News
1
April to July 2013
XU’s K+12 Program APRIL - JUNE 2013
2
Contents 4
4
`` MILESTONES
5
`` New faculty members undergo INSET `` XU joins house build on Labor Day
6
14
`` Jesuit HEIs form library consortium `` Macajalar Bay and Murciellagos Bay fisherfolks undergo sea urchin grow-out training
Cover Story
`` MMC starts nursery construction for mineral recovery research at Manresa Farm
K+12 @ Xavier University Getting to know the expanded Basic Education program
7
`` XU groundbreaks Marine Station in Jasaan
8
`` XU, IFF-Asia: Forming lay formators in Asia `` Sen Pimentel discusses ‘ChaCha’ with Law, PolSci students
9
`` Sophia-at-Xavier gives anew for Sendong survivors `` XU celebrates 115th Philippine Independence
18 Feature
Arch Ledesma: Icon of the holy Most Rev Antonio J Ledesma SJDD celebrates his 40th year as a Priest and 50th year as a Jesuit.
10
`` Xavier Ecoville coop releases 1st batch of loans `` XU volunteer programs join VOICE Launching XAVIER MAGAZINE
3 11
`` XU hosts Agenda-based Candidates’ Fora
12
`` XU-CSLP’s Agro-Enterprise Dev’t expands throughout Mindanao
13
`` Welcome, Freshmen!
`` XCCA shows ‘Juan Tamad’ `` XCCA helps train elementary art teachers
21
`` Land Forum echoes support for CARP implementation in NorMin
22
`` Distinctly KKP, Distinctly Xavier
23
`` MMC’s Resource Ecological Assessment in Macajalar Bay
24
`` XU hosts Panaghiusa Dialogue; Mayor-elect Moreno vows to disentangle IDP woes and youth concerns
26
`` Inspiring Leaders.Telling Stories. Change Leadership Summer Camp 2013
30
`` Updates from the University Athletics Office
20
Feature
A WOMAN OF FAITH… A WOMAN OF LOVE A Tribute to a Dear Mentor and Friend Dr Lovenia P Naces Asst to the Vice President for Academics Libby Abesamis refreshes her friendship with a dear colleague who passed on in April
28
Culture and the Arts
XCCA redefines culture and arts with MetamorphoSix The Xavier Center for Culture and the Arts ushers in its sixth season
APRIL - JUNE 2013
4
News
MI L E S TONE S Center of Alaxan FR Cage Development for Camp winners, Literature MVP
X
avier University has been awarded Center of Development (COD) for Literature by the Commission on Higher Education. With a COD, XU is eligible for funding assistance from CHED for further improvement of its English Language and Literature program.
e
Triple grand slam for XU Rodeo Enthusiasts
T
he Xavier University Rodeo Enthusiasts once again emerged as overall champions in the student category of the Rodeo Masbateño in Masbate City on April 9- 13. This is the 9th win for the team and their third grandslam title. Also declared as Rodeo King and Queen were XU students Carl Richard Copino (BS Animal Science) and Karen Luzette Gayla (BS Business Administration).
e
CARP Quiz Bowl champions
T
hird year AB Economics students Jan Emmanuel C Casinillo, Camille-Jo S Cagata and Titea Reina L Sinogaya won the championship in the Department of Agrarian Reform X-sponsored CARP quiz bowl held on June 16.
Four members of the XU Crusaders Basketball Team, along with another player from STI, took home the trophy of the Alaxan FR Cage Camp held at the Unilever Gym in Pasig City on April 17-19, 2013. These players were Rhys Jefferson W Flores, BS AgriBiz 3, who was also declared as the Alaxan FR Cage Camp MVP, Dan Audris M Lagbas, BSBA 3, Rodel A Nagac, BSBA 4, and Red Louise E Cachuela, BSBA 3.
e Metrobank Foundation Inc scholarships for Engineering students Two sophomore Engineering students will receive financial aid from the Metrobank Foundation’s Assistance for the Completion of College Education for Superior Students II (ACCESS II) program. The scholarship will cover the tuition and other fees of the scholars, not exceeding P50,000 per school year.
e Alum in 8th spot in real estate service exams Alumnus Eric Justini Damasing was among the top 10 finishers in the real estate broker licensure examinations given this March.
He scored 83.25 percent, landing him in the 8th place. Damasing finished Electrical Technology at XU in 1986, BS Commerce major in Marketing in 1991, and Master in Business Administration in 2002.
e
20 new CPAs, with 8th placer Glen Dareen A Santos (BS Accountancy 2012, cum laude) placed 8th in the May 2013 Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Licensure Examinations. Santos garnered a score of 92.71%. XU earned a passing rate of 50% above the national passing rate of 27% (1,553 out of 5,665). With Santos were 19 other XU graduates who passed the exam are Mardy Chris T Alcontin, Daryll U Almoite, Michelle Mae L Antinero, Marla Stephie C Apdian, Czarinah Hearty C Bacarro, Hilaire May F Baculio, Gil Angelo B Borbon, Floramae D Constantino, Saga Mae P Cultura, Izzy Jessamine S Dullesco, Shedee Grace H Galeon, Ma Teresita B. Gonzaga, Ameerr Hassan G Guiling, Lyndel Lou R Janog, Raifah G Mangotara, Shiela May Joy D Mira, Jason S Ranara, and Noraisah A Saud.
got 92.86% while its BS Elementary Education graduates scored 87.50%.
New Electronics Engineers A number of BSECE 2012 graduates passed the Electronics Engineer Licensure and
e
Electronics Technician Licensure Examinations given on April 14-15, 2013. The new Electronics Engineers are Eureka L Alberastine, Jafe Alyssa M Aquino, Glenn D Badong, Jude Martin E Baviera, Richard C Daroca, Rodrigo E Edyesca Jr, Prince Allen E Lolor, Nikki P Martinez, Rodel B Opeña, and Irish N Selorico. The new Electronics Technician are Glenn D Badong, Jude Martin E Baviera, Richard C Daroca, Clavel Martin B Dullesco, Rodrigo E Edyesca Jr, Rodel B Opeña, Kim Drexel S Prieto, and Mark Christopher P Tan. XU earned a passing rate of 58.52% in the Electronics Engineer exam and 80% in the Electronics Technician exam.
e
New Teachers The Licensure Exam for Teachers held in March yielded a 91.87% passing rate for Xavier University, much higher than the national passing rate of 33.82%. XU’s BS Education graduates
XAVIER MAGAZINE
News
5 Strategy; Communication Skills; Developing Instructional Materials; Designing and Conducting Evaluation; and Preparation of Syllabi. Other topics considered useful were also included such as on the Philippine Culture and the Arts and the Use of Library Resources. The resource persons were Dr Agaton T Panopio, Fr Eric G Velandria SJ, Dr Lourdes G Tolod, Dr Lorie Anne R Moreno, Mr Hobart Savior, and Ms Estrella Cabudoy and colleagues.
New faculty members undergo INSET
After a year of conducting INSET for the tertiary faculty, the Committee decided to schedule the said training for an entire week to facilitate a more focused learning among the participants so they can be better prepared for the start of classes.
The Office of the Academic Vice President, through the Faculty Development Committee chaired by Dr Lourdes G Tolod, conducted a six-day (June 3-8) In-service Training (INSET) for new faculty members of AY 2013-2014 at the AVR 1.
The training was attended by 37 participants from the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Agriculture, Engineering, and Nursing, and the Schools of Business and Management, Education, and Medicine. Various modules relevant to the enhancement of teaching skills were given. Topics
by Libby Josephine M Abesamis
XU joins house build on Labor Day
X
avier University, through its Engineering Resource Center, fielded more than 700 volunteers to the house build activity of Habitat for Humanity Philippines (HFHP) on May 1, Labor Day. XU volunteers helped in the construction of 76 houses at the relocation site of Brgy Pagatpat. Using shovels, digging bars and empty sacks, the volunteers,
APRIL - JUNE 2013
on the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm (IPP), National Competency-Based Teacher Standards (NCBTS), and Professionalism in Teaching are considered the foundational courses to help the new faculty members understand and appreciate better what it takes to be in the teaching profession, in accordance with the Characteristics of Jesuit Education. Modules on teaching skills were also taught, namely: Instructional Outcomes; Developing an Instructional
composed of students, faculty and staff, back filled the houses on blocks 22 and 23 to strengthen the concrete floors. The XU units that participated in the event were the Religious Studies Department, English Department, Chemistry Department, Business Administration Department, Center for Integrated Technologies, College of Engineering, Libraries, Physical Plant Office, Office of Student Affairs, National Service Training Program, Communications Office, the Bookcenter, Economics Society, Guidance and Counseling Office, Scholarships and Financial Aid Office, various student
organizations, Ecoville staff, and the School of Medicine and College of Nursing, which comprised the medical team. HFHP’s house build activity was able to gather 6,206 volunteers from various sectors.. r
The College of Nursing also had a session on “Learning Strategies” attended by 23 faculty members on May 27-31. The School of Business and Management held an INSET for their part-time faculty on June 29. The participants were grateful for the University’s effort in deepening their appreciation of the noble profession of teaching and enhancing their teaching skills to better respond to the call to form men and women of competence, conscience, and commitment. r
6
Jesuit HEIs form library consortium
R
ecognizing the importance of resource sharing, the libraries of several Jesuit higher education institutions, including Xavier University, have come together to establish the Jesuit Higher Education Library Consortium (JHELCon). Besides XU, members of the JHELCon include Ateneo de Davao University, Ateneo de Manila University, Ateneo de Naga University, Ateneo de Zamboanga University, Loyola School of Theology, Loyola College of Culion and St John Vianney Theological Seminary. Part of the goals of JEHLCon is the sharing of resources through document delivery services and interlibrary loans within the provisions of copyright and fair use. The consortium also aims to produce a consolidated web catalog for all its holdings, establish reciprocal access to facilities, hold training and development for library staff and share best practices. r
News
Macajalar Bay and Murciellagos Bay fisherfolk undergo sea urchin growout training
T
he sea urchin industry is not new in the Philippines. In fact, some coastal communities in Bicol and Ilocos regions grow sea urchins as an alternative livelihood. The McKeough Marine Center (MMC) recognized the importance of having trainings and programs
T
he nursery construction for the Mineral Recovery Research of McKeough Marine Center (MMC) has started on June 10 at the Manresa Research Station. The research project aims to identify and mass propagate local hyperaccumulator plants capable of extracting arsenic and copper metals stored in abandoned mining sites in Mindanao.
relating to the sea urchin industry replicated in the coastal communities of Macajalar Bay (Misamis Oriental) and Murciellagos Bay (Zamboanga del Norte) and providing a sustainable alternative livelihood, albeit on a smallscale, to local fisherfolk. With the help of Ecosystem Alliance – International Union for Conservation of Nature (EA-IUCN) and the Macajalar Bay Development Alliance (MBDA), MMC conducted sea urchin grow-out training for the fisherfolk of Murciellagos and Macajalar Bays on April 10-12 at the Xavier University Marine
Station in Solana, Jasaan, Misamis Oriental. The activity was joined by a number of fisherfolk and local government unit (LGU) representatives from both Bays. After the said training, the farmers were given cage materials to start a small sea urchin farm in their respective areas. r
MMC starts nursery construction for mineral recovery research at Manresa Farm
Xavier University is engaged in this research project with Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), University of the Philippines at Los Banos (UPLB), Caraga State University (CSU) and University of Melbourne through Dr Augustine Doronila. The three-year project is funded by PCIEERD-DOST. MMC Director Fr Mars Tan SJ supervises and coordinates the implementation of the research with project assistant Mary Jean B Apuan.
XU has adopted this project as part of the ridge to reef initiatives of the Research and Social Outreach cluster. XU’s College of Agriculture took care of the construction of the nursery at the Manresa Farm. The nursery research on mineral recovery may also create opportunities for collaborative student and faculty research between and among different units of XU. r
XAVIER MAGAZINE
News
7
T
he McKeough Marine Center (MMC) held a groundbreaking ceremony on June 8 for the proposed Xavier University Marine Station in Solana, Jasaan, Misamis Oriental. Among those present during the ceremony were XU President Fr Roberto Yap SJ, Research and Social Outreach Vice President Dr Hilly Quiaoit, Vice President for Administration Bro Noel CantagoSJ, MMC Director Fr Mars Tan SJ, Biology Chair Elaine Villaluz, Architect Ernest Soriano, Hammerman Construction Manager Mr Gil Macarat, Engr Noemi Dacudao and Mr Ramil Pajo of the Physical Plant Office, Solana barangay officials, XU RSO, MMC, and Communications Office staff and other guests from the University. Fr Bobby, in his speech, gave three reasons why he is fully supportive of the marine station: to give due recognition to the pioneering work of Fr James McKeough SJ who started marine studies in Mindanao; to actualize the University’s commitment to care for the environment; and to reinvigorate further the research capabilities of the University. Construction has already started and is set to be completed in six months. A monitoring and coordination meeting with the university’s Physical Plant Office, the architect, Ernest Soriano, and contractor, Engr Gil Macarat is being held weekly throughout the construction of the facility.
APRIL - JUNE 2013
XU groundbreaks Marine Station in Jasaan by Lezlee Amor R Escalante
The planned Marine Station will be equipped with outdoor and indoor tanks of flowing sea or freshwater; wet and dry indoor laboratories; a controlled room for experiments and microculture; a pump and aeration system; a fully equipped diving unit (including compressor); offices; and a space for IEC
activities. The Marine Station aims to support researches requiring land-and oceanbased set-up and field/ laboratory experiments for Biology and Marine Biology courses. Adjacent to the future Marine Station is the existing activity center composed of a multipurpose hall, a 2-storey house,
and several cottages, for trainings and capacity building activities of the MMC and other stakeholders. MMC also plans to develop the bay and coastal areas of the Marine Station into field sites for future on-site experiments/ projects of the University. r
8
News Development Action Plan; and 7) Socio-Cultural Change and Development Management. Experts and development practitioners were invited as resource persons.
XU, IFF-Asia: Forming lay formators in Asia by Libby Josephine M Abesamis
X
avier University formally welcomed the participants of the Institute of Formation-Fondacio Asia (IFF Asia) as members of the XU community. A training workshop was conducted on May 3 – June 7 for the 21 young lay formators from 9 Asian countries
(Cambodia, China, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam). The activity was held at the Magis Training Center, Manresa Compound, Cagayan de Oro City. Seven courses were taken up by the participants/students which included: 1) Understanding Development Theories and Praxis; 2) Cooperativism, Entrepreneurship and MicroFinance; 3) Current Regional Development Issues; 4) Project Development and Management; 5) Methodology in Social and Behavioral Research; 6)
Since all the courses were given credit (3 units/ course) at Xavier University, the participants underwent intensive academic training, which required critical thinking, discipline, perseverance and hard work. The “formation” component was central to the entire exercise, thus personal and spiritual growth through formational activities were also conducted. r
to federal, as also proposed by his father, former Senate President and author of the Local Government Code Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr.
Sen Pimentel discusses ‘Cha-Cha’ with Law, PolSci students
S
en Aquilino Martin “Koko” Pimentel III addressed XU Law and Political Science students on the proposal to change the 1987 Philippine Constitution during a lecture organized by the XU Governance and Leadership Institute at the Little Theater on July 1.
relating attempts to amend the 26-year-old Constitution since the administration of former President Fidel Ramos. At the outset, he told the students that he would not answer the question of whether the Constitution should be changed, but encouraged them to treat his inputs as pointers to the discussion.
Pimentel focused his discussion on the political provisions of Charter change,
The Senator said that he is in favor of changing our system of government from unitary
“The idea of a federal system is that your [local government] problem should be solved at your level,” the younger Pimentel said. However, he emphasized that “the resources to solve your problem should also be with you.” He also said that the “federal system would be the best form of government to address the Bangsamoro issue” because there is more flexibility and autonomy at the regional level. In spite of his support for a federal form of government, Pimentel believes that the country can take off with the current Constitution. r
XAVIER MAGAZINE
News
9
Sophiaat-Xavier gives anew for Sendong survivors
S
ophia University alumni who were participants of Sophia-at-Xavier, a biennial cultural program from 1974-2000 between students of Sophia University in Tokyo and Xavier University, raised an additional ¥ 1M for the survivors of Sendong. This is the second time that the group did a fund raising activity in behalf of the survivors. The first time was in May 2012, when they raised close to ¥2 M. As with the previous donation, 50 percent of the money will go to Xavier Ecoville, while the other 50 percent will be given as grant-
XU celebrates 115th Philippine Independence
X
avier University held a special program on June 10 at the Lucas Hall Grounds to celebrate the upcoming 115th Anniversary of Philippine Independence.
The short program commenced at 8:30 am with the raising of the Philippine Flag led by XU President Fr Roberto Yap SJ, followed by the 21-gun salute of the Philippine Air Force – ROTC. The Cultural Dance Troupe rendered folk dances while the Glee Club performed patriotic
APRIL - JUNE 2013
in-aid for Sendong-affected XU students. This second cash gift was raised largely during the 88th birthday celebration of Fr Francis Mathy SJ, the Sophia University professor emeritus who directed the Sophia-at-Xavier program. “We asked him what he would like to have as a birthday gift,” shared Mariko Tadokoro, Sophia-at-Xavier Batch ’74. “He hesitantly answered that he needed nothing for himself, but
that if we insisted on any gift, he would appreciate gift money so that he could add it up to the funds raised previously for CDO.”
14 batches and a total of 275 participants, Mariko and her group continue to remember fondly the people of Cagayan de Oro.
Mariko said that she and her fellow Sophia-at-Xavier alumni did as Fr Mathy wished. She added that, “Fr Mathy himself contributed some of his own money to make the donation a million yen.”
“Our love and gratitude for the people of CDO and Xavier University continue to live in our hearts across time and space, and we wish our little donation would be of any help for those affected by the Sendong.” r
Although the Sophia-at-Xavier program ended in 2000, after
songs “Iisang Bangka” and “Tagumpay ng Ating Lahi.” XCCA artists also sang “Bayan Ko”, “Ako ay Pilipino” and “Pilipinas Kong Mahal.” In his message to the XU community, Fr Yap referred to freedom as crucial for both human and Christian living. On this occasion, he said, it was “good to remember that Christianity is all about freedom.” He pointed out that there are two sides to freedom: what we are freed from and what we are freed for. Just as Jesus Christ freed us from sin, we should also free others from all forms of oppression.
“All around us is a family hungry for food, freedom, peace and justice,” Fr Yap said. He expounded that the Christian concept of freedom is not for the good of oneself but for others. “How much of your life is service?” he asked.
Quoting St Paul’s letter to the Galatians, Fr Yap iterated that as “citizens, Ateneans and Christians, we are called to freedom to serve others.” r
10 News meat vending, repair shop, sewing and food processing.
Xavier Ecoville coop releases 1st batch of loans by Ryan Louie G Madrid and Althea Dianne Felix
A
s part of facilitating livelihood development in Xavier Ecoville, the Xavier Ecoville Multipurpose Cooperative (XEMPCO)
released its first batch of loans amounting to P285,000.00 for 36 individuals. XEMPCO, established last year for the community at the Xavier University-led resettlement site in Brgy Lumbia, started processing loan applications since December to assist in the livelihood needs of the community. The cooperative’s lending enterprise lets members apply for a loan of up to Php 10,000, with a monthly interest rate of 3 percent. Loan applications for batch 1 were granted to business proposals that included retailing,
X XU volunteer programs join VOICE Launching by Wilson J Hormeguera
avier University’s volunteer programs, namely, the Jesuit Volunteers of the Philippines (JVP), Year of Service (YOS), Kristohanong Katilingban sa Pagpakabana (KKP) Volunteer Program, and the Engineering Resource Center (ERC) Volunteer Program, participated in the launching of the VOICE Network on May 7 at its new home, Balay Mindanao. The launching was also a celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Volunteer Organizations Information Coordination and Exchange (VOICE), Inc., a national network of volunteer
Funded by the Peace and Equity Foundation, the lending enterprise is an answer to the Sendong-affected families’ need for capital to start up or upscale their small enterprises, said Nancy Joy Tolinero, Community and Enterprise Development team leader of the project management team at Xavier Ecoville.
Margielene Edulsa, 32, who was among the first batch of approved loan applicants, said in the vernacular, “I’m happy since I can add the money to the capital I need for my rug-making business” Another borrower, Rose Marie Parado, 25, has other plans. “I’ll be dividing this (money) between my small business and what my family needs in the upcoming days.”
“The lending program, aside from providing capital, also develops a person’s morale by fostering trust in his capacity to pay back his loan,” explained Tolinero.
Edulsa and Palado may apply for another loan in the future once they have paid their initial loans. The second batch of loan applications is currently being processed.
Receiving the loan. The 36 individuals who make up the first batch of borrowers were asked to go to the XEMPCO office where they were given priority numbers and made to sign promissory notes and acknowledgement receipts.
XEMPCO, duly-registered by the Cooperative Development Authority, is operated by community volunteers and facilitated by the project management staff from Xavier University to assist in the livelihood development of Xavier Ecoville. Its enterprises include savings and credit, wholesaling, tree nursery, sewing, food processing and bakeshop. r
After signing the papers, each of them wore hopeful smiles as they received their loaned amount. organizations and volunteer service programs from different areas and sectors in the Philippines, linking volunteers for information and resource exchange towards sustainable volunteer service in the country. The launching included a conference on volunteerism and Citizenship to Transformative Governance, at which Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma SJ urged volunteers to participate in Principled Partisan Politics. He mentioned the three (3) ways to be involved: nonpartisan, trans-partisan, and pan-partisanship. Archbishop Ledesma also challenged the volunteers to work against the practice of rampant vote-
buying and political dynasties, and, instead, to work for the care and conservation of the environment. The conference also included a sharing of volunteer engagements for Mindanao peace and development and for quality culture-based education for children in IP and Muslim disadvantaged communities in Mindanao. The VOICE Network launching was enriched with songs and dances by the Mindanao Tribal School and ended with the declaration of support and commitment by all its partners.
r
XAVIER MAGAZINE
News
XU hosts Agendabased Candidates’ Fora by Wilson J Hormeguera
C
onveying its five thematic agenda, namely, Food Security, Health and Sanitation, Environment, Good Governance and Peace, Xavier University, with Capitol University, hosted a series of fora with the congressional, city legislative, and mayoralty candidates on April 26, 30, and May 7. The candidates were presented with the city’s most pressing issues and concerns as perceived by respondents of a survey done by the XUKinaadman Research Center. Kristohanong Katilingban sa Pagpakabana – Social Involvement Office (KKP-SIO), the social advocacy arm of the university, incorporated these top issues and concerns into the People’s Agenda through flyers, leaflets and “periodikits” distributed throughout the city for the electorate to consider
APRIL - JUNE 2013
when choosing their candidates for the May 2013 elections. During these fora, the candidates were asked to consider the following People’s Agenda: On good governance, the political aspirants were urged to address the perceived corruption of city officials in its management of public funds, to construct a socialized housing project for the informal sector, to strictly implement and enforce with conviction and will the laws and ordinances to promote order and harmony in the city, and to create an Organized People’s Council in the City Council. The agenda on the Environment included effective implementation of Republic 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 and Republic Act 9003 or the Solid Waste Management Act, creation of a Comprehensive Cagayan de Oro Watershed Program and Water Management, and conduct of infrastructure audit. On Health and sanitation, the candidates were asked to consider the improvement and effective management of JR
Borja Hospital and the proper allocation of government budget for Preventive and Curative Medicine, to activate a functional City Health Board, and to implement public health policies. To ensure the city’s food security, the Agenda cited the implementation of Householdlevel Backyard Vegetable Gardening and asked the candidates to create a Barangay Level Food Security Council, and to establish a multi-sectoral group to act as a watchdog on Food Security in the City Council. Cagayan de Oro being the “melting pot of Mindanao,” candidates were asked to consider the activation of the City Peace and Order Council, to support police visibility and law enforcement facilities, and to conduct public education on Safety and Security. These issues and concerns were responded to by the candidates based on their performance and alternative solutions. At the end of each forum, the candidates shook hands and made a promise to work for clean, orderly, and honest elections. “What is striking and positive about the agenda-based fora is that the candidates, in their
11
public appearances, are now talking about the city’s issues and concerns based on KRC’s research and KKP’s Focus group discussions,” said Engr Ermin Stan B Pimentel, KKP Director. “After the elections, the challenge is how these agenda will be carried out by the next set of leaders, which will be the focus of the Good Governance and Political Leadership Program of the University.” XU President Fr Roberto C Yap SJ emphasized that the hosting of these fora is the manifestation of the “university serving society.” He also indicated that KRC’s research was conducted “in the hope that the results will be used by the candidates in making their plans and by voters in choosing their leaders.” Other than its partnership with Capitol University, the three candidates’ fora were also made possible through the Vice President for Research and Social Outreach Office, the Governance and Leadership Institute, the National Citizens Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL), Crusaders for HOPE, Kagayanon for Good Governance, and, most especially, the KKP-SIO Volunteers. r
12 News XU-CSLP’s AgroEnterprise Dev’t expands throughout Mindanao by Agnes Carmela Centro
The XU - CSLP team with MOSCAT’s Institute of Agriculture (IA) the point person, Mr. Casimero Icalina, the president, Dr. Rosalito Quirino, and Ms. Alma Cosadio.
The XU – CSLP team with MSU Gensan Chancellor, Atty. Abdhurrahman T Canacan, Extension Service Director Dr Wilfredo Bidad, Deans Dr Salarda and Ms Helen Perpetua.
CMU’s Director of Extension Office, Mr. Emmanuel Baltazar, the Dean and Faculty members of the College of Agriculture, Agriculture Student Council members, and the XU – CSLP team.
X
avier University Farmer Alliances for Resource-strengthening and Marketing (XU – FARM), together with the Kristohanong Katilingban sa Pagpakabana – Social Involvement Office (KKP-SIO), the social outreach arm of Xavier University, established linkages with three universities in Mindanao, namely: Southern Philippines Agriculture and Marine Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST) in Davao del Sur, Mindanao State University in General Santos City (MSU-GenSan), Central Mindanao University (CMU) in Musuan, Bukidnon, and the Misamis Oriental State College of Agriculture and Technology (MOSCAT) in Claveria, Misamis Oriental. Through these linkages, XU FARM and KKP-SIO introduced the Collaborative Service Learning Program (CSLP) and its activities and efforts towards agro-enterprise development of small farmers, as well as encouraged these schools/ universities to adopt CSLP in their respective curricula. Moreover, the adoption of the CSLP also linked these academic institutions to non-government partners of Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in their respective provinces/regions. CRS identified these academic institutions for
such partnership, and these institutions were invited to send representatives, especially their social involvement/extension officers, to XU’s 3rd CSLP Summit held last February. These institutions expressed their desire for adopting the CSLP in their curricula as well as for establishing ties with the local NGO partners near them. Consequently, XU FARM scheduled a visit to these academic institutions to give a more detailed presentation about the CSLP and its engagements with the FARM Project Partners in relation to agro-enterprise development. Last May, representatives from both XU FARM and KKPSIO went to Digos City and General Santos City to visit and meet SPAMAST and MSU, respectively. Before June ended, XU FARM and KKP-SIO visited MOSCAT in Claveria, and CMU in Bukidnon. The XU – FARM successfully arranged partnership building with the existing agricultural programs/institutions namely: KAPWA in Digos City thru SPAMAST’s facilitation, MOSCAT’s RIPE (Research Instruction Production Extension) IN THE HOMES, and CMU - College of Agriculture. The expansion of XU-CSLP on agro-enterprise aims to replicate the program throughout Mindanao, to facilitate students’ engagements in various fields of agro-enterprise, from production assistance to marketing engagement, and, as part of the university’s development goals, to address the global concern on food security. CSLP’s expansion promotes capacity building through agricultural venues that would help facilitate food security especially among the partner communities and small farmers in Mindanao. r
XAVIER MAGAZINE
News
13
XCCA helps train elem art teachers
Welcome, Freshmen!
X
avier University gave a grand welcome to thousands of its freshmen and transferee students with a full-packed Orientation Seminar (OrSem) held from June 5 to 7.
Fr Roberto Yap SJ, XU President, welcomed the students who have the “distinct honor of being the Ruby Freshmen Class.” XU celebrates its 80th founding anniversary this year with the theme “Forming Leaders the Ateneo Way.” “Xavier wants to form you as leaders in the way of academic excellence and of enthusiastic student life,” said Fr Yap, who was joined by the rest of the administration and faculty members during the welcome program. Activities throughout the three days included college assemblies, counseling sessions, small group discussions and interest sessions on topics such as leadership involvement, culture and
arts engagements, sports activities and religious engagements that students can participate in while at XU. “But it’s not all studies and serious at XU,” assured Fr Yap. “Leadership formation also happens in our wide-ranging and extensive cocurricular and extra-curricular programs.” On the third day, at Org Tour, various student organizations set up booths to promote their organizations and to encourage the freshmen and transferees to sign up and become members. Games such as Orsemazing and Orsemvivor were also prepared for students who were up to physical and mental challenges. A talent exposition at the XU gym capped the occasion. OrSem is an annual activity of the Student Activities and Leadership Development Office that aims to help freshmen transition from high school to college. It is run primarily by student volunteers who themselves had a positive OrSem experience when they were still in their first year.
r
I
n support of the University’s advocacy for good governance and for the conduct of safe and clean elections, the Xavier Center for Culture and the Arts (XCCA) showed a film on voters’ education at Liceo de Cagayan University on April 24 and at SM Cagayan de Oro on April 26.
XCCA shows ‘Juan Tamad’ APRIL - JUNE 2013
The film titled “Si Juan Tamad, ang Diyablo at ang Limang Milyong Boto” produced by the Philippine Educational Theater Association introduces firsttime voters to the Philippine electoral system and teaches them how to become a registered voter, whom to vote for and why every vote is vital. The film calls for every Filipino to become responsible citizens and to be vigilant not only during the election period but at all times. r
T
he Xavier Center for Culture and the Arts (XCCA) participated in the training of grade school teachers who will become trainers of DepEd’s Special Program for the Arts (SPA). “Sining sa Skwela,” the capability building workshop, was initiated by the Cultural Center of the Philippines and DepEd Region X, and was held from May 27 to 31 at RELC, Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro. The workshop included modules on Media Arts, Theatre, Dance, Visual Arts, Creative Writing, Choral Music and Rondalla. “Sining sa Skwela” was also in line with the Kto12 program, which includes arts and culture as one of its tracks. XCCA Director Hobart Savior was the resource speaker for the module on Theatre. He trained the teachers in Basic Theatre and Improvisation, the Rasa Box Acting Technique and Basic Directing. Savior also taught Grade 7 and 8 SPA teachers of Mindanao for NCCA’s SanayGuro last May 20-25 at the La Salle University Ozamiz. His workshop included Mindanao Folk Literature for Theatre, Script Analysis and Scenography. XCCA’s partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Cultural Center of the Philippines supports Xavier’s thrust of sustaining culture and arts formation and greater societal engagement. r
14 Cover Story
K+12 @ Xavier Univers by Dulce R Dawang PhD
XAVIER MAGAZINE
sity
X
avier University gears up as it meets the mandate of the Kto12 Law (RS 10533), which was ratified by Congress early this year and officially signed by the President of the Philippines this May. As everyone probably knows by now, the Philippines joined the rest of the world when it lengthened basic education from 10 to 12 years. This major educational reform now requires all students to go through one year of Kinder (K), 6 years of elementary and 6 years of high school, making up Grades 1 to 12 (hence K+12). HS will now consist of 4 years of junior high (Grades 7-10) and 2 years of senior high school (Grades 11-12). This reform aims to decongest and enhance the basic education curriculum as well as provide students employable skills by the time they graduate from Grade 12. The longer high school features a strong technical-vocational education program. The additional two years of high school will allow all students to earn Certificates of Competency (COCs) and National Certification level 2 (NC 2) issued by the Technical Skills Development Authority (TESDA) by the time they reach the age of 18. These will give basic education graduates better employment opportunities and qualify them to work, should they wish or need to do so. Reforms for Junior High School will include technical/skills exposure to help students decide which skill to specialize in once they reach Senior High, and to allow them to earn NC 1 certification. Senior High School will be offering core subjects (i.e., Language, Literature, Mathematics, Philosophy, Science and Social
16 Cover Story Science) as well as subjects that will prepare them for any of the three specialization tracks: Academic, VocationalTechnology-Livelihood and Sports and Arts. At the same time, graduates who opt to go on for tertiary education will be better prepared for college, as, according to DEPED, the new K to 12 curriculum will be decongested, seamless, relevant and responsive, enriched and learnercentered. As this is the most comprehensive basic educational reform initiative being done in our country, the K to 12 curriculum is being rolled out gradually
by DEPED. In SY 2011-12, universal kindergarten was begun. A year after (SY 2012-13), G1 and G7 were introduced. This year, it is time for G2 and G8. This transition will continue until all the grade levels are covered. By SY 2016-17, the senior high school will be opened to all junior high school graduates of the Philippines; they will begin Grade 11. DEPED just recently released the Implementing Rules and Guidelines for the new curriculum to help all the schools in the country prepare for this transformation. All these changes will affect not only the Grade School
and High School units of the university but, eventually, also CIT and all the tertiary levels. The XU Administration is carefully studying these changes as the roll out continues to ensure the proper implementation of K to 12 in the university. While the new curriculum is being rolled out, a gradual phase out of the old curriculum is simultaneously being done. The prepared XU Transition Plan was approved by DEPED Regional Office X and the DEPED Central Office. The transition plan was promptly disseminated to the parents, and, with their resounding approval, was set for its gradual implementation beginning this school year. XU’s K to 12 Transition Plan involves a recalibration of its entire basic education program, relabeling K1 to K, K2 to new G1, Grades 1-6 to new G2 to G7, and High School first to fourth years to Grades 8-11. When the time comes, Grade 12 will be added to complete the six years of mandatory secondary education. To implement the transition plan this year, the XU Grade School eliminated the K2 level. K1 students underwent a bridging program this past summer to ease the transition of K 1 students to G1 without going through K2. This effectively increased the G1 population as both K1 students who went through bridging and passed the admission requirements and the K2 graduates were
simultaneously accepted. A new curriculum is now implemented for Kinder and Grade 1. With the blessing of DEPED, our Grade School uses English as the mother tongue requirement for the lower grade levels. In the XU High School, the Grade 6 graduates who were following the old curriculum were also transitioned into the new or G8 curriculum with their own summer bridging program. This means that XUHS does not have first year students this year. The Kinder, G1 and G8 cohorts will advance to the succeeding Kto12 appropriate levels following the implementation schedule of the new Kto12 curriculum. Relabeling will be completed by SY 2019-2020. Our newly transferred Center of Integrated Technologies (CIT), which has been formally offering technicalvocational programs for NC2 certification, can already start offering a 2 year senior high school programs with a Voc-Tech track as soon as the senior high curriculum is finalized. At present, CIT offers the following area specializations: Automotive, Computer, Electronics, Mechanical and Mechatronics Technology. CIT is therefore a unit that can easily accommodate plans to transition into a senior high school. By SY 2016-2018, XU will be offering other senior high
XAVIER MAGAZINE
Cover Story
school tracks to synchronize with the nationwide implementation of G11-G12. Because not all existing public and private high schools will be able to accommodate a senior high school program, XU will open its doors for graduates of other junior high schools. In the meantime, the various tertiary schools and colleges of XU will be preparing G11-G12 curricula that would best prepare students for tertiary education. For this group, the challenge is to design “strands” that would best prepare students to fit the existing tertiary level offerings without diluting the senior high school population too much for reasons of practicality and sustainability. DEPED has identified three possible
APRIL - JUNE 2013
academic “strands” for senior high school: Business and Management (BAM), Humanities Education and Social Sciences (HESS) and the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). For all the strands under consideration, XU has to prioritize the NC 2 skills most required by our locality. This is to ensure that we are addressing our own community needs as well as to increase the employability of senior high school graduates. DEPED has given private high schools the freedom to choose which track to offer as well as some flexibility in its design. XU, together with all the other Ateneo schools throughout the country, is also challenged
to come up with a design that will reflect its Ignatian roots, to maintain the “tatak Ateneo.” These are indeed very exciting and challenging times for Philippine education. The success of the Kto12 reform will not be immediately apparent. It requires the sustained passion and cooperation of not just the curricula designers, teachers
17
and students, but of society as a whole. XU is doing its best to help realize the objectives of the reform. r Dr Dulce R Dawang is the University Vice President for Basic Education
18 Feature
Arch Ledesma: Icon of the holy by Michael Acenas
My encounters with the Archbishop are less extraordinary. These are occasions that involve organizational meetings, lunch at his residence, and some text exchanges. For the past four years, I have been a church leader as a ministry coordinator in the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro Campus Ministry Association (ACCMA). My function as coordinator has brought me to an “up close and personal” encounter with someone whom I consider an “icon of the holy.”
T
his year, Most Rev Antonio Javellana Ledesma SJ DD, Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro, celebrates his 40th year as a Priest and 50th year as a Jesuit.
Antonio Javellana Ledesma was born on March 28, 1943 in Iloilo City. He finished all his grade school, high school and tertiary education at the Ateneo de Manila, where he graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
On May 30, 1963, he entered the Society of Jesus at the age of 20. He was ordained to priesthood on April 16, 1973 by His Eminence Jaime Cardinal Sin DD. He then took up his MA in Political Science at the University of the Philippines and PhD in Development at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA. Before he was ordained Bishop of the Prelature of Ipil in 1996, he held various positions (eg professor, confessor, program director and college dean) at Xavier University for 14 years (19821996). On May 30, 2008, he was installed Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro. I am humbled yet privileged to write about a respected leader who has surpassed the odds of his personal and
XAVIER MAGAZINE
Feature
19
vocational life. Quite often, we measure the greatness of a man by his wealth, honor and power. No doubt about it, Archbishop Ledesma has it all. But, as I reflect, his greatness does not conform to the standards of the world. What make him great are his characteristics, which I find most ideal: simplicity, availability and humor. SIMPLICITY. When you listen to him and see the way he manages the affairs of the local church, it seems like he is just an ordinary man. Unless you ask him, he will never talk about himself, his connections, his background, his travels and, more importantly, his position. Before he became the Archbishop of Cagayan De Oro, I would sometimes see him at the XU campus walking alone; he would cross Corrales Avenue like any other man. He still drives himself around the Archdiocese. He is still the same unassuming and quite ordinary person I first encountered during his days at XU. His simplicity is expressed in equanimity: the calmness or quietness, the sense of balance in his total person. He is a person of authority who seems so attached to a lot of things and yet detached from them. He is attached to the affairs of the church and yet detached from its attributes. I’ve heard many good things about his family background and upbringing, and this was confirmed when we went to the Trappist Monastery in Guimaras Island. The monks in the monastery have so much to be thankful to the Ledesma family as their great benefactor. When I told the Archbishop about our Guimaras experience, he just smiled at my admiration, as if not wanting to talk about it. AVAILABILITY. The Archbishop is now 70 years old, but his energy is unparalleled in organizational meetings. There is a joke among church leaders that what energizes the Archbishop is his “meetings,” that when he has no meetings, he gets sick. This is very
APRIL - JUNE 2013
much true, according to my experience. He wants to be around in the planning and evaluation of ministries as much as he is available. I cannot forget one instance when we had our year-end evaluation and planning in one ministry. The Archbishop came in the middle of the meeting. After sitting down for some minutes, he dozed off. We continued with our meeting while the Archbishop slept. Before the meeting ended, he woke up and we asked his opinion. Interestingly, it seemed like he knew what we were all talking about. Later that day, we learned that he had just come from the airport before he headed straight to our meeting. HUMOR. There are spontaneous punch lines of the Archbishop that I find amusing. In the recent 1st Archdiocesan Synod, when the Archdiocesan Liturgical Committee asked the Archbishop to “police” those not following the rubrics of liturgy, he disagreed, saying kindly, “I am not a policeman but a pastor.” Later that day, Msgr Boy Salvador, the Liturgist in the Archdiocese, asked the Archbishop to give the final blessing. Before the blessing, he asked the people “Is this liturgical?” Laughter broke the silence. For me, this humor comes from the joy in his heart.
The exemplar character of Archbishop Ledesma has inspired many church leaders like me. Individuals imbued with simplicity, availability and humor must be anchored in deep spirituality. One cannot be simple, available and joyful unless he/she is “indifferent.” In Ignatian Spirituality, “indifference” comes from an interior experience of freedom from within. The position of Archbishop is not simple, perhaps is even a lonely one. Yet, the joy that the Archbishop holds in his heart means he is free from within. Long time ago in a retreat, I caught Fr Danny Huang SJ speaking. He said, “When we get tired of everyday routines, when nothing pushes us within to become more, one best thing we can do is to stand near the people who inspire us the most.” Standing near them rekindles our depleted energy because their presence reminds us of who we are (identity) and who we are to be (mission). They ignite our hopes and dreams. And so I tried standing near the Archbishop often. True enough, these were life-giving moments with the holy. r
20 Feature
Memories of Love A Woman of Faith... A Woman of Love: A Tribute to a Dear Mentor and Friend Dr Lovenia P Naces by Libby Josephine M Abesamis
T
he passing of Dr Lovenia P Naces or Ma’am Love last April 7, 2013 (Feast of the Divine Mercy) may have come as a shock to many. It was one of the most unexpected deaths in the University, especially for those who did not know about her real health condition for the past five months. Visiting Ma’am Love in her home and even in the hospital made me realize how short and precious life is. Ma’am Love had always been my source of strength and inspiration in my work here at XU. She had been instrumental to why I became part of the Religious Studies Department and why I am doing what I’ve been doing in this University for the past years. Being a colleague, a mentee, and a friend of Ma’am Love was truly an opportunity of a lifetime. Through the many conversations I had with her, I was able to discover the beauty and strength of her person. Let me share to you some of the significant characteristics of Ma’am Love which I discovered in the many years of being close to her. Ma’am Love “loved” to laugh a lot. Others may have had an impression of her as strict and stiff, but the truth is, she had a
great sense of humor. Every time we discussed issues and even her disagreements with some people, we would always end up laughing about it. No matter how serious our discussions were, we would most often end up laughing. And that is one thing that I will surely miss about her. Ma’am Love was truly a person of great compassion. She was compassionate most especially to the least, the poor, and the marginalized (not necessarily in monetary terms). Her compassion extended not only to those who were kind to her but even to those who weren’t. This, I believe, was one of the most striking characteristics of Ma’am Love. To appreciate and even love those who were not sincere with her. It was her passion to love others no matter who they were. She had a heart of great compassion even if at times she would get hurt. Allow me to share with you some of the greatest lessons I learned from Ma’am Love. Never stop loving and serving God through the least of His children. In my conversations with her, she would say that she would never become a millionaire because whatever she got as honorarium or as her professional fee for something, she would always give a fair share to those who were in need.
Lastly, always keep the faith. No matter what happens, just hold on to God. Even while Ma’am Love was experiencing pain, she never stopped praying and believing that God’s mercy is a reality. It was always Ma’am Love’s ultimate goal to be in the loving grace of God. And, true enough, God granted her desire with her timely death during the Feast of the Divine Mercy and during this year of faith. So to the woman of great compassion, to the woman of great faith, thank you and we will surely treasure all that you have taught us. You will surely be missed, Ma’am Love.
A Tribute to Love Naces Anselmo B. Mercado, April 10, 2013
J
oseph Epstein has written and his words resonate well and aptly as I remember my very dear friend and colleague Love Naces. He says:
“We do not choose to be born. We do not choose our parents or the country of our birth. We do not, most of us, choose to die, nor do we choose the time and conditions of our death. But within the realm of choice, we do choose how we live.”
Be loyal to your institution. Fight for it even if sometimes you feel that it is not worth fighting for.
Lovenia Parcon Naces (“Love” or “Nenette” as she was fondly known to many), was first of all, God’s choice of a gift to all of us. And what a wonderful gift she was! She herself chose to live out that gift of life in the service of God by serving other people. And what a fulfilling life it must have been because the very choices she made had formed the person she had wonderfully become.
Take care of yourself. While she was still on sick leave, she texted me, reminding me to take care of myself. “Rest if you need to. You have to take care of your body. Learn from my experience.”
The choice of Romy to be her husband, and her choice to be a wife and mother -- out of their bond, they produced a wonderful family, beautiful and smart children and grandchildren who, I am sure, will carry on her legacy.
Never fear to fight for what is right and just. Even if you are left alone in a battle, never give up a cause worth fighting and even dying for.
The choice of a profession and career – as an educator, she made a positive impact on countless students and young people. I am sure they will remember her, not only for her scholarship and for her many good qualities, but more so for the moral values she had taught them or they had learned from her. The choice of organizations to belong and social involvement – among several, she was a staunch champion of the Cooperative Movement. Her involvement in the cooperative movement was no fluke or a stroke of fate or an accident. It was her choice -- genuine, firm, steady and deeply heartfelt. She became a leader of the Cooperative Movement, like a rising star (first from the local and provincial levels, then to the regional and national). She did research works for the cooperatives. One of them was the history of the cooperative movement in Mindanao. Her latest publication came out not too long ago. It was the history of the Philippine Federation of Credit Cooperatives (PFCCO). Many stories may be told about the cooperative movement in our country, but very few have been written about the interesting experiences. This is the significance of Love Naces’ research works. We are grateful to Love for her invaluable contributions to the Cooperative Movement in the Philippines. Someone has said: “Sometimes one’s choice not only changes the direction of our lives, but that of many, many others.” I know that many people have been touched somehow by the way Love or Nenette had chosen to live her life. I consider myself most fortunate to be one of them. And I am deeply grateful to her for the positive impact she had on me. Let us continue to pray for Love, for Romy and for the family. r
XAVIER MAGAZINE
Reseach and Social Outreach
21
Land Forum echoes support for CARP implementation in NorMin by Stephen J Pedroza and Althea Dianne Felix
X
avier University, Xavier Science Foundation (XSF), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Region 10 and the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro City hosted a forum that called for cooperation among the various stakeholders in the implementation of the hotly-debated Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) in Northern Mindanao and its neighboring areas. Delegates from different agrarian reform communities (ARCs) around the region, farmers’ associations and cooperatives, non-government organizations (NGOs), academic institutions and the business sector attended the event held at Pryce Plaza on June 21. Twists and turns of agrarian reform programs. “It is hard to understand the issues concerning agrarian reform today if we don’t go back to the past,” DAR Secretary Virgilio de los Reyes said while relating the evolution of agrarian laws. Agrarian Reform Laws in the Philippines were enacted as early as the 1900s with the Friars Lands Act of 1902, the Rice Share Tenancy Act of 1933, the Agricultural Tenancy Act of 1952, the Republic Act 1400 or The Land Reform Act of 1955 and the Agricultural Land Reform Code of 1963. During the regime of former President Ferdinand Marcos, Presidential Decree No. 27 mandated that only corn and rice farms would be subjected to his version of the agrarian reform program. However, it is considered to have generally failed and triggered widespread land conversions. Problems with land ownership and titles, land conversions to
APRIL - JUNE 2013
avoid CARP coverage, loopholes in the agrarian reform laws, and confusion among the tasks of concerned government agencies are some of the factors de los Reyes mentioned as having hounded the implementation of CARP and causing the delay in the distribution of lands. “Land distribution is necessary,” de los Reyes said. “And it is the only way to go for agricultural development and for our country to achieve inclusive growth.” After the fall of Martial Law, the administration of former President Corazon Aquino crafted what we now know as the CARP. It was her flagship program and was aimed to ensure and promote social justice and equity for landless farmers and farm workers in the country. Under this program, 10 million hectares of agricultural land was to be distributed among the landless farmers. In 2009, CARP was extended for another five years with a total allocation of P150 billion. It is now referred to as Carper or CARP extension with reforms. DAR Data show that from July 2010 to December 2012, the administration of President Benigno C Aquino III was able to distribute 251,876 hectares already or 21 percent of the 1,209,236 hectares of land the government still has to distribute. A balance of 957,360 hectares remains to be distributed until the end of Carper in June 2014. Rundown of drawbacks. The forum also provided a venue for different sectors to point out other issues in addition to the timeworn implementation of CARP, and on the state of agriculture, in general.
Roberto Ansaldo, Chairman of Enterprise Works Foundation (EWF), representing the business sector, said that government, businessmen and consumers should work together to promote our local products to boost local livelihood, to value the Indigenous People (IP) and their tradition, and to iron out the issue of peace and order in Mindanao in order to attract more investors. “Another thing we need to do is to find out what crops can produce higher gross income— the right crops to plant,” he added, in the light of studying the marketability of certain agricultural products. For the academe, Dr Rosalito Quirino, President of Misamis Oriental State College of Agriculture and Technology (MOSCAT), said that educating farmers about CARP is an imperative. He added that there should be more studies on how to improve farmers’ quality of living and on the appropriate technologies needed for more efficient farm production. Furthermore, Quirino highlighted the capability of academic institutions to push for more Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) that will be beneficial to Agrarian Reform Communities. Jun Nalaza of Kalipunan ng Maliliit na Magniniyog ng Pilipinas (KAMMPIL or Federation of Small Coconut Farmers and Farm Workers in the Philippines) also raised the concerns of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) regarding glitches in land titling, and the insufficient and lackluster action of government agencies in attending to their concerns. Nalaza appealed for support from other sectors in resolving
disputes in ancestral domain claims, in constructing farm to market roads and in countering environmental degradation. Support systems. Support services models shaped by various NGOs and stories of successful project implementations were also shared in the forum. DAR Undersecretary Jerry Pacturan stressed the importance of giving financial assistance to the farmers and increasing their access to markets to improve their income. “The key issue here is the sense of organization,” he said. Pacturan was not alone in his recommendation. Fr Rene Tacastacas SJ, one of the project heads of AgroEnterprise for the XU-CRS-DAR Project, said that it is essential to link ARBs to Corporate Supply Chains Projects to maximize their resources. XU, in collaboration with the Catholic Relief Services (CRS), an international funding NGO, created the project “to promote participatory technology and value chain development research to help increase farmers’ competitiveness in the market chains.” “We can’t accomplish anything if one agency is not working. We need more hands,” Fr Tacastacas shared. “We want them to say, ‘Maguuma ko’ [I’m a farmer] and not ‘Mag-uuma ra man gud ko.’[I’m just a farmer]’.” r
22 Research and Social Outreach
Distinctly KKP, Distinctly Xavier
by Ermin Stan B Pimentel and Wilson J Hormeguera
“W
hat makes our work distinctly Xavier?” asked Fr Roberto C Yap SJ, XU President, in his homily addressed to KKP volunteers in a send-off Mass. With reference to the gospel story of Jesus helping the widowed woman, Fr Yap answered, “First, it is our going to the margins, the frontiers of engagement where no one else wishes to go that makes us distinctly KKP, distinctly Xavier – Filipino, Catholic, Jesuit.” Frontiers of engagement For 10 years now, Barangays Lumbia and Macasandig have been the frontiers of Xavier University through the San Pedro Calungsod PEACE Project of the Kristohanong Katilingban sa Pagpakabana-Social Involvement Office (KKP-SIO). The Partnership for Effective Assistance for Children’s Education Project or PEACE
Project, which is sponsored by ChildFund Japan, has been serving 250 sponsored children (SC) and youth, providing necessary educational materials and school needs, facilitating the development of their academic performance through school visits, review of their school requirements, tutorials to those needing assistance, and other effective or applicable activities.These 250 sponsored children and youth are sons and daughters of parents whose main sources of income come from construction/carpentry work, contractual/hired labor, motorcycle driving, small stores, and daily/contractual household work. Some of these children, especially those in Macasandig, are victims of typhoon Sendong, some are malnourished, others are sick with dengue, typhoid, diarrhea, measles, asthma and other respiratory illnesses. They are, for Xavier and especially KKP, the Frontiers. Fire of compassion “The second characteristic that makes us distinctly KKP, distinctly Xavier is Compassion for those in the frontiers; compassion that moves us to do something, something more. Our love, Ignatius said, is best expressed in deeds,” continued Fr Yap.
The PEACE Project did not limit itself to providing necessary assistance for children’s education. It facilitates not only the sponsored child’s academic component but his entire human formation and development, his family and community’s growth and sustainable development. This is where the KKP Student Volunteer Formation Program (SVFP), Collaborative Service Learning Program (CSLP), Issue Advocacy Program, National Service Training Program (NSTP), Research and Social Outreach (RSO), and other university units come in, intervening and synergizing in their spiritual/psycho-emotional formation, family life education, non-formal education, health, livelihood programs, tutorial programs,disaster preparedness, and their partnerships with the XU units, barangay local government, parish, and other agencies. These engagements
are all products of this fire of compassion ignited by the “signs of the times – struggles of those who suffer, of those who struggle, and of the Spirit of the Lord.” Faith in the Lord Lastly, Fr Yap said, “There is so much to be done in our work for development. Sometimes frustrating, sometimes disappointing. Have faith – trust that the Lord is good, that whatever good we do for others, no matter how small, will bear good fruits and will contribute to the building of the kingdom, to sustainable development.” In its annual report for the Fiscal Year 2013, the PEACE Project counted its fruits. It has aided 34 SCs to graduate from the elementary level, 25 from high school and 1 from college. More than 99% of SCs have been promoted to the next year level of their education. The project
XAVIER MAGAZINE
Reseach and Social Outreach has facilitated a partnership with the City Mayor’s Assistance Project and the Department of Education Division Superintendent; conducted a training workshop on Storytelling for Lumbia and Macasandig school heads, teachers, and Project Staff; initiated three Parents’ Workshops on Child’s Rights where parents were able to understand and appreciate the rights of their children; provided training on Disaster Preparedness which reinforced the family’s role as the primary caregiver and support for children especially in times of disaster and helped foster positive outlook in life; conducted three area-based Medical Missions in sitios Baluarte, Upper Palalan and Centro, Barangay Lumbia; provided medical and dental services for the children; assisted 13 other medical cases along with 5 children who were positively diagnosed with TB; and conducted trainings on Credit Management, Organizational Development, and Business Management which helped parents in the production, marketing, and management of their livelihood activities, small businesses, and their peoples’ organizations. Despite all these fruits, the PEACE Project recognizes that there are still so much more to be done. There are challenges in sustaining the schooling and formation of these sponsored children; strengthening partnerships with other organizations; facilitating coordination with the Barangay government policy on child protection program, wherein the sponsored family takes an active role in ensuring that the program is instituted in their barangays; facilitating regular community drills on disaster preparedness to ensure that the families will really be prepared
APRIL - JUNE 2013
and can effectively handle disaster situations and ensure the safety of their children; closely monitoring the medical and dental concerns of the SCs and ensuring that those with special medical cases are fully attended; continuing education and training of the parents on basic Financial/ Accounting management, and also enhancing their skills in dealing with their members; and continuing the training of parents who are into livelihood or small business activities in basic financial management. All these fruits and those for the past 10 years have led to another challenge: the approved 5-year expansion of the project. From the 250 sponsored children, KKP-PEACE Project shall have an additional 50 sponsored children, this time, from Xavier Ecoville, the university’s housebuild project. With all these challenges and many more, the PEACE Project hopes and trusts in the Lord that all these will contribute to the sustainable development of Barangays Lumbia and Macasandig. Frontiers of engagement, Fire of compassion, Faith in the Lord - “Distinctly KKP, distinctly Xavier,” as Fr Yap puts it. Jesuit Education contends that our distinction is not to suggest “uniqueness” but rather a description of “our way of proceeding” – our way of life, the Ateneo way. It also contends that “the success of Jesuit education is measured not in terms of academic performance of students or professional competence of teachers, but rather in terms of this quality of life – a life lived “in service of others ‘for the praise, reverence and service of God’.” This is distinctly true to KKP, distinctly true to Xavier. r
23
MMC’s Resource Ecological Assessment in Macajalar Bay
I
n 2008, the McKeough Marine Center (MMC), with funding from DOST-PCAMRD, conducted resource ecological assessments (REA) of 14 municipalities along Macajalar Bay. In 2010, with funding from Xavier University, regular monitoring of the resources of the bay continued and four sites, namely, Laguindingan, Opol, Jasaan and Kinoguitan, were surveyed as benchmark monitoring sites. MMC continued the regular ecological assessment and monitoring of the four benchmark sites of Macajalar Bay on selected dates from April 25 to May 18 this year. University faculty and students of Biology and Marine Biology, alumni from the same disciplines, Participatory Coastal Resource Assessment (PCRA)-trained local government staff and MMC researchers composed the REA team. The marine and coastal resources assessed included mangroves, macro invertebrates, seaweeds, seagrasses, softbottom fauna, corals and fishes. Two teams were formed, namely the SMISS (softbottom fauna, mangroves, invertebrates, seaweed and seagrass) team composed of non-divers and COFI (Corals & Fish) team composed of divers. The SMISS team did their monitoring activities earlier than the COFI team to take advantage of the low tide. They monitored Kinoguitan on April 25, Jasaan on April 26, Opol on May 7-8 and Laguindingan on May 9-10. The COFI Team started on the first week of May, conducting the monitoring in Jasaan on May 6-7 and Laguindingan on May 10-11. The team rounded up work in Opol on May 15 and in Kinoguitan on May 16. Technical results of the assessments will be given to each local government unit as input for its coastal resource management plan (CRMP).r
24 Research and Social Outreach
A
lmost two years after the devastation of Typhoon Sendong in Cagayan de Oro City, many issues surrounding the resettlement of the survivors remain unresolved.
XU hosts Panaghiusa Dialogue; Mayor-elect Moreno vows to disentangle IDP woes and youth concerns by Stephen J Pedroza
In an effort to finally address these problems, delegates from various communities of internally displaced persons (IDPs), government agencies, non-government organizations (NGOs), academic institutions and youth groups met face-to-face with Mayor-elect Oscar Moreno during the Panaghiusa Dialogue at the Xavier University AVR1 on June 22. Hearing out the IDPs The forum spearheaded by the Kristohanong Katilingban sa Pagpakabana- Social Involvement Office (KKP-SIO) was a venue for IDPs to express their sentiments about the present situation of their respective relocation areas. Several still do not have water supply and electricity in their homes. Some of them also find it hard to make a living while settling in areas far from the city’s business centers. Peace and order in their communities, amortization and health hazards were also concerns raised at the forum.
XAVIER MAGAZINE
Reseach and Social Outreach
Vanboyd C Torres, a representative of the IDPs, said that their sector has been underserved by the past local administrators. The bureaucracy in government offices and expensive fees for official documents have worsened their plights, he claimed. Signing of a city-wide manifesto Moreno, who assumed the seat as the 28th mayor of the city on June 30, frontlined the signing of the Manifesto of Support for the Development Agenda of the Internally Displaced Persons and the Youth of Cagayan de Oro City.
APRIL - JUNE 2013
Among other things, the Agenda called for the Moreno administration to: (1) come up with a comprehensive resettlement site development plan where basic infrastructures will be provided, (2) provide access to basic services such as water, power and livelihood opportunities, and (3) enact provisions for all concerned government agencies to expedite the processing of the legal requirements of the beneficiaries to avail of the Community Mortgage Program (CMP) of the city government. Different stakeholders supported the manifesto that will “make the IDP communities a thriving model
25
of hope and an example of sustained community-based development.” During the forum, Moreno revealed his appointment of Ramon Fernandez, Northern Mindanao Regional Director of the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP) as the point-person for all Sendongrelated resettlement issues.
command responsibility in ensuring our society’s highest good,” the manifesto read.
Resettlement is part of Moreno’s “8-Point CDO Agenda,” which served as the centerpiece of his campaign for the May 13 polls.
In order to achieve these agenda, Moreno also asked for the people’s support for and involvement in his upcoming projects.
Youth Agenda
“There is no turning back now and I know we can do it. But we also need to help each other. I cannot do it alone,” Moreno said.
On the other hand, the CDO Youth Agenda urged the new administrators to improve access to quality education especially in the hinterlands, to utilize the 3,000 hectares of public land for reforestation and to provide alternative livelihood programs for out-ofschool youth and young smallscale miners, to name a few. Furthermore, the various groups committed to help activate the Local Youth Development Council of CDO that will be composed of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), representatives from the Federation of Youth Organizations, and churchbased and community-based organizations. “We firmly believe that empowering the youth is not only an act to enable their sustainable development but should be considered as our
Prior to crafting the youth agenda, KKP-SIO’s Issue Advocate Team conducted a focus group discussion with different youth organizations on June 15. People’s cooperation
His“8-point CdeO Agenda” include peace and order, revenue generation, resettlement, ‘metropolization,’ environment and education, hospital and services, traffic decongestion and tourism. In a tight mayoral race during the May 13 polls, Moreno, with a total of 109,886 votes, defeated Vicente Emano who garnered 92,033 votes, and ended his nine-year career as mayor of Cagayan de Oro. r
26 Mission and Ministry
Inspiring Leaders. Telling Stories. Change Leadership Summer Camp 2013 by Philip Robert Jaramillo
E
very year since 2006, the Office of Student Affairs has been holding a Leadership Summer Camp for the new batch of student leaders of each academic year. More than so, officers of the different college councils and student organizations gather for a few days before classes open to get acquainted with one another, to get a deeper grasp of their responsibilities, and to equip themselves with the right attitude and skills necessary for becoming effective student leaders. This year was extra special because a new concept was introduced, “Change Leadership.” This year’s theme, “Every leader is a story” underscored the uniqueness of every individual and their style of service. Leadership stories may revolve around the same things, such as being a pillar of truth, an
instigator of collaboration and a true example to other people by way of motivation and action, but these are still experienced distinctly by each and every leader. Leadership is inherently exclusive in a person, and it is not only the stories that leaders tell that spark inspiration in others, but the leaders themselves. Learning the ropes Before they begin their work as leaders, the students were given valuable inputs from various resource speakers during the five-day camp. The talks were designed to teach the participants important qualities of leaders to help ground them in their work. National Youth Commission (NYC) Undersecretary Leon G Flores III gave the keynote speech. He discussed the Commission’s Youth Development Plan to the
student leaders. He presented the current state of the youth in the country and cited examples of different youth groups that can serve as sources of inspiration. Usec Flores also discussed the importance of youth involvement in nationbuilding and how the youth can be agents of change for the betterment of the country. One of his slides which read, “Youth are leaders today and not tomorrow. Change is constant but it is not instant,” highlighted the idea that the youth must act in the present as an investment for the future. Other talks were on SelfAwareness by Derrick Bart Pimentel of the Philosophy Department, Change Leadership by Ivanell Subrabas, the Student Affairs director and, also, camp director, and Leadership Styles by Student Activities and Leadership Development Head Richel Petalcurin. There was also
XAVIER MAGAZINE
Mission and Ministry
Marie Alexis Baldia, founder of Happy Soles, narrated how she accomplished big things from starting small – with a group of college friends. Now they have partners and sponsors from different parts of the world. Baldia emphasized that “Every leader is not just a story, every leader is a hero.”
a lecture-workshop on Grant Proposal Writing given by Julius Verdadero, a former Specialist of the Department of Trade and Industry, to help the students acquire grants to implement their projects. Putting them into action In “My Personal Leadership Story,” participants were grouped and given clay pots to paint on. Using the pot as a canvass, they painted the effect leadership has had on the personal lives. The traditionally laborious SLDPLympics engaged the students in a series of team/ leadership activities. This and other team games “Toxic River” and “Maze” taught the participants the values of sacrifice, teamwork and communication.
APRIL - JUNE 2013
Subrabas facilitated a workshop on “Communicating Your Brand” where student leaders learned the importance of Branding. The participants produced a poster or video showcasing their brand, which were then evaluated and critiqued by a panel. The participants were also asked to come up with programs and projects to be implemented this school year following an input on Creating Short-Term Wins and a workshop on Project Management. The project/ program proposals were again presented and critiqued. Model leaders The Office of Student Affairs also invited a few young leaders for the Leadership Banquet to share on how they brought about change in their communities.
For his part, Alein Navares, Chairperson of the IE Department at Cebu Institute of Technology-University, related his experience with Connecting the DOTS—Determination, Optimism, Tenacity and Service. He said that his failures only challenged him to do more. Founder of Dire Husi Initiatives, Rhyan Casiño, related how gratification is sometimes best felt not in an instant but with a little perseverance. “If you just continue to do what you love, the rewards will eventually come.” He brought with him a member of his organization who also gave a testimony. Jemika Kathryn Soledad, Community Organizer of the Pambansang Kilusan ng mga Samahahang Magsasaka (PAKISAMA), recalled her life as a student leader at the Ateneo de Manila and her experience as a Jesuit Volunteer. For her, leadership is growing where
27
you are planted. She advised the participants to bloom in whatever situation they were in and to not be afraid to be different because every leader has a different story. However, in finding leaders to follow, XU students know that they need not look too far. Fr Mars P Tan SJ, rector of the Loyola House Jesuit Community, after celebrating the closing mass, talked on St Ignatius and How He Changed the World. He shared the journey of St Ignatius as a leader in Christianity. There is no turning back for these student leaders. To show their commitment, they planted seedlings in the pots they had painted on to symbolize the start of their growth as leaders, and the growth of their respective organizations; as the plant grows, they also grow. A series of prayers were said. Wishes and words of luck were written on sky lanterns that represented the light needed to guide their path towards the fulfilment of their hopes and aspirations for their organizations and the community. r
28 Culture and the Arts
XCCA redefines culture and arts with MetamorphoSix by Hobart P Savior
Excellence, Cultural Education, Culture and Development, Culture and Arts Research Documentation and Publication, and Support Service Program are geared toward the fulfillment of the University Development Goal on Stronger Formation.
T
he Xavier Center for Culture and the Arts (XCCA) presents METAMORPHOSIX: Redefining Culture and Arts for its 6th cultural season this school year 2013-2014. XCCA is strengthening its contribution to the Office of Mission and Ministry’s sociocultural formation and service. The Center’s programs, namely: Museo de Oro, Artistic
To do this, XCCA aims to increase by 5 percent the participation of XU administration, faculty and staff in all its programs. The Center will fortify engagements with various units and offices for collaborations and partnerships. Previous engagements with the Office of Student Affairs, NSTP, Departments of English, Filipino, History/IS/PolSci, Grade School and High School, DevCom, Xavier Science Foundation, RIMCU and the Office of International Cooperation and Networking have helped the Center identify appropriate programs as well as successfully implement those programs.
For this school year, XCCA also wants to establish programs and projects with the Administration Cluster as well as the Human Resources Office (HRO) for wider participation of and greater impact among XU personnel. Lectures on personality development, Filipino culture and arts awareness, art appreciation, media arts and even understanding of Ignatian Paradigms such as magis and cura personalis (strong Jesuit ideologies that are shared and meaningful, and thus are considered cultural) are some of the projects that the Center is hoping to implement with the HRO. Since 2010, XCCA has been presenting its programs to the Academic Cluster at council meetings. This year, the Center intends to deepen its involvement with the Academic Cluster by strengthening its partnerships with the various colleges and schools to see where XCCA can support their academic programs and benefit the academic learning of students as well as the life-long learning of faculty and staff. In particular, XCCA hopes to collaborate with the Department of English Language and Literature. The Center has also proposed for its programs to be integrated into the various curricula and syllabi of select courses like Literature, Communication, Filipino, History, Humanities and Aesthetics, among others. XCCA’s cultural education programs can support the arts education program of the School of Education. A Culture-Based Education may also be introduced as another effective paradigm
XAVIER MAGAZINE
Culture and the Arts
in Basic Education and Tertiary Level instruction. The Center is currently studying the establishment of a Summer Institute for the Performing Arts (SIPA) and short term courses on Cultural Education, Archeology and Museology. All these will be possible with the help of the Academic Cluster.
XCCA cuts across disciplines and orientations with various social engagements and advocacies on sustainable development. The Center supports the Office of Research and Social Outreach’s (RSO) thematic agenda through its Culture and Development Program. Projects on the environment, health and nutrition, social justice and human rights are set to be implemented this year through behavioral change setting, meaning making and the arts. Further, community and livelihood programs for Xavier Ecoville have been proposed to the Lumbia Resettlement Project committee. Through its programs, XCCA wants to use the power of the arts in pushing forward messages on corruption, gender issues, environment, health and sanitation, education and children’s welfare. Its
APRIL - JUNE 2013
Performing Arts Companies, through their productions, are channels by which social issues can be presented for discussion. The community researches and outreach of Museo de Oro Curator Dr Erlinda Burton, the academic researches of XCCA Director Hobart Savior on Language and Culture, Semiotics, Cross-Cultural Communication and Linguistics, and the Center’s other programs on development contribute to XU’s goal on greater societal engagement. XCCA also encourages other units, offices and departments to come up with culture and arts-based programs and projects. Units only need to inform XCCA so the Center can extend support.
For METAMORPHOSIX, audiences can look forward to productions from the University’s Performing Arts Companies. The Cultural Dance Troupe will hold “4-D Ateneo Sayaw,” cutting edge performances of Filipino Folk and Ethnic Dances. XU Glee Club is preparing for “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika,” a celebration of Filipino Art Music. Dulaang Atenista is marking its 25th anniversary with “Relasyon Rebelasyon” and the Ateneo Theater Festival which is also
29
co-produced by XCCA. The Xavier Stage will present “Realizing Shakespeare,” an array of Shakespeare classics adapted in Cebuano and Filipino. Xavier Philharmonia continues to develop its ensemble with trainings and recitals. “Sining Galing,” a Xavier Ecoville Arts Program for the Youth will also be implemented from August to December. “Sining Galing” is funded by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) through its Cultural Education Committee. With METAMORPHOSIX, XCCA aspires to contribute to Xavier University’s commitment to “the appreciation, preservation and enrichment of the Filipino culture and heritage as well as the welfare and sustainable development of the Filipino people” through collaboration, partnership and effective synergy. r
30 Sports
Updates from University Athletics Office +Fr Jorge P Hofilena SJ Crusaders Summer Camp
T
his year’s +Fr Jorge P Hofilena SJ Crusaders Summer Camp, named in honor of the former XUGS principal and coach, was held from April 8 to 19. There were 225 participants from various grade schools and high schools in the city. The camp closed with a short program and the distribution of certificates and jerseys to all participants. Participants for Karatedo and Taekwondo also demonstrated their skills during the program.
“Grow-A-Tree, Save-The-Future”
T
he University Athletics Office (UAO) was also involved in social outreach through the “Grow-A-Tree, Save-TheFuture” initiative, in coordination with Global Chips, local government and non-government organization. On April 11, the college student athletes, together with the Department of Labor and Employment, planted seedlings along the riverbanks of Mambuaya.
10th Alaska “Jolas” Cup
O
n April 4, the UAO opened the 10th Alaska “Jolas” Cup. This competition was organized in cooperation with Alaska Milk Corporation, through their director and organizer, Jojo P Lastimosa, an alumnus of XUHS. Four teams for ages 10 and under; nine teams for those aged 12 and under; a dozen teams for 14 and under; twenty teams for 17 and under and five teams for 21 and under competed in this annual basketball tournament. St. Mary’s School was the champion for the youngest age bracket, Del Monte Philippines Inc won for 12 and under, Sacred Heart of Jesus Montessori School topped the 14 and under, Bukidnon Faith Christian School won for 17 and under and Xavier University did the same for the 21 and under category. The champions for the different categories were awarded their trophies and medals during the closing program on May 16.
XAVIER MAGAZINE
Sports
31
In the pipeline
O
n June 8, the university held the COSAA Games Annual Board of Governors Meeting at the university board room. This year is the 9th Season of COSAA Games and the last year of Xavier University as the host school. Presently, there are 12 participating schools in the COSAA. The meeting was presided by University President Fr Roberto C Yap SJ, chair of the BOG.
T
he Office also facilitated a series of meetings with faculty and staff representatives as part of our evaluation of, and planning for an improved Faculty and Staff Wellness, Fitness and Sports
Program.
As part of the program, the UAO in coordination with the Health Services Office (HSO) and Human Resource Office (HRO), will also facilitate the conduct of the following regular activities as part of the Faculty and Staff Wellness, Fitness and Sports Program, following the proposed schedule(see table).
Faculty and Staff Wellness, Fitness and Sports Program Schedules Monday
T
his year’s College Intramural Games will be played on Sept 14-21 as endorsed by the Academic Council, through Academic Vice President Dr Lina Kwong, and approved by Fr Yap. Upon the recommendation of the Academic Council and approval of Fr President, the games will be played consecutively for three days, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
APRIL - JUNE 2013
Use of Weights Gym During Free Time
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Aerobic Exercise
Intramural Games
Aerobic Exercise
Intramural Games
5:15 – 6:15 pm
5:00-8:00 pm
5:15 – 6:15 pm
5:00-8:00
Badminton
Basketball
Badminton
5:00 – 7:00 pm
5:00 – 7:00 pm
5:00 – 7:00 pm
Use of Weights Gym During Free Time
Use of Weights Gym During Free Time
Use of Weights Gym During Free Time
Use of Weights Gym During Free Time
32 News
Editorial StaffP Project Editor: Vanessa Gorra Graphic Designer: Paulo Javier Gener Contributors: Dulce R Dawang PhD, Michael Acenas, Anselmo Mercado, Libby Josephine Abesamis, Stephen Pedroza, Althea Dianne Felix, Wilson Hormoguera, Ermin Stan Pimentel, Agnes Carmela Centro, Ryan Louie Madrid, Philip Robert Jaramillo, Hobart Savior, Athletics Office, McKeough Marine Center, Xavier Center for Culture and the Arts Copyreader: Lennie K Ong Catalina H Gaite Director, Communications Office Niccu Bagonoc, Mariko Tadokoro, Glen Dareen A Santos, Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, McKeough Marine Center, Academic Vice President’s Office, Xavier Center for Culture and the Arts, Xavier Ecoville, XUFARM, KKP-SIO, KKP-PEACE Project, Athletics Office, Office of Student Affairs
published by
Communications Office
Room 101, Campion Hall Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan 9000 Cagayan de Oro City (+6388) 858-3116 loc 3324
Send your stories (750 words or lesser) to commgroup@xu.edu.ph.
XAVIER MAGAZINE