Heraldo Filipino Vol. 30 Issue 4

News feature

features

Literary

sports feature

DLSU-D’s ground zero

Let’s talk about sex

Paper boats

Ignite the athletic zest

page 4

page 11

page 12

page 14

MAY - JULY 2016

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VOLUME 30 ISSUE 4

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY-DASMARIñAS

DECIMATE. The CEAT building demolition started on April 25 due to cracks found inside the structure in 2012. As of press time, there is no proposed building to be built after the demolition according to the Buildings and Facilities Maintenance Office. Jose Mari Martinada

Tuition hike drops to 2.35% this AY Admin extends surcharge fee deadline this academic year

By Jazmine Estorninos

The administration will impose a longer surcharge fee deadline effective this academic year (AY) 2016-2017, as per the request of University Student Council (USC) 2015-2016 President

Micah Gonzales to revise the surcharge policy during the annual multi-sectoral meeting.

According to Assistant Vice Chancellor for Finance (AVCF) Belinda Narvaez, the new policy states that 3 percent surcharge fee will be

applicable if the outstanding balance is unpaid until the last day of the finals examination period, and 4 percent surcharge fee will be imposed the day after the finals examination period up to the last day of semestral or summer break, while 5 percent surcharge will

see SURCHARGE FEE/ page 2

Elected PROs fill SC president, VP posts

Other fees increased

By Patricia Anne de Leon The administration will implement only a 2.35 percent tuition increase for all levels this academic year 2016-2017 (AY), which is lower compared to last AY’s 3 and 4 percent tuition hike, as per Assistant Vice Chancellor for Finance Belinda Narvaez.

Despite the financial concerns brought by the K-12 implementation, Narvaez said the University is not allowed to enforce a high tuition increase. “Hindi tayo basta puwedeng mag-increase. Nililimit lang tayo [ng] CHEd (Commission on Higher Education) sa inflation rate, hindi tayo puwede lumagpas doon,” she said.

Narvaez furthered that the University can still sustain its operations

amid the expected decrease in the number of freshmen enrollees and low tuition increase this AY. “We are doing our best; we are doing everything to survive the effects of K to 12, though ang effect nito is [felt for] five years,” she added.

Other fees increase Several “Other Fees” in the Student’s Assessment, including the athletics fee, cultural arts fee, internet fee, student services fee, and Schoolbook fee, have also increased for this AY, as confirmed by Narvaez.

The athletics fee, which covers the athletes’ scholarship, allowance during competitions, board and lodging, and

honorarium of coaches, has increased by P100.

To sustain the services provided by the Center for Innovative Learning Programs and the Office of Student Services despite the expected reduction in college enrollees this AY 2016-2017, the Schoolbook Fee will be raised from P100 to P250, while the Student Services Fee will increase by P200.

The cultural fee, which is divided among the seven performing arts groups in the University, has increased from P60 to P100.

Although the internet fee will increase by P150, Narvaez said the increase would not necessarily result to a faster internet connection inside the

see TUITION HIKE/ page 3

SC candidates fail to reach vote of confidence

By Yna Marisse Sodoy Elected Public Relations Officers (PROs) of the University Student Council (USC), College of Liberal Arts and Communication Student Council (CLACSC), and College of Education

Student Council (COEDSC) have assumed the president and vice president positions in their respective student councils (SCs) since the candidates for the said posts failed to reach the vote of confidence.

As stated in the 2013 Amended USC Constitution Article 5, Section 13,

if both offices of the president and vice president are temporarily vacant, the remaining members will elect the acting president among themselves until the vacancy no longer exists.

Elected PROs Christine Fortunado, Neil Perez, and Thea Ellema have assumed

see FAILURE TO ELECT/ page 3

FA assures quality education amid faculty displacement

By Highly Undag (contributor) The displacement of faculty members caused by the foreseen decrease of enrollees for the next two academic years (AYs) would not affect the quality of education in the University, as confirmed

by Faculty Association (FA) President Jose Domingo.

Professional Education Department (PFD) Chair Florencio Abanes said professors who will be retained in the college level showed efficiency in teaching due to their high rating in the institutional faculty auditing administered by the school.

The administration and FA conducted the institutional faculty

auditing by ranking professors in terms of operational needs, performance evaluation, job competency, discipline record, and length of service as criteria to determine who the University would retain during the transition period of the K to 12 program.

Abanes added that the teaching loads of displaced part-time faculty

see FACULTY AUDITING/ page 3

HOMECOMING. Former Department of Education Secretary and DLSU brother president, Br. Armin Luistro, FSC gives his inspirational message to the graduates of batch 2015-2016 on the 38th commencement exercise of De La Salle University-Dasmariñas at the Ugnayang La Salle. Kathelyn Ann Bravo

NEWS

MAY - JULY 2016 | PAGE 2

VOLUME 30 ISSUE 4

Varsity players to face scholarship cuts due to K-12

By April Ciaralei Cenedoza

CLASSIFY. The DLSU-D administration implements a separate turnstile for summer term, tri-semester, and transition term enrollees until the end of the transition term. Kathelyn Ann Bravo

CEAT building undergoes demolition

VBH restored for additional classrooms this AY

By Patricia Anne de Leon Upon the recommendation of the University’s technical consultants, the former College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology (CEAT) building, deemed to have structural defects, underwent “controlled” demolition that began on April 25, as per Buildings and Facilities Maintenance Office Director Dennis Pontanilla.

In demolishing the CEAT building, Pontanilla said a “controlled” demolition was executed to maintain the students’ safety and the structures around the area, including Gregoria Montoya Hall (GMH), the sewage treatment plant, and the Environmental Resource Management Center (ERMaC) Office.

“Phase by phase ang demolition and hindi siya ‘yung biglaan. From top to bottom ang demolition niyan, hindi tulad ng nakikita niyo na minsan may mga explosive na involved,” Pontanilla added.

On February 2012, former Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administrative Services Epifania Anfone ordered all students, faculty, and staff to temporarily

vacate the CEAT building to do retrofitting on the damaged parts of the structure.

After conducting several structural evaluations on the CEAT building, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Finance Belinda Narvaez said the technical consultants decided to demolish the building instead of retrofitting it. “Medyo nagtagal [ang demolition] dahil … tinry namin siyang (CEAT building) i-save kaya lang ‘yung [naging] resolution talaga niyan, we have to demolish,” she said.

Although some collected scraps from the dismantled building were sold to the demolition company to lessen the costs, Narvaez furthered that the University will still be spending at least P1 million for the demolition.

“Kung gagastusan talaga ‘yun, malaki. Pero dahil ‘yung mga scrap niya binibili nang nagde-demolish … hindi naman [din] nila tayo talaga chinarge ng malaki. Mayroon pa rin tayong ibabayad,” she said.

Pontanilla said the University could use the location of the CEAT building as an open area, since the administration has no immediate plans in constructing a

new building as replacement for the demolished structure.

VBH repair The Vito Belarmino Hall (VBH), which was used as storage rooms for the staff and student organizations, will be restored to serve as additional classrooms for CEAT students this academic year (AY) 2016-2017.

According to Narvaez, they transferred the important documents and files of the Accounting Office, Treasury Office, Human Resource Management Office, and Registrar’s Office from the VBH rooms to the basement of the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management (CTHM) building.

She added that CTHM Dean Rowel Paras has already agreed with the decision on using CTHM’s basement as a temporary storage for the affected staff and student organizations.

Narvaez said they allotted an estimated amount of P3 million from the University’s General Fund to cover the building renovation costs. She mentioned that the restored VBH is ready for classroom operations by the opening of classes in August.

In response to the foreseen decrease in first year and second year enrollees brought by the K to 12 Basic Education Program implementation, the 1,200 scholarship grant for basketball and volleyball varsity players could decrease to 800 percent this academic year (AY) 2016-2017, as confirmed by Sports Development Office (SDO) Director Fidel Rojales.

“Iyon talaga ang factor kung bakit kailangang bawasan [ang percentage ng scholarship grant] kasi wala na tayong kukuhanan ng income,” Rojales said.

The 800 percent total discount on tuition and miscellaneous fees would apply to varsity teams consisting of 12 players at most, such as basketball and volleyball.

Rojales clarified that the percentage of scholarship is given to a student athlete based on their skills, academic performance, and the coach’s recommendations. “Halimbawa, mayroong sampung players, siya (coach) ang bahalang mag-divide doon sa 800 percent [scholarship grant] na ‘yon … [among the varsity players],” he said.

Rojales added that some varsity players might receive lesser tuition discounts since the coach could grant full scholarship to the “best” players only.

He said the 12 players in a varsity team can receive 100 percent tuition discount before since each team was allotted a 1, 200 percent scholarship grant.

In the second semester of AY 2015-2016, at least 100 varsity players received various scholarship grants. Sixty players are given 100 percent tuition and miscellaneous fee discounts, including the 34 players who are also provided free lodging inside the University’s student dormitory.

Meanwhile, the remaining 40 student athletes are given tuition discounts that are less than 100 percent.

Rojales furthered that the six million pesos worth of scholarship fund from SDO exceeded to seven million last academic year (AY) 2015-2016, which resulted to a budget deficit in the athletic fund.

The SDO also considered restructuring the scholarship program of varsity players into fixed amounts, however, their corresponding tuition has different amounts.

Individual and dual sports club Rojales said they are yet to propose a decrease in the scholarship grants for individual and dual sports, such as badminton, swimming, table tennis, and Taekwondo.

He said these sports might merge into a sports club next AY, adding that the student athletes will shoulder the fee for the coaches who will train the club.

According to Rojales, they would exclude the track and field in the sports club since they are “potential” players who often bag awards from national competitions.

Rojales said the proposed decrease in the scholarship of basketball and volleyball varsity players is yet to be approved by the administration.

SURCHARGE FEE from page 1 be applied if the unpaid balance exceeds the last day of the semestral or summer break.

“Dati, ang policy is 3 percent surcharge fee per month on the total unpaid balance after day one of midterm examination period, and then 4 percent for the next 30 days. Ngayon, kapag nagbayad ka [after day one of] finals examination period, 3 percent na lang ang surcharge fee. Kapag pinalampas mo nang finals, saka lang magiging 4 percent. Kapag pasukan na for the next semester at may unpaid balance ka pa, [magiging] 5 percent na,” Narvaez said.

Meanwhile, Gonzales said they initially proposed to decrease the surcharge fee to 1 percent, 2 percent, and 3 percent to lessen the student’s burden in paying their tuition.

“But since the [surcharge fee] percentage can no longer be lessened as per the VCFAS (Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administrative Services), we bargained with the longer duration of the original percentages, which they approved,” Gonzales said.

New student demands Aside from the proposal of a longer surcharge fee deadline, Gonzales presented a new set of student demands for the administration to address this AY, such as the creation of a Grievance Think Tank that would answer students’ grievance concerns and improve the administration’s transparency in the DLSU-D website.

The multi-sectoral committee, composed of representatives from the administration, Faculty Association (FA), Parents Organization La Salle Cavite (POLCA), De La Salle Dasmariñas Alumni Association, Kabalikat ng DLSU-D, and student sector, is yet to approve the Grievance Think Tank proposal.

Meanwhile, the Office of Student Services (OSS) and Student Development and Activities Office (SDAO) plan to conduct a program that would teach the student leaders how to practically address grievances.

The Center for Innovative Learning Programs (CILP) also plans to publish an infographic describing the breakdown of “Other Fees” on the DLSU-D website and Student Portal this AY. “We changed our set of student demands since freeing venue rental and frequent facilities usage proposals had been turned down,” Gonzales furthered.

Gonzales said they proposed the implementation of zero or flat-rate rental fees for student organizations who would use venues in the campus for more than four hours a day.

Narvaez clarified that they disapproved of the said proposal since the University only charges the student organizations for usage of the venue’s utilities, air conditioning, electricity, and for additional security guards and housekeepers.

“Hindi talaga kami nagcha-charge ng venue rental fee lalo na sa students dahil wala naman talagang renta. Mayroon lang dagdag na fee para sa mga ibang kakailanganin sa venue. For example, ‘yung sa additional guards, may ratio na sinusunod, which is isang guard per 500 students. Bukod pa ‘yung regular guards ng University [sa additional guard], kaya may additional fee rin na china-charge talaga,” Narvaez said.

Gonzales said their proposal to improve the guidelines on usage of sports facilities to give other students easier access was also dismissed for maintenance purposes.

“Hindi rin kasi sapat ‘yung funds ng Sports Development Office to keep on replacing these facilities if ever na maraming gumamit at madaling masira,” Gonzales said.

Since the RFID system installation at Gates 1 and 3 was already accomplished, Gonzales’ proposal on the RFID turnstile set-up completion to resolve the University’s security issues was also disapproved.

As of press time, Gonzales said they are compiling all the resolutions, minutes of meetings, and memorandums by all offices involved during the multi-sectoral meeting so they can submit it to the newly elected USC officers this AY.

REACT Amid talks of an impending massive earthquake triggered by the possible movement along the Marikina Valley Fault Line, the Lasallian Community Development Center (LCDC) proposed the DLSU-D campus as an evacuation area for residents in Dasmariñas City, Cavite when major disasters strike the province. We asked several DLSU-D students if they agree with the proposed evacuation areas in the campus, including the Julian Felipe Hall Parking Lot and the College of Science and Computer Studies Building, since these places are near the Magdalo Gate and the highway road.

Yes, I agree. The Lasallian community is a helping community that protects our brothers and sisters who are in need. It is the responsibility of the Lasallian community to ensure the safety of the Filipino people and to provide a “safe haven” to our brothers and sisters who are in need of great help.

Ellaine Grace Grisola Third year Communication Arts No, kasi hindi lang naman itong DLSU-D ang may malaking space para sa mga mag e-evacuate lalo na sa JFH parking lot. Puwede naman ‘yung iba like sa Orchard or doon sa may malaking space na medyo malayo sa La Salle like Salitran and Salawag. Puwede pa rin namang tumulong ‘yung LCDC doon tulad ng pagpapadala ng volunteers and medical supplies.

Mariel Rosebell Bacanto Fourth year Philosophy Yes, I agree because offering our facilities, particularly our classrooms, can be a great help for the evacuees especially in times of disasters.

Sarah Ruth Oliva

Fourth year Broadcast Journalism

Yes, the campus is large enough to provide suitable places for the people in need in case disasters strike the province.

Ara Miah Haque Third year Communication Arts

To be able to give the proposal its respective function, the University has to remove all valuable equipment such as classroom televisions; this is to prevent damage or theft of property. Also, there is a chance that the room of the buildings are not suitable for evacuation purposes. I disagree.

Kim Eduard Valdez Fourth year Broadcast Journalism

Hindi, maaari rin kasi[ng] maaapektuhan ang mga building na ito na maaaring magresulta sa pagkaguho nito. Kung susumahin, marami ring mga tao ang nakatira sa Dasma[riñas City] at ang nakalaan na espasyo para maging evacuation center ay hindi sapat. Maaari po kung ito ay magiging sa Oval.

Merie Joy Abajay Fourth year Marketing

Yes, because LCDC’s proposal just wants to adhere [to] the immediate needs of Caviteños affected by the possible disaster, massive earthquake. This matter should also be consulted to the administration of the University to what extent can DLSU-D accommodate those who are in need.

Edwin E. Alulod Jr. First year Psychology

Yes, because the Lasallian community are (sic) expected to help people in need, but this act should not only be done just to meet the expectations, but [because] it is the right thing to do.

Chiara Mae Samonte Fourth year Economics

No, kasi first of all, maapektuhan ‘yung mga student kasi mawawalan sila ng mga paggagamitang classrooms katulad ng CSCS students.

Chelsea Lou Vicente Fourth year Tourism Management

NEWS

MAY - JULY 2016 | PAGE 3

VOLUME 30 ISSUE 4

DLSU-D SHS Grade 11 starts classes in August

By April Ciaralei Cenedoza The De La Salle University-Dasmariñas (DLSU-D) Senior High School (SHS) is offering grade 11 this academic year (AY) 20162017 as part of the implementation of the K to 12 Basic Education Program, says Student Admissions Office Director Jefferson Buenviaje.

FINAL MARCH. A total of 1, 838 students graduated from DLSU-D in academic year (AY) 2015-2016, with College of Business Administration and Accountancy (CBAA) having the highest number of graduates with 597 students. Infographic by Mikaela Torres

CHED recognizes COED as Center of Excellence

By Highly Undag (contributor) The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) recognized the DLSU-D College of Education (COED) as Center of Excellence (COE) in Teacher Education on March 31, as per CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 17 Series of 2016.

According to CHED, COE refers to a department within a higher education institution (HEI), which continuously demonstrates excellent performance in the areas of instruction, research and publication, extensions, and linkages.

COED Dean Manuel Camarse said they first earned the accreditation in 2012, and then reapplied in 2016, which will be effective from April 1 until December 31, 2018.

As a COE, COED will be given priority in the selection of CHED institutional partners for developmental projects and entitlement to non-monetary subsidies and awards, such as graduate scholarships for faculty members, CHED research grants, consideration for conversion to University Status, and identification as autonomous and deregulated HEIs as stated in the CMO No. 55 Series of 2006.

Camarse furthered that CHED provides financial assistance to COE accredited schools who submit their project proposals to them. “There’s a grant given by the CHED if you are the Center of Excellence. If there is fund available, they will fund some of our projects,” he said.

According to CMO No. 55 Series of 2006, COEs should maintain their instructional quality, research and publication, extension and linkages, and institutional qualifications to meet CHED’s expectations as an accredited institution.

Centers of Development CHED also distinguished Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology and Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) under the College of Science and Computer Studies (CSCS) and Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering under the College of Engineering and Technology (CEAT) as Centers of Development (COD), which will be effective from January 2016 to December 2018.

Recognized CODs demonstrate the potential to become future COEs since

they observe the same set of qualifications.

They also receive the same grants and benefits given to COE accredited schools.

“COD ensures quality teaching kasi you applied already ... so ibig sabihin, OK kayo in terms of faculty, instruction, quality linkages, and research programs,” Engineering Department Chair Estrella Pineda said.

According to Pineda, they now focus on strengthening linkages with their industry partners and on training their faculty members to meet the standards given by CHED. CSCS Dean Johnny Ching said BSIT first achieved COD in 2010, while BS in Biology attained the recognition this year. He added that COD for BS in Applied Mathematics (APM) was not granted due to lack of professors who have doctorate degrees in Pure Mathematics, which is included in the initial requirements.

Meanwhile, CEAT’s application of the BS in Civil Engineering and BS in Mechanical Engineering for the COD accreditation also failed since these programs require facilities with large spacing, CEAT Dean Jose Rizaldy De Armas said.

TUITION HIKE from page 1 University. “Maraming application online—ang enrollment, ang application sa scholarship. Kapag nagsabay-sabay ‘yan … hindi rin bibilis ang internet,” she added.

The administration will also implement the ecosystem services fee, which entails 20 percent of the cost of vehicle stickers, a fixed annual fee of P500 for all accredited transport service providers, and P100 for every approved field trip.

Since these vehicles contribute to air pollution, Narvaez said the ecosystem services fee will be used to sustain the trees and the environment inside the campus.

“Halimbawa ‘yung may tour, ‘yung mga bus diyan, per trip mayroon silang charge for environment. So kung

500 [pesos] ang car sticker, dagdag pa ng 20 percent bale 600 [pesos],” Narvaez added.

Meanwhile, Narvaez said the multi-sectoral committee has approved the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management’s proposal to decrease the Food and Beverage (F&B) Bar Management laboratory fee for HRM students from P700 to P500.

The Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEE) and Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSE) practicum fees will also increase to P200, while the Bachelor of Physical Education (BPED) practicum fee will increase

by P300.

“2016 is the start of the transition year for Philippine education system so there will be very minimal college freshmen for the coming year … Kung hindi kasi tayo nag-offer ng grade 11, thousands of students ang mawawalan tayo,” he said.

Compared to the SHS offerings in other schools, Buenviaje said the University uses a collegiate learning approach in teaching the Grade 11 students since they will be taking some college level subjects. He added that they are yet to determine whether the SHS will follow the grading system in college.

“We still need to follow what the DepEd (Department of Education) instructs. Ang [kaibahan] lang natin, may kaunting touch ng college. Mas [may] focus doon sa program you wish to take in college and the environment is college setting,” he explained.

According to Buenviaje, at least 1, 640 students are expected to enroll in grade 11, which will be divided into 40 students per section.

Buenviaje furthered that the tuition for grade 11 would cost P40, 000 each semester. However, students who completed grade 10 from public and private schools could apply for a SHS voucher, a government subsidy that enables students to get a discount on the cost of tuition and other school fees.

At least P12.2 billion has been allotted to fund the SHS voucher program, according to the Department of Budget and Management. DepEd began releasing the results of the application for the voucher program through emails on May 20.

Meanwhile, Buenviaje said the administration is yet to determine whether they will construct a new building for the SHS since they planned to use some of the rooms and facilities in the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management (CTHM) building for grade 11 students.

Since the University began to shift its academic calendar this AY due to the 2015 Association of Southeast Asian Nations Market Integration, the opening of classes for DLSU-D SHS began on August 2.

In an article in the Heraldo Filipino Vol. 30 Issue 1, the opening of classes in August will allow the University to accommodate foreign students who cannot enroll due to the

conflict between the University’s academic calendar and the academic calendar of schools abroad, as per University Registrar Marialita Esberto.

The University will offer grade 12 in AY 2017-2018 to complete the SHS implementation.

Applied tracks The DLSU-D SHS offers specialized subjects under a track of their choice, such as the Academic Track, Technical-Vocational Track, Arts and Design Track, and Sports Track.

The Academic Track consists of the Accountancy, Business, and Management Strand, which leads to college degree programs like Accountancy, Entrepreneurship, Office Administration, Business Administration Major in Business and Operations Management, Major in Economics, Major in Human Resource Development Management, Major in Management Accounting, and Major in Marketing after finishing grade 12.

The said track also includes Science, Technology and Engineering, and Mathematics Strand, in which students can pursue college degree programs, such as Architecture, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Math, Medical Biology, Human Biology, Information Technology, and Computer Science.

Moreover, SHS students who will enroll in the Humanities and Social Sciences Strand could pursue college degree programs like Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Development Studies, Community Development, Political Science, Philosophy, Psychology, Communication and Criminology.

Meanwhile, the Technical-Vocational Livelihood Track includes Tourism Services, Hospital Services, Culinary and Foodservice, Electronic Servicing and Computer Hardware Service, wherein students can take college degree programs, such as Tourism Management, Hotel and Restaurant Management, Industrial Technology Major in Electronic, and Information Technology Major in Network Technology, respectively.

Under the Arts and Design Track, the Visual and Performing Arts Strand could lead to college degree programs of Graphics Design and Multimedia and Broadcast Journalism.

The Sports Track contains the Sports Coaching and Management Strand, which leads to the Physical Education degree program. The General Academic Strand leads to any college degree program.

FAILURE TO ELECT from page 1 the president positions, while Princess Sacay, Lyka Larin, and Dominador Caraan have filled the vice president seats of the USC, CLACSC, and COEDSC, respectively.

USC’s incomplete slate To fill the remaining vacant positions in the USC slate, Fortunado and Sacay have appointed Legislative Board (LB) members, which are composed of College of Student Council (CSC) officers and qualified student leaders.

As per the 2013 Amended USC Constitution Article 5, Sections 9 and 10, the USC shall elect among the LB who shall fill the vacancy in any remaining USC posts. However, if the LB members are unwilling to accept the vacant positions, the USC shall request for their recommendations of possible qualified student leaders from their own CSCs and Program Councils (PCs).

Fortunado said they only received recommendations from the College of Business Administration and Accountancy Student Council (CBAASC), College of Liberal Arts and Communication Student

Council (CLASC), and College of Science and Computer Studies Student Council (CSCSSC). The USC has also given their own recommended student leaders who are qualified to assume the vacant posts.

Sacay furthered that they have interviewed all student leaders recommended by the LB and USC to ensure that the students they have appointed are qualified for their respective SC positions.

As of press time, the USC has appointed Jessone Purificacion, Vega Montehermoso, Earll Cacanindin, Joyce Castillo, and Bryan Castillo and Micah Rubio as the secretary, treasurer, auditor, business manager, and PRO, respectively.

“Nagbigay [rin] kami ng portfolio … para makita nila (LB) kung sino ‘yung students na iaakyat namin. Nag-agree naman lahat ng LB na OK sa kanila ‘yung iaakyat namin for USC,” Fortunado mentioned.

CCJESC’s empty slate Since none of the College of Criminal Justice and Education Student Council (CCJESC) candidates

are qualified to run for the previous University Student Elections, former Student Commission on Elections (SCE) Chairperson Aaron Lopez said they have declared a failure of election for the said SC. As stated in the 2016 Amended Student Election Code (E-Code) of DLSU-D Article IX, Section 17, failure of election occurs if at least 10 percent of the total students of a college fail to vote or if all candidates for a particular position fail to qualify before Election Day. Lopez said they have already received a request from CCJE Officer In Charge Dean Elizabeth Buena to hold a special election for the CCJESC this academic year (AY) 2016-2017.

“Last academic year (AY 2015-2016) kasi, it’s too late … ang tinitingnan natin kasi diyan, nasa’n [‘yung] voters?

Noong may pasok [nga e], kaunti lang din bumoto,” he added.

He mentioned that the SCE has yet to decide if they shall conduct a special election for the CCJESC since the request still needs approval from the SCE Adviser Eduardo Panulin.

FACULTY AUDITING from page 1 members will be given to full-time professors. However, specialized subjects would still be assigned to part-time professors who have experience in the industry if no full-time professors can teach the subjects.

“I think hindi naman mawawala lahat ng mga part-time [professor].

Kasi kailangan talaga highly specialized like sa Engineering, HRM (Hotel and Restaurant Management), and in other fields. Kailangan ‘yung balance ng nasa industry at saka nasa academe,” Domingo said.

According to Domingo, the administration prioritizes giving teaching loads to full-time faculty due to their permanence as professors in the University. “Itong mga full-time faculty, most of them are tenured. ‘Pag sinabing tenured, regular na sila. Ngayon, kung ihahire [ang] mga part-time in exchange of

regular who is tenured, may usaping labor [code] ‘yan,” he furthered.

Domingo added that the number of displaced professors will be reduced to less than 100 since the University has created different ways to absorb affected faculty members, such as transfer to junior and senior highschool, front loading, and retooling.

On KFP professors According to Kagawaran ng Filipino at Panitikan (KFP) Chair May Mojica, the KFP Department will still retain all professors in AY 2016-2017 despite the shortage of teaching loads in Filipino subjects due to lack of freshmen enrollees.

Mojica said DLSU-D’s autonomous status gives them the authority to continue teaching Filipino subjects amid the Commission on Higher

Education (CHED) mandate to include the subjects in the K to 12 curriculum instead of the tertiary level, as per CHED Memorandum Order No. 20 Series of 2013.

Mojica furthered that some professors in the KFP Department would transfer to senior and junior high school. “Isa siya sa mga option pero hindi ito nangangahulugan ng pagbaba ng rango o pagka-demote at hindi ibig sabihin na porket nalipat doon ay made-detach sa Pamantasan kasi isa siya sa creative ways para hindi tayo (professors) mapabilang doon sa posibleng mawawalan ng trabaho,” she said.

Other KFP professors accepted front loading offered by the University, wherein they can teach in advance some subjects this coming school year and be paid later, while faculty without teaching loads can do researches approved by the University Research Office (URO).

restore. The re-roofing of the Ugnayang La Salle began on May 16 due to parts of the roof tearing off since the 1980s, according to the Buildings and Facilities Maintenance Office. The re-roofing ended on July 30. Jose Mari Martinada

N E W S F E AT U R E

MAY - JULY 2016 | PAGE 4

VOLUME 30 ISSUE 4

Ground zero

An understanding of the University’s three-year strategic planning

By Jazmine Estorninos and Yna Marisse Sodoy | Illustration by Lynoelle Kyle Arayata

Every academic year (AY), DLSU-D implements numerous activities, events, and policies to address the academic community’s needs. These programs and projects are part of the administration’s strategic plan to achieve the University’s goals and objectives.

According to Presidential Management Office (PMO) Director Jose Ritchie Bongcaron, they identified the strategic goals and objectives for AY 20162017 until AY 2018-2019 by conducting a strategic planning process that will ensure the University is ready in attaining these three-year goals.

Planning process Under the strategic planning process, Bongcaron said the administration initially reviewed the goals in the previous AY before they established the three-year strategic goals and objectives.

“Sa review, tinitingnan natin kung alin ba sa strategic goals ng previous AY ‘yung mga nagawa, mga hindi nagawa, at mga dahilan kung bakit hindi nagawa. At saka kung mayroon bang [goals and objectives na] worth elevating, continuing, and maintaining,”

Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administrative Services (VCFAS) Mary May Eulogio said.

After determining the strategic goals and objectives, Bongcaron said they divided them into five major areas. Each area includes a list of yearly objectives to be approved by the Board of Trustees.

The Vice Chancellor for Academics and Research (VCAR), Vice Chancellor for Mission External Affairs and Advancement (VCMEAA), and VCFAS will decide which yearly objectives will be assigned to the different colleges and departments who will then propose specific action plans aimed at achieving the said objectives.

“These action plans ay ‘yung mga event at program na nais i-implement ng colleges and departments for the entire AY,” Bongcaron said.

Bongcaron added that the colleges and departments will present their proposed action plans, together with the budget needed for the implementation, to the administration. As of press time, the colleges and departments are on the process of creating the action plans to be approved by representatives

from different University.

sectors

of

the

Strategic goals The AY 2016 – 2017 strategic goals and objectives’ five major divisions include Lasallian Formation, Lasallian Instruction, Lasallian Research, Lasallian Extension, and Lasallian Governance.

Under Lasallian Formation, the PMO has created the strategic goals of identity and vocation.

The goal for identity is to cultivate and nurture the community’s Catholic and Lasallian Identity through religious activities, while the goal for vocation is to accompany members of the academic community toward deeper awareness and appreciation of their Lasallian vocations.

In Lasallian Instruction, the strategic goals aim to ensure that academic programs are aligned with the national and global standards for education to create new knowledge and meet social needs such as belonging and acceptance, develop Lasallian learners who exhibit 21st century skills and respect for cultural diversity, and develop educators whose expertise in teaching

is aligned with the Lasallian guiding principles toward social formation.

For Lasallian Research, the PMO aims to produce relevant and internationally-published research papers from students in the University.

Meanwhile, the strategic goals under Lasallian Extension consist of implementing water and energy conservation and efficiency measures through education and training. Intensifying Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) programs, enhancing intervention programs for marginalized sectors, increasing the DLSU-D community’s involvement in volunteer programs, and developing extension programs based on research results also comprise the Lasallian Extension strategic goals.

In Lasallian Governance, the strategic goals are focused on maintaining the relevance and sustainability of the University’s leadership organization, prioritizing responsive administrative services in support of providing Lasallian education, ensuring sound management of financial resources, and developing a culture of

environmental sustainability by creating a resource conservation plan with compliance to government regulations.

Basis of planning In the process of identifying the strategic goals and objectives, Eulogio said they referred to the recommendations of the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities (PAASCU)— the organization that accredits academic programs that meet the standards of quality education.

“We are a PAASCU Accredited Institution … ayaw natin na kung kailan bibisita ‘yung accreditors [ay] doon lang natin gagawin ‘yun (recommendations),” Eulogio said.

She mentioned that the University also referred to the University’s Vision Statement as stated in the Student Handbook AY 2014-2018 and Br. President Augustine Boquer, FSC’s 14-Point Agenda that promotes living and sharing the experience of God, academic excellence, education for social transformation, and employee development.

Eulogio furthered that they used the De La Salle Philippines’ (DLSP) Vision, Mission and

Goals, and Philippine Lasallian Family Convocation 2015 Resolutions as their basis in strategic planning.

DLSP is a network of Lasallian Schools established to facilitate collaboration in achieving the Lasallian mission, while the Philippine Lasallian Family Convocation 2015 is an assembly of the 16 Lasallian schools who will set the direction of the Lasallian family for the next seven years.

***

All these strategic goals and objectives are made to improve the University and lessen the adverse effects of major changes that the University would encounter for the incoming AYs, such as the full K to 12 program implementation and the academic calendar shift. The fulfillment of DLSU-D’s ground zero ultimately relies on the active participation of the whole academic community in all activities, no matter how big or small.

Sources: paascu.org.ph pearl.dlsud.edu.ph dlsud.edu.ph delasalle.ph

Becoming global Simply put, the main reason that drove the UK citizens to leave the EU was their belief that the country would do better alone rather than

“

Perhaps the most profound consequence of Brexit is the increasing level of discontent with becoming a globalized world

“

The results of the 2016 referendum on United Kingdom’s membership with the European Union (EU) have shocked the world after majority of the British voters elected to leave the single market system that has unified European economies since 1992. Although the referendum was conducted only to gauge the people’s opinion on whether the country should continue its membership in the EU, it triggered the impending withdrawal of Britain from the EU—commonly referred to as “Brexit.”

Not long after the referendum, the ripple effect of Brexit began.

British Prime Minister David Cameron announced his resignation by October, the pound tumbled in the market, and firms have suspended investment decisions and began talks of moving operations overseas. But perhaps the

most profound consequence of Brexit is the increasing level of discontent with becoming a globalized world, where many people feel less in control of their own countries. Indeed, the Brexit has called into question the benefits of global economic integration.

This same phenomena could happen in Southeast Asia, wherein the 10 countries that comprise the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) officially launched the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015, one of the most ambitious projects of regional economic integration worldwide. Of course there are important characteristics that distinguish ASEAN from the EU, with the former being an intergovernmental association wherein member states retain their sovereignty, while the latter is a supranational organization with a powerful bureaucracy and a strong commitment to a closer union.

Nevertheless, ASEAN nations should still learn their lessons from the Brexit outcome if the AEC is to succeed.

rely on elitist officials and bureaucrats making decisions that fail to serve the interests of the citizens. This can be avoided in the ASEAN by giving the public the chance to participate in the decision-making process and ensuring

that benefits of the AEC extend to all sectors of society, making the Community a genuinely inclusive market where growth is shared among all nations.

The Brexit outcome also shows that the people’s awareness regarding economic integration is critical. According to Google Trend, the number of people searching “what happens if we leave the EU” increased by 250 percent two hours after the referendum polls closed. This suggests that those who voted to exit the EU might not have completely understood how the EU worked. The ASEAN must therefore provide thorough education about the AEC and its implications to the citizens.

Financial instability in EU nations also contributed to the notion that individual countries were supporting others at their own expense, which created regional disparities within EU. This was further bolstered by Vote Leave, the official campaign group for leaving the EU, who claimed that the 350 million pounds sent to the EU every week could be used to

fund the UK’s National Health Service.

As ASEAN integrates its economies, member states should ensure that every government works with its people and businesses so that no country feels as though it has been left out when it comes to realizing widespread gains from the AEC. Clearly, the ASEAN still needs to develop and establish itself as a trusted regional integration that is focused on the people instead of vested interests, unlike the EU who despite its sheer size and influence became just like any other government in the world who failed to listen to the concerns of the public. Despite all these obstacles, the prospects for the AEC are good, giving the ASEAN countries confidence to further strengthen regional cooperation on economic development, environmental protection, migration, and trade. Whether or not that kind of perspective would last is up to us since everyone has a role to play in ensuring that the ASEAN integration is sustainable and beneficial to all.

OPINION

MAY - JULY 2016 | PAGE 6

VOLUME 30 ISSUE 4

EDITORIAL

Beyond the hype

From his uncouth insult to Pope Francis and despicable rape joke incident, to telling the American and Australian ambassadors to “shut their mouths,” President Rodrigo Duterte is besieged by criticisms. In response to all of this unpresidential behavior, the President reacts in a way that’s beneath a president—like a petulant child who doesn’t like what he’s hearing. As a person whose mentality goes along the lines of I’m Right And You’re Wrong, it’s even more disappointing that there are those who set aside— and even forgive—his behavior, mindless to the fact that without pointing out he’s wrong, he— and we—will only assume he’s right.

Case in point, on May 31, Duterte catcalled broadcast journalist Mariz Umali in a press conference in Davao City. Unbeknown to most, Duterte broke an ordinance he signed in 1994 as Mayor of Davao City called The Women Development Code of Davao City, which states that whistling at a woman can be considered sexual harassment. His response: “You do not have any business stopping me. That is freedom of expression.”

In another situation, Duterte justified media killings because according to him, it’s the journalists’ own fault for either accepting corrupt bribes or attacking issues too harshly. Adding fuel to the fire, he went on to say, “Kill journalism.

Stop journalism in the country”; sentiments hauntingly reminiscent of the Marcos regime rife with human rights violations and media oppression. In his new world mirroring a Wild, Wild West movie complete with death threats and potty-mouth protagonists, no one is exempted, women or journalists, from adapting themselves to fit his ego.

Perhaps the sad part is the generally compliant attitude of a big chunk of the people, especially his rabid “fans” who justify his actions as Duterte being Duterte. The crux of the problem here is that Duterte is no longer just some run of the mill mayor, but the President who leads by the example he sets. Already, we’re sweeping his behavior under the rug. What more when young men start catcalling girls on the street because “Duterte does it” or when death

squads kill journalists because “Duterte said so?”

However, the worst part of this entire situation is how some people forgive him because they want what Duterte wants, which is—for better or worse—change. He still has a strong following, regardless of his methods (or perhaps because of it) because at the end of the day, despite his reprehensible behavior, he voices out the sentiments of the oppressed or disappointed by the previous administrations. As that scope seems to engulf a large part of our population, many look up to the man whose promises align with their dreams.

That’s what we always seek—superheroes in society that do what we want and say what we think. Although not entirely fitting into the clean-cut hero archetype, Duterte’s attitude (and that of his zealous followers) in recent months is reflective of the messiah complex—that he is destined to become our savior and we must all follow his ways—or else we’ll taste his bad side.

To add another possible mental problem to the mix is Duterte’s “narcissistic personality disorder” or “extreme self-conceit,” as discovered

in the psychological test during his annulment proceedings. His daughter Inday Sara DuterteCarpio defended her father, saying that his unsuitability in his marriage has nothing to do with his capabilities as a leader. Adding a history of possible psychological disorders to the mix begs to question the sort of leader we’ll look up to for the rest of his term.

***

Indeed, Duterte is most certainly not boring, but it’s always the same circus every six years. A candidate enters with promises for change and a captivating personality—the crowd goes wild and the hype begins. After his inauguration on June 30, the automatic criticism to government will probably come back in full swing, because we always support politicians, at least until we don’t want to anymore.

With Duterte, we need to get past the hype or else his ego trip will only get worse with his power trip. In his inauguration speech, he proclaimed that he was set on changing his ways and fixing his actions, but only time will tell if “he’ll live up to those promises.” In the meantime,

we ought to do our part and make him realize sooner rather than later that what he’s doing and how he’s acting—normalizing catcalling and killing journalists for starters—is not OK. After all, his words and choices do not represent the opinion of all. If he refuses to listen, then we need to make him listen through our collective call of clearheaded criticism. Duterte might not be the president that all of us wanted, but he’s the president that we’ve got. And if we want the change we voted for, then we can’t stay blind to the example Duterte sets or let the hype override our reasoning lest we become mindless sheep following a deaf shepherd.

If we don’t want our liberties to be constrained by an unrestrained Duterte regime, then it’s time to start realizing that good intentions do not make up for a bad execution.

Although the Duterte we once revered may no longer be the same man sitting in the president’s office, that doesn’t mean that he’s gone forever— merely buried under layers of ego and power, waiting for the cry of the people to give him a stark reality check.

Shape up Editorial Board AY 2015-2016 Daniella Shaira T. Cortez, Editor in Chief Krizza Mae M. Bautista, Associate Editor Cerisse C. Madlangbayan, Copy Editor Erika B. Uy, Office and Circulations Manager Katherine Anne C. Aboy, News Editor Anri Ichimura, Features Editor Danielle Vince D. Capuno, In charge, Literary Fernan Patrick R. Flores, Sports Editor Lynoelle Kyle E. Arayata, Art Director Jerome S. Quinto, Chief Photographer Ricardo Martin O. Cabale, Graphics and Layout Director Alphonse Leonard G. Topacio, Web Manager SENIOR STAFF Kathelyn Ann Bravo, Camille Joy Gallardo, Sheena Faye Lopez, Queenee Manaog, Enrico Paolo Topacio JUNIOR STAFF Rose Kristine Amarillo, Marco Belarmino, Chandler Belaro, April Ciaralei Cenedoza, Ezekiel Coronacion, Lexzene Dela Cruz, Patricia Anne De Leon, John Harold Dizon, Jefftreat Dimaano, John Paul Gonzales, Bianca Isabelle Lariosa, Jose Mari Martinada, Christian Mateo, Kikuno Nakadai, Nishtha Nigam, Chesleigh Nofiel, Roxanne Valerie Rasco, Rochelle Rivera, John Zedrick Simeon, Naomi Tiburcio, Mikaela Torres, Camille Trinidad Dr. Lakandupil C. Garcia, Adviser The HERALDO FILIPINO has its editorial office at Room 213, Gregoria Montoya Hall (Administration Building) De La Salle University-Dasmariñas, Cavite, Philippines 4115.

Telephone: +63 2 8447832, +63 46 416 4531 local 3063 Email: officialheraldofilipino@gmail.com Website: heraldofilipino.com Contributions, comments, suggestions, and signed letters should be addressed to the editor in chief.

The slow and late announcement of the transition period and schedule of academic year 2015-2016 caused confusion and rumors about the said schedule.

As biology does its job, we will grow up and replace our elders through various roles in society. An important contribution to society is a sharp, critical mind. I know this sounds like an awful lot of responsibility and with no sugar coating, it is.

Remember those all-nighters you had for projects and research papers? Coffee replacing your bloodstream, invisible boxers punching your back from improper posture, and eyes drying from the relentless radiation from your laptop. More likely than not, you made it; semester after semester, you’re making it. And that’s something awesome college teaches you—things may be difficult, but you can do it. So perhaps things aren’t that hard after all.

In the world of “adulting” (i.e. doing grown up things) as the tech-savvy would like to call it, honing a sharp, critical mind begins as early as today. This mentality does not require you to have it all figured out, but to contribute meaningfully to society, have awareness, and be involved in social issues. Perhaps our culture is one of the biggest barriers here because colonial mentality dictates that we are inferior and should therefore accept the concepts of those supposedly “superior” without thinking. Yet we have already celebrated our 118th independence day on June 12.

One hundred and eighteen years seems more than enough time to rise above our invaded past and move toward holistic

independence, including the way we think.

Critical thinking is important because every action we do originates from a thought.

Despite the phrase “I didn’t think it through,” ideas are still responsible for guiding our actions. To trace the roots of critical thinking, the first step is awareness on what is actually happening around us; and one of the best ways to gather information and be aware is to

“

Our goal is to inform you ... and empower you through awareness to make informed decisions

“

The Official Student Publication of De La Salle University-Dasmariñas Founded: June 1985 Member, College Editors Guild of the Philippines

read, whether from a news network’s tweets or through a shared Facebook post. Another source close to home is the H eraldo F ilipino , the official student publication of De La Salle University – Dasmariñas.

Yes, alright, shameless plugging there. But student publications do exist for the students so we can update you with happenings around the campus, promote social issues, suggest actions the Lasallian community could take, and of course to entertain you in the process.

However, in my four years as a student journalist, I have seen various students use the broadsheet as a makeshift umbrella on

After four inoperable years, the old CEAT building has finally been demolished.

rainy days. Once, I’ve encountered a student who read the Kampusapusapan page and then returned the broadsheet to its original pile.

Truthfully, it was disappointing to see the rain eat through weeks of hard work or to have had only two pages out of 16 get read.

But moreover, it was disappointing that those students lost a learning opportunity.

H eraldo F ilipino also offers an opportunity for you to get involved beyond just learning through our articles. Being the voice of the students means that we listen to what’s important to students—to you. Part of the action includes publishing your essays through our Witbread section, posting online surveys where you can express your ideas, and getting our Kampusapusapan entries from students (identity remains confidential, of course).

A student publication’s success can be measured by its readership, because our goal is to inform you, students and the Lasallian community, and empower you through awareness to make informed decisions. With academic year 2015 – 2016’s website launch, we hope to serve you better by being more accessible online.

***

Arguably, there are a lot of things that classes alone can’t teach you. Yet the University still offers other resources. Aside from the fact that publications are part of what all students pay for in the University, there is always something new to discover among the pages. By being more involved in our immediate community—the Lasallian community—we gain a better understanding of ourselves and become empowered to choose which roles to take on.

Despite high demand for minor subjects, there were only a few summer classes available.

OPINION

MAY - JULY 2016 | PAGE 7

VOLUME 30 ISSUE 4

Heto na ang hinihintay natin

Darth Future

There are tons of advices and probable solutions in the Internet on how to deal with this crisis, but what I’ve come to terms with is that there’s no absolute cure. There’s no solid advice catered specifically to an individual. Telling a perfectionist that

“

Quarter-life crisis [is the] fear of not knowing where to start because unlike Monopoly, there’s no dice

they will fail no matter what precautionary measures they take won’t exactly ease their feelings, nor is saying you don’t need a degree to succeed in life but then getting various certifications will help you compete with the other hundred thousand graduates.

As a kid, we imagine travelling around the word, settling down with The One, becoming the CEO of a successful company, and buying a house and a car all before reaching thirty.

As a currently unemployed alumni, that’s the most cruelly farcical

Roadblock

nothingness? The thought haunted me like a nightmare even when I am completely awake. It is unfortunate that we will

“

Just because a loved one’s life ends does not mean mine should end too

never be sure of what lies after death until we experience death ourselves. On the other hand, my grandfather is fortunate to have already found the answer to my question.

***

In a novel titled You Are Not Here by Samantha Schutz, the main character Annaleah was having a hard

The ABCs of the birds and the bees

During one of my many deep-sea adventures through the Internet, a YouTube channel caught my attention. The channel was titled—hold your giggles, please—sexplanations, and though I’m not one to automatically jump to sexual premises online, I found myself divulging each episode.

The channel was informative, serious, yet witty at the same time. It approached sex and its many themes in a way that wasn’t pressuring of anything and without the raunchy malice that can be found when talking about sex. I was actually kind of proud of myself for discovering something so essential. Though throughout my binge-watching of this newly-discovered channel, I kept it within the confines of incognito mode and never dared to remove my earphones.

I didn’t want anyone snooping around and seeing I was learning about this so-called taboo topic.

But why? Why did I have to hide the fact that I was learning undeniably vital information about sex for a young woman? Was I expected to learn this out of the blue—or worse, be instructed and taught by a man? Why is it that when someone mentions prevention techniques for certain illnesses, we follow; but at the mention of condoms, birth control pills, and other birth control techniques, accompanied with their benefits, we’re attacked by sneers and the classic line “Paano mo nalaman ‘yan? Naka-try ka na, ‘no?”

According to world.time.com, one Filipino acquires HIV-AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus – Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) every three hours. The reason, health workers say, is poor prevention coverage in

“

Why did I have to hide the fact that I was learning vital information about sex for a young woman? Was I expected to learn this out of the blue—or worse, be instructed and taught by a man?

“

WITBREAD

na ito tulad ng badminton, table tennis, swimming, at taekwondo, nakapanlulumong ang sports nina Gilly Chavez na nakipaglaban sa badminton tourney sa South Korea at Thailand, Jerome Magallanes at Kimberly Briones na nakipagtagisan sa swimming competition sa Universiade sa China, at Corizza Soriano at Rosalyn Zapanta na lumaban sa table tennis tournament sa Korea ay ganoon na lamang kadaling kalilimutan. Hindi na lang basta labanan ng galing ng mga atleta ang pinag-uusapan dito ngayon, kundi ano ba ang mananaig: ang pagmamahal ba ng mga atletang ito sa kanilang sports o ang kagipitan na maaari pang pumigil sa pag-unlad ng sports community?

Kaugnay ng kagipitang ito ang napakalaking dismaya rin sa nakaraang eleksyon sa Unibersidad na isang panggising sa atin na malala na ang pagiging pasibo ng mga estudiyante.

“

If you saw someone die in front of you, a normal reaction is that a part of you dies too. This is why I am in awe how it has become part of others’ everyday lives.

How many times have medical specialists tried not to weep in frustration every time they could not save a life?

How long did it take for soldiers and funeral attendants to get used to looking Death in the eyes?

I was in the middle of writing an entirely different column about post-graduate life when my grandfather had a sudden heart attack. It happened so fast—he was

confined for days after it happened then there he was lying in his hospital bed, his breath slowly fading. I watched him die, and I have to carry that weight in my chest for the rest of my life.

Having a physically fatherless house made our grandfather our immediate father. Unlike the professionals I’ve mentioned above, I surely am not “trained” to witness such a dreadful event; but in a way, I believe that my grandfather’s sudden passing is one way of waking me up to my senses—that I should not be focusing on the loss.

After all, everything happens for a reason.

In all honesty, in the past few months before the incident, my mind was filled with dying and death. However, I am not overwhelmed by the desire to die. I am overwhelmed by the idea of death. What if death is just an endless void, a forever of

“

Maaabot ba ng ...

University ang ekspektasyon ng mga magulang at estudyante?

“

So I just recently dipped my foot in the torrent river of adulthood; and by that, I meant I got a taste of the outside world by paradoxically working inside the four walls of an office. One of the things I got out of that experience was what one might call a quarter-life crisis, which is weird for someone only a few months in to being twenty.

Like most millennials who refuse to find an answer in an encyclopedia, I Googled my problems and saw the words “Doing the same thing … day-in and day-out, drive creatives nuts” in an Elite Daily article. Because walnuts and almonds in a pistachio ice cream was exactly how I felt—incredibly nuts. While I realized what I don’t want to do with my life, I felt uncertain with what I do want to do with my life. And not knowing your future is scary for someone who reads the last pages of a novel before reading the first chapter.

Everything was a series of steps (Grade 1, Grade 2 …) before graduation; but now, it feels like that time we had to dive head first in the eight-feet Olympic-sized pool—and even then, our instructor had to give us a slight nudge (or pushed us, basically). Imagine following a trail and then the marks are suddenly gone, and now you have to find your way to where you’re supposed to be, which you still don’t even know yet. I’m sure our inner Jiminy Cricket or the search engine will tell us to make our own path or carve our own way, to which I’ll reply, “But what do I carve it with? And a path to where?” with a desperate lifeline, “Can I call a friend?”

This quarter-life crisis may stem from many things— fear of failing, of being unemployed after more than a decade worth of studying, of doing something you love but won’t make money off, or simply the fear of not knowing where to start because unlike Monopoly, there’s no dice.

You know things just got real when you can’t listen to a Bowling for Soup song without the lyrics “Her dreams went out the door … When she turned twenty four …” hitting you square in the chest or hear Nina Nesbitt’s upbeat track of finding your way in the world without making you feel like you scrubbed your face with an onion.

nilang salihan. Bagaman noon pa ma’y hindi na rin gaanong nasusuportahan ng lubusan ng Unibersidad ang mga minor event

“

Katulad ng paghihintay sa matamis na pangako ng Pangulo na susugpuin niya ang krimen at droga sa bansa, inaabangan ko rin ang unang anim na buwang kaganapan sa ating Paaralan sa krusyal na transisyong taong ito. Mula sa paspasang training ng mga senior high school teacher para sa isang buong school year hanggang sa pagsasanib ng mga opisina at pagtitipid sa budget, maisasabuhay pa nga kaya ang tagline ng Unibersidad na “Creating possibilities?”

Noong Mayo ay mapalad akong nakapunta sa isang seminar kung saan sinabi ng batikang mamamahayag na si Joel Salud na “Huwag kang matakot magtanong.” Napakapayak na pahayag ngunit napakalakas ng epekto sa akin, lalo pa’t napagtanto ko kung gaano nga talaga tayo kailap magtanong.

Mula sa mga kaklaseng natatakot na “mabawian ng propesor” kapag kinuwestiyon nila ang hindi patas na bigayan ng grado hanggang kahit sa pananahimik ko matapos ang ikaapat (o ang mas masakit, ikalima) na beses na pagsigaw ng “‘yung sukli po ng bente” sa drayber ng jeep, pinalalampas natin ang pagkakataong makuha ang sagot na ikapapanatag ng mga kalooban natin.

Dahil dito, at dahil na rin sa mga pagbabagong mangyayari partikular na sa tuition increase, nagbabadyang paglipat ng ilang varsities sa pagiging “sports club,” at isama na rin natin ang naging sanhi ng pagkabungi ng University Student Council (USC) at Student Councils na ngayon ay napunan naman na, napakalaking hamon ang nakahain sa ating Unibersidad kung paano ngang mabibigyang hustisya ang mga ipinangakong serbisyo sa mga estudiyante ngayong unti-unting nagigipit sa mga solusyon ang administrasyon dahil sa K to 12 program.

Unahin na natin ang tuition increase, mula sa 3 at 4 porsiyento noong nakaraang academic year ay bumaba sa 2.35 porsiyento ang itinaas ng tuition. Maaring mabuting balita ito ngunit masakit pa ring isiping madadagdagan ang bigat ng matrikulang dapat bayaran ng mga magulang. Kung tutuusin, ang pagtaas ng “Other Fees” partikular na sa pagdagdag ng P100 sa Schoolbook ay hindi nakakukumbinsi, dahil base na rin sa sariling karanasan, hindi naman epektibo ang interaksyon ng mga propesor at estudiyante sa pag-aaral ng mga aralin tuwing e-class, kahit pa dekorasyunan ito ngayon ng laro.

Pagdating naman pagiging sports club ng ilang varsity, nakalulungkot na ang nagpapagal na mga atleta na naikakabit pa ang pangalan ng ating Unibersidad maging sa ibang bansa, ay magiging club na lamang next year. Sila na lang mismo ang magsusuporta sa kanilang sarili mula sa pagbabayad sa kanilang coaches, equipment, at sa kung anumang kompetisyon na gusto

the country such as the use of condoms and the availability of HIV testing coupled with an increase in risky behavior.

Whatever the case is, I had to accept that being sexually

Occasionally, there was no air conditioning in some of the classrooms during summer class.

***

Naalala ko noong lumabas ang editorial cartoon tungkol sa K to 12 para sa isang isyu ng Heraldo Filipino tatlong taon na ang nakalilipas, inaamin kong hindi ko sineryoso ang bigat ng pagbabagong ito at isa lamang itong makahulugang “drawing.”

Ngunit hindi tulad ng gala ng tropa ninyong hanggang ngayo’y isang walang kulay na drawing pa rin, ngayo’y nandito na at ramdam na ramdam ang epekto ng K to 12 saang sulok man ng Unibersidad—halimbawa na nga ang tuition, sports, o pagkalagas ng mga estudiyante sa kolehiyo.

Katulad nga sa paboritong kasabihan ng mga Pilipino, ito na ang oras upang simulan nating mamaluktot sa maiksi— at manipis—na kumot. Sapat na ang anim na buwan upang makita at paghandaan natin ang mas marami pang pagsubok na haharapin ng DLSU-D. Sa mga tanong na inihain ko sa itaas, hahantong din ito sa isa pang mahalagang katanungan: Maaabot ba ng ating Premiere University ang ekspektasyon ng mga magulang at estudiyante?

joke I have ever heard. Many articles will tell you it won’t happen while Facebook and Instagram will tell you to “Dream big or go home.” Again, there’s no certainty; it’s literally like watching a film and you’re now left with a cliffhanger—the rest is up to you and you have to make of that what you will. Like the horrors of puberty, whether you’re painfully baffled or not, you and every twenty-something in the world just have to go through with it.

I’m not going to lie: while people cheered during our graduation day, I still felt dread about the impending future because it’s one thing I cannot procrastinate on. I wish I could just pull an inspiring quote pasted against a majestic scenery from my laptop screen and say that things are going to be alright. But what I’ve gathered is that there is never going to be an assurance.

Where’s the fun in throwing the dice if you already know you’re going to win (or lose)? Nothing is set in stone and we’ll be writing our own destinies; here’s hoping we’ve got good penmanship.

Maybe we’ll look back on this and laugh at this state of being lost or maybe we’ll still be as confused as ever. We might either be like Tom Hanks in Cast Away if he was never saved, or if we’re one of the lucky ones, we find or make our own good, solid road. But the funny—and really deranged—thing is, we will never know. That’s a cruel irony in itself, because it’s tragic and magical that you don’t.

time recovering from her boyfriend’s death. Once when she was visiting his grave, Brian’s grandmother asked her if she talked to him a lot, to which she replied, “Almost every day.” The grandmother reminded her that while it is important to remember and cherish her loved ones, the cemetery is not a place for her to be in every day, where nothing grows besides grass. That’s when I realized—dwelling on my grandfather’s loss is not a place for growth but it is indeed something to look back on.

Recovering from a loss is not an overnight process. Just because a loved one’s life ends does not mean mine should end too. If there’s one thing good about this untimely event, it’s that I am reminded that I am here, and I should be grateful for my precious life.

By Bianca Isabelle Lariosa

aware and liberated is looked at paradoxically in a country where we both persecute and romanticize the idea of sex.

However, it’s not a surprise that the country sets sex on such extreme opposing sides, considering the prevalent quality—or lack, thereof—of sex education being taught to us. Not to mention how our predominantly Catholic country sets sex both on a pedestal (something that should be attained only after marriage) and in the gutter.

The way I see it, there are three major archetypes that sex falls under: the anatomical and detached version cautiously taught in school, the overrated “life-changing” celestial act that pop culture and media promises us, and the unrealistic version found in, well, porn. Without proper education, lack of awareness can be confusing, even dangerous, in mistaking sex for something it’s not. A grave consequence can be found in an article by manilatimes.net, stating that 80 percent of young Filipinos who are infected with HIV/AIDS are actually aware of the disease and prevention, yet continue to do the act without protection simply because of curiosity; it should be noted that the majority of these young people have graduated high school and college. Admittedly, I had been one of the thousands of young girls who romanticized the idea of sex and I am so grateful that by

Thumbs up for the University being included in the 53 private higher education institutions (PHEIs) granted autonomous status for a period of three years from April 1, 2016 to May 31, 2019 by the Commission on Higher Education.

Biruin niyong umabot lang sa 37.23 porsiyento ang bumoto sa buong populasyon ng DLSU-D na halos labing-apat na libong estudiyante. Hindi ko alam kung ganoon na nga ba kahirap i-satisfy ang mga estudiyante. Ngunit sa pagpasok ng K to 12 kung saan mas kakaunti na ang populasyon ng kolehiyo, paano nga ba mapagbubuklod ng University Student Council at maibabalik ang interes ng mga estudiyante natin?

clicking on the YouTube video that caught my eye, I’ve began to overcome our culture built on fear and false pretenses, that made sex both the holy grail and the abyss.

With numerous channels on YouTube plus the vast space of the Internet available to us, it’s time to put a stop to the assumption that sex is some scary monster on the prowl to corrupt our minds, or some divine intervention that holds the key to the best years of our lives, or whatever false image we have of it in our minds. It’s time for us to explore sex without the prejudices and fears implanted in us, and see it in our own various and positive way. We have the resources, why don’t we start using them?

The Heraldo Filipino is accepting contributions for Witbread.

Contribution is open to all students, faculty, University staff, and everyone in the DLSU-D community.

Send them by email to officialheraldofilipino@gmail.com Contributions are subject to selection and editing of the editorial board and should not have been previously published in any way.

Thumbs down for professors who did not regularly attend summer classes even though students paid the high summer class tuition.

F E AT U R E S

MAY - JULY 2016 | PAGE 10

VOLUME 30 ISSUE 4

Suppressed screams Defining rape culture

Rape culture—this infamous term is no longer new to our ears, yet there is still a long way to go before it can hold a place in our minds. The term may be prevalent in social media, yet there is still a silent acceptance of the culture that normalizes—and often excuses—rape and other forms of sexual assault.

Calling rape culture a made-up word of feminists and radicals becomes the solution for people who have yet to see the prevalence of prejudice and discomfort brought by this type of culture. These seemingly innocent sayings that perpetuate rape culture may strike a chord with some of us, but when seen in light of rape culture, they could change the entire tune.

By Bianca Isabelle Lariosa | Photos by Camille Trinidad and Roxanne Valerie Rasco seems as if we’re still being treated like children. As if we’re supposed to follow a certain set of rules or else we will be blamed—and highly shamed—for what happens to us rather than questioning the setbacks of our environment.

Bluntly put, victim blaming is dangerous, especially in a society that seems to find new ways to condemn women

“Smile for us, beautiful” Admiring a woman is one thing, but when it reaches the point of her discomfort, a rational person would stop and respect her space. Unfortunately though, rationality seems to be a dying trait. Though the excuse for catcalling as “flattery” is used time and time again, women know better than to downplay the discomfort.

Catcalling—or more accurately known as street

harassment—brings upon impacts that transcend beyond verbal attack. Catcalling perpetuates an environment of fear and self-objectification, making women see themselves as objects for pleasure rather than whole human beings, as stated by psychology professor Kimberly Fairchild.

Worse enough, a study published in Psychology of Violence states that this degraded view of one’s self decreases sexual assertiveness, therefore they do not feel the need to speak out in sexual situations, heightening the risk of becoming victimized.

In our country, the Philippines is slowly but surely growing in terms of condemning catcalling, with Quezon City criminalizing catcalling and other street-level sexual harassment. However, instances of catcalling like that of President Rodrigo Duterte to journalist Mariz Umali only heightened the country’s awareness—and unfortunately, acceptance—of verbal harassment.

each day. It comes to the point where sexual assault victims feel like they deserved this “punishment,” and therefore refuse to come forward to claim their rights. A study by West Virginia University’s Karen Weiss found that victims with low self-esteem turn the crimes committed against them into something harmless, neutralizing them into something not worthy of being reported. Another factor is trivializing the sexual assault as mainly the result of the victim’s “bad decisions.”

These so-called bad decisions are never the cause of rape—rapists are. We never blamed Little Red Riding Hood when the Big Bad Wolf approached her; we simply knew that the Wolf was up to no good. When we tell women not to drink, to dress modestly, or to change their behavior, we’re basically saying “someone is going to get raped; this is how you can make sure it happens to someone else instead of you.” When we follow that mentality, it still doesn’t even assure the prevention of rape. It is up to us to change this mentality of accepting—and expecting—sexual assault.

“It’s just between the two of them”

“You were asking for it” At an early age, we were taught rules to keep us safe, mostly because we were too young to know any better.

Now that we’re free to venture out in the open world, it

Each relationship has its own quirks and trials that often happen behind closed doors. Though not every relationship is perfect, there is a fine line between an equal

Sexposé Breaking the stigma on sex

By Glazel Ricci Noceda | Illustration by Lynoelle Kyle Arayata

In a Catholic society that places virginity on a pedestal, sex is indeed one of the toughest topics to be discussed. Scrutinizing what we consider taboo is practically a norm elsewhere and digging into the deeper aspect of sex could actually become an empowering tool for both men and women. As the perception of sex commonly clashes with majority of Filipino beliefs, looking at its positive side won’t do us any harm and could even enlighten our minds on the various aspects of sex.

Clearing the obscene In our society where sex is considered to be acceptable only within the boundary of marriage, sex-shaming is rampant and if you engage in sex outside of marriage, it’s enough to have you labeled as a slut or a whore. As much as our culture tries to repress sex, the curious youth are still asking about others’ opinion or experience of sex which is deemed as a tactless topic, making the “Maria Clara” ideology for the youth outdated.

As stated in the Everyday Feminism magazine article Sexshaming is ridiculous and harmful—Here’s why, men are “praised” and labeled as a real man for having sex but women are shamed when they do it. Sex-shaming oftentimes draws out the double

standards of our society where it’s alright for men to brag about their sexual experience but when a woman does it, it’s immoral.

With the subtle forms of sex-shaming centered on the conviction of the Church, women are expected to be pure, modest, and innocent especially when it comes to sex, throwing them to a test of being a real “woman.” Sex-shaming happens when “publicly or privately, a woman [is insulted] because she expressed her sexuality in a way that does not conform to patriarchal expectations for women,” as mentioned in the Feminist Campus website. Even when you intentionally disgrace a woman or not, on the way she dresses, the type of relationships she engages in, or the people she has slept with—it’s still sex-shaming.

It may seem like we won’t break out of this cycle that permits a woman’s femininity to be measured by virginity and a man’s masculinity to be measured by sexual experience. Yet, according to Emilie Armand in her article On Sexual Liberty, we can break the stigma by manifesting our own sexual expressions freely regardless of what others may think or say as long as it doesn’t harm other people. Defying sexual stereotypes also entails striking a balance between our “desires” and our “rights”— making sure both are in its place.

partnership and a dominating and oppressive one, often called as a toxic relationship.

Just because one chooses to be in a relationship doesn’t mean they gave up their right to say “no” or to be their own person. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in three women will experience relationship sexual assault and at least three women are killed daily in their own homes because of this violence. For men, on the other hand, more than 40 percent of victims are male.

The grave consequence in continuing this social stigma is that it is likely to continue if not put to a stop. According to mental health expert Dr. Patricia Farrell, once a man has been violent, there’s a chance he’ll become violent again— maybe even more so. Even if we’re not in a relationship, however, we must still be wary of signs of domestic abuse, such as belittling behavior, violent threats, and the most telling sign of all, fear of their partner.

It is often said that love should conquer all. To be realistic though, there are limits to just how much we can conquer. Our own dignity, self-respect, and consent doesn’t deserve to be robbed by anyone else.

be raped and they don’t understand that, in the confusion, no still means no,” states Curtis St. John, a MaleSurvivor representative.

Gender roles are a tricky concept. It’s easy to fall back on them when the “unusual” happens, like cases of male rape. The danger of gender roles is that most confine themselves on what men and women should be, rather than recognizing who men and women really are and all the complexities in between.

“Learn how to take a joke”

“Man up”

Considering that women are often the victims of sexual assault, it’s the sad yet resounding reality that rape cases where male victims are overlooked and highly downplayed. From early on, men are expected to be strong, tough, and unfortunately, more powerful than women.

This expectation that men are the ones in control and the ones to assess their dominance becomes almost paradoxical when cases of male sexual assault victims are put under the microscope.

Whether we admit it or not, the jibe of men being abused has become the sexist punch line to run to. In reality, it’s no laughing matter. According to endsexualviolence.org, 14 percent of reported rape cases are that of men or boys, and 1 in 6 reported sexual assaults is against a boy, and 1 in 25 reported sexual assaults is against a man. Unfortunately, unreported cases are still numerous, mainly because of the shame that victims felt.

Another thing that should be considered is that sometimes men don’t really know if they’ve been sexually assaulted or not. “It’s a tough call; people think men can’t The bottom-line is, whatever we think of sex conceptually, it is deeply based on the versatile lenses we choose to wear to decide on what’s healthy and what’s not. After all, we don’t hold any control of other people’s liberty, but only we can make use of our freedom of expression to promote a constructive outlook on sex.

Satisfying models Despite the unspoken repression of sexuality as a whole, it doesn’t take much digging to see the ironic prevalence of sexual objectification of both sexes from magazine ads to movies where women’s private parts are vulgarly exposed.

According to Live Science website, advertisements featuring sex are on the rise from about 15 percent to 27 percent in 2003; sexual objectification differs from sexual attraction in the sense that it considers a person’s body and sexual appeal over the humanity of the person. Among the common paradigms of sexual objectification is the use of advertising because as they say, “sex sells.” Moreover, according to The Telegraph, researchers found that viewers are more likely to remember the product and have the urge to buy it at the expense of its surrounding content, may it be violent or sexual—even in a sexually conservative nation like ours.

Aside from the sexual objectification seen on advertising medium, there are still instances where society covertly engages in it. When sex is spoken only in hushed whispers yet other people tend to broadcast sex over the media, young men and women will often search for ways to find information about sex especially on Google, says The Telegraph website.

Unfortunately, sometimes they tend to land in dark places— porn.

The issue here is that porn depicts sex in an unrealistic and unhealthy way that, in a vicious cycle, influences the youth to view sex as it is depicted to them. Based on the result of the research on detrimental effects of pornography, the youth tend to seriously perceive it as reality, according to Huffington Post website. The more they engage themselves in watching porn, the more emotional discontentment they feel when their actual experience does not meet their expectation.

The sad truth is, objectification is basically a part of our everyday lives—it’s been around since the 1970s and people are rampantly participating especially in this time where sex is practically shoving itself in your face through ads, music videos, and the radio. But change is on our way as the first move is on our part—with the people’s mentality of sexuality.

When learning the ropes of making a laugh, a lot of topics can be brought to light. However, there are times where serious issues like sexual assault are put in display and are paraded to be a joking matter. In reality, sexual assault is happening everyday because of the things we say, like rotten seeds that take root and eventually branch its way to our everyday life.

One might think that the mentality of assault and the humor of rape jokes don’t go together. However, a study titled The Enjoyment of Sexist Humor, Rape Attitudes, and Relationship Aggression in College Students has found that sexist humor associated with rape jokes and downplaying sexual assault can be linked to hostility and an overall aggression to the opposite gender. The study’s results showed that the enjoyment of rape jokes support rape culture attitudes and beliefs, such as slut-shaming and victim-shaming.

Humor can give us a much-needed relief from the stress of life, but there is a fine line in how we should define humor. One way of stopping the mentality of normalizing and gratifying sexual assault is by practicing old-fashioned empathy by stepping into another’s shamed-upon shoes.

***

The truth is ugly. However, sticking our heads in the sand amid sensitive topics are sure to leave us with clogged ears and unopened eyes to the danger of sexual assault. In times of despair, we should remember John F. Kennedy’s words, “The great enemy of the truth is very often not the lie … but the myth—persistent, persuasive and unrealistic.”

Myths make up rape culture, and no matter how little we make these sayings out to be, debunking them and upholding the realities of rape culture will not only bring awareness, but also justice to those who long deserve it.

Think sex-positive Regardless of the never-ending argument linked with sex based on our culture, the solution to sex-shaming can be found within ourselves—viewing sex in the lens of sex positivity. Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, believed that our society can be developed by simply regulating our instincts—in particular, sexual instincts.

Although we usually equate sex positivity to having lots of sex with anything or anyone, according to the Women and Gender Advocacy Center in Colorado, sex positivity is generally defined by the idea that as long as sex is fundamentally healthy and pleasurable, it declares a positive view regardless of what others may think of it. This outlook parallels with sex negativity wherein sex is used to control people and even put them to shame. The concept of sex-positivity originated in the 1920s by Sigmund Freud’s former student and psychoanalyst Wilhelm Reich.

Reich’s goal was to make us realize that sex isn’t as awful as we expect it to be by opening our minds to the positive effects of sex for our whole selves.

As Dr. Michael Krychman, a sex counselor, says, “If a woman is sex positive, she’s more apt to fight the social norms of what society is saying her sexuality should be.” This means that we are in charge of our own choices—whether we have sex (with consent, of course) or choose not to. Both men and women can seek pleasure and there’s nothing wrong with it as being sex-positive is bearing the mindset that a fulfilling sex life could also be a form of self-love and self-respect, without any external hindrance.

The underlying idea of sex-positivity is the awareness of every individual in its intention to eliminate shame.

Even though women are commonly shamed for having sex, sex positivity attempts to break all stereotypes and judgments to seek gender equality in sexual relationships.

***

Sex, though a sensitive matter, is a universal experience, essential to humanity. With the occurring drive to satisfy—as well as to feel satisfied—both men and women hold the power of equality that could crack all forms of stereotypes. From the different interpretations to similar beliefs regarding sex, our society has the unifying power to acknowledge, if not accept, the positive side of sex with a mature understanding of the responsibilities it entails.

F E AT U R E S

MAY - JULY 2016 | PAGE 11

VOLUME 30 ISSUE 4

An upheaval on sex education

By Kristine Mae Rebote | Graphic Art by Camille Joy Gallardo Sex has always been, for lack of a better word, a funny and complicated term—it will always refuse to sit neatly on top of things, always in friction with the conundrums of our moral rules. When we were kids, sex was shrouded in discomfort and silence; now as almost-adults in the 21st century, perhaps we need more than just biology lessons on bees or crosspollination. Amid today’s confronting challenges, we ought to know more than just intuition and what we Google of this morally-saturated word.

A changing world Imagine a local classroom with 10-yearolds watching a video on the male and female anatomy, and the teacher skips to a highly theoretical lesson on pregnancy and birth, not even touching matters on relationships and reproduction. Apparently, this is the reality for most classrooms in the country. We are called to believe that masturbation and premarital sex are sins, so our students compromise scientific accuracy in learning matters about sex despite the fact that we are amid the rising rates of teenage pregnancies, HIV/AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) infections, and unsafe sexual behaviors according to a study by the Department of Health. In response, we have the two diverging roads of Pro-life that considers an abstinence-only-until-marriage education as the only morally correct option, and Pro-choice, which believes in a comprehensive sex education.

This issue isn’t an oversight in our predominantly conservative country alone, but also in many areas of Europe like Italy and Poland and in parts of the developing world like us, including Latin America’s Chile and Brazil.

These countries have Catholic convictions that play a role just as significantly as ours, and similarly have a patchy curriculum on sex education. The church’s strong opposition has yet to be swayed because according to Pew

Research Center, more than 80 percent of the population are followers of the Roman Catholic Church.

Despite the church’s unwavering opposition, six years ago, the Department of Education decided to brush off this issue and initiated a pilot program that introduced sex education in 159 schools’ curricula, beginning in grade five to 12.

As funded by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), they focused mainly on puberty and peer relationships with an initial plan to distribute free condoms, to which the Catholic Church objected for fear of encouraging promiscuity.

Attesting on how implementing sex education could send the wrong signals to the youth, Marita F. Wasan, executive director of Pro-Life Philippines Foundation Inc., explains, “If we teach children to use condoms, we tell them in effect that it is all right to have sex; thus they gain a false assurance in a situation where they themselves should not be trying out at an early age.”

Adding to the heated spur of debates, the church believes that in the first place, sex education doesn’t belong in schools, as it’s a violation of privacy and intimacy—not something that concerns someone’s friends or the State.

Adding to the growing list of obstacles that the church watches out for, Wasan argues that we still have to analyze the students’ maturity on sensitive topics involving their sexuality, as well as the preparedness of their professors or facilitators.

“Yes, knowledge is power but if they are given to the wrong hands, it could be detrimental,” she furthers.

Despite the church’s opposition, Pro-choice advocates are just as keen as they stand amid this cultural maelstrom and against arguably the most influential social institution in the country.

Attesting on how the Filipino youth ought to understand safe sex than to remain clueless, former education department secretary Mona Valisno argues, “They say that if you teach that (sex), you

are telling [children] you can have sex, but only safe sex … But I have no doubt [children] know about that (sex) already.”

In truth, the generation in which the young, independent people live today is extremely different from that of their parents because of the widespread access to media and opportunities.

Educators and policymakers ought to take charge of these societal changes, rather than leave the children drowning in pools of hearsay and speculation on sex education from the Internet.

The road not taken We’ve been dwelling on well-practiced conventionalism, but let’s admit that the youth are young, sexually active, and—for lack of a better word—clueless. In fact, the 2013 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality rate showed that more than half of Filipino college youth had unprotected sex in their first time. The truth of the matter is, sex education teaches more than just how sex works; it also tackles the youth’s preparedness for all the aforementioned dangers, including diseases that come with sexual activity.

According to the latest Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality (YAFS) study, around 14 percent of Filipino girls aged 15 to 19 are already mothers—the peril of this situation extends to their inclination to single parenthood and stopping school. Principal Ronilu Tu of a local high school in Capiz shared that the needs of this generation are different, stressing how we are called now more than ever to develop new rules of social conduct. “Before, our major problem was over the bakod to cut classes. Now, we encounter cyberbullying, violence, and teen pregnancy. We, educators together with parents, need to adapt to these changes so we can address them,” he points out. Additionally, a study conducted by the Department of Health showed that more young Filipinos have acquired HIV. What’s more alarming is the fact that most of

the recent victims are teenagers as young as 15.

Apparently, the problem traces its roots to an education that preaches abstinence, as it’s “morally wrong” not to wait into their 20s. But these abstinence-only programs, according to The Society for Adolescent Medicine, are a threat to a person’s fundamental rights to health, information, and life. Adding to its risks, modules on human sexuality released in 2009 for Catholic schools were rejected by the Commission on Family and Life of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), unless they made radical alterations on its contents. Attesting on how this restriction will compromise scientific accuracy, demographer and one of the main writers of the module Dr. Connie Gultiano adds, “Among other things, they wanted the book to state categorically that masturbation is a sin, that homosexuality is a sin.”

The cultural objection only adds up to the list of programs that are dangerous, ineffective, and inaccurate; as the UNFPA insists, “Global evidence shows that giving clear, appropriate information to adolescents does not increase promiscuity but helps them make responsible decisions.”

Ignorance is deprivation Talking about responsible decisions, our parents have always played a major and critical role in our physical, emotional, and sexual development. But they themselves are locked into society’s (particularly the church’s) gripping approach in the issue, which necessitates conservatism and propriety. So when we are asked to reserve our questions on sex, they tell us it is “for your own good.”

In reality, these intuition-based sources of education are informal and insufficient. The United Nation recognizes that an organized and comprehensive sexuality education is a basic human right, to which the Philippines is a signatory. “It is the obligation of the state to ensure that all adolescent girls and boys are provided

with accurate and appropriate information on how to protect their health and practice healthy behaviors,” the UNFPA stressed in a press release.

No matter how conservative some adults are, the fact from a local 2002 study that Filipino adolescents on average lose their virginity a while after they turn 17 is unavoidable, and this is the reality that needs societal acceptance more than cultural objection to help them avoid the repercussions. And we do that by ridding of the constrictions to sex education. In fact, the UNFPA showed that a comprehensive sex education does not increase rates of sexual frequency and does not lower the age at which adolescents initiate sex.

Instead, there’s a decrease in sexually transmitted diseases as well as pregnancy rates because a comprehensive education goes beyond scientific information. In its broadest sense, what increases is a better sexual and reproductive health among the youth—encompassing identity, pleasure, love, and wellbeing, which serve as foundations of learning sexual consent and respect.

Sex education necessitates us to view its purpose as essential in reducing risks of unsafe and sexual behaviors and equipping individuals with the values of responsibility and self-respect.

It’s not after repressing sex’s inherent demands and confusing impulses, but for a better implementation of programs and education. After all, sex education in its entirety isn’t just about sex, but about social empowerment.

***

Despite sexuality’s recurring tendency to wreak havoc and spur debates, that’s all there is to it—sex education is fundamentally for the tax-paying public. But with a social morality that runs on whether the Divine is pleased or not, the youth are left with questions and unwanted burdens of ignorance. Because more than a traditional social norm that deprives universal human rights, what’s of utmost importance is all-encompassing empowerment.

Sex

***

In an effort to shelter us from the confusing and complex world of sex, our conservative culture tends to have a handsoff approach when it comes to this touchy subject. We treat it like taboo that can’t be talked about or taught, yet it’s that very gap in our knowledge that’s haplessly filled with ideas of sex as a tool, a weapon, a game, and other sugarcoated metaphors that basically twist its power into something that overpowers our

the word “fuck” is believed to come from the Indo-European root meaning “to strike,” which blends in perfectly with the power

“

Sex is about power—power that shouldn’t be abused to overpower others, but instead, to empower ourselves

“

Got your attention, didn’t I? Honestly speaking, the only surefire way to grab our attention apart from gore and violence is sex.

Just the letters of the word catch your eye, and that’s probably the reason you’re even reading my column in the first place. Maybe it’s because of its allure as social taboo that Oscar Wilde’s quote couldn’t be truer: “Everything in the world is about sex except sex. Sex is about power.”

respect for others rather than empowers us with enlightenment.

At an age when we’re pumped full of hormones, we’re always wondering who’s a virgin and who’s not, who’s pregnant and who got them pregnant, and basically anything and everything related to the three letter word that’s always on everyone’s mind (well, technically, not always; just 19 times a day for men and 10 times a day for women according to an Ohio State University study). The irony here is that when our curiosity isn’t satisfied, we internally rebel against the sexually repressive culture by searching for it everywhere like a child who’s doing exactly what they were told not to do.

The curiosity evolves into tension released in unhealthy ways: worst-case scenario spells out rape culture, and best-case scenario spells out sex-obsessed swear words or lewd jokes we use every day.

See, the power of sex has even taken over our colloquial language, being the inspiration of aggressive verbal expressions like “screw you” or “fuck you.” Take note, the origins of

dynamic of sex. When we use these words, we subconsciously do it to seem stronger or more powerful, yet we indirectly normalize this sort of crude language to the point that they become go-to insults, usually to demean the opposite sex based on their sexuality (i.e. slut, whore, fag,

and other words that’s making this column quite scandalous).

To take it to the next level, sex then transforms into a competition or a sick game.

We overhear this every day in conversations on the way to school, in the classroom, or eating lunch: certain people referring to a sexual partner as a conquest and a sexual objective as a chase or a means to an end as if they have no greater aspirations in life.

The pitiful players find themselves having to use sex as a tool against others, and then suddenly, there are winners and losers, deluding us into perceiving it as a power play.

Yet the worst by far is when sex and power are amplified and normalized into rape culture. When the power aspect overpowers the sex aspect, that’s when instances of rape, sexual abuse, and sexual assault surge. And so, sex becomes a matter of who’s the dominator and who’s the dominated—when we start teaching victims not to get raped rather than teaching the accountable not to rape.

By glorifying sex as a manipulative tool, we consequentially bar ourselves from attaining the empowerment of self-knowledge, confidence, and acceptance that only a responsible approach to the topic can give us. I won’t give you that load of bull about sex being magical with the right person at the right time. What they don’t teach us in school is that sex is pretty awesome—with the right amount of self-respect to realize that it isn’t about giving power to someone else if not creating your own through self-exploration that’ll inevitably lead to gratifying self-discovery.

The bottom line is, we’re probably aware of how powerful sex is no matter how cautious we are in approaching it. But therein lies the problem: if we’re hesitant to tackle the tough subject in all its rawness, then we fail to understand the whole landscape of the power of sex, hindered by our own ignorance. Perhaps rather than creating assumptions that arise from avoiding a situation, it’s time to teach the youth that yes, sex is about power—power that shouldn’t be abused to overpower others, but instead, to empower ourselves.

MAY - JULY 2016 | PAGE 12

LITERARY

VOLUME 30 ISSUE 4

Paper boats

By Rochelle Rivera

“I had sleepwalking issues when I was six too,” Tanya said as she pressed her knuckles, creating a crackling sound. She does it when she’s anxious. “Could he possibly have gotten it from me?”

“Yes, probably. Sleepwalking is hereditary,” the doctor said, looking through Kevin’s medical history. “But there is also a tendency that it may go away as he enters his teen years just like you.”

“I hope so,” Tanya sighed. She brushed her son’s hair and he looked at her. He hopped from her lap and roamed around the room.

“For now, I may have to require you to keep a sleep diary for two weeks so I could check and find the problems that are causing Kevin to sleep walk.”

While the two talked about Kevin, he took his time indulging in the world he was creating.

He turned the blue wall that enclosed the clinic into the ocean and sky. He made shapes out of the faint shadows of his hands, pretending he was sailing across big waves as they crash and go. *** Sleep Diary Entry #1 Day of the Week: Saturday

After lunch, I found Kevin asleep at 1:30 PM, and he woke up at 3 PM. He saw it was raining and for some reason, he got excited.

Maybe it was because he saw kids playing under the rain. I let him go. But before he went, he took some papers. At 3:30 PM, I saw him making paper boats on the flooded area of the street. I shouted at him. The water was too dirty. At 4 PM, he was already inside his room, watching cartoons again. At 5:30 PM, I saw him looking outside the window. I called him and helped him do his assignments. At 7 PM, we had dinner. I put him to bed at 8:30 PM. At 1 AM, Kevin woke up, told me he had a nightmare. I turned the lights on and gave him warm milk. I read his favorite Peter Pan story.

He fell asleep at 3 AM, woke at seven in the morning, and took his medicine. *** The next day, it was raining again. Kevin asked his mom if he could go play outside. She told him yes, but made him wear a raincoat and strictly warned him not to play paper boats on the gutter again.

When he got out, Kevin went straight to Annie’s All-around Shop and asked if he could get papers. “You can’t just get them, you know,” the storekeeper said. “You have to pay money for it.”

“I know but,” Kevin hesitated, “My mom can’t know. It’s her birthday and I want to make her a card with those papers.”

“OK, because you are so adorable, I’ll give you three sheets.”

Kevin hid at the side of the store where the gutter overflowed with water. He folded his papers into boats and watched proudly as they floated. He wondered how it felt like to sail the ocean. He remembered the first time he saw a picture of it. His father is a seaman and every year when he gets home, he shows him pictures of their big ship and the vast blue ocean.

“What are you doing here?” the storekeeper asked. And even with the threat of her eyes going big in surprise and anger, Kevin managed to wonder if this woman was the Annie in the shop’s name. When she walked closer, like a big shark about to eat him, he ran off and left his paper boats behind. *** Sleep Diary Entry #3 Day of the Week: Monday

I woke at 2:30 AM without Kevin beside me.

I found him in the closet with his pajamas wet. I carried him out and asked him what he was doing there. When I looked frustrated and confused, he started to apologize while crying. He said he didn’t know. He seemed to have forgotten that he even got out of bed. I hugged him until he calmed down and assured him I wasn’t angry. He changed into a new pair of pajamas. I told him to wake me up if he felt like peeing. I made him warm milk and read him The Wheeled Ship. He quickly drifted off to sleep at 3:30 AM, woke at 7:45 in the morning, and took his medicine. . *** On Tuesday night, when news reported about a heavy storm, Kevin couldn’t sleep thinking about his lost paper boats. He wondered where they had gone, if they reached the ocean or got torn apart along the way.

At 2 AM, he finally fell asleep. But three hours later, while his mom was still in deep sleep, he got out of the bed. He was hearing the sound of raging waters like waves crashing against the shore. He followed the sound and saw the vast ocean he was dreaming of since he was four. It was exactly as his father’s pictures looked like. It was a body of blue currents, shimmering under the sunny sky. And as the wind swept upon his face, he smelled the saltwater and he thought— it was just like the smell of the ground when it

rains. He walked closer and closer, until he could feel the waves rush to his feet—he was standing right on the shore. He walked even closer, and soaked his face in the clear water where he could see his feet surrounded by beautiful shells and corals. He then decided to go deeper and swam until the light faded. Even when he was finally feeling cold, he continued swimming and realized that the ocean was narrower under. It had become so tight he couldn’t move his arms and feet.

He was relieved when he reached the ocean floor, and a big city made of paper welcomed him. There were houses in different shapes, colors, and sizes, different kinds of fishes looked like folded papers too but were real and alive— and unlike the paper he used in school, these ones were strong and did not tear away.

Kevin explored the city, his heart was fluttering so much he could not breathe. He almost cried with joy when he found Annie’s All-Around Shop—he could not believe this ocean city had the same store too. He was about to enter when something beside the shop caught his attention.

There, lined up by sizes, were his paper boats. “I knew you made it all here!” he thought and he rode the nearest to him, as his paper boats seemed big enough to carry him below the ocean than when they floated above.

With a heart that yearned for adventure, he prepared to sail.

By the crack of dawn, Tanya found Kevin in the gutter beside Annie’s All-Around Shop. His lifeless body floated on the dirty water, and the stone where his head rested revealed dark red streaks. It shocked the life out of her and she woke the whole neighborhood with her screams.

As people assembled and made noises outside Annie’s house, she woke up feeling dizzy and confused. She went back to sleep, ignoring Tanya’s continuous screaming on the street. *** Sleep Diary Entry #1 Day of the Week: Friday At 2 AM Tanya woke up with her son sleeping safe and sound beside her. She kissed his forehead and smiled, silently thanking that what she saw the other day was just a dream.

At 3 AM, she tasted saltwater on her lips. Her pillow was filled with streams of tears because in her dreams, she was drowning in the ocean, watching Kevin being taken by his paper boats.

“Take me too,” she whispered.

MAY - JULY 2016 | PAGE 13

LITERARY

VOLUME 30 ISSUE 4

Drowning lessons

By Marie Joy Sarmiento

They will drown you with their eyes.

Your feet will leave your untraveled shore, reaching for the depths of their eyes that glistened in the moonlight.

Lured into the waves of misfortunes and lost battles as you feel the ocean in them.

They will drown you with their voice.

Notes as high as tides, singing your every pleasure and fear, and lulling you into deep sleep.

They will drown you with their hands.

Your palms will touch theirs and they will lead you to the middle of the ocean.

Then leave you stranded, yearning for their touch.

Like an island, you are alone.

You’ll swim across the oceans, miles away from home, miles away from islands.

So if you come across these creatures I was told about, I am telling you now, they will sink your heart so you must learn how to float away and catch your breath.

In the blue

By Nishtha Nigam

I am set in perpetual motion by waves that run to the rhythm of my emotion: to and fro, to and fro for I do not know where to go.

I try to grasp all I have to leave behind for I rise and fall with the moon and wind, accepting all that I’m offered as mine in exchange of what I’m forced to sacrifice.

I am in constant unrest for I do not understand my own depths.

My anger cuts through cliffs of stones, destroying lands with a single blow.

Yet my compassion kisses barren shores till we dissolve into one again and again.

Still I dream for the day I’ll settle as calmly as the clear sky above.

But until I know where I’m destined to go, I am set in perpetual motion by waves that run to the rhythm of my emotion: to and fro, to and fro.

SPORTS

MAY - JULY 2016 | PAGE 14

VOLUME 30 ISSUE 4

Ignite the athletic zest How BMI can take you to the athlete’s realm

By Ezekiel Cornonacion | Illustrations by John Chesleigh Nofiel and Sheka Ignaco With the temptation of the remote control and the flooding notifications on your phone, spending time to work those lazy butts off the couch can be a tearjerker. But as you finally decide to depart from your coziest throne, embarking a quest to the world of sports would require a specific regimen, workout, and the prescribed Body Mass Index (BMI). Gaining the appropriate BMI, which is the equilibrium rate of weight and height, can affect the person’s physical finesse in executing a specific sport.

Everyone can perform the sport they want—all you need is the new perspective of attaining a healthy physique while exercising those unnecessary fats residing in your belly.

Wave workout

Across the net

Sprinting to the zenith

Plunging yourself into the depths of the swimming pool might send shivers down your spine since the water’s buoyancy can repress swimmers’ stability and position. Joining the professional, splashing life requires a near BMI of 24 for male and 23 for female swimmers, which is slightly distant from an average person’s 23.47 BMI. In addition, a minimum of three to five swimming exercises every day are essential to achieve the required muscle frame and body fat. Promoting balanced fat intake is vital for a body’s density toward water and the power required for moving efficiently on the surface.

Focusing on quick reflex and rapid smashes, badminton can be the sport for speedy neophytes. Trainees may try out locomotive workout or vigorous movement training, and leg and arm muscle exercise to empower a player’s agility. Attaining a BMI of 22 for men and 20.45 for women, as well as proper training, successful sweeping, and smashing will lead you to the successful court. The proper meal plan that will lead to the body’s endurance consists of proper amount of protein to support the player’s muscle strength and carbohydrates to fuel the body.

Proceeding into the field of endurance and vigor, track and field involves leg muscle strength and a lot of leg force. With an average BMI of 20.0 for both male and female, aspiring athletes can easily improve with determination and discipline. A trackster’s sustenance must include carbs and proteins as it serves as fuel for the body. Practicing a lifestyle of proper leg and stamina workout will improve your performance, especially in sprinting.

Hoopster’s spirit

Dynamic punch

Stepping in the dojo

Rather than screaming on the couch while cheering for your beloved team, why not try to exercise your leg muscles and be a part of the hoopster lifestyle? According to psychguides. com, a BMI of 24.85 for men and 23.9 for women is advised to become a qualified amateur basketball player, with proper workout and diet observation. Using dumbbells can help flex the muscles for swift locomotion and strengthen endurance for a lengthy game. Alongside, the necessary nutriment of a cager is a high intake of carbs but low in fat, meant for muscle buildup and swift movement.

Cited as one of the most dangerous sports, boxing involves great force in speed, stamina, power, and endurance. Boxing is divided into three different divisions: featherweight, flyweight, and heavyweight, which means an average BMI isn’t necessary except for the match’s required body mass. Starting from scratch, boxing requires extreme training, a healthy lifestyle, as well as discipline to manipulate your strength and power for a knockout success. Food intake must be patterned to the division you are taking and energy fuels such as carbohydrates as well as protein for muscle increase in your meal plan.

Originating from South Korea, taekwondo is a martial art that emphasizes on kicks. Compared to other leg sports, taekwondo uses leg strength while maintaining a perfect balance during a game. Meditation and discipline are main keys to completely assume the required spirit and determination.

Kickstarting a healthy lifestyle while obtaining the BMI of 23.3 for men or 20.8 for women will transform you into a kicking machine.

Spiking intensity

Paddle the pong

Volleyball requires immense force from the player’s hands and wrists, compared to playing basketball. Cruising to the volley world, a spiker is required to obtain an average BMI of 22 for men and 20.01 for women to successfully attain the required framework. Tough biceps and triceps workout is also advisable to improve the power of spikes and attacks during a game.

Appropriate training and proper intake of fruits and vegetables regulates the body mass while adding whole grain and lean proteins to your plate are essential for the muscle strength to attain the perfect spiker shape.

In comparison with badminton, table tennis compels paddlers into swift motion and leg stamina to withstand speedy matches. The sport requires quick yet precise smashes to impede the pong from getting outside the table. Achieving the average BMI of 23.02 contributes to the lean body structure of the player that is required for rapid movement.

Meanwhile, eating habits must be centralized in taking fibers like fruits as well as whole grains such as wheat and bread that will control the individual’s body mass.

Footwork fight

Swinging potential

Recorded as the most watched sports event, football or soccer rose to popularity with the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIBA) World Cup series. Starting with conditioning the body, drills for footballers are focused on leg power, along with endurance that is vital to survive a sweaty and exhausting game. At the same time, an average BMI of 23.47 for male and 22.6 for female kickers needs to be observed, as well as eating proper meals of protein and balanced consumption of vegetables and carbohydrates. These nutrients will contribute to muscle mass and achieving the appropriate weight.

While football (obviously) requires a lot of footwork, baseball involves a lot of arm movements. Yet for pitcher trainees, workout must be concentrated in carving the biceps and torso for swinging bats and pitching the baseball rapidly with force. Likewise, regimen is centralized in muscle buffing, adding more protein and carbs to gain the average BMI of 27.01.

Though it is a bit overweight, the required BMI is perfect for intense swinging power and swift locomotion. In addition, diet is required to obtain the ideal baseball player’s build and strength.

***

Entering the athlete’s realm can absolutely transform an ordinary person into a fit and athletic individual. While some people can’t withstand vigorous training and workouts, scrap the “wellbuilt people can only make it to the sports world” idea because you could always ask a physician about the diet and workout appropriate for you. You don’t necessarily need to hit the accurate decimal values of the suggested BMI per sports. Choosing the healthy and active lifestyle is already good for starters.

Sources:

P Nande, V Mudafale, S Vali. Anthropometric Profile of Female and Male Players Engaged in Different Sports Disciplines. The Internet Journal of Nutrition and Wellness. 2008 Volume 8 Number 1 J Sports Sci Med. 2006 Jul; 5(CSSI): 114–121. Published online 2006 Jul 1. www.pinoyathletics.info www.psychguides.com www.theguardian.com www.healthyliving.azcentral.com www.mealplansite.com www.breakingmuscle.com/womens-fitness/body-composition-trends-in-collegiatefemale-athletes

Sa likod ng bawat spike ***

Sa bawat set na binibigay ng isang setter sa spiker, katumbas din ito ng pagbibigay ng tiwala sa kakampi. Ayon kay University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 78 best setter Fajardo ng DLSU, kailangan mayroon kang tiwala sa kakayahan ng kakampi mo

“

Kung walang mahusay na setter, walang silbi ang mahusay na spiker.

“

Sa isang volleyball game, niyayanig ng spikers ang court sa pamamagitan ng mabibilis at matutulis na spikes o kills. Kadalasan nating napapansin ang lakas at anggulo ng mga palo ng isang spiker ngunit bihira nating mapuna ang mga perpektong toss na nagmumula sa setter o ang utak ng opensa ng isang volleyball team. Tunay na mabigat ang tungkulin ng isang setter dahil bukod sa skills na kailangan nilang taglayin, dapat alerto, matalino, kooperatibo, at may kumpiyansa ang isang setter. Sa kasamaang palad, ang mga spiker lang ang nabibigyan ng credit sa mga laro dahil sila ang kadalasang ‘gumagawa’ ng puntos gayong ang mga matagumpay na palong ito ay hindi naman babaon kung hindi dahil sa mahuhusay na sets.

Sa panahon ngayon, hindi na mabilang ang mahuhusay na attackers

ng bawat volleyball team sa ating bansa. Samantalang iilang setters lang ang nahahasa katulad na lang ng mga tumatak sa mga manonood na sina Kim Fajardo ng De La Salle University (DLSU), Jia Morado ng Ateneo de Manila University, at Gyzel Sy ng Far Eastern University. Gayunpaman, mahuhusay na setters ang hinahanap ng ilang foreign squads dahil kakaunti lamang ang mayroong talento sa nasabing posisyon. Patunay rito ang oportunidad para sa former team captain ng DLSU na si Fajardo matapos magpakita ng interes ang Thailand Est Cola head coach Chamnan Dokmai sa pag-recruit kay Fajardo. Ayon sa volleyverse.com, sinabi ni Dokmai na ang kakayahan, talento, at karunungan ni Fajardo ay babagay sa ilang kilalang paligsahan sa Thailand tulad ng Volleyball Thailand League sa Bangkok.

Talagang hindi makakaila ang halaga ng setters lalo na’t hindi madali ang trabaho nila sa loob ng court.

katulad ng pagtitiwala mo sa iyong sarili.

Bukod sa tiwala, importante rin sa isang setter ang magkaroon ng magandang komunikasyon sa loob ng court upang maiwasan ang hindi pagkakasundo lalo

na sa pagbibigay ng bola sa spiker.

Katulad ng mga sitwasyon sa totoong buhay, magkakaroon at magkakaroon ng hindi pagkakaintindihan kapag napabayaan ang komunikasyon.

Ang pagkakaroon ng komunikasyon at tiwala ay bunga ng solid na kooperasyon ng isang koponan. Bilang utak ng combination plays, maingat na inihahatid ng setters ang bola papunta sa attackers upang makagawa ng spike.

Ang setter ay katulad ng quarterback sa football o point guard sa basketball kung saan sila ang nagpapatakbo ng opensa ng koponan. Kailangang maging kooperatibo sa kabuuang plano ng koponan upang makapagpamalas ng matinding opensa.

Isa nga sa pinakagusto kong plays tuwing nanonood ako ng volleyball ay ang smart sets o smart drops na kadalasang ginagawa ng setters. Tumatak sa isipan ko ang ganitong klaseng pamamaraan mula sa mahuhusay na manlalaro tulad nina Fajardo at Morado,

lalo na noong dikdikang nagharap ang rival UAAP teams noong women’s volleyball finals match ng season 78.

Nakabibilib ang pagiging tuso ng isang setter sa tuwing magdedesisyon silang ibagsak na lang ang bola kaysa sa i-toss papunta sa spiker.

Ito ang mga pangunahing impormasyon na dapat nating malaman sa setters ngunit bukod sa kakayahan, importanteng mapanatili nila ang kooperasyon at puso upang mapagtagumpayan ang trabaho nila sa volleyball court.

Patunay nga rito na sa bawat bulusok ng bola, pataas man o pababa, gumagawa ang setter ng paraan para maihatid ang bola sa spiker ng maganda at maayos. Wala man sa linya nila ang paggawa ng puntos, sila naman ang matatawag natin na real gamechangers dahil nasa kamay nila ang kalalabasan ng atake ng spikers. Kung walang mahusay na setter, walang silbi ang mahusay na spiker.

SPORTS

MAY - JULY 2016 | PAGE 15

VOLUME 30 ISSUE 4

DLSU-D tankers no gold in PRISAA natl’s, bag five medals

By John Harold Dizon Splashing to the nationals stage with incomplete ace players, Region IV-A slipped in revamping their dynasty as they fell against the mighty Region VI and VII, securing an unusual bronze and silver victories in their Private Schools Athletics Association (PRISAA) – Nationals bid at the South Cotabato Sports Complex, Koronadal City, South Cotabato from April 4-6.

Aside from their delayed flight that caused the team sleep deprivation and conditioning issues, DLSU-D and Region 4-A tankers head coach Vernon Himor stated, “There are many reasons kung bakit hindi kami nakakuha ng gold. Una, four of my top swimmers [were absent], the first one transferred, then the other one didn’t join because of some personal reasons. I think, for how many years on top, there will be a time na bababa rin talaga kami. Next year, we’re going to build the team so that we can win a gold again.”

Despite the Patriots’ team captain and ace player Adrian Villanueva’s absence, the DLSU-D tankers proved their pride and

dignity in the tourney, as the team’s other ace swimmer Nicholai Jaafar seized the third place in the 400-meter individual medley event with a time of 6:27.57 that propelled the CALABARZON squad.

With N. Jaafar leading the track, De La Salle Health Sciences Institute’s Red Galay, Patriot Jessyca Salazar, and Quezon’s Jackelyn Calvadores teamed up to snatch the second place in the women’s 200-meter relay category with a 2:11.00 time, a fraction late from Region VI’s 2:10.62 time.

In the men’s division, Patriot tanker Reiner Herejias garnered the second spot in the 50-meter breaststroke as he timed 32.73 seconds, failing to outdo Region VII’s Ruliben Deligero’s 32.37 time.

Following his superb performance from the regionals, Patriot Gene Paguia finished third in the 200-meter backstroke event with a mere 2:33.06, bowing to Region V’s Bryan Tan with 2:32.08 and Region VI’s Casy Gumabong with 2:29.91.

Keeping his head up in his first nationals stint, Patriot tanker

neophyte Kyle Jaafar pushed CALABARZON to the second spot in the 400-meter freestyle. Together with DLSU-D’s Paguia, Vincent Llaguno, and John Paul de Leoz, the green-and-white tankers wrapped the course with a time of 4:14.48.

Giving Region IV-A its honor, Galay stood out with the highest number of medals, reaping silver in the 100-meter breaststroke and bronze in the 50-meter freestyle, 100-meter freestyle, and 50-meter breaststroke events.

With Region VI and VII dominating the contest, Region IV-A boosted their speed and intensity with Quezon’s Calvadores and Arlyn Arcadio’s bronze in the 50-meter butterfly and silver in the 50-meter backstroke race, respectively.

Adding to CALABARZON’s medal tally, Lucena imports Alton John De Luna and Aldrick Formaran pulled bronze medals in the 200-meter backstroke and 400-meter individual medley respectively, while Batangas’ Renzo Baja seized the silver in the 50-meter butterfly bout. With a report from Fernan Patrick Flores

CAGEBELLES from page 16 shot with 10 seconds remaining in the first half, 31-24.

Neck-and-neck Davaoeña Cate Dosdos managed to draw the scores closer through a layup, 31-26, during the first seconds of the second half, but Cavite imports’ Dorio and Almariego’s combination play along with Patriot Irene Torregosa widened the gap to 10, 36-26.

After Climaco’s fast break layup for Region XI, 36-28, Caviteña three-point gunner Mariel Campasa unleashed a smooth trifecta to take an 11-point lead for the CALABARZON squad, 39-28.

With less than seven minutes remaining in the third period, Region IV-A lost its tempo as they committed several turnovers provoked by the Davaoeñas’ intense defense. With Davao region’s persistent hope to end CALABARZON’s nationals supremacy, the gritty Region

SHATTERED. Patriot rookie Jan Pullon slips in the nerve-racking quarterfinals match of the PRISAA-Nationals men’s singles badminton tourney held at the Raket Boy Gym in Koronadal City, South Cotabato.

Jerome Quinto VOLLEYBELLES from page 16 Visayas’ Sheena Abegael Quino’s attack before finding themselves in a 15-23 hole.

Trying to stop the bleeding, the Luzon squad gained a late momentum after displaying a 6-1 run through Yongco, Batangas’ Cyren Montecer, and Castillo’s mighty kills along with their firm net defense. However, the Visayan squad notched the first set through CALABARZON’s unforced errors, 21-25.

Consistent redemption XI cagebelles posted an 18-1 comeback run to regain a sixpoint advantage, 40-46. The combined 12 points of Etulle, Dosdos, and Joelyn Orilla from field goal led Davao’s run, while Calope, Climaco, Etulle, and Orilla also scored six points from the charity stripe.

CALABARZON’s Reyes gained a point from the paint, 41-46, but Davao’s Demetillo still ended the third canto on a high note through a fast break layup, 41-48.

Intensifying the stirring heat in the final frame, Dorio singlehandedly collected straight five points from downtown and perimeter to slash their deficit to a slim 46-48.

The Davao region abruptly lengthened their lead to five as Orilla scored a point from the key lane while Etulle unleashed another unstoppable drive layup, 46-51.

The CALABARZON cagebelles reclaimed the advantage before

reaching the last five-minute mark through Reyes’ layup, Dorio’s unstoppable trifecta, and Campasa’s accurate perimeter shot, 53-51.

As the defense and offense of both teams clashed, the scores locked twice before the Davaoeños escaped the tie-up through Dosdos’ 24-shot clock layup, 55-57.

Down to the last three minutes of the crucial frame, stellar shooter Campasa and CALABARZON center import Coroza boosted the defending champions’ spirit as they led the 12-1 scoring spree to secure a nine-point lead with 23.8 seconds remaining in the game, 67-58.

Avenging themselves, Region XI’s Etulle released a reversed layup during the dying seconds of the finale match, 6760, but Patriot Reyes added another point from the charity stripe that handed the fifth championship crown to the CALABARZON squad, 68-60.

Region IV-A shuttlers and paddlers grab five bronze in PRISAA nat’ls

By Keith Alvin Martinez (Contributor) Region IV-A CALABARZON paddlers and shuttlers consisting of DLSU-D delegates seized five bronze medals in the Private School Athletic Association (PRISAA) – Nationals in the table tennis and badminton tourney held at the Koronadal Southern Elementary School and Raket Boy badminton court, respectively, in Koronadal City, South Cotabato on April 4-7.

Seeking the first bronze, Batangas duo John Marty Valenzuela and Carlos Marasigan ceased their nationals’ campaign in the table tennis tournament after losing to Region VII Central Visayas paddlers Lemuel Agbun and John Vincent Cabaluna. In the final game of men’s team tie, Patriot Marthy Del Rosario succumbed to a defeat against Region VII paddler Dannel Jay Tornis.

Dropping their nationals’ rally, the CALABARZON lady paddlers brought another bronze as Mary Maye Igno knelt down to Region VII’s

Diana Oliverio in the semifinals. On the other hand, Batangas pair Kriska Ravanes and Kristine Manalo gathered an additional bronze medal from a 0-3 set loss in the semifinals against the Central Visayas duo Lez Lie Agbon and Athena Camaingking.

In the men’s division of the badminton tourney, Patriot duo Joseph Closas and John Carlos settled for third place in the men’s doubles event to capture a bronze medal for Region IV-A. Losing the elimination round, the Region IV-A shuttlers closed their men’s team tie warfare in the nationals after waving a sign of defeat to the Region IX Zamboanga Peninsula shuttlers that ended their nationals’ journey.

Down by another track, Region IV-A women’s singles players Jenniline Lupangco and Carmela Capistrano alongside doubles’ Gilly Chavez and Dana Enriquez crumpled to a loss, bowing down to Region XI in the women’s team tie event. With a report from Krizza Mae Bautista

After dropping the first set, the ladies in red kicked off the second canto with Nunag’s swift drop, 1-0. Yongco immediately followed by redeeming herself from committing errors, scoring from a hefty spike and a successful block, 4-2 Despite beginning to commit errors once again, CALABARZON continued to pull away from the Visayan squad as Yongco, Montecer, and Nunag overwhelmed the opponent with their blocks, fatal service, and dominant quick spike, respectively, 12-9.

The CALABARZON squad continued displaying strong offense through Yongco and Mara Galicia’s resilient spikes, Nunag’s solid block, and Tiangco’s service ace, 17-10. Determined to bounce back from the first set loss, the CALABARZON squad took advantage of Visayas’ rattled defense by launching superb kills and damaging defense services to dominate the second set, 25-15.

Extending their might to the third set, allaround Nunag led the Luzon-based spikers by scoring four of the team’s 10-4 run through her

indomitable quick hit, tenacious block, and momentum killer services. Proving their dominance, Yongco and Galicia blasted strong attacks along with Montecer’s loaded service.

The CALABARZON volleybelles continued to control the third set by continuously launching excellent spikes, 18-9.

Despite Visayas’ attempts to break down the Southern Luzon wall, CALABARZON spikers Montecer, Navidad, and Nunag’s offensive blocks prevailed.

Yongco scored two of Southern Luzon’s last points on the third canto with her strong spikes while Montecer wrapped up the set with a down the line kill, 25-20.

With both teams persistent to claim the fourth set, the Southern Luzon and Visayas squads tried to outsmart each other by executing different plays, locking 13-all score.

Upset by the Southern Luzon squad’s two consecutive sets comeback, the Visayan squad executed a 6-1 run through CALABARZON’s errors, Janelle Cabuhug’s two service aces, and Bongo’s single block, 14-19.

Determined to finally break their nationals dry spell, the Luzon-based team crawled back into their zone after Visayas’ two consecutive errors sparked the redand-white team’s momentum, allowing them to display a 7-2 run. Visayas’ Cabuhug attempted to redeem their team by firing an attack, but CALABARZON’s Navidad and Nunag soared high to build a tough wall and take the bronze medal for Region IV-A, 25-22.

With a report from Krizza Mae Bautista

SPIKERS from page 16 Concluding the first canto, the Caviteños and Batangueños net defense prevailed as they issued their fifth block to Visayan Alden Dave Cabaron’s attack, 25-23.

Frozen stint Despite quicker Aldin Bin and stellar spiker Kasim’s mighty tandem, the second set remained on the Visayans’ side as CALABARZON’s 12 mishits and unforced errors gave them the set, 18-25. Handing the second canto victory to the opponent, Kasim’s over service ended Southern Tagalog’s set-winning chances.

CALABARZON’s unlucky pace continued in the third set as they produced a 12-point supplement for the other team, 20-25. With a 16-20 score after a timeout, the red-and-white squad tried to bounce back with a 5-2 get-go that cut the buffer to two, 20-22. But the twilight went on as middleman Bryan Castro committed a lifting violation followed by Kasim’s net block, 20-24. Region VII took charge of the frame with its deadly service ace coming from John Eduard Carascal.

“Parang nawalan na ng kumpiyansa ‘yung team kasi natalo kami sa cross over (semi-finals) … ‘Di mo mapipilit ‘yung [mga] bata kahit anong encourage mo [o] suporta mo para hindi bumagsak

‘yung morale nila,” Region IV-A coach Joven Racelis commented on their errors.

Rise and fall Extending their nationals campaign in the fourth set, CALABARZON picked up their feet as they grabbed the early lead due to the Visayans’ errors, 6-3. With Cavite and Batangas’ respective aces Kasim and Nikko Ortega teaming up, Region IV-A sustained their groove until they reached the uplifting 20th mark first, 20-16.

Countering the run-down, Region VII greeted the Luzonbased squad with their assault on the floor, 22-19. Following the run, the CALABARZON team lost their tempo as they rewarded their opponent with three more points, 22-all.

Red-and-white troop’s Castro and Ortega denied Central Visayas’s Left John Tormis’s back-to-back shots to pierce the shield that topped the set and evened the match to two-sets a piece, 26-24.

Commencing the deciding span, Region IV-A’s setter Mirano fooled off the defenders with his dump, 1-0. Grabbing the momentum, the Luzon-based squad spawned a 4-0 getaway, 7-3.

The Visayas-based squad double backed the scores and

slapped Region IV-A with a 5-0 run, 7-8, clearing the momentum for CALABARZON. Parrying the run, Luzon’s Ortega locked the deal with a kill, 8-all, proceeded by Aidam Adam’s net hit, but the stellar spiker warded off his miscalculation with a killer blow, 9-all.

Both teams trotted out excellent floor defense as they rallied at 11-all, but Region IV-A triumphed the show of digs, 12-11, as Mirano provided a point from the service line, 13-11.

Keeping up with third place mission, Region VII received two points through offense and defense, 13-13.

Dangling from the tie-up, redand-white crew’s Kasim charged with a power-packed spike, 14-13.

Region VII’s Carascal responded to the pursuit as he flew over the blockers for a point as Cavite-based squad’s Kasim discharged a pace-breaking outside hit in the next possession, 14-15.

Returning the favor, the white squad’s Caberon tricked the defense with a feint over CALABARZON’s blockers and won the bronze, 14-16.

“Baka next year, makuha

[na] namin ‘yung champion[ship] … May ituturo pa ako sa kanila.

Kulang pa talaga,” Racelis on suiting up to reclaim the gold in the next PRISAA. With a report from Queenee Manaog

• Smashers bag 5 gold • Tankers no gold in nat’ls • Opinion: Sa likod ng bawat spike MAY - JULY 2016

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VOLUME 30 ISSUE 4

CALABARZON cagebelles polish fifth straight nat’ls crown Region IV-A nips Region XI, 68-60

By Fernan Patrick Flores Rising from a seven-point deficit in the third quarter, the Region IV-A CALABARZON cagebelles pulled off their five-peat championship title through their final frame scoring rage that escaped the gritty Davaoeños’ defense, 68-60, in the Private Schools Athletic Association – Nationals women’s basketball finale match at the South Cotabato Gymnasium, Koronadal City, South Cotabato on April 8.

“Nag-stick lang kami do’n sa sistema namin. Sabi ko sa kanila na ‘wag lang silang maghirap at saka ‘yung effort mas dinagdagan namin no’ng third quarter kasi nga ang dikit ng laban. Sabi ko mag-focus kami sa depensa namin,”

CALABARZON and Patriots head coach Tito Reyes explained.

Patriot cagebelle Diane Reyes clinched the Most Valuable Player award while imports Irah Almariego and Chloewin Coroza also secured spots in the mythical five.

Before booking the championship ticket, the unblemished red-andyellow cagebelles thrashed Cordillera Administrative Region in a 73-64 victory during the semifinals round of the tourney held at the Notre Dame of Marbel University Gymnasium on April 7.

Back and forth The Region XI cagebelles took advantage of Region IV-A’s early

turnovers as they marked a threepoint lead, 10-13, to end the first quarter. The Davaoeños extended their momentum to the opening of the second set through Annylyn Climaco’s foul-counted layup, 10-16.

CALABARZON’s Reyes cut their deficit to four through a layup, 12-16, but Davaoeña Norie Lyn Calope immediately returned the six-point favor to Region XI by a bank shot, 12-18.

Coming back from a sloppy start, Cavite import Shennen Dorio’s downtown shot and Patriot Josele Jumawan’s consecutive two-pointer orchestrated a 7-0 run that gave

Region IV-A a 19-18 lead. Region XI’s Calope and Judith Demetillo responded to CALABARZON’s run as they combined points from jumpers to reclaim the advantage, 22-20.

The red-and-yellow squad upgraded their defense in the last five minutes of the second canto that handed them more ball possessions. Trashing Davaoeña traps, the Luzon-based squad stole the momentum as they scored 11 straight points in the last minutes of the second canto, 31-22.

Reducing their deficit to seven, Mindanao-based squad’s Pamela Etulle threw a fadeaway

see CAGEBELLES/page 15

QUEEN CAGEBELLE. Patriot Diane Reyes is hailed as the most valuable player in the PRISAA-Nationals basketball women tourney held in Koronadal City, South Cotabato. Kathelyn Ann Bravo

Region IV-A volleybelles settle third in nat’ls after two-year drought CALABARZON outlasts Central Visayas, 3-1

By Djoanna Nikole Javier Despite following behind by a set, the Region IV-A CALABARZON volleybelles showcased resiliency after bagging bronze in a hard-earned 2125, 25-15, 25-20, and 25-22 victory against Region VII Central Visayas in the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) – Nationals women’s volleyball battle for third match held at the Osita Central Elementary School, Koronodal City, South Cotabato on April 7.

Slithered chance Insufficient play. Assistant coach Al-Frazin Alduwahab strategizes the Patriot spikers’ play during the crucial bronze match, against Region VII. Jerome Quinto

The CALABARZON volleybelles warded off Region III Central Luzon with a thrilling 25-13, 16-25, 25-

21, and 25-20 four-set win and remained unscathed in the PRISAA eliminations round.

After outlasting Central Luzon in an overwhelming win, the Region IV-A squad lost their chance in making it to the championship stage after dropping their semifinals match against Davao Region in straight sets, 22-25, 18-25, and 18-25.

Despite keeping the digits close in the first canto, the CALABARZON lady spikers had a defense meltdown that caused them to trail throughout the last two sets.

Slow start Coming from a three-set loss in the semifinals, the CALABARZON

volleybelles launched their campaignfor-bronze match in a slow phase with a hot-and-cold play execution during the first canto.

The Luzon-based team kept the scores close during the start of the set with Iumi Yongco and Eunice Castillo’s powerful spikes along with Cherry Nunag’s tight net defense, 7-6. However, Region IVA’s defense faltered, allowing Visayas to notch their first big lead in the match, 18-13.

Chasing the Visayan squad, the CALABARZON lady spikers managed to score two points courtesy of Visayas’ Sheila Mae Bongo’s service error and Patriot Nunag’s single defense against

see VOLLEYBELLES/page 15

Region IV-A spikers slip at Region IV-A men tracksters nat’ls bout, rank fourth Central Visayas edges CALABARZON, 3-2

By John Zedrick Simeon Losing the battle for bronze, the CALABARZON spikers, piloted by the Patriots, went home emptyhanded after stumbling to defending champions Region VII in a five-set thriller in the third match of the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) – Nationals men’s volleyball competition held at the Koronadal National Comprehensive High School, Koronadal City, South Cotabato, April 7.

After posting a spotless elimination round, the red-andwhite squad dropped their shot for the crown in the semifinals round as Region XI emerged victors of the five sets, 19-25, 25-

20, 17-25, 25-21, 10-15, at the same venue.

Seesawed start Before the nail-biting fourth and fifth set, the two teams demonstrated an evenly-matched game as they posted a neck-andneck score card.

Showcasing the first offensive punch, CALABARZON’s Batangueño import Nelson Olla and setter Jerome Mirano chipped two kills and an ace for CALABARZON, 4-2.

However, after a stable opening, Region IV-A committed unforced errors and gave the opposing team the lead, 6-8.

Presenting the game’s first deadlock, red-and-white squad’s

Eddiemar Kasim exhibited his defensive power as he blocked the white squad’s spike attempt, 8-8.

Mixing floor defense and attacks, Southern Tagalog composed a 4-0 windup with Batangueño Olla’s service aces as they broke the five back-and-forth knots, 1613.

The match lingered with clogged scores until 19-20. As Carl Alivio released Region VII’s second ace, CALABARZON pulled two mistakes that gave Central Visayas the momentum, 20-22.

Heeding his coach’s advice after a timeout, Region IV-A’s ace Kasim flew over the blockers for three kills in a 4-1 run, 24-23.

see SPIKERS/page 15

hail as nat’ls overall champs

Tracksters clinch 4-peat title in 4 X 100-meter relay

By Rose Kristine Amarillo The DLSU-D tracksters, together with other athletes from CALABARZON, lifted Region IVA’s spirit as they garnered two gold and three silver medals in the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) – Nationals athletics competition on April 3-8 at the South Cotabato Sports Complex, Koronadal City, South Cotabato.

Patriots Robert Francisco, Ralph Efraem Gesulgon, Alvin Valdenarro, and Prederick Valenzuela polished their 4-peat title in the 4x100-meter relay men’s division as they obtained a gold medal after clocking a 43.25 seconds time, edging Regions VI

and VII players with 43.33 and 43.39 marks, respectively.

On the other hand, the CALABARZON lady tracksters, represented by Patriots Marimar Manzano and Jasmine Martinez, and Lyceum of the Philippines – Batangas’s (LPU-B) Pamela Fondevilla and May Ann Manangan, finished the 4x100-meter relay women’s division with 50.83 seconds to secure the silver medal against the Region VII’s golden time with 49.75 seconds.

In the 200-meter sprint match, Patriot Martinez triumphed over Cordillera Administrative Region’s Melva Cawid with 26.86 seconds, but settled at second spot as she fell short by 0.20 seconds to Region VII’s Lynette Urzua’s 26.29 seconds finish.

Outlasting other regions, Patriot Felyn Dolloso clinched a gold medal in the long jump event after leaping 5.55 meters long while regions XI and XII concluded with a 5.29 mark and 5.16 mark, respectively.

Meanwhile, DLSU-D’s Gesulgon dropped his title in the shot put event as he ranked second with an 11.51 meter record against Region I’s Lauro with 12.62 meters.

Moreover, Patriots Gesulgon and Valdenarro lost the chance to defend their respective titles in the javelin throw and 100-m sprint events, because of Region IV-A’s delayed flight due to an unexpected blackout in Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.