The Blue Bridge Special Election Release A.Y. 2018-2019

PULSO ELECTIONS 2018 OPINION

FINDING THE PULSE NEWS

PURSUIT ON SUI GENERIS LEADERS CONTINUES AMIDST POLICY CHANGES

3

HIGHLIGHTS

4

PULSO 2018 CANDIDATES FEATURES

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF ATENEO DE DAVAO UNIVERSITY SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL SPECIAL ELECTION ISSUE 2018 Vol. 2 No.1

BRIDGE THE GAPS. UPRAISE THE DISCOURSE.

2

SUFFRAGE AND THE GREATER DUTY

10

@ashsbluebridge

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF ATENEO DE DAVAO UNIVERSITY SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

SAMANTHA CLAIRE CAYONA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CHRISTIAN ANG ASSOCIATE EDITOR PUTRI JIHADAH ZACARIA MANAGING EDITOR JASMINE JOYCE MAMAWAL NEWS EDITOR MARIEBELLA ANNIKA QUESTO FEATURE EDITOR JAMAICA SOFIA NEIS LITERARY EDITOR LUTHER JAMES OLACO ART EDITOR JOSIAH DAVID BANGKAS ANNA MARIE LAMATA SENIOR NEWS STAFF ELLA MAE DIAPANA ENRICO NAZARIO JUNIOR NEWS STAFF NICOLE DASALLA SENIOR FEATURE STAFF KIARA AMOR DUGHO PAULINE JAVELLANA JEFF NATHAN MEARNS ADRIANNE TOBIAS JUNIOR FEATURE STAFF RIC BERYL DIOLA JUAN PAOLO MILES DHENISON PALLAR SENIOR SPORTS STAFF MICHAEL LANCE DESOLOC ALEXIS TEOXON JUNIOR SPORTS STAFF JOHANNA THERESE LUNA ELLA LOIS TAYLARAN SENIOR LITERARY STAFF JAMES RAPHAEL LIM MARY VERONICA QUINTO JUNIOR LITERARY STAFF SEAN LEVI ABIERA JASPER MARIE ARNILLA SENIOR SCI-TECH STAFF AZIS AGANTAL JUNIOR SCI-TECH STAFF VIRIZA CABALLO JANNA DAQUILOS JULIA MARIE PONCE CASSIE ANN VALENCIA MAUBERT YRETARINO JUNIOR ART STAFF KIANA KEIRON ACODILI SENIOR PHOTO STAFF GERARDO GACETA IV JUNIOR PHOTO STAFF REIL BENEDICT OBINQUE KATRINA KATE DIANNE PUNAY MODERATORS ADDRESS

Door 3, 2F Mezzanine, Arrupe Hall, Ateneo de Davao University, E. Jacinto Street, Davao City ONLINE

facebook.com/ashsbluebridge twitter.com/ashsbluebridge ashsbluebridge@gmail.com issuu.com/ashsbluebridge

BRIDGE THE GAPS. UPRAISE THE DISCOURSE.

2

EDITORIAL

ART BY | VIRIZA CABALLO

FINDING THE PULSE Much ink has already been spilled to call out if not merely express dissatisfaction at the Pulsong Atenista for its passivity and apparent paralysis over the course of the previous school year.

A more detailed account of Pulso under the Matas regime has already been written in previous issues. Now, the student body, if it is still in the business of being engaged, needs to look beyond the faults and failures of the previous administration and explore the systematic shackles that bind the student government.

Traditionally, any institution that calls itself a government derives its authority from one of three sources—traditional, charismatic, and rational-legal—the third being most common in democratic countries. Rational-legal simply meaning an authority derived from a set of laws. We then ask: Where does Pulso derive its authority?

For the two previous administrations, Pulso lacked the Constitution and Bylaws which sets the precedent for all of its actions as well as the qualifications of a Pulso candidate. If what the student body wants is a stable Pulso that retains the momentum across administrations, then it is imperative that we enshrine the qualities of our ideal leaders in a binding public document.

Since its inception two years ago, Pulso has been the landing spot of learners fresh from the norms of the Department of Education’s Supreme Student Government (SSG), a model of student government whose main task is to organize school-sanctioned programs and activities. However, in the Ateneo de Davao Senior High School Community, this doesn’t translate well, mainly because of two reasons.

First, the existence of the Office for Learner Activities robs Pulso of a responsibility that most of them expects a student government to have. The main highlights of the AdDU-SHS calendar—Ateneo Senior High School Orientation Program, Ateneo Fiesta, SHS Fiesta, and Ignite—are already initiated by the OLA. For the previous year, the Pulso that we saw was mostly ceremonial. It was the Pulso that handed out awards, posed for photos, put on a talent showcase; and one of their more laudable works, organizing a children’s party, and a donation drive for typhoon victims, both done in collaboration with the other clubs and the Administration.

Second, the tight schedule of AdDU-SHS and the relative foreignness of the idea of suspending class for a program further inhibit Pulso’s benchmarking of the DepEd

model of student government. It, however, leaves a challenge. How can Pulso be the student government that walks beyond the shadows of OLA and DepEd? What mechanisms will it employ to transcend beyond the limitations of its position?

Another thing that can be noticed with Pulso’s organization is its lack of crowdsourcing in the form of student committees. As the students elected to be student leaders, it is ironic that the Pulsong Atenista major officers almost never lead their fellow students. If the mission of Pulso is to create a culture of leadership, it should first establish an arena for the formation and engagement of budding leaders.

This, too, can be addressed by a Constitution and Bylaws which would create a solid understanding of where Pulso’s jurisdiction extends and what it is obligated to do.

We have heard varied opinions about the state of our student government just as we have seen promises that were but promises and even more have we seen fulfillments of those promises that barely scratched the surface of the student body’s needs. However, what has spoken the loudest were the things that Pulso failed to do. As the representatives of the

student body, Pulso has been silent on many issues that has plagued its constituents. Their attempt to deliver, with their help desk, has been anything but successful.

Many issues have passed with not a single beat heard from the body’s pulse.

In layman’s understanding, a body without a pulse is dead. As we recollect the silence that we have heard from Pulso, do we realize that it only speaks litanies about the culture of apathy that we have built around us? After all, only the blind let themselves to be led by the blind.

As we approach election season, let’s not only campaign for candidates but for a more radical break from the status quo that we have wrapped ourselves in. Let us demand from the candidates solid platforms and from everyone a holistic reorganization of AdDU-SHS’s political culture.

What we need now is an engaged student body that stands pliant, not mum, on a paralyzed student government only because it’s convenient, otherwise, we will again be governed by an idle Pulso that’s only existent during awarding ceremonies and loud during campaigns.

NEWS PURSUIT ON SUI GENERIS LEADERS CONTINUES AMIDST POLICY CHANGES JASMINE JOYCE MAMAWAL & ANNA MARIE LAMATA

The Pulsong Atenista has adapted revisions under the Constitution-by-Laws (CbL) for School Year 2018-2019 following the announcement of the Ateneo de Davao University Senior High School (AdDU SHS) administration to have separate campuses for Grade 11 and Grade 12 learners.

According to Ranie Diacor, AdDU SHS Grade 12 Coordinator of Office of the Learners Activities (OLA), the Grade 11 and Grade 12 learners will have separate elections as indicated in the CbL of Pulsong Atenista.

The revisions were made by the Grade 11 and Grade 12 Pulsong Atenista moderators as well as the OLA coordinators and the whole Formation office.

“We will have different sets of officers from president down to cluster representatives from Grade 11 and Grade 12 given the fact that the Grade 11 learners have not yet started their classes because of the delays in Bangkal campus,” Diacor stated, adding that it is “impractical” to wait for

the Grade 11 and have the same calendar of activities with Grade 12.

On July 5, AdDU SHS Office of the Director released a memorandum regarding the delays and postponement of Grade 11 classes which will officially start on July 30.

Gene Jesuro, AdDU SHS Grade 11 OLA coordinator, mentioned that there are no official dates yet regarding the filing of candidacies and the election of the Grade 11 Pulsong Atenista because of the adjustments in the level’s calendar of activities.

“When it comes to deciding as levels, it’s really different because we cannot go to the Grade 11 campus and interfere with their plans— with the plans of their student body. The only time that we will be able to collaborate with them is during university events wherein we will be with the Grade 11, we will be as one as an Ateneo community,” Pulsong Atenista Grade 12 Moderator Tricia Firman explained.

Firman expressed that the separate set of officers was necessary since the systems

of both campuses will be different, that each will need its own authority. “But that does not mean there’s really a division,” she said, adding that officers from both levels can exchange ideas among themselves.

On the other hand, the campaign period for Pulsong Atenista Grade 12 candidates was longer compared to last year wherein they had a shorter time to prepare and to endorse themselves. This runs on July 9-19 before the election day which is on July 20.

Diacor said that there are also some changes in the organizational chart of Pulsong Atenista. Instead of having the traditional line up of officers, there would no longer be a Vice President and a Peace Relations Officer (PRO), which leaves the positions of President, Secretary-General, Finance officer, and Cluster Representatives.

“We do not see the value of the Vice President if the President is present and also there will be Cluster Representatives

who will act as the PRO of their respective clusters,” he stressed. In line with this, the Council of Club Presidents and Class Presidents will be under the president.

Moreover, sui generis leadership is once again highlighted in connection with the elections given the context of Grade 11 and Grade 12 division, encouraging students to go for candidates with the traits of a sui generis leader which the Leadership Development Program Coordinator Joanne Suzara described as someone “having at least a foundation of compassion, competence, Christ-centeredness, cultural-sensitivity, conscience and commitment.”

Suzara furthermore said that a sui generis leader, most especially, should have the compassion to lead, to sympathize, and to guide the followers the same way that the Lord was when he was still walking the earth. “Looking on how Jesus’ life was, that’s how a sui generis leader should be exemplified,” Suzara described.

3

SPECIAL ELECTION ISSUE JULY 2018 VOL. 2 NO.1

PULSONG ATENISTA S T U D E N T

G O V E R N M E N T

C A N D I D AT E S

PRESIDENT REGGIE RAYE

KRISTOFFER ANDRE

JALECO

PORRAS

ATENEO STUDENT EXECUTIVE COUNCIL PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER (S.Y. 2016-2017)

ASPEAK PIO 2017-2018 CLASS PRESIDENT (2013-2014, 2014-2015, 2016-2017)

ATENEO STUDENT EXECUTIVE COUNCIL GRADE 9 REPRESENTATIVE (S.Y. 2015-2016) ST. IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA AWARDEE- JHS

HOST FOR IGNITE 2018

ADVOCACY THE HOLISTIC FORMATION OF ATENEO SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL LEARNERS SHOULD BE GIVEN MORE EMPHASIS AS IT IS THE KEY TO EXCELLENCE FOR GOD’S GREATER GLORY

PRESIDENT OF THEATER CLUB SHS HONOR STUDENT ADVOCACY HONESTY AND TRANSPARENCY STUDENT ENGAGEMENT INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT

I believe that I am a leader who is capable of pushing others to their limits while maintaining excellence and while directing others towards excellence.

I’m a leader that tries to engage and communicate with the student body.

PLATFORMS

SHIP (SENIOR HIGH IMPROVEMENT PLAN) - aims to address the needs of the student body. This is a year-long plan for the improvement of the lives of the student body.

SE412 (STRAND ENGAGEMENT for Grade 12) – aims to include more students in their chosen track such as talks, events, and more.

Year-long for waste-management and environment awareness Academic Outreach- stronger implementation on the peer mentoring activity Mental Health Awareness Campaign (MHAC) Increasing Halal options in Satellite Canteens AS THE VOICE OF THE STUDENT BODY, HOW WILL YOU HEAR OUT THEIR CONCERNS?

We already had the platform of suggestion box and I plan to restructure that suggestion box by not only putting it physically near the offices but also by using the social media. We already know how the lack of a proper platform has happened especially (in) twitter. It became the platform for our complaints and as Pulso, it is our responsibility to establish that platform for communication and suggestions.

ON THE ISSUE OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

Well I do think that any conversation is good but, the remarks that Fr. Jboy said about religious freedom has agitated the Grade 12 student body. What we need to do now is to communicate, listen, and bring those suggestions and ideas into action. If ever given the position, I will fight for the rights of those who practice different sets of beliefs because, not only do they have the freedom to believe what they choose to believe but they also have the right to learn in any institution.

ON THE ISSUE OF BINGE DRINKING

Well for me, I believe everything has its limits and regarding binge drinking, we can stop them by reaching out to them, ask them what causes it and of course listening to them.

These are necessary steps in order to address this binge drinking problem. It’s not necessarily reaching out to them personally but also giving them a great opportunity for them to approach us. You know, we need to show them that we are open and we are willing to listen to their problems. It’s not that we are forcing them but it’s also about showing to them that we are listening to them.

4

HIGHLIGHTS

PLATFORMS

Implementation and Promotion of Ecoteneo Program Enhancement of Pulso Help Desk Transparency between Cluster Heads and their Cluster’s Sections More awareness for the learners of the events inside and outside the campus AS THE VOICE OF THE STUDENT BODY, HOW WILL YOU HEAR OUT THEIR CONCERNS?

I think there was a program of the Pulsong Atenista last year – Pulso help desk. With that, I think it would be of more help to the Pulso, admin and to the students to embody as well when it is more developed and enhanced in a different way, like the students will be more aware of the answers to their questions so that the students will not ask the same question over and over again.

ON THE ISSUE OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

I think it’s just a misunderstanding between the ideology of Fr. Jboy and the ideology of the students. We may or may not know the meaning behind his statement, but I, as an Atenean, think that all students despite of their religion should be respected in our school since one of our core values is to respect cultural diversity. So, with regards to religious freedom, every student should have it.

ON THE ISSUE OF BINGE DRINKING

As a student myself, I know the perspective of other learners towards binge drinking.

Some students drink for fun and some drink as an escape hatch to their problems. For those who use it as an escape hatch, I think we should be more aware of their problems and be there for them as their fellow students in the campus. As PULSO and even as a student, we can do something for them.

We all know that drinking is wrong. I think that as we are here in the campus to learn, we should not do such things while we are still learning even though we are in the right age to drink as said by the law. We should have a proper thinking and should put into perspective that we are students who are recognized as Ateneans who bring the name of the school so that we will not disgrace the school and ourselves in any way.

2018 elections

profiles and platforms

finance LUCENA o f f i c e r

PATRICIA NICOLE

PRESIDENT- CARAGA REGIONAL COUNCIL LITTLE GOVERNOR- PROVINCE OF AGUSAN DEL SUR PHILIPPINE REPRESENTATIVE- YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM ON OUR OCEANS (MARCH, 2016)

CAMILLE ABRILLE

ADVOCACY ANTI-SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND VAW-C

MONTIMAN

OCEAN CONSERVATION AND PROTECTION REFUSING SINGLE-USE PLASTIC LUMAD RIGHTS

CLASS BEADLE SPORTS HEAD [MANRESA CLUSTER 2017-2018] ELYSIAN MEMBER

Basically, I’m a kind of leader who’s strong and I have really loud voice and I use this voice to influence people to become change makers; I love the ocean and I believe that our life is useless without passing the waves of change.

PLATFORMS Sandigan- we will create an active Pulso despite challenges Sumbungan- to create a platform where students can express their concerns through

PULSUMBUNGAN (a technological way of sending their concerns) Salitan- to establish a series of seminars and talks with regard to the situations of our minorities and marginalized sectors Sambayanan- prioritizing student concerns most especially on mental health and civic engagements. A MORE CONCERNED PULSO. AS THE VOICE OF THE STUDENT BODY, HOW WILL YOU HEAR OUT THEIR CONCERNS? One part of my four-point agenda is that I will address the learners’ issues and concerns through “Pulsumbungan”. I will create this technological way of sending their concerns and its different unlike before. It will be more accessible and hassle-free in terms of delivering issues. I think I’m not the type of president who gets mad easily and I would try to understand both parties and of course, address issues by talking to the administration and letting them understand the situation and the stand of the student body.

ON THE ISSUE OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM I personally am a non-believer and I somewhat felt unsafe by statements that seem to invalidate my chosen belief, but I think that through peaceful dialogues and talking to the administration about that matter, I think we can meet halfway and maybe they will understand our stand on the said issue. Ateneo [de Davao University Senior High School] promotes cultural sensitivity, however, if we limit this cultural sensitivity to people who believe in something, it’s really unfair to those who are non-believers. Even though you don’t believe in God or a higher being, it’s still a belief and so I think Ateneo [de Davao University Senior High School] should respect it.

ON THE ISSUE OF BINGE DRINKING As learners, you know we are busy and we are stressed because of our studies and I think it’s also important to have your own time with your friends and unwind. However, my stand on this prevalent culture of binge drinking is that I think those who engage in such behavior can drink because they already have their own mindset and that they should do it moderation. Drinking shouldn’t be done excessively to the point they will no longer go to their respective classes.

As a leader, I do not just lead, but I also follow because leaders are also followers.

PLATFORMS

The voice of every student with school administration help to continue to make improvements of every student Be a good leader and be a good listener.

Possess excellent negotiation and police relation skills AS THE VOICE OF THE STUDENT BODY, HOW WILL YOU HEAR OUT THEIR CONCERNS?

I will make a hotline number where they can state their concerns, and I can consult it to the PULSO management. I can also suggest to the President to make a page so that if they have problems, we can help them make a plan to solve it.

ON THE ISSUE OF BROKEN PROJECTORS

This kind of situation is very difficult especially there are already many activities and assignments, and if the air-con is damaged, then it will cause you BV (Bad Vibes) and it affects the students. So my concern in this one is: I will tell sir Rikki about it, or not directly to him but to the concerns personnel first like the P.O.D. or the physical plant office. I will suggest donating something like money, air-con or projector. But I believe the money will do, because I don’t know the particular size of the utilities and which ones do need replacement. At least, I cannot only help the school, but I can also help the students.

5

SPECIAL ELECTION ISSUE JULY 2018 VOL. 2 NO.1

PULSONG ATENISTA S T U D E N T

G O V E R N M E N T

C A N D I D AT E S

s e c r e ta r y general NEIL

DEA MARIE

CUA

DIMACUTA

EXPERIENCE IN LEADING (CLASS PRESIDENT, MAJOR ACTIVITIES, ETC.)

TAGUM COOPERATIVE AND RED CROSS LEADERSHIP CAMPS [PARTICIPANT]

CLEAN RECORD IN DISCIPLINE IN SHS

RESEARCH PARTICIPANT

CONSISTENT HONOR STUDENT

FEATURE WRITER- JHS EDITORIAL WRITER- ELEMENTARY

ADVOCACY RESPECT CHOICES AND TOLERATE DIFFERENCE

ADVOCACY TRANSPARENCY COLLABORATION APPROACHABILITY UNBIASED INITIATIVE

CHOICES MAKE A PERSON RESPECTABLE AND VIBRANT DIFFERENCE MAKES A PERSON TOLERABLE

I am a visionary leader who has always been in line with the vision of the school in terms of producing sui generis leaders who have unique capabilities and such. In my years of education, I was able to form my own kind of leadership which is grounded on my strength as someone who is able to see a vision.

PLATFORMS

Immersion-To be able to encourage people to be more concerned to the realities happening inside and outside the school grounds

PLATFORMS

Transparency towards the students when it comes to what is discussed by the council.

Collaboration with Ecoteneo for a more disciplined waste disposal action.

Approachability not just towards the needs of the council but towards my fellow students whom I hope to serve.

Unbiased and just when it comes to campus issues and how to address them.

Communication- I aspire to reach out to people in Grade 12 SHS community

Swift communications between the school clubs to further highlight and hone their vision and passion

Excellence- To aid my fellow Grade 12 SHS peeps in every aspects

Address and prioritize the mental health of students

AS THE VOICE OF THE STUDENT BODY, HOW WILL YOU HEAR OUT THEIR CONCERNS?

It is a matter of communication. I am the type of person that goes as far as the corners of each floor get, just maybe to ask people how they have been. I solely ran for this position even though we are already in the latter days of Senior High School to push the incapable students, and introverted ones like me that doesn’t have the courage to voice out their concerns. I believe their opinions also matter.

ON THE ISSUE OF SPLIT CAMPUSES

I thought “How is that going to work?” If there’s going to be another moderator or some club entity formed in Grade 11 which is separate from us, it’s going to be difficult, for instance, the competitions. Also, how are we going to communicate to come into a middle ground when it comes to some issues? We are actually one in identity but in terms of decision and ideas, we are separated. I take it like some kind of a let-down. I don’t think it’s very conducive to our relationships to the younger batch. We, as seniors, are supposed to help them continue our legacy, especially also that Senior High School is still experimental and pioneering in the education system.

6

As a leader, I describe myself as someone very approachable.

HIGHLIGHTS

Promote peace and justice Possess initiative that transcends and doesn’t limit only on my secretarial duties.

AS THE VOICE OF THE STUDENT BODY, HOW WILL YOU HEAR OUT THEIR CONCERNS?

Through being approachable, I can be very sensitive towards their needs and of course through humbling myself down, because if I do otherwise, I won’t be able to relate and I might overlook things that should be looked upon on. And also by being transparent to what is happening. That is one of my platforms— transparency on what the council and the student body speaks of.

ON THE ISSUE OF SPLIT CAMPUSES

So for me, I think it is always better that we occupy the same establishment. But, considering the technical problems that doesn’t allow that to happen, I don’t think anyone would prefer us being crowded here and not have enough space to perform necessary tasks and activities that we are asked to do. I think we just have to be considerate and try to understand why the administration had us staying at different campuses. Still, it could have been better if we share the same building as Senior High and not experience division as clubs but also, we always have to understand the situation.

c lu s t e r r e p r e s e n tat i v e s

2 018 e lect i o n s

profiles and platforms

ADVOCACY

Zero Plastic Community “Tama na ang Plastikan.”

pa r i s

C L U S T E R JHAY BONN MARK TORRES I am the kind of leader who will hear out my cluster members’ ideas and concerns, support them, and be the backbone of the cluster that I will lead.

PLATFORMS

PROJECT AQUA- Placing water dispensers in every satellite canteen to encourage students not to buy bottled water and instead to bring their water containers.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Montserrat Cluster Council Committee SHS Choir Member (2017-2018) ON THE ISSUE OF WASTE MANAGEMENT

One of my platforms as Cluster Representative for Paris regarding this issue is to raise the concern about plastic bottles and proper waste disposal. As a leader, I think I have the responsibility to remind and encourage my cluster members to be mindful of their trash. Also, I think it would a good idea to have water dispensers in the satellite canteens in place of sold water bottles to alleviate the plastic bottle problem. This way, students will be encouraged to bring their own water tumblers.

ADVOCACY

BUILD BUILD BUILD LEADERS- To create, mould, and BUILD Leaders!

PLATFORMS

manresa

C L U S T E R

MEL ZEDRICK AMBONE I am a leader that is different but excellent.

To give Avenue for new talents and crafts To discover new talents and crafts To develop talents and crafts To unleash the #potential of the Manresa

To encourage the students to be #involved in the cluster duties, competitions and the like To form a holistic and #SuiGeneris leaders. For Mindanao, from Mindanao, to Mindanao!

ACHIEVEMENTS

Montserrat Cluster Council Committee SHS Choir Member (2017-2018)

Campaign Manager (2016-2017) COMELEC Glee Club President (2016-2017)

ON THE ISSUE OF WASTE MANAGEMENT

I think it’s a good move for us students to be reminded about the waste management issue because not every learner is disciplined with how they dispose of their waste. We really need to promote the CLAYGO advocacy and encourage everyone to be responsible with their trash.

ADVOCACY

manresa

C L U S T E R

ZYREANNE FAYE NICOLE SANTOS

MENTAL HEALTH IS WEALTH- I want to be a bridge that connects learners and the admins, to speak for the concerns of the students, and to tap the admins about these concerns PLATFORMS F.A.M.I.L.Y. — Forming new bonds. Appreciating everyone. Memorable year. Lending hands. Yes to Manresa’s goal.

ALGORITHM— To follow a procedure to easily find the best way to solve problems for the cluster.

LISTEN— Listening is the key.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Montserrat Cluster Finance Head Ateneo Forever Awardee

Culinary Arts Club Officer (2013-2015) Sabayang Pagbigkas Champions

ON THE ISSUE OF WASTE MANAGEMENT

I am a leader for the people, for the students who can’t speak for themselves, who are shy and afraid and who doesn’t know how to come out of their shells because I, for one, am someone who’s just coming out from my shell and this is just a step for me to explore the world.

Improper waste disposal. I, for one I am very conscious when it comes to waste disposal. Like any other kid, I grew up throwing garbage anywhere. Now, I really find the value in practicing proper waste disposal because it’s not just helping the environment but it’s also helping the maintenance personnel since they are ones segregating it every day. Doing it would be like an act of hospitality towards them. Although we know that’s it’s their job, we should not live by the mindset that since it’s their job, they should do it by themselves. We should also practice it because we know that it is right.

ADVOCACY

manresa

C L U S T E R

DIANNA KYLE TAGALOG As a leader, I will be the voice not just of our cluster but as for the whole student body in our school.

Inspire the youth to keep going, engage more in our Mindanaoan culture, join smart conversations, act for social change and have an environmental friendly lifestyle.

PLATFORMS D – Dako ug kasingkasing. To promote a passionate and loving cluster.

K – Kugihan mutrabaho. To ensure a well organize and beyond ready governance.

A – Abtik ug angay magdumala. To lead my co-learners to their outmost potential through equal opportunities.

T – Tigpaminaw ug tingog sa kabatanunan. To form a more open governance that is more than willing to help.

ACHIEVEMENTS President of Youth for Environment in Schools Organization (YES-O) SY 16-17 Vice-President for Programs of DRANHS Scouting Unit SY 16-17 Class Punong Patnugot ng “Ang Lamdag” ang Opisyal na Pahayagan ng Davao City Special School SY 12-13 ON THE ISSUE OF WASTE MANAGEMENT If I were to be elected as a Pulso officer, we must make laws which are stronger and maybe with offenses because I believe that the significance of our environment is hard to be comprehended by the youth; and that the convenience using plastic bottles elicits is not convenient at all because of the destruction these plastic bottles cause. For example, in waste management, we don’t know how it would backfire on us in the long run, that’s why we must reiterate to the learners its implication on taking care of our environment.

SPECIAL ELECTION ISSUE JULY 2018 VOL. 2 NO.1

7

c lu s t e r r e p r e s e n tat i v e s

2018 elections

profiles and platforms

ADVOCACY & PLATFORM

rome

C L U S T E R RUSSEL JAMES CELESTE

CLUSTER-INCLUSIVENSS - Engaging the learners in different kinds of activity in each cluster CLAYGO - providing cleaning equipment to each classroom CONCERNS - the learners’ opinion, suggestions and complaints will be heard and we will put it into action for the well-being of the learners and the improvement of the school ACHIEVEMENTS

Class President A.Y. 2017-2018 Sports Head of Pamplona A.Y. 2017-2018 Honor Student ON THE ISSUE OF WASTE MANAGEMENT

I am a leader who believes that everything can be done through coordination, teamwork, belief, trust, respect for each other and of course, love because it is what unites us all.

It is our responsibility to maintain the cleanliness of the school not just because we are paying for it to be kept clean, but it is our obligation to keep it clean, neat, and tidy.

ADVOCACY

To showcase your talents, Don’t be shy, show us what you’ve got! Be proud.

PLATFORMS

rome

To promote equality To be the voice of everybody Help students to overcome their fears.

C L U S T E R

ACHIEVEMENTS

ANNIE ROSE PEÑOL

ON THE ISSUE OF WASTE MANAGEMENT

I am an approachable person.

To build unity in my cluster Help students to be involved in every activity

St. Owen Treasurer 2017-2018 The Ateneo Voices Member 2017-2018

SSG President (Elementary School) SSG Governor (Secondary School)

Since I’m on the 7th floor, I saw a janitor and I feel so sad every time students do not throw properly despite having bins for biodegradable and non-biodegradable. For me, it is not good. I need to encourage my co-students to separate garbage properly because aside from it avoids giving janitors a hard time from sorting, it will also help Mother Nature. I will encourage them by asking if they want a future affected by our actions. If they do not want that to happen, then they should segregate waste properly.

ADVOCACY

pa m p l o n a

C L U S T E R

ALANIS MARI CEQUIÑA As a leader, I will be the voice not just of our cluster but as for the whole student body in our school.

Inspire the youth to keep going, engage more in our Mindanaoan culture, join smart conversations, act for social change and have an environmental friendly lifestyle.

PLATFORMS S-Service with compassion H-Honing of talents and skills O- Organization and good leadership for the achievement of goals and victory T- Transparency that will be made available to everybody ACHIEVEMENTS Grade 11- Gavan Treasurer Montserrat Cluster (Logistics Committee) Debatenista (Member) ON THE ISSUE OF WASTE MANAGEMENT Oh, improper waste disposal. That is very timely because we are practicing Claygo but I guess if I were to be elected, I will be like extending my concern to school heads that Claygo should be implemented in a ‘more stricter’ way. Once you are caught that you are not practicing Claygo something should be done against, not against but something should be done to discipline you and to remind you that this school is not just ours. We share this school with like a lot of students that’s why we should practice (Claygo) to make this school clean in a sense, in a way like that.

ADVOCACY

Communication, Cooperation, and Unity

pa m p l o n a

C L U S T E R

HARRIANE ELOISA DIRON I lead by example and I came for winning, but I see winning only as a consolation for the efforts that we give.

PLATFORMS Abot Kamay- Abot Kamay aims to push the learners of AdDU SHS to take the initiative in helping out marginalized

students, providing them with aid, particularly in their food budget allowance, and school supply needs.

Tatak Atenista- This program aims to push for the addition of funds and support for the teams that complete for the school’s name. In addition to this, the movement will get their funds through solicitation sponsors, and other clubs.

Konektado Ateneo- This program establishes a direct line between the cluster representatives and their cluster-mates. This ensures the learners in the cluster would get to air out their concerns to the cluster reps, thus resolving the issue in an efficient way.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Member of A-speak AdDU JHS Honors Program

Consistent honor student since preschool Student artist

ON THE ISSUE OF WASTE MANAGEMENT

You can’t blame the students because not everybody is raised knowing how to segregate well, except if they came from schools who practice it. I think it’s just a matter of habit.

8

HIGHLIGHTS

#AdDUNAYTINGOG What are the characteristics of your ideal PULSO Leader?

For me, a good Pulso leader is someone who insists on matters that benefits the student body. He/she is fearless in implementing projects that will greatly enhance the student body and will not be suede by slight negative feedbacks on his/her approaches. If he/she knows what he/she is doing, then he/she must pursue it so that he/she will be able to enhance our lives in the studentry. A good Pulso leader always puts the welfare of the student body first, he/she will not be restrained by what the administration tells him/her to do. He/she is not a puppet of the administrators because he/she has a brain, a heart and a hand to act on his own if that will benefit the student body in the long run. Also, a good Pulso leader is someone who makes the student body feel important in the sense that they are involved in the community, that he/she will be able to implement actual projects that are visible that the student body could actually feel and they could benefit from it, and would engage them in a way that it promotes unity in the student body.

IVERSON JUREY ABELLANEDA 12-Brito | STEM Pre-Science

First of all, dapat committed talaga siya sa task ng pagiging leader. Kasi kung for the char lang siya na maging leader, ano nalang yung patutunguhan ng school natin?

So kapag may certain goals na siya at platforms na gusto niya i-implement dito sa school, pwede niya yun sabihin sa meeting de avance clearly. Kasi sa tingin ko kulang talaga sa commitment yung iba. Diba ‘there’s a will, there’s a way’? Yung leaders, sila dapat yung mag voice out ng opinions ng students sa admin. Kumbaga sila yung bridge, hindi yung parang pet ng admin na pahirapan yung students.

QUEENIE ANNE UMADHAY 12-Cottam | STEM Pre-Science

The ideal characteristics of a Pulso officer for me is someone who has a general understanding of the needs of the entire Senior High School community that includes the students, teachers and everyone.

DANIEL LUIS PONSICA

12-de Hoyos | STEM Pre-Engineering

Ang need namo na Pulso officer kay kanang chill, funny and happy lang. And also one thing: dili lang gud unta kaayo strict ang iyang pamalakad. Kana lang siguro ang need namo para happy atuang school year.

AEB MONTEFALCON 12-Campion | HUMSS

Ang akong ideal na leader kay kanang iyang paglead kay dili lang sa ilahang council mailhan. Murag ma feel pud unta namo na nagalihok sila and makita namo ang progress na dli lang ‘casual’. Kabalo man ta na Ateneo ni, wala na kaayo’y daghan na bag-uhon, pero unta naa mi makit-an na lain pa na changes para sa atong school.

LOCHITA MANABIT 12-Acquaviva | ABM

Dapat dedicated siya sa iyang position ug maski unsa pa na kagamay na position, dapat tarong siya ug ginabuhat jud niya iyang work. Dili kanang pabebe lang, and nag run lang for the fame.

A sui generis leader should have at least a foundation of the 6 C’s. He/she should also have the flexibility of dealing with situations and leading people in such a way that they are able to make use of whatever resources they have on hand, whether it is an abundance of resources or media resources. A sui generis leader most especially should have the compassion to lead, to sympathize, and to guide the followers the same way that the Lord was when he was still walking the earth. Looking on how Jesus’ life was, that’s how a sui generis leader should be exemplified.

MS. JOANNE SUZARA

Leadership and Development Moderator

The best leader is someone who fears God, someone who is selfless and someone who will do stuff for the betterment or other people. He/she will somehow think of others first before himself/herself. I think a great leader is also someone who sees the big picture, sees the reality as it is and tries to solve out of that. Also, he/she is someone who’s able to solve problems in ways wherein the team itself is part of the group.

MR. AGAPITO GABATO III Grade 12 Teacher

For me, a good leader is someone who believes in God because if you really believe in God, everything else will follow. You will do good and you will serve people.

At the same time, I believe a good leader knows how to communicate with his/her people and knows how to deliver the real message that he/she wants to give to his/ her constituents.

MS. ERICKA JAN GADAT Grade 12 Teacher

My ideal Pulso leader is someone who embodies the Ignatian values of Ateneo and the 6Cs. I can also envision a Sui Generis leader, a leader who has a heart for Mindanao and able to serve the Atenean students especially for Senior High. Since the Pulso has not been that active for the past 2 years, hopefully this year they will have tangible projects and their leaders would create a special mark to everyone.

MR. RANIE DIACOR

Grade 12 Coordinator Office of the Learners Activities

One thing lang: kung unsa ilang ginapresent na platform dapat matuman nila.

Kung unsa ilang promises, dapat true sila sa ilahang words.

NATHALIE SALAYSAY 12-Anchieta | ABM

For me, a Pulso officer should be a role model to all, responsible, knows how to listen to everyone and someone who would consider the suggestions of the people.

ADENYL BALDEVIA

12-Fausti | STEM Pre-Engineering

KIMBERLY ANN NOCETE 12-Bobola | HUMSS

*NOTE: ALL INTERVIEWS ARE IN VERBATIM

SPECIAL ELECTION ISSUE JULY 2018 VOL. 2 NO.1

9

SUFFRAGE AND THE GREATER DUTY WHO DESERVES THE ATENEAN VOTE? SAMANTHA CLAIRE CAYONA

The season of gambling has finally arrived and the stakes have reached its peak.

This is the time when there is a sudden surge of willingness to assume a supposedly frightening post. The time of assuring a prosperous future blindly built through a background of achievements or desirable potentials. The time of amplifying an advocacy with the implicit intention of establishing emotional con-nections and building expectations through showering sugar-coated assertions. The time of locking in bets and placing risks unto the future of the student body.

Last year’s election was plagued with an abysmally lower voter turnout in the position of president with over 1,336 abstains.

In addition, 16% of the students refused to place their trusts on both vice president

10

and secretary positions. Even with only one aspirant for the position of Paris cluster representative, there were 42% of the learners who snubbed the lone runner.

Whether the candidates have failed to earn the trusts of a seemingly unanimous mass, or the students have failed to participate while delving into an apathetic defiance, this year is a completely different story. Another blank page to fill and more hopes to revive. But the horrors of the past can never be unseen, not even forgotten.

The question now looms: how can we progressively fill this blank page with vibrant splash of colors far brighter than the gloomy shades of passivity and silence?

Last 2012, the Ateneo de Davao University introduced the sui generis leader who is formed, educated, and inspired by the Mission and Vision of the university. Sui ge-

FEATURES

neris means “of its own class” or “unique”.

University President Fr. Joel Tabora wrote six years ago in his blog that he envisions Ateneans as graduates who are prepared for leadership dedicated to the common good through careful cultivation of appropriate ideals, virtues, and leadership skills.

Implicitly, the leaders, who are the forerunner of the student body, must be the radical reflections of a university education pampered towards a Jesuit, Catholic, and Filipino leadership.

The goal is simple: find leaders who transcend beyond mere development, leaders who reflect the more profound identity of sui generis primarily characterized by a deeper ideological awareness. A much higher understanding of its existence to act upon genuine service to its constituents through addressing issues and concerns in a tangible manner, not just shallow fancy promises. They are

leaders who act and produce outcomes reasonably and rationally. In other words, we need leaders who understand their responsibility and are willing to take heights to better up the system.

In the face of issues concerning the council’s declining campus presence, the sui generis leader is a pre-requisite to reviving a status that is initially shaped to empower the learners. Thus, it needs to establish strong ties with other groups while fostering a great sense of campus community. But more than the idea that they are glorified lobbyists, we need leaders who are greater influencers. The leader who reflects the values of Ateneo.

In this context, where is the Atenean’s role? Following the notions handed by the Vision and Mission of Ateneo de Davao University, the Pulso aspirants are not the only ones entitled to serve or even

ART BY | LUTHER JAMES OLACO

be called leaders. Everyone, as part of the Ateneo community, has roles to abide that is not limited to the idea of voting.

Leaders, as all of us are called, have no place for unawareness or limitations. We are of our own class and with it comes a responsibility of careful scrutiny and educated participation. We have the control of our own course and it is with knowledge that one decision ripples. Thus, a vote can never be a lone simple vote.

To create ripples, there is a need of a stir – a disturbance to break complete silence and immobility. To completely be the AdDU sui generis, a stronger wave must be reinforced or be even more intensified to finally break the silence. Silence, if left unchanged, become the loudest form of betrayal. It does not call for unnecessary noise or pretentious moves to at least marginally disrupt it. Rather, it requires stimulating productive and useful

impulses altogether.

Therefore, elections are not just any other time of experiencing noise from the most confident and charismatic aspirants. It is not only a time of pounding too idealistic or too fancy platforms. It is not only a time to build expectations, enticing the naive or the blind throwing of promises.

It is the perfect time to be the much needed sui generis. A leader who bears in mind the greater responsibility as part of the process and one who does not only gamble but contemplates how mere bets lose jackpots.

We need leaders who bear in mind the greater responsibility as part of the process and one who does not only gamble but contemplates how mere bets lose jackpots.

Join the stir, one step at a time. After all, it is not only sui generis leaders that we seek, we need a sui generis community – a group of leaders who deserve the right to vote and who vote for the deserving.

11

SPECIAL ELECTION ISSUE JULY 2018 VOL. 2 NO.1

10

CARTOONS

SPECIAL ELECTION ISSUE JULY 2018 VOL. 2 NO.1

ART BY | MAUBERT YRETARINO

ART BY | JOSIAH DAVID BANGKAS & LUTHER JAMES OLACO