Officials of the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman condemned the removal of allegedly subversive books and documents from some state university libraries.
In a statement, the Office of the Chancellor Executive Staff said the removal "goes against the mission of universities to teach independently and to promote academic freedom."
"Ang pagtatanggal ng mga piling materyales ay isang malinaw na halimbawa ng censorship at pagkitil sa kaalaman. Pag-abandona ito sa kalayaang mag-isip, magtanong, at magsaliksik; at sa kalayaang tumuklas ng katotohanan batay sa sariling kakayahan ng mga mag-aaral (The removal of selected materials is a clear example of censorship and censorship of knowledge. The move abandons the freedom to think, ask questions, and research; and the freedom to discover the truth based on the students' own abilities)," the statement read.
In September, Kalinga State University (KSU), Isabela State University (ISU), and Aklan State University (ASU) pulled out books authored by or related to the NDFP to supposedly “protect” the youth and students from insurgent ideology.
The books include the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHIHL); NDFP Declaration and Program of Action for the Rights, Protection, and Welfare of Children; and the Government of the Philippines-NDFP Peace Negotiations Major Arguments.
READ MORE: 'Hands off our libraries': Educator laments removal of NDFP books from university libraries
However, UP Diliman officials stressed that if protecting the youth is the goal, it cannot be achieved by limiting what they can read.
"Sa halip ay nararapat natin silang hikayating buksan ang kanilang isipan. Hayaan natin silang magtanong at bumuo ng kanilang mga sariling konklusyon (We should instead encourage them to open their minds. Let them ask questions and form their own conclusions)," they added.
Removing books, pamphlets, and documents "simply because they are contrary to our beliefs show that we fear ideas and reject free-thinking, free discussion, and free dissemination of knowledge," the officials continued.
"Isulong ang academic freedom at pangalagaan ang kalayaan ng ating mga pamantasan. Bigyan ang kabataan ng kalayaang makipagtalakayan, magsaliksik, tumuklas ng katotohanan, at maging bukas ang isipan nang mahubog ang isang henerasyon ng mga Pilipinong may pakialam sa lipunan, may pagpapahalaga sa kapwa, at mga tunay na lingkod-bayan (Promote academic freedom and safeguard the independence of our universities. Give the youth the freedom to discuss, research, discover the truth, and be open-minded. Create a generation of socially aware, humane, and genuine public servants)."
READ MORE: Academicians decry removal of NDFP books from university libraries