MEMBER: College Editors Guild of the Philippines Bicol Association of Students Campus Writers
J UNE-O CTO BER 20 1 2 ISSUE 1 V O LUME XL FAIRNESS. ACCURACY. GENUINE STUDENT SERVICE.
DIVISIVE PILLARS With the recently implemented K-12 educational scheme, a looming ‘vacuum’ grows between the secondary and tertiary school levels in the country. The new curriculum that was launched last April 24 is bound to displace professors in college, early reports say. JOMILYN GRUTAS
Academic retooling underway
K-12 to create ‘vacuum’ in college profs? “ ” Spanish Queen rekindles By Ira L. Jacob with reports from Jemuel Gutierrez, Sarah Jane Gadia, and Johanna Paula Tamondong
Last April 24, President Benigno Aquino III led the formal launching of the K to 12 reformed basic education program at Malacañang, which adds two more years of senior high school for all students. By School Year 2018 to 2019, completion of senior high will be required for entry into tertiary level.
However, in an August 12, 2012 document produced by the Commission on Higher Education Technical Panel on General Education, a possible retooling of college professors is underway as a temporary “vacuum” may happen in the curriculum transition. A local official of the Department of Education acknowledged that one of the concerns the newly implemented curriculum might
create is the probable displacement of college instructors.
As of now we cannot see any problem because we are not there yet,
friendship with Bicolanos By Jefferson Geva with reports from Denelle Dolleson, Jemuel Guiterrez, Kurt Cortez and Johanna Tamondong
Albay, home to remnants of the Spanish colonization, keeps ties with Spain as its monarch toured
Of Rights and Absences: A quick peek on the first few months of the Student Regent’s term
the province to check and inaugurate projects funded by the Spanish government. Alongside local, national and foreign officials led by Albay Governor Joey Salceda, Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman and Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines Jorge Domecq, Queen Sofia
The Student Regent sets her primary goals to four: to push Magna Carta for Students’ Rights, to respond to societal issues, to mobilize Bueños to help the community and to create tangible projects which students can see. STRAW BILL “Hindi ako aalis at hindi ako ga-graduate hanggang hindi pa napapasa ang Magna Carta for Students’ Rights,” Miranda said.
According to her, Students’ Rights and Welfare (STRAW) Bill is a national concern “Gusto kong ma-i-leave yung mark na hindi that needs an urgent call. She continued howlang kami yung puro ‘party- party’, we will stand ever that unfortunately, this is not one of the on issues,” said Rachel Ann Miranda minutes after she was proclaimed as the new University Student Council Chairperson. By Alyssa Joselle B. Bañares
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“Marami ang mawawalan ng teaching load,” says Supervisor in-Charge Cecille Fero. But she quickly added that these implications are rather unclear and that “there are still a lot of gray areas.” “It is uncertain yet but the plan is to get them to [temporarily] teach for grades 11 and 12. But the thing is the curriculum for grades 11 and 12 are not ready yet,” Fero told The Bicol Universitarian.
Fero said further that if the displacement of professors should occur, it would also result to the question of who would be responsible for the payment of
visited key spots in the province last July 4.
Part of the Spanish Queen’s tour was her visit to the Climate Change Adaptation Academy of Albay (CCAA), Asia’s first climate change school located inside the Bicol University main campus. The CCAA was supported by the Spanish government for its efforts in the promotion of disaster risk reduction. The queen also unveiled the statue of Albay’s
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“Hindi ako aalis at hindi ako ga-graduate hanggang hindi pa napapasa ang Magna Carta for Students’ Rights,” -MIRANDA
their salary seeing that they are hired under HEIs but will be serving the basic education sector under the DepEd. “Wala pang Memorandum of Agreement (MOA),” she claimed. On the other hand, Jose R. Nieva, Public District Supervisor and Officer-in-Charge of DepEd Albay Division hushed the mounting speculations. “As of now we cannot see any problem because we are not there yet,” he said.
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WHAT’S INSIDE
• EE studes garner rscon landslide win, P2 • Almonacid rapeslay case now cold, P5 • Sira Tiya: The Resident Nomads, P7 • Taglagas by Justine Jane kutitob, P14
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NEWS
The Official Student Publication of Bicol University
Flores: Cut USC Fee
By Alyssa Joselle B. Bañares
“We should lessen the [USC] fee that is being collected from the students,” says the former Student Regent for school year 2011-2012. In an interview with The Bicol Universitarian, ex-University Student Council (USC) Chairperson Ruther Flores gave his statement claiming that there is still P100, 000 excess in internal funds from his previous administration. However, Rachelle Ann Miranda, the incumbent USC chairperson, said that the excess fund that Flores claims to exist still needs to be collected from the various College Student Councils. She continued that parts of it were even borrowed. Miranda added that she has been thinking of the excess in the Students’ Development Fund (SDF) since the previous USC officers failed to follow and conduct all activities in their Work and Financial Plan (WAFP). In answer to Flores’ suggestion in diminishing the amount collected by the USC, Miranda said that it’s not in every term that the council will have an excess in budget. “We collect P7.50 per student, and we don’t need to lessen the amount. What we need to do is to make projects that will help the students,” she added. Mark Harris Lim, USC external vice-chairperson, said that some amount in the SDF was used by last year’s student administration and it has given them “dilemma in managing their budget.” Lim, who acted as Flores’ former business manager, added that due to this, they have to keep on looking for connections and sponsors that will support and fund the activities that the USC is planning to mobilize.
EE studes garner RSCon landslide win By Alyssa Joselle B. Bañares
It’s a landslide victory for the university as Electrical Engineering students grabbed top spots in the Regional Student Convention (RSCon) held last August 16-18 at Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges (CSPC) - Naga. Ralph Rodrigo Morta, Kim Arvin Leocadio, Jesse Jay Garay, Jemerson Aguilar and Christian Magat with their coach, Engr. Fernan Dematera, bagged the 1st place in the Regional Math Wizard (RMW). Aguilar, Leocadio, Kevin Briton, Lincoln Azupardo and Earl Nico Sison also got the 1st place in the Regional Quiz Show (RQS) with their coach, Engr. Garry Hilutin. During last year’s convention, BU snagged the second place both in the RMW and RQS with SSC securing the 1st place. The event was spearheaded by the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers-Regional Council of Student Chapters (IIEE-RCSC). Nine schools
in the region with IIEE Chapters competed in different categories during the said convention: Bicol University, Sorsogon State College (SSC), CSPCNaga, CSPC-Nabua, Camarines Norte State College (CNSC), University of Nueva Caceres (UNC), University of North-Eastern Philippines (UNEP), Divine Word College of Legazpi (DWCL) and De Vera Institute of Technology (DIT). “This year, quizzers are prepared better, they go to their coach’s review center for free and I think that’s the reason why they snatched the 1st place aside from them being so diligent, intelligent and hardworking in terms of their study habits,” said Engr. Gil Mediavillo. The head of the Electrical Engineering Department added, “I hope that Bicol University will give a counterpart in the training and giving of incentives to the quizzers since they represent not just the department but the whole university.” The Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers Inc. shouldered the expenses of the quizzers and their coaches at first since the college did not have sufficient funds. “I am very proud and very happy that our EE students won in both categories. I hope that the university will support our hardworking quizzers in the upcoming National Quiz Show,” Ma. Romina Angustia, IIEE president said.
The top two contingents in both categories, BU and SSC, will represent the region in the National Quiz Show on November 14-18 at SMX Convention, SM Mall of Asia. The faculty members of Electrical Engineering Department believes that the university quizzers will win in this year’s NQS since they ranked 2nd last year. “We will do our best to snatch the 1st place and bring victory to our university,” said Leocadio. “We’ve always been winning; it’s not a monopoly that we always win. It’s not the first time that we won because even in nationals, our quizzers do great,” concluded Assistant Dean Medel Aligan.
“We’ve always been winning; it’s not a monopoly that we always win. It’s not the first time that we won because even in nationals, our quizzers do great,”
The council gets its fund from two sources: the internal fund, which is the 15% share of the USC from the collected fees of each CSC; and the SDF, the money that is provided by the university. In line with their goal of making tangible projects that students can see, the council already asked the College of Engineering’s Department of Architecture to create a design for the renovation of the Octagon. The USC is now planning to renovate the said infrastructure and has hopes to finish it before the academic year ends. “No matter what happen, the students must be the ones who should be benefitted by the increase in budget and be the least ones who will be affected by budget cuts,” said Jerwin O. Macasinag, BUCIT-CSC secretary. Meanwhile, the BU Façade which was constructed two years ago is not yet done due to budget cut on facilities, said Miranda.
Buildings to rise amid lack of funds By Giovan Ballatan The preliminary construction of the estimated P25M Balai Kan Alumni building has started despite insufficient amount of fund from the Bicol University alumni. Arch. Leo Del Rosario, head of Planning and Design Section of the Physical Development Management Office (PDMO) said that“this structure will serve as an accommodation for the university alumni, a venue for different conferences, and a small canteen for students.” He continued that the fund of the entire project is generated from the P100 donation from the university alumni and is still ongoing since the fund for the said project would yearly be contributed by the alumni. “The university alumni planned to provide privilege cards to the members, that would grant a minimal discount since they are graduates of this university,” Del Rosario added. Another infrastructure, again estimated at P25M,will be built near the Sagumayon River as the Institute of Physical Education Sports and Recreation (IPESR) Building 2. The said building was endorsed for construction but also still lack more than half of the approved budget. According to Del Rosario, another problem that hinders its construction is the settlement of the residents who live right in the location of the project. “It would be difficult to run the groundwork construction since there are still residents resid-
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WELCOME TO ALBAY Queen Sofia of Spain gets treated with a warmly-welcoming team of Albay pupils with Governor Joey Salceda and Legazpi City Mayor Geraldine Rosal in her visit to the province last July 4 PROF DENNIS MIRABUENO
Spanish Queen rekindles friendship first Spanish governor Jose Maria Peñaranda at the Peñaranda Park and inspected the Camalig North Central School (CNCS). She also visited the city of Ligao, where she led the inauguration of Albay Dialysis Center at Josefina Belmonte Duran Memorial Hospital. Through the office of Agencia Espanola de Cooperacion Internacional para el Desarullo (AECID), the government of Spain has funded projects in the province which include the establishment of the Camalig Emergency and Educational Shelter (CEES), a 14-classroom emergency educational shelter building amounting to P24.7 million.
Comprising more of the supported projects are the rehabilitation of the emergency evacuation center in Daraga alloted; Emergency School Shelters in Guinobatan; rehabilitation of JBDMD Hospital in Ligao City; strengthening of the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) equipment; the Rural-based Flood Preparedness Project; and the Legazpi City Solid Waste Management Project. Lea Cea, regional focal person for Bicol AECID projects said that “this year [2012] would be another fruitful year for the agency and more projects are on its way”.
FAIRNESS ACCURACY GENUINE STUDENT SERVICE
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Meanwhile, Finance and Administration Officer for Bicol AECID projects Glena Orago stated that the Spanish government’s supports were “based on the provincial and regional socio-economic profiles and their macroeconomic indicators; and the fact that two of the poorest provinces in the country are in Bicol.” Albay was last visited by a high foreign dignitary in February 1981, when Pope John Paul II visited the city of Legazpi in connection with the celebration of the World Youth Day.
NEWS
The Official Student Publication of Bicol University
CBEM still BU Week Champ After a week of competition and celebration, the College of Business, Economics and Management (CBEM) defended their status as the over-all champion for the 43rd Founding Anniversary held last September 17 to 22.
CHAMPION 8080pts. CBEM
SEPTEMBER FEST RESULTS
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ven with the lesser budget allotted for this year’s September Fest, CBEM CSC President Julius Altavano stated, “hindi lang pera ang magiging reason natin not to participate in the BU Week.” Asked if the reduced financial allocation affected their performance for this year, Altavano further said, “in terms of budgeting, we can manage naman kasi. There are so many ways to manage our financial resources and the budget cut is not a hindrance for us not to pursue this activity.” Garnering 8, 080 points, CBEM snagged their second year of championship with a P25, 000 cash prize. The College of Education came in second with 7, 770 points and received P20, 000; they were followed by the College of Engineering which got 5, 425 points and was awarded P15, 000. Altavano then quipped, “grabe na ‘yung utang namin, pero of course we will still allot money para naman kahit papano magkaroon ng victory ball ‘yung college namin.”
1ST RUNNER UP 7770pts. CE
2ND RUNNER UP 5425pts. CENG 3RD RUNNER UP 5400pts. PC
But on the same breath, he added that “hindi sa lahat ng taon magiging champion ang CBEM, we have 13 colleges in the university to compete for it, ang masasabi ko lang, ang legacy na maiiwan nitong term na ‘to ng CSC, na we should always do our best, for the proceeding years, huwag kalimutan ang sportsmanship, dapat humble lang and huwag masyadong personalin kasi in this kind of celebration, enjoy lang while we’re competing.” QUERIES CLEARED
4TH RUNNER UP 4875pts. CAL
6TH RUNNER UP 2910pts. CSSP 5TH RUNNER UP 3960pts. CS
13TH RUNNER UP -4350pts. IPESR
12TH RUNNER UP -10pts. GC
11TH RUNNER UP 205pts. CAF
10TH RUNNER UP 900pts. HSD
9TH RUNNER UP 1360pts. TC
7TH RUNNER UP 2390pts. CN
8TH RUNNER UP 1740pts. CIT
K-12 to create ‘vacuum’
Nieva insists that the government through DepEd and CHEd would not allow for a vacuum in the education system to occur. But on the same breath, he admitted that this possible loophole of the program is yet to be addressed. He assured, however, that consultations between the offices concerned will be undertaken when the need arises. He furthered that nothing is sure yet until 2018 when the first batch of senior high school students graduate under the new education program.
Nieva stated that the implementation of K+12 is “all for the betterment of the entire education sector.”
He added that the initiative to implement the program was to answer the universal code for education system and to conform to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) specifically that of achieving universal primary education.
“We will cross the bridge when we get there,” Nieva said.
Fero said that the program presents ample time for Filipino children to mature and develop. Given the 13 years of time allotted for child growth and development instead of the previous 11 years.
“Wala pa talaga. It’s not yet felt, the roll-out [of the program] was just last year in kindergarten and this year in high school,” Fero stated but added that the issue is a possibility.
For teacher education, it would provide more opportunity given that demand for teachers would be high with DepEd intending to hire 61, 000 teachers next year.
As a means to maximize the available resources, Fero also cited the adoption of another proposal which is to lend the facilities of various State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) when needed.
“Kapag sa college, kailangan may Master’s Degree, so this would be an avenue also for those who don’t have a Master’s Degree yet. They can be absorbed to teach high school,” Fero explains.
Dr. Belen D. Azul, Chief Education Program Specialist of CHEd Region V explained that as a regional office they only serve as an implementing body.
Both Azul and Fero mentioned the possibility of general education subjects that are taught in college will then be taught in senior high school under the new curriculum.
“It is up to the other higher ups to decide. We are only on the dissemination of information. We cannot release a statement because we have yet to receive a memorandum and the program is still at the level of DepEd and it is still being deliberated by the central office,” she said.
“Yung mga four-year courses pwedeng maging three-year courses na lang and yung 5-year courses magiging 4-year courses na lang,” Azul added. “The region is not yet prepared for the additional two years because of the lack of teachers, classrooms and funds. The government should focus on the is-
Meanwhile, USC Chairperson Rachel Miranda answered allegations by different CSCs printed by The Bicol Universitarian in its previous wallnews issues. In Unibe’s Tuesday Issue, Gubat Campus CSC Auditor Bernadette Pura complained, “we are far from the main campus so we need to be informed first because we need to deal with the distance and transportation.” She was referring to the supposed late communication letters they had received from the USC. Miranda answered that “all the invitations, all the guidelines that were amended” were sent to the various CSCs “even before the Intramurals.”She continued, “maybe the communication letter that we are talking about here is about the pageant but not to the entire event.” The Student Regent also clarified that the small number of students who attended the Foot Parade on Day One does not constitute that it automatically means student passivity. “Honestly, it’s not an indication of a passive community, kasi unang-una I’ve been counseling them (the CSCs) to encourage students and athletes alike to join the foot parade.” Nevertheless, Miranda claimed that the weeklong festivity was a success.
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sue of funds, and teachers need more training,” said Jomar Monforte, a Mathematics teacher. While Kimberly Oraye, former editor-in-chief of The Mentor and now an elementary teacher, admitted that the program has good objectives but observed that the region is not yet prepared. “Maraming masasagasaan. Medyo mahirap ang paraan pero worth it,” he said. K-12 IS NOTHING NEW Many also fear that the creation and implementation of the program was abruptly done. “Hindi maintindihan!” exclaims Gemma Fuentes when asked about the K-12 education curriculum. The mother of a grade 3 pupil commented that the program’s implementation has not yet been well studied and prepared for. Fero stated that the K-12 basic education program is really nothing new as far as education programs are concerned. She stated that many programs such as this were created dating back to the time of the Marcos Administration. It was only that implementations were never pushed through and once a new administration took over it would either be adopted with a new name or be removed altogether. “K-12 was carefully thought of. Nagbaback-slide kasi tayo, yan ang sakit natin as a country. [But] we don’t want to be left behind,” Fero explained.
FAIRNESS ACCURACY GENUINE STUDENT SERVICE
“I think one way of saying that the BU Week is effective is due to the help of various CSCs because they were our branches in the respective colleges,” the Student Regent said. Miranda continued on saying that for this year less events had no representatives present from each respective college.“Sa USC officers, I can say that I have a good team because we can jive in terms of work. Meron kaming mga posting sa mga trabaho namin and we make sure na ginagawa namin ‘yun,” Miranda furthered. CLAMOUR FOR BETTER SPORTS PROGRAM Asked about the groundwork for the coming Regional State Colleges and Universities Athletics Association (SCUAA) this coming November, the USC Chairperson admitted that “in terms of preparations, I think the university lacks the capacity in terms of training.” She explained, “kasi nga naggagather lang tayo pag-BU Week. Meaning, hindi intense ang ating sports program.” Miranda, who is part of the athletics board, also disclosed that there was a plan to remove the college intramurals.
“Nagkaroon talaga ng proposal na tanggalin yung intramurals sa colleges. It’s because the university wants to integrate the sports program not just during BU Week or not just during college intramurals. They wanted it to become a yearly process. So dun daw kasi parang mate-train natin ang mga athlete natin hindi lang pag-BU Week.”
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NEWS
The Official Student Publication of Bicol University
CAL hosts GAD summit
By Denelle Dolleson
A two-day Gender And Development (GAD) regional summit was held at the College of Arts and Letters Amphitheater last July 26-27, 2012 holding the theme “A Call for Partnership among Higher Education Institution in Region V to Strengthen Gender Equality Development and Peace.” In response to the call of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region V for partnership among Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in strengthening gender equality development, the university along with over 100 representatives from the different HEIs across the region convened for the first regional GAD summit. Being the regulating agency having jurisdiction over all HEIs and academic programs, CHED had partnered with the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) in maximizing the cause of gender equality and women empowerment. The summit reiterated the importance of the strategic role of higher education in capacity building and empowerment of women through appropriate gender and development activities. The affair gathered presidents and GAD focal persons from the state universities, colleges and other private HEIs in the region. Initiated by CHED in collaboration with the PCW, the summit highlighted the role of HEIs in pursuing the objectives of Republic Act No. 9710 otherwise known as the Magna Carta for Women and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). Dr. Dolores D. Laguilles, member of GAD Focal Point Committee in BU and Officer-inCharge of the Bicol Gender Development Studies and Advocacies, shared the university’s GAD initiatives and its advocacies for being a genderresponsive university. BU, according to Dr. Laguilles has been practicing GAD activities for 12 years now. “The university has done well in injecting GAD initiatives in the three mandated functions of the university: Instruction, Research, and Community Extension,” Laguilles said. In an interview, Laguilles said that the real challenge right now for the university is the demand of the Magna Carta for Women. The university, she said still have a lot of things to do in institutionalizing gender-responsive programs and projects. “The student handbook should be revisited and amended of its provisions in keeping with what the law mandates and also to comply with CHED and PCWs aim of empowering GAD initiatives in the SUCs,” she added. Laguilles, after presenting to the rest of the SUCs of what BU have done in promoting and practicing GAD programs in the academe, said that the journey of the university was really worth sharing. During the summit, GAD focal persons from the Ateneo de Naga University, St. Scholastica’s College, University of the Philippines- Los Baños and Bicol University presented best GAD practices in their respective academe. The Bicol Gender and Development Study and Advocacy Center of the Department of Sociology in BU College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP), Samahang Mag-aaral na Kababaihan Para Sa Bayan (SAMAKABA), broadcasted issues relevant to GAD and other social concerns in cooperation with RadyoVeritas, conducted gender-sensitivity trainings in partnership with other institutions are just some of the advocacies of BU in promoting GAD in the academe and in community.
Of Rights and Absences priority bills of President Aquino and this makes it alarming. “Two private institutions-Ateneo de Manila University and De la Salle University already implemented STRAW, and we will pursue that before we end our term, STRAW is already included in the student’s handbook,” she detailed. Miranda made a draft of STRAW out of what Rep. Risa Hontiveros of AKBAYAN Partylist made. She said that she wanted to bring it in the university and make the administration approve it since it will enable the students to know their rights and identify if they are violated since students’ rights are also civil rights. “I have no voting power so I’m talking with the deans and directors to support STRAW,” she said. According to Miranda, the STRAW bill will still take a long run. It will be first presented to the professors, deans and directors assembly wherein it will be defended by the council why there is an urgent need and call for STRAW. Then, it will be discussed in the clearing house meeting and in the administration council meeting. Finally, it will be presented to the Board of Regents. MISSING MIRANDA? However, several students claimed that they do
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not feel the USC chief that much. “I can’t sense the presence of the current USC Chair, so I can’t comment on her performance. I only know her by name and face,” said Arnold Lopez, president the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers. Niel Jasper Arevalo, a 3rd year BS Electrical Engineering remarked that he “wants to see projects that are both beneficial to the university and the community” and that he is still looking forward for better activities. Miranda, as the USC Chairperson, represents the students in the Academic and Administration Council meetings. She is also the Secretary General of both the Student Council Alliance of the Philippines (SCAP)-Bicol and of SCAP-Luzon.
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I can’t sense the presence of the current USC Chair, so I can’t comment on her performance. I only know her by name and face,
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According to USC Internal Vice-Chairperson Quennie Faye Maravillas, there are two reasons why Miranda is not always found inside the USC office, in the office at night, nocturnal kasi ako,” Miranda “It’s a positive thing that she’s not always around. claimed. It means that she represents Bicol University, she However, Francis Ian Rosario, Associate Editor fights for Students’ Rights and for the change that of The Gearcast, challenged Miranda to prove that she needs to do.” she really wants to bring change in the university “It’s unfortunate that students can’t find me in the since it is already overrated. office when they go there. I’m attending meetings “Even smallest details can bring her name down,” and I also have my major subjects so I usually go he concluded.
Journ studes lead green advocacy anew By Denelle Dolleson with reports from Marianne Lette G. Ocromas
Clad in green shirts and ribbons, the journalism students continue to promote an advocacy against white pollution through the second installment of the White Out: The Green Minded Revolution. AB Journalism 3B students of College of Arts and Letters (CAL), in partnership with the Bicol Organization of Neo-Journalists (BONJOUR), spearheaded the movement last August 7 at the BUCAL Amphitheater. The White Out is an environmental advocacy which aims to blacklist white pollution that mainly refers to the negative effects on the environment: visual pollution and potential hazards due to the ineffective management and disposal of plastic rubbish. Prof. Ritchie Asagra, project adviser of the said advocacy, addressed participants of the essence of the movement. According to him, the advocacy came into mind because of the present distressing situation of the environment.
Albay. “White pollution does not only refer to plastic bags, it also involves the small things that people throw away every day that becomes part of that kind of pollution,” he said. Embestro imparted his own advocacy calling out for the students to start what they can do for the environment. Bryna Rabehl, an American Peace Corp Volunteer, said that solutions can be done on a daily basis regarding on how to effectively save the environment. She explained in her discussion how an individual can start change from within and influence other people to do the same. Angelica Leonor, a member of the Children International Youth Volunteers (CI) who is also a junior journalism student, said that the workshops held were significant in order for the students to fully grasp the message that the event is advocating. “The event was a great opportunity to extend also the advocacy of CI in spreading positive change
in our community and that includes saving the environment.” “Moving beyond conventional symposium, the workshops served as a wakeup call activity that enabled the participants to realize how important it is for them to step out and do something for the deteriorating environment,” Leonor added. As the half-day event was about to close, Abbygale Ocampo, the class governor, concluded overall that the gathering was a success. Pleased by the feedback of the student participants involved in the activities and workshops conducted, Ocampo was all smiles when she said success really comes in unity. Organizers of the event aim to extend the advocacy to the BU College of Science (BUCS) students. The white out advocacy also hopes to be an official entry in the coming Quill Awards organized by the International Association for Business Communicators Philippines.
NURSES DON’T LITTER The College of Nursing spearheads one of their environmental advocacies which includes IEC (Integrated Educational) materials and video clips with selected senior students conducting a room to room campaign
“It’s time to wake up, it’s time to make a stand, time to make your world a better place,” Asagra said as he encourage everyone to support and be a part of the advocacy. During the program, fellow journalism students, Joan Azucena and Cris Mirandilla, echoed suitable solutions to the detrimental effects of white pollution. Hon. Board Member Arnold Embestro graced the said event. Embestro is one of the author of the Provincial Ordinance 2011 – 3 which is popularly known as the AntiPlastic Ordinance of
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JOMILYN GRUTAS
FEATURES
The Official Student Publication of Bicol University
Almonacid rape-slay case now cold By Jefferson Geva with reports from Ira Jacob
Few months from now, a happy departure from college is supposedly on its way for then Accountancy student Laesybil Almonacid. But that fateful night of November 3, 2011 took both her chances of ever earning a diploma and of a chance at life.
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year after her death, police now considers the crime a cold case.
According to Police Chief Inspector Diego Dale Lopez of the Albay Provincial Police Office, they are still aiding PNP Daraga and that investigations are still ongoing. But on the same breath, he admitted that the crime has already been considered a cold case for lack of witnesses that could testify and hold suspects accountable. “We are still waiting for the results of the swabbing from the crime laboratories of Camp Crame,” Lopez said. He furthered that financial constraint is also another major setback in solving the case. “Normally, sa mayayaman na bansa, madali lang yung swabbing. Kaso hindi mayaman ang Pilipinas”, Lopez claimed. From the swabbed 39 possible suspects, 14 have already ended up negative after having their saliva examined. The remaining results, as of press time, are yet to be obtained by the Crime Investigation and Detection Group. The latest vocal swabbing was done last May 24. Lopez also stated that the case remains unsolved because “no other person is pinpointing somebody.” Laesybil was found dead in a mud field at 5:00 AM on November 2, 2011, apparently raped before being killed. She was abandoned 25 meters away from their residence after visiting a relative just the night before.
Sa paghingi ng tulong sa otoridad, sana tulungan din kami ng BU, para lumabas na yung totoong kriminal kasi ang lumalabas iba eh. So, kahit sa anong paraan sana. Sana makarating kay Dr. Fay [Lauraya]
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BU launches Robredo Institute of Local Governance By Monettte Jane E. Vargas with reports from Sarah Jane Gadia In honor of the legacy and contributions to education and local governance of the late DILG Secretary Jesse M. Robredo, the Bicol University Graduate School (BUGS) headed by Dean Nora Licup, hosted the launch and dedication rites of the Bicol University Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Local Governance (JMR-ILG) last September 20, 2012 at the College of Arts and Letters Amphitheater. The said event was made possible by the approval of the proposal for the rededication of the BU Institute of Local Governance during the centennial meeting of the Board of Regents last September 3, 2012. As approved unanimously by the Board of Regents on Resolution 040 s. 2012, former Institute of Local Governance shall now be called the Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Local Governance. During the ceremony, a plaque of dedication was awarded by University President Dr. Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya to Atty. Ma. Leonor “Leni” G. Robredo, widow of the late DILG Secretary. Moreover, Sec. Robredo was also conferred the Immaculate Blue Degree for being declared as an Honorary Member (posthumous) of the Blue Feather Society, the honor society of BU which was also received by Atty. Leni. In her response, Atty. Leni said, “Nais kong pasalamatan ang Bicol University sa pamumuno ni Dr. Lauraya, and BU Graduate School sa pamumuno ni Dean Licup at ang lahat ng bumubuo ng Board of Regents. Napakalaking honor ang pagpangalan ng Institute of Local Governance sa aking asawa. Passion niya ang education and local governance. Sa tingin ko, ang pinaka-challenge sa institution ay ang ipagpatuloy ang ideals na pinaniniwalaan niya- transparency, accountability, people-participation, inclusion, accessibility of public officials. Napakalaking bagay po kung marami pang Jesse Robredo ang ma-produce ng eskwelahan. Ito po ang pinakamalaking honor na pwedeng ibigay sa kanya.”
INDEPTH
Laesybil Almonacid claimed that if not for their own efforts, police handling the case won’t be taking proper actions.
Josefina Felizardo, Laesybil’s aunt, expressed her dismay over the “delayed” proceedings and accused that authorities are imposing “ningas cogon” solutions.
“Kung hindi pala namin yan na-follow up sa Crame, hindi malalaman na hindi pa pala pinapadala yung mga specimen na galing sa mga posibleng suspects. February 11 [2012] lang pinadala, nag-swab sila November 3. Magne-negative talaga lahat,” Felizardo asserted, pertaining to the samples that were sent to Crame that may have been already “expired,” for human saliva takes only three days before it becomes not viable for examination.
“Magulo na nga ang kaso,” Felizardo said, adding that “the perpetrator is just out there walking in the streets.” “Halos lahat na napuntahan namin. Kung nabigay agad lahat ng samples, siguro March pa lang may result na,” Felizardo The exclaimed. family of Felizardo also revealed that a policeman from PNP Daraga, accompanied by a number of civilians went inside their house after Laesybil’s burial and muddled over the latter’s belongings without presenting a search warrant. The family is also alarmed that though there are people who could shed light to the case, they choose to stay tight-lipped for fear of their security. Felizardo even added that they and the individuals who try to help them are receiving threats through text messages from the suspected perpetrators who used unknown contact numbers. Despite all the incidents in their quest for justice, the family remains positive and seeks help specifically from the Bicol university administration. “Sa paghingi ng tulong sa otoridad, sana tulungan din kami ng BU, para lumabas na yung totoong kriminal kasi ang lumalabas iba eh. So kahit sa anong paraan sana. Sana makarating kay Dr. Fay [Lauraya],” Felizardo said.
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The launch and dedication ceremony gathered personalities from the different sectors of society who reminisced and shared their experiences with the late secretary. Among them are Fr. Jovic Lobrigo, President of Bicol Consortium for Development Initiatives (BCDI) and SEDP Simbagsa Pag-asenso Inc.; Dr. Milwida “Nene” Guevarra, president and CEO of Synergeia Foundation; Former NEDA Region V Director Marlene Rodriguez; Dr. Glendino Maceda, director, Region-V DILG; Naga City Mayor John Bongat and Albay Vice- Governor Harold Imperial. Former students of the late secretary in the Diploma in Local Governance and Development Management also paid their tributes. It can be remembered that back when he was still mayor of Naga City, Sec. Robredo served as a consultant and affiliate faculty of the Bicol University Graduate School from 2008-2009. The Diploma in Local Governance and Development Management is a 30-unit course which leads to a Master’s Degree. Dr. Nora Licup, dean of BU Graduate School in her closing remarks said, “Let the institution be worthy of the legacy of the name Jesse M. Robredo.”
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In the recent years, no other law put into passage has caused quite a stir such as the Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. It has sparked an ongoing debate on different platforms and with different sectors concerned. It was able to arouse such grave reactions because it was a law that had a great impact to all of those who were actively part of thecyberspace, which at this age of a technology-driven world and nation is practically the majority.
The various perceived loopholes caused everybody to revolt and voice out their fury both online and on the streets because they have been interpreted to be a means for the government to curtail the freedom of expression and the freedom of the press. On social media sites, it was black photo after black photo, as many online users made use of it as a symbol of opposition to what many see as E(lectronic)-Martial Law. It appeared to be that the passage of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 had its eyes set to serve as the mechanism to interdict lawless acts committed through the use of the World Wide Web. The law specifically targets to criminalize cyber bullying, cyber-squatting, identity theft and libel committed through the use of the internet. Many view this move of the government to provide clear ground for regulation as laudable in nature but faulty in means. As in many fora conducted regarding this the general view of the public is that the creation and passage of this law was hastily done! Senator Edgardo Angara, principal author of Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, contradicted this statement in an interview on The Bottomline; he stated that on the contradictory of what many believe both houses, together with the experts and the technical working group worked for many hours crafting what is now the law. “Even if you check the legislative history of this law you would see that it took more than a year.” But you cannot help but scratch your head and assume that it was a law that was poorly made because of the many provisions that could be vaguely interpreted therefore abused by whoever seizes the opportunity. PROVISIONS QUESTIONED The main concern of Filipinos regarding this law is the terrifying amount power it blindly provides to those in the position to do so. Petitioners voice out to repeal provisions such those of Sections 4[c][4], 5, 6, 7, 12, 19, 21, 24 and 26 [a].
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Section 4[c][4] or Libel, criminalizes libel which is committed through any use of information and communication technology of which an example of is online media. In addition to that it was also mentioned in section 5 (a) Aiding or Abetting in the Commission of Cybercrime and (b) Attempt in the Commission of Cybercrime both constitute as an offense to the said law. It was expressed in numerous debates by online media users that this has appeared to be a comical provision. It served to be the butt of jokes online but as many laughed at it many also feared of the possibility that with this law a derogatory statement made either mindfully or not may turn into something you could be jailed for. The fear only resides on the maker of the statement rather as many understood from section 5, even those who simply liked, reposted, reblogged or retweeted the statement could be punished by the law. The anxiety further escalated when many questioned section 6 of the law. It was here stated that once convicted with libel under the said act the punishment shall be one degree higher in comparison to that of the act of libel committed through the use of print, broadcast and cinema. Angara once again came into defense that the purpose for instigating a punishment of a degree higher in comparison to the other forms of media is due to the wider scope of the online media. “Mas malawak, the damage would be greater.” Angara furthered. He also added that contradictory to the point of what many think that by simply liking, reblogging or retweeting one would be accused of serving as an accomplice to the crime. Angara explained that this would only be true if one did conspire with the perpetrator in carrying out the crime. Section 12 or the real-time collection of traffic data, wherein law enforcers are provided the authority to gather in real-time traffic data transmitted by means of a computer. It is with this provision that many of the Filipino netizens fear for the loss of privacy to their computer information and online activity. But if you do read further down the page, you would come to realize that limitations to this provision have already put in place in the law. It could not be constituted without a due cause that is also dully required to get a warrant before scavenging through someone’s computer data. Other than libel, one of the most contested provisions was that of Section 19 wherein restricting or clocking access to computer data, allows the Department of Justice (DOJ)the power to block or restrict access to a website that would be found violating the provisions of the cybercrime
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Impunity or Inhibition Inhibition? By Ira Jacob
act.
for either the repeal or the revision of the law.
It was no surprise that people could not help but associate this to what the government of China has done with the online search engine Google; wherein the site was shut down due to the government’s move to censor sites posting anti-government content.
Many are for the amendment of the law not for the abolishment of it. It was indeed true that the intention of the passage of the law was laudable but the means and structure of it is still remains to be riddled with errors.
Angara pacifies the claims explaining that this would only be done once a site would be proven to be sending wrong information that could cause danger to the nation’s security and its people. IMPLEMENTATION IMPOSSIBLE Even to the ideas of information technology specialist the passage of the act would tantamount to nothing for its implementation would be so difficult that it would be near to impossible. IT specialist point out that of the 29.7M Filipino internet users, the authorities would not have the number to man down every possible violator. It was with this argument that Angara repeatedly stated that the cyberspace “should never be a zone of impunity.” He furthers that yes the freedom of expression and the press shall not be curtailed but it is with this that a corresponding responsibility is entailed. It was to Angara’s view that the lack of such a law to regulate the use of then online media results to the abuse of it thus provides a platform delinquents to go unpunished and for the victims to remain powerless to seek justice. REPEAL OR REVISE
The claims of Angara that the cyberspace should not serve as a haven for criminals does constitute for the great need of a law that would hold people accountable for crimes committed in this virtual territory. But the cry of many Filipinos disapprove not of the existence of such a law rather disapprove to the provisions that appear to be vague and lack thought that may be subject to misinterpretation resulting to the abuse of it. Our legislators must not sleep on the job, they must not settle for mediocre laws that may ruin the lives of many Filipinos. It is rather the duty of the legislators to ensure that there is no room for misinterpretation and misuse of the law to infringe on the rights of others. In the end, Angara did admit that there are quite a number of vague provisions that ought to be clarified. As there are still many citizens who remain dissatisfied to settle for the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) to do the job. It should not be the IRR rather the law that should provide a precise structure of what the law entails. Last October 9, a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) was issued by the Supreme Court. The TRO will last 120 days and oral arguments on the case will be held on Jan 15, 2013.
With many portions of the law still questioned even with answers that provide little comfort, most Filipino call
CAF land dispute drags in court By Jomilyn Grutas
SPECIAL REPORT A year has passed yet the case of land ownership is still left undecided.
It was August 16, 2011 when the first hearing for the Ejectment Case filed by Bicol University against the alleged informal settlers in the College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF) Mauraro Campus was held at the Municipal Trial Court of Guinobatan, Albay and as of press time, both parties are waiting for the verdict of the court apparently before the end of September. The last hearing was held sometime in May and no more hearings will be following, it is now up to the court to decide to whom the possession over the land will be recognized legally. The Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) of Legazpi City had reassigned Atty. Nestor Ner last April in the Guinobatan area to take over the post of Atty. Wilfredo Barreda. Ner now serves as the new council of the defendants. SOLVING THE PUZZLE PIECES The disputed land, according to oral historical accounts The Bicol Universitarian obtained through a series of interview conducted with the people involved in the case, was formerly owned by a certain Iketchi Ihara, a Japanese national, on 1941 and the alleged informal settlers even claimed that they were already there even during the pre-Japanese era. “Our family had long been rooted in Mauraro even before the university was instituted,” says Jaime Orpiada, a resident whose family has one of the largest claims on the argued territory. He added that they were paying taxes on the land for 13 years until the university appears to “reassert” the land. Orpiada also showed The Bicol Universitarian a certification, inspected and verified by the Office of the District Forester (ODF), which declares the land to be inside the Alienable and Disposable land
GOING BANANAS The fast-paced life in the streets of Legazpi City is no stranger to this vendor as he makes ends meet for his family by selling bananas to local residents in the metropolis NOAH BALONZO
as approved by the Director of Forestry: it was dated March 20, 1926. This implies that the land can be given to the qualified occupants and allows them, the Mauraro settlers, to legally settle in the area. Prof. Daniel Sadia, CAF planning officer, said that the university’s claim is supported by the government since the land is a government property through the Republic Act 338 of 1948. It declares the transfer of the administrative management of property of the land to the university. Sadia continued that techni-
“
The university is too generous for providing them a relocation site still within the Mauraro campus instead of just ejecting them from the area
”
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cally, the land is government-owned and classified as an agricultural land. On July 24, 1948, the Congress passed R.A. 338 and laid over the decision of the ODF 22 years back. Basically, the act converts Guinobatan Rural High School to Roxas Memorial Agricultural School which in turn became the current BUCAF Mauraro campus.
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we gain access inside the school and do what we do,” Lai explained in Bicol.
You don’t have to find them, they will find you. With their baskets full of toron, banana cue and other oily, sticky variety of savory snacks, these working ladies stride the university grounds come hell or high water. Commonly called by students as “tiya”, they offer low-priced treats that fill up their Pancit Canton-abused stomachs and lighten their tight budget. But behind the eager smiles they swap for each empanada you buy, a larger basket hiding a “fleeing” story would tell you that their everyday business isn’t just all about the chows. To keep their petite source of income alive and going, the “tiyas” we know have to exercise their ninja moves to stay away from the eyes of the school’s security guards.
A SETBACK IN SECURITY Despite administration policy that prohibits vendors from doing businesses without permits, these walking cafeterias remain elusive from security units. Lai, a vendor who earns not less than P300 on a good day, finds it harder and harder to sell because according to her, the guards of the university have gotten stricter in implementing the policy.
Even the Civil Security Unit (CSU) finds it really difficult to apprehend the vendors because of the limited number of CSUs in the university. Romeo Rognao, officer-in-charge of the CSU disclosed, “Most are from Daraga, so they make their way into the campus through the back portion of the College of Education where sometimes crossing the creeks helps them reach the campus.” “We already made a request to the Physical Development and Management Office (PDMO) to build walls and fences across those areas where vendors mostly make their entrance but until now there is no progress regarding our request,” he continued.
there is no way she’s going to give up the business because it’s what keeping her family to have at least three meals a day. Most of them maintained that it is the only means their families have to make ends meet. With the chancy condition of their work at present, a tiya’s daily income to sustain the needs of her families merely depends on the probability of getting caught or not. Tess, another vendor, said that when selling the snacks, she always check for any guard that could be roaming around. Hiding momentarily from the guard or the civil security units personnel saves their income for a day.
Sira Tiya:
The Resident Nomads
He also added that the process of bidding in acquiring such supplies takes a long time and expressed his fear that the problem will not be solved immediately.
LONE LIFELINE A vendor who requested anonymity said that it’s already been years since she has started selling snacks in the university and
“We are now often caught and grabbed towards the outside of the campus. But the next day, we vendors always come back through a secret entrance where
ALL IN THE POLICY
Jerry Bigornia, vice president for Production and Concurrent Director of Auxiliary By Denelle Dolleson Services, said that one of the main reasons why ambulant vendors are not being allowed to sell inside the campus is because of sanitation issues.
“Guarding these vendors day by day is really hard for us,” Ragnao claimed.
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“Their small-time livelihood products have no seal of guarantee and no expiration dates but because they are cheap, students would buy them,” Bigornia furthered. “We are slowly minimizing the number of these vendors but to eradicate them completely out of the university is really hard. Lack of patrolling CSU’s
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around the areas where they came through makes it possible for them to still their livelihood,” Bigornia said. According to Bigornia, if there are events in the university, vendors are allowed to sell their products only if they have already paid a two hundred peso fee to validate their business for a day. “Still, you look at them as people and as members of the society but their way of livelihood is not applicable to the policy of the university,” he stated.
CUSTOMERS’ VIEW Most students prefer the service of these tiyas because of easier access everytime their stomachs revolt. Alemar Velasco, a student from the College of Engineering said that he don’t have to go all the way to the canteen anymore during free time because the food is just a few steps away from their room, with a tiya waiting for student customers to buy. He stated that they are not just delectable but affordable as well. On the other hand, Siera Lou Mata, a junior Journalism student supports the rules of the university. “I favor the prohibition of these vendors in the university, for it is safer to eat in canteens that have permits. I’d still want to buy snacks in canteens,” she said.
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PIN
The
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June - Augus
EDITORIAL Unfree Speech
A
pparently, the new Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 tries to go after hackers, cyber-swindlers and purveyors of pornography. However, the Republic Act 10175’s positive intents were overshadowed by the suspicious last minute insertion of internet libel. As per definition of the recently signed law, it is now acybercrime whose penalty is a degree higher than libel committed through the traditional means like print and broadcast media. Article 353, of the Revised Penal Code, defines libel as a “public imputation and malicious imputation of a crime, or of a vice or defect, real or imaginary, or any act, omission, condition, status, or circumstances tending to cause the dishonor, discredit, or contempt of a natural or juridical person, or to blacken the memory of one who is dead.” The 80-year-old Code continued that it could be committed “by means of writing, printing, lithography, engraving, radio, phonograph, painting, theatrical exhibition, cinematographic exhibition, or any similar means.” The United Nations Human Rights Committee found out last year that the country’s libel law violates human rights protocol by sentencing those convicted with imprisonment. Then, in one treacherous stroke, no thanks to our brilliant legislators, it is now to enforce its rotten system to the cyberworld too. Section 4, subsection C (4)of RA 10175 reads, “Libel.—The unlawful or prohibited acts of libel as defined in Article 355 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended, committed through a computer system or any other similar means which may be devised in the future.” There were no further elaboration as to who could be held liable, on what conditions will it be counted as a cybercrime and as to what actions establish the crime. Most infuriating of it all is the fact that online libel is now in the same league with other “Content-related Offenses” such as cybersex, child pornography and unsolicited commercial communications or spam. Of course, “aiding or abetting in the commission of cybercrime” is also punishable by law. In a September 20 editorial, “A blow against free speech,” the Philippine Daily Inquirer raised the following questions: “When a newspaper reader e-mails a possibly libelous article to a friend, is that reader now liable for libel, too?” “When an online viewer tweets a link of a possibly libelous video to a friend, is that first viewer now liable for libel, too?” “When a friend “likes” or shares or comments on a possibly libelous post on Facebook, is that friend now liable for libel, too?” Apparently, the answers are probably yes, probably yes and probably yes.
I think this is not about what is morally right or what is religiously correct anymore, because if so, their stand for the call for justice should have the same intensity of their stand for the call of opposing RH Bill.
**it happens mike arnaldo gallego
In the name of the father, the son and the Holy Hypocrites I am bothered by the shouts, yells and shrieks of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines in front of the media to stop the passage of House Bill no. 4244, or the Reproductive Health (RH) Bill. It’s not because I don’t respect these men of cloth, it’s not because I don’t respect their right to air their opinion, it’s not even because I find it an overreaction. But it’s because I haven’t heard them this loud during the last months of 2009, when 58 men and women were butchered like pigs in Maguindanao that fateful November 23. I wondered whether the feral voice they are screaming in opposition to the RH bill was buried along with the bodies of the slain with the Ampatuan backhoe. The CBCP claimed that they are prolife, that they don’t want the bill to be passed because it will institutionalize distribution of contraceptives, a number of it they said are even abortifacient or abortion-causing. They said that preventing embryo fertilization is murder; hence, they should stand firmly against the passage of the RH Bill because the Church is against any form of killing. But they did not stand firmly against the wholesale killings brought forth by the infamous Ampatuan father and
son. Where were their shouts after the gun smoke cleared? Where were their yells when the rotting bodies riddled with bullet holes were recovered one by one? Where were their shrieks when the blaming finger was resolutely directed at a close ally of their close friend, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo? Or was it because the victims read Koran instead of the Bible? Or call their religious elders Imam instead of Priests? Or celebrate Eid’l Fit’r instead of Christmas? Or observe Ramadan instead of Holy Week? Or as Senator Miriam DefensorSantiago asked the GMA News, “Are we going back to the Middle Ages? Is this again the clericalism we knew from the Spanish regime? I don’t think so.” I don’t think so too. I think this is not about what is morally right or what is religiously correct anymore, because if so, their stand for the call for justice should have the same intensity of their stand for the call of opposing RH Bill. If morality is about raising a ruckus against sperm carnage and prevention of egg cell fertilization but keeping mum about the brutal massacre of 58 men and women, more than half of them journalists, then what would immoral acts be
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like? If holiness is about bombarding a bill (a work of man) inside the supposedly holy grounds of a church (a house of God) but not even whisper justice (a God-given right) for the 58 souls who were murdered (due to some men’s greed) in Maguindanao, then what would unholy be like? A degree holder in Theology, Senator Miriam tells it rather more bluntly, “a Catholic is not supposed to just swallow everything that is recited by a cleric, whether he is a parish priest or a bishop. Only the Pope can dictate, and that is when he categorically claims that he is speaking ex cathedra, in his role as Supreme Pontiff.” Each of us is a hypocrite in one way or another. But the holier you ought to be, the more damning the hypocrisy. ----Remember, remember Twenty-third November Maguindanao Massacre plot I found no reason, In the Justice’s treason Shall ever be forgot. -Adapted from V for Vendetta
NION
e Bicol Universitarian
st 2012
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Volume XXXX Issue 1
The Bicol Universitarian
AIDS
*Insert Something Witty Here*
As In Do Something frienjie D bonagua
elaine lara
The Silent Syndrome “I was not delivered unto this world in defeat, nor does failure course in my veins. I will not hear those who weap and complain, for their disease is contagious,” says Og Mandino in his award-winning essay entitled I will Persist Until I succeed.
Then I will say, does it make any difference? Even with water-full pails you never dared to touch it, even with those separated garbage cans for sanitary napkins, you never practiced it. They did their part and now is our turn to make our step too.
Life is always in a rush. Each day, we hurry for our early class, projects to make, tests to take and a timetable to follow that we don’t seem to notice the fall of our surroundings. This is the constant thought because we never want to be last. We never wished to be left behind. Never do we consider that this life-proclaimed satisfaction can be the course of our life’s ruin.
They say that words spoken define one person’s character. But with the mixture of curses, pleasing sounds to enrich a heart may become the most devastating uttered words for those who need comforts. Curses seemed to be an inevitable part in everyone’s conversation. But self-control and the virtue of self-awareness must go hand-in-hand. For in this two principles that only can this established pattern of behavior are ceased. Curses can give you authority but you don’t handle their perceptions on you. Your mouth is a lame and inhabited by fools.
This type of life, I believe was not the path that everyone must take. Let me guess, you had been brought to the guidance office, or made to push ups, made to write a letter or to the extent on the verge for expeltion Friendship is a chain that binds, because of your incurable tardilinks a smile, a laugh or a cry. And They say that words so with all this reasons behind, the ness. Do you know how it feels waiting for students for almost knowledge about cheating will be spoken define one an hour or so to come? Do you on its means for legalities? Sitting person’s character. think all those traffic jams or in a classroom, group of friends But with mixture the long stairs to walk through usually are seated together during were the ones to be blamed? examinations- with the motive of of curses, pleasing I presume you have your genuinely sharing their answers. sounds to enrich a reasons behind. Maybe you It is not wrong to share answers studied that hard and unable to heart may become the but what is wrong is you are being wake up early or maybe on the to yourself. Selfish in a way most devastating ut- selfish other hand, you had too much that you never gave yourself the tered words for those chance to improve and acquire exposure with the television set at your homes or playing who need comforts. knowledge through your means. online games or waiting for There is nothing to fear when we someone to say hi on your stand from criticisms, for true wall. I know it is not for me to friends know how to understand. desire a change in your habits, but at least try to I guess that is life- ces’t la vie! Somehow, it think with this. All those gadgets can be found is a kind of war..a war that exists because of anytime, but wasting time can never be back, can the presence of varied problems in our midst. I never be handled and the very sad thing to realsuppose life is a kind of sport too. Winning is ize was that it may be too late for us to repent. not everything. Hard work is needed. Adjust to I may sound presumptuous, but to me, this is these day-to-day situations: the traffic jams, the only the product of my observations. One of our blackouts or just the simple failures and do not biological natures is to excrete our body wastes, let these interfere your life, because then life will but can this be any reason at all for us to leave not be as miserable as we might think. mess in comfort rooms? We demand for renovaWe will enjoy living despite the difficulties. tions in comfort rooms in our CSC’s, we asked Then, we have no reason to forget the sunshine, them to remodelize toilets with flushes. Some the flowers going to bloom and specially the did their part; some on the other hand, caused misty air signifying a new day to conquer. this to chaotic rumors against them. But have you ever done your part also? You will say, lack of water supply delivered into comfort rooms?
Loose laws and lawmakers I may understand how Tito Sotto had felt after being bullied big time on the web just recently, but I will never ever understand how he and his “colleagues” attempted to brutally murder every Filipino’s online freedom with one poorly-written law. Far from the goodness it intends to offer being the first law in the country to penalize crimes committed on the web, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 stirred quite a huge controversy after its implementation back in October 3. A major provision on the law—that’s been the biggest subject of negative criticisms—aims to criminalize online libel and pictures a netizen behind bars after sharing or “liking” any web post that it finds unlawful, thus hampering the very basic freedom of expression. All other provisions have been found redundant as they can be seen contained in already existing laws. All other provisions have been deemed nothing but irrelevant, selfish and abusive ways favoring the ones in power. It was a relief when the implementation of this law was hindered after the issuance of a 120-day restraining order by the Department of Justice. Then the subsequent scenes have shown us the quirky reality in our legislative department. Those who signed for the passage of the law took a quick U-turn, made their way out of the negative bandwagon and oppose it eventually. Tito Sotto, one of the Act’s strongest supporters who reportedly inserted the libel provision instantane-
ously adjusted his decision, even denying his involvement whatsoever with the controversial law. However, a senate journal revealed otherwise. Apparently, this sensational official’s plagiarizing powers did not salvage him during that time. A case like what we have at hand is in a way a huge question of competence to our lawmakers and everyone in the authority. How can someone think that they could actually monitor crimes in an environment as extensive and as complex as the worldwide web? Is the government expecting us to believe that they have the technological resources that could really examine every single “like” and “share” of the 23.4 million Filipino Facebook users in real time? Furthermore, is the country even prepared in the finance department? Imagine the number of online citizens engaging in the most instantaneous communications they have to keep an eye on every minute and every second. That’s hardly imaginable. Some of our legislators really need to be notified that we are now breathing the 21st century air. And to us Filipinos who are by nature very much expressive in sharing our rants when futility and dishonesty of politicians become the topic, the Cybercrime Prevention Law is something that we certainly have to deal with. I’d bet cases of potential libel would sprout here and there. Knowing the unimpressive system of the Philippine government, wouldn’t that be too hot for them to handle?
Of bulls and Bullying Before you continue reading this, I ought to warn you that this column would be my haven of rants and complaints about the world. Well not exactly the world, probably just enough to make you feel that you should quit reading this while you can. If you are up for the challenge, then you better tread carefully for my thoughts, or errants are carelessly crammed and in need of a good let out. You’ve been warned. “There is no bully if there is no one to bully.” To those who share the same sentiments of the guy who told me this, the blacks in the US, the closet gays, the weaklings in high school, the fat guy around the corner and the College of Artificial Ladies apologize for provoking you. Sincerely.
is from the students that are having classes in the classroom next to you in the MP building that you make fun of and taunt in the other side of the door because of their colorful costumes and thick make up. The same gray-clad people you were with in that seminar who were reprimanded by the professor assuming the ruckus your class was making were theirs because that is what they are labeled as. And from the same student whom you judge oh-so-mockingly while you pass by in the same hallway for being free out of the closet. We delude our self too much. Now this is where the next rant comes in.
As mentioned above, we go to the same mediocre university. Realize that the keyword is mediocre. We boast of supposed national rankings and accreditations but why does it still feel like we are left out? Maybe because of the not so For two years now, I feel sorry for the youngexisting state of the art facilities er students in my college, the and equipment we badly need. College of Arts and Letters who Now I am asking Or talk about the major repairs have to suffer the condescending you what makes you and even water we need in our looks and pitiful eyes of students classrooms and comfort rooms? and in some instances, professors think that you are So much for being this and that, the other colleges gave our batch. much more special or ranking numbers a or b in the Admittedly, my college fails than us. If I remember national stats. to boast board passers and placcorrectly, we took the More than that, call it acaers. We may have ambitious demic freedom or another policy programs and curriculum but same BUCET exam, loophole, but when will the absent facilities and professors got accepted in the students get their money’s worth to satisfy our needs. And we’ve same university. from the professors? Yes, we been stereotyped as this and understand that the university that. Our majors must get your is a government school so who blood boiling that you would are we to complain when we pay such small need to make snide remarks and look down amount. That’s the point. Our education comes upon us when we meet you in the hallways or from every Filipino taxpayer, the least they when we visit your ultra-impressive college and could do is feel ashamed that our professors are or campus. Truly, we apologize. not able to teach their ‘supposed’ field properly Now I am asking you what makes you think or fail to meet their class a handful of times the that you are much more special than us. If I whole span of one semester. We are being duped remember correctly, we took the same BUCET of our money’s worth. exam, got accepted in the same university. We The defense would probably read along the are all equal students from the same mediocre line that my observations are superficial and state university in Bicol. My parents marginally without proper understanding of the processes spend the same amount as yours spend to get or the duration of these things. But would it me to graduate on time. We may not wear the be such a bitch and whiny thing for me to say same uniform or go to the same major classes, that our University Quality Policy would be but in months to come, we will all get the same rendered as pure hypocrisy? You say clientele diploma from the same university. satisfaction and quality standards, I say pure Biased is what you may call this column. But fiction and delusion. you should get where this is coming from. This
Clearly, when it comes to priority, our government’s judgments get fuzzy.
PokerPhase jefferson gaton geva
It is such a pity that of all the social challenges our country is confronting, our legislators find more time in addressing less significant issues with their even less significant legislations. There are plenty others out there in the lands of poverty, those people who are not even introduced to computers and any online doings. They are the ones needy of more attention. Why can’t our lawmakers find time for these real significant ones? And how about musing on bills that have been gathering dusts like the Freedom of Information, Elimination of Political Parties and Anti-Money Laundering? Clearly, when it comes to priority, our government’s judgments get fuzzy. The problematic Cybercrime Prevention Law is something that isn’t new in the world of Philippine legislation. Countless laws have been signed and implemented yet a daunting society still greets us from day to day. We have anti-rape laws but rape is still a trend. We have anti-corruption laws yet the government is still infested with
FAIRNESS ACCURACY GENUINE STUDENT SERVICE
political crocodiles. For decades, we have been suffering from incompetent individuals who comprise most of the populace of our lawmakers and leaders today. But come to think of it, could it not be that this issue is as well a question to our competence as responsible citizens? After all, we were the ones who positioned all these people on their seats when we inscribed their names on our ballots. And possibly, the fault could really be on our part. Have we really set the most meticulous standards in choosing our leaders? A responsible citizen would not vote for politician A just because his parents are democratic icons and his sister blabs about everything 24/7. A responsible citizen would not vote for politician B just because he dances daily with poor people on a noontime show. A new round of elections is creeping near. To the registered voting community, how about doing it right this time?
10
OPINION
The Official Student Publication of Bicol University
I D G A F NORBERTO L MANLAPAS JR
Pagbabagong tanging permanente sa mundo. Pagbabagong kailangan nating tanggapin. Anung alaala kaya magkakaroon ang mga susunod na henerasyon? 100 years from now, anong meron?
Tagu-Taguan, Maliwanag ang Buwan 90’s generation: ang mga lumaki’t namulat sa tunay na langis ng kabataan. Mga batang lumaki na wala pa ang DoTA at Facebook. Mga batang nagdungis sa kalsada, naligo sa ilog at nagpawis sa ilalim ng araw. Mga batang may mga pinakamasayang alaala. Alaalang naimbak sa sulok ng isipan dahil maging sila ay ayaw kalimutan ang bawat piraso ng kanilang memorya. Hindi nyo napapansin, pero pahapyaw na nagbabalik ang mga pangyayari sa mga musmos na nabuhay noong dekada nobenta. Alalahanin ang Pogs, Tex, Trumpo, Jolens at Lastiko na pinagbantaang lagain ng nanay mo kapag di ka tumigil sa paglalaro nito. Yung Tamia, CrushGear at Beyblade na halos makasira nang palanggana nila Tiya Nora dahil ginagawa mong gamefield. Sa klase, sinubukan mo ding bilangin kung ilan ang mga tao sa bawat pahina ng iyong libro. Ang kabila, sa kaibigan mo at ang isa naman ay saiyo. Kung kaninong pahina ang may mas maraming tao, isang pitik ang premyo. Paano naman yung Kisses na pinaniwalaan mong nanganganak? Pati yung Plastic Balloon na ang sarap palobohin. Pinapahirapan din kayong bigyan ng piso ng mama nyo at sa tuwing may bisita, ang lakas ng loob niyong humingi sa kanila. Paano naman yung brickgame na magdamag mong hawak? Nagkaroon ka na din ba ng teleponong Teletubbies na kumakanta ng “Ayaiyai, you’re my little butterfly…”? Inggit na inggit ka noon sa mga kaklase mong
mayroong GameBoy. Gustong-gusto mo magkaroon ng cellphone para makapaglaro ka lang ng Space Impact at Snake. Sigurado, naubos mo na ding pakinggan ang bawat ringtone ng 3310 ni papa mo. Paano naman yung DragonBall Z, Detective Conan, Ghost Fighter, Lupin III at Slam Dunk? Nagtaka ka na rin ba kung gaano kalaki ang pouch ni Doraemon at kung bakit lumolobo si Mojacko? Tapos pinag-awayan niyo ring magkakapatid o ng mga kaibigan mo kung sino ba talaga ang mas malakas, si Daimos ba o si Voltes V? Digimon ba o Pokemon? Eh yung Power Rangers kaya? Nakipagtalo ka na rin ba dahil gusto mong ikaw si Power Ranger Red? Paano naman yung Bahay Bahayan na nagkalituhan kung sino ang nanay at tatay? Tapos hapon-hapon ding naglalaro ng Langit Lupa, Tumbang Preso, Tagu-Taguan, Sili-Sili, Doctor WakWak, Personal Game/Agawan Base at ang walang kamatayang Jack en Poy, aka Batobatopik. Wag mong sabihin di ka nagkaron ng kaaway dahil sa mga yan, napikon at paminsan, umiyak kapag napagkaisahan. Nakakain ka na ng Karoke, Halo Halo, Tomi at Mobi. Makulit ka pa noon, sinubukan mong kumanta sa harap ng electric fan. Binubuksan ng unti-unti ang ref para makita kung pumapatay ang ilaw, nakapaglaro nang Bingo sa burol at paborito mong dumalaw dito dahil sa mga natatanging snack na meron. Sinipsip ang sap ng Santan. Nagpalipad ng Sarangola. Ngumuya ng Bazooka at Tarzan. Nagkaron ng pellet gun o paper doll kung babae. Naglaro ng Street
Fighter sa Arcade. Gustong magkaron ng Troller bag at yung umiilaw na sapatos. May notebook na may mukha ng artista na palaging may drawing sa likod ng mga huling pahina. Tuwangtuwa kapag nakakakita ng eroplano. Nangolekta ng tansan. Nalagyan nang tinta ang uniform dahil sa pagtae ng ballpen. Kumain ng aratilis. Tumaya ng piso sa perya. At saan-saan nakaabot kakahanap ng gagamba para ipanlaban. Minsan na nitong minarkahan ang ating pagkabata. Nagiwan ng dungis sa ating mga mukha. Unti-unti nang nabubura sa mura nating isipan ang mga bagay na katulad nito. Marahil, tumatanda na tayo at may mga bagay nang nagbibigay ng bagong laro sa ating isipan. Larong sa tingin natin ay nauuso. Larong kinagisnan ng makabagong kabataan. Ano kayang kamusmusan meron sila kung ang mga bagay na katulad nito ay napalitan na ng pagbabago. Meron din kaya silang alaaalaang nakaimbak sa kanilang isipan?
My sympathy lies primarily to the youth of today's generation who are helpless and feeble in education. They're said to be the hope of our Motherland, yet things happen ironically. They lack education and so poverty increases. And when poverty increases, direct proportion of different illicit acts arise. It is indeed alarming and has to be formulated with solutions parallel to what our government can offer. Basic concepts of reaching out towards financially ill people could be of help in mitigating illiteracy in our country. Thus, attaining education especially tertiary level will be more inspiring rather than considering as another glitch of life. Considering Bicol University as a channel of our government towards attaining quality yet affordable education here in Bicol. A state university which aims to cater quality and affordable education. But have you felt the QUALITY and AFFORD-
CASH INLFLOW Remaining Balance (1st semester)
P37,996.28 Publication Fee (2nd Semester, A.Y. 2011-2012) P 260,105.90 Income P 1,000.00 TOTAL P299,102.18 CASH OUTFLOW Office Equipment and Supply Transportation Expenses Communication Expenses Operational Expenses Regional Tertiary Schools’ Press Conference 11th Luzonwide Higher Education Press Conference 72nd NSPC Harapan (BU USC Debate) Bicol Congress Rayterista 4 Pre- Election Wall News Post-Election Wall News TOTAL REMAINING BALANCE
Di mo pa noon naranasan ang modernong pagbabago. Di mo pa naranasan ang buhay sa harap ng computer na madalas, pumapatay sa pagkabata ng henerasyon ngayon. Ngayon, Unti-unti na nating nararanasan ang pagbabagong ito. Pagbabagong tanging permanente sa mundo. Pagbabagong kailangan nating tanggapin. Anung alaala kaya magkakaroon ang mga susunod na henerasyon? 100 years from now, anong meron?☺
Letters to the Editor
Encroachment
rt 12 po 1-20 e 1 lR cia Y 20 n a A Fin ester Financial Report Sem Academic Year 2011-2012 d 2n 2nd Semester
ABLE education? In College of Engineering, quality education is very realistic. Affordable education? We all know that engineering books and paraphernalia are quite costly making it a bit expensive to study. However, these are not just the factors that what makes our college steep. Wearing of prescribed uniform is a mandatory now. You cannot enter our college or I should say campus, without wearing proper uniform. At first, it's hard to deal with since we get used to wear (civilian attire) or in non-uniform. But as part of being a good student, we have to abide school rules and policies that's why we complied and wear complete uniform. Nonetheless, white polo with ID, blue pants and a pair of shoes seemed to be unsatisfactory to our beloved college. More than that, they do require wearing of black shoes. Yes, you read it right! Black shoes differ from all other shoes. If you wear other than that, you can no longer enter to our campus regardless of whatever reason you
!
(SGD.) Ira L. Jacob Managing Editor Noted By: (SGD.) Prof. Felipe Jose Peralta Adviser
have. Though you cry them a river, East Campus Guards will only reason out that it is an order from the admin. So whats the point?! My point is, this is a state university. A government subsidized university. Most of the family of the students belong to average and lower income class of society. Most of the students can hardly buy two pairs of shoes, and there are some who still can't buy even a pair. Pity those students who will be absent or miss their classes because they can't afford to buy black shoes. Another burden that could have taken into consideration since this is not a private school. Neither one of us is questioning the authority of the admin in implementing school policies, but we fervently ask for your benevolence especially when students are concerned. This is a serious matter to East Campus students. We have rights to contest and to be heard. I hope that in short span of time, actions will be made.
FAIRNESS ACCURACY GENUINE STUDENT SERVICE
P 2,117.50 P6,248.58 P450.00 P 2,920.00 P 51,000.00 P 25,645.00 P 9,082.00 P 3,500.00 2,100.00 P 89,768.10 P 683.75 P 567.00 P 94,081.93 P 105,020.25
To God be the Glory! BRETT RELUAO
Editor-in-chief, The Truss Civil Engineering Department
THIS is open for SPACE complaints,
concerns and grievances. Submit your articles at www.facebook.com/UnibeWallnews or e-mail us at unibe.online@gmail.com. Please don’t forget your name.
THE SATELLITES
11
The Bicol Universitarian
June - August 2012
Volume XXXX Issue 1
P10.2M projects for CAF inked By Johanna Tamondong
The College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF) collaborated with the Department of Agriculture –Bureau of Agricultural Research last April 4, 2011 as they lined up several agricultural projects and researches aiming to enhance the services and facilities of the college. According to Dr. Marissa Nate-Estrella, CAF Dean, it is one way to get funds for the college. “We are a state university. Pobre tayong school.
What I did is to make a proposal. Then let it be evaluated, revised and approved,” she said. The first venture is the Integrated Management System in Rice Production Areas of Albay under changing rainfall pattern. With a budget of P4.9M, the project will be conducting studies on Organic Revitalization of Upload Soils in Albay, an assessment of central management strategies of rice black bug and the adaptation strategies for food selfsufficiency under various ecosystems due to climate change in the province. The establishment of Indigenous Breeding and Dairy Production Facilities in BUCAF was also slotted. Spearheaded by Dr. Ligaya Vargas, the plan has an estimated budget of P2.6M. Vargas added that the grant was for a year. However, she admitted that it was not enough to see the results on breeding in
“so short a time.” The 3rd project was the center of Research and Technology Commercialization and Information Center. Dr. Marissa Estrella spearheaded the said project for agri-business. “The result of the research processes is actualized here, to strengthen the advocacy. Para makita ng students kung ano talaga ang instruction, research, extension and production”, Estrella concluded. Commercialization of Agroforestry Technologies towards Agribusiness Development for Improved Community Resiliency in Selected Communities in Albay is the last project. It will be implemented for 2 years and has the estimated budget of P2.7M.
CAF land dispute drags in court When the Japanese were defeated during the World War II, all the lands and properties that belong to the Japanese subjects were claimed by the Philippine state. There is no specified land that was turned over to the ownership of the state but the act was considered as to the matter of authority over the domain. According to Prof. Darius Benjamin, chairman of the Department of Agricultural Technology, the Department of Agrarian Reform Adjudication Board (DARAB) decided on April 10, 1994 that the site where Mauraro campus is situated is intended for “instruction, research and extension” of the university. Eighteen years had passed after the ruling and the dispute over the land still continues to boil between the university and the alleged informal settlers. The residents apparently do not honor BU as the alleged owner of the land. According to a high-placed source who refused to be named due to lack of authorization to speak on the matter, both parties hold no titles of the land. Thus, to do something substantial to halt the clash, the Bicol
OrientationWorkshop on IS, held By Ryan O. Toralde, PC Correspondent
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), in cooperation with Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) and Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), organized an orientation workshop and competition on Innovative Solutions (IS) last May 17 at Adamson University, Ermita, Manila. With the theme “Innovative Solutions for Everyday Life,” the said event aims to encourage and reward excellence in innovative solutions to frequently recurring problems, especially solutions that utilize technologies appropriate to local conditions. Engr. Christopher O. Pacardo, head of Bicol University (BU) Intellectual Property Rights Unit (BUIPRU), and four on-the-job trainees of Bicol University Research and Development Center (BURDC) namely Ryan O. Toralde, Charlie Joe C. Armillo, Aljon R. Pertiz and Ma. Glenda V. Rebancos represented the university on the said affair. Eight state universities and colleges attended the orientation workshop and joined the said competition. Submission of entries for the competition was set last April 30, which will be evaluated in two phases. In the first phase, the written entries of the participants will be evaluated as a result of which 15 entries will be shortlisted. In the second phase, the oral presentations of candidates will be evaluated and top three entries will be selected to receive a WIPO medal and a chance to attend an IP training course/ study visit at Geneva, Switzerland.
University administration filed a civil case no. 967 for ejectment against the residents of Mauraro campus last year. ONE YEAR LATER With a new lawyer helping out the occupants to push through their claim on the property over the land, Paulo Pabricante, a resident who provides his group the information and materials needed to win the case, expressed his gratitude with the progress the case had since Ner started to handle their case just within almost four months time of serving them. The residents contended that they want to meet President Fay Lea Patria Lauraya personally so that they could explain and clear themselves from the accusations of destroying and stealing the crops within the campus. However, they said that the president did not appear on the court not even once. On the other hand, the university legal officers, explains that the president needs not to present herself on the court to defend the university’s claim as demanded by the residents because the university has the right to send someone to represent the institution. While the trial is ongoing, the university goes on with its attempt to resolve the problem without causing more damages on the part of the Mauraro settlers. NEGOTIATIONS A Compromise Agreement was submitted by the university to and approved by the MTC of Guinobatan with specified stipulations dated April 27, 2012. At the present time, five households already signed the Compromise Agreement including the families of Percy Oguis, Teoderico Fabricante, Mercy Oja, Jesus Fabricante, and Jonathan Fabricante. Some manners stated on the Compromise Agreement are the following: the university shall allocate home lot areas for those whose houses are constructed inside the Mauraro Campus; the residents, whose house are situated inside the “EducationalResearch-Production Area” shall voluntarily vacate and transfer his existing house without any cost to the university; and the home lot shall be limited to 120 square meters per household, where 60 meters of which shall be allocated for the construction of the house and the other 60 meters shall be utilized for home gardening, residents shall pay a rental of one peso per square meter per month that is total of Php 120 per month. Sadia affirmed that it is the obligation of the institution to remove the informal settlers as to prevent mismanagement but “The university is too generous for providing them a relocation site still within the Mauraro campus instead of just ejecting them from the area,” Dr. Marissa N. Estrella, CAF dean, acclaimed. According to the agreement, the residents shall be the primary cooperator of the university in its research and extension programs, the university can also provide technology assistance for agribusiness activity of the settlers; households shall be given six months after the execution of the Home Lot Rental Contract; the university shall exercise exclusive rights on production and harvesting of existing crops within the campus for the development of the landbased resources of Mauraro Reservation; animals not allowed by the university inside the production area
NEWSBRIEFS BUPC Undergoes Mock Accreditation By Andrew O. Refarial, PC Correspondent
The Bicol University Polangui Campus (BUPC) prepares six of its programs for mock accreditation of the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities of the Philippines (AACCUP). After a series of evaluation, the programs slotted by the BUPC for the actual preliminary stage are BS in Secondary Education (BSED), BS in Mechanical Technology (BSMT), BS in Electrical Technology (BSELT), BS in Nursing (BSN), BS in Entrepreneurship (BSEntrep) and BS in Information Technology (BSIT). After passing the mock accreditation, BUPC will prepare for the next level of the accreditation proper, the actual preliminary AACUP survey, followed by Level I through Level IV; the last stage of the accreditation.
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shall be temporarily impounded and turned over to the concerned barangay officers for proper disposition after payment of certain penalty charges. The integral part of the said agreement is the Home Lot Rental Contract that shall be executed in favor of the residents in order to carry out its provision. The contract shall be valid for a period of 10 years and renewable for another 10 years. The residents shall be given a one year moratorium on payment and the university shall provide them access roads at the relocation site. The wife of Percy Pabricante said that they signed the agreement because they felt they cannot get any support from their barangay on the case they are facing. She also said that they are also waiting for the decision of the court. She lamented, “Bahala na.” When asked about their primary evidence, Paulo answered, “It’s the documents we showed [The Bicol Universitarian] last time.” He refers to the certification, inspected and verified by the Office of the District Forester (ODF), dated March 20, 1926. Paulo said that the MTC requested the two parties to send their position papers within ten days time and they were able to present theirs but the university did not submit it on time. According to him they should also be provided a copy of the paper submitted by the university, “But up to this time, we still don’t have a copy of the position paper of the university,” he maintained. AS THE END APPROACHES When the dispute on CAF land sprang, not only the ejectment case was filed; three other cases also went under trial due to the argument on who should manage the production and harvesting of crops within the area. These cases, however, were dropped by the court. The cases, Grave Misconduct and Administrative Case, filed by the settlers on the Ombudsman of more than two years ago against the three personnel of BUCAF namely Daniel Sadia, Jennifer Ocfemia, and Armando Octeza, were already dismissed by the court according to Sadia. Paulo asserted too that his father was also freed from the case filed against him, which is Qualified Theft of Coconut, by the university. Though there were already five households that signed the Agreement, Paulo expressed a strong conviction that the decision will favor them, “In this area, we are still more than 20 households pursuing our fight for our right over this land and there are more families in other quarter of this lot.” The pre-trials of the ejectment case on the court, according to a legal source, were postponed for several times for the purpose of settling the issue between the alleged informal settlers and the university even without undergoing a full-blown trial by the court. He explained that the case filed by the university is just a summary case that would only proceed on a short period of time where position papers from the both parties were asked with evidences attached on it. He further suggested that if the university really wants to end the dispute, they should have filed Quieting of Title or Recovery of Possession rather than the mere ejectment case so that it could go through a full-blown trial. Even so, the court will soon decide.
FAIRNESS ACCURACY GENUINE STUDENT SERVICE
The AACUP is an agency that accredits programs in State Universities and Colleges in 10 areas including Mission, Vision, Goal, and Objectives; Faculty; Curriculum and Instructions; Student Support; Research; Extension and Community Involvement; Library; Physical Plant and Facilities; Laboratories and; Administration.
CIT pushes “Save M.E” advocacy By Alyssa Joselle Bañares It was not a regular acquaintance party for the College of Industrial Technology (CIT) as they launched an environmental advocacy dubbed “Save M.E (Mother Earth)” last August 3. The event highlighted a two-part activity collaboratively organized by the CIT-College Student Council (CSC), College-Based Organizations (CBOs), the school administration and the provincial government of Albay. The event commenced in the morning with “Kapit-Bisig Para Sa Berdeng BUCIT” which involved environmental competitions, a clean-up drive, invention contest and a BUCIT miniature exhibit. The evening affair, called “A Green Party for M.E” was held at the Albay Astrodome. Vice-President for Production (VPP) Gerry Bigornia graced the opening ceremony of the event and applauded the affair for being “a creative step towards public awareness on environmental protection.” “BUCIT development can be done by stages and it also depends on the priorities of the university,” Bigornia claimed. Joben Vargas, CIT- CSC president said that “Kapit- Bisig Para Sa Berdeng Bucit” is a one-shot activity that aims to influence and to discipline students. “We also want to help save mother Earth, to promote environmental awareness and to achieve bigger things,” Prof. Christian Calleja, College Student Activities Coordinator (CSAC) said. “BUCITeños proved that we are not only on party-party aspect. We are also helping save our environment while having fun, and this is the best part of our acquaintance party,” noted Aileen Jane Talavera, a 3rd year BS Industrial Education student.
FEATURES
12
The Bicol Universitarian
June - August 2012
Volume XXXX Issue 1
Just when you thought
your best
wasn’t good enough By Ivan Hydlyde C. Goboleo
“
and they would do it many times just to make their livered it with a smile and flattering sound of voice, delivery good. The only thing I can do during the while some presented it to the highest tune of voice At this junctime is to smile and make myself busy, like chat- as possible like singing to an opera house and some ture, thinking ting to my fellow finalists (to distract their concen- made it with ‘swabelang’ delivery. positively is the That was my Facebook status hours after I lost tration? Of course not), laugh at any shortcomings key to success. (Yeah I mean it, I lost) in the 1st Newscasting Com- of the event, crack jokes with some classmates who But nevertheless, we finalists, came to the point There’s a very petition organized by ABS-CBN Bicol in the univer- served as my official make-up artists and many more. where we have our own awkward moments. Mine nice saying and sity last August 1. Well, that’s LIFE. If it was my fate, Things like these at that time made me feel comfort- was when I failed to clearly voice out the line in the it goes like this: so let it be. able because I knew the fact that when intense mo- Filipino category: ‘Maraming pa sa mga binti..’ in“Everything hapment like this, that would just make me feel intense stead I uttered “Mayaming, maraming pa sa mga pens for a reaAs what James Ingram would always comfort us too and my nervousness would break my capability binti, hita at braso ang biktima.’ Just before I deliver son,” true enough. with this all-time favorite cliché: “I did my best but to do what is just. my extro, my left hand swag into my head not knowYou might lose I guess my best wasn’t good enough” has constantly ing that I’m not yet finished with my presentation. yesterday in a jog our memory every time we embark on competiThink about it. The competition was heavy. Final- As I stepped down the stage, really, I cannot rememcompetition, but tions and we lose. You know the feeling of you could ists will be fronting the three judges including two ber what I’ve done and I was like ‘ginawa ko yun, you’ve won the have done more but really, there are things that don’t university officials and the other is the news head for talaga?!’ heart of your favor us always. And this is what we call life. Life that ABS Bicol. You’re also facing your fellow classmates dream girl the says you have to lose today and find a new tomorrow. and non-classmates cheering for you every time you My fellow contingents at the competition made next day. were called off the stage, you also have your profes- it well, some are just funny, some are serious, and The newscasting competition was such a great sors supporting you all the way and even coaching some are easy. Twenty-four finalists and I was one of experience for me. It honed my hidden talent, you you to do this and to that, then, the most hefty, you’re them, that’s awesome, you know? But nevertheless I know? LOL. Anyway, in every competition, some facing a camera and soon will air on a local television was thankful that I delivered the scripts well even if would bring home the bacon while some would just program. people are telling me that it was a newscasting, not a be contented with the free snacks given. And I’m on tongue twisting competition. the latter side. Even if I didn’t brought home the so Hitting-up the center stage. I was rather during called ‘bacon’ I still had the delicious experience and that time be cool and funny than be serious. The Just when everybody else thought that newscastI said to myself ‘Boundary na ako.’ ball started to roll and I was like singing slowly and ing is such an easy thing to watch but when you are slowly the infamous line of Frank Sinatra ‘And now the one doing it, you might end up also like- this aint Better not to be bitter with result of the competi- the end is near and so I face the final curtain.’ Really, easy as what I’ve thought. Before you even realize tion because I’m so very happy for the guy who won. I wanted to break away from the intense flash of the you are already delivering the news, your voice startHe beat the rest of us finalists and tell you what, it competition because I do hate putting myself into ed to crack down, it started to fuel up your heart, it was not an easy game, it was a tough challenge al- the limelight of nerve-wracking moments. started to shake your knees and all of that. No one though some would raise their eyebrows and say could ever realize, I think so, that this kind of field newscasting is easy, hell yeah, it’s a big NO NO. Some While holding my script on my way to the stairs in the broadcast industry is easy. Even if prominent even told me that it’s just a peanut for me simply be- of the stage, my heart started to beat faster and faster news presenters who have been there for years might cause I do work already for radio close to three years just like you’ve seen your crush and you were silent also have the same thought that this kind of field is now and I was like ‘alright.’ off for seconds. Lucky enough I didn’t have my knees really not easy. jiggling because that could have been the UNIBE’s The feeling of you have to prove something be- headline for this issue. Just naah! Then my name was The entire competition as what I’ve said is such a cause you have that edge, you have that experience called off. But before that, Madam Nepo would ap- delicious experience. Why delicious? Because even if among other contestants. Things like these during proach us with this line “Ano noy?” Then she started I didn’t brought home the bacon, I was able to taste those times makes me realize I have to win this game to give us her advice including not to hurry up and it, I was able to meet new friends, I was able to charge because of people who believes in me and they truly take it slow and the most important thing she would it to my experience and soon can be very helpful are and they mean it. tell us finalists is ‘Kaya mo yan.’ The kind of moral once we hit the real world of journalism industry, I support from your professor during that time is in- was also able to obtain the certificates that would add It was Thea Omelan, reporter of ABS who made deed important because that boosts your confidence up to my collection of certificates and badges at the the briefing to us finalists. She gave us our practicing that you can do it. You can make it happen. walls of my boarding house and before I forgot, I was at the same time our actual scripts to be read as we able to receive the gift of a lifetime – the free snacks. deliver the news in front of the three-men panel, and “Rains and strong winds brought about by Ty- Foods makes my world go round. Just naah! almost hundreds of live audience, students and some phoon Gener left 12 people dead, the National Disfaculty members. We were given about fifteen min- aster and Risk Reduction and Management Council Nevertheless we knew the fact that in every comutes to practice the script and we were able to catch said Wednesday.” petition, there’s always a winner and a loser. We see up with the words that were unfamiliar to us so that to it that we always have learning insights afterwards once we hit the stage, we’ll not stammer and we will Different versions came out when we, because it improves not just our talent which is our not eat up our very own words. finalists delivered this news primary asset but also our mental thinking. T’was lead. Some de- like: Yeah you lose, but it’s not yet the end of the Better not to be There were three categories in the newscastworld. There’s always a next time. Or there might be bitter with result ing competition and we were scored another big break for you. of the competibased on the categories: English, tion because I’m Filipino and Bicol. We were given At this juncture, thinking positively is the key to the freedom to make our intros so very happy success. There’s a very nice saying and it goes like and extros just like as a real news for the guy who this: “Everything happens for a reason,” true enough. presenter on a national television. won. He beat You might lose yesterday in a competition, but you’ve Creativity sets in as my fellow finalthe rest of us won the heart of your dream girl the next day. Just ists wrote their intro and extro on the naaah! finalists and script.
JUST TWO THINGS: It wasn’t for me and it wasn’t my day.
”
“
tell you what, it was not an easy game,
”
The competition was intense. There you see your fellow contingents really practicing hard
STUDENTS’ LOUNGE
FAIRNESS ACCURACY GENUINE STUDENT SERVICE
Ivan Hydlyde C. Goboleo is a senior Journalism student and works as a disc jockey in a local radio station for three years now.
Magbasa. Magdangog. Makiaram. Bungkaras BUeños!
FEATURES Letterman’s Soliloquy Forth! Onto the loop of letter, where beginning In the sly of pen’s stroke; Yet the plucky hand dances in cursive clarity! And upon the first word on thinned wood, The first child of the brilliant mind, At once! A world that’s anew Opens with the sweetness of dew; There, age is perpetual, alike To a rose in paradise -----Never withering, no decay; Even without a gaze of mere eyes ------Some are blinded, bypassed my happiness, my bliss! Bizarre ‘tis to them, my smile over a sheet, Tell me, did Shakespeare mourn kin to this? Tell me! Oh, a drib ache touches me with their Foolish plea! Pull now the sword from its sheath, Stand not in rear, in front! Brave man! If blood from your veins come first Rejoice! With Honor and with Pride! For many dared to revolt, But few revolted to fight; This quill and a parchment Are my spear and a shield, In this earth full of decent prigs My letters, I intended to be might! ------- For whoever have caught this right Possesses a critical mind at sight, And let you imagining fly you into The haven you shall go!
o anyt n e p o ce is a p s is Th ions t u ib r t n o any c r o f e n o
ional articles at Unibe office: Send us your stories and except us of Arts and Letters or e-mail 2nd floor MP Bldg, College also send it through facebook at unibe.online@gmail.com. You can to llnews. Writers are requested at www.facebook.com/UnibeWa t tac con and rse, complete address include their name/penname, cou any es. Unibe will not publish number for verification purpos is supplied. articles unless such information
the Bane of Elections
Ever, The Pedagogue
Sweeping “Epal” posters and tarpaulins Tinged with vain and trivial greetings Old “TraPos” showing off their grins Conceited faces in need of their shrinks Laughable political jingles and commercials Luring each one to believe the superficial Platitudes of service, they gloat Knowing what matters is your vote
Swarming political dynasties is at hand Invading the nation land by land Selling false hopes and visions Oh, the farce of clear deceptions
Last night was epic, Our love ended in tragic. I got drunk just to forget, I spilled-out things I regret I have nothing to boast, Loss deserves a toast. You’re far away out of my sight, Darkness came, I have to fight.
Voters on the lookout for bribes Creating a society of unlawful vibes Wise ones scream for untainted polls Relieving the election of mind-numbing fools
Now you left, I feel so down, I can’t help but to let it drown. You’re oblivious to what is happening, Signs that it’s me you are losing. You’re the reason why I survive, Waiting for you to revive. I can’t deny you are inevitable, Your presence is indispensable.
Really, what is our authentic basis? In putting these people in their wanted places After this, would there be a lawful change? Or just succeeding years of corruptive range
I realized I’m sitting in a brink, With a beer for me to drink. Come back, we’ll knot the tie; And we won’t be saying good bye.
NEWSBRIEF
No Dark Pink ‘12 By Jefferson Geva with reports from Alyssa Joselle Bañares
Parading with a smile and a handshake Very aware of what is at stake Money, power and privilege The battle for integrity is still at siege
Drunk
-“The Zen”
This year, the swan has decided to take a beauty rest. After two decades of annual staging, the Bicol University Architecture Students Association (BUASA) decided not to pursue this year’s Dark Pink as part of its “seasonal break”.
Joshua Lopez, BUASA president, said that the decision was discussed between the faculty and the students of the Architecture Department after a series of meetings. Lopez furthered that academic concerns were the major factor that pushed the decision. He continued that “the studies of ASA officers and students are at risk due to the time and effort that the event requires them to exert”. “Napapabayaan na ang studies ng mga students every time na may Dark Pink. For now, we are preparing them for the next semester,” Lopez said. Contrary to reports that the annual show has not been doing well in its earnings, Lopez claimed otherwise. He argued, “Kumikita [ang Dark Pink], sa management lang ang problema. Hindi nalulugi ang Dark Pink.” He also asked students to watch out for the show’s comeback. “We have plans of expanding the production of Dark Pink,” Lopez concluded. The event was launched in 1992 and aims to let men experience what women go through when they enter beauty pageants. “Its nature is basically for real men to become women and win like a woman, not as a drag queen,” Arki alumna and instructor Ritchie Asagra said.
Maria Sienna Samantela Junior Councilor at BU USC
Walang taytel
13
by Nick Mangampo Jr
FAIRNESS ACCURACY GENUINE STUDENT SERVICE
“Its nature is basically for real men to become women and win like a woman, not as a drag queen,”
14
The Official Student Publication of Bicol University
’ D N ‘ t Jus public e R b o t Kuti
TAGLAGAS
By Justine Jane Kutitob
ENTERTAINMENT wanted ako ng mga guards. Huh! Sadyang mapamaraan lang talaga ako kaya hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin nila ako nahuhuli. Pero, isang ladyguard ang mahigpit na nagpatupad ng No Uniform, No Entry policy sa College of Engineering na kung saan talamak ang mga estudyanteng hindi nag- uuniform. May mga estudyanteng sadyang minalas at napa- push-up pa ng mga guards. May mga sinawing-palad na hindi nakakapasok at napauwi ng mga bantay. Dahil dito, maraming CENGians ang nagreklamo at dumating sa puntong nagsignature campaign pa ang mga ito laban kay ladyguard. Masama talagang pinapush-up ang mga estudyanteng hindi nakauniform dahil sabi nga sa isang interview ng The Bicol Universitarian, labag ito sa kanilang karapatan. And speaking of karapatan, may karapatan ang mga estudyante na malaman ang mga nangyayari sa loob at labas ng unibersidad. At tungkulin ng mga student councils at mga publikasyon na pangalagaan ang karapatan na ito. Ngunit, ang CENG-CSC na dapat ay nakikipagtulungan sa mga publikasyon ay nagsabi sa mga guards na huwag ng magsalita tungkol sa isyu upang huwag na itong lumaki. Akala ko ba pro-student dapat ang student council? Kaya nga “student” and first part ng student council. At bago pa humaba ang litanya ko, balik tayo sa no-uniform-push-up-ka craze. Isipin natin itong mabuti, hindi naman tayo mapapapush-up o mabibigyan ng anumang uri ng parusa kung sumusunod tayo sa polisiya. Ouch! It hurts! O siya, o siya, magyu-uniform na rin ako…sa takdang panahon.
sa Tales From The Friendzone, “there is more to life than love.” Walang mga salitang lumalabas sa aking utak habang kaharap ang Pero umapaw ang love ng mawalan ng life si late DILG Sec. Jesse laspag na computer na ginamit na Lumipas ang unang tatlong buwan ng pagiging 3rd year student ko pero paRobredo. Nakakalungkot ang kanyang maagang pagpanaw. Tunay nga ng kung sinu- sino at nagpapahangin rang hindi man lang umusad ang mundo ko. Siguro, sa sobrang pagkabroken talagang ang mga mabubuting tao ay maagang kinukuha ni Lord. Isa siya sa naghihingalong electric fan. dahil na rin kay G. Sandugo. Buti nalang at hindi nakasabay sa pagkasadlak sa mga mabubuting lingkod-bayan na tunay na nagpakita ng genuine Hindi ko alam kung dahil ba ko ang writing career ko. Ako pa rin si Justine Jane na walang ibang ginawa public service. Sayang. Isasabay ko na lang siya sa panalangin ko. ‘to sa mga maiingay na tao sa kundi magsulat ng magsulat ng magsulat ng mga may sense at mga walang Ipagpatuloy ang buhay sa kabila ng samu’t saring problema na kinakapaligid o dahil overwhelmed pa sense na sulatin. Minsan nga, parang ayaw ko nang hawakan ang ballpen harap ni Juan dela Cruz. Ngunit, sino nga ba si Juan dela Cruz? Kanino rin ako sa sobrang pagkakilig sa ko. Grabe na kaya ang kalyo sa kamay ko. Pero sa tuwing naiisip ko si Blues pa ba siya bumabangon? Siya ay ikaw, ako, tayo. At ngayon, humaharap sampung beses ko nang pinanood na 10 Clues na isang writer din, ewan ko ba pero naiinspire akong magsulat. na naman si Juan dela Cruz sa isang bagong programa na dinisenyo ng Things I Hate About You starring Heath Yung feeling na kahit pagod na pagod ka na, gagawin at gagawin mo pa gobyerno para sa kanyang kaunlaran. Sino nga bang Pilipino ang hindi Ledger o dahil sa pag- iisip kung paano rin kasi alam mong matutuwa siya. Yung feeling na kahit nangangalay alam ang K+12 program? Ito ang naging sentro ng mga usapin sa loob ng ko ibabalik sa normal na takbo ang tila ka na, game na game ka pa rin kasi siya ang kasama mo. Yung feeling na napakaraming buwan. Maraming may gusto at ayaw dito. Ayon sa mga nag-short circuit kong utak at puso. Namahal na mahal mo ang papel at ballpen dahil ito ang naging tulay upang pro-K+12, ito ang pinakamabisang paraan upang matamo ang magandang kakainis at nakakaasar dahil marami akong makilala mo ang isang napakagwapo, napakabuti at napakatalented na kalidad ng edukasyon sa bansa. At ito rin daw ang magiging susi upang gustong isulat na magagandang salita tao. Haaaaaaaaaaaay. makipagsabayan na ang ating graduates sa graduates ng ibang bansa. pero tila mukha ko lang ang nananatiling Pangarap na nga agad namin na bisitahin pagtanda namin ang World-class graduates ika nga. Sa kabilang banda, ang mga anti-K+12 maganda ngayon. Ansabe ng PBB Teens sa BALAI KAN ALUMNI dahil pareho naman kaming Bueno. Syempre naman ay nangangatwiran na hindi pa handa ang ating bansa sa pagsegway ko? naman, Grow Old With You ang theme song namin dahil we want to babagong ito. At kung magandang kalidad daw ng edukasyon ang nais Hello Kutitobers! Syempre, buhay na grow old together, to experience life together and to love each other matamo, hindi sagot ang pagpapahaba ng taon. Unahin daw dapat ng gobuhay na naman ang dyosang may gandang forever. Pero sa kabila nito, hindi pa rin namin kinakalimutan ang byerno ang pundasyon sa dekalidad na edukasyon: mga upuan, silid-arasinauna’t sariwa. Ang dyosang bumaba sa responsibilidad namin bilang estudyante at bilang mga anak na lan, palikuran at higit sa lahat, mga guro. Ngunit, katulad nga ng sinasabi Mt. Mayon para maghasik ng karikitan at pinapag-aral ng aming mga magulang. Ayokong matulad sa nangyang mga kasamahan ko sa Unibe, hindi na mahalaga kung anti o pro ka. kadalisayan. Ang dyosang hinahanap- hanap, yari ngayon sa BUCAF na kung saan pinag- aagawan ng mga tao at Nandyan na ang K+12, ito’y naipatupad na kaya ang kailangan na lamang kinasasabikan at minamahal ng bawat magBU administration ang lupa. Pangarap kong magkaroon ng bahay nating gawin ay suportahan ito. Hindi naman masamang sumubok ng aaral ng Beyubs. na sa akin nakapangalan, at bahay na pwede kong ipamana sa’king bago. Malay natin, ito na pala ang magiging daan tungo sa mas maunlad mga anak. na Pilipinas. Pero alam niyo ba mga Kutitobers, nahihirapan na rin ako sa pagkakaroon ng napakaNgayon ko lang narealize na maganda kapag parehong writers Syempre, kung umaarangkada ang pambansang pamahalaan sa gandang itsura. Alam niyo naman, may mga tao ang magkarelasyon. Nagkakasabayan kami sa mga trips, nagdidpagsasaayos ng mga gusot sa bansa, hindi magpapahuli ang local na talagang masasama ang budhi at tunay na mapuiskusyon tungkol sa isang topic, nag-iinterview ng sabay at nagpamahalaan ng Albay. Ipinatupad na ang No Plastic in Albay. Noong una, pusok. Syempre, ang isang tulad ko ay lapitin ng momoment habang nagje-genuine student service. Away ngayon, ignorante pa ako sa paggamit ng paperbag. Kapag nakalabas na ako sa mga ganyang uri ng tao kaya todo-todo ang aking lambing mamaya. Nakakatuwa kasi sabay pa kaming bumili ng isang department store at makakita ng bus na dumadaan, hinahabol ko pag-iingat. Ayaw ko kayang matulad sa nangyari pabango. Isa kasi ng way of moving on ko ay ang pagpapalit ng yun at sumisigaw ng “Dao Ming Su! Dao Ming Su!” Eksenadora lang ang kay Laesibyl Almonacid na isang Accountancy pabango. Narerealize ko na nakamove-on na ako sa isang tao mahaderang bakla. Feel na feel ko na ako si San Chai sa isang episode ng student. Nirape at pinatay ng mga walang kalulupag pinalitan ko na ang pabango ko. Afficionado F68 ang sakin Meteor Garden. Oha, oha, mga adik sa F4, naaalala niyo pa ang eksenang wang tao. At ang masaklap, isa na itong cold case at F25 naman sakanya. Hmmmm. Ang bango ng combination. yun na may sunkis? Kung planggana, apir! dahil walang gustong tumestigo para mabigyan siya Try niyo Kaalinsabay ng pag-go green ng Albay ay ang pag-go green ng College ng hustisya. Malapit na ang November 1, mag-iisang Ako na talaga ang walang kadala-dala pagdating sa buhay of Nursing. Havey na havey din ang Kapit Bisig Para sa Berdeng BUCIT taon na pala siyang patay ngunit hindi man lang pag-ibig. Eh ano ngayon? Hindi naman lahat ng nagiging kana kinabog ang Albay Astrodome. Sa college namin, kelan kaya magumusad ang kanyang kaso. Nakakalungkot, oo, pero relasyon mo ay lolokohin ka. May mga pagkakataon na ikaw kakainitiative ang CSC na mag-go green? Hanggang ngayon kasi, utak pa ano bang magagawa natin? Ganyan talaga ang sistema ang manloloko sa kanila, hindi ba? lang ng mga collegemates ko ang green. Cheers! dito sa ating bansa. Ipanalangin na lamang natin siya at ang kanyang pamilya. Sumabay na ang Beyubs sa agos ng panahon. NagpapaAt dahil nasambit ko na rin lang naman ang salitang cheers (na sa tuloy ito sa pag- unlad at pagsasaayos ng mga bagay na Tagalog ay TAGAY), aba-aba, ang mga CENGians ay ayaw paawat sa At ako, habang nananalangin para sa kanya, isesegkaylangan pang ayusin. Simula noon hanggang ngayon, pag-nomo (inom) kahit na nasa loob ng paaralan. Masarap nga naman way ko rin ang aking panalangin para sa katiwasayan ang unibersidad ay nakikipagsabayan sa paggawa ng mga talagang uminom ng alak, lalo na’t kasama mo ang iyong mga kaibigan ng pamilya ni G. Sandugo. Oo, nabasa niyo ng tama. world-class graduates na bihasa sa kani-kanilang mga larat dinadaan niyo ang mga bagay- bagay sa maboteng usapan. Parte na Pamilyadong tao na ang lalaking minsan kong kinabaliangan. Ang College of Medicine ay patuloy na itinataguynga ng kultura at buhay ng kolehiyo ang alak at pulutan lalo na sa mga wan at minahal :’( Hindi nga siya katulad ni Mr. T- square od ng BU Admin kaalinsabay ng Geodetic Engineering. panahong hindi kinakaya ng mga estudyante ang stress sa kakaaral ng na may dugong berdi, hindi nga siya katulad ni OJ na Calculus, Differential Equation, Circuits, Analytic Chemistry, Structural kinulang sa height, katulad naman pala siya ni Angelito, Ako’y nagsimula bilang isang anak na nangarap na Geology at kung anu-ano pang chenes na matatagpuan sa CENG. Hindi isang batang ama. Well, ganyan talaga ang life. Hindi lahat maging katulad ng aking Kuya Justine, ako’y namuko sila hinuhusgahan, samakatuwid, naiintindihan ko sila, pero syempre, ng inaakala mong si Mr. Right ay Mr. Right na talaga, yung kadkad sa pag-asang kaya kong maging katulad niya, rules are rules. Kung mababasa sa student handbook, hindi nararapat na iba Mr. Left You For Another. May iba dyan na katulad ni ako’y sumibol nang ako’y makapasok sa isang pubmagdala ng anumang inuming nakalalasing sa loob ng paaralan. TradisyMr. Too-Good-To-Be-True na trip- trip lang, hobby- hobby likasyon, ngunit, hindi lahat ay tungkol sa pagbabago, on na kung tradisyon, hindi pa rin tama. Kaya mga CENGians, sa susunod lang at kiyeme- kiyeme lang. Kaya sa mga lovers out there, pag- unlad at pagtanggap. Ngayon, ako’y nalalagas na Acquaintance Party, partey-partey nalang ng walang inuman sa loob ng huh! Magbe- break din kayo. Nakakabitter kaya na habang dahil sa iba’t ibang pagsubok na aking kinakaharap. CENG. Sa Chick-in na lang, o kaya Bar 101, o kaya Hendriquitos, o kaya ang iba dyan nagmomoment, ako, nagdye-genuine student Pero, nandyan ang aking pamilya, mga Unibabes at kung budget cut talaga ng drama niyo, sa boarding house ko (basta libre service. Haha! Chos lang. Syempre, kung kayo talaga ang para Uniboys at syempre si Blues Clues kaya alam kong ang inumin. Haha). sa isa’t isa, kahit gaano kakontrabida ang mga mukha talagang malalagpasan ko ang taglagas. kontrabidang mga tao, gurugo pa rin ang love niyo for each Trivia: Si Justine Jane ay hindi nag- uuniform Kaya naman, naging other. Haaay. Love, love, love! Pero sabi nga ni Ramon Bautista
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FAIRNESS ACCURACY GENUINE STUDENT SERVICE
NEWS
College of Medicine to NEWSBRIEFS accept studes on 2013
By Frienjie D. Bonagua
After years of waiting for a more accessible institution to provide health care, the College of Medicine (CM), through the approved Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), dated December 28, 2011, will now rise in the university and start its circulation on the next academic year. The national government earmarked an initial fund of P50 million to the university through Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Congressman Al Francis Bichara and Albay Governor Joey Salceda have also provided financial support for the project. “The central figure of establishing this project is to help improve the health care of the people especially those who have poor access to it,” College of Nursing (CN) Dean Emerlinda Alcala said.
However, residents who are still settling within the university grounds hinder the supposed construction of the soon-to-open college building. Funding was also a problem, as Congressman Edcel C. Lagman showed withdrawal in his support. Reports claim that Lagman wanted the site of CM to be in the first district of Albay. “For the meantime, since it wasn’t that much of great importance, students who would be entering CM can use laboratories from CN and College of Science (CS),” Alcala commented on the issues affecting the establishment of the college. The entrance examination will soon be opened for interested students who had their pre-requisite courses such as BS Biology and BS Nursing. The initial proposed tuition fee amounts to P1, 200 per unit, but is still projected to be lowered to P1000.
CS opens Sci-Tech Fest to university
By Denelle Dolleson
After eight years of exclusivity inside the College of Science, the Science and Technology Festival has finally been opened to the university. “Known formerly as Sci-Tech days, the CSCollege Student Council (CSC) made the event as a festival to involve the students of BU and the Albay community, showcasing innovations in the field of science and technology,” said Kenichi Shibata, CS-CSC President. Themed “Science and Technology and Innovation: Working for Growth and Development”, a three-day activity highlighted this year’s celebration held last July 23 to 25. An outreach program was also conducted at the Albay Central School and a tree planting activity at Mauraro, Guinobatan, Albay. Albay Board Member Arnold Embestro, author of the Provincial Ordinance 2011-3, known as the Anti-Plastic Ordinance, graced the said event as a resource speaker to a symposium regarding plastic ban.
The National Educators Academy of the Philippines Bicol Chapter (NEAP-BICOL) Education Program Supervisor Corazon Fatima A. Silerio also spoke in behalf of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region V on the issue of the newly implemented K + 12 education Curriculum in a symposium on the implications of the education program. “The Sci-Tech Fest is part of the tradition of CS and has become truly the essence of the college in promoting excellence in the university,” Shibata said. The celebrationwas also participated in by colleges in the university including the Polangui Campus (BUPC), Gubat Campus (BUGC), College of Engineering (BUCENG), Institute of Physical Education (IPESR), College of Nursing (BUCN),and College of Education (BUCE). The Reserved Officer Training Corp (ROTC) Unit also joined in the said event. The event was co-organized by the United Nation Youth Association of the Philippines (UNYAP) Bicol University Chapter and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
USC to donate boat thru SGT
By Jemuel Guitterez
The University Student Council proposed to donate a boat to The Yellow Boat Advocacy during the Student Governance Training last August 18-20 held at Coastal View Resort, Sto. Domingo, Albay. The said advocacy was the brainchild of Bayaning Pilipino nominee Jay Michael Jaboneta. USC Chairperson Rachelle Ann Miranda said that the money will come from USC’s internal fund, as a single unit amounts to P7, 500. In order to further support the project, USC will be collaborating with the College Student Councils to raise funds. Miranda continued that before the end of the 1st semester of the current academic year, the boat is expected to be turned over to Pinoy Bicol Coalition Inc., the agency concerned for the said project. The boat will be handed over to the elementary students in Mababoy, Masbate who swim their way to attend school. Aside from Jaboneta as one of the SGT resource speakers, eight others also contributed to the theme “Mission [I’M] possible: Be Where the Action Is. Target: Student Leaders’ Action and Roles in Disaster Risk Reduction Management.” It was attended by 139 participants from various College- and University-based Organizations in partnership with the Office of the Civil DefenseRegion V and Naval Forces Southern Luzon, Philippine Navy.
Buildings soon to rise from page 2
ing in the area though some had already left,” Del Rosario said. The BU Architecture Department successfully provided another classroom in the Architecture building campus to sustain the population in its department. Due to the lack of fund, the faculty of the said department sought help from the alumni for the construction of another classroom along with the
Studes Receive RCYC Awards By Jemuel Guittierez
Three Bicol University students grabbed posts in the 10 Outstanding Red Cross Youth of Albay during the awarding ceremony held last July 14 at the Divine Word College of Legazpi (DWCL) Theater, Legazpi City.
College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF) garnered the certificates. “We made it to the top by being active in the organization and by submitting our accomplishment reports,” Alamil said. “Leadership Development Program, First Aid Training, Basic Life Support Training and Outreach Program are only few of the council’s activities,” he elaborated.
and Forestry (CAF) and IPESR. These college-based chapters serve as the extension of the Philippine Red Cross to schools and communities to establish the sense of volunteerism among the youth and promote humanitarian activities. The council has 60 members from IPESR but an estimated number of 20 students are active in the organization.
RCYC has accredited college-based chapters in the College of Nursing (CN), Polangui Campus (PC), Tabaco Campus (TC), College of Agriculture
students. In addition, the department sold a P250 alumni shirt exclusive for the department’s alumni under its president, Arch. Del Rosario and part of its total gain will be added to the said project. “This success was made possible through the great help of our dear Arki Alumni Association, faculty and the students. Some students donated materials for construction while some also helped in the construction itself. In this manner, we have trained our students on the on-site construction that would be a great help to be good architects in the future,” Arch. Reynaldo O. Nacional Jr., head of the Architecture Department, said.
CENG now offers Geodetic Eng’g By Frienjie D. Bonagua
The College of Engineering offers a new course this school year with only 17 students pioneering the first Geodetic Engineering class of the university. There were 27 students who primarily enrolled for the course but due to personal reasons, the ten others changed heart. “We didn’t expect much enrollee at this time because it’s a new course,” says Engr. Alwin Lunas, a CENG professor. He added that because of the very small number of its students, they were combined with the Mining Engineering Department- to which their courses are interrelated with each other.
The Bicol Universitarian THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF BICOL UNIVERSITY Editorial Board and Staff AY 2012-2013 Editor in Chief Michael Angelo Gallego Associate Editor Frienjie Bonagua Managing Editor Jefferson Geva Senior Editor Elaine Lara Arts and Graphics Editor Norberto Manlapas Jr Online Content Editor Giovan Ballatan Copyreaders Ira Jacob Jomilyn Grutas Writers Alyssa Joselle Bañares Jemuel Gutierrez Monnette Jane Vargas Johanna Paula Tamondong Denelle Dolleson Kurt Nylson Cortez Cartoonists ArvillVillamor Nick Mangampo Jr. Aldwin Arrabis Joshua Caleb Pacleta John Paul Revilla Photojournalists Jonel Argamosa Noah Balonzo Emerson Bado Webmasters Silverio Sasuman Kathleen Lara Arjon Jason Castro Public Relations Staff Gerrilyn Godoy Sarah Jane Gadia Marrianne Lette Ocromas Zandra Mae P. Estallo Lea Joy M. Sabado
Singit ni Nick Mangampo Jr
Irwin Alamil, RCYC internal vice president and Dean Belarmino, RCYC business manager, both from Institute of Physical Education, Sports and Recreation (IPESR) and Kimberly Llanes from
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