The Crusader AY Ender 2018

Breakthroughs Inside: LGBT org New courses Tenacious Ten Delayed graduation

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Publishers Subscribing students of Xavier University Editorial Board Samantha Isabelle H. Bagayas Editor in Chief Lorenzo A. Botavara Associate Editor Lynette L. Tuvilla Design Editor Harmony Kristel D. Balino Managing Editor Mary Therese P. Mole News Editor Winona Roselle Serra Campus Features Editor Merryane Rose S. Bacud External Features Editor Jayson Elvie G. Ty Graphic Design and Layout Editor* Jinky M. Mejica Photography Editor Rizalyka Joanne M. Waminal Freehand Editor Finance Officers Anna Jamela S. Balindong Auditor Tisha C. Abejo Senior Finance Manager Ana Patrizia Pilar R. Arcayera Junior Finance Manager (Trainee)

Table of Contents

Managers Gene Gerard G. Verona Human Resource & Office Manager Jean E. Abarquez Circulation Manager* Khristine Marjorie L. Quiblat Video Productions Director Winona Roselle Serra Online Accounts Manager Andrew Angelo S. Barrientos Junior Computer Systems Manager (Trainee)

1 Editorial 2 Column 4 Delayed Graduation: System’s Failure or Student’s Negligence?

6 Tenacious Ten 10 Cover Story: The ROYGBIV Dream 12 Advancing Jesuit Education 13 Contribution: Myles Albasin, A Terrorist 14 Comics 15 Hohongihong All inverted pages

Staff Writers Maita Angelica S. Arenas (Contributor) Khalid M. Bashier (Trainee) Ar-Raffi C. Macaumbos (Trainee) Tatiana L. Maligro Jc Marie E. Salas (Trainee) Staff Artists Maria Monica L. Borja (Trainee) Kurt Anthony B. Chan (Trainee) Jomard Sam A. Delos Reyes (Contributor) Shack Gil A. Estrada (Contributor) Rigel Kent T. Flores June Benedict C. Laplana Karla Mae H. Romero (Trainee) Jolrean M. Salao (Trainee) Moderator Mr. Stephen Roy J. Pedroza *Interim For contributions: please address your articles and/or comments to: TheCrusader Publication Office, Rm. 302, Student Center Bldg, Xavier University, or to thecrusaderpub@gmail.com.

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Layout by Samantha Isabelle H. Bagayas

ERRATA: Crusader would like to correct the following error published in its Election Broadsheet, Vol. 44 No. 5: • In page 10, an article on The Xavier Congress in the undergraduate and Senior High School levels was published with a misleading title: “SHS Congress debuts in second TXC for AY 17-18”. Though SHS had its own SHS Congress, it was a separate event from the undergraduates’ session. TXC: Second Session was also not spearheaded by the SHS but the 24th Directorate.

We sincerely apologize for the mistake. We promise to rectify the error in the release of the online version of the broadsheet.

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(Sgd) Samantha Isabelle H. Bagayas Editor in Chief, TheCrusader /thecrusaderpublication

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reviously a blank slate, a dash of colors fills the University as it welcomes the LGBT community through the SHS-pioneered gender equality organization. The pursuit for recognition of the LGBT community rings ever louder.

‘Breakthroughs’ is a celebration and acknowledgement of the timely innovations, prominent people, and remarkable changes that made their own mark in the community. Ending the last month of the school year with a burst of color, witness the breakthroughs that color our spectrum.

Circulation: 4,300 copies

Words by Mary Therese P. Mole Photo by Jinky M. Mejica

The official student publication of Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan Vol. 44 No. 6 March 2018

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Email your comments & suggestions to thecrusaderpub@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

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Conviction

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Illustration by Rigel Kent T. Flores

f you were unperturbed by the online and verbal bashing of UP (University of the Philippines) student walkouts to protest and air out grievances to and against the government, then the arrest of Myles Albasin should at the very least catch your attention. Though the details may not be immediately apparent, we have more in common with Myles than we think. While she graduated with a degree in Mass Communication from UP Cebu, she spent her high school years in Xavier, and stood out in her academics. Her mother, Grace Albasin, is a journalist and the former Editor-in-Chief of SunStar Cagayan de Oro. Myles’ passion for going out to serve the community began during her years as a student leader in XU High School. Undeniably, her Atenean education played a role in shaping her path and leadership journey.

Her formation appears to be a hybrid of both Atenean and UP values: a preferential option for the poor, coupled with academic excellence and a strong drive to experience social realities firsthand, has produced an individual sensitive to the struggles of the oppressed, unseen, and unheard. She is willing to go the extra mile by immersing herself in actual communities to see problems that need to be addressed firsthand. In essence, these immersions are no different from those done in far-flung areas by XU Development Communication students.

One major difference, of course, is that Myles was arrested. A hyperawareness of the social injustices plaguing the Filipino – especially the marginalized and those living in poverty – got her apprehended and tagged as a communist rebel, and even a terrorist. According to her mother, Myles was in the hinterlands of Negros Oriental for an immersion program with the local farmers. As far as she knows, Myles was doing nothing out of the ordinary; she was used to these immersions.

The AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) report which claimed that Myles and company were armed and that a 45-minute shootout took place, does not coincide with various witness reports. Several accounts by residents of Mabinay town in Negros Oriental say that only three gunshots were heard before AFP troops made their arrest. Moreover, the case filed against Myles and her companions was only for Illegal Possession of Firearms and Explosives. If a shootout indeed took place, why weren’t Rebellion, Sedition and Insurrection, or even Attempted Homicide filed against them? Meanwhile online, people are already convicting Myles for having her own convictions.

There is a trend to be seen here. For the past two months, the government has openly criticized student activism, implying that taxpayers’ money is wasted on UP rallyists, and these students would spend their time better by learning inside the classroom. Fortunately, the voice of dissent on this front is strong. These recent happenings have ignited criticism en masse, but the UP youth and students from other universities have also been more vocal to help hold the line against such forms of harassment. There are no realistic means of quelling student activism. Not even a dictator could silence opposition completely.

Any semblance of student activism in XU is met with its fair share of negativity. There was intense online backlash against other student groups and even individuals for voicing their stands against issues like the death penalty and the Marcos burial. Progressive arguments are welcomed, but many commenters jump into the fray with no intention but to spread negativity. Perhaps these people have never felt so strongly about something that they would risk their reputation, relationships, and lives to make a difference. For Myles, the decision to stand with the marginalized and oppressed was easy.

While it’s easy to sit comfortably in the sidelines and tackle issues in comment sections, it might be high time to realize change—may it be through something as simple as publicizing a stand with a strong and reasonable argument or as grand as an actual protest with other student groups and organizations. Though most of us would not be as dedicated to stand for cause as Myles is, activism is still key to upholding freedom and making the powers that be accountable. You may not agree, but remember that it was activism that gave you the right to do so 32 years ago.C

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OPINION

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Pocket Strategist

By Lorenzo A. Botavara

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Caved in

t’s perpetually disturbing to see people in authority ignoring facts that are presented right in front of them. Only recently, I came upon a peculiar pamphlet, innocent-looking enough. However, the cover made me raise an eyebrow as someone who studies Biology: a sketch of a gorilla’s face, captioned with “DADDY?” in bold letters. Upon further inspection, the contents were as I feared. The booklet was a compilation of comics trying to deny evolution with arguments taken from a literal interpretation of the Christian Bible. From the looks of it, the pamphlet was intended to be read and understood by children – young, easily impressionable, and more likely to retain such information and carry these beliefs later into life. God forbid.

For the record, the arguments I read were invalid due to a fundamental misunderstanding of evolution. Scientists never claimed that we descended directly from gorillas, but that we and gorillas and other apes share a common ancestor.

“COUSIN?” would be a more accurate title.

I have nothing against these religious institutions giving out such booklets, but I firmly detest ignoring evidence with volition. It eerily reminds me of flat-Earthers and their thinking methodology: these people have a pre-made conclusion in mind, and collect evidence only to prove their conclusions right. On the contrary, the concept of a spherical Earth is a result of centuries of observations, explorations, and interpretations of meteorological and geological processes that all imply the presence of a central core, a mantle and a crust, all compressed into a sphere – obviously a non-flat shape. All this information had been gathered and used to debunk the former notion of a flat Earth. There was no pre-made conclusion; evidence was gathered, observations were made, and a life-changing conclusion toppled a long-held belief. This is the scientific method: evidence-based, empirical thinking. Why is the disproven flat Earth concept experiencing a revival today? It appears to be a combination of ignorance and an urge to be edgy. This stems from wanting to reject the mainstream because in a world of developing technology, the truth is not that easy to determine anymore.

Understandably, uninformed people would like to create their own narratives because they live in fear of conspiracies created by the media and the government. However, what does it

say when the government itself is completely rejecting products of empirical research and scientific reasoning?

It has done so consistently since the beginning. Despite a large body of evidence in the medical and social sciences, our President pushed on with his infamous war on drugs. He was even urged to not follow through with the operation by former Colombian President César Gaviria, who himself waged a heavy-handed war on drugs in Colombia in the 90’s that failed to quell the drug problem. In January, Malacañang discredited the ability of Filipino scientists in conducting research on the underwater plateau Benham Rise. Most recently, the Department of Justice cleared Peter Lim, self-confessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa, and 20+ others of drug trade charges due to weak evidence. If a confession isn’t evidence enough, I wonder what amount of proof would suffice.

We have more access to information now than at any other point in history, but our own society seems to be farther from the truth. This blatant disregard for facts has become an unsettling trend in so-called populist governments. However, if the government actually cared about the common people, it would go to extreme lengths to deliver nothing but the empirical truth. Again, this can be determined by observing, questioning, and collecting information from various sources to cross-examine and fish out the fake from the reliable.

Plato’s “The Republic” argues that ‘political rule should depend on knowledge’. Although the truth continually becomes debatable, some things like evolution, climate change, and confessed drug dealers are non-negotiable facts that governments should use. This would extend a hand to its people in an effort to pull them out of ignorance. But when the people we have trusted to lead us out of the cave prefer to stay shackled in the shadows, perhaps the only way to see the actual sunlight is to find it ourselves.C

Vol. 44 No. 6 March 2018

OPINION

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Louder

ndeniably, now is the best and worst of times.

By Samantha Isabelle H. Bagayas

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Photos by Gene Gerard G. Verona

Speak

Somehow, we find ourselves recreating a picture reminiscent of the Philippines’ dark times.

The escalation of President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs continues to punctuate with horrifying stories of extrajudicial killings of people as young as thirteen years old. Reasons behind these killings could go as outrageous as the police officer still “tripping” and “accidentally” pressing the trigger, even after admitting to the murder. The continued harassment of Rappler through whatever means necessary to find fault with the media entity has forgone all efforts of subtlety. The current administration is supersaturated with these headlines; it’s almost numbing at this point.

We live at a time of extremes. It’s become a common sight to witness negative news reports of the Duterte administration being automatically branded as fake news; regardless of the facts presented in the case, it’s become a gut reaction for diehard supporters to call out reports of the administration’s wrongdoings as fake and unpatriotic. If these aren’t branded as fake news, media outlets publishing these reports are tagged as biased or are questioned about coverage of issues in the past administration. It’s almost as if dissent or criticism of the current administration is exclusive to a certain political party; you’re either pro- or anti-government. It’s become a matter of choosing sides.

However, what most people seem to have forgotten about the press is its role as watchdogs of society. Simply put, it’s their task to cover issues in the administration and to clarify details, even if it requires asking hard-hitting questions. So it comes as a surprise that the possible closure of Rappler after Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) revoked its registration was not alarming to some.

Almost comically, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque even suggested that Rappler can “continue to blog” under Mocha Uson’s office. This is a horrifying alternative, as journalism and blogging are two vastly different fields. This only reinforces the low outlook on a critical press.

The implications of the license revocation threaten the practice of press freedom in the Philippines. This even trickled down to the ban of Malacaňang beat reporter Pia Ranada from covering events at the Palace, and, later on, other presidential engagements. These were done on the basis of the President’s annoyance at the reporter’s

questions, and SEC-Rappler issue, despite repeated clarifications that the decision is not yet final and executory. If this could be done to a media outfit that’s known to be critical of the government, what could that mean for other journalists in the Philippines?

We’re starting to witness an unashamed crackdown on critical press.

There’s a need for fervent clamor to preserve human rights and uphold press freedom, and to give a skeptic look at an administration that slowly tips toward a more dictatorial tone. Thankfully, what once saved us from the continued rule of the Marcoses back then keeps a steady lookout: we’ve got the youth making noise. And we’ve got the stories to write down history.

I say noise because the voice of dissent seems to be seen as a bother. It’s typically met with heavy criticism. Take for instance how Duterte commented on replacing students participating in the mass walkout protest against charter change, tax reform, federalism, and Martial Law in Mindanao with Lumads.

Today is a dangerous time to be a Filipino. But it’s also the best time to be one.

As identity politics remains strong in the Philippines, each of us stands in either side of a battlefield that’s dependent on our allegiance to a political personality. This has brought on a divisiveness that’s more focused on winning the fight than fighting for the people.

As the youth, we have a role to play in determining the face of history. Now more than ever, we will need more storytellers to make people understand the true human struggle, and to fight for truth always on the right side of history. There will always be ways for the message to finally hit home– not just through grand displays of protests or the establishment of organizations. It could be as simple as aligning and educating yourself on matters of the country, or fighting for the oppressed and the marginalized both offline and online. Have a say about it. Make noise. Never just keep mum. It’s in silence when we are weakest.

We will need more people and more of the youth to be aware of current issues or the cycle of impunity will continue unimpeded. With the rise of mis- and disinformation, the people must take the helm in forwarding the truth. One act can aid in the collective effort to awaken the nation.

Wherever you stand in the political spectrum, make your message clear and your voice loud.C

By Maria Monica L. Borja &

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o close, yet so far. Some of the problems a college encounters are supposed-to-be graduating students being held back due to some missed subjects that were overlooked during the evaluation process. For instance, Celeste* was all set for graduation: she had completed her yearbook pictorial, and was just as excited as any other senior. It was a matter of waiting for the big day until the University Registrar told her that she missed a subject and wouldn’t be able to graduate this year.

How is the enrolment and evaluation system really like in the different colleges and schools of the University? Is it the job of the students to keep track of his or her subjects?

Are they entirely the ones to blame?

Enrolment and Evaluation I n terms of how enrolment and evaluation is for the College of Agriculture, Assistant Dean Veneranda T. Larroza says that they abide by the Registrar’s guidelines. However, she elaborates that

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in terms of the evaluation process, they delegate the tasks to each of the department chairpersons due to a lack of manpower.

With the online enrolment system, College of Nursing Dean Dr. Ramona Heidi C. Palad made adjustments to avoid a systems failure in the college. “It’s different now because they enroll online. Prior to the enrolment, they are assessed by our college evaluator. They are reminded of the courses that they are to take, and they are also preemptive as to the courses with prerequisites,” she shares.

Palad points out that even with the online system, Nursing students will have to be evaluated first by a college evaluator.

Aside from an assessment of prerequisite subjects, the college evaluator will also compute the student’s Quality Point Index (QPI) to determine one’s promotion or retention in the program. The evaluation is done every semester. Students are also highly recommended to check their prospectus for their subjects.

Meanwhile , Center for Integrated Technologies (CIT) director Dr. Gilda G. Brito, shares that their enrolment and evaluation system follows the Registrar’s prescribed process. “For this school year, we have three-year technician program. We also have senior high school (SHS). We also accept short-term students— three months class at CIT. The process is not the same with the college. We follow the TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) requirement and we also follow

the TESDA type of enrollment (for SHS and short-term students) but for the technician program, it’s basically the same with all other courses.”

All third year students under CIT are also evaluated and advised on subjects they should take to ensure they graduate on time.

On the other hand, the enrolment schedule varies for the School of Medicine.

Fourth year Medicine students are prioritized first during enrollment, with the first year enrolling last. The School of Medicine administration assistant enrolls the students according to their respective blocks.

Administrative Assistant of the School of Medicine Connie Surdilla shares that the School encounters no problem in terms of the enrolment and evaluation system. “Our students know the subjects they are going to take in the first place. They are either regular or irregular.” Students are deliberated at the end of the academic year based on their academic performance. “[The] Registrar’s Office proposes that students do their enrolment themselves. However, the dean has not yet approved the request,” Surdilla conveys.

College of Law Dean Atty. Silvia Jo Sabio says a schedule is posted beforehand to inform the students. “Before they can actually enroll, they need to ensure that they maintain the academic standards imposed by the Legal Education Board and by Xavier University College of Law in particular, so specifically if the student is not on academic

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& Khalid M. Bashier parties. “Dual ‘yan siya eh. It has to be tulungan na type,” she affirms.

Sabio, however, has a different opinion.

She points out that “Graduating students are all adults who have been given their course curriculum since they were freshmen, and so they must bear responsibility to keep track of their own compliance for course completion.”

system Who is held responsible?

Palad emphasizes that “it cannot be attributed to one. It has to be attributed to the program implementers and recipients because as students, you also have the responsibility to correct. Nobody is perfect, but there should always be two people who should be responsible to [sic] this kind of concern.” On the same side, Brito articulated that a prospectus is provided for both

On addressing the problem Along with Larroza, Dr. Ma. Rosario P. Mosqueda, Dean of the College of Agriculture, says that they plan on evaluating third year students during the summer to avoid instances similar to that of Celeste’s from happening.

Nevertheless, Palad’s views elaborate on the relevance of structuring the evaluation system. “I always believe in systems approach. If and when there are cases where students could not graduate because of inefficient process, that will have to be corrected through developing the process, and structuring your evaluation,” she explains.

Meanwhile, Doroja personally helps the students with their study plans to avoid instances where students are not able to graduate because of a missed subject. “We do advance evaluation to those who are graduating. They are actually evaluated the summer technically before they go to the final year so that any possible problem as to completion of the curriculum can be addressed,” he says.

Delosa recommends that students should “understand the importance of doing self-evaluation, being responsible on the courses that you will take.” She also advises the students, regardless of which college they are from, to “go to the office, because the office is here for you if you have concerns at the beginning. Don’t wait for next year for me to know the concern. Go to the evaluators.”

College of Arts & Sciences Dean Dr. Juliet Dalagan strongly advises fourth year students to keep an eye on their subjects and grades. “Kanang fourth year, that’s very critical. That’s why we always ask for transcript of records kay makita man sa transcript ang wala nimong nakuha. So better gyud naa ka’y transcript of records,” Dalagan suggests. * * * As of the press time, the University Registrar has been mandated to revise the enrolment and evaluation process. On March 14, the Registrar scheduled a presentation of the proposed revisions to the academic council for the next academic year.

Though this whole situation would have been avoided if both parties kept a close eye, still the blame cannot be fully given to a single party. Deans assume that students are mature enough to know their responsibilities, while students fully trust in the system to warn them of irregularities.

Just to be cautious, students are advised to be aware of their standing and approach evaluators to avoid problems as early as possible.C *Name withheld by request of anonymity

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Design by Design Jomard by Sam A. Delos Reyes Aleina C. Buenavista

probation or they are in good standing, then there shouldn’t be a problem in terms of enrolling,” affirms Sabio. The College strictly follows their own guidelines to determine whether students can enroll in the following semester.

Meanwhile, College of the Computer Studies Dean Engr. Gerardo S. Doroja reports that they follow the system prescribed by the Registrar: “kung ano ‘yung nasa Registrar, we follow whatever is agreed upon by the committee. The same goes with the evaluation process.”

Additionally, the School of Education (SOE) follows the University’s steps for the evaluation and enrolment process.

Once the student is admitted in the School, the student must undergo preliminary conversation. Nevertheless, students must evaluate themselves through the Student Lifecycle Management and Information System (SLMIS) to check their remaining courses. These will then be validated by the SOE staff.

Behind every success lies an inspirational story. Catch a glimpse of our Tenacious Ten, as we feature outstanding groups and individuals forwarding change and excellence in and beyond the community.

Photo by Gene Gerard G. Verona

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Emilor Cabanos

Photo credit to Jay Nelson Corbita

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ngr. Jay Nelson Corbita has already made a name for himself at 22. He was the batch valedictorian in grade school and high school, then graduated as summa cum laude in college with a Mechanical Engineering degree in Xavier University just last year. He aced the September 2017 Mechanical Engineering board exam, taking the top spot nationwide.

Growing up without a silver spoon in his mouth, hard work and passion equipped with prayer made Corbita succeed in life. He admits all of his efforts wouldn’t be possible if not for the people who were

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hen Emilor Cabanos first got into singing, he was more inclined to performing Broadway or theatre musicals at his Junior High School. “Honestly, I haven’t joined a lot of singing competitions (prior to WCOPA),” he admits.

When he did eventually decide to join talent search shows and other competitions, his voice fell on deaf ears because of his classical singing style. “My career became stagnant for a while, and the singing opportunities lessened.”

In 2015, Cabanos was encouraged by a friend to audition for the World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA) when it was holding auditions at XU’s Little Theatre. Before he knew it, he was training with prominent singers like Jed Madela, celebrity

singer and WCOPA 2005 Grand Champion Performer of the World, as well as city talent scout Dino Andes.

A great opportunity like this, however, does come with a great price. Facing numerous challenges involving his academic life and funding to pursue the talent search, Cabanos still went on to bag five medals in the WCOPA not just for himself, but for the country as well.

After his ringing success, 17-year-old Cabanos has been offered multiple go-see invitations from American directors. He has also been offered a spot as an artist for Xavier Center for Culture and the Arts (XCCA).

However, being a graduating Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)

with him in his journey. “Success will never be achieved alone. I am what I am now not only because naningkamot ko og ayo, but also because of the people who helped me throughout my journey. Of course, we are not perfect. We make mistakes, wrong decisions, etc. But other people, our family, friends, and most of all God, will always be there to help us,” Corbita says.

He also adds that loving what you do is one key to achieving your goals. “I did what I love and I learned to love what I needed to do. For me, you will only excel if you love what you are doing,” he remarks.

After passing the board exam, he now works at Del Monte as a supervisory trainee. To Corbita, learning never stops. “We must have that unending eagerness to learn.”

He advises students to “value learning over mere studying” because excellence isn’t only seen when you can answer quizzes or exams. “There is that certain delight nga imong ma-feel every time you learn something new. For me, if students just have that passion to learn, they would surely excel,” Corbita expresses. C

Senior High School (SHS) student, he has decided to focus more on his academics first.

After graduation, he hopes to pursue his dreams and perform at various events. He also hopes to work with the aforementioned American directors in the near future.

Cabanos has become living evidence that if one sets his mind to something, anything is possible. “Be persistent, and believe in yourself.

Take every opportunity that comes your way and always hope and pray for the best,” he says.C

Jay Nelson Corbita Vol. 44 No. 6 March 2018

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research projects, USAID STRIDE napier grass pyrolysis project, the Del Monte Philippines Inc.-funded pineapple juice project, and the European Union-funded Improving Engineers Employability with Multi-Competencies, Knowledge, and Opportunities (GECKO), a consortium project attended by 13 universities worldwide, 5 from Europe and 8 from Asia.

Recently, he was accepted as a Fellow for the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia where he underwent a three-week Summer Institute on educational leadership at the Graduate School of Education of Harvard University. He then had his 2-month Asia placement at the Infrastructure Engineering department of Melbourne School of Engineering, University of Melbourne, Australia.

For Cascon, he was driven to achieve success because he wanted

fortunate youth in CdeO. The ultimate goal of the campaign is to encourage the youth to aid the less fortunate through sustainable programs rather than one-shot events. These include teaching values to children in the orphanage, visiting juvenile detention centers for the youth, and conducting spiritual upliftment and moral recovery programs.

Kuya Fish Campaign has been instrumental for Gebe and all of its members in their crusade to lend a helping hand. Rain will pour and strong winds will come but Kuya Fish will be there to stand with the people. C

to give back to XU through various research efforts. “Daghan na ko’g companies na agi-an, but in Xavier, I really found my home. Nakita pud nako na maestro gyud ko. I really enjoy teaching. I don’t consider it as my work but as my vocation,” he says.

He shares that his source of inspiration is his family and his students. He stresses the importance of grit, which is to be coupled with prayerful and regular study sessions.

“Gusto nako ma-realize na sa akong mga estudyante nga maskin magka bagsakbagsak, dapat mu-survive gyud kay naay naghulat sa ila nga maayong kaugmaon kung di lang sila mo surrender.”.C

Photo by Jean E. Abarquez

nown in the XU community for his excellence and vast contributions in scientific research, Engr. Hercules Cascon is the current College of Engineering Dean. Success in various forms came in the college’s way during the tenure of this equally successful man.

When asked about the multiple successes of the college during his deanship, he attributed these not only to his hard work and determination but more to the support and shared talents and efforts of his team.

Under his leadership, he was able to lead the college to obtaining Center of Development recognitions for five engineering programs.

Through his team, several research projects were realized such as the Commission on Higher Educationfunded Carrying Capacity of Lumbia and Tagoloan River Basin

the severity of the super typhoon’s effects. With that in mind, he took the helm in raising awareness about the city’s flooding to get more donations from Japan to enter CdeO, as it had did for other Southeast Asian cities affected by the typhoon.

“Kuya Fish” was dubbed by kids who couldn’t pronounce Tanaka’s name. From kuya Iss-ey, it became kuya Iss-da until it was later translated to English, hence, the Kuya Fish Campaign.

The campaigned focused its first year on Sendong victims by distributing relief goods and conducting programs to maximize the awareness and consciousness about Sendong. By the end of the year, they upped the scope of their campaign from helping Sendong victims to helping the less

Design by Karla Mae H. Romero

hen it comes to social programs focusing on the less fortunate in the youth sector, Kuya Fish surfaces and comes to aid in whatever way he could.

In 2011, a Japanese student named Issey Tanaka, together with Mary Kris “Ate Kring Kring” Gebe founded the Kuya Fish Campaign.

Gebe, a Bagyong Sendong survivor, recounted her near-death experience the night the super typhoon ravished her family home. The gratitude of being able to survive the terror has fueled Gebe’s desire to pledge herself to serve others in society. This was answered when Gebe met Tanaka after the horrifying experience. He was wondering the flood wasn’t heavily publicized, especially given

Photo credit to Kuya Fish Campaign

Kuya Fish Campaign

Hercules Cascon

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or many years, Mindanaoans have been struggling to achieve peace on the island.

Among those committed to make a better Mindanao is Evans Yonson, a man born and raised in Cagayan de Oro. He is a BA Sociology and Development Communication graduate of Xavier University. He went to Spain to take his Master’s degree in Mass Communication major in Broadcasting. After finishing his MA studies and earning his PhD in Sociology abroad, he returned to Cagayan de Oro to teach in the University and is currently a Development Communication professor.

Yonson’s contribution to

Photos by Jean E. Abarquez & Arnel John A. Dayata

B Jalani Pamlian

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espite the pressure to become a doctor, Froilan Gallardo or better known as Sir Froi, started his career in writing way back when he was a junior Development Communication student in the University. “As a kid, hilig jud kog sulat sulat. Kung naay literary (competition) sa school, diha jud ko,” he reminisces.

Aside from being a Development Communication graduate at Xavier University, Gallardo also earned a diploma in Photojournalism at Ateneo de Manila University as a scholar. He is currently a journalist at Mindanews

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all that we’ve done.” Later on, the campaign was acknowledged and recognized globally by Facebook as it placed in the top 4 of Peer to Peer: Facebook Global Digital Challenge.

Yonson’s experience abroad has led him to his realization that in order for us Mindanaoans to appreciate our identity, “we need to have exposure to other cultures in terms of defining our sensitivity to others’ culture.”

Evans believes in a peaceful Mindanao. “One has to strive to get all the prejudices away,” he says. “If there is one thing that Mindanaoan youths should start doing, it would be to shape up the future for the Island.”.C

Mindanao does not just stop in teaching; he considers the establishment of I Am Mindanao (IAM) as one of his greatest accomplishments, aside from Mata Na, CdO! and Valuing Ecosystem Services Together (VEST). I Am Mindanao is a campaign that advocates countering violent extremism on the island.

During the Marawi siege, IAM was one of the first to help raise awareness about the situation through posting and sharing on social media.

According to Yonson, the sharing of posts and coming up with a statement condemning the violent extremist groups’ terror attack in Marawi city was the “highlight and climax of

eing an Islamic Educator is Ustaj Jalani Pamlian’s passion. With quite a number of appendages to his name because of his love for schooling, Pamlian has the same love for teaching – especially when it comes to the youth of his Islamic faith. Despite working full-time as a Budget Officer at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Pamlian has set aside time for his students at Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High

School (MOGCHS) and Xavier University as a parttime teacher in Islamic studies.

Pamlian thinks of teaching as an Islamic activity. He said that when you teach goodness to a person and that person enacts that goodness, you earn a share of his blessing. Through these Islamic activities, you strengthen your faith. But teaching for Pamlian reaches far deeper down his heart. He said seeing his students relieves his stress, “When I am stressed in my work and very busy,

Cooperative, and is known to report firsthand news in social media such as the recent Marawi Siege. “It’s my job to work really hard and kanang way sipyat. Covered tanan. Covered tanan bases,” he explains.

During the Marawi siege, Gallardo was one of the journalists who put his life on the line for firsthand news. He admitted being pressured to bring out the best possible stories on hand but strived hard to not let the pressure and fear of the unknown get to his work as a journalist.

Gallardo has received plenty of recognition and awards as a journalist

Evans Yonson

and then I come to the class, I [become] very very happy.”

Ustaj Jalani also plays a major role in supervising the team that facilitates the two centralized Islamic Prayers at Pelaez Sports Complex— E’id ul- Fitr and E’id ul-Adha. In addition to that, he also engages in Islamic lectures all throughout the country. Pamlian’s resilience and passion could bring him to great lengths in his career, but for him, teaching will always come first.C

from different award-giving bodies such as the Pulitzer awards in the Philippines, International Committee of the Red Cross photo of the year (for two consecutive years), and the European Union Award for Best Story on his reporting about the Mamasapano.

When asked about his opinion on how students and aspiring writers can be as successful as him, he said that because we have the freedom to write and to take photos, we should stand up for it even though it means the world will turn against you.C

Froilan Gallardo Vol. 44 No. 6 March 2018

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NAGMAC

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ith a goal to provide a platform for local writers, artists, and musicians in showcasing their talents to a house full of creative enthusiasts, the Nagkahiusang Magsusulat sa Cagayan de Oro (NAGMAC) started its journey way back in February 2014 after

Febz Calibo Crusader

The

Darryl Labial and Vel Marie ‘Mai’ Santillan (senior fellow for Drama and Poetry, and current founding chairperson) staged the first CDO Poetry Night at Chaibodia Bistro in Tiano-Mabini Streets.

NAGMAC is behind literary activities such as CDO Poetry Night, and the newly launched, Spoken

aining interest after a classmate of hers brought the infamous cups to school, Grade 12 Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) student Irampehl Thesalonica Calibo (or called “Febz” by peers) began her sport stacking career at nine years old. Sport Stacking or more commonly known as speed stacking, requires players to stack 12 special cups to specific pyramid sequences in the fastest possible time.

After purchasing her own set of sport stacking cups and practicing on her own, Calibo joined her first tournament in Cebu City when she was

of most global issues. Indonesia on the other hand, opened my eyes on the possibility of achieving peaceful coexistence between people of other faiths,” Batugan reflects.

After experiencing a spiritual journey during his stay in the University, Batugan states, “There are common grounds where we can work as one community of the faithful and a few number of differences. It is monumental for every person to realize that before he is a Muslim or a Catholic, he is human first and so is the other. What pains him shall pain the other, what brings him joy shall do the same to other,” he concludes.C

Word CDO. They also organize different writing workshops such as the Cagayan de Oro Young Writers’ Studio, Veritas Writers Workshop, and the 2017 Kausaban Forum on Teaching Creative Writing.

The group has grown to include writers in other genres such as poets Adeva Esparrago, Ton Daposala, and Jan Rupert Alfeche, fictionists Nadine Legaspi and EJ Villena, fictionist-essayist Abigail C James, essayist-poet Alton Dapanas, and screenwriter-playwright Dennis Flores. These people comprise the current organization’s board.

NAGMAC recently launched their official publication arm, Bulawan Books, an independent publisher of quality literary works by Northern Mindanaoan authors, under which

just 13 years old. “It wasn’t that bad as a first timer because I won everything (category),” she recalls. It was in Cebu where she was discovered and invited to play for Team Philippines in international sport stacking tournaments.

Despite the weight of her academics, Calibo joined Team Philippines in an international sport stacking tournament in Bangkok, where she won 3rd place overall. A year later, she became the Female Overall Champion in the World Sport Stacking Championships. Now, at 17 years old, she is the country’s fastest female stacker, and the 7th best female

Nor-Jamal Batugan

is the Bulawan Literary Journal of Northern Mindanao.

When asked about advice for writers, NAGMAC senior fellow for poetry and essay/director for operations, Dapanas, says it is important to acknowledge that in creating any forms of art, feedback should be expected.

He adds that people should not equate self-expression with art, that just because you were able to express what you feel, it is already a craft in itself.

“Writing, as a form of art, is a daily labor, which one does not because one feels inspired or brokenhearted, but because one respects the craft and discipline,” he states.

NAGMAC continues to bring creative projects to the people of Northern Mindanao, as it celebrates its 4th anniversary this February.C

stacker in the world. She also holds the world record for the 17-18-yearold Female division’s 3-3-3 stack. After graduating from the University’s Senior High School, she hopes to compete at tournaments in Orlando, Florida this April, and Malaysia this December.

Calibo admits that despite lack of recognition by society as a sport, speed stacking is a unique sport in itself that teaches its own life-changing lessons to its players. “It (sport stacking) helped me [in] gaining friends all over the world. […] Sport stacking made me who I am today.” C www.thecrusaderpublication.com

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Photo by Arnel John A. Dayata

G

During this occasion, students, faculty and staff regardless of their faith and race, celebrated with the Muslim community in the University by breaking their fast together at the Peace Park. It was a time when Muslims and Non-Muslims in the University “ate the same food and drank the same water, breathed the same air and celebrated as brothers and sisters,” describes Batugan.

Batugan was also sent as a delegate to the Halil Conference in Turkey and the 23rd ASEACCU in Indonesia. “In Turkey, I realized the importance of intra-faith dialogue among Muslims around the globe especially at the time when they are at the center

Photo credits to Nor-Jamal Batugan & NAGMAC

f there is a Xavier Atenean who is ready to represent the Muslims and advocate Islam pronto, that would be Nor-Jamal Batugan, also known as Hafiz or Jan-Jan. Nor-Jamal was born and raised in Marantao, Lanao del Sur. He is the youngest of ten siblings and a proud Meranao. Batugan being an AB English graduate of Xavier University was the former president and senior consultant of Siraj, as well as the former chairman of Muslim Youth Council (MYC). He is currently taking his major seminary in Theology and Pastoral Studies in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Siraj, during Batugan’s leadership, spearheaded Duyog Ramadan.

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By Harmony Kristel D. Balino with reports from Maita Angelica S. Arenas

ver two decades ago in 1997, Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) welcomed Dollhouse, a group that ‘pushes for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) awareness and acceptance in the Ateneo’, as described by the Guidon – the official student publication of ADMU. In 2016, Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) presented ‘All-Gender’ restrooms to promote gender equality for the LGBT community, and 20 days later, organized a Pride March as part of its Pride Week celebration. The evolution of understanding and acceptance of the LGBT community has then progressed in the Ateneo throughout the years. Where has Ateneo de Cagayan participated in all of these?

This was the same query a barkada of Grade 12 students thought about last year. Little did they know, they were headed towards a nearly successful attempt at establishing an LGBT organization in Xavier Ateneo. With their dedicated efforts, XU Senior High School – Society of Love, Acceptance, Change, and Equality (SOLACE) was formed.

Design by Lynette L. Tuvilla

Initial LGBT identity It was in June 2017 when Glaiza Tanudtanud, a Grade 12 Science and Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) student and the current SOLACE Internal Communications Officer, and her friends wondered why there wasn’t an LGBT organization present in the University.

It was when the Student Activities and Leadership Office (SACLEAD) called for SHS pioneering organization applications that Tanudtanud’s group decided to present the first LGBT organization in the history of XU. “At first kay we really wanted it to be an LGBT organization. SOLACE (was) supposed to give people a place to go to if they need help especially nga right now in the Philippines even though nga mas accepted ang [members of the LGBT community], not a lot understand really what it means to be an LGBT person. So, we wanted to give people a place of comfort but we also wanted to educate. First and foremost ang mandate gyud unta [sa SOLACE] kay to educate,” Tanudtanud explains.

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Vol. 44 No. 6 March 2018

*** The dawn of the representation of the LGBT Community has just begun in the University but its establishment has faced a multitude of hurdles. While an LGBT organization remains a dream for the undergraduate population, a lot of Xavier Ateneans – with titles varying from a friend to a classmate to a teacher or to a stranger – have exhibited full support, empathy, and love for the community. The establishment of XUSHS – SOLACE may just be the first step towards attaining a fully LGBT-friendly University. C

www.thecrusaderpublication.com

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Design by Jayson Elvie G. Ty

Crusader

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Main campus attempt Being accepted as one of the official senior high school organizations in XU, Tanudtanud learned that there have been attempts to establish an LGBT organization in the college campus a long time ago. “We found out nga dili diay kami ang first to think of this. Previously, college students wanted to start an LGBT org but they weren’t accredited for some reason.” This was also confirmed by Joshua Christian Dael, the incoming Central Student Government (CSG) Vice President.

It was when Tanudtanud’s group was working on SOLACE’s accreditation in June 2017 that Dael, then the President of Alyansang Atenista party, was approached by current CSG President Ian Ceazar Abadies to work with him in concocting a strategy to ensure the establishment of an LGBT organization for undergraduates. However, the duo was unable to locate a full-force team for accreditation, therefore resulting in weak sectoral support and automatically cutting short the application for an LGBT organization for college students.

A colorful ROYGBIV future Going to Pride March as an Ateneo organization has always been one of SOLACE’s goals. However, Tanudtanud acknowledges that the organization was unsure of the Administration’s response to this. Still, SOLACE envisions its participation in the annual parade and continues to thrive while surpassing hurdles after its establishment.

Meanwhile, Abadies and Dael’s efforts may have initially been fruitless but they have become learning points for a stronger body in the upcoming academic year. Dael made sure to push for stronger sectoral representation during his campaign for office. “[the incoming office] will assure the student body that these sectors would be given their rightful voice. But this time, as CSG Vice President, I will assert (more) efforts,” Dael pledges.

“First, we would engage on Focus Group Discussions with members of LGBTQ community, and [we] must have representation per college. Second step is to strengthen the group and network. Present our plans and vision for an LGBTQ org in XU, and everything that it entails. As soon as we would get their support, we will focus on its advancement. However, we recognize one of our possible threats in this movement: the Administration,” states Dael.

Photo by Jean E. Abarquez

As a gender equality org After getting accreditation, the originally seven-team group grew to around 15 members with an assigned moderator.

SOLACE then moved forward in establishing the organization as the academic year rolled on. When asked about how she felt with the prescribed adjustments, Tanudtanud still considers the accreditation a blessing. “Narealize bitaw namo nga kailangan jud in order to spread awareness, mag start jud sa pinka basics.”

“Also, ang label nga gender equality org, instead of LGBT+ org, it helps protect our closeted members,” Tanudtanud adds, referring to members who are yet to come out as an individual part of the LGBT community.

Since the academic year was dedicated to the establishment of the organization and its policies, the pioneering group is focused on finalizing the organization’s schedule and general plan of activities for the academic year. “Every Wednesday, we’re supposed to have these meetings where it’s more like a lecture but it’s also an open discussion about

various topics relating to gender equality.

Like first, what is the gender binary; how are we affected by this? What are the roles society imposes on us depending on our gender? How do we see these roles that we give people more freedom to be themselves?

Murag things like that just to educate our members first,” Tanudtanud explains.

SOLACE has put together an initial plan of their activities. This includes a collaboration with Casa de Arte, an art organization of XUSHS that allows creative expression set for publication. Previously, the organization conducted a seminar on gender equality called “Lambigit” held on February 28 at American Corner. The project was in partnership and in collaboration with Zonta International, an international advocacy organization which has an office based in Cagayan de Oro, to help SOLACE gear towards the advocacy organization they aspire to be.

Model: Jeremiah Torayno

Throughout the application process, the group had to make numerous revisions for accreditation which included having to change the org’s title from an LGBT group to a gender equality organization. “When we presented our plans for this organization, we presented it as an LGBT org. But, [the accreditation panel] were really supportive (that) they allowed us, but they requested nga instead of it being an LGBT org, it would be nalang a gender equality org,” Tanudtanud explains The plot twist of shifting the LGBTfocused organization to one for gender equality first came as a shock. However, this could be considered as a facet in fostering awareness of gender issues. “The issues that men face, the discrimination women face, and the issues that the LGBT face, they’re all caused by the same things and if more people understood that, then it would be a little bit safer for people,” Tanudtanud reflects as she recalls how the organization could still function in its original mission of becoming an advocacy organization.

Design by Karla H. Romero

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By Ar-Raffi C. Macaumbos & Jc Marie E. Salas with reports from Samantha Isabelle H. Bagayas & Therese P. Mole

ollowing XU’s goal of “becoming a leading ASEAN university, forming leaders of character in 2033”, it has improved its curriculum by adding new General Education Courses (GECs) with the hopes of promoting a cooperative and advantageous learning experience.

Academic Vice President Fr. Rene Tacastacas, S.J., shares that there will be a better set of courses that will entail the removal and replacement of certain GECs such as Natural Science. They will also move some GECs to the Senior High School (SHS) program to make way for the integrated changes in the undergraduate level. For instance, two new courses of Theology, two Religious Studies subjects, as well as Philosophy of Ethics and Philosophy of Man will be included in the SHS curriculum.

General Education Courses Major changes are reflected on GECs, which are commonly known as “minor subjects.” These are evident in sample prospectuses provided by the Deans of the College of Arts and Sciences, and College of Engineering. For instance College Algebra will be moved SHS and a new course titled, “Math in the Modern world” will be taught in the tertiary instead.

Every college was required to pattern its programs after Outcome Based Education (OBE) to be more student-centered. This entails instruction that uses lectures and various activities that will suit different learning styles. “It’s a very doable set of General Education Courses,” Tacastacas assures.

In line with these, all programs will have a new set of GECs. However, School of Business and Management (SBM) Dean Ruth Love Russell, P.hD, clarifies that changes in GECs for Nursing and Education programs will

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be suited according to their programs.

Innovating the future XU is offering revamped and new programs.

College of Arts & Sciences (ArtScies) will be offering Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (AB Psychology) and Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (AB IS) starting next school year. AB Psychology in contrast with its counterpart BS Psychology will focus more on Humanities and Social Sciences. On the other hand, AB IS will emphasize on valueoriented education.

Meanwhile, College of Computer Studies (CompStud) will offer Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT), which tackles study of the utilization of computers and their software. It will also dedicate an entire semester to On the Job Training (OJT) in the fourth year for all programs under the college.

For SBM, it won’t be having new programs, though BS Accountancy and BS Business Administration will face changes in their course descriptions and syllabi.

The College of Agriculture will also retain its old programs. However, it will rename Agricultural Engineering to Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering. All programs will also have introductory courses within the first year of the program.

Consistent with Commission on Higher Education’s recommendation, College of Engineering has adjusted its Engineering programs from 5 years to 4 years, with BS Civil Engineering being divided into majors to adjust accordingly.

Center for Integrated Technologies (CIT) on the other hand, will focus more on Senior High School. The three-year Technician Program won’t be offered to incoming first years, though it will still be available only until next SY for students already enrolled in the program. This transitional period was discussed and agreed upon by concerned parties such as the PTA and the Student Government.

Stepping into the new age College and School deans have taken the preemptive steps to prepare SHS students by informing them about the changes.

Irregular students are highly recommended to take their remaining courses while they’re still available. ArtScies Dean Juliet Dalagan, P.hD. said that in such a case where only very few students are left to take a particular course from the old curriculum, the most plausible scheme would be to enrol in a reading course. A reading course is a specially designed course not normally offered as part of the curriculum. However XU will not offer reading courses for laboratory courses such as Chemistry 1L (Inorganic Chemistry). *** The new curriculum has yet to be finalized. Some considerations such as the names of the courses are still being discussed.

According to Engineering Dean Hercules Cascon, PhD, the final set of curriculum is due for submission to Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Technical Panel on April 30.

Much like everything else, more changes at this point are still very much possible.C

Vol. 44 No. 6 March 2018

CONTRIBUTION

Myles Albasin, A Terrorist

By Maria Karlene Shawn I. Cabaraban

Crusader

The

status quo is, after all, integral to the Ignatian principles that she had learned from their Christian Humanism classes. For how could one be a “man and woman for others” without minding the issues which sought to normalize itself in a system that opposes opposition? How could there be cura personalis if our compassion is confined within the four corners of the Ateneo?

She lost. But her passion for service could not be dampened.

When she took up Mass Communications in the University of the Philippines Cebu, she left behind a full scholarship in Accountancy both in Xavier University and De La Salle University. In UP, she joined the Nagkahiusang Kusog sa Estudyante or NKE. Here she found an identity in student activism.

This did not come without criticism from her friends: What’s the point in baking yourself under the heat of the sun in the streets, holding anti-government placards and disturbing motorists? Are you paid to go to immersions in the slums and in the provinces? Don’t you get tired of shouting speeches in the streets instead of hanging out with your friends?

She did not tire of explaining. Activism did not mean opposing the government; it is challenging a system that claims to serve the people but only serves to push the poor farther into the margins of Filipino society.

Activism is not grounded on hate. On the contrary, it is rooted in the calling to be a man or woman for others, to “do more” for communities in need, to actualize one’s love for the country through genuine service,

communitas ad dispersionem.

Today she is branded an “amazon” of the New People’s Army (NPA), a university graduate brainwashed by communist rebel groups, a beautiful twenty-something whose looks will fade away in jail. She has been accused of ransacking a barangay captain’s home in Negros Oriental, threatening farmers for money, and possessing highpowered firearms and explosives.

Sayang, gwapa ra ba unta.

Tsk. Crush man nako ni sa una oh.

Internet trolls have reduced her to a meme, a poster-girl for what happens if you’re bad at parenting, a consequence if you send your children to UP. But I cannot concur. Will a terrorist hold your hand as you come out of your “closet” to your classmates? Will a terrorist stand by your side when the rest of the class come up on stage to receive their awards, while you sit on the sides silently loathing yourself ? Will a terrorist tell you that the solution is “not in hating, but in educating?”

Yes, to call her a saint is to insult our human capacity to commit mistakes. But to call her a terrorist is to lose sight of the problem itself—a system that fails to uphold its mandate to enact change, a system where oppression and impunity is pervasive, a system that demonizes dissent.

Her name is Myles Albasin, and she is not a terrorist.C Editor’s note: The Publication accepts opinion piecces for release in the next production. For interested alumni, students, and faculty and staff, you may end your entries to thecrusaderpub@gmail.com. www.thecrusaderpublication.com

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Design by Jayson Elvie G. Ty

A CONTRIBUTION

t thirteen, she wore a bright yellow shirt on her first day of high school.

Inside the covered courts, hundreds of freshmen wore the same expressions of nervous anticipation. Strangely, she felt like a stranger among them, a girl from Malaybalay City who had gotten an academic scholarship in an Ateneo school. Eagerly, she listened to the various speakers who welcomed the new set of students. When they were given a tour of the campus, she could not be bothered to quell her excitement, and fired question after question to the student facilitator assigned to their batch: How often do we use the science labs? Do we get to handle the microscope ourselves? What books do we read in our English classes?

ZLater on, her friends would joke that her enthusiasm had been too much. Also, what was with the English?

At fourteen, she joined the school publication, writing news articles as her mother had taught her. Campus journalism, however, was more focused on the form rather than the substance. News pitching consisted mostly of events inclusive to the school: Who will write about the science month celebration? Can anyone cover the latest interschool math contest we won over Corpus? Let’s do an interview of newly hired faculty.

At fifteen, she ran for CSG president under the Atenean League of Leaders (ALL), an opposition party which she also founded. The decision came with much hesitation, her grades suffering from her various preoccupations, but the call was difficult ignore. The need to challenge the

KURISCOPE Aquarius (ang tawoong sa katambok mura nag buros) Hilig man kag tubig ba? tubaga daw ni unsa man ang nature’s spring, natural Or mineral?

Health tips: Muriatic acid ato imnon, wa nako KASABOT! Wahhhhh

Aries (ang tawong nanimahong patis) Ting graduation na pero naa pa gyapon na imong “works at edi sa puso mo” unsa na, part timer? Lahi nay tag iya anang puso niya, resign na.

Health tips: Bes, tubig, aron daghan ka maluha kung naa na say mawala

comics

Cancer (ang tawong ang dughan murag pader ) Kung naay Cancer naa poy Cantcer. Tuon sag angal sometimes ky manambok ka ana sige ra kag “ta” ta ra kay ug “kita” kiatan skwela sa. Ay hoy nay bag-ong eat all you can tag 75 Pesos ra dapit pilgrim kaon ta!

Health tips: Eat something sweet, aron padaun ka nga nay kusog ug pagkasweet.

Capricorn (ang tawong bungol-bungol kung tawagon) Ikaw ang itinakda nga mag Birthday nga idungan nalang sa Christmas or New Year. Oh di pa ka ana, double celebration so dapat double sad imong kaon.

Health tips: …..ayyy….ambo……t……….ni….mo………….

Gemini (ang tawong gakatambok kanunay) Kana bitawng iyang reply nga permi nalang “ Ge”. Ang meaning bitaw ana kay “Gemingaw nako nimo”. Ka kyut.

Health tips: Unsa pa man di ay, dili pa pangka? Paniwang oy!

Leo (ang tawong ang grades hapit na ma-K.O.) Ganahan gyud ko aning mga Leo kay pag nasakitan na di na muutro. Di pareha anang mga Martyr kaayo nga “ Ge” nalang gali gi reply saila hala lang gyapon sa pag text or chat. Hala oy joke lang mga Gemini ;)

Health tips: Hilam-os2x sad ta panagsa uy, mao nay solusyon bes aron mahamis.

Libra (ang tawong gwapo/gwapa pero inggitera) Kung naay Libra naa poy Lipanty joke lang, kung naay Libra naa poy libro so kung naay baba naa sa’y, inana mos gugma.

Health tips: Memo-plus Gold ta bes, apil k okay gakalimot nasad ko. Yayaks!

Pisces (ang tawong murag galon ang lawas) Gi trippan gyud mos mga intsik noh, ang animal symbol sa Pisces kay duha ka isda hahaha ngano wa nalang nila gi two pisce noh aron sexy.

Health tips: P1000.00 para sa membership sa gym, tapos weigh protein aron makusgan pa kag ayo!

Taurus (ang tawo nga ang kalungat ga uros-uros) Ka guol ba oy. Hahaha sige lang maayo man mo mang dolag Rules of Survival. Og feelings.

Health tips: Bes, iwasan ang fatty foods, aside sa makatambok, maka samot na sa depression.

Virgo (Ang tao nga way ligo-ligo) Hala oy exam pa ugma. Basta ra ba human exam kay daghan di na ilhon sa ilang ginikanan. Hala kumbate Virgo kay daghan pud ga asa sa imong test paper aron ilhon pa silang anak sa ilang mga inahan Health tips: Wala koy i-recommend kay gasto, naa apa kay barkada librehan.

Sagittarius (ang tawong ang nawong wala nahipos) Mga sabaan sa Xavier. Pero ug wa sad mo mingaw sad ang school.Pero pag mag Angelus basulon dayn tong hinay mubaklay ngano kaha na.

Health tips: Boil water to 105°c, ihumol ang nawong for 2 hours.

Scorpio (ang tawong ang nawong mapiko-piko sa kamao) Last but not the least ayyeah murag korek. Bitaw oy, halosa sa mga Scorpio kay scorpion og nawong. Pero mga buotan ug maayu mu lead.

Health tips: 881-3456, number ni tita Vicky Belo, schedule daw ninyo sa face operation this October 32,2017

ANNOUNCEMENT!! Ani napud ang ginahulat sa mga istudyante nga tigbasa!! Congratz kay Rene Pontillas, tungod ikaw ang midaog sa isa ka pack nga bondpaper ug 1 year supply na ballpen gikan kay Fr. Bob!! Btaw kyy, congrats langga, kwaa lang imo prize saamo opis, sa STC 302. Kita kits! ;) To join: Photocopy this Kurisearch with your answers and submit your entry to TheCrusader Publication office at StC 302 with your fullname and contact number. Lucky participants will receive limited edition collectables.

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Vol.44 44No. No.16August March 2017 2018 Vol.

hoho

LAMPOON

XU-ERC harnesses SHS potential to power classrooms

Photo by Jean E. Abarquez

Design by Jayson Elvie G. Ty

By Leech He

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research team from the XU-Engineering Resource Center (ERC) composed of Engrs. Raju Rastogi, Farhan Qureshi, and Ranchoddas Shamaldas Chanchad has developed a highly efficient system capable of converting the potential energy of Senior High School students into electrical energy to light their classrooms.

The Reintegrated, Lean SHS Energy (RELEASE) system will be fully functional beginning next academic year.

RELEASE has an efficiency rating of 0.99, which means that only one percent of potential energy is lost as heat while the other 99 percent is converted into electrical energy of the same quantity. “Since electric energy starts as potential energy, which is abundant sa Senior High kids, why not use them nalang diba? Makasave pa ta,” said Engr. Chanchad.

The system utilizes the energy from the electrical impulses that flow between the students’ neurons during cognitive activity. Each student is provided with brainwave sensors which they wear during class hours. These sensors are connected to a central collecting unit located within the circuitry of the building. “More energy is produced during Performance Task (PT) Week, because the sensor does not discriminate thinking impulses from those the brain releases during stress. Basically, RELEASE runs on both stress and real critical thinking,” Chanchad commented.

According to Finance Office Director Bae Yardna, the total electricity bill of the University is projected to decrease by 69 percent. This statistic

speaks about about the efficiency of the solution.

“Effective jud mag harness og energy from the Senior High kids. At least, naa’y paingnan ilang energy,” Yardna added.

In line with this, each student will also be required to take home a portable sensor and collector to be used when they study for exams and quizzes. All SHS students are required to transfer energy at least twice a month until they graduate.

This mode of energy transfer will serve as a major graduation requirement. The energy will be stored

for emergency needs and will also shoulder the energy requirements of the XU Festival Days’ rave party. An entire subject composed purely of thinking exercises to provide for RELEASE is also being drafted in the academic council.

“It feels good to be able to provide help for the school. After all, we have more potential than most people anyway,” Kaye Naya, a graduating SHS student stated.C

Scuba gear, swimming lessons to be provided next AY

By Jomzkie_rak\m/

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ue to the incessant clamor of senior high school (SHS) and college students to suspend classes during typhoons and heavy torrents, the Enx Yu Administration sought a better solution that would not affect the students’ academic sessions: the provision of scuba gear and swimming lessons for next academic year.

According to University President Ex B. Talyon, the initiative is a witty yet effective solution to address the issue considering that most of the students protest online. “The solution panders directly to the most common online joke the students resort to when classes aren’t suspended during storm threats,” he shared. “It may seem 6

comical, but after assessment, it is actually a viable solution to class disruptions.”

Complete scuba gear will be provided by the McKinley Marine Center (MMC) and a five-month rental fee will be charged to each student’s account. The same equipment will also used during swimming and diving lessons which will serve as the fifth Physical Education course (PE 5). These changes were done after thorough consultation with the Commission on Super Higher Education (CSHED) “We can’t just provide them diving equipment if our students do not know how to swim, so why not include swimming lessons nalang?” stated Haya Ann M. Sila, CSHED’s Super Director. One of CSHED’s

major projects this year is the implementation of PE 5 in Universities located in flood-prone areas.

Former members of the National Swimming Team will also be hired as part-time swimming instructors under the PE department. “We already partnered with the Philippine Sports Commission and allotted a budget for their salary,” University Treasurer Umu Tang stated.

As of press time, a large number of students see the initiative as an effective solution to the problem and cannot wait for another typhoon to pass over Mindanao. “Excited na kaayo ko next year nga mag bagyo kay para maka gamit nako sa akong scuba gear outside of the sea,” claimed Four F. Speeds, a third year Marine Biology student. C Vol. 4 No. 3 March 2018

LAMPOON

Japanese Honors to Replace Latin Kudos

By Kaiba Namsu

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o keep pace with the University’s vision to be a leading university in the Asia-Pacific, XU replaced Latin Honors with Japanese Honors in the second semester of Academic Year 2017-2018 after seeing Latin Honors as “no longer necessary and of any value.” In an official statement released by the University, XU deemed Latin Honors as a “primitive and outdated awarding system that is not in sync with XU’s efforts to be globally competitive.”

The decision to pattern the new honor system after Japan’s honorifics came in light of statistics that placed Japan as one of the most globally competitive and technologically advanced in the Asia-Pacific. Hoping to inspire students to work tirelessly in pursuit of top academic honors, XU pushed for the shift to Japanese honorifics

instead of Latin kudos. In the previous years, students were required to score a Quality Point Index (QPI) of 3.0 to be recognized as an honor student. Today, the award has been replaced with a system of higher standards, and the finer Japanese Honors. A QPI of at least 3.5 must be achieved in order to become a dean’s lister. In line with this, the summa cum laude has been replaced with kamisama (神さま), which entails a requirement of a QPI of 3.9, meanwhile, magna cum laude became ohimesama (お姫様) with a minimum QPI requirement of at least 3.8. There is no equivalent to a cum laude in the new system, as XU envisions to up its standards for academic honors.

This new policy has disappointed students who were supposed to experience the joy and privilege of being a Latin Kudos. “Why do they have to implement it now during the second

semester of the year? Why not the next year?

Nagexpect pa ako na maging Latin Kudos ako,” cried AB International Studies Student, Anna Umasa.

College of Arts and Sciences Dean Dr. Jullien Dalaga defended the replacement of Latin Honors, saying that “the College must raise its standards, and students should adjust accordingly.

Bahala na mo diha.” The replacement was necessary to progress as it “raises the standard of the school and gives it a higher privilege,” asserted SBM Dean Dr. Root Love Rushelle. With the number of Dean’s Listers decreasing significantly from 250 to 50 students, the move was seen as unfair to many supposed-to-be honor students this semester.C

“Sinigang Taste Test” now a passport and citizenship requirement Photo by Jean E. Abarquez

By Kaye Pap

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fter the signing of Republic Act 420 or the Sinigang Immigration Act of 2018, the Department of Alien Management (DAM) will be partnering with Department of Food Addicts (DFA) in including a Sinigang taste test as a passport and citizenship requirement for naturalization beginning next month.

According to DAM secretary Pi Noy Praid, food preference is a very important factor when considering an applicant for passport and citizenship grants. Hence, the implementation of the mandatory taste test was implemented.

“Pinoys have a very distinct taste in food not found anywhere else in the world. It can be considered a distinctive trait, and we want the Pinoys going out and aliens (foreigners) applying for citizenship to really embody the true Filipino taste,” Praid said.

Passport applicants – whether new or for renewal – will be directed to a taste test counter where they will be given a bowl of either pork or shrimp sinigang, depending on preference.

In order to have one’s passport application approved, the applicant must admit to the staff on duty that he or she loves the dish. Lying at this stage will be considered perjury but the applicant will be administered with the Truth Serum, which only fails in the presence of a Divergent (which isn’t currently a national trait). The same process will be followed by citizenship applicants; the only Crucheber

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difference is that it will be done at the nearest Philippine embassy.

As the days to its implementation draw closer, many millennials have cried foul over the new policy. “Laiza fan kaayo ning DAM,” a tweet

by Filipino netizen Ad Obo said. His thread also raises the conspiracy theory that a viral tweet by actress Laiza Sobrasomenudo triggered the policy change. “I don’t think love for sinigang makes one truly Filipino. Ngano sinigang jud? Dili pwede adobo sad?” Filipino netizen and 22nd year BA Lamlam student Bina Ki ranted.

Despite the backlash, others have also their expressed approval towards the new policy. “Since sinigang is a classic Filipino dish that should be loved by many, I don’t see how this policy could even be a hassle [...] If you’re Filipino you’re bound to love sinigang,” 9th year AB Luto student Ba Loot reasoned. Meanwhile, Laiza’s fans credit their beloved’s tweet for the policy change. “It’s enough proof that our star is doing great things for our country,” 3rd year AB Fangirling student Liz Kwen opined.C

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LAMPOON

SACDEV to require CV, Thesis Paper for Project heads

By Khaleesi

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s part of the implementation of the New Financing Guidelines set by Student Activities and Development Office (SACDEV) and finance office, several changes have been implemented for compliance of all student organizations in the University.

One of the new requirements needed for document submission is the Project Head’s Curriculum Vitae (CV). The CV will be passed along with the Project Proposal and other documents needed for approval from SACDEV. It will be evaluated by a panel of representatives from SACDEV, Office of Student Affairs (OSA), and finance office. SACDEV Coordinator Jay Son Theman emphasized the importance of CVs to help assess the student’s capabilities of becoming a project head. “Important man gyud ni ang CV kay

para naa mi record sa students and mahibal-an namo kung kaya ba nila ang trabaho,” he expressed.

Second is a policy regarding cash advance guidelines. Project heads must submit a project proposal for amounts less than Php 5,000.

However, for amounts exceeding Php 5,000 but less than Php 10,000, a research paper should be submitted by the project head which will be again evaluated by the aforementioned panel of representatives. Amounts exceeding Php 10,000 should be supported by a peer-reviewed thesis paper. The thesis paper will undergo a process similar to its academic requirement counterpart, and should be defended by the organization’s president, treasurer, and project head against a panel comprised of the SACDEV coordinator, OSA Director, the University Treasurer, and the

University President.

“Hago-hago lang sila sa amoa. Gusto baya mi mag serve sa among org, pero unsaon man namo kung daghan kaayo sila’g mga pabibo?” complained Accountancy Student Anne Tapulan. SHESG President Aya Abaseven also complained that her CV was not accepted because it did not meet the standards set by SACDEV (e.g Adobe Photoshop cannot be used to edit the CV. It should follow the format prescribed by the Guidance Office for graduating students). OSA Director Ian Neil Sobraperodisapat explained that the new financing guideline is aligned with XU’s core values of creativity, popularity, and ingenuity. Meanwhile, SHESG Vice Presiddent Love GrabeNa is pushing for a request to stop the implementation of the policy.C

Faber Hall lobby conversion to grand reception in the works Photo and design by Jayson Elvie G. Ty

By Dreemurr

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s the College of Computer Studies’ population begins to increase due to a newly offered third course, the Faber Hall lobby is scheduled for yet another month of interior renovation on April 1. What was once a makeshift dance studio for performers in XU, will soon reopen as a grand 5-star reception area.

During an interview with Interior Design Head Lux Juri, she mentioned that part of the design involves “replacing the ceiling lights with crystal chandeliers, bringing in plush sofas, and installing a decorative indoor fountain and garden.” Additionally, overhead speakers will be installed in order to play music that can soothe minds and improve one’s focus. “While we’re at it, we’re already drafting plans to improve the rest of the building,” she added.

Juri also mentioned plans on replacing all the 4

stairs into ramps to better accommodate persons with disabilities (PWDs) or for emergency situations and parkour enthusiasts.

She continues to share that they “will also be laying out a luxurious velvet red carpet lined with gold embroidery to welcome the first batch of Information Technology students.” However, among all the planned changes, she confirmed that her favorite has to be the installation of the Concierge/Information Desk made of solid marble, and the employment of student assistants to man it. “Scholars from the College of Computer Studies can also give their service by manning the Info Desk,” added Juri.

A few of the responsibilities of the Information Desk Staff (IDS) include, but are not limited to: informing students of the presence or absence of their instructors, safekeeping the

devices left at the charging station, and serving the Faculty and Staff ’s meals provided that they are within the vicinity. Seniors will also acquire the privilege of having their final papers proofread by the IDS while being assisted with their wardrobe and final defense presentations. In addition, the Reception Area will be sealed off by sliding glass doors. This will allow the IDS to manage the airconditioning and heating built into the walls, thus regulating the room temperature.

The new developments were well received, perhaps a little too well, “Dili nalang sa ko mugraduate, bai, para makatambay pa ko sa Area,” “Absent unta pirmi si sir para maka-chill sa ta dadto,” and “Sa Area nalang ta magklase,” are a few popular sentiments.

Its grand re-opening will be on June 31. C Vol. 4 No. 3 March 2018

LAMPOON

Magis installs CCTV system after frequent palapa thefts

By Babo Monera

Design by Jayson Elvie G. Ty

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Photo by Jhinky M. Mejica

U finished installing a CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) system on March 1 at the Magis Student Center to track students who steal palapa at the main canteen.

For the month of February alone, the Office of All Students – Xavier Bureau of Investigation (OAS-XBI) has tallied more than 150 stolen palapa, which means that for every five pater the canteen sells, three of those can no longer be paired with the spicy, flavorful complement that is palapa.

Annually, the Xavier University Community Multipurpose Cooperative (XUCMPC) loses an estimated Php 12,345 due to these petty thefts. “The losses really add up,” XUCMPC Head Sophie Turner lamented. “This is why we reduced the quantity we order from our suppliers, but so far this shortage has only led to more kawat. Kung mag-stop sad mi, it’s not an option kay so many people love it.”

Within hours after the installation, two culprits were finally caught red-handed with video evidence and were detained in the XBI headquarters at StC 701. TheCruchever was able to get an exclusive statement from the crazed delinquents. They admitted addiction to the substance, “Maka-adik jud ang mga Maranao

cuisine; unta dili nila i-discriminate ang mga adik og palapa,” an accused culprit who preferred to stay anonymous said. XBI has begun rehabilitation efforts for culprits and urges all palapa-addicted students to come forward or else face “serious consequences”.

The rehab process entails a strict diet limitation and intake of the blandest food such as corn flakes and cauliflower.

XUCMPC has also posted alternative ways to acquire palapa without resorting to theft.

Among these measures are the release of a list of establishments in the Divisoria area that are registered sellers of the appetizer, as well as the implementation of a weekly cooking demonstration on how to make palapa at home.

Palapa is a spicy mixture of Sakurab (White Scallion) with ginger, Cayenne Pepper (sili) and a sprinkle of salt. These ingredients must then be crushed together.C

Mocha Uson to speak in SIBYA 2019

By She is Tomorrow

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rom humble beginnings as a celebrity to a well-renowned political figure, Margaux “Mocha” Uson has proven to be strong and unyielding in her efforts in delivering quality and factual content for her readers through her heavily followed blog.

Considering the current political landscape of the Philippines, Ms. Uson, Assistant Secretary of the Philippine Chekka Only Office (PCOO), has continually pressed for unbiased and authentic journalism. Such has been her passion since her appointment in the PCOO office back in May 2017.

In recent months, Mocha’s efforts to quell fake news and “biased” journalism have Crucheber

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continually been recognized and commended by the public.

On March 8, during the celebration of International Women’s Day, Ms. Uson was praised as a “Model for Women in the Philippines” due to “her hard work and nationalism” by Malikanyang Palace Spokesperson, Barry Rocke, as featured in reports across numerous Philippine Media outlets such as ABC-DEF, Inkquirer, and Wrapper Philippines.

The Cruchever has looked up to Mocha Uson for the longest time. For SIBYA 2019, the Publication was able to invite Ms. Uson to become a keynote speaker in the much anticipated Student Communicators Congress.

“I think that in today’s day and age, it is important to recognize the need to become purveyors of unbiased and authentic journalism.

We thought what better way to address this issue but to let this be the focus of SIBYA, and who better to address these concerns if not Mocha Uson herself ? The ultimate standard of journalism in the Philippines,” shared the Associate Editor-in-Chief of TheCruchever, Samywa Izabell Bagane.

Next year’s rendition of SIBYA will be themed around Ms.Uson’s advocacy which tackles pressing and relevant issues such as battling fake news and practicing proper journalism ethics.C

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LAMPOON

SEC mall orders Rappler ban

By Der Athamus

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Photo by Jean E. Abarquez

n a surprising move that shocked the whole Enx Yu (XU) community, the Student Entrepreneurship Center (SEC) Mall banned online news website Rappler from its premises starting January 15, as announced through a memorandum released on the University website. Access to Rappler’s website was immediately cut from all devices and will not load at all upon reaching the SEC Mall vicinity, regardless of one’s usage of personal data or the XU wifi for internet connection.

As news spread all over social media, students wishing to post hate comments under Rappler articles with the help of troll accounts and ignorant bravado rejoiced. Those hoping to get a taste of fearless journalism while waiting for their fill of chili dogs to satiate their hunger have had to do so in another safe space— this being anywhere except the SEC mall. Details behind the reasoning of this ban are still undisclosed and unclear.

The Cruchever sees the ban as part of the string of abuses intended to silence dissent through the limited accessibility to a news site that tackles critical issues and questions in a society that’s grown accustomed to identity politics. With Cora Contrabida at its helm, the Lampoon Publication led the charge in

pushing for the defense of press freedom during such troubling times. It released a statement that was met with hundreds of comments, with some posting random lyrics and chicken adobo recipes, and asking relevant questions such as “Unsa nga carenderia ang ga-serve og lami na sud-an? Kanang duol ra sa XU. Kadumdom ko lami didto sa Ilongga’s sauna pero wala na man sila. Tsk.” Members of the XU community even questioned the inclusion of press freedom in the case of the SEC-Rappler issue.

“SEC Mall man ni, dili man ni SEC na Securities and Exchange Commission. Duh. Basa-basa din pag may time,” shared sixth year BS student Deedee Ess.

Members of the Comment Reading Association of the Philippines (CRAP) urged commenters to keep comments short and simple.

Nearly two months in its ban, the Mall finally relented to give details behind the ban and admitted that it had wrongly placed its ban on Rappler. Upon further clarification, SEC hesitantly revealed its lapses in proofreading the memorandum, resulting in a ban of the Rappler website instead of a supposed ban of wrappers in the SEC area for security purposes. As of press time, SEC has lifted its ban on Rappler and is pushing for the ban of plastic wrappers in XU.C

OAS lends free bikes due to poster mishap

By Lance Legstrawng

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tudent pressure due to a misleading poster prompted the Office of All Students (OAS) to provide trisikads and tandem bicycles beginning March 2.

On February 29, XU-OAS announced the suspension of the uniform policy for graduating students during their finals week. This was paired with a photo of smiling students in their togas, riding-in-tandem at the XU Main Lane. Many students construed this as a gimmicky farewell gesture by the University. The post garnered many reactions and was commented on by excited

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seniors. By February 31 – Monday of the seniors’ finals week – many students were disappointed at the absence of the pedalled vehicles.

“We live in times where the truth is blurred.

OAS must be responsible for the content they release, especially of the visual kind. They must also be sensitive to visually-dependent learners who rely solely on what they see,” said Angkas Atenista Partylist in an official statement.

The bikes were made available within three days after the OAS quickly coordinated with the Physical Plant Office and Cogon Trisikad &

Bicycle Drivers’ Association (CONTRABIDA).

“This has become a valuable learning experience for our office. We will be leaning towards posting the actual memoranda from the President’s Office for future announcements instead of using photos,” OAS stated.

A recent OAS regulation restricted bike usage to the XU grounds only after several minor accidents involving cyclists travelling down the Student Center (StC) and Agriculture Building ramps were reported. Despite this, the bikes and trikes remain in high demand as of press time.C Vol. 4 No. 3 March 2018

LAMPOON

Editor’s Note

Millennial Yellow activist

By Cora Contrabida

STRAWless XU (I mean, really, what a genius idea right! No straws!). With their fake wooden guns barring me from the entrance, the officers told me I was banned from the office and from all CSG event coverage. In typical Pia Ranada fashion, I asked the hard-hitting questions and pressed to find out who issued the order.

“Galing sa taas,” answered the officer. I gasped.

SIRA’J? The office found in the upper floor of the CSG? How dare SIRA’J do this to me? In the words of pop princess Taylor Swift, I swear I don’t love the drama; it loves me!

I assure the publishers of TheCruchever I will continue on with our advocacy to stand for press freedom at a time like this. Who ever will cover Muriel Lomadilla’s contract to sing in every CSG event imaginable if I wasn’t there? I refuse to even imagine it.

For now, while I camp outside the SIRA’J office awaiting answers behind my ban, sift through our articles to experience one of the biggest challenges in the digital age: determining real news from the fake ones. After what we went through with our very own Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCCO) Secretary, this really won’t be so difficult.C

Illustration by Rizalyka Joanne M. Waminal

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Cora Contrabida,

Cover by Rizalyka Joanne M. Waminal

aking a cue from esteemed role model for women and TheCruchever’s longtime idol, Haynaku “Mocha” Uson, we’ve finally released our most credible and reliable lampoon magazine to date, enough to be on par with the biggest purveyor of fake news in the country. While we’ve been branded as dilawans (good thing! Millennial Yellow is in style!) and mga bayaran (with matching ad hominem attacks following the structure of a typical keyboard warrior) after our release of our statement on SEC mall’s ban on Rappler, we decided it was about time to match it with an entire issue because we’re just. That. Petty.

And, of course, the Central Student Government (CSG) seems to love to stay on course with the Philippine Government’s tactics to give the media clickbait-worthy headlines. Imagine this: Cora Contrabida barred from CSG office.

After my many years of covering CSG events and issues, the office had Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) members stationed near its doorstep. Of course, if it had been any other event, I would have scoffed at them with a simple wave of my press ID but this time, even my journalistic identity was not enough to intimidate them into letting me in that tiny office where I could interject with my own ideas for a

Editor-in-Chief,TheCruchever

Student rights threatened as XU goes STRAWless

By She is Tomorrow

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hat began as a wholesome and healthy effort to help save the environment became a cluster of misinterpretations, and is now known as the full-blown implementation of the STRAWless campaign within university grounds.

On March 9, after a successful year-round implementation of the STRAWless XU Campaign, the Xavier University Administrative Board determined that it was high time to implement the campaign on a wider scope.

In their eagerness to fully implement the campaign, the admin held an emergency meeting with the XU Central Student Government (XUCSG) wherein University President, Fr. Babi Yup, urged, “Straws and anything straw-related should henceforth be banned within the University grounds effective immediately.”

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In an urgent rush to comply with the administration’s decision to abolish anything straw-related within campus grounds, the XUCSG President, Mojo Jojo, along with the 100th Directorate passed a resolution effectively cutting the supply of plastic straws within the University and dissolving the Student Rights and Welfare (STRAW) commission. Within a day the resolution was drafted, passed, and approved by the Board of DAIS and XU Administration, breaking the record for the fastest resolution to be created and approved in the history of the Directorate.

By evening, the XU-CSG posted a memorandum regarding the matter on their official Facebook and Friendster pages saying, “In light of the recent success of the STRAWless XU Campaign, the XU-CSG along with the XU Administration has decided to conduct a full-scale

implementation, thus discontinuing plastic straw usage within the university and officially disbanding the STRAW commission effective March 10th.”

The memo sparked uproar among STRAW advocates. Human Rights 4 LYF President Marteen Looter Keng III expressed his disbelief and disgust at the abrupt development, saying on social media that it was “pure injustice to strip the students of their rights to plastic straws and the STRAW commission in one go.”

However, despite the many protests against the decision of the CSG and XU admin, the full implementation of the STRAWless XU Campaign pushed through, and the STRAW Commission was dissolved overnight, immediately threatening the rights of XU students.C

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