the Weekly Sillimanian - February 14, 2013

109 years TOWARDS A PROGRESSIVE CAMPUS PRESS | VOL. LXXXV NO. 16 | THURSDAY, 14 FEBRUARY 2013

FAITH AND POWER. Supreme Court Chief Justice Hon. Maria Lourdes P. Aranal-Sereno is welcomed by SU President Dr. Ben S. Malayang III, Dr. Betsy Joy B. Tan and Judge Candelario Gonzales at a Special Academic Convocation held February 8 at the Claire Isabel McGill Luce Auditorium. The College of Law and the General Integrative Lecture Series organized the convocation. PHOTO BY Melissa Alexandra B. Pal

CJ:‘Powerisuselesswithoutservice’

by Samantha L. Colinco

CHIEF JUSTICE MARIA Lourdes Sereno appealed to Silliman students last Feb. 7 to look at law and power as instruments of service to God and country rather than as sources of pride.

“If you are going to be a lawyer, look at it as a vocation that answers the heavenly calling to defend the weak and powerless . . . To look at law the other way is nothing but materialistic and destructive,” she said.

Sereno also told a jam-packed Luce auditorium that whether they are aware of it or not, part of the reason why young people dream of becoming lawyers is that they want to enter the world of power.

“The ability to pronounce what is right or wrong is power. To be able to argue and articulate that way is

to use the language of power. To be able to order a world in which right prevails, that is power,” she said at a Silliman University General Education Integrative Lecture.

However, Sereno warned that power can be “intoxicating and can lead you to believe that might is right.”

“In all my years in power, I will tell you frankly, I have not heard anyone say he was happy because he was powerful or because he has reached the pinnacle of worldly success . . . What I saw were regrets, bitter memories and sins they know they cannot so easily erase,” she said.

Sereno added that if anyone is attracted to the world of law, “then let that attraction be because you can be of service in the use of power.”

“If you are going to be drawn to law, look at it as an extension of God’s work of justice on earth. Look

at justice and mimic the work of God who will one day render final judgment on us all,” she said.

Known for being outspoken of her born-again Christian faith, Sereno also said that when she took the position of chief justice, she knew that the power is not hers to hold but that it is all from God. “I am not ashamed to tell the nation that it is my faith in Christ that has made me this way. And it is only because I believe that He will lead me that I am confident that I can do what is right for the judiciary and for the country,” she added.

Sereno is the first female Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines and the second youngest at the age of 52. ~

my life as a writer.)

Recognizing the Tiempos’ exemplary partnership in real life as a couple as well as being the finest artists in Philippine Literature, Prof.

Alunan shows in her writing entitled “The Age of Tiempo” that Philippine writing owes to the work of the great Filipinos and thereby shows the significant contributions of Silliman University to the nation’s cultural development.

“Dr. Edilberto Tiempo and Dr. Edith Tiempo wholeheartedly embraced literature and dedicated most of their life and career, in the labor of propagating it. By the example of their life and work, they have inspired generations of Filipinos to take up literature as a serious life to pursue, ensuring the continued production of literature…,,” said Prof. Alunan.

With the contribution of the Tiempos, through the Silliman National Writers Workshop, the university has produced for almost 50 years the most excellent writers and teachers that made the institution as the center of intellectual discussion and the cradle of literature in the country.

The other panel members were Leoncio Deriada, Christine Godinez Ortega, Ralph Semino Galan and Dominique Cimafranca, Karlo Anthonio Galay David served as moderator.

The event is geared towards promoting Philippine literary arts within the month of February, declared as the National Arts Month.

This year’s theme was “Celebrating Icons”. ~

By Ma. Josebelle S. Bagulaya

SUNOG BAGA. KABSI 4 take anti-smoking campaigns in a whole new level.

Laughter and songs filled the Luce Auditorium last Feb. 9, 2013. PHOTO BY Henzonly Hope A. Alboroto

‘Tiempos shaped literature’ – Sillimanian ranks 3rd in PT board exams multi-awarded writer

By Nova Veraley V. Grafe

A GATHERING OF writers celebrated the works of Dr. Edilberto Tiempo and Dr. Edith Tiempo as part of a promotional project of the National Commission for Cultural and the Arts.

Taboan, Cebuano word which means marketplace or meeting ground, is a gathering of writers all over the country for the National Arts Month (NAM) celebration. It has become the highlight on Silliman University campus, one of the venues of the said event, last Feb. 8 at the Silliman Hall.

The said event was lined up at different venues in Dumaguete City.

It had a series of parallel sessions on different themes and with notable writers as speakers. For SU, the alumna and multi-awarded writer Merlie Alunan was the keynote speaker.

Prof. Merlie Alunan, the keynote speaker and a multi-lingual writer said, “Ang akong dughan karon dili matukib ang akong gibati, kay ang Silliman pinangga kaayo nako bisan pag nahilayo ko niya, dili nako malimtan ang mga panahon na diri ko nagpuyo og nagtrabaho. Ang mga Tiempos ako silang ginikanan og gimahal nako bilang ginikanan sa akong panulat og sa akong kinabuhi bilang usa ka manunulat.”

(My heart can’t explain my feelings because I really love Silliman even though recently I am away from this institution. I can’t forget the times that I had here. The Tiempos are my parents and I loved them as my parents—in all my writings and in

A SILLIMAN ALUMNA emerged top three in the February 2013 Physical Therapist Licensure Examinations (PTLE).

Hyacinth Rosario Callao, who got an 85.65% mark in the PT board exam, is the lone examinee from a Visayas-based school who landed in the top ten.

“I checked my phone and I was overwhelmed by the number of texts and missed calls,” Callao said.

“The first message I read was from Dr. Lynn L. Olegario saying, ‘Hya, top 3!!! CONGRATULATIONS! Hya, asa naka!? Everybody’s happy here; you’re making SU IRS-PT Program super proud!!’ My heart was pounding like crazy, I could not believe it!”

The university also registered a 100% passing rate with all 3 Sillimanian examinees making the cut, Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) data showed.

The national passing rate is 49. 22%

or 285 passers out of 579 examinees.

The two other Sillimanians who passed the board exam areAndrea Ida P. Gonzalez and Ramer Solis.

Callao is currently in Manila preparing the requirements for her PRC license.

“All I wanted was to pass [the board exam],” she said, adding that she was anxious while waiting for the results to be released. “After answering those difficult questions [in the exam], landing in top three was really unexpected.”~

‘Les Marginalized’ prepares youth voters

By Elana Joy Bartlett

SILLIMANIANS CONVERGED WITH partylist candidates and representatives from Philippine Normal University (PNU) Manila and University of the Philippines (UP) Baguio through a live streamed electoral forum last Feb. 8.

“Les Marginalized”, through InterAksyon.com, geared towards educating students about the partylist system as well as to introduce different partylists with their respective platforms.

Many of the platforms that the participating partylists had in common were dedicated to the student body: raising the nation’s budget for education, strengthening

students’ rights and welfare, providing employment, decreasing tuition fees and promoting quality education.

The following partylists sent representatives for the event: the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), AGHAM, Akbayan!

Partylist, Bayan Muna, Kabataan Partylist, and the Trade Union Congress Party (TUCP).

Participants were also allowed to ask the representatives various questions about education and employment. Students who were not present at the forum tweeted questions for the representatives through #YOUTHVOTE2013.

“Although there were glitches, it [Les Marginalized] was able to meet

its objective in educating the youth…

It [Les Marginalized] made the students aware [of] what a partylist system can do to represent different sectors,” said Therene Mari Quijano, one of the organizers for Youth Vote Philippines.

“Les Marginalized” was organized by the PNU student government, the SULO-PNU political party, the Student Council Alliance of the Philippines, the First Time Voters’ Network, the Forum for Family Planning and Development, InterAksyon.com, TV News5, and SMART Telecommunications. ~

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the weekly sillimanian 14 february 2013

Celebrate Love

It’s Valentine’s day, which provides many Sillimanians with a much-needed distraction from the stress and worries brought about by the midterm exams.

Some may roll their eyes at the very idea of Valentine’s Day and say it’s just a silly excuse to spend money. True, Valentine’s Day does seem useless---why do we need to be reminded to show our love for our boyfriends/girlfriends? Do we really need to buy candy, roses, teddy bears and other products in the name of love? If those happen to be your thoughts during this “singles awareness day” then you’re forgetting what Valentine’s Day really is all about. Historically, Valentine’s day was created in honor of Saint Valentine who was imprisoned for performing weddings for soldiers who weren’t allowed to be married, and assisting Christians who were persecuted under the Roman Empire. He believed in love so strongly, it cost him his life. Thus, Valentine’s Day, a day to show love, sprang from his examples.

So, at its core, Valentine’s Day really is a celebration of love. People hold celebrations for a number of reasons: historical reasons, religious reasons and reasons related to milestones, such as birthdays and New Year. It is interesting to note that during Valentine’s Day, we celebrate the emotion of love---an emotion, deemed by many to be without reason. Most people will say that love is a complex feeling, one that cannot be easily explained. Still, it is an emotion that makes people happy. Even if you’re the most bitter, anti-Valentine’s-day person to ever exist, you’ll still feel that familiar, warm fuzzy feeling when someone tells you that they care about you.

Keep in mind that Valentine’s Day isn’t limited to couples alone. While some students are greeted by mountains of cards, roses and other tokens from admirers, this doesn’t mean that the rest of us are doomed to be, according to a popular internet meme, forever alone. Although the Weekly Sillimanian staffers don’t mind the idea of celebrating love, we feel that such an emotion can be celebrated in other ways, with other people aside from your boyfriend or girlfriend. Students shouldn’t feel discouraged if they aren’t receiving the best V-day presents money can buy, in fact, they should see that Valentine’s Day should be a day to spread love to other people---namely, their family and friends. Everyone has friends and family for whom they have strong feelings of love for. Wouldn’t it be a much better use of our time to remind these people, whether they be your parents, siblings or best friends, how much you love and appreciate them? Do it now. Drop whatever it is you’re doing, and call your parents and tell them you love them. Write letters to your friends, thanking them for being there when you needed them the most. It may be expected to purchase expensive presents, but even a simple handmade card or a hug can work wonders for relationships. It’s often said that the price of the gift doesn’t matter as long as it comes from the heart (such a saying can also apply to other holidays, such as Christmas) but how often do we actually get to practice what we preach? We at the Weekly Sillimanian would like to remind our readers that Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about romantic love.

If you’ve finished this editorial and is still hating Valentine’s day, it won’t be going away anytime soon. Don’t spend the holiday grumbling about how much it sucks. Take some time to honor Saint Valentine and go spread love. Don’t feel too bad if you happen to be without friends or family this Valentine’s----drop by an orphanage and donate your time. Even those who aren’t as fortunate as we are need to be loved, too. Just celebrate love, whether it’s platonic, familial or romantic.~

editorial

sillimaniansspeak Compiled by John Lee D. Limbaga

“Do you think that it’s time for the university to have a brand new school bus? Why or why not?”

“No! The current school bus is already a vintage. No one ignores a vintage. It’s like a SU’s very own Ferrari.” Wilson D. Cadalso Jr., BSA- Agronomy I “Yes, of course. Our university bya is modern na, but our bus is still old school. Aso pajud kaayo. Unlike other schools, naka afford silag new and chada na bus.” Jandirk K. Avanzado, AB History II “I think we should not have a new school bus because this school bus has been with the school for so many years now and it’s something other schools don’t have.” Nicole Joyce T. Lariosa, BS ENTREP III “Yes, as long as the design is similar to the old. But I do hope that they preserve the old buses because it’s classic. Many Sillimanians had their times with the old bus.” Amiel Blane P. Lamoste, BS PT IV “Those rides belong to a museum. Public buses today even have WIFI.” Kevin S. Villagonzalo, BS IT IV ** Next issue's question:

“What is your take on the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI?” For your answers, just text the Circulation Manager (09265304941) or tweet to us @tWS12_13. Indicate your full name (with middle initial), course and year.

Editor-in-chief Maya Angelique B. Jajalla Associate Editor Mariella S. Bustamante News Editor Katrin Anne A. Arcala Features Editor Michiko Je M. Bito-on Business Manager Justin Val R. Virtudazo Senior Writer Samantha L. Colinco News Writers Jelanie Rose T. Elvinia, Elana Joy Bartlett, Kristine Ann M. Fernandez, Ma. Josebelle S. Bagulaya, Suzmita Villegas, Princess T. Abellon Feature Writers Roberto Klemente R. Timonera, Royanni Miel M. Hontucan, Jaizer Jim R. Nadal, Christal Javier Photojournalists Melissa Alexandra B. Pal, Alexandra Diane L. Iso, Henzonly Hope A. Alboroto Cartoonist Rea Samantha P. Migullas Circulation Manager John Lee D. Limbaga Office Manager Ven Albert E. Buenaobra, Neil Edmund A. Allena Web Manager Federico B. Martinez VII Layout Artist Jae Jireh P. Nejudne Adviser Warlito S. Caturay Jr.

The Weekly Sillimanian is published every week by the students of Silliman University, with editorial and business addresses at 1/F Oriental Hall, Silliman University, Hibbard Avenue, Dumaguete City 6200, Philippines. SU PO Box 24. Telephone number (35) 422-6002 local 243. www.theweeklysillimanian.wordpress.com theweeklysillimanian@yahoo.com Follow us on twitter @tWS12_13 Like us on facebook at facebook,com/ towardsaprogressivecampuspress Opinions expressed in the columns are those of the columnists and not of tWS or of Silliman University. Comments, questions, and suggestions are highly appreciated. All submitted manuscripts become the property of tWS. Manuscripts will be edited for brevity and clarity.

Member: College Editors Guild of the Philippines

Last Thursday, Mme. Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno addressed the Silliman community at the Luce Auditorium for an academic convocation. Somewhere along her speech, I was reminded of what Carnegie from the film The Book of Eli said: “It’s not a book! It’s a weapon... It will give us control of them… People will come from all over—they’ll do exactly what I tell ‘em if the words are from the book. It’s happened before and it’ll happen again. All we need is that book!”

Carnegie was talking about the only remaining copy of the Bible in a fictional post-apocalyptic world.

But his point is real and true. It was clear that Chief Justice Sereno, as the head of the judiciary, understands Carnegie’s point all too well when she said, “The authority to pronounce what is right from wrong is power.” You can incessantly argue for moral relativism, but it remains an undisputable fact of practicality: whoever gets to call what is right and wrong wields power.

It is a power vested in the judges and the lawyers, who are either too easily seduced by it and use it as a weapon of oppression like Carnegie or are sincere but careless with it like an infant with a gun. With her serene voice, she made an admonition to those who are thinking of entering the Bar: “If your heart is not submitted to a higher purpose—if your heart is only confined to making a demi-god out of yourself, please reconsider.”

Her reward was a rare standing ovation.

The greater point, however, is not that prospective lawyers or judges I pulled my pen away, watching the uneven squiggles of my handwriting blemish the white expanse of the bond paper. I itched wanting to throw the unsightly writing , anticipating the raised brow I’d get from my teacher upon submission. I consoled myself, knowing content-wise, the critique paper was stellar only it was presented as a product of many sleepless nights and multi-tasking. In front of me sprawled a textbook and beside it a cup of cold champorado, half consumed. On my left was my cellphone blaring songs by Up Dharma Down and on my right was my jotter pad, an unassuming wad of paper recording the inner workings of my brain.

The last thing I wrote on the pad read, “The body owns a wisdom even the mind cannot comprehend. Perhaps, contrary to the belief that the flesh is weak, it may hold so much as the power to vent out emotions held in for far too long.”

Sight. It is not very often I get the chance to watch his broad shoulders up-close. Sometimes when he stands behind me, it’s the shadows in front of me that I watch—how our small difference in height almost creates one figure on the wall—somehow signalling my intense longing for the person. There are times though when approaching him becomes necessary.

During these moments, I talk business while my eyes gaze lingeringly at his

Faith & Judging should understand the responsibilities of the legal profession. Or that they should not be seduced by power. That is something that chief justices would ordinarily say. What made Chief Justice Sereno extraordinary was something that was rather unexpected.

She made a fervent categorical statement of faith: “I am who I am because of my faith in Christ.”

And all of a sudden, the convocation became more than just academic.

It is likely that the members of the audience each took something different from her speech. Some may have appreciated her mild didacticism.

The younger ones would have been thankful for her simple metaphors.

Others may have gone to the convocation simply because she is the

Reformed Gadfly

Gilbert Augustin Ganir

Chief Justice. For me, the significance of her visit lies in the fact that, through her words, one could grasp what worldview she subscribes to—and impliedly, her character.

The truth is that, when everything was said and done, the Luce audience did not just applaud to a great impromptu oratory piece. Whether they knew it or not, they applauded also to what could be the sincerest Christian sermon ever preached in that famous hall. She endeared herself to the audience perhaps because, aside from her natural warmth, her exhortations did not have the tenor of a

The Romanticist thick, glossy, ebony hair or his fingers typing away at his laptop. In even rarer moments, I steal quick glances at his unkempt visage long enough to prove a point but never too lengthy to reveal the secret I hide.

Sound. What exactly do I call the one who inspires? There must exist such a word and it must have a ring to it like the melody of his voice. He speaks with

All That Jazz Michiko Je M. Bito-on

undertones only he could understand and the raspy words stay in my head like a familiar song. It takes the attention of my ears to hear him occasionally cracking his knuckles or shifting his weight on his chair. I smile to hear the slight variation of his breathing as he ponders about the matters he writes. It is as though he’s an old soul when he talks, and when he does, I stop all I do and listen to all he has to offer.

Smell. Without looking, it is easy to recognize him sitting beside me. It is his scent, the scent of clean laundry with hints of cigarette smoke and paperback books which I had grown accustomed to in the times a stay near him. Strangely enough, I wear perfume everyday that smells of sweet pea flowers and not once have I found myself revolting

judge. After all, there are more judgely things to say than “remember the man who gave himself on the cross,” “Christ died so that we may live,” and the like.

These are theologically-charged terms that a woman of her expertise, I presume, would not dare use without purpose, because these things are out of the ordinary and because it is rare for someone of her intellectual calibre not to know what she is talking about.

And then there was her tone and pace—soothing but dead serious. The overall impression really is that she is righteously scared of God. There was a large pool of legal topics she could have talked about, but in the end, she talked more about faith than the law.

It seems that it is because of her faith that she can boldly face the challenges that come with being one of the youngest and the first ever woman to take the seat of Chief Justice right after a dark period in the history of the judiciary. No doubt, a special burden will be on her, both from within herself and without, to follow through with this display of religious conviction. But that is a good thing for the judiciary. The sensitive conscience of a Christian works towards his own benefit and that of others. Thankfully, there are good people around her to share in her faith, like Deputy Court Administrator, Jenny Lind AldecoaDelorino (daughter of past SU President and Court of Appeals Justice Venancio Aldecoa Jr., who is himself a lucid and commanding preacher).

This soul will pray for her, too. ~ at the unlikely combination. It is in these moments I unknowingly find myself shooting a half-lidded gaze out the window while the assortment of fragrances bring back memories only I will ever know.

Touch. The simple brush of arm against arm, a pat on the back or a high five speaks more than what one could write on paper. To this day, I am awestruck at finding someone who understands the reverence of physical connection like I do. It was not merely the giddy sensations that run from fingertips to head that I felt when he once clasped my hand, it was the sincere intent of consolation, admiration and confidence that he selflessly offered to me when I needed it most. It almost felt too much—the passion I had withheld was almost bursting at the seams—had we not in time, let each other’s hand go.

I know I must surrender soon with the torturous state I have kept my heart in.

Even so, I shall not confess with words of undying love to my innamorato like some sloppy critique paper. The flesh knows more than poetry and sentences, after all. I shoved my belongings back in my bag as I rose up to leave for my next class when he walked into the room with a polite smile on his lips, asking if I saw a book he left lying around. I was near the door when he finished asking his question. “Dear, check the drawers”, I looked over my shoulder and grinned back at him. ~

the weekly sillimanian 14 february 2013

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Wanderlust in South Korea

by Roberto Klemente R. Timonera

C

hilling at Scooby’s, Portal West one day, you might have seen that little morena with short black hair and sprite-like features, poring over some newspapers and wearing her signature accessory: an ID cord wrapped around her wrist.

She may look all young and naïve, but don’t let her petite frame fool you— this girl is sharp.

Camille Ibarra,a senior MassCom student at Silliman, just got home the other week, after around a semester in Hannam University in South Korea where she was an exchange student. Her daily routine consisted of a Korean class from 9 AM to 1 PM, a job at the Foreign Language Education Center (FLEC) where she would have leisurely chats with Koreans who wanted to improve their English, and an Asian Studies class from 4:30-5:45.

Long before she applied for the program, she’d already harbored a sense of wanderlust: “I’ve always imagined my life post-university to go somewhat like this—become a librarian in England, a writer for a cheap magazine in Tokyo, a window washer in Rome and so on,” she says.

“The idea of being restrained in a routine life day in and day out in the same place with the same people bothered me especially knowing that

there is a whole world out there with so many things to see, to experience, to learn from.” As early as her first year at Silliman she began collecting pamphlets and asking about exchange programs, but never really fit the bill due to some tiny technicality—being too young or too old for a given program, for instance, or simply having taken major units that were considered irrelevant to the program.

So she put her plans aside for the time being.

And then, rather conveniently, two women came along who would be Camille’s role models because they were living precisely the life she had dreamed of.

The first was Judith Rowland, a 22-year-old American graduate student who travels the world in the name of charity and education.

A couple of years ago she visited Silliman University and Camille got to interview her for a class under Prof. Celia Acedo. A piece of advice Rowland shared was that one should just keep applying for scholarships, regardless of whether one feels qualified or not—one might just get lucky. The second was Florence Santos, Camille’s upperclassman in MassCom and last year’s exchange student to Hannam. Seeing her friend in her dream position convinced Camille that she herself could do it too.

Her stay at Hannam University— as well as what it took to get there— left her with several precious insights.

“When it comes to your dream, be so annoyingly s t u b b o r n that even the universe will change its mind,” Camille says. “If you don’t ask, the answer is no.”

It was in Korea that she realized how much she loved the Philippines, as for the duration of the program she (and her fellow Filipino Ivan) would be the country’s representative.

But what moved Camille the most was “witnessing the beauty of humanity which transcended all divides.” During one session in her Asian Studies class, the professor let the group sit in a circle and asked each

person to talk about his own religion. rest of the circle just listened. “In that It was an eclectic mix of beliefs; there moment I thought that maybe all were Catholics, Protestants, Muslims, across the continents humans aren’t really so different after all,” Camille says Outside of school, Camille sustains an insatiable thirst for knowledge. She enjoys reading (voraciously—her tastes range from books to newspapers to gay fanfiction), writing, and watching “an unhealthy amount of TV series, movies, and short films until the most ungodly hours.”

She has even been known to (literally) mark errors in newspapers for a pastime.

“I go crazy when there’s no input so I make it a point to read and watch something every day,” she says. In spite of this she has not lost a childlike sense of wonder at things; when she first experienced snow in Korea, she made her first snow angel and snow drawing.

Camille is currently taking a break at her PHOTO FROM Camille Ibarra’s facebook account hometown in Zamboanga.

Buddhists, and even atheists, but She resumes her MassCom studies in there was no hostility there. When Silliman next semester. ~ it was someone’s turn to speak, the

sa yosi mu pakpak

By Christal Javier

W

inston. Hope. Do these two words ring a bell? Ui, aminin! (Admit it) Don’t worry. We’re not here to point fingers; we’re here to face the truth. And what better way to face it than by singing and dancing our way through? Don’t believe me? Well, maybe you’re not from Silliman.

Last Saturday, my friends and I watched “KABSI 4: Sunog Baga”.

The title in itself reflected what the show was all about, but knowing the previous KABSI productions, I had a hint that it wasn’t your normal “AntiSmoking Campaign.” I was right.

It unfolded with a teenage boy named Winston who lost his father in a work-related accident. This left him and her mother alone. It was quite a silent beginning for a “KABSI” show until…four boys, well, at least four girls dressed as boys acted as jocks or the cool kids who pressured Winston into smoking. When Winston didn’t give in, the four “boys” danced to a song “to show Winston respect.”

This looked so much better with their obvious wigs and male apparel on. And the male impersonations just sent the audience from awkward silence to ouch-my-tummy-hurts. I think some of the audience even went to hey-that-chick-actually-looks-hotas-a-dude.

Anyway, the story wasn’t only staged from Winston’s perspective, but from different angles as well. Take for instance the boy (this time he was

actually a boy) who sold cigarettes on the streets. His girlfriend who supposedly looked like Kiray, left him because the Smoke-Free ordinance of Dumaguete City was giving him a run for his money. He was anguished at his loss along with his other friends who were also vendors, saying that he bought his girlfriend expensive things like NIKEsi shoes (shoes with holes in them) and BENCHingkong buok pants (twenty-peso jeans).

Let’s not forget Winston’s love interest—Hope. It was like love at first sight when they both bumped

into each other and Winston “spontaneously” caught Hope on the back like they were doing the last part of a ballroom dance. Love grew stronger when Hope introduced herself by spelling her name with her butt because she said she was too shy to talk. Of course you were, Hope. Of course you were.

And let’s not forget the ones who’ll suffer the most with Winston’s smoking—his own body. Acted out by three girls, each representing his abused lungs, teeth and throat, Winston was scolded by his own body

in a one-word- for-each-body-part sentence. It was like the three-headed magic man in last year’s SPIT (Silly People’s Improv Theatre) where they would compose a sentence by saying “one word per head” in a consecutive manner until the sentence is finished.

This was quite a treat for the audience as two microphones were set up in the aisles for them to ask Winston’s body parts any question.

Not for long, after the first question was asked, laughter filled the air of the Luce Auditorium until the end of the improvised scene.

PHOTO BY Henzonly Hope A. Alboroto

Compared to past KABSIs, this one really reflected the effort and the time it took for the all-student cast to put it together. (There were only 25 of them). This time, they took it to a higher level by singing 12 original songs they themselves composed.

They’re catchy songs, too. Unlike the past shows where they only changed the lyrics to pop songs, this time, they had their own lyrics and melody.

Some had playful lyrics like, “Ano ba tong sigarilyo parang kalbaryo, kita kits nalang tayo sa purgatoryo (What’s up with cigarettes? They’re a burden; see you in purgatory)” and “Tak-taka-tak taka-tak-tak-ta, sa yosi mga bayi mu pak pak pak (Girls applaud at guys who smoke cigars).”

Apart from that, the plot was better in a way that every scene was connected to make one story rather than having separate segments in the show. Every scene, although composed of different actors, had a part in telling the entire story.

Not only was this production better, but it’s a continuation to the dream of supporting Silliman University Student Government (SUSG) scholars. According to the director, Jai Molina Dollente, KABSI has sponsored four full scholars so far.

Either way you put it, whether we’re talking about quitting smoking or helping other struggling students stay in school, a line from one of the last songs in KABSI sums it all up: “Huwag mabahala ikaw ay may kasama, hindi ka nag-iisa (Don’t worry, you’re not alone).”~

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the weekly sillimanian 14 february 2013

A HOLLYWOOD ROMANCE

A good example of this would be Joseph-Gordon Levitt. This is a guy t’s nearing Valentine’s Day who almost looks geeky and yet is and there’s a flutter of arrows a borderline hunk. So if someone

happy ending. Also, you have to acquire a distinct trait. This could be as simple as learning how to play an instrument or being a writer. This is to give your character approac h i ng. d imension Already you can hear the and appeal. boys and girls Secondly, texting their o n c e hearts away. ‘Tis you have the season to be developed lovely, I suppose. y o u r Everyone wishes c h a r a c t e r, for a romance you must that’s as naive now find and everlasting y o u r as those in the leading movies. But if lady. Don’t one wants to worry, she’s attain this, he a pretty has to learn the girl.

This tricks of the is a major trade. Here are mot ion a few things you picture, learn about love after all, a from the movies.

Viva Films Firstly, you are production the protagonist. even. They This is your wou ldn’t movie and settle for the story, be a woman it jubilant or other than devastating, Kim Chiu happens to you. or Anne You’ve got to Curtis. You have a face that’s meet in a both fetching book store yet quirky. This PHOTO FROM THE WORLD WIDE WEB somewhere will establish you as a character hollers at you that you look like Robin or a coffee shop. The first thing you who is much like the everyday man from “The Dark Knight Rises”, then notice is her beauty, of course. You look yet somehow potentially handsome. you’re on your way to a Hollywood her way every once in a while, hints of

eye-contact littered everywhere. And then she does something that you find utterly astonishing. She listens to your favourite band or reads a book by your favourite author. This is when the need to talk to this girl overcomes you. But you don’t.

The fundamental laws of film dictate that you have to wait for another chance encounter with the girl before you can strike a conversation. I don’t know why, but this is the way of things. You meet again in an elevator or at a queue for the ATM. You ask her about that band or that book you both like and that’s when you are convinced that there’s something here. Something eternal, probably not; but something real, maybe. You exchange numbers and start seeing each other more often. This is where it gets quite interesting.

Thirdly, you take her to your favourite places; that perfect shade in the park or a rooftop that only you know. There’s chemistry between you two and it’s undeniable. You talk of old videogames and movies and such, and how it must’ve been fate that placed that strange gravity between you two. And in all these rendezvous and stolen kisses, you get this one instant when everything falls into place. You find a place near the shore or under the stars and her hand fits perfectly with yours. You look into her eyes and you say those three words you’ve heard Jack say to Rose, replete with all the passion of a star-eyed romantic. “I love you.”

You kiss, fireworks explode in the distance, grand music begins to play,

the works.

For a while, your romance runs smoothly. But with any good film is a second act. There will come a time when your lovely leading lady finds that tiny part of you which she finds appalling. Either that or she’s about to die. Like that scene in “A Walk to Remember” where Mandy Moore confesses to that guy that she has cancer. But God forbid that something like that happens to anyone. It is this slight misunderstanding that creates that rift between you two.

Subsequently, you spend days on-end wallowing in grief. But it is in this, the most depressing scene in the film so far, where you find second wind.

This last part is the most crucial to any love story. This is where you, the protagonist, prove your worth. In your soul-searching you realize what this romance was all about, why you love her and not your hot classmate.

At which point you make a grand gesture, proclaiming your undying love for her. This could be as simple as racing to the airport to stop her from leaving or building a house, ala “The Notebook”. In turn, she reassures you that the thought of leaving you was beyond unbearable. And then you kiss, again and again until the world fades away and the credits roll.

Thus concludes our guide to a Hollywood romance. Now go out there and fall in love, and may your story be more lovelorn than anything Nicholas Sparks has ever written. ~

someone [who is a] shy type because he seems humble.”

Kristine: “Eyes. It’s like you would really see the personality of the person when you look into their eyes.”

The Knight In the game of chess, it is significant to rationalize moves to make. If then, for men, “How do you initialize your tactics?’ and for the ladies, “How do you want to be pursued?”

TJ: “I’ll bring her to a place where I could tell or talk about my feelings and it’s going to be an opportune time for us to discuss about our mutual likes and dislikes.”

James: “Uhh, depends on context, specific tactics are called for different women.”

Mitch: “I want to be courted not in a typical way of flowers and chocolates. I just want some heart-toheart talk since that is the only way for me to know if he’s really sincere.”

Kristine: “I just want a guy who is sincere and the one that I can get along with everything.”

The Bittersweet Agony Before the sweetest kisses be shared and the fairytales be told comes the

really cannot say what a girl and a boy feel for each other.”

The Tick-Tock Factor Giving each other some space to breathe is healthy but being together 24/7 is an obsession. How often would you like to spend time with each other?

TJ: “It’s fine with me if it would be twice a week or on Sundays nga magkakuyog sa church (going to church together).”

James: “Just enough to show I care but not too much that I will become annoying.”

controlled and everyday might be boring).”

Kristine: “Depending on the time that both of us are free.”

The Art of Saying Sorry and Accepting It Not all wrong turns are totally bad luck. It might mean building trust and blessings for relationships to flourish. For men, “How do you say sorry?” and for the ladies, “How do you now if you are receiving a sincere apology?”

TJ: “I would probably get her to see a movie and eat somewhere then I’ll blurt out the most sincere sorry.”

James: “Doing everything granted in my power. If it means lighting up the skies with fireworks just to say sorry, I’d gladly do so.”

Mitch: “If he’s sincere, I’ll accept it but it would really take long depending on the situation.”

Kristine: “I would know if the guy is really sincere when he says sorry through the way he will look at me.”

The debatable topic of how men and women are so different yet so alike will always remain a mystery to philosophers. We will never truly understand the workings of a crazy little thing called love no matter how IN or OUT of love we are. Happy Valentines!~

by Jaizer Jim R. Nadal

I

By Royanni Miel M. Hontucan

T

Tattletaling Hearts

he overwhelming intervention of the strangest emotion in the typical lives of people would open up telltale “once upon a times” and this is where “Men are from Mars and women are from Venus”, too, comes into play. Thus, the dialogue of the hearts shall be heard. Teodoro “TJ” Embodo Jr., BBA Economics-III and James C. Corro BS Accountancy-II would raise the flag of men while Gleshyl Mitch B. Urciada, BS Information Technology-I and Kristine Winniriba T. Cabebe, BBA Management-I will be the loudest voices from the ladies.

The Cupid’s Arrow Attraction is a level up from mere admiration. Everyone may find you pleasing, but you can’t expect to be everyone’s favorite. So what attracts you to someone?

TJ: “What catches my eyes on girls is their hair. I like it when it’s long and curly. I think I will always go for girls with Filipina beauty. On the ideal traits, girls who are humble and low maintenance like dili siya gastador (not impulsive) will always be good.”

James: “Girls with class, intellect who are refined, well-rounded and noble.”

Mitch: “Teeth. Mas attractive sa boys if they have a good set of teeth whenever they smile. I also want

process of waiting. In the modern perspectives of men and ladies, how long shall it take?

TJ: “It depends on the girl, actually.

But if it’s serious for the guy, it would take a long time until she’ll say yes.

If close na mi daan (if we are already close friends), it would probably take like two weeks.”

James: “Courtship shall take entirely for so long as there are no reasons to end it or a bet ter

o p t i o n based on context is deemed available.”

Mitch: “If you don’t know each other very well, it would take like a year but if you’re already close friends, the process is slower.”

Kristine: “It depends because we

Mitch: “Twice a week kay dili ko ganahan nga mura ko ug macontrol then boring napud if every day (I don’t want to feel like I’m

the weekly sillimanian 14 february 2013

twsfeatures 5

Digging Buried Treasures: Looking back through the eyes of Manolo

by Maya Angelique B. Jajalla “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11

M

anolo Magalso can never fly a kite with his son again.

He can never walk his daughter to the altar when her wedding day comes. He can never hear his youngest child’s first words. Manolo can never kiss his wife again. He can never grow old with them.

When a 6.9 magnitude earthquake hit Visayas last February 6, 2012 and buried Manolo’s home, Manolo Magalso – a 34-year old farmer from La Libertad, Negros Oriental – felt one thing: “Mura ko’g nahugno atong higayuna.” (It seemed my world crumbled at that moment.)

Before the earthquake Manolo dreamed a simple dream.

He just wanted to wake-up every day with his family, provide them with food, shelter and clothing, and send his children to school. He leaves his home at dawn and work on the long stretch of rice field just meters away from his house.

This native from Bloke Dos, Barangay Solongon has three children: Eight-year old John Mark, six-year old Jaira Mae and eightmonth old Charity Joy. His wife, 32year old Lorna Magalso, completes his simple but happy family. They live in a payag (small hut) below a hill near the umahan (rice fields).

“Maayo ang dagan, maayo ang dagan sa among pagpuyo. Tapos, kalit ra kaayo silang nawala tungod atong higayuna.”

(Our life was running well. But my family went away so suddenly just because of one tragic event.)

February 6, 2012 Just like any other day, Manolo left for work before the sun rose. “Nagsayo ko ug adto sa umahan para mas

daghan ko ug ma-trabaho.” (I went early to the fields so that I can finish more work.)

It was a sunny day. His eldest son stayed at home because they had no classes, while his eldest daughter went to school and then came back home for lunch. Manolo’s wife was taking care of their baby. By 11:49 a.m., his entire family was all inside their payag. He was still working on the field, unmindful that the earth that he was tilling was the same one that would bury his family alive.

11:49 a.m.

The ground shook. The carabaos ran. The rocks trembled. Manolo will never forget what he saw and heard next.

The strange sound of moving soil made Manolo look into the direction of his house. Within seconds, he saw a part of the hill fall, covering what once was called home. “Nakita gid nako ang pag-tipak sa bungtod unya nihilis padung sa among balay.” (I saw the hill fall apart and covered my home.)

Manolo ran. He ran as fast as he could. He dug using his bare hands.

He dug using huge rocks. He called for his wife’s name. He called for his children’s name. But they could not hear him.

“Wala ko nag-dahum nga mahitabo ‘to siya…Kalit ra kaayo nga panghitabo-a.

Seconds ra siguro ‘to, dili madali ug dagan…dugay ko ka-uli…wala ko sa balay adtong panahona. Wa ko katabang nila, wala ko kaluwas.” (I did not expect it. Everything happened so fast. I was not able to help them. I did not save them.)

The aftershocks made it more difficult for Manolo to dig. When night time came, there were still no rescuers, no sign of his family.

“Pag-abot nako didto, wala na sila.

Na-tablaw ko ug bulong, wala na sila. Ni-abot nalang ang gabii, wa pa sila nagpa-kita. Wala na akong pamilya.” (When I arrived at the site,

I have a friend

By Dominique Sabijon

I

have a friend who was raped.

You probably know her, you probably don’t. You see her and you wouldn’t expect it. You know her and you’d probably hesitate.

You hear her story and most would probably think it’s her fault. Well, however it was done, wherever it was done, no one ever asks for it.

Rape. Rape. Rape. What is rape?

According to our constitution, rape is committed when there is use of force, threat or intimidation; when the victim is deprived of reason or otherwise unconscious; by means of fraudulent machination, and; when the victim is under 12 years of age. In layman’s terms, rape is a sexual act done to someone which is against one’s will, whether conscious or unconscious.

I have a friend who was raped and it was under those circumstances written above. She never told the authorities about it. She isn’t afraid

that her perpetrator would come back to haunt her, she is afraid that others might judge her. She is afraid that no one would believe her because of how it happened.

However it happened, it was still rape.

Saying that rape is a crime would be the understatement of our lifetime. Rape is more than just a crime. Rape is an evidence to hate.

Rape is the picture given reflecting our patriarchal society, where the victims are, if not most, all women and girls. Rape is a culture. Rape, as how they want to put it, is our fault.

Women. Because she wore her skirt short. Because of her spaghetti straps that shows off her great shoulders.

Because she was out late at night.

Because she walked through that side of the street. Because she was out drinking at night. Because she swayed her hips. Because she didn’t know it was rape. Because she was only 9. Because she can’t say no.

Because she “provoked me”.

they were gone. I sought for them so hard, but they were gone. I called for them. When night time came, they still didn’t show themselves.

My family is gone.)

Aftershocks and aftermaths Rescuers came a day after the quake happened.

But they could not dig the huge pile of rocky hill that covered Manolo’s neighbourhood. The strong aftershocks threatened the lives of heroes who wanted to help recover more bodies.

There were those who survived.

There were those who came out alive.

There were those whose dead bodies were recovered. And there were those who, until now, have not yet been found. Manolo never saw his family again.

February 9, 2013 A man sat on a blue motorcycle parked outside a pale gray tent. He was listening to the song “Here I am to Worship” playing on his phone.

His face painted the deepest meaning of sadness. But his eyes glistened something else too: hope.

Manolo now lives inside a tent in Barangay Solongon’s basketball court with his 81-year old mother.

A tombstone with his family’s names now lies atop the hill which covered his neighbourhood.

“Atong higayuna, wala gid ko nakaquestion [sa plano sa Ginoo]. Nabasahan man gud nako sa Balaang Kasulatan nga Siya man ang tag-iya sa atong kinabuhi…Siya man ang mag-desisyon sa tanan…nagpasalamat ko sa Ginoo kay Siya man ang naglig-on kanako.”

(I did not question God’s plan. In the scriptures, it says that He is the

owner and source of life. He decides everything…I thank Him for giving me strength.)

When surviving alone may seem like a curse, the future holds God’s promising purpose. For when a man hopes and believes in the promise of God’s salvation, what the eyes see as a curse, the heart sees as a blessing in disguise.

“Mangita ko ug trabaho para mupadayon gihapon ang kinabuhi…di lang gyud ta mawad-an ug pagla-um.

Sampit lang gyud ta sa Ginoo para ligonon ta Niya. Salig lang gid ta Niya.

Iya maning plano tanan.” (I will find a job. Life must go on, we should not lose hope. Let’s call on the Lord who strengthens us. Let’s put our trust in Him. Everything unfolds according to His plans.)

Moving forward Inside that gray tent in La Libertad, Manolo celebrated Christmas and remembered his wife and children’s birthdays for the past year. His is a home without a house.

The wedding photo that he was able to recover now hangs on the “wall” of his tent. The smiling faces of his children remain alive inside the gallery of his phone.

But the only way for Manolo to

I read a post in Facebook that said something about how men should be offended when someone claims that women should prevent rape by not doing a list of stuff because it presumes that their natural state is rapist. Don’t worry, I’m not about to rant about how men are this and that or whatever, I just want to make a point because it’s not only men who think that it’s the victim’s fault why she was raped. The point is that no one deserves to be raped under whatever circumstances. We should stop teaching girls how to avoid getting raped and being very cautious so as not to get raped. We should stop fearing for our lives and let us walk freely under the moon, whatever we’re wearing. It’s not and should not be our fault. A thief steals under whatever circumstances. Even a well-barricaded house can get broken in to. If a thief wants and has a motive to steal, he will steal.

So don’t blame our skirts.

I have a friend who was raped. She

thinks she deserves it. She feels that no one has to know and it’s useless to let the authorities know. Her perpetrator walks among us, freely, under the sun. She hates herself for having fun that night. She hates herself for wearing shorts. She hates herself for being perceived as a carefree person. It wasn’t her first time, but she hates him for getting in her without her consent, even more for being unaware about it.

She hates herself for being afraid to tell anyone. She thinks she deserves this. People will think she deserves it. She doesn’t. She shouldn’t. No one does. No one ever asks for it. No one ever wants it.

I have a friend. She walks among us. You may know her, you may not. You don’t know her story. No one does. She will forever live with this scar. Her wound can never be undone. My friend is a statistic. She is one in every three women in this planet that have and will be violated in her lifetime… and I’m afraid. 1 in

PHOTO BY Jelanie Rose T. Elvinia

go now is forward. Looking back is inevitable. But the door to the past has already been sealed. And like the “Footprints on the Sand”, he believes that Christ is carrying Him throughout his journey.

On February 6, 2012, Manolo failed to dig the most important treasures of his life. Theirs were caskets nailed by the hands of nature.

But since then, he has been digging for hope and happy memories – this time, inside his heart.

Last year, Mother Earth’s cradle lulled Manolo Magalso and the people of La Libertad and Guihulngan City to sleep. It has been a year of nightmares. They may not be able to fully wake-up yet. But with Manolo’s strong faith in the promise of God’s hope and future, he now lingers on sweet dreams.

(Editor’s note: The Weekly Sillimanian is one with the country in commemorating the first year anniversary of the Negros Oriental earthquake. This article is dedicated to the departed souls, missing bodies and the struggling survivors of the worst earthquake in Negros Oriental history. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.) ~

every 3 women around the world will be raped, beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused in her lifetime. I have a friend and I’m rising for her.

I will rise for the 1 billion women who will be raped in their lifetime.

Do you know anyone who was abused, raped, got her genital mutilated, trafficked, sexually harassed, forced into marriage, forced into labor, or violated domestically? A neighbor, a sister, an aunt, a mother, a friend, or ourselves? Let’s rise for them. Let’s rise for us. On February 14, 2013, 1 billion women from around the world will be rising for this cause, to end violence against women. You may or may not know anyone but I’m inviting you to strike and rise for them. Women, men, lesbian, gay, whatever your gender is, everyone is invited… because I know someone, and so do you. ~

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the weekly sillimanian 14 february 2013

In the animal kingdom, love may not always be in the air. It can be found underwater, in the mud or hanging around a bush. Here are some creatures famous for their “stick-to-one” RANDOMspace: romantic lives:

the

Compiled by: Michiko Je Bito-on

Sources: www.virginmedia.com; www.mnn.com

GIBBONS Pairs will often spend time literally hanging out together on trees or grooming each other.

Gibbons are our closest relatives that mate for life.

roundup

GREY WOLVES A typical pack of wolves is composed of a malefemale pair and their pups.

Instinctively, the older offspring even helps in taking care of its younger siblings. The mommy and daddy wolf stay together until the end.

SWANS

The image of two swans with their necks intertwined has long been the symbol of eternal love. True enough, they stay loyal to their mates from the moment they establish territory to the time they raising their young and until the rest of their days.

SEAHORSES Despite being

presented the opportunity to find new, the seahorse sticks to its pair. In fact, there is a species of seahorse that dies when its mate is taken away from it.

FORTUNE COOKIE

Poor people more prone to trafficking – lawyer

By Suzmita Villegas

HUMAN TRAFFICKING VICTIMS must defend themselves and cooperate with authorities if they seek for justice, an anti-human trafficking law expert said in a forum last Feb. 12.

Atty. Edric Torremocha, a graduate of Silliman University College of Law, said that parents or relatives sell their children in exchange for a small amount of money. The use of deceit and false promises is said to be the leading cause why some people are victimized by Human trafficking.

People from the barrios where low literacy is evident are most likely to be lured into this crime.

“People who are poor normally accept money no matter what the consequences are,” he said.

Human Trafficking, where a

person or group of people (most commonly women) is transported or recruited (either with consent or by force) to other places or countries for the purpose of exploitation or organ selling, is a crime continuously existing within the borders of our country.

R.A 9208 states the different penalties that people involved in the crime might face. The greatest extent of punishment gives life imprisonment and a fine of P2-5 Million.

Five years after the law was enacted, there have only been 11 convictions that reached to the Regional Trial Court (RTC) level.

Students can also take part in capturing the criminal minds by reporting their justified knowledge to the authorities. ~

KUNG HEI FAT CHOI. Shoppers at a mall in Dumaguete City read their respective Chinese Zodiacs at a display for the Chinese New Year Celebration in welcoming the Year of the Water Snake, last February 9. The Chinese Zodiac, known as Sheng Xiao in Chinese, is based on a twelve year cycle, that is calculated according to the Chinese lunar calendar. PHOTO BY Melissa Alexandra B. Pal

CAPTION THIS!

CoE, ISL provides workshop CBA await to partners accreditors’ approval

By Nova Veraley V. Grafe

TO ENHANCE THE administration’s ability in creating service-learning activities to both Filipino and international students, the Institute of Service-Learning (ISL), formerly known as the Service-Learning Center, held a seminar last Jan. 25.

The seminar gathered representatives from its eight partner agencies: La Casa Esperanza, Habitat for Humanity, Little Children of the Philippines Foundation Inc., Gawad Kalinga, Rainbow Village Ministries, Dumaguete Child Foster Care Project Inc., Marina Mission Clinic and the City Social Welfare and Development Office.

The seminar’s aim was to provide the said partners with an overview of the institutional thrust of Silliman University in service-learning.

These partner agencies open their respective communities to students for exposure and immersion activities. Some allow participants to stay in on-site homes to facilitate better adjustment to the culture. They assist in introducing the participants

to realities on the ground, ensuring that in the end, the participants have a substantial grasp of the Filipino way of life.

The seminar included discussions on how plans can be better implemented in the next school years. It provided a venue for agency representatives to share their observations, insights and recommendations on how the existing partnership arrangement can be sustained and maximized.

The institute has been receiving a growing number of foreign students coming from the United States and Asian countries, such as Japan, Korea and Thailand every school year.

Service-learning programs bring students to communities, thus exposing them to social realities outside the academic setting. It also aims to monitor students’ realizations and learning in forms of journalistic writing and group discussions.

Facilitating the workshop was Prof. Emervencia Ligutom, together with psychology department Prof.

Deborah Mae C. Salem, Prof. Grace A. Gloria, Dr. Betsy Joy B. Tan, Dr. Enrique G. Oracion and Dr. Pablito A. Dela Rama. ~

ANNOUNCEMENT

The Grand Law Debate Resolved: That The Divorce Bill Be Passed Into Law Silliman University College of Law (affirmative) -versusSan Beda College of Law (negative) Venue: The Claire McGill Luce Auditorium February 24, 2013 (Sunday) Tickets are at P150 each, available at the SU College of Law

Send your entries to theweeklysillimanian@yahoo.com You can also post your entries on the digital version of the photos at http://theweeklysillimanian.wordpress.com

Post-Valentine Love Letter Writing Competition Feb 21 at KH1 10am

By Princess Abellon & Suzmita Villegas

REPRESENTATIVES FROM ASSOCIATION of Christian Schools, Colleges and UniversitiesAccrediting Agency, Inc. (ACSCUAAI) visited the College of Business Administration (CBA) and College of Education (CoE) for accreditation last February 4-8.

ACSCU-AAI, the official accrediting body that evaluates all Christian (non-Catholic) Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the Philippines sent eight accreditors from different schools to be in charge for the accreditation.

The accrediting team inspected three programs under CBA and CoE. Among these programs under CBA are the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Accountancy and Business Administration. While in the CoE are Doctor of Education (EdD), Master of Arts (MA) and Early Childhood.

When accreditors visited SU five years ago (2008), they recommended that these programs be at level three and remain on this status for five years without any visitation. Accreditors comes back after the end of the initial the five year (which is this year) to ensure that there are accomplishments and other improvements done under such recommendations.

Dr. Pablito Dela Rama, head of Department of Instructions, said, “We are always facing a challenge; how to keep, how to maintain or even how to surpass the previous level.”

“If they could see that the program is good in different areas, then they (accreditors) will recommend that the level of our status would be high.”

This is the reason why CBA and CoE have done various preparations to maintain their status to meet the standards of the accrediting board.

Dr. Dela Rama added that there are people assigned to physical plan as part of the preparation –– reconstructing grounds, painting buildings and landscaping gardens. Aside from this, teacher’s evaluation that students take annually contributes in showing the quality of the education provided by the teacher.

Results will be announced within a few months. ~