MC tabloid vol 44 issue3 by The Mountain Collegian

The Official Student Publication of Benguet State University, LA TRINIDAD 2601, BENGUET VOLUME 44, ISSUE 3

January- april 2016

university unity run. Athletes of various colleges, institutes, and campuses of the University run in unity during the torch lighting ceremony in the opening program of the Benguet State University Intramurals 2016. The said activity is President Calora’s first appearance to the BSU studentry.

Photographed by Daniel Maches

Board appoints Calora as BSU Prexy Daniel Maches, Rose Dagupen, & Ronaline Canute

BSU adopts K to12

Dr. Feliciano G. Calora Jr. has officially been declared as the 6th president of the Benguet State University (BSU) in a Board of Regent’s (BOR) meeting on March16 held at the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Central Office, Quezon City.

apple mae Guintodan & hezy jane paculan

Benguet State University (BSU) is Senior High ready!

The said meeting included the report of the Search Committee for the Presidency that followed the election of the president. Succeeding Dr. Ben D. Ladilad, Calora garnered majority votes besting other applicants namely Dr. Felipe S. Comila, Dr. Dominador Garin, and Dr. Janet S. Luis. The four were shortlisted from among eight applicants who included: Dr. Nieves Dacyon, Dr. Grace Bengwayan, Dr. Percyveranda Lubrica, and Dr. Diosdado Zulueta. Of Heightened VIsion Calora envisions BSU as a premier state university in Asia delivering world-class education responsive to the changing paradigms of sustainable development and climate change. Some of the goals he aims to achieve during his term are sustaining, developing, and providing strategies to enhance food security, quality education, gender equality, sustainable communities, industrial innovation, responsive consumption, climate resilience, institutional developments, and partnership. investing on bsu’S constituents In an interview, Calora mentioned that he opted to prioritize investing on the BSU constituents rather than on facilities. He said that by enabling people to their fullest capacity, facilities would soon follow.

’ What s Ins

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

So Help Me God! Dr. Feliciano Galvez Calora Jr. officially takes oath after being elected as the 6th BSU President at the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Central Office, Quezon City on May 16. Establishing a ‘specific brand of identity’ is Calora’s main platform for student development. Administering the oath is Hon. Patricia B. Licuanan, CHED chairperson. Photo COurtesy of Ms. Patselyn A. Botiwey, bsu-oubs

Starting this school year (SY) 2016-2017, BSU will offer tracks for the senior high school (SHS) of the K to 12 curriculum. These tracks will be Academic, Sports and Technical Vocational Livelihood (TVL). The strands under the Academic track include Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMMS). On the other hand, the strands under TVL are Agri-Fishery and Home Economics(HE). According to Imelda Parcasio, Dean of the College of Teacher Education , 750 slots will be available for the SHS for now. The University however, will prioritize BSU-SLS graduates in case they are enrolling under the available tracks. 135 graduates of BSU-SLS for school year 2015-2016, have already registered under their desired tracks. As of April, 30 students

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

That’s not true- UPAO on Herald Express report arniel dumigsi

Benguet State University (BSU) belies the report of a Herald Express’ article quoting that the voices of the community, alumni, and institutions were deprived in the selection of Dr. Feliciano G. Calora Jr. as the University president.

In a statement released by the University Public Affairs Office (UPAO) on BSU official website, it said “That is not true. The alumni represented by Mr. Marvin Chagyo, the students was represented by Mr. Norell Osting, and the community was represented by Dr. Ryan Guinaran and they casted their votes during the March 16 BSU Presidential election at the

Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Office in Quezon City.” The University further cited CHED Memorandum Order No. 16, series of 2009 or the Rules and Regulations Governing the Search for President of State Universities and Colleges (SUCs). It noted that the memorandum, which prescribes the process of the selection of the CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Hopes for a new chapter ...We are the ones being served, but who knows, it might be us serving those on top.

Editorial

Literary

Pulang Talulot

...Gaya ng mga ilaw na kumikinang-kinang at aking minamasdan habang nahuhulog ako.

Paglayag ng balangay sa karagatan ng Pinas ...Sa tipikal na sukat, ang isang balangay ay may dimensyong labinlimang metrong haba at apat pa para sa lawak ng katawan nito (hull).

Features

DevCom

‘Bigas hindi bala!’ ...It is the duty of the government to provide assistance to its people regardless of ethnicity, political beliefs, affiliation and religion.

The Mountain Collegian

VOLUME 44 ISSUE 3 The Official Student Publication of Benguet State University

News

DFA exec to studes: Take part in PH-China maritime dispute

ronaline canute

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Assistant Secretary Charles Jose urged students to take part in defending Philippines’ rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) or South China Sea in a forum conducted at the Benguet State University (BSU) gym on January 25. The DFA executive, who served as the resource speaker of the activity, said that WPS is a matter of national interest since it threatens the future generation of the country. “If the Filipinos cannot solve the dispute, it will be a burden to the next generation,” Jose expressed. Jose also discussed the 1982 United Convention on the Law of Sea (UNCLOS) which defines the right and responsibility of a nation. Under this area are the four legitimate rights; the territorial sea, the Aquatic Economic Zone (AEZ), the contiguous zone, and the continental shelf. He further explained the historical context and legal basis written under the Philippine narrative which states that the Philippines has the legitimate right in WPS. Jose urged the Filipinos to defend their territorial jurisdiction threatened by China’s assertive action in the WPS such as blocking and driving Filipino fishermen away with water cannons, and the construction of artificial islands which leads to the destructions of corals. In addition, Jose said that the Philippine is collaborating with Association of Southeast Asian

Rescuing life. BSU-ROTC medics portray the proper rescue procedures to an injured ROTC cadet as part of their ground demonstration for the Disaster Rescue and Relief Operation (DRRO) category during the Regional Annual Administrative Tactical Inspection (RAATI) on March 21 at the University grounds. Photo courtesy of BSU-NSTP

Nation (ASEAN) members to legally conduct solution to the issue and that the Philippine makes sure that this issue will not affect the relationship between the country and China. “Help us in spreading the message,” Jose added. After Jose’s discussion, a BSU student asked “Paano po yong mga mangingisda na naapektuhan ng kabuhayan, may ginagawa ba ang pamahalaan para sila ay matulungan?” during the forum.

“For now, the goevernment is taking an action to help those fishermen in raising their livelihood,” answered a respondent from the Bureau of Aquatic Fisheries and Resources (BFAR). Joanna Camille Lapito, a BSAEng’g student remarked that the forum was very important to students, saying that they must be aware of the issues and be involved in protecting the nation’s jurisdiction for their benefit in the upcoming days.

Officer- in- Charge (OIC) President Jones K. Feleciano, during his opening remarks, appreciated DFA for initiating the activity. “The youth, the hope of the Fatherland and the next generation are the most affected in this issue, thus, the students must be informed about this problem,” he said. According to Melinda Kidones of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), DFA conducts information campaign in various educational

institutions nationwide for students to understand the issue. Meanwhile SSG President Norell Jay Osting expressed that “Ang atin ay atin, kaya dapat prtektahan natin.” Conducted by DFA, the forum was in collaboration with the BSUNational Service Training Program (NSTP). It was participated by all NSTP students of the University including students from Cordillera Career Development College .

... FROM PAGE 1

Board appoints Calora as BSU Prexy

Passing of responsibility. OIC President Jones K. Feliciano (left) turning over the BSU Mace to BSU President Feliciano Calora, Jr. during the turn-over ceremonies on April 4 at RSDC Cafeteria. The Mace is a symbol of authority. Photo courtesy of Rocky Ngalob (BSU-OP)

“I believe that the strongest force of the University are the people-students, faculty, staff, and officialdom,” said Calora, adding that their cooperation would be of big help towards the attainment of BSU’s vision. As such, he mentioned that he would be providing the faculty and staff incentives for promotional purposes, further encouraging them to work actively and plan their own roadmap towards greater opportunities. “My dream is for BSU to develop a specific brand of identity which could either be environmental, agricultural, and the likes,” Calora noted, saying that he would have to consult these to the BSU students and faculty alike. He said that the students and faculty and staffs should identify their values. Accordingly, from there they would develop a common brand and it would be up to them to continue such brand. Moreover, he challenged the students to excel and do their best in their respective fields, citing that we are now living in a globalized society, wherein, there is the need to be competitive to meet the demands of the international community. “I plan to introduce foreign languages such as Korean, Mandarin, and Japanese through trainings to the BSU constituents considering the implementation of the ASEAN economic integration,” Calora noted.

“We should be able to have a transparent and inclusive administration. We have to lay our cards on what we are doing. What can we do to make it better? By doing this, we can make sure that administrative and financial operations will move smoothly,” he said. Meanwhile, he has encouraged the students to speak out their opinions regarding issues that may arise especially when it comes to their academic rights. In a recent courtesy call made by the Mountain Collegian, the official student publication of BSU, Calora encouraged them not to fear writing about issues and concerns relating to administration or the university as a whole as long as it’s based on sound principle and not on personal feelings or grudge. “If you want changes, tell us,” Calora said, as he noted that there should be an open communication and understanding between the studentry and BSU officialdom. Tapping the alumni Calora mentioned that BSU almuni like Dr. William Dar must serve as a model for the students to emulate. He also noted that there are alumni already working in highcaliber institutions and agencies-nationally and internationally. On the other hand, Calora mentioned that the “BSU alumni have not matured as desired, in the sense, that they still ask support instead

The Mountain Collegian

VOLUME 44 ISSUE 3 The Official Student Publication of Benguet State University

News

BSU-One community, one family. Participants from the eight colleges and two institutes of BSU-Main along with the delegates from BSU-Bokod and Buguias campuses convene at the oval during the opening program of the University Intramurals 2016 after the gymnasium was declared off-limits due to the on-going renovation. Photographed by ROSE DAGUPEN

BSU aims for globalization at 100 Erwin JOhn taborda & Kerry Joy Felix

“Going Global: The Centennial Challenge,” envisions Benguet State University’s (BSU) globalization towards being a premier state university in Asia. The theme was suggested by Dr. Janet Luis, Director of Internal Relations (DIR), and was carried by the Administrative Council. She explained that globalization means equality, no discrepancy among other schools and must all have the same degree programs to offer. “BSU did her best in the past century to be who she is in Asia. Hence, in order to sustain her works, she needs to work double time in this century to be at par and even better than her peers (other State Universities, Colleges and Universities) for the best of her clienteles and the world or environment as well,” Luis added. She proposed the theme aiming to let everyone see that BSU is not yet on top, with lots of improvement to be completed in various fields and in different ways. Moreover, Luis emphasized that BSU needs to strive even better since it has a very good strategic location to support programs for growth. “All we need is someone to push. In addition, a joint force of the

Administration, students, faculty and staff, colleges, parents, and partners (LGUs, entrepreneurs, farmers) is of great help in the advancing of the university towards its endeavor,” she furthered. With the students’ chief significance and as the foremost beneficiaries in the attainment of the objective, Luis threw a challenge to the students in voicing out their needs and opinions regarding their stay in the campus for the higher-ups to plan also for the betterment of the University. “It does not take a hundred year for progress to be inscribed because the University had already given the best among the students. Yet, I guess, the challenge isn’t about going global but how to keep the students and

employees devoted to the University even after being well-productive,” said Kenjo Bay-an, Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSE) student.

of them, helping the University to prosper even more.” He enthused that the BSU alumni should forge a strong alumni association like Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, and University of the Philippines. “They help their schools financially and that’s why those schools are top in the Philippines. With that, we would also like to marshall the cooperation of our alumni, including the community, as partners in development,” Calora said.

researching research.

Calora who applied four years ago for the Presidency, served for 26 years at BSU before transferring to the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) where he became the Forestry and Environment Division head. Prior to his stint at PCAARRD, Calora aside from being faculty at BSU has served as dean of the College of Forestry (CF); Vice-President for Academic Affairs, and Director for Planning and Development. Calora said that his experiences at PCAARRD has contributed greatly to his molding, and thus, he would rechannel these learning towards attaining his vision for BSU. While with PCAARRD, he was able to travel abroad several times and subsequently, acquire a global perspective including that of policy analysis. He was also able to establish important linkages which are necessary for collaboration with international agencies. “I have spent half of my life in BSU, it is high time that I give back to the University,” expressed Calora.

Of BSU Bokod and Buguais Campus Integration Calora said that the integration of the Bokod and Buguais campuses is important since it would harmonize and facilitate collective development. Meanwhile, he made it clear that as of press time, the other two campuses are recepients of the same benefits that the main campus is receiving. He further said that they are already identifying specialists in Bokod and Buguais campuses to partner with the researchers of the main campus in relation to

about

agricultural

Studes share reflections “I hope that the new president would provide more laboratory rooms that is conducive, clean, and with a complete set of equipment and apparatus,” expressed BSA student Racquel Lupus. Meanwhile, BSES student Kenken B. Pascua expressed his hopes that the new president would also help in resolving teacher-student issues. “Some teachers are just giving lectures and activities to the students without considering whether they learned something or not,” he said. “The new president should also make a move to improve and add sufficient restrooms with a steady water supply,” added Cristel Atolba, BSA-3D. On the other hand, Sharon Faith Maliones, BSDC-3B, said that the president should also consider improving the security system of BSU. “Some rules are not being strictly enforced,” she added. President Calora’s service record

The push for globalization “Through associating BSU to an International Relation Office, international language center, and working with other state universities, it (BSU) can attain the globalization that we want,” said new BSU president, Feliciano Calora Jr. Furthermore, he explained that he would give opportunities to the faculty and the students to visit other universities inside and outside the country in order for them to learn, to be exposed internationally, and to have different perspectives on how the other universities administer their

school. He would also try to establish buildings and add more scholarships. “The president’s strategies or programs are good even though some of his projects were started by former President Ben D. Ladilad such as the partnership of BSU to other universities and having an exchange student. Moreover, his plan where the faculty and students will have to visit school is good because from we can learn from them, they also learn from us,” explained BSU-SSG Vice President for Budget and Finance,

Dennis Awal. In addition, Yrgyl Sucdad, BSE student, is happy to have Calora as the president because he is concerned of the university especially the students who could surely benefit if they were honed in a school aiming for a global competence. “However, he must have to make the projects because a delay in work means a delay in a step to improvement,” she emphasized.

From Page 1

That’s not true- UPAO on Herald... president of a state university, was followed. In a meeting with The Mountain Collegian, Calora emphasized that he respects the freedom to write and the articles written about the University, whether good or bad, are publicity. “Don’t be alarmed kung mayroong negative article. Look at it in a positive way. Kung mayroong negative, let’s validate. Kung may positive, i-validate din natin. Because after all, these writers are to make a living,” he said. Saying in Filipino, Federation of Supreme Student Government (FSSG) president Norell Jay Osting extended his disappointment about the issue putting the new University president in hotwater. He told he served as the voice of the studentry as the other members of the Board of Regents (BOR) represented their respective sectors. The article titled “Serious problems confront new BSU president” and authored by Dexter See in the Baguiobased newspaper on March 20, 2016 wrote that Calora “stands to face serious problems on housekeeping and effective and efficient management brought by the fragmented groups within the higher education institution.” According to the article’s anonymous sources, Calora will face serious problems because of

the divided groups inside BSU who want to lord it over for their own and political interest at the expense of the interest of the school. It also claimed that while some sectors consider the appointment of Calora as a “positive change” towards realizing the vision, mission, goals and objectives (VMGOs) of the University, there are oppositions from other sectors and allegations to Calora of being an anti-Igorot since “he relies to his province mates in Laguna and the alumni of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) who want to control the affairs of the institution.” In reply, BSU said the article mainly focused on issues regarding what it referred to as fragmented groups, neutral groups, and feuding factions within BSU. Though the University acknowledged the freedom of the press bestowed to See, the journalist, accordingly, should also adhere to the Filipino Journalist’s Code of Ethics, particularly the first principle, “I shall scrupulously report and interpret the news, taking care not to suppress essential facts nor to distort the truth by omission or improper emphasis. I recognize the duty to air the other side and the duty to correct substantive errors promptly.”

The Mountain Collegian

VOLUME 44 ISSUE 3 The Official Student Publication of Benguet State University

News

Centennial Park soon to open Apple mae guintodan & Mariel IbaÑez

A centennial park is to be established near the University main gate adjacent to McDonald’s fast food restaurant. The groundbreaking activity was done on January 25. The proposal was approved by the Administration Council, likewise the Board of Regents (BOR).

According to Planning and Development Office Director Maria Luz D. Fang-asan (PDO), the park will serve as a landmark to showcase the history of Benguet State University through the flowers and dioramas, to provide a beautiful face for the university just like Disney world or Butchart Garden, to showcase the different technological discoveries that were made possible through researches, and to provide a venue for outdoor programs and other activities. “We are just being realistic, as much as we would like to have a centennial building, we know that it will cost so much and there are a lot that a park can do that cannot be done by a building.” explained the PDO Director. Fang-asan said that the concept of the park came about during the interviews with alumni where they

recalled how the university looked like during their time. Particularly, they mentioned the abundance of flowers and some structures like the amphitheater. The park will feature the BSU official logo made of tile mosaic, flowers, dioramas, technological breakthroughs, and marble markers. This venue will be opened to the public and may be used for University programs and be rented for private affairs. It will also be fenced for security purposes and a minimal entrance fee will be collected from outsiders to help maintain the park. The centennial park is likely to cost around PhP 6 million excluding the budget needed for the plants, diorama, signages and benches. The funds will be rendered from capital outlay, IGP’s, and donations from alumni and linkages. According to Fang-asan, the construction of the park is already in progress and the target inauguration will be on June 2017. “Building of the said park will

Perspective of the planned BSU Centennial Park, designed by drafts man Manuelito Tirazona of the Planning and Development Office.

be good because it will portray the achievements of BSU from the past until now, said Annabel Balicdang, student from the College of Teacher Education (CTE). According to Greil Polito, a student from the College of Home

Calora responses to BAPTC issues

DANIIEL JASON MACHES

So it begins. Newlyelected BSU President Dr. Feliciano Calora Jr. answers queries of local journalists and campus writer just after the turn-over ceremony. Photographed by DANIEL JASON MACHES

“I’d like to put myself on their shoes and immerse myself in their situation for me to have an in-depth understanding as to the reasons why they don’t want to transfer to BAPTC.” Such were the words of newly-elected Benguet State University (BSU) President Feliciano Calora in response to the issues arising from the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Traning Center (BAPTC). As recalled, Benguet farmers and traders especially from the old trading post held a rally at the Justice Hall in La Trinidad early this month and secured a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO). The closure of the old trading post and the integration of the farmers to the BAPTC were then temporarily suspended with the court’s issuance of a “status quo.” Among the reasons for the farmer’s opposition to move to the BAPTC facility was

the mandatory collection of 25 centavos per kilo trading fee. Others say that they still have unexpired contract. Calora mentioned that to resolve such issues, there is a need to consult with the affected traders and farmers. The new president also emphasized that through communication, he would be able to understand why the farmers do not like to transfer and he may suggest solutions. “I don’t want to speculate at this time, but I will assure that concerns from all stakeholders will be considered,” he added. Since there is an urgent need to launch BAPTC before the end of President Benigno Aquino’s term, Calora mentioned that he will work closely with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and other regional pilots of BSU in order to resolve BAPTC issues. BSU is part of the steering committee of the BAPTC, thus, it is directly involved in the management of funds as well as provision of technical and research assistance.

Economics and Technology (CHET), building the park will be another one of BSU’s biggest projects but they must not concentrate on just making landmarks, they must also consider improving the facilities of the university itself so that there would be a balance in the structures.

“The park will add to the beatification of BSU but he further said that they must start constructing it already because it is better for it to be finished on the centennial celebration,” said Bernard Dawayen, student from College of Arts and Sciences (CAS).

From Page 1

BSU adopts K to12 have registered for TVL, 30 under HE and sports track and 45 under academic. The TVL shall specifically focus on Agricultural subjects. Parcasio said that BSU was not supposed to offer the academic track but because a number of BSU-SLS graduates this year wanted to enroll under the track, the University definitely had to offer it exclusively for them. “There will be a few incoming college freshmen for the next school year compared to the past enrolments. Therefore, classrooms from the different colleges will be utilized by the Senior high school. In CTE, nine rooms are expected to be available, five classrooms are also being renovated in the college’s left wing. Other colleges, like the College of Agriculture, may also accomodate the new classes,” said Parcasio. Meanwhile, Vice President for Academic Affairs(VPAA), Percyveranda Lubrica said that the University is supposedly opening four sections only, one section for each track. John Botengan, the BSUSLS K to 12 coordinator said that the teachers who will handle the incoming students have already undergone National Certification II (NCII) trainings. Particularly, teachers from the College of Agriculture (CA) will teach for the TVL track, College of Home Economics and Technology (CHET) for the HE track and Institute of Human Kinetics (IHK) for

Sports track. Students who will pursue the SHS program will still have to pay additional fees because they will not get the total amount from the vouchering program. “Since we are not a private institution, we will have 50% of the vouchering which is equivalent to only PhP. 18,000PhP.20,000 (per student)” said Botengan. The vouchering program is a government support or discount intended for Grade 10 completers who wish to pursue SHS education. Specific subjects will be taken by the senior high depending on their track. Under the Academic Track of STEM, given subjects are Precalculus and General Biology. While for the Academic track of HUMMS available subjects are Introduction to World Religion and Belief Systems and Creative Writing subjects will be given. Under the TVL track of Agriculture and Fisheries (AF) subjects to be taken are: Organic Agriculture and Pest Management. Under HE, Hairdressing and Bread and Pastry will be offered. On Sports, the following subjects will be offered Fundamentals of Coaching and Fitness, Sports and Recreational Leadership. Botengan also said that the TVL track may add Horticulture, Landscape, and Agriculture in their subjects. “I agree that K to 12 should be implemented but the

university is not yet prepared in terms of buildings snad facilities,” said Jade Mharie Bugaing, a graduate of BSUSLS and incoming grade 11 student. Moreover, a Memorandum of Agreement was signed between Benguet State University represented by the University President Dr. Feleciano G. Calora Jr. and Department of Education represented by Regional Director Dr. Ellen B. Donato for the phasing out of the non-laboratory highschool at BSU-Bokod and BSUBugias campuses. The MOA was signed on April 18, 2016 at the BSU Administration Conference Hall. In line with this, BSU shall no longer accept new students in its Bugias and Bokod campuses. The high school students of the two non-laboratory high schools shall be transfered to DepEd. BSU shall allow the transfer of its personnel, assets, facilities, equipment, instructional media and land area to the Bugias-Loo Polytechnic College (BLPC) and the Benguet School of Arts and Trades (BSAT). The BSU non laboratory schools shall be transfered to and by the DepEd school approximate to each schools, the BSU-Bugias to BLPC while the BSU-Bokod to BSAT. Enrolment for the senior high shall be on the month of August, opening of classes shall either be on the second or third week.

The Mountain Collegian

VOLUME 44 ISSUE 3 The Official Student Publication of Benguet State University

News

MC bags awards in Luzonwide press tilt Mylyn Maitang

Benguet State University’s (BSU) official student publication, The Mountain Collegian (MC), and nine of its staff members proved that they are at par with the other campus publications and journalists in the country during the 15th Luzonwide Higher Education Press Conference (LHEPC) held in Vigan, Ilocos Sur from February 4-6. Competing with around 170 campus publications of colleges and universities coming from Regions I (Ilocos), II (Cagayan), III (Central Luzon), IV-A (CALABARZON), IV-B (MIMAROPA), V (Bicol) and Cordillera Administrative Region, MC’s magazine, newletter and broadsheet issues were in for the top ten ranking. In the Magazine Category, MC placed sixth place-Best in DevComm Page, seventh place-Best in Opinion/ Colum Page, seventh place-Best in Cover Design, seventh place-Best in Sports Page, eighth place-Best in Newspage, and ninth place Best in Page Design. Moreover, for the Broadsheet Category, MC was adjudged the champion in Best in DevComm Page, fifth place Best in Page Design and sixth place Best in Column. Meanwhile, the newsletter won the ninth place Best in Page Design. Also, contributing to the points garnered by the region making it to the top fifth in overall ranking are the awards garnered by the MC staff in individual contests. For the individual category, Jerson Sabado Jr. (BSDC IV) emerged as the champion in the layouting competition, defending last year’s title, eighth place in Photojournalism (English) and seventh highest individual pointer. Also, Jaina Ashlyn Awas (BSES IV) placed first in Opinion Writing (Filipino) while Mylyn Maitang (BSDC IV) garnered the seventh place in DevComm writing (English). Among the other MC delegates who competed for the region were Arniel Dumigsi (BSE IV), Jonel Bacayang (BSES III), Milliscent Lucio (BSIT I), Hezy Jane Paculan (BCDC III), Erwin John Taborda (BSE II)and Nadia Tiwing (BSIT II) accompanied by MC Alumnus, Paul Joseph Nuval. With the theme “Breaking multicultural barriers through media literacy and campus journalism,” the said activity was participated by almost 1000 student journalists and advisers. In addition, MC remains the overall champion in Regional Higher EducationPress Conference held at BBCCC, Baguio City last December 3-5. MC issues including its literary folio, were in for the top five ranking garnering 25 group awards. Also, MC staff performed well in individual events, 12 of 13 participants qualified for the LHEPC.

CAS couple is Mr. & Ms. BSU Valentines 2016 geneva bungongor

Rodel Marc Eugenio (BSAS IV) and Espher Layag (BSAS IV), both from the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), romped away their opponents to reign as Benguet State University’s (BSU) Mr. and Ms. Valentines 2016. The event was organized by the Supreme Student Government (SSG) with the theme; “Strengthening camaraderie, sustaining unity,” held at the BSU gymnasium on February 24. Eugenio bagged the Best in Casual Wear, Best in Creative Wear, and Best in Sports Wear while Layag brought home the Best in Casual Wear, Best in Evening Wear, and Ms. Photogenic. Meanwhile, the College of Engineering and Applied Technology’s (CEAT) candidate Gilbert Agang- ang joined Mennie Alicap of the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) as the first runnerup. Agang- ang also grabbed the Best in Ethnic Wear and was awarded as Darling of the Crowd while Alicap won the Best in Ethnic Wear, Best in Sports Wear, Best in Talent, Ms. Intelligence, and hailed as Darling of the Crowd. Zoec Presco of the College of Nursing (CN) together with Crista Mae Dumaguing of the College of Home Economics and Technology (CHET) were pinned as the second runnersup. Presco also clinched the Best in Production Number while Dumaguing got the Best in Creative Wear. On the other hand, John Derick Canedo of the College

of Teacher Education (CTE) and Mariel Ibañez of the Institute of Public Administration (IPA) landed as third runnersup. Canedo snatched the Best in Talent award while Ibañez was declared as Ms. Congeniality and Ms. Prompt. Moreover, CN beauty Kriselle Cara Pedro was conferred with the Best in Production Number, sharing the love. Mr. and Ms. Valentines title holders Sharmaine Gawidan (CHET) and Social Media Award and Ferdinand Palbusa Junior (CF graduate) pass their crowns and trophy to for garnering highest their successors College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) couple Rodel Eugenio and facebook likes; Ms. Espher Layag. Photo courtesy if BSU-SSG Charity after earning the highest in box collection amounting to PhP 2, 501. 95, and Queen of the Ramp. Ray Mart King of the Ramp, Mr. Congeniality, Rey Quines, the event is an avenue for Socte of CHET, in addition, won Mr. Prompt, and Mr. Charity after students to strengthen camaraderie the Best in Evening Wear, and was collecting an amount of PhP 2, 487. and oneness among the studentry. declared as Mr. Love. The collected amount from the sold 15. Mr. & Ms. Winsome Smile were The judges of the pageant were tickets during the event were used to Pryce Pocais of CVM and Georgie Dayag ti Cordillera 2015 Anjanette purchase ethnic attires, ten for males Tomas of CEAT, respectively. Pocais Nilva, Mr. La Trinidad 2015 Michael and ten for females. also went home as Mr. Intelligence “The ethnic attires are now Sel- ayen and Smart Fits Instructor while Tomas was hailed as Ms. Love. ready for lending exclusive for BSU Joanne Aliping. Also, Ralito Lugares of IPA was According to SSG officer, John students,” he added. declared as Mr. Social Media Award,

BSU alumnus wins int’l video contest arniel dumigsi

Benguet State University (BSU) alumnus Jayson C. Berto recently won in the Advancing IMF stated that the contest is in Asia Youth Video Contest launched by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), for his conjunction with the Advancing Asia Conference as it seeks videos documentary “Rice Hull is Not a Waste.” A graduate of Bachelor of Science in Development Communication (BSDC) in 2012, Berto is currently a Science Research Specialist at the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PRRI) or PhilRice. In his video entry, Berto documented how students in an agro-industrial high school in Davao Oriental turn a rice hull into something that can be useful in their school garden and ornamental production. Locally known as ipa, rice hull is the covering of the paddy grain separated from the rice grains during the milling process. “The students fabricated their open-type carbonizer so they can produce carbonized rice hull (CRH). Their produce is not only for their rice garden but also for their income-generating project (IGP). They sell it to the neighboring farmers in their community,” Berto told in an online conversation, adding that the students sell the CRH or uling na ipa ng palay for 60- 80 pesos per sack. Meanwhile, in an online

report of PhilRice, Berto’s entry was also about PhilRice’s Infomediary Campaign. The campaign, where Berto works as a videographer, mobilizes young people to serve as information providers or infomediaries in the rice –farming communities. “I documented the video

because the high school is one of the participating tech-voc (technicalvocational) high schools nationwide in the Infomediary Campaign. Generally, it’s engaging youth in agriculture being partnered by PhilRice and DepEd (Department of Education),“ Berto added. In its earlier press release,

BSU pride. BSU Graduate Jayson C. Berto shares limelight with International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Christine Lagarde during the Advancing Asia Conference in New Delhi, India on March 11-13. Photo from IMF official website

reflecting the conference’s theme, “Advanctving Asia: Investing for the future” by documenting the realities, challenges, and interesting stories of the Asia-Pacific region. Accordingly, the contest was open to all Asian videographers aged 18– 30. Entries submitted were then voted by the public through social media. Top 10 finalists from the voting round were then evaluated based on originality, technical excellence, and artistic merit by a panel of judges consisting of economists, professional videographer, communications professional, and broadcast journalists. “Winning the competition was an overwhelming achievement. I’m happy that I was given a chance to show one of our best practices in engaging youth in agriculture,” he said as he urged BSU students to discover and develop their skills in their chosen field for it will be hobbies for sure. Berto, along with his co-winner Lee Kwok Kin from Hongkong, received a trip to New Delhi, India on March 11—13 to attend the Advancing Asia Conference where he was awarded by IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde.

The Mountain Collegian

VOLUME 44 ISSUE 3 The Official Student Publication of Benguet State University

Editorial

Hopes for a new chapter After long months of tedious and rigorous deliberations, we can now sigh in relief as we welcome Dr. Feliciano G. Calora Jr. to take on the Benguet State University (BSU) presidential seat. With that are our own ideals and aspirations as students which we hope would be given due cognizance by our new leader. Apparently, such hopes we are mulling over are probably the same hopes we had during the previous terms. The same hopes that could have either been realized or neglected. Cleaner comfort rooms with a sufficient water supply; conducive classrooms and laboratories with a complete set of apparatus; better-trained teachers who prefer motivating their students rather than flunking and competing them; right to speech; right to access public documents. And the list goes on. It is by being hopeful, however, that these hopes were largely met and that a different set would confront our new University president. It is hoped that in organized fora, he would be present and the phrase: “he’s got equally important matters to attend to,” will seldomly be heard. It is hoped now, that it would be a different

chapter especially so that we are about to marvel with our 100th years of existence. Meantime, the visibility of the incumbent president was seen during the University Intramurals and in other activities. So by that, we hope that he would have the instinct to walk, talk, listen, and laugh with students along the kilometric road of BSU; that he would have the utter concern to clear the humps left along the road; not just by the flowery words but by the concrete actions he would take. Because he is our new president and though we have same hopes with the past, we look forward for a different approach or consideration over these. Yes, it is to be acknowledged that our new President is not a perfect person as with anyone else. Each one of us have our own lapses to deal

The Mountain Collegian

Editorial Board 2nd Semester of 2015-2016

with. In the course of his terms, there would certainly be issues, either big or mediocre, to arise. After all, his is the responsibility of a father with an increasing number of children to feed and nurture. And though we would always hope for the better, we should also do our part, we have the moral obligation to do something to help in attaining our University’s seemingly far-fetched vision. We can start with ourselves by studying hard and trying to excel in everything that we do. We don’t have to keep on nagging with the seemingly wrong things here in BSU, though we

The Epsilon

dear future me and you (Ang Ikalawang kabanata) Arniel Dumigsi

The Official Student Publication of Benguet State University

Limang Dekada ng Pluma at Panitik. Arniel A. Dumigsi | Editor-in-Chief Chatelaine M. Wansi | Associate Editor Mylyn C. Maitang| Managing Editor

Senior Staff Writers

Ronaline C. Canute | Kerry Joy T. Felix | Apple Mae C. Guintodan Mariel T. Ibañez | Milliscent C. Lucio| Hezy Jane C. Paculan

Junior Staff Writers

Jonel T. Bacayang | Keyzer K. Tad-o | Nadia A. Tiwing

Cartoonists

Fran Jim P. Dilla | Mylyn C. Maitang| Jerson B. Sabado Jr.

Lay-out Artists

Grace T. Bengwayan

Adviser

The Mountain Collegian is a 53 year-old mother student publication of Benguet State University published by the students of BSU. A member of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) and the School Press Advisers Movement (SPAM), Inc. 2016- Over-all Champion, CHED 1Tth Regional Higher Education Press Conference 2015- Over-all Champion, CHED 16th Regional Higher Education Press Conference 2014- SPAM Award of Excellence in the Pursuit of Campus Journalism (Best Publication in the Phil.) 2014- Over-all Champion, CHED 15th Regional Higher Education Press Conference 2013- SPAM Best in Cultural Page (Mother Tongue-Based) 2012- SPAM Best Practices in Campus Journalism 2011- Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (National Finalist) 2010- National Commission for Culture and the Arts Best Culture Page 2010- Nominee, Student Publication of the Year, Nominations, Baguio Midland Courier The views and opinions expressed by our columnists do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the entire publication. Office located at 1/f Office of Student Services Building, Benguet State University. You may reach us through our website: themountaincollegian.org | email: themountaincollegian@gmail.com and through Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheMountainCollegian

should be vigilant of any attempt to violate our rights as students. We are the ones being served, but who knows, it might be us serving those on top. Either way, the challenge of being a premier state university in Asia is tough. And it takes a long and tortuous road to conquer before we get there. But with students, faculty, and the BSU officialdom marching together towards a common goal, then we could make it through. With a new leader to lead the way, we now thrust with high hopes as we open a new chapter for our beloved institution, for a fresh start.

Inihahandog sa mga Batch 2016 graduates also known as “Mga Next in Line” sa mundo ng kawalan (ng trabaho). Magdidilim ang buong paligid ngunit maaaninag ang tagaktak mong pawis. Sa buong araw na pakikipagsapalaran sa mausok at maingay na lungsod, mas inuna mo pang ininda ang sakit sa bulsa kesa sa sakit ng katawan. Dalawang piso na lamang ang natitira sa ‘yong kakarampot na ipon. Ngunit kulang pa ito sa paghalughog ng mga establishment na kukupkop sa’yo matapos kang palayain ng paaralang humubog sa’yo ng ilang taon. Ganito ang buhay na sasalubong sa’yo pagkatapos mong tumuntong sa entablado. Pagkatapos mong isuot ang toga at tanggapin ang ‘yong diploma, magiging isa ka sa mga apat kada sampung fresh graduates na nananatiling nagbibilang ng poste sa kung saan-saan. Hindi matanggap-tanggap sapagkat wala ka pang work experience. Dahil dito, mapipilitan kang maging cashier o bagger sa grocery. O di kaya’y tagatanggap ng tawag sa call center, o tutor ng mga Asyanong halos mapilipit ang dila sa pagsasalita ng Wikang Ingles. Masipag ka pero ba’t nahihirapan sa paghahanap ng trabaho? Choosy ka ba o sadyang naghahanap ka ng hanapbuhay na nababagay sa kung anong pinagaralan mo? Nireto ka pa nga ng alma mater mo sa isang call center

company gayong engineering ang tinapos mo. Para kang ipinagkasundo sa isang taong hindi mo naman napupusuan. Masakit ngunit wala kang magagawa kundi tukain ang biyayang nakahain sa harapan mo. Gusto mong magreklamo at mamili ng ibang hanapbuhay ngunit wala ka namang karapatan … dahil wala ka ngang trabaho. Naiinggit ka dahil naunahan ka pang magkatrabaho ng kamag-aral mong walang ginawa kundi matulog sa inyong klase nung kolehiyo. Mas matalino ka naman kesa sa kanya. Mas matiyaga. Mas masipag. Mas prinsipyo sa buhay. Naalala mo pa nga na siya ang kaklase mong Juan Tamad lagi ang papel kahit sa tunay na buhay. Walang pangamba dahil alam niyang may perang ihuhulog ang kanyang mga magulang sa bibig niyang tila “Insert coin here” ng videoke o vending machine. Palagi siyang absent ngunit milagrong ipinapasa ng inyong mga propesor. Gulat ka pa dahil mas mataas ang grado niya kesa sa’yo. Mapalad lang siguro siya, malas ka. Mapalad siya’t may tiyong inhenyerong naglakad sa kanya upang makapasok sa trabaho. Malas ka’t ni hindi ka man lang matulungan ng tiyo mong laki sa pagbubungkal ng lupa. Mahaba ang pila ng mga nagaaplay ng trabaho. Bawat isa’y may

maipagyayabang sa sarili – may magna cum laude, may presidente ng ganito’t ganyang organisasyon, may gold medalist sa lahat kompetisyon, at may suki naman sa lahat ng klase ng seminar. Lahat overqualified yata sa trabahong pinapasukan. Walang hindi padadaig. Ngunit nakagigimbal na wala sa mga aplikante ang natanggap sa posisyon. Isang palabas lang pala ang “Call for Applicants.” Nandito na tayo sa milenyo kung saan hindi na uso ang pakapalan ng resume, pataasan ng grades sa OTR, paramihan ng napuntahang seminar. Kung gusto mong magkaroon ng puwang sa larangan ng pagseserbisyopubliko, kailangan mo ng kamaganak sa gobyerno. Kailangan mo ng kadugo o kakilala upang makapasok ka sa isang ahensya o kumpanya na sa simula’t sapul ay hindi ka naman dapat kabilang. Ngunit ‘wag kang mag-alala dahil may pag-asa pa. Kung walang trabaho sa Pilipinas, baka may mayroon sa ibang bansa. Pagtapak mo sa ibayong dagat, mag-ingat ka lamang at baka matulad ka sa mga naging biktima ng mga kababayan nating illegal recruiters na ang hanapbuhay ay ang panloloko sa mga taong gaya mong nangangarap magpayaman sa ibang bansa. Kung sakali man, baka maging uripon ang abutin mo sa Middle

CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

The Mountain Collegian

VOLUME 44 ISSUE 3 The Official Student Publication of Benguet State University

Opinion

Perestroika Breaking off from our comfort zones CHatelaine wansi

So why talk about comfort zones when there are a million topics that are worth writing about? I also thought about it but I decided to fill this space with lighter things.Over the years, I have filled my allotted space of negativities – the problems of the government, the problems of the university and a lot more problems that our nation has always had but remains unsolved. It is too tiring to criticize and criticize more. I thought I might as well give some lighter views in life that I believe would at least balance whatever heavy topics that are always presented in this page. So let me. People have always lived on to how they prefer it. From those preferences come their own choices at which later determine their ends whether it be success or failures. We usually talk about destiny which we believe is already predetermined. I beg to disagree. A person’s destiny will also be determined by his/ her choices. Although there are circumstances which we really cannot control because logically it is beyond our grip, our choices on how to react and handle these circumstances determine our fate. But how do people usually choose on what to do or how to react? When two kinds of situations are presented and for you to choose with, one of which is something you have already been before and the other of which is too new to you, what would you choose?

Most of us would choose the situation where we have already been because we already know how to handle it. We would not need to exert much effort and we would overcome it even just sitting on our cushions. That is what comfort zone is all about. We know we can do it with the best results no matter what. Believe me or not, we really love to stay on our comfort zones. We better avoid problems to arise and if it accidentally happened to be there, we better run away from it so we won’t be distressed. Well, of course, nobody wants a problem that is why most people hate Physics and Mathematics because these present problems which should not actually exist in their lives. That is so sad but it is true. We better avoid challenges because we are afraid we might fail. But some people who might have bumped their heads to the wall

would choose the latter, believing that they want to try new things. They don’t care whether they would succeed or fail. This is very risky and most end up crying in the dark room thinking of “what ifs”. However, if one succeeds through this, then he/she has expanded his/her comfort zone. This will eventually be an ultimate learning experience for these people. Should I do this or that? Should I accept it or better reject it? Should I tell them or better yet I would shut my mouth? Questions that leads to different paths; questions we certainly have asked not just once in our lives. Whatever you have chosen, whether you might have failed or you succeeded, it is what made you to be who you are today. It might have been the worst choice leading you to the worst situation ever. But at least you have learned something and you have something to tell to your friends, your children and even your grandchildren. That is the only consolation you get especially when you terribly failed. Come on, even champions fail to defend their titles so what is so wrong about failing? Of course, I have been there not just once but more than a hundred times I guess, and I think what really makes failure so horrible is the humiliation we get from

other people. But who never failed? Everybody does, so why should we be ashamed? It is better to fail trying new things than failing doing the same things over and over. The bitterest defeat actually comes from things or experiences you have been doing the whole time. The worst failure is failing under your own comfort zone! Breaking off from our comfort zones is what brings us to have these exciting stories to tell one day to those who are next in line. Beyond our comfort zones lay the greatest adventures that anyone could have. Yes, we might fail and fail again over and over. But what makes life exciting and worth living for is the taste of defeat. We need to fall for us to learn on how to get up. We need to go beyond what eases us for us to expand our knowledge, our experiences, our borders and ultimately our comfort zones. The most boring story that a man could ever have is staying right where his comfort zone is. Yes, he/she might be always winning but bet on me, that person has the littlest knowledge about the world. That person has no better experiences, no better learnings, and no better stories to tell. Is that person always been you? Or have you broken your shell and endured the storms of life just to

Breaking off from our comfort zones is what brings us to have these exciting stories to tell one day to those who are next in line. Beyond our comfort zones lay the greatest adventures that anyone could have.

expand your comfort zone’s territory? If you are the latter, I bet you have a lot of interesting stories to tell, I would love to talk to you one day. Life begins when you walk out of your comfort zones to see the worsts and the bests of the world, to experience the bitterest and sweetest defeat, to savor the fulfilling aroma of success and lastly to live a life that is multicolored – a life that makes you live.

The Mountain Collegian

VOLUME 44 ISSUE 3 The Official Student Publication of Benguet State University

Opinion

Optimum

in six months time Jaina ashlyn awas

I am not a perfectly accented English speaking person. I do not even try to be one. But somehow, how I planned to weave these thoughts might as well be more intricately emphasized when I used our international language. So bear with me (wink).

For the meantime, let me give you assumptive figures I had under the roof of the ‘premier state university in Asia’ from the last four years of my college jungle. At least 160 units for all the subjects under our curriculum, about seven of the instructors of our department to whom I have learned so much (pramis!), half a dozen of my former colleagues who will soon find their fated profession in other curicculum set, and to at least half a dozen more of my blockmates whom I should be soon dealing a ‘same profession’ with, my first four statistical updates for the second semester of my senior year in the university. I knew I had a lot more, uncounted. Because those were just countless, and priceless. I knew how those 8 over 10’s in a quiz felt like relaxing, and I knew too how an 8 out of 20 felt disappointing. How surprise quizzes surprised us and every neurons

...From PAGE 6

we had in our brain had to react. How to hide my curly hair from the vision of my ‘terror’ teachers. I, too felt extreme nervousness a week before releasing the final grade. And, yes. I have been ‘copy pasting’ documents for my assignments (at a minimal rate, pramis agen!), because I did try to paraphrase things and cite them as well. I somehow felt exhausted- with information overload, with knowledge sharing, with same faces (jowk!) Ya know, when you get tired of the stacks of activities, with limited hours to work, with the kind of rush. But in the end, your loving mom and caring dad pushed you to go for an extra mile. This milestone shall be realized. In six month’s time (God willing, smiley). And then, reality is trying to force me to get me in my armor. Soon after those mixed emotions, how I would face my profession, puzzled me a lot. My degree is Environmental Science, one of the programs that promises a holistic approach to environmental care. Yes, I am so proud to be under this program so far. My interest for environmental care came out purposely from me to be among the ‘green rangers’. Because, unsurprisingly, Mother Nature needs million of these rangers. Then, after I learned a principle after the other, my decision was even made whole. And I am gonna be one of those

rangers, in sixth month’s time (God willing). But if I get so much excited about what is in store for the next six months of my life, I also get upset as to how my excitement frightens me. I knew being a full-pledged EnSci graduate is even

The Epsilon

East. O baka ikaw na ‘yung isa sa bawat anim na domestic workers na biktima ng forced labor sa Hongkong. Ngunit modern hero ka naman na. Ipinagbubunyi ka pa nga ng bansang minsang ipinagkait sa’yo ang trabaho. Ipinagmamalaki ka ng pamahalaan sa pagpapayaman sa kaban ng bayan sa pamamagitan ng mga buwis na ikinakaltas sa pinaghirapan mong suweldo. Ipagdasal mo lamang na tubusin ka agad ng gobyerno kung sakaling mahatulan kang mapugutan ng ulo sa kasalanang hindi naman ginawa. Naaalala mo tuloy nung nag-aaral ka pa. Kung gaano mo kinaayawan ang mga kaklase mong mga sipsip sa mga huwad ninyong pantas. Sabi mo noon, nais mo nang lumayas sa paaralang naging kanlungan mo habang tinutupad ang mga pangarap mo. Pagod ka sa bulok at nakasusulasok na sistema ng edukasyon. Ngunit gaano man katalamak ang kurapsyon sa ‘yong paaralan nung araw, mas mabagsik pa pala sa totoong mundo. Para lamang magkaroon ng trabaho, tatanggapin ng lahat ang alok ng kadiliman. Naisip mo, masama man pero ito ang totoo. Ito ang sandigan upang buhayin ang maraming pamilya. Ito ang sanhi kung bakit nananatiling may pagkain sa hapag-kainan ang isang tahanan, tatlong beses sa isang araw. Ang mala-paraisong mundong iyong pinapangarap ay mito lang pala. Ito ang realidad – isang mundong survival hindi ng mga fittest kundi ng mga taong mandaraya, ng mga madidiskarte at praktikal. Kung hindi ka makiki-ride on, mapupunta lamang sa wala ang ‘yong mga pangarap para sa sarili at pamilya. Maghihirap ka. Mababaon sa utang. Magugutom. Magkakasakit. Mamamatay. Mabubulok sa hukay. Hanggang sa… May kidlat na gumuhit sa ‘yong ulirat sanhi upang bumalik ka mula sa malalim na pagmumuni-muni. Sa tabi mo ay ang ‘yong higaan, ang iyong kumot at unan na kanina ka pa gustong makapiling. Sasamahan kang maglakbay sa alapaap matapos halughugin ang bawat sulok ng magulong lungsod. Ipinikit mo ang ‘yong mga mata. Napakahimbing ng ‘yong pagtulog. Habang untiunting namumulaklak ang ngiti sa ‘yong labi, ang ‘yong diwa ay nagdiriwang ng kapanatagan. Malaya sa ingay. Malaya sa pangamba. Handang makiayon sa alon ng bukas. Nananabik na harapin ang hamon ng mapaglarong mundo.

tougher, but the real world is no joke. As much as I want to get excited for my profession, I cannot get much worried about what awaits in every garbage bags of waste I am going to collect, every tree I am going to talk to, and every species of animals I am going to come across with. I would be so happy to become a fullpledged EnSci graduate, but to know that the world is waiting for environmental rescue, I might have been hard up internalizing what I went into. I am so much worried as to how environmental care will be made feasible along the years. It scares me to think that what was left for us (and our colleagues) is to fix the nearly broken Earth. Simply getting into issues that concerns environment astounds me. I knew it is going to be tough to repair what was destroyed, but to change what was destroyed is even tougher. I remember my elementary days, where I got to choose repairing my accidentallydestroyed wooden armchair, or replace it with a new plastic chair. I intend to do the first option, but what if the situation demands the second one? What happens if we need to do the first option is to conserve energy, do less work and finish the work immediately. What we just need are a hammer and nails to fasten back the destroyed chair. However, since we are presumptive that the chair may not function as better as it was before, we liked to change it to something that feels

like more durable. Imagine the scenario happening to the Earth. What tends to happen now is that we are forced to take the second choice. In Earth, the people demand a new and replaced Earth. Because the Earth is degraded and is of crisis, people opt for the second option. And that is what frightens me. Being the advocate of sustainable development obliged us to take part in letting the resources and everything we have on Earth so that people can live comfortable. But doing so, means a lot of sacrifices for Mother Earth, since people tend to live life demanding greater standards of life, but the heightened standard of life brings about compromising the resources on Earth. It is just that complex, so that in short words, how we enjoy life really troubles the Earth. After all things said, I appeal for help. It is not just me who shall soon be thinking of these things, sympathy from you makes me a lot less worried for the future. I am an EnSci student, and I want to ask help from other people out there. My degree course is one way of helping the Earth, but your little incentives may help, too. In sixth month’s time, I might decipher if I could be a ‘green ranger’, and you ain’t need much of the six months to be with me. I look forward to it (wink, wink).

Motivation.com

Chronicles of a Passionate Heart ( I’m not in love) Daniel Jason Maches

“Why did you enroll this course,” asked a teacher to his students. “I do not know,” the first one responded. “Because my parents told me so,” answered another one. “Because it is a popular course. They say it is good,” impishly remarked one more. Many high school graduates always have this dilemma on what course to choose for college. Some would go for any course because of peer or parental request. Others make a choice without prior deliberation, simply letting things flow the natural way. Still, there are those who ought to enroll in courses which they deem as something that would lead them to direct employment or probably, because they are following the footsteps of someone special. Yes, students enroll courses which eventually leave them emptyhanded and reeling them to an agonizing feeling of regret. This gives rise to what we would typically refer to as “unemployment” or “underemployment” as that sort of people end up scrambling for any work regardless of its relation to their finished degrees. Someone who to took an education course, for instance, would consequently end up sitting in a call center enterprise. All of these boil down to the fact that they did not discern properly what course to choose and because of this, they end up soaking wet on the wrong ground. Decisions were made not coinciding the heart but out of the pressures of outside influences coupled with a wrong perspective in life. So why am I writing this ? Well, I would like to share a mind-wracking reflection I learned during the many formation activities I attended.

Something that would help you in choosing the right option when discerning moments come your way. Something that would help you distinguishes light from darkness when flashes of decisiveness pop out. So, how are you going to start? First thing you have to do is to know your passion. What do you really like to do? Do you love weaving fascinating and imaginative stories with the written word?.Do you find yourself happy talking to an audience with a powerful message at stake? Are you inclined on numbersmathematical subjects like geometry, trigonometry, and algebra? And so on. So why passion? Well, try considering this question: “Do you like solving and analyzing mathematical formulas when well in fact, you could hardly do so or you do not have the interest on such specialization?” Definitely not. Because common sense would tell us that each one of us desires to do something we like. Something that we are passionate about. Passion is the propelling fuel that compels us to do what it takes to keep on improving ourselves and whatever talents we have for the better. Passion is that potion that solidifies our will and determination to unwaveringly stand still amidst the test of times. That no matter the burden we bear, we choose to do what we like to do because of our passion. We choose to follow our heart. For its actually passion that makes up who we are. It

gives us a definite prospect of future possibilities. So if you choose to write, to dance, to just sit in an office, to be an extension worker, to be a lawyer, a teacher, or an engineer, then so be it. No one should relegate you away from your choices but yourself. As long as the choice you make is something that makes you happy, then go for it. Let not outside voices distract you from knowing who you are and what you are truly capable of. So own your passion and be that passion. But of course, do not limit yourself to just knowing and owning your passion. Remember, we live in a world of stiff and rigid competitions almost in very existing aspects. Whereas, the weak remains trapped in a cove of mediocrity while the strong takes the platform of success. Thus, the next thing you have to do is to develop your passion. Is your passion all about public speaking? Then keep on speaking (figuratively). Speak up when you are sad. Speak when you are alone. Speak when you are happy. Speak when you are burdened by life’s storms. Speak, speak, and speak… Try to learn as much as you can about public speaking for you to get better day by day. Read books. Do research. Practice. Let others gauge your performance. (Of course, these

apply to all given talents). But do not just be a good speaker or a writer or whatsoever skill you choose to enhance. Be better. Be the best. I am not saying that you would have to outperform others for you considered to be the greatest of all times. I do not mean titles either. Simply put, be the best you can be. Develop yourself to the fullest. Keep in mind the thought, “I am the best of myself ” rather than, “I am the best of all people.” Passion. Check. Passion owned. Check. Passion developed. Check. What now? One thing I learned is to let go for others to live. Oh no, I do not mean that you sacrifice yourself for others. What I am saying is that, drop the “I” in your passion and then pass it on. Pass it to the people you have inspired through your life’s journey. Pass it to the people who are aching to hear out every single word you say or read every pages of books and articles you wrote. In a sense, do not keep your passion to yourself. Share it to others. For that is what’s living for. To live your life in the service for others is something worth emulating and inscribing in the very chapters of every existing story line. Remember. Know your passion. Own your passion. Develop your passion. And then, pass it on.

Passion is the propelling fuel that compels us to do what it takes to keep on improving ourselves and whatever talents we have for the better. Passion is that potion that solidifies our will and determination to unwaveringly stand still amidst the test of times.

K o s m u i p k s m a k

Illustrated by: Jonel Bacayang

Wala kang chance ni Nadia Tiwing

Bagong Buhay ni Keyzer Tad-o

Smart Kid ni Nadia Tiwing

Procastinating ni Nadia Tiwing

My Vote ni Keyzer Tad-o

Pulang Talulot Milliscent Lucio

ula.

Gaya ng talulot ng rosas na dumapo sa aking buhok noong una tayong magkita sa pamilihan ng mga bulaklak. Humangin ng napakalakas. Kasama ng mga iba’t ibang talulot na nailipad ay ang sumbrero ko na sa iyo naman dumapo. Lumapit ka at hinaplos mo ang aking buhok sabay ng pag-abot mo sa aking sumbrero, kasama nito ay isang pulang talulot. Pula. Gaya ng aking paboritong aklat kung saan nakaipit ang isang talulot. Sa pagdating ng guro, ibinaling ko ang aking tingin sa harap kung saan nakita kitang muli. Ikaw pala ay isang transferee na nagkataon pang pinaupo sa aking likuran. Pula. Gaya ng laso na ginawa nating polseras para sa isa’t isa bilang tanda ng ating pagkakaibigan. Lumipas ang tatlong buwan mula noong ikaw ay aking naging kaklase. Sa mga oras na iyon, nakilala natin ang isa’t isa. Pula. Gaya ng polo mo at bestida ko noong JS Prom. Sa dinamirami ng mga babaeng nagyayaya sa’yo bilang escort nila, ako pa na hindi niyaya kahit minsan ang pinili mo. Iyon ang unang pagkakataong naging kumportable ako sa paligid ng maraming tao. Pula. Gaya ng logo ng unibersidad na pinasukan natin. Sadyang pareho rin pala ang gusto nating kurso – Business Administration. Buti nga pareho ulit tayo ng seksiyon. Hindi ko kasi alam kung kaya kong mag-isa sa isang klasrum na

puno ng mga taong hindi ko kakilala. Pula. Gaya ng buhok mo noong nasa pangalawang taon na tayo. Naaalala ko pa nga ang sobra kong pagtawa noong nakita kita. Inaasar lang kita noon, ang totoo ay bagay mo naman talaga. Pula. Gaya ng parangal na aking natanggap noong nanalo ako sa pagsulat ng sanaysay. Kitang-kita kita sa harap na pumapalakpak. Binati mo ako agad-agad pagkababa sa entablado na pagkatapos ay niyaya mo akong mamasyal sa Sabado bilang gantimpala ko. Pula. Gaya ng upuan sa parke kung saan ako naghintay ng isang oras. Nagtext kang hindi ka makakarating dahil gagawin pala ninyong magkakagrupo ang proyekto ninyo. Bagamat nadismaya ako, hindi ako nagalit sa iyo at sumagot ako na ayos lang iyon sa akin. Pula. Gaya ng kulay ng icing sa mga cupcake na ginawa ko para sa iyo noong kaarawan mo. Napakatamis ng ngiti mo noong araw na iyon. Lalo pang tumamis ang iyong ngiti nang ibigay mo ang isang cupcake sa isa nating kaklase. Hindi maintindihan bakit tila may matalim na punyal na tumusok sa aking dibdib. Ngunit ipinagwalang bahala ko na lamang ito. Pula. Gaya ng frame na ginawa mo at kinalalagyan ng larawan nating dalawa sa aking kuwarto na tinititigan ko gabi-gabi simula

Illustrated by: Jonel Bacayang

noong hindi na tayo gaanong nagkakasama. Halo-halong damdamin na parang pinagsama sa blender ang nararamdaman ko ngayon. Sana’y maibalik ang mga iginuhit nating sandali noong high school pa tayo. Halos hindi pa nga tayo mapaghiwalay. Pula. Gaya ng bukang liwayway noong araw na ipagtatapat ko sana sa iyo ang aking tunay na pagtingin. Sana. Pula. Gaya ng hikaw ng babaeng nagmamay-ari na pala ng iyong pagtingin. Doon sa hardin sa likod ng paaralan ko nakita ang inyong pagtatapat at pagtanggap sa isa’t isa. Hindi mo lang alam kung gaano kasakit ngumiti at sabihing masaya ako para sa inyo ng iyong iniibig. Pula. Gaya ng cover ng tablet ko kung saan na lamang tayo nagkakausap simula noong lumipat kayo pagkatapos ng graduation. Sana mawala ang pagtingin ko sa iyo, ngunit sadya lamang na napakalakas ng tama mo sa puso ko. Pula. Gaya ng mesa ko sa opisinang pinagtatrabahuan ko ng dalawang taon – kung saan ko nakita ang balitang ikakasal ka na pala. Tila nawala ako sa sarili habang paulit-ulit sa utak ko ang laman ng balita. Pero ang lalong nagpamanhid ng katawan ko ay ang imbitasyon mong ako ay magiging bridesmaid. Pula. Gaya ng motif sa kasal ninyo. Naisin ko mang maging masaya para sa inyo ngunit kasing hapdi ng asin sa sugat ang epekto ng inyong napiling kulay. Tila kinukutya ako ng paulit-ulit sa aking kabiguan. Pero para sa iyo ininda ko ang lahat ng ito. Pula. Gaya ng alak na kinagawian ko nang inumin bago matulog. Ang tanging ginagawa ko na lamang ay kunin ang nakaipit na pulang talulot sa paborito kong aklat at pagmasdan ito habang inaalala ang mga masasayang araw natin. Wala akong ibang masisisi kundi ako lamang. Kasalanan ko rin lang ito. Pula. Pula? Oo nga pala. Gaya ng hawakan ng kutsilyo ng isang lalaking pumasok sa aking apartment kagabi. At dahil lango ako sa alak, hindi ako nakapaglaban nang itulak niya ako sa pader at sinimulang punitin ang damit ko. Pula. Gaya ng mga ilaw na kumikinang-kinang at aking minamasdan habang nahuhulog ako. Hindi ko mapigilan ang saya ko na matakasan ang isang napakasaklap na kapalaran. Wala akong naramdamang sakit nang sumalpok ang ulo ko sa kongkreto. Ang pulang talulot na hawak ng aking kanang kamay ang tanging nararamdaman ko lamang. Wala akong pinagsisisihan. Pula. Napakaraming pula. Napakaganda…mga pulang talulot sa kongkreto. Binuksan ko ang kamay ko at parang bumalik ang sariwang pagkapula ng talulot na simula ng ating mga ala-ala. At kahit hindi na kita masisilayan sa huling pagkakataon, kontento na ako sa pagtitig sa mga pulang talulot na nakapaligid sa akin – mga ala-alang habambuhay kong aalagaan.

In Common

Jaina Ashlyn Awas

e kept playing with our hearts, e juggled everything we felt. e edged everyone with our instincts, e knew something else in common.

e slept together in our dreams, e kept promises to bring, e hoped to hold each other in all times, e knew something else in common. e drifted away from each other, e knew we’ll meet again sooner. e sought to feel each other’s embrace, e knew that. Yes, in common.

e let the time suffice our longing, e understood why we need to keep hoping. e believed we need to hold on, e knew that for so long.

Now, together we meet. e cherish all the mem’ries, e look back on everything we missed. e know we should do that again in common.

So I let myself imagine that long, I let my heart dream in falsehood, I came to realize nothing was true, I supposed, I assumed..

Or have you forgotten to know that we knew something in common?

ted tra

ng caya a B el

J by:

Mga Kwentong Hatid ng Malikhaing Kaisipan

Mylyn C. Maitang

Literary

Kabayaran

Illu

Mga kahoy ang pinutol, mga natira’y sinunog. Ang luntiang kagubatan, malakristal na tubig, at sariwang hangin, lahat naging itim. Kaawa-awang Inang Kapaligiran. Polusyon dito, polusyon doon, siya ay nilason ng mga taong kanyang kinupkop, binuhay, at pinakain. At sa paunti-unti niyang pagkamatay, Ang lason, unti-unti ring bumabalik sa salarin. Umambon. Ang ambon ay nagin ulan. Umulan nang umulan. Ang ulan’y naging bagyo. Bumagyo. Mabagsik na mabagsik na bagyo, ni bata o matanda, lalaki o babae walang sinanto. Mainit. Painit nang painit ng painit. Ang yelo’y natunaw, muli’y naging tubig, At ang tubig bumalik muli sa langit. Kay Reynang Lupa, hindi na nagparamdam. Si Prinsesa Halaman sobrang nasaktan, Di nakakain, di nakainom, at nanlatay. Sa pagkalanta’y tuluyang namatay. Sa lupang tinubuan, siyang nagsilbing libingan. At si Mang Juan ay nanlumo sa nasaksihan, Ang lason, sa puso’t isip ng tao ang hahantungan. Sa sobrang pagmamalasakit, sariling dugo ang inialay. Sa hangaring mailigtas ang nanganganib na sangkatauhan, Buhay ang naging kabayaran.

The Mountain Collegian

VOLUME 44 ISSUE 3 The Official Student Publication of Benguet State University

Features

ng Dakilang Araw ang kanyang ilaw, ang mga bituin ang kanyang kompas (compass), samantalang ang ulap ang tagapagbigay babala sa napipintong unos. Ilan sa tagaturo ng direksyon niya sa paglalayag ang mga ibong lumilipad sa kawalan, ang hanging naglalaro sa kalawakan ng dagat, at ang mga along marahang nagbibigay ritmo sa ugoy ng dagat.

Sa loob ng ilang dekadang pagbabalangkas niya sa karagatan ng Pilipinas, pinangalanan siya bilang pambansang bangka na nakapaloob sa House Bill 6366 na naipasa ng ilang opisyal, alinsunod sa mosyon ng dating Pangulong Corazon Aquino sa pagdeklarang National Cultural Treasures ang mga balangay ng Butuan, ang lugar kung saan nagugat ang kasaysayan ng naturang sasakyang pandagat, sa ilalim ng Presidential Procclamation bilang 86, taong 1987.

Isang Papel sa dagat ng Pinas Bilang isang pangunahing sasakyang pandagat noong sinaunang panahon, nakaukit ang kahalagahan ng balangay sa sistemang Pilipino. Ang balangay sa mga katutubo ng Cagayan, ang naging partikular na pamamaraan ng mga mamamayan sa pag-angkat ng pagkain ng tribong Ibanag. Sa pagkuha ng mga mamamayan ng isda sa Ilog ng Cagayan, naging isang pangaraw-araw na pangangailangan ang balangay para sa pamayanan. Samantala, para sa katutubo ng Butuan, ang balangay ang nagbibigay daan sa pagkakaroon ng taunang selebrasyon bilang tanda sa pagdating ng mga sinaunang ninuno nila dito sa bansa lulan ng mga balangay. Ang selebrasyong ito ay ang Balanghai Festival.

Ang balangay din ang naging pangunahing dahilan ng mas mabilis na transportasyon ng mga mangangalakal sa bansa pati na rin sa silangang bahagi ng Asya at sa Amerika noong unang panahon. Isang nakaambang unos Sa mga baybayin ng Pilipinas, walang hadlang ang kalayaan ng balangay na lumayag sa bawat ilog at pampang nito. Subalit, sa mga huling buwan ng taong 2013, naglipana ang mga banta ng pag-angkin ng Tsina sa mga espisipikong lugar na malapit sa baybayin ng Pilipinas. Sa kaguluhang dala ng kung sino ba ang may karapatang umangkin ng Scarborough Shoal, sa Kalayaan Island at iba pa, nagkaroon ng sigalot sa West Philippine Sea o South China Sea sa pagitan ng Pilipinas at Tsina. Sa hudyat ng pagtaas ng seguridad sa baybaying kinaroroonan ng mga pinag-aagawang teritoryo, naging malaking banta ito sa patuloy na paglayag ng balangay dala ang kulturang Pilipino. Sa mahigpit na seguridad, bawat sasakyang pandagat na naglalayag malapit sa mga pinag-aagawang teritoryo ay pilit itinataboy ng mga Tsinong

‘pumoprotekta’ teritoryo.

sa pinaglalabanang

Isang hudyat ng pagbabago Malaki pa rin ang pagkakataon para sa paglalayag ng balangay. Ilang grupong kasama sa pagbabagong ito ay ang Kaya, Inc., isang organisasyong naglalayon ng pagsasaayos sa mga balangay. Sa kanilang proyekto, ang balangay ay ililibot sa mga parte ng Pilipinas upang sa gayo’y mapatibay ang cultural roots ng ating mga ninuno. Ang kanilang proyekto ay nagsimula sa paglayag ng tatlong balangay na bumagtas sa Manila Bay hanggang sa katimugan ng Sulu. Sinundan ito sa paglayag nila sa mga ruta ng Katimugang Asya hanggang sa Micronesia at Madagascar. Sa pagbalik ng mga naglayag na balangay, dumaan sila sa rutang Pasipiko hangang Atlantiko at linibot ang buong mundo pabalik ng Pilipinas. Sa pagdeklara sa balangay bilang pambansang bangka, naging isang partikular na palaisipan sa mga nagsumite ng mosyong ito ang kaisipang ‘ang mapipili ay dapat magpapaalaala sa mga Pilipino ng napakahalagang ambag sa ating mga ninuno sa maritime tradition ng bansa at sa pagpasa ng kaugaliang katapangan, pagkakaisa, at determinasyon sa mga susunod pang henerasyon.’ Sa paglipas pa ng ilang taon, marami pang dapat ipagpatuloy, at pangunahin dito ang pagsasa-alangalang ng mga kaugalian pinagsikapan ng ating mga ninunong maipamana sa atin ang pagiging isang tunay na Pilipino sa pamamagitan ng walang katumbas na pagmamahal sa bansa.

Illu

str ate d

by: J

one l

Bac aya ng

Isang pagpapakilala Sa tipikal na sukat, ang isang balangay ay may dimensyong labinlimang metrong haba at apat pa para sa lawak ng katawan nito (hull). Ang sasakyang pandagat na ito ay ginagamitan ng sail o mga sagwan upang umusad.

Samantala, ang kahoy na ginagamit sa pagbuo ng bangka ay nagtataglay ng isang tiyak na deskripsyon- tanging ang doongon (Heritiera littoralis) lamang ang maaring magamit sa proseso ng paggawa ng balangay. Sa kabilang dako, malaki ang ambag ng balangay sa kultura ng Pilipinas. Pinaniniwalaang noong ika-labin anim na siglo bago pa man dumating ang mga Kastila sa bansa, una nang napangalanan ang balangay. Sa sistema ng sinaunang pamayanan, ang mga ninunong Pilipino ay nakatira sa isang klaster na tinawag na barangay. Isang manlalayag na si Antonio Pigafetta ang unang tumawag sa sasakyang pandagat bilang balangay, noong minsang umupo sila kasama ng isang datu upang pag-usapan ang sistema ng kalakalan.

Sa paglayag ng balangay sa

nas i P Ka rag g atan n Jaina Ashlyn Awas

Status trap: The root of envy in

facebook Rose Dagupen

The Mountain Collegian 3,068 likes. 894 talking about this

It has been two days since I have not signed in to my “boom! Facebook account. When I opened it the next day, I was far outdated with lots of activities on the site causing me to feel bad about it,” stated Alona (not her real name), a BSA student.

Illustrated by: Keyzer Tad-o

When it seems like you were left out and the feeling is uncomfortable and bad, what will you do? Should you stop the scrolling or should you feed your status with more interesting posts only to cope up? Yet, paying too much attention to Facebook friends’ statuses could cause hostile emotions and could also lead to unpleasant behavior.

because their friends were not so concerned about the out-of-character update. Meanwhile, low-esteem users make sure that their response should be positive as they are. This is based on a research led by Amanda Forest of the University of Waterloo in Ontario. The s i t e could have

The longer the time of browsing, the feeling goes deeper The craft of which may turn into a Facebook friending Getting engaged long-term destructive become with people through personal chats and a emotion. public conversation to medium social media groups is now a common way of connecting to others. At this contemporary age, netizens go outside the borders of chatbox. Thoughts are delivered virtually far beyond by posting and updating our statuses with personal stuffs for the public viewers. More often, friends tag snapshots taken during ‘perfect’ getaways, picnics, jammings, and other interesting events that bring someone into the attention of the masses. Aside from photos, greetings posted on the timeline adds the pleasure of having friends. Indeed, these activities help in enhancing online relationship with other people. While adding friends on Facebook could make people appreciate a sense of belongingness, the number of friends we have could affect our online viewers. According to livescience.com, the more friends you have, the greater chance of comparing yourself to longer list of status update. When you missed to invest heavy ‘likes’ and positive comments like that of your friends, there is a chance of feeling inferior especially to those who are more conscious about their friends’ activities on the site. On the other hand, for those who have few friends, status viewing is not a problem. Moreover, in terms of status updates, it has been found out that facebook users with high-esteem respond more to negative posts

for people to indulge in a selfdestructive behavior, such as boasting their achievements which become an outlet of revealing the weaknesses of others. Social comparison may lead to depression Comparison is but a human nature. By type, it is either upward or downward. Upward comparison is when one compares and believes he is socially superior than others while downward view themselves as different and socially inferior. In a study conducted in the University of Houston (UH), heavy use of Facebook could cause depression, by the act of comparison. Based on the findings, when users spend more time comparing themselves to their friends’ activities and accomplishments, they tend to feel lonely and isolated especially those who were already troubled. The longer the time of browsing, the feeling goes deeper which may turn into a long-term destructive emotion. In addition, Mai-Ly Steers, the lead researcher, revealed that most

users tend to post more of good things happening to them and usually unminding the unpleasant ones. Thus viewing status updates is, at times, a downer. Facebook posts boosted by envy Envy, according to another study conducted by two German universitiesHumboldt and Darmstadt’s Technical University, has been a rampant emotional dilemma in Facebook. There are three main causes of envy arising from the site. The main root cause of envy are vacation photos triggered by holiday shots. This is followed by how users socially interact especially comparing how much they are given attention and how their photos and various posts gain ‘likes’ and comments. Additionally, the study states that passive following online friends also contributes. This is when invidious emotions arouse from those facebook friends being followed. As the use of social media sites

become a daily log-in, it is not surprising that the presence of envy, reveals the dissatisfaction of users to their own lifestyle. This is confirmed when the findings showed that people around their mid-30s were most likely to envy family happiness. Further, women were more inclined to worry about their physical attributes and envy others while men were likely to post more self-promotional stuffs on the site such as their achievements. Self-enhancement envy spiral While the cycle of envy affects young and adults alike, many were defied to compete as a way of putting themselves in a better light. Some would not want to lose track of events happening on the site due to the fearof-missing-out (FOMO). Reversely, those who experienced envy do the same thing as doing activities that could also make others envious to compensate. This cycle is coined as the “self-enhancement envy spiral” as a way of coping up, according to CBC

News. As this cycle continues, change of behavior were likely to happen, thus developing negativities to online friends. Self-worth obliterates social comparison “Comparing becomes a problem when one’s self-esteem is tied,” emphasized Julie Anaway, a guidance councelor in Benguet State University-Office of the Student Services (BSU-OSS) Also, she explained that when people with low self-esteem see their friends posting photos while eating in a restaurant and compare themselves, they think that they are left behind and when they do not have a good stuff to post, they may feel bad. “Many people post more and more because they are chasing heavy likes. When people with low-esteem see this, they are likely to feel envious,” Anaway added. Meanwhile, she advised that it is even better for people to focus on things that they are doing rather than spending lots of time taking shots without enjoying their activities. “Online friends only post their ideal self and not the unpleasant things thay have experienced but people should feel good about themselves, without having their selfesteem getting down,” she concluded. Filipinos, being the most sociable people around the globe, undeniably stay online for hours doing different stuffs on Facebook. Indeed, it has been a significant part of our lifestyle however, studies revealed that careless use of these applications become obstacles towards nurturing our online relationships.

The Mountain Collegian

VOLUME 44 ISSUE 3 The Official Student Publication of Benguet State University

Features

Improve

: Gisell

enman-sink

he sound of his pen writing on the paper was the only sound Chris heard as he concentrated on finishing his essay. His thoughts and ideas were converted into precise words brought to life by the pen treading lightly on the paper. Chris was sure that it would get him full marks. When Chris was called in front to get his paper, he was surprised at the glaring 78/100 score on his paper. Apparently, the teacher found it difficult to read his essay due to his penmanship. Handwriting is essential With the rise of technology comes the emergence of keyboards; essays, researches, articles, and other documents are now encoded with different font styles to choose from. This is not bad per se because it is efficient and consistent, but we are neglecting our penmanship in the process. Despite the presence of encoding and printing equipment, handwriting is still an essential skill we need. In the website, artofmanliness.com, some of the reasons why we need to improve our penmanship are provided. Primary reason is, writing by hand makes you smarter. Research shows that writing things out by hand can help improve general learning. According to Trafford and Nelson’s book “Handwriting: A Complete Guide to Instruction Teaching Physical Patterns for Reading and Writing Fluency,” handwriting motor patterns eliminate the need to think about the strokes that form each letter, freeing your brain to focus on other things – spelling a word, structuring a sentence and formulating a paragraph. Without these patterns, students must concentrate on letter building. This condition is easily found in classrooms. A fourth grader gets one or two sentences written but cannot remember what else he wanted to say or a first grade paper shows a string of letters, more or less along a line, that are not spaced into word groups. Handwriting patterns are bridges to fluency for whole language application. Poor penmanship blocks the how we apply language and learn in general. Secondly, writing with pen and paper is more convenient. There may be note-taking applications on smartphones, tablets, and other gadgets, but they are still clumsy to use compared to a pen and a pocket notebook. Before we may even take note with our gadget, we still have to navigate to the application and the struggle with the keys and autocorrect unlike writing manually wherein you just bring out a pen and paper and you are done. Besides, the more you write, the more your hand gets used to it. Before long, your handwriting starts to become more effortless, natural, and beautiful.

After all, why write notes if you yourself cannot read your own handwriting? Handwriting Reflects personality Usually, people judge the quality of your ideas by the quality of your handwriting. Most people, especially critics and teachers value works that are easy-to-read. Sometimes, the critics’ initial judging is to sort out the works with legible handwriting which will be the only works they will judge. Throughout the years, teachers have been telling us to improve our penmanship. In order to do that, we are given activities in which we have to write in cursive. According to Vanessa Valdez, a Grade Two teacher of Epiphany Learning Center, after the students’ lunch break, they are brought back to the classroom for a writing class. In case of mistakes in their strokes, the teachers personally tell the students how to correct it. The students are also given writing activities wherein they copy what is written on the board and the teacher individually checks their works. Teachers and critics do not have a lot of time to check papers due to the sheer number of students and works submitted by each – especially essays and literary works. “Ang mangyayari, hindi ito (passed paperworks) maiintindihan. Kung mas maiintindihan, mas maganda ang presentation,” said BSU-Humanities Department instructor Eleazaar Cirilo. Moreover, writing by hand makes your messages more personal. As stated above, as we learn how to write, we develop our own styles in writing these characters. Thus, when you handwrite someone a letter, they will be able to see you through your handwriting. You can recognize someone by their handwriting; letters received from a loved one in particular triggers a feeling of warmth and connection. Also, handwriting allows you to convey emotion that you cannot with computer text. For example, when we are angry, we have a tendency to press down harder on the paper with our pen and to write faster. As a result, your writing will appear darker and more mushed together. And for some

Illustr

ated by

Milliscent Lucio

e Ocyad en

enmanship or risk reason, emotional phrases like “I love you” come across much more genuine in handwriting than in the digital strokes of a computer. One of the many more reasons includes the pleasing penmanship to the eye. It is a superficial reason, but a letter written out with a nice penmanship is easy and pleasing to the eye. It is also more convincing to read, unlike with a crooked writing in which most people will be having a hard time to decipher the message.

up in a straight line with your nose; your left arm holds the paper still. If you’re left-handed, flip the previous instruction. If you are a lefty that is used to the “hooked” writing hand position, handwriting expert Michael Sull stated that you should try the standard position – the center of the left and right corners of your paper should line up in a straight line with your nose or tilted slightly to the left – as it is more comfortable for longer writing sessions. Practicing movement exercises every day is one thing you can do to help keep your writing loose and airy. These exercises train your muscles for the movements you make when you are actually writing. Examples of simple movement exercises are writing connected ovals starting from the top. Connected ovals starting from the bottom, and connected curves. Keeping your writing slow and steady must be at hand. When you write fast, your handwriting will become less and less legible. Do not rush. Focus on making neat, wellformed letters and words. Speed will come as you get the movements down. People may think that an ugly penmanship is not a problem but they should think again. When lacking encoding equipment or it is mandatory to submit a handwritten file, you have to rely on your handwriting skills to get the job done. If one aims to become a professional, he or she should remember to improve their handwriting. For example, when you are a chemical engineer and you take note of the ingredients of the solution you mixed. It will be disastrous if a coworker reads your notes wrong and mixes up the wrong chemicals. Penmanship is an art and an important skill that should not be taken for granted. I remember a teacher who once said, “Your penmanship is a reflection of your soul.” Now, look at your penmanship once again, and ask yourself, “What does it tell about me?”

The way you hold The count to beautiful penmanship There is a mixed opinion whether your pen can it is really necessary to have a beautiful penmanship. affect your penmanship “It doesn’t matter if you have a legible or beautiful penmanship badly if done wrong... because some students do not really care whether their Besides the way you hold penmanship is good or bad, so long as they can understand their the pen, the way you handwriting. Penmanship, after all, is their own art,” said BSE II student position your paper Kendrick Anthony Canuto. BSIT I student Glyza Docio is also essential. meanwhile commented, “One should have a beautiful penmanship because a good penmanship means that you really worked hard for it from elementary to college.” BSHRM I student is also under the impression that beautiful penmanship is important because it is one of the basis of one’s educational attainment and his or her character. Studies show that good physical patterning of handwriting process will impact positively on all application of symbolic knowledge – even keyboarding as mentioned by Trafford and Nelson. The best way to improve is to write often. The National Adult Literacy Agency’s (NALA) magazine “Better Handwriting for Adults” states that when you write, the muscles in your hand, wrist, and shoulder are used. They recommend some simple warmup exercises such as stretching and wriggling fingers, playing an imaginary piano on the table, and rolling the shoulders forward and back. Checking your letters individually can also help. Check

what letter are you struggling to write and find its standard style and try to improve the way you write it. To check how you write the letters of the alphabet, repeatedly write Pangrams which are sentences that contain all the letters of the alphabet such as, “The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog.” it helps if you hold it right The way you hold your pen can affect your penmanship badly if done wrong. Grip the writing utensil so that it is resting on your middle finger and hold it in place between the thumb and index finger. Keep your grip loose; if your fingers are white, you are squeezing too tight. A tight grip will lead to a tired hand and a stiff and stilted handwriting. Besides the way you hold the pen, the way you position your paper is also essential. If you are right-handed, the top right and bottom left corners of your paper should line

our g n i t c e l g e n are e w t u b , t n e t s i s con l d l n a i k t n s e i t c i n f a f e t s r i o it mp se i u a n c e a b d se n r a e p t r d a a an s i p i s h s i n This is not b p a i m h n s e n P a . s s m en p proce e r h u o t “Y , n d i i sa p e c i n o h r who e h ac te p a i r e h penmans b m s e m n re I a . d m te n n ra g e r p en fo k r ta e u b o t o y n d t l u a k o o l ?” , that sho e w m o N t . u l u o o b s a ell your t f t o i s n e o i o t c d e at efl

The Mountain Collegian

44 ISSUE 3 VOLUME 43 The Official Student Publication of Benguet State University

Development Communication

Crushed Pomelo Peelings drive mosquitos away Erwin john Taborda

Illustrated by: Keyzer tad-o

ccording to information contained in the Department of Health (DOH) website, Philippines, as a tropical country, is prone to mosquito- caused diseases. As of January to September 2015, the DOH recorded 4,726 malaria cases resulting to eight deaths and 92,807 dengue cases across the country. In Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) alone, DOH- CAR Dengue Surveillance Report noted an increase from 1,176 to 2, 383 dengue cases in which Benguet was reported with 545 dengue cases. Further, DOH-CAR noted one malaria case in the region last year. With these rampant increase of dengue cases and the expensive medicines, people may turn to alternative sources of medicine- the use of plants. Interestingly, pomelo peelings can also be an effective way of warding off persistent mosquitoes. This was proven in the research titled, “Pomelo (Citrus maxima) as a natural mosquito repellant,” conducted by Jochel Almas and Analyn Alumit, fourth year students of Benguet State University (BSU)-College of Nursing (CN). Pomelo, locally termed as lubfan,

lukfan, or lucban, is a citrus fruit variety shaped like a large pear in pale green or yellow . It has an edible flesh inside that is pulpy and white or pinkish. This fruit is widely known in the Cordillera and can be commonly found growing on backyards or along farms. Organicfacts.net explains that the smell of the pomelo goes with the taste. It is like a grapefruit without the tart or tangy flavor. And during the ancient time, pomelo was treasured by the folks since it cures many illnesses such as coughs and calms seizures. Studies have also proven that pomelo is used to boost immune system, to improve digestion, to reduce signs of pre-mature aging, to prevent cancer, and much more. making the repellant To test its effectiveness, the study

compared the pomelo peeling extract to a commercial mosquito repellant. In the study, the pomelo peelings were processed into liquid form through the use grater and juicer. The extract was then placed inside the experimental traps smeared with an attractant of mosquito. There were four treatments with pomelo extracts mixed with distilled water and one treatment with pure distilled water that were observed for 24 hours. Results of the study shows that treatment one, having 25 milliliters (ml) pomelo extract, trapped 23 mosquitos. Treatment two with 18.75 ml of pomelo extract and 6.25 ml of distilled water was able to trap 33 mosquitos. The third treatment containing 12.5 ml of pomelo extract and 12.5 ml distilled water trapped 31 mosquitos. The fourth treatment which is 5 grams of commercial repellant trapped 18 mosquitos only. Hence, the study

proves that pomelo peeling extract can be as effective as commercial repellants in driving away mosquitoes. Meanwhile, the study recommends the use of other parts of pomelo such as leaves, roots, and barks in treating some diseases . Furthermore, it endorses the use of other plants similar to pomelo which is abundant to our locality that can be studied as a mosquito repellant like lemon or any citrus fruit. “Since I’m fond of using natural remedies, it is really good that they used pomelo as a substitute instead of using commercial manufactured products. Moreover, using natural or organic products have great benefits on the individuals and environment,” said BSE II

student Laila Balinggan. At a household level, ‘pomelo katol’ made dried pomelo rind is being used in Mt. Province to wardoff mosquitoes. As scientists pursuit for alternative medications, be reminded that preventing diseases to intrude is better than c u r i n g it when it already penetrated our body. Aside from keeping our body away from pains, which viral diseases may bring, it also keep people not to spend higher amount of money during treatments. And of course, it leave such a smile on our faces thinking that we have nothing to be worry of. Indeed, who could never know that a peeling ready to be disposed is still a useful agent to defend man’s health against viral diseases. If you are so conscious of the side effects and costs of using commercial repellants, then do try pomelo peeling extracts.

Be reminded that preventing diseases is better than curing it when it already penetrated our body.

The Mountain Collegian

VOLUME 44 ISSUE 3 The Official Student Publication of Benguet State University

Development Communication

: ” la

a b i d d e n d i o h o l s b a g d l i o c “B e h

y d e g a r

t d n i h Be aches

M Daniel

ang Jamil, a local farmer, is increasingly worried about how he would sustain his family’s needs. His crops have withered due to El Niño widespread devastation. Prices of commodities rose to more than he can afford. His children are already complaining out of hunger while his famished wife tries to calm them. He could no longer endure. Eventually, he was compelled to join thousands of fellow farmers in a protest, asking for the government to respond to their immediate needs. But instead of rations, they were fired with bullets from authorities who are supposed to serve and protect them. News of the violent dispersal of poverty-stricken farmers in Kidapawan, Cotabato hit the headline and banner coverage of mainstream and local media. To date, at least three farmers were killed while 200 others were wounded. Many more were detained and filed with charges by the government. An unfortunate backlash Rappler.com states that before then, there were already negotiations between the farmers and the local government, wherein, the former were promised to be given three kilos of rice per quarter, according to philstar.com. But since this is not even enough to meet their needs, they had to protest. So the turmoil began. At first, the policemen began pushing back the protesters with their truncheons and shields while the latter resisted. Other protesters began to fight back with sticks and stones. Gunfire then followed. Apart from the casualties and wounded on the side of the protesters, the policemen reported

two personnel who are in critical condition due to sustained head trauma, reportedly, from the assembled rallyists. Who’s to blame? The bloody confrontation between the farmers and the police authorities subsequently generated a feeling of aghast and condemnation from different sectors, each having their own stance of who should be blamed and punished. In the inquirer.net an article titled “Miriam, Duterte condemns Kidapawan Tragedy,” Sen. Miriam Santiago, for instance, called the incident “downright incident,” saying that the government should be held accountable for what happened. “It is vile enough that this administration has failed to support the farmers and Lumads of Kidapawan during the prolonged drought in Mindanao. But it is downright inhuman for them to shoot at the same people begging for help,” Santiago said as quoted by PDI. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte shared the same sentiments when he said that the government had been “impervious” to the suffering of the people. He furthered that the blood of the victims was on President

Aquino’s hands and that he cannot escape blame and responsibility for the barbaric incident. On the other hand, militant groups like the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) accused President Aquino for his alleged silence over the incident, adding that such is a reflection of his habitual practice as a landlord president. As Sen. Grace Poe intoned, the tragedy should not have happened if the concerned government agency only attended to the matter at the outset, thus, preventing the rally from happening in the first place, according to eduph. com. N o r t h Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Ta l i ñ o Me n d o z a , h o w e v e r, denied s u c h allegations, saying that there was no need for peasant groups to have organized such rally as they could have gone to the provincial capitol to seek relief interventions. “The local government units have already started initiating relief operations for drought-stricken communities before this happened. There was no need for them to gather in Kidapawan City for a rally. Well, maybe because many of them are not from the province,” she added, citing that progressive groups and communist rebels have fanned the

protest. Pinpointing the root cause The 2015 report released by the Philippine Statistical Authority (PSA) reveals that 48.9 % of North Cotabato’s population live in poverty, making it one of the poorest provinces of the country. The ensuing El Niño has recently aggravated this situation since majority of the populace subsist on farming for survival. Poverty is then looked upon as the underlying root cause of the tragic incident. Maria Theresa Dolipas, an instructor from the Social Science Department of BSU, added that the farmers were impelled to hold a rally as a resort since the government failed to respond to their aching stomachs, though, there have been funds allotted to deal with the EL Nino crisis.

They were simply asking for help from a government that considers itself pro-poor. Sadly, such pleas become ground for even worse cases to come.

What is to be done Bayan Muna Secretary General Renato Reyes said that one of the urgent things that Aquino should do after the bloody clash is to meet the demands for rice and release of the calamity funds for the affected farmers. “There is sufficient rice supply on the part of the government and it should be released to the farmers as soon as possible,” he furthered as reported in bayanmuna.net. On the other hand, Chief Supt.

Wilben Mayor, spokesperson of the Philippine National Police (PNP), mentioned that investigators are already consolidating all information on the Cotabato-Davao clash. “The public may rest assured that any violation of PNP rules and regulations shall be given appropriate penalty. Likewise, we are committed to hold anyone responsible for this tragic incident accountable,” he said. Further, William Bolinget, chairperson of the Cordillera People’s Alliance (CPA), said “As Igorots and people of the Cordillera, we cannot just let this happen. Many of us are farmers and we are vulnerable to the effects of Climate Change such as long drought and prolonged rain. It is the duty of the government to provide assistance to its people regardless of ethnicity, political beliefs, affiliation and religion. It is utterly wrong for a government to neglect its people especially during disasters and because of their political beliefs. This is unacceptable. As people, we should rage against this injustice committed against our farmers,” said Bolinget. How disheartening to note that in a country boasting of a democratic form of governance, violation of basic human rights rampantly persists. That those oppressed and marginalized who finally earned the gut to rise from their misery are turned targets of government ammunitions, instead, of support to their cause. Like Mang Jamil, they were but farmers deprived of their livelihoods by the El Niño. They were simply asking for help from a government that considers itself pro-poor. And sadly, such pleas become ground for even worse cases to come.

The Mountain Collegian

VOLUME 44 ISSUE 3 The Official Student Publication of Benguet State University

Development Communication

Of trade liberalization and other social problems “Mahirap ang buhay doon sa amin kasi ‘pag wala kang trabaho, wala kang makakain,” Sigmaton added, saying that this is one reason why he ought to stop schooling and devote his time working in the fields. However, he also said that he would grab the chance to pursue his study if only he would have the economic means to do so. “Pangarap ko na magkaroon ng sariling farm at hindi lang nangungupahan,” Sigmaton added. This statement testifies to the fact that many farmers in the Cordillera are contractual workers who have migrated from other places in search of a greener pasture. Meanwhile, Rocky Ngalob whose home village is just a few kilometers from where Sigmaton’s shots were taken, said that apart from the bad road conditions, the local agricultural industry not only of Mt. Province but the entire country as well is at risk given the impending full implementation of the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AFTA). This economic cooperation system would allow the free flow of vegetables from one member country to another, thus, competing with local produce. Ngalob cited that before, the main problem was the smuggling of vegetables from Taiwan and China, adding that this has almost killed the local produce of the Filipino vegetable farmers. Dap-ayan ti Kultura iti Kordilyera (Center of Culture in the Cordillera Region) Chair Julius Daguitan added that the youth in IP communities continue to suffer from human rights violations due to the intensified militarization of their villages especially where there are opposition to the entry of large and extractive mining and energy corporations. He furthered that the media practitioners who went to look for Sigmaton in his hometown were able to see the bad road conditions that are still prevalent in the region. Daguitan enthused that these social problems the Cordillera youth like Sigmaton are experiencing every day should also be addressed because these are the realities in Philippine society. Indeed, “Carrot Man’s” endearing story is the story of every generation of Cordillerans who work to till these mountainscapes we have, often under unfair treatments. His is the story of a young man shedding sweats and tears for his loved ones. His is the story of an out-of-school youth willing to endure labor even with a meager salary in return. His is the story of our generation facing the harsh realities of life. But his story is also the story of our courage, determination, industry, and will as we work our lives for the better. That is the story of us- a concrete realization of how we have been surviving despite the fiercest of odds.

His story is the story of our courage, determination, industry, and will as we work our lives for the better.

The young laborer In an interview with the magazine show Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho(KJMS), Sigmaton mentioned that he had to stop schooling after finishing Grade 6 since he wanted to help his parents provide for their family’s basic needs as well as to augment the educational expenses of his six younger siblings. Since then, he has been working on vegetable farms in Bauko for additional income. Sigmaton, in essence, embodies the many Cordilleran and the rest of the Filipino youths who are compelled to quit schooling due to financial constraints. As implied by Dr. Carolyn Sobritchea, an anthropologist featured in the said show, this is a prevalent record in the Cordillera region. Dignifying the Igorot Identity “Proud ako na nakilala ‘yung picture ko. Dahil doon, nagkaroon ulit ng interes ang mga tao sa Mt. Province at sa aming mga Igorot,” said Sigmaton. More than stressing about his booming popularity, Sigmaton has taken this as an opportunity to banner his Igorot identity and culture. This is still in relation to the fact that the Igorots continue to face racial discrimination and misconceptions even with the advent of technology where information is unlimited. In the midst of Sigmaton’s sudden popularity, for instance, a certain netizen seemingly cloaked in infuriation, posted in the social media that the

Carrot Man: mirror of the socio-economic situation in CAR

At an unexpected pace and rate, “Carrot Man” under the persona of Jeyrick Sigmaton has indeed taken the social media by storm. Hailing from the remote villages of Kadaclan in Barlig, Mt. Province, his apparently charming and daring dispositions has captivated the hearts of many netizens and even the giant TV networks raced to bid his attention. Yet, while many of us seem engrossed about his physical attributes likening him to famous Korean actors and personalities, we subsequently forget to look at the deeper side of the story. That beyond his alluring charm and diligence, Sigmaton actually presents stark realities about the various socio-economic problems plaguing the Indigenous People (IP) and other marginalized sectors.

Igorots are “ugly people who only deserve living in the mountains, even likening them to an anus.” Even the KMJS show had portions, which are offending to the Igorots. Dr. Jimmy Naval, one of the show’s interviewee, for instance, mentioned that the Igorots are an improved race- a result of the intermarriages between the later and foreign missionaries. This has led to an outcry among social media subscribers, saying that such stance results from people’s ignorance of who the Igorots really are. Eventually, the KMJS staff had to seek apology. Sobritchea, backed this when she said that the wrong and demeaning notions about the Igorots and other IPs nationwide such as the thinking of being primitive are still prevalent even up to this day. She furthered that these are merely misunderstandings and ignorance that should be eliminated since they are contradictory to what is real at present.

Daniel Maches

Just a few p h o t o s of a sweaty, long-haired guy carrying loads of carrots while the chilly fogs swept in were all that it took him to the limelight, an instant celebrity setting waves of ripple effect nationwide.

photos from the internet

The Mountain Collegian

VOLUME 44 ISSUE 3 The Official Student Publication of Benguet State University

Sports

Team Lakay coach graces UI ‘16 Daniel maches

This was said by Marquez T. “If you have a dream in your life, go ahead and become agents Sangiao, head coach of Team Lakay, of positive change but in doing so, you must have discipline who served as the guest speaker and hard work.” during the kickoff program of the

University Intramurals (UI) 2016 with the theme, “One team, one heart, and one spirit through sports and wellness” at the Benguet State University (BSU) covered court on February 18. determination amidst defeat. MMA fighter and Team Lakay coach Sangiao is an alumni of Marquez Sangiao (left photo) urges athletes to be optimistic even BSU and an internationallywhen they experience failures. acclaimed coach. He has MC Archive been representing the region in local, national, and international mixed martial arts (MMA) competition. He also has also been featured in the GMA’s Magpakailanman and other segement shows. It is by this edge that he was exposed to different countries like Singapore, and South Korea. Sangiao encouraged the BSU athletes to never allow defeat and failure to dampen their enthusiasm on sports, saying that they should look on these by the positive side and allow these to push them to the limit. “All great champions have lost but these have become their motivation to do better and be stronger to face future challenges,” he enthused.

“Deafeats and failures are inevitable and these should become your motivation and stepping stone in pursuing whaever fields of endevour you have chosen in your life,” he added. On the other hand, Sangiao cautioned the athletes not to sacrifice their study since this should be their priority. “There should always be a correct balance between your study and chosen sports,” he said. He said that it is through study that one could face a certain and productive future while being an athlete can serve as a sideline. Meanwhile, Vice President for Academic Affairs Percyveranda Lubrica, intoned in her opening remarks that sports activities like the Intramurals should serve as an avenue in building rapport in BSU and putting it in the national and global map of excellence. “Though we have certain competing teams, we are still one team and that is Team BSU,” said Lubrica. citing that it is through this tha the true and authentic essence of sportmanship and camaraderie is manifested.

The F lambeau

To the Filipino electorate BRENDON BANGCO-OG

It was a shame when the Philippines was tagged as the ‘Most Stupid Country’ by an influential magazine putting an accusing finger to at least 11 million Filipino electorate who designated an ‘inexperienced’ 20-year on-the-job trainee (OJT) on the senatorial seat in 2013 and even nicking the fifth spot. But I think it is more ignominious when the world will come to know that we Filipinos are even ‘dumber’ if history will repeat itself in the forthcoming May 2016 elections. It seemingly became a defining moment of every Juan and Juana when the Vice President’s (VP) daughter took a spot in the congress in 2013. Criticisms have blazed the election closeout, warning the electorate not to commit the same misstep in voting the wrong person. She is accordingly inept to perform the duties of a senator of the Republic of the Philippines as she brings with her a bio-data with only 20 years of being an OJT under her father’s flock in the congress. While these commotions from the previous election appeals to be frank and solid, the premise that history will repeat itself is apparently no longer a premonition. Philippine politics today has truly become a niche for innumerable showbiz people and many personalities gripping on with popularity effect. I saw a photograph in social media depicting people of the past who became the first set of senators in 1916. Between their photos is a political fact. Accordingly, out of the first 24 senators who comprised the senate, 11 were lawyers, four were lawyer- journalists, four lawyer-

agriculturist, three were businessmen, an agriculturist, and a physician. However, below was a striking comparative statement on who comprises our senate today: “Ngayon. Actor, athletes, businessmen, anak ng pulitiko, secretary ng tatay at boxingero (boksingero), OJT, comedy actor, action star, TV host, basketball player, bold star, housewife.” The photograph is a little exaggerated but it is apparently true. It is a reflection of a harrowing reality, and perhaps a benign neglect on the part of the Filipino voters. How many celebrities, athletes, and political kins out there aiming to change the world? How many of them have successfully took their oath? And how many of them have you voted for? Apparently, a lot of them take seats in the congress and local positions. And there are more of them craving to enter into politics this May. While it is also factual that there is nothing wrong about it, but the point that these people came from a different dimension of life is another. Do we expect them to be as an official or as our representative? To be efficient in passing bills and laws for our benefit, especially the poor and the marginalized? Second thoughts. Nevertheless, it is not their fault to take the seats, to take fortune

in politics and certainly, neither that they were voted in the first place. We keep on complaining about the government’s slow actions on myriad problems, on endless poverty, on crime and among others but in retrospect, we have done less good for the country. Have we given justice to our rights to suffrage? Or are we one of those who voted the people who are sued for graft and corruption prior to the election? Are we one of those people in apathy relentlessly saying ‘uray sinu dita’? Or are we one of those who are no-show during the election day? Time Magazine’s degrading statement to the Filipinos or by any other prestigious agency’s dub about us are not the real concerns here. It is not about VP’s daughter and other politicians’ (in)competencies in the government seats, rather it primarily concerns us as Filipino electorate repeating not the history but of making moral and sound judgment and traversing the right track. To the Filipino electorate, we are no longer deaf and mute. We are the boss and we can move. We can be the change we want to be in simply casting our votes—choosing the moral, competent, and accountable candidate(s). I understand the certainty of difficulty in making sound decisions,

or maybe in choosing the lesser evil since Philippine politics is going into the wilderness. Yet I believe being the ‘boss’ requisites a higher degree of discernment and standards in screening the ideal man. To the Filipino electorate, we must monitor and scrutinize. We should be keen towards knowing the country’s confronting problems and knowing the candidates’ congruent platforms to combat such issues. Pay attention to their bio-data and experiences in serving because we are done with the

who entered the congress only thrice in his entire term and has not yet passed any bill that might change the course of life of every Filipino because he was ‘busy’ training for his next match. We should also verify facts about candidates’ reliability and competency including their platforms towards people development aside from gearing the country’s economic status; and those people eyeing for positions but who’s names are endlessly associated with anomalies,

To the Filipino electorate, we are no longer deaf and mute. We are the boss and we can move. We can be the change we want to be in simply casting our votes—choosing the moral, competent, and accountable candidate(s). superficial bases. We do not vote political wannabes because they have the ‘face value’ (physically and figuratively) yet do not have the experience in serving or do not even know how to answer a legitimate and timely question of a TV reporter and construct a comprehensive public statement concerning the Filipino. Simply, a candidate who is unfit yet into the world of constructing laws and making political decisions for the country. We neither promote an applicant

of scandalous graft and corruption. To the Filipino electorate, we have indeed the power to vote but beneath is a heavy responsibility of using that vote to the right people in the right positions, for the country’s sake because at the tail if the track, we are the ones that will suffer the repercussions of our choices. To the Filipino electorate, buckleup! Our defining moment has just embarked. Think twice, think thrice or even so, so that when the next election comes, we will not commit the same mistake anew.

The Mountain Collegian

VOLUME 44 ISSUE 3 The Official Student Publication of Benguet State University

Sports

CLEAR neck. DVM Cowgirls Krisnalyn Kimpay (in blue handkerchief) and Kenneth Olosan (in red handkerchief), together with Hasmin Chogsayan and Floriel Lipaopao(not in the photo) exemplifies gallantry in casting down (women category) to attain a clear neck during the 3rd Ilocos Sur Kannawidan Festival Invitational Rodeo Competition in Vigan City. Photographed by Syeda aisha hussain (DVM)

Vet studes shine in Kannawidan Rodeo tilt BRENDON BANG CO-OG

As recalled, BSU team landed second Edging out four other competing State Universities and Colleges in Luzon, the Benguet State University (BSU) Highland th rd in the overall team standing in last year’s Cowboys and Cowgirls Rodeo Team of the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) landed 5 in the 3 Ilocos Sur Kannawidan Kannawidan tilt. Festival Invitational Rodeo Competition in Vigan City on February 5-6. “The result will serve as a motivation Amassing a total of 23 points, the team excelled in given events. In the cattle events, BSU Rodeans (men) clung in the second spots in both casting down, and four-person carambola while landing 3rd in cattle lassoing. Rodean Women seized third in twoperson carambola and grabbed fourth in four-person carambola. BSU Rodeo Team also championed in load carrying (men), and wood chopping while owning the second place in bull whipping (men), and third in both load carrying and bull whipping (women). Meanwhile, CVM’s bet Mennie Alicap is Ms. Rodeo Kannawidan first runnerup. “It was a good experience. The results are still good because we did our best in every events,” said DVM student Lhoren Faith Velasco.

Photographed by Syeda aisha hussain (DVM)

for us to improve our performances for the next Kannawidan,” added Velasco. Meanwhile, Central Luzon State University (CLSU) boasted the championship title reaping 42 total points. One notch below is Ramon Magsaysay Technological University (RMTU) Rodeo Team with 26 points, followed by Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU),25, and the University of the Philippines- Los Baños (UPLB), 24, in the third and fourth spots, respectively. The Kannawidan Festival is considered as the prime festival of the province. It is a celebration highlighting the Ilocano pride and guts to heritage conservation and culture preservation. The festival is also a commemoration of the separation of the province of Ilocos Sur in 1818. ... FROM PAGE 20

Wildcats mourn...

... FROM PAGE 20

CTE suffuses UI ascendancy, marks 3rd... include five in allied, five in arnis, one in taekwondo, one in wushu, five in field events but left with only five in team sports. CA grabbed 43 silver and 21 bronze medals. Though CA excelled in track events, CA Student Government (CASG) Governor Florde Liza Alida pointed out that team CA lacked players to compete in the individuals events. “Also, the schedule of the games were not well communicated to the players.” Alida added. IHK defied their last year’s team standing, paving a spot in the final three after amassing 28 gold, four silver, 25 bronze medals. The Secondary Laboratory School (SLS) landed in 4th spot with 16-1316 followed by the College of Home Economics and Technology (CHET) who grilled 12-11-21, and the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) with

nine in 5th and 6th places, respectively. The College of Engineering and Applied Technology came in 7th spot (8-12-8) leaving BSU- Buguias Campus in 8th with 8-2-5. The College of Nursing (CN) placed 9th (6-13-23) while the College of Forestry (CF) accumulating 2-14-16 and the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) with 1-216 were left behind in the 10th and 11th spots, respectively. BSU- Bokod Campus ended in the 12th spot while the Institute of Public Administration (IPA) trailed in the 13th spot (8 bronze medals). Aero Fusion and Bleacher’s Gimmick cancelled Meanwhile, the IHK council decided during their meeting to remove Aerobic Fusion and Bleacher’s Gimmick from the events of the UI

due to lack of preparation and the closing of the BSU gym, according to Balacwid. All sports events were played on the covered court and the BSU grounds. The gym will be off-limits until May in order for the renovations not to be interrupted, especially with the application of rubber paint. With the cancelling of the Aerobic Fusion, some of the colleges cannot help but feel downed; CTE and CN in particular, having planned a month prior for the event. “It is really disappointing that we will not be able to continue what was started, and especially since it was what we were preparing for. But, at least we are the defending champion,” said Jerry Soriano, the CTE Student Government (CTE-SG) governor. CTE holds its sixth winning streak

in Aerobic Fusion and last year’s champion in Bleacher’s Gimmick. Despite the disappointment, there is still the thought that it is for the best. “We were really disappointed, but at the same time glad that at least, we will be able to focus more on the other sports events,” said John Wayne Epie, governor of the Nursing Association of Responsible Students (NARS). On the other hand, CAS Student Government (CASSG) governor Galileo Aluyen Jr. commented “It is okay since there is no enough time for preparation and because it consumes much time and funds.”

Bawang also expressed sympathy for the Wildcats. However, he presumed that the cancellation of the annual sports activity is due to disarrayed venue and dates. Bawang said that the initial venue is tapped to schools in the South, which should be kicking sometime in March, but there were no confirmation. “Billeting of athletes are one of the major concerns and perhaps there were no confirmed schools yet to accommodate our athletes across the country,” said Bawang. On the other hand, Bawang added that PASUC is encouraging athletes of SUCs to join other national competitions such as the Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (ASAPHIL), which BSU will send participants for both men and women category. On the other hand, it is remembered that 2014 SCUAA was also cancelled but due to the affected victims of typhoon Yolanda in which SCUAA budget was accordingly allocated for them instead.

Thumbs up. CTE athletes and faculty members savour their triumph after defending their title as the reigning UI Champion. Together with them are President Feliciano Calora Jr. (in leather jacket) and Dr. Percyveranda Lubrica (in red blouse). Photo courtesy of CTE-TBC

CTE suffuses UI ascendancy, rd marks 3 winning streak BRENDON BANGCO-OG & Milliscent Lucio

The College of Teacher Education (CTE) has racked up another year of University Intramurals (UI) ascendancy marking their three-peat-win with a stunning 32 gold-medal-deficit over the reeling College of Agriculture’s (CA) 40 during the 2016 UI at the University grounds on April 6-8. Recuperating from earlier flanking in day one in track and field events and in combative sports, CTE thwarted the possible threats of defeat after top scoring team sports with 46 gold medals, 10 in allied, and hauled two in dance sports. Further, CTE dashed eight gold medals in track events, two in taekwondo, two in arnis, and another two in wushu. They also padded in 36 silver and 29 bronze medals. CTE Student Government (CTE-SG) Governor Jerry Soriano said that despite their fair performance in track and field events, CTEians firmly gripped their mettles throughout the remaining games of the intramurals to retain the crown. “We had a solid support and motivation coming from everyone,” said Soriano. Meanwhile, Soriano expressed that the scoring system in the UI games should be consistent and suggested that the point system tally should be used next UI. “The scoring sytem should not be changed from time to time and we should put back the point system tally next year so that the teams garnering places other than the first would have equal chances to escalate their rankings. Unlike in gold system tally, the first placers are the only emphasis,” added Soriano. As remembered, 2014 UI used the point sytstem tally where CTE snared their second consecutive championship title, leaving its greatest rival CA in the second spot. Institute of Human Kinetics (IHK) Director Rex John Bawang clarified that the change of scoring system is a collective decision among sports coordinators of the different colleges, campuses, and institutes. CA dominates track events CA, placing second to the over-all rank, dashed 18 gold medals in track events contributing to the 40 gold medals amassed by the team. The rest of the gold medals garnered

CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Wildcats mourn for ‘unclear’ SCUAA recall BRENDON BANGCO-OG

with reports from DaNiel Maches

The Benguet State University (BSU) Wildcats mourn as the annual State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) was cancelled due to unclear reasons. According to the advisory sent by Ricardo Rotora, president of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) addressed to all SUC presidents and heads, SCUAA was cancelled as approved during their executive board meeting in Manila however stated no direct reason of the cancellation. In a collective interview of athletes, Wildcats similarly expressed the same sentiments regarding the cancellation of the event. “We are really disappointed. Many athletes did their best during the CARASUC (Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association) so that they could compete for the SCUAA but it was cancelled without further justification. We have also scheduled trainings for the supposed nationals,” said lawn tennis player Brylyn Rose Graces. Jason Kidiatan, a volleyball player, also said that he is frustrated upon knowing that SCUAA is cancelled. “Nakakalungkot na walang SCUAA ngayong taon kasi kahit na matalo ka doon sa nationals, at least you learned something. Sayang ang experience na maaring makukuha mo sana

SPORTS The Official Student Publication of Benguet State University, LA TRINIDAD 2601, BENGUET VOLUME 44, ISSUE 3 January- april 2016

doon para mapabuti pa sana ang laro,” Kidiatan added. On the other hand, taekwondo player Ephraim Lawan said that he felt dismayed over the unclear cancellation since he had earlier practiced in preparation for the nationals and even told his parents about his feat. “I failed the expectations of my loved ones and friends especially those who helped me in my trainings and who has provided me with financial and moral assistance,” he said. Meanwhile, Institute of Human Kinetics (IHK) Director Rex John CONTINUED ON PAGE 19