TheCrusader VOL38 NO9

2012 CAMPUS ELECTION ISSUE

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The

Crusader

The official student publication of Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan Vol. 38 No. 9 | February 2012

THE UNCONTESTED Moment of reckoning: The Tero admin report card

By Ryan Louie G. Madrid and Bianca Nathalie Y. Llamis

T

he ten months are up, and the moment of reckoning has arrived. Central Student Government (CSG) President Mario Tero II started out with the platform FIDES, meaning “trust” in Latin. To win the students’ trust this academic year, Tero, thencandidate for the presidency, proposed Focus, Inclusive, Development and Sustainability as his platform.

Has the Tero administration fulfilled its promises in the campaign trail? Did it make an impact? Has the CSG served the students—or did it sadly fall apart? Read on for our grade and our take on the various highlights and lowlights of the administration that was.

Student representation: BTero stated in his campaign that he will fight for students’ rights and their awareness of the Magna Carta. And while that has indeed been communicated in the University-wide General Assembly, further reminders have been few and far in between.

The Office of Research and Constituent Rights (ORCI) has fared better in this regard.

ORCI has, according to Tero, looked into the many issues affecting the students this academic year. Among them, and perhaps the most saturated of them all, is the Wednesday scheme.

In the first semester, the CSG has conducted surveys and consultations with the students regarding the Wednesday scheme, and indeed, these have yielded results that can prove useful for the next academic year.

But the CSG’s intense research on the Wednesday scheme has waned in the second semester. More than that, we have yet to see published consolidated data on the research findings, and learn of concrete actions on how the Tero administration will lobby for or against the Wednesday scheme in behalf of the students.

On financial transparency: AThe campaign for transparency and accountability inside the CSG could perhaps be considered one of the highlights of Tero’s administration. For too long, the CSG and the college councils have been riddled with

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Gone solo: why no one else is running

By Lyle Justin A. Egay and Ma. Rosetti G. Villamor

I

n what’s considered by some as the loneliest election in years, Dean Cris Acabo and Sean Jared Lastimoso are running uncontested for Central Student Government President and Vice President respectively, under the banner of Alyansang Atenista (AA).

It is the same with student councils— only five of the eight colleges have uncontested candidates in all positions. Only the councils for the Center for Integrated Technology (CIT), College of Computer Studies (CSSC), and the School of Business and Management have non-Alyansa candidates, and the few that are not from AA are running independently.

Not qualified Not anyone can run for office. There are requirements and conditions that a student should present to Xavier University - Central Student Government Elections Committee (XU-CSG ELECOM) before one can become an official candidate.

“Ang ga-sala lang jud kay ang grades,” acknowledged Jonnas Tristan Porminal, Chief Commissioner of the ELECOM. “...

Usually man gud, kung dili nimo ma-reach ang 2.0 na grade, we cannot accept you---unless muingon ang dean [of the applicant’s respective college] nga ‘okay, ipa-exempt nalang ni siya’...

Dapat man gud dili ka on academic probation while nag-file ka ug candidacy.”

This requirement would bring about complications that prevent students from running. “Naa gali mi problem anang karun sa CSSC,” Porminal pointed out. “Kay supposedly mu-run siya for president. Pagkuha niya sa iyang grades, didto mi nagka-problem... kay irregular student man gud siya so naglibog mi aha i-base iyang QPI...Then gi-approve sa dean na ‘okay, i-approve namo ni siya’ so we cannot do anything. Amo na siyang dawatun.”

Besides the 2.0 QPI requirement, qualifications for candidacy include, among others: no bad records noted by the Office of Student Affairs, a one-year residence in XU prior to elections, and to have no position held in other school organizations. These

prerequisites might also hinder interested students from running.

Not a successful one Just recently, there was an outburst of sentiment around the campus regarding the election. There was even talk of an imminent failure of election.

For this year’s Botar Atenista to be successful, 25% of the total student population has to take part, whether or not they vote for the candidates. If not, a failure of elections will be declared, and a snap election will be held 30 days after, with different candidates. And with a total student population of roughly 10,000, ELECOM needs at least 2,500 votes. As for the student councils, an uncontested candidate has to earn the vote of more than half the voting population in his/her college.

In a snap election, however, there is no need to meet a voter count.

Not a priority According to Porminal, other potential candidates, specifically those from Buhat Estudyante, who had volunteered in the Sendong relief operations had been too caught up to meet the requirements for candidacy in time.

“Medyo na-busy sila sa KKP [Kristohanong Katilingban sa Pagpakabana - Social Involvement Office] karon kay tungod anang sa ‘Sendong’. Wala na dayon sila nakakuha dayon ug time to prepare for the elections. Naabtan nalang dayon sila sa deadline.”

Mario Alejandro Jacinto Neri, AA Election Commissioner also admitted, “I guess daghan jud student leaders [in Xavier]... though we also understand that they also want to go to [non-CSG] extracurricular [organizations]. They want to focus on their own groups.”

Another thing, many people aren’t willing to run simply because CSG is not their first priority. “Ang reason nganong nagschool ko kay para magtuon. Ngano muapil pa lugar ko?” expressed Alvin Amores*, CIT Elex Tech - 2.

It is true that being part of the student government would eat most of a student’s free time---such time might as well be used for studies. Still, such thinking contradicts an Atenean core value: MAGIS. Not encouraged “The main reason why I really decided to run [last year] was because of the support [and] the influence of everyone around me,” related Mario Tero II, CSG President.

“If it hadn’t been [for] the support of my family and friends, from SACDEV [Student Activities and Leadership Development Office] and KKP-SIO...I wouldn’t have continued [running].”

Tero admitted that the encouragement of these people pushed him to run for president. He believes that it is not enough to know that you are ready. When people push you to be someone, it means they see something in you: an assurance that you are capable of not only winning in the elections, but handling the position well.

Unfortunately, not much encouragement is provided to majority of the students. Not everybody is aware of the specific duties of CSG and its members. Knowing what you’re getting into might excite students to be more active in student governance.

But whose responsibility should this be?

The ELECOM washes its hands off this burden. Porminal explained that ELECOM must not recruit anyone to run. “Kay kanang candidates dayon na among gina-recruit [will be] represented by ELECOM na dayon, which is not good... Ma-break namo ang [code] na nonpartisan mi. Kay [recruiting anyone] murag there is a bias na dayon with that candidate...

Dili jud namo na scope.” The ELECOM’s responsibility is simply to facilitate the filing of candidacy and protect the sanctity of the students’ votes.

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2

The

THE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE

Name: Dean Cris M. Acabo Course and Year: BS Chemical Engineering 4 Relationship Status: In a relationship

Affiliations: CSG Vice-President (2011-2012) Delegate, Ayala Young Leaders Congress 2012 Student Coordinator, KKP-SIO President, Region X DOST - SEI Scholars’ Guild (2011-2012)

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HITS A DOST scholar and one of the top students in his program, Acabo’s training on precision of strategies will prove most useful in the position he is seeking.

His aura of shyness and humility, he says, helps him work harmoniously with different kinds of personalities and people.

His immersion to different cultures way back in high school has made him flexible enough in dealing with diversity.

Acabo has grown with the CSG, working his way up the ranks, so to speak.

He has experienced being a volunteer, being part of a department, and being vice-president. He knows the system very well, both its plusses and its faulty aspects.

That could make his transition from the legislative into the executive branch smoother.

In Acabo’s years in the CSG, he has retained his idealism. That can be both a blessing and a curse. Basically, it assures us that he is in this mostly out of service, minding little of the popularity and politics often present in the administrations of old.

D

ean Acabo smiles a lot. That was very evident in his interview with The Crusader. He smiles as he talks, as he candidly admits to being shy at times, as he gestures animatedly.

But behind the constant smile is a seriousness that encourages you to listen.

This man is running for the highest position any student could hope to achieve on campus. Just what has he to say? And more importantly, do his actions reflect them?

The driving need We asked him why he ran for president.

“First, the need, and [second] the trust of the people,” he replies. “It really boils down to the two.” Acabo’s idealism is clear from the very beginning. He is here to give back to the University, to be of service to the students, to right the wrongs he sees. There was no mention of fame or popularity.

His strong points A curious thing about Acabo is his mixed usage of English, Filipino and Bisaya, unconsciously and without pause in thought. That could perhaps be attributed to his family background. “I am not saying that I have the very best life,” he states, “But, really…my life was very, very diverse.

Parang lumaki sa Cagayan de Oro, pumunta sa Lanao, sharing a lot of cultures.”

He considers that background a strength: “The exposures I have, [they] gave me a very vast perspective on dealing with leadership,” he explains. “[I] consider almost everything [in order] to come up with a very, very essential decision that would really make the organization move forward.”

Another strength, he says, is his Chemical Engineering education. “I really believe that the training that I have in [the College of] Engineering, I can really apply here [in the CSG]: the thinking of being exact, the thinking of seeing things at a

very critical level na talagang huwag, hindi dapat magkamali,” he expounds.

“Maybe, yung magiging strength ko rin ay yung seeing the person in a personal level,” he adds. “I don’t see people on a functional way… I go beyond that; I really know that person on a personal level, because I really want CSG to have that family orientation.

You go to CSG because you belong.”

Is that all, we pressed. “Ay, yun pala, isa rin sa strengths ko… is my experience in CSG, that I started homegrown. [Originally] I started with KKP. I grew there with their formation, the immersions, yun nga nakuha ko yung mga immersions na yun. I started in CSG not as officer but I started as a volunteer.” He eventually rose through the ranks. He counts that as a bonus, that he is able to understand the various positions and roles in the CSG, from the ground up.

On his Achilles heel(s) “Sometimes, I can overthink things,” he admits when asked about his weaknesses.

“But I also find it in a very positive note also… Kadalasan yung weakness na yun ang nagbibigay sa akin ng magandang output, because of that overthinking parang lesser yung chances of failure.”

“I [also] tend to overwork in a way. Mao nang usahay matulog ko ug 2am, 3am... Yung mga subordinates ko na rin ang nagsasabi na, ‘Dean, stop na, tulog na’, parang baby [nila ako]… Yung weakness na yun, sometimes yung health ko naman ang na-imperil, diba?”

How does he turn that around? “I bike around 12 kilometers from our house to here so in that way kaya nga mas nabi-build yung health ko,” he shares.

The shocker: “Ikatulo pud, sometimes, dili man ni siya klaro kaayo…pero, parang ulawun ko in a way… Sometimes, kanang maulaw ko’g approach sa imuha… Magduhaduha pud ko sa akong self nga ‘Hala, muduol lagi sila.’ Murag, dili ko confident sa akong self in a way…”

The ‘heart of Gem-gem’ On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest, we asked him to rate current CSG president Mario Tero II and his administration. It was a 9 and 8, respectively. He expounds: “I would rate Gem-gem [Tero] with 9 because I saw the heart of Gem-gem… Nakita ko yung heart niya—really the heart, the burning heart, makit-an siguro nimo karon ba… He really ran the student government very well. I really respect him for what he is and I really admire him as a leader.”

On the CSG as a whole, he says: “The systems are complicated enough na [Gem-gem and I] were like babies pa... Na pagdating namin ng CSG, na na-shock na mi, na hala, in-ani diay ni.” It seems that Acabo, for all his experience as a volunteer in the CSG, was not well-versed with the system in place. “We were prepared in a way by paper, we’re prepared that na, ‘Okay, the executive do the law; the legislative and the judiciary interpret the law.’… But, it is really different if you are there. It’s not the same thing in the paper.”

The silent directorate The 18th Directorate, which Acabo convenes, has been mostly quiet the whole year round. “Ako, I really admit, for this year, I really had a hard time. I had this vision for this legislative… But as a leader, you have to be sensitive kung sinong nili-lead mo.”

He acknowledges that the council presidents, who comprise the Directorate, could only do so much. “Executive presidents man gyud sila,” he explains. “We could have done more kung the members of the Directorate [were] very focused on law-making. But I understand the fact that they’re doing their executive powers, they’re serving their councils… So, on my personal rating, [I’d say] I had the most what I can have from the council presidents.”

THE VICE-PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE

Name: Sean Jared Lastimoso Course and year: BS Psychology 4 Relationship Status: In a relationship

MISSES The almost non-functioning Directorate under Acabo is a testimony of idealism’s failure to translate into reality. The time conflict ever present in the Directorate was not resolved in his term, and whatever plans they have of resolving such is rooted on creating a Lower House and possibly changing the CSG constitution. There is a chance that, given the problems inherent to CSG, Acabo might not fight hard enough to get things done. After all, he did not in the Directorate.

Acabo also does not offer a concrete overview of what will happen in his administration if he is elected. He entered the race with ideas, not plans. He speaks of abstract things: communicating the CSG’s three separate bodies to the students; partnering with the AAM, KKP-SIO, and ERC and fighting to retain or abolish the Wednesday scheme. However, he has not presented any specific actions or measures to ensure such, and for a CSG president given only ten months to make the most of his promises, that could prove fatal.C

Dean Acabo on self and politics Alone at the hotseat Acabo’s candidacy has been compared to Ernesto Neri’s two years ago. Neri also ran for the presidency unopposed, provoking the same questions in leadership that many currently ask. Last elections, however, Tero had an opponent for the presidency.

So why did nobody else run for president this year? He puts forth a theory: “It’s something interesting nga… we could deal it as a compliment or we could deal with it [as] a problem or as a challenge.

A compliment [that] maybe… hindi sila tumakbo kay they gave way to me to become the president. Thank you, if that’s the case. “[The] challenge is that, we could question the leadership formation in this university. Were students really trained to [be of] caliber, to the point that they will become CSG, or we are just training leaders at a certain, certain level, na dili maka-abot sa CSG presidency?”

His kind of CSG Acabo says he sees a CSG that “is concerned with the XU community, but more or less also concerned with the community itself, yung CDO community.”

He says he also wants the students to understand that the CSG is not only confined to the executive branch: “I want [to advocate] that the Directorate is existing and they are the ones making the law; and the supreme court is existing, they’re the one interpreting the law… Para ma-realize pud sa students when they say CSG, [it’s] not only the executive branch but they are actually talking about the three bodies. Kunyari lang I have something negative about the executive branch, so you can segregate that one because it will be unfair for the Supreme Court justice…

Kaagad naman kami [as a whole]? Hindi pwede executive branch muna?”C

3

February 2012 | Vol. 38 No. 9

Affiliations: UNITASS President (2011-2012) CSG Director of Political Affairs (2011-2012) Delegate, Ateneo Student Leaders Assembly (2011)

www.thecrusaderpublication.com

HITS A lot happened in UNITASS this year.

Their roar got louder, their stripes bolder.

And it’s all thanks to Lastimoso’s efforts as first in command, and his stream of ideas that eventuated into successful activities.

Lastimoso says he is the type of leader who listens to his constituents. “I’ll always motivate them to do more,” he vows.

Taking a break from holding executive powers, Lastimoso hopes to become the next Vice President and Convener of the 19th Directorate. No doubt, the guy knows his legislation; he showcases knowledge on Philippine laws and procedures. His time as member of the 18th Directorate made him familiar to the rules of the game. And during his tenure he was able to see where the system missed a beat and he hopes to correct in the coming school year.

Just as he did with UNITASS, Lastimoso believes he can do a lot for CSG. It’s only a matter of commitment and a fresh dose of cheesy but nevertheless sensible inspiration. “[Leadership] is like falling in love. When you fall in love, you don’t fall in love bitaw without commitment… so you [have to] commit yourself into something.”

MISSES Jared Lastimoso is a small guy with big dreams but these could be too ambitious for a year-long term. He is admittedly too ideal and is stern on getting things done, sometimes exhausting his constituents.

Lastimoso is entering the Directorate without prior knowledge of the CSG Constitution.

His proposal for a Lower House was deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Constitutional Court, the judiciary branch of the CSG. He is also hinting at constitutional change for next year’s agenda, but has yet to thoroughly study the Constitution. For a position that requires knowledge of the Constitution, Lastimoso has a lot of catching up to do.

While his mind may be overflowing with ideas, Lastimoso sometimes struggles to be articulate. When asked to explain solutions, UNITASS’ head honcho seems to be going around in circles, missing the mark. And for a position that requires extensive communication, Lastimoso’s plans might fail to materialize with this shortcoming.C

Jared Lastimoso’s greater calling N

ervous -- one of the many things strewn all over Jared Lastimoso’s face. With both hands clasped together, he answers the first few questions enthusiastically and grows comfortable eventually. There are two types of Jareds in this interview: there’s the cool kind of guy in him, occasionally injecting cheesy lines in his statements, then there’s the guy whose fascination with the law makes him sound like an expert beyond his years. The question now is which kind of Jared can we expect the most from?

Vice presidency over top post With his term as UNITASS President nearing its completion, Lastimoso is poised to run for the highest governing student body in campus. In this he finds greater calling, and thinks it was a long time coming. “Ever since I entered student governance, I really wanted to join CSG. [Then] nag-think ko nga student council sa ko. Later on sa student council, I realized na I think I’m called for a bigger responsibility for the next school year.”

Being first in command in UNITASS, people expected him to choose the same course in CSG. Lastimoso, however, took a turn for the legislative. “Na-feel nako na pirminti bitaw ko na president… gakahadlok ko ba maybe later on I’ll get exhausted at being the executive every time. And with my knowledge pud sa legislative, I think I’m called for the legislative works next school year.”

The ideal CSG As council president, Lastimoso is vested with legislative powers in the CSG Directorate. He admits, though, that there is a problem with the Directorate and a solution has been long overdue. Conflict lies between the legislative and executive powers of the Directorate members, who also happen to be council presidents.

“It’s one problem of the presidents pud nga legislative pa sila, [executive] pa sila…

Wala kaayo gakabuhat ang legislative body tungod kay ang amo attention is [gakabahin].”

He further cites an issue regarding the Intramurals, “Dili makasabot kay tungod sa gatabang pa mi sa among athletes, sa among participants. Kana bitaw when you enter the conference room inyung gahunahunaun lang kay ang problems sa council.” Should he be convener of the 19th Directorate, he aims to lessen the burden on council presidents by way of ad hoc committees. “[They can’t see] the beauty and the meaning of being the legislator because somehow they are really bombarded with executive works.”

This he hopes to remedy in the next administration.

Aside from restructuring the Directorate, Lastimoso wants to step up CSG’s game this year. “We don’t want to settle creating events nalang. We want to [in settling] nation building.”

He also plans on giving other organizations bigger roles. “I think AECO is one org we want to shine really sa school… somehow we will empower them [and] at the same time... we want to move [CSG forward]. Gusto namo nga government gyud ang CSG. [The] government is [about] fighting for the rights of the students.”

Lastimoso hopes to push outside the box, owing the directorate’s minimal visibility to lack of programs that reach out to students.

On student empowerment According to current CSG President Mario Tero, Xavier University boasts of perhaps the most empowered students in all the Ateneo schools, and Lastimoso thinks so too. “Among revolution means we want to revolutionize as Ateneans nga kita bitaw mu-lead sa frontiers. So we want to set that atmosphere sa students nga Xavier University can do a lot of things in Northern Mindanao.” Asked how he plans to start this revolution, he answers: “Making statements that are somehow relevant... Make signature campaigns…

Educate students on their right to suffrage.

We really want them to touch the lives of the masses.”

CSG’s competition While some student organizations are now showcasing the same caliber of leadership as CSG, Lastimoso is adamant that the Government is still as strong as ever. They still have that one edge and that is bringing the voice of the students to the higher authorities. “No other org can sit with the different deans from different colleges [in the Academic Council]. CSG has connection [with] other central student governments [in other universities]. [But] gaka-aprreciate namo ang orgs that are stepping up. We want them to do their thing and we want to support them.”

The 19th Directorate “One task of the legislative body [is to do] check-and-balance [on] what the executive body is doing.” Lastimoso believes in the power of the legislative to lobby better solutions to issues raised.

“The core strength of CSG is with the councils. If the presidents have one statement it would be more powerful than the executive,” he claims.

Lastimoso acknowledges his close ties with running mate Dean Acabo as an ingredient to making things work better for CSG. When asked about how much he trusts Acabo he answered confidently, “10. Of course 10 kay we are in the same party and we have worked for almost a year together.” Lastimoso also shares that he and Acabo “see things together” and envision the same ideas for CSG. Furthermore he adds, “It’s part of being a student leader na to somehow listen and at the same time exchange thoughts and gakakita gyud nako si Dean nga he has the 4Cs.”

Running under Alyansang Atenista It’s a fact. Alyansang Atenista has brought under its wings some of the finest leaders that ever graced the University.

It’s been a long tradition, and Lastimoso is currently on the wagon. However, Lastimoso says he would still run for office with or without AA. And for the most part, it was an AA-or-nothing choice. “If wala ko ever gisuportaan sa Alyansa, I would still run as an independent. I will not make another party. Running as an independent would allow me to show my desire for CSG—that I don’t want to rely on Alyansa lang bitaw. I do not see them as someone nga makapa-hinder sa akong desires.”

Elections are quieter this year with not many candidates vying for office.

While some would play the blame-it-onthe-apathy card, Lastimoso has a rather interesting theory to the issue. “Siguro because of ‘Sendong’... To be really honest I heard a lot of students interested sa CSG before ‘Sendong’ happened. But after ‘Sendong’ murag nawala ang ilang spirit nga mag-apil sa CSG.” It all ends with a vote “We’re doing our best to somehow tell the students the importance of voting,” Lastimoso shares regarding their efforts to secure the minimum number of votes to succeed in the elections. 2,500 votes are required otherwise there would be a failure of elections. “Kamo pud Crusader, Atenista Ako and hopefully CSG, will make awareness to the students na dapat sila mag-vote. And what we are doing right now is [to] somehow let them appreciate Botar Atenista. So confident ko nga walay failure of elections.”

But after all the campaigns and increasing the awareness on voting, it all boils down to this simple question: does he deserve our vote? “I really want CSG. Dili kay tungod para na lang sa position, resume and all. Pero I see myself inside CSG bitaw—that I can do a lot of things for CSG and for the students.”C

4

The

EDITORIAL

Crusader

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The

Crusader

Publishers Subscribing Students of Xavier University Editors Ryan Louie G. Madrid Editor-in-Chief Bianca Nathalie Y. Llamis Associate Editor Jose Alfonso P. Sendaydiego Design Editor Ma. Rosetti G. Villamor Managing Editor John Kenneth E. Ching News Editor Ma. Therese D. Agcopra Campus Features Editor Hannah Mae S. Salugsugan Local Features Editor Ma. Rosetti G. Villamor Acting National Features Editor Nadine Hendrikka E. Legaspi Global Features Editor Lyle Justin A. Egay Sports Editor Rico M. Magallona Layout Editor Haiko B. Magtrayo Photography Editor Alexes June E. Baslot Freehand Editor Finance Officers Shola Mae Rose G. Zamayla Senior Finance Officer Caroline Joy R. Go Junior Finance Officer Managers Princess E. Tolentino Human Resource Manager Robert A. Villaluz Jr. Office Manager Kristoffer L. Nambatac Acting Computer Systems Manager Janrick Romales Jr. Acting Computer Systems Manager Glenn Paolo A. Goopio Acting online acounts manager Nadine Hendrikka E. Legaspi Circulations Manager

Nobody wins

I

n this year’s campus elections, 52 out of 64 positions have candidates who are unopposed. Such a thing was deemed unheard of only three years ago when no less than four candidates contended for presidency.

This circumstance could only leave us with nothing but questions: Whatever happened to all those student leaders Xavier is so proud of ? Where did they go? Are the ones that are willing to run worth the vote? Do we even have a choice?

Political Science 101: Democracy is a government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections.

Unfortunately, the system of representation seems non-existent in this year’s case. We have only one candidate to choose from. It’s either him or None.

Voting None is not an option. In the event that more than half of the student constituency wouldn’t vote for the sole candidate, it would only result to another complicated yet less practical second election. Having the second election 30 days after the release of the first election’s results---when students are most likely off enjoying their summer break---would yield less voters. Anyone can win since it no longer matters how many votes you have as long as you have more than the other candidates.

And honestly, who could be expected to run in the second election if only lone candidates were running during the first one? It doesn’t help knowing that the student who lost the first election couldn’t run during the second one.

This leads us with no choice but to vote for the sole candidate---all of whom are from Alyansang Atenista. Although the party list boasts a thorough deliberation process, it doesn’t mean that whom they choose is the best among all the other potential leaders out there they haven’t tapped.

Besides, competition forces a man to be more. It challenges his opinions, improves his ideas and make him a better man to put into government. Having “None” as your opponent misses all these benefits.

Where did we go wrong? For one, there are only a few people willing to take the burden of 11,000 students as their responsibility. Another is the many other venues for student leadership and activism, putting student governance less attractive to potential student leaders.

This sad scenario affirms the illusion of democracy. There is no freedom to choose. Unless capable leaders are assured that running for office is worth it, we will see pointless elections in the coming years.C

Staff Writers Saharah Iman M. Alonto Sam D. Garcia (On-leave) Caroline Joy R. Go Dharyl Jean A. Indino Sheila Mae B. Roldan Princess E. Tolentino Leasusana C. Ty Jacqueline P. Uy Robert A. Villaluz Jr. Joule Artemson D. Visabella Staff Artists Francis Ryan O. Avellana Rochelle D. Barros Jenamae G. Espineli Christian Loui S. Gamolo Rico M. Magallona Volco Louie J. Magbanua Kristoffer James L. Nambatac Carmi Yvette C. Salcedo Venice Marie P. Villo Alvin Paul R. Yao Moderator Ann Catherine Ticao-Acenas For contributions, please address your articles and/or comments to TheCrusader Publication office, StC 302 Xavier University 9000 Cagayan de Oro City Circulation: 2, 000 copies Vol. 38 No. 9 | February 2012 Layout by Rico M. Magallona

To give is better than to receive... right?

L

No kidding, Sherlock.

Lyle Justin A. Egay

et me start this column with Ignatius’ Prayer for Generosity: “Teach us, good Lord, to serve you as you deserve, to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, to labour and not to ask for any reward, save that of knowing that we do your will.”

Now, I’d like to emphasize the lines: “to give and not to count the cost” and “to labour and not to ask for any reward”. Read it, savor the words, and digest them. Don’t worry, dear reader, I won’t be berating you for not being the selfless volunteer that Ignatius (or the Ateneo in general) wants you to be. In fact, we see people (or at least, the ones that care enough) who live out this doctrine by spending their time on organizing events for the students, especially the volunteers.

But there are some people who, in my eyes, use service as a leverage to exalt themselves. After they think they’ve given out

ample service, they only need to hand in papers and other requirements to be called outstanding. A screening committee will screen the shortlisted applicants’ credentials and interview them. Then they will decide which among the few is truly outstanding. And of course this will appear on their résumé.

As much as the Magis Awards is part of XU’s tradition of producing competent, conscientious and committed leaders, the process itself contradicts the Ignatian principle of giving without counting the cost.

Not only does it promote self-endorsement, it also creates an environment of elitism.

Besides, what about the leaders who choose not to advertise themselves with modesty in mind? What about the people who actually live out selfless service, like Ignatius instructed us to? Won’t they ever be recognized for their efforts? Or should we consider only the people we see on tarps and posters to be of utmost relevance?

In order to prevent this, a committee must be formed during the start of the school year. This group of people will monitor all student activities by all extracurricular (or co-curricular) organizations. Then, by the end of the year, they will decide which people or projects are actually outstanding, instead of having orgs compete over the prestigious Magis Award by being all like “Dude, I SO deserve this.”

This way, everyone will be given a chance to be named outstanding, not just the ones who have the nerve to advertise themselves (Anti-Epal Bill, anyone?). Dirk Nowitzki wasn’t named Most Valuable Player because he applied for it. Manny Pacquiao wasn’t named the best boxer in the world by presenting himself like he did during the electoral campaigns.

And, in the spirit of the elections, don’t we just hate it when a candidate shoves him/ herself down our throats? C

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FEATURE

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Life and death of campus political parties

Revisiting the 18th Directorate

By Dharyl Jean A. Indino, with reports from Robert A. Villaluz

T

he lack of competition among this year’s CSG candidates is leading to a general buzzkill despite the ongoing campaign for the elections. Many might express how the lack of rivalry has evaporated their enthusiasm to partake in the elections.

So where are the other political parties?

Inside the ring Political parties, according to Section 3 of RA No. 7941 of the Philippine Constitution, “are organized groups of citizens advocating an ideology or platform, principles and policies for the general conduct of the government.”

In the University, political parties only appear during elections, as they are not recognized as official organizations. In the past four years, three political parties have established themselves XU: Lihok Atenista (LA), Alyansang Atenista (AA) and Buhat Estudyante (BE).

In 2009, Lihok Atenista and Alyansang Atenista had candidates vying for positions in the CSG. The following year, however, Lihok Atenista was a no-show. Such sparked intrigue from supporters and rivals as well.

2011 saw the birth of a new party as Buhat Estudyante joined the election bandwagon. BE did not have candidates for top CSG posts, but they compensated for it by pursuing positions in college councils.

This year, AA competes in the elections uncontested. Having no opposition, they have a clearer shot at winning. Unless, of course, a failure of elections occurs.

Winning, losing and rematch Sustainability is oftentimes an issue for political parties. Lihok Atenista, with its last appearance in 2009, has been silenced with the defeat of its endorsed candidates. Alongside its founders’ inability to secure successors was its low winning rate.

Contrary to LA’s setback, Alyansang Atenista almost always seems to make things work. Their platform – academic excellence, peaceful student activism, patriotism and Ignatian values – and their strict screening of candidates also seem to contribute to their yearly victory.

“Naka-sustain mi kay serbisyo jud ang puno’t

dulo sa Alyansa. And in comparison to other parties, we weren’t put up para lang naa’y muatbang sa isa. Kami tung isa na pilit ga-atbangan,” an AA constituent adds.

BE, on the other hand, was founded on the need for an option to alternative leadership through social involvement.

BE’s rise stopped as fast as it began.

Regarding their absence in the competition this year, a BE founder explains, “Last year gamay ra ang nakadaog sa among party so we decided na for this year mag-rest sa mi. I-fix sa namo ang kulang sa among [political party] para next year, mas stonger na ang BE.” Hall of Fame Alyansang Atenista, now 25 years old, has built a strong foundation and made itself known to the student body. The others simply lack the publicity. Like a consumer purchasing products seen on the television, the students would only choose to support a party and its aspirants if they already know them.

But gearing up for a popularity contest is proving to be difficult for lesser known parties like BE. “Lisod kaayo mu-compete sa Alyansang Atenista kay known na kaayo sila and given the fact na ang BE kay bag-o pa. Mag-campaign lang jud mi and mag-campaign more, and mag-provide ug platform na we think kay much better for the students, maka-benefit sila and sila jud ang gusto.”

Publicity aside, AA also exerts the power of prominence. The academically-decorated and popular students mostly compose its string of candidates. Their track record also draws student leaders to be part of the political faction, leaving other parties with student leaders who may be equal in terms of leadership skills but lack the network to put them to office.

Even so, Buhat Estudyante is positive that by the time they return, it would be their turn to savor victory. *** Yearly, different parties come about but not many of them stay for long. It’s a matter of choosing the right candidates or create visions that make the cut. Whatever it is, it all goes down to this: empowerment. And this is a struggle this student body needs to overcome soon enough. C

By Hannah Mae S. Salugsugan

“I

saw the need for me to be in the legislative body than in the executive… that’s why I chose to run for Vice President. I want for next year to see a government na plastar na ilang structure.”

That was how Dean Cris M. Acabo, Convener of the 18th Directorate, responded when asked why he did not run for president during last year’s campus elections when many thought he should do so considering that he had a lot of programs and policies outlined for the councils. On the word of Acabo, he saw lots of issues in the Central Student Government’s Constitution, and this pushed him to run in the executive body.

This year, after his stint as convener of the 18th Directorate, the Chemical Engineering senior has decided to hunt the presidential seat. Does that mean he was able to finally set straight the structure and dynamics of the government duri ng his term? Let’s check.

Sustainability of Jarales’ programs Legislation in the government during the term of Louie Jay Ban V. Jarales in the 17th Directorate spent considerable attention to detail. However, his leadership was still slated for concentrating chiefly on long-term programs provoking the fear that it might trench on the next Directorate’s term.

Nonetheless, for Acabo, the 18th Directorate was able to sustain some of Jarales’ efforts like the organization of a legislative seminar for the Directorate which was conceived during the 17th Directorate’s tenure. However, there were other laws drafted in the previous Directorate that up until now remained as drafts, like the effort to restrain vandalism in the campus.

Moreover, Acabo encountered technical problems in some of the previous Directorate’s pending programs.

“We had to review the proposals and natingala mi kay there are some technicalities nga among nakit-an. For example, naay missing signature and so we had to question it first and consult the Supreme Court,” Acabo said.

Revisiting Acabo’s Platform Platform (SIPI)

The Promise

The Product

Scientific

All legislations will be researchbased.

“It is not us who does the research. We have the Office of Research and Constituent Insights inside. So the ORC must be able to conduct the research and give the results to us and we will be the one interpreting. But for some reasons, unfortunately, parang di nagawa ng ORC ang kailangan nilang gawin.”

Inclusive

Each council will have their own research committee which will then be convened by the CSG.

“Naa pud sila [the councils] research office inside… but seeing that research arm of the CSG was not able to do it, you cannot expect the councils to do more. Naglisud man gali ang CSG.”

No repetition of laws

“We tried to expand the Legs Seminar [which was conceived by the 17th Directorate] from Directorate-wide to University-wide.”

Progressive Intentional

Every legislation will be easily understood by the students.

Gone solo...

Porminal suggested that it is the different political parties who should be recruiting student leaders to run for office. As far as AA is concerned, the only party who is active in this year’s election, they have done a comprehensive job in choosing their candidates.

Some students come and ask the party if they could join, like in candidates Acabo and Lastimoso’s cases. If students, who AA finds to have the potential, pass scouting procedures they are then endorsed by

Despite that, Acabo believes that assuring sustainability of programs is also about setting priorities. “The laws they made, it could have been the call of their time; and maybe for us, dili na applicable. Kung unsay call for the time being, that will be the priority.”

‘Torn between two lovers’ Acabo recognized a long-standing problem in the structure of the Directorate.

Since the Directorate is comprised of council presidents that were principally elected into office to perform executive functions, their legislative role in the Directorate is, more or less, deemed as second priority.

“I have seen the lives of council presidents being torn between two lovers,” Acabo said, realizing that the members of the Directorate sometimes compromise their presidency in the councils because of their legislative functions.

This pressure brought by the two different functions that they have to perform also caused Acabo a problem in convening the Directorate especially during meetings.

“Naa gani isa ka month na wala gyud mi kameet, like during Intrams, since the different councils are very busy,” Acabo admitted.

Is the structure fixed now?

Acabo was motivated to run for Vice President in last year’s campus elections because he wanted the papers, the Constitution, laws, amendments, structure, framework and dynamics of the CSG to be clear. However, after the end of his term as Convener of the 18th Directorate, Acabo himself admits that one year is not enough to fix the structure of the CSG, especially that they were able to discover deeper problems in the system.

“Muingon jud ko nga structurally, wala mi na-change because we were still in the part of finding the real problem. Karon, naa nami evaluation, so I will be making that report and give it to Jared [Lastimoso],” he said.

With that, Acabo believes that the system of the government should be rectified for a more efficient government.

“I cannot tell kung unsa iyang means of changing that but the most I can do now is really telling Jared what I have seen for the past year,” Acabo said since he no longer has legislative power. *** Before becoming the Convener of the 18th Directorate, Acabo was a man full of hopes and plans for the government. He wanted to fix systems and solve problems.

However, it appears that he was not able to do that during his term, at least considering the timeframe of his tenure. Given that, is he ready to lead the CSG as President this time?

You decide.C

“Well, we were intentional since dili mi ga-half bake, like one-fourth pa sa intiative then jump na sa other one. Focus jud mi hangtod mahuman na siya.”

(from p. 1) the party. They admit that the number of students interested in CSG and AA has declined over the years. Even more so, less students actually decide on running after they have undergone AA leadership trainings. *** There are many factors leading to less people running for office. Everything is simply complicated, from processes to priorities. Still, we have to accept that encouragement and influence can help

ease potential candidates’ doubts. XU has a smattering of leadership formation programs, but apparently they’re not enough to meet the need for CSG-level leadership.

“Ang problema raman jud right now is kung kinsa ba mu-take sa next step, who is willing to take the challenge...to go to CSG,” Neri said.

“Lisod maingon na ga-decline kay naa jud sila but it’s just that they are not really [focused] on sharing their leadership potential and sayang kaayo. Kana na lang jud ang kulang…

Wala lang jud siguro na-encourage to run.”

During the Point Blank: Meet the Press 2012 held on February 24 at the Magis Walkway, candidates Acabo and Lastimoso promised, if elected, to educate students about the role of CSG in the XU community in the hopes enticing more students to join their cause.

Assuming they do win the election, we’ll just have to wait and see.C *Names withheld or changed upon request

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Debate Circle garners 15th in world debate contest

By Dharyl Jean A. Indino, with reports from Hannah Mae S. Salugsugan

X

avier University Debate Circle, in its first entry into the World Universities Debate Championship, secured the 15th place among over a thousand debaters and around 400 teams from all over the world.

The competition was held in De La Salle University from December 27, 2011 to January 3, 2012. Among the subjects debated were issues on universal healthcare, deaf people, journalism and defamation law.

Conducted in the British Parliamentary Format in which a team is composed only of two debaters, Giano Libot and Rene Gandeza, Jr. represented Xavier University.

With the topics given only 15 minutes before each round, the team didn’t have much time to research. The harder challenge, according to Libot, was debating against a team with different version of laws. “Sometimes, the other teams have laws in their countries which we don’t have in ours, so lisod kaayo mu-relate. Dayon

another [hard part] is that you can never get to choose which side you are.”

Despite the duo’s hardships, they were able to bring the University’s name in their first feat in the worldwide debate competition, reminding them their capacity to compete with against the already recognized world’s best debaters.

“At first we asked ourselves gyud if we could compete against the rest of the world especially those who have English is their native language. But in the end, we were able to manage and made XU not far off ranking from the already enshrined as the best universities in the world,” Libot added.

The win made Xavier University as one of the only two universities from the Philippines to bag a place. University of the Philippines - Manila garnered a spot with its 8th place in the debate competition which was won by Monash University from Australia.C

8th MBMYC advocates unified diversity

By John Kenneth E. Ching

E

ven though tropical storm ‘Sendong’ necessitated a shift in plans, the School of Business and Management Student Council (SBMSC) successfully hosted the 8th Mindanao Business and Management Youth Congress (MBMYC) held on February 17-19. The congress’ major activities were conducted at the Pearlmont Inn, Grand Caprice Restaurant and SM City Cinema 3.

“Originally, our target is about 300 delegates, but we trimmed down to 150,” says MBMYC project head Mark Kristoffer Nicdao on one of the many changes brought by ‘Sendong’. Some of the speakers listed in the MBMYC promotional materials, like Bo Sanchez and Lance Gokongwei, were also not present in the actual event due to the changed schedule.

The three-day conference carries the theme “Moving Towards the Paramount of Infinite Possibilities Through Unified Diversity.”

“We know Mindanao is very diverse.

The culture, tradition, all the other things,” explains Nicdao on the theme’s significance.

“We make it to a point na ‘unified diversity’ because through unity we can really ignite something in ourselves to eventually start progress or success in Mindanao.”

Speakers for the congress include Miss Universe 2011’s 3rd runner-up Shamcey Supsup and Rep. Rufus Rodriguez of the 2nd Congressional District of Cagayan de Oro, among others.

Plenary sessions were held at the Pearlmont Inn and SM City CdeO, where the delegates interact with speakers from business and government sectors. “We tried to make the plenary talks interactive, unlike before na merely talk lang ang mga speakers,” explains Ishna Anjela Amoren, associate head for Speaker Support.

There were three competitions conducted during the course of the congress: Business Plan Making, Quiz

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Report card... (from p. 1)

corruption allegations. His administration’s strengthening of the Office of Budget and Finance, and the creation and implementation of financial liaisons for each project, office and department, just might set the precedence for a cleaner, more accountable CSG. Policy making: C Tero admitted that his administration left a lot to be desired for in terms of policy-making, citing that the only bill from the 18th Directorate he was able to sign was the creation of the Computer Studies Student Council. “I found the Directorate this year to be very relaxed,” said Tero. He however acknowledged that the council presidents – who are de facto members of the Directorate – were very competitive and busy with their own councils, giving them less time to spend with the 18th Directorate. (See the 18th Directorate evaluation at page 5) Events organizing: B Tero’s formation of an events committee via executive order proved to be a move in the right direction. The events committee ensured that the other departments and offices of the CSG could concentrate on their own issues and projects.

According Tero, the committee has organized around seven events such as the University-wide General Assembly, Org Trip and Intramurals which yielded a significant increase in student participation. However, the events seemed like they were reserved only for the first semester as no major campus-wide event has been organized in the second semester.

BEAUTIFUL INSPIRATION. Miss Universe 2011 3rd runner-up Shamcey Supsup graces 8th MBMYC with an inspirational talk.

(SBMSC)

Student services: BOne of the mandates, perhaps the most important, of the CSG has always been to serve the needs of the students. Aside from the usual enrolment assistance, locker rentals and Tindahan ng CSG, nothing much has improved except for the addition of the Amplify hotline for immediate student concerns. Plus points go to the free borrowing of student essentials like calculators, bible and cellphone chargers using only ID’s as collaterals.

One student service of interest is the ‘Mini Blue Roof ’ project that lets students use any of the 50 CSG-imprinted umbrellas inside the campus. Tero explains that the free use of umbrellas is designed to encourage honesty and refrain from burglary, among others. He further explains that, “As soon as the CSG solves the problem of burglary, roof concerns and environmental awareness, the program will be terminated.”

The intent of the Mini Blue Roof project is notable, but three weeks after the umbrellas were made available, only very few umbrellas now remain. Reports say some students stole them or did not return them in their proper places, defeating the very purpose of the project. On top of that, the project came late, barely two months before the academic year ends.

Bowl, and the Amazing Race.

Preparations for the 8th MBMYC started October 2011. Marketing was, according to Nicdao, done personally by the organizers, reaching schools as far as Davao City and Dipolog City. An estimated total of 130 delegates from ten schools were registered in the event. The organizers extended their invitation to schools outside Mindanao, though none were present during the congress.

The MBMYC is an annual congress initiated by the SBMSC, gathering business students around Mindanao to discuss topic related to development and the business environment of the island.C

Engaged citizenship and nation building: A“Siguro its very true na CSG has been an event-organizing government for how many years. [But] there’s been a movement to the nation-building part and to the student service [and] student’s welfare side. And hopefully next year, it will get stronger not more to the events part, but more to the nation-building part,” Tero says.

Among the programs that supposedly engaged the students to nation building, according to Tero, are the solicitation of school supplies in their events and turning it over to beneficiary schools as an act of charity, the awareness campaign for solid waste management through ‘trash trade’, and the symbolic but

relatively insignificant project called Paper Cranes.

Banking on these projects would not have made much impact on nation building, but CSG’s response to ‘Sendong’ was met with positive response, possibly defining the Tero administration.

Weeks after the floods came raging the city, CSG, together with the Kristohanong Katilingban sa Pagpakabana (KKP) and Atenista Ako Movement, set forth a series of activities called ‘Truth or Consequence?’ bent on shedding light on the disaster and engaging the community to actively participate in environmental protection. Freedom boards, debates and forums with environmentalists were organized to encourage not just involvement of XU students but Cagayan de Oro in general – a feat Tero says is a concrete expression of CSG’s thrust for nation-building.

The series of activities was capped off with the 1st Xavier Environmental Conference that gathered student leaders across the city for environmental discussions and workshops. The conference also gave way to the creation of Kilos Kabataan para sa Kalikasan (KKK), a group led by Tero aimed at mobilizing the youth for environmental protection.

CSG even aggressively pushed for a signature campaign that seeks further investigation of the culpability of the local government on the ‘Sendong’ disaster.

“It is our chance to influence the students regarding nation building, that’s why ang ‘Truth or Consequence’ kay ni-emerge. It’s powerful because it does not only connect with KKP, RSO, Atenista Ako [Movement] but also with different universities, ” explains Tero, adding that what they’re doing is an attempt at creating a ripple among the youth.

Executive Orders: A“CSG is a government full of problems jud,” Tero admits of the nature of CSG, “and you can only pick some problems to address.” He adds, “We are prioritizing those things that are necessary to be implemented this year… In short, we are really gearing towards sustainability.”

The priorities he was referring to was internal empowerment and order. Through his Executive Orders (EO), he was able to establish different programs that, for him, were the foundations of the efficiency of his administration. Among these are EO 7 (Establishment of environment committees in every project of CSG), EO 8 (Establishment of leadership enhancement and archive development program) and EO 9 (Establishment of the Amplify program).

Tero identifies his executive orders as his administration’s greatest contribution because “it gave internal power [and] we were able to create a lot of projects, programs, initiatives and representation.” He also adds that his executive orders are “based on study, based on trial an error and [can be] applied to the constitution in the long run,” especially now that a constitutional change for CSG is being considered. *** “For this year, we have accomplished a lot of things, we have been investing so much into nation building. That’s why I can tell you, we are one of the best, or perhaps the best government in terms of implementation and sustainability,” says Tero.

In the end, it’s not the government that says they have been successful, but the constituents – the students. Do you think the CSG has implemented programs that benefit you and the greater community?C

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Warm smiles greet bags of hope in MaS

By Caroline Joy R. Go and Bianca Nathalie Y. Llamis

F

ebruary 26 was the day the combined forces of Ateneo School of Upcoming Leaders (ASUL), Atenista Ako Movement (AAM), and Supplementary Training to Reinforce Education of the Academically-Gifted But Marginalized Students (STREAMS) brought smiles to an estimated 150 students with games, performances and new bags.

In what was supposedly a “game”, students of the Balulang Elementary School (BES) were asked to put on blindfolds and gather at the center of the Xavier University High School Covered Courts. They formed a circle and held hands with the person on either side of them. After much rustling in the background by their ates and kuyas, they were finally asked to take off their blindfolds.

And found themselves the recipients of a backpack each.

The children sported ear-splitting grins as they put on the highlight of this year’s Make A Smile project.

event possible. As in the year before, the org presidents were invited to take part in the event by buying the Make A Smile shirt and being present in the event itself.

Synergy in ‘Sendong’ Make A Smile is an annual Christmas project of ASUL, wherein it aims to create smiles in the faces of its chosen beneficiaries by giving gifts and organizing a Christmas party complete with all the trimmings.

In this year’s Make A Smile, ASUL teams up with AAM and STREAMS to make the

Third year of smiles The Make A Smile activity has grown since its inauspicious start two years ago.

“Before, it started out as giving out something. [We were] giving [Christmas] gifts to unidentified street children,” recalls Mario Tero II, former ASUL director and pioneer of Simpleng Hiling, from which

Bags filled with hope Make A Smile was supposed to happen on December 18, 2011 for the student leaders of Camaman-an National High School, but because of ‘Sendong’, funds were redirected to victims of the tropical storm instead.

The new project would encourage people to buy bags for BES students, who lost their belongings to ‘Sendong’, including the materials for their education.

Prior to the main event, volunteers from the three SACDEV programs held a two-week long fundraiser for the bags, named Bag-O’ Hope, at the Magis Canteen.

Students would buy a bag for P199. The bags, however, would not be going to the students, but to a ‘Sendong’ victim studying at BES.

stemmed Make A Smile. “This time, you’re giving it to an identified community.”

“At first we just wanted to help children.

But I realized that dapat mas stronger ang i-build nimo nga foundation for ASUL on social awareness. When the participants grow, when they graduate, will this social awareness still be inculcated in their minds?”

Tero believes ASUL is on the right track and hopes this will continue on in the future years, when the program will concentrate on developing one community. “The most important part about this activity man gud is when you’re able to inspire the children that you are helping [as well as] the students from ASUL… Hopefully in the coming years, they will really focus on leadership building [in the community].”

“The bags are not the fulfillment of their dreams or wishes. They are just tools para maabot nila ilang dreams despite the flood that changed their lives,” explains one of the organizers, who wished to remain anonymous.

BES faculty member Helen A. Opilla spoke of her appreciation at the end of the program: “Maski kami [sa faculty] gatan-aw ma-teary eyed, really touched sa preparation inyong gihimo. So we are very grateful napili mi ninyo na recipient and thank you from the deepest of our hearts.”C

THE PROMISED LAND. Bunkhouses are lined up in Xavier Ecoville, Lumbia for the relocation of 500 ‘Sendong’ affected families.

ONE BAG, ONE SMILE. Elyza, ‘Sendong’ victim, smiles as she puts on her new school bag provided

by Bag-O’ Hope.

(H. MAGTRAYO)

(H. MAGTRAYO)

Xavier Ecoville opens; relocatees move to temporary shelters

By Sheila Mae B. Roldan and Bianca Nathalie Y. Llamis

‘S

endong’ is out, and the recovery begins.

“Bag-o tanan namo mga gamit, gikan sa mga kaldero padulong sa mga habol. Di ra kay sa gamit rani, bag-o na ni nga kinabuhi para sa amo kay survivor mi sa baha!” said Manang Winnie, one of the beneficiaries of Xavier Ecoville, the relocation site donated by Xavier University for ‘Sendong’ victims.

Xavier Ecoville, located in Brgy. Lumbia, officially opened on January 25, the 40th day since the ‘Sendong’ flashfloods. The site is one of the seven proposed permanent relocation areas identified by the Department of Social

Welfare and Development (DSWD). The other six are located in Calaanan, Indahag, Balulang, Camaman-an, Taguanao and a 50-hectare lot in the municipality of Villanueva.

There are already 165 households (more than 700 individuals) living in bunkhouses constructed by the 52nd Engineering Brigade of the Philippine Army, DSWD, and the International Organization for Migration.

Other relocatees will be brought to the relocation site once more houses are made ready. The bunkhouses will eventually be housing 500 families, an estimated 2,500 people.

Roel Ravenera, the Ecoville resettlement head, explained that the families relocated to Lumbia were chosen based on a set criteria.

Priority has been given to families whose houses had been completely washed out and those from barangays that have been declared as no-build zones.

Ravanera added that the permanent homes, which will be built in collaboration with different organizations, are expected to be finished in six to twelve months.

Despite the families coming from different areas in Cagayan de Oro, the University intends to integrate them into the Lumbia

community. For this, community organizing and community development programs are being planned. They will engage the new residents to interact with each other and with the existing residents of Lumbia.

The families will not be left to live off donations. There are cash-for-work opportunities to be given to the families, particularly for community development purposes like construction of bunkhouses and resettlement operations.

The groundbreaking for the construction of the permanent houses is set on March 3, 2012.C

‘Carmen’, ‘BF’ hoard awards at Cinemagis

By Sheila Mae B. Roldan

C

inemagis: 4th Digital Short Film Festival officially opened on January 17 at Xavier University’s Little Theater, and was then aired at SM City and XU’s Little Theater from January 18-20.

Nine entries This year’s Cinemagis had nine nominees, six from the student category — ‘Supernico’, ‘Ngulam’, ‘Flatline’, ‘Bahandi’, ‘Kaarawan’, and ‘Carmen’ — and three from the professional category: ‘BF’, ‘Diyandi’, and ‘Colein’.

The awarding ceremony was held at SM City Cagayan de Oro Atrium on January

20. In the student category, the winners are ‘Carmen’ for Best Art Direction, Best Story and Best Cinematography, and Best Sound Scoring; Aldric Eugene C. Caga of ‘Supernico’ bagged Best Actor, while Phil Joy Rockwell of ‘Carmen’ won Best Actress. Jasmine Limas of ‘Carmen’ garnered Best Director.

The Top 3 best short films in the student category are as follows: ‘Carmen’, the obvious 1st placer; ‘Supernico’ in 2nd; and ‘Kaarawan’ in 3rd. ‘Flatline’ won as Audience Choice.

In the professional category, ‘BF’ won Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Story, and Best Editing. Franz Lacson

of ‘BF’ was Best Actor, while Yvette Marie Sabellona of ‘Colein’ won Best Actress. ‘BF’ added another award to its belt, with the Best Director going to Ryan Lao. The Top 3 best short films in the professional category are: ‘BF’, another obvious first-placer, given the amount of awards received; ‘Colein’ in 2nd; and ‘Diyandi’ in 3rd.

‘Carmen’ director Limas went with Hobart Savior, director of the Xavier Center for Culture and the Arts, in Bacolod on February 8-11, 2012 for Cinemarehiyon.

AMDG in film Cinemagis came from two words: “Cine” meaning motion film, “Magis” meaning excellence for God’s greater glory. So Cinemagis is basically composed of short films exhibiting “Magis”.

Cinemagis, with its goal of appealing to people’s lives and to the world with their stories and that their voices also be heard, also aims for the progress and enhancement of the film industry in Mindanao, especially in Northern Mindanao. C

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Tehran, Iran – The International Atomic Energy Agency reported an increase in the country’s production of uranium. 73.7kg of uranium with 20 percent concentration has been produced, almost enough to create a nuclear weapon. Amidst growing concerns, Iran insists their nuclear program was created to provide for an alternative source of electricity.

Louisiana, USA – 2 years after the oil-spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, a trial is to be held. The complainants are mostly Gulf Coast residents and among the companies sued are BP, Transocean and Halliburton. The first part of the trial will deal with who’s liable, followed by addressing solutions to contain the spill and then cleanup efforts.

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Kabul, Afghanistan – Koran burnings by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) troops caused violent protests from locals wherein US bases were fired at. As a result, 2 US soldiers were killed and 7 more were wounded.

Abbottabad, Pakistan – The government began demolishing Bin Laden’s three-story compound in an effort to erase the symbol of Pakistan’s humiliation in securing its nation and destroying its ties with the US. The locals showed mix emotion at the site—some were happy with it, while some insisted the building should’ve been converted for public use.

Vatican City – In what is dubbed as “VatiLeaks”, a series of confidential letters written by Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano to Vatican officials and the Pope himself has been exposed to the public, allegedly declaring corruption in the Holy See. Although Vatican did not deny the allegations they said that issue has been blown out of proportion.

North Korea – After visiting military units in the southern coast, Kim Jongun threatened to attack South Korea in response to the latter’s plans with the US to halt North Korean aggression.

Damascus, Syria – Amidst chaos and violence, Syrians headed to their respective precincts to vote in the constitutional referendum. About 34 civilians were killed since voting started. However in Homs, the center of unrest, residents are trapped in their houses with no electricity, and heavy restriction on foreign media is imposed.

Pretoria, South Africa – Former South African President Nelson Mandela was discharged from One Military Hospital after undergoing laparoscopy. The 93 year old Nobel peace laureate suffered from abdominal pain prior to the surgery. A source said of Mandela’s current condition, “He looks very handsome, very healthy. He’s as fine as can be at his age.”

Sanaa, Yemen - Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi has been sworn in as Yemen’s new president after Ali Abdullah Saleh’s 22-year rule. According to the electoral commission, 6.6 million of Yemen’s registered voters showed support for Hadi. In his speech Haid said, “Power in Yemen is now based on popular legitimacy and no one can raise doubt about it.” He also promises to continue the battle against al Qaeda.

Bataan and Tarlac - The R. K. Shimizu (Nagasaki) Foundation Inc. donated school buildings to elementary institutions in Bataan and Tarlac, considered a “manifestation of healing” from the past by Education Secretary Armin Luistro on February 22. During the World War II, Japanese soldiers were known to turning women into sex slaves, according to Malaya grandmothers.

We take a step back from focusing on campus news and have a bird’s eye view of happenings beyond the walls of XU. After all, Cagayan de Oro, the Philippines, and the world are but one shared village.

Nepal – 72-year old Nepalese farmer Chandra Bahadur Dangi is now a Guinness World Record holder for being the smallest man in the world. Standing at 21.5 inches Chandra beat former record-holder Junrey Balawing who is 23.5 inches in height. Chandra candidly shares he’s never been seriously ill—his body is greater beyond its size.

DOH, National Office - Catholic bishop proposed to Department of Health (DOH) to avoid giving out free condoms and other forms of artificial contraceptives to couples on Valentine’s Day.

Camarines Norte - The Philippine Army reported 2 rebels and 2 brothers, aged 10 and 7, dead in a hut on February 25 after about 15 rebels opened fire in a remote village in Labo.

Manila - Pasay City Regional Trial Court allowed former President Gloria Arroyo, currently facing electoral sabotage, to visit the wake of her late brother-in-law Rep. Ignacio Arroyo on February 24 for three days in Quezon City.

Manila - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization reported 3,000 languages over the world are in in danger of extinction, and only 171 out of 175 listed languages and dialects are considered “living”.

Tawi-Tawi - Two European birdwatchers, abducted on February 3, are reported to remain captive as of February 26 and have yet to be handed over to the Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu island according to Rappler.

Zamboanga - The Spanish government means to increase financial aid to Mindanao as soon as the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front signs a peace agreement. Spanish Ambassador Jorge Domecq is the guest of honor and keynote speaker during Zamboanga’s Charter Day on February 26.

Cebu and Negros - A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck the country on February 7 killing 55.

Aftershocks were felt all around Visayas and Mindanao, including Cagayan de Oro the same day.

Davao del Sur - A total of 200 volunteers journeyed through 6 of the highest peaks in the Philippines, delivering 500 solar-powered lanterns.

Named Hike for Light, the journey aims to promote solar lanterns which, according to Planète d’Entrepreneurs studies, saved families about P4,000 of annual energy costs.

CdeO - An earthquake measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale hit Misamis Oriental and some parts of Northern Mindanao, including the Caraga Region, on the morning of February 6. The earthquake originated 72 kilometers North of Dumaguete in the Visayas region and was tectonic in origin with a depth of 10 kilometers.

Iponan, CdeO - The Mines and Geosciences Bureau in Region 10 issued a stoppage order of all mining activities along Iponan River and its riverbanks, mandating all persons/organizations engaged in the conduct of illegal mining activities to immediately cease.

Canitoan, CdeO - Some tents in Tent City 2 in Sitio Calaanan, a relocation site for ‘Sendong’ survivors, were submerged in knee-deep water due to continuous rains. However, Councilor Alexander Dacer assured the relocateees that there was only a drainage problem and that they are doing their best to solve the problem.

Isla de Oro, CdeO - Archbishop Antonio Ledesma supported the transfer of the night café to Isla de Oro in support of the National Greening Program of the government that calls for the planting of trees. “Turning this into a recreational park would allow the planting of trees thus help prevent another flood,” he said in a statement.

CdeO The City Government and various fire brigades in the city organized a monthly citywide clean up and flushing drive in the city’s streets, main roads and the two recently constructed flyovers to clean the remnants of ‘Sendong’ and avoid the spread of diseases.

CdeO - The Save CDO Now Movement members Raul Ramon Roa, Dr. Vincent Tero, former city councilor Teodulfo Lao, former Gusa village chief Enrico Salcedo and former city councilor Celestino Ocio III filed an administrative complaint against Mayor Vicente Emano for gross negligence and dereliction of duty in protecting the city’s residents from ‘Sendong’.

Lapasan, CdeO - Six police officers from the national headquarters in Camp Crame facilitated a six-day Disaster Preparedness Trainors’ Training to 94 police officers where 21 of them are Barangay Peace Action Teams members at Camp Alagar.

Participants learned the basic skills of knot-tying, rappelling, rescue and evacuation, first aid and the handling of rescue boats.

Balulang, CdeO - The Safer River, Life Saver Foundation of Liceo de Cagayan University initiated a cleaning and clearing activity at sitio Tambo to help rehabilitate the Cagayan de Oro River and the 17 riverbank barangays hit by ‘Sendong’. It was participated by the 4th Infantry ‘Diamond’ Division, students and various agencies.

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February 2012 | Vol. 38 No. 9

NEWS

www.thecrusaderpublication.com

5th QITC focuses on new technologies, IT trends

By Leasusana C. Ty

T

he Quantum and Information Technology Convention (QITC) launches its fifth convention at Marco Polo Hotel on February 2-4, 2012.

QITC is a three-day long event which gathers IT enthusiasts all over Visayas and Mindanao. This year’s QITC, with the theme “Discovering New Opportunities in Emerging Technologies”, focuses on “giving updates and maximizing the potentials of IT enthusiasts in the trending advancements in IT,” states their website.

This year’s QITC includes delegates from Mindanao State University-Marawi (MSU-Marawi), Mindanao State UniversityIligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Universidad de Zamboanga (UZ) and Xavier University (XU).

Speakers for the event came from Microsoft Philippines, Rain Creative Lab, Global Workforce, Orange & Bronze Software Labs, Inc. and Inovent Inc. “We have a line-up of speakers [who] are very dynamic,” says Michael Dave Tan, chairman of the College of Computer Studies.“Our topics this year are not so technical so [even non-Computer Science

students], pwede rah siya mu-join.”

The event garnered mixed feedback from the delegates. While many felt it was a worthwhile experience, others believed it could be have given more substance to the participants.

“It was really fun. You actually learn something from the speakers which you do not learn in class and we actually gain knowledge from other schools. It makes me think that QITC really has to go on,” praises Diane Rose Nanolan, a Xavier University delegate.

“It would be much more definitive if there would be a learning strategy of 60 – 70% of actual and 30-40% of theory and should be more on how-to… because that would be the core of IT practices,” suggests Mr. Al-Ghaffar Iribani, the chairman of the College of Computer Studies of UZ. The event also encountered problems in the room assignments for the stay-in delegates.

“I think we all have to be patient lang.

There is always room for human error. Dili gyud nah siya ma-avoid,” defends Tan.C

FOLLOWING #SOCIALMEDIA. Maria Ressa, former CNN Jakarta Bureau Chief and current Rappler CEO, delivers a talk about “Social Media for Social Change” at 1st SIBYA. (L. LIBRES)

Crusader, DevComm hold 1st communication congress with Rappler The

By Bianca C. Malbas

F

ebruary 17, 2012 – A mini-team from Rappler consisting of media bigwigs Maria Ressa, Patricia Evangelista, Josh Villanueva, and Chay Hofileña spoke on “Social Media for Social Change” at SIBYA, the first Northern Mindanao Student Communicators Congress, at SM City Cinema 2, Cagayan de Oro. The affair was attended by roughly 500 delegates from colleges/universities, and student/school publications all over northern Mindanao.

Referred to as simply “SIBYA”, the oneday congress also featured an open forum on social media, as well as relevant competitions for

writers and artists. The event was a joint effort of The Crusader Publication and Xavier University’s Development Communications department.

Rappler is a form of alternative media dedicated to “uncompromised journalism that – hopefully – inspires smart conversations and ignites a thirst for change.” In line with this thrust, the team discussed the power of social media and how it can be used to drastically affect present society.

The congress was the first milestone for what is intended to be an annual event for Northern Mindanao communicators. “Sibya” is a Cebuano term for the word “broadcast”.C

a r o C Contrabida

F

or some reasons political candidates have a thing for acronyms. I’m thinking it could be effective as some sort of prep for finals. My sister used acronyms when she studied for her exams, and her results were always exceptional.

Being the nonconformist that I am, I will not subscribe to stitching together random letters that lack chemistry in the beginning but are forced to make sense anyway. I’m going to spare you the technical mumbo jumbo of typical platforms. Save that for your Political Science finals.

Oh, did I mention? I’m running for CSG President, Vice-President, and every other position posting vacancies.

No, you didn’t just develop dyslexia or something. You read it right. I am running a marathon for love… of service.

First thing’s first. Let me address this issue on student apathy because one time in class, this guy behind me insisted there was some sort of apathy mania going on in what he calls “the system”. System my hind, he’s obviously referring to the school in general. I think otherwise. Why, the school is just overflowing with thought trains — scribblings on an old armchair aren’t even enough to convey them. Students do

Cora in Office

voice out, it’s just that the right outlet needs to be tapped to resound them. When I see a freedom wall, I stop for a brief moment to check the things you guys wrote, albeit some of your handwritings are too, err, complex, for mental consumption. Sometimes, though, I wonder if the people who put up those boards actually read it once they take it back down. There’s some good stuff in there. It’s just a matter of actually reading it considering whether you’d be thinking this apathy thing a taboo.

I have this story to tell regarding my late acceptance to Hogwarts. I basically gave up getting beta access to Pottermore just to finish this paper my teacher was being demanding about. I passed it on time like the good student that I am. Since I was convinced that that paper was a matter of life or death, I waited for the results. It never came. Our final grades came in late, too. I think it’s unfair how it’s okay for them to be late regarding a lot of things but they couldn’t spare us the same mercy.

In addition, people who want to apply for a teaching job in XU should seriously go through some sort of filtering system.

Why? Because I didn’t pay every bit of my parents’ blood and sweat just so some new grad from God-knows-where can show me his genuine expertise on downloading

Youtube videos and show it in class like a pro. Yes, I honestly do care about my education—and I care about yours too.

I don’t think we deserve teachers with “citations needed”.

Maybe I’m just too used to STC302 as my ultimate home, but the second floor of the STC is just downright creepy sometimes. I couldn’t imagine myself knocking on the door of one of the offices when the only thing likely to greet me is the sound of creaking doors and the breeze flipping through book pages. It’s hard to have a student government that promises to give you full services when you need it, anytime and anywhere, but it’s actually getting more difficult to reach them. But wait, I heard they got themselves a new crib. Congratulations on that, but I would’ve appreciated it though if they had a notice of sorts to tell me where to go when I had the slightest concern. I’d run to the freedom wall, but right now that doesn’t necessarily guarantee me anything, huh?

More than anything, instead of just sitting cozy and writing articles like a boss I want to do something more with what I can do. I actually want to be the change and at the same time inspire change. No, wait. I think I already have. C

Dear ate Charot, Ako si Nabie, usa ka estudyante sa Sibyer. Since crush man nako si Jeremy Lin, tawaga nalang ko sa pangalang “Nabie Lin”. Ate, tulo nako ka tuig nga wala ka move on sa ako ex.

Bisan asa ko mulakaw, ako jud siyang gakahinumduman.

Tanan tao ako ma tabuan iyang dagway ako makita. Bisag among iro, murag iya nang dagway. Usahay ate, sa akong pag tulog, gaka feel nako nga nag tan-aw siya nako...char, ala edward kaayo siya...Wala nabay tambal aning akong gugma nga nag uros2x? pls reply... di taka dalion... ASAP. Dear Nabie Lin, Ang pag move on, dili jud na siya dali...labi nag tulo namo ka tuig. Dapat hinay hinayon nimog lubong ang mga butang nga maka remind niya. Like ilubong nimo imong iro, ilubong nimo ang mga tao, ilubong nimo iyang balay, kung mahimo ilubong nimo imong ex. Busa kamo nga mga inlove, pag bilin mo para sa inyo self, okay? ana wruh ang gugma ging. Gets?

Dear ate Charot, Si Nabie ni, gi sunod nako imong payo and naka move on najud ko. Salamat kaayo. Gilubong na nako tanan dapat ilubong...

P.S. palihug ko ingon sa ako mama nga nako sa provincial jail... bawal man gud cellphone diri... basin nag aalahanin na siya, tnx. _________________________________________________ At dito nag tatapos ang kwento ni Nabie, na touch jud ko... see you in jail... kung may mga tanong kayo, pwede ninyong i e-mail sa atecharot@ga-lama-lama.com.. I would like to thank my sponsor, Everlasting Peace for my make-up. And I would like to thank my gown, “Thank you gown”...hanggang sa susunod na...MAALALAHANIN MO KAYA...good day!!

Rah, rah, ah ah ah! Roma! Romama! I’m back!! No other than, your very gwapang manghuhulation na si manang dyonisya (manghud ni aling dyonisya).. hay nako, na bad romance jud ko adtong valentines day!! hahaha.. so heto na naman aking mga pasabog!! Likay lang aron di ka mabulabog!!

Aquarius (located sa Jasaan) Kung gusto nimo maimuha imong crush, lutui siya ug lami. So, unsaon lugar ni? lutuon lugar ko nimo ani?

Lucky day: Day ri cream.

Lucky color: Black eye

Aries (mga tawo nga nay bangs sa suwang) Nakay new best friend na boy, Hindi tao.

Hindi rin itoy. I charge pa migay, migoy, iyang name? E-boy!

Lucky day: cin Day rella Lucky color: light transparent

Cancer (mga butang ni sir) Ayaw kabalaka kung gipulihan ka niya, tan-awa iyang uyab, mula ulo mukhang paa!

Lucky day: hin Day ako isang laruan Lucky color: dirty white o yagit white

Capricorn (kung gwapa “Unicorn”) You are not a boy anymore! Your a man anymore! Busa pag bag-o migoy!

Ikaw sad inday, kaila kag sudlay?

Lucky day: day nga dili bad luck Lucky color: very dark white

Gemini (ako... times two) Kung gusto ka mu slim, simple wruh! lingi sa tuo, lingi sa wala. Balik balika kung tunulan kag fuds higala.

Lucky day: unyang gabie, so... lucky night Lucky color: maroon 5, maroon 6

Leo (pag gabie “lhea”) kabalo baka nga ang pagka kiat sa tawo nag sugod sa lettrang “N”? kung sa babae,NYMPHOMANIAC. Sa lalaki, NOOORMAAAL! Lucky day: wag kanang umasa Lucky color: pushya fink

Libra (pares sa Lipante) Dili pud ka sure unsay lami sa world? Hay nako, pamili oh! ang Libre, ang Bawal, at Ako! Lucky day: Feb. 30, 2012 Lucky color: human flesh

Pisces (kung madugay sa init, “BULAD”) Kung makakakita man ng liwanag ang mahal mo, syempre SAYO! SAYO sa buntag!

Lucky day: starts in 5...4...3...2...1...

Lucky color: lakatan green

Saguitarius (tikbalang mana nge) hapit na ang election magbutar nasad ka.

Syempre landslide na siya! kay wala siyay kontra!

Lucky day: secreto, habulin mo ko Lucky color: di ko magsaba, kish muna!

Fork

Calculator

Dolphin Arrow Ballot Box

Clover 3 Jars Banjo

Spoon 2 Crusader Logos Hedge Shear Banana Duck tape Amazon

Twitter bird Bowl Cora

Scorpio (may lason ako) Tagaan kag perfume sa imong amigo, kabalo man siguro ka sa purpose ana noh? yes, para na sa tiil nimo.

Lucky day: Hey! Day dreaming!

Lucky color: uban gray

Taurus (kung ibutang sa lata, corned beef na!)

Likayi ang pagsakay sa elevator, labi na imong adtoan kay second floor!

Lucky color: roygibiv (unsa na russian?)

Lucky day: zksuahhajxhi (russian jud diay)

To join: photocopy this KURISEARCH 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 collectibles.

Congrats sa mga winners sa Spot the bottle contest!! Hurrah!! Dawata ang usa ka sako nga bugas, luto na!! Joke lang best!! Get your prizes at TheCrusader Office STC 302.

And the winners are... “Tantananan!!” : Krizziel C. Eduave, Mara Elena Llacuna, and Jenalyn B. Baculot.

Virgo (kung gabie sad, “vergie”) Dali raka magsingot kay init ang panahon, busa imong mama nabuang sa labhonon.

Solosyon? diaper ang saninaon!

Lucky day: opposite sa “Bae day” Lucky color: atenean blue