The Central Echo - Tabloid November 2019 by The Central Echo

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CPU hosts Int’l NASA Space Apps Challenge BY ZHARINA MARIE STEPHANIE LUGO

With the goal of helping the youth discover innovative and creative ideas for the community, Central Philippine University hosted the International Space Apps Challenge 2019 by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on October 18-20 at Henry Luce III Library. NASA

BRIDGING THE GAP OF DIGITAL DIVIDE. Challengers present applications of data, and demonstrate simple hardware projects.

NEWS 03

EDITORIAL 06

CPU BIOLOGICAL SOCIETY LAUNCHES 1ST ANIMAL EXHIBIT

 R YA N D AV E P O R A L

F E AT U R E S 12

D E N G U E D I L E M M A : VA C C I N E H E S I TA N C Y RISING AMONG FILIPINOS

A H O N : I STO R YA N G PAG -A S A S A G I T N A N G T R A H E DYA S A I LO I LO - G U I M A R A S ST R A I T

CPU retains Autonomous Status, ISO certification B Y K AT H L E E N F R U G A L I D A D

Alumni to convene for Grand Homecoming '20

VOL 109 Nº 5

NOV 2019

BY KALANIE SALDAJENO

To celebrate God’s faithfulness to Central Philippine University and the Central Spirit that flows among Centralians, alumni from different fields and professions across the globe are invited to join the upcoming 11th Alumni Grand Homecoming on February 5-9, 2020 at the University Campus, and the Gala Night at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel to cap the event. HOMECOMING

Biton appointed as Court of Appeals Assoc Justice BY ZHARINA MARIE STEPHANIE LUGO

Judge Lily Villareal-Biton, Centralian alumna and Rizal Regional Trial Court judge took oath of office as the new Court of Appeals Associate Justice on July 10 at the Supreme Court, Manila. BITON

 U N I V E R S I T Y O F P E R P E T U A L H E L P S Y S T E M S - D A LT A , COLLEGE OF LAW YEAR BOOK

 CPU WEBSITE

BITON

CENTRAL SPIRIT. The CPUAAI officers sing during the 2018 Alumni Homecoming

Central Philippine University was once again granted Autonomous Status by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) valid for two years from June 1, 2019, to May 31, 2021.

In CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 12 series of 2019 signed October 24, 2019, CHED Chairman J. Prospero De Vera III announced the grant of autonomous status to 68 Philippine Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs) and deregulated status to 16 PHEIs. With the status, the University can enjoy grant of 05 S TAT U S subsidies and other

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BITON

Biton is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Biology in 1982 and Laws in 1986 at Central Philippine University, was sponsored by the Philippine Supreme Court and PhilippinesAustralia Human Resource Development Facility (PAHRDF) when she finished a course in Supreme Court Management Development in Sydney, and was also a former member of the CPU Alumni Association Incorporated (CPUAAI) Board of Trustees. Biton said that the late Dean Panfilo “Pamping” Enojas of CPU College of Law inspired her to pursue legal profession because his passion for justice and adherence to the Rule of Law could inspire anyone to pursue legal profession. Enojas was also her professor in Criminal Law and boss when she was simultaneously working as his secretary in the College of Law. After she got her degree, Biton started as a senior attorney at Sandiganbayan in 1987, worked as an executive clerk of Court III, as a court attorney at the same tribunal, and was appointed to judge of Regional Trial Court Branch 77, San Mateo-Rodriguez, Rizal. Biton also received the Centralian Award in Government

Service/Judiciary, Chief Justice Award for Outstanding Service in the Judiciary, Most Outstanding Alumna Award of the CPU College of Arts and Sciences, Military Commendation Medal, Military Civic Action Medal, and Parangal sa Kapanalig ng Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas. When asked if she had imagined being appointed as associate justice of Court of Appeals, Biton replied, “No. I wanted to be a practicing lawyer rather than become a member of the Bench until one of my mentors [retired Assoc. Justice Godofredo Legaspi of the Sandiganbayan] told me that I can be a good judge by reason of my training and right attitude. He convinced me by saying that lawyers come to court to ask justice for their clients, whereas the judge has the power to give it. So, I took his advice.” Citing Deuteronomy 1:31, she also believes that, “It’s always good to trust the Lord Jesus Christ, who loved me and gave Himself for me, as I see how He carried me, as a man carries his son, all the way that I went, until I came to this place.” President Rodrigo Roa Duterte confirmed Biton’s appointment last July 8, taking over the vacated post by then Assoc. Justice Jose Reyes, Jr. who retired last year.

BY C O L E E N CA SA N OVA

Centralian and Iloilo City Anti-Smoking Task Force (ICAST) executive director Iñigo Garingalao was conferred the regional level Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award in the Search for Outstanding Government Workers from the Civil Service Commission (CSC) last September 11. Garingalao, whose award was given under the Honor Awards Program (HAP) for his efforts in leading ICAST, was recognized during the 119th anniversary celebration of the Philippine Civil Service at Smallville 21 Hotel, Mandurriao, Iloilo City. “I feel happy kay gina-

recognize indi lang akon effort but also those of others (I feel happy because not only my efforts were recognized, but also those of others),” Garingalao said in an interview with Panay News. The Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award annually distinguishes “an individual or group of individuals for their exceptional contributions resulting from an idea or performance that had nationwide impact or public interest, security, and patrimony.” Garingalao has been leading ICAST for the past nine years despite the change in administration because of his numerous achievements, including the recent World

 CPU WEBSITE

Health Organization’s (WHO) World No Tobacco Day Award along with four other groups from other countries in the Western Pacific Region. The city government was also lauded by WHO because of ICAST’s efforts in spreading awareness of the tobacco’s effects on the citizen’s health under the city ordinance to limit the use of vapes and cigarettes, especially for minors. Garingalao completed his elementary and high school education in 1974 and 1978 respectively, and earned his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering in 1986, all from CPU.

BSRT pioneers top 2019 Licensure Exam BY Z H A R I N A M A R I E ST E P H A N I E L U G O

Two Centralian Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy pioneer graduates topped the September 2019 Licensure Examination. Ahlia Jeshanie Demayo placed second with an 87.75 percent rating and Precious Ira Diamante placed tenth with an 85.50 percent. Twenty-three out of the 25 who took the exam passed, earning CPU a 92 percent passing rate. “I'm very fortunate to be a part of the pioneer batch of BS Respiratory Therapy of CPU, and at the same time privileged to be the last to take the course in the old curriculum,” Demayo said, adding “Initially, I have no idea about Respiratory Therapy, but as we went through our internship in various hospitals in Manila, I discovered how very grateful our patients were when we showed them genuine care and empathized with them. So to the future Respiratory Therapists out there, treat your

patients like family. It is fulfilling and rewarding to see them value every breath they take and it is our purpose to help them breathe better.” Demayo emphasized that in whatever she does, she would always put to mind the sacrifices of her parents since they made sure to give her the best education and imparted her valuable life lessons. Diamante also expressed her love and gratitude for her family and their family’s situation which was her inspiration. All she wanted before was to maintain her grades, graduate on time, and pass the board exam on her first take, adding, “When we were sent to Manila,” she explained, “That's when I realized that there was more. It was the people around me who understood, supported, believed, and never doubted my capability. Dealing with diverse patients with different conditions and medical needs—to see them smile even when they feel discomfort, severe pain, or fears death, to see them fighting for their

ISSUU.COM/CENTRALECHO

MAN OF HONOR. Brig. Gen. Custodio Parcon Jr. gives Medal of Valor to CPUAAI President Engr. Isagani Jalbuena from during the 2019 Alumni Homecoming.  C P U T V C H A N N E L

SMOKE-FREE ADVOCACY. Garingalao clenches a pack of cigarettes in his fist to promote Iloilo's world-renowned anti-smoking agenda.

 CENTRALITE

lives—became my inspiration to do better, to give the best care and management I can possibly extend.” Both top-notchers mentioned that throughout their journey, their profession was a way for them to achieve their mission in life. “I think the best way that I can serve the Lord is by serving His children, sharing what I have and what the Father gave me. I feel like I was called to serve through my profession,” Diamante said.

T H E C E N T R A L E C H O TA B L O I D

Brigadier General Custodio Parcon, Jr. of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) donated his Medal of Valor to Central Philippine University during the recognition of distinguished alumni in military service at the Alumni Homecoming and General Assembly on September 28 at the Rose Memorial Auditorium. Based on Republic Act 9049, the Medal of Valor, as the highest military honor, is a combat award for military heroes who executed a noticeable deed and personal sacrifice beyond the call of duty that differentiates the awardee from others. Only 41 medals have been given since 1935 including Brig. Gen. Parcon’s. BGen. Parcon, in his speech, stressed that without the discipline of CPU, they would

not have been able to achieve things at work or in their lives also mentioning how, like other people, their path was difficult but became more when they were at the Philippine Military Academy. Parcon finished his Kindergarten and secondary education at CPU in 1970 and 1980, respectively, and graduated from the PMA in 1987. He retired on September 20 after 30 years of military service. Six other Centralian alumni in the AFP were also honored during the event namely Brig. Gen. Stephen Parreño, Brig. Gen. Ezra James Enriquez, Major Gen. Gerald Da-anton, Major Gen. Samuel Gotico, Major Gen. Reuben Basiao, and Major Gen. Tyne T. Bañas.

DEMAYO

BY Z H A R I N A M A R I E ST E P H A N I E L U G O

CSC confers Lingkod Bayan Award to Garingalao

DIAMANTE

BGen Parcon donates Medal of Valor to CPU

NASA

The event was organized by the U.S. Embassy in Manila through the CPU American Corner and simultaneously took place in Manila, Iloilo, and Davao to reinforce connectivity by bridging the gap of digital divide. ''Through these activities, we are able to educate young dreamers to continue dreaming big dreams,'' said Philip Blaauw, a Software Engineer from Bacolod City. The event lasted for three days with a culminating activity on the last day wherein multiple teams composed of participants from different universities and organizations submitted and

presented their final projects. The two winning projects are S-Light by team Voltage 5 and Wonderful Internet Services is Here (WISH) by team TechnoPH bested all the other groups. S-Light is a device that converts sound waves to light whereas WISH enhances internet connection for remote areas. Team Voltage 5 is composed of Frelean Faith Engallado, Joelcile Faith Manona, Kirsten Dianne Delmo, Raphael Francis Daquila, and Nico Andrei Serrato while tea TechnoPH is composed of Giovanni Gerard Araque, Rotherford Maribe, and Nico Guarnes. When asked about how they felt to winning the NASA Space Apps Challenge, Voltage 5 said

they had mixed emotions because they were not really expecting much, “We knew about this event three days before its deadline. We conceptualized things within those days until the last moment.” Their winning output, the S-Light, is a device that converts soundwaves into light. The International Space Apps Challenge is an international “hackathon” simultaneously operated over a 48-hour period across the globe in 80 countries and is a NASA-led initiative organized with Booz Allen Hamilton, Mindgrub, and SecondMuse where about 29,000 participants gather at more than 230 events.

CPU Biological Society launches 1st Animal Exhibit

Eng’g students champ reg’l invention tilt, qualify for nat’l BY ARIEL LORENZ CASTRONUEVO

CENTRAL ECHO

Fifth-year engineering students from Central Philippine University garnered 1st Place in Outstanding Student Creative Research (Sibol Award) for College during the 2019 Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits (RICE) last October 21-23 at Iloilo Convention Center, qualifying to represent Region VI during the National level on November 2020. The team composed of Von Kleo Marcuelo, Julienne Marie Silvederio, Danddie Porras, Wilfred Boron, Kyope Kim Padasay, Exel Jan Javil, and Brian Ray Minerva invented the RFID-Based Smart Power Access System which

authorizes only Faculty and Staff to access electrical appliances including an energy consumption monitoring system. When asked about how they developed the project, the team stated that unauthorized usage of classrooms and electrical appliances such as fans, lighting appliances, projectors, monitors, and Smart TV is a common problem in CPU, where appliances are turned on and are left without someone using them, further saying, “Wasted energy is also wasted money.” The device is equipped with a registration system where authorized personnel, each with their own UID (Unique

MODERN INVENTORS. Fifth-year engineering students garner awards in the contest. 

K YO P E K I M PA D A S AY

Identification) number, are given access to electrical appliances with a single tap. Modernizing the electrical access to each room, the advantage this device has from other RF-based systems is its monitoring aspect since the device is built with a system that notifies the server whenever a classroom is being used while at the same time recording energy consumption. “This is a project on microprocessor systems and we have ensured that the device really works before presenting it to the Regional Contest,” said Marcuelo, further explaining how they performed multiple tests and experiments to address bugs and errors on the program and that the project was done through collaborative effort. The Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits, this year with the theme, “Inventions and Innovations for Sustainable Development,” seeks to encourage inventors from various schools, organizations, and companies across the region and highlights their role in national economic development, in accordance with Section 4 of Republic Act No. 7459 of the “Inventors and Invention Incentives Act of the Philippines.” The team received individual certificates and trophies, and Php 20,000 cash award.

ALUMNI GRAND HOMECOMING 2020 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

TIME

ACTIVITY

Feb. 5

14:00 18:30

Registration at Rose Memorial Auditorium Opening Night at University Gym Fellowship Night and Chapter Presentations

Feb. 6

10:00 13:30 15:30 18:30 19:30

Motorcade CPUFOAA Business Meeting and Election of Officers Time with the University President and Open Forum Fellowship night with Dinner Buffet at the University Gym Free Cultural Show at the Rose Memorial Auditorium

Feb. 7

18:00

Gala Night with Dinner at Grand Xing Hotel Introduction of CPUFOAA Officers

Feb. 9

9:30

Worship Service at Rose Memorial Auditorium

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PLAYFUL FAUNA. Visitors interact with various animals during the exhibit.

BY Z H A R I N A M A R I E ST E P H A N I E L U G O

To strengthen the bonds between humans and animals, the Central Philippine University Biological Society launched its first ever Animal Exhibit last September 23 and 24 at the Roblee Science Hall, CPU. The exhibit was organized in collaboration with the PanayNegros Bird Breeds, Inc., Iloilo Tarantula Keepers, and Guinea Pig Breeders and was made possible through the efforts of Mark Clemens Ortaliz, CPU webmaster. “Through this exhibit, we want students to learn about the importance of animals,” Ortaliz said, “We just started this year, and we are hoping for a bigger exhibit in 2020. I am very happy that we were able to collaborate with the CPU Biological Society and other

HOMECOMING

CPU Federation of Overseas Alumni Associations (CPUFOAA) president Flora Grace GuillerganCudiamat said that the different CPU Alumni Association, Inc. (CPUAAI) Chapters will be involved in the preparation. University president Teodoro C. Robles proposed to call the upcoming reunion the 1st Alumni Grand Homecoming since it would be the first global-scale Centralian reunion: a convergence of alumni both local and abroad, and was unanimously supported by the CPUAAI Board of Trustees. Furthermore, Endowment Committee chair of the CPUFOAA

 NISSI SOMUELO

organizations in Panay.” Centralians and visitors from different schools attended the exhitbit and interacted with the animals such as hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs, tarantulas, and many more. Professional keepers and breeders of animals were also present to monitor and assist in the event. “The exhibit aims to strengthen the bond between humans and animals by showcasing different species of tarantulas, birds, rabbits, pigs, scorpions, and non-native species of beetles and cockroaches,” Nichol Jhon Forro, a Biology student and Biological Society member, explained. Funds generated from the two-day Animal Exhibit will be used for future endeavors of the CPU Biological Society.

Perla Londres-Waters said there is such a thing as the Central Spirit at work bringing alumni together towards achieving a successful reunion. The idea of a biennial reunion originated in Chicago with the founding of the CPUAA of North America in 1998, and the grand reunion was discussed during the University’s Centennial anniversary last 2005. Registration forms for the event may be accessed through the CPU website. Inquiries may be channeled through the CPU Alumni Office [(033)329-2904/329-1971 to 3291979 loc 1033] or sent via email to homecoming@cpu.edu.ph.

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CENTRALIAN PRIDE. Carnaje and Fontiveros brings honor to the country during the 23rd WCOPA. 

CPU WEBSITE

ARIEL LORENZ CASTRONUEVO

John Bryan Carnaje and Franz Rica Fontiveros represented team Philippines with Carnaje winning 3 medals during the 23rd Annual World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) last June 12-23 at Long Beach Performing Arts Center, Long Beach, California, United States of America. Carnaje won a gold medal after becoming champion in the Country category, a silver medal in the Latin category, and a bronze medal in the Original Works category of the Western Music Division, while Fontiveros participated in the Comical, Drama, and Television categories

of the Acting Division. “I sacrificed a lot for the competition. I had to resign from work and put graduate school on hold. It was really difficult,” Carnaje said when asked about his preparations prior to the contest. Carnaje is a Master of Business Administration student and, before joining the competition, he worked as a Human Resource Officer at a construction firm and had to raise funds to cover his travel expenses and allowance. “I feel so happy and blessed. It’s truly an honor to represent the Philippines in the world stage. I dedicate my WCOPA win to CPU, and to the Illongos, and all Filipinos,” Carnaje said. Fontiveros is a Centralian

IECEP bags 5-peat Tatlong Centralian, at reg’l quiz bowl pasok sa reg’l TOSP BY ARIEL LORENZ CASTRONUEVO

Centralian Electronics and Communications Engineering students have won for five consecutive years after once again bagging the gold in the 11th Western Visayas Interscholastic Quiz Bowl 2019 last October 11 at the Educational Media Center, Central Philippine University. Nellyn Joy Valenzuela, Sim Marlou Solis, Vincent Salvador Defensor, Hector Jaime Ledesma, Jonas Joseph Castañeda, and Cyrus Ballon composed the team who won over the University of San Agustin, Iloilo Science and Technology University, University of Antique, and Filamer Christian University with a 100-point lead from the 1st Runner-up. Valenzuela, who has been with the team the longest with this being her third consecutive year winning, said “We really felt the pressure because we were the host school for this year, so our teachers and fellow students were there rooting for us to win the competition. The four of us were part of the team who won the Regionals and competed in the Nationals last year which gives us an edge, but it somehow added to the pressure. We had

less preparation time so we were not so confident to win, but our professors did their best to make us ready to ace the quiz show.” The Quiz Bowl is annually organized by the Institute of Electronics and Communications Engineers of the Philippines – Western Visayas Chapter (IECEPWVC) led by Engr. Dyjee Gallega, a Centralian ECE alumna, in cooperation with the IECEP-WV Student Chapter led by Valenzuela herself. “We made it a norm of winning every IECEP Regional Quiz Bowl by instilling in the mindset of our quizzers that we are preparing for the National quiz instead of a Regional quiz so they have to be at their peak,” said Engr. Gelvie Lagos, faculty of the College of Engineering and the team’s main coach. The quizzers spent studying one and a half hour to three hours every afternoon for two to three weeks prior to the contest according to Asst. Coach Engr. Yeseil Sacramento. She further cited how other professors such as Dr. Alberto Java and Engr. Romarie Jhoanna Eder who were experts in their own fields, also helped the team.

B Y R YA N D AV E P O R A L

Pasok bilang regional finalists sa Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) ang tatlong Centralian na sina Peter John Abaygar, Chriselda Eleaine Ador, at Charmine Pearl Galo. Si Abaygar ay grumaduate na Cum Laude sa kursong Civil Engineering at dating gobernador ng Engineering Student Council. Isa rin siya sa mga nakatanggap ng Council of Engineering and Architecture Schools of Western Visayas (CEASWV) Award at Philippine Institute of Civil Engineering (PICE) Academic Excellence Award. “It was very overwhelming. To think that there are a lot of outstanding students in Region 6, I was still blessed to be chosen as one of the Regional Finalists. And more importantly, I feel honored that I carry the name of our school, Central Philippine University, and for one last time, I hope I made my alma mater proud,” pahayag ni Abaygar. Samantala, si Ador naman ay nagtapos bilang Magna Cum Laude sa kursong Psychology at dating iskolar ng Unibersidad. Siya ay nakatanggap ng parangal bilang Most Outstanding Graduate

ng Rotary Award at Outstanding Students of Iloilo Award. Ayon kay Ador, “In preparing for the Regional screening, I really had to find the time to do my bidbook because I had activities to attend to and our review for the board exam has also started. So it was a bit of a challenge, but thankfully I got all the help that I needed which enabled me to finish just in time.” Habang si Galo na grumaduate sa kursong Nursing ay isa sa mga dating senador ng CPU Republic. Nagsilbi rin siya bilang Bise-Gobernador ng Allied Health Sciences Student Council noong SY 2017-2018 at napili bilang representante sa Ayala Young Leaders Congress 2018. “Dream hard and work

alumna who took Business Administration major in Business Management who received invitational go-sees from Roger Delpozo, Associate Director for Outreach – New York Campus of the New York Film Academy, and Joy Rinaldi, a Hollywood coach. “WCOPA was a tough journey, but it was a fulfilling experience. I was able to meet friends from different parts of the world,” Fontiveros said when asked about how she felt after the competition. World Championships of the Performing Arts is an Olympicstyle international competition for aspiring performers and entertainers and is held annually with participants hailing from over 60 countries.

harder. Dreams turn it into reality. To be one of the Outstanding Students of the Philippines was just my dream until I turned it to reality by working hard for it and praying even harder for it. I always believe that if it is God’s plan it will happen and He will give it to you in His perfect time. Surround yourself with good people who would motivate you and inspire you as go on your way to reaching the stars. Keep on aspiring. Make the impossible possible. May it be to become one of the Outstanding Students of the Philippines or even more. Continue in doing good by serving our inang Bayan and putting God at the center of your life in all aspect.” Mensahe ni Galo sa gusto maging parte ng TOSP sa hinaharap. Hindi man sila nakapasok sa National level, laking pasasalamat parin nila sa Diyos at sa lahat na sumuporta sa kanilang paglalakbay patungo sa TOSP.

MAIPAGMAMALAKI NG CPU. Sina Galo, Abaygar, at Ador na napabilang sa TOSP

 CHRISELDA ELEAINE ADOR

ISSUU.COM/CENTRALECHO

Centralian talents prevail in WCOPA

BY KALANIE SLADAJENO AND

BY ALESTER JOHN GALLARDA

The Philippines is considered as the world’s most dangerous country for climate and environmental activists by international environment watchdog Global Witness. According to Philippine Daily Inquirer, 113 environmental activists have been murdered including indigenous people, cultural communities, and youth climate warriors. At least 46 percent of these killings were allegedly carried

out by armed state forces, and 44 percent of those happened in Mindanao areas. Twenty-seven percent of those murdered were members of indigenous and cultural communities. In terms of attacks, 36 percent were associated to agriculture while 27 percent were linked to mining issues. Global Witness’ Senior Campaigner Ben Leather, who has investigated allegations and threats made by governments around the globe, said in a press conference on September 24

that the Philippines topped Asia with most killings in activists, especially climate warriors. “Activists face not only systematic threats, imprisonment, attacks against them, their colleagues, but also their family members, crimes that are rarely ever prosecuted,” Leather explained. Global Witness has blamed Duterte for using violence, impunity and immorality against environmental activists, claiming that he is losing touch with his words of promise during the 2016 election campaign period—the

promise to protect the country’s people, territory and natural resources. “When President Duterte came into power, he made three clear promises to his electorate: to eliminate corruption, to protect the precious environment of the Philippines, and to safeguard marginalized groups such as indigenous communities,” Leather said. Philippine Daily inquirer also mentioned that one of the things Duterte's critics lauded him for was his strict stance on

preserving and protecting the environment. The late Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Gina Lopez, in an ad interim basis under his term, even waged a war against illegal mining and illegal logging. However, after Lopez’s appointment was rebuffed, alleged environmental abuses continued, as opposing groups asserted that Duterte had overlooked and turned a blind eye to the attacks and killings.

T H E C E N T R A L E C H O TA B L O I D

‘PH most dangerous country for envt'l activists’–Global Witness

African Swine Fever, nakapasok na sa bansa B Y R YA N D AV E P O R A L

Nagpositibo sa African Swine Fever (ASF) ang 14 sa 20 blood samples ng mga namatay na baboy mula Rizal at Bulacan na ipinadala sa United Kingdom (UK), ayon kay Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar. Sa ngayon, hinihintay pa ng DA ang resulta ng isa pang laboratory test mula UK para malaman kung gaano ka-viral ang dumapong virus sa mga baboy na naging sanhi ng ASF. Tiniyak ni Dar na nakontrol

na ang virus bago pa man ito kumalat sa ibang mga lugar. Bunsod nito, ipinag-utos ng DA Crisis Management Task Force ang mahigpit na pagpapatupad ng “1-7-10” protocol. Sa ilalim ng protocol, may quarantine checkpoints, at pinapatay ang mga baboy sa loob ng isang kilometrong radius ng mga lugar, at agad inililibing. Sinu-surveillance at binabantayan naman ang lahat ng babuyan kung may impeksiyon sa loob ng 7 kilometrong radius. Ipinag-uutos naman ang agarang pag-ulat kung may

kakaibang pagkamatay ng mga baboy sa 10 kilometrong radius. Sinabi rin ng DA na maglalaan sila ng pondo para mamigay ng biik sa mga magbababoy pero hinihintay munang lumipas ang isang buwan para matiyak na wala nang virus. Kumpiyansa naman ang Malacañang na kahit nakapasok ang ASF sa bansa ay makokontrol ito ng DA. Sa kabila ng kaso ng ASF sa bansa, tiniyak ng DA, Department of Health, at ng ilang eksperto na ligtas pa rin ang kumain ng karneng baboy.

New student fare discount law includes domestic flights B Y Y U S I M AY H A B L A D O

CENTRAL ECHO

Students are now entitled to a 20 percent discount on all public transportation utilities including domestic flights as mandated in R.A. 11314, also known as the Student Fare Discount Act, signed by president Rodrigo Duterte last April 17 to grant students fare discount privileges on public transportation. Public transportation utilities, according to the act, encompasses all but not limited to, buses, jeepneys, taxis, tricycles, passenger trains, aircrafts, and marine vessels. The discount is applicable to all students enrolled in elementary, secondary, technicalvocational, or higher education institution and can be availed in the entire duration of the student’s enrollment including weekends and holidays provided that the student can present their school ID or current validated enrollment form. However, the fair discount does not include those enrolled in post graduate degree and

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financial incentives or assistance from CHED, whenever funds are available; the privilege without the need for CHED to monitor, evaluate or grant permits, to determine curricular programs and offer new courses or programs in the undergraduate level, provided these meet minimum standards; and the opportunity to establish branches or satellite campuses and to offer extension classes and distance education courses or programs. At present, the university is offering basic education, tertiary education, graduate studies, and post-graduate studies. The basic education includes pre-school,

informal short-term courses. The 20 percent discount on the regular base fare for domestic flights can now be availed by students starting November 1 by presenting their duly issued school IDs, current validated enrollment form, and birth certificate, baptismal certificate, form 137, naturalization certificate or passport during the purchase of tickets. The act was positively

received by Centralians, especially those whose home province is outside of Iloilo. “[The discount] is very helpful especially for me because plane tickets are very expensive whose hometown is in Cotobato,” Grade 12 senior high school student Angel Jade Roberto said. “If the price of the ticket exceeds the budget, then I can’t go home during Christmas breaks or sembreaks,” she added.

CLEAR SKIES. A view during a domestic flight captures the beauty of the heavens.

grade school, junior and senior high school. CPU continues to update its physical facilities, buildings, classrooms, and laboratories with updated equipment and media technology to comfortably accommodate the existing and increasing population. The university has been fully deregulated by the CHED since 1990 and institutionally accredited by international governing bodies. Along with CPU, three other HEIs in Region VI namely John B. Lacson Colleges FoundationBacolod (Bacolod City), John B. Lacson Maritime UniversityArevalo (Iloilo City), and University of St. La Salle (Bacolod

 J O H N DAV I D M A Z A

City) were also granted the 2-year Autonomous Status. CPU also renewed its International Standards Organization (ISO) 9001:2015 registration certificate for the scope of the provision of educational and support services. It was issued on July 12, 2019, by Certification International Inc., Philippines with a 3-year validity from July 12 to July 8, 2022. ISO 9001:2015 registration Certificate is issued to any organization, regardless of size or industry, after passing the global standards of the quality management system (QMS). CPU was first issued its ISO 9001:2015 certificate on December 10, 2004.

‘BUSINESS AS USUAL.’ Patuloy pa rin ang mga negosyante sa pagtitinda ng karne ng baboy kahit napabalita ang pag pasok ng ASF sa bansa.  R Y A N D A V E P O R A L

Epidemya ng Polio, sumundot sa agarang pagbabakuna B Y K AT H L E E N F R U G A L I D A D

Agarang mass immunization rounds ang naging tugon ng Philippine Department of Health (DOH) matapos maideklara ang epidemya ng Polio, tatlong araw matapos maitala ang unang kaso sa isang tatlong taong gulang na batang babae sa Lanao Del Sur. Matapos ang 19 taon, nakumpirma ang muling paglitaw ng sakit at pagbabadya nito ng panganib sa kabataang Pilipino. “Hindi sapat na saklaw ng pagbabakuna, kakulangan sa kalinisan at hindi maayos na pagsubaybay ng mga manggagawa ng kalusugan ang kadahilanan ng pagbabalik ang sakit,” sabi ni Health Secretary Francisco Duque III sa isang panayam. Inamin ni Duque na nakapatong pa rin ang DOH sa problema ng pag-aatubili sa pagbabakuna dulot ng kontrobersiya sa anti-Dengue vaccine o Dengvaxia noong 2017. “Ligtas ang bakuna ng polio. Wala kayong dapat ikabahala dahil ito ay matagal nang ginamit at subok na at napatunayan ang kaligtasan, pagiging epektibo, at kakayahang magamit nito,” dagdag ni Duque. Sa datos ng Department of Health, mula sa 264 na kaso ng AFP ngayong taon, 40 porsiyento ang hindi siguradong nabigyan ng Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV). Limang porsiyento naman dito ang kumpirmadong walang bakuna kontra polio. Sinabi ni Duque na kasunod ng takot sa Dengvaxia, “Bumagsak ang kumpiyansa sa pagbabakuna at ang pag-aalangan sa pagtangkilik nito ay tumaas.” Sa pagtugon sa hamong ito, inumpisahan ng DOH ang

catch-up vaccination campaign nitong Oktubre 14 sa mga batang limang taon pababa sa iba’t ibang sakop ng Mindanao at Lungsod ng Maynila, matapos matuklasan sa mga kanal at daanan ng tubig ng mga nabanggit na lugar ang naturang poliovirus. Ang kampanya ay nagpatuloy hanggang Oktubre 27 at naglalayon ng pansangbahayang pagbabakuna, at sinisigurado na ang mga barangay health units at mga Municipal Health Centers ay may sapat na supply ng bakuna ng polio. Ang DOH, kasosyo ang United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) at World Health Organization, ay naglalayong masakop ang 1.8 milyong mga bata, anuman ang katayuan nila sa pagbabakuna. “Inaanyayahan namin ang lahat ng mga magulang, tagapag-alaga, manggagawa sa kalusugan, at mga yunit ng lokal na pamahalaan na protektahan ang kanilang mga anak at komunidad laban sa poliovirus sa pamamagitan ng pakikilahok sa synchronized vaccination sa mga mapanganib na lugar sa Mindanao at sa National Capital Region,” sabi ni Duque Hinikayat ng DOH ang mga lokal na pamahalaan na paigtingin ang kanilang programa na Zero Open Defecation at ang tamang kalinisan ng pangangatawan, tulad ng regular na paghuhugas ng mga kamay. “Bukod sa pagbabakuna, ipinapaalala namin sa publiko na kaugaliin ang proper hygiene, palagiang paghugas ng mga kamay, paggamit ng banyo, paginom ng ligtas na tubig, at pagluto ng malinis at masustansyang pagkain,” sabi ni Duque.

 B E J AY S O N G C O G

opinion

EDITORIAL BOARD AY 2019-2020

A S S O C I AT E E D I T O R S

Onesiforo Berina, Jr. John David Maza MANAGING EDITOR

Kathleen Frugalidad NEWS EDITOR

Ariel Lorenz Castronuevo F E AT U R E S E D I T O R

Coleen Casanova LITERARY EDITOR

Kalanie Saldajeno M G A PAT N U G O T N G F I L I P I N O

Karren Jay Asgar Francis Mathew Gappe S TA F F W R I T E R S

Alester John Gallarda Yusimay Hablado PHOTOJOURNALISTS

Rachel Beatizula Ryan Dave Poral D I G I TA L A R T I S T

John Pel Bañares CARTOONISTS

Prince Ric Emmanuel Paciente Bejay Songcog ADVISERS

Ron Adrian Dionaldo Rea Angelica Villeza OFFICE

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EDITORIAL

Dengvaxia Dilemma In a country where there is a constant battle against a devastating mosquito-borne disease commonly known as dengue, the existence of a vaccine that could supposedly prevent the disease from manifesting would be considered a miracle. Some would even call it a ray of hope in the midst of chaos. But such miracle sounds too good to be true, right? Who could’ve thought that the so-called solution to the dengue epidemic that our country has been facing would actually give rise to a new set of problems? This year, dengue cases have shot up to 98 percent compared to the year 2018, with 146,062 reported cases from January 1 to July 20 claiming the lives of 662 people. The most affected are children below the age of ten, accounting to more than a third of the deaths recorded since the government declared a national epidemic of the mosquito-borne disease last August 6 which put the entire country on high alert. These following months, local governments have placed great attention in fighting mosquitoes through clean-up campaigns, and even the absurd release of mosquito-feeding, non-endemic species of fish and frogs which could disturb the ecosystem. But it has come to a point where such efforts are considered futile—mosquitoes just won't go away! The number of dengue patients continue to rise but the thing is, there is no specific medication to treat dengue and the quest for a suitable vaccine has been ongoing for the last six decades. Through such efforts, Sanofi Pasteur, one of the biggest multinational pharmaceutical

companies created the world’s first dengue vaccine—Dengvaxia. The Philippines then became the first country in Asia to approve the commercial sale and use of Dengvaxia which was then considered a medical breakthrough at that time. In 2016, the Philippines, under the then Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Jannette Garin initiated a school-based mass immunization program. The vaccine was distributed to more than 830,000 school children in

directly linked to the vaccine. The DOH since then, has banned the use and sale of Dengvaxia in the country. Instead of focusing on the rising panic among the citizens, politicians chose to participate in an intense finger-pointing competition and used this issue as an opportunity to discredit their political enemies. The lives of at least 80,000 children are at stake and people wanted to know why DOH took on a massive vaccination campaign despite

Instead of focusing on the rising panic among the citizens, politicians chose to participate in an intense finger-pointing competition and used this issue as an opportunity to discredit their political enemies. the country. Soon after Dengvaxia was administered, Sanofi released a statement that says the vaccine may put some people at an increased risk of a more severe form of dengue, especially to those without prior dengue infection. A vaccine that was intended to protect hundreds and thousands of school children may have put them at a much higher risk. Sanofi’s statement sparked a nationwide panic, with some parents alleging the vaccine killed their children. Since then, over 600 people that received the vaccine, were mostly children have died, although the deaths have not been proven to be

reservations made by health experts and medical personnel. Imagine being a parent, placing the safety and future of your child in an immunization campaign, only to receive opposite results? Due to the fear caused by the controversy, parents all over the country are now refusing to have their children vaccinated, even against common vaccinepreventable diseases. This is a phenomenon known as “vaccine hesitancy”—the delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccines despite availability of vaccination services. Concerns regarding vaccine safety have been around for a

long time with rumors circulating that vaccines can trigger rare occurrences of adverse reaction, or associating certain disorders to vaccines or their components. Although these are merely rumors, it has still managed to instill fear in parents’ hearts and created a loyal following of antivaccinationists. Later this year, DOH cited vaccine hesitancy to be one of the reasons for the recent measles and polio outbreaks in the country. With the discontinuation of Dengvaxia, we are left with a whole new set of problems and little to no means of combating dengue. Dengvaxia may have left us a bad impression but it shouldn't be the case for other available vaccines. Vaccines have been created for a reason and other prior vaccination programs have tremendous success rates in reducing the mortality and morbidity of various infectious diseases. The good intentions of our leaders in solving this recurring problem seemed to have led them to make a series of bad decisions with disastrous effects. We urge our government to always be critical in their actions, always mindful of repercussions. Politicizing a serious issue and pointing fingers to destroy reputations and propel political careers will not solve the problem. Today, 1 in 5 children worldwide have no access and fail to receive routine immunization and about 1.5 million of these children die every year of diseases that could easily be prevented by a vaccine. Our trust toward vaccines cannot easily be regained. Yet antagonizing vaccines altogether will put children at risk and even place their lives at stake.

ISSUU.COM/CENTRALECHO

Zharina Marie Stephanie Lugo

T H E C E N T R A L E C H O TA B L O I D

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Assignments and Backpain

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ZHARINA MARIE STEPHANIE LUGO

No-homework policy: A double-edged sword In the midst of chaos, an unusual cry was heard. With the dragons of pressing issues burning the country, a child somewhere on the streets carrying his bulky bag filled with books yelled in happiness “Yes! Sana matuloy ang No-Homework Policy!” This would be a battle cry for those students deprived of sleep, for those families quarreling over assignments at home. This would

Sorsogon Representative Deputy House Speaker Evelina Escudero, proposed that we should scratch out homework as a requirement for Kinder to Grade 12 students, and in order to lighten their “physical burden” in carrying books and to execute academic activities effectively, the students must leave their textbooks at school. The other proponent is

confirmed that assignments will backlash negative effects on family life. Now, Filipino netizens are still talking about this on social media. Students, teachers, parents, and researchers have been arguing lately. Even various lawmakers have recollected their steps, hopefully researching what would be the positive and negative effects of this policy.

If they continue giving homework, then it should be well-designed, well-planned and meaningful to students because it is most effective, The educational system of the country must learn to modify assignments that will make students motivated. be the sound of music for those lawmakers who failed to weigh the pros and cons of this policy; a dream that could free them from stress and responsibilities. This would be a huge breakthrough, they say. In this No-Homework Policy movement, we have two proponents who passed the bill in the House of Representatives.

Quezon City Representative Alfred Vargas who filed House Bill No. 3883 that aims to free elementary and high school students from the burden of assingments on weekends. She based this on a study from South Africa which emphasized homework as a burden for both children and parents. This proposed bill also reflected other studies that

Last October 2017, as a thesis requirement in Senior High School, our research group conducted a study on Assumption School Passi City Iloilo Inc., about the “Effects of No-Assignment Policy on the Behavior and Academic Performance of the Selected Junior High School ASSIGNMENT

07 Prisoner sa Kaban

F R A N C I S M AT H E W G A P P E

CENTRAL ECHO

Aquino III, ang mga bilanggo na nagpapakita ng magandang asal sa loob ng kulungan ay maaring mabawasan ang tagal ng kanilang pagkakabilanggo mula sa orihinal na sentensya nito. Ngunit, tila nakita ito ng mga na sentensyahan ng mabibigat na kaso lalong-lalo na ang mga makapangyarihang indibidwal upang takasan ang kanikanilang mga rehas. Naisaad kasi sa batas na ito na ang may karapatan lamang na makatamasa ng ganitong prebilehiyo ay yaong

ng publiko at naging mainit na usapan ngayon ang pag-abuso sa naturang batas. Ito ay malinaw na pruweba kung gaano karumi ang sistema ng hustisya sa ating bansa. Ito ay dilat sa sinag ng pilak at ginto. Kung iisipin tatlong pahina lamang ang naturang batas. At maliwanag ang mga katagang nakasulat dito na hindi sakop ng batas na ito ang may mga karumaldumal na krimen. Hindi maaring sabihin na ito'y isang pagkakamali lamang o nalingat

VOL 109 Nº 5

NOV 2019

Kapag may kapangyarihan ka, makakahanap ka ng lusot sa anumang bagay na kinakaharap mo. Ngunit ang mga ordinaryong Pilipino na kung minsan ay may magagaang kaso lamang ay siya pang mas matindi ang pagdurusa. at humaharap sa pitong sentensya ng reclusion perpetua. Ang di-umanoy rason kung bakit mapapabilis ang paglaya ng dating mayor ay dahil sa tulong ng Good Conduct Time Allowance o GCTA Law. Ayon sa batas na ito, na nilagdaan ng dating pangulong Benigno

mga nakagawa ng krimen na hindi gaanong mabibigat at ang mga indibidwal na nakagawa ng mga karumaldumal na mga krimen tulad ng panghahalay, pagpatay, paggamit ng droga at iba pa, ay agarang masasabing hindi kwalipikado para rito. Kaya ganoon na lamang ang gulat

J O S H U A Z O N I TA

Faculty, College of Theology

What would Central Philippine University will look like in the next 10 or 30 years? If CPU, with its motto: Scientia et Fides, is instrumental in shaping the intellect, values, skills, and spirituality of employees, students, and graduates in the last century, how will future Centralians think about the University in 2050? What is worth celebrating in this university is the freedom of speech and freedom to inquire or do research. Challenged by globalization and its colonial past, the University’s unique qualities such as “intellectual liberty” and “liberty of conscience” remain visible and viable. For more than a century, the University is still an ally of truth, justice, liberty, love, and compassion. The central questions will be: “How should Centralians consider CPU as a global institution of knowledge? If CPU, as an academic institution, is the legacy of the ‘age of

ubos na imu kwarta,” becomes sensational in CPU. If the school is really serious about maximization of profit with less health hazards, patronizing the local and organic products, is a very good business alternative. With more or less 13, 000 people in the campus every semester, business is really good. But profit should not jeopardize health. Moreover, last JanuaryFebruary 2019, the administration of CPU was very responsive to the global threat of terrorism by conducting seminars on “Terrorism Awareness and Campus Bomb Threat Management” which is good. Yes, terrorism is alarming and you cannot underestimate its collateral damage. That is why governments in many countries over-react to terrorism out of panic. However, since September 11, 2001, terrorists have killed more than 25, 000 people globally, while ‘air pollution’ kills about 7 million people. Ironically, reports

The well-being of these working people should be taken in the context of “stewardship of privileges” and “quality work.” Work ethics and deep spirituality in this university should be sustained.

Dagdag bawas sa Bilibid Ipinag-utos na ni Pangulong Duterte ang pagtanggal kay Nicanor Faeldon sa pwesto bilang Director-General ng Bureau of Corrections matapos ang kaliwa't kanang isyung kanyang kinakaharap. Nagkaroon ng anomalya ang kaniyang panunungkulan matapos umusbong ang usapang makakalaya na sa pagkabilanggo ang dating mayor ng Calauan, Laguna na si Antonio Sanchez na ngayon ay may patong-patong na kaso ng panghahalay at pagpatay

Which Ideology will most likely Kill Centralians?

ang nababasa at hindi nakita ang isang seksyon ng batas na iyon. Ito ay patunay lamang na kapag may pagkakataong tumakas, kahit anong butas ay hahamakin makalabas lamang. Maari nga naman na ang mga mata ng BILIBID

Enlightenment’ (17th century) and the ‘spirit of Reformation’ or ‘Protestantism’ (16th century), how is it knowledgeable about its tendency to decline in terms of work ethics, civility, transparency, quality education, moral reasoning, public engagement, unique management, and outward developmental thinking in leadership?” The simplest way to start verifying the validity of these questions is to assess the kind of food products available inside the campus. The problem with that is there is no collective discourse on how a product’s nutrients or ingredients are correlated to the health condition of employees and students in the next 1020 years in the campus. This is crucial both for the employees and students because employees are required to work eight hours a day, five days a week or at least, not less than 22 days a month. If you are a college student, you have to stay in the campus at least not less than four days a week. Arguably, the amount of time you spend in the campus have impact on your daily choice of food and drinks available in campus. Now you know why an expression like, “Sa half-moon wala pa half day,

on terrorism sell newspapers much better than reports on air pollution How come the Board of Trustees of CPU and administration approved the policy on gate-pass amounting to 10 pesos per entrance (more or less 80,000 a month are collected), while there is no policy on air pollution caused by hundreds of cars in the campus every day, not to mention the traffic jam every morning. A rational Centralian should ask after more than one hundred years: how did the campus become a parking lot? This is not a question of incompetence. It is a question of risk management. It means, long term policy needs to consider long term productivity, not just convenience. The policy-making body has to figure out what policy ensures sustainability and productivity. It is ethical then to consider any policy that preserves the “cardio vascular” and “respiratory conditions” of Centralians. The University is not just a 24-hectares land for structures and programs. For the employees and students, the I D EO LO GY

î&#x201E;&#x201D; R A C H E L B E AT I Z U L A K AT H L E E N F R U G A L I D A D R YA N D AV E P O R A L JEDRICK LEIGHNOIR SOLINAP CPU EMC

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Musings on the 114th U-Day theme:

Central Spirit Leading Us Onward as One E S T H E R R O S E R O M A R AT E

Acting Vice President for Student Affairs Former The Central Echo adviser and A.S. Voiceprints editor-in-chief

As an English teacher, I am often asked to revise or edit research papers, announcements, letters, and many other written communications. This year I had a hand in finalizing the theme for the 114th University Day Celebration of my dear Alma Mater, Central Philippine University, but little did I know that I would be sharing my thoughts on it. Central Spirit Leading Us Onward as One was the theme for the 2019 University Day held in September and it served as the framework for its different contests and activities. Surely, many an oration piece expounded on how the Central Spirit leads CPU and all its stakeholders forward as one big community. It also connects to the 2020 CPU Grand Alumni Homecoming theme,

hope and “filled” with great respect for the Central Spirit whom they ask to lead them onward and make them loyal until the day God affirms their work as, “Well done!” The song goes on to tell about the students’ “wealth of school day memories” at Central where they have been nurtured to become adults, ready to conquer the “rich and broad horizon” and to show to other Asian nations the rare familial ties that bind CPU graduates together. Perhaps, many of you, especially those who have just started their studies here at Central, may wonder what this Central Spirit really is. The song, “Central Spirit” suggests the Central Spirit invoked by the persona, connects to God who called the American missionaries to establish this school.

gentleness, forgiveness, humility, justice, generosity, patience and many other virtues that create positive impact. This year’s University Day Celebration, as was the case of previous U-Days, brought victory and defeat, joy and pain, success and failure among others to those who actively participated in the various activities. It may have forged new friendships and broken some. However, it definitely provided many opportunities for Centralians to work together and allow the Central Spirit to help them transcend differences and resolve conflicts so that the very essence of the whole celebration would not have been in vain. Considering once again the 114th U-Day Celebration theme, Central Spirit Leading Us Onward

When we obey God’s command to love and forgive, we can be one in proclaiming that truly, God is the Lord of Central Philippine University. Central Spirit Leads Us Back Home which suggests that moving onward means coming into full circle someday especially when after leaving Central to begin your professional life, you find yourself journeying back to where you started, home. Both themes must have been inspired by a beloved Central song, “Central Spirit” penned by Dr. Francis Rose, an American missionary, who served as acting principal of Jaro Industrial School in 19141916 and acting president of Central Philippine College in 1938-1941. He was also one of the Hopevale martyrs during World War II. In the song, “Central Spirit,” Dr. Rose uses as persona, the students of Central, which he called the “hope of coming generations” and he paints them as “gleaming” with

Central Philippine University had its humble beginnings as a mission school, founded by American Baptist missionaries in 1905 to bring God’s message of salvation through Jesus Christ to young boys who were willing to work for their education. For me, a second generation Centralian, who was educated here from Kindergarten to Graduate School and who has served my Alma Mater for 31 years as teacher and administrator, I liken the Central Spirit to a force enthused with God’s love which is the very reason that Central Philippine University lives on and continues its mission of raising up Christian leaders for the nation and the world. This love of God, our Creator, which has found or will find a home, hopefully, in each of our hearts, compels us to love Him in return and other people: practicing kindness,

As One, I would like to challenge all Centralians to allow the Central Spirit to restore broken relationships amongst us, so that we can move onward together. The Central Spirit comes from God who is Spirit and who unites us in one faith. When we obey God’s command to love and forgive, we can be one in proclaiming that truly, God is the Lord of Central Philippine University. As one Centralian family, we can provide exemplary Christian education to all students who come to Central. As one Centralian family, we can raise up more Christian leaders for the Philippines and the world. As one Centralian family, we can serve better the communities around us. As one Centralian family, moved by the Central Spirit, we can bring this University to greater heights.

opinion Pamanang Utang Mangamba na sina Joana Sustento at Jefferson Estela, sapagkat pumalo na sa 47 porsyento ng populasyon ang maaapektuhan ng pabago-bagong klima o climate change, ayon sa datus ng Global Peace Index 2019. Dumarami na rin ang mga organisasyon at kilusang naglalayong ihatid ang mensahe patungkol sa kung papaano maisasalba ang mga likas ni Kalikasan—ang mensaheng susukat sa mga ganyak na paninindigan at mga katwiran ng mamamayang Pilipino. Hindi na lingid sa ating kaalaman kung ano ang climate change at kung bakit nangyayari ito. Ilang kahon na rin ng tisa ang nagamit sa pisara ng mga guro sa agham at pilosopiya, ilang awitin na rin ang naisulat sa mga pajingle contest ng paaralan tuwing

kadahilanang pang-aabuso ng karapatang pantao at paglurak ng pangarap ang mga natatanging paraan ng pamahalaan para mahinto ang pagkilos ng mga kilusan. Marahil para sa iilan, walang halaga ang usaping pangkalikasan. Sa iilang mga propetang nakaluklok sa pwesto at sa iilang mga hindi man lang nagpawis. Pilit binabaluktot ang batas at hindi na naawa sa mga paslit—mga paslit na maya at mga paslit ni Aling Nena. Hanggang kailan tayo magtitiis sa sistemang takot at pangamba ang hatid sa mga batang nais lang naman ay maibsan ang init na nadarama ng kapwa at matulungan ang kapaligiran? Hanggang kailan matatapos ang kwento ng isang musmos na gatilyo, sa paglalaro ng mga maliliit na sundalo’t

Hanggang kailan tayo magtitiis sa sistemang takot at pangamba ang hatid sa mga batang nais lang naman ay maibsan ang init na nadarama ng kapwa at matulungan ang kapaligiran? Hanggang kailan matatapos ang kwento ng isang musmos na gatilyo, sa paglalaro ng mga maliliit na sundalo’t tangke, kung saan dahas din ang paraan para mailigpit ang mga laruan sa loob ng iisang kahon? Science at Earth day, at ilang berdeng puso ng mga aktibista na rin ang huminto sa pagtibok, para lang maintindihan ng nakararami na ito ay hindi lamang sigaw ng iilan sa mga hamak na katulad ko bagkus ito’y patungkol rin sa sigaw ng mga sanggol na iluluwal bukas at sa susunod pang mga araw. Ngunit, panay pa rin sa paglalaro ng tagu-taguan ang mga pabayang may alam. Hindi pa rin namumulat sa katotohanang ang init na nadarama ng mundo ngayon, ay katumbas ng init na nadarama ng mga pumanaw na magnanakaw sa kaban ng bayan. Mula nang maluklok sa pwesto si Duterte, 113 na mga aktibista na ang nakitilan ng buhay at 65 ang bilang ng bangkay na nadagdag sa mga napatay na environmental activists bago pa man naupo ang isa sa mga pinakasikat na Presidente sa buong mundo. Ayon sa isang Global Witness Senior Campaigner na si Ben Leather, sa kanyang pagsusuri at imbestigasyon tungkol sa mga gobyerno na siyang instrumento ang dahas bilang pagbabanta sa sinumang kumontra sa mga hakbangin ng pamahalaan, ang Pilipinas ang nanguna sa buong Asya. At ayon din sa kanya, ang Pilipinas ang pinakanakakatakot na bansa sa buong mundo, sa

tangke, kung saan dahas din ang paraan para mailigpit ang mga laruan sa loob ng iisang kahon? Pinagbabayaran sa kasalukuyan ang napakalaking utang sa kasaysayan na siyang nilagdaan sa harap mismo ng mga katha ni Bathala. Pinagbabayaran ng mga aktibistang nabuwal sa dilim makamit lang ang hustisya’t kalayaan. Binayaran na ng Lumad tribe, nina Gabriela at Angeles ngunit ang masaklap, utang ang pamana sa mga iluluwal pa lamang. Ito ay utang ng lahat, ngunit iilan lang ang may lakas ng loob para magbayad. Ang payo ko sa’yo kaibigan, simulan mo nang magbayad ng utang! Bato-bato sa langit, lahat tayo ay siguradong matatamaan kung kaya maawa naman tayo sa mga paslit, kahit sa kanila na lang. Kaya kapag alam mong kalat, itapon mo sa basurahan. Kapag nakabalot sa plastik, pilitin ang sariling huwag na lang bilhin. Kapag hindi pwedeng sunugin, huwag sunugin. Ito ay iilan lamang sa mga simpleng paraan para makatulong ka. Dahil kung gobyerno lang ang hahayaan mong kumilos, natitiyak kong darating ang araw, masusunog ka na lang sa sobrang init ng panahon, hindi ka pa rin nila mapapansin.

ASSIGNMENT

Students.” As student researchers, we were expecting that this study would have a positive result. However, the study showed that the grades of the said correspondents had decreased compared to the year when the assignments were being given. People went crazy about this issue as they thought of all the positive impacts of this future policy, visualizing happy weekends with the family, longer hours of sleep, and playtime with the kids. It would be the students’ escape from stress. They could attend to extra-curricular activities and can do household chores. Unfortunately, our research revealed the negative effects of the No-Assignment Policy. First, the respondents answered that they were starting to be dependent only on the lessons given by the teacher. They also find it difficult to manage their time in doing assigned tasks at school. They had less opportunity to explore lessons on their own. Finally, the respondents said that No-Assignment Policy made them unproductive. They admitted that they could be tempted to spend

BILIBID

kinauukulan ay nasilaw na sa yaman at tuluyan ng nabulag sa tama. Nakakabahala ang ganitong insidente, dahil pinapakita rin nito na ang mga batas na dapat ay magsusulong ng kabutihan para sa karamihan ay nagagamit ng iilan para sa kanilang kalamangan. Sa ngayon madali nang maabswelto sa kaso. Ang kailangan lang ay

I D EO LO GY

campus is a “social ecology” that nurtures the Central Spirit in the context of social interaction, intellectual discourse, shared learning, and sense of community. There are considerable reasons why vehicles should be used as primary means of mobility in the campus such as the weather conditions, if not personal convenience. However, objective study and social analysis should also be conducted in order to determine what is the wisdom and long term benefits of allowing hundreds of vehicles to enter inside the campus. If fresh air is God’s gift, and daily walking is good for the heart and brain, why not consider regulating the hundreds of vehicles become part of the school’s policy. Precautionary measure and rational policy are decisive in history. As Centralians, we also have to consider our “ethos” or ethical conduct. If the Central Spirit animates among Centralians, how mindful and ethical are we in relation to our profession, work, duty, degree, title, position, environment, relationship, and way of life? Bear in mind that education is very costly, not free. Education,

their free time on social media and games. With various angles explored about the implementation of the NoAssignment Policy, we will be enlightened to its real impacts and effects. We could not just adopt this policy because it works in Finland or just because a researcher in South Africa says that homework has negative impact on students. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, homework policies differ from each nation around the world. For example, in America, homework time is doubled whereas in Finland, they only spend 2.8 hours per week on assignments. As a result, Finland students lead global scores in the field of academics and America maintains a spot in the middle of the charts. If the Philippine Educational System implements the NoAssignment Policy, it would not be as easy as simply scraping off assignments without it affecting the curricula. It needs further research and extra effort in establishing special programs that will cater

to those who are having trouble learning at a slow pace. If they continue giving homework, then it should be well-designed, well-planned and meaningful to students because it is most effective, The educational system of the country must learn to modify assignments that will make students motivated. Teachers give homework because they believe that it enhances the learning and performance of students, parental involvement, skills, and work habits according to Janine Bempechat’s “Getting Our Kids Back on Track: Educating Kids for the Future.” In fact, the giving of assignments and the NoHomework Policy have a common goal, and it is to give the students quality education and become an avenue for them to learn skills, lessons, and ideas. Both of the policies will be useful in the near future, as long as the preparation for the said policy will be well-researched and organized educationally, for it is not just students who will be at stake once the system would fail. And so we will put the hope of our fatherland, the students of the Philippines, in great danger.

isang matinong abugado. Ito na yata ang kalakaran sa ating bansa. Kapag may kapangyarihan ka ay makakahanap ka ng lusot sa anumang bagay na kinakaharap mo. Ngunit ang mga ordinaryong Pilipino na kung minsan ay may magagaang kaso lamang ay siya pang mas matindi ang pagdurusa. Ngayon, libo-libo na ang nakalaya dahil sa GCTA Law. Sinasabi rin na ilang porsyento sa mga nakalaya na ay hindi dapat

kwalipikado na makatamasa ng ganitong pribilehiyo. Maibabalik pa ba sa kulungan ang iba sa mga ito? Kahit sabihin na nagutos na ang gobyerno na muling sumuko ang mga nakalaya na na humaharap sa mga 'heinous crimes' kung tawagin nila ay maibabalik ba talaga? Ito ang dapat siguraduhin ng pamahalaan sa publiko—na walang pinapanigan ang hustisya kundi kung ano ang tama.

therefore, must be really worth paying. Education is at the heart of transformational process. That is the reason why the well-being of educators and the service personnel should really be taken seriously because without them, who will do the work? The wellbeing of these working people should be taken in the context of “stewardship of privileges” and “quality work.” Work ethics and deep spirituality in this university should be sustained. The university’s motto: “scientia ét fides” is about deep education, not cheap schooling. Cheap schooling as a value system deviates from the philosophy of education which is transformative and liberating, not compliance. While deep education is decisive and transformative, cheap schooling is only interested to profit, status symbol, and personal gain. In effect, one can have a degree or a title, but bankrupt of wisdom, maturity, humility, sense of justice, and transparency. Once you put that person tied to cheap schooling to a wide range position or authority, you cannot expect competence, integrity, and progress to bloom in a workplace or society. Because cheap schooling bears shallow, superficial, and apathetic

ways of thinking constituted in decision making—organizational, institutional or corporate. Whereas, deep education bears illumination, love, justice, patriotism, and wisdom. Finally, Centralians need to assess the “level of civility” in the classroom, offices or work place, and in the larger community. Civility is “not being nice.” Civility means to do no harm, respect for strangers, and tolerance on others’ individuality. It observes rules of conduct, performing duties in a right way, telling truth, and recognizing other’s uniqueness. Civility is a virtue that protects the university from mendacity, habits of domination and control, monopoly of ideas, apathy, homophobia, and dogmatism. We fight for what is left for our children—next generation who will animate the Central Spirit. If we failed in this battle, there will be no future for them. If we succeed, our children will live in this university—fully human, fully alive, and fully free. The future of this university is not in the hands of the “privileged few.” It is in the shoulders of responsible Centralians. Now, ask yourself, “which ideology will most likely kill Centralians?”

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ALESTER JOHN GALLARDA

T H E C E N T R A L E C H O TA B L O I D

Mandirigma ng Kapaligiran

VOL 109 Nยบ 5

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abado, isang ordinaryong araw para sa daan-daang estudyante, manggagawa at mga pasaherong araw araw tinatawid ang IloiloGuimaras Strait, ang siyang araw din ng kalunos-lunos na trahedyang bumago sa daloy ng buhay ng mga Guimarasnon. Sinong nag-akala na ang maliit na pagitang ito na nag-uugnay sa isla ng Guimaras at Iloilo ang siyang bumawi sa buhay ng 31 pasahero mula sa tatlong tumaob na bangka noong Agosto 3, 2019. Alon, bagyo at peligro ang walang pagdadalawang isip na hinaharap ng mga mag-aaral makapunta lamang sa kanilang mga paaralan, mga magulang na nagsasakripisyo mataguyod lang ang pangangailangan ng kanilang mga pamilya, at mga turististang ang tanging inaasam ay maglibang at kalimutan ang mga iniwang problema. Wala sa isip ni isa man na sa iilang minuto lamang ay magbabago ang takbo ng kanilang buhay, hindi lamang ng mga sakay ng bankang Chi-Chi at Jenny Vince, kundi pati na rin ng mga taong naghihintay sa kanilang pagbabalik. “Pagkatapos ng pangyayaring ‘yon ay para bang nasira ang ayos ng mga bagay

Linya NI ALESTER JOHN GALLARDA

uksuka ID mo Noy. May iilan na ding bumalik ng bahay at boarding house nila para kunin ang naiwang ID at magpalit ng uniform. Ito ay dahil sa mga taong naatasang magbantay ng gate 24 oras, pumatay ng ilaw sa mga gusali sa tuwing sisilay nang panata ng takipsilim, mag-check ng mga sasakyang papasok sa minamahal nating pamantasan, at sumuway sa mga estudyanteng hindi sinusunod ang mga polisiya, lalong-lalo na sa dress code ng Unibersidad. Suot ang puting uniporme at dark blue na police caps, sila ang una nating makikita sa tuwing papasok tayo sa basilyo ng Sentral – ang ating mga School Guards. Ngunit sa tungkulin nilang maglingkod ng marangal at mahusay sa bayan at sa institusyong kinabibilangan, tila ang kanilang imahe ay namantsahan na ng dahil sa mga haka-haka ng karamihan. Mga bulong – bulungan sa loob ng classrooms at tsismisan sa mga pwesto ng canteen. Suplado. Strikto. Feeling Department Head. Ilan lamang ito sa mga salitang nababanggit sa tuwing napag-uusapan ang mga gwardiya, mga salitang hango sa pananaw ng mga sumuway at ng mga estudyanteng walang ni katiting na alam tungkol sa kanikanilang mga kwento. Abang mga malayang mamamayan ng bansang mapanghusga, sa

bagay,” ani ni Christianee Shane Elseario, isang mag-aaral ng CPU at isa sa mga buhay na binago ng malagim na trahedya. “Si Mama kasi ang gumagabay sa akin at ang palaging nagpapaalala na ayusin ang mga bagay-bagay. Siya ang nagbibigay ng lakas ng loob sa akin kapag nahihirapan na ako sa aking pag-aaral. Siya ang sinasabihan ko ng lahat-lahat pero pagkatapos ng nangyari, para bang napakalaking bahagi ng buhay ko ang nawala. “Hindi lang naman nanay para sa akin si Mama kundi siya ‘yung bestfriend, manager at organizer ko. Siya ‘yung nag-iisip para sa akin. She is my everything,” sabi niya. Sakay ang kaniyang ina sa tumaob na bangkang Chi-Chi at hindi lang ina ang nawala sa kanya, kundi kaibigan at katuwang niya sa buhay. Hindi biro ang mawalan ng importanteng tao lalo na ng isang ina na mayroong malaking parte sa ating pagkatao. Ina na siyang humubog kun sino man at kung ano man tayo. “Nakaya kong lampasan ang lungkot at sakit dahil sa Diyos. Noong araw na iyon, iyak ako nang iyak habang nananalangin sa kaniya na tulungan Niya akong kayanin ito, na kunin niya ang sakit na nararamdaman ko at palitan niya ng ginhawa dahil ibang sakit ang nararamdaman ko noong oras na ‘yon.

‘Yung gugustuhin ko na lang lukutin ang puso ko at itapon dahil sobrang sakit. “Nakatulong din ang panalangin. Common man pakinggan pero sa tuwing nananalangin ako sa Kanya ay para bang gumagaan ang pakiramdam ko. Totoo nga na ang Diyos lang ang makakakuha ng kung ano mang sakit na ating nararamdaman.” Sa likod ng sakit at pagsubok na kaniyang hinarap, naging sandalan niya ang Panginoon na siyang nagbibigay pag-asa at patuloy niyang naging lakas. Pinatunayan ni Shane na kahit ano mang bagyong dumating, hindi tayo kailanman nag-iisa. “Palagi kong inaalala ang bilin palagi ni Mama na mabuti ang Diyos at sa lahat na mga pagsubok ay kailangang kumapit lang sa Kaniya dahil lahat ng ‘yan ay makakaya mo. Hindi naman magbibigay ng pagsubok ang Panginoon na alam niyang hindi natin kakayanin. Let go lang at let God,” sabi ni Christine. Sa gitna ng trahedyang ito, makikita ang tatag at tibay ng pananalig sa Diyos. Hindi ito naging dahilan para siya ay sumuko bagkus ito ang ginawa niyang motibasyon na mag-aral nang mabuti upang sa huli ay masuklian niya ang kaniyang pamilya at maipagmalaki siya ng kaniyang ama at inang nasa mas maayos na kalagayan.

Binago man ng trahedya ang kaniyang buhay, patuloy pa rin ang kaniyang pakikipagsapalaran at ng iba pang mga biktima na nagsusumikap na ilagay sa ayos ang buhay na minsan nang nawala sa dapat nitong kinalalagyan. Maraming buhay man ang tinangay, maraming pangarap ang tuluyang inagos ng alon ng pighati’t kalungkutan, patuloy pa rin sa pag-ahon ang mga Guimarasnon, mga nawalan ng magulang, anak, kapatid, kaibigan at mahal sa buhay na nananalig sa Panginoon—kay Hesu Kristo na hari ng baha’t karagatan. Bumakas man ang takot, tumatak man ang pag-aalinlanganpatuloy pa rin ang kapit sa Diyos na siyang nagpakalma sa bagyo’t alon ng ating puso’t isipan. Ang mga ngiti sa likod ng mga pasakit at ang unti unting pagbangon sa gitna ng kawalan ang siyang patunay na sa likod ng trahedya’t unos, may Diyos paring makakapitan, at masasandalan. Siya ang naging salbabida sa nakakalunod na pasakit at problema. Ang Panginoon ang siyang aahon sa atin nang ating matanaw ang liwanag ng bukas na sa atin ay naghihintay. Kaya kapit lang, tayo rin ay makakaahon.

kalsada’t eskinita, sa nayo’t lungsod. Setyembre 18, araw ng Miyerkules, sa pagdungaw ng ginintuang silahis ni bukangliwayway, binulabog ang netizens lalong-lalo na ang mga mag-aaral ng CPU sa isang Facebook post ni Luke Trasporto. Ito ay larawan ng isang gwardiya na hawak-hawak ang kamay ng isang bulag na estudyante, tinutulungang makatawid hanggang sa makapasok ito sa silid na kanyang paroroonan. Ang viral na Manong Guard ay si Darry Latoja, 35 taong gulang ng Barangay Dungon, Jaro, Iloilo City, na halos siyam na taon nang nagsisilbi sa Central Philippine University bilang isang gwardiya. Sa panayam namin sa kanya, hindi lingid sa kaniyang kaalaman na ang karamihan sa mga Centralians lalong lalo na ang mga estudyante, ay hinuhusgahan ang kanilang mga kilos na siyang nakaangkla sa mga tungkulin at responsibilidad nila. Hindi rin lingid sa kanilang kaalaman na marami sa mga nasuway nilang lumabag sa polisiya ng unibersidad, ay napagbuntungan sila ng galit. “Okay lang man na sa’mun ya kay normal lang na, basta makaubra lang kami tsakto, kag mapakaun ang amun pamilya.” Ito ang tugon ni Manong Darry sa lahat ng mga may sama ng loob sa kanila. Walang bahid ng poot ang bawat pagbuka ng labi niya habang siya ay nagsasalita. Ang katapatan at pagmamahal niya sa kaniyang trabaho ay kasing linaw ng mga titik na kaniyang binitawan. Abang pintang malaya ang mga ngiting namutawi sa kaniyang mukha. Huwarang tunay ang mga katulad ni Manong Darry. Dahil sa kabila ng mga lihim na pagmamalupit at panghuhusga ay nananatiling pursigido at determinado

sila sa kanilang mga trabaho. Sa kabila ng mga masasakit na salita ay nakukuha pa rin nilang ngumiti habang ginagawa ang kanilang mga tungkulin. Umaklas man ang araw ay nasisigurado pa rin nila

mga classrooms at pagbubukas ng basilyong Sentral para sa bagong makubuluhang araw. Saksi ang mga ilaw, ang mga hagdan ay may alam. Ang mapanlait na kislap ng mga tala ay patunay sa kanilang pagiging huwaran. Modernong mga bayani kung maituturing, dahil kung tutuusin, buhay at pangarap din ang baon nila sa bawat araw. Sa mundong mapanghusga kung saan takbuhan ng karamihan ang social media, ang pag-asa’t ganyak na paniniwalang marami pa ring mabubuting tao sa mundo, ay hindi pa rin natitibag. Patunay ang isang post na inulan ng papuri at naghatid pa ng mahalagang mensahe sa lahat ng mga nakakita —na huwang manghusga ng kapwa. Hindi dahil nasuway ka ay pangit na kaagad ang pag – uugali ng sumuway. Hindi dahil inakala mong nabastos ka, ay bastos na kaagad ang tao. Dahil marami ang may alam, ngunit iilan lang ang may alam ng katotohanan. Dahil marami ang naikwento, ngunit iisa lang ang tunay na kwento. Ang kwento sa likod ng viral na post tungkol sa isang gwardiya na nagpamalas ng kabutihan at pagiging makatao, ay kwento ng lahat ng mga gwardiya sa CPU o sa kahit saan mang unibersidad, sa pulo —pulong lupain ng tigang na lupang ating ginagalawan. “Suksuka ID mo Noy—” isang linyang hinusgahan sa mahabang talababa ng kwentong huwaran.

 LUKE TRANSPORTO

ang kaligtasan ng mga gamit at pasilidad sa minamahal nating Pamantasan. At sa bawat umagang tinatamad ang ilan sa mga estudyanteng pumasok ng paaralan, ay ang bawat umagang paghahanda nila ng

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N I Y U S I M AY H A B L A D O

Istorya ng pag-asa sa gitna ng trahedya sa Iloilo-Guimaras Strait

T H E C E N T R A L E C H O TA B L O I D

Ahon

 PHILIPPINE RED CROSS

features

Beating the C B Y K A R R E N J AY A S G A R PHOTOS COURTESY OF PRINCESS SARAH ESPINOSA

ven Merida survived the cruelty of the bear, Snow White survived the wickedness of the witch, Tarzan, the atrocity of the leopard, Hercules, the red-blooded titans, Simba, the threat of hyenas, and Aladdin, the sudden cave explosion. All of them showed their toughness and benevolence in surviving trials. Their eagerness to unriddle and hope for a new tomorrow became their strength as they faced circumstances that would normally knock them down. But then, who would have thought that a Princess from Central Philippine University defeated a baleful complication?

Nineteen-year old Princess Sarah Espinosa from Banate, Iloilo, survived the hands of suffering and anxiety. She initially wanted to take Mass Communication as her degree but instead took AB Psychology because she wanted to help cancer patients that are struggling with mental health after she herself experienced it firsthand. She is known for being an extroverted type of person. According to her, she is jolly, friendly, and sometimes moody. Her hobbies include hanging out with friends and traveling while taking pictures. She always spends every second as happy as she could for she believes that every moment counts. But then, every fairy tale has its struggles.

“Make an impact to everyone. Show them that you are a living testimony [of] how God is amazing. Nice try cancer, but I’m still here.” —Princess Sarah Espinosa When she was in grade school, she often experienced Urinary Tract Infection where she had to take high dosages of antibiotics and lost approximately 4 kilograms in weight. This recurred for years. She was always experiencing pain in her lower right abdomen until she decided to have an ultrasound. The results revealed that she had a cyst measuring 13 centimeters on her right ovary. On August 29, 2016, she had her first chemotherapy. A week after that, she started to lose her hair. When it happened, she felt so disheartened as if she were sinking slowly. Her thick hair was her prominent asset and her cradle of self-confidence. It symbolizes so much more than just a look: it has become her sentiment and reinforcement of who she is. Sometimes her hair speaks for her, even

Ang HIV INDI mapasa paagi sa:

CENTRAL ECHO

LAWAY

LAMOK

VOL 109 Nº 5

NOV 2019

HALOK

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UBO

and blood transfusions. She had to endure loss of appetite, nerve and sleeping problems, behavioral disorders, and deal with her own growing anxieties. Despite all the pains she carried and the tears she shed, she still chose to let the world see her tremendous smile and not the flow of tears on her cheeks. Through the support and love of the people around her, she fought again and again until she was declared a Cancer-Free survivor. She gained stability, bravery, and reverence where she had done things which she thought she cannot do. “Make an impact to everyone. Show them that you [are] a living testimony that God is amazing,” said Princess, further adding: “Nice try cancer, but I’m still here.”

Hilway ang may Ihibalo BY ONESIFORO BERINA, JR.

BALHAS

when she doesn't say anything. During the time when she was still confined at the hospital, her parents never left her side. “ ‘Ga, pray lang kay Lord kag magsalig kay maka-survive ka guid sina,” her mother softly whispered to her. Amidst the fact that she was on the verge of death, she kept fighting. The support of her ever-loving aunts and relatives, friends, classmates, and schoolmates, and the sturdy prayers of pastors and brethren from Banate Baptist Church became her force to beat her enemy— Cancer. Princess had 21 sessions of tiring chemotherapy wherein she had to stay several days in multiple hospitals. She had to take dosages of medicines, multiple injections,

ndi mapunggan ang pagtaas sang kaso sang HIV o Human Immuno Deficiency Virus sa aton pungsod. Sang 2018, sobra 12,000 nga mga kaso sang HIV ang nalista sang Department of Health, kag may panibag-o naman nga 1,006 ang nagdugang sa sini nga listahan sang nagligad lang gid nga Hunyo, kag ginataya nga 40 ka kaso ang nagadugang adlaw-adlaw. Sa likod sini nga katalagman, madamo sa gihapon sa aton ang wala ihibalo kon ano gid man bala ang HIV. May mga tini-on pa nga ang iban sa aton nagapamati kag nagpati sa istorya kag kuno-kuno sang iban. Amo ni siguro ang rason ngaa kalabanan sa aton ginakadlawan, ginakahuya kag ang masakit pa, ginakabig nga mga malaot kag immoral nga mga katawhan sang sosyodad ang sin-o man nga nagaantos sa sini nga epidemya. Agud madula ini nga panan-aw sa mga tawo nga may HIV, hibaluon naton kon ano guid man bala ini. Ang HIV o Human Immuno Deficiency Virus, isa ka sahi sang kagaw nga nagaguba sang natural nga depensa sang kalawasan, rason para madula ang proteksyon sang kalawasan nga batuan ang nagakalain-lain nga klase sang impeksyon.

Maipasa ini paagi sa indi protektado nga pakighilawas sa tawo nga may HiV, sa pagsalhin sang dugo, sa pagbun-ag kag sa pagpatiti sang bata nga ginatawag man nga mother to child transmission. Madamo ang nagakuno-kuno nga malaton ang HIV pamaagi sa kagat sang lamok, laway, ubo kag sa paggamit sang kubyertos apang indi ini matuod-tuod. Indi man dapat ikahadlok kon matapikan ikaw sang balhas sang tawo nga may HIV bangud indi man maipasa ang virus pamaagi sa balhas. Dugo, seminal fluid, vaginal fluid, kag gatas sang iloy lamang ang kabahin sa lista sang modes of transmission ukon mga likido sa lawas nga nagadala sang virus. Indi man matuod-tuod ang hambal sang iban nga delikado ang magkapot sang kamot, maghakos, ang maghalok sa tawo nga may ara HIV. Maski indi magkapareho, masami naton nga ginaangot ang HIV sa AIDs ukon Auto Immune Deficiency Syndrome. Ang AIDs, isa ka kondisyon kon sa diin dako na ang guba sa natural nga depensa sang aton kalawasan. Dasig nga malatnan sang nagkalain-lain nga mga sakit pareho sang Tuberculosis, Pneumonia, Meningitis kag iban pa ang sin-o man nga may amo sini nga kondisyon. Sa sini nga tini-on, wala pa sang

natukiban nga bulong para sa HIV, apang indi buot silingon nga wala na sang paglaom nga makapangabuhi sang normal ang sin-o man nga nalatnan sini nga virus. Kinahanglan lamang ang padayon nga pagpaidalom sa antiretroviral treatment agud mapagan-hagan ang sakit hasta maglab-ot sa tini-on nga indi na makit-an ang virus sa lawas. Ginaengganyo man ang pagpa-screen ukon pagpa-test para mahibaluan ang imo HIV status. Kaupod man ang pagpa-screen kag pagpa-test sa mga pamaagi para mag-untat ang stigma ukon ang malain nga pagkabig sa mga tawo nga may ara sang HIV. Oo, may ara sang antiretroviral drug, apang madamo ang wala kabalo sang pamaagi para makakuha sini. Mas maayo sa gihapon nga kahibalo kita kon papaano maghalong. Kon mahimo, likawan ang pakighilawas samtang wala pa sang asawa kag maggamit sang condom ukon proteksyon. Ginadilian man ang paggamit sang ilegal nga droga nga ginatuslok sa lawas. Indi na naton paghulaton pa nga mangin ulihi ang tanan, dapat sa subong pa lang, buksan na naton ang aton nga paminsaron. Indi ta pagsunlogon, yagutaon, kag pakamalauton ang mga tawo nga may HIV, kag aton man ipahibalo sa iban ang aton nga mga nahibalu-an agud aton ini matapna.

diversion C

Share on In The Dumps (ITD) using the hashtag #CentralEcho once you've found them all!

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ABSCBN BARRET TO WARS B AT O BONG GO CHING CHONG DENGUE GINA LOPEZ HALALAN HALFMOON HAZING HIV LAPU LAPU LUMAD MANOK NA PULA MILKTEA MOCHA POLIO PRESS FREEDOM RESEARCH R I C E TA X SANA ALL SEAGAMES SOGIE S TA R W A R S SWINE THUNBERG TULFO VILLAR VISA FREE YULO

The Killer Bride 14

REVIEW BY ONESIFORO BERINA, JR.

 FOX 2000 PICTURES

sa kasalanang hindi naman siya ang may kagagawan at nagdusa sa kulungan. Dito nagsimula ang pagbabali-baliktad ng istorya. Ipinalabas ng mga manunulat na patay na siya, nagmumulto at sinasapian ang dalagang si Emma para makamit ang hustiyang matagal nang inaasam-asam. Tiyak na napakaraming pwedeng abangan sa serye. Kapuripuri rin ang hindi pangkaraniwan nitong cinematography sapagkat nagagawa nilang kakilakilabot at kapana-panabik ang bawat eksena. Katatakutan, aksyon, misteryo, pagmamahalan, at marami pang kategorya ng pagsasalaysay ng kwento ang ipinaghalo-halo kaya siguradong mapapakapit ka sa panonood. Subaybayan at tutukan ang ang dalang misteryo ng The Killer Bride sa ABS-CBN, magmula lunes hanggang biyernes, tuwing 9:15 ng gabi.

Breakthrough his mother who tries to figure out why her son is acting like an adolescent—the truth which she refuses to see. The movie attempts to give Joyce a minor character arc. At the start, she’s having hard time to understand things she doesn’t like. She is judgmental that she criticizes the new pastor at her church, John Noble (Topher Grace), whose hair is unlike the previous pastors she knew and whose music choices for church service gets her into bad chills especially on those rap singing scenes. By the end, she doesn’t need to be overbearing because first impressions don’t last—in this case. When John and a couple of friends fall through the ice on Missouri lake, he submerges for about 15 minutes before Firefighter Tommy Shine (Mike Colter) comes into the scene. While trying to save John’s life, he hears a voice telling him exactly where to look and pulls the boy out of the water. Tommy

is an atheist [he’s my favorite character in this movie and I will let you figure out why.] The rest of the film has John beating the odds. The rest of the characters which includes the doctors, John’s classmates and teachers, his basketball colleagues and coach, Joyce’s churchmates and many others has something to help you spark all that inner faith. This movie is based on a true story and offers a variety of morals but all are beholden into miracles of God. It runs you through a roller coaster and a maze of emotions that change constantly. It helps you see the differences between faith and stronger faith. But the best thing you can learn after watching this is that, “All you need to do is to believe. Your steadfast belief will inspire many, will illuminate lives and eventually create miracles— heavenly miracles.’’

T H E C E N T R A L E C H O TA B L O I D

Some people live, saved by miracles, while others, similarly loved and prayed for, die. Breakthrough. The title is more than a bit of a spoiler but this film’s overtly Christian approach, which also discussed how divisive forces try to manage one’s faith in times of impossibilities, will surely move those who don’t believe in miracles, in my opinion. This movie focuses on Joyce Smith (Chrissy Metz), a fighter and a true believer whose faith was sparked by outer braves, who, together with her husband Brian (Josh Lucas), raised their adopted child John (Marcel Ruiz). When John falls through an icy Missouri lake, all hope seems lost. But as John lies literally lifeless, everything started to evolve and grow like braving timbers. Every character started to switch on their lasting spotlights. The story starts when John is 14. He is far more interested with his friends and music than

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REVIEW BY ALLESTER JOHN GALLARDA

 ABS-CBN

Agawan ng asawa, walang katapusang sabunutan at paikotikot na kwento—iyan ang tipikal na teleseryeng Pilipino. Pero ibahin natin ang “The Killer Bride” na pinaikot mismo ang isipan at damdamin ng mga manonood dahil sa hindi mahulaang daloy ng kwento nito. Nagbukas ang serye sa isang krimen. Isang babae ang ginahasa at walang awang kinitilan ng buhay. Ito ay nagbunga ng matinding alitan sa pagitan ng dalawang angkan sa Las Espadas; ang pamilya De la Cuesta at pamilya De la Torre. Marami ang naniniwalang pag-ibig ang susi ng lahat, ngunit tila pinabulaanan ito ng kwento. Kahit mismong ang pag-iibigan ng dalawang tauhang sina Vito at Camila ay walang nagawa para hilomin ang sugat ng kanikanilang pamilya. Bagkus, mas lalo pang umigting ang galit at poot. Napagbintangan si Camila

sports Golden Lions, nasalo ang kampyeonato kontra WIT

Grades COMIC STRIP BY JOHN PEL BAÑARES

N I R YA N D AV E P O R A L

Wagi sa taunang Charter day Basketball Tournament ang Central Philippine University Men’s Basketball Team. Nanaig ang CPU Golden Lions hotshots kontra sa Western Institute Technology para masungkit ang kampeonato sa ginanap na 82nd Iloilo City Charter Day Inter Collegiate Basketball Tournament naginanap sa Jaro Gymnasium noong Agosto 25, 2019. Ngipin sa ngipin ang laban na pinakita ng bawat koponan. Tinodo ng WIT ang kanilang opensa ngunit di ito nakalusot sa depensa at pagtutulungan ng CPU Golden Lions. Wagi ang CPU kontra sa WIT sa iskor na 75-73 sa pamumuno ni Miguel Sasuman na idineklarang Most Valuable Player (MVP) sa liga.

STOP! C O M I C S T R I P B Y B E J AY S O N G C O G

 WIKIPEDIA

CENTRAL ECHO

Joker

VOL 109 Nº 5

NOV 2019

REVIEW BY KALANIE SALDAJENO

We are all familiar with Batman’s arch nemesis Joker, right? I mean his green hair, clown make-up, maniacal laughter, and unique criminal behavior terrorized the childhood of every kid that grew up watching television in the early 2000’s. If you love comic books and superheroes, you are familiar with the so-called Crown Prince of Crime’s antics and how our beloved Caped Crusader manages to foil his evil plans every time. When I heard a new Joker film was about to be released I wasn’t entirely interested. I mean there are already three Joker movies out there, what more can this one offer? Comic

books turned movies are the biggest trend in the film industry nowadays and I thought that this movie was only made to rake in the big bucks. Nonetheless, the DC franchise has a huge following hence it already started gaining a lot of attention prior its release. I was actually about to ignore this new film altogether but majority of viewers gave it raving reviews that eventually convinced me to give this movie a shot—and I’m glad I did. The movie introduces us to Arthur Fleck, a struggling comedian and mentally challenged loner living with his mother in turbulent Gotham city. He is the kind of guy that society would dub as unlucky for

things always don’t seem to go his way. He dreams of becoming a famous comedian just like his idol but nothing he ever did was funny at all. Instead, he got stuck wearing a clown costume and floppy shoes performing in run down bars. Arthur started sweet and innocent at first, with his character appealing to the inner loner in all of us but as the film progresses we witness as his mental state cascades and how he evolves into the Joker that we were all too familiar with. Although the title says Joker there is certainly no humor in this movie. Dark, grotesque, haunting yet utterly mesmerizing. This is a movie where anyone who have felt alone and isolated can relate to. You can’t help but empathize with Arthur’s madness; after all he is nothing but a victim of society. Social commentary was skillfully woven into the film that emphasizes society’s lack of empathy towards the poor and less privileged—a mirror image of today’s materialistic world. Joker gives a realistic view of how bad people are not usually bad in all ways as society often judges them to be. The directing, acting, cinematography and not to mention the musical score were just perfect giving you that serialkiller vibe throughout the entire movie. Just the right touch of realism was incorporated enough to give that nauseating and gut wrenching feeling throughout the movie’s 122-minute run time. This is not your typical actionfilled-superhero-movie; it is a proper psychological thriller drama not for the faint of heart. If you are thinking of giving Joker a pass, think twice or you might regret it.

“I think the strategy to win a championship or just even a game, is trust and faith among teammates. We’ve got talented addtions this year and it really helped a lot. So winning really takes teamwork whether in defense or in offense. It’s all about the common good. Our understanding and chemistry this year is on another level,” pahayag ni Sasuman. Determinado ang grupo na makamit din ang kampeonato sa darating na PRISAA tournament na magsisimula sa darating na Nobyembre. Dagdag pa ni Sasuman, “Our coach did a great job too on preparing the team for that championship run. But these games aren’t meaningful until we win a PRISAA Championship this November.” May nauwing 15,000 pesos bilang gantimpala sa pagiging kampeon ang basketball team.

PAGTUTULUNGAN NG MGA MALALARO. CPU Golden Lions, kasama ang kanilang coaching staff at CPU Sports Director Edwin Laru-an, ay pinagpaplanuhan ang stratehiyang gagamitin sa laro.  C P U E M C

Kupunan ng CPU Sepak Takraw, wagi sa HSTIT N I R YA N D AV E P O R A L

Maayos na serve, matinding depensa, at sing lakas ng mabangis na leon ang opensa na ipinakita ng Central Philippine University Golden Lions kickers sa kauna-unang Hinugyaw Sepak Takraw Invitational Tournament (HSTIT) sa Cuartero Capiz noong Agosto 21. Sampung kupunan ang sumali sa nasabing tournament ngunit sa huli, nangibabaw parin ang kulay na asul at ginto. Dineklarang kampeon at nakauwi ng ginto na medalya ang kupunan nina Hiros John Jalandoni, Steven Togle, Paul Germae Onate, Javeheart Aquino, at Mathius Phillipe Suay. Pahayag ni Pastor Keith Dune Gallos, isa sa mga coaching staff ng Takraw Men’s Team, “I always tell them to train hard and play smart. Leading them in our devotional after training helps a lot in molding them spiritually. For me encouragement starts in training. It is a long process of preparation.

Then when the time comes nga ma hampang na, win or lose we pray and give thanks to the Lord. Because every game we offer it sa Iya.” Samantala, wagi bilang 3rd Place at nakauwi ng Bronze na medalya ang kupunan nina Jay-ar Galia, Ej Pareja, Baron Cabual, Christian Dale Catague, at Jose Glenn Cudo. Nang tanungin si Gallos tungkol sa masasabi niya sa mga humahangad maging manlalaro ng Takraw, ang sabi niya ay, “Kami sa takraw biskan sembreak na naga training gihapon, wala kami bakasyon, but everything is worth it. Once you get to enjoy the game, it’s not always about winning, but it’s how you inspire other people, make them appreciate the game you love. It’s all about attitude and how you as a person play it.” Ang kauna-unang Hinugyaw Sepak Takraw Invitational Tournament ay pinamunuan ng mga Lokal na Pamahalaan ng Cuartero, Capiz bilang parte ng selebrasyon sa kanilang anibersaryo ng pagkakatatag.

Ikatlong Unigames sa Iloilo, linahukan ng 2500 atleta N I R YA N D AV E P O R A L

Higit sa 2500 na mga delegado mula sa 42 na mga paaralan at unibersidad sa iba't ibang panig ng bansa kabilang ang Central Philippine University ang nakilahok sa ika-24 na Philippine University Games (UNIGAMES) at pangatlong pagkakataong naiganap sa lungsod ng Iloilo, Oktubre 19-27. Ang taunang timpalak ay muling inorganisa ng University of San Agustin, kasunod ng Unigames 2014. Gamit ang temang “The Games That Bring us Together, for Unity and Peace,” matagumpay na natapos ang labanan ng mga koponan sa mga isports na Basketball, Volleyball, Football, Athletics, at Beach Volleyball. Ayon sa isang manlalaro ng Volleyball sa CPU na si Jerson Lasquite, “Nakabulig gid sa amon develop hampang especially sa pagkontra sa mga Manila teams. Damo gid kmi may na tun-an kag

na learn sa amon kontra kay mas experienced ila team. As a first timer nga nag join sa UNIGAMES, kag nakita ko ang iban nga players kon pano sila maghampang, daw na-motivate gid ako nga maging isa pa gid ka maayo nga manoghampang.” Dagdag pa ni Lasquite, “Makabulig ni sa growth namun as players, pasaka sa amon individual skills kag makamake new friends from other universities. UNIGAMES really helped us to improve more on our skills.”

Hinikayat rin ng manlalaro na hindi dapat sumuko at dapat na magtiwala sa sarili ang sinumang may pangarap na magtagumpay sa larangan ng isports. “Don’t ever doubt yourself. Be proud of what you are and always believe in yourself,” dagdag nito. Ginawang palaruan ang iilan sa mga lugar sa lungsod, kabilang na rito ang University of San Agustin Gym, University of San Agustin High School Sambag Jaro, Iloilo Sports Complex, at Breakthrough Restaurant sa Villa, Iloilo. Unang ginanap ang UNIGAMES sa Iloilo dito sa Central Philippine University noong 2008.

SALPUKAN NG MGA KUPUNAN. Sinusubukang nakawin ng mga Centralian Footballer ang bola mula sa kalaban.  LEO SOLINAP

Katharungan

K AT H L E E N F R U G A L I D A D

Umuwing walang dangal Ikinagulat ng maraming tagasubaybay ng chess ang pagkapanalo ni Wesley So, isang Filipino-American Chess prodigy na naging Grand Master sa murang edad na 14 lamang laban sa Norwegian na si Magnus Carlsen noong undas. Ngunit hindi lang ito ang nagdulot ng ikinabigla ng karamihan. Nagtaka ang iba kung bakit niya piniling kumatawan sa United States of America kaysa sa maglaro para sa Pilipinas. Ang 26-taong gulang na Grandmaster ay kabilang sa pinakabagong listahan ng mga bayani sa palakasan, na pagkatapos na dalhin ang mga karangalan para sa bansa, ay ibinaon sa limot, kawalang-galang at iba pang mga nakalulungkot na epekto ng kakulangan ng suporta mula sa gobyerno. “Ang mahihirap at walang koneksyon dito sa Pilipinas ay itinuturing na basura na puwedeng yapak-yapakan,” ani ni So sa isang panayam.

Matapos iuwi ang kaunaunahang gintong medalya para sa Pilipinas noong 2012 Summer Universiade na ginanap sa Russia, matapos ang kanyang playoff match kay Zaven Andriasian, ang brilliant wood pusher ay ipinagkaitan si So ng pera at materyal na insentibo, kasama ang isang milyong pisong premyo na pinagtibay ng Batas ng Athletes and Coach Incentives ni dating Senador Robert Jaworski. Marami sa mga Pinoy na atleta ang nakapagbibigay karangalan sa bansa, ngunit hindi natin napapahalagahan ang bawat pawis at lakas na kanilang ibinubuhos. Kung kaya hindi natin masisi ang ibang mga atleta na tumitigil nang mangarap pa, sapagkat wala na ngang suportang nakukuha mula sa bansa, pinagkakaitan pa sila ng pagkilala. “Dahil sa alitan ng mga kilalang tao sa larangan ng isports, hindi na bigyang pansin

ang kanyang hirap, at ang mas masaklap pa, ipinagkait nila sa kanya ang isang milyong piso na pangakong ipamimigay sa mga atletang nakapag-uwi ng gintong medalya,” dagdag niya. Isang halimbawa lang si Wesley So sa mga binigo ng gobyernong bigyan ng suporta. Si Hidilyn Diaz na kampyon sa weightlifting ay sinubukan nang humingi ng pinansyal na suporta mula sa mga pribadong kumpanya sa kanyang pagsali sa Tokyo Olympics sa 2020 sa pamamagitan ng isang Instagram Story. Nagpapatunay lang ito na kulang sa pagpapahalaga sa mga atleta kahit na hindi lang sila nagrerepresenta kundi nagdadala talaga ng karangalan sa bansa. Ito ay iilan lamang sa maraming pagkulunang na maaring pagdaanan ng ating mga atleta. Nakalulungkot isiping tila pare-parehong problema ang namamayani. Pero mas nakapanlulumo ang pagsasawalang bahala sa kanila. Importante na maiparamdam sa mga tulad ni So ang pagpapahalaga. Hindi lang magmumula sa kanila ang pagpupursige—na manalo, lagi’t laging kailangan nilang paghugutan ang suportang binibigay ng iba.

BY ZHARINA MARIE STEPHANIE LUGO

Eight Centralian jins from the CPU Golden Lions Varsity Team brought home the emblems of victory as they participated during the 9th Tirak Taekwondo International Championship last October 29 in Bangkok, Thailand. Each of the jins respectively garnering medals: Geraldine French Mosquera (2 gold), Mae Anthonette Desalit (1 gold), Sheriemei Anne Hojilla (1 silver), Alfie Diasnes (2 silver), Floramie Navales (1 silver), Dianah Ashley Dello (1 silver and 1 bronze), Kyte Descutido (1 gold and 1 silver) and Kharla Marie Saberon (1 gold and 1 silver). When asked how they prepared for this international tournament, Navales answered, “Our training is consistent. We train minimum of 2 hours everyday from Monday to Saturday and minimum of 4 hours every Sunday. No rest days, no days off. Like in all our competitions we have rigorous training that includes cutting weight in Kyorugi (sparring event) to meet our desired weight category, some needs to lose 2 to 3 kilos just to meet the division where we have an edge among our opponents. In Poomsae (forms event) we need to train the required pattern for accuracy and presentation since it requires mastery, specially in mixed pair and team poomsae that requires synchronicity.” Navales, also acted as the Player Coach and Alan Diasnes acted as the Team Manager and Coach. “On top of that, since almost all of our members are still students, they need to juggle their academics and training time. Balancing priorities and

time manangement are very essential in our preparation especially in international competition like this one that we had in Thailand,” said Navales, explaining, “It is a great feeling to give honor or represent our gym, our school and our region in competitions, but it takes a great pride to represent our country in the international arena.” She also emphasized that “Taekwondo is more than just a sport, its a way of life. It teaches a lot about life especially respect and discipline. Taekwondo helped us become a better version of ourselves, the confidence and the lessons we gained inside the gym are carried out to outside or real world. Since it is a contact sport it teaches us how to stand for ourselves, how to absorb pain and how to handle it, and the most important thing Taekwondo taught us, is how to handle defeat, victory, and fighting spirit, the spirit of not giving up no matter how tough the fight is.” Navales mentioned that aside from what they gain as individuals, they had also extended their Taekwondo family. Their competition had turned into a family event because it brought their family members together in one venue to support them. “These are the perks of being in sport not just in Taekwondo alone. Taekwondo became a part of our lives.” Navales said.

BACON TO BRING HOME. Victorious taekwondo jins show their well-deserved medals.

 F LO R A N AVA L E S

ISSUU.COM/CENTRALECHO

 ALAN DIASNES

T H E C E N T R A L E C H O TA B L O I D

GAME-FACE ON. Taekwondo fighters vie for gold using their skills and tactics during the competition.

Centralian jins bag gold in Int’l Taekwondo Tilt