School organ: Despite strike San Ag enrollees up

By Florence F. Hibionada 

The strike continues and legal issues remain unresolved yet administration officials of the University of San Agustin (USA) has a lot of reasons to be optimistic. 

Such, after records now showed the considerable increase in its student population with enrollment up and about in four of its major departments.

Disclosed in The Agustinian, the official student newspaper of the university, student journalist Johnny Esmilla Jr. wrote of the enrollment statistics with the College of Nursing holding the highest in increase. 

Pegged at 2,612, said college registered a total of 439 new students as compared to last year's 2,173.  The increase was also seen in the Graduate School where from 387, the total enrollees reached the 531 mark.  Similar increases in the Teachers' College of 1,031 total new students from last year's 989 and the College of Arts with 915 as compared to previous year's 881.

This, as the administration further bare additional entrance scholars where from last school year's 47, the number has increased to 55 this year.  “Entrance scholars” are the high school valedictorians and salutatorians given tuition fee discounts by the university for one year.

Interestingly enough, the controversial university also saw more foreign students enrolled this year where from previous record of eight, San Agustin is now second home to 20 international students.  In what is now said to be a diverse studentry, the foreign students came from Europe, United States of America, Australia and nearby Asian countries.

The decrease was also disclosed with the College of Commerce and Accountancy suffering the biggest blow.  From 2,155 of last year's record, new students in said department was down to 1,739 trailed closely by the College of Engineering and Architecture with 1,155 as compared to the previous year's 1,276 or a difference of  125.

To note, striking workers and former university staff has since called on for the public's support on their plight.  The group has also set up its ‘stike-base' just meters of the university main entrance as streamers bearing anti-university messages hang prominently.

Both the city and provincial governments have made representation to the San Agustin administration as well as spearheaded talks with the striking group.  Now on its fourth month, the strike continues with Fr. Manuel Vergara, San Agustin University President maintaining a “non-negotiable” stance.

“The terminated officers and members and other groups and sectors of society questioned one decision based on the “NON FINALITY” of the Court of Appeals decision.  However, the University decided to implement this decision based on the reality that indeed there were calculated deceptions and intentions to prolong the strike of September 19, 2003 by evading service of the assumption of jurisdiction order as narrated in the Sheriff's Report,” Fr. Vergara said in his address then to the university general assembly. 

“You are here to study and be inculcated with Christian and Augustinian principles and values – love of God, love of neighbor, search for wisdom, truth, common good, friendship, solidarity and justice.  Furthermore, we want our students to be critical but at the same time be sober and vigilant about issues that we presently confront.  Don't be used.”