Living in a Bubble

Regrettably, despite the initial callout, the prevailing sentiment persists within the Ateneo community without due acknowledgment of its gravity up to the present day. This is particularly concerning amidst the escalating prevalence of pressing societal issues and injustices, such as Red-tagging, Tuition and Other Fees Increase, Public Utility Vehicle phaseouts, and Mandatory Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC). There is an observable trend of growing complacency among students, often accompanied by a lack of apathy among the marginalized. Hence, the issue at hand extends beyond mere student apathy; it appears to be rooted more in a pervasive state of student ignorance.

The concepts of “magis” and being “men and women for and with others” have long been ingrained in the Ignatian core values of Ateneo. However, as time progresses, it seems that the Ateneo community is gradually losing sight of the true essence of these values. They are often used superficially or fail to serve their intended purpose. It is crucial for both the institution and the community to reassess the authentic lessons encapsulated by these values. In navigating the complex challenges of our current status quo, the necessity for genuine student involvement becomes increasingly urgent.

The moment has arrived to reexamine the fundamental principles that define our roles as Ateneans and leaders within our community.

Lack of social awareness

The assumption leans more towards student ignorance not because the circumstances no longer suggest a lack of apathy from the students, but rather due to a potential conscious choice on their part to neglect such important societal matters. Ignorance also evinces a significant lack of social awareness among students. Consequently, this lack of knowledge potentially begets a lack of apathy, and vice versa, forming a vicious cycle that contributes to the persistence of the quandary and existing problems inside the university.

In today's context, there is a noticeable disconnection between students and current social realities. Many are uninformed about the existing conditions, and even more concerning is their selective involvement in these matters. This detachment appears to stem from a sense of privilege. Not engaging with these societal issues becomes a conscious choice, resembling a failure to support the oppressed and inadvertently aligning with the oppressor.

This stark reality is disheartening; it reflects an ignorance that overlooks the interconnectedness between these social issues and the lives of students. It's crucial to recognize that these social challenges significantly affect us at some point, shaping our experiences and future. Thus, the students’ lack of social awareness hampers their ability to comprehend the impacts these issues have on their respective lives.

Deafening silence

Unfortunately, there still appears to be a decline in student activism within the Ateneo community, possibly due to the fear caused by rampant red-tagging. However, this deteriorating occurrence could be reversed if student organizations and the student body work together to collectively address crucial societal issues using their rights and power as students.

Despite the alarming challenges faced by the youth and specifically the Ateneo student body, there remains a lack of acknowledgement concerning the gravity of their social responsibilities. Some students choose to remain silent on pressing issues, such as the recent tuition and other fees increase at Ateneo.

Surprisingly, there seems to be a noticeable absence of concern or active engagement from students on these matters. This lack of response may have various underlying factors, yet again, it highlights a concerning trend of disengagement and a potential unawareness or worse, ignorance of the broader impact of these issues within the student community.

Role of student leaders

This is where the pivotal role of student leaders comes into play. Acknowledging the immense influence they hold over the student body, they bear the heavy responsibility of representation, spearheading initiatives, and providing support. While there is considerable enthusiasm and hope for the new cohort of student leaders at Ateneo, it is imperative for them to rise to the occasion, particularly as numerous pressing issues have emerged during their tenure.

Moreover, given the evident shortcomings of the university administration in ensuring the safety and welfare of its students, it amplifies the pressure on student leaders. They are compelled to advocate both for the administration's accountability and the proactive engagement of the student body in addressing critical issues. A very timely example is the recent alarming incidents of red-tagging targeting campus journalists and student leaders in Ateneo.

It is disappointing that despite a considerable show of solidarity from several student organizations in support of those targeted by state forces, this collective outcry has not garnered adequate attention from the administration. There persists a lack of empathy and active involvement. An educational institution holds the responsibility of ensuring the protection of its students, both within and beyond the campus.

Red-tagging is a grave concern. Students ought to be vigilant and alarmed about these ongoing instances of harassment, recognizing that any one of them could potentially fall victim to such tactics and abuses of power.

Given the recent events within the campus, it becomes crucial for students to move beyond mere superficial adherence to the Ignatian core values. It is insufficient to merely perform these values; it is time for us, as students, to have our own musings and understand the real essence these values seek to instill in us. Perhaps, it is even time to redefine them according to our realities and experiences. The identity of Ateneans is shaped by us, the students, and I hold immense hope that Ateneans are individuals of principled action — proactive, empathetic, and smart.

Realizing these values demands more than lip service; it demands an earnest commitment to social justice and a proactive stance in addressing societal issues. It is in this genuine pursuit of these values that the true character and essence of being Ateneans are revealed. Hence, let me reiterate and rephrase a sentence that was highlighted in the mentioned editorial article: “The Ignatian core values are rendered pointless when students are entrapped and socially dulled in the four corners of a classroom.”

Values and principles are intertwined together, they speak a lot about ourselves. However, possessing these things is not enough and is futile if we remain living in a bubble. It is integral for us, especially as part of the youth who have a huge influence and impact on society to burst out of our bubbles and immerse ourselves in the social realities outside. Let us become vessels to serve the people, as the real privilege lies in the opportunity we have to explore the complexities of society and utilize them to grow and learn.