The Mountain Collegian Newsletter

The Official Student Publication of Benguet State University Volume 42 Issue 2 October- December 2013

inside

14 Features

RA 10627: Sagot sa Usaping Karahasan sa Paaralan

18

Culture

Tumok: A Matrimonial Heritage Among the Kankanaey

Maligayang Pasko!

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Rose of the Northern Mountains: A Haven for Investment and Tourism. Benguet has the lowest poverty incidence in the Philippines. Agriculture paved the

way into what Benguet is today. It is known for its highland vegetable production supplying its neigboring provinces and parts of the country. So long as the people are willing to till the land, Benguet will remain on its pedestal, even if the World Trade Organization looms the horizon.

Sports

Photographed by Jerson B. Sabado Jr., *This photo won First Prize in the 2013 Benguet Adivay Photography Contest

CTE regains championship title

Studes initiate support for Yolanda victims Mylyn Maitang and Olenor Llaneras To raise funds for those devastated by Typhoon Yolanda in Eastern Visayas, Yolanda Outreach for Unity and Responsive Service (YOURS) Project was launched last November 13.

Project YOURS was purposively coined from the possessive pronoun “Yours” to have a sense of ownership by the donor. With the statement “saan pupunta ang P50 mo?”, it encourages everyone in the university to voluntarily donate at least PhP 50 which is equivalent to one 500 ml mineral water, canned goods equivalent price and rice which are the basic need in the typhoon Yolanda devastated areas.

The proponent of the project is Benguet State University (BSU) – Department of Development Communication (DDC) and Development Communication Society in partnership with other BSU organizations such as Supreme Student Government, The Mountain Collegian, the official student publication of the University, and College of Agriculture (CA)-Pride, the official student publication of CA. “Originally, this project was conceptualized by the DDC faculty and to help Mr. Jef Laruan to sought help for fund raising activities for the four students from barangay Ormoc, Baybay, and Abuyog in Leyte who are having On-Job training at the La Trinidad Organic Product Incorporation ( LaTop),” said Gretchen Shagami Mangahas, the project coordinator and a faculty of the DDC. In support to the project, Dr. Ben D. Ladilad, University president handed memorandum order

no. 55 s. 2013 which calls all faculty, students and staffs of BSU for voluntary contribution.

The project is a continuing activity which is done through “waves” based on the weekly fund collection.

The first wave of the project which aimed of collecting mainly cash for immediate response for Yolanda victims started on November 13 and lasted on November 15. Volunteer members used 24 collection boxes to gather donations from BSU faculty, staffs and students and from other business establishments around BSU campus.

Total collected cash for the three days was around PhP 89,000 producing 282 family packs plus 220 family packs from the efforts of Laruan.

Each relief goods contained 1 kilo of rice, 9 canned goods; 4 can of sardines, 3 cans of corn beef and 2 cans of meat loaf and a five-liter bottled water.

These have been distributed to the communities of Ormoc, Baybay and Abuyog in Leyte through UGOP Waraynon’s transportation and distribution.

UGOP Waraynon is composed of members from Eastern Visayas Region hit by Typhoon Yolanda.

“It is very heart whelming because we are given the opportunity to help our kababayans in their most needing situation. I am happy to be one of the volunteers”, said Regina Vinat-an, one of the

Studes initiate | page 2

DA, NOAP, BSU host 1st SUCs OA confab, gears toward collaboration Faith H. Belingon Bearing the theme, “SUCs Collaboration for Effective Leadership in Organic Agriculture Industry Development,” the Department of Agriculture (DA), National Organic Agriculture Program (NOAP), and Benguet State in the Implementation of the R.A. 10068 and National Organic Agriculture Program at the Diamond Hall, Supreme Hotel, Baguio City on November 14-15, 2013.

With around 135 participants nationwide, the two-day event kicked off with the ribbon cutting and opening of exhibits led by Director of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED)-CAR Luisa S. Valencia, BSU President Ben D. Ladilad, Former CHED Commissioner William C. Medrano, BSU-Vice President for Research and Extension Luciana M. Villanueva, and Chief of Staff of the Benguet Congressional District Office Peter J. Guibac representing Cong. Ronald M. Cosalan.

DA, NOAP | page 2

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News News

October

2013 December

Volume 43 42 Issue 12

The Official Student Publication of Benguet State University

The Benguet State University (BSU) is currently undergoing a total facelift as it strengthens its service to its clients.

organized project YOURS to extend help to the victims of Yolanda in the Visayas Region. YOURS cash donations were converted to goods and were handed to the victims, a reflection of sympathy and love.

Photographed by Mary Joy Canete, Visayas State University

Studes initiate support for Yolanda victims From page 1 members of the project.

Moreover, the second wave started on Nov. 19 and lasted on Nov. 23. A total of PhP 69,000 was collected from room-to-room collection in every colleges of BSU, collections of facebook group YOURS CANADA, and donations from Saint Louis University. The cash money was sent at Eastern Visayas Youth Incorporation.

“We feel blessed because at this point, we attained two objectives of the project. First, we bring home our beneficiaries safely and immediately. Beneficiaries are those four students who were interns from LaTop. Second, we gave relief packs and some cash to support the families of our beneficiaries. This last week of November, project YOURS will be starting its third wave,” said Mangahas.

“We are very thankful to BSU and YOURS project. Our gratitude is beyond words. We know

that we can’t return your sincere help to us and our kababayans in Visayas. God may bless you all.” said Maria Encarnacion Pacanan, one of the beneficiaries.

The third wave of the project which is called YOURS Rehabilitation Program aims to rebuild communities and help survivors to their lives through the provision of medical assistance, educational supplies, shelter construction assistance and livelihood. This operation is still in process and hoped to be successful through the partnership of UGOP Waraynon.

If you want to help the project in rebuilding the communities and other neighboring provinces with your donations. You can visit this two facebook pages: YOURS (Philippines) and YOURSCanada or visit the projects office at 2nd Floor, CA building, BSU, La Trinidad, Benguet, Philippines.

“Songs of Life”, a concert for Norman Kevin Jake Angyab

Dubbed “Songs of Life: A Love for Norman,” Benguet State UniversityCollege of Arts and Sciences (BSUCAS) together with the Tribong Admin, students, and family members and friends, organized a Concert for a Cause for CAS instructor Norman Cua-at on Oct. 5 at the University gymnasium.

According to Ms. Mildred L. Takinan, CAS Associate Dean, through the concert an amount of PhP 143,500 was raised. This was used for Cua-at’s fifth session of chemotherapy last Nov.5.

“The preparation was really difficult. Despite the busy schedules, we were able to unite. It was all because of our love for Norman. We really appreciate the students who sold tickets and those who attended the event. It manifested the value of teamwork which, I’m sure, will bring healing to Norman,” said Takinan.

Cua-at, who is an Instructor I in the CASMathematics-Physics-Statistics Department, teaches statistics and basic mathematics.

Serving as a teacher for almost eight years, he is currently battling against brain tumor.

He was then required to undergo six sessions of chemotherapy. Each session which lasts for a month costs PhP 120,000. Cua-at took some of his chemotherapies in Baguio but later on decided to have his succeeding chemotherapies in University of the Philippines- Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) in Manila.

Prof. Cua-at said in an interview that his doctor assured him recovery from brain tumor after undergoing all the six sessions of chemotherapy.

At present, he already finished five sessions.

His sixth session is scheduled in December at UP-PGH. Cua-at affirmed to continue teaching in the University after his recovery. Accordingly, it is a way for him to pay back the goodness he is receiving from the people and the University.

DA, NOAP, BSU host 1st SUCs OA confab, gears toward collaboration From page 1 Meanwhile, exhibits included the display of the different organic products from the National Organic Agriculture Research and Development (NOARD), Benguet Organic Producers Association (BEOA), La Trinidad Organic Practitioners Multi-Purpose Cooperative (LaTOP), Organically-Grown Unoy Blend, products from DA-CAR Heirloom Rice of Mountain Province and Ifugao.

Rafael B. Tallocoy, Secretary to the Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan, stressed that learnings deduced from this program should be applied so that these will not become useless. He further stated that the result of what a person does will measure his/her talents and skills.

The said SUCs consultation aims at building a roadmap for SUCs’ OA program for poverty alleviation and food security, and at institutionalizing the integration of OA concerns in the curricula and other operational activities of CHED, Department of Education (DepEd), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and other educational institutions consistent with the provisions of Section 23 Rule 23.3 of the Republic Act (RA) 10068 and its implementing rules and regulations (IRR) which necessitates strengthened integration of OA concerns in school curricula at all levels.

In terms of reference, the consultation posed significant role of the state universities and colleges in the nationwide development of agricultural expertise and education of not only the students enrolled in the course of agriculture but more so to the farmers through extension services.

With this role in education, SUCs are enjoined in the Organic Agriculture program through

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College facilities undergo renovation Richard Giye

Pouring Out Love. The BSU- DDC, DCS,CA Pride and MC

News

The Mountain Collegian

At present, the College of Agriculture (CA), College of Teacher Education (CTE) and College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) are in full force in renovating and constructing new facilities to improve service and instruction to students.

In preparation for the Level IV re-accreditation of the CVM, the repair of the college pigpens their power of offering degree programs related to agriculture and in conducting RDE activities and programs in OA. “SUCs are coping with the changes in Agricultural Sciences with their mandate on instruction, research, extension, and production,” said Ladilad.

Ladilad further stated that BSU leads the government academic community in starting OA programs and activities in the whole country.

Further, “there is a need to set the role of SUCs in the implementation of the RA 10068 and the NOAP to determine how they can contribute in the advocacy, development, and promotion of OA in the country.”

On the other hand, Dr. Danilo Daguio, DA Regional Assistant Director and represented Secretary Proceso J. Alcala during the program lauded efforts in pushing for OA and conveyed support to ventures which primarily aims at producing sufficient and safe food supply.

“Organic Agriculture program in our country is gaining ground. Through this program, we hope to increase the income of out small farmers by eliminating the high costs of chemical inputs,” he said emphasizing the significance of OA in mitigating hunger, malnutrition, and diseases caused by unsafe foods.

Meanwhile, Ramon T. Romulo, representative of Pasig City pointed out in his message being read by President Ladilad the significance of using OA in order to properly utilize the richness and abundances of the land. “Tilling the soil without good techniques will render the soil futile,” he further said.

Dr. Valencia also expressed that CHED will always support efforts of the SUCs towards OA and further encouraged participants who are members of the academe to leave a legacy through OA. She envisioned that the created roadmap of SUCs OA programs will be an offshoot for a more empowered “SUCs version 101.”

The consultation further discussed potential opportunities of the OA program in core functions of the academic institutions in the succeeding sessions.

started Aug. 20 and ended on Oct. 4. The budget amounting to PhP 84, 425, included the repainting of its roofs and likewise the improvement of the caretaker’s room.

On the other hand, the repair of the CVM building began on Sept. 14 with a total expense raising to PhP 1, 686,026.35. The gutters, ceiling, exterior and interior parts of the college were fixed and improved.

Meanwhile, the CA endeavours in improving its facilities this school year. The on-going completion of a three-storey building on the left wing of the college was expected to be fully furnished within seven months. The new building has a budget of PhP 12, 570,405.82 allotted for the classrooms and laboratory rooms such as the Pathology and General Laboratory Crop Science rooms. The structure is patterned from the right wing building, enclosing the square-like structure of the college.

In an interview with Architect Hazeline N. Tibangay of the BSU-Physical Plant Office (PPO), she said various reconstructions in the University were based on the most prioritized needs of the students.

“While considering the availability of funds, the different proposed projects for improvement of the university facilities were weighted as to what is the most immediate need of studentry,” reiterated Tibangay.

“Nasisira rin naman ang mga facilities natin parang ‘wear and tear’ lang yan. Iyong mga buildings natin ay may mga bitak na rin lalo na ‘yong mga gutters at side drainages ng mga buildings ay talagang kailangan nang ayusin,” Tibangay added.

In addition, Tibangay cited the newly constructed comfort room in the Secondary Laboratory School (SLS) which was started on Aug. 13, amounted to PhP 412, 686.57 and was finished on Oct. 30.

Moreover, following the face-lifting of the BSUMarketing Center early this year, the Graduate School which was one of the oldest building in the University was renovated and reconstructed. The

on-going construction work started on Oct. 4 with a budget of PhP 902,611.54. The budget allocation includes the putting up of classrooms for the students taking up master’s degree and offices for the faculty members.

As of press time, the frontage of the different colleges such as the CTE and CA are repainted for the on-going re-accreditation. Also, for the students and visitors with disability to have easier access to the colleges, ramps were built in the entrances of the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Home Economics and Technology.

On the other hand, Mr. Manuelito Z. Tirazona of PPO said that there are on-going budget biddings of the different projects in the University such as the plan of putting up of fences in the campus, continuation of the ATBI building and restoration of the SLS-CAT grandstand.

Tirazona noted that there were actually endless line-up of different proposals to improve the University facilities but implementations would still depend on the availability of University funds. The fund either would come from the Income Generating Projects of the University and government subsidies or from the national budget through CHED. Due to the budget cut of State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in the country, Tirazona said “given the wide resources of the University, it could actually source-out funds for all the improvement of all the utilities, facilities and college buildings; only it would entail wise management and allocation of funds and resources.”

Tibangay and Tirazona assured that the different college buildings of the University are strong enough to withstand typhoons and earthquakes coming in the region.

The infrastructures of the University are durable and hard-wearing. Though they look old, they are still safe for classroom classes; thus, conducive for learning.

“So far, wala pa naman tayong condemned na building,” Tibangay ended.

Facelift Phase II. CA is currently undergoing construction of its three-storey left wing which costs PhP 12 million.

Photographed by Faith H. Belingon

News 5 News BSU hosts DOST’ s S & T Expo ‘13 CAS proposes new degrees October

2013 December

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The Mountain Collegian

The Official Student Publication of Benguet State University

Volume 42 Issue 2

Richard Giye

Juman Kevin Tindo The Department of Biology and Department of Humanities of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) proposed new undergraduate and graduate degrees to address “the increasing demands of professionals in more specialized fields.”

Bio propositions MSES Aiming to provide an advanced training not only for graduates of environment- related fields of specializations but also for professionals already working in environment-related projects and activities, the Department of Biology proposed for the curriculum, Master of Science in Environmental Science (MSES).

The program designed with a total of 40 units to be taken in two years with one summer shall be offered in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS).

According to Maricel A. Guron, chairman of the department, the program envisions to equip the graduates with a holistic and integrative knowledge systems and skills in the resolution of environmental problems which are not provided in Biology, Forestry, Engineering, and other related curricula.

“MSES will provide a clearer and deeper understanding of the complexities of environmental issues with other dimensions in terms of socio- economic, political, cultural, and technological. It will also bring an integrated analysis of these various interplays, especially in the light of sustainable development and climate change issues,” said Guron.

Furthermore, the proposal indicates that at the end of the course, the graduates of MSES are to pursue careers such as environment and natural resource management officers, academic personnel, researchers, Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) preparers, pollution control officers, environmental entrepreneurs, among others.

“The proposed graduate program primarily endeavors at strengthening the training of graduate students in terms of their technical knowledge and skills, as well as to heighten their managerial competence by infusing more technical science into management,” added Guron.

Some of the core and major subjects included in the proposed program are Advanced Ecology,

Adieu, Agoho Tree Once tall and majestic now, LIFELESS except for the moss on its barks

Words by Richard Giye

Statistics for Social Sciences/Experimental Designs, Systems Analysis and Quantitative Methods in Natural Resource Management, Environmental Impact Assessment with Environmental and Natural Resource Accounting and Valuation, Biodiversity and Conservation, Human Ecology, Ecotoxicology, Global Environmental Change, Project Development, Environmental Risk Assessment and Management, among others.

A. Poliden, Humanities Department chair.

AB English Language aims “to cater students who would like to major in English as an answer to the demands of academic institutions, industries, agencies, and corporations in the global world” while BA Com intends “to provide the students the knowledge of English, communication, linguistics, plus several courses of contemporary interests such as linguistics and translation, linguistics and information technology, etc.”

Among the core and major subjects included in the course structure of AB English Communication are: Introduction to Applied Linguistics, Phonology,

Love for Norman. The CAS faculty rendered songs during the Concert for a Cause they organized to benefit their colleague, Norman Cua-at raising to an amount of PhP 143,500.

Photographed by Faith H. Belingon MSES will also have three courses of specialization in the fields of Aquatic Ecosystem Management, Terrestrial Ecosystem Management, and Social Theory and Environment.

“It is good to consider MSES as a choice after graduating BSES (Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences,” said Melchor Catones, BSES IV. “I think that this program can provide me, if ever, more knowledge to respond to the pressing environmental issues of today.”

As of press time, the proposed curriculum is passed to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for review and approval.

Humanities to offer AB Eng, BA Com, PhD Language “The Department of Humanities proposed the offering of Bachelor of Arts in English Language (AB English Language) and Bachelor of Arts in Communication (BA Com) in an effort to promote and advocate the arts under CAS,” said Prof. Samuel

Morphology, and Syntax, Contemporary Literature, Semantics and Discourse, Developmental Journalism, World Englishes, Corporate English, Speech and Stage Arts, Literature of the Cordilleras, Advertising and Public Information, Online/ Multimedia Journalism Principles and Practices, and others.

On the other hand, BA Com core and major subjects will include Introduction to Communication Media, Communication Media Laws and Ethics, Introduction to Development Journalism, Science and Health Communication, Broadcast Journalism Principles and Practices, Introduction to Film, Environmental Communication, and more.

BA Com will also include a practicum subject which will require students to have a 200-hour minimum of on-the-job-training.

“AB Eng will primarily produce graduates who are proficient in English Language to serve in the different fields, while BA Com aims to produce graduates who are proficient in communication arts,” explained Poliden.

Furthermore, these undergraduate programs will also be having foreign language subjects in Chinese Mandarin and Japanese Nihongo.

AB English and BA Com will have 150 units and 156 units, respectively.

The PhD Language Education which mainly focuses on the English Language will also be enhanced by including two majors, which are English Language and Filipino Language.

The courses proposed by the Humanities Department are currently at the Office of Vice President for Academic Affairs (OVPAA) for the compliance of requirements before they are submitted back to CHED.

Benguet State University (BSU) hosted this year’s Department of Science and Technology (DOST)- North Luzon Cluster Science and Technology Fair and Exhibit which ran from Sept.

30 to Oct. 4. The fair and exhibit showcased world-class locally-made technologies, products and inventions supporting this year’s theme “Science, Technology and Innovation: The Road towards a Smarter Philippines.”

As part of the celebration of the annual DOSTNational Science and Technology Week initiated from July 23-27 at SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, DOST’s Smarter Philippines Program has stretched through to showcase inventions and discoveries here in the Cordillera Administrative Region.

The five-day Technology Fair and exhibit were hosted at the University gym and covered court was packed with the exhibitions of high- technology inventions, innovations, researches, intellectual crafts and Filipino- owned products.

The line-up of activities were participated in by different local and private institutions, namely;

Reckoning DOST’s Project on Automated Rain Gauge and Water Level Monitoring System To Alleviate the Impact of Flood in the Country. Around 29,249

individuals including BSU students witnessed the annual DOST-North Luzon Cluster S&T Fair hosted by the University on Sept. 30-Oct. 4.

Photographed by Faith H. Belingon

or Non- Government Organizations, media outfits among others. The exhibit also included competitions which took place on Oct.2 and 3, the Robotics competition for tertiary level and Mobot Race competition for secondary level, respectively; Robotics Application and Microcontroller-Based Systems and Best robotics-themed Booth.

There were also booths which displayed organically grown crops, and vitamin-fortified snack foods were also displayed in the open gym. Locally producd, ice cream and Ilocos-made empanada were the favourites.

On the other hand, indigenous clothing

A hand woven Abra textile embroidered with symbols of lizards and frogs, one of the crafts displayed during the S & T Forum.

Philippine Textile Research Institute, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology; Industrial Technology Development Institute; Japanese Association, Countryside Development: Masaganang Kabuhayan, Maunlad na Kanayunan; and universities like BSU, Cagayan State UniversitySanchez Miza, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial University, Isabela State University, Mariano Marcos State University and BSU. According to records there were around 29,249 visitors from Local Government Units, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) practitioners; private and Government Academic Institutions from elementary to tertiary levels, Private Institutions

Student Leaders, Future Legislators. Enjoined in the policy-making, student leaders coming from the different universities all over the Cordillera region were summoned to review and amend the Students Rights and Welfare (STRAW) bill a.k.a. Magna Carta for students during the CAR consultations on STRAW initiated by the National Youth Commission.

Photographs of Rhe-Ann B. Ngayaan

and designs were displayed at the Abra booth.

Handmade embroidery depicting life-forms of cultural value, like frogs, lizards, trees were delicately sewed among the ethnic cloths; way a delight for nature buffs.

Meanwhile, the DOST- CAR in cooperation with Technology Application and promotions Institute (TAPI- DOST) conducted the Regional Invention Contest and Exhibit (RICE) at the College of Engineering and Applied Technology on Sept. 30Oct.1.

RICE is a yearly-regional activity of DOST which aimed at selecting the inventors who would represent CAR in the National Invention Contest

and Exhibit (NICE) next year.

“The NLC is a regional annual activity of DOST. Last year, it was hosted in Region 1,” said Shaila S. Claver, Information Officer of of the DOST Regional Office.

On the other hand, the DOST S & T exhibit was clustered into six exhibits, first is the Climate Change which featured DOST’s flagship of hightechnology invention called Project NOAH or the Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards which was remarkably designed for Filipinos to get information relevant to weather conditions and disaster preparedness through their cellular phones. This movement aimed at saving lives and potential economic loss wherein it’s exhibit was done in the University gym.

“We want the public to see what DOST is doing.

Through this S & T Fair, they will appreciate the sustainable development and approaches shown in the event,” added Claver.

Other highlights of the exhibit : the Agricultural Activity which BSU organic products and vegetables were showcased; Industry Competitiveness where the Technology Bazaar was installed; Poverty Reduction and Countryside Development; and the DOST cluster of Services wherein more than 20 local handicraft business owners were supported and reinforced by the DOST, displayed their products in the University open court.

The products, services and entrepreneurs of these SMEs came from different parts of the country. This initiative of DOST was in support to the country’s economic growth by way of boosting these local entrepreneurship into a more competitive industry.

Pushing for STRAW. Jose Rafael S. Cruz,

Commissioner-at-Large and Committe on Education of the NYC talked about the notable and contentious provisions of the STRAW bill to student government councils.

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News News

October

2013 December

BSU is campus press awardee Rhe-ann Ngayaan

Given during the opening program of the 7th SPAM confab in Tagbilaran City, Bohol last month, SPAM, Inc. president Dr. Melanie Briones said that the award was conceptualized to inspire and encourage institutions to continue to extend support to campus press publications.

The finalists for the SPAM’s Award of Courtesy for Institutions namely the Holy Trinity University, Palawan and Bohol Island State University Main, were likewise recognized during the occasion.

Other recipients of SPAM Awards were Mr. Howie Severino (GMA) for excellence in the field of documentary reportage and Mr. Mike Enriquez (GMA) for excellence in the field of broadcasting.

The three-day conference which was attended by campus writers from elementary to tertiary levels included competitions covering culture page writing, feature, news, and editorial writing.

The Mountain Collegian (MC), the official student publication of the Benguet State University, on the other hand was adjudged the best in cultural

The Official Student Publication of Benguet State University

Volume 42 Issue 2

Reaching Out to the Young Dreamers. The pupils of Yagyagan Elementary School in Tuba were among the recipients of the BSU-SSG Concert for a Cause dubbed “Ayasak Di Dagem II”. In collaboration with the The Mountain Collegian. The civic-minded organizations imparted tangible projects and basic journalism skills to the beneficiaries during their outreach program implementation on Nov. 21-22.

Photographed by Juliet Esther Cindy Guerrero

For its support to campus journalism through the years, the School Press Advisers Movement (SPAM) has chosen the Benguet State University as recipient of the first ever, “Courtesy for Institutions Award.”

News

The Mountain Collegian

page (Mother Tongue-Based Language) and 2nd in best newsletter in the group contest.

Moreover, seven MC staffers were able to place in the top five of their respective events in the individual on-the-spot contests: Faith Belingon won 2nd place in news editing (Filipino category); Mariel Laoana seized 1st in feature editing (Filipino); and Rhe-Ann Ngayaan grabbed the 2nd place in Editorial Writing (Filipino).

On the pre-judged events, Belingon was adjudged the “news story writer of the year-third place”; and Juman Kevin Tindo emerged as the “feature story writer of the year”.

Also, Tindo representing KaliCASan, the official student publication of BSU’s College of Arts and Sciences earned 3rd place in feature editing (English), 4th in Editorial writing, and 4th in journ quiz. Moreover, KaliCasan’s Eunice Tayaban ranked fourth in Editorial Writing (Filipino).

With the awards received, BSU will host the 8th Annual Convention, 1st International Exchange and Seminar-Workshop and 5th Pambansang Pautakang Pampahayagan set on September next year.

Meanwhile, Shermie Sancholes, a student of Ifugao State University landed 4th in news editing (Filipino).

Aside from the competitions, the said conference engaged on plenaries, paper

SPAMmers Pose for Posterity. The The Mountain Collegian and the KaliCASan staffers received various awards frm SPAM. MC Archive

presentations, simultaneous seminar-workshops for elementary, secondary and tertiary levels, and an environmental exposure to the famous natural wonders of Bohol, the Chocolate Hills and the Tarsier Sanctuary.

In the paper presentation, Professor Kara Panolong, KaliCASan adviser shared her study titled “Promoting Environment Initiatives and Awareness through Campus Journalism”.

Being a member of the University’s Eco-Waste Management Program and the Balili River System Revitalization Coalition (BRSRC), she believed that the prominence of environmental articles should be sustained and also be given priority in the campus paper. BRSRC is a multi-stakeholders nonprofit organization whose aim is to rehabilitate the polluted river system that stretches from Baguio to Benguet.

According to Enriquez in his acceptance speech, “the life of a journalist is exciting; no days are the same in this age of empowerment.”

“Love what you are doing, stay alive for the next story, the rest is history and you are the historians,” were Severino’s words of wisdom as he posed a challenge to the budding student journalists.

With the theme “Intensifying the Power of Campus Paper in Protecting and Preserving the Environment and Natural Resources”, three hundred four delegates from thirty-eight state universities and colleges including private schools all over the nation participated. This year, with the special participation of Kansai University, Japan.

The annual SPAM National Convention and National Journalism Quiz Bee: Pambansang Pautakang Pampahayagan is a lecture-workshop and competition which served as an avenue for the recognition of the excellent services of campus journalists and advisers, and for participating students to hone their skills and acquire recent trends in journalism from mainstream media practitioners.

The SPAM, Inc. is a national organization of campus advisers from elementary, high school and college which was created on Sept. 10, 2006.

Its Annual National Journalism Quiz Bee dubbed ‘Pautakang Pampahayagan was launched in 2010 in Boracay, Malay, Aklan.

20 Korean studes enroll in ILC-SPELL Ericka Mae Pistola Through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Benguet State University (BSU) and Sungkonghoe University (SU), South Korea, 20 Korean students have enrolled in the Special Program for English Language and Literature (SPELL). The MOA was signed in Seoul, South Korea during the second quarter of this year.

The Special Program for English Language and Literature (SPELL) is a program under the University’s International Language Center (ILC) specially formulated for the students from SU. According to Dr. Luisa Cotiw-an, ILC Coordinator, the Korean students who are housed at the University’s lodging facility will complete the course within two semesters in the University. The first half is set from September to December and the second half is to be continued until March next year. The students are expected to finish 30 units at the end of second semester.

The breakdown of subjects for the first 15 units are: English and American Literature, Mythology and Folklore, Creative Writing, Effective Speech and World Literature; while the subjects: Interpersonal Communication, Drama and Theater Arts, Technical Writing, Professional Communication, Public Speaking, and English for Specific Purposes are to be taken for the second semester.

The students are divided into two sections, each composing of 10 students. Their subjects are being catered by different professors and instructors from the Department of Humanities.

“We have observed improvements on the academic performance of the students especially on the way they adopt to the teaching strategies and techniques used by our university professors,” said Candice Grale Macliing, Creative Writing instructor.

Along with Macli-ing are Adamson Labi and Evangeline Rachel Leaňo for Effective Speech, Jhordan Cuilan for Creative Writing, and Leonard Apilis and Rhonda Tullay for the Literature subjects. To include, the instructors also do one-on-one tutorials as requested by the students.

“They are obviously used to the traditional teacher-student set-up. That is why they are sometimes surprised by the professors from BSU who teach them in different methods. They are actually enjoying all the activities given to them,” Macli-ing further stated.

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Forum held at BSU World Suicide Prevention Day observed Kevin Jake Angyab As one body in celebrating life, the Benguet State University- Institute of Social Research and Development (BSU-ISRD) in partnership with Cordillera Regional Health Research and Development Consortium (CRHRDC); BSU- Office of the Student Services (BSU-OSS); BSU- Supreme Student Government (BSU-SSG); The Mountain Collegian; Department of Development Communication (BSUDDC); Department of Social Sciences; ResearchMate, Inc.; and Doctors for Indigenous Health and Culturally Competent Training, Education, Networking, and Governance (DITENG) organized a Suicide Prevention Day forum at the Gladiola Center on Sept.

10.

Director.

Benguet, one of the prime producers of vegetables, considers suicide as one of the leading causes of death in which young people are the major victims according to various researches.

Furthermore, chemical inputs especially pesticides are tools in committing suicide.

BSU CELEBRATES LIFE

Meanwhile, more than 50 agencies throughout Cordillera attended the event, to share their respective research outputs, field experiences, and other extension activities connected to suicidal phenomenon within the locality, some speakers from the University and outside agencies were invited.

Mursha D. Gapasin, Project Pansig’dan representative, elaborated on how Pansig’dan can be a tool to understand suicide in the context of Cash Crop Farming; Ramon Fianga-an of the BSU-OSS discussed the Predictors and Severity of Suicidal Ideation among University college students; DOST researcher Phoebe U. Pasiwen

Light for Life. University students and faculty joined the world in observing the WHO’s campaign on suicide prevention .

Photographed by Mark Samuel De Guzman The said forum was in observance to the World Suicide Prevention Day celebrated annually every September 10 in which the International Association for Suicide Prevention and the World Health Organization (WHO) are co-sponsors.

Accordingly, the Suicide Prevention Day forum aimed to let the public understand suicide cases and to initially decide for extension activities that could be delivered to particular communities in order to prevent the growing number of suicide cases in the Cordillera.

Also, it served as an avenue to share research outputs, field experiences, and extension activities and map out mechanisms and initiatives that could enable support on suicide prevention from LGUs and other sectors.

“Nagkakaisa tayo sa layunin na mas maintindihan ang isyu o phenomenon ng suicide at magkaroon ng usap-usapan kasi hindi na pwedeng tumahimik na lang lalo pa’t ito ay silent killer. Dahil sa pagtitipon-tipong ito, magkakaroon tayo ng pagpaplano at mga aksyon upang solusyunan ang pagtaas ng suicide cases,” said Ruth S. Batani, ISRD

talked about the Profile of Suicide in the Mountain Trail Areas; Estrella Acos, Provincial Health Office Toxic Substance/Pesticide Poisoning coordinator, reported the Status of Suicide Cases in Benguet based on hospital reports; Dr. Joseph Alunes from Clinica Alunes elaborated the Community-based Biomedical Perspective; while Maricris Lad-ey of the BSU-OSS Guidance and Counseling Unit discussed the “Life Skills and Interventions for Suicide Prevention”.

Dr. Ryan Guinaran, executive director of DITENG, served as the moderator of the open forum conducted after the presentations. It paved way in answering questions from the Development Communication (DC) students of the University and other participants.

A candle lighting ceremony organized by the BSU-DDC and The Mountain Collegian concluded the afternoon’s event.

With lighted candles, the participants sang the song “Pananagutan” with Prof. Gregorio Taag, faculty member of College of Arts and SciencesSocial Sciences Department, leading.

News

8 Ama Ngayaan commemorated;

October

2013 December

Volume 42 Issue 2

IPs celebrate ‘13 Tribal Filipino Week Daniel Jason Maches

Bannering the theme “Kultura a Nakabigbigan, Ipannakel, Padur-asen, Aywanan ken Salakniban” (Take Pride, Develop, Nurture and Defend our Cultural Identity), Oct. 6 marked the commemoration of the 26th memorial of Ama Ngayaan at the Easter College, Baguio city, as part of the centennial celebration of the annual Tribal Filipino Week (TFW).

Illustrated by Danilo Tindungan Jr.

TFW is an annual celebration formally declared by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) in honour and commemoration of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) of the country, aside from the World’s IP’s month in August.

This has been yearly observed by different organizations and individuals to strengthen and advance self-determination and unity among the IPs since 1978.

Moreover, the month of October is also dubbed as the National IP’s Month by the government as declared in the Presidential Proclamation 1906.

This year’s TFW celebration primarily aimed at revitalizing the role of the IP elders to serve as a motivation for the contemporary generation to continue guarding the land, life, and resources that has been sustaining the IP community through the years amidst the various threats coming from the outside forces.

“This will serve as the backbone of the unceasing advocacy for our ancestral rights,” said Abigail Anongos, Secretary General of the Cordillera People’s Alliance (CPA). She further challenged the youth “to continue the legacy of our forefathers in order to protect our land from the relentless aggression.”

On the other hand, the elders who attended the celebration prompted the youth not to fear in fighting for ancestral territories, correspondingly with the case of Ama Ngayaan. “Datayo nga sumarsarunu, haan tayu kuma agbuteng panggep idiay napasamak kenni Ngayaan, itultuluy tayu kuma ti inlabanna” (We, the younger generation,

A ma Ngayaan Image from the internet should not be discouraged about what happened to Ngayaan, instead; we take his death as a spur to keep on his fight),” one of them said.

“Anya ngay ti silbim nga nakaiskwela nu sabsabali met ti mapmapanam, mu ti sarilim nga lugar ket haan mu maprotektaran” (What would be your worth as a literate person if you could not even defend your homeland) added another one, emphasizing the vital role of the youth in upholding and defending ancestral rights.

They also expressed their gratitude to all the participants particularly the youth groups for partaking in such cultural event.

The youths pledged that they will carry on fighting in defend of the Cordillera domain from the intrusion of large mining companies and corporations.

Moreover, TFW ‘13 served as a venue for intercultural exchange among participating youths and elders, wherein knowledgeable individuals shared their cultures and traditions to their fellow participants. There were also workshops on Cordilleran chants, songs, dances, instruments, and positive values.

Highlight of the workshop is the demonstration of the proper wearing of traditional attire by Elvira Lengwa Taguba, CPA Regional Treasurer, as the resource speaker. Choosing among the individuals as acting models, she cited the distinctions between the old and contemporary attire.

Furthermore, the participants were oriented regarding the current and trending issues the IPs are confronted with such as the issues in

mining, logging, dams, vegetable expansion, and other human practices which continue to favour the severing environmental degradation of the ancestral domain among the Cordillera people.

This is, in addition, to the development aggression and military occupancy which often give rise to the prevalence of crimes such as rape and human rights violation. Thus resolutions and recommendations on how to address such were tackled.

Another issue given cognizance is about the lowest budget allocation for the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). Accordingly, CAR was entitled with only PhP32.2 billion of the proposed 2014 budget, only 524.8 million pesos higher to this year’s PhP31.722 billion. Furthermore, the participants were admonished to prod on fighting for the abolition of the Philippine Development Assistant Fund (PDAF).

After every presentation, an open forum was conducted to facilitate questions and clarifications.

Tribal elders and youths representing the different provinces of the Cordillera region served as speakers and facilitators of the said activities.

Meanwhile, an ecumenical service was incorporated in dedication to the bravery and heroism of Ama Ngayaan together with all the other IP martyrs during the Cordillera struggle.

Highlights of this activity included a role play depicting the common attributes of an Igorot; various methods of playing the gongs which was done per province; intermissions from the participating youth; and talk from the elders who shared their memories while they were with Ngayaan during the said struggle.

As a backgrounder, Ama Ngayaan was among the tribal elders of Kalinga who stood up in opposition against the construction of dams along the Chico River during the Marcos Administration.

He was allegedly abducted and slain by members of the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CPLA) in Cagaluan gate, Pasil, Kalinga on Oct. 5, 1987. Up to now, his remains are nowhere to be found and justice remains unserved. Ama Ngayaan has been the vice chairperson of the CPA since his abduction and the chairperson of the Cordillera Bodong Association (CBA) whose forerunner is the KalingaBontoc Peace Pact Holder’s Association (KBPPHA).

According to www.cpa.com, both the CPA and CBA are independent federation of progressive people’s organizations most of the grassroots-based organizations among indigenous communities in CAR that are committed to the promotion and defence of IP’s rights, human rights, social justice and national freedom and democracy.

TFW’13 was joined by the CPA, Dap-ayan ti Kultura iti Kordilera(DKK), Regional Ecumenical Council in the Cordillera (RECORD), Metro-Baguio Tribal Elders Assembly (MBTELA ), Organisasyon dagiti Nakurkurapay nga Umili iti Siyudad (Ornus), various church denominations and youths from different state colleges and universities.

News

The Mountain Collegian

The Official Student Publication of Benguet State University

9

BSU bags awards in YMCA acad olympics Ericka Mae Pistola With the theme “Breaking Barriers: Strengthening Partnership for Transformation”, Benguet State University (BSU) won events in the Young Men’s Christian Academy (YMCA) Academic Olympics held on Sept. 21- 22 at YMCA building, Session Road, Baguio City.

Ramon Fianga-an, Jr., Head of the Student Organizations and Activities Unit (SOAU), accompanied 23 students from the college level as participants for the different events in the literary competition conducted on Sept. 21.

The college competitions pushed through on Sept. 21- 22, while the elementary and high school events were moved to Sept. 27- 28 due to bad weather.

Myla Madinno, Jirah Vercelyn Teliagen and Noreen Dalang, Bachelor in Secondary Education (BSE-III) students composing the Team I won in the Bible Quiz competition; while Jennieveve Fiacao of the Bachelor of Science in Agri-Business (BSAB III), Flordeliza Salak of the Bachelor in Library Information Science (BLIS III), and Ericka Mae Pistola, BSE II, of Team II ranked third in the same event.

“It is our advantage to have two teams coming from the University since we are able to review the questions of the other team prior to the competition,” said Dalang.

Accordingly, the questions asked during the

competition were from the competing teams. Each team submitted four questions as the official items to be answered.

Meanwhile, Jay-r Aluyen, Jhonalyn Calixto, and Rico Siaron, all BSE III students, and from Team I, seized second place in the quiz bee.

On the other hand, Kevin Jake Angyab, BSE III, grabbed third place in the extemporaneous speech contest. Also, Jener Dizon and Johnell Lartec, both Bachelor of Science in Developmental

RUN FOR A CAUSE. Themed “Takbo Para sa Karunungan”, the

The Mountain Collegian on its 50 years of service, conducted an eco-run to accumulate fund for its community outreach program this December.

Photographed by Rhe-Ann B. Ngayaan

Symposium on NCDs awareness held Arniel Dumigsi To battle illness among faculty and students of Benguet State University (BSU), a symposium on the prevention and control of the non-communicable diseases (NCDs) was conducted at the College of Teacher of Education-Function Hall on September 23.

Promoting Healthy Lifestyle. BSU faculty and students participate in an exercise demo during the NCD’s prevention symposium at the CTE Function Hall on Sept. 23.

Photograph Courtesy of BSU- GAD Unit

Dr. Florence Poltic, University physician presented the content of the seminar. As she said, non-communicable diseases are those non-infectious or non-transferable diseases. It includes cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and stroke; chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma; kidney diseases; diabetes; and cancer.

Theresa D. Foman-eg, Nurse V of Center for Health Development (CHD)-CAR, who served

Communication (BSDC IV) students, landed second in the vocal duet competition; while Jessamine Keith Pagada, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN III), emerged the second place in the on-the-spot drawing contest.

The musical competitions were held on Sep. 22.

The winners were awarded medals and certificates of merit, while the participants received certificates of participation during the closing ceremonies on the same day.

Moreover, the first-placers represented YMCABaguio in the Regional Academic Olympics held on Nov. 17– 18 at the YMCA building, Session Road, Baguio City. The Bible Quiz competitors bagged first place during the event.

as the guest speaker talked on the modifiable factors that could increase the risk of NCDs such as smoking, drinking alcohol, obesity, stress, and high cholesterol which according to her could be avoided in our lifestyle to prevent NCDs. Moreover, Foman-eg highlighted the nationwide healthy lifestyle movement of the Department of Health (DOH), the Pilipinas GO4 Health aimed at informing and encouraging

Filipinos from all walks of life to practice a healthy lifestyle by making a personal commitment to be involved physical activities; proper nutrition; alcohol consumption and smoking reduction.

Foman-eg added that the society which includes the teachers and students, as a partner of DOH, should help the government promote and establish a sustainable environment for healthy living.

“Healthy lifestyle is a choice. If you want to be healthy, then do something about it,” Foman-eg stressed.

According to Dr. Imelda Parcasio, BSU-Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Person, NCDs are one of the salient reasons why teachers and students are troubled in their everyday work and would sometimes cause them to get absent in school. That is the reason why the BSU-GAD together with UHS decided to spearhead a seminar for people get informed and avoid these diseases.

“It’s harder to cure than to prevent,” Parcasio said.

Meanwhile, Jan Kimberly Alcido, BSE II student said that the studentry must be informed about those non-communicable diseases which decrease the lifespan of the people.

“Begin it with ourselves. And through this, we can influence other people,” she stated.

The three-hour symposium which was participated by BSU faculty, staff, and students was a part in the celebration of the 113th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary. It was sponsored by the BSU-GAD.

Blue Bleeding Pen

Of Indigenizing Education and Reviving Culture in BSU (Part 1 of 2)

“

“

Rhe-ann B. Ngayaan

Culture has been my lifeblood since I came out naked from my mother’s womb and even until I met my first love.

BSU is my first love when I came here in La Trinidad to study. Still, she remains my first love as she never plucks this lifeblood out of my system; instead, she continually feeds me with cakes… cakes of values, beliefs, customs, traditions, principles, moral and intellectual faculties anchored with both Cordilleran culture and Filipino culture.

As what Dr. Jovy Peregrino stated, “To understand one’s culture and to savour the full experience of it, we need to eat the whole cake and not only taste the icing.

I believe so because when my first love came in my college life; she immerses me to a pool of activities to practice my culture with passion, to document it with appreciation… to experience it in a deeper sense. Born a Kankanaey, I admit that I still have a lot of things to learn [and unlearn] about the culture of the tribe I belong to. I came to know the significant indigenous knowledge (IK) embedded in every Cordi-artifacts which made me proud of my own culture and heritage.

Also, she aids me in reminding about my identity

and philosophy as an Igorot and a Filipino since at times I am forgetful if not “de-culturated”. Now, I just don’t settle in wearing ‘Igorotak t-shirts’, but I wear my identity in my forehead.

I owe a big part of these learning experiences from my previous subjects, SocSci 16 (Philippine History and Culture) and Elementary Education 121: Fundamentals of MAPEH. In SocSci 16, we were required to present the culture of our respective ethno- linguistic groups. From the showcase of various material cultures to the performance of diverse folk songs and dances, the cultural presentation was conducted not as a competition among classes and ethnicities but rather a sharing of cultures for appreciation. I recalled that even Muslim, Chinese, and Korean students participated along with the highlanders and lowlanders, including some tribes from the South of the archipelago. Moreover, through this subject, we were able to visit educational local museums.

According to our subject instructor Gigi Banes, the cultural presentation is part of the Social Sciences Department’s curriculum. I agree with her when she said that this activity is appropriate to the SocSci subjects, since these tackle the way of life of certain communities. For cultures not to die out, the academe has been playing a big role for the students’ awareness and appreciation of their

Illustrated by Mark Samuel De Guzman

Volume 42 Issue 2

culture.

With the department’s effort of inculcating cultural awareness and appreciation among the University students through the practice of cultural traditions and rituals, it’s very true then that role of education is to sustain and transmit indigenous knowledge to its clienteles. The department is an advocate of culture preservation and so, this activity serves not only as a subject requirement but also a tool for cultural information dissemination.

For our Elem. Ed 121, on the other hand, we had a tournament of Traditional Games or Laro ng Lahi as a culminating activity under Professor Alma Vida Gallardo. Aimed at equipping us with the functional knowledge and skills as well as handson experiences in Physical Education to prepare us in the world of teaching, and to integrate culture in education, we had fun in learning the concept and mechanics of Philippine indigenous games such as patintero, sack race, tug of war, dodge ball or binnungbongan, kadang-kadang, and alupihan through a competition. Other cultural competency based-activities in this course include the arts exhibit, choral competition, and the Tam-awan Village exploration. In addition, we were mandated to attend recitals like the BSU Rondalla’s Kultura’y Panatilihin, Musika Nati’y Tangkilikin where we learn to value our local songs. Throughout the whole semester of engaging myself in music and arts, I am fully convinced that culture plays a big role in education.

With these culture-promoting strategies in teaching utilized by the some of the college instructors and professors, I can see that the mission of these colleges is founded not purely on the cerebral aspect. I have confidence that the college I belong to is not only standing on a shallow perspective of intellectual discipline and grammar, literature and writing, among others of cognitive- based objectives. I am being educated where culture is treated as a discipline, the sole source of a curriculum; therefore, my education is grounded on cultural competencies. ****************************** To my fellow third year students of BEE, tama nga naman si Ma’am Desiree when she said learning is a painful process. Let’s enjoy every beat of pain for it’s better to bleed in the training ground than to be helpless and incompetent in the battlefield of the 21st century.

And since we chose to touch lives and our plans are for eternity, then we must be steadfast, unmovable and undying with a common goal of going into all the world and EDUCATE children.

Tayo-tayo rin lang ang nakaalam at nakaiintindi sa kahalagahan ng mga pinagdadaanan natin ngayon sa training ground. Kaya natin ‘to and together we say celebrate “cheers!”

Abangan ang susunod na kabanata sa Next Issue

The Mountain Collegian

“

The Official Student Publication of Benguet State University

The loud and a bit unsynchronised singing by a group of kids of some familiar Christmas tunes just outside my boarding house woke me up in a Sunday’s “siesta” and reminded me that it’s the last “ber” month. That, it is already December-the deadline of passing my thesis’ manuscript, and is the most anticipated season in the year when one can hear Christmas carols from shop keepers and even petty stalls along the roads that adds up in attracting the customers’ attention thus generating spending. It is also a period when one can inevitably listen to incessant news on tragedies especially fire caused by cheap Christmas lights and are not certified by the government.

But, above all the usual misfortunes during this month, the warm excitement that contrasts the cold breeze is still no less undeniably apparent.

This period of the year is always the perfect time for family bonding, food trip, and other plans that for some unknown reasons we cannot execute during some other months but only when December hits.

Before some “brave” kids frequent your homes or boarding houses singing some songs, you better strategize on how you can divide your money because these “the same kids” will not come around only once but many times in a day. Just a kind and smart reminder: let your bill be changed to coins so that you will not run out of something to give when these neighbourhood kids drop in your door. One experience taught me they will not go away until you give something to them. And these are kids, they can’t accept your old clothes or books maybe, and even food! They just want some money.

But, it won’t be bad to give money if that is what your heart dictates. But, for those like me

Opinion Christmas tidbits Faith H. Belingon

whose pockets do not serve its purpose, this is just but a strategy so you won’t resort to locking your doors and putting off the lights so they would hardly know there’s someone inside the room nor staying longer in the bathrooms until these persistent kids go away.

Just be ready to give some coins if ever you hear some children carolling in your adjacent room because yours will be the next target. But, hey, if you will do really run out of coins, don’t yell at them, just use your earphones or better yet just enjoy listening to their songs, or sing with them.

“Ang Pasko nga naman ay para sa bata!” …………………………………………………………………………

As part of The Mountain Collegian’s 50th Anniversary celebration, the organization will be organizing a line of activities which we students can join in. Among which are exhibit, an advanced journalism seminar, and a community outreach.

The activities are set on separate dates from December 17-21, 2013.

MC believes that through these activities, the organization which have beaten all odds of time and circumstances can be able give something back to her main “suki”, the studentry and other institutions and people who help her stay active through the years.

Maraming salamat po sa pagtatangkilik sa pahayagang pangkampus! ……………………………………………………………………

I would like to request a moment of silence

Of senseless blaming and self-reflection

“

Eunice Joy M. Tayaban

Oh my gosh!

Pouted lips, eye bags bulging into layers and layers, long faces, walking so fast zombies– this is a disaster!

We are all aware of the chain of sleepless nights popping out in the list of our daily routine. We woke up in the morning checking out text messages and

11

Snaphot

Pushing Limits

“

Opinion

2013 December

“

10

October

e-mail messages foremost, then suddenly stared at the time, a prolong silence, and boom! Rushing and bumping towards everything just to be not so late in your appointment.

But did we really ask ourselves why we stress ourselves much after waking up in the morning.

And did we really do worthy things these past days?

Perhaps, we excel more in complaining and muttering things about the unending difficulties and problems that we encounter than starting

and pause for a prayer for a dearly departed soul, but whose memories shall live in the hearts of those lives she has touched. Dr. Caridad Fair-od, an alumna of the University and a former staff of this publication joined the Great Creator at the age of 67 due to a lingering disease. Countless people mourned her passing as this marked a loss of a brilliant mind, an Indigenous Knowledge and Practices (IKSP) advocate, and a great mentor.

Despite suffering from the big C, she has fought until the end with courage and energy which can amaze one on how she managed to be able to exude positive energies to others. She is well remembered by her humorous words which she was able to narrate them more humorously and comically in her own way.

The late Dr. Femia Lamen, former MPSPC president shared that Dr. Fiar-od’s only weakness was being too generous that she has many “pautang” that some people forget to pay her sometimes. Dr. Lamen unfortunately followed Dr. Fiar-od just after few days in the next life after meeting a vehicular accident.

These two extraordinary women who fought well the challenges of life and who influenced lots of lives shall always be reminisced and be grateful of for their works. They may have been physically gone, but the memories of good work and contribution they have left are just turning anew in the minds of the people they have touched deeply and shall be relived in the books or any reading materials they have penned.

to mark the race … running until hitting the mark. Many of us may have been controlled with such circumstances that we go with the flow and wallowed in. The outcome is that we tend to blame, make excuses, and explanations to the extent that we hurt others and hurt ourselves in the final act.

“Be wise, gain understanding,” this is what the Christian preacher always say whenever we go to church every Sunday morning. Learn to carry the weather around so that the circumstances will not control you. Think well before speaking or blaming others. You may plant the seed of hatred in them. Remember that when a word slips, it causes wounds and hard to be cured. With every word we utter, we make or break a person. But when we forgive, stop blaming, and look for the possibilities, we are conquerors.

So do not stop until you finish the race. And do not blame others of your consequent stumbles in running.

Bangon

Bohol!

Janice B. Agrifino

Dati’y busog sa ganda’t yaman, Itinuturing na makabuluha’t makasaysayan Ngayo’y tanging ala-ala na lamang ng kahapon Sumasaliw sa gula-gulanit ng paraiso.

Tulungan sana nati’t ‘wag lang hayaan Wasak sa hapdi at peligrong nagdaan Nawa’y bigyan pa ng muling pagkakataon Upang ibalik ang nalagas na kwento ng kahapon.

Bangon Bohol! Humayo ka’t umusad Sa mundong dulot ay pasakit, lumaban at muling mamukadkad ‘Wag paapi at punuin ng kulay ang bukas Harapin ang hamon at ‘wag tuluyang mawalay sa minimithing pagbangon at muling pag-unlad!

Illustrated by Mark Samuel De Guzman

Winasak ng makapugtong-hiningang bangungot Yanig ng lupa ang lumamon Mumunting patak ng luha’y katumbas ay saya Sa bawat araw, tanging asam ay pag-asa.

I’m Free!

Mylin C. Maitang

Alone throughout the night, In a room I’ve adored before.

Staying there shivering in fear, And not knowing what could happen to me.

Not knowing what to do, I curled myself in one corner, Trying to survive the nightmare, Waiting for tomorrow’s sunrise.

I will look through the looking glass,

Do not

I hear them creep, I saw them crawl, I can feel them moving towards my corner.

But I can’t run, run away from that room, I really don’t know what to do.

It was a

zenith sense

The

Hold

I am doomed, I am helpless.

My fear keeps on haunting me.

From that darkness, an angel whispered to me, “There’s always the bright side.”

And I thank thee Lord, for giving me courage To fight my fear, those creatures Trying to kill me softly.

And find a way out from that hell.

Aphrodite A warped

heartbeat.

breathe.

me closely

Now I’m free, free like an eagle.

Soaring high, dreaming the best for me.

And here I am, out of the cage.

Living on my own.

In the morning’s redness the room is still Sheets removed, spectrum of light enters,

gloom

It left us gasping.

s ng i o

Inside your moist

I dream of

Vanquish Me to your lips; Myself Kiss

Raise

I should never entered that room, I should never trusted its looks.

It was a trap, a tricky trap, A trap from the valley of the dead.

Literary The Mountain Collegian

Juman Kevin Tindo

glass Butterfly.

The air is , is achieved The my dearest.

You can .

Our scents became

one

crystal

annihilated.

s

Let me heed your

Be silent.

quench my thirst.

Nourish me,

eyes

dying ego.

14

Features

October

2013 December

0 1

A R

S

: 7

“

K

g n i n p a l a a s r U a a P sa a s n

a s ha

a r a

Arniel Dumigsi

Si Juana ay isang matalinong mag-aaral sa kanilang paaralan, ngunit ang kanyang malalaking ngiping nakausli na mala-ngipin ng kuneho ay naging tampulan ng tukso at katatawanan ng kanyang mga kamag-aral. Tinatawag siyang Bugs Bunny, Philippine Rabbit at kung minsan pa, pati ang kanyang baon ay pinagdidiskitahan na rin ng kanyang mga kamag-aral. Dulot nito, unti-unti siyang nawalan ng gana at ang kinikimkim niyang takot na mapagtawanan muli ang nag-udyok sa kanyang huminto sa pag-aaral.

Isa lamang ito sa iba’t ibang mukha ng bullying o panunukso na nagaganap sa mga pampubliko at at maging pampribadong paaralan.

Masasabing ang human learning environment ang pangunahing pundasyon ng makabuluhang edukasyon na kung saan ito’y binubuo ng guro, kamag-aral at mga magulang.

Subalit tila winasak ng bagyo ito dahil sa mga alingasngas ng karahasan sa loob ng paaralan gaya na lamang nitong isyu ng bullying ng mga estudyante sa kapwa estudyante o di kaya’y ng guro sa mga estudyante.

Sa Estados Unidos, tinawag na “National Bullying Prevention Month” ang

The Official Student Publication of Benguet State University

Volume 42 Issue 2

2 6

t o ag

The Mountain Collegian

Oktubre kasabay ng malawakang kilusan kontra pananakot o pambu-bully. Ayon sa National Education Association, humigitkumulang na 160,000 ang mga bata sa Estados Unidos ang lumiliban sa klase arawaraw dahil sa pangungutyang nararanasan sa paaralan.

Isa ang Pilipinas sa may mataas na bahagdan ng pambu-bully sa buong bundo.

Ayon sa dzmm.abs-cbnnews.com, pumapatak na dalawa’t kalahating milyong bata sa bansa ang biktima ng berbal at pisikal na pambubully.

Upang mapangalagaan ang mga karapatan ng mga mag-aaral, ipinatupad ng Kagawaran

”

ng Edukasyon ang Child Protection Policy kung saan binigyang kahulugan ang bullying.

Napapaloob dito na ang anumang paulitulit na panggigipit sa paraang pisikal, berbal o mental, pangha-harass, pananakot o pagbabanta, pangungutya, at pang-aalipusta sa kapwa mag-aaral na siyang nagiging dahilan ng hindi pagpasok ng mga estudyante sa paaralan ay binibigyang ng atensyon ng kagawaran upang ito’y maiwasan. Ang paaralan na tinaguriang pangalawang tahanan ng bawat batang may nagbabagang pangarap ay siya rin lang pumatay sa apoy nito.

Dahil din dito, ipinasa ang Anti Bullying Act na siyang tinitingnan ng pamahalaan na magiging karampatang sagot sa mga kaso ng pambu-bully.

Matatandaan na nakalusot ito sa kamara kaya’t pinagtibay ito noong nakaraang Hunyo 7 sa Kongreso. Ganap namang itong naging Republic Act 10627 o “Anti-bullying Act of 2013” matapos itong lagdaan ng Pangulong Benigno Aquino III nito lamang Setyembre 12.

Sa ilalim ng nasabing batas, ipinagbabawal ang iba’t ibang anyo ng bullying tulad ng pisikal, berbal, sosyal, sikolohikal, at kabilang na rin ang cyber bullying o anumang uri ng pambu-bully gamit ang teknolohiya. Inaatasan rin nito ang mga pampubliko’t pribadong paaralan, mababa at mataas na paaralan na magtakda ng mga alituntunin upang maiwasan ang kaganapan ng mga bullying cases o kaso ng panunukso. Ang sinumang guro at opisyal ng paaralan naman na lalabag sa probisyon ng RA 10627 ay mapapatawan ng kasong administratibo.

Nabanggit naman ni Armin Luistro, kalihim ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyon, sa kanyang panayam sa pahayagan ng Manila Bulletin na ang anti-bullying act ay malaking katulungan upang mapanatili ang eskwelahan bilang ligtas at maayang institusyon para sa mga mag-aaral.

“Sa ilalim ng DepEd Order Number 40 series of 2012, ang sinumang guro na mang-aabuso sa kanilang estudyante ay haharap sa kasong administratibo,” sambit pa ni Luisto sa nasabing pahayagan.

Ayon sa newsinfo.inquirer.net, ang bullying ay maaaring makasira hindi lamang sa pag-aaral ng isang bata kundi pati na rin sa kanyang buhay.

Ilan lamang sa mga masamang epekto nito ay social isolation o pagiging mapag-isa, kawalan ng tiwala sa sarili, pagiging matatakutin na kung minsan ay dala-dala ng biktima hanggang paglaki, at ang mas masaklap, pagkitil sa sariling buhay.

Nabanggit naman sa The Center for Adolescent Studies na inilimbag ng philstar.com ang mga salik na nabubunsod sa isang bata para makapambuli.

Lumalabas na sa lahat ng mga batang nambubuska, 36 bahagdan ang nanggaling sa single-parent na tahanan, at 32 bahagdan naman ang mayroong step-parents.

Dagdag pa ng philstar.com, ang mga batang nambu-bully ay ‘yong madalas na nanonood ng mga programang nangangailangan ng patnubay ng magulang sa telebisyon, nakararanas ng karahasan sa pamilya, maagang paghawak ng baril, at nagpapariwara ang buhay dahi sa pagsapi sa mga gang.

Maging ang Benguet State UniversityElementary Laboratory School ay hindi rin nakaligtas sa mala-nakakahang sakit ng pambu-

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bully. Ayon kay Eduardo Naoe, punong-guro ng paaralan, mayroong naitatalang bullying ngunit ito ay mangilan-ngilang at hindi gaanong malala. Bunsod nito, gumagawa ang paaralan ng aksyon upang

Illustrated by Giselle Ocyaden ipabatid sa kanilang mag-aaral na hindi biro ang bullyin. Sa katunayan, nakipagkapit-bisig na sila sa mga magulang at sa Benguet Police Provincial Office na kaagad bumuo ng seminar tungkol sa pambu-bully sa kanilang mag-aaral nitong nakaraang Hulyo.

Samantala, maligayang nabanggit naman ni ¬¬¬¬¬Dante M. Miguel, punong-guro ng BSUSecondary Laboratory School na walang naitalang pambu-bully sa kanilang paaralan sa unang kalahati ng taong-pampaaralan. Kumpiyansa ang punung-guro sapagkat sinasala nilang mabuti ang kanilang mga estudyante. Gayunman, hind na rin bago ang bullying sa kanilang paaralan sapagkat nangyari na ito minsan dalawang taon na ang nakakaraan. Nakikipag-ugnayan na rin sila sa Office of Student Services (OSS) ng pamantasan upang lalo pang mapanitili ang zero bullying rate sa naturang paaralan.

Ayon kay Fay Ann P. Farangan, guidance counselor OSS, kapwa kailangan ng nambubuli at binubuli ang masusing pagpapayo o counseling.

Mas mainam di umano na tulungan ang biktima na magtiwala sa sarili at matutong magsumbong sa guro o mga magulang. Kung kinakailangan, turuan din ng leksyon ang mga nambu-bully at ipaalala na paano kung sila naman ang nasa

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kalagayan ng mga inaaapi.

“Ang pambu-bully ay parang cycle o siklo kung saan ang nang-aapi ay maaaring tularan ng iba para lamang may pagtawanan at ang inaalipusta nama’y maaaring mambully ng kapwa para lamang

makapaghiganti,” dagdag ni Farangan.

Nabanggit naman ni Gregorio Taag, propesor ng Sikolohiya sa Departamento ng Agham Panlipunan, hindi lang ang pag-aaral ng isang batang nabubully ang negatibong naaapektuhan kundi maging ang kanyang pag-iisip at pananaw sa buhay.

Sa huli, information dissemination pa rin ang nakikita ni Taag na pinakamabisang paraan upang ipabatid sa mga mag-aaral na hindi biro ang usaping pambu-bully.

Ayon naman kay Presilla Mayona, mag-aaral ng BEE I, malaki ang impluwensya ng salita at kilos ng isang guro sapagkat maaaring tularan ng mga bata ang kanyang negatibong pag-uugali upang makapambuli sa paniniwalang ito ay tama gaya ng maaanghang na pananalita at pagpapahiya sa isang mag-aaral.

Ang usaping pambu-bully ay hindi na bago sa kaninuman datapwat di natin dapat ipinapasawalang-bahala. Gaya ni Juana, ilan pa kayang mga matatayog na mga pangarap ng mga bata ang hindi na makakamtan dahil lamang sa kawalan ng kagandahang-ugali ng iba? Ilan din pa kayang mga inosenteng batang ang nambu-bully ng kapwa na kung tutuusin ay biktima ng sariling kapagiliran?

Kumbaga sa isang epidemya, lahat tayo, bata man o matanda, ay may pananagutan, may responsibilidad na dapat gampanan upang ang bullying ay maiwasan. Mula sa loob ng pamilya, hanggang sa paaralan, at pamayanan, ang pagiging huwaran pa rin ng kagandahang-asal sa isang bata ang pinaka-epektibo at alternatibong

Kumbaga sa isang epidemya, lahat tayo, bata man o matanda, ay may pananagutan, may responsibilidad na dapat gampanan upang ang bullying ay maiwasan.

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that bottle to his head and pulled the trigger, and finally drank away her memory. Life is short but this time it was bigger than the strength he had to get up to his knees.” –These are lines from a country song that depicts suicide, literally. Titled “Whiskey Lullaby” of lyrics from Brad Paisley, it tells a tale of alcoholism, adultery, and death as the man catches her wife and her lover cheating on him. He drinks himself to death, and guilt causes the wife to do the same.

According to Dalos Emok, Bachelor of Science in Development Communication student and an avid country music fan, he strongly disagrees with the study because he has been listening to country music for more than 19 years and still finds it interesting because most of the songs are inspirational.

“Country music is not the problem, the problem is in the people who listen to it,” he added.

s moving on from old songs of Elvis Presley and Kenny Rogers difficult for you? And, do you often find yourself surfing the YouTube for music videos of Lady Antebellum, and Zac Brown Band or downloading songs of Alan Jackson, Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, and Collin Raye? If yes, you are undoubtedly a certified country music lover!

Country music continues to gain luster in some countries. According to the National Purchase Diary’s survey entitled “Annual Music Study 2012,” country music has become a popular choice among all ages as it surpassed patronization of classic rock in America.

Country music continues to gain luster in some countries. According to the National Purchase Diary’s survey entitled “Annual Music Study 2012,” country music has become a popular choice among all ages as it surpassed patronization of classic rock in America.

Of Igorot country music Heavily influenced by the Americans, Igorots still treasure the concept of being cowboys and cowgirls and the affection to country music.

Dubbed as “kinnoboyan music” by the Igorots, country music served as an inspiration to many Cordilleran singers in translating foreign country songs and to producing their own songs. Among these are ‘Sendong’s Talaw’, an adaptation of Brian White’s Someone Else’s Star; from John Denver’s “For Baby” born the Batawa, among others.

In her study entitled “Kinnoboyan Music: Meaning and Construction in the Context of the Kankana-eys of Loo and Abatan,” Lani Bayanes, a graduate of MA Social Studies of Benguet State University said that country music makes the respondents nostalgic of their day-eng or traditional music. The respondents pointed out that country music serves as their cultural marker, as it talks a lot of their “Igorotness.” It also expresses their personal and social sentiments, personality, and values such as being God-fearing, family-oriented, dedicated, and many more.

“Country music is a ‘social instruction’ as it talks so much about the life of the respondents,” the research concluded.

Moreover, in his “Batawa: Constructing Identity through Country Music in the Philippine

Beyond the limits The Center for Youth Studies in the United States noted that country music as it surges on the airwaves can increase suicidal rates and encourage promiscuity or sexual deviance. The genre, which consists often of themes fostered with depression like being brokenhearted, encourages listeners during difficult circumstances to commit suicide. Though not all country music is explicit, it can still encourage sexual activity.

According to pchrd.dost.gov.ph, depression has been the number one cause of suicide, along with other cases such as alcoholism, substance abuse, and untreated mental illnesses.

“He put

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Cordillera,” Jimmy Balud Fong of Department of Communication, University of the PhilippinesBaguio, stated that foreign country songs adapted

by Cordillerans construct who they are and what they have become.

“Although unoriginal in form, contemporary Cordillera songs constitute an ‘ethnography’ of the producers’ and consumers’ own cultures,” says Fong.

Country music at its best Despite its alleged hazardous effect, country music still has advantages to its listeners.

According to a survey conducted by the Country Music Association (CMA) in the United States, country music fans are faring well financially, optimistic about the future and are engaged with popular digital technologies.

Moreover, psychology.about.com points out that country music fans are typically hardworking, conventional and outgoing or sociable. It noted “While country songs are often centered on heartbreak, people who gravitate towards this genre tend to be very emotionally stable.”

According to Randy Wan-aten, Bachelor of Science in Agriculture student and a certified country music lover, the said type of music only conveys messages that life is a struggle. But, it encourages and inspires everyone to be strong in every setbacks of life.

“But you just smile and take my hand. You’ve been there, you understand. It’s all part of a grander plan that is coming true.”

The song “Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts reminds everyone to be optimistic in life.

It expresses that God has plans to every broken roads in one’s journey which are stumbling blocks in finding the people he/she is meant to be and the better place in life.

Music is powerful. It can drive people happy, sad, or angry. Though some are melodious, some may also influence us negatively. Thus, we should be aware of the limitations and lyrics that enter into our ears. Country music may seem cheesy for some people. But for Igorot country music lovers, country music will always be the relic of their genuine ‘kinnoboyan’ culture.

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Strength ning Dialogu s T

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Image from the internet

Suicide Prevention owards

Kevin Jake Angyab

There are two facts about life that humanity should ponder on. First, life is an enduring gift from the Almighty Creator and second, it is short and temporary.

Yet, it remains to be a big question why more and more people worldwide choose to end their stories with their own hands.

In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Latest Burden Estimation stressed that nearly 1,000,000 people worldwide die of suicide each year and it corresponds to suicidal death per 40 seconds. Hence, the number of suicidal deaths outnumbered the combined death cases of homicide and war.

There are many internal and external factors to be considered when talking about suicide.

However, it is not enough to know these factors alone but more importantly, to use them as a milestone in acquiring friendly actions that the society could use to encourage and enlighten other people who attempt to end their existence through suicide. Thus, WHO declared the month of September as the Suicide Prevention Month to commemorate the lost lives and to advocate lifegiving practices and policies that will save lives.

BSU IN ACTION

The Benguet State University- Institute of Social Research and Development (BSUISRD) in partnership with Cordillera Regional Health Research and Development Consortium (CRHRDC); BSU- Office of the Student Services (BSU-OSS); BSU- Supreme Student Government (BSU-SSG); The Mountain Collegian; Department of Development Communication (BSU-DDC); Department of Social Sciences; ResearchMate, Inc.; and Doctors for Indigenous Health and Culturally Competent Training, Education, Networking, and Governance (DITENG) organized a Suicide Prevention Day forum at the Gladiola Center on Sept. 10.

The forum aimed to understand suicide and unite organizations and individuals in sharing their respective suicide-related researches, field experiences, and extension services to come up with policies, plans, and other initiatives that will contribute to suicide prevention.

The forum highlighted the concept of Suicidal Ideation (SI), its Severity, and its Predictors by Ramon C. Fianga-an, Student Organizations and Activities Unit (OSS-SOAU) Head, among other researches presented.

Accordingly, SI is a precursor of suicide but it does not always lead to suicide. Sometimes, an individual thinks of committing suicide and really do it. However, there are some who attempt to, but the idea only remains in their minds.

Fianga-an’s study found out from 474 BSU college respondents that five factors namely personality, parental disengagement, stressful parental behavior, unresolved parent-child conflicts, and poor peer relationship were correlated with SI although the strength of relationship of each factor ranges from very weak and moderately strong.

Meanwhile, Phoebe Ullalim-Pasiwen, registered nurse from the International Academy of Suicide Research (IASR), delivered her study “Prevalence of Suicide in Three Farming Municipalities along Mountain Trail in Benguet from 1999-2009”.

The ages of suicidal victims in Pasiwen’s study ranged from 15-24 and most of them are male.

Surprisingly, from 1999 to 2009, the study found out that the total suicide death rate of the three municipalities exceeds the global and national rates.

The suicidal materials are mainly pesticides like Tamaron and Gramoxone which are highly available since the scope of the study is labeled agricultural communities.

Meanwhile, Maricris Lad-ey, OSS-Guidance and Counseling Head, discussed some life skills and interventions which people could do in preventing suicide.

According to Lad-ey’s presentation, suicide is viewed as a means of crying for help; seeking for attention; hostility and self-punishment; relief for hopelessness; and an end to pain.

Thus, it is emphasized that people should have listening ears, an understanding mind, and a compassionate and an empathetic heart towards individuals attempting to commit suicide.

Moreover, a thorough knowledge about suicide is encouraged and people should not think twice in extending help to individuals who struggle in this phenomenon. Also, possessing properly-set goals in life is seen as a powerful weapon.

“Most people attempting to commit suicide, when asked about their goals in life, usually

answer none. When a person has concrete goals, it will help him view life in a positive angle and thus, keeps him away from suicidal behaviors”, explained Lad-ey.

Dr. Joseph L. Alunes from Clinica Alunes also enumerated in his presentation “Communitybased Biomedical Perspective” some risk factors in suicide occurrences such as mental disorders like personality disorder, depression, and schizophrenia, a psychiatric disorder; as well as other diseases like cancer and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), a virus disabling the immune system.

Further, Alunes specified the evolving challenges and obstacles that we should understand in battling against suicide. These include lack of awareness, inconsistent gathering of data, multisectoral involvement, political will, and capability-building.

However, time is not too late. Suicide is still highly preventable. These presentations impart contributory ways towards consistent suicide prevention along the bivouac of humanity.

Fianga-an’s study recommended an increased number of trained and licensed helping professionals who are equipped with knowledge and skills in suicide crisis management. School administrations should establish or strengthen programs like student organizations, support groups, guidance and counseling, and other services that would prevent SI among the college students. The formation of students’ religious groups is also deemed beneficial.

Indeed, suicide has proven itself a horrible threat inside every family, every peer group, every society, and every nation. Thus, we should prohibit its invasion and from stealing numerous lives ever again.

The humanity is taught with a uniform lesson- we are all liable to one another, related by blood or not. There are more people outside who struggle in suicidal behaviors. Let us therefore be selfless and make our ears, minds, hearts, hands, and time enduringly available for them. Like a lighted candle, let us come in one accord as we give light to those who gnash in the suffocating darkness. At last, strong dialogues for suicide prevention come in an everdreamnt birth.

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But, what is tumok?

This is a matrimonial process which is similar with the Kaon of the Kibungan Kankana-eys. According to www.benguet. com, it is a traditional way of courting where the lalakay or elders served as messengers to tell about the man’s love to his prospected wife. Tumok is also

a matrimonial heritage among the Kankana-eys Chatelaine Wansi

comparative to the Kalon of the Ifugaos and Kaising of the Ibalois.

The baro or young man does not court nor propose to the balasang or lady. Instead, he contacts one or even five elder men, who are 60 years old and above with enough knowledge and abilities in courting, as his emissaries to the home of the balasang to propose for marriage in his behalf.

Lola Adelina narrated that a girl is considered to be a balasang ready to be ma-itumok as soon as she stopped playing and is already an expert in the house works like cooking, washing clothes and cleaning the house. Tumok is usually for daughters of age 14 and above, otherwise if she is younger, it is

called tulag.

Furthermore, Benguet website has it that there are procedures to be undertaken. Before the tumok, the lalakay at the home of the young man chant a prayer called ipitik in front of a cup of tapey or rice wine to ask for material wealth and a long life together for the couple-to-be. Afterwards they go to the house of the balasang.

Along the way, they keenly observe the signs of nature such as birds chirping happily which means good luck in courting. However, if a black cat or a snake crosses their path, they will not continue their journey instead return to their homes and just pursue the next day.

As soon as the lalakays arrive at the house of the balasang, they first talk to the parents of the latter. They inform them that a man has fallen in love with their daughter. The parents then call for their daughter to join them talk with the elders.

In answer to the marriage proposal, the balasang may plainly say “no” or argue with the emissaries; but if the balasang says “yes” or is silent, it means she accepts the proposal. The baro then is advised to inform and convince his parents of the upcoming wedding.

According to Wasing Sacla, a former Board Member of Benguet, in his research entitled “Treasury of Beliefs and Home Rituals,” the ideal time for wedding celebration is on the first quarter or locally known as beska. The lalakays believe that an emerging moon signifies a prosperous life, likening this to the first quarter moon that grows into its fullness in the next quarter, full moon or teke. Also, if a member of both families has already undergone marriage at that present year, the naitumok or arranged couple must wait for next year to be married. This is done to avoid bad fortune to befall on the family of the soon-tobe-couple.

Sometimes, a ritual is also done to oppose spirits. Eventually, they tie a knot among the gaon or breed of grasses which symbolizes the binding of the future couples.

The number of the elders that court the balasang and her parents depends upon the attitude of the balasang. If she is silent and passive, there is at least one or two elders involved, but if the lady is active and talkative, there will be three to five elders to face her.

The process of tumok is simple. The man should be ready to marry the lady anytime she agrees. He must be ready to take the risk of borrowing money or mortgaging or even selling his lands or carabao/s to buy pigs to butcher during the wedding, which usually lasts f o r one day.

The persistent lalakay try every means to get the approval of the balasang.

T h e y m a k e stories like lost

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handkerchief or wallet of the baro and insist that it was found by the balasang. If she disagrees and contends she never found such thing, the elders try hard to find ways of convincing her to admit having done the allegation, if not blackmailing her. In cases when the balasang is silent, this automatically means she agrees to the proposal. If the balasang cries, it is believed that it is the cry of their first baby. But if she still disagrees, the last resort is to let her drink the tapey. Drinking the wine means approving or agreeing to the proposal without any excuses even though there is no warning of the consequences of drinking the offer beforehand.

If the preliminaries of the tumok end up successful, the tungtong or decision-making happens the next day. The lalakay, the parents and the would-be couple discuss about the kaon or traditional wedding, venue, and other matters of the preparation. During the kaon, the man gives gifts to the lalakay who performed the tumok as a way of thanking them just after the wedding celebration. The presents are usually the thighs of the butchered pigs. The number of pigs butchered depends on the demands of the mambunong or native priest after checking the gall bladders. If it is in good physical shape, it means there will be no addition of the pigs to be butchered because this is acceptable to the anitos. But if it is unhealthy the whole pig needs to be changed because it signifies bad luck to the couples. This will cause additional expenses. After the wedding, the newly wed will stay to the baro’s residence that he built for the two of them.

Moreover, according to the book entitled “History of Bakun and Its people,” after the actual marriage, there will be no sexual contact yet. Silib which pertains to sleeping of couple in separate beds is scheduled. Teteg is also performed the day after the silib. Pig and tapey are offered. One day rest is observed then couples live as one to give due respect to silib.

A three-pig feast or toltolo is performed when the couples have established themselves and could produce what is needed during the kaon. A one week ngilin (rest) is also observed through the ritual man-sida, where 5, 7, 9, or 11 (must be odd numbers) pigs are butchered.

If time comes that any of the couples regret of their marriage, some expenses are paid. If the woman initiated the separation, she should pay all the pigs used during the kaon. Conversely, if it is the decision of the husband, the wife will not pay anything. The house, however, is left to the woman; the man is to build another house for him and his new wife to stay.

Nonet heless, this does not usually happen.

Still,

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Tumok:

She is an enthusiastic storyteller, as she tell stories non-stop. She is ever willing to answer questions within the grasp of her experience.

She finished her degree at the University of Baguio in 1961 and in that setting; she saw the process of tumok as one classmate of hers has personally gone through the ritual.

The Official Student Publication of Benguet State University

Volume 42 Issue 2

Lola Adelina Sofronio, a 74-year old retired teacher who has her roots in Kibungan is a witness of the Bakun tradition, the tumok. This old lady who with her shiny silver hair and thick layered eye glasses was completing GSIS forms when I approached to ask her about tumok.

Illustrated by Harmon Nicer

The Mountain Collegian

tumok is not an assurance in courting. “No baken mun say gasat, ulay piga ay tumok, baken kayo ladtan mankatuluyan,” testified Pedlon Dolo, an experienced and tumok expert elder of Bakun, Benguet. (Elders believe that if you are not really destined for each other, even they perform tumok repeatedly, you can never be for each other.)

Tumok, just like any other traditions, has advantages and disadvantages. A man who cannot tell his love face-to-face to a lady will have a chance to court the female indirectly which is a big favor for the man. However, the weaknesses of such practice is when a lady even at a very young age will be married to a man ten- year older, if not thrice her age. In some cases, forced marriage may happen since the lady who may not love the guy was just convinced or lured by the elders.

“Tumok or kaon is a practice which slowly vanished since 1970’s, it therefore has a little possibility to be practiced these days,” lola Adelina concluded.

“

The tumok may sound unfair because decision- making is left to the elders not involving the woman, but its effectiveness has been tried and tested by time and challenges of lifetime commitments.

Even though such practice is losing its way to modernization, the values of being obedient and respectful to elders are worth emulating in this present time.

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Oh my food!

Image from the internet

Professor Mark Post, developer of the frankenburger, said that the new generation of food which will be called the revolutionizing foods that will help preserve the environment is starting to be unveiled.

GM burger launched The start of the food revolution was recently revealed through the world’s first laboratory grown beef burger which was served and eaten by some consumers at a public tasting in London.

The said cultured beef patty is just like the regular patty that we processed in our burgers.

This is according to Dutch scientists who served the single hamburger from processed cow stem cells. It is interesting to know that these cells are the master cells of an organism which can be turned into any other cell type in the body like blood, muscle, tissue, and others, as stated in www.whoint.com.

Through the works of Prof. Post and Chef Richard McGeown, the “frankenburger” was successfully made. Out of a cultured beef grown animal, a cultured beef burger was manufactured. With this, the research throughout was for reducing the number of animals needed for the meat industry and for contributing substantially to climate change through the production of methane gas which will reduce the impact on agricultural land, water and resources.

It took the

Illustrated by Giselle Ocyaden

Sometimes, we see ourselves in an alarming situation wherein we already think of things that will only satisfy our famished minds. We even imagine the some ‘not so possible food’ just to satisfy our craving. And when we hear the word “food,” eating rings in our brains and we start mouthwatering for fatty meat and oozing sauce … its wanting, its ecstasy!

scientists almost two years to do all the processing.

First, they took a sample of cow’s muscle through a process, they say, is a painless biopsy on which the cow is already butchered and it cannot feel the pain of taking away his muscle from its body. Then, those cells are submerged into a nutrient solution that help them reproduce. Afterwards, the multiplied cells are placed into a donut-shaped dish where they organize themselves into bits of muscle tissue.

Electrical stimulation is sometimes used to exercise the muscle cells, which flex spontaneously. Once there are enough strands of meat (about 20,000 small strands), the scientists can make a 140 gram (5 ounce) hamburger.

The word “franken” was derived from the fictional character from Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel Frankenstein; the Modern Prometheus, which means “creature”, “fiend”, “wretch”, or a “monster”. He was made by Victor Frankenstein in his laboratory through an ambiguously described scientific method consisting of chemistry and alchemy. The creature horrifies Frankenstein, and he immediately disagreed the experiment. The monster wanders in the wilderness and adopted Victor’s surname Frankenstein. Today, most people identify Frankenstein as a monster and this is where the made hamburger was named because of its monster size or huge size that was made out of experiments.

“This is a great discovery and now dealing with foods that are being labmade sounds risky and exciting. We are now in the generation of technology and we cannot contemplate with it,” said Shirley S. Balauro, Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (BSND) instructor.

The hope for food revolution People for the Ethical

Treatment (PETA) for the reason that it will greatly diminish the amount of animal suffering. On the process, muscle cells are being extracted from donor animals, but taking those samples does not hurt the animals at all. One sample can theoretically provide almost 20,000 tons of lab-made meat. Lab-grown

“We just go with it, and try new things around that can help preserve the environment. But still food is food, health is health, we should take new things easy,” she added.

meat is still meat. But then and again, it is still considered as Genetically-Modified (GM) food. GM foods are foods produced from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), specifically, genetically modified crops.

GMOs have had specific changes introduced into their DNA by genetic engineering techniques derived from GM Science Review First Report by Sir David King, 2003.These may cause positive effects like adequate food supplies, thus it fights malnutrition on; reduce killing of animals, and among others.

However, it may also cause negative effects like human health risks and economic concerns according to www.csacom.com.

“I love foods, especially good foods which gratifies sense of taste. But, as students we might as well be cautious to what we eat, especially that these foods are proliferating from laboratories like this frankenburger,”said Christine Bel A. Cerezo, BSND II student.

Though burgers are fast foods which are considered as unhealthy food and us as a diet food for some, they are most consumed the most by professionals and students especially during rush hours. To students, when the time comes that you start to hold your famished stomachs, you think of something nutritious that will satisfy your hunger. Food is our mental stimulus. This does not only provide physical energy, but it motivates us to live… how to live a healthy life.

To live a happy healthy life, let us also be vigilant on foods that we eat.

Frankenburger: the revolutionized meat Eunice Joy Tayaban

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Opinion

The Mountain Collegian

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The Official Student Publication of Benguet State University

Bohol is among the greatest treasures the Philippines could be proud of. The historical place marked the warm welcome of Datu Sikatuna, former Datu of Bohol, towards the Spanish men led by Magellan, thus, the Blood Compact stood still. Not only that, two ancient churches namely Lobok and Baclayon church beautified the place. These were mainly piled with fragile lime stones one after the other adding to the historical impression of the place.

Excitement filled the air as we trudged our way above those seemingly unreachable clouds towards the rising sun. It was breathtaking and overwhelming that for the first time, I had the chance to view the natural beauty of the Philippines from the sky even for just an hour while waiting for the plane to reach the port of that little paradise…

Bohol.

Bohol is among the greatest treasures the Philippines could be proud of. The historical place marked the warm welcome of Datu Sikatuna, former Datu of Bohol, towards the Spanish men led

by Magellan, thus, the Blood Compact stood still.

Not only that, two ancient churches namely Lobok and Baclayon church beautified the place. These were mainly piled with fragile lime stones one after the other adding to the historical impression of the place.

Moreover, this little paradise serves as a haven

Flashback... Bohol’s Aftermath Janice A. Agrifino

of the natural wonders of the country which are usually visited by tourists, both local and foreign.

These include the natural sanctuary of the tarsiers, known as the smallest primates of the world, and the renowned Chocolate Hills. The place has never been shattered by great typhoons and other natural disasters as it lies peacefully at the centre of bigger landforms, until…

In the morning of October 15, it was not exempted from being devastated by the 7.2 Magnitude earthquake. This, according to Renato Solidum, head of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology was comparable to the 32 bombs that hit Hiroshima, Japan during the World War II. It is painful to know that this place once visited and adored by many people not only of its natural attractions but also of the historical accounts embedded in it, will no longer be what it is in the past. With the recent ill-situation that it bravely faced, it unfortunately buried various photos of the country. It may recover and find its way of rebirth, but Bohol will never be the similar old and peaceful place of historical impression.

With Bohol’s setback, it accidentally buried

When typhoons are no longer just a natural calamity

“

Julieth Esther Cindy Guerrero

Until now, the Philippines particularly in Visayan Region is still at stake due to the damages brought about by the 7.2 magnitude earthquake and the Super Typhoon Yolanda which waved at their strongest during the months of October and November.

There was a total destruction to thousand lives and million-worth properties from these devastating calamities putting the country under the state of calamity as declared by President Benigno Aquino III on November 11 this year.

Typhoons are reported as one of the natural calamities along with earthquakes, hurricanes, and others. But on November 8, a viral video clashed the whole nation as it exposed a fact (or a bluff discovery) regarding the Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda). Allegedly, as supported by videos with corresponding voice-over explanations, this typhoon that almost took thousands of Filipinos and destroyed their properties is a man- made phenomenon that came from microwave pulses emitted by a certain technology.

However, Dr. Mahar Lagmay, a scientist and professor of the University of the Philippines

21

Through the Looking Glass

Fidus Chates

“

Research

O October ctober

“

20

DevCom:

said that it is a conspiracy theory for there is no solid demonstration on how it generates cyclones and that the mystery man failed to prove his hypothesis. Moreover, he also mentioned that in science, it must be demonstrated, repeatable, and testable in order to be considered as truth.

But nevertheless, whether it is true or not that Yolanda is man- made or a natural calamity, it still remains a question worth searching for an answer.

And that we are still threatened of the possibility that this is true.

My point is, we should still be bounded by the “what ifs.” I suppose you know what I mean. What if it is true that these microwave pulses really created Yolanda? What if we are presented by the realities that we have to believe in? What if it is really more than just a natural calamity?

But just to make it clear, I am not giving sides

a pool of yesterday’s appreciations and stories concerning the Philippines. For some, it may be considered as another traumatic natural phenomenon, but it is not. Bohol has proved its worth of existence- it cradled the many stories, good and bad, that added to the shaping and belief of the whole country. I just hope that it will find its way to rebirth for those historical accounts to be revealed and be admired again.

The Philippines has really a lot of natural attractions to be proud of and stories yet to be told.

As historians continue to search for keywords, let us in our own ways also help in opening new doors. May we learn to appreciate things around us and have the eagerness to know the hidden stories embedded in them. Appreciate things while they last, for once their gone, we can never bring them back same as they are before. *** I am but privileged to write and let my piece be read. May this inspire and encourage every reader in one way or another. I dubbed this column as “Through the looking glass”, with the belief that a lot has still to be told behind every looking glass. because I am not an expert on this matter and I admit that I am not pretty much knowledgeable on the topic. Only that, I am a concerned citizen who, just like anybody else, is seeking for the answer and verification of the presented hypothesis.

Anyway, if we try to give a little glance, something might be true in it. Maybe in the upcoming calamities, this point may be reached.

See? Everything that comes around are putting us into mind- boggling situations. In this era of technologies, everything calls for a question.

Microwave pulses are created by technologies.

In climate change, technologies are one of the pointed reasons. Technologies are affecting every little lifestyle we do, day by day.

Despite these happenings, do you think it is already late to take an action? I guess not! There are still lots of surviving creatures in this land as well as promising treasures in the land, water, and air. At this point, our reactions and actions matter.

Our global positive response against this alarming phenomenon of today’s modernizing world needs to be totally guarded and taken into account.

The Philippines is under warning signal number 3 as of this time in terms of the destruction of life and property. The decision is in our hands.

The option is yours to think of. If we continue to embrace the techno world to the extent that we destroy the environment then, we continue in destroying ourselves in a way or another.

One more thing, before you switch on that “thingy,” you better think twice; it might ask something in return you never expect.

Sports

The Mountain Collegian

The Official Student Publication of Benguet State University

BSU Musangs seize bronze in takraw, Brendon Bangco-og

provided a ground for athletic wellness and development.

Photographed by Jerson B. Sabado Jr.

CTE regains championship title Abigail Joanna Nagpala & Brendon Bangco-og With reports from Chatelaine Wansi & Daniel Maches

CTE aero squad marks hall of fame Leading this year’s aero fusion competition, CTE still garnered its fifth consecutive championship title.

Furthermore, CN ended in second place and CA ranked third. CAS landed fourth, trailed by CHET in the fifth place. CVM ended on the sixth place while SLS concluded the ranking.

CA collars bleacher gimmick CA reigned to be the year’s bleacher gimmick champions after heating up the university gymnasium’s seats with their rumbling cheers.

CTE followed in second spot, CVM in third, while CAS landed fourth. Last year’s champion, CN, plummeted to fifth place, leaving the sixth to CHET and seventh to CF. CVM, CN crowned MR. & MS. Intrams ‘13 Accumulating the highest average scores, Martin E. Blando of CVM and Alyssa Denise G. Rosimo of CN trounced their opponents to with the Mr. and Ms. BSU Intramurals 2013 titles, respectively.

On the other hand, Joash Saplad and Maria Lorena E. Velasco, both from CTE, snatched the first spots, leaving the second to John S. Simbulan (CAS) and Suzanne Monica A. Gimeno (CVM).

Blando and Rosimo will be representing the University in the Search for Mr. and Ms. CARASUC 2013 in the anticipated Cordillera Administrative Region of State Colleges and Universities

(CARASUC) meet to be hosted by BSU this December.

CVM wins mascot competition As part of the University intramurals getgo, CVM stomped and jollied the crowd as their winning panda mascot overwhelmed the audience at the University gym.

On the other hand, CHET punched into second place, as their impressive Boxer mascot hooked the crowd’s favour. Meanwhile, the CEAT’s calculator pushed for the third spot.

Meanwhile, CA, CN, CAS and CTE were unable to enter the top three as their mascots failed to participate during the opening parade.

Pulso, Palo, Panalo.

CA Badminton player gives the bird a sharp shoot during the University Intramurals.

Photographed by

Paul Joseph Nuval

Inspired with their first taste of blood with the University of Baguio (UB) Cardinals, the Musangs took a tight fight in their come-from-behind nail biting second face off with the Jaguars in game 5, but were finally stripped off in their sepak takraw championship title after being edged, 2-1, settling third place this year, at the UC gym, on Oct. 6.

"Siguro, kulang kami sa teamwork noong actual game na, at sa training na rin kasi parang nag rest kami ng one week dahil nagkaroon ng exhibit sa open court and close gym," said Kley Rhandal Molitas, Musangs’ sepak player.

Jefferson Lumiib, also a sepak takraw player of the Musangs, stated that they had a wrong regu line up during their game which caused them to lose the title.

Moreover, Jaguars blasted the Saint Louis

“

Dear visitor,

For just a few minutes, let us forget about balls, about how amazing it was that Christabel Martes graced our University intrams, or even about the fact that BSU is top 10 SUC with hefty budget cut. Let us rekindle a bit of our common sense and sensitivity to others, so we may not look like fools saying and doing things that would only backfire on us. To clarify everything, I would like to point out that my reason for writing this is not to put the Mountain Collegian on a pedestal or what not. I will simply clarify its role, that is, its “job description.”.

“

Close Fight. The University Intramurals featured various games, where it

Garnering 562 points, CTE rallied to justify its supremacy, hooking 187 points in team sports, 108 in allied games, 56 in entertainment sports, 45 in field athletics, and 42 in arnis.

Meanwhile, the former champions settled with the second spot after gathering a total of 450.75 points. CA horned its way in, running through in track events and taekwondo with 125 and 52 points, respectively.

The College of Home Economics and Technology (CHET) grilled the third spot after bagging 317 points, chased by the Secondary Laboratory School (SLS) who garnered 71.75 points. The young athletes zoomed in the 4th spot from last year’s 9th.

Moreover, the College of Engineering and Applied Technology (CEAT) trailed in 5th place after earning 207.50 points, putting up a close tally with the College of Art and Sciences (CAS) tailing in 6th place (200.5 points).

The College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) and the College of Forestry (CF) garnered the 7th and 8th spots, marking 180.75 and 175 points, respectively.

Furthermore, the College of Nursing (CN) descended from last year’s 4th place to 9th after reaping a total of 145 points, exchanging rank with SLS. Harvesting 40.4 points and 39.7 points, BSUBokod and Buguias campuses wrapped up the ranking in 10th and 11th places, respectively.

23

4th in chess in BBEAL phase 1

The Musangs of Benguet State University (BSU) clutched the bronze in sepak takraw, and landed 3rd runners-up in chess (male category) during the first phase of the 27th Season of the Baguio- Benguet Educational Athletic League (BBEAL).

After retreating last year from the prowess of the College of Agriculture (CA), the College of Teacher Education (CTE) came back this year, and reigned supreme over all colleges, soaring a 111.75-point-advantage against their closest rival in the over-all point system tally and gashing the latter’s short- lived reign during the University intramurals last Nov. 21-23.

Sports Sports

Before anything else, MC was very thankful for its very pleasant and decent talking visitor around lunchtime last October 16, who became my inspiration for this.

That visitor was very thankful upon receiving “free” copies of MC broadsheet newspaper, and treated and spoke to us with the highest regards NEVER known to man.

It was the Monday morning of Oct. 14 when we received the broadsheet from the printing press.

Amid the stormy weather and busy schedule for final exams, we set out to distribute heavy piles of papers to all colleges until lunch. Afterwards, I and one of our cartoonists wrapped papers and distributed to offices in the admin building and others amid the continuing downpour, until 5 o’clock. We could not give to the rest of the offices until Tuesday, since our Moslem brothers and sisters observed Ramadan.

Wednesday came and there was a knock (or was there?) on MC’s newly painted door. And with that, it is my turn to pull the trigger…

First bullet. The reason why MC is “the

Aero Madness. For five years in a row, the College of Teacher Education remains the

aero-fusion champ making them the hall famer in the said competition.

Photographed by Jerson B. Sabado Jr.

University (SLU) Navigators during their championship game, wresting this years' crown.

Meanwhile, the BSU chess team (male category) landed in the 4th spot, following UC, and SLU in third, and second places, respectively, while UB grabbed the first place.

In an interview with some athletes, they said that this year’s BBEAL lacked financial assistance.

“Sariling sikap talaga ang pagpapraktis.

Kami ang nagbayad ng mga expenses namin during trainings. Aside from the uniforms and chess boards provided by the University noong competition, kami ang nagbayad ng fares namin at nagbigay din si coach ng pang-food. But still, we are so thankful na nasali kami sa BBEAL kasi chess lang at sepak takraw ang naki-compete and we gained lots of experiences also,” said one of the

athletes who participated during the phase 1.

The Institute of Human Kinetics (IHK) Director, Dr. Edwardo Laconsay, was asked regarding the matter; however, he refused to be interviewed and referred the staff writer to the Accounting office in the administration building.

The phase 1 of the BBEAL Season 27 includes eight different sports events namely basketball (men and women), volleyball (men and women), badminton (men and women), archery (men and women), chess (men and women), table tennis (men and women), swimming (men and women), and sepak takraw.

In addition, BBEAL phase 2 jumpstarted featuring athletics, baseball, boxing, football, judo, lawn tennis, softball and wushu.

Back Track

Dear Visitor

Bobby Mc Gee O. Lee official student publication of BSU” is that it serves primarily the students of the University, not any random person on the street, neither this town’s officials, and not even a single personnel of the University. BSU studes are MC’s stakeholders. Hence, they are our priority in our every service. They must be the first ones to get hold of MC’s releases before anybody else. That is our PROTOCOL! There is no such protocol saying we must give to BSU personnel first before the students. It is an additional voluntary work for us to give copies to every office. The students are the ones paying for those papers. Even our own adviser was not able to be given copies until Friday of that week.

Second bullet. With every single interview we conduct, we are trained to always be courteous.

I do believe we never failed to give all important facts to BSU students. We are doing all these to serve the students – VOLUNTARILY. We do not get anything for writing lengthy articles, sketching, interviewing, allotting sleepless nights working to layout and proofread papers, bargaining with sir Ong just to get discounts for expensive printing, and carrying piles to give to students. We use our own pens and papers in working, just to give students what they ought to know, because that is the lifeblood of service. What about for you? Who are you serving? Why threaten us that you will not give information next time? Is it not your job to let

the students know what they should? Where did that “student-first” policy go?

Third bullet. I do believe we cite our interviewees and sources properly. We can not just write the number of times we conducted interviews with anyone, write thank you, or cite “hail king whosoever”, if that was what the visitor meant by “i- cite nang maayos”.

Before any more bullet goes out and kill somebody, I am setting my gun down. However, that does not mean I surrender, nor does truth.

There is not just enough space for more (jokes).

Again, I wrote this not to exalt, clean, nor defend MC with whatever there is tobe defended.

I just had to let my stakeholders know what they should.

Na-explain ko na. Lab_ _. * * * Cheers to our athletes who became beggars and all that just to join BBEAL, and thanks to all who, in any way, gave support to them. The odds may not be that much in our favour this time, but if we strategize more gameplans, maybe we can get more alms. Or maybe we can treasure hunt the 30 million budget to be cut off our University for 2014, or investigate those in thrones, dressed in gold robes, and shedding crocodile tears for the poor while eating lobsters within their cosy high walls.

Editorial The Mountain Collegian

Of BSU’s Unity in times of calamity What a relief!

While the aftermath of the past super typhoon Yolanda that struck various parts of the Visayas Island has left a number of our countrymen devastated, desperate, homeless and helpless, it is heart-warming to know that relief efforts from Universities and other school institutions continue to pour in the storm-battered areas.

The Benguet State University (BSU) alone raised around PhP 70,000 sent to the victims as of press time . Thus, we salute BSU for being unified in making its outreach program dubbed “Project Yolanda Outreach for Unity and Responsive Service (YOURS)” a reality benefitting thousands of suffering lives. Some worried that “compassion” had gone out of school institutions nowadays but dare to ask the studentry and faculty of BSU. It’s a big NO! In line with the University’s mission of developing people imbued with social conscience and productivity to improve the quality of life, she has offered her helping hands through the dynamic and civic-minded leaders of the different academic departments and student organizations she has trained. We commend the joint force of the BSU– Department of Development Communication (DDC), Development Communication Society, Supreme Student Government, The Mountain Collegian, and College of Agriculture (CA)-Pride in pushing a University-based relief effort. It only proved that despite diversity among students and professionals, we possess one heart, one mind, and one hand to help. We should not also forget the soft-hearted students, faculty, and staff of the university, and the community citizens who did not have any shadow of doubt in sharing a part of their blessings.

It is recalled that when the typhoon Pepeng and other natural calamities brought havoc in Benguet claiming hundreds of lives due to massive destruction. Billions and billions worth of relief goods coming from all over the country and the rest of the world were received by the affected areas. Thus, such act of donating for our fellowmen at Visayas is a way of giving back the kindness we once received. This is a perfect time for us to pay back the comforts and support we once experienced. With the project YOURS, BSU was given the chance to become part of the healing of the stricken provinces.

The initiative is now on its third wave of effort of knocking at the hearts of the Benguet people to give more; hence, to aid more to the dampen spirits of the distressed Visayan people. This is the time to show the grief-striken people that we care and that we want to help them rise.

The calamity that struck our country left a test of unity and bayanihan to the Filipino community. And BSU had already proved herself.

Faith H. Belingon | Editor-in-Chief Rhe-Ann B. Ngayaan | Associate Editor Mariel L. Laoana | Finance Manager Janice B. Agrifino | Managing Editor

The Mountain Collegian

Editorial Board 2nd Semester of 2013-2014

The Official Student Publication of Benguet State University

Limang Dekada ng Pluma at Panitik.

Richard A. Giye | News Editor Juliet Esther Cindy A. Guerrero | Features Editor Eunice Joy Tayaban | Research and Culture Editor Mylyn C. Maitang | Literary Editor Bobby Mc Gee O. Lee | Sports Editor Jessica V. Caranay | Olenor P. Llarenas Jerson B. Sabado Jr. | Juman Kevin B. Tindo

Senior Staff Writers The Mountain Collegian is a member of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) and the School Press Advisers Movement (SPAM), Inc. Located at 1/f Office of Student Services Building, Benguet State University. You may reach us through email: themountaincollegian@gmail.com and through Facebook: www. facebook.com/TheMountainCollegian

Kevin Jake M. Angyab | Jaina Ashlyn Awas Brendon Bangco-og | Abigail Joanna L. Nagpala Irish Mikee Wigwigan | Arniel A. Dumigsi Chatelaine Wansi | Ericka Mae Pistola Daniel Jason Maches

Junior Staff Writers Ferdinand S. Palbusa Jr. | Giselle I. Ocyaden Gilbert P. Barro

Senior Cartoonists Mark Samuel D. De Guzman | Harmon C. Nicer Ceasar James Osben | Keyzer K. Tad-o

Junior Cartoonists Jerson B. Sabado Jr. | Lay-out and Design

Paul Joseph A. Nuval | Adviser Grace T. Bengwayan | Adviser