Engineering SPECTRUM Volume XXIV No. 2 by Engineering SPECTRUM

The Official Student Publication of PUP College of Engineering

Volume XXIV No. 2 | April 2018

/PUPspectrum

INNOCENCE ON THE MARCH. Two children were dragged out of the march of the student activists along from the streets of Morayta to Mendiola, Manila exposing Duterte administration’s problematic policies, February 23. Victor Calinao, Jr.

ISO 9001: 2015 Certification Goal

Admin boosts Quality Manual

VOX POPULI

CEans against Train law n Mary Angela De Guzman

n John Carlo Gelsana and Ysabelle Mendoza

UNIVERSITY officials, faculty and personnel signed a Quality Policy Statement (QPS) to ensure their commitment to the provision of quality services, headed by the PUP executive officials, January 8. In the following month, PUP earned the Quality Service Award Rank 5, February 7-9. National recognition With its dedication to improve academic excellence, Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (Aaccup) hailed PUP with the mentioned award during the 31st National Annual Conference of the Aaccup held last February 7-9. Aaccupp gave an OutcomeBased Quality Assurance

recognition to the University’s Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) Office and its support to IQA. The effort was part of the University’s goal to achieve the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001: 2015 Certification within this year. The ISO 9001 is specifically set for the quality management system (QMS) of an institution which reflects their

ability to provide quality services and produce quality products. In an interview with the Engineering SPECTRUM last February 15, former Vice President for Administration (VPA) Alberto Guillo said that the ceremony also marked the expansion of the scope of the quality manual created for the QMS. Admin boosts quality.../p.2

CEA librarian: No significant changes n Ynamalaya Escoton

A year after the start of CEA renovation, the satellite library located in the fourth floor has reopened its doors last January 29 but the newly assigned librarian in-charge was just ‘expecting more’. Expressing his sentiments in an interview with the SPECTRUM, Engineering and Architecture librarian Edmer Ramirez said that there were no significant changes happened in the library, only the

ceiling and the lights were altered. “Actually, ang nakita ko sa changes ‘yung lighting lang. Regarding sa physical appearance, ang daming kulang.” This was also discussed by the

LITERARY

SCI-TECH

Google Images

Once Upon a Time in Far Away Lands PAGE 6

former librarian, Jean Gagalac in the interview, “Nabago naman, oo… siguro I was just expecting more.” More than a thousand of books in the library was moved to CEA Room 408. Shelves and tables were left in the room since they can easily be cleaned. While the renovations are ongoing, Gagalac spent one academic year in the Ninoy Aquino CEA librarian: No.../p.3

NEARLY seven out of 10 CEans disagreed with the implementation of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law. Out of 186 students, 70 percent or 131 students were not in favor of the tax reform law while 30 percent or 55 students support the new law on the survey conducted by the Engineering SPECTRUM last January 25-31. The new tax reform law also known as Republic Act 10963 which imposes lower income tax and higher taxes on automobiles, fuel, tobacco, and especially for sugarsweetened beverages was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte last December 19, 2017. Higher excise tax Higher excise tax rates were set for automobiles, oil products, tobacco, and sweetened beverages and products. Tax rates for fuel are set to increase by PhP10 in 2020. Also, the current sin tax for tobacco will increase from PhP30 to PhP32 for 2018 followed by an annual increase of four percent. “Ang pinakamaaapektuhan nito ay ang mga mahihirap na namamasahe since tataas ang pamasahe dulot ng pagtaas ng petrolyo,” stated by Dan (ECE III). Lower income tax rates With a higher excise tax, there is a lower income tax rates regulation under the said law. Salaried workers with an annual take-home pay of CEans react to.../p.2

FEATURES

Promises and Threats of Dengvaxia PAGE 8

ISSUES

Murang-mura Presyong PUPian PAGE 10

Train to Where? PAGE 11

News

Spectrum

Victor Calinao, Editor

April 2018

PUP fails 4th attempt in SEMA

CHANGES UNDER

TRAIN LAW

prototype and the expansion of the team or its recruitment. Also, plans to upgrade their prototype is next to the development and molding of future talents.

TRAIN EFFECT. Students were left with no choice but to submit to the increasing price of foods, such as junk foods and sugar-based beverages affected by the Train law in sari-sari stores near CEA building. Victor Calinao, Jr.

P 1.00/L 2018

P 32.00/PACK 2019

P 35.00/PACK

CIGARETTES BEFORE P 30/PACK

2020

P 37.00/PACK 300 MILLILITER

P 2.00

SOFTDRINKS COFFEE ENERGY DRINKS BEFORE P 0/LITER

1 LITER

P 6.00

Competition More than 120 student teams from 18 countries participated in the competition. And is divided into two categories: the prototypes and the urban concepts. Each vehicle uses different energy sources such as internal combustion, battery-electric, and hydrogen fuel cell. Before the Singapore event, the Hygears desired to test a valid run at the Clark International Speedway. Their prototype hasn’t marked any mile in the friendly-run event of the Shell Eco Marathon, January 27. The team believed that it could mark a mile in the friendly-run event if only there was enough time and fund.

P 2.50/L

running in the race. “Wala kasi nakalagay sa rules kung pwede o bawal ‘yung lever type na steering pero in the end accepted naman siya. Isa ‘yun sa way para makalabas agad ‘yung user [driver] sa prototype,” Hygears adviser Engr. Jayson Bryan Mutuc added. Support With the overwhelming support of Filipinos abroad especially fellow PUPians, Hygears expressed their deepest gratitude to the alumni who gave them some funds and a place to stay during the course of SEMA. “Yung mga tumulong sa amin doon, answered prayers talaga namin. Narinig nila yung story namin kaya we are so lucky na nakita at natulungan nila kami. Sobrang laki ng pasasalamat namin sa kanila,” said Mutuc. Cho then said the things that needs to be improved: funding of the

P 7.00/L

DEBUTING as the new battery-electric prototype of PUP Hygears, Adan Type 1 failed to show its prowess as its motor suddenly wiggled during its fourth attempt to record a valid run in the 2018 Shell Eco-marathon Asia (SEMA) in Singapore Changi Exhibition Centre, March 11.

TRAIN

GASOLINE BEFORE P 5.35/L DIESEL BEFORE P 0/L LPG BEFORE P 0/L

n Czar Hans Jericho Nachor

The Shell's required minimum speed is 25 km/hr but the tallied distances that the prototype achieved was invalidated. The team failed to notch a rank after the 42 kg prototype stopped working in its fourth attempt due to the extreme voltage load in the motor. In effect, the prototype encountered a sudden drop in its speed. The team anticipated possible worst-case scenarios: from the battery and motor control system to mechanical tune-up. But not with the motor, as the team was certain about its durability. Hygears Manager Sung Hum Cho (ME IV), in his narration, the Hygears knew that the stator was not aligned to the wheel when it started wiggling and cannot be fixed right away as it has to undergo again the technical inspection – a series of checks done by experts to ensure the safety and quality of the prototypes

NIRC

COMMODITY

Train law overhauls the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) which was adopted 21 years ago with an obvious price hike. Sources: Rappler News ; Abs-cbn News.

CEans against Train.../p.1

PhP250,000 or PhP20,000 monthly will be exempted from paying income taxes. Self-employed individuals with an annual income of PhP250,000 will also be exempted from income taxes. While those with an income of PhP500,000 and below will have a three percent exemption from percentage tax. “Paano naman ang mga mamamayan na walang trabaho o walang tax tulad ng paglalaba o pagbebenta ng ulam? Wala silang benefit na makukuha sa Train law then tumaaas pa ang mga bilihin,” stated by a fifth year ECE student.

Public’s burden With a bigger take home pay comes a bigger cost for consumption, which means that the increased salary of Filipino workers will be compensated by higher transportation fare and increased prices in commodities. On the other hand, the Department of Social Welfare and Development was given a budget of PhP25.7 billion this year which

will be utilized for cash transfers for families under the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program. Each family will receive PhP2,400 this year; PhP3, 000 in 2019 and in 2020 which intends to help lessen the impact of increased taxes on the poorest families. ‘Build, Build, Build’ program Also from the survey, about four out of 10 CEans agree that 70% of the revenue from the tax reform law should be used to fund infrastructure programs. An expected PhP130 B-revenue from the tax reform law will be utilized for Duterte’s ‘Build, Build, Build’ program, which aims to build infrastructures throughout the Philippines that will produce job opportunities for every Filipino. Seventy percent of the revenue will go to the ‘Build, Build, Build’ program, military infrastructures, and in providing potable drinking water in public places while the 30 percent would be used for education, health, anti-hunger programs and housing projects.

Admin boosts quality.../p.1 For the past two years, the University has been preparing and reviewing the quality manual for the Office of University Registrar only. This year, the PUP administration agreed to include the Instruction, Research and Extension sectors. Finances The funds from the national

TIMELINE

SC ELECTIONS, still ongoing n Zarce Abaracoso

TRACING back from the filing the certificate of candidacy (COC), February 21, to Comelec resolutions and motions raised by concerned parties, the Engineering SPECTRUM traced the events of the 2018 Central and Local Student Council (SC) Elections, and noticed that the election calendar was adjusted thrice due to some circumstances.

government and the income from the University’s operations will be the source of budget needed for the fulfillment of the requirements of the QMS. “Normally kasi kapag sa ISO certification, ‘yung preparations mo, hindi naman talaga kailangang humanap ka ng bagong pondo, You only need to know what needs to

be prepared, and what needs to be improved,” Guillo elaborated. Academic concerns In a separate interview, Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) Manuel Muhi said that since the academic sector and QMS is more of the process and planning, there would be a shorter time for

The COMELEC issued its first election calendar Feb 21-23 Filing of Certificate of Candidacy Feb 24 Posting of Candidates Feb 26-28 Campaign Period Feb 28 Miting de Avance Mar 1-2 Casting of Votes Mar 3-5 Canvassing Mar 6-9 Post-electoral Protest Mar 10 Proclamation of Winners

Feb 20

Feb 28

Granting the motion filed by CSSD Independent Party, Laban-COC and TatagCAFA in extending the filing of Certificate of Candidacy. The commission moved the deadline from to March 2.

the approval and release of CEans’ requests from their Office. Muhi added that these students’ requests from the colleges’ academic offices should not reach numerous needed approvals. Local movement CE Dean Guillermo Bernabe said the department chairpersons

Samasa filed for motion to extend the campaign period. The commission saw that the reasons are valid so they decided to extend the campaign period from March 7-9 as a resolution and March 12-13 for the casting of votes.

Mar 6

Mar 12

The casting of votes which was set on March 12-13 was postponed due to disruption on printing of the ballots in the printing house. The commission came up to the decision to move the date on March 14-15.

were assigned to focus on the laboratory seminars and workshops for employees. Also, rules and policies will be filtered to meet the qualifications of ISO. “When we say quality, this regard to expectation ng mga customer. The student should not only be satisfied, but beyond satisfaction na dinedeliver ng school," said Bernabe.

Resolution 26: A resolution of granting the suggestion of Samasa and the Independent Parties to match the official ballots on the master list to ensure the authenticity of the ballots.

Mar 21

Mar 22

The commission revoked Resolution 26 and will continue to its original procedures and any discrepancies during canvassing should be discussed on the date of the Post-electoral Protest.

As of this writing, April 9, the Comelec already released the partial and unofficial list of the SC central and local election results. With all the pending motions filed by both parties, the deliberation of the electoral protests is still ongoing. After all the concerned issues were addressed, the PUP will have its newly elected list of Central and Local SC.

News

Spectrum

April 2018

TERRITORIAL UPDATES EE champs ARAW commercialization tilt n Rosemarie Desquitado ON its 11th year, the Annual Research Awards (ARAW) which focuses on scientific, innovative, and commercialization researches, successfully concluded its nationwide search on Bulwagang Balagtas, March 9. With the theme “The Commitment of Serving the Country thru Science and Technology,” seven colleges and universities across the country competed in the final round under the three categories namely: Scientific Research, Innovation Research, and Commercialization Research. Students from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Sta. Mesa bagged the first place under the Commercialization Research Category with their study, “safeTRiP: Drunk Driving

Prevention in Motorized Vehicles through Transdermal Alcohol Sensor. Moreover, De La Salle UniveristyManila’s “Development of Hexacopter as a Reforestation Aid through Automated Seed Bomb Distribution” and Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila’s “Production of Viscose Film via Xanthation of Alkali Hydrolyzed Pineapple Crown Leaves and Corn Cobs” won the championship under the Innovation and Scientific Research Category, respectively.

CE overtakes Manila Jpice quiz n Victor Calinao, Jr.

"RACE To The Top," as this was the theme of the Junior Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers Lungsod ng Maynila Chapter with the students from the Department of Civil Engineering marked the third to first place of the quiz show, March 2. With over hundreds of quizzers, Team B composed of Mark Arvin

8 students trapped in elevator, rescued n Mark Christopher Rosario and Lanchester Edralin

EIGHT Mechanical engineering students were trapped inside the malfunctioning elevator in CEA last January 31. According to the reports, the elevator stopped between the third and fourth floor around 1:43 in the afternoon that lasted for about 15 minutes. Students from the Department of Electronics Engineering were alarmed of the situation as they heard voices coming out from the elevator, asking for help. The rescue team–guards on-duty and a building technician–gathered quickly outside the elevator's door to rescue the students. Five minutes later, the rescue team saved all the students from the malfunctioning

elevator. "Sobrang nakakakaba po. Tapos sobrang init sa loob,” said Kim Canonoy (ME III) after the rescue. Part of the rescue team, CEA guard Al Imran Dalanda said, "Malamang dahil sa kalumaan kaya nagkanoon. Ang tagal na din kasi na nago-operate nung elevator.” He also said that the elevator will be repaired shortly as soon as the building technician has the materials needed to fix the elevator. Aftermath “There are two possible ways on how to rescue the trapped students in the elevator: one is to shut down the power from the roof, or force their way in through the doors (which the rescuers did)”, explained Civil engineering laboratory

head Kenneth Bryan Tana in an interview last March 2. According to Tana’s estimate, it was around 1990-1992 when the elevator was released in the market, therefore there’s no more available spare parts left. But remembering that there’s a same model of the elevator in the Graduate School, the CE lab head sent a request and as of this writing, but has still no positive response from the Director of the said building. Heading also the facility management of CEA, Tana admitted that he alone cannot take care of the facilities. The cooperation and discipline of every student, personnel and faculty to use the facilities the right way should be practiced.

Velasco (CE V), Jeserol Guivencan (CE V) , and Algerd Del Rosario (CE IV) dominated the quiz bee followed by Team A Kennmar Pacificar (CE V), Jean Chrsitopher Tee (CE V), and John Eric Wong (CE IV). Lastly, Team C Angelo Abergos (CE V), Benjamin Llamelo (CE V), and Wilmar Jumawid (CE IV) secured the third spot.

CpE pioneers Software Engineering Day n Ma. Pamela Patawaran THE first Software Engineering Day (SED) of the Department of Computer Engineering (CpE) concluded with the theme "Global Competitiveness in an Emerging Technology Through Innovative Software Development,” February 14, at the 3rd Floor, PUP Engineering and Architecture building. SED is a one-day event which showcased the excellence and creativeness of the fifth year CpE students in making

fun and informative software applications. Two hundred fourteen software applications that runs with Android or computer desktop aiming to help, entertain, and provide information was presented to the participants. Out of 214 fifth year exhibitors, Jasper Besmonte hailed as the champion; Anthony Hernaez, first runner-up; and Juan Miguel Manuel placed second runner-up

6th Cores focuses on immersive tech n Richard Clapano

OUT of the 39 research presentation entries, University of Santo Tomas notched first place for Tri-modal Speed and Separation Monitoring Technique using Static-Dynamic Danger Field Implementation in the annual Computer Research and Engineering Symposium (CORES), January 25-27. Bannering the theme, “Immersive Technology: Knowledge into Your Perspective,” PUP won second

place with "Monitoring System with Hybrid Photo-bioreactor for Biomass Production of Spirulina Platensis SP" while the Far Eastern University placed third with "Quantification of Hand Tremors for Progression Monitoring using Leap Motion Technology." Seminars were conducted in different topics, covering artificial intelligence, virtual reality, robotics, and smart technologies.

ME quizzers maintain intercollegiate Mechwizard champ n John Albert Recio QUIZZERS from the Department of Mechanical Engineering took home their second straight Inter-collegiate Mechwizard Quiz Championship held at Technological University of the Philippines, January 24. Among the participants from the eight competing universities,

ME quizzers Vilmar Cabanero (ME V), Karl Russel Salve (ME V), and Edric Andrew Fontelera (ME IV) mighty wiped other quizzers. The team managed to clutch the championship of the same event held at Mapua University, August 2, 2017.

AUTOTELIC LIVE. Filipino alternative indie-rock band Autotelic performed live during the Band Fest of the Engineering Week 2018 held at NDC court, February 23. The band serenaded the audience with their hit songs such as Laro, Gising, Languyin, Dahilan, and Mapa —all part of the Papunta Pabalik album. Christian James Concepcion

As the AY 2018-2019 starts

Expect engineering in 4 years n Kheil Rhandal De Castro

TWO years ago, the first batch moving up to senior high school students are now entering this year's college academic year. With their additional two years of their study in high school, Comission on Higher Education (CHED) ordered to lessen a year of their study in college. “Actually CHED released the CHED memorandum order (CMO), the policies, standards, and guidelines for all engineering programs are reviewed," according to Dean Guillermo Bernabe in an interview with the Spectrum. The CMO No. 88, series of 2017, the Policies, Standards, and Guidelines (PSG) for the BSEE program effective on academic year 2018-2019 shows the new suggested curriculum of four years with the minimum credit units of 168. Also, the dean reported that every department had already submitted their new curriculum and the Board of Regents had already reviewed and approved the revisions.

"For STEM graduates, matatanggal na 'yung mga calculus, analytic geometry at iba pang mathematics subjects na nakuha na nila 'yun nu'ng senior high school sila.” The non-STEM graduates are going to be irregular students upon enrollment, “'Yung ibang strand tulad ng Humss, may bridging program that they are going to take up calculus, physics, and chemistry,” Bernabe added. With all the transitions happening, Bernabe assured that there will be no changes for the current curriculum of engineering students who enrolled at least prior to the batch AY 2017-2018.

CEA librarian: No.../p.1 Library and Learning Resources Center. “Sayang pag-alis at pagbalik ng libro. Yung pag-alis madali lang ‘eh, pero yung pagbalik kasi ng mga libro may sinusunod pang classifications dun,” said Gagalac. However, Ramirez believed that the university is doing its best to grant online databases and acquisitions of updated books in line with the library’s preparation regarding the University’s Quality Manual's Expansion. As of this writing, the library is open to all students upon presentation of registration card with identification picture.

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PUBLICATION? We need young writers and artists like you! You may apply at Room 423, Engineering and Architecture Building and be part of the Engineering Spectrum family!

Opinion

Spectrum

April 2018

EDITORIAL

Defend press freedom A month-long debates and throwing off allegations between the political parties of PUP Speak and Samasa sparked different issues in the university including the intensified concerns regarding campus press repression through the resolution of the Comelec to disallow publications to take part in any election process. Stated in the motion of clarification on observer status submitted to Comelec by PUP Speak last February 22, the presence and involvement of campus publications in the election proceedings are not necessary. This statement clearly negates one of three core principles – transparency. Accountability and excellence are the other two. However, after the issue of campus press repression concerning their party has surfaced online they delivered a partly true story and condemned the official student publication of the university for bringing 'false' and 'dividing' news. Based on the said party, it's clearly stated that the motion they submitted is a motion for clarification which is true, however, it is also clearly stated in that particular motion that the party neglects the importance of the presence of the press in the election process – in which they failed to admit. Such movement only expressed the inability of the organization to account for its actions and to disclose the information in a transparent manner. Now, where’s accountability? Without prior considerations, however, the Comelec who is in-charge of sifting through motions approved and released a resolution which was later criticized by different organizations. This forced the Comelec to retract such hasty decision and allow all publications to cover election-related activities and to access documents given that an official request was filed. Although the revised resolution seems to be in favor of the press, the idea that a request letter must be filed in order for the publications to exercise its right shows that Comelec treats press freedom as a prerogative of authority and not a right. And this is the current situation being faced by media practitioners in the country. Similar to this issue is the national concern of press repression where Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) decided to revoke the registration of an online media outlet hailed as 'critical' of President Rodrigo Duterte, Rappler, for alleged violation of the constitutional and statutory foreign equity restrictions in mass media which constitutes as one of the grievous attack against press freedom in the country. Different organizations such as Anakpawis, Gabriela Women's Party, and student publications criticize SEC's decision and condemns the administration for continuous efforts to silence its critics. Little by little, press freedom is becoming more conditional or even neglected, and no, it's not because that these institutions aim to disrespect such right. This happens due to negligence of duty, rushing into judgment, ignoring due process, and demonstrating bias. Threats in press freedom is not only a national concern, but is everyone's battle. With the current situation of media in the country, with less support coming from the administration shall the people, who truly hold the power in a democratic country, stand for press freedom and prove that no motion or threat will ever silence the press.

Official Student Publication of PUP College of Engineering Established May 1993

Volume XXIV No. 2 April 2018 Editor in Chief Associate Editors

Ria Camille R. Rivera Christian James L. Concepcion Alec John P. Garcia

Creative Director

Jeshua Ephraim F. Malimata

Moderator Editorial Consultants

Engr. Kaycee B. Victorio Engr. Orland D. Tubola Mr. Edcel B. Artificio

Staff Zarce Abaracoso, Honey Grace Alfonso, Jude Aedrian Atienza, Mariel Campomanes, Jonero Dacula, Keihl Rhandal de Castro, Ynamalaya Escoton, , Jobel Ibasco, Nehemia Ibarrientos, Rogelio Legaspi Jr., Ysabelle Mendoza, Richard Clapano, Mark Christopher Rosario, Jeric Reiner Gahol, Alexandria Masangkay, Rogel Reyes, Sharina Arnonobal, Carlo Gelsana, Albert Recio, Angela De Guzman, Harvin Reyes, Rosemarie Desquitado, Patrick Roque, John Dred Dejapa, Czar Hans Jericho Nachor, Mark Lester Manato, Ma. Pamela Patawaran, Von Ryan Maicle Contributions, reactions and opinions are accepted in the publication. It should bear contributor’s name, address, course, year and section, and signature. Name may be witheld upon request. Forward your contributions to Engineering SPECTRUM Editorial Office Rm 423, Engineering and Architecture Building, Anonas cor. Pureza Sts., NDC Compound, Sta. Mesa, Manila. Member: Alyansa ng Kabataang Mamahayag (AKM-PUP)

I WAS HERE Treasure Trove Ria Rivera ENGINEERING was never my choice, but, I am here. I remember back in high school, all I wanted to become is a lawyer. I had everything figured out, I will take up Political Science and enter the law school after. However, life sometimes plays tricks upon us and brings us to unknown places we never wished to be locked in, which precisely what happened to me. I certainly knew what I wanted, however, resistance from my family made me question my decision. My parents wanted me to take up Accountancy, my sisters urged me to take up Industrial Engineering, while I planned to take up Political Science. As the enrollment becoming nearer, my plans started to become blurry. In t h e m i d s t o f my

desperation, I solemnly prayed to God and fervently asked for His guidance. And like how I often used to, I told God my conditions and the final decision was His. First, if my Pupcet score had surpassed the score requirement for engineering and accountancy then I will have to let go of Political Science, unfortunately it did. Left with two choices, I asked God once again and said, “God if I passed the DOST scholar examination which is very unlikely I will take up Industrial Engineering”, miraculously I did. Now, after five years I finally fulfilled my promise. Being in this College was never easy but one thing I know for sure is that it was never boring. I met a lot of people – people whom I never thought

would imprint their names in my heart, and people who influenced me and challenged my ideologies in my life. My days as a student were numbered. No more sleepless nights, no more tight deadlines, and no more overbearing professors. I thought graduating would be an extremely exciting event dosed with eye-tearing nostalgia. However, that’s not the case. Every day I battle with the idea of walking through my own plans or following other people’s plan for me. Every hour I’m torn whether I should pursue my passion, or achieve my family’s goals for me. Every minute I think about pleasing myself or reaching other’s expectations of me. Every second, I remember how I used to be in the same position five years ago.

I was lost in desperation, praying that God would show me the answers to all my concerns. However, this time, I know God has already equipped me to be more in control of my life, to practice my free will and walk the path I choose to take. I remember every experience I had in this College, and realized that it took me five years to understand that my life is not about the profession I have but the million fragments of memory that constitutes it. No matter how life seems to play tricks upon us, sometimes, it brings us to places where we will truly find ourselves, which precisely what happened to me. Engineering was never my choice, but, I’m proud to say ‘I was here’.

MILES CLOSER Snapshots Christian James Concepcion THREE years ago, I wrote my first article in the SPECTRUM. It was my story of how Mama chose to work miles away. How hard it was for her to leave, and for us to let her leave. But she had to, for us, for our family’s future. Fast forward last August 2017. I was home and hungry at that time, looking forward for the lunch. When Papa, whom I knew was in his work, started shouting downstairs. “Nandito na si Mama!” I was taken aback. I knew that she would come that day but I felt that I was not yet ready to see her. How foolish is a son not to meet her mom after a long time and not be happy. It felt like I had nothing to be proud of. After those years that she spent abroad working for us, I remember those days I cursed my life and my existence

just because it didn’t favor me. How she was mistreated by her employers at time – with just a bread to survive her day, no day-offs, and just once a month overseas phone call. How I barely slept at night thinking what-ifs and what to do the next day. Mama looked so far than what I’ve imagined her to look like. She looked thinner. Her hair was long and dry. Visible was her tiredness from the 18-hour travel in plane. But her smile, her smile was real. It hadn’t changed a bit. The time allowed me to hear her stockpiled stories she couldn’t tell through phone calls. How she missed us so much – so much she can’t sleep in most nights; that her ‘alaga’ was so ‘makulit’, adding up to the things she had to

do during the day. Halfway her storytelling Mama said, “Gisingin mo nga ako Chan. Baka nananaginip lang ako.” Teary-eyed. Tuyo and fried egg (sunnyside up) with bagoong on the side is her favorite dish and what she requested for me to cook. A simple dish compared to Caesar salad and French bread she used to eat in Lebanon. “I will never go back to that ‘hell’, ever again”, Mama said as she slowly unpacked her clothes, packs of chocolates, and much-awaited pasalubong for us. “Dito na lang ako kasama niyo. Ayoko na dun, malungkot.” It has been seven months since she came back. First few months required adjustments– from number of plates to prepare, to hearing ‘Mama’ more often until we got used to

it (again). Just like the old times, Mama is now working in the same workplace as my father’s. Tiring, but as long as she is with us, it’s fulfilling. My mother’s story is just one of a million OFW stories Filipinos should hear and learn from. They may not be the ones who led the revolution against the colonizers, or bravely shielded their loved ones against a bullet. Still, calling them heroes is an understatement for their sacrifices and courageous hearts to cross borders and seas for a more comfortable life for their families. Mama still misses a few things in the Middle East: shawarma, snow, and friends she found there. But as saying goes, there’s nothing like home. Being miles closer to the people you love.

Opinion

Spectrum April 2018

R&M

PAN DE INHINYERYA

Veriloquent Thoughts

Which Way?

Victor Calinao, Jr. FOR the “busy” people out there who does not know what’s this show all about, it is about Rick who is a sociopath and alcoholic scientist which was entitled as the smartest mammal in the universe that runs the spontaneous intergalactic adventure with his alter-ego grandson, Morty. This animated sciencefiction television, and my favorite sixth episode of season two, “The Ricks Must Be Crazy,” has poked fun at various significant issues in today’s society. Slavery with extra steps The episode runs around Rick trying to fix his car’s ‘Microverse battery’ when it behaved wrong in the middle of their alternate multiverse adventure for movies and ice cream. Inside the battery is a universe inhabited by sentient beings whose purpose driven life is only providing Rick free electricity to power his car and charge his phone and stuff. This is unknowingly done by the people of the Microverse by stepping continually on a device made by Rick called the Gooblebox, which converts

their movements to generate electricity for their own planet but also sending almost 20 terawatts to Rick’s engine. Upon Morty seeing this, he reacts to his scientist grandfather for “enslaving” an entire race for the sake of energy. Rick, however, argued that he just created a functioning society whose byproduct is electricity. Morty rebuts seeing through Rick’s poor rationalization and convinced that the Microverse’s civilization was founded on “slavery with extra steps.” The civilization Rick made is a metaphor of Marxist interpretation of capitalism. The people in the ‘Microverse battery’ are the laborers in today’s society which then always produce surplus value. The 20-terawatt electricity reflects as the surplus value, and the capitalist uses this value as their profit. Same rationalization with the defenders of capitalism, they see this situation as justified as it enables society to function. Lies power society In order to maintain such system and upon entering the Microverse he just created, Rick disguised as a ruling elite

alien establishing a culture and taught some of its made up language like “fuck you” as an equivalent for peace and “blow me” as a reply. There is also an event like Ricksgiving, and also an education structure which is arranged in deifying Rick as a hero and an elite. People in the Microverse is enslaved by a culture of reverence which leads then to the profit of the ruling elite, Rick. This is similar to how our today’s society is engineered to deify certain traditions and groups: not because of their moral righteousness, but in respect on how they developed the culture. This is exactly what’s seen in holidays like in Valentines and December that both spur the expression of love through consumerism – purchasing things, in spite of supposedly being generous. We are enslaved by these certain traditions which the ruling class just made up. Unconsciousness Hypocrisy The problem of Rick’s Microverse battery is that, people of the Microverse, led by brilliant scientist Zeep Zanflorp has made a device similar to Rick’s battery, which is also

has a universe inside called “Miniverse” that acts as a source of energy of the Microverse and has the same setup, leaving Rick’s Gooblebox idle. Rick pointed out Zeep’s method of gaining energy as “unethical,” using the same words Morty used to criticize Rick and Zeep used the previous words of Rick to justify the means. Rick convinced Zeep and went inside the Miniverse and learned that a move is ongoing obsoleting Zeep’s invention by creating another similar device battery which is called “Teenyverse” but still in the making. *** The show, however, ended as Rick beat Zeep and escaped the battery with Morty. It portrayed as a comedy but also delivered the moral dilemmas surrounding modern-day slavery and how status quo justifies it. Which then leaves to a challenge: how far are we willing to justify how things are in spite of deception and exploitation being experienced by the most of the people? Are you willing to rationalize slavery just so we can run our cars and charge our phones?

WHY DO STUDENTS FAIL? Moderate Thinking Kaycee Victorio ANOTHER semester has come into close. With it are another story of success for some students, and failure for others. Everyone knows that studying is not a walk in Pureza, especially for engineering, and a student will not take the course if he or she is not prepared for it but the question still remains: why do students fail? For someone who has been into teaching for the last 10 years, the narrative can be lengthy. But as I have observed for at least a decade, it has always been a shared responsibility among the students, his or her teachers, and the environment he or she belongs. One cannot solely blame another for the disappointment. And one cannot claim the entirety of the accomplishment. So, what does the main actor do to fail? Some of them don’t learn from long years of basic education. College students still manage their time poorly and are prone to procrastination. All assignments can be done the day before or on the deadline. Exams can be reviewed the day before the judgement calls. These lead them to be unable to complete their respective task. Several scholars are in fear of failure (for not having experienced one). Other students, have waning selfconfidence to pass on exam in Engineering Electromagnetics

or Circuit 2, after experiencing several disappointments in his or her previous studies. Other students take the subject matter light and easy, taking the lessons for granted, whether because of curricular and extra-curricular activities, non-curricular distractions (spell love life or basketball), expecting at least a passing grade at the end of the semester. One unmet expectation is enough to shatter all future hopes and dreams. S ome instructors are unreasonable. With tons of homework, projects, and sometimes difficult deadlines, some teachers fail to assess the work load and backlog of the students at the expense of a strict, strong, and first-rate stance. Other teachers put that excellence in teaching and instruction is synonymous to passing only a few, when the only ‘few’ that have been ‘passed’ during the semester is relative to the wisdom of the subject matter. Some students share stories of professors who power trip, do not care, and do not mind the student. More than the classroom managers, there are times when the classroom does not fit for conducive learning. There are classmates that are highly reliant on others – whether it’s examinations, problem

sets, experiments, or research reports. Some block mates are mean, immature, and irresponsible that are really a test of patience. School management shares the accountability, ranging from inconsistent standards, insufficient facilities, strict rules on tuition fees, among others that left students feel emotionally tired, alone, and helpless. These situations claimed the lives of Kristel Tejada, 16 years old; Mariannete Amper, 12; Raymond Sergia, 18, among many other before them. T h e s e c o mp o u n d i n g challenges the students take in his or her years in college inflate his or her lack of desire to succeed. College scholars are inherently capable to do the work, are highly sharp, but have decided that there are other things that are more important, more important than completing one’s education. And of course, belonging in the course that is not even the desire of a student’s heart is another issue worth of a column. Why do students fail? I believe that it is always a shared responsibility. Traditional African proverb reminds us that it takes a village to raise a child. Harvard University Graduate School of Education taught me that it takes all the school stakeholders to make a

college student strive better to fulfill his or her dreams of the brightest future. May be that is why I always try to make each of my student feel important, wanted, and loved; my classes are not just comfort but also growth zones; and their skills and abilities are positively tested and challenged to break their own glass ceilings. My class rules are non-confirming and unconventional, something I have learned from my former instructors Aleta Fabregas and Agnes Sunga-Oblefias. Most of the time, it is not an easy task to do because no student is the same, but we all must try. Whether the student, the teachers, the system or the environment connive to help achieving the dream, it is always a personal, unique, and subjective decision to make. And we cannot afford another hope to suffer another ill fate. *** I should have written about the recent squabble I got with some student-members of Samahan ng Mag-aaral Para sa Sambayanan over a shouldbe heartily dinner with some students and a fellow instructor, but I rather have this space on much worthy narratives, like giving students a read of caution on how to avoid delaying their bright future while dreaming of it inside their boring classes.

“At some point we all look up and realize we are lost in a maze.” -John Green, Looking for Alaska Days come where things seem to be just pure blur and dark. Some days come as bright and shiny as the sun. What we don’t understand is the thrill and mystery in every turn of the maze. The chase and the not-knowing part brings excitement in our lives. We must realize that the thing about being lost is not always bad. Sometimes, losing means finding.

Wits on Tits

“MAG-bra ka nga. May mga lalaki dito oh.” If you were to ask me—what’s the most fleeting feeling in the world—it won’t be the final countdown on a race, me escaping jail, or the last drop of my poop, it is actually taking my bra off whenever I get home. And I’m more than happy wandering bra-free for seven months now—especially in a male-dominated college building filled with raging hormones and adventurous young adults. Let’s talk about tits and bras—and why it’s okay not to wear one. We try to conceal the set of mammary glands using this piece of garment. However, the steel wires that are fixed under the cups’ limits suffocate the breasts instead of supposedly upholding them. The framework of the lingerie acts as a resistance against the weight of the chest resulting to constant pressure while compresses it and generating internal stress that has extreme negative effects. They say it should be “fit enough” to be “comfortably worn.” Raising the dilemma, more and more women are getting diagnosed with breast-related illnesses that has everything to do with these two cups. Despite all this, there’s still the aesNEW BREED thetic need to even wear one. According to ‘Dressed to Kill: The Link between Breast Cancer and Bras’ by Singer and Grismaijer, the tighter and longer a bra is worn, the risk increases up to 100 times for 24/7 bra wearers. Presenting the premise, Sharina Arnonobal we have to cover what needs facebook.com/shasharinuuuh to be covered in order to protect it. But if the true nature of the bosoms is proper guidance for the healthy growth of the offspring using breast milk, why is there an implicated compelling reason to shield it away from the people who don’t use it? The current norm is: the more skin you flaunt, the more it becomes a treat for arousal since it allegedly increases the desire for sexual fantasies and implicates signals of intent for the libido’s influx of men. By this, you’d probably be victim-blamed once you get harassed since you must be looking for it. In the end, you’d opt in to the custom because of how violent the refutation of the environment wherein the extremities may fall under public shaming. People conform to this practice because of how the society coerces them to do so despite the personal inclinations. This idea of sexual aggressiveness that all men are ‘normally’ carnal affects the non-reactors and the way the public retaliates. Not only does it generalize men, it also inhibits womankind on their rights to choose whatever they deem fit. This continuous peddle is a clear manifestation that machismo is monopolizing the socio-political spectrum of the society to an extent that it subtly dictates people’s wardrobe choices to an extent that it leads to comfortability and preference trade-offs. Acceptance should never be dependent on the people around you but on how you stand for yourself. Choose for what’s best despite of numerous public call-outs and disapproval. Ain’t everyone has their own nipples to lunge on, aye? Sharina is a third year civil engineering student who loves to perform in open mic event and join debates.

TIWAY.DOC

RIA I love you Spek! RJ Thanks for existing. CHRISTIAN Isang pagpupugay sa ating lahat na pinipiling maging masaya at mabuhay! ZARCE Salamat sa bente mo kaibigan, hanggang sa muli. HONEY Without you, there’ll be no Spectrum. JESH Salamat sa lahat Ariesha. SHARINA Tiway sa kasipagan ko kasi wala namang pagsasalamatang Diyos. REINER Tiway fam, friends, and crushiee for inspiring me. YNA Ty angel from my nightmare. ALEC Maraming salamat. Mabuhay ka! MIA Salamat sa pag-ibig. Ngiti ka lang. Namumut’an Taka. KEIHL Thank you Wisdom of Solomon, I’ve learned a lot. CZAR Thank you to everyone who are there to support me. DRED Arigatou gozaimasu Datin, aishiteru! MARIEL Tiway to all spek Bawi ako. Love you all! HARVIN Thank you Spek! ROSARIO Salamat Spek for understanding, love you. BELLE Ty sa writers ko na nakukuha sa deadline at sindak. MANATO Salamat sa limang taon, ECE V-5, see you in another life! ROGEL Tiway sa lahat na nagpapalakas kay Rogel. CARLO Tiway sa iyong paglaban kahit sobrang nahihirapan ka na. ALEX Labyu Jm and Yna. VICTOR Wala ako kung wala ka. Mahal kita Phoebe. TIM Thank you Lord&Trish.

Liter

Spectrum 6

Once Upo in Far Aw

Amidst of discoveries, war, and revolution, o Legends overseas, with treasure chests of golds and storie

Empereur des Francois Von Ryan Maicle

My foes are many; my equals, none My echoes reach to where light could run And my footsteps thunder through Celebrated songs in grandiose halls Sung by the screaming of cannon thralls And I spring the rhythm's cue I am absolute - the absolute that is I The whisper of my shade brings life and death Shaping destiny with every breath The breaths blown by but a few Armies fall before my uttered name And nations crumble at every game Played by states as states would do I am absolute - the absolute that is I Yet even chance lay waste on all things Even Gods turn to mortal beings Paying the price that was due Even the absolutes such as I Would then be betrayed by one cast die On the fields of Waterloo I was absolute - the absolute I thought was I Based from the conquests of Napoléon Bonaparte I (1769-1821) against the European coalitions that aimed to overthrow him which succeeded after several attempts, resulting to his utter defeat at Waterloo (1815).

Loving, Vincent Zarce Abaracoso The spectrum’s blazing colors shot on the palette. Each brushstroke, a mixture of love, rage, and sorrow. Striking the canvas as his mind and heart burst into flames. Soul eased on canvass under the oiled sky. He finds ecstasy and euphoria in the ordinary, Channeled awful torments into beauty. Masterpieces no one could ever show All committed on canvass for others to know. But no one understand of what he do, His soul burned, painting skies changing hue. His talent wanted recompense but no one cared It tormented his soul, losing his sanity; scared. All around him was darkness, so he gazed at the starry sky Wondering if the never ending sadness will ever fade away. But hope was gone before his eyes. He knew that the curse he bore will never die. He fixed his eyes on the sole matter that kept him sane. But the voices inside his head make him cower in shame. He hears the howling wind as blood slides down his face. The crows above the wheat field watch him, staggering towards his inevitable fate. Vincent van Gogh is a Dutch painter, who remained poor and virtually unknown throughout his life. He suffers from mental illness and later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. (1890)

Amour Interdit Ysabelle Mendoza Intrigued by innocence, fair lady of Paris Seeking out wisdom, truth of existential melancholy Allured by a man, alluded with intimacy Entwined with fire, desire of obscurity Waltzing in disguise Behind the mask of societal lies Engraved in mortal sins God, forbid us for what we cease Dazed in comical scenes Sunshine as you may be Even credo is stashed out of clean All my life, where have you been? Good heavens! Why fate chose our eternity Across the line of blinded solidarity Forbidding the cherished, allowing sinful agony Down I am torn, amidst of being saintly At last from the destitute My heart and soul survived Triumph is all over Waiting and alive Based on the story of star-crossed lovers of 12th century, Heloise d’Argenteuil, a French scholar, and Pierre Abelard, a philosopher, known for their tragic love affair, going against the odds of society’s standards.

rary

April 2018 7

Ysabelle Mendoza, Editor

on a Time, way Lands

old tales unravel with deep strike of heavens. es, travel through time around the world of true fantasies.

Warm Dreams into the Antarctic Rogelio Legaspi, Jr. Oceans rising to its coldest temperament Nights of chilling hopes and hoisting sails Twenty eight men boarding a ship that always belonged to the seas The Endurance Whites of admiration and of frigid sheets The Weddell Sea looming beyond the ship Until the sight of ice came creeping in Sinking her, leaving her into a total abandon Still they continue; eager, complete, and alive Making a camp along the ocean, frost Through the sunless days, lacking warmth but Even in the coldest of nights, not everything is lost So they went, from island to island In search of light, in need of rescue Six of the men left aboard a small boat Eight hundred miles of uncertain expedition And after almost two years, they were not alone anymore They came back with the world in the backdrop, twenty eight of them alive A surge of hope as vast as the ocean Icebound then, now bound to life

My Courtesan Espionage Mari Coleen Estremeara In the midst of war, in the center of chaos Blossomed; a rose with petals immense, blood-colored Flowing with grace, ravish, beauty That it obscures even its mostly deadly thorns Alluring; its dance, it swayed like the gods Her audience captivated like moths to a light Their love, attention, praise - oh she surely loved Who was this rose? why is she here? and why is it that she has no fear? She called herself Mata Hari, meaning 'eye of the day' She danced in the morning under a spotlight on a stage At night she danced somewhere else in a closed room of a rich man's place But indeed nothing lasts for her prominence faded A furious Mata Hari now stood in a desperate state What else to do but accept a questionable bargain She got what she wanted; renewed power and fame Along with it; her death My beloved Mata Hari; a spy they called thee A courtesan, maybe, but an espionage, she cannot be The exotic rose; loved by men, envied by women Bid goodbye gracefully high-headed, exactly how a rose would go Based on the conviction of the "greatest woman spy of the century," -Mata Hari's Stardom (1903-1917)

The Other Side of Love Keihl Rhandal de Castro She was once a survivor of the holocaust, But forever a prisoner of her dark past. What was her wrongdoing to pay this hideous cost, All was memorable, but everything was fast. Born with someone who has the same identity, Same face, same body, yet, having different lives. Captured for their likeness and was treated madly They're hanging by a thread and living under knives. People were crying, pushing, begging for mercy Still, the angel of death was truly remorseless, Bloods and bodies were splashing like waves on the sea Life was drained, faces were painted with hopelessness. One day, the other half was under serious death Kept on ordering herself that she must survive, She gained full strength and they were all liberated Freedom was on their hands and felt they were alive. She stated "I have two kidneys and one sister." Yet the other died, seemed they were cheated by life. Met a doctor who once experimented her, Wrote a letter of forgiveness, real love, real life. Based on Eva Mozes Kor's experience on Mengele's Twins Experiment during the Holocaust in Auschwitz (1944-1945)

Based on the expedition of The Endurance, and how her crew survived nearly two years of being stuck on the Antarctic's pack ice (1914-1916)

Graphics by Jobel Ibasco and John Dred Dejapa

On November 2016, the House of Representatives started probing this alleged anomalous purchase. There are reports of cases of death due to severe dengue of children who were given Dengvaxia. DOH then reported 30 ‘serious cases that needed hospitalization’. They also monitored three death cases, two of which were possibly linked to the immunization program. Philippines is not the only country that implemented a mass immunization program, countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore etc also did the same. What puzzled everyone is that it is only in the Philippines that Dengvaxia became controversial.

THE CONTROVERSY

On March 2016, World Health Organization called for more studies into the vaccine and released a statement saying that Dengvaxia may be ineffective and may also increase the risk for seronegative individuals or those who have not yet had dengue. Dr. Scott Halstead, founder of Pediatric Dengue Vaccine Initiative, also voiced serious concerns about the vaccine in an international medical journal called “Vaccine” on the same month. WHO’s warning did not stop from there. The organization released another paper on July 2016 saying that the vaccine may increase the risk of hospitalization for those who are seronegative at

Severe abdominal pain Persistent vomiting Rapid breathing Bleeding gums Fatigue Restlessness Blood in vomit

SYMPTOMS OF SEVERE DENGUE

the time of first vaccination, this time due to severe dengue illness. Immediately after this, former Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial issued a resolution to temporarily stop the immunization program. Only the students who were given the first dose will take the second and third doses. Despite warnings, DOH moved to continue the program on September 2016. Subsequently, international bodies including Medical Research Council Center for Outbreak Analysis and Modeling at Imperial College of London, and Singapore Health Sciences Authority flagged ‘postulated risk’ of Dengvaxia.

WARNINGS FROM INTERNATIONAL BODIES

YRS

TO 45 YRS

Dengvaxia caught the attention of several countries, mostly from the tropics where cases of dengue are the highest. After development, the vaccine became licensed and approved by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration. Then on April 2016, the Department of Health (DOH) launched a PhP 3.5-billion schoolbased dengue-immunization program aimed at providing free Dengvaxia CYD-TDV to selected Grade 4 public school students in the country’s regions with highest dengue cases – NCR, Central Luzon and CALABARZON. The students were given complete three doses of the vaccines six months apart, with the second and third doses given with a window period of 20 days before or after the target date of vaccination. This process is done by registered and licensed health workers. DOH said that to this date, more than 800,000 students received the complete three doses of the vaccine under the program.

The first vaccine of dengue called Dengvaxia CYD-TDV was developed by a French pharmaceutical company Sanofi Pasteur in Mexico in 2015, prescribing that such vaccine can only be injected to patients nine to 45 years old in areas where the number of cases of the disease is so high.

GENETIC DEFECTED HIV INFECTED PREAGNANT BREASTFEEDING WOMEN

PHILIPPINE DEPLOYMENT

DENGVAXIA VACCINE

References: https://www.rappler.com/nation/195070-children-dead-dengue-dengvaxia-up-pgh-panel ; http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/642179/doh-official-3-dengue-deaths-have-consistent-association-with-dengvaxia/story/ http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs117/en/ ; http://www.who.int/immunization/diseases/dengue/en/ ; http://www.who.int/immunization/diseases/en/ ; http://www.doh/stat

body is fighting daily.

It is even much lesser than the amount of antigens the

The amount of antigens present in vaccines can imitate infections but is very small to cause the illness.

later be identified by the immune system as foreign materials.

It will then be opposed, beaten and be remembered These antigens, once they enter the body, will

These antigens, once they enter the body, will later be identified by the immune system as foreign materials.

The microorganisms, called antigens, resemble the stronger ones that cause the same disease.

From taking pills for curing, we have also learned averting illnesses by simulating an infection like that of a real disease. That is how vaccines work, to give people immunity for a particular disease, vaccines are made to contain weak microorganisms.

Science of Vaccines

1 out 20,000 infeceted died from dengue

1:20,000

KILLED per year Globally

400,000,000 20,000

INFECTED per year Globally

Dengue

Good health is what many of us hopes on this age when technological advancement for medicine is taking its pinnacle of success. This truth makes the health sector to take greater leaps, with the goal of establishing healthier community, to discover several ways to cure and prevent diseases. One of such ways is the utilization of vaccines.

 Mark Lester Manato

PROMISES AND THREATS OF DENGVAXIA 2722

21%

DENGUE RATE

17%

DENGUE RATE

DENGUE CASES

3373

DENGUE CASES

NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION

50%

OBSERVED AND STUDIED BY DOH

DIED DUE TO DENGUE AFTER TAKING DENGVAXIA

ONGOING TESTS, YET TO BE RELEASED

DIED BECAUSE OF OTHER EXISTING ILLNESSES

NOT STUDIED BY DOH

27% 53%

DATA FROM APRIL 7

DENGVAXIA DEATH RELATED

18%

CALABARZON

( DATA FROM JANUARY 1 - FEBRUARY 24) - 15,599 CASES(NATIONWIDE)

16%

DENGUE RATE

2502

DENGUE CASES

CENTRAL LUZON

REGIONS WITH HIGHEST DENGUE CASES

John Carlos MAnansala, Editor

SCI-TECH

Spectrum

Ysabelle Mendoza, Editor

April 2018

Circle

Sounds CEan Jargon Familiar ton New

coulumb

equilibrium pressure

calculus

metry trigono

volt

CAD

gravity

statics

physics

Ysabelle Mendoza

WITH hectic schedule, deadlines, and to-reviews, CEans still commit a crime: binge watching all the time. Foreign or local, classic or modern, movies and TV series are still part of CEans’ chillax time. Here are some lines from movies/TV series you might recognize. Try to guess, but don’t be too stressed.

Movie Line:

Movie Title:

“If you end up falling in love with someone, it’s because of them. If you end up hating someone, it’s because of you.” -Vincent Van Gogh “Everything’s a risk. Not doing anything is a risk. It’s up to you." -Carla

Jeshua Ephraim Malimata

IN CEA, we’ve been exposed in variety of terminologies, formula, exams, and challenges. Now, you will be tested on how knowledgable you are as an engineering student.

Cielo: Pa’no mo nabubura ‘yung 11 years? Paul: Eh ‘di ‘wag mong burahin. 11 years lang naman 'yon, di ba. It’s nothing compared to the rest of your life. -Paul and Cielo “Ang pipiliin ng tao ay ang madali, hindi ang mabuti." -Anghela

ACROSS 5. The engagement of gear teeth 6. A solder less device for temporary model with electronic circuit designs. 8. A closed path where electrical currents flow in loop 12. Keeps the train in line, serves as the guideway or path 13. Branch of Mathematics that deals with the properties of derivative and integral functions. 14. A semiconductor with two terminals that only allows the flow of electric charge to flow in one direction.

"You didn’t love her. You just didn’t want to be alone. Or maybe, she was good for your ego. Or maybe, she made you feel better about your miserable life. You didn’t love her, because you don’t destroy the person that you love.” -Callie Torres “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who doesn’t read lives only one.” -Jojen Reed

DOWN 1. Primary companion of engineering students, without it, finishing an engineering degree is impossible. 2. A physical science that deals with the relationship of heat between other forms of energy such as mechanical, electrical, or chemical energy. 3. A technique of determining the terrestrial or the charting and mapping of atopographic map of land surface of the earth. 4. ______ before lakads 7. 9.80665 m/s2 = ________ 9. A rapid transit system of Metro Manila that runs along the north and south route alignment of EDSA, It is always featured in the news about its rotting train operation system. 10. Piles are driven if it is too soft for the structure to be built. 11. In electrical engineering, the reference point in an electrical circuit from which voltages are measured a direct return path of electric current to the Earth.

*ANSWERS AT THE BOTTOM LEFT OF THIS PAGE*

MILLENNIALS AT SINIGANG

“Handa na ang sundalong ito na sumabak sa gyera. Nais kong malaman mo na gustong-gusto kita.” -Fidel

Von Ryan Maicle

*ANSWERS AT THE BOTTOM LEFT OF THIS PAGE*

SOPAS NI MANONG Mga Alagad ni Orig na Kurips

BRIDGE OF DREAMS ONE, two, three. Three men fell in love with a woman living in a remote place. "What qualities are you looking for in a man?" asked the first two men. "Strong and funny", she answered. The first man showed off his strength and skills in playing basketball, dribbling and running around, shooting the ball; while the other introduced his sense of humour, cracking up jokes and out-of-this-world metaphors. The third one asked her: "What is your dream?"; "To attend the fiesta in the town beyond a deep river two weeks from now. But I dont know how to swim accross", she said. After hearing it, he went away. The woman doesn't understand why he just left, and thought he doesn't have any interest in her, so she just enjoyed the company of the two. Weeks later, the third man came back and told the woman to come with him. Then he showed to her the wooden bridge he built… turns out the third one is an engineer. 4. SEKLUSYON 3. SAKALING HINDI MAKARATING 1. LOVING VINCENT 2. EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING SOUNDS FAMILIAR

ANSWERS

7. 1OO TULA PARA KAY STELLA 5. GREY’S ANATOMY 6. GAME OF THRONES

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

CALCULATOR THERMODYNAMICS SURVEYING ACADS MESH

CEAN JARGON

6. BREADBOARD 7. GRAVITY 8. CIRCUIT 9. MRT 10. SOIL

11. 12. 13. 14.

GROUND RAILS CALCULUS DIODE

Features

Spectrum

Ynamalaya Escoton, Editor

April 2018

MURANG-MURA! PRESYONG PUPIAN! Sharina Arnonobal and Ysabelle Mendoza

FOR Sale: Unwarranted commodification and sexual objectification Tired of photo-editing your face to make it seem like you’re with crushie? Sick of holding your own hand while watching loveydovey couples? Want a close-door intimacy with a lovely lady who has beauty and brains? Worry no more! For just one to two thousand pesos, you are free to objectify women for your utmost selfish pleasure with a stunning dash of commodification brought to you by their endorsers! But wait, there’s more; you are entitled to summon up your machismo and promote an already famous sociological concept in today’s society– rape culture! Not only will it inflate your ego but the product is sold with load of repercussions and social backlash. There’s a 100% satisfaction guarantee rate with 0% warranty, just in case your guilt eats you up after hearing negative feedbacks after using your purchase. Here’s the catch: these ladies aren’t into you. Plus, you don’t (and probably never!) have their consent in any aspects. Woops! In the midst of all expensive things in the ‘season of love’, seven engineering students were featured as “likely valentine’s date” of PUP Crushes and Confessions Facebook page last January 29. The post caught attention and different reactions, including its connection to rape culture, women objectification, and ‘low-key’ prostitution. Many would definitely punch holes in their pockets – a chance to exclusively date one of the most gorgeous ladies from the college. 100% exploitation guaranteed With a Facebook page that has a stunning amount of more than seven thousand likes, paired with the back-to-back trends of ‘BF/

GF for sale’ posts, the administrators were able to set-up a rather controversial drift that shocked most netizens lurking around the page. The divisive post that intentionally ‘sells’ women for a date in exchange for a ‘cheap’ price directly portrays human exploitation. It uses its victims’ physically euphoric figures for the benefit of the page and its audience that obviously targets people’s vile libido to lure them into the page’s profile. It was never really a question when they would combine astounding women with disgusting price tags made with malice and mischief. Looking for: Value of Consent Consent, may it be sexually or prerogative, should be given of worth as it mirrors how people value personal decisions with whatever they do with their own life. The first step in mastering the art of public relations is to regard choices and their assent to do so. The Engineering SPECTRUM was able to interview three out of seven women who were involved in the said post. Saying they didn't agree to the idea and received no initiatives to reach out for consent or anything related thereof. “Hindi. As in, hindi talaga. Nagulat na lang din ako, may nag-mention sa’kin doon [sa post] tapos ‘yon, nakita ko.” –Kerlstine Lorraine Balingit (ECE V) Reputation: out-of-stock “As their student council, we safeguard all the rights of our constituent[s] throughout the college, within an environment of respect.” “We condemn any act involving women oppression, gender inequality, or the likes. Having kind of post contributes to the rape culture, and the gender inequality we are

fighting [against]. And to end this post, this isn’t fun at all.” – PUP College of Engineering Student Council The Council, together with its members, is fighting against unwanted jokes that adds up the fuel of normalizing sexual objectification for both men and women. “…it means uneducated people are arising. More so that something as gruesome as rape is being taken as a joke. Rape is never a joke.” –Jewel Villa (CE IV) Men have always been stereotyped to be rulers, fantasizing on women and are said to be sexually offensive at all times, which makes them pretty much vulnerable due to the fact that this tolerance on the wrong definition of machismo leads to possession of a default response of harassing and/or subordinating women and some men. On the other hand, this unauthorized exercise of control and molestation towards women is the fruit of the malpractices of the macho culture that have extended up to all genders. The perpetuity of the patriarchal system has a direct involvement with the reputation of men and women wherein both are victims of the toxic mechanism. Pre-loved rape culture: Non-negotiable According to Everyday Feminism (2017), rape culture can be defined as ‘situations in which sexual assault, rape, and incidents of violence are ignored, trivialized, normalized, or made into jokes. It refers to cultural practices that excuse or tolerate sexual violence by trivializing or normalizing it.’ Whether the intention was pure to its roots or not, the lack of consent already suggests a huge portion of deliberate women commodification that led to unwarranted sexual objectification as seen on the comment sections and shares caption. “I am totally against the rapid rape culture

that is happening in the Philippines lalo na't Christian ako. We should embody Christ and we should represent Him well in our own lives. Looking at what is happening in our generation, nakakalungkot lang isipin na maski alam natin ‘yung tama, some still choose to go with the worldly things and think of sinful things as a 'cool act'. As a Christian, dapat nirerespeto lahat ng tao hindi binaviolate yung pagkatao ng isang individual.” –Glomela Ramirez (IE III) Making it seem to be a 'just-for-fun' post that aims to entertain and 'applaud' the models do not make this in any way tolerable but rather perpetuates the idea that jokes about human trafficking through 'unintentional' physical-sexual means are okay and normal in the status quo. This kind of tactic makes it difficult to criticize any other abhorrent and foul maneuvers as the thought of 'okay-ness' is embedded through constant circulation of the idea. Rape culture has always been present since dawn. Having this kind of issue in a known state university, who fights freedom oppression, invalidates victim-blaming, and rallies with all its might to justify what is right, mirrors the rigidness of its foundation all throughout the country and the world. Let us not allow the existence of its dominance, be tailored from the alleged inherent malignance, and uncontrolled libido of humans. PM and COMMENT for more inquiries. P.S. JUST FOR FUN P.P.S. Not really (The PUP Crushes and Confessions page is not affiliated with College of Engineering or even to PUP itself).

THE ERASURE OF SUCH PRACTICES ALWAYS LIES ON OUR HANDS. DON’T BUY IT. DON’T SELL IT. DON’T RESTOCK.

Jewel Villa (CE IV) Photos by: John Albert Recio (ME III)

Glomela Ramirez (IE III)

Issues

Spectrum April 2018

SHIFTING TO

Repressing the press

FEDERAL SYSTEM tete-a-tete

BULL’S EYE

Rogelio Legaspi Jr.

Keihl Rhandal De Castro

A system that combines central government (national level) with the regional governments (provincial, state, territorial, or other sub-unit governments) in a single political system, the discussion on federalism went underway as President Rodrigo Duterte expressed his support for the constitutional change and should be implemented as soon as possible. Should the federalism be pushed through, the country will be divided into 11 states: Northern Luzon, Central Luzon, Southern Tagalog, Bicol, Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas, Western Visayas, and Minparom, covering Mindoro Oriental and Mindoro Occidental, Palawan and the Kalayaan Islands, Romblon, Marinduque, Northern Mindanao, which may be subdivided into Northwestern and Northeastern Mindanao; Southern Mindanao and Bangsamoro. Metro Manila is presumed to be the capital of the federal republic.

CEans ? REACT WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGE IN THE COUNTRY? Jonathan Alejandro (ECE III)

“I’m in favor on the proposed changing of constitution but just like the other forms of government you can’t neglect the fact that flaws will appear and maybe will have a great impact on the country positively or negatively.”

Mordekkai Perez (IE III)

“…we need great leaders... kasi kahit maganda ‘yung goal kung ‘yung execution ng mga plans eh ‘di maganda, wala rin.”

Jen Givan Turla (CpE III)

“We all know the power Duterte has and what he is capable of doing, now isn’t it odd that they’re pushing for constitutional change at this point in time?”

Jimmy Orajay (EE IV)

“Our 1987 Constitution is pro-people and is already good by itself and has already survived several attempts of charter change from past presidents.”

Jhon Kenneth Giner (ME V)

“The problem kasi is not the system but the people who runs the system. Tanggalin muna ‘yung political dynasty bago ‘yan pag-usapan…”

IN-DEPTH

From online news media outlet and broadcasting giants to campus publications, the move to curtail press freedom is slowly taking its pace, Legaspi says. ON the 15th of January this year, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) revoked the license of the online news media outlet Rappler because of the alleged foreign control over the said company. In their defense, Rappler said that they are 100 percent Filipino-controlled and the government’s decision is just an act of repressing the press freedom. Was this decision really based on the Rappler’s violation about foreign ownership? Looking back, President Duterte gave rude comments to some news agencies calling them “bullsh*t”, “shameless”, and “garbage” while delivering his second State of the Nation Address. He also threatened the newspaper company Philippine Daily Inquirer and media giant ABS-CBN to constrict their ties on legalities with the government. The government appears to have a big concern to the press and the freedom of speech in general. But what prompted this conflict going on between the government and the media? News agencies have reported different articles regarding the administration’s actions during its current run. Rappler, for example, have a series of report concerning the negligence on the drug-related programs of the Philippine National Police (PNP). The Inquirer have reported that there are millions stashed in Duterte’s alleged secret bank accounts. ABS-CBN, said the president, had not aired his campaign ads, when he already paid for during the election period. In the Inquirer’s case, the company is now being sold to a businessman known to the president. Rappler, other than the SEC’s decision to cancel their license, is also facing a libel case with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) regarding an

article posted way back 2012. Also, just recently, Rappler reporter Pia Ranada was banned to cover news inside the Malacañang grounds. ABS-CBN is also said to be revoked of its franchise renewal. But this issue among the press doesn’t stop with big companies. From the online news media outlet and broadcasting giants down to our Sintang Paaralan, the move to curtail press freedom is slowly taking its pace. Last October 2017, the Engineering SPECTRUM had a talk with PUP President Emanuel de Guzman, denying the alleged press repression inside the campus. The issue started out when Sandigan ng Mag-aaral para sa Sambayanan (Samasa) was said to be forcibly removed and was threatened by police officials when they were relieved from their office in the Gabriela Silang building. However, De Guzman said the building is just being renovated and the said student organization will be housed in Charlie del Rosario building. According to Arch. Sherwin Nieva, chief of Physical Planning and Development Office

(PPDO), in an interview with SPECTRUM last December 2017, he does not know anything about the said renovation. Adding to this skirmish, the image of journalism is also suffering from the perspective of the common people with the propagation of unverified news and historical revisionism. Authentic source of information is now being overpowered by invalidated social media pages, some of which are controlled by some government officials and being supported by native followers. The administration, however, is firm on its stand that no repression is happening to the press despite of its dispute with the media. Direct or not, these attacks by the government only indicates that journalism in the Philippines has a long battle to fight for the freedom of speech and information. But being the writers of moving history, it’s fitting to quote what Rappler had wrote when SEC revoked its license, “We will hold the line.”

Graphics by: Aldo Florenz Diaz (CE IV)

Train to where? Rosemarie Desquitado

As President Duterte signed the tax reform law late last year, Desquitado weighs the pros and cons of the TRAIN law especially on low-income to high-income Filipinos. WITH higher income for a few and more expenditures for most Filipinos, the new tax reform law is another edition of a battle between the low-income and middle to high-income Filipinos for the government’s favor. To have a “simplified and fairer” tax system is the administration’s aim as President Rodrigo Duterte signed a new tax reform law dubbed as Tax Reform Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law late last year. The highlight of the said reform is the exemption of workers with annual income below PhP250,000 from the income tax as well as to lower income tax amount for workers in the middle and upper class. With this, six million tax-paying workers will have bigger amounts of

take home pay. However, to compensate with the revenue lost with lower income taxes, the government implemented excise taxes on some commodities. These includes: “Sweetened Beverage Tax” or taxes on sugar sweetened beverages such as soft drinks and sports drinks; “Tobacco Excise Tax” which targets to increase tax on cigarettes every year; tax on cosmetics procedures; and, taxes on fuel, coal, and mining. Low-income citizens may react negatively as they are the ones who will directly suffer and needs to adjust the most. Buying soft drinks from a sarisari store may now require a second thought as its price raise to PhP10. On the positive note, aside from a larger take home pay for

workers, the TRAIN law is expected to generate PhP120 billion revenue where 70 percent is allotted on the “Build, Build, Build Project” aimed to build infrastructures beneficial to the public. The other 30 percent will go to the government’s other programs

which can lead to future economic growth. However, though the new tax reform law is aimed for more government projects in the future, the proper handling of the revenue gathered is another issue to tackle about.

WHAT MOST FILIPINOS EXPERIENCE RIGHT NOW ON COMMODITY PRICE HIKE IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE IN THE FUTURE. on education, health, housing, and social services. Moreover, the administration sees the reform package as a revenueraising initiative for funding the national budget to lessen borrowing

If the sacrifices of today would result to better in the future is a question nobody knows for the answer now. Also, the 200-peso monthly subsidy for the poorest 10 million

households seems to be too small to help them cope with the price hikes. It may also seem unfair since only 30 percent of the population will be experiencing rise in their pays while a third of the Filipino suffers from the excise taxes. Majority of the Filipinos need to adjust their budgets and spend more but not all of them gets higher income. What most Filipinos experience right now on commodity price hike is expected to continue in the future. As the price of petroleum is to rise, everything in the market is to follow. However, the issue on TRAIN law is not just an issue about spending more on the market. It also shows how the interest of the low-income citizens are not being considered on decisions like the tax reform, seemingly derailing them from the moving train of the administration towards future destination that is something we do not know for now.

on-duty guard on the moment. “May binili lang siguro ‘yung gwardya kaya siguro napag-anuhan ang janitor. Kung tatawag naman samin eh, kami papalit dun. Nakita lang siguro ‘yung janitor, yun na lang siguro ‘yung pinag-ano (bantay),” said Melchor Decena which has been guarding the College for 28 years from PUP Security Office.

"He/She shall wear conspicuously his/her ID at all times while inside the campus.” As a code of conduct, students should wear their own IDs inside the campus which security personnel should observe too. Photo shows some students not wearing their IDs are entering the premises, while

TITLE 4 SECTION 1.2

the guard is not inspecting for violations. “Minsan nakikiusap lang ang mga estudyante (if not wearing their IDs), oh edi sige pasok, kahit mga naka-short. Hindi naman kahigpitan dito hindi katulad sa main. Nagpapakita naman ng ‘registration’ ‘yung iba,” explained Decena.

NO ID, NO ENTRY

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"Every student shall have fair access to adequate University services and facilities.” Sufficient and well-maintained comfort rooms is an example of essential facility considering the population of the campus. Despite of this, the CEA building, until now, has only one comfort room allotted for men and women each.

TITLE 2 SECTION 2.4

CONDUCTIVE ENVIROMENT

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"Every PUP student has the right to be safe, and to be free from actions and omissions that endanger safety and peace of mind.” Safety inside the College may be put at risk if the security guards expected to deliver custody are nowhere to be found. Photo shows a janitor guarding the main entrance of the CEA building instead of the

TITLE 2 SECTION 1.3

SAFETY FIRST

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COMMUNITY

TOWARD 'EPISTEMIC'

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LOOKING around, the Engineering SPECTRUM news team made some observations to the practices inside the College of Engineering and Architecture building that clearly violates some of the rules found in the PUP Student Handbook

The Engineering SPECTRUM News team

The PUP Student Handbook serves as a guide meant to be followed not just by the students but also by the University’s personnel and faculty. Violations of the rules and non-compliance thereof should not be

"Grounds for disciplinary action for theft, vandalism, and defacing.” Also mentioned in Title 3 Section 8, vandalism and posting or inscribing offensive or indecent language in the form

TITLE 9 SECTION 2.21

therein.” In this section, students are all advised to maintain the cleanliness inside the university’s premises. However, many students just leave and abandon their waste materials on benches, tables, and floors.

tolerated nor normalize by anyone. And in any case, if the true ‘epistemic’ community would be achieved, CEans should not only be epistemic in the University but also on their own lives.

of graffiti has corresponding sanctions. Some students tend to do this to voice out their opinions and sentiments about the university or a faculty especially during the so-called “hell weeks.”

NO VANDALISM

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"He/ She is expected to cooperate in classroom procedures, as well as to help in keeping clean and orderly all classrooms, corridors, walls, boards, furniture, equipment, the campus premises, and the structures and other facilities

TITLE 3 SECTION 8

PLEASE KEEP THE ENVIRONMENT CLEAN

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2014 ed., but there seems to be a growing normalization among CEans making the violations of the students, personnel and faculty be taken-for-granted and making it ‘natural’ in engineering life.

Victor Calinao, Editor

NEWS GALLERY