The Beacon Reveille

ALL SMILES. Even under the heat of the sun these young ladies dance with wide smiles.

Photographed by: Anthomer Sabacho

Consejo reveals plans for Magna Carta

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“ indi ako bababa ng [presidential] post hangga’t hindi ito (magna carta) napapatupad.”

This was the statement of El Consejo Atenista President Adriel Earl Toribio during his key presentation at the 29th Buklod Atenista which was held in Ateneo de Zamboanga University on October 19, this year.

He stressed that the drafting of the Magna Carta of Students and the Rights and Responsibilities of the Undergraduates of ADZU is patterned after the different versions of magna

Campus Ministry launches love drive

WORDS: ANGELIQUE ANN MIRANDA

WORDS: KELVIN J. CULAJARA carta in Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) and Ateneo de Cagayan— Xavier University (XU) to which he commented, “Buti pa kayo may magna carta, kami wala.”

The Magna Carta of Students and the Rights and Responsibilities of the Undergraduates of ADZU is a document meant to reinforce the rights and responsibilities of the students in the academe and the university. Accordingly, the rights and responsibilities stipulated therein are inspired by the insights the student body contributes in the Ateneo Issue Page, and the universal rights of students as well.

Toribio later clarified that unlike the versions of ADMU and XU that only state the rights of students, the magna carta under his term will also contain responsibilities so as not to over-privilege the student body and under-privilege other stakeholders in the Ateneo community.

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n September 3, this year, the Campus Ministry Office, in coordination with El Consejo Atenista, formally launched the Centennial Love Drive at Carlos Dominguez Conference Hall.

The said love drive is an ongoing undertaking that will start from the month of September until December 7, 2012. The sorting out of solicited goods will be undertaken at the Multi-Purpose Covered Courts on December 8-9 and will be distributed to its recipients from December 15 to 20. Items solicited from this activity will be benefited by more than 1,000 families in at least eight (8) barangays of Zamboanga City, as well as the inmates of the Zamboanga City Penitentiary along Dr. Varela Street and

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The inconsistencies and controversies

During Toribio’s presentation,

he claimed initially that a draft of the magna carta was delivered to the deans and administration, but later revealed that the distribution of the same draft was halted by ECA Moderator Aryameir Ismael for further processing.

Some delegates in the convention who opted not to be named doubted that if the said draft was later halted by Consejo’s moderator, how come it was able to get to the offices of deans and the administration for initial checking?

meron na (magna carta) eh,” he later surmised.

When asked about these inconsistencies, Toribio vehemently replied that what he meant was the draft was supposed to be delivered to the deans and administration but did not pursue apparently because of its insufficiencies and need for further

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Moreover, in the later slide of Toribio’s PowerPoint presentation, it was indicated that the said magna carta is still on its stage of initial drafting which then runs inconsistent to the claim that a draft was already submitted to the deans and administration earlier.

Likewise, the said inconsistency stirred doubt in some delegates, especially former Buklod Ambassador and incumbent Head of the Department of Research and External Affairs Glenn William Alcala, as to the existence of magna carta. “Hindi ko nga alam na

TAKING THE LEAD. Toribio presents his administration’s achievements before the delegates of the 29th Buklod Atenista.

AdZU hosts 2nd Jesuit basic education congress

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n September 23 to 25, 304 delegates from 10 Jesuit schools in the Philippines gathered for the 2nd Jesuit Basic Education Congress.

Spearheaded by the university president, Fr. Antonio F. Moreno, Ateneo de Zamboanga University hosted the said event in line with its centennial celebration.

With its theme, “MindaNow: Re-imagining the Filipino Soul and Story”, the congress has been envisioned not only to be a celebration of the history and culture of Mindanao, but also an opportunity for reflection of Mindanao in our national consciousness.

WORDS: MALIVER GAAS

Fr. Johnny C. Go, SJ, one of the delegates of the said congress, shares that its central theme was Mindanao.

The theme was said to be inspired by the prevalence of issues in Mindanao ranging from methodologies in education to upcoming implementations and changes in the curriculum and in the educational system.

“There were simply too many issues and challenges to choose from: new knowledge about teaching and learning, new questions about formation, the ongoing shift to the K-12 model in the Philippines, [and many more]. But after a couple of meetings among administrators, we decided

on Mindanao…because Mindanao has always been an important area of concern for the Jesuits in the Philippines, not to mention that it has recently been identified as one of our Province priorities,” says Fr. Go in his blog.

At the 2nd JBEC assembly, different talks were rendered by Jesuit priests, public servants and some faculty members of ADZU.

Under-represented and stereotyped

In one of the sessions, it was discussed that Mindanao was often

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2 NEWSFEATURES

Volume 68, Issue 4, September-October 2012

Philippine Toy Library Reaches Out to Mariki

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WORDS: ASEYA KHADIJA CALO

“ lessed are those who can give without remembering, and take without forgetting.” – Princess Elizabeth, Asquith Bibesco

What started out as an idea paved its way into becoming the early Christmas present for the children in Mariki.

Robert Basco, representative of Youth Solidarity for Peace, explained that the Philippine Toy Library (PTL) of Manila is a project that was conceptualized by

GIVE BECAUSE...

a group of friends who came together and took on the challenge of selflessly providing the experience of play among Filipino children especially those who live in cramped and congested areas which have limited access or none at all to education.

This therefore aims to transform these idle and empty spaces in barangays, schools, and parishes across the Philippines into fun and educational playrooms to keep off our kids from

from the ADZU Portal

Campus Ministry launches love drive

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the San Ramon Penal Colony.

The Alliance of Religious Organizations (ARO), under the Campus Ministry Office, was likewise tapped to support the said activity. ARO is composed of the Ateneo Catechetical Instruction League (ACIL), Ateneo Lectors Society (ALECS), Ateneo Liturgical Society (LS), Christian Life Community (CLC), Muslim Students Association (MSA) and Society of Knights of Ignatius (SKI)

All colleges are encouraged to participate in this project in reaching out to less-fortunate families and individuals in the season of giving.

To be able to facilitate a balanced distribution of food items, each student from the School of Liberal Arts was encouraged to bring one (1) 385 mL soy sauce and vinegar in plastic bottle, while

students from the School of Education were encouraged to bring at least five (5) pouches of instant noodles. For students from the College of Science in Technology, at least one (1) kilo of brown sugar, School of Management and Accountancy students with at least one (1) kilo of rice and the College of Nursing students with either one (1) pack of an 80-gram powdered milk or two (2) packs of a 25-gram coffee. The College of Law and School of Medicine were also invited to participate. Other items like clothing, mats, slippers and others including cash donations will also be accepted.

For interested individuals or groups, you may drop your items or cash donations to the college Campus Ministry office. Cash donations may also be deposited through AdZU’s BPI Peso account Number 2111-0001-42. For further queries, you may see Ms. Maricor Natividad at Campus Ministry Office. ◘

the streets in the hopes of giving them a better future for their sake, their family, and their country in the long run.

PTL has reached beyond and partnered with the Youth Solidarity for Peace (YSP) and the Ateneo de Zamboanga University Communications Department to build these toy libraries in various communities in Zamboanga City.

After a series of meetings with Mariki Barangay Chairman Hja. Palma M. Hashim and on-site visits, the team has chosen Barangay Mariki to be the recipient of the PTL project in Zamboanga City upon realizing that the area needs the immediate help and concern.

After everything has been said and done, last September 21, 2012, in line with the celebration of the International Day of Peace, the Youth Solidarity for Peace which serves as the Youth Arm of Peace Advocates Zamboanga (YA-PAZ) and Interreligious Solidarity Movement for Peace (IRSMP,) in partnership with ADZU – Communication Arts students, and PTL Manila and in coordination

with the Barangay Council of Mariki spearheaded by Hon. Hashim, launched the second PTL at the Barangay Hall of Mariki.

The launching started with a short program with an opening dua’a and followed by the Solidarity Messages given by Hon. Hashim, Sr. Emma I. Delgado, Executive Secretary of the Peace Advocates Zamboanga, and a graceful pangalay was shared by a pupil of Mariki Elementary School.

Before the program ended, pre-school and kindergarten pupils of Mariki gave a special number, an expression of their deepest and heartfelt thanks for choosing Barangay Mariki to be the recipient of the second PTL.

“Anyone of us can be as selfless as the group of friends who started PTL,” says one Communication Arts student.

“Why not start with the simple giving of sandwiches and spare changes to the kids loitering in the streets? Any act of kindness would be more than enough.”◘

3 NEWSFEATURES

Volume 68, Issue 4, September-October 2012

AdZU hosts 2nd Jesuit basic education congress underrepresented in textbooks and even in national consciousness because of a Manila-centered education system in the Philippines.

So many books have been written about the tribes in Luzon and Visayas and yet in most libraries, few profound reading materials are written about Mindanao. This is but one of the many instances where Mindanao gets left behind.

Fr. Go says that in return, this has caused biases and prejudices against Mindanao and its people.

“Mindanao and its people have too often been ‘under-represented, misrepresented and unrepresented’ in our textbooks and consequently, in the national consciousness. Not only is this neglect of Mindanao evident in the prevalent factual errors in the most commonly used textbooks in the classroom, but also–and more importantly–in the unfair stereotypes and labels unwittingly propagated by both educators and the media.”

As the delegates continued their panel discussions, the topic about bullying in Mindanao has been opened. “‘But what’s the connection between Mindanao and bullying?” One delegate leaned over to ask.

Fr. Go then responded that since the congress was aimed at promoting for peace in Mindanao, it has to start first within the classrooms and schools. “…

We felt that one realistic takeaway from the congress, which tackled, among others, peace-building in Mindanao, was precisely the effort to build peace in our own classrooms and schools.”

“The problem of bullying is a by-product of our culture of debate instead of dialogue, competition instead of collaboration, and the “win-lose” mentality instead of ‘win-win’.”

Fr. Albert Alejo, SJ of ADZU later recounted a moving account of an elementary school teacher who was trying to teach her class of Mangyan children the game called “Trip to Jerusalem”.

Despite repeated instructions, the children stood blankly around empty

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chairs long after the music stopped. In confusion, the teacher asked why her pupils didn’t sit in their chairs not until when one Mangyan pupil explained, “But ma’am, there are not enough chairs for all of us, and in our tribe, we don’t leave anyone behind!”

“Mindanao, our Muslim brothers and sisters, and our different ethnic minorities have been the hapless victims of national bullying in our history.

Mindanao and our indigenous peoples have suffered much discrimination resulting from our stereotypes and labels,” Fr. Go said. He later claimed that as a consequence, stereotypes and biases are what motivate culture-based disputes which make dialogues more difficult and elusive to be achieved.

“It is, after all, stereotypes and labels that lead people unaccustomed to dialogue and collaboration to bully those who are ‘different’ from us. It is our discomfort with strangers and our disdain for them who differ from us in race, region, religion, etc. that summon the bully in us,” Fr. Go finally explained. ◘

BLUE PROFESSIONALS

LOOK AT ME!

oes EO 79 guarantee environmental protection and accountability among mining companies?

This was the theme of the forum titled, “EO 79: Does it Really Ensure Environment Protection and Responsible Mining?” held on September 21 2012 at the Carlos Dominguez Conference Hall. The event was attended by students, faculty members and some members of various business sectors in the city.

The Natural Sciences Department of Ateneo de Zamboanga University, in coordination with the office of Social Action and Community Service Involvement invited two speakers namely, Cong. Teddy B. Baguilat Jr. of Ifugao, and Cong. Arlene “Kaka” J. Bagao of the Akbayan Party List, to explain the new law.

Executive Order No. 79 was

Accordingly, the Executive Order sets the policy framework that will guide government and other stakeholders in the implementation and operationalization of mining laws, rules and regulations. It also provides concrete steps and solutions to major issues and concerns of the mining sector.

In addition, it sets the direction and lays the foundation for the implementation of responsible mining policies. The new law aims to improve environmental mining standards and increase revenues to promote sustainable economic development and social growth, both at the national and local levels.

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ountless wars and innumerable conflicts continue to flood the world’s newspapers, television and radio networks. News on more and more killings add up every second. Accidents continue to befall little cities and still by far, the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer.

The Ateneo Peace and Culture Institute organized the forum “One Earth, One People, One Day” in commemoration of the International Day of Peace. It was held at the Campion Lecture Hall on September 21, this year.

The event was divided into a morning and an afternoon session, wherein panelists were called in as reactors.

Participants of the said event were of multi-sectors, of which were the students of Ateneo, the faculty, representatives from the different academes of the city and some representatives from the business sector.

The Lift a School Project officially commenced by late August. It is being spearheaded by the Ateneo Peace and Culture Institute [Photo by: Darrylene Clemente].

WORDS: CHRISTIANNE DAWN SICAT and MALIVER GAAS released last July 6, 2012 by the Office of Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa. The forum mainly revolves on what the new law is all about, its scope, advantages and disadvantages to the mining industry, the government, and how the Filipino people can benefit from it.

WORDS: CHRISTIANNE DAWN SICAT and MALIVER GAAS

Ms. Regina P. Junio of the Natural Science Department and Rev. Fr. Angel Calvo, CMF, the Lead Convenor of The Inter-Religious Solidarity Movement for Peace (IRSMP), were of the assigned for the morning sessions while AB Interdisciplinary Studies student Barry Barraca and Ms. Cecilia Bernal, the Human Resource Head of Silsilah Dialogue Movement, were the panelists for the afternoon.

EO 79 forum hosted in Ateneo

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APCI organizes forum for int’l day of peace

The speakers also disputed the misconception that EO 79 calls for a moratorium on mining. Accord and the government will respect the agreements it has entered into, provided that they comply with existing laws and rules and the new mandates and directives of the EO and mining policies.

Both Baguilat and Bag-ao maintain that current revenues from mining will be maintained since the EO allows existing mines and operations to continue. In fact, because of other revenue-raising measures in the EO and directives, mining revenues should increase despite the deferment on the grant of new agreements as provided for in the EO.

Moreover, when the question about the indigenous peoples’ rights were raised, Bag-ao was vehement in stating that the EO reiterates the state policy on the recognition of indigenous peoples’ rights and the National Commission on

Ms. Cecile Simbajon, coordinator of the APCI, said to the audience to take accountability and be considerate enough in every activity which may involve harm or benefit to anyone and anything. “You can get anything from Earth but replenish it and take care of it,” she said. “Think about the seven generations after you.”

Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) has drafted and issued its revised guidelines for the Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) process.

FPIC is the principle that a community has the right to give or withhold its consent to proposed projects that may affect the lands they customarily own, occupy or otherwise use.

Meanwhile, Baguilat and Bagao assured that close coordination with the NCIP will be undertaken to ensure its proper conduct and implementation for the benefit of all concerned stakeholders. In addition to this, the NCIP, Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources are directed to ensure that the social preparation for IPs to be affected by mining will be conducted. ◘

“The scarcity of resources,” Ms. Simbajon added, “has been a common source of conflict among people.”

The College of Nursing registered a passing rate of 84.42% for first-time takers and an overall passing rate of 79.38% in the Nursing Licensure Examinations held early July this year. Meanwhile, the School of Management and Accountancy registered a passing rate of 96.77% for the first-time takers and an over-all passing rate of 91.18% in the October 2012 Certified Public Accountant’s Licensure Examination. Father President Antonio Moreno, SJ extended his gratitude and congratulations to the deans of CoN and SMA, Ms. Maria Lorna B. Paber, RN, MAN, and Dr. Maynard Bagtasos, PhD, to the Nursing Review Team coordinated by Mr Julius C. Lapasaran, RN, and to the former Department Chair Ms. Leonora C. Pena, CPA, MBA. WORDS: CHRISTIANNE DAWN SICAT. PHOTO: Frances Grace L. Florendo

Furthermore, Simbajon asserted that the distribution of resources should be equitable and are based from needs and not from the individual wants of people. The concept of peace, of equality, is therefore integrated as it becomes an important asset and factor of restoring and fostering care to our environment.

The forum also showed the effects of destruction to Mother Earth, how wide its range and how critical the statuses of resources are. ◘

4 NEWSFEATURES

Volume 68, Issue 4, September-October 2012

Youth summit held for a brighter Mindanao

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WORDS: SITTI TISDAL

youth summit was held at the Garden Orchid Hotel on September 6-7, 2012 with the theme: “Transporting Potentials, Leading the Future.” This youth summit was spearheaded by the Coordinating and Development Office on Bangsamoro Youth Affairs, with the support from the Office of the Regional Governor- ARMM, in coordination with the Regional Ports Management Authority, Bureau on Cultural Heritage, Regional Sports Coordinating Office and the National Youth Commission.

The assembly gathered selected youths of the ARMM region basically from the BASULTA provinces (Basilan, Sulu, & Tawi-Tawi) and some from Zamboanga City to discuss about concerning issues affecting the ARMM Region. It was also a moment for the

discussants to express and publicize their proposed bills and programs for a brighter Mindanao.

The first speaker of the event was Hon. Sittie Norhanie H. Lao. Accordingly, majority of the ARMM’s population is composed primarily of the youth. She then agreed that the youth could really be the voices of realities we are facing now and can be the solution for a progressive tomorrow, if we would stand up together as one. She proposed a bill regarding the Youth Assemblies, namely the “Youth Day Bill,” that states that there should be a Regional Youth Congress every year. The said bill is still being processed and is said to be approved around the month of October.

the

Hon. Marites K. Maguindra, Regional Secretary of DTI-

ARMM, proposed programs such as the Entrepreneurship Development Program and Youth Participation on Enterprise Development and established the Youth Entrepreneur Center. She stated that these programs would aid the youth from drowning in poverty, with emphasis on the out of school youth, as the unemployment rate increases rapidly as the years go by.

The summit’s highlight occurred during the second day of the assembly, mainly because the speech of Hon. Mujiv S. Hataman, OIC Regional Governor ARMM, captured everyone’s attention. For the past 22 years, there was no progress in the ARMM region in terms of education, employment, peace and security and environmental protection. Not only that, the ARMM region was considered as one of the

poorest provinces in the country. As he answered the issues raised, he said that there was no difference from his teenage and Congress years up to now.

He concurs in his position that there will be improvements compared to the past years but it will be a long-termed process.

He added that it is really difficult to make a change. He believed that the youth can be the solution to this if everyone will take action as one nation and will appoint two thirds from the youth to be in the ARMM administration. He also quoted the most famous line by Dr. Jose Rizal “Ang Kabataan ay Pag-asa ng Bayan.” In the end of his speech, he swore to get back to his old life after his term and drive his kids to school. The summit ended with a significant open forum. ◘

Sitti Tisdal, an accounting technology sophomore, was one of the participants of the Youth Consultative Summit. She contributed this article to Beacon on October 2012.

SACSI’s rustic SemBreak

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WORDS: CHRISTIANNE DAWN SICAT being an eye-opener to life in the great outdoors, exposure and involvement in the lifestyle outside of their comfort zone; a hands-on experience in the living conditions of rural communities; enabling them to interact with those who have less than they do, those underprivileged in the society and, above all else, the understanding of just how lucky and fortunate they are to having been able to experience an education the Ateneo way.

lastered on a wall is a poster with a picture of a person rowing a banka with a backdrop of what seems to be the countryside. Around it is a surreal aura of peacefulness and relaxation; you might even be feeling all your worries and problems just melting away. Below it are the words, “Want to experience it?

Get your applications for the Semestral Break Immersion Program now!”

You guessed it, and probably might even have planned to take part in it, it’s SACSI’s well-known Immersion Program; a trip out of the city and into a world far more different that your own, into a world of new experiences and challenges.

BEING IN THEIR SHOES. A freshman is warmly welcomed by her foster family. Participants of the SBIP were immersed for one-full week in a

As part of the Social Awareness community which may seem far away from home. Photo source: Social and Community Service Involvement’s Action and Community Service Involvement, SACSI (SACSI) tradition, every year a practice of going out to rural areas of the region and immersing oneself into their cultures and customs, to their way of living, is done by volunteers and staff. As sort of an initiation, the Immersion Program is a pre-requisite and is the program and the activity of all things SACSI. They commit themselves to adjusting to life in the countryside and to understanding the people who live a life of meekness and humility. They leave all their urbane troubles behind and decide, for the time being, to living a much simple life.

Here’s a glimpse of life in their shoes.

The first 3 days

At the start of October 18, the SACSI volunteers and staff embark on their journey as their Semestral Break Immersion Program begins. Since just introducing them to a new environment while they know nothing of what to expect is like a deer getting caught in a car’s headlights, the facilitators and those

in charge conduct a short introduction to the SBIP.

Before their actual immersion in the different municipalities of Zamboanga Sibugay, the participants undergo a 3-day Basic Orientation Seminar (BOS) where they are briefed about the basics of the Immersion: what to expect, what to prepare for, where to go, what to do when going and getting there, which families they are assigned to. The BOS is the usual routine before every immersion, a sort of guide to SBIP. In this phase, the volunteers and staff unload and temporarily forget their problems of work and study and just focus on the program. After the BOS, the volunteers and staff prepare for their week-long immersion, the week in which they would be living completely simple lives, the week that would open their eyes to wonders of the rural world.

A week of awareness and simplicity

On the morning of October 21, the participants are now on their way to their assigned foster families, which have also been briefed, and are about to start their life of living in a house made of nipa and wood, of eating freshly-grown produce, of getting used to sleeping in mosquito nets and of having a few tricks up their sleeves when it comes to knowing that Mother Nature is now their new best friend, not to mention their very own bathroom and loo. They will now have to live 7 days of a somewhat normal life, take away cell phones, books, and pretty much everything that has to do with life in the city. They will now have to be a part of their new family, be it a family of fishermen, of farmers, of small-scale businessmen or maybe even of miners.

During this week of adapting and changing, the volunteers and staff go through the Program’s core objectives, and thus its importance, namely: providing them with awareness and

During an interview, an alumna of SACSI, Ramonelle Charmaine Faustino, relayed how much insights she gained during her 2 years of first-hand experiences in the SBIP. “My foster family’s life was a very simple one. My foster dad, his business involved rubber, and his wife, my foster mom, helped him run it. With the small amount they had, that was OK. It was enough for their everyday lives. They were contented,” she shared. “Before the immersion, I was the type to complain a lot: that was my outlook on life. But after the immersion, I said to myself, ‘Sila nga, mas grabe ang buhay nila, ako nakakapag-aral pa. Sila kahit na ganito ang buhay nila, they can still smile, they are very much contented with what they have. They work hard, they live simply and they are contented with it. That is what made me truly believe in them.’”

Synthesis days

The days of October 2931 are the last 3 days of SACSI’s SBI Program but are nowhere near the end.

These three days are referred to as the ‘Synthesis Days’ mainly because this is the time wherein the participants process all they have learned, their insights, their significant experiences, their new outlook on life and the value of education they have gained in the

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5 NEWSFEATURES

Volume 68, Issue 4, September-October 2012

Consejo reveals plans for Magna Carta refining.

A binding contract?

Toribio also clarified that as of date, the magna carta is still on the stage of initial drafting but does not necessarily mean that the said magna carta draft does not exist.

“The magna carta will not fly unless people are consulted.”

He later asserted that the magna carta which he talked about in Buklod really exists, and even offered to furnish a copy to The BEACON for publishing in the later issues.

Furthermore, weeks before the 29th Buklod Atenista, former Associate Justice Barry Barraca revealed to The BEACON that the magna carta is just a mere “copy-paste” version of the magna carta of Xavier University.

Toribio then responded that while it is true that ADZU’s magna carta is patterned on the framework of XU’s, but it merely adopted the framework but not the content. “XU lang kasi ang may established na student government in Mindanao.”

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Accordingly, El Consejo Atenista will be spearheading series of public consultations on the second semester with the student body. Toribio was optimistic in stating that the series of consultations are possible.

He said that Consejo will be doing it in such a sense where they will gather student-representatives from each school or college in the university.

In return, these representatives are then tasked to heed to the whims of the students in their schools or colleges they represent and forward these inputs to the Legislative and Judicial branches for further assessment.

insufficient evidences. Given these, many question whether a magna carta is viable especially in an “apathetic student body ”.

Toribio responds, “the magna carta would say that you have the right

Afterwards, the final draft of the magna carta will be delivered to the offices of the deans, school officials and administration, and debates and discussions regarding the provisions in the said document will be welcomed. “The magna carta should be a binding contract with the administration,” Toribio said.

to do this, or that you can opt not to do this but instead do that.”

“The point is, you have the right,” Toribio finished. ◘

businesses are capable of providing themselves with generators, but rather some businesses purchase a certain device which extends

“Ateneo de Davao’s magna computer power up to five minutes carta is not yet stable, I think they so all work in progress can be saved. are still drafting it. Ateneo de Manila One such business that is heavy on [University’s] magna carta is quite computer use is the Zamboanga liberal,” Toribio explained when asked Through the years cases of branch of Eveready Corporation, a why there was a need to adopt to the students’ rights violations, which range magna carta framework of Xavier from grade manipulation to sexual leading battery manufacturer, which University. harassments, have been floating in the needs computers to keep track of surface but remain unresolved due to warehouse inventory and to send business reports to the main office.

themselves have emphasized that the effects of the rotating blackout create threats for their businesses.

Principally, businesses which make use of machinery and equipment experience company threats by way of disruption and delay in production.

According to Mr. Augusto San Luis, manager of Tropical Pure Water Station, “[kapag may blackout] mabagal ang production [at may] expenses added dahil kailangan ng generator plus oil.”

When power disappears, “Nakakaapekto talaga ang brownout na ‘yan kasi nade-delay ang pagWORDS: KEITH JOSHUA DUMPIT eencode ko,” says the company bookkeeper in a telephone interview. a tambien?

She adds, “Imbes na madami akong and illumination matapos [na trabaho], hindi ko

This phrase has been, once ventilation affect consumer magawa lahat.” Especially now that again, commonplace when Mindanao potentially is then once more victimized by options. Take into consideration the blackout span has risen to 4 or 5 the rotating blackout crisis. The the barter trade center in Barangay hours a day, output could drastically aforementioned reactions may seem Canelar where local weavings and lower if the business is heavy on computer-use. trivial for some, but if applied to a pasalubongs are offered for sale. business scenario, where power is Not only do blackouts very much needed, reactions may be Although some stores have far more severe, as daily operational acquired power generators to better slowly convince business owners procedures are disrupted and delayed. serve their customers, still, some do and managers to acquire power not, and when power outages strike, generators, but it also poses a serious

In addition to sheltering those with generators have more risk to businesses in the form of branches of varied national advantage in attracting customers customer theft, which leads to corporations and small-scale than do those with none because enterprise losses. department stores, Zamboanga City’s customers will have difficulty Mindpro Citimall provides for a good local industry predominantly includes looking for goods under terrible insight for this kind of contingency diminutive retail stores, barter trades light conditions and uncomforting by making shoppers stay where they and markets whose meager income ventilation. Because stores in that are when power fades away, care cannot singlehandedly provide for center are congested and alleys are of security guards and salespeople, better ventilated quarters to offset the rather narrow and badly illuminated, until light goes back to ensure that heat brought about by power outages acquiring generators gives business products are not stolen. Moreover, shoplifting may tend to ensue in whenever they strike. Even more so, competition a whole new meaning. places where space is very much most industries here in Zamboanga limited and customers are swarming. find it difficult to purchase power Computer Orientation generators as prices of these range Furthermore, in our Department stores such as Shoppers’ technology-driven era, many Square and OK Bazaar are also from P65,000 to P500,000. businesses become computer- susceptible to this kind of threat. oriented and thus call for constant Customer comfort

Business-wise, area power supply. However, not all Owner and Manager Testimonies

Owners and managers

Mrs. Elizabeth Atilano, an Internet café owner, adds that “nakakalugi kapag blackout dahil ang tendency, mas malaki [ang] bayad sa kuryente kaysa sa kita.” She also extended that, as a store owner, the effect of blackouts is not that grave, but when the time of power absence exceeds the time expected, some of their refrigerated goods are sacrificed.

Lights off Y

As economics tells us, the nature of industries revolves around money, money and money. Thus, the cost-benefit principle, that is, taking action if, and only if, the benefit to be received exceeds the cost to be incurred, must be considered by every business which plans to offset the destructive effects of blackouts on consumer preferences, productivity and the like.

It is difficult to see ZAMCELCO’s initiative in helping resolve this sickening crisis, but when a company describes itself as “globally competitive” in “providing worldclass service that exceed customer’s expectations,” they better live up to it by spearheading a solution plan to this impending predicament or else their vision and mission would need to undergo a complete makeover.◘

6 EDITORIAL

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Time to Get Inked

ome might argue that the twilight of the current city administration has been marred by extensive focus on the modernization and beautification of Zamboanga. Some might say that the current government has been swallowed by stagnation in terms of uplifting the welfare of Zamboangueños. Year after year, Ateneans have been disappointed as government promises never come into fruition.

With familiar faces emerging, platforms disseminating and election date fast approaching, the COMELEC and the Ateneo administration have strongly encouraged Ateneans, the legal ones that is, to register in order to vote in the upcoming election season. By way of registering, Ateneans can now help determine the fate of the city with which their lives are configured. Even more so, registering for the elections entails a heavy task that Ateneans must always adhere to. Registering demands Ateneans to carefully select who they are going to vote for on that critical day.

Choosing who to vote for is not just a one-time thing, but it is also a matter of influence and changing attitudes.

When deliberating for a bet, forget platforms, for they are the main reason why most voters become disappointed, and ignore charisma, for it is a means of deception. Integrity, sincerity and sensitivity must make up the criteria that Ateneans have when choosing a bet, for that will shed light as to what Zamboanga may experience under a new term. But what many people are looking for in a candidate is consistency. In the longevity of time the candidate has to prove his worthiness to sit in office, Ateneans must see the consistency between words and actions and of the initial and terminal integrity,

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As a democracy we should have lived on the idea of upholding the political will of people, but millions live behind the poverty line. Millions are living in starvation, and hundreds of thousands are left with no jobs or economic opportunities to capitalize on.

As a democracy we should have actively participated in building the quality of life of the people, and help the ones below the social ladder rise and begin again. But decades and years have been witnesses of social persecution against the minorities—of economic interests over rights, of political exploitation and revenues over equality.

The resistance of the Sumilao

The BEACON Reveille THE ATENEO STUDENTRY, Publisher

SARAH GAIL C. GALVAN, Associate Editor NEILSON NICK ALINSANGAN, Managing Editor FRANCES GRACE FLORENDO, Creative Director MARION B. GUERRERO, Moderator Editors and Head JAM CAMILLE QUINTANES, Copy Editor KEITH JOSHUA DUMPIT, Newsfeatures Editor JOHN XYRIOUS DELA CRUZ, Features Editor sincerity and sensitivity.

But the enigma to this whole registration-election matter is that the outcome cannot be predicted. Some will rejoice the victory of their bet and some will be, then again, frustrated. But on the brighter side of the spectrum, Ateneans will be able to exercise the right that has been inculcated upon them the day they were born, that is, the right of suffrage.

Ateneans have to be mature enough to consider that when making a choice, it should not be “ele ya lang,” but rather “ele ya,” as their choice could lead to these possibilities: improve the lives of some, bring the lives of some down or

advance the lives of all.

Nevertheless, voting is purely subjective. It stipulates Ateneans the value of faithfulness and belief on the candidate they wish to elect and discourages them from jumping on the bandwagon. As everyone has individual desires for the city, these yearnings may actually help them determine who to vote for by screening the candidate who will most likely address these aspirations.

But the real threat for Ateneans come election season is fraud, that they might be discouraged by the process and the whole nature of voting once this happens. Although Zamboanga

farmers, the massive protests of farmers in Luzon and Visayas, and the rising mutiny in Cotabato with the entrance of mining companies prove to be insufficient calls to bring officials to consciousness.

For almost forty years now, thousands of farmers have lived on the hope of land distribution but have not seen these hopes materialize until now. The rest still live each day with the hope that someday they will be freed from tenancy, from exploitation by their landlords—but these hopes remain to be hopes in thin air until now. Many in Cotabato and even in Cordillera Region suffer of contaminated water supply and diseases brought by the negligence of mining companies in disposing their wastes in rivers and lakes.

As a democracy, we should have reinforced efforts for cultural appreciation, for national identity and solidarity. But our history has long been puppeted by Western imperialists. Day after day, skin cream commercials and

Turn to page 15

has never born witness to a serious election fraud, yet once this ensues, Ateneans might be disheartened and might be taken aback as their chance of perpetuating city-wide change wanes.

ALMIRA PRISCILLA DRAPIZA, Head Cartoonist Management ALEXA N. POTAYRE, Finance Officer

In the end, registering and voting will only work their magic if one really desires change. Aside from the end of a mayoral political dynasty in Zamboanga, locals can expect another kind of change: the youth signing up for transformation. If the Ateneo wants us to be agents of change, then this is a great medium to do that. Make up your minds now, Ateneans, and be prepared to get inked. ◘

P

However, the same treatment does not apply to countries of a more conservative nature. Despite the claim that the Philippines is in a transitional state towards liberalism, such claim becomes the best joke whenever conservative notions still prevail and the Catholic Church continues to have the greatest influence in Filipinos because of their iron fist hold on our values and beliefs. Not that such a thing is always wrong but because of it definitely, sadomasochism is scorned and added to the list of things that you do not want to do if you do not want to be treated as a social pariah.

We cry out in outrage for our fellow Pinoys who are discriminated in the West because of their color and race. Case in point is Dindi Gallardo’s fight against Frank Miller and Kimberly Cox that has prodded the mother bear instincts in a lot of Pinoys into fiercely defending and protecting one of our own. But where is that same outrage when in media and comedy sitcoms Filipinos who are dark skinned and short are the butt of our jokes? Majority of the Filipinos are dark skinned and short yet, society’s behavior epitomize the condemnation being done to this same majority. Our hackles go up when foreigners flay and whip us with

Yet, in looking at how we treat

Turn to page 15

You can just imagine how confusingly disgusted I was mouthing the first few linesof this article. Seriously, of all the historic places in Manila, they actually chose Rizal Park? According to article, the alleged live-in couple was caught pants pulled down by a security officer doing you know what. One of the parties involved said they weren’t just able to hold back in defense of their public indecency.

Although the couple faced charges in violation of City Ordinance 7780 (Indecent Act in a Public Place), this brings me to question, what kinds of acts are to be considered indecent in a public place such as our own campus?

Do we also have miniature, not-as-grave but equally sickening acts observed in our own public territory?

You’re an Atenean. Take a look around the public facilities of our campus: the kiosks, cubicles, hallways, classrooms and see if we’re not exercising public indecency by living like filthy pigs running wild in a pig pen.

We might not be pulling our pants down on top of one another in a place such

JENNIFER BANTAY, Cartoonist

I

“ ouple caught having sex at Rizal Park” read the headline of an article published by Philippine Daily Inquirer dated October 19, 2012.

JESSA KRISTINE DEL MAR, Layout and Graphics

as Rizal Park, but my goodness are we doing the dirty closest damn thing to it.

I have seen dozens of pictures posted in the Ateneo Issue Page regarding the disturbing attitude of students not being able to clean up as they go. You might even remember an article here in Beacon about the toilet being so ‘eew.’

However, all we can do is say eew. That’s all we got. Because no matter how many signs we see around reminding us of cleanliness, we don’t seem to care. You might be disgusted if you’re strolling around a park and suddenly see a couple doing what was said above. But seeing bloody sanitary napkins on the floor, or trash and wet food in the corner of your classroom would probably give you the same eew feeling. It is gross, people, how can you not get that.

Beyond cleanliness however, we see the idea of responsibility get lost in the Ateneo culture. What I do hope is that we don’t give the same inexcusable excuse given by the couple that they “weren’t able to hold back”. So you mean to say that every time you leave your trash on the kiosk table or stick a

chewed gum under a chair, you weren’t able to hold back your filthy nature?

Again, gross.

The utilities in this school are for public use – meaning for students, faculty and staff, and the entire Ateneo community. I hope we find it in the bottom of our pants, I mean heart, to pull ourselves together and act with a sense of accountability. We are neither barbarians nor savage beasts to be incapable of identifying clean from dirty. Cleanliness is next to godliness, and responsibility should be our second nature. You can partly blame the school for the lack of its cleaning facilities and janitors, but at the end of the day it is as much our responsibility as it is theirs.

Pull up your pants and try to man up, Ateneans.

And if your ear is bleeding from hearing this issue over and over again, sue me - but history repeats itself again and again until the lesson is learned. So unless you want walk around the campus with your pants pulled down to your knees, at least try to be more sensitive.

It doesn’t hurt to stay clean and orderly, you know. ◘

Comments? You may send her a message at jamquintanes@facebook.com. You may also follow and tweet her @jammyq.

KEITH LAURICE DEMAYO ELIMAR PINGKIAN BARRY BARRACA

FAROUK SUSULAN, Layout and Graphics

FAHAD ALFAD, Cartoonist

Writers

WINDEL OPINION, Layout and Graphics

MARIE CYNDIE DOMINGO

LEVIN ANGELO LOBREN

RIDZANNA ABDULGAFUR

CHRISTIANNE DAWN SICAT

DARRYLENE CLEMENTE, Photography

ourselves and others, the joke is on us for the punch line is that we Filipinos are poster children for any self-respecting BDSM community. Just look at our warped sense of beauty and one can clearly see that we are the ones who love to demean ourselves and who love to accept such demeaning attitude since clearly there was and is no major overhaul done to change such behavior.

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By Jam Camille F. Quintanes

EUNICE SERNEO, Cartoonist

By: Sarah Gail C. Galvan

sychologists tell us that if you love to inflict or feel pain, then there is something very wrong with you. Of course, time and liberalism has softened such beliefs and sadism and masochism have been hesitantly welcomed in the folds of liberal countries with the presence of particular discreet communities that cater to such kinkiness, per se.

Define Indecent

Creative Team

The ones doing the whipping

By Kelvin J. Culajara

We claim that we are one of the few pioneers of democracy in Asia, but decades and years have come, we were unable to educate the youth and liberate the rest from the dooms of ignorance.

Volume 68, Issue 4, September-October 2012

KELVIN J. CULAJARA, Editor-in-Chief

A wasted privilege

ometimes I wonder what value does democracy have in a crooked nation such as ours’?

7 OPINION

Volume 68, Issue 4, September-October 2012

PAOLA MIGELLI CANANEA ASEYA KHADIJA CALO

FATHIMA AHAMED KABEER ANGELIQUE ANNE MIRANDA FRIEND HAYZER GREGORIO MALIVER GAAS FRANCO MIGUEL CANANEA TRISHA ORTEGA ELLA GALEA

How Random Can You Be?

By Keith Joshua Dumpit

first got my fix of the “ADZU Random Faces” Facebook page when my classmate told me somebody took their photograph while we were at the LRC Steps. Curious I was, a few days later I bothered to look it up on Facebook. Lo and behold, the photo, er, photos (more than expected) were published! That led me to thinking, what good is this idea to the activities Ateneans have online?

writing, the page has 463 likes which means that it has not really attracted a large audience compared to the almost 4,000 student population of the Ateneo College. Contrary to the aforementioned, the page can still be commended for moderating comments on the photos and students seem to have fun browsing at them and, to my surprise, are very disciplined in making comments.

This Facebook page houses the end products of ADZU’s very own paparazzi and, at the same time, somehow blurs what Ateneans have come to perceive as privacy. It is someway bothering to know that random pictures of students are taken and published without the subjects’ consents with the intent of making a publicity stunt.

Even more so, it becomes a nuisance in a sense that the pictures are exploited as a subject for entertainment. As of this

I’m also fairly impressed with the disclaimer the admin of the Facebook page has clearly indicated. It states “If you find any picture that may cause harm/damage please send the link through message to this page.” The disclaimer also adds that the page “has no intention to cause any harm in any way,” yet harm could still be potentially inflicted indirectly, not by the admin himself or herself, but by a third party who views the photos and chooses to

Comments? Send him a message at keithjoshua.dumpit.1@facebook.com. You mayfollow and tweet him on Twitter @joshuadumpit.

make nasty comments which, so far, are nonexistent.

By reading “likers” comments on certain photos, it seems as though they derive some form of enjoyment from this page because some of their friends are featured in the photos. Again to my astonishment, students are very much passive on photos with people whom they do not know, which is a good thing because it displays that Ateneans still maintain courtesy even when in the virtual world.

But the potential danger in carrying out this form of entertainment stock is it risks students’ anonymity.

By screening the photos one by one, there were some images whose subjects were tagged by friends, hence a few identities were revealed. I personally believe that the photos were better off untagged because no one would want to be recognized or described as “’yong taong may picture sa ADZU Random

Faces page,” or simply no one wants to be identified in a stolen photo, a photo which can be seen by 14.5% of the student population. Some might not mind being tagged, but we always have to consider that people’s personalities are never the same, that some people want to maintain low profiles and avoid being labeled as one of the random faces.

Yet people just want to have fun. Sure, if ADZU Pretty Faces was acceptable, then this one could also be tolerated. But fun has its limits and so far it is good, as parameters are duly implemented. We will never know what made this random idea spring from a random person’s mind, but some random students are totally buying it.

I’m not quite sure if ADZU Random Faces is on hiatus or what, but I have to tell you, especially those who are aware of the whole thing, what you see in Facebook stays in Facebook. ◘

8 CAMINA CON CAMERA

Volume 68, Issue 4, September-October 2012

9 CAMINA CON CAMERA

Volume 68, Issue 4, September-October 2012

WINNING SHOTS FOR THE CAMINA CON CAMERA PHOTO CONTEST

Camina con Camera launched during Hermosa Festival

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WORDS: Angelique Anne P. Miranda

n celebration of this year’s Zamboanga Hermosa Festival, the Social Development Office of the Ateneo de Zamboanga University, through the Gallery of the Peninsula and the Archipelago (GPA) and the Ateneo Center for Leadership and Governance (ACLG), officially launched “Camina con Camera: Un Dia Fotografia na Ciudad de Zamboanga.”

Camina con Camera is a compilation and album of photographs about Zamboanga City “from sunrise to sunset, from the city center to its hillsides and its coastlines---including both special events and ordinary ways of life” during the Fiesta de la Virgen del Pilar.

Fr Albert “Paring Bert” Alejo SJ, Assistant to the President for Social Development, spearheaded the project’s conceptualization on June 19, 2012, together with a group composed of Mr. Sixto Kwan Jr, President of the Camera Club of Zamboanga, Mr. Roberto G Valerio, Assistant to the President for Planning & External Relations, Mr. Paul Montano of Ateneo Research Center/ Social Development Office (ARC/ SDO) and Ms. Ruth Guerrero of the Ateneo High School Social Action.

In the said meeting, the matters discussed prompted the coordination

with the office of Dr. Paulino Acebes, Dean of the College of Science and Information Technology.

The project has caught the attention of photography enthusiasts in the city. Amateur and professional photographers, as young as twelve years old, equipped with either Digital Single-Lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras, point and shoot or cell phone cameras, participated in the event where they were tasked to take photographs of colourful activities around the city highlighting the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival 2012.

According to Ms Ruth Guerrero, a member of the working committee, a total of 75 entries were submitted for judging and more than a hundred will be part of the complimentary photos.

The entries were judged by Engr. Aldrin Hitalia, Ms. Sandra Jamiro, and Mr. Glenn Marco San Agustin, with helpful technical feedback from Frederick de Leon.

“Camina con Camera” was a product of Ateneo’s aim of celebrating its Centennial Jubilee Year with the intention of creating a special gift for Zamboanga City by capturing the rhythms, heartbeats, hues and shapes of the city in a single day - the Feast of Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar.

10 FEATURE

Volume 68, Issue 4, September-October 2012

Injustice to the justices

WORDS: BARRY BARRACA

I

f the state was to literally give a penny for each and every Filipino’s thought on the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, it will be a hundred million pesos poorer by now. Everyone seems to have a say about it, or so they did.

Citizens privileged enough to have access to the Internet would like to believe that airing out their opinion on the said act is coincidentally the best way to practice freedom of speech. But the sad truth is: only a few dared to read all 4,660 glorious words of R.A. 10175.

“A big joke! Cosa man daw se sila ta hace noh? Emcee lang man de esos mga role... 42,000 gale budget de ese? Rayang! Manda investiga donde se sila ta gasta...”

“They facilitate the inauguration of officers. Then, sila yung nagmamanage ng Forward chorvah whatever na yun. Yun lang alam ko.”

On the part of being “emcee lang”, this is the common stereotype of students for the judiciary. Well, what do you expect when you can only indeed see them during after the elections when officers are sworn into office, right?

Concerning the P42,000.00 budget,

LIMITED BY CONSTITUTION. Former Associate Justice Barry Barraca [far right] analyzes the setbacks of the El Consejo Atenista Constitution to the functions of the Judicial Branch. [Photo from the Ateneo Freshmen Survival 2012 ]

at about P20,000.00 is solely allocated for the “Forward: Search for the Most Responsible Zamboangeno,” and the rest are divided into the expenses of the branch.

Imagine almost half of the budget goes to a project that does not have any connection to the Judicial Council’s work and essence, what a big joke indeed. Forward is a good idea, but it does not deserve a place in the JC’s budget just because the one who initiated it was a former Chief Justice. Besides,

the sustainability of the project is in question! Those who were awarded, and rewarded handsomely, what happened to them now? Were the projects continued?

Did the projects really have touched the lives of people? Was there a monitoring or assessment system to conclude that it indeed deserved the prize? Or was it just a way on winning the money? Was Forward worth the biggest allotment in the Judicial Council’s budget?

The Ateneo Issue Page has certainly elbowed out the JC as being

the de facto Sumbungan ng Bayan of the Ateneo studentry. Well, who would want to go to the El Consejo and look for these hard-to-find Justices and complain, when one can easily log in to Facebook, access the Ateneo Issue Page, and blunt out their concerns?

The AIP is in the management of the Department of Research and External Affairs (DREA), led by Glenn William Alcala. In the midyear El

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FEATURE

Demo-crazy: Looking at the Filipino voters in between showbiz and politics

T

he frequently televised impeachment of Chief Justice Renato Corona and the political discourses about controversial bills and enactments must have had increased the demand for more celebrities to be watched on camera when they usually filled up time slots of bored television networks.

If not for the sarcastic (and sometimes rude) and intellectual humor of the old Senator Miriam Defensor— Santiago, who else would claim the political spotlight if senators Bong Revilla and Lito Lapid could not wear their costumes and instantly transform into Pepeng Agimat and Julio Valiente to grace the Senate? Save the fact that Tito Sotto was able to, somehow, satiate the watchful masa’s thirst for puny entertainment when he plagiarized his speech not once, but TWICE!

Celebrities have been politicians’ allies in electoral campaigns. With their charm, rapport with the masses, and their shame as their only capital, they

WORDS: KELVIN J. CULAJARA

usually fish between P10 million to P50 million per political endorsement in return for 10 million to 50 million votes in the tally.

Arguably, this has always been the case. But when celebrities themselves join the pool of politics, many strike a keen eye questioning their credibility and capacity in leading public office.

After all, any public servant needs to have more than dazzling looks and killer smiles.

As of presswork, Alma Moreno is vying for a seat in senate while Annabelle Rama, Aga Muhlach, Gary Estrada, Alfred Vargas and Lucy Torres contend for a position in congress.

Rez Cortez eyes for gubernatorial seat while the billionaire housewife Jinky Pacquiao, Phillip Salvador and Onemig Bondoc aspire to be their respective municipalities’ vice governors. Richard Gomez, on the other hand, is aiming to be Ormoc’s

mayor come 2013.

Among the celebrity reelectionists are as follows: Herbert Bautista, Ara Mina, Roderick Paulate, Marjorie Barretto, Lani Mercado, Angelica Jones, Teri Onor, Christopher de Leon and Vilma Santos.

A theatrical politics, a flawed democracy

In a discussion by Speaker Sharmila Parmanand during the World Debate Forum in Ateneo de Manila University, she stressed that “…our electoral process is a bit problematic [where] showbiz and politics are mixing.” In fact, “showbizization” of Philippine politics has always been frowned upon by various sectors in the society, but ironically, has always succeeded in championing political slots for celebrities who have very meager or no credentials at all.

She later continued that a mix of showbiz and politics is what discourages

rational discourses when people take oppositions and arguments personally.

Rather than assessing state policies in the light of evaluations and meticulous assessments, what most politicians do is a mere game of persuasion to drive public sympathy.

Some of the most compelling and clear examples for such game is the use of theatrical rhetorics by Lito Lapid when he based his verdict of conviction against former Chief Justice Corona on the value of personal perception instead on the merit of law. Tito Sotto is also said to have used this tactic when he advanced his ad hominem argument against the RH Bill based on his child’s loss because of the use of contraceptives. Even boxing superstar and Sarangani Representative Manny Pacquiao was claimed to have used his fame and root as a devout Catholic from an impoverished family in terms

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Volume 68, Issue 4, September-October 2012

The online fiasco and the Cybercrime Law

I

t is arguably the most unfamiliar branch of the El Consejo Atenista, the most torpid, and the most unproductive – the Judicial Council.

It is manned by six people: one Chief Justice, four Associate Justices, and one Clerk of Court. This school year, P42, 000.00 is allocated to this branch for their “services.” Concerned Ateneo students cannot help but ask what is it that they are doing really and why does it even exist in the first place because, it is a fact, that the studentry cannot feel its “service.”

“All I know is that sila ang dapat puntahan ‘pag may irereklamo ang isang student... pag may gusto kang i-impeach, katulad ng walang silbing Governor namin... ano use nila eh may Ateneo Issue Page naman, ‘di ba?.”

11 FEATURE

The Internet-savvy all over the Web have joined this literal black propaganda by taking down Facebookready-photoshopped profile pictures in exchange of plain black canvasses– an act symbolizing their lament over the death of freedom of speech and the start of a “Cyber Martial Law,” as protesters would like to call it.

It was basic tit for tat when a group of professional hackers named Anonymous Philippines decided to come together and deface websites of government agencies like Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Optical Media Board (OMB) and eight other government pages.

Some Internet citizens a.k.a. “netizens” found more creative ways of venting out their sentiments by posting satirical comments on Facebook like: “[COMMENT BLOCKED BY R.A. 10175]” and even making light of the situation by designing a ‘new notification’ accordingly coming from the National Bureau of Investigation stating: “ You have one (1) new warrant of arrest.”

Dominant sentiments

On October 3, 2012, the first day of implementation of the Cybercrime Prevention Act, Ateneo students were busy being not only students but also

Words: Paola Migelli Cananea critics. Conversations ensued - be it in class, in the hallways, in the cafeteria – about the common talk of the town that day. A huge wave of protests came on the night it was officially implemented and it came in forms of status messages, blog posts, pictures – all expressing dismay, infuriation and disappointment over the turn of events. But that same wave slowly ebbed away as is the natural cycle with any social dilemma in the country.

from page 11

Limited by the constitution

Concerning the situation where someone wants to submit an

A silver lining

The sentiments from netizens may have been as dark as the black canvasses on their pages but some are not as stiff-necked as the loyal Cybercrime haters. Certain provisions in the act can potentially alleviate the problem of cyber bullying. “This will really benefit the students because it is not new that the major victims of online bullying

Some students, on the other hand, said that they have not bothered to even so much as glance at any section of the act because the word “law” implies a lot of terms and technicalities which are too difficult to understand. Also, they find it useless to try and understand regulations like this that, they say, have a potential of not being implemented properly, like many other laws in the Constitution.

A few weeks into it, the tension may have subsided, but students do realize that the Cybercrime Law has definitely changed the realm of conventional social networking and information gathering. It may not have changed the way they use the Internet per se, but it has definitely made them more conscious about their online activities.

Out of all the gory provisions, the libel clause has undeniably received the most criticism. Every single petition for a temporary restraining order included this provision under Section 4 of the act. A law student expresses his dismay at how the provision is “too broad” that it is easily susceptible to prima facie interpretation that it is inherently designed to invalidate freedom of speech.

One student blogger asserts that he finds it unconstitutional that simply liking, sharing or retweeting someone’s malicious statement can be considered libelous. “I can be sued for the wrong reason.”

An Atenean who is majoring Information Technology asserts that she is concerned for her rights as a citizen.

She feels that the Cybercrime law restricts the endless potential of the Internet and that it is, in a way, “promoting a passive generation instead of an active one” by controlling what Internet users have to

Injustice to the justices Consejo evaluation, this concern was raised. Alcala expressed his approval of a joint custody of the group page, but no binding agreement was signed between the two offices after; DREA continues to serve the studentry through the page single-handedly. The Council launched its Help Desk months ago, but it appears that there’s not even a desk to begin with! The judiciary, unfortunately, is the only branch that does not have a desk inside the El Consejo office when in fact it is one of those that needs it most.

Apparently, it is the Judicial Council who needs help, so to speak.

say online.

impeachment case and the office to submit it to is the JC, is constitutionally untrue.

The constitution clearly states that if whenever an impeachment is to be raised, it must be forwarded to the Board of Governors. Afterwards, the Board, with the needed number of votes, shall now hand the case to the judiciary. Observable ambiguities: What if someone wanted to impeach a Governor, then he submits his complain to the Board of Governors, would it not be sinister that majority of the Board members are all in the same political party? Would it not be turned down because the members would naturally defend their own party colleague? And if definitely trashed in the bin, can the impeachment case still find its way to the Judicial Council?

Photo source: FROM THE INTERNET

are students”, says Werlindo Araneta Datolio Jr., an avid fashion blogger.

Another student asserts that it is a good bill because it mentions the “protection of children and women against pornography” and going on to say that it also helps preserve the privacy of information being sent online when it is necessary.

Others have yet to decide how this law can affect them. “The Cybercrime law has yet to affect me in any direct manner,” says Bensaud Degusman, a law freshman. “The act merely is a form of regulation of individual’s activity in cyberspace.”

The Supreme Court has issued a temporary restraining order on the controversial act. Protesters can rejoice… for now. Congress has yet to start tackling proposed amendments on the law but in the meantime, citizens are still left to ponder: Was it constitutional to pass a law with a purpose of preserving the sanctity of human rights while inadvertently violating another? Or was this ever a violation of freedom of speech or just merely a fitting response to a building culture of online anarchy?

You, the informed netizen, be the best judge.

FEATURE

Sinister still, is the case when an impeachment is hoisted by a Consejo member to a fellow Consejo member, to who would it be forwarded when we do not even have an Ombudsman to begin with?

It is a common misunderstanding that it is the JC who is supposed to investigate the violations of the officers, and the student government as a whole, but this is false. This is the job of the Ombudsman. The JC can only examine the evidences provided by the Ombudsman and determine the judgment of the case. The justices being appointed by the El Consejo presidents, too, are a dilemma to look into.

Assumingly, a president would appoint a friend, an acquaintance, or preferably an ally to these positions. If

in case there would be an impeachment case against a president, would it not be a bias if the justices he or she personally appointed are the same justices who would try him or her? These and more are the results of the provisions limiting the Judicial Council.

Call the Judicial Council anything you like, but via the constitution, it is as innocent as the crucified Christ. The JC is a reactive body, which means it cannot do anything upon the will of its own.

It simply does not have independence, except in the spending of its budget.

What it needs for it to function is the leverage of the studentry. So whenever a student would say that the JC is doing nothing, that corresponds immediately to the blatant assumption – the studentry is not forwarding it anything that it should work on. ◘

12 FEATURES

Volume 68, Issue 4, September-October 2012

13 OPERATION SHOEBOX

Demo-crazy: Looking at the Filipino voters in between showbiz and politics from page 10

of expressing his opposition against the RH Bill.

Gladstone Cuerteros of the Institute for Popular Democracy (IPD) in the article Celebrity Politicians: How They Fared, quipped “Notwithstanding their less than brilliant electoral performance, celebrity candidates are here to stay.”

Cuerteros later continued, “Until political parties can seriously perform their role in recruiting new blood, new politicians from their ranks, being a celebrity will always be an avenue in entering the enticing and complex world of Philippine politics.”

Meanwhile, communications consultant Fernando Gagelonia calls the fusion of showbiz and politics as “transference” where the masses attribute celebrities as the ones who they desire to become. “You’re beautiful, you’re moneyed, you’re successful, and I want to be like you.”

Furthermore, Gagelonia also explains that most Filipinos’ choice, especially when faced with celebrities who vie for public office, is usually regardless of their true ethical positions and sincere agenda for the betterment of the community or society where they choose to serve.

More often than not, Filipinos tend to choose a candidate on the basis of familiarity which precedes the presumption of ethical superiority based

on their celebrity-candidates’ public image even in movies and films which are inherently devoid of their personal characters.

Moreover, in an article written

by Dennis Ward, with the surge of fast technology, background checks have now been perceived by many people as tiring and time consuming. Likewise, many Filipinos find background checks and research for their candidates as tedious which then leads them voting for those who they see and notice frequently on camera.

The vitality of media exposure and the need for intensified public relations in order to establish goodwill among the masses are what lead most politicians to invest for television and even radio advertisements as early as possible. As early as July, infomercials of Cynthia Villar Foundation have been booming in the mainstream, until on October 2 this year, it has been reported that Cynthia Villar has filed for candidacy for senate. Also, remember the ZTZ movement of former Congressman Romeo Jalosjos? Earlier it was also reported that he filed for candidacy for Zamboanga City’s mayoral post.

Probably, the most remembered infomercials are Manny Villar’s, “Nakaligo ka na ba sa dagat ng basura”, Mar Roxas’ “Padyak man” and even Congressman Erbie Fabian’s “Amor con amor se paga”.

Showbiz politics

Although

many

A blue boycott?

political

analysts fear the pandemic of celebrities in politics and their lack of knowledge in the rudiments of law and policy-making, projects implementation and public administration, they mostly focus on the implications of voting for popularity instead of the competence of people vying for office.

In an article written by James Soriano, “Showbiz Politics”, he observed that when people were asked why they vote for a celebrity over others, their common responses were, “[Kasi] nakaka-relate siya sa amin. Alam niya ang pinagdadaanan namin.”

Soriano argued that the intrusion of showbiz in politics has led citizens to lose sight of the more important aspects of competence like stewardship, platforms and a politician’s statesmanship. “…When we look at the most prominent celebrity figures who have won themselves seats in the administration — Lito Lapid, Robert Jaworski, Vilma Santos, Noli de Castro — the common factor seems to be that they built on the solid image that showbiz has allowed them to create.”

leverage to win almost every political post because of their access to media and showbiz connections. Soriano also contended that most of them have taken advantage of people’s fascination over celebrities that they “have allowed politics to center on the character, marketability and personality of the politicians.”

“But by exploiting media to their ends, politicians are also contributing to the stagnation of our country’s political maturity,” Soriano said. ◘

Moreover, despite celebrity-politicians plea and defense about their ‘ SHOWBIZ-ED’. Celebrities join the political bandwagon right to run and serve the for the upcoming May 2013 Election. nation, Soriano argued that most of them have the

Ateneans snob elections registration?

I

n the Philippine context, the right of suffrage is handed down to a person once he reaches the legal age of 18. According to Article V, Section 1 of the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines, “suffrage may be exercised by all citizens of the Philippines not otherwise disqualified by law, who are at least eighteen years of age, and who shall have resided in the Philippines for at least one year, and in the place wherein they propose to vote, for at least six months immediately preceding the election. No literacy, property, or other substantive requirement shall be imposed on the exercise of suffrage.”

WORDS: FRANCO RIVAS CANANEA

Voting is one of the most powerful weapons Filipinos have to be able to protect their human rights and to ensure them of a better and more developed life. But more often than not, the power to lead is exploited and, therefore, not employed properly to address the citizens’ needs and attain their goals. This is where the electors come in. If we thought that only the presidentiables and senatorial candidates have the ultimate power to steer the country towards a great future, we’re greatly mistaken.

If it weren’t for the Filipino

voters, there wouldn’t have been a Cory to fight for freedom, a Marcos (though viewed badly because of his declaration of Martial Law) to make the country one of the richest in Asia and our economy so stable, or a Noynoy to reduce the poverty rate and fight off corruption and steer the country towards honest and good governance.

If you think registering to be a voter is such a hassle, it really isn’t. It just becomes one when the system is so slow and processes are not done as quickly as possible. The official site of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) states that to be a qualified applicant, a

person has to be a Filipino citizen who is at least 18 years old, a resident of the Philippines for at least one year and a resident of the place where he or she wishes to vote. Additionally, he has to be devoid of any law penalty.

The applicant has to apply at the local COMELEC office, which in our case is located in the Joaquin F. Enriquez Sports Complex, otherwise known as the Grandstand, and have his or her identity and residence verified through a valid ID. After which, the applicant will be handed application forms to fill up and

Turn to page 15

PARA SAAN NGA BA ANG BOTO MO? Campaigns to vote in the incoming 2013 elections were not really visible for the Ateneo students, in relation to that, many have yet postponed their registration for many reasons. [photos from: http://www.president.gov.ph/register-to-vote-now/]

ADZU OPERATION SHOEBOX

TWEETS from: https://twitter.com/OpShoePH Above PHOTOS from: https://www.facebook.com/ OperationShoeboxPhilippines/

SUDOKU

Volume 68, Issue 4, September-October 2012

14 FEATURE

Volume 68, Issue 4, September-October 2012

OPENING PANDORA’S BOX The Framework Agreement with the MILF

WORDS: BARRY BARRACA

J

ubilation had been witnessed across the country and in the international community as the historic signing of the GPH-MILF Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro occurred last October 15 at the Malacanan Palace.

The framework agreement is a preliminary peace agreement which calls for the creation of an autonomous political entity Bangsamoro, replacing the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) which President Benigno S. Aquino III described “a failed experiment”.

Prime Minister Najib Razak of Malaysia, who personally came to witness the signing, Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s Murad Ebrahim, along with President Aquino, were festive on the occasion. Along with them were the Filipinos, local and foreign dignitaries, who perceived the agreement as the lasting solution concerning the peace in Mindanao and a victory-won for commercial peace in the economicallyrising Philippines.

Stakeholders’ cry

During the Estrada administration, the MILF was at its brink of annihilation with its major camps, especially Camp Abubakar, its main and largest, being captured by the Philippine military on Erap’s all-out-war campaign.

Suddenly when the Arroyo administration kicked in, it concluded a peace talk which gave away these camps as tokens of sincerity. It was revealed that since July 18, 2008, the Arroyo administration was in a secret talk with the MILF with the agenda of granting the ARMM added territories and much political and economic power. It is from this point on that is believed to have rooted the current negotiations that the Aquino administration had inherited.

The product of these “secret talks” was seen in the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain way back August 2008. Lawmakers had petitioned the Supreme Court to halt the signing because of the lack of transparency and consultation. What was more disturbing is that the MILF at that time still had ties with the al-Qaeda and the Jemaah Islamiyah which were using MILF camps as training grounds.

Again, like in the former MOAAD, most of the people involved in the agreement, even the Lumads and the Muslims inside ARMM themselves, were not consulted properly. Were the Muslims within ARMM consulted if they wanted to join this new political entity, as to object their inclusion and be satisfied with the current autonomous

region? Why were they automatically included without their consent?

“Porque kame taqui incluido?”

Isabela City Mayor Cherry Akbar exclaimed during an interview a day after the release of the peace agreement’s draft. Just like our own Zamboanga City, Isabela, too, had twice said NO in the plebiscites done for inclusion in the ARMM years ago. Akbar confirms that Isabela was never consulted, as same as Cotabato City and other nowincluded territories. Thus, where is the transparency?

Meanwhile, Aquino also pointed that through its 23 years of existence, the ARMM was unable to resolve cases of electoral fraud, warlordism, political patronage and poverty. He believes that the creation of Bangsamoro is what will correct the problems while protecting the country’s sovereignty.

“This framework agreement paves the way for a final, enduring peace in Mindanao. It brings all former secessionist groups into the fold; no longer does the Moro Islamic Liberation Front aspire for a separate state. This means that hands that once held rifles will be put to use tilling land, selling produce, manning work stations, and opening doorways of opportunity for other citizens.”

While the administration remains optimistic about the “true and lasting peace in Mindanao,” some sectors are doubtful about it especially when former ARMM Governor Nur Misuari expressed possibility of renewed hostilities in the region. According to the article What the future holds for Bangsamoro, “Among the MNLF factions, only Misuari has an active armed force…[and that] it continually recruits and trains new members”.

Moreover, an intelligence report revealed that a meeting between Misuari and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) leader Ustadz Umbra Kato was held in Maguindanao which was meant to show force to the Philippine government that Misuari and Kato “should never be underestimated”.

While Misuari never confirmed of any alliance, he persistently maintained that his armed troops and Kato’s combined forces are formidable.

Furthermore,

in

an

article

DEAL. Philippine President Benigno Aquino (left) shakes hands with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chief Murad Ebrahim [Photo and description from: http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/13260310/ image/95026871-philippine-president-benigno-aquino-left-shakes-hands- with-moro-islamic-liberation-front]

written by former senator Atty. Rene Espina, he stated that the ambiguities in the framework agreement may lead the promises of peace, economic and sociopolitical stability their own demise.

Accordingly, if Aquino wants to eradicate electoral fraud in ARMM, why should the Bangsamoro basic law electoral system be implemented through legislation enacted by the Bangsamoro itself ? “Will the election be controlled, conducted, and supervised by the COMELEC? If not, why not?”

Espina questioned.

“Fifth, as to the Judiciary, i.e., Sharia and Civil courts... will they be under the supervision of the Supreme Court?

I suppose all decisions shall be subject to appeal, all the way to the Supreme Court.”

“On the peace and order subject matter—why are all law enforcement functions of the AFP being transferred to the Bangsamoro police force? [Will] the Bangsamoro police [force be] subject to the command and control of the Philippine National Police?”

The loopholes in the agreement denies checks and balances which might further worsen the problems of warlordism, poverty and peace, especially when the agreement in itself closes doors for the central government’s intervention in certain crucial scenarios.

Sword of Damocles upon Zamboanga

“The relationship of the Central Government with the Bangsamoro Government shall be asymmetrical - what does that even mean?!”

Pertaining to Article I, Section 4 of the agreement, Mayor Celso Lobregat was critical of the draft’s unclear and not well-defined provisions since its release.

Last October 13, he was here in the University to grace a Kapihan organized

by the Ateneo Peace Culture Institute at the College AVR with the circle of some high Ateneo officials. Representative Isabelle “Beng” Climaco—Salazar of the city’s 1st District totally applauded the agreement. Well, it is not surprising because she and all of the governors of the provinces of the ARMM are Liberal Party members, Aquino’s allies here in Mindanao. She makes it clear that she is jubilant of the peace accord because Zamboanga City is not included.

Lobregat says otherwise: “If 10% wants to be part of this entity, then there will be another plebiscite, another and another, there is no end to this... tene provision para entra, pero tene ba provision para sale? This [Bangsamoro entity] will expand endlessly... we may not be included now, but bit by bit, we will.”

Lobregat is referring from Article V, Section 3’s “Areas which are contiguous and outside the core territory where there are substantial populations of the Bangsamoro may opt anytime to be part of the territory upon petition of at least ten percent (10%) of the residents and approved by a majority of qualified voters in a plebiscite.” Imagine the word, anytime. The Mayor further expounded that any barangay, now, can opt to join the Bangsamoro, be it from the east coast or west coast of the city, all it needs is a petition.

“The Central Government shall have reserve powers, and the Bangsamoro Government shall have its exclusive powers (Article III, Section 1)?

Ahora el govierno ya el reserve y sila exclusive? Baliscat ya man?” Lobregat questions. We can only imagine what does exclusive really mean. Whatever it is, it can be interpreted in almost anyway, just like all the provisions that are ambiguous in nature. These are just few of the questionable provisions of the peace agreement. How then can we not be weary of it? ◘

Volume 68, Issue 4, September-October 2012

A blue boycott?

SACSI’s rustic SemBreak

Ateneans snob elections registration? from page 12 his biometrics will have to be registered digitally. After all of these processes have been done, the applicant will receive an Acknowledgement Receipt.

A reactive studentry?

Peace, a facetious joke?

“The ARMM is a failed experiment. Many of the people continue to feel alienated by the system, and those who feel that there is no way out will continue to articulate their grievances through the barrel of a gun. We cannot change this without structural reform,” Aquino said in a speech.

15 CONTINUATIONS

Bernadette Azcarraga, a communications sophomore, asserts “I

registered on my own because I just couldn’t wait for the opportunity to become a part of something bigger.”

Ateneans have been viewed by others as concerned individuals over matters of economy, politics, culture and faith. When it comes to state affairs, are we really inclined to change? Are we so desperate for a better and stable government system? Or do we take suffrage as a form of requirement?

Moreover, Azcarraga also says that she is up for change, and that it could only be attainable by being proactive and reactive. “I believe that I then have the ability to make something happen regardless of the fact that I am just one of the total population of both Zamboanga City and the Philippines.”

Bianca Galea, a BSN graduate of ADZU and a registered voter, states that voting gives her a sense of fulfillment. She goes on to saying, “Kasi kung tan vote ‘yo, ta abla sila ‘Hala! Wow yan vote le!’” Moreover, she believes that she, as a voter, can help become part of the change of the nation. Majority of the registered voters of our university associate suffrage with change and prosperity and that is because their relation is unavoidable.

There are approximately 140 million Filipinos, and out of these, 45% are eligible individuals to vote. With that number, much can be done to elect the leaders worthy and committed to serve the country. With such a big population, the electors have the full authority to choose by ballot those who are willing to attend to the innumerable problems of the Philippines and provide solutions to them.

Abdel Aziz Alfad, a mathematical sciences junior, emphasizes the importance of registered voters to assign the public servants who pay attention to the crises we are facing.

“Para sa akin, gusto ko na ma-hear out ang sentiments naming mga first-time voters, tulad ko. May kasabihan nga na ‘ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan.’

Isa ding opportunity para maging aware ang mga first-time voters tungkol sa nangyayari sa bansa natin.”

However, despite certain improvements in the registration system—especially the online dissemination of information, and the use of social networking sites to advertise early registration, some Ateneans seemed to have missed to register.

An information technology senior Dordylle Lucenada, has affirmed that she is not updated with the registration location and dates.

Meanwhile, BS Psychology student Margaux de la Paz states “I

from page 4 past week they lived with the respective foster families. This is also the time that the participants re-adjust and go back to the life they have in the city. Being in the countryside for a week can change a person, so the synthesis stage changes them back and brings them back to the present, to the life and the way of living they had before the immersion.

Wrapping up: A New Outlook

After her experience in the SBIP, Ms. Faustino and her batch, the Batch 18, decided to respond to what they have seen during the time in which they lived with their foster families by making a project. “Ang tawag sa project namin ay ‘I am 18’ na may dalawang phases. ‘Yong first is nagbigay kame ng mga bags and school supplies sa isang area, sa isang baranggay,” she explained.

“Tapos ‘yong sa second phase, gumawa kame ng Teacher’s Training para sa mga teachers sa area namin.” She said that she really wanted to do something for the things that she had gone through in her 7 days of living and experiencing for herself the hard life of people that belong to a lower step in our society’s ladder. There is no denying the massive impact the Immersion has on her and on the other volunteers and staff.

guess I’ve been more focused on my work load for school that from page 6 A wasted privilege I don’t have time for anything even talk shows equate white skin with before, we should have seen healthier

beauty and magnificence, while a darker sex lives among people regardless of else.” skin is equivalent to being dirty and fugly. And yet, we dare say that we are an independent Philippine nation.

status. Unfortunately, we are still being fed with abstinence as the only resort for all reproductive health problems.

Really, are we?

As a democracy, we should have stood for something in regional and national issues. Ateneo does not even have a solidified stand regarding the Bangsamoro Peace Agreement, nor does it have a stand about the Cybercrime Law. Thanks to Ateneo Issue Page, the students seem braver and bolder to speak about these matters!

We over-sensationalize diaspora. We paint overseas workers as heroes. They are heroes of the nation because they bring in foreign currencies which help alleviate the economy. They are heroes maybe because they are living models of what good life means: earning dollars, driving fancy cars, working with the whites and playing with snow!

We equate heroism with how much they give to the national treasury, and worse, we equate heroism with slipping away from home. What about those who stayed and chose to fill the deficiencies caused by the migration of your “heroes”?

As a democracy, we should have campaigned for informed choices, for intelligent politics. But everyday of our lives, we see Lito Lapid, Tito Sotto and the rest of the CBCP making choices out of institutional and personal sentiments and not out of sympathy and credit for what the masa really deserves. We fancy over celebrities in politics and make them win just because they are celebrities, as if Erap and Manny Pacquiao are not enough to make us feel repugnant.

As a democracy, we should have heeded to the whims of the people. Long

I do not want for that time to come when Dionisia Pacquiao would run for office, or for the Pacquiao dynasty to run from Sarangani to the whole of Mindanao.

I do not want to see Aga Muhlach and Onemig Bondoc winning in the tallies just because they are celebrities.

I challenge: if our people really value democracy, they should assess their candidates on the merit of integrity, competence and political maturity, and not on their exposure in television and even radio networks. Muhlach, Bondoc and the rest of candidates, celebrities or non-celebrities alike, must have the balls to win their posts.

I am sick of meaty rhetorics but flawed logic of political of institutions which intervene and dictate and limit people’s choices. I certainly do not want an era of private armies, of horrors and terror.

If you do not want these too, speak or write and stand for something. ◘

The truth is there can be a hundred reasons why people register and why some do not. A single voter is helpful enough if he places his vote on a worthy and committed candidate but if he chooses to waste it, our country is never going to get out of this quicksand it has stepped on. ◘

When asked if she regretted, in any way, that she participated in the SACSI’s Semestral Break Immersion Program, she promptly and proudly said “No, 100% no. ” She added that as Ateneans, we shouldn’t be just closed up and confided in a classroom and just being contented with what we have learned inside the walls of the University, we really have to experience how to be “mga tao para sa kapwa. ” ◘

The ones doing the whipping from page 6 derogatory comments for our skin color and accent but, do we not do the same to our own? Who then is truly the one wielding the whip?

In the Ateneo and in Zamboanga, there is no difference in attitude. In the Mindpro Grocery alone we can see that more than half if not all of our products promise to have some whitening effect one way or another. Add that to the numerous Chinese and herbal creams and pills that claim to bleach the skin and we have a smorgasbord of evidence of the distorted beauty that we accept and exalt.

Indeed, we are the ones who sadistically inflict pain to ourselves because we are the ones who promote that those who are far more beautiful and better are the ones who are fair skinned and tall when in fact, the contrary are the general attributes of a typical Filipino.

Inside the classroom, it is common to

Comments? Send him a message at kelvinculajara@yahoo.com. Or you may follow

and tweet him on Twitter @cookelvs.

hear my classmates taunt some poor fellow because he or she has a dark skin complexion. All the more thing that is common? A classmate who would bemoan the fact that he or she is dark skinned and would desperately want to bleach it despite the risks and harms attached to such actions. And what is funnier? It is that we are masochistic enough to accept such behavior and even propagate it with advertisements and actors and actresses who top the beauty chart for their fair skin interspersed with a mix of foreign physical attributes.

Truly then it is clear that if we could count and tally the comments and jokes that slight our color and race, we ourselves will be first in the running. Definitely a clear example of irony and foolishness that persists to exist and is not stopped.

In fact, such a phenomenon could be measured in epic proportions of, let us say, fifty shades of brown.

Comments? Send her a message at sarahgail.galvan@facebook.com.

16

KORNI KOMIX

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