Resolution No.

2013-002 A Resolution Calling the Student Governments of the Five Ateneo Universities th to Support House Bill 270 of the 15 Congress also known as Moro History, Culture and Identity Studies Act Status: Approved Authored by: Ateneo de Davao University

WHEREAS, the Buklod Atenista, an alliance of tertiary Jesuit Universities, namely Ateneo de Manila University, Ateneo de Naga University, Ateneo de Zamboanga University, Ateneo de Davao University, and Xavier University Ateneo de Cagayan, believes that nationalism be 1 inculcated in all Ateneans ; WHEREAS, the Buklod Atenista believes that it is high time for the member schools to make a stand on national issues and to go outside the boundaries of their social institutions; WHEREAS, there is a bill pending in Congress filed by Sen. Juan Edgardo Sonny M. Angara, namely House Bill 270 also known as Moro History, Culture and Identity Studies Act; WHEREAS, the bill seeks to mandate the inclusion in the curricula of all levels of education and training in all schools in the country of the study and understanding of the Moro history, culture, and identity; WHEREAS, the bill is an effort to improve the understanding and appreciation of the history and background of our Muslim brothers so as to diminish bigotry, stereotypes, and misunderstanding between the Filipino people; WHEREAS, the Buklod Atenista member schools discussed the bill during the 30 Atenista Conference held from May 27 to 31, 2013 at Ateneo de Zamboanga University;
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Buklod

WHEREAS, the alliance agrees that it is timely and necessary to support the bill, however, there are still reservations on how the implementing rules and regulations will work and how appropriate the usage of the word Moro is; WHEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the member schools of Buklod Atenista, as agreed upon, will express their support to House Bill 270, in two phases: PHASE 1: Awareness The student governments of each university will conduct series of activities to raise awareness among the students of the respective campuses, faculty and staff, administration, and local areas. Such activities are, but not limited to: a. Press Conference b. Interfaith Dialogue c. Peace and Harmony Forum d. Symposia and For a e. Cultural Shows PHASE 2: Written Support The student governments will create a statement paper lobbying for the passage of the aforementioned bill in the local legislature. Moreover, such statement paper shall be published in, but not limited to, the official communication sites and accounts of the

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Article II Section 2 of the 2011 Buklod Atenista Constitution

student governments, the official website of the university, as well as the local newspapers, and other media. WHEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the member schools shall maintain correspondence with the local legislators about the progress of the bill; WHEREFORE BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that this resolution take effect upon a 2/3 vote of the National Congress.

Zamboanga, Philippines, May 31, 2013.

Approved by:

IVY JANE TORREGOSA Ambassador Ateneo de Davao University

ROMMEL REGOR ONG Ambassador Ateneo de Zamboanga University

RAY CRISTOFER GOMEZ Ambassador Ateneo de Manila University

ALBERT WENCES DABA III Ambassador Xavier University Ateneo de Cagayan

RENZO ENRICO BLANCO Ambassador Ateneo de Naga University