YR 47 Issue 1 2011
Issues
Theater guild dismayed over Rizal Con remodelling
By CARISA R. CARAIG
THE ARTS and Letters (Artlets) theater guild expressed dismay over the remodeling of the Rizal Conference Hall, saying that the renovation of the facility would entail big adjustments and could greatly affect their productions for the academic year.
Artistang Artlets (AA) president Jihad Mambuay voiced out the guild’s concerns and said that the University’s decision to renovate the hall would mean losing the primary stage they use for productions.
“Because of this reconstruction, we lose the primary stage where we showcase most of our plays. We are faced with a big problem because it is not easy to find an alternative venue for our productions,” Mambuay said in Filipino, adding that the guild learned about it only on the day the hall was already being
Artistang Artlets (AA) president Jihad Mambuay voiced out the guild’s concerns and said that the University’s decision to renovate the hall would mean losing the primary stage they use for productions.
“Because of this reconstruction, we lose the primary stage where we showcase most of our plays. We are faced with a big problem because it is not easy to find an alternative venue for our productions,” Mambuay said in Filipino, adding that the guild learned about it only on the day the hall was already being
renovated.The guild asked Artlets Student Council (ABSC) president Julius Fernandez about the issue but got no answer as to why their side was not even considered.
“We were not informed about the demolition. The guild was sad about this, considering that we started and developed at the Rizal Conference Hall,” Mambuay said.
Fernandez noted that he was not able to act upon the guild’s concern because he was not informed about the renovation.
“I tried to consider every dimension of the problem but it was already too late. When I knew about the renovation, the chairs were being removed already,” he said.
According to Fernandez, the plan to remodel the hall was already approved even before he assumed his post. He added that even if an appeal is made, nothing can be done because the reconstruction is already finished.
“It is not true that I did not consider them because in the first place, I do not have the power to consider anyone regarding the hall’s renovation. If I have the power, I will consider not only AA but other organizations as well,” he said.
Answering the concerns of the theater guild, Artlets dean Michael Anthony Vasco said the Rizal Conference Hall was not built for the exclusive use of any group or organization and that the University does not need to ask permission from anyone to renovate its facilities.
“No one owns it but the University. It is the University who has the prerogative to transform, transfer, and reform any of its facilities for the benefit of the students,” Vasco said.
The dean added that students should perceive the remodeling of the hall as a means of transforming it into a better facility.
“I just have to be practical and realistic because students need more classrooms than a big hall,” Vasco said, adding that the guild can use the four new rooms as one big hall for their productions and presentations.
He further noted that the current set up would still be convenient for co-curricular activities but organizations like AA would have to consider the schedule on when the hall will not be used for classes.
“There is no intention of not providing space for co-curricular activities. They just have to make bigger adjustments this time,” Vasco said.
Asked as to why there is a need to remodel the hall, Vasco said the Faculty is just addressing the needs of its community for classrooms, venue for conferences, and a hall for parallel sessions.
“The format of the Rizal Hall before is not conducive for any other purpose. In the current set up, it can be used as a four sub-conference hall and at the same time, as classrooms.”
“We were not informed about the demolition. The guild was sad about this, considering that we started and developed at the Rizal Conference Hall,” Mambuay said.
Fernandez noted that he was not able to act upon the guild’s concern because he was not informed about the renovation.
“I tried to consider every dimension of the problem but it was already too late. When I knew about the renovation, the chairs were being removed already,” he said.
According to Fernandez, the plan to remodel the hall was already approved even before he assumed his post. He added that even if an appeal is made, nothing can be done because the reconstruction is already finished.
“It is not true that I did not consider them because in the first place, I do not have the power to consider anyone regarding the hall’s renovation. If I have the power, I will consider not only AA but other organizations as well,” he said.
Answering the concerns of the theater guild, Artlets dean Michael Anthony Vasco said the Rizal Conference Hall was not built for the exclusive use of any group or organization and that the University does not need to ask permission from anyone to renovate its facilities.
“No one owns it but the University. It is the University who has the prerogative to transform, transfer, and reform any of its facilities for the benefit of the students,” Vasco said.
The dean added that students should perceive the remodeling of the hall as a means of transforming it into a better facility.
“I just have to be practical and realistic because students need more classrooms than a big hall,” Vasco said, adding that the guild can use the four new rooms as one big hall for their productions and presentations.
He further noted that the current set up would still be convenient for co-curricular activities but organizations like AA would have to consider the schedule on when the hall will not be used for classes.
“There is no intention of not providing space for co-curricular activities. They just have to make bigger adjustments this time,” Vasco said.
Asked as to why there is a need to remodel the hall, Vasco said the Faculty is just addressing the needs of its community for classrooms, venue for conferences, and a hall for parallel sessions.
“The format of the Rizal Hall before is not conducive for any other purpose. In the current set up, it can be used as a four sub-conference hall and at the same time, as classrooms.”
- Home
- Scenes
- Issues
- Perspectives
- Faces
- Letters
- Editorial Staff
Year 47 | Issue 1 | 2011
