Today's CAROLINIAN - Election Primer 2012

ELECTION 2012 PRIMER Today’s CAROLINIAN

Today’s CAROLINIAN University of San Carlos Cebu City, 6000, Philippines

SPECIAL ISSUE February 2012

EDITORIAL BOARD Editor-in-Chief Dylan Briones Associate Editor-in-Chief (Internal) Louie Villanueva Associate Editor-in-Chief (External) Patrisha Yap Managing Editor - Administration Ki-Jeong “Jenny” Shim Managing Editor - Finance Christine Perez News Editor (Main and South Campus) Christie Alga News Editor (Technological Centre) Reyster Mae Perez Feature Editor Ushabelle Bongo Literary Editor Paulo Frangelyco Magallon Sports News Editor Margel Christine Mallen On-line Editor Gerard Theodore Alcuizar

EDITORIAL STAFF

CORRESPONDENTS

Miguel Ouano Kim Tiangco Karina Bernabe Joiezl Fern Pinon Kyle Suico

Smith Dwight Cabe John Magno

CREATIVE DEPARTMENT Art Direction Christine Francia Layout Paul Vasquez

Reyster Mae Perez Photography Bernadette Jalocon Jessy Pearl Cartoon Karmina Cuzon

TECHNICAL ADVISER

Sam Nervez

How to reach us LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, with the writer’s name, e-malil address and contact number, should be e-mailed to todayscarolinianusc@ gmail.com. Letters may be edited for reasons of space and clarity.

Copyright 2012. Today’s Carolinian.

All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited. Today’s Carolinian publishes one to two issues per academic year. Today’s Carolinian may also publish occasional extra issues. An electronic version in PDF format of every publication is available in the TC website or public page.

CONTENTS

Today’s Carolinian University of San Carlos Cebu City, 6000, Philippines

SPECIAL ISSUE February 2012

1 Editorial 2 Why We Should Vote 3 Media Non-Partisanship: The Bastion of the Democratic Process

Louie Villanueva 5

A MANIFESTO

6

To Vote or Not To Vote

URGING THE USC ADMINISTRATION TO IMPLEMENT A MORATORIUM ON TUITION AND OTHER FEES INCREASES FOR ACADEMIC YEAR 2012-2013

Patrisha Yap

9 How to Vote

A Step-by-step Guide to Casting Your Vote in the 2012 USC-SSC Elections 17

Margel Mallen

Vox Populi

19

SSC Year End Report

The Interviews INDEPENDENT CANDIDATES Kurt Ian Campos John Ervyn Soriano

7 8

PARTY LISTS SPP: Student Power Party STAND: Student Alliance for Nationalism and Democracy Tingog Carolinian

11 13 15

EDITORIAL Election season once again. As the semester grinds down to its last few weeks, the time has come to choose the voices that will represent us in the coming year, a colorful time with party banners and razzledazzling and (sometimes) drama. The few will take it seriously while the many of us will fall in with the hip to be cynical mindset that our pop culture has saturated us with and go on lengthy diatribes on how we are too cool to vote, but we digress.

We cannot talk about the SSC elections without referencing the mindset reacting to it, calling to mind an anecdote from years past, where a fellow student was asked why he wouldn’t vote and answered, “Wala man mi gi require sa among maestro ana, no plus points.”

Most of us tend to forget that the democratic process does not begin and end at the ballot. Voting is merely its culmination after a reflection of the state of things, a conscious impersonal choice on who best to represent us based on our attitudes towards the present state of things and future prospects.

Apathy has made us complacent, however.

Too easily are our votes

swayed by the most trivial of things: knowing the candidate, personal favors, attractiveness, and so on. Student response towards the elections is lukewarm at best, amused at most.

Too easily do we take the elections for granted, a right that was fought and bled for by Carolinians in the turmoil of martial law. Too easily do we slide into brainless cynicism.

Automatically jumping to a negative conclusion is not wisdom; it’s being a moron and taking pride in it. The truly wise would understand that life is a multifaceted thing, not just negative and positive. The SSC elections are no different. It is important to remember that great things come from hum-

ble beginnings: a trickle of water can become a flood, a flutter of tiny wings can become a hurricane, a simple choice may shape the days to come. A vote is no different.

All of that being said, we at the Today’s Carolinian implore you, fellow students, not just to vote, but to think, discuss, and express. For at the end of it all, that simple but important choice is ours to make. TC

WHY WE SHOULD VOTE The USC - SSC election is one of the rare moments in the University when students can really be heard. In this event, we can choose the people who will help the students, the administration, and the faculty improve the university policies and system.

What separates humans from animals is the ability to express intellect and sentience! Adhering to whatever way the tide flows is, in essence, ditching whatmakes us human!

We all have ideas of a good university, but these ideas cannot manifest unless we take action. Voting is one of the few powerful rights we have as students.

Vote now or forever hold your peace—at least until the next elections. As a student of the university, you are given the chance to freely vote for the people that will lead the student government. Wasting it is like wasting your chance to voice out your opinions.

The election high gives you the feeling that you are not alone, and that your dreams of a better USC can be realized if you choose your candidates well.

We complain all year round about the university policies, but have we taken a step to change them?

Voting is one of the best ways to start change.

People who take steps into changing things have the right to complain.

History-wise, the students who came before us fought, suffered, and bled for the right to have a supreme student council, which was banned during the martial law era. Respect their struggle for suffrage and exercise it.

IT IS YOUR MORAL OBLIGATION. We have lost that sense of morality in voting and we have limited the sense of the political to elections. Politics should occur and must occur because we have to aggregate individual interests into collective actions.

Because we have lost the sense of the political, we don’t feel the power of the body politic (student body) and the ability to influence

the decisions of the authority. Therefore, if we want to live a good university life, we should participate in politics, not just in the USC-SSC elections, but all year round. The purpose of the SSC is not to do the thinking for us. Their duty is to facilitate the formulation of decisions that should come from us.

Others say that it is hard because of the sheer size of the student population, but, as what Sun Tzu said, numbers do not matter; organization does.

The student government is practically ineffective without the participation of the students. Contrary to popular belief, it is not only the SSC officers that have a say on what happens and what should happen in the university in general, but also the whole student body. The SSC is also for the betterment of the students. Remember, the SSC officers (as well as the candidates) are also students, members of the larger student organization of USC. The SSC cannot implement its platforms and its plans for the students if the students themselves do not cooperate.

The TC Staff

MEDIA NON-PA

THE BASTION OF THE DE

Vox populi, vox Dei – Ang tingog sa ka Looking at the vibrant history of democratic societies, we realize that public opinion molded and continues to mold the course of their history.

Mighty as the voice of God, public opinion may create or destroy a public figure, or accept or deny any public action.

The power of collective thought subjects others into conformity and may change the “what is” from time to time. Public opinion in a democratic society, thus, is an artery in the democratic process, an essential part that no democratic government in any case may disregard.

Why is it important to emphasize the link between democracy and

public opinion? We need to acknowledge that democracy is the rule of the people under a rule of law, not of particular individuals. The rule of law assures all people of equal rights and obligations, while the people ensure the enforcement of the law. Speaking of individual rights, a democracy secures the individual’s right to free speech. It is through free speech that democracy can be strongly manifested as it is the way for the government to feel the pulso ng masa – the public opinion. However, another question arises: What/Who then molds the pulso ng masa?

Democracy also ensures another right which may act as a double-edged sword: the freedom of the press. With the advent of the media, information has been sporadically disseminat-

ed to every corner of the democratic society.

Therefore, information, as the basis for individual decision, needs to be correct and neutral to attain an elucidated pulso ng masa. This enlightened pulso will always be directed to the common good that will benefit the collectivity as a whole.

The degree of neutrality of information has always been determined by the availability of information and the method in which information is disseminated by the media. In theory, the question on the availability of information in democratic societies is not a problem since information is almost always accessible. The method of dissemination, however, is a subject of scrutiny.

ARTISANSHIP:

EMOCRATIC PROCESS

Louie Villanueva

adaghanan kay ang tingog sa Diyos.

With the task of providing information to the widest extent possible, the media has been considered an essential

“

Media non-partisanship always goes hand in hand with the democratic process. On the one hand, the media

public opinion have a continuous interplay in the deve-lopment of societies. Media nonpartisanship, as

Public opinion in a democratic society, thus, is an artery in the democratic process, an essential part that no democratic government in any case may disregard.

part of ever-expanding democratic societies.

As noble as the duty may seem to be, it may be highly politicized to the point that it may be used as a contraption of individuals or groups with vested interests to advance their purposes.

With this as an open possibility, the neutrality of the media should always be observed if a society wants to attain its end – the development of individual capabilities and the attainment of a good life.

ensures that people are well-equipped with neutral information for them to articulate elucidated opinions that are then aggregated to create public opinion and concretized in a form of public policy.

On the other hand, the democratic process continues to give value to the media as the catalyst of public opinion which then leads to the security of its existence.

Democracy, information, the media, and

�

the bastion of the democratic process, is a means to ascertain the general will of the society, a general will always directed to the common good of the body politic. TC

A MANIFESTO URGING THE USC ADMINISTRATION TO IMPLEMENT A MORATORIUM ON TUITION AND OTHER FEES INCREASES FOR ACADEMIC YEAR 2012-2013 February 9, 2012

The New Year greeted with optimism and renewed hope but as the year 2012 settles the political and economic crisis of our country simply worsened.

The “daang matuwid” has yet to straighten out. The current Pnoy Administration is presently preoccupied in its power struggle with the old. The economy grows weaker in the phase of the ongoing global economic depression as economic growth went south to 3.6% growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2011 from 8.2% in 2010 and the Philippines is among the worst in the world in terms of unemployment rates. Not helping any of these troubles is how the government addresses the insufficient and inutile social services. According to the 2012 national budget, the government is spending a hilarious P1.25 for health and P6.55 for education per day for every Filipino.

Our parents are victims of the same society where there is unemployment and the prices of commodities are rising. Life is becoming harder and it is not an easy task to send us to school.

The Overseas Filipino Worker’s remittance, one of the largest sources for domestic consumption, decreased to 3.1% in terms of pesos because of the weakening of the dollar. The present unemployment rate has reached 11.5 million. The current official unemployment rate in the Philippines is the highest among the major countries in Southeast Asia according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the International Labor Organization. In the 2009 official poverty statistics of the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), poor Filipino families need a 25.7 percent increase in income, P4,328 per individual, to stay out of poverty. In a survey released

by SWS on November 16, 2011, 10.4M families said that they are swamped in poverty; this is higher than the 9.8M families in January 2011.

The first quarter of the year is an important time for private schools as it is the time proposals for tuition increase for the next school year are prepared to be submitted to CHED. The University of San Carlos (USC) is no exception as yearly the University is poised to increase tuition.

In the face of increasing poverty and unemployment tuition increase is detrimental to the ability of the students to stay in school and an added burden to the already worsening plight of the Filipino people.

Thus, we, the concerned students of USC, urge the USC Administration to implement a moratorium on Tuition and Other Fees Increases (TOFI) for Academic Year 2012-2013.

Now more than ever is the time for Carolinians to band together against any proposal of tuition and other fees increase. We are determined to take effective steps and persist in our call for quality and accessible education. We send a clear message to the school admin that the largest group of stakeholders in the USC community is against tuition and other fees increase. This manifesto bears the proof of the students resolve and shall be the first step and the first wave of student initiatives and actions in leading forward a more pro-student USC. TC

TO VOTE OR NOT TO VOTE Patrisha Yap

Students tend not to vote for many reasons. For one, costs seem to outweigh benefits. It would be a hassle for students with 3 consecutive classes in the fourth floor to go down to the lobby or even move to another building just to vote. Another reason might be that of conformity. Students may not vote because their friends decide not to, for their own personal reasons. Others might just see the whole thing as unimportant, a total waste of time.

These reasons, among many others, contribute to low voter turnout, and shape some of the many facets of student apathy.

If students admit to be guilty of this, then it is hypocritical of them to point out and rant about the negative aspects of the current student government and say that they are discontented of their efforts, when they were given the chance to freely choose the candidates of their choice.

For this, there is no one to blame but themselves.

They were given time to ponder and decide as to which candidates they thought were deserving to be elected, yet refused to do so, given their reasons.

Moreover, some students vote for the wrong grounds. They vote because they follow the decision of the mob, not because they think the

candidate deserves to win. Others also think that the benefits outweigh the costs.

Let us not also discount the efforts of the people not belonging to the previous types. They vote because they think the candidates they choose have the right qualifications and thus deserve to win, whether these candidates may be famous or not. These voters need not depend on others’ decisions, need not be recognized for voting, need not even get “benefits� for doing so. Instead, they stick to what they believe is right. They vote for the persons they want to win, expecting nothing but for these candidates to fulfill their good promises to the community. If people of that sort do exist, then they are indeed one of a kind, a needle in a haystack.

Whatever action you choose this election period, whether you choose to vote or not to vote, whether for the right or for the wrong reasons, it is always ultimately your decision that counts. As students of the university, it is our moral obligation to vote.

We are given the chance to speak for ourselves, to voice out our opinions, to choose candidates we see fit to lead our student organization. To vote or not to vote, to enjoy or to suffer from the results of our actions is all up to us. TC

The INDEPENDEN Kurt Ian Reyes Campos Candidate for Councilor What makes you different from the other candidates?

I’m an all carolinian student friendly.

Explain your platform in not more than 50 words.

To return the greatest essence of USC, to look like a true college student and especially the uniform policy!

Why should people vote for you?

Because I know I can handle them properly.

If you win, what’s the best program/resolution you can offer to solve some problems within the university?

Rally against some nonsense rules in the University. ^_^ What are your strengths as an independent candidate?

I can stand by myself without a party.

Eeheheh

What do you think are the things that you need to improve on?

My skills to convince my fellow carolinian to choose the the right leader.

How do you deal with constituents who are cynical about you?

I nevermind them.

What is the overall theme of your projects/ proposals?

Returning the real San Carlos.

Which among your listed platform is the one you consider the most important?

The Uniform policy..”gi himo ta nila highschool balik”ehehehe Your message to your fellow students?

I’m not asking for your votes, I’m asking for your trust.Because if there’s trust,there’s vote!! :p

NT CANDIDATES John Ervyn Soriano

Candidate for Councilor What makes you different from the other candidates?

Every single one of us is unique. Ako, well, midagan ko nga independente tungod ani. Dili ko ka-“relate” sa uban partido. Ang kadaghanan sa akong mga gipangimagine, [hahaha] wala sa ilang mga plataporma.

Explain your platform in not more than 50 words.

Gusto ko mabalik ang respeto sa mga estudyante sa officers sa SSC. Kay sa akong experience ug sa mga nadunggan gikan sa mga kaila ug mga classmates, ang mga nangaging administrasyon sa SSC, dili na halus maduol sa mga gusto ug mga problema sa skwelahan.

The SSC was for the students, and i think it’s time nga ma-balik na nga reality.

Also, addressing the conflict involving the tuition fee increases and the now-age-old No Uniform Campaign.

Why should people vote for you?

Komon ko nga tawo. [hahaha] Ako pasabot, I’m a man you can approach whenever, wherever. Ka-

balo ko unsa kalisud idu-ol sa mga naa sa SSC, lisod ipa-abot ang mga gusto sa ordinaryong estudyante...

If you win, what’s the best program/resolution you can offer to solve some problems within the university?

Tuition fee increases. Usa na sa daghang problema nga dugay na gusto masolusyunan sa mga estudyante diri. Let’s face it, we study in this school because of the name, and gi-take advantage dayun na nga fact sa panguluhan.

What are your strengths as an independent candidate?

I am not bound by any party platform and therefore mas duol sa duol sa ka-estudyantehan kaysa sa uban. I may not have the same campaign strength kompara sa naa sa partido, pero ang akong rason sa pagdagan mao ang kaayuhan sa mga ordinaryo nga estudyante nga pareha nako.

What do you think are the things that you need to improve on?

My height. [hahaha]

Bitaw, well for now my campaign. We need to have a real student voice in the council. Nagkawala man ang pulos sa council gud in the last few years.

How do you deal with constituents who are cynical about you?

Haters will hate. Hahaha.

What is the overall theme of your projects/proposals?

Restoring faith in the SSC’s role bridging the students and the school administration.

Which among your listed platform is the one you consider the most important?

Kanang pag-tulay jud sa students and administration. Much can be done when there is little to no conflict between the two, so kana jud ang importante kaayo.

Your message to your fellow students?

Butar ta sa independente, kay kami ang magdala sa inyong mga handum perminte.

1 2 3 4

H OW TO VOTE Visit any of the polling precincts in your campus.

Present your ID to the unlocker to activate your account.

Proceed to the voting area. You are given 5 minutes to access your account; otherwise, it will be blocked and will need to be reactivated again by the unlocker.

Each voter is only given a maximum of 10 minutes to cast his vote.

SOURCE: http://usccomelec.org/

5

Click on the names of your chosen candidate.

After having completed your ballot, submit your form online. You have casted your vote!

(Further guidelines on how to vote will be provided for in each voting computer.)

LOCATION OF PRECINCTS Information contained herein is tentative and subject to change without notice.

Main Campus Arthur Dingman Building Room 308 Room 322 CNET MAIN

SSC YEAR END REPORT

continued from page 19

Fourth is the REVIVAL OF THE TODAY’S CAROLINIAN The greatest pride of this year’s SSC is the revival of our own independent student publication. SSC 2011-2012 in fact is the only SSC able to truly revive the Today’s Carolinian. The importance of an independent student paper as opposed to an administrationfunded publication is already well established. . We need a paper that is committed to the interest of the students, a paper that is committed to informing us the truth in all aspects. Our 12.50Php contribution for the Today’s Carolinian shall bring us to greater heights for truth and better information.

students to take up another challenge of their college life as a phase towards reaching their dreams. The Dayon Week was comprised of the following activities: Haranahan tika Carolinian, Pasundayag ni Caloy, battle of Wits, Hello Concert, Hello Party at the Tent, Hello Faire, Hello Fashion Show. These activities were also aimed to enhance, develop and provide avenue for USC talents to be discovered.

This together with many other projects such as DAYON, a weeklong activity to give Carolinians a warm, festive and enthusiastic atmosphere, the aim of the activity is to stir excitement and eagerness for

We also provided the freshmen with STARTER KITS which contain basic information about the school, its personalities, facilities, buildings and the frequently asked questions to help them adjust fast in the university.

We also had the MY USC, MY FUTURE PHOTO EXHIBIT during the Foundation Week on August 2011 at Ayala Center, Cebu. The exhibit was aimed to

South Campus CNET SOUTH Talamban Campus Philip Van Egelen Building (AS Bulding) Psych Lab 1 Arnoldus Science Building Extension (Science Building Extension) SMED (7:30 am to 11:00 am and 2:00 to 4:00 pm only) Lawrenge Bunzel Building (Engineering Building) Room LB445TC SAL – Room LB386TC (01:0 to 05:00 pm only) CEAC

showcase the grandeur of our university in facilities and structures as well as the brilliance of the quality of education that we offer.

The USC WARRIORS’ RUN was the first ever student-led run in the university attended by some 2000 plus students. The activity was aimed to promote health consciousness.

Finally, we had the PASKO SA USC, a weeklong activity to celebrate Christmas. Also to showcase Carolinian talents, beauties and skills in the spirit of love, sharing during the Christmas season, we organized the following activities: Worship Revive, Carolinians Got Talent, Offspring Fashion Show and the Christmas King and Queen.

In support to Carolinians’ meaningful pursuits, WE, SSC 2011-2012 REMAIN.

INTERVIEW with the COMELEC

DIXIE JANE NARISMA PATAY Chairperson, COMELEC

WHAT STEPS IS THE COMELEC TAKING TO INSURE A SMOOTH FLOWING ELECTION? As of the moment, all our activities are directed towards a smooth flowing election. I guess that’s the goal of every COMELEC team, in addition to providing an honest and free elections where the sanctity of each and every ballot is kept safe. We’re doing our best to be a front-liner in information dissemination, most especially, so that a few weeks prior to the Election Day, students are already “in the know” of the “how to’s” of this year’s elections.

WHAT HAS THE COMELEC IMPROVED ON? Every COMELEC team is always looking forward to improving from the previous year’s activities. We say we are doing our best to improve on whatever it is that we can. But in the end, it is for the determination of the students on what has really improved with the standards of COMELEC. DO YOU PREPARE ANY MEASURES ON HOW TO PROPERLY DISCLOSE TO THE STUDENTS THE ELECTION RESULTS? Yes. This year, we are

launching the first ever online COMELEC page.

The beauty of having our online page is that come elections day, not only will the candidates but the students as well, will see the actual tallying of their votes online. Since this year we are adopting the automated elections for the second time, we will tie up the automated system with our page so that there will be updates on the votes of every candidate. However, these candidates will remain unknown until the official release of election results. The COMELEC page is yet to be launched to the public. We will announce details soon, but the website is www.usccomelec.org.

Rest assured that this year’s online system will be better than the manual tallying of votes. We are doing our best in assuring not just an honest and free elections, but an error-free elections as well.

WILL THERE BE AN ACTUAL OPEN FORUM OR WILL THE GRAND RALLIES SERVE TO ALLOW PARTIES TO BASH ONE ANOTHER LIKE BEFORE? This year, I am having the legal committee of the COMELEC come up with better rules and regulations for the Grand Rallies. From

last year’s experience of being an ordinary observer, it would be a dismay to allow another bashing of parties and candidates in this year’s Grand Rallies.

What I would like to remind these candidates is that no matter your political parties, let’s all remember that we are serving just ONE USC STUDENT BODY. And it would not only be a dismay, but also shameful, if we exhibit improper conduct when we are in fact being looked upon as students leaders, and even vying for positions in the Supreme Student Council.

HOW WOULD YOU ENSURE/ENTICE THE STUDENTS TO ACTUALLY VOTE? Every student’s right to vote is inherent in them. It cannot be compelled by any act of the COMELEC. It is actually up to the students to vote or not. The best we can do is to entice them, as the word is used, to vote.

Right now, we are hearing so much about the compulsory attendance we sought to impose. But I’m grabbing this opportunity to clarify that we are no longer pushing through with the implementation of said compulsory attendance, especially for those colleges without classes come elections continued on page 18

INTERVIEW with SPP

STUDENT POWER PARTY WHAT MAKES YOU DIFFERENT FROM THE OTHER PARTY LISTS? Student Power Party intends to make a difference. We intend to take seriously campus politics as necessary preparation for adult life. Contrary to current bigger society politics, we will promote a politics of issues, not of personalities. We intend to break the students’ apathy and develop involvement in the community. We’ll be active players in the molding process we’re going through in the university.

EXPLAIN YOUR PLATFORM IN NOT MORE THAN 50 WORDS. We sum it up with E.T.C., “E” for Empowerment of the

students, “T” for Transparency of the Supreme Student Council and Accountability of its funds, and “C” for Community Service as guided by our USC Vision “What we have, we share.”

WHY SHOULD PEOPLE VOTE FOR YOUR PARTY? SPP is a God-centered political party established by ReEd teachers and student members of Carolinian Youth Ministry, we have a deep passion for Servant Leadership and we continue to extend our reach to the community through community service as one of our top priorities. We shall strive for an institution of learning

that does not isolate itself from the bigger society.

IF YOU WIN, WHAT’S THE BEST PROGRAM/ RESOLUTION YOU CAN OFFER TO SOLVE SOME PROBLEMS WITHIN THE UNIVERSITY? We’ll give avenues for Carolinians to increase their involvement in the society through different circles of committees for them to grow and improve their individual skills. They should have first-hand experiences in organizing events and be aware of what is happening inside and outside the university. We will promote learning that integrates academic theory with the social life that goes on and or outside the campus.

WHAT ARE THE STRENGTHS OF YOUR PARTY? Student Power Party is not just a political party; we are a family - A growing family. SPP believes that the campus is our immediate social milieu but not the totality of our social environ; on and off campus, we shall be active actors. As the youngest party, it opens more avenues for new and better ideas.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE THINGS THAT YOUR PARTY NEEDS TO IMPROVE ON? Most probably like any other party, we should improve on our networks. By this we mean we should rekindle the fire or burning passion to serve the students and the community through our established in-school organizations.

HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH CONSTITUENTS WHO ARE CYNICAL ABOUT YOUR PARTY?

Let them be cynical.

It is a given fact that we can’t really please everyone. We do our best to serve the Carolinians and the community. Nonetheless, we still value those people and respect their opinions and beliefs. We are open for their recommendations as long as it is inclined with the SPP principles that we live for.

WHAT IS THE OVERALL THEME OF THE PARTY’S PROJECTS/ PROPOSALS? SPP-LEADS. Love for God and Country. Empowerment.

Accountability and good governance.

Deep passion for community service.

Sincere commitment for nation building.

WHICH AMONG YOUR LISTED PLATFORM IS THE ONE YOU CONSIDER THE MOST IMPORTANT? SPP focuses more on the empowerment of the students and extending our reach to the community. For

the past few years SPP gave Carolinians Pasko sa USC, the Freshmen Starter Kit, Suroy Suroy sa USC, Carolinians Got Talent, Worship Revive, Community outreaches in Missionaries of the Poor, Bukas Palad Foundation, Gasa sa gugma and many others. We promise to continue these endeavors and create newew ones for the coming years.

YOUR MESSAGE TO YOUR FELLOW STUDENTS? March 2, 2012 marks another SSC Election day. The best way to show your involvement in the USC student community is to cast your vote.

Student Power Party believes in democratic student governance – the studentry shall be sovereign in the exercise of the student body’s governance; its student government should be free, autonomous and responsible to the studentry.

INTERVIEW with STAND

STUDENT ALLIANCE FOR NATIONALISM AND DEMOCRACY WHAT MAKES YOU DIFFERENT FROM THE OTHER PARTY LISTS? In STAND’s 30 years of distinction, we have been at the vanguard in the struggle for nationalism and democracy asserting the protection of student rights, promotion of student welfare and advocating solidarity with other sectors.

In our pursuit as a progressive student organization and in exercise of assertive diplomacy, we exhaust all modes of communication between the organization and other sectors to achieve our ideals and principles.

EXPLAIN YOUR PLATFORM IN NOT MORE THAN 50 WORDS. STAND has been the bastion of student rights and welfare as

espoused in our general programs of action.

Since then, STAND’s platform has been advancing the rights of students, promoting student welfare and advocating solidarity among other sectors.

These platforms have always been progressive in nature and reflect the sentiments of the collective, that is the full development of the human potential and to respond to social realities.

WHY SHOULD PEOPLE VOTE FOR YOUR PARTY? STAND is renowned to be always at the forefront of student struggles at all times.

It genuinely and firmly protects and promotes the students and people’s democratic rights and welfare. STAND’s endeavor is to inform

the students of the prevailing issues, to organize the Carolinians and the youth to actively participate in societal transformation, and to act on things and to merge them for a genuine cause.

IF YOU WIN, WHAT’S THE BEST PROGRAM/ RESOLUTION YOU CAN OFFER TO SOLVE SOME PROBLEMS WITHIN THE UNIVERSITY? As paying stakeholders of the university, understanding the payments that are found in the assessment of fees remains to be a major concern for students.

A justification from the administration as to their necessity is a primary goal of the party after close scrutiny and examination of these fees have been done.

WHAT ARE THE STRENGTHS OF YOUR PARTY? Student ALLIANCE for Nationalism and Democracy is the oldest existing progressive alliance of student individuals and student organizations in the university. It being the oldest and it being an alliance, STAND has permeated different sectors and developed social awareness and instilled nationalistic consciousness among its allies. We advocate unity with the basic sectors in the pursuit of economic, political and socio-cultural development.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE THINGS THAT YOUR PARTY NEEDS TO IMPROVE ON? There is always a need for continuous improvement in the mechanism to which we respond to economic, political and socio-cultural issues that have prevailed and continue to arise.

Different times call for different means to address such issues and it remains a challenge to an alliance that advances the rights of

the students, promotes student welfare and advocates solidarity among other sectors.

HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH CONSTITUENTS WHO ARE CYNICAL ABOUT YOUR PARTY? STAND at all times adhere to diplomacy in every matter, may it be with allies or cynics. Being diplomatic, we do not waste time and effort to countless refutations and senseless banter, rather we continue to uphold our ideals and objectives and let our actions speak for themselves.

We are steadfast in our principles and no amount of mockery or sophistry can make us waiver in our stand.

WHAT IS THE OVERALL THEME OF THE PARTY’S PROJECTS/PROPOSALS? Taking the fight to greater heights! A sequel to the previous theme, this year, STAND aims to elevate the struggle after STAND has succeeded in its initial endeavors.

We have won battles but the war wages on.

The students have asserted their rights and the fight continues.

This is a collective effort, a fight of students, a fight by students. We are taking this fight to greater heights.

WHICH AMONG YOUR LISTED PLATFORM IS THE ONE YOU CONSIDER THE MOST IMPORTANT? The best program we could offer would consequently be the platform that is most important. As a reiteration, we call for a justification of the fees as to their necessity.

YOUR MESSAGE TO YOUR FELLOW STUDENTS. Kung dili tungod sa inyo, ang mga plano sa kaniadto dili matawag nga kadaugan sa ka-estudyantihan, kini magpabiling ngiub nga mga damgo.

Ipadayun nato ang pakigbisug para iduso ang katungod ug kauswagan sa kaestudyantihan ug ang pakighiusa sa ubang sektor. This coming election, we urge you to be critical in scrutinizing the different platforms presented.

Be a part of change.

Join the struggle.

Join the alliance. Join STAND!

INTERVIEW with TINGOG

TINGOG CAROLINIAN WHAT MAKES DIFFERENT FROM THE OTHER PARTY LISTS? Our conviction roots from the principles of Active Non Violence and Authentic Humanism. We are HOPE WARRIORS eager to create a positive change in the Carolinian community. We endeavor for a student council that feeds on its own merits and develops every Carolinian potential. Mediocrity has never been a part of our vocabulary.

EXPLAIN YOUR PLATFORM IN NOT MORE THAN 50 WORDS. TINGOG sees a council that is felt by the students and is for the students.

We will broaden our reach so as to be felt

by as many Carolinians. Transparency is also one of our main agenda. It is time that we heed the Carolinian Voice – the voice that longs for excellence.

WHY SHOULD PEOPLE VOTE FOR YOUR PARTY? For 24 years, the TINGOG Carolinian Party has unwaveringly offered projects and programs that mainstream student assistance, development and empowerment. Our growing number is evidence of our passion to make every Carolinian’s college experience worthwhile, convenient and empowering.

More importantly, we have stayed true to

our core. We know and we have stayed where we are in the political spectrum.

FIRM AND CONSISTENT we are.

IF YOU WIN, WHAT’S THE BEST PROGRAM/ RESOLUTION YOU CAN OFFER TO SOLVE SOME PROBLEMS WITHIN THE UNIVERSITY? iACCESS. It is a project that recognizes the importance of communication and information in keeping an organization alive, efficient and effective. This will encourage the Carolinians to take advantage of opportunities to rant, reprove, commend or inquire on certain issues that surround the university. It is by

keeping our communication lines open at all times that we would be able to tackle more problems and subsequently solve them.

WHAT ARE THE STRENGTHS OF YOUR PARTY? TINGOG has always been first in trailblazing and getting things done whether it is on campaign strategies or actual projects, programs or resolutions in the student council. This and the long list of leaders that the party has produced speak of the brand equity that the party has established – a brand which emulates excellence and ingenuity.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE THINGS THAT YOU PARTY NEEDS TO IMPROVE ON?

We think that we should be more aggressive in letting every Carolinian feel the worth of their existence and involvement. As a political party that believes in the STUDENTS

FIRST POLICY we must not only help make things better but we should also help others to help themselves.

HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH CONSTITUENTS WHO ARE CYNICAL ABOUT YOUR PARTY?

For the most part, we tend to reprove of the things which we do not understand. The first step is to make people understand our vision, what we believe in, our goals and aspirations, our plans of action.

Backed by track record and concrete evidence of the TINGOG achievements(which we owe to the Carolinians as well), we believe that it’s never too late to change sides.

WHAT IS THE OVERALL THEME OF THE PARTY’S PROJECTS/ PROPOSALS?

“WE SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS.” It is always about walking our talk. We envision ourselves as servants of the student body in achieving a world-class supreme student council. Let not our merits be measured by publicity and mere propaganda, let it be measured by

output and the number of lives we touch.

WHICH AMONG YOUR LISTED PLATFORM IS THE ONE YOU CONSIDER THE MOST IMPORTANT?

1SEAT. The goal of this platform is to have a seat to represent the students in the Council of Deans of the University. We deserve to be heard. Our voice matters. Through participative leadership, we are called to empower our worth as students while bridging the gap between the administration and the student body.

YOUR MESSAGE TO YOUR FELLOW STUDENTS?

“Apathy is the glove into which the evil slips its hand.” It is now more than ever, that we should take action and exercise our right to suffrage. A choice has to be made and that choice lies in your hands. Let your soul not suffer from remorse because of inaction and lack of involvement. Be the voice that you want to hear.

VOX POPULI

ARE YOU VOTING THIS MARCH 2?

Out of a hundred students asked, Only 30 said they are voting.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE CURRENT SSC? Mas nakafeel kos ilang presence karun kaysa last year, naai impact ilang mga gipangbuhat compared sa past.

Clint Edward, BS PSYCH 2 They helped improve issues regarding students’ dilemmas; although not all problems were tackled at least we can sense the improvement and their existence.

Bhea, BS ARCH 3 Wala kaayo ko ka feel sa ilang mga accomplishments kung naa man.

Lovely, BS ICT 3 DID THE CURRENT SSC MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR DAILY UNIVERSITY LIFE? HOW SO? For me, as a nursing student of USC, the SSC changed something in our campus. They revived the

Today’s Carolinian even though they published insufficient copies, it is still an improvement. Hopefully they are going to publish more next time because all of us students paid for that school paper.

Thank you BOW. Johann, BSN 2 YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE COMING SSC ELECTIONS? The upcoming SSC Elections would be a very good one. I think students nowadays understand its importance of voting for the right people to govern the student body. It is our chance to elect those deserving students to serve as our voice to the administration and as our bridge for our wishes and concerns. I expect a tough but friendly battle for positions between parties. I myself would be on watch for every campaign they make so that I could vote for the most fitting person for each position. Expect a very tough choosing though, because I think all chosen candidates are competitive enough.

Chrys, BS EE 3

Margel Mallen

WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FOR THE FUTURE SSC TO DO IN THEIR TERM? DO YOU HAVE ANY COMMENTS/SUGGESTIONS ON WHAT THEY SHOULD IMPROVE IN THE NEAR FUTURE? I suggest more projects for the students. Kanang mas transparent and visible jud dapat ila existence.

Kanang kahibaw na dayon ang students kinsa i approach. Also I hope they can do something on the enrollment issue which has been the topic every June. And could accommodate the complaints sa mga students.

Lanie, BSA 3 WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR IN A CANDIDATE? Someone that has the sense of responsibility, willing to heartily do anything for the good of everything he/she might be involved with. Meaning, dedicated enough to do every responsibility that is bestowed upon him/her.

Someone that is God fearing, for I know that if someone is close with God, it is lesser for him to do bad things.

Someone that has the sense of humor and being knowledgeable is one of the main weapons that a candidate could surely use.

Someone that has the capability to represent us and we could be proud of.

Should have enough knowledge, for he/she could have the total confidence needed and can deliver things well to his/ her followers.

Someone that is flexible, that whatever things you may ask him/her to do, he/she could manage it well or even excel in it.

A friendly and easy-todeal-with person. For I

believe that having social interactions and connections are major things a candidate should possess.

So that people will be able know him/her better and have trust as well as gaining their sympathy and love.

And lastly, someone that is not too serious, instead, he/she should be very approachable.

Kenneth, BS ARCH 3 TC

INTERVIEW with the COMELEC continued from page10 day. The best we can do is to double our information dissemination to really encourage students to exercise their right to suffrage. The rest is up to the students themselves.

WHAT IS YOUR COMMENT ABOUT THE ALLEGED ERRORS LAST ELECTION? Every COMELEC team strives so hard to come up with a very well-organized elections for the student body. That is hard work enough, whether the general population sees it or not. Thing is, it is easy to notice the alleged errors last year’s COMELEC has committed, but only a little of their hard work and success have been accentuated. I would like to say however that what has happened with last year’s COMELEC, I see not as an error to be emphasized but as an opportunity to improve for

this year’s COMELEC. Let’s take into consideration that last year’s COMELEC was the primer for the automated elections in the University. A lot needed to be done to spearhead such big change from the manual elections we have.

It cannot be expected to have everything perfected at first try. Even in real life, there is such a thing as trial and error; so it goes for our COMELEC. As we make mistakes, so do we improve from them.

And I commend last year’s COMELEC even for being devoted student leaders.

DO YOU EXPECT MORE VOTER TURNOUT THIS SCHOOL YEAR COMPARED TO LAST YEAR? Actually, I am on a 50-50 stand on this one. I am expecting more voter turn-out this year as we are doubling our effort on disseminating information; if only to invite students

to really vote by allowing them to have know how’s on the election beforehand.

However, I acknowledge the fact that the School of Business and Economics and College of Pharmacy do not have classes on Friday. For a fact, the SBE alone comprises a big population in the entirety of the student body. That is what we are worried of. However, we can no longer move the election, which is on a Friday, to any other day prior. The election code has strictly provided that the only ground for moving the elections is if it falls on an examination day; such is not the case. Moreover, even if we would like to do so, polling precincts have already been reserved, and reservations can no longer be moved without disrupting classes; such is not permitted by the heads of the colleges and University. TC

SSC YEAR END REPORT The Supreme Student Council of the University of San Carlos was one among the very first that was re-instituted during the Marcos era. Ours in fact is one of the oldest student councils in the whole Philippines.

A student council is envisaged by law to be the vanguard of student rights and welfare. It shall be the venue where students express their redress or appreciation to the university.

Hence, the SSC officers are not merely bridges but representatives of the students whose foremost responsibility is to serve the interest of the student body.

Thus, living true to our history, your SSC 2011-2012 presents you this report.

The Supreme Student Council of 2011 and 2012 is undeniably very colorful in its literal sense. In our aim to create a good relationship in order to perform our functions and effectively serve the Carolinians, we endeavoured to have the Leadership Training Seminar and Team Building on April 2011 at Hidden Valley, Pinamungajan, Cebu.

The SSC recognizes the Student Organizations’ and Groups’ involvement is very essential in the execution of our projects and programs.

Hence, also to strengthen the relationship among SOS and the SSC, we conducted a Leadership Training Seminar and Team Building of SSC with the SOS on April 2011 at the Family Park, Talamban, Cebu City.

In order to earn due recognition from the administration, the SSC had its courtesy call with the university President, Fr. Dionisio Miranda, SVD and his cabinet, Vice President for Finance, Fr.

Generoso Rebayla, SVD, VP for Administration, Fr. Eleno Bucia, SVD, and Fr. Anthony Salas, SVD, VP for Academic Affairs.

Right after the courtesy call, your SSC made no delay and the meeting proceeded and issues on the ID SLING policy, uniform referendum, student publication, review of the student manual and other important things were discussed.

As a result of said closed door meeting, your SSC 2011-2012 realised its BIG 4 or the four major accomplishments for the past 10 months of service First is the scrapping of the NO USC ID SLING, NO ENTRY POLICY. it is now clear that there is no such policy and Carolinians can wear any kind of ID sling except those containing names of companies and other schools to avoid Carolinians being “tagged as walking advertisements”.

Second is the holding of the MALE UNIFORM POLICY SYMPOSIUM AND REFERENDUM. After 6 years from its first implementation, your SSC 2011-2012 is the only SSC administration able to conduct the Male Uniform Policy Referendum in order that the administration may know the true sentiments of the students in a peaceful and legitimate manner.

And as already published in both Today’s Carolinian and The Carolinian, the NO vote won, the administration how-

ever, chose to decide on the contrary. The decision came only after a month since the report of the referendum was submitted. Your SSC have talked to the Vice President of Administration on the matter and was told that the decision is final and irrevocable.

SSC 2011-2012 has done what we deemed necessary, we acted on the issue so now, as our term is about to end, we pass on the challenge to the next set of SSC officers.

Third is the STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE IN THE REVIEW OF THE STUDENT MANUAL. The student manual is a very important document which is oftentimes regarded as the students’ contract with the university. It lays down the rules which shall guide us in our stay in this institution.

And as it is regarded as a contract, both parties must have a “say”, must have participation in its constitution. As a contract, there must be a meeting of the minds between the students and the administration. Your SSC 2011-2012 is the only SSC administration (in ten years) able to obtain a seat in the Committee tasked to review the student manual to insure participation of the students, to be the representative of the students. At present, the SSC is researching, studying and soliciting suggestions from the students. The draft has been posted in Facebook for comments, criticisms etc.

March 1 is the schedule for the deliberation. continued on page 9

Today’s CAROLINIAN University of San Carlos Cebu City, 6000, Philippines

SPECIAL ISSUE February 2012

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Cash Balance, Beginning Cash Receipts Cash received from Student Fees Total Cash Available for Use Cash Disbursements Publishing Fee Setup Costs – Online Magazine Transportation Expenses Miscellaneous Expenses Printing of Documents Photocopying Expenses Total Expenses Cash Balance, February 2012

P

P 82.00 59.50

P

500.00

P

96,684.50 97,184.50

48,750.00 3,500.00 358.50 141.50 P P

52, 750.00 44, 434.50

Prepared and signed by:

Approved and signed by:

Christine Reyna Perez Managing Editor – Finance Today’s Carolinian

Dylan Briones Editor-in-Chief Today’s Carolinian

Our commitment, your paper.