The Seagull E-Newlestter

Vol. XXIV No. 5 | The Official Student Publication of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University - Molo, Inc. | August-October 2016

Dr. Sebastian and Mayor Mabilog signing the MOA of DRRM Hub.

JBLFMU signs MOA to house the first DRRM Hub in PH

By Mdpn. Jaydan P. Laboro and Aime Hope P. Balico

John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU) together with Iloilo City Government signed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to house the first Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) Hub in the country at the Iloilo City Hall, October 13.

Dr. Ronald Raymond L. Sebastian, Chief Executive Officer; Dr. Ralph L. Pador, Administrator, JBLF-Training Center; Dr. Alfred G. Espinosa, Administrator, JBLFMU-Molo; and Ms. Ma. Leonora Lucia Saul, Integrated Management System Officer represented the university during the MOA signing.

“Since we are going through QHSE, ang isa guid nga gina-push naton sa John B. community is all about safety. I think and I know that this DRRM Hub will improve and enhance ang pagtudlo naton sa estudyante, not only to the students but also to the community, because this

will prepare and inform us what to do in time of calamities,” said Dr. Sebastian.

The DRRM Hub will be housed for six months at the ground floor of JBLF System building occupying the Art Deck Gallery.

The preparation of the hub will start on the last week of November and will be open to public on December of the same year.

Moreover, it will exhibit informative displays focused on disaster preparedness such as flyers, audio and video materials provided by the CITYNET Yokohama Project Office.

With its commitment to support the project, the university will add to the display some of its facilities and selected BS Tourism Management students of JBLFMU-Molo will undergo training to act as facilitators in time the hub is operating.

“What I’m trying to get out of this is to look on how they are doing it because

I want to do it also for the university. But, it will be placed on Guimaras since we already have a summer camp there which focused on the care for the environment and will also be equipped with safety,” he added.

The DRRM Hub is the second phase project of Community Based Adaptation Resiliency Against Disasters (CBARAD II) in cooperation among CITYNET Yokohama Project Office, Japan International Cooperation Agency, and Iloilo City.

CRABAD II partnered with the academe to widen the scope of implementation and education of disaster risk management.

Furthermore, the said project tapped several administrative bodies, volunteer groups, and other educational institutions which another partner school is West Visayas State University – College of Communication. It aims to strengthen the disaster resiliency of Iloilo City.

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NEWS

JBLFMU-M cadet places a spot as one of the TOMSP ‘16 awardees

By Mdpwn. Ma. Precious Fe J. Matorres and Mdpn. Cedric Johnsen G. Gonzales

John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University - Molo (JBLFMU-M) once again showcased excellence as E/C Prince Nani A. Co belongs to this year’s Ten Outstanding Maritime Students of the Philippines (TOMSP) at SMX Convention Center Manila, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City, September 25.

“I was nervous because everyone’s looking at me and I have the responsibility to fulfill everyone’s expectations, but at the same time I was also excited because when I was given that prestigious award, I had the opportunity to widen my scope of influence as well as a chance to make a change on the national level,” said E/C Co. Together with E/C Co are D/C Prince Noel Cainap from JBLCF-Bacolod and Mdpn.

John Carl T. Tagulalap from JBLFMU-Arevalo which made JBLFMU owned three spots.

In order to qualify, the school’s nominees have undergone preliminary and

secondary screenings. In addition, they were also required to submit a compilation of their top three achievements, top five academic awards, leadership and social responsibility.

After thorough evaluation, 30 deserving students were selected to proceed in the second screening. For the selection of the top ten, the final screening includes threepart essay, written examination and an interview.

Moreover, Mdpn. Steven O. Tajonera also represented JBLFMU-M in the qualifying process.

Other placers of the top ten are from South-western University Maritime Regiment of Cebu City, University of Cebu, Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific of Kamaya Point CGSO Campus, Technological Institute of the Philippines of Manila, Colegio De La Purisima Concepcion of Capiz, and Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific of Kamaya Point (West Campus).

Dr. Espinosa and E/C Co receiving the award

TOMSP is an annual nationwide search of Western Union among graduating maritime students in honor for their exemplary performance in key areas of academic, leadership, and social responsibility.

Furthermore, the event aims to encourage and inspire future seafarers through their positive impacts in their communities.

JBLFMU-M excels during the National Maritime Week

By Gilda A. Rodinas and Dorothy Mae V. Hinayon

As one of the leading maritime institutions in provide quality education and training, John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University-Molo (JBLFMU-M) bagged awards during the celebration of the National Maritime Week, September 25-30.

Mdpn. Jaydan P. Laboro, Mdpn. Joseph E. Tabilona, and Mdpn. Steven O. Tajonera won 1st runner up in the 1st National Maritime Quiz Bee. “I am really proud of what the cadets have achieved in this prestigious competition. Among the 14 maritime universities, landing as 1st runner-up is already a great achievement,” said 3/E Jose Ma. Rey D. Lacuesta, Officers’ school and Polaris Program Coordinator, and coach, National Maritime Quiz Bee. “It is an implication that cadets from our university are very competitive,” he added.

Additionally, Mdpn. Kristian I. Barniego landed 2nd place in the 8th on-the Spot Art Contest.

“It is a privilege for me to represent the school in this competition. Receiving

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The contestants of the National Maritime Quizbee with their coach after receiving their award.

Mdpn. Barniego holding his entry and his plaque of award.

the title not just requires imaginative mind but perseverance and patience to finish the output on time. For almost four hours, I did the best I know, conceptualizing the piece of art reflecting the excellence of Filipino seafarers,” said Mdpn. Barniego.

With this year’s theme “Marinong Pilipino: Tatak ng Kahusayan” anchored to the International Maritime Organizations

theme, aims to give recognition to Filipino seafarers’ exceptional talents and skills.

Moreover, the 1st National Maritime Quiz Bee, 8th on-the Spot Art Contest and National Seafarers’ Day 13th Oratorical Contest was held at Malayan Colleges Laguna, and Associated Marine Officers’ Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP) Convention Hall respectively.

NEWS FEATURE

Dr. Sebastian, CEO of JBLFMU, officially launching the JBLFMU App.

JBLFMU launches its first mobile application

By Mdpn. Alexandro B. Tirador and Gilda A. Rodinas

Advancing as The Maritime Vanguard in pursuit of technological innovation integrated into the institution’s service, John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University once again broke barriers as it launched its very own JBLFMU mobile application at SM City Iloilo Event Center, October 18.

JBLFMU App is the official mobile application of JBLFMU which is a one-stop, easy access digital portal for Lacsonian students, alumni, faculty and staff, and shipping companies.

“The reason why we created this app is that all stakeholders of JBLFMU which are students, employees, shipping companies, and alumni can have instant access to the university’s information,” said Dr. Ronald Raymond Sebastian, JBLFMU’s Chief Executive Officer.

After being introduced to the application of Stanford University during his leadership training, Dr. Sebastian considered developing an application

for JBLFMU which he conceptualized first and is then worked-out by IT Director, Engineer Archie Amparo.

The features of the application include services open to its users: students are provided the convenience to access their grades, online requirements, schedules, accounts, AAO assessments, E-books, and the school calendar; faculty and staff, and employees are allowed to have instant access to their e-dashboard, class schedule, loads, file, and leaves revolving mainly on administrative works; alumni are free to look for information about the university and the requirements in MARINA, and be guided with the process of applying for a job; and shipping companies are allowed to access information to be abreast in every institution’s endeavors.

Additionally, it also provides accessibility to guests and visitors who would like to seek specific information about the university.

“The application is 100% working already but we don’t want to stop there, we want to identify other services that the students, alumni, shipping companies need other than what we have provided. It is another innovation of our university that we have started,” added Dr. Sebastian.

Moreover, the application also contains an open portal to suggestion box where suggestions and comments can be posted which is directed to the CEO. Meanwhile, the user remains anonymous since it will automatically render the username ‘Admin’ to maintain confidentiality.

The JBLFMU App was one among the grand launch of the Triple Launch Treat introduced to Lacsonians together with the RRLS-ICT Academy identity as ‘The Game Changer’ and the Maritime U Shop.

Furthermore, the mobile application is already available for Andriod users and is free to download in the Google Play.

However, it will be available for iOS users soon.

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EDITORIAL

To curb narco-politics, cleansing the ill political system The existence of narco-politics groping in the Philippine political system indisputably is a probing threat to the government and country. The enormity of such dilemma waved up current administration’s surge to allout eradication of illegal drugs to its full forced implementation, thrusting a double-edged sword to both perpetrators and their protectors.

Recently, President Rodrigo Duterte has disclosed several executive list and boldly named police, judiciary and local government officials linked to the illicit trade. This heightened motion, though the alleged personalities would still undergo investigation, confirms the possible permanence of narco-politicians since then. It is evident in the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) last year’s records, close to 200 government officials and employees were arrested for the violation of RA 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs of 2002 where 56% reveals to be elected officials. This major percentage of elected narco-politicians significantly tells that they’re forming a large web of conspiracy within public service and their tentacles possibly reach to governmental departments, bureaus and agencies to fully control the government system as to their purpose.

The greater focus of the campaign is to catch the ‘big fish’ - the drug syndicates whose apparent drug business in the country wouldn’t be growing dynamically in the market without depending to conspirators under the

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government’s seal. Thus, narco-politics has been a pervading infectious interplay in the benefit of both ends. The officials derived it as a political machinery to finance their campaign expenses in reciprocal of the protection bestowed to the drug traffickers and syndicates.

On the other side, the cordial working relationships with the public officials guarantee the immunity of these drug cartels to evade arrest which makes it more difficult to curb the problem for this growing number of unbarred cartels equates and probably exceeds the number of unprecedented crimes there are will be in the future. Additionally in worse case, narco-politics enhances the market penetration of drugs which makes it easier for drug transactions to operate due to unhampered access.

Consequently, the government officials’ alliance to drug syndicates constitutes public treachery and as the President said a form of treason. From the national down to the grassroots of Local Government Units, these public servants gravely abuse their power by tolerating and facilitating drug permanence.

Thus, this gives a big qualm to Filipinos questioning the government’s inherent responsibility to protect its people and think of the general welfare. It’s a willful negligence in the part of the government to stay dormant and tolerate this political parasite to remain malignant in the Philippines’ already ill political system.

President Duterte, in the wake of his intensified policy, vows to his constituents to trample whoever comes

in his way in expunging the dirt, that is narco-politics - his own version of change resonance. Therefore, the government authorities exercising police powers such as the PDEA, Philippine National Police, and Armed Forces of the Philippines must consolidate their forces, power and intelligence in expunging this ever growing political dirt. The process should not just end by revealing names, it must persist until these allegations become due to be paid by those found and proven guilty. By dismantling all narco-politicians and personalities in governance conspicuously involved, we are not just cleansing the government in diminishing the existence of narcopolitics but the guarantee of disabling the strong ground of drug trade operations in the country.

To the Filipino voters on the other hand, now that we are shined by the light of this political clod, we have to extend our full grasp on resources that give us full knowledge and familiarization on people we are going to place on power.

Be wise in keenly studying the campaign expenses that at such exceedingly large figures, it might be doubtful to their financing capabilities and if so funded, a suspicion to their allied political machinery. Our votes should rightfully deserve its purpose not to be bribed and forced against will. It is a failure to Filipinos, a failure to the country to put these narco-politicians into seats giving them the power to undermine the essence of true public service and jeopardize the government.

COLUMN

The due retribution to society’ s ills Dauntless Probe

By Aime Hope P. Balico

Under the administration’s intensified combat against drugs, the crime rate across the country dropped to 49% as of the record of the Philippine National Police (PNP) which strikingly undermines the call for the reimposition of death penalty. Among other viable reasons, it guarantees long term crime solution efficiency which in reciprocal sense, the attainment of sustainable peace and order is truly within grasp.

In the light of objections, I belong to the stratum of those who believed that this motion may not seek for complete deterrence of crime but a process of delineating. It is evident on the downtrend of PNP’s crime rate record from 2003-2005 in time of President Arroyo,

Punto de Vista

Ni Gilda A. Rodinas

Base sa desisiyon ng Arbitral Tribunal sa Hague noong ika-12 ng Hulyo, ang West Philippine Sea ay pasok sa 200 - nautical mile exclusive zone ng Pilipinas at nagpapaptunay ito na may maraming paglabag nga na ginawa ang China sa karapatan ng Pilipinas sa West Philippine Sea. Ngunit kasunod nito ay ang pahayag ng China na hindi nila kikilanin ang anumang desisyon na ginawa ng tribunal.

Marami sa atin ngayon ang nagtatanong “Ano na kaya ang susunod na hakbang na gagawin ng Pangulo upang masolusyonan ang isyu sa West Philippine Sea?” Ang pinakanakikitang solusyon ng pamahalaan ayon kay Pangulong Rodrigo

who is a pro-life yet forced under immense need, restored death penalty. It equates what President Rodrigo Duterte perceives, as he admonished its revival to legislature that it’s a strong proponent to the curbing of two social ills, criminality and illegal drugs since solving the latter would also be solving crimes.

Considerably, the reinstatement of death penalty for heinous crimes and the mode of its implementation should be reviewed well considering the degree aggravated of such crimes to be included otherwise it falls to different penal offense. The imminent fear is to kill the innocent charged to a grave offense not committed due to the unscrupulous prosecution and flatly to say, unreliable criminal justice system. Thus following the due process of law as a component of its justified implementation, the justice system should be both reformative and retributive in nature.

On the other hand, I am no God in the belief that a cost of life is another life. The Church, in full opposition of course, is rightly concerned that its restoration would be greatly disputable in the matters of morality and ethics.

In the concern of the state, it is not a way to vent

the rage of the victims and entirety of Filipinos to criminals rather an expedient measure for the security and welfare of its people. Still, the role of Church is very vital in beckoning the people to its core teachings of what is morally right and wrong.

Fear the crime, not death penalty for it is reserved to those who committed guilty of crime. The capital punishment, as retribution, dispenses justice truly and fairly.Though no one has the right to deprive another person of his life but isn’t it rightful to think of the victims of these criminals that they on the first place deserved not just mercy but justice?

We are all but guilty of the idea that the three to six months eradication of illegal drugs as promised by the President in his campaign gripped our hearts into the hope that this is the change, the drastic change we are waiting for and what the country needs. The change he is resonating in the aim to provide safe and secured abode for Filipinos would likely flourish investment and economic growth. Thus in time of realizing this hope, perhaps, we should opt to be more open-minded that death penalty is not just a choice but a need.

Soberanya sa West Philippine Sea, mababawi pa ba ng ating bansa?

Duterte ay ang mas malalim na diplomatikong pag-uusap sa bansang China. Kanya din na inalok ang dating pangulo na si Fidel V. Ramos na maging special envoy sa China upang maaayos ang kung may lamat man na namagitan sa noo’y matibay na relasyon ng dalawang bansa upang mas maging matiwasay ang mga susunod na pag-uusap.

Ayon din kay Antonio Tirol Carpio, dating Senior Associate Justice ng Korte Suprema, maaaring maghain ulit ng kaso ang bansa laban sa China sa pagsira nito sa maritime environment sa West Philippine Sea. Dagdag pa niya, ang pagbabanta at pag-angkin ng China sa West Philippine Sea ay sumira sa mga likas na yaman dahil sa pagkuha nila ng reserbang petrolyo na sagana sa naturang parte ng tubig.

Sa kabilang banda, mas pinaigting pa ng China ang seguridad sa West Philippine Sea sa pamamagitan ng pagtatag ng mga base militar sa inaangking teritoryo kasunod ng pagtanggi nila na kilalanin ang desisyon na ginawa ng tribunal.

Dahil dito, ang Malacanang ay nagpahayag na mas kakailanganin pa nila ang payo ng mga eksperto sa batas panginternasyonal para sa malalim na pag-unawa sa desisyon ng tribunal. Isa din itong paraan para mas maplanuhan ang mga susunod na hakbang na maaaring gawin ng bansa.

Minungkahi din ng pangulo na ipagpatuloy ang anumang nasimulan na solusyon sa isyu ng West Philippine Sea lalo pa at may konkretong basehan na ang bansa sa pinaglalaban na soberanya sa teritoryo ng katubigan. Ang kailangan lang ay ang matibay na pagpapatupad ng batas sa mga teritoryong kinasasakupan ng bansa na dapat ideklara upang magkaroon ng pagkakakilanlan.

Alam natin na ang West Philippine Sea ay atin kaya nararapat lang itong ipaglaban. Importante na ginagawa ng ating pamahalaan ang lahat nitong makakaya para hindi tuluyang mawala sa atin ang likas na yaman na dapat tayong mga mamamayang Pilipino ang nakikinabang.

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NEWS

Lacsonians win first runner-up in the National COMEPP quiz bee

By Janine Thess V. Montaño and Mdpwn. Ma. Heather C. Bacera

John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University-Molo College of Business students won 1st runner-up in the National Management Quiz Bee Competition of the Council of Management Educators and Practitioners in the Philippines (COMEPP) at Avenue Plaza Hotel, Naga City, September 23-24.

The team composing of five students is merged from the two programs, the BS Customs Administration (BSCA) and BS Business Administration (BSBA).

Nelson Castante, Melanie Owa, and Shyene Espinosa, BSCA-3A student and Geilyn Jalbona and Sheila Mae Mondia, BSBA-4A student are the contestants of the said competition with Ma’am Mona Luisa De Guzman and Sir Wyatt Earp Belvis as their coaches.

“We did not expect that we could reach this far. It is already a bonus for us to compete in the national level. We are so grateful that we made it almost on top,” said Mr. Castante, one of the participants.

COMEPP Board hosted the competition which was participated by different colleges and universities in the country.

“During the competition we were really hoping to win, I was telling them, don’t think of anything else, just focus on the questions. Though the champion’s advantage is only five points, we are still happy that we were the first runner-up,” said Ma’am Mona Luisa De Guzman, one of their coaches.

Furthermore, the voice, extemporaneous speech competition, and the conference which covered the trends in standardization of management education, creativity and innovation, challenge to management educators, prospects of MSMEs and communication strategies and skills for effective marketing, and recent updates on the US Cultural Exchange, Internships and Practicum were also the highlight of the event.

With the theme of the 26th National Convention “COMEPP: Refocusing on the Role of Educators in Response to International Standards in Business Management”, the convention aims to update management educators and

Engr. Estores discussing about Climate Change.

CES conducts seminar on climate change and disaster preparedness

By Mdpn. Joseph E. Tabilona and Dorothy Mae V. Hinayon

To continuously provide knowledge on today’s pressing environmental problems and to promote disaster resiliency, John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime UniversityMolo Community Extension Service (CES) Office conducted a seminar on climate

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change and disaster preparedness at Brgy.

Trapiche, Oton, Iloilo, August 26.

The seminar focused on the topic about climate change – the things and human practices that contributes to it which is accompanied by its enormous effects to

JBLFMU-M students holding the trophy.

practitioners on emerging trends, changes, best practices and innovations in the teaching and practice of management. It also aims to provide an opportunity for delegates to gain insights, information, ideas, and data necessary for curriculum planning, enhancement and revision.

Additionally, it provides a forum for the management educators and practitioners for the sharing of ideas and research breakthroughs to meet the challenges in teaching and learning management and leadership development. It also generates a plan of action to enhance the instruction of management subject.

the environment and mitigation of these effects through simple household ways.

In addition, the seminar also emphasizes the importance of safety by going over various safety tips and providing advices on different calamities and events on the topic about disaster preparedness.

“Disaster preparedness is very important to everyone for their own safety.

Everybody should know the different precautionary measures during calamities,” said Dr. Cicero C. Ortizo, resource speaker for disaster preparedness.

Moreover, selected instructors and student from the university are invited to talk about different topics namely, Engr. Marie Bella N. Estores on Climate Change, Dr. Cicero C. Ortizo on Disaster preparedness, Mr. Donie Alvon M. Mañosa on Gender and Development, and Aime Hope P. Balico on Bureau of Customs Passenger Guidelines.

“This seminar will be very beneficial to the residents of Brgy. Trapiche, Oton since we are highlighting the importance of public awareness on preparedness and disaster resiliency,” said Ms. Krizna Joy Belencion, CES Officer.

Brgy. Trapiche, Oton is one of the adapted barangays of JBLFMU-Molo along with Brgy. Sooc, Arevalo.

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SPORTS

Mdpn. Ryan Infante, shooting guard, in his attempt for a 3-point shoot.

The Dolphins nips WIT basketball team, 94-88

By Janine Thess V. Montaño and Mdpwn. Jael A. Gasangue

In a do-or-die men basketball championship, John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU) basketball team - The Dolphins nipped Western Institute of Technology (WIT) basketball team, 94-88, leading them to a 3-peat victory during the

Iloilo Schools Athletic Association (ISAA) meet 2016 held at University of San Agustin (USA) Gymnasium, October 19.

The first two quarters remained grounded for a tight match, garnering both teams a tie score of 19 and 41, respectively.

On the third quarter, The Dolphins struggled a little when WIT set the adrenaline of the game, taking the margin at 65-69. However, on the last quarter, WIT finally bowed down in defeat when Mdpn. Ryan Infante of The Dolphins together with his team exerted four successive two-point shots, ending the game with a total score of 94-88.

“We’re so proud not for ourselves but for our school. We are always willing to give pride and honor to our school. And for the formula of winning, just trust your teammates and coaches,” said Mdpn. James G. Yap, point and shooting guard of the team.

Furthermore, The Dolphins with the guide of their coach James Montehermoso also defeated different basketball teams including USA, St. Pauls University, Iloilo Doctors College, and Central Philippine University.

“As a team captain of The Dolphin, I felt the pressure that I hold in my hands as it was my last game for the ISAA since I will be graduating next year. I want my last ISAA game to be memorable before I leave my team,” said Mdpn. John Paul Sorongon, team captain.

The Dolphins will show again their skills and tactics in bringing home the victory in basketball during the Private Schools Athletic Association this coming November or December.

JBLFMU-M JHS rules the Mission-Objective Week ‘16

By Janine Thess V. Montaño and Mdpwn. Jael A. Gasangue

Junior High School (JHS) of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime High School ruled over the sports events in Hinampang 2016 during the celebration of the MissionObjective Week 2016 at the John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University-Molo (JBLFMU-M), September 19-23.

JHS garnered 20 championship award both in individual and team events including Volleyball (Men and Women), 4x50M Team Medley Relay (Women), 100M Individual Medley (Men), 25M Butterfly (Men and Women), 50M Backstroke (Men and Women), 25M Breaststroke (Men), 50M Butterfly (Women), 4x50M Freestyle Relay (Men and Women), 100M Freestyle (Men), 25M Backstroke (Men and Women), 50M Breaststroke (Men), 50M Freestyle (Women), and 4x25M Team Medley Relay (Men and Women).

Furthermore, Hinampang 2016 aims not only to harness the skills and potentials of the students in the field of sports but also to encourage Lacsonians to indulge themselves in every activities that in a way

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Mdpn. James Amar, setter, tossing the ball.

would instill to them the values anchored to this event.

“The Junior high swimmers, may be underestimated as weak, but we believe in the faith and dignity to win and as long as you have passion on what you are doing. Also, with discipline to practice everyday because winners train hard to achieve their goals not just to win

and to eat some bacons. Expect that JHS will excel more,” said Deighme Rose Pamplona, JHS varsity swimmer.

With the theme “We stand as one for IMS (QHSE) advocates”, the Mission-Objective Week is celebrated to strengthen camaraderie and to promote unity among students as well as the faculty and staff of the university.