THE RECOGNITION of educators’ contributions must extend beyond ceremonial awards and should be accompanied by “humane” working conditions and a say in determining policies, the UST Faculty Union (USTFU) president said.
In his speech during the Dabgal ng UST Awards, USTFU president Asst. Prof. Emerito Gonzales said educators must be provided with adequate material, intellectual, spiritual and humane conditions in order to carry out their roles effectively.
“Honoring educators is not just a sentiment—it is a matter of justice,” Gonzales said during the Dangal ng UST Awards at the Quadricentennial Pavilion on Friday, Aug. 15
While teachers were among the most respected members of society, Gonzales lamented that their dignity seemed to have faded over the years as politicians and social media content creators gained more influence.
“To truly honor teachers, they must be given the courage and the opportunity to: speak the truth to those in power and have a voice and a safe space in shaping policies and conditions that affect their work,” the Philosophy professor said.
Listening to educators and allowing them to take part in shaping the University, he added, would uphold the Thomasian and Dominican traditions and would equip society with the knowledge it needs.
Gonzales recalled the months-long labor dispute between the USTFU and the UST administration, a chapter he described as “painful” and “difficult” for many as it put the unity of both parties to the test. The allocation of faculty shares from the tuition increase was among the most contentious issues before the ratification of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
In an April memorandum, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Cheryl Peralta said the administration and the faculty union decided to reschedule the ceremony for a “more conclusive atmosphere.”
Some points in the CBA were still unresolved when the awarding ceremony was postponed. The Dangal ng UST Awards was initially scheduled on May 9.
“This [issue] strengthened our unity, redefined our purpose and deepened our dedication to the University’s mission and vision. Our perspectives do not always align…But when they are guided by good intentions, mutual respect and love for the University, they become opportunities for growth and proof that honest dialogue can lead to what is right and just,” Gonzales said.
The USTFU president told The Flame the renegotiation between the union and the administration may be held next month. Concerns over the implementing rules and regulations for medical benefits and tuition fee increase may be tackled during the renegotiation.
“The discussions will be purely economic, although we might include pending matters—if our legal adviser allows us—related to the [UST] senior high school and the NSTP (National Service Training Program),” he said.
Thomasian educators, including 57 from the Faculty of Arts and Letters, were recognized for their contributions and years of service during the Dangal Awards. It was the second onsite awarding ceremony since the Covid-19 pandemic.
Launched in 1998, the Dangal Awards is a joint initiative of the administration and the faculty union. F — with reports from Sheridan Delfino
