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K N O W I N G VOLUME 63 NUMBER 2 · MAY-JUNE 2018
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE NEWS The College of Business and Accountancy welcomes the first leg in a series of changes. read on page 2
EDITORIAL When our country’s first line of defense fraternizes with the enemy, do we fight or do we follow their lead? read on page 4
Signs of new life uplifts the preservation community for the less than 20 Irrawaddy dolphins on the Negros coast. read on page 3
SPECIAL REPORT Take a look at the government’s proposed National ID system. read on page 7
What is the TRAIN law, and why should we be concerned about it? read on page 7
BELATED WELCOME BACK, MGA BESHIECAKES!
USLS greets first batch of K-12 grads to college BY STARLENE JOY B. PORTILLO
Two years after the implementation of the Senior High School program, the University of St. La Salle welcomed the pioneer 2,046 freshmen enrollees of the new curriculum. However, the numbers run short from the projected target of 2,200 applicants, including online admissions. “We did not reach it, but we have quite a big number. And it actually surpassed what we expected,” Office of Student Affairs (OSA) Director Katrina Azcona stated. As of June 22, the Yu An Log College of Business and Accountancy has garnered the most enrollees with 1,029 students, followed by 407 from the College of Engineering and Technology, 245 for the College of Arts and Sciences, 217 for the College of Nursing, and 148 under the College of Education. However, Azcona also noted that other schools are “feeling the smaller numbers” as well, since students are preferring public and state universities due to the approved law of free college tuition. K-12 GRADS / PAGE 2 NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK. Freshmen students line up by the Discipline Office to claim their IDs. —MARIANO O. JAVIER
PolSci students represent PH in Int’l Model UN
USLS score BY MARIA ANGELINE M. MAYOR
PINOY PRIDE. Filipino delegates proudly hold the Philippine flag during the conference’s Cultural Night.
BY KATHERINE E. CO
Two students from the Political Science Department participated as delegates in the International Model United Nations (IMUN) held in Bangkok Palace Hotel, Thailand last June 1-3. Kristine Mae Semillano and Janine Irish Gorre acted as representatives of the Philippines in the United Nations Human Rights Council, where they tackled the global topic of “Human
PHOTO COURTESYINTERNATIONAL MUN
Rights Infringement by Technology Development”. For their involvement, they were able to author a resolution that focused on promoting responsible freedom of expression through emphasizing its limitations. The resolution involved a call for the government to have surveillance over cyberspace in order to counter problems such as terrorism and fraudulent POLSCI / PAGE 2
All 36 Lasallian first-time takers passed the June 2018 Nursing Licensure Examination (NLE), as announced by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) last June 19. Moreover, Robert Martin Rivera Puerta, who graduated Magna Cum Laude and Clinical Competence Silver Awardee, placed 6th among the 4,326 passers. “I’m glad to have brought this honor to my school [. . .] which of course, deserves all our praise for providing us quality education while modeling our characters to be socially responsible Christians,” Puerta said in a public statement. He explained that he entered the College of Nursing (BSN) with a thought that it could give him a good background in the field of medicine, the same as his parents’. “Aside from the development of nursing skills, little did I know that it will develop me holistically as a person, instilling the qualities of compassion and empathy when
NLE 100% administering patient care, which is the unique trait among us nurses,” Puerta added. Meanwhile, BSN Dean Sheilla Trajera expressed her gratitude and joy on their achievement as a college. She believes that the reason behind the constant improvement of their college’s performance in the NLE for the past years is the Intensive Comprehensive Exam (ICE) which they provide for the students. She also added that the strong support from the faculty, staff, and alumni of the college to the students has also pushed them to excel more. “We are inspired to do better, so we’re having a lot of innovations now in terms of assisting our students. We are coordinating with our external partners, and we’re injecting a lot of innovations like getting into internationalization, and getting into collaboration with other Centers of Excellence (COE) for Nursing E d u c a t i o n institutions,” Trajera said. According to the dean, ICE is an examination incorporated in all the students professional
first-timers passing rate subjects and consists 70% of the recent courses taken in the semester, while the rest are taken from the previous years. Puerta also added that taking the ICE has helped him to prepare for the NLE as it served as a refresher on the topics he has learned from the previous semesters. “It also allows us to assess which subjects we are falling behind— either maternal, medical surgical, etc. That way we know where to improve and focus on during the review,” he stated. However, Trajera noted that there are other graduates from the previous batches who still were not able to take or unable to pass the NLE. “We would like to extend the invitation for all of them who have not taken the NLE or have not made it to come to the College of Nursing. We will tell them to actually attend our inhouse review,” she offered. The dean shared that, the overall passing rate of the university is 95.12% because of the five repeaters who took the exam as well as two who were not able to pass.
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Nonetheless, BSN is now working its way to achieving their status as a “Center of Development” (COD) institution wherein they have to maintain a passing rate of at least 80% in the licensure exam with their first-time takers for five consecutive years. COD refers to a department within a higher education institution, which demonstrates the potential to become a Center of Excellence (COE) in the future, according to the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) official website. It is stated under Section 8 (f) of Republic Act 7722, also known as the “Higher Education Act of 1994” (HEI), that CHED shall “identify, support and develop potential centers of excellence in program areas needed for the development of world-class scholarship, nation building and national development,” wherein it aims “to sustain or develop excellence of HEIs by enhancing their teaching, research, and NLE / PAGE 2
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THESPECTRUM / NEWS
CHED funds USLS research on marine life BY IDA SARENA M. GABAYA
Six selected high-ranking faculty members of the University of St. La Salle took part in a research supported by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on the sustainability of marine protected areas for Irrawaddy dolphins found in the waters of Pulupandan and Bago. The DARE TO (D i s c ove r y-Ap pl ie d Research and Extension for Trans/Inter-disciplinary Opportunities) Research Grant of CHED is intended for research, innovation ventures and sustainable partnerships for extension activities during the K-12 transition. These research grants give faculty and staff whose teaching or work during the K-12 transition phase a chance to participate and contribute in the work of research, since some faculty members were affected by the dissolution of subjects and the change in curriculum. “The Center of Research and Engagement has been involved in this initiative to protect and manage the coastal marine resources, particularly protecting one of the most endangered species, which is the Irrawaddy dolphin.” stated Virgilio Aguilar, the Director for Publication and Engagement who also leads the livelihood development and environmental advocacy component of the research. He further explained that there are six study
K-12 GRADS
Despite this, the OSA Director and the administration is hopeful for higher numbers next school year. “I personally would bank on the thought that the university actually offers quality education and people know that,” the OSA Director
POLSCI
crimes online, while also specifying strict guidelines that prohibits access to personal, private data and other confidential material. “[The experience] really improved my researching, public speaking, debating, and writing skills in addition to critical thinking, teamwork, and my leadership abilities,” Semillano said. Gorre, who said that even though she and Semillano have joined similar Model UN conferences within the country before, their experience on the international level still brought something fresh. “I encountered new learnings from the
components by various faculty and members of the university in developing the research: the study on Irrawaddy dolphins or locally known as the “Lumba-lumba” is done by the resident Marine Biologist, Mr. Mark De La Paz; the study on Fisheries is lead by Ms. Jessica Pacalloga of the Natural Sciences department; the tourism development is lead by Dr. Beth Pillo of the Hotel Restaurant Management department; and lastly, the water quality component is lead Dr. Mary Ann Pandan of the College of Engineering. “This is a multidisciplinary research.” said Aguilar. Last June 14, a seminar was conducted in Room 10 for the eight fisherfolk communities in Pulupandan and Bago. The seminar discussed marine protected areas and ways to protect the resources found in the coastal communities. This will help train the fisherfolk organizations of the said coastal barangays practice sustainability on the project. The research has already been ongoing for over a year and a half and they are continuing their study on the Irrawaddy dolphins and recently one of the dolphins was discovered to be pregnant and is being monitored by the team of De La Paz. “That’s good news for us, it shows our initiatives are bearing fruit and that is why we need to engage the communities,” shared Aguilar.
said. This, she claimed, is reflected not only through their marketing and advertising strategies, but also through word of mouth. “We’re always thinking of new ways […] We’re training, we’re educating students—and that has always reflected [USLS],” Azcona expressed.
multicultural delegates I have associated with, the topics we debated on, and of course, the culture of Thailand,” Gorre said. In addition to this, they were also able to perform among the many delegates, speakers, chairmen, and staff present in the conference with singing and dancing while donning the country’s national costume. The IMUN is a conference simulating the United Nations, acting as a platform for the discussion of various issues, policies, and other diplomatic affairs with youth delegates from different parts of the world who act as diplomats of their respective countries.
MAY-JUNE 2018
Lasallians qualify for TOSP nationals BY VICTORIA MARIAN B.BELMIS
Lasallian alumni Ayber Claris Sysiangco and Kimberly Siazar secured a spot in the 57th Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) national finals. They were hailed as regional awardees for Western Visayas during the awarding ceremony held at the Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol last June 4 and will represent the region to the next and final leg of the comepetition together with eight other victors.. A graduate of Bachelor of Sci-
ence in Accountancy, Sysiangco is the former president of the university’s Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA), while Siazar, who finished up Bachelor of Science in Education major in Social Science, is the former vice governor of the College of Education. Both Siazar and Sysiangco felt blessed and thankful upon receiving the prestigious distinction and added that the recognition is for everyone who helped and believed in them. When asked how was it qualifying for the nationals, Siazar stated: “Now, that I am
qualified for TOSP Nationals together with [students from] other regions and will be representing the school, I am not asking for more but I only want God’s will to be done.” On the other hand, Sysiangco said that the award encouraged her more to continue being passionate in giving service towards others especially that she is preparing to for her Certified Public Accountant (CPA) board examination. “Whether I qualify for the national top 30 or not, I am already blessed that I was able to represent USLS and bring honor to the school,” she added.
While waiting for the requirements from the TOSP national screening committee, Siazar shared that she will be continuing her advocacy program, The Walking Library, wherein she, together with her other youth officers, teach basic subjects to children in her barangay. TOSP is an awards program established by Jose Concepcion Jr. that “gives honor to passionate, servant-leader, graduating college students who not just personified academic excellence but also dedicated themselves in serving their organizations and communities.”
CBA starts AY with new college name BY MARIA ANGELINE M. MAYOR
As a sign of gratitude and honor to be chosen as the college recipient of the Yu family’s donation, the College of Business and Accountancy (CBA) changed its name to Yu An Log College of Business and Accountancy (YALCBA). The college changed its name as a form of naming rights for the university in recognition of the benefactor family who has “generously given financial support” to the college, according to YAL-CBA Dean Stephanie Calamba. “The Yu family is the one who chose us. As to what criteria was used in their choice, I’m not very privy about it,” Calamba replied when asked how their college was chosen. According to a press release,
the purpose of the name change is “to honor the life and legacy of Yu An Log, who continues to live a life for others and whose generous spirit and genuine compassion are manifested in his support for various academic institutions and scholarships.” Calamba said that she can only guess that the following were considered: “We are the biggest and the oldest college in the entire institution; our business and accountancy programs have been the flagship programs of the university, and have produced graduates who are respected in business, government and professional organizations.” Nonetheless, Calamba stated that the name change of the college from CBA to YALCBA will not greatly affect the
YELLOW POWER. The Yu An Log College of Business and Accountancy welcomes their new enrollees from the pioneer batch of the K-12 curriculum during the Lasallian Freshmen Orientation Program. -MARTINI M. FALCO
college. “We will continue to strive for excellence and for holistic development of our students,” she added. In accordance with the financial support that comes with the naming rights, Calamba believes that it will boost the college’s scholarship grants, faculty development, and facilities improvement.
In support of this, Calamba said that the classrooms and faculty rooms in the Wester building,which are currently undergoing renovations right now, are part of the facilities improvement that comes with the naming rights. The YAL-CBA faculty rooms were relocated in Mutien Marie classrooms 13 and 14 for the meantime.
New student leaders take oath during Officer Induction Ceremony
the recently held Officer Induction Ceremony at Santuario de La Salle last June 19. Former Dean of Student Affairs Andre Tagamolila swore in the officers hailing from the student government, academic clubs, and other student-run organizations who swore to
take on the responsibility and the challenge of leadership during the ceremony. “You also have the opportunity to serve others, something every true Lasallian aspires to do. Why is that? Because service is one of our core values,” he reminded the crowd. Moreover, Raner urged the students to “give extra efforts to change for the common good.” “May we all uphold the mission of our founder and extend our hands to those in need, and live up to our Lasallian principles of faith, service, and communion,” he added. The USG President was followed by Noreza Causing, moderator of the Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA) which was recently awarded Best Academic Club for the previous academic year, who spoke on behalf of the club moderators. “There is nothing special about me as a moderator of a
club,” Causing professed, “ I suppose I share the same experience and challenges as the rest of the moderators here. However, my principle is always based on the fact that JPIA is of the students, by the students, and for the students.” She claimed that the students make decisions for themselves despite her urges to meddle, stating that her role is simply “to guide, to check, to motivate, and to some extent, to inspire the officers and members to be the best they can be.” “Prior to your decision and willingness to serve, you have manifested your Lasallianness in the true sense of the word. I salute you and I thank you,” said Geoffrey Bob Bergante, the Vice Chancellor for Mission and Development, as he thanked and congratulated the 2018 batch of officers during his inspirational message.
Arias, Paulyn Joy Bais, Gricelle Bantawig, Kevyn Joseph Beltran, Dexie Reah Mae Cabansag, Genevieve Joy Cervantes, Albert Gabriel Co, Anne Rodenelle Dapiton, Ellene Grace Dewara, Mikaela Maria Divinagracia, Jecoliah
Esther Dojoles, Eduard Jules France, John Sherwin Gecosala, Joshua Rommel Jamero, Karen Jimenea, Stephanie Beatriz Li, Aimee Libre, Kimberly Lopez, Maria Estrella Montelibano, Amecel Therese Nuñez, Robert Martin Puerta, Daniza Lorraine Ramos, Kristene
Louise Reyes, Philippe Jethro Sarmon, Jenny Angela Sicat, Stephanie Coleen Tan, Johanna Erica Temeña, Jenika Austin Uy, Yra Uy, Verla Christine Valdepeña, Lovely Gayle Vallejo, Dee Marie Velarde, and Althea Nicole Zamora.
FAITH AND ZEAL FOR SERVICE. Student leaders and club moderators evoke the guidance of God before being formally inducted. -MARIANO O. JAVIER
BY ROBERT H. JERGE III
“Let us remember that faith and purpose are always greater than fear.” These were the words uttered by University of Student Government (USG) Executive President Louie Raner during his speech in
NLE
service programs to further nation building and national development.” The 35 other exam passers include: Stephanie Louise Abay, Anna Maniza Abeto, Abigail Alba, Elijah Mariano
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · USLS STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOLUME 63 NUMBER 2 · MAY TO JUNE 2018
NEWS / THESPECTRUM
MAY-JUNE 2018
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USLS ranks third in Secondary LET BY ROBERT H. JERGE III
The University of St. La Salle College of Education (CEd) placed third during the March 2018 Secondary Level Licensure Exam for Teachers (LET) with an 81.25% passing rate. 52 out of 64 takers from the university passed with 56 of them being first-time takers and eight were repeaters. The LET is a biannual examination prescribed by the Philippine Regulatory Commission (PRC) and
undertaken by Bachelor’s degree graduates who plan on teaching in primary or secondary level schools. CEd Dean Ricver Ureta at his surprises, shared that [they], “we did not expect it because the batch that graduated was not performing that well, academically. However, sometimes life comes in so many surprises,” he said. The university’s passing rate dropped by 7.25% from last September’s 88.50%, but the results from March’s LET has moved La Salle up to third
place. Ureta credits the intensive review program which is currently in its second year of implementation, for their performance. “We have an intensive preparatory LET review course which is embedded in their curriculum in order to help them further,” Ureta explained. The review serves as a refresher course which sums up the knowledge and concepts the students have learned in their four years of college.
Ureta stressed the review course and the college’s retention policy “would make sure that students who would graduate from the college are more than prepared not just to teach, but to also take the board exam.” He also emphasized that the college shall be maintaining the review program in the curriculum, with an increase in the number of hours for the review course, because of its effectiveness in the previous batches. Simondo. -THE LA SALLE YEARBOOK
Local coalition holds forum on ChaCha and federalism BY JOSHUA MARTIN P. GUANCO
In line with the national government’s thrust for constitutional change, the Paghimud-os Negros coalition (Citizen’s Movement for Democracy and People Power) staged a consultative forum and workshop last May 30 at the St. John Marie Vianney Hall of the St. Sebastian Cathedral. The forum entitled “Are ChaCha & Federalism the Answer? (Pamatian ang Tingog Sang Pumuluyo)” was conceptualized to inform attending labor, women, agricultural, academic, youth,
and transport groups that the current administration’s plan to adopt a federal system is “not the only solution to alleviate the country from its deeplyrooted problems of poverty and corruption”. “True power lies in the hands of the people—not the government—if they exercise it,” stated event co-convenor and Negros Occidental former governor Rafael Coscolluela in his talk, emphasizing that one must not simply take a side against something, but think of the common good as well. In a separate interview, he highlighted the importance of such forums in providing a
venue for people to voice out their problems and sentiments regarding what is happening in the country, particularly on how it is being run by the administration. “We need an alternative people’s proposal. We need a strong civil society. We need to voice out, to educate people, to advocate genuine beneficial change; we cannot be just anti[Charter Change], we have to be for something better,” the exgovernor expressed. Furthermore, Coscolluela pointed out that the government “just keeps on feeding the country solutions without even knowing what the real problem
is”. This is the coalition’s third i n f o r m a t i o n- e d u c a t i o n campaign regarding charter change and federalism since its founding last February. Additionally, they aim to continue holding such talks in the time to come, wherein debates regarding constitutional change are likely to brew because of the nearing 2019 elections. ‘Paghimud-os’, which is the Hiligaynon term for “struggle”, is also the name of a famous sculpture situated in front of the Capitol Park and Lagoon, the very place where the coalition got its name.
ECO BOX
USLS research team spots pregnant Irrawaddy dolphin
EMERGING HOPE. Pregnant Lumba-lumba surfaces in the Bago-Pulupandan waters. -KAILA LEDESMA
BY STARLENE JOY B. PORTILLO
Despite being locally listed as an endangered species, the Irrawaddy dolphin continues to give hope for conservation. A pregnant dolphin and two new calves have been sighted last May 10 in the coastal waters of Bago City and Pulupandan Town by the USLS Center for Research and Engagement Team (CRE). The species locally referred to as the lumbalumba, can only be found in two places in the Philippines: the Guimaras Strait and the Malampaya Sound in Palawan. According to CRE dolphin research team
leader Mark dela Paz, the pregnant dolphin nicknamed Topnick was trying to dislodge a remora—fish that latches on to larger marine creatures—when she leapt, thus revealing her belly. “Currently, we are monitoring her and hope that she has a successful delivery,” said dela Paz, who began studying the dolphins eight years prior, as part of his thesis for Silliman University, where the project was first mobilized. The university in turn, partnered with USLS to continue the study due to its accessibility to the areas. “When you conserve a species, it is the people you control [not the animals], because they make use of the resources. And when you’re
talking about people, it’s the socioeconomic aspect—and that’s where USLS comes in,” the researcher explained, adding that the responsibility of conservation does not only fall on the hands of biologists. Moreover, he noted that the mammals have a gestation period of 13-14 months, with the calves having a higher mortality rate. “Over the years, three calves have turned up on our shores. They are the most vulnerable because they are more likely to get entangled in fishnets and hit boats,” he added. Meanwhile, with the push for construction of a PanayGuimaras-Negros link bridge in the works, CRE Publication & Engagement Director Virgilio Aguilar emphasized that raising Irrawaddy dolphin awareness is one of the priority development agendas of the Pulupandan local government units. “We need the project implementers to be aware of [the dolphin’s] presence so that they can come up with ways by which the impact of construction towards their habitat can be minimized,” Aguilar stated. Recently, the CRE has been given a research grant by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for the sustainability of marine protected areas (MPA) of
the dolphins, under the Discovery Applied Research and Extention Trans/InterDisciplinary Opportunities (DARE TO) program aid. Aguilar shared that the team is trying to find ways to conserve the species’ habitat through finding alternative livelihood for communities within the Bago coastal scope, since an ordinance for fishing restrictions in MPAs is being pressed. Furthermore, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research Romeo Teruel emphasized that the project is multidisciplinary, in that it deals with biological and economic issues that need to be looked into when the research team comes up with a “holistic approach” regarding the dolphins’ protection. “This is where we get to see that the academe’s role is not just for school, but for research and community extension as well,” closed Teruel, who headed the overall CHED-granted research. The team is currently on the third leg out of six subcomponents, namely: Dolphin Study, Fisheries Monitoring Study, Water Quality Study, Livelihood Development Study and Environment Advocacy, Tourism Study, and Project Impact Assessment.
USLS reaches Bar Exam pinnacle for the first time BY MARIA ANGELINE M. MAYOR
Garnering an average of 91.05%, College of Law summa cum laude Mark John Simondo became the first-ever Lasallian law graduate to top the Philippine Bar Examination. Simondo, who is a Registered Nurse and a Magna Cum Laude graduate from the university’s College of Nursing in 2009, is also the first topnotcher to reach the 90% passing mark in 16 years. As announced by the Supreme Court last April 26, only 1,724 out of 6,750 (25.55%) exam takers were able to pass the four-day exam which took place last November 2017 at the University of Santo Tomas. The passers also included 11 other Lasallian law graduates, namely: Ralph Bascones, Jamie Bentinganan, Gabriela Daguman, Eduard Dorsey Caratao, Jaenise Rae De la Paz, Daniel Del Rosario III, Hazelmer Fernandez, Maria Reylan Garcia, Mark Lester Reyes, Dennis Salem, and Katriza Tan. Although Simondo is now working with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) as part of Commissioner Rowena Guanzon’s legal staff, he believes that it is still too early for him to choose which field he will really pursue. “For now, I will focus on election law, civil law, and labor law. I think my current occupation will allow me to effectively practice these areas,” he explained. Pressed on how he is doing now with fulfilling his promise to serve the public, Simondo answered, “I joined COMELEC as my way of serving the people.” “It is also a way of serving God. [...] If I can help make sure that through fair, honest, orderly, and credible elections, the real voice of the people will be made known and be respected, then I would
have done my share in maintaining this nation’s democratic way of life,” he shared. On the other hand, when asked how the university has molded the performance of the law students, College of Law Dean Rosanne Juliana R. Gonzaga, LL.M answered that the students’ diligence, discipline, and the determination to excel are key roles in passing the exams. “Together with these fine qualities I mentioned, the College of Law provides its students with the best quality Law Faculty and facilities such as classrooms, a dedicated law library and a moot court room to ensure a well-guided and conducive learning atmosphere in the law school,” she added. According to Gonzaga, in order to further enrich the quality of education, the faculty, alumni, students, staff, and partners— such as BALAYAN and the Organization of Non-Teaching Office Personnel (ONTOP)— endeavor to engage in community outreaches and services designed to give the law students a first-hand view of the needs of the community it works within. “This enables the students to learn not only within the classrooms but to realize that the law taught and learned therein must also be responsive to those they seek to serve, not only today but also in the future as Lasallian lawyers,” she continued. Meanwhile, for this academic year, the College of Law celebrates its 25th Founding Anniversary with a grand homecoming of their alumni, partners, and friends. “Law school is not just all about books and studying, it also means a group of Lasallian brothers and sisters with a common heart and spirit that we all love to come home to,” Gonzaga concluded.
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · USLS STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOLUME 63 NUMBER 2 · MAY TO JUNE 2018
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THESPECTRUM / OPINION
MAY-JUNE 2018
EDITORIAL
Chinese Checkers: Territory and Sovereignty Edition Last June 7, the eyes of a million Filipinos were presented a certain mobile phone video that aired through various media stations and online platforms of the country. It was a video of men in a Chinese Coast Guard speedboat boarding and taking almost all of the catch of a Filipino-operated fishing vessel in the Scarborough Shoal, 124 nautical miles off Zambales province—within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone. This incident, which was clearly an act of bullying towards our fishermen in our very own territory, eventually sparked outrage and flak from the country’s citizens—but not its government. In fact, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque dismissed the claims that Filipino fishermen were bullied by Chinese forces, even pointing out that the explicit act of spitting on our sovereignty is a gesture of magnanimity, as the Chinese Coast Guard gave noodles, cigarettes, and water in exchange for the fish they took; as if the country should be indebted to what they claim as China’s “generosity”. Is this the first time our government brushed off China’s unambiguous harassment towards our country? No. We’ve been firsthand witnesses to these denials uttered by our China-infatuated Commanderin-Chief and his lackeys even in the face of a militarized South China Sea, which is equipped with missiles poised to strike Manila within a moment’s notice. Lie after lie, cover-up after cover-up, the government keeps on ignoring its people’s cry against the looming threat to its sovereignty and territory. And when it’s all too late, it is us, the youth, who are going to reap the fruits of this administration’s defeatist stance towards China’s harassment and outright disrespect to our nation. Whether it is the constant bullying or its long-range warheads, once China finally has our country in a checkmate, all of these can’t be undone anymore. How can we fight for our country’s sovereignty if our own government is indifferent to the issue at hand? We bet our president doesn’t even have the answer to this question right now. As for The Spectrum, we firmly believe that valuing and upholding our nation’s identity is a step forward for all of us Filipinos. That amidst a government that is nonchalant about its country, let us be the hope both the past and future envision us to be in the face of foreign oppression. Let us fight for our country’s sovereignty in our classrooms, homes, streets, and even on our social media accounts. Besides, our country is only as strong as our government. However, the government is only as as strong as its citizens.
THESPECTRUM FOUN D E D 1956
facebook.com/thespectrumusls · thespectrum.usls@gmail.com VOLUME 63 NUMBER 2 · MAY-JUNE 2018 Joshua Martin P. Guanco EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Katherine E. Co
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Victoria Marian B. Belmis MANAGING EDITOR
—CARL HASON T. GERALE
Just Another Duterte Devotee Throughout this administration, there stands an army whose perpetual fortitude and outright impermeability towards criticism have served as a counteractive shield that protected the president and his cronies no matter how indefensible their blunders, scandals, crimes, and politically-motivated usurpations were. All the while lambasting into a pulp those who pointed out their leader’s explicit disregard of human rights, gender equality, and even our country’s sovereignty, just to name a few. From his allies in both the senate and congress as well as down to his die-hard supporters and propagandists, Duterte’s “political machinery” is pretty much the concrete embodiment of Newton’s third law of motion: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. However, the force they return is more degrading and demoralizing than the force exerted onto their beloved “tatay”. Through social media news posts (trust me, I know what news pages are reliable), I have observed for almost all of the time that when an article is about someone who was killed by the police without due process, there is this army that flocks in the comments sections: jeering and claiming that these slain people deserve their fate because they are “drug addicts”; some even going to the extent of diverting and dismissing the issue when they’re running out of scripts to read. Want an example? In the killing of 17-year-old Kian Delos Santos— where concrete evidence was already presented against the involved cops— these online crusaders came rushing into the assailants’ side compelling the media outlets that are reporting about the issue should “move on” and
Orange Peel Joshua Martin P. Guanco theguanks@gmail.com
Duterte’s “political machinery” are pretty much the concrete embodiment of Newton’s third law of motion: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
that the news about the minor’s death is “nakakaumay na”. Others even sneered on people who visited the wake of whom they accused to be a drug runner, while some say that putting the public’s attention on the case was a total waste of time. But when the son of the president was summoned by the Senate for being involved in a bigtime drug syndicate, to which his father openly claimed to “hate”, these supporters quickly quashed the issue, categorizing such claims as “propaganda” against the presidential family. I don’t know how logic runs in their esteemed ranks, but it seems like when you’re poor, you easily get suspected as a drug addict and eventually get arrested and/or killed by the police in a whim. However, if you’re the son of the president, you get to live another day watching the news of the impoverished getting killed by the numbers because of being suspected as drug users. When the opposition expressed their worry on our territory and sovereignty being breached by China, they instantly
rebutted: Malaki ang naitutulong sa atin ng China. But when the whole nation saw the video of our very own fishermen’s catch being taken by Chinese Coast Guards, they became silent. On other news, here’s a comment from an online post about that kiss: Dami na ninyong napanood na kissing scene sa ABS CBN , GMA at iba pang estasyon sa mga teleserye ng mga Artista pero sa presidente na “smack” lang yung kiss nya sa ofw NAGING BIG DEAL AGAD?! A very counteractive shield indeed, isn’t it? The whole world is a witness to the explicit disgust Duterte has for women and yet here we have men defending him saying that it was “just” a kiss and women expressing their desire to receive one even for just five seconds. Additionally, they even have a nomenclature for the minority/opposition’s actions: pakitang-tao. But my question is, did the president even show his humanity when he ordered the police to kill suspected drug addicts without due process? Did he show his humanity when he outright made a joke about rape and undermined women that were critical of him? The question is, did he? Well, with these queries I have, I am pretty sure that they will have a counter rebuttal against it. Besides, they have a plethora of personnel at their disposal whenever people point out something wrong about their beloved president: from legislators, online trolls and wannabe journalists, and of course, the fearsome keyboard warriors. Alas, this fortress of warriors are unfazed amidst criticisms for they have the luxury of time and self-created hegemony to keep their mouths blabbering and their fingers typing. However, whether it’s their premeditated incognizance of human rights or indifference to our democracy, they will always be just another Duterte devotee.
Robert H. Jerge III
EXTERNAL AFFAIRS DIRECTOR NEWSPAPER EDITOR Starlene Joy B. Portillo MAGAZINE EDITOR Hezron G. Pios ONLINE PUBLICATIONS EDITOR Martini M. Falco LITERARY EDITOR Alvin Brian S. Legario PHOTOS AND VIDEOS EDITOR Mariano O. Javier ASST. PHOTOS AND VIDEOS EDITOR Ena Louise P. Apelo LAYOUT AND GRAPHICS EDITOR Glen Jed J. Descutido
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The Spectrum is the Official Student Media Corps of the University of St. La Salle. Its editorial office is located at the USLS Student Activity Center, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100; it can be reached through the telephone number, (034) 432-1187 local 172 and e-mail address, thespectrum.usls@gmail.com. All rights reserved. No part of The Spectrum may be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the Media Corps. All contributions become The Spectrum property and the Editor-in-Chief reserves the right to edit all articles for publication.
They have forgotten to remember Pepsi Paloma has been dead longer than she has lived. In the 33 years that passed since then, the mystery surrounding all that led to her ill-timed end manages to resurface time and time again in different forms. It has allegedly been written into Eraserhead’s song Spolarium back in 1997. Meanwhile, 2014 saw US-based lawyer Rodel Rodis virtually publishing the articles “The Rape of Pepsi Paloma” and “Was Pepsi Paloma murdered?” through Inquirer.net. And just recently, the case has transcended into yet another manifestation: the issue of press repression. Current Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, who is suspected of being involved in the cover-up of Paloma’s abuse, issued a letter to the Inquirer asking for Rodis’ write-ups and that of another writer to be taken down since the “unverified articles have been affecting [his] reputation for the longest time”.
Almost a month later, the links to these articles became inaccessible. The online news site’s move to make the stories temporarily unavailable for the reason of verification might seem reasonable. However, a deeper look would reveal how detrimental it is to press freedom. The Philippine Daily Inquirer, ironically a cornerstone for free press during and even after the Marcos regime, is paving the way for other people in power to realize that they too, have the capacity to rewrite and un-write history whenever they want it. By giving in to Sotto’s attempt of washing his questionable hands, the Inquirer is making it acceptable for the press to be bullied into submission. Yet they fail to see how succumbing to the demands shall not end the oppression, but instead only embolden the oppressors more. You see, being compliant might keep the paper running for a day more than expected, but what worth is survival if
Smoke Machine Starlene Joy B. Portillo
starleneportillo@gmail.com
Yet they fail to see how succumbing to the demands shall not end the oppression, but instead only embolden the oppressors more. you have compromised all that you stand for? We live in an era where journalism’s “core values of accuracy, fairness, balance, integrity, and responsibility” are being put to the test. The Inquirer—whose motto is Balanced News, Fearless Views—owes it to the Filipino people to wholly uphold their vows. After all, the right of the public to know should weigh more than the authority’s privilege.
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · USLS STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOLUME 63 NUMBER 2 · MAY TO JUNE 2018
OPINION / THESPECTRUM
MAY-JUNE 2018
Why nobody calls women out for harrassing men There is no question mark in the title of this article, but sure enough, I have it there somewhere. The question: why? Truth is, I don’t know myself. But I know it is the right question to ask. Before anything else, let me just bravely release myself to say that I am a feminist, despite how much this term is badly and wrongly represented countless times (and at that, mostly by women themselves). Nevertheless, I stand for equality to put it simply—what you and I could contribute to society and how you and I are treated should not be measured by our gender. With this, I’ll go straight to the problem— sexual harassment. The United Nations list catcalls, sexual comments, unwanted sexual teasing, jokes, remarks, or questions as among the many forms of sexual harassment. And although the world is gradually becoming more aware, activists and women empowerment groups are braver than ever before, the common people are starting to speak out against abuse, and as they say, more are becoming ‘woke’, there is this one part of the whole picture that gets sunk in the deep, dark recesses of the collective consciousness: men as the sexual victims. It is easy to say that it’s not as palpable to us because the usual picture (and yes, also the statistics) tell us women are, in
much greater lengths, more commonly being sexually harassed than men. That is true. But just because the numbers are bigger for women doesn’t make the act a lot less crimeful when it is done to men. Ever seen women flooding a sexy photo of a man with dirty, sexual comments online? Or even within your circle of friends. Ever heard anyone from your group catcall a physically attractive man that passes by your way? You probably did. But it wasn’t ever a big deal. And that is why I am raising this question now. I am losing ideas on how else to point it out with the same magnitude I feel inside whenever I think of it—it is just as wrong. Girls, when you meant to say “yummy” on your celebrity crush’s photo, or publicize your sexual fantasies and desires about a man on any platform, you are doing the exact same thing as what we, women, easily point out and accuse in men when they are in the opposite of the receiving end. And that’s just one picture we see talking about sexual objectification online. We condemn men when they do it but we fail to see the extent of the harm that we can inflict on them as well. Sexual objectification is what it is. Sexual harassment is what it is. Sexual abuse is what it is. Victims are all victims; perpetrators are all perpetrators, no matter what color they are in the spectrum. The long decades and centuries of the patriarchal dominance of power may have
Kath Ang Isip Katherine E. Co
katyuiop@gmail.com
We condemn men when they do it but we fail to see the extent of the harm that we can inflict on them as well. shaped our minds to what they may imperfectly be now, but equality isn’t looking at it, simply, the other way. It is looking at one way where both sexes (and yes, including all the genders that exist) are side by side in unity and peace, forged by the ever-governing fact that there exists the spectrum of humanity. It is an easy thing to say, but if we want change, if we want equality, if we want better and safer environments for not just one half of the plane but for the whole: beware of your prejudices, and how they can subconsciously translate into your actions. And even though you have heard this a million times in your life, it’s still just as golden and should be constantly reminded to us as long as we breathe: treat others the way you want to be treated. No biases here, please, if equality is one thing you resonate with as well.
Ako lamang ba ang nadarang nang grabe? Nitong mga nakaraang araw, kahit kakasimula pa lamang ng klase, hindi ako halos makatulog sa kaiisip ng mga posibleng mangyari ngayong semestro at sa mga susunod pa. Bakit? Kasi takot ako sa posibilidad na ako’y hindi makakasabit sa bagong cut-off grade na ipinatupad sa departamentong kinabibilangan ko. Takot ako na ako’y hindi makakapasa sa aking mga asignatura at hindi makapagtapos sa tamang panahon. Takot ako sa napakaraming bagay at hindi ko alam kung ako lamang ba ang nakakaramdam nito. Ngunit ano nga ba ang dahilan sa pagpapatupad ng bagong panuntunan? Ito raw ay upang lalong maging handa ang mga mag-aaral, na tulad ko, sa haharaping board exam sa nalalapit na panahon. Hindi lingid sa kaalaman ng nakararami na ang kailangang marka upang makapasa sa kahit anong board exam ay 70% pataas at karamihan ay hindi naaabot ito. Isa sa mga tinitignang dahilan kung bakit ito nangyayari ay ang mentalidad na nabuo sa bawat mag-aaral na basta’t umabot lamang sa minimum na porsyento, 60%, ay okay at makakapasa na sa mga asignatura. Inaamin ko, ganito rin ako mag-isip at talagang mahirap itong baguhin. Ngunit, ang pagtaas lamang ba ng minimum na porsyento ng iskor na kinakailangan upang pumasa, ang sagot, o baka ito ay mas makakadagdag pa sa problema? Kung ang isang dyamante ay nabubuo
Kropeccino Victoria Marian B. Belmis maryanbelmis@gmail.com
... kahit nga ang mga puno ay nalalanta, at kaming mga estudyante ay hindi naiiba.
kapag ang graphite ay idinarang sa temperatura na 2000°F o higit pa at sa presyor na humigit-kumulang 725,000 psi (pounds per square inch), maaari ring makapagbuo ng napakagaling na estudyante kapag isinailalim ito sa tamang pagka-gipit. Pero hindi lahat ng mag-aaral ay graphite, yung iba sa amin ay parang corundum na kailangan lamang ng saktong kondisyon upang maging isang napakaganda at natatanging sapiro. Kung tutuusin, karamihang uri ng bato ay nabibiyak kapag isinailalim sa napaka-grabeng init at kondisyon, kahit nga ang mga puno ay nalalanta, at kaming mga estudyante ay hindi naiiba. Sa isang linggo, limang araw ang ginugugol naming mga estudyante sa paaralan: labaspasok sa mga silid-aralan, nakikinig sa lektura ng mga guro, sumasagot ng kung anu-anong
pagsusulit at iba pa. Pagdating sa bahay ay kadalasang diretso na sa kwarto upang magaral para sa mga pagsubok kinabukasan at gumawa ng mga takdang-aralin. Minsan, dahil sa sobrang pagod ay nakakaligtaan na namin pati ang pagkain. May mga panahon ring pati ang Sabado at Linggo ay ginagamit namin para magsunog pa rin ng kilay. Sinasabi na ang holistikong paglinang sa bawat mag-aaral ay dapat hindi lamang nakatuon sa pagpapaunlad ng kanyang karunungan. Kailanma’y hindi ito sapat, kung kaya’t kailangan ring pagtibayin ang pananaw nila sa kanilang sarili at sa iba. Dapat ring huwag isaalang-alang ang kalusugang pangkaisipan ng bawat isa. Magkakaiba ang bawat mag-aaral, katulad ng mga kulay sa isang bahaghari. May mga nabiyayaan ng magandang memorya, yung iba mabilis umunawa habang yung iba mabagal. Bawat isa ay may kanya-kanyang pamamaraan ng pag-aaral at paglaban sa pagka-ligalig. Sa panahon ngayon, hindi dapat ipagwalangbahala ang mental, pati na rin pisikal at iba pang aspeto na mahalaga sa paglinang ng kabuuang pagkatao ng bawat mag-aaral. Sabuhay,maypagkakataontalaganakailangan nating magsakripisyo: para sa pangarap at para sa hinaharap. Upang magtagumpay, kailangan nating umangkop sa kahit anong pangyayari sa buhay. Matapos ang lahat, nasa sa atin pa rin naman kung paano natin gagamitin ng wasto ang oras at kakayahang likas sa atin. Laban lang.
Freedom is [Insert Prefix]-phobic I’m All Right Robert H. Jerge III rhjjerge3@gmail.com
What I feel some people are missing, is a clear distinction between rights and commodities.
Late last year, the Philippines signed the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity or Expression (SOGIE) Equality Bill into law. This law was designed to protect citizens who are members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community from “hate crimes” and discrimination. Now, the problems I have
with this bill are on the basis of individual freedom, and the private citizen’s ability to practice the liberties given to them by God. This law effectively punishes private businesses and institutions if they cater people differently based on their sexual orientation. How in the stink these legislators overlooked the rights of private citizens in the name of inclusivity is beyond me. Senator Risa Hontiveros said the bill, if passed into law, would ensure that stigma and hate would not hinder the LGBT community from accessing education, healthcare, employment, and other basic rights. What Hontiveros, and the other SOGIE Law supporters fail to realize is that the idea of creating legislation based solely on inclusivity, would infringe on the freedoms and liberties that individuals cherish. If a private business doesn’t want to hire or promote an employee based on their sexual orientation, so be it! That business may have just lost a skilled worker because of their beliefs, and they are free to do so. A
private school doesn’t want to admit a student because the student’s sexual orientation is distasteful, or whatever the case may be, go ahead! The school would have fewer students to teach and is missing out on a market of students by their choice. The same notion goes for healthcare. Is discriminating customers a bad business practice? Yes. Do they have a right to do so? Yes. Should the government be butting in on who a business is willing to cater to? Absolutely not! The private sectors of society should not be forced to conform to the whims of panderers of inclusivity and political correctness. Canadian psychologist Dr. Jordan Peterson, summed up the term group rights to a problematic concept due to the basis of how rights were formulated for the individual. The obverse side of individual rights is individual responsibilities. An individual can be held responsible, that’s the predicament of how individuals have rights. On the contrary, how do you hold a group responsible? You don’t, silly! It ruins the basis for which our justice
5
Being a Millennial is a lifestyle I was exploring the interwebs when I came across the profile of a socalled Millennial. Apparently he prefers driving an electric-powered motorcycle rather than a carbon-belching car; he has five part-time jobs; he grows his own organic food right behind his “crib”; he and his friends do yoga at least twice, maybe thrice, a month; he turned his back against his family’s highly successful business and followed his dream of becoming a famous painter; and he’s vegan. After scrolling through his bio, I saw his age. He’s in his late fifties. Each generation is molded by polls, monetary efforts and historic incidents such as the People Power Revolution. Throughout the Philippines, young adults now could speak their mind without the fear of being punished by the government whereas 46 years ago, you would simply disappear by showing distaste against the nation’s then-leaders. In the Philippines, the selfie generation is more likely to have every known resource available to them within the reach of their fingers, also to be in debt due to the effects of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law. But when it comes to millennials, these analyses tend to go berzerk. You could talk about the new trends being pushed down society’s throats in one minute, and in the blink of an eye you’re talking about how the “we” generation are (yet, confusingly, they’re also considered as workaholics)— apathetic, selfentitled, and really just need to put more effort in their work. Alvin Brian S. Legario Millennials are alvinlegario75@gmail.com defined as those who were born between the years What can they do against 1980 and 1994. a tag that has already Recently, hating them has turned become a norm in today’s into a rather fun world? fad. And whether it’s a nonsensical trend example about tide pods or a rant on sensitive kids via verbal abuse that’s a tad more cruel, there’s often one thing in common: misconception. In a more local point of view, millennials are simply the young people. Age does not matter, as long as adults have a finger to point towards whenever an issue erupts. More often than not, grownups, regardless of what year you were born, will refer to you as a millennial for as long as you “look the part”. This mindset is rampant and this in turn causes millennials (real millennials) to be ashamed of being even associated with the term. And who can blame them? What can they do against a tag that has already become a norm in today’s world? They have the media to thank for that. The word “millennial” has been rebranded by the media from being a generation, into a way of life. Both the internet and the television are flooded with absurd headlines such as: Five Easy Steps on How to be a Millennial, How to Learn the New Millennial Slangs, and many more. These kinds of “propaganda” lead to social trends which in turn, brainwash the public into believing what they see and hear online or on the TV. However, the so-called knowledge given to the public about “millennials” is far from the truth and accepting the truth is rather easy than to research nowadays. This blind following leads to a hive mind that inadvertently creates stereotypes that are not simply true and the results of this are as follows: the public start to believe that their knowledge on millennials are ample, and due to this, the belief, that the millennials are different from other generations is being accepted. The “facts” being absorbed about them are now regarded as truth. And the things believed about Generation Y are so horrifying, the public resents them for it. Millennials are the exact duplicates of the other generations when they were the same age. Only a tad bit different. More worldwide perhaps, and even more diversified. Possibly even more dynamic, perhaps more impoverished. But a special association of beasts, entitled rascals unheard of from the four corners of the globe? I don’t quite believe that.
Riogale
system is built on: individual innocence and individual guilt. What I feel some people are missing, is a clear distinction between rights and commodities (since we’re talking about private businesses). Rights are given by God, clearly defined in the constitution, and can’t be infringed upon (unless some dense senators pass some law that would do so). Commodities are things individuals can afford to do/ acquire. You have a right to education—absolutely no one can stop you from learning what you want, when you want. Going to a private school is a commodity; the price of which is determined by school performance, facilities, and courses offered. This applies to water,
healthcare, and anything that would cost money. The things the law does get right however, is drawing a line in the sand for the public sector, government offices and services. These should be a given from the get-go, if you are a Filipino citizen, then the public services available to you are for you. the government shouldn’t be barred from anyone who is a citizen, because it serves the citizenry. Citizens of a nation should be able to acquire whatever g o v e r n m e n t- o p e r a t e d services are available to them, so long as they are citizens of that nation. Citizens, however shouldn’t have a right to the services and/or products of a private business in the name of inclusivity or anti-discrimination.
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · USLS STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOLUME 63 NUMBER 2 · MAY TO JUNE 2018
6
THESPECTRUM / UNIVERSITY
MAY-JUNE 2018
DATA RETRIEVED FROM: THE OFFICE OF STUDENT AFFAIRS ILLUSTRATED BY: GLEN JED J. DESCUTIDO
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND ACCOUNTANCY BY CHARLENE MARIE D. LIM
The Yu An Log College of Business and Accountancy (YALCBA) concluded the months of May and June with stewardship to their fellow Yellow Shielded Champions and Lasallians, respectively. The month of May kicked off with the annual Summer Splash, with Robert Terry Conlu representing the college and emerging as this year’s summer icon in “Tropicus: A Paradise Awaits.” Furthermore, the Junior Philippine Economic Society (JPES) spearheaded the second Ultimate Frisbee Tournament, in which a portion of the proceeds will go to the club’s scholarship fund beneficiaries in St. Joseph School-La Salle’s Night School. Last May 31, the YAL-CBA council together with Decision Makers Incorporated (DMI)’s moderators visited Negros Occidental High School (NOHS) while on June 1, they visited Banago Elementary School with the Junior Philippine Economics Society (JPES), College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) and BALAYAN. Moreover, the YAL-CBA council held their institutional orientation last June 11 themed “VOYAGE: The CBA Freshman Kickoff.” On the other hand, during the first two days of classes (June 13-14), the council organized a YAL-CBA help desk wherein students are given free coffee if they have queries.
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY BY MA. ANGELINE M. MAYOR
The Academic Year 2018-2019 has just begun yet the College of Engineering and Technology (CET) has already pulled off a number of successful events since May—and they still have more in store for the months to come. When asked about her expectations for the CET council’s performance this academic year, the newly-elected CET governor, Nicole Kate Cirenio, said that she is expecting for the best but also preparing for the worst. “I know the journey will not be a smooth-sailing one, but I believe in my council officers. I know we will be committed to the work and lead the college with our heart. After all, the Orange Tigers deserve the best,” Cirenio shared. For this academic year, one of the orange council’s is to bridge the gap between the first year CET students and the current fourth and fifth year students by holding activities such as the annual Orange Week, CET Acquaintance Party, and Guild of Tigers (GoT), which is a program that welcomes freshmen to join under their various committees to enhance their potential in student leadership.
COLLEGE BEATS Additionally, Cirenio thinks that the three-year gap between the students will affect the performance of the college in a positive way. “These freshmen went through two years of Senior High School. We believe that their experiences will help improve the college and will be a big boost to CET during both U-Week and Animolympics,” she said. Last May 5 at the SMX Convention Center, the CET council, in collaboration with the CET Clubs, was invited by the Negrense Volunteers for Change Foundation, Inc. to participate in the Love Bag 2018 wherein they packed bags with school supplies which will be given to the children of indigenous minority communities in the country. Moreover, they also held a school supplies drive dubbed as “Project Balik Eskwela” last May 10 - 31 which was spearheaded by CET Vice Governor Justine Espinosa. A drop box was placed at the University Library Lobby wherein the donations collected were given to around 100 children of Sitio Abkasa, Brgy. Mandalagan. According to Cirenio, the CET council and clubs also participated in the annual Brigada Eskwela at Antonio L. Jayme Elementary School, with the theme: “Pagkakaisa para sa Handa, Ligtas at Matatag na Paaralan tungo sa Magandang Kinabukasan”, last May 28.
COLLEGE OF NURSING BY CHAD MARTIN Z. NATIVIDAD
The College of Nursing (BSN) clashed fires with the vacation heat through Summer Splash 2018 held last May 4 at the Nazareth Activity Hub. Gliding across the program’s events, BSN perched as overall second runner up for the Summer Splash festivities. The college captured the third runner up spot for the Body Painting, Funny One, and Kite Design contests, then nabbed first runner up for the Cookfest. As for the Summer Icon competition, BSN representative Cassandra Ui finished as second runner up. “I can’t speak for everyone but I think most of my batchmates enjoyed the Summer Splash. We participated in every activity so there were no dull moments the entire day and it really showed how supportive we are of each other,” shared BSN Governor Danielle Dueñas. Thereafter, a wing of BSN seniors and alumni cushioned at MM Audi B during the Lasallian Freshmen Awareness
Program (LFAP) last June 11 to welcome 200 freshmen into the Nursing family. “It’s refreshing and exciting to have this many people that we would be working with for the whole school year,” commented Dueñas. To set the tone right, the BSN Governor imparted her personal advice to the fresh Nursing enrollees. “My message to our first years is just [to] love your college. Nursing is one tough journey but the memories, experiences, and the people make it worth taking the plunge.” “The council and committees are working hard to come up with activities that all nursing students, and even students in general, can enjoy and at the same time, give back to the bigger community,” she teased.
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES BY IDA SARENA M. GABAYA
The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) have been gearing up since May and are ready to face what the new academic year has to offer. CAS actively participated during Summer Splash 2018 with the the theme “Tropicus: A Paradise Awaits”, held at the Nazareth Activity Hub in Mansilingan, wherein they placed first-runner up overall last May 4. CAS Governor Von Andre Cayao shared that one of the CAS Council’s struggles in preparing for the event was looking for students to join in the activities and represent the college as the Summer Icons. “Struggles are always part of everything: from the preparation until the day of the activity we had it. This includes looking for participants from the college because almost everyone that were enrolled for summer were having their On-the Job Training,” he added. After Summer Splash, the council focused on the preparations for the orientation of incoming freshmen students that are enrolled in CAS during the Lasallian Freshmen Awareness Program (LFAP) last June 11 . Cayao expressed that the council wanted the freshmen to feel welcomed not only in the university but in their chosen college. The theme of the CAS Freshmen orientation was “Diversity of Colors” and was held at the Dizon Covered Court. “The reason for this is to showcase to them how diverse and culturally-inclined the college is,” Cayao explained. This school year brings in freshmen students and introduces a new academic curriculum in lieu of the K-12. “As you embark your college life, may you learn to live with the “Artian Spirit.” Cayao shares to the freshmen students of CAS.
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · USLS STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOLUME 63 NUMBER 2 · MAY TO JUNE 2018
MAY-JUNE 2018
SPECIAL REPORT / THESPECTRUM
7
National ID System: A run-down BY HEZRON G. PIOS
The bill for the proposition of the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) or commonly known as the national ID system is now up to President Duterte’s signature. However, before this becomes fully legalized, here are the underlying implications and cautionary measures the registrants must keep in mind. System briefing and other fundamentals With the national ID system, the government can make the said system’s function as its central identification platform. Moreover, Filipino citizens and aliens are required to register in the national ID system. Individuals born after the law implementation shall be registered upon birth immediately. The physical card serve as “official government-issued identification document” that can be used in several transactions that require proof of identification and bear the information such as a person’s unique PhilSys number PSN, full name, blood type, date of birth, place of birth, address, and front-facing photograph whereas marital status, mobile numbers, and email addresses are optional. Its specific transactions are the following: applying for social welfare and benefits; applying for services offered by the GSIS, SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG; applying for passport and
driver’s licenses, tax-related transactions, registration and voting identification purposes; applying for schools, colleges, universities; applying for employment; opening bank accounts; verifying criminal records and clearances, and other transactions defined in the implementing rules and regulations (IRR). On a weighing scale A national ID debate is highly possible because of some positive features one cannot disregard: 1. Better delivery of and access to government services. A good universal ID system can make the delivery of and access to public services more efficient. It reduces cost both to the government and citizens. 2. Financial inclusion. An ID system can also address a country’s financial inclusion challenges. It’s been suggested that it could allow unemployed Filipinos avail of financial and banking services. 3. Law enforcement. Governments also see ID systems critical when fighting crime and terrorism. 4. Public safety. A centralized database is also useful during emergencies and other public safety concerns. 5. Social inclusion. National IDs can promote social inclusion by providing official identification to people that usually have no access to
PHOTO COURTESY - GMA NEWS ONLINE
similar documents. On the other hand, here are some issues that contest the proposal which were also present during the introduction of the system into Australia, New Zealand, and the US: 1. Surveillance and privacy rights violations. A national ID system gives government unprecedented access to a huge cache of its citizens’ personal data. This is the greatest danger it poses to any society, as confirmed by the history of many countries which offer examples of its abuse or misuse. 2. Infringements of other civil liberties. Privacy violations usually precede graver human rights
abuses. Any government with the ability to keep tabs on its population via an ID system also has the ability to resort to more oppressive activities, involving other related rights. 3. Doubts over its effectiveness against crime and terrorism. A national ID system is one item in this wish list given by governments, if asked what tools they need to combat crime and other threats. Here in the Philippines, a 2005 report by the Senate Economic Planning Office noted the absence of any proof that a national ID system increases security against terrorism. 4. Function Creep. Defined as the use of a tool or system
for purposes beyond that originally declared, function creep is a risk to any individual registered in an ID system. In the draft bill pending at the Senate, the protection against unlawful disclosure of registered information does not apply if it is in the interest of “public health or safety”. Who makes such determination is not stated. 5. Costs. Identity management programs are expensive to establish and maintain, and require significant financial commitment from the government. For 2018, the government has allotted P2 billion to the Philippine Statistics Authority to prepare for the rollout of an ID system. 6. Data Security. Govern-
ment ability to protect data under its custody is also cause for concern. The 2016 Comelec breach only reinforced public perception that the Philippine government is incompetent or poorly equipped to manage and maintain secure information systems. 7. Technical Complexity and Logistical Issues. Other factors that make an ID system difficult to implement include: (a) migration; (b) access to registration centers by citizens and residents; and (c) ill-equipped and unprepared registration centers. For now, the nation holds its breath. For another change is about to come through.
TRAIN on the Hot Seat: A Contextual Discussion for the Layman BY KATHERINE E. CO
Everybody’s heard of the TRAIN Law, or the Tax Reform For Acceleration and Inclusion Law. You may have heard people swearing upon it during grocery shopping when they realize a lot of consumer goods’ prices have spiked up, or you may have witnessed people thanking the heavens for the blessing that is the TRAIN Law whenever they receive their salaries and other bonuses. But what exactly is it about and what purpose does it serve? More importantly, how is it affecting consumers from different sectors of society, and its implications in our current situation? Before anything else, the TRAIN Law, or Republic Act No. 10963, is a new law that amends our previous tax reform law, the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997. TRAIN basically cuts citizens’ personal income tax along with 13th-month pays and other bonuses (fully exempting those who earn P250,000 and below annually), while it increases excise taxes on petroleum, automobiles, cigarettes, sweetened beverages, minerals, and cosmetic surgeries. In addition to these, the new tax reform
law also took away the tax exemption of lotto winnings that exceed P10,000, set flat rates for estate and donor’s taxes, and increased taxes for passive incomes, documents, and stocks not traded in the stock exchange market. The revenues to be collected from the first package of the TRAIN Law will, for the most part, target to support and boost the administration’s “golden-age” infrastructure goals, specifically the “Build, Build, Build” program. According to lawmakers, with more infrastructure and related projects, there will be more jobs for people and in the long run, less poverty. Other targeted areas with the said proceeds include military infrastructure, education and health programs as well as social welfare endeavors. The fact is that many are feeling the impact of the tax reform law which took effect since the new year rolled in (although the effects weren’t very palpable during the early stages because the new tax laws could only be applied to new and not old stocks). Despite the significant cut on the personal income tax, which increases one’s take-home pay, the prices of basic commodities are also experiencing a surge, and not only because of the excise taxes mentioned above on
certain products, but also specifically because the global price of crude oil was high during the first quarter of 2018 (winter months in the Northern Hemisphere). Increase in fuel prices would also mean increase of the prices of many basic goods and transportation services. This does not help for two other reasons: the continually fluctuating prices of oil in the global scale and the everweakening peso. World oil prices are swelling because of a complexity of reasons including geopolitical conflicts, an escalating demand for oil, and the production cuts by the intergovernmental oil cartel Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), though, they have been dipping again since end-May . Next, a weaker peso against the US dollar would mean higher prices for importing activities, and thus, for importing petroleum. Fares are increasing—almost all economic activity that involves transportation is just as affected, and therefore affecting everything else including the prices of many goods and services. In addition to this, the Philippines is still basically an importing country, with a trade deficit of $3.62 as of April 2018 according to the recent report of the Philippine Statistics
Authority. One of the major premises that this administration aims to point out is how this Law is basically taking more taxes from the rich and less from the poor. However, looking at it from how it has unfolded in its first few months, the poor have just experienced additional burden from the new tax laws. This is because although although there’s a portion of them with higher take-home pay (those with salaries), there are also those who are self-employed and those in the informal sector like our street vendors and jeepney drivers who never pay any income tax ever since, who all still suffer from the higher prices of commodities. Even so, among the salaried, prices of goods and services have risen too high to effectively cancel the benefits of their increased take-home pays. This is why along with the TRAIN Law imposed by the government comes a subsidy program to be headed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development—the Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT). The UCT is aimed to extend financial assistance to 50% of the poorest households in the country in order to cushion TRAIN’s impact on the prices of goods and services. It will provide 10 million beneficiaries with a
cash transfer of P200 monthly for each household, adding to a total of P2,400 for this year, and P300 monthly for the next two years, amounting to P3,600 a year. Alongside this will also be discounts on rice and fare as well as free skills training to be given these households and to minimumwage earners. For jeepney franchise holders, a P5,000fuel voucher will also be given to each driver in a span of six months. However, when you look into it closely, P200 a month for each struggling household—it’s not enough to cover for the price increases of commodities, which is basically just P6.67 a day for the whole family. Adding to this is the current situation which sees a lagging movement in the distribution of these subsidies. Senators Grace Poe and Loren Legarda have similarly raised this concern, asking concerned agencies to fast-track the distribution of this cash assistance to the poor. Along with this scenario, we also wouldn’t want to discredit the small-scale business employers whose businesses will be tragically affected by the higher prices of goods, stocks, fuel, and all other commodities and services; we might just probably see some of these
operations compromising product quality for lesser expenses, cutting off employees, or worse, closing down. If these do happen, this could mean the loss of many jobs, making the picture a lot worse in this period of the law’s initial impacts. We can only hope for the fast implementation of subsidies and even better social welfare and benefits programs especially for the poor, who are most affected by the rise of prices of almost all commodities in the market. Still, this is only a case of applying band-aid solutions to a defective system, and we wouldn’t know how long this will last. Though intentions of the new tax reform law are good, it seems preparations and implementation have been rushed enough to contain many flaws that are literally hurting the people, most especially the poor, who are supposed to be the ones primarily helped through this large initiative. In light of the ongoing drafting of the 2nd package of the reform program, we also hope it will instead alleviate the impacts of the first package and be crafted better to achieve its goals to reduce poverty in the country and further avoid harsh after-effects that harm those who need help the most.
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · USLS STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOLUME 63 NUMBER 2 · MAY TO JUNE 2018
VOLUME 63 NUMBER 2
MAY-JUNE 2018
Ballers cry foul over 2020 banning BY JOSHUA MARTIN P. GUANCO
With a vision to have an allFilipino collegiate conference, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has mandated to ban foreign players (commonly called as “imports”) from all sports events starting on the league’s 96th season in 2020. Regardless if the imports still have remaining playing years or not, NCAA Management Committee Chairman Frank Gusi said that Season 95 will be the last time foreign players will be seen in the inter-college sports league. The association believes that by banning all imports from the games, the stakes would become balanced, envisioning that it will be all Filipinos winning the individual sports awards, since foreign players have dominated the league for the past several seasons. “Not having any foreign player makes participation of teams almost equal,” Gusi explained his stand in an interview with INQUIRER.net. Despite of the forthcoming ban, Gusi shared that Filipinoforeigners can still play in the league. “It’s okay. As long as long you have Filipino blood, your mother or your father is a Filipino,” the chairman addressed. Though he might not have stepped on NCAA hardwood throughout his Philippine collegiate career, former De La Salle star Ben Mbala of
Cameroonian descent expressed his opinion on the matter, saying that the decision was “a little bit harsh.” “All over the world, there are players from everywhere. Teams are mixed. We haven’t had this problem of foreign studentplayers being treated or looked at [differently], but right now, [...] I feel like it’s a little bit of a racist connotation,” the former University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) big man said. Mbala also explained that even though imports do have an edge when it comes to talents and skills, they can still help local players improve their craft. Additionally, former UAAP basketball star Kiefer Ravena supported Mbala’s statements as he took to Twitter and said: “But what if our local bigs took it as a challenge instead of an excuse of them not being able to play?” Mbala also attested that preventing imports who seek education in the country is more impactful to the foreigners than banning them from participating in sports. “At the end of the day, we’re forgetting that they’re all students studying and having an opportunity in life. And I feel like, for me, it’s the way of the Filipino [to help] other people from other countries.” Mbala said. In the wake of the NCAA’s announcement, all eyes are now fixed on the UAAP whether or not they will also follow the import ban. But for Mbala, his
HEAD TO HEAD. San Beda College import Donald Tankoua and Lyceum of the Philippines University’s CJ Perez grapple for the ball during the NCAA Season 93 Championship.
opinion on his former league’s plans is this: “I’ve heard about the UAAP thinking about following the NCAA and if they do so, that’s going to be really bad for basketball in the Philippines. Because what about the foreigner kids that are probably in the
Philippines studying, but at the same time, they can play ball? They won’t be able to play ball just because they’re not Filipinos?” Meanwhile, in the pro divisions, the newly formed Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MBPL) under senator
Gentle the Giant Passing by the college covered court, you may have noticed a towering figure playing volleyball. With her incredible plays, defensive blocks, and smashing spikes, you may think she is that intense as a person; well, better think twice. For almost ten years, Trixy has played volleyball for the USLS and for her, being a varsity athlete made her grow as a person. “Volleyball disciplined me when it comes to working under pressure and also time management,” she expressed. Moreover, she shared that as an athlete, she is dedicated and goaloriented. According to her, she is also very passionate when it comes to her sport. Now chosen as the captain of the USLS Lady Stingers, she
—COURTESY OF MA. CENT TRIXY NAVARRO
NAME: Ma. Cent Trixy T. Navarro AGE: 20 years old SPORT: Volleyball COURSE: BDSP4A
is focused on building a stronger bond within her teammates. Navarro wants to unite her team as most of them are newbies and also to boost their teamwork for this upcoming 38th season of the Negros Occidental Private Schools Sports
Cultural and Educational Association (NOPSSCEA). Aside from being the captain of the volleyball team, Trixy is also the Photos and Videos Editor of the Lasallian Yearbook as well as an active member of the Young Educators’ Society. On top of those, she is taking up Bachelor of Science in Education major in Special Education. When asked for the reason why she chose her course, she said, “I want to help children with special needs to be normalized.” With all of these other affiliations, Navarro assures that she never compromised her studies. “I will always be a student first before an athlete,” she stated, adding that academics is always her first priority. She does her best to maximize and manage her time to balance her sport and her studies. Furthermore, she shared that she has her todo-list that helps her keep track of all the things she needs to do. “I do things
seem to overshadow Filipinos in the hardwood. The Philippines is currently ranked 30th in the Fédération Internationale de Basketball (FIBA) world wide standings while it is placed fourth in the Asia division.
USLS Varsity athlete named Best Libero in JGM Volleyball tourney
TIMEOUT
BY VICTORIA MARIAN B. BELMIS
Manny Pacquiao has also banned foreign players from the court, as it remains steadfast on its vision to be an avenue for local players to improve their skills. As per the boxer-turnedlawmaker, the banning of imports is reasonable for they
PHOTO COURTESY - ABS-CBN
right away so that there will be no delays and procrastination,” Navarro said. Trixy shared that everything she does is done with love and passion as her life verse, 1 Corinthians 16:14 says: Let all you do be done with love. With this, Trixy stays calm and gentle as she faces her life’s challenges. In addition she expressed, “If you love something, do your best for it, all out. It’ll be very exhausting but it will be really worth it.” Lastly, Navarro wants to advise her fellow Lasallian student-athletes to strive hard, do their best, and live the Animo spirit within them. When asked for her message to her teammates, she said, “Let’s do our best this year. It’s a fresh start; let’s make our school proud and thank God for our talents.”
BY IDA SARENA M. GABAYA
Varsity volleyball player Denise Aira Estanda was chosen among her team members as the Best Libero during the 4th Jose G. Montalbo Invitational Volleyball Tournament last May 18-20 at Bacolod Tay Tung High School. Furthermore, University of St. La Salle (USLS) placed third among 15 teams from Luzon and Visayas after La Carlota City in a consolation game. In contrary, Home-court team of Bacolod Tay Tung High School defended their title after beating Sacred Heart School- Ateneo de Cebu in the finals. “My coach helped me improve and develop my defense skills and my teammates trusted me inside the court. They are always there to support me no matter what the situation is,” Estanda expressed, as she extended her gratitude to coach Armand De Gracia and her teammates. Moreover, Godfrey Owese Okumu, the head coach of the University of the Philippines (UP)
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Women’s Volleyball team, who was the event’s guest speaker, delivered his address during the opening rites before the induction of the new set of officers of the Negros Federation of Volleyball Enthusiasts Incorporated. As stated in an online article by Watchmen Daily Journal, Okumu expressed his sentiments on how volleyball players should behave in the industry, emphasizing to the athletes that they should “work hard and don’t complain during training.” On the second day, Okumu—along with UP Lady Maroons stars Diana Mae Carlos, Maria Lina Isabel Molde and Bacoleña Ma. Arielle Estranero— held a free volleyball clinic for girls ages 12 years old and above. The volleyball tournament was named after Jose G. Montalbo, Bacolod Tay Tung High School’s vice chairman for the Sports Development Committee, and president of JGM Finance Corporation, who provides financial support to teams and players lacking in resources.