Team DailyPedia
Within a few hours of the University of the Philippines – College of Mass Communication (UP-CMC) denouncing the alleged hazing incident a UP alumna experienced five years ago, the org (organization) which supposedly conducted the traumatic initiation rites have come forward with a statement of their own.
Founded in 1974, UP SAMASKOM (University of the Philippines Samahan ng mga Mag-aaral Sa Komunikasyon) is a university-wide organization though it is housed at the College of Mass Communications in Diliman. The org prides itself—according to their Facebook profile—in treating as family “students who have a passion for communication and self-expression.”
Although SAMASKOM was never named in the viral post, members nevertheless felt that their group was the one alluded to and this prompted them to come forth and categorically deny “any deliberate physical, mental or psychological abuse at any part of its application process.” Instead, applicants are supposedly asked to participate in activities that are “carefully planned to encourage creativity, responsibility, resourcefulness, trust and camaraderie, all of which are integral to the UP SAMASKOM culture.”
The statement further states that the org is constantly reviewing their application process to remain relevant with the times while at the same time, continuing to adhere to the org’s principles.
With regards to the alleged hazing incident which happened five years ago, the org welcomes “any form of investigation that may ensue from this as long as it will be conducted fairly, with discretion and only by entities that have legal authority over the organization.”
Past and present members of SAMASKOM rallied behind their embattled org.
“SAMASKOM deserves a fair investigation,” said netizen Marko Yambao.
“…good always triumphs over evil,” said Alden Copuyoc. “We remain #SamaskomStrong.”
Even Kyel Munoz, who confessed that he didn’t push through with his membership in the org, expressed his support. “… it was a privilege to have experienced your traditions. I learned a lot from those activities and it helped shape me to be the person I am today,” he stated.
Meanwhile, here is UP-CMC’s statement on the issue
