The TERTIARY SCHOOL FACULTY AND STAFF ASSOCIATION or TSFSA started as some kind of a fancy thought, a feeling, that later became a habitual hope. Finally, it grew into a collective reverie with an addictive reason to bind themselves together into one force. Those people were the faculty members of the Tertiary School of De La Salle Lipa, Lipa City. True indeed, the dream and the saga that went with it was not without the braveheart and sacrificial heroism of a number of faculty members that time, among them, Sirs Reynante Enon Sofera and Eric Masupil, both of whom served as Presidents of the Association, prior their so-called justifiable dismissal (or end of contract?) from teaching and from the college.

The TSFSA story is a millennium story that began with a group of workers and their struggle and dream for common good, professional growth, magna carta of rights, justice, welfare, and fair labor practice. On the other hand, it was a living account of survival and uncertainty against what was radically called at the time as educational colonialism, subtle coercion, workers discrimination, unfair labor practice, bureaucracy, conformism, and you-name-it. Whether true or not, these were among the loudest hovering sentiments echoed and re-echoed by a number of the college workers.

It was the turn of the century, the year was 2000 of the Common Era. The De La Salle Lipa, a Christian Catholic College at Lipa City, Philippines, and administered by the Brothers of Christian Schools or FSC, was then under the presidency of Brother Rafael Donato, FSC, who recently met his untimely death when he drowned at a Morong Beach along the Bataan Coast last November 3, 2006. The new century was for him and the college, an acid test in its quest to become a center of global education in the Calabarzon Area in the Province of Batangas. Brother Rafael who was considered by many as an intellectualist, a no deal man, a dreamer, and a golf enthusiast, envisioned the whole institution to become a university by the year 2013. He even called it University at De La Salle Lipa and shared a concept of Forty-four Courses. Some understood this to literally mean 44 courses were to be lined up for inclusion in the whole academic curriculum program of the college until it becomes a complete university. He also dreamt La Salle Lipa to be the Management Academy of the Calabarzon Area and the Computer Center of the Southern Region, but was not realized in his lifetime. Unknown to many, it was also a time when the first phase of a re-organization scheme from the middle to top administration was conceived and planned, the office commissioned to do the job was the campus HRD.

The years 2000 and 2001 became witnessed to a re-organization and (unpopular?) re-structuring of a number of areas in the organization and operation of the institution, thus, affecting long-standing policies, traditional charism, even the very quintessence of what a catholic school was all about. The initial brunt started with the retention, promotion, demotion, removal, and re-definition of personnel from this-and-that position, bracketing of wages, salaries, and allowances, and limited subject loading of teachers. Eventually, some workers, directly affected or not, gladly received the tidings of re-organization, others were not satisfied or turned passive and simply hybernated in despair, but a lot many felt that labor injustice was done on them. Thus, it created a standstill between management-employees labor relation. During the late part of school year 2000 most of the faculty members were surprised and caught empty-handed when a re-organization plan was unexpectedly announced for all-out implementation. The re-organization became a point of controversy and affected (or infected?) most of the workers , especially part-time teachers who had assiduously committed themselves to teaching at La Salle Lipa for a number of years, some of them at almost the same time as the pioneer-teachers of the college. They felt deceived and betrayed by the action plan of the school administration. Even a top administrator admitted publicly that it was not a popular move of the college. During this moment the part time teachers constituted around 80% to 85% of the faculty workforce. It was a force to reckon with but it was not organized.

Series of faculty meetings followed, called by the school management. These meetings became no more than no smile tense-filled dramatic assemblies. The battle cry of management was change in the name of progress and global competitiveness; the battle cry of the workers was adherence and respect of the law, justice and equality, spirit of La Sallian Family, and fair labor practice. The faculty members were probably saying; the world of people first before the world of things. Better yet, for the sake of historical analogy, it was like a tug-of-war were school management and faculty were both looking at the same issue but with entirely different conclusion in mind. The school management was like saying; Hey, you guys, this is La Salle, so the living and the dead must give way to progress! On the other side, the faculty was kinda saying; Hey, sir boss, this is La Salle with a saint, so progress must respect the living and the dead!

Yet teachers who were voicing out their sentiments and grievances were on their own, that is, individually; it was not strong enough to be heard or heeded to. Individual teachers were at the mercy of the administration, especially part timers whose longevity of service and commitment to school could not be underestimated. There were conflicting legal interpretations of the labor law (even human rights law) and CHED policies, but eventually it did not help much. The college students were generally quiet on the issues, either because they were not totally aware of what was going on or it did not directly concern them. However, students were generally sympathetic to the plight of teachers. Some classes even said special prayers for all teachers and their cause. On the other hand, teachers sought the intercession of St. John Baptist de La Salle. (As one representative from ACT put it, an Association of Concerned Teachers from Manila; Had worse come to worse the majority teachers could easily paralyze school operations. But if they did not have a collective voice and collective force to bargain with, they would only find themselves as nothing but pawns in the chess. And this is a collective injustice! ).

This was the scenario and the situation that finally gave rise to the saga and the beginning of the TSFA, or Tertiary School Faculty Association in 2001. One thing is sure it was a time of reckoning and a time to act.

Chapter Two: Rise and Fall of its Colleagues and the Saga of a Common Dream

Between late January and late February of 2001 (part of the second semester of school year 2000-2001), the tandem of Mr. Reynante Sofera of the SocSci Department, and Mr. Eric Masupil of the Math and Science Department, made a name for themselves when they started to read the signs of times in La Salle and declared that something terribly wrong is being cooked up and we have to do something about it. The said gentlemen were both committed and honest but gutsy part time instructors, considered by many as very vocal when it comes to issues of justice and fair labor practices. Sometime during the same period a small number of teachers gathered together to an informal meeting, probably on the initiative of these two veteran teachers, and discussed about the possibility of a faculty organization.. Eventually, a general meeting of college teachers was called. Around 55-60 teachers responded, majority of which were part timers and a thin number of full time faculty. (At one point in time, from within the group, were quiet and polite comments about the lack or absence of concern and fellowship from full time teachers who were then jokingly called the Silent Minority). The first meeting had only a single agendum, i.e., to present and solicit the consensus of the group about the possibility of a faculty organization with the primary intention to help in restoring the integrity and credibility of the institution as a Christian Catholic and Mission College. This historic meeting was chaired by Mr. Rodante V. Ilagan. The result of the meeting was seen as an opening door to a world of hope and a kerygma in waiting. There was a positive and cohesive consensus from the participants to be organized, except that a number of painstaking legal, professional, ethical, moral and technical questions had first to be addressed.

The first colloquium was immediately followed by another and then another during the same period with the intention to solve and resolve ticklish questions about organizing. The second meeting, headed by Mr. Eric Masupil and Mr. Rodante Ilagan, had an equally big attendance and teachers dug up their brains in their desire to contribute an idea or two. From the most basic to the most complicated legal and technical questions were put on the floor. Among the heavyweight questions debated upon, were; (1). What shall we organize: a faculty club, a faculty association, or a faculty union? How do we do this? Should we unionize? (2). What are the requirements needed for us to organize and have a legal personality? Do we have the right to do this? What does the (labor) law say about this? (3) Who shall compose this organization?

After long hours of serious discussions and some more colloquia, the faculty unanimously agreed in February, 2001, to put up an Association composed of the college faculty, to draft a Constitution and By-Laws, and have a general election of officers. Time was considered the most important factor to make their dream alive. But some unfortunate twist of events caused the fall of some colleagues who had been legally terminated by the school on the basis of their contract, poor performance, violation of policies, school rules and regulations. Ironically, some of those terminated happened to be amongst the most active supporters of the faculty cause. Thus, some angry voices could be heard: Heaven sake, what are they doing to us!? This is like a military saturation drive against the enormia of those considered as persona non grata! Are we still in a catholic school or what!? But this only strengthened their common resolve to bind themselves together into one strong, cohesive, decent, and respectable organization.

Before the end of March, 2001, a group of teachers were commissioned to draft a Constitution as the first step to realize their common goal. They were Mr. Reynante Sofera, Mr. Eric Masupil, Mr. Edwin Castillote, Mr. Rodante Ilagan, and Ms. Merlita Medallon.. The document drafted was to be called The Constitution of the Tertiary School Faculty Association or TSFA. Later, at the onset of the summer break of that school year, the corresponding By-Laws was drafted. This was done in Cuenca, Batangas, by yet another group composed of Dr. Pete Cootauco, Dr. Felina Marasigan, Mr. Gene Panganiban, Mr. Rudy Maduramente, Mr. Eric Masupil, and Mr. Reynante Sofera. Then, almost immediately the whole draft was presented to the faculty in a general assembly held for that purpose for further comments and suggestions. Mr. Rodante Ilagan acted as the first Chairperson of the Committee on Constitutional Presentation.

The opening of the school year 2001-2002 was a festival occasion for the faculty. The first unfolded year of the millennium, greeted them with a plebiscite on the approval of the New Constitution and By-Laws and eventually followed by a general elections by ballot of its Officers. The first TSFA Commission on Elections (COMELEC) was formed under the leadership of Mr. Rodante V Ilagan, Mrs. Myra Laguardia, Mr. Edwin Castillote, and Mr. Zernan Magbuhat. The Constitution and By-Laws was unanimously approved en toto in a plebiscite held for that purpose in 2001. Next came the first and liveliest elections by ballot. Parties were organized by respective candidates, party platforms presented, and a hope in the sky came upon the new-born faculty association. By and large, approximately 94% of the faculty members participated in the referendum and presidential elections. It was the first visible show of support and cohesiveness. All these historic moments took place during the first year of the millennium. But how long it will last was left to destiny and to them.

The moderate majority teachers did not opt to unionize, but the preference was more for an association of its faculty. This is probably because of their contemplation that hasty justice is the stepmother of misfortune. To them the more subtle process of social fermentation is both the imagined and real feeling of dissatisfaction brought by existing situation and the call to collective endeavor (probably a type of social nexus) to bring about the desired change in the light of the true vision and mission of its patron, St. La Salle, who called on each one and all to be One La Sallian Family. An association is an answer.

And as so dearly provided in their First Constitution, the restored faculty thus declared itself to be a dynamic, justice-and-welfare Association of professional educators involved in excellent education, scholarly advancement in research and professional development, in the promotion of human rights, justice, peace, equality, freedom, social concern and responsibility and critical awareness on all human agenda, local, national, or global. With this is the Associations general purpose, Constitutionally stated; to help establish harmonious relationship among all its members and partners including the general studentry. To all of these, the new Association declared and enumerated their rights and privileges, duties, obligations, and responsibilities in the First TSFA Magna Carta of 2001. The only question is if they had the willpower to prove their individual and collective worth.

From 2001 to 2006, the first set of TSFA Officers and the present TSFSA Officers all have been bestowed the electoral mandate to serve the confidence the Association.

In 2001-2002, the first set of TSFA officers were elected by ballot and completed the one year term of office. (Please see the side of this page for the set of officers)

In 2002-2003, the second set of TSFA officers were put in the league of justice through a general elections by ballot This was highlighted by a protest filed by another candidate, Ms Lisa De Leon.(Please see the side of this page for the set of officers)

In 2003-2004, the revitalized TSFA elected by Uno Voce their new officers. (Please see the side of this page for the set of officers)

During the first half of the calendar year 2004, the existing Constitution of 2001 was undergoing revisions. In the school year 2004-2005, the last set of TSFA Officers who assumed office by way of viva voce, under the First Constitution. (Please see the side of this page for the set of officers)

In 2004-2006, the first set of TSFSA Officers, under the newly-approved Revised Constitution of July 2004, elected by popular voting and to assume office for two (2) consecutive years. (Please see the side of this page for the set of officers)

Unexpectedly however, President Merlita Medallon was not able to complete the final phase of her term as she accepted the position of deanship in the college. Together with all other vacant positions, a special election was called by the COMELEC on June 27, 2005, under the chairmanship of Mrs. Myra Laguardia. This special election was not without controversy when a bona fide member, Dr. Felina Marasigan, an active and outspoken candidate of the June 8th Presidential Special Elections, expressed her dismay and questioned the integrity, credibility, and legality of the Presidential Snap Elections of June 27, 2005, and the Presidential Special Elections of June 8, 2005. But her failure to present her grievance in writing (as required) eventually was ruled out by the COMELEC as immaterial, moot and academic. Mr. Rodante Ilagan, who was at that time serving as member of the Committee on Constitutional Interpretation was asked to come up with an open letter to explain the legality and difference between the two (snap and special) elections of June 8th and 27th. On June 29, 2005, an Open Letter was posted in the Old Attendance Office for public reading.

The newly elected TSFSA Officers to serve the remainder of the terms of office vacated, included;
President ... Mr. Gene Panganiban
Public Relations Officer .Mr. Rodante V Ilagan

The last general elections, done by viva voce or popular voting, was held in the early part of 2006, with Mr. Zernan Magbuhat acting as Chairman of the COMELEC. There was a swollen attendance of more than a hundred participants and new members from the faculty and office staff. The following have been nominated and elected, put and sworn into office to serve for two (2) consecutive years, until the school year 2008. (Please see the side of this page for the set of officers)

Under the leadership of Mr. Reynante Sofera, the faculty was provided with series of seminars by legal experts on Labor Issues and Law. Under the presidency of Mr. Peeyo Isaga, camaraderie was strengthened through an increased membership and mobilization scheme. The time of Mr. Eric Masupil saw the rise of the fighting spirit (without fear or favor!) of the Association. With Mrs. Gina Dimaanos leadership, the Association underwent series of professional development and justice awareness campaign. The time of Mrs. Merlita Medallon, the Association had a more care-giving and ministering experience., but vigilance was strengthened. Her successor, Mr. Gene Panganiban focused on the welfare of the members and many times spoke on behalf of the collective grievances of its members. In November, 2005, he and the Officers approved a major Resolution on Membership Status and Welfare Benefits through a Graduated Fine System (GFS), authored and presented by Mr. Rodante Ilagan. On January 11, 2006, the body approved the GFS in principle until the needed guidelines could be presented. Mr. Ilagan continued to work on the General Operational Guidelines of the GFS and was presented again to the whole body by Mr. Panganiban in April, 2006. The GFS was finally approved and being readied for full implementation by the next set of officers.

Today, we have Mrs. Norma Blanco & Co., who recently (October 27, 2006) convened the Association and presented a Comprehensive Two-Year Faculty-Sensitive Program and Projects. This included a general survey on many areas of immediate and proximate concern and interest, and a Six-Point TSFSA Plan of Action for 2006-2008.

The presidency of Mr. Panganiban was also the time that the existing (2004) Constitution and By-Laws of the TSFSA had to be reviewed. Mr. Rodante Ilagan, on his own volition and being the only member of the Committee on Constitutional Interpretation, reviewed and re-wrote the whole Constitution and By-Laws on April 3, 2006. During opening of classes, it was formally announced to the whole body. A constitutional plebiscite was to be expected in August, 2006. The incumbent TSFSA Officers, under its incumbent president, Ms. Blanco, are to spearhead this mandate. If approve, the said Constitution and By-Laws of 2006 will be good for three (3) years from the date or time of its approval.

In the end, this is an ongoing saga, the so-called genesis and exodus of young men and women in the field of education in search of a Promised Way, a Promised Truth, and a Promised Life. And as your writer, I believe that this Gods story revealed to them, Qahal YWHW, we call the Tertiary School Faculty and Staff Association of De La Salle Lipa!