AT THE HEART of San Beda, amid the solace and comfort of academia and the hustle of daily life, a quiet revolution has apparently stirred. However, it is not a clash of arms or a battle of wills. Rather it appears to be the swelling of voices speaking out against what they perceive to be the proliferation of injustice and neglect in the aftermath of recent revelations brought to light by The Bedan.
The articles published by this publication have shed light on the struggles faced by the dedicated employees of the University. These articles have sought to give a voice to the voiceless and shine a spotlight on the challenges and hardships endured by those who uphold the institution’s mission and values.
In the first article, the plight of the San Beda College Union (SBCU) was brought to light by The Bedan. Despite the warm camaraderie within the institution, the Union faced the harsh reality of a management apparently resistant to hear the needs of its employees. Through their heartfelt accounts, the article portrayed the profound impact of economic strain on the livelihoods of San Beda’s loyal and illustrious workforce, prompting a school-wide call for fair treatment and just compensation.
In the second installment, we highlighted the prolonged delay in salary adjustments despite the successive tuition fee increases, leading to a significant decrease in real wages over time. Through intimate interviews with various employees and sectors, both on the record and off, the article unveiled the personal and financial burdens borne by those who dedicate their lives to San Beda.
The tales that were spun from our articles do not reek of any grand revolt or a spectacular uprising. They are mere narratives from our everyday heroes: our teachers, staff, and workers. They have dared to speak truth to power, knowing full well the risks they face. These individuals, often unseen, unheard, and incognito, took a stand not just for themselves but for the sake of fairness and respect in the livelihoods.
These are San Beda’s silent sentinels. Their stories were shared with trembling hands and quivering voices and they deserve our utmost admiration. They have stood firm in the face of adversity and refuse to be silenced by fear or intimidation. Their courage and their willingness to lay bare their struggles serve as a beacon of hope in a national landscape overshadowed by apathy.
So to the employees of the University, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for sharing your stories. Your voices, though whispered at times, have reverberated throughout our institution. It has shaken the foundations of administrative complacency and has stirred the winds towards change. Now, it is through your collective resolve that progress is made, that injustices are brought to light, and that the spirit of community is upheld.
Knowing what we can achieve in the realm of campus journalism, we cannot now overstate the importance of speaking out. It is through the tireless efforts of student-journalists and intrepid campus reporters that the strong and vibrant pulse of the University is felt, that the stories of the marginalized inside and outside the school are given a platform and that accountability is upheld.
In our unwavering commitment to the truth and transparency we hope to have exemplified the power of the press in amplifying the voices of the voiceless. So as we reflect on the journey of San Beda’s unsung heroes, let us remember that the fight for justice and equality is an ongoing one. Let us heed the call to action, to stand in solidarity with those who dare to speak out, and to champion the values of fairness, respect, and integrity that define our institution.