U.P. Diliman professors condemn Davao bombing, call for justice

       The University Council, composed of all professors, associate professors, and assistant professors, is the highest academic policy-making body of the autonomous U.P. constituent unit.

           (Anyone who has attended a meeting of the University Council would probably compare it to a deliberative body composed of 200 republics –– the number of independent-minded and articulate faculty members in attendance at any given time. Prepare to be grilled in a coliseum of academics when you stand up there to present a proposal.  Any statement presented must be substantive, and in a form that can unify a large number of meticulous and critical educators. One would be well-advised to focus on fundamental principles.)

     This body is not easy to sway.

      Last Monday, this statement of condemnation of the Davao bombing was written on-the-spot (by the UC Committee on National Issues), projected on-screen,  edited on-the-spot by  different professors, deliberated upon and approved by the U.P. Diliman University Council presided over by Chancellor Michael Tan, PhD, that rainy and sunny morning:

Blog file photo of a University Council meeting photographed this year

      “UC Statement on the Sept. 2 Davao Bombing

      “We, the members of the University of the Philippines Diliman University Council, condemn in the strongest terms the recent bombing and killing of innocent civilians in Davao, and sympathize and condole with those who have lost family and friends in that tragedy.

       “We wish speedy recovery for all those injured, and a quick return to normalcy in Davao. As we seek swift justice for these victims, we urge utmost respect for human rights and civil liberties, particularly under the state of national emergency declared by President Rodrigo Duterte.

        “In these trying times, the UP community stands in solidarity with the people of Davao and with all Filipinos in pursuit of peace and justice.”

        (“This statement was approved by the University Council at its meeting on September 5, 2016 at the NISMED Auditorium, UP Diliman. The University Council is composed of the Chancellor, professors, associate professor and assistant professors of the University.”)  

        Published in the official website of U.P. Diliman, upd.edu.ph , at: 

http://upd.edu.ph/uc-statement-on-the-sept-2-davao-bombing/