October 23, 2023

To Whom It May Concern

I hope this letter finds you well. It has been brought to the attention of the students
and the wider University that there will be a showing of the film “Blind Soldiers”
tomorrow Tuesday October 24, 2023. It was noted that attendance in the watching of
this film is mandatory, and that the students are also required to pay two-hundred
Pesos (P200) for the ticket to this film, and it is this particular issue that we would like
to address. Because of the extremely short notice, and the fact that such a payment
is in place for an event with mandatory participation, the students are reasonably
resistant at this decision. As such, the Supreme Student Council (SSC) of ESSU
Salcedo Campus wishes to relay the concerns of the students, and work with the
administration to alleviate these concerns while also respecting the reasons of the
administration with regards to this decision.

We would like to explain in detail the reason why the students are resistant, so you
may understand. The students were not given ample notice about the event; the
P200 fee is simply put, too much. Most students carry less than P200 – some less
than P100 – as allowance for the entire week. P200 may also be part of a bigger
monthly budget especially regarding housing rent. With the recent notice, they are
now mandated and expected to divert their budget to an expense that is
spontaneous and unplanned. This is an unnecessary financial burden on the
students.

We also understand that the administration has its reasons for imposing a P200 fee
for watching the film. We have already received word that the payment can be paid
until next week, and we are grateful for this concession. However, it is still not
enough clarification as to satisfy the students, for you see, next week on Monday is a
Holiday, and is part of the so-called upcoming “long weekend” which begins on
October 28 and ends on November 5. As such, in order to consider the concerns of
the students while also respecting your desire to hold a fee to the best of our ability,
we request that payment for the fee be postponed further to the week after the long
weekend, starting on November 6. Additionally, we request that the payment be in
the form of a stagger pay, where students may pay at least P50 once a week for four
(4) weeks, totaling to P200. We hope that this compromise satisfies both parties as it
lifts much of the financial burden on the students, while meeting the P200 fee as
requested by the administration.

Going forward, we wish that the administration explores alternative funding sources
or means of reducing the financial impact on students. Perhaps there are ways to
subsidize the cost for those in need or to find sponsors who can support the event
without placing the burden solely on the student body. This approach would not only
ensure a more equitable and inclusive campus environment but also foster a
stronger sense of unity and belonging among students. While we understand that
universities need to generate revenue to support various activities and events, we
believe that imposing such a fee on students, many of whom are already struggling
to make ends meet, is not in line with the principles of accessibility and inclusivity
that our institution stands for.

We also propose that we establish a transparent and inclusive dialogue to discuss

such matters in the future. Student representation in decision-making processes can
lead to more informed and equitable choices, and we believe that together, we can
find solutions that benefit both the university and its students.

We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to a positive resolution
that enables all students to fully participate in the cultural and extracurricular
experiences our university offers. Please consider the financial difficulties that many
students face and work towards a more accessible and equitable solution for future
events.

With regards

Clarence Earl Morante Blanco

SSC President