The Collegiate Headlight Tabloid October-December 2017 | Vol 42 | No. 2

THE COLLEGIATE

HEADLIGHT OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2017 Volume 42 | Number 2

USeP MARKS 39 YEARS ADMIN ACTIONS ALARM CAMPUS PRESS John D. Valle Alleged actions from university administrators against campus press in the country are alarming student activists and campus journalists nationwide. Suspected cases such as the revival of the Student Publication Office by the administration of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) ...

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LUMADS UNDERTAKE AFP TRAINING Prince Jay D. Esdrelon To provide equal opportunities to cultural minorities in the country, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) train 300 Lumad recruits at the 10th Infantry Division (ID) headquarters in Mawab, Compostela Valley last October 17, 2017.

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OF FAIRY TALES AND FAKE FACES PAGE 12 FEATURE

RECIPE FOR SURVIVING COLLEGE FEATURE

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PAVING THE WAY TO BETTERMENT Armando S. Adlawan Jr. and Gloyd Mesibas

A life spent in the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) is a roller-coaster ride movie series. Whether someone wants it or not, the students are the actors and the changes in the policies are the plot twists of the story. Every episode brings out different emotions and offers options, but the odds of having the same scenario and plot are high.

The university has been facing different challenges for past years, but there are changes which are tangible in the university.

One of the changes is the implementation of the Uniform Policy.

It was specified in the revised 2016 student handbook that a student shall enter the campus wearing his or her ID and prescribed school uniform; a white polo with undershirt or sando, black slacks, and black shoes. For the girls, a white blouse, below-the-knee checkered skirt and necktie, and black shoes.

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LARAWANG BUHAY PAGE 8

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EDITORIAL

NEWS

PASUC celebrates 50th anniv

Stakeholders at stake Traditionally, USePians are encouraged to send their formal complaints through the student council or to simply drop their concerns on designated grievance boxes to raise their complaints regarding issues against their academics and the university as well. However, some students still choose the social media as an avenue for their concerns. They prefer to take the vague path of informality that can lead to unresolved issues.

Ferlyn J. Cabalida

The Official Student Publication of the University of Southeastern Philippines-Obrero

With the theme “PASUC@50: At the Forefront of the Global Dynamics of Public Higher Education”, the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) Region XI 2017 conducted its Regional Sports, Culture and Arts Festival last October 26-29 at Tagum City, Davao del Norte in celebration for its 50th anniversary.

Academic Year 2017-2018 Editor-in-Chief: John D. Valle

Associate Editor: Alren John D. Dabon

Managing Editors: Maria Cristina Kasandra T. Galagala Jay Ann D. Alroriza

News Editor: Prince Jay D. Esdrelon

Feature Editor: Marcy Mae V. Santillan Photo Editor: Rhona Mae J. Rodriguez Layout Editor: Kent Charles Cutamora

Circulation Manager: Ferlyn J. Cabalida Senior Staff Writers: Sean Arcent A. Marapao Gloyd Mesibas

It became a social norm for the students of this generation to voice out their grudges online. Even though posting on social media is not always the right choice it could sometimes be the best way to take. The USeP Concerns and Controversies (UCC), for instance, a confession page, offers the concept of anonymity to protect the sender from their confession.

Students want their voices to be heard by many. They believe that the public support that they gain through likes and shares after posting their concerns on social media pages prove a situation to be true especially if they call for action against instances of injustices they might have gone through. Their posts became a wake up call for the abused– calling more students who

The Collegiate Headlight

Editorial Board and Staff

Some of the students believe that regardless of the formality or informality of their complaints, the administrators would still be deaf to their concerns and most probably, appropriate actions would not be granted. Even so, we cannot blame them if trust issues are starting to confuse their thoughts especially that recently, the people who implement the core values of the university were the same people who failed to follow it; who were the same people that stepped on the rights of some students. It is ironic for complaints to be addressed to the one being complained.

It is crucial for students to be protected against the subjectivity of receiving a failing grade since most of the time, they complain and criticize their professors in their posts. Some professors threaten their students academically due to subjective reasons which means that there are some who do not take criticisms constructively.

The Collegiate Headlight 3

Senior Photojournalists: Early Rose A. Javines Claudette Pammela B. Onita Senior Cartoonist: Kimberly F. Sumodlayon Staff Witer: Abner John P. Jayme Photojournalists: Rexel Jay A. Clemeña Jayson M. Evangelio Daneille B. Sabanal

were also mistreated but did not have the courage to speak-up.

The students are the major stakeholders of the university but they are often put at stake. It is but a bitter truth that many students settle to the alternative and informal way of filing a complaint. Yet, the most bitter truth that we fail to see is the reality– students resort to these ways because they experience injustice.

Some students may be afraid and are slowly losing faith on the due process to resolving complaints. They

are starting to see the existing impunity not because of informal complaints but because of personal biases and injustices that occur in the university.

Therefore, students should not settle in ranting online and in being apathetic about abuses. As students in an academic institution, we deserve better. We are all aware of the best ways to act against ill actions and it is the need to take the formal path. Take a stand against abuses and file a formal complaint. Do not settle for less. You are sent to school to learn, not to be abused. Passivity kills freedom!

Writers Pool: Armando S. Adlawan Jr. Therese Merll C. Jabido Jill Manel D. Makinano Shane I. Mocamad Keilah Faith F. Pelingon

Adviser:

Dr. Patricia O. Elbanbuena

Member:

USeP - Campus Press Guild College Editors Guild of the Philippines School Press Advisers’ Movement, Inc.

University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) South champed in socio-cultural and arts category, particularly in dance competitions,

PHOTO BY

THE LIGHT PUBLICATION

USeP aims to upgrade ISO QMS Abner John P. Jayme The University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) set its goal to upgrade International Standards Organization (ISO) from 9001:2008 to 9001:2015 that focuses on Quality Management System (QMS) in order to assure that this institution could sustain consistent high quality services.

ISO 9001:2015 is an upscale of QMS 9001 that helps organizations to manage and improve efficiency of processes and increase leadership requirements. Furthermore, this standard gives a process-oriented approach evaluating edifices, responsibilities, and course needed to attain effective quality management, as well

as adaptation to fast changing environments wherein the organization operates.

Mr. Aristeo C. Salapa, Vice President for Planning, Quality Assurance and Resource Management (PQuaRM) of USeP said that since the 2008 revision will expire in 2018, the university needs to migrate otherwise the university will lose its standard.

The university is preparing in all aspects of being tangible, intangible, and having a good governance among stakeholders.

The University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) Obrero strengthened its security measures to protect its premises.

In an interview with Mr. Erwin Monreal, the University Chief Security, he said that the university was alarmed of the recent holdup happened on October this year nearby gate 3; but, conceded that the incident was beyond their jurisdiction.

“Katong holdup nga nahitabo kay dili man gyud sa gate 3, sakop lang sa gate 3. Kanang nay lechonan sa manok. Dihaa lang dapita.

Katong tungura kay dili pud mapansin [sa security guard] ang estudyante kay tungod sa daghang sakyanang milabay,” he added.

PASUC holds an annual event that develops students’ potentials in the field of sports and arts. For this year, the Compostella Valley State College (CVSC), 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), University of the Philippines (UP) Mindanao, and USeP South and North participated the said event.

USeP adopts Curriculum anew Ferlyn J. Cabalida To review and revise the respective curriculums in the university, Institute of Computing (IC), College of Development Management (CDM), School of Applied Economics (SAEc), Bachelor of Laws (BL) [Proposed Offering], and College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) attended the Stakeholders Consultation last July-September 2017 in preparation for the next academic year.

Aligned with the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) and its memorandum orders

(CMOs), new curriculums uphold implementation of the Outcomes-Based Education (OBE) system to adopt with the international education standards.

It is expected that starting next academic year, various changes will occur as the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) welcomes the first batch of K-12 curriculum graduates.

The university has in its list courses approved by the Board of Regents such as Bachelor of Technical-Vocational Teacher Education (BTVTE), Bachelor of Science in Sanitary Engineering (BSSE), and Bachelor of Science in Library and Information Science (BSLIS).

With information from: http://www.usep.edu.ph

Students are also expected to do their shares on keeping the campus clean, taking good care of the infrastructures and facilities such as comfort rooms and classroom equipment.

Moreover, the university is expecting them to uphold the core values of USeP.

USeP strengthens Security Measures Gloyd Mesibas

instrumental solo, vocal solo kundiman, radio drama, story telling, and search for Ms. PASUC. The team also bagged awards in Sports placing 2nd in the overall ranking.

Monreal added that what the students read about the holdup in USeP Concerns and Controversies (UCC) was one side of the story and the page should get his side as well.

He further underscored that students should not directly post their complaints on the said page or on social media. Instead, they should report to the security personnel or to the Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS) to air their concerns.

In regards to this, the University Security Administration has already requested auxiliary police to patrol off-campus.

On the other hand, Monreal emphasized that the students can also help to strengthen security system in the university by wearing their uniform and ID upon entering the university premises as to follow the order of austerity measures.

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UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHEASTERN PHILIPPINES (USeP)

Univ strengthens int’l bonds Ferlyn J. Cabalida For the latter months of 2017, the university visited some foreign countries like Malaysia, Vietnam, China, and Canada to strengthen linkages with international institutions and promote student mobility.

Among 117 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) delegates, Angelu M. Diaz and Romulo M. Sayon, Jr. from the College of Governance and Business (CGB) were sent to Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) to represent the USeP community and attend the UTP-ASEAN Student Forum 2017 held at Seri Iskandar, Perak, Malaysia on September 25 to 27.

Last September 24 to October 4, six students from the Bachelor of Physical Education (BPE) participated an educational tour at Tan Trao University in Vietnam and presented traditional dances of Asian countries.

On the other hand, selected administration personnel of the university were sent to Jiangsu, China for the study visit last October 10-13, 2017 for possible collaborations on instruction, research, and student and faculty externship programs.

With the theme “Pathways in International Education: Charting the Course”, Dr. Lourdes C. Generalao, the university president, joined the 51st Annual Conference of the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) in Halifax, Canada from November 19-22, 2017.

Source: http://www.usep.edu.ph

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NEWS

FEATURE

ASEAN leaders gather on a 3-day summit and to advance the 2002 Declaration of Conduct (DOC) of Parties in the South China Sea.

Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), together with dialogue partners, convened in the Philippines for a three-day summit envoy last November 12 to 14 to intensify the relation between members and accelerate social progress and cultural development in the region.

With this year’s theme “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World”, President Rodrigo Duterte headed the meeting, covering issues on economic integration, spread of extremism in the region, nuclear crisis in the Korean Peninsula, and the territorial dispute over the South China Sea. China and State members of ASEAN agreed to start the negotiation for the framework of the Code of Conduct on South China Sea, aiming to tone down the tension in the disputed islands

Admin actions alarm Campus Press

Marcos regime when mainstream medias were denied. They continue to fight against the ill side of the government yet recently, campus press were being deprived of freedom.

Paving the way to Betterment

Sean Arcent A. Marapao

FROM PAGE 1 ... was said to control the printing, distribution and funds of The Catalyst, the Official Student Publication of PUP. Aside from “The Spark”, the Official publication of Camarines Sur Polytechnic College (CSPC)-Nabua, “The Pillars” publication of Ateneo de Naga University (AdNU) and The Stateans Publication of Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) — main campus were also on the watch-list of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Reports from local media say that the state forces harassed and intimidated the said publications because of “progressive and patriotic orientations.”

Student publications, as an alternative media, have been the source of truth since the

Lumads undertake AFP training

Last October 6, the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) organized a solidarity action in front of Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) to take actions against some campus press violations done by some members of the administration of certain universities.

The CEGP, on its almost 80-years of existence, has been supporting the rights and welfare of the working class, the press, and other marginalized sectors. It calls for the unity of their fellow campus journalists, student activists, and organizations to take a stand and uphold campus press freedom.

With information from: www.news.mb.ph www.medium.com www.interaksyon.com en.wikipilipinas.org

FROM PAGE 1

The qualified Lumads will no longer take an AFP Service Aptitude Test (AFPsat), also renouncing the initial steps, such as age, height, and educational attainment before they could join the said training.

In an interview done by Sunstar, 10th ID spokesperson Captain Rhyan Batchar said that the recruits will be undertaking a three-month basic military training and another three-month jungle warfare training.

However, they will have to undergo a comprehensive neuropsychological and medical test to find out if they are physically and mentally fit to go through the training.

After six months, these soldiers will be deployed to their respective localities under the military units of the said areas. They will also receive equal compensation and benefits.

The Lumad recruitment which is a national program of the Philippine government that will serve an avenue to address insurgency and increase manpower resources of the AFP.

Furthermore, the leaders signed the Consensus on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers to observe the safety and rights of all overseas workers.

Provisions under the agreement include fair treatment towards workers’ gender and nationality, protection against violence and sexual harassment in workplaces and the right to join in trade unions and association.

FROM PAGE 1 Aligned with this implementation, Dr. Lourdes C. Generalao, the University President, also issued the Memorandum Circular No. 002, series of 2017 which prohibits the wearing of physical education (P.E.) uniform upon entry to the the premises. As a result, if a student has a P.E. class, he or she is advised to change his or her school uniform inside the campus.

Students expressed the advantages and disadvantages of the implementation; some called it hassle and not a student-friendly policy, others approved on it. On the other hand, long queue of USePians in gates 2 and 3 was one downside it had brought. A second-year BS Civil Engineering student, Shennah Mae Migalang, believed that the policy would only cause hassles to students particularly those who had P.E. class.

She cited the advantageous impact of the policy to the students, “pero tungod ani, ang mga students kay more-disciplined sila to wear proper uniform [But because of the implementation, students are more-disciplined in wearing proper uniform].”

Member nations also agreed to heighten and strengthen their defenses against terrorism and they pledged to help in the rehabilitation of Marawi City.

The Philippines, this year’s host, eyes a boost in economic and tourism opportunities.

The summit ended with the country’s turned over of chairmanship to Singapore.

With information from: CNN news ABS-CBN news environment which is helpful in learning. Despite the pending construction of School of Applied Economics (SAEc) building which was left for over a decade and the on-going construction of the Institute of Computing (IC) building, new buildings are expected to rise on the university campus such as CoE laboratory, CAS laboratory, Multi-Media Resource Center, and the proposed T.L.E building.

As for Robert M. Hisus, a third-year Mechanical Engineering student, said: “The [building of ] CoE laboratory is good kay naay magamit nga facilities in the future [The CoE laboratory is good because these facilities can be utilized in the future].” He added that they could not make use of the new buildings; the administration should finish the buildings which were left behind before establishing new ones.

With a goal of becoming a premier university in ASEAN Region, USeP does not only compete in terms of educational quality but it has been, little by little, embarking its way on establishing a stronger foundation of its totality for the benefit of its major stakeholders. The changes in the university have shown the tangible action of the USeP administration whose topmost platform is for the betterment of the USeP community.

Certainly, USeP is paving the way to betterment.

While the demand of better change in the university is at its peak, the demand to build new infrastructures has gone to the extremes to providing its major stakeholders the kind of

Sa taong 2020, ang sistema ng transportasyon ng Pilipinas ay magkakaroon ng bagong anyo.

Sa kabila ng patuloy na pag-unlad ng bansa, nanatili paring marupok ang pundasyon ng sistema ng ating transportasyon. Ang problema sa trapiko at kakulangan ng mga pampublikong sasakyan ay iilan lamang sa mga suliraning hanggang sa ngayon ay hindi

ruta at oras ng pagbiyahe. Ang proseso naman ng pagbabayad ng pasahe ay gagawin ng tapcard based. Sa halip na iaabot pa ng pasahero ang bayad sa pamasahe magkakaroon na ng beep card. Inaasahan din na sa pamamagitan nito mapauusbong pa lalo ang turismo ng bansa.

Sa ilalim ng programang ito, ang mga lumang dyip, bus, at tren na may edad 15 taon pataas ay papalitan ng mas moderno, epektibo, at environment-friendly na mga Public Utility Vehicle. Magkakaroon din ng bagong franchising system na pamamahalaan ng gobyerno para sa pagpaplano ng disenyo ng

Ngunit sa kabila nito, patuloy paring kinukundina ng ilang transport group ang programa ng pamahalaan. Ilang mga kilosprotesta na rin ang isinasagawa sa iba’t ibang lalawigan ng bansa. Iginigiit ng grupong Pagkakaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators (PISTON) na “anti-poor” ang PUVMP

dahil lubos na maapektuhan ang mga maliliit na operators at draybers kung sakaling ito ay maisabatas.

Ayon kay Dante Fuentes, isang dyipni drayber sa lungsod ng Dabaw na 30 taon nang namamasada, hindi makatarungan ang programa.

“Wala na’y ika-tabang sa pobre... dato lang ang makapabor ana [Hindi ‘yan makakatulong sa mga mahihirap... sa mga mayayaman lamang ito pabor],” ani niya.

Gayunpaman, desidido ang pamahalaan na

maipatupad at makumpleto ang programa at sisimulan ngayong Enero ang pilot testing.

Sa mahabang panahon, ang sistema ng ating transportasyon ay naging larawan ng kritisismo, sa loob at labas ng Pilipinas.

Kaya ngayong darating na 2020, inaasahan na sa tulong ng PUVMP ang ating sistema ay magkakaroon ng bagong anyo; moderno at makabago.

Dagdag impormasyon mula sa: Sunstar news www.imoney.ph

Fortifying Status Quo Maria Cristina Kasandra T. Galagala and Armando S. Adlawan Jr.

Honoracio “Atio” Castillo III, a 22-yearold law student from University of Santo Tomas (UST) got bruises from his so-called “brothers” of the Aegis Juris Fraternity (AJF) after he undergone the initiation rites that resulted death-on-arrival case on Chinese General Hospital (CGH) on September 18, 2017.

News of his controversial death bombarded the nation especially when it was confirmed that it was due to hazing.

John Paul Soriano, a member of the AJF, was pointed as a suspect but later he became a protected state witness after speaking his knowledge of the said incident. Under oath, he named the persons who were involved and

Ferlyn J. Cabalida

Discrimination exists. Invisible as it may seem, its offensive acts toward the dignity of a person is evident to the extent of affecting humanity as a whole.

Historically, people often view gender queers as pests in society, a reason why they hide their real identities throughout the years.

Only then, the occurrence of “change” has made them become a part of the populace.

parin nabibigyang solusyon ng gobyerno. Sa katunayan, ayon sa datos na inilabas ng Japan International Cooperating Agency (JICA), isang ahensya na nagsasagawa ng mga pag-aaral sa ating bansa, araw-araw na naaapektuhan at bumababa ang ating ekonomiya dulot ng krisis sa transportasyon. At tinatayang aabot hanggang sa anim na bilyong piso ang maaaring ikalugi ng bansa sa mga susunod na taon kung hindi ito masusulosyunan.

Kaakibat nito, matibay na isinusulong ng administrasyong Duterte ang malawakang

reporma sa ating sistema. Noong ika19 ng Hunyo, inilunsad ng Department of Transportation (DOTr) ang Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) na naglalayong iangat ang kalidad ng mga pambulikong sasakyan at tugunan ang lumulubong krisis sa sistema ng ating transportasyon.

present during the initiation rites of Castillo namely John Audrey Onofre, Axel Munro Hipe, Arvin Balag, Mark Anthony Ventura, Zack Abulencia, and Dan Ragos.

The incident triggered different concerned departments of UST particularly the Faculty of Civil Law as it was allegedly believed that Nilo Divina, the Department Dean, was known to be a member of the said fraternity. However, investigations and sworn statements yielded different stories. His case is still unsolved even if Atio’s remains were already buried.

His death preluded another long discussion and debates on the effectivity of Republic Act 8049 or Anti-Hazing Law, which defines hazing as a rite where the neophytes or the recruits are placed on humiliating situations or subjected to physical or psychological suffering or injury, illegal and overstepping human rights and privilege.

Despite the implementation since 1995, the law is not able to scare hazing tradition.

According to the Supreme Court, there are at least 31 documented cases of deaths caused by hazing of fraternities and training institutions since 1954 up to the present time. The irony of the Anti Hazing law can be perceived given that the cases of hazing both from popular and silent cases are increasing in numbers and fraternities and their recruitment and initiation continues.

Last November 6, 2017, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri during his privileged speech regarding the Castillo hazing case enunciated that there is a need of repealing the AntiHazing Law. His statement was agreed by some senators who in the past raised concerns in the effectivity of the law such as Panfilo Lacson who proposed amendments.

Nevertheless, not all hazing ends up in death. Occasionally, hazing is often put to the limelight only when a person is killed.

Throughout the years, it is like a routine in which the law will chase the people who are responsible for a certain crime and investigates the incident until the case becomes an addition to the list of the hazing pending cases, and the rest becomes history.

There are no existing laws under the constitution that prohibits the formation and creation of fraternities. In fact, some government leaders, public officials, students, and common citizens of the society engage themselves secretly or even openly like President Rodrigo Duterte in his frat, Lex Talionis Fraternitas. Given the long list of unsolved and unjustified hazing cases and constant public clamor regarding hazing, the legislators have power to create or amend laws to provide solutions such as the strengthening of the said law.

It cannot be denied that with the continuous and rapid increasing crime rate, there are problems with the law that pertains to the protection of individuals engage themselves to such organizations.

Discriminate Discrimination

Modernong Sistema sa Transportasyon, Isinusulong ngayong 2020 Sean Arcent A. Marapao at Keilah Faith F. Pelingon

The Collegiate Headlight 5

PHOTO BY

ROMMEL T. JUAN

Records show that some are still neglected as bullying, unequal treatments, harassment, and physical or sexual assault continue to prevail among the community of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and the like.

To address this, the Anti-Discrimination Bill (ADB) was established.

Last August 2017, Bunny Cadag, a transgender who worked as a transcriber of a known fast food chain in the country shared her sentiments on Facebook about the discrimination she experienced in the workplace. Eventually, the said post became viral that added the urge to pursue the AntiDiscrimination Bill even more, entitled Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) Equality Act.

Some discriminatory acts under the bill are as follows: denying access to public services, altering one’s identity through medical or psychological examination, causing emotional or mental suffering, and gender profiling of any individual or organization. If caught doing the aforementioned acts, the violators can be fined from PHP100, 000 to PHP500, 000 or can be sentenced for about one year to six years of imprisonment.

The ADB is a bill that prohibits any harmful act of discrimination based on SOGIE. The bill was passed in Congress garnering 198 votes in the favor, zero against and zero abstained on its third and final reading. On September 19, Bataan Representative Geraldine Roman, delivered her privileged speech about the issue.

Furthermore, Hon. Kaka Bag-ao, the current bill’s primary author clarified that ADB does not add special rights to a particular group like the LGBT, instead, it aims to protect the basic rights of every citizen.

“If an employer, whether from the private or public sector, includes sexual orientation or gender identity in the criteria for hiring, promotion, transfer, designation, work assignment, privileges and allowances - that is discrimination,” Roman said.

When asked about ADB, some students and teachers of the university gave their opinions regarding the said matter. Lawrence Deligero, a Bachelor of Science in Biology student from the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) made mention of the advantages of the bill.

“I think the anti-discrimination bill is an awesome way to finally recognize and protect a very marginalized sector. In its core, it will help many queer folks who suffer from prejudice and judgments of society,” he said.

“You can’t be responsible for how they view you. Just be yourself,” Tristan John Gayta, a college instructor, advised.

Despite the failures of the past string of bills, the Anti-Discrimination Bill’s latest version finally made it to Congress. It is hoped to be a part of the of the country’s law, soon after the approval of the House of Senate and the President.

Nevertheless, the law will not only serve as an armor to protect the rights of every citizen, instead, it will also allow people to discriminate, not their fellow but the word “discrimination”. itself.

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FEATURE

FEATURE

USeP Marks 39 Years Therese Merll C. Jabido Shane I. Mocamad and Keilah Faith F. Pelingon

With the theme “Revolutionizing USeP into greater heights”, the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) celebrated the 39th founding anniversary, a three-day event that lasted from December 14-15 and 17. The event started with a thanksgiving mass at 8:00 in the morning, held in USeP gymnasium. The College of Engineering (CE) in cooperation with OSAS, OCSC, and CCO spearheaded various activities like sports, exhibits, and campus club organization activities.

The highlight of the event was University President Dr. Lourdes C. Generalao’s speech for her first State of the University Address (SOUA) delivered on the second day in the university gymnasium. The President’s speech lasted for forty-five minutes, which delve on topics like organizational developments, plans, and programs, significant achievements and milestones of the university.

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Recipe for Surviving College

Among these include the proposal of new programs for academic year 2018-2019 which are the Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Sanitary Engineering, and Doctor of Medicine, the ISO 9001:2008 certification received for the University’s Quality Management System, the growing number of infrastructure projects which includes the 7-storey Multimedia Learning Resource Center, and the thriving income generating projects and facilities from different USeP campuses.

Ferlyn J. Cabalida and Therese Merll C. Jabido

College life is a mixture of change, decision-making, experiences, and higher learning. It is an odd recipe served with stress over deadlines, and seasoned with piles of school-related tasks. It is a blend of priorities – priorities that sometimes blur over the lines between one’s health and academic responsibilities.

The President also mentioned the efforts poured into faculty and staff development by offering them scholarship programs in different international and local universities. There were also efforts to advance research and extension programs and partnerships with several international and local institutions and the efforts to increase income-generating projects.

Health and academics are vital ingredients to survive college. Overlook one ingredient and the taste would turn sour or bitter. Making a habit of neglecting one’s health for the sake of academics can seriously affect one’s mental and physical health.

aside from lack of sleep, she also often missed her meals.

According to American Psychological Association, excessive stress causes serious health conditions like anxiety, depression, insomnia, muscle pain, and weakened immune system. In July 2013, the Canadian Association of College and University Student Services survey results showed that among 30,000 Canadian post-secondary students, 99.1 percent admitted to feeling levels of stress with 57.6 percent identifying more than average to severe amounts of stress.

[Sometimes because of the tiring practice in the (theater) play (and other school works), it is already exhausting to cook and to eat.]

Third year students, Jackie* from the College of Education and Reyen Togonon from the College of Engineering admitted that there were times when they had to sacrifice sleep just to comply to some school requirements.

Furthermore, they stressed the importance of performing well in school in order to achieve their goals.

The sports, and students’ activities like the open house exhibit, an event conducted to showcase the talents and skills of each colleges to the general public, continued after her speech. In the afternoon, a faculty and staff cultural night was held in the USeP gymnasium showcasing the USePasko Festival presentation from different colleges. College of Teacher Education and Technology (CTET) (Pintados-

While Reyen managed to regulate stress by playing Dota, foodtrip and catching up with sleep, Jackie*, on the other hand, said that

The University President Dr. Lourdes C. Generalao during her first State of the University Address (SOUA) at USeP Gymnasium last December 15, 2017

Kasadyaan Festival) champed the Festival Presentation, followed by College of Education (CEd) (Moriones Festival) and College of Technology (CT) (MassKara Festival). Mr. Jose Alther M. Rivera from CEd was crowned as Festival King and the Festival Queen, Shirley Marie S. Villanueva was from CTET. CE graced the stage as they bagged all the prizes, from first to third place for the lanterns contest and the award for Best in 5s

Implementation. Meanwhile, CEd bagged the award for Best in Open House Showcase.

The three-day event, concluded with the alumni night held on Sunday, December 17 at the USeP Gymnasium. The founding anniversary is a fantastic event that every faculty and staff look forward to each year. This year’s event was a success in all manners of speaking. With such promising goals of the SOUA 2017, USePians look forward for the coming year, as they look forward for a brighter future.

“Usahay tungod sa kakapoy sa practice sa [theater] play [and other school works], kapoy naman maglung-ag, kapoy na’g kaon,” she said.

As a result, she developed ulcer and even missed a class after being sent to the clinic.

Janiza also mentioned about working hard ahead of time to prevent herself from cramming and she also makes a to-do list to have her tasks organized. However, she confessed that halfway through the task, she would sometimes fall into procrastination which eventually affects her time management.

In the light of this matter, a college instructor in USeP – Obrero Campus who asked to remain anonymous, gave his opinion about students’ difficulty in balancing health and academics. According to him, teachers assign students many tasks to help them learn more and explore things related to the subject matter, which were not overtly taught in the classroom.

As the disadvantages, he said that side effects may vary from boredom to exhaustion when

Non-suicidal Note Marcy Mae V. Santillan and Jill Manel D. Makinano

Life has a façade that is commonly misinterpreted by many. It is deeper than the surface. It has thousands of things to unfold as its every chapter passes by. Everyone must know this and must be reminded that life is worthy to be lived for.

2014 report of World Health Organization (WHO), suicide has been the second leading cause of death among people that age 15-29 years old. Though Philippines had the lowest number of suicidal rates in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries, it is still alarming because the record shows an increase of digits each year.

In a world full of challenges, each person is capable of being tired and depressed. One may get disappointed every time he fails. He may get discouraged every time he is criticized and get lonely every time he is rejected. On the other hand, it is still a matter of choice whether to swim and float despite that feeling or to sink and drown.

But depression as a mental illness, greatly causes some individuals to neglect the positivity within them and choose the latter.

However, suicide can be prevented by giving depressed people either a professional or a friendly help. Most of the individuals who died by committing suicide did not get the help they needed. In most cases, they were afraid to ask for the help they needed because of the stigma and judgments they might get. Negative comments will be thrown unto them by those people who did not understand the situation they were in.

This made them hold back from speaking up, keeping everything to themselves.

Depression was once among the rarely discussed issues in the country not until it was pointed out as one of the main reasons why people commit suicide. According to the

According to World Health Organization (WHO), only one out of three individuals who are suffering from depression seek

professional help and the other two thirds of the population either let it pass or did not even know that they were suffering from depression. Reaching out was necessary because it was a way one can help another or someone could find a help for himself. It was something that was hard to do but it could be the reason for someone to be better. In an interview with a student from this university who asked to remain anonymous she said, "I reached out for a certain person listened.

She helped me. She encouraged my parents to seek for psychiatric advice and it really helped a lot."

Thus, interpersonal communication plays a great role in fighting mental illness such as depression. Communication among peers will help in releasing the stress within.

On the contrary, a depressed person must do lesser intrapersonal communication since it may lead him to overthink. As stated

by Denise J. Martin the founder of Simply Better, Inc. answering the question about intrapersonal communication said, “if you

the tasks are either too easy or too difficult to complete. Therefore, instructors must make sure that the amount of tasks given should complement the lessons being taught. It should neither be too many nor too few.

Furthermore, he pointed out that one cannot successfully complete anything in an unhealthy state. He said that students should prioritize health first before anything else by taking meals on time and practicing a healthy lifestyle.

Putting academics first over one’s own well-being is often fueled by the student’s desire to exert his or her best effort. However, there are also others who sacrifice their health when they cram due to procrastination. Yet the fact remains that both of them work hard and push their limits to achieve if not the best, at least good outcomes. The problem arises when the said acts becomes habitual, which brings out harmful effects.

At some point in college, there are times when school works and responsibilities become overwhelming. It is therefore critical for a student to know what choice to make. Indeed, le arning how to prioritize things is essential to survive in college. In this case, health matters as much as academics. Thus, there is no need to sacrifice one over the other.

Therefore, the student is like a chef who is in charge of making the best out of his life’s cuisine. Stress and pressure are spices that gives a richer taste into the fun parts of college.

Mixing procrastination, though, only leaves a bad aftertaste.

The secret ingredient for academic success is nothing else but balance. So, do not get too caught up with stress because college life is just an appetizer. There is life after college, that is the main dish. Achieving one’s dreams? That is the dessert. *Not his/her real name

are truly concerned with intrapersonal barriers, the greatest issue is the little (or maybe loud) voice in our head that tells us we're not good enough, strong enough, don't measure up well enough. It's a negative voice that keeps us down spirited, downtrodden, and can cause us to stop trying.”

Yet, the prevention starts from within.

One must know oneself fully, the strengths, weaknesses, mental capacities and emotional tendencies. Upon knowing, it must include understanding because if a person understands himself, he can stand firm on his self-worth despite the negativities he has been through. Hence, at times of depression which stimulates suicidal thoughts, other people's help is necessary yet none can help someone who is not willing to help himself.

Suicide cases will linger in the society not until such time in which every individual can see his worth and strength from within. Today is yesterday's tomorrow, ignoring this issue about depression as the lead cause of suicide is tomorrow's sorrow.

8

LARAWANG BUHAY

The Collegiate Headlight 9

Sex Crime

As you pull me in and whisper my name, Like a banshee —

Photos and words by

I wailed in tears and disgust,

Rhona Mae J. Rodriguez, Early Rose A. Javines, Claudette Pammela B. Onita, Rexel Jay A. Clemeña, Jayson M. Evangelio, and Daneille B. Sabanal

That even the souls of the stoned saints chose not to listen

Fear not the men, Fear them not But they all have feasted on me ‘til I was full of nothingness.

You looked at me like I Asked for it, You craved for me like I was food, You touched me without boundaries, And kissed off my sacredness.

Your pleasure, my fear In my flesh you painted impurities, As I lay on the ground completely numb, Leaving me without honor nor respect.

You Watch me, Crying and dying, In this battle of nightmare.

10

FEATURE

FEATURE

World vs Duterte

Matapos ang Bangugot ng Marawi Maria Cristina Kasandra T. Galagala Ilang taon na ang nagdaan at nagsisilbi pa ring tahanan ng kaguluhan at giyera ang Mindanao. Ang alitan sa pagitan ng militar ang siyang resulta ng pag rebelde. Sa kabila ng iba’t – ibang paraan na ginagawa ng pamahalaan upang masolusyunan ang terorismo, isa pa rin ito sa pangunahing suliranin ng bansa.

Ika-23, Mayo, ng taong ito, naitala ang unang araw ng paglusob ng Maute Group sa lungsod ng Marawi. Sa pamumuno ng pangunahing lider na sina Omar Maute at Isnilon Hapilon, sinimulan nila ang pag-atake sa lungsod sa pamamagitan ng pagsara ng mga daanan upang magkaroon ng kontrol sa lugar. Sumunod ang pagbomba, pagpasara ng mga establisyemento, pagsunog ng ilang imprastraktura, kabilang na ang mga bahay, simbahan, at paaralan.

Pinagtangkaan din na lusobin ng mga bandido ang mga karatig lugar ng lungsod kung kaya noong Hulyo 4, nagdeklara si Pangulong Rodrigo Roa Duterte ng Martial Law sa buong Mindanao. Sa ilalim nito, mayroong pangmalawakang pagpapaigting ng seguridad.

Kamakailan lamang, noong Oktubre 18, ang palitan ng bala at bomba sa lungsod ay tuluyan nang nagtapos ayon sa pormal na deklarasyon ni Pangulong Duterte. Dagdag pa na ipinahayag ng Pangulo ang tuluyan na pagsisimula sa

Abner John P. Jayme and Jill Manel D. Makinano Controversies against President Rodrigo Duterte have been buzzing all over the world today, especially in press but the president is consistently responding to whatever is thrown at his name. Several world leaders and personalities keep on raising allegations at him, which makes it more like a Duterte-against-theworld-scene in the political world.

rehabilitasyon ng lungsod. Sumunod ay ang pagkumpirma ng pulisya na patay na ang dalawang panguhaning lider ng Maute group na sina Omar at Ipsilon bago pa man ideklara ng Pangulo ang estado ng lungsod. Subalit, nagkakaroon pa rin ng kaunting bakbakan sa mga pili at tagong sulok ng Marawi taliwas sa idineklarang pahayag ng Pangulo.

When Duterte won as the 16th President of the Philippines, his name immediately invaded the media. His actions in ending corruption, drugs, and criminality have been the talk on both local and international news.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I hereby declare, Marawi City liberated from the terrorist influence that marks the beginning of the rehabilitation.” Ayon sa Pangulo.

Isinalaysay din ng Pangulo sa kanyang talumpati ang nakahanay na plano para sa lungsod ng Marawi kabilang na ang Task Force na Bangon Marawi, alinsunod sa Administrative Order No. 3 na nilagdaan niya mismo para sa rehabilitasyon ng lungsod. May inilaang pondo na nagkakahalagang 50 bilyon para sustentuhan ang mga proyekto ng gobyerno.

Ano na nga ba ang magiging hakbang ng gobyerno pagkatapos ng rehabilitasyon sa Marawi? Ang iba ay nakikita ito bilang simula ng pagtapos ng kaguluhan sa Mindanao. Ngunit ito nga ba ay hudyat na ng pagtatapos sa kaguluhan hindi lamang sa Marawi kundi sa buong Mindanao?

Sa kasaysayan, hindi ito ang unang pagkakataon na pinagtangkaan ng mga rebeldeng pangkat na lusubin ang iilang bahagi ng Mindanao at sa tuwing nauulit ang ganitong sitwasyon ito ay nagpapakita ng pagkakaroon

PHOTO BY

ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINE (AFP) ng kakulangan patungkol sa aspeto ng kaligtasan sa loob ng Pilipinas dahil ang mapait na sinapit ng Marawi ay isang pangamba sa pambansang seguridad.

Nararapat na pagkatapos ng giyera, ang pokus ng gobyerno ay hindi lamang sa rehabilitasyon ng napinsalang lugar kung hindi ay pati na rin ang pagkakaroon ng mas pina-igting na seguridad sa bansa at mga nasasakupan nito, lalong-lalo na sa teritoryo nito. Kasabay nito ay ang paghanap ng konkretong paraan upang masolusyonan ang problema sa Mindanao upang mapigilan ang pabalik-balik na ganitong sitwasyon.

Ang tunay na saklaw ng kapayapaan ay nasusukat sa pamamagitan ng pagkakaroon ng

matiwasay at organisadong pamayanan kung saan nakakaramdam ng seguridad ang bawat mamamayan. Gayundin ang pagpapasatupad ng mga batas na magtutungo sa pagkakaisa ng bansa kabilang na ang pag-iwas sa mga alitan na maaaring magresulta sa kaguluhan.

Ngunit sa bersyon ng Pilipinas, ang konsepto ng kapayapaan ay nakabatay sa kakayahan ng gobyernong makipagbakbakan sa rebeldeng grupo.

Dati pa man, ang isyu ng kapayapaan sa Mindanao ay matagal ng suliranin. Hanggang hindi nasusulusyunan ang problema sa pagitan ng gobyerno at mga terorista, hindi mawawala ang problema ng karahasan sa Mindanao.

Maipagpapalagay natin na malaya na nga ang Marawi, ngunit malaya na rin ba talaga ang buong Mindanao sa karahasan?

Sa mundo ng ‘tidbaliks’ Gloyd Mesibas and Shane I. Mocamad

’70 hanggang ’90, unang sumibol ang mga baliktad na mga salita tulad ng “amats” o tama, “olats” o talo, at ang “jeproks” o project.

Kamakailan lamang, niyanig ang ‘online world’ sanhi ng bagong pag-usbong ng pabaliktad na mga salita. Maraming Pinoy netizens sa social media: bata man o matanda napapamangha at napapagulat dahil sa hindi pangkaraniwang estilo nito.

Samantala, mayroong mga nagtaka kung saan at kanino ang mga ito nanggaling.

Maging noong taong 1889, naging patok rin ang pagbabaliktad ng salita sa panahon ni Marcelo H. Del Pilar. Isang halimbawa ay ang mismong apelyido niya na binaliktad sa “Plaridel”. Dahil sa paglaganap ng kolokyalismo o ‘Filipino slang,’ nakikisabay din sa uso ang industriya ng musika. Ilan sa mga ito ay ang mga kantang Pilipino tulad ng “Nosi Ba Lasi” o Sino Ba Sila ng Sampaguita at ang kantang “Bogchi Hokbu” o Chibog Buhok ng bandang Eraserheads.

Ilan sa mga sikat ngayon na mga salitang pabaliktad ay ang “Lodi” o idol, “Werpa” o power, “Petmalu” o malupit, “Rapsa” o sarap, at “Di ka Lab.” Ang mga ito ay iilan lamang sa mga salitang Filipino slang o kolokyal na bunga ng malikhaing isipan ng mga Pilipino.

Ayon sa mga dalubwika, ang Baliktad Tagalog o pagbabaliktad ng mga salita ay hindi na bago sa ating mga Pilipino. Noong dekada

Ayon kay Aubrey M. Salle, isang ng BSEd English 3rd-year student, nakakamangha ang mga bagong salita na kumakalat sa social media, pero sa kalaunan para nang katawatawa pakinggan. “… tsaka hindi na magandang paulit-ulit makita sa social media. And to think naman na may appropriate pronounciation [sic] naman ‘yung mga salita na mas maganda pakinggan,” dagdag niya.

The Collegiate Headlight 11

Sa isang panayam ng CNN News Philippines kay Propesor Jay-ar Igno ng Unibersidad ng Pilipinas (UP) Linguistics Department, ayon sa kaniya ang pagkakaroon ng mga ganitong salita ay produkto ng malikhaing pag-iisip ng tao. Mayroong kakayahan ang mga tao na makapagbuo at magkapagpasikat ng mga ekspresiyon o mga ganitong salita.

“Hindi naman siya masama, ito ay bahagi ng natural na katangian ng wika at ang wika ay nagbabago sa pagdating ng panahon,” aniya.

Isa ito sa mga ebidensiya na ang wika ay buhay na buhay, nagbabago, at nadaragdagan.

Nakakatawa mang pakinggan ang mga salitang ito dahil sa kakaibang estilo na nagbibigay kulay sa modernong pakikipagtalastasan ngayon at nakakapang-akit ng atensyon ng taumbayan, ang wikang Filipino pa rin ang ama ng mga wika sa bansa sapagkat kaya nito pagbuklurin ang mga Filipino, iba-iba man ang paniniwala o pagkatao.

Gayunpaman, ang mga kolokyal na mga salitang ito ay sumisimbolo sa pagkamalikhain ng mga Pilipino at kanilang angking talino na makapagbuo at makapagpasikat ng mga bagong salita. Maaring ang mga ito ay simbolo ng mga pambihirang katangian ng mga Pinoy na dapat lang ipagmalaki.

Maaaring ang salitang “petmalu” ay sumasalamin sa angking talino at talento ng mga Pinoy. “Werpa” na maaaring maging deskripsiyon ng pagiging mapagpasensya, pagiging masikap at determinado ng bawat Pilipino na makamit ang kanilang mga pangarap at mithiin sa buhay, sa kabila ng anumang mga bagyo o unos na dumaan. Ang magagandang katangian ng mga Pilipino ay katibayan na ang mga Pinoy ay tunay na mga “Lodi”.

Dagdag impormasyon mula sa: cnnphilippines.com, gmanews.com, at sunstar.com

Six months after he seated as the President, an approximate number of 6, 000 dead bodies were recorded in his war against drugs. According to the latest data of the Philippine National Police (PNP), 3, 850 of these were by police operations and the other 2, 290 were by unknown vigilantes. This number of dead bodies caused by unknown vigilantes has alarmed the United Nations Commission on

Human Rights (UNCHR) that caused them to throw allegations on the apparent absence of credible investigations into reports of extrajudicial killings in the Philippines.

A scenario of Duterte’s actions against drug dealers and users was compared to Hitler when he ordered murder of millions of Jews, and stated that it was his way to end the problem of his country for the fortune.

“Hitler massacred three million Jews.

Now, there are three million drug addicts. I’d be happy to slaughter them,” was Duterte’s statement as he linked himself to Nazi leaders during his arrival from his official visit to Vietnam.

With all the allegations being thrown at him by the European Union (EU) together with the UNCHR regarding his war on drugs, the President has constantly emphasized that the lives of the victims are more valuable than those of the criminals.

[Several world leaders of today’s] experienced Duterte’s insults and foul words, such as his insult to the former president of the United States, Barack Obama and call him a ‘son of a whore’. Duterte even gave swears to the Pope of the Catholic Church but he immediately sent a letter of apology to the Pope and promised to visit Vatican for apology.

Another one is the issues on the propagation of nuclear missiles in North Korea and the threats of hitting the United States territory that made Duterte disgusted, and calls North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un as a “fool” and a “son of a bitch.”

During the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit last November 14, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a statement to Duterte regarding the rule of law and human rights, demoralizing the extrajudicial killings in the country.

Miscellaneous accusations, blames, and contradicting opinions choking Duterte are

being casted and insisted in his presence, or even at interviews and press briefings.

All of the denouncements that keep crushing Duterte were neglected and appears as if they were just stinging in the ears of the President. The consistent statement and message of Duterte to Filipinos is telling them to let this people keep opposing and spreading scandals against his campaign for these are only a rumours, which has not proven yet.

Over these arguments, President Duterte is still continuing his future plans and goals for the betterment of the country despite the fact that there are criticisms being thrown at him, and expecting that this will multiply until the end of his incumbency. In addition, getting an 80% satisfaction rating from the Pulse Asia Survey last October 13 shows the support and trust of the Filipinos to Duterte is still at a high-level.

Waging a new Constitution Jay Ann D. Alcoriza

More than a year have passed since President Rodrigo Roa Duterte was elected as the 16th President of the country.

Ever since election, the people are eyeing for his proposed federal government and one of the ways to make it happen is for him to proclaim a revolutionary government.

Per definition, a Revolutionary Government (RevGov) is a system which serves as the current administrator while the next government is being processed. It will nullify the current constitution while the president who will obtain the executive and the legislative powers, changes the constitution to form a government such as federalism. When the country is in this state, the seats from the national to local positions from the vice-president down to the barangay positions will be vacant.

The revolutionary government serves as a transition to another government, and as soon as the next government is approved, this eventually disappears. It is a kind of revolution that gives power to the president to brake and alter the rules, before making a new set of constitution. Afterwards, an election takes place under the new constitution.

Associate Professor Aries Arugay of the University of the Philippines Political Science department, said in an interview that RevGov is a revolution, therefore, there is no legal basis of it in the 1987 Constitution, yet still, the country sends their different opinions by a form of protest.

On the 30th of November, Bonifacio day, RevGov supporters initiated a rally in Manila, Cebu and Davao and at the same day, antiRevGov activists held a rally in Mendiola Bridge to contradict the RevGov for it will cause another dictatorship just as the Marcos’ Regime.

Moreover, RevGov has been a new form of revolution, a way to get rid of the constitution and the corruption of the present occupiers of government positions. It can be recalled that several presidents in the country used RevGov to make adjustments with the constitution.

In 1898, the first president of the country, President Emilio Aguinaldo, declared a revolutionary government to change his title from Dictator to President. It also paved the creation of the congress, where in every province, must have an elected to participate on hearings and law making decisions.

Another president who implemented the RevGov is President Corazon Aquino, who used this as a transition from Martial Law to a democratic government. She abolished the 1973 Constitution and she created the new 1987 Constitution that the country is following now.

Tracing Philippine history, the RevGov is not new to the country since it has been practiced and executed during the reign of former leaders of the country. This is one of the proofs that each president uses different tactics to solve the country’s problems. Each of them has different ways of governing a country, the way the problem is solved depends on how the leader deals with the situation - it might be lightly or seriously. RevGov is just one of the many ways to be able to change the system and make it anew.

12

FEATURE

OPINION

Of Fairy Tales and Fake Faces

The Collegiate Headlight 13

NULL AND VOID John D. Valle

Despite the worldwide popularity of cosmetic surgery, people who went under the knife continued to face public scrutiny and ridicule. Cases like Xander Ford, formerly known as Marlou Arizala, and Arci Muñoz’s plastic surgeries are good examples of how the public react to the subject of plastic surgery.

Arci Munoz was subjected to criticisms and mockery for her alleged botched cosmetic procedure. At the same time, despite Xander Ford’s successful transformation, people still mocked his looks. It seems that regardless of the results, whether it is positive or negative, a vast portion of society continue to scorn those who alter their bodies in an effort to feel beautiful and confident while living in a kind of society that hammers into people that they look unattractive unless they look a certain way.

Demand for cosmetic surgery procedures around the world continue to skyrocket in USA, Brazil, Japan, Italy, and Mexico which have ranked top five among countries, according to International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). ISAPS survey results revealed an overall increase of nine percent in surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures performed in the past year.

Many ugly ducklings have already turned to plastic surgery to make their dreams of becoming a swan come true. The ISAPS’

A research study entitled “A review of psychosocial outcomes for patients seeking cosmetic surgery”, by social worker Roberta Honigman and psychiatrists Katharine Phillips, MD, and David Castle, MD, found positive psychological and psychosocial outcomes in patients, including enhanced body image, selfesteem, social interaction and improved quality of life. However, the same research also found poor outcomes, especially from those who have unrealistic expectations or those with a history of psychological problems.

Cosmetic surgery brings drastic physical changes which influences one’s attitude, behavior, and other psychological and psychosocial aspects. Talented Korean actress, Shin Eun Kyung, for example, decided to have jaw surgery because according to her, people often misunderstood her neutral face as an angry expression. She felt that making her strong jaw line “slimmer and more rounded” would give her a “softer, more feminine” look.

According to her management, she was not signed for any advertisements after her drama in 2010 due to her strong character but as soon as she debuted her new look in 2012, there have been offers after offers. In just seven years since her plastic surgery, the number of dramas she starred in has doubled compared to the measly amount of four dramas she had in the past decade.

unfavorable psychosocial change which affects their social relationships. Xander Ford, for instance, body-shamed famous star Kathryn Bernardo for being “sakang” or “bow-legged” in a controversial video that went viral. Xander suffered backlash from netizens who thought of his remark as “arrogant”, especially when, in the first place, his “handsome” look was only a product of plastic surgery.

How respect is earned The University and its studentry have been shocked of what had happened for the past few months. Different cases of student injustices went viral on social media and it became the talk of the town. Many students have been discussing these topics but is the root of the issue already clear to them?

In a society where beauty is a measure of success and belongingness, a person’s physical appearance counts.

However, appearances only matter to an extent. It is neither an indicator of someone’s worth nor an absolute judge of how far a person can succeed. What really matters most is the person’s character.

Complaints were raised against the events yet, some say it was informal and should not had been directly posted on social media. But in my opinion, regardless of its informality, a student’s rights were stepped on and that could just be one of the worst things that could happen in an academic institution.

At a young age, we were taught that teachers are our second parents and that they love and treat us like one of their own.

However, things start to change when students get to college. It seems like for them, some of their professors are the beasts that chase them in their nightmares. Albeit not all of the teachers and university personnel are like this, we cannot help but notice those who make an exception. From the tip of the iceberg, we are

Not all frogs have the opportunity to turn into a prince.

Some of them remain frogs for the rest of their lives. But a frog with a good heart tramples any handsome prince with a bad personality.

Remember why a certain prince got cursed and turned into a beast in the first place? It was because despite his handsome face, he had an ugly heart.

People are not always what they appear to be. Just like fairy tales, real life has its own share of fake faces.

A view from space, Earth can be seen as a perfect sphere covered with attractive blue oceans, clouds that form the planet as a mesmerizing beauty from afar. Often times, as astronauts described views of majestic aquatic coral reefs inkling the depth of the ocean, deserts blanketed with fine sand dunes and land dominated by vast green living things.

For a person with not so much knowledge as to how Earth can be seen in a distant view, it is profoundly humbling. Not until people dig a deeper panorama of the world, they will absolutely find a serious scenario of a home that is rotten in the hands of its inhabitants—pollution.

Pollution is the largest environmental cause of disease and premature death in the world today.

According to a major study released last October in The Lancet medical journal, diseases caused by pollution were responsible for an estimated nine million premature deaths in 2015—16 percent of all deaths worldwide.

Regions Asia and Africa are putting the most people at risk with pollution. Study shows that nearly 92 percent of pollution-related deaths occuring in low-income and middle-income countries and in countries at every income level, disease caused by

It is similar to a failing grade of 5.0 which is sometimes used to threaten students. Grades should not be used as a turning point for students to respect their teachers even though their rights are already at stake. It could be considered if the student deserved to fail but if it does not reflect the student’s performance,

“...when we are on the forefront experiencing the same injustice, we tend to be silent.

We, students, are too good at giving furious backstabbing words about these issues yet, more often than not, when we are on the forefront experiencing the same injustice, we tend to be silent. We should also gain the courage to speak not only when they turn their backs at us.

People who use and utilize fear to earn respect should change, may it be intentionally or not. We are all inside an academic institution that give worth to its core values. Let us not be the irony of ourselves. It is a shame.

Respect begets respect. Earning respect through brute force and fear equates to unprofessionalism.

Alren John D. Dabon

Kakegurui

Perils in Pollution Prince Jay D. Esdrelon

For Christians, the fear of God is the beginning of love and respect for him. However, it does not apply to an individual fearing another individual especially that we are living with morality. People with power and authority should not instill fear in order to be respected.

and no basis of objectivity such as rubrics and criteria were used, then injustice is simply existing.

PRAGMATISM TO THE BONE

While some people like Shin Eun Kyung show significant improvement in terms of psychological well-being and psychosocial status, there are also others who showed

Environmental pollution has now been a serious problem that needs a immediate solution.

This trouble is causing deaths larger than war and violence in the world. It is more than hunger, natural disasters, hunger, and smoking; more than AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria combined.

slowly starting to see its true form– the iceberg of injustice that subtly exists. The events have been slowly stating that some have been taking the rights of the students lightly. It is as if the students are not one of the major stakeholders of the university given that: “Every student is entitled to be respected as a person with human dignity, to full physical, social, moral and intellectual development, to humane and healthy conditions of learning.” – Student’s Handbook 2016th Edition.

pollution as most prevalent among minorities and the marginalized.

In the Philippines, more than 6,000 vehicles have been added on the road from 2012 to 2014.

Vehicle emission was seen as a major factor in air pollution of the country, which constitutes to 69 percent of the total. This was based on records of the Land Transportation Office.

In modern cities, noise is considered as pollution and a major environmental problem.

Children, especially students that are exposed to environmental pollutants like noise could acquire long-lasting health problems, dysfunction, and diseases. Schools that are located on areas where pollution is prevalent can increase these children’s exposure. Therefore, educational zones require a serene atmosphere.

With the aforementioned effects of pollution on health, environment, and the country’s economic condition, it has been neglected and underestimated. Smoke that comes from industries and vehicles, and toxic chemicals has been overlooked in the global health scheme. According to Lancet Medical Journal records, although more than 70 percent of the diseases caused by pollution are non-communicable diseases, interventions against pollution are barely mentioned in the Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NonCommunicable Diseases.

The unstoppable rise of industrialization could possibly lead to unbeatable dominance of problems such as pollution. The United Nations (UN) estimated that by 2050, plastics than fishes would dominate our oceans, unless action is to be taken. It is expected to endanger health, destroy the biosphere, and on the broader side, lead to worst global climate change.

The moment you were born into this world, you already took a risk for something unknown to you. You were still so young yet you took a risk without even knowing that you put on the table your freedom from pain, heartaches, and tears in hoping to be exchanged with joy, love, and laughter. And from where you stand right now, was the gamble worth it?

Yes, the moment you had your first cry and up until now, you gambled. You gambled your way into survival. You gambled your way into something you’re thinking was worth it. But you think you did not really “gamble” and you think of something else of when you hear the word “gamble”, don’t you?

Gambling, per definition, is the wagering of something of value with an uncertainty of the outcome with the intention of winning.

Gambling requires three elements. These are consideration, chance, and prize. It is odd to think that we never realized that in every day of our life, we gambled. For instance, the time where you had your first steps in walking by yourself, the consideration you had was wagering your

energy and the freedom from getting hurt. Your chance of walking successfully was based on how strong were your bones and the balance you had. Walking independently was the prize you were aiming for. Yet, you still do not realize you were gambling.

at your cards and carefully and strategize your way to achieve your goal. The impulsive ones are usually the people who lose what they put on the table. They tend to throw the cards they have or bet on unreasonable goals. But some people just win in other means, don’t they?

In the field of education, risks are always taken. In a state of a student who enrolled in USeP, the USePian already put at stake in this university his future -- the future that will define him for years. Considering a scholar, money would not be something he would be worried about, making the means of graduating less stressful. But stress does not go that low.

Remember, he still has to wake up early in the morning, and ride jeeps in a hassle just to get to class in time. See what a student puts to risk for education?

Cheating just comes with gambling – an extra card on the table, a magnet underneath and a metal on a dice, an accomplice behind the other player, and many other ways of winning dishonestly. In life, it does not work that simple.

Yes, you can sometimes cheat life through dishonesty, deception, or copying. But life just gets you. Life possess a nasty habit of being fair and consequences come in pair with sin.

Sometimes, we do not know what cards we are holding and what value they have.

Sometimes, we delve in the uncertainty of winning. But we always have our eyes on the goal. Everything is really just a game of poker.

Life is the dealer. You’re his only player. You look

The point is that gambling is not bad as you think it is. When you know how to set your goals, play your cards, and take the risk, then why not go all in? Let life shuffle the deck, sit back, and clear your mind. Put on your poker face. Let’s lose ourselves to gambling, shall we?

Kakegurui – Compulsive Gambler

“ It is odd to think that we never realized that in every day of our life, we gambled.

“

When a frog morphs into a prince, everything seems like a fairy tale. But when people say, “Lol, genes don’t lie,” that fairy tale quickly shatters into pieces.

data showed that the most popular cosmetic procedures include liposuction, eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, abdominoplasty and injectables.

But how do such procedures affect patients psychologically?

“

Therese Merll C. Jabido, Prince Jay D. Esdrelon, and Jayson M. Evangelio

OPINION

OPINION

IN MEDIAS RES

IT DRILLS ON

Maria Cristina Kasandra T. Galagala

Prince Jay D. Esdrelon

PAYING ATTENTION TO WHAT TRULY MATTERS Being healthy is defined when a human is physically fit and free from illnesses. Since the beginning the main responsibility of humans is to take good care of their being for him to be healthy. However, with the recent phenomenon involving depression and suicide physical health is associated with mental health.

According to Wikipedia, Physical Health or Fitness, per definition is a state of health and well-being and, more specifically, the ability to perform aspects of sports, occupations and daily activities. Physical fitness is generally achieved through proper nutrition, moderatevigorous physical exercise, and sufficient rest.

Mental Health, on the other hand, is a level of psychological well-being. It is the “psychological state of someone who is functioning at a satisfactory level of emotional and behavioral adjustment”. From the perspective of positive psychology or holism, mental health may include an individual’s ability to enjoy life, and create a balance between life activities and efforts to achieve psychological resilience.

We can clearly comprehend with these definitions that the two is interconnected and it needs to be balanced. You are not considered

healthy if you are only physically fit. The same goes if you are only free from mental illnesses.

The ideal thought of being healthy is having a good balance of physical and mental wellness Recently, with the rising death rate caused by mental illnesses during 2012, having at least 2,588 cases of suicide according to the data of CNN, Department of Health (DOH) created strategized programs to strengthen the campaign of Mental Health in the country by implementing several actions appropriate for the promotion of mental health awareness. The said data of CNN was during 2012 rising from high rates cause by mental health issues.

Undeniably, these numbers are quite alarming because there is a lack of attention in this matter. Now, we should pay attention to the problems that are left unnoticed for a long period of time.

Every 10th of October is considered as the World Mental Health Day that aims to educate and raise awareness to the public regarding different kinds of mental disorders such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression.

Along with this, DOH also conducted Suicide Prevention Month but with all of these efforts, suicide cases are still continuously rising.

The stigma of suicide made it the new trend wherein people see this as a solution to every problem that they encounter. A person who is currently dealing with depression is difficult to notice; these are mostly people who hide in their smiles and jokes. Scientifically, there is no clear explanation how and in what way it hits a person. These people are usually the ones who are outgoing and happy in the eyes of others In most cases, depression which leads to suicide is the most rampant form of mental illness in today’s generation. Depression is subtly treacherous which takes someone’s life like a thief in the night.

With the recent death of two USePians who committed suicide depict that depression is not a joke. It typically manifests that this kind of mental illness do not choose who it hits: it can be a teenager, adult, rich, or poor. Throughout the years, this shows that depression is often misinterpreted and most of the time it is being neglected.

Just like what Professor Gabriel Ivbijaro, the President World Federation of Mental Health (WFMH), regarding the mental health stigma said, there is an insufficient attention when

it comes to curing people who suffers from different mental illness.

“At least one to four adults will experience mental health difficulties [..] But many will receive little or no help when they present in an emergency. In contrast, the majority of people with physical health difficulties who present in an emergency in a public or hospital setting will be offered physical health first aid.” said the President.

Indeed, it is time for us to change the misconception of what being “healthy” is.

Throughout the years, we’ve been focusing on the wrong assumptions for we weren’t able to see the real matter in the first place. One can help through proper way of promoting suicide awareness and encourage people to end the stigma. With the rising cases of suicide in today’s generation, it’s time to defeat those numbers down.

When I was a kid, my uncle died and I asked my grandmother what was the cause of his death. Before my grandmother answered me, I already had a conclusion in my mind, “Maybe my uncle died because he’s not healthy at all”, but my grandmother answered, “Your uncle died by hanging himself.”

English as a Measure of Intelligence

“...we tend to discriminate someone who is poor in pronouncing English words, and often call them stupid.

“

According to Psychology, Intelligence is the mental ability of a person to acquire

Educational institutions, as an avenue for higher learning are conjugated to give students fair and equal opportunity to accomplish the course that they are pursuing while in the institution. Sadly, religious repression has long been a problem that occurs, not just in higher institution, but also in lower like high school and elementary.

One of the reason which makes the environment in a public school tough, is that students vary in religion. What I believe is right might be wrong for others; the pork that my classmates eat is unclean on my perspective.

What makes it tougher is, those students who have different belief with the majority of the class were as if deprived to attend academic programs, since it falls usually on dates not favorable for them.

The educational institutions are required to safe-conduct the freedom, especially religious, of their stakeholders. It is in their shoulders the responsibility to limit academic autonomy, paving the way for a constitutional rights of this country’s citizens. Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) memorandum required teachers and students be excused

Mostly, Christians and Muslims are the ones who experienced religious repression in the university. The main issue is whether the state in its educational institutions guarantees the right to religious freedom.

There are cases where the institution would reason that there are those students in common faith who still do against the common practice of a particular religion.. This is, on the court as invalid argument.

One man’s conviction and another man’s transgression are theirs alone to bear. That other fellow believers have chosen to violate their creed is irrelevant to the case at hand, for in religious discipline, adherence is always the general rule, and compromise, the exception.

The Bill of Rights of Philippine Constitution gives assurance to citizen the freedom to exercise religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference. It is the government’s duty to protect its citizen so they could freely act without compromising their belief.

Valmores is just one of those students who continually fight for religious freedom in public or private educational institutions where they belong. When equality gets dim, and as if you are muted to speak for what is right, when repression gets louder and the people around become unfair and unjust, the constitution has its hands wide open to save you.

Like Valmores ‘case, the court ruled affirmative.

“...protect its citizen so they could freely act without compromising their belief.

Read Eat

“Basta English-speaking, bright!”

First off, how is intelligence measured? Is it something that we can easily notice when we judge a person in one look?

if their work will have a conflict with religious obligations. With this, they are allowed to do remedial work as a compensation.

Marcy Mae V. Santillan

Jay Ann D. Alcoriza

English has been part of the Philippine’s educational system ever since it became our second language, and in some situation, it becomes a measure of intelligence. We cannot deny the fact that when a person speaks English fluently, we infer that they belong to a higher status in the society, or someone whom we call “well-off”. Likewise, we tend to discriminate someone who is poor in pronouncing English words, and often call them stupid.

I came across a post on social media about a case that involves a Seventh-day Adventist student named Denmark Valmores, a student of medicine from Mindanao State University. Due to his faith, he refused to take an exam that is set one Saturday, which he believes a holy day.

Unfortunately, his request to make up for it was rejected even if the intent was based in CHEd Memo. Worst, he was given a failing grade.

SEE MORE

LIGHT FROM SHADES This was often our comments whenever we encounter someone who is fluent in speaking English language. This is evident in some pageants that when our candidates has a foreign blood, we are sure to conquer the crown.

I am not pertaining to the beauty standards, but on the ability to fluently answer the question during the Q&A portion.

Firming religious freedom

knowledge and be able to effectively use them in the environment they are in. Intelligence is measured with the use of the Intelligence Quotient (IQ) test and many other various tests that will determine if a person is smart or not.

Therefore, one cannot judge a person the way they act or express themselves.

In a nutshell, English will never be a measure of smartness or dullness of a person’s mind; it is just an impact on the mentality that international language is far more superior to our own. We are clouded by our judgment that English speakers are better than the Filipino or Cebuano speakers - this is Colonial Mentality.

Colonial mentality is the way of thinking of some colonized countries that their colonizers is far more superior from them. We were colonized by the Americans and through it, we are using the same language that they contributed.

As a student, language is important in communication, but to be able to express and be understood is far more essential than being able to articulate the words properly in a language that we use to imitate. To be able to communicate is what makes us unique

with other species therefore; it should not be compromise with only one language.

In fact, to be able to speak more than one language is an ability that we Filipinos should be proud of. Not all countries have more than one language as a medium of teaching in schools and universities. Just relying on the fact that we are able to speak a foreign language, shows how resilient Filipinos are.

“English is a language, not a measure of intelligence.” If we look at English speakers as intelligent people, then you are missing something. Intelligence can be measured – yes, but not to the point that it requires a certain standard that when a person can speak English, they are welcome in the society of self-proclaimed elites. English and intelligence cannot be found in the same context in defining one’s ability to learn, to adapt, and to communicate. There is no superior or inferior language in the society. Language itself is an identity of our own culture. Therefore, by using it by its purpose – communication, is a way of determining what intelligence really is.

It was a busy afternoon and I was about to start writing my first column about fake news when suddenly I felt my rumbling stomach. It seemed like a vibrating alarm clock that told me, “Hey! You have to eat your lunch, you’re starving.” So, I ate my lunch and after eating, I have decided to write something about eating habit rather than fake news, out of my tummy’s concern. An issue about eating habit specifically skipping meals is lighter than fake news which is one of the main problems nowadays. But the thought that a person cannot get involved in such serious concerns if he is no longer capable due to health deficiency caused by bad eating habit made me pursue my point.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a bunch of snacks, I have known these since I was little.

“Food is love”, “Food is life” as what food enthusiasts like almost all of us, always say.

Yet everything changed when I entered the university. I’m so busy that I discovered a new daily meal routine for myself, a combination of breakfast and lunch, which is called “brunch”.

This sometimes makes me feel like an air bender since I have learned to bend air in my stomach.

It may sound funny but it is a fact that not only me in this university does.

surely someday it will, especially when you make it a habit.

Assignments, requirements, exams, quizzes, performances, and many other daily tasks sometimes make us so busy that we forget to eat our meals. This is not healthy, obviously, but during those times when I am in the midst of so many tasks, skipping meals also sounded good and I have considered it since academics is lifer.

Mostly, breakfast which is the most important meal of the day is the most frequent meal skipped by college students. A research of BBC Good Food magazine this year found 18 to 24-year-olds were most likely to forget about having breakfast.

Not until my mom told me about my aunt, I have reconsidered it. When they were in college, my aunt strived to excel in all aspects of her academic life that she also skipped many meals. She graduated, got a nice job and so, everything went well not until she got sick because of tuberculosis. It can be perceived that tuberculosis is far related to diseases caused by bad eating habit because it is a lung problem, but basically when a person do not have a healthy diet the immune system becomes weak and it can trigger diseases such as this. If you are skipping meals these days, it may not reflect on your health shortly but

“Food is love”, “Food is life”

“

“You’re uncle died by hanging himself.”

The Collegiate Headlight 15

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14

Well in most cases I observed, forgetting to eat a daily meal is not the thing but being irresponsible is. Being irresponsible like coming late in class, cramming, and meeting the deadlines of tasks are the most common reasons why there are students who disregard eating their meals.

Eating is an individual’s responsibility.

Since I have observed that some USePians aiming for academic excellence sometimes sacrifice their health over academics, it is necessary to state the obvious that one should not skip eating. This gives emphasis that no matter how much you strive hard for academic excellence, when health is at risk, it can be a failure.

THE COLLEGIATE HEADLIGHT PASSIVITY kills FREEDOM!

Hulascope Aries (Marso 21 - Abril 19)

facebook.com/colheadofficial twitter.com/thecolhead issuu.com/thecollegiateheadlight thecolhead.usep@gmail.com

May manlilibre sa’yo. Hihintayin mo ang pagkakataong magkatotoo ang hulang ito.

Taurus (Abril 20 - Mayo 20) Mahihirapan kang pumili sa dalawang bagay na pareho mong gusto.

Gayumpaman hindi ka magsisisi sa iyong magiging desisyon

Gemini (Mayo 21 - Hunyo 20) Kakambal ng bawat hirap na iyong pagdadaanan ay matatayog na tagumpay.

Huwag kang magkamaling magmalaki dahil maaaring mawalang bigla ang lahat ng magbibigay saya.

Cancer (Hunyo 21 - Hulyo 22) May matutuklasan kang bagong kakayahan sa sarili. Magiging mahusay ka sa larangang ito kung ito ay pagyayamanin mo.

Leo (Hulyo 23 - Agosto 21) Titingalain ka. Hindi dahil matangkad ka kung hindi’y dahil sa kakaibang husay na iayong maipapamalas sa eskwela.

Virgo (Agosto 22 - Setyembre 22) Walang kakaibang hula para sa’yo dahil masyado mong papaniwalaan ang lahat ng iyong malalaman. Filter filter din pag may time.

Libra

(Setyembre 23 - Oktubre 22)

Ikaw ang magiging lubos na tagahanga ng #WALANGPASOK. Yung tipong maiisipan mong gumawa ng fansclub na aktibong magpapaalam sa lahat sa tuwing walang pasok.

Scorpio

(Oktubre 23 - Nobyembre 21)

Darating ang punto sa buhay mo na kakainin mo na pati ang iyong binibitawang salita. Ganoon ka katakaw kaya may magpapakilala sa’yo sa salitang DIET.

Sagittarius

(Nobyembre 22 - Disyembre 21)

Hahaba ang iyong pasensya. Sa sobrang haba nito ay palagi kang maghihintay kahit pa ilan sa iyong hinihintay ay alam mong hindi na darating.

Capricorn

(Disyembre 22 - Enero 19)

Magiging magaling ka sa paglingon sa iyong pinanggalingan. Kung kaya’t lahat ng bagay na magiging parte ng iyong buhay ay hindi mo madaling makalimutan.

Aquarius

(Enero 20 - Pebrero 18)

Magiging eksperto ka sa paglangoy sa babahang swerte. Yung tipong sa sobrang husay mong lumangoy ay makakalimutan mo na ang swerte mo.

Pisces #SayangLearnings | by Kimberly F. Sumodlayon

(Pebrero 19 - Marso 20)

Palagi ka nang maagang darating sa klase. Kung kaya ay mamangha ang iyong kaklase at mapapaniwala na totoo nang may himala.