Augustinian the
Responsive • Developmental • Research-based
The Official Student Newspaper of the University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, Philippines VOLUME LXIII • NUMBER 1 • JULY 29, 2017 (NEWSLETTER) We’re worldwide! Visit us at our website, w w w. us a pub . ne t .
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Bearing Burden Bared GSTC to strengthen USA Mental Health Campaign
CRY FOR HELP IN THE UNIVERSITY GSTC to strengthen USA Mental Health Campaign
PARAGONS OF MENTAL HEALTH. School counselors allocate their focus to enhancing the awareness of mental health and aiming to remove shame and stigma. USA PUB PHOTO • miguel carlos j. llamado
B y G L A I Z A R A E D. A MA BLE IN THE WAKE of two Augustinian suicide cases and the alarming rates of suicide incidents in Western Visayas, the local government and the University of San Agustin (USA) eye to intensify
their move for mental health with a creation of awareness programs. Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) disclosed that 22 of the 67 suicide incidents from January to September 2019 are youth victims, topping 52 cases recorded from 2018 and 65 from 2017.
“We are looking 63 teen centers scattered in different towns to facilitate guidance counseling and personality development activities,” said Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. in an interview with Sunstar. cry for help
pag e 3
FEATURE
Child’s Play-Child’s PAY
pag e 6
What lies beyond the innocent smile is the bitter truth of society.
editorIAL • Page 4
opinyon • Pag e 5
news • Pag e 2
Purged Silence: Pro-Duterte Red Tag Remedy
Walang Bully kung walang nagpapa-bully!
University achieves Deregulated Status
With the government red tagging it’s critics, it leads to question if the country still has democracy.
Makikita pa ba nating titindig ang gobyerno para ipaglaban ang ating soberanya?
The Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) accorded the deregulated status to the University of San Agustin.
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Augustinian the
VolumeLXIII LXV••Number Number 11 Volume November July 15, 2019 29, 2017
news
Augustinian places 4th University achieves Deregulated Status in Himig Handog 2019 b y j o a n n a w ay ne s. hor nej a Bringing glory to Ilonggos and the Augustinian community, the University of San Agustin Conservatory of Music alumnus Elmar Jan Bolaño gains national recognition with his composition entitled “Nung Tayo Pa” during the ABS-CBN Himig Handog Songwriting Competition 2019, awarded at the “ASAP Natin ‘To” Stage, October 13. “Nung Tayo Pa”,which was awarded as the 4th Best Song, is a slow ballad comprised of soulful lyrics written by Rex Torremoro blended along with Bolaño’s soft melody and arrangement with Kapamilya actress and singer Janella Salvador interpreting the piece. “The story behind our song, Nung Tayo Pa, was inspired by the love story of my friend Rex with his ex-girlfriend. After our contest last year with ASOP (A Song of Praise), Rex presented me his lyrics. By that time, I felt his pain and from there I added the melody and turned it into a complete song,” Bolaño expressed in an online interview. Himig Handog is a multimedia songwriting competition in the Philippines operated by ABSCBN and Star Music since the early 2000s and was later revived in 2013 where various Filipinos are given the opportunities for their compositions to be recognized both nationally and globally. “His triumph is also our triumph in a special way because he was also my student. Being an alumnus in the Conservatory of Music, any achievement of any other students is also the achievement of the Conservatory of Music and the University,” said Gerardo Muyuela, academic supervisor, Conservatory of Music. Bolaño shared that it was already their third year since 2017 in submitting their compositions to one of the country’s biggest songwriting competitions and that they were lucky that one of their entries made it to the finals. When asked about further plans in his musical career, Bolaño stated that he has upcoming projects with ABS-CBN Star Music and is also developing his own record label, the EJay Studios Record Label which would enable local artists especially from Iloilo to license and release their songs on major digital stores. “Apart from that, we are also working out the EJay Studios Music Center (Music School) located at Tigbauan and Miag-ao to enhance and develop young and talented musicians,” Bolaño added. The said composition placed as among with famous hits and fan-favorites, “Mabagal” by Moira dela Torre and Daniel Padilla which swept all special awards and secured the top spot to be followed by “Simula ng Dulo” by Davey Langit, and “Panandalian” by TJ Monterde in fifth respectively.
unitas. The Augustinian community gathers for the mass of the Holy Spirit as a thanksgiving of the recognitions recieved by the University. USA PUB PHOTO • Edrea claire g. gregore by e my rose g. galle go Moving inches closer to reclaim its autonomous status, the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) accorded the deregulated status to the University of San Agustin last October 24. As defined in CHed Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 46 series of 2012: Deregulated HEIs( by evaluation) are those that “demonstrate very good institutional quality and enhancement through internal QA systems, and demonstrate very good program outcomes through a good proportion of accredited programs, the presence of centers of Excellence and/or Development, and/or international certification.” “Being deregulated means we were able to garner 65 points in all, meaning there is a point for program of excellence, and there is a point for institutional sustainability,” explained Dr. Regina Aileen May Vergara, director, Strategy and Quality Management Office. With the effectivity of the grant from 01 June 2019 until 31 May 2021, the University will be entitled to benefits such as exemption from the issuance of Special Orders for its graduates, free from regular evaluation by the CHEd, prioritized for the grants and subsidies from the CHEd, privilege to determine and prescribe its own curricular programs to achieve global
competence, and the authority to grant Honoris Causa to deserving individuals, per provisions of the CHEd on the conferment of honorary degrees. “We’ve been working hard, since we came in here to regain that status[autonomous]. In fact, a lot of efforts have been exerted to regain this; through accreditations, through ISOs. So now we’re even planning to go to international accreditations. So that’s why I think all the efforts in the past years have been paying off, but we are not yet contented, we are not yet happy because we are really aiming the autonomous,” expressed University President Rev. Fr. Frederick Comendador , OSA. To regain the autonomous status, the University should at least earn 80 points-56 of which is by being accredited and declared Centers for Development and Excellence in its degree programs; and 24 of which is by having sustainable operations. On the other hand, Comendador emphasized that the ultimate aim is to develop a culture of excellence rather than the autonomous status. “Our ultimate aim is really to develop here a culture of excellence, a culture that constantly improves, develops and we have a strong internal quality management system within that we can correct and innovate whatever problems we encounter, Comendador concluded.
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news City govn’t to auction off PECO assets BY x e n a h y a c i n th g. estiÑoso Due to the 106 million real estate tax liability and penalties, the City Government of Iloilo will auction off the assets of Panay Electronic Corporation (PECO) on December 12, 2019. As assessed by the City Treasurer’s Office, the liability rose from its refusal to pay its real estate taxes on the land where thousands of its wood electricity posts stand on. Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Trenas said that the auction is a move to resolve the government’s collection problems with PECO despite the numerous demand letters sent to them. Unable to collect since 2006, the Iloilo City Business Permit and Licenses Office was ordered by the city government to not renew PECO’s business permit this year.
In addition, City Treasurer Office Tax Enforcement Division Chief, John Ladrillo declared that the lowest bid price of on the land is P 106, 881, 685. 33. Alongside this, More Electric Power Corp. (MORE Power), expresses its intention to join the city government’s auction of PECO’s assets to which PECO declares is out the table. “We are not interested in selling our assets to MORE,” Head of Public Engagement and Government Affairs Marcelo Cacho said in a press conference. Apart from the liabilities, Trenas asked the Office of the President to direct the Energy Regulatory Commission(ERC) to investigate the fire incidents that hit PECO’S electricity poles. “The authorities must look into the matter with dispatch to avert any further fire incident,”
USA Reaches out to partner communities
acts of service. Students from the College of Technology prepare the materials for the fabrication of the rain water catchment facility. USA PUB PHOTO • Lawrence d. dorego In collaboration with the Social Advocacy BY c h i t o c e zar p. ba toon j r. and Community Engagement Office and student organizations heeded the call for creating programs In the spirit of unitas and caritas, and for the sustainability of the partner community as part of the celebration of the St. Augustine’s through development with activities including Feast Day, student organizations of the College rainwater catchment facility, waiting shed of Technology together with the officials of renovation, livelihood training and lectures on Barangay Nabitasan conducted outreach activities vermicomposting. simultaneously in its partner communities during “The rainwater harvesting is one of the the Augustinian Day of Service on August 28. programs of the University of San Agustin which The outreach of the University, which includes helped the community because one of the main programs and projects for sustainability and problems within Nabitasan is water scarcity, and development, is an annual part of the Augustinian has a good benefit especially to the citizens for they Day of Service which were conducted to different can make bags additional for their living,” added communities and adopted barangays in the city of Gustilo. Iloilo including barangay Nabitasan. Organizations conducted projects and “It has a good effect and outcome to programs beneficial to the adopted community. Nabitasan. The project has made an impact and For the whole day activity of the University, the benefits to the community especially to the Augustinians moved altogether to reach out to citizens of the barangay,” shared Donardo Gustilo, those in need. barangay captain of Nabitasan.
Iloilo City Representative Julienne Baronda said on an interview.
CITY’S DILLEMA. Iloilo City government set an auction of PECO’s assets due to its failure to pay the real estate taxes. USA PUB PHOTO • paulene a. buenafe cry for help
FR O M PAGE 1
In the same way, the Guidance Services and Testing Center (GSTC) of USA advocates for students’ healthy state amidst academic demands and other involvements. “The dramatic increase of mental health issues likely has much to do with the rise of social media, and the profound shift in how teenagers spend their time and connect to others day-today. This is why we need to take this seriously,” shared Rovielyn Silhay, faculty, College of Liberal Arts Sciences and Education (CLASE), on the root cause of mental health issues. Meanwhile, University Guidance Director Charlotte Leigh, RGC, highlighted University wellness symposiums, counselling, guidance classes, and mental health training for teachers as suicide intervention and response strategies. “They helped us manage anxiety by finding the cause of our problems and providing appropriate ways to overcome them. Asking for help is what we need to get past obstacles,” shared *Dyniel, not his real name, on GSTC programs. Furthermore, Lisa Anna Gayoles, PhD, RPsy, RGC, University psychologist, emphasized the importance of warning signs and responding to it. “When you see signs or notice changes in someone’s behavior, asking him is often the primary step to find out what is troubling him and what you can do to help,” added Gayoles. Moreover, the University in cooperation with the GSTC is planning to create a Mental Health Committee to continue the goal of providing the needs of the students with mental health resources. Centered on suicide prevention, the Department of Health (DOH) Region VI Center for Health Development launched toll-free hotlines, which can be reached at 1-800-10-333-8336, 0998-532-4047 .
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Augustinian the
Volume LXV • Number 1 Volume LXIII • Number 1 November 2019 July 29,15, 2017
editorial and opinion Purged Silence:
Pro-Duterte Red Tag Remedy E dit o rial
USA Publications Responsive • Developmental • Research-based
Address: 2/F Alumni Bldg., University of San Agustin, General Luna Street, Iloilo City, Philippines 5000 Phone Number: (033) 337 4842 local 189 Website: www.usapub.net Email: usapublications1@gmail.com
Philippine government. Among other accusations were alleged violation of Cyber Crime Law and the Anti- Dummy Law after issuing Depository receipts to foreign investors Omidyar Network. Bombarded by what seems to be an endless lawsuit, Ressa with her social media news platform Rappler is adamant to defend press freedom with her life and career on the line. Rappler ranks fourth among biggest News Portal in the Philippines with a bureau in Jakarta Indonesia. It has also boomed into publicity as Facebook’s fact checker in the Philippines against fake news. Waging a brutal war against one prominent media outlet was not enough for the Duterte administration as it yet again takes down another key figure in the opposition – Senator Leila de Lima. De Lima among others is a human rights activist who was a prominent critic of Duterte’s war on drugs campaign with “Oplan Tokhang” dropping countless bodies around the country. Condemning the inhumane slaughter, the Senator lambasted the administration countless times only to find herself facing charges of alleged bribery from drug dealers during her time as the justice secretary in the Aquino administration. Using her own accusations against her, De Lima faced detention since February 2017 in which international human rights activist sees as “culmination of Duterte’s long demonization campaign against a critical sitting senator.” Yet to face trial, De lima expressed her doubt in getting a fair trial while the president takes office. While being deprived of freedom, De Lima condemned Duterte’s actions which included the oil deal with China emphasizing that the president failed to protect sovereign
DEMO CRA
CY
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. Contributions, comments, and suggestions may be sent to the editors. No part of this publication can be reproduced by any means without permission and authority from the USA Publications. Colophon: This newsletter was carefully designed to balance traditional principles, history, as well as modern trends to maximize the amount of information without compromising the visual appeal of the publication. This was produced using Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, and Adobe Illustrator under Adobe Creative Suite 6. Exo and Merriweather were used for the text.
dibuho ng usa pub • romari charlz f. diaz
Three years after President Rodrigo Duterte has taken office, the administration has taken forceful actions over its critics by filing cases of inciting sedition by human rights advocates, religious leaders and opposing politicians. On 2018, the Philippine National Police (PNP) filed libel cases and obstruction of justice against elected Vice President Leni Robredo and Senator Antonio Trillianes VI who were ardent critics of the Duterte administration. Standing on the same side of the opposition, Maria Ressa, Rappler’s CEO and Senator Leila de Lima were also scrutinized by the administration with De Lima ending up behind bars and Ressa on trial with piled cases against her. With blatant attacks against the opposition, Duterte’s administration uprooted the fundamental pillars of its critics. What the administration is doing now is getting rid of the influence in the fear of giving birth to yet another nemesis. Over the years of President Rodrigo Duterte’s regime, criticism about the president’s “good acts” towards the country are red tagged while critics find themselves marked and on the run from an unknown grave. This is particularly exemplified by Rappler Chief Executive Officer Maria Ressa over her feud with Duterte’s administration after disclosing critical issues of the government. Ressa and Rappler’s fight with the Duterte administration started when Rappler published an expose in 2016 which discussed how Duterte allies pulled strings behind Facebook to draw in supporters and oust his rivals. This claim of Rappler was further amplified when Facebook suspended 200 accounts which had “coordinated inauthentic activities” linked to Nic Gabunada, the social media manager of Duterte’s campaign. With the long strings of Ressa and Rappler’s accusation with well supported facts, the administration also retaliated by blackmailing the online news platform branding it “fully owned by Americans” with the main intent to spy with the
right and disregard 2016 arbitral ruling on West Philippine Sea. Even behind bars, De Lima proves no cell can hold her in silence. As major pillars of the opposition are taken down and marked, protesting schools and various publications faces the same ordeal. Sparking controversy over cheers and yells, the University of the Philippines – Visayas (UPV) in the recently concluded UPV Pahampang 2019 has caused quite a brag in social media. The Skimmers, champion of the cheers and yells competition included such lines as “Let’s kill the president” stirred a lot of tension among Duterte supporters. In less than a day that the video has been uploaded to social media, it has evoked red tagging with the UPV receiving threats and harassment. Considering the cheers as a beacon, the possibilities of what could go next and how the administration will retaliate is fearful. With the government red tagging its critics, it leads to question if the country still has democracy. By suppressing the fundamental right of freedom in responsible speech assured by the Constitution and the opposition is forcefully silenced, authoritarianism surfaces. The essence of democracy lies within the voice of the people. As freedom of responsible speech is robbed, democracy started falling. By sealing the critics of this country, democracy has fallen. With this, every journalist who writes against the president, every group who raises a protest, and every person who claims a stand, democracy may have fallen but is not dead.
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alexithymia Emy Rose G. Gallego AB Polsci ‘22 Scan code to send an email reply
Higit na nakapanlulumo ang sinapit ng mga Pilipinong mangingisda sa kamay ng mga Intsik nang banggain ng Yuemaobinyu 42212, isang barkong Tsino ang F/B Gem-Ver, ang barkong dala ng mga Pilipinong mangingisda, Hunyo 9 sa bisinidad ng Recto Bank. Matapos ang pagbangga, tumalilis papalayo ang mga Intsik at naiwang palutang lutang sa malawak na karagatan ang 22 tripulante ng Gem-Ver.Sa kabutihang palad, natagpuan sila ng isang barkong Vietnamese at nasagip sa bingit ng kamatayan. Ang pagsasawalang-bahala na inasal ng mga intsik ay isang malinaw na paglabag sa isinasaad ng International Maritime Law na kung saan dapat mong saklolohan ang “man overboard.” Ibig sabihin, kahit saang bansa ito nabibilang, kalaban man o hindi, lahat ng sinumang mamataang nasa trahedya sa karagatan ay dapat sagipin upang mailigtas sa tiyak na kamatayan.Ngunit, habang lumulubog ang bangkang gawa sa kahoy ng mga Pilipinong mangingisda, inabandona ito ng mga Intsik.Ala hit and run kumbaga. Sa pahayag ng Tsina, hindi daw sila nakapag-resue dahil natakot sa 7-8 fishing boats na pumaligid sa
ROMARI CHARLZ F. DIAZ Editor-in-Chief
EMY ROSE G. GALLEGO Managing Editor GLAIZA RAE D. AMABLE Associate Editor JEFF G. TOLENTINO Associate Editor PAULENE A. BUENAFE Financial Director JERICO m. SEVERINO Circulation and Office Manager MARIA CRISTY E. DAGUAY Moderator
usa pub il lustr ation • l eunamme s. pa bion
Walang Bully kung walang nagpapa-bully! kanila. Taliwas naman ito sa mga satellite images na nagpapatunay na walang ibang sasakyang pandagat sa kinaroroonan ng F/B Gem-Ver maliban sa Yuemaobinyu 42212. Bumaliktad yata ang mundo at biglang natakot ang mga napapabalitang bully na mga Tsino sa mga Pilipino. Ito ba ang pinagpipitagang asta ng isang kaibigan? Walang galang na tumapak ang mga dayuhang ito sa Exclusive Economic Zone(EEZ) ng Pilipinas. Ito ay ang area 200 nautical miles mula sa baybayin na nagbibigay sa Pilipinas ng eksklusibong karapatan na mangisda sa Recto Bank na siyang sakop ng EEZ- isang kasunduan na inilatag sa United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea(UNCLOS) at pinagtibay ng korte sa The Hague. Ayon sa Sekyon VII Artikulo 2 ng 1987 Constitution, “The State shall pursue an independent foreign policy. In its relation with other states, the paramount consideration shall be national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national interest, and the right to self-determination.” Nakakagigil isipin na nangyari pa ang kalapastangang ito sa loob mismo ng ating teritoryo. Dagat kung saan walang karapatan ang mga Tsino. Pumasok na nga nang walang pahintulot sa ating bakuran, ang lakas pa ng lobb na puminsala at magdulot ng kapahamakan. Hindi lingid sa kaalaman ng nakakarami, na ito’y bahagi lamang ng matagal ng pangugutya ng Tsina. Hindi matuldukan na isyu ang pagkamkam ng Tsina ng Recto Bank dahil sa hitik ito sa langis at natural gas. Noong nakaraang Marso, itinaboy ng Chinese Vessels ang mga mangingisdang Pinoy sa Pag-asa Island na pag-aari ng bansa. Nasaan ang katarungan sa pagharang at pagtaboy sa kanila na kung tutuusin ay siyang mayroong kapatan? Hindi ito ang unang pagkakataon na tinapakan ng higanteng walang modo at mapanlinlang na Tsina ang ating karapatan. “Pupunta ako sabihin ko get out, this is the Cons¬titution. Sabihin sa’yo naubusan ka na ng
ART AND DESIGN TEAM Geremy T. Gallenero (Art Director) June Ivan S. Gumban Leunamme C. Pabion COMMUNITY AFFAIRS TEAM Emy Rose G. Gallego (Community Editor), Marlyn Rose B. Marcelo CREATIVE WRITING TEAM Chito Cezar P. Batoon Jr. (Literary Editor)
toilet paper, gamitin mo ‘yan.” Ito ang binitawan ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte bilang tugon sa mga kritikong nagsasabing pinahintulutan niya ang mga Tsino sa Recto Bank. Ito’y agad na nilinaw ni Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo na sinabing isa lamang itong metapora na ang ibig sabihin ay wla tayong laban sa China pag ginamit na pambato ang konstitusyon dahil hindi naman nila ito kikilalanin. Gayunpaman, nakakadismaya at nakakabahalang isipin na inahahambing sa pamahid ng puwet at minamaliit ng pangulo ang inaalinsunuran kung paano pinamamahalaan ang isang estado at ang pinagmumulan ng kapangyarihan ng gobyerno , kasama na dito ang hawak nitong puwesto. Pagkaputok ng balita, ang unang naging pahayag nito ay mallit na aksidente lamang ito at hindi makakaapekto sa ating uganayan sa Tsina.Muntik nang mamatay ang ating mga kababayan at sasabihing maliit na aksidente? Hindi ito simpleng salpukan ng mga sasakyan sa EDSA. Kaya naman pala inaalipusta tayo ng ibang bansa dahil tayo mismo ang nagbabasura ng ating saligang batas. Maging ang usapin ng “joint probe” ay binatikos dahil ayon sa mga kritiko, parang nangangahulugan lamang ito na may kontrol sa imbestigasyon ang mismong utak ng krimen. Kung gaano ka saksakan sa anghang ang bunganga ng pangulo sa Estados Unidos, United Nations at European Union , tila nagiging maamo ito pagdating sa mga Tsino. Nag-trespassing, nagkamkam ng yamangdagat, nang-hit and run, nang-iwan ng nalulunod na mangingisda at pinabulaanan pa ang nangyari. Mga kababayan, simple lang ang mahihinuha mula sa usaping ito, walang umaapi, kung walang nagpapaapi. Sana’y huwag magsawalang-kibo ang liderato at pahalagahan ang sariling interes ng bayan. Makikita pa ba nating titindig ang gobyerno para ipaglaban ang ating soberanya? Abangan at subaybayan.
PHOTOGRAPHY TEAM Miguel Carlos J. Llamado (Photography Director), Rotsen C. Agreda, Michael E R B. Tuares, Steven John N. Sumbing, Laurence D. Dorego (Intern) PROGRAM MANAGEMENT TEAM Joanna Wayne Horneja (Program Head), Xena Hyacinth G. Estiñoso, Pauline C. Arada, Honey Mabelle A. Villarba (Intern)
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Augustinian the
LXV • Number 1 VolumeVolume LXIII • Number 1 November 2019 July 29,15, 2017
FEATURE
Child’s Play-Child’s PAY
USA PUB PHOTO • miguel carlos j. llamado
by j eff g. tolentino What lies beyond the innocent smile is the bitter truth of society, for *Chris, 13, and others like him who have to work their childhood to survive. His three A.M. thoughts were nothing like those of the mentally troubled, the depressed, nor the ones cramming for the 7:30 exam. With the same goal to survive, he has to work his way in butchering the lifeless bodies that laid bare before him. Pieces by pieces. Torn apart. Skinned. His hands, wrinkled in the cold salty water finds their way through the little incandescence that radiates from the nearby pole. Ignorant of the foul smell that creeps through the pitch-black domain in his feet, he reached above him. Barely making it through the wooden stool that hugs his thigh. With one strong blow flies the feet of the pig’s corpse. Up it goes, the muscles, bones, all sliced brutally. The Child Within Although the exhaustion was evident, his eyes widened. He managed to paint a smile on his face as he uttered the words “Para makabulig sa utod ko kag makabalik skwela (To help my siblings and save up for my education).” Chris earning 300 pesos per day as a butcher in a
public supermarket has managed to support himself as well as his family in Banate, Iloilo. Bringing with him the hopes for a better life, he gambled his way to the city of Iloilo along with some of his friends. At a young age, Chris knew what lies ahead – work to survive, sacrificing his years as a child and venturing the world of labor. International Labor Organization (ILO) defines child labour as a “work that deprives children of their childhood, their potential and dignity, and that is harmful to the physical and mental development.” In a 2011 Survey on Children (SOC) by the Philippine Statistics Office (PSA) an estimated of 2.1 million children aged 5-17 years old are engaged in child labor. A splash of water kissed Chris’ eyes. For a moment his vision was blurry. “Waay nagid ko ni putoro (I can’t see my future),” he said laughing as he realized that the vision of himself, his dreams, were even blurry than his vision he had a moment ago. For a child like him, all he could see through the years ahead was himself working to survive. Sorting things out his eyes looked empty, a forceful sigh followed as he shares “bisan pulis nalang tane (being a police officer would suffice).”
Laws and Loss A part of his income, Chris saves for his education. His mother was a housewife and his father is currently on training in the Philippine Navy. With his parents unable to support education for all three of his siblings, only his sister was sent to school. Being the second born of the three, he chose to sacrifice himself supporting his younger brother and his older sister. Current programs of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) involves the “HELP ME Convergence Program Against Child Labor aiming to implement a sustainable and responsive convergence program to address child labor in the Philippines by providing focused and synchronized strategies to effectively address the child labor problem. Being foreign in the city, he has little knowledge of such programs existing. Relying on his capability to work, Chris, armed with his experience wants to convey something to the children of his age. “Hindi kamo magparehas saakon, skwela gid kamo maayo kag mag himakas (Don’t be like me, give value to your education and strive for success).” His voice toned down, his smile faded. Taking a deep breath, Chris
stood up for a stretch, piled in front of him are a few more dozen meat to cut. The light started to color the horizon, it’s dawn. A loud honk bursts from the nearby street. Gazing from afar his sight grasped a familiar shade he sees every day, “nahisa man ko sa ila eh, syempre sila ya ga eskwela ako ya wala (I am envy with them because they are able to go to school while I cannot).” Tomorrow awaits Poverty and unemployment are the major causes that drive the likes of Chris into child labor. Families that are unable to support the needs of their child even those to the basic needs – food, shelter, water, and clothing rely on their children in attaining these necessities. It has been a common belief among Filipinos that helping at an early age means being a good member of the family. By doing so, a child is deprived of his/her fundamental rights – education, protection, and development. As the sun rose to blossom, Chris went back to his post. Butchering the remaining meat to earn a day’s wage. His dreams set aside for another day, he fixed himself up. His eyes barely opening. Forcing a smile, he said “ubra naman ta buwas (let’s work again tomorrow).” *not his real name
The Official Student Newspaper of the University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, Philippines
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REVIEWS F ILE P H OTO • d isney
MOVIE (4.3/5)
The Roaring Revamp b y PA U LENE A . BU ENA FE Pure nostalgia. The awakening of youthful hearts. Following the recent remake of Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, The Jungle Book and Aladdin, the Oscar-bagging and tear-jerking story on the circle of life is now relived.
TUTOM
Parallel to the original plot, the 2019 remake of the Lion King revolves around Simba, a young lion cub aspiring to become like his father Mufasa, as he lays to heart his fate to protect and lead the Pride Lands. Scar, Mufasa’s younger brother and former heir,
unwelcomed the cub’s arrival. Such jealousy betrayal and tragedy lead to Simba’s exile after his father’s death, starting a new life with his new-found life companions. From the ‘camera’ angles, vibrant colors and to the lifelike mannerisms of the animals, the 2019 remake was able to effectively nail the visuals. The revamp was able to showcase the beautiful landscape and night-sky scenery of the African veld, detailed physical features of the animals, and the distinctive characteristics of the main characters. As also seen in the original, the tragic death of Mufasa, being portrayed by ‘realistic’ animals, is even harder to watch without shedding a tear. The 1994 multi-awarded film was beautifully remade with excellent color grading and computergenerated imagery (CGI) work that suited the targeted mood of each scene did not compromise the heart wrenching emotions brought by the iconic scenarios. Furthermore, the new African – American casting, the musical score and vocal ensemble are to be applauded for. With working in the Iron Man franchise and live-action
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Jungle Book, director Jon Favreau is no neophyte, and it is evident in the film. In addition, the awardwinning composer Hanz Zimmer that did the 1994’s score, returned with both old and new songs and collaborated with Elton John and Tim Rice. Despite its technical feats, aiming the essence of ‘believability’ has left the characters rather ‘emotionless’. This downside made the retelling of the said film lack a bit of heart and dynamism. Spoiler alert, but you ‘will not feel the love at night’. While singing Elton John’s Can You Feel The Love Tonight, the famous scene of Simba and Nala’s budding romance in the new adaptation, although magical, drifted away from its simple yet serene 1994 version. Even with mixed reviews and lapses, the live-action Lion King’s new cast, incredible visuals, impressive musical score and added humor did not disappoint in showcasing the movie that once shaped our childhood in a realistic light. Nothing can beat the original, but this remake gave justice and is surely worth the watch. This new revamp has its roar.
BY GEREMY T. GALLENERO
BY ravve jay f. unitas
by june ivan s. gumban
BY ravve jay f.
Augustinian the
Volume LXV • Number 1 November 15, 2019
Sports
UST Tigers hit big trey to sink UP Maroons, 68-65 B Y PHILIP ROBERT C. A LA BA N University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers banked on a fiery fourth-quarter surge dismantling the twice-to-beat University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, with a thrilling 68-65 victory during the UAAP Season 82 Men’s Basketball Stepladder Semifinals at Mall of Asia Arena, November 13. In front of 18, 548 fans, the Growling Tigers blew the game open in the first quarter with Renzo Subido’s driving layups and a three-point field goal, capped by Soulemane Chabi Yo’s pull-up jump shots that discovered their touch to hold off Fighting Maroons, 18-6. “We have to make sure we don’t have many mistakes because that’s an experienced team [UP] and if you make a mistake right away then they can benefit from that, “ said Chabi Yo during the post-game interview with Bong Lozada. The Fighting Maroons had enough gas left in the tank during the second quarter to halt the Tigers’ blistering offense with Jun Manzo and Ricci Rivero’s driving
layups along with UP big man Bright Akhuetie’s floating jumpshots, narrowing the gap to just a whisker, 29-28. In the latter part, the Maroons doubled their efforts to claw their way back by hauling more rebounds and hook shots, but they were not enough to withstand the rallies by the gritty Tigers with Chabi Yo, Mark Nonoy, and Rhenz Abando’s highlight plays and easy forays to the basket, knotting the score at 4944. With UP badly in need of a spark to open the final 10 minutes, Paras rose to the challenge with a one-handed rim crusher, but this could not keep up with the Tigers’ ball movement that allowed Subido to show no hesitation in sizing up Akhuetie, pulling up, and draining the 3-pointer to secure the win. “That was a good game. We have to give credit to coach Bo [Perasol] and his staff for adjustments they made. It was really tough for us because of adjustments, “ said UST coach Aldin Ayo in an interview with JR Isaga.
Striking her way to the top
USA PUB PHOTO • rotsen c. agreda
b y p aul ine mar ie a. ar ada Eyes straight ahead. Chin applauded—that is how she came to slightly tucked in. Eyes toward the know what success really means. opposite direction. Heavy breathing. It was year 2015 when She clawed air with intensity. She Taekwondo came to Sean Kristine suddenly unleashed a massive axe Doce’s life. The Taekwondo student kick; opponent landed on the fine from Dumangas, Iloilo City unlocked ground. She stopped and waited. As her prodigious dream of all time. She the crowd went screaming, the mass sparked as one of the representatives of Region IV on the National Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) last May 2019 in Davao City. She claimed a silver medalist that led her to extreme blissfulness, yet she did not just stop there—she still went to have more. Life Changing Momentum Doce’s urge to join the team was in utmost abruptness. No one encouraged her to join such sport, but because of her friend’s passion for taekwondo, there was something in her mind that told her to do it. She was petite back then, which made her
lived to fight another day. Tigers’ ferocious defense makes Maroons struggle to find their groove on court. file PHOTO • rappler.com
doubt a little bit upon joining the team, especially since most teams usually prefer tall ones. Still, she strived hard even more to improve her capabilities. “I lost my focus to study, since I’m tired with my trainings at night. Also, I sometimes need to skip my classes because of schedule conflicts,” added Doce. Preparing for the national level was never easy. Doce trains every 7:30 PM and goes home late, preparing for her strength physically and also her mentally-built skills. “Representing our region is a big responsibility. Aiming a medal is one of our goals, but saying that we can win is not enough, we need to train and push ourselves to the limit. To win or to lose, God is always here with us.” Her shortcomings made her wobbling feet to fight back; kicking the negative thoughts away. In as much as her trainers, family, and friends supported her from the beginning, she made them her instruments to gain such
abilities within herself—conquering the impossible. “This my dream; to compete in the nationals if given a chance. I even help my parents since my tuition is for free.” Dodging for Consistency Doce still has a long way to go, but she knew little by little that she had already achieved her dreams. If success will be defined, Doce was still unsure whether she already succeeded in her field or there’s still much more that she wanted to fight for. “My success right now defines how I inspire my teammates to strive hard and teach them to reach their dreams also. As long as I can manage being a student-athlete until fourth year, I will never stop trying to compete for nationals,” she concluded. Doce is currently pursuing BS Accountancy and now ready to head for the upcoming competition in this year’s PRISAA on November 2019.