The Crusader Super Magazine 2019

Kaleidoscopic Perspectives Inside Inside: XU Festival Days XUFD 2019 2017 Mindanao Earthquakes Marawi survivor stories Recycled Finance SHS OfficeSubjects red tape

CDO Indie publishing scene

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Cover CoverStory Story

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 (Trainee) Paula Elaine D. Francisco Photography Editor Melvin P. Villacote Graphic Design & Layout 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) Managers Paula Elaine D. Francisco Human Resource Manager Jean Mika M. Aporillo Office Manager Sheil Ann Ashley P. Bruas Circulations Manager Melvin P. Villacote Online Accounts Manager James Sean Kenneth A. Sarcol Junior Computer Systems Manager (Trainee) Staff Writers Norman C. Calib-og Staff Artists Edshera Mae R. Abella (Trainee) Caryll 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) Karla Mae H. Romero Darren Camille C. Tabanera (Trainee) Moderator Ms. Ann Catherine T. Acenas

For contributions, please address your articles and/or comments to: TheCrusader Publication Office, Rm. 302, Student Training Center (STC) Bldg, Xavier University 9000, Cagayan de Oro City Circulation: 2,500 copies

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Table of Contents 1 2 4 6 7 8 10 11 12 14 15 16 18 21 22 24 25 26 28 30 32 34

Editorial Opinion Reworking the System Running Through the Mishmash Unveiling the Silence Credits and Changes Fading Friendship Facing the Hurdles Senior High School: A Reprise An Imeldific Government Cancel the Cancel Culture Reassessing the Magnitude You Within, Throughout, and Beyond Significance of the Study The Duterte-Robredo Discord: Opportunity Revoked A Clash of Blue Bloods The Return of Relic Epidemics The Fragrance Lingers in the Harbor 2019 Year in Review Cora Contrabida: The XU Factor Comics Hohongihong

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y the twinkling lights of XU Out Loud, XU celebrates the blessings of the year 2019 with the convergence of the City’s people at XUFD. The festival will never be the same as University President Fr. Roberto C. Yap, S.J.’s impending departure to another Ateneo looms. But as always, XUFD is all about you. You within, throughout, and beyond.

Words by Ar-Raffi C. Macaumbos Cover Photo by James Patrick B. Pabonita

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The official student publication of Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan Vol. 46 No. 3 December 2019

Email your comments & suggestions to thecrusaderpub@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

Beyond protest art

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Illustration by Jayson Elvie G. Ty

ews of the hostile situation between the ongoing protesters of Hongkong and their police force prompted the Filipinos who frequent social media to be sympathetic. With the cases of damage to pro-China establishments and other scattered instances of violence, they had also expressed admiration for the Hong Kong protesters for standing up for their rights. When an incident in Manila reported that Filipino youth cultural group Panday Sining had sprayed “Digmaang bayan sagot sa Martial Law” and “Atin ang Pinas!

US-China layas!” as protest art on the walls of the Lagusnilad underpass, the government, and citizens alike, condemned the act and called it vandalism.

Metro Manila’s Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso, had been receptive to counteract Panday Sining’s stunt. Since July, he has advocated for the city’s unclean areas’ revamp. Moreno slams the liable youth with, “Kapag nahuli ko kayo, ipadidila ko sa inyo ito… it took 15 years for that underpass to be attended. Kayo ang nambababoy eh. Hindi makatwiran ‘yan. We don’t deserve this. The people of Manila don’t deserve this.”

In return, Panday Sining made their statement, “To the public: sorry for the inconvenience, but the matter and issues at hand are urgent.

Left and right, ordinary people are being killed or jailed for criticizing this corrupt and fascist government.” They insist there are no other means that would make their cause effective as “the space for peaceful and democratic speech is already being compromised by the regime as it pushes to criminalize dissent.”

Anti-Crime and Terrorism Community Involvement and Support Partylist (ACT-CIS) Representative Niña Taduran asserted that “If they claim that they merely wanted to attract attention to their cause of opposing Martial Law in Mindanao, they could have done that without committing vandalism.” On social media, the citizens raise the concern that these protesters are insensitive to the efforts of the government to make Manila beautiful again.

What exactly is the appropriate action to take when the oppression of one’s right to call out the incapabilities of the government is evident—so much that it puts us in our own little box of silence? Should organizations that wish to advocate for change conform to the suggestions of presenting their sentiments through song and dance? If putting on a show was enough to gather a following for a petition for reform, surely it would have already worked. What sense is a beautiful city if the country is regressing?

The years have shown that the Philippines is facing many crucial issues that determine the future of the country. We are well-informed of the news on the alarming corruption, extra-judicial killings, continuous rise of drug-use and poverty, congested traffic, and others. More than ever, information is presented to us explicitly. We have that capacity to see the aspects wherein we can fight for change, if we do so with the power of the people. Why are we enlightened by the movements of activism by the people of other countries, but quick to berate when it is done by our own?

It is not that we commend the act of defacing the walls of public spaces. What Panday Sining has stirred within the Filipinos is the approach to be noticed, to which they found through art. Although criticized, especially by the publicized operations of the Manila mayor, it succeeds in bringing light to a group of people passionate enough to counter the means of censorship imposed by the government. We, as a youth, have that power too. It is through our collective participation that we can attain reform if we have a strong sense of activism within us.C

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OPINION

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Dovahkiin

By Abdel Rafi M. Lim

e stand at the forefront of an epidemic. A certain virus has been infiltrating our communities, leaving us tight-lipped and numb to the terrors (and truths) of society. We have become detached and disinterested with most things that are controversial in nature, feeling as if what we have to contribute is inconsequential. Like zombies who tread over the troubles of our country with lifeless ardor, we have now become apolitical.

We are apolitical when we don’t care who the president is, or what he does or doesn’t do. We are apolitical when we don’t give second thoughts on social issues, much less take a stand with any of the involved parties. We are apolitical when we tune out devastating events that headline our news channels every single day.

With a global warming crisis, poverty, corruption, discrimination, and countless of other catastrophes, how can we be so privileged to willfully choose to opt-out of the discussion?

Are we too lazy to participate in the democracy we live in? Are our lives comfortable enough that

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Sapphire Star

By Winona Roselle Serra

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The privilege of silence the grievances of our countrymen are simply just nuisances?

The thing is, we always have a choice. We can mope around sneezing and complaining about the weather or our political climate—with little to zero chances of making a change in the world— or we can get up and think, “this isn’t right...”

But it doesn’t end there. Acknowledging that our circumstances aren’t the most ideal and that we actually have the right to be alleviated from these plights is only the first step. The next and most crucial step then is to do something about it.

We are so passively contented to accept the world for what it is that we fail to see what the world could be. Merely watching and complaining about the states of our government and country contributes nothing. We are quick to dismiss our importance—our relevance. What we say matters, and if we ourselves don’t believe that, it only means that the people we put in charge aren’t listening. And that’s what we have to do: Make them listen.C

Not so holistic

s the closest thing to even remotely resemble a microcosm of society, colleges are expected to help us grow— in every aspect of the word.

As a result, secondary level graduates are giveHindi pula’t dilaw ang tunay na magkalaban.

Filipino social media arguments are now becoming intense and personal. It’s a battleground where no quarter is given and insults have gone mainstream.

A lot of Filipinos today associate one and the other in either two camps in the country’s political scenario; the pro-Duterte groups or the “ka-DDS,” which are leaning towards illiberal democracy, and the “dilawans,” under the Liberal Party, veering towards undemocratic liberalism with their disdain for populism—each emphasizing an aspect of liberal democracy at the expense of the other.

In simpler terms, who are the real “ka-DDS” and the so-called “dilawan,” anyway? In the words of Mocha Uson’s dualistic logic, anyone who dares to criticize the current [Duterte] administration is automatically a member of the opposition and, by extension, a supporter of the previous [Aquino] administration, thus “dilaw.”

There is a presumption that the DDS camp is as

large as Duterte’s approval ratings. Today, many believe that the “DDS” are the ones in power, so the “dilawans” should stop complaining.

Duterte supporters want a dynamic leader capable of cutting through the social and political barriers that have bound the nation to misery for years. Dilawans want to stick with the Constitution and its democratic ideals. The Constitution, for them, is an important tool for progress, human rights, and justice. The divide, at its root, is caused by the fact that most Filipinos feel let down by their government. They are going nowhere in their lives and they are hurt and angry about it.

Perhaps it’s high time that, instead of being a pro-Duterte ka-DDS and a pro-Liberal dilawan, whoever we may be, we start being pro-Philippines. It’s not always black and white.

Neither of the two camps should hold monopoly over good citizenship and public service.

Yet, we should not forget that political parties are only a means toward realizing an end, and, this doesn’t mean that by belonging to either the DDS or “dilawan” camp, one is necessarily committed to his/her duties as a citizen. Let’s put aside political labels and, instead, work together for our country, and not for specific camps.C Vol. 46 No. 3 December 2019

OPINION

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hen I was in grade school, I remember watching some of my classmates laugh hysterically at gestures they created with their hands—they were aggressively sliding their index finger in and out of a circle formed by their other hand. Of course today, I am well acquainted with the vulgarity of this act but unfortunately, my younger, more innocent self hadn’t caught on so easily. So, out of genuine curiosity, I decided to ask my parents, mimicking the same gestures that my classmates did with their fingers. I got what I asked for but I also received a whopping amount of scolding.

Today, whenever I recall this memory, I just laugh at my dumb, naive self. But at the same time, I also find myself asking: why is it a norm in our culture to be so sensitive when it comes to sex? So much so that parents get all frantic and dismissive whenever the topic is brought up? Yes, our country is, by its default nature, a conservative one. But isn’t it ironic that such a country with that label has also

been stamped as one of Asia’s top countries with the highest number of teenage pregnancies?

Avenues for informative dialogue about sex is clearly limited and, as a result, misconceptions about the topic spread like wildfire. I remember hearing from a female friend about how it is fine for a girl to engage in sex as long as it’s her first time because the chances for pregnancy is zero. When I tried pointing out the absurdity of the thought, she insisted by citing the sexual experience of one of her friends.

Lack of accurate facts about sex and all its in-betweens lead to misinformed decisions which often lead to regret. It is already an established leading cause, not only of teenage pregnancy, but other sexually-related issues as well. It’s high time that we stop looking at sex as some sort of taboo and start seeing it as it is—a fundamental part of being human—and refusing to talk about it won’t make it go away.C

By Derrick Kean A. Auxtero

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By Jayson Elvie G. Ty

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Relevant ka gH0rL?

U students can’t deny that the Xavier University - Central Student Government (XU-CSG) has been very interactive in their social media accounts compared to previous years. In fact, they have gained relatability from most of their followers and have done things that are more than what is expected from a student-ran social media account.

But to what extent?

Reading Twitter posts such as “It’s JAM szn, murag daghan-daghan na sad gusto mahimong watergh0rL” relating to the past Jesuit Athletic Meet (JAM) that was held in XU and “Wala na bay mas bugnaw pa ani? *Brrrr* Tag mo na bet mo. Merry Holidays, ka-CSG!” as a form of greeting from XU-CSG’s Twitter account strikes distastefulness. It’s funny and retweetable for some, but at the expense of trying to be relatable and student-friendly, some sense of reliability is lost from what should be a respectable account.

As a representation of the student body, it is not suitable for them to post and be concerned with being “watergh0rls” for the “JAM szn” and with

tagging someone’s bet for a cold holiday season because these statements do not represent the student body in a professional manner.

Emphasis on projects and their progress, means for discussion, collaboration, and communication should be the focus of these social media accounts because our student government has done so much and it should be recognized. It’s great that they are finding ways to relate and interact with the students, but they should have been mindful of their actions and should have seen that their sense of credibility has been compromised.

As student leaders, we are nowhere near perfect, but we are trying. To be actively using social media as a platform for communicating with the students is an absolute way of breaking the barriers between the students and the student leaders. However, we don’t need to uphold societal trends like voicing out hugots to prove a point nor do we have to hand out jokes to remain relevant.

As student leaders, we are to lead the students and keep them involved in pointful conversations.C

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Photos by Paula Elaine D. Francisco

LAPRAS

Let’s talk about sex

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Vol. 46 No. 3 December 2019

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he University has provided a system to accommodate the continuously increasing student population’s needs— especially in their transactions—in the form of the Student Lifecycle Management and Information System (SLMIS). To supply excellent service and to better serve its community, the Computing and Information Services Office (CISO) customized the system to cater to the requirements of the Registrar and Finance Offices. This allows the students in the University to carry out transactions with less hassle. But, how far can the SLMIS cater students’ operations in all levels, from basic education to the tertiary level, since its implementation?

Getting easy connection Experiencing connection problems, especially during the enrollment days, are not new for the students. According to Management and Information System (MIS) Head Jo Ramil Palabao, this is because SLMIS users were probably performing transactions simultaneously that the internal server in the University took too much time to respond that it just went down. “Naay uban part nauna nga gina administrative enrollment so wala ra kaayo self-service kay admin ang ga enroll sa imo (student) then by batch so lessened ang load.

Pagmusaka naka sa higher level, gina encourage naka to use self-service for students,” said Palabao. He also clarified that they are providing designated

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Oracle in control One of the grounds why the CISO is not able to make its system customizable—which could address the needs of the University for a momentary period of time—is that SLMIS is run by the Oracle Corporation. It is a global corporation that develops and markets computer software applications for businesses. Because the system is not held by the University, this limits XU from implementing upgrades within the system.

According to Yu, the CISO still didn’t prioritize a budget as of now for a full-time program expert to manage the system, but they will exert their best efforts to secure one for the next academic year.

On the other hand, the CSG’s Department of Academic Affairs also made an action plan together with their counterparts from different college councils to relay to the XU learners the strict implementation of the gradebook and ensure that the students receive regular updates on their grades.

for a more convenient access to the system,” said Yu. In addition, in order to guarantee that the teachers comply with their duty to use the system, Vice President for Higher Education (VPHED) Juliet Dalagan will be very keen when monitoring the teachers’ role to submit the students grades through the SLMIS gradebook. Teachers who will not comply will be given memos to call their attention and remind them about their task.

Version view As the SLMIS caters users from the Basic Education up to the Tertiary Level, its current 9.0 version is looking forward to a new version to address the problem with the system. This future version of the system will minimize the connection problems the users are experiencing.

Furthermore, the current system is a big jump compared to its features before. “Kung tan-awon nimo ang population before nga nagagamit og SLMIS, karon mas active ang users karon so ang resources nato karon sa servers ug sa hardware requirements taas ang load,” expressed Palabao. In addition, during the early implementation of this system, the users were not able to adjust its resolution which made it hard to view the site. But, in the current version of the system, they can now adjust its resolution on mobile devices.

To clarify, Palabao mentioned that the SLMIS has a framework that needs to be followed and modifying it is not as easy as some of the users think. Additionally, Fernandez asked the CSG to work with them hand in hand in order to further give assistance to the XU community. *** Attaining the expected upgrade from the system to cater to the demands of its consumers needs careful planning and ideal timing. We might see the slow process of the development of this system as of now, but this serves as preparation for a bigger takeoff for better service.C Additional source: https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/148986.

Move from the student body Before the year ends, the CSG already stressed their commitment to work with the system’s maintenance budget. “As for the last remaining four months for this Academic Year, we hope that we can mark the calendar on the implementation of the SLMIS mobile application

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Navigating the system CISO Director Harriet Fernandez highlighted that there is still no big development in the SLMIS because it requires down-time, careful planning, and a lot of preparation and timing. As of press time, they are currently focusing on its operations and maintenance. However, there is already an existing plan to upgrade the system.

On the other hand, Central Student Government (CSG) President Audrey Theresse Yu shared her points after their admin cluster meeting on the second week of Nov. According to Yu, the CSG will strive to lobby the urgency of prioritizing the budget for system maintenance experts as it is crucial to keep the system running while reducing system problems. The CSG is also hoping that by the end of this academic year, the SLMIS mobile application will be implemented.

This is to make it more convenient, not only for the students, but to the entire XU community.

Moreover, Fernandez stated that they will exert their best efforts to secure a full-time program expert to manage the system. “We have plans but it’s more on upgrading the version of our system because we also need to upgrade from the latest version,” shared Fernandez.

labs as back up in order for students to enroll continuously. In addition, Palabao stressed that those who were experiencing a slow connection when using the SLMIS were those who accessed it outside the XU network or those who used mobile data.

Considering the peak hours during the enrollment days, Fernandez stated that students may do their course shopping for their schedules a week before enrollment in order to avoid the congestion with the other users. “A week before the enrollment murag gi plantsa na nila ila schedule.

In [sic] doing their enrollment igo nalang sila automatically mag submit. So ahead of time, do your shopping already sa courses that you want to enroll, instead of searching during the peak hours,” Fernandez said. Meanwhile, Fernandez also assured that the system really did not go down and that it only crashed for simultaneous users.

Fernandez also stressed that the CISO is open for discussion regarding the issues and concerns its users have experienced. She also encouraged the students not to post their concerns on social media, but instead directly email their apprehensions to CISO’s account or visit their office.

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ith the introduction of the Student Lifecycle Management and Information System (SLMIS) a few years ago, enrolling became much easier and faster with the students enrolling in the courses themselves online. However, it takes at least four steps to complete the enrollment process. One of which is the submitting of documents that must be passed and/or approved by offices. There are students who claim that the process is tedious⁠— more so for the students of populous colleges/ programs, whose enrollment could take longer, especially during the late enrollment week. For the students who went through the long process, they wonder if there are ways to better the enrollment process?

Enrollment: an overview The enrollment process starts with settling a down payment at the Finance Office. Next is meeting with the students’ coordinator/evaluator to get a study load, submitting the study load to the registrar, and finally, enrolling in the courses in SLMIS. For late enrollees, students will have to go back to their respective departments instead, as a final step, since the office of the Registrar locks down self-service enrollment.

Prior to the enrollment, the Registrar will create google sheets with classrooms and time slots. The sheets will be sent to the colleges to be paired with classes. After the deadline, the Registrar will lock down the sheets and input them into SLMIS. Meanwhile, to open a course, the students must ask the department chairperson to open a class for them provided that they have enough numbers for the course. The department chairperson would then send the request to the college dean, who will then send the request to the 6

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Vice President for Higher Education (VPHED), and to the Registrar for the final input.

Going through process Among the students who felt the long process is Jb*. Jb disclosed that there were times when the evaluator for their program arrived late, and/or the cut off time is earlier than it’s supposed to be. “Usahay late ang evaluator, usahay sayo ma cut off,” Jb complained. “Luoy [ang] estudyante [nga] mahutdan og subject,” he added.

Jb shared that there was one time when he was not accommodated due to the cut-off time.

After a long queue for evaluation, Jb said he was sent by the evaluator to the (Arts and Sciences) College Dean to have a document signed. He was told by the evaluator that he will no longer need to queue back after he’s done at the Dean’s office to avoid the long wait. However, he complained that the front desk assistant made him queue back in line again. He had to come back the next day.

XU’s rationale For XU Registrar Verna Lago, regular students don’t suffer such hindrances in enrollment. The process is usually more problematic for irregular students, and those who were unable to complete their class requirements or Incompletes (INCs) since students will not be able to enroll as long as they have INCs, especially with Engineering students.

Moreover, Lago expressed that the long process is necessary because the VPHED has to be very careful in arranging and approving classes to avoid overloaded and/or underloaded classes. There are classes that have too few or too

many students, which could be merged or split.

The VPHED also has to audit all classes and avoid giving reading courses to non-graduating students, as reading courses must be a last resort for the students. In addition, Lago opined that the mess starts after locking down the Google Sheets.

“Kani siya nga koti, [this] happened for courses which were not included in the Google Sheet.”

After the lockdown, everything is supposed to be settled, but departments and colleges have to accommodate their students who weren’t able to enroll in the courses entered in the Google Sheet.

Lago also stressed that her job is to arrange time slots, classrooms, and class sizes (upon the request from the departments or college deans).

All processes regarding the courses are under the departments, colleges, and the VPHED. *** It’s not surprising that there are delays and hindrances during the enrollment period given the thousands of students in XU. Some students will be able to complete their enrollments without problems, but there are some who will have to wait for the next semester or school year to take the course they need. All the students ask is if the process can still be improved—and if it can be, how and when?C *Name is changed for request of anonymity

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Call for transparency Conducting the ArtScies GA a month before sealing the year 2019 is a rough time for a council to unleash its GPOA. The month of Nov signals the start of the second semester which means that traditionally, GAs of every council should have been done. The activities that happened during the first semester should be presented with proper support for the benefit of the students.

“The purpose of the student council is to empower students. How can you empower students if you’re distant from your students, your constituents, and how can you relay their concerns and problems if you don’t know how to channel it to the proper authority?” states Maneja, seeing the current administration as having missed many things, particularly in the academic affairs. *** To become an effective leader, sometimes, we must be reminded by our motivation to run for a certain position in the first place. Rendering your people with good service and laying down the council’s game plan for the benefit of every constituent are only some examples on how a council can achieve transparency. Nevertheless, these steps will provide an avenue for everyone to know their government better.C

By Norman C. Calib-og

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Different from before Compared to the past years, Maneja saw the current leadership as different from the traditional way the council runs for its constituents. “GA have been mandated [sic], mandated man sila for a purpose, kato they have just announced that they have activity cards. Tan-awa gi questions [sic] pa sila sa legality ato… the intention and motive was fine, no problem, but they fell short a bit when it comes to why we were there in the first place,” said Maneja after he called for transparency.

“We cannot please everyone. Maybe they see our work in different perspective, pero we will In exchange for the mandate still continue with our plans because there are Presenting the General Plan of Activities still activities that we plan for the students and (GPOA) to the members of the college or school naa paman pud time for discussing the GPOA,” is one of the reasons why a council holds a GA. explained Ong. This is to inform them of the council’s plan for the whole year. Former President of the United Similar incidents Arts and Sciences Student Council (UNITASS) This is not the first instance wherein students Aage Benedict Maneja shared his insight about expressed their dissatisfaction towards their the GA stating that it should be held roughly council. Last year, there was an impeachment between Aug to Sept after the Central Student controversy that happened wherein College of Government (CSG) activities.

Computer Studies Council (CSSC) President “Originally the essence of the General at the time Roniel Fuentes was presented with Assembly should and must be or revolves[sic] an impeachment complaint because of undue around what your plans are for the student body diligence. Students leaders are also not excused if and what you intend to do,” said Maneja. He also they have been found inactive during their term added that the way it was done and approached is and if they have not fulfilled what was expected the mistake of the current administration under of them. “Pero, if worse comes to worst, if things the current UNITASS President, Rhandy Ong. need to be pushed na gyud and its damage has However, Ong explained that the council still been done internally, externally from council has more activities to conduct which can still be to students and even to [sic] council to college used as a way to discuss their GPOA. “As far as relationships, and there is no concrete milestones I know it’s [sic] not been discussed in the student where outputs na makit-an gyud then, I think it’s handbook on when should be a General Assembly time,” explained Maneja. should hold [sic]. There are so many ways that we can present our plans to the students,” said Ong. efore the first semester ends, each council in XU is required to conduct a General Assembly (GA). This activity aims to unfold the council’s plans for the whole Academic Year in order for the students to know what to expect, become aware of the budget system of the council, and if applicable, raise their concerns.

But, what if a mandate is imposed on you to attend a GA that doesn’t capture its necessary essence? Admittedly, on Nov 9 2019, during the second semester, this was how the GA of the College of Arts and Sciences turned out.

By Nia Enrille R. Rabanes & Winona Roselle Serra

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Setbacks Partaking in this dilemma is Ken*.

Reportedly, Ken says the circumstances make him “feel anxious about the embarrassment I might bring upon myself and my family.” It is an apparent high-pressure situation for most college students to keep up with the requirements of their respective courses, and there is a stigma that comes with not being able to graduate on time with their batchmates. He is at a place where there is no clear process for him to continue his education due to his circumstances.

Ken had been out of school for three semesters and has not passed a number of subjects. Hence, there is a fair necessity of catching up on the number of units that he needs to accomplish. As per the general instruction to approach the department chair, evaluator, or any person of authority regarding matters of a possible transition, Ken made the next step by reaching out to his college evaluator. This resulted in him receiving a rather vague recommendation saying, “We don’t know as of now, but brace yourself for whatever may come.” He is left on standby for a decision that is still yet to be made.

True enough, Ken is more than ready to face the situation head-on if it takes a turn for

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the worse and he indeed has to transition to the new curriculum and extend his study. He notes however that the first hurdle is finding a source of funding for the additional years that the program would require him.

Moving forward English Department Chairperson Dr. Lilia Cotejar shares that because no two students come from the same background, there isn’t a single approach that would fit the situation. Instead, “we will look into his records, we will look into his transcript, and then see how we can fit his existing subjects after, again, thorough evaluation and crediting of subjects. Crediting becomes a very very crucial thing in this case,” she continues.

Due to the absence of a black and white process, students who are currently enrolled in the old curriculum only have to finish their remaining courses. In the event that students receive failing marks, Cotejar explains that each individual prospectus will undergo a specific evaluation. Additionally, the evaluation will also determine whether they start the new curriculum from scratch or not.

Meanwhile, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Memorandum Order No. 10 series of 2017, as well as a few University guidelines serve as a reference for the implementation of the K-12 program and the new general education curriculum—which has now reached its second year.

Students enrolled in the old curriculum could be required to enroll in the new for a few reasons. However, University Vice President for Higher Education Juliet Dalagan explains that there is “no hard and fast rule” stated in the 2019 Student Handbook Planner that helps them determine which students need to shift curricula.

At the heart of the matter, it all boils down to the courses that can be credited.

For example, most of the transferees from state universities who enroll have not previously taken Religious Studies (RS) and Philosophy classes since these are mainly required by Jesuit schools. In these scenarios, department chairs

will usually advise students to shift to the new curriculum. Transferees are also required to have a two-year residency in the University, as stipulated in the 2019 Student Handbook Planner, Chapter 2 Basic Academic Policies under I. Admission Requirements for Undergraduate Students, B. Admission Requirements for Transferees.

Returnees are also evaluated using the same terms.

For example, a returnee who needs to enroll as a second-year will most likely be unable to take any of the prerequisite classes he’s missed. Moreover, special reading courses will only be offered to graduating students as a last resort.

Nevertheless, Dalagan also expresses that in order to help students, there are a few departments who practice equivalency in which department chairs can look into the content of the courses offered in both curricula. Following this review, select subjects from the old curriculum can then be credited as a part of the new.

As there is yet to be a definitive list of courses that serve as the equivalent for another, she advises students to bring their transcripts and proceed with the standard evaluation process.

Dalagan intends to raise this concern during her meeting with the Higher Education Council. The list of qualified subjects is expected to be ready in the next academic year. *** There’s no guarantee of escaping the transition to the new curriculum if the situation persists. After all, there is no one-rule-fitsall solution. The relativity of the cases makes the whole ordeal of the students’ confusion a process in itself—a process that has to be faced with the willingness of a student to be guided by the different departments that can aid in the procedure of crediting subjects, should they permit it. It may be a tedious process with having to extend your years of studying and having to strain your finances for the tuition fees, but to finally march on your graduation day wearing your toga? You’re almost there.C *Name is changed for request of anonymity

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Design by Darren Camille C. Tabanera

n the decisive efforts of the government to remedy the impending issue of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) being unfit for the jobs aligned to their academic attainments, a shift in the educational system was implemented. In 2013 the Department of Education (DepEd) mandated the K-12 program. This adjustment greatly affected the incoming batch of high school students. The whole case caused a bit of a commotion but eventually settled once the guidelines were released and provided clarity for students and parents alike.

When the first batch of students finished the K-12 program, a new curriculum had to be settled to suit their tertiary education. A concern now presents itself: those who are from the old curriculum face the possibility of transitioning to the new one.

Design by Derrick Kean A. Auxtero

T

he first few weeks of the Battle of Marawi was one of the most difficult for the Maranaos in recent memory. And it certainly was made more difficult when Maranaos who were looking for shelter, were denied by homeowners in CDO because of their religious identity. SunStar CDO even published an article on July 21, 2017 that some Maranaos were refused accommodation by property owners who were not comfortable with the Maranao Muslims.

However, for some Muslims who decided to look for greener pastures in CDO, they were already experiencing such discrimination even before the War. Marawi opened its doors for its non-Muslim brothers and sisters when they looked for quality education at Mindanao State University (MSU), Marawi. As did CDO, when Maranaos came into the City. But right now, the golden friendship extended by the Kagay-anons is being threatened by a few who are not able to see that terrorists and Muslims will never walk hand in hand. So now the question begs: are Muslims still welcome in the City of Golden Friendship? And can the Kagayanons live up to their name?

On being denied of shelter “Sorry ma’am, prefer ni owner kay Christian.”

“Sorry kaayo ma’am ha kay exclusive man gud sa Christians kay naka pirma mi sa among homeowners association.” These were the replies Reham Macataman (ABIS ‘19) received, which she posted on social media, as they looked for a place to stay in CDO. She empathized with another Muslim student from XU, who also vented her frustration online because of being denied entry into an exclusive village.

Macataman and her family were residents of Iligan before they decided to transfer to CDO a few years ago. Her family wanted to move, and they inquired at some of the exclusive villages in uptown CDO, but they found out that all villages under the Pueblo de Oro township did not accept Muslim tenants or residents. Xavier Estates, Xavier Heights, and Camella Homes were the exceptions. Moreover, Macataman disclosed that some of those villages had stipulated in their rule books to deny Muslims from buying a house.

“Basically, yan yung reason na di na kami nakalipat ng irent na apartment or bahay, kasi walang tatanggap basta mag inform ka na Muslim [ka].” However, Macataman iterated that there are homeowners who were very accommodating, and it was the subdivision/village owners who refused. “Yung ibang owners, okay lang sa kanila, pero patakaran mismo ng subdivision na bawal.”

Furthermore, when Macataman’s family were refused upstate, they came downstate, and applied to acquire a condominium unit being built under the Ayala company. Macataman’s mother was told that they would call her back, but the management never did. They, however, understood that the management did not wish to sell them a unit.

Macataman’s family was very much interested in acquiring a safe and cozy place in CDO, so they tried to enter again through an agent. The agent was willing to help them acquire a condo unit, but when they came to the unit for viewing, the agent warned the women to take their hijab (head cover) off to avoid being discovered that they are Muslims. “Kasi daw, malalaman ng staff na Muslims kami.” Macataman’s family refused to surrender their identity.

Macataman’s family was dismayed by such discrimination. But they can only resign to such maltreatment. “Sobrang discriminated and nabastos, pero wala nang choice kundi masanay,” Macataman expressed.

Living up to its name The discrimination does not stop with the Muslims. The LGBT community, PWDs, and others who belong to a minority, also suffer discrimination. In response to this, the City Council of CDO are writing a city ordinance to counter the discrimination. City Councilors Girlie Balaba and Inday Dahino led the ordinance, with Dahino promoting the SOGIE, while Balaba championing the rest. As of press time, the ordinance is near its finalization, but no exact date has been set. *** Every 28th day of August, CDO holds its annual festival, “Higalaay”, which translates to friendship. Aside from celebrating the festival in the name of CDO’s patron saint, St. Augustine, the festival is also a way for Kagayanons to show their hospitality to others. And so in this time of need, it’s never more imperative for Kagayanons to show what higalaay really means to their Muslims brothers and sisters. Especially to neighboring people from Lanao del Sur, who were displaced by the Marawi Siege.C Additional source: https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/148986.

. Macaumbos

By Ar-Raffi C

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Vol. 46 No. 3 December 2019

By Norman C. Calib-og

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Insufficient support Before the athletes stepped on the international stage and brought accomplishments to the Philippines, their financial support was insufficient. Diaz posted on her social media asking for support from private companies for her preparations in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. This fueled the Filipinos to encourage the Philippine government to support the athletes despite winning or losing. After Yulo’s achievement, this allowed sports patron Manny V. Pangilinan to lend support to Yulo’s promising siblings upon discovering that they also have the potential to bring honor to the Philippines. On the other hand, the media was also not granted complete support when they made an unfinished makeshift media center inside the Rizal Memorial Complex for the advance football games in the 30th Southeast Asian Games (SEAG).

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Opportunity slip Filipino-American Chess Grandmaster Wesley So, who has been eyed by the Philippines to bring accomplishments in the country, fought under the banner of the United States of America (USA) in his recent battle against the world’s number one Carlsen Magnus and bagged the inaugural World Fischer Random Chess Championship in Norway.

Chess sensation So chose to work under the USA after the lack of support from the government in the Philippines. Due to the issue, So sent himself abroad to find his career with team USA. This happened due to the fiasco of giving him the incentive worth Php 1M after winning in the 2012 Summer Universiade held in Kazan, Russia.

Based on So’s achievement, according to the Athletes and Coaches Incentives Law, he was to receive incentives—which the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) didn’t give.

Appraisal towards athletes The life and performance of athletes also depend on how the government supports them, not only financially, but also with the provision of equipment and facilities. The incentives given to the athletes served as their driving force to work for improvement and end the notion that novice athletes cannot make their own name. As the athletes made overwhelming accomplishments abroad, the Filipino community was full of appreciation for them every time they finished with excellent performances. But during the start of their journeys, Filipinos tend to look at the other side of it. Others make judgement without looking deeply at the athletes’ situation.

Student-athletes in XU The continuous support given by the University to the student-athletes serves as their motivation to become productive in their chosen sports. In line with the student-athletes’ journey, the University hosted the Jesuit Athletic Meet (JAM) 2019 where XU President Fr. Roberto C. Yap, S.J. waved almost half a million pesos for the accommodation. Furthermore, XU athletes were given the opportunity to sharpen their skills as the institution provided many tune-up games with the other schools. The most recent one was on Nov 16 when the XU Crusaders Basketball team went to Cebu City for a tune-up game. XU encourages its students to not only excel in academics, but also in other aspects by providing assistance to its varsity scholars through giving financial aid and scholarships. Other forms of assistance include grants, loans, work-study—anything that assists a student in paying for college. A scholarship is usually awarded for some kind of merit: excellent grades, talent in art, music, or sports. *** Despite the hurdles athletes encounter in their chosen fields, it is our own duty and responsibility to support them during every competition they take part in for they are not only representing themselves, they are also bringing the name of our beloved country. Let us remember that the life of an athlete is not easy. They incurred countless injuries, sacrifices, and difficulties. As Filipinos let us join for one cause, let us face the hurdles with a competitive heart.C

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Design by Sheil Ann Ashley P. Bruas

or many years, Filipino athletes continue to strive hard in their voyage to carve their names on the international podium, bringing the Pearl of the Orient to the center in the field of sports. These athletes who proudly wave our national identity in the international arena are 12 major world titleholder Manny ‘Pacman’ Pacquiao, 2016 Summer Olympics weightlifting silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz, 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games qualifier Ernest John Obeina, and first Filipino male Southeast Asian World Artistic Gymnastics winner Carlos Edriel Yulo. But before they reached their current heights, these athletes faced hurdles along the way which turned their journey into a roller coaster ride before they landed in the compliments of the Filipino people.

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Vol. 46 No. 3 December 2019

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fter enrolling in an academic program in the tertiary level, students were relieved and invigorated to finally be studying courses that fit their interests—engineering, education, business, psychology—they were ready to say goodbye to the subjects that never appealed to them and welcome advanced classes from their field of choice. Undergraduates of both arts and sciences alike conditioned themselves to hold their major classes in higher esteem than their minors, which are pointed out as less important or as bothers even. Sure, maybe extra credit for something less time-consuming and mentally intensive would do us some good, but when it gets the better of us, priorities can get a little difficult and exhausting to handle. We’ve had our fair share of academic stress in the years before, so college wasn’t supposed to be a repeat of the K-12, right?

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General Education Confusion However, concerns regarding the nature of these core subjects circulate among the University student body. What are supposed to be more specific variations of a basic subject, are only seen as repeats of what was learned before.

Consequently, they are unable to decipher how both versions are any different and why they need to take them.

“As far as our office is concerned, nag sit down gud na ang tertiary or ang college with the senior high pag craft ani atoang mga subjects,” reaffirms Dalagan.

Behind the GEC’s integration into the curriculum, Dalagan states that they are meant to mold students holistically beyond their intellectual skills. To exemplify, Dalagan reiterates CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 20, series of 2013, or the “General Education Curriculum: Holistic Understandings, Intellectual and Civic Competencies” where it stated that these develop within the students “intellectual competencies— critical, analytical and creative thinking and multiple forms of expression—and civic capacities demanded of members of community, country and the world.”

“We want to make our curriculum more global[…] that our students are really ready for the 21st century,” Dalagan stresses. “We want our curriculum to be more responsive to what is really required in the outside world.”

Learning is a Ladder To shed light on the issue, Regional Director of CHED Region 10 Raul C Alvarez clarifies that “The context of the new curriculum is totally new.” For example, what once lasted for five years,

such as the Eng’g courses, only have four now due to the fact that subjects like algebra and calculus were given in Senior High School (SHS).

Moreover, he asserts that basic education caters to basic things, while courses in college are now complex. “Kung STEM ka you have already all those subjects—fundamentals of the first year engineering and second year engineering embedded in Grade 11 and 12 [...] pag start nimo, higher mathematics ka na [...] so there’s never a repetition there.”

He also furthers the distinction by saying, “college subjects are more on the development of a holistic set of skills and domains.” The subjects in general education, as Alvarez points out, are more inclined into developing the person into one with a skill set that is present today. “They’re made more attuned to the times,” he stresses.

“Likewise ang skill sets, as I said, is designed for the people of today.”

“You could view the new curriculum nowadays as more centered on what you want to be in the future [...] mas brief siya,” Alvarez explains. “Ang college degree naman will actually develop more on the skillset [...] that’s really the meat of the whole curriculum.”

He also acknowledges the fact that there will be similarities that cannot be denied. However, he likened the situation to a staircase in which you cannot proceed upward without taking the first few steps. “Meaning, the fundamentals will form part of the bigger picture,” Alvarez maintains.

Dalagan also underlines that the outcome and content of both courses are distinct. “More on disciplinal ang sa senior high, but here (college) it’s really interdisciplinary. So lahi ang goal sa college lahi pud ang goal sa senior high.”

“Ang assurance is, there’s really no duplication—maybe strengthening of the topics,” Dalagan finishes. *** The truth of the matter is that students are more than willing to expend all their resources on the specifics of their vocation or study. The time, energy, and means necessary to accomplish endeavors with excellence are displaced to cater the demands of a course that is less attuned to their chosen career—and students are spread out thin. The notion that these core subjects are fundamental in holistic growth is not disregarded, in fact, it is respected and necessary. The only downside resides in the strain it causes when responsibilities are stacked. When a chorus should be repeated, students are able to sing. But how long should a reprise last before it becomes too much?C

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Design by Derrick Kean A. Auxtero

Minor Inconveniences It’s become culture to refer to any subject outside of specified courses as minors. They are, intentionally or not, viewed as less relevant or less urgent. However, according to Vice President for Higher Education Dr. Juliet Q. Dalagan, students shouldn’t be calling them minors. “When we say GECs (General Education Curriculum), these are the core subjects wherein all students, whatever is [sic] your course, mukuha gyud ka ana.”

The umbrella term “minors”, which the educational community uses to refer to all courses outside of majors, may be inaccurate and misleading. In a general standpoint, the demands of these courses are often dismissed and are met with complaints—consequently (albeit unknowingly) hurting the courses and the people behind their operations. This unwritten agreement to label the subjects as such has almost never been addressed as a problem. What the students see as the real issue, however, is the seemingly unrelated nature of these courses in relation to their major.

As of press time, an XU college student would have the following GEC core subjects: Purposive Communication, Art Appreciation, Readings in Phil History, Mathematics in the Modern World, Understanding the Self, Ethics, The Contemporary World, and Science, Technology, and Society for a total of 24 units. Nine units are also delegated for electives. Moreover, there are a few courses that are not classified under core subjects but are integrated within the GEC as they are mandated by Philippine law. These are Life and Works of Rizal (RA 1425), National Service Training Program (NSTP) (RA 9163), and Physical Education (PE) (RA 5708).

Dalagan explains that the University is compliant with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), but wanted to make the

curriculum more Atenean. Thus, courses unique only to XU, such as Written Communication Skills Enhancement, Oral Communication Skills Enhancement, Religious Quest, Faith in Action: A Mission Experience, and Foreign Languages 1 and 2, were added. “So we are compliant with CHED,” Dalagan discloses, “but we wanted to make it more Jesuit, more Ignatian, so mao nang nag add ta mga ano nato, Xavier flavor.”

Dalagan also highlights how the current curriculum is geared towards making students more globally aware and active. In comparison to other schools, XU has added extra English and Foreign Language courses. “This is because we want to make our curriculum more global,” she explains, “so in a way globalization would mean that our students are really ready for the twentyfirst century na mga skills.”

Dalagan also advises to call the GEC courses “core subjects”, which is a more appropriate term than minors.

Design by Sheil Ann Ashley P. Bruas

By Ar-Raffi C. Macaumbos

T

hroughout President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s term, there had been times when his government was accused of overspending money for things such as travels and gigantic cauldrons. In his first year alone, Duterte spent a little over Php386M—three times more than the Arroyo and Aquino administrations’ travel expenses during their first years. Another issue was the Php55M cauldron which was displayed during the 2019 Southeast Asian Games (SEAG).

The cauldron, which was said to have no practical use, was hit by critics. Philippine Star columnist Bill Velasco wrote, “like a wedding dress, it will only really be used once, with the flame to be extinguished at the closing ceremonies.” According to Albay 2nd District Representative Joey Salceda during an interview on ANC Headstart with veteran journalist Karen Davila on Nov 19, 2019, the cauldron had a certain “grandiosity” while also calling it “imeldific”, pertaining to former first lady Imelda Marcos’s extravagant living.

Therefore, for many Filipinos, it seems as if Duterte is not spending the country’s money wisely. He spends hundreds of millions on his travels and was also willing to spend Php55M for a cauldron, but was not inclined to allot more money on disaster funds for a country often attacked by tropical storms and typhoons.

With the recent volcanic activity of Taal Volcano, Duterte had to ask Congress for a supplemental budget for the calamity funding, after his administration requested a budget cut in 2019, and in 2020. His decision to cut it backfired, as Congress will have to go through the long process of deliberation before Duterte’s request is approved.

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Overspending Juan’s money In Duterte’s defense, fsi.gov.ph’s Center for International Relations and Strategic Studies (CIRSS) Commentaries published an article authored by Jeremie Credo. Credo wrote that Duterte is the most traveled president in the presidents’ first years. She explained that “Duterte’s visit to the said countries bears significance for a number of reasons. The round of visits to ASEAN is particularly significant given the Association’s 50th founding anniversary and the Philippines’ chairmanship this year. It also manifests the government’s resolve in engaging and cooperating with its neighbors in matters of mutual interest.”

Furthermore, she wrote that the visits in Northeast Asia, the Middle East, and Russia are significant in forging relations to strengthen the independent foreign policy. “The diversification of partnerships recognizes the growing interdependence among states and contributes to the Philippines’ national interest and domestic agenda. It will prove to be essential in facing domestic security concerns stemming from the spread of illegal drugs and terrorist activities in the south, among others; along with financial and societal reforms aimed at attracting foreign investments, accessing new markets, curtailing unemployment, and boosting overall economic development.”

Moreover, administration and official records reported that the Philippines gained at least USD 38.6B, or almost Php 2T, in investment pledges, loans, and private corporate deals.

The cauldron, on the other hand, was defended by House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano.

He said that the cauldron is a “symbol of the games” and a “work of art”. Cayetano also stated

that Singapore’s cauldron four years ago was worth Php64M, more than the Administration’s budget.

Budget slashing As the Taal volcano rages on, the Administration’s decision to cut the calamity fund twice, had a setback. In 2016, the budget for Calamity fund was Php38.9B, then it was cut to Php20B in 2019, and further lowered down to Php16B for 2020 budget. Duterte explained during the ceremonial distribution of assistance to evacuees in Batangas, that they did not expect the volcano to erupt, so it was not considered in the budget plan for 2020. “We did not expect it [Taal] to erupt. We might have a supplemental budget from Congress.“ The estimated amount for the supplemental budget is about Php30B up to Php50B as Duterte also considers the possibility of building evacuation centers in Isabela, Cagayan, and Samar all of which are facing the Pacific Ocean.

Moreover, in 2017, Duterte also allocated a budget of Php 1,000 for the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), the perennial critic of Duterte. Meanwhile, there are also agencies who suffered the budget cut. Among them are the Commission on Elections (ComElec), and the Department of Transportation (DOTr). *** As the Duterte administration boasts of the benefits it brought home from its travel and its successful hosting of the SEAG, should it be reason enough to be satisfied by these accomplishments?

Amid plights like that of Marawi’s, Taal’s rage, and other issues that need funding, one can only question: where do Duterte’s priorities lie?C Vol. 46 No. 3 December 2019

By Nia Enrille R. Rabanes

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Cancelled, sis Essentially many trends emerged in the age of social media. Dance challenges, vlogging, and others rose in the years media channels became more mainstream. As drama began to intensify in the spaces of the political world, Hollywood spotlight, and even among local communities, people exhibited a type of movement that publicly calls someone out. The expression, “you’re cancelled,” stemmed from just a simple declaration to a trend that is now identified as cancel culture.

Time Magazine writer Sarah Hagi notes, “The idea is that if you do something that others deem problematic, you automatically lose all your Crusader

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currency. Your voice is silenced. You’re done.”

Twitter is a medium that prominently cultures this activity. An instance of a tweet that may be dubious will be retweeted with a quote that shames this person for having published such a statement. When other people then see the quoted tweet and sympathize with it, they join in.

Is it a yay or nay XU Senior High School Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Instructor Jade Alfie Sale articulates that, “There’s nothing wrong if you would correct people. I think the way they correct people is the problem here.” A feature of cancel culture is that there is arrogance laced with the comments that attack the people they think should no longer be supported. The person subjects the one he calls out to public humiliation, to which the public decides they want to engage in as well. Sale adds, “When you start to call out people, quote retweeting their tweets directly even though your main goal is just to correct, probably malahi ang impression because we’re in the virtual world. There are many things that can be implied.” Before you know it, ruckus erupts in their once-peaceful Twitter timeline and notifications go wild for the others who also wanted their own share of the fun.

No drama mama If there was a way to help it, to remove ourselves from the considerably hostile

environment that inevitably becomes of cancel culture, Sale advises to avoid making a big scene.

He expresses, “Direct Message (DM) is existing for a reason. Whenever you call out someone, I think the best thing you can do is to DM them first. Do not call out someone in public directly.

‘Keep it as small as possible,’ this is what I am teaching my students… if you do that, there’s a greater chance that you’ll be able to agree upon [sic] on that issue right away.” The MIL instructor also imparts an acronym that could be useful as a guide before posting on the web, THINK: True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, and Kind. When the message doesn’t meet the criteria, then he advises to reconsider making it public. *** Like most things that pertain to the Digital Age, there is a sense of responsibility that should be administered consistently to avoid repercussions that are difficult to undo or resolve.

It’s noteworthy to have access to an endless source of information. In a way, these advancements helped us become more aware of the issues and concerns of the world. It should also push us to be more critical of which voices we intend to learn from. Mostly, it shouldn’t stop us from being kind.

Everybody makes mistakes, and no matter how grave they may be, fostering hate among a rather large following is simply unproductive. Pursue consequential goals and accept the invitation to take it down a notch. Cancel the cancel culture.C 15

Design by Derrick Kean A. Auxtero

h, the glorious days when we can just tweet about the most menial things; when we’re bored or that we just got home, the times where Instagram was just a platform to dump photos of any kind; our dog on an afternoon hike or the sunset, and simply doing every other activity that would not normally subject us to criticism—a contrast to how social media works today. Over the course of the emergence of modern technology, our online communities have become more compelling to the point that we’re less desirable if we “keep it real.” Somehow it’s cooler if we curate our feed to look aesthetic and even support the celebrities everyone else loves. And gosh forbid we have varying opinions, or else we’re cancelledt!

By Norman C. Calib-og & Winona Roselle Serra 16

Vol. 46 No. 3 December 2019

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epending on its magnitude, a single earthquake can force communities to face many consequences. Multiple earthquakes can amplify these consequences exponentially. And a series of them striking near the same location may just be a recipe for disaster.

Following the series of earthquakes to strike the country, do you tremble when the ground does?

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Tracing their preparations City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (CDRRMD) Officer in Charge Nick Jabagat declares that as early as 2013, the city already conducted a series of earthquake drills for schools, private companies, establishments, and public offices. He also pointed out that they scheduled their own earthquake drills aside from the ones set by national standards. “Dili lang dungan anang National Simultaneous Earthquake drill nga quarterly... dili ta ga salig ana para ma accommodate nato ang request ana (National Simultaneous Earthquake drill) nga drill,” shared Jabagat.

The department also strengthened their disaster response through the implementation of the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) unit and the provision of training for their members. The CDRRMD also conducted training for their unit to prepare them for possible disasters that might happen in CDO. Moreover, in the year 2014, the CDRRMD proposed additional emergency vehicles to better serve the Kagay-anons. As of press time, the Department has seven emergency vehicles as part of their precautionary measures and they are expecting five more from the Department of Health (DOH).

The CDRRMD also purchased high quality equipment while conducting their disaster response activities, like the Outboard Motor which is a propulsion system for boats for rescue purposes, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the operations, and their standard rescue operation life vest. “Trainings will not be successful if wala ka’y gamit,” expressed Jabagat.

Jabagat also shared that Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Northern Mindanao Director Marcial Labininay said during one of their meetings that, “we should not be complacent.” The former also clarifies that there is no fault line in Iponan river after some information published online talked about the said fault.

Be calm, be serious Jabagat stressed, “Don’t love the warrior, only when the enemy is at the gate already [sic],” to remind the people to be prepared for every emergency by taking the different drills offered by the Department to the public seriously. According to him, the basic thing to do is to be calm in order to avoid more accidents. In addition, Jabagat highlighted in every earthquake drill that if you are in an open area, never try to walk or stand.

Once you are inside a building, be sure to find the nearest exit point. And if you are driving, park your car in a safe place away from electric poles and turn on the hazard lights. Expect aftershocks after an earthquake and don’t go back to a building unless authorities confirmed that it is safe to do so.

Furthermore, CDRRMD also emphasized that regardless of the disaster, the public needs to keep calm. Jabagat reiterated this by saying that all are not exempted once the disaster hits. Some of the steps that we need to observe include: being calm, taking the drop, cover and hold technique seriously, staying away from buildings and other large objects that might fall, and having presence of mind.

Students of XU are advised to stay away from buildings and hazards—such as trees which might fall and cause an accident. The XU Soccer Field serves as an evacuation area because of its open location.

What now?

According to Jabagat, CDRRMD is trying to find the profiling of buildings, private and public infrastructures made by the Office of the City Engineer (OCE) and the Office of the Building Official (OBO) two years ago. However, as of now, their data gathering is still ongoing. In addition, he also shared that their department can also only check a building’s status. Only the OCE has the authority to give certification.

As for the nearest fault in the City of Golden Friendship, the one in Tagoloan is the nearest identified fault line by the PHIVOLCS. Meanwhile, the initiative of the people browsing online on the steps to do during an earthquake helps the Department relay the necessary skills to the public, which Jabagat also appreciated. *** While earthquakes and their aftershocks briefly come and go, the consequences that spring from them may not leave just as quickly.

Fortunately, the impacts of creating and having precautionary measures in place, learning exit routes, and staying alert last longer. Expect the unexpected and brace yourself for impact—for when buildings remain standing tall, so do we.C

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Design by Derrick Kean A. Auxtero

Current findings, future procedures The administration has inspected XU’s buildings in search for critical cracks—which are those found on structural elements like columns and beams that support the weight of a storey.

University Vice President for Administration Edison Sasoy reported that while cracks have been found on a majority of the buildings, they are non-structural. These cracks, mostly found on walls, only affect their plaster and finish. Sasoy concludes that “as of the moment, they [the buildings] are actually safe—especially the school buildings.” However, bigger cracks are still subject to further evaluation by a structural engineer who will remove the outer layer of plaster to inspect for any deformed bars, for example.

He also shared that a mindmap encompassing the subject has been drafted. This will eventually be developed further to become the metrics the administration will follow. It will include crucial definitions, references of cracks classified by shape and width size, and a guide on how to determine whether they’re critical. Areas with critical cracks will automatically be restricted.

Moreover, Sasoy explained that the Administration still lacks the proper metrics on evaluating the safety and structural condition of the buildings. Further studies will be conducted on cracks in order to determine a proper standard.

A comprehensive set of instructions will also be made public as soon as possible. As of press time, the initial plan is to conduct a rapid evaluation after every earthquake—beginning with a purely visual assessment of the soil and its characteristics to check for any movement. It will then be followed by checking up on the actual buildings thereafter. Once verifying that the area is safe, they will then proceed to focus on the building’s interiors, beginning with the top-most storey and working their way down. The entire process is estimated to last 20-30 mins in total.

Consequently, placards with one of three verdicts will be placed. Green placards symbolize that it’s safe to go back, lawful occupancy is permitted, and the desired outcome is achieved.

When a yellow placard is placed, the community is restricted from accessing specific areas which are deemed to be unsafe. Otherwise, a red placard

signals to the community that either the building has tilted or crumbled, and the area is unsafe.

COVER STORY

Design by Melvin P. VIllacote

By Abd

es

rille R. Raban

& Nia En el Rafi M. Lim

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Vol. 46 No. 3 December 2019

No XU without You! With the city coming alive and converging where the University is at the heart and center, the XU community holds nothing back in creating a celebration without equal. This year, the spotlight is shifted to you⁠—the soul that embodies Crusader

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everything that is XU. Enveloped by festive lights and enlivened by the music of laughter and talent, the University took the saying “you are the life of the party” to a whole new level with this year’s theme.

“I think this Xavier University Festival Days 2019 is very special because of that,” University President Fr. Roberto C. Yap, S.J. shares. “We wanted to emphasize what I call the ‘intangibles’ [...] the values you want to instill, the character you want to develop, and the ideals that we want our students to aspire for.” Yap ties it all back to the Atenean values of being men and women for others, Magis, Cura Personalis, Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam, competence, conscience, and commitment.

As Yap’s final term as University President nears its conclusion, this year’s XUFD is all the more special. “Of course, I feel very sentimental,” he admits. “This is my ninth Xavier Festival Days and I think it’s one of the best celebrations of XU during the whole school year [...] this really emphasizes the time where we celebrate the skills, the talents, the gifts, of students. We celebrate friendship and fellowship with each other and

we celebrate joy and gladness—and those things, I hope, will really make us remember, and that we will always cherish and treasure as good memories,” Yap expresses.

A welcomed visit Along with the usual fun-filled activities that mark the epitome of the XUFD experience, the XU community and its visitors granted the participating athletes of the JAM 2019 a warm welcome. This biennial event, held in XU this time around, enabled many sports fans to witness the teams of Ateneo engage in friendly competition.

Early on, the buzz about various JAM-related matters stirred in the crowd and on social media.

Left and right people were posting Instagram stories of the games, and tweets that cheered on their favored teams surfaced. Along the benches, in lines of food stalls, and on the sidewalks of the campus, a chatter on a favorite player is typical.

The onlookers weren’t the only ones who enjoyed the event. Ateneo de Manila (ADMU) men’s basketball player Dwight Ramos notes, “The JAM experience was a lot more fun than I expected it to be. XU was a completely different 19

Photo by James Patrick B. Pabonita

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s the year comes close to an end, a muchawaited celebration is set in motion with the adorning of twinkling lights on the expanse of the University Main Lane. Students, faculty, and staff are giddy with the anticipation of putting into play the preparations that had been set for this four-day event. Slowly, tents are raised and booths are decorated with neon lights, sign boards, and trinkets to suit their respective themes. There is no scene quite like it—only during the XU Festival Days (XUFD) does the campus feel the most festive and welcoming.

With the Jesuit Athletic Meet (JAM) 2019 occurring simultaneously, XU extends its arms to its sister Ateneo schools. It is then fitting that this year’s theme, “XU is YOU!”, brings to light the bountiful attributes that exemplify XU within each and everyone of us.

Photos by Caryll M. Apostol, Paula Elaine D. Francisco, Catherine Marie C. Naldoza, Jivi Roy D. Rizaldo, and Melvin P. Villacote

experience from what I’m used to but I love seeing different places and experiencing different places.

The people were all so nice and accommodating which is also something I was very appreciative of.”

Aside from the sports event, the athletes were able to join in the excitement of the XUFD. Ateneo de Davao (AdDU) JAM delegate Kenth Cervantes expresses, “Since I am from AdDU, our fiesta culture and experience is way different from XU. My first XUFD experience was really unforgettable.” Ateneo de Zamboanga (ADZU) women’s football player Doreen Andrea also adds, “It is nice to see the school spirit during the XUFD.” JAM gave the XUFD 2019 a distinct feel— one where it brought merriment to an extended family—for Ateneans and Kagay-anons alike.

It’s that time of the year!

All four days of XUFD 2019 were filled to the brim with activities that catered to all ages and interests. From casual and committed competitions, amusing activities, a variety of food choices, and non-stop entertainment, participants never had a reason to idle.

No XUFD would hold true to its nature without the annual launching ceremonies held at the University Main Lane for all to witness.

Elegant floral presentations were bestowed upon the feet of University Patron St. Francis Xavier during the Wreath-Laying Ceremony, which

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was followed by an Opening Mass, presided over by Yap. With everyone on the tip of their toes, the much-awaited Tree-Lighting Ceremony enveloped the campus in a wave of light after the formal Blessing of Belen. XUFD 2019 was set in motion.

The following days were all the more meaningful. The XUGS Pueblo and Macasandig pupils stepped out into the XU Soccer Field to dance their hearts away in colorful extravagant get ups for the Field Demo presentation on days two and three, while a Bike Caravan called for climate justice on the second day. Day four took on a more sentimental note as families spent time making memories during the XUGS Family Bubble Run (while engulfed in waves of rainbowcolored bubbles) and Ateneans made their way home for the Memories and Laughter Grand Alumni Homecoming at the XU Covered Courts.

The Closing Mass commenced on the final day.

Competitions such as the Festival Night featuring the Ikaw ang Sayaw Dance Competition, Himig Atenista, Silakbo Inter-school Band Competition, You’ve Got Talent, Daygon sa Xavier Ateneo, XU Goes KPOP, Xavier Ateneo Family Feud, and Hip Hop Extreme Dance Competition also made way for the community to flaunt their talents and artistry to the city.

Meanwhile, the XU Psychology Society (XUPS) orchestrated a grim adventure for students to undertake in the Distorted Realities Horror House. Thrill seekers also had the chance

to take their shot at Rappelling and Wall Climbing set up by the Ateneo Mountaineering Society (AMS), while those looking for a more laidback pastime took the XU Bullriders’ offer for Horseback Riding.

Arguably the most anticipated event however, was the XU Out Loud! Music Festival 2019 where actor and singer Khalil Ramos serenaded and enlivened the crowd of the fully packed XU Soccer Field. Al James and Lola Amour also starred as featured guests with several local bands seizing the spotlight as well.

With regard to this year’s foot traffic, there was a significant increase in pedestrian activity at 126, 737 for all four days in comparison to last year’s 85, 668 (excluding XU students, faculty and staff). *** It is quite a melancholic sight to see the once full-of-life campus slowly enfold in quietness.

It is almost as if there is no trace of the fourday festivity. What remains however, are the memories that we have made and the spirit of our celebration. This year’s XUFD showcased that we truly are XU; that even beyond the bounds of this institution, in our individual pursuits and dynamic character, we are able to embody the essence of Xavier-Ateneo.C

Vol. 46 No. 3 December 2019

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uring a Senate budget hearing, Senator Cynthia Villar slammed the Department of Agriculture (DA) for their seemingly overallocation of budget. Villar said, “one hundred fifty million sa research, P265 million sa calamity assistance, and then P468 (million) ’yung sa machinery out of your budget na P1.2 billion. So ibig mong sabihin, bakit parang lahat ng inyong budget puro research? Baliw na baliw kayo sa research. Aanhin niyo ba ’yung research?

Ako, matalino akong tao pero ’di ko maintindihan ’yung research ninyo, lalo na ’yung farmer. Gusto ba ng farmer ’yung research? ’Di ba ang gusto nila eh tulungan niyo naman sila?” This was how the name of Filipino Scientist Dr. Ricardo Lantican surfaced as Netizens defended research.

Not against research However, Villar iterated that she is not against research. Rather, she wants research that can be applied. “I am not against research. Hindi naman puwedeng puro research, walang application of the research [...] I want a research [sic] that could

be applied. The National Dairy Authority and the Philippine Carabao Center have been conducting research for 26 years, but dairy production in the country remains at 1 percent of demand,” Villar said. The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) discovered an inbred seed that could increase harvest by 50 percent, but had to wait for additional funding before distributing the technology to farmers, she added. “Ang hinihiling ko lang sa kanila [DA] ay one-half [of the budget sa] research, one-half application para makita kung ‘yung ni-research nila will have a good application sa agriculture sa Pilipinas,” the senator said.“Kung hindi naman natin maa-apply ang research, wala ring use ‘yun,” she said. *** For Villar, research is only good if it can be applied, and the DA should refrain from allocating too much budget if it cannot be applied.

For researchers, however, it is the foundation of every discovery and innovation that pushed the world to what it is now. Furthermore, Villar stressed that she knows the importance of research, especially on science and technology, but she wants the attention and focus of DA to be on the farmers themselves.C Additional sources: https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/10/16/19/villar-i-am-notagainst-research https://www.flipscience.ph/news/features-news/features/nationalscientist-ricardo-lantican/ https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/10/10/19/dahil-sa-researchheres-how-a-pinoy-scientist-saved-the-worlds-corn-industry

By Ar-Raffi C. Macaumbos

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Design by Melvin P. Villacote

World saving research Flipscience.ph wrote, “In 1961, National Scientist Dr. Ricardo M. Lantican co-authored a study that looked into how a disease called Southern corn leaf blight (SCLB) affected a number of crops in the corn fields of UP Los Baños. Dr. Lantican’s team discovered that the affected plants had something in common: the T-cytoplasm trait. However, when Dr. Lantican and his co-authors revealed their findings, few recognized the value of their research.” The research only gained attention after the disease reached the United States of America (USA).

After they found out about the research, the American government made use of the research and managed to save their corn industry.

“Farmers’ livelihoods were saved and the world dodged a corn crisis, simply because Dr. Lantican and his colleagues were crazy about research,” Flipscience.ph added. In 2005, Lantican was conferred with the National Scientist award.

Bared fangs Other netizens bared their fangs upon Villar with their comments regarding the senator’s statement. One netizen tweeted: “Well, Cynthia Villar is doing the opposite! The Philippines should focus more on research that will later give a positive outcome in our country-economically, financially, and holistically. I guess the Filipinos giving Villar’s seat in the senate was not well researched.”

As the online rage against Villar continued to spark attention, another netizen posted, “Madam Senator, #CynthiaVILLAR, in the world of globalization, economic growth is associated with the amount of innovation created. The expenditures on new product development, thus R&D [Research & Development], is the main factor for the economic growth of both developed and developing countries. R&D expenditures are in the center of new growth theories.

The countries that produce technologically advanced products have the ability to compete internationally and show progress in production levels and qualities, say Europe for a very good example Madam Senator. For your further reading Madam Senator, matalino ka naman diba?

Romer, Paul M, 1986. ‘Increasing Returns and Long-run Growth,’ Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 94(5), pages 1002-1037, October. 1986 pa po yan na publication po. And I can go on and on…”

By Nia Enrille R. Rabanes & Winona Roselle Serra

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Vol. 46 No. 3 December 2019

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hen the majority of the Filipino people gave the Presidential seat to Rodrigo Duterte on June 30, 2016, one of his acclaimed pursuits was to eradicate the dreadful drug problem that was undermining the country. Termed the Philippine Drug War, this policy sought to countervail illegal drug users. This proposition was heavily criticized by human rights organizations like International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) and the Catholic church for the profuse body count and disorderly process. Although the controversy has settled after two years since the Philippine National Police (PNP) modified their methods, it is not free of judgement. Vice President Leni Robredo’s remark in an interview with international news organization Reuters published an article with the headline “Philippine Vice President says time for Duterte to halt failed drug war” struck a chord in Duterte and challenged her to take the position of “drug czar”.

Taking the bait Duterte countered the recent criticism during the new government officials’ oath-taking in Malacañang, “I will surrender my powers to enforce the law. Ibigay ko sa Vice President. Ibigay ko sa kanya mga six months.” He further taunts Robredo with, “Siya ang magdala. Tignan natin kung ano ang mangyari. Hindi ako maki-alam. Sige, gusto mo? Mas bright ka? Sige, ikaw. Subukan mo.”

On Oct 31 the president officially designated Robredo as head of the Inter-Agency Committee Crusader

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Making a run Despite the warnings of Robredo’s allies that the offer could be a trap, the vice president took the job, seeing it as an opportunity to stop the killings. According to Sen. Leila de Lima on a statement, “He (Duterte) wants to shame her and all other critics of his flawed drug war, and create the narrative of putting all the blame of his failures to someone else.” Since her appointment as co-chair of the country’s anti-drug council, Robredo has decided to shift from a bloody drug war to a more “humane approach”. She claimed that the US agencies are in line with programs related to the anti-illegal drugs campaign, having concluded then a meeting with representatives of the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the US State Department, the US Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the US Agency for International Development (USAID). To learn from other countries’ experience with a public health approach to an anti-drug campaign is the motivation behind Robredo’s take.

The end game Less than three weeks later, Robredo saw herself out after Duterte fired her from her new position. His reasons for doing so being that he isn’t able to trust her as she’s part of the opposition and that he isn’t satisfied with her performance.

Robredo’s termination can also be traced to her “failure to present ideas” as expressed by Panelo in a statement. However, Robredo declared that she was still determined to stop the killings from the drug war and consequently, come out on top of the campaign against illegal drugs. Gutierrez reported that the Dangerous Drugs Board commended Robredo for discussing approaches that were more evidence-based, with rehabilitation being the primary focus instead of law enforcement. Furthermore, PNP Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac explained, “Kahit man

siya ay wala na, kinonsidera natin ang kaniyang mga naging pahayag at tumugma ito sa direksyon din ng PNP na gawing mas transparent ang ating kampanya laban sa ilegal na droga.” Nevertheless, Robredo publicly announces that she will “very soon” disclose a report containing information from her time as ICAD co-chair. She explains that her findings will be revealed once the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games has ended. Robredo has already submitted two reports to Duterte. On her weekly radio show, she announced that she intends to make the third public “so for whatever it is worth, it will be considered.”

After weeks of the controversy that rose from Robredo’s quick termination, she decided to take it all the way with making her stand regarding the whole drug war deal. If she had been easy to relent on all the news outlets that supposedly manipulated her words to mean she criticized the drug war, she holds nothing back as she returns on Jan 6 with the information she had gathered as the co-chair of the ICAD in late 2019.

She noted, “Failure talaga siya dahil ‘yung kampanya laban sa ilegal na droga, maraming aspeto ito.

Maraming aspeto at nakikita natin, gaya ng sinabi ko sa report, na masyado nang natutukan ‘yung streetlevel enforcement, ‘yung pagtugis sa maliit na mga pushers at users.” According to Rappler, Robredo presented her data from her ICAD report of 40 pages, sourced from the PNP Drug Enforcement Group. These show that the PDEA was only able to seize 1,344 kilos of shabu from January to October 2019 compared to the average weekly consumption of drug addicts being 3,000 kilos. *** It’s difficult to figure out which way the turn of events is going to lead even when looking at it from different perspectives. Duterte threatened to fire Robredo for the initiatives she had taken in connecting with outsiders. He refused to grant Robredo a cabinet-level post stating he doesn’t trust her—demonstrating the ambiguity in the vice president’s newly appointed post and only days from this ordeal, he terminates her out of the blue.

Robredo brought to light the data that would show how exactly the drug war is performing.

Others may say it was a futile approach that brought great demise to the Philippines, still others count it as minor victories. The question still remains: will the drug war ever see its end?

What is behind the publicity of the banter between the two sides?C

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Design by Jayson Elvie G. Ty

Setting the field In the interview Reuters published on Oct 23, Robredo talked about how Duterte should permit the United Nations to investigate his war on drugs, further explaining that it singles out the poor and has not shown effects in the decline of supply and usage of drugs. In another interview with ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) she included that the number of drug users was 1.8M in 2016, 4M in 2017, and 7-8M in 2019 according to Duterte’s speech in February. She adds, “We ask ourselves, ‘why is this still happening?’ The president has already made very serious threats to drug syndicates, to drug lords... and yet it’s still very prevalent, so obviously, it’s not working.”

This article was not well-received by the office of Malacañang and the people involved in the drug war. Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo retorted that the Vice President’s claim lacked factual basis. Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) asked Robredo to look at the government’s accomplishments before dismissing the drug war as a failure.

on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD) next to the PDEA chief with a memorandum. Upon Duterte’s offer, Robredo had reserved her sentiments in suspicion that it was an impulsive reaction to her inaccurately presented statement in the headline.

Robredo’s spokesperson, Barry Gutierrez, explained the appointment to be “meaningless” as the executive order which created the ICAD does not recognize a co-chairperson. He cited that Executive Order No. 15 on ICAD “only appoints the PDEA chief as chairperson of the body who has the ‘overall responsibility to ensure that the objectives of the ICAD and the clusters herein created are accomplished.’ ”

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Design by Jayson Elvie G. Ty

t the height of the Xavier University Festival Days (XUFD) celebration, it was a double experience for the Ateneans and Kagay-anons as this year’s Jesuit Athletic Meet (JAM) took off in the “City of Golden Friendship,” hosted by XU and participated by the five Ateneo schools in the Philippines with the theme, “AteneYou: Embodying Ignatian Values Through Sports” on Nov 26-30.

There were 350 visitors from other schools. The Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) Blue Eagles, whose 112 participants composed of their teams A and B in the men’s basketball, were accommodated in Manresa.

The Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) Blue Knights with 96 participants and the Ateneo de Zamboanga (AdZU) Azul Aguilas were placed in Andrew L Gotianun Sr Center for Integrated Technologies (ALGCIT), while the Ateneo de Naga University (AdNU) Golden Knights were housed in Searsolin with around 85 and 39 athletes, respectively.

By Norman C. Calib-og

Highlighting the hospitality The newly appointed XU Athletics Office Head Jessica Esparrago said that the University allotted a considerable budget for every participant in this biennial event. This included their food and other needs in their respective quarters. She enclosed, “University President Fr. Roberto C. Yap, S.J. waved Php 470,000.00.”

Aside from the allocated amount, the University also encouraged the students to get involved in the activity by showing their support—not only to XU, but also to other universities. “They are given free accommodation and are allowed to use our pool from 7AM to 7PM,” expressed Esparrago, emphasizing that it was one of the best things that the University offered.

Athletes inspired co-athletes Before the welcome dinner took off, the University managed to have a short, but inspiring Ted Talk program which was a sharing of experiences participated by the JAM athletes, coaches, and the people involved in the delegation. XU also invited national taekwondo player and Athlete of the Year Ana Monica Tan, and 2017 Hong Kong Paradragon Race Champion Arnold Balais to give their inspirational talks and encouragements to play with the spirit of sportsmanship. These speakers were former athletes who inspired their co-athletes. Tan was a graduate of Biology and is currently

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pursuing medicine while Balais is the current model in an advertisement of Alaxan.

Esparrago encouraged and invited the JAM athletes to enjoy the activity and visit some of the tourist spots here in CDO. “This is just a friendship game and we have only one name— Ateneo, so we are all brothers and sisters. I invite also the athletes to taste some of our delicacies.”

She also suggested that this event may be an opportunity for the AdMU delegation to relax after the recently concluded University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) season 82.

The sports which were part of the contention were men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, and football. XU, AdDU, and AdZU participated in men’s football, while AdMU and AdNU only competed for the women’s category.

To defend the territory After Esparrago announced last May that the University will be the host for this year’s JAM, XU athletes started their training and set many tuneup games between other schools. “They went to Cebu for their tune-up game there last November 16. They went in [sic] Ateneo de Cebu, sa Sacred Heart and other schools sa USC—University of San Carlos. And on [sic] the other week they went to Marawi for a friendship game as part of their preparation. And we are also inviting mga teams in Cagayan de Oro to do some tune-up game [sic] sa volleyball men and women,” shared Esparrago.

Defending the title After their successful clash in UAAP season 82, the AdMU Blue Eagles secured this year’s JAM overall championship title, followed by the AdDU Blue Knights, and host team XU Crusaders. AdMU reigned in women’s football and both categories of volleyball and basketball.

Meanwhile, AdDU landed as the first runner up in men’s football and men’s and women’s volleyball, and basketball. XU bagged the championship title in men’s football, first runner up in women’s football, and landed the second runner up in men’s basketball. The AdMU Blue Eagles will be the next host for the 2020 JAM. *** Showing the Atenean spirit in front of optimistic spectators, this year’s JAM didn’t only bring a smile to the XU community and Kagayanons, it also brought motivation and an opportunity to enhance their skills. As the University simultaneously commemorated its XUFD festivities, it promoted sportsmanship between fellow Atenistas. Anchored in the Ignatian values, JAM 2019 showcased how real Ateneans play in the field of sports.C Vol. 46 No. 3 December 2019

By Melvin P. Villacote

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Resurgence During the Middle Ages, plague outbreaks devastated Europe, killing around 50 million people. Since then, antibiotics were invented to treat most infections if they were caught early enough—but the plague is not gone. People usually get plague after being bitten by a rodent flea carrying the bacterium Yersinia pestis. The bacterium persists because low levels circulate among populations of certain rodents, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Infected animals and their fleas serve as long-term reservoirs for the bacteria.

There is currently no effective vaccine against the plague, but modern antibiotics can prevent complications and death if given quickly enough.

Having caused almost 50,000 human cases during Crusader

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the past 20 years, the plague is now categorized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a re-emerging disease. Just in Nov of last year, two people in China were diagnosed with pneumonic plague by doctors in Beijing, according to state media.

Oh polio The Philippines has also reported its first case of Poliomyelitis, most commonly known as Polio, since it was declared free of the childhood disease 19 years ago. Polio is a highly infectious disease that affects most children under the age of 5, which attacks the nervous system and leads to possible paralysis or even death. The virus is spread typically through contaminated water and has no fully-recognized cure aside from vaccination. The last case of wild poliovirus in the Philippines was reported in 1993. Following that, the country was declared polio-free country since 2000. Moreover, the Department of Health (DOH)’s Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) coverage has remained below 95% target in recent years, placing the country again at high risk for poliovirus outbreaks.

In Oct 2000, a 3-year-old girl from Lanao del Sur tested positive of the poliovirus and became the first case of the disease after its outbreak in Sept last year. The DOH said the disease was reemerging, with another suspected case awaiting confirmation. They also added that the poliovirus was also detected in samples taken from sewage in Manila and in waterways in Davao, as part of the regular environmental surveillance. DOH inferred that poorly conducted immunization activities leave children susceptible to poliovirus, either vaccine-derived or wild polioviruses.

*** It is alarming that the plague, the same disease that caused the Black Death six centuries ago, has been detected again in the region. With the revival of this bygones, are we ready to face a ‘modern black death?’ The single major reason these diseases have either returned or remained is because of sharp declines in vaccine coverage. Most of these diseases are classically the first breakthrough infection we see among unvaccinated children since it is highly contagious.

Sadly, the relentless stigma of fear for vaccination among Filipino families—which has already cost lives—is still unrestrained and adds to the burden of health authorities trying to eradicate these deadly diseases.C Additional sources: https://edition.cnn.com/2019/09/19/health/philippinespolio-outbreak-intl/index.html https://www.rappler.com/nation/240493-polio-backphilippines 25

Design by Melvin P. VIllacote

n the past century or so, humans have fought and won their fair share of battles with different diseases. Despite the successes in fighting them, some appear to be making a comeback. Recently, the decades-old Poliovirus has made more than a few headlines, and the once-lost pathogens like the Bubonic plague are creeping back into medical history. Two named cases of these new and re-emerging diseases have been recorded in some parts of the globe just the previous year.

This surprising return of numerous vaccinepreventable diseases caused a lot of attention and concern for physicians, parents, and experts.

The unknown causes of such outbreaks have prompted closer scrutiny of vaccine efficacy rates and the potential effects of children being unvaccinated and under-vaccinated.

Immunity: a priority In an interview with Rappler, DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III urged the public to practice good personal hygiene and secure clean food and water to prevent Polio infection. “We are preparing a rapid response to the outbreak in coordination with WHO and UNICEF, with a mass polio immunization campaign for all children under 5 which started in October,” Duque added.

DOH assured the public that aside from door-to-door initiatives, it would also deploy resources in health centers nationwide and that the WHO is working closely with the DOH in its anti-polio response. “Even if children had already been vaccinated, they need these additional doses to be fully protected,” said WHO Country Representative Rabindra Abeyasinghe.

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he global community has witnessed months of peaceful-protests-turnedclashes in Hong Kong between its government and activists, the subject being the extradition bill, formally known as the Fugitive Offenders and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2019. First introduced last April, it would permit suspected individuals to be extradited or handed over to the jurisdiction of the People’s Republic of China if explicit circumstances are met.

While Regina Ip from the New People’s Party argues that it would “aid the global fight against crime, put the mainland on an equal footing with other jurisdictions the city has agreements with, and expose China to the common law system,” the Bill’s critics and opponents highlight imbalanced trials, violent treatment, and the targeting of activists and journalists that might ensue. This would further overshadow the Basic Law, which made the “one country, two systems” compromise possible.

The scenario Last September—months after its suspension—the administration under Carrie Lam, the Chief Executive, formally withdrew the Bill, meeting only one demand out of five from the protesters, the rest of which calling for (1) their actions to not be considered as riots, (2) amnesty for arrested protesters, (3) an independent inquiry into alleged brutality from police forces, and (4) complete universal suffrage.

On Oct 1, China’s 70th National Day, a protest ban was implemented across the country.

However, this did not stop demonstrators, causing 66 people to be injured, 180 to be arrested, and an eighteen-year-old man to be shot by a live bullet.

Hong Kong Polytechnic University then became a notable institution, as November witnessed a standoff between protesters and authorities. The former fortified themselves within the campus; in response, the latter sealed it off. Most of the protesters either yielded or escaped.

District elections were also done in the midst of political strife. Consequently, the voters’ turnout was 71%, and 17 of 18 Hong Kong’s district councils are now to be led by prodemocracy officials.

In addition, Beijing, along with Hong Kong’s government, gave strong reactions in their recent statements, as US President Donald Trump signed two bills last Nov 27, the first mandating the State

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Department to certify the region’s autonomy for its special trading considerations and the second banning the sale of munitions (e.g. tear gas, rubber bullets) to its police. To them, these laws serve as interventions to their internal affairs. By the start of December, the Chinese government imposed a suspension of US Navy ships and aircrafts as a comeback, and some human rights groups and organizations, like Human Rights Watch, Freedom House, and the National Endowment for Democracy, are targeted by sanctions for their own involvements.

Protests and demonstrations continue to fill Hong Kong’s streets, with the Dec 8 rally organized by the Civil Human Rights Front (that claimed about 800,000 took part, which is contrary to 183,000 from the police), clashes during Christmas (prompting Lam to describe the “rioters” as “reckless and selfish” that disrupted the celebrations), and a march on New Year’s Day (chants include, “Ten! Nine! Liberate Hong Kong, revolution now!”). Reuters takes note of Tung, a Hongkonger, who said, “It’s hard to utter ‘Happy New Year’ because Hong Kong people are not happy. Unless the five demands are achieved, and police are held accountable for their brutality, then we can’t have a real happy new year.”

The feedback One would expect two polarizing sides with regards to the democratic movement. The mainland Chinese state and Lam’s administration is definitely against its workings—the law enforcement as the most apparent with its use of, aside from aforesaid weapons, beanbag rounds, and pepper spray. Police Commissioner Stephen Lo described the June 12 demonstrations as “riots,” and, according to the New York Times, “called on protesters to go home, warning that those who refused ‘might regret your decision for your entire life.’” Lam herself likened them to spoiled children, explaining, “If my son was stubborn and I spoiled him and tolerated his stubborn behavior every time, I would just be going along with him.” Aside from the police, pro-Beijing citizens have, too, taken things their own way by physical assault and doxing, a cybertactic also employed by the protesters.

Conversely, it is those who have expressed support for the cause, including other nations, that are more dominant both on and offline. Small local businesses would close shop in solidarity to the cause, managers would allow subordinates to join, and walkouts and other creative means of

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participation are encouraged by organizations and unions. Months before the 2020 elections (that determined Taiwan’s fate with China, due to the candidates’ opposing views), President Tsai Ingwen expressed her pro-democratic side while relating the context of Hong Kong to the republic she serves, pledging that she will never accept “one country, two systems.” Moreover, Rep. Sarah Elago of Kabataan Party-list gave her full support on her Twitter account: “Solidarity from the Philippines! THE PEOPLE UNITED WILL NEVER BE DEFEATED #PrayForHongkong”

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Sources: https://www.bbc.com/news/topics/c95yz8vxvy8t/hong-konganti-government-protests https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3012597/ three-reasons-hong-kongs-extradition-bill-should-garner-support https://www.cnbc.com/2019/11/28/china-condemns-us-billssupporting-hong-kong-protesters.html https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/12/world/asia/hongkong-protest-extradition.html http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201906100017.aspx http://www.interaksyon.com/politicsissues/2019/07/25/152440/prayforhongkong-trendsfilipinos-express-solidarity-protesters/ https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/08/17/philippines-needs-moreactivism-not-less/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eImHhWSnNYs https://uniglobalunion.org/news/uni-global-union-condemnspolice-raids-and-arrest-anne-krueger-philippines https://globalnation.inquirer.net/180127/113environmental-activists-killed-since-duterte-assumed-office-intlgroup#ixzz60Pq7CDGS https://opinion.inquirer.net/120045/an-invitation-tounderstand-activism https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/01/ hong-kong-movement-drives-taiwan-pro-independencesupport-200110123727703.html

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Design by Derrick Kean A. Auxtero

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The initiative At present, in the Philippines, large movements do not occupy much of international attention from the media and elsewhere. However, this does not mean the presence of activism and protests has not dwindled; at most, progressive and national democratic groups continue to do their main objectives, even if major historical moments like EDSA I had passed. Simultaneously, criticisms continue to come in, attacking the role of the youth for social change, dismissing student activism as a product of brainwashing, and considering young people as imprudent, dense, faint-hearted, and unable to think for themselves.

This is different to the kind of reception young Hongkongers receive in the fight for their land’s self-determination.

Not only do verbal attacks exist; threats also surface for activists who are thought of as rebels and part of the communist agenda. Brutality is even done to these people to the point of being persecuted and killed. State-sanctioned death squads are claimed to be violently confronting farmers, lawyers, and human rights activists on Negros Island. 57 members of labor and civil society organizations were under detention last Oct 31 after raids done on the eve of a long weekend. Furthermore, Global Witness, an international watchdog, considers the Philippines as the world’s most dangerous country for environmental activists, surpassing Brazil, with 113 killings since President Rodrigo Duterte’s first day in office; 27 percent of the victims were indigenous people. Basing from the watchdog’s statistics, Gabriel Lalu, in his report, added that “in terms of the attack’s origins, 36 percent were linked to agriculture while 27 percent were about mining issues.”

*** According to history, the Basic Law will expire in Hong Kong as a special administrative region by 2047, and what this Fragrant Harbor will be remains unclear. But seeing the current events, it is clear that its youth are clamoring to maintain the status quo and the freedoms it brings. This is in itself the essence of being an activist and of activism, where, in the words of Philippine Daily Inquirer columnist Domar Balmes, “the usual venues of grievances have proven to be inadequate and hostile.” He wrote, “[Activists] recognize something is wrong and they seek to address it. It is a misconception that [they] only complain. Activists always bear an alternative solution. And if need be, under certain conditions, they can work together with those on the opposite side.” It is of great recommendation that, with its vigor and with the proliferation of social ills, the Filipino youth would embody its spirit and commit themselves in transforming the nation into what it is supposed to be.C

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Vol. 46 No. 3 December 2019

Design by Melvin P. Villacote Design by Melvin P. Villacote

Crusader

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LAMPOON

Illustration by Gregory S. Pasal and Ganges B. Jurado

I

t feels like I had been in this University since the first Jesuit missionaries had the first bathrooms erected and the first benches built—only for those bathrooms to be vandalized with cell phone numbers and the benches renovated as local venues for Public Display of Affection (PDA)—so it was only natural that my college council came to me to present some important speech or another for our General Assembly (GA). I’m quite the star, as you probably already know. As the Editor in Chief of The Cruchever, and the oldest known living relic of the Ateneo, I humbly accepted their offer.

“So, Cora, the only thing you have to do is...” the little rugrats who ran the council started.

“Don’t cite the deep magic to me, kid,” I admonished, “I was there when it was written.”

They left after a series of hesitant nods and hushed thanks, shortly after realizing I didn’t know when and where this GA was supposed to take place. I didn’t need to worry though, they would be posting modeling photos of select students counting down to the event sometime soon.

Turns out they didn’t—or they did, I’m not quite sure. I was procrastinating one Friday evening at TheCruchever Office when one of my colleagues barged through the door fully adorned in a pirate’s costume. I didn’t have to ask him what he was all dressed up for. Our GA was tonight.

Was I ready? Of course not. Did I care? Same answer. If I didn’t have to give a speech, I never would have considered going.

“You have to though,” the pirate told me, as if reading my mind. “We’re required to attend, or our clearances wouldn’t get signed.”

“That’s the same thing they say every year,” I countered.

“But this time, they have activity cards and stamps at the end and we have to pay to make up for any absences,” he exasperated. “And they have guards posted to catch early leavers!”

I would have gone on a rant on why forced attendance events were not reflective of any organization’s relevance, but I didn’t have the time. I needed to get to the GA, with or without a pirate getup.

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I was greeted by a legion of ushers who reminded me of Joo Dee from Ba Sing Se. As usual, the decor was over the top. Balloons of varying shades of blue carpeted the floor, giving the illusion of a tumbling sea. The stage was built to resemble the bow of a wooden ship, and the words “General Assembly” were painted white on black sheets of cloth meant to represent the ship’s sails.

Everyone was every form of pirate, except for me and a few castaways who were probably forced to attend. The event started strong and entertaining enough, but when I heard my name called, I knew it was time for the formalities.

If they wanted me to talk to the freshies about University life or present the college’s mission and vision, I was good to go.

I took my spot at the front and center when a blinding spotlight engulfed me and a wireless microphone was shoved at my hands. Pop music started to blare from the speakers as two council members started to hop onto the stage, stand to the sides behind me, and… dance?

They started to sway, swerve, and bop to the beat of “Señorita” with terrifying vigor. I

looked around and to the heavens above for enlightenment when I spotted the council president, gesturing at me to sing.

What have I gotten myself into? With a defeated sense of dignity and a wavering falsetto, I submitted and mournfully wailed something about every touch being “ooh la la la”. I would have walked off the plank right then and there.

Nevertheless, the crowd went wild amidst my shame. “Wow, what a show!” the emcee proclaimed. “That was contestant number 1 folks! Let’s welcome contestant number 2, after a performance by our co-curricular organizations!”

This was no GA, I thought to myself. What I assumed to be the University Administration who were seated at the front turned out to be judges for the performances. What I thought to be volunteers were back up dancers. The lights, the music—it all made sense now. They were hiring me for my (presumed) talent, not my experience, nor my expertise on the school’s history. I left the premises with a lingering bitterness in my heart.

Also, I forgot to claim my activity card.C

Vol. 46 No. 3 December 2019

happy GAN

kurisword ACROSS: 5. Library Director Estrella ____ 6. The specific name for Polio 8. Silver medalist in the 2016 Summer Olympics in weightlifting 9. An international news organization.

11. They were refused accommodation by property owners who were not comfortable with them.

12. First male Southeast Asian gymnast to win in the World Artistic Gymnastic 13. The first Filipino to qualify in the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games in pole vault.

14. Female senator during the Senatorial Election 15. Placed top 1 in the 2019 Psychologist Licensure? Exam with a rating of 85.10% 16. A counselor who promoted SOGIE?

ni rafha

DOWN: 7. _______ Athletic Meet 2. Where will the 2020 Olympics be held?

1. International Commission of ______ 4. Spokesperson of Robredo 3. XU Athletic Office Head Dr. Jessica _______ 10. Bangsamoro _____ Law 5. “Drug ___”

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, TheCrusader 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 ug Good luck intawon frens!

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Vol. 46 No. 3 December 2019

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ED

KURISCOPE ni happyshalala

Halloo, humana naman jud ang XUFD ug ania nasad ang mga hirit ni Momolanders Happyshalala ug sa iyahang maghinatagong na mga advice sa atoa karun umaabot na pasko ug holidays. Unta maliwanagan mo sa mga pahirit niining mga horoscope.

Dear Sana,

Sana all Legend! Ka-garbosa ba, Bes dili maguol, sana dalawa ang puso ko, aww charooot! Bitaw dzai, are you in the right headspace to receive information that might potentially hurt you? Unsaon ang english bes?

Kay sana all gyud kay murag tanan naa na sa imuha pero nganong dili pa enough para sa iya? Maypa sa ML na Legend ka pero unsa kaha sa iya? Anyways Sana, giunsa ninyo pagmeet in the first place oy kay sa ako POV lang ha, it’s like he’s never been there in the first place. Are you sure wala lang nah siya nagpacarry sa imo sa ML sauna? Kay lisod na dili baya ka gamit para lang gamiton. Genuine ba siya in the first place? Kabalo ko murag legit tan-awon ang uban butang sometimes pero imitation diay. Aw, but really oy, if di ka niya madawat for what you are, despite of your ML rank, then he’s not the one. It’s not you, it’s him. Char kaayo ka! Focus sa imuhang self sa dzaii.

Aquarius (Sinong pipiliin ko?)

Asa ka mas naenjoy, XUFD or JAM? Syempre sa JAM kay nakakita mga inspirations. Temporary inspirations. Hahayst dili ni permanent inspiration unta oy besh.

Lucky numbers: Ihap daw by 2’s Color for the day: Sunny yellow.

Aries (In love ka bes?!)

Bro, dunay happy understanding sa imong love. Ang pangutana, naa ba diay kay love? Edi, syempre it is love yourself, give time pud uy.

Lucky numbers 25 Color for the day: Mossy green.

Cancer (Okeeh Keyuh) Eht! Naa koy gakakita sa imong palad! Ayaw pagexpect kay hugaw ra diay toh! Panghugas lage permi, uso raba ang mga dammak karung kapanahunan, limpyo limpyo sad.

Lucky numbers: 22 yohoo Color for the day: Lilac violet.

Capricorn (ProbenAllYouCan) Badiday disiplina sa imong pagkaon. Kung mukaon ug parat parat na pagkaon, pagkaon na sad ug mga tam-is para balance bes paresa ug buko, because it adds sweetness to your layf ganern!

grEg

Dear Ate Charot,

Ako diay si Sana, and no, dili ko gikan sa TWICE. Sana… short for SanaAll. SanaAll gwapa pareha nako.

SanaAll brayt ug iskolar. SanaAll dancerous ug songer. SanaAll may uyab. SanaAll rich.

Ako nah, ako nang inyo gaignan ug ‘sana all’.

Enyweys Ate Charot, may unta na makalisten ka sa akong problema. Ako bebe labs kay Mythic na but that’s okay kay sige lang mi ga-party so yes, couple goals kunuhay. Pero that semana Ate Charot, hinay ang signal namo and gadula mi ug rank ni bebe labs.

Long story short, napildi mi kay sige ko galag and daghan kayo mi deaths. After dana, Ate Charot, mi-chat siya sa ako. “What rank ka?” so nitubag ko ng “Epic na kay na rank-down ko after, bebe.” and kabalo ka unsa iya gitubag Ate Charot?!! He said, “Kanser man gud ka, break na ta oi.” Besh helow? Graveh. Gamay lang na panghitabo bulagan na dayon? Ako lang ma-Mythic kay nah! But yes Ate Charot, mao to ako problema, sayang kaayo amo 1 year with each other and with ML. Unsaon nako ni Ate Charot?

Lucky numbers: Infinity 8 Color for the day: Rose Gold.

Gemini (Height is might!)

Ayay! Makita nimo imung crush pero sya di kakita nimo.

Pagcherrifer lage siszt! Para Tangkad Sagad, malay mo naa moi chance sa each other ayieee.

Lucky numbers: My one and only Color for the day: Silvermist Leo (Just pray lang walay mawala)

IGIT

Lang! Dumdumi nga tanan kay maiagi lang sa storya. Kung gamay imung grado ron ambot kung maiagi pana sa storya.

Bahala na si Batman, madala pana.

Lucky numbers: Fifth Harmony Color for the day: Black and yellow Libra (Talented ka ghurl?)

GAN

Chourr kaayo talented lugar? Bisag unsaon ug kaon di gyapun gapanambok, makaanswer sa quiz na walay notes! Graveh ka magic bayps. Sanaol!

Lucky numbers: Friday the 13th Color for the day: Vermillion Red (sosyal lang?)

Pisces (after XUFD there is still Prelim) Hala gravehh si momsh lipay-lipay sa XUFD. Ang pangutana, na-experience ba nimo ang kalipay na mupasar sa pag abot na prelim? Pero dzai/dzong before ana ayo ayo sa pagstudy, focus dili sigeg lingaw lingaw sa layf.

ED

Lucky numbers: 7 Color for the day: Crimson Red (utro pud na sosyal bes) Taurus (#BuslotPitaka) Aguyy! Laag laag sa XUFD pero sa tinood kay wa syay kwarta, mangita dayun ug baratohon na makaon. Buko is layf lang badiday? partnera na lang sad ug proben para worth it imuhang nilaag-laag sa campus bestie.

IGIT

JAEIN

Lucky numbers: 2ne1 Color for the day: Sky Blue Virgo (Mythic) Kani jud ang mga tinood na studyante! Musulod sa class na way ballpen, way papel, way libro pero daghan prends! Sadyang ang ginatun-an kay ML lang. Pagpuyo na ana pukos sa lessons dzaii, dili ang ML ang makapabuhi nimo.

Lucky numbers: irecite ang multiplication table Color for the day: BlackPink in your area!

Sagittarius (Starla ngayong Pasko) Ging/Gong gakakita nako sa imong palad nga instant kwartahan ka karon Pasko! Busa karun sugdi nag paramdam sa imung Ninang ug Ninong, basin wala ka kabalo dili man diay sila manghatag kay utro pud sila walay mahatag.

Lucky numbers: Checrett Color for the day: Neon Black Scorpio (Level Up si Kordabiya) Ting pasko na, musta man? Single gyapun ka? Mag 2020 na self love gyapun. Walay upgrade dinhang dapit ka-momsh? Kayod pud besh ug para naa kay plot twist kunohay char lang.

Lucky numbers: 573 (tay-a sa swertres basin mudaog ka) Color for the day: Poshe

Crusader

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