The Crusader Publication Super Magazine 2015

Contents 1 | Editorial 2 | Column 4 | Money Drought:

Will XU pull through in the next five years?

10 | My uniform, my decision 11 | Waiting for the Lift 12 | Accountability

Our leaders, their promises, and what we got for our vote

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14 | Upcoming teaser of XU’s architectural growth 16 | Winning Strike:

Karate-do women team bags gold

17 | In pursuit of truth, we remain.

22 | Wall of Magazines

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24 | Literally, more than words 25 | Fr. Leo Pabayo 26 | Honing the Magis Habit 28 | 31 years of student governance 29 | Instruments of Love 30 | A student’s guide to the ISIS crisis 31 | Leaving a sustainable legacy 32 | Where did my scholarship go?

33 | Spic and Span?

A closer look at the Magis canteen

37 | Straw:

A clamor for students’ rights & welfare

38 | When Maria loves Clara 39 | Lampoon

The Cover

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n its 80 years of pursuing the truth, TheCrusader Publication perseveres and evolves until now. With nearly 50 magazine covers bearing its name, each exhibits monumental points and issues in our history.

Yet as the Publication evolves to cater to the needs and pace of the studentry, one thing remains the same: it is and will continue to give voice to the students and the unheard. And this voice will resound throughout the ages, proving that as everything changes, the Publication’s quest for truth stands steadfast against the test of time.

Words by Samantha Isabelle H. Bagayas Photo by TheCrusader

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The official student publication of Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan Vol. 42 No. 4 December 2015

Editors Xian Louis Patrick R. Arcayera Editor in Chief, Nitzschia Cassiopiea Beroe A. Lozarita Associate Editor, Keith Obed J. Ruiz Design Editor, Samantha Isabelle H. Bagayas Managing Editor, Andrew Rey L. del Fierro News Editor, Mary Antoniette M. Magallanes Campus Features Editor, Rezza Mae B. Tolinero Local Features Editor, Kevin Paul P. Mabul External Features Editor, Lorenzo A. Botavara Sports Editor, Jericho B. Montellano Graphic Design and Layout Editor, Jigo L. Racaza Photography Editor, Rico M. Magallona Freehand Editor | Finance Officers Jigo L. Racaza Auditor, Maria Gladys B. Labis Senior Finance Manager, Anna Jamela Soraida S. Balindong Junior Finance Manager | Managers Lynette L. Tuvilla Human Resource Manager, Marlon R. Boro Office Manager, Mark D. Rodriguez Circulation Manager, Evan B. Aranas Video Productions Manager, Jo Marie Claire B. Balase Online Accounts Manager, Senior Computer Systems Manager, |Staff Writers Nikki Gay Louise P. Amores (Trainee), Alexa Kim K. Bacong (Trainee), Merryane Rose S. Bacud (Trainee), Raizah L. Bagul (Trainee), Harmony Kristel D. Balino (Trainee), Mary Therese P. Mole (Trainee), Charissa D. Santiago| Staff Artists Maria Kristina G. Abing (Trainee), John Niccolo A. Aquino, Ben Clark B. Balase, Paul Clinton B. Balase, Jamerah Marie M. Balindong (Trainee), Marlon R. Boro, Deciri Beione Tharyn A. Braña, Christian Loui S. Gamolo, Dave Allyster R. Gultiano (Trainee), June Benedict C. Laplana (Trainee), Jinky M. Mejica (Trainee), Khristine Marjorie L. Quiblat (Trainee), Marc Anthony B. Reyes (Trainee), Mark D. Rodriguez, Jan Michael A. Sy, Lynette L. Tuvilla, Rizalyka Joanne M. Waminal (Trainee) Moderator Ms. Ann Catherine Ticao-Acenas For contributions, please address your articles and/or comments to: The Crusader Publication Office, Rm. 302, Student Center Bldg, Xavier University 9000, Cagayan de Oro City Circulation: 7, 500 copies

Editorial

The price of truth

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Illustration by Rizalyka Joanne M. Waminal

ou’re sick and the doctor advices you to take medications. There are medicines that are fine-tasting but unfortunately, there are those that are not and sometimes, you have to take the latter. It’s bitter. It’s pungent. It’s nothing near tasty – but you have to take it.

This pill is the truth.

For eight decades now, TheCrusader Publication has been taking on the challenge of bringing the truth pill to the students and to the community – to the people whom the Publication dedicates its undying and fervent efforts.

From being XU’s official student publication in the 40s to also becoming a community newspaper read throughout the region in the 60s, up until its crusade now in the 21st century, TheCrusader Publication has provided its publishers with substantial information and sensible entertainment, has induced critical thinking among its members and readers, and has given voice to the voiceless.

For eight decades now, this has been the Publication’s crusade – to bring the pill of truth to its stakeholders. However, not all find this crusade effective or positive; in fact, in the course of TheCrusader’s existence in the University, it has been a witness to many cases of opposition and antipathy.

In 1978, the Publication faced its near termination when the unlikely person of a Jesuit priest ordered the closure of the Publication. However, more challenges came their way in its succeeding years. One of these challenges was during 2003 when the Central Student Government (CSG) accused the Publication of distorting information, biased journalism, and corruption.

Eventually, TheCrusader debunked the allegations.

Disheartening as it may sound, these did not stop the Publication’s firm crusade.

This is the price of truth, and as student journalists and heralds of truth, we have to pay that price.

Whether it be through watching the student government or keeping an eye on the school’s administration, whether it be through expressing opinions or voicing out the students’ concerns, we will be there. We will be the eyes that lurk around the campus grounds, the ears that listen to every student’s cry, and the heart that feels the need for truth to be heard. Biased, they say. Yes. We have been, still are, and will always be biased towards the students and the truth.

Eight decades have slipped past the hands of time, and as these years passed by, the Publication has bravely conquered the challenges that came with these long, triumphant yet equally tough years.

Today, times have changed and new challenges are coming our way. But one thing’s for sure: for whatever its worth, the pursuit for truth will never cease – we will pay the price and will continue to do so throughout the years.C

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Opinion

The ‘hugot’ that saved the world

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Id Est

By Andrew Rey L. del Fierro

n December 10, a team from Rappler held a forum in XU with the specific purpose of determining CdeO’s voting trend for the upcoming February elections, specifically targeting the youth by discussing issues relevant to them. It was during the Q&A portion of the event that a certain DevCom teacher stood up and spoke: “Saan ba dapat manggaling ang hugot para umaksyon tayo?”

In other words, where must we find that deep, stirring emotion that inspires us into action?

The issue this person refers to is apathy— specifically, apathy in the youth—or simply not caring about political affairs that have all-too-real consequences in their lives. If you’re still reading this, this most likely isn’t about you or the fifty-or-so people who decided to continue reading. It’s about the thousand other students in the University who willingly choose to be ignorant and inactive.

Yes, that’s a massive generalization. ‘It’s not that bad,’ you might think. ‘And why does reading what you’ve written make a person enlightened?

Are you somehow better than me? Why should I listen to what you say?’

I’m not trying to preach to you or to scold you.

I’m not better than you. I’m not trying to pin all the

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Chironex fleckeri

By Nitzschia Cassiopiea Beroe A. Lozarita 2

blame on you—you, whose interests and thoughts are vastly different from my own. So what if you like OTWOL? Everyone loves OTWOL. I’m trying to point you to the urgent fact that less than 50 percent of our student populace participated in last year’s elections. I’m trying to show you that an ordinance that defends the rights of all students in this city is still unknown to most of our community.

I’m trying to tell you that the Publication’s article on the XU financial crisis will almost certainly garner less attention than the XUFD photos on our page.

I’m asking you not to give up.

Something as simple as telling anyone how you feel about an issue can go a long way. Alerting the administration or the Publication when a violation of student rights occurs, for example, can lead to action being taken to solve the issue.

Idealistic, yes, but what have we to lose in fighting cynicism? You must believe you can make a difference. You, OTWOL-lover, basketball player, hipster, ‘proven’-eater, manga-reader. You, Atenean.

So many will tell you, ‘What can you possibly do on your own?’ And you will feel alone, disheartened by the countless who stand by and choose to do nothing. You will be tempted to rest. You will be tempted to fall.

Stand with us. Fight. The days ahead look dark, and you will need a friend.C

We, the naive ones

s of press time, Obama and Aquino have already been in five exclusive meetings, preparing to launch a full-scale attack against China. Obama has given China one year to destroy the military base and pull out everything they’ve brought to the Philippine territories. Should China fail to do so, all-out-war is expected to spark by 2017.

Let me guess. You’re sitting there right now, terrified of what you’ve just read. You’ve already shown this opinion piece to your classmate who’s sitting beside you and you both cower in fear.

Relax, what you have read is a hoax; it is not true. And yet you just sat there and accepted it like it was true. You act like everything you read (or see on Facebook) is true. I’d even bet my favorite Bob Marley shirt that you would post an anti-China comment on some social media platform should it be true.

The problem with most people today is our gullibility; we have become easy to fool due to our lack of critical thinking. Perhaps this is why thickfaced, corrupt politicians still have the nerve to run for higher positions; they think that they can still earn our sympathy by eating rice from a cup or airing their life stories on television.

Sometimes, I’d stop and think, “Who on earth still believes these guys!?” but then I am immediately slapped with the painful answer— almost everyone.

In an era where everything can be googled and everyone can post whatever they want online, we should be weary of what we read and see. Asking questions is a good start. Is this true? What is the author’s basis? Then gather information from credible sources, not just from some egotist’s blog.

I’d also like to emphasize that just because an article comes with a picture, doesn’t mean it’s already true. Just because someone writes in full detail, doesn’t mean he’s a reliable source of information. Learn to tell the difference.

I beg of you, my friends, to avoid being gullible; criminals prey on people like that. Avoid being insolent; politicians are thankful to people like that. If you’re not prepared to seek for change, the least thing you could do for the society (and for yourself, really) is to ask questions. When you ask the right questions, you open yourself to information.

You become part of the pool of people who refuse to live and die as fools.C Vol. 42 No. 4 December 2015

Opinion

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Slipstream

By Kevin Paul P. Mabul

ecently, some progeny of an entertainment personality voiced out his opinion over some aspect of some presidential candidate’s character on some network linking electric thinking boxes worldwide. What could possibly go wrong?

Given that it’s the internet we’re talking about here, the answer is “a lot”.

The said progeny has received backlash from supporters of the said candidate, with comments ranging from something as irrelevant as “di naman sikat yan, anak lang yan ni …,” all the way to “sana ma-rape asawa mo.” Uhm. This isn’t in defense of the aforementioned heir of some celebrity. This, however, serves as a shining example of our tendency to act like savages when in the guise of pixels occupying computer screens.

And this is far from the first time: the issue on gay marriage, XU’s conferral of awards to Iqbal et. al., Noontime Show A vs Noontime Show B, among others, have become breeding grounds for the “If you’re not with us, you’re

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Night’s watch

By Xian Louis Patrick R. Arcayera

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Shots fired against us” mentality, making it easy to see the world in black and white, with one color seen as the absolute right compared to the other.

The fact that an onslaught of hateful (and often personal) remarks targeted between camps exist laughable at best. Must we always be reminded to discuss critically instead of blurting out fallacies over the internet? We may have come so far as a civilization over thousands of years, but it is as if our most primal of instincts to attack those whose views do not align with ours only amplified, especially now that we feel safe firing verbal bullets towards those who are most likely to be hundreds of miles away.

But this shouldn’t be the case.

We do not always have to agree, but we, at the very least are obligated not to resort to hostility as we try to make sense of the multiple facets of that singular truth. Our progress as a nation, or as a civilization, depends immensely on our ability to sit down, discuss, and arrive at compromises.

Let us not deny ourselves that progress.C

Something to complain about

f you do not vote, you lose the right to complain.”

That line there usually comes up every time election season nears. It actually makes logical sense when you look at it on face value; by voting, you get to choose who will sit at the nation’s driver’s seat.

By casting your vote, you effectively choose a government that would represent your interests.

If, however, you did not cast your vote, you should zip it; you should not complain why the government doesn’t serve your interests since you played no part in choosing its members.

Wrong.

I agree that voting is important but to conclude that you have no right to complain just because you haven’t voted is quite off.

One reason is that the government is funded by taxes. Every responsible taxpayer, voter, nonvoter, or those who just choose not to vote, has the right to complain because they just want their money’s worth. This rationalization has become the basis of the statement: “I pay my taxes; I have the right to complain.”

By following the law, participating in civic talks and dialogues, and offering solutions, among others, a person can become a good citizen. A good citizen who is not afforded the proper treatment and services from the

government has all the right to complain.

Also, even if someone chooses not to vote, he or she still remains a citizen of the country. As it is the government’s duty to serve the citizen, then the citizen should have the right complain, voter or not.

So it’s settled. Even if you do not vote, you could still complain. Complaining, after all, shows that you care enough to notice the transgressions around you. It shows that you know what is ought to be.

But when you really think about it, do you really want to just complain? You could join rally in the street, or make a long rant on social media, but without action, complaints will just remain complaints—sometimes heard, sometimes not.

Do not be the complainer who’s too tired to go beyond the complaint and bring about the needed changes; be the complainer who’s so hungry for change that he’s constantly seen hunting for initiatives.

In the end, if you find yourself in a situation that warrants complaining, then complain. Voice it out. But remember to ask yourself: “Can I do something, in my own little way, to improve this situation that I am in?” You may come up with small solutions that might not be able to change the government, or the society itself in a heartbeat, but it’s a start.C www.thecrusaderpublication.com

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By Nikki Gay Louise P. Amores & Alexa Kim K. Bacong

Design by Jericho B. Montellano

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he recent changes in the Philippine educational system brings with it hope – a possible change in the dire economic circumstances of the Philippines through the promotion of education. That is perhaps one positive factor of the implementation of the K-12 curriculum; however, educational institutions such as Xavier University face financial challenges caused by the absence of freshmen enrollees for the two transition years. Expenditures then would have to be decreased, and this inevitably means consequences towards scholars, extra-curricular organizations, and the salaries of faculty and staff.

What impact would it make on the quality of education we experience here in Xavier? How would the administration address such an issue?

Financial Crisis

Facing our financial challenges On October 7, University President Fr. Bobby Yap, SJ, published a memorandum to the University community that concerns the financial crisis that Xavier

has been facing. “Our audited financial statements for SY 14-15 approved by the dissemination of the Board of Trustees show that our school operations had a PHP 74.7 million deficit,” states Fr. Yap. The budget approved by the Board of Trustees for this academic year rendered a deficit of PHP 106 million that comes from a revenue of PHP 830 million and expenses of PHP 936 million.

In his statement, Yap proposed two solutions that may help suffice the deficit: increasing enrollment through more intensive promotions and recruitment and cost-cutting measures without jeopardizing quality. “Increase enrollment because we don’t have 1st year college [students] so we need to replace that number of 2,000,”expounds Academic Vice President Fr. Rene Tacastacas, SJ. In terms of cost-cutting measures, he elaborates that the involvement of the entire XU community is important. Reducing the expenses of utilities by simply turning off lights and fans would help much to increase the savings. “When students need to travel, and it is not mandatory, then don’t go. Even supplies such as brochures should be reduced in size if it is too big yet it is not needed,” he remarks.

On the other hand, Tacastacas voices out that the salary of the teachers greatly affect the distribution of the budget as well. The respective budget for their salary alone has been increased last year, making it a concern for the administration as most teaching faculty would choose to work for state universities and colleges. Good starting pay in these government-run institutions are greatly influential to their employment. “Compared to them [state universities and colleges], we are way behind. So they are able to pirate our good people,” says Fr. Tacastacas.

The undercurrent ripple effect Repainted kiosks, ongoing renovations and fancy festival days— is XU really contending with monetary troubles? With the building fund accumulated and secured over the years, infrastructure in the school continues to develop despite the crisis, fooling some into thinking that the school doesn’t face financial challenges.

Regardless, one would question: What will happen to us, students?

For one, scholarship grants for senior high school will be limited depending on the number of enrollees. “Only 10 percent of senior high school students will be granted scholarships; that’s all we can afford. For every 10 students, nine of them will be pressured to pay for one scholar. If we invited a good number of students, that 10 percent will increase. But, we’ll have depletion of scholarship slots if only few paying students enrolled with us,” Ong explains.

Cutting the budget plans of several sectors was another method of saving. “[For] all the departments, even my office, the budget has been reduced by at least 10 to 15 percent,” Tacastacas admits. Approving a budget of close to half million per day for Xavier Days is no longer possible; activities will have to be downscaled for minimal costs. Student organizations will also be challenged considering a chunk of their funds will be sacrificed. Also, the number of Student Assistants (SAs) will be cut down, sparing some expenditure.

Keeping jobs is a priority, even with the crisis, but if downsizing expenditures on operations

hasn’t decreased the financial burden on XU, employees will then have to lose their jobs, as the University is now incapable of paying a large number of people. “It’s a hard decision, the worst-case scenario, because we are talking about people with families of their own. We don’t want to go there,” Ong expresses.

Small steps Limited budget and sacrificing students and staff were harsh proposals that may very well turn into realities in the XU Community as the University continues to face this crisis. To atone for having a large deficit, different departments were commissioned to devise plans of their own.

After discussions, one way to mitigate the loss is through promotions – inviting a great number of students for senior high. Pamphlets were distributed during events in the Gym, parents’ forums were sponsored exemplifying XU as a viable choice, faculty and staff posted banners endorsing XU on social media, high-qualified faculty and stellar facilities were offered, and XU enunciated its senior high course tracks. Aside from promotions, small measures were made to save money such as cutting down on newspaper subscriptions and for some offices, turning off their air conditions if possible.

Students were encouraged to pitch in solutions, even minimal ones to help the University.

“Students will have to come up with their own ideas on where they can contribute to the school because we cannot force that out of them,” states Ong. She also added that if everyone cooperates, funds will once again become stable.*** Fiscal extremities shake the very foundations of XU, striking everyone. This entails a cooperation the likes of which have never before been achieved. “Again, the University is going through some financial crisis. We really have to work together in terms of preserving our property and cutting costs whenever we can,” Tacastacas emphasizes.

The challenge is: What can you do to help the University?C

Financial Crisis

Factors that due cause

According to University Treasurer Lennie Ong, reasons behind the reduced amount of enrollees in the University are not limited only to the direct effect of the K- 12 program. “Public schools are getting better and better. Even if their enrollments fall, it’s not a concern to them because their salaries will still continue to get paid by the national government,” she implies.

She also mentions the existence of a localization law wherein jobs are offered to those who have graduated from local schools, making people opt to enroll in their respective community colleges.

Within the context of the institutional market, Ong emphasizes the acts of other private schools in building annexes in other locations. Xavier University’s market value, she presumes, has shrunk as it has only been limited to just the city.

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By Merryane Rose S. Bacud

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Vol. 42 No. 4 December 2015

d and Charissa D. Santiago

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et with so much anticipation as well as preparation, for just about every XU student, the Xavier University Festival Days (XUFD) is truly one of the most wonderful times of the year.

The roads were covered with booths selling food and Ateneo merchandises. Floods of people with braided and colored hair, henna tattoos, and glow sticks gave every evening a burst of color. The Christmas lights which hung so high above the trees brought the beauty of a galaxy within the naked eyes’ reach.

Once you enter the University gates, you’re in for the unforgettable XUFD experience.

Welcome home People welcomed the festivity with a blast as students, guests, and administrators witnessed the lighting of the Christmas beams, coupled with the mesmerizing sounds of the XU Band. As in usual opening programs, a wide array of talents was showcased on stage.

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The entire festivity, aptly themed “Xavier: Our Common Home”, aimed to relive the memorable experiences every person has had in XU. The opening of the festival days has brought people – Ateneans and people outside the XU community – together to share the same hype and excitement at the day of the kickoff.

The wide university field became the dating place of family, friends and lovers as movies were projected on a big screen. The deafening music of Tugtugan Fest concluded Day 1 as musicians dominated the University Main Lane to rock the night away.

Diverse activities Bikes, skateboards, and trisikads covered the Main Lane as early as 7AM in the morning in preparation for the Bike Caravan, a parade that eventually lead the participants back to the main lane where they were greeted by stacks of kakanins for the Food Festival.

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Fun and games awaited participants at the field for the event Laro ng Lahi where traditional Filipino games were played. Several films were also shown in events such as Cinemulat and Goethe Institute’s Science Film Festival.

Participants were then exposed to a gameshow called ‘Bida ka Atenista’, inspired by the famous noontime show ‘It’s Showtime’. Several teams clashed in the Ultimate challenge at the football field all afternoon. All the while, the event Angat sa Sining, Angat sa Linis was held at the main lane.

As a special celebration of their 80th anniversary, The Crusader Publication also launched their open exhibit at AVR 1 of the Old Library, depicting its history and the milestones it

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has accomplished through the years. A high mass was also held at the chapel in honor of St. Francis Xavier, patron saint of the University.

A poetry reading concert entitled ‘Bukambibig: Imbulog ng Imahinasyon’ was then held at the Peace Park while the event ‘Kinauyokan: Our Memories, Our Home’ was held at the Covered Courts. Student then played praise and worship songs in the main lane for the event Praise Jam which was followed by the event Xavier Musikahan: Our Music, Our Time.

One of the highlights of this day was the opening night of the much-awaited, Horror House at the Faber Hall with the theme House of No Escape!

Mostly music The third day was filled with a marvelous, morning atmosphere as performances and variety shows were once again held. The younger generation, notwithstanding the scorching heat, had a blast during the XUGS Field Demonstration and Laro Ng Lahi.

Light notes filled the afternoon’s atmosphere as students performed beautiful songs for the acoustic portion of Xavier Musikahan. The ‘Saplot, a Fashion Show of Alumni Designers’ garnered cheers from spectators as striking designs and schemes were showcased along the runway. Also, the College of Law celebrated their 60th year with Manny Pacquiao as their guest speaker.

Vol. 42 No. 4 December 2015

Design by Jigo L. Racaza, AP Yao

Last day The last day of the festivity concluded the XUFD with astonishing events and parties.

Earlier in the morning, a puppet show was

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presented by the Xavier University - Society of Early Childhood Teachers (XU-SECT) at the SBM grounds. It was also during this day when pupils, alumni, staff, and faculty members were given the chance to share their music on stage; even Academic Vice President Fr. Rene Tacastacas, SJ, was seen playing the drums.

Yuletide notes echoed throughout the XU Gymnasium as different schools and colleges competed to own the title of this year’s Christmas Carol Competition. Later that night, the Hip-hop Extreme Dance Competition and Rave Party took place. The Hip-hop Dance Competition is an annual event that provides dance groups with an avenue to display their talents and skills.

The event was originally exclusive for the XU community. This year, however, the competition was opened to groups from other schools. After the competition, the Rendezvous dance party kicked off, with students jumping and sweating their hearts out.

*** Without a doubt, this year’s celebration went above expectations that one would question how much it was all worth. In an interview with University Treasurer Lennie Ong, she shared that roughly half a million was spent for each day in the past XUFD celebrations.

With the absence of freshmen enrollees for the next two years, one may also question if the University will be to afford another grand XUFD celebration in the coming years. Ong assures that this year’s celebration will not be the last; however the future XUFD celebration may not be as grand.

The coming years may not be as easy and grand due to the budget cuts, but it was hoped that for this year, at least, everyone was able to laugh and feel at home in Xavier University.C

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Design by Keith Obed J. Ruiz

Earsplitting music and beats packed the entire night as the finals of the Himig Atenista took place. Supporters from different band group showed relentless shouts and cheers as contestants played their original, Atenean songs.

Simultaneously, bands performed songs for the high school life segment of Xavier Musikahan at the main lane, aiming to bring back both the happy and sad memories everyone’s had during high school.

Of course, the annual Trivia Night gathered a lot of eager participants. Varying moods were painted across the participants’ faces as funny, perplexing, and brain-wracking questions were raised during the night.

By Andrew Rey L. del Fierro and Charissa D. Santiago

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here are mixed reactions about the long, navy blue slacks and stiflingly warm tops worn by the students. Some favor its simple and clean design while others complain about it being uncomfortable and impractical for certain activities. Students complain in hope for changes in its portion of the student handbook.

In fear of failure, many ignore the fact that they themselves hold the key to change. Most, however, remain ignorant of the fact that this is not a new issue; just a couple of years past, the students’ side won the dispute.

felt compromised their rights.

At the time, resistance against the implementation of the uniforms came mostly from the female students of the University. Back then, the uniform policy was implemented mostly due to reasons such as ‘economy’, ‘modesty’, and ‘convenience’. The administration believed that the uniform adhered to the tradition of living simply, playing a large part in concretizing the identity of Xavier University students.

Back then, students were simply unused to the concept of wearing a uniform. Students of the time from the College of Agriculture and School of Business Management cited the impracticality of wearing the uniform while doing their college’s respective activities.

eventually give birth to an active moment to repeal the implemented policy.

Going hands-on With the policy’s retention, several student organizations banded together to gather support from the students for its annulment.

The Central Student Government (CSG) took charge by gathering signatures from those against the policy. Meanwhile, The Crusader distributed leaflets and other informational material that sought to empower the students. Soon enough, protests were being held, and various student organizations banded together in a concerted effort to defeat the policy. It was official: the XU students were firmly against the administration.

The results of the final ruling couldn’t be more different. Another meeting of the academic council resulted in fourteen ruling in favor of the abolition of the policy, with none resisting and two members abstaining. *** The victory then is now but a bittersweet memory. The final ruling resulted in the dress code replacing the uniform policy; now, we have both being implemented since the uniform policy’s reinstatement in 2003.

Perhaps the lesson to be learned in that time of our history is not that we don’t need our uniforms, but that there lies in us the power to change even the laws of the University, given we remain united.

Perhaps it won’t be long until we can unite, and the whole University will shake under our rallying cry.C

Design by Ben Clark B. Balase

uniform

Strict implementation The implementation of the uniform policy was done for several reasons. Firstly, it was an extra economic cost for students to buy a regular change of clothing. Secondly, it unified the students and gave them a sense of equality in that uniforms would avoid the bias of judging students and separating them according to their social classes based on what they wore. Lastly, it was for the sake of modesty and defining what was deemed appropriate by the University.

According to Office of Student Affairs Director Ivanell Subrabas, the dress code and uniform policy both serve as a guiding hand for students. It helps in the formation of the students’ value of modesty.

Student outcry Discussions became more heated as time passed by. The two main points of that time that summarized the resistance against the uniform was that, against the belief the administration held, the uniform 1) placed a significant financial burden on the shoulders of the students and 2) was also gender-biased. According to a past article published by the Publication in 1995-96, only 26.3 percent of the total population of students approved of the uniform policy, compared to the 45.2 percent that disagreed and the 28.5 percent that remained indifferent.

Eventually, the issue escalated to the point that it was being heard with the academic council.

In May 18, 1995, the council convened on whether the policy should be retained. They voted 7-6 in favor of retention.

Student resentment swelled, until it would

policy

A long-debated issue Protests regarding the use of uniforms in the campus started as far back as 1992. Real momentum behind the movement, however, began around 1995 - a time when students hotly protested policies of the administration that they

By Kevin Paul P. Mabul & Therese P. Mole

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hen the administration decided to limit access to the university elevators, people began asking questions and throwing complaints. As of press time, the elevators remain reserved for the faculty, staff, disabled, and pregnant women, leaving students with no other choice but to take the breath-depriving stairs.

But could it be made possible that the lift be open for all? If that would promote a square deal, could it still work for everyone’s advantage?

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Sealed so far In an interview with Vice President for Administration Edison Sasoy and Assistant Vice President Anabel Abuzo, the decision to finally close the elevators off to the general student body, save for those with passes for their medical conditions, were based mainly on varying reasons.

First is that in any building, elevators exist not for the convenience of its occupants, but in compliance to set building codes which mandate the installation of tools for accessibility to the less physically abled.

While construction laws mandate the inclusion of elevators to buildings of a certain minimum height, it does not, however, dictate restrictions. The elevator policy that XU enacted to the community serves to prioritize use to the faculty and PWDs, and has long existed even before the installation of the ID system.

Third, rampant littering and vandalism have continued to prevail despite the countless measures and warnings done by the administration. “Ang amo lang gali gyud ni sir [Sasoy], na ma maintain lang gyud ang cleanliness, orderliness, as well as ang mga gamit sa school na dili maguba,” says Abuzo.

Going up Nevertheless, there is hope that the elevators can be made available to the general student body

again, as both Sasoy and Abuzo are open to the possibility of “lifting” the restrictions set on the use of elevators, granted certain conditions be applied or met.

One alternative currently in the process of being drafted is the installation of closed closedcircuit television (CCTV) or internet protocol cameras that continually monitors activities in elevators, acting both as a direct response to the perpetual problem of vandalism and littering, and as a means to verify whether elevators have been evacuated in the event of a power outage.

Another less restrictive option, or a supplement to the aforementioned alternative, is making the elevators available to everyone only on certain days of the week or times of the day, presumably avoiding peak times and still placing priority on its primary intended users.

Central Student Government President Jrold Tagalog also believes that the granting of elevator access to everyone is still possible. “We can raise that, as long as we can prove that the students really need it,” following multisector and systemwide analyses to present to monthly administrative cluster meetings. *** Our failure to meet our simple end of the bargain – keeping ourselves in order – has cost us the convenience and comfort we once held so dear.

However, hope is not lost. When we will finally be able to fulfill our part and compromise for the benefit of the entire community, only then will we gain what we arguably deserve.C

www.thecrusaderpublication.com

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Design by Marc Anthony B. Reyes

Ups and downs Many students believe that elevator usage should be fair and square. The prevailing notion is that the elevator should be opened for all so that even those without special cases could access it.

However, not all students support this idea. For freshman Education student Hazylle Maglunsod, it is the right of the staff or students with disabilities to have the precedence on the elevator than those who are fully capable of taking the stairs or ramps.

The teachers also have their say on elevator usage. Filipino professor Roderick Ocangas is okay with riding an elevator filled with students. However, he believes that the elevators are mainly intended for the faculty and students with disabilities. “There are times when the elevator is congested. I see to it that teachers and handicapped [people] be given priority and that they (other students) have to go out,” he explains.

On the other hand, Herabelle Villanueva from the Computer Science department stressed out that it is a case to case basis, as there are actually instances when students fiddle with the controls of the elevator so the teachers, who are supposed to ride the elevator, cannot ride it.

Either way, when asked if they were fine with

granting everybody full access to the elevators, their answers boil down to a possible yes, “if the students would have discipline, respect, and common sense of prioritizing the teachers, handicapped, or people with special conditions at all costs.”

ccountability 12

Our leaders, their promises, and what we got for our vote

By Alexa Kim K. Bacong and Andrew Rey L. del Fierro

W

ith half the academic year gone and campus elections drawing closer, the time has come for us to take a look at the performance of our elected student leaders.

It becomes easy to forget that they were chosen because of their platform, or rather, their promises – the potential benefit they can bring to us, the student body. So how do we measure a student leaders’ success?

Simple: did they keep their promises?

Embodiment through an agenda During elections, we elect candidates to hold the major positions of two out of the three main branches of our government: the executive, headed by the President, and the legislative, headed by the Vice President. Basically, the executive focuses on implementing the law while the legislative creates and debates on proposed laws.

“Y-O-U. Yield and Widen Student Representation, Organizational Collaboration and Upscaling of Student Services,” beams CSG President Jrold Tagalog when talked about his presidential agenda.

As campaigned during the elections, Tagalog ensures that each aspect in his proposed agenda will be accomplished, fulfilling the executive department’s responsibility to the student body.

“For student representation, we are working on the Magna Carta now to make it nga ma-approve najud siya” he states. Tagalog has been making sure that they could represent the student community by being present in the various monthly meetings held by the administration and the different university councils.

On the other hand, CSG Vice President and legislative head Edison Lacea boldly runs with the platform ‘Making Heroes of Ourselves through CSG: Collaboration, Students first, and Good governance.’ To foster great collaboration amongst the councils and student body, Lacea acts as an intermediary between the Directorate, the lawmaking body of CSG, and the executive branch.

With their promises made, all that’s left to see is if each candidate ‘walked’ the proverbial ‘talk’.

Delivering Deliverables Tagalog considers 40 percent deliverables completed. “First semester man gud and usually traditional or common programs are being implemented,” he states. Tagalog regards the remaining 60 percent to be executed during the second semester, in which he recognizes as the legacy-building phase for each CSG administration.

“In my proposed presidential agenda, concrete implementations would be on the latter part of the semester because of the reasonable parts of the platform that would disqualify its approval,” Tagalog adds. He believes he has fulfilled the ‘Yield and widen student representation’ aspect by working on the approval of the student Magna Carta and acting as the students’ representatives in administrative meetings, but did not mention any specific plans in the ‘Organizational collaboration’ and ‘Upscaling student services’ components of his platform.

“No. I have been doing my very best, yet I believe there is still a long way to go,” admits Lacea.

One of his goals during elections was to see the student councils merge and pursue a common project; however, this has not been accomplished as he was not able to push the council presidents to perform their tasks. Lacea understands that there is much more to be done.

To some, not a lot can be said about the implementation of proposed initiatives and the overall actions of the CSG beyond the universitywide events it organizes. As mentioned by Tagalog, this is because the first semester is purportedly used for ‘traditional’ programs. But perhaps there are other factors that hinder its progress.

Flawed execution Tagalog mentions the noted lack of student participation in CSG activities as the main issue of the executive branch. “First is the student

Vol. 42 No. 4 December 2015

proposed laws frustratingly slow.

Adding to its woes, the Directorate also faces extensive pressure from the Supreme Court. The Court must first check for the constitutionality of a proposed law before it is accepted and made into law. Lacea, while acknowledging the importance of the balance of power, still finds that the process weakens the effectiveness and delays the timeliness with which they can implement laws, translating into action that can be easily seen by the student body.

“I think in my opinion, the fact that the Supreme Court has to review what we are passing […] adds to the ‘red tape’. In the words of a law student, it encroaches [upon] our legislative power…” Lacea’s problem is not with the concept of a constitution but its potentially

To make the law Lacea is more than aware of the issues in his department.

The Directorate, the law-making body of the CSG composed of the presidents of each college council, struggles with several parts of the legislative process. The conflicting schedules of the council presidents make convening difficult, and though Lacea has promoted transparency by publishing the details of their meetings online, their infrequent meetings make the progress of

outdated policies. “For me I think it really is very problematic.”

Chief Justice Joeces Cual, head of the Supreme Court and the judiciary branch of the CSG, offers an alternate perspective.

“Kung mag-ingon ta og ‘red tape’, constitution is created not [para mag] lisud-lisud ta… Basically, ang [constitution] kai gina check kung insakto ba ang ginabuhat.” Cual states that the constitution represents the collective will of the students, and that passed bills and enactments were to be defended.

Crusader

The

“a perfect I think if this was student government and a perfect school, students would really participate and question [...] what’s happening in the student government...”

-Lacea

“If we look at the platform, there is still a lot of legislation to be done, we are really off schedule,” he admits. “I am confident that we have done things, but kato, we could’ve done so much more,” Lacea laments.

Pointing fingers vs. creating solutions Despite the daunting nature of their task, both leaders have their own way of meeting the challenge.

Lacea jumped at the opportunity to talk about his department’s plans, such as working on an Ombudsman bill to be passed and extending representation to XU-URO, scholars, and members of the performing arts. He also proposed solutions such as designating student senators instead of student council presidents to the Directorate to possibly solve scheduling conflicts.

Regarding his resolutions to the challenges in his department, Tagalog only stated: “Kuan, make student-friendly gyud.... For example, we observed na ‘Trivia Night’ kay trending sa city. Maybe it’s a way to connect to the students nga ang programs kay mao ang uso karon. Kana gyud nga we will really tap their interest and dili mi mag hungit sa ila ug dili nila ganahan.” Tagalog did not go intensively into detail during the interview.

Both leaders, however, emphasized the importance of accountability.

“I think if this was a perfect student government and a perfect school, students would really participate and question and wonder on what’s happening in the student government so that we all could be accountable,” Lacea muses. *** Half of the academic year still remains. To students satisfied and unsatisfied with their elected leaders’ performances, there is still enough time for the upswing. It remains an important thought to be vigilant – of our leaders and of ourselves – to ensure that we are fulfilling our part of the deal.

For how is an empowered government possible without an empowered people? The student body has every right to be critical – it does not, by any means, have any right to be hypocritical.

In the end, we are the ones with everything to lose.C

www.thecrusaderpublication.com

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Design by Keith Obed J. Ruiz

participation, maybe it’s their assumption nga naay wrong sa amoang pag-implement that students [are] not [involved] too much.” Tagalog asserts that they did not foresee the students’ apathy towards their implemented activities. “Wala namo na expect man gud na dili kaayo siya ga-kapansin sa students…”

Tagalog, however, simultaneously recognizes that this has been a long-standing issue. “…And that’s been here and ing-ani nani siya nga problem from the rest of the past administrations.”

Upon further investigation, however, it was revealed that there were issues regarding the CSG-sponsored fundraising activity for XU’s sister school the Loyola college of Culion, in which the estimated PHP 14,000 raised to help the school was still unspent (as of the time of the interview) despite the project’s completion in early July. This was discovered only after the legislative branch submitted an inquiry about the status of the funds and was not mentioned by Tagalog until pressed.

“Ang nahitabo ani kay nag-ka problema because walay na appoint nga [project head] for first sem because ang department head na appointed then resigned. Naa naman pud new department head karon.” Tagalog goes on to claim that “14,000 is not enough to create a greater impact for Culion. Maybe we can have more fundraising [activities].”

To the legislative branch, the Culion issue was more of one on accountability rather than impact. “We’ve also been trying to put the various branches into account and also the executive branch by confirming appointments,” Lacea affirms.

E

very educational institution, regardless of being public or private, must have the necessary facilities not only to look good but to create an environment that is conducive for learning.

An efficient school facility is responsive to the shift of instructions on educational delivery and at the same time guarantees a pleasant atmosphere.

As a University committed to its goal of providing quality education, XU seeks to expand its already high-caliber facilities and construct new ones.

Design by Rico M. Magallona

Hey! What’s new?

Pursuing its vision of becoming a leading ASEAN University, XU aspires to deliver prime services to its students, thus the renovations inside the campus. Absence of some essential sports facilities here in the main campus evoked the Campus Development Team to construct XU’s Sports Complex in Pueblo. The proposed complex will include a football field, a rubberized track, a swimming pool and a gymnasium with rubberized basketball and badminton courts and natural ventilation and lighting. The facility will also have a rainwater catchment system; its water will be recycled in coherence to Green building designs.

“Learning Spaces”, the freshly revamped library fifth floor, also captured people’s attention through its modern designs. When asked why renovation is necessary, Campus Development Project Manager Engr.

Noemi Dacudao said that it’s mainly because the building hasn’t been mended ever since it was built. “That was sometime [in] 1990, medyo old na siya. Also, phasing ni siya; from fifth down to second floor ang pag-renovate. Now, we’re planning na for fourth floor; same designs but with little alterations,” she explains.

Apart from its aesthetic value, Learning Spaces highlights free laptops for students to use, free printing, natural lighting from glass walls, individual tables with overhead lights, open-access

14

discussion rooms, and manageable space through the repositioning of shelves.

“It basically provides spaces where students can really relax and do their thing,” shares Edison Sasoy, Vice President for Administration.

Behind the blueprint

All these stellar architectures were made possible thru the efforts of the Campus Development Team under the Administration Cluster. This cluster is incharge of establishing efficient operating standards and assessing the needs of the University. The building fund —a chunk from the students’ tuition fees — sustains their projects at minimal costs, making use of their limited budget without sacrificing the quality.

Before an infrastructure in the University can be made or renovated, it undergoes a long process to make sure that everything, from planning to completion, goes smoothly.

Once budget has been approved, planning starts, third-party architects are invited and finally, different contractors bid to have the project.

“For projects that are really big which we call as Capital Expenditures Projects like in

Pueblo, proposals with policies were made to justify the need of building that project so that investments will not be wasted,” explains Sasoy.

Before the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU) visit, a number of renovations were done inside the campus, including the repainting of different buildings.

However, Sasoy opines that to uphold the quality of services in the University, inspections should be administered regularly and not only during PAASCU visits. “We should improve [our facilities] because we want to, not because of accreditation visits.

A management system that will see to the regular inspections is needed. Mao na siya ang among gusto utrohon,” he admits.

Investing through architecture

Aside from the Pueblo Sports Complex and Learning Spaces, there are other upcoming infrastructure projects in the University; this includes the improvement of the science laboratories, construction of the Grade School auditorium and the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) laboratories, remodeling of Faber Hall and Medicine building, and renovation of other offices.

The alteration of the Magis Roof Deck is also one of the Campus Development’s major projects. Basically, roofing will transpire to maximize its space, ending the growing concerns of staff about students studying in the canteen. With the addition of a number of tables and chairs, the Roof Deck will serve as an extension of the library. *** More than creating an environment of high aesthetic value, the main, albeit indirect, goal of infrastructure developments is to produce competent, high-performing students.

By maximizing all resources, everyone is assured that the University will not only avoid stagnancy but will continuously move towards providing quality education.C

By Nikki Gay Louise P. Amores

Vol. 42 No. 4 December 2015

By Samantha Isabelle

F

our years of fighting the good fight—of enduring well-placed hits, of finding weak spots in just a second’s passing—and the moment has come. Finally emerging in the frontlines with an overall championship title to their name, the XU Karate-do women topped the 2015 University Games on October 24-30 at Bacolod City.

“We’ve been aiming since we saw the cup for championship last 2011 because that’s the first time na gi-apil ang karate-do sa Unigames. Since we saw the cup, we’ve been aiming for it for four years now, and finally because of my teammates [we won],” enthuses Cori Liwan, XU Karate-do Women Team Captain.

Baby steps While it may only have 3 members in its team (Cori Liwan, Ruvie Jane Cugay, Joan Jane Edulsa, and Jyssa Mayes Cozo), the Karate-do Women ‘s Team packs a full punch. All players of the team have been practicing karate under the supervision of Coach Jessica Hojas Esparrago since grade school.

Liwan, for example, has been practicing karate for nearly 10 years now.

“I grew up with Ma’am Jessica—not just training me in karate-do but also guiding me,” says Liwan. Eventually, things became serious when Liwan began representing the University in different competitions. “I’m not just playing for myself or for karate but [I’m] also bringing the name of the school in different places,” she confides.

Esparrago shares that she has no difficulty training the members, especially when she already

Crusader

The

knows their highs and lows. Her relationship with the members can be likened to one of a family; enough for them to call her their ‘mama bear’. With a five-day training schedule during weekdays, the team can effectively communicate with each other during matches with simple hand gestures from Esparrago.

“Dili na ko kailangan mangasaba kay they know it because of respect. Ako naman ilang nadak-an,” Esparrago explains. She went on to say that the students’ obedience is not out of fear of her, but out of love and respect.

Taking the big hits The trend of training young members has stopped. Currently, the grade school, high school, and college karate-do teams each have a separate coach to focus entirely on just one team. Previously, Esparrago handled the karate-do teams of all year levels, which she admits can greatly improve the teams’ performance in the long run. While she prefers to pick her roster of potential members while they’re still young, she says she’s lucky that the curriculum’s Physical Education 3 and the XU Japan Karate Association (XUJKA) are of big help to her when it comes to finding new members.

Skill, although important, is not the sole deciding factor for Esparrago though. Team members also have to be of good character.

H. Bagayas

this year’s Unigames, the team remains to have a low profile in the University. Liwan personally thinks that the school lacks the initiative to publish game schedules and wins. The team usually participates in competitions held at Limketkai Mall. However, not many students go to support them.

“In terms of advertisement diri sa school na mag-watch ug mag-support sa among games, wala kaayo gyud. Also, we receive enough support from the University Athletics Office, but coming from the students of Xavier na we represent the school, not so much,” she says.

In terms of practices, Liwan also says the team is not the top priority when it comes to the usage of the gym. Without Esparrago’s initiative, the team will not be holding its practices at the PE Hall.

Esparrago also wishes the school would celebrate the team’s wins in a clearer manner, even going as far as saying she’s willing to shoulder the expenses, if given the chance. While there is a tarp celebrating the team’s recent victory in the Unigames, it really is nothing compared to the weight of the victory. *** After years of fidgeting in the sidelines, the team has finally kicked its way towards the center spot. As these fearless women continue to shine in the karate-do scene, all that’s left to do is to wait for the University to bask in their glow. C

Rolling with the punches Though slowly gaining recognition in the national level after winning against 40 schools in

www.thecrusaderpublication.com

15

By Xian Louis Patrick R. Arcayera and Andrew Rey L. del Fierro

Design by Keith Obed J. Ruiz

E E

ighty is a significant number. A popular classic adventure novel tells of a man who had travelled the world in 80 years.

Of course, at that story’s setting, modern day methods of transport were not yet available, explaining ighty the is seemingly a significant exaggerated number.delay.

A popular Much classic like the adventure novel, The novel Crusader tells oftoo, a man has experienced whoahad time travelled when modern the worldday in 80 methods years.

Of journalism of course, atwere thatnot story’s yet available. setting, Through modern day the methodsof of course 80 transport years, TheCrusader were not didn’t yet available, stay the explaining same.

It was thebound seemingly to adapt exaggerated and evolve. delay.

The Much changes These like the were novel,brought Crusader about by too,many has experienced factors.

The aPublication time whenwent modern through day methods a war, a of journalismand dictatorship, werea not typhoon, yet available. amongThrough others. The the course ofcan changes 80also years, be The attributed Crusader to didn’t the people stay the in same. it.

In 80 It was years, bound the to Publication adapt andhas evolve. had over 69 batches These ofchanges staff members, were brought 69 editors-in-chief, about by many factors.

42 recorded The Publication volumes, three wentlogo through changes, a war, anda dictatorship, countless articles and a that typhoon, speakamong of social others. truths, The changescritical inspire can also thinking, be attributed and promote to thethe people welfare in it. In of the80 student years,body. the Publication has had over 69 batches Beingof one staffof members, the oldest69 organizations editors-in-chief, in 42 recorded Xavier University, volumes, eventhree as logo old aschanges, XU itself, and The countless Crusader’s articleshistory that speak reflectsof that socialoftruths, the inspire critical University andthinking, the student and promote body. Itsthe history welfare is of thewith lined student many body. changes, yet its drive to pursue the truth Beingremains one ofunchanged. the oldest organizations in Xavier University, even as old as XU itself, The Crusader’s history reflects that of the University

16

Explosive beginnings The Crusader Publication started on 1935 and became the official student publication of the school on 1940. However, in 1941, World War II forced the school to close down. The early and theofstudent copies the Publication body. Its were history burned is lined down with as many changes, American planesyetbombed its drivethe to city, pursue reducing the truth the remainstounchanged. school rubble. The city’s rehabilitation in the 1950s brought the Publication back to its feet.

In its early years, TheCrusader published only Explosive in newspaper beginnings form. By the 1960s, TheCrusader The was already Crusader read throughout PublicationNorthern started onMindanao.

1935 and becameit incorporated Thus, the official student local topics publication aside from of the schoolcampus basic on 1940. topics.

However, in 1941, World War II forced Most the of the school earlyto moderators close down.were The Jesuit early copies ofthe priests; the content Publication back were then burned was down heavily as American planes monitored.

Despite bombed this, Thethe Crusader city, reducing still wrote the schoolcontroversial about to rubble. The topics. city’sOne rehabilitation time, whenina fire the 1950s brought broke out in Divisoria, the Publication a Jesuitback priest, to its acting feet.out The of pressure In its early andyears, impulse, Crusader ordered published the closingonly of in newspaper the University gates form.from By the the refugees.

1960s, TheItCrusader triggered was already residents toread call throughout for an ouster Northern against Mindanao. the priest.

The Thus,whole The it incorporated ruckus was local published topicsbyaside Crusader. from the basic campus topics.

Repression Most ofand theresurgence early moderators were Jesuit priests; In 1972, the content Martial back law, which then was led to heavily the monitored. abolishmentDespite of student this, Theorganizations Crusader stillinwrote the about country,controversial forced the Publication topics. Onetotime, closewhen down.a fire A year broke later, outitinwas Divisoria, able toaresume Jesuit priest, production, acting

publishing its first issue in magazine form.

During that time, student activism was rampant in XU and it reflected in TheCrusader’s writings. It published against the Marcos regime, condemning the supression of press freedom. out of pressure Together with other and impulse, student ordered organizations, the closing they of the University protested against thegates dictatorial from government. the refugees. It triggered Another residents act oftorepression, call for an from ousterthe against unlikely the priest. of figure Thea Jesuit whole priest, ruckusbrought was published the Publication

by The Crusader. to its second closure. For two years, the voice of the students was rendered mute.

Repression Interestingly, and resurgence it was also the voice of the students, In 1972, in theMartial guise law, of the which Central led Student to the abolishment (CSG), Government of student which organizations reopened the student in the country,However, paper. forced the it met Publication early complications to close down. when A was it yearblasted later, with it was an able illegaltorecruitment resume production, case. This publishing was because itsthere first issue was ainproposal magazinethat form. the name of the During reopened that publication time, student be changed activism and was the rampant inPresident then-CSG XU and itJose reflected Hildy “Totet” in TheCrusader’s Banaynal writings. didn’t agree It published with the against name being the Marcos changed regime, from The “condemning Crusader” his to acts“Ang of suppressing Banwag”. press freedom.

Together with other student organizations, they protested The nameagainst of thethe enemy dictatorial government.

Another In those act days, ofthe repression, name of from the Publication’s the unlikely figure of enemy wasa ‘injustice’.

Jesuit priest, brought the Publication to itsAsecond time ofclosure. great political For twostrife, years,the theaftermath voice of the the of students Marcos was administration’s rendered mute. oppressive rule rekindled Interestingly, the passions it was ofalsoFilipinos the voice across of the students, –in Xavier country the guise students of theincluded.

Central Despite Student

Vol. 42 No. 4 December 2015

Government (CSG), which reopened the student paper. However, it met early complications when it was blasted with an illegal recruitment case. This was because there was a proposal that the name of the reopened publication be changed and the then-CSG President Jose Hildy “Totet” Banaynal didn’t agree with the name being changed from “TheCrusader” to “Ang Banwag”.

What we fight In those days, the name of the Publication’s enemy was ‘injustice’.

A time of great political strife, the aftermath of the Marcos administration’s oppressive rule rekindled the passions of Filipinos across the country – Xavier students included. Despite martial law’s abolition in 1981, this fighting spirit would be inherited by their successors in the 90s. The students would no longer endure tyranny, perceived or otherwise. Their voice? The Publication.

The Crusader, as if readying for battle, began to change. Writers were emboldened and quick to point out the flaws of the administration and even their own elected student leaders. When corruption was suspected in the affairs of the CSG President, the Publication sought to root it out with extreme prejudice – one born from having known repression for years. The Publication itself stood at the helm of a movement to abolish the uniform policy in 1998, having banded with the CSG andlaw’s martial multiple abolition studentinorganizations.

1981, this fighting spirit would be inherited by their successors in the 90s. The students would no longer endure tyranny, perceived or otherwise. Their voice? The Publication.

The Crusader, as if readying for battle, began to change. Writers were emboldened and quick to point out the flaws of the administration and even their own elected student leaders. When corruption was suspected in the affairs of the CSG President, the Publication sought to root it out with extreme prejudice – one born from having known repression for years. The Publication itself stood at the helm of a movement to abolish the uniform policy in 1998, having banded with the CSG and multiple student organizations.

The message was clear: ‘Never again’. In the span of a few years, TheCrusader transformed from passive chronicler to stalwart defender.

Now, the Publication faces a different enemy.

‘Apathy’ is TheCrusader’s newest challenge.

Though injustice still runs rampant in the country, the fighting spirit the students were once known for became lost. Perhaps due to a fading connection to the past, a growing fear of or disinterest in authority, or a simple shift

Crusader

The

The message was clear: ‘Never again’. In the span of a few years, TheCrusader transformed from passive chronicler to stalwart defender.

Now, the Publication faces a different enemy.

‘Apathy’ is TheCrusader’s newest challenge.

Though injustice still runs rampant in the country, the fighting spirit the students were once known for became lost. Perhaps due to a fading connection to the past, a growing fear of or disinterest in authority, or a simple shift in values, interest in school affairs declined, evidenced partially by consecutive years of less than 50 percent of the student populace in the CSG elections.

The Publication had to innovate, and fast.

Old wars, new weapons What you see before you today – The Crusader’s website, Facebook page, magazines, videos, and miscellaneous media – is the end result of this strategy. No longer content to stay grounded in paper, the Publication has reached out to the students’ turf: social media, with particular success.

Currently, the Publication is able to notify thousands of students about a particular event only hours after its conclusion, or even before its culmination. Articles have never been as consumable as they are now, what with only a click separating students from being up-to-date on University affairs. CruTV, a conception of videojournalists in values, interest in the in school Publication affairsonly declined, a few evidenced partially by consecutive years of less than 50 percent of the student populace in the CSG elections.

The Publication had to innovate, and fast.

Old wars, new weapons What you see before you today – The Crusader’s website, Facebook page, magazines, videos, and miscellaneous media – is the end result of this strategy. No longer content to stay grounded in paper, the Publication has reached out to the students’ turf: social media, with particular success.

Currently, the Publication is able to notify thousands of students about a particular event only hours after its conclusion, or even before its culmination. Articles have never been as consumable as they are now, what with only a click separating students from being up-to-date on University affairs. CruTV, a conception of videojournalists in the Publication only a few years ago, has become the subject of admiration during many important events in the University.

Intrams and XUFD, events once only read about by those who had the misfortunate experience of

years ago, has become the subject of admiration during many important events in the University.

Intrams and XUFD, events once only read about by those who had the misfortunate experience of missing the event, now came to life before their very eyes.

The magazine itself changed. What you hold in your hands is the product of a reinvention of the impersonal and professional style of the past. Content has become more liberal and free-thinking – not as apt to condemn as it is to cause contemplation. And yet, it remains to be the voice for the voiceless, for tuition girls and transgendered students, for the public against ever-increasing tuition fees, for a college repressed by the admin for their celebratory stint after becoming champions of Intrams.

It remains ever on your side – the side of the students. *** You might say that TheCrusader today is different from what it has been before. Yes, we have changed. Yet, despite these changes, we will always stand by the reason of our existence in the first place. We continue to relay information, inspire critical thinking, and encourage action. We stay biased towards the students. We endure the role of being the voice of the disadvantaged. We persist to pursue the truth. We remain.C

missing the event, now came to life before their very eyes.

The magazine itself changed. What you hold in your hands is the product of a reinvention of the impersonal and professional style of the past. Content has become more liberal and free-thinking – not as apt to condemn as it is to cause contemplation. And yet, it remains to be the voice for the voiceless, for tuition girls and transgendered students, for the public against ever-increasing tuition fees, for a college repressed by the admin for their celebratory stint after becoming Intrams champions.

It remains ever on your side – the side of the students. *** You might say that TheCrusader today is different from what it has been before. Yes, we have changed. Yet, despite these changes, we will always stand by the reason of our existence in the first place. We continue to relay information, inspire critical thinking, and encourage action. We stay biased towards the students. We endure the role of being the voice of the disadvantaged. We persist to pursue the truth. We remain.C

www.thecrusaderpublication.com

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1935

Crusader Publication was founded.

The

1950s Crusader went back to production as Ateneo de Cagayan recovered from the war.

The

1940 Five years after its inception in 1935, TheCrusader has grown to become the official student publication of the school.

1941

World War II broke out, forcing the school to close.

1944 Early copies of TheCrusader were burned down as the school was reduced to rubble by American bombers.

1960s Being the publication of a renowned institution in Cagayan de Oro, TheCrusader has become a community paper read throughout the region.

1970s The declaration of Martial Law abolished student organizations in campuses throughout the country, forcing TheCrusader to close down in 1972.

Closed

1973 Crusader was able to resume production. It was also the first time that a magazine form of TheCrusader was published. It was during these times that student activism was rampant in XU and it reflected in the publication’s writing.

The

1992 Crusader released its first lampoon issue.

The

1978

1993 The Publication drafted its first constitution and by-laws.

A Jesuit Priest ordered the closure of the Publication.

1980s

The Publication was reinstated. It was mainly attributed to the creation of the Central Student Government (CSG) and its first resolution, Resolution No. 1 – “An act creating an official student publication of Xavier University, and providing the constitution and by-laws, and appropriating funds therefore”.

1985 The student publication, which was called Ang Banwag at that time, was charged of illegal recruitment. This was because its creation was not yet finalized by the CSG president who disagreed to rename TheCrusader to Ang Banwag. The issue was resolved later on, and on that same year, The Crusader was able to publish its first issue since its ban.

1995 A section named Hohongihong, which compiled overheard statements from people in campus, was first released in the January-February 1995 issue of The Crusader. It was previously written as Ho! Ho! Ngihong but later evolved to Hohongihong.

2003 The CSG published Unedited, dubbed as the official documentation of your 2003 government. It accused The Crusader of information distortion, biased journalism, and corruption. TheCrusader debunked the allegations.

2012

2010

The Crusader organized SIBYA, the first Northern Mindanao Student Communicators Congress, with speakers from Rappler – Maria Ressa, Patricia Evangelista, Josh Villanueva, and Chay Hofileño. Since then, SIBYA has become one of the most awaited events organized by The Crusader. SIBYA is Cebuano for broadcast.

Crusader celebrated its 75th year. Its official logo was also refined to a cleaner, more sophisticated version.

The

August Cora Contrabida published her first satirical piece. She became the face of The Crusader’s satirical section, which became a staple piece in every issue.

2013 The Crusader published “The Cruchever”, a special lampoon magazine.

November

2011

The Crusader helped in relief efforts for the survivors of Typhoon Yolanda.

Crusader TV premiered its pilot episode. It delved into controversial topics and covered significant events. Five years since its creation, CruTV has released documentaries on Sumilao farmers, tropical storm Sendong survivors, and Misamis Oriental Provincial Jail (MOPJ) inmates. It also included a new segment called ‘Backwrap’ which features local and campus news.

The

2015 The first People Magazine was released. It profiled notable people in the XU community.

June Crusader showed its support for the LGBT community when it changed its profile picture to one with a rainbow-colored finish: a symbol which was commonly regarded as a celebration of the US Supreme court ruling on same-sex marriage.

The

December One of the most outstanding coverage conducted by the Publication so far was during the aftermath of Typhoon Sendong. TheCrusader Publication staff was scattered all throughout the city to cover relief efforts, keep track of the body count, and seek information to keep people updated through infographs and posts.

Today

In its 80th year, TheCrusader continues to be the herald of truth. Currently, it has 40 members, tirelessly working to uphold a responsible and progressive student press. It publishes three issues per semester, two of which are magazines. Not only does it reach out to its audience through print, but has also delved into video and social media. It covers events, not only from the campus but from the local community as well.

Throughout the years, TheCrusader has become the speculum of events, conditions, and sensibilities prevalent in the campus. Its history, although distinct, reflects that of the University and the student body.

As what it’s done in the previous years, TheCrusader will always actively speak about the truth, and will continue to do so, throughout the ages.C

D

ifferent covers reflect the different periods and events that The Crusader has been through.

Today, the Publication is not just limited to print – delving through video, social media, and events.

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Vol. 42 No. 4 December 2015

Fr. Leo Pabayo and his Crusade for Truth

By Charissa D. Santiago

“

For me then, TheCrusader Publication was a place where writers were being developed and for me, it kind of sparked an inspiration,” -Pabayo

F

or me then, TheCrusader Publication was a place where writers were being developed and for me, it kind of sparked an inspiration,” says Fr. Leo Crespo Pabayo, a jolly Jesuit with an inclination to writing.

It is TheCrusader Publication —the same one you’re currently subscribed to—that made him think: “...maybe I should do some writing.”

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The

Life post-Publication Upon finishing his degree in AB English, Pabayo was invited to teach in Ateneo de Manila’s grade school. He taught there for two years before eventually heeding the call. He soon entered the seminary in Ateneo de Manila and has been serving as a priest. He claims that his priestly work reminds him of his time in the Publication.

“Maybe it was really just an initial step for me. It was only later, really months later that I really got interested in writing when I became a priest already. I was more involved in priestly work. And then the writing has awakened in my mind; it brought me back to the time I was with The Crusader, in helping with the Publication,” he shares.

Now 76 years of age, he continues to work

as the Chaplain for the University’s Grade School.

Prior to this, he has served seven years as the school’s principal.

Forward to the future Fr. Pabayo’s vision for the Publication revolves on getting students involved in social issues. As he has observed that the majority of the youth are abusing social media, he has high hopes that responsible writers can help make the social media an area of responsible and informational discourse.

He also expressed his hope that the future generation can help in building a better government. He highlights the power and responsibility of the youth, the writers especially, in improving society. “You have to do something about politics, to help curve the corruption because the young people are more innocent; they have not been tainted by corruption yet in society. So the young people, the students, [and the] writers, are very idealistic and they can share their idealism by writing,” he opines. *** What started out as an act of conformity turned into a blooming passion for writing. Fr. Pabayo started his pursuit of truth in the late 1950s and has continued the effort as he now pursues the truth—life’s greatest truth— as a servant of the Lord. His story shows how the pursuit of the truth does not and never will stop.C

www.thecrusaderpublication.com

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Photo by John Niccolo A. Aquino

Early years Pabayo joined the Crusader Publication in the late 1950s and is now known to be the oldest living Crusader Publication alumni in Cagayan de Oro City. His decision to join the Publication was initially driven by the fact that his friends were also a part of the organization. His decision to stay in a demanding organization, however, was not simply influenced by his friends’ presence.

His circle of friends soon expanded to include his fellow writers in the Publication, a group he believed was like family. His time in the Publication also introduced him to several great writers around the campus who inspired him to write.

“I began to be aware of people who were writers in the campus. I got interested in writing and I knew there were writers who were well known already. Those people kind of opened my mind and got me interested in writing but I was really just a budding writer,” he reminisces.

Among his inspirations were Jose Balaba who

wrote a story of how he was ill during Christmas and Nestor Torre, an established writer for the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Pabayo also recalls the things he wrote about during his college years. Among the hot topics of his time were politics and Xavier’s promotion from being a college to becoming a university. He also recalls establishing a section called “Tidbits”, where he wrote news bits about various events happening inside the campus.

He started out as a columnist and eventually, made his way up to become the Associate Editor of TheCrusader Publication in two years time.

By Nikki Gay Louise P. Amores & Harmony Kristel D. Balino

A

Design by Maria Kristina G. Abing

Photo by Jan Michael A. Sy.

habit is defined as something that a person does in a repeated way. If it’s a habit, no one is forcing you to do it. If it’s a habit, you do it ordinarily. If it’s a habit, it’s not a one-time thing.

Before late August of this year, Magis Habit was nothing but a concept planned by the Atenista Ako Movement (AAM). University President Fr. Roberto Yap, SJ himself had blared emergency lights concerning the state of the Magis canteen.

That was the signal for AAM; a solution should be launched immediately.

Birth of a new habit To start, AAM Director of Program & Projects Development Kurt Gumpal began tapping other organizations for their help. “Why not pull all resources together? Why not pull everything together in order to start this Magis Habit?” he recalls himself asking. Immediately, Magis Habit Project started to form into an organized initiative with partners from the Office of Student Affairs (OSA), National Student Training Program (NSTP) Xavier Center for Culture and the Arts (XCCA), Central Student Government (CSG), School of Education (SOE), and The Formators’ Office.

Launched with the tagline ‘Let’s start a new habit! Let’s do Magis Habit’ on September 30, the project started rolling as dreamed by AAM. “Magis Habit is actually an enhancement of the old program called Magis Hour that started in 2013, I suppose. We felt the need of bringing that project to a higher level; the [previous] 12:00 noon to 1:00 PM slot is not enough,” explains Ivanell Subrabas,

24

Director of Student Affairs and AAM Moderator.

Off to a good start To ensure the success of the program, daily team dynamics were established, appointing thirty students as ‘ambassadors’ from 11:30AM to 1:30PM depending on the assigned organization‘s weekday. The type to mingle with the crowd, these ambassadors are sources of Magis Habit is pass-iton cards where you can write your name and pass that to students who practice the habit. To be on that list, one should be a practitioner of all three aspects of the Magis Habit: Speak Softly, Share a table, and Segregate As You Go (SAYGO). Once a pass-it-on card is filled with names, students should return this to OSA so the names will be recorded on a board.

To cover the entire Magis canteen, the place is divided into ten quadrants, with ambassadors patrolling in triads. Once their shift is over, the ambassadors shall submit a report to OSA that reflects the number of practitioners and violators of the Magis Habit per quadrant. Come Saturday, these numbers are tallied by OSA and submitted to Subrabas.

“Gi-planohan gyud namo ni’g tarong like we created modules, implementation plan para organized jud siya,” says AAM President, Jessan Miguel Garcia,.

However, on the first quarter of the project, Magis Habit violators still dominate the tally board.

kita nako nga mag-labay sa ilang basura. [Ug] Wala man ko kita ana nila [the ambassadors]. Depende ra jod sa estudyante kay naa man uban mutuman, naa sad wala ra’y pakialam pero hugaw jud japon. Kulang pa jud ang training sa mga estudyante,” says an anonymous canteen staff tasked with cleaning the lunch tables.

When asked about the performance of the ambassadors, a freshman Business Administration student says he never knew such a thing existed.

“Karon pako kabalo anang ambassadors ug cards. Karon pa jod. Wala jod ko kita ana nila sukad,” he shares.

“I don’t think that it was as effective as what the school hopes it to be kay makita man gud japon nako nga naa japon basura ang mga tables,” says Ar’anne Joice Zabala, a senior Psychology student.

To put it simply, students do appreciate the project’s good intentions but the enactment of its rules has, so far, not been enough. *** As in all baby projects, Magis Habit, though well-planned and thought, still has its own share of flaws. Perhaps it is true that it’s too early to measure the project’s success; even AAM admits that at the moment, there’s no way of saying whether they yielded positive results.

As they continue to aim for the improvement of Magis Habit, AAM is faced with a challenge: How will they effectively instill this habit to the Ateneans?C

Certain slip-ups Despite the project’s good intentions, there are really some who would question the performance of Magis Habit. “Mga 30 percent lang siguro ang mga gaka-

Vol. 42 No. 4 December 2015

S

ometimes, the only way to gauge whether something is functioning is via its deliverables. If a thing does what it’s expected to do, its necessity is acknowledged; calling a fully-functioning thing ‘pointless’ then is out of the question.

This is also the case when it comes to student leaders. From the biggest clustered Central Student Government (CSG) down to the miniscule challengers of the status quo, they have produced output that, in one way or another, has made a striking change.

However, there are times when their existence becomes questionable, paving the way to important question: what is a student leader made of and how do they work?

Crusader

The

For Atenista Ako Movement (AAM) President Jessan Miguel Garcia, student leadership should be coupled with academic and character growth.

“Ateneans must be able to balance things well,” he says. He expects student leaders to be capable of handling problems and frustrations.

Forget the fame An issue that comes with leadership is that students pursue positions for the sake of becoming popular. Although he doesn’t identify himself as one of them, Dalagan believes that people like this do exist. “I believe nga dili mana ma-likayan kay naa pud nga mu-go into such things so that they will be acknowledged and have certain awards,” he explains.

Baconga sees popularity as a reward, yet believes that it only comes along with leadership.

“I do not believe nga mao nang main reason… leadership goes with the frontiers kung asa ka kailangan,” he remarked.

The selection series Would-be student leaders are welcomed by student leadership organizations along with modulebased programs. “Sa SACDEV, we are invested in people,” says Dalagan. For KKP SVFC, they advocate to resilient initiatives that engage the campus community on local events.

Baconga looks over the increasing population of the SACDEV bred student leaders in the student government. Although he has nothing against them, he is worried that student empowerment has become selective. “We are assured that people who are seated there have undergone through these trainings and, therefore, [they are] capable, but I find it quite disturbing that walay ga challenge sa ila,” he adds.

Mass production “I believe everyone can be a leader”, Dalagan opines.

However, it is a reality that all student leader aspirants have to undergo rigorous screening and deliberation for acceptance within an organization or program. In particular, certain programs, such as Dalagan’s (ASUL), limit the number of participants per batch from almost a 100 plus applicants down to a shortlist of 50 then to a final cut of 30; likewise, a similar concept for AAM and KKP-SVFC. Despite such intriguing issues on accommodating only prospective student leaders, Reyes remarks the every leader has their own way, style and phasing. “Coupled with the Social Ladderized Formation Track of XU… I do believe that we all have the capacity to lead,” he states.

Averting to their decision, Baconga believes not everyone can be a leader. “A few can only [sic] be entrusted to take the toll. It is a universal law that not everyone can have everything at the same time,” he emphasizes. On the other hand, Garcia perceives that leadership needs technicalities from the beginning. *** It is only normal for constituents to question the values of their student leaders, especially when things don’t seem to be going well. The long recurring problem of student apathy awaits to be diminished and this is only possible if student leaders are formed with the right attitude, skills, and character; enough to serve with selflessness and to move towards the true meaning of their advocacies.C

Design by Jericho B. Montellano PhotoJ.by Jinky M. Mejica Design by Keith Obed Ruiz

Ideal student leader “Competent, compassionate, committed, passionate and Christ-centered,” says Kristohanong Katilingban sa Pagpakabana – Student Volunteers Formation Center (KKPSVFC) Chairperson Gimar Reyes, when asked about what values a student leader should possess.

He envisions conscientious servant leaders marked with a burning passion for service, not only to its constituents, but also for the marginalized brothers and sisters in the community. “They should not be seen as mere event organizers,” adds KKP-SVFC Student Program Officer Sean Baconga.

On the other hand, Ateneo School for Upcoming Leaders (ASUL) Director-General Paul Dalagan identifies leaders to be self-aware, visionary and passionate beings. “It is the hallmark of Jesuit education to have those traits,” he opines. “So if you’re not passionate enough, you can’t do it [leadership] with Magis; you can’t do it better because you’re not that hungry,” he expounds.

By Alexa Kim K. Bacong

www.thecrusaderpublication.com

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A

braham Lincoln once stated that a government should be of the people, by the people and for the people. That is, the government is formed by people, comprised of people, to work for the people.

In the school setting, the highest governing body of the students is manifested in the Central Student Government (CSG). It hopes to uphold the welfare of the students and represent their interests.

For 31 years, the CSG has always been the voice of the students, even with the coming and going of different leaders.

Glory days and hard time Back in the 60s, the CSG was the sole and apparent student political body in the city. Not only does it have a huge effect in the campus but also within the city, until the declaration of Martial Law on September 21, 1972 forced the closure of student organizations in the country.

CSG, along with other student governments and organizations, were abolished.

When the CSG was revived in the year 1984, it had its first election, whence Jose Hildy “Totet” Banaynal became the first CSG President.

“The government that our constitution stipulates is a government that is autonomous within its sphere,” Banaynal states during his interview way back 1985 with The Crusader on its first issue since its ban.

The year of 1990 marks another historical happening for CSG because it was the first time that a two-lady team —Mylanie Endraca and Ma. Mercedes Chaves — led the student government as President and Vice President, respectively.

Twelve years later, CSG faced one of their darkest times; its department heads and officers resigned because they have lost confidence in the CSG President due to utter irresponsibility.

The next year, the fire ignited between CSG and The Crusader Publication.

The student government published “UNEDITED”, which was dubbed as the Official Documentation of Your 2003 Government. It accused the publication of distorting information, biased journalism, and corruption, but the Crusader threw light on the allegations.

Design by Rico M. Magallona

MILESTONE Milestones of recent leaders In 2008, during the term of Jestoni Babia, the CSG focused on student involvement and empowerment of student organizations.

Workshops on writing, painting, public speaking, music, and other activities in relation to arts were conducted. Moreover, a talent exposition where students can freely showcase their talents was held very Wednesday. The CSG strived to develop XU student leaders through the Ateneo Leaders League and aimed for a more extreme collaboration with other schools in the city by fortifying the “Organisasyon ng Nagkahiusang Estudyante sa Cagayan de Oro (ONE CDO).

In 2009, Arbie Llesis, the CSG president at that time was commended by college presidents for his decentralized administration and for its considerable effort to curb student apathy by holding activities that foster student development, both in the campus and the community. Another commendable project of the CSG was the first electronic students’ election.

Under Ernesto Neri, the AY 2010-11 President, the CSG was able to take a larger role in the daily lives of the students. He established the “Tindahan ng CSG” which provided basic student services such as calculator rentals and baggage counters. He was also the proponent of moving the XU Activity Hour to Wednesday.

By Mary Therese P. Mole

Present attainments Until today, the CSG continues to create beneficial projects and agendas for the student body, including the Magna Carta, Students’ Rights and Welfare (STRAW) commission, relaying of students’ concerns to the administration, and the online enrolment. The CSG ensures that the new online enrolment system will be for the benefit and convenience of the students.

Aside from protecting and advancing the student’s right to quality Ignatian education in terms of academic development, the CSG also opens opportunities to students in terms of socio-political engagement. Furthermore, it continues to develop organizational support and establishes strategic linkages.

*** Although there have been hints of trivial problems from one admin to the next, the Central Student Government has been, without a doubt, playing a big role in the institution throughout the years. Its original goal was to represent and serve the students, and for more years to come, it will continue to fulfill its purpose to the students. To quote Banaynal: “Our internal governance should be by us, for us, and of us.” C Sources: http://csg.xu.edu.ph/

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Vol. 42 No. 4 December 2015

By Harmony Kristel D. Balino

T

is the season for giving, and indeed many students of the university are working diligently to give, especially to those most in need. I found myself stepping out under the light of the Christmas sun, appreciating its mild warmth. It was the perfect day to visit loved ones – grandparents, perhaps. Except today, I was visiting not mine but the grandparents of others; those who live at St. Joseph’s Golden Home Foundation (SJGHF) and the recipients of a fundraiser organized by Psychology students, where they would sell PHP 300 tickets of a block screening of ‘Mockingjay Part 2’.

Through unity and with the vulnerable grandparents in mind, all tickets were sold out by mid-November. PHP 30,000.00 will be donated to SJGHF around Christmas time.

FUNDRAISING

It was time I visited the home – to see how the elderly were doing, and to see if they got the Christmas they deserved.

Crusader

A helping hand Stories of negligence and refusal to take responsibility of their elderly loved underpin almost every elderly who resides at SJGHF. Aware of the elderly’s current state at SJGHF, the Xavier University Psychology Society (XUPS) organized a project called “Watch a Movie, Help the Elderly”. This is a continuation of last year’s Christmas fund raising, intended for the suffering and vulnerable sectors of the society. Last year’s beneficiary were the Kids from the House of Joy Orphanage.

More than a smile - joy While we stay comfortably in the warmth of home and family, we don’t have even an inkling of the pain and anguish that the elderly at St. Joseph Golden Home Foundation are experiencing.

However, in XU, there are organizations who go out in their way to be able ease the pain, even if it’s temporary. Some of them are the XUPS, the National Students Training Program (NSTP) office and the XU-STREAMS .NSTP students sing Christmas carols to the community, offering a sweet gesture of gift-giving and reading Christmas stories to children, reaching out and bringing wonder and joy only known by a child’s imagination.

XU-STREAMS members pile up 600 books to be donated to a school library where most of the students are children of the indigenous people of Bukidnon. They also repainted the school library, completing the set-up with bookshelves, chairs, and tables. *** Throughout the University, different organizations vary in their initiative; but the aim is the same - to replace suffering with happiness.

In this season of giving, we remember that life’s fulfillment doesn’t depend on material things, but on people who allow themselves to be instruments of love. No matter the age, no matter how oft-repeated, this will always hold true. C

www.thecrusaderpublication.com

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Design by Maria Kristina G. Abing

Not really ‘home’ According to the residents of the home, the sad reality is that their loved ones rarely ever vist them.

These elderly can’t help but feel as if they now were nothing more liabilities – these forgotten fathers, mothers, sisters, or brothers.

“During night time, even those who have dementia amazingly temporarily regain some memories. Mo hilak gyud [ang mga tigulang]. Mingawon sila sa ilang family, ngano gi in-ana sila. Ngano sa times nga sila napud ang [naa’y] kinahanglan, gi-pasagdan sila,” shares Steve Sacal, the resident nurse of the foundation.

Tearing up about Nanay Fe Abanggan’s story, Steve shared how they rescued her at MacahambusBurgos Street upon an urgent call from the City Social Welfare & Development office. Abanggan was beyond famished, weak, very unsanitary and emotionally empty. They found out that she used

The

to be an executive of the Department of Foreign Affairs. Her career was cut short when stroke disabled her body and stole her sight. “Gi-pasagdan lang siya halos, swerte lang makakaon daw siyag isa sa usa ka adlaw” continues Sacal. [They basically abandoned her; it would be lucky if she ate at least one meal a day.]

Another story is Nanay Sol’s, whose career was dedicated as an Out-patient Department (OPD) worker at the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC). When she retired, her benefits were stolen from her by her own family. Eighty-three year-old Nanay Tina became an orphan when she was 14 and worked for her entire life as a maid hoping to save her family from poverty. She sacrificed to send her sister to school, which payed off when her sister became an established government employee.

Nanay Tina’s sister brought her to Cagayan de Oro City from hometown Zamboanga del Norte and then left her at SJGHF, appearing only once in a blue moon.

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Design by Evan B. Aranas

olors of the French flag flew all around Facebook about a month ago after the social media giant launched a solidarity campaign for the 130 victims of the Paris attacks.

The French capital suffered a series of mass shootings and suicide bombings – part of an international wave of terror the extremist terror group ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria), is inflicting throughout the eastern hemisphere. To intensively explain the situation is to delve into its complicated political and historical aspects, and for a lack of glossy paper the task is nigh impossible even in its most compressed form.

We go extensive, and go on a speed date with the terrorist group.

Readers, meet ISIS. Origins The militant group owes its existence and sustainability to a seemingly perpetual religious conflict between Shiite and Sunni Islamic factions – the two largest religious groups in Iraq.

From 1979-2003, Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, a Sunni Muslim, suppressed the Shia majority*. Once Hussein was ousted from office, it was the Shiites who oppressed the Sunnis.

Unsurprisingly, a Sunni rebel uprising began and terrorist groups began seeping into Iraq to aid the Sunnis in fighting the U.S. troops and the new Iraqi state resulting in a civil war in 2006. The situation went from bad to worse for the Middle East as a series of civil uprisings amplified civil unrest in the region. ISIS, then an umbrella organization of the alQuaeda, involved themselves in the Syrian civil war with intentions of building a religious state. *The Muslim population of Iraq is approximately 60-65% Shi’a, 32-37%Sunni.

Brand of terror Seasoned and sharpened from years of fighting in Iraq, the incredibly violent IS laid waste 28

By Lorenzo A. Botavara on almost every other faction of the Syrian rebels whom they were soon at war with. A gruesome bloodbath[1] was the usual sight in territories of other terrorist groups where they built an Islamic state with rules so stern that even the most radical affiliates of Al-Qaeda were shocked and withdrew their support while IS militants splurged in loot in Syria. With new territory and loads of weaponry, IS set its eyes on expanding its territory in Iraq, and were met with relatively little resistance in the form of Iraq’s military force. Larger in number [2], but disorganized and incompetent, Iraqi soldiers are reluctant to die for a government they already loath, while ISIS’ fighting force would die many times over for their cause if they could.[3] And for what?

Members of IS are jihadists who live by an extreme interpretation of Sunni Islam and consider themselves the only true believers and that the rest of the world is made up of unbelievers who seek to destroy Islam, justifying their beheadings, crucifixions, and mass shootings of Muslims and non-Muslims alike. By citing the Koran and Hadith, IS members have tried to rationalize their actions, but Muslims, even alQaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri, have denounced them. *** Knowing that majority of the youth lacks information on this pressing international concern is almost as disturbing as the execution videos and propaganda the terrorist group are circulating around the web. In order to make informed opinions and knowing exactly why so much attention is given to them, one must know what drives them to kill with such impunity. If shockwaves from the war ever so slightly shake our country, we’ll know why.

It’s the least we could do in this seemingly endless war on terror.C

ISIS’ fighting strength: 7,000. Iraqi army: 250,000 plus armed police.

Multiple massacres against civilians Countless suicide bombings Hostage taking of women and children Execution of their prisoners Beheadings

60-65%

Shi'a

32-37%

Sunni

Footnotes [1] ISIS has been accused of responsibility for multiple massacres against civilians, countless suicide bombings, the hostage taking women and children, and execution of their prisoners and beheadings.

[2] ISIS’ fighting strength: 7,000. Iraqi army: 250,000 plus armed police. (As of 2014) [3] In Mosul, a strategically important city in Iraq that has access to oil fields that ISIS took from Iraqi militia, 30,000 Iraqi troops ran from ISIS fighters – 40:1 odds!

[4] Local jihadist groups that have expressed support for ISIS: Abu Sayyaf, Khalifa Islamiyah Mindanao, Ansar Khalifah Philippines, Jemaah Islamiyah

Sources: Kurz Gesagt: Iraq Explained -- ISIS, Syria and War https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQPlREDW-Ro International Centre for the Study of Radicalization and Political Violence (ICSR) BBC News. “What is ‘Islamic State’?” http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-29052144 Independent. “War with Isis: Islamic militants have army of 200,000, claims senior Kurdish leader” http://www. independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/war-with-isisislamic-militants-have-army-of-200000-claims-kurdishleader-9863418.html Vol. 42 No. 4 December 2015

By Raizah L. Bagul and Lorenzo A. Botavara

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fter four years, Xavier Ecoville has come a long way and has finally reached its fourth and final stage—the Exit Phase. During this period, the residents and their leaders work together to achieve the goal of selfsufficiency for the entire community. This entails relying less on the Xavier Ecoville Management Team (XEMT) and more on their individual and communal capabilities.

But when signs say otherwise, it could easily draw out their road to self-rule – even with the existence of a predetermined timetable. Xavier targets to grant Ecoville total independence come 2017.

www.thecrusaderpublication.com

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Photo by Jinky M. Mejica

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Sweet, sweet fruits of labor Four years of intervention through workshops, seminars, and development programs have yielded concrete results. XEHA Vice President Leonilyn Tabaniag estimates that she and her co-officers have been doing roughly 90% of the running as of press time – a number almost certain to increase as 2017 approaches. The fact that the community required progressively less intervention over time was a promising sign for XEMT, and an even better one for the residents of the community.

Tabaniag takes the successful celebration of the feast of St. Francis Xavier, the organization of their local elections, and the revision of their organizational chart as simple yet promising indicators that XEHA is up to the task. The former two projects were implemented with minimal, if not total absence of XEMT intervention.

Differences aside One aspect of XEHA that leaves much to be desired, however, is its relative lack of self-improvement programs, since most of the modules and seminars come from Xavier. This is understandable, since a fraction of the officers have never held such positions before Sendong.

This was an even larger problem in the earlier days of XE. “Differences in where we had previously lived accounted for a sizable gap among the residents,” Tabaniag recalls.

Things are better now, though, as Tabaniag claims that XU’s values formation programs helped speed up bridging the rift among people of different localities. This, of course, is apart from the inevitable interaction and coexistence that living in a neighborhood entails – especially one composed of a rebuilding people as it was in the case of XE. Despite the promise of a sunrise, Tabaniag refuses to get ahead of herself by maintaining that the continual progress of Ecoville is a two-way process between the residents, and the would-be independent administration. She does find solace, however, in knowing that they will only have to give their old friends from the city a light tap on the shoulder should any concerns arise. *** Much hope leans on XE’s December elections as the eventual winners are to compose the pioneer administration of post-intervention Ecoville. As much as one can only preempt so many challenges, one can also believe that enough has been invested.

It makes the wait less anxious, seeing the community already reveling in the pseudo-independence it is currently experiencing.C

Design by Jigo L. Racaza

Beginning at the end The Exit Phase consists of mostly consultative work for XEMT. During this period, there will be a shift in the relationship of the community and their management team, through the gradual loss of Ecoville’s dependency while the team shifts their roles from providers and enablers into consultants.

Signs favor the community for its independence as the Xavier Ecoville Multipurpose Cooperative (XEMPCO) and Homeowner’s Association (XEHA) mark their solid progress.

The two institutions have been able to graft and implement their own policies, one of which is the curfew. Aside from this, six cooperative businesses were established: wholesale businesses and sewing enterprises to name a few.

These improvements, however, are not without bumps on the road to sustainability.

According to XEMT Project Coordinator Philip Flores, dependency is the major obstacle for the achievement of the community’s liberation.

Despite this, the team readily resolves the problem through capacity building programs. “…we’ve helped them (XE residents) so much that their dependency couldn’t be avoided… so one lesson learned is that while it is still early, they should be slowly released.”

Thus, the conclusion of the Management Team will proceed as planned – shifting to research ventures. What took place in Ecoville will be documented and thus made into a training module which will help in community building. Once the Management Team has completed all its tasks, the Monitoring and Evaluation Team will enter.

Their task is to foresee the policies and determine whether they will be sustainable or not.

By Rezza Mae B. Tolinero

Design by Marc Anthony B. Reyes

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here are four of them in the family who are being sent to school—two of them in college, one in high school, and one in elementary.

For fourth year Development Communication student Luis*, scholarship is a big deal since, other than the tuition fee, he still has other financial needs to attend to.

When the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) was abolished, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) paved way to opening more grants for students who are in need. Luis, a junior at that time, applied for the grant and was accepted.

Through the program dubbed Tulong Dunong 02 (TD 02), he was able to enjoy the Php 6,000 grant-in-aid for two semesters last academic year. He considered it a big help since the amount was directly deducted from his tuition fee.

Although he had met all the requirements to maintain the grant, doubts began to arise as Luis enrolled for summer classes; he was not sure if the grant program was still in effect. He went to the University’s scholarship office to ask about the renewal of the scholarship but he was just advised to wait for further notice. Apparently, there has been a problem in granting the assistance especially for those students who have availed it just recently.

Education for the many TD 02 is a grant which entitles the students an assistance worth of Php 6,000 per semester.

In the Academic Year 2014 – 2015, there was an allocation of 1,155 slots to TD 02 grantees, giving Region 10 and its 14 districts a total of more than 14,000 slots.

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“True to its name (TD), the aid serves just as an assistance [to financial needs of the students],” says Commission on Higher Education Regional Office (CHEDRO) X Director Zenaida Gersana, Ph. D. According to her, with the minimal amount that they are offering, which is even lower than the tuition fees of some private institutions, they encourage students to spend college in state universities as the tuition fee is less costly.

“We have different standards for different scholarship programs but for TD 02, as long as the students have passing marks, they will qualify but we still rank them (applicants),” elaborates Gersana. Applicants of TD 02 are ranked according to general average, number of students in the family and whose family income is not beyond Php 300,000 per year.

Tracking the aid Enrollment in the identified priority courses, a passing grade, and a normal number of academic load prescribed are among the rules to be observed and grounds for termination of the grant. Despite all of these being met, more or less a hundred students from the University, including Luis, “apparently” lost their financial assistance. Gersana then clarifies things by saying that the task of disseminating the information to the scholars was given to the schools’ respective scholarship offices.

“If somebody is asking as to why they are removed from the list… it is not true. They just have to go to their coordinator so that we could pay them back for the next three years

(for freshmen),” defends Gersana. “The grant was not gone since we actually sought funds for it and even for next year, as long as they pass all their subjects, they will continue to receive the Php 6,000.”

To explain as to why other grantees maintained their support from CHED’s TD 02, Gersana explains that names of TD grantees were submitted to them by each of the university’s college coordinators already; it might be that some names are still under the next batch.

“They may go to their scholar coordinators to be enlisted or they may come directly to us and demand for enlisting,” she adds. This enlisting will provide a chance for them to be included in the assistance although the exact time period has not been identified as of press time. *** This problem is a classic case of misinformation — an issue which aggravated when the two parties forgot to clarify things together and work hand-in-hand. The apparent lack of communication between CHED and the college coordinators jeopardized not only their reputation but the future of the students, as well.

Luis is lucky to be enjoying another scholarship after getting accepted and funded by another institution. But how about the others who didn’t? How about those who have given up on education after believing that they have lost the grant?

The CHED is such a respectable department that sometimes it’s hard to believe they still commit slip-ups as serious as this. C *Name changed for the purpose of anonymity

Vol. 42 No. 4 December 2015

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By Samantha Isabelle H. Bagayas & Merryane Rose S. Bacud

midst the blur of assignments and deadlines, the rumbling of a starving belly disrupts your 12 noon. You pass by the Magis canteen, your savior from this hunger with its wide variety of food choices. But is it really the safe haven that you think it is?

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Microbial problems According to Hazel Salaum, a faculty member and moderator of Philippine Association of Food Technologists (PAFT), Food Technology students, together with the faculty, have been conducting microbial analyses every year since 2012 due to the growing problem with food poisoning and food-borne illnesses nationwide.

After conducting microbial analysis, the FT Department concluded that the sanitation process in the canteen was problematic. There are violations being despoiled during working period like not wearing face masks and hairnets and using of accessories like earrings, necklaces, and watches.

Unsterilized utensils and kitchen equipments were also observed.

In 2012, the Magis Canteen management requested the FT Department to conduct a training on good manufacturing process and food safety for food handlers and operating stalls outside the

canteen. Different methods were given to the Magis personnel to improve their awareness on proper supervision and supplying the needs of the customer. Immediate progress was observed, but there are still certain protocols that the management does not follow, like using of accessories and not wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) during work time.

On this issue, Salaum believes that students should not rely solely on the canteen personnel for the improvement of sanitation. “Students have to do their part, too,” she adds in Cebuano. *** Despite several attempts, the Publication was not able to get XUCMPC’s side regarding the sanitation process due to the managers’ hectic schedule. While the University has the PPO to keep watch on the canteen for sanitary violations, the cleanliness of the area cannot be ensured with just a few random check-ups. With the lack of an officer to regularly oversee the sanitation of the area, consider eating at the canteen with a grain of salt.C

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Design by Francis Ryan O. Avellana

Who’s in charge?

The Xavier University Community MultiPurpose Cooperative (XUCMPC) is contractually renting the Magis canteen. Previously, they worked independently from the school. However, in 2014, the administration asked for a much more defined partnership regarding canteen operations. It is during this year when the Physical Plant Office (PPO), as the unit identified to help with canteen maintenance, began coordinating with XUCMPC. “We have just started with our partnership. Hopefully, as we go along, it will be implemented properly,” says PPO Director Ramil Pajo.

Although this agreement exists, the PPO cannot directly intervene if there are problems in sanitation. “We only oversee whether they follow safe and clean practices. We aren’t directly involved since they’re in-charge,” he explains.

According to Pajo, PPO can only send notices to the administration regarding its concerns on the Magis canteen. “We can’t control [the] management. We can only suggest or propose to them. So it’s up to that management as to what actions they should undertake,” he adds in Cebuano.

However, Pajo reveals that there are kinks in the Magis canteen’s sanitation; problems such as the placement of leftovers and the rising number of stray cats raise the need for immediate solutions. “That’s why we can see that the Magis canteen is dirty, or one area is fly-infested, because

no one is in charge of that. What we want is a permanent solution.”

There have also been instances when some workers switch roles because of insufficient manpower. While these problems can be addressed in PPO and XUCMPC’s monthly meeting, Pajo believes a revamped organizational structure, with a sanitation officer in place to oversee the cleanliness of the area on a daily basis, is needed.

Currently, though, PPO’s sanitation officer visits the canteen every now and then to check the area for violations. “If we warn them, they take action.

But we still need to control everybody. They need help from their superiors to set them straight,’” he adds.

By Kevin Paul P. Mabul & Xian Louis Patrick R. Arcayera

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Design by Ben Clark B. Balase

uick. Name three things off the top of your head that people in evacuation centers would be in immediate need of in the wake of a natural disaster or calamity.

Chances are, what you’d have would be an assortment of the following things: canned goods, rice, bottled water, and clothes merely collecting dust from your wardrobe.

Director of the Xavier University Sustainable Sanitation Center (SuSan Center) Dr. Gina Itchon, M.D., on the other hand, sets her sights on an equally important, yet often overlooked aspect when it comes to helping those places in need: poop.

Under the seats Since its formal introduction on June 2010, SuSan Center, a collaborative organization with key players from the School of Medicine, and Colleges of Agriculture, and Engineering, has been focusing on developing sustainable solutions to waste management for rural areas where running water, widely considered to be an integral component in the sanitation of human excrement, are scarce.

Thus, their waterless toilets, and their system that intends to safely store feces and urine until its consequent use as a resource for agriculture, was eventually born.

The SuSan Center has been putting into commission these urine-diverting dry toilets to various rural areas around Northern Mindanao since its inception, but by the time Sendong hit and displaced hundreds of families in Cagayan de Oro, the center has found itself as a response team to complaints in evacuation centers regarding the lack of usable comfort rooms.

Blasting off “It was just a barren piece of land, [with] no water system, and then all of a sudden mag balhin ka ug pamilya didto,� says Itchon, referring to the sudden

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Vol. 42 No. 4 December 2015

influx of initially 50 evacuee families on what is now Xavier Ecoville in Lumbia. Ten waterless toilets were originally installed; after further financial backing, 15 more were installed.

Following the success of their implementations, the SuSan center has made a name for itself in the Sustainable Sanitation and Water Management (SSWM) field and has been again called to action after the Bohol earthquake and Typhoon Yolanda.

By the 24th of September 2014, a team

headed by Itchon and Director of Engineering Resource Center (ERC) Engr. Dexter Lo, won first place during the 12th Global Conference for Sustainable Manufacturing in Malaysia, with their study not only containing solid research, but successful field testing as well.

“It was the best thing that happened to Xavier. First, we were able to test our theory, and second, it forced us to work together, [the School of] Medicine, [and the Colleges of] Agriculture, and Engineering.”

Building up The idea of the toilet system developed by the team did not materialize in an instant.

At first, it was only the waterless toilet, and the use of bacteria mix for odor removal, that was implemented.

As the toilets were installed, the team found out that the run-off water (also known as grey water) from sinks used in handwashing, laundry, and the like, would eventually contaminate nearby bodies of water. This prompted a solution which was to install a filter bed made of layers of stones, gravel, charcoal, coconut coir, and soil. With these systems, the idea came to create a stand-alone, fully functional, sanitation system.

“All of these entire system[s], if we just put them together, these could be used in actual communities after a disaster,” explains Itchon.

With the cooperation from the different Colleges, the whole system was developed.

Dispersing in bulk “What we are looking for now is someone who would look at this project and scale it up,” says Itchon.

They are currently looking for an industrial partner that could manufacture the toilet system in mass. She hopes that further development could improve the product and that it would be manufactured in such a way that it can be easily assembled when needed.

“My eventual dream is that every barangay in the Philippines would have this toilet. It should be simple enough that even a non-engineer could join this together,” she adds.

She also stressed the importance of having this toilet system, especially during post-disasters where it could prevent further spread of diseases brought by inadequate sanitation in evacuation camps. The system could also be applied in mass events such as concerts and festivals where conventional toilets are limited or not available at all. *** People naturally adhere to securing food, clothing, and shelter in the wake of disaster.

These things are, of course, considered basic needs. However, we fail to realize that sanitation, overlooked as it is, should also be considered a basic need. As Dr. Itchon puts it: “Everybody provides food, everybody provides clothes, but nobody provides toilets.” C

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are consciously advertising the good food,” he opines. Businesses, therefore, if able to properly use social media to their advantage, could be able to have a flood of customers on the days of their operations with the help of their patrons who keep on posting photos to platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

When asked how social media paired with advertising has affected him as a consumer, first year Civil Engineering student James Dy opens up on its impact. “It makes a certain product easier to access and more appealing to the point that I am more encouraged to buy it,” he shares in Cebuano.

Design by Jigo L. Racaza

By Raizah L. Bagul

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t’s only been a few years since the birth of a new trend – though at times dubbed as vain – that is now regarded as a powerful marketing tool. Nowadays, it is only common to see local businesses progressing through the use of social media. This recent development enables the enterprise to not only reach a wider audience but to also ensure a stable, daily income.

Though this phenomenon may have started as an innocent act of updating one’s friends on his whereabouts, sit has undeniably become an innovative advertising. Although inadvertent in the customers’ part, the ones who benefit from this more than anyone else are the local business owners.

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Pictures to earn Sharee Mae Uy Te, owner of a popular milk tea place in the city, believes that the social media, having a very wide coverage, is a heavily effective marketing tool. “It’s free marketing for us and up to this day, I rely heavily on social media for our marketing strategies,” she shares.

“I was surprised to see photos of Chingkeetea trending on Facebook and Twitter on just the first day of operations,” the young proprietress adds.

School of Business and Management (SBM) Assistant Dean Dr. Rustum Gevero is also on the same track. “For me, it is really advertising and I would even go to the extent of saying that some [customers] even take pictures and

Transition market The use of social media as a marketing tool is simple but viable – its success greatly relying on its convenience. Gone were the decades when television, print, and radio were all the rage for advertising; skip a few years and billboards started to pack attention. Eventually, such measures became inconvenient thus failing on certain features, one of which is efficiency. Social media, on the other hand, quickly presented an all-inone alternative; with advertising being a few clicks away, even children with smart phones can participate in the game.

Technology has indeed become an omnipresent force and taking advantage of it is nothing short of wise. “Technology also makes businesses a little bit breezier without compromising security, efficiency, and accuracy,” shares Te. Despite all the reasons to celebrate this new age of advertising, Gevero warns everyone that in social media, bad news travels just as fast as the good ones. “Because of this, businesses should really take care of the customers because in less than a minute, through the use of social media, positive or negative advertising will spread in lightning speed,” he elaborates. The merit of easy access to information that makes social media a demanded platform can also complicate operations through the unimpressed clients. *** Social media has undoubtedly become the perfect platform for attracting clients. However, gaining the customer’s loyalty and reeling them in will take more than just posts and likes. As establishments will attempt to target the tricky taste of the Kagay-anons, one can only expect new businesses to pop up in different locations, constantly bringing new things to the table. It could be a homey ambiance for you to use as background, an Instagrammable dessert for you to take pictures of, or a creative combination of both.C Vol. 42 No. 4 December 2015

By Mer ryane Rose S.

Competent Instruction and Accessible, Quality, and Relevant Education’, the ‘Right to organize and Freedom of Association’, and the ‘Freedom of Expression’ – all of which, according to the framers of the ordinance, should be enjoyed by all students despite their circumstance.

Sean Jared Lastimoso, a diplomat of the STRAW ordinance, explains why STRAW is necessary, especially in terms of securing the students’ freedom to express themselves. There are-i-,” Lastimoso presses.“”

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The STRAW that breaks the back…

The Students Rights and Welfare ordinance (STRAW) is a proposed piece of legislation created in June of 2015 to advocate and protect the rights of students in universities in CdeO. It is a magna carta that seeks to support the marginalized and oppressed students from unjust measures imposed by the administration in order to uphold dignity of the individual and their right to education.

The overall intended effect of the STRAW ordinance relies on securing several rights and freedoms which includes ‘Freedom to Access of Education’, stating that every student has the right to educate himself regardless of financial status, disability, race, religion, etc. Fight for your right The rights and freedoms advocated and defended by STRAW include the ‘Right to Crusader

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should they be the ones to violate the students’ rights. There is also a need of support from the students for further progress.

In today’s condition, the STRAW ordinance is the very first youth-lead order in the history of CdeO, and it has gone quite a mile. If put into law, it would not only secure all CdeO students’ rights, but would also prove to everyone that the youth can propose and organize a law for the movement - that all colleges in CdeO can unite for a greater, singular purpose.

“I think the challenge really here is that for Xavier University students, they have to lead this campaign, to empower the other schools, and then influence them to create Magna Carta. So I think the role here is to really lead this narrative to [the] City Council. Because this can be an achievement for Xavier University students to pass the first youth lead ordinance in Cagayan de Oro,” says Lastimoso. *** We, perhaps freed from the chain of oppression, are thus obliged to free those who are not. With the absence of such city policy that will uphold and protect the students’ rights and freedoms, the oppression, in its many forms, will continue to silence, repress, and undermine the role of students in nation building and their dignity as a person and citizen.

There must be a clamor to end the chain of campus repression in many schools around the country. It is a call for the Atenean students to support and empower their fellow CdeO students to achieve freedom of expression, rights, and responsibility. C

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Design by Jericho B. Montellano

he grumbling of students is deafening when tuition fee increases without due consultation, or when educators compromise a student’s dignity on the basis of their sex, gender, socio-economic status, and just about everything else. As a learner in a broad range of population in the University, these things are not new to us – it happens too often to be forgotten, or ignored.

Processing STRAW The STRAW ordinance has to undergo three successive processes in order to be legitimized.

It must first be passed to the Committee on Education in the City Council for deliberation.

Afterwards, it will be forwarded to the Department of Education (DepEd) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED). This is done in way of studying the ordinance and giving comments for possible amendment. Then it will go back to the City Council for plenary and approval, where city officials must vote on whether the law can be passed. As of November of this year, the ordinance is now in the second phase for comment and is waiting for approval.Perhaps we take it for granted here in the University, where we are protected by the Student’s Magna Carta established several years ago. But in some other state universities, like Mindanao University of Science and Technology (MUST), Cagayan de Oro College (COC), Pilgrim Christian College (PCC) and others, they lack the structure needed to protect their rights and welfare and have difficulty fighting for their rights should they be discriminated against. Bumps in the road Certain problems halt the ordinance from promotion and validation. The publications functioning as the voice of the students in other universities in CdeO have difficulty releasing issues about stimulating the ordinance to its publishers under the problem of criticizing and oppressing the members of the administration,

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hey can’t blame us,” opines Agnes*, her hands clasped in exasperation.

No, she didn’t steal anything. She didn’t write on elevator walls nor did she curse on a professor.

She didn’t commit a crime. She simply loves someone of the same sex.

Diminishing discrimination Same-sex relationships have long been a favorite topic for debate, especially on the grounds of morality and religion. Often using Bible verses as a reference, a number of people have condemned the practice, recycling fairly common points: that marriage should be between a man and woman, that the goal of marriage is to reproduce, and that homosexuality is contrary to sound doctrine.

For Agnes, however, there is nothing wrong with being in a same-sex relationship. Despite studying in a Jesuit University that adheres to conservative practices, she still expresses her

affection for her long-term girlfriend inside the campus by means of sweet gestures. “Of course, at some point [we get the feeling] that we’re being judged because obviously it’s not the typical boygirl relationship,” she shares. “But I don’t care as long as I’m not hurting anybody,” she shares in Cebuano.

One possible reason behind Agnes’ courage is the absence of explicit discrimination against members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community in the campus so far. According to University Guidance Counselor Mercylyn Tanog, most of her homosexual counselees are happy with the way they are being treated inside the University. “I can sense that people are becoming more accepting.

I think they have understood the situation [and everyone’s] personal preferences,” she says.

Inside the closet However, not all students can easily come out to the open. Luke*, a senior student, recalls

By Nitzschia Cassiopiea

Beroe A. Lozarita

having to hide his relationship with his first boyfriend in college. According to him, both of them tried their best to look like normal friends who ate, studied, and went to church together.

“We had trouble expressing our affection because we were not open to everybody. Sometimes, when we’d go on dates, we would need a chaperone or third wheel,” he shares.

After months of hiding and pretending, their relationship eventually failed. The level of secrecy, combined with the fear of being judged, proved too much for them to handle. Three years after their breakup, Luke now sees that XU has evolved to become a more accepting environment for same-sex couples. “Now that a number of people have known about us, I’m surprised by the level of acceptance. There’s a greater sense of openness nowadays,” he shares.

Fair treatment Proving that the XU is somehow LGBTneutral, the Guidance and Counseling Office is more than willing to accommodate same-sex couples. According to Tanog, the counselors do not treat students differently based on sexuality.

“Actually there is an equal footing here when it comes to counseling,” she explains. “The counseling session would rely on the personal sharing of the individual ... we handle in a caseto-case basis.”

All couples, regardless of their sexual orientation, may come to the office and schedule an appointment with a counselor. Tanog emphasizes that the counselors will never divulge the counselees’ identities so there is no need to feel afraid. *** Times have indeed changed. Communities around the world – XU included – are beginning to redefine their perspectives on same-sex relationships. Tanog believes that this level of openness and acceptance has something to do with the Jesuit formation which molds students to be more caring to others.

Although everyone might not be as openminded as others, knowing that the University has students and counselors willing to help same-sex couples, perhaps the curtain of prejudice has been lifted for the Lukes and Agneses in the campus to take a step outside the closet and spread the message that in XU, love wins.C *Names changed for the purpose of anonymity

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Vol. 42 No. 4 December 2015

Cora Contrabida:

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It’s Christmas, give me a break

t’s that time of the year again: neighbors pitch evergreen plastics to think of spring because winter is coming, employees take a break from work to do stress shopping, and of course, relatives organize family reunions and gatherings just because.

Christmas, they say, is the time when good old friends see each other again, when everyone shares laughter and good cheers, and when families come together.

That is why, unfortunately, I would be spending my Christmas break at my grandmother’s house, together with my relatives. I’d be staying in the Contrabida clan’s ‘common home’, if you put it that way.

I was never a fan of communal living. Not that I am picky, but trust me, when your stomach plays tricks on you and you have a house full of people with just one toilet or two, you’d know why. Sorry to burst your bubble Xavier University, but living in a common home never worked for me.

I guess I’m just not the type of person who can stand living with a lot of company. Not that I hate groups of people, but seeing how collectivism has worked — be it in the government or a simple group assignment in school — I think we, as a people, just cannot work together.

Besides, what I see in my extended family pretty much sums up the kind of people that I usually see in the present society.

For example, I have this pseudo-intellectual, narcissistic cousin who rants about almost everything in social media in the hopes that people would like and share her post. She would even resort to copying another person’s opinion and claim it as her own. Well, at least she’s trying to sound smart even though she’s actually not, and that is nothing short of inspiring.

I also have this sexist uncle who always asks me: “When will you find a boyfriend, darling?” fearing that I might end up alone and grow to become a strong and independent woman. I don’t understand how he still has this prehistoric view of women when he is well-versed in using a modern tool called social media, constantly blaming women for enticing men into doing indecent acts.

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Lampoon

And don’t even get me started on my mature aunts who seem to have little to no control over that part of their brain that inhibits them from throwing demeaning remarks about groups with different beliefs, “geopolitical circumstances,” and skin color. Maybe they were raised that way?

I don’t know, but times have changed and they should do too. No one should have to listen to why this one innocent kid of a different religion is naturally evil and is bound to inconvenience you at some point in the near future, one way or another.

On the opposite end of the age spectrum are my nieces who, born with a silver spoon in their mouths, have nothing better to do in their downtime from school. They drown themselves in the sea of rubbish known as the television. At one point in a recent get-together, I listened to them having an interesting debate as to which dating-oriented show was better — a topic best suited for girls in their early childhood, indeed.

Promptly after, in what is usually considered a miracle in the world of adults, the girls agreed to disagree, and proceeded to take and upload pictures of

themselves to some social media website with a hugely ineffective age restriction method.

I’m not entirely sure why, but I end up liking their pictures anyway. It must be the touching yet completely irrelevant quote that always comes with a photo of their face. Hmm. *** In the end, I have no choice but to deal with these kinds of people. After all, we will all be living in one home. Annoying as they may be, they are still part of the family.

In a bigger scope that is the society, I think we should not just tolerate these kinds of people but educate them to be better, more broad-minded individuals. When we educate them, we also make the world, which is primarily our common home, a better place.C

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erah

anna dave

nico

mark

lyk

jigo

des

xtian

iban

rico

marl

lyn

dict

xian

jmar elchanan

gladys

claire kaye clark

paul

marc

mayor monts mic

mk jasper

obed ry

Accross 1 “_____ habit” 4 Karate-do coach 6 Owner of a popular milk tea place 9 Iraqi dictator 10 University Treasurer 12 Academic Vice President 14 XEHA Vice President 17 XUFD dance party 19 A jolly Jesuit with an inclination to writing.

21 SBM Ass istant Dean 22 S in isis 23 XEMT Project Coordinator `1

2 3

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Down 2 “Learning ______” 3 September 21, 1972 5 One of the 3 main branches of our government 7 Guidance Counselor 8 Said “Our internalgovernance should be by us, for us, and of us.”

11 CHEDRO X Director 13 CSG president 15 Tulong _” 16 Vice President for Administration 18 Campus Development Project Manager 20 G in SJGHF

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5 6 78

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To join: photocopy this Kurisword with your answers and submit your entry to TheCrusader Publication office at StC 302 with your name and contact number. Lucky participants will receive limited edition collectables.

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Kunggrats rugrats sa winner sa last kurisword kontes! Get your prizes at StC 302! And the winner is! Ronne Joshua C. Ambulo!

KURISCOPE

Adbans Meri Krismas kanimo amigo/amiga. Panahon nasad sa mga gitik2x ug pakatawa. Kining espesyal horoscope basaha para adlaw nimo malipayon ug kumpleto na.Halabira!

Aquarius (Kugtong sa mala) Ayaw’g salig nga hitsuraan ka higala. Kay daghan namatay sa maling akala. Basin gusto ka magpa-member sa ilaha.

Lucky Day: Yakult Everyday Lucky Color: Fuchsia ka!

Aries (Meheheherri Krismas) Agoy! Magkita mo sa imong special someone.

Proper grooming sad para di’ ta maulawan. Di’ lalim makantsawan.

Lucky Day: Beernes Lucky Color: Labender Airbender Cancer (Kung dili mag-study, dili jud Cancer) Sige lang og ilis sa profile pic. Mao ra gihapon ang nawong murag Jurassic.

Lucky Day: Dayterte Lucky Color: Magenta-Magenboo Capricorn (Si Virgo ba, kiatan ka’yo atong XU Days) Tsada lage imong outfit para sa party? Mura sya’g katong home-made nga Christmas tree.

Lucky Day: Nineteen-forgotten Lucky Color: Poe-sha Gemini (Ga mood swing ni sya day) Dali raka saputon karon. Tungod na kay wala kay pamahaw ug panihapon. Tan-awa gani, imong nawong mura na’g lion.

Lucky Day: Next day sunod ugma Lucky Color: Super Cyan 5 Leo (Kung kini masuko, wala’y problema nga di mudako) Naay manlibre sa imo sa eat-all-you-can bay. Ayaw lang palabi’g kaon kay basin magsakit ang tiyan makaiigit ka gamay. Kalit dayon ka’g mahay2x.

Lucky Day: Kim Domingo Lucky Color: Kolor sa imong ngipon, Orens Libra (Tua pirme kung asang Libre) Malipayon imong adlaw karon inday. Hala pag-sayaw2x, hala pag-lipay2x. Ayaw lang pahalata nga naa kay gamay.

Hahahay.

Lucky Day: Daymalas Lucky Color: Blueming Pisces (Mao ning isda sa Finding Ninong) Sa kinabuhi sige lang ka’g reklamo. Wala gani nireklamo nang gabuhi sa imo. Ayaw sad ana amigo.

Lucky Day: Sundaymorningrainisfalling Lucky Color: Bluest Blue Taurus (Pa-goodboy2x pero kusog magmaoy) Mommy will give you regalo kay hapit na Pasko. I hope tsada sad imong grado kay hapit na Marso.

Lucky Day: Sometime on “Mar”so Lucky Color: Bagsak Red Virgo (Bahala’g kiat, basta dili bitter) Kalimti ang tanan ayaw lang imong gipang-utangan. Kay basin matigbasan ka pag-abot sa unahan. Agoy pastilan.

Lucky Day: Gahapon siguro Lucky Color: Anything colorless Sagittarius (Scorpio, nganong gwapo ka?)

Mag-greet ka sa imong parents og Meri Krismas. Wala sila kabalo nga pasabot diay nimo mangayo ka’g cash advance, kay hurot na imong alawans.

Lucky Day: Karong Pakso Lucky Color: Tan-awa imong ilok Scorpio (Dasal lang talaga.)

Makita na nimo imong cheerleader. Pero dakong problema kay ang kagwang two-timer.

Lucky Day: Ambot. Dasal lang.

Lucky Color: Pills!

gwapo lagi ,gwapo man say tirada

dili siya gwapo ang imprortante dili mi uyab

inday bisag pila pa na ka g-tec imong paliton kung bati kag agi bati jod na. abi kog love story na to nako day! toy story ra diay

pre, kung mag zombie apocalypse bitaw, ikaw ra guro mabuhi dili sad ko inana ka gahi pre oi

oo, kanang kaya ko ipaglaban

kanang isog?

palita sa kog kape beh

dili man gud! utok mangud ilang apas

Atleast naay sequel

adto tag sibinilibin!

unsa and food nga imong friend

unsa man?

edi beshtable

Unsay buhaton kung naay malipong dari?

Kung doctor ang peg?

wala siya kastudy pero perfect sa quiz, kalami ba kaayo kusiog nailcutter!

sayop ilang brand sa speakers, Vision

...rendezvous

unsaon pag litok ug rendezvous?

sa katung mga wala nakapalit ug tiket sa horror house tanaw nlang sa samin

you’re beautiful inside and inside

kanang 59/100 imong score tapos muingon si maam nga naay isa ka bonus question #dafeels

i was so happy when i saw you! nalipay kaayo ko katung gigabas taka!

gwapa kaayo ka saimung silhouette nga picture gurl

tutukan aron maconscious

gusto ko makahawid ug daghan kwarta ug mag sigeg byahe

bantayi gali iyang kwarta mudepende sa iyang pamalikas

Hoho