DEMOCRAT Volume LXIII, Issue No. IV

INDEX INDEX

6 87 9 12 221117

FEATURE 7 BISYO NG ADMINISTRASYONG AQUINO

EDITORIAL HUNGER GAMES

DEVCOMM REBRANDING YOUTH EMPOWERMENT

OPINION PAPERS AND PRINCIPLES

FEATURE DETECTIVE JUAN

SPORTS BEYOND HOW THEY MADE IT

NEWS YLAW dominates USG Polls ‘16

OPINION TINGOG KAN UNIBERSIDAD OBAL

3 University Student Government Elections 2016 Results 4 Commencement Speeches 5 Cheat Sheet 10 Recurring Patterns 14 Papangarapin Mo Pa Ba? 15 Multiple Choice 16 JAZA graces 68th Graduation; 4 UNCeans top TOSB ‘16; Gawad-parangal, pinangunahan ng CBA, AS, CED 18 UNC celebrates 68th Foundation Day, commits to further innovation 19 UNC-ABBS hits 4-peat Championship; Lunduyan ‘15 unites Luzon pubs, decries Lumad, Ampatuan Massacre injustices; PH Media Forum, idinaos 20 4Ps: A Clearer View 21 Points of You; Humans of UNC

The DEMOCRAT EDITORIAL BOARD AND STAFF 2015-2016 Editor-in-Chief Juvin M. Durante Associate Editor Debbie C. Delatado Managing Editor Jorelyn C. Marasigan News Editor Catherine Bena T. Ollete Features Editor Charlene Kris A. Borbe Staff Writer Dioma Francis N. Durante Cartoonist Mark John M. Coloquit Moderators Shirley A. Genio, Ruby L. Bandola Member College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) at Bicol Association of Student Campus Journalists (BASCAJ) Address Right Wing, UNC Sports Palace, University of Nueva Caceres, City of Naga, Camarines Sur, Philippines

ON THE COVER Filipino farmers are often portrayed as people who remain optimistic and jolly despite the inherent challenges of growing crops to support daily costs of living. However, no upbeat folk song or vibrant painting can mask the hardships they currently face. The DEMOCRAT openly denounces the disappointing irony that the ones who plant food are the ones who suffer from starvation. In the case of Kidapawan, North Cotabato farmers, blood instead of water soaked their dried up fields. They asked their provincial government for rice, but what they received was a rain of bullets. A followthrough to the 1987 Mendiola Massacre and the 2004 Hacienda Luisita Massacre, this incident is the latest magnification of the injustices against farmers whenever they demand for what is rightfully theirs.

WORDS BY CHARLENE KRIS A. BORBE WATERCOLOR PAINTING BY JUAN MIGUEL R. BERNARDO CONCEPT BY JUVIN M. DURANTE AND MARK JOHN M. COLOQUIT

November 2015 - March 2016

N DAY ELECTIO

TOTAL VOTERS’ TURNOUT

NUR AS CED CBA EA CS CJE

Infographics by Juvin M. Durante

83.10% 65.83% 62.95% 56.79% 53.79% 19.33% 14.96%

H2 MARC SOURCE INFO

NT STUDTEIO N ELECSION COMMIS

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FEATURE

November 2015 - April 2016

J A Z A , O r a sa o n b e i n g a s e rva n t- l e a d e r :

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Active Involvement leads to Exceptional Achievement

ios marhay na ága sa indo gabós. Good morning to all of you. I am happy to be here for the first time. I am very impressed with the campus and I can imagine how it must be a great learning environment for you here at UNC. I would like to thank UNC for this kind invitation.

It is a pleasure to be here today, and I congratulate the Class of 2016 on this occasion. I also pay tribute to your parents, guardians, supporters, and families who made sure that you were all provided with a great private education at UNC. As a parent myself, I share your feeling of happiness and pride to see your child reap the fruits of learning. There is nothing more rewarding to a parent than to provide your child with the means to a better future through good education.

At Ayala, we are of the firm belief that providing access to quality education is critical to unlocking the potential of all the rich talent we have in this country, and ensuring sustained and inclusive growth for the Philippines. Ayala has participated in the Education space for a long time: in 1868, Dona Margarita Roxas de Ayala established Concordia College, the first allwomen’s college in the country; in 1968, we donated the land for the Asian Institute of Management in Makati; and in 1998, our Ayala Foundation started CENTEX or Center for Excellence in Public Elementary Education which now supports two model public elementary schools in Tondo, Manila and in Batangas.

It is only in 2012 however, that we decided to make Education a priority investment area, and formed Ayala Education, Inc. Our vision is simple: we want to equip our graduates with the skills, training and values that are valued by employers, to ensure that our alumni have the best possible career tracks. By marrying the strong academic foundations of leading universities such as UNC, with the Ayala group’s deep industry experience in growth service industries such as banking, telecom, retail, tourism, property, IT and BPO, we believe we are uniquely positioned to help our students. Through our Professional Employment Program, which we run in partnership with universities in Manila, we have been able to enable a significant improvement in the starting salaries and career prospects for those students who completed the training.

Now that we are part of the UNC family, we are delighted that we are able to reach more students in the Bicol region. It is inspiring to know that my father, Jaime Zobel de Ayala, had foreseen UNC’s key role in cultivating learners in the Bicol region. He was here in 1977 and delivered a speech on the occasion of the investiture of Dr. Dolores Sison as the second President of UNC. In his speech, he highlighted the university’s role in Bicol, and how it attracts hundreds of students from different parts of this region. He cited the liberating influence of education upon young people who have left home to study in this university. This message was delivered almost four decades ago but still rings true to this day.

It has barely been a year since we partnered with UNC but I am very pleased with how Fred, the Hernandez clan and the management team have been working together so closely to introduce gradual but strategic changes in the university. Undoubtedly, as we combine our strengths, change brings opportunity – the opportunity to innovate how we deliver education to Bicolanos and more importantly, the opportunity to transform thousands of lives.

When Fred invited me to speak at this occasion, I spent some time thinking about what insights I could contribute to a group of graduates from a generation of

a highly connected world where access to information and learning are abundant. Today, I’d like to touch on a few leadership lessons that have shaped me over time, which I hope can be helpful for you as well as you start your lives outside the university.

First, I will share my thoughts on the importance of building relationships. Second, let me highlight some points on how leadership involves vision and commitment. Finally, I will cite some insights on how leadership can be learned and exercised in a variety of ways.

Let me begin by emphasizing the importance of building relationships. I strongly believe that leadership entails working through others. It is not a solo act. In the story of every successful organization, institution or community, you will not find a single example of exceptional achievement without the active involvement and support of a group of people. This collective effort, however, does not just happen. It must be cultivated, nurtured, and sustained. Whatever sector we work in, we accomplish goals by empowering others to contribute to the achievement of these goals.

No leader can do it alone. As you move up and take on bigger responsibilities, you will realize that achieving anything involves more than just your talent.

The cooperation and support from other people --may it be colleagues, old classmates, old teachers or acquaintances --- will play a critical role to your success.

In this interconnected world, it is imperative that you make the most of opportunities to build friendships, mentorships, and a network of people you can count on because they will be important to you later on as you mature, as you engage, and as you pursue your own growth paths.

I think here in Naga, fondly referred to as “An Maogmang Lugar” (Internal note: “The Happy Place”), you are familiar with “servant leadership” which was the brand of leadership championed by the revered former Mayor and Secretary Jesse Robredo. We hold Jesse in high regard not only as a leader who espoused citizen participation in governance but also as a man of integrity and courage. Always be engaged – not just through social networks – but in meaningful and positive communities that live out servant leadership and contribute to continuing the cycle of transforming lives. One such community is your own Alumni Association because your ties with UNC do not stop once you get your degree.

The second point I want to highlight is around the importance of vision and commitment. We place high importance on a leader’s ability to have a vision for the future and the will to make things happen. The ability to paint an uplifting picture of the future is what distinguishes leaders from managers. Vision is about possibilities, about desired futures, about changing the world into what it should be.

However, leaders do more than dream. They must also have the capability to make this happen.

Successful leaders develop goals and strategies to achieve their vision. Their commitment to this vision is exemplified by their actions and in being able to effectively communicate what must be done and why.

We see this most vividly in business where leaders can nurture visions from the drawing board to reality. For instance, Apple, Google, Amazon and Facebook – these icons of business today—were no more than visions 1-2 decades ago.

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steemed guest speaker, Mr. Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ayala Corporation, University President, Mr. Alfredo I. Ayala, Members of the Board of Trustees, Vice Presidents, Assistant Vice Presidents, Deans of Colleges, Members of the Faculty, alumni, fellow graduates, proud parents, friends and visitors, a blessed morning to all of you.

Few days before this euphoric occasion, I have racked my neurons to function properly in order to create something that will be worthwhile sharing to the brilliant class of 2016 seated before me. I spent hours having dialogue with good friends of what must be included in this speech. I even read voluminous articles regarding tips on how to deliver a great valedictory address. I had been sleepless for nights reflecting on how I will give justice to this immense privilege being the pioneer class valedictorian.

I have these thousands of concerns in my mind. But, I realized that I must not be dependent on what my mind can remember but on what my heart will never forget after the long run. It is like forgetting the person you loved but treasuring those sweet memories that you have shared.

Perchance, some are thinking that I have gone through a different process for me to be recognized as this year’s class valedictorian. Mind you, we almost have the same stories. I just added three kilos of daydreaming, more slices of creativity and chunks of love and passion in everything that I do. I needed these things to joggle my academics, leadership and service. However, even if I had these salient ingredients I was still able to taste the different unnecessary flavors of a college life; flavors which, indeed, gave more meaning to my life, to our lives.

I experienced the tastelessness of being alone during regular school days.

That is why I learned to love myself. I know you have experienced that, too.

Yung grupo-grupo sila tapos ikaw lang mag-isa. Nasan ang hustisya? This made me devote my time more into leadership and service, kasi ang mga bagay na ito hinding-hindi ka iiwan.

I am sure, you have also felt that pigil-galit-moments, when you have done your best in a term paper or proposal yet your instructors and professors will say repeat performance. I usually say to myself, bakit ako na lang lagi ang may pagkukulang?

I am also certain that all of us experienced this case when some of our instructors or professors gave exams which were not taught or not relevant to the subject that we are enrolled in. We usually murmur, nasaan ang katarungan sa mga bagay bagay?

Let us just be thankful that these all happened to us. These are only few

of the nostalgias that will be worth remembering in our batch. I believe that our friends and teachers have done these things for us to be tough and be resilient enough to withstand the challenges of what awaits us after this day. So let us be grateful to all of them.

Moreover, let us also reminisce how the corners of this university enriched us with great discovery and learning. Let us always acknowledge the greyhound spirit within us. May we be forever thankful to our institution for preparing us to be attuned to the demands of highly dynamic global environment, for giving us excellent education and noteworthy opportunities that will surely introduce us the world of professionalism.

As we move and set forth, fellow graduates, my wish for everyone is to continue chasing for your dreams. Do everything for you to reach it as long as it makes you and other people happy.

Fuel our society’s betterment with our intricate thoughts and imagination. Apply and innovate what we have learned in its optimum level.

As I end this, I would like to thank everyone who has been part of my glorious journey.

To my professors, teachers, and mentors, thank you for touching my future. I will be forever grateful to you all for honing me not just to become a man of intellect but also for transforming me into a morally-upright and conscientious individual.

To the numerous organizations which ignited the flame of servantleadership within me, I will be incessantly appreciative for unveiling the passion, commitment and dedication that I abundantly have now. I owe this from you.

To the diverse college acquaintances I have won from the eleven departments of this institution, thank you for the jiffy pleasantries that we have shared. It added excitement to my roller coaster-like college life experience.

To my time-tested friends who were literally “one call away” every moment of bliss and blues, grazie mille for the unfathomable friendship. We may not see each other every second of the day but we are always assured with the boundless connection we have through our hearts.

To my family, most especially, who had exclusively witnessed those highs and lows, those heart-breaking cries and thundering cackles, those somnambulant nights, those successes and defeats, a million thanks will never be enough.

Danke, for not letting me fight my battles alone. I will everlastingly be indebted for I have you as my family.

My sincerest thanks to all of you.

Once again, good morning and congratulations!

Mabuhay, Batch 2016!

FEATURE

November 2015 - April 2016

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CHEAT SHEET GUIDE TO YOUR 2016 PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES

BY JESSA V. TEJANO

JEJOMAR “JOJO” BINAY

MIRIAM DEFENSORSANTIAGO

RODRIGO “DIGONG” DUTERTE

MARY GRACE POE

MANUEL “MAR” ROXAS

Jejomar "Jojo" Cabauatan Binay, Sr., described on his commercials as “nognog”, “pandak”, at “laki sa hirap”, was born on November 11, 1942. He is the fifteenth vice-president of the Republic of the Philippines under President Benigno S. Aquino, III, and is one of five remaining candidates in the 2016 Philippine presidential election.

Binay finished basic education at the Philippine Normal College Training Department and graduated from the University of the Philippines Preparatory School. He went to the University of the Philippines Diliman for college and graduated in 1962 with a degree in Political Science and achieved several degrees from other universities. Binay received different leadership awards in exchange of his excellency. He is known for his reputation as a distinguished statesman and having been the longest standing mayor in the history of Makati City. But, he is a notable personality for the corruption allegations he has amassed during that tenure. He still has this confidence to seek support from people to give their trust to him. He is the bearer of UNA party list who compliments himself, “’Di tulad ng iba, meron nang nagawa.”

Miriam Defensor Santiago was born on June 15, 1945.

Santiago was born in Iloilo City to a judge and a dean.

She graduated valedictorian in grade school, high school, undergraduate school, and law school in the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman. In 1965, Santiago graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, magna cum laude from UP Visayas. She is a Filipino politician, notable for having served in all three branches of the Philippine government – judicial, executive, and legislative.

Santiago was named one of The 100 Most Powerful Women in the World in 1997 by The Australian magazine. In 1988, she was named laureate of the Ramon Magsaysay Award for government service, with a citation “for bold and moral leadership in cleaning up a corrupt-ridden government agency.” She’s known with her pick up lines that have made her a trendsetter and a social media star. Miriam ran in the 1992 presidential elections but was defeated in an election marred by allegations of impropriety by the victor and runs again hoping she’s gonna win this time.

According to her, “Before we can have a good president, we should have a good voter.”

Rodrigo “Rody” Roa Duterte was born on March 28, 1945 in Maasin, Leyte. Nicknamed Digong, is a Filipino lawyer and politician of Visayan descent.

Rodrigo spent his elementary days at the Sta. Ana Elementary School in Davao City, where he graduated in 1956. He finished his secondary education at the Holy Cross Academy of Digos in Digos City, Davao del Sur after being expelled twice from previous schools, including one in Ateneo de Davao University due to misconduct. Duterte is among the longest-serving mayors in the Philippines and has been a mayor of Davao City, a highly urbanized city in Mindanao island, for 7 terms, totalling more than 22 years. He has also served as vicemayor and congressman in the city. Enormously popular with the people due to his successful zero-tolerance policies against criminals, he earned the nickname “The Punisher”. He became popular for making Davao a safe city through his tough methods in suppressing criminality. He is called the “Dirty Harry” of the Philippines because of his anti-crime agenda. Can he improve our country through his “Tapang at Malasakit?”

Mary Grace Natividad Sonora Poe Llamanzares, born September 3, 1968, is the adopted daughter of Filipino actors Susan Roces and Fernando Poe, Jr. She attended elementary school at Saint Paul College of Pasig and Saint Paul College of Makati. She initially studied at the University of the Philippines Manila, where she majored in development studies, but moved to Boston College in Massachusetts, United States where she finished a degree in political science and has spent much of her adult life in Fairfax, Virginia. She served as chairperson of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) from 2010 to 2012 and in the Philippine Senate since 2013. Poe was the early favorite because of her stellar performance in the Senate but her popularity suffered when her previous American citizenship was questioned in the courts.

She stresses the importance of female participation in government, having already filed a number of legislations for the betterment of women and children in her term of office. Will there really be “bagong umagang parating” with her?

Mar Roxas was born on May 13, 1957 in Quezon City. He is a politician and the grandson of former Philippine President Manuel Roxas. Roxas attended the Ateneo de Manila University for grade school and high school, then attended the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, majoring in finance and earning a Bachelor of Science degree in economics in 1979. He served in the Cabinet of the Philippines as Secretary of the Interior and Local Government from 2012 to 2015. Roxas is the Liberal Party’s standard bearer in the 2016 presidential election. Roxas hopes to win by emphasizing the need for continuity, thus he was questioned of advocating the continuation of Aquino’s Daang Matuwid. The “Daang Matuwid” is about the dreams of every Filipino. However, he is questioned after the undelivered donations for Yolanda survivors.

Also, he is seen as “elitist” which makes it hard for him to gather people’s sympathy. On commercials, he emphasizes the statement “higit sa lahat,hindi ko kayo nanakawan.” So, we hope, he may really not.

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FEATURE

November 2015 - April 2016

Anim na taon na ang nakalipas mula nang maupo si Benigno Aquino, III, o PNoy, bilang pangulo ng Pilipinas. Anim na taon na nang ipinangako niyang maitutuwid ng kanyang administrasyon ang mga pagkakamali ng mga nakalipas na lider ng ating bansa. Ngunit, kung ikukumpara ang kanyang gobyerno sa mga nauna, hindi ba’t tila mas mabibigat pang mga kasalanan ang naibigay niya? Hindi lang dahil sobrang oras ang iniuukol niya sa paglalaro niya ng game consoles at pakikipag party kasama ang mga artista tuwing may kalamidad, kundi mga kapalaluan sa kanyang pamamahala na nakaapekto sa buhay ng milyon-milyong mga Pilipino na noo’y nagtiwala. “Nasaan na ang matuwid na daan?” tanong ng taumbayan.

PAGKABATUGAN Mamaya na ang mamamayan Bukod sa pagiging biktima ng iba’t ibang karahasan at kalamidad, ang mga Pilipino’y naging biktima rin ng usad-pagong na pagaksyon ng gobyerno na siyang dapat magbibigay ng agarang pagkilos upang maprotektahan ang kapakanan ng mamamayan. Mula sa pananalasa ng bagyong Yolanda noong taong 2013, libo-libong pamilya ang pinangakuan ng gobyerno ng agarang pabahay. Ayuda para sa mga namatayan at mga nakaligtas na hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa buong naipapaabot sa kanila. Hanggang sa mga pangyayaring nagmarka sa ilalim ng administrasyong Aquino, kagaya na lang ng pagkamatay ng 44 miyembro ng PNP-SAF na nagbuwis ng buhay sa ngalan ng pagseserbisyo. Bukod sa hindi nabigyan ng proteksyon ng kanilang pinuno ay pati pagdalo sa paggunita ng kanilang kabayanihan ay ipinagpaliban din lamang ng pangulo. Isama pa ang kaso ni Jennifer Laude at Mary Jane Veloso na, sa magkaiba mang paraan, ay kapwa nakaranas ng kawalang hustisya at agarang aksyon mula sa pamahalaan at ang milyunmilyong Pilipinong biktima ng pagkabatugan ng administrasyon sa pagresponde sa mga isyung panlipunan.

NINA GABRIELLE D. FULLANTE, MARYVIL O. REBANCOS AT PRECIOUS KACY D. FARAON

PAGKAGANID Ang akin ay akin, ang sa bayan ay akin pa rin Dugo at pawis na ang naging pataba ng mga itinanim na sama ng loob ng mga inaping magsasaka sa Hacienda Luisita, ang mga magsasakang tunay na may-ari nito na tila ba ‘di na nasisilayan ang araw kung kailan ito maipapangalan sa kanila. Tulad ng kanyang ina, ginamit ni Noynoy sa kanyang kampanya ang usapin sa lupa sa Hacienda Luisita. At tulad din ng kanyang ina, hindi rin niya naayos ang problema, sa halip, ginamit pa ang kapangyarihan upang lalong humigpit ang hawak ng kanyang pamilya sa lupaing ito.

Ipinapakita rin dito na isa sa mga hilig ni Aquino ay ang pangangamkam ng lupa at kapangyarihan at isa sa kanyang mga natatanging katangian ay ang pagkaganid.

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apakaraming bagay na ang inilahad at ipinagyabang ng pangulo tuwing haharap siya sa taong bayan, ngunit mayroon pa ring mga bagay na tila nakaliligtaan at di naipapahayag sa bayan-ang tunay na kalagayan ng mga Pilipino. Kasabay sa pagtatapos ng kanyang termino ay ang paglala ng sakit ng ating lipunan bunga ng mga bisyo ng administrasyong Aquino; mga bisyong unti-unting pumapatay sa lipunan, mga kasalanang hindi pa naikukumpisal sa mga mamamayan.

KAHALAYAN Pagnanasa sa laman...sa kaban ng bayan Nakalulungkot isipin na ang pagkasawi ng ilang mga katutubong Pilipino ay dahil sa ipinaglaban nila ang kanilang karapatan sa lupang noon pa ay tinitirahan na ng kanilang mga ninuno, at hanggang ngayon ay nagsisilbing tahanan ng mga sumunod pang henerasyon ng mga katutubo. Patuloy pa rin ang pagpilit na paalisin ang mga katutubo sa lupang kanilang tinitirahan upang ito’y gamitin bilang minahan, lupang inaasam ng marami kahit hindi ito pinagbibili. Isa itong malaking ebidensiya ng labis na kapalpakan ng administrasyon na protektahan at respetuhin ang mga karapatang pantao sa buhay at dignidad ng mga Pilipino.

Nariyan din ang nakagigimbal na katotohanang kalahati ng Armed Forces of the Philippines na nasa Mindanao ngayon ay para pala sa proteksyon ng interes ng mining companies at iba pang mga korporasyon na naroon upang kamkamin ang malawak na imbakan ng mineral sa mga lupa at teritoryo ng mga Lumad. Ngayon, libo-libong mga Lumad na ang nakatira sa evacuation camps dahil sa militarisasyon.

KAPALALUAN Papuri lang ang sa amin Isang halimbawa na ng pagtataas ng kilay na nagawa ng administrasyon ang nangyaring Mamasapano Massacre. Sino ba talaga ang may kasalanan sa pagkasawi ng 44 na miyembro ng Special Action Force matapos ng “Oplan Exodus”—ang pagpatay kay Zulkifli bin Hir, alyas Marwan?

Hindi raw handa ang SAF nang ibigay ni PNoy ang go signal para simulan ang operasyon. Lalo pa nang ma-trap ang ilan sa kanila at natagalan sa pagbibigay ng back up hanggang sa nahuli na ang lahat. Pero, sabi naman ng kabila ay dapat kinonsidera naman ng pangulo at ng PNP Officer-in-Charge na bigyan ng mas maagang paabiso ang SAF upang makapaghanda nang mas maayos, nang hindi naa-ambush. Dito na nagkaroon ng alitan sa kampo ni PNoy laban sa mga tagasuporta at pamilya ng SAF. Sino nga ba talaga ang may responsibiliad? Hindi ba dapat sa mga ganitong bagay, handang akuin ng isang mabuting lider ang responsibilidad dahil parte ito ng pangako niya na paglilingkod sa bansa?

Isa pang isyu ay ang ‘di umano’y pagtatago ng Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) sa mga pamilya at

BISYO batang nakatira sa kalye nang bumisita si Pope Francis sa Pilipinas. Kinompirma ng DSWD na 100 pamilyang walang tirahan ang dinadampot sa Roxas Boulevard at inilipat sa isang beach resort dahil parte raw ito ng “outing and orientation” ng DSWD kasabay na rin ng isang “training” para sa pagbabawas ng kahirapan sa Pilipinas. Nakapagtataka na isinabay ng DSWD ang nasabing outing sa pagbisita ng Papa, lalo pa’t ibinalik naman sila agad sa kalye matapos ang pagbisita.

Pagkakataon o hindi, hindi maitatago ng Pilipinas ang kahirapan. Palagi iyang nariyan.

KATAKAWAN Bulsa muna bago si Juan Saksi ang bawat Pilipino sa talamak na korapsyong matagal nang namamahay sa sistema ng pamahalaan. Saksi ang mahigit kumulang 12 milyong kumakalam na sikmura ng mga maralitang Pilipino sa talamak na pagkakamkam ng mga nasa posisyon sa karne-karneng kaban ng bayan para sa kanilang pansariling interes. Patunay dito ang kontrobersyal na Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) na binigyang bihis sa

anyo ng Disbursement Acceleration Program o DAP na kapwa napatunayang unconsistitutional na ibinibigay sa mga politiko upang pondohan ang kanikanilang programa’t proyekto na kung saan malaking bahagi rin ang napupunta sa malalim na bulsa ng korapsyon.

Saksi rin ang kabataan sa pagkasugapa ng mga may katungkulan sa pera’t kapangyarihan dahil sa kabi-kabilang pagkaltas ng badyet para sa mga Pampublikong Unibersidad at Kolehiyo na sana’y gagamitin upang pondohan ang kanilang Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) at Capital Outlay (CO) kung kaya’t humahantong nalang sila sa pagpapataas ng matrikula at iba pang bayarin upang matugunan ang nawalang badyet na siyang mas nagpapahirap sa mga mag-aaral. Bukod sa kinabukasan ay buhay na rin ang kinuha nito katulad na lamang nina Kristel Tejada ng UP-Manila, Rosana San Fuego ng Cagayan State University, Joemary Azaula ng EARIST at ni Jessavin ng Central Bicol State University of Agriculture na humantong sa pagkitil ng kanilang buhay dahil hindi na nila kayang sustentuhan ang kanilang pag-aaral.

INGGIT Sunod sa usong pamamahala Isa sa mga layunin ng ASEAN ay ang pagpapalago ng ekonomiya ng bawat bansa sa bahaging ito ng Asya. Parte rito ang mabilis na pagpasok ng mga manggagawa sa mga bansang bahagi ng ASEAN. Ang mga manggagawang ito ay kukunin mula sa mga gradwado ng K-12 sa ating bansa. Ngunit, sa pagpasaok ng K-12, tinatayang aabot sa 13,000 na guro ang mawawalan ng trabaho. Mas pipiliin ng mga kompanya ang mga katulad nilang gradweyt sapagkat mura ang sahod na kanilang matatanggap. Kailangin pa rin mag-aral ng kolehiyo upang magkaroon ng disenteng trabaho na may mataas na sahod.

Bilang isang estudyante, para ba ito sa atin o nakikiuso lang ang ating pangulo?

APATIYA Sa ilalim ng “walang-pakeng” pamumuno Anim na taon na ang nakalipas mula nang ibandera ng Pangulong Aquino ang pagbigay ng hustisya para sa mga biktima ng Ampatuan Massacre. Tulad ng ibang mga politiko, pundasyon ng kanyang kampanya ang mga pangako na kanya rin lang papakuin; ngunit ang kakaiba sa politikong ito ay ang kanyang kawalang-interes na mabigyang hustisya ang mga pinatay na mamamahayag at sibilyan.

Pagkatapos ng anim na taon ay wala pa ring nangyari sa kaso. Hulyo 2015 nang mamatay si Andal Ampatuan, Sr. na isa sa mga pangunahing suspek sa nasabing massacre. Sa halip na unahin ang paglitis sa mga suspek, sinisi pa niya ang mga mamamahayag na namatay raw dahil sa mga bagay na hindi naman kaugnay ng kanilang trabaho. Sabi nga sa isang pahayagan, ang Ampatuan Massacre raw ang simbolo ng administrasyong Aquino: isang baluktot na daang nababalot ng mga pangakong napako at bakas ng dugo.

xxx Sa kabila ng mga pagkakasala ay higit pa sa paumanhin ang kailangan ng tao, ang pagbabago. Anim na taong naniwala ang mga Pilipino na inilalakbay tayo ng pangulo sa kanyang tuwid na daan hanggang sampalin tayo ng katotohanang nananatili parin ito bilang isang slogan. Na ang “Boss ng Bayan” ay titulo pa rin ng mga may kapangyarihan at alipin pa rin ng kanilang pangako ang mga mamamayan.

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DEVCOMM

November 2015 - April 2016

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REBRANDING YOUTH EMPOWERMENT The Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Law “The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building and shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being. It shall inculcate in the youth patriotism and nationalism, and encourage their involvement in public and civic affairs.”

- Article II, Section 13, 1987 Philippine Constitution

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BY RUBY JANE L. BANDOLA

ur country’s supreme and fundamental law itself highlights the importance of youth empowerment. Being the ones next in line, it is necessary to prepare us for the responsibilities that we are bound to fulfill. From our age bracket will emerge the future front-runners for the Philippines’ further development: the educators; the social workers; the corporate professionals; the peace keepers; and most importantly, the leaders who will manage our government.

The term “youth” is legally defined by the National Youth Commission (NYC) as those people whose age falls within the range of 15 to 30 years old. NYC and other organizations sharing the same advocacy perceive so much potential within the current generation. However, some consider the majority of our group as irresponsible and incapable of preserving Filipino values and legacies.

In pursuit of breaking such stereotypes, the Philippine government launched series of programs that gear towards eradicating youth apathy through involvement in public and social affairs. Among these is the creation of an avenue to train young leaders – the Sangguniang Kabatan.

Creation of Sangguniang Kabataan The concept of Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) can be traced back to the Kabataang Barangay (KB) established by former President Ferdinand Marcos during Martial Law, year 1975. During its pioneer years, his daughter Imee Marcos served as its chairman. KB became controversial due to its active opposition to militant youth activities, authoritarian rules, and failure to ignite youth participation. Societal support for such organization was shifted towards student activism instead.

During Corazon Aquino’s regime, KB was abolished and the Presidential Council for Youth Affairs (PCYA) was formed. PCYA’s technical committee and the Congress’ youth representatives then crafted a proposal that created the Katipunan ng Kabataan (KK) and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK).

Through the passage of the Local Government Code of the Philippines (RA 7160) in 1991, KK and SK was institutionalized.

Under such law, KK became the official association of all Filipino citizens of age 15 to 18. Its members then elect their governing body, the SK, which is composed by a chairman and a set of councilors. During their term, SK officials are tasked to promulgate resolutions and design projects that will forward the social, cultural, political, economic, spiritual, and physical well-being of the youth within their barangay.

Controversies that surrounded Sangguniang Kabataan During its full enactment, SK received various allegations that challenged its effectivity. Elected officials often fail to create sustainable legislations and programs, with their focus boxed only within sports festivals and pageantry. Opposition also believed that SK was grounded upon nepotism and corruption, making it a breeding ground for political dynasties In 2007, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and UNICEF conducted a study entitled “The Impact of Youth Participation in the Local Government Process: The Sangguniang Kabataan Experience.” The study stated that “the SK’s performance for the past ten years has been generally weak. This is especially true in terms of coming up with legislations, promoting the development of young people, submitting reports and holding consultations with their constituents.”

Among the most highlighted SK controversies was that of Jane Cajes, SK National Federation President, who was charged in April 2010 before the Office of the Ombudsman-

Visayas in Cebu City due to her failure to provide required financial statements. Unaccounted funds reached more than Php 20 million which included monetary support from various government agencies and donations from private entities.

Passage of the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Law The alarming state of Sangguiang Kabataan lead to RA 10632 in 2013 which postponed the October 2013 SK Elections to February 2015. Furthermore, all SK positions during that time had to be vacated until the election of a new set of officers. The supposed fund for SK activities was then ordered to be used for the formation of other youth committees and implementation of local youth development programs.

In January 2015, the House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill that moved the February 2015 SK Elections to October 2016 instead. The bill also proposed changes in the SK’s mechanisms, including a raised age bracket for both candidates and voters, financial autonomy, and an anti-political dynasty provision.

A year later, on January 15, 2016, RA 10742 or the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Law was signed into law. Age bracket for elected officials was raised to 18 to 24 years old, while that of voters was widened to 15 to 30 years old. The reform law also prohibits the election of incumbent officials’ relatives up to the 2nd degree of consanguinity and affinity.

Furthermore, the SK Council will enjoy financial independence wherein the fund allocated for their operations will be deposited to an account in a government bank. A Local Youth Development Council (LYDC) will then be formed to assist SK officials in their planning and implementation of programs.

It will also be mandatory for SK officials to undergo training programs before their assumption of office and to lead the observance of the “Linggo ng Kabataan” every August.

Follow-through needed for the Rebranded Sangguniang Kabataan As much as the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Law appears promising on paper, strict adherence to its new provisions must be observed for the Filipino youth to fully reap its fruits. The SK Council does not exist in a vacuum.

Surrounding it is an even worse political arena which also faces the same controversies that once plagued SK. Genuine participation and involvement will only accrue if we will be able to protect the integrity and efficiency of this rebranded training ground. Future SK officials hold a collective power to unchain and distance itself from the rotten nature of politics in the Philippines. Instead of being influenced by the corruptive mechanisms of the actual government, it is up to us, the youth, to ignite progressive reforms in an even larger scale.

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8

EDITORIAL

November 2015 - April 2016

Hunger Games Everything was like history repeating itself.

Remember the Mendiola Massacre on Jan. 22, 1987, in which 13 farmers were killed and many were wounded; and the Hacienda Luisita Massacre on Nov. 16, 2004, 12 farmers and two children were killed, and hundreds were injured.

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oth incidents were due to the farmers demanding fulfillment of the government’s promises and pushing for their rights and benefits.

As stated by the Kilab Multimedia, the dreadful incident in Kidapawan City started when thousands of farmers from the towns of North Cotabato picketed along the Cotabato-Davao highway in the morning of Mar. 30 to demand the immediate release of rice and calamity funds after suffering around seven months from drought and El Niño.

It was then when the police blocked them from pursuing the protest. After more than a day of rally without the promised actions from the local and provincial government, the farmers firmly insisted to have the food they need. For this, even after the declaration of maximum tolerance before dispersal, the police was moved to release warning shots that resulted to a number of wounded farmers.

Series of ruthless happenings occurred even when the farmers were given assistance and support by concerned citizens, including actor Robin Padilla who bought 200 sacks of rice, the Davaoeños with an order from Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to provide 15,000 sacks of

rice for humanitarian concern, and the Davao Media Group also with rice donations.

Based on the official update documented by the Quick Response Team of the Solidarity Action Group for Indigenous People and Peasants, as of 9:39 PM of Apr. 1, three were proclaimed dead; two females, reported killed but still in the verification process; 116 wounded; 89 missing; and two tortured who are also missing.

The whole incident was nobody’s fault but, particularly, the provincial government, led by Gov. Emmylou TaliñoMendoza, that declared a state of calamity in January. Being under the said condition, the citizens should have benefited from the appropriation of calamity funds based on Sec. 16 of the Republic Act No. 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.

Mendoza should have no reason to deny the mentioned appropriation for it is stated in Sec. 21 that. “Not less than 5% of the estimated revenue from regular sources shall be set aside as the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund to support disaster risk management activities…”

If only the farmers and the rest of the needy people of the province were given proper assistance in the first place, the moment the government declared North Cotabato under a state of calamity, no farmers would have rallied and no riot would have happened. And now, everybody is questioning where the 5% allotment went. The countrymen smell another scent of corruption regarding Mendoza’s control of calamity funds.

If politicians can give something valuable to random constituents during election period, why not now when these helpless farmers, who have already been risking their lives just to provide rice for their fellow citizens, badly need aid? The right and legal responsiveness from the government once again was lost.

Moreover, the manner of dispersal during the protest action was more unlawful than the protesters’ failure to present their rally permit. As stated in an article about a “No Permit, No Rally” policy with a basis from the case of Republic vs. Sandoval, 220 SCRA 124, “whether or not the assembly or rally was effected with permit, then the Philippine National Police may be held

liable for the commission of any human rights violation on account of the unreasonableness of the manner employed to effect the dispersal.”

In terms of the observance of maximum tolerance, the police in the Kidapawan incident already violated certain sections of The Public Assembly Act of 1985, especially Sec. 10 (b) in which the law enforcers are not allowed to carry any kind of firearms and Sec. 13 (e) that prohibits unnecessary firing to disperse the public assembly.

Everything should have been peaceful as mandated by the law. But, the police exceeded their authority which makes it unruly. It is frustrating to realize that what Mendoza told the media about “taking full responsibility” meant nothing to the people but deprivation of security to both group of farmers and of benefactors.

Furthermore, Pres. Noynoy Aquino’s deafening silence continually haunts every Filipino who witnessed the suffering of the farmers and Lumads. It is as if he has been used to his pretended deafness, considering the history. We were left with no choice but to dishonor his regime, being a worthless administration in times of distress.

The rice and food that the farmers begged for should have not cost their lives.

The story was not really about who started the turbulence, but on who were the ones denied of their rights. We hope that nothing like this should happen again in the future.

The farmers demand what they must have. Now, we are asking you to support them.

Stop starving and shooting farmers! Give the food they absolutely deserve, not bullets from the firearms of the cowards. This isn’t a game wherein when you fail first, you die next.

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OPINION

November 2015 - April 2016

9

PAPERS AND PRINCIPLES

F

reedom “refers to an absence of undue restrictions and an opportunity to exercise one’s rights and powers.” To truly acquire freedom, the principle of discipline shall be realized. For if one only considers the “absence of restrictions”, order will not be attained, your life will be messed up, and the society can never be called a civilized community. Freedom is always the pleasure, but a command shall run freedom.

The film speaks greatly of leadership, regardless of what kind of leadership one applies or one receives. In fact, state leadership must and always share the same aforesaid principle the film points out.

Speaking of state leadership, let’s deal with my perception on some hot topics in our national politics.

Instead of comparing it to the Bible, I believe our Philippine Constitution is more related to God’s Ten Commandments. Unlike the Bible, the two mainly have specific directions. The Constitution has a lot of detailed orders, while The Ten Commandments have broader, but direct on approach.

God made the Commandments for the people to avoid mortal sins, while leaders came up with the Constitution for the intention to regulate things and punish criminals. However, the difference is that the former is absolute, while the latter, and also the Bible’s presentation, is undeniably relative.

That is why there is this separation of Church and State based on our law. We can relate religion, but, unfortunately, we can never guarantee it to be a manager of a state, considering our diverse beliefs and the way people understand the differences and connections between the complicated reality and the deep spirituality of God and of mankind. So, in effectively running our country, the Church has unquestionable right to influence, but that does not mean it has to demand a lot. The government must set the rules based on the country’s timely situations, not exactly on the religious historical happenings in the Bible that are kind of dubious if one would literally insist everything for the present. Thus, apart from freedom and discipline, the state shall value reasonableness.

Now, since we have noticed a lot of forms of illegalities these recent years, including the acts of insubordination to the present law, I think there is a need to gradually revise our Constitution, provided that it shall still comply with Philippine democracy, it shall not anymore let people think vaguely, and it shall demand discipline.

Furthermore, here come trending issues that are already in question for years, including the reconsideration of death penalty and the support for divorce.

“Well they’re building a gallows outside my cell and I’ve got 25 minutes to go And the whole town’s waitin’ just to hear me yell, I’ve got 24 minutes to go…”

- “25 Minutes to Go” by Shel Silverstein Based on sources, capital punishment in the Philippines has a varied history. Because of mixed perceptions due to certain circumstances and happenings, including religious aspect, in the past, it was suspended on June 24, 2006—the second time since 1987.

Spiritually, I think death penalty will never be appropriate. However, if this would be our last resort for Filipinos to recognize discipline as it is, as long

as the government will abide by due process, we have to give it a go under the Constitution. Do not think that this would just be a violation to human rights. For, the abuse of human rights is much more of a violation than death penalty.

Have you ever realized what makes our country so different from the others in terms of discipline? If you will agree, I think we are at the bottom. We are more than hypocrites to the ideologies of freedom and of justice. We just pretend that we value human rights, but we don’t even know how to properly use it.

We are so fond of the wait-andblame game. We always instill in our minds the infinite second chances we ever want to take advantage of.

Justly, to have a more productive nation, let discipline trigger conscience. If someone wants to put an end to the life of another without any valid reason, who really is he to do that? But, are we just here to see or tolerate the terrible wrongdoings for an unlimited time without even securing a positive payback for the country? This will really be devastating, but a second chance, may it be through imprisonment, must be enough. There must be no such thing as third or fourth chances for heinous crimes one can commit in this country. That’s a factor for capital punishment to be done.

According to an article containing an insight of former Quezon City Judge Maximiano Asuncion, famous for founding the Guillotine Club in 1995 for judges who handed out death sentences in the past, “if criminals could form syndicates to sow fear among ordinary people, then law-abiding citizens such as judges should be able to put up their own group to scare off criminals.”

Yet, everything is not simple for the revival and execution of death penalty, considering its skewed nature, grounds, investigations, and practical consequences. For example, the poor, the ignorant, and those who cannot afford adequate legal representations mostly suffer incarceration. High profile criminals nowadays have even taken advantage of the loopholes of the law. So, how should we properly carry out death penalty? Well, uncorrupted government performance must be practiced first. “… I done been through so much drama I done turned into the man that I never thought I’d be…

I done took all I can take but you leave me no options…

I can’t deny how much I love you, I done gave up everything

I had to As hard as it is, I’m afraid I gotta say I’m ready to sign them papers, papers, papers…”

- “Papers” (U.Raymond/S.Garrett/X.Dotson/A.Mathis)

by Usher Outside the Holy See, the only country that does not allow divorce is the Philippines due to our religious background that believes that the bonds of matrimony is a sacred union and we are not allowed to separate what God has joined together.

But, seriously, let’s face it, the belief does not conform with reality. Personally, I am for divorce. The idea of it is not really focused on ripping families apart, but for security and emotional purposes for both parties.

In fact, its key concept is just the same with an annulment. Divorce is ending a legally valid marriage, while annulment is treating marriage as if it never existed. I just don’t get the main reason for allowing annulment in the Philippines but not divorce. If our country really values matrimony, why do we allow it to be voided? From that simple thought, though I know there are lawful explanations for it, it’s practically alike. How ironic, isn’t it?

Moreover, for me, marriage is about union of two people in love. If only your reason for staying in marriage is your children and you do not anymore care for your spouse in any way, because of certain reasons including assaults and adultery, or let’s just say you love someone else and you do not see happiness when you get home to your spouse, answer this: what truly is marriage now for your sake? That is another example of hypocrisy, not martyrdom. Yes, it would be hard for your kids, the family, but it would not change the fact that you and your partner have grown apart. So, divorce is one way to end a failing marriage, especially if a couple decides to really break up for good. It is better than being regretful for the rest of your lives. Legal separation shall be for the confused who seek space and autonomy, while annulment and divorce shall be granted for the decided who deserve to be happy with their own decisions, as long as they conform with the grounds for such legal actions.

Death penalty and divorce – though both clash with the religious aspect of us being Filipinos, these are still actions that, if finally and orderly put to paper, can possibly and positively help our country’s situations.

At the moment, let’s just hope for the progress of these issues. I also hope for the lawmakers to consider the said instances and suggestions. I repeat that the only thing that can govern true freedom is the law. No one is above the law. So, once it is written, it shall be done and be followed.

“You take it for granted I guess that’s what it’s for But before you demand it Take a look out your back door.”

- “Freedom” (J.Popper) by Blues Traveler

Justly, to have a more productive nation, let discipline trigger conscience. If someone wants to put an end to the life of another without any valid reason, who really is he to do that?

C-SPOT

CATHERINE BENA T. OLLETE

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Photos from Google Images

“Without law, there is no freedom.” That is basically one of Moses’ striking lines before the very end of the 1956 film “The Ten Commandments.”

Come to think of it, it is a bit absurd, but absolutely true.

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OPINION

November 2015 - April 2016

RECURRING PATTERNS TWEET’S TWEETS

CHARLENE KRIS A. BORBE

Selfishness, Incompetence, Dishonesty, Injustice, Murder, Plunder, Piracy, Impeachment.

We cannot simply deny the fact that some of our senators are charged with cases, our former presidents were impeached and the government is having a hard time earning the public’s trust for corruption and the aforementioned pointers are undeniably still evident in our country.

Photos from Google images

W

hile it is true that some of us are making the wisest decision, yet, those votes don’t usually form a majority to win during elections, resulting for us to elect politicians who do not fit to lead our nation. Although there are still responsible and deserving public servants on pedestal, there is still a huge imbalance for they are outnumbered by their opposites. When we say undeserving politicians, we do not only focus on the corrupt ones but also the incompetent ones to whom we sometimes pray, “Dear Lord, forgive them for they do not know what they’re doing”. The funny thing about these recurring patterns is that we solely blame the country’s downfall and our daily problems to the people on the position. But honestly, everything there is to ponder about started with our own hands. Here are some reasons why we still keep on electing them: We sell our votes. Of course everyone knows this. These undeserving politicians get elected for we switch over our precious-life-changing votes for little amount of money. We do not think of the long run but we think about the easy-money so we would not say “pera na naging bato pa”. Yes, pera na sana if only we casted our votes for the righteous ones that would help us prosper, but no, naging bato pa because we elected the unworthy ones, thus, making us suffer from endless poverty. It is the fact that some of us are severely in need of money and lacks informed judgment, and these opportunity-grabbing politicians would offer us instant money, we choose to flourish for a day and give up our better future.

We think about them, not ourselves. We vote for politicians whom we are affiliated with, for who came from our place for the reason that we expect that candidate will help us the most, will focus all his time, efforts and attention to us the most because he was born and raised in our place without considering that we’re supposed to choose someone who can be a superhero and save the whole nation, not only his province.

We vote for the popular. The lamest reason we could ever draw during voting. We choose famous personalities whether they’re actors who were able to make us twitterpated by their numerous romantic movies; or whether their comedians who once made us smile, forget our problems for awhile and gave us stomach cramps after all the hard laughing; or athletes who we show our support by screaming every time he punches his opponent in the boxing ring; or offspring of famous politicians not sensing the length of their family’s stay in the position or how many dynasties they’ve already chained; or whether she’s a widow of a dictator. We don’t care. Although sometimes, several elected officials, based on their popularity, are also deserving leaders, still it is not impressive to think that we vote because we idolize them. And this practice isn’t impressive either.

We vote for winnability. Instead of going for our own decision, we let ourselves drowned by the polls we see and hear day after day and not being able to afloat and fight for our choice ‘til the end. We easily give up on the most deserving candidate because they have little chance of probability. So it’s not quite a shocker that you’ll learn your bet didn’t win.

We vote for indulgence. We, Filipinos, by nature are “mapagtanaw ng utang na loob”. So, as a form of

gratitude, we make use of our votes as collateral for those politicians who were able to give us scholarships, allowance, sponsored weddings, activities, who attended in our occasions or other important life events, and even those who were able to bail you out of jail. But, don’t you think these services aren’t paralleled to their plans of running for congressional or senatorial seats?

Their job is to create laws and not sponsor things, remember?

We vote with indecisiveness.

When voting, some of us don’t really have any concrete idea who to vote and identify who’s commendable or not. We don’t fancy exerting efforts to research about our candidates so we could know them better, we’ll just make ourselves believe in our own judgment. And when it’s election time, we’ll just make random guesses.

We vote who our relatives wants us to vote. And since we’re indecisive, we’ll just vote whoever our relatives wants us to vote even if we know nothing about them. Even if we don’t like them.

As long as our relatives are happy, we’re happy. Which is wrong. You have your own brain cells to use and think; do not depend on your relatives’ decision for they might be traditional. Think about the future.

We vote for the most flowery words. As we ponder upon who to elect in the office, we consider listening to these candidates’ promises that sometimes, are honestly not very well thought of.

We will listen to their platforms that would be sounding good for us, that would assure us things like if we vote for them, they’ll eradicate government policies that seem like a burden to us such as taxes; by adding plus one “P” to the “4Ps” to make it “5Ps”. Seriously?

Are we letting ourselves get lured by these plans that sound like a joke?

We vote for our trusted politician’s bet. Once our favorite leader or whoever we look up to as “idol” endorses someone, we immediately trust those candidates and would give them our votes without any hesitations because “idol” said so. Some of us also practice religious bloc voting.

Although we know that some of their endorsed politicians are very much deserving to lead the nation, unjustified voted could still happen due to voting without knowing the deeds of these candidates.

We vote the “siga-siga”. We are, sometimes, impressed with candidates who can fearlessly b**ch-slap another candidate right in his face. We are impressed with candidates who can publicly say all the nastiest words ever created there is. We do not think about what will happen if these kind of leaders could properly run the whole nation just because they were able to control and make one city prosperous. We don’t care if they would bring back the traumatic dictatorship or martial

law or abduction or killing or massacre. All we know is that, they’re siga and they can handle it. Although there’s nothing wrong with being “siga” to disciple us.

Yes it establishes a sense of authority, but too much will kill us, right? Literally.

We vote the “may puso”. Of course, every single candidate will say they have puso—both literally and figuratively. Puso in serving, puso in every activity they’ll conduct, puso in their work and puso for every Filipino.

We would vote for them because we think they will feel our sentiments; they will listen to every single grief we throw them; they will have better plans for us. Of course.

Everyone’s done that. We don’t need leaders who’ll only use their “hearts” in serving. Well then if you’ll vote for someone who has puso… ay iboto mo na rin yung may utak.Leaders with “brains” really count too.

We vote the Mr. and Ms. Photogenic. We fancy those candidates who would bother to reach far places for the sake of documentation; for the sake of their own; those who’ll claim that they’ve extended help for the victims of typhoon, victims of landslide, victims of whatever calamity; those who’ll take selfies with you because that is how much they care for you–to have thousand likes on any social media because you were able to take photos with them. A true leader does not need that. Though sometimes yes, they can be spotted and taken pictures while in action of service but it would be nice if they’ll help with sincere intentions and pure humility rather than pose for publicity. We should vote for those who do not use and boast their experiences in travelling to far flung areas just to be called a good leader.

We do not vote. Some of us just get tired listening to these politicians’ promises and redundant platforms that sometimes are not being put to practice. We just develop passivity rather than positivity during elections because we see no light and hope anymore for the government and for the Philippines because we cannot simply kill graft and corruption with the help of these politicians. They’re numerous and powerful yet they cannot simply remove corruption. And that’s just dramatically sad. Resulting for us to keep complaining about the unfit officials, complaining about poverty but it is our fault for we do not practice our right.

Our votes get stolen. This is probably the most frustrating thing ever during elections. We all know that we contemplated our decisions very well, we’ve weighed each and every candidate and were happy to vote for them for we can see hope and chance for our future with their help, and yet, ballots get stolen. Votes get stolen. Sometimes they’re not stolen but the election fraudster didn’t count the votes. Just frustrating.

The aforesaid recurring patterns during elections are problems that we have to do away with and formulate solutions so they won’t be put to practice again. Yes, they may sound insulting or offensive to some of us, but these are the things happening around us. Let us not be blind with the issues even if we’re used to them. Let us not settle for “bahala na”, let us not settle for apathy, but rather let us participate in every movement and fight for common good.

But the truth is, whether we vote or not, we are still part of the election process. Whether we vote or not, the election continues. Whether we vote or not, we still elect.

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When we say undeserving politicians, we do not only focus on the corrupt ones but also the incompetent ones to whom we sometimes pray, “Dear Lord, forgive them for they do not know what they’re doing”.

OPINION

November 2015 - March 2016

11

TINGOG KAN

UNIBERSIDAD O B A L

Hello, mga Beh! Uni na naman kamo, nagbabasa sa pahinang ini. Dikit na oras na naman kitang mairiiristoryahan kan mga naganap sa buhay ta. Kun bored ka sagkod mayong maginibo, ay, Beh, magsapna ka daw, kundi maglaba-laba ka kan mga bado mo! Joke! Syempre, dapat magbasa ka kaini. Madya na ta puonan ta na!

S

a wakas, tapos na an mga exam!!!!! Pero, bago kita mag-move on sa next sem, pag-urulayan ta an satong mga ginibong preparasyon bago magtake nin exams. Kadakol pati kitang orasyon na ginigibo bago mag-exam. Syempre, enot na dyan an magpuyat, magbabad bitis sa planggana na may tubig asin magmatang amay ulit, syempre, para mag-review tai igot-igot ka baga maka-uno. Itong sa tanang buhay mo, duwang beses ka lang sa sarong taon mahapit simbahan, mahagad nin tabang sa mahal na Diyos ta finals na naman. Duwang beses ta si inot, kan first sem na finals tapos ngunyan, second sem na finals. Magbagongbuhay ka na, Beh. Tapos, pag-abot sa classroom ta ma-exam na, si mga kaklase mo, grabe man an effort… mangopya! Uy wow! Dikit na supog man kuta, Beh. Ika itong pinaglamayan si mga antes tapos, sinda, pinaglamayan maggibong kodigo!

Tapos, kun minsan, igwa pang mga kaganapang nag-review kang todo-todo, as in walang tulugan, zombie-mode, tapos, si gabos na ni-review mo, wow, mayo lamang maski saro sa exam!

Masiramon magwala nin beri light. An kakambal man kan arog kayan na kaganapan, itong grabeng igot-igot ka magkopya nin notes, tapos, inaradalan mo ta finals gayod, tapos, pag-abot kan oras, wow, dai ‘ni tinukdo! Magwala ka na lang utro nin beri light. Kan kawasa, dai ka nagsisimba! Marani ka sana man kun may kaipuhan! Hmp! Sa mga panahon mang ini mati-test an saindong friendship. Yes, you read it right, friendship ta bakong knowledge. Ay ta, beh, trust me! The more friends you have, the more answers you’ll get! An kaso, may mga kaklase ka man na todo man kaka-promise saimo na “together we stand, together we fall”, “you jump, I jump” asin “promise, walang iwanan.” Sigeng promise na makopyahan kamo para pareho kamong safe. Sigeng copy saimo, tapos, pag-ika naman macopy, wow, bungog-bungogan, mayong kawang-gawa magpacopy. Hmp! An dapat dyan, sinusumbong sa prof. An saro pa sa mga dapat isumbong itong mga kaklase mong kadakol kodigo!

Mala, kadakol ginibo, dai man nagluwas sa exam. Maraya ka pa!

Igwa man mga moment na “ay-exam-palan-ngunyan” drama.

Si kaklase mo, kunwari, lingaw na may exam ta manghahagad

sana man palang papel, tapos, masubli pang ballpen, tapos kun may notes ka pa daa ta ma-review sya, tapos ika man itong “Permit. Ano, igwa ka nang permit? Gusto mo pa maghagad permit sako? Tatawan taka, Beh!” Igwa man itong mayong gustong magpakopya saimo. Ay, wow! Friendship-over na ni talaga, Beh! Bahala ka na magtsamba kan mga simbag mo!

Bilugan mo na sana si mga letter na yaon sa pangaran mo, o kaya ni crush mo, o kaya mag-FLAMES ka na lang sa test paper mo, total puro ka man lovelife. Kuduton taka dyan! Igwa man mga seatmate mo sa left and right na sigeng copy saimo ning answer. Beast-mode pati mangopya! Mala-fast and furious ta abang bilis! Pag-return nin paper, boom! Zero. Set B palan sya, set A ka palan. Kantaan mo nalang *Karma-karma-karmakarma-cameloooon* (Mga limang ulit, ha?).

May nag-confess samong mga prof na minsan daa ine-estimate na ninda kun nahihirapan kita sa exam, kaya an gibo ninda, kunware ma-CR. Tapos tutuyuhon na ninda yan magpahaloy-haloy na halos magsaod muna sinda sa market bago magbalik sa room para may oras ka nang magcopy sa kaklase mo. ‘Pag ika ngani dai pa naka-copy ning dakol kayan, ‘ta! Pero, awww, that’s what you call “Pag-ibig”.

Sa mga prof na arog kaiyan po, we love you po sagad! Sana may increase na an sweldo nindo. Igwa man mga prof na dai napapagal kakapadangog sato na “If I caught you looking at your seatmate’s paper again, I will tear your paper and I will send you out!” Ay maisog si Sir, para hiniling man lang si date sa papel, akala mo naman, naka 1-50 nang answer. Sorry na po, Sir! Mayo kang increase sa sweldo mo ngunyan!

Pagpatapos na an exam, ika man itong bibilangon si binilugang letter puon 1-100 dawa dai binabasa si question, sisiguraduhon lang gabos may simbag. Iyo, Beh, ta tarama yan tsamba mo push lang yan. Tapos, minsan man, ika itong pressured ta gabos sinda nagtitirindugan na ma-submit na nin papel, tapos, ika, number 68 pa lang! Wow! Daog pa man kan mga kaklase mo an PCOS Machine sa bilis mag-review nin answer! Pero, Bebegurl, ini an tandaan mo, “When you’re the last one to turn in your paper, it doesn’t mean you didn’t understand the exam.” Oh, terey! Hinanapan taka pang quotes sa Google kaiyan, ha?!!?!?!

Aram kaya nindo, an exam, assessment man lang yan kun may nanudan ka sa prof mo o mayo. Dai mo man talaga kaipuhan maggibong kodigo o mag-adal ulit puon sa puon kan discussion. Sa panahon ta kaya ngunyan, dai na uso mag-review nin lectures. Ma-review lang ta may quiz, may graded recitation, may examination.

Makanuson kun arog kaiyan an reason. An gibo ta kaya, dai ina-absorb si lecture during the discussion ta an gigibuhon, matuom ‘pag ma-exam na, tapos, ‘pag nagkatarapos na, na-check-an na si papel, ‘ma na, lingaw na naman kan buhay niya. Na-format na si memory!

Anyway! Saka ta tapos na an finals, maarangkada na naman kita sa Graduation Day! Pag urulayan ta naman an mga ganap sa graduation day. Inot na diyan itong mga kasiributan sa clearance. Kala mo kaya tapos na, dai pa palan, kadakol pa palan munang feels bago ka makasúlot toga. Mabayad ka pa palan katakot-takot na fees, malamag-lamag ka pa sa mga prof para mag-clearance, may completion pa! Ngunyan ta natapos mo na gabos-gabos, naka-barayad ka na and all, na-confirm mo nang kasali ka sa mga mapilang-kalaba-laba, ma-paso, mahalat sa haluyon na program para makua an saimong mahamison na diploma sagkod medal (kun igwa man), oras mo naman mag-practice sa salming kan saimong winning smile para sa year book. Itong ita-try mo na gabos na best angle mo, tapos tatandaan mo na si worst angle mo ta last na talaga yan, Beh, permanent na yan, Beh, bako yan basta-bastang facebook profile, Beh. An masuyaon lang, ‘pag harani na an graduation ta itong pamahiin na dai muna daa kamo maglakwatsa ta lapitin daa kamo kan disgrasya. Maray pa an disgrasya raranihan ka, eh siya? Nirarayuan ka lalo, Beh! Sana, kasabay kan MovingUp Ceremony kan K-12, mag-move-on ka naman saiya. Kuduton taka!

Tapos, ‘pag aldaw na nin Graduation, uso na itong makakapal na make-up (puon aga hanggang banggi na kaya yan, mayo ng retouch-

retouch para pag-abot kan banggi, tamang-tama na lang an make-up mo), uso ang parong hairspray, darakulaon an kulot, unat na unat an buhok (daog pa si grades na kurulot!), itong padarakulan burloloy sa hawak (diyan na lang inaagi ta mayo syang medal, para, at least, may nagkakalay-kalay man sa liog nya) asin uso na magkarigos yay! (si mga kaklase mo kayang garo dai lamang nangangararigos ‘pag ma-klase, aba, fresh na fresh na ang look!)

Tapos, ‘pag inapod na itong last na ma-graduate, ‘pag tapos na tapos na talaga, mapuon na magburolos nin feels. Naghihiribian na! Nagdadraramahan na dawa dai na magkairintindihan, hibi lang! Dawa mapuluton na, magánuton na, hibi lang! Kala mo baga, itong hibi na tatakluban na, sisimentohon na, kun maka-hiribi! ‘Kala mo last, day na! Ano ka, pagka-aga ta mauli ning toga, hirilingan man sana giraray!

An advice ko kaya saimo, Beh, ’wag kang OA! Magiging-awkward lang kamo kaiyan. Pero, dai taka man mabasol kun mapahibi ka ta aram ko kaya an hinihibi mo talaga, poproblemahon mo kaya talaga an paghanap nin trabaho! Welcome to the unemployed world, Bebegurl!

Tapos, igwa man mga ganap na, ata more feels ka pa sa paghibi, nagkukurugusan pa kamo, nagpaparangako pa kamo, nagda-drama pa kamo, nagtatadtad pa kamong picture, uto naman si proud parents mo, gutom na! Kaya, ika man, imbes magpara-feels pa, no choice na ta mauli na! Ano ba yan?! Dai ka lugod nakapa-picture man lamang ki crush. Pati si girlfriend mo, inichapuera mo na. Nilingawan mo na ta sibot-sibot ka na.

Hmp! Pero talaga, mga Beh, sa mga nag-graduate ngunyan na taon, congratulations! Lalo na duman sa mga nag-adal talaga, ginapang ang pag-adal asin dawa duman sa mga para-absent sagkod parakopya na naka-graduate na, kun ika na nagbabasa saro sainda, congrats ulit! Hanap nang trabaho, ha?

Oh, dai ta na pag-ulayan an eleksyon ta boring na, paulit-ulit na lang kami. Basta, vote interlligently na lang ta an saindong lingkod, inarabot na nin aga kakasurat. Enjoy your summer, mga Beh! Salamat sa pagbasa! Labyu! Dios Mabalos!

●

FEAT

12 I remember a grade school me declaring that the TV is mine and mine alone when it’s the airing time of “Detective Conan.” Back in high school I would stay up late just to finish the anime series “Death Note.”

Meanwhile, my college self never gets tired of re-watching previous episodes of “Sherlock Holmes” as I wait for its fourth season to be finally released.

M

BY RUBY JANE L. BANDOLA

y fascination for television shows revolving around detectives who solve the most puzzling cases once made want to be a detective myself.

I envy their skills in deduction – how they can easily connect the dots and see a bigger picture.

I also admire their witty observations – how they look beyond the surface of issues and discover its deepest relevance.

Since the accountancy course that I am currently taking is a mile away from being a forensic analyst, this childhood dream is simply translated into critical analysis of random situations that I encounter. At times they’re just petty matters such as determining if I’m being lied upon, but today in particular, what I have is something grand.

This case involves a renowned national leader whose efforts were futile in trying to address numerous unjustified killings during his term. However, I won’t look through the following information as an expert gifted with supreme intelligence. This special investigation calls for the mindset of a typical Filipino – An ordinary Juan Dela Cruz.

File No. 1: Background Profile of the Accused It was six years ago when the Filipino masses were charmed by the promises of “Tuwid na Daan,” solidifying the win for Liberal Party’s presidential bet Benigno S. Aquino III. Focused on redeeming public trust after the allegations of corruption against the previous administration, he vowed to curb corruption that had long plagued the Philippine Government. Along with such plan is a road map as to how our country will be in par with the international standards for education, health, and economic prosperity.

More than that, Aquino also envisioned the reinforcement of peace and order through the empowerment of our police and military forces. Faced with alarming crime rates and threats in national sovereignty, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) received significantly larger budget appropriations to sustain improved equipment and services.

However, Aquino’s term was adorned with multiple cases that reflected the incompetence of the country’s criminal justice system, peace keeping agencies, and even commanding officers themselves. As he led Filipinos in the journey through his version of “Tuwid na Daan,” evident traces of blood were left along the way.

Exhibit No. 1: Blood Sample of Tourists It hasn’t been long since Aquino was seated as President when a hostage crisis caused a drift between PhilippinesHong Kong relations and sparked multiple criticisms against our police force. On August 23, 2010, a former member of PNP in the name of Rolando Mendoza hijacked a tourist bus with 25 passengers – 20 tourists, a foreign tourist guide, and four Filipinos.

The Quirino Grand Stand Hostage Taking crisis became Mendoza’s avenue to plea for a fair trial regarding his immediate dismissal after being accused of gross

Detect

Investigating Investigating Unjustified De Investigating Unjustified Unjustified De De

misconduct and abuse of authority. His narrative depicts instead of safely retrieving hostages. In fact, Justice Secretary himself as a victim of the Ombudsman’s unsubstantiated Leila De Lima admitted that the police might have accidentally verdict that caused his career as a multi-awarded policeman shot a few of the hostages during their attempt to take over of with a high position to be stripped off from him. the crime scene. Add in Mayor Lim’s absence from the command It was 10:00 A.M. when Mendoza asked for a free ride post to have a meal during a crucial time during negotiations in a tour bus, but was rejected by the driver. He retaliated by and assault was a perfect example of how to mishandle a exposing his handgun and M16 rifle, handcuffing the driver hostage taking crisis. to the steering wheel, and declaring that the bus is officially under his control. He demanded reinstatement to his previous Evidence No. 2: Blood Sample of Policemen position and be given benefits since he was simply framed up.

It had been a constant promise of every Filipino president Negotiations progressed when to establish long lasting peace in Mindanao, Mendoza eventually freed a few tourists and Aquino is no excuse. His roadmap to peace after being reassured that Manila Mayor involved the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Alfredo Lim will try to look into his requests.

Law which he originally claimed to be the However, the tension rose after he was crowning glory and legacy of his administration. agitated by the Ombudsman’s refusal to give However, his own negligence lead to not just the Aquino’s term his position in the PNP back as well as the massive loss of support for such proposition arrival of the Manila Police District (MPD) but also the highest death toll recorded in the was adorned SWAT team. Mendoza threatened that he history of the PNP Special Action Force (SAF) will begin shooting hostages if they do not operations. with multiple leave immediately. Complications further At present, various provinces of Mindanao cases that escalated after the gunman, through the are plagued by terrorists and private armed installed television in the bus, witnessed groups’ activities – both local and foreign. As reflected the his brother being arrested for breaching early as 2014, PNP SAF’s Alan Purisima, Getulio incompetence the area’s exclusion zone without the MPD’s Napeñas and allegedly in cooperation with approval. President Aquino himself stated United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation of the country’s that Gregorio Mendoza was at fault for (FBI) planned “Oplan Exodus” – a move to criminal stirring up his brother’s hatred towards the capture Malaysian terrorists Zulkifli Abdhir and negotiations even more.

Abdul Basit Usman of Jemaah Islamiyah. justice system, The first gun shots from Mendoza were On January 25, 2015 at Tukanalipao, peace keeping heard at approximately 7:21 P.M. which he Mamasapano, SAF was allegedly joined by attributed to his execution of two hostages. the United States Army Special Forces for agencies, At 7:30 P.M., the driver successfully fled the the plan’s implementation. With the purpose bus and began screaming that everyone in of serving arrest warrants, the police squad and even the bus is already dead based on what he raided nipa huts where they believed the highcommanding witnessed before his escape. Mendoza then ranking terrorists were hiding. After engaging proceeded his shooting spree, aiming at his in a gun fight, they successfully killed the man officers hostages’ heads one by one. whom they believed to be Zulkifli Abdhir. They themselves. As What followed were the dire attempts originally wanted to bring his body for proper of the SWAT team to penetrate the bus. identification, but the previous open fire alerted he led Filipinos They first tried to break its glasses with nearby troops of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom in the journey sledgehammers, pulled the door with a Fighters (BIFF) and Moro Islamic Liberation rope which simply snapped, then launched Front (MILF). through his canisters of tear gas inside. As soon as As an alternative, they were forced to version of Mendoza stepped out of the bus, snipers simply cut off a finger and take a photo of who are already in position immediately the corpse. At 6:18 A.M., the SAF battalion’s “Tuwid na executed him with a shot in the head. commander sent a text message to Napeñas The hostage crisis recorded nine deaths reporting that they are pinned down by the Daan,” evident including that of Mendoza’s and 9 non-fatal said armed groups. This bloody misencounter traces of blood injuries. recorded 44 deaths from SAF, 18 from MILF, and It was similar to watching a newbie five from BIFF. were left along player of the computer game According to MILF, they simply acted the way.

“Counter Strike” who simply in self defense and it was SAF who initiated aggravates the situation the fight. Furthermore, they claim that the encounter would not have happened if only the government properly coordinated with their troops. However, counter narratives say that BIFF leader Ameril Umbra Kato ordered to leave no one from the SAF alive and to take all of their firearms, ammunition, and personal belongings.

This incident endangered the then ongoing peace process. For instance,

“

TURE

13

tive Juan

aths Under eaths Under the Aquino Administration eaths Under the the Aquino Aquino Administration Administration Senator Alan Peter Cayetano expressed that his coalition will withdraw all support for BBL. House of Representatives’ Speaker Feliciano Belmonte also said that the lower house’ faith on the bill eroded after the killings.

Three days later, Aquino addressed the Filipinos in a televised speech that called for justice. He asked for the MILF and BIFF’s cooperation and return of the slain policemen’s belongings. He further declared January 30 as a National Day of Mourning in honor of the “Fallen 44.” He also admitted the alleged lack of coordination with MILF during the operations and that he kept Oplan Exodus hidden even from Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas. Further revelations include that Purisima was allowed to control such operation even if he was then suspended from duty.

What agitated the public even more is Aquino’s lack of utmost concern for the said deaths. It can be recalled that the president wasn’t able to attend the burial rites of the proclaimed heroes in order to attend a certain car show.

Evidence No. 3: Blood Sample of Lumads Under his term, Aquino supported a “whole-nationapproach” which mobilizes the government, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations to combat insurgencies within the country. However, targeted individuals included not only rebels and terrorists but also the Lumads who stand against the militarization and industrialization of their ancestral lands.

Standing for “born of the earth” the term Lumad refers to the collection of 17 ethnolinguistic groups of Southern Philippines. Most are known for actively denouncing mining and logging activities within their tribal communities. However, instead of receiving support for the preservation of their lands, they are continuously harassed not just by insurgents but also by the Philippines’ Armed Forces itself.

Under Aquino’s term alone, 68 indigenous people became victims of extrajudicial killings justified under the cloak of Oplan Bayanihan. Perpetuators, as an excuse, claim that the Lumads are providing aid and shelter to rebel groups.

The most recent murders of Lumads include that of Emerito Samarca, Dionel Campos, and Jovillo Sinzo on September 1, 2015. Samarca, the Executive Director of the Lumad School Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development (ALCADEV), had his throat slit from ear to ear and his body shot and stabbed. Campos and Sinzo on the other hand who were both tribal leaders expressing strong opposition to planned mining facilities near their communities were publicly executed.

After such incident, ALCADEV halted its classes to prevent any harm and further harassment of their students and employees. This affected over 3000 Lumad children

who have limited access to quality education.

In addition, thousands of Lumads have left their villages to escape the unjustified killings.

2,700 are staying at the Surigao del Sur Provincial Sports Complex while 700 ate cramped in the United Church of Christ in Davao.

One doesn’t D i f f e r e n t investigations have been need the most deployed by the National Bureau of Investigation advanced (NBI). Massive support knowledge to from different social organizations was extended notice the grave to the Lumads. However, injustices that no concrete measure is taken by the government occurred in the to ensure the safety of past six years. our indigenous brothers and sisters alongside their plan to combat terrorism.

Negotiation talks seem to be a mere façade to create the illusion that genuine attention would be given to Lumads’ needs.

In the same way that the rest of the Filipinos have the right to be safe from insurgencies, Lumads also have the right to be safe from harassment and extrajudicial killings that endanger their communities.

“

Evidence No. 4: Blood Sample of Farmers

One of the biggest ironies in the Philippines is that our farmers who produces food are among the millions of Filipinos who grieve because of hunger. An even bigger irony is that there are times when even if they simply seek for aid – May it be land ownership, subsidies, or reasonable income – what nourishes their crops isn’t irrigated water but rather their own blood.

A human barricade with the strength of 6000 farmers and Lumads was formed on March 30, 2016 and blocked the highway connecting North Cotabato to Davao. Women, children, and even the elderly also went down from their farmlands and villages that has long been dried up due to the El Niño season. A “State of Calamity” was declared over the province on January, but its people had yet been given sufficient help to cope with damages to their livelihood and community.

What the protesters asked for were 15,000 sacks of rice and ample subsidies so they could revamp their destroyed fields. However, the provincial government said they have no adequate monetary funds to provide such.

The farmers and Lumads’ rally went on for two more days. Because of the inconvenience that the human barricade caused to motorists, PNP warned them to voluntarily leave their posts.

Noon of April 1, Governor Lala

Mendoza ordered for their forced dispersal. At first, water cannons were used against the protesters. But when they refused to yield, policemen allegedly opened fired which lead to 3 deaths and 116 injuries.

Governor Mendoza reassured the public that they will take responsibility for the incident. But what happened after was an intensified neglect of the farmers and Lumads’ human rights. Armed police and military personnel surrounded the United Methodist Church where most of the protesters sought safety from the rain of bullets. Supply of electricity and food was cut and even the media weren’t allowed to go near the building. Mendoza even rejected rice donations from concerned personalities, claiming that this is a grave insult to her governance.

In addition to the protesters’ lack of legal permit, deployed policemen claimed that the protesters shot first, that’s why they were forced to open fire. It’s quite intriguing that same excuse was also used to justify the 1987 Mendiola Massacre during Cory Aquino administration and the 2004 Hacienda Luisita Massacre concerning the distribution of farmlands originally owned by the Aquinos. Both bloodbaths occurred after farmers seek their rightful benefits are also linked to the Aquino clan.

Regardless of whether or not the protesters secured a permit to make their rally legal, the violent dispersal launched can never be justified. In fact, policemen deployed to handle protesters are prohibited from bringing lethal weapons with them. Three days of road inconvenience is nothing when compared to three months of hunger.

Further counter narratives stated that the provincial government and its officials were ready to negotiate with the protesters. It’s just that no one showed up in the capitol and the farmers and Lumads opted to continue begging for rice and subsidies in their formed barricade. However, these farmers weren’t begging. They were demanding for what is rightfully theirs. They should never be seen as beggars who are at the mercy of the elite class. Their rights are as equally important as the rest of the Filipino people and should be given utmost priority.

Conclusion What the Filipinos witnessed during the Aquino administration were extremes – the extreme incompetence of authorities during the 2010 Quirino Grand Stand Hostage Crisis and their extreme brutality six years later during the 2016 Kidapawan shootings. There’s also the militarization of police force that endangered not just the policemen themselves during the 2015 Mamasapano Misencounter but also the lives of innocent communities such as that of Lumads’.

With the election season reaching its peak, different candidates are laying down different platforms regarding peace and order as well as crime and punishment. What does the Philippines really need: a government with a heart; a set of iron fists; or a continuation of existing policies?

How can we regain the international community’s trust on our country’s safety? How can we ensure the safety of our sworn and trained protectors? How can they serve and protect all Filipinos regardless of social class or ethnic roots?

In order to prevent the same inequalities from reoccurring, it would be best to use every Juan’s deductive skills and critical thinking as early as today. One doesn’t need the most advanced knowledge to notice the grave injustices that occurred in the past six years.

An average Juan Dela Cruz can realize the urgency of balancing the efficiency of law implementation alongside trusted peacekeeper’s respect for civilians’ human rights.

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14

FEATURE

November 2015 - April 2016

Papangarapin mo pa ba?

“Gusto kong makapagtrabaho sa ibang bansa.” Ilang ulit na ba nating narinig ang mga katagang ito bilang ambisyon ng isang tao? Hindi kailanman nagsinungaling ang datos na bilyon-bilyong pera ang pumapasok sa bansa dahil sa mga Pilipinong nakikipagsapalaran sa iba’t ibang dako ng mundo.

M

NI CRISTIA SHIENA S. AMPARO

araming bahay ang naitatayo. Mas maraming nagkakaroon ng sapat na edukasyon dahil sa perang ipinadadala ng ating mga kababayang nakikipagbuno sa hirap sa ibang bansa. Para sa kanila, hindi mahalaga kung anong klaseng gawain ang mayroon sila, ang mahalaga ay magkaroon sila ng trabaho na dolyar ang kapalit. Ito ang pinakaminimithi na makamit ng marami sa mga Pilipino at ang buhay-OFW ay kakabit na ang marangal na imahe ng tagumpay at progreso.

Subalit, may mga ilang bagay tungkol sa kanilang buhay ang hindi na nila magawang sabihin sa karamihan; ilang bagay na kadalasa’y isang lihim na lamang sa kanilang mga naiwan dito sa atin.

Malungkot ang buhay Malungkot ang buhay lalong-lalo na sa mga bansang hindi mo kabisado ang lenggwahe. Hindi mo magawang magpakatotoo at masabi ang mga gusto mong sabihin dahil limitado lamang ang mga salitang alam mo na maiintindihan nila. Hindi naman palaging nabibigyan ng pagkakataon na makipag-usap sa kapwa Pilipino sapagkat lahat sila ay may kanya-kanyang pinagkakaabalahan.

Ang paglipat sa isang bagong lugar ay nagdudulot ng pakiramdam ng isang sisiw na napasama sa maraming mga itik, malulunod ka sa kinagawian nila, mabibingi ka sa interes nila at susuko ka sa lubos na pagiging iba sa kanila.

At maniwala man ang marami sa atin o hindi, ang maganda at perpektong kasanayan sa wikang ingles ay wala lang ding kwenta, kahit pa ang galing-galing mo na, marararamdaman at mararamdaman mo pa rin ang lamig sa pagkahulog sa isang nagyeyelong tubig kahit balot na balot ka ng tela.

Matagal bago ka masanay.

Nagmumukhang bangko ang isang OFW Sa bawat panahon na nangangailangan ng pera ang pamilya, ang unang taong pumapasok sa isipan ay ang mga kababayan nating OFW, sa paniniwalang madali lang ang kumita ng pera sa ibang bansa.

Iniisip ng karamihan na para kang nanalo sa lotto dahil lang sa katotohanang nagtatrabaho ka sa ibang bansa. Maraming humihingi ng pabor at kung minsan pa ay tatawagan ka para sagutin ang lahat ng gastusin ng pagpapabinyag o ng mga kaarawan, pagpapautang o bagong negosyo, dahil sa kaisipan na lagi kang may salapi, dahil isa kang OFW. At dahil sa katotohanang ito, marami ngayon sa mga OFW ang pinapabayaan na lamang na tumunog nang tumunog ang kanilang mga telepono dahil sa pag-aakalang may hihingi na naman ng pera. Minsan nga ay inaakala nila na nabubuhay at mahal na lamang sila ng kani-kanilang pamilya dahil sa pera.

Pag-ibig nga walang forever, pera pa kaya?

Ang isang OFW ay hindi aamin na ang pera ay nagkakaubusan na.

Hihiram at hihiram sila kung kani-kanino para lamang

makapagpadala. Uubusin nila ang laman ng kanilang mga credit card mabilhan lamang ng mga usong damit at laruan ang kanilang mga anak. Madalas na ang rason nila ay wala nang kwenta ang lahat ng kanilang paghihirap kung hindi lang din magiging masaya ang kanilang mga mahal sa buhay.

Kahit pa lumaki ang kani-kanilang mga anak na nakikilala sila bilang isang pinagkukunan lang ng mga materyal na bagay, hindi yun iindahin ng mga magulang na OFW. Laging isang hakbang mula sa pagkaguho Sa mga manggagawang walang health insurance o proteksyon galing sa gobyerno, ito ay isang malaking usapin para sa kanila. Bawat isa ay may takot na nararamdaman sa posibilidad na mawalan ng kabuhayan o sa pagiging baldado dahil sa isang hindi inaasahang pangyayari at palalalain pa ng katotohanang walang kamaganak na mag-aalaga sa kanila doon.

Titiisin ang lahat ng hirap at sakit, pipiliting makapagtrabaho, hindi magsasayang ng isang araw na walang kita, hindi papayag na mabawasan kahit isang sentimo ang papadalang pera sa kanilang kamag-anak.

Takot ang marami na mapahamak sapagkat hindi lang sila ang mawawalan at masasaktan, alam nila na marami sa kanila ang umaasa sa kanila.

Kung pwede lang Bawat OFW ay narating na halos ang isang punto sa kanilang buhay na nagnais-iwan na lang at sukuan ang lahat at umuwi na lamang sa kani-kanilang pamilya. Minsan, ang lahat ng sakripisyo, paghihirap at kalungkutan ay nababaliwala at nawawalan ng dahilan upang magpatuloy.

Halos lahat ng OFW ay pinaniniwalaan ng bawat pamilya bilang isang tagapagligtas kaya mahirap na isuko ang lahat at biguin ang marami dahil lang sa pagod na siya.

Walang ibang lugar tulad ng tahanan (There’s no place like home) Bawat Pinoy ay nakulong na sa siklo ng trabaho at tulog para makatakas sa simpleng pamumuhay at malaking paghahangad ng pera.

Para sa mga may naiwang anak, walang halaga ng pera ang makakapalit sa nawalang oras, pero ginagawa nila ang lahat ng makakaya nila para mabuhay ang iba.

Marahil kung bibigyan ng pagkakataon ang maraming OFW na magbahagi ng kanilang mga nararanasan, mas maraming Pilipino ang iisipin na hindi isang magandang mithiin ang makapagtrabaho sa ibang dako ng daigdig.

Mainam sigurong maging hudyat ito upang ayusin ang nasirang sistema kaysa maging kontento sa patuloy na dalampasigan ng ibang bansa ang makinabang sa galing ng mga Pilipino.

“Gusto kong makapag-trabaho sa ibang bansa,” ilang ulit na nating narinig ang mga katagang ito bilang ambisyon ng isang tao. Ikaw, papangarapin mo pa ba?

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FEATURE

November 2015 - April 2016

MULTIPLE CHOICE

15

CHOOSE THE BEST PROFESSOR

BY DIOMA FRANCIS N. DURANTE

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n the four corners of the classroom, there are a lot of factors that affect the students’ motivation to excel and do better in class. A professor or a teacher forms part of the most important variables in student’s learning and development. And inside our university, here are the kinds of professors available! Read on, you might know some.

THE SLAMBOOK MATERIAL

THE ULTRA- LAID-BACK

Ever remember the slam books we filled-in and passed to our seatmates during elementary? The die hard “what is your favorite food?”, “what’s your favorite color?”, “what is your favorite song?”. Well, we also have these professors that are very obvious when practicing favoritism. They’re the ones very suitable to answer a slam book with only one question that goes like this, “Who is your favorite student?”

These are the ones always wanting to be your buddy. Insisting that you refer to them by their first name simply because they’re the “not into labels” type. Trust me, they don’t give heavy requirements which make them the ultra-laid-back awardee. You know what they say…”that’s what friends are for”.

THE “I AM A PUBLISHED AUTHOR” These are the proud teachers patronizing their own book and tell you everything about their hardships just for it to be published. They sometimes ask you to buy it so you can relate to their sentiments when they start saying… “I mentioned this in my book…”

THE COMEDIANS Of course! Who would ever forget these guys? Every university has one, at least. They’re the ones who turn a boring classroom into a wild comedy bar. They make the session fun while learning at the same time! No further explanations, they’re just one of the best.

THE WAR VETERANS

THE CONFUSED

THE GIFTED

Obviously they are the exact opposite of the Ultra-Laid-Back. They’ve been here for years and are really not looking forward to be your BFF. They’re the ones who know it all, the only ones who have the right to be correct, who’ve seen it all, heard it all and accept no excuses ever. Well, it varies sometimes if you’re good at making “palusot.”

They’re the ones whom we throw the “Feeling Major” cry. They give requirements that are way too unimaginable to be finished instantaneously. They’re very demanding too, and when I say ‘demanding’, I mean “walang tulugan!!”

And when you’re finally finished with the heavy load they gave you, you’ll receive a smirk on their faces as if your best wasn’t good enough. Aahh, excuse me, Ma’am/ Sir, the last time I checked, this is a minor class. I think you’re confused.

Ever watched Anne Curtis’ and Christine Reyes’ movie, “The Gifted”? Well, this basically talks about two kinds of our professors that may not appear on the lenses of the mirror, mirror on the wall; and may not fit into regular sizes. But these are the mega-brainy ones as if they’re entire body is made out of brains and the ones having stomach for two, but a brain for three.

There we have it folks, although we still have a long list, but we’ll cut it there.

Although it is true that the kinds of teacher you have, perhaps, create a great impact on how you will deal with lessons and exams.

But, we need to understand that, as a student, we need to be flexible and adaptable to the situation we have right now.

I hope you pass your subjects and see you next semester! ●

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NEWS

November 2015 - April 2016

JAZA graces 68th Graduation

BY DIOMA FRANCIS N. DURANTE

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aime Augusto Zobel de Ayala (JAZA) graced the 68th Commencement Exercises at the UNC Sports Palace on March 12.

JAZA is one of the revered business tycoons in the country. Being the chairman and chief executive officer of Ayala Corporation, he shared about the dedicated efforts of their company in the field of Education.

According to him, “At Ayala, we are of the firm belief that providing access to quality education is critical to unlocking the potential of all the rich talent we have in this country, and ensuring sustained and inclusive growth for the Philippines.”

In his speech, he mainly talked about three essential things of leadership: importance of building relationships, importance of vision and commitment, and how leadership can be learned and exercised in a variety of ways.

He ended his message with the line “I hope that, as your lives are transformed by your UNC education, each one of you can be an education evangelist not just in Naga, but throughout the Philippines.”

Orasa is 2016 Class Valedictorian Meanwhile, it was the first time in the history of UNC tertiary graduation to have a class valedictorian, this year bestowed on Francis P. Orasa from the College of Education (CED).

As he delivered his valedictory address, he reminisced some of the good and bad memories he had with his fellow students during their stay in the university and told something on how the graduates should apply the skills they have developed and contribute to the collective welfare of the nation.

“Do everything for you to reach it as long as it makes you and other people happy. Fuel our society’s betterment with our intricate thoughts and imagination. Apply and innovate what we have learned in its optimum level,” he said in front of the graduating students.

The university was able to produce four Summa Cum Laudes, all came from CED, namely: Kirth Harvey B. Cordis, Renz Edlem G. San Andres, Aldrin A. Alcantara, and Orasa.

Also, there were seven Magna Cum Laudes: Yancy F. Abesa (CED), Mabel P. Alden (CED), Danielle Mary Jo. P. Contreras (CED), Karen V. Dimapilis (CED), Marian V.

MOST DISTINGUISHED. Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, chairman and chief executive officer of Ayala Corporation, graces the 68th Commencement Exercises as its guest speaker on March 12 at the UNC Sports Palace. Ayala shares three leadership leassons that shaped him over time. At the end of his speech, Ayala challenges the graduates to be evangelists of education not just in Naga, but also in the Philippines. (Words and Photo by Juvin M. Durante)

Karimpanackal (CED), Sarah M. Augusto (CBA), and Justin Dominic P. Manaog (CBA).

Moreover, the Cum Laude graduates were the following: from CED - Cyrene Pearl B. Arce, Odessa V. Balmes, Noella V. Barro, Gloricel H. Flores, Rochel A. Losares, Maria Lourdes A. Rodriguez, and Marjorie B. Talania; from AS Schemie M. Baylon, Patricia Jayne C. Dabucol, Ma. Mercedes A. Deleña, and Dioma Francis N. Durante; and from EA Julip Cesar A. Vega.

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4 UNCeans top TOSB ‘16

BY JUVIN M DURANTE

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our UNCeans topped the 2016 Search for Ten Outstanding Students of Bicol, namely Joshua Arsenio V. Espiritu, III and Francis P. Orasa from the College of Education (CED) and Mary Joy L. Acobera and Lawrence Felix T. Garcia from the College of Arts and Sciences (AS).

Sponsored by the Ako Bicol Partylist, an awarding ceremony for the top ten awardees and top ten finalists was held on March 4 at the UNC Social Hall.

Before the awarding ceremony proper started, Fr. Danilo Imperial, Vice-President for Academics, Students and External Affairs (VPASEA), emphasized that being an outstanding person means that they stand out, that’s why they are being recognized.

“It’s not only to be able to stand out, but to be able to stand up,” Fr. Imperial emphasized. “Stand up for concerns, issues, principles! As the song puts it, ‘I will be there.’

Please be there to stand up for our society, for our future,” he added.

Present also during the said ceremony was Sen. Richard “Dick” Gordon who served as honorable guest speaker. Gordon highlighted the sense of selflessness in leadership and to get rid of self-interests in service.

After Gordon delivered his speech, each awardee delivered their respective speeches.

Orasa, who ranked 4th, said in his speech, “Awards are only three-minute fame. That is why receiving this (award) is very easy. But, what is more challenging and enduring is for us to know, in its deepest sense, the outmost responsibility of being an outstanding youth and of being a role model to our contemporaries in any corner of the Bicol region.”

Turn to Page 18

Gawad-parangal, pinangunahan ng CBA, CAS, CED NI MATTHEW L. LORESTO

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nanguna sa pagbibigay ng parangal sa mga natatanging mag-aaral ng kolehiyo sa taong 2015-2016 ang atlong departamento ng UNC. Ngayong Marso, isinagawang muli ng College of Business and Accountancy (CBA) ang Magnate Awards, ng College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) ang DHS Awards, at ng College of Education (CED) ang Golden Torch Awards Assembly.

Ika-7 Magnate Awards, isinagawa ng CBA Isinagawa ng CBA ang ikapitong Magnate Awards nitong ikatlo ng Marso sa UNC Social Hall na may paksang gawaing, “Search, Embark, Endure, and Become.”

“Ang Magnate Awards is a ceremony wherin the College of Business and Accountancy recognizes the achievements of students and faculty members sa aspeto ng academic, leadership, service and special awards,” ani Jude Ace Cavite, isa sa mga miyembro ng organizing committee ng 7th Magnate Awards.

“Sa students, nag-focus ito sa academic, leadership and services, and special recognition awards. And, sa faculty, Most Outstanding Faculty Award na based sa evaluation na kina-conduct every end of the semester,” dagdag pa ni Cavite.

Unang binigyang parangal ang mga Dean’s Listers,

sumunod ang mga 4th year CBA students para sa Best Business Research. Ginawaran ng unang gantimpala si Justin Dominic Manaog, 4th year BSBA na may general weighted average na 1.20 na hanggang sa kasalukuyan ay ang pinakamataas na parangal na iginawad sa nasabing pagdiriwang.

Ginawaran din ang mga guro na nanguna sa faculty evaluation: Maria Sharon Reyes, 4.77 na rating; Isagani Valenzuela, 4.63; at Billy Francesco Genterola, 4.61.

Nagbigay din ng pagkilala para sa mga lider-estudyante ng CBA; service awards at special recognition awards naman para sa natatanging mag-aaral na nag-uwi ng karangalan sa departamento.

Nagsilbing panauhing pandangal si Grace Dulce Tordilla, alumna ng CBA. Ika-2 DHS Awards, pinasinayaan ng AS Pinangunahan ng College of Arts and Sciences (AS) noong ikaanim ng Marso sa SM Event Center ang Dolores Hernandez Sison (DHS) Awards.

Ang isinagawang pagpaparangal ay nahati sa mga sumusunod na titulo: Service & Leadership Awards, Academic Awards, Outstanding Students of the Year at Outstanding Organization of the Year.

Unang ginawaran ng parangal ang mga natatanging mag-aaral ng bawat major: Mary Joy Acobera at Ralph

Romeo Araño - Outstanding Political Science Students of the Year; Schemie Baylon - Outstanding Psychology Student of the Year; Princess Shelly Ann Aguiman - Outstanding Math Student of the Year; at Patricia Jane Dabucol - Outstanding Science Student of the Year.

Hinirang bilang Outstanding Organization of the Year ang Association of Political Science Students.

Samantala, binigyan ng pinakamataas na parangal si Lawrence Felix T. Garcia, mag-aaral ng Political Science, bilang Outstanding College of Arts and Sciences Student of the Year.

Nagsilbing panauhing pandangal si Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Nora Elizabeth F. Maniquiz ng nasabing gawad-parangal.

Ang DHS Awards ay sinimulan ni Kenjie X. Jimenea noong nakaraang taon.

Ika-14 Golden Torch Awards Assembly, idinaos ng CED Muling idinaos ng College of Education (CED), sa tulong ng Education College Board (ECB) ang ika-14 na Golden Torch Awards Assembly nitong ikapito ng Marso sa UNC Social Hall.

“It’s a department’s activity, but for the past two years, Education College Board is shouldering certain amounts for Golden Torch Awards, parang sila rin ang nag-ii-sponsor. So,

Ituloy sa Pahina 19

NEWS

November 2015 - April 2016

17

YLAW dominates USG polls ‘16

BY CATHERINE BENA T. OLLETE

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inning the majority of electoral posts, Young Leaders At Work (YLAW) Party dominated the recently held University Student Government (USG) Elections 2016.

Joshua Arsenio V. Espiritu, III of YLAW Party will sit next school year as the USG president after winning the elections held on March 2 at the UNC Sports Palace.

Garnering 1,224 votes, Espiritu took the presidential slot against his opponent, Francisco Paulo P. Panergayo of Bugkos Party who got 1,077 votes.

For the vice presidency, Mary Joy A. Moral (YLAW) won the position with 1,224 votes against Robert Eric A. Ferrer (Bugkos) who earned 1,057 votes.

All college departments, except Nursing, Criminal Justice, Computer Studies, Law, and Graduate Studies, have also elected their respective college boards.

For the Engineering and Architecture: Ellaine R. Basterechia (YLAW), governor; Khyrwin O. Hidalgo (Bugkos), vice governor; Averly Jerryl A. Escoto (Bugkos), Marynielle C. Era (YLAW), and Patrick John C. Reyes (Bugkos), board members; and Camille S. Frago (Bugkos), Tricia Monique P. Durante (YLAW), and Giovanni D. Claveria (YLAW), representatives.

For Business and Accountancy: Darwin M. Yadao (Bugkos), governor; Cedrick V. Romales (Bugkos), vice governor; Justine May B. Clavo, Chelsea B. Peña, and Reynald Coros (won via toss coin against Bugkos’ Divine Cornelio), board members (all from YLAW); and Charlene B. Peña (YLAW) and James Peter D. Pacio (Bugkos), representatives.

For Arts and Sciences: Joycery C. Briozo (YLAW), governor; Kae Linzi G. Bismonte (YLAW), vice governor; Ronnestad D. Baluyot (YLAW), Nathalie Franz B. Ruin (Bugkos), and Ma. Louieza R. Del Valle (Bugkos), board members; and Justine Ivan B. Bayos (YLAW) and Janella F. Teoxon (Bugkos), representatives.

For the College of Education: Cristia Shiena S. Amparo (YLAW), governor; Christine Mae I. Valencia (YLAW), vice governor; Cyrinne B. Rodriguez (YLAW), Robert John S. Carillo (YLAW), and Lanie P. Guevarra (Bugkos), board members; and Baby Suzette V. Guevarra (Bugkos) and Joan I. Redota (YLAW), representatives.

This year’s manual voting process was facilitated by the Student Election Commission (SEC) headed by Kirth Harvey B. Cordis, SEC chairman, and Kenjie E. Jimenea, SEC adviser.

‘The DEMOCRAT’ initiates University Votes 2016 In cooperation with SEC, The DEMOCRAT initiated the first ever University Votes 2016: USG Elections Special Coverage and Program from January to March.

Focusing on the idea of providing the students with firsthand updates and important information regarding the USG Elections through social media, the publication’s board of editors strategized its flow throughout the whole coverage.

To assess if students were aware enough of the USG Elections, the Pre-COC (Certificate of Candidacy) Filing Mock Polls last Jan. 18-22 were conducted wherein students were personally asked to write their top prospects whom they think were capable to run for the USG and College Board

FACE OFF. Bugkos Party’s University Student Government (USG) bets Paulo Panergayo and Eric Ferrer (left) and Young Leaders At Work (YLAW) Party’s USG bets Josh Espiritu, III and MJ Moral (right) face off during the TUNKISIR: The Grand Presidential Debate on March 1 at the UNC Covered Courts, moderated by the Student Election Commission (SEC). Before the debate proper, each college governor from both parties delivered their respective platforms of government in front of the students. (Words and Photo by Juvin M. Durante)

posts cited on the prepared survey forms.

Two Hot Seat interviews were also held. The first one was with Renan Joseph P. Ortua Jr. last Jan. 30 about his term as the USG 2015-2016 president. While, the second was with the official USG and College Board 2016 candidates on Feb. 9 and 15.

Moreover, as part of the program set for the threemonth activity, The DEMOCRAT spearheaded the AGORA: Voters’ Education Program on Effective Student Governance and Leadership on Feb. 18 at the UNC Sports Palace.

Being the first voters’ education program in the University, since time immemorial, the AGORA was prepared for the students to be aware of the essence of student leadership, student participation, & students’ rights in engaging ourselves with the USG, and for the college to avoid another failure of elections.

To give talks, three speakers were invited, namely: Cordis; Noreen Paige Sapalo, Kabataan Para sa Tribung Pilipino (KATRIBU) chairperson; and Marc Lino Abila, College Editors’ Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) president.

This year’s manual voting process was tackled by Cordis in front of around 200 UNC college participants.

“In campus politics, we should vote for candidates who will stand up for people who died. People like Kristel Tejada and like Jessiven. We vote for candidates who will stand up for people like them who realized that education has a price when it shouldn’t have. So, necropolitics is a thing of the past for national elections, but it should never be a thing of campus elections,” Sapalo shared.

BACK TO BASIC. After several years of computerized election process, 2016 USG Elections undergoes the manual process of voting held at the UNC Sports Palace on March 2. Accroding to Kirth Harvey Cordis, the Student Election Commission (SEC) chairman, the programmers from the College of Computer Studies of last year’s election program application were unable to update the program for this year, so they decided to use a manual voting process temporarily. Counting of votes finished at around 3 AM of March 3 (Words and Photos by Juvin M. Durante)

“We should do away with personality politics. Hindi dapat ‘yong mukha, hindi dapat ’yong talent, pagsasayaw at pagkanta kaya ko siya iboboto. Iboboto ko siya kasi meron siyang kayang gawin para sa kanyang constituents, para sa mamamayan,” Abila also pointed out.

The afternoon program was all in partnership with SEC; USG; Federation of Student Organizations, Fraternities, and Sororities; Social Arts Council; UNC Debate Society; Association of Political Science Students; Kabataan Partylist; and CEGP. Furthermore, copies of a special print issue were produced and distributed days before the election proper.

On March 1, full coverage and updates for the DESCUTERE: The Grand Presidential Debate was carried out.

Gubernatorial and USG posts were assigned to deliver their speeches and present their platforms. During the question and answer portions, heated exchanges from each opposing candidates enliven the night at the UNC Covered Courts. Due to time constraint, the highlight of the event, the partnered presidential and vice presidential debate proper, was limited to one round with a motion supporting a parliamentary government to operate in the USG, having YLAW as the affirmative side and Bugkos as the negative.

Lastly, the publication went for the same operation for the USG Election Day on March 2 at the UNC Sports Palace.

Series of Facebook and Twitter posts were also done for the real time coverage from the start of the election proper until the manual counting that ended at past 2 AM on March 3.

Results favored YLAW domination for the top posts.

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NEWS

November 2015 - April 2016

UNC celebrates 68th Foundation Day, commits to further innovation

BY RUBY JANE L. BANDOLA mbodying the theme “Remembering the Past, Shaping the Future,” this year’s University of Nueva Caceres (UNC) Foundation Day Celebration on February 11 to 14, 2016 highlighted both the preserved legacies of the university and the success of its present community.

“It’s time to recall UNC’s previous achievements and how it contributed to the university’s continuous evolution.

Now that we are in partnership with Ayala Education, UNC can better shape the future of its students through innovative and quality learning,” said Dr. Armin A. Fullante, Dean of Student Affairs and Services.

The said occasion was divided into four parts: the Opening Day and Academic Festival; the Arts and Culture Festival; the Alumni Day and Sports Festival; and the Foundation Day itself.

the administration’s plans for the next academic years’ improvement.

Also part of the Opening Day was the Ribbon Cutting for the week-long Open House. Lead by the Marketing Office, trained student tour guides acquainted visitors with the facilities and services of the university. Departments and colleges also prepared their respective exhibits that emphasized their students’ and faculty members’ accomplishments.

Dubbed as the Academic Festival, the celebration’s first day featured different educational seminars. Topics include Social Media Decorum, Gun Safety, and MathCAD. In addition, various competitions were also hosted by academic organizations. These include the 8th Political Mileage, Culinary Skills Competition, Quiz Bowl Team Competition, Pera O Bayong Quiz Challenge, Nursing Quiz Bee, and Programming Challenge.

Opening Day and Academic Festival (Feb. 11) The Grand Opening Parade signaled the start of the celebration as students, employees, and administrative officials marched along the principal streets of Naga City.

Floats of the UNC Alumni Association and that of the Mr. and Ms. University 2016 candidates also participated.

Shortly after was the Opening Program and School Spirit Assembly where President Alfredo I. Ayala expressed his gratitude to the UNC community and laid out few of

Arts and Culture Festival (Feb. 12) The occasion’s second day began with the Color Run hosted by the College of Engineering Architecture’s College Board. Participated in by students and faculty members alike, colored powders streaked the University Oval.

The Arts and Culture Festival provided an avenue for UNCeans to display and exercise their skills and talents involving creativity.

Among the held events is the University Musicale,

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Statement Shirt Printing Competition, Build a Bridge Competition, Laro ng Lahi, Doodling Contest, Kite Design and Flying Competition, Photo Scavenger Hunt, and a Seminar on Bartending.

Also held on February 12 was the Coronation Night of the Mr. and Ms. University 2016. With a 1940s motif, the Pageant took viewers back to the era when UNC was founded.

Featured segments were the Production Number, Uniform Attire Competition, Long Gown and Formal Wear Competition, and the Casual Interview.

The top 3 candidates advanced to the Final Question and Answer Portion where they were judged based on how they responded to the query “In your opinion, what would UNC be like during its 100th Foundation Anniversary 32 years from now?”

Charlton Jan Valencia (Criminal Justice Education) and Celine Salvador (College of Business and Accountancy) are the newly crowned Mr. and Ms. University 2016 title holders.

Hailed as the 1st Runner-ups were Joshua Carl San Agustin (College of Arts and Sciences) and Ancela Abay (College of Computer Studies), while the 2nd Runner-ups were Nicole Eiji Larson Inigo (High School Deparment) and Nizza Pelagio (College of Education).

Sports Festival and Alumni Day (Feb. 13) Featured in the Foundation Day Celebration’s Sports Festival is the Bubbles Run hosted by the pioneer classes of Professional Employment Program (PEP) and the Finals series of the Basketball and Volleyball competition facilitated by the UNC Sports Office.

Furthermore, a whole day Blood Letting activity was conducted at the left side of the Main Library.

A Grand Alumni Homecoming was also participated in by invited members of the UNC Alumni Community. President Ayala introduced them to the recent partnership made and the new programs they have introduced. The guests were also joined by the President in an Alumni Luncheon.

In addition, a Showcase of Talents was also conducted as a part of the said homecoming. Alumni and current students alike prepared a variety of performances.

The evening’s highlight was the Barn Dance and Fireworks Display organized by the University Student Government where UNCean bands also played.

Foundation Day (Feb. 14) The Foundation Day itself began with a Fun Walk participated in by NSTP students.

After which, a Holy Mass was held at the University Chapel.

Other events held on February 14 highlighted the university’s corporate social responsibility. This includes a Feeding Program, a Tree Planting Activity, and an Electoral Forum.

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Four UNCeans...

OF WIT AND OF CHARM. Charlton Jan Valencia (3rd from left), Criminal Justice Education (CJE) student, and Celine Salvador (3rd from right), College of Business and Accountancy (CBA) student, shine the most among other candidates after winning the crowns of Mr. and Ms. University, respectively, on Feb. 12 at the UNC Sports Palace.

The said pageant was part of the Arts Festival on the said date in celebration of the University’s 68th Foundation Anniversary. One of the highlights of the said pageant was the question and answer portion wherein each candidate was asked about certain issues that concern their respective colleges. (Words and Photos by Juvin M. Durante)

Orasa receives JRMSP ‘15 award

BY PRECIOUS KACY D. FARAON

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rancis Orasa, College of Education (CED) student, received the Jose Rizal Model Student of the Philippines (JRMSP) award for 2015.

The search for the Ten Outstanding Jose Rizal Model Student of the Philippines (JRMSP) is a nationwide contest open for the collegiate level organized by the Order of the Knights of Rizal (Chartered under Republic Act 646).

Orasa received his award on Dec. 29, 2015 at the Luneta Park, Manila.

A consistent dean’s lister, Orasa, recently graduated with his BS Education degree, is known for his exemplary both academic performance and active involvement in school and community activities. He was the past vicepresident of the University Student Government, and was the overall president of the Graduating Class. Orasa has also

held the position of past governor of CED. He headed various school and community projects and has also delegated several leadership seminars and workshops. Not only known for his academic excellence and leadership skills, Orasa has also participated in community extension programs in out of school youths of Sua, Camaligan, and Camarines Sur by teaching them skills aimed to help them to have productive jobs. He also received the Golden Torch Award granted by the College of Education in recognition of his active involvement in affairs in and out of the University.

Successfully conducted in over 2 decades and a half, the coveted search aims to recognize students who best represent Rizalian qualities of academic excellence and student leadership in campus and community activities. The finalists were selected group of students from public and private colleges and universities in the Philippines.

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From Page 16

Given the highest award, Espiritu commited to contribute to nation-building regardless of political, economic, and social situations of the country.

“I consider it (award) as a symbolic representation of the community of committed Special Education teachers of our country, the values and principles that I am fighting for, and the servant-leadership that I wish to be virally infectious to everyone of us,” Espiritu added.

According to Dr. Armin A. Fullante, assistant vicepresident for students affairs and services, UNC has been consistently producing winners of various regional and national searches for outstanding students, like TOSB, Jose Rizal Model Students of the Philippines, and Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP).

“We’re extremely honored and proud that this year, we brought back the TOSB laurel to UNC. Our two nominees made it to the top ten with Joshua V. Espiritu getting the highest rank (rank 1) and Francis P. Orasa (rank 4),” Dr. Fullante said.

Dr. Fullante added that UNC, through her office and the Director of Students Affairs (DSA), is preparing for the TOSP 2016.

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NEWS

November 2015 - April 2016

19

UNC-ABBS hits 4-Peat championship

BY NOLI G. AMA

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NC-Association of Bicol Business Students (ABBS) hit their 4th consecutive regional championship during the ABBS Congress 2016 held last Jan. 29-31 at the University of Saint Anthony, Iriga City.

Maria Isabel P. Nayve was hailed as Ms. ABBS, with minor awards: Best in Production Number, Best in Long Gown, Best in Sports Attire, Ms. Photogenic, and Ms. Salon De Buhi; and, Jedd Tricano was chosen as Mr. ABBS 4th runner-up.

Meanwhile, 1st place winners were: Francheska G. Garchitorena, Patricia May G. Garchitorena, Marison Edyth SF. Gomeri, Maria Aileen R. Martirez, Catrina C. Lindaya, Jella A. Condez, Rachel Queenie Jovellano, Brian Joseph B. Sales, Jaris Aquino, Christine Layones, Marinell Rose A. Lopez, Ronald O. Oberos, Michael Bonaga, and Jayson M. Oraca – ABBS Got Talent; Daniel Angelo Miradora – Oration; Kathlline Ondis, Concisa Buenaventura, and Jaeo Fernan T. Villaluz – Business Plan; Oberos – Cake Decoration; Anabel Bernas - Swimming (Female Category); and Bryan Tan - Swimming (Male Category).

Students also grabbed awards for other events: Kate T. Morillo – 2nd place in Salesmanship; Sales – 2nd place in Song Writing Competition; Harvin Ong, Christine Rabano, Jett Cedric D. Fajardo, Jerome Francisco, and Oberos – 3rd place in Poster Making; Linea P. Enriquez, Jackie M. Fabay, and Villaluz – 3rd place in Table Skirting with set up; Mack Joseph Isidro, John Vincent C. Joson, Jerome DV. Francisco, Warren B. Aguila, Francis B. Notorio, Jhomar John V. Seva, and Oraca – 3rd place

Lunduyan ‘15 unites Luzon pubs, decries Lumad, Ampatuan Massacre injustices

BY MARYVIL O. REBANCOS

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iming to develop the journalism and literature skills of the Filipino youth and to raise their social and political awareness, the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) held the Lunduyan 2015: 16th Luzon-wide Student Press Convention last Nov. 5-9, 2015 at the Ateneo de Naga University (AdNU).

The five-day journalism and arts workshop was participated in by hundreds of youth from different parts of Luzon treated to basic, intermediate, and advance journalism skills trainings and workshops, as well as courses on relevant socio-political issues, through simultaneous classroom and forum discussions.

According to the organizaers, “lunduyan” is a Hiligaynon term for sanctuary. Budding writers have their own sanctuaries; their own sacred place where they ponder on things they have to write. They added that It is an avenue for enhancing skills and discovering different ways to hone the craft.

With the theme “A writer’s sanctuary is the people,” Lunduyan aspires to link the personal and political struggles of a campus journalist with the marginalized sector.

in Volleyball.

For years, the UNC – ABBS is continuously showcasing their talents among others, thus exemplifying leadership and competitiveness.

“It was all a product of our hard works and faith, kanya-

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CALL FOR JUSTICE. Members of student-publicatitons in Naga City commemorate the 6th anniversary of Ampatuan Massacre and call for justice for its victims at the Plaza Rizal, Naga City on Nov. 23. Before the said event, a forum on the status of media in the country was held at the UNC Seminar Hall, sponsored by ‘The DEMOCRAT’.

It was participated in by various student-publications, such as ThePILLARS of Ateneo de Naga University (AdNU), The Naga Collegian of Naga College Foundation (NCF), The PERSPECTIVE of UNC College of Engineering and Architecture (EA), and The TORCH of UNC College of Education (CED). (Words and Photos by Juvin M. Durante)

For this, basic masses integration (BMI) was incorporated in the program of Lunduyan for the campus press to have a first-hand experience on the plight of the marginalized sectors in our society.

One of the highlights of the event is the 11th Gawad Emmanuel “Emman” Lacaba, which is an annual Literary Contest of the CEGP-Luzon. It showcased the skills and talents of young artists to boost their capability of promoting Philippine literature through the medium of their publications.

Moreover, the participants also took part in the lighting of candles in front of the four pillars of the ADNU to address the current situation of the Yolanda survivors and the lack of necessary actions from the government to respond to their needs after two years since the super typhoon hit Leyte province. They also cried for the current situation of the Lumads in Mindanao, the lack of justice for the Maguindanao Massacre victims and the extra-judicial killings of journalists in the country.

“Napakalaki po talaga ng potensyal ng mga student publications upang ipatampok ang mga isyung ito”, said Liana Acuzar, CEGP-Luzon Vice President.

Gawad-Parangal, pinangunahan...

Mula Pahina 16

CED and ECB are sponsoring the Golden Torch Awards,” tugon ni Kirth Harvey Cordis, isa sa mga miyembro ng organizing committee ng nasabing seremonya.

“College of Education believes that their students [are] well-rounded both [in] academic and non-academic endeavors. It’s a way [of] recognizing the efforts and achievements that their students have earned for the academic year,” paliwanag ni Cordis ukol sa kahalagahan ng Golden Torch Awards.

May 45 mag-aaral ang binigyang parangal bilang Dean’s Listers para sa unang semester. Samantalang, 51 para sa ikalawang semester.

Ginawaran din ng parangal sina Cordis (Mathematics), Odessa Balmes (Science), at Marjorie Talania (Elementary Education) bilang Outstanding Education Students ng kani-

kanya ang bawat participant ng goals to achieve the first place and so we will,” Morillo, UNC – ABBS president, said.

Being 4-peat champions were also through the support and efforts of their parents and of their advisers, Marianne Edna Gomez and Mon Baturiano.

kanilang major.

Si Renz Edlem San Andres ay hinirang na Outstanding Education Student. Habang si Cordis, bilang Most Outstanding Education Student.

Iba pang mga gantimpala tulad ng leadership awards, special service awards, public service awards at special recognition awards ang ipinagkaloob sa mga natatanging estudyante.

“The College of Education really intends the Golden Torch Awards for the students; no more inspirational talks [from the guest speakers] because the awards [themselves] will speak [already] as an inspirational message [for them],” bilang paglilinaw ni Cordis.

Si Olivia Marfil ang nagsilbing overall chairperson ng Golden Torch Awards ngayong taon.

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PH Media Forum, idinaos NI DEBBIE C. DELATADO

B

ilang paggunita sa ika-6 na anibersaryo ng madugong Ampatuan Massacre, inorganisa ng The DEMOCRAT, katuwang ang ilang pamahayagang pangkampus ng mga pamantasan sa Naga City, ang Philippine Media Forum noong ika-23 ng Nobyembre 2015 sa Instructional Media Center, UNC. Ang media forum ay dinaluhan ng kinatawan ng mga publikasyon ng ThePILLARS ng Ateneo de Naga University (AdNU), The Naga Collegian ng Naga College Foundation (NCF), The TORCH ng UNC College of Education, The PERSPECTIVE ng UNC College of Engineering and Architecture at Literati ng UNC College of Arts and Sciences.

Ang programa ay tumalakay sa mabagal na usad ng imbestigasyon at kawalan pa rin ng hustisya sa kamatayan ng mga mamamahayag noong Nobyembre 2010 sa ilalim pa ng administrasyong Arroyo. Napag-usapan din ang tungkol sa mahalagang papel ng Alternative media sa pagmumulat sa kabataan ukol sa mga isyung panlipunan, wire tapping at red-tagging laban sa mga mamamahayag at extra judicial killings sa mga mamamayang miyembro ng people at mass organizations na nagsusulong ng mga adhikain tungo sa pambansang demokrasya..

Matapos ang programa sa IMC ay nagtungo ang mga mamamahayag-estudyante sa Plaza Rizal para sa isang maikling programa kung saan nagbigay ng mensahe sina Althea Abergos, Punong Patnugot ng ThePILLARS, Magello Rainer Fenis, Kabataan Partylist (KPL) Bicol Provincial coordinator, at John Arvin Reola, dating College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) Bicol chairperson. Nagsagawa din ng candle lighting ceremony kasama ang ilang estudyante sa High School na nahikayat lumahok sa gawain sa plaza.

Bago ang forum, una nang naging kampanya ng mga pamahayagang pangkampus ang pagsusuot ng itim na laso at paglalabas ng official media statements at videos sa Social Networking sites bilang bahagi ng pakikiramay sa mga pinaslang na mamamahayag ng Alternative at Mainstream Media sa Maguindanao.

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20

FEATURES

Jaime Augusto...

From Page 4

This commitment to making things happen is something that one of UNC’s most dynamic alumni is well known for. In her speech to the graduating class of the Ateneo de Manila School of Government last year, Congresswoman Leni Robredo underscored the importance of collaboration and finding ways to work together. She said, “Let’s not be content with just planning. Let us start doing. Collaborate. Discuss.

Find ways to work together. There is no time to lose.

The country needs every bright mind. Imagine how much our nation will change if all of your bright ideas can be honed and turned into real solutions for our people’s suffering. You are in this place at this time for a purpose. Find it and make it happen.”

We also do not have to go far to see vision and commitment in leadership. UNC was born out of the vision of its founder, Dr. Jaime Hernandez, of establishing “an educational institution which will provide an opportunity for higher learning at relatively cheaper cost and with a quality equal if not better than those in Manila.” And we are all here today because he persisted in making his vision a reality.

The third and final point I want to make is how leadership can be learned and exercised in a variety of ways. When leadership is viewed as a nonlearnable set of character traits or as equivalent to a much-admired position, we tend to fall for the misconception that leadership is not for everyone. I believe that it is far healthier and more productive for us to start with the assumption that leadership can be learned and it is possible for everyone to lead.

Leadership, in my view, can be exercised in school, the church, or the community, in the same way that it can be displayed in the exalted halls of government and corporations.

I believe that dynamic societies are those where individuals bring out the best in others, whether they be in the public or private sector, on the front lines or the senior positions, or are employees or volunteers.

This is just as applicable to students. Earlier today, I met with past and present UNC delegates to the Ayala Young Leaders Congress or AYLC. Every year, the AYLC gathers outstanding student leaders from all over the country. The congress is designed to build the delegates’ confidence and hone their leadership skills, to nurture commitment to integrity and principled leadership, to foster nationalism and idealism, and to encourage faithful stewardship of their communities and the country’s future. I was impressed to know that UNC consistently sends delegates to our Ayala Young Leaders program. One of the notable AYLC delegates from UNC I met today was JP Amata Taday, who was awarded the Jesse M. Robredo Youth Award last year for his community development project called, “A Thousand Paper Bags Campaign.” JP inspired servant leadership in his community by training students to recycle magazines into paper bags and then distributing them to vendors in the local market and in the process, helped in reducing the consumption of non-biodegradable plastic bags in the city. I was told that he is currently in medical school but still doing volunteer work in far flung barrios. This is a good example that leadership can be exercised beyond the boardroom, battlefield or government offices.

Leaders should also never stop learning.

Always keep yourselves open to acquiring new skills, specifically globally competitive skills. The World Economic Forum predicts that the pace of change in the employment landscape is set to accelerate.

They expect that in many industries, the most indemand occupations or specialties did not exist 10 or even five years ago and that 65% of children entering primary school today will ultimately end up working in completely new job types that do not exist yet. Continuous reskilling and upskilling is therefore critical. Take advantage of the available resources around you. Remember that you are fortunate to be living in a generation where information is ubiquitous and access to learning is at your fingertips.

In conclusion, I’d like to summarize the 3 leadership principles that have shaped my leadership style in many ways: – firstly, it is important to build relationships. Second, it is critical to have both vision and commitment. And third, we should always remember that leadership can be learned and exercised in many different ways. Hopefully, these three thoughts will come in handy for you as you move towards the path that you decide to pursue.

Today is about celebrating your success, but tomorrow is the beginning of the next chapter of your lifelong learning journey. Build relationships, commit to achieving your vision and keep on nurturing your leadership skills. I hope that, as your lives are transformed by your UNC education, each one of you can be an education evangelist not just in Naga, but throughout the Philippines.

Once again, congratulations to all of you and my best wishes to your next adventure.

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November 2015 - April 2016

4Ps: A Clearer View

Poverty is one of the worst diseases our country has and the possible cure is good governance. We, Filipinos, who struggle with poverty know how expensive it is to be poor.

BY CHARLENE KRIS A. BORBE, JESSA V. TEJANO, AND MATTHEW L. LORESTO

S

ocial assistance, in the form of financial aid, is the primary objective of the program to provide short-term poverty alleviation for families to secure their immediate needs. Shortterm poverty alleviation, by no means, should equate to “oneday shopping spree.” Besides, immediate household needs were further specified by the DSWD as health and educational needs of children.

According to the DSWD’s official website, “Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program” is a human development program of the national government that invests in the health and education of poor households, particularly of children aged 0-14 years old.” Aquino administration’s centerpiece, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), using the conditional cash transfer mechanism, serves as the cornerstone of the strategy to fight poverty.

Simply, the 4Ps aims to (1) Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger; (2) Achieve Universal Primary Education; (3) Promote gender equality and empower women; (4) Reduce child mortality; and (5) Improve maternal health and to promote Department’s commitment to United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of Children.

As it is, nonetheless, a human development program, the 4Ps also aims at providing social assistance by means of providing cash assistance to the poor to alleviate their needs. It also aims to provide social development. By securing health and educational needs of children, the State, through the DSWD, hopes to “break intergenerational poverty cycle” in the long run. That is where long-term poverty alleviation comes into play.

The implementation of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program is in pursuant to the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) that aims to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, achieve universal primary education, reduce child mortality, improve maternal health and promote gender equality and empower women.

Perhaps it’s high time for the State to make the most of population growth by banking on human capital. The Philippines, as a third world country, would be better off treating its people as assets worth the investment, rather than liabilities. After all, human resources building up the workforce make up an essential part of national economic resources. 4Ps seems to extend assistance to huge families.

Since the program grants PhP300 monthly cash per child plus Php500 household health and nutrition allocation, higher number of children would be equivalent to higher amount of household financial aid.

For education allocation, every household also receives a total of P3,000 per year or P300 per month for each child that would continuously be given for 10 months a year to a maximum of 3 children per household. A household with three qualified children receives a subsidy of P1,400/month during the school months or P15,000 for the whole year for as long as they comply with the conditions set by the program. The amount of grants that they would be receiving depends upon their compliance to the conditions.

However, the 4Ps does not encourage further child birth as the program shall only last for a period of five years. The 4Ps does not merely provide financial assistance, but particularly secure poor families with conditional cash assistance. Cash allocation shall only be disbursed once conditions for children’s health, educational, and personal wellbeing have been met.

To promote children’s health, the program requires parents to secure their children aged 0 to 5 years old with “regular preventive check-ups and vaccines,” while children aged 6 to 14 years old with deworming pills two times a year.

Promotion of children’s heath also extends to the unborn. No wonder, it requires pregnant mothers to obtain pre- and post-natal health intervention, and seek for the service of trained health professional upon child birth.

To promote children’s education, the program obliges parents to send their children to school, whether 3 to 5 years old (day care or pre-school) or 6 to 14 years old (elementary and high school) to get an education.

Either way, kids should be able to achieve at least 85% school attendance.

Back in July 2010, the United Nations posed a challenge to the Aquino administration to avert the glaring drop-out rate and poverty rate in the Philippines by 2015 in accordance with the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) plan. In effect, the government heeded to the challenge through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.

Although it’s not meant to last forever, there’s no doubt that the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program has helped out many Filipino households. It’s good to see healthy kids in school rather than finding them working at a very young age out of school. Who knows, there might be another—and even much better— version of the 4Ps in the future.

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Sources: http://www.gov.ph/programs/conditional-cash-transfer/ http://www.fo4b.dswd.gov.ph/index.php/programs-andservices/foreign-assisted-projects/4ps http://www.car.dswd.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_ content&view=article&id=316&Itemid= 97&limitstart=5 https://polsc14.wordpress. com/papers/conditional-cash-transferprogram-in-the-philippines-pantawidpamilyang-pilipino/

OPINION

November 2015 - April 2016

21

COLLATED BY MA. HAZEL I. AGAPITO

COLLATED BY JORELYN C. MARASIGAN

Before the academic year 2015-2016 came to its end, a consultation among the stakeholders of the University regarding the increase of the tuition and other fees was held. As agreed upon the consultation, an increase of 10% may be implemented for the next school year. However, the proposed increase is still subject to the approval of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Now, as a student of a university that offers ‘quality yet affordable’ education, what is your opinion on this issue? Do you agree with the 10% tuition fee increase?

“No, some students are not yet paid for their remaining balance, much more of the university will increase the tuition fee.”

- Mark A., CED “No, becuase it will be hard on the part of the parents.”

- Mary Liza T. Cabug, 3rd yr. CED “No, it will be a burden to students who are [just] capable of studying in the University through assistances or ‘yong ginagapang lang ng magulang ang pagpapaaral.”

- Avila, 2nd yr. EA “No, because, as a scholar of this university, it is hard for us to find resources for us to continue our studies. I know that the increase is favorable since it would still benefit the students plus the fact that we have anew administration, but this increase would definitely affect the scholars in this university. No for tuition fee increase!”

- 15-00050, 1st yr. CBA “No, kasi dagdag burden na naman siya sa mga magulang natin and, sabi nga nila, the university offers a quality education with a cheaper price. ‘Pag tumaas kasi ang tuition, lalo pa’t 10% pa ang itataas, baka ‘di na siya kayaning abutin ng iba.”

- 09-37900, 3rd yr. CBA “No, because all parents of the students of UNC will be affected with this 10% tuition fee increase. They work hard to pay for the tuition fee every sem, then now, they will notice “bigla” that [we] will have tuition fee increase. FOR WHAT???”

- Anonymous, 2nd yr. CBA “In my case, since we have some difficulties in finding money, no. But, if it is for the development of the schools facilties, etc., maybe, I will agree.”

- Judy Ann Cepe, 3rd yr. AS “No. Current tuition fee nga, hirap nang bayaran. Pa’no pa kung taasan pa?”

- Wilbert G. Bendijo, 3rd yr. AS “I do not agree because, nowadays, many students have stopped their studying

10 10 10

becuase of the high tuition. If they increase it, then, I think, many students have [to] stop or they are going to other schools which is affordable for their budget.”

- Ronald H. Froyalde, NUR “NO! ISA ITO (affordable fees) SA MGA RASON KUNG BAKIT MARAMING NAG-AARAL DITO SA UNC.” - Anonymous, CED “Yes, because increasing the tuition fee may improve the facilities in the university, and the salary of the professors may increase and they can teach in a proper way because increasing their salaries motivates them in teaching.”

- Celine Mae Palo, 1st yr. CBA “Yes! Because it is for the students to cater “the innovation” that our schools wants to implement.”

- Casandra B. Tanting, 3rd yr. CBA “Yes, because I believe that this is part of Ayala Education’s way of improving the quality of education in UNC. Tayo lang din naman ang magbe-benefit dito and, also, the professors. Pero, syempre, this may cause financial problems to some students.”

- MJ Moral, 3rd yr. CBA “Yes, as long as it will yield better quality education, improved and functional facilities, i.e. speech lab, clasrooms that are conducive for learning, library where books are not being restricted for the use of the students to 1 day only and professors that will perform their jobs to the best way they can.”

- Anonymous, 2nd yr. AS “Yes. Perhaps, it [is] just the right time to increase the tuition fees, so that salaries of the employees would increase.”

- Mark F. Lillo, 4th yr. CED “I will agree only if this increase is for the benefit of the students not for the administration, but if there is any way to avoid this increase not affecting its good purpose/use/benefits, I will not agree with the 10% tuition fee increase.”

- 13-00848, CBA

20 20 20

30 30 30 s sur ponded to thi 40 UNCeans res

40

Funny to think that the one who inspired you is also the one who’ll scar you at the end of the day. Life is really a paradox, sometimes.

Chrstine, CED

Ta’no daw ang ibang mga professor, pa“waiting in vain” ang peg? Malaog, thirty minutes na ang nakalipas. Tsk, tsk, tsk. Oh espiritu ng kasipagan at ni early bird, sapian mo si Maam,pls!

Roica, CBA

Buti pa ang jeep, inaabangan. Ang I.D., ‘di kinakalimutan. Ang deadline, hinahabol. Ba’t ako, hindi?

Your Funny Juan, CJE

I’m standing in front of a mirror, not quite sure who’s the person in my reflection. I’m confused, no, I’m lost. I’m battling with my inner self but nobody cares. I’m an Icarus afraid to fly. Too afraid to show her true colors.

I’m so tired living in this lonely world. I want to break this chain. I want to end these selfdoubts and fears. When will my reflection show who I am inside?

Sheeri, AS

Para sa mga pa-fall, pa-false hope, para sa mga the one who got away, take your time.

Balang araw, matitikman niyo rin ang batas ng isang api!

Black Widow, EA

Ngonian ta eleksyon na naman, nakakabistado na si padi pero dati dae. Si manay mo, pati shishake-hands ngonian pero dati matarayon yan. Anyway highway, sana kung ano man ang maging resulta kang USG Election ngonian, magtarabangan asin maging better ang student governance para kitang mga UNCeans, mas maging empowered and happy lang

Jay, CBA

Akala ko, may no-smoking policy kita digdi sa school? Bakit may mga nagsi-smoke sa loob, tulad sa may bench (in front of chapel) and sa may tapat ng ME Lab? Hay naku.

John, EA

Ok lang kahit wala akong pag-ibig ngayong Pebrero, basta sa Marso, meron akong Diplomang maibibigay sa nanay ko.

J. Julian, CED

40 40 vey

Asking for my name? Well, I’m…I’m better off without you.

Kaniguan (Uncean version)

SPORTS

22

November 2015 - April 2016

BEYOND HOW THEY MAD On and Off the Court Accounts from Regional PRISAA Collegiate Games 2016

It has always been a story of gold and silvers and of ranks and numbers. We have known them by the greyhound spirit that they automatically amplify on the court and in the field. Little have we known about their struggle before they set foot on the center circle for the tip-off or hit the third ball from the back row.

N

BY DEBBIE C. DELATADO o rookie has ever become a veteran without the hard work and commitment to his sports. Even before the Regional PRISAA commenced in February 19, the UNC varsity members have been devoting half of their time from Academics and the Foundation Days in rigid practice. In early weekday mornings, the Basketball and Sepak Takraw team would then occupy the Covered Courts when there were no events and the Table Tennis and Volleyball players would carry on with their practice at the Sports palace.

At one corner of the gym, the Taekwondo team would also be there to master their turning and head kicks.

What Lies Behind the Battle Ground Supposedly, there would be a parade to be conducted before the Regional PRISAA Proper begins.

It has been a tradition for years that all the delegates from the other five provinces would march along the main streets of the host province to signal the kick off. Unfortunately, due to the conflict with the billeting quarters, the Opening Activity was not realized.

Team UNC and Cam Sur stayed in Arimbay High School, Legazpi City. They could have had an ample time for a good rest if the schedule was obeyed. Not to mention the shortcomings of the host province, the time pressure just added to the winning drive of the athletes.

Unlike Academic contests which are commonly billeted in hotels, the varsity players have to resist the heat in classrooms where they are uncertain of proper

ventilation. In Arimbay High School, since there were only five classrooms available for all the delegates, the athletes have to divide the space into about four or five corners, setting up wooden armchairs as partitions.

In the administration building of the barangay high school, the room in the ground floor was shared by teams from Table Tennis, Taekwondo and Chess, both Men and Women. The one in the second floor was occupied by the Volleyball Women and a classroom next to the vegetable garden of High School students served as shelter for the basketball players. The other teams from Mariners Polytechnic Colleges (MPC) Naga and University of Northeastern Philippines (UNEP) occupied the other classrooms nearby.

The athletes were used to stay in quarters like this, of course, but the thrill of waking up before dawn and taking a bath with just three restrooms available for all the delegates were good shots to set adrenaline rush in the events. With the athletes taking it on the positive side--- sharing spaces, conserving water and managing limited resources manifested the sportsmanship not just depicted on the advantage court or the midfield.

For an instance, few only know how difficult it is for a Taekwondo player to adjust to his Weight Category.

During the first day, there was one Taekwondo delegate from CamSur who went jogging around the facade of the Arimbay High School. He was running at his best to lose weight to qualify for his division. This same instance also happened to one of the female players from UNC. She has to skip her breakfast and go for a few kilometer-run to bring back her weight, days before the competition.

Such circumstance might often be off an athlete's control, but what this signified was the extreme sacrifice in exercise and diet.

Discipline, as evident in their proper mindset and physical condition, showcased the achievements that the greyhounds had brought home last February 21st.

CS Basketball slams B2B Championship The basketball games were set in DPWH Covered Courts, few walks away from the Legazpi Airport. The teams played via Round Robin, allowing all delegates to compete with one another and gaining the most number of wins. Team CamSur made it to their first game against Camarines Norte, dominating the second to fourth quarters, 47-35, 65-42, 94-70 and tossed a slate at end of the match. They succeeded all the way to the championship game against Albay, with 14-pt. lead, 8369. They were declared as back-to-back champion for this year.

CS Basketball team won this year despite the loopholes with the set up in the court. During the first games of Day 1, teams were complaining about the lack of Electronic Shot Clock and Scoreboard which must show the transparency of the running scores, number of team fouls and the 24-second ball possession of the offensive team. There were doubts among the players and audience so the coaches had to check the scores every end of the quarter. Nevertheless, the system was resolved in the remaining games.

Lady Greyhounds clutch tourney over Albay, 3-1 Set 1 marked a good start for Team CamSur as they scored hand-in-hand against Albay. With Julie Ann Salva creating good receptions and Glydel Galpo flipping the scorecards, UNC posted the scores to 14-13 and 19-18, consistently ahead at one point, halfway. The set ended to 25-22, CS gaining the advantage. At second set, Salva

SPORTS

November 2015 - April 2016

23

Photos by the Instructional Media Center

ADE IT fired two good spikes, taking the lead to 7 points, 12-5. Mary Ann Naag also grounded a third ball, setting it to 147, preceded by a powerful block by Ivy Praferosa and Nikka Verin, maintaining the momentum at 19-12. Set 2 favored CS again, 25-19.

Another block from Galpo and Verin posted 10-7 in Set 3. As Albay struggled in floor defense, Naag dipped the ball in against 3 defenders behind the net, on the lead at 18-8, 20-16.

The game intensified as the scores posted to 22 all, Albay conquering the third set via consecutive spikes and a service ace, 2-1. In the final set, Verin again poised for a block and landed a deceptive toss, scoring again with Naag, 11-8, 17-11, on the Red side. The fourth went on a 10-pt. lead for UNC, 21-11. CS sealed the deal bound for Koronadal City, 25-16.

“

It has always been a story of gold and silvers and of ranks and numbers.

And beyond every win-loss record is a story of how you made it with a heart that never gives up.

Roll Spikes and Forehand Flicks for the Win Sepak Takraw's last game with CamNorte dished out roll spikes by John Billy Alacar paired with excellent receptions by Don of MPC Naga and good sets and ball control of Joenaz Antonio, scoring 8-7 and 11-8, midway. The team geared up with leg defense, blocking the spikes of the opponent team’s striker and avoiding service errors in the last two sets, eventually, winning the championship game against CamNorte.

On the other hand, service aces and forehand flicks smashed by duo Jhamie Rose Cambosa and Jane Margarette Bolo sealed the match for Table Tennis Women Doubles dominating the three consecutive sets, 11-6, 11-5, 11-6. With Shaina Mae Contante’s domination of the first game in Singles, Table Tennis Women advanced to the national as they defeated Team Albay.

Meanwhile, Table Tennis Men landed First RunnerUp, after Albay, as Jerwin Sinfuego clasped the first game in Singles, followed by Lean Roncesvalles and Jeffrey Sinfuego in Doubles and Magello Rainer Fenis in Singles, both fell short for the title, 2-1, favored the Green side.

The last two matches, however, dished up suspense as the most sets were taken over by couples of deuce.

Swimming Team catches and pulls Individual Categories Bryan Yot Tan V, a gold medalist in Regional PRISAA, ranked 5th in the national level for the Butterfly Category.

In the region, he garnered gold medals in 200m, 100m and 50m Backstroke and 100m and 50m Butterfly. Bryan Yot Tan VI gained Gold in 100m and 50m Freestyle and Silver in 100m and 50m Butterfly. John Darius Baduria had Gold 200m Freestyle and Individual Medley and

Villasenor.

Silver in 400m I.M. For Roldan Cardino, Gold in 400m I.M and 200m Butterfly; Mark Lester Doblado, Gold in 1500m Freestyle and Silver in 400m, same category; Jeremy Quintela, Gold in 200m and Silver in 100 and 50m, all in Backstroke; Alfred Duenas, Silver in 200m Freestyle and 200m I.M; Ephraim Magistrado, Silver in 200m Butterfly and 1500m and 100m Freestyle; Philip Quintela, Silver in 200m, 100m and 50m Backstroke; and Vince Paolo Perez, Silver in 50m Freestyle.

Taekwondo, Chess and Tennis land Team Champs The gold reapers in individual weight categories for Taekwondo were Mia Jhenn Pauline Parra, Alyssa Mae Mendoza, Leslie Mae Ellen, Renjay Moran and Von Byron Gomez. The women won as team champion.

For chess, Jaymar Fria, Jaymark Mirasol, Karle Bandavia, Eloisa Azon, Abegail Pajarillo, Aira Olleta, Novie Dio and Oyen Ollos also garnered gold medals.

Next in line was the unopposed Tennis Men with team members John Philip Sergio, Jonathan Imperial, Shawn Michael Villamer, Lucky Joshua San Jose and Daniel

The Piece Says It All Captivating the crowd with their vibrato and exchange of romantic glances while singing “Ako’t Ikaw”

by Gary Valenciano, Angelica Joyce Matos and Sandy

Bernacer proved the power of the OPM piece as they were hailed as the First Placer for Vocal Duet Competition.

“Ako’t Ikaw” set the conviction that ‘You and I’ would pave the way to South Cotabato for National PRISAA games.

Thus, leaving behind the contenders of Sorsogon and Albay, as 1st and 2nd Runners-Up, respectively.

Angelica Joyce Matos also won as 1st Runner-Up in Vocal Solo, with her piece, “Pangarap Ko Ang Ibigin Ka” by Regine Velasquez, preceding Sorsogon contender as the Champion and Camarines Norte as Second Runner-Up. We have known them by the greyhound spirit that they automatically amplify on the court and in the field.

Little have we known about the people behind their struggle before they hit the touch pad or grip the racket handle.

According to Coach Elias Solis of the Lady Greyhounds, this year has been his 26th year of training for Volleyball team in the Regional PRISAA and the best gift that every coach like him could ever get is the feeling of watching his players improve and do their best in every game. To Coach Macario Gontang, what matters most for him is how his kids play well in their event and how they learned from it.

What Lies Ahead the Battle Ground No rookie has ever become a veteran without the hard work and commitment to his sport. Training is essential but dedication works best in any sports. The greyhound spirit that our athletes automatically amplify on the battle ground has been tried again in Koronadal City, South Cotabato in April.

It has always been a story of gold and silvers and of ranks and numbers. And beyond every win-loss record is a story of how you made it with a heart that never gives up.

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