the new policy designating San Juan, Batangas as the common site
for the community-based practicum of all degree programs
in the University of the Philippines-Manila:
- too LGU-UPM centric (very minimal NGO/PO participation)
- too concentrated in a single area (to the detriment of other marginalized communities in other parts of the country and other sectors like the indigenous people, urban poor, etc.)
- too homogenous in term of socio-demographic & cultural profile (thereby reducing the student's diversity of experiences)
- will oversaturate the communities with UPM practicumers (not efficient)
- violates academic freedom (field-based practicum programs are already in place, e.g. DevStud's rural-based immersion operating for 12 years already)
