A tribute to the University of the Philippines on its 100th founding anniversary.
Author’s own photo
The University of the Philippines Oblation Statue
“What is democracy?” Dante was jolted from his seat as his stern professor called him to answer the question. “Sir, um…um… democracy is… um…” Before he could steady his shaking voice to utter his first sensible word, a modulated voice tinged with British accent articulated a lengthy answer that Dante’s dense and dim-witted brain could not fathom. As he turned his head to see where the voice was coming from, he was awestruck to find out that the voice belonged to a fair-skinned Chinese-looking young lady which he easily recognized as Irene Marcos, the youngest daughter of then President Ferdinand Marcos. President Marcos was the 10th president and political strongman of the Philippines who placed the country under 9 years of martial law and 21 years of dictatorial rule. The professor applauded the lady’s answer in glowing admiration. Who wouldn’t? After all, she was the President’s daughter. Dante mused to himself, “Had I known we were in the same class together, I would have answered that democracy is the exact opposite of an evil political tyranny similar to what we now have under martial law.”
As the class dismissed, Dante’s professor gave him a scolding, “Read up on democracy. This is the University of the Philippines. I will not tolerate mediocrity in my class. I will call on you again next meeting.”
The next few days saw Dante delved into his political science textbooks, readings, visual tools and other serious stuff that talked about democracy from A to Z. He vowed never to be terrorized by a demeaning geek professor or intimidated by a president’s daughter. He will master the subject and the art of answering scholarly questions like a true blue “Scholar of the People.” This is the University of the Philippines, the country’s premiere university. He has aimed all his life to get here.
The University of the Philippines has just turned 100 years old. Since its establishment on June 18, 1908, it has produced many Philippine presidents, senators, congressmen, Supreme Court justices, top businessmen, and world-renowned artists and scientists. In a culture of openness and liberty, this is where democratic ideals and nationalist sentiments take root and bear sweet or sour rewards. This is where the seeds of political ambitions are planted or where offshoots of critical thinking give rise to dissident ideas. It is a crucible of diversity where anyone can brandish his beliefs and take a stand on any issue without fear of reprisal from the powers-that-be. Because it is owned by the Filipino people, its students have been aptly tagged “Scholars of the People.” It is no surprise, therefore, that Philippine society expects much from its graduates in serving the goals and ideals of the nation. To quote the Filipino national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, “The youth is the hope of the fatherland.”
Dante sat attentively in the next Political Science class meeting. This was the day he was going to make an impression. He knew he was ready and felt good about the confidence that packed his nervous system. He was going to tell them what democracy was all about. In a final run through his head, he rehearsed its definition, its history, its forerunners and all that he could recall from his 6-day intellectual drudgery.
“Mr. Guzman,” his professor called. His surname never sounded this good now that he had the answers to the whats, hows and whys of democracy. Dante’s mind was racing fast. “Let’s get it on, Prof! Ask me your “what is democracy” stuff and I’ll give you the most brilliant answer you’ll ever hear,” he thought.
“Mr. Guzman…” A deafening silence filled the entire room. Dante looked at his professor straight in the eye and braced himself for his shining moment. Then came the much-awaited million-dollar question. “What is freedom?”
Ah yes, this is certainly the University of the Philippines!
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