NEWSPAPER-SEPT OCT 2018 by TheSpectrum-USLS

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NEWS

LIGHTS OFF: THE MARCOS REGIME p.3

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IT dept offers new course by CHARLENE MARIE D. LIM

NO TO PLASTIC. A Liceo student uses a paper bag instead of plastic to pack groceries at the LASBEMPCO Consumers’ Store.

—MARIANO O. JAVIER

JPIA CONTINUES CAMPUS-WIDE PAPER MOVEMENT by KATHERINE E. CO with reports from Starlene Joy B. Portillo

The USLS Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA) witnessed sustainable results from their proposed eco-paper movement around food and consumer stores within the university. The movement, which kickstarted early this first semester, was implemented within the Stingers’ Food Court, La Salle Brothers & Employees Multi Purpose Cooperative

(LASBEMPCO) Consumers' Store, iCafé, as well as Bahay Pag-asa. “Since we are the biggest users of scratch papers and yellow pads [on campus], we decided to start with this movement,” explained JPIA President Loren Moyani. The movement exactly started two years ago, when the previous club members situated paper bins along the Wester Building, where most classrooms of Accountancy students are located.

It continued then, with the papers thrown in the bins being remade into paper charcoal, and then donated to Bahay Pag-asa for new uses. “I always tell my members and my officers to start the discipline within ourselves, because it is where everything would all start,” Moyani stated. She shared that JPIA members made thousands of paper bags by hand, even dedicating a day during their team building to focus on it.. “Because Accountancy students have

practice sets wherein they are required to make a full accounting cycle from journalizing to financial statements, there are certainly a lot of paper that will be used,” JPIA Logistics Chair Raffy Dioso said, adding that one only needs to glue and fold these papers like origami to create the paper bags. After their moderator Noreza Causing shared their movement on a Facebook environmental group, there were several

While the rest of the country celebrated World Teacher’s Day at the comforts of their classrooms, the teachers of Negros Occidental took theirs to the streets. Public school principals, supervisors, and teachers from across the province staged a rally to demand for a salary increase at the old Bacolod City Hall's Fountain of Justice last October 5. The teachers’ rally, which also pushed for reducing workload

NEW IT COURSE / PAGE 3

JPIA / PAGE 2

Teachers march for pay hike on World Teacher’s Day by KYNAH RHEA B. FUENTES & MARIA ANGELINE M. MAYOR

Propelled by the “fast-paced industry and globalization”, the Information Technology (IT) Department introduced the course Bachelor of Science in Entertainment and Multimedia Computing (EMC) with specializations in Digital Animation this academic year. The revamped course was made available for students of the new curriculum, effective this first semester and currently has filled up one class. Prior to the introduction of EMC, there were four batches under the old curriculum, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BS IT) with Specialization in Animation. “We did not necessarily close [BS IT Animation] down but we stopped the specialization and offered EMC to students instead,” said Eddie De Paula Jr., Computer Science Department Chairperson. He added that the introduction of this new course will “equip digital animators with the needed skills pivotal to the globally-competitive industry.” According to De Paula, they first started studying the program two years ago, adding that the EMC Digital Animation specialization is similar with the existing BS IT with specialization in Animation, only that the curriculum is concentrated in digital animation. Under Digital Animation, the course contents cover advertisement, film, game art which includes concept writing, script writing and sound design. “We saw the advantage of our students with specializations in

more inside NEWS

and abolishing the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law, was led by the Alliance of Concerned Teachers-Negros (ACT– NEGROS) in collaboration with the Bacolod City Public School Teachers Federation and Association of Classroom Teachers-Bacolod. The crowd, who wore black shirts as a “sign of mourning", marched from Rizal Elementary School, walked around the public plaza and stopped at the old City Hall, airing their demands for salary increase and the abolition of the TRAIN Law. "We are holding on to what

SPECIAL REPORT / p.6

Duterte has said in front of his mother's tomb, that he will increase the salary of teachers for P10,000—but it never happened," expressed ACT-Bacolod President Richard Gelangre. To “dramatize the sacrifices of the Filipino teachers and to warn the government”, the teachers protested in the form of a mass leave on the same date as their sign of indignation against the condition of being overworked, underpaid and overtaxed. A total of 89 public schools in Bacolod City participated in the march rally. Several

other neighboring cities and municipalities including La Carlota, Talisay, Silay, Bago, and Murcia also took part. Additionally, setting the said rally on the date intended for Teacher's Day was part of the organization's purpose to be effectively noticed and heard by the government. "If other public employees and uniformed personnel have been given increase, then why can't they do it to us, teachers?" inquired ACT-Talisay President WORLD TEACHER'S DAY / PAGE 2

Check out how the newly implemented Course Experience Survey (CES) fares in contrast to the more familiar Teacher’s Behavior Inventory. read on page 3

EDITORIAL The Spectrum delves on what the press should do during these times of media pressure and suppression: never yield to anyone and always uphold the truth. read on page 4

ECO BOX Amidst the impending plans of bridging Visayas, various leaders from the island chain take the pledge on protecting its treasured waters from pollution and exploitation. read on page 6

SPORTS / p.8

UNIVERSITY

GOVERNMENT WARNING: BCD REVIVES SMOKING BAN

LSHM SPOILS ROTARACT THREE-PEAT BID

When it went on air years ago, the Animo Radio was every “Lasallian’s echo”, but right now, no one has ever heard from it. read on page 7

NEWS

YSC urges student leaders to push STRAW

SPARKING CHANGE. Speakers from Denmark, Manila and Akbayan Youth huddle together with the rest of the youth attendees to listen to STRAW-related testaments.—MILLEN ANDRE E. GELA

by IVEE E. MANGUILIMOTAN & KYNAH RHEA B. FUENTES with reports from Ma. Kristine Joy R. Bayadog

“The youth can change the world.” The Youth for Sustainable Change (YSC) Bacolod, in partnership with the USLS College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) and Akbayan Youth, hosted the first Student's Rights and Welfare (STRAW) forum held at the Miguel Building last October 20. Student leaders from different schools, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials and out-of-school youth all over the city attended the said forum, which featured speakers from Manila and Denmark. The STRAW Bill, also known as the Magna Carta of Students, was first filed nearly 15 years ago, and guarantees the political and civil liberties of the Filipino students. “Lately, there are cases of abuse and complaints which remain unaddressed in certain schools, such as: discrimination, bullying, particular forms of harassments, and school fee increases,” remarked YSC Lead

Convener, Akbayan Youth Social Media Coordinator and CAS Vice Governor Charisse Erinn Flores. “Education is not a privilege; it is a right, so take ownership of this,” said Akbayan Youth leader and speaker Caribay Alexandra Moreno from the Social Democratic Youth of Denmark. Gabriela Mae Cadampog, on the other hand tackled the meaning of freedom of speech, expression and of the press basing from Article III, Section 4 of the Philippine Constitution. “Be brave enough to stand up to the giants,” she encouraged. Flores also beckoned that most of the student body and administration’s lack of awareness leave certain studentrelated issues “floating around” without any solutions given. “The forum aims to focus on these points so that student leaders may initiate an action to gradually solve these,” affirmed Flores. YSC started conducting capacitybuilding talks in Laguna, Cebu, and Bacolod from June and is bound to end on January 2019, with Iloilo City as the next stop.

CLMMRH tackles mental health by IVEE E. MANGUILIMOTAN

"Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny," quoted psychiatrist Dr. Charibel Escandelor, during the mental health forum hosted by the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) Mental Health Facility. The forum held at the CLMMRH Reodica Hall last October 12, was organized in celebration of the National Mental Health Week and World Mental Health Day. Furthermore, it was made in accordance with the newlyimplemented Republic Act No. 11036 or the Mental Health Act, which aims to establish a national mental health policy for the purpose of enhancing the delivery of integrated mental health services. “The country is focusing on giving aid and extending help to people suffering from mental illnesses,” expressed Nurse Supervisor of the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine Mental Health Facility section, Cora Garzon R.N., M.N. Garzon shared that all hospitals under the Department of Health are required to have a mental health facility that caters to patients suffering from mental illnesses who shall also receive equal treatment aside from those suffering from substance addiction. Subsequently, student leaders from La Consolacion College - Bacolod, University of St. La Salle, Riverside College Institute, Bacolod City College, STI West

BCD FOR MENTAL HEALTH. Dr. Nenita Dumaguit, Officer in Charge and CLMMRH Chief of Medical Professional Staff formally welcomes the delegates of the forum. —GERICO T. GUANCO

Negros University, and Carlos Hilado Memorial State College also participated in the mental health forum. “Most often, mental health programs or issues are often neglected and ridiculed, and your generation has experienced these,” Medical Center Chief Dr. Julius Drilon addressed the audience. Additionally, topics on mental health discrimination and depression, teenage pregnancy, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus - Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV-AIDS) were discussed by Dr. Escandelor, Young Parents Coordinator Dr. Izyl Fe Pinaga, and HIV-AIDS Core Team Staff Albert Acson, respectively. Garzon also added that the

CLMMRH Mental Health Facility tends to acute cases with suicidal and violent individuals—ones that are dangerous when exposed to the community—admitted to the hospital, while chronic and manageable cases can be treated at home followed by consultations and medications. “Everyone can be mentally healthy as long as there is a support group: ones that do not reject, and would be willing to submit patients that need treatment,” Garzon answered after being asked on how she envisions Bacolod City’s future on mental health. CLMMRH is the first hospital in Bacolod and the whole province of Negros Occidental to open a Mental Health Facility recently.

PolSci Society hosts second USLS Model UN by IDA SARENA M. GABAYA

With the theme “Sustainability Amidst Vulnerability: Conceptualize and Revitalize the Future,” the Political Science Society (PolSci Soc) organized the second University of St. La Salle Model United Nations (USLS MUN). Eighty delegates participated in the event’s debates, discussions and diplomacy last October 15-16 at the Mutien Marie Auditoriums A and B. The PolSci Soc organized the event that follows the only Model United Nations procedure developed by the UN Department of Public Information which was also an opportunity for the student delegates to engage in

simulations for the United Nations Committees. PolSci Soc Secretary General Claudine Reyes shared that prior to the event, she, along with two other fellow delegates, went to Thailand last January 17 to participate in the UN4MUN Southeast Asia Conference (USEAC) 2018. Consequently, the USLS MUN has developed the UN4MUN format, which Reyes said was the first time it was used in the Philippines. “This is in order to spread what really constitutes the process and rules of procedures,” the Secretary General stated. The Model UN started with an opening plenary lead by the President of

A UNITED FRONT. Public school teachers of the province took their protest to the streets of Bacolod last October 5. -ANNA THERESA S. PARAYNO

WORLD TEACHER'S DAY

Arman Reyes. According to the official statement of ACT-Negros, due to the Department of Education's (DepEd) policies which demand greater time and efforts, the situation deprives teachers enough time to rest and prepare for their daily lessons, therefore causing them “a very

stressful experience.” Most assignments include nonteaching related reports and paper works of other agencies that cover: the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, deworming programs of the Department of Health, earthquake and fire drills of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, local

General Assembly in the morning then afterwards they will proceed to their respective council sessions. The committees were divided into four council sessions that will be handling two assigned topics for each council. The General Assembly discussed about pursuing negotiations in good faith on effective measures relating to nuclear disarmament and advancing solutions to ensure a sustainable environment. Meanwhile, the Secretary Council tackled strengthening mechanisms for the peaceful diffusion of conflict and the role of cybersecurity in maintaining international peace. Moreover, the

and national election of the Commission on Elections, and tree planting activities of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. ACT-Negros also stressed that most teachers are paid with a minimum of P5,000 per month, which is lower than the National Economic and Development Authority’s estimated amount of a “decent” income of P42,000 for a family of five. Therefore, making Filipino teachers the lowest paid in Southeast Asia. Additionally, the TRAIN Law implementation adds to the burden of the teachers since the increase of the Expanded Value Added Tax, excise tax, and other forms of taxation have affected the prices of basic goods and services. “Teachers were made to believe that withholding tax exemption will increase their take-home pay but in reality, they brought home lesser than before the TRAIN law,” its statement added. The march was already their third this year.

Human Rights Council engaged on issues such as the Rohingya atrocities and the inequality of female genital mutilation. Lastly, the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), dealt with globally affecting matters like Brexit and the Tariff War. “In these council sessions the delegates will be making resolutions, debating on the issues, and taking on the stand of the countries, this is about the country that they represent,” shared Reyes. “The student will be able to think critically, can do fast research, and also engage in formal discussion and debates, wherein we practice and experience the real life situation of global arena,” said

JPIA

schools such as the University of Santo Tomas’ medical college and outside-Negros universities who took notice and inquired on how the paper bags were made and how they were implemented all around the school campus, Dioso narrated. “This paper movement began hoping to address the major environmental concern within the university campus involving waste disposal and plastic use, as identified upon feedback from the General Services Office,” Moyani added. Moyani stated they saw most of the improvement within LASBEMPCO, as the retail outlet has maintained the practice of using paper bags long after their stocks of JPIA’s supply run out. “The use of plastic is definitely minimized, as we only use [plastic] when there are wet and heavy [substances], but aside from that, we definitely use more of the paper bags now,” Foodcourt Overseer Stella Marie Hamak shared. Aside from the paper movement,

Steffi Moles, the delegate of Mexico. After two days of debate, negotiations and creating solutions, the event ended with an awarding ceremony followed by a diplomatic dinner at Circle Inn. Cygeorge Hidalgo, Kevin Quirante, Joshua Jimenez, June Miguel Alingasa were announced as Best Speakers. Eugene Roxas, Adrian Dela Cruz, Mark Jason Leonar, Sheena Mae Bendol, Sophia Inez Bilbao, Cygeorge Hidalgo, Steffi Moles, Rod Melvin Maambong, Nove Therese Gundan, Pauline Lamela, Lende Dagandanan were awarded as Best Delegates. Meanwhile, Cygeorge Hidalgo, Sheena Mae Bendol, Faye Grantus, Leizel Centina won Best Position Paper.

JPIA also initiated their bote movement, which is basically replacing the use of disposable water bottles with reusable ones. Their water bottle campaign saw its pinnacle during this year’s Lasallian Week, where they were able to provide reusable water bottles with Lasallians who brought disposable water bottles in exchange using a point system. Following the bote movement, JPIA also distributed notepads from recycled scratch papers to various offices within La Salle. According to Dioso, for the second semester, the club is also planning to launch their ditch disposal campaign, which also tackles waste minimization by bringing one’s own lunch box, tumbler, and utensils instead of using the takeout boxes, plastic cups, and disposable utensils provided by food outlets within the campus. “My message to the Lasallians is to embody the spirit of discipline and to raise also awareness not just to our fellow members but also to the whole Lasallian community, because through little things we can contribute to the [preservation of] the environment,” JPIA President Moyani expressed.

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 4 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2018

NEWS

Lights Off: The Marcos Regime

RECALLING THE PAST. The Lasallian community listens to stories of Martial Law era horrors during the “For Human Rights and Democracy” exhibit.—GERICO T. GUANCO

by DISNEY MARIE L. ESPARTERO

Darkness clings to the dust-laden land as the lights slowly fade and the streets become eerily quiet. It is time. There is nothing but the sound of synchronized soldiers’ boots with the constant clanking of metal strapped across their chests—highpowered firearms ready to shoot. The night has been an age of terror, but nightmares still roamed in broad daylight. The dictatorial rule was evident—the media has been silenced. Members of the opposition were abducted, tortured and killed. The poor continued to starve, while the rich feasted over the loot of illgotten wealth. The government has grown blind and deaf to the needs of its people and only knew one word: Marcos. This has been the scenario for almost 14 years, from the declaration of Martial Law on September 21, 1972 until the ousting of the dictator by the Aquino-led People Power Revolution in February 1986. Decades after this ghastly era, the scars remain evident,

and justice is yet to be served. One of the many who continue to plead for justice is Julie Dojillo, a Martial Law victim and survivor, who recalls her bitter past. Already in her fourth year in college, the young Julie would always meet with fellow student activists to plan for their next move. Unfortunately, she was tracked and one afternoon, while having lunch in her house— she was arrested. She narrated her story during a Martial Law exhibit entitled “For Human Rights and Democracy” held at The Promenade last September 17. “One thing that frightens me is that [right now] all ingredients are there. The current government is backing us up against the wall, so that when we fight, they will have a reason to shoot,” explained Dojillo, comparing the Marcos regime with the current administration. Spearheaded by the Political Science Society together with Balayan, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Institute for Lasallian Animation and Formation and

CYAN, the exhibit lasted until September 26. “We must learn from our mistakes and never forget the horrors of the past. The fight is not only of their generation, but of this generation as well, ” Balayan Director Andre Tagamolila stated. Moreover, the Maskara Theatre Ensemble commemorated the event with their reenactment accompanied by spoken word poetry entitled Mga Pasakit, translated from Wislawa Szymborska’s Tortures. A mass was also celebrated and a candle lighting ceremony was held afterwards. Despite testaments from Martial Law victims and survivors, the looming problem of fake news and historical reconstructionism remain. However, efforts to counter this intellectual invasion are being made. One of which is the Indie film Liway. Martial Law survivor Kip Oebanda wrote and directed the feature film, encapsulating his childhood as the son of the well-known activist leader couple Kumander Liway and Kumander Toto. The movie narrates the life of an innocent child living in a prison camp, eyes open to the horrors, but oblivious to the truth that his parents were war heroes. This film, like the Filipino people, shows resiliency and the unwavering will to fight for the rights that we truly deserve. The era of complete darkness has passed, but still, some darkness remain. Now, it depends on us to carry their legacy—to never forget and to continue the fight. It depends on us to relive their memory as heroes who fought for our independence against the authoritative grasp of a dictator. It is our duty to shed light for others to see as Kumander Liway once said: “Hindi naman nagtatagal ang kadiliman.”

CAS student brings PH, USLS banner in ASEAN Youth Summit by KYNAH RHEA B. FUENTES

A fifth year College of Arts and Sciences student was one out of two Filipino representatives during the 2018 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Youth Summit. Keith Russel Guevarra, a Liberal Arts and Commerce major, together with Michelle Bernardino from Baguio, participated as delegates in the five-day event held at De La Salle University last September 13-17. The summit themed "Youth Leading Beyond 50”, aims to connect the ASEAN youth to opportunities in achieving and accomplishing greater goals. Moreover, it was anchored on finding solutions for the ongoing issues that the organization faces. “Being part of the ASEAN Youth Summit 2018 not only made me realize

how important it is to collaborate with other states and help each other grow but it also helped me create relationships with different kinds of people coming from the other countries of the organization,” stated Guevarra in a Facebook post. The event included several seminars and talks that were attended by delegates and observers that were grouped into three pillars that were considered to be the main problems of the organization: Political Community, Socio-Cultural Community, and Economic Community. Furthermore, the summit organized a case study competition with a purpose of “challenging the youth to critically analyze different issues that persist on ASEAN member-states”. Guevarra's team tackled the Economics Pillar and won the said competition against other teams.

CRE spearheads Bago, Pulupandan coastal cleanups

PHOTO COURTESY: USLS CENTER FOR RESEARCH AND ENGAGEMENT

by JOSHUA L. MAHILUM

The Center for Research and Engagement (CRE) of the university managed to unite the province in the global fight against ocean trash. Together with eight fisherfolk communities, the local governments of Bago City and Pulupandan as well as the National Service Training Program students of Bago City College, CRE led the coastal cleanups last September 22 and 29. Publication and Engagement Office Director Dr. Virgilio Aguilar said the activities were in line with the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), an annual global movement which aims to address the worsening problem of plastic pollution. “Our participation in the ICC [...] is a symbolic act not only to show our concern but to show really the importance of preserving and protecting our coastal areas and marine resources, particularly the habitats for the Irrawaddy dolphins,” Aguilar explained.

The coastal cleanup in Bago City on September 22 was conducted at Brgy. Sampinit with participants from the said barangay, fisherfolk communities from Brgy. Poblacion, and contingents from Reserve Officers’ Training Corps of Bago City College. Meanwhile, two fisherfolk communities from Brgy. Zone 1 and Brgy. Zone 1A of Pulupandan participated in the cleanup at Pulupandan on September 29. “Community involvements are very important because those who are directly affected by the state of our coastal marine resources are the small fisherfolk communities [...] Any initiative cannot be sustained without the participation of the communities,” Aguilar added. Under the Commision on Higher Education’s (CHED) DARE TO Project, which aims to spark hope for the survival of the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins, the CRE has been conducting studies on the sustainability of marine protected areas for the aforesaid aquatic specie in the coastal waters of Bago City and the town of Pulupandan.

*GUEVARRA

NEW IT COURSE

PHOTO COURTESY: KEITH RUSSEL C. GUEVARRA

“It was fulfilling to think that it was my first time to engage in a case study and neither Political Science nor Economics is one of my majors,” expressed Guevarra.

Animation [...] We converted the course to EMC to have a stronger digital animation background [for students] especially since there is a huge demand here and outside Bacolod,” stated De Paula. Students who graduate with a degree in EMC major in digital animation can create advertisements on television, films, as well as online games. “When we first marketed this, there were hesitations from the public since they haven’t heard of EMC before. We found it really difficult to advertise but eventually, especially for

the past weeks, there were a lot of students coming from other courses who opted to shift to EMC,” the chairperson said. One of the highlights that De Paula has mentioned included a freshman student from the Yu An Log - College of Business and Accountancy (YAL-CBA) shifting to EMC last October 22. “When you talk about animation, you talk about creativity. It is more on passion; it is not something you will learn overnight. So there are a lot of students here who are into drawing and digital art, and they want to learn something deeper in digital animation,” concluded De Paula.

Maskara Theater Ensemble goes nationwide by ANDREA DANIELLE A. GAMBOA

After 46 years of performing within the university, the University of St. La Salle Maskara Theater Ensemble (MTE) gets to showcase their craft around the country. In partnership with the Philippine Educational Theatre Association (PETA) School of People’s Theatre, MTE was invited to the Basic Integrated Theatre Arts Workshop at the PETA Theater Center in New Manila, Quezon City, last August 30-31. The workshop included a showing of Rak of Aegis, a musical about

Philippine resilience and disaster risk management, sang to the broadway renditions of beloved songs of the band, Aegis. “The experience opened so many doors for us to explore more about ourselves, our capabilities, and talents as performers,” MTE president Marianne Isabel Sellado said. The ensemble continued their travels on September 17, as they embarked on their first nationwide tour in collaboration with the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ outreach program, Ugnayan sa Sining: the 2018 Regional Collaborations Community

Performances and Exchange Tours. During a 12-day tour spanning from the cities of Tubod, Lanao del Norte to Batangas, MTE took part in Gintong Alab Sa Silingan a dance, music, and image-driven performance storytelling about Philippine history. The performance paid homage to to notable events and figures in Philippine History, playing on the famous nickname of the Philippines: The Pearl of the Orient. “The pearl,” as described in the group’s promotional poster: “[is] revered and desired, and through time aged in an oyster's shell— glows in iridescent splendor when struck by the

sun." Among the performers of Ugnayan sa Sining were MTE along with Sinukwan Kapampangan Performing Arts Angeles, Integrated Performing Arts Guild, and the Philippine Barangay Folk Dance Troupe Rondalla. A subtle political social commentary with flashing images and videos of President Duterte as well as former Presidents Aquino and MacapagalArroyo, the performance questioned the audience of their Filipino identity. “I'm inspired to connect with my own roots as a Negrense. Who are we? How did this come to be? Why are things

the way they are now?” Raffy Bunal, a member of MTE said. “This experience, especially with the other performing groups from different provinces, also inspired myself and my ensemble to further explore and exercise our craft as young artists, clarifying our motivations and through communication, empathy, and compassion.” As for the future of MTE, the group hopes to continue influencing people through establishing theater culture in the Philippines, which they believe can develop aesthetic sensibilities of the audience, as well as serving as a catalyst for change.

EDITORIAL&OPINION

SEPT TO OCT 2018

EDITORIAL

We Shall Hold the Line The newspaper chain SunStar Bacolod had some unexpected visitors knocking at their newsroom’s door last October 3. And by unexpected visitors, it was a group of personnel coming from the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office. What made it even more surprising was the fact that these cops were doing an official “door-to-door campaign”— not their infamous ‘Oplan Tokhang’ wherein they would convince drug personalities to surrender and curb their illegal activities—in order “to forge a partnership” that asked the aforesaid press to write about their good deeds, since the media “usually places the police in bad light.” For starters, the press is not a beauty salon that can make you look good just as you want them to. We are the fourth estate. We are autonomous. We are not dictated upon on what we should do, let alone coerced or intimidated. We are the watchdogs—the counterbalance that reports, verifies and questions the matters of the state. We are the vanguard of democracy. The act of the police asking for favourable coverage is a testament of their current image. Because of this failed attempt— that was officially sponsored by the Philippine National Police—the whole nation found out what their current agenda is: their public

image, not our safety. Instead of redeeming themselves and gaining the trust of the public back, they chose to tread on the easy path. If they are so concerned on how society perceives them, then they should genuinely do their jobs and responsibilities; not borderline intimidating the press to come up with a very obvious faux pas. The police is just a small fraction—this boils down to what kind of government we have right now: a system that prefers to look for cover-ups, scapegoats, and diversions instead of looking for sustainable solutions to the nation’s illnesses. And along the process, it is us, the watchdogs that are offered with muzzles and replaced with superficial, one-dimensional, and paid trollbloggers. The truth is and will ever be the best way for the police and the government to gain the trust of the public and rebuild their image; not a face lift courtesy of false information. SunStar Bacolod’s refusal to the police is a reminder for all of us that truthful and objective journalism will never be suppressed by anyone; that this type of journalism still thrives in this administration of explicit falsehoods and outright revisionisms.

THESPECTRUM FO UN DED 1 9 5 6

facebook.com/thespectrumusls · thespectrum.usls@gmail.com VOLUME 63 NUMBER 4 · SEPT-OCT 2018 Joshua Martin P. Guanco EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Katherine E. Co

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Victoria Marian B. Belmis MANAGING EDITOR

—CARL HASON T. GERALE

Slow Down: Merging Politicians Ahead I am going to cut straight to the chase—we do not “appoint” our government officials, we elect them. When news about the possible merging of Love Negros (LN) and United Negros Alliance (UNegA), the two major political parties in the province of Negros Occidental, in the forthcoming 2019 midterm elections started brewing, it did not bother me at all—until it actually came into fruition and even attempted to extend its hegemony down to the cities and towns of the province, pushing for only one “handpicked” candidate per elective position (just like what they did in the gubernatorial and vice-gubernatorial posts). All of this is for the sake of what a certain district representative claim as the solution to ending “politics” in Negros Occidental which has been the “hindrance” of the province’s progress. However, one morning during a Political Science class of mine, I stumbled upon the essentialities of our rights to suffrage—that it is us, the sovereign Filipino people, who elect them on their respective positions; not them cutting our choices and indirectly “appointing” themselves just as they want to. The thought of a progressive and prosperous Negros under one ruling

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 NEWSPAPER WRITERS

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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.

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Hezron G. Pios

hezpios@gmail.com

Words transcend themselves when they leave an impact so potent to the receiver. For several years now, my cousin and her father have co-existed with our tita and her eldest son. This tags their structure and dynamics as an extended family. She shared her experiences from tita’s iron fist: reprimands given on a daily basis, humiliation in the guise of “jokes” casually said, and ultimately, guilt-tripping when she asks for favors or permission. Once, she asked if she can attend her classmate's birthday party taking place just a few blocks away from home. Tita dismissed her request as if it should not have been brought up in the first place. Also, whenever she arrived late at home— regardless of the reason and despite having a valid excuse at hand—her entrance will be met with the crisp utterance of the words pasagod, boarder, and gasalig, all ringing in her ears. In a typical Filipino setting, the elders are treated and viewed with reverence. The youngsters should always, always observe courtesy. Otherwise, they get slapped on the face or cursed at for such display of audacity. The mere act of inquiry is an act of disrespect to them. However, I surmise that there’s nothing wrong about elevating yourself, especially when you believe you’re on the correct side of the fence.

Orange Peel

Joshua Martin P. Guanco theguanks@gmail.com

political party can be something one cannot refuse, for it can cut expenses, curb family rivalries, and lessen electionrelated violence. The concept of even crafting leaders that the whole province can catapult to the national scene is also a sweet thought for every Negrense. However, we have seen our province thrive despite having government officials from both UNegA and LN, right? What this merger did is close the doors -----------------------------------------

One must always discern whether leaving people with only one choice for an electoral position is the true spirit of democracy. ----------------------------------------to people who actually wanted to vie for an electoral position in the province, all the while entertaining and attending to the rich political families—and dynasties— that are very prevalent in Negros. What this merger actually did is curb the rights of the common citizens of the province to vote for an electoral position. It is only clothed in promise: hiding the falsehoods, self-preserving motivations, and Messianic tendencies within it.

Politics is the “hindrance” of the province’s growth? Then these politicians—who have been at the helm of the politics of the province or their respective Local Government Units (LGUs)—should not run this coming elections; that is, if their definition of a “politician” is someone who is professionally involved in politics. Although it might sound promising to some, one must always discern whether leaving people with only one choice for an electoral position is the true spirit of democracy. Luckily, the merger did not trickle down the province’s LGUs; at least the people of the province can still exercise their right to vote and to not “appoint” their own town or city’s respective public officials, unlike in the cases of the gubernatorial, vice-gubernatorial, and some district representative posts. Before the elections in May, it is better to ask ourselves: “Does the merger actually attend to the betterment of all Negrenses, or is it just exclusive to the province’s elite?” Our democracy is slowly waning from our hands; the last thing we need is handing out power on a silver platter to “politicians” who think they are entitled to do so.

Least Amused with Verbal Abuse I interjected my cousin, asked why she did not defend herself each time she had the chance to. Wala man giyapon sang may mabaton sa inyo, she quoted from tita’s eldest son. Biting the hands that feed her will do my cousin no good, seeing that her financial dependence is translated to feeling indebted rather than being truly grateful. Ergo, this does not reduce their issue into money matters; words are involved and so is verbal abuse. Verbal abuse is a blatantly offensive language which intends to humiliate and gain power over another person. This is not limited to the spoken word, though. Our brain interprets body language into words that we internally hear. And behaviors distinctive to an individual can translate to verbal abuse, as well. Patricia Evans, an American author, asserts that verbal abusers apply the art of confusion or crazy making or gaslighting in order to deflect accountability for their words and actions upon their victims. In a typical Filipino setting, the elders cannot be held liable for their shortcomings. They should be right even if they are already bypassing the boundaries, lapses and preferences of someone younger than them. To end verbal abuse means calling out the abuser. This solidifies someone’s

right, power, and free will to rectify a case against their well-being. The abused can also ignore the actual content of what has been said to him, identify the type of abuse employed, name it, and calmly tell the abuser enough is enough. If it still won’t turn out well, the abused can opt to remove himself from the situation or limit his contact with the abuser. Again, if worse -----------------------------------------

In a typical Filipino setting, the elders cannot be held liable for their shortcomings. ----------------------------------------comes to worst, walk out unapologetically. As much as words can empower others, words can cheapen a person’s sense of selfworth, too. Words have weight. Words extend beyond their meanings. Words can affect lives. And words, even if they are convenient and often misused, result to actions larger than what they were expected to be. To my cousin, along with the ones who experienced verbal abuse, I can only tell them this: Your words are yours alone. Make them count. Speak up if you must.

OPINION

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

Kath Ang Isip

Katherine E. Co

katyuiop@gmail.com

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, -----------------------------------------

We condemn men when they do it but we fail to see the extent of the harm that we inflict on them as well. -----------------------------------------

no matter what color they are in the spectrum. The long decades and centuries of the patriarchal dominance of power may have shaped our minds to what they

...hindi lamang iisa o iilan ang umaaray sa kasalukuyang sistema ng ating edukasyon, kundi napakarami. ----------------------------------------wasang magreklamo ng mga butihing mag-aaral at sa panahon ng teknolohiya, laganap ito sa social media. Walang araw na hindi ako nakakakita ng post sa Facebook o Twitter na may #StudentsAreNotRobots. Karamihan

sa mga post na ito ay nagsasabi na sa panahon ngayon, ang edukasyon ay hindi na lamang tungkol sa pag-aaral at pagkuha ng bagong kaalaman kundi isa na lamang institusyon na nagtatakda sa kung ano ang dapat na katangian at katalinuhan na taglay ng isang tao upang maging maunlad sa buhay. Ayon sa mga posts, minsan hindi na nabibigyang importansya ang tunay na kahalagahan ng edukasyon at karamihan sa mga mag-aaral ay mas tutok na lamang sa pag-pasa sa mga asignatura, sa lahat ng alam nilang paraan, kaysa mag-aral at matuto. Totoo, tao nga lamang ang mga magaaral at napapagod din. Pero kung titignan mula sa third person point of view, ang mga post na ito ay tila mga simpleng pag-reklamo lang at maari ring sabihin na mga dahilan lamang ng mga mag-aaral sa mga hindi matataas na markang natatanggap. Ngunit, mga huwad na dahilan lamang ba ang mga ito o isang hinaing na kailangan ng solusyon? “Academic failure”— dalawang salita na pilit na nilalabanan ng bawat mag-

Victoria Marian B. Belmis maryanbelmis@gmail.com

aaral dahil gusto nila, naming: guminhawa sa buhay, bumalik ng utang na loob sa magulang, at tumakas mula sa bulag na paghahatol ng sosyedad. Bilang isang mag-aaral, naiintindihan at dama ko rin ang mga daing ng aking mga kabaro. Mahirap i-balanse ang pag-aaral, oras para sa sarili, pamilya at iba pa. Mula alas siyete ng umaga hanggang alas singko ng hapon, minsan hanggang alas otso ng gabi ay nasa paaralan kami – nakikinig sa mga aralin, kumukuha ng kung anu-anong pagsusulit at iba pa. Sa pag-uwi ay wala na halos oras magpahinga pagkat tambak ang mga gawain at aralin na kailangang pagaralan dahil may sunod-sunod na namang pagsusulit kinaumagahan. Mayroon akong mga kilala na halos isa hanggang dalawang oras lamang ang tulog araw-araw, at hindi naging maganda ang epekto nito sa kalusugan nila. May mga umiiyak habang nagaaral. Yung iba, dahil sa sobrang istress sa pag-aaral ay humahantong na sa breakdown, depresyon at minsan –suicide.

Ang bigat na pasan ng naming mag-aaral ay nakaapekto sa aming kalusugang pangkaisipan at ngayon na nilagdaan na ni President Rodrigo Duterte ang Republic Act 11036 o ang Mental Health Law, tulungan ninyo kami sa pamamagitan ng pagpapahalaga sa mental na aspeto hindi lamang ng mga estudyanteng kagaya ko, kundi pati na rin ng bawat isa. Huwag na nating hintayin na tumaas pa ang kaso ng pagpapakamatay dito sa bansa. Ika nga “prevention is better than cure". Hindi lamang ang mental kundi pati na rin ang pisikal na aspeto ng mga mag-aaral ang nakataya sa bawat sobrang oras na ginugugol nila sa pagsusunog ng kilay kaysa magpahinga at matulog. Ayon sa mga eksperto, kailangan ng bawat isa sa atin ng anim hanggang walong oras ng pagtulog araw-araw. Kapag hindi ito makukuha, maaaring ma-apektuhan ang kalusugan at memorya. Hindi talaga maiiwasan ang hirap sa kahit anong aspeto ng buhay natin, at kung tutuusin pwede

as they have come to be called, were members of the National Federation of Sugar Workers (NFSW) labor union. They seek to help sugar workers during the dead season through farming other crops in addition to pushing for the promised genuine agrarian reform. These idle sugar lands remain undistributed despite supposedly being covered by government’s current reform program—and that remains to be the problem. Agrarian violence has sadly become a staple in Philippine history. It is an irony that spans 30 years, where time and time again, the Philippine government deprives the sectors that feed the entire nation of their very right. Instead of showing gratitude, the regime breaks the backs of the agricultural workers who spend their days bending in front of the lands they make fertile. The closest thing these farmers get to an answer are: the sound of gunshots being fired, followed by accusations of the victims being rebel sympathizers, and finally, another bout of publicized promises for better reforms. The abusive pattern continues to persist and become a problematic

cycle that is passed on from one administration to another. Still, this remains to be another harrowing narrative that our social studies textbooks fail to discuss at length. It first came about during the dictatorial Marcos rule, wherein the first agrarian reform law was declared. -----------------------------------------

It is an irony that spans 30 years, where time and time again, the Philippine government deprives the sectors that feed the entire nation of their very right. ----------------------------------------Instead of allocating land to tenant farmers as promised, the Escalante and Sag-od Massacres happened. With Cory Aquino’s Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) came the Mendiola Massacre. Hacienda Luisita was bloodied under Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s watch, whereas the Kidapawan Massacre occurred during Benigno Aquino III’s. What we shall all come to know

lamang ipagsawalang balikat ang mga hinaing na ito. Yung iba nga kumakayod at nagtatrabaho ng halos walang tulog, diba—pero, hindi. Hindi maaring ipagsawalang bahala ang mga ganitong isyu lalo na hindi lamang iisa o iilan ang umaaray sa kasalukuyang sistema ng ating edukasyon, kundi napakarami. Lalo na, na ang kabataang itinuturing pag-asa ng ating inang bayan, ang naapektuhan. Ako, at ang mga kapwa ko estudyante, ay lubos na humihingi ng pag-unawa at suporta – na sa halip na i-bash ang mga hinaing namin sa social media ay bigyan ninyo kami ng simpatya at tulong. Kapwa mag-aaral man, magulang, guro, o maging sino man, sana’y magkaisa tayo sa pagpapalaganap ng kamalayan ukol sa kalusugang pangkaisipan sapagkat ang bawat hinaing namin ay hindi lamang paghuhumyaw kundi paghingi ng tulong na nawa’y inyong pakinggan, magkaiba man ang panahon na ating pinanggalingan.

Smoke Machine

A Brief History of Nine Killings It no longer comes off as a surprise when our beloved President Rodrigo Duterte makes sweeping promises that only last as long as today’s headlines. “If elected president, give me about three to six months. I will get rid of corruption, drugs and criminality,” he convinced the masses who cheered for a solution they thought was concrete. Two years and more than 20,000 deaths under inquiry later, we are still nowhere near the promised drugless Paradise. Six months ago, he graced yet another headline. This time, he promised implementing a “genuine land reform through strong decisive governance”. Hand in hand with the Department of Agriculture, he pledged to increase farm productivity and promote the well-being of farmers. That day, he claimed, was a victorious day for the farmers. The eve of October 20 broke this illusion of victory. At Sagay City’s Hacienda Nene, nine unsuspecting farmers were resting in their makeshift tent. Little did they know that their blood shall water the very same soil they tilled that day. The Sagay Nine,

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.

@medjMarupok

#TaoRinPoKami Katatapos lamang ng isang semestro. Marami sa aming mga estudyante ang medyo hindi pa rin maka-”get over” sa nagdaang limang buwan. Limang buwan na wala halos matinong tulog. Limang buwan na puno ng cramming dahil sa napakaraming gawain: arawaraw na mga pagsubok mula sa parehong major at minor na mga asignatura; kabilaang mga proyekto at siyempre, ang thesis. At dahil sa kung tawagin nating “burn out,” kumbaga, hindi maii-----------------------------------------

Starlene Joy B. Portillo

starleneportillo@gmail.com

eventually, will be an administration’s accomplishments. We shall only be reminded of the growth in investments. Studies shall cover the production of commodities. If we’re lucky in a few years’ time, our basic educational materials might delve into the statistics of those who were wronged— but not their detailed sufferings, nor the entire story. The government will not tell us that 70% of these workers still do not own the land they till. They shall not highlight the bare minimum wages they are giving these farmers. It shall not dwell on the disturbing prejudice they cast on laborers and indigenous people who only seek support and independence. It will not be spread widely that the names: Eglicerio Cambannga Villegas, Angeliffa Dumaguit Arsenal, Paterno Baroy, Rene Laurencio Sr., Morena Mendoza, Marcelina Dumaguit, Rommel Bantigue, Jomarie Oghayon, and Marchtel Sumicad shall be added to the total list of 172 agricultural laborers killed under this current presidency. They will, instead, claim this era to be “the golden age of agriculture”. In

defense, they shall say that Hacienda Nene is not covered by law, and that the farmers were therefore occupying illegally. We cannot do what has been done, Agrarian Reform Secretary John Castriciones has said. But they can choose to prevent more blood from being spilled. On our end as concerned citizens of this battered country, it is our responsibility to remain vigilant and amplify the call to stop the injustice that the farmers of our land can only voice out for so long. As these noble laborers are being silenced into submission, we should consider how the fear that the government and capitalist landlords are trying to instill can be channeled into a wakeup call for Negrenses and Filipinos alike who seem to be desensitized by the regularized violence. First, came the extrajudicial victims. Next, came the farmers. Tomorrow, who knows what sector could be at the top of the butcher’s to-do-list? When we all join hands to hold the line, perhaps, our future history books could tell something more.

SPECIAL REPORT

There’s by STARLENE JOY B. PORTILLO

For 46 years now, every 21st of September in the Philippines reminds us of the beginning of the late Ferdinand Marcos’ dictatorial rule. This year’s commemoration of the Martial Law declaration, however, also came with another surprising announcement— one that involves a probable ousting of the regime that some say levels that of Marcos’ tyranny. What is Red October? In an exclusive aired interview for an Asian News Channel (ANC) program, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Carlito Galvez Jr. and Deputy Chief of Operations Antonio Parlade Jr. presented “Red October”— a plot concocted by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) to overthrow President Rodrigo Duterte from his presidency. It is said to be a “broad coalition” involving the Liberal Party opposition members, the Magdalo group, labor groups, leftist lawmakers, student activists, Lumad organizations, and other critics of the president. The ousting should have happened on September 21, during a rally at the Luneta Park, attended by the New People’s Army (NPA). But the proceedings went without any protest on the NPA’s end.

nothing When is Red October? Come Sept. 24, the AFP had new revelations to publicize: “It’s actually an Oplan Talsik (ouster) against the existing administration so that they can grab the power here in the Philippines,” claimed AFP Operations Chief Isidro Purisima. He added that the plot has existed for more than a year already. Alongside this plan is Oplan Aklasan (protest), which involves “infiltrating” labor groups to urge workers to go on a simultaneous strike, that shall “attempt to close our manufacturing and industries,” Parlade and Galvez declared in the same aforementioned ANC interview. The plan, they said, includes a “successive mass mobilization” that started on September 21, and shall lead up until December— the 50th anniversary of the CPP. On Oct. 1, the AFP has revealed more details regarding the ouster, wherein Parlade stated that there are supporting decoded documents that confirm the CPP’s original intention along with its armed wing, the NPA to execute “coordinated tactical offensives” between Oct. 11-17. The Deputy Chief listed five operational codes, and their respective agendas which sought attacks on the AFP and Philippine National Police stations; military assets and intelligence operatives; Oplan Tokhang agents; mining companies

red

and the “destruction of high-impact government projects”, and lastly, government personalities stemming back from Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s former presidency. To top this off, Parlade also claimed the involvement of 10 Manila universities in the said ouster. Information drives that showcase a likened comparison to the “different atrocities committed during the Marcos regime” and that of the present administration. Galvez supported this by mentioning proof that these conferences, spanning from high school to the collegiate level, were conducted by CPP founder Jose Maria Sison mostly with the University of the Philippines.

Government Warning: BCD revives Smoking Ban

INSURGENT. Despite the public smoking ban implementation, civilians are seen smoking outside the designated smoking area. -MARIANO O. JAVIER by HEZRON G. PIOS

Last year, the Bacolod Anti-Smoking Task Force was reactivated after its introduction back in 2013. The group is currently led by Joseph Cuansing and Councilor Caesar Distrito alongside Councilor Em Ang, representatives of Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO), City Health Office, Permits and Licensing Division, City Administrator's Office, City Legal Office (CLO), and City Treasurer's Office. This is in support of President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order (EO) No. 26 entitled “Providing for the establishment of smoke-free environments in public and enclosed spaces”, signed on May 16, 2017. The EO prohibits smoking near centers of youth activity namely: play schools, preparatory schools, elementary schools, high schools, colleges and universities, youth hostels, and recreational facilities for minors; elevators and stairwells; locations where fire hazards are present (gas stations, storage areas for flammable liquids, gas, explosives or combustible materials); within premises of public and private hospitals, as well as medical, dental, and optical clinics; and food preparation areas. In line with that, it also bars the selling

or distribution of tobacco products as well as placing advertisement and promotional materials of the said products on the aforesaid locations. Although designated smoking areas (DSAs) are permitted just as long as there is open space or proper ventilation available, instances of non-compliance have been issued. Distrito expressed the task force currently has around 20 members only. “We are coping up by inspecting on schools. [...] You can just imagine the implementation of the law considering we have around 40 public high schools and elementary schools, [and] 20 colleges. We are appealing from the public that they have to support the campaign against smoking. The campaign against smoking is not just a campaign against smoking, it is also for those who are passive smokers,” he added. He also stressed that these passive smokers are the ones usually near the smokers. They can be the smoker’s neighbor, confidante, or member of the family. Moreover, the implementation is processed by two governing bodies: the task force and an action team. The task force is comprised by the City Health Office, the Office of the City Treasurer, the Sangguniang Kabataan, and the

Mayor’s Office whereas the action team is the group that implements the capture of violators. The latter is comprised by individuals not offices and it is an interdepartmental system. “The effort should not come from the task force alone. Right now, we have already apprehended more than 800 individuals. The city treasurer had also collected thousands of penalty fees coming from those who have been fined but those who failed to comply would be subjected to implementation. The money collected would go to the trust fund,” Distrito shared. Distrito also shared that their teams have been tapping other organizations. These include private and volunteer organizations, the school administrators and the barangay officials because they are authorized and in the jurisdiction to perform their responsibilities. “The only problem is lack of personnel. I hope other sectors would help since the effort of making Bacolod a smoke-free place is not just to ban smoking but to promote healthy lifestyle as well. I hope that the public will cooperate because this is the kind of law we have not only to aid the smoker to be free from any illnesses due to smoking, but even those that are directly affected, particularly those that accompany the smoker,” Distrito stressed. “For me, it's a bit of a shame for Bacolod. Even though the smoking ban had been implemented, there are still people smoking on the sidewalks and it seems that there’s no control,” said Ridley*, a 4th year Information Technology student. He further said despite designated smoking areas are placed around the city, those who smoke still do not observe the rules. This frustrates him because it generates a misconceptions that smokers are not responsible for their actions such as knowing when and where to buy a stick and light it. A year later, the ordinance is still reaching mixed opinions. Will this garner a pliant following in the following years? *not his real name

SEPT TO OCT 2018

about

October

As a precaution, the AFP has asked Duterte to create a national task force against communist insurgency, Parlade shared. What Red October? CPP founder Sison finds nothing new in the accusation. He recalled the repeated accusations of conspiracies against the party, which dates back to 2017, as publicized by Duterte. In his opinion, Red October is being used as a foundation for declaring Martial Law nationwide. "This alleged destabilization plot is an underhanded move to justify further repression against organizations and personalities

considered as critics of the Duterte government," said Karapatan rights group Secretary General Cristina Palabay. Meanwhile, Vice President Leni Robredo has also voiced out her sentiments, stating that the “baseless accusations” is reminiscent of how critics were silenced during Marcos' Martial Law. The administration, in turn, denies using the Red October ouster plot allegation against anti-Duterte coalitions and critics to divert public attention from the rising prices of goods and other national concerns. Lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc sought a legislative inquiry into the plot last Oct. 2. Since, like most of the accused, they also consider the alleged ouster to be a “prelude to a massive crackdown” against the opposition that could turn to rampant human rights violations. Currently, the National Bureau of Investigation still gathers enough evidence to unmask the personalities behind the reported Red October. Given how the month ends in a few days, the chances of the ousting coming to fruition are far less likely to happen. Despite the facts, however, we cannot be assured that no governmentorchestrated claims are bound to be attached to the few remaining Octobers this regime has yet to tick off.

ECO BOX

Negros strengthens efforts to protect marine ecosystem by DISNEY MARIE L. ESPARTERO

In efforts to restore and protect the Visayan Sea, Negros leaders signed an agreement during the 10th Visayan Sea Summit held at Oton, Iloilo last September 28. Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., together with Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, and Capiz Governor Antonio del Rosario, with representatives of the governors of Cebu and Masbate, signed an agreement with the goal to sustain livelihoods without hampering and compromising marine life. The local government unit of Bacolod City has also joined this movement, with Councilors Em Ang and Cindy Rojas pushing for the amendment of the ordinance pertaining the usage of plastic bags. This is to regulate the sale, provision, and use of plastic bags as packing materials of all business establishments within the city. The proposed amendment includes the imposition of the environmental fee on all plastics that are dispensed in the markets or business establishments. Improper disposal of plastics has been an ameliorating problem and has posed serious threats to the ecosystem, as it breaks down into smaller pieces, and, if not disposed properly, ends up floating in the sea or washed up on the shores. It also contributes to the occurrence of floods, as it clogs drainage systems. John Orola, Bacolod City

—ANNA THERESA S. PARAYNO

Administrator, ordered the city’s enforcement team to strictly enforce the said ordinance, which was approved since 2011, throughout all public markets in the city. Improper disposal of plastics has been an ameliorating problem and has posed serious threats to the ecosystem, as it breaks down into smaller pieces, and, if not disposed properly, ends up floating in the sea or washed up on the shores. It also contributes to the occurrence of floods, as it clogs drainage systems.

UNIVERSITY

Animo Radio to resume operation? by MARIA ANGELINE M. MAYOR & HEZRON G. PIOS

What happened to Animo Radio? For the past three years, no one has heard it on air. Engineering Laboratory Coordinator Milagros Oraca, explained that the Smart Laboratory (Smart Lab) and its equipments located on the third floor of the Engineering building was damaged by a “natural force”. “It was not exactly a typhoon, but it was a strong wind that bagged down our antenna for the transmitter,” Oraca recalled. Despite managing to put the antenna back, Oraca said that the transmitters still required fixing. She added that after the repairs, the transmitter was still working, but its transmission was not already the same as before. Oraca noted that the signal‘s coverage once reached up to the end of the campus and even the area near Jollibee - La Salle Branch along B.S. Aquino Drive (around 350 meters away). She also stressed that the signal coming from the laboratory could not even go past the other side of the Wester Building before. Since the transmitter can no longer be reverted back to its original state, Orca suggested that it should be replaced with a new one instead. However, she clarified that the transmitter stationed in the Smart Laboratory remains functional for the senior Electronics and Communications Engineering (ECE) students, since their course relates to the usage of the utilities involved. Thus, there

are no plans in buying a new transmitter for it can still satisfy the needs of laboratory experiments. The establishment Animo Radio was a collaborative effort of the ECE Department with the Communication Department of the College of Arts and Science (CAS). According to Oraca, it was the ECE Department who initiated the installation of the transmitter, headed by ECE's former Department Chair, Engr. Ruel Malapitan. Oraca expressed her desire of reviving Animo Radio in the near future by saying that the previous ECE-CAS collaboration started the whole effort of starting Animo Radio and the idea of it “sleeping just on the side” is something she does not want. Communication Society - USLS (CSU) president Sophia Lorraine Larroder expressed that although she had not experienced Animo Radio yet, she aims to bring it back especially for interested Communication students. “It was not the first time that CSU tried to revive it, even the [previous CSU] president had been planning it out but since I heard from him that there were technical problems, it is better to appeal to the administration,” Larroder said. Moreover, former College of Engineering and Technology Dean Engr. Edgar Altajeros said that reviving Animo Radio depends on incoming policies, standards, and guidelines by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) since they cannot easily impose the renewal without having the approval from CHED and if there is such a requirement to put it up again. “For ECE [students], the incoming

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY BY JOSHUA L. MAHILUM

The College of Engineering and Technology (CET) capped off the months of September and October by hosting an environmental talk and participating in various activities during the Lasallian Week (L-Week) 2018. As part of the legacy project of this year's CET Council, “Orange for a Change”, a seminar about plastic pollution, was held at the Moot Court last September 6. Chemical and Materials Engineering students participated in the seminar wherein topics about the effects of non-biodegradable waste on the environment and the proper way of ecobricking were discussed. "Saving the environment means saving the future generation," said CET Governor Nicole Kate Cireño. Additionally, CET also garnered various awards during the L-Week last September 24-28 including first runner-up titles in the Battle of the Bands and University Debate, second runner-up title in the Funny One More Time competition, and third runner-up during Manhattan: The Best of Broadway Musical competition. "Success doesn’t always come with trophies and prizes; it comes when you feel a feeling of satisfaction, fulfilment and contentment," Cireño added. Furthermore, CET concluded the L-Week celebration with a giftgiving activity in “Lasalle Gives Back” on the 28th of September wherein a total of 40 children enjoyed treats from the CET Council. "Let’s continue to bless the lives of others as we become a better socially responsible Christian," Cireño ended. The CET Student Council now prepares for the implementation of their legacy project in the coming months.

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES BY IDA SARENA M. GABAYA

The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) gave their loudest roar as the first semester has reached its end. Vice Governor Charisse Erinn Flores spearheaded the implementation of CAS’ advocacy project, the Student Rights and Welfare (STRAW), in partnership with Youth for Sustainable Change (YSC) Bacolod and Akbayan Youth, that was recently launched and attended by student leaders from various universities in the province last October 20 at the Miguel Building. The month of September was the busiest for the CAS council, with the celebration of the Lasallian Week (L-Week) 2018. “The council officers were really busy with preparations for L-Week while coping up with our academics, especially with exams and thesis,” said CAS Governor Von Andre Cayao. During the L-Week, CAS was declared champion in the U-Challenge held at the Br. Roly R. Dizon Sports Complex. Cayao stressed how the members of the CAS Council oversaw the practices joined by the Green Lions in the duration of the L-Week and also shared that the college struggled during the practices for their production number in Manhattan: Best of Broadway Stories. “We started late in practicing because we did not have a trainer,” stated Cayao. The college placed fourth in their recreation of the classic broadway

PSG from CHED is memorandum order number 101, series of 2017 so it all depends on the curriculum being required by CHED,” Altajeros said. He explained further that in terms of technical management, there should be licensed electronics engineers incharge who must be competent enough to operate because the laboratory cannot transmit a watt beyond what is required. Nonetheless, some of the engineers have already transferred to other companies. Altajeros further said that Communication students used to do the programs under the supervision of Oraca or any faculty present, and they can still utilize and serve as disc jockeys should the revival be pushed through. “It’s only a matter of time sitting in between [CAS & CET] to agree on what to do. Actually, it’s good that there’s collaborative work but as I’ve said, they have to sit down discuss on the extent of responsibility of each party,” Altajeros concluded. Communication alumnus and former 2012-2013 Station Manager Allen Lacson stated that Animo Radio has served as a platform to practice what they have learned throughout their four years as Communication students; also citing that it has honed their verbal communication skills and boosted their creativity whenever they have to create radio programs and segments. “I didn't know that its operation has been halted since 2015. I am sad because they never get to experience how exciting it is to manage and operate a radio station. I hope that they can fix it soon. Communication hand-in-hand with ECE students will greatly benefit from this,” he concluded.

VCAA replaces TBI with Course Experience Survey

—GERICO T. GUANCO

by ROBERT H. JERGE III

The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (VCAA) released a memo last August 1 stating that the university will now be utilizing the Course Experience Survey (CES), a revision of the Teacher's Behavior Inventory (TBI) evaluations. The CES was run for the first time during the end of the first semester, wherein students were required to assess their experiences with their various courses through an online survey. According to Assistant VCAA Dr. Jocelyn Cadena, the CES is a new guide to facilitating teaching and learning experiences and it will be used to gain a “more student-centered means” of evaluating the course and the professor. The CES will be diverting its focus to the students’ learning experiences within their courses. This is opposed

COLLEGE BEATS musical, “Wicked.” “The important thing is that we enjoyed and still proudly represented our college,” he added.

YU AN LOG COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND ACCOUNTANCY BY IVEE E. MANGUILIMOTAN

The Yu An Log - College of Business and Accountancy (YAL-CBA) started off September establishing and organizing the CBA Eagles, the official marshal arm of YAL-CBA last September 1 at Beracah Campsite. “With the goal of continuing the yellow legacy, the journey to greater heights was opened for its fourth batch, the CBA Eagles version 4.0 with the theme: F.L.Y. – Forging the Leader in You,” explained YAL-CBA Vice Governor Fredenic Chua. Yet according to YAL-CBA Governor Charlene Rio, not much activities were implemented for September due to time and financial constraints. However, the college participated in the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) in collaboration with the Balayan office last October 6. For Lasallian Week 2018, YAL-CBA reigned victorious amongst various competitions hosted last September 24 to 28. For four consecutive years, YAL-CBA has continued to dominate the stage during Battle of the Bands competition after their musical act, Home of the Champions, placed first for this year’s event. The Yellow-Shielded Champions managed to roar their way through first place in Manhattan: Best of Broadway Stories with a The Lion King-esque production number along with several more awards such as Best in Costume, Best in Scenic Design and Best in Choreography. “It was this collective effort that made CBA push through. In the end, all the sacrifices done by everyone were worth it when our college garnered so many awards, especially the overall champion of the competition,” said performer Louis Tocoyo who played Simba. Currently, YAL-CBA is holding various sports tryouts for the upcoming 2019 Animolympics. Lastly, Rio stated that for the month of October, the council will use the time to plan and brainstorm ideas, projects and strategize for the second semester based on the college’s performance during the previous semester.

COLLEGE OF NURSING BY CHAD MARTIN Z. NATIVIDAD

The College of Nursing proved that their expertise went beyond clinical tools as they dabbled with bowls and magic lamps during the featured events of Lasallian Week 2018. Hosting the theme “Aladdin”, the College of Nursing (BSN) nabbed second place in Manhattan: Best of Broadway Stories competition held last September 27 at the Coliseum. Wearing bright, multi-colored garbs and veils, they brought the Arabian Nights into the Coliseum for the entire audience to spectate. Earlier during that day, BSN students wore aprons as battle armor

to the current-standing TBI which focuses on the students’ evaluations of their teachers. Cadena also mentioned the concerns of some faculty members regarding the annual performance evaluation which prompted the revision. In line with this, Dr. Annabelle Balor, VCAA, proposed a similar survey to the Subject Experience Survey that she observed during her time at the University of Melbourne, Australia. “Students will still be one of the most effective [redacted] evaluators, since 90% of the faculty’s time is spent with the students,” clarified Cadena. CES does away with the “comments and suggestions” text field, and replaces it with two questions: “What is your best learning experience?” and “How can your learning experience be improved?” Cadena says that the change in the text field is made, “so [that students are] not actually emphasizing on what the teacher should improve as a person, but what she should improve for [the students] to love the course.” In the same memo, it was stated the CES “still includes items under Teacher’s Personality”. Cadena has also expressed awareness to the fact that the instrument is not perfect, even though she has received positive feedback and is open to revising the CES should the time come.

when they triumphed over the other four colleges in this year’s Cookfest arranged at ICA lobby. Last September 25, representatives from the college sifted a different bowl at “How Green Minded Are You? Level Up!”, a quiz bowl organized by the University Student Government (USG) Executive Branch together with the Department of Academic Affairs at Mutien Marie Auditorium A. Representatives Raphael Din Casim and Isabelle Viaje from Nursing 1A came out as overall champions among the ten pairs of Lasallian freshmen who participated in the mentioned event. Even before the festivities, BSN took it to themselves to reiterate that wellness involves both mind and body through the advocacies they carried out for the month of September. An encouragement wall was raised at the Forum from September 10 to 14 as part of the Suicide Prevention booth organized by the Nursing Student Government and the Guidance Evaluation Center. A week later, BSN, along with the College of Medicine Student Council, held a bloodletting activity at the same venue last September 20.

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION BY KYNAH RHEA B. FUENTES

"The College of Education (CEd) is always a fighter that never gives up. Despite our smaller population and [...] having limited resources, we managed to prove that we can do more and emerge successful in different events," stated CEd Governor Joemarie Ticar. Last September 24-27, CEd garnered several awards in various competitions during the 2018 Lasallian Week (L-Week) celebration. The college nabbed the second runner-up spot in the L-Week’s culminating event, Manhattan: Best of Broadway Musicals competition, with their Rock of Ages-inspired production number. Additionally, the Blue Dragons also won second runner-up for the U-Challenge, first runner-up for the Cookfest, and was hailed as Champion for Funny One More Time. Meanwhile, Ticar commended the Alliance of Synergized Secondary Teachers' Ragnarok: The End of the Worlds and the Young Educator's Society's Coraline in Wonderland booths for being successful during the L-Week. Furthermore, the Emerging Dragons held in its second year waves two and three of the Future Lasallian Educators Leadership Caravan last September 1 and 15 at the Fr. Gratian Murray Integrated School and Barangay Singcang Airport National High School (BSANHS). With an aim to spread awareness to the students regarding their rights and the laws beneficial for them, CEd conducted the waves one and two of its Human Rights Caravan last September 27 and October 1 at the St. Joseph School-La Salle and Handumanan National High School respectively. Moreover, the council organized its Project Medyas Advocacy, with a purpose of donating socks to those students who cannot afford to buy their own at BSANHS last September 8. When asked about the council's future plans for the department, Ticar said: "Since the graduating batch will be having their internship in different public and private schools in the city, the council is planning to maximize the potentials of our Froshies by giving them opportunity to organize outreaches." Aside from outreach activities, Ticar added that there will be tryouts for this academic year’s Animolympics soon.

SPORTS LSHM spoils Rotaract three-peat bid V O L . 6 3 N O. 4 | S E P T T O O C T 2 01 8

by JOSHUA MARTIN P. GUANCO JOSHUA L. MAHILUM

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@TheSpectrumUSLS

The Lasallian Society of Hospitality Managers (LSHM) denied Rotaract Club-USLS of their third straight U-League championship title, 8381, during the U-League Finals held at the University Coliseum last September 25. With successive two-point and three-point shots from Final’s MVP Allen Delagente, LSHM dominated Rotaract on the first quarter, 24-16. On the second quarter, Rotaract managed to inch themselves out of the deficit through the efforts of Sean Weehansuh and Mario Gomugda, making the scores 40-38. The third and fourth quarters became a bumper-to-bumper race for LSHM and Rotaract, with the scores being tied six times. Rotaract managed to recover and owned the third quarter with a onepoint lead. However, LSHM sealed the fourth quarter, 83-81, capturing the tourney’s crown. “We didn’t expect to win as the champion because we know that [Rotaract team] are very skillful players. Our main goal is to play as a team and just enjoy the game,” exclaimed Delagente. Delagente shared that LSHM’s defeat last year served as their “motivation for doing their best this time”. Despite their loss, Rotaract remained positive in the situation. “Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. What’s important is that we did our best,” affirmed Rotaract Team Captain Mark Tabat. Additionally, Marketer’s Union, who also received the Most Supportive Club award, placed 2nd Runner-Up after defeating the Decision Makers Incorporated in the Battle for Third. Nathaniel Lobaton also bagged the Rookie of the Year award while Carl Benedict Baylon was hailed as this Season’s MVP.

IRON CURTAIN. A Rotaract player defends the hoop from the advances of LSHM. —MILLEN ANDRE E.GELA

“I offer this trophy to our God Almighty, to my family, for their unending support, motivation and guidance, to my team, the DMI, without your help I know I wouldn't be able to achieve this, and lastly to Dring, thank you for making me feel loved,” said Baylon. Meanwhile, the U-League All-Stars and Team Mission and Development bested their adversaries in the afternoon exhibition games, 70-68 and 74-64, respectively.

The first exhibition game pitted this year’s U-League All-Stars against the visiting Team Shakey’s in a moderately-paced yet neck-andneck battle at the hardcourt. Team Shakey’s grabbed the first quarter, 16-11. However, the second unit of the All-Stars started the second quarter with a flurry of points in the paint, offensive rebounds, second chance points, and hustle plays that eventually brought them closer to Team Shakey’s at halftime,

TIMEOUT

Sibling Synergy

(L-R) Ria and Riana Corteza

NAME: Ria Priscilla Velez Corteza & Rianna Grace Velez Corteza AGE: 19 years old SPORT: Football, Basketball, Athletics, Volleyball COURSE: COMT4-G by LANCE CHRISTIAN M. JUAREZ

From clutch moves to outplays, teamwork has always been a constant driving force in the realm of sports. Its presence has pulsated throughout overtimes, tie-breakers, and of course, eventual victory. But is teamwork entirely a skill? For twins like Ria Priscilla Velez Corteza and Rianna Grace Velez Corteza, teamwork is something inborn. Their journey towards being dedicated athletes did not start with an inspiring story or some sort of calling—it started as simple

as can be: with a decision. It all began during one school day in elementary when their friends encouraged them to play a game of volleyball—they agreed. And that one decision has not been anything less than life-changing for the two of them. According to them, they eventually learned to love not just the sport they played, but also the competitiveness and the camaraderie that came with playing. Back then, winning or losing did not matter as much as the thrill of the game. As they found pleasure in one sport, they found pleasure in other sports throughout their years of schooling—taking up basketball, athletics, and their current main sport: football. When asked why football is their preferred sport, they said: “Football has been our favorite because we find happiness in it—we’ve learned how to love the game and we’ve gained countless friendships through the sport.” They took pride in the sport as it helped them cope with stress. “For us, football is where we can release our emotions and forget our problems because whenever we play, we focus. And whenever we focus, we forget outside things and we become happy, even just for a while.” As time went on, they developed a craving to play sports, and although this might seem to hinder their focus on academic responsibility, they turned it into a source of motivation. “We have a good mindset, to satisfy

our craving to play and to play with dedication, we play not only just to play, we play because we badly want it. And for us, that’s what motivates and inspires us to keep going.” Even though they enjoyed the multiple sports they played, managing their time for academics was still a challenge they were always willing to face. They built a system for themselves: do school work efficiently and then have time to play. “Academics will always come first, but sometimes we also need to sacrifice our time for studying just to train for example, an upcoming tournament. But our priority will always be studying.” Considering they took interest in other sports as well, they developed a sense of discipline from their time management as well. It’s this concept of using happiness as not just something to feel, but something to motivate what drives the twins to manage their time well. “To the athletes that are struggling, always prioritize something that you’re sure can bring you up,” they said. Everyone knows about the teamwork between players in the heat of the moment—but we often forget that the sharp coordination always starts with the self. Discipline, motivation, and dedication to the craft influence our performance in not just playing sports, but in anything we do.

42-39. The second half of the game saw a couple of lead changes as each team exchanged three-pointers and floaters with Shakey’s finishing the third quarter with a slim 5453 lead. Defensive plays, fastbreak points, three-pointers, and hustle efforts ignited the fourth quarter as each team battled it out for the win. However, it was the All-Stars’ De Jesus that slithered his way to the hoop and clinched the W from Team

Shakey’s. Subsequently, the faculty members of Team Mission and Development proved that age is just a number in their stellar performance against the Yellow Thunders, commanding and eventually owning the whole game with their shots from beyond the arc and points in the paint. The U-League and the subsequent exhibition games are hosted by the University Student Government’s Department of Sports Affairs.

Negrense boxer fights for a second chance at world title by IDA SARENA M. GABAYA

Bacolod pride Genesis Servania proved to the entire boxing world that he deserves another shot at a world championship title when he returned to the ring and outboxed Mexican Carlos Carlson at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, California last September 29. As mentioned in an online article from Panay News, Servania—who is currently based in Nakazawa, Japan for his training—stated: “I trained hard for this fight and I’ll give all my best. My opponent is a good fighter, I have respect for him.” After months of serious training and preparation, Servania was eager to put on a good fight against Carlson; knowing that a win from this match can be his ticket towards his dream fight with the current world title holder Isaac Dogboe. Servania boxed with intensity on the first rounds, as he kept the match heated, flooring Carlson with a sharp right hand counter. Most importantly, he showed off his speed and power after knocking out Carlson in the third round of their super bantamweight clash. The Mexican was no longer able to rise again after the ten count

*SERVANIA

PHOTO TAKEN FROM THE INTERNET

administered by referee Marcos Rosales, announcing Servania as the victor via knockout with 2:15 left in the third round. Per ESPN News, Servania’s manager, Naoyuki Kashimi, claims that the Filipino boxer is willing to face any fighter with a world title. Since suffering his first career loss in the hands of two-time Mexican Olympian Oscar Valdez last year, Servania has won three consecutive bouts in the squared circle.