More than two decades ago, out of the movement that ousted a president who symbolized decadence and excess, we formed UP Alyansa ng mga Mag-aaral para sa Panlipunang Katwiran at Kaunlaran (UP ALYANSA). ALYANSA remains to be a formation of principles, of values, of character, with an unchanging battle cry challenging students to go beyond themselves, and become Iskolars para sa Bayan. Twenty-one ye
ars of existence saw our numerous hurdles and triumphs. Many challenges tested our resolve, but we emerged stronger and wiser. We campaigned for volunteerism back in 2002. We pioneered the revision of the UP Charter in 2003, leading to its passage five years after. We led, for the first time, the University Student Council (USC) in 2004. We never faltered against fraternity-related violence in 2005, even at much cost. We ushered in reforms in the Student Regent selection process in 2006. We marched on to bigger gains in the USC in 2007. We brought in the Eco-Active Campaign for the environment in 2008. On that same year, we also launched the STFAP Under Protest, generating a clamor for revising the UP scholarship brackets, which finally led the University to fix the system the year after. In 2009, we launched the Break the Code Campaign, a continuing initiative to push for responsive, timely, and pro-student provisions in the UP Diliman Code of Student Conduct. We have been true to our name as Iskolars para sa Bayan, as we mustered the biggest bayanihan for fellow typhoon survivors of Ondoy. In 2010, we called upon our student leaders to uphold the university's sacred values of honor and excellence. In 2011, we renewed our calls for our student institutions to be transparent in its affairs and our university administration to be accountable to cases of fraternity-related violence. In 2012, we made history via the election of the Philippines' first transgender Student Council Chairperson, as well as the enactment of the Reproductive Health and Sin Tax Reform Laws. In 2014, we gave mandate to a USC Chairperson and Vice Chairperson with the highest number of votes in UP Diliman history. For twenty-one years, we firmly established ourselves as the best alternative in student politics, an alternative rooted in service. Twenty-one years of existence could not have been possible without our participation. We were there all along, forging unity through principles, leading with values and character, and serving with utmost pride. When we, Iskolars para sa Bayan, are faced with different issues inside and outside the university, we heed the call of the people. When our democractic spaces are shrinking, and when taking up space seems to be daunting, we amplify the voice of the voiceless, hold the line and become vessels of courage. The fight for a just and progressive society does not stop. We are expected to uphold honor and excellence as we offer to the nation what UP has taught us. As we face a bigger and stronger enemy, we continue to struggle with and empower our fellow students to take the path towards positive social transformation - a path that is anchored in protecting and upholding the rights of every Filipino. Now more than ever, it is imperative for all of us to go beyond borders and reclaim our future. Thus, as we press on to the challenges ahead of us, we remind ourselves of our past, as we persevere on to the future. Iskolar para sa Bayan, kasama ka sa ALYANSA.
