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Newsletter VOL.108 NO. 4 SEPTEMBER 2017
Info Center revamps ID The University’s Information Center released a redesigned Identification Card layout for students, faculty and staff last summer. The ID was redesigned by CPU alumnus and employee Mark Clemens Ortaliz as recommended by Rev. Francis Neil Jalando-on, the ID page 3 → Director of the Office of Communication.
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New ID layout for students(L) and employees(R). [IMAGES MARK CLEMENS ORTALIZ]
by Ariel Lorenz N. Castronuevo
Centralian hailed as Nat Geo’s ‘Everyday Genius’ by Ariel Lorenz N. Castronuevo
by Pearl Lorraine R. Cordero and Cleon Geoffrey S. Andaya
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Artist's perspective of the CPU Senior High School building.
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Loretizo. [PHOTO JOHN ELMER LORETIZO]
[IMAGE CPU WEBSITE]
Fifth year Software Engineering student John Elmer Loretizo received the Grand Prize in National Geographic’s “Everyday Genius” with his proposal called Patient intransit Diagnostics Systen (PaDS) last May 26. PaDS, a mobile app that sends an incoming emergency patient’s diagnostics to the target NATGEO hospital for treatment page 13 →
To accommodate the growing population of Senior High School students, the University started the construction of a 5-storey building last June. According to Senior High School Principal Edgar Eriman, the building construction was proposed by Central Philippine University President Teodoro Robles to house
all senior high students for the next school year 2018-2019. “It is very important for us to have a separate building for Senior High SENIOR page 2 → School considering the growing
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news
Duterte signs nationwide smoking ban, put to effect
↑ Signages
were put up around the city to remind the city to remind the people of the nationwide smoking ban. [PHOTO ILOILO TODAY]
by Dazen Dawn P. Lariza
To promote public health over business interests, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order No. 26 or the Nationwide Smoking ban last May 16 and was put to effect last July 23. According to Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Paulyn Ubial, the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) banning smoking in public places might come out before the President’s State of the Nation Address in July. “We’re hoping that the IRR will come out before the 60 days that is outlined in the executive order for full implementation,” Ubial said during a press conference on the observance of the World No Tobacco Day last May.
However, the DOH Chief encouraged the Local Government Units to make their own tobacco control ordinances before EO 26 took effect. “There are LGUs which have ordinances that are stricter than the EO that can continue. What we will look into are the LGUs without existing ordinances in terms of implementation because the EO will now cover all the executive branches of government, so that includes the LGUs that have not passed their local ordinances,” she said. She added that LGUs should refer to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) as basis for their ordinances as it is the legal basis of other local government units in implementing stricter ordinances. However, e-cigarettes and vapes are not
included in the smoking ban as it does not fit the definition of tobacco products that are to be banned in accordance with the EO. “We will include [them] when we have more [information] and [recommendation] from WHO,” Ubial said in an interview with Rappler. EO 26 bans smoking in all public places including schools, work places, government facilities, establishments that provide food and drinks, accommodations and professional services; outdoor spaces like playgrounds, sports centers, church grounds, hospitals, transportation terminals, markets, parks, resorts, waiting areas, walkways and sidewalks; elevators and stairwells; locations where fire hazards are present; and public transportation.
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A crane and a backhoe excavates and prepares the land for the building's construction. [PHOTO PATRICK KYLE L. ITA-AS]
number of students, and also for us to accommodate the incoming grade 11 students for the next school year,” Eriman said. He further stated that some Senior High School enrollees were denied enrolment due to lack of facilities this school year. “Almost 300 enrollees for SY 2017-2018 were denied due to limited classrooms,” he said. Eriman also said that the building will be fully equipped with amenities including a laboratory, air-conditioned classrooms, and even an elevator, with the total cost of roughly of over 200 million pesos. The construction is expected for completion on or before the school year 2018-2019. It will be the tallest building within the University campus.
SENIOR ← page 1
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THE CENTRAL ECHO
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↑ Rallyists
hold their banners in protest of the PUJ phase out. [PHOTO MICHAEL ANGELO FANDAGANI]
VOL. 108 NO. 4
“Kay ang aton ID is daan na kuno, and then for Faculty and Staff, sang Centennial pa. So nagrecommend siya nga ma-redesign sang ID. Kag amo ‘to gin muno niya ko nga ma-create sang design nga bag-o,” Ortaliz explained the reason why the ID was redesigned. When asked about where the new design’s inspiration came from, Ortaliz stated CPU’s religious affiliation which is rooted in Christianity, therefore mentioning the University Church. “Ang [University] Church is center sang CPU, ’di bala? Pagsulod mo pa lang di sa CPU, makita ‘ta mismo ang Church. Tapos di ba Baptist kita? So foundation ta is Christianity and faith, so amu to nag-decide kami nga church na lang ang ibutang,” Ortaliz replied. He further explained that they needed to create something distinct to CPU; something easily recognizable. “So amu ‘to, nag-create kami design kag ang Church ang gin-butang para distinct siya bala. So mabal-an mo nga ‘Ay, ang ari nga ID is from CPU gid ya.’ Iconic gid siya sa CPU,” Ortaliz said, adding “So indi lang siling nga flat lang aton nga design. Dapat once nga Makita mo ang ID automatic sa design pa lang bal-an niya ‘ay, taga-CPU siya’ tungod lang sa Church.”
ID
← Aerial
view of the University Church, the landmark featured in the new ID layout.
[PHOTO JEDRICK LEIGHNOIR SOLINAP]
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Iloilo transport groups join nationwide transport strike vs PUJ phase out by Dazen Dawn P. Lariza
To protest against the government’s proposed jeepney phase out planned by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), transport groups from Iloilo City composed of jeepney owners, drivers and supporters took part in the two-day nationwide transport strike last June 5-6. According to the “No to PUJ PUB, AUV Phaseout Coalition,” they are fighting against the DOTr’s plan to replace jeepneys that are 15 years old and older with electronic Euro-4 engine jeepneys under the management of a private fleet company. Jeepney operators will reportedly “be forced” to buy units only from those accredited by the Land Transportation Office. “The DOTr’s plan will destroy the daily living of operators and drivers while making profits for the monopoly suppliers of electronic and Euro-4 engine jeepney and fleet companies, like Ceres Liner,” PISTON Panay Chapter Chairperson Edgar Salarda said. Salarda also said that students and other civilians who rely on jeepneys and public transportation will also be affected since the fare
will not be as cheap as public vehicles offer. “The so-called modernization, when in essence is turning over to private sector the public transport system will only make bigger companies richer through the corporatization of the transport sector,” he added. Despite the two-day strike, however, the Iloilo City Government arranged for other means of transportation for students as not to disrupt the start of classes in other schools and for employees who had jobs. “We have a committee on standby and a standard operating procedure (SOP) on how to respond to transport strikes,” City Administrator Hernando Galvez said. According to Galvez, this was to prevent stranded passengers during the scheduled two-day strike. “Last transport strike (February 2017), the problem was how to get the stranded passengers out of Iloilo City. Within Iloilo City, there was no problem,” he said. Other transport vehicles such as tricycles as well as a number of jeepneys that did not join the transport strike were also situated in places where commuters usually waited for public vehicles.
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opinion
EDITORIAL BOARD AY 2017-2018 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Onesiforo B. Berina, Jr. MANAGING EDITOR
GUHIT MICHAEL ANGELO I. FANDAGANI
John David O. Maza ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Jiselle L. Yanson NEWS EDITORS
Dazen Dawn P. Lariza Ariel Lorenz N. Castronuevo
editorial
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Celina L. Maloto Rusieljs G. Lunasco LITERARY EDITOR
Jenimary Irianna O. Montelibano PATNUGOT NG FILIPINO
Pearl Lorraine R. Cordero WEB ADMINISTRATORS
Michael Angelo I. Fandagani Unique M. Canonicato GRAPHIC ARTISTS
Rod Gerard J. Fuentes Krizzia Dennese M. Espinosa Michael Angelo I. Fandagani LAYOUT ARTIST
Unique M. Canonicato PHOTOGRAPHERS
Israh Marie D. Dayalo Patrick Kyle L. Ita-as Moises Segundo D. Alba CARTOONIST
Bejay P. Songcog STAFF WRITERS
Moises Segundo D. Alba Cleon Geoffrey S. Andaya ADVISERS
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central.echo@gmail.com Š2017 All rights reserved. Copyright reverts to the respective authors, illustrators, and photographers whose work appear in this issue. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without prior written consent from The Central Echo. This publication is not for sale. PRINTED AT
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John David O. Maza
Isang libo, isang tawa Halos ibinasura na ng 119 na mga kasapi ng Kongreso ang Commission on Human Rights (CHR) nang magdesisyon silang bigyan lamang ito ng isang libong piso na salaping-panustos sa susunod na taon. Bago pa man ang mainit na argumento at pagpupulong noon ika-12 ng Setyembre ay iminungkahi na ng CHR na pagla-anan sila ng mahigit kumulang P649 milyon na badyet para sa taong 2018 — higit na mababa kumpara sa P749 milyong badyet nila ngayong taon. Ngunit ikinagulat ng marami ang naging resulta ng botohan ng mga kasapi ng House of Representatives hinggil dito. Mas maraming mga kongresista ang nagtulak na bigyan ang komisyon ng napakaliit na badyet at 32 lamang ang tutol. Ang desisyong pagbigay ng nasabing badyet sa CHR ay hindi makatarungan. Ang CHR ay isang malayang opisina na ginawa sa ilalim ng 1987 Constitution. Nakasalalay sa Komisyon ang hustisyang hangad ng mga taong naagrabyado at inaalipusta ng terosista, ng pulisya, ng mga rebelde, o anumang grupo't malalaking tao sa lipunan. Bakit babawasan ng napakatindi ang pondo ng CHR ngayong talamak ang pangaabusong nagaganap sa bayan? Bakit ngayon pa kung kalian malaganap ang terorismo at extrajudicial killings? Hindi sapat na dahilan ang paratang na nagkulang ang Komisyon sa pagpapatupad ng kanyang tungkulin para bigyan ng nakakainsultong badyet. Sa ganitong batayan, napakaraming mga nakakahiyang ahensiya o tauhan ng gobyerno ang nararapat na bigyan din ng isang libong pondo. Sabihin man ng pangulo na pamahalaan lamang ang palaging pinupuna ng CHR, ito'y dahil malinaw na ginagawa ng ahensiya ang kanyang pinakaimportanteng mandato na ipagtanggol tayo laban sa pang-aabuso ng gobyerno.
Paano na nila magagawa ang kanilang trabaho kung sila ay kapos? Paano nila mapapabuti ang kanilang mga gawain kung wala silang panustos? Paano na nila matutupad ang sinumpaang pananagutan sa bansa kapag mismong mga nagpapalakad sa bansa ang humahadlang dito? Hindi lamang ang CHR ang naapi sa kabobohang ito ng Kongreso. Tayong mga taumbayang nagtatrabaho para mabayaran ang napakalaking buwis na sinisingil ng gobyerno ang higit na maapektuhan at mawawalan ng kumpiyansang may tatakbuhan tayo kapag naapakan ang ating karapatang pantao. Sa ganitong kilos ng Kongreso, ipinapakita lamang nila ang totoo nilang kulay. Marahil mas mahalaga para sa ating mga kongresista ang mabigyan ng malaking hati sa pondo at maging mabango ang kanilang pangalan sa harap ng kasalukuyang administrasyon kaysa sa protektahan ang mga karapatan ng mga mamamayang nagbigay sa kanila ng buong tiwala't suporta mailuklok lamang sila sa pwestong kanilang kinalalagyan. Mabuti na lamang na hanggang hindi pa ito naipapasa sa Senado, hindi maipapatupad itong nakaririnding desisyon ng Kongreso. Inaanyahan namin ang ating mga Senador na maging propesyonal, makatwiran, at huwag uliting maging kahiyahiya sa mukha ng sambayanan sa pagpapasya nito ukol sa badyet ng CHR at huwag hayaang mangyari ang anumang kahibangan. Sino nga ba ang gustong patawanin ng ganitong nakakasuklam na kalokohan? Laro nga ba kung ituring ng gobyerno ang buhay nating mga Pilipino? Ikaw, pinoy: naeenjoy mo ba ang palabiro't mala-sirko nating pamahalaan?
Paano na nila matutupad ang sinumpaang pananagutan sa bansa kapag mismong mga nagpapalakad sa bansa ang humahadlang dito?
THE CENTRAL ECHO VOL. 108 NO. 4
Wala Lang
Onesiforo B. Berina, Jr.
Wala Lang Ganap lang Ilang buwan na rin ang lumipas matapos pumutok ang balitang pambabastos ni Sen. Vicente “Tito” Sotto kay Judy Taguiwalo na tagalihim ng DSWD o Department of Social Welfare and Development. Habang nasa pagpupulong sila sa Comission on Appointments kung aaprubahan ba o hindi ang pagiging tagalihim ni Taguiwalo ay na nabanggit ni Sotto ang tungkol sa pagiging solong ina nito sa kanyang dalawang anak. Nagkaroon ng sagutan sa pagitan ng dalawang panig. Naikwento ni Taguiwalo ang tungkol sa kanyang pamilya.“My life has never been a normal one. I never had a whole mother-father-children
Earthling
John David O. Maza
Biggest Loser Despite a cancelled Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) and lack of necessary permits from the local government, Ipilan Nickel Corporation leaves a whopping 20-hectares of natural forest area in Brooke’s Point, Palawan bald, shaving more than 15,000 centuries-old indigenous trees off their roots. This happens weeks after the Commission on Appointments (CA) cuts Regina Paz “Gina” Lopez off her post as Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary for her “controversial policies and incompetence.” The wide grin and thrill in the miners’ faces are vividly displayed through such loathsome act. They’re jumping in joy as the Earth sees itself deepen. Lopez, a staunch mining critic, began auditing open-pit mines around the country on her very
kind of family, except when I was growing up in Bacolod.” Nailahad din niya sa pagdinig na dati siyang aktibista noong estyudante pa lamang siya sa Unibersidad ng Pilipinas, at ang kanyang karanasang makulong sa panahon ng panunungkulan ni Marcos. Naging mainit nga ang usapan pero ang damdamin ng mga netizens ay higit na uminit nang nalaman nila ang mga katagang ito na sinagot ni Sotto sa kwento ni Taguiwalo. “In the Street language, when you have children and you are single, ang tawag doon ay na-ano lang.” Marami ang nag-react, nag-comment at nambash sa Senador. Ayon sa iba’y pang-aalipusta at pangmamaliit daw ito sa mga kababaihan. Hinalungkat na din ng iba ang tungkol sa buhay ng mga anak niyang single parent din. Maging ang anak ni Taguiwalo ay apektado rin, humingi ito ng public apology mula sa Senador. ‘I think my mom deserves a public apology from Tito Sotto..No woman deserves that kind of treatment,” sabi niya.
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Ganito rin ang gusto ng Gabriela mula kay Sotto – ang magbigay ng ‘sapublikong paumanhin. Totoo, lumaki talaga ang balitang ito, maaring nakalimutan na ngayon ngunit hindi pa rin natin maitatago na ang balitang ito ay may itinatago ring makabuluhan na implikasyon. Sa kasalukuyang panahon, ano na ba ang estado ng mga kababaihan? Ganun pa rin ba ang trato ng mga kalalakihan noon sa kanila magpahanggang ngayon? Kailan ba dapat bumitaw ng biro? Sa pahayag ni Sotto’y biro lamang raw iyon, o baka naman daw pinaigting lang ng mga may galit sa kanya. “Perhaps these are just people who are really not my fans, so to speak. Baka mga pakontra lang sakin iyan na kahit ano makita sa akin ay pakontra na.”
Sa kasalukuyang panahon, ano na ba ang estado ng mga kababaihan? Ganun pa rin ba ang trato ng mga kalalakihan noon sa kanila magpahanggang ngayon?
first day in office as environment secretary in an effort to enforce stricter mining laws. Majority of firms found themselves with either terminated operations or suspended ECC’s due to clear violations against the law and the environment and only the responsible few were allowed to resume. Flying in a chopper above the sight of steep pyramids of rock, heavily depilated mountains once forested by verdant foliage inhabited by endemic wildlife, deep open pits filled with pungent, discolored liquid, expelling mucky, contaminated rivers flowing into watersheds where towns get their water supply, and indigenous tribes mourning for the destruction of their well-deserved land, I’d picture her skin melting like an Antarctic glacier, eyebrows like sparring sharks and orcas, and ears erupting like Hawaiian volcanoes in utter disgust and outrage. Upon the unearthing of the horrid devastation brought about by these irresponsible mining practices, she received both support from environmental groups and anticipated backlash from the mining industry. Some say that implementation of stricter mining laws and higher mining royalties are result
Opinyon lang Ako ay naniniwala na biro lamang iyon ngunit biro man o hindi, dapat sana’y marunong lumugar si Sotto kung saan at kailan siya magbibiro. Isa pa, seryoso ang usapan kaya hindi niya masisisi ang iba kung personal at pailalim ang WALA interpretasyon nila sa kanyang banat. page 6 →
of political envy. But would you agree when I say that the environment isn’t just something we should take for granted? That it’s an issue far more important than petty political quarrels? Lopez can be commended for standing up before large businesses in defense of her cause of, not just preserving the beauty of nature and biodiversity, but increasing the quality of life by protecting towns and livelihoods dependent on a healthy environment. Being able to point out the faults of those in power takes courage. Her being called ‘incompetent’ is one of the silliest accusations I’ve ever heard. She’s the best thing that happened to this administration. But we’ve been failed. Social media was once flooded with approval of Lopez’s work and her strong stance against mining. She’s a renewable energy advocate and I think it’s wonderful to share that same fascination. Her words “the Philippines does not need mining” garnered much applause that even the president backed her claim saying “[Mining] will destroy the country.” But wait. We seem to forget something. To be able to rant in social media, we LOSER need gadgets. And gadgets, along page 6 →
Would you agree when I say that the environment isn’t just something we should take for granted? That it’s an issue far more important than petty political quarrels?
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opinion
with appliances and vehicles we use daily, are, sad to say, products of these mining activities. Wouldn’t it be quite an irony to attack someone using ‘weapons’ derived from the commodities they sell? Considered one of the most mineralized country in the planet, the case that we are rich in these resources cannot be rejected. Copper, Chromite, Nickel, Iron, Manganese, Gold. Given the fact, mining should’ve been one of Philippines‘ greatest assets. It should’ve been something Filipinos can be proud of; something we can boast around the world. What happened? Its disastrous effects to the ecosystem might’ve been overlooked by past regulators that mines, spread all over the country, resume operations apathetic towards an obligation of environmental conservation. Economic benefits might’ve been preferred over responsibilities. Unacceptable practices and a bad impact make mines ridiculously shameful. But it isn’t just the mining industry to be LOSER ← page 5
Joker
Vic Alizon P. Morena
Mayweather vs McGregor August 26, 2017 – Las Vegas, Nevada. They said this was going to be the real fight of the century, Floyd “Money” Mayweather takes on “The Notorious” Connor McGregor. After months of trash talking and negotiations, Floyd Mayweather finally accepted the fight against Connor McGregor. A long feud and war of words has been done. Dates have been declared before but it was all but a farce. The day has finally arrived. Who did you pick? Floyd “Money” Mayweather, last fought in the “Fight of the Century” against our own people’s champ, Manny Pacqiuao, where he won against the Pac-Man. He has been ranked among the list of greatest boxers to ever step on the square ring
blamed since it’s also our demand that brought such industry to life. Every one of us is accountable. After all, we’re the ones experiencing the effects of our crimes. We all should be working together in preserving the environment, showing concern by doing our own share. Therefore, provided that they also do their part in preserving the environment and caring for the communities hosting their sites, I’d say mining wouldn’t be a havoc. Mining should be our strength, not something that digs us our own grave. Our leaders should take a decisive position against negligence and regulate these activities to be more efficient and non-destructive. Wouldn’t it be absurd to punch a family who raised you as a child in the face? This planet has witnessed generations and generations of
humanity come and go. It has been our home, our family since day one. By destroying it, we’re depriving future generations of the marvel they could’ve also enjoyed. The smell of fresh air, the sight of lush forests and fields, the humble tweeting of birds, the taste of clean rivers and streams. Fighting for and not with nature is the least we can do to repay everything it has done for us, including humankind’s sole opportunity of existence. So who’s the biggest loser? Is it Gina for having the seat perfectly fitted for her taken away? Is it those lands with all the trees they’d sheltered for centuries toppled down in days? Is it those closed down mines which were stopped from excavating more wealth? Or is it us who’ll suffer the consequences of everybody’s actions?
Fighting for and not with nature is the least we can do to repay everything it has done for us, including humankind’s sole opportunity of existence.
with a record of 49 wins, no loss, 20 knockouts. He later on gave hints about retiring, but someone became a new target for his harsh and relentless comments – the UFC lightweight champ Connor McGregor. Connor McGregor stepped on the UFC stage on April of 2013. He was assigned by UFC President Dana White on February of the same year. He easily knocked out his opponent in the first round and that was the start of the McGregor era. Known as the “The Notorious”, McGregor is branded as a big trash talker during fights – antics known to be effective in the sport. He garnered the record of 21 wins, 3 losses, 18 knockouts. On the other hand, Mayweather didn’t see the whole McGregor bonanza as satisfying as others did. Being a talker himself, Floyd trashtalked McGregor so bad that McGregor stood up to fire back and that was where the challenge began resulting to this much awaited 12-round boxing match that fans all over the world were looking forward to. "Will Mayweather’s flawless boxing put a spectacular show for him to easily get past McGregor and have the best 50-0 record? Or will McGregor easily put Mayweather to sleep and make his mouth shut?" Everyone kept asking these questions before it ended with McGregor's TKO. What will be the impact of this VERSUS fight to the sport? page 16 →
Pangalawa, hindi naman yata tama na magbiro ka ng ganyan sa kahit na sino pang babae, si Taguiwalo man o kahit na sa mga fans niya. Ang katagang “na-ano lang” ay maaring magkaroon ng iba-ibang kahulugan depende sa nakarinig. Maaring malaswa, pambabastos, o mapanirang-puri ito para sa iba. Wala naman siyang naisaad na kahulugan para sa katagang iyon na ‘street term’ lamang para sa kanya.
WALA ← page 5
Matuto sana tayong irespeto ang iba. Ayusin sana natin ang pagpili ng ating mga salita. Mabuti at humingi ng tawad ang Senador dahil kung hindi, baka hanggang sa ngayon ay pinag-uusapan pa siya. Aral ang kaganapang ito sa sinuman, matuto sana tayong irespeto ang iba lalo na kung ang mga bagay na pinaguusapan ay hindi naman personal. Higit sa lahat, ayusin sana natin ang pagpili ng ating mga salita. Hindi iyong tipong banat ka lang nang banat, sa kababanat mo pala ay may nadapa at nasugatan ka na. Mag-isip muna dahil kung minsan ang sira ay hindi maidadaan sa sorry lang.
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“All vehicles of faculty, staff, and students of CPU with proper car [passes] are exempted [from] the [three-hours-a-day] limit.” — President Robles' clarification regarding the controversial car parking memo
paniplat
At work Without labor, nothing prospers. Featuring our everyday heroes, caught in their perseverance. Photos by Rod Gerard G. Fuentes and Israh Marie D. Dayalo
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feature
Faith, Hardwork and Bobby Words and Photo by Vivienne S. Songcayawon
We human beings have this tendency to complain about everything in life. We complain that there’s so much work to do and too little time when in fact we just spent the past three hours on SNS and the Internet. We complain about not having enough money when the fact is that we spent them on our wants and didn’t save it for our needs. We always have this urge to think that we are the most deprived human being when the truth is we are not. Meet 31-year-old Bobby Amato, a work student currently enrolled in the Social Work program of this University. Bobby came from Bais, Negros Occidental with nothing but his dream to finish his studies. Bobby just graduated from elementary back then and was convinced by his friends to come with them to Iloilo so that he can study for free. His family had nothing and couldn’t send him to high school so without hesitations, Bobby came with his friend to Iloilo despite his father’s disapproval. Just like many of us, Bobby believes that poverty is not a hindrance to a person’s success. “Ang kapigaduhon, kon paminsaron mo, budlay gid man na sya. Pero, kon may handum ka, ang handum mo ang gapahulag sa imo nga malab-ot mo na bisan ano ka budlay,” Bobby explained. Truly, because of his dreams, Bobby took the risk. But upon reaching the City of Love, what he thought as free secondary education turned out to be a free education to a Bible School in Jaro. Since he had no other choice and no relative to run to, Bobby finished studying in Iloilo Baptist Church and became a pastor. He was then sent to serve as a pastor in Estancia for a year. Despite this, Bobby still wanted to graduate from high school and eventually go to college. He took another risk and
Ang kapigaduhon, kon paminsaron mo, budlay gid man na sya. Pero, kon may handum ka, ang handum mo ang gapahulag sa imo nga malab-ot mo na bisan ano ka budlay.
THE CENTRAL ECHO VOL. 108 NO. 4
went home to Bais in 2009 to get the papers he needed for enrollment. He worked as a pedicab driver for a year when he got back to Jaro to prepare for high school. In 2010, Bobby enrolled at Jaro National High School’s Night Class Program. He went to school at night and drove a pedicab during the day. There were times when his income could not sustain his daily needs so, after school at night, he would still have to drive the pedicab until 12 midnight so he can have something for dinner and breakfast the next day. Stealing and other means of getting easy money never occurred to him. “Bisan ano kapigado, bisan ano kabudlay akon nga pagpangabuhi, inang wala-wala na gid ko, gusto ko nga makakakwarta sa husto ko nga pagpabalhas kag indi sa paghimo sang katuntuhan.” He also added that it would be an insult if he won't be able to apply in life what he learned in Bible School. After five long years of living an “isang kahig, isang tuka” kind of life, Bobby finally got his diploma in high school. “Sang dira na ko sa stage, ang akon nga mga maestra sa night class, grabe hibi nila kay bal-an na nila ang kabuhi ko kag sila na ang gabulig sa akon,” Bobby recounted before breaking down into tears after when he remembered what he had been through. After graduation, one of Bobby’s classmates from the night class told him that they had a list of schools that accepted work students and one of them was Central Philippine University. Bobby inquired at CPU and was faced with a problem. One of the evaluators told him that he might not be accepted anymore because he was 27 years old during that time and the maximum age for work students is 25. “Siling ko sa kaugalingon ko, waay na. Daw waay na ko ni chansa nga makaeskwela.” But before finally giving up, Bobby begged for the last time. “Sir, maskin amo na ni akon edad, ari ko di subong kay gusto ko gid mag-eskwela. May handum ko gihapon nga makatapos sa pag-eskwela maskin 27-anyos na ko. Pigado gid pamilya ko kag basi ako lang ang makabulig sa ila. Gusto ko sila buligan paagi sa akon pangabudlay kag pagtinguha.” “Kon mapati ka nga dira ka lang asta, ti dira ka lang gid. Pero kon may pagtuo ka, mapursue mo gid imo nga handum. Kinahanglan magsakripisyo ka gid ya, pangabudlayan mo gid para malab-ot mo ang imo nga handum.” With this, Bobby was accepted and was allowed to enrol. “Nabal-an ko nga wala siya stay-han kay wala siya inugbayad sa boarding house. Ti, 6 a.m. pa sya maduty. Siling ko, siguro Lord, ginprepare mo man na nga lugar (Franklin Hall Men’s Dormitory) para kay Bobby,” Ms. Trinidad Sorongon, Bobby’s former supervisor shared.
In order to compensate for their stay at Franklin, Bobby and his fellow work students need to render extra hours. In other words, aside from their duty hours as work student, they had additional work at the Dormitory from 5-7 AM and 7-9 PM daily. “Si Nong Bobby, pisan-pisan na. Early gabugtaw then gatuon. Pagbugtaw ko na, tingala ko nga wala na siya sa iya hiligdaan. Gaubra na siya ya,” Mark Rizaldo, Bobby’s roommate shared. By 7 AM, Bobby would be cleaning the promenade. He would then have his breakfast and proceed to another work in the University Church. Mrs. Flordeliza Hipe, one of the members of the UC, really commends Bobby’s persistence and says she really saw how serious Bobby is in pursuing his dreams through hard-work. Aside from his free stay at the dormitory, Bobby is also a recipient of the God’s Grace Program which was originally established by UC to assist students who are in dire need. This is after they found out that there are work students who can’t eat breakfast anymore before proceeding to work. To help, they provide 30 Php/day for the food of qualified work students. Despite his schedule, Bobby still manages to attend his class after a tiring morning. “May beses na nga gasulod lang ko sa klase pero wala naku gapamati kay kapoy na gid ko,” he replied. Despite all these, Nong Bobby doesn’t want to be absent from class and never had a failing grade in his four years as a student. His studies and work take up much of his time but he never fails to spend some of it with God every Sunday. His faith in God makes him stronger in facing life’s challenges and he holds on to it at times when he’s at rock bottom. Presently, Nong Bobby wants to make the most of his time and work harder to get credited for his extra duty hours. This is in preparation for his upcoming OJT and of course, his review and board exam. He also works at Mrs. Hipe’s garden every weekend for extra income. If God allows that he will become a social worker someday, he said that it would be easier for him to relate and deal with people. “Nanamian ko sa Social Work kay kung i-relate ko sa kaugalingon ko, maintindihan ko sila kay mga pigado gid daan ang laban nga maatubang mo once nga practicioner ka na. Related gid sa kaugalingon ko ining kurso nga ginkuha ko.” There is no exact recipe for success, but I believe that for Nong Bobby it is his faith, hard-work and attitude towards life. As he said, “Ang pagpangabudlay mo subong, indi man na permanente. Agi lang na sya. Kon dako ang imo pangabudlay kag nagtinghua ka maayo subong, maabot gid ang tion nga malambot mo ang imo handum.”
Ang pagpangabudlay mo subong, hindi man na permanente. Agi lang na sya. Kon dako ang imo pangabudlay kag nagtinghua ka maayo subong, maabot gid ang tion nga malambot mo ang imo handum.
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C O M I C S Illustration by Bejay P. Songcog
SPOT THE DIFFERENCES Study the two images of the University Church. Search for 10 differences and encircle them in the first image. Illustration by Michael Angelo I. Fandagani 1
HINTS: cotton tall glass soft flight colored tip ground porch dormer
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When you're done, brag about your genius in social media using the hashtag #CentralEcho. Enjoy the hunt!
news
↑ Loretizo
at the National Geographic Awards.
preparation, was chosen among the many entries sent by innovators and inventors from across Asia. “As I came to read news articles on patients not being accepted in hospitals here in our country because of the lack of facilities and the like, the chances of that patient receiving the immediate care becomes slim,” Loretizo said regarding the problem of health care facilities in the country. He said that it is a great risk having to transfer a patient from one hospital to another especially if they are in need of immediate medical attention. “This scenario wherein a patient is already declined of treatment because of lack of facility is simply an alarming case. What more are those patients from car accidents, frustrated murder and others? Immediate medical attention must be given to them,” he added. He further emphasized that PaDS would significantly bridge the communication gap between a patient in-transit and the target hospital by enabling a user to send communication including images to a certified medical practitioner in app. “The latter [medical practitioner] can then possibly prepare the treatment as well as acquire the needed medicine for the patient even before he arrives. Since every second counts in an emergency situation, the time that was supposedly used to diagnose a patient is now used to actually treat the patient,” he said. According to Loretizo, PaDS was created after seeing online rants of hospital patients on Facebook and his own personal experience on immediate health care. “I had Hypokalemia at around 2 AM. I was rushed to the hospital because I had difficulty breathing but to no avail, I had to wait for a couple of minutes before being entertained. After I was entertained, the doctors still had
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Loretizo at the National Geographic Society Great Migrations Exhibit.
to query me about my medical history before giving me some form of initial treatment and subjecting myself to some tests,” he shared. On the advancements regarding PaDS, Loretizo said that it is still at the concept stage and he is working on the technicalities and once these are validated, the development of the application itself is the easier and faster process. “I and my group mates in thesis have decided to adopt the concept and develop it. We hope to deliver the product and make it available online before the year ends,” Loretizo stated, adding, “we are also working hand in hand with medical practitioners to verify the legal issues concerning the development of the application.” Loretizo was also awarded exclusive access to the National Geographic Explorers Festival 2017 at Washington, D.C. from June 15-18 where “the world’s most fascinating and innovative scientists, conservationists, explorers, and storytellers were brought together to share their latest discoveries and ideas.” “My experience in Nat Geo made me realize that despite my achievement, I should still continue to strive, move forward and try to reach a new level of excellence in the field that I am passionate about. The festival was also a place for me to express myself and my ideas,” he said, adding that the experience gave him the chance to talk to prominent people from the scientific industry who “have made a great impact on the way we live today.” Other fan favourites of the said competition who received a free one year Print and Digital Nat Geo Magazine subscription were: a passive desalination that works 24/7 regardless of sunlight, wind, or wave; a ceiling fan that operates by using electricity produced by sound waves; and a trash compartment that keeps “unwanted inventory” fresh and edible for starving people and animals.
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Loretizo poses with a Nat Geo poster.
Loretizo and colleague with Hanna Reyes, first Filipino grantee and Filipino worker for National Geographic Society. [PHOTOS JOHN ELMER LORETIZO] ↑
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Spirit of the Game Words by Rusieljs S. Lunasco • Photos by Rod Gerard J. Fuentes
For most people, “ultimate frisbee” seems like an average disc throwing sport, others consider it as a leisure sport and easily take it for granted. But for “Centralian Ultimate,” it’s more than that. The sense of community and the value system that it seeks to emulate bring a whole new meaning to the kind of camaraderie and integrity that is emphasized across different teams in all types of sports around the world. “You are opponents inside the field, but after the game you get together and socialize with the other teams because that is the culture of Frisbee,” shared Team Captain Alvin John Jalea. Alvin and the rest of “Centralian Ultimate” comprise the Iloilo Ultimate Frisbee team. And the team is but a small portion of its international brothers and sisters. But what makes “ultimate” a sport unlike any other? For starters, “ultimate”, as it is commonly known, began in the late 60’s at a high school in New Jersey. It held its first organized tournament in 1975 and its first World Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden in 1983. It was only recently, when it was granted full recognition along with other flying disc sports by the International Olympic Committee in 2015. The sport finally reached Philippine shores when it was first introduced by foreign tourists in Boracay last 2002. Since then “ultimate” has spread throughout the country, and hosts two International Tournaments every year, the Manila Spirits (grass tournament) held every November and Boracay Ultimate Open (beach tournament) during the summer months. Ultimate teams from the country are considered one of the best in the world and recently finished off as one of the strongest teams in the men’s, women’s and mixed categories at this year’s World Championship of Beach Ultimate in Royan, France.
Ultimate came to Iloilo in 2006 and finally in Central Philippine University the following year. It started out when two students, Paul Abaygar and Raessan Sancio were tossing a disc in the field. Upon seeing the two, Phillip Roy Melo, Fred Ramirez, French Neco Tupas and Olivier Togonon a.k.a “The Engineering Boys” approached them and from then on, throwings started out every afternoon and they would join pick-up games in La Paz and joined the Boracay Open in the same year. Through the initiative of the Engineering Student Council, Ultimate became a part of the Engineering day, and was first integrated in the University Day in 2011 where Engineering won Champion. “In the Philippines, ultimate is but a few years old so we are a little behind others from all over the globe. And, here in Iloilo, there has only been one team since the beginning,” Jalea said, adding that only a few know of the sport here in Iloilo. Some of the pioneers of the sport in the city are Centralians and most of them went on to play for “Panay Intensity,” the premier team in the local ultimate scene. Aside from the College of Engineering, ultimate made its way across different colleges in the university which formed their own teams to compete for the U-Day. In 2015, ultimate players from different colleges and departments all came together and formed “Centralian Ultimate” to fulfill their vision of a unified ultimate community in the university.
THE CENTRAL ECHO VOL. 108 NO. 4
One of the things that makes ultimate unlike others is that it has no age limit. According to one of the senior members Novy Batisla-ong, you get to play against everyone regardless of age. “Unlike other sports that have age categories like ‘under 17’ or ‘under 18,’ in ultimate you get to play against high school students or a person aged 40 and above be it in the national or international level. In Frisbee, you run, you jump, your whole body works, that’s why you often see old people still playing the game despite their age,” Novy said. Novy also shared that the community is part of what makes it unique because everyone knows each other. She also said that, unlike other team sports where you just say ‘hi’ or ‘hello’ when you see them outside the court, ultimate players treat each other as more than just co-players. “There are only few of you but you know each other because you get to share the same field and you get to experience ‘socials’ together,” he said, adding that wherever he went, he always knew someone from the ultimate Frisbee community and always had a place to stay. “For example, someone (Frisbee player) from Bacolod comes here, we willingly open our homes if he didn't have a place to stay because that’s the unique kind of community that we have in Frisbee,” he shared. Aside from the wonderful community, the most awaited “socials” in every tournament and it’s no age, no height limit that makes it so appealing and endearing to players and enthusiasts around the world, there’s also a certain component of the sport that sets it apart from others, “The Spirit of the Game Philosophy”. “We don’t have a referee in Frisbee. Unlike other sports that require a referee, in Frisbee, we (the players) also serve as the referees. Bale if there’s a foul you could call foul. You get to judge
if any contact was made or not,” Novy stated. “Most of the time, it gets settled. And maybe that’s another thing that makes Frisbee different. You get to talk to each other within the game. The game stops so you could discuss about it,” he added. “That’s why everyone’s still friends after the game. When socials come, you are all good with each other. That’s probably what’s most different. And the ‘Spirit of the Game’ which is the honest attitude that we have taught to us before,” Alvin said. “Indi mo pwede masuyaan ang imo nga kontra nga nubo siya ya magtumbo or kon matumba tulokon mo lang, dapat buligan mo gid siya ya. I-accept mo or akuon mo nga foul gid ko gli. Amo na siya ang attitude, inside and outside the field. Indi pwede nga, i-defend mo nga sala ka, bisan nakita nga sala ka. Ay indi tsakto akon call. Indi na amo ang attitude sang ultimate player sa sulod sang field.” Wilfredo Bayoneta II, an ultimate player for over five years, added. The “Spirit of the Game Philosophy” is not just what sets “ultimate” apart from others, it is its core principle. The one that makes its community unite and form bonds that transcend age groups, race or height. The element that makes every player passionate for the sport and gives them the audacity to share it to others and to be of help not just within its community but to the world. Today, “Centralian Ultimate” remains to be one of the most active and visible university-based ultimate communities in the city. It continues to uplift the ultimate community by conducting annual sports clinics to different universities within the area. As it continues to expand, it envisions to soar to greater heights, compete in national and international tournaments and follow the footsteps of its predecessors who raised the bar high for the local ultimate scene one Frisbee toss at a time.
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Spirit of the Game
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Salarda. [PHOTO PHILIPPINE TAEKWONDO ASSOCIATION]
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Centralian Taekwondo player grabs gold in Palaro 2017
by Ariel Lorenz N. Castronuevo
A Centralian Junior High School student received a gold medal in Taekwondo during the Palarong Pambansa 2017 last April 23-29 at San Jose de Buenavista, Antique.
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Palaro victors hold their hands up in fulfillment. [PHOTO RAMIL SALARDA]
Having won Bronze medals consecutively since the past two years, Centralian Varsity player and Iloilo Kyorugi Team member Ramil Salarda kicked his way through Palaro competing in the Secondary Boys Light Heavyweight category. “After years of attempting to have the
gold medal, I really had the feeling of fulfillment. I always dreamt of being an ultimate achiever and never thought that this dream would come unto reality,” he rejoiced. According to Salarda he went through “catastrophic moments” where he wanted to give up during his training. “I would go straight from classes to training until 7 p.m. I would have random scars and bruises but it didn’t make me quit. I would go home with drained mind and fatigued body but I don’t mind,” he recalled. However, Salarda said that he always put in mind what he wanted which was to hold the gold medal in his hands, adding, his two consecutive bronze motivated him to win. “It really made me have my mind set for doing my very best to have the gold medal,” Salarda explained. The Palarong Pambansa 2017 was the 60th edition of the annual national sports competition with more than 12,000 competing athletes hailing from 18 regional athletic associations.
"Will Mayweather’s flawless boxing put a spectacular show for him to easily get past McGregor and have the best 50-0 record? Or will McGregor easily put Mayweather to sleep and make his mouth shut?" Honestly, I don’t care. The thing is, this was a spectacular show of strength, technique, and smarts to finally make a mark on the books. I wonder whose mouth will be shut, and who will eat his words. The sporting world was in a doze of excitement upon knowing about the fight. MMA fans went crazy, betting all their money to see McGregor eat Mayweather. UFC President, Dana White, invested a lot just to get this fight to happen. Did Mayweather really need to fight McGregor? No. Mayweather is at the pedestal of boxing. The pound for pound king. He has everything and has nothing to prove anymore. He is considered as one of the best of his time. But why would he agree to this challenge? Guess he finally stood up to his words, showing the world that he is the best and that, no doubt, is a fighting champ to finally silence all the doubters and answer all the questions. Did McGregor need to fight Mayweather? No. McGregor is the best in the business of MMA. Being the biggest star in the UFC, McGregor can stay and fight Diaz again or Alvarez. He can stay and take on anybody he wants in the Octagon. But why the need to challenge Mayweather? This will catapult his fame to the highest mountains along with his bank accounts. There is so much money at stake on this fight where, win or lose, McGregor will be on a much bigger tax bracket. But, most importantly, McGregor fought against Mayweather to shut his mouth. He will fought to make Mayweather eat his words. Not much of the sports analysts are on the same page as the fans. They were not so hyped to witness the happenings on this fight, but, who cares? Last August 26, 2017, boxing’s best fought against MMA’s best. Who was the better fighter, “Money” Floyd Mayweather vs “The Notorious” Connor McGregor?
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← Mayweather and McGregor [PHOTO USA TODAY]