thelightduh by Louie Bryan Lapat

editorial

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intosridiees s

THE LIGHT

ERWIN D. FUENTES Editor-in-Chief JEZZA MEH N. MAGHAMIL Associate Editor SHANY LOU A. GAMAS Managing Editor RHODORA JOY C. LUMANOG News Editor BAYANI N. ESCOTON Feature Editor RYAN M. ABENOJA Sports Editor DONALD P. BABIANO DEVCOM Editor KATRINA G. RECABO Filipino Editor RALF A. TABANYAG Cartoon Editor LLOVER C. YAP Layout Editor ROBIN C. LABRA Circulation Manager GRETCHEN I. JUIT Photojournalist TITO L. RUBILLOS NORIEL A. NEBRES Artists HERDIN GRAY I. CUTAB JUNARD P. DUTERTE LOUIE BRYAN M. LAPAT FELIX REY R. LARGO KHIF MUAMAR M. MIRANDA Staff Writers MS. DONNA G. MAGALLANES Adviser The Light is the Official Student Publication of the University of Southeastern Philippines with office located at the Organizational Building, USeP Avenue, Apokon, Tagum City. This publication is a proud member of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines and USeP-College Writers Guild.

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[odds and ends] [miscellaNEWS] [departments]

To write is already to choose EDITORIAL STAFF

Seal the Hole Collision of Sports Heroes

it left me a scar

rise of the lluminati

rise of the yellow king

Tainted credit is appallingly overpowering us. It enslaves not only the pride of this academia but also the greatest achievements the school had has been continually receiving for so long years. True, there is no way of shunning away from this almost edifice-demolishing plight that once and for all may trigger like nuclear weapons set to eradicate the entire human race. Once more, true, there is no point of shutting our eyes to the current unjustifiable scenarios. It does not make the university safe and sound. We need to pipe up. There are no other people who can scrape USeP’s ruined glory but only us, the sharp-witted USePians. By far, this tainted credit is transfiguring from once a shameful child to a wrecked old man; who turns us, as other sharp-tongued, bull-headed students say, “unrecognizable and unacceptable in the city.” Perhaps, they never see nor contemplate on how big is the difference between our quality education and their money-driven acquisition of high grades - one thing that causes us to be feverish and irate. Despite this humiliation, they can never nail us down. Hence, we should require ourselves to befit insusceptible. The main course is not yet served. Take this: student leaders become the hindrance of the students’ happiness. This is students’ shallow verdict. This number of mere students undisputedly says that student leaders become the hindrance to their once-a-day, study-free experience. On the part of the student leaders, is there a need to blame them? When in fact some of them seem all but out-and-out; force to run for office even if the consequences are uncertain. Why not ask them first then decide where is the point finger directed upon – to them or to their advisers? More than anything else, there is this spreading fact that some of these organizational heads turn out be busybodies. Why interfere and impose that your plan is far better and refuse the student officers’ planned activities? Don’t you know how many liters of sweat have been consumed just to come up with plans that would most likely benefit the specific departmental students? If you think that all your suggestions and impositions can promote more productive outputs through your changed program then you are definitely wrong. It only causes stress- not for you, but for the sleepless and lethargic student officers adjusting and preparing themselves for another problem to face with. Beyond doubt, we are obliged to move with what they have to dictate. If philosophy is not really gone, then where is our free will?

miscellanews

campus beats REPRESSION, REPRESENTATION Mahal na Editor: Maligayang bati po sa inyo at sa bumubuo ng inyong publikasyon! Mayroon po akong napupuna na parang ginigipit ang ating mga karapatan ngayong bago na ang istr uktura ng ating kampus. Unang-una ang represention in plicy-making ay biglang nawala. Wala ng partisipasyon ang mga lider-estudyante natin sa bawat meeting at talakayan ng administrasyon na kung saan nakakaapekto sa kapakanan at interest natin. Pangalawa, ang Right To Organize among ourselves at Right to adequate welfare services and academic facilities ay kulang at nalilimitahan. Naaawa ako sa ating mga kapwa mag-aaral e na sapilitang to th lalabas na lamang upang

rs e t t e L r o t i d E

Dear Editor, Greetings! To what extent is the power of the adviser of an organization? This question is based on the assumption that my friends found themselves off guard in protecting their rights. In fact they were accused of doing something which brought them to the Office of the Student Affairs. Aside from that, last August 18 of this year, morning, in public “gipaka-ulawan sila”. Unsatisfied of her move, that adviser made a complaint with regard to betrayal of trust addressed to my friends.

magpraktis, mag-meeting, magfellowship at iba pa dahil sa 7:00 pm permit cut-off. It is very tiring for us students. At panghuli, our Rights to Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom is being oppressed and repressed. Pinapakialaman ang bawat opinyon natin, sinusulatan ang mga sulat-pahayagan at mga programa na inorganisa ng mga estudyante ay pinipigilan. I think the institution did not assure or recognize the rights that we have as students in this university. Ano po bang mga aksyon na dapit nating gawin upang masulusyunan natin ang mga problemang ito?Salamat at mabuhay ka! Gumagalang, LUIGIE BAGO LCM President

Upon hearing the news I was upset. Was there any PERMIT to conduct an activity that the adviser did not sign? The accusation handed to the OSA by the Adviser for me is fallacious. Since the inventory upon the turn over, the number of that thing existing which move was lacking were indistinguishable. Did the assumption of missing truly exist? If it was newly bought, was there any investigation prior to the complaint? Were there any belongings of that organization that would be brought out without the knowledge of the governing officer? Yours truly, DETECTIVE CONAN ‘08

WE’D LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Send us your thoughts on the latest issues happening in the campus. Send your letter online through our website (www.thelighpub.tumblr.com) or via snail mail. Address it to MR. ERWIN D. FUENTES, Editor-in-Chief, The Light Publication Office, USeP Avenue, Tagum City.

PenPOINT Erwin D. Fuentes

Despite student’s plight against low net connection

NetLab undergoes 2M facelift LOUIE BRYAN M. LAPAT

Facing the Past-Paced Trace IN THE CHASE OF NEW HEROES of the country, all are eyeing to the youth. The adage is fire burning: hope of the fatherland. They are the generation who doesn’t know what quitting means or kneeling stands. Their blood is heroic and witty, patriotic. From this, experienced leaders are quite confident that the country is handed to its fresh protectors: the young leaders. However, when irony beats, it hits. News has its mouth to talk and mind to express. This is the prime reason why some concerned citizens are taking a stand against the aforementioned immortal line. Their stand: it is head counted. As one turns his television on or browse to the sections of newspaper, he is bombarded with ugly news which is not worthy of adoration and judgment. These are the news that stains the still tainted image of Philippines: hopeless and helpless – a wrecked ship submerging beneath the deep ocean. Nevertheless, for a newsmaker’s viewpoint, this is the reality of today. Authentic truth should never be scrutinized. Idealism is never part of everyday happenings. Hence what is laid whether good or bad is newsworthy, even if children are the headlines of the news. Recently, the hope of the fatherland becomes the pest of the society. This is a truth reflected by Ivan Padilla, the 23-year old youngest carnapper of the country who was killed during a shootout in Makati City last August 2 of this year. You may ask, where’s the hope of the fatherland now? A serious matter like this is not fitted to be laughed. There should be a methodical investigation on how a young man who was once full of hope and aspiration transformed as country’s top-performing carnapper together with his Padilla carnapping syndicate, armed with pistol threatening his potential victims. It’s about time to replay the wronged youth’s tragic story and let science and psychology and spirituality eat the minds of authority and government. Once and for all, to clean what’s darkened and whitewashed. Justice is served for the victims. This is a single fact the dupes are holding on. Perhaps, others are still befogged by the impediment of trick over truth. Unfortunately, those who are unaware of the heinous news are like judges of a bias contest. Tracing his childhood, he was a child ignored by parents. He was a son who at a young age of 12 became motherless; jailed for an illegal possession of drugs. His parents’ dark image becomes his passport to an infamous designation as the notorious leader of Ivan Padilla Gang. An identity he brought below the ground. Perhaps, tragic death would never happen if it wasn’t for the negligence brought by the hype up of addiction. Drugs are not part of a happy family. There’s no love at it, only lust which apparently is transitory. Why trade family for drugs? Ivan can be a good source of latent inspiration. If only his parents reared him well, then there’s nothing to cry upon. Blame is absent in the hands of his parents. True, he is a possible candidate in becoming a leader but perverted by wrong upbringing. On a major scale, there a number of potential serviceman that up to now have directed themselves to grow leaders of heinous

SUPER LIKE. The newly-renovated Internet Labotatory will resume its usual operation in the second semester of school year 2010-2011. PHOTO BY GRETCHEN JUIT

USeP rakes gold in CHED tilt

RHODORA JOY LUMANOG

THE INTERNET AND COMPUTER LABORATORY SERVICES of the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) will soon be improving after it underwent a major renovation and upgrade of major services worth two million pesos, a welcome development for USePians who, for a long time, have been suffering on the low and unsatisfactory internet connectivity. Pegged on the primary Student Council (TCSC) and now concern on improving its heads the League of Class Mayors services, the Internet Laboratory (LCM) in an exclusive interview will be equipped with 56 brand- with The Light. new computers and a faster He further said that while internet connection that will this means development on benefit the students in boosting their administration’s part, both their academic researches. the Internet and Computer As of this writing, the Laboratories should let students university is still trailing the access the web superhighway paper works for the bidding of on its full freedom and discretion, the aforementioned materials which includes access to images making the Internet Laboratory that are blocked due to a web dysfunctional this semester protection program. and will be opening again next “If they’re boasting that the semester. connection would now be fast, we The Computer Laboratory should be given freedom to access was recommended by the what we want to access because Commission on Higher Education failure to do so would also mean in the light of the offering of violation of our right to information the Bachelor of Science in and to the fact that we’re paying for Information Technology (BSIT), internet lab fees during enrolment.” which will also mean additional On the other hand, though, computer units the students can some students find the services use for academic use. of the said laboratories to be Further, these renovations satisfactory. were also anchored on the desire “Okay ra man s’ya kay of the university to offer the compared sa una, hasta gyung aforementioned course in full, hinaya pero karun, based on the instead of offering the first two last time I’ve used my account, years here and the IT students paspas na man sya,” said Ellen shall proceed their 3rd and 4th Baquero, 3rd Year BEEd Student. years, respectively, in USEP’s Meanwhile, both Bago Obrero Campus in Davao City. and Baquero, along with the “Let’s wait and see because throngs of USePians, agreed what we’ve heard are only that this should be carried out assurances and pure words…we immediately so that students want to see this to be realized since can avail and won’t be forced this will clearly benefit the students,” anymore to do their researches stressed Luigie Bago, erstwhile in commercial internet cafés President of the Tagum Campus outside the campus.

LGU Tagum earmarks USeP stage rehab SHANY LOU GAMAS

It Left me a SHANY LOU GAMAS

CARS CTET STRUCTURE

“I WAS STUNNED. I could hardly move yet I know I have to thwart against my fears. I hadn’t really thought of fighting, I’m not just able to. What I’m trying to out stray in me is the valor of escaping even with my supple knees kissing the ground and with my spirit drowning in my tears. If I were dreaming with the worst nightmare ever, all I would want is to wake up and never to sleep again if I’ll just dream of the same thing.” I hadn’t slept well for slipshod of me? I should have near at him reluctant that the whole night with those known it would be so hard for he might assault me again. I apocalypses she had just her to spill it again and again. have gathered all my strength bare-naked in me during my Thank God, she continued… in doing that and in running interview with her. At first, “…he attacked me, got a barefooted away from him I was hesitant of accepting hard grip on me and touched without turning back. What I the task when our EIC has me here and there. I never have remembered was that, assigned it to me because I knew what to do. But I did, I have run like a cheetah, as cannot even watch the same out of my fragile might, I did fast as a thunderbolt but was ILLUMINATI A SECRET situation in theISmovie, how fight…I struggled against gradually straying as my tears much morethat of hearing a story SOCIETY controls the him. But I failed and fell off keep on falling. Yes! I have from a real-living I to the ground. As looked up, seen heaven! Finally, I have powerful leaders, victim. fortunes had I might families, just be there he was, in his creepy escaped!” of thought influential over-acting things out if I bloodcurdling grin. It’s as if, My smile flashed so sweetly associations andassigned other he have succeeded looking at as I heard those words. It’s won’t accept the law firms in the world. task. Anyway, the attempt me on such mess and piteous as if, her escape was the has never they done successfully; Further, had been vista. I cried. most wonderful thing had the bait obviously has to been happened that day – fancying themselves be balked. when she got out “enlightened” and driven “I really think it’s just in from his by their but ultimate the movie on Juneaim 9, forto hell-like bring Satanic New aroundabout 10:00 ao’clock in the plan against morning, Order. in the solemnity of But I want World Every evil her. It deserved my journey school, cry out a fete. I was so and unjustthrough circumstance Iexisting have been horriblyisstricken much happy for her but anywhere of their so of the scene I have made out more. I was so beaten there’s still one thing that control. secrecy and by the appall that surged bothered me at that moment. with me Amidst as the protagonist. conspiracy, they institute When I’m about to cross the throughout my senses. He was When I have interviewed her, threshold of our school and still there, standing in front of it may be almost two months hidden political agenda foundabolish him there, very me, and somewhat thinking already had passed after that to and that infiltrate moment he had passed overin of something I had wished I appalling incident. How did other organizations me, I already knew he was will never know. Then, I had she recover? Is it still hurts to order theirI never arrival realized, I have to get up and remember? opting to to hasten something. unknowingly throughout the stay away from him and there “I will never forget that turned around because I’m trying to ignore the dread as fast as I could.” world. incident. It’s like a ghost feeling thatGermany was starting to I want to applaud her for that will keep on following Bavaria, is a place surmount my strength. I never known where this society has such courage and braveness my every dreams and my had that feeling ever and I did but I hadn’t said a word. I have reality. Do you know that I been founded the felt sixteenth not know whyinI’ve that just thought that, what if it’s have trauma now? I get to be to nineteenth century and later me there and not her, would scared every time I see guys way. Then, there, it has been justified.in He was running,of I do of the same thing? What around or near at me; even spread Spain. It consists runningfalse and coming on would be my action? How it’s my father, my brother or some mystics forth claimed me. followed me…and…” to He have direct intercourse shall I fight back? I can’t really my boyfriend. It’s the scar! The “...and? What happened? Did imagine myself. Thank God, it scar that have tattooed in my with God.you? In What addition, he attack does they he wasn’t me. But, so sad, it was wholeness and the scar that held that a human can her. do to you?” I continuedsoul asking will never ever be removed by her unmindful the next “Despite my trembling knees anyone or by anything unless reach a degreethat of perfection thing is quite a flesh-quivering to contemplate the essence and my painful fractured-legs, time would go back and that scene. couldn’t believe Holy my I have crept and have strived did not happen to me at of God I and comprehend insensitiveness. Why such a so hard to get my footwear all. Impossible as it seems,

impossible it is. Do you know that it’s so painful to keep on remembering those things? But I know I have to spill things out. I know many will ask about it and I have to answer them back. Maybe, in this way, even painful, I could help other girls to avoid that same horrible incident. I could warn them not to go through on that hidden little gate alone in its very solemn environment. The snakes of Satan may just crawl from elsewhere without interventions and will just bite you unaware of his existence. I wanted justice so nobody will be harmed anymore but I wonder why the administration had not done their promise. Can they afford of another victim’s squirm? How sad!” As I have gone through my notes, I have wondered why there are people like him. Then, I have heard of another story. It’s about this man riding in a single motorcycle. It wouldn’t be that damn if he’s not sliding off his organ outside from his skimpy shorts. He tends to follow motorcycles that have girl passengers at the backseat. The question of the many, “Was the man in that hidden mini-gate the same man in the motorcycle? What could be his motives? Whatever his motives may be, there’s one thing that will make anyone of us stricken with horror - is the fact that his just so nearly scary. My nerves shivered. Whoa! Perverts! I closed my notes and prayed that no one might get that scar again.

CAMPUS PORTAL

Promises Rhodora Joy C. Lumanog

Scrupulous or Inglorious? “Etiquette is not just for the queen or the president. It is for everyone…” First impression last. As early as first quarter of the semester; students already made their selves known. The juniors emitted their blinding, true colors while the seniors unbolted the fiend skeletons in the cupboard. The acts seen clearly manifested the mounting dilemma that the society is facing nowadays. With the different activities that took place in the university, lots of unexpected things had happened. Things that no one would ever wish to occur or even thought to turn out. What had happened was so disgusting. Students were like gangster in a rumble. They weren’t listening to anyone; they just keep on shouting and complaining. Proper etiquette was gone. Are hardheadedness, rowdiness and sharptongued manner already replaced the values of being mannerly and gentle? Are we raising a nation of no moral values and decency? A school is not like a

house where one can freely do whatever he/she wants. It is not an arena to exhibit one’s outrageousness and wildness. There are rules and regulations set to abide and follow. There are also people to be respected and obeyed. Most importantly every student has a part to do – a duty to perform. It should not also be forgotten that a school is built to mold and sharpened the young and matured minds. Bridge the gap between the people from all walks of like. And most importantly, establish character and moral formation. Change is not too early or even too late because an individual who has proper etiquette has a respect for himself/herself as well as to those around. And for sure nobody wants to be undesired and despised. Etiquette is not just for the queen or the president. It is for everyone, whether you are a commoner or a rich kid. Etiquette is accessible to everyone. This is just a reminder to everyone; not to demoralize anyone or someone but to instill that learning the basics is the best thing anyone could do.

A QUESTION ON MORALITY SHANY/FELIX

PASTILAN

USePians’ Challenge, Challenged USePIANS CONSTANTLY ASK, “Is USeP an ideal university?” It is just a natural act of every student questioning the status of their university because it plays an important role on what they will become soon. To answer this question, we need to consider many aspects. These are the location, tuition fee, facility, quality of education, teachers’ skills and university’s management. Considering the location of USeP, it is located in Apokon, one of the most developing barangays in Tagum City. The Davao del Norte Regional Hospital, the DepEd division office, BFAD, DOST Provincial Office, Energy Park, Tagum Trade School and the modern City Hall of Tagum are also located in the said barangay. It is just beside the national highway going to some cities of Compostella Valley Province and Davao Oriental. Though not located in the heart of the city, it is commutable through riding tricycles and two routes of cabs (route 2 and going to maco). Tuition fee, that’s the reason why most of the students choose this university. It is affordable unlike others. Here your passport is not just your tuition fee but it includes your competitiveness in all aspects (intellectually, morally, spiritually and physically). Facilities, we can’t deny, USePTagum lacks facilities. That’s the fruit of its affordability. We don’t have advance facility such as up-to-date computers both hardware and software. Yes we have computers but the vintage ones with the oldest processors, drivers, operating systems and programs are being utilized by the administration. We have internet connection that supposed to speed up our researches but slowed it down and sometimes no connection at all. We pay two hundred ninety two pesos (Php 292.00) every sem for sluggish internet connection and we are just given 20 hrs. of internet usage. If we use computers in internet cafes, our Php 292.00 is almost 30hrs. If we can’t use the internet we choose to use books in the library. We have a library with few unarranged books with air

conditioners that are just decorations because they are often used. We have a huge but unfinished gymnasium covered with bird’s manure. The simple thing we don’t have is a sanitary comfort rooms that supposed to bring us comfort however just added our discomforts. We lack laboratory equipments, chemicals and laboratory itself. Most of all we are lacked ofuildings, classrooms, chairs, tables and other utilities such as lights and electric fans. Teachers’ skills, “there are no bad students, there are just bad teachers” this is what Jackie Chan said in one of his movies. Students’ achievements do not just lie in their own hands, it also depends on the quality of teachings they get on their mentors. When the teacher tells them that this is right that must be right they have fear to oppose it because their teachers specifically in this institution that think that they are always right though they are not. There are also optimistic they do not care what their critics will carp on them they just continue what they believe that can motivate and develop the students. Though they are being ridiculed because they are not fluent in speaking English in their lectures still they are one of the proudest stocks of mentors in the world. Yes, they are not good speakers but listen to them, you can learn something you cannot learn from those skillful tongues. Teachers have their own teachings styles. Some used martial laws and some used the democratic ways. Be on time, participate, listen, quite, study and they say stop laughing, stop talking, eyes on your own paper, etc. The democratic way, the students learn the

Ideals Ryan M. Abenoja

most when they are enjoying. We have our favorite teachers and we also have those we don’t like. Good students like those who come to class early and teach great. Awful students like those who often come to class, always late and just photocopy their lesson for the day. We should look up to those teachers who gave us head aches and not to hate them. These headaches of today are painkillers of tomorrow. University’s management - the head is useless without the working body. In contrary the working body is useless without a leading head. Good students, skillful teachers, advanced facilities, affordable tuition fee are just waste without the proper management of the university’s administration. Currently USeP- Tagum is in chaos in the sight of those watchful individuals. We are facing too many unsolved issues regarding the security, funds and new leaders. In addition, we are also in the adaptation stage in the newly created colleges: the College of Agriculture and Related Sciences (CARS) and College of Teacher Education and Technology (CTET). Quality of education, this is the most important aspect we shall consider. This is the collective term of all the aspects I mentioned earlier. Location, tuition fee, facilities, university’s management and teachers’ skills are the roots of our basis in determining the quality of education. Now you should play your part, you are asked: Is USeP-Tagum an ideal university? Nobody can answer that question because there is one aspect left to be considered - and that’s you. Your courage and dedication is the main recipe of

making this university an ideal one. We cannot consider any university an ideal without crafted, successful and competitive students. There are universities with skillful mentors, superior facility, public affordability (affordable to many), good leadership and with quality education but still they can’t be ideal without honored graduates. Yes, this university lacks many things but these must not lack dedicated students that bring its name to the peak of the ideal ones. This must not be, is USeP-Tagum an ideal university? This should be, Am I an ideal USePian?

In the midst of their scholastic plight, USePians took a three-day academic hiatus to emblazon their highly-anticipated Intramurals 2010 themed as “Engaging New Frontiers through Sports” which evinced countless demonstrations of sportsmanship and spectacles of athleticism among the mettlesome participants despite the stinging heat of the sun and the student’s noticeably inferior populace. For 72 hours, the denizens of USePTagum put aside their sundries, pens and books and metamorphosed into tenacious cagers, gutsy volleybelles, clever woodpushers and zealous tracksters and flaunted their dumbfounding maneuvers and stratagem in various sports, literary and musical tussles. In the final cessation, the superb sports heroes from the coalition of BSEd and BEEd forming Unit I, lorded over after hauling 1335 points giving them the championship laurel with a plethora of key victories in major scrimmages including volleyball (men), cheer dance, lawn tennis, chess (women), softball (men) and a large chunk of the nonsports skirmishes. Despite hacking out emphatic

conquests in multiple events like chess (men), poster and slogan making and sepak takraw (men), Unit III bannered by the alliance of BSAE and BSIT, got the short end of the stick and winded up as second placer over-all with 1245 points yet managed to leave an admirable remark for themselves with their gallant stand and fair play. Though having the least population, Unit II, the potent throng from BSF and BAT, exhibited valiant efforts and exemplary feats in the playing field which earned them thunderous cheers and praises after thrashing their foes in soccer, track and field and basketball (men) to salvage a decent third place finish tallying 1025 points, highlighted by their never-say-die attitude.

As if a presage of their over-all triumph, the future educators showed unmatched poise and composure to prevail in an epic men’s volleyball championship duel over the spikers from Unit III, spiced up by the spectators’ vehement huzzas and chants in every second of the match making it a Homeric finale for the intramurals. On the moral side, the said meet provided USePians with a much-needed break from their class lessons, strengthened the bond and camaraderie shared by this institution’s inhabitants with one another and revitalized the students as they race the wind and take to the sky. Overall, the September 15-17 friendly sports, literary and musical competition revealed the vast athletic prowess USePians possess and also a manifestation of the participants’ skills and talents making this collision of sports heroes an event to be instilled in everyone’s memoir.