The Augustinian May 2017 (News Fold)

Augustinian the

editorial

DIVISION page A4 MULTIPLYING As Duterte administration’s first year wrapping up, what of the Philippines was reconciled?

Responsive Developmental Research-based

The Official Student Newspaper of the University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, Philippines

VOLUME LXII • NUMBER 5 • MAY 29, 2017

‘RELIABILITY OVER MEDIOCRITY’ Admin holds firm in raising passing rate b y fre n n ie m. tababa

“…what we have in mind is not to produce ‘mediocre students’ but students who can be ‘reliable leaders’ of the region, the nation and the global community.”

This was the answer of Rev. Fr. Manuel Vergara, OSA, vice president for Academic Affairs (VPAA), after reading the responses of Augustinian community to the survey conducted by University of San Agustin (USA) Publications on the implementation of 60 percent passing rate.

“The administration respects the sentiments of the majority of the students.

However, the majority should also listen to the sentiments of those who favored the proposal,” Vergara added.

In the survey of the USA Publications, 384 students, 146 in online and 238 in written submissions, said they were not in favor of the implemented passing rate and 14 students, three in online and 11 in written submissions, said otherwise.

“My stand for this issue is

that they should have involved the students in making such decision of changing the passing rate. An open forum, as what we have formulated to hold, will do but it seemed that the administration was not able to address this well due to some interventions,” Dave Garin, president of USA Student Council (USASC), stated.

According to Engr. Josephine Gellecanao, dean of the College of Technology (COT), they have observed that students found difficulty in adjusting to the new passing percentage based on the results of their prelim and midterm grades.

“Teachers were encouraged to offer extra time to their ‘poor’ students and were likewise required to give removal exams for those who fall short in the 60 percent mark,” Gellecanao passing rate

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HIGHER PASSING RATE, BETTER STUDENT PERFORMANCE. With the implementation of 60 percent passing rate, the University expects to produce more competitive and competent graduates starting with Batch 2017. photo credits • pixie dust PHOTOGRAPHY

NEWS • Page a2

Special report • Pag e a 6

SPORTS • Pag e a 8

Newly elected SC Prexy butts out election issues

Indispensable yet Powerless Council

‘Tearing That Tag Up’

Next academic year’s SC Prexy debunks issues on the campaign and elections to certiify validity of officership.

When student rights were at stake and student voice were not heard, how did the council raise their voice.

Bringing back its name in the hall of fame, USA Golden Eagle trips JBLFMU Dolphin’s six peat win in ILOPRISAA.

FEATURE

All Acts of Love in One Stage

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A look back on a week-long stage plays portraying all the “hugots” of people from all walks of life with original scripts of ILOTF production team.

Mirror back as country’s best mag CHAMP tops Medtech, by rj j unsay

Bagging five awards out of seven categories over all., USA Publications once again topped during The 12th Spectrum Fellowship: National Campus Journalism Conference and 6th National Campus Press Awards held at Balay Kalinungan, University of St. La Salle, Bacolod City, April 6-9.

The Augustinian Mirror, received its third first place award after placing first in 2014 and 2015 and won first placed also in Best Magazine Layout category.

“This year is tougher considering that a lot of big schools joined but I think the USA Pub knows its direction. That’s SILENT VOLCANOES DO EXPLODE. The USA Publications comeback bagged more awards, three golds and three silvers specifically, after a year of not joining the Nationals. PHOTO credits • spectrum

nation’s best

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First FA cum laude among 2016 TOSPians b y r j j u ns a y University of San Agustin (USA) Fine Arts alumna and USA Publications former Art Director, Anne Catherine “Kat” Malazarte, was awarded one of the top Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) at the Malacañang Palace, February 9, 2017.

The Malazarte told Augustinian that while receiving her award, she was talking to God telling Him that she knows that she is not deserving of all the grace given to her as she consider

“...it is about heroism, being a bayani - more of ‘Bayan’ and less of ‘i’.” — Malazarte herself as an empty bottle – whatever potential and gifts she has is not hers but to the Lord.

“I find it unnecessary and superficial for some point and dun ko narealize gaano kalaki nung ego ko. But God taught me a

We’re online! VIsit our website, www.u s a p u b.ne t.

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lesson through people and events. He sent me Sir Eric and Nang Gian (both Augustinian and TOSP Alumni). They told me that TOSP is not at all what I was thinking; it was never about listing all your achievements to

USA Publications

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get another award but it is about heroism, being a BAYANi — more of “Bayan” and less of “I”,” Malazarte shared.

The young artist revealed that she even cried before she applied for the said award; she said that life is not about winning but it is about losing – losing and grounding yourself until you realized that you are nothing without the grace of God. “Finally, after 20 years we have another TOSPians. Kat is truly an embodiment of an

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USA Publications

Pharmacy board exams by r o c h e lle m a e m . m u z o n e s a n d a r m i e t h e r e s e c . pe n u e la

University of San Agustin (USA) once again emerged as one of the top performing schools in the recently concluded Medical Technologist Licensure Examination (MTLE) and Pharmacist Licensure Examination (PLE) with a rating of 94.34 percent and 80.30 percent, respectively.

Taking two steps from last year’s MTLE, USA-Medical Technology now places third among the top performers in the February 2017 Examination with 100 passers out of 106.

“For the previous batches who topnotch the August and February Board Exam, they had comprehensive exam and MedTech 12 assessment. For this batch, they had MedTech 12 assessment and they were able to get the quarterly examination and Compre exam,” shared Zesil Gay Gelle, academic supervisor of the Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Program, when asked of the strategies employed by the department.

Meanwhile, USA Pharmacy’s comeback now ranked eighth with two topnotchers in the March 2017 Examination with 216 passers out of 269 takers.

Remi Charlene Salvilla, pharmacy department head, shared when asked of strategies that paved the way for their recent success in the PLE, “We have practical exams and now the Mini Pharmacy (at the third floor of Lana Hall) where students are trained how to act when they are in their internship. We also have phone calls where students are asked by the teachers pretending to be patients or doctors and the students are given the chance to counsel them.”

Adding to the success of the Pharmacy department are Stella Rowse Gustillo and Jea Belle Jinon as they placed fourth and sixth place, respectively, after garnering an average of 93.15 percent and 92.75 percent.

When asked of their weapons toward the RPh title, Gustillo shared saying, “Faith in God and perseverance. The RPh was worth all the struggles that we have faced and striving to attain that title was also a great motivating force to prepare me well for the board exam,” and “In tough times, I refuse to give up because I know God is with me; faith, trust, and hardwork,”Jinon added.

Pharmacy and MLS have been two of the University’s flagships, and so according to Gelle, “100 percent passing is what board exams

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A2 Augustinian the

Volume LXII • Number 5 May 29, 2017

news

USA Law Grad places Iloilo campus journalists: End Impunity 4th in 2016 Bar Exams b y phil ip r ob e r t c . al ab an

b y ERIKA DANIELLE M. PEPITO The University’s College teamwork between the University of Law boasts of Allana Mae and College administrations, Babayen-on, who took the fourth faculty, staff, students, and topnotcher spot with her 88.75 alumni; one that is based on percentage for the 2016 Bar highly motivated students and Examinations and together with professors; and one that is guided Babayen-on, 60 others passed by our University’s motto, Virtus and are now legal eagles hailing et Scientia,” offered Dean Jose from the University.

Mari Benjamin Francisco Tirol On the national scale, 3,747 of the College of Law on the out of 6,344 examinees emerged passers’ performances mirroring successful from the 115th Bar the efforts of the college. exam, administered by the “Because our country is Supreme Court and the national a society governed by the rule rating of 59.06 percent for last of law, and not the arbitrary year’s test is a huge leap from decisions of one or a few, it will the previous 26.21 percent (1,731 always need lawyers. And not out of 7,146 takers), with passers just any lawyer, but one whose from provincial intelligence law schools and intellect is topping the list guided by his this year. conscience,” Tirol On why she answered when wanted to take asked on what up law, Babayenit takes to be a on shared that “I lawyer. wanted to be part Measures of a profession done for the renowned for c o n ti nu ou s BABAYEN-ON its exclusivity enhancement of members, in a sense that so many take the Bar but only a few generally pass. Also because it was my father’s dream for me.

Later however, it was because I wanted to be part of the administration of justice.”

Babayen-on, who follows 1988 Bar seventh placer Atty.

Cyril Regalado in the list of topnotchers from the University, chalked her fourth spot up to the desire of making her family and school proud, fear of failure, grit, determination and consistency.

“Ms. Babayen-on’s fourth place finish and our 60/71 passing rate in the 2016 Bar Examinations are clear indications of the quality of legal education that we provide. One that is based on

of the college’s educational provisions include the quality admission, quality retention policy, the administration of a comprehensive examination on the fourth year of the course, outreach programs, participation in national and regional moot court competitions, and the ongoing program for law professors to obtain post-graduate law degrees (Master of Laws), among others, this according to Tirol.

“If it can happen to me, it can happen to you. If you want it that bad, then do something about it because dreams have a price,” Babayen-on tipped for those who aspire to be a lawyer and for those who are on the road towards becoming one.

‘End Impunity, Justice Now!’ This was the theme of Maguindanao Massacre’s seventh commemoration led by the University of San Agustin’s Publications, November 23, 2016.

“Impunity is the reason why the attacks and killings of journalists on particular and any others in general continue to happen and still, there is no justice served,” Nestor Burgos, national director of the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines (NUJP), said in an interview with the Augustinian.

The program consisted of educational talks, film viewing and an open forum on media violence followed by a mass and candlelighting rites offered for the 33 fallen journalists.

“It was an uplifting experience for me since I was able to share my experiences and provide insights from a fellow millenial’s point-of-view and it gave the students information on how to take precautions as a student journalist. It made me realize the value of lessons you learn on field no matter how simple or how basic,” remarked Angelica Louise Pfleider, a fourth year AB Mass Communication student.

Aside from the different

UNITED SCRIBE FOR ONE HEEDED JUSTICE. The USA Publications spearheads the commemoration of the 7th Anniversary of Maguindanao Massacre by a candlelighting rites held in the USA Chapel, together with other publications in Iloilo City and NUJP. USA PUB PHOTO • CLYDE ALLEN E. SOLLESTA departmental publications inside the University, student publications such as The Central Echo of the Central Philippine University and The Seagull of the John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University – Molo as well as representatives from Panay News, Daily Guardian, Radyo ng Bayan and ABS-CBN. “Our role in this event is to

After earning less than half of the student population votes and being the sole running party, issues regarding the credibility and validity of 2017 University of San Agustin Student Council (USASC) elections piled up upon the running candidates of Partido Aguila, March 17.

Erika Mae Draper, a Political Science 3 student and also the incoming USASC President, got 2,587 or 37 percent votes being the highest among her constituents wherein the speculation about reelection rooted.

In her defense, Draper said “The Student Commission on Election (SCOMEL) told me that we need 4,699 votes, twothirds of votes from the total population of students to claim majority, to be declared as the new USASC officers.”

She added that a written proof or resolution with signatories of the friars would be enough to clear the issue out and fortunately, the Director of Student Affairs and Welfare Office (SAWO), Eric Divinagracia, assured her the guarantee on the rules of suffrage being based on popularity not on majority of votes.

According to Article V, Sec. 2 of the Constitution and

by Laws of USASC, the election

of the officers of the USASC shall be done by annual popular voting.

Popular votes as defined

by Collins English Dictionary is the vote of all country’s voters as opposed to that of a particular group such as an electoral college or parliament.

When asked about other factors that could have affected the results of the election, Draper shared, “Compared with previous election, this is the speediest. We were given two days to campaign because it was two days before the election that we [Partido Aguila] passed the deliberation to run. I believe that we did not have enough time to campaign and encourage the student body to vote for us. There are only few voters. For example, the sophomore students were busy with their activity on cosplay, the medtech students ended their semester earlier; another thing is that the voting precincts were not accessible for the students.”

Then again, Dave Garin, outgoing SC president, emphasized that SCOMEL is stricter and should deliberate more the results and as to the incoming SC officers, “the lesser number of votes earned should serve as your challenge to earn the trust of their fellow Augustinians.”

In the words of Frennie Tababa, editor-in-chief of the USA Publications, “Even though we lacked time and resources, I can say that we pulled off an event that reached our expectations. It may not be perfect but for us, it is one of the biggest milestones that the pub achieved, to be part of a cause where justice needs to be served.”

Marketing Mgmt, PolSci students, Youth of Rizal “We should remember Rizal and be like him. We are still the youth Rizal referred to,” Binder said.

THIRD TIME’S A CHARM “The experience was very thrilling and enjoyable. It was my third time to attend NRYLI but the fun never fades away for its variety. The geek in me was enjoying because the topic was about Rizal and meaningful change which is very relevant as I am a Political Science student,” Emilio shared on the whole experience.

Anchored on this year’s theme, “Embracing Rizalian Values Towards Meaningful Changes”, the said organization is dedicated to the national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal and the Rizalian ideals, all related to Emilio’s chosen advocacy of Rizal and his heritage.

“I believe that the most essential thing a young Filipino could have is a dream he is willing to achieve no matter how difficult. That dream should also be for the benefit of the nation. Now that we are divided in preferences and opinions, the only thing that could unite us in one common aspiration for the good of the Filipino people,” Emilio reflected on how Rizal is an exemplary figure to the youth and how the nation should remain its ties amidst diversity.

Kelly Binder, a Business Administration Marketing Management student, and Edward Dominic Emilio, an AB Political Science student, were hailed as the Most Outstanding Jose Rizal Model Student and Editor-in-Chief of the Ang Lider Publication, respectively.

On December 29-30, 2016,

the 29th Annual Search for the Ten Outstanding Jose Rizal Model Students of the Philippines was conducted while last December 14-17, the 54th National Rizal Youth Leadership Institute (NRYLI) was held at Teacher’s Camp, Baguio City, where Emilio also won a silver medal in extemporaneous speaking.

CREAM OF THE CROP Binder and the other nominees from all over the country were deliberated on the grounds of their academic excellence, student leadership and co-curricular activities, community involvement, knowledge on Dr. Jose Rizal, verbal communication, and personality projection and appearance.

“He must have a selfless commitment to the country wherein the welfare of the majority should prevail over selfinterest. If the words of Jose Rizal are lived by the youth, then the Philippines can have Filipinos rather than merely having citizens.” Teresita Balgos, coach of Binder and also the adviser of the Kabataang Pangarap ni Rizal (KAPARIZ) USA Chapter, remarked.

Binder, who, according to Mr. Eric Divinagracia, director of the Student Affairs and Welfare Office (SAWO), follows the footsteps of 1999 Rizal Model Student Cynette Mirasol.

nation’s best

journalism history. It is what I call, competitive journalism, a type of campus journalism that aims for high-class and modernized technicality in spreading issue-oriented truth and influencing critical thinking, not just merely recording activities, marketing the school, and writing what is being ordered to be written,” Macalalag added.

Along with the group awards, USA Publications’ Editor-in-Chief, Frennie Tababa, was awarded as the sole Campus Journalist of the Year.

“I wasn’t expecting to be

hailed as the Campus Journalist of the year, but having this award is such an honor and a privilege because this award serves as my proof on how well I performed my duties and responsibilities in the pub,” Tababa shared.

Tababa said that they are dedicating the awards garnered by the different publication to the people behind their success, the staff, their mentors and the people who entrusted their stories to them.

“The talks awakened something in me that reaffirmed why I chose to be a campus

journalist - that is to share the truth, the hard truth, in all circumstances,” Erika Danielle Pepito, staff writer and delegate during the fellowship, expressed.

Organized by The Spectrum, the official student media corps of the USLSBacolod City, the said event aims to promote excellence in campus journalism that is responsive to present social changes and knowledgeable in this age’s media transition and camaraderie with the league of campus journalists all over the Philippines.

passing rate

percentage in the Board exams in the future, [and] will serve as the driving force to the students to put more effort in their studies.”

The changing of passing rate was based on the existing academic policies of the University stated in Article XXII, Section 107 of Manual of

Regulations for Private Higher Education, and “the final grade or rating given to a student should be based solely on his scholastic performance in any subject [...] provided by an academic policy, and provided that the adjustment is relevant to the subject content and requirement.”

SC Prexy-elect butts out election issues by r j jun say

make the people aware of what is happening in our field and what we are sacrificing just to deliver a just and rightful news. Also, as a campus journalist, we seek justice for them because this case hasn’t been given a thorough investigation and there is no one who will be put in blame,” Jaydan Laboro, managing editor of The Seagull, stated.

MODERN FACES OF RIZAL. Kelly Binder (leftmost) and Edward Dominic Emilio (rightmost), together with Rev. Fr. Wilson Capellan, OSA (center), come with their awards during the courtesy call. PHOTO credits• vpafm by wilkienson c. muro and erika danielle m. pepito

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why each time the magazine joins, it just wins the top title,” Engr. Ray Adrian Macalalag, moderator of USA Publications, shared when asked about the milestone the Publications has reached.

Irong-Irong (Literary Folio) and The Augustinian (Newspaper), won second in Best Literary Folio and second Best Editorial, respectively.

“Through these continuous harvests of titles, the USA Pub is making a new genre in campus board exams

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we are asking from them. That all of them will pass. It is always my challenge to the students,” and “The challenge is to continue the streak of the College, to prove that it is not by chance that we had this success,” said Salvilla.

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mentioned the possible strategies for teachers to adjust to the passing rate.

Gellecanao also weighed the positive change that the new passing rate offers, “I believe, this will raise the passing

The Official Student Newspaper of the University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, Philippines

www.usapub.net

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news

USA Pub dominates COPRE’s top 3 spots Civil Eng’g graduate,

2017 IWAG awardee

b y w i lk i e ns o n c . mur o After six years of being in a rollercoaster, the University of San Agustin (USA) Publications landed the top three spots in every major group award in the 41st Regional College Press Conference (COPRE) at Grand Hotel, Iloilo, November 25.

The official wall newspaper of the adopted community of the University, Dingding ni Gusting, was hailed as region’s best wall newspaper.

“We [Community Affairs Team] had given all our efforts to make our outputs a real success.

And I guess the strategy that we created had taken into effect,” said Rochelle Mae Muzones, head of community affairs team.

The Augustinian Mirror (Magazine) also won third place for Best Magazine after bagging third for Best Feature Page and Best Magazine Layout and fourth for Best Magazine Cover Design.

Adding up, The Augustinian (Newspaper) was named third place for Best Newspaper in the overall judging after winning first for Best Newspaper Layout, fourth for Best News Page.

“With all the awards that we garnered, I am pleased that all our efforts to come up with each specific issue have paid off,” stated Frennie Tababa, editorin-chief, when asked about how their preparation have become.

Then again, the first edition of E-Newsletter (electronic-

by a r m i e t h e re s e c . pe n u e la

SUCCESS OF TODAY, CHALLENGE FOR TOMORROW. The success of USA Publications of bagging 10 group and eight individual awards foreshadows the conception of another triumphantly overcome challenge tomorrow.

USA PUB PHOTO • allaine rose m. emnacen

newsletter) and Irong-Irong (Literary Folio) were hailed second and third best in their respective categories.

“Over the years, COPRE has evolved. The winnings can even surpass those in the past considering that the staff at present has to multitask unlike before, where they could focus in making great outputs,” remarked Engr. Ray Adrian Macalalag, moderator, purporting to the eight individual and 10 group awards the team had notched.

The eight individual awards were composed of Mara Elaiza Flores, photography director,

1st place in the photojournalism contest; Clyde Allen Sollesta, videographer, Mr. COPRE; Andrea Nicole Parce, staff writer (Creative writing team), Ms. COPRE 1st runner-up; Erika Danielle Pepito, staff writer (Creative writing team), 2nd in Editorial writing (English); Rj Junsay, managing editor, 2nd and 3rd in Sports writing (Filipino) and Copyreading and Headline writing (English), respectively; Jecel Buenavides, staff writer (Community affairs team), 3rd in Copyreading and Headline writing (English); and, Edward Dominic Emilio, staff

writer (Community team), 5th in Editorial writing (English).

“Taking into account that this is the sixth year wherein the USA Pub joined again in COPRE, we are blessed to gain more than just the group awards,” Rj Junsay, said to stress the improvement in the field of individual awards.

After going this far this year, Macalalag further challenged, “The results of today will not define tomorrow’s success.

We have to continue what we have started so that we are to prove that we are responsive, developmental, and researchbased organization – always.”

MedTech is 2017 Miss Iloilo Dinagyang

ON WIT AND GLAMOUR. Jekkah Mae Prudente (center) shows that pageants are driven not just by beauty of the contestants but also of their wit to respond to every mull-worthy questions. photo credits • dhan barredo

b y a nd r e a n icol e c. par ce Among nine other candidates from Iloilo, Jekkah May Prudente, an Augustinian Medical Technologist alumna

of the University, stood out in a clash of wit and glamour during the Miss Iloilo Dinagyang, January 19, 2017.

Prudente bagged three other awards, Best in Interview, Best in Fantasy Make-up and Miss Assemblage Point, on the night of the competition, thus earning the top spot.

As the candidates tried to convince the judges of Dinagyang Festival’s peculiarity from other country festivals, Prudente answered, “I will not just describe Dinagyang to them but [also] allow them to see for themselves the Dinagyang Festival and feel the beat of the drums and fall in love to our people.”

Alongside with Prudente were two other Augustinians, Renee Elise Abaygar and Venice Encajonado, who became the new Miss Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation, Inc. and Miss Iloilo Dinagyang 2nd runner-up, respectively.

“I told her that when she is

answering a particular question, she should be smart but the answers should come from her heart,” Cynia Mirasol, Prudente’s speech mentor said in an interview revealing one strategy to win the crown.

As the newly crowned Miss Dinagyang, Prudente emphasized in an interview with The Augustinian that she plans to adopt Project Dugong Buhay which aims to save the lives of the Ilonggos through coordinating with the Philippine Red Cross and blood donations.

“Being an Augustinian means upholding the Augustinian values in our everyday lives,” Abaygar said.

Prudente was also the Miss Intramurals 2015 of the University and a board passer in the 2016 Medical Technologist Licensure Examinations.

COL dethrones CLASE in St. Augustine’s Cup b y NICOLE AILICE F. S ERI SOLA A FIRST – since the inception of the St. Augustine’s Cup InterDepartmental Debate Series over a decade ago, the College of Law (COL) joined for the first time and brought home the championship title on March 2, 2017.

With the proposition, “Resolved: That the Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility be lowered from 15 to 12 years old”, the COL outwitted the longtime participant and frequent championship titular holder, the College of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Education (CLASE) formerly known as the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS).

Atty. Anfred Panes, the coach for COL’s debating team told The Augustinian, “Preparation was an issue considering that some of my debaters are working students and everybody had to adjust because of commitment and time restrictions; I had to train my debaters from scratch.”

Accordingly, Atty. Panes

said that they did not expect an invitation from the USA Social Science Department to join the debate as COL was busy preparing for Moot Court Competitions, “For us, this is something new and challenging; without uncertainty, we signified our intention to join the debate series and luckily, it gave us positive results.”

Niezel Anen Sabrido, who was awarded as Best Debater and Best Speaker said, “I think

it’s quite humbling that the judges were able to recognize my talent and I was able to ask the right questions - it’s really very humbling for me because I did not expect this and all of my teammates were very good - it was an honor to represent them.”

Sabrido further added that even with their preparation, they were nervous in competing against CLASE, stating that their opponent’s debating team were already national

winners beforehand despite being undergraduates.

Edward Dominic Emilio, one of CLASE’s debating team speakers, said that despite not being able to retain their title from last year, they were contented with the outcome of the debate, “I would like to congratulate the College of Law for their well-deserved win. We were very happy with the results because we know we did our best and put up a good fight.”

Continuing its legacy in “Writing articles that the field of development communicate and urge communication, the University development within and of San Agustin Publications for the society is one of the produced its sole IWAG awardee primordial responsibilities of for this academic year in the journalists like me to our fellow person of Daryl S. Selerio along students. And yes, articles with with other 43 student journalists developmental content helped across the region. me bagged the award,” adding, IWAG award, according “My perseverance bordering on to the Philippine Information stupidity had paid off, after all,” Agency (PIA) – 6 is an annual Selerio shared on gaining the recognition received by award. graduating school This year’s paper editors who awardees were have achieved e v a l u a t e d excellence in according to a p u b l i s h i n g set of criteria articles with as enumerated developmental by Director content involving Mesa, namely: school and Relevance to c o m m u n i t y devcom thrusts activities and of the articles matters. p u b l i s h e d , SELERIO “PIA-6 is a constant Academic and Scholastic companion in the journey of Achievements, Communication young writers as they play their Work Experience/Training and role in nation building,” shared Involvement in School and PIA-6 Director Janet C. Mesa, Community activities.

“This award is the hallmark of With the “relevance to all writing awards PIA is giving devcom thrusts of articles for campus paper writers,” she published” getting the highest added. weight of 50% to the total Selerio, one of the eight percentage of scores, Director IWAG awardees for the Province Mesa said, “These criteria are of Iloilo and a fifth year Civil tied together to show that the Engineering graduate, had been IWAG Award recipient excels in a part of the USA Publications the aspects where he/she is a as art director, staff artist and good writer, outstanding student staff writer in three consecutive and community-oriented.” years, respectively, and a base IWAG awardees will receive two in the USA Troubadours a gold medal and a citation and the president of SIGMA CHI which are given on the school’s Fraternity. graduation or recognition day.

USA holds first SHS fest by ju n fe l g . s o t e lo With the first year of the Senior High School (SHS) Program wrapping up, the University of San Agustin (USA) SHS celebrated its first SHS Festival with the theme from the hit motion picture, the Divergent Series, last Feb. 23-24, 2017.

Starting the Festival with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by the SHS Principal, Rev. Fr. Pederito Aparece, OSA commended the qualities of a 21st century learner embodied in an Augustinian’s thrust, reminding Augustinians, “to lead, to help, and to support beyond the confinement of the school; to shine, so that others can shine.”

The event, which was

overall spearheaded by the USA-SHS Student council along with the SHS Faculty, Kenneth Sean Baredo, the USA – SHS Student Council president shared with The Augustinian that as the first senior high to step in such role, “We had a lot on our shoulders – the responsibility to plan for the event, to push it through and make it a success.”

SHS Academic Coordinator Dr. Nelida Orquinaza also expressed her gratitude to the community’s full cooperation in turning the event successful, with the Festival ending with Julius Sarria III of ABM 1D and Samantha Yzabelle Belleza of STEM 1D as Mr. and Ms. Senior High 2017, respectively.

USA PUB PHOTO • edrea claire g. gregore

tosp

FORTE NOT BEGINNER’S LUCK. Niezel Anen Sabrido (leftmost) tries to prove that College of Law (COL) from the name of the college itself is adept on the field of educating student through the informative and persuasive debate.

USA PUB PHOTO • allaine rose m. emnacen

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Augustinian graduate who did not only excel in academics but also excelled for her caused,” Eric Divinigracia, director of Student Affairs and Welfare Office said.

Malazarte is the first cum laude of BS Fine Arts in the University and also a multiawarded young artist who won with her entry titled “Tingnan

Nang Malapitan, Damhin ng Malaliman,” in the everyone’s Vision Petron 2015 National Student Art Competition (VideoMaking Category) and in various art competitions.

Malazarte is now one of the TOSPians of the Augustinian community along with Wilfredo Segovia, Teresita Hermano, Laarni May Aida RevecheNaranjilla and Divinigracia.

A4 Augustinian the

Volume LXII • Number 5 may 29, 2017

EDItORIALANDOPINION Division Multiplying e d I t o r I A l

in tHe PHiLiPPines, an archipelago with islands separated in vain by sea and sky, the love for unity is an inborn sentiment which god has planted deep within the people’s hearts.

History’s conquerors have long tried to keep it breathless, but at the first sign of an impending schism, the spirit of a people’s union springs forth and flourishes with vigour that defies all check. the first year of the Duterte administration now comes to a close. today, as we look at what has been, we see that the nation has been divided. reader, where doth thou lie? the government’s notion of truth has been the first thing to be perverted. truth is nothing more than conformity to fact and accordance with reality. But the Presidential Communications office might have forgotten this definition as they defend the President’s tongue. following his “Mayor dapat ang mauna” remark regarding the rape of an australian missionary, the spokespersons defended him by calling it a joke. following his “Pu*****namo Pope umuwi ka na” curse, his agents came to his aid and said that it was the traffic he was mad at.

But following his subsequent maledictions of Barack obama, the european Union, and the

United nations, his myrmidons finally lost their cool. it is a shame that the Presidential Communications office could not muster up anything more than to tell the people to just use their discretion in interpreting the President’s words

a n d to “exercise their creative imagination” to decipher what he means, leaving the rest of the nation confused and confounded. the nation has been divided: those who believe the President’s words hook, line, and sinker; and those who exercise their creative imagination, whatever that is, in forging what his words to suit their taste. reader, where doth thou lie?

Politics has also poisoned our relationships just like it always did. following a motion by senator Manny Pacquiao, Liberal Party senators have been stripped of their committee chairmanships and expelled from the majority bloc, further solidifying the obvious divide between the LP and the administration. franklin Drilon

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Augustinian the

tHE AUGUstINIAN is the official student newspaper of the University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, Philippines. It is published regularly by the USA Publications, which envisions itself as an Augustinian center of campus journalism, fostering the advocacy of the common good and acting as voice of the student body through responsive, developmental, and research-based campus journalism.

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et al. now have their backs against their wall but promised that they are “willing to pay the price of fighting for democracy”. it falls upon the people to decide if the LP senators are indeed the watchmen of today, and if the LP’s existence, no matter how ungodly it may seem to the DDs horde, is a necessary evil the current administration must live with. the nation has been divided: those who believe that democracy demands dissent, and those who believe that democracy demands compliance. reader, where doth thou lie? it is not an easy question

to answer, especially if the house is divided among itself. the government’s top two officials are even quarreling against each other. the first impeachment complaint has already been filed against the President for his alleged human rights violations and massive corruption. this, he believes, is part of a sinister conspiracy to unseat him hatched by none other than the goons of LP. in fact, vice President Leni robredo also denounced the President’s now infamous manners and methods of governance in front of the world and the United nations. the unrelenting riposte

tHe PeoPLe of tHe PHiLiPPines can leave it to the so-called legal eagles to make a mockery of the impeachment proceedings. they have effectively turned from being the public’s greatest weapon of check into an instrument of childish banter and bickering. impeachment and conviction therein results to a public official’s termination from office, this is a rule not to be toyed with.

Backed up by allegations that the President has masterminded the murders committed by Davao Death squad and his administration’s war on drugs as well as a-ccusations of massive corruption, Magdalo representative gary alejano filed the first impeachment complaint against President rodrigo Duterte just as Congress was about to go on recess. of course, the administration would retort. the counter-attack came not in the form of a defensive denial but as another impeachment complaint, this time against vice President Leni robredo. House speaker Pantaleon alvarez hastily defended the administration and threatened to oust the vice President, calling her a “termite of the government.” all this was followed with a direct impeachment complaint from serial impeachment filer oliver Lozano based on a video message she delivered to the United nations criticizing the Duterte administration’s drug war policy.

Politics at work, as usual.

More disheartening is the fact that this “impeachment war” of sorts has turned the process into a mere play-thing when it should be treated as a “terrible

Just a mere numbers game

from House speaker Pantaleon alvarez was to call her a useless “termite of the government” and this was followed by an impeachment complaint against her for allegedly betraying public trust. asked for comment, the President said that the vP should not be impeached because it could result to greater destabilization.

His allies do not seem keen on following him though. senate President Koko Pimentel merely countered by saying, “no comment except that this is a free country.” the Malacañang is split and so is the government in general. the nation has been divided: those who cry for “Palit

Bise” and those who shout out “oust Duterte”. reader, where doth thou lie? the President has repeatedly called for national unity. But when lies, excuses, politics, and insults divide the country deeper than the waters that cut its lands, how are the people ever to cohere? truth, governance, and leadership have been twisted and distorted into an unnatural perversion – unrecognizable beyond all effort, devastated beyond all hope. at this point, sacrifice is needed, not blind loyalty. the nation has been divided. reader, where doth thou lie?

wHIPLASH

Edward Dominic E. Emilio, AB PolSci ‘18 scan code to send an email reply

swift sword” wielded only by the people, with the aid of their representatives, to be unleashed at officials who have violated their sacred mandate. according to the law, the only grounds for impeachment are: culpable violation of the Constitution, treason, bribery, graft and corruption, other high crimes, or betrayal of public trust. since when has mere criticism of the government become an impeachable offense or even a

some officials as can be seen in the case of former President gloria Macapagal arroyo who had baseless impeachment complaints filed against her (possibly by her cronies) year after year during her presidency. these complaints would then get dismissed and then the one year bar would come into play and all other complaints for the year would be blocked because of this provision. the funny thing is, five of the dismissed

ImPeAChment ProCeedIngS, Along WIth the teChnICAlIty thAt goeS WIth It, hAVe been tUrnIng PoIntS In ContemPorAry PhIlIPPIne PolItICAl hIStory. It IS not to be treAted WIth ChIldISh CAreleSSneSS by thoSe At the toP. betrayal of public trust? article 11 section 3 Paragraph 5 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution states that no impeachment proceedings shall be initiated against the same official more than once within a period of one year. this is to ensure that public officials will not be deterred from performing their duties by attending to unnecessary impeachment proceedings that would definitely be filed by their political opponents. But this provision was exploited by

impeachment complaints against arroyo were from oliver Lozano, the same person now filing an impeachment complaint against vice President robredo. filipino citizens, and the Philippine government most especially, need to learn lessons from history. on 2000, the world stood witness to eDsa 2 that ousted former President Joseph estrada. all that started with an impeachment trial which, due to blunders from erap’s defense team, led to a rally on the streets now dubbed as the second

bloodless Philippine revolution. on 2011, impeachment proceedings were initiated by the House of representatives against then ombudsman Merceditas gutierrez but she resigned, presumably to save face, before the actual impeachment trial began in the senate. the late Chief Justice renato Corona was also impeached and convicted by the senate in 2012. impeachment proceedings, along with the technicality that goes with it, have been turning points in contemporary Philippine political history. it is not to be treated with childish carelessness by those at the top. it is not to be shouted by useless trolls on social media as a threat against officials they do not like.

Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it.

House speaker Pantaleon alvarez oversimplified impeachment as a mere “numbers game”, a mere political tool. i beg to differ. it was the genesis of a revolt against the President, it protected a corrupt leader, it forced an ombudsman to resign, and ousted a former head of the Judiciary. it is not a weapon for the imperial Caesar who brandishes it with arbitrary authority against whoever he deems a “termite of the government.”

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greed in power PHrENYLALANINE

Frennie M. Tababa, B MLS ‘18

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A Philippines’ senator and staunch critic of President Rodrigo Duterte ‘s war on drugs, Senator Leila de Lima, has been arrested last February 24 after charges were filed against her on receiving money from drug dealers inside the country’s prisons and her on orchestrating drug-trafficking ring during Aquino’s administration. Abusing of power is an understatement for this matter.

Since the President’s inauguration last June 30, an anti-drug drive has seen more than 7,000 people killed over suspected drug links - with about 60 percent of the deaths carried out by unknown assassins and de Lima had called for foreign intervention to put an end to the “state-inspired” extrajudicial murders.

De Lima exclaimed that the President uses her as a “coverup” for his supposed treacherous acts like “selling the country to China” and other blunders Pebrero nitong taon nang iniutos ni Secretary Gina Lopez ng Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) ang 75 na kontrata ng pagmimina sa mga watershed areas na siyang gumulanta sa publiko lalo na sa mga may-ari ng mga minahan. Ipinapananggalang ng mga nasabing may-ari at ng iba pang may interes na hindi raw ito makakabuti sa ekonomiya ng Pilipinas. Subalit, matutumbasan ba ng anumang halaga ang yamang hindi na maibabalik?

Ang sagot ay simple lamang – HINDI. Ang Pilipinas ang

and that her arrest is driven by the President’s “fixation of revenge” against her, rooted in her investigation of the Davao Death Squad when she chaired the Commission on Human Rights. The goal, she claimed, is to “silence” his fiercest critic.

In a handwritten note dated March 15, Sen. Leila de Lima expressed that she feels safe in detention, so long as people remember her. The only thing that she fears is for her life. She may be safe inside the walls of the prison cell but up to what extent is she safe? Will holding her inside the prison can stop her from fighting against her rights. It’s a shame in the Philippine justice system that the limelight of the administration is only focused to her case. How about the lull process of drug trafficking related cases and other heinous crimes.

At the resumption of the oral arguments on the nullification of the senator’s

With the position that the people have given to the officials of this country, what does power led them to? drug charges. In his opening statement, Calida said De Lima was not entitled to any relief from the Court, adding her lawyers had no reason to ask the Supreme Court to exclude her from the rules.

Even though De Lima is facing three separate drug cases filed by the Department of Justice, still she performs her duties as senator despite her detention; she has filed Senate Bill 1346 titled the

high rank or a mere commoner?

With the position that the people have given to the officials of this country, what does power led them to?

At times, being in power really changes the persons having it. They may be selfish enough to own all the power or they may be generous to share it to respective people who really needed their help. It is in the person who currently has the power.

ganid at pagdurusa acrophonic

Rj Junsay, BS ChE ‘19 Scan code to send an email reply

mabubuting naidulot ng pagmimina sa ekonomiya ng bansa, 37 mga minahan sa Mindanao, 27 sa Visayas, at 11 sa Luzon ang nakanselahan ng Mineral Production Sharing Agreements (MPSA). Ang MPSA

MAAARING MALAKI NGA ANG NAIAAMBAG NG PAGMIMINA SA EKONOMIYA NG BANSA NGUNIT DAPAT HINDI IPAGSANTABI NA DAPAT MAGING RESPONSABLE ANG BAWAT PILIPINO LALO NA ANG MGA PINUNO SA PAGGAMIT NG MGA LIKAS NA YAMAN. ikalima sa mga bansang may masaganang deposito ng ginto, tanso, chromite, at nikel at may pinakamaraming deposito ng copper-gold sa buong mundo.

Ayon sa ulat ng Mines and Geosciences Bureau, itinatayang may halagang $840 bilyon na hindi pa nagagalaw. Base naman sa datos ng mga departamento sa paggawa ay nakapagbigay ng 211,000 trabaho noong 2011 ang industriya ng pagmimina sa bansa. Ang gross production value ng nasabing industriya ay patuloy na tumataas sa paglipas ng mga taon. Noong 2010 ay nakaabot na ito sa $3.2 bilyon.

Sa kabila ng mga

arrest dated March 28, Solicitor General Jose Calida faced the Supreme Court representing Judge Juanita Guerrero, the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC) judge who issued the arrest warrant for De Lima over

Judicial System Independence Protection Bill, which would direct the Supreme Court and the Department of Justice to prepare a comprehensive plan to transfer the courthouses out of any building or any facility owned by local government units to insulate the judiciary from politics.

Is De Lima arrested over a wrong crime? Does the DOJ file the cases with “lack of evidence” and “lack of jurisdiction”?

What is now happening to the administration that had brought injustices whether you are of

ay ang kasunduan na nagbibigay ng karapatan sa gobyerno bilang nagmamay-ari ng mga mineral upang makihati sa produksyon ng mga contractor (in cash or in hand). Binibigyan naman ng DENR ang mga nasabing minahan ng pagkakataong magpaliwanag at umapela sa loob ng pitong araw.

Hindi maikakaila na mas mainit sa mata ng publiko ang mga negatibong epekto ng pagmimina. Ang pinakamaingay na isyu ay noong naging bulgaran at matapang ang paglaban ng buong Pilipinas sa pagmimina sa Palawan. Naging malaking taga-suporta nito si

Gina Lopez. Ayon sa Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, noong 1990s, ang pagmimina ay pumapangalawa sa illegal logging sa mga gawaing sumisira sa mga pinagkukunang yaman sa tubig at lupa. Maging ang pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ay nagpahayag ng pagsuporta kay Lopez.

Ilan pa sa mga trahedyang yumanig sa Pilipinas ay noong 1998 kung saan naganap ang isang pagsabog sa minahan sa Malangas Coal Corporation sa Zambianga Del Sur na kumitil ng halos 100 manggagawa at 35 ang sugatan. Taong 2004 naman nang mangyari ang trahedya sa Surigao Del Norte na kasangkot ang isa sa pinakamalaki at pinakamatandang korporasyon ng minahan sa Pilipinas, ang Manila Mining Corporation.

Nagkaroon ng mga insidente ng pagkatapo ng Mercury na umaabot sa humigit kumulang limang milyong (cubic meters) na nakasalanta ng mga lupain naginagamit sa agrikultura at panandaliang pagkalason sa mga lapit baybay.

Mas nanaisin pa ba ng samabayanang Pilipino na isangla ang yamang likas na para sa mga susunod na henerasyon

para sa sariling interes sa kasalukuyan? Marami nang mga buhay ang nailagay sa alanganin at panganib dahil sa kasakiman ng tao. Karapatan nga ng bansa natin na payabungin ang bayan gamit ang mga likas na yaman tulad ng mineral na ibiniyaya sa atin ngunit hindi sakop ng karapatang ito ang pag-abuso ng kalikasan. Maaring malaki nga ang naiaambag ng pagmimina sa ekonomiya ng bansa ngunit dapat hindi ipagsantabi na dapat maging responsable ang bawat Pilipino lalo na ang mga pinuno sa paggamit ng mga likas na yaman. Dapat ay gamitin ang mga lupain upang paunlarin ang sektor ng agrikultura sa bansa na siyang mas dapat na higit na pahalagahan ng mga Pilipino.

Hindi maling magmina sapagkat ito ang pinanggagalingan ng mga kagamitang tumutulong sa atin sa kasalukuyan katulad ng kagamitan sa komunikasyon; ang importante ay maging responsible ang mga korporasyon. Ang resulta ng ganid ng tao ay pagdurusa.

Pagdurusa na maaring hindi madada sa kasalukuyan kung hindi sa mga susunod pang mga tao.

A5

benham rights

PRAGMATIC

Philip Robert A. Alaban, BEEd ‘19 Scan code to send an email reply

After several months of court hearings and submission of documents, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea has finally granted sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea to the Philippines last June 12, 2016. Saying that this success is short-lived is a complete understatement as the once-calm waters of the Philippine marine territory have once again been churned into turbulence by the presence of Chinese survey ships crisscrossing the vast waters near the underwater plateau off Northern Luzon, more commonly known as the Benham Rise, sometime last year.

This move is nothing more than a blatant disregard of territorial integrity. The Philippine seabed off the coastlines of Dinapigue, Isabela province is directly connected to the underwater continental shelf which is known as Benham Rise through an underwater “land bridge”, giving it a direct connection to the Philippine archipelago. China’s pacific measures in response to this issue came in the form of Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang who confirmed that Chinese vessels have indeed passed through Benham Rise for “marine research”, only in exercise of their “navigation freedoms” and “right to innocent passage”. A laughable statement since China has seemed to conveniently overlook the nautical definition of “navigation”, which is any marine vessel moving in a straight line in a relatively short period of time, with the Chinese vessels going against both parts of the definition by moving in a criss-cross, irregular pattern over the course of three months. Adding insult to the injury, Shuang further states that the Philippines cannot lay claim to Benham Rise as its own territory.

The United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf begs to differ. The sovereign rights that they have granted to the Philippines, the only claimant to Benham Rise, on April 12, 2012 dictates that the waters above Benham Rise are available to other nations for the exercise of their right to innocent passage and navigation freedom but no marine vessels from any other State may carry out activities for seabed explorations and exploitations of resources unless they are given consent by the Philippines.

THE DEFENSE OF THE COUNTRY’S RIGHTS REGARDING ITS MARITIME TERRITIORIES SHOULD END WITH CONFIDENCE AND CONVICTION...

With the issue gaining more and more media coverage by the passing day, reporters have asked the President during his press conference last March 12 if he could give out any comments regarding this brewing issue and about China’s statement about the Philippines not having rights to the said underwater plateau to which he promptly replied with a lengthy lament about how there is no need to press the matter any further since the country had already been claimed victorious during the arbitral rulings. Notice how the statement doesn’t seem to ring any bells? This is the first sign that our President was clueless on the matter since the victory that he mentioned in fact pertains to the West Philippine Sea, a body of water on the opposite side of the underwater land form in question. After ample amounts of clarification, the President sends out this missive: “My orders to my military are: You go there and tell them that this area is ours but you do so in friendship.” The objections of the Philippines, more especially the Head of State, about activities similar to these should be immediate and ironclad, anything less could lead to our military and naval forces being treated with little to no seriousness by foreign parties, yet again.

This may not sink deep enough to turn into a deep sea tug-ofwar like what happened with the West Philippine Sea and China may argue that their intentions are not to claim absolute sovereignty over Benham Rise, the issue still delves on the sovereign rights bestowed upon the Philippines by international law, that is to exercise any and all of the powers granted to us by the UNCLOS and it should be swept under the rug. Although it may not be tantamount to the proverbial headache caused by the current war on drugs that the President, the military, and the citizens are continuously fighting, it does not mean that it should be the last on the list of national interest priorities that the President has. The defense of the country’s rights regarding its maritime territories should end with confidence and conviction, never in a foolish attempt to save face.

What is your crowning glory?

The twelfth edition of Irong - irong, the official literary folio of the USA Publications centers on everyone’s struggles, royal blooded or not, in reaching their own thrones. As a sequel to Irong - irong 11’s Fear, it reflects how man rises from the rubbles, seeks the opportunity to defeat his inner demons and take his rightful throne again. As he sets out on his journey towards self-redemption, enlightenment fills his path and uses this as his compass to go through steepness and peaks.

For this folio we are encouraging everyone to send their works that mirror their personal downfalls and revivals.

We are gathering literary works, photographs, illustrations and photo manipulations starting May 1 until June 30.

You may submit personally at the USA Publications Office, 2F Alumni Hall, or through usapublications1@gmail.com.

A6 Augustinian the

Volume LXII • Number 5 may 29, 2017

sPECIAL REPORt  Inbox!

AUgUStInIAnS got Some #hUgot AgAIn. dId yoUr meSSAge mAKe It In oUr InboX? 

NEW FOLDER

 ALISOn SwIFT: tani dugangan man ang electric fan sa kda classroom ky man du ma patay kami ya tungod sa kainit dugangan pa kang panahon. Kg if possible pabutangan nlng aircon ang rooms ky taas man tuition ta and tani lang kn ndi man aircon, atleast electric fan man lang nga sakop bla tanan nga students. ndi nga sa tubangan lang or sa kilid.  THE GIRL wHO wAnTS TO MOVE: Bakit po nakatago yung Me Lab? tinatago niyo po ba mga gwapo don? Haha. sana ilapit ang Liberal arts sa Me Lab. Haha.  HEAD OVER HEELS: ang sa may football field, after sang rocky road kag before makatapak sa grass, ang space da du si crush – pa fall. aw ah.  BAE KERI: D ko gid ni bala gets ang football field.

May mga portions nga gakadugang pagkaputot mo kun upod mo mga megaz mo kay nahulog ka na gale sa mga buho-buho. Pwede matapalan ang mga buho nga ni para angelina man ang field ta, wala buho-buho?  YInYAnGGIRL: Bet ko gid ang mga silong nga ginpangbutang sa may rada asta Caf. atleast hindi kanugon ang gluta ko hahahahaha  BAKEKAnG: notice ko lang, ang mga salakyan nga galabay da sa may side gate la nagid ginarespeto ang pedestrian lane. Kita nagid lang nga may mga gwapa kag gwapo nga marampage. BesH tHe WorLD is My rUnWay Kaya. tane marequest man ang san ag sang traffic enforcer para safe and secure man ang mga feslak sang mga gatabok nga estudyante.  LOOP: yaaaaaay gaplay na music sa Caf. Pwede ko kaapply as DJ para always alive ang san ag?  SHOTI: Umz, kung girlaloos gale magsulod sa san ag nga naka shorts, nakabalandra na ang orange pipe sg mga madz ta nga mga la guardia sa side gate. Kun laki ya, wala na gale gaapply sa ila? Like duh mga manong and manang guards do your job naman po na equal man ang pag aplikar sang rules para quits ta a.  VEnUSMARSJUPITER: Lihog lang da gale sa mga pa major nga mga teacher. Paguba guba lang kamo sang records namon. ina bala nga nami amon grades sa mga major subjects tas pag abot sinyo du madepress man kami sa grade sang subject niyo bah.  wAITInG OUTSIDE THE LInES: Laba pila sa accounting kung magbayranay na before exams or during enrolment kay isa or duwa lang ka bintana ang bukas kag may ga-entertain sa mga gapila. nagbutang pa kamo bintana kung hindi niyo man lang gale gamiton.  ISKOLAR nG BAYAn: to the admin: Please hire sang competent staff and instructors nga qualified magtudlo sang courses. gagraduate lang kame nga tunga ang nabalan.  TUTOM: i commend the effort of the admin sa beautification sang school. tani kay name ang gwa, ang sa sulod naman ang i-beautify niyo. Like strict implementation sang rules sang rules, upgrade sang processes kag pagkay-o sang classroom nga guba ang aircon/e-fan and chairs.  BASURA PATROL: Baw ang mga estudyante daw feeling mga hari kag reyna. Wala na gd good conduct? Hindi na ta gale High school ah. Pamulot kamo bi sang mga basura niyo sa caf. sobra pa kamo sa grade 1.  PITY SMART: nakakaawa naman yung magagaling na prof sa sanag. i’ve heard kasi na mababa daw ang sahod ng University kaya sila nagsisialisa. Kaya rin pala “autonomous” status nilayasan din tayo. Hay Bahay Kubo!

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Indispensable yet Powerless Council When leaders don’t act like one, do they dese��e the title still?

by W i lk i e n S o n c . m U r o

If student leaders supposed to bridge the students and the school authorities, then what happened to University of san Agustin student Council (UsAsC)? with all the issues that bombarded the recently concluded academic year, this is primarily the common opinion of the students when asked about the effectivity of their leaders in providing them the voice to heed requests and address problems to the school’s administration. Likewise, it seemed blatantly that the traditional way of students relying on their leaders turned out to be the contrary. They even lost clutches of the expected performance by their preceptors. Largely, UsAsC is gradually torn into two indistinguishable pieces. If these happen incessantly, do they still deserve the title? Or will they be left indispensable yet powerless council, lastingly?

BREACHInG COnnECTIOn inherent to being an organization of leaders who protect the rights of its subordinates and uphold the ideals of its higher ups is the sole purpose of uniting each member of the community, in this case it is the augustinian’s through its UsasC. stated in the preamble of UsasC Constitution, “…to promote a closer relationship and mutual understanding among ourselves, foster harmonious interaction with the University authorities, the member of the faculty and other University personnel…”, it is their primary goal to bring together as one the students and the school authorities. and to choose side or nothing at all is ignorance to their duty as leaders and communicators of both factions.

However, this goal of the Council is only until the power of inscribed letters. they have not reenacted much of this in the public especially when it was needed the most by their costudents. “Pabebe man lang ila pirme obra, paVIP, papansin, pero paobraha bala” shared Kristia*, a student from College of Liberal arts, sciences and education (CLase), in an interview with The Augustinian. as the leading student organization in the University, this was the image that they had created for the past 10 months which is one of the reasons also why their credibility as leaders were diminished, “they should earn the respect of every person in the University. also, if they want to be known as leaders, they should act like one,” Kristia added. these issues risen from the moment the Patron saint’s Day took its peak. other issues followed as the capping of the academic year neared. “as their adviser, i always tell them that focus on what the essence of the UsasC really is and never fail to become so,” Ma. Cristy Daguay, director of social advocacy and Community engagement office (saCeo) said. the failure of the UsasC to disseminate information regarding student matters intoxicated the trust of the studentry as to how they were going to connect more to the administrators in times of severe discontentment resulted to perennial strife.

Daguay elaborated, “UsasC is not an organization

STUDEnT RIGHTS LEFT OUT not just by linking the students and administrators does the UsasC has a problem with but also by defending the very rights of the students on every issue it faces. the Council, as the representative of the student body, must be the acting voice that would uphold the ideals of the students on certain academic changes. article ii section 3 of their Constitution says that, “the Usa student Council shall be the spokesman of the College studentry.” recently, issues regarding the sudden miscellaneous fee hike and passing rate increase by 10 percent – from 50 to 60 percent – surfaced. Complaints flooded the University as to why there is a need for such increase, not just financially but academically. students sought for assistance from the UsasC regarding this matter but once again they fell short to dissert properly with the administrators the stand of the student body.

“Ano ginaobra kang Council niyo? are they trying to avoid the problem or are they just docile to the whims of the administrators?” said anna*, a teacher from CLase, adding, “Kay kung ano abi ang hambalon sang admin amo na man lang na ila gusto, oo lang sila nga oo, student council bala ina?” according to Daguay, the power of students is the strongest among all the power in the University; if activism is the key to make the admin hear you, do it so. she added that activism is not an act of destroying the dignity of both parties – of the students and of the administrators. activism is simply an act of protecting the rights that you have and in this case, it comes absolutely from the University’s very own tagline – ‘education for Common good’. “if only every student were as bold as others here before, then Usa should have more than just

augustinians but rizal’s foreseen hopes of the nation,” she emphasized. on his defense, the President of UsasC, Dave garin, emphasized, “i was there during the consultation of the miscellaneous fee increase but the administration itself decides at the latter. for the 60 percent, we did not just have the time to hold an open forum for the students and the administrators, which was what we lack there.”

SC: STUDEnT COMPROMISInG aside from those extensive issues is the problem coming from the very core of instating the successors of leaders. in the recent UsasC elections, only one party had admitted itself for the elections. this, in one way or another, became a hot topic in the University since one party joining such elections indicate less trust to the organization or no care to the welfare of the University as a whole at all. every year, there are two or more parties vying for different positions in the Council. as for last year, there were three – the partido aguila, agustino and Masa. However, this year, surprisingly, there was only one party who joined the elections by the name of Partido aguila. everybody was confused of what the election might become.

“Do they still need an election? if nobody wants to serve the school, then they should have not done it in the first place.

Hearing others would say that they depended their candidacy from the past performance of the Council is a grave insult to the leadership skill of augustinians,” stated John from the College of Commerce. for garin, he also admitted that he heard rumors about other aspiring candidates from

other parties basing their decision of not pursuing the elections on the shortcomings of the recent batch of UsasC. “true leaders do not count the mistakes that they made, but use those to yield the success that encompasses all,” garin opined.

UsasC is compromised – not just in name and reputation but also in its power and execution. “We cannot truly judge the UsasC, but what we can do as students is to be willing to open our minds to weaknesses or even strengths. and most of all, become a sincere leader if we must,” challenge eric Divinagracia, director of student affairs and Welfare office (saWo), to all augustinians when asked what he can say to the overall performance of the UsasC batch 2016-2017. as for ron, a student from College of Health and allied Medical Professions, “everybody makes mistakes. But it is not a ground to say no for certain challenges. What the UsasC failed to do this time must not be repeated next year. it is a challenge for both the studentry and UsasC.” What the UsasC lacked this year was the courage to stand against the current of criticism and changes. What the UsasC should have done was to walk their talk. this might not be the time for them to change what had been damaged but it is timely for them to prepare the next batch for next school year’s plans and implementations. to become an UsasC officer is a choice, but along with that is a sincere and dedicated heart to serve and uphold the duties and responsibilities of a true leader. Because being a student leader reflects what you can do in the future. in this student organization, one can learn to stand, fall and stand again in order to mold himself into a reliable leader someday. Being a frail leader today may mean useless politician in the future. *not their true names

for feigned leaders; it is an organization where students are dedicated to their goal [uniting the augustinian C o m m u n i t y ] .

Connected students and teachers would only mean effective governance in the school.” usa PuB iLLustratioN • romari charLz f. diaz

The Official Student Newspaper of the University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, Philippines

www.usapub.net

A7

sports got the balls?

Captain of their souls

USA P UB P HOTO • mar a elaiz a a. f lo r es

b y RJ Juns a y a nd ph il ip r obe r t c. al aban

Being a part of the University varsity team requires passion, talent and good attitude. While being named as a team captain is more of an honor and calls for a greater responsibility. The position of a captain is given to those athletes whom the rest of the team respect and their coaches have seen a potential to become a great leader not only during the games but most especially during trainings. Captains are expected to perform in the clutch and lead the team to victory. Being a captain is never an easy thing to do. Let’s meet some of the team captains in the two most popular sports in the University of San Agustin (USA).

The Consistent Leader “Volleyball is life”, this is what Ray Oneil “Rayo” Betita would tell you if you will ask him how significant playing volleyball for him. The incoming fourth year Bachelor in Science in Civil Engineering never stopped pursuing his volleyball career for the last seven years. During his high school, he fell in love with the sport. Being the captain of the USA and dominating all the leagues during his last year in high school pushed him to be more passionate in this field.

Becoming the captain even during his third year in college made his love for volleyball magnified.

“Leadership – you should be the one to lead them and at the same time to be responsible.

You should be firm and never based your decisions on the wants and likes of your team mates. You should keep in mind

that you need to be persistent and decide what your team really needs,” Rayo shared with The Augustinian.

“It taught me to be strong and stiff. It gave me knowledge of mga “diskarte. If there is a chance, for example you are gien a ball, you should use that as an opportunity to gain points; grab the chance and hold onto it,” Rayo answered when asked about his greatest learning in playing volleyball. “It hurts to lose but dira kame gahugot to win the next game,” he added.

Aside from playing volleyball, Rayo is also an adventurous person. He likes to sing and a very dedicated student to his course. He even belonged to the top 10 of their qualifying exams in the College of Technology during his sophomore year. “If given a chance, I want to pursue a professional career

in volleyball but I want to experience being a civil engineer first,” Rayo concluded.

The Loyal Captain It’s been eleven years since Mary Shien Cuenca first stepped on the court , felt the energy to push herself to her limits and eventually fell deeply in love with volleyball in the University. As what his co-captain Rayo would say, “Volleyball is life” for her as well. “I cannot really perceive myself outside the court. If I’m not playing volleyball, I usually hang out or just rest. If ever I was not given the chance to pursue this career, I will just be an ordinary student focusing on my studies,” Shien revealed.

On hardships of being a team captain, Shien said, “Actually, there was a time when I wanted to give up being a captain but I told myself that maybe I really deserve this position. I should show to my team mates and to our coach that I am worth it,” Shien shared. “In game, misunderstandings are expected but it taught me that challenges should be accepted; that once you fail, it is an opportunity to step up,” she added.

The incoming fourth year BS in Business Administration major in Marketing Management captain emphasized, “To become a captain is to be an inspiration to

others.” During the UNIGAMES, Shien got injured and just watching on the sides wanting to help her team. “I felt discouraged by that time. The unexplainable feeling of just sitting on the bench while watching your team mates trying their best to win the game is really disturbing. That particular event pushed me to work harder,” she concluded.

The Living Legacy Everything started with volleyball.

A line you don’t hear too often when talking to big names in the basketball industry, but for John Stark Cercado, an incoming fourth year student taking up Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management, a back story in volleyball was where his legacy in basketball began. Stark was initially a volleyball player in Elementary, but it was in fifth grade where he traded the blue, yellow and white sphere of rubber for a pimpled orange one.

“Unsurprisingly, basketball was second nature to me, being born in a family of people who adored the sport, with my father being a former player for West Negros, my Mom being an avid fan of both my father and basketball and my younger brother also taking a shot in the sport,” Stark revealed in an interview with The Augustinian.

“This year alone has been tough,” Stark shares, “The team reached the peak of our career when we bagged the Championships in the PRISAA, but we were also beyond disappointed in ourselves when we barely even managed to grab the single award that we won in the Iloilo Schools Sports Association (ISSA). We were short on members at the time since a few of our team members were having trouble with their grades, but we never used this as an excuse, on the contrary, it became a motivation for us to play with all we’ve got, and we ourselves are happy with the result.” He also claims that these are both the best and worst experiences in his 12-year stint of playing basketball.

As he steps into his last year

USA woodpushers beef up WVPRISAA Chess Team by r j jun say Competing against four teams across the region, University of San Agustin wood pushers,

Carmele Benihagan and Rica Diane Famillaran, strengthened the Iloilo City chess team in

bagging the championship title during the Western Visayas Private Schools Athletic

OF QUEENS AND KINGS. Carmele Benihagan (left) and Rica Diane Famillaran (right) practicing their commonly used strategy in chess in preparation for future contests. USA PUB PHOTO • m ara elaiza a. flores

Association (WVPRISAA) chess competition held at Western Institute of Technology, February 25.

Despite lack of training, Benihagan and Famillaran, fourth and second year BS Civil Engineering students, respectively, played along with Krizzle Sinoro of Central Philippine University and Grachel Mae Orais from Western Institute of Technology, dominated Board 3 and Board 4, respectively.

“We have lots of academic works needed to be passed before the competition. We never really had the chance to practice that is why we are really scared during the competition because we knew that our competitors practiced hard,” Benihagan shared.

Sticking to her most commonly used strategy, King’s Gambit and Caro Kann defense, Benihagan outwit her contenders while Famillaran conquered the board using her mastered Sicilian defense.

“Despite the demands of our courses, I will still continue playing; having a scholarship because of being a varsity player is just a bonus,” Famillaran said when asked if she still want to pursue playing chess.

Benihagan and Famillaran has been playing in the WVPRISAA for three and two years, respectively and revealed that they used to be each other’s rival during their high school which in return made them more comfortable as teammates.

“One should not give up while playing. Winning is not that important, what is more essential is what you have learned during the game,” Famillaran added.

Iloilo chess team and other sports athletes of various fields will be competing in the National PRISAA on April 23 at Zambales.

When asked if chess is her passion, Benihagan concluded “Playing chess is not at first but eventually, I learned to love it and it became my passion.”

being a team captain, he has a few nuggets of inspiration that he wishes to share to both his juniors and his predecessor, “To my teammates, always be open to criticism and be respectful of your Coach, your Captain, and even your fellow teammates.

To whoever will take my place, take care of the gang because you’re not only a leader, but also a brother and a friend. Don’t be afraid to shoulder the burden of leading others, because it will help you become not only a better teammate, but also a mature human being.” He concludes with a smile.

Great captains have an undeniable passion for their sports, for competing and most especially for their team. They are the ones to “walk the talk” and surely these captains do the same.

SPIKER

time

FROM PAGE a8

management skills.

“Another difficulty that I have encountered is lack of allowance or support of our region. For the past three weeks that we are housing in the Central Philippine University, we spent our own money to support our daily needs. To be honest, when we played for the regional meet last Feb., even jersey they didn’t provide the athletes. What we did was to look for sponsors,” Zafdar added.

When asked on her future plans as a player, Zafdar shared that she wishes to be part of the Philippine team but has no definite plans of her future volleyball career and hopes to find a stable job after graduation.

“I hope that athletes including me should work more and practice harder to become better than we were before and we should use our experiences as lessons to correct ourselves and apply it in the coming games. Not only that, but also the attitude and relationship towards other athletes as well,” Betita added.

Augustinian the

Volume LXII • Number 5 May 29, 2017

sports

WASTING NO SHOTS. USA Golden Eagles made every possible shot worth point to seal the regaining of championship title against the defending JBLFMU Dolphins. USA PUB PHOTO • edrea claire g. gregore

‘TEARING THAT TAG UP’

Pahinang Palakasan

USA rests JBLFMU’s six-peat championship bid, ends five-year underdog streak

b y w i lk i e ns o n c . mur o Without finishing the remaining five seconds, the referees automatically announced the prevailing of University of San Agustin (USA) Golden Eagles over the John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU) Dolphins, 61-54, during the Iloilo Private Schools Athletic Association (ILOPRISAA) at the USA gym, December 11.

The USA Golden Eagles five-year prostrate was turned into a tangible success after the complete stealing of ILOPRISAA basketball trophy from JBLFMU Dolphins who lost their six-peat championship bid.

“It was all about determination and unified goal that made this success a reality,”

Coach Dongking Sasuman shared with The Augustinian the formula of how the Golden Eagles won the championship this year.

Sasuman also mentioned the undersized group that USA has, “we are only ten in the group and the other one was injured but it did not matter.

What mattered was the tearing up of one’s tag name – the underdogs.”

Before the unexpected win, a lot of foul shots favoring the Dolphins showered the fourth quarter helping them to recover five points, from 49 to 54-60, but not enough to dominate the game due to time constraints.

According to the Dolphins’ Coach, Dr. James Montehermoso, “unfortunately, it was the

chemistry of my team that did not reign in the match. However, it was still a good game,” adding, “Golden Eagles had the coin with them and they used it well.”

In the third quarter, the Golden Eagles’ evident ruling of the game was shown through the deluge of three-point shots

by Fritz Haro, center, and John Stark Cercado, shooting guard, which left a 14-point interval with the Dolphins, 50-36.

“The game was intense.

Dolphins gave us the hard time to win this match. The game dared the resilience of our teamwork,” Haro, who is also a Fourth Year Hotel, Restaurant and Management (HRM) student, shared.

On the other hand, Cercado mentioned the inconsistency of

the team during second quarter.

The five-point advance through constant lay-ups of Miguel Sasuman, point guard, was useless because of continuous two-point shots of Dolphins’ veterans Yan Infante and Joshua Edjan at the near end, 30-30.

The first quarter did not also assure the Golden Eagles of their win due to the low scoring, 11-9.

“For five years, JBLFMU dominated the ILOPRISAA Basketball Match. But this year is ours. And it does not end here. We have the regional to represent next year and there we must show the upgraded version of Golden Eagles – soaring higher,” Mr. Demosthenes Toledo, coach and the head of Sports office, conveyed.

USA eagle spiker plays in Nat’l PRISAA b y r j j u ns a y Winning against the best teams of Western Visayas, University of San Agustin’s (USA) pride Samya Jane Zafdar will conquer for the second time the volleyball court in the National Private Schools Association (PRISAA) to be held at Zambales on April 23-28, 2017.

During the Regional PRISAA, Zafdar played with the Iloilo volleyball team and won against Aklan and Capiz volleyball teams last February.

“Maybe [they chose me] because of my towering height and probably they have seen that I have potential in playing volleyball. As a student and athlete, the number one difficulty is balancing studies and training especially that I am a graduating student,” Zafdar shared with The Augustinian.

The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in marketing athlete has been playing since she was Grade six and she said that she learned to love it since then which made it difficult to picture her out not playing volleyball anymore.

“I think it is because of her passion and determination towards the sport [that made her to be chosen for the nationals],”

PASSION OFFERS HIGHER GROUNDS. Samya Jane Zafdar (spiker in red USA jersey) testifies to the power of her passion as she continues her journey being the sole Augustinian representative in the National PRISAA last April 23.

PHOTO credits • samya jane zafdar

Ray Oneil Betita, team captain of USA Volleyball Men team shared.

Zafdar admitted that

she had to be absent in some training due to the requirements she needed to comply but

it taught her to develop her spiker

pag e a7

Stallwart

Rochelle Mae M. Muzones, BS Acct ‘19

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Bawat medalyang iniuuwi ng bawat atletang Pilipino, katumbas nito’y matamis na ngiti mula sa mga Pilipino. Bawat laban ng ating mga atleta, katumbas nito’y pagkakaisa sa bawat Pilipino. Sa makatuwid, naging parte na ng paghubog at pagpapatatag ng ating bansa ang isports at ang bawat Pilipinong atleta. Subalit, sa kabila ng pag-ukit sa kasaysayan nitong mga atleta, naging sentro ng atensyon ng mga madla ang kakulangan sa pondong ibinibigay ng ating gobyerno para suportahan ang kanilang mga pangangalaingan. Ang tanong ng bayan ay gaano nga ba kahalaga ang isports para sa ating gobyerno? Magkano nga ba ang kailangan nitong ilaan para sa atletang Pilipino?

Taong 2014 ng umusok ang balitang pagtitipid ng Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) sa pamumuno ni Jose Cojuangco at Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Riche Garcia sa ilalim ng administrasyong Aquino na ayon sa dating record holder sa backstroke swimming na si Luz Mendoza ay dahil sa kakulangan sa liderato ni Cojuangco, partikyular sa paghahasa sa amatyur na manlalaro.

“Walang mapagkakatiwalaang isports na pasilidad sa mga probinsya na mayroong angkop na kagamitan at maaasahang tagapagsanay na makakapag-eensayo sa mga naghahangad na maging atleta upang ihanda sila para sa Asian at Olympic na kompetisyon,” wika ni Mendoza.

Ang kakulangan sa pasilidad sa isports ay dahilan kung bakit hindi makauwi ng medalya ang Pilipinas. Bakit ang mga bansang Cuba at Ethiopia, mga bansang kabilang sa mahihirap na bansa, ay makapaguuwi ng mga medalya sa olympics pero bakit ang Pilipinas ay hindi?

Ngayon ang tanong ay ano ang aasahan natin sa administrasyong Duterte? Ano ang aasahan natin sa muling babalik ni William Ramirez bilang PSC chairman?

Kasabay ng pagkapanalo ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ay ang pangakong palalakasin ang isports bilang parte na rin ng pagbabago sa pamumuhay ng mga tao. Upang makamit ang adhikaing ito, plano ng administrasyong Duterte, sa pamamahala ni PSC Chairman Ramirez, ang pagpapabuti ng Philippine Sports Institute sa Pasig ULTRA Complex, pagpapatayo ng mga provincial training centers, pagkikipaglahok sa internasyonal na kompetisyon at pagtatamo sa mga de-kalibreng tagapagsanay. Ang limang porsyento na nakukuha ng Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) ay napapunta sa PSC kaugnay sa Republic Act 6847 o Philippine Sports Commission Act na lalong magpapalakas sa isports sa Pilipinas.

Upang matustusan ang medical na pangangailangan ng mga atleta, umorder ang gobyerno ng 100M pesong halaga ng mga kagamitang medikal para sa itinatayong Sports Science and Medical Center (SSMC) sa Philsports. Ayon kay Chairman Ramirez, hindi na nila kailangan na pumunta ng St. Luke’s Hospital dahil mayroon na sila sa susunod. Dinagdagan na rin ng gobyerno ang rasyon sa bawat atleta na mula $1000 ay naging $3000 at para sa opisyal na delegasyon ay mula sa $3000 ay naging $5000.

Ang ating mga atleta ay parehong pinopondohan ng pribado at publikong sektor. Ang pribadong sektor ay mas malaking ipinagkakaloob kumpara sa publikong sektor na dapat naging pangunahing sandalan ng mga atleta.

Ang pag-unlad sa isports ay nakakasalay sa kamay ng gobyerno. Hindi natin maipagkakaila sa tulong ng pribadong sektor sa pagpapaunlad nito ay mapapadali ang pagsolusyon sa ganitong problena. Nawa ay dala-dala ng bagong presidente ang pangakong pagpapalakas, pagpapatibay at buong pusong pagsuporta sa bawat Pilipinong atleta at hindi lamang ito pangakong mapapako katulad ng mga nakaraang administrasyon.