THE ATENEO STUDENTRY, Publisher KELVIN J. CULAJARA, Editor-in-Chief SARAH GAIL C. GALVAN, Associate Editor NEILSON NICK ALINSANGAN, Managing Editor FRANCES GRACE FLORENDO, Creative Director MARION B. GUERRERO, Moderator Heads and Editors KEITH JOSHUA DUMPIT, Newsfeatures Editor DARRYLENE CLEMENTE, Layout and Graphics BARRY BARRACA JOHN XYRIOUS DELA CRUZ, Features Editor EUNICE SERNEO, Cartoonist PAOLA MIGELLI CANANEA ALMIRA PRISCILLA DRAPIZA, Head Cartoonist JENNIFER BANTAY, Cartoonist ASEYA KHALIDA CALO FAHAD ALFAD, Cartoonist LEVIN ANGELO LOBREN Management CHRISTIANNE DAWN SICAT ALEXA N. POTAYRE, Finance Officer Writers LIANNE MIRANDA MARIE CYNDIE DOMINGO Creative Team ROVIC JOHN ESLAO RIDZANNA ABDULGAFUR JESSA KRISTINE DEL MAR, Layout and Graphics FRIEND HAYZER GREGORIO KEITH LAURICE DEMAYO FAROUK SUSULAN, Layout and Graphics MALIVER GAAS ELIMAR PINGKIAN WINDEL OPINION, Layout and Graphics The BEACON Publications holds office at Ground Floor, Xavier Hall, Ateneo de Zamboanga University. You may contact us at (062) 991-0871 Loc 4603. You may also mail us at beaconmag@yahoo.com/
inside 3 |The Rosauro Reconstruction
18|Charlyn‘s Story
4 |Bam on Social Entrepreneurship
20|Is the Name Enough?
5 |How Hard Can You Get?
23|Disputed Specks on the Map
6 |The ADZU Café Diet Plan
25|Spoiled Brats in Three Wheels
9 |The Bird is a Worm, After All
27|Factoids
11|The D in OSA
28|Opinion: That Big Blue Bird
14|The Search for Genuine Land Reform
30|WEH? ―Di Nga?!
16|Eew De Toilette About the Cover: Model: Miland Manapol Cartoon: Jan Meryl Luna Photo and Layout: Frances Grace Florendo 2| JULY 2012
THE R
OSAUR
RECON
O
STRUC
WOR PHOTDOS: KEITH J : FRAN OSHUA CES GR DUMPI ACE FL T OREN DO
ur school administra tion has been on a roll lately. With the construction of the Fr. Manuel Sauras, SJ Hall and the recent conclusion of the University Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the administration continues to find ways on how to revamp the university and add more accomplishments on their mantle. Inspired by the much-awaited centennial celebration, the administration is driven to give the university its much needed retouching after a century of existence. This year, the school has decided to renovate another old edifice to give birth to a newer and more mod-
O
TION
ernized one, with the Fr. it has been blessed by Jose Ma. Rosauro, SJ Hall various donations, includas its focal point. ing one from an unidentified European foundation The reconstruc- which sponsored the contion of this hall has begun struction of the hall‘s to take its course of ac- ground floor. tion following its groundbreaking ceremony on The Rosauro May 30, this year. The Hall, originally a forschool administration mation center, will still opted to tap again the serve the same function, same committee behind but will additionally house the execution of the new offices and rooms. Sauras Hall and Sacred The new edifice will conHeart Church edifices, sist of four storeys: the led by the Physical Plant ground floor will shelter Council and manager the Social Development Engr. Joselito Tuñacao. units of the university; the For this project, the de- second floor will house sign team was hand- the Formation Center of p i c k e d f r o m t h e the school, and; the third Arce.Bailon.Arce Archi- and fourth floors will tects. Being an admin- serve as dormitories for istration-handled project, students, faculty, visitors
and guests of the university. Now that the centennial celebration is getting nearer and nearer, more changes can be expected from the administration, as the time for commemoration and appreciation of the Ateneo culture is about to happen. But, having these changes is not merely there to satisfy the students‘ need to see the fruits of their payments; rather, these changes, including this new structure, serve as witnesses to the Ateneo experience and to the culture with which we enjoy, holding memories to be unraveled by Ateneans of the future.■ THE BEACON| 3
Bam Aquino (5th from right) poses with event organizers from the School of Management and Accountancy.
BAM AQUINO ON SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP WORDS: BARRY BARRACA PHOTO: SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT AND ACCOUNTANCY aolo Benigno Aquino IX, more affectionately known as “Bam” was here in the Ateneo on July 14, 2012 to be the guest speaker of a symposium which was hosted by the Social Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development class taking Masters in Business Management of the School of Management and Accountancy.
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entrepreneurs of this maturing country, and most especially to us Ateneans – of whom we are ought to be Men and Women for others.
croeconomics through a systematic sari-sari store industry. “Lahat ho tayo bumibili sa sarisari store, wala hong tao ang makakapagsabi na hindi pa siya bumibili sa sari-sari store... 97% (of businesses) are still under microeconomics, 3% lang ho ang nasa macro... kinakailangan po natin itong maidevelop para lalong lumakas ang ekonomiya ng ating bansa” he explained.
“Entrepreneurship, traditionally, has been equated to solely making money or profiteering, but Social Entrepreneurship is a form of service to others” Bam affirmed. “This is where innovation comes in, dapat ho hindi lang tayo ang “Emerging So- kumikita, dapat lahat The nation’s cial Actions through natutulungan natin” he economic might is in a Entrepreneurship” is continued. very unstable foundadirected towards the tion, but through wellintroduction of what is Bam is one of planned and organized Social Entrepreneur- the three founders of entrepreneurship in the ship and how and why Hapinoy, which aims to microeconomics area, it should be embedded alleviate the poor and these can be remedied, on each of the future fully develop the mi- as what he claims. This 4| JULY 2012
is why Social Entrepreneurship is directed towards this sector – a practice which cares for others, to improve and expand through innovation, and not only for one’s own profit but for everyone’s well-being. “We must do good through business... there was a cigarette company, one of the largest in the country, who offered us a sponsorship for three years, it’s really a big thing because we usually had sponsorships that would last six months in the maximum... but we turned them down, simply because they did not fit in our goal,” Bam stressed.■
How HARD can you get?
Of metal lockers, and the obsolescence of the wooden ones WORDS: KEITH JOSHUA DUMPIT PHOTO: FRANCES GRACE FLORENDO
F
or many years now, students have been nitpicking as to how the Ateneo’s wooden lockers are not reliable when it comes to security and quality. This year, the El Consejo Atenista, led by its President, Adriel Earl Toribio, spearheaded the installation of metal lockers in the university’s college buildings. This project was actually planned by the previous administration where Toribio was still the Vice -President, and according to him, having the project completed in his term has fulfilled the “continuity of plans” the student government must satisfy. The metal lock-
ers were made available on June 25, with 150 units available for rental and each unit tagged at the price of P150. The payment will encompass locker use for the whole year. Because of the limited number of lockers, the El Consejo established a “First Come, First Serve” basis to achieve fairness in locker ownership. On the day the lockers were offered to students, a sea of students streamed through the narrow hallways of the New College Building and the College Building, hoping to obtain one of those longawaited “student musthaves.” According to Toribio, each unit cost P10, 000 inclusive of the freight for the delivery and he added that by the
second semester, when adequate funds will be on hand again, metal lockers will ultimately replace the remaining wooden lockers in the college buildings. As for the maintenance of the metal lockers, Toribio is confident that the lockers are durable since they are made of stainless steel. But if the students’ culture of abusing lockers persists, Toribio said that they might opt to penalize the locker holders.
do as student leaders, as opposed to conducting events known and accessible only to some, Ateneans can expect that other significant changes may ensue. Fingers crossed, the El Consejo, with the implementation of metal lockers as the beginning, will realize the other things it has promised, that is, to grant what students deserve in exchange of their suffrage and to serve its student constituents one project at a time, one step at a time.■
On their first month of operation, the El Consejo has already created a positive impression among its student constituents. With this year’s student government becoming more explicit when it comes to showing what they can
THE BEACON|35 theBEACON|
The AdZU Café
DIET PLAN WORDS: RIDZANA ABDULGAFUR PHOTO: FRANCES GRACE FLORENDO
A
number of students we re caught in big surprise to see Cherry‘s, Nicko‘s Siomai and Ice Scramble shut-off in the university cafeteria. Questions on why these happened were quite a plenty. But upon scrutiny, it was found out that even before the school year began, the school administration conducted a survey to evaluate the 6| JULY 2012
performance and the quality of goods and services that the cafeteria stalls offer to their regular in-school customers. This measure served as their basis for the renewal of contracts of the stalls for another school year. The survey was purposely made to identify the strengths and weakness of the stalls that were necessary bases for any suggestion for improvement.
Two reasons seem to appear why the mentioned stalls ultimately faced the axe. Apparently, the bottom three stalls which garnered the lowest ratings in the survey were found to be not in compliance with the sanitary and nutritional requirements and payment conditions. This then led the committee to finally declare their forfeiture of space in the cafeteria.
Even at the beginning, Bro. Raymund Belleza, S.J., had already received complaints from students, parents and teachers regarding the cleanliness and health value of the food available from these stores. Although these stalls were popular by demand because of the very cheap prices that they tag on their products, but most of their products were deemed unhealthy and
stench of food fried in used oil.
hazardous health.
to
human Nicko's Siomai has also been removed due to its persistent sale of instant Some clinical noodles which are regardinstructors from the ed as junk foods. Though Nursing Department de- savored by most students, nounced Cherry's persis- these are said to have no tent reuse of cooking oil health value, especially due to its harmful effects when the cafeteria is also on health. Aside from it acce ssi ble to pre imparted unsavory flavors schoolers and gradeto the food, it also caused schoolers. Ice Scramble unpleasant odors in the has also been evicted due ground floor of the cafe- to its unsettled rental teria usually during the balance for quite some peak hours of lunch. time.
Bro. Bel le za admitted that for the first year of its operation, they were still on the stage of trial and error, and what was more important to them was to buy popularity for the cafeteria. But now that they have the knowledge and experience, he says that they are going to be stringent than ever when it comes to its management. Unlike before, the first floor no longer reeks of smoke and
Though it may sound adverse for some students who used to patronize these stalls, but as what Bro. Belleza emphasized, what he always wants is the best for all. He says that the eviction of the stalls was not an easy decision because it also took their time to think conscientiously about the possible repercussions. However, he says that what they value most is the bigger picture—and that is, the safety and welfare of everyone in the Ateneo. Bro. Be l l e za hopes that this will also serve as a lesson for the remaining stall owners to strictly abide to the school policies. So as to make the cafeteria better and more convenient for everyone, some stalls that fall short of their responsibilities just have to be closed.■THE BEACON| 7
By: Barry Barraca and Lianne Miranda
8| JULY 2012
s
ince last year, some politician wannabes were already making themselves felt. On the main roads of the city we can see billboards or signage of faces of people we do not know with concern messages on them, most of these only have initials – initials are easier to remember than the whole name, only a political animal could have conceived such. Thus, the verdict: They are going to run this coming election. T h e ―heavyweight‖ politicians have joined the competition just recently, some early this year but most just this summer. We can see them owning some daily advertisements on the pages of the city‘s prominent newspapers, recrui ti ng s o- ca ll ed ―members‖ for their causes and movements, or just being involved in media more often. Nonetheless, they have joined the competition. ―Unfortunately, there is no law prohibiting them from doing this. If you complain before the COMELEC, they will say they cannot be held liable for any violation of any election
law as they are not yet candidates officially‖ stressed by the lawyercouncilor, Jawo Jimenez. ―If only politicians value honesty and integrity, or that they still have delicadesa, nobody has to remind them that what they are actually doing is morally wrong,‖ he added. But some have a different view about it. According to city councilor Vincent Paul Elago, prohibitions against infomercials cannot apply to anyone who has not filed his candidacy since there is no definite tool to measure his intention for running a government post. ―There is no prohibition for now. Not until one has already filed his candidacy which will still be on October…For as long as advertising materials don't use the word ‗vote‘, then legally speaking, they may not be considered as a political ad[vertisement] for now not until the start of the campaign season‖. When Birds Perch Too Tightly on a Branch One of the basics in a democracy, such as what we have to endure in the Philippines, is that popularity does account for most
of your votes if you would run for a position, be it the least Barangay Kagawad or being the country‘s President. Being an incumbent official could mean exploiting whatever power you have to increase your popularity. Humongous tarpaulins portray your smiling face on it, government utility vehicles with your name in bold letters for people to see it even from afar, or schools and places having your relatives‘ namesake– imagine the influence. These and all else can be yours if you are already in a high position within the political arena to amplify your recognition. Senate Bill No. 1967, formally known as the ―Anti-Signage of Public Works Act‖ or famed as the ―Anti-Epal Bill‖ of Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago dares to extinguish this practice. If passed, the law will prohibit officials from displaying their image or name to any completed or ongoing government project. After all, these developments are from the taxpayers‘ money, not from the pockets of these politicians – why should they be credited
for it? If only this punctuality in selfadvertisement is applied in the delivery of social services. The Birds of Prey Ever wondered why most politicians file their candidacy at the latest time possible? Most do it in the last day, at the last hour. They utilize the time still usable for maneuvering ―activities‖ during the pre-campaign period. Notice: They suddenly show up in televisions doing the season‘s greetings or delivering a concern message, they maximize their appearances in the circulation, or the like – but they do not ever ask to vote for them for any position whatsoever. ―All of these are not yet considered to be campaign materials. That is why most politicians file late, some even doing it on the last day at midnight. If you are already an official candidate, you can already be accused... let‘s keep the campaign clean. Let the people decide,‖ JV Faustino, ZTZ Movement spokesperson, explains. What politicians do during and even before the campaign period THE BEACON| 9
Bill‖ to be passed. Though it will not immediately be effective, at least it will wobble those whose positions are wellfortified by their influence through mere fame and not by the services and accomplishments given and made. But then, how could this pass through legislation if verily the legislators themselves are benefiting from the status quo? If, moreover, these legislators are safeguarding their powers through this blemish, how then can we expect that the Hitting the Birds with the Right Stone Exploring fur- Bill will ever pass? ―An unjust law ther, one of the best is no law at all,‖ St. Au- solutions presently availNevertheless, it gustine of Hippo de- able is the ―Anti-Epal will mostly be the buris a matter of wit and genius. The law is supposed to be simple in order to be fully understood and implemented. Nonetheless, it can be outmaneuvered because of the sheer variety of interpretation and view point. Legislators have failed, whether unintentionally or not for the reasons we can only guess, to correct these defects of our domestic laws. Consequently, these perversions occur – indeed, we reap what we sow.
10| JULY 2012
clared. Indeed, people are criticizing the politicians for premature campaigning, to the point of disgusting the entirety of our political system, but at the same time we fail to realize that this inherent tradition rose from the insufficiency of the law to hinder or deter them to do such things. Truly, there must be substantial amendments to be done if we want these travesties to be reduced if not to be eradicated completely.
den of the people. We are a democracy, and being such, all power and authority emanates from us. And as a Republic that is – by, through, and for – the people, everything is in our hands. What we demand is in our capability, be it change in our politics, it all rests in our choices that we make by the end of the day. If these things happen, it is also because we have come to allow it. ―Every time we witness an injustice and do not act, we train our character to be passive in its presence.‖ – Julian Assange.■
“
[At first], I was very hesitant to take the position...but if God is giving it to you, then I guess I have something to give [too].
”
—Engr. Stevan Dimaguila, Director of Student‘s Affairs
WORDS: JAM CAMILLE QUINTANES PHOTOS: DARRYLENE CLEMENTE
THE BEACON| 11
The D in the OSA I n a memo dated May 27 of this year , Father President Antonio F. Moreno, SJ announced the accession of Engr. Stevan S. Dimaguila as the new Director of Student‘s Affairs, replacing the 17-year legend Mr. Francis Jay Llenado who was then transferred as the University Security Chief Officer. Such announcement stirred questions as to the reason of the sudden transfer of the man who has been deemed an institution himself. Now that the DSA‘s tenure has transitioned, let us go beyond what we usually know about Engr. Steve. Some may plainly recognize him as a faculty member and former dean of the College of Science and Information Technology, while some deeply remember him as a compassionate person. With all these attributes, who would have thought that a simple, calm and composed man as he would succeed one of the most aggressive posts in the Ateneo community? Seeing through Although born in Bacolod City, Engr. Stevan S. Dimaguila, or 12| JULY 2012
―Steve‖, practically grew up here in Zamboanga. He had an ordinary childhood alongside his four siblings under the care of hardworking parents. As a kid, Engr. Steve describes himself as a hyperactive tot. ―I cannot stay put. I get easily distracted and I get bored sitting down,‖ giggling as he reminisced the fun kid he once was. ―Although it is totally different now due to physical reasons and because I learned to be more focused,‖ he adds.
ed BS Mechanical Engineering in Western Mindanao State University. After passing the board exam, Engr. Steve continued his teaching career for four years in Trade School and later took a Master‘s Degree for the course at the De La Salle University.
recalls, he always had enough money in his wallet. However, he experienced something to which he emphatically described as the turning point of his life. ―It was definitely a 180degree turn for me.‖ According to Engr. Steve, the success he attained during that time led him to put God aside. ―It wasn‘t much that God moved away from me, but I moved away from Him.‖ From that moment on, he says he learned how to keep his priorities straight and keep God in his life.
―There came a point in my life where I didn‘t want to be under anyone – I didn‘t want to have a boss. I wanted to have independence.‖ It was for this very reason Engr. Steve gave up He studied in teaching so he can venBeing a father of Ateneo for the first two ture out into the business years of his elementary world and start something four is no easy task. Just but had to transfer to by himself and for him- like any other father, he was the provider of the Zamboanga Normal self. family. Engr. Steve admits School in Baliwasan as He was very he had a difficult time in his family also relocated there. He spent his high open to business opportu- Zamboanga. Many would school in Claret School of nities and everything went identify with him trying to Zamboanga and graduat- smoothly for him. As he raise his kids and send them to school one after the other. He had a stable job that time, but it was paying enough for the There came a point in my life not family expenses and needs. It took quite some where I didn’t want to be time until his wife met a under anyone – I didn’t want friend who suggested him to apply in the Ateneo. to have a boss. I wanted to Contrary to an expected response, Engr. Steve did have independence. not quickly jump to the opportunity. He did not want to let go of his business. ―What really pushed me to teach full-time in
―
‖
A NEW MAN. Engr. Stevan Dimaguila sits as Ateneo’s Director of Student’s Affairs—one of the most crucial posts in the community. Ateneo was the scholarship that my kids were going to get.‖ In this bold move, as any father would want the best for his children, he decided to go back where he first started and once gave up: a teaching career. Prayers, Position, and Perspective ―I was very hesitant to take the position at first.‖ Engr. Steve remembers going to Fort Pilar and fervently praying for this decision. ―But if God is giving it to you, then I guess I have something to give.‖ He honest-
ly declares that he accept- in instilling Atenean ideals ed the position because in students which he hopes they would carry God told him to. with them even as they The newly- leave the walls of this appointed director shares school. that his goals mainly reEngr. Steve says volve around developing the students‘ holistic he is quite aware that he character and imbibing has big shoes to fill after Ignatian Spirituality. The Francis Llenado. The man has a deep convic- former DSA has been in tion for touching the lives the position for a very of the students for them long time and everybody to be close to God and to regards him as a house always possess the name. Though he does Ateneo Spirit. He sees his not really feel any presrole going beyond the sure on his part, he is usual day-to-day opera- mindful of the challenges tions, implementation of that this change awaits rules and addressing stu- him. ―I would probably dent affairs. He stresses grow less hair,‖ he jokingthat he takes importance ly adds. ―But I think I
would have to make many sacrifices… and hopefully I will change for the better – to be closer to God,‖ he continues. As many would be surprised (as I have been), the new face behind the famous desk is the face of a man who has been through a lot, who has grown a lot, and who wishes to share his convictions with others. He is a man of deep faith with his God, and just as he is a father to his children, he longs to teach us students the same values to get through life steady and strong.■ THE BEACON| 13
The Search for Genuine Land Reform WORDS: KELVIN J. CULAJARA PHOTO: PINOYWEEKLY.ORG
W
hile the rest of the Filipinos were celebrating the 114th Independence Day on June 12, the others were fighting for freedom on the streets of Mendiola. Amidst the scorching afternoon heat and the firm presence of armed police forces, almost two thousand peasant farmers from Central Luzon, Southern Tagalog and Negros finally made their voices heard over the C omp re he n si v e Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), which they say, served them ―little good‖ since its inception. Farmers from different regions gathered and marked their protests with statements accusing President Benigno S. Aquino as a puppet of his clan‘s, the Cojuangco‘s,
14| JULY 2012
interests in Hacienda Luisita, and pressuring him to redistribute the lands to tenants who have been yearning for social equity for so many decades. Harping on CARP Historically, major land reform legislations find their beginnings in 1954 when the Agricultural Tenancy Act was passed. Subsequently, similar legislations were pursued in 1955 and 1963. In 1972, under the rule of the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos, the Agrarian Reform Code of 1971 was legislated, and with it is the formal creation of the Department of Agrarian Reform which accordingly gave ―more teeth‖ to the law. Almost sixteen years after, the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law
CARP of 1988 is a state policy which mandates the redistribution of eight million hectares of lands to landless tenantfamers within ten years to ensure the promotion of justice and social equity in rural areas. However, while the initiative of an agrarian reform was deemed laudable, it has recorded slow progresses through the years due to lack of political will and constant interference of oligarchs in the Philippine politics .
sources (DENR) reported a land distribution rate of 79.4%, or approximately 6.4 million hectares out of the 8.1 million target scope of the CARP from 1972 to 2005. By face value it may seem remarkable, but the current target distribution scope of 8.1 million hectares is a shortadjusted figure from the original 10.3 millionhectare land distribution target. From 1988 to 1998, at least 60,000 hectares were exempted from the scope of CARP. Subsequently, the Supreme Court also declared CARP exemptions to millions of hectares of land which were claimed to be devoted to commercial livestock operations.
In 2006, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Department of Environment and Natural Re-
Moreover, while Estrada, Arroyo and Aquino have been bragging about the successes of land reforms under their
was enacted and signed by the late President Corazon C. Aquino that promulgated on 1988 the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).
own regimes, the Censuses of Agriculture reveals data that should make them feel otherwise. Accordingly, while full land ownership by landlords decreased by 12.3% from 1971 to 2002,this did not necessarily entail full farmers‘ ownership since majority of the landless tenants are part-owners only which implies persistence of tenancy and lease arrangements with the landlords. In fact, the Annual Poverty Indicators Survey (APIS) reports that only 11% of all intended farmer beneficiaries had obtained land through CARP. Quelling defiance ―We were the ones who planted but the goons of the landlord ate it,‖ says one of the farmers of Hacienda Baldevia in Negros, according to Bulatlat report. ―Life is hard here. There are times when we eat only once or twice day. We are very lucky if we get to eat at least three times a day. But that is very rare.‖ Ironically, in a nation where agriculture is what keeps it afloat and where the peasant sector is what largely comprises the Philippine population, rural poverty caused by social inequity and exploitation seems resurging.
Cojuangco-owned Hacienda Luisita. Recently, atrocities by an armed group, Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB), against ordinary peasant farmers in Negros were reported. According to reports, RPA-ABB was hired by the landlord of the Hacienda Baldevia to defeat possible radical movements, and to ―quell their (farmers) defiance‖. Only this January, RPAABB demolished farmworkers‘ homes and burned them to the ground. ―They were even Due to persis- laughing while they were tent abuses by landlords, burning our houses‖ says farmers from different one farmer. regions organized unions Finding courage and federations to solidify movement for the adIn its entirety, vancement of their rights. CARP has been a slow However, their demon- empowerment to peasant strations are usually met farmers, but recent develwith violence and brutal opments prove that it is resistance from the high- nonetheless worth pusher echelons . In Novem- ing for. ber 2004, twelve farmers In an April 24 and two c hi l d re n were slain and hund r e d s w e r e wounded during a massive protest in t h e daily minimum wage ranges from P190 to P262, yet ordinary farmworkers‘ wages range from P20 to P69 only in Negros, Samar and Cagayan. Moreover, most farmworkers are financially exploited through high interest rates pondered in their loans used for farming amenities. Such interest rates soar as high as 20% per month, 200% per harvest and even 400% per year which are approximately 8% to 388% higher than the legal interest rate of 12% per annum.
ruling, the Supreme Court en banc unanimously vote d f or the total distribution of Hacienda Luisita to the farmerbeneficiaries. Meanwhile, the court decision to stick to the 1989 valuation of P40, 000 per hectare prevailed amidst the Cojuangco family‘s petition for a P10-billion compensation. Meanwhile, on June 15, President Aquino had sworn that all lands covered by CARP will be totally distributed by 2014. ―Between now and June 2014, all agricultural lands shall be covered and distributed to qualified beneficiaries,‖ says presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda.■
Currently, the nation-wide agricultural THE BEACON| 15
T
hat moment when you had gotten rid of everything and found out the flush was broken…
room that always welcomed them with open arms and wrapped them with privacy. But they must not lament over such tragedy, for the That rarely hap- Ateneo is still giving them pens. a restroom experience teeming with luxury and W h e n n e w s class. broke that the ―Excretion Capital of ADZU‖ in the First off, men – LRC third floor was shut they tend to be undiscidown indefinitely, count- plined when it comes to less people incapable of focusing the trajectory of preventing their bombs their fluid waste. What do from dropping mourned we have then? Glistening over the closure of the floors enough to produce mi rror -l ike refl ec ti ons, with an ammonia-like fragrance to boot. Nevertheless, inanimate as they are, the floors confirm that they have not had contact with mops since… Naah, the floors have lost track of time, they say. Is something 16| JULY 2012
EEW | DE | T
A Peek at AdZU’s F
WORDS: KEITH J PHOTOS: DARRYLENE CLEM straining the friendship pages of Vogue Italia. between floors and mops? They used to be very close. But regardless of gender, when one‘s stomFloors shimmer ach gears start to turn, it in men‘s restrooms, while will be better for him to cubicle locks fasten very begin collecting sheets of well in ladies‘ powder paper and start treading rooms. Women, in secre- towards one of our luxuricy, actually create intricate ous lavatories. At the poses while inside their same time, he could recite respective cubicles, trying the tongue twister ―I slit a to use their limbs in keep- sheet, a sheet I slit…‖ being the door from going cause those shreds of paajar. All it needs is a pho- per will come in handy tographer and we have once he enters the façade our very own Top Model of toilet paper abundance. rip-off. Thanks to those But he better be careful, locks, our Ateneo ladies ordinary paper cuts deep. are ready to grace the Our restroom toilet pa-
TOILETTE
Five-Star Restrooms
JOSHUA DUMPIT MENTE & WINDEL OPINION pers are not for dabbing men, could resort to the cuts and gashes. only hollow material in the lavatory: the flower Technology has vase. Talk about trendplayed a key role in the setting. Ateneo‘s plans to beautify our lavatories. Ever heard Qu e sti on i n of the automatic faucets mind, could we consider of the LRC restrooms? yellow submarines as Cool. But, in dire times, assets of our lavatories? how can we make do of Yes, we can, for they are the wate r ru nni ng fixtures or preset human through the faucets? Dip- investments. Nonethepers are so last year, and less, the investors themthe new trend today is selves dislike what they using your own water just endowed. What‘s tumbler or plastic cups. worse than seeing a yelBut when disaster is posi- low submarine about to tioned at the brink, LRC take action? Not being restroom users, especially able to get them sucked
ers. Ideally, comfort rooms uphold, above all, hygiene and cater to the biological needs of humans. Zooming into our context, user abuse is rampant, and constant, but not being able to offset the abuses is not warranted, for payments encompassing the betterment of the lavatories are made. Hence, is the Ateneo justifying its usage of the label ―comfort room‖ or is it living up to an unidentified one? Think about it. Comfort Room One day you will venture – from a pilosopo‘s per- into it and be made spective, a place which known to the truth.■ offers comfort to its usby a whirlpool. Ateneans never get to do that. In a battle between submarines and humans, the mortals lose because they do not have the device that, if detonated, will lead to the eternal abolishment of the former. Let us just say that the device humans need is a functioning flush system. Only that will end the nightmares students have in voyaging through our flushy, er, flashy restrooms.
THE BEACON| 17
Charlyn’s Story WORDS: JAM CAMILLE QUINTANES. PHOTO: FRANCES GRACE FLORENDO ndeniably, Ateneo has been a home to some rich and affluent personalities. Sons and daughters of politicians? We have them. Future heirs and heiresses of local business establishments? We have them. And in an environment where students seem to be more worried about lip gloss and how a P500 weekly allowance seems not enough, sometimes we fail to realize how much we have than those who had to endure each day with hungry tummies. In the nooks and crannies of this campus, live a breed of Ateneans who very much deserve a unique celebration and recognition as they silently but decisively work their way up to their dreams and goals.
U
family of eight children , Charlyn hails from the municipality of Labason . Her parents are farmertenants of a land. After graduating high school in Labason as class valedictorian, Charlyn was recommended to study here in ADZU. However, it was not without hesitation that she greeted the idea. She recalls that the first thing that came to her mind was “Hala, hindi namin „to afford. Kahit maging scholar ako, malaki pa rin ang gastos – pagkain, boarding house, pamasahe.” But then again, Charlyn knew that this was an opportunity she was not willing to let go, “Pero kung may tutulong sa amin, magpursigi talaga ako pumarito, kasi opportunity na iyon”, she says. The hesitation due to financial constraints was further blurred in her
“
Charlyn Blando is a third year Education student majoring in Filipino. As I find my way to her dorm here in ADZU, I am welcomed by her shy smile and inviting personality. One look and I knew she had a story to tell.
The fifth in a
18| JULY 2012
mind because she says her was able to cope with the parents were very support- environment and soon ive of this. enough, everything turned out to be okay. ATENEO, FIRST-HAND ―[Noong] first time The culture shock ko dito, parang out of place did not only come in the ako. Ako lang ba ang ganito, form of students, but in the ako lang ba ang taga- form of classes as well. province?‖ Charlyn recalls comparing how her high school life Charlyn relays was much easier and rethat some of her earlier laxed than college life. In worries included the fact class, she was afraid of not the she could not under- being able to give the corstand and speak Chavaca- rect answer whenever the no. In addition to that the teacher asked her a quesphysical aura and atmos- tion. Her usual bubbly self phere of the students, she also disappeared as she did was clearly uncomfortable not have the guts to talk to and taken aback. “Dating ng her classmates just yet. mga taga ADZU sa akin, parang to the highest level. OF DREAMS AND SACRIFICE Sosyal talaga…iyong mga “Ok lang talaga sasakyan pa lang nila.” As ako, Ma.” –Charlyn on conwith any adjustment period vincing her mother not to however, the girl realized worry about her situation that she was not alone. She In a nutshell, this scholar has been through a lot. Charlyn narrates some of the toughest experiences she had to go through. There was a point in her life where for four straight months, she was eating only once a day because she needed to budget her money. There were times when she would come home at
Sa hirap ng buhay, dapat ko talagang panindigan na kaya ko.
midnight and wash her single pair of uniform for the next day and lose her physical will to study due to stress and exhaustion. Being a scholar who needs to maintain a grade of 85%, Charlyn says that prayer has been her greatest weapon and key to maintain the grade needed. When her father had to go to Manila and attend to his sick brother, Charlyn was living under the notion that she had no resources to pay off expenses and needs. She says she could not ask money from her mother because she also knew their poor situation way back home. For the first time in her life, Charlyn was not able to spend Christmas and New Year with her family. Instead of receiving gifts and caroling, she spent the usual holiday break looking for jobs and other sources of income. She did land a job as a household help and somehow this helped alleviate her financially. No matter how hard and heavy her work was, she remained to be inspired. She
did not dare tell her parents about the things she had to do to save them from worrying. Enrollment season is one of those times Charlyn dreads. ―Every enrollment ako namomroblema. Iiyak ako tapos parang sinisisi ko sarili ko.” An impressive quality she exudes is the fact that she never blamed her parents for not sending enough money for her. “Kasi alam ko iyon lang talaga ang kaya nila.” THE VISION “Sa hirap ng buhay, dapat ko talagang panindigan na kaya ko.” –Charlyn on staying motivated According to Charlyn, her ultimate aim is to help her parents. She feels she could not do this unless she studies well and graduates. Excelling in her studies is a vital key for her to achieve that goal. “Pag mababa yung exam ko or failure yung work ko, naiisip ko paano yung family ko?” Family is Charlyn‘s inspiration to keep going amidst all circumstances and difficulties. As a scholar, she
A hopeful Charlyn Blando scribbles her notes as she prepares for her next class. excellence, spirit, and service. We must also celebrate a hundred cheers for those people who have silently succeeded and overcome the great obstacles in Life here in the their own lives, in their own Ateneo is not as easy as it is little ways.■ for some. There are those who have to work hard and earn just to get by their daily needs. We are celebrating a hundred years of also believes that you can‘t take life too easily and wait for things to happen. “Kailangan mo talagang paghirapan, pagsikapan,” she adds.
THE BEACON| 19
IS THE NAME
ENOUGH?
ADZU ENROLMENT
WORDS: SARAH GAIL C. GALVAN
T
he existence of a private school largely depends on the number of students enrolling in it. That undeniable truth is the reason why choosing a school nowadays seems to be more of a commercial endeavor than an educational one.
they chose which college they will go to. Eerily enough it sounds similar to how people choose what clothes or shoes to buy. Trends tend to favor those that have a known brand name than to those that do not. Fortunately enough, the name ATENEO is a well known name ―Does the school indeed. provide a quality educaTHE FACTS tion? Are the facilities Below is a good? If I graduate there, line graph of AdZU‘s will my future employers be impressed from where enrollment turnout for the last eleven I studied from?‖ years to the present. These ques- The data was taken tions are some that from the Registrar‘s top the most when a Office last June 29 number of students and was the most were asked as to how current one that they 20| JULY 2012
had as of that date. Significantly, this year shows the biggest turnout of enrollees for AdZU. Mr. Emir R. Españo, Director of Admissions, says that this is because of the centennial activities, new buildings, and ―all the little things‖ that the University has been doing. Moreover, he shares that it is not only the Office of Admissions that is doing all the work. The different schools and colleges are also moving on their own and are taking care of their own marketing. Take for example the College of Science and Information
Technology that organizes the annual Statistics Camp for high school students and whose engineering students also went ―school hopping,‖ exhibiting projects that they have personally done. Despite the results, the Office of Admissions maintain that the turnouts cannot be attributed to a
T TURN-OUTS from A.Y. 2001-2002 to 2012-2013
set of fixed variables because there are a lot of factors that should be considered and most of them are personal preferences and reasons of the students themselves.
However, this just means that the more students that have enrolled, more expectations have to be met. The question then is, ―Is AdZU meeting the expectations of its students?‖
THE IMPLICATIONS
It truly is a success to be able to achieve a high turnout especially when it is considered to be the highest as of date.
The Ateneo name connotes quality education and an environment that is most conducive for learning. It prides
itself to give the best to the students who are paying a very high fee for its ―worth.‖ Indeed, this centennial year sees the University with a new building, the renaming of some, and a lot of other activities that will celebrate the 100 years of excellence, spirituality and citizenship that Ateneo is known for.
And yet, with all the efforts it exerted from the Manuel Sauras building to the ongoing construction of the giant letters of AdZU 100 that can be seen on the front field, where are the efforts to improve the quality of the facilities of the school that is most important for the students‘ education? Where are the efforts to fix classrooms that suffer from broken fans and lack of chairs? Where are the efforts to assure that a class who is assigned the room right next to the gym will not be disturbed THE BEACON| 21
from all the activities and practices that are being done there? Where are the efforts for better and definitely cleaner comfort rooms? In name, the Ateneo is about excellence and yet, things are not that quite excellent on the ground. The AdZU‘s highest turnout rate is something good but it should also mean that the University is expected to do more since more students are enrolling. The students are paying 22| JULY 2012
an exorbitant price to be called an Atenean and graduating as an Atenean. The educational environment then should show that we are paying for that worth.
student commented on the fact that there are other schools in the city that provide quality education at an affordable price whose facilities are on the same level as Ateneo‘s. How much Students en- more can we say that roll because of per- AdZU is better if that sonal reasons and was the case? some of those reasons lean towards The students using the University‘s are definitely not paygood name in landing ing thousands for just a job in the future. the Ateneo name. But the name will Expectations are of a never be enough if in quality education and truth that is the only the best that can be thing that we can provided for a learnboast about. One ing environment.
These should be met and should be nonnegotiable if the University wants to maintain the high turnout rates that it is enjoying now. For as marketing goes, what good is the name if that is all there is to it?■
Photographs courtesy of Ateneo de Zamboanga University and Ateneo Fiesta 2011 Facebook pages.
DISPUTED
SPECKS ON THE MAP WORDS: LEVIN ANGELO LOBREN
A basic for economic stability is to balance the demand-resource ratio. The long debated Paracel and Spratly Islands have been the ignitions for territorial disputes between Asian countries that eye new sources of raw materials. As to how it has been, claiming sovereignty over bodies of land and water—which result to territorial expansion—would grant great access for untapped potentials; within a few square meters of land could be a deposit of minerals, a buried lake of natural gas, a fertile farming ground, and boundless other possibilities. Bajo de Masinlóc, more known as the Scarborough Shoal, is at risk to befall on China’s hands. Technically, among the 7, 107 islands is Bajo de Masinlóc. Disinheriting the shoal would mean losing a rich fishing ground which would upset groups of fishermen and industries, and losing essentially an oil deposit which could have otherwise countered our economic struggle. The rightful claim According to United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Philippines qualifies for its sovereignty in the Scarborough Shoal. The UNCLOS, which came into force in 1994, recognizes Scarborough as a regime of islands under the Republic of the Philippines through the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The EEZ is measured 370 km (200 mi) from the baselines of its land territories. The Scarborough, despite its location in South China Sea, is within the Philippine EEZ, thus, the reserved rights for Philippines’ exploration, conservation, and exploitation. Persistent military presence in the Scarborough and trade embargo from the Chinese government led the Philippines to challenge China to settle the dispute in international court. However, China dismissed the idea since it did not want intervention from the international
A
THE BEACON| 23
community. While the Philippines raises its flag in the disputed waters, China persistently asserts its claim of the Scarborough by using historical data. Accordingly, its sovereignty dates back in the year 1279 during the Yuan dynasty when the Scarborough was proclaimed as “the point in the South China Sea”. The Chinese government even asserted that Scarborough has then been included in Chinese maps, and had had a declaration for its sovereignty. Battle of histories Early maps published in 1734 presents Scarborough as a part of Zambales. Spanish Jesuit priest Pedro Murillo Velarde, the map-maker, indicated the shoal as Bajo de Masinlóc. Several other maps by Spain andth United States in 18th and 20 centuries are also consistent with the shape of the shoal with the Philippine maps we have today. The Philippines also enumerates various activities accomplished in the island such as the construction of the iron tower by the Philippine Navy in 1965 and the erecting of Philippine flags in 1965 and 1967. It had also been a traditional fishing ground for Filipinos, even shelter during bad weather. 24| JULY 2012
The aforementioned are generally the supported claims, each with underlying complexities still under the microscope. While China is in abundance of historical evidences, these should still be further substantiated diplomatically. Steadfast opposition China does not wish other countries to join the dispute with the Philippines. ‚The Philippines’ attempt to draw any third party into interfering or intervening through whatever means in the incident is bound to further escalate the situation or even change the nature of the issue and will meet steadfast opposition from the Chinese side.‛ In May 2012, Chinese maritime ships surrounded Bajo de Masinlóc intimidating Filipino fishermen from throwing their nets for their daily catch. As attested by the fishermen of Masinlóc, Chinese vessels blocked their entry to the shoal. Amidst the talks between the Philippines and China to ease the tensions around Scarborough Shoal, Chinese vessels continue to increase in number from fourteen to ninety-two. The Philippines accused China for the increase of tension in the area and subsequently
This year, South Korea sent equipments, such as helmets and vests, for the Armed Forces of the Philippines for the Scarborough standoff. According to reports, United States of America sent a second Hamiltonclass cutter. Australia would also send a number of vessels for search and rescue operations, and skill trainers to help develop the Philippine military. Japan would likely provide ten forty-meter patrol boats under official development aid. As of the date, military vessels are still omnipresent and tensions still continue to rise up despite demanded for an immediate the two nations attesting to pullout under the violation of settle the dispute in peace.■ Philippine sovereignty. Photo Sources: http:// Tight security w w . e President Benigno w ir.info/2012/04/26/theAquino III met with South china-philippines-face-off Korean President Lee Myung- -at-scarborough-shoalk - t o- sq u are - o ne / ; bak in November of last year bac t t p : / / for military boost on aircraft, hwww.a1social.com/2012/ 0 5 / a -c hi na-view -of patrol boats, and other facili- scarborough-shoal-orties that would aid the Philip- huangyan-island-disputepines in securing its defense. in-south-china-sea/
SPOILED BRATS IN THREE WHEELS WORDS: PAOLA MIGELLI CANANEA. PHOTOS: DARRYLENE CLEMENTE
“
Eight pesos per passenger for the first kilometer. Additional two pesos for every succeeding kilometer and thereafter, regardless of the number of passengers.‖ According to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), this is the tricycle fare matrix which everyone ought to comply. Under this matrix, if you live in Barangay Tetuan and decide to ride a tricycle to school, you have to pay roughly P10. But no, if you look at reality, a short trip to school would cost you
P30 to even P40 which is to follow the fare rate three to four times higher matrix because accordingthan what it should cost. ly, it gives them insufficient profit at the end of Everyday, while the day. Given the skyyou give in to the little rocketing prices of compiece of injustice by tak- modities, and the fact that ing out P30 or more from most of them are merely your measly daily allow- agents of the real tricycle ance, you disregard the proprietors, they claim thought of how far such that what they usually amount could have taken receive is not enough to you. In places like sustain their family‘s Dipolog and Pagadian, needs. you‘d be surprised to find out that a humble P7 can Moreover, in an take you to a one- attempt to convince the kilometer distance al- passengers, many of them ready. claim that there is an alleged plan by the City Brats’ rants Government to increase Most tricycle the fare rate from P8 to drivers interviewed refuse P20. At this they insinuate
that if ever it gets implemented, why would they not exercise it as early as now? The passenger’s seat Instead of religiously following the fare rate plastered on the dash, tricycle drivers rely on oral contracts with their passengers to set the price of their transportation service. As noted by Tymothy Chua, a regular tricycle passenger, the drivers charge them way over the legal fare thinking that they will earn more if they do this. But, more often than not, drivers only end up losing potential passengers considering THE BEACON| 25
that there are various alternatives, like jeepneys and even sikad-sikads, on the road. What happens is they end up making rounds and having a lot of idle time because passengers are too disgusted at the price they offer. Kevin Jimera points out that the best thing to do is make a verbal contract with the driver before agreeing to ride as a passenger. A verbal contract, in this case, will only exist once the passenger and the driver agree on an amount. This is to avoid having further disagreements about the price once you reach the destination. But he also admits this is a difficult feat during rush hour when he has no choice but to immediately get in the first tricycle he can find. Last resort The Tricycle Adjudication Board of Zamboanga is the regulating body for matters concerning tricycle complaints. The board urges the public to file a formal complaint when faced with issues regarding the tricycle fare so that proper action can be taken. 26| JULY 2012
Drivers will be charged the city. with a penalty of P1,000 While jeepneys if found guilty. do not offer the same If you ever en- amount of comfort and counter yourself in the convenience as tricycles same annoying situation, do, it can practically rise you can choose to give in above the occasion. You to the tricycle‘s request may have to squeeze in and just walk away deject- between sweaty strangers edly, or if you are strong- but if you‘re practical and willed, you will probably willing to endure little get on a heated discus- feats like this, then it‘s the sion with the driver be- best way to get away from fore slapping the fare unscrupulous drivers. begrudgingly. Again, doing this won‘t take you far. Take the name and What now? The obvi ou s plate number and report this to the LTFRB so that issue lies in the reality that authorities can take the it has become normal to proper action and give charge passengers three or the due process. Because four times the applicable as minor as this issue may rate. This is a clear injusbe, it is a case of tram- tice that Zamboanguenos pling upon of human have strangely passed off rights that has accumulat- as routine now. Someed over time and has now thing has to be done to become one of the most change this social stigma – prominent problems in not just the attitude of
drivers in terms of overcharging, but also the indifference and unwillingness from citizens to do something constructive about it. Come to think of it. What if all of us who experience this injustice on a daily basis do something about it? What if we actually take the time and effort to report all these cases? Soon enough, drivers‘ awareness will be heightened and the tendency to overcharge will lessen once they realize that passengers and authorities are being vigilant about it. From the meager amount that they earn in a day, no driver would want to be penalized for one thousand pesos.■
THE BEACON| 27
SUPERMAN AND THE DEMONS
A
fter seventeen years of prostudent leadership as the Director of Student Affairs, Mr. Francis Jay Llenado was set to a new ground as the University Security Officer. Considering the longevity of his tenure as DSA, many deemed him as a superman irreplaceable. But in an administrative mandate last May that made him hop to a new post, the Ateneo has to bow down to Mr. Stevan Dimaguila as its new DSA who has assumed office only this June. As such, the DSA is expected to foster utmost fervor to be the
―soft-spoken and calm‖ nature, the rest waits unwearyingly on what is in store in his plans and vision for the Ateneo. Having served as a former dean and faculty member of the College of Science and Information Technology for quite a number of years, students and even Father President Antonio Moreno agree that he can start over the legacy from where Mr. Llenado left off, and swerve the 3,000plus studentry of the Ateneo college to the right direction. However, while that seat which he has seized is of great importance, his esteemed position will remain to be The existence of hearsays may prove the still if the students brush its function and powers to possibility that these stories are real, but nothingness. The rampant if no one dares to testify, all these shall versions of underground remain myths which only deserve a very chronicles of student harassments but with no meager space in the administration’s verified evidences to such stories are a testament to priorities. that. The existence of these hearsays may prove
“
28| JULY 2012
defender of every student in the community. He is expected to march on the front line in pursuit of preserving student‘s welfare. The DSA is expected to heed to the whims of the student body, and implement or impose sanctions that are needed to enforce discipline. More than anything, he is expected to be the immediate bridge of the students to the administration. These are the expectations that the student body has for the new DSA. And while some doubt Mr. Dimaguila‘s capability to meet these due to his
”
ILLUSTRATION: ALMIRA PR the possibility that these stories are real, but if no one dares to testify, all these shall remain myths which only deserve a very meager space in the administration‘s priorities. This is the first challenge that Mr. Dimaguila will have to face in his first year as DSA. And in order for him to
RISCILLA DRAPIZA live up to the expectations of students, he has to appease and persuade them that either they will be safe if they choose to report, or their effort of stepping out and testifying will be worth the risk. Moreover, his office will also face thirtynine accredited school organizations in which
COMMENTARY Kelvin J. Culajara
THAT BIG BLUE BIRD
reports when they sought for accreditation from the former DSA. This then leaves us wondering if some student-run organizations are really serious in fulfilling the general objective of cultivating individual maturity and talent of its members and forming a dynamic and responsible Ateneo community.
only a handful remains operative. In a statement during last year‘s Council of Leaders Assembly, former vice-president (now president-elect) Adriel Earl Toribio said that many of these organizations no longer function to meet their objectives and platforms which they have stated in their
The next challenge to Mr. Dimaguila is not to activate these dying student-run organizations (because, obviously, that is an unfair burden for him to govern) but to execute tighter and more stringent measures to ensure the quality and maturity of the incoming organization-applicants before they are given recognition. After all, while the right to an assembly is fundamental and ought to be upheld, such right likewise entails the responsibility of functioning to achieve their
very goals and objectives, and to contribute to the intellectual, moral and ethical development of the Ateneans. An impressive and highly-academic background as dean, faculty member and research manager are Mr. Dimaguila‘s pass to directorship. His will be term we‘re willing and eager to watch over. For if we heard it right from those who know about him, beyond the subtle and quiet character is a man who is said to have command, authority and competence. We believe that these qualities are what suit a Director of Student Affairs. After all, we‘re too convinced that the DSA is any student‘s most accessible hero against any demons who are, as of the moment, unnamed.■
THE BEACON| 29
? H E W W
D ‘
ala nang kabataan ang m a t i no ng k au sa p ngayon. Bakit? Dahil sa lahat ng pagkakataon na sila ay iyong makakausap, kung hindi ka ba naman babarahin ay malamang ganito ang isasagot sa iyo, ‚Weh? Di nga? Pagsure oi!‛ At kapag ipinagdiinan mo pa ang iyong gustong sabihin, ito naman ang sasalubong sayo, ‚Ikaw na teh! Ikaw na! Ikaw na ang magaling!‛ Maaring ito ay kabastusan at 30| JULY 2012
A G N I
kawalan ng galang sa pananaw ng mga nakatatanda ngunit, ganito na talaga ang mga kabataan ngayon. Ano pa nga ba ang ating magagawa? Ika nga nila, ‚if you can’t stop them, then join them!‛ Saan ka pa? Parang mga kabute kung makasulpot ang mga salitang balbal na ito, kaliwa’t kanan at kung saan- saan, tiyak na ito ay maririnig mo pa rin. Malamang kahit sa mga malalayong mga bukirin at kapatagan, malamang mula Batanes hanggang Tawi-Tawi ay laganap na ang ganitong uri ng pagsasalita. Masisi mo
b a s i l a ? Masisi mo ba kami? Hindi. Ano nga ba ang pinag-ugatan ng pagkakaroon ng ganitong mga salita o mga ekspresyon? Alam kong alam niyo na ang kasagutan sa tanong na iyan. Oo naman, kayo na, kayo na ang may alam! Karamihan ay nagsasabing ito ay buhat nang sumikat si Vice Ganda. Sa tuwing siya ay mapapanood sa Showtime o di naman kaya ay sa Gandang Gabi Vice, eh hindi matata waran ang kanyang pambabara at paggamit ng mga ganitong uri ng ekspresyon. At mula roon, ay unti-unting kumalat ang tsismis sa bawat sulok ng Pilipinas. Siyempre naman, pati sa mga text at social networking sites gaya ng Facebook, ay
nasakop na rin ng ganitong paraan ng pagsasalita, idagdag mo pa si Simsimi. Weh? Di ka makapinawala no? Maniwala ka! Ito na ang uso ngayon! (Ay hindi, bukas...bukas pa iyan magiging uso.) At hindi natin maikakaila na pati ang ibang nakatatanda ay nakikisabay na rin sa uso! Astig hindi ba! Ngunit, marapat lamang nating tandaan na hindi sa lahat ng bagay, oras at pagkakataon ay nararapat na gamitin ang ganitong paraan ng pagsasalita o pagsagot. Ikaw ba naman, subukan mo ngang sabihan ang iyong guro ng ‚Ikaw na Ma’am, ikaw na ang tama!‛ Baka naman masipa ka niya palabas ng silid-aralan niyan. Subukan mo raw barahin ang iyong magulang kapag sila ay nagtanong ng ‚Oh anak, nasaan ka na ngayon?‛ at ito ang
! ?
HN : JO A D -AK Y MA
iyong magiging sagot ‚Malamang nasa Earth pa rin, alangan namang nasa Jupiter ako ngayon.‛ Tingnan lang natin kung makakauwi ka pa ng bahay niyan. Sa ating paggamit ng ganitong paraan ng pagsasalita, marapat lamang na ipakita pa rin natin ang tamang respeto at paggalang sa kapwa. Maging sensitibo tayo at alamin ang pagkakataong magbiro at magseryoso. Nakakatuwa kaya kung ito ay iyong marinig sa mga kabataan ngayon. Hatid nito ay halakhakan, tawanan at biruan. Tama nga naman, bakit ba naman kailangan pang tanungin ang mga bagay- bagay na sadyang halata naman? Halimbawa, ikaw ay kumakain, at bigla na lamang itatanong sa iyo ng isang kaibigan, ‚Pare, anong ginagawa mo ngayon?‛ at sasagutin mo siya ng ‚Nagtutoothbrush ako ngayon, hindi mo ba
XY
US RIO
DE
C LA
nakikita?‛ O di naman kaya habang ikaw ay kumakanta at biglang magsa-sayd koment ang isa mong kaklase ng, ‚Wow, kumakanta siya oh!‛ at sasagutin mo siya ng, ‚Ayy hindi, Naliligo ako! Naliligo!‛ Hindi ba nakakatawa kung ito ay iyong mapakinggan? At may iba pang magsasabi sa iyo, habang ikaw ay t u mat a wa, ‚ Kun g makatawa naman diyan, parang wala nang bukas. Ikaw na talaga!‛ Ayun, mapapatawa ka na lamang. Kung minsan nga lang, sa paggamit natin ng mga salitang balbal, katuwaan man ang hatid nito sa atin, baka hindi natin napapansin na tayo ay nakasasakit na ng damdamin ng ating kapwa. Ang mga pambabara at mga pagsagot na ganito ay maaring maging bastos at hindi kaaya-aya lalung lalo na sa isang pormal na okasiyon o sa isang seryosong
Z RU
usapan. Maraming mga matatanda ang nagsasabing nakalimutan na raw ng kabataan ang tamang paggamit ng mga salitang nagpapamalas ng paggalang, kagaya na lamang ng pagsasabi ng ‘po’ at ‘opo’, o di kaya’y ‘salamat’ at ‘walang anuman’. Sa paglitaw ng mga makabagong uri ng pananalita sa m a k a b a g o n g henerasyon ng mga kabataan ngayon, marapat lamang na ating panatilihin ang mga mabubuting asal na ating maisasambit nang pasalita. Matuto lamang sana tayong lumugar at isipin ang sitwasyon bago natin ibuka ang ating mga bibig at magsambit ng kung anuano. Iba na talaga ang mga kabataan ngayon. Ibang iba na talaga! Astig kung pumorma at manamit. At siyempre, astig kung makapagsalita. Ito raw kasi ang uso eh. Ano pang magagawa natin?
Eh maghintay ng mga susunod na magiging uso sa darating na hinaharap. Kung ganito ka-‚out of this world‛ ang mga kabataan ngayon, ano na lamang ang sa susunod na henerasyon? Ikaw na kabataan! Ikaw na talaga! Ang galing galing mo! Natututong makibagay at makisakay sa agos ng buhay. Ano na naman kaya ang ipapauso nitong si Vice Ganda? Siya na, siya na talaga! Sa kabila ng ganitong mga pagbabago, nawa’y panatilihin natin ang pagkakaroon at pagtataguyod ng respeto at pagmamahal sa kapwa. Hindi naman masama ang magbiro o mambara, hinay-hinay lang. May bukas pa naman.■
THE BEACON| 31
Your voice. Your light.