The Crusader February Broadsheet 2020

CSG Constituent Assembly presents Proposed 2019 Constitution

By Winona Roselle Serra

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n Jan 20, the Central Student Government (CSG) Constituent Assembly conducted a public forum on their Proposed Revised Constitution at the Magis Walkway. It served to be their platform to present the changes made in the Proposed 2019 CSG Constitution.

There are three major changes. The first focused on the creation of the Senate, which would be composed of one senator elected at large for each college and the CSG Vice President as its convener. Together, they will be tasked to coordinate with the CSG President and Executive Secretary during the creation of the General Plan of Action (GPOA) for the Academic Year. This allows them to filter out which projects the Executive Branch will be able to implement.

They will also scrutinize the budget allocation for each project.

The proposed change further states that each senator will be tasked to represent their respective council in place of the presidents—eliminating the Directorate as an entity altogether. Instead, the Senate will be tasked to convene and formulate policies that cater to the needs, concerns, and interests of students from their respective colleges.

It will act as the assembly responsible for conducting investigations in order to mitigate problems. The proposal also states that each of the senators will be held responsible for the confirmation of the appointments of the CSG’s executive and autonomous units’ heads.

As a result of the Directorate’s disbandment, the council presidents will instead come

together to form what is the second major proposed change: the CSG’s Central Board.

Composed of the seven college presidents and the CSG’s President, the Board will be in charge of closely monitoring and guiding their councils. Furthermore, any bills passed by the Senate must be approved or vetoed by the majority or two-thirds of the members present in the assembly’s sessions. This aims to add an additional group that can assess whether the laws can benefit the entire student body.

Finally, the Constituent Assembly proposed the establishment of an additional autonomous unit, the Office of the Solicitor General. As the first year of its implementation serves as a transition period, the first Solicitor General’s appointment

will be confirmed by the current Supreme Constitutional Court’s Chief Justice. For the following years, the outgoing Solicitor General will then be tasked to appoint his or her successor in order to assure the students of non-partisanship.

In addition to the three major changes, the Preamble is revised as well to be more inclusive in nature. Should the change be approved, it will emphasize that student leaders are also Mindanao peace-makers as it states that in addition to working towards bringing peace to our own University and community, student leaders must also strive to bring peace to Mindanao and the country in general.C

DevCom’s ‘I Am Mindanao’ campaign among finalists in int’l Facebook challenge

By Melvin P. Villacote

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U DevCom’s “I Am Mindanao” campaign secured a spot in the top three roster of finalists in the Fall 2019 term of Facebook’s Peer-to-Peer: Global Digital Challenge Finals on March 2020 in Brussels, Belgium, besting more than 30 campaigns from organizations and institutions around the world.

Facebook’s Global Peer-to-Peer Challenge is a program that aims to empower people affected by hateful and extremist content on social media by implementing community-based social media campaigns.

In 2017, I Am Mindanao bagged fourth place

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in the Spring Term International Finals of the same competition in Washington, DC, following Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Spain in the said global tilt.

“In the last four years, I Am Mindanao’s campaign against violent extremism and hate speech had been with the youth in schools, and now we continue our dialogue with the one we value so much: our Mama,” said I Am Mindanao Team Leader Joshua Delos Reyes, sharing how this season’s campaign focuses on mothers as primary peacebuilders. “We believe it’s high time we place mothers under the spotlight because

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of their huge role in peacebuilding because everything that a child learns begins at home,” he added.

Delos Reyes said that the recent recognition will help emphasize the vital role of mothers to be the embodiment and figure of peace to their children. “This recognition is very helpful for the campaign to shed more light to the importance of teaching peace at home—the first peacebuilding arena.”

Joining Czech Republic’s Masaryk University and Turkey’s Middle East Technical University, I Am Mindanao is among the top three finalists who are set

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to fly in an all-expense paid trip to Brussels, Belgium on March 23-25 to present their campaign to a panel of leaders and policymakers. As of press time, the I Am Mindanao team is undergoing mentoring from their moderator, Marvin Pamisa, together with key persons from I Am Mindanao’s major partner Keamanan Inc., Evans Yonson and Rechelle Barraquias.

This term’s campaign members are Terenz Martin Gambe, Michael Unsay, Karl Anton Noob, and Nathalie Kate Paler.C Source: xudevcom.wordpress.com/2020/01/10/xu-devcoms-iam-mindanao-campaigns-road-to-success/

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CANDIDATE

Krizle Adaza: Grounded on the students’ stories

Photos by James Patrick B. Pabonita and Paula Elaine D. Francisco

By Winona Roselle Serra

Running as the Union of Students for the Advancement of Democracy’s (USAD-XU) Presidential Candidate, Krizle Adaza (BSN-2) is ready to embark on her third year of service in the Central Student Government (CSG). As a student leader, Adaza is driven to run for the position because she finds fulfillment in the vocation. This is evidently seen in her experiences as this year’s Executive Secretary, and as a Department of Communication Management staff and Cabinet Secretary during the previous year.

She gets motivation from previous student leaders who have taught her that at the end of the day, “leadership is a choice.” Furthermore, Adaza also reveals that as a student leader herself, she is privileged to have a bird’s eye view of recent events that involve the student body.

With this perspective, Adaza further expresses that one of her objectives is to provide the students with a sense of empowerment—just as student leaders have empowered her.

She also emphasizes that platforms, which serve as the students’ points of reference for choosing their leaders, should be made with the

students. Ultimately, her platform is a “collaboration of all the minds, experiences, and stories of the students.” As such, it prioritizes four main aspects.

Firstly, Adaza aims to decentralize the CSG’s power. Funds acquired from income-generating projects will serve as grants that are to be distributed to select organizations in order to encourage innovation. Second, she intends to only implement researchbased projects. Therefore, according to Adaza, the student body’s needs and interests will be the prime identifiers for choosing which projects will be conducted for the AY. Moreover, should she be elected, Adaza will also focus on proactively pursuing social engagement. For the presidentiable, each and every student’s concerns must be appropriately addressed. As of press time, she has already engaged in discussions with minority groups such as student athletes, scholars, and Siraj in order to determine their concerns. Finally, Adaza envisions a student government that can clearly listen to the voice of each student.

Inspired by former CSG President Ernesto B. Neri, Adaza plans on improving the CSG’s approach

towards the students. She expounds that in addition to e-platforms and surveys, concerns should also be lobbied through personal interactions and conversations with students in order to better formulate more specific strategies and measures.

Despite receiving criticism on some of the CSG’s previous projects and comments doubting her capability to serve due to her program’s infamous number of units, Adaza expresses that these can be converted into stepping stones. This begins with consulting the previous CSG Presidents and gathering insights on why some projects were not implemented as successfully. She adds that these can further guide her and her team towards making and executing plans that are more visible and can better serve the student body.

Furthermore, she reassures voters that she is able to accomplish her deliverables on time due to her discipline to follow Kaizen, a Japanese principle that prioritizes efficiency.

And regardless of the feedback she has gotten, Adaza still finds herself continuously asking one simple question, “What else can I do for you?”C

Mikaelo Lorenzo Bombeo: Standing firm on USAD’s motto

By Norman C. Calib-og

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ormer Associate Director for Technical Reference Bureau of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) of the Central Student Government (CSG), and current member of the XU Debate Circle, Mikaelo Lorenzo Bombeo (AB Psy-2) is running for Vice President under the banner of the Union of Students for the Advancement of Democracy (USAD).

Before deciding to run as the Vice President under USAD, he was an officer for the three major debate councils in the Philippines.

He was Secretary for the Mindanao Parliamentary Debate Union, President for the Visayas - Mindanao Debate Union, and Publications Officer for the Philippine Debate Union. This was tough work for him as he served these councils simultaneously for AY 2018-2019, but he was able to manage it through time management and boundless dedication.

Inspired by the challenge of imparting the impact of legislation to the students and changing how they perceive it, Bombeo answered the call of service for new change. Anchored in USAD’s motto, “What else can we do for you?” Bombeo assures students that he will be constantly asking himself and the student body

to promote better representation and better service. “We in USAD does [sic] not only make platforms for the sake of showing the students that we have a plan, but we make sure that students will understand what legislation is,” Bombeo explains.

Meanwhile, as a Psychology student, Bombeo highlights his concerns towards mental health awareness. “It is always my advocacy especially in times like this, where it’s incredible that we preserve our mental health.”

“As a member of the LGBT community as well I’m also advocating for their capability to be represented,” elaborates Bombeo, who spearheaded the creation of an organization for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual or Allied (LGBTQIA+) students under the OVP. While this was unsuccessful, he was able to build a good foundation which will manifest in the future. “It was a good starting point to gauge what needs to be addressed and ultimately manifest in the future and become an organization where LGBTQ can feel safe and represented.”

According to Bombeo, apart from the advocacies mentioned above, he also wants to represent

the students-athletes, scholars, and student assistants (SA) in different offices who comprise a big population of the University but don’t have the chance to be heard.

Finally, Bombeo stands for addressing miscommunication, fear mongering, and mass panic. “When it comes to Coronavirus, people are constantly becoming misinformed [...] people are debating whether you wear this mask right or not, people in the Philippines are debating if there are confirmed cases within the Philippines […] for the Taal eruption naman, I feel like the attention given to the calamity lacks of [sic] empathy,” shares Bombeo. In addition, one of the plans that aspiring CSG Vice President Bombeo highlighted is the well organized reintroduction of the legislation to the student body through becoming a foundation that can influence the content in making a bill. Inspired by the traces of former CSG Vice President Joshua Dael, who created successful bills and resolutions which contributed to the welfare of the students, Bombeo wants to strengthen the engagement of the students in molding the future of the University via uplifting everyone—especially the minorities.C

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February 2020 | Vol. 46 No. 4

CANDIDATE

Matt Anderson Ondap: Into greater heights

By Abdel Rafi M. Lim

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ith a vision of assuming a higher purpose and stepping into greater heights, second-year Nursing student Matt Anderson G. Ondap has taken it upon himself to stand as the standard-bearer of this year’s Alyansang Atenista (AA) party as their forerunner in the Botar Atenista’s Presidential election. The current XU College of Nursing Student Council (XU-CONUS) President and former XU Senior High Student Government (XUSHSG) Vice President takes pride in the experiences of leadership he has amassed over time, confident that his years of training has proven enough for him to be able to master the art of serving with the heart of Magis.

Together with his running mate, AA Vice Presidential Candidate Julian Burt E. Olano, their Ondap-Olano administration centers its campaign on three equally important aspects of student governance. Posed as the acronym, C.S.G., they plan to prioritize Communications (C) between the Central Student Government (CSG) and its partners—the administration, sponsors, counterpart councils, and most importantly, the students—

by establishing XU-CSGLine, a communication program where they will be maximizing social and print media, room to room University-wide announcements, and possibly an XUCSG phone number for text blasts.

Secondly, they aim to strengthen the relationship of CSG with sectors in XU and the College Councils through different programs with a Stronger Support System (S). Lastly, is their vision of Growth (G) for all, where they seek to make CSG a medium where students from different walks of life get to hone their innate leadership by engaging in the different programs of CSG. “One of our platforms under communications is strengthening the connection between CSG and the Office of the University President so that we could directly lobby policies and programs that we wish to implement,” elaborates Ondap.

As a Nursing undergraduate and University Scholar, Ondap also advocates for equal access to quality education and quality health care for all. Furthermore, he is adamant in uplifting student groups within the University. “Student-athletes must receive support from the CSG so that

we’ll be able to somehow boost their confidence as they proudly represent our University. Scholars’ academic welfare should also be a concern of the CSG, we will partner with the OAA [Office of Admissions and Aid] to help assist our scholars in the university, ” he insists.

Ondap trusts that the CSG can be a means to transform people.

He is motivated to make CSG an avenue where students get to engage themselves in student leadership and to extend its opportunities to a wider scope of students.

This pioneering go-getter has been an active asset of his college as a member of the Nursing Pythons Men’s Volleyball team and the Elite Cheer Pythons, proving his commitment and dedication to whatever he puts his mind into. From his beginnings during his term in the XUSHSG, his becoming the 1st Year Representative of XU-CONUS, to being the XUCONUS President, and Director of Student Services and Welfare of the XU-CSG Directorate, it is as if the Presidential position beckons him. “I invite you to consider voting for me if we share the same vision of bringing XU-CSG to greater heights!”C

Julian Burt Olano: The voice that listens

By Nia Enrille R. Rabanes

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econd-year AB Economics student Julian Burt E. Olano has consistently manifested his aptitude for student leadership through his engagements under student-governance positions since Junior High School. His inclination to service was reinforced upon entering college after he had been appointed Head of the Department of Budget and Finance for the AY 2018-2019, the first time a freshman student was granted the role in the Executive Department of the Central Student Government (CSG). Currently, Olano serves as the Director for Legislation Support and Monitoring Bureau of the Office of the Vice President, and 26th Directorate, as well as the Deputy Ambassador for the Office of the Buklod Atenista under the Office of the President. Having served the student body under the Executive and Legislative branches for two years, Olano responds to the greater call of service by running for Vice President under the Alyansang Atenista (AA) party.

Olano empathizes with the issues within the various religious denominations and cultural tribes

present in the Mindanao island and strongly advocates for peace. He found that the opportunity of being a student leader paved a greater impact in promoting peace and awareness on Mindanaoan identity. He notes that “Differences among each must be respected and set aside towards reaching a common goal of peace and unity.”

On a similar note, Olano found his call to advocate for the concerns of Muslims in the University through learning about their culture and religion in his attendance to peace camps. He admits, “It has become my mission to advance their concerns in the University through my work as Director for Legislation Support.”

The Installation of Ablution Areas in comfort rooms, allowing of grace periods for Muslim students, and the inclusion of Integration of Peace Education in the curriculum are resolutions that Olano had lobbied for this minority group.

Along with running mate and Presidential Candidate Matt Anderson G. Ondap, their proposed platform is targeted to three relevant aspects of student governance: C.S.G.

C is for Communication, S is for Stronger Support System, and G is for Growth for All. In the effort to remedy the problem of students who are not able to direct their concerns to the University, the Communication (C) aspect proposes plans that essentially cater to the opportunity for students to voice out their thoughts through the Inter-Administrative Help Desk (CSG Help Desk). The Stronger Support System (S) aspect centralizes on the empowering of the sectors in the university by “providing platforms for discussions and multi-sectoral dialogues through Pakighinabi: Sectoral Discussions, in collaboration with the existing Sectoral Representation Authority Bill of CSG.” Furthermore, the Growth for all (G) aspect utilizes the power of legislation to make existing programs and services sustainable through institutionalizing and mandating them as key projects of CSG annually.

Olano further argues that beyond his accomplishments are the experiences and skills that he has encompassed to become a more effective leader—will the students of XU allow him to prove that?C

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Illustration by Edshera Mae R. Abella and Ganges B. Jurado

EDITORIAL

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Publishers Subscribing Students of Xavier University Editorial Board Winona Roselle Serra Editor in Chief Abdel Rafi M. Lim Associate Editor Derrick Kean A. Auxtero Design Editor Jayson Elvie G. Ty Managing Editor Nia Enrille R. Rabanes News Editor Melvin P. Villacote Graphic Design and Layout Editor Paula Elaine D. Francisco Photography Editor Rafhael L. Jabongga Freehand Editor Jean Mika M. Aporillo Video Productions Director Finance Officers Sumayyah G. Caris Auditor Rafhael L. Jabongga Senior Finance Manager Ar-Raffi C. Macaumbos Junior Finance Manager (Trainee)

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Rolling Out the Red Carpet

s the Filipino people teeter on the brink of a national frenzy amidst the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) scare, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has been virtually unresponsive in attending to what the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared a global health emergency on Jan 30.

Initially discovered on Dec 31 of last year, the virus has now arisen as a concern of international proportions. As of press time, WHO’s online COVID-19 situation reports indicate that the newly discovered virus has now brought the death toll to 1,873 people, with a total of 73,332 confirmed cases globally.

Out of 25 countries with cases of COVID-19, the Philippines’ Department of Health (DOH) reported the first-ever death outside of China on Feb 2, which was preceded by the first-ever confirmed case on Jan 31. This statistic was made a reality because of the administration’s hesitance to close off our ports and borders to China and its population. Because of this lapse, a Chinese pair from Wuhan—the epicenter of the epidemic—flew into the country, with one of the two later being identified to be the Philippines’ first confirmed case of COVID-19.

After this revelation, it was only then that Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo proclaimed the ban on flights from China’s infected areas on Jan 31. But the damage had already been done. Before being admitted to a hospital in Manila, they had already passed by Cebu and Dumaguete, possibly spreading the virus with those they came in contact with.

Although the duo arrived on Jan 21, there were already about 300 cases and six deaths confirmed by Chinese authorities. Moreover, by that time, there had been four internationally exported cases of COVID-19 from Wuhan travelers as assessed by WHO. As a growing significant global situation, the Philippine government should have earlier addressed the Philippine public’s risk—which is greater than other countries. Our proximity to China and the international ties of both our governments put us in a more precarious situation than the rest of the world. Not only that, our state as a third world country, which is already ill-prepared to wrestle with the hazards the virus brings, should have been enough reason to shut our gates at first notice. Even the WHO has warned of the grave risks to poorer countries. “If this virus makes it to a weaker health system,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus forewarned, “it will create havoc.”

Duterte should have listened to the pleas various sectors had thrown towards him. The Vice President, the DOH, and countless Filipinos across several social media platforms had voiced out their discontent about Duterte’s lack of urgency. Relations with foreign entities should come second to the people and their health. Who else will the country turn to for protection against forces that only the government can prevent and handle? What Duterte should have done was close up and hang a “Sorry, we’re closed” sign the minute he heard about travelers from China escaping to other countries. Instead, he laid out a red carpet for the virus to sashay upon.

Perhaps the cruelest slight of all, is the one thing that is leaving people scratching their heads in disbelief: Duterte prioritizing everything else but the Filipino’s welfare. “China has been kind to us, we can only also show the same favor to them. Stop this xenophobia thing,” Duterte admonished. Should we dismiss the fact that we are being left exposed because the primary carriers of the virus happen to be Duterte’s friends? The President seemed to have taken his leisurely, contemplative stroll before finally deciding it might be high time to barricade the country from a fatal virus. So where does our public health stand in Duterte’s long list of obligations?C

OPINION

Photo by James Patrick B. Pabonita

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P1nki3pi3

By Nia Enrille R. Rabanes

Managers Paula Elaine D. Francisco Human Resource Manager Sheil Ann Ashley P. Bruas Circulations Manager Melvin P. Villacote Online Accounts Manager Jean Mika M. Aporillo Office Manager Staff Writer Norman C. Calib-og Staff Artists Edshera Mae R. Abella (Trainee) Caryll M. Apostol (Trainee) Jhovale Ryan A. Edloy (Trainee) Ganges Aisatingkitju B. Jurado (Trainee) Jaein Kim (Trainee) Catherine Marie C. Naldoza (Trainee) Karl Anton J. Noob (Trainee) James Patrick B. Pabonita Gregory S. Pasal (Trainee) Jivi Roy D. Rizaldo (Trainee) Darren Camille C. Tabanera (Trainee)

Moderator Mrs. Ann Catherine T. Acenas

For contributions, please address your articles and/or comments to: TheCrusader Publication Office, Rm. 302, Student Center Bldg, Xavier University 9000, Cagayan de Oro City

Circulation: 2,000 copies

February 2020 | Vol. 46 No. 4 Layout by Derrick Kean A. Auxtero & Melvin P. Villacote

Bloody monster

here are many little aspects in life that I dread: a term paper I have no clue how to go about, a confrontation with my parents with why I’m home late (again), and of course, the ever occurring monthly period. Ah, but why? What’s so wrong about having to naturally bleed once a month? Why do women have to constantly make an irate comment about it? Aside from the fact that we have to spend money to wear feminine products, the many symptoms of menstruation don’t only cause pain but also interrupt us from being functional in our everyday pursuits as well. We experience bloating, muscle aches, joint pains, diarrhea, lower back pain, constipation, sleep difficulty, fatigue, abdominal cramps and more. Do you sometimes wonder why women are often irritable, crave random food, and at one point like you, and the next, don’t? They experience mood-related symptoms as well.

According to womens-health-concern. org, around 80 percent of women experience

period pain at some stage in their lifetime while five percent to 10 percent of women experience pain severe enough to disrupt their life. For 40 percent of women, period pain is accompanied by the symptoms I’ve stated above. These statistics are telling that a lot of women have to deal with such discomfort. My take on it however, is that I don’t mind that it’s probably a normal thing to occur—there’s not much to do except take painkillers and rest—but the fact that some people underestimate what we have to go through doesn’t seem fair. Since a majority of women have an understanding of how periods can affect someone, they are generally more receptive to being empathetic with the lapses prompted by period symptoms. This is not the same for everyone else. Imagine spending an allnighter trying to get your research paper done after studying for an exam the next day, all the while pressing a hot compress to your abdomen, crying because it seems as

if the whole universe is conspiring against you from getting your work done. Some requirements are unforgiving enough, and to do so with extra inconvenience?

To be honest, there isn’t much to be asked. I believe that women are strong and are more than capable of powering through any obstacle they face. The year 2020 has come a long way with movements that try to refashion the indications of our society being patriarchal, and there is still a long way to go. Surely, the accomplishments of the great women in history were not held back by the pain in the abdomen. Women of today will not be held back as well. It’s not too much to ask that you show even a small dose of consideration when voicing out remarks about periods that exhibit the view of it being taboo. You don’t get a say in things you don’t fully understand.C

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February 2020 | Vol. 46 No. 4

NEWS

41 learners under CICL, CAR recognized for completing literacy program

By Abdel Rafi M. Lim

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total of 41 children in conflict with the law and children at risk (CICL and CAR) learners were given recognition for being committed to an 11 month intensive literacy program through the Lamdag of Acceptance of Children towards Transformation (Lamdag of ACT) project’s Culmination and Thanksgiving Program on Feb 8, at the Magis Roofdeck.

The Lamdag of ACT project was implemented by the Arrupe Educational Center (AEC), the Social Development arm of the School of Education (SOE), in partnership with the City Social Welfare and Development Office and the Ayala Foundation’s Leadership Communities (LeadCom) program. The project was facilitated by XU Education undergraduates.

“Given the mission of Xavier University and the School of Education, we are trying to fill in the gap of the literacy needs of the City,” explained Lamdag of ACT Project Leader Karl Hein Pios. He furthered that the motivation behind the campaign was inclined with the advocacy of AEC as a social development hub. With that, they extended their expertise in teaching and learning from their courses to the CICL and CAR learners who are most in need of their services.

AEC Director Maria Victoria B. Trinidad, in her inspirational message to the participants, underlined the significance of pursuing education. “Kinahanglan jud magtarung pag eskwela,” she stressed. “Padayon basa ug tuon, para mapuslan pag ayo ang mga gitudlo sa inyong mga tutors.”

GIVING HANDS. SBM students give gifts of appreciation to the children in conflict with the law and children at risk (CICL and CAR) learners of Lamdag of Acceptance of Children towards Transformation (Lamdag of ACT) during the culminating activity held at the Magis Roofdeck on Feb 8, 2020.

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Ayala Foundation Leadcom Representative Apple Christie Ng also revealed their support for the initiative, voicing that the project will go a long way as the message of quality education reaches the CICL and CAR learners of CDO.

As the program neared its conclusion, Pios took the floor once more to impart a few words of closing. “Education is always relevant,” he accented. “A community or nation could not prosper or function without the basic foundation of education.”

The culmination program also served as the formal closing of Lamdag of ACT’s second year since its implementation. As of press time, information of its continuation to a third year has not been disclosed.C

KURO conducts University Research Summit 2020

By Nia Enrille R. Rabanes

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inaadman University Research Office (KURO) celebrated a week-long activity that focused on research-related engagements through the University Research Summit 2020 with the theme “Localizing The Sustainable Development Goals In Mindanao: Xavier Research At The Core” at the XU Main Campus on Feb 17-21.

Transpiring biennially, the event was packed with forums and symposia that highlighted research engagements and outputs. This year’s theme aimed to articulate XU’s focus and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the context of Mindanao. The SDGs are a collection of 17 global goals

designed to be a “blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and planet, now and into the future.”

The Research Summit 2020 kicked off with a Logo Contest allotting cash prizes of Php 2,000 and Php 1,000 for first place and second place, respectively, with entries coming from the senior high and tertiary faculty and students. Day one of the research week started with the ingress of the poster display for the research poster contest participated by student grantees of the Kinaadman Support for Student Research (KSSR), and a noon mass. The Research Summit officially commenced in the afternoon with the Opening Ceremony and Ceremonial Awarding of the KSSR Awards.

A Plenary Session discussing the SDGs in

the context of Mindanao was then held on day two. Day three included the University Research Forum 2020 with the theme: Establishing the Research Niche. Dean for Research Heide Rabanes, commented that “it is the objective of this research forum to collectively agree on the research niche or niches that the University will invest time, focus, and University support considering the stiff competition presented by the state universities and local community schools and colleges for available external research grants from national, local, international fundings.”

While faculty participation was highlighted during the Research Oral Presentation Competition present on day two to four, student involvement was seen

through their competitive participation in the Poster Contest with Nicolo Nathan Macoy (BS DevCom-1) as the first-place winner, and Weldie Sten Salino (BS Civil Engg-5) as the secondplace winner. Quick Fire, a three-minute research pitching contest, took place on day four as well. The competing faculty researches were those that strongly align with the SDGs. This year, KURO awarded 33 KSSR grantees composed of undergraduates and graduate students including those from the School of Medicine.C

Social Development Office runs SD Week 2020

By Ar-Raffi C. Macaumbos

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U Social Development Office (SocDev) kickstarted its annual Social Development Week (SD Week) for 2020 at the XU Main Campus Grounds on Jan 21. Themed, “Urban Development: Social and Environmental Challenges and Opportunities”, the weeklong event focused on activities that tackled the metropolization of CDO. One of SD Week 2020’s main highlights was the forum titled, “A Forum on Metropolization: Social and Environmental Challenges and Opportunities”, held at the XU Little Theater. The forum featured De la Salle University Political Science Department Assistant Prof. Lecturer Divina Luz Lopez as the keynote speaker. Lopez

underscored the development of CDO in various aspects towards becoming a metropolized city.

Outgoing University President Fr. Roberto C. Yap S.J., emphasized “Metropolization is important because we need to network resources, human technology, and economic resources for economic growth.”

On the other hand, CDO Mayor Oscar S. Moreno stressed that the key towards metropolization is that it must come from the heart. “Bayanihan is the keyword for metropolization,” he related.

Furthermore, SD Week 2020 also held the Service Learning Summit (SLP) 2020.

The summit was themed: Engaging Xavier

Ateneo to the frontiers of building resilient communities. SLP Director Engr. Gail Dela Rita opined that the event was meant to serve as a platform for service learning engagements.

Moreover, a World Bank Forum on “Regional Launch of the World Bank Philippines Economic Update Oct 2019” was also held at the Little Theater and American Corner Library on the fourth day.

The event was graced with the presence of Yap, Moreno, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Region 10 Governor Ma. Teresa Alegrio, World Bank Economist Kevin Chua, and XU Economics Department Chairperson Laarni Caroline Serenas.

SD Week 2020 also showcased the Tabuan booths for XU’s partner beneficiaries who harvested fruits from Barangay Langaon, Baungon, Bukidnon, and Manresa Farm. The celebration concluded with the Urban Greening Project: Urban and Mangrove Planting and SD Cluster Deepening Session.C Additional source: https://www.xu.edu.ph/xavier-news/158-xu-ateneo-news-sy2019-2020/4405-the-week-long-package-of-the-sd-week-2020

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NEWS FEATURE

BAYANIHAN. Volunteers aid the Taal victims through packing XU Biophilic’s donated goods at the ABS-CBN Northern Mindanao Compound on Feb 5, 2020.

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XU donates relief, financial aid for Taal disaster-hit communities

By Melvin P. Villacote with reports from Paula Elaine D. Francisco

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n an effort to respond to the calamity, various groups and student organizations in XU teamed up to support families and communities affected by the Taal Volcano eruption on Jan 12. The eruption intensified for two weeks which resulted in widespread ashfall that displaced thousands of families in Batangas and nearby towns in Cavite and Laguna.

According to XU Social Development Office’s (SocDev) Student Social Involvement and Advocacy Program (SSIAP) Director Nestor Banuag Jr., the #XUTabangTaal donation drive was formalized as a part of the Jesuit Disaster Response Network—an initiative formed by the Ateneo System, involving Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU), Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU), Ateneo de Naga University (AdNU), and Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU), along with other Jesuit institutions in the Philippines.

“Practical means to gather help is through

cash donations kay bank-to-bank raman na, hence, ‘#XUTabangTaal, Call for Cash Donations’. But we learned from that effort na ma-formalize siya. There are various organizations in the University conducted [sic] their own donation drive, like Biophilic, Alyansang Atenista, USAD, CSG,” Banuag added.

As of Jan 30, the #XUTabangTaal donation drive raised a total amount of Php 108,797.50 cash donations with Php 98,751.25 from the Church alone. “We are confident na mo-run gyud ang program kay we have the Church, and naa man sad ang Basic Education [department], although dili dali ang pag response [sic] kay geographically, layo ta,” Banuag noted. He also shared that the donation drive is continuously strengthening its response mechanism despite distance constraints.

The XU Biophilic Society, one of #XUTabangTaal’s forerunners, also initiated collecting donations in kind and gathered

three boxes of footwear, eight packs of hygiene materials (including face masks and sanitary tissues), 96 canned goods, and a total of 193 bags of clothing. Aside from this approach, a bank-to-bank cash donation was decided to be the means of giving help since the institution wanted to track the raised funds that are under the responsibility of the University. “This initiative was made to help people who wanted to reach out but didn’t have the medium to send their donations to the victims of Taal. This was truly shown in the amount of donations we’ve received from various donors,” said XU Biophilic Moderator Bryan D. Dulongan.

Boxes provided by SocDev were distributed to the different University organizations that were a part of the drive as means for collecting the cash donations for those students who wished to help. The money collected was then submitted back to the administrators to be deposited to the Finance Office under a special account

intended for the project. In addition, the University also launched #TALAforTAAL to promote the said donation drive.

According to Banuag, an announcement was already made regarding the deadline of the donation drive which was on Jan 31— further updates will then be posted on the XU website. Moreover, given that they are geographically close to where Taal erupted, the cash donations will be deposited to AdMU, who serves as the focal response unit, via bank-to-bank transactions.

Aside from having the initiative to help, Banuag wanted to emphasize the importance of centralizing the donations—may it be in any form—to not waste the efforts of everyone.C

Plastic ban in XU continues implementation in 2020

By Paula Elaine D. Francisco

X A

U enacted necessary measures in the effort to thoroughly comply with the mandates of long Memorandum with 19 other #U1920-008, youth titledorganizations “Policies and Guidelines throughout on the the Prohibition nation, Xavier of Single-Use Ateneo Night PlasticSchool Water Program Bottles”, emerged whichas was one implemented of the National on Finalists Sept 2019. of the 16th Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations The University(TAYO) only has Awards, one goal: and the aLenovo zero-waste Outstanding campus. Starting Tech Visionary with the Award tiniest on January steps, according 24 at the to GSIS theTheatre survey in Pasay conducted City. by the office of the Green Established Campus Agenda in 2002, (GCA), TAYO 99.6 Awards percent Foundation, of the students Inc. ingrants the University nationwide are recognition aware ofto the youthplastic organizations ban, 98 for percent their contributions understoodinthenation-building reason behind the through ban, projects 96 percent addressing support different the social policy,issues and 98 in the country. percent complied 20 organizations to the were policy.chosen To help to comprise maintain the National the regulation Finalists, of with the the plastic 10 bestban, organizations sanctions receiving have been a grant set for of both Php 50,000, students whileand the faculty other finalists who would received disobey: Php 20,000.

a written warning or apology for the first offense, a three-hour community service and formation session for the second offense, andThe a suspension 2019 search for the had third 300 offense, entries nationwide, which is considered with theasprogram a major being offense. chosen among The four Office other of Student youth organizations Affairs (OSA), in the National education Service sector.

Training “Rewarding Program siya(NSTP), para sa amo GCA, kay and eventhe though Basicdaghan Education ga ingon Cluster na, ‘uy, maayo spearheaded na inyongthegibuhat’ Information, or ‘padayon Education, lang mo ana,’ and pero Communication sturya raman na sa (IEC) mga individuals, campaign but to the thisXU time,community. it feels validating Their campaigns [from a national included award-giving activities thatbody] aimednatomaayo educate jud among the community gibuhat,” Program on the Head hazards Coordinator posed by Jett plastic Torres pollution shared. and “And the dangers it gives of reusing us the motivation plastics designed to improve for single the use.

Night They School also Program,” advocated he forcontinued. the commitment to care for the What environment started and as promoted a group of zero-waste friends tutoring practices.kids living in the streets turned intoAs an Alternative of press time, Learning the System University (ALS) is accredited in the middle by the of Department eliminating of Education single-use (DepEd). plastic allThe over program the campus. strived to Despite help street the children and out-of-school youth living in the

alternatives provided, like the Bento Boxes and additional water dispensers, most of the consumable products around the campus peripheries require plastic of Cagayan for safe de storage.

Oro City According through creative to the Vice and President educational for interventions Administration and (VPA)innovations. and GCA “We headalso Edison wanted Sasoy, to emphasize “One of the that biggest our learners challenges shouldare have [sic] life the skills tarpaulins and character aroundformation,” the campus.”

TorresHe added. added that By strengthening alternatives would their relationship be expensive with and hard stakeholders to find. As such recommended as DepEd, by thethe City memorandum, Social Welfare the elimination Department of tarpaulins and private should be sectors, implemented while also by the refining summer theof administrative 2020. plan, he believes that the program Beforecould the help plastic inspire ban, and the empower GCA gave the everyone marginalized a month youthforin the adjustment. city to chase They their disseminated dreams. C posters regarding the ban and a wastebasket was placed outside the gates of the University for plastic bottles. Students have been encouraged to bring their own water containers and additional water fountains have been planted around the

campus. With the help of the Physical Plant Office (PPO) and XU Community Multi-Purpose Cooperative (XUCMPC), these fountains’ water potability has been monitored monthly to ensure safe consumption. The VPA and XUCMPC were also recommended to gather and suggest further information on good alternatives for bottled drinks. Moreover, The XU Bookstore and the Magis Canteen have also been selling tumblers.

The XU Junior High School (XUJHS) and XU Grade School (XUGS) campuses have also joined the plastic ban in their school regulations.

The same memorandum mentioned the elimination of plastic bags and the alternative usage of reusable bags as demanded by the City.C

7

February 2020 | Vol. 46 No. 4

NEWS FEATURE

CDO launches modern PUV fleet, first in Mindanao

By Melvin P. Villacote

WHAT’S NEW. Kagayanons experience CDO’s updated transportation through a modernized jeepney en route to Opol, Misamis Oriental.

I

n Dec 2019, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Northern Mindanao (Region 10) launched Mindanao’s first modern transport system that will ply the national highway route starting this year in CDO. The 22-seater fully air-conditioned Hino brand jeepneys are designed like mini buses, equipped with a provision for standing passengers, and monitored by CCTV cameras. Beep cards will also be used as the payment system for the said modernized transport system.

Two 24/7 development routes provided by the LTFRB traverses Barangay Bugo to Igpit, Opol. Route one travels from BugoGusa Coastal Road-Agora Terminal-Igpit to Bugo via National Highway, while the second route passes through Bugo-National Highway-Igpit and back to Bugo via Agora Terminal and the Coastal Road.

Alongside the launching of the modern jeepneys, old jeepneys within the region are set to be phased out this year. “PUVs that are more than 15 years [sic] will be phased out starting June 2020. There is a Department

[P. FRANCISCO]

Order that we need to replace the dilapidated PUJs because of the accidents that happen on the road,” LTFRB 10 Regional Director Aminoden Guro explained, stating as well that 95 percent of PUVs all over Northern Mindanao are to be phased out. Guro also said that the LTFRB would no longer grant individual franchises for jeepneys after the June 30 deadline. Hence, operators must either organize themselves into cooperatives or corporations.

Traditional jeepney drivers expressed their dissent towards the said transportation

system revamp. “Mas maayo man gyud ning daan nga jeep kay mas daghan ma-karga kaysa sa bag-o. Sayang pero wala man mi mabuhat kay mao man gyud ang balaod, musunod nalang gyud mi,” expressed Xavier Heights Jeepney Owners and Drivers Association (XAHJODA) member Jake*, stating that the traditional jeepney drivers have to accept the modernization program despite the possibility of losing their source of income.

The new modern PUV units will be managed by the Oro Transport Services Cooperative (OROTSCO) as part of the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).

According to OROTSCO Chairman Valeriano Constantino, Jr., old traditional jeepneys disappearing soon from the city’s streets would be an unfortunate scenario, not only for the commuters but also for drivers because they will be losing their source of income.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) launched the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program in 2017 with the goal of making the country’s public transportation system efficient and environment-friendly by 2020. “That is the reality because we have to transform, accept the challenges of change, we have to innovate and transport the transport system of the jeepney sector,” Constantino said.

As of press time, CDO’s Modern PUV program is still on its soft launching phase and LTFRB Region 10 is still conducting test runs of the modern PUV fleet along the city’s main roads.C *Name changed per request of anonymity

XU holds 2nd Oro Design Conference

By Derrick Kean A. Auxtero

O

n Feb 15, the second installment of the Oro Design Conference (ODC), an annual gathering of prominent designers and creatives all over Northern Mindanao, was held at the XU Little Theatre.

The conference aimed to provide an avenue for various artists to come together and impart personal experiences and pieces of advice to young, aspiring artists in the region.

Six speakers, specializing in different artistic disciplines, were invited to the event. Chingkeetea Founder Chingkee Te-Motoomull delved into branding and identity. Joining her was freelance illustrator and concept artist Jan Buragay who gave a peek into his editing process. He also shared some of his artworks and gave useful tips on how to deal with creative blocks and burnout.

Also at the conference was Marcelino Cahig Jr., an animator, graphic designer, and illustrator who is the current Art Director of Bloop Studio and Co-Creator of EyeonthePie. Having taught Multimedia Productions in XU’s Development Communication (DevCom) program in 2015, Cahig pointed out how his experience as a DevCom alumnus molded his artistic outlook. He expressed that he centers it on nationalism—which was evident in the projects he did for Havaianas and Centrio, among others.

INSPIRING CREATIVES. Plus63 Design Co. and Hydra Design Group founding partner Dan Matutina imparts creative advice to the audience during the second Oro Design Conference held at the XU Little Theater on Feb 15, 2020.

[C.APOSTOL]

In addition, illustrator and graphic designer Dan Matutina, who is the founding partner of Plus63 Design Co. and Hydra Design Group, spoke about his journey as an artist, and the pros and cons of working alone, with a small group, and a larger collective. On the other hand, CDO-based editor and animator for Vox and former Design Editor of TheCrusader Publication,

Joey Sendaydiego, recounted his experience as a budding artist, ending his talk with a call for future artists to “just keep shooting your shots.”

Also joining the conference was And A Half, a Manila-based branding and design studio, who talked about their encounters with different clients and how they coped with each experience—all the while

providing the audience with helpful insights on ways to stay inspired.

An open forum proceeded each speaker’s talk where the audience was given an opportunity to throw questions. Each speaker accommodated queries that ranged from artistic processes and finance to tokens of advice.C

8

Crusader

The

NEWS

XU-Law, LGU-Opol link for Hatod Balaod

By Norman C. Calib-og

DUE PROCESS. XU Law students offering free legal consultation to a resident of Opol as part of their Hatod Balaod at Opol Community College Multi-Purpose Gym on Jan 26, 2020.

[J.RIZALDO]

T

he XU College of Law legal counseling class together with paralegals brought Hatod Balaod, a free legal consultation to address legal concerns of citizens, to Opol, Misamis Oriental in partnership with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Opol at the Opol Community College Multi-Purpose Gym on Jan 26.

Hatod Balaod offered services such as correction on birth certificates, free advice

on legal problems, and consultation with paralegals regarding land concerns.

Third-year Law student and Barangay Poblacion Captain Danilo Daroy Jr. said that the activity was in line with the constitution in accordance to the Supreme Court of the Philippines. “Naa nay bag-ong gina tawag na supreme order [sic] nga gina tawag og FLETC (Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers), mao ng kailangan na og intern ang mga Law students before sila mo gradwar gyud sa

College of Law, para sila mahimong abogado, kailangan nila nga mo render og pila ka hours nga internship,” explained Daroy. This is in line with Article III, Section 11 of the 1987 Constitution which stated that free access to the courts and quasi-judicial bodies, and adequate legal assistance shall not be denied to any person by reason of poverty.

Most of the students coming from XU were fourth-year students who will take the board exam after their graduation.

Meanwhile, Class In-charge Atty. Normita V. Batula also explained that after their discussions of legal principles and concepts, she wanted the students to experience actual legal consultations. Moreover, she invited her former students to help in the activity.

“We also invited lawyers, 12 lawyers[…] if some of the questions kailangan na ng mga estudyante ng help they can also approach the lawyers,” said Batula.

With a total of 60 graduating law students and 12 paralegals present during the activity, citizens of Opol took the opportunity to raise their concerns. A couple of citizens from Barangay Luyong, Bonbon consulted their concerns regarding birth certificates.

“Kini siya iyang gender ani kay male, unya babae man gyud ni, mao na ako ipa change,” shared the 71-year old Alicia Arañas.

Opol Municipal Mayor Hon. Maximino B. Seno gave his appreciation to the XU Law students for the opportunity to extend their vocation to Opolanons. “Dako kaayo ni siyag tabang sa Opol [...] What we need are lawyers and in this case pro bono tanan so dako kaayo nig advantage,” said Seno.

This is the first partnership of LGUOpol and XU-College of Law in providing this form of service to the public. Meanwhile, one of the lawyers from XU suggested that their next project should have a medico-legal professional in partnership with the College of Medicine to give free medical services in addition to the free legal service.C

Motor taxi pilot study resumes, welcomes CDO

By Alessandro Kennz Nioda (Contributor)

R

ecent talks between the Motorcycle Taxi Service Inter-Agency Technical Working Group (TWG) and participating motorcycle transport network companies and stakeholders led to the resumption of the motor taxi pilot study, announced last Jan 22 at the House of Representatives.

The pilot study, which was initially and abruptly moved to termination by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), has been put into place since 2019 to gather data that will determine the viability and safety of motorcycles used as public utility vehicles (PUVs). Philippine laws still consider

them illegal, pursuant to RA 4136 (Land Transportation and Traffic Code), which only recognizes the two-wheeled vehicle as private. Should the data give good results, the TWG can advise Congress in aid of passing a law that shall legalize and regulate motorcycles-for-hire across the country.

The pilot run is also expected to finish

by March 23, since it was extended after the original six-month period that ended last Dec. An increase of rider cap to 63,000 for Angkas, Move It, and JoyRide shall be practiced, as well as the expansion of the coverage area to CDO instead of limiting

it to only Metro Manila and Metro Cebu.

Hence, Metro Cebu and CDO will have 9,000 riders apiece (3,000 per ride-hailing service), while Metro Manila will have 45,000 (15,000 per service).

The changes in line with the resumption make it possible for Angkas to continue its operations in the city, which was previously unavailable starting Jan 4 to the dismay of Kagayanon regulars, while the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) – Region X impounded several units and apprehended their drivers.

Although Angkas claimed that the city government has allowed motor taxis through

an ordinance, the TWG emphasized the coverage area’s limits (which did not include CDO) and the power of national laws over local laws. In order to support the riders that were revoked of their jobs, netizens posted some of their contact information for prospective passengers and a Facebook group was made for the latter to “book” rides to their destinations.

Meanwhile, Move It and JoyRide are anticipated in CDO as new public transport services.C

Mental health ordinance in the works after suicide rate rise in CDO

By Edshera Mae R. Abella

P

hilippine Mental Health Association (PMHA) data shows a rise of suicide rates in CDO with 3.6 suicides per 100,000 people as of Sept 2019 to Jan 2020 with 24 recorded cases of suicide as compared to the national statistic of 3.2 suicides per 100,000 people.

Therefore, a Mental Health Ordinance was proposed by CDO City Councilor and former nurse psychiatrist Jocelyn B. Rodriguez on Dec 14, 2019 in response to this rising issue as she expressed her alarm on the rising statistics.

The statistics further showed that one out of four suicides within the city are from people below the age of 18 years old, 33 percent are within the age range of 2029, and 21 percent from 30-39 year olds.

Moreover, 92 percent of those committing suicides are male, and 88 percent are single individuals. According to research under the American Psychological Association (APA), this is because men are linked to impulsivity.

Their greater disposition towards angry behavior predicts a greater likelihood of suicide attempts. There is a concept of man’s image and masculinity as well that discourages the expression of feelings, opposite to women who are more commonly able to express themselves through their fellow female friends.

Suicide rates may also have risen up because of the lack of a mental health facility where people could go to, one that provides the services of licensed psychologists and psychiatrists. “If we have a facility, those who

are really depressed, undergoing problems in life, they have a place to go to. It’s the same as when you are physically sick and you have to go to the hospital’s emergency room (ER),” Rodriguez stated.

Rodriguez emphasized the importance of talking about mental health to get rid of the stigma of depression and other mental illnesses. “The problem,” she says, “is that people automatically think someone is crazy if they go to a psychiatrist. We need to talk about it.”

In accordance with this, the proposed mental health ordinance aims to provide mental health services with the ambition to prevent, treat, and control mental illnesses at all levels as well as provide a rehabilitation center for persons with mental disabilities.

Furthermore, it aims to develop preexisting public and private mental health care facilities and integrate mental health care systems into health care services. This ordinance hopes to include free services and medication for the poor and a 24-hour hotline that is programmed and connected to any emergency units.

Rodriguez also states that the General Welfare of the Local Government Code includes the improvement of people’s mental health. Hence, Rodriguez emphasizes that the city government should be operating its own Mental Health Center as part of CDO’s vision by 2021.C

9

February 2020 | Vol. 46 No. 4

NEWS

Mindanao enters 2020 sans Martial Law

By Alessandro Kennz Nioda (Contributor)

A

fter two and a half years, Mindanao was declared no longer under Martial law on De 31, 2019.

Announced beforehand on Dec 10 by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, who heeded the recommendations made by military and police officials, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, and Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, had decided not to extend it a fourth time.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo informed that “[Duterte’s] decision is based on the assumption […] that the terrorist and extremist rebellion [sic] have been weakened as a result of the capture and

neutralization of their leaders as well as […] a decrease in the index crime.”

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Spokesperson Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo expressed its confidence in “an improved security climate in Mindanao that will work for the benefit of fellow Filipinos.”

While Martial Law is now absent in the South, Proclamation 55—which declared a state of national emergency since Sept 4, 2016 on account of lawless violence— continues to be in effect. Nick Aspinwall of The Interpreter notes that it “allows military and police personnel to impose checkpoints and curfews and gives armed

forces wide latitude to collaborate in security operations.”

Various sectors have given different reactions. International Alert, in its 2019 report, War Makes States, gives credit to Martial Law as “strategic and decisive,” with the people’s difficulty to carry firearms and instigate battles due to “increased police visibility coupled with the expansion in the number of military checkpoints.” Whereas political leaders in some cities and provinces are not in favor of its culmination, businesses and trade sectors have the opposite view.

Although, for Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region X Director Linda

Boniao, Martial Law is irrelevant to the continuous growth in commerce.

On the other hand, activists and human rights groups like Barug Katungod strongly condemn the operations for its “severe damage,” citing high numbers of killings, victims, arrests, and forced evacuations.

They also highlight the military’s clash with environmental and land defenders and indigenous peoples and its defense of business investments from communist rebels.C

LTO launches new licensing system for 2020

By Ar-Raffi C. Macaumbos

I

n October 2019, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) announced the new licensing system for 2020. Included in the new system is a mandatory 15-hour seminar for student permit applicants, a mandatory eighthour application for drivers’ licenses in addition to one more examination, an eight-hour seminar, actual driving, and biometric scanning.

According to LTO Region 1 (Ilocos) Director Teofilo Guadiz III, “Mag-iiba

ang playing field sa pagkuha ng driver’s license.

Before one could get a student permit, an applicant should be getting 15 hours of actual seminar. This is mandatory. After the seminar, there will be an exam to be given by LTO. After the exam, he/she will be issued the student permit.”

However, LTO also announced that drivers who never committed any violation preceding their licenses’ validity will have a 10-year renewal. “In one way, LTO will be stricter but at the same time we also have

good news for the drivers. If they have no violation, the driver’s license’s validity will be 10 years,” Guadiz said. However, if a driver has committed violations, there will be a mandatory seminar and examination before he could get his license renewed. That license will then be valid for five years.

The lack of training prompted the LTO to thoroughly educate new applicants and refresh the learnings of the renewal applicants to reduce road accidents caused by human error such as making a wrong

turn, overtaking, and going over the speed limit.C Additional Sources: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1083772 https://punch.dagupan.com/articles/news/2019/10/ltonew-licensing-system-in-2020/

LAMPOON

a d i b a r t n o C Cora e! g n e ll a h c e th ts p e c c a Cora G

I

chance of bagging another loyaltea award for staying longer than your ex. Anyway, I’m quite amazed by the efforts made for the success of the dance challenge. *eherm* Sana always.

It’s not my thing to ask questions but, what on a non-flat Earth is happening here? First of all, I know what fun is, I’m not that anti-social and mean. The thing is, I’m surprised by the amount of support this challenge is getting—not just from the biggest organizations of the University but from the staff as well. Where was this kind of support when our LGBTQIA+ students demanded equal treatment in our own University? I’m not going to mention every single thing we turned our eyes and ears away from, you guys already know what I’m trying to say.

You may say, “What’s her problem?

What does she know anyway?” Well, If I had a peso for every time I’d see that look on that face of yours, I’d be able to pay my dues twice! Aren’t we taking this challenge too seriously? How I wish this kind of unity existed consistently.

Aren’t our students ranting enough on Twitter about the requirements given to them, and how they’re exhausted from all the impossible deadlines that are too short for them? “But Cora, it was for a cause!”

Oh, silly me! It’s for fundraising? According to my calculations, the decision of accepting the challenge existed before they wanted to use it to raise funds, but whatever. I’ve

pointed out issues far greater than this. Hence, my last name. In my uncountable years of staying here in my beloved University, where being an Atenean is worn more proud than ever, I am expecting XU to know better. Though, before I move away from the spotlight, I hope you find me in the Dance Challenge video doing my best efforts in the middle of the crowd.

You better find me, I ignored my assignments for that!C

Illustration by Sumayyah G. Caris

’ve been productive in my room lately and you have no idea how hard I’ve been trying. Have I been studying?

Yes. Does it involve any of my academic responsibilities? DING DONG, YOU ARE WRONG! I’ve been studying dance steps for hours—extending my arms, moving my leg up and down, and shaking my body.

If you’re wondering what I’m up to, I’m mastering Tala-tala by Kutsara G! Surprised?

I know what you’re thinking. As someone who stayed in the University for who knows how many years, I should focus on marching in March. But this may be a game-changer for me since I never knew I’d be this good in dancing, knowing my grades in PE were something I was never proud of.

Gosh, I’ve been hearing this song everywhere I go. This has been my breakfast, lunch, and dinner jam whenever I visit my favorite Tapsihan near XU, so it would be a shame if I didn’t know the dance myself.

Actually, it’s great timing for ya gurl Cora G to be practicing since XU has accepted the Tala-tala Dance Challenge after being tagged by a sister university on social media. Wow, what a way of justifying the Atenean spirit.

Me likey. *Ding* That was obviously my phone, and to my surprise, I’ve been added in a group chat. Woah woah woah, is this for the dance challenge? Well, I’ll be damned, they’re really taking this seriously, huh? Isn’t everyone busy for the midterms? Of course, as a straggler, I am expected to focus on my academics given that I have the highest

gREG

ED

IGIT

gan

ed

ni Greg ug Rafha

.

KURISCOPE ni rafha

Maayong adlaw mga suking tig-paminaw ug basa niining Kuriscope ni Madame Chollalat Rafha. Humana naman jud ang Valentine’s Day, char kaayo, mao na ni ang mga tambag mga suki. Unta makatabang ni sa inyuha.

Karun sa season of love, may your heart be filled with joy, laughter, and hope, charringg iring, bitaw, unta makita na nimo imuhang one true love, enjoy lang sa mga tambag ni Madam Chollalat Rafha ibig bahandi karun “Love” month. Sa mga single diyan, basaha lang ni apan matambagan ka sa gakahitabo sa imuhang lovelayf, pagkalably. Seat back, relax ug enjoy mga suking tig-paminaw. ka

Aquarius (Pinagtagpo pero hindi tinadhana) Ghurl, musta na? How’s your heart today? Ayaw sa pagpaduding sa Magis karung adlawa, kay halosa imuhang mga gakakita naay uyab plust taken pa jud sila halosa tanan. Pero ayaw kabalaka naay mutapad nimo pero dili mahimong kamo. Ouch naman!

Lucky Artist: The Juans.

Theme Song: Hindi Tayo Pwede Aries (Dalawa ang iniibig?)

Bruhhh, hinay hinay sad sa lablayf sa karun, ayaw pagsabayi ang duha kay basin makarmahan ka. Ang maanindot bitaw, stick to one lang ka kay wala man sad mawala sa imuha, kay wala ka kabalo siya naman diay ang “da one” para sa imuha. Dalawa, undangi nana bruh Lucky Artist: Kylle Charrie Theme Song: Dalawang Pag-ibig Niya Cancer (Akin ka nalang) Badiday, graveh uyyyy sige man ug kanta sa iyahang idol na si Morisette Amon, pero ang pangutana naimuha ba imuhang crush, diba wala? Undanga na ug kanta ang akin ka na lang, kay dili jud nimo siya maangkon kay kabalo ka ngano? Taken na siya, puyo na dzai.

Lucky Artist: Morisette Amon Theme Song: Akin ka nalang giliwww...

Capricorn (Ikaw at Ako ang storyline ghurl) Inday, sultihan tika. Moira ka ghurl?. Dili sa tanan panahon kamo rang duha ang gauban. Panalagsa pud imuhang friends ang imuhang mga kauban, sumo kaya diba, basin magbaylo namo ug nawong. Basta ayaw lang wala-a ang salig sa inyuhang duha, charreettt.

Lucky Artist: Moira Dela Torre Theme Song: Ikaw at Ako. Gemini (#CoupleGoals) Ayay! Chicken Joy diri, Chicken Joy dadto, hala ka uy, undang na bes, bisang unsa-on nimo, dili ka makakita ug lablayf sa Jobee mamsh. Tama na ang ilusyon, mata ta bes, dili Utube atong lablayf.

Lucky Artist: Jessa Zaragoza Theme Song: Baliw na Puso Leo (K-drama ang lovelife ghurl) Char lang abi nimo maimuha si Lee Min Ho ug Ji Chang Wook, hahayst pagkabuyag ba nimo sis, i-tulog rana sis para dili sabaw sa klase kay tungod sa K-drama, tan-awa, ulitmo ang mata gaduka duka. Panan-aw na lang sunod episode.

Lucky Artist: Gummy Theme Song: You are my Everything Libra (Total Package) Pakpakan beh, bright na, buotan pa, gwapa pa ug nakalablayf pa. Naa na sa imuha ang korona bestie. Ayaw lang palabi bes. Char kaayo ka bes, haba ng hair. Ikaw na!

Lucky Artist: Daniel Matsunaga, charroot si Daniel Padilla kei...

Theme Song: Nasa iyo na ang Lahat Pisces (Umaasa pa rin) Ayaw kabalaka if single paka karun kay naay paabutay na tao para sa imuha, perfect inyuhang pair bes. Ayaw jud siya sayanga bes, makita rana nimo siya sa SBM Grounds dapit sa vendo, nakasuot ug color white na shirt, and chinito siya mads.

Lucky Artist: Yeng Constatino Theme Song: Chinito Taurus (Effort kaayo si Koyah) Pagkalably dear, gitagaan na ganeh ka ug chocolate plus roses pa jud pero pagtan.aw nimo expired na ang chocolate dear ug laya na ang roses. Sama sa iyahang gugma sa imuha, graveh ka-patay. Foul!

Lucky Artist: Jacqueline Chang Theme Song: Atik ra kay gi atik raka...

Virgo (Kisapmata) Karung Valentines sis, minus minusa ang paggastos sa mga butang butang.

Kabalo ka ang kwarta mura rag relasyon, mawala rana sis. Focus lang sa imuhang self-growth kay Love Yourself first baya, maypa ikaon na lang na nimo imuhang wawarts.

Lucky Artist: Rivermaya Theme Song: Kisapmata

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To join: Tintininingg!! sa atong palarang mananaog sa ni-aging Kurisearch, congrats! Ms. Honey Joy Ybañez and Mr. Arthur Almonte, please claim your prize at StC 302, The Crusader Publication office. Sa uban naa pay chance oy! I-photocopy this Kurisword with your answers and submit your entry to TheCrusader Publication office at StC 302 with your fullname, year, course and contact number. 1 Lucky participants will receive limited edition collectables. Unsa pa inyuhang ginahulat mga ka-igan andami na inyuhang kaugalingun like now na jud ug makadaog ug mga papremyo. Good Luck intawon frens!

Sagittarius (Chollalat) Ging/Gong, iminimize ang pagstalk sa Facebook about kay crush kay basin na-like na nimo iyahang profile picture. Naku! Patay jud ka naa naman diay toy ka-char imuhang crush man diay, bantay bantay lang jud ka ging/gong basin magtext na siya kalit. Before you stalk say “Chollalat” Lucky Artist: Donnalyn Bartolome Theme Song: Kakaibabe Scorpio (Gandang Ganda ka sa layf) Catch up ta mamsh kay single pa raba ta, wala na ganeh tay load, wala pa juy uyab, double time ta ha? Pero ayaw kabalaka mamshiess, bahalag walay lablayf, basta gwapa uy, ing-ana baya atong prinsipyo sa life Lucky Artist: Arvey Theme Song: Dalaga