TheCrusader Pre-Election Tabloid 2015 by The Crusader Publication

By Louren B. Aranas and Xian Louis Patrick R. Arcayera

he XU community witnessed a more competitive atmosphere in this year’s campus elections, as two newly established political parties contend against 28-year-old party, Alyansang Atenista (AA). Three groups vying for seats in the student government is deemed a dramatic change in XU’s political scene, considering that candidates were unopposed since 2012—save for those in 2013 when AA rivaled with an independent candidate for Central Student Government President and Vice President. This year, the Union of Students for the Advancement of Democracy-XU (USADXU), Guided Ateneans for Better Advocacy and Yield (GABAY), and AA claim that being in the position enables them to better serve the 10,000-strong student body.

Alyansang Atenista Founded in February 10, 1987, AA prides itself in being the “second longest-running student socio-political organization in the Philippines” and being the “premier” one in XU. It is grounded on four pillars: pro-student, propeople, pro-country, and pro-God. For Raymund Acedera, co-founder of AA, the organization is being sustained because of three major factors: “principles which bring us together, structure we are organized around, and, most importantly, the people part of that movement.” He recalled AA’s birth when student activism was at its peak during the Martial Law era. “The need we saw at that time was to come together to present an option for the students of Xavier, which was reflective of the values of the Ateneo and was responsive to the genuine needs of the students,” he shared. Different groups existed in the campus and were united through

these “principles.” Establishment, experience Joseph Roldan Tagalog, presidential candidate of AA, said he ran under the political party because “we want to provide authentic service.” He emphasized that parties external to XU did not intervene in their political ideology, assuring that it is “made by the Xavier students for the Xavier students.” Rodyard Camarin, its vice presidential candidate, shared that AA being an established group is a primary reason for him running under the said banner, as he believed its 28 years of experience can develop leadership skills which can be applied in CSG. For them, constant mentoring from their elders—student leaders who have already graduated—with decades worth of experience in the student government is a huge advantage to the party. Tagalog and Camarin shared that

mentorship coupled with a strong sense of belonging have sustained AA for almost 30 years, as they see AA not only as a political party but also as family. As Camarin put it, “We believe being a student leader should not be a transactional one. We believe [in] transformational [leadership]. Not limited to being a leader, but to build relationships with co-leaders.” ‘Maximizing student services’ What, then, can students expect should CSG be led by AA? Tagalog remarked, “I think there’s no big change but constant improvement of the system. The structure is there. The party wants to improve para ma-provide ang better service for the students.” They plan on prioritizing three agenda: widen student representation, organizational integration and collaboration, and upscale student services.

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XU programs undergo PAASCU accreditation By Rezza Mae B. Tolinero

lassroom observations, group and individual interviews, and infrastructure visits highlighted the University on February 5 and 6 as the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities (PAASCU) paved the way on accrediting select XU programs. XU programs that went through the reaccreditation include the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business and Management, and School of Education. These programs were already accredited as level four, the highest level attainable. PAASCU results for these programs are expected by May 2015.

Heeding the need One importance of accreditation is by providing an educational institution the opportunity for critical self-analysis. This leads to improvement in quality, services, and operations—benefits reaped mainly by the students. PAASCU does not evaluate a school in comparison to others; instead, it evaluates based only on the school’s own criteria. It ensures that an institution fulfills expectations in aspects it claims to excel in. “Go for Level 4,” became the mantra before the accreditation was held. According to PAASCU’s primer, incentives for being in a level four program include: (1) full autonomy

for the program for the duration of its level four accreditation status and (2) authority to offer new graduate programs allied to existing level four courses, open learning or distance education and extension classes without need for prior approval by CHED, provided that the concerned CHED Registration Office is duly informed. Some students reacted negatively to the University’s method of preparation. “The University rushed its renovation which resulted to disturbance in classes, negative feedback from alumni, and the majority’s distrust whether our tuition is truly put into good use,” said Jose Angelo Lorenzo

Gomos, third year development communication student, referring to how some teachers seemed to thoroughly prepare for class and how facilities were improved only during PAASCU visits. Quality Management Office (QMO) Director, Sr Clare Cecilia Salvani, RA, explained that “these improvements came up not only because of PAASCU” and were already planned and scheduled before their visit. As for the delay, she pointed out that “the implementation is difficult because the University is so huge and there are so many things to attend to.” She said the Pope Francis’ visit last January also contributed to the temporary halt of operation.

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Joseph Roldan Tagalog: President

by Samantha Isabelle H. Bagayas

oseph Roldan Tagalog, or Jrold, has strived to become an effective student leader since his second year in college. He has a long and varied list of leadership engagements, from being involved in Student Activities and Leadership Development (SACDEV) programs to co-curricular organizations. On his second year, he was a member of the Ateneo School for Upcoming Leaders (ASUL) and his then co-curricular organization, Junior Philippine Institute for Accountants (JPIA). From accountancy, he shifted to business administration in his third year and he became the Budget and Finance Department Head of XU STREAMS (Supplementary Training to Reinforce Education of Academically-gifted but Marginalized Students)-Pathways to Higher Education. His involvements in extraand co-curricular affairs continued as Special Project Director of Atenista Ako Movement (AAM), and the Department of Student Leadership Head of School of Business and Management Student Council (SBMSC). Tagalog believes his varied leadership engagements have helped him understand the problems that organizations may face. “I have a widened perspective when it comes to leading

different groups here in the University and I think that is very essential for the next CSG president because [the] CSG is the mother of all organizations here in Xavier.” He is also strongly grounded on the four pillars of his political party, Alyansang Atenista. “I think the four pillars are interconnected because we start with being pro-student. This reflects on our platform. We will represent you, we will better [our] service for you,” he stated. “Kung matagaan sila’g better service and marepresent ang mga students, they will become better persons. If naa na sila sa outside world, they can become men and women for others.” Students should come first For Tagalog, the CSG exists to represent the students and to resolve concerns raised by students themselves. By raising these issues to the administration, the CSG effectively acts as the bridge between it and the students. Tagalog plans to enhance these main functions with his platform YOU (Yield widened student representation, Organizational integration and collaboration, Upscaling of student services). If Tagalog wins this upcoming elections, he says student representation will be one of his main priorities. He pictures a system where the student councils, co-curricular and extracurricular organizations, and the CSG can collaborate to serve the student body. “If naa’y defined system where the organizations here in Xavier can integrate and can collaborate, mas mawiden ang reach sa student representation. And

Rodyard Camarin: Vice President by Daphne J. Dujali and Louren B. Aranas

Photo by Ian Kenneth O. Bicar

odyard Camarin, a junior business administration student, envisions a Directorate that fights for the rights of specific groups such as student athletes, student assistants, foreign students, and scholars. Backed by experience and passion to serve, he pictures a Central Student Government (CSG) that achieves no less than the recognition of rights and equality for all students. Passion and experience Since his elementary and secondary years, Camarin has taken part in legislation and student governance. This passion to serve students and interest in legislation pushed him to run for the position of CSG Vice President under the banner of Alyansang Atenista. Camarin believes that his early involvement in the Ateneo School for Upcoming Leaders (ASUL) helped develop his love for service. He became part of the first and second sessions of The Xavier Congress and was a delegate to the 31st Buklod Atenista and the Philippine Model Congress. Among others, he also took part in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Youth Summit 2015. Camarin shared aside from having gained learning on legislation from these experiences, these also strengthened his desire to lead. “Passion backed up by experience is what I think will make the next administration of the legislative branch better,” he shares. Widen participation Camarin’s platform is summarized in the acronym YOU: Yield more student concern, Organizational empowerment and student rights advancement, and Up scaling government transparency.

The first point redefines the Filipino youth’s role in the society as he encourages them to take a more active part in legislation by being more open in the expression of their thoughts and aspirations, all for the benefit of the community. “This platform will stimulate student participation through student fora that will enable them to express their concerns as well as bring them closer to the Directorate,” Camarin opines. For him, students should be given the chance to influence the decisions of the directorate and craft resolutions that they deem fit to enhance the community. Aside from student fora, he plans to heighten participation through an “open house.” Aware that some students are uncomfortable in verbally expressing their concerns, Camarin says the “open house” lets them write their concerns and submit it online or drop it in designated suggestion boxes around the campus. Camarin also believes in the involvement of organizations in legislation. “This is where we empower organizations politically through standardized external lobbying and discussions so there would be an open table where organizations share their ideas and stimulate discussions,” Camarin remarks. He emphasizes that empowerment is a social process that will allow organizations to bring the best out of them. “And that is where we exemplify Magis,” he adds. Finally, Camarin’s third point highlights the importance of enhancing the communication scheme between the Directorate and the students. He wants to give the students the privilege of a transparent government, so as to avoid any speculation over funds and to provide guidance especially in the crafting of new resolutions.

Resolutions According to Camarin, his points are focused on the enhancement of the students’ general welfare. He puts emphasis on groups that are least represented. “I will fight for them and especially those minorities: scholars, athletes, student assistants, and foreign students because these minorities kay dili gaka-dunggan,” he states. More specifically, fights for the integration of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) in the University. “As what you’ve noticed, sa MTP (Meet the Press), I always say I will be the voice of the minority… I have witnessed their pains. I’m part of the sector… The next administration will be focusing on these minorities,” he states. He cites student assistants as an example. “Some of them work as student assistants to be able to pay tuition,” he says in Cebuano. He plans to have the contract strictly followed as delay in the student assistants’ payment hinders them from taking examinations. “Lain kung ang studyante mangita pa’g lain kwarta nga naa man dani para ma-sustentohan ila’ng bayronon sa skwelahan.” His devotion to student service, backed by his experiences and determination to concretize his platforms, identifies Camarin as an advocate for change. “It is a synergism that would make the next administration better and I think that is my edge over the other candidates.”C

also mas ma-improve ang services that the CSG can provide sa mga students,” he shares. He also proposes a student lawyering program to improve student representation by training individuals to have an advanced knowledge of the Magna Carta. These ‘student lawyers’ can answer students’ concerns and inform them of their rights. Strengthening student services The University offers a wide array of services for the students that, Tagalog believes, can be further maximized using promotional materials. He says student services are available but the question lies in whether the students are aware of these. He also intends to optimize the Student Lifecycle Management and Information System (SLMIS) by using it for online enrolment and monitoring teacher evaluations. Tagalog thinks there is a great need to increase awareness on student services because students have a lot of complaints, but they don’t know to whom they should turn to. He also aims to organize a public inquiry where students can express concerns that only the Administration can answer. The young leader feels the heat of the elections this year, but he doesn’t think the existence of two other parties is a hindrance to achieve his vision. “I think the existence of other parties makes me excited because it’s a manifestation that there are already students [nga] gusto pud nga mu-help sa vision sa party, which is to provide student service.”C

February 2015 | Vol. 41 No. 6

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Ercille Mae Pacamo: President By Ma. Isabella C. Agawin

f I can do it sa council which will hold one college, I think I can do more to serve the whole university.” After being part of the Association of the College of Engineering Students (ACES) for four years, 21-year-old chemical engineering senior Ercille Mae Pacamo believes she is ready to take the next step in serving the University. Pacamo has held a leadership position in ACES since her second year in college: first as a 2nd year representative then as secretary the following year. She was also a treasurer last year and is currently the president of ACES. Pacamo, the chosen candidate of the recently established Guided Ateneans for Better Advocacy and Yield (GABAY), is determined to improve the Central Student Government (CSG) with the platform HAPPY. HAPPY stands for Holistic Service, Authentic Affection, Principled Leadership, Proactive Governance, and Yes! To Student Representation, and focuses on the key points liberty, truth, and justice. Making you happy Pacamo envisions the CSG to be the bridge between the Administration and the students. She also aims to provide facilities that will cater

to the arts. “Dili man tanan students academically inclined [to] sciences and the like. Naa man pud students na more on the arts,” shares Pacamo. She points out her application for presidency was moved primarily by a desire to serve the students—hence, her platform “authentic affection”. Pacamo wants CSG to run with three thematic points: liberty, justice, and truth—to become more than an event-organizing body. She believes CSG can be an avenue where issues can be addressed through reasonable solutions. She points out the controversial issue in last year’s Intramurals, where she felt the sanctions given to the engineering students were disproportionate to their raising of slogans perceived to be malicious. Though Pacamo is already confident with the work of the current CSG, her goal is to make it easier for the students to approach their government. “We are on the same side, whether student leader ka, athlete or foreigner. Gusto mi na ipaabot ang general concern sa students and [to] cater the needs through the administration,” she says. She believes that decisions can have greater impact by empowering the students and assuring them that the CSG is on their side.

Excellence first One of the issues Pacamo wishes to address is the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU) visitation. For her, efforts to make the school excellent were made only during the visitation when educational standards and school facilities were not yet up to par. “Why not level up sa ta, then ayha dayon ta magpa-accredit? Because it’s very natural sa ato if we are really [functioning on] level 4 [accreditation],” she says. She also observes that students lack discipline to maintain school facilities; for instance, some students keep on vandalizing the school’s elevators and comfort rooms. This is the vision of Pacamo: a united student body and government. “CSG would be a friend to all the students. Because CSG may compose significant officers but as a whole, CSG serves for the student body. We do not only lobby or cater the concerns of the officers but really of the students,” shares Pacamo.C

Jean Marlo Sepe: Vice President

Entering college, he expected a political landscape far different from that of where he came from. To his disappointment and frustration, he was again met with an uncontested presidency. Fuelled by the very motivation that sparked his political career, Jean and his GABAY running mates would want to make more than a few alterations in the current system which, he says, could be better. “GABAY really wants the students to be happy, that’s our goal.” Sepe aligns his platforms with that of his party, which upholds students’ satisfaction as its centerpiece. GABAY’s platform, when condensed, can be summed up in one word: HAPPY. Holistic Service, Authentic Affection Sepe envisions more relevant student activities that go a step further than raising awareness. He claims it is difficult for awareness campaigns to yield concrete results when students have not felt its impact in their everyday lives. For him, the low voting turnouts in recent years is attributed to the lack of holistic services which consequently make the CSG less felt by students not involved in campus organizations and affairs. The devotion with which they aim to serve, given they are elected into office, is what GABAY coins authentic affection.

Principled Leadership, Proactive Governance Having been appointed as Directorate secretary last year, Sepe envisions more policies that cater more to the needs of the students. He shares that student leaders lack discernment when they envision “big” things such as student representation, yet fail to see that most student’s needs can encompass seemingly unimportant commodities like more water fountains or tissue paper in the comfort rooms. “Sometimes student leaders talk about issues on a really high level when in fact ang mga estudyante gusto sila ng simple lang.” “Yes!” to student representation Sepe believes the lifeblood of the CSG is to represent the students—meaning the students’ voice must be heard, as is their right. This ensures the CSG’s constituents are protected and are regarded with importance. Among others, decentralizing and expanding the directorate are his means of doing so if elected. Currently a mathematics sophomore, Sepe’s short tenure as Directorate secretary taught him the ins-and-outs of the legislative process in the University. While the council passed a number of good resolutions, Sepe claims the representatives mostly beat around the bush. “I told myself that that this culture of having leaders not doing their best has to stop.”C

Photo by Ian Kenneth O. Bicar

ean Sepe hungers for change,” is a statement that would pass for a news headline. The vice presidential hopeful of the Guided Ateneans for Better Advocacy and Yield (GABAY) began challenging the status quo in his high school’s student body government elections. Sepe, then a third year student, heard the students’ disapproval of the lone presidential candidate. Consequently, he broke off from that party where he previously ran under as vice president, formed a new party, and challenged the originally undisputed candidates for a presidency which he eventually won by a considerable margin. “Doon ko nakita na if the students really want something and work for it, makuha gyud siya,” he shares.

By Lorenzo A. Botavara

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Karl Owen Sayson: USAD-XU President By Nitzschia Cassiopiea Beroe A. Lozarita

arl Owen Sayson’s passion for leadership is ten times the size of his body. Sayson, a junior marketing management major, tried to channel his passion somewhere else upon entering college but taking on leadership roles seems inherent to him. “It’s always been a part of me,” he shares. Sayson traces his passion way back 2006, when he would handle an entire class of 9-year-old pupils whenever their teacher was not around. Fastforward six years and he has become a block representative during his first year and second year in college. He has also been a part of the Judiciary Branch of the Central Student Government (CSG)-Supreme Constitutional Court for three years now. As of press time, he is a junior student volunteer for the Kristohanong Katilingban sa PagpakabanaSocial Involvement Office (KKP-SIO). As he runs for the presidential position under the banner of the newly founded Union of Students for the Advancement of Democracy-XU (USAD-XU), Sayson hopes to bring change wherever it is needed.

Starting with small issues The 19-year-old has his eyes on small issues which affect everyday life. One issue, for example, is how students don’t have access to elevators mainly because it has become susceptible to vandalism. For him, it does not provide sufficient reason to keep students out of the elevator, especially because they are paying for its maintenance. He suggests the best way to deal with this problem is to put up closed-circuit television cameras on elevators. “That will benefit not just them (Administration) kay mahibaw-an nila kung kinsa ang mga nag-vandalize pero [it will] also [guarantee] the safety sa mga students inside sa elevator.” Sayson also believes information dissemination in the University leaves much to be desired. He expounds, “I don’t know if everyone knows na we have a five percent increase in our tuition fee every year. We have the right to access information such as that.” His list goes on, reaching issues such as the strong enforcement of Magna Carta and the consistency of the security guards in implementing the dress code policy. “Our University security guards are more often than not inconsistent in how they enforce the regulations on the University dress code,” he says.

Edison Lacea: USAD-XU Vice President By Marina M. Garcia

Photo by Deanne Antoinette B. Yecyec

t 18, Edison Lacea is an accountancy student, the incumbent second year representative of the School of Business and Management Student Council (SBMSC), and the Director of Communications of the Ateneo School for Upcoming Leaders (ASUL). Seeing the clamor for change in the campus, Lacea has grabbed the opportunity to run for Vice President of the Central Student Government (CSG) under the party Union of Students for the Advancement of Democracy-Xavier University (USAD-XU). ‘Making heroes of ourselves’ With the ideologies of USAD-XU and a platform condensed into three main points— collaboration, “students first,” and good governance—Lacea aims to approach issues that, according to him, have been present in the University for too long. Lacea’s concern addresses the different parties that form the Directorate and their performance. He claims that the current dynamic between different parties prevents them from working toward the common good. He believes in a future “where the CSG and the college

councils can work together and not only compete against each other to become the best council.” That is why Lacea has planned that, for next year, the Directorate will act with collaboration as one of its strongest suits. “[It is called] Central Student Government but the question is, where is the ‘student’?” says Lacea, pointing out that the detachment of the CSG from the student population of XU is evident. As a consequence, he claims the present CSG does not accommodate the interests of the students anymore but instead puts the interests of the Administration first. He also states that the resolutions passed by the CSG should be relevant in a way that these directly affect the students of the University. For Lacea, as a consequence of the disengagement of the CSG and the students, the government focuses only on the ideas that come from students in position instead of getting ideas from its constituents. He suggests creating focus group discussions to allow all the students to share their ideas. “Instead of us being mere representatives, being their voice, why not, through legislation, [make] the Directorate the loudspeaker of the students?” he adds.

Rekindle legislation One of the major issues that Lacea wants to address is legislation in the University. “The legislation in Xavier is becoming irrelevant to the students and, in some ways, it’s becoming anti-students, to keep the image of the University,” he remarks. He also criticizes that if the organization is called “Central Student Government,” the students go above anything else and not the Administration of XU. That is why USAD-XU’s main tagline for the elections is “A government that fights with you,” because according to this party, the government has been complacent for too long. “Where is the magis when the government didn’t fight for them [the students]; did not fight with them; did not stand with them?”C

Ending with great visions “I envision a CSG that is really more open to the students kay ang CSG exists because of the students,” Sayson shares. He does not want to see students lined up outside the office’s doors out of hesitation to inquire. “That is a gauge kung unsa jud ka-open ang government, nga dili dapat intimidating. Dapat welcoming tungod kay it is the students’ government. It’s not just for the student leaders.” He also envisions a student government that advocates certain social issues. “The CSG should make a stand both on local and national issues. Dili lang CSG nga mag-hulat for other units in the University nga mao’y mag-una-una, kay diba dapat ang mga estudyante—since they are the prime stakeholders of the CSG—makabalo sila dapat nga naay gakahitabo outside.” Sayson believes the students’ information regarding issues outside the University should come firsthand from the CSG. Asked to rate his platform on a scale of one to ten, Sayson reflects, “I think 8.5 because my platform is something new. Student representation has been made mention even before, but it hasn’t really been acted upon.” Sayson is positive that if he emerges the CSG President this upcoming election, he will be able to fight for the students and turn his vision into a reality.C

February 2015 | Vol. 41 No. 6

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NEWS

‘15 campus election... Through “public administration inquiry,” the CSG will also evaluate if students are getting the worth of University services they pay for. “We are pushing to organize public inquiry para matagaan og venue ang students to raise their concerns to the administration,” Tagalog said. “We are already represented in the higher bodies of the University,” he explained his first agendum. “Your Alyansang Atenista’s agenda for next year is to widen what we already have… through student lawyering program. It will advocate awareness of [student] Magna Carta.” Emphasizing on being united as an Alliance, his plan on organizational integration and collaboration ripples to student councils effectively working with their co-curricular organizations. Student councils will assess the needs of their constituents while the CSG will help deliver these services. Tagalog cited the need for calculators of School of Business and Management students as an example. This second agendum brings him to upscale existing student services. “The challenge of the next administration is how to maximize these student services… para mu-widen ang reach sa mga students.” A concrete change envisioned by Tagalog is making online enrollment possible by maximizing Student Lifecycle Management and Information System. Beyond the campus Aside from addressing campus concerns, Camarin sees the need to engage in issues that affect the bigger community. “For my platform, I will be pushing for [a] congress outside to develop youth participation,” he explained on a planned community-based project regarding legislation. “We, as student leaders from Xavier, go outside and mag-bring ani. Dual effect siya nga as an alliance we believe in developing the youth outside. As a University, we are men and women for others. This is how we redefine the role of the Filipino youth in the society—by involving ourselves in concerns and issues like Bangsamoro Basic Law… na maapektuhan ta as youth.” USAD-XU A student-led political party that is rooted in the ideology of social democracy. That is how Elmer Cahilog, the premier of USADXU, defined their newly formed political party. USAD stemmed from one of Ateneo de Manila University’s political parties, Christian Union for Socialist and Democratic Advancement (CRUSADA). “We’re basically a family of political parties. We also have partners in Ateneo de Zamboanga University,” said Cahilog. Michelle Perez, USAD-XU Linkages Officer and co-founder, recalled how it started from a collective vision of different people. “This party started with the shared vision of many people.

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Naa koy giduulan nga mga people, isa is Paolo Galang, who is a member from CRUSADA. We then made a system based on CRUSADA. So I messaged CRUSADA and they even sent a representative last summer.” ‘Social justice, active student politics’ According to Cahilog, USAD-XU stands out from other political parties in XU because of their political ideology which is social democracy. This ideology is rooted on four pillars: freedom, solidarity, equality, and social justice. “Social justice is that when you are more sensitive to the needs of the society. In social justice, you consider a bigger aspect [like] the backgrounds of the people you are involved,” explained Jerica Joy Baiño, intelligence minister of USAD-XU. Baiño also points out how students of the University must not be limited to the four corners of the classroom. “We wanted to invite others to be more active. There has to be an avenue that provides [students] to be more concerned on the community.” One of the issues the party sees as a concern is a student government which somehow evolved to a mere events organizing body. “I think with our ideals, that is what we are trying to push. We want a student body that is concerned not only whether the General Assembly (GA) is not fun, the GA is boring,” Baiño added. Aside from focusing on social issues in general, USAD-XU ensures they don’t disregard the more proximate issues inside the University. “Dili man pud namo byaan ang issues sa students. The forefront of our advocacy is quality student representation. We are not just going to give [students] the voice but we are going to give them teeth,” Cahilog stated. He pointed out that although their party emphasizes on issues about social justice, the party still prioritizes campus issues. “Based on my observation, ga-sway lang ang students sa way of voting nga isa ra ang gina-vote. And ang mga student leaders wala’y ginabuhat para ma-change na nga issue,” said Perez, pointing out that students have become less proactive and less involved. “We are not a party that only comes alive during campus elections. What I see is a more active student politics. We have our advocacy and with that, we want to do something about the issues,” Baiño shared. Enlisting members, ensuing sustainability The party started by its pioneering members personally inviting student leaders from different courses. After having introduced their advocacy, they started discussing matters pertaining to the foundation of the political party. Recruitment was easy according to Calihog.

VOICE OUT. Supporters cheer for their candidates as they present their platforms at Meet the Press 2015. [M. Rodriguez]

Feb 19 1998 campus elections “Our members were student leaders na daan. Wala gyud mi nag lisud.” he recalled. Cahilog added the party’s advocacy became the driving force of student leaders to influence other students. On choosing the candidates, they said they don’t force their members to run. They also empower their members to ensure the sustainability of the party. “Kami man gud, dili mi gusto nga ang decision-making sa amo lang, we also share it with our members. We want them to have a sense of ownership,” Perez said. They are also looking for long-term solutions to address concerns on the party’s sustainability, one of which is to be recognized as an official student organization in XU. “Ang paningkamotan namo, i-recognize mi sa Student Activities and Leadership Development (SACDEV) Office as an organization para official among activities nga himuon. We don’t have alumni to back us up. So basically, that is the challenge,” expressed Calihog. Nonetheless, Calihog believed USAD-XU will continue to live to see its ideals realized. “Our model is CRUSADA-ADMU and we have CRUSADA existing for more than five years, so I believe we can also be sustainable.” GABAY Liberty. Justice. Truth. These three principles govern GABAY, a newcomer in the campus political scene. The creation of the party sprang from an idea when Jayve Ritardo, chairperson and founder, returned as a participant of Buklod Atenista, a conference of all student governments from five Ateneo schools in the Philippines. ”One problem that was presented in Buklod [Atenista] was that boring ang political scene diri sa XU because isa ra ang party. When we came back from Buklod [Atenista] that was in my mind” recalled Ritardo. In the first stages of GABAY’s onset, a friend of Ritardo who has had experience in the XU student government, helped craft the primary framework currently used by the party. Ritardo explained how their principles guide GABAY in changing the XU political setting. He said liberty is exercised through having the freedom to do what they decide as best for the students. Justice, as reflected in an Ignatian value, emphasizes their preferential option for the poor. For them, truth is pursued and concretized through a student government’s transparency in all aspects. ‘Microphone’ for student’s voice One of the concerns GABAY wants to focus on is student empowerment. Ritardo said the outgoing CSG administration has already laid down the framework of student representation. The job of the next administration, then, is to

Photo courtesy of Mr. Raymund Acedera

sustain and develop that framework. As Ritardo saw today’s situation, “Students are not empowered to use the CSG as their voice. Kumbaga, the different student governments including CSG are microphones ready to be used.” A concrete step GABAY plans to take is the creation of more avenues for student empowerment through research and statistics. Hotlines and survey forms will be used for students to easily air their concerns to the CSG. “We will make sure that offices next year will be friendlier, in such a way that helpdesks will be available for them to approach, so that students will be encouraged to visit and avail the different services that were intended for them,” said Ritardo. Party for the people “Our treasure in the political party is not on the party mismo but on the people inside it,” he shared. According to him, GABAY gives higher value on member development, which is a key factor in sustaining an organization, more so, a political party. “We invest in people who can develop the heart to continue GABAY. Unsaon man na nato’ng mga sustainable programs kung wala’y tao na musustain,” he explained. Ritardo also pointed out that students are not, in any way, forced to run under the GABAY banner. “We don’t force ourselves to people but instead we let the people come to us. Lisod kaayo magtrabaho kung bug-at ang dughan busa kailangan jud comfortable ka sa imong place.” For him, another advantage the party offers is allowing people to really be themselves. “We value liberty and as much as possible we let our members exercise liberty.” Ritardo affirmed that GABAY stands by its name—it guides its members to achieve their dreams and aspirations. “If gusto ka mu-dagan and you really have a heart for it, you can join GABAY and we will support you in your journey.” *** The birth of two political parties and continuous participation of the longest-running political party signal a different degree of student involvement in XU. In a span of nine months, leaders in the student government will be evaluated on their ability to represent the students and implement policies that directly affect them. Students may cast their vote on February 26 to 28 at the Peace Park, Engineering Satellite Canteen, Center for Integrated Technologies Laboratory, and Library Computer Laboratory.C

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EDITORIAL

Giving it another chance

Crusader

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Publishers Subscribing students of Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan

Editors Louren B. Aranas Editor in Chief Andrew Rey L. del Fierro Associate Editor Rico M. Magallona Design Editor Nitszchia Cassiopea Beroe A. Lozarita Managing Editor Rezza Mae B. Tolinero News Editor Samantha Isabelle H. Bagayas Campus Features Editor (Interim) Xian Louis Patrick R. Arcayera Local Features Editor Marina M. Garcia External Features Editor Ma. Isabella C. Agawin Sports Editor (Interim) Jericho B. Montellano Graphic Design and Layout Editor Paul Clinton B. Balase Photography Editor Marlon R. Boro Freehand Editor (Interim)

Illustration by Christian Loui S. Gamolo

Finance Officers Rochelle D. Barros Auditor Yoshabeth A. Valdehuesa Senior Finance Officer Maria Gladys B. Labis Junior Finance Officer Managers Ben Clark B. Balase Human Resource Manager Jigo L. Racaza Office Manager Marlon R. Boro Circulation Manager Keith Obed J. Ruiz Video Productions Manager Samantha Isabelle H. Bagayas Online Accounts Manager Mchael D. Poncardas Senior Computer Systems Manager Jo Marie Claire B. Balase Junior Computer Systems Manager

ll-out war” has become the knee-jerk solution of many since the January 25 Mamasapano clash. May it be from the television, radio, and social media, opinions for the need to fight as a “solution” has grown alarmingly evident. Unfortunately, those who are clamoring for an all-out war are usually not from Mindanao, or worse, do not even know the circumstances of the incident and the consequences of a full-out war. If the said “solution” were to be proposed in the National Capital Region, will these government officials like former President Joseph Estrada still push for a bloodshed? For decades, the Philippines has paved the way for peace processes in Mindanao: the creation of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) through Republic Act No. 6734 (also known as the Organic Act) and the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) attest to this fact. Entertaining the thought of war undoes all the progress made through these efforts, not to mention the considerable drain war poses on a region’s and the country’s resources. In a country whose assigned budget struggles to support its citizens, the frivolity of a war would place a hefty strain on the country’s finances. Aside from that, infrastructures built using the government’s budget risk destruction only to be rebuilt after the hypothetical conflict, straining the budget even further. But the destruction of the country’s economy pales in comparison to the war’s effect on the people caught in a crossfire. Civilians are at stake and they are haplessly thrown into the arena of war, unarmed and never unharmed. Even the clashes of rival Moro armed groups in Maguindanao caused hundreds of civilians to be evacuating from their homes since February 14, 2015. Gymnasiums became temporary shelters as many were ripped from their everyday lives. Children’s schooling and people’s daily livelihood are brought to a standstill; they constantly live in fear. If the consequence of one clash is severely felt, imagine the repercussions of a full-blown conflict. War may be an icon for the brave, but everyday life deserves due honor. War correspondents and people with firsthand experience know too well that wars portrayed in action movies are nothing compared to those in real life. Peace has always offered a win-win situation, as opposed to war which allows a vicious cycle of revenge. Instead of using time, effort, and money in pursuing a war, it can be directed to people for improving their lives rather than taking lives. The supposed budget for war can build infrastructures, provide jobs, and even improve the education in the country. Though it may be tempting to embrace anger in times of crisis, making a decision based on pure emotion can lead to repercussions too severe to even fathom. With this, one should not rush entering the realm of war just to suffice what one feels. While emotions may last for a short time, wars will not; for war restricts, alters, and most importantly, destroys life. To answer violence with violence would only result in a more savage chaos. As what Mahatma Gandhi said, “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.”C

OPINION

Night’s Watch

Xian Louis Patrick R. Arcayera

Staff Writers Romualdo Manuel C. Bacungan III (Trainee), Karl Patrick P. Bontanon (Trainee), Lorenzo A. Botavara (Trainee). Fatima Roqaya A. Datu-Ramos, Daphne J. Dujali (Trainee), Mary Antoinette M. Magallanes (Trainee), Marvin N. Pamisa (Trainee), Charissa D.C. Santiago (Trainee), James Edgar T. Sia (Trainee) Staff Artists Evan B. Aranas, Francis Ryan O. Avellana, John Niccolo A. Aquino, Ben Clark B. Balase, Ian Kenneth O. Bicar (Trainee), Mirachelle L. Bronola (Trainee), Christian Loui S. Gamolo, Kimberly Mae V. Llano (Trainee), Jigo L. Racaza, Markus Ronald D. Rodriguez (Trainee), Kieth Obed J. Ruiz, Jan Michael A. Sy, Lynette L. Tuvilla, Deanne Antoinette B. Yecyec (Trainee), Lorenzo B. Yecyec (Trainee),Venice Marie P. Villo Moderator Ms. Ann Catherine Ticao-Acenas The Crusader Publication Office, Rm. 302, Student Center Bldg., Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan, Cagayan de Oro City 9000.

Circulation: 5,000 copies

Vol. 41 No. 6 | February 2015 Layout by Rico M. Magallona and Jericho B. Montllano

Argumentation

he power of the Internet has changed the world in more ways than one. Social media has played a big role in sparking movements, most notably the Million People March—against the corruption-ridden pork barrel—which started from a single Facebook page. We live in an era where everything we express over the Internet could ultimately result in something much bigger than ourselves. Every planned action should give us pause for thought. The internet has also become a platform for discourse. More often than not, we see arguments ranging from ruckus about a celebrity refusing to wear a shirt given by the local government to a full-fledged debate on whether the government should declare an all-out war or not. Though some of the comments in the Internet provide well-informed and objective arguments, most demonstrate willful ignorance and banter. Some don’t even bother to learn more about the issue at hand. Worse, most people, sometimes referred as “keyboard warriors,” make uninformed stands and even become insulted in the very likely event that someone disputes their

opinion. These types of arguments mostly appeal to people’s emotions rather than to logic and reason. The recent Mamasapano clash has sparked hubbub in the internet, with various individuals eagerly airing their sentiments through blogs, posts, and comments. Inherently, discourse allows better understanding of the issue at hand. However, a substantial number of comments coming from discussion threads display lack of critical thinking. Statements like “Muslims are innately traitors” and “these people are barbaric and the only way to control them is when they are dead” are not only inappropriate, they also do nothing to contribute to the discussion and only complicates the issue. These comments also strengthen stereotypes about people of this faith. Some may argue that statements like these fall under the freedom of expression but we should take in mind that just because we have the freedom to express doesn’t mean we should not think about what we say, especially when it implicates causing harm to another person. Even if the expression of an opinion doesn’t result in

a punishment—no matter how morally wrong, illogical, or uninformed it is—we should be able to identify and understand why it is wrong. As rational individuals, we should encourage critical thinking and objectivity. We must remember that critical thinking is not just about outright disagreement to an idea. When listening to the opinions of others, we should evaluate their arguments and not blindly agree with what is said. By doing this, we are not only processing information more comprehensively, we are also able to identify and reject false ideologies. Critical thinking serves a dual purpose. One is to broaden our perspective in seeing different issues, another is to make us acknowledge and improve the flaws in our own thinking. Critical thinking allows us to create better solutions to the problems we face as we coexist in this world together. If we want to express our ideas, then we should do so with responsibility, and not just say something for the heck of it. Wise men, after all, speak because they have something to say; fools speak because they have to say something.C

February 2015 | Vol. 41 No. 6

www.thecrusaderpublication.com

NEWS

13 resolutions approved in Xavier Congress by Daphne J. Dujali with reports from Fatima Roqaya A. Datu-Ramos

epresentatives from different colleges and select organizations attended The Xavier Congress (TXC) on January 25 at AVR 5 and AVR 8. The two-part session aimed to discuss: students’ rights and welfare, academic matters, students’ involvement and responsibilities, University facilities, and Administration concerns. TXC is an annual assembly of representatives from different colleges and organizations where attendees can propose resolution to be deliberated upon by CSG representatives, the facilitators of the event. For academic concerns, two out of four resolutions were approved: the resolution to install closed-circuit television cameras inside the elevators and along the corridors, and the resolution requesting all faculty members, both full-time and part-time, to update students of their academic standing through Student Lifecycle Management Information System (SLMIS). Under students’ rights and welfare, the resolutions approved were: CSG to propose that teachers be discouraged from forcing students to buy unnecessary academic materials; encourage college departments to orient the teachers on the Magna Carta; and for CSG to propose that the first week after enrolment be held as a non-formal class week. These resolutions will be forwarded to the Academic Council.

The resolution to have classes suspended during the annual intramurals to give players time to train without sacrificing their class, and the resolution for a new feature in the SLMIS program that would allow students to order and reserve books online were also approved. ‘Campus legislation’ Since its establishment in 2013 by Harold John Laborte, then Vice President of the Central Student Government (CSG), The Xavier Congress (TXC) represents an opportunity for all students to actively partake in the campus legislation.The concept of TXC was crafted from Laborte’s experience in attending the Philippine Model Congress 2013. The Philippine Model Congress is the “country’s premiere legislative simulation program” wherein students can present relevant issues to the congress; bills passed are presented to the Senate and House of Representatives. “Gi-integrate dayon nako ang program na akong natun-an mismo sa Philippine Model Congress. Gi-integrate nako sila to come up with Xavier Congress, which is basically there to make the students [be] heard and be represented,” Laborte stated. Through its integration in Laborte’s platform during his term as Vice President of the CSG, TXC has gradually succeeded in gathering year-level representatives and discussing relevant issues circulating around

the University. The creation and implementation of resolutions are tasks that require the full attention of the members of TXC. From the brainstorming process of resolutions to debating about which ones to approve, up to the process of informing the concerned offices or organizations about the approved resolutions, the TXC stands as the mediator of the students’ rights. TXC not only promotes the rights of the students but also gives them the chance to be a part of and become more involved with the processes of legislation. It encourages the active participation of individuals to step forward and voice out the changes they wish to see implemented within the campus. “One of my platforms is heightening constituent insights,” Sharmaine Lobido, current CSG Vice President said. “Every student here in the university kay naa sila’y pagpakabana bitaw of what’s happening in our University. So they have the chance, through the TXC, to give their comments or suggestions through the resolutions.” Laborte elaborated on the initiative, “The Xavier Congress teaches the students how to make laws, how to make resolutions, how to legislate, how to discuss issues and how to debate.”C

Errata

Crusader wishes to rectify these errors published in its People Magazine. • Roel Ravanera graduated from the University of the Philippines-Los Banos, not from XU. • Ravanera did not work in “agricultural companies.” He worked with different companies and organizations in line with agriculture. • He was invited to apply as dean of the College of Agriculture, not “called to apply.” • During his term, the College of Agriculture has achieved level III PAASCU accreditation, not level II. • The College being “not much of an established and recognized college” is a faulty assumption by the writer. • For clarification: During Ravanera’s term, the College having “obtained COCOFED scholarships” means the number of scholars increased. • Ravanera did not retire; his term as the dean ended. The Crusader sincerely apologizes, especially to Mr. Roel Ravanera, for these errors. We have taken measures to avoid similar incidents and disciplinary action against the writer. The following errata will be incorporated in the online version of the People Magazine. The

Louren B. Aranas Editor-in-Chief

ROTC receives 7 awards from AFP, PAF By Lorenzo A. Botavara

Local and National Elections FIRM. ROTC cadettes honors a ceremony.

aving received seven awards and commendations from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine Air Force since 2013, it was only a matter of time before the XU-Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) unit of the University was recognized in September 2014 as the “Top ROTC Unit of the Year.” Cadets are mostly seen performing repetitive marching drills in the field—a misleading image as their recent recognition has little to do with snappy movements and straightened backbones. Cadets for others Aside from the rudimentary duties of holding the colors and providing additional manpower, especially for security measures, during large-scale University events, the department is also strongly involved in community development programs such as tree-planting and bloodletting activities around the province. Cadet Colonel Louie Gerodiaz, a senior computer studies student, said these programs are the basis for judging outstanding units. “Involvement equals performance. Ni-stand out siya kay gitagaan gyud mi og opportunity sa among superiors to work as a department,” he said, referring to those at the 8th Air Reserve Center (8th ARCEN) in Lumbia. Before the PAF assumed command in 2007, XU-ROTC struggled with the approval of outreach programs under the long

[J. RACAZA] chain of command of the Philippine Army. Under the air force, the ROTC took flight when its mission was incorporated with Xavier’s mindset of being “men and women for others”. It was a turning point that ultimately led to its national recognition along with the awarding of Cadet Lt Col Jan Rogie Macandili as Male ROTC Cadet of the Year. Struggling with the stigma Despite having received the highest possible recognition for a single unit, XU-ROTC cadets are still disturbed by the stigma that they are merely visual appendices to make university-wide events look more important; especially among freshmen who have yet to take the National Service Training Program (NSTP). “Dili mi kutob ra anang martsamartsa og mag-duty lang sa school. Mao na among gusto i-wala nga stigma,” shared Gerodiaz. *** ROTC is under the NSTP of the University; unlike the other two components, Literary Training Service and Civic Welfare Training Service, ROTC includes military training. These components provide an avenue for students to be more involved in the community and to concretize the University’s mission of forming “persons for others.”C

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FEATURE

The Bangsamoro dream: What happens now? by Fatima Roqaya A. Datu-Ramos

n light of the January 25 Mamasapano clash—between the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP SAF), and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF)—it is high time that people know of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). On September 10 2014, the draft of the BBL was passed to the congress. This event was recognized by Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Sec. Teresita Deles as “a turning point in the nation’s quest for peace in Mindanao.” The law is based upon the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed by the MILF and the Philippine government in March 2014. The CAB, which sealed more than a decade of negotiations between the two parties, is the final peace agreement between the MILF and the Philippine government. What is the BBL? BBL is a proposed bill that will abolish the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and will give birth to the Bangsamoro political entity. It aims to establish a “new Bangsamoro political entity and provide for its basic structure of government,” in line with the Bangsamoro people’s aspirations. According to the Official Gazette, the Bangsamoro people refer to those who “at the time of conquest and colonization were considered natives or original inhabitants of Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago and its adjacent islands including Palawan, and their spouses, and descendants.” Upon enactment, the BBL will revoke

Republic Act number 9054, or the Act that strengthens and expands the organic act for ARMM. The BBL will not produce a new state or country but will only establish an entity that is still under the rule of the Philippine President. Article 3-Section 1 of the BBL draft states that “the Bangsamoro territory shall remain a part of the Philippines.” The core territory of the Bangsamoro is comprised of the present ARMM provinces and municipalities, the cities of Cotabato and Isabela. Neighboring areas can opt to join the Bangsamoro entity as long as a petition of at least ten percent of the registered voters asking to join is presented at least two months before the enactment of the BBL. What are the policies, powers, and principles of the BBL? Once ratified, BBL will allow the Bangsamoro entity to exercise its right to selfgovernance, which allows it to pursue its own economic, social, and cultural development. The Bangsamoro Government shall be parliamentary under a democratic political system, which means its people can freely take part in its political processes. According to Article 4– Section 5 of its draft, the Bangsamoro entity will have to follow the rule that the Philippines does not adhere to war as an instrument of national policy, to adopt the generally accepted principles of international laws, and to remain devoted to the policy of peace, equality, justice, freedom, cooperation, and peaceful relations with all nations. As this news reached the Xavier community, contrasting opinions have been

heard from students. A psychology student opines that even though she thinks that the moros or Philippine Muslims have a right to such autonomy, she doesn’t disregard the possibility that “[the BBL] is just another disaster waiting to happen. Are we (the Filipinos) really ready for this?” Whereas Kenneth Sy, an international studies student, says, “As Muslim by blood but Catholic by practice, this basic law gives me the sense of pride that these fellow Mindanao natives are finally claiming their own autonomy to achieve peace. This should be given importance as it can contribute to peace and peace shall prevail.” *** As of press time, the passage of the BBL is delayed by the Mamasapano clash which resulted to the death of 44 PNP-SAF members, 18 MILF fighters, and five civilians. The incident has resulted into some lawmakers withdrawing support for the BBL. Deles will be an honorary doctorate and commencement speaker during XU’s commencement exercises on March 26, 2015. The Fr William F. Masterson SJ Award for contributions to social development will be given to Miriam Colonel-Ferrer, chair of the GPH Peace Panel in Talks with the MILF, and Mohagher Iqbal, chair of the MILF Peace Panel and Bangsamoro Transition Commission. The Board of Trustees decided that they be given these awards “for their conscientious and patient efforts to engage in democratic dialogue and negotiations for peace in Mindanao.”C

XU programs undergo... from page 1 Although the renovations were not mainly because of the PAASCU’s visit, Salvani saw that the beautification of the campus would signify the warm welcoming of the guests. Upcoming accreditations Another set of the University’s programs are scheduled for accreditation on March 5 and 6, 2015. This is comprised of the reaccreditation of the College of Agriculture and College of Engineering programs (Electronics and Communication Engineering, and Industrial Engineering). Aside from that, the College of Nursing will have its formal accreditation survey and the College of Computer Studies will have its preliminary survey. Applying for level three reaccreditation, the College of Agriculture has two preparation phases: first is the self-survey wherein they formed committees to evaluate (June – October 2014), and second, reports were submitted to QMO which is received by the AVP, then by the President and finally, to PAASCU (November – December 2014). The areas evaluated include the faculty, laboratories, curriculum and institution, research, and extension. Accreditation results will possibly be available by June 2015. “I look at PAASCU reaccreditation survey as a tool for continual improvement,” College of Agriculture dean, Ma. Rosario P. Mosqueda, PhD, expressed. PAASCU is a private body that started as a voluntary accrediting association founded by the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines in the 1950s. Its primary goal is to improve the quality of education in private schools in the country.C

City implements new fare matrix by Mary Antoinette M. Magallanes

ecently, a new fare matrix for motorized caretelas or motorelas was made public in the city, subtracting PHP1 from the original fare price. According to Section 1 of the City Ordinance 11670-2010, “the Privilege Fare Rate of Motorela in Cagayan de Oro City shall automatically be fixed based on the prevailing local pump prices of the gasoline effective on April 1, 2010.” As of press time, retail prices of petroleum products fall under the P40-55 per liter price bracket. Senior citizens, high school students, and college students are to pay PHP6, persons with disabilities are to pay PHP5, while elementary students are to pay PHP2. If the price of gasoline is lower than this bracket, the fare will decrease by a peso except for elementary students. Conversely, a higher price entails an additional peso to the fare. In response to the mandate of the said Ordinance, the Committee on Public Utilities, Task Force Hapsay Dalan and the City Information Office directly issued a public announcement on December 1, 2014, regarding the implementation of the new fare matrix. “Nag release mi og advisory ani. Nag-advise mi sa media. In fact, diri sa Motorela Licensing Division among giignan nga mag-distribute og katong fare matrix,” said Edgardo Uy, chairperson of the Hapsay Dalan Task Force. Uy added that drivers who are caught overcharging will be charged a penalty of PHP500. Motorela drivers are also required

to post tariffs inside their vehicles which they can acquire from the City’s Motorela Licensing Division. Failure to acquire such will be subjected to the same penalty fee. Despite its advantage to commuters, the rollback poses a disadvantage to motorela drivers. “Maayo man sa uban nga katong nag-tubil og dako,” shared Marlon Tejero about the impact of the fare rollback. “Pero sa amo [motorela drivers], dako kaayo ug epekto.” Tejero explained that every day, a motorela consumes about four liters of gasoline. With the price rollback, moterela drivers were able to save PHP8 for the cost of the gasoline they use; however, this does not compensate the greater loss in their everyday earnings. “Sa minimum nga 200 ka pasahero ang among kwaon sa isa ka adlaw, kwaan to tagsa-tagsa ug piso, PHP200 na,” explained Tejero. “200 kabuok among pangitaon sa isa ka adlaw kay para maka-abang mi, maka-tubil ug maka-dala mi sa among pamilya.” The city is one of the pioneering places to have used motorelas as a common mode of transportation after its creation. Raphael Floirendo Sr., a native of Northern Luzon who migrated to CdeO, invented the motorela in 1964 under Patent 2243. It introduced a new age of motorized transportation in the city and other parts of the country, replacing the Spanish era’s caretella or horse-drawn carriage.C

February 2015 | Vol. 41 No. 6

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NEWS

Debate Circle ranks 6th at 35th World Universities Debate Championship By Romualdo Manuel C. Bacungan III

From left to right: Jae Anne Asperin, Ervin Patrick Cui, Jaya Minorca Bautista, Camilla Abrillo, Reine Cabreira, Reese Marban, Carmela Cua, Marianne Besas [P. BALASE]

he Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan Parliamentary Debate Circle (XU-AdC PDC) earned yet another victory as they placed highest among four universities from the Philippines during the World Universities Debate Championship on December 27, 2014 to January 3, 2015. Dubbed as the “Olympics of Debate,” the 35th World Universities Debate Championship (WUDC) at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia was attended by 275 debate teams from different universities all over the world. WUDC is the “world’s

most prestigious intercollegiate debating championship.” Together with University of the Philippines-Diliman, Ateneo de Manila University, and De La Salle University, XU’s Debate Circle represented the Philippines in the competition. XU ranked 6th out of the 16 teams who entered the quarter finals of the English as a Secondary Language category. Three people were part of the team, composed of Giano Libot and Lee Arvin Gogo, with Apple Abrillo, sophomore international studies student, as their adjudicator.

The Debate Circle had to overcome obstacles even before joining the competition. Abrillo shared that the team’s biggest challenge was funding and its expenses usually deterred the team from competing. Being an international event, the competition was sometimes held in different countries and the organization’s resources were depleted after their involvement in local competitions. The University gave monetary support but it wasn’t enough. “Ang nakapag-tapal na lang ato [kay] nag-ask nalang mi og solicitation,” shared Abrillo. The team prepared for the competition by holding training sessions and studying news and current events. For debaters, being part of this competition is the pinnacle of your career. “Gi-ignan gyud ko sa akong mentor from the start nga gamay ra kaayo tao ang naa’y opportunity para makaapil ana,” opined Abrillo. “Katong naa ko didto, kakita ko sa lain debaters nga gikan sa Oxford and Cambridge nga grabe ka maayo. Inspiring kaayo siya kay I hope nga with enough dedication and hard work, mapareha mi sa ila.” Their performance in the said competition is the Debate Circle’s greatest achievement to date. This was also the second time the Debate Circle joined the competition; the first time was in Manila in 2012, wherein they also reached the quarter finals in the same category. They ranked 14th out of 16 finalists out of 400 teams.C

RSO Month: Turning words into results By Marvin N. Pamisa and Charissa D. Santiago barangays in the city on establishing Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plans (BDRRMP) to associate awareness, preparedness, and initiative.

AWARENESS. Henri Ankone tackles “The Geopolitics of Food” in Festival of Ideas, an event part of the RSO Month celebration. [P. BALASE]

aluable information may soon become forgotten knowledge if not applied. The University, being grounded on community involvement, has a vast collection of research information necessary for community developmental plans. The Research and Social Outreach (RSO) cluster is responsible for turning valuable research into concrete projects—a testament of the University’s pursuit of greater societal engagement. To showcase these projects to the University, RSO celebrated its annual month-long celebration from January 21 to February 23. According to Arniel Daluz, RSO month project head, the celebration is also “for the XU community to know and have a greater appreciation of what we [in RSO] do.” Thematic areas The RSO cluster is tenaciously grounded on five thematic areas and goals: food security, health, environment, governance, and peace. These goals are the major hallmarks of the cluster which, according to Daluz, are also “the bases of the projects and researches we [in RSO] do.”

The College of Agriculture has been the pioneer in food security and the RSO has partnered with organizations such as the Catholic Relief Services (XU CRS) to train farmers from all over Mindanao and from the far corners of Luzon and Visayas. With the College of Engineering, they created the Engineering Resource Center (ERC) which focuses on the disaster risk reduction management program in the University. Relating to environment, Daluz said they also have tree planting activities through the National Service Training Program (NSTP), another one of their units. Meanwhile, in health, they have partnered with the College of Medicine and developed Sustainable Sanitation or SuSan, a special waterless toilet. “Our nursing students roam around communities just to teach basic health and hygiene,” Daluz added. Under governance, RSO houses the Governance and Leadership Institute (GLI) which, through trainings and seminars, is responsible for capacity building among local government units. Dixon Yasay, Director of GLI and former mayor of Opol, is a pioneer of the GLI and trains mayors already in the position. They currently teach 44

On the limelight Series of fun, relevant activities and vivacious programs marked up this year’s RSO month celebration, one of which was the XU Tagbuan where people from different communities sold their yielded crops along the Magis walkway. “Kani sila [vendors], they are our partners in the community which we help,” Daluz shared. “Gitudluan namo sila sa mga pamaagi sa insakto na pagpanananom og pag-recycle.” The three-part Festival of Ideas, another one of RSO’s events, was a series of talks that covered a wide array of topics. Held during the first three Saturdays of February at the Nursing Amphitheater, the set of discussions embarked on calling the people to action through distinguished speakers. Among the speakers were Thomas Kellenberg, founding director of the Island Kids Foundation, and Neric Acosta, presidential adviser for environmental protection. All the speakers talked about food security, environment, sympathy, politics, government and the recent Mamasapano clash—all in convergence with RSO’s thematic goals. It was the first-of-its-kind to have been university-based and catered to the need of raising social awareness among people. Hilly Ann Quiaoit, Vice President of RSO, expounded on the Festival of Ideas’ purpose, “We build awareness as well as have these dialogues and exchange of ideas and we don’t limit it, it’s like an out-of the-box innovation and it’s a first for a university-based initiated activity,” Other activities included the XU Press Day, ERC Lecture Series, Kinaiyahan Film Festival, and the Aggies Research and Extension Symposium. *** The University’s RSO cluster exemplifies what St. Ignatius of Loyola believed—one must concretize a desire to help others through acts of goodness and charity. The research and community programs do exactly that, with its influence continuing to transcend the boundaries of the University.C

Crusader

The

www.thecrusaderpublication.com

NEWS

Through the AGES: Laborte admin reviewed

DATA

By James Edgar T. Sia

agis through the AGES” was Harold John Laborte’s slogan when he ran unopposed for Central Student Government (CSG) President last year. Laborte promised his constituents they would “see more CSG”—that is, a CSG hard at work to advance his four-point agenda of advancement, growth, engagement, and services. The CSG’s success, then, can be measured by its accomplishments in each area. Advancement in the system Laborte increased the number of executive departments from four to 13, as he believes specialization is the key to effectiveness. “Naa’y tendency nga ang isa ka department mabug-atan sa mga trabaho kay ang advocacy sa usa ka department very broad,” he says. He issued Executive Order No. 3 to institutionalize research units, both in the college councils and the CSG itself, that are tasked with gathering statistics and insights to aid in making and implementing policies for the students. Ercille Mae Pacamo, presidential candidate of Guided Ateneans for Better Advocacy and Yield (GABAY), observes this internal change avoids “overlapping of responsibilities.” Meanwhile, former CSG President Ernesto Neri disagrees with the new setup, speculating that more departments might spell more internal conflict. “Sa akong perspective, it would be better if [the departments] just organized themselves into clusters,” he says. Sectoral and organizational growth Laborte asserts that his administration has actively supported not only student organizations but also a handful of student sectors—athletes, scholars, student assistants, foreign students, and student dormers. Representatives from the Xavier University-United Religious Organization (XUURO) and the Xavier Center for Culture and the Arts-Performing Arts Club (XCCA-PAC) were granted seats in this year’s cabinet, too. With the recent announcement of Executive Order No. 5, the Assembly of ExtraCurricular Organizations (AECO) was recently granted autonomy “on matters pertaining to fiscal management, membership, and internal administration” as a countermeasure against possible abuse by future CSG administrations. The AECO was also granted a room of its own at StC 603 courtesy of Executive Order No. 6, “to provide the Assembly with a working space for them to conduct their daily operations.” Interactive student and civic engagement Under Laborte’s administraton, CSG made an information dissemination strategy consisting of text messages, social media updates, and roomto-room visits for greater student interaction.

from outgoing CSG administration assessment survey conducted February 16 & 17 at XU Main and CIT campus

Moreover, the attendance and minutes of every executive meeting have been released via the CSG’s Facebook page for public perusal. “Gi-release namo among minutes kay gusto namo nga ang students [makahibalo] unsa’y among gina-discuss. Gina-release namo ang among attendance aron [makahibalo] sila kon kinsa ang pirme present,” Laborte explains. The CSG held its first Open Budget Forum, wherein its financial statements for the previous and current semesters were discussed and critiqued by members of the XU community. “Ga-release mi og budget allocation per sem, ga-release mi og cash flow, ga-release mi og expenditure report,” Laborte elaborates, assuring that the amounts declared via social media conform to records maintained by the Finance Office, and are validated by the Commission on Audit. When it comes to civic engagement, however, USAD-XU presidential candidate Karl Owen Sayson feels the outgoing CSG administration still leaves a lot to be desired. “I think that the CSG was only visible during the AFARM issue, and then also [during] the [Coco Levy issue]… in some socio and civic engagements that the CSG should engage [in], kay wala.” He expressed disappointment that the current CSG has not established strong working ties with the Kristohanong Katilingban sa PagpakabanaSocial Involvement Office (KKP-SIO). Improved student services and welfare The CSG held an assembly to discuss revision of the Magna Carta, to include the rights and responsibilities of student athletes, foreign students, student assistants, and scholars. Laborte recalls he promised this Magna Carta revision when he ran for office. Laborte also regards the CSG’s recently increasing student representation in University committees as a legacy to future administrations. CSG officers can now interface with their counterparts in the Administration during official meetings. The CSG has also delegated regular student services to the college councils, such as calculator rentals, in an effort to make them more accessible. Unfortunately, according to one business administration major, while “this year’s administration is better than the previous year [sic],” most students “[aren’t] aware of the services that CSG provides.” Revamped vision While taking the CSG’s top post has been a cinch for him, Laborte assured his constituents the CSG would work hard “to make [their] campus life better.” They also adopted a new vision earlier this year—“to become the premiere student government in Southeast Asia by 2034.” By then, CSG will be celebrating its 50th year of service. The first steps CSG must take to fulfill this

By college: College

No. of students surveyed

College of Arts and Sciences

126

College of Engineering

144

College of Agriculture

College of Computer Studies

College of Nursing

School of Business and Management

126

School of Education

Center for Integrated Technologies

TOTAL

516

By year level: Year Level

No. of students surveyed

1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year 4th Year 5th Year

108 127 147 117 17

Responses to survey questions:

109

65 369

Is the CSG’s various services for students helpful?

339

245

117

Is the outgoing CSG administration supportive of student organizations/ aspiring student leaders?

Has the CSG done enough to raise awareness about and engage social and community issues?

66 149

143

194

238

373

135

173

Are you satisfied with how the CSG has organized campus events this year?

148

Do you think that the CSG has made effective use of its budget to serve the XU undergraduate community?

199 169

As a student, are you empowered by the CSG’s representing your most important concerns?

vision, then, are crucial. Even now, however, the XU student body’s response to the outgoing administration’s efforts has been, on average, lukewarm. “I don’t feel the CSG at all,” says a student from the Center for Integrated Technologies. Not all disapproved of the Laborte administration’s performance, though. As a business administration student puts it, “So far, the administration was okay. They did great and the activities they made were very productive and successful.” “CSG is already in a good state when I

Is the outgoing CSG administration open regarding their dealings and accountable to their constituents?

Yes No Indifferent

assumed to office, I just [had] to make it better,” Laborte said in his State of the CSG presentation on January 25. As his term comes to a close, he admits so much remains to be done. Laborte hopes the next administration will “continue the vision of CSG nga i-attain gyud ang 2034.” But who will succeed Laborte? Unlike last year’s campus election, three candidates now contend for the CSG presidency. It remains to be seen who the victor will be, much less whether they will do their utmost to serve the students and bring the CSG closer to its new vision.C

CSG organizes first XU TEDx event By John Kenneth E. Ching

fter months of planning by the Central Student Government (CSG), TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) is coming to XU. TEDxXU, an independently organized TED event and the first of its kind in Northern Mindanao, gathers some of the notable local personalities in a series of talks on February 25 at InsideOut City. As of press time, the lineup of speakers and their topics are Bernadette Tismo, PhD (The Growing World of Language: Transitioning from Communication to Expression), XU student and artist Rustie Quintana (Passion in the Streets),

entrepreneur Chingkee Te (Finding Silence in the Noisy World); development communication professor Evans Yonson (Of Politics and Memes: The Presence of Social Media in Philippine Politics), award-winning CDO Blogger Vic Marlon Madriaga (The Essence of Greetings in the Cyberspace), and XU philosophy professor Joseph Bibal (The Science of Saying No). “I want an avenue na mag-share ta og ideas, kay so far sa school, permi ta’g gina-busy sa leadership… What about pareha sa una sa Athens na mag-share sila og ideas,” explained Arsenio Meneses, TEDxXU project head, pertaining to the lack of venues for discussing a variety of

topics in the campus. Furthermore, videos of other TED and TEDx talks around the globe will stream in between speeches. Tickets are priced at PHP300, which already covers payment for the participants’ snacks, the venue, and other expenses. Apart from ticket sales, the event is also funded by a budget from the CSG as well as from its sponsors. Meneses hopes that non-attendees will also benefit from the event. “It goes down to the idea of rippling… that those 100 people kay ma-share nila ang gina-convey.” For him, the essence of TEDxXU, like Find X Project or SIBYA, lies in the variety of its

talks. “Ang uban man gud, like Find X, kay about sa leadership. SIBYA is about media. TEDx is about anything na naay relevance.” He also hopes to help solve student apathy through TEDx. “This can be an uplifting program for idea awareness,” he mused. TED is series of nonprofit conferences around the globe featuring a wide variety of topics from some of the world’s best thinkers and leaders. TEDx events are local TED-like events that can be organized through acquiring a license from TED.C

February 2015 | Vol. 41 No. 6

www.thecrusaderpublication.com

FEATURE

On the up-and-up: beating back student apathy by Charissa D. Santiago and Andrew Rey L. del Fierro

fter remaining the dominating political party in XU for several years, Alyansang Atenista (AA) has been joined by rival parties Guided Ateneans for Better Advocacy and Yield (GABAY) and the Union of Students for the Advancement of Democracy (USADXU) in a bid for several seats in the student councils and numerous key positions in the CSG— specifically, president and vice president. In a matter of weeks, XU campus politics have shifted from student candidates facing zero opposition to three candidates furiously fighting for the throne. What does all this mean for the students? Vying for the vote The competition between the recentlyemerged political parties forces each to recruit more students to its cause, thus already increasing the number of students involved in campus politics. With more manpower, the parties can also accomplish larger-scale promotional campaigns and, with the added pressure of two other opponents, capturing the constituents’ attention had never been so crucial to a candidate’s success. It can be argued that, compared to other years, the candidates are more determined than ever to involve students in the election process and combat student apathy. Inert electorate Unfortunately for the candidates, this is no easy feat. Since 2011, voting turnout for the CSG main elections has remained well-below half of the electorate. For instance, 2011 saw the participation of 40.19 percent (4,313 of 10,732) of the entire student population, followed by 2012 and 2013 with the participation of 37.52% (4,021 of 10,716) and 39.49% (4,240 of 10,738) of the electorate, respectively. Last year’s election saw the participation of 32.02 percent of the student body, marking the lowest voter turnout in recent years.*

The trend, though showing minor fluctuations, depicts a student body that is relatively uninvolved in the affairs of its governing body; the consequences of which can be quite severe. Consequences of not caring Voter apathy entails several repercussions. Firstly, students will not have the right to be upset with the outcome of the elections if, they didn’t exercise their responsibility to vote. Furthermore, voter apathy can lead to a poorly represented student council in the future. Future CSG councils may become the voice of the organization solely instead of the voice of the students—a sentiment shared by some members of the running parties. Instead of making decisions based on the desires of the students, they may just make decisions based on their own wants seeing most of the student body doesn’t seem to even want to be involved. Perhaps the most damning consequence of apathy is severely limiting the power of both the students and the government that represents it. An electorate that is uninformed of and indifferent to its government’s resolutions deprives it of the momentum it needs to ensure the success of the resolution. The resolution, perhaps designed to grant more power to the student, is instead shelved to be decided upon at a later time. The promise of progress This year’s campus election, however, holds the promise of a more active electorate, the outlook on elections seeming relatively positive. Asked for their reason for voting, several students shared the same opinion: it was time for the Central Student Government to improve, and it was up to the students to make that into a reality. Ariane Louise Corcino, a sophomore accountancy student, explains, “Voting is also one way of helping other people. This is not just about us, it’s about choosing what is best for the XU community as a whole.” For her, there is a resounding need for better leaders to better the community.

SUFFRAGE. XU students prepares for campus elections. Andrea Joy Blakemore, a freshman nursing student, shares the opinions of some of her fellow freshmen. “I think there’s [going to] be plenty especially first-years who want to have much better leaders for their stay here in XU.” Edison Abella, a junior development communication student, adds that he wants to help deserving people rise to power and influence. He states that he shall be voting “to help not the running candidates but my coAteneans [of] whom are/is deserving in the position.” Many have been encouraged to vote now that there is more than one running political party. It gives students the chance to be proactive and not just wait for the elections to end knowing who will be in position before the voting period even begins. Osmund Cadenas, a junior economics student states, “I vote to exercise my right to suffrage… Yes, because the three political parties sound good for students to have other

[J. AQUINO]

choices instead of choosing only one.” As expected, not all students shall vote in this year’s elections. Daryl Agapito, a sophomore psychology student sheds light as to why some students, including himself, will not vote. “I don’t know the candidates, and just like real politics[,] di japon na mag-matter ang voting because kung kinsa ang mas sikat, siya man jud ang mudaog. It’s not about skills and platforms.” *** The power to vote is one of the few things every student equally has. It equalizes the masses as each vote is just as important as all the others. Most students do not realize the importance of their votes. It gives each one the power to choose someone who will appeal to the Administration, fight for their rights and even better the political state of the University than that of our country.C

*Information obtained from the CSG Electoral Commission

LAMPOON

Cora Contrabida

Cora for President!

t’s election season again and I’m still allergic to loud student leaders who do nothing but laud their achievements in social media. I guess it’s one thing for people to affirm the good works of others, and it’s an entirely different thing to re-affirm yourself in the eyes of the public over and over again for your point to come across. Ehem ehem. *sneezes* Told you I’m allergic. But then again, some student leaders don’t do what they say or can’t even bother to update us about anything significant going on. Is my life so unromantic that even promises made by strangers are meant to be broken? Hah. Those pesky ones at least always get to manage to share on Facebook that they’re in all these nice places to keep up with their affairs as “student leaders”. I don’t know which of them get on my nerves more. Anyway, so much drama has been going on with running for office that I guess it’s about time for real change to happen. It’s about time that the student extraordinaire (that’s me), chief satirist (still me), and expert dominatrix (ME), rules this school.

That’s right, fellow student, I am running for CSG President and I’m sure I’ve got it in the bag. Those competitors from AA, USAD-XU, and GABAY better withdraw their candidacy now. I have a degree in manipulation that knows no bounds. I mean, being a student leader is all about pretense right? I know which strings to pull, which lies to make, and which status updates to make on Facebook. I am so good with articulation that people even say that I should try out real politics one day! Hey, chill out. It was a jest. My charisma as Cora Contrabida may warrant followers, but manipulating people has never been one of my strongest suits. Moving on, should the students choose to elect me, they should at least know my platform: CORA. The acronym stands for Coordination, Oscar, Romeo, Alpha. It’s not that obvious that I just really wanted to make words out of the letters right? I’m sure you’ve seen more nonsensical acronyms too. Anyway, the only letter that I’ve saved from being a NATO phonetic alphabet is the letter

C. Coordination comes to mind because I believe that the current administration is doing a great job in coordinating events. For next year, I’m planning to add the biggest Halloween Party that the city has ever seen a week before our favorite XU Days. Or how about a Valentine’s Day special for all our student couples? I just swoon at the thought! Oscar, Romeo, and Alpha? Well, I can’t think of anything else I can associate with Central Student Government for the moment. I can throw the question to you. Do you know these guys? On second thought, I don’t think I’d ever want to run for CSG President. Witnessing student governance is already stressful as it is. I can never see myself as that ever-prestigious, ever-excellent student leader. I much prefer being the sarcastic, biting contrabida that I am. There are just some things that only a few of us understand.C

JIGO

Dear Ate Charot, Pagkasakit, labaw pas kasakit katong na igo akong kuming-king sa tiil sa lamesa. Ako day si Mang, Mang Jose, 20 years of age. Ngano unfair man jud ang life? Atong valentine’s day lang, ni larga akong uyab pagawas sa Earth, oo alien siya. Bitaw ate, ning larga siya padulong sa Caynada kay kuhaon daw siya sa iyang pamilya. Sama pa sa giingon sa mga bitter atong adlawa, “There is no forever, mag buwag ramo.” Tungod sa ilang mga ritwal og pag-ampo, tan-nawa nag decide siya nga basin “We’re not meant to be.” kay gi bulag daw mi sa destiny. Kaya man nako mag hulat kay I know 2 years is 325,600 minutes times 2 ra baya. Unsaun man nako ni ate? Will I let go or hold on? Reply ASAP. Dear Mang, Diba ikaw ‘tong sikat kaayo? Hahaha! Bitaw oist. Unsa ka kondoktor kay mu hold on jud? Mas bitter, I mean better if mu buhi ka ana. Taas pa kayu imo panahon ug oras para makakita ka ug lain babae dinhi, except kung engineering ka. Bitaw doy, lisud gyud nang long distance relationship mura na siya ug placement exam sa Math 01. Sayon para sa uban pero gina tuyo ug bagsak para mas sayon ang life. Kung di gyud ka gusto mag bulag mo, hala palit plane ticket adto dadto, apasa imong bae. Pero ako lang maingon bitaw nimo, tarong sa jud ug skwela kay once dato naka, ikaw nay lakgon sa mga tsiks sama pa ingon sa’kong Mama Perla. So, okey na ta? P.S. kung mag palit ka ticket, siguro-a nang baywan tekwan kay para makauli pa ka.

Mga higala, kay humana man ang Balentayms, ania nasad ang mga mga horoscope nga pangpagoodtimes. Hala bira! Aquarius (Tigsuyop sa tubig sa Poso Negro) Likayi ang pag-deyt2x duol sa fountain. Kay basin daghan kaayong KJ diha sa daplin. Mukalit lang ug jump-in. Lucky Day: Naa didto dapit sa Forever OOTD: Kalo nga naay antenna Aries (Sheepwreck sa Aggies) Hapit nasad ang kwaresma. Ayaw jud ug pag suot ug backless kay makita atong mga bugas amega. Basin maalaan kag nag penitensya. Lucky Day: Daylandan dalandan OOTD: Long sleeve nga transparent Cancer (Ang alimango nga bagag blush-on) Makauyab nasad ka amega. Pag monthsary ninyo magsuot dayon mo’g couple shirt na P.E. uniform para bongga! Lucky Day: February 31 OOTD: Tattered nga P.E. shirt Capricorn (Mr. Manresa 2020) Pagbantay kay Gemini. Mag sige na syag sinamok sa imo, murag naay gamay. Lucky Day: Ay, karon paman summer OOTD: Helmet nga naay speaker Gemini (Kaliwat ni Gemi ni-tron) Nasobraan imung sigeg thinking out loud teh, asta imung grado nuon seventy. Lucky Day: Fries Day OOTD: Turtle neck nga naay hoodie Leo (Not lover boy but Chirogi lover boy!) Good news inday! Makadawat kag chocolate karung valentines! Ayaw lang pag dahum nga hershis, kay tablia ra diay. Lucky Day: Sabadobango OOTD: Sleeveless na three-fourths Libra (Single lage, hitsuraan man pod) Ayaw kabalaka nga mingaw imong balentayms bro, ikaw lage sunod isurprise jud ka sa tunga sa zentrio. Lucky Day: Karung 3, 2, 1.. OOTD: Bangs nga ponytail Pisces (Isda one!) Naa na unta saimo ang tanan ging, pero usa jud ka anang ga status ug calendar nga way date na 14! Lucky Day: Refer to Gemini OOTD: Buhok nga gisalapid sa ilok Taurus (The man who can’t be moved kay nakraman) Mag finals nalang higala pero ang imong huna2x tua gihapon sa iyaha. Hastang paita. Gugma pa more! Lucky Day: Kung makalihok na ka OOTD: Sweater w/ built-in nga aircon Virgo (Yagit pag umaga, model pag gabi) Ayaw sigeg tutok anang samin. Abi palang grabe najud na imong nawong, murag nasobraan sa Melanin. Lucky Day: Sunday morning rain is falling OOTD: Backpack with free wi-fi Sagittarius (Ang advocate sa “Forever”) Bahalag walay forever. Basta ang importante sa lablayp dili ka bitter. Lucky Day: Whinesday OOTD: Rubber shoes nga naay bulsa

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 atong winner sa last na Kurisword og salamat sa ato mga sponsors (murag naa) para sa mga prizes. The winner will receive a one year of unlimited chiroging tsugi ! yehey! joke lang bes! just claim your surprising reward at TheCrusader Publication office, StC 302 og salamat sa mga nag-apil. And the winners is ... “Tantadada! boom! blag! plok! plak! panes!”: Debie Honey Galleros! Congratulations!

Scorpio (Ang Emo-dodong ng Eksyu) Bahalag ang adlaw nimo dili owkie, ikaon lang na ug Shirogi, di ba, makaingon kag, “Hmmm...Yummiieeee!” Lucky Day: Daysperado OOTD: Necklace nga naay pinabitay nga sanitizer