The Crusader February Broadsheet 2017 by The Crusader Publication

CSG explains delayed release of Intramurals medals By Harmony Kristel D. Balino and Jett Joseph C. Gumaling

ive months have elapsed since the conclusion of The Xavier Cup 2016, yet there seems to be no sign of the release of the Intramurals medals anytime soon. Not only that, but there was much talk surrounding the use of old medals from the University Athletics Office (UAO) as props for the awarding ceremony of the Intramurals. These medals, although awarded to the winning athletes during the ceremony, were only for show and were later returned to the organizers after the event. Discontinuing the funding for the medals was one of the cost-cutting efforts of the University. Two years prior to this incident, the CSG provided an alternative in the form of certificates. According to UAO Director Vincent Padilla, regardless of it being a medal or a certificate, there will still be costs incurred in the purchase of these. He explained that the budget for this year’s awarding ceremony was only enough to

run the program but not provide the victors – more so the placers – medals. Padilla said that every college council’s Department of Physical Education (DOPE) has been informed of these changes, yet no official memorandum was issued to officially document the change. Despite UAO’s decision not to give out medals for the Intramurals, CSG made efforts to provide medals for the champions of all team and individual sports. United Arts and Sciences Students (UNITASS) council sports committee head Kattleya Alombro explained that it has already been agreed upon that only each sport’s champions will be awarded a medal. This was discussed in a series of preparatory meetings held by the Central Student Government (CSG) and the UAO to prepare for the college Intramurals. Through a sponsorship opportunity offered by one of the city’s department stores (the identity

of which the CSG chooses not to disclose), the CSG was able to pattern out an agreement for the sponsor to provide medals to the champions of every team and individual sport. There was no written agreement to formalize the arrangement, which was later taken advantage of by the said “sponsor” to escape their duties, despite already having set up a booth on campus and its logo printed on The Xavier Cup promotional tarpaulins. The unforeseen problem led to the utilization of a ‘contingency plan’ to use varsity-earned Cagayan de Oro Schools Athletic Association (COSAA) medals to be displayed as ‘show medals’ in the awarding ceremonies of this year’s intramurals. “It was really a bad experience for [a] sponsorship [deal],” stated a disappointed Kathleen Suarez, Cabinet Secretary of the Department of Budget and Finance under

CSG, highlighting the case that the said “sponsor” was able to impose their presence in the event. Still with the unresolved sponsorship issue hanging on the line, CSG is currently working to shoulder the ‘agreement’ that was made between the CSG and the college councils to give out medals for this school year’s intramurals. *** On the significance of medals, Alombro explained that “[A medal] gives each athlete a sense of accomplishment that they could hold on to, brag about. It also brings [sic] a sentimental value to [an athlete’s] achievement.” Though diverse opinions have been shared on the importance of intramural medals, it’s empowering to know that we can boast of Atenean athletes to continue to display sportsmanship, camaraderie, and Magis in court — with or without medals.C

Step Down to Step Up By Samantha Isabelle H. Bagayas & Justin John Nagac

ith the running Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates in this year’s CSG elections holding top positions in their respective student councils, there was much confusion surrounding the need to resign from their current positions in their councils to comply with the requirements of the Electoral Commission (ELECOM). Although a long-standing rule in Article 10 Section 2 of the XU Central Student Government (XU CSG) Constitution, the provision only states that “upon assumption of office, he/she must not hold any position in other student councils or organizations.” Considering the current situation, candidates holding positions in their student councils were required to submit a resignation letter to their council beforehand as preparation for the assumption of office to the CSG. While the rule explicitly states

Visit our website at thecrusaderpublication.com

that one must not hold any position in other student councils or organizations, questions surrounding the semantics of the rule were raised. Specifically, whether membership to extracurricular or cocurricular organizations, regardless of one’s position in these, are covered by the rule. While the guidelines listed under the CSG Constitution are vague, Article V Section 6 of the Omnibus Election Code—a list of rules that govern the conduct of the elections—states that “any person holding an appointive position or elective office in the CSG Executive or Directorate or in the Council who is seeking for re/election or higher level office, shall submit resignation letter to the authorized person upon application for candidacy.” ELECOM head Ronne Joshua Ambulo clarified some misconceptions on the process of submission of the certificates of candidacy

Like us on Facebook /TheCrusaderPublication

as stated in the Omnibus Election Code. One of which is that incumbent officials who wish to run or bid for re-election for positions in College councils and CSG shall resign in any position under the jurisdiction of ELECOM which covers co-curricular organizations. “Ang pag resign kay part ra siya sa code so gi-follow ra namo then nakita namo during sa pag check namo sa mga [candidates] nga naa’y wala nag follow. […] Naay uban kay ang gibutang sa guidelines kay co-curricular but ang gibutang nila kay ang mga extra-curricular so dili siya nga among responsibility,” he said. On the other hand, Ambulo clarified that the ELECOM does not require candidates to resign from their affiliations with extracurricular organizations. “If under siya sa AECO [Assembly of Extra-Curricular Organizations] kay dili na sya

within sa jurisdiction sa CSG […] Sa councils, CSG ug mga co-currs kay directly under sa CSG so under gyud siya sa amo,”he added. *** While there is no explicit explanation behind the need of the resignation from the council, CSG, or Directorate, within the text of the Omnibus Election Code and the CSG Constitution, the ELECOM has shared that it is one way to avoid the candidates from influencing the decisions of the members of those organizations. However, it’s important to note that requiring candidates to resign does not cut personal ties, and thus candidates are still capable of influencing their council members’ decisions. Still, if rules can be misconstrued, it’s just as important for the ELECOM to properly disseminate and communicate these properly.C

Subscribe to our YouTube channel /TheCrusaderTV

Crusader

The

www.thecrusaderpublication.com

Aristeo Raphael Marbella III: All-inclusive governance By Lorenzo B. Botavara

ou can almost see the passion oozing out of “Paeng” when he talks, as if his many engagements aren’t enough to dissipate it. This second year Philosophy student is many things: Ateneo School for Upcoming Leaders (ASUL) alumnus, student leader, and student athlete; now he aims to channel his enthusiasm to the top post of the Central Student Government (CSG). Some say what this independent candidate lacks for in leadership experience, he makes up for it in immensity of task. On paper, two years of involvement in student politics might not seem like much, but that small timeframe consists of a year’s membership in ASUL, and recently, nine months as president of the United Arts and Sciences Student Council (UNITASS). He ran for the council president last election under the Union of Students for the Advancement of Democracy (USAD-XU), and many of the party’s values instilled in him continue to resonate throughout his independent campaign. “They [USAD-XU] showed me that it’s not just about age, it’s not just about your year level; it’s about passion, commitment, it’s about vision, and my leadership experience really grew from there.” To top it all off, his platform is phrased like that of a meme. “No one loses if everybody wins” Part of his limited edition campaign materials

are online posters with those words and a photo of him pointing to his head. Internet humor aside, the phrase summarizes his entire platform, which is actually divided into two parts: “No one loses” represents equal access to student services, while “everybody wins” is about representation. If elected, he intends to carry out these plans by utilizing two of the existing departments of the CSG. First, the Department of Research and Statistics (DRS) will be more active in conducting surveys and collecting data from the student body. Though the impression might be that he is driven by mere passion, Marbella remains grounded on facts and data to validate whatever changes he might carry out. Through the DRS, Marbella envisions a CSG that will be able to tailor their services to fit the students’ collective wants and needs. “Research-based project implementation is one of my biggest platforms for CSG,” he says. Second, he plans to make the Department of Social Involvement (DSI) less of an inferior version of the Research and Social Outreach (RSO) cluster of the University. The DSI is greatly overshadowed by the RSO, but Marbella sees potential in the department in supplementing the RSO’s efforts in increasing political and social awareness among the student body. One of his advocacies is intercultural and interfaith dialogue, as he believes it is through engaging with the minorities and understanding their practices that sectoral representation can truly live up its name.

Hard-wired for governance Paeng has already immersed himself into the system so much that he finds it hard to imagine being out of the political picture. As a leader, he looks back to his foundations in USAD for the values he upholds. Distinctively, however, he finds it ideal to involve everyone in the affairs of the government – like a true champion of democracy. “Listening to everyone’s input, listening to their ideas, I know that I don’t have all the answers for everything. That is why I enjoy listening to their solutions.” Amid his enthusiasm, the question remains: will his burning passion and people skills see him through?C

Ian Abadies: Enhanced and Efficient Student Services By Kevin Paul P. Mabul

an Caezar Abadies, an incoming fourth year Business Administration - Major in Marketing student, started being in service of the student body as a first, then second year representative for the School of Business and Management Student Council (SBMSC). In his third year, he found himself wanting to do more for his fellow Eagles. Most of them wanted him, too, and thus he won the SBMSC presidency. Like the other two candidates running for Presidential and Vice Presidential positions, Ian, too, resigned as head of his student council in pursuit of the highest seat in the XU student government. Bird’s eye view R u n n i n g under Alyansang Atenista’s (AA) banner, Ian pushes for the ‘Abante ta BAI’ platform. “Three things when we speak of Central Student Government (CSG): student representation, student services, and internal and external advancement. We would want a

CSG that is there for and with the students,” he says, and goes on to explain how ‘BAI - which stands for “Basta Salig Lang,” “Abay Pirme,” and “Immediate Response” - should further the student government’s purpose. For “Basta Salig Lang” (Just Trust Us), Ian envisions the student body to be more involved in the creation and enforcement of University policies, as well as being more aware of their rights and responsibilities by putting emphasis on student representation. This representation gives students the voice with which they can raise their concerns. “Abay Pirme” (Always With You) aims to bring improvements to CSG’s current student services. Besides being able to bring more projectors and calculators on hand, the platform is also looking to provide loans to students. This is considering that the next academic year will put in effect the stricter implementation of the blue form policy. “Abay Pirme” also promises to lobby for a more detailed gradebook, seeing as how a vast majority of the students wish to see a more thorough breakdown of their grades in order for them to know where to improve. “Ingani unta,” (It Should Be This Way) meanwhile, pushes for a highly responsive media - hotlines and social media accounts - through which students can raise their concerns, and the creation of a database that will contain a list of all enforced University policies for easy reference.

To greater heights On the issue of apathy and a general lack of student participation for CSG’s events, Ian believes that working hand-in-hand with all college councils will result in more “efficient” and “enhanced” activities that are enticing for the community to participate. “This is my third year in an organization and I have seen how a council works and how students respond to those events,” he adds. While Ian sees these activities as a way of bringing in more students to be involved with their government, he says that this should further translate into understanding that the CSG is also a unified voice - one way being through the use of surveys - of the XU student community’s views and stands on issues within and beyond the campus. External concerns aside, he and his running mate Love Ravina have also given the Ombudsman bill attention. This bill created to keep student leaders in check has been raised in the past, but has yet to see implementation. “We would really want to push for the Ombudsman bill so that student [leaders] would be more accountable for the things [they say and do].” To him, bringing in these improvements and addressing certain campus issues means having a leader that is more experienced than he is passionate - and with three years of council experience to boot.C

February 2017 | Vol. 43 No. 5

www.thecrusaderpublication.com

Love Angely Ravina: Uncontested By Jett Joseph C. Gumaling, with reports from Mary Therese P. Mole

ove Angely Ravina, a 3rd Year Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education student, waves her banner as the sole Vice Presidential candidate for the Central Student Government (CSG) this year. Although without competition, she makes it to a point that her visions for the CSG next year remain noteworthy, promising, and unmatched.

Rise to the top Ravina is restless in her pursuits as a student volunteer and leader. In her first year, she was a volunteer at the Teachers’ Guild, the School of Education’s student council. She then became the Events Committee Head in her second year and finally became the President of her student council in her third year before resigning to run as Vice President for the CSG this year. She is also a part of the 23rd Directorate of the CSG. She says that her experience in the council made her more

mature in her endeavors as a student leader. Her experiences also made her more responsive to her fellow students’ needs and more equipped to take on the responsibility of a higher position. Finally, her drive for service keeps her fire burning. “It is something that makes Love Ravina. Take away everything from me [just] not my desire to really do something for the people and then with the people.” As experienced as she is, she acknowledges the good within the CSG this year but also sees the opportunity to make the ‘student-centeredness’ of the CSG more realized in her run as the Vice President. “Also important na next school year unta, mas ma-appreciate sa mga students ilahang involvement mismo sa CSG nga mga activities or events,” Ravina expressed. Although uncontested, Ravina reveals that her candidacy still posed unexpected challenges along the way. She points out that her biggest challenger is actually herself and the students; students opting to question her forthcoming victory this year makes up for the lack of any physical opponent. Yet she is more than willing to ascertain to the deciding public that her impending position as Vice President this year – should she be elected - is just as vital and critical as the President is.C

NEWS

Panaghugpong 9 opens doors to NorMin schools By Ar-Raffi C. Macaumbos & Mary Therese P. Mole

nder the umbrella of National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and in collaboration with various artistic organizations, Xavier Center for Culture and the Arts (XCCA) celebrated Philippine National Arts Month with Panaghugpong 9. The National Arts Month celebration In 1991, Former President Corazon Aquino mandated the month long annual celebration of arts in the month of February. This is to promote Philippine arts through dance, visual arts, architecture, film and literature.. Since its ratification, every cultural center in the Philippines has been participating in the honor of the arts . The now annually conducted “Panaghugpong” – XU’s own arts festival – was established in 2008 during the debut year of XCCA. The bulk of the celebrations, courtesy of the various organizations under XCCA, is usually partnered with the Central Student Government (CSG) and the English Language and Literature Organization (XELLO) among others. What makes this year unique was a collaborative art exhibit titled “Suddenly Visual” by Circulo de arte, Museo de Oro, and XCCA which opened this year’s Panaghupong. Some events went beyond by promoting the arts while helping other people were held as well. The Xavier University Dance Troupe, together with Xavier University Physical Education Department performed the charity concert: ‘Cagaiang; Sulyap

VIVID RENDITION. Xavier University Cultural Dance Troupe (XCDT) performs a variety of cultural dances during the opening of Panaghugpong 9 at the XU Little Theater. [G.VERONA] Sayaw 4.’ Donations gathered during the concert were used to buy pairs of slippers for chosen beneficiaries. Changing its course According to XCCA Director Hobart Savior, Panaghugpong 9 has a much wider scope compared to its previous iterations. This year, various schools within Northern Mindanao such as Bukidnon State University (BSU), Central

Mindanao University (CMU) and Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) were invited to participate in activities within XU. They took part in events such as “Walang Biro; Walang Birit,” a vocal solo competition organized by XCCA with assistance from the CSG. Meanwhile, speakers from Davao and Bukidnon were also invited to conduct a talk on Katatau-Mindanao Studies Conference of

Xavier University Sociology Department. In line with the tenth anniversary of XCCA this June, Savior assured everyone of how they will develop and improve Panaghugpong through the organization’s hard work. “This (Panaghugpong 9) is sort of like a pre-test on how it will be on the tenth year,” he explained. Savior also added how XCCA wishes to focus on celebrating the exponential power of the arts.C

Photos by Evan B. Aranas

‘Abante ta, BAI!’ Heralding from the longstanding Alyansang Atenista political party, Ravina envisions a platform that addresses student representation, student services, and internal and external advancement. The ‘BAI’ on her platform “Abante ta BAI” stands for phrases relating to three of CSG’s areas of concern: ‘Basta Salig Lang’ aims that the CSG should always represent the students in any policy that the University shall be conducting. ‘Abay Pirme’ hopes to

assess the students’ needs and concerns for the government to effectively formulate authentic, student-related policies and activities. Lastly, ‘Ingani Unta’ drives the government to become more responsive to the students by developing awareness among the students through improved information dissemination drives. For next year, Ravina hopes to push the Ombudsman Bill to realization, which will help assess elected student leaders check if their responsibilities are being fulfilled. Also, through regular ‘kamustahan’ sessions with year level representatives from every college councils, she visualizes a government that is really student-centered, “…because Central Student Government is [the] bridge between the students and the administration,” Ravina described.

Crusader

The

www.thecrusaderpublication.com

EDITORIAL

Crusader

The

Publishers Subscribing Students of Xavier University

Illustration by Rigel Kent T. Flores

Editorial Board Kevin Paul P. Mabul Editor in Chief Lorenzo A. Botavara Associate Editor Keith Obed J. Ruiz Design Editor Jericho B. Montellano Managing Editor Samantha Isabelle H. Bagayas News Editor Harmony Kristel D. Balino Local Features Editor Nikki Gay Louise P. Amores Sports Editor Marc Anthony B. Reyes Graphic Design and Layout Editor Evan B. Aranas Photography Editor Lynette L. Tuvilla Freehand Editor Finance Officers Jigo L. Racaza Auditor Anna Jamela S. Balindong Senior Finance Manager Tisha C. Abejo Junior Finance Manager

A momentary resolve

ambayanang Pilipino, patawarin ninyo ako sa kasalanang ipinaratang ninyo sa akin. Pilipino, pinatay ng kapwa Pilipino.” (Filipino people, forgive me for the crime you have accused me of committing. Filipino, killed by fellow Filipinos.) These were the last words of a man nearly 18 years dead. Two sentences colored the finale of Leo Echegaray’s life as poison surged through his veins. Echegaray was convicted of raping his 10-year old stepdaughter and was sentenced to death via lethal injection by the Regional Trial Court in Quezon City, which was backed by the Supreme Court. Being the first judicial execution in 23 years, the case caught public eye through natioanl coverage and was met with opposition. Abolished in 2006 by former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the death penalty is presently a few steps away from making a comeback following its approval on the House of Representatives in December last year. Current president Rodrigo Duterte first publicized his intentions to legalize death penalty during the “Yes or No” segment in the second presidential debate on March 20 the previous year. Now, his vocal support catalyzed the bill’s approval and criminals qualified for the sentence fear for their numbered days. Many political leaders who approve of reinstating this practice agree that capital punishment is the silver bullet to the country’s crime problems. Yet this seemingly generic justification has no definite criterion of deeming the effort as either successful or futile. Capital punishment is publicly justified through the media in statements that revolve around “reducing crime rates,” rephrased to “stopping criminal acts by scaring off criminals,” and going as far as “the criminals have to pay.” What is realized yet purposefully not recognized is that when Echegaray was sentenced and executed, 689 others followed. Consequently, when capital punishment was suspended in 2006, over 1,200 lives were saved from death row. How could more than 1,800 individuals who committed crimes extreme enough for a death penalty sentence be of any progress for ‘reducing the national crime rate’? How could a number as huge as over a thousand and two hundred have scared off criminals (not mentioning highly strategic and systematically planned crimes that remain unsolved to this day)? How could the consequence of death even be an imminent threat to a criminal planning out the “perfect” crime? Death penalty just ups the criminal game as players who pull off well-executed crimes get to survive, while the ones who do poorly-acted misdeeds would only be an addition to a prison morgue. Plus, there is no way the effectivity of the law is assured, looking from the figures that were too far away from a zero-percent crime rate when the law was in place. There is also the perpetual concern of erroneous human judgement. On August 13, 1997, Jiang Goquing, a Taiwanese Air Force Private was executed by a military tribunal in Taiwan for the rape and murder of a five-year-old girl. His innocence was proven only 13 years later upon the confession of Xu Rongzhou, the real perpetrator of the crime. On a related note, a study on 2014 by Samuel R. Gross and his co-authors has shown that victims of wrongful execution can be as many as 4.1% of those convicted, or 1 in 25 people. That is on the United States, a country deemed by many to be in the frontier of technological, economic, and social progress. The Crusader Publication is firm on its stand against the death penalty. We do not deem human judgement reliable enough to decide on matters of mortality. While a miniscule number in the grand scale of things, we strongly believe that no person should be reduced to mere statistics.C

Managers Merryane Rose S. Bacud Human Resource Manager Jinky M. Mejica Office Manager Mary Therese P. Mole Circulation Manager Jigo L. Racaza Video Productions Manager Jo Marie Claire B. Balase Online Accounts Manager Senior Computer Systems Manager Staff Writers Maria Franchesca Louise P. Fajemolin Jett Joseph C. Gumaling (Trainee) Nur Mohammad G. Lucman (Trainee) Ar-Raffi C. Macaumbos (Trainee) Tatiana L. Maligro Justin John Nagac (Trainee) Winona Roselle Serra (Trainee) Staff Artists Jean E. Abarquez (Trainee) Shaira E. Abshire (Trainee) John Niccolo A. Aquino Jamerah Marie M. Balindong Aleina C. Buenavista (Trainee) Kurt Anthony B. Chan (Trainee) Rigel Kent T. Flores Jayvee C. Lequigan (Trainee) Nicolo Nathan O. Macoy (Trainee) Jinky M. Mejica Ryan James P. Pascual Khristine Marjorie L. Quiblat Gene Gerard G. Verona Louise Coleen T. Vitor (Trainee) Rizalyka Joanne M. Waminal Moderator Mrs. Ann Catherine Ticao-Acenas For contributions, please address your articles and/or comments to: TheCrusader Publication Office, Rm. 302, Student Center Bldg, Xavier University 9000, Cagayan de Oro City Circulation: 3,100 copies February 2016 | Vol. 43 No. 5 Layout by Keith Obed J. Ruiz and Marc Anthony B. Reyes

OPINION

Deferred or Denied

nyone who has a social media account of any sort will have probably heard of the two words scientists seem to never get tired of: climate change. As self-explanatory as these words might be, some people still get confused over what on earth this dreaded phrase actually entails. Schools have increasingly been introducing movies and lessons informing students on the effects of climate change. Basically, the world is hotter now than it has been in the last 400 years - perhaps even in the last 2,000 years. This is causing sea levels to rise, polar ice caps to melt, and weather patterns to possibly change (think: increased storms in number and severity). Not only that, but it also may affect wildlife and cause an increase in diseases for humans. True, there are still a lot of questions about what exactly may happen, but there is a consensus

Pocket Strategist By Lorenzo B. Botavara

within the scientific community: climate change exists and it is fast approaching due to neglectful human activity. Now, what’s the problem (aside from the actual disastrous effects of this phenomenon)? While scientists can all agree, it seems some politicians are still skeptical of the almost irrefutable evidence gathered on climate change. That, or they choose to nitpick established international measures that are meant to regulate global carbon emissions which contribute to the ever increasing heat of the planet. They continue to allow massive amounts of greenhouse gases to be produced annually. What is most alarming among the claims of “climate change deniers” is the fact that not enough is being done. Many politicians in major countries continue to refute established scientific evidence on the existence of climate change. In

fact, the newly elected United States President Donald Trump nominated a vocal skeptic to his Environmental Protection Agency. There are still deniers in other major countries such as Russia and Australia, with the former being ranked third highest in national greenhouse gas emissions by the US Department of Energy. For the last 30 years or so, scientists have been urging governments to write the necessary laws to prevent global warming. Unfortunately, it seems this has been constantly put off for later, prioritizing other matters. One might even say there just isn’t any money in affirming climate change. But the bottom line is that the earth can’t afford any more postponement on fully addressing this issue. It’s time governments put their money where their mouth is. Change deferred is change denied.C

February 2017 | Vol. 43 No. 5

www.thecrusaderpublication.com

NEWS FEATURE

Flashfloods prompt CdeO drainage system improvement by Maria Franchesca Louise P. Fajemolin & Winona Roselle Serra

rising from a Low Pressure Area (LPA) and the tail-end of a cold front, total rainfall exceeded Cagayan de Oro’s maximum drainage capacity on January 16 and inundated 30% of downtown CdeO. The incident prompted city mayor Oscar Moreno to declare a state of calamity on January 17. Flooding is a recurrent problem in CdeO, and fingers easily point to the city’s drainage system. Emptying Drains The 193.8 mm of rain accumulated measured more than a month’s average, according to Region-X Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Spokesperson Vinah Maghinay. She also adds, however, that heavy rains was just one of the reasons behind the flashflood. Trivial as it may seem, the problem turned out to be the city’s waste disposal practices. CdeO has progressed and developed with the rise of several new infrastructures, but city wastes have multiplied proportions along with its growth. Additionally, wastes from residential areas have found their way towards major drainages, and have prevented these from being as effective as they were designed to be in channeling floodwaters. Instead of just clearing ditches of expected silt growths, the DPWH has also been unclogging waterways of trash. “Mura na sila’g basurero,” remarks Maghinay. Flood Measures By monitoring water levels of major creeks with surveillance cameras within the city, DPWH was able to provide traffic advisories as an immediate response to the calamity. After the rains settled, de-clogging of ditches – among other aids – were also administered to communities. Furthermore, the Urban Drainage Plan – a study completed last August 2016 regarding CDO’s drainage system – is currently under implementation. Under this plan, the department aims to widen and strategically improve major drainages. One of these improvements is the creation of diversion channels meant to prevent

HAND-IN-HAND. Street cleaners shovel mud caused by heavy rainfall in front of University of Science and Technology of the Southern Philippines (USTSP) [G.VERONA] the flow of water – originating from elevated areas in Northern Minanao such as Bukidnon – from accumulating into one area. Its Limits “DPWH’s mandate is to make all roads passable at all times, but then, major roads lang pud gyud,” forewarns Maghinay. These include national roads and major highways. She also adds that local roads are the responsibilities of the Local Government Units (LGUs). During the January 16 flooding, DPWH was only responsible for the Butuan-Cagayan de Oro-Iligan Road

(BCIR) area. Before the implementation of road-related projects, DPWH conducts feasibility studies on its socioeconomic impact. They refer to these studies when checking if the project has been implemented correctly and to assess the impact it will have on the people bound to be affected. The need to relocate informal settlers arises when DPWH cannot implement their projects without disturbing the community’s way of life. Unfortunately, according to Maghinay, the National Housing Authority (NHA) still has a backlog of families to relocate on certain roads

they wish to implement projects on. *** While the DPWH and the LGUs are regularly exerting efforts in maintaining our roads and clearing and widening our waterways, it is also the responsibility of each individual to contribute to the cleanliness of their immediate surrounding. No matter how much the major drainages on the national road are cleared, when its neighboring drainages are still clogged, it is still sure to overflow.C

XUCA takes overall 10th FASMin Title By Merryane Rose S. Bacud

elegates from the Quirog and Daleton Tiu were Xavier University crowned Ms. FASMin and Mr. College of Agriculture FASMin 2017 third runner up, (XUCA) emerged victorious respectively. in the 10th Federation of XU FASMin Delegation Agriculture Students in Head Judith Pit mentioned Mindanao (FASMin) on January how a few drawbacks (such as 30 at the Mindanao State the selection of participants) University (MSU) - Naawan have been challenging for them Campus, Naawan, Misamis during their preparation for the Oriental. congress. “There is a difficulty in Established to promote student delegates’ selection since camaraderie among different trained delegates in previous agricultural institutions, FASMin are graduating,” Pit FASMin is an annual congress explained and added that almost of agriculture students from all of the new student delegates different Higher Education don’t have time for trainings Institutions (HEIs) of Mindanao. because of their academic The four-day event is also meant responsibilities. However, with TRIUMPHANT. Xavier University College of Agriculture delegates receive their trophy after being proclaimed to keep those in the field abreast careful assessment of their 10th FASMin overall champion. on local agriculture development delegates’ skills, they still came trends. FASMin, established in on top. 2007, was formerly known as Northern Mindanao Memorial State University (JRMSU), including With 49 delegates, 44 of which were XUCA, in previous years, placed only third or Federation of Agriculture Students (NorMinFas). others attended the congress. During the activity, students, XU dominated numerous competitions second in the overall ranking. However, this time, With this year’s theme: “Food and Nutrition participants from different schools were pit after placing first in almost all events such as they reclaimed their throne after their 2010 overSecurity Amidst Challenges in Climate Change,” against each other in three different categories: ‘whip cracking men and women,’ ‘four men and all victory. With a five-point lead, XU placed first ten different institutions such as Camiguin crop-based skills, animal-based skills, and literary- women carambola,’ ‘insect identification,’ and with 277 points out of 500, CMU placed second Polytechnic State College (CPSC), Central musical skills. ‘on-the-spot-essay-writing’. Meanwhile, Carmella with 271 points, and JRMSU placed third with Mindanao University (CMU) and Jose Rizal 239 points.C

Crusader

The

www.thecrusaderpublication.com

NEWS

XU hosts 6th Mindanao Economics Students Convention By Ar-Raffi C. Macaumbos

hemed “Engaging frontiers of change in Mindanao”, Xavier University’s Economics Society (EcoSoc), in partnership with XU Economics department, hosted the Mindanao Economics Students’ Convention (MESC) 2017 on January 30 to February 1 at Pearlmont Hotel. A total of 106 delegates consisting of students and professors from Father Saturnino Urios University, Palawan State University, Western Mindanao State University and Xavier University attended the congress. EcoSoc President Ma. Rowena Cabarubias explained that one of the convention’s primary aim is to author a collaborative position paper through focus group discussions called ‘mixers’. “This year, we are looking at the prospect plans for the development of Mindanao”, added Kim Roa, MESC 2017 project head. SPEAK-OUT. A delegate from Palawan State University (PSU) inquires further about Ambisyon Natin 2040 during the 6th Mindanao Notable speakers from various Economic Students’ Convention. [J.MEJICA] sectors such as agriculture, peace and order, disaster risk management, the academe, and the church graced the event to development in Mindanao. Sen. Aquilino Engr. Dexter Lo, MSCE, founding director of Department of Tourism regional director Marie discuss economic matters concerning each sector “Koko” Pimentel III was set to speak about the the XU Engineering Resource Center, talked about Elaine Unchuan lectured about the development and their overall effect on the island. convention’s theme but was unable to attend. “Our home in a Changing Climate”. The other in tourism and its effects. Finally, Chairperson Notable speakers in the opening day were The second day featured a series of three talks were given by officials from different of the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council College of Arts and Sciences dean Engr. Juliet talks, kickstarted by the National Economic sectors on the individual economic impacts of Prof. Eduardo Layug lectured about developing Dalagan, PhD, who delivered the welcome Development Authority’s (NEDA) presentation the sectors they represent. Police station 4 officer the agriculture sector to boost the economy. address, and University president Fr. Roberto of “AmBisyon natin 2040,” the 25-year collective in charge PCINSP Ritchie Anoy Salva, R.C., The day concluded with the drafting of the Yap SJ. The latter discussed about the role of long-term visions and aspirations of the Filipino MSCRIM talked about the role peace and order position paper, which was presented the following the church and the academe in the economic people, spearheaded by the agency itself. plays in strengthening the economy of Mindanao. day during the convention’s closing ceremonies.C

XU-Teachers’ Guild celebrates excellence in its 70th year By Justin John Nagac

elebrating the 70th anniversary of XU Teachers’ Guild (TG), students of the School of Education (SOE) gathered at the Magis Canteen on January 30 to formally launch the opening of Educators’ Week. The Guild, in partnership with the SOE, celebrated its yearly Educators’ Week from January 30 to February 3 with the theme, “Celebrating Excellence”. From SOE’s recognition as a Center of Excellence in Teacher Education by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in 2016 to the successful implementation of the XU Night School—of which the Guild is a partner of—TG President Love Angely Ravina said that their college’s recent milestones enthuses them to cover such a theme. “We’re the only one of the two institutions in the region nga naka Center for Excellence and at the same time, the council itself kay naa po’y mga achievements. For example, ang [XU] Night School Program which is very in line with our mission and vision,” she shared. She later emphasized how the XU Night School program would be a remarkable legacy for the Guild to continue, not only to help communities outside the University but also to harness skills in teaching and leadership among its members. “I think isa sa remarkable nga contribution sa council kay helping forming teacher-leaders kay mura’g mao silbi ang nahimong training ground sa mga education students,” she said. Due to the small number of enrollees in the School of Education, budget constraints posed a challenge in the delivery of student services and implementation of community involvement

projects. Ravina shared that TG plans to focus more on skills enhancement and development among the education students in the upcoming years. “Didto ta sa training sa mga students sa SOE sa kadtong mga aspiring teachers […] Training them into skills nga dili gyud kaayo namo matun-an sulod sa classroom,” she said. At the same time, XU-TG will continue to work out further enhancements and innovations for XU-Night School given that a lot of difficulties and challenges came as they launched the program this year. “Kanang mga skills nga i-tudlo will be used for the betterment of Night School Program kay karon man kay ga-start pa man jud ta so daghan kaayo mi nakita nga mga difficulties ug challenges that can be addressed next school year especially nga different na pud nga audience or learners ang atong target […]So didto, sa skills enhancement lang sa ta, preparing the students or the aspiring teachers for the workforce ahead,” she said. Apart from events held in celebration of Educators’ Week, several activities have been lined up such as “TG: Setenta” – a grand gathering of all council officers for the past 70 years – in December. Similar to other college councils in the University, Teachers’ Guild was created to offer representation to students under the School of Education. The Guild served as the sole voice of education students in the University until the Central Student Government (CSG) was established in 1986. Since then, the TG remains as a strong representing entity upholding the rights and welfare of education students in the University.C

February 2017 | Vol. 43 No. 5

www.thecrusaderpublication.com

NEWS

Senior High to offer Sports Track By Tatiana L. Maligro

ecoming the next Kobe Bryant or Alyssa Valdez may not be as difficult as it seemed to be before. In light of the sports complex nearing completion at the Pueblo campus, the University is considering a Sports Track for Senior High School (SHS). Play Ball The Sports Track is one of the four tracks formulated by the Department of Education (DepEd) in order to cater to all of the SHS students’ interests and possible career paths. Some of the specialized subjects for this track are the Fitness Testing and Exercise Programming,

Sports Officiating and Activity Management, and Fundamentals of Coaching. These, as well as numerous hours of practicum, will help equip the future coaches and athletes with the skills they need. Weighing out the factors The only 17 public high schools nationwide that offer the Sports Track have reported enrollee counts below ten. With this, the lucrativity of the track is one of the factors taken into consideration during the planning. With only one Sports Track enrollee at the Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High

School (MOGCHS), Xavier University (XU) may still have to gauge the program’s feasibility. Vice President for Basic Education Dr. Dulce Dawang weighs in, “MOGCHS offered a Sports Track but only one enrolled. So it might not be viable, [and] so we need to do market research first.” She added, “It’s not yet definite. It will depend on a lot of things,” If the track is proven feasible, it will then have to be approved by a number of channels such as the Basic Education Council, the University President, and the Board of Trustees before the paperwork makes its way to DepEd. Another factor taken into consideration

would be the people running the track. Offering a new track would mean hiring personnel to maintain the sports complex. “We’re still trying to figure out the management and operations […] I think as soon as we are settled, then we can think about offering the Sports Track,” Dawang says. *** Offering a Sports Track would not only showcase the University’s strive towards academic excellence, but athletic excellence as well. However, before athletics can be mixed with academics, the University must see if they are ready to play ball.C

The Xavier Congress 2017 approves 4 of 12 resolutions By Jett Joseph C. Gumaling & Mary Therese P. Mole

entral Student Government - Office of the Vice President (OVP), in partnership with the 23rd Directorate commenced its second session of The Xavier Congress (TXC) 2016 on February 6 at the Audio Visual Room (AVR) 8 with the theme “Foster Better Studentry through Legislation.” As some of last semester’s resolutions have already been approved and taken into consideration – the stricter implementation of the blue form policy and the installation of water fountains in higher floor levels as examples – new doors opened for more resolutions to be approved in the second session. The screened delegates proposed twelve resolutions, four of which were approved. The first of these is a request directed to the Academic Council for the improvement of teachers’ classroom management through seminars and in-class observation. This is projected to provide better teaching methods to effectively address the academic needs of students regarding their activities within the learning area. Second is a request for the Office of Student Affairs for a stricter university dress code implementation with the aim of instilling discipline among students. This was raised following the observation that whichever

VERDICT. Representatives from different colleges gather in The Xavier Congress’ 2nd session to propose resolutions that address campus concerns [J.MEJICA] implementation of the policy is in place, students remain deviant to the dress code. The third resolution involves requesting the Academic Council to mandate all the teachers to follow the University’s grading system through the use of the Student Lifecycle Management

and Information System (SLMIS) for inputting grades. This resolution primarily pushes for a more systematic, detailed, and transparent grading system. Lastly, hearing various cries of students regarding some teachers’ repeated disregard for

presenting their course syllabi during the start of the semester, the Congress agreed to pass the resolution that aims to finally place great weight on informing students of the course outline and strictly following the plan set by teachers.C

CSG Pres. Lacea: “[CSG] cannot suspend classes” By Samantha Isabelle H. Bagayas & Jett Joseph C. Gumaling

12-hour downpour initiated by a low pressure area and the tail end of a cold front, heavy rain and strong winds that started 2PM on January 16 caught the residents of Cagayan de Oro City off-guard. It left lowlying areas of the city in chest-deep waters and stranded basically everyone away from home. With both students and instructors having trouble accessing main roads to get to the XU campus and push through with the scheduled college level midterm examinations, the administration announced at around 6pm that further exams were to be cancelled. Exams originally scheduled on January 17 and 19 were also suspended and moved. The days that followed were rough for the University as it had to immediately respond to the ongoing disaster, which resulted in the delays of information dissemination from the admin to the students. While the Central Student Government encouraged students to post pictures of their areas to serve as supporting material in its petition

towards the administration to suspend classes, they still received backlash from students due to the lack of prior notices with regards to the suspension of classes. However, CSG President Edison Lacea clarified that he has no say in the suspension of classes. As stipulated in Department of Education’s guidelines, XU follows the automatic suspension of classes across its various academic levels according to the severity of the weather conditions announced by the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). Classes are automatically suspended on affected areas once the following storm signals as raised by PAGASA have been announced: signal number one covers kindergarten and preschool, signal number 2 covers preschool, kindergarten, grade school, and junior and senior high schools, while signal number 3 covers classes in all levels and work. When a storm signal is already raised in a given area, class suspension no longer requires an official memorandum from university

administrations in order to take effect. The suspension of exams for the tertiary level on January 16—and later on the 17th and the 19th— however, was a particularly special case because neither PAGASA raised a storm signal nor did the City Mayor announce a suspension of work and classes. Due to the heavy rainfall and the blockage of certain access roads across the city, Office of Student Affairs (OSA) Director Ivanell Subrabas consulted with University President Fr. Roberto C. Yap, SJ, about the situation of the students in order to suspend the exams for the evening. “I think it’s a different scenario what we had last January because technically there was no typhoon signal raised. […] In cases like that, no one in the University is authorized to suspend classes except the President. So the OSA, the Academic Vice President, or the deans are not authorized to declare suspension of classes. It’s always the President,” he added. For similar situations, an official memorandum from the President of the University has to be released to formalize the suspension of classes.

During the January 16 floods, CSG made use of the #KaCSG hashtag to lobby the concerns of students, especially those who were unable to take their exams. While sometimes it can be as easy as a spoken order raised by the President concerning urgent matters and disseminated by CSG through social media (as with the January 16, 6 PM suspension case), ordering a suspension of classes can be often extensive. CSG first has to assess the situation and gather students’ sentiments through data collection. It will then be consolidated and coordinated with the pertinent body such as the OSA for the request to be carried out formally to the University President. The final judgment on the case – including the length of the suspension – remains with the President. “In the end, it’s the students’ way of also pressuring us to do our job,” Edison Lacea, CSG President, claimed. Enthused by the student participation that the #KaCSG has garnered, Lacea continually challenged the students to just ‘keep reporting.’ “Keep making your voice heard. And us, at CSG, we will be the microphone.”C

Crusader

The

www.thecrusaderpublication.com

NEWS

XU hosts 3rd Northern Mindanao Psychology Convention By Harmony Kristel D. Balino

MOODSETTER. Mr. Lester Raimundo L Lintao, a Magna Cum Laude of Forensic Psychology, amuses Psychology students by sharing original jokes and life experiences. [S.ABSHIRE]

acked with 267 participants from various Mindanaoan colleges and universities, the 3rd Northern Mindanao Psychology Convention (NMPC) took place at the Dynasty Court Hotel from February 9 to 11. In collaboration with the XU Psychology Department, the Xavier University Psychology Society (XUPS) hosted the annual convention themed: “Discovering the Current Trends of Philippine Psychology”. The participants were comprised of delegates from Central Mindanao University, Kidapawan Doctor’s College, Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology, St. Joseph Institute of Technology Butuan, St. Michael’s College Iligan, XU, and La

Salle University Ozamiz. “[This year’s convention] aims to raise awareness and also promote Psychology as a field… Among gina target nga we want this year is [to discuss about] the current trends of psychology through the sessions nga naka focus sa things needed to be improved sa Philippine Psychology as well as the things that the students still do not know and should know about Philippine Psychology,” explains Paulo Kinaging, head of the XUPS Department of Academic Affairs. The event was opened by a keynote session from Rhodora Gail T. Ilagan, PhD, CSSP, RP, the Center of Psychological Extension Research

Services (COPERS) head of Ateneo de Davao University titled “Emerging Research Directions in Philippine Psychology”. This was followed by the first and second plenary sessions with speakers Hector Perez, PhD, RPSY and Herc Sabas, PhD, RP, RGC, RPM. Perez discussed about ‘Understanding Antisocial Personality Disorder in Forensic Cases’ while Sabas talked about the ‘Significance of Mental Health on Workplaces.’ On the second day, Lester Raimundo Lintao, MA tackled the ‘Role of Psychology to the Emerging Power of Technology’ as the third plenary session. The afternoon started with the Research Presentation followed by Brain Games.

Three workshops simultaneously took place on the third day as delegates were divided according to which workshop they preferred to participate in. The workshops were about Psychotrauma Management and Intervention by Leo G. Labrador, PhD, RPSY, RPM, CCLP, CCOP, On the Job: The Hiring Process by Joey Marie F. Jegonia, PhD, DODT, RP, RGC, and Predictors of Success: New Assessments and Findings by Mary Rachelle R. Wapaño, PhD. Hosted by XU for three consecutive years, the NMPC was pioneered in the island by detaching from the Visayas-Mindanao Psychology Convention in efforts to make the event more accessible for Mindanaoan Psychology majors.C

XU opens MS Chemistry, Biology programs By Merryane Rose S. Bacud

n line with the University’s efforts to achieve its vision of becoming a leading ASEAN university by 2033, XU opened two new graduate programs: Masters of Science (MS) in Chemistry and MS in Biology. The opening of the two programs was approved by the Board of Trustees in September to answer the demand for competent practitioners in the two branches of science. According to Chemistry Department Chairperson Aileen Angcajas, the offering of MS Chemistry is a challenge for the department to contribute to the realization of the society’s need for proficient chemists and researchers. “We recognize the need to upgrade the skills of chemists and allied practitioners working in government agencies and industries,” she said. Before the department submitted their proposal, a survey was conducted to get the pulse of prospective graduate students. More than sixty

percent of the respondents expressed their desire to enroll in a Chemistry graduate program, either as a full-time or part-time student. This prompted the department to open a graduate program. Before the submission of the proposal, the department had to meet the requirements set by CHED, one of which is a minimum number of qualified faculty who can teach graduate courses. Today, they have five faculty members with PhD degrees. Since the Chemistry department also met the minimum standards for laboratory equipment, physical faculties, and library holdings, Angcajas believed that it was about time to offer a graduate program. “It is our ultimate goal to be the center for Chemistry graduate education in the area,” she shared. To enroll, the Graduate School Office requires an application form, transcript of records (TOR), and an entrance examination. However,

the department will need other documents, such as a statement of purpose and recommendation letters. As of press time, the Chemistry department is still waiting for recognition from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in Manila to formally start the program and hopes to receive it before the second semester ends. The MS in Chemistry program will formally start on June 2017, but the department will start receiving applications from prospective students as early as March 2017. Meanwhile, the Biology department was recognized by CHED as a Center of Development (COD) among the Higher Education Institutions (HEI’s) in the country on December 2015. The following month, the Commission identified the department as a Delivering Higher Education Instritution (DHEI) for Master of Science in Biology. The Biology department started offering

the program this academic year. As of press time, there are ten students enrolled in the program – three of which are CHED scholars. The program is open to all Biology degree holders who have passed the Graduate School entrance examination, but a K-12 scholarship from CHED is required for the aspiring teacherapplicant in the tertiary level. According to Biology Department Chairperson Judy Sendaydiego, PhD, the opening of the program is a good avenue for the BS Biology graduates, and an advantage to society. “The program will open a window of opportunities for our BS Bio graduates at XU and other universities to pursue an MS degree. This will hopefully lead to more research outputs that would benefit mankind,” she said.C

February 2017 | Vol. 43 No. 5

www.thecrusaderpublication.com

NEWS FEATURE

Marking Efforts, Warranting Truth By Maria Franchesca Louise P. Fajemolin

orty-two students, although having fulfilled the required Grade Point Average (GPA) and complied with set policies and regulations, were unable to come on stage during the Senior High School’s (SHS) reading of honors for the first semester on January 11. These students from the 11-Arcilla section of the Humanities and Social Sciences (HumSS) strand lacked another prerequisite, which was to maintain an effort mark above ‘Very Good’ (VG). Effect of effort In order to receive academic honor, one must have a 3.0 GPA, a “Satisfactory” conduct mark, and a “VG” effort mark – which is equivalent to a numerical grade of at least three and a half (3.5) over the perfect five, or 70% – at minimum. Exclusive to XUSHS, effort marks are formative grades which measure a student’s dedication in learning activities and tasks. “Because in [the]

real world, […] we also look at attitude,” explains Assistant Principal for Academics (AP Acad) Sofia Tagud. Preparedness, class participation, submission of requirements, and classroom performance are the four criteria considered in grading students under this mark. The problem The supposed honor students from 11-Arcilla were cut short off the honor roll since their whole class received a Good (G) effort mark in General Mathematics for the midterms. “I was very shocked because, in the first place, I know what I have done as a student. I know what efforts I have exerted,” voices Gicil Barbac, an honor student from the said class. She found no objective reason for receiving those marks. Aware of the consequences, these students purportedly qualified for garnering honors authored an appeal to the teacher of the aforesaid subject after their

midterm grades were released to clarify the matter. However, they withdrew from sending it because their moderator assured them they would still make it to the honors’ list. Yet when the official announcement came and none of them did make it, 11-Arcilla was rumored as “bugok” and “pabadlong” by those who did not know the real story. Barbac also shared that some of her Facebook posts were marred with comments such as, “Skwela sa ug tarung.” Enflaming the problem was the fact that the G effort mark would continually hinder them from receiving honors throughout SHS, even in their graduation. This, however, is proposed to be changed in the revised SHS handbook next academic year. Case Closed A week after the reading of honors, the issue was resolved through the evident persistence of 11-Arcilla and the parents involved. These

students had consistently visited the AP Acad’s office to follow up on the case for approximately three weeks. As of press time, there are officially nine 11-Arcilla honor students for the first semester. On the return of the first semester report card, the Arcilla students had observed the change in their effort marks. Several received an “Outstanding” and some VGs, but one student’s G had remained. These students were offered to be acknowledged during the Monday morning assembly, but declined. *** The SHS pilot year is approaching its end, however, several issues continue to loom over it. If you do not like what is happening, remember that there is power in your voice. In remaining steadfast with the truth, one is able to realize justice.C

LAMPOON

Illustration by Rigel Kent T. Flores

Cora : a d i b a r t n o C

irit!

se sp r e v i n U s s i Too much M

om, get over it. Stop watching endless re-runs of Miss Universe 2016. This isn’t healthy anymore!” This is what I tell my mom whenever she attempts to switch the channel from my favorite reality cooking show. While the entire cosmos has long moved on from this event that has no true interstellar significance, it seems my mom has created a black hole for herself. I came to this realization when I came home late one night and she was watching yet another re-run. “Have you eaten? There’s food on the table.” She wasn’t even mad at me for staying out so late! This was not my mother, but a shell of her former self. I cried myself to sleep that night. Every day has been a constant battle between me and my mom’s mortal body for the remote control, like two planets fighting for dominion over a moon with their gravity. Point is, why do you care so much? Rather, why do you STILL

care so much? It’s been two weeks now and I still see Miss U memes every once in a while on my feed. The Earth revolves for a reason: to make us dizzy and disorient us from the unimportant issues of yesterday (except for the still relevant Marcos burial which triggers me to this day!). On a side note, I bet there are more people at school who care about Miss U rather than running for a position in this year’s Botar Atenista. Or rather, students care more about the Jollibee Series than actually voting… but that’s another story. Going back to that wretched pageant, whenever I come across any Miss U puns while doing homework, it takes up all my energy to not roll my eyes, so much that I have to drink another can of Red Bull every time I encounter one. I understand watching it for the first time. Heck, even for a second or third time! But that’s just about where my tolerance ends. In all fairness, the

event is alluring and elegant, with fortunes worth of gowns, production value, and aesthetically pleasing women. All this I think while my inner self screams, “This standard of beauty is a social construct!” However, it’s hard to look at the bright side of a thing when that thing basically took your mom away from you. I can hear Steve Harvey’s voice again from downstairs. That was the final straw. I knew I had to do something radical lest my mother fall into the void entirely. “This is for your own good, Ma,” I whisper as I dial the local cable operator to unsubscribe for a month. It will take a few hours before we will be disconnected. Meanwhile, my mom curses Maxine Medina for her answer at the Q&A portion. This was too much for me to handle so I go to the city to chill out.

I came home later than intended and tried to sneak in through the back door. No sign of activity inside… or so I thought. Just as I was about to climb the stairs, the lights flashed on and there she was, with the familiar rage on her eyes every time I come home late. “ASA MAN KA GIKAN BAYHANA KA? HA? MAYGANI KA-HUNAHUNA PAKA’G ULI!” My eyes welled up with tears of joy. The plan worked! I hugged her tightly, “Miss U Ma!” Now I know what to do every year after Miss Universe. Before I slept that night, I thought, “Howmaygahd, my phamily is the most important persons in my life, thank you.”C

KURISCOPE Aquarius Ayaw palabi ug computer day, mahalap na imung mata. Di na nuon ka kita sa ako karon mulabay. OOTD: Kids shoes Aries Ayaw katulog unya sa library lang, tambay sa field kay magkita mo sa imo soulmate. Maigo ka sa iyang Frisbee disc, mao lang! OOTD: Converse nga Sketchers Cancer Hinay2x ug shot karong bulana. Ngano man? Wala lang! Ting finals lang naman! OOTD: Watershoes nga w/ heels Capricorn Tip saimo aron maka undang naka ana imong pagkapacboy! Dala permi ug samin boy! OOTD: Cap nga naay liston Gemini Mahilig jud ni siya’g ingon ug “Tara! Dekals ta bay!”, nya di man diay kabalo mu-patak ang natay! OOTD: Pants nga high-waist taman liog

Kurisword ni lynetters

Leo Naa kay unexpected out of town karong semanaha, ako lang maingon ayaw jud ug katulog ging, kay inig mata nimo ana abot naka tawi-tawi! OOTD: Light bulb na necklace Libra Double time tag himo sa mga final projects langga. Kay basin agoy, naay di makapaso karong marso oy.. OOTD: Bikini nga sticker lang Pisces Ma-late ka karon sa minor nimo, nagsugod na ug quiz jusmiyo. Mangayo pa kag papel, wala pajud kay ballpen! Mag March nalang. Sponsored pa japeeern! OOTD: Pokemon nga bra

Across

3. Running for presidential position under AA 6. Class of 11-Arcilla recieved __ mark in Gen Mathematics 7. DPWH Spokesperson 8. “Research-based project implementation is one of my biggest platforms for ___.” 9. XU placed first 277 points in __ 10. Police station 4 officer in charge PCISNP

Taurus Wala kay ka-date atong balentayms ba? Ayaw kabalaka, na pobre man sila! Ikaw naa pa kay kwarta! OOTD: Medjas nga taman ra tudlo

Down

1. Founding Director of the XU Engineering Resources 2. R in COPERS 4.(NEDA) presentation of “__ natin in 2040” 5 Paeng - nine months as president of

To Join: Photocopy this Kurisword with your answers and submit your entry to TheCrusader Publication office at StC 302 with your name and contact number. Lucky participants will receive limited edition collectables. Congratulations! sa gwapang-maldita with a heart nga si Monica Marie Baba winner sa last na Kurisearch. Just claim your kitchen showcase - ehem! sorry reward at TheCrusader Publication office, StC 302

Virgo Nagsaba unta kag imo ra ilabay akong flowers sa basurahan, Gitanom ko nalang unta to’s among likod or pwede pod sa imong koko, yutaon man pod! OOTD: Relo nga naay GPS sa imong uyab Sagittarius Mag uban mos imong kras, palit daw mog lunch sa Jabee. Ayaw jud ug uban dong! Ma friendzone r aka ana, kabalo ko aha na padulong! OOTD: Polo nga candy

Scorpio Ignon ka sa kras nimo ugma nga itsuraan kayo ka ato imong new profile pic! Unya kay silhouette man to imng new pp, igna imong kras – paasa, adik! OOTD: Tbk nga way strap