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he FORU M T

NEWS FEATURE / 5

Montaño named as Iloilo City’s Woman of the Academe

Integrity. Reliability. Commitment.

Vol. LXXVIII No. 1

Follow her story in history

The Official University Student Newspaper of West Visayas State University, La Paz, Iloilo City

November 2018- July 2019

FIGHTING DENGUE. A University worker performs fogging on campus grounds in a bid to eliminate dengue-causing mosquitoes. Thousands have contracted the viral disease in Western Visayas while 87 have died as of July 6 this year. Photo Courtesy of MARVIN JAY FERNANDEZ

West starts acad year in August

By GERLYN JOY P. ROJO

West Visayas State University moved the opening of its academic year to August from June in line with a Commission on Higher Education (CHED) memorandum.

The memo “enjoined” state universities and colleges (SUCs) and local

universities and colleges (LUCs) to do so.

All classes in the University this academic year 2019-2020 open on August 5.

Opening the classes in August allows WVSU to synchronize its academic year with the government’s fiscal year,

according to Dr. Luis M. Sorolla Jr., University president.

The cash-based budgeting under the Unified Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education Act — UniFAST Law, or Republic Act 10687 — is the reason schools need to synchronize with the fiscal year around which the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) operates, Sorolla said.

UniFAST Law “puts under one body all government-funded modalities of Student Financial Assistance Programs (StuFAPs) for tertiary education,”

according to CHED. “We find difficulty with the previous school calendar because of the UniFAST Law,” Sorolla told The Forum.

“There is difficulty in releasing the budget

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Campus fogging vs dengue halts work

By ELLA HYACINTH R. GOLEZ and JOHN LYOD PACHEJO

SEATED WITH PRIDE. SAMASA candidates embodied confidence as they waited for their turn in raising their platforms in the election grand rally. Photo by DOMINIC T. REGONDON

LAKAS BETS TOP COUNCILOR POSTS

Samasa tightens grip on USC

By JONAR B. DORADO and MARIA KAYLA T. TINGZON

Samasa Party is still the ruling party in the University Student Council for the Academic Year 2019-2020.

Samasa’s contenders for chairperson and vice chairperson won the elections on March 21 alongside all their 13 candidates for councilors. /WVSU.Forum.Dimensions

This streak effectively tightened the party’s grip on power in the most influential student organization in the Main Campus.

The outgoing chairperson and vice chairperson, Jude Osano and March Jade Abarro, respectively, were also from Samasa. Majority

of the outgoing councilors were from the

@forumdimensions

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@forumdimensions

Office work and activities in the University were postponed on July 20 and 21 to give way to the application of measures against dengue in the campus.

The University-wide fogging, misting, application of ovi-traps,

and cleanup drive were conducted as dengue cases in Western Visayas continued to surge.

Offices were required to have one staffer to render overtime service to open their doors for the application

EDITORIAL / 6

FEATURE / 9

Fishy Friendly Ties

The Making of a Butterfly

On Duterte’s abandonment to Filipino fishermen

www.forum-dimensions.com

Deception has never been sweet 320-08-70 loc. 1610

INTEGRITYRELIABILITYCOMMITMENT

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NEWS Bizman donates law library – Sorolla THE

FORUM

NOVEMBER 2018 - JULY 2019

By JULIE ANNE L. COLLADO and ZYNNIE ROSE C. ZARAGOSA

With the University’s aim to open the College of Law, a businessman-philanthropist donated a library to cater the needs of the future law students, according to Dr. Luis M. Sorolla, Jr., University president.

Mr. Alfonso Tan, the owner of Hotel del Rio, bought the library in 2018 in full package from the University of Iloilo, which recently stopped offering its law degree program.

Sorolla said that one of the requirements in offering law is the library, so he searched for benefactors on this matter.

“Wala kita library for law school. Hindi man kita kapurchase sang library because

we do not offer law. It will also be again illegal on our part to use government funds,” he explained.

The shelves and books will be housed in an air-conditioned room in Quezon Hall.

Although intended for the planned college, the library will be opened to all students, even from other universities as long as there is an endorsement from their respective librarians.

The library will be transferred in the University in time to the opening of the College of Law, offering Juris Doctor degree, in 2020, once thorough evaluations and recommendations are complete.

CTE director is new COE dean, cites goals

By ERIC D. MORGUIA, JR. and JOE RENZ T. CATALAN

Following Dr. Hilda C. Montaño’s resignation in April, the College of Education has officially named its Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) Director as the new dean.

Dr. Maria Asuncion Christine V. Dequilla will succeed Dr. Montaño, who stepped down from the deanship, but will remain as a faculty and go back to full-time teaching in the college.

“The former dean recommended me to take over,” she said. “I came to realize that it is an opportunity also to help the institution.”

Dequilla shared that they will continue to pursue curricular innovations, research-based

instruction, active collaboration with ‘glocal’ institutions and stakeholders, and produce performing graduates.

One of her long-term goals is “creating an engaging and effective learning spaces.”

“I would like to have classrooms where every nook or area can be utilized as a possible learning space by designing the interior that integrates concepts in a subject area,” Dequilla explained.

As the new dean, she wants to accomplish these by setting a target and tapping on alumni support.

Meanwhile, Dr. Dequilla officially assumed the said post in June.

Dev Com studes dominate confabs

By BENGIE A. PANES

MAKING A DIFFERENCE. Taga-West advocates express their stands on societal issues as they took part in the first-ever Advocacy March.

Photo by JOHN AUBREY J. JAMERO

USC marks first ‘Advocacy Day’

By ZYNNIE ROSE C. ZARAGOSA

Shedding light to social issues that demand not just the attention of the masses, but also immediate collective action inspired the launching of the first University Advocacy Day as a flagship program of the University Student Council (USC) at the Audio Visual Hall, March 21.

Speakers from different organizations and government offices led an “advocacy forum” that covered human rights, HIVAIDS awareness, and gender equality.

“We wanted to help mobilize the students to not simply be

citizens with an opinion but contribution,” Shaila Veronica Paris, event chairperson, said.

Moreover, an Advocacy March, which aims to spread awareness, educate, and empower students, took place around the University grounds.

“The USC should not merely be leaders who organize events, for true student leadership, means utilizing power in order to impact people [sic],” Paris further said.

Students who attended were encouraged to wear shirts that reflected their personal advocacies.

Selected Development Communication students reaped recognitions in both national and international conference held at the University of the Philippines – Los Baños (UPLB).

With their Project EMBRACE, Bengie A. Panes and Willard O. Ochon won the Best Communication Campaign 2018 in the Making Waves XIII of Philippine League of Development Communication Students (PHILDEVCOM), December 10-12.

Also, researches of Francesca Beatrice Marie P. Dadole (Paste-to-Face-it: An Analysis of a Needs Assessment

Tool), Hannah Joy P. Undar (Coastal Pollution Sa Mata ng mga Bata: A Participatory Action Research), and Ella Jean A. Medianista (Communication Policy for Eco-Bricks Project in a Selected Village in Iloilo, Philippines) were showcased in the Association of Development Communication Educators and Practitioners (ADCEP) Philippines conference, November 30 -December 2.

This year’s PHILDEVCOM, centered on the theme “Development Communcation in Good Governance,” while ADCEP has widened its reach in influencing global educational institutions.

REAPING THE FRUITS. Development Communication students Ochon (middle) and Panes (2nd from the right) pose as they receive their award as Best Communication Campaign. Photo Courtesy of DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATORS’ SOCIETY

NEWS

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NOVEMBER 2018 - JULY 2019

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Basic med course re-accredited

By LEAH MARIZ L. DE VENECIA

The College of Medicine (COM) continues to prove its competency as it successfully passed the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities’ (PAASCU) reaccreditation of its Basic Medical Education Program for five (5) years on May 24.

COM and its faculty members underwent a thorough evaluation on November 28-29 as the PAASCU team resurveyed the program, which was on Level 1 at that time.

“We are not going to stop and rest because we have reached such accomplishment.

The biggest room is really the room for improvement,” Dr. Alona M. Belarga, director of Instruction and Quality Assurance (DIQA) said.

She added that the University is taking huge leaps toward becoming a top school in Asia through national and international accreditations, such as QS Stars and QS Rankings.

WVSU Pototan lass almost ‘unrecognizable’ after rape try

By JOHN GLEN TEORIMA and NICOLE ANNE MOSCOSO

Miss West Visayas State University (WVSU) 2019 first runnerup Femie Camingawan Lama was almost unrecognizable after sustaining cuts and bruises on her face while fighting off a man who allegedly tried to rape her.

Lama, 24, a Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in English graduate at WVSU Pototan Campus, according to an investigation conducted by the Mina Police department, was assaulted by Angelo Panes, 19, at Mina, Iloilo, April 3.

That same investigation shows Panes entered Lama’s boarding house while she was sleeping, “Pagsigaw na ng biktima na humihingi ng tulong, sinuntok na siya ng suspek kaya medyo hinimatay at nasugatan sa

mukha,” P/LT. Sheila Bito-onon stated in an interview with GMA News.

The victim’s family was not immediately informed about the incident. They were told Lama was hospitalized for stomach ache.

“It was horrible. I could see him holding that knife and ready to end my life. But the messages and posts that I received, and my family nursing me to health made me recover quickly,” she added.

Panes, deaf without speech, was charged with physical serious injuries, trespass to dwelling, and unjust vexation, but was later released on bail.

DR. RABADON

DR. VILLARINO

Taga-West doctors top PLE; COM posts 100% passing rate

By NICOLE ANNE A. MOSCOSO

The University once again took pride as two of its Medicine alumni topped in the March 2019 Physician Licensure Examination (PLE).

Dr. Clinton Rosita Rabadon clinched the top spot with a rating of 89.83 percent, and Dr. Temie Paul Baguio Villarino, who landed on the ninth spot with a rating of 87.42 percent.

Also, the College of Medicine (COM) recorded a perfect passing rate with all 18 taga-West doctors making the cut.

According to COM Dean Dr. Jose Nemesio Granada, since its establishment in 1975, this is the first time in the history of the college that it has produced a first placer.

Rabadon, from Masbate, led this year’s newest batch of doctors sharing the spot with Dr. Jan Bendric Borbe from the

University of Santo Tomas in Manila.

Also, Villarino, 32, from Godod, Zamboanga del Norte, shared how WVSU-COM contributed to his development: “The school trained us to be resourceful and studious because it will be a disservice to the taxpayers who paid for our tuition fees if we would become mediocre doctors.”

Currently, he said that he will start working as the Municipal Health Officer of Godod town by August.

Last year, the University posted a 96.81 percent passing rate in the September 2018 PLE, and 100 percent passing rate in March 2018 PLE. The Far Eastern University – Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation is this year’s top performing school with a 97.96 percent passing rate.

Univ honored at CHED’s 25th anniv

By JOHN GLEN TEORIMA

Proving its exemplary academic excellence, West Visayas States University (WVSU) garnered various recognitions during the silver anniversary of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) with the theme “Celebrating 25 Years Towards Access, Equity and Global Excellence” held at Robinson’s Place Pavia, Iloilo, April 25.

As a Higher Education Institution (HEI), the University reaped the following 12 awards: Board Performance (HEI with the highest number of board passers in Region VI); Board Performance (HEI with Board Topnotchers); Center of Development in Agriculture; Center of Development in Forestry; Center of Development in Nursing Education; Center

of Excellence in Teacher Education; HEI with Excellent Gender and Development (GAD) Program; State University and College (SUC) – Level IV; HEI with most number of accredited programs in (public HEI Category); HEI with the most number of Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC) – Top 2; HEI with Excellent Environmental Education

Program; and Publisher of Referred Journal in Higher Education.

According to Dr. Sorolla, as an administrator, though criteria in every award varies, the major factor as to why the University topped in the said recognitions is the high number of board passers and topnotchers in the licensure examinations.

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NOVEMBER 2018 - JULY 2019

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Microbio alum tops certification exam

By JISSA P. PADIOS and REYNOLD L. SUMIDO, JR.

SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION. Robotics enthusiasts gather at the University for the 2019 Nation Robotics Competition. Photo by DOMINIC T. REGONDON

Univ hosts 2019 nat’l robotics tilt

By JULIE ANNE L. COLLADO

Aimed at promoting the use of technology to further enhance the fishing industry particularly here in Region VI, the University hosted the 2019 National Robotics Competition, themed “Sustainable Life Below Water,” that was participated by almost 30 institutions in the country, February 4.

In cooperation with the Data Science and Technology Corporation, the Pinoy Robot Games holds the annual affair, which does not only highlight

advancements, but also develops the students’ abilities in the field of robotics.

Different games such as Sumobot, Robot Rugby, Mystery Robot, Follow the Leader, Line Tracing, and Underwater and Innovative Contest were held.

Duels between robots took place in several halls in the University.

Aside from the competitions, a robotics seminar was also held for teachers and coaches.

COE moves up in 2018 LET elem ranking

By ERIC D. MORGUIA, JR.

From clinching the fourth spot last year, College of Education (COE) climbed 2 places higher in the September 2018 Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) ranking, becoming the country’s 2nd top performing school in the elementary level with an 85.02 percent passing rate.

Also, Liezel Anne Peñafiel, who graduated Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Mathematics, magna cum laude, ranked 8th in the secondary level, obtaining a 91.40 percent rating.

Dr. Hilda C. Montaño, outgoing COE dean, took this recent achievement as a “collective victory.”

“We’re very happy with this achievement because that means that we’re doing our work well in the College of Education, and in the University,” Montaño told The Forum.

The University of Santo Tomas posted the highest passing rate for the elementary level, while the University of the Philippines – Diliman was the top performing school in the secondary level.

A Microbiology graduate of this University was the lone topnotcher from Visayas in the Certification Examination for Registered Microbiologist on December 1-2.

Ardee B. Caro, who graduated summa cum laude in Bachelor of Science in Biology major in Microbiology, clinched the eighth spot.

“At first, I did not know it myself. I was informed by my classmate through a text message that I am one of the board topnotchers. Nashock gid ako and daw indi ko magpati.”

Caro was also a Department of Science and Technology scholar, which helped him financially.

“I self-reviewed for the exam for around a month and with limited resources. But thankfully, I survived the test and passed the exam with flying colors,” he said.

He believes that “success comes from hard work. Be thankful and appreciate all the blessings and all the people who joined you in this journey.”

Caro added to the list of Microbiology C.E. passers from the recent list: Jonalyn Mae G. Lobaton (2018), Sherida D. Martinez (2018), Kent Joseph S. Queda (2016), and Luke Dranoel D. Atencio (2013).

Aside from topping the c.e, he was also recognized as most outstanding alumnus of the College of Arts and Sciences.

SHS grad hailed Miss Teen Philippines 1st runner up

By RON ELIEZER G. DUHINA and JOHN AUBREY J. JAMERO

The 18-year-old Grade 12 STEM graduate from West Visayas State University, Patricia Lynn Beerda, brought home the honor for Iloilo City as she seized the 1st runner up title in Miss Teen Philippines 2019 coronation night held at the New Frontier Theater, Cubao, Quezon City, May 8.

Beerda, among 30 other contestants, also bagged the Miss Photogenic award, and received a P200,000 cash prize.

“Patricia is really deserving for her title, she even deserves more. She is the epitome of what a true beauty queen

and role model should be,” Erin Tajanlangit, her fellow model and schoolmate, said.

This beauty with Ilonggo and Dutch roots showcased her capabilities of being a queen when she once crowned as Miss Teen Iloilo 2017.

About the pageant itself, “Miss Teen Philippines, founded in 2004, is the country’s premier search for the next Filipina teen role model. It is the country’s first-ever original t e e n pageant.

But more than just a pageant, its primary goal is to promote “Global Readiness T h r o u g h Education.”

NEWS

FORUM NEWS BITS

Taga-West bag awards in NRYLI

By JONAR B. DORADO

West Visayas State University (WVSU) snatched six medals during the 56th National Rizal Youth Leadership Institute (NRYLI) Conference held at Teachers’ Camp, Baguio City, December 10-13.

Joined by several schools and universities, WVSU also

stood up among the others as the University also bagged a special award as the most numbered delegates in the event.

Mr. Maximo S. Salazar, program facilitator, headed the conference filled with leadership talks, workshops and team-building activities.

WVSU-CAT fee refund released

By GERLYN JOY ROJO

Pursuant to Republic Act 10931 or Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, the West Visayas State University College Admission Test (WVSU-CAT) fee of 250 pesos was fully refunded.

The first and second batch of students, composed of those who are currently enrolled in the

University, received the refund in April and in August, while the third batch of refund, composed of those who were not admitted in the University, is yet to be announced.

This year’s freshmen for Academic Year 2019-2020 already took the admission test for free.

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ILS grad is PH’s top maritime stude

By RON ELIEZER G. DUHINA

Integrated Laboratory School (ILS) graduate Ian Christian Nopeart B. Elardo, 21, was recognized as one of the Ten Outstanding Maritime Students of the Philippines (TOMSP) in September as part of the 23rd National Seafarers’ Day. He graduated from Davao Merchant Marine Academy (DMMA) College of Southern Philippines (Davao) of Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation as Cum Laude.

“Ang goal ko gid at that time is to try. Wala gid ko ga-believe nga mangin one of that, but gin-do ko lang ang best ko to make my parents proud,” Elardo shared.

Elardo, despite taking up Accountancy in college as planned before he graduated in lab school in 2014, took the Norwegian Shipowners Association’s (NSA)

scholarship project, and made it to be part of the 40 out of 1000 who were chosen to be admitted from Iloilo City.

“You should really aim high in life and you must have great perseverance, passion, and determination because you will be tested,” the outstanding marine student concluded.

ELARDO

NEWS FEATURE

Montaño named as Iloilo City’s Woman of the Academe

By ERIC D. MORGUIA, JR. and REYNOLD SUMIDO, JR.

Hilda Montaño was born to and raised by educator parents.

Her mother used to make her sit in summer classes in a community college in Lambunao, Iloilo.

She paved a different path, though, taking up a bachelor’s degree in psychology. But it wasn’t that different of a path after all—somehow that decision led her to who she is today: a woman of the academe.

Montaño, the outgoing dean of the College of Education, was conferred The Outstanding Woman of Iloilo City (TOWIL) award in the field of Academe on March 22.

In celebration of the Women’s Month, the Iloilo City government gives the TOWIL award to local women who made significant contributions to the community

through excellence and passion in their craft and sector.

HER STORY IN HISTORY For Montaño’s dedication to and love for the teaching profession, she has also received the prestigious Most Outstanding Teacher award from the Metrobank Foundation.

“Kung gin-award-an ka, it does not mean that you can just be complacent,” she says.

“Instead, you really have to work harder, go higher, raise the bar.”

According to Montaño, women in the academe complement the men, their nurturing and maternal nature bringing a different dimension in teaching.

WOMAN OF HER LIFE While she told her mother that she did not want to be a teacher, Montaño ended up becoming one—largely because of her mother’s influence.

Asked what she thinks her mother would say if she were still alive—her mother passed in 2013, just a year after she received the Metrobank award—about her latest

recognition, Montaño said, “Well done, my child!”

As a second mother to her students, being able to touch and become the woman of their lives makes the profession even more rewarding and “creates a deep sense of fulfillment” that no money can buy.

FATHER’S INFLUENCE In the University, especially in the COE, Montaño is popular for being unquestionably punctual. She never comes in class late, even if it is as early as 7 a.m. She says she learned the discipline and respect for time from her father.

WOMAN OF PASSION, NOT AWARDS Montaño did not see the TOWIL award coming. She says she does not go for awards and instead treats them as a “bonus” for dedication and commitment to what one does.

Asked for advice to her fellow hardworking women, especially in the academe, she says: “Always do your best. And don’t think of awards. Think of what you can contribute to the development and growth of our learners.”

Photo courtesy to Ian Christian Nopeart B. Elardo

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OPINION

NOVEMBER 2018 - JULY 2019

THE

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EDITORIAL

The

FORUM

the official student newspaper of west visayas state university ISSN: 2423-2769 | Member of the College Editors Guild of the Phil.

UNDER THE BANNER OF

WEST VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY

FORUM-DIMENSIONS PUBLICATIONS, INC.

Editor in Chief

PAULA FLORIZ A. ACELAR

Associate Editors

JOE RENZ P. CATALAN ELLA HYACINTH R. GOLEZ

Managing Editor

JOHN GLEN L. TEORIMA

News & Special Reports Editor NICOLE ANNE A. MOSCOSO

Feature Editor JISSA P. PADIOS

Sports Editor

ZYNNIE ROSE C. ZARAGOSA

Filipino & Hiligaynon Editor MA. KAYLA T. TINGZON

Online Editor & Art Director BENGIE A. PANES

Editorial Assistants

JULIE ANNE L. COLLADO LEAH MARIZ L. DE VENECIA JONAR B. DORADO RON ELIZIER G. DUHINA JOHN AUBREY J. JAMERO ERIC D. MORGUIA, JR. JOHN LYOD B. PACHEJO MARIE ANDREA PEFIANCO DOMINIC T. REGONDON GERLYN JOY P. ROJO REYNOLD L. SUMIDO, JR.

Adviser

DR. BONNA S. PALMA Dean of Office Student Affairs DR. NANCY S. SURMIEDA

University President

DR LUIS M. SOROLLA, JR. Letters/comments/ suggestions/contributions are welcome in the Forum-Dimensions.

Contributions must be sent to the Forum-Dimensions Office, 2nd Flr, University Center, West Visayas State University, La Paz, Iloilo City email: fd@wvsu.edu.ph

tel no. (033) 320-0870 loc. 1610

/WVSU.Forum.Dimensions

@forumdimensions @forumdimensions

Fishy Friendly Ties Three years after winning the arbitration case in the Hague, Netherlands, where the Philippines won its sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea (WPS), a Chinese vessel rammed a Filipino fishing boat, F/B Gem-Ver 1, at Recto Bank in Palawan, a tablemount in WPS where they were then abandoned in the open sea. “Our fishermen has been oppressed leaving them tiptoing around our own waters. They were sunk and “left to the mercy of the elements”, according to Salvador Panelo, presidential spokesperson. Indeed, a complete insult to the Filipinos. A concrete proof that the country’s sovereignty is imperiled in its own waters.

Any foreign intrusion into the country’s waters is a violation against the Constitution and in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS). It means other nations can only fish in the area covered by the economic zone as long as they bear the Philippines’ permission.

Amidst the outcry of many, the Duterte administration remained forgiving about the issue concerning not just our territorial waters’ future, but more so the Filipino fishermen’s rights—their human rights. It can be seen that they are not taking enough measures to protect the Philippine territory and enforce the law against any untoward incursion, leaving our fishermen at stake. This cost them their livelihood, and almost their lives. It has left them in shambles trying to resonate their sentiments only to be doubted by our leaders.

The government’s evident lenience and ‘fishy’ friendship toward the Chinese offenders is a manifestation of Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s biases and skewed independent foreign policies. When he should be at the forefront asserting our autonomy and protecting our rights, his allegiance to foreign countries buoys.

Ironically, his administration is willing to go teethto-teeth against Canada over garbage issue, and yet is passive toward China when the issue encompasses

trillions of dollars’ worth of natural resources owned by the country.

On the other hand, according to the Malacanang, President Duterte and Xi Jinping’s fishing deal on the disputed territory was only an “informal agreement” yet binding. To top it off, they did not fully disclose the grounds of the said deal. Basically, that is how the arbitration is being ruled now—friendship. While the Filpino fishermen have been violated, he has become friendly with the bully giving them the power to tread our waters with freedom.

According to former foreign secretary, lbert del Rosario and former ombudsman, Conchita Carpio-Morales, Duterte had no authority to grant foreigners fishing rights in the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This is because the Consitution is clear about its duty to protect the EEZ for Filipinos. As the head of the state, this act of indifference is a form of disrespect to our rule of law as the Article XII Section 2 of the 1987 Constitution states that “the State shall protect the nation’s marine wealth in its archipelagic waters, territorial sea, and exclusive economic zone, and reserve its use and enjoyment exclusively to Filipino citizens.”

Philippines must now stand its ground and defend its land and sea by all hooks. Despite our good relationship with China,the nation must assert its rights and establish independence in terms of utilizing our resources. Turning a blind eye to the aforementioned maritime incident is an utter negligence of our invaluable sovereignty.

We have long been blindfolded by our leaders regarding the real state of this nation.The country had suffered too much, we can’t just sit and wait for another fisherman to be victimized—another Filipino to be threatened. Isn’t it high time that we cement our rights in this disputed area and listen to the clamour of our own people?

OPINION

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The dream’s not dead POLAROID

By PAULA FLORIZ A. ACELAR My favorite author once said: “The world is not a wish-granting factory. You don’t always get what you want.”

The moment I learned how to read and write, I wanted to be a doctor.

That’s why I pursued BS Biology Premedicine in this University. It was never an easy feat; I had to balance my responsibilities as a student and

as the University publication editor in chief. I had to juggle my time in the printing press, coffee shops, review centers, and co-working spaces to edit publication materials, study for the National Medical Admission Test, finish my portfolios and laboratory manuals, or even study for my final exams. I even had to do my thesis alone. I was so exhausted and lonely.

Even before, I had an ambitious dream to become a captain of my ship.

But reaching this dream was tough and uneasy until I got to college. I ended up sailing in raging tides and been boxed of extreme storms. This journey has been my first column in Forum-Dimensions. Four years later of perseverance and determination, I survived. During those moments, I kept saying to myself, “When you dream big, make it happen.” Then, I did.

However, my voyage doesn’t end after college. I kept exploring the vast ocean of wonders until I reached the dreamland of most people on Earth-United States of America. They say I am lucky enough to enter the borders of US, but they do not know the struggles and deterents I faced and partialy surpassed.

America is one of the most difficult countries to cross borders, thus it requires strict compliances for heightened securities. If you dream to sail in this bustling nation, you must

be equipped with strong heart, longer patience and brilliant brain, other than sufficient money for a starter pack.

In this foreign land, people would always compare themselves to you.

They will judge the color of your skin, the way you dress, the way you talk and speak your own language in front of them, the way you stare them, and the things you please them. Indeed, racism and discrimination exist, nothing much different in our country.

Sometimes you might be opted out but there are still good samaritans willing to give you a hand.

Do not call your parents and family frequently back home. It doesn’t help you a lot but it will give you a homesickness and an idea of how far you are from them. Do not consider long distance relationship. You cannot withstand the longingness, and one of you might get attracted to somebody.

With these, it will leave you broken hearted and might cause depression which is one of the sickness overruled in this land.

You are not too old to grow up CROSSWORDS

By JISSA P. PADIOS

I used to feel really happy when I would bump into a distant relative who would tell me I’ve grown up fast. I was told I did well—that I’ve grown taller and I’ve conversed better now. It flatters me. It excites me that I think I have finally matured all these years.

Or so I thought.

Looking back to the diaries I keep down my closet and from the photo albums I peek into every time I feel nostalgic of my childhood, I always believe I am already years away from growing up. I am 20 years away to be exact. But growing past that stage marks

deeper, believe me. I do not know when leaving a comfort zone has ever enthused me; I just knew I fear it. I couldn’t say no, though. To make things worse, I chose a field where these fears will most likely to happen everyday. Like knowing that scraping my knees is essential in knowing how to walk, I knew I had to risk a heart in order to know life.

I chose to work in the media short after graduation.

My training in campus journalism helped a lot, I admit. There are days I am confident of how the press works, of when the question and answer is most effective. I love those days genuinely.

NOVEMBER 2018 - JULY 2019

Nevertheless, I finished my undergraduate with flying colors, and off I go to med school. After my WVSU med interview, waiting for the results is agonizing. I remembered the nights I can’t sleep because of the interview recollections, the anxiety of not being good enough.

Results came, and I never found my name.

At that moment, everything flashed before my eyes; the times I imagined myself entering the Roxas Hall every day, the clinical duties in the University medical center, the graduation as a tagaWest doctor—the what could’ve been. I wept and felt my heart break into pieces, but I realized that there’s more to life than getting what you want.

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Maybe I was meant to do greater things somewhere else.

Maybe I can be the best version of myself somewhere else—a doctor for the people. The dream’s not dead, it lives on. And it’s so much stronger.

I know there will be a lot to miss in WVSU; the places, the people, the memories. I know my life would be completely different without ForumDimensions, and I know too well it’s going to be hard. I’m still not ready to erase the memories we’ve had for four great years to make room for new ones. And I don’t know when I will be ready to let go and move on.

Because that’s how it is—a leap of faith.

Survival kit abroad PENUMBRA

By JOE RENZ T. CATALAN You must learn to be independent as what life teaches us. There’s no one helping you out but only yourself. If you can just trust yourself, do it. If you can cook your meal by your own, do it. Go wash the dishes by your own, clean the room, wash your clothes, help yourself! Always be faithful and put God in the center of your life, and be grateful. I salute and really admire every Overseas Filipino Workers across the globe. Philippines must be proud of you, as well as, your family.

Nevertheless, the fun about going abroad are to travel places you never been or seen before, to have

great career and job opportunities, to explore you never know exist, to study and learn different cultures and various traditions, and to be the best version of yourself.

I remember when I was young, it all started as a little ambition, but now it becomes real. I never thought that my tiny origami boat will continue sailing in a streaming water amidst its weight and even it’s made out of paper. The thing is just hold on into that dreams, keep the boat sailing, point straight towards the direction you want to go and decide whether to get stock in an island full of treasure or reach the peak of an iceberg.

But there are days when I am not only a mere representation of my dream to be a full-fledged journalist, but an uncertain, fragile person as well. I fear those days. I fear them unequivocally.

It was ten in the evening when I was left in a place where a shooting incident happened. Feeling scared amid a morbid night in an equally gruesome place, I did not have any other choice left other than talking to people I wasn’t familiar with. It was 10 in one morning of July when I broke down in a meeting with my seniors, completely unaware of how come I could not understand law terms in a press conference. I was ugly crying because I felt incompetent. It was 12 noon recently when I received a call from an immensely angry officer whose words threw so many daggers down my core I could not bring myself to forget them. I cannot remember exactly how I finished the day without

shedding a tear, but I can remember with absolute clarity how I was shaking the whole time.

In between all these tears and heartbreak in a pursuit to chase a dream, I sometimes think I am only starting to grow up. I sure have my fair share of bruises and scars because I was stubborn as a child, but believe me, it takes more for someone who already knows how to walk but still slips at times.

In a crowd of creative geniuses who brew passion in candid conversations, I have only one certain thing within me: a child with a sheer determination to grow up. I am not 20 years away from it. Now that I cannot last a week without breaking down and without feeling lost, I know I have a long way to go. I am close to saying that it is indeed wearing, but, how does a child learn how to walk and run? It scrapes its knees many times.

Maybe this is why I slip. Or maybe this is why I should get up.

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OPINION

NOVEMBER 2018 - JULY 2019

A portion of the development agenda THE BLUEPRINT

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is different when telling someone to stand up and finish the race. Having hope to others is more significant than telling them to hope.

Hope is not all about development workers, hope is having

by BENGIE A. PANES

The fulfilment every time you give hope to people is the most beautiful feeling to be ever experienced. Hope is when you give chance, a mere subtle of wants and needs. Hope is when the SDGs were established. Hope is when the global communities insist to shift more major policies to eradicate poverty. Hope is when the community starts to change.

I have been witnessing these social constructs since the day I first widened my understanding in the development agenda. When poverty is society’s core of cancer; hope creates butterflyeffects. Based on the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Philippines, the progress towards eradicating poverty continues even though the pace has been slowing down.

Development agenda tackles different sectors of the world. It covers a wide range of discipline to people, science, technology, health, sustainability, education, economics, environment, and so on. The job of development workers may vary with

the different advocacies to deal on but the same end goal—to end poverty.

Hope is sometimes shaped like a person, visiting to project areas, dwelling into the root causes of the community’s problems, and helping effective ways to solve the main concern. Delving into the development work force was a challenge for me. To work for the people was my calling and development was the message. As a BS Development Communication graduate, both the development & communication studies have given me the most significant essentials to build my chosen career. Often times, we are neglected by the realities of our social norm but still the biggest reason of our chosen career will still continue as planned. The job that I have applied to, required me to be independently ready, socially aware, and physically fit, and above all the uncommon factor is—having hope. Having hope is different when talking about humanity. Having hope

West starts... (from page 1) because the DBM operates in a fiscal year from January to December.”

Under the June-March school calendar, the second semester falls on November. According to Sorolla, this delays the release of money for the University, affecting the operations of not just the administration but also the student organizations.

Moreover, Sorolla said the adjustment will also let WVSU “harmonize” with other schools and universities in the Philippines and abroad.

Eleven other SUCs in Western Visayas also moved the opening of their academic year to August.

Campus fogging...

According to CHED Chairman Prospero De Vera in a rappler.com news report, the shift would facilitate easier allocation of funds by CHED as reimbursements to schools for the first semester of the school year may be done by the end of the year.

Under the cash-bashed budgeting, agencies must spend their allocated funds and deliver projects within the year or otherwise lose the budget.

Regarding the CHED memo, De Vera said it was only a recommendation, not a requirement and that the decision is up to the universities’ Board of Regents.

(from page 1)

of anti-mosquito chemicals, the Office of the Vice President for Administration and Finance (OVPAF) said in a memo on the activities.

The OVPAF also recommended precautionary measures “in order that IT equipment, files and documents are protected from damage caused by chemical residue during the application.”

Eighteen buildings in the University had undergone fogging.

In July, the Department of Health declared a dengue outbreak in Western Visayas, except Negros Occidental, after

recording 15,746 reported cases and 87 deaths from January to July 6.

“Dengue is transmitted through a bite of dengue-infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes,” according to the Health department.

In view of the rising cases of the viral disease, the DOH intensified its “4S Kontra Dengue” campaign.

The 4S stands for Search and destroy breeding places, Seek early consultation, Self-protection measures, and Say yes to fogging in times of impending outbreaks.

it. Development workers are experts in their role, they guide and uplift the lives of the community but a community that thrives and ambitions to have a better life, is a community who has hope.

Title KYRIOS

by JOHN GLEN L. TEORIMA If you have ever been to a public hospital, you might be familiar with the sight of crowded emergency rooms, busy wards, people lying in the floor, and rushing medical personnel. It’s quite obvious that the PH is in need of more nurses and doctors, but are we really in demand of more personnel? Or is it because more are leaving abroad than those who are staying?

According to the Medical Information Research Information Center Global, around 38,000 nurses and 4,500 physicians are produced, and there are a total of 13,000 physicians and 500,000 registered nurses in the Philippines.

While there isn’t a shortage of registered nurses in the country, the reality on the ground reveals a true picture of challenges faced by Filipinos in the nursing profession today. Complaining of excessive workload may sound like a typical work challenge, but the truth causes around 19,000 nurses to leave the country every year according to the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency.

The biggest challenge that nurses face in our country’s health care set-up is the high nurse to patient ratio. According to the Department of Health he ideal setting would be a 1:12 nurse to patient ratio, but in the PH especially in public hospitals, we reach up to 1:60. It’s almost as if one nurse is in charge of a whole ward.

Also, PH nurses don’t clock off immediately after an eight-hour shift.

Normally, nurses would stay an extra two

Samasa tightens...

to three hours just to endorse patients to the next shift’s nurse. On some days, nurses even cover up unexpected absences of colleagues and go straight for 16 hours.

The Philippine set-up for nurses couldn’t get any worse, especially now as doctor and nurse shaming become more common. Many nurses fail not because they are incompetent, but because the environment that our healthcare system has laid out isn’t exactly ideal for patient care.

Is it any wonder that many nurses opt to look for jobs abroad?

Right now, PH nurses are in great demand. Twenty percent of registered nurses working in California are from the Philippines, and other Asian countries like Japan are looking for available Filipino nurses.

Despite the hard work and dedication PH nurses exhaust in saving the lives of fellow Filipinos, they are still poorly compensated. Entry level salaries reach as high as 13,500 pesos a month, while in the US, nurses can earn as much as 200,000 pesos a month.

The president of the Philippine Nurses Association has been lobbying for better wages and working condition for nurses since Cory Aquino’s administration, but the salary increase of nurses is still a dream. Perhaps nurses are not leaving because of the promising opportunities overseas, but also because they are an unappreciated profession in the Philippines.

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same party.

Khalel Czarine Tanalgo of Samasa won the race for chairperson, garnering a total of 1,562 votes, defeating her lone opponent, Henry John Prio of the University Students’ Alliance, or USA, who got only 1,280 votes.

Samasa, or the Sandigan ng Magaaral para sa Sambayanan, also eked out a victory in the race for vice chairperson, with Melia Sienah Braña garnering 1,651 votes.

Her lone opponent, Glory Jean Jesena, also of USA, got only 1,084 votes, according to the official count from the University Student Electoral Committee.

But this feat for Samasa is balanced out by the dominance of three candidates for councilor from a rival party. Reymar

Jerson Espinosa (1,716 votes), Vince Isaac Tan (1,460 votes) and John Dan Rey Bautista (1,459 votes)—all of Lakas Party—ruled the race.

Other elected councilors were Samasa bets Sergio Miguel Villanueva, Klite Candelario, Jesmar Troy Adolacion, Timothy Dalisay, Hershey Geline Sumpay, Alvin Manuel, Rovilyn Escanda, Denie Vie Alejandro, Anthony Joseph Aurelio, Gwendolyn Donguines, Jay Lord Saplagio, Lucille Jan Golilao, and Jemuel Dolendo.

Rounding out the list of newly elected USC councilors were Sal Molinos III and Ma. Beatriz Niña Barranco, both of USA. Sumama Party, or the Samahan at Ugnayan ng mga Malayang Mag-aaral, did not participate in this year’s USC election.

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The Making of a Butterfly: Deception has never been this sweet Words by PAULA FLORIZ A. ACELAR Photos by DOMINIC T. REGONDON Photo credits: M BUTTERLY PHILIPPINES

It wasn’t like any other Valentine’s Day for Iloilo City.

The SM City Cinema 6 lobby has been jam-packed with Ilonggo theater enthusiasts holding their tarpaulins as support for their favorite theater actors as M Butterfly, the Tony awardwinning play written by David Henry Hwang, has finally landed in the city of love. There was tension and excitement as the audience finally found their places in the cinema. Then the red curtains finally opened, the show was about to start.

Brought by award-winning Ilonggo producer based in New York City, Jhett Tolentino, M Butterfly is the first of its kind—a first-class Broadway production which received numerous

awards such as Best Play, Best Director, and Best Actor (RS Francisco) during the Aliw Awards 2018.

A classic masterpiece from Mr. Hwang, M. Butterfly, inspired by Giacomo Puccini’s opera Madame Butterfly, is roughly grounded on events surrounding a 1986 intelligence court case about a mysterious Chinese opera singer and a French diplomat.

It follows the story of Renѐ Gallimard, a member of the French embassy in China. He attends an opera performance, and later falls in love with Chinese opera star Song Liling, who according to him, is an embodiment of the perfect woman—a Butterfly.

As the team’s National Tour commenced, which focuses on flying to Philippines’ biggest cities such as Iloilo,

Dumaguete, Cebu, Davao, and Baguio to expand the audience development in the country and benefit charitable institutions in each city, the production acclaims stars RS Francisco (Song Liling), who first played the role in 1990, Olivier Borten (Renѐ Gallimard), Pinky Amador (Helga), Norm McLeod (Manuel Toulon), Lee O’Brian (Marc), Mayen Estanero (Suzuki, Comrade Chin), Maya Encila (Renee), and Rica Nepomuceno (Opera Singer). In Iloilo, Iloilo Prima Galaw, a local theater group, and the Philippine Red Cross Iloilo Chapter were the beneficiaries of the proceeds of the four-day play.

“It’s a tough one to change the landscape of the local theater. Iloilo Prima Galaw is already here.

University of San Agustin, University of the Philippines, St. Paul University

Iloilo, they have their school theaters. Somehow, they can see how a production could be; with the professional lighting, set, professional management and crew, with the proper licensing from New York.

It’s a first-class Broadway production here, so I hope that they could think about it and someday they will be doing it too,” said Tolentino on the influence of M Butterfly in Iloilo’s theater landscape.

As the red curtains finally dawned to a close and the cast returned for the curtain call, the audience made it rain with applause. As M Butterfly ended, it left each and every audience that longing feeling t h a t deception has never been sweet.

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FEATURES Hoisting a Hundred-Year Old Glory

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NOVEMBER 2018 - JULY 2019

The thriving tradition of San Joaquin’s Pasungay Festival

T

he boisterous chants of spectators drowned the deep panting of two bulls headto-head with each other. With almost no hint of backing down, the two bulls outstretched their fighting capacities until one gave up the battle with a loud thud on the ground. Another victory for a well-bred cow was celebrated amid the dusty fight as the San Joaquinhons welcomed another year of Pasungay festival. The century-old tradition seemed perfect until one day, the bright ambiance of this festival lost its color.

In the bosom of the calle real of San Joaquin, a church stands tall and grows sturdier through time, unraveling history equaled by no dime. Its façade that dates back to the Spanish era is inculcated with images of bullfighting, a homage to the patron of the town, Don Pedro Regalado. Back then, bulls were free-ranged and it is an animal instinct to test their strength against one another.The tradition started as far as the Spanish colonization and long before people became hooked to cockfighting. Bulls are chosen from every village and being pitted

Words by ELLA HYACINTH R. GOLEZ AND ZYNNIE ROSE C. ZARAGOSA Photo courtesy of MATSAN DIGITAL WORKS

against each other by category and need to be at least equal in size and strength.

“One of our biggest sources of income is the cattle industry.

But we also need to consider that we have no ranches in the area.

It is only a backyard industry.

It’s not because we take delight in seeing these bulls fighting each other. What we are trying to celebrate here is the bounty because these bulls are treated like prized possessions. Wala ni sila gina- arado. They are purchased solely for the purpose of Pasungay. They are being taken to the farm not to work but

to build muscles,” said Consorcia Erlyn Alunan, San JoaquinTourism Officer.

In 2019, a private organization promoting animal welfare all over the country took steps in condeming the long-running tradition. Seeing it as a “paininflicting spectacle to the beast of burden,” the Animal Kingdom Foundation was succesful in lobbying their voices to the Local Government Unit of San Joaquin that urged the latter to put a halt to the center of festivity.

According to Atty. Joe Abad Lazaro Jr., Sangguniang Bayan member of the municipality, the

conflict centers on the concept of abuse on animals because it is already an innate nature of an animal to fight against each other regardless if it is in an arena or a mere field.

Despite the postponment of the activity, the public officials of San Joaquin are doing their best to make bullfighting institutionalized and lift the deferment of the said festivity.

It may have lost its luster due to its unexpected suspension but the culture and identity of San Joaquinhons will remain unimpaired with its rich past and unrelenting future.

VERDANT METAMORPHOSIS

Highlighting the environmental and economic growth of Bakhawan Eco-park through the years Words by JULIE ANNE L. COLLADO Photos by JOHN AUBREY J. JAMERO

A

s they send out prop roots and form dense masses, the shrubs that sprouted on the shallow waters far from the bustling urban streets rattled their leaves, leaving people stunned as thousands of branches keep their tempo and sway in chorus. A beautiful cadence of nature, something that provides solace and heals the soul,

something that sets this place apart and unique from the whole.

Adorned with pure simplicity and natural brilliance, Bakhawan Eco Park situated at New Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan that stretches its vicinity along the swamps is now the new instagram-worthy attraction that synchs well with environmental protection and preservation.

Managed by a people’s organization

called Kalibo Save the Mangrove Association (KASAMA), the once mudflat area transformed into a productive and diverse mangrove forest through the initiative of their mayor, Hon. Allen S. Quimpo. It was in 1990 when the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) approved a loan to the municipality to plant 250,000 mangrove trees within three years. In year 2004, the mangrove forest was officially declared as eco-tourism area.

Fifteen years after the first mangrove tree called ‘Bakhawan’ was planted, the number of trees planted increased from 250,000

to 1,500,000 trees today. And every day, additional trees are planted.

The panoramic view of boardwalk at the center of tall mangroves sets the mood at rest.

“Kanami gid sang amu ni nga project bala kay aside sa tourism, gina-promote gid ang kaayuhan sang aton nga environment,” a lone tourist said after a peaceful stroll throughout the place.

Somewhere along the wooden bridge, whether one is on solo trip or among a dozen of friends, the thirst for aesthetic nature connection will certainly get quenched.

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From Their Hands to Yours The Alima Community’s Artivism

Words by GERLYN JOY P. ROJO and ERIC D. MORGUIA, JR. Photos by JOHN AUBREY J. JAMERO Photo credits: ALIMA COMMUNITY FB page

W

ith the pristine waves that crash against the sandy beaches of Lawigan, San Joaquin, comes the unfortunate reality that some discarded trash from a nearby coast made their way to the shores, littering the environment. Because of this, the local women, protectors of these serene landscapes, made their own contribution by picking up scraps that had washed ashore, collecting them and then using their talented hands to turn them into artistic jewelries.

These local artists, also dubbed as “Mermaid” women or “Kataw”, are part of the Alima Community—an artist-led enterprise in Iloilo that collaborates with local artists to make unique and inspring products from slow, enduring, and sustainable approaches and strategies.

Birthed 2016, they started

planting the seeds of this projectventure and worked with 19 rural makers-artists. According to Kristine Buenavista, one of the founders, they work and play with other artists, friends, and activists by holding workshops, fundraisers, and local-powered gatherings.

Starting out, three people answered the call to express their activism through art. This venture was founded by Marrz Capanang, Chairman of Himbon Contemporary Ilonggo Artists Group, Kristine Buenavista, who writes for various online platforms weaving voices of the unheard into feature stories, and Jonn Laserna, a visual artist passionate about teaching art to children and the youth.

One of their goals is aiding the local community through their advocacy of fair trade wherein for every

their everyday

product sold, 40% goes back to the artist-collaborator, 10% is intended for the ecodesign and self-development training they hold regularly.

They also advocates transparency, environmental consciousness, sustainability, inclusion, and authenticity.

Buenavista said, “As artists, we also hold so much respect for what our hands can do, even in a changing world of machines.”

Their crafts are the language of

endeavor as locals.

Where there is art, there is statement, there is activism – thus, “artivism” in their community is born. Buenavista explained that when a person experiences art and is moved by it, he or she reaches a state of humaneness, vulnerability, loving kindness, and beauty.

The Alima Community is a living testament that art and creativity do not only conform and stay with the aspects of culture, but transcend into the business industry when utilized efficiently.

DIGITALIZED MARKETS: TURNING FARMS INTO ONLINE STORES A tech-savvy shopping towards environmental sustainability

H

ow many miles have you walked perambulating around stall-to-stall to look for the cheapest and freshly picked vegetables to cook your favorite pinakbet? Gone are the days when people need to stroll around the muddy floors with stinky smell of seafood and meat on the cluster of tables along the

Words by JONAR B. DORADO Photo credits: WWW.E-MAGSASAKA.COM

pathways of palengke. Luckily, online shops now do not only have apparels and electronics as featured products because human needs such as fruits and vegetables can now afford from the comfort of your home.

E-Magsasaka is an online platform, which shortens the fruits and vegetables supply chain

by directly connecting the two most important stakeholders: the producers and the buyers. Through this, the developers create impact by increasing the income of the farmers and reducing the cost for the business and the consumers.

One of the most enticing factors about this online shopping platform, particularly during a holiday season, is the fact that it alleviates the need to wait in long lines or search in stores for particular goods.

The business concept started in 2017 as a school requirement initiated by Gorby Dimalanta, Aaron David, and EJ Tamayao.

“The main reason why the number of Filipino farmers is steadily decreasing is because they do not earn enough money.

With E-Magsasaka, we aim that the farmers get their fair share of profit and in turn encourage

more Filipinos to venture into agriculture,” Aaron David, head of operations and co-founder of E-Magsasaka, said in an article published on Rappler.com.

This type of shopping also provides benefits for the environment; it eliminates car trips and associated carbon emissions, and will cost its users to pay less in travel fare. With ever-increasing gas prices, online shopping will also save you a lot of money and time by avoiding standing in line, particularly around the holidays, when markets are very busy.

This online shopping platform provides macro-effect for greener environment as well as educating farmers for the current and potential conditions and in turn, enabling them to become better farmerentrepreneurs.

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Photo courtesy of Czarina S. Trojillo

Sp rts THE

AGAINST THE CURRENT. COM’s Samuel Ynzon splashes his way to a 50m Butterfly swimming championship title.

COM captures 4-peat champ title

By GERLYN JOY P. ROJO

Setting aside stethoscopes and the hectic schedules, College of Medicine (COM) was once again hailed champions for four consecutive years, dominating the Association of Philippine Medical Colleges-Student Network (AMPC-SN) Western Visayas Medlympics held at the Iloilo Sport Complex last April 13-14.

Continuing their untarnished winning streak since the Medlympics commenced in 2015, COM was proven to be more than just students in scrub suits beating other medical institutions in the region; Central Philippine University (CPU), Iloilo

Doctors' College of Medicine (IDCM) and University of Saint La Salle (USLS).

“WVSU prepared for Medlympics 2019 since September 2018. We have our annual “hinampang” where different year levels play against one another in various sports. So I think WVSU prepared for this almost immediately after the school year started,” said Mikko Rivera, COM’s Officer-incharge of Medlympics.

One notable moment of COM athletes was stealing the women’s volleyball championship match as they rallied to overcome CPU

despite having a twice-to-beat advantage.

Prevailing in the said event, the champs listed a total of 13 championships, six second placers, two third placers and one fourth placer that hammered down the host school, CPU and IDCM in 1st runners-up and nailing USLS at 2nd runner-up.

The competing med schools showcased fascinating moves during the cheer dance competition that kick started the two-day event.

Western Visayas Medlympics 2019 was themed “Sipal”, a Kinaray-a word for "game."

West Crew unfurls groove in 2019 Street Style Summit

By JULIE ANNE L. COLLADO

Coping with the trends and styles of street dancing, West Crew organized a threeday Street Style Summit in giving inspiration to education and culture for mentors and aspiring dancers of Region 6, held at West Visayas State University and Ateneo de Iloilo University last February 22-24.

International dance artists from Singapore; Alex Teo and Muhammed Arif alongside local artists

from Manila and Iloilo, extended their prowess on the dance floor and heartened novice dancers in enhancing their skills and ability.

Aiming to teach Physical Education instructors about the fundamentals of street style dances and to upskill student talents, the summit gathered more than 400 participants from different schools in the region.

In preparation for new academic curriculum that includes street dancing, the WVSU dance group hosted dance sessions in different category and styles and conducted enrichment activities for the participants especially for PE mentors.

“The highlight here was actually the closing session where everyone expressed their heartfelt

appreciation towards the street-style dances which far surpassed our expectations and goal,” said Francis Dave Moreno, West Crew adviser and one of the local artists in the event.

Termed as “vernacular dance” in urban context, street dance is a style that evolved outside dance studios in any available space such as streets, dance parties, parks, schools, raves, and even night clubs.