Written by Thea Bermudez

They say there is a tendency for institutions like the University of the Philippines to accept only the elites. It was subtle at first, but now it’s in full swing. And if it weren’t for the shady elitism-filled hashtag #wagnyopokaminakawansacampus, many would still believe UP is for the people—who don’t even have a single clue how golfing works.

As social media discussions heated up, the hashtag was quietly removed. But the controversy had already taken root. Concerned voices flooded the comment section, arguing that the hashtag clashed with UP’s inclusive spirit, particularly in light of the financial barriers many students face.

Now, this questions whether the university was gradually transforming into a bastion for the privileged, challenging the principles of free tuition and equal access to education. 

Diving deeper into the numbers since 2013, a typical UP student came from a more affluent background, with 72% falling into the A and B income brackets, where family earnings exceeded P500,000. In contrast, only 6.2 percent were in the lowest E bracket, exempt from tuition fees. This 6.2 percent shared one thing: a lack of access to privilege.

The irony in this situation is striking. UP Golf Club, while striving to make golf more “accessible and inclusive,” might not fully understand the lives of the 6.2 percent as golf is far from their common pastime. For them, golf may mean land displacement, environmental harm, and wage exploitation. It’s something that perhaps only the 72% truly grasp.

If the aim is to truly promote accessibility, UP Golf Club might need to move beyond the lush green golf courses and reach out to underserved communities. It’s not just about the struggle to hit a ball into a hole; it’s about understanding the broader challenges these communities face. This approach, rather than using an elitist hashtag, is a more effective way to bridge the divide and ensure that UP remains a university for all.

References:
https://rigobertotiglao.com/2013/04/29/up-mga-iskolar-na-mayayaman/