Lingayen – The voice of students has been heard after the first ever Unity Walk done in the history of Pangasinan State University on March 18 through the initiative of the student-leaders and PSUnians who believe and stand by the truth in support for the University President who has been the subject of issues and accusations lately pertaining to the involvement of the university in politics.
“Ito ay pagkukusa naming mga estudyante at bilang isang student lider, nais naming ipakita sa Pangasinan na ang PSU ay nagkakaisa sa puso, isip at sa gawa. Hindi kami naniniwala sa paninirang ibinabato sa kasalukuyang administrasyon at lalong lalo na sa mahal naming institusyon,” stated Mark Joel Aguila, a Bachelor of Science in Criminology student and the students’ representative in the Board of Regents.
Around 6,000 students, non-teaching personnel and faculty from 9 PSU campuses trooped along the main streets of Lingayen with banners, placards and yellow balloons in their stand to defend PSU after the leak of a controversial video uploaded in the social media a few days ago about the accusations pointed against Dr. Dexter Buted, the University president.
The students expressed anger and disappointment to the said video because of the harassment and oppression brought to those who support the administration. However, various comments from social media emerged following the said issue and viral video. Some had expressed sympathy while others just simply commented for the sake of having something to say.
“Walang nagmamay-ari sa PSU dahil lahat welcome dito. Laging bukas ang gate ng PSU sa kung sinuman ang gustong pumasok. At higit sa lahat, walang corruption na nangyayari sa aming institusyon,” said Minerva Joy Pedralvez, President of Federated Faculty Association of PSU representing the faculty in the Board of Regents. She also added that they are one with the students in showing support to the University against those who chose to destroy it.
Dr. Buted on the other hand was overwhelmed by the support of the students and PSU staff to his administration amidst criticisms thrown at him and answered all the allegations and misconceptions against him and the University in a press conference on the same day. Along with all the officials, student regent, faculty regent and all the people concerned, he reiterated that there is no occurrence of corruption under his leadership because he only does his job to uplift PSU in its vision to become a Premier State University in 2020.
“I always put my premium interest to the university. I believe that my people are the most important asset in the organization. Our students are the reason why we are here at naniniwala kami na walang ibang magmamahal sa PSU kung hindi ang mga taga-PSU at wala ring ibang magmamahal sa Pangasinan kung hindi ang mga Pangasinense,” disclosed the President.
In addition, Dr. Buted said that the payments for the tuition, school uniforms, books and others are duly receipted and the money was funnelled straight to the school’s treasury.
“In 2013, the university’s income was negative Php 400, 000 and it was only then in 2014 that PSU generated an income surplus at Php1.8 million and in 2015 at Php11.3 million respectively,” he commented.
He also denied the raps of certain radio commentators who regularly criticized him and the administration in a daily radio program. Furthermore, he felt sad over the allegations and challenged the people whom he believed to be political detractors to prove their allegations in the proper forum.