June-July Issue

Volume XXXII No. 1

mmsu.sirmata@yahoo.com

Ilocos Norte

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June - July 2014

College of Med on standby; twinning plan w/ UNP cancelled by: Patrick Jan R. Reyes

SIRMATA

After the country’s technical panel for medical education disapproved the twinning arrangement of MMSU and University of Northern Philippines (UNP), MMSU had to independently submit its application documents, putting the opening of the College of Medicine (COM) on standby in the meantime.

The original plan of partnership with UNP is a move of SUCs in the region to have a regional university for medical education.

Since it was not approved by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) panel headed by Dr. Alfredo Reyes, MMSU is now the lone SUC applying for the authority to operate.

“We are still hopeful about that because we just lacked

The Official Publication of the College Students of Mariano Marcos State University

RELEVANCE

EXCELLENCE

GROWTH

IRONIC. Despite some setbacks experienced by students due to lack of facilities and some structures still not renovated in the university, MMSU has been named as having one of the country's ten most beautiful school buildings.See story inside.

>Turn to page 2

Photo from MMSU website

Univ houses scholars all over the region under ESGP-PA

MMSU fortified its participation in the national government’s thrust to alleviate poverty by accommodating a total number of 679 students under the Expanded Student’s Grants-In-Aid Program for

Poverty Alleviation (ESGPPA) scholarship. Scholars in the ESGP-PA are selected from among the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries from the different provinces of the region.

USC to purchase 2 e-jeeps by: Irene Ulit

Due to the growing population of MMSU and the need for more eco-friendly transportation systems on campus, the current University Student Council (USC) pursued the plan of the previous council to purchase two additional e-jeepneys.

“The e-jeepneys will continually promote environmental awareness and protection and will be

a great help in lessening the financial burdens of students with its lower fare charge,” said former USC President, Addielou Fidelfio Abad, who endorsed the project during his term.

Allan Josef M. Glova, USC Vice President came up with the design of the electric vehicle in compliance with specifications given by the EV Team, the group that >Turn to page 2

In 2012, the university accepted 39 scholars from the province under the Student’s GrantsIn-Aid Program (SGP-PA), the forerunner of the ESGP-PA. The significant increase of scholars aligns with the national government's aim of increasing the number of graduates in higher education.

Implementing guidelines of the ESGP-PA are set in Joint Memorandum Circular 20141, which states that the national government shall “provide financial benefits and make it as a longterm instrument and commitment to break the vicious poverty cycle afflicting the poor but deserving Filipino youth and their families.” >Turn to page 2

SpecialReport

Agri Eng’g dept addresses exam challenge by: Ma. Rhona Ysabel Daoang

The Department of Agricultural Engineering has intensified efforts toward a better performance in the licensure examinations. This is in response to the possible shutdown of the program as a result of the

2

INSIDE

CBEA bldg unfinished; contractor faces charges

low passing rate of Agricultural Engineering graduates in recent examinations.

A program is at risk of being shut down if it has zero passing for two consecutive years. >Turn to page 4

6

EDITORIAL: Imperative Call for Integrity

SYMBOL OF GLORY. Ms. Gay Myrell P. Abrogena, a BS Elementary Education graduate of the College of Teacher Education, shares her sentiments to media reporters as one of the first graduate of the Students’ Grants-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation. She was one of the seven student grantees awarded on May 20 at the CHED HEDC Auditorium, Diliman, Quezon City for excelling in their studies.

Univ populace up by 6. 12% MMSU ready for K to 12 by: Ma. Rhona Ysabel Daoang

Photo by: Albert Reiner Luis

Photo credit: Henedine Aguinaldo

The university’s enrolment for this academic year posted a significant increase of 6.12 percent, records from the Office of the Registrar show.

From last year’s 13,700, this year’s enrolment rose to 14, 539.

“The sharp increase in the number of enrollees was caused by the accommodation of 700 students under the Expanded Students’ Grants-In-Aid Program (ESGP-PA) for Poverty Alleviation Scholarship of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) that provides scholarships to students who belong to underprivileged families,” Ms. Felina J. Isaac, university registrar said.

Posting the highest percentage of increase are the College of Aquatic Sciences and Applied Technology (CASAT) and the College of Agriculture, Food, and Sustainable Development (CAFSD), with 63.87 percent and 40.72 percent, respectively. These colleges offer courses included in the

8

>Turn to page 3 CENTERFOLD: Classify your Teacher

Non-master’s degree holders out by 2016 by: Sweetzel Alyssa Villa and Michael Nacario

President Miriam E. Pascua stressed that the university is ready to address problems that will arise out of the full implementation of K to 12 program, which include a sharp enrolment drop and the possible retrenchment of some teachers due to the standards of the new curriculum, as well as CHED requirements.

As per CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 40, s. 2008, “all faculty members of higher education institutions (HEIs) must have at least a master's degree in line with their specialization.”

Although some faculty are only bachelor's degree holders, >Turn to page 4

Newsbrief

MMSU declares Core Values by: George Pasion

Aiming to achieve the mission and vision of the university, MMSU formalized its Core Values statement to guide university constituents. The three values are: Excellence, Integrity, Service to God and Country.

According to Dr. Miriam Pascua, university president, adherence to these values must

13

Book Review: The Fault In Our Stars

be seen in the daily activities of faculty, staff and students.

Ms. Geraldeen Pascua, chief of the university's guidance program, noted that having these values will have many positive effects on students' behavior.

The university has adopted various mechanisms to promote awareness of the core values among constituents.

16

MMSU to host SCUAA 2014

PeopleNewsEvents Univ accepts...from page 1

Selection of Scholars

Selection of delivering SUCs was based on the regional allocation proportionally distributed using the actual count of the total potential student-grantees of the 4Ps.

According to records of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), there are 1132 households enrolled in the 4Ps program, each indicated by their own Household ID Numbers.

The number of ESGP-PA enrollees in MMSU represent 60% of these households. Under ESGP-PA, only one scholar may be selected in a 4Ps household.

After the regional allocation, distribution of share per SUC was determined using the parameters of availability of CHED priority courses and other offerings aligned with the government's key growth areas. Among these are in the fields of semiconductor and electronics, business process outsourcing, tourism, agriculture, fisheries, general infrastructure and other priority manufacturing industries. Also, the programs of each SUC should be at least Level I accredited.

Among the priority courses available in the university, the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture program has the biggest number of 4Ps students.

Students’ Benefits and Guidance

For the whole academic year, each scholar will be receiving a maximum of Php60,000; Php20,000.00 of which is intended to cover the costs for tuition and other school fees, academic and extracurricular expenses; Php5,000 for textbooks and other learning materials; and a Php35,000 stipend.

Included in the stipend are food, lodging, clothing, transportation, health or medical needs, basic school supplies and other related costs.

Moreover, President Miriam E. Pascua reiterated the university’s commitment to helping the scholars.

“A closer guidance program for them [ESGP-PA scholars] shall be ensured. In fact, the university is also in the process of looking for guidance counselors,” Pascua added, acknowledging that some of the scholars are even from Pangasinan needing guidance as close as parenting.

According to Pascua, the university shall also ensure the convenience of the scholars in terms of their stay in the university.

Currently, the scholars are staying in the COED’s dorm, which is set for renovation.

Meanwhile, Prof. Henedine A. Aguinaldo, SSD director clarified that scholars were not able to receive their financial assistance on time due to problems in the list of scholars from DSWD. She said that there were clerical errors in the list which needed to be verified from the DSWD through the scholars’ household ID numbers.

“They [ESGP-PA scholars] even told me they would go back to their respective provinces and would never come back anymore. They no longer have enough money to survive since the stipend promised to them did not arrive on time,” Aguinaldo shared. To help the students, they were lent some money, which were immediately reimbursed upon the release of the scholars’ stipend.

President Pascua also said that the cafeteria would provide ESGP-PA scholars with meals if they fall short of finances, also to be paid when their stipend is released.

Budget Allocation and Funding

As stated in JMC 20141, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) will be releasing a total amount of Php 2.5 Billion directly to the SUCs for the student-grantees and activities of the program for academic year 20142015.

About Php 52 million is allocated to MMSU to cover the grantees’ tuition and other school fees, as well as administrative and other costs.

USC constructs additional catwalks by: Ma. Rhona Ysabel Daoang

A new catwalk connecting the twin gate to the Teatro Ilocandia has been constructed as a project of the University Student Council (USC).

According to USC President Jestoni Olivo, the 456-meter long Twin GateCAFSD-Teatro catwalk will benefit students who choose to walk every time they transfer from one building to another.

“Just a few painting and some roofing work, then MMSU Enactus...from page 3

were very confident that we woulld make it in the league, unfortunately, that was not the result,” Jheia Lindhelle Paned, Enactus presenter shared.

For eight years, MMSU's Enactus teams have consistently been in the top four nationwide. They have represented the Philippines in competitions in France and Mexico, among others.

we are all set,” said Engr. Marlon Agloco, in charge of the project.

The said construction was funded with an allocation cost of P1.8 million It was originally planned to be done

by June 25 but due to a 10- daytime extension and the variation order that allows additional 15 days, the university’s Physical Plant and General Services Division (PPGSD) together with VVH Construction Corporation, finished it by the end of July.

Enactus, previously known as SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise), is a prestigious group competition encompassing academics as well as business and entrepreneurship.

CHED Commissioner Dr. Patricia Licuanan served as the keynote speaker in this year's Enactus competition.

CBEA bldg unfinished; contractor faces charges

Photo by: Albert Reiner Luis

The university’s aim to address lack of classrooms is initially unmet as the contractor of the new building situated at the western part of the College of Business Economics and Accountancy (CBEA) allegedly diverted the fund intended for its construction.

The project, which was awarded to the contractor on February 19, 2013, had a 140day time frame. The building should have been done before the beginning of the first semester, said Agnes Lara Galleon, secretary of the University’s bids and awards committee.

COM on standby....from page 1

four documents,” explained Dr. Miriam Pascua when asked on the opening of COM this semester.

Based on the evaluation by the technical committee, one of the four documents that need to be secured is on the verification of the administrative experience of Dr. Marietta C. Baccay, assigned Dean of COM.

Other requirements include: assurance of the teaching experience of the faculty, the presentation of COM's extension sites and plans for community immersion, since the curriculum is geared toward serving the community. MMSU has already eyed Paoay and Currimao as extension sites, aside from Pagudpud being the original location.

“The go signal for us to open the Doctor of Medicine program is when CHED gives us clearance,” said Prof. Ryan Sucgang, the current chair of the College of Health Sciences’ Physical Therapy department, and the designated college secretary of the COM.

According to Sucgang, COM is already functioning as a unit of the university. It is now taking initial steps to further enhance the capability of the college to offer the Doctor of Medicine Program in terms of procurement, planning the construction of the building, capability building of the faculty, and thorough reviews of documents needed to establish the program.

COM is temporarily housed at the University Training Center.

Since the COM building shall be constructed at the lot where the University Motor Pool was originally situated, the latter shall be relocated to the Continuing Education Center. Blue prints have been signed and construction plans under way.

When the building was not finished on time, the contractor’s attention was called.

“He [the contractor] violated the time frame. He was not able to manage his finances,” said Dr. Miriam E. Pascua, university president. The funds given to the contractor to finish the project were allegedly diverted to his other projects.

The contractor, whose name Pascua refuses to specify for “humanitarian considerations," saying that the latter is already facing a lot of problems, including being blacklisted from any transaction in the university, is paying for liquidation

damages, due to irresponsibility.

To continue the project, the university opened a competitive bidding for interested contractors to fast track construction. As of press time, there are already three construction agencies interested namely JLP Construction, Astro Builders, and Remar Construction.

The BAC and the Technical working group will not only choose the bidder with the lowest price but also the one who is deemed the most compliant agency and with a quality construction performance.

Meanwhile, twenty-five (25) slots have already been filled in by potential students who have initially inquired at COM.

However, COM is eyeing a freshman class of about 30. , owing to the possible enrolment of two separate groups from India who have also been in contact with the personnel of the college.

“We have established our names especially our remarkable performances in the board exams for our nursing, physical therapy, and pharmacy, that is why in the web, MMSU is not an inferior school,” Dr. Pascua said.

Pres. Pascua, through Special Order No. 14-089 dated June 4, 2014, designated teaching assignments to some faculty members of the university for the COM. Prof. Aileen O. Camangeg,

Prof. Ma. Danica I. Ramil, Prof.

Rhian Jaymar D. Ramil, and Prof.

Janelyn V. Rojas were assigned to teach Pharmacology. Dr. Manolita S. Crisostomo, Prof. Gemma D. Galutira, and Dr. Artemio P. Seatriz were given teaching load in Research.

Dr. Carmelo J. Esteban, Prof.

Federico V. Nagtalon, and Prof. Ryan Dean T. Sucgang were designated as teachers in Preventive Medicine. In Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the designees are Dr. Prima Fe R. Franco, Dr. Wilma C. Natividad, and Dr. Grace U. Urmeneta. Atty.

Esperanza Caridad A. Orig shall be teaching Legal Medicine.

Dr. Maria Verena Remudaro, former training officer of the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital & Medical Center shall also serve as the Associate Dean of COM.

by: Michael C. Nacario

USC to purchase...from page 1

will manufacture the environmentfriendly vehicle.

“Being the highest governing body of the University which gives utmost importance to students’ welfare and interest, we aim to put into operation our concern for student convenience,” said Hon. Jestoni Olivo, USC President.

He added that the project is

a solution, not only to the students’ problems with tricycle drivers, but also to alleviate financial burdens.

The EV Team is composed of Engr. Edmund Edison A. Esteban, Engr. Thomas D. Ubiňa, Prof. Raymund R. Baniaga, Engr.

Romaric G. Ascano, Engr. Ian V. Romas, Prof. Zaldy A. Fernandez and Prof. Ferdinand P. Huenda.

ERRATUM

The Editorial Board would like to apologize for failing to include the results of the Agricultural Engineering Board Exam in the August 2013 board exam result of their graduates in the "Board Exam Stick Pad" of the paper's first issue last academic year 2013-2014.

Six out of the thirteen first timers passed the exam posing a 46.15% passing rate. None of the six repeaters passed the exam. The overall percentage is 31.58%, slightly lower than the 39.46% national passing.

We would like to the Department of Agricultural Engineering, and offer as well our sincerest congratulations to the passers.

PeopleNewsEvents MMSU loses Enactus crown by: Sweetzel Alyssa Villa

In an unexpected twist of fate, MMSU-Enactus failed to defend their crown during the 2014 Enactus National competition held at the SMX, Convention Center, Pasay City on July 25-26.

The 8-year commendable legacy of being one of the top teams in the country was halted as this year’s team lose to Holy Trinity College during their league competition, consequently robbing the team of the chance to present in the final round.

The top four, out of nineteen competing teams, who emerged during the 2014 Nationals were: University of Luzon, Holy Trinity College, Sultan Kudarat State University - Access Campus and University of San Carlos.

University of Luzon is the Enactus Nationals champion and will represent the Philippines in the Enactus World Cup in Beijing, China on October 22-26.

During an interview with MMSU-Enactus executive adviser, Dr. Marivic Alimbuyuguen, she admitted that she was surprised with

the results of the league competition.

However, she stressed that the competition is a very good academic exercise. Students are taught to use their skills in entrepreneurship and at the same time, values are instilled in their minds. This also highlights the essence of teamwork which is also important in the business world. It is not a mere contest that ends in the academe but extends to students’ future jobs and exposures.

When asked if MMSU will join in next year’s competition, she said “We will continue developing in our students the Enactus spirit in the implementation of our projects, not necessarily to compete but to use the power of business to help people help themselves. The competition?

We will cross the bridge when we get there.”

“Since the judging in Enactus National Competition is subjective, it is really hard to determine the delineation of the impacts of the projects presented. We turn to page 2

MMSU buildings among PH ten most beautiful By: Dan Christopher San Juan

Photo from MMSU website

Despite some setbacks experienced by students due to lack of facilities and some structures still not renovated in the university, MMSU still snagged a spot among the country's most beautiful school buildings.

An article in the website paciifiqa.com cites MMSU in a list of ten "most beautiful school buildings in the Philippines."

The article describes MMSU's architecture as "standing

out for their thick columns, exquisite arcs, and smooth finishes," and includes a photo of the administration building.

Architect Bienvenido Magno, consultant of the Physical Plant and General Services Division, said that the design of the university's buildings conforms to the styles of Ilocos Region.

“The consistency of preparation in maintaining the integrity and the classical design of the school buildings are inevitable

because MMSU is not just an ordinary structure,” he further said.

MMSU buildings are noted for integrating architecture design elements such as arcs, wide windows made of capiz, wide corridors, thick columns and high steep roofs.

Building materials include locally produced materials such as bricks and pounded coralline rocks for the walls and partitions.

Univ makes accreditation a way of life

Support to Students boosted

The role of students

Under the Support to respectively, of the University’s Students area, accreditors do not Working Group for Institutional by: Michael C. Nacario University’s Program Accreditation only evaluate the qualifications Accreditation.

“Accreditation should be for Quality Assurance (PAQuA). of the university based on a way of life.”

If this is done, teachers, documents.

“They go out to

President Miriam E. Pascua who help in the preparation of interview stakeholders, especially Univ populace...from page 1 said this in an interview with the documents, would not need to the students. Aside from that, they Sirmata, stressing the need to go sacrifice their classes in order to do ocular inspection,” shared Dr. list of priority courses for the ESGPbeyond the usual preparations for meet certain deadlines, Johnson said.

Johnson, citing her experience as a PA Program, such as BS Agriculture, BS Environmental Science, BS program accreditations especially This way, the university program accreditor. now that MMSU gears towards could handle surprise visits and Guidance counselor shortage

According to Dr. Johnson, Forestry and BS Development institutional accreditation (IA) on would be seen at its best any time Meanwhile, it was revealed accreditors usually ask about the Communication in CAFSD; and BS November 18-21. of the year. Institutional and that the university currently lacks vision and mission of the university. Marine Biology and BS Fisheries in

“Taking institutional program accreditations, however, the number of guidance counselors Johnson, who has been a national CASAT. Even with this increase, accreditation more seriously than the need scheduling considering the prescribed by IA guidelines. Dr. accreditor since 1993, said that usual program accreditation requires number of universities applying for Johnson said that a ratio of 1 accreditors prefer a more elaborate CASAT remains to be the college a strict compliance to the university’s accreditation. guidance counselor to every 1000 explanation “coming from the with the least number of students, culture of excellence," said Dr. Support to Students students should be achieved to meet heart” rather than the word-by-word with the exception of the College of Pascua indicating that the practices Among the nine areas the standard for this area. Based on statement of the vision, mission, Law.

CBEA remains the biggest required in the IA should be done evaluated in the accreditation enrolment, MMSU needs 13 licensed goals and objectives. college, with 2, 768 students, every day. process is Support to Students. guidance counselors. Currently, Dr. Cesario Y. Pacis, dean of followed by College of Engineering

“If we, the faculty According to Dr. Cristina however, only five are employed the College of Industrial Technology [members] have already imbibed B. Johnson, Program Accreditation by the university. According to Dr. and Prof. Henedine A. Aguinaldo, (COE) with 2, 568 enrollees. CAFSD in us the culture of excellence, for Quality Assurance (PAQuA) Johnson, even if the university director for student services and has 1,714; College of Industrial accreditation is everyday,” remarked Chief, the student services plans to hire, there are no qualified development, are Area Chair and Technology (CIT), 1,607; College Dr. Cristina B. Johnson, chief of the component is evaluated in terms applicants.

Co-Chair for Student Services, of Teacher Education (CTE), 1,585; College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), 1,026; Elementary, 652; High School, 607; Graduate School, 402; Pre This issue's Board Exam Stick Pad shows the performance of MMSU graduates in the licensure examinations administered by the school, 136; CASAT, 195; College Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) from April to July 2014. of Law (COL), 60; and CTE ShortTerm Program, 40.

Despite the increase, Isaac is confident that the university has enough rooms to cater to all students.

The then Cotton Development Administration (CODA) building, now the Philippine Fiber Administration (PhilFIDA) and the Continuing Education and Training Center (CETC) building are still being used for General Education subjects. A new building at the College of Business Economics and Accountancy (CBEA) is under construction, and the eastern part of the Teatro Ilocandia Basement has also been converted into classrooms.

Isaac added that the University’s excellent passing rate in Licensure Exams and the job OVERALL PEFORMANCE: 45.32% (63 OUT OF 139) opportunities for graduates of

The overall performance rating of 45.32 % means that MMSU graduates have a batting average of four out of nine in passing MMSU graduates are some reasons professional licensure examinations within the stated period.

Source: PRC website (www.prc.gov.ph students choose MMSU. of the satisfactory delivery of such services as food services, health care services, library services, guidance and counseling, student publications, and scholarships, among others.

Along this line, MMSU President Dr. Miriam Pascua shared that she has approved the purchase of additional LCD projectors and books for students’ use.

Board Exam Stick Pad

PeopleNewsEvents

Pascua declares last term plans by: Sweetzel Alyssa Villa and Michael Nacario

Continuing her commitment to upholding excellence, integrity and service to God and country, President Miriam Pascua leads the Mariano Marcos State University on the last year of her term, integrating her plans and strategies for Academic Year 2014-2015.

Pascua’s last term as president of the university ends in May 2015. This is in accordance with existing policies and guidelines which stipulate that a university president shall only be allowed to serve in the particular position for two terms, with four years each.

However, Pascua was permitted to serve for 10 years because her first two years was a continuation of the unfinished term of former President Saturnino Ocampo, Jr.

“This is my last academic year as the president and I am no longer eligible to re-apply. In fact, I was already given two years as a bonus” Pascua said.

Infrastructures on the rise

Two of the biggest milestones of the university, the establishment of the College of Law in 2008, and the College of Medicine (COM), happened under Pascua’s Administration. To actualize COM, the construction of its building shall commence in this academic year.

Before the end of her term, Pascua also vowed to ensure the accomplishment of the proposed buildings in the university, appropriate to the needs of students and the community. She assured in an interview with Sirmata the

Univ upgrades medical, dental services by: Mark John Ley Ligsay

The university infirmary strengthened its services through the acquisition of new facilities and staff development in order to extend better services to the university community.

According to Dr. Leonisa Silvestre, director of medical services, the new facilities are Urinalysis Machine for medical tests, Dental Scaler for dental filling, Nebulizer for respiratory problems, Needle Burner for the proper disposal of medical needles, and a Droplight which is a suspended light for the work area on the treatment of minor wounds or injuries.

“There are also new crutches and additional First Aid kits which will be used in the upcoming SCUAA 2014 for the treatment of minor injuries commonly encountered during the games,” said Silvestre.

Recently, Dr. Silvestre attended a Seminar on Infection Control, as well as the Annual Convention of the Philippine Medical Association and the Philippine Dental Association to

ensure that professional and quality healthcare services are provided to the MMSU community.

According to Silvestre, the concerns that need Medical/ Dental treatments usually suffered

by MMSU students are coughs and colds, stomachaches, abdominal pains, vomiting, LBM, flu, fever, fractures, and minor wounds.

Silvestre cited climatic changes and physical activities like sports and vehicular accidents as some of the causes of these concerns that need medical attention.

Silvestre also suggested that students to have a balanceddiet, take enough exercise, and drink plenty of water at least 8-10 glasses a day. She added that students should avoid staying under the sun and the rain for too long; and have anti-flu shots every year.

To make sure that students utilize the fifty-peso Medical & Dental fee included in their tuition fees, they are encouraged to visit the university clinic to attend to their medical and dental needs, according to Dr. Leonisa Silvestre, Infirmary head.

Agri Eng’g dept....from page 1

However, Dr. Arnold Dumaoal, Sr. department chair, stressed that MMSU is far from this situation, since it was able to produce graduates in the latest board exam.

Dumaoal claimed that the low passing rate is due to the inadequacy of review materials given

by Review Centers and the lack of coordination between the University and some employed Agricultural Engineering Graduates who took the Board Exam for promotion without undergoing thorough review and other legal procedures that the University mandated.

Hence, the University and the Agricultural Engineering department came up with 14 guidelines to improve the performance of AgEng graduates in examinations, including mentoring

of each faculty of at most five 5th year students every afternoon or during their free time, regular meeting with the parents per month in order to address problems about their child’s academic performance and motivating the parents to respond to their child’s needs

In addition, the students are encouraged to attend conferences and go on field trips to update them on Farm Power and Machinery, Soil and Water resources, Crop Processing and Farm Structures and electrification, as well as other subjects.

Agricultural Engineering students have the highest number of enrollees this semester compared to other courses at the College of Engineering.

construction of the Institute of Communication that will house two Communication programs of the university namely BS in Development Communication of the College of Agriculture, Food and Sustainable Development (CAFSD) and BA in Communication of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS).

Also, Pascua strongly guaranteed the finishing of the new building at the College of Business Economics and Accountancy (CBEA). This project was supposed to be accomplished before the first semester of this academic year to address classroom shortage. However, a problem with the contractor delayed its accomplishment.

Aside from these, the president acknowledged the nearcompletion of the construction of the Science and Technology Park which was started last year.

“The S & T Park will serve as a marketing area for us to promote our products, as well as the products of local entrepreneurs. It will be a place where we can showcase our crops and the new innovations of the university, like the Ceramic Water Filter,” Pascua said.

Moreover, it will be an avenue to advertise the Bonsai School which is devoted to propagateing Bonsai in the Ilocos region.

Pascua said that the university shall also operate the Food Innovation Center in the building CETC building

“The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) donated equipment for the university. This will further help the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) who want to have very good preparation and packaging of their products. This will be a shared facility between the SME and MMSU.” Pascua said.

Student welfare

Pascua emphasized that throughout her administration, the welfare of the students has been top priority.

She shared that MMSU’s MMSU ready....from page 1 they are only holding contractual stratus. A master's degree is required before they are granted regular employment status.

Currently, the university employs a number of teachers in contractual status. Under exceptional circumstances, they are sent on scholarship programs in order to pursue their master’s degrees.

However, according to President Miriam E. Pascua, those who are still non-masters’ degree holders are vulnerable not only because of the CMO but due to the sharp enrolment drop by the full implementation of K to 12 program. She said that most of the subjects taught by these teachers under contractual status are General Education (GE) subjects, most of which will be phased out or will be taken up in the additional two years in secondary school.

“Non-master's degree

quota in the Expanded Students Grants-inAid Program for Poverty Alleviation (ESGPPA) scholarship, program for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, has been increased from 31 to 781.

“CHED identified MMSU being a leading university in the country as one of the schools that should cater to the needs of the 4Ps grantees. The students should realize that “Juan dela Cruz” is supporting them to college so they should do their best to serve the community in the future,” Pascua explained.

MMSU’s ESGP-PA enrollees come from Pangasinan, La Union, Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte.

Formalizing the Core Values

Transparency, according to Pascua, is the motto of her administration.

“When irregularities arise, I would immediately call the attention of the personnel involved and if proven guilty, an appropriate sanction will be imposed,” said Pascua. However, she divulged that none of the administrative staff members has violated any of the auditing procedures and implementations of the university.

Under Pascua’s administration, the University’s vision and mission were revisited, and its core values formalized.

These are: Integrity, Excellence, and Service to God and the Community.

“I always emphasize excellence to be a way of life," Pascua said, detailing plans for the University’s Institutional Accreditation in November this year.

Message to the Successor

Pascua expressed hope that the next president will continue the work that her administration has started. “There should be continuity

in our programs and projects and the university should always be on top. I hope that the next president will continue our integrity and excellence,” she said.

Pascua said that she does not have a personal pick on who deserves to take the presidency. The application for presidency shall be opened soon, and application is open even to those who are not currently with MMSU.

“If I have to choose, I would prefer someone who is already familiar with the undertakings of the university,” Pascua said.

Pascua has three more years before reaching full retirement. She said that even if she will no longer be president, she still looks forward to serving MMSU in the next three years.

holder teachers can still teach in High School but they have to take Professional Education units,” added Pascua. She also said that they will still be assured with workloads in teaching Senior High School students. She explained that “it is just a matter of transferring the plantilla items. Instead of them [teachers] receiving their salary from the budget of the university, they will receive their salary from DepEd.”

According to Pascua, the Board of Regents has already approved the intention of CHED for the university to share its facilities with DepEd, especially for Senior High Schools.

“I am thinking of a preuniversity general education program or a baccalaureate general education program as an option. Due to the lack of facilities and classrooms needed for the Senior High School, the university can offer its amenities to the Department of Education,”

she suggested.

With the current GE subjects moved to the Senior High School level in the K to 12 curriculum, the usual four-year course shall be compressed into three years fully devoted for major subjects however, according to Pascua, there is a need to revise and realign the curriculum and unit loads of the degree programs offered in the university to adhere to the international education standard.

“As of now, CHED is working on determining the appropriate subjects which should be included in the curriculum of specific degree programs,” said Pascua.

Finally, Pascua said that the Kto12 program is not a threat to the university. She said that with proper preparation and coordination with government agencies, the university can hurdle the consequences of the implementation of the program.

PeopleNewsEvents SIKA fosters youth involvement 2014 MMSU top grad heads org by: Patrick John Quitoriano

Following the suspension of elections for the Sangguniang Kabataan, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) established the Sirib Ilokano Kabataan Association (SIKA) to foster youth involvement in the province. SIKA was officially formed during the Sirib Leadership Camp at Bangui, Ilocos Norte on April 6-16.

Under PGIN’s Sirib Express Program, SIKA seeks primarily to promote volunteerism among the youth and to build a strong Ilocano youth infrastructure.

The organization also enables the youth to participate in the projects and programs of Ilocos Norte.

Communications and Media Office Head Jun Arvin Gudoy said that forming the group is participatory democracy at its finest.

“It was formed by and for the youth at this critical time when the young

are accused to be apathetic and oblivious to the world. Sabi nga sa Facebook, minsan ‘pag nagdadrama and status ‘Ano’ng ipinaglalaban natin?’ Pag Sirib ang tinanong mo niyan, alam na alam niya ang sagot.

May kanya-kanya silang advocacies at hilig, pero they are united in one goal,” Gudoy added.

James Caesar Ventura, who led MMSU’s class of 2014, is SIKA’s current president. According to Ventura, young people who want to ‘enjoy life’ while ensuring that their rights are being protected for the welfare of their own barangays, towns and schools, should join SIKA.

He related how his life changed through SIKA, realizing the need to help his fellow youth.

“The day we formed SIKA was the day we proclaimed war to this unpleasant societal set-up where the youth is in so much disadvantage. I

'JLo' Ilocano orthography opposed by: Ma. Rhona Ysabel Daoang

An orthography of Ilokano, used and taught in schools in Ilocos Norte, is met with opposition by Ilocanos, including writers and linguists.

The orthography was, created by Dr. Joel Lopez, assistant division superintendent and MTB-MLE (Mother Tongue Based Multilingual Education) coordinator of DepEd Ilocos Norte, and adopted by the DepEd in the implementation of MTB-MLE in Ilocano.

Lopez's orthography (also called the 'JLo' orthogropahy by some of its critics), was endorsed by the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino, chaired by Dr. Virgilio Almario, a national artist for literature.

With this, Almario mandated the application of a Pangkagawaran Blg. 34, Serye 2013 of the Department of Education or the Ortograpiyang Pambansa to all Philippine languages.

In the said orthography, Lopez introduced the following: the insertion of “w” or “y” in Ilocano diphthongs (e.g. the word for two is written as "duwa," not "dua"), separation of a pronoun from the noun preceding it; and change of the rules in the use of the ligatures “a” and “nga”.

According to Herdy La Yumul, a writer and social sciences instructor of MMSU, the application of the JLo ortography system will cause confusions among preparatory and elementary school pupils, as well as students in higher education.

Moreover, Yumul said that this controversial movement was fueled by an educator who singlehandedly introduced his reform of the Ilokano orthography or spelling without consulting Ilokano scholars and writers, and other stakeholders.

Other notable Ilocanos like Dr. Aurelio Agcaoili, writer, linguist and head of the University of Hawaii's Ilocano studies program, as well as groups such as Gunglo dagiti Mannurat nga Ilokano (GUMIL) and Nakem Conferences have expressed their opposition to the JLo orthography, launching campaigns and sending letters and petitions to DepEd and KWF, as well as to the President himself.

He said that a growing number of Philippine linguistic groups continue to oppose the orthography.

Yumul added that a multisectoral coalition, composed of concerned individuals and groups around the world, have written to UNESCO. Meanwhile, a multisectoral group including Dr. Alegria Visaya, chief of the MMSU Center for Ilokano and Amianan Studies, and June Arvin Gudoy, head of the Ilocos Norte Provincial Government Communication and Media Office, sent then Ilocos Norte Superintendent Cecilia Aribuabo a letter requesting for a consultation process.

Aribuabo, however, has recently been transferred to the Laoag City division.

have become an Ilocano youth who is willing to be out in the streets to shout for my rights and interests,” Ventura said.

Ventura further encouraged more youth to join their growing count, emphasizing, “Remember that nobody will secure us a good future but ourselves.”

Other officers of SIKA are former MMSU Student Regent Emil James Tanagon as Vice President (VP) for Administration, Randolf Balon as VP for Youth, Generose Ubasa as Secretary, Irene Ulit as Treasurer, Menard Valencia as Auditor, and Patrick John Quitoriano and Weenter Ventura as Communication Manager.

Tears are..from page 7

organizations are more unfortunate.

While there are greater privileges in these orgs, their officers handle larger responsibility and heavier work. I tell you, intense focus on studies needs to be coupled with extra hard work.

While being preoccupied with the duties of an officer the mere thought of having to face your studies would haunt you afterwards.

Stress is an understatement of what I feel. It is, in fact, beyond that.

Personally, dealing with high stress levels almost destroys my sanity. I would squirm every night, thinking about which assignment I should do first. I would skip meals just to finish my requirements and fulfill responsibilities in my org. I process papers during my free time, beating the deadline set by my superior. I have to deal with various officials and conform to their moods and standards, not leaving out any detail required. I have to attend classes and pay attention rather than thinking of my next task I have to do for my org.

All of these just to comply with my sworn responsibilities.

In the evening, I have to review my notes. At least read them in case there is any surprise exam the next day. I always end up with just three to four hours of sleep, 7 days

Accenture proposes Univ Lib as call center hub by: Dale Adun & Patrick John Quitoriano

Accenture, a leading Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) company expressed interest in MMSU as a potential location, targeting the library’s second floor as a site for its contact center operations.

According to Dr. Miriam E. Pascua, the proposal of the BPO Company is still under deliberation in the Board of Regents.

“The rent they [Accenture] are proposing can be a big help to the university," said Pascua.

The proposed project is scheduled to commence on September this year. Under the proposal, the company will be paying MMSU Php 225, 000 per

in a row. There are times that I could no longer contain it. I lose control and end up crying my eyes out.

Crying and wondering why I even joined the organizations in the first place. Crying why I have to do these and those. Crying, because at the end of every self-reflection, I liked it that way.

Maybe I’m the problem.

Maybe stress management is not really my thing. But mind you, belonging to these organizations is not just a burden. Sometimes, they give the best relief. That despite the heavy work, you have colleagues who are like family. The happiness and bonding with them is enough reward for your efforts. Sometimes, I even find myself going to school not because I am eager to attend my classes but because I am looking forward to being with my teammates and co-writers.

We have our own motivations. We join organizations because we either want the limelight or we genuinely want to serve. Maybe both. Either way, we should not sacrifice our academic performance for our extracurricular activities.

Coelho is right; tears are words waiting to be written. I have written the connotation of my tears, now I am ready to figure things out.

month. Pascua added that the proposal includes the renovation of the library’s second floor, which currently houses the Iluko museum.

The relocation site for the museum is not yet decided. Reportedly, the call center will have 500 seats.

“This is an opportunity the university needs to take seriously. We have graduates who, regardless of their degree courses, are proficient in English. This speaks of the manpower MMSU has,” said Mr. Rey Villacillo, information and technology center director.

Accenture is represented by its Managing Director, Benedict Hernandez, in negotiating with the University.

Of investments...from page 7

incomplete grades or 4.0s not completed or removed on time, and strong commitments to organizations and other extracurricular activities – one should learn to weigh things. We should learn to give importance and utilize the opportunities given to us with the aim of realizing productive results. It is our responsibility, as part of this investment, to set our goals and meet them in the end. Better yet, to exceed them.

However, the profits of this outlay cannot be maximized if only one side is functioning. This is where the university should enter the scene.

Like serving the landlords, the university is the farmer that takes care of the crops, making sure that when the harvest season comes, a good yield is produced. Constant and close supervision and guidance are needed to realize this target.

Let me emphasize that we students of MMSU, are part of an investment. Neither the government nor we can afford to lose in this investment. We should not let ourselves end up realizing that we have become bankrupt because of our neglect and irresponsibility as “Iskolar ng Bayan.”

Photo from Facebook Run with faith. Life Box, an officially recognized interest club of the university geared towards uplifting the spiritual well-being of students, conducted a Fun Run and Concert on July 27 in celebration of the group's 10th anniversary.

PepsCommentariesPoints EDITORIAL

Imperative Call for Integrity

Reflecting on the recent occurrences in the country's political scene, there is one thing that the Philippine government lack – Integrity.

On the other hand, the University strives to uphold the value of Integrity, formalizing it as one of the university's core values, along with Excellence and Service to God and Country. The formalization of the university's core values came together with the revision of its vision and mission.

The commitment of the university is evident when it comes to upholding its culture of excellence by simultaneously aiming to serve God and the community. Adding Integrity to the core values somehow manifests a deeper reflection on the process of attaining our goals and satisfying our objectives. It is timely, considering how the national government struggles to uphold it.

By definition, Integrity is a firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic value and the quality of being complete or whole, and honest and fair.

How is integrity upheld in the university's everyday functions?

In auditing processes, proper protocols are strictly implemented in order to ensure transparency and avoid any form of irregularities.

However, these protocols should be effectively disseminated so that noncompliance due to ignorance is avoided. Students who, by circumstance, are having business with the school administration through processing student activities and the like should be guided accordingly, and with proper attitude. We should not be attacked with unpleasant words from respective offices who demand additional document attachments.

Fairness comes with consideration, and that is part of imbibing integrity.

In preparation for institutional accreditation, honesty as a basic component of integrity should be reflected. Improvement is commended and encouraged however, if it is done only due to the demand of evaluating quality assurance, it denies not just the virtue of integrity but the unspoken virtues the university has. We are expected to make this a way of life by being fair, conforming to our established culture of excellence. The need to prove quality assurance should emerge when we are genuinely ready and capable. We do not need to catch our breaths rushing documents. As they say, any form of achievement is good if we do not lose our integrity in the process.

In instruction, good teaching flourishes from the integrity of the teacher who should be academically and morally prepared in beinga good example of the profession he signifies. Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, and knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful.

As students, we demand that the university hire teachers who are not just intellectually excellent but virtuously humane. Students should receive nothing but a fair form of education, if they are to imbibe this value. Since our vision includes “development of virtuous human resources”, it is implied that classes should be grounds for cultivating good moral characters.

Preserving and using the core values in influencing people is now becoming more imperative than ever. If the national government cannot create an outstanding model of integrity, maybe a smaller unit, like our dear MMSU, can commence and be one.

Relevance

Excellence

Growth

SIRMATA EDITORIAL TEAM 2014-2015 The Official Publication of the College Students of the Mariano Marcos State University Vol. XXXII No. 1 * June-July 2014

Michael Nacario Editor in Chief Jheia Lindhelle Paned, John Lester Alos Associate Editors Allysa Marie Jacinto, Aris AGPaoa, Charmaine Paguio Managing Editors Herleyson Baldoz, Dale Addun Circulations Managers Sweetzel Alyssa Villa News Editor Erika Francisco Features Editor Aaron Roa Literary Editor Aljon Tugaoen Sports Editor Irene Ulit, Jhoanna FAYE Jacinto, Lloyd Anicier Barba, Ma. Rhona Ysabel Daoang News Writers Lane Franchelle Caleon, Jade Agapinan, Karen dela Cruz Features Writers Edessa Dana Salacup, Linell Agustin Literary Writers Jose Levi Antiporda, Claerence John Pambid Sports Writers Albert Reiner Ruiz, John Reiwille SImeon Photojournalits Jeffrey Cobong, Jay Mark Pornela, Julius SALOM Illustrators Ryan Roi Domingo Lay-out Artist Dan Christopher San Juan, George Pasion, Patrick Jan Reyes, Ma. Joreina Therese Blanco, Brett Andrew Buncayao, Denver Daoang, Gwynett Quiterus, Ma. Kathrina Ysabel Antonio, Patrick John Quitoriano, Mark John Ley LIgsay Correspondents John Vincent Toribio Technical Adviser Florecita Cortero Technical Adviser Luvee Hazel Aquino Englich Critic Francisca Nicolaso Filipino Critic

An engineer who writes

One of my former editors shared a story which is now deeply buried in my heart. And I am going to have my first column for this academic year contain a story which might touch some of you. Michael Nacario By reflection, you might hobby, his father would always say. realize one thing about The determined boy did not give up your stay here in the university.

A boy who was about to on persuading his father. The last enter college. He was so sure of words his father told him were the what he wanted to be – a writer. This turning point of the boy’s life: “Your boy’s talent in writing is so natural uncle is an engineer and he writes. that you could imagine several books You can still write while you do your implanted in his brain while he job as an engineer.”

The boy answered – “but I writes. want to be a writer, not an engineer

On the day he filled out his who writes!”

He ran as fast as he application for college, he talked to could and decided to take his fate on his dad and told him about his college plan. The boy knew his father would his own hands from that day on.

Unfortunately, that is the never agree to it. But he emulated the dauntless personality of one of the end of the story. We can only guess characters in the book he wrote. So, what happened next.

I am not that boy in the he told his dad. story.

His family was well-off. He

The boy's father got angry and insisted that his son be an even called his father dad. I only engineer instead. Writing is just a have my angkel and lilo. Unlike him,

Peripheral Views

I am not the first editor of Sirmata who happened to be enrolled in an engineering program nor will I be the last. My predecessors succeeded in this profession and so will my successors.

I wanted to be a writer and engineer at the same time.

His father was right, at least for me. But considering their status in life, the boy could just follow his ambition without thinking about his father’s sentiments. Who cares what his profession will be? They are rich anyway.

However, had their economic status been otherwise, the boy could have thought and acted differently. Then, I could be that boy in the story.

I chose this course to ensure a future based on practicality. But this does not mean being a writer could not make one a billionaire, look what happened to JK Rowling, turn to page 14

The connotation of tears

“Tears are words that need to be written”.

Allow me to use this quotation from one of the most notable contemporary novelists, Paulo Coelho.

I have shed a lot of Jheia Lindhelle Paned tears during my college years, and it is stupid not to think that And this time, I want to give other students have not, whatever the reason may be. Each student emphasis on the academic aspect of carries various burdens: financial, students’ struggles by sharing my personal, academic. I know the own experiences School workloads are some classical struggle of not being able of the reasons that made me shed to pay tuition fees on time, family most of my tears.

I have to attend problems—parents going abroad and broken families—that affect classes regularly, pay attention to students’ behavior, and loads of lectures, do seatwork and post-lecture activities, review for exams, meet school work. requirements, you name it – every school work that haunts students.

I know the classical And when successive assignments struggle of not being able and exams come, there goes the to pay tuition fees on confusion on what to prioritize. time, family problems— Outstanding academic parents going abroad and performance does not even matter broken families—that in college; the main goal of most affect students’ behavior students is to pass the subjects.

For students who rise above

Sigil

passivity and apathy come the countless organizations and curricular activities amidst these academic difficulties. While we are very busy focusing on our course requirements, we are also encouraged to engage in some extra curricular activities and organizations that demand much from officers and active members.

Unfortunately, those who are seen as the best in their classes or even their colleges are always recommended by teachers to join different organizations that need interested and talented students, resulting in conflict of interest.

However, it is very lamenting that the support of those who encouraged you to join suddenly disappears. You are then left to tackle and face the responsibilities that come with your position.

Meanwhile, those who belong to university-wide turn to page 5

PepsCommentariesPoints Of investments and recompenses

Just as farmers exhaust their sweat and blood in properly cultivating their land to produce the best crops, our government’s efforts and investments on educational assistance are John Lester Alos continuously poured out, believing and making sure that such measures will discovered how well and how far I pave millions of impoverished could stand my shivering spines each individuals’ way to progress. time I to talk to concerned people;

I am a part of this whether it is about the delay of the investment. stipend or tuition. I also learned to

For more than two years of juggle my hours between my acads being under the Iskolar ni Manang and extracurricular endeavors, Imee Program of the Provincial consciously looking after my grades.

Government of Ilocos Norte, I I even lessened my involvement in did not fail to recognize the help organizations that will take much of extended for my education. More my time, declining initiations to run than the full tuition and monthly for some posts. stipend being paid by the program, it One time, I was even has helped me build a better part of forced to make an explanation letter myself. addressed to the governor for not

Being a scholarship attending an orientation program. grantee was a learning experience. I The reason – I had classes I could not afford to miss.

These are among the many sacrifices I have made for the sake of getting good grades at the end of the semester. I always make sure that this support laid right under my nose

Personal Angst

To my observation, apathy has become prevalent.

Is it not unfair when students manage to complain with the system when they never do anything to initiate change? will not be put to waste, and at the very least, not disappoint the people behind the scholarship program. All these became a partner in my growth not only as a scholar but as a student as well.

You, like me, are a part of this. We study in a university funded by the government. We get the quality of education we need at a minimal price. We are receiving opportunities so it is then just proper to compensate the efforts exerted for us.

Many of us, however, fail to see and realize the responsibilities that come with this support. Many tend to become negligent, overlooking the many responsibilities that we need to fulfill toward earning a degree.

In my observation, apathy has become prevalent. Some students would not be bothered

Yearning seats and offices I m a g i n e a caterpillar in an enclosed container.

Will it be able to have its metamorphosis and become a butterfly of Alyssa Marie Jacinto exquisite appearance even without having commitments knowing that holding the chance to explore the outside a position in any organization means world? more than just being a part of it.

Academic organizations Once they are committed to an and interest clubs aim to strengthen organization, they need to devote unity among all students. Student time, attention, and efforts to come leaders are obliged to voice out the up with productive projects. concerns of the majority of their From the speeches delivered colleagues. They are expected to by some nominees, they were not quench the thirst for reforms and afraid to admit their unpreparedness improvements of the studentry. for the position offered to them.

Despite the recent election They lack self-confidence and belief of new officers, we cannot deny in their own leadership potentials. that the university lacks aspiring Being grade conscious is student leaders. This is not against another factor some students are the elected officers, for they deserve afraid to cross the line between their respective positions. This is academic priorities and extraan attempt to assess the degree of curricular involvements. Academic apathy the students of this university performance, for them, is so have. important that sacrificing even

Withdrawal of candidacy, a small amount of time cannot objection to nominations, and be considered. Most of them are unopposed parties were the recent recipients of scholarships strictly scenarios I have noticed. Maybe guided by grade requirements; a some of them are afraid of additional single slip would mean the end of their educational privilege.

I am not against these students for I acknowledge individual differences. However, it should be considered that being endorsed or offered by an opportunity to run for a certain position speaks of the people’s belief in your capacity as a leader. You are outstanding.

Offices are always willing to welcome officers but why do only some welcome offices? Ironic, isn’t it? Declining any position is not the answer to fully enjoy your tertiary

Phantasmagoria

This is not against the elected officers, for they deserve their respective positions. This is an attempt to assess the degree of apathy the students of this university have.

Empower every organization by fulfilling its mission and vision. Plan and make it happen. days. Being afraid to try cannot help in honing our skills. Indeed, involvement in organizations makes possible essential experiences to better develop one’s innate capabilities.

Organizations serve as training grounds to prepare ourselves for greater endeavors in the future. Loaded with different responsibilities, we will be able to effectively value time management.

We will have greater chance to mingle with different personalities and to conduct various transactions with different departments

The university needs leaders who could voice out the students' concerns to the administration.

Do not be hesitant to try. More importantly do not be afraid to hold a position. Vacant seats are yearning for your presence and your fellows are waiting for your actions.

Empower every organization by fulfilling its mission and vision. Plan and make it happen.

Now, let me ask you: if you were the caterpillar, will you be able to know your capabilities if you remain complacent with your present disposition? Like the caterpillar that will eventually turn into a butterfly, you need to spread your tiny colorful wings in order to paint every student’s life. Be a catalyst, ending apathy that imprisons your real self in a rigid container.

with USC and SC rallies and taking part in elections. In the most recent USC polls, for instance, only 73.78% exercised their right to vote. Though the report surpassed last year’s statistics, still a question haunts my mind: “What has the approximately 25% of MMSU populace done?”

In our college alone, calling for students to attend the flag ceremony is a hard task. When activities like clean and green programs, general assemblies, and Unigames are set, some would resort to the litany of, “Agmultanak to lattan, 25 met lang.”

There is actually a long list of when apathy is observed in this institution. As much as I want to

name them all, this narrow space of my column could not accommodate them.

I do not want to sound exasperated but, is it not unfair when students complain about the system when they never do anything to initiate change, forgetting to air their voices?

Second is failure to meet expectations such as in maintaining good academic standing. This eventually leads to failure in finishing degrees on time. Whatever the reasons may be – whether family problems, financial difficulties, teacher factor, priorities dropped, turn to page 5

Heart to heart

One painful truth that every student has to endure throughout college life is the difficulty of Herleyson Baldoz college itself.

In case your mind is about to explode due to an overdose of problems, feel free to visit your absolute refuge - the guidance office.

The guidance office has long been a picture of agony since it is usually associated with students under disciplinary actions. It's a little aspect, the guidance office prepares bit of misconception. the students in their choice of

The role of the guidance specialization, handling practicum office is not just, and supposedly not, or on-the-job training, passing to impose penalty to faulty students competitive examinations and but rather to offer guidance and succeeding in their job search. counseling to the general student Students who understand population, making it available for the importance of the guidance even the brightest and best-adjusted services would take the initiative students. In a school setting, to undergo the process of guidance and counseling program enlightenment or rehabilitation. focuses on three areas, namely: socio- However, there are cases when personal, educational and vocational students refuse to undergo guidance developments. and counseling. Any concerned S o c i o - p e r s o n a l individual, - a parent, a teacher or development deals with emotional, a friend - may therefore mediate by social, behavioral and moral issues to bringing the student to the guidance the extent of high sensitivity. If you office. In any way, the guidance suffer from depression, peer pressure, counselors hold high responsibility difficult-to-achieve expectations, over this matter and are expected to friendship and relationship problems, exhibit a high sense of diplomacy. social conflicts and the like then Even so, guidance and the guidance office should be your counseling is not limited to guidance refuge. Furthermore, addiction to counselors; teachers are also computer games, alcohol and drugs encouraged to act as counselors and engagement in extreme activities since they have a direct contact with such as prostitution and fraternities the students inside the classrooms, are likewise treated in the office. especially now that we uphold the

Meanwhile, educational development of virtuous human development is concerned with study resources. Also, students who exhibit habits and scholastic decisions of common problems are assisted the students. Guidance counselors through group and peer-counseling. are also ready to help students Indeed, students dwell with academic difficulties, failures, in a world surrounded by a lot of classroom inconveniences, and problems. Whatever these are, the harsh instructors. They can also give guidance office is always open. If helpful advice regarding shifting or you are observant enough, you transferring. would notice on your Form 5 that

Under the vocational we pay Php40.00 for Guidance Fee. It might not hurt to utilize this, after If you suffer from all. depression, peer pressure, Let us help the guidance difficult-to-achieve office realize their aim of mobilizing expectations, friendship potentials for self-growth, selfand relationship problems, our and self-actualization. social conflicts and the like development, Let us start with a willingness then the guidance office to engage with a heart-to-heart should be your refuge. conversation.

Compos Mentis

Students dwell in a world surrounded by a lot of problems.

Whatever these are, the guidance office is always open.

MirageLimelig

MARIA CLARA

As if we still live in the era of Crisostomo Ibarra and Padre Damaso, some teachers prefer the conventional methods of teaching.

Mainly, they are the image of strict educators who make students’ mouth shut unless they are told to speak in class. They are very particular about dress codes and conscious of the things, that are considered absurd nowadays, like the length of hair and number of earrings.

In their own perspective, revealing outfits are highly barred among ladies so as to preserve morality. Being conservative is upheld over any act of liberation.

To please these teachers literally means going to school in barong tagalog and terno.

HUMDRUM

This kind of teacher has a little, inaudible voice that even the students sitting in front could barely hear her. The teacher, who is commonly a female, has a monotonous voice which instigates an early sleep-over in the class due to boredom.

At times, she reads the entire text in the prescribed handout or a reference book in an apathetic manner, making her students tally

the number of yawns they make.

The PowerPoint presentation she makes does not look engaging since she resorts to the default layout and design, lacking a sign of adventure in her life. Worse, most of the texts are styled in a Times New Roman font. She faces the projector and even the wall talking to her invisible students.

These teachers, however, are intelligent; they just have problems in a more creative execution of lessons.

RANDOM EXAMINER

Is it not exasperating when a teacher gives an easy example during class discussions but when it comes to examinations, he puts a burden to us by giving tough and seemingly difficult questions to answer? Worse, the content of the examination does not coincide with the topic he taught.

Our confidence in knowing the subject matter excruciatingly disappears when faced with his exams containing questions not even relevant to what he had discussed.

PRACTICAL TEACHER

If in every meeting a teacher gives a stimulating exercise before proceeding to the heart of

the discussion, he is considered to be an “Instructive” teacher.

He challenges by administering activities that will provoke your thoughts and wake up your unconscious critical mind. You whine because you think of these activities as tiresome and tedious to work on but in the end, you will get to comprehend the real intention of your teacher – to impart lifelong lesson which may not be included in your subject matter.

Every day, he has something new to offer. He checks whether everyone can follow the lecture before proceeding to the next one.

Hooray to teachers who are like this!

THE WAKE-UP CALLER

When you feel like wanting to doze off in between lectures, this teacher modulates his voice into a tone that awakens your sleeping soul. He jolts you back to reality through the amplified sound of his voice, just like fireworks in the sky on New Year’s Eve. When he catches you asleep, he wakes you up and lets you do a recap of the whole lesson.

THE WALKATHON-ER

As he speaks, he moves from one place to another to emphasize his point. He doesn’t remain stationary in one area for a minute. As much as he wants to earn attention, his excessive footwork becomes a distraction rather than an attraction. It disrupts the interest of the students to listen; instead, they focus their attention on which place the teacher will transfer to.

Is this kind of teacher suffering from compulsive behavior?

Let us give freshmen and transferees ideas of the diff have. These classifications may not exactly capture t These are not however, are based on the testimonie from their classes. We do not mean to single out s general characteristics. Students,

THE FORGETFUL LOYALIST

He walks like he is wearing a medal of loyalty to the university.

Because of his exemplary work and the length of teaching years he has, he is considered a “legend” and an expert on his chosen field.

In the course of time, a lot of tests are moved and even postponed because of his forgetfulness. It will cause a confusion on his part whether he scheduled an exam or not. More so, he begins to become lethargic and would prefer not to meet his class.

THE STAND-UP COMEDIAN

When a teacher makes you laugh hard that you could feel your intestines leave your stomach, he falls under the category of a “Stand-up comedian." He never fails to crack a joke in between discussions. Studying will never be a dull moment since he always incorporates light and funny remarks about the topic. He makes fun of his students but for entertainment purposes only. He leaves hilarious yet witty comments on your test paper when you answer a particular question incorrectly.

This teacher boosts your confidence and lets you be the best version of yourself, always emphasizing that setbacks are inevitable and so is rising above it.

THE TORMENTOR School experience will not be complete without a “Tormentor.” If you fail to answer a certain question, he lets you stand

for the whole period. You can only sit down if you are able to answer it correctly. He expects everyone to read, at least, the succeeding lessons. During examinations, he sees to it that no one cheats and he is very sensitive to even the slightest movements. He computes grades very seriously and never considers a “step higher”.

He literally exists to add severe spice to the life of students.

His name will be passed on until the last generation of students due to the epic proportions of his terrorizing role.

PERSONAL LIFE-OBSESSED TEACHER

With the achievements a teacher has, the blooming admiration we have for him is boosted. However, what this teacher fails to value is humility.

He consumes most of the time in his class bragging about the awards he has and the countries he has been to. He steals the spotlight for a while and renames the subject “All About Me 101." He connects his life experiences with the topic being discussed in order for him to win praises.

Students who are naturally achievers and limelight seekers are in danger of being interrogated and compared to this teachers’ narcissistic behavior.

THE BUSINESS-MINDED

More often than not, this teacher comes in class with a huge bag aside from his laptop and his personal bag. It is where he stores his purchased merchandise ready for selling. He also makes sure that he comes earlier than the set class time, in order for him to arrange

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ferent kinds of teachers this university had and still the attitudes, outlooks and behaviors of teachers. es of students who have unforgettable experiences specific personalities; we only intend to describe can you classify your teachers? his stuff and be visually appealing.

More so, he encourages students to buy monopods, shirts, bags and books that are posted in his social network accounts. Thus, these diligent students shall be given extra points for their next quiz.

THE CELEBRITY

Truly, MMSU teachers are not far behind any other universities when it comes to appearance and fashion style. Though we are situated in the province, this kind of teacher has the charm to persuade through his “Brad Pitt” smiles and looks that will make a student literally fall head over heels.

It is also evident that because of his attributes, a 100% attendance is ensured whenever he comes to class. Class interaction is also active because his students (especially girls) are trying to win his attention through giving their most correct answer. And lastly, yells are always heard whenever he walks through the corridors and lobbies during breaks.

THE COMPARATIVE TEACHER

Better shut up if he is around than to talk and be mocked. This kind of teacher always compares your class to another, whether you’re too noisy or too disturbing. He also ridicules your exam result, thus referring the other as the “Nalalaing Class.”

In addition, he always

inserts during discussions the achievements of the said “Nalalaing Class” in order for you to be belittled (intentionally or not.)

THE PROUD PhD

AKA the Hard-sharer, this kind of teacher has already reaped commendable achievements from various post-graduate studies, research and seminars whether here and out of the country, therefore, occupying one of the highest positions in the college.

According to this teacher, it is quite hard for him to stoop down to his students’ level because of the prestigious awards he already has, making the discussion out of focus. He then cannot effectively impart his learning’s because he does not know how to deal with the situation resorting to his mentality which is “Graduate ako ng PhD kayo hindi.”

We are afraid that the doctorate degree is for promotional purposes only and was not achieved with the ultimate aim to impart greater knowledge to students, at least for some.

EFFECTIVE SHARER

In contrast with the HardSharer, this kind of teacher easily shares his thoughts and effectively discusses the lesson in just one sitting. He is verbally fluent and has good humour, thus, he can sustain the class interaction. Though he may not have accomplished awards

and high post-graduate studies he knows how to reach o u t to different levels of learners and immediately caters to what his students need.

PRESSURE COOKER

He boils you down u n t i l you are sweating with your own blood. Figuratively or literally, this kind of teacher sets standards that his students should be able to meet in order to have a worthy grade at the end of semester. He is a pressure cooker that compels you to aim higher and excel more in his class, like how water extracts the meat’s flavor. Yet despite all these, he still makes sure that you are getting his ideas and are able to apply it in real life settings.

But more often than not, most of his students are forced to shift or transfer to other programs and colleges because of the difficult screening process imposed by the teacher.

THE STUDENT-LOVER TEACHER

This kind of teacher is in danger of being immediately terminated once found out to be engaging in student-teacher romantic relationships. Whether the love sprouted from good intentions, it should not be pursued as long as one is a student and the other is a teacher

Aside from elaborating the details of this classification, we advise anyone who engages with this forbidden love affair to think of their next move.

LAZY TEACHER

This is the kind of teacher whom students love the most and at the same time, hate. Love, because of his tardiness; he seldom

meets his classes, often leading to on-the-spot “food trip” and “Dota Sessions” of the students.

Moreover, it gives them time to practice their reports and plays for the next subject.

However, some students who come to school to basically acquire knowledge rant about the form of education they get from this teacher, whose last resort is handout distribution, mandating self-review.

MOOD SHIFTERS

Have you ever experienced a teacher who changes from being happy then in a blink of an eye he is back to being terrifying? This teacher's moodswings may be because of emotional and mental distress or hormonal changes. In addition, his exposure to different stressors that adds to this sudden shift. Thus, it is better for you not to argue with this kind of teacher if you do not want to end up eating words you never wish to.

IDEAL TEACHER

Every student wishes to have this, their own “Ideal Teacher”, although what I am thinking may differ from yours, we will both agree that an ideal teacher knows when to listen and when to talk.

He never fails in giving you pieces of advice and listening to your sentiments whenever you need.

Through his witty and humorous words, he tries to enlighten you and cheer you up. He will scold you if you make mistakes, making you realize the consequences. He shows

high professionalism, upholding unbiased judgment in class.

When it comes to competence, he acknowledges his limitations but exerts efforts in answering the queries of his students, even those out of the subject matter. He teaches well, that even the dumbest student could be educated.

This teacher is the one who you always make efforts to greet when you meet him in the corridors. He does not fail to return a smile even if he does not recognize you at all. o.O.o

It is possible that some of your teachers possess two or three of these classifications.

But this is not the gist of this article. The significance of classifying our educators is for us to know where to adjust in order to dance along with their teaching methods. By saying this however, we do not encourage tolerance for the mediocre ways of instruction of some teachers. Quality should always be upheld, revisiting the core values of this university.

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Maniwala tayo sa limitasyon ng ating mga paniniwala. Kalimitan, sarili nating isipan ang tunay nating kamangmangan.

Tinatanggap ng publiksayong marami sa mga namamalagi sa unibersidad ang sadyang dalubhasa sa kanikanilang mga larangan. Samantala, lubos din naman naming alam na napakaraming mapanghusga, padalus-dalos, nagdudunongdunungan at hindi nag-iisip.

Ito ay isinulat hindi lamang para sa mga estudyanteng tagapagsulat para sa Sirmata.

Ito ay hindi rin inilimbag para linisin at pagandahin ang imahe ng publikasyon. Ito ay upang ipaliwanag na ang kulang ay mali.

M a r a m i n g nagmamarunong na pumupuna sa Sirmata.

Samu’t-saring reaksyon ang natatanggap ng publikasyon kada-labas ng papel.

Hitik na hitik umano ang mga isyu ng mga negatibong balita.

Sadya raw kontrabida ang papel sa mga administrador at hindi nakokontento sa anumang gawain nila. Nakasisira umano ito sa imahe ng unibersidad.

Mga gurong tradisyunal at mali, huli sa klase kundi man

Hindi po namin tungkuling ibenta ang unibersidad sapagkat hindi po kami isang advertising material.

Naniniwala kaming hindi para sa public relations ang dyornalismo.

Kamangmangan

Ito ay upang iparating na ilan sa Salamin mga inihahampas na batikos sa Sirmata ay dulot ng, kung hindi man limitadong kaalaman, ay kamangmangan ukol Marciano sa publiksayon. ay hindi nagkakalase, walang konsiderasyon, hindi makatao, walang ethics, nababayaran, nagpapa-‘kwatroo-kwarto,’ nagpepeke ng DTR. Isyu ng ‘Kakilala-system’, ‘Kapamilyasystem,’ incompetence, korupsyon, underground o bogus transactions. Topiko sa tricycle, lubak-lubak at maputik na daan, maruming tubig, maliit at hindi sapat na mga classroom, mabahong CR, sirang electricfan. Fraternity, teenage pregnancy at drugs.

Sa mga isyung ito, maraming beses kumaharap ang papel ng pambabatikos. Minsan, sinunog ang mga isyu. Minsan, ipinagbawal ng isang guro ang distribusyon ng papel sa isang kolehiyo. Hindi mabilang na beses ang pagkumpronta ng mga guro sa mga manunulat ng Sirmata ng walang pasubali sa karapatang pantao-pangha-harass.

Napakaraming panahong walang diplomasya ang pakikitungo sa aming mga representante ng publiksayon.

Ang tingin sa amin kalaban.

Ang tingin sa amin tagahanap ng butas- purong kritiko.

Batid ng publikasyong normal ang kiritisismo. Ilan sa mga ito ay positibo naming tinatanggapkinakain, nilulunok. ipinoproseso ng bituka at inilalabas. Marami sa mga kritisismong ito ay mapakla, mapait,

matabang at nakasusuka. Ngunit, marunong kami kung paano sila kainin. Lumulusog kami. Natututo.

Subalit, nais din naming ipabatid na hindi lahat ng inyong mga himutok ay aming tinatanggap.

Ilan sa kanila, inaamoy lamang at hindi pinapatulan- mga panis, sira o bulok. Ito ay ang mga kritisismong nagmumula sa paniniwalang lahat ng opinyon ay tunay at katanggaptanggap. Ito ang kritisismong kumukontra sa pinakapangunahing prinsipyo ng karunungan, na lahat ng paglalahat ay kailangang nakabatay sa mga tunay na ispesipiko.

Ito ay upang iparating na ilan sa mga inihahampas na batikos sa Sirmata ay dulot, kung hindi man ng limitadong kaalaman, ay ng kawalan ng muwang ukol sa publiksayon.

Nananampalataya ang Sirmata sa kalayaan ng pamamahayag at sa kapangyarihang nagsasaalangalang sa responsable at epektibong dyornalismo. Kami po ay nangako sa aming tungkuling maghayag ng mga balitang batay sa katotohanan at mga opinyong para sa ikabubuti ng mas nakararaming populasyon, kung hindi man ng kalahatan. Higit ano pa man, kami po ay naniniwala lamang sa kung ano ang TUNAY.

Maraming balitang ‘pangit’,

Sadya lang talagang nakaiinis, nakagagalit, nakangingitngit at kasuklam-suklam ang katotohanan.

sapagkat ito ay tunay. Kalimitan, laban sa administrasyon ang mga opinyon ng mga kolumnista, sapagkat ito ay tunay. Karamihan sa mga naipapahayag na isyu ukol sa mga guro ay negatibo sapagkat ang mga ito ay tunay. Masakit kung ito ay basahin sapagkat ito ay tunay.

Naniniwala kaming alam po namin ang aming mga ginagawa.

Kailangang magbukas ng isipan ang mga kritiko.

Umaasa ang publikasyong kami ay maunawaang maigi- na hindi lahat ng pinaniniwalaan nating mga pananaw ay sapat na at tunay. Naniniwala kami na ang kulang - ang pagiging kuntento sa kaalamang hindi sapat ay mali.

Ilan, kung hindi man karamihan o lahat, sa ating mga persepsyon ukol sa Sirmata ay mali. Nais po naming ipahayag na ito po ay pahayagan. Kami po ay mga tagapamahayag. Ito po ay pamamahayag.

Iba po ang Sirmata sa iba pang mga organisasyon o maging publikasyong pang-kolehiyo sa MMSU. Hindi po namin tungkuling ibenta ang unibersidad sapagkat hindi po kami isang advertising material.

Naniniwala kaming hindi para sa public relations ang dyornalismo.

Hindi po kami parte ng administrasyon. Mayroon po kaming sariling mga polisiya at pinagsasandiganang mga batas at alituntunin. Hindi po namin tungkuling pasiyahin ang mga administrador at mga guro. Hindi po kami mga empleyado ng MMSU.

Ang mga nabanggit ay dahil kami po ay ang Sirmata, ang representante ng lahat ng mga estudyante na nagnanais magparating ng mga hinaing at sentimyento. Sa kanila po kami nakabatay. Sila po ang aming Publisher. Sa kanila po kami nangako.

Sapagkat nais ng mga estudyante ng maayos na karanasang pang-akademiko, nais ng Sirmatang may mabago sa sistema sa pamamagitan ng paggising sa mga administrador. Sapagkat ayaw ng mga estudyanteng malustay ang perang pinaghihirapan ng kanilang mga magulang para sa kalidad na edukasyon, nais ng Sirmatang kalampagin ang damdamin ng mga guro. Sapagkat nais ng mga estudyanteng malaman ng mga namamahala sa unibersidad ang kanilang araw-araw na pinapasan, nais ng Sirmatang iparating ito sa mga kinauukulan. Muli, lahat ay batay sa kung ano ang napatunayang totoo.

Maliban sa pinopondohan ng lahat ng estudyante ang Sirmata, sadyang naniniwala ang publikasyong naaangkop turn to page 14

Silid ng kadiliman, hangganan ng kapatiran

Hindi nawawala ang karahasan sa mga dahilan kung bakit maraming buhay ang nakikitil.

Nakapanlulumong isipin na may mga taong kayang sikmurahing magpahirap at pumatay ng kanyang kapwa.

Paano kaya nila nasisikmurang saktan ang katawan ng mga inosenteng kabataan? Mga kabataang inaasahang sana ay pagasa ng ating bayan? Idinadaan nila sa mabuting usapan ang pag-anyaya sa mga ninanais nilang maging miyembro ng kanilang samahan. Sa pagkakataong nakuha na nilang buo ang kanilang kalooban, doon na nila sinasamantala ang pagkakataong dalhin sila sa isang pribadong lugar na kung saan nagsisimulang magdilim ang buhay ng mga kabataan.

Maituturing mang naging tradisyon na ng mga fraternity ang pananakit sa mga bagong miyembro, ito ay sadyang hindi makaturungan sa mata ng karamihan at lalung-lalo sa mata ng Panginoon. Kamakailan lamang nang napabalita ang mga kaso ng hazing at nakapanlulumong isipin na ang mga biktima ay halos mga menor de edad. Natunghayan natin kung ano ang kinahantungan ng mga kawawang biktima--mga hita nilang puno ng mga pasa, mga kabataang halos maglupasay na dahil sa panghihina at ang mga katawan nilang sa huli ay tinatakpan na lamang ng puting tela.

Sa mga pinuno ng mga samahang ito, masaya bang masaksihan ang mga kabataang

Ang pagsasagawa ng hazing ay isang hindi makataong Lukso’t bugso pagbubukas ng pintuan para sa mga bagong miyembro ng samahan. Aris Agpaoa

pagkatapos ninyong tratuhing parang mga hayop ay agad-agad na binabawian ng buhay? Maituturing ba ninyong isa sa mga kasiyahan ninyo ang makitang nagluluksa ang kanilang mga magulang? At mapapanatag ba ng inyong mga konsensiya sa pagkakaalam na ang mga kaluluwa nila ay naghihinagpis upang makamit ang hustiya?

Ang pagsasagawa ng hazing ay isang hindi makataong pagbubukas ng pintuan para sa mga bagong miyembro ng samahan. Hindi naman masamang bumuo ng mga ganitong grupo kung ang hangarin lamang ay ang kabutihan ng karamihan at hindi upang imulat ang kanilang mga mata sa kasamahan.

Bagamat wala pang naitatalang kaso ng hazing sa ating pamantasan, gawin sana nating isang babala ang mga nangyari na sa iba’t ibang unibersidad. Hindi natin masasabi kung kailan tayo makasasaksi ng ganitong pananakit pero mas mabuti na ang maging handa’t malaman ang mga nararapat na hakbang.

Kamatayan ang sasalo sa buhay ng mga biktima at ang mga tinig nila ay hindi na maririnig

kailanman. Marami na sa atin ang maagang binawian ng buhay at hindi natin maiiwasang manghinayang. Sa tagal nilang pamamalagi sa silong ng paaralan ay siya namang bilis ng paglaho ng kanilang mga pangarap.

Ang kanilang mga damdamin ay naghihinagpis sapagkat gusto nilang makamit ang hustisiyang sana ay para sa kanila. Kung pinagpala mang malampasan ang kamatayan, karamihan naman sa kanila ay nagkakaroon ng trauma dahil sa kalunos-lunos na kanilang naranasan. Ang ilan pa sa kanila ay humahantong sa pagkakaroon ng mga malalang karamdaman dahil sa mga natamong seryosong pananakit.

Ang bigat ng kalooban ay hindi lamang malilimitahan sa buhay ng mga biktimang kabataan dahil maging ang kanilang mga mahal sa buhay ay lubos na nasasaktan sa kanilang mapait na kapalaran. Para sa mga magulang, ang mga anak na marahil ang pinakamahal na handog ng Maykapal at ang kanilang mundo ay tila guguho kasabay ng pagkawala ng kanilang mga anak. Buong tapang nilang hinaharap ang mga hamon ng buhay maipadala lamang sila sa paaralan. Ngunit wala nang

Kamatayan ang sasalo sa buhay ng mga biktima at ang mga tinig nila’y hindi na maririnig kailanman. mas sasakit pa kung ang dahilan ng pagkawala nila ay dahil sa mga walang awang nilalang.

Para sa mga magulang, mas makabubuti pong laging subaybayan ang mga anak sa bawat hakbang at desisyon na kanilang tinatahak. Wala man po kayo sa kanilang tabi sa tuwing sila ay nasa paaralan, sapat na ang inyong pagmamalasakit na kumustahin sila at ipaabot kung gaano kayo nag-aalala sa tuwing sila ay malayo sa inyo. Sa paraang ito, mailalayo natin sila sa mga masasamang bisyo na minsan ay nagiging ugat ng mga karumaldumal na krimen. Ang pagkakaroon ng kaaya-ayang relasyon sa pagitan ng mga magulang at anak ay isang samahang kailanman ay hindi matitibag. Ang pinakamahalaga’y huwag natin sila ang konsintihin kung alam naman nating silang may kasalanan. Sa mga magulang ng mga biktima ng hazing, narinig natin ang kanilang hinaing na makamtan ang hustisya at ang kanilang kahilingan na sana’y matigil na ang paglaganap ng ganitong pangyayari. Sa isang panayam ng isang magulang, sinabi niyang hindi naman siya naghahangad na tibagin ang mga fraternity at sorority,

ngunit ang tanging gusto lamang niya ay tigilan na ang ganitong klase ng initiation rites.

Maging ang pangulo ng unibersidad ay nababahala dahil sa hazing, kung kayat hiniling niya ang aating University Student Council na magpanukala ng isang batas na NO I.D, NO ENTRY. Sa pamamagitan nito, malilimitahan ang pagpasok ng mga outsiders na maaaring makapaghimok ng mga estudyanteng sumali sa mga nasabing grupo.

Sana ay wala na ngang susunod pang kaso ng hazing at sana ay wala nang buhay ang masasayang. Sa halip na pananakit ang ibigay nating pambungad sa mga bagong miyembro, mas mabuting ikintal natin sa kanilang mga isipan ang kahalagahan ng kabutihan at pagkakaisa.

Bumuo po tayo ng mga samahang ang tanging hangarin lamang ay naaayon sa kagandahang loob at huwag nating tangkilin ang mga grupong pupundi ng ilaw ng ating mga buhay at ilalagay tayo sa loob ng isang madilim na mundo.

Ang bigat ng kalooban ay hindi lamang nalilimitihan sa buhay ng mga biktimang kabataan dahil maging ang kanilang mga mahal sa buhay ay lubos na nasasaktan sa kanilang mapait na kapalaran.

People NewsPower Events Intellect Features

Similar to riding a glass boat through a sewer, the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) issue has finally breached amidst the fissuresexposing the dung-smelling Philippine political anomalies.

Now, what makes it even more startling is the imminent clash between two equally powerful branches of the government: the executive and the judiciary.

The people periodically retell their stories of protest against the government. We cannot blame them for this perception because it is how it is shown in the mass media, and we are just as vulnerable. Despite some genuine projects funded by DAP, we generally smell that stench in this sewer.

It is somehow disheartening to note that the people accused or convicted of graft and corruption are the ones whom we thought are the garbage collectors, not the garbage themselves.

However, we should also be fair on people involved and on the DAP itself.

The DAP was originally created to expedite spending for the public, to boost economic growth, and to foster developments on tourism, infrastructure, agriculture, health care, and public works among others.

More important t o

State

Government’s

Septic Tank by: Karen de la Cruz

Universities and Colleges (SUCs), it subsidizes government scholarship programs. Thus, it is safe to say that the DAP is used in good faith.

However, after these ‘good’ disbursements of the executive body, the next thing the President did was to defend the DAP against the Supreme Court’s verdict on its unconstitutionality.

In a report made by the SC, DAP is deemed contradictory to existing provisions of the 1987 Constitution more particularly the Constitutional Law doctrine of separation of powers.

In this case, the executive opted to maximize its powers to deliver results fast. As it stretches its powers, there is an assumption, as per the design of the system, that it will be checked. The other political branches have mechanisms to call the attention of the executive and check its actions.

T h e legislature, through its power of oversight and being the ultimate owner of the power of the purse, was expected to

do its job and check the executive.

Of course, we know the story.

Jurisdictive oversight was nowhere in the picture as the executive flexed its muscle, hence, the Supreme Court needed to intervene.

However, Aquino would stand for the government’s Executive branch before the public to continuously fight for the DAP. “May mga pagkakataon po na kailangan ng agarang pondo para tumugon sa mga biglaang pangangailangan. Pagnanakaw ang isyu dito. Hindi ako nagnakaw.”

The SC remained calm, still, silent and firm about their decision.

Aquino remained courageous, active and aggressive.

Currently, this can be one of the most awful stinks in this sewer.

Two equally important, powerful and respected government branches produce smoke here through their forceful and unpleasant friction.

The Executive which executes the law goes against the Judiciary which interprets the law.

It is undeniably a big and threatening issue, indeed, the foulest odor now in this sewer.

However, it is also clear that the repellant for this is so cheap and available.

Clearly, it was the implementation which was held unconstitutional. Having used the money in good faith is merely not the concern. The Supreme Court’s declaration of its unconstitutionality is due to the inappropriateness of the fund control and allocations.

The Congress, in the first place, has the sole authority to appropriate the

by: Michael Nacario

The Philippine government might have believed on the possibility of offering a mouth-watering and palatable supper from a half-cooked dish. P-noy’s K-12 is bland, not delicious and not stylishly presentable.

Visit any school, and chances are, you would see the educational system’s unpreparedness to implement the government’s educational reform. In such a scenario, to realize the vision of quality education requires a struggle.

Yet the government is serious, but not necessarily aggressive, in implementing the K+12 program.

It is like pressing coals to obtain diamonds, beautiful but precarious.

To fully implement a system without the right tools, only with an end in mind -- this is not just ideal: It is also ambitious.

Granted that the objectives of the reform are good. With K-12, it is hoped that the ‘sufficient’ amount of time for students to finish Senior High in this program shall ensure

a more prepared and well-trained individual. Learning is believed to more effective and efficient.

By the end of the Senior High School, students shall have specific ideas on which field their skills fit. In this line, the number of unemployed individuals shall be mitigated. More important, graduates will be of legal age, providing a more mature and strengthened labor force.

With K-12, graduates will be acknowledged as globally-competent professionals because it is expected that institutions comply with international standards as practiced by all nations except, currently, the Philippines, Djibouti and Angola.

In supporting the K-12 program, we are expected to be at par with international standards.

Yet, while setting a very high goal truly and intensely motivates, alarming results are imminent when we are not really prepared to take on the challenge.

The reported unpreparedness of the government in finally uplifting the status of education in the country is real. In fact, there are perennial problems that need to be addressed regardless of what educational system we adopt. In some elementary schools – a number of them here in Ilocos Norte – there are split-grade classrooms, where two classes of different grade levels occupy the same room. Worse, makeshift rooms are used to house students as they learn, if not under a tree. More so, the diaspora of teachers might as well indicate disproportional student-teacher ratio.

Let us be reasonable.

How many schools have complete instructional materials and learning facilities, enough number of

funds. Meanwhile, the Executive branch is only responsible in spending the fund and implementing the project. However, what happened is different. The executive branch seized the power of the Congress to fully control the fund both in the appropriations and implementations.

Furthermore, Filipinos might have been confused on how to act and react to the issue.

After the televised speech of the president, TV Patrol on July 14 interviewed people having a “binguhan” session and asked what they understood from the 23-minute speech. One of them clamored – “Tulungan niyo naman kaming mga mahihirap!”

It was alarming how people, especially the povertystricken ones, expect too much, and are over- dependent from the government. They directly ask for help, seemingly asking for spoonfeeding programs and demand that authorities answer immediately.

Considering this episode where people play bingo while the leader

explains his position over his move, it is indeed pitiful if not irritating to witness how inattentive and mindless some people are.

As we float further and further, foul scents begin to diffuse in the environs. Noynoy stressed out how beneficial these funds could be exclaiming, “I cannot accept that there are people who would be harmed because I allowed the delay in the delivery of benefits. Let us not forget; it is the people who own the public coffers.”

While it is evident that when some ask why roads are still not cemented, classrooms are not enough for good education, relief goods are insufficient, the authorities would respond explaining that there are no available funds, the commander claims that the money is not being spent fast enough. Or was the speech formulated to gather public sympathy and assurance?

A writer from the Philippine Daily Inquirer even exclaimed that DAP was spent primarily for the lawmakers and that the pitiful few pesos spent for the people were only camouflage.

At the end of the day, the DAP’s glass boat finally brought us to the septic tank of the government.

No matter how foul or gentle the odor may be, it is still the ends of whatever the means were. Should we abolish this in-good-faith yet deemed awfully odorous DAP?

Oh, but then again, we are riding through a Septic Tank. You know what this place contains.

At the end of the day, the DAP’s glass boat finally brought us to the septic tank of the government. No matter how foul or gentle the odor may be, it is still the ends of whatever the means were.

Should we abolish this in-good-faith yet deemed awfully odorous DAP? Oh, but then again, we are riding through a Septic Tank. You know what this place contains. competent teachers, conducive learning environment, and, not to mention, a competitive salary for educators?

How many school buildings of the devastated areas due to the super typhoon Yolanda and recent natural disasters have already been reconstructed? It is seen that the form of restoration is slow and dying.

There are schools which are located in very remote areas attended by teachers who endure kilometric travels by foot. These schools currently struggle due to low accessibility. They are still terribly suffering from inattention by authorities and yet, again need to face this reform. Probably, many will be left behind, of course, even before this program was not at stake.

Moreover, that the Department of Education coordinates with the Commission on Higher Education in sharing school facilities for the Senior High School students reflects, in a sense, inadequacy and lack of readiness.

The administration removed the casserole from the flame too early - a half-cooked reform.

Having sampled this dish,

we can say that the K-12 Program is a rushed, potentially disastrous dish for vulnerable diners. Based on our initial experience with the system, we can already identify what still need to be done. Who knows, maybe some ‘magic granules’ can be poured to improve the taste of this attempt for better education.

IF the administration is successful in coordinating separate entities – government agencies, the private sector, the public at large – to properly implement the K-12 program, we may benefit. IF educational authorities successfully identify the gaps and make equitable use of resources to fill them, we might be part of the victory scene. IF K-12 provides good results, we might be enticed to take a bite and savor the sweet.

Indeed, IF we do all these, we can anticipate a great-tasting, wellcooked supper.

However, if various governmental entities are in conflict over the reforms, and the needs identified in the initial implementation of the program are not addressed, the promise of the K-12 Program may remain like that dish we described earlier: tempting to look at, but may be half-cooked.

NationalFeaturesTourism You must be

JOKING! (Not-so-Ordinary Bills of 2013) by: Lloyd Anicier Barba

A law, in its very aim, is created to govern and safeguard a nation’s development. After the nature used super typhoon Yolanda to test our country’s stability, and the pork barrel scam explained why the country is stranded in minimal progress, the beloved Pearl of the Orient Seas still of growth. And it is believed that through these set laws or stern guidelines, progress is possible.

Legislators usually arrive with several house and senate bills that will either become laws or, will find their final destination in the garbage can.

Take a look at these strange bills filed by creative legislators, which were first listed at a website, SPOT.ph.

Calorie Count Menu Act

Thin is in!

Last August 2013, notable Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago

Back in my childhood, I was given the chance to visit Vigan. At the time, I found the place mysterious and intriguing: a stone McDonald’s store, streets made of cobblestone and buildings the walls of which had the gloomy pigments of rust and dust. I never had the interest to the place because honestly, I was rather attracted to the horse-drawn carriages, bedeck with different colorful accessories.

This is the only nice thing they have, I thought, then forgot all about the visit and the place.

But after some time, the name Vigan seemed to be creating such a buzz. "What's new in the place now?” I asked myself. Maybe the city was able to produce more horse rides. Or probably, the place has proven its uniqueness in a more advanced way.

Vigan, a city that owes its art and tradition from the Chinese, its architecture from Spanish, and preservations from the love of the Japanese, has already bloomed from its budding stage. From its ordinary barrio scenario to a worldclass renowned city of spectacular features, it has able to capture the attention and appreciation of citizens all over the world.

At the heart of the city is St. Paul’s Metropolitan Cathedral which is located near the Historical Plaza. People experience the beauty of the streets in Calle Crisologo, one of main attractions. The Syquia Mansion, the house of

filed Senator Bill No. 1204 or the “Calorie Count Menu Act,” which requires restaurants and other food establishments to include the number of calories a food item has in their menu. While this act protects the Filipinos’ health, in this case, it is probable that customers will be aware of their calorie intake but at the same time they can get overlyconscious from the digits they see before eating something. It might prevent them from enjoying what human beings need to do — eat.

Family Tree Planting Act

“I think I shall never see a poem as lovely as a tree…”

The circulation of ecofriendly bags and other commodities is not enough for this House Bill No. 261 or the “Family Tree Planting Act of 2013.” As drafted by Parañaque 1st District Representative Eric Olivarez, it requires parents, whether married or not, to plant two trees for every child born to them. Its goal is certainly upright but how can

the government be confident in implementing this? It would not be very practical and practicable to see that each set of parents adhere to this.

Milk Nutrition and Labelling Act

How much do you know your fresh milk?

Northern Samar 1st District Representative Harlin Abayon filed House Bill No. 231 which prohibits the use of the label “fresh milk” in the packaging and sale of pasteurized and processed milk. It is obvious that “processed” milk is not literally fresh - but removing "fresh" from the label would have no effect on the current issues our country is facing, nor the taste of the consumers. In fact, it has no large effect on anything.

My Husband Lover’s Act “Akin lang ang asawa ko!”

Feat for the Orient Seas:

GMA7’s well-known telenovela might have influenced Albay Representative Edcel Lagman to file the House Bill 2352, which seeks to penalize same-sex adulterers.

Same sex adultery cannot be penalized simply because there is no law which prohibits it. Yet Lagman believes that a homosexual form of adultery is still adultery. This act has, however, been pending since 2013.

Anti-Rice Wastage Act “Ang tunay na lalaki, hindi nagha-half rice.”

This is what you are looking for, diet enthusiasts. Consider Senator Bongbong Marcos now as your hero for proposing the Senate Bill No. 1863 or the “Anti-Rice Wastage Act,” which primarily proposes to punish establishments which refuse to serve their customers less than a cup of rice.

But how is this act going to solve the prevalence of hunger in our country?

This list was made to deviate from the view that laws are too academic or formal. There are plenty of other bills that were submitted but I am not saying that these are all useless.

Granted that the lawmakers had good intentions in filing them.

In this world of foolish phenomena, is it possible that the people have become ridiculous as well? Or is it better to say that due to man’s desire for a better quality of life, lawmakers are triggered to file idealized bills, regardless of its practicality? Yet we still need to get real, and realistic or else, the joke is on us.

new wonder city, the citizens of Vigan are joined by many other government offices and even NGOs are willing to help.

Tarpaulins will be posted on major roads such as EDSA. MMDA also permitted Vigan to use MMDA billboards for the campaign.

The Department of Transportation and Communications approved the setting of promotional paraphernalia on seaports and airports nationwide.

The city government also asked the social media networks to promote the campaign.

In short, Vigan is counting on people's votes to be on the list. Aside from using the group’s website (www.new7wonders.com), votes may be cast through mobile applications for Apple and Android devices.

Voting may also be done through text messaging as well as dedicated international telephone lines.

The Switzerland-based foundation has also enabled international phone voting using the following numbers—+881821611990; +881921611990; +34902735471; +447589975201; +447559121023; and +447559583500.

Be part of the success. Love Philippines. Love Vigan. Vote now.

Vigan for 7 new wonder cities by: Erika Francisco and Linell Agustin

former President Elpidio Quirino, has been turned into a museum. At night, the city has the most dazzling atmosphere. It is able to create an attraction with water and lights, known as the Dancing Fountain of Vigan.

Vigan's place as a heritage city is reinforced by the many traditional ways of life that have survived to this day.

One of the many surviving practices is abel-weaving. It involves the use of a wooden handloom and other more fixtures. This wooden handloom is an old version of a sewing machine. This process produces blankets,

clothes and pillowcases. During the galleon trade era, the Ilocano woven abel almost killed the Spanish abel, but through the efforts of Vigenos, the practice has remained.

The damili is one form of terra-cotta craft which is considered indigenous to a number of communities in Vigan City. Pottery products from Vigan are in high demand commercially.

The Vigan jar is locally known as burnay. Potters use anay, a fine sand. These jars are then used as containers to ferment basi, the Ilocano wine, bagoong, fish sauce, and sugarcane vinegar.

Well, these are just few of the many things that made Vigan the only Philippine candidate in the global competition New 7 Wonder Cities.

The contest is initiated by t h e

nonprofit organization Swiss New 7 Wonders. It aims to preserve and promote man-made and natural heritage sites. The first phase of voting began October 21, 2013 and ended July 7, 2014. in this phase, the city made it to the top 21 among more than 1200 nominees in the world.

The city is now preparing for the campaign for the next round of voting which started July 7, 2014 and will end on October 7, 2014.

To push for Vigan's recognition as a

SightsFeaturesReviews THE FAULT IN OUR STARS

Reflected in his first novels, John Green could unbelievably tell an impeccable story that even contradicts his principles and life experiences.

Most of his works involve interesting adventures of male teenagers. Yet, deviating from his usual storylines, Green unraveled a new plot, portraying a teen love story from the rare point of view of a teen-age girl with cancer, battling with the inevitability of death, creating an infinity no one dared to invent. After being immersed in this unusual novel, you will learn that “some infinities are bigger than other infinities.”

It is of unimaginable experience that decoding the symbols in a book would be deliciously excruciating, unintentionally leaving the most tragic yet beautiful scar the heart and soul would bear forever. As most readers confess, this is a book which can be thrown so hard in your face yet would not hurt as much as the pain from its incredibly enthralling plot twists. It would leave you crying your hearts out and hang you in depression, incessantly asking why and what was wrong with the characters' stars.

The story starts in Indianapolis with the sixteenyear old, lung cancer patient Hazel Grace Lancaster being forced to attend a Support Group (The Literal Heart of Jesus). Unlike a typical cancer patient, Hazel is not suffering from depression ; rather, she is bored. To her,

REAL LIFE INFINITIES depression is not a side effect of cancer. Depression, like cancer, is a side effect of dying. And to a typical teenager who miraculously survived what seemed to be the end of everything, dying is but another side effect of human oblivion.

All of these perceptions came from her favorite book, an An Imperial Affliction. It is a story which is actually a diary of a young girl named Anna who describes, in all honesty and reality, the profound sentiment of having cancer. AIA ended mid-sentence in some form of foreshadowing.

Hazel meets a hot guy posing an addictive and engaging human-eye-contact seduction in the Support Group. Augustus Waters, who considers himself in a roller coaster that only goes up, feeling unfittingly grand, rejecting the idea of denying himself of the simple pleasures of life – beauty, would categorically capture the heart of a girl whose life has been devoted to deciphering the fate of the characters of her favorite book.

Hazel and Gus shared the magnificence of the novel AIA; sparks began to appear from their interminable conversations.

Romantic feelings began to show, and thoughts, as Augustus describes, were now turning into stars he cannot fathom into constellations.

Since AIA ended in mid-

sentence, Hazel was not able to know what happened to the rest of the characters when Anna died. This is her inner struggle, to have an idea on the fate of the people she loves after she meets her end.

The unusual love story bloomed in the orange environment of Amsterdam after being invited

by Van Houten, the author of An Imperial Affliction. Here, their expectations toward the unconfirmed enthusiasm of Van Houten in answering the longimprisoned questions of Hazel were unmet. The AIA author turned out to be an old drunkard who mopes over his daughter’s death because of cancer. His secretary Lidevij

Vliegenthart was responsible for the meeting, thinking it would help Van Houten in recovering from a pathetic mourning crusade for her daughter, Anna.

Van Houten portrays a man disappointed by his own optimism and idealism, falling into a state of depression because of failed expectations.

Just when you thought the beginning of the story created obvious foreshadows and juxtapositions, you will absolutely end up questioning what went wrong with the stars that connected the character's constellations. An ultimate plot twist, which is expected from Green was unveiled in the latter part of the novel.

Green chose to couple Gus (Augustus' nickname) with the metaphor of an unlit cigarette being placed between his teeth in the early part of the book. Quoting from the novel, it is putting the thing that kills you in your mouth but not giving it the ability to do the killing. By this, Hazel’s heart was undeniably won even faster than the way she catches her breath when her lungs suck at being lungs.

Analyzing the sequences of the scenes in the novel, the metaphor of "unlit cigarette placed between the teeth" is observed, and unlike the primary concept, the 'killing' occurred; making Hazel the 'cigarette', the circumstances being the 'teeth', and Gus as death. People who have cancer can only relate to the feelings of the characters; in the novel, Green, through concrete sensory details, managed to get the reader to empathize with a cancer patient.

When Hazel indirectly pushed Gus away, she exhibited the altruistic side of a cancer patient who feels she is responsible for minimizing the emotional and physical consequences her eventual demise would cause among the people who care. Green compared Hazel to a grenade; anytime soon, she shall explode and the people closest to her would inevitably suffer

As much as the readers love The Fault in our Stars, the bits of An Imperial Affliction had absolutely gained the curiosity of readers, sharing in the firing desire of Hazel Grace in deciphering the probable sequel of the book. Thus, the readers seem to be drawn as well in Hazel's difficult quest.

One of the most impressive scenes would be the eulogy on a prefuneral of one of the characters. If you want to know who and why, read The Fault In Our Stars.

It is of unimaginable experience that decoding the symbols in a book would be deliciously excruciating, unintentionally leaving the most tragic yet beautiful scar the heart and soul would bear forever.

In search of Justice:

There’s something about some foreign films that makes them appealing and remarkableit touches the heart and soul of anyone who sees it. Their stories are never complete without an element of heavy drama, hilarious yet sensible lines, and notable characters wthat have a massive impact on the audience. Usually, a story that centers on the family gives a more meaningful movie experience to the viewers as it relays a lifetime lesson and changes someone’s perspective about the world. One can experience all of these in watching “Miracle in Cell No.7”.

A Miracle in a Movie by: Joreina Blanco and Kathrina Antonio

“Truth doesn’t win in court. Whoever wins in court establishes the truth.”

A humorous and heartwrenching film, Miracle in Cell No. 7 is the story of a mentally challenged father, Lee Yong-gu, who is raising a sweet daughter, Lee Ye-sung, on his own . Yuong-gu was wrongfully accused of murdering the Chief of Po l i c e ’s d a u g h t e r.

He was

imprisoned, and shared cell no. 7

with five other inmates. After Yonggu saved the life of his cellmate from a rival prison gang leader, his cellmates planned to make a miracle happen- to reunite Yong-gu and Yesung in the cell.

There is a sense of comfort and safety in the prison, evident in how it was presented in the movie.

It breaks the common notion about prisons, that it houses the fearful criminals and unwanted gangsters in the society. With how it was pictured in the film, everyone possesses a good heart and the inmates uphold strong bond of friendship and value the significance of a family. Ye-sung didn’t have a hard time dealing with the cellmates of his father's cell mates since they are all easy to get along with and let her feel that the cell can be called a home.

What really is striking in the

film is the compassion and love of Ye-sung to his father. It didn’t matter to her that her father is mentally ill, that he did not share her intellect.

She sees her father no different from any other person. She looks up to him as a father who will do anything for her daughter like giving her a Sailor Moon bag, even if it means risking his own life for her safety. Watching a father being taken away from his daughter is the most unbearable and painful scene one could’ve ever seen.

Ye-sung’s childhood was tainted with injustice and insufferable loss but as she grew up, she let justice prevail in memory of her father.

Yong-gu may be an ordinary, mentally handicapped man but he has a kind heart that reaches out to people, in contrast with the people who occupy a high position in the society. Not only was the movie a

tear-jerker but also, it’s an eye-opener to how the world is unfair to the mentally impaired and how slow it is for justice to prevail in the end. More so, the rights of the accused were not upheld strictly in the film. For there are always two sides to every story but then, the innocent had to suffer for a crime he didn’t commit.

It leaves viewers with an impression how mentally challenged people can be manipulated and can be dictated easily. They seem to find these kind of people as weak, irrational, and easily give in to threats.

Furthermore, the imbalance of treatment between powerful people and ordinary men can not only damage one’s reputation but also wreak havoc within a precious and strong togetherness of a family.

The movie itself, however, is a miracle in many counts - and you have to watch it to discover more of its virtues.

A compelling drama with a stellar cast, Miracle in Cell No. 7 will give you a special seat for a rollercoaster ride of emotions when watching it. It’s not enough that a box of tissue paper can comfort you, with your father by your side, you will feel and appreciate its essence.

After watching it, hug your father and whisper the sweetest words he’ll ever hear.

TouchLiteraryMood

I

sang hangaring napakaimposibleng makamtan ang siyang laging gumagambala sa mahimbing kong pagkakatulog.

Masikatan man ako ng araw ay ramdam ko ang papaunting paglubog ng aking mga pangarap.

Sa pagmulat ng aking mga mata’y sinasabayan din ng pagdilim ng aking kapalaran. Sa bawat paglalakbay na aking tinatahak ay may isang kadenang mahigpit na nakatali sa aking mga paa na siyang pilit humihila sa akin pabalik sa aking pinanggalingan.

Ako’y tila isang presong nakapiit sa isang abandonadong bartolina, dinadamayan ng problema’t pangamba at minsanan lamang kung dalawin ng galak at saya.

Kumikirot ang aking damdamin sa tuwing naririnig ko ang matitinis at nakabibinging iyak ng aking mga kapatid. Hindi ko mawari sa kanilang mga mukha kung bakit biglaan na lamang kung tumulo ang butil ng mga kristal mula sa kanilang mga mumunting mata. Wala na silang ibang magawa kundi ang humagulgol sa isang sulok habang ang aming mga magulang ay abala na sa pagbabanat ng buto.

Masaya na kaming pinagsasaluhan ang isang kapirasong tinapay at sa susunod na araw ay tuyo at isang plato ng kaning lamig. Kumakalam na sikmura ang aming kasa-kasama sa tuwing kami ay naglalaro sa aming malawak na palaruan, sa mapanganib na lansangan. Madalas naming kaawaan ang aming mga sarili habang nagdurusa sa sumpa ng kahirapan.

Minsa’y tahimik kong itinatanong sa aking sarili kung hanggang kailan kami malulugmok sa putik ng ganitong pamumuhay. Saanman ako lumingon,

lagi na lamang akong nabubulag sa mga mapapait na karasanasang tumatagos hanggang sa aking puso. Pagsipat ko sa aking kana’y tanaw ko ang isang papaubos na kandila. Isang kandilang kumakatawan sa papaliit at papadilim na mundong aking ginagalawan. Hindi ko lubos maisip kung paano nagawa ng aking inang kumitil ng isang inosenteng buhay dahil lamang sa hirap na k a m i n g pagkasiyahin ang aming mga sarili sa aming itinuturing na palasyo. May mga oras na ako’y mag-isa sa aking silid, naisin ko mang matulog ay hindi ko magawa dahil binging-bingi na ako sa sigaw ng aking nagsisilakbong damdamin.

Naranasan ko na ring mahagkan ng labis na takot.

Nanginginig ang aking mga tuhod sa mga oras na maaaninag ko ang anino ng aking ama. Haligi ng aming tahanan na siya sanang bubuo ng isang matibay na relasyon, ngunit hindi. Madalas siyang umuuwing lasing hawak-hawak pa ang isang bote ng beer. Agad na maghahanap ng makakain upang maibsan ang kanyang gutom ngunit hindi man lamang niya maisip kung maging kami’y kumain na nga ba o hindi.

Dinig hanggang sa kapitbahay ang paghingi namin ng tulong sa tuwing siya’y nawawala sa kanyang sarili. Pinagbubuhatan niya kami ng kamay at pinagsasalitaan ng mga salitang maging mga hayop ay hindi

Back to Earth by: Edessa Dana Salacup

I saw you.

You saw me.

I felt your hands and heard your foot steps.

And we were escaping from nothing.

Count to three. Break away.

I shut my eyes. I felt no ground. There was only space under my feet.

Slowly, I peeked.

Blinded by the stars, yet I saw Saturn’s rings-crystal ice.

I reached for the very Milky Way It was soft, smooth yet it felt so…

Out of this world.

Then again, we were out of our world.

Swayed and glided along desolation .

The moon followed and gazed at us.

The bright sphere we admired so much Now he’s admiring us.

I faced you, stared at you.

Just as my lips started to touch yours, I felt the grip of gravity And I was staring at the moon, slowly shrinking to a dot.

I looked up and you were still there, floating.

Yet around me were flames Swallowing me as I plunged Plunged into a vast ball of green, brown and blue.

Then there was a loud thud I jolted upright.

“Yes, Miss?” he asked.

And as I meekly adjusted myself, I gazed at him one more time.

Recalling my dream of us.

My Professor and me, while taking astronomy.

ni: Alyssa Marie Jacinto

masikmurang lunukin. Kitang kita ko ang mala-impiyernong buhay ng aking ina sa piling ng aking ama. Minsa’y pinanghihinaan na ako ng loob, gusto ko ng sumuko’t balewalain na lamang ang mga mapapait na karanasang ito.

Ngunit, isang pangyayari ang talagang gumimbal sa aking buhay.

Ang pintuan ng kamatayan ay kusang nagbukas at ang ulan ng kalungkutan ay kusang bumuhos. Nakita ko na lamang ang aking sarili na tinatangay na ng agos ng pagkabalisa. Oo, nagkasakit at namatay ang tatlo sa aking mga kapatid dahil sa isang hindi malamang sakit. Wala naman kaming sapat na pera upang ipatingin sila sa doktor kayat tanging pagbubuwis na lang ng buhay ang naging kapalit. Kami’y tila pinagkaitan ng An Engineer... from page 6 Paulo Coelho, and many others.

It is about weighing my chances.

And subjectively, I came up with a decision I feel is still worth standing for. And as far as I can see it, I am surviving.

But I guess the story is not just about survival. What it is trying to imply is about freeing oneself from intrapersonal conflicts – conflict of interest, that is. But does freedom signify choosing one option over another?

Despite having that decision, I joined Sirmata to at least halt my passion in writing from flickering out. And as I gather learnings throughout college life, there came realizations beyond rational explanations. Day by day, I was being inflicted with questions about my confidence in my chosen career.

There were also times when I thought writing for the publication is the worst decision I made as a college student. I guess, when academic pressure randomly vests its excruciating mandates, my fragile being gives up eventually. For some people, it is quite a shame I flunked some of my exams and fail to maintain a commendable record of grades. But I am not totally blaming my decision in joining the publication because at the end of the day, academics should always prevail on top of our priorities.

pagkakataong magkasamasama at pagsaluhan ang mga nakaahing luha.

Kasunod ng pangyayaring iyon, dumating ang isang hindi inaasahang bisita.

Isang bisitang ibinaon sa limot ang aming mga iniingatang pangarap. Ang aming palasyo’y inilipad ng masungit na hangin at ang aming mga kagamita’y nabihisan ng putik.

Nagkataong Pasko pa noon kaya’t sa halip na magkaroon ng isang salu-salo, pagkukumpumni ang aming inatupag. Pinagtagpi-tagpi na lang namin ang mga naiwang yero sa pagnanais na magkaroon ng masisilungan. Kami’y nagdiwang ng Pasko sa bahay na puno ng pako. Oo, nagdiwang kami sa isang lugar na hindi ko lubos mabatid kung may nakaambang kaligtasan o kapahamakan kasama ang mga kaibigan naming daga, ipis at lamok.

Ang pagnanais kong makatungtong sa paaralan ay naglahong parang bula. Sa isang iglap lang, wala na. Araw-araw kong ninanais na maranasan ang magkaroon ng isang pormal na edukasyon ngunit ni panulat ay hindi ko alam kung paano hawakan.

Hanggang imahinasyon na lamang para sa aming mga magkakapatid ang pumasok ng sabay sabay at hanggang panaginip na lamang ang pagsusuot at pagkakaroon namin ng mga bagong gamit sa paaralan.

Nakapanlulumong isipin na sa murang edad kong ito’y nasisikmura kong mangalakal ng

Try to compromise academics and you find yourself committing suicide. This form leads to a more pathetic being.

The supposed result shall prompt an incorrect situation, wronging every motive you had, making your sacrifices futile. You shall be ridiculed especially when you portray conflict of interest.

When you start differentiating things as being temporary and permanent, rational and irrational, needs and wants, a flash of weighing priorities shall follow. You may not have a concrete conviction on making the best decision but you shall have a rational explanation for things you need permanently.

I am not the first editor of Sirmata who happened to be enrolled in an engineering program nor will I be the last. My predecessors succeeded in this profession and so will my successors. But for a considerable deal of doubt, my freedom is not totally assured. This is not just an issue of freedom but of survival as well.

I shall continue to write but I am confident that I shall graduate this academic year, pass the board exam, and land a job that provides my basic needs. At the end of every day, I could look back and say, I survived!

basura at minsan pa’y kumakain ng mga tira-tira. Sa halip na masaya akong naglalaro kasama ang aking mga kababata’y narito ako’t masinop na namumulot. Ako’y tila nakikipagsapalaran at naglalakbay sa isang madilim na lagusang hindi ko lubos mapagtanto kung saan ang labasan. Minsan pa’y umuupo na lamang ako sa isang bangketa’t naghihintay na tumunog ang aking lata. Sa kalansing ng barya’y nasasabik akong bilangin at alamin kung makabibili na ba ako ng pantawid gutom. Katulad ng aking lalamunan at tiyan, ako’y uhaw sa kasagaan ng pamumuhay at gutom sa pagkalinga ng mga magulang.

Hindi ko maiwasang mainggit sa ibang mga pamilya.

Kompleto sila’t masaya sa tinatamasang karangyaan. Siguro nga’y pareho kaming pinagpala ngunit hindi sa parehong paraan.

Ngayo’y pilit kong pinapaluwang ang mahigpit na taling humahatak sa akin patungo pa rin sa kariton ng pagdurusa. Hindi ko maipagkakailang minsa’y nagtatangka akong sayangin ang aking buhay ngunit alam ko sa kaibuturan ng aking puso na mayroon akong matibay na pananampalataya sa Kanya na kailanma’y hindi matitibag.

Siya na lamang ang nagsisilbing ilaw sa madilim kong landas at alam kong Siya lang ang nakakaalam sa kahihinatnan ng aking paglalakbay.

Hayan at papalubog na naman ang araw. Natapos na naman ang isang araw na punung-puno ng pangangarap. Kasabay ng paglubog nito’y kinakain na rin ng dilim ang aking mga matatayog na hangarin.

Sadyang mapaglaro ang tadhana.

Hindi ko hawak ang aking kapalaran ngunit kailangan kong maikintal sa aking murang isipan ang kahalagahan ng pagsisikap. Bagamat patuloy pa rin akong minumulto at binabangungot ng kahirapan, umaasa akong bukas makalawa’y sisikat din aking umaga.

Ngayo’y kinakandong na naman ako ng kalungkutan, hawakhawak ang litrato ng aking mga pangarap habang ang aking mga paa’y nakakadena pa rin sa kinakalawang na bakal ng kahirapan.

MARCIANO from page 10

lamang na, sa tatlong katawan ng institusyon- mga estudyante, kaguruan at mga administradorpinakanangangailangan ng respeto, pagpapahalaga at pagdinig ang mga estudyante. Nagkaroon ng MMSU dahil at para sa kanila, sa amin.

Ngayon, sa aming mga kaibigang kritiko ng publikasyon, normal na kami ay kainisan, kagalitan, kangitngitan at kasuklaman. Sadya lang talagang nakaiinis, nakagagalit, nakangingitngit at kasuklam-suklam ang katotohanan.

Muli, kami sa Sirmata ay naniniwala sa tunay na pamamahayagkritikal, may paninindigan, walang tinatangkilik at makatotohanan.

Mabubuhay ito sapagkat naniniwala ito sa kanyang mga limitasyon at natututo mula sa mga ito. Sa Sirmata, nakabase ang mga heneralisasyon sa mga ispesipiko. Sa Sirmata, mahalaga ang panghuhusgang hindi padalus-dalos at batay sa katotohanan. Kami po ay nag-iisip.

LampoonsComic

ReliefLaughTrip

Ang Kagila-gilalas na Pakikipagsapalaran ni Marciano ni Stalliiona, ang iyong konsensiya

Akala ni Marciano ay makakalibre, Kaya umupo siya nang prenteng-prente, Maya-maya, “Ading, bente,” sabi ng konduktor, walang kangiti-ngiti.

Pagdating sa Garasgas, Ayna, nagmalas, “Sorry for the Inconvinienced,” sabi sa labas, Konstrukyong mabagal, nakakabanas, “Mabayag pay, manong?” tanong ni Marciano, Ang konduktor, nagkamot lang ng ulo.

After ten years, umusad din, Ang utak ni Marciano’y tumirik na rin, Nilipad ang nireview, “Ano ang gagawin?”

Biglang may sumigaw, “Crossing!”

Pagbaba, agad sumakay si Marci ng tricy, At nag-around the world pa sa Bacucang City, Laud, Tengnga, Daya ken CETC Tanghali na nang dumating sa COE, Ang kawawang si Marciano, babagsak na sa GE. Biglang nagutom ang ating bida, Kaya’t sa Cafeteria siya ay pumila, Ngunit dumating si Prof Singitera, “Tay inpa-reserve ko, ayan nan?” kunana, Sabay pinandilatan ang kawawang serbidora.

Nang sa wakas ay makarating sa unahan, Si Marcianong nanginginig na ang kalamnan, Takam na takam ay kanyang tiningnan, Ang student meal na winner sa pamantikahan, Bulong ni Marciano, “Syete-tres kuma lattan.”

Dahil sa bad trip, gustong humithit Ng yosi ni Marciano na buwisit na bwisit, “No smoking, ading, ‘wag mong ipilit,” Sabi ng guard na mukhang malupit.

Posturang-postura, kahit gulo ang isip, Pumasok sa Marciano sa Room 206, “Hay, salamat! Wala si ma’am!”

Accreditation daw ang kanyang paalam, Pero may assignment na dapat sagutan At handout na makapal para pag-aralan.

Dahil sa stress, biglang najingle, Kaya tumakbo sa kubetang barado ang urinal, Halos bumaliktad ang kanyang sikmura Sa amoy ng CR, muntik nang masuka.

by: Herleyson Baldoz

Terror instructors, posibleng ma-evict

(Pasintabi kay Pete Lacaba)

Posturang-postura, naka-iPhone pa, Kahit walang laman ang bulsa, Sumakay ng bus si Marciano (walang apelyido) “Nawaya pay,” sabi ng konduktor, Kaya ipinagsiksikan ang patpating katawan At umupo sa basahan, sa tabi ng drayber na nakikipagkarerahan.

TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE NEWSBRIEFS

Tambay-tambay, konek sa wifi, Para i-upload ang selfie niyang pamatay, Ngem ni Marciano, napaay pay, “This page cannot be displayed,” Sabi ng screen “World-class university,” sabi ng admin.

Pumasok sa klase si Marciano, Sa boring na Teacher, siya’y nabato, Ang terror na teacher, siya’y binato Ng mga tanong na pang-henyo, Nang walang masagot ay nabagot, Siya’y nagmukmok sa isang sulok, Pagdating ng exam, siya’y tiyak na lagot.

PE time na, kailangang tumakbo, Ni Marciano papuntang Teatro, Dahil ang e-jeep hindi nahintay, Tinawag ang tricy ken nag-joker pay, “Dobliem ton adeh ket itayak pay,” Sabi ng drayber bago siya isakay.

Pagkatapos ng klase, naisipang mag-soul searching, Sa lagoon pumunta para magpahangin, Nainggit sa mag-jowang naglalambingan, In fairness, marami ring nag-rereviewreviewhan.

Nagmuni-muni at tumunganga, Si Marciano na puno ng pangamba.

Pagdating ng finals, saan kukuha ng pambayad sa sangkaterbang multang sa kanya’y igagawad?

Eto naman kasing si Marciano, minsa’y tinatamad, Sa mga student activities, siya’y sumisibat, DoTa, Facebook, Seven eleven, Riverside, Mas gugustuhin kaya ni Marciano na magbayad, O maglnis ng kubeta at sa araw ay mababad?

Uno, dos, tres, kwatro, singko, Ano kaya ang grado nitong si Marciano?

Kapamilya, kapatid, kabarkada, pati ‘di kakilala, Ang kanyang pagdurusa, isinisi na niya sa iba.

Siya ba ang biktima o siya ang may sala?

Posturang-postura pa rin si Marcianong bida natin, Tinahak ang daan papuntang crossing, Mga katulad niyang estudyanteng nakikipagsapalaran, Marami silang doo’y nagkukumpulan, Pare-parehong naghihintay ng masasakyan, Pare-pareho rin kaya sila ng kapalaran?

Ang proseso ng pagpili ng mga gurong mananatili sa pagtuturo ay mas pinahigpit na dahil hawak na rin ng mga estudyante ang hatol sa kanila sa pamamagitan na botohan sa huling linggo ng kada semester.

Hindi na lamang ang mga estudyante ang posibleng mabagsak, mag-shift o mag-transfer dahil lahat ng mga instructor ay nanganganib na ring mapalabas ng departamento, kolehiyo o unibersidad.

Bagaman iba-iba ang mga guro, lahat sila ay nominado para sa eviction na ibabatay sa intensity ng kanilang terrorism.

Gayunpaman, may mga pagkakataong makakaranas ang mga maleficent instructors ng subject swap, voluntary exit o forced eviction ngunit kailanma'y walang magbabalik-turo sa parehong subject.

Para makaboto, i-type lamang ang PASS at pangalan ng gurong nais mapanatili o FAIL at pangalan ng gurong nais mapalayas at rason kung bakit at isend sa limang singko (55555) o mismo sa gurong tinutukoy.

One vote per sim lang at pawang mga may valid reasons lamang ang counted. Ligtas lamang ang guro kapag mas marami ang nag-vote sa kanya ng SAVE.

Luxury canteens, magbubukas

Handa na ang mga bagung-bagong luxury canteen sa bawat kolehiyo ng unibersidad na magbubukas mula Lunes hanggang Sabado, 8AM-5PM.

Ang disenyo ng loob ng mga canteen ay inspired sa mga French at Italian luxury restaurants.

Nandiyan ang mga chandeliers, candlelightings, glass tables, upholstered chairs, low wooden tables, macro-type air-conditioners at iba pa.

Wala na ring siksikan dahil higit sa 500 katao ang kaya nilang i-accommodate.

Gayunpaman, makasisigurado

ang mga customer na wala nang makakapasok na langaw sa mga canteen dahil mayroon nang guard na magbabantay - laser guard.

At para consistent, arawaraw na ring ise-serve ang mga katakam-takam na noodles, pasta, pizza at iba pa.

Tuwing lunch break, wala nang maiinis sa "food reservation" at "special treatment" systems dahil eat-all-you-can, royal buffet style na ang peg ng mga canteen.

Ang lahat ng mga bilihin ay napakasusustansya at napakaaffordable. Abangan.

FB, DOTA subjects, trending

Sa darating na enrollment, idadagdag na sa curriculum ng lahat ng year levels ang mga latest na subjects na FB at DOTA, 1 unit each.

Dahil 1 unit lang, ang isang buong oras ay ilalaan para sa mga lectures. Ang mga practicum naman ay maaring gawin kahit kailan at kahit saan ngunit imomonitor ang mga estudyante gamit ang RADAR system.

Sa FB, ibabase ang grado sa kabuluhan ng mga pinopost.

Mas makabuluhan, mas mataas ang grado.

Sa DOTA, nakadepende ang grado sa ikli ng oras sa paglalaro at bilang ng trash talk.

The shorter and the fewer, the better.

Ang mga walang account sa FB at DOTA ay automatic na uno na ang grado habang ang mga magtsi-cheat sa anumang paraan ay deretso singko.

Dagdag shuttle buses, aarangkada

by: Jeffrey Colobong

Mag-o-operate na ang sampung mga karagdagang eco-friendly shuttle buses sa lalong madaling panahon.

Bukod sa pagiging electric, ang mga bus ay fully air-conditioned, bullet-proof, accident-immune, Wi-Fi-available at 30" flat TV-equipped. Kaya pa nitong magsakay ng hindi bababa sa 70 katao.

Wala na ring tatayo at hindi na rin problema ang pagupo sa mga center seat dahil mas ginawang komportable na ang mga ito at malilibre pa

ang sinumang uupo sa mga ito kaya naman paniguradong mas pangangarapin at pag-aagawan na ang mga ito.

Araw-araw, ang mga bus ay manggagaling sa umaga at magpa-park sa hapon sa sampung magkakaibang lugar: Vigan, Pinili, Banna, Solsona, Vintar, Pagudpud, Piddig, Dumalneg, Laoag at Batac.

Gagamitin din ang mga bus para sa mga field trip, seminar, national convention, motorcade, joy ride at iba pa.

SIRMATA

SPORTS MMSU to host SCUAA-I Meet PESSDO Director irons out plans by: Brett Andrew Rikke Bungcayao

Six months after the university, represented by Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Wilma C. Natividad, formally accepted the flag symbolizing the responsibility of being the next SCUAA-I meet host, PESSDO Director Prof. Arsenio Gallego ironed out the university’s plans and schedules for the coming regional and national competitions, following its goal to extend the winning tradition in sports and cultural fields.

“Since we will be hosting the Regional Sports Competition and cultural event, MMSU intends to have its local competitions earlier. We used to have our local eliminations on November but this time, let’s have in September for our preparation in hosting the regional events. Hopefully, the rain won’t stop us from doing so,” Gallego said.

“Anyone would aspire such to be, but then, if we aspire it should be coupled with efforts and the will to win to become the over-all champion again,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Regional

Sports Competition is set on either November or December for the early preparation and training for the national competitions to be hosted by the Luzon cluster sometime in February.

When asked about the strides of the Stallions, Prof. Gallego affirmed that the university is in the process of identifying and recruiting high-caliber athletes and competitive cultural contestants who will represent MMSU in the forthcoming sports and cultural activities.

“We will not be doing the preparation we had in the past.

We must double, if not triple our preparation this year. Because last year, we noticed that our counterparts in Region 1 became stronger and mightier in terms of their teams, and therefore, MMSU should not be complacent so that we’ll not break the sustainability of the awards that we have had,” Gallego said.

He further emphasized the importance of support from the administration as well as participants from the students in providing the much-needed boost for the athletes.,

especially considering the drive and enthusiasm of competitors.

He also highlighted preparations in the forthcoming SCUAA meet. A beach volleyball court shall be laid-out east of the Covered court where we used to conduct the jumping events.

Comfort rooms shall be erected at the west side of Covered court, alongside the Pelota court. Fencing of the Covered court shall also be worked on to avoid intruders during games.

“On the part of MMSU, we would like to have a good staging of the 2014-2015 SCUAA Olympics. We would like our brothers and sisters from the five SUCs to enjoy their stay with us,” he further explained.

MMSU will also be having daily newsletter and will be headed

by Mr. Herdy L. Yumul.

The university hosted the SCUAA-I meet last 2004 and 2007.

Sports News Brief

Nat’l SCUAA adds three new sports events by: Aljon Tugaoen

During the SUC Presidents’ meeting last summer, it was decided that three new events will be added to the set of sports in the National SCUAA Sports Olympic 2015.

The three sports are Softball (Men), Archery and Futsal, which is a variant of association football that is played on a smaller field and mainly played indoors and can be considered a version of five-a-side football.

“Region 1 will still have to decide whether we will participate in the three new events or we may just forego the events for now. We will observe first,” Mr. Arsenio Gallego, PESSDO Director, said.

“Probably by the next staging of the National SCUAA, Region 1 will be joining in the three events,” he added.

The National SCUAA Meet will be held on February 2015 at Cagayan de Oro City in Mindanao.

UNIGAMES 2014 (SEPTEMBER 16-20)

Whose banner shall rise the highest?

Graphics by MCN