The Sablay batches 2020-2022 raise immediate concerns, inclusive of issues on health protocols and logistics, in the Seniors’ Assembly with the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP) administration held yesterday, June 22.
Initial concerns of the CSSP admin were presented to the seniors, especially highlighting crucial proposals, such as the venue for the possible conduct of a blended graduation rites, and some remaining matters to be resolved.
CSSP Dean Bernadette Abrera previously cited the Palma Hall steps to serve as the ceremony’s stage with the academic oval catering to the graduating students, and the parking to be allocated for the students’ guests. A maximum of two accompanying individuals are allowed. Additionally, students and guests alike must be fully vaccinated, either with one or two booster shots.
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Last June 20, the College Executive Board (CEB) met to discuss salient matters concerning the CSSP recognition rites. College secretary Lou Bolinao expressed the raised proposals likewise surfaced a “major shift” from the initially planned “fully online” conduct to a blended set-up. Furthermore, Philosophy professor Mariel Zosa highlights that the CEB’s major concern is logistics.
Around 400 students were said to have responded to the sensing form disseminated by the CSSP Student Council (SC), non-inclusive of the 2 additional guests to accompany them. The CEB estimates the turn-out may reach up to 800.
The lack of manpower, technical costs, and additional equipment were especially highlighted, much of which were further discussed in the latter part of the assembly.
Final plans
Affirming Dean Abrera’s previous proposal, secretary Bolinao certified that the college graduation rites will be held on July 30 in the morning at the Palma Hall steps.
However, there remains the issue of the possible turn-out of the actual number of attendees. Sir Jay-Ar Igno from the CSSP Office of Student Affairs (OSA) stated the number of accompanying guests may be sacrificed as the mere number of graduating students from the three batches may “spill over.”
To this, some graduating students suggested that the ceremonies be held at different dates, as addressed in the second proposal of the CSSP SC, or succeeding times whereby Sablay 2022 will have their ceremony in the morning, and Sablay 2020-2021 will have theirs in the afternoon. A manifestation from the graduating students also inquired if the Science Comple was also considered.
Secretary Bolinao stated the floated suggestions will be relayed to Dean Abrera.
Moving forward, on the question of prioritization, Sec. Bolinao certified that NCR residents will not be prioritized. Students who wish to attend the on-site ceremony will be catered to equally.
On equity
Most of the graduating students are leaning towards Plan B, whereby Sablay 2022’s recognition ceremony will be conducted at the initial date; whereas Sablay 2020-2021 will have theirs at a later date, around October.
To this, the CSSP admin reiterated the struggles it poses with the preparations as it doubles the extent of work to be exerted in both ceremonies.
On the other hand, some graduating students affirm the blended set-up as “accessible” and seemingly “an equal opportunity” for those attending on-site and online. Yet, a crucial sentiment was also raised regarding the relative situation of CSSP with other colleges.
“Parang kailangan iconsider ang bigger context na ibang colleges ay nakakapag-face to face na,” a graduating student manifested.
However, Sec. Bolinao maintains that the current situation remains dire, and is worsening. She cited the recent rise in cases in the Metro.
As of recent updates, 3,051 new cases were reported for the week of June 13-19, an 82% increase since June 6-12. In the past two weeks, NCR recorded the highest new cases at 2,194.
Sec. Bolinao also reiterated that there will be no priority, and that the students have the individual choice to attend or not. Addressing concerns on the possible limitations on the number of accompanying guests, manifestations for the maximization of sourcing non-graduate volunteers were floated.
Based on the CSSP SC’s sensing form, 68 students from Batches 2020-2022 are willing to offer help in the preparations. However, the lack of manpower and the need for ensuring safety protocols further necessitate a large number of non-graduate volunteers.
The council has previously committed to conducting efforts to source volunteers. Graduating students also suggested that some volunteers may also be sourced from college organizations.
Volunteers will most likely be assigned as ushers to ensure physical distancing and to keep track of the attendance of students and their accompanying guests. Likewise, Sec. Bolinao suggested volunteers may also extend assistance in supervising head count among the guests during the entire ceremony.
Likewise, Batch 2020-2021 expressed their expectations to march and be called during the joint ceremony as well.
“I’m pretty sure that they would prefer to march on the stage. Just the fact that we could march and our names will be called, that would mean a lot for us,” Sablay 2021 graduate Mona Buhain stated.
Diplomas will not be given on the graduation day itself, but will be claimed after clearance, as per Sec. Bolinao’s clarification. A graduation photo session is also out of the question given that an immediate dispersal is suggested after the ceremony to ensure safety protocols.
For Sablay 2020-2021, those who have received their medals may drop them off at a date to be announced by the OSA. Sir Igno stated some unclaimed medals are still at the office.
Affirming Transgender and Gender Nonconforming (TGNCs) students
During the previous meeting with the CSSP admin, Dean Abrera stated that lived names may not be used in the presentation and in calling out the graduating students. She asserted their dead names are considered their official names.
However, this was rejected by the students, given the significance TGNCs’ lived names hold.
“This is very important for TGNC students and most probably a good moral boost if we hear our chosen names announced instead of our dead names, which would be very dehumanizing,” a graduationg student asserted.
To this, instructors Kathlyn Caragay and Samantha Mendez from the CEB* affirmed the need to use the students’ lived names. They certify this as of utmost importance.
Graduating students affirm the use of their lived names during both the presentation and the announcement would be ideal. This is in contrast to a floated suggestion to use their dead name on the presentation whereas their lived name would be used when they are called.
CSSP SC VC Veronica Consolacion assured a portion of the Google forms to be disseminated to the graduates will ask respondents which name they prefer to be used.
Sec. Bolinao agrees with the decision; yet would seek the approval of the university officials.
Health protocols
Attendees are required to submit their vaccination cards and health declaration forms, with both the health insurance and COVID-19 test results only optional.
On matters surrounding the need for a medical or PhilHealth insurance, Sec. Bolinao stated further discussions will be made with the university admin. A succeeding meeting will be held on Friday, June 24, where the matter at hand will be addressed.
In relation to possible contingency plans if ever an attendee tests positive days after the ceremony, the necessity to wear masks and to maintain physical distancing was asserted. Likewise, CSSP SC VC Consolacion committed that the council will continuously coordinate with the CSSP admin in contacting the students, and providing possible resources.
Other matters
Google forms confirming the attendance of the students and their accompanying guests will most likely be distributed next week*. Additionally, there is no required dress code for the guests.
On the payment of contributions, further announcements will be made once matters are discussed and finalized on Friday.
The official list of Sablay 2022 graduating students will be disseminated to each college department by Monday.
Plans moving forward are still subject to possible changes in accordance with the guidelines of the university and the local government units (LGU).
In the meantime, graduating students may course their grievances, comments, and suggestions to the CSSP SC. Likewise, future announcements and communication will be made through the council.
Graduating students are highly enjoined to keep posted of future updates on the CSSP SC’s Facebook page.
Featured image courtesy of Glenn Orbon
