Volume III, No. 2
January - May 2022
PRIMUM The Official Student Publication of the University of Mindanao
N E W S L E T T E R Upholding knowledge through information
UM MID-YEAR GRADUATES BID FAREWELL ONLINE | By Ric Beryl Diola
WALK AND MESSAGE OF HOPE. The virtual graduation commenced with the processional of the school administrators. The University President, Dr. Guillermo P. Torres, addressed the graduates who were attending online.
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global pandemic may have stopped the world from moving, but not the 457 graduates of the AY 20212022 who marched virtually during the University of Mindanao’s 42nd MidYear Commencement Ex-
ercises, held virtually and broadcasted on its YouTube channel on April 27, 2022. The event began with the march of School Administrators, led by University President Dr. Guillermo P. Torres Jr, followed by a quick run-
UM PRIMUM CLINCHES CHAMPIONSHIP IN NATL JOURNALISM CONTEST | By Marcy Nil Ogsoc
WATHCMEN OF TRUTH’S EUPHORIC VICTORY. Delight and excitement filled the faces of PRIMUM journalists as they were hailed champion of PressPlay 2022 Pitch Competition.
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he University of Mindanao’s Official Student Publication— PRIMUM
participated in the three-day journalism workshop and competition spearheaded by Ateneo
through of the graduates from each college. The ceremony was led by the Vice-President of the Pedagogical Advancement and Competitiveness, Dr. Pedrito M. Castillo II, who opened the program with a prayer, followed
by the singing of the National Anthem, the Davao City Anthem, and finally, the University hymn. University President Dr. Guillermo P. Torres Jr. delivered his opening remarks addressing all the graduates, congratulating
them for making it despite the challenges brought about by online learning and the COVID-19 pandemic. He inspired the graduates with this quote,
de Manila University’s The Guidon and De La Salle University’s The LaSallian and won the championship title in the pitch competition during PressPlay 2022 via Zoom Conference last April 29 to 30 and May 7, 2022. PressPlay is an annual journalism workshop and competition open to all Senior High School and College school publications across the nation. The said event enabled student journalists to be immersed in discussions about pertinent national issues. They were given a chance to listen to prominent keynote speakers, attend breakout rooms of their choice, and compete against other participants.
During the first day of the event, four esteemed speakers from diverse journalistic backgrounds graced the participants with insightful discussions regarding campus journalism. The Editor’s panel and open forum helped the student journalists better understand what it means to be a Pillar of Truth as part of the media in a democratic country, as Tatiana Maligro, Editor-in-Chief of The Guidon, Dab Castañeda, Editor-in-Chief of The LaSallian, and Kiana Altoveros, Beyond Loyola Editor of The Guidon, shared their experiences and perspectives in operating as a student publication. The following guest speaker, Ms. Hannah Dormido,
rendered a talk about the significance of data, graphics, and cartography in journalism during the Workshop session. On the second day, participants joined two simultaneous breakout sessions with the guest speakers, Mr. Matikas Santos and Ms. Celine Samson. The former delivered a talk about social media activism while the latter tackled fake news and fact-checking. Moreover, one of the highlights of PressPlay 2022 is the Pitch Competition for college participants, in which teams are expected to identify the key issues and frame their strategic innovations’ angles in relation to ...cont on page 3.
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02 N E W S L E T T E R cont. from Page 1 | UM MIDYEAR GRADUATES BID GOODBYE ONLINE
“As you hold your diploma, you may see it as a symbol of a better and meaningful life, a source of intellectual strength, a source of livelihood, or a way to help others.” Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Ronnie V. Amorado, presented the Achiever’s Award to the alumni of the University of Mindanao who topped their
respective licensure examinations in Forestry, Real Estate, Professional Teachers, and Librarian. This was followed by the awarding of academic awards and reading of citations, led by Dr. Amorado, as 4 Magna Cum Laude and 3 Cum Laude honorees were shown on the screen. Dr. Castillo then introduced Dr. Eugenio S. Guhao Jr., EVP/Chief Academic Officer, who acknowledged and thanked the parents for their dedication to their children
during their college journey. This was followed by the presentation of the ‘Bulak sa Pasasalamat’ by Honey Rose Caingoy, BSED-English Magna Cum Laude which was followed by the Salute to the Faculty presented by Kent Chebi C. Masin, BSED-English Magna Cum Laude expressing gratitude on behalf of the graduates for all the hardwork put in by their professors throughout their college life. The highlight of the event was the presentation of
UM & DU CONVENE AT INTERNATIONAL FORA | By Vanessa Antao and Jose Maria Salvador Araullo
ICONIC (SCIENTIFIC) DUO. UM President, Dr. Guillermo P. Torres (lower left) welcomed the delegates and the esteemed speakers from Daugavpils University. Meanwhile, Ms. Liene Leikuma-Rimicane (Upper Right) and Dr. Avids Barsevskis (Lower Right) rendered insightful discussions about ERASMUS Mobility+ between UM and DU and Research partnership of the two universities respectively.
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he international fora brought by the ERASMUS Mobility + program of the University of Mindanao and Daugavpils University was held at the University of Mindanao Professional Schools building and was streamed live on the UMRPC official Facebook page last March 14, 2022. In retrospect on the UM-DU collaborations in the last 4-5 years, the fora aim to talk about future directions of this collaboration, discuss lectures in different fields by DU professors and staff, and know the lived experiences of the UM exchange students in their DU learning journey. The international conference began with Dr. Guillermo P. Torres, Jr., the president of the University of Mindanao, extending a warm greeting to the delegates and the speakers from DU who will impart their knowledge, expertise, and experience in the fields of International Mobility. Sets of lectures then were graced by the esteemed Humanities and Natural Sciences professors of Daugavpils University. The lecture proper began with the first speaker, Ms.
Liene Leikuma-Rimicāne, discussing the opportunities Erasmus Mobility + offers and encouraging people’s participation, democratic life, values, and process. “We are the ones creating these changes, and we are responsible for the future that we will face in the upcoming years. The leap of human intelligence has occurred as a response to how we interact with one another and even to our environment,” she shared. The fora then proceeded with the second speaker, Dr. Arvids Barsevskis, who talked about the research collaboration between UM and DU and the introspection and future direction, where he also highlighted the importance of conducting workshops and forums between the two universities to strengthen connection and network. Moreover, Mg. Biol Dainis Lazdans discussed the basic facts regarding Latvia’s population, island, University, geography, and a GIS as a computer system. He was followed by the fourth speaker, Dr. Ilze Kačāne, who rendered a talk about the humanities in the age of globalization.
Furthermore, Dr. Irina Presnakova shared cases and encounters of Victorian Ghost stories and how the world continuously develops in rapid technological advancement. On the other hand, Dr. Jelena Kirilova, the sixth speaker, presented the Luminescent dyes, synthesis, and application, which many devices can measure. The last speaker of the fora, Ms. Ligita Mežaraupe, gave a talk about parasites which is related to the parasitological examination of fish and staining of parasites with fluorescent dyes. She comprehensively explained how fish examination could be done in two ways— the internal and external examination, including its precautions and protocols. The conference ended with the sharing of experiences of Leslae Kay Mantilla, a CTE faculty, and Jenelyn Retardo, a CASE faculty. Both have shared their distinct experiences as exchange students of DU in Latvia, including being part of the ERASMUS Mobility Program and how they have survived the challenges they have gone through during their stay as exchange students.
candidates for graduation from each college. This was where each graduate’s photo was flashed, and each of them was given the time to relish in this achievement. Dr. Guillermo P. Torres, Jr. conferred the degrees, titles, and certificates taken by the graduates. “Allow me to extend to you individually my sincerest congratulations and may God in His infinite wisdom share with you His bounty and grant you success and happiness.” Dr. Torres expressed.
Graduating during this time is not easy. There are a lot of hurdles, challenges, and difficulties brought about by online learning and the COVID-19 pandemic, but the graduates proved that as long as you have ‘Galing,’ ‘Gawi,’ ‘Gawa’ at ‘Gana,’ you can reach for the stars. Congratulations to the first batch of Class 2022. May you have a bright and enlightening path ahead of you.
GENLIT WEBINAR EMPOWERS UM SCHOLARS
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| By Andrea Mae Sitcharon
he University of Mindanao-Office of Student Affairs conducted a virtual webinar with Pinas Forward PH conducted GenLit: Batan-ong Davaoeño, Maayohon ug Maalam, an empowering youth-centered webinar last April 12, 2022, via Zoom Conference. The webinar hosted by Mr. Bruno aims to establish values in Filipino youth and help them become more empowered, efficient, and engaging individuals in our nation. The half-day conference was participated by more than a hundred UMians, particularly the internal scholars of the University. The event was welcomed by Prof. Marianne P. Afrondoza, OSA Director. Before the proper discussion of the two speakers, reflections of the youth who participated in the Pinas Forward PH were presented. The group advocacy was introduced to the audience, which is about transformational leadership, values formation, and youth community engagement. It was then followed by the introduction of the two equipped speakers. The first talk was rendered by a young Filipino innovator who established the MARIA movement, Ms. Kris Balza. She discussed the #Glow Up PH: Choosing a good leader. Ms. Kris pointed our decision-making towards choosing a good leader to have a better environment for all the Filipinos. According to her, “A Pinunong Pinaskeeter has a principle of ‘All for one, one for all.’ There’s a true love and appreciation towards oneself, for others,
and towards the nation.” Moreover, a multi-talented young lady, Shaira Hernandez, delivered a discussion about “#GenKaMagaling: Who is the Filipino Youth?”. Ms. Shai shared her knowledge about how generational battles might be transformed into something more useful and uplifting for the nation. She discussed the differences between today’s generation from the older generation and debunked the stereotypes of the youth. Ms. Hernandez highlighted that the new generation has the power to be resilient, adaptable, and open to change. “The webinar has reminded me of Rizal’s famous line that the “Youth is the hope of our motherland.” Indeed, our generation is so crucial at this point as we are the so-called “light” who will brighten the dusk of the past, knowing we have been oppressed and faced myriads of injustices for a very long time. We are the hope that will finally set things right as we retaliate against misinformation, disinformation, or fake news. And most significantly, we are the ones who should be very critical and smart in choosing our leaders. Thus, I hope that this has become an eyeopener to every UM scholar to assess every information and to select the most qualified and deserving leaders who will truly lead us on the right path.,” JM Araullo, academic scholar, expressed. The successful event concluded with a raffle draw and photo opportunity of the empowered participants of the University and Pinas Forward PH.
N E W S L E T T E R 03 cont. from Page 1 | UM PRIMUM CLINCHES CHAMPIONSHIP IN NATL JOURNALISM
the theme, “Pillar of Truth: Media in Democracy.” Competing publications were challenged to create a project or an action plan that addressed the given case and were presented in a Pitch deck for the first round and a presentation for the final round of the competition. After the breakout sessions on the second day, the participants were given 15 minutes in a separate room to consult with the competition’s panel of judges, Ms. Beatriz Ysabel Reyes and Ms. Luz Rimban of the Asian Center for Journalism. Mr. Rhett Angelo Belonio, the Editor-in-Chief of Primum publication, shared that their Pitch Deck entry is “Project Tanod Tinuod: Watchmen of Truth.” “As we all know, tanod is the smallest unit of watchmen in the Filipino community, while tinuod is a Visayan word that directly translates to truth. As student journalists, we identify ourselves as watchmen of truth. It is our primary job to always safeguard and seek what is right and true, especially in this dire age of disinformation,” Belonio explained. He further revealed that their action plan has three phases, coined after Visayan terms along with UM’s local pop culture reference, ‘ga’. “The team made sure that our project would stand out and be linked with our identity as UMians. So we decided to label the three phases of our action plan as ‘GaPahibalo,’ which is
to inform, ‘GaPangutana’ or to ask, and ‘GaIstorya,’ which is to talk. Each phase contains crucial steps toward a goal to foster fact-checking and information gathering,” Belonio added. For the round one of the Pitch Competition, competing teams submitted their Pitch Deck through email. Two days before the finals, Press Play 2022 announced Benildean Press Corps of De La Sale-College of Saint Benilde, Primum of the University of Mindanao, and Silahis of Mindanao State University-IIT were able to advance to the final round. On May 7, 2022, the Top 3 finalists presented their Pitch Deck entries for 10 minutes for the final round. Another 10 minutes was given for the finalists to defend and answer the questions of the panelists. In the end, as PressPlay 2022 declared the results, the University of Mindanao’s Primum emerged as this year’s champion in the Pitch Deck competition, followed by Benildean Press Corps and Silahis as 2nd runner-up. Apart from bagging the main title, Primum’s Editor-in-Chief, Mr. Rhett Angelo Belonio, was awarded Best Speaker in the said competition. “The amount of collaborative effort and hard work that we poured into this project was tremendous. We are immensely grateful and honored for this feat. We will constantly uphold and live up to our shared goal and vision as we are always for the truth, watchmen of truth,” Belonio remarked.
PRIMUM’S PRIME. PRIMUM representatives presented their Pitch Deck entry entitled, “Project Tanod Tinuod: Watchmen of Truth” during the finals of PressPlay 2022.
UM MAIN RANKS 2ND IN INTERBRANCH EXPRESSION SKILLS COMPETITION 2022 | By Sunday Shane Eorreine M. Ferrer
GALING. GAWI. GAWA. GANA. The 4Gs were demonstrated by UM-Main representatives as they vied to win in the Academic and Talent competitions of the Interbranch Expression Skills Competition 2022.
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attled by eight UM branches, the University of Mindanao Main, specifically in the high school category, was hailed as the 1st runner up in the overall ranking of the Interbranch Expression Skills Competition 2022 held virtually last April 4-6, 2022. This three-day annual event was spearheaded by this year’s host— the University of Mindanao Tagum College (UMTC), with the theme, “Living the Vision: Celebrating Excellence through Skills Expression- The 2022 version” on April 4-6, 2022. The high school and college representatives of UM Bansalan, UM Digos, UM Guianga, UM Ilang, UM Panabo, UM Penaplata, UM Tagum, and the UM Main (Davao) showcased their wit, talents, and skills as the events were divided into two categories—the academic and talent competitions. The pronounced finesse and capabilities of the high school and college representatives of UM-Main were drawn
UM ARCHI STUD. ADVANCES IN WORLDBEX PROJECTO 2022 FINALS | By Yessamin Paredes
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mong the ten finalists, Katrina Temple of the University of Mindanao-College of Architecture and Fine Arts Education, a 3rd-year student from the Architecture Department, has made it to the final round of Worldbex Projecto 2022. Worldbex Services International is one of the progressing Philippine-based organizations founded in 1996. It is one of the continuing events organizing companies that trade shows, exhibits arts, and gathers companies sufficing a wide vari-
ety of demands in the ever-evolving construction and design industry. One of their means of showcasing is through tournaments, engaging young aspirants from all places in the country. Set foot on March 8, Wordlbex began calling participants for Projecto 2022: The Arena. Katrina Templa’s proposed design was a Davao-based multifunctional stadium she named the Karangalan Arena. Her entry housed (8) eight sports training facilities with a 5,000 seating capacity built for Filipino athletes. “The design employed
[a] kinetic architectural system which considers an advanced type of architecture system. The purpose of utilizing the system is to achieve flexibility and multifunctionality in my design,” Katrina shared. Another thing that differentiates Katrina’s design from the rest of the replicas is the modern system, which she integrated that will subsequently open new opportunities in the Philippine architecture industry. According to her, since the system is not yet prominent in the country, once utilized, it will unwrap our in-
out from the various competitions framed as they bagged 13 awards in total. UM-Main won seven (7) times in different ranks in the high school category. They placed first in Essay Writing (Filipino); second in Poem Writing (English and Filipino), Battle of the Brains, and Balak; third place in Essay Writing (English), and in the UM promotional video contest. On the other hand, the college category has been rewarded six (6) times after winning 3rd place in Writing Poem (English); 1st place in Writing Essay (English) and Battle of the Brains; and 2nd place in Balak, Tiktok Skit, and Tiktok Dance. “I realized that you just have to believe in yourself, and no matter what voices inside your head keep telling you, trust yourself, and acknowledge whatever the result. Never expect. And it’s the learning and experiences that matter the most as it builds up your
character,” Donna Ferrer, Essay Writing First Placer (Filipino-Highschool category), expressed. She further said that it is the happiness of winning that contributes a lot to her to have the enthusiasm to continue writing and make use of it in every academic aspect. Moreover, Dr. Evelyn P. Saludes, Vice President for Branch Operations of UMTC, emphasized the main objective of the event, which is to strengthen the relationship and draw camaraderie among the UM Main and its branches. “Its prime objective is to look for the best among the best of our students,” Dr. Saludes added. The overall results declared UM Tagum as Champion both in College and High School categories, followed by UM Panabo (College Category) and UM-Main (High School Category) as first runners up, and UM Digos (College Category) and UM Panabo (High School Category) as the second runners up respectively.
dustry with convenient, feasible, and environmentally-friendly construction reserves. “The exposure to other works made me realize the potential of my design and where it could take me,” Katrina revealed. “But it also reminds me always to keep myself grounded,” she further said. The Arena 2022 prepares a cash prize of 60,000 pesos for the grand winner. A cash prize worth 25,000 pesos for the 1st placer, 15,000 pesos for the 2nd placer, and a gift certificate for the People’s Choice Award awardee. The teams that will proceed to the final stage were announced on March 27, with Katrina Templa’s design roaring with pride. Projecto 2022 Ideas and Design
Interschool Competition, with this year’s theme: “THE ARENA: Envisioning Multifunctional Space for Filipino Athletes,” serves as a platform for students who will soon move and shake the country’s construction and design industry to a more progressive and inventive advancement. “What you present will define the kind of work, quality, and thoughts you put on your design. Especially when you want to represent the school, you must be ready for major setbacks and a ton of pressure,” Katrina’s message to her fellow Architecture students. “Do not let all the pressure get into your head, knowing your design— is what it is and why it is significant,” the UM archi student added.
UM HOLDS UNIVERSITY-WIDE RESEARCH CONGRESS 2022
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o foster excellence and innovation among its students, the University of Mindanao launched annual research congresses among its colleges online via Zoom Conference and live-streamed through Facebook last May 12-13, 2022. It was a day-long activity in which selected student research groups from different colleges had a chance to present their papers to the plenary speakers and panel reactors, who were all experts in their respective fields. The event was joined by selected special guests, faculty, and student presenters of each college. The student researchers and contest winners were given recognition at the end of the event. First to conduct the congress on May 12th were the College of Fine arts and Architecture Education (CAFAE), the College of Engineering Education (CEE), and the College of Computing Education (CCE), with the theme, “Innovative Student Researches in the Time of the Pandemic: Navigating Transcending Research Impact.” Alongside the Research Presentation Competition, the three colleges also competed in Tiktok Science Challenge, Student Research Invention Contest, and Poster Exhibit. On the same date, the College of Business Administration Education (CBAE) had its research congress with the theme, “Excellence and resilience of Business Research in the New Normal.”
| By Jasmin D. Ja-alain
CAFAE/CCE/CEE RESEARCH CONGRESS Award
Name
Best Presenter
Zerwin A. Andan
Best Presenter
Jesral Matt C. Custorio Karl Klein V. Enriquez Christian D. Basoc
CCE
Best Presenter
Christopher E. Layupan Joseph B. Adaya Issachar Ace G. Esperida
CEE
J
CAFAE
Poster Exhibit Contest 1st Place 2nd Place 1st Place
Rodney Boldario Renz Bryan Simbajon Donald Glenn Occena Anne Bersarry Arugay
CCE
2nd Place
Kylie Alexandra C. Tuling
3rd Place
Ivy Yvonne B. De Leon
4th Place
Theriza Jane Canque
CAFAE
Jofpet F. Pandac Mcley Jun Cerbo Adrian Roy L. Montebon
2nd Place
Rydell Reade Peramide Allan Brian Cabisay
3rd Place
Almasor I. Mandan Deither Dave V. Buntag
4th Place
James Michael Ortiz
CEE
Ivilyn Racho
3rd Place
Kristel Joy Picar CBAE RESEARCH CONGRESS
1st Place (Best Paper)
Juan Miguel Albutra Shella Mae Centino Wilmer Brian Yap Adviser: Jesson Rey Sabado, MBA
2nd Place (Best Paper)
Maryjoy Yasmin L. Aquino Charlyn Mae D. Lipardo Christian Karl A. Tagoc Adviser: Noreen J. Natividad, MBA
3rd Place (Best Paper)
Jade A. Bacaro Shiela D. Ortiz Aubrey Camille Eleonor Tauto-an Adviser: Noreen J. Natividad, MBA
Best Presenter
Jovanie Garcia Daniel Miral Brian Andrie Saramosing Adviser: Joanna Lynn Mercado, MBA
Meeting. A total of 578 participants across all regions in the Philippines joined the contest. The competition was composed of two rounds: elimination and semi-finals, with questions divided into three categories: easy, average, and difficult level. In a virtual interview, Panes mentioned that join-
Earl Adrian Estudillo Jenalyn Manguiob Danie Jeur Melecio
Language and Media Stream – BA Communication
Best Darilyn Lucob Paper Presenter Rophel Mae Serion Kristine May Torreon
Gresheill Aladad Julyeen Milkie Ferrando Kierstine Sembrano Ivy Joy Alave Paper Presenters Chabelita Rose Bonita Janelle Sarita
Chrystal Rodriguez
2nd Place
Department
Social Sciences Stream - BS Psychology Math and Sciences Stream - BS Biology
CAE Research Congress
Tiktok Science Challenge 1st Place
Name
Harlene Ramillano
Research Invention Contest 1st Place
the College of Arts and Sciences Education (CASE) held their research congress with the theme, “Exploring Ethical and Methodical Rigors towards Quality Research.”
CASE Research Congress Award
James Lloyd Anthony Concha
UM-JPIA STUDENT HAILS TOP 10 AT 14TH NAQDOWN AWARDEES | Edmalyn Canton ohn Jason Panes, a 4th year Bachelor of Science in Accountancy student, finished as a Top 10 finalist from Mindanao Hub in the 14th National Accounting Quiz Showdown (NAQDOWN), spearheaded by the National Federation of Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (NFJPIA) held on February 5, 2022, via Zoom
College
On the following day, the College of Accounting Education (CAE) held their research congress with the theme, “Rethinking Research for Transformative Society.” On the same day
CAE
Ruzel Mae Labite Joelle Marie Rebato Loriza Rebuya
CBAE
ing the NAQDOWN contest is considered an ‘excellent avenue’ to test his knowledge in accounting. “Since it is an all-board accounting subject competition, it is very tricky to prepare. I reviewed those topics that I found challenging and answered some test banks. Also, the college is very supportive as they also provide us with materials that we can work on for the competition,” he said. In addition, Panes said that he is very con-
CAE
CAE
The annual Research Congress finally came to an end after a number of highly informative plenary sessions and paper presentations. It was an activity not solely for the benefit of the selected student researchers who presented their papers during the event but for other students who are now conducting and will be conducting
a study. The said event is one endeavor of the University to achieve one of its missions in providing a dynamic and supportive academic environment through research. The activity has also given the students a venue to nurture and exhibit the University’s core values, as excellence, innovation, and teamwork were evident among them.
tented and thankful for the opportunity as a representative of the University despite his placement. “It is a privilege to be part of this annual competition and showcase my knowledge among the brilliant minds in the country. Although I did not win the competition, it is still a great learning experience, and I will surely treasure this as I move forward and pursue continuous improvement,” Panes expressed. Despite the virtual
setting, the NFJPIA organizers made the atmosphere alive by doing a room tour and having a second device to monitor the movements of the participants. The NFJPIA was created in 1983 under the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) to serve as a linkage between the accountancy students and their professional counterparts. It is tasked with organizing its members into a relevant business community sector.