Sept-Oct 2019 Newspaper

T R U T H

B E Y O N D

SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2019

K N O W I N G

Sem gani ga break, kamo pa ayhan? Charess!

THE OFFICIAL S TUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSIT Y OF S T. L A SALLE

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VOL 64 NO. 5

BCD CALLS FOR CLIMATE ACTION The first city in PH to declare climate emergency

BY KATHERINE E. CO AND ALAN S. VILLANUEVA JR.

TAKE TO THE STREETS. The youth of Bacolod City gather and rally in front of the Social Action Center to inform the public about environmental issues. —KIARA NICOLE D. VILLA

The City of Bacolod officially declared a ‘climate emergency’ last July after the resolution authored by Councilor Carl Lopez was approved by the city council, thereafter making the city the first in the country and Asia to do so.

Last Sept. 24, around 5,000 students along with school representatives from different institutions in the city participated in a climate crisis talk and multisectoral forum entitled “Our House is on Fire: The Climate Emergency Forum” at the Coliseum. “[I]f we act now, if we act urgently, we can turn around our economic systems, our lifestyles, our businesses, so that they are able to confront rapidly developing realities brought about by climate change,” pressed keynote speaker Comm. Rachel Anne Herrera of the Climate Change Commission, who encouraged the youth’s involvement.

The initiative, facilitated by the newly-created University Climate Task Force, was aligned with the simultaneous global climate strikes, and the United Nations Climate Action Summit which saw 16-year-old Greta Thunberg and other youth activists advocating urgent action among world leaders and corporate executives whom she strongly criticized for being “business as usual” despite the rapidly worsening climate crisis.

Most Reverend Gerardo Alminaza of the Diocese of San Carlos, Joshua Villalobos of Linghod, Ted Lopez of Alter Trade Foundation, Incorporated, and Jose Maria Vargas of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), discussed their thoughts on the mitigation of the crisis.

In solidarity with the city’s initiatives and Pope Francis’ call for climate action earlier this June, the Diocese of Bacolod declared a climate emergency, with it being the first Philippine diocese to issue such a statement.

“We need all hands on deck—young and old, rich and poor alike—because we are all in the same boat called Planet Earth which is actually sinking,” Climate Task Force Head Alan Brillantes urged.

St. La Salle relic on nationwide tour for 300th year celebration

BY IVEE E. MANGUILIMOTAN AND PAULA MAE E. VILLAROSA

In honor of St. John Baptist De La Salle’s tercentenary death anniversary, the founder’s right arm bone relic graced the University of St. La Salle (USLS) last Sept. 23 - Oct. 14.

The relic tour was organized

by De La Salle Philippines (DLSP) tercentenary committee to commemorate the founder’s faith and life journey through the pilgrimage of his relic to various La Salle schools in the country.

Upon the arrival of the relic at USLS, it was welcomed by an institutional mass in the Coliseum attended by the entire Lasallian community.

“We cannot thank [our founder] enough for the gift of Lasallian education. We are likewise grateful for the Lasallian spirit that has remained in and among us these past 67 years and has been our source of strength,

comfort, and inspiration,” Br. Joaquin Severino Martinez shared during the homily.

The Institutional Events Committee under the Vice Chancellor of Mission and Development (VCMD) spearheaded and prepared a series of activities for the duration of the relic’s stay with USLS. “Basically, the activities that were lined up for the year-long celebration were planned and implemented by […]

DLSP and so, all schools are expected […] to support and implement the said activities in their respective institutions,” VCMD Director Geoffrey Bob Bergante reiterated.

The relic was also brought to San Sebastian Cathedral for a mass headed

by Bishop Patricio Buzon, SDB, D.D. Days after, the relic stayed overnight at the Carmelite Monastery and two nights at the Sacred Heart Seminary, visited the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Shrine, and was

brought to the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos during the youth camps.

“One of the purposes of the relic tour was for us not just to confine the relic within our campus […] but to share the life of the founder with the local diocese, with other institutions, with other parishes,” Bergante concluded.

On the relic’s last day in the university, a send-off mass was held at the Coliseum led by Fr. Ronald Quijano and was followed by a send-off message from the brother president.

“Remember what Bishop Buzon told us: we are living relics. The founder’s work continues in us and through us,” Br. Martinez highlighted.

The relic was then brought to St. Joseph School-La Salle where it will stay from Oct. 14 - Nov. 10 before flying to Mindanao for the remainder of the tour.

PIECE TO REMEMBER. In remembrance of the founder’s teachings, the Lasallian community gathered and welcomed the relic with an institutional mass. —ANGELO F. DESPI NEWS

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CAS dean brings honor to the univer- The Spectrum stands firm in its fight JSCC recognizes Bacolod City as the Lasallian exhibit relives the lineage against those who suppress freedom 5th of the supposed 14 justice zones and culture of Negrenses for this sity after bagging gold in the Social of speech and promote culture of Science & Humanities category during year’s Indigenous Peoples’ Month in the country. the sixth international conference. death under the current regime. celebration. read on page S2

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FETCH. A woman obtains water from the only water source at the Gawad Kalinga Lopue, Bago City. —ANGELO F. DESPI

USLS adopts ZEP

BY STARLENE JOY B. PORTILLO

The latest World Bank data revealed that 23.1 million Filipinos live below the poverty line—and that is what the Zero Extreme Poverty (ZEP) PH wants to change.

In participation to the nationwide ZEP initiative, USLS started incorporating ZEP goals into its community programs this June, through the BALAYAN Social Development Center.

ZEP is a coalition of nongovernment agencies that aim to reduce extreme poverty in the Philippines by 2030, in connection to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals deadline.

“The first call [for ZEP engagement] came directly from De La Salle Philippines (DLSP) President Br. Armin Luistro, as he is one of the convenors of ZEP PH,” BALAYAN Director Andre Tagamolila shared.

Furthermore, he added that through the Lasallian Justice and Peace Commission [of DLSP], the Lasallian ZEP (LZEP) was given as one of the priority agenda for all social development offices of all La Salle schools in the country.

The thrust for LZEP in USLS began when BALAYAN conducted

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a pilot testing at one of the university’s partner communities, Gawad Kalinga (GK) Dulao in Bago City.

According to Tagamolila, the ZEP initiative has a survey tool called Poverty Probability Index (PPI) that identifies families belonging to the extremely poor status. In essence, extreme poverty refers to income below the international poverty line amounting to P96.58 (or $1.90) per day.

“First and foremost, we need to enhance the awareness of members from our institution regarding the real situation of people in our partner communities. [After doing so], we should integrate the awareness in all our learning platforms be it inside the classroom or a non-formal venue,” the BALAYAN director said.

BALAYAN plans to make their LZEP a research-based activity that will first identify the needs and nuances in the community through a paper proposal, that shall then be supported by continued engagement involving Lasallian students and faculty alike.

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SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2019

CHE to require qualifying exams USG implements 17 SDGs for incoming second year students

BY JOSHUA L. MAHILUM

-KIARA NICOLE D. VILLA

BY PATRICK N. BILLOJAN

In support of the United Nations’ (UN) 2030 agenda, the University Student Government (USG) anchored its programs with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for this academic year.

The USG’s schemes are focused on the Big Three programs aimed to create greater ripples of inclusive development namely, SDG Fora, Treasurers Union Skills Training (TRUST), and League of Campus Organizations President (LCOP) “We have already accomplished 11 out of 17 SDGs this first semester, and we are looking to make the remaining six SDGs more interactive,” USG President Angelica Moreño expressed.

Moreño also shared how these SDGs are planted throughout the academic year.

“We have already planned out what SDG for each month should be tackled in the whole academic year, but it depends usually with the availability of the speakers.

We really want to incorporate the different SDGs every time we have

activities or events like the Club Fair, Dagway, and L-Week and we always make sure that we hit at least one SDG,” the USG President added.

She also emphasized that the remaining six SDGs—no poverty, zero hunger; decent work and economic growth; industry innovation and infrastructure; sustainable cities and communities; and peace and justice—will be tackled in the next semester every month through seminars and interactive activities.

This movement is part of the overall theme of their campaign this year which is “LEZGO LASALLE: Brighter Futures Built Together”.

Coined from the union of the statements “Let’s Go, Generation Z” and “La Salle”, the movement aims to counter passivity through boosted student involvement by living the mission and vision of St. La Salle.

“The theme serves as a commitment of the USG in creating a progressive society,” Moreño stressed. “It is deeply rooted with the eagerness to do more.”

Starting next academic year, the Chemical Engineering (ChE) Department will require incoming second year students to take and pass a qualifying examination for them to remain in the program.

“The purpose of the admission policy is to ensure that aptitude-wise, incoming second year Chemical Engineering students are ready for the challenge ahead,” Chemical Engineering Chairperson Ma. Junallie Pomperada said.

The examination, which will be given between April and May, will cover concepts discussed in major subjects taken up during the students’ freshmen year such as Differential and Integral Calculus, Physics, and Analytical Chemistry.

The chairperson explained that this is one way of improving the readiness of Lasallian graduates who will be taking the Chemical Engineer Licensure Examinations in the future.

This comes after the program’s pending Level II accreditation status given by the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities (PAASCU) last academic year.

-ANNA THERESA S. PARAYNO

Based on an agreement with PAASCU, the University of St. La Salle needs to perform above the national in terms of passing rate for four consecutive times in order to lift the pending status of the program.

As per PAASCU’s recommendation, the department started the implementation of the 70% cut-off grade policy in all professional subjects during the second semester last academic year, and the 2030-50 weighted average policy in the computation of grades attributed to the prelim, midterm, and endterm periods, respectively.

“Drastic changes have to happen. […] Comparing it to a processing line:

before a product becomes ninety-nine percent pure, it has to go through a series of processes to remove the impurities and unwanted by-products,” Pomperada remarked.

Despite all the changes that are happening in the program, the chairperson still hopes that with the students’ continued support and understanding, the program can perform better.

“There has to be this sense of responsibility of what’s expected of them as Lasallians […] and a sense of one hundred percent trust in the institution which they believed is capable of honing them to be the best that they could be,” Pomperada concluded.

CAS dean bags gold in int’l confab

BY HANA PATRICIA RAJ E. HAUTEA AND PAULA MAE E. VILLAROSA

The Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) was awarded Best Paper in the Social Science & Humanities category of the sixth international conference on Innovative Trends in Multidisciplinary Academic Research (ITMAR) at Istanbul, Turkey last Oct. 19-20.

Dr. Rowena Bañes, alongside her USLS team members Dr. Calvin Ganub, Cinderella Francisco, and Janne Gilpo titled their winning research “Surviving College Life: Unmasking Adjustment Concerns and Coping Strategies of International Students”, which was competed against works of researchers all over the globe.

“One of the major findings of the study was while the [international] students are relatively coping well, there are tendencies that they may fall towards non-productive coping,” Dr. Bañes explained regarding the material of the research.

Bañes also added that the paper tackled global issues on internationalization, as students go around in search of meaningful and productive career-making.

The team was sent two invitations—the first, a request to submit their abstract followed by the full paper and the second for the presentation of the study at the conference.

“By God’s provision, I went to Turkey [and] presented that paper to the conference without knowing that at the end of the conference, I got the award as Best Paper,” she laughed.

As of the moment, the CAS dean will focus on administrative concerns while simultaneously working on three researches with three different teams: the first on feedbacking in the university

—PHOTO COURTESY OF DR. ROWENA BAÑES

system, the second about the feasibility of offering new courses in CAS, and the third regarding the careers of CAS alumni.

“It was not me—it was a team effort,” Dr. Bañes articulated. “I am so humbled by how people reacted [and] felt so inspired to do research, since, for me, it is far more rewarding and fulfilling that people get inspired by what you are doing.”

CAS constellates at diamond year

BY PAULA MAE E. VILLAROSA

ZERO EXTREME POVERTY

“We have to make sure that the initiative is sustainable, and that the community we are partnering with should be empowered. Their capabilities should be enabled so that even when [USLS] is out of the picture, they’ll be able to develop on their own,” Tagamolila explained regarding the LZEP approach.

Eventually, BALAYAN hopes to expand its reach to other

USLS partner communities, prioritizing the ones with the biggest number of ‘extremely poor’ families.

Among these partner-barangays are Villamonte, Granada, Mandalagan, Banago, Singcang, and Punta Taytay.

“We are hoping to create a contribution, but we need the grace of God and all the help we can get from everyone to make sure we can do something for the people,” Tagamolila concluded.

To relive the Artian spirit, the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) came together to celebrate their diamond anniversary with the theme “CAS @ 60: Constellating, Affirming, and Synergizing”.

Led by CAS Dean Dr. Rowena Bañes, with the CAS council, CAS alumni, and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the celebration consists of year-round activities from March 1, 2019 to Feb. 29, 2020.

The jubilee celebration kicked-off with Christmas in July, an outreach effort for the maintenance and security personnel of the university.

“We go back to our theme— constellate which means ‘to unite in a cluster’. We want to unite and form one,

amazing constellation,” CAS secretary Audrey Evidente cited.

Evidente also emphasized that the council is exerting effort to ensure the college bags titles in institutional activities to spread the word about the diamond year.

“We’re doing this for the love of the college. We want to show that we may have been underdogs last [academic] year, but we won’t let the college reach that point again,” Evidente highlighted.

Recently, the Diamond Lecture series concluded with the Forensic Linguistic (FL) seminar by Dr. Marilu Madrunio, pioneer in FL research in the Philippines, among 120 representatives from institutions in the country on Oct.

11 at MM Audi A. “CAS is the second college established. […] Since then, the program has been relevant in the light of provincial development,” Bañes stressed.

The rest of the celebration is still in the works such as the Artians Diamond Christmas Show, Valentine’s Breakfast, Artians’ Diamond Camp night, and CAS Diamond Ball.

“We have to look back with great appreciation and gratitude for the 60th year of its (CAS) existence and honor those leaders who started the college, [the] previous deans [whose] leadership made the college as it is now,” Bañes added.

Lasallians unite for annual international coastal cleanup

BY KYNAH RHEA B. FUENTES

CLEAN UP. University of St. La Salle NSTP classes participated at the annual International Coastal Cleanup at the coast of Bago City. —GERICO T. GUANCO

In observance of the annual International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), the Balayan Social Development Office, in partnership with the National Service Training Program (NSTP) and the local government, spearheaded the ninth environmental protection activity by the Lasallian community last Sept. 21 and 28.

Campus club members, faculty and non-teaching personnel, and 50 NSTP classes were in attendance to promote the integrity of creation and campaign for climate emergency.

“I think it’s really a moral obligation for us here in the university to really be aware [and] at the same time do something.

Within a day, students are able to see the

reality they cannot observe [if they just stay] in the classroom,” stated Balayan Environmental Senior Administrative Assistant and Gawad Kalinga-Dulao community organizer, Jhun Ivor Jimera.

Jimera also stressed that we should be thinking about our biodiversity— everything thrown proceeds to our seas and coastal areas and so, if we consume fish that have eaten garbage, at the same time, we are affected.

The areas covered during the cleanup included: Brgy. Poblacion, Brgy. Sampinit, Brgy. Calumanggan and Brgy. Taloc in Bago City; Seawall and Prk. Bayanihan II in Brgy.

Punta Taytay; Balaring in Silay City; and other four sites in E.B. Magalona.

“Unlike the usual cleanup, ICC provides data cards where volunteers can record the amount and types of trash taken in the coastal areas, instead of just picking them up,” Jimera explained.

After the data collection and recording per site, activity head organizer Jimera reports the results directly to the Ocean Conservancy—a non-profit organization responsible for the implementation of ICC worldwide, as they provide in-depth scientific study and analysis of the global trash.

“Ordinances such as ‘No to Styro’ and the compulsory Materials Recovery Facilities in barangays and schools existed because of the results of the coastal

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 64 NUMBER 5 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2019

NEWS

SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2019

USLS acquires 100% passing rate in 2019 REE and PLE

BY ALAN S. VILLANUEVA JR.

The University of St. La Salle (USLS) maintained excellence by garnering a 100 percent passing rate in the Registered Electrical Engineer (REE) Licensure Examinations with 15 passers and Physician Licensure Examinations (PLE) with 52 passers.

Additionally, USLS attained a national passing rate of 67.16 percent for the REE board examinations and 84.96 percent for the PLE. In comparison to the university’s performance in the 2017 REE exams, the recent passers have maintained the 100 percent passing rate which was acquired by the five first-time takers at the time.

On the other hand, this year’s PLE passers have surpassed the 82.46 percent passing rate, established by 47 out of 57 passers.

Among the EE students passers is 24-year-old Martin Benedict Padilla, who studied Electrical Engineering at the Technological University of the Philippines-Visayas (TUP-V) in 2015 and continued at USLS until March of this

year.

“I took off all of my anxiety since I needed to focus [more] on studying than worrying,” Padilla described when asked how he conditioned himself.

Previously, Padilla underwent Supervised Industrial Training (SIT) 1 at the Central Negros Electric Cooperative, Incorporated in Silay, and his SIT 2 and 3 at Toyota Motor Corporation in Laguna.

“My SIT 3 in TUP-V made me realize how hard life is when settled as a technician since I was made to work my buttocks off [...] and be paid a little bit above the minimum wage,” he elaborated.

Following the Engineer’s accomplishment is the 28-year-old Esa Katrina Balsomo who graduated from Nursing in 2012 and Medicine in 2018 at USLS. “I made sure that I was fully committed to taking the September 2019 PLE because once I start, there’s no point of turning back,” Balsomo cited as her preparation for the exam.

Moreover, she chose a suitable medical board preparation center for reviewing, and practiced a timed studying and

relaxation routine.

“It is what fuels me to keep going,” Balsomo expressed, referring to her parents’ emotional support and God’s spiritual guidance.

Concerning faith, she noted that despite her uncertainty, she would not fail with her utmost exertion of effort and trust in God. “However, that confidence slowly faded away on my third day of exams since I had a mental breakdown,” Balsomo detailed.

As a former nurse trainee, staff nurse, and postgraduate medical intern at Doctor Pablo O. Torre Memorial Hospital, she established confidence given the familiarity of some concepts in their conferences.

Subsequently, Balsomo plans to take her Hippocratic Oath and apply for a three-year residency training in the Department of Anesthesiology at the aforementioned hospital.

“My training made me resilient, and I used that resiliency to pass the licensure exam,” Padilla summarized, on the other hand.

Class 2019 summa cum laude takes home TOSP-VI award

BY DISNEY MARIE L. ESPARTERO

USLS Class of 2019 Valedictorian Stephine Paul Dungca was recognized as a Regional Awardee for the 58th Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) - Western Visayas last Sept. 15 at Casa Real, Iloilo City.

Dungca and Social Studies Education graduate Joemarie Ticar both represented the university for the awarding ceremony where it was announced that Dungca, along with five other Regional Awardees, is qualified to move on to the national screening.

Given annually, the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines award is given to “model students who exhibit academic excellence, exemplary leadership, and

a deep sense of social responsibility, anchored on good moral values”.

“I was shaking when I was receiving the award on stage [...] I felt proud that I was standing there for the whole USLS Community,” he stated.

Dungca, a graduate of BS Hospitality, said that the award motivates him to strive for excellence in everything he does.

Currently, he is a Lasallian volunteer in Guiuan, Eastern Samar.

“The award affirmed all of my hard work since the first day I committed myself to excellence and service. [...] It motivated me to be a better volunteer in all of my endeavours so that I get to inspire people, especially the youth to excel in their own rights,” he expressed.

However, despite being an

awardee, he admitted that life has not always been easy for him.

“At some point, you’ll fall and fail.

That’s the price to be paid if you want to excel in your own field. Why? It’s because nobody comes off as excellent without hitting rock bottom. I’ve been down there before. And success tastes sweeter when you’re humbled by failure,” he shared.

With all the ups and downs, Dungca is still thankful and expresses his gratitude to his Alma Mater and everyone who helped him succeed.

In times when the road is rough, he shared that he just holds on to his faith to get him through.

“God is the biggest factor for me to receive my award. [...] It’s all because of His faithfulness in a broken vessel like me. It’s all by His grace and glory,” he concluded.

S3

New parking lot offers 100 car spaces; 300% fee hike

BY KYNAH RHEA B. FUENTES AND PATRICK N. BILLOJAN

UPGRADED. The University of St. La Salle’s newly constructed three-storey parking lot became fully operational last Sept. 17. —ANGELO F. DESPI

The University of St. La Salle opened its new three-story parking lot that can accommodate a total of 100 cars near Gate 2 last Sept. 17.

For its utilization, the university charged a 300 percent increase in parking fees from the previous amount of P500 to P1500, whereas the pickup and drop-off costs half of it.

Vice Chancellor for Administration Charo Mae Cordova stressed that the swell in prices is primarily for parking lot maintenance and the exclusivity of entry which will perk up security and allow the university to control the vehicles on the campus.

“We have to make sure we give the parking spaces for people who really need and want it. [...] We cannot afford to have people in cars come in without any specific purpose here in school,” Cordova said.

Other than to address the lack of parking spaces on campus,

ABCO stud film entry lands in 2019 MMFF

NEWS FEATURE

31st L-Week centers on unity

VICTORIOUS FACES. College of Arts and Sciences emerges triumphant during the Lasallian Week Aurora: Splendor of Festivals. —KARL BRIAN T. MARQUEZA

BY ERICA JAINE A. MESTRE AND JORIE E. TORIANO

With the spirit of excitement and the thrill of seeing food stalls dotting every corner of the campus last Sept. 9-13, the 31st Lasallian Week themed “Miscellanea: Uniting Lasallian Differences” was celebrated.

“Miscellanea is a collection of various things or people—each one being puzzle pieces to create a model of change in the society and to create a world where Lasallian differences will be accepted,” University Student Government (USG) Executive President Angelica Moreño said.

Rev. Fr. Jerryvel Celestial hosted a welcoming mass at the Coliseum on the first day, followed by an introductory message from the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Rowela Chiu whereas Brother Joaquin Severino Martinez, FSC gave his inspirational message.

“As we respond to the call of the times, we make sure that no one is left

behind. And together in communion and association, we achieve our goals. As Lasallians, as Filipinos, as members of this global community […], we have to take action,” Chiu emphasized in her opening remarks.

Meanwhile, the College of Arts and Sciences went home with a landslide victory in the Pre-Pageant Night of Lasallian Icons 2019 themed “Aurora: Splendor of Festivals” which highlighted the opening day of the University Week.

On its second day, Lasallians participated in various activities such as Book Marathon, Mobile Museum, K-Fest, Dagaya, Debate, Plate Painting, the Praise Fest which was spearheaded by the USG Department of Religious Services, and U-Finals­—one of the significant events of the day where Team White was hailed as the All-Stars Basketball Champion.

As the Lasallian Week continued, students from the Integrated School (IS), Liceo, distinct colleges of the university, and several schools such as Colegio San Agustin and Binalbagan Catholic College

attended and participated.

While the intense Bingo Game was ongoing on the 3rd day, Shaniah Sausa upstaged her fellow opponents in the Tikal-Tikal Contest themed, “Ako ang Pinaka-Astig sa La Salle” in the Coliseum Lobby while The Jager proved to be extremely competitive as they ruled the elimination matches then secured the Interbarkada Women’s football cup, followed by Futgals who came in second and Jr. Booters in third place at the Dizon Football Field.

The same day, smiling faces washed out the Moot Court as students of the Special Education Center of Bacolod experienced a discrimination-free university week as they toured in selected booths.

The L-Week also became a medium for spreading awareness such as the HIV Lecture and Screening, the Mental Health Forum and Financial Management Talk which were conducted on Sept. 11-13, respectively.

On the fourth day, the USLS Musikat fired up the parking lot in front of the Coliseum with their astounding and ravishing performance themed “U-Rock” preceded by major events on the final day.

Subsequently, Team Pirates emerged victorious against Burger King, 13-7, for the championship at the Dizon Field after ten hours of relentless elimination games, on the same day Team Epic reigned as winners in the Lasallian Week Beach Volleyball Competition which set foot at the University Sandbox.

The celebration ended when the roaring Green Lions’ bet David Liu Reasol and Paula Joanne Dequilla were crowned as the Lasallian Icons 2019 during the Pageant Night.

the parking lot was constructed in compliance of the conditional occupancy permit issued by the Office of Building Officials for the fulfillment of the university’s macro plan which intends to transfer the College of Medicine by 2021.

“If we are going to build more, then we have to add [parking spaces],” Cordova explained, adding that if the students were to come back to the main campus and the college areas are full, then the demand for parking will only worsen.

Furthermore, to monitor the vehicles entering the campus, color-coded car stickers were issued to the administrators, security guards and janitors, staff, students, and concessionaires for parking, pick up, and drop off.

“The agreement was we raise the fees and be strict in implementing so that those who pay are given the privilege really of being exclusive,” Cordova stated.

-ANGELO F. DESPI

BY KYNAH RHEA B. FUENTES

Out of 126 entries, a local short film by a second year Lasallian AB Communication student was among the top eight finalists in the 2019 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) student short film category.

The five-minute film titled “Tabako”, written and directed

by Alfredo Bayon-on Jr., explores the story of a young hiker who met Kan Laon at the peak of Mt. Kanlaon and were both at the state of fulfilling their promises.

“I actually made the script two days before the deadline of submission of scripts. I don’t really have a plan to join the competition, but some of my friends were pushing me to submit my script,” Bayon-on stated.

The MMFF competition kicked off with the submission of the screenplays, where 16 were then selected to produce their film and finally, eight were chosen by the committee to be part of the said festival.

“The schedule for the whole production was very tough. The actual day of the shoot was only one day and we only have five days to edit and finish the post production before the deadline,” Bayon-on said, explaining that the duration of the pre and postproduction happened within a few weeks only.

In the course of the production, the Institute of Moving Image and Center for Marketing and Communications provided equipment in the filming and served as consultants with the technical aspects.

According to Bayon-on, aside from the challenges they faced during the filming, he struggled from being hopeless in producing the film due to time constraints and the pressure in competing with the biggest student filmmakers from other schools and universities.

“Until now, I still can’t believe [that] my entry made it to the final part of the festival. [...] However, I still pulled it off,” Bayon-on expressed, seeing as this was his first time competing for the said event.

The short film entries are to be screened before the full-length films for the festival in all cinemas nationwide this December 7, 2019 to January 7, 2020.

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 64 NUMBER 5 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2019

S4

OPINION

Editorial

SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2019

Bad Jokes Take Lives The Spectrum strongly condemns the suppression of freedom of speech, red-tagging, and culture of death under the current regime. We stand in solidarity with journalists, youth activists, and concerned citizens in the war against misinformation and smart-shaming. We insist that we are all accountable in defending press freedom, not just to protect our democracy, but to fearlessly disempower public servants whose motivations are corrupt.

Previous headlines have proven too that human life is futile as a punchline for PRRD. T*ng*n* start killing there, dalawa na lang tayo pa-preso, he said during Jovie Espenido’s installation as deputy city director for operations in Bacolod City Police Office last October. But this brand of humor was amiss compared to UPV Skimmers’ viral rendition of a K-Pop song: Let’s kill this president!

Charot! In fact, the purpose of satire has been relentlessly defeated that when an intelligent joke is supposed to be understood as an attempt to rouse dialogue, it is rather shunned or misconstrued.

As such, our stride as a nation persists. Matters could dip further until 2022. (God knows how would the Filipino resilience endure) but every Juan should rise up against the scale of incompetence and atrocities PRRD and his cronies are perpetuating. The refusal to stay woke and take action will be our ultimate Achilles’ heel.

We can no longer fool around and piss off PRRD whose autocratic leadership has turned us vs. us because of lifethreatening risks. However, resistance comes in many forms. It is meant to shake off established orders. And we, in our own proactive and post-Mocha Uson ways, must test and magnify the grim realities entangled within our local communities and address them through quality reportage and social development, be it in cyberspace or in real life.

Our publication firmly believes that the next revolution will not be among the streets but among ourselves: an ouster of lethal political will.

Remember that the truest change and sequence of better narratives would set in motion once the press— without charot to undo it—is dead. The press, then, must look after and work hand-in-hand with the people and vice versa because it is only through merging forces that the last laugh will be completely ours. And when this happens, more lives will be spared from clownery that is our government.

THESPECTRUM FOUN D ED 1 9 5 6

facebook.com/thespectrumusls · thespectrum.usls@gmail.com VOLUME 64 NUMBER 5 · SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2019 Member Alliance of Lasallian Campus Journalists and Advisers Hezron G. Pios

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Starlene Joy B. Portillo ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Joshua L. Mahilum MANAGING EDITOR

Hana Patricia Raj E. Hautea ASST. MANAGING EDITOR

Andrea Danielle A. Gamboa EXTERNAL AFFAIRS DIRECTOR

NEWSPAPER EDITOR Ivee E. Manguilimotan ASST. NEWSPAPER EDITOR Ma. Kristine R. Bayadog MAGAZINE EDITOR Lance Christian M. Juarez ONLINE PUBLICATIONS EDITOR Kynah Rhea B. Fuentes ASST. ONLINE PUBLICATIONS EDITOR Angela A. Coronel LITERARY EDITOR Disney Marie L. Espartero CREATIVE DIRECTOR Martini M. Falco PHOTOS & VIDEOS EDITOR Martini M. Falco ASST. PHOTOS & VIDEOS EDITOR Karl Brian T. Marqueza LAYOUT AND GRAPHICS EDITOR Alexandra V. Bachoco ASST. LAYOUT AND GRAPHICS EDITOR Katherine E. Co PHOTOJOURNALISTS

NEWSPAPER WRITERS

Alan S. Villanueva John Vincent E. Rivera Patrick N. Billojan MAGAZINE WRITERS

Maegan Joy Matamoro

Angelo F. Despi Peter Job T. Bearneza Jr. LAYOUT AND GRAPHICS ARTISTS

Kiara Nicole D. Villa Gerico T. Guanco Alfredo Jr. R. Bayon-on ILLUSTRATORS

ONLINE WRITERS

Shan Marc O. Jabagat Jorie E. Toriano

Anna Theresa S. Parayno Carl Hason T. Gerale Earl John D. Pabular WEB ADMINISTRATORS

LITERARY WRITERS

Paula Mae E. Villarosa Erica Jaine A. Mestre Alvin Brian S. Legario

Christian Dominic L. Ledesma CONTRIBUTOR

Coleen Awit

PUBLICATION MODERATOR

Jean Lee C. Patindol

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.

—CARL HASON T. GERALE

M

‘Maki-baka! Laban sa mga takot!’

asaya ka bang ipinatupad at pinataasan ang minimum wage?

Nagkaroon ng maternal leave ang mga kababaihan? May matatag na sahod para sa mga nag-oovertime? Itinaguyod ang mga karapatang manggagawa? Isinulong ang mga batas para sa mga kababaihan at kabataan pati na sa mga kapatid nating magsasaka? Nakamit ng mga kabataan ang karapatan para sa libreng edukasyon? Iilan lamang ito sa mga batas na pinagtagumpayang isulong ng mga taong patuloy ang pagsigaw sa kalsada, hawak-hawak ang kaniya-kaniyang plakard, ipinaglalaban ang karapatang panlahat dala-dala ang pananampalataya ukol sa kabutihan para sa bayan at bawat isa.

Kung maaalala ng sambayanang Pilipino, mismong pagaaklas laban sa rehimeng Marcos ang naging susi upang makawala tayo sa gapos ng Martial Law, na magpasahanggang ngayon ay ipinagdiriwang natin ang makabuluhang EDSA Revolution. Ngunit heto nanaman tayo ngayo’t inaapakan ng kasalukuyang gobyerno ang mga kritiko at aktibistang grupo.

Kamakailan lamang, sunod-sunod ang paghuhuli ng militanteng hukbo sa mga kilusang aktibistang grupo sa bansa kabilang na ang mahigit 50 ka taong nadakip sa lungsod ng Bacolod. Iilan sa mga grupo ay ang Bayan Muna, Gabriela, National Federation of Sugar Workers, at KARAPATAN. Buhat ng warrant of arrest na inilabas noong ika-30 ng Oktubre ni Quezon City Regional Trial Court Executive Judge Cecilyn Burgos-Villavert na siyang nagbigaydaan sa pulisya na siyasatin ang mga opisina ng mga progresibong grupo sa Bacolod kung saan nakuha nila ang ilang armas sa isinagawang operasyon sa kasunod na araw.

S

Ivy Aguas

Ivee E. Manguilimotan iveeechinm@gmail.com

Negatibo man ang pananaw ng lipunan sa mga taong nagpaparada sa kalsada, naiintindihan naman nila na kailangan ng mundo ang mga taong ipaglalaban ang karapatang nararapat sa bawat isa.

Kahina-hinala ang kapanahunan ng pagsagawa ng naturang operasyon sapagkat nangyari ito sa kasagsagan ng undas at sa araw ng Biyernes na kung tutuusin, matatagalan ang mga nasasakdal na mag-apila sa korte para maasikaso ang kanilang pagtutol. Pinaghihinalaan din na inimplanta ang mga armas sa kanilang opisina upang mas lalo silang madiin ng gobyerno at mawalan ng pwersa na mag-aklas laban dito.

Hindi maipagkakailang nakakabahala ang pangyayaring ito ngunit mas mababanaag ang katiwaliang nais ng gobyerno. Patahimikin ang mga palaban. Patigilin ang pagparada.

Paamuhin ang masa. Palipasin ang gulo. Patuloy ang pamamahala. Sa panahon ng krisis mas kinakailangan ang kapangyarihan ng aktibismo.

Negatibo man ang pananaw ng lipunan sa mga

taong nagpaparada sa kalsada, naiintindihan naman nila na kailangan ng mundo ang mga taong ipaglalaban ang karapatang nararapat sa bawat isa.

Sila ang nagsisilbing boses para sa mga taong kapag reklamo lamang ang kaya. Sila ang taong nakikipagtunggali sa pulisya para sa mga taong yumuyuko sa awtoridad. Sila ang nag-aangat sa mga kapatirang walang lakas lumaban. Sila ang pagbabago.

Malulumpo ang lipunan kung wala ang mga aktibistang nakikibaka. Tunay ngang nakakatakot ang pagiging aktibista, nasa lansangan ang buhay at nasa dulo ng baril ng mga nasa itaas. Kaya labis-labis na lamang ang pananapak at panliliit ng administrasyon dahil sila rin mismo ang takot sa kapangyarihang taglay ang mga aktibista. Kung sama-samang mag-aklas ang sambayanang pinangakuan nila ng kaginhawaan, dalawa lamang ang posibleng mangyari: mauulit muli ang kaguluhan noong EDSA o pahihintulutan nila ang kahilingan ng bayan.

Kahit anuman ang piliin, mananaig pa rin ang sambayanan. Kaya mas lalong takot ang gobyerno kapag hindi nila nakontrol ang mga aktibistang grupo.

Pangmalawakang pag-unawa ang kailangan upang mas lalong maintindihan kung saan nanggagaling ang kilusang palaban.

Paralisado ang tao sa ilalim ng gobyerno kapag walang mag-aaklas. Totohanin sana ng sambayanang sadlak sa kahirapan ang kaugaliang ‘bayanihan’ at maki-baka laban sa

Ivee Manguilimotan, 19, is an accounting information systems student who pursues to uphold valor above all else.

Bakit dapat tayong makinig?

apagkat walang balak ang gobyerno na ihinto ang Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) kahit pa kinukwestyon ito (pati ng mga mambabatas) dahil sa mga hindi makatotohanang hangarin nito; Sapagkat ang PUVMP, na sinimulang ipatupad ng administrayong Duterte noong taong 2017 at naglalayong ‘palitan’ (oo, kailangang brand new) ng mas “ligtas, komportable at makakalikasang” mga sasakyan (oo, hindi lang dyip) ang kasalukuyang mga pampublikong sasakyan na may gulang na 15 taon pataas, ay pasakit sa mga mahihirap; Sapagkat ipagbabawal na ang mga singleunit operators o ang pagkakaroon ng iisang dyip na ibabiyahe sa mga lansangan; Sapagkat tanging ang mga operators na may kakayahang pinansyal lamang ang mabibigyan ng prankisa ayon sa bagong franchising system na inuubliga ang isang operator na bumili ng hindi bababa sa 10 units; Sapagkat ang modernong dyip ay nagkakahalaga ng P1.2 hanggang P1.6 milyong piso bawat isa; Sapagkat kahit na magbibigay ng P80,000 subsidy ang gobyerno sa kada unit na bibilhin ng mga operator, limang porsyento lamang ito ng kabuuang presyo ng isang unit; Sapagkat kahit na magpautang pa ang

gobyerno, sa ilalim ng isang kasunduan sa Development Bank of the Philippines, kailangang maging miyembro muna ang isang operator ng isang mas malaking kooperatiba upang siya’y payagang kumuha ng loan—isang sistema na ayon sa mga senador ay hindi kinasanayan ng mga ordinaryong operators sa bansa; Sapagkat kahit huhulog-hulugan pa ang mga modernong dyip, ang P500.00 na singil kada araw ay sakit pa rin sa bulsa ng isang ordinaryong operator at tsuper; Sapagkat ang phaseout ng mga dyip ay nakatakda na sa Hulyo sa susunod na taon; Sapagkat maraming kababayan natin ang mababaon sa utang o ang malala—tuluyang mawalan ng trabaho; Sapagkat may mga pamilya rin silang pinapakain; Sapagkat apektado ka rin sa magaganap na pagbabago; Sapagkat tataas ang pamasahe sa bagong mga dyip dahil sa milyong halaga nito; Sapagkat kahit maginhawa man ang pakiramdam sa bagong dyip ay sinasakal naman ang mga tao sa likod nito; Sapagkat ang PUVMP ay isang ambisyosong programa ng administrasyong Duterte; Sapagkat kung anong taas ng ambisyon nito’y siya namang baba ng pagpaplanong ginawa; Sapagkat ang PUVMP ay limang hakbang na talon pataas sa hagdanan;

Extra Josh

Joshua L. Mahilum

joshuamahilum22@gmail.com

Sapagkat kahit maginhawa man ang pakiramdam sa bagong dyip ay sinasakal naman ang mga tao sa likod nito.

Sapagkat pinwersa ang pagtalon sa mga tao; Sapagkat hindi man lang naging parte ng desisyon ang mga taong mas maaapektuhan ng bagong panukala; Sapagkat bingi ang gobyerno sa daing ng mga tsuper sa bansa; Sapagkat kapwa natin Pilipino ang apektado.

Joshua L. Mahilum, 20, is a 2nd year chemical engineering student and an advocate of educational equity.

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 64 NUMBER 5 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2019

Why Rewards (Don’t) Matter in Schools

W

Madame

Ma. Kristine Joy R. Bayadog tinbayadog@gmail.com

But there is a problem in the practice of propelling students to take part in activities that gives a reward after—our intrinsic motivation and a genuine sense of volunteerism weakens.

hen was the last time you did something simply for the enjoyment of the activity itself?

I am pretty sure most, if not all, students, especially from the college, would relate themselves to this question. College life entails a lot of work, stress, pressure, responsibilities, and etc. Since stepping into the first level in college, students have been exposed and required to accomplish performance tasks, term papers, endterm projects, and reports.

They are asked to engage in institutional and other extracurricular activities and whatnot that the school organizes.

Question is, “How can students survive college without compromising or failing in their academic standing?” Well, the answer is, “They (we) are grabbing every chance that comes in return of incentives.” For example, each student had to donate two bottles of Gatorade for the athletes of their respective colleges in exchange for an additional two points in their grade, buy a BINGO ticket just to avail a +1 on the finals, or watch a series of theater plays just to get that limited edition three points on the final GPA.

I do not question the techniques of teachers in getting their students to participate and be active in school activities, but the outcome and the implication of that practice to a student’s behavior. What will students learn, then, after engaging in those activities, out of expectations to receive a reward?

For a college student, yes, incentives matter. In fact, they are crucial for they can make or break your grades. But there is a problem in the practice of propelling students to take part in activities that gives a reward after—our intrinsic motivation and a genuine sense of volunteerism weakens.

Intrinsic motivation is the act of completing or fulfilling an activity for the joy of doing the activity itself. Meaning to say, intrinsically motivated individual acts even without any external reward in return and just simply see the activity as an opportunity for learning and actualizing potentials.

Kristine Bayadog, 20, is an operations management major and a working scholar of the university.

Income over Freedom: Esports Politicized

T

he right to freedom of speech is universal and must always be upheld, even in the realm of esports. As a rapidly growing market in entertainment, esports has had its fair share of controversy and spotlight, and in this article, it’s tied to the Honk Kong extradition protests.

For a brief overview, the popular game company named Blizzard, known for titles like World of Warcraft and Overwatch, had punished pro esports player Ng “Blitzchung” Wai Chung after a Hearthstone tournament on October 8th in the form of a 12-month ban, removal from the tournament, and withdrawal of his prize money. This occured due to Chung expressing support for the Hong Kong protests in a post-game interview: “Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our age!” which Blizzard said had violated a rule of the tournament.

I believe that Blizzard’s choices harmed the well-being of the gaming community, valued China’s market access and revenue over freedom of speech, and showed hypocrisy towards their own values.

To provide more context, Hongkongers were protesting against the now-revoked extradition law which would have extradited convicted people into China’s more unforgiving legal system. Though the story goes much deeper than that, these protests have lasted months and describing them as violent is a gross understatement.

Regardless of Blizzard reducing Blitzchung’s punishment to a six-month ban and returning his prize money after some backlash, the damage had been done.

sans undertale

Lance Christian M. Juarez lancejuarez44@gmail.com

Rules are rules, but rights are rights.

This sparked controversy, made long-time fans make #BoycottBlizzard trending on Twitter, and even made their own employees conduct a walkout in protest.

Specifically, the rule Blitzchung broke was the Hearthstone Grandmaster Official Rules version 1.4, page 12, section 6.1 which wrote: “Engaging in any act that, in Blizzard’s sole discretion, brings you into public disrepute, offends a portion or group of the public, or otherwise damages Blizzard’s image [...]”.

Ironically, Blizzard’s actions seem to have broken their own rule as the company received adverse reactions from their now former supporters and affected their future events like the annual Blizzcon and recent game launches.

This also garnered enough attention to have a statement from John Needham, Global Head of League of Legends Esports, among other devs. “As a general rule, we want to keep our broadcasts focused on the game, the sport,

and the players.” Though, without a rigid reassurance of freedom of speech, game companies can possibly censor sensitive topics in a similar event.

Why is this a huge issue outside of “we want the focus to be on the game”? Going back to the Hearthstone tournament rules, it reads: […] offends a portion or group of the public. In this case, it’s China.

Here’s a fun piece of trivia: based on an article from cnet.com, the research firm Newzoo reported, “The Chinese video games market is worth $36.5 billion, second only to the US as of June 2019.” To put it simply, the value of the Chinese market is rising rapidly and game companies have subtly capitalized on this with renewed partnerships and pandering to their Chinese audience.

Essentially, this makes Blizzard President’s statement claiming China “had no influence on our decision” a bit tonguein-cheek. Even Blizzard’s own employees covered up their “Think Globally” and “Every Voice Matters” at one of their offices.

Admittedly, it’s difficult to get a grasp on politics but most of the time, the complexity of a certain issue reflects its weight and importance. Rules are rules, but rights are rights. Just like other forms of media, esports can also serve as a platform to discuss or shed light on sensitive topics; game companies have no right to trade rights for revenue.

Lance Christian M. Juarez, 19, is currently a magazine editor and an advocate for the power of the individual.

Tulfo in Action and the government’s inaction

B

efore you sits the aggrieved, shouting in indignation for being wronged. By the stands, the accused talks over the victim in an attempt to deflect claims. As all commotions go, this one intensifies. Yet, the judge does not call the court to order. He makes no move to pound the gavel because he does not have one. And just like you, he watches the spectacle unfold.

“Idol Raffy” is far from a judiciary member, but his followers have equated his name to justice. In a Philippines where due process takes more time in processing than in being served what is due, calling Wanted sa Radyo or writing a complaint to Raffy Tulfo in Action is a far more efficient and fair alternative. It is fast food justice—instant, affordable, yet unhealthy in the long run.

But who can blame the masses who have no one better to turn to?

Declaring ‘Ipapa-Tulfo kita’ somehow weighs more than ‘Ipapapulis kita’ nowadays. Perhaps, it’s because people fear the Tulfo brothers more than the police. Perhaps, the public shaming that follows an on-air trial is a graver punishment than the uncertainty that being arrested brings. Else, it’s the instant gratification. In any case, the citizens regarding Tulfo programs as higher authority is a rightful slap to the current inadequate judiciary system.

In 2018, Atty. Chel Diokno cited national statistics that claim only three out of 10 cases are convicted by public prosecutors. However, there is still no

S5

OPINION

SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2019

Buzzerbeater Starlene Joy B. Portillo

starleneportillo@gmail.com

In any case, the citizens regarding Tulfo programs as higher authority is a rightful slap to the current inadequate judiciary system. assurance that these cases will serve their sentences, given the country’s inefficient system. Because of this lenience, criminals and offenders are often dismissed in hindsight and are left to return to their old ways. This cycle continues to this day.

People cling to the criticism, reprimand, and immediate solutions offered by the Tulfo brothers because it is the most decent form of governance they can receive—that is the sad truth.

On the surface, the aid provided by these public service and commentary programs help address complaints of the average Filipino. It even enforces urgent action on the part of private sectors and certain agencies.

However, like all things popular, it is being exploited, capitalized, and ultimately

romanticized.

The “Baranggay Hall on air” entertainment format is nothing new. Late Millennials and Generation Z Filipinos grew up with the daily emotionallycharged brawls of guests on the tabloid talk show Face to Face. In retrospect, the constant exposure to drama behind people’s (suspiciously scripted) problems have been desensitizing us to the plight of the common Juans.

As the era of television paved way for social media and the Web, the sensationalism has, in turn, intensified and taken new forms. We laugh at videos and memes that trivialize real-world issues that could happen to anyone.

Videos and memes are being passed around of angry wives; people speaking in wrong gramma; and victims struggling with sobriety from substance and alcohol who talk without sense, to name a few.

It dumbs down human suffering to nothing more than noontime entertainment, a teleserye. In the end, the Tulfo programs capitalize on people’s misery, and we are too amused by the drama to realize the flaw in this new norm.

However you decide to tackle this matter—whether you side with the accused, the aggrieved, or be the judge in this narrative—one thing remains certain: we are the entertainment.

Starlene Portillo, 20, is a 5th year Liberal Arts and Commerce student. She writes creative nonfiction and continually strives to be a woman of substance

Print is Dying in USLS

Bella Ciao Hezron G. Pios

hezpios@protonmail.com

This case further aggravates me because those who are guilty of destroying The Spectrum outputs are, in fact, complicit in the killing and bastardization of campus journalism.

I

n communication, print is the most timeless medium because of tangibility.

Its relevance contributes heavily to a long-term information retention. Print is print. It is irreplaceable.

Albeit Campus Journalism Act exists, it is apparently dismissed by Lasallians, be it faculty or students. For some of them, printed issues of The Spectrum can be torn, vandalized, used as rags or covering like what Junior Philippine Economics Society did during the Lasallian Week. In short, our publication is defenseless against this inappropriate behavior. All the rigorous training and polishing of skill set becomes futile because our intellectual property as journalists is instantly cheapened, if not disrespected.

Since I was a freshman, our outputs can be randomly found within the halls or meters past the borders loitering to where they are not supposed to be in. Upon first assessment, not many would recognize the displaced outputs as The Spectrum copies because the material is already lacking pages or has been deformed beyond recognition. Like a murdered wild beast after a hit-and-run, the output’s innards are splayed on full display without consent. Four years later, this issue still strikes me hard. And you know what strikes even harder?

The administration does not seek to endorse penalizing those who perpetuate this deed that is unbecoming of a Lasallian. But what strikes the hardest then?

That this sickening cycle will continue and nothing will ever change as if this opinion article never attempted to inculcate change!

Don’t assuage me with the fact that Corps d’Elite (CDE), under the Office of Student Affairs, renews every March in order to bestow La Salle’s bust to the ‘Most Outstanding Student in the Field of X’. You’re comparing students based on a subjective set of criteria that cannot challenge itself. Of course, the process is not equal to start with because the finalists are handpicked by a professor or department chairperson. And how do they even define Print Arts again? Is it only hardcore journalism? What about literary pursuits like poetry, screenplay, translation, or nonfiction? These are uncharted fields in Print Arts because these were never considered in the first place! The boundaries are restricted.

The panel is supposedly open-minded but instead they contribute to gatekeeping. Meaning, CDE cannot insist and glorify their credentials in honoring excellence by students in the Field of Print Arts for they are culpable for the destruction rather than the protection of printed journalistic outputs. Now, enlighten and correct me if I’m mistaken.

This case further aggravates me because those who are guilty of destroying The Spectrum outputs are, in fact, complicit in the killing and bastardization of campus journalism. The press, be it professional or not, is risking their lives everyday just so we could deliver the truth, our stories. In the same breath, the press deserves at least genuine appreciation toward our outputs, especially the physical copies because they’re expensive to reproduce! It’s not too much to request for, right? Right. Let me remind all clubs, organizations, and faculty members of this institution that you are so quick and demanding whenever you need our journalistic service if there’s an event or agenda that needs spontaneous coverage but once the deed is done, the respect goes away with it.

And you can’t wait for the published issue to arrive in your dear doorstep. The boldness is unfathomable.

It’s a shame,too, that no administrative policy is reinforced to address this as of the moment. But don’t worry! We’d still perform our duty. And since some of you might think that you’re entitled and compelled to do whatever you can with our printed outputs because well, technically, you “paid” for them, think again. You are robbing yourself the opportunity for an informed dialogue and education. You are limiting the lenses by which you can see yourself and the world by turning away from journalism. And ultimately, you are stabbing our passion for this endeavor.

Begin the change now! Begin it by reading our newspapers, magazines, and folios from front to back cover without doodling on them. Begin it by understanding the purpose of our utmost existence as your official watchdogs.

Begin it by disciplining yourselves. Together, we can revive and guide print journalism to its desired evolution.

Hezron Pios, 21, is founder of Anakbalikbayan Advocacy and Ezra the Poet.

He is a senior AB Communication student.

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 64 NUMBER 5 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2019

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DEVELOPMENT

SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2019

IS CHANGE COMING? A look into Duterte’s long-term aims

BY MA. KRISTINE JOY R. BAYADOG

-ANDREA DANIELLE A. GAMBOA

IMPRESS acquires 1st printing tech in PH

Since President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s (PRRD) sitting into power last 2016, the current administration has been doing efforts to materialize its visions and goals in putting the Filipino life at a higherlevel society t h r o u g h v a r y i n g projects that were said to achieve a more developed and secured Philippines.

The projects planned and set to implement by the government will continue until the end of PRRD’s term in 2022 or even beyond his term.

Some national scale projects initiated by the Duterte administration are listed below: 1. Executive Order No. 70 Last December 2018, PRRD issued Executive Order (EO) No. 70, establishing a whole-of-nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace, creating a national

task force (NTF) to end local communist armed conflict and institutionalize a national peace framework.

Through EO No. 70, the government shall prioritize and harmonize the delivery of basic services and social development in conflict-affected areas and vulnerable communities, facilitate social inclusivity, and ensure the participation of all sectors in carrying out this approach.

2. War on Drugs The Philippine Drug War refers to the drug policy of the government under PRRD’s administration. The war on drugs is aimed at the neutralization of illegal drug personalities and the total eradication of drug-related crimes in the country.

Duterte’s war on drugs has raised public fear and outrage causing the community to question the President’s actions on the killings of small-time drug users/pushers despite public criticisms and the drug war being labeled as murderous and inhumane, the government is firm in carrying it out in order to attain a better and safer country for the Philippines.

3. Build, Build, Build Program “Build, Build, Build” which was launched in 2017, is a project initiated by the government promising the Filipino masses of the “golden age of infrastructure” as an answer to decade-long neglect of the country’s

infrastructure sector. In this case, all the major infrastructure agencies of the government are working hand in hand to achieve the success of the projects under this program.

The program involves a number of highly strategic infrastructure projects and logistics improvements including bridges and roads, underground railway, subway, airports, flood control and management facilities, new cities, and etc.

4. 10-Point Socioeconomic Agenda This 10-Point Economic Agenda was presented by Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia.

With the agenda, the Philippines will be assured a continual growth. Guided by it, the government is carrying on macroeconomic policies, ramping up infrastructure spending, promoting rural development, and investing in the development of the country’s most important asset—its people.

The government’s focus on human capital development will empower the people, especially the youth, to progress into a productive workforce that will uplift the Philippine economy.

These goals, while alluring to the public ears, are yet to be proven effective and just. Halfway into Duterte’s term, people still await change that hasn’t come. Will the next three years see the campaign promise broken or fulfilled?

Macroplan initiates first phase

BY HANA PATRICIA RAJ E. HAUTEA

-KIARA NICOLE D. VILLA

BY ALVIN BRIAN S. LEGARIO

The origins of the printing press could be dated back to China in the first millennium A.D., but it was not until the fifteenth century when Johannes Gutenberg introduced to the world the first modern commercial printing machine: The Gutenberg Press.

Since then, technology has significantly evolved around the world. With this evolution came the revolutionized era of physical media in the Philippines brought on by Bacolod’s very own Impress Quality Printing due to their latest and most advanced printing press: the Heidelberg CX-75 2019 model.

Considered as the Ferrari of printing machines and the very first of its kind in the country, the Heidelberg CX-75 2019 model arrived on the shores of Bacolod last August. This beast of a printing machine will surely bolster the physical media in terms of speed and efficiency when it comes to distribution.

In addition, [the equipment] is capable of printing 15,000 sheets per hour in comparison to its grandfather, the Gutenberg Press that could only print 25 pages hour. The Heidelberg CX-75 2019

model is truly a printing machine to be reckoned with.

“It’s a dream come true for Impress. We are more confident in handling printing jobs more efficiently and quickly. This machine is another way to live out our commitment as our name indicates: Impress Quality Printing,” owner, Conrado Tomas shared when asked about the implications of the new printing press.

Moreover, Tomas added that with state-of-the-art offset printing German technology there is no more need for Negrenses to outsource printing jobs from Manila and Davao as Impress is now “well-armed for the competitive industry.”

Since the earliest days of physical media such as books and the ever-immortal newspapers, the printing press has been the backbone of mankind when it comes to their mass production.

The time, manpower, and effort that were amply saved due to these machines are quintessential in the quick delivery of information throughout the world. Without it, economies and cultures would simply not be what they are today.

The University of St. La Salle is to construct a new Integrated School (IS) building and renovate the existing Junior High building in line with their multi-phase Macroplan to be accomplished by 2023.

This 5-year development plan officially commenced last 2018 with the planning of the new IS building while its implementation began this January.

“Three years ago, we were already anticipating the return of the College of Medicine to the campus [in 2021], and we were already projecting the need for more space,” Vice Chancellor for Administration (VCA) Dr. Charo Cordova stated regarding the reasoning behind the plan.

According to Dr. Cordova, the College of Medicine has been stationed outside the campus since

2002 and is returning since the institution’s contract with the government regarding the current building is expiring.

Furthermore, the second phase of this school-wide project involves the reformation of the threestory Junior High building for the Colleges of Medicine and Law to occupy.

“We are supposed to have planned and designed [for the second phase],” she revealed. “By early next year, we should already have started.”

The Macroplan aims to achieve the following objectives: (1) to zone the facilities, (2) to develop infrastructure plans, (3) to phase out capital expenditures, and (4) to address the needs of the school in terms of space.

“When the Alunan campus was

put on hold during Brother Ken’s time, that is when we decided we were building up, because there has been a long wait to improve the facilities of the IS—since 2012,” the VCA shared.

Moreover, all decisions related to the development plan are deliberated on by an Operations Council Committee comprising various units of the institution, authorized by the Board of Trustees, and implemented by the Campus Development Office.

Currently, the progress of the five-storey IS building structure is at 50.96%, and it is projected to be ready for usage of Grades 4-10 around April 2020.

“When you have a Macroplan, you are forced to look at what you have and what you’re expecting,” Dr. Cordova expressed.

P370M road project to connect NegOr and NegOcc provinces

BY LANCE CHRISTIAN M. JUAREZ

A P370-million road project broke ground last Sept. 11 at Guihulngan, aiming to connect it to the town of Moises Padilla in Negros Occidental.

Negros Oriental Governor Roal Degamo led the ceremony for the 22-kilometer stretch of road, connecting two of the city’s barangays namely, Brgy. Hilaitan and Brgy. Trinidad to Moises Padilla.

Along with Gov. Degamo, Guihulngan City Vice Mayor Ernesto Reyes, Brigadier General Benedict Arevalo, and 303rd Infantry Brigade Commander Colonel Rizalito Gapas also attended the ceremony.

The planned budget is wholly meant for the quality, as well as the concreting and improvement of the road in the lesser-charted areas of the two barangays in

Guihulngan. Essentially, this marks Guihulngan’s two barangays better on the map as the quality of the road isn’t fully maintained. This also sets up another reliable route from one Negros province to another.

This road project may also be tied to President Duterte’s “Build, Build, Build” program which includes road widening projects managed by the Department of Works and Highways for the purpose of industry and economy around Negros.

Based on an article from the Daily Guardian, the project will benefit 12,000 locals from the city based on a 2015 consensus. This direct benefit also helps in the assistance and delivery of basic goods and services to remote areas affected by the Community Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army - National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

This need for support from basic services is highlighted as Sunstar Bacolod says that the NPA held its 50th-anniversary celebration near a school in Brgy. Trinidad.

The groundbreaking also aided in the “Serbisyong Malasakit”, the second activity of the Negros Oriental Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NORTF-ELCAC) in Brgy. Trinidad.

According to Visayan Daily Star, NORTF-ELCAC was formed on July 29 of this year and aims to be a “holistic solution employing the whole-of-nation approach in addressing the root causes of insurgency.”

Serbisyong Malasakit has already aided 600 residents of Guihulngan City in various services such as medical provisions, issuance of legal documents, and job hiring.

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 64 NUMBER 5 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2019

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DEVELOPMENT

SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2019

Record-breaking: Impact Hackathon BCD in motion

BY KYNAH RHEA B. FUENTES AND MAEGAN JOY MATAMORO

For the youth to utilize the presence of technology in developing feasible and impactdriven results to the society, the Impact Hub Manila organized Impact Hackathon participated by about eight teams composed of different organizations and randomly-selected individuals at Dojo 8 Coworking Space Bacolod.

Impact Hackathon is the second phase of The Impact 2050 Programme’s five-stage-program wherein people from different teams formulate a digitized solution focused on the common problems the country experiences, for about 24-48 hours.

The aforementioned event was introduced during the first phase of the Programme called “Elevate Roadshow” which took place at the Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation last August 24. It served as the benchmark to prepare the participants and give them a glimpse of Hackathon, in preparation to attain the largest and biggest number of participants

in a hacking marathon in order to hit the Guinness World Record.

In the course of the competition, the participants presented numerous innovative solutions to the given problems and were tasked to present their proposals, together with their archetype to the panel.

When asked about his perception of the event’s possible effect, event co-organizer Juanito Cell Jacela stated: “[Hackathon] becomes the catalyst for other venues and events similar to this to improve the skills of the existing participants especially [that] it’s quite momentous to have kids joining the hackathon.

Seeing a nine-year-old kid doing a presentation and pitch, I think it’s a catalyst to build more events.”

The Bacolod Leg culminated with ‘Crime Busters’ and ‘Agua Meter’ taking the victor’s spot in the students’ and professionals’ category, respectively.

Both winners will exhibit in the Manila Leg of the Hackathon.

INNOVATION. Professional-level Agua Meter/Team Hydra presents their output during the Impact Hackathon at DOJO 8 Coliving Space. —KARL BRIAN T. MARQUEZA

Breakthrough: Bacolod named 5th Justice Zone

BY SHAN MARC O. JABAGAT

HONOR. Bacolod City was introduced by The Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC) as the fifth Justice Zone in the country. —ANGELO F. DESPI

The Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC) launched Bacolod City as the fifth Justice Zone in the country last August 29 at the Bacolod City Government Center.

“In answer to the clamor for justice sector reform in the Philippines, justice zones have been established to strengthen the coordination and collaboration of the JSCC principals [...] and the components of the local justice sectors, the police prosecutors, judges, public attorneys, and managers of our detentions facilities,” said Supreme Court Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin, who led the launching rites.

According to him, a justice zone is an area or locality that has fully implemented a minimum of 40 reforms, rendering the area or locality fully compliant based on the rating system established by the JSCC. “I am happy to say that Bacolod got a score of 74 out of 92 or 80%, during the resource mapping exercise conducted jointly by the JSCC’s technical working group on processes and capacity-building,” Bersamin stated.

Among the goals of a justice zone is “to see trial judges and court employees reduce their court dockets and dispense judgment promptly, and for the prosecution service to efficiently resolve criminal complaints involving violations of penal laws”.

Additionally, it seeks for public lawyers to competently assist their

clients and the police to “ensure the timely appearance as witnesses of their investigators, forensic chemists, evidence custodians, and arresting officers, as well as enable jail officers to effectively manage their detention facilities in the context of reformation of all persons deprived of liberty (PDLs)”.

Quezon City was the inaugural Justice Zone back in 2014. It was followed by Cebu City in 2018, while the third and fourth were Davao and Angeles, both established during the first half of this year, and the sixth is poised to be Naga City.

Heading the rites along with the Chief Justice were Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia as well as JSCC principals: Department of Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año, and European Union Head of Cooperation Enrico Strampelli.

“This is all about increasing the pressure [on] efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability which should lead to inclusive growth and poverty reduction,” declared Mayor Leonardia, who claimed to be “very happy and flattered” for Bacolod being chosen.

Meanwhile, Año expressed that with the establishment of five justice zones in the country, he was sure that attaining to launch 14 Justice Zones nationwide will be achieved by 2022.

Fashion show advocates for PWD, MH awareness

BY ERICA JAINE A. MESTRE

Leading designers and models all over the country graced the runway in support of Mental Health and Down Syndrome awareness for the Born Brave fashion show last Oct. 12 at the SMX Convention Center.

Organized by the office of Cong.

Greg Gasataya, led by Binibining Pilipinas 2018 first runner-up Vickie Marie Rushton, and directed by Rodney Ascalon, the event was the first of its kind in the city.

The beneficiaries of the said event were the Youth for Mental Health Coalition, a non-government organization that aims to spread

awareness about mental health, and the Happy Heart Foundation Inc., an institution promoting the inclusion and appreciation of the abilities of children with Down Syndrome.

Born Brave showcased works from notable designers with the participation of some celebrity models to shed light on the prevailing issues on mental health by empowering the proponents through their modelling participation in this fashion show.

Bacolod’s prime designers Chino Christopherson, Migi Dujon, Tony De Ramos, Leonard Geraldes, Apol Embang, Edwin Benitez, Trude

Lizares, Kat Padilla, and Ilo-Ilo’s pride Jun-G Candelario, Junriz Henderin, and Jet Salcedo displayed their creations in the gala event alongside the iconic designs of Albert Andrada (Pia Wurtzbach’s blue gown), Leo Almodal (The Song Bird gown), Cary Santiago (The Phoenix pink gown), and Domz Ramos (DR Swim Collection).

Female fashion model icons were last seen in the gala such as Sharifa Akeel (Mutya ng Pilipinas 2018 / Ms. Asia Pacific International 2018); Jezha Huelar (Bb. Pilipinas Supranational 2018); Kris Janson

(Ms. Intercontinental 2014 2nd Runner Up); Samantha Bernardo (Bb. Pilipinas 2019 2nd Runner Up); Ruffa Nava (Super Model International Philippines 2018 / Ms. World Philippines Finalist) whereas male models Johannes Rissler, Yuki Sakamoto, Thomas Anselmo, Vincent Jarina, Quito Trenas, Klint Karklins Peralta, and Kirst Viray also graced the event.

Bacolod’s mental health advocacy started with the signing of the joint declaration for awareness last March 23 with Gasataya, Louie Raner, convenor of Youth for Mental

Health Bacolod, and Charisse Einn Flores, chairperson of Akbayan Youth, during an event for #MHeToo campaign. The initiative was followed by the unveiling of the P13 million Mental Health Unit of Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) last July.

Born Brave is among the several efforts done that are in support of Senate Bill 1354 or the Philippine Mental Health Act of 2017, seeking to integrate mental health services and programs in the public health system.

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 64 NUMBER 5 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2019

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

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Collaborative Work Spaces by the Hour: Rise in Demand

BY ANGELA A. CORONEL AND CHRISTIAN DOMINIC L. LEDESMA

Usually, the first place that comes into mind when it comes to studying or doing work is at a coffee shop. We can see the majority of students and professionals keeping busy at cafés most of the time—eyes glued to their papers or laptop screens with cups of coffee settled on their tables to perk them up.

Although we can consider cafés as good places to work in, they aren’t the “ideal” spot in spite of possessing the basic amenities that busy students and professionals need: WiFi, coffee, and sockets. Still, studying at cafés come with limitations: noisy customers, limited seats for big groups, and many other distractions that you can’t complain about. This is why coworking spaces rose to popularity.

The first official coworking space was introduced by Brad Neuberg in 2005. Although similar ideas had been raised, it was still far from the coworking spaces that we know of today. Neuberg’s idea began through innovation to combine the feeling

of independence and the freedom of working. To harness productivity, in general, has been the banner goal of these coworking spaces.

In the Philippines, there are fewer coworking spaces compared to other countries. Coworking spaces are usually found in urbanized cities like Manila, Cebu, Davao, and Bacolod.

The first-ever coworking space in the Philippines is Co.lab, which was founded in 2011 in Manila. In Bacolod, one would usually stay at cafés like Starbucks or a 24-hour establishment such as the Tom N Tom’s. Moreover, Dojo 8 was founded in 2014, making its mark as the first coworking space in Bacolod.

According to the Executive Path Inc. Research, around 40% of Dojo 8’s clients primarily consist of freelancers in the art industry, 30% from startups, 20% from students, and the rest from entrepreneurs. Furthermore, the number of coworking spaces here in the Philippines is continuously increasing.

Cafés sometimes don’t offer the proper conditions for work and productivity.

Most importantly, modern working habits make

ECOBOX

Reaping What You Sow

Students rename plant species in honor of Biology professor

-ANNA THERESA S. PARAYNO

us dependent on our devices or other forms of technology. So coworking spaces provide most, if not all, the necessities one could ask for when it comes to a proper working environment that pushes productivity and relations with the community for a cost-effective price.

Some notable coworking spaces here in Bacolod are the

aforementioned Dojo 8 located at Lacson Street near Starbucks, Arendo Coworking which is located near the University of St. La Salle, CoCreate above CeresMart on Lacson Street, and ThinkBig 101 Coworking situated near Riverside Hospital.

So why bother spending money on a single cup of coffee at a café just to work on something when you

could spend the same amount at a coworking space that usually comes with unlimited coffee, charging stations, and fast WiFi? Rent a space for yourself or with your group that has the proper conditions to motivate you to keep on working. When it comes to a proper work environment, a coworking space is the most ideal place to go.

Four o’clock Snap: The Deng-End City dad and councilor launch dengue prevention campaign

BY ALVIN BRIAN S. LEGARIO

-GERICO T. GUANCO

BY ANDREA DANIELLE A. GAMBOA

A journey of teaching coming full circle comes to life in the case of Hydrangea Ofeliae, as the seeds once planted by a dedicated biology professor to her students would later tend to the garden of her legacy.

Patrick Jason Solusta and Benith Grace Lumawag, both BS Biology graduates of the University of St. La Salle, were once teaching general biology to senior high school students when they first decided to collaborate on their now-published scientific article.

Solusta, who graduated this past March, noticed that recent studies on the molecular systematics of a certain plant species had grounds for a few revisions, which ultimately culminated in the need to rethink its name. As intricate and technical as schematic papers go, one thing that came as a no-brainer for the pair was the decision to name the plant after a beloved teacher. As homage to their mentor and genetics professor from their undergraduate course, the two had decided that Dichroa platyphylla would become Hydrangea Ofeliae.

The dainty flower, with itspowdery-blue hue and vibrantchartreuse leaves, was “pretty, smart, and witty,” Sodusta described. “Just like her.”

After fourteen years of dedicated service, Ofelia Saludar, Emeritus Professor in the Natural Sciences Department of USLS, was honored by the acknowledgement of her efforts and strides as a teacher by

her past students. She had instilled in the researchers a love for learning outside the walls of a classroom, as Solusta noted, and continuously ingrained in them the love for studying.

Endearingly nicknamed “Ope” or “Lols” by her students, Ms. Saludar was a Silliman University graduate and a pillar of BS Biology in USLS, who was mentored by Dioscoro Rabor, a national scientist of the Philippines. The dedicated professor, who began teaching in La Salle in 1974 at the age of 21, still continues to teach and spread the love of knowledge to students until this day, despite having retired in 2014.

Sodusta hopes that through this study, the need for a research center can be recognized by the USLS administration. A herbarium, which is a collection of genetic material, including plant specimens, would allow the possibility of collaborations between scientists from all over the nation. The presence of an herbarium is important to track patterns of climate change and monitor evolutionary changes, and there are currently no registered herbariums in Negros.

Ultimately, as is the case with most gardens, the time for harvest is inevitable. Saludar planted seeds that continue to prosper, as Lumawag highlighted the main goal of their academic endeavors: “for the students to learn of appreciating their teachers more.”

City Mayor Evelio Leonardia and Councilor Cindy Rojas spearheaded the campaign entitled: “Deng-Get Out of Bacolod! Mag 4 o’clock Habit Na!” last October 16 at the Bacolod Government Center.

This blitz called upon the citizens of Bacolod City to tidy up their surroundings, especially in places where harbingers of the dengue virus could breed. The campaign aligns itself with the 4S-strategy, advocate of the Department of Health, to overcome this epidemic.

The ‘4S’ standing for: Search and destroy mosquito breeding places; Self-protection measures; Seek early consultation for fever lasting more than two days; and Say no to indiscriminate fogging.

But with the rapid spread of mosquito larvae coupled with the dwindling supply of insecticides, it begs the question is this enough to sustain the citizens of Bacolod?

Moreover, it is also strongly advised for the public to employ

self-protecting measures such as the use of mosquito repellant, taking in more vitamin B-1, making use of anti-mosquito lotions, and to support the fogging and spraying among areas considered as mosquito breeding hotspots.

Also, the government has not been idle. Not only have they been backing the Deng-Get out campaign, but they are also implementing a prevention and control program with three phases. These phases being Febrile, Critical, and Recovery.

“It is important that a national epidemic be declared in these areas to identify where a localized response is needed,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III explained.

Meanwhile, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention defines an epidemic as an occurrence of when an agent (the mosquitoes) and susceptible hosts (the citizens) are present in adequate numbers.

Epidemics either slowly die out or are facing the populace head-on. So

perhaps it is time for the “susceptible hosts” to put matters into their own hands to ensure the perfect cure for dengue: prevention.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), dengue fever afflicts 100 million people per year. But this does not mean the formidable virus is unbeatable.

The measures are not limited to proper disposal of trash and wastes, putting away stagnant water around yourneighborhood, and closing your doors and windows to not allow the mosquitoes into enclosed spaces. “[To] enable the local government units to use their Quick Response Fund to address the epidemic situation [is a must],” Duque added.

Sirens every 4 pm from trucks provided by the fire department will constantly remind the people of Bacolod City of the all-out war against the mosquitoes. With the strong support of the public, in time, surely the dengue outbreak in Bacolod will cease.

Defining Intellectual Humility

BY JOHN VINCENT E. RIVERA

Knowing what you are capable of is a favorable feat, but more so is knowing your limitations.

Often referred to as “intellectual virtue”, Intellectual Humility (IH) pertains to the acknowledgement that your ideas, thoughts, beliefs, and opinions can be incorrect.

Consequently, greater IH also equates to more effectivity in learning.

Several researches in the field of psychology and neuroscience have been conducted to give better understanding on IH, its implications, and function. One of which was headed

by Elizabeth Krumrei-Manusco of Pepperdine University in California, where the relationship between acquiring knowledge and IH has been tested to 1189 people.

It was discovered that IH has been associated with general knowledge, admittance of lack of knowledge, and traits for knowledge acquisition

including reflective thinking, need for cognition, intellectual engagement, curiosity, intellectual openness, and open-minded thinking.

Furthermore the results showed people who have strong IH are prone in admitting mistakes in contrasts to those who scored otherwise. In fact, researchers themselves were faced with the challenge of accepting that what they have empirically posited before might be wrong.

The Loss of Confidence Project, an initiative by psychologist Julia Rohrer, is creating a breakthrough in the field by testing the veracity of even the most classic and widely accepted studies. Out of a hundred studies that were passed by researchers who doubted their own results, only 40 were deemed replicable and thus proven accurate.

The goal of the project is forscientists to correct their probable

research errs without being legally sanctioned.

Being intellectually humble starts by recognizing our own ignorance and limitations. However, the challenge is to determine what we are ignorant about or so-called ‘intellectual blind spots’. Most researchers suggest that IH positively impacts our learning as it is greatly associated with openmindedness—tendency to accept new knowledge.

Employers like Google and Facebook look at this trait to identify deserving applicants because it implies that a learning environment is conducive for that individual. This only proves how much emphasis big companies give to IH. Nevertheless, knowing how important it is, one should separate intellectual humility with lack of confidence as there is a fine line in between.

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 64 NUMBER 5 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2019

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2019

Navigating the Philippine Public Healthcare system

BY HANA PATRICIA RAJ E. HAUTEA

Welcome, Player 1!

How are you feeling? Not so good?

So I’ve heard. A little bird’s been saying you’ve been experiencing a number of interesting ailments lately— periorbital puffiness, shortness of breath, and chest discomfort? Sounds nasty. But fear not, for Player 2 has been displaying the exact same symptoms!

The question is: what kind of illness do you both have?

Well, why do you think you’re playing? Don’t forget the goal: the first player to receive proper treatment wins! And if you think that sounds simple, think again. Here’s the twist— you have to follow the rules of the Philippine public healthcare system, levels of referral and all that.

You’ll find out what that means.

Best of luck, Player 1!

Game Start Right off the bat, Player 2 makes a move! Driving off to the nearest hospital may seem like the most convenient choice, but unfortunately for them, it’s not always the wisest— turns out you can’t demand to see a physician on the spot, especially if it’s not an emergency.

As for you, you want to go to the Teresita Lopez Jalandoni Provincial Hospital in Silay City first? Oddly specific, but it’s your call, I guess.

Destination #1: District Hospital Bacolod doesn’t have its own district hospital, but I heard there were talks of its construction before.

That seems efficient, but they need to make sure they can provide all basic specialty services like first aid before they can really call themselves a district hospital. If ever, I’m sure they can cater to more people though, especially those in far-flung barangays and municipalities!

Destination #2: Provincial Hospital Great job on that appointment with the physician! That was a good call since services in provincial hospitals are generally for those with symptomatic stages of disease—nothing too serious or life-threatening (yet). Fun fact: this one has a 100-bed capacity! Oh, but they weren’t able to help you too much?

At least they recommended you to a different place.

Goodness, where has Player 2 gone to now?

Destination #3: Regional Hospital Here we are: Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital. You’ve traveled quite a way from the beginning, but such is the price of following the rules, I suppose.

Tertiary health care facilities like these are supposed to offer more technological and sophisticated services. But considering its bed capacity of 400, it’s quite crowded in here. Anyways, we go to see a specialist.

Look! Isn’t that Player 2? There they go demanding a check-up again. This hospital did exactly the same as the last—sat them down and told them to either wait their turn like everyone else or book an appointment. Good thing you were here earlier; thank gosh for

-GERICO T. GUANCO -GERICO T. GUANCO

that referral!

Game End Congratulations, Player 1! Not only were you able to follow the correct system for government hospitals, but you were able to identify the specific

hospitals as well. Always remember you can’t just waltz in the nearest hospital demanding a service; there is a system to be followed and unless immediate care is desperately needed, you have no right to get mad if they

can’t cater to you instantly.

Also, your lab results just came in—apparently, you’ve been diagnosed with Paasa Syndrome. Take more care of yourself next time and again, congratulations on a game well-played!

A Stride Towards Health Security

BY ALAN S. VILLANUEVA JR.

-GERICO T. GUANCO

Pride, Prejudice, and Pregnancy

BY LANCE CHRISTIAN M. JUAREZ

Every 13 seconds, a baby is born somewhere in the 7,641 islands of our beloved archipelago.

As current global statistics stand, the Philippines boasts itself as the 13th most populated country in the world at around 108 million people. Though one can argue that a growing birth rate is inevitable, the fertility rate of the PH according to Worldometers has actually been at a steady rate and has slowed in growth ever since 2016.

Though it doesn’t take much thought that overpopulation causes problems as approximately 53% of the country is rural population, a good portion of which is caused by teenage pregnancy.

As said by the Commission on Population (PopCom), 24 babies are born from teenage mothers every hour.

This means that out of the 276 hourly births, 8.7% of them are from teens aged 15-19.

This rise in teen pregnancy rate has been labeled a “crisis” by Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernest Pernia. “We are seeing the height of the crisis now.

The carrying capacity of the country is overstretched. It results in a lack of jobs

because there are many workers looking for jobs,” Pernia said in an article from the Philippine Information Agency.

Despite the alarming statistics, education still serves as one of the solutions to the crisis. In a Philippine Star article, Education Secretary Leonor Briones highlights the need for the implementation of the Reproductive Health Law which includes contraception, sex education, and maternal care.

“The number showed that the reason for the high number of the dropout rate of girls is marriage and family matters, which can be treated also as teenage pregnancy,” she explained.

It’s also been said that PopCom is drafting a proposed Executive Order (EO) to Malacañang to declare overpopulation as a “national emergency”. Stated by PopCom Executive Director Juan Antonio Perez III, this EO would boost their strategies against the issue.

One of these solutions would be the implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law, which adds sexuality education in

school curriculums. Moreover, Perez said that this would be the long-term solution as its effect would be studied as time goes on post-execution; though the Department of Education said that this is still under works.

Another proposed solution from Perez is simply to prevent repeat pregnancies. “[O]ne out of six teen pregnancies has repeat pregnancies,” he said. Though this wouldn’t solve the issue as much, it would help mitigate it until a further solution is put to light.

Apart from the clear implications of data, it’s a no-brainer that teenage pregnancy doesn’t just sacrifice the livelihood of one person. On average, one of five 19-year-old girls is a mother, affecting the lives of those around her; one droplet of water creates ripples in a body of water.

Responsibility remains vital in tumultuous times as it is incredibly easy to unknowingly sacrifice the future for the present. But the underlying duty of the individual is to understand how things work and what the consequences are before being inevitably held accountable for it.

The presence of the African Swine Fever (ASF) was first felt in 1921. Ninety-eight years later, it made its way to the Philippines, a country in Asia which is 8,418 kilometers away from Africa.

The disease may range from chronic to acute forms. Some symptoms for the chronic forms are weight loss, irregular fever, long disease duration, and minimal mortality. The acute forms of diseases caused

by ASF are manifested by high fever, depression, appetite loss, coughing and increased respiratory rate, vomiting and diarrhea, and mortality after one to two weeks.

According to the October 2019 report of the Swine Health Information Center, an organization aimed at protecting and enhancing the health of United States swine herd through global coordination, ASF outbreaks were observed in the Philippines and South Korea in September.

Its present existence has undeniably affected the market for pork products. One of these effects is Negros Occidental’s 90-day ban of live hogs, pork, and pork products from Luzon, based on a resolution signed by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson on September 11.

In the lens of the Provincial ASF Task Force, the resolution is centered in the protection of the swine population from the disease.

Contrary to the anxiety brought by the ASF, the Department of Agriculture Spokesperson Noel Reyes has affirmed the safety of consuming pork since the ASF cannot be transmitted to humans and other animals.

“We want to allay the fears of the public by saying that, as long as pork is bought from

reliable sources and it is cooked thoroughly, pork is safe to eat,” Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said.

The rationality of the pork ban is unquestionable since there is still no cure for the disease, and the means for preventing its spreading is solely to slaughter and properly dispose the infected, and to disinfect the affected areas.

Additionally, the importance of the initiative was emphasized by Provincial Veterinarian Renante Decena due to the fact that the province is the leading backyard swine producer, amounting to six billion pesos.

On the other hand, the implementation of the pork ban has forced sellers, especially from affected areas, to lower their prices to address the public’s unease. Consequently, an estimated P1B monthly loss is being incurred by the overall Philippine hog industry.

According to some of the citizens, there were instances where restaurants and food establishments have substituted pork dishes with beef and chicken due to the pork ban.

“Germany is situated near Poland, which is said to be ASFinfected,” Provincial Veterinary Office’s Animal Health and Meat Inspection Services Division Head Ryan Janoya indicated, signifying that areas adjacent to infected places are also within the scope of the operations.

Through undertaking these preventive measures, the province affirmed its integrity in the hog industry over the other areas which has evidently aided in ensuring its productivity and raised other pork producers’ eyebrows.

However, this seemingly selfish stance has shared benefits to the overall profitability of the field and the safety of the nation in entirety.

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 64 NUMBER 5 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2019

VAN

Ang Kinaandan sa Matag-

Samtang ginasaulog ang Masskara Festival sa siyudad sang Bacolod, ang mga mangunguma s naga-paninguha sa gihapon. Sa tunga sang pagluthanganay sang New People’s Army kag mga m nagaduko— indi para magtago, kundi para magtanu LARAGWAY NILA Karl Brian T. Marqueza, Martini M.

NTAGE POINT

-adlaw

sa Brgy. Paitan, Escalante militar, sila padayon nga um sang palangabuhi-an.

Falco, kag Angelo F. Despi

S12 VOLUME 64 NUMBER 5

DAGWAY

SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2019

Ruby MassKara: A Year Like No Other 40 years later, the City of Smiles thrusts onward amidst crisis

BY HEZRON G. PIOS

SMILING CITY. Various masskara dancers showcased their talent during annual Masskara Street Dance competition. —KARL BRIAN T. MARQUEZA

Although greeted with rain, the 40th MassKara Festival was remembered more for the parade of sunny smiles that spanned from civilians to organizers, cementing the city’s resilience.

The Festival was celebrated from Oct. 7 to 27, with countless activities and merrymaking taking place at the festivity’s sites namely the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC), the Bacolod public plaza, and the Lacson Tourism Strip.

Meanwhile, three installation figures hooked the city dwellers once they were put on display at the BCGC fountain area. These were made by RJ Lacson, a multidisciplinary artist, whose work was dubbed as “The Ruby Edition: Looking back and moving forward”.

His installation art affirms not only the four decades of MassKara but also the city’s ability to exhibit the notion of truth through art. “Through the display,

we seek to recapture particular moments of distinctive energy in the history of this beloved festival,” he stressed in an interview with Panay News.

On the other hand, presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo, along with Movie and Television Review and Classification Board member Kate Brios and Mayor Bing, insisted to witness the barangay street and arena dance competition. The Palace official also graced

the closing rites at the BCGC. Panelo expressed that when he spoke to PRRD hours prior to his arrival at the public plaza, he informed him that the people of Bacolod are really unique.

“Binibida ko sa kanya, [iba] ang tagaBacolod,” he shared.

Moreover, he assured the attendees that the President sends his love, and prayers for [Bacolod and Negros Occidental] to be blessed by God and have a comfortable life, that is free from criminality, illegal drugs, and suffering.

But a month before MassKara

kicked off, the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO) tested a 60-day traffic experimental re-routing of southbound public utility jeepneys (PUJs). Sum-ag, Pta. Taytay, Tangub, Singcang-Airport, and Magsungay-bound PUJs snaked through Gatuslao Street, took a left turn to the San Juan Street, and swerved right to Burgos Street, heading to the terminal at the Burgos-Ferrero streets.

“We need the cooperation of everybody to maintain the smooth flow of traffic in various areas of Bacolod especially at the downtown area,” BTAO chief Luisito Acebuche told SunStar.

Worse, mobile phone network services were halted during the Electric MassKara at 6th Street, 24th Lacson Street from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and during the MassKara competition open school and barangay categories on Oct. 26 and 27 at LizaresAraneta Streets from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The directive was issued under the memorandum signed by National Telecommunications (NTC) Commissioner Gamaliel Cordova, stating that in view of the request of Police Brigadier General Emmanuel Luis Licup, Globe Telecom, Inc. and Smart Communication, Inc. were directed to cut off all network services.

Certain city dwellers protested about the inconvenience brought about by NTC’s move. “As a commuter, the signal loss forced me to wait until I get to communicate properly. It was a hassle,” Jessica Gico said.

“This is MassKara like no other,” Mayor Bing said. “[It] is a reflection of the Bacolodnons. If we’re proud of MassKara, it is because of the people who made it what it is today. We should be proud of the Bacolodnons,” he expressed.

Forty solid years are no easy feat yet for the Bacolodnons, it’s become second nature. Sure, smiling with one’s mouth wide open is doable, but the deed gets meaningful once the pain behind it makes it all the more symbolic.

A Lookback on the Negrense Bloodline and its Geography Dancing with Cars Ata Negritos: Reliving our Roots museum exhibit

BY HANA PATRICIA RAJ E. HAUTEA

BY STARLENE JOY B. PORTILLO

Only a handful of Filipinos are aware that October is being hailed as Indigenous People (IP)’s Month. An even lesser number are familiar of IP culture, their rights, and the importance of its preservation in the face of modernity. As we celebrate IP Month for the 22nd turn of a calendar, an important question is

where the IP community has dwelled.

Among the people the Atas take pride in is Veijil Velez, who graduated cum laude in Elementary Education from the university in 2017.

Meanwhile, Museo’s walls spoke of their literature. Narrated in tarpaulin was the folk tale of the tambaloslos, a

ROOTS. Tribe chieftain, Richard “Tatay Boy” Impil shows his skills of “pang-ayam” or hunting using a bow and arrow. —KARL BRIAN T. MARQUEZA

raised: how do we celebrate what we don’t know?

This year’s IP Month theme is “Karunungan ng Katutubong Pamayanan Paigtingin: Pundasyon ng Katutubong Edukasyon”. Ironically, lessons in Hekasi introduced us to the Igorots who sowed on rice fields that eventually became the Banaue Rice Terraces, and the Aetas for being the first Philippine people—but not much is written and taught about our own Negrosanon IP, the Atas. This need for awareness was one of the main motivations behind the exhibit titled “Ata Negritos: Reliving our Roots” at the Museo Negrense de La Salle from Oct. 22Nov. 28.

The exhibit earmarked a corner for photographed residents from Brgy.

Bagong Silang of Don Salvador Benedicto,

mischievous supernatural creature that misguides people into circling the forests of Salvador Benedicto. To outsmart it, one must reverse their clothes, just as we have been told when faced with a tikbalang.

A fable their tribe loves to recount is that of the deer and a snail, who one day decided to have a race. Not knowing that all snails look identical, the deer got distracted with every snail he ran past until his gall bladder snagged against a plant. According to the natives, some plants—such as the rattan—are bitter because they contain the bile of the deer who snagged its bladder. This also explains why when a deer is slaughtered open, no bile can be found in it.

Adjacent to this, traditions done in community, livelihood, courtship, marriage, and death are detailed. But

what stands out is the island of indigenous instruments showcased at the center of the room rightfully.

Among these attention-grabbers were: the bangkaw used for hunting animals and fishing; a voice-magnifying budyong used to call people usually lost in forests; and their alternative medicine himag, which cures wounds, used as a balm, or drank for stomach aches and ulcers.

The Ata Negritos display has been a subsequent impact started by three students from the Social Studies department who have chosen to undertake the advocacy of IP’s education for their undergraduate thesis last year.

Joemarie Ticar, John Mark Encarnada, and Wenzy Ariza, together with their adviser Shiela Uy, produced the research titled “FROM ALIENATION TO ROOTEDNESS: Reliving the Practices of Ata Group Through Indigenous People’s Education”.

“We came to Don Salvador to aid the Ata tribe but it turns out, they have given us more help through the lifelong lessons about culture and history that we have gained,” stated Encarnada.

Chieftain Richard Impil has disclosed to the group about the Ata’s problem of alienation from their roots due to the economic and political development that has reached their tribe. In effect, one of the group’s thrusts has been the documentation of the indigenous knowledge, systems, and practices to come up with contextualized learning modules for IP children to relearn about their culture and revive history.

“Our dream is to make this a mobile exhibit so that we can introduce our own homegrown Ata to the entirety of Negros,” Ticar concluded.

The Ata Negritos exhibit is not just a record of the lives lived by the IPs of Don Salvador Benedicto, but a trail of lineage that Negrosanons hopefully acknowledge and appreciate better, for the IP Months to come.

It takes two to tango. In this case, that refers to Antonio “Tatay Pao” Nuñez Cordero and his long-time dance partner: traffic.

At almost 74 years old, Bacolod’s renowned dancing traffic enforcer is the epitome of “young at heart”. His face may betray his age, but watching him in action is akin to watching a boy play his favorite game—the enthusiasm, the focus, and the enjoyment are no different. Where most traffic enforcers would —PHOTO COURTESY OF SUNSTAR BACOLOD merely stand and motion with their hands, you’ll be fascinated to find him quickly rotating, alternating between both hands as his mind figures out what to do next. Upon closer approach, you’ll be so engrossed in his stories that you lose track of time and your cheeks start hurting from all the smiling.

“Honestly, I feel like I’m only 20 years old,” he laughed. “It’s because I love what I do.”

Such is the existence of Tatay Pao. Ever since 1995, he had accepted the challenge of taming the streets of Bacolod City after spending the longest time on the other side of the windshield—as a driver. His undying interest in traffic had begun even before that, however, as he remembers helping direct traffic when other civilians couldn’t during his earlier years.

It’s safe to say he faces that challenge valiantly every single time and champions over it every single day. Whether the adversary comes in the form of burning heat from the sun, buckets of rain from the sky, or even one of the three accidents he’s been in, they’re all no match for the mighty Tatay Pao. Over the course of more than 20 years in the middle of the streets, he has never been absent from duty.

This passion is what led him to continue working years after the standard retirement age. “To me, I’ve already retired,” Tatay Pao shrugged with a lingering smile on his face. “My body can still afford to work.” It is this hard-working mindset that has brought him a great deal of awards— seven, to be exact. Along with many recognition certificates, he’s also been recognized as Model Traffic Enforcer. Plus, his approachable demeanor is one more reason he’s well-loved by drivers and passers-by alike.

So if you ever pass by the intersection on Lizares Street near Lupit Church where you can usually find him stationed, don’t be afraid to shout a greeting or offer a smile. He may not be a professional dancer, but the way he tangoes his way through life is no less than a masterpiece.

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 64 NUMBER 5 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2019

S13

DAGWAY

SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2019

PTF-Elcac appeals for “Anti-insurgent” Negros

BY JOHN VINCENT E. RIVERA

-ANNA THERESA S. PARAYNO

Facades in the Digital Age

BY SHAN MARC O. JABAGAT

Before the camera became at par with the human vision, everything was hard to cover. The urge to put up a perfect exterior results from the demands of society to establish an “ideal human” structure. At first, it was only all about filters but as time passed and with it, the fast-paced innovations, physical flaws are now possible to be concealed until we reach the line where even one’s identity can be manipulated—this is called ‘deepfake’.

Based on artificial intelligence (AI) technology, deepfake refers to the alteration of any digital media forms to produce a fabricated material that technically appears to be real. The term is a combination of the words ‘deep learning’ and ‘fake’.

It made its introduction to the public by the end of 2017, after a Reddit user named deepfakes who utilized deep learning technology to face-swap celebrities into pornographic actors’ bodies, making it believable to the public eye. Since then, the practice of making AI-assisted pornographic content exploded exponentially as users have

been increasing. Likewise, the video counterparts became more convincing.

Deepfakes even extend to people who are not tech-savvy. An article published by the print magazine Vice claims that another Reddit user named deepfakeapp created a user-friendly application in early 2018 called FakeApp. It allows anyone, without any background experience in technology and programming, to recreate their own videos based on their own datasets. It is based on the deepfakes’ algorithm, but the application can stand on its own without the original’s help.

As the deepfake trend continues to rise, it inserts itself into the political arena. According to Drew Harwell from the Washington Post, White House Secretary Sarah Sanders shared on her Twitter account in November 2018 what appeared to be CNN Reporter Jim Acosta being aggressive towards a White House intern at a news conference. Another instance was on a live broadcast in Seattle

by Q13 last January which appeared to be US President Donald Trump with a larger head, and an orange-toned skin, and while

giving his speech, he appeared to hang his tongue out between sentences.

These number of deepfake incidents in the field of media and politics undermine the question of how informed we are in the digital age. With the constant manipulation of different famous personalities, audiences may be convinced of something that is inauthentic. This side of the technological innovation could undermine the truth and could alter the information given to the masses.

Meanwhile, Republican senator and 2016 US presidential candidate Marco Rubio, claimed that deepfake is the modern equivalent of nuclear weapons.

Overall, deepfakes could actually alter what has been heard or what has been seen. We are now in a generation where even the truth can no longer be defined as truth. As surfacing online content become more impossible to differentiate in terms of realness, facades in the digital age becomes harder to unmask. This digital phenomenon of identity manipulation can threaten one’s life, or worse, a country itself.

River of Lies: A View on Villar’s ‘River of Life’

-EARL JOHN D. PABULAR

BY MAEGAN JOY MATAMORO

“It all begins with the river”, a catchphrase that will keep you wondering if it will be a good start to refuse stagnancy or it will be an overflowing threat. Written by Cynthia Villar along with Yvette Fernandez, and illustrated by Paul Eric Roca—a children’s book was unveiled.

River of Life, like the usual children’s book, is anchored on a moral lesson and an implication of advocacy. This 23-page book tackles the simplest thing that can be taught in the four corners of our home

or in the community: environmentalism.

A common issue that is localized in the hometown of Las Piñas was brought up, involving proper waste disposal and the problem of Las Piñas River. The sudden call out of the problematic disposal system in that area drops the biggest irony since the Villars built their own empires as a defense against voiceless farmers, the heart of our motherland.

This is further made complicated by the Rice Tariffication Bill that will cut the prices of rice to seven pesos per kilo which Villar is currently supporting. The

audacity of the writers to put concern on a certain environmental issue in a manner that it will uplift her name in that arena while neglecting the howls of the farmers is one of the alarming environmental concerns. In this case, the book can be used as a cover-up.

As you delve into other topics and issues that were raised, the first few parts discussed the rapid growth of infrastructures in the area, this development greatly affects the environmental attributes of the river and its current state. Leaving some dirty and murky remnants to the river troubles the people’s livelihood in contrast to maintaining a clean and green site for the resources that folks usually depend on.

Additionally, Villar has been criticized for her alleged conflict of interest when she became the chairwoman of the Senate’s Agricultural Committee due to the development of her family’s real estate transforming rice and corn farms into Camella Homes and Vista Land projects.

This is the same situation in which she is strongly against the book’s narrative.

Using her profile as the main character of the story to portray a herolike effect to the children speaks for itself why this has been the time she came up with a children’s book. She targets the vulnerable, thinking that they can be easily fooled and putting up her personal interests and a long-term goal.

Children are longed to be fed by fantasies of their bedtime stories in order to draw a beautiful world that is away from the cruelty and outside noises. But the sole purpose of children’s books will be put into vain when greed for personal gain dominates. Books have been a refuge for many years and for many people, however, within this midnight story lies a nightmare.

Negros Occidental finalized the establishment of Provincial Task Force - On Ending Local Communists Armed Conflicts (PTF-Elcac) to end local insurgency last Oct. 3-5 according to the Executive Order (EO) 70 s. 2018.

Twenty-one government agencies including Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Education (DepEd), and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) were assigned to provide specific support in areas infiltrated by communist groups. “[We] will be conducting community support and immersion program to identify problems in specific areas; why they are recruited by the New People’s Army (NPA),“ PCOL Romeo A. Baleros, Provincial Director of Negros Occidental Provincial Police Office (NOCPPO) said.

Baleros expounded that the three common reasons of locals in entering the communist group are the call for a minimum wage, the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), and the lack of information about the existence of such communist groups.

The task force stipulates the rehabilitation of active members and supporters of the communist alliances who will surrender and get them back to the mainstream through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).

Surrenderers will be assessed by the Technical Education and Skills and Development Authority (TESDA), and thereafter provide them training for job placement.

Aside from the P50,000 initial financial support from the government after the skills training, people who will hand over their

firearms will receive buy-back money corresponding to its current price in the market.

As of the first week of September, 300 members of the break-away group of NPA, the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB) and TabaraPaduano Group surrendered.

Moreover, a total of 2510 members and supporters of NPA turned over themselves in Escalante on September 20.

Meanwhile, the assassination of a former leader of RPA-ABB “Ka Maitan” Casipe in Talisay last October is a case that the chief of police and investigators are looking because of a possibility that it is perpetrated by the NPA. “This will not affect in our effort to end local armed conflicts,” PCOL Baleros replied when asked if this will impact the anti-insurgency effort. “If it will be proven that it is perpetrated by them [NPA], this only means they don’t want to cooperate with the government,” he furthered.

Nevertheless, the angle of personal grudge and work-related problems are also taken into account in the investigation.

To curtail the recruitment of students, school lectures are also currently being scheduled and facilitated by the Speaker’s Bureau of the police force in cooperation with DepEd. A two-day lecture in the Coca Cola Plant at Mansilingan, Bacolod City has been held with former rebels as resource speakers.

Another separate symposium was organized in PRO 6 Satellite Office which was attended by the chief of police, community relations PNCO, and other intelligence officers of different stations.

LASALLIAN CORE

Pahuway

BY COLEEN AWIT

-PETER JOB T. BEARNEZA JR.

We cannot do everything about everything at all times.

We cannot be there for everyone at all times.

And it’s alright.

Because oftentimes we think too much of saving the world that we end up needing some saving too.

When we speak of activism, it does not readily equate to being there for the world all the time. It is like being the sun—you rise so high to give everyone the energy that they need but you also set and rest, too.

As activists, we should learn to be kind to our bodies and minds so that we can radiate that kindness to the world around us. We should create spaces for ourselves where we can pause and breathe deeply for it is actually in those spaces that creation comes in. When we finally learn to pause, we can regain our focus and divert our energy on things that actually matter the most to us.

It would also be of great help if we learn to celebrate our successes,

no matter what their magnitudes are. Before you rush off to doing a different thing, do acknowledge your accomplishments and microprogress. There may be times that you fail but please know that doing your best is more than enough. Treat yourself. Eat that ice cream that you wanted to eat, go to that “always canceled” getaway, or simply lock yourself in your room and watch your favorite series.

To add, it is totally alright to say ‘no’ or to just put off things. Value your time but more than that, value yourself. It is alright that we do nothing during the after-hours. It is alright to choose you. In this society where everything seems fast-paced, slow down and just free your mind.

It is also during these moments where we can pay attention to what is going on around us.

Ultimately, everything may be seemingly heavy but remember that you’re certainly not alone. When things pile up and get a bit much, always be willing to ask for help.

Surround yourself with people who are willing to support, either by merely listening or actually helping you. This battle is not only yours to fight. When you wound up, remember that there will be people that can take your place. The most important thing is that you don’t fall.

To all the activists out there, your most valuable resource is yourself.

Pahuway—while being kind to the world, be kind to yourself too.

Coleen Awit, 19, is a 2nd-year chemical engineering student and an advocate for climate action.

Currently, she is the Secretary of the Department of Advocacy Programs of USG.

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 64 NUMBER 5 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2019

S14

FILIPINO

SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2019

Magikland: pinapangarap na parke sa Negros NI ALFREDO JR. R. BAYON-ON

Pormal nang binuksan sa lungsod ng Silay, Negros Occidental ang kauna-unahang outdoor theme park sa Visayas—ang Magikland.

Ipinagmamalaki ng pasyalan ang 12 rides at tatlong themed areas nito—isang mahiwagang lugar para sa mga bata at matatanda, at kultural na lugar na nagtatampok ng ilang mga replika ng kilalang ancestral houses sa Negros tulad ng Maria Ledesma Golez Ancestral House, Balay Negrense, at Cesar Lacson Locsin Ancestral House o ang El Ideal Restaurant. Lahat ng sakayan sa parke ay mula sa Italyanong negosyong Zamperla, ang pinakamalaking pinagkukunan ng rides ng Disneyland.

Ang konsepto ng Magikland ay nagsimula kay Atty. Simplicio Palanca, ang ama ng Bacolod Real Estate Development Corporation (BREDCO), na kilala bilang “Mr. Showman” dahil sa dedikasyon nito sa larangan ng libangan.

Noong 1950 hanggang 1960, nakaugalian na niyang magdala ng mga dayuhang sirko sa Bacolod.

“Ang layunin ng aming tagapagtatag ay ang pagkabuo ng isa pang haligi para sa ekonomiya ng Negros maliban sa industriya ng asukal, at dahil karamihan sa mga Negrense ay likas na malikhain at talentado, napagtanto niyang ang parke ay nauukol na ideya,” wika ni Jessric Naria, Marketing Head ng Magikland.

Bakit sa Silay?

Ang paghahanap sa naaayong lokasyon ay isa sa pangunahin at pinakamahirap na bahagi ng proseso ng pagpapatayo. Sa umpisa, napag-isipang sa BREDCO ito ilagay ngunit mayroon nang mga nakalaang plano para rito.

Ang ikalawang pinagpili-an nila ay sa Victorias, ang tahanan ni Atty. Palanca, subalit hindi ito nababagay sa mga turista mula Bacolod.

Para sa mga tagapagtatag ay kawili-wili ang Silay dahil isa ito sa mga lungsod sa bansa na mabilis umusbong. Ang lungsod

—PHOTO COURTESY OF LEXPLORATIONS PH

ay ilang minuto lamang galing sa Bacolod at siyang destinasyon ng airport. Bunga ng reputasyon ng Silay bilang Paris ng Negros at museum city kasunod ng Vigan, napagpasyahang itayo ang parke kung saan matatagpuan ang 29 na ancestral houses .

Natunghayan din ng dating congressman na si Albee Benitez na ang turismo ay isa sa umuunlad na industriya sa lungsod, kaya buong puso niyang sinuportahan ang pagpapatayo ng pasyalan.

Ang Hinaharap Ang 80-ektaryang estruktura ay pagtatayuan din ng isang hotel, commercial and lifestyle buildings, function rooms, wet

park, haunted mansion, at iba pa.

Para simulan ang inaabangang pagbubukas ay ipapalabas ang pelikulang “Magikland”.

Sa pelikula, ilalahad rito ang mga

pangunahing taong kabahagi ng proyekto at ipapakilala ang parke.

Ang palabas ay nasa ilalim ng direksyon ni Christian Acuña at produksyon nina Peque Gallaga at

Lore Reyes.

“Isa itong daan upang madagdagan ang mga dahilan para ang mga tao ay mamalagi sa Negros,” pagtatapos ni Naria.

AirAsia naglunsad ng bagong Ruta NI JORIE E. TORIANO

Nagdagdag ng isang pang-araw-araw na serbisyo ang AirAsia Philippines na nag-aalok ng flight sa pagitan ng Manila at Bacolod noong Oktubre 27, ang ika-11 na domestikong destinasyon mula sa kabisera ng bansa.

Magbibigay ng access sa Bacolod at sa Gitnang Visayas ang bagong Manila-Bacolod na ruta upang patuloy na mapalago ang industriya ng turismo sa lungsod.

Matatagpuan ang Bacolod sa hilagang kanluran ng Negros at kilala ang lungsod na ito bilang “The Sugarbowl of the Philippines” dahil sa malawakang plantasyon ng tubo at pagsuplay ng asukal.

Pinamamahalaan ng Chief Executive Officer (CEO) na si Ricardo Isla ang kabuuang operasyon ng AirAsia Philippines.

Nauna nang sinabi ni Isla sa Philippine News Agency (PNA) na lumalawak na ang presensya ng eroplano kaya mga domestikong ruta na ang kanilang mas pinapahalagahan sapagkat ito ang pangunahing negosyo ng AirAsia Philippines.

Mula noong Setyembre 12 hanggang 21, nagkaroon ng pagkakataon ang mga miyembro ng “Big Royalty” na makakuha ng all-in promosyonal na pamasahe sa halagang 590 pesos, habang ang mga hindi naman miyembro ay nakakuha

sa halagang 657 pesos.

Nagkaroon sila ng pagsulong na pamasahe sa pagdiriwang na rin ng kanilang bagong domestikong destinasyon.

Ngunit, magagamit lamang ito sa panahon ng paglalakbay mula Oktubre 27, 2019 hanggang Pebrero 2020.

Inihayag ng carrier na magiging tatlong beses sa isang araw ang mga flight sa pagitan ng Maynila at Bacolod.

Maaaring sundan ang pinakabagong promosyon, balita at aktibidad ng AirAsia sa Facebook (AirAsia), Twitter (AirAsia) at Instagram (@AirAsiaFilipino).

Polio muling nagbabalik NI MA. KRISTINE JOY R. BAYADOG

-KATHERINE E. CO

Nitong Setyembre ay opisyal nang ipinahayag ng DOH ang polio outbreak sa bansa.

Kinumpirma ng Kagawaran ng Kalusugan (DOH) ang muling paglitaw at paglaganap ng sakit na polio halos 20 taon matapos ideklara ng World Health Organization (WHO) na polio-free na ang Pilipinas.

Ang polio o poliomyelitis ay isang uri ng nakakahawang sakit na karaniwang dumadapo sa mga batang may edad limang taong gulang pababa. Ito ay maaring makuha mula sa pagkain at paginom ng tubig na kontaminado ng dumi na may dalang poliovirus.

Nakumpirma ang unang kaso ng pagbabalik ng polio sa isang tatlong taong gulang na batang babae mula sa Lanao Del Sur, samantala ang ikalawang kaso naman ay naitala mula sa limang taong gulang na batang lalaki sa probinsya ng Laguna.

Ang pangunahing sintomas ng polio ay ang pagkakaroon ng lagnat, pagkapagod, sakit ng ulo, paninigas ng leeg, at iba pa.

Sa ibang mga kaso, ang polio ay nagdudulot ng permanenteng pagkalumpo at maaaring magdulot ng mabilis na panghihina ng katawan, pagkaparalisa, at sa ibang pagkakataon, pagkamatay ng pasyente.

Sa ngayon ay wala pang naitatalang lunas para rito. Ang maaari lamang gawin ay maingat na pangangalaga sa kalusugan ng katawan at pagsasailalim sa mga bakunang kinakailangan.

Nagsagawa ng pagsusuri ang Research Institute for Tropical Medicine sa mga sampol na nakuha mula sa mga imburnal ng Maynila at mga daanan ng tubig sa Davao.

Ayon sa resulta ng isinagawang eksaminasyon, ang pinag-aralang mga sampol ay kontaminado ng poliovirus. Ang naitalang resulta ay sinang-ayunan din ng Japan National Institute for Infectious Diseases at ng United States Centers

for Disease Control and Prevention.

Sa ngayon ay naghahanda na ng mabilis na pagtugon ang DOH kasama ang mga lokal na yunit at ahensya ng gobyerno. Suportado naman ng United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) ang mga aksyong nais isagawa ng kagawaran hinggil sa outbreak.

Hinihikayat ni Health Secretary Francisco Duque III ang mga health worker, lokal na pamahalaan sa sabayang pagbabakuna, lalo na ang mga magulang na pabakunahan kaagad ang kanilang mga anak.

“Ito [pagpapabakuna] ang tanging paraan upang mapigilan ang pagsiklab ng polio at maprotektahan ang bawat bata laban sa nakakahawa at nakakaparalisang sakit na ito,” dagdag pa ng kalihim.

Kasama sa mga paghahanda ay ang sabayang pagbabakuna sa mga batang limang taong gulang pababa simula ngayong buwan ng Oktubre at malawakang pagsusubaybay sa kapaligiran na maaring pagmulan ng polio.

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 64 NUMBER 5 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2019

S15

DAKBANWA

SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2019

Lasallian alumnus nagdaog sa SineNegrense NI ALFREDO R. BAYON-ON JR.

Isa sa mga nagdaog sa sine nga Sine Negrense: Negros Island Film Festival amo ang pelikula nga “Buding: Ang Babaye nga Naglutaw” nga dunay obra sang sinadto tuig 2015-2016 nga Communication Society USLS (CSU) President nga si Mark Garcia.

Ang nasambid nga short film sa idalom sang open category nakakuha sang siyam sa 13 ka tropiya na may ara man sing 10 ka finalists .

Ang ‘Buding: Ang Babaye nga Nagalutaw’ nagatuhoy sa tulo ka indibidwal nga nag-report sa pulisya matapos makita ang isa ka bayi nga nagalutaw sa iya kama, nakaagom sang nagkalainlain nga mga premyo parehos sang “Best Picture”, “Best Cinematography”, “Best Production Design”, “Best Editing”, “Best Screenplay” kag iban pa.

Natigayon man ni Garcia ang “Best Director” kag dugang pa sa iya, tanan nga premyo nga nabaton indi lang para sa iya kundi para man sa kada isa nga nagahandum kag padayon nga nagahimakas para malab-ot ang suno nga handum.

Isa ka guban nga mga estudyante sang CSU ang nagintra man sa kompetisyon sa idalom sang Inter-Collegiate Category kung sa diin gindag-an man sang “Sin-o ang Kataw?” ang “ Best Musical Score”.

Kalakip man sa kompetisyon ang iban nga eskwelahan nga nagpartisipar: Colegio San Agustin, La Consolacion College, Trinity Christian School, Sagay National High School, kag Negros Occidental High School.

SALIDA. Mark Garcia nagabaton sang pasidungog bilang Best Director para sa Open Category sang 2019 Sine Negrense: Negros Island Film Festival - Film Competition. —ALFREDO JR. R. BAYON-ON

Ginpaambit man ni Festival Director Adrian Torres nga, “Dako nga hitabo ini sa film community sa probinsya bangud nagadamo kada tuig ang naga-intra kag madamo nga tumalan-aw ang gusto makita ang lokal nga himo.”

Kadungan sa hitabo ang pagsaulog sang ika-100 nga tuig sang Philippine Cinema, ginpasundayag man ang duha ka lokal nga salida nga dako ang kahulugan sa mga Negrense bangud diri gin himo ang bug-os sang duha ka sine.

Duha ka salida amo ang “Sonata” ni Direk Peque Gallaga kag ang “Gumising ka Maruja” nga obra sang National Artist for Cinema nga si Lino Brocka.

Ginpakita sa Cinematheque Centre Negros ang duha ka sine kaupod sa mga entries sang open kag inter-collegiate category sang Sept. 25-28.

Ang short films nga “Buding: Ang Babaye nga Naglutaw” kag “Sin-o ang Kataw?” ipakita man sa CineKasimnwa kaupod sa iban pa gid nga nagdaog.

Wanted: Batang Pasaway!

Sugar Says

Sugar Singkwentaisais

thespectrum.usls@gmail.com

Dugang nga pondo para sa CLMMRH, gintugtan Italana ang badyet ilabi na sa kama kag sweldo sang mga tinawo NI JORIE E. TORIANO KAG CHRISTIAN DOMINIC L. LEDESMA

Ginpahanugot na ang dugang nga pondo para sa pagpakamaayo sang Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) pagkatapos mapirmahan ni Presidente Rodrigo Duterte ang Republic Act 11441 sang Agosto 28.

Ang nasambit nga pondo magakadto sa pagbuad sang mga higdaan, maghalin sa 400 tubtob 1,000 nga katre, pagpadugang tinawo sang ospital, kag para man sa nagkalain-lain pa gid nga mga galastuhan sa operasyon sang ospital.

“Ang pinakadako nga pondo nagakadto sa sweldo sang mga tinawo sang ospital (personnel services) kag nagadason diri ang Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE),” silíng ni Shareen Caelian, CPA, MBA, Financial and Management Officer II sang CLMMRH. Suno kay Caelian ang pondo sang ospital halos nagahalin sa national government nga may pahanugot sang General Appropriations Act (GAA), kung sa diin ginatagaan sila sang badyet sa idalom sang Department of Health

(DOH).

Sa nagligad nga tuig, masobra sa P953 milyon ang pondo ka CLMMRH kag didto pa lang, nabudlayan sila sa pagbadyet para makaigo sa mga galastuhan sang nasambit nga ospital.

Dako ang pagpasalamat sang mga opisyales sang ospital sa pagpasaka sang pondo tungod masolusyunan na ang ila palaligban sa aktwal nga pagokupar sang kama nga nagasobra na sa gin-awtorisar nga kapasidad sini, sa ila mga nagakulang nga tinawo labi na gid sa ila mga nars, sa kulang nga badyet para sa MOOE, kag sa kahamtangan sang ospital nga indi pa handa sa pagtatap sang tama kadamo nga mga pasyente.

“Subong, nagasugod na ang pagsaka sang pondo kay kada tuig ina kag ari na kami sa proseso sang pag-implementar sang pagsulundan kag regulasyon sang layi,” siling ni Caelian.

Ginatinguhaan man sang CLMMRH nga matapos na sa malapit nga tini-on ang ila nga East Tower Building kag ila ini ginalaum-laum nga pagabutangan

sang dugang nga 252 ka kama.

“Amat-amaton namon nga pasakaon ang kapasidad sang amon kama kag pakamaayuhon ang kakulangan nga ginaatubang sang amon ospital sa sulod sang lima katuig,” dugang pa guid ni Caelian.

Suno pa sa iya kinahánglan guid nila sang dúgang nga badyet kay ginatátap nila ang kadám-an nga populasyon sang Bacolod kay wala ini sang lokal nga healthcare institution nga makahatag sang serbisyong pang-medikal rason nga nagalab-ot na ang ila pasyente sa masobra 700 biskan 400 lang ang ila kama kag gamay lang ang gakabaton nila nga bulig pinansyal halin sa gobyerno.

“Nagapasalamat guid kami sa suporta ni Cong. Greg Gasataya kag ni Sen. JV Ejercito kay sila guid ni ang nag awtor sang bill kag nakipagbato para mapasar ini,” pagpasalamat ni Caelian.

Ginatagaan man pagtamod sang ospital ang mga kinahanglanon nga sundon nahanungod sa CSCDBM-COA Joint Circular (JC) NO. 1, series of 2018 agud mas mapanami pa gid ang ila nga serbisyo.

Julat lang sizt, imo ni jeverly sa bowl? Lihog flush bi?

Ewwwwness!!

Holabells mga jugetera! Iz me again, the one and only, Sugar !!! <3 *applause* Super pagoda tragedy akes from the flight plus teta has her new set of kilay nemen eh! Choz. First of all, congratulatory kay buhi pa kamo after First Sem! Pero ya know naman, chakabells naman akembang kay may ara gid mga pipols nga gapastress kay teta (as always GRR)!! Dzaee pila nako di katuig sa Lasalle and besh gajonders nako di but why is it nga asta subong daw whiz gid gyapon DIZIPLINE??

Where maget ang manners? Super stresst na me mga langga so palihog lang da bi! Bawal magkawrenkels si manenay.

Strike One! Mapangilay lang tani si mader sa CR tubang DO office, but SHOCKING GALORE!!! Kyawti kaayo uy!!! “Hotel de USLS” comfort rooms? What happened??? Haler? Di kamo kabalo magflush?

Wasak na mga bidet mga inday, paano nako ni kacheverlu? Julat lang sizt, imo ni jeverly sa bowl? Lihog flush bi? Ewwwwness!!

Strike Two!! Yez to lamon but no to balahura-ness when it comes to your basura mga juget. Ginbutangan nagid mga CLAYGO signs on the tables but super Calatrava gyapon!! Anetch gali ang use sang aton mga brand-new treshkens? Di na kamo mga bagets, so why is it nga di niyo pa mahimo until now? Or julag lang kamo? Choz. Lihog lang bi julot sang inyo trash. Kag girls, anuva?? kapag red alert, kay.uha man bi pagdispose :) di pwede ala-Monterey’s ang scent sang stall ya know, charaught. Di kamo magsalig nga may mga gaclean saton campus so be responsible man bi mga langga.

Strike Three!!! There’s a saying that goes “Kung alam ka, alam kagid ya”, pero let’s be real mga kumare, tamadis ka lang gid ya magtuon amirite? Chour. Fine. Kung di ka ya magtuon and gatambay ka lang da sa study area or sa library kag puro chismis and sungad-galore ang biz mo; A) Lihog saylo lugar, B) Sakay ka na lang jipamy and go home na lang sizt, or C) Kipota na lang jungad mo ghurl, choz! Be considerate man sa palibot mo, langga. Kay may mga beshies ta da nga bisan super Tom Jones na or close na to borlog mode, go na go pa sila gyapon ya magstudy. Keribells niyo na mga ateng <3 Chismisan has a proper venue mga kumare!

Anyways, my fellow mudrakelz, teta still has a Diamond Peel Facial appointment, choz. I hope naigo kamo (charot) pero in all seriousness, let us maintain discipline and practice good manners and habits diri sa campus kay sureness nga dal.on ta ni asta when we grow up, trulalu? Bonggabells kamo kay you study in a good school, so don’t be super dolores sa pamatasan, k? Yetti, may X-factor ka tuod, pero if X ka nemen sa manners? It’s a no from me, sizt!

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 64 NUMBER 5 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2019

S16

REVIEWS PLAY

BOOK

WE WON’T BE TENDING GARDENS

BY ANDREA DANIELLE A. GAMBOA

A recounting of experiences from the eyes of migrants and a connection from one child of the diaspora to another, We Won’t Be Tending Gardens is like coming home to a familiar bed. In this nostalgic collection of short poems, Mookie Katigbak-Lacuesta weaves together a loving homage to the people uprooted and tending to “farther gardens”, a narrative that I can thoroughly appreciate. For this, her delicate words aptly won the book first place at the 2014 Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature.

Freight trains are a common symbol in the poems, denoting a journey that translated as constant, fast-paced, and cold. After all, there is a bittersweetness to the act of migration, and the first poem gently sets the scene with a road starting from Binlonan to Stockton.

“America is the Sweetheart” opens the collection with the narrator dancing with Sally, Virginia, and Mary: American women who promise “ten cents a ticket, three minutes a dance,” and “ten cents a minute, three tickets a dance.” The nursery-rhyme depiction of these stories evoke a wistful mood, bringing up somber feelings of childhood while referencing the act of being cheated out of money for the promise of, what I feel, is an “American Dream”. Debate on the existence of such a thing has been long standing, and it seemed only right to become immersed in such thinking while reading this poem.

The wordplay is exquisite and almost acts as a secret code for Filipinos everywhere, in the line: “They’ll say, call me ‘darling’ in your local tongue… I’ll say mahal.”

In the poem dubbed the same evocative title as the series of poems, a staccato string of words tells the narrative of solidarity; oneness with the migrants who long for home.

It’s short and precise, angry and calling. There are no golden flakes entangled in this poem or lines of flowery prose and evocative wording: it would only get in the way.

Referencing pieces of visual art from Filipino masters from the likes of Amorsolo and Juan Luna, as well as foreign poets and authors, Katigbak-Lacuesta doesn’t fail to intertwine the inherent colonized aspect of our culture to the narratives of immigrants.

How easily she is able to ascribe unjustness to the eurocentric beauty standards and addresses our complacency in subscribing to them.

In the Portrait of Anne Solesby, the narrator is taken by the “whiteness” of the woman’s dress because of its resemblance to her mother’s drab table cloth. “The white of our mistakes”, is a telling line in this poem, adding weight and burden to an already somber story.

The book circles and ends at the same place it started: two men and a freight train.

It is a rewriting of history: a Hollywood ending for Filipinos. Ironic and heartfelt and discouraging all at the same time, as the two boys of the story reminisce, and take a car home.

MOVIE

PARASITE (2019)

SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2019

MAGULANG, MAGULANG!

BY SHAN MARC O. JABAGAT

Magulang, Magulang! was both written and produced by Paul Ballano, who also played the role of Antonio, the rich father of a boy named Anthony (Ron Angeles) who did not have time for his son. Ballano is also the same person behind other plays that have previously graced the university such as YayaMam, The Fifth Prodigal, and Ang Guro.

This stage play is currently touring around schools all over the country, having Bacolod City as their opener for this year. This two-hour play highlights the different struggles and challenges of being a Filipino parent in the current generation.

Targeting younger audiences— particularly Generation Z—the themes of the play tackled common issues within the household: separation of parents, the lack of time with their children, sibling rivalry, liberation and rebellious behavior influenced by technology, question of parental guidance, and gender sensitivity. Magulang, Magulang! narrates the story of five parents, namely: Diosa (Vida Masakayan), Luningning (Ethyl Osorio), Brigido (Jay Pengson), Imelda (Ahmee Galguera), and Antonio.

The storyline was simple and straightforward overall. As the play progressed, it slowly expounded and revealed the causes behind the current situation among their respective children. It was easily understood by the audience since the dialogue never slipped away from the message of the play.

The play delivered heavy drama, but it was balanced with humor to ease the weight of tension being exuded by the characters—like

-MARTINI M. FALCO

when Luningning executed brutal, yet realistic lines of being a single mother struggling with the criticism of her parental capabilities by her own mother Lydia (Yd Diego) to her daughter Shane (Hazel Faith). The character was able to balance the intensity by inserting humor as shown in the scene when she stated that she already bore children to four different men, one to each of them.

She then inserted a joke about her being flat-chested.

The set design of the play was simple. It depicted the living and dining area of Luningning’s house.

It filled the space with furniture and decorations that compels with the storyline, thus making it a seemingly realistic part of the house.

In addition, it was a surprise that the play was a tour around the country since the set design was executed in a way that can make the audience

engaged more in the play.

In the aspect of the story, it introduced a lighter mood to the audience and made them feel that the stage play would not deliver a heavy and realistic approach, yet as it progressed, it slowly shed heaviness to its target audience. This resulted in them being more engaging and held their attention towards the story.

The casting of actors also played a part in keeping the direction of the play constant from beginning to end.

However, there are parts where the actors forget their lines yet it was almost unnoticeable since it was quickly filled with ad libs to keep the flow smooth.

Nevertheless, Magulang, Magulang! is still a great play as it lets the younger audiences see and appreciate the value, the hardship, and the love of their own parents and their parenthood.

BY KATHERINE E. CO

This masterpiece of a film proves yet again with unequivocal certainty why Bong Joonho is one of the most wickedly ingenious filmmakers of our time.

When the filthy rich Park household— gullible and nice—gets illegally insinuated by the impoverished Kims who aspire to climb higher in the class system, there is a pounding mash of moral code, helplessly quirky action, and an important statement about the harsh, divisive structure of society.

A winner of the Palme d’Or (Golden Palm) or the highest prize in this year’s Cannes Film Festival, Parasite (2019) by internationally-acclaimed South Korean director and screenwriter Bong Joon-ho is a satirical tragicomedy that exposes the ugly social divides of society in a real epic multigenre fashion that does not fall short of the magical prowess of Bong’s other science fiction-fantasy works like Okja (2017) and Snowpiercer (2013).

The setting of this film is simple enough to showcase the strong allegory between the upper class and the lower class: the Park family’s glass-bound mansion way up the hills of Seoul and the Kim family’s half-buried cement box-abode at the rear end of a flood-zone alley. As the Kims infiltrate the Park household for a living, the gap is only made clearer: the rich and the poor—they live in two different worlds.

Out of the many, many incredible things to talk about this film, the sharp but effortless transitions from different genres, tones, and emotions throughout most probably comprise the most distinct, breathtaking trait of Bong’s fantastic, unapologetic direction.

From the comedy-filled first act shifting to a heavy but stunning thriller in the second act, and a shocking, gut-wrenching bloody final act, closed by a biting melancholy that lingers even after the movie—the film is a masterful unfolding of twists, surprises, and the feeling of an unplanned narrative. The impeccable realness the movie brings literally brings you to the edge of your seat till the last second.

The flawless, unrelenting performance of the main cast, particularly the Kim family, could not have made its pairing with Bong’s direction any more fantastic than it could be. Witty, diverse, and united they are as a family, the four roles of Kim Kitaek (Song Kang-ho), Kim Chung-sook (Jang Hye-jin), Kim Ki-woo (Choi Woo-shik), and Kim Ki-jung (Park So-dam) could have never found a more fitting cast, whose chemistry absolutely blew off with this film piece.

The cinematography—almost in perfect sync with the emotional rhythm of the storyline, being still and being energetic at the right moments—secured Bong’s concrete vision of a highly metaphorical story with clear-cut precision. This, partnered with a film score akin to a daunting orchestra-like performance, shapes the film into almost like a dance, intensifying till the last scene, turning darker as if it is inevitably moving toward its eventual tragic fall.

Bong Joon-ho’s talent is placing numerous symbols and allegories throughout the film and managing to always put them back in their places towards the end with extremely profound meaning. Coupled with a strong grasp of society’s ills, this makes Parasite an important sketch to watch in this decade.

Parasite is funny, riveting, heart-stopping, and absolutely devastating, but if there’s one thing you can be sure about this Bong Joon-ho art piece, it’s that it is never what it seems.

To say it will leave you stunned is an understatement.

ALBUM

LOVER BY TAYLOR SWIFT

BY CARL HASON T. GERALE

Deny it or not, Taylor Swift is one of the reigning music titans who defined this generation. With the ability to transform personal diary entries into anthems that can spur a great number of teenagers to pick up a guitar and pretend to be the protagonist of a mainstream 2000s romantic teen film, she made a legacy easily, and on top of that, withstood the test of time as well as the ever-changing dynamics of the industry.

On her seventh studio album, Swift sheds off the Gorgonian skins of Reputation and steps into Lover’s pastel wonderland. With the return of Swift’s loved-up lyrics weaved with pop production, it seemed to have bridged the dichotomy between the Old and New Taylor.

“ME!” featuring Brendon Urie from Panic! At the Disco as the appetizer worked for the two’s fun and comical sides, but the commercial ad jingleinfluenced song with lyrics like “Hey kids! Spelling is fun!” is very much questionable even for the “Shake It Off” hitmaker and her red herring formula for lead singles.

Notwithstanding the letdown of “ME!”, the rest of the remaining tracks successfully make up for its misfire.

The self-written title track “Lover”, produced by both Swift and long-time collaborator Jack Antonoff, perfectly encapsulates the emotion of love.

Accompanied by a band and Swift’s voice drenched in reverb sounding all too old-fashioned, the song is bound to make you just want to run for the aisle crying. Not only that, the sultry track “False God” is a perfect gamechanger in the album: a bold wordplay of religion and sex in between fingers and sax.

With Lover, Swift decided it’s not only time for arrow hearts to be fired in her best cupid costume, but also a moment to finally don her plaid suit

and dabble in politics following the steps of her contemporaries. “The Man” is a clever callout to the double standards in the industry, taking form in an upbeat synth-pop bop produced and written by both Joel Little and Swift, although a little too Taylor Swift-exclusive to become a universal feminist anthem.

On another note, the dramatic “Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince” is a cry of dismay about the state of America veiled under a high school allegory. Nearing the end of the album, Swift makes a final splash with “You Need To Calm Down”, a Swiftian way of telling the haters, homophobes, and competitive stans to... well, calm down. This also paved the way for Swift’s petition for the equality act to be pushed in the US, and by her power,

elicit a response from the White House itself.

Swift describes Lover as a “love letter to love itself”. Coming full circle from the throes and woes of its antithesis RED, Swift sings: “I always thought love would be burning red, but it’s golden like daylight” in the sentimental album closer “Daylight”. Bearing a fortified maturity and newfound optimism in life, perhaps this is not the ol’ wideeyed country Taylor neither the pop powerhouse Taylor but rather, just Taylor Swift in a better place than she has ever been before.

And along with the emancipation and candidness of this album, another brick to Swift’s prodigious empire is lodged into place—promising a warm throne for Swift to write more chapters in her best-selling chronicle.

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 64 NUMBER 5 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2019

S17

SLANT

SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2019

TULA

Kailan Magiging Malaya?

by Erica Jaine A. Mestre

BALAYBAY

Balatian sang Korona ni Joshua L. Mahilum Butlak. Tunod. Butlak. Tunod.

Sukta niyo to ang Adlaw ay. Wala na naman ta bubod!

Hambala siya nga indi ya ta ya pagtulog-tulugan.

Wala manok kung wala ang mga naga-atipan!

Butlak. Tunod. Tunod. Tunod.

Sukta niyo to ang Adlaw ay. Ang hatag ya nga lambat pirme gasambod!

Ngaa pirme na siya ya tuyo man! Wala ya ta ginabuligan.

Gasalig siya kay may punong siya nga kwaan?

Tunod. Tunod. Tunod. Tunod.

Sukta niyo to ang Adlaw ay. Mga tanom ta puros pa tanan linghod!

Miski abuno na lang, indi ya guid ta paghatagan?

Kami naman da bala sa iya katre. Siya naman di sa tubuhan!

-EARL JOHN D. PABULAR

Hayaan mo akong magsabi sa iyo ng isang kwento kung saan ang mga bata ay gumagala pa sa kalye tumatawa, naglalaro—kaligayahan; Bago sila tinawag ng ikalawang ina sa bahay upang magawa nilang umupo nang maayos, walang ingay, hinaharap lamang ang hinaharap sa kanilang kamay.

-CARL HASON T. GERALE

POETRY

Operation: Last Hope

Hayaan mo akong magsabi sa iyo ng isang kwento kung saan ang mga pagtitipon ay puno ng mga berdeng laro at tawa, at mga pag-uusap na nagiging sermon sa buhay; kung saan ang mga bata ay buntis sa kanilang puso ng nilalaman; laro, lamang, laro, takbo diyan, takbo dito, takbo!

Bago sila tinawag ng ikalawang ina sa bahay upang magawa silang umupo nang maayos, walang galaw, hinaharap lamang ang hinaharap sa kanilang kamay.

by Paula Mae E. Villarosa

He sits by the warmth of the hearth, heartily taking drags at his newly lit cigar. Stroking his clean-shaven chin, he marvels at a piece of parchment on the wall. A smirk tugs at his thin, chapped lips as the red ink seemingly glints off the light from the fireplace.

Step 1 Make one, massive, uneven cut on tattered rags and hollowed pockets.

Trace it all the way down the prints of grime and filth peppered on mere skin and bones.

Graze calloused hands and sweat-streaked limbs where the grass is tall and the wind bends anything to will.

Slice deep into scrawny flesh with lids of labeled cans filled to the brim with nothing but air.

Hayaan mo akong magsabi sa iyo ng isang kwento kung saan ang mga magulang ay mayroon pang oras upang magsabi ng mga kwento sa iyo— at sa mga bata ngunit sa sobrang pagiging okupado— umiiyak ang dating oras.

Ibalik mo ako, sabi nito, Ibalik, ibalik, ibalik mo ako.

Step 2 Bleed them out in the open, in broad daylight, for everyone to see.

Wring solid ichor out of the wide gash, let it overflow into paved roads and tapered gutters.

Squeeze the wound further, have them suckle on mere rust leftover from draining their already shriveled veins.

Once dried out, dislocate and amputate the mangled limbs to mend unseen fractures and cancers that are far more lethal if left to thrive.

Hayaan mo akong magsabi sa iyo ng isang kwento noong natatandaan mo pa ang itsura ng iyong kalaro, ‘yung batang tumulak sa iyo, ang kumuha ng kendi mo, ‘yung nagbigay ng mga alaala sa buhay mo—

Step 3 Allow them to scab over the opening, clumping together to alleviate the trauma.

Lend them a few moments to take notice of the throbbing and gnawing sensation deep within the cut.

Let them struggle and stagger in finding their footing, coax them out of cowering in fear.

-KIARA NICOLE D. VILLA

If they hiss, shriek, or wage war on you, let them be— it’s the only way to know that the operation had succeeded.

Kalimutan mo na, sabi ng ikalawang ina, nandito ako upang magbigay ng kanyang mukha sa iyo at ‘wag ka nang umalis diyan, iho, ‘wag ka nang maglakad sa labas ng bahay, hindi na sila tatawag sa iyo dahil ako, bilang ikalawang ina mo, ikalawang ina din ng mga kaibigan mo at ng buong mundo— umiiyak ang dating oras, patayin niyo ang ikalawang ina, sigaw nito.

SHORT FICTION

Children of the Earth

by Disney Marie L. Espartero It was approaching dusk. The sky was darkening and the sugarcane stalks were casting shadows on the dirt road that leads home. Tiny stones hurt the soles of my mother’s feet as she gently ushers me in our little shack by the coconut tree.

She gets up and places a kettle over the fire, certain that her husband would welcome a warm drink when he gets home.

As she sits on the bamboo bed, she suddenly feels a piercing pain in her hips, echoing towards the small of her back.

“You are a child of the earth,” she would gently whisper, her voice strained against her throat after a day of selling candied coconut and packs of fruit.

She knew it was time.

“You are a child of the earth,” she would repeat, gently stroking her growing belly until I would fall asleep.

My cries were muffled by the surging rain as I came to get to know the earth. My tiny arms were of the soil’s color and the strands of my hair were like little sprouts protruding from the earth.

Not long after, I woke up to the sound of thunder. Rain splattered on our roof like angry fists and the billowing wind tried to tear our house down.

Calloused hands cradled me and touched the tip of my nose, and I looked up to see the figure of our provider—my father.

He was dripping all over, but I could see that he was smiling.

Mother was worried. It was well past nine and her husband was still not home. If the rain carried on with its pace, the road would be muddy and the slippery slope would prove to be a hazard, especially at night.

It has been many nights ever since that encounter. I am now a grown boy, and I see men on the fields, folded by the waist.

All of us are children of the earth.

-KATHERINE E. CO 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 64 NUMBER 5 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2019

S18

LEISURE

SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2019

Walang Forever

Kitang-kita Ni Alvin Brian S. Legario

Hanapin ang mga salitang pangkultura sa ibaba na bihira nating gamitin, ngunit mayroong malalim na mga kahulugan.

Timpi Takipsilim Marahuyo Alpas Mailap Pagkukulam

-EARL JOHN D. PABULAR

Wikationary

BY MAEGAN JOY MATAMORO | ART BY ANDREA DANIELLE A. GAMBOA

Known as the Sugar Bowl of the Philippines, Negros offers a wide assortment of delicacies. But more than that, it houses a variety of people that spans different cultures and walks of life. Below are some of their most common classifications:

Minezkids – Boys who grew up somewhere along the middle class, playing video games or binging anime. During their teenage years, they like having online discussions, consuming dank memes, using Reddit, or reading Nietzche’s books. Mostly, I.T. or Archi students who seem to

Social media influenzah - “Hey what’s up! this is the first episode of *insert random challenges*” phones and vlogging cams are their best friends, surely will tape videos from gala to lamon to events and #OOTD with that instagrammable pics.

Zumba Titas of NGC – May asim pa si tita! Of course, they should maintain that sexy bod through a healthy lifestyle with the inspiring view of Mayor Bing’s Bigote by the New Bacolod Government Center fountain.

Most of them are comfortably enjoying the single life, and contribute to the full house at JLK. Time to show off those new dance steps!

Pulupandan Records Subscriber – Goes with anything that is mainstream, especially generic OPM rap by Ex Battalion or an “Anti Social Social Club” statement shirt. Tamang soundtrip lang ng Kabet by Gagong Rapper sa pisonet dahil iniwan na ni Junalyn at pinagpalit kay Rogelio kasi mas magaling mag-long sweet message ‘yon eh. Friday nights would be inuman plus sparring sa Ramos.

#Wanderlust – Expect to have a self-reflective caption in every IG post, exploring around Sipalay, rocking that beach attire. It seems like they have perfected aestheticism because of their teal and orange Lightroom presets.

Dude Pare Chongs – God’s Plan by Drake on their Spotify playlist?

Check! Silver or gold necklace? Check! Uniqlo apparel? Check! You can see them partying in Portiko every Friday and driving their Fords around Lacson. Mostly, egg waffles ang tawag nila sa kwek-kwek.

Orange Project Goer – May medyas na Starry Night at mustard yellow na shirt, mahilig sa retro filters at fan ng indie films.

Tamang sound trip lang ng Rex Orange County habang nagsusulat ng tula sa crush niyang long-haired guy na artist or musician. Madalas bleached hair o short hair with micro fringe bangs (ala Mimiyuuuh) na maraming piercings at may mini tattoo sa batok.

Acads Bago Lakads – You can see them in your Facebook feed changing their profile pictures with logos or frames from different school programs and activities. Obviously, they go to school every day. Most of them are considered to be teacher’s pets or active members of an organization.

Maybe you’ve met some, if not all, of these people. While there are more groups yet to be identified, it should also be noted that there are more to Negrosanons than these labels. In the end, we can choose to be a part of these classifications or deviate and make our own descriptions. In the end, what matters most is that we carry the Negrosanon Pride.

BY A N G E L A A. CO R O N E L

BY THE

NUMBERS

Current tally of Philippine islands according to the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority.

7,641

19 years ago, the World Health Organization declared the country poliofree, only for it to re-emerge

19

312,816

Registered voters in Bacolod City as of 2019.

Average of La91.07 sallian topnotcher Mark John Simondo during the 2017 Bar Exams.

122

year-old Francisca Susano from Kabankalan City is waiting to be acknowledged by Guiness World Records as the world’s oldest living person.

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 64 NUMBER 5 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2019

S19

SPORTS

SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2019

MU clinches first U-League Championship

BUZZED. Marketers’ Union (MU) player blocks Philippine Instrumental and Control Society (PICS) player’s attempt to score at the U-League Men’s Basketball Championship. —MARTINI M. FALCO

BY PATRICK N. BILLOJAN

Jester Seth Sangco was at his best when Marketers’ Union fell in a shackle.

Marketers’ Union (MU) rugged

point guard and finals MVP came up clutch to succor MU’s tussle victory against the Philippine Instrumental and Control Society (PICS), 78-74, in a tight contest to seize the U-League

Men’s Basketball Championship at the USLS Coliseum.

Sangco orchestrated the offense with an imposing presence to overthrow PICS’ frontline and

34 schools soar in 24th Unigames

open opportunities for formidable gunslingers Jeruel Tagle and Emmanuel Go to nail the scoring column for MU. After being beaten by the PICS

during the elimination round, MU still unexpectedly found the former a tough nut to crack on the finals until Sangco shelled out emphatic plays— churning out 30 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists.

“I did not expect at all that I’ll bring home the MVP award because it was not included in my mindset.

The only thing I want is to win the title.” Sangco said. “I dedicate this win to Lord, my family, loved ones, and of course for my club because this is our first ever U-League title.”

MU was always behind PICS at the beginning of the fixture, but they successfully found their rhythm in the second half—closing the gap one point at a time.

However, the PICS did not blow hot and cold for they always had an answer to the calls of MU—not letting them draw some momentum— entering the fourth quarter with a five-point lead, 59-54.

But the desire of MU was just too strong for PICS to rout with Orvie Bautista, Mark Benitez, and Sean Wee chipping crucial baskets as well on the rear end of the contest, ditching PICS’ last efforts to catch up and closing the game out for MU. Aside from Sangco bagging the MVP award, Kevin Ramos from Law snipped the Season MVP award, and Lauren Loiusse Zapata from Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants secured the Rookie of the Year award.

An Expensive Decoy

BY ALAN S. VILLANUEVA JR.

Thirty-four schools from all corners of the archipelago clashed in the week-long 24th Philippine University Games (Unigames) themed “The Games that bring us together, for unity and peace” which opened last October 21.

As the Unigames approached its conclusion, representatives from different schools, particularly the De La Salle-College of St. Benilde (DLSCSB), De La Salle University (DLSU) Manila, University of the Philippines

(UP) Diliman, University of Sto. Tomas, National University (NU), and Colegio de Sta. Ana de Victorias dominate the championships.

For Men’s games, the following schools did not falter against their contenders: UP-Diliman in Football (1-0), Colegio de Sta. Ana de Victorias in Basketball (85-84), DLS-CSB in Volleyball (3-0), NU in Beach Volleyball (2-0), and Up in 100-meter event, 400-meter event, and the 3000-meter event by UP-Diliman.

The events bested by the said academes in the Women’s division are Basketball by DLS-CSB (64-58), Volleyball by DLSU-Manila (3-2), Beach Volleyball by UST (2-0), and 100-meter event, the 3000-meter event, and the 4×200-meter relay event by UST. This year’s Unigames was hosted by the University of San Agustin (USA) in Iloilo and was expected to aid in developing sports tourism in the province.

Creamline seizes number one seed, BanKo-Perlas claims semifinal spot

SHOUTING GREATNESS. Creamline Cool Smashers celebrating their victory against Petrogazz Angels in PVL game at the Coliseum. —KARL BRIAN T. MARQUEZA

BY PATRICK N. BILLOJAN

Defending champion Creamline secured the number one seeding in the Final Four after handing Petrogazz their fourth loss of the season, 25-21, 26-24, 19-25, 25-18, at the Coliseum last Oct. 10.

The ladies in pink remained undefeated with a 13-0 win-loss record.

Jema Galanza churned out 25 big points from 21 attacks, two aces, and two blocks while Michelle Gumabao hammered down 16 markers and 13 digs.

Petrograzz now sports a 9-4 card, as Jovelyn Prado produced 14 bombs off 12

hits and two aces while Paneng Mercado added 12 markers from 11 spikes and one block.

Meanwhile, BanKo-Perlas had to squeeze through a five-setter contest, 25-27, 25-20, 25-22, 21-25,15-9, against Pacifictown-Army to get a semifinal seat, in the first game.

It took a gallant effort from a crew of eager armies to take the first set as they chased down a 5-point deficit, 27-25.

However, Dzi Gervacio and Sue Roces led Banko’s campaign in the second and third sets, improving their lead, 2-1.

But Perlas Spikers fell in

complacency in the fourth set—letting the Army take it with a four-point lead, 25-21.

Nonetheless, BanKo showed flawless volleyball in the fifth set, drubbing the Armies, 15-9.

Roces led the entire BanKo-Perlas squad after dropping 20 points including two blocks and two aces while Gervacio contributed 18 markers.

Meanwhile, Royse Tubino and Jovelyn Gonzaga exploded for Pacifictown-Army with 20 points each.

The Perlas Spikers improved to 105, while Pacifictown-Army fell in a tie with Air Force with 6-7 win-loss card.

The government is running out of new tricks. With Mocha Uson silent and Sal Panelo’s traffic challenge gimmick hype fading out, someone has to step out into the spotlight to distract us from the chaos and injustice that we, Filipinos are currently suffering from.

Although it is not gaining much attention yet, the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games is something that officials are working day in day out to accomplish. By far the biggest and most ambitious games, the regional sporting event would feature 530 events in 54 sports and is plotted to happen late this year.

There is a rich story behind the Philippines accepting the offer to host the games for the fourth time. After Brunei backed out of the hosting due to organizational reasons, the Philippines stepped in and took the offer to host the games.

A little later, the country revoked the decision, saying that the funds will be redirected to the rehabilitation of war-stricken Marawi.

Now, the games will finally be happening and Marawi is still deep in rubble.

Of course, not any story would be complete without drama and politics. Like children bickering who gets to eat the last piece of cake, members of commissions tasked to handle the SEA Games are in constant conflict due to the power struggle and different political parties involved. With the establishment of three separate committees to oversee the progress of preparations for the games, not did it ensure an efficient workflow, but made way for corruption and finger-pointing.

The days are shedding quickly and the time for judgement comes close. However, the progress has not even reached halfway. According to a news outlet, the majority of the equipment shipped overseas have not yet arrived and only 20 percent of these have been installed to their respective venues.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that the host country would have a home court advantage against the other competitors.

Supposedly, our athletes would be given the opportunity to train in the venues and practice with the equipment that will be used during the actual games. However, the delays caused by faulty management and the sloth-like procurement system stripped this advantage from our athletes.

Much pressure is being carried

Mema Sabi

Disney Marie L. Espartero akihiroasakura21@gmail.com

Will they be revered and admired? Or will they be left behind and blamed for not doing enough?

Unfortunately for them, the factors are not entirely in their hands. by our troops, and the deciding day is nearing. Will they be revered and admired? Or will they be left behind and blamed for not doing enough?

Unfortunately for them, the factors are not entirely in their hands.

Recently, Filipino athletes brought home a haul of medals from international competitions, and because of this, a senator proposed that programs should be implemented to focus on sports.

It might be a little bit too late, though. The Philippines has lost a super grandmaster in Wesley So, a Filipino-born chess whiz now playing under a foreign flag after being denied a cash incentive despite winning gold in an international chess event.

Hosting an international event is no joke. Resources should be sufficient and it is questionable that the Philippines, with all of the budget cuts made in vital departments like healthcare and education has still chosen to spend 6 billion pesos to host the event. It is to promote the country as a premier sports destination, they say. Well, who would go to one of the most dangerous countries in the world just to play?

Despite all the drama, the politics, and the stress, the undeniable fact still remains— the Filipino people will lose a hefty sum of money, space in the already congested streets, and the manpower that should be invested to fix our national concerns instead of showing off.

Disney Marie Espartero is a sophomore from BS Materials Engineering. She cannot stand injustice and false accountability.

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 64 NUMBER 5 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2019

SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2019

VOLUME 64 NUMBER 5

USLS hosts two Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Lakan season games

BCD SARDINES CONCLUDE HOME TURF, 1-1

BY ERICA JAINE A. MESTRE AND PATRICK N. BILLOJAN

Bacolod Master Sardines wind up their home court games with a 1-1 deadlock.

Soccsksargen Marlins-Armor On felt unwelcomed in Bacolod City in their first game as Bacolod Master Sardines made a beating, 89-80, during the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) at the USLS Coliseum last Sept. 21.

Paolo Javelona anchored Sardines’ attack, finishing with 27 points to add another loss to the winless Marlins.

Relentless from the get-go, Marlins went ahead in the first half with Norman Gonzales and Exe Beting dropping baskets right after another, but Javelona just could not miss a basket to keep the Marlins’ lead to just a point at the end of the second quarter, 45-44.

The Sardines pulled away from the tight contest, where they went on a 30-19 run, courtesy of Mac Tallo who pumped 16 points, turning the 45-44 deficit into a 7464 advantage at the end of the third quarter.

The Marlins made a small run in the last quarter, but just not enough to close out the game with Javelona and Jopher Custodia chipping the baskets for Sardines as well, closing the game for the Bacolod Master Sardines, 89-80.

However, less than a month after bundling out the Soccsksargen

REACHING THE RIM. Cebu sharks claim victory against the Bacolod Master Sardines in Visayas-Mindanao MPBL game. —KARL BRIAN T. MARQUEZA

Marlins-Armor On, the Master Sardines stumbled over Cebu Sharks - Casino Ethyl Alcohol on their second game last Oct. 16.

It was the Sardines that took the the driver seat early game courtesy of Tallo’s hot hands, who led the scoring department to give his

TIMEOUT

A Hobby for History

BY LANCE CHRISTIAN M. JUAREZ

team an 8-point lead, 22-14, at the end of the first quarter.

The Sharks took over the second quarter, with Nicole Ubanda and Ralph Dinolan calling the shots, ending the quarter with a 37 stalemate.

With momentum on their side, the Sharks continued to pressure Sardines’ defense in the last period

with Patrick Cabahug, Rhaffy Octubre, and Will McAloney firing on all cylinders, producing a 32-point third quarter to balloon their lead, 69-57.

Mar Villahermosa caught fire in the last quarter for Bacolod to close in the gap, but Cebu remained unfazed and continued to punish the defense of Sardines, leading

the the last 2:19 of the game, 84-72.

With time running out, Sardines pushed their offense in search of a last-minute equalizer but just could not push past the Shark’s imposing defense, 85-80.

The Sardines now sports a 6-11 slate while Cebu go to 7-10, increasing their bid in the South Division.

Stingers outrun NOPSSCEA athletics

BY IVEE E. MANGUILIMOTAN

Amazement comes easy on the world stage, but the journey always tells a better story than the destination.

At the age of seven, Carlos Edriel “Caloy” Yulo was watching Filipino gymnasts train at the Rizal Memorial Complex in his home city of Manila.

Enchanted at the stunts and flips, Caloy and his friends messed around at a local playground. Little did he know, he would make his entire country proud after performing in front of thousands 12 years later.

Recently known for his first gold medal for the PH in the floor exercise event during the 2019 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, Yulo also made history in the same tournament last year by achieving bronze, making him not only the first Filipino to nab medal in the same event, but also the first male Southeast Asian gymnast to do so.

Carlos also greatly attributes his success to his coach, Kugimaya Munehiro, who saw potential in Yulo after training a Filipino team and after accepting a scholarship grant from the Japanese Olympic Association, Yulo set out to train in Japan. Yulo’s bond with Munehiro even pulled him out of quitting as the months leading up to the 2019 championship were seemingly going downhill for the gymnast.

Passion breaks past hard work, and it’s never absent in the training of world class athletes. Caloy reports that he trained in Japan since he was 16, spending 6-8 hours a day, six days per week to practice.

In an interview with ABS-CBN, Carlos spoke about performing in the world stage. “Kapag sa training, mahirap po talaga siya kaysa sa competition, kasi isang beses mo lang siyang gagawin kapag sa competition na po eh,” he explained. People tend to overlook the idea of just how much goes into conditioning and preparation for athletic triumphs.

In these gruelling sessions, Carlos repeats his routines over and over,

—PHOTO COURTESY OF ABS-CBN NEWS

Name: Carlos Edriel Yulo Age: 19 years old Sport: Gymnastics Course: Literature

perfecting his form and mastering the different events in his sport. But true to every athlete, the stage will always be different. “Kahit palagi mo siyang tine-train, magkamali’t magkamali ka talaga,” he shared in the same interview.

His historic presentation of elegance and technique earned him a score of 15.3 in the floor exercise event, placing him right at the gold podium finish with only a 0.1 difference above the silver.

Although he placed 10th overall in the tournament after the eight other events, his performance secured him a spot in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, making him the 2nd Filipino to bag a spot after pole vaulter EJ Obiena.

Yulo also looks forward to compete in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games which will be held close to his roots at the Rizal Memorial Complex this upcoming December.

Caloy’s story is a testament of passion but as monumental and awe-striking as his success is, he’s still that same kid who messed around in a playground with his friends. He never aimed to make history, only to do his best.

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The University of St. La Salle (USLS) Stingers eluded other schools during the Negros Occidental Private Schools Sports, Cultural, and Educational Association (NOPSSCEA) Season 39 athletics in both men’s and women’s events college division held at the Panaad Park and Stadium.

The tertiary Stingers earned a total of 40 gold medals: 18 for men and 22 for women. “[...] We have prepared since May because we have student athletes who were members already of last year’s team and are still members for this year’s lineup [...] I think there was even no break anymore because some of them participated during summer— during the national PRISAA,’’ Varsity Sports Office Director Christian Fernandez highlighted.

When asked about the other factors that helped USLS bag the championship, Fernandez shared that the school’s stiffest competitor, the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos, did not join this year’s NOPSSCEA. “We train individually since this is an individual sport and [...] even if we have hectic schedules, we find time to train basing from the training program handed to us by the coach for each event,” Quin Aldrich Canapit, a third year BS Biology student athlete, expressed.

Canapit nabbed the gold in every event he ran: 100 Meter Hurdles, 400 Meter Hurdles, 4 x 100 Meter Relay, and 4 x 400 Meter Relay.

“Continuous training and ‘trust in ourselves’ since we’ve had experiences before. [...] Also,

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trust in the Lord to win and avoid us from injuries,” Canapit replied when asked about the factors that contributed to his win.

Additionally, four silver and two bronze medals attributed to the college men, while nine silver and one bronze for college women.

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The total players for this year’s line up are composed of 10 for men and 12 for women.

The Track and Field event was the first collegiate sports event that transpired last October since most of the other sports events will occur this November.

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