keeping momentum
DASIG marks another term for CSG
By Danica Ela P.
or the second year in a row, Ang Asusasyon ng mga Nagkahiusang Estudyante para sa Progresibo ug Madasigonon na Ateneo (DASIG) secured the presidential and vice presidential slates for Botar Atenista, as announced on May 8. Adam Guanzon of DASIG garnered 1,932 votes (54 percent), winning the Central Student Government (CSG) Presidential position. Guanzon’s running mate, Merciel Mercado, also triumphed with 1,899 votes (54 percent), making her the new CSG Vice President.
Coming from the same party, the GuanzonMercado tandem plans to continue the
present GREEN Agenda offered by the GolezEguia administration. The GREEN agenda concentrates on five priority areas—(G) Gearing the Ateneo for the Mission Ahead, (R) Reinventing Student Aid and Assistance, (E) Elevating Sectoral Support and Services, (E) Enhancing the University Experience, and (N) Nurturing Sustainable Student Governance.
For the new Academic Year, the GuanzonMercado term aims to take the University community to a higher ground of commitment by strengthening the student welfare through the different projects and legislation in line to the pursuant of the partylist’s GREEN agenda.
Mercado highlights during the recent Meet The Press (MTP), “We want to continue
the progress of what the Golez-Eguia administration has established.”
DASIG was recently founded in 2019. Despite the fresh name, the partylist has proved itself to be one of the strongest partylists in University with former CSG Vice President (AY 2020-201) and CSG President (AY 2021-2022) Shilina Golez winning the elections in a streak for two consecutive terms.
Despite DASIG securing the major seats on the CSG, Alyansang Atenista (AA) candidates continue to hold true to the pillars of its monuments as it takes the majority of the spots in the college councils for this year’s elections.
The newly elected officers effectively begin their term in June 2023.C
By Alyssa Chantal Moreno
(Esports)
in the
with
XCEED was created around March 2021 but was officially under the Computer Studies Student Council (CSSC) as an ad hoc formation on July 3, 2021. However, the organization has been accredited as an official organization under the Assembly of Extracurricular Organizations (AECO). The basic services they cater
Armendarez
Last
Photo by Christianne D. Cabrera
CSG President
Adam Guanzon: Onward with a Vision
By Nedshla Acebes
As a leader, Guanzon believes in the importance of establishing a vision that aims for the betterment of the community and empowers his constituents to coown the outlook and work on bringing it to life.
highly coveted position, the president of the Central Student Government (CSG) sits at its pinnacle. They bear the responsibility of steering the XU community in a direction that involves the betterment of all. On May 8, the XU CSG Electoral Commission (EleComm) announced the next individual who will lead the CSG—a man with a vision who aims to steer us to higher ground.
ACourse and Year
Bachelor of Arts in Economics 3
Party Affiliation
DASIG
Current Position
Executive Secretary, XU – Central Student Government (2022-2023)
University Leadership Experience
Vice Consul, DASIG (2021-2022)
Chief-of-Staff, XU CSG (2021-2022)
Deputy Ambassador for Citywide Affairs, XU CSG (2021-2022)
There is still so much to do, but with Guanzon steering the wheel, alongside his vision, pragmatism, and team, anything can be achieved.
Prepared with a vision and a plan, third-year AB Economics student and frontrunner of Ang Asusasyon ng mga Nagkahiusang Estudyante para sa Progresibo ug Madasigonon na Ateneo (DASIG), Adam Guanzon, witnessed how his predecessor’s vision shaped the XU community into what it is today. However, Guanzon realized that there is still so much left to do and improve.
As a leader, Guanzon believes in the importance of establishing a vision that aims for the betterment of the community and empowers his constituents to co-own the outlook and work on bringing it to life. His experience as the CSG Executive Secretary, together with being the Chief of Staff in the CSG Office of the Vice President (OVP), and Deputy Ambassador for Citywide Affairs, has made the president-elect a visionary with a plan. “I know that a vision can be strangled by the limiting system and policies of a status quo that is why it is paramount to know how your agenda can navigate through the existing system and ensure their feasibility,” Guanzon
Other related experiences
shares.
Alongside with Vice President Merciel Mercado, their administration aims to focus on five priority areas. The GREEN Agenda is established based on the needs, concerns, and narratives of students in XU which stands for: ‘Gearing the Ateneo for the Mission Ahead’ (G), ‘Reinventing Student Aid and Assistance’ (R), ‘Elevating Sectoral Support and Services’ (E), ‘Enhancing the University Experience’ (E) and finally, ‘Nurturing Sustainable Student Governance’ (N). This plan seeks to equip the XU Community for the greater mission of CDO, Mindanao, and the country. It features a higher-level approach to student services centered on providing a more harmonious academic experience. It recognizes the diversity of the student body and puts representation and support of various student sectors and their needs. The GREEN Agenda wishes to continually elevate the experience of excellence at the University. Thus, Guanzon aims to solidify this commitment for students to feel its impact, even beyond the administration’s term.
The first 100 days of his administration will focus on intensive and extensive planning for executing their agenda. Furthermore, it will be dedicated to strengthening student services to address the concerns and needs of students with the shift to a full face-to-face modality. This move will include, but are not limited to: calculator rentals, printing services, water services, an extension of library operating hours, accessible study spaces, and other program-based needs. Moreover, Guanzon aims to address the issues present in the shift of learning modalities, “If we are going to shift to a full face-to-face setup, we need to assess how we can improve existing systems and services that are being provided towards the students.”
Good governance, youth empowerment, and student representation are the things that Guanzon’s administration aims to achieve with their term—to take the University to a higher ground by improving current systems and at the same time introducing new ones.
“Given [sic] by the endless possibilities and visions that we are going to establish and co-own, never be afraid to take up space and define what your university life should be like. Explore the unknown, embrace diversity, and challenge the status quo,” Guanzon encourages. There is still so much to do, but with Guanzon steering the wheel, alongside his vision, pragmatism, and team, anything can be achieved.C
Photo by Vic Danielle T. Magas
MEET YOUR CSG VICE PRESIDENT
Merciel Mae B. Mercado
Course and Year
Bachelor of Science in Accountancy 3
Party Affiliation
DASIG
Current Position
Treasurer, School of Business and Management Student Council (SMBSC), (2022-Present)
University Leadership Experience
Minister for Budget and Finance, DASIG (2023-Present)
Budget and Finance Head, VOX Philippines (2022-Present)
Deputy Chief of Staff, XU CSG-OVP (2021-2022)
Photo by Vic Danielle T. Magas
Merciel Mercado: MVP for student services
By Kelly Camille G. Alair
Taking the impact of the Golez-Eguia administration as a point of departure, Mercado wishes to propel the huge strides that they have made for the advancement of student representation.
The XU community strives to make the institution a safe space for various identities and interests to thrive. Among them are the student leaders who advocate for the welfare of their fellow constituents, answering the call to service by addressing their needs.
To realize this mission, the Vice President of the Central Student Government (CSG) works alongside the President to give voice to the students’ narratives. Merciel Mercado knows what kind of sacrifices the position entailed; despite that, she committed to her candidacy and secured the secondhighest seat.
Mercado envisions student services to be taken at a higher level, directly and tangibly providing support to various student sectors present in XU.
Merciel Mae B. Mercado of Ang Asusasyon ng mga Nagkahiusang Estudyante para sa Progresibo ug Madasigonon na Ateneo (DASIG) has been heavily involved in student governance since she was young. As an incoming senior Accountancy student, she wanted to take a break from her extracurricular engagements, so it almost took the entire academic year to convince her into accepting the role. Yet what drove her to run for the position was not her running mate’s persuasion but a vision of a better Xavier Ateneo, manifested in the newly improved GREEN Agenda.
Mercado elaborates on the GREEN Agenda as being rooted in DASIG’s ideals of student representation, youth empowerment, and good gover-nance. It delivers a needs-based and agendadriven brand of leadership, addressing
Other related experiences
Committee
the students’ concerns at the grassroots level. Mercado believes that their agenda “is a different level of student leadership that the XU community is not yet used to but, hopefully, will appreciate and accept.”
With this, Mercado envisions student services being taken to a higher level, directly and tangibly providing support to various student sectors present at XU. Mercado seeks to ensure the continued execution of these services that have been enacted—or are in the process of being enacted—as law, such as the Thesis Assistance Act, Meal Aid Allowance, and Leadership Subsidy, among others. Under her governance, Mercado plans to implement new projects and initiatives aligned with their agenda, like featuring more advocacies in the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) FOURward Agenda. Mercado intends to conduct a sunset review of resolutions and bills passed in the Directorate. She will then launch a year-long legislative capacity training and institutionalize student services as expounded on in the GREEN Agenda. Mercado also looks forward to strengthening the ties between the CSG and organizations throughout the country.
With her executive and legislative duties in store, Mercado aims to appoint the OVP’s respective directors and heads before the first 100 days of her term. She maintains that this endeavor will allow her office to be in full execution as soon as her administration begins. During this critical period of her term, then, among the first things Mercado will do is prepare for the implementation of her plans as well as actively collaborate in most of them.
Taking the impact of the Golez-Eguia administration as a point of departure, Mercado wishes to propel the huge strides that they have made for the advancement of student representation. “What Adam [Guanzon] and I always want to emphasize is how we value sustainability. [...] We aim to inculcate the agenda we have collectively made with our constituents to further empower their legacy and create our own,” she affirms.
As the incoming CSG Vice President, Mercado leaves a message to her fellow Xavier Ateneans: “Never be afraid of the enormity of the things you want to pursue; your fears are real, but the things you fear are not. Go get your dreams.” Earning the title of “MVP” for “Mercado for Vice President” during the campaign period, will her service prove to be valuable in the near future? A visionary set of plans and platforms awaits.C
University News
Discontinued water fountains returns in April
By Hyacinth L. Premacio
Last Feb, several water fountains on the campus were shut down after various medical students complained of abdominal pain and diarrhea. The said health complaints were traced to be caused by the University’s primary potable water source—the water fountain. As the number of complaints arose, the water fountain accessibility was then discontinued for a month.
After several complaints, three medical students reached out to XU - Jose P. Rizal School of Medicine (XUJPRM) Dr. Ma. Elmera Talaver with reports of week-long watery diarrhea. “Upon probing, the three students were consistent with their history of drinking water from the water fountains within the SOM building,” Dr. Talaver shares. She then advised them to have a stool test done, in which the intestinal parasite Giardia lamblia was found. Giardia lamblia is an intestinal parasite that causes the diarrheal disease Giardiasis. Giardia can be
found on surfaces or in soil, food, or water that has been contaminated with feces from infected people or animals. It can spread quickly from person to person or through contaminated water, food, or objects. The fastest way for someone to get Giardiasis is by drinking contaminated water. Once outside the body, Giardia can sometimes survive for weeks or even months. Symptoms typically begin with two to five loose stools each day and progressively increasing fatigue. Less common symptoms include fever, itchy skin, hives, and rarely, swelling of the eyes and joints.
After the incident, this was then raised to Vice President of Administration Edison Sasoy, and the seven water fountains connected to the XUJPRM water tank were promptly discontinued. The two fountains in XUJPRM—one in Faber Hall, one in the College of Engineering, and the three located in the School of Business and Management—were promptly shut down for cleaning and further testing.
Water dispensers were then provided to the aforementioned buildings as a means to provide safe drinking water to the student body. Sasoy then went on to describe the procedures done to ensure the safety of drinking water on the campus.
“Quarterly naa jud tay testing, usa is testing sa output sa tubig, then ika-duha dayon ning gitawag nato na filter monitoring.” Every month, the service provider of the water checks the filters to see whether they need to be changed or not. Quarterly cleaning of the water tanks is also usually done, but since the pandemic, the XUJPRM water tank has only been cleaned once, which could be the probable reason it was contaminated with Giardia
After thorough evaluation, the contaminated water tank was tested again after flushing. The results had already come back negative and the discontinued water fountains had been up and running once again since the third week of April.C
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for tournaments. This is around the three Cs: Competition, Community, and Career. Additionally, they have workshops and podcasts to contribute to the esports industry.
The organization is not only for entertainment purposes, but it also benefits the students with scholarships provided by their partner, AcadArena. These scholarships range from tuition grants to peripherals or computer hardware support, family grants, and general grants. With this, XCEED’s goal has always been in line with AcadArena’s tagline, #NotJustPlay.
“Gamers love to play, and professors like to see responsible students, and when you put two together, you have the ideal student gamer role model,”
XCEED President Cholo Rodriguez states.
XCEED is determined by the trends in the national scene and even the demographic player base at XU.
For the past two years, they have been prioritizing Valorant, League of Legends, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and Call of Duty: Mobile. Rodriguez mentioned, “We uphold inclusivity, and all kinds of players are welcome in the organization.” For him, esports and gaming have the potential for personal development.
“The goal is to make [sic] student life for gamers relevant in a university setting, and showing [sic] people that our hobbies can and will make a difference. It’s youth empowerment, it’s career building. Esports with AcadArena is #NotJustPlay, and XCEED helps XU Students #XCEED Xpectations,” Rodriguez states.C
Gamers love to play, and professors like to see responsible students, and when you put two together, you have the ideal student gamer role model.
Cholo Rodriguez XCEED President
HEALTH HAZARD. On Feb, several water fountains on the XU campus were shut down after the intestinal parasite Giardia lamblia was found. Photos by Catherine Naldoza
CSG lobbies Resolution 034-2223, prioritizing gender inclusivity in XU
By Claire Ivy T. Vanguardia
utting a spotlight on the University’s promotion of gender inclusivity and diversity, the Xavier University Central Student Government (CSG) took significant steps on March 23 to lobby Senate Resolution 034-2223. The resolution calls for clear and gender-inclusive guidelines for the 2023 Crusader Yearbook Pictorials.
Entitled “A Resolution Requesting the Office of Student Affairs to Issue Clear and Gender Inclusive Guidelines for the Conduct of the 2023 Crusader Yearbook Pictorials,” it advocates for the creation of a new set of guidelines. It allows nonbinary individuals to dress according to their identified gender during pictorial sessions, provided they adhere to the University’s dress code. Additionally, it permits the use of drag makeup during the creative shot.
Students’ Rights and Welfare Commission (STRaW) Chief Commissioner Janson Sudaria discloses that it was an intervention conducted by STRaW, acting on sua sponte, with the support of the CSG Office of the Vice President and the Office of the President.
Due to the limited guidelines of CYB pictorials, graduating student Phillip Toledo (BS DevCom 4) shared in a Facebook post his testimony about having to redo his drag makeup look to settle for a more “neutral” look for the creative shot. “I just wish that I could represent myself the way how [sic] I wanted to be. I felt restricted and locked,” Toledo expresses.
According to CSG President Shilina Golez, her earliest recollection of a public clamor to change the existing guidelines was back in 2018. Golez recounted an incident where a graduating student was prohibited from wearing their outfit of choice, and subsequently voiced out on social media about the restrictive practices of CYB.
XU’s path toward being an authentically progressive institution is still a long way ahead. Although CSG has passed legislation on representation and social inclusion, the steps taken must be at an institutional level. “Should XU genuinely champion the principles of progressivism, social inclusion, and challenging the status quo […] it must first establish a Gender and Development Office, as mandated by CHED,” Golez
states. It is imperative that the University adopt this approach to ensure it is aligned with the evolving needs of its students, ultimately achieving an inclusive and diverse environment.
I do hope that no longer LGBTQ members would [sic] experience what I’d experienced in the University; our voices are loud enough to speak up that we are part of the society.
As of now, CSG has consistently taken steps to ensure that all constituents are heard effectively, leading to their proactive efforts in promoting inclusivity and protecting rights within the University. Office of the Vice President (OVP) Policy Implementation Director Carlos Russel Jayme comments that any instances of bias that target a specific group will be swiftly addressed and rectified. Toledo acknowledges the new guidelines as a positive step towards creating a more inclusive environment for all members of the XU community, “I do hope that no longer LGBTQ members would [sic] experience what I’d experienced in the University; our voices are loud enough to speak up that we are part of the society.”C
IPM Waste CDO to stop collecting garbage in the city
By Henniequel Shayne G. Acobo
After finding a new waste management company, the City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (CLENRO) in CDO finally announced a new schedule for garbage collection on May 1. As the waste management company IPM Waste CDO met the end of their contract on Jan 31, the first quarter of the year was rough for the city as they faced difficulties in garbage collection. It was revealed later on that CLENRO was looking for a new private contractor to do the job, which was said to have caused the delay in garbage collection—pushing several barangays to improvise their ways of waste management.
CLENRO Head Engr. Armen Cuenca started their bidding process to find a new waste management company. Despite having the option to renew the contract of the previous contractor, Cuenca advised them not to participate in the bidding as complaints of poor performance have been reported by residents.
On March 8, Cuenca revealed their contingency plan while the bidding process was still ongoing. A special collection team was formed for two routes. The first was to collect waste from highways, markets, and in Divisoria. The second route prioritized the different barangays of the city. However, he admitted that due to the limited trucks they have, the team could not encompass all barangays.
After almost two months, CLENRO announced on March 28 that Jomara Konstruckt Corporation (JKCO) and Tencil Construction Incorporated have been given the contract for garbage collection. The two companies currently have a total of 47 trucks to do the job, with new units still to be added.
On April 28, CLENRO released a new schedule for garbage collection in the city, with the barangays divided into two districts. The new schedule is set to be effective on May 1.C SIBYA commences its 11th year
By Danica Ela P. Armendarez
Over 300 participants attended the 11th installation of SIBYA held at the
Downtown Premiere Mega Screen on June 10.C
Jomar G. Manabilang
Photos from Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan Facebook Page
Phillip Toledo BS DevCom 4 Student
Local News
Photo from Cagayan de Oro City Information Office Facebook Page
or at
TheCrusader
Of Irony and Ideals
Empty promises, flowery words, and tempting proposals—this has been the formula used by candidates to lure themselves into winning the elections. Whereas the future plans and platforms for the people are the least important priority. Winning, on the other hand, is the main goal. As controversial as it may sound, in the country or even in our own locality, having a new set of leaders seemed to hold new beginnings—of either life in comfort or the other way around. When leaders fail to live up to their goals, the people suffer.
CDO has been a progressive city over the past six years in terms of its competitive economy, structured security, cleanliness, and evident regulation on the sidewalks. However, the new leaders of the LGU have disappointingly put this progression to a halt. It all started during the ignited commotion of last year’s local election that was caused by the controversial slates made by candidates vying for the mayoral seat. Allegations were thrown in newspapers, interviews, and radio stations. Yet, these were all but denied by the parties and masked by platforms and people-centered advocacies.
During the recent State of the City’s Address (SOCA), Mayor Ronaldo “Klarex” Uy emphasized that his plans are aligned to be beneficial for the different sectors of the community. This agenda includes various services relating to education, health, and economy, yet his administration failed to address resolutions regarding the current horrendous crimes in the city.
The local leaders of CDO have made a pact to improve the city with platforms and ideals. Contrary to CDO’s improvement at present, is the increased rate of recorded horrendous
crimes. In July of 2022, the number of murder cases caused panic and worry among the Kagay-anons. These are cases of rape and homicide along
the case of the murder of one of Mr. CDO’s candidates in March 2023.
Alongside these are the spiked-up incidents of suicide at Marcos Bridge
What CDO lacks is an accountable leader—one who is present, knows his priorities, and fulfills his duty. The fancy cars driven by the police have boosted their morale, but what about the security of the people? The new infrastructure was built, but could they not cater to a larger number of concerns in a day?
Corrales Road in Lapasan, recorded on July 17. Afterward, on July 23, the shooting incident along Corrales Avenue occurred. And most recently,
in April 2023. Multiple attempts of this act have also been done on the same location. Yet even with the present crisis at hand, it seems to only be given
a slow response—when one murder case was followed by another in just a span of days and when an unprevented suicide does not alarm a faster search and rescue operation—an irony when one’s leaders compromised its intention of prioritizing their people.
What CDO lacks is an accountable leader—one who is present, knows his priorities, and fulfills his duty. The fancy cars driven by the police have boosted their morale, but what about the security of the people? The new infrastructure was built, but could they not cater to a larger number of concerns in a day? The priorities set out by the government need to be set straight, especially when we consider how these all happened in the span of a year. The evident occurrence of these crimes that have been embellishing our city truly puts up the reality of our city officials’ failure in safeguarding its community. As citizens, we must know better than to settle for the bare minimum effort catering to these pressing issues—most especially when we are promised to live in comfort and not suffer in the irony of our leader’s promises.C
Illustration by Zsarlette Alanne A. Cabana
Curiosity kills the cat
By Antonio Miguel T. Ladra
If you are a Biology student, chances are you will be told at some point to dissect a specimen for biology class—Human Anatomy and Physiology. This subject allows the student to dissect a cat, an exceptional experience that not everybody gets. However, examining a cat is a difficult task, given that it is seen as a household pet by many.
Various educational systems utilize the availability of cats because they are vertebrates. As students learn the anatomy and physiology of the human body, they will learn how the cat has structural similarity to humans.
It is advantageous to dissect this animal as it includes a sensory component that a visual study is unable to provide. For biology students, it paves the way for them to learn about the body on a deeper level, rather than
just looking at diagrams in a textbook. Despite this, is killing a live animal wise enough for the sake of education?
Perhaps, this may contribute to the advancement of those in the medical field, but there will always be others questioning their morals towards the act.
Animal dissections include cruel treatments like forced inhalation or suffocation, forceful feeding, and starvation, which are completely
The beginning of an end
By Ruie Rose S. Angcod
Funacceptable. Consequences may also come in two ways, as a few students may find it challenging to continue the dissection process because of the possibility of chemical exposure, leading to a tremendous amount of stress for the student.
Though we have made much advancement in the biological and medical fields with animal dissection, it is still an inhumane behavior to drag poor innocent animals like cats
our years went by so quickly. It only seems like yesterday when I was struggling to make friends and find my way around campus. Now, I am finally at the finish line, waiting for graduation day to arrive. Looking back, I was once an excited yet frightened freshman. I remember crying after taking my exams, the anxiety I would get for oral recitations, and the fear of presenting on stage. Like every other student, I worried about my future within the walls of the University. As graduation draws near, what lies ahead for me outside XU?
All my life, I have been facing books and preparing for my classes. And now, I get to experience and be part of the corporate world. It is still new to me and somewhat overwhelming. The transition from being a student into an employee in the industry is undeniably one of the most burdensome feelings for graduates. Parents would tell you to take the licensure examination and find a job right away. It is a challenge, most especially those without prior experience. The employment system is abominable—high job qualifications and low compensation rates. But then again, we all start from scratch. The overwhelming pressure from family, relatives, and peers can be such a hassle. It causes emotional and mental issues. And though they do mean well, their opinions and comments about what is in store for the future are not theirs to criticize. Remember, this is not the end but the beginning of an endless journey. Start at your own pace. Your life does not belong to your parents, your friends, or anyone else in this world. Your life is yours to define and live. As Henry David Thoreau said, “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” Never let fear, discouragement, and failures stop you from achieving your full potential. If you were able to survive the four years in college, you can survive the real world too. Take your pace and step forward, thus never forgetting to embody the paramount objective of being men and women for others.C
or even frogs to death despite the fair justification with such biological practice.
The rise for ethical concern surrounding this issue requires that educational practices must evolve to embrace humane teaching alternatives. We need to search for better alternatives that do not harm these creatures. Providing this gives students the ability to learn the objectives while being considerate of their beliefs.C
Inclusive intentions, misguided execution
By Aliyah Francine G. Salan
Get this, it’s the year 2023, and the LGBTQIA+ community continues to be subtly ostracized despite measures to create a safe space for the community to have that sense of belongingness. And now, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) poses a “gender and development” project by including the community in its agency’s priority lanes. Now, the question is, how will this affect the minority?
I have nothing but respect for the vast majority in their attempts to establish acceptance and inclusion in the community. However, listing the LGBTQIA+ along with senior citizens, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities in the priority lane signage isn’t really thrilling. Seeing the signage on a post on Twitter had me rather confused and vexed. And yes, I saw the effort that they’re trying to convey, but the very movement does not speak for inclusivity yet more on unnecessary
remarks. The LGBTQIA+ community should never be categorized as those who have disabilities or difficulties, nor are they impaired in their ability to function in society by being a member of the community.
Creating a safer space for the LGBTQIA+ community doesn’t require the community to be put on a pedestal. The LTO could have participated in pride parades or promoted organizations that preached equality and increased the visibility of the
community. Prioritizing them requires tons of effort more than just mere signages. Including the community in the priority lane is allowing room for the community to be subjected to more discrimination as inclusivity for the minority, essentially, means a sense of belongingness. Hence, to consider LGBTQIA+ as part of another sector is overdoing it yet not doing anything at all. Fighting for the rights of this community has gone a long way.
Society is trying, but if big and public agencies pull actions such as this, it’s like going back to zero. And in my case, everything I helped my parents understand for a period of time is long gone.
The so-called “safe place” created by the agency was taken the wrong way. Personally, the purpose of the project was a mistake. The agency may have meant well, but the method was completely unwarranted and dangerously misleading.C
It’s noisy over here
By Kyla Gabrielle P. Tuto Column
e all have those relatives that always have something to say about our lives (my existence, precisely). All too familiar are statements like, “Pag-lawyer jud para sa ato pamilya” or “Dagan ug Sangguniang Kabataan sa inyo barangay kay dako ang sweldo!” I hear you, Tita, but so what? I totally get how supportive she is and how exciting my future may seem, regardless of how honest-to-goodness she sounds.
It’s crazy enough that they suppose running for a position in the government, such as being a member of Sangguniang Kabataan, is an easy feat—as if they think that you’re born with it, then easily apply for it with just one snap. Voila! What is more disheartening is that they seemingly belittle such a challenging role. They think that all you need to do is propose projects and let those in authority approve them. For goodness’ sake, it’s not that simple! Indeed, it only shows that it is high time to raise the bar on what we expect being an elected government official should be like. Honestly, it’s tiresome to deal with those repetitive conversations during family gatherings and reunions. You have no idea how many times I listen to their unnecessary remarks about
what I want for my own path in the future. Well, this isn’t me hauling over the coals at all. This is me expressing the absurdity of having to behave accordingly just because they’re the older ones to be given respect to. But don’t we, the younger ones, deserve to be treated with respect too? Then again, do we truly need to keep it down when dialogues like these recur? Do we shrug everything off with
a fake smile for the sake of “respect?” By no means! It’s high time we slap them with the cold, hard truth—that we are fed up with their unsolicited, half-baked, and non-value-adding advice. However, we need to remain calm while rationally pointing out what needs to be addressed. After all, ‘respect begets respect’. Otherwise, it’s nothing but constant noise.C
Amber
Maddie Bisset
Rosse
Features
owadays, breakthroughs in Artificial Intelligence (AI) have been making waves across the internet.
AI is no stranger to instantaneous content creation given its capabilities to provide answers to questions and generate outputs like resumés and programs. On Nov 30 2022, an AI chatbot called Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT) was launched by the OpenAI tech company. Within the first five days of its release, ChatGPT had already surpassed one million users. By Jan 2023, it had garnered a whopping 100 million users and a daily visitor reach of 25 million.
We ought to ponder the pressing issues raised by the interesting and concerning rise of AI: How has the fast -paced progression and development of AI transformed our world? And is AI likely to take over humans one day?
Tackling what AI means
Before delving into how AI operates, one must first understand what it is. Artificial intelligence is a recently established technology that mimics human intelligence. Just like humans, AI learns through experiences, but this comes in the form of scanning and storing databases, receiving and remembering inputs from a certain
AI Just Can’t Get Enough
source, or even having repetitive conversations with a user. AI can be thought of as the apprentice of a grand master, resembling the relationship between a student and a teacher. Compared to human intelligence, AI is more heavily utilized for solving problems and generating content in a limited amount of time.
Influence of AI on Media
AI has contributed to the evolution of the media industry, especially in entertainment and business. The use of AI has brought in a completely new method of approaching creativity, according to various specialists in industries such as game creation, film production, advertising, and the like. In 2022, a large number of corporations in the entertainment sector used AI in their research and preparation of projects; AI tools were used to gather data on how to maximize investments and concentrate on delivering topnotch content that satisfied audience demand.
Effects of AI on Education
The growing popularity of ChatGPT has specifically impacted the student population in the academe.
Considering how ChatGPT can instantly generate content outputs like essays, codes, and reports, the AI chatbot has
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Wilbert Tan Assistant Professor,
XU CCS
become a rising star in becoming part of students’ learning. However, many students fail to realize that ChatGPT is not a search engine, but a language model whose priority is to provide legible answers. More often than not, the answers provided by ChatGPT appear to be credible and formal. What most students fail to realize, though, is that ChatGPT works on an AI model that aims to make predictions and offer strategic suggestions. In the words of Tom Scott, a renowned British web developer today, AI models are merely “guessing the next word” instead of presenting plausible information.
XU College of Computer Studies assistant professor Wilbert Tan shares his sentiments about AI being patronized in the academe. “It can help students conveniently assess their answers, give new ideas, improve the productivity or output of submitted answers or projects, and save time, especially due to time constraints.
“Let us always remember that humans use tools like AI to progress, so it means that it depends on the user on how they will [use] this tool and how it can affect them,” Tan expresses.
Controversies of AI
Among other AI developments, OpenAI’s latest GPT model (GPT-4) has been the most controversial. Some
school officials have also condemned its use because students use ChatGPT to write essays for them. Later this year, Microsoft will integrate ChatGPT into its Bing Web Search and Office applications. More recently, last March 30, tech giants Elon Musk, Steve Wozniak, and other concerned data scientists signed a petition to temporarily halt the training of highcapacity AI models spearheaded by OpenAI. A day after the petition, the official privacy regulator of Italy banned the use of ChatGPT due to data breaches and privacy concerns.
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While AI can make processes quicker, easier, and more efficient, this cannot be done without human intervention. AI may be considered a boon or a bane depending on how it is used. AI can be used in certain projects, like those in the media industry and the academe, but it cannot be solely relied on for attaining the final result or desired output. With the rising concerns about data and privacy being misused, it is best to remain cautious of how AI could endanger its users. After all, developments in technology are rapidly rising and changing with sensitive information at stake—and AI just can’t get enough.C
Story by Jysel Ashley C. Ayop
Design by Marichell Aliah Amor S. Langreo
XU CSG EleComm’s disservice on the MdA 2023
latforms were presented and advocacies defended in this year’s Miting de Avance (MdA) conducted by the XU Central Student Government Electoral Commission (XU CSG EleComm) on May 3. However, as panelists, candidates, and the audience gathered in the Magis Walkway, glitches with its implementation arose, resulting in setbacks that cut the event short.
As the MdA’s highlight, Botar Atenista candidates from the Alyansang Atenista (AA), Ang Asusasyon ng mga Nagkahiusang Estudyante para sa Progresibo ug Madasigonon na Ateneo (DASIG), Union of Students for the Advancement of Democracy (USAD), and other independent parties gathered to present their platforms, visions, and plans to the XU community. The event was also attended by nonpartisan institutions, with panelists including Commission on Audit (CoA) Chief Commissioner Reji Sunot and Team Leader Mohammad Maruhom, Supreme Constitutional Court (SCC) Chief Justice Guen Gabutin, TheCrusader Publication Associate Edi-tor Alyssa Moreno, and the XU CSG Student’s Rights and Welfare Commission (STRaW) Associate Commissioner Ericka Fantonial.
The event launched with the unveiling of platforms by the different college councils and the slates of XU CSG presidential and vice presidential candidates—AA tandem Paul Silmonet & Jheneva Palma, and DASIG tandem Adam Guanzon & Merciel Mercado. Afterward, there ensued a proper debate and an open forum session.
One by one, running parties from each college were given the chance to present their platforms. However, as the candidates from the School of Business Management (SBM), Teacher’s Guild (TG), and United Arts and Social Sciences (UNITASS) geared up to put forth a presentation, the time was abruptly cut. EleComm Chief Commissioner Leah Jane Arranguez discloses, “We sincerely apologize for the delay or the inconvenience this [event] has caused. However, [...] this is something that the commission could no longer control, especially with time constraints.”
With this, the sudden interruption of the event imposed concerns among the candidates, audience, and panelists, as the upward momentum was forfeited. CSG CoA panelist Sunot shared her sentiments as a result of the rapid pause of the big event, “Nasad lang ko kay wala na kasya sa time, [...] if nag-start siguro ta on-time,
siguro na kaya.” This year’s MdA was also accentuated by the panelists and audience’s disappointment as the remaining student leaders were robbed of the opportunity to make use of the venue to present.
The event failed to start at the expected time, which also led to panelists and candidates waiting a few hours longer in the scorching heat of the sun. Owing to the amended program flow, with the CSG presidential and vice presidential candidates presenting first, the event clearly resulted in disorganization and time constraints as the organizers conflicted to keep the event on track.
EleComm’s shortcomings, those including improper budget utilization and scheduling changes, also caused a shortfall in equipment and manpower needed for the event. Aware of the event’s setbacks, Alfred*, a member from EleComm shares, “We could have provided a better experience for all, but in consideration [of the fact] that our budgets were delayed, we opted for what was attainable at that time.”
To account for the time wasted, the remaining candidates were given the opportunity to resume their presentations in the Magis Atrium by 2 PM on the same day. Though it worked well for some candidates and panelists, the sudden change in the schedule remained unprofessional as it compelled the participants to make considerable adjustments to the event.
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As one of the most anticipated events at the University, the MdA provides each candidate with the podium to voice out their platforms and advocacies, as well as give the students the chance to get to know who they should vote for. With its crucial purpose, the MdA must be allocated a greater length of preparation time to ensure the entire scheme is carried out thoroughly, sustaining its importance to the student body.
For this year’s MdA, EleComm failed to execute the event as efficiently as expected. The paucity of a time schedule and other program constraints only implies that this year’s MdA slack was entirely attributable to a lack of preparation and professionalism. Though the initial delays may have been addressed, the XU CSG EleComm has to be warned of the lapses it caused in the first place in a bid to improve its election services.C
*name changed per anonimity.
We could have provided a better experience for all, but in consideration [of the fact] that our budgets were delayed, we opted for what was attainable at that time.
Alfred* XU CSG EleComm Member
*name changed per anonimity.
Story by Kenrich P. Gapasin
Design by Antonio Miguel T. Ladra
WHY IS IT SO HOT IN HERE?
Persisting through the summer days in the Philippines
It’s an established fact that the Philippines, being geographically placed along the equator line, is a hot country. With only passing and persistent rains and scorching hot days gracing the country all throughout the year, the Pearl of the Orient commits to its tropical season. On its hottest days, between March and May, Filipinos battle the greatest heat waves in their homes. With global warming still remaining a pressing concern, sneaking in some more heat into the mix, the hot issue of our summer days makes us wonder: Why is it so hot in here, and should we be concerned?
When the mercury rises
It’s all the talk: climate change. Certainly in the earlier decades, the Earth has seen better days in its temperature condition. In humanity’s journey to industrialization came the toll on our dear land’s health, especially on its unfortunate and progressive state of warming. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in their climate
change global temperature report, the Earth’s surface has been increasing by an average of 0.08 degrees Celsius per year since the 1880s. In addition, the 10 warmest years have all been recorded since 2010. Our global temperature continues to astound us as far as the level to which it rises is concerned, and the mercury in our thermometers only goes up and up. Now, the effort to combat climate change has become more pronounced than ever before, and global regulations have been set to mitigate the problems of our ever-changing climate. It’s a problem that’s becoming more urgent by the second, and the United Nations greatly emphasizes the small actions that, when collectively done, can help against the decline of the Earth’s health. These efforts include saving energy at home, walking or riding bikes as means of transportation, and following the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle practice, among many other ways.
Our scorching hot land
The Philippines does not joke when heat is concerned. With the majority of its days spent with the sun high and beaming, the tropical
The Philippines certainly is a hot country, and as much as we’d like it to snow in the middle of a brutally hot Monday in May, the temperature likely won’t change any time soon.
country’s heat knows a thing or two about giving Filipinos a hard and sweaty time whenever and wherever.
Although our usual summer days are spent complaining about the pooling sweat on our foreheads every time we step outside, the heat waves in the Philippines can certainly reach dangerous temperatures, rising to upwards of 40 degrees Celsius. It is worth noting that temperatures between 42 and 51 degrees Celsius, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), already carry an impending risk of heat cramps and heat exhaustion. Without proper caution against these high temperatures, Filipinos may experience serious health consequences. Hence, it is important to be conscious of the time spent outdoors in the heat of the sun and taking necessary actions to cool down.
In an effort to chill No matter how unforgiving the sweaty summer days are, there’s always a way to chill down a bit. Whether that’s investing in a portable mini fan, drinking ice-old beverages, or taking a
quick break at a local, air-conditioned convenience store, the number of ways to battle the heat comes in all sorts of imaginative variations. And though it is important to take some necessary measures to cool down the body, it is equally important to be vigilant about the ravaging rays of the sun and their impact on the skin and the eyes. This means taking out the summer umbrellas and broad-brimmed hats, wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen of your choice, and making sure to wear sunglasses when outdoors.
*** The Philippines certainly is a hot country, and as much as we’d like it to snow in the middle of a brutally hot Monday in May, the temperature likely won’t change any time soon. Despite the dangerously high heat of our summer days, making an effort to chill down is of utmost importance, all while being conscious of our actions that can impact our environment. So wipe the sweat off your forehead, grab your iced coffee, tag along that mini electric fan, and just try to fight through the vicious, hot days of our home.C
Story by Fritz F. Bustamante
Design by Kevin Matthew N. Pacana & Antonio Miguel T. Ladra
Photo by Christianne D. Cabrera
A Cora boycotts Botar Atenista
by Chloe Alexandra T. Orteza
year ago, the country was deeply divided due to the national elections. Disinformation, political mudslinging, and relentless fear mongering plagued the nation, all in the efforts to elect a new president for the Republic. Today, a similar picture is painted within the University. The red, blue, and green once again run the campus grounds as XU and its student political parties prepare for the annual Botar Atenista student elections. This year, we have three aspirants for the highest seat of governance in the Central Student Government—Ush Saad from the Red Party, Allie Ansa from the Blue Party, and Das Sy from the Green Party. And yet I don’t see myself voting for any of them.
This is why I, Cora Contrabida, TheCruchever Editor in Chief and longest standing student in the University, am boycotting this year’s Botar Atenista. As TheCruchever remains non-partisan during Botar Atenista season, I don’t associate with any party, as it is the publication’s role to bridge the
information gap between candidates and voters—most especially through our annual Meet The Press fora. But non-partisanship extends only until the campaign period. As students, we also need to exercise our right to vote, myself and the publication staff included. But never have I been more thankful for the non-partisanship than now. At least, I can avoid all questions like “Cora, kinsa imo president?”. Because honestly, I don’t have a presidential bet. From a completely unbiased student journalist standpoint, Ush, Allie, and Das are strong candidates. They have the experience and resources to back up their campaigns. Ush Saad’s branding focuses on the masses, bringing forward the “para sa bayan” kind of leadership. Saad is simple, straightforward, and centers his advocacies for and with the students. Meanwhile, Allie Ansa focuses on history. Coming from a prominent political powerhouse, Ansa promises to deliver the same quality service the blue party has been giving to the University for the past three decades. Finally, Das Sy focuses on momentum.
Sy relies on the popularity gained by their relatively new party, as they have been well-received in recent years, using such to push a clear, studentbased agenda for his presidential bid. But to scrutinize it at a more personal level, more Cora (see: hater) level, I have my reservations. What is leadership for the masses without an actual plan? What is a popular party without a competent candidate? What is a strong agenda without a heart? These are the very questions each party throws at one another. Disinformation, political mudslinging, and relentless fear mongering—one would think that, at the student government level, the same election evils would not occur. Alas, they are amplified, especially because these are people we see and know. I have heard of Ush, Allie, and Das since high school.
They have been prominent student
‘‘Moreover, I find it so absurd that these candidates, their parties, and supporters continue to promulgate this culture of paninira and political mudslinging.
leaders ever since they stepped into the institution. And yet they are uniquely different leaders, something greatly exemplified in how they are marketed by their political parties and, more so, exploited by the opposing parties. This leads me back to my statement. I do not have a presidential bet. Atleast, not yet.
In every election, there is usually an obvious choice. But this year, it’s a deadlock between three promising individuals. Their leadership is evident in all the feats that their councils, organizations, and departments have accomplished during their tenure. The commitment to serve is evident in all the initiatives and successes they have brought to the table. All these, coupled with election evils, make the decision so much more difficult.
Moreover, I find it so absurd that these candidates, their parties, and supporters continue to promulgate this culture of paninira and political mudslinging. A friend told me, “Sige nalang kay inana baya jud na, election drama,” and I got so annoyed. Why do we normalize this behavior when, in fact, after this election, these student leaders will all be working together under one student government?
So, did I really boycott the elections? Tempting, but no. As the University’s self-proclaimed influencer,
ignoring your responsibility to vote isn’t the right trend to set. With such a difficult decision at hand, did I turn to party popularity? Did I listen to hearsay? Did I waste my vote? Of course not!
If you’re like me, my best advice is to stay fact-based. XU has never been short of promising student leaders. This Botar Atenista, especially, presents us with a competent set. Thus, we voters are given the chance to elect the leaders that best advance our interests as students. If you believe in a leader who promises to give out free iced coffees every week, go on and support that leader! For as long as you assess your candidates’ platforms and advocacies, study the feasibility of their plans and promises, and listen to their vision for the next academic year, you ensure that your vote is counted and grounded in a concrete belief system. The easy way out would always be to remove myself from the narrative. To stay non-partisan. To abstain from voting at all. But I recognize that this does not achieve anything. Yes, I don’t have a presidential bet, but I still voted. After all, I have studied each candidate’s platforms to reach an informed and sound decision that makes my vote count. Hopefully, all my readers do the same.
As for who I voted for, that’s a secret just for me C
Illustration
Cora Contrabida
Kuris-Kuris
