Proceedings of the first Independence congress : held in the city of Manila, Philippine islands, February 22-26, 1930 / Published under the direction of Dean maximo M. Kalaw, executive secretary, University of the Philippines.

186 INDEPENDENCE CONGRESS PROCEEDINGS

The law profession has received an excellent reenforcement
with our graduates some of whom are occupying positions of
trust and responsibility in the Legislature and in other branches
of the Government service.
Our artists in the School of Fine Arts have produced splendid
works in paintings and sculptures similar to those of Europe
and America, thus revealing the artistic gift with which is
endowed the genius of the race. The same tribute may be paid
to the artists who have been educated in our Conservatory of
Music.
There are actually four universities in the Islands. The
University of the Philippines, the University of Sto. Tomas,
the National University and the University of Manila, with
total enrollment of over 15,000, which shows the progress of
our educational system and the eagerness of our people to
profit by the facilities offered to them to complete their education. It can not be said that these universities would lose
their power or leadership in the education of the youth when
the Philippines becomes independent. On the contrary they
would play a more decisive role in the fulfillment of their
cultural mission, and in promoting the enlightenment and
progress of the country.
The new conditions which would arise on account of the
change of government and its policies should not affect the
principles of organization and the basis of administration of
the University of the Philippines. The actual system of
having its proper charter is entirely satisfactory. There should
exist between the State and the University the same relation of
relative independence as it exists now. The undue interference
of the State in the internal administration of the University
would be undesirable. The State should see to it that the
funds for the support of the University come from sources
independent of yearly legislative action and should be of such
amount that would enable it to stand on its own feet in order
that it might preserve its dignity and its autonomy.
The reason is obvious. The universities are and should
exist for the seeking of truth. The professor in charge of the
discovery and imparting of truth would not have the neces