The PROBE Magazine

The Official Magazine of The Collegiate Headlight | University of Southeastern Philippines-Obrero Campus Volume 37|Number 2|September -November 2012

RECLAIMING THE SEVEN MOUNTAINS Education Family Business Government Arts and Entertainment Media Religion

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EDITOR’S N O T E Education, where excellence is either practiced or distorted; Family, where blessings or curse are passed; Business, where people build for the nation or for selfish ambitions; Government, where leaders lead for good or evil; Arts and Entertainment, where morality is either celebrated or destroyed; Media, where the truth is introduced to liberate the people or hidden to blind the land; Religion, where people settle for religious belief or religious routines; - these comprise the 7 Mountains of Culture. These 7 Mountains are the pillars of the society.

There is a battle raging in our society; it is a battle for dominion.

Hence, one should start climbing these mountains and place a flag on top to symbolize victory for the people or else only the elite will do so. The concept is a strategic front to advance the morality, freedom and awareness of humanity. We have to conquer these mountains to conquer the world. If we lose our tract on these mountains, we lose the tract of making a better Philippines or even a better world. Thus, transforming the world means transforming the culture.

We are in the timeline of degrading moral, corrupt government, broken families, commercialized entertainment, restrained media and limited education. Perhaps, it’s time to end this growing malignant disease. It’s time to cure our land, it’s time to reclaim the 7 Mountains and make each a mountain of good influence that will benefit the majority and not just the few.

Let us all make a difference by giving a good and effective influence to others. Let these mountains be your guide and be your precedence. Let us reclaim the 7 Mountains of Culture of the people, by the people and for the people! As we do so, the land will become a mother who will give birth to new breed of heroes.

The idea is originally based from the message [through dreams] of God to Bill Bright (Campus Crusade) and Lauren Cunningham (Youth with Mission). However, this is not just a work of charismatic mindset but of secular as well.

Monico P. Malubay Editor-in-Chief 2012

1 Design by: Myla Ross C. Tinoy

NOVEMBER 2012

VOLUME 39

NUMBER 2

31

The Collegiate Headlight proudly launches its official magazine tagged as PROBE. PROBE MAGAZINE, by its name investigates, explores and examines the current issues of the land. This magazine is fortified by significant issues presented in modern taste of artistry. WE BRING YOU THE BEST OF COLHEAD!

HOT ISSUE 6

Education

6

Not worth the badget

8

No need to rename

by Glorybelle C. Resurreccion

By: Monique D. Bucao

10

Family

10

Paradigm clash of the RH bill (Pray for its Passage?)

By: Chedelyn Gee S. Tabalba

T H E C O L L E G I AT E H E A D L I G H T E D I TO R I A L B O A R D A N D S TA F F The Official Student Publication of the University of Southeastern Philippines USeP - Obrero Campus

Editor-in-Chief: Monico P. Malubay . Managing Editor: Glorybelle C. Resurreccion .

News Editor: Louie B. BAHAY. Feature Editor:rolAN M. ABADIAN . Literary Editor: LENARD D. ABANCIO . Senior Staff Writer: JERRICA E. CAñon . Staff Writer: chedelyn gee s. tabalba . Writer’s Pool: Sunshine C. Angcos, Marife P. Bacsa, Monique D. Bucao, Isacarl S. Cabrera, Raymund A. Cabrera, Ande Mae D. Hernandez, Jeryanne Jane E. Patayon, Virnabe T. Pelias, Laureece Sheen E. Revilla, Roland N. Traña . Art Director: Kristian Angelo L. Peñero . Senior Cartoonist: JONEL J. DULAUGON . Cartoonists: Resty Bhoy B. Partoza, Patrick Jonelle A. Salvacion . Photo Editor: GERALD KEN R. BABANTO . Senior Photojournalist: Katrina Joy M. Laspoñas . Photojournalist: JUSTIN VIKKA TEVAR . Lay-out Artist: AXEL MAY L. CLAPANO . Technical/Financial Adviser: LEONARDO B. PONGOS . Publishers: students of the university of SOUTHEASTERN PHILIPPINES thecolhead.usep@gmail.com facebook.com/colheadofficial collegiateheadlight.wordpress.com OBRERO CAMPUS

Business

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Water privatization: Evaluating the pros and cons By: Virnabe T. Pelias

Government

18

14 19

A certian policy with uncertain provision By: Lenard D. Abancio

19

Hazing: To whom it may concern?

By: Rolan M. Abadian

Ar ts and Enter tainment

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Small town girl to stardom By: Jerrica E. Cañon

Media

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w

The tale of campus press freedom By: Sunshine C. Angcos & Chedelyn Gee S. Tabalba

FYI on FOI

By: Laureece Sheen E. Revilla

Religion

28

21

MUST READ

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The Collegiate Headlight’s Financial Statement

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Obrero Campus Student Council’s Financial Statement

Policy vs. belief

By: Louie B. Bahay

1 1

Knowledge holds both its gifts and curses. It opens eyes, uncovers ears and unmasks the world. Education fuels humans to seek the truth and discover what is hidden. It either tolerates human vanity or feed the world with desperate wisdom to quench the world’s thirst for change.

Not worth the

“ An

e d u ca ti o n

i sn’t h ow much you

By: Glorybelle C. Resurreccion

ha v e committe d t o memory, or e ve n how mu ch you k no w.

I t ’s bein g abl e to d if f eren tiate

EDUCATION IS one of the most powerful tools for national development yet among the most neglected sectors in deve-loping countries. The pictures of overcrowded classrooms and declined

b etween what you

quality of education have been evident over the years. This results

k now a n d what yo u

professional work. With PNoy’s administration, will the country

d on’t.

Antole France

to graduates who are not equipped and competent enough for achieve excellence and quality education?

President Aquino said during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) that the budget allocation for the State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) increased from P 25.853 billion (2012) to P 37.1 billion (2013). The University of Southeastern Philippines’ (USeP) share from the government also leaped from P 169.287 million to P 253.624 million for 2013-the lion’s share in Region XI. USeP will also

6

receive P 19.062 million for capital outlay, the fund used for building new infrastructures.

According

to

Budget

and

Management Secretary Florencio B. Abad, the increase of funds is one way to push a better tertiary education in the Philippines in line with the SUC Reform Roadmap of the Aquino administration but, would this suffice the needs of the university?

With the growing necessities, and

ballooning

populace,

USeP

surely needs more than what it has now. Moreover, despite the budget, Philippines still did not follow the United

Nation’s

recommended

national investment on education. UN approved that a country must allocate six per cent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on education. On the other hand, the Department of Education which has P 238.8 billion this year only covers 2.1 percent from its GDP. Hence, the government limits the budget of this crucial sector.

Other factors may affect the quality of education such as socioeconomic status, culture, family’s background and more. But financial capability is surely fundamental to support growth amidst the advancing world.

In a country where education is more than a status symbol, one should be mindful to speed up progress not just for the sake of the pre-sent generation but also for the sons and daughters who will follow.

Photo by: Gerald Ken G. Babanto 1 1

Photo by: Henry Castillo

NO NEED TO

USeP-yan RENAME By: Lenard D. Abancio

USeP-CAS stude attends WYM in Japan Leo Rayon Jr., an AB English student from the College of Arts and Sciences represents University of Southeastern Philippines to the World Youth Meeting (WYM) 2012 held at Nihon Fukushi University in Japan last August 1-10, 2012.

USeP-BSHM studes, faculty win in CDC Cook-off Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM) students and faculty grabbed awards at the CDC Cook-off Dabaw Edition held at NCCC Mall, Davao City last September 7-8, 2012. The winners in Culinary Student’s Division were Alexes Empalmado, second runnerup; Rancho Galvez Jr., third runnerup and Richard Orzales; fourth runner-up and Sharon Binoya placed second runner-up in Mom’s Division or Professional.

Geology grad tops 9 in Board Examination With an 81.20% passing rate, Allen June B. Buenavista, a BS Geology graduate from the College of Engineering (CE) landed 9th place in the Geologist Licensure Examination last August 2012.

USeP-ME grads rip 74.07% in Board Exam 20 out of 27 Mechanical Engineering Graduates of the College of Engineering passed the September 2012 Licensure Examination with an overall performance rating of 74.07%.

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By: Monique D. Bucao

THE DAVAO Regional State University System (DRSUS) has been in a hot seat for the past few months.

Others may know what the issue is, but have we really scrutinized its deeper sense?

University of Southeastern Philippine’s (USeP) prestige, budget and the like are trivial matters. The problem does not lie on nobility and honor but on its long term effects on universities as well as to students. DRSUS or House Bill 5311 was proposed by 3rd District Rep. Counselor Isidro T. Ungab. DRSUS aims to merge State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and to “maximize” their budget allocation. DRSUS is a pilot region in response to Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) scheme. If this preliminary action succeeds it will be implemented to other regions reducing SUCs by at least 10 percent.

President Aquino pushes SUCs to become selfsufficient in his message last 2011 fiscal budget. Politically, the government should not push SUCs to become selfsufficient because it is its duty to support and provide the needs of students for education. CHED should have thought of ways on how to achieve quality education through facilities, implementing modern way of teaching, adding more resources for student’s research works and allotting enough budget rather than amalgamating SUCs since continuous budget cut will result to tuition and miscellaneous fee hike.

Southern Philippines Agribusiness and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST), Davao Oriental State College of Science and Technology (DOSCST), Davao del Norte State College (DNSC); are the SUCs affected by DRSUS. Like any other schools, each university or college has its own need and crisis that the government should give importance to. Before it “solves” the dilemma as a whole, why not solve it individually first?

As Rizal said, the youth is the future of nation thus; the government should provide their needs and support them at any cost and should not abandon them. DRSUS clearly shows how the government ignores the needs of our future leaders. This issue is to inform and give understanding to students because on the other hand, it is their welfare that should be the primary concern.

Lastly, there is nothing wrong with USeP’s name, let it be, no need to rename it.

Public Apology

ColHead EIC

CHAMPS IN PHOTO-ESSAY CONTEST By: Lenard D. Abancio

MONICO

P. Malubay, the port Volunteer Gloria Taganait from

Editor-in-Chief of the The Collegiate Headlight, the official student publication of USeP held champion in the Matters of the Heart: Photo-essay contest organized by Handicap International via an exhibit at the Abreeza, Ayala Mall, Davao City in celebrating the World Heart Day last September 28, 2012.

“Help she needs, Help she gives” was the Malubay’s entry titled featured Barangay Health Worker and Peer Sup-

the Matina Aplaya Diabetes Association. The winners were judged by the Philippine Daily Inquirer Viasayas Correspondent Hazel Villa, Awardwinning Davao Photographers Jojie Alcantara and Rhonson Ng, Head of the Technical Coordination Unit of Handicap International Philippines Program Satish Mishra and Information Officer from the Philippine Information Agency-Davao Carina Cayon.

Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on October 12, 2012.

Photos by: Louie B. Bahay 9

Family The family plays an integral role in the progress of society. Consequently, development of each member of the family relies on the values and ethics present inside the home. Therefore, the family is a power house that produces either the assets of society or the liabilities of the community.

E H T F O H S A PARADIGM CL

RH BILL (Pray for its Passage?)

“I had an HIV test last week... thank God its unreactive”, says a friend of mine. This shows how sexually active he is. Well, that’s common among youth today. In fact I know a lot of friends who stopped schooling due to early pregnancy. Do you think it’s time for a radical change? Do you think it’s time to pass the RH Bill?

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By: Chedelyn Gee S. Tabalba

SURVEY SHOWS that almost 10 percent of young women aged 15 to 19 have already given birth but only 2 percent knew the relationship between menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Only few knew that one intercourse is enough to make a baby. With this alarming truth, RH Bill is strongly proposed.

The Reproductive Health (RH) Bill or the House Bill 4244 has been controversial since its conception. The bill is in pursuance of Senate Bill No. 2865 and international parties like the United Nations (UN). This bill aims to improve accessibility to reproductive health and family planning services and information. The main objectives of this bill is to integrate a responsible parenthood and family planning component into all sustainable human development programs of the government and promote people’s right to health, especially the poor and marginalized

Photo by: Kristian Angelo L. Peñero

“

Th e fa m ily i s o n e o f n a tu re ’s m a ster pieces .

sector in our country.

RH Bill does not dictate any form of population control rather it’s about awareness to couples to have a satisfying safe sex life without fear of pregnancy and disease.

The enactment of the bill can also help arrest the increase number of cases of HIV and AIDSrelated deaths through education and counseling programs on sexuality and reproductive health.

The Pro-RH advocates should take caution in pas-sing the bill since this tole-rates same sex marriage and that the use of condom can be freely used by teenagers which can encourage pre-marital sex. Women welfare is also introduced by the bill. However, if our government really wants

to protect the health of our women, law makers should not promote chemical contraceptives which have been counted as the worst cancercausing factor by the World Health Organization.

Debate is always healthy; religious and other groups are perfectly free to express their views and opinions as long as it does not misinform the public what the real provisions are. The purpose of the law is to protect life and ensure the security of its people.

If depravity will surface once the bill is passed then it should be stopped. But if the purpose of this bill is to alleviate the immorality in our society and to make life more bearable, then let’s pray for its passage.

George Santayana

40% of mothers are 15 yrs old.

-NSO, 2011 Family Health Survey

Source: www.inquirer.net

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Design by: Myla Ross C. Tinoy Photos by: Gerald Ken G. Babanto and Katrina Joy Laspo単as

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The Collegiate Headlight’s Financial Statement IT IS the publication’s responsibility to be transparent to its readers and publishersthe students of the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP). Moreover, it is your right to know where your money goes. Hence, we give you the publication’s breakdown of expenses.

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Water Privatization: Evaluating the pros and cons By: Virnabe T. Pelias

“Water is a human right.

But it is also an economic good� q uoted by Senator Edgardo Angara,

pioneer of the Senate Bill 2997 also known as the Water Sector Reform Act of 2011 in his explanatory note to the congress during its second regular session last October 17, 2011.

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WATER PRIVATIZATION means to transfer the precious water resources from public to private ownership. This may mean business. The fact that private companies are after the profits, the public will be denied of the quality and affordable service that it solely deserves.

According to Angara, chairman of the Senate Congressional Commission on Science and Technology and Engineering, the bill aims to improve the water sanitation of the Philippines and not to remove the existence of the water districts as believed by the local water utilities, they will be provided financial assistance through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) instead. He explained that through the establishment of the Water Sanitation and Regulatory Authority (WSRA) and water resource zones to each province,

Photo by: Gerald Ken G. Babanto

Business- its instability leads to country’s ruin. Yet, its stronghold accompanies triumph. Business somehow dictates the future of the people. Its sphere of influence either infects or nourishes the residence of the pyramid.

the water quality, sanitation and water supply issues will be addressed. In addition, a public database will be installed to let consumers monitor their bills.

The water districts in the Philippines, under the GovernmentOwned and Controlled Corporation (GOCC) are not part of the budget of the National Treasury. The Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) is their source of funds through loan system. Their opposition to Water Privatization comes from the fact that they rendered public service independently without the help of government funds. Davao City Water District (DCWD) Vice Chairman Eliseo Braganza relayed that the a-verage consumption of 30 cubic meter costs P380 in Davao City compared to P800 in Manila’s two concessionaires.

Hence, poor Filipinos could lose their access to quality service especially those living in the farflung areas.

Water perhaps is not a marketable resource. It is a basic right of the people. Sadly, the government is

taking the great risk to entrust this right to the private firms. They favor their stakeholders and not the consumers. The assurance to deliver good customer service will be taken away from the public grasp. Once the government privatizes the water system, it will be impossible to return it as a state property because of the complex and expensive process of breaching a contract.

The government should be responsible and honest in performing its role. The private firms must be fair in water quality service and ensure that the price is right. However, instead of giving another opportunity for corrupt officials to abuse their power and taking the risky process of changing the water system, it would be better if the legislators will focus on the protection and preservation of the water resources, generate new ways for this basic resource to be accessible to poor families living in the far-flung areas, enhance its quality and raising public awareness on sanitation.

Privatization is not the solution.

“

Business,

that’s easily defined - it’s other people’s money.

Peter Drucker

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1

THE GENERATION needs a desperate need to fight and take back the seven mountains of culture, which is ran by different spheres of the society. It’s time to bring back the light of the nation. It is time to spread the good influence.

INFLUENCE SOMEONE TODAY AND WITNESS THE BIRTH OF NEW HOPE! 1

T N E M N A Certain Policy with R UNCERTAIN E V PROVI S I O N O G By: Lenard D. Abancio

Government holds its independence. However, majority of our people remains helpless prisoners of injustice and poverty. The government creates its laws, follows it now, then breaks it later. The cycle goes on and on. It’s our choice to stay or to slap away from this diabolic monotony.

OVER

30,000

establishments in the city are now following the booming ban of nonbiodegradable plastic bag and polystyrene foam known as “styrofoam” as City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) enforced the law last June 28, 2012.

The policy meant to extend the city’s sanitary landfill in compliance o Republic Act 9003, 18

otherwise known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Program.

Only the recyclable paper bags, biodegradable plastic bags and reusable bags (like cloth bags, bags made of indigenous materials and corrugated boxes) as food and beverages containers are allowed to be used together with “residual” items such as food items in sachet and tetra packs.

The main purpose of the ordinance is to cut off the indiscriminate disposal of plastics and minimize marine pollution at the same time, to prevent compression of garbage that clogs canals and esteros. A 10 to 20 percent daily saving of disposed waste is the first phase of accomplishing the ordinance and possibly in five years it could be fully implemented

‘‘

Our gov’t... teaches the whole people by its example.

If the gov’t becomes the lawbreaker, it breeds contempt for law, it invites every man to become a law unto himself, it invites anarchy.

Louis D. Brandeis

citywide.

THE UNCERTAIN LAUNCHING Last June 8, 2012, the city government has sent notices on the ban to business establishments and expectedly they need to comply with the ban within two days or on June 10, 2012. However, the implementation was ...continue to page 29

47%

of college students experienced hazing National Study of Student Hazing

HAZING : concern?

To whom it may

By: Rolan M. Abadian

IF THE person subjected to Marcos died under the dent of Lex

hazing or other forms of initiation rite suffers any physical injury or dies as a result thereof, the members of the fraternity shall be held liable under the provision of Section 4 of RA. No. 8089. In addition, Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) it is stated that, “No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.” But these advocacies seem to remain idle because hazing keeps on stealing the fate of its victims.

One of the latest reports on alleged hazing-related death is the brutal death of Mark Andrei Marcos, a 21-year-old freshman law student of San Beda College in Manila last July. According to Cavite provincial police director,

Leonum Fraternitas, a recognized fraternity in their school.

Inflicting pain and embarking the applicant into humiliating tasks have been the evaluation process for fraternity members to assess the applicant’s loyalty and determination. Psychological trauma, low self-esteem, depression and the worst, death are some of the evident aftereffects of hazing. Fraternities ideally serve as the second family of students but now, it becomes deadly and misleading.

Fraternities must establish the moral demarcation line of their initiation rite considering that the applicant is a human individual.

The brotherhood must be proven through proper discipline and not definitely by means of killing.

Hazing, as defined in Section 1 of the Republic Act No. 8089 (also known as Anti-Hazing Law), is an initiation rite or practice as prerequisite for admission into membership in a fraternity, sorority or organization by placing the recruit, neophyte or applicant in some embarrassing or humiliating situations such as forcing him to do menial, silly, foolish and other similar tasks or activities or otherwise subjecting him to physical or psychological suffering or injury.

Photo by: Monico P. Malubay 19

Design by: Myla Ross C. Tinoy

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This mountain influences the nation in the most subtle and blatant strategy. It is where morals are either celebrated or destroyed. It is a hypnotism of either good or evil. Its influence could make the nation rise up for excellence or fall into the pit of foolishness and procrastination.

STARDOM

SMALL TOWN GIRL TO

‘‘

By: Jerrica E. Cañon

THE X Factor Philippines’ hailed

Kristine Zenny Tandingan

“KZ,”

also known as,

an alumni of USeP as its first grand champion during the reality talent show’s grand finals on Sunday, October 7.

Her unique style and cool voice bested the belters and the angelic blends of her opponents. She sings with soul, passion and conviction.

She is indeed the hope of OPM.

Gusto

ko pong sumali ng X-Factor... para patunayan na ang industriya ng musika sa Philippines ay hindi lang para sa mga magaganda, sa mga makikinis ang balat, sa matatangkad at mga biritero’t, biritera...

Photo by: Louie B. Bahay

Kz Tandingan 21

USeP-yan By: Lenard D. Abancio

USeP-CEd grads rate 58.49% for BEEd, 83.33% for BSEd in LET Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) in both Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEEd) and Secondary Education (BSEd) rated the first takers with 58.49% in Elementary and 83.33% in Secondary of USePCollege of Education (CEd) last March 11, 2012.

USeP-ECE grads perform 72.55% in Board Exam 2012 B­achelor of Science in Electronics and Communication Engineering (BSECE) graduates of USeP-College of Engineering performed 72.55% for the October 2012 Electronics Engineer Licensure Examination with 37 passers out of 51 takers.

USeP-CGB seizes bronze medal in 4th Marketing Wars College of Governance and Business (CGB) of USeP adjudged as the Overall Bronze Medallist in the 4th Marketing Wars held at Abreeza Mall, Bajada, Davao City last September 17-20, 2012. Only USeP-CGB has no marketing major offering among 21 universities and colleges all-over Mindanao competed in the said event.

CGB spearheads USeP first-ever art exhibit College of Governance and Business (CGB) spearheaded the first-ever art exhibit of University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) named as “Art Exhibit Plus” at the third floor hallway of Abreeza Ayala Mall, Bajada, Davao City for four days for free last October 11-14, 2012 .

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OCSC’s

Financial Statement

1 1

1

Putak-Yano Grabe

maka-demand

TEACHER SA MINOR SUBJECTS ang mga

uie!. Sa USeP gani me ni-eskwela

kay

barato

lang ang tuition fee. Be sensitive pud! Epal nyo!

-Kargador-

Ikapila na ni gi-feature sa headlight ning bahin Labad mag

klase

kayo

ning

pero

walay

SITTING SA ARM REST RA ANG PEG?!! Mag-ilog sila ate ug malingkuran.

kuya sa maayo nga bangko para dili lng jud manggawas ang varicose veins.

-Seatmates-

sa comfort rooms sa USeP

DAMAK LANG BA GYUD ANG MGA ESTUDYANTE O PATAY-MALISYA LANG NING MGA NASA TAAS? Gusto ko bah.

makakita ug kabag-ohan!

We need change!

-Mang KanorWild Confessor

Grabeh ka uga ang

USeP. SA KAINIT, MURA

NAG DISYERTO...

ANG NAKA DAOT PA, UGA PUD PATI FOUNTAIN. -Taong Uhaw-

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MEDIA Photo by: Monico P. Malubay

Media influences people in the sharpest and fastest means. It either introduces us to truth that will lead us to change or blinds us with lies that will cripple our dream, freedom and hope. Media could either be a cloud to lift the nation up or a monster that will devour the people alive.

Campus Press t h e ta l e o f

“Journalism is all about change and it has always been.

We should give the people not what they want but what they need.�

- Ed Lingao Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism

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Freedom By: Sunshine C. Angcos & Chedelyn Gee S. Tabalba

FOR MANY years, campus press has given valuable contribution in the restoration and preservation of free speech and expression inside and outside the campus. As we trace our history, campus journalists have been valiant in repressive conditions to expose the bleak realities under the government during the foreign occupations.

In many schools today, student publications continue to preserve its role as an alternative medium and as vanguard of academic freedom.

However, campus violations such as harassment, censorship of editorial content, withholding publication funds, closure of the student publication and even murder still, do exist.

Benjaline “Beng” Hernandez (former Deputy Secretary-General of KARAPATANSouthern Mindanao; CEGP Vice-President for Mindanao) is just a fraction of the cases of campus press repression and media killings. According to The Journalists’ Memorial, she was brutally killed by soldiers because of a fallacious notion that journalists are “rebels”. The latest statistics shows that there were 70 murdered journalists since 2011.

Furthermore, the Maguindanao Massacre tagged our country as the most dangerous place for journalists, which until now, justice is not yet served. These two stagnant cases only prove the creeping process of achieving justice. Upsettingly, the people who serve for truth are the same people who are at peril.

With the increasing occurrences of campus press repression and violation, Kabataan Partylist Rep. Raymond Palatino supported House Bill 4287 Campus Press Freedom Bill (CPF). The bill aims to push the rights of student journalists against any form of assault and repression. Hence, it contributes to the restoration and preservation of free speech and expression inside and outside the educational institutions.

Campus press, as a potent catalyst for social change and advocate of truth contribute to nation building. Thus, campus press freedom should be ceaselessly defended. It is up to us now to act or to stay still.

FYI ON

FOI By: Laureece Sheen E. Revilla

COMMONLY, THE is supported by Article II,

information that we get becomes the basis of our disposition be it in argument, politics and life as a whole.

Hence, it pays to be informed, it pays to know. However, would it be better if we know more than what is sufficient or is it an abuse to know the truth of everything? When and where can we draw its liberty and limitation?

The right to information was first included in the 1973 Constitution and was expanded in the 1987 Constitution. Article III, Section 7, states that the right of the people to information of matters of public concern shall be recognized. Access to official records and documents pertaining to official transactions as well as the government research data used as basis for policy development shall be afforded by the citizen. This

Section 28, which obliges the government to fully disclose information of public interest. The Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards of Public Officials and Employees require disclosure of public transactions and guarantee access to official information, records or documents. Though openness and transparency is explicitly implemented, the rules create exemptions for information that may cause imminent harm such as information that would intrude privacy.

Through this bill, we can have more access to government information regarding public concerns.

But the limit should be set beforehand to protect the right and interest of the mass, the government and the nation as whole. Perhaps, only the truthful can be fearless.

Who ever controls the media, controls the mind.

Jim Morrison 27

Approximately,

93%

of the total population is Christian. and from the 93%,

80 to 85% of the total population is Roman Catholic.

5 to 9%

of the total population is Islam, which is also the largest minority group

-National Statistics Office

Religion PO

This mountain may have the most subtle influence but it has the widest scope due to its diversity. It either upholds the morality of the people or hypnotizes them into mere religious rituals.

LI CY

VS

BE LIEF By: Louie B. Bahay

THE

NO

hijab policy implemented by a certain Catholic institution in Zamboanga City has triggered negative attention and appeal from Muslim people as they celebrate Ramadan.

The policy has caused deleterious 28

Photo by: Gerald Ken Babanto

response and a widespread condemnation not only from Muslims but also from Christian people. Petitions have also started to spread in different websites and social networking sites to denounce the policy and to boycott the institution.

The wearing of hijab for Muslim women, which is the Arabic term for cover, is a tradition that shows respect and love for God. According to report, Mehol Sadain, the head of the Naitonal Commission on Muslim Filipinos, had written to the institution demanding to reverse the policy. Sadain noted that an education department policy states that Muslim girls should be allowed to wear their head coverings

in school and be exempted from non-Muslim religious rites.

However, the school said in its letter to the council that it could not “deviate” from its Catholic leanings, adding that students from other religions were welcome to enroll but must follow its no-hijab policy.

In section 4a of Order No. 53 or the Department of Education in 2001, the order specifically says that ‘female Muslim school children should be allowed to use their headdress/veil inside the campus. Also, wearing the hijab is fully supported by law and state policies like Section 28 of the Magna Carta for women Commission on Higher Education Memorandum

dated August 26, 2008 and Department of Health Memorandum No. 20090107.

Given that the implementation is an academic prerogative, the no-hijab policy is still a violation of the law and a disrespect of one’s right.

It even violates the very mission of the institution stated in its handbook which states that ‘it must respect and understand all Christians, Muslims and Lumads.

The fact that no-hijab policy does not promote academic freedom, its implementation does not provide excellent quality education and does not give impartiality towards Muslims.

CERTAIN POLICY FROM PAGE 18...

extended by the city government a grace period up to June 28, 2012 due to some establishments appeal for a time to replace their plastics in packing food, groceries and other consumer goods with biodegradable plastics and recyclable bags.

The City ordinance which was two years ago allowing business establishments and manufacturers of plastics to prepare for the day of implementation. Unlike the same case of plastic banning in Makati was contained only in an executive order “which was implemented after one year.” Therefore, this long duration of time of preparation comparing to other city is enough time to prepare for changes yet people were still unprepared. It states by some complainers that it is all because of the two-day reminding people; it should be done few months before.

The outcome was CENRO apprehended 194 violators in the first three days of the implementation: 62 on the first day, 77 on the second day and 55 on the third day. Violators of the ordinance will be fined of P300 and will have to undergo a mandatory seminar for the first offense; P500 and a five-day community service for the secondtime offense; and P1000 or a 10-day community service to the third-time offenders. Fourth-time violators will be prosecuted in court, fined between P2,000 to P5,000 and imprisoned for six months.

Another thing is some violators and non-violators are still uncertain

on the proper and specific scope of the ordinance or perhaps, they are just over-implemented for the business and other commercial establishments.

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio says she has yet to read the whole content of the law, especially on the provisions that prohibits the use of plastic bags and styrofoam in Davao City. In the same manner with the “gray areas” which gives also a point of confusion. However, this city’s policy implementation of plastic ban is motivational for the City Hall and CENRO while exerting utmost and drastic effort in implementing well the law. Not just as compliance for the proper sanitary of the city in terms a healthy landfill but also for a better implementation and understanding between the law and the people.

bags with handles or the so-called “sando” bags. If there is a need to repackage the items packed with plastic outside Davao City into biodegradable plastics before they will be delivered within the City proper to follow the mandatory ban of non-biodegradable plastics.

Among such issues are need to be addressed and answered now.

As the Davao City Mayor said, amend it to make it truly responsive to our needs. No matter how broad and general the law is, there is no other choice but to implement without legal remedies.

Through amending or repealing a portion of the law is to get rid the ambiguity of the law. Considering the uncertainty of the law is in the hand of the people to amend the law certain for everybody.

THE UNCERTAIN TRUTH Establishments that are not covered by the ordinance are actually following it due to the fear that they may be penalized. Since it has a puzzling motive whether the exact aim in forbidding the usage of plastic and styrofoam are for food and beverages containers only while hardware stores, electronic shops and the likes are not. Mean to say that City and people’s confusions only happened when an ordinance is not properly addressed and not specified its scopes and limitations.

Neither the definite definition of plastic bag has not been made unclear –whether the scope of the ban includes all types of plastic bags or just the plastic 29

Artikulo @#*&

USePian ala Annebisyosa

ADVENTURES OF STARFISH

KRAMming

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HAHAHA (Halakhak, Hagupit, Hatol), the latest

release of The Collegiate Headlight stirred up debate in the entire university. Some reacted on the taste of “sensuality” the lampoon has. Some do not understand it, some hate it. Perhaps, there are three reasons why, first, they are deceived on the idea that they are still young, second, they do not have a clear knowledge what a lampoon is and lastly, they left their humor at home.

On the other hand, the publication asks a sincere apology to those who are hurt by any means, please know that it is never our intention to do so. However, we want to make it clear that our apology does not mean regret. We just understand that TRUTH really HURTS. If given a chance to redo everything, we will be publishing the same articles, the same drawings and the same layout. We will publish the very same paper.

We are servants of TRUTH and we are the SLAVES of it as well. The publication humbly stands its ground: THERE IS NOTHING WRONG IN THE LATEST RELEASE; WE JUST DIFFER IN OUR INTERPRETATIONS.

A Lampoon Review:

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ColHead as one of the most significant student publications in the region has shown vigor on their lampoon special issue. Their use of wit and sarcasm in discrediting campus follies were necessary in catching their community’s attention.

To the editors and staffers, do not let the words of the few discourage you from creating the most sophisticated form of literary work that uses humor with a purpose, More power!

If you understand what a lampoon is for, you should still rage upon getting of a copy of this special issue. And the prerequisite is to understand that, in the realm of journalism, a lampoon is a recognized form of expressing opinion by way of satire and sarcasm to make any depressing situation a source of humor. But the essence is the same: to stir public opinion to come up with feasible solutions to the problems discussed.

I congratulate The Collegiate Headlight for bravely publishing this lampoon. I have trust in the editorial staff of the publication as responsible journalists acting within the bounds of press freedom and responsibility.

- Paul Randy P. Gumanao

Registered Chemist, Former College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) National VP for Mindanao, Former anchor of a four-time KBP Golden Dove Award’s Best Children’s Radio Program, Usapang Pambata aired in Region XII, DepEd- awarded Most Outstanding Campus Journalist in 2008, Published and award-winning creative writer and a Reporter at Davao Today

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-Reymond Pepito

Mass Communication graduate (ADDU), Former Atenews’ Editor-in-chief, former CEGPDavao Chair, co-founder of Ateneo publication alliance in the Philippines.

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