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Subsequently, UP signed 10 memoranda of agreement (MOAs) with DPWH to signify the partnership for the implementation of infrastructure projects within the UP system, as discussed in the article here. With this, a special committee of UP and DPWH has been institutionalized to ensure the progress of the projects – the “DPWH UP System Infrastructure Project Implementation Coordination Committee”. KPL was uncertain of the composition of this committee; therefore, it was not disclosed during the meeting.
CSSP Student Organizations asked to vacate their tambayans
There are a number of student organizations that were not directly affected by the renovations because they were asked to vacate their tambayans as these spaces will be used by their respective departments – this is a conversation that has been ongoing long before the start of the renovations. These Geography student organizations were supposed to be relocated to PH 327 A. However, it no longer pushed through because of logistical reasons (i.e., floor plan, fitting the orgs, and transferring of equipment).
Student Organizations directly affected by the renovations
Palma Hall, along with the Pavilions, were supposed to house the CSSP-based student organizations. Due to the renovations, several home organizations lost their tambayans, such as:
- PAV 4
- AngKas Core Group
- UP Lipunang Pangkasaysayan (UP LIKAS)
- Palma Hall: 3rd Floor Lobby
- SALiGAN sa CSSP
- UP Kabataang Pilosopo Tasyo (UP KAPITAS)
- UP Samahan sa Agham Pampulitika (UP SAPUL); and
- UP Kalipunan ng Mag-aaral ng Sosyolohiya (UP KMS)
- Palma Hall: East Wing (near the 1F Female Restroom)
- BUKLOD CSSP
- UP Association of Political Science Majors (UP APSM)
- UP Bukluran sa Sikolohiyang Pilipino (UP Buklod-Isip)
- UP People-Oriented Leadership in the Interest of Community Awareness (UP POLITICA)
It was pointed out in the interview that more than half of the student organizations do not have tambayanspaces. Until today, only five (5) student organizations can still use their tambayanspaces, namely UP Psychological Understanding for Growth and Distinction Society (UP PUGAD Sayk), UP Psychology Society (UP Psych Soc), UP Anthropology Society (UP AnthroSoc), UP Praxis, and UP Political Society (UP POLSCi).
Since February 2024, the listed organizations above have been without a tambayan, totalling 19 months of experiencing challenges in convening their general assemblies, additional expenses for reservations, and a growing apathy among their members. In a dialogue with Mx. Franz Revarez (UP APSM’s 40th Vice President for Internal Affairs), he mentioned how he and his friend have expressed their feeling of nostalgia towards having an org tambayan. He said, “Nakaka-miss magka-tambs dahil bukod sa doon nga tayo nagtitipon para mag-bond, very convenient din siya especially kapag vacant time natin. Now na wala pa rin, walang ibang choice kundi tumungo sa crowded libraries, coffee shops na gagastos pa, or uuwi na lang minsan na kabawasan din sa allowance.” He also mentioned difficulties with using common spaces, “Walang enough tables, minsan mainit, walang sapat na outlets, and such.” When asked of his organization’s efforts in mitigating the loss of space, he states” We can see the effort but still not enough ang virtual space (Discord) dahil alam naman nating iba pa rin kapag physical space. But at the same time,we don’t have a choice but to understand kasi wala ring magagawa ang org for now dahil hindi nila hawak kung kailan matatapos ang construction.”
In a separate dialogue with a few officers from UP LIKAS’ (UP Lipunang Pangkasaysayan) Vice President for External Affairs, Mx. Zazel Espeso mentioned how it was difficult for their members to build rapport and to strengthen their dynamics within the organization, given the loss of a consistent space. Apart from this, they also lost space for production work for their flagship events. Usually, they utilize the AS Lobby instead. Mx. Risven Dela Paz, UP LIKAS’ Director of Membership Committee furthers this discussion by stating “Kumbaga, ito (ang pagkawala ng tambayan) ay isang collective experience na hindi natutugunan nang maayos ng administrasyon dahil patuloy na kinakaharap ng UP sa budget cuts at mga ongoing renovations at pagsasagawa ng mga establisyemento na hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa natatapos. Ang kawalan ng tambayan ay pagtanggal at pagsasa-wala bahala rin ng espasyo sa mga organisasyon.” In responding to the questions regarding their organization’s efforts to collaborate with their respective department, Mx. John Advincula, UP LIKAS’ President, mentioned that the primary response of every organization would have been to approach their departments. They also pointed out that the CSSP OSA convened consultations with the organizations with regards to the issue. When asked of their response, they mentioned “Sadyang kulang lamang talaga ang mga espasyo sa pamantasan. Sa konteksto ng KAS Department, maski ang mga regular na klase ay nahihirapang hanapan ng mga espasyo o kwarto para sa pagtuturo at pagkatuto. Kung ang departamento na mismo ay nahihirapang bigyan ng espasyo ang mga klase nila, paano pa kaya mabibigyan o mapa-prioritize ang mga organisasyon?”
Difficulties faced by the students and administrators
Apart from the difficulties faced by the student organizations because of their lack of tambayan, the renovations also affected the availability of classrooms and the mode of classes. Thus, having an impact on the students, professors, department heads, and colleges without classrooms. Every student space in Palma Hall is affected, even the CSSP OSA, because not every classroom may be available for rent.
With regards to the room reservations, Asst. Prof. Viernes informed us in the interview that the CSSP OSA does not directly handle any of the rooms within Palma Hall. Ultimately, the departments are the ones with the final say in renting out their rooms. As for PH 207 (Audio-Visual Room) and PH 400 (Multimedia Room), both are currently undergoing renovations. However, in terms of its utility, it is comparable to the smart classrooms we have now. Therefore, in order to reserve the classrooms, a letter must first be sent to the respective department chairs of the target facilities.
Free use of department classrooms, for General Assemblies only
In consideration of the concerns expressed by the student organizations, the department chairs and the college executive board have been very accommodating. This led to them offering an opportunity to student organizations to use their classrooms without any fees, solely for the purpose of holding general assemblies. The CSSP OSA is yet to formally release a notice and instructions regarding this. However, SINAG was informed that this will now be available starting this school year. CSSP-based student organizations may send a letter addressed to their respective department chairs to reserve a room from their department for the purpose of holding a general assembly. They may be accommodated anytime between 8:00 AM to 5:00 pm on Mondays. However, this is still upon the approval of the department chairs based on the availability of their classrooms.
Attempts in mitigating the difficulties
There have been no specific details disclosed regarding the actions taken to address the delay in renovations because, again, it was due to bureaucratic delays. However, this section discusses several attempts to mitigate the lack of student spaces within the college.
Tambayan Ruins
Due to the loss of tambayanspaces, the CSSP OSA initially offered the TambayanRuins to temporarily accommodate the displaced student organizations. They were asked to fill out a Google Form to choose their desired location. However, due to the space being inconducive for tambayan activities – the ruins had no outlets, no roof, and no room for a secure storage space – this was no longer pushed through.
Locker Slots
To address the security of the organizations’ documents and other equipment, OSA offered two (2) locker slots for each organization in order to securely store their important documents.
Study Spaces
The administration wanted to expand the number of common spaces within Palma Hall. Initially, they thought of using the AS Alcove. Unfortunately, upon checking the area, it was not conducive to be used as a learning space. Apart from that, the area is also heavily affected by heavy rain. Apart from this space, they also added additional tables and chairs at the AS Lobby and in front of Antas.
Additionally, they proposed these areas for student use:
- Area near Pilar Herrera and AS Walk
- Seating Area near PAV 4 (by the kiosks at Fernandez St.)
CSSP Student Council (CSSP SC) on the Issue of Student Spaces
In a dialogue with the STRAW (Student Rights and Welfare) and CSS (Community and Safe Spaces) committees of the CSSP SC, they disclosed that the initial conversation between the council and the administration started around 2023, wherein it was more of informing the council of the improvements of classrooms and facilities in the building, including the rehabilitation of CASAA (College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Association Food Center).Furthermore, they stated that “The council coursed the concerns on the lack of student spaces, especially on the topic of displacement of some organizations’ tambayan spaces in the college– the council was asked to coordinate with the affected organizations on the displacement of their tambayans.”
Despite being largely left out of key renovation discussions,the CSSP SC has continuously asserted its presence and pushed for the expedited completion of renovation works – given that student life has been directly affected. An example of this is the reported incident of falling glass shards along the East Wing, which was immediately raised to the Office of the Associate Dean for Administration and External Affairs (OADAEA). Since the displacement of various organizations from their tambayans, the CSSP SC has also conducted KAPP Core meetings and 2024 Konsultaskyon series to consult with the affected organizations, and has closely worked with their respective department representatives. To support these organizations further, the SC also offered temporary use of their office for events, as seen during the recent FST Month celebration, where some groups were granted free office space for the semester.
Furthermore, they have also implemented initiatives like KAPPihan during finals week, aimed at providing additional study areas during high-demand periods such as midterms and finals. They also introduced Project BukAS, which aims to open unused classrooms as study areas in coordination with the administration. They have consistently followed up on the delayed renovations, particularly after the missed March 2025 target for the third and fourth floors, while also appealing through STRAW and the CSS committee for the immediate operability of the long-unusable Palma Hall elevator and clearer guidelines on PWD restroom access.
“Now more than ever, more than just receiving updates , we will forward our demands, and heed the call for a more transparent, responsible and proactive renovation here in the college, ensuring that it is up to date, and [there are] no more delays,” the CSSP Student Council asserted.
As an act of calling out the longwithstanding corruption, the CSSP Student Council encourages its fellow students, clamoring “KONSENSYA, MANINGIL NA! WALKOUT NA!”. This UP protest against corruption is set to commence tomorrow, 12 September 2025, 10:30 AM at the Main Library (Gonzales Hall), which is also facing major infrastructural delays.
Under the 2024 GAA Special Policies Applicable to SUCs, renovations in Palma Hall can be classified as one of the ongoing infrastructure projects of UP in collaboration with DPWH. With the prevailing challenges that burden student organizations, the wider student body, teaching and non-teaching personnel, and the greater UP Community, we remain compromised with the current status of our bureaucratic system.The NEP 2026 is a clear manifestation of where our government’s priorities lie. As we examine the gaps between policy and lived reality, one must ask: Are our national budgets truly reflective of the needs of the Filipino youth and public institutions—or is it time to demand a more transparent, responsive, and people-centered approach to public spending?
