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THE OFFICIAL QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES FOUNDATION • CEBU CITY • PHILIPPINES SECOND QUARTER ISSUE • APRIL - JUNE 2016
ISSN (Online) 2508-044X ● ISSN (Print) 2508-0431 ● Copyright 2016
Social work is for the social. Or is it? Punning aside, the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) remains one of the leading institutions that offer social work degrees. True to its promise of excellent social work education among its students, the Social Work Department (SWD) builds linkages with national and international institutions in order to enrich its students’ full potentials. Meeting the three aspiring Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) scholars on a Monday afternoon filled the whole faculty room of Senior High School (SHS) with delight. John Erikk Anlagan, Denise Cabatas, and Lawrence Matthew Villaluz sat with me for an interview regarding their 5-month scholarly immersion in Denmark. They were part of the fourth batch of USPF undergraduates who applied for a student exchange program titled
“Social Education and Pedagogy: “People with Special Needs” in partnership with the University College Copenhagen. From a total number of ten applicants, SWD Chairperson, Mrs. Rosario E. Sequitin, endorsed four. Eventually, Erikk, Denise, Lawrence together with Maria Lina Ayag, flew to Europe and just
this month, arrived back here in Cebu City. They felt the warmest Southern welcome as they take their final list of coursework requirements in order to graduate next year. First, I asked them about what they wrote in their motivation letter, which was part of the application process. Erikk said
that he emphasized the importance of cross-cultural communication and the value of being able to explore social spaces outside Philippine setting. Denise explained to me that the chance to expand her understanding about social work as a field was her motivation. She then narrated to me how her own family exposed her to the challenging yet fulfilling life of a social worker. Lawrence, on the other hand, shared his story by enumerating the former degree programs he took and how he ended up not finishing any of them until he enrolled in BSSW. Moments like experiencing snow for the very first time, being in a crowd full of foreigners, meeting fellow Filipinos in a land beyond Asia, hopping from one country to another – or continents – were all for them too fantastic to express in words. They shared to me their amazing experiences with mixed
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emotions. They also told me that it was not so much of a culture shock even if it was their first time to visit European countries like Russia, Lithuania, Italy, Belgium, France, Germany, Sweden, and Hong Kong since they brought with them the lessons they have learned in their social work classes as well as the intensive research they did regarding Western cultures, Europe’s demography, landmarks, standard of living, and cuisines. Erikk noted the value of online resources in finding one’s way in unfamiliar places. In terms of scholarly take-
aways, Lawrence remarked that Denmark’s social work curriculum has a strong foundation when it comes to fieldwork methodologies and multidisciplinary researches. He even noted how challenging it was to conduct a research given only a limited number of days and how proud he was when he found out that his paper got an excellent grade. Erikk and Denise both told me that the people they met and made friends with while in Denmark remain as part of personal and intellectual circles. Aside from doing their best to graduate next year, they men-
tioned to me how thankful they are for being part of the USPF studentry. For them, the university opens doors of scholarly opportunities as part of students’ endeavor - not pressure - to be the best in their respective fields. “So what’s student life for you after Denmark?” I asked. Erikk discussed his plans to pursue politics after graduation because, according to him, there are so many policies that remain in the pages of government documents. “Actualization of pro-poor policies are better delivered in the hands of politicians with thorough social work
background.” Denise expressed one of her plans. “If all things go well for me, perhaps, I will eventually become a teacher hopefully in my own nongovernment organization.” For Lawrence, life is too mysterious: full of twists and turns just like the lives of Filipino social workers. “Denmark made me realize that unchecked religiosity must be separated from social work responsibilities particularly when it comes to issues like family planning, HIV-AIDS, prostitution, and in dealing with the LGBT communities.” He then continued by citing Denmark’s spiritual practices and sociocultural worldviews. Love is the word that best summarizes their trip and, surprisingly, in the way we ended our interview. While in Denmark they found love: the kind of love made up of different shades and sizes. Erikk, Lawrence and Denise love the degree program they are studying for; the university where they are part of; and their respective significant others and families. They made me fall in love with social work as an academic discipline. Indeed, there is love in the random people we encounter, in the roads we travel, and in the moments we spend every day. All three of them concluded with a promise to share everything that they have learned abroad… with love.
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FOCUS: Senior High School Logo: Colors and Lore. The new member of USPF’s circle of colleges and departments, the Senior High School has finally revealed its official logo. Created by alumnus Dr. Gino Maderazo, the logo expresses vivid colors that symbolize the diversity of tracks and strands of senior high curriculum just like the spectrum veiled in white light as it passes through a prism. The circular shape, on the other hand, stands for (1) open-mindedness, (2) unity amidst diversity, (3) always in motion learning curves of senior high schoolers, and (3) the group dynamics and synergy among members of the faculty. More importantly, the logo embodies all the ideas and aspirations of the revitalized VMO (vision, mission, objective) statements of the university towards 21st century learning. Club Shopping. In an attempt to cater to the needs of the pioneering generation of Senior High School Students in the University of Southern Philippines Foundation the Faculty and staff of the Senior High School, with full support from their beloved Principal Dr. Alvin E. Zamora, opened the first set of clubs that students enrolled in Senior High could join and enjoy themselves in. With over 385 students enrolled, the race to accommodate their holistic development was on. Six clubs were established. The clubs were: The Laiterarions with its three divisions: Speech – Mentored by Julius Cesar Cudera, Writing – Instructed by Wilzen D. Burmoy and Media – assisted by Ms. Janson; The Mathletes – coached by Kevin Isiang; The SciTech Society with their lead Scientist Mrs. Sue Gayle Marticio; The Performance Arts Club – directed by Maxwell Soller; Arts Club – advised by Emilita Obaner; and the Campus Minis-
try guided by JovhaniLibutan. The club shopping activity was an event created for the sole purpose of giving the students time to choose the clubs they would like to join. The clubs and their official advisers were formally introduced, including the scope of activities that each club had envisioned doing and joining. Activities that included but were not limited to the CESAFI competition, Intramurals and other Local activities that the students could join. As soon as the go signal was given, the students rushed to enlist themselves in the clubs they thought could help them develop skills and further their abilities even more. The students, without the need of requiring their participation in any clubs, did not hesitate to take part in the activity that was surely an unforgettable experience that the students could cherish as they go along their Senior High School life. The event ended with all of the students accounted for and distributed amongst the different clubs, ensuring the success of the activity. Debate. When Sparks fly, you expect fire. (First, SHS SSC Debate) The Senior High School of University of Southern Philippines
...the logo embodies all the ideas and aspirations of the revitalized vision, mission, objective statements of the university towards 21st century learning. Foundation held its first ever Supreme Student Council Debate last July 14, 2016. Aside from it being a major event, it was also the first attempt of the Senior High School department in creating an independent student body Government for the Senior High School students. The debate was left under the watchful eye of the Debate committee head Julius Cesar Cudera. The event allowed the candidates to voice out their individual platforms or lacks thereof as well as allowing them to question their rival’s platforms. The activity was attended by more than 90% of the entire student population with the eleven established section duly represented, ensuring that the students play an active role in the selection of the people who will be represent them and be their “Voice”. Each member from both Parties were given five minutes to explain, detail, describe, define or outline his/her platforms to the
audience. The member of the opposing Party vying for the same position was given two minutes to question the platforms presented on the grounds of its relevance to the specific position that each member is vying for and how the student body will benefit from. Questions from both the members of the faculty and the student body were asked to the debaters. The debaters were then divided into the respective positions that they were vying for. The Position order of the debate were as follows: ALUMNI COUNCILOR, COMMUNICATIONS COUNCILOR, ACADEMIC COUNCILOR, RESEARCH COUNCILOR, TASK FORCE COUNCILOR, STUDENT LIFE COUNCILOR, COMMUNICATIONS COUNCILOR, EVENTS COUNCILOR, FINANCE COUNCILOR, SECRETARY GENERAL, VP EXTERNAL, VP INTERNAL and last but certainly not the least, PRESIDENT.
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It being the first debate, not that many sparks were sent flying and the debate seemed mellowed out. A few students stated that they enjoyed the debate, others said they learned a lot, while a few also stated that they were disappointed. Overall, the debate ended without any problem both in terms of the crowd and the debaters themselves. Enrolment System. The University of Southern Philippines Foundation have come up to its changes. And part of the aforesaid is the new system. Mr. Lester Gastala, our Chief Information Officer introduced the Academic Information Management System (A.I.M.S) developed by Pinnacle Technologies, Inc. for academic institution. It is designed to manage all aspects of enrolment process from applications to approval. It is a hassle-free process for both students and staff. Why? Because instead of getting forms and filing it, then submit it, applicants can fill out the form on line and after applying, they have to submit the necessary documents to the registrar for verification and validation. Mr. Gastala, started the orientation last March 2016 for both school heads, faculty and the administrative staff on how to use the new system. The Senior High is one of the schools that was being pilot with the new system. The enrolment for this semester is quite confusing because as what other department says that we are not yet ready to apply the new system. Although there’s a lot of comment regarding the system, the enrolment went smooth with the help of our very
active working assistants. And so far, the Senior High had 400 total number of enrolees. 1st Senior High Council Election. Another school year has opened for the students but this time, some twist has been added to the old curriculum system: the opening of the Senior High School. In USPF, different strands are offered to these students. These are ABM, STEM, HUMMS, GAS, TECH-VOC and ICT. This is not just your ordinary high school. All types of people are mix together. So how can these senior high students could be united for a single cause? A cause that aims USPF-SH students to become a better individual that could compete to other schools and other places. The answer to that is by establishing or by creating a first Senior High Council (SHC). But before that, of course there should be an election process in order for the students to vote wisely and choose the right people for the positions given. Adviser 4 of the senior High Council, Sir Wilzen Bermoy called for a meeting to all the classroom officers of each section. To determine which party they are in, it was drawn by lot. Since there are only 11 sections, the division is 6 and 5, six for the Coaction Party and five for the Mavericks Party. After that, each group decided to choose who’s running for that specific position. When all the officers were finalized, they were introduced to the classroom officers. For the Coaction Party these are the running candidates (See box at top). The positions they’re running
POSITIONS
COACTION PARTY (CP)
MAVERICKS PARTY (MP)
PRESIDENT
ANDREI SALINAS
RICCI HEWITT RODA
VP- INTERNAL
JOSHUA TEORINA
JAY ANNE JOY GARCIANO
VP- EXTERNAL
RIZZALYN PANSOY
SHAINA FAME MARIE MABATID
SECRETARY GENERAL
MHAR GUIELLE CAJIGAS
JOHN JOEMER JAMOROL
ACADEMIC COUNCILOR
MARY DIANNE BERRAME
IVY ROXANNE MAQUILAN
RESEARCH COUNCILOR
AIRAH MUGA
ARNEL GRAYDA
FINANCE COUNCILOR
CLARA MAY MALLORCA
COMMUNICATIONS COUNCILOR
ALEXANDER BANAAG
DAYANARA TORRES
TASK FORCE COUNCILOR
BELLA GUCOR
ERIC LI
EVENTS COUNCILOR
ELLHYZA RAPADA
HAYES VINCENT TUMANDA
ALUMNI COUNCILOR STUDENTS LIFE COUNCILOR
KEVIN GUDILOS MICHAEL JOHN LEONARDO
for is divided into two, namely; Executive Board and the Management Board. For the former, it composes of President, VP- Internal, VP- External and Secretary General. For the latter, it consists of the different councilors; Academic Councilor, Research Councilor, Finance Councilor, Communications Councilor, Task Force Councilor, Events Councilor, Alumni Councilor and lastly the Students Life Councilor. On the first of week of July, both of the political parties were clearly busy preparing for their campaign strategies. You could tell that the candidates took this thing seriously. On July 14, 2016, Senior High School students made a history. The first ever Supreme Student Council debate for the Senior High School was held. All the students body were gathered at the Main Function Room supporting for the party they
DEANNA SIGOURNEY ESTRELLA
like. During the debate, the intensity was high. Though the Coaction and Mavericks have edges over one another, they all remember that it was just a friendly competition. After the debate where they presented their plans and platforms, the contestants shook each other’s hands which go to show that this must not be taken personally. Again, this is just a friendly game. The most awaited moment for all the students had finally come. July 18, 2016 was the voting day. The COMELEC was assigned to the Campus Ministry Club and their function was to regulate the happenings on the Election Day. Students voted at the internet section of the Library and were assisted by the facilitators. Every student for sure was excited to know the results. On the following day, the result was posted. And these are the winners: President- Ricci Hewitt Roda; VP Internal- Jay Anne Joy Garciano; VP External-Rizzalyn Pansoy; Secretary General-Mhar Guielle Cajigas; Academics Councilor- Mary Dianne Berrame; Research Councilor-Arnel Grayda; Finance Councilor- Clara May Mallorca; Communications Councilor- Alexander Banaag; Task Force Councilor- Eric Li; Events Councilor- Hayes Vincent Tumanda; Alumni CouncilorKevin Gudilos; Students Life Councilor- Michael John Leonardo.
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JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL BITS
Mrs. Mila B. Tuason receives loyalty of service award. During the celebration of the 67th Charter Day held last July 8, 2016at the USPF Theater with the theme: “USPF: Embracing 21st Century Education in Transforming Lifelong Learners as Global Professionals.”, one of the English high school teachers , Mrs. Mila B. Tuason, received an award for fifteen years in the service. The awardees were given a plaque of appreciation and serenaded by a young debonair as they took center stage. We are truly proud of our colleague who showed loyalty and dedication to this institution!
Lahug Campus High School Faculty & Staff Goes On Summer Escapade. After all the paper works and deadlines of submissions the high schoolfaculty and staff had the chance to unwind and get together. It
was a perfect summer get away at Elsalvador Beach Resort in Danao City. A day filled with fun and excitement as we ventured into different activities as part of our team building. What a joy to be part of this wonderful family!
High School Department holds annual PTA general assembly & election of officers for S.Y. 20162017. What else is a better way to start the new school year right? It is to be acquainted with the parents who are one of the major factors in promoting the total well-being of our students. Last July 9, 2016 the PTA Annual General Assembly was held at the Main Function Room. It was a gathering among
the teachers, parents, guardians, and even students. Several talks were given to orient our parents on the different services which the university offered and the policies implemented. The election of the new set of PTA Officers for S.Y. 2016-2017 was also conducted. As we gear towards a culture of excellence, the high school PTA aims to adhere to this common goal.
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL FACULTY PROFILE Name: ALVIN E. ZAMORA Positions/Appointments: Senior High School Principal Name: BERNARD A. MONTERON Subjects Handled: Personal Development and Cookery Positions/Appointments: SAS Director Name: JOHVANNY B. LIBUTAN Subjects Handled: Philosophy of Human Person and Understanding Culture, Society and Politics Positions/Appointments: SHS Teacher/Campus Ministry Adviser
Name: EMELIA B. OBANER Subjects Handled: General Mathematics and Personality Development Positions/Appointments: SHS Teacher/ Visual Arts Club Adviser
Name: WILZEN D. BERMOY Subjects Handled: English and Research Positions/Appointments: English Club Adviser (Literature Cluster); Senior high Council Adviser
Name: ARMON CLARK A. TUMANDA Subjects Handled: Animation NC2 and Computer Hardware Servicing NC2 Positions/Appointments: ICT Senior Technical Support
Name: MAXWELL V. SOLLER Subjects Handled: Physical Education and Contemporary Arts and Religion
Name: BOIARCHIEVALD A. RANAY Subjects Handled: Empowerment Technologies Positions/Appointments: System Developer
Name: CHERRY MAY. A. JANSON Subjects Handled: Filipino Positions/Appointments: SHS Filipino Teacher/ Multimedia Adviser
Name: SUE GAYLE D. MARTICIO Subjects Handled: Earth and Life Science Positions/Appointments: SHS Teacher/ Science Club Teacher Name: ARLENE B. ROLDAN Subjects Handled: English and Personality Development Positions/Appointments: SAS Senior High School Coordinator Name: VIVILOU ANGELICA G. BATULAN Subjects Handled: Tour Guiding Positions/Appointments: Tourism Coordinator Name: KEVEN M. ISIANG Subjects Handled: General Mathematics and Precalculus Positions/Appointments: SHS Teacher/ Math Club Adviser
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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BITS
COLLEGE OF
ENGINEERING & ARCHITECTURE We are ecstatic to announce the CEA board passers! Mechanical Engineering Engr. Eunefrey Cabahug Architecture Archt. Jeb Ferdinand
Chillax time! Yes, we are able to catch up with the heat of summer and spend time under the sun. From 10 months of spending with our dearest pupils and doing our paperworks, we found time to enjoy and be free with our colleagues to an adventurous trip together. Last May 19 and 20, 2016, the Elementary School– Lahug Campus Faculty and Staff joined hands together and set time to a memorable trip in a place which has everything for the perfect
getaway, BOHOL! We lost ourselves amidst the bizarre of Chocolate Hills, fell in love with the cuddly Tarsiers, amazed with the big snake and the products with honey, appreciated the coolness under the man-made forest, freshened under the sun in a white sand bar and white beach resorts, entertained lunch in a floating restaurant and delighted with the delicious delicacies and souvenirs. Click, click, click! Everyone was busy clicking their cell
phones and counting 1 – 2- 3 (pause for a while) to capture each shared moments together. The chance of being there cannot be forgotten and will always be remembered as we spent and enjoyed so much fun together in just a few days trip. All smiles, laughter, singing, jokes and experiences are all worth it. Until next adventure USPF-ESDLC! Contributor: Rubilyn B. Chavez
Cabrera Archt. Jeffrey Olitres Archt. Rizaldy Bontuyan Roy Macasucol Jonrick Regala Geodetic Engineering NorjoereLabaya Chielou Belle Lipang Diosdado Lucero III Karen Pinar Michael Reyes HerelMonteato Sheanne Solis Jason Toring Electrical Engineering Aerl Genebraldo
Congratulations and to God be the glory!
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COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES BITS
John Simpson, chief executive of Rockschool International Music and Performance Arts based in Singapore, pays USPF a visit last Feb. 19, 2016. Said visit aims to initiate a connection between Rockschool and the university. This came about when Jules Vince Amores an AB Music alumnus of USPF took
up and graduated with the Licentiate in Music Performance in Rockschool last June, 2015. Rockschool is so impressed with Jules Vince’s performance in their school that they express their openness to the possibilities of other AB Music graduates to being accommodated at Rockschool in Singapore.
ROCKSCHOOLUSPFROCKSCHOOLUSPF
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COLLEGE OF EDUCATION BITS CoEd receives recognition. The College of Education actively initiated different community outreach activities to develop among its students the value of social responsibility. After a year of engaging with its linkages and partner communities, CoEd was recognized in various occasions. Last April 16, 2016, the College of Education received a Plaque of Recognition from Albert Schweltzer Familienwerk Foundation Philippines, Inc., for its unwavering support in the literacy program of the foundation. Students from CoEd went to Sitio Tugbungan, Pilipog, Cordova Cebu every Saturday during the academic year: 2015-2016 to help the orphans improve their academic performance. Aside from tutorial sessions, they also did storytelling, feeding, counseling and gift giving activities. The Children’s Haven housed almost eighty abandoned children. On April 23, 2016, Let’s Do It Philippines, sponsored a Coastal Clean-up in line with the Earth Day 2016 celebration in Barangay Maribago, Lapulapu City. A group of education students wholeheartedly participated the cause. With them were other non-government organizations who cared for the promotion of individual responsibility for the protection of the precious marine and coastal resources. CoEd received
a Plaque of Appreciation after the activity from the Barangay Maribago Council. Another recognition was given by Zonta Club of Cebu II, last May 24, 2016 at the Casino Espanol. de Cebu. The College of Education was part of the Golden Z Club’s Alimbukad: Basa Pamilya Program, which was conducted in Guadalupe Elementary School for the academic year 2015-2016. Education students helped in making the learning process enjoyablee for mothers and their children. CoEd Joins Youth for a Better Earth (YABE) in Gilutongan Island. Last May 21 & 22, 2016, thirteen CoEd students went to Gilutongan Island. They were with the group of students from the University of San Carlos and CITE for YABE’s Summer Camp 2016. They met the elementary pupils of Gilutongan Elementary School for a follow -up of the KinaBOOKasan literacy program, then did a team building activity. They were welcomed by the warm and hospitable folks of the island, and was able to learn how the people preserved its marine resources. A tour of the island was great for they discovered the wonderful white sand resort at the other side which completed the island’s shoe- like shape. But the greatest experience was the exploration of the island’s marine sanctuary. The group guide was the famous
diver, fondly known as Noy Toti, the fish whisperer. He was already featured in newspapers, Reader’s Digest in some television shows and other magazines for he could talk to fish. The CoEd students witnessed how the school of fish of different species and sizes gathered around them during the early morning adventure. CoEd Students Participate in the Campus Integrity Crusaders’ Seminar-Training. For twenty (20) days, four CoEd students were trained at the Office of the Ombudsman -Visayas from May 2-30, 2016 as Campus Integrity Crusaders. The program aimed to empower the youth in their involvement in corruption prevention initiatives by developing their leadership skills and instilling the values of integrity and social responsibility. This non-partisan school-based youth organization is composed of secondary and tertiary educational institutions duly accredited by the Office of the Ombudsman. This was the second time CoEd sent representatives. The first was Jesuel Cono, while the other three were Leo Ceniza, Jhed Arches and Diosary Jill Cardosa. They were exposed to the different barangays and visited various government agencies, like DENR and radio stations to promote the CIC advocacy. A total of nine member schools were recently accred-
ited. The trainees were able to meet new friends and developed a sense of respect for higher authorities. Above all, they are now advocates of anti-corruption. CoEd Summer Camp at Compass Education. The College of Education was lucky enough to link with Compass Education. Last April and May 2016, the fourth year students were given a rare opportunity to experience an environment where innovation and creativity were developed. The students were able to handle and facilitate various learners who came from different schools to work on lego robotics. At present, some CoEd students are hired as part-time teachers.
USPF Quarterly is a news magazine publication that gathers University activities for a scope of three months: 1st quarter (January-March); 2nd quarter (April-June); 3rd quarter (JulySeptember); and, 4th quarter (October-December). Depending on urgency, the USPF Quarterly may release special issues. For online reading and download, visit http://uspf.edu.ph/alex/ uspf-publications-office/corepublications/uspf-quarterly/
Head & Editor-in-Chief KATHLEEN B. SOLON-VILLANEZA, PhD│Associate Editor JANET ARCANA, EdD │Managing Editor ALVIN E. ZAMORA, EdD│ Content Producer WILZEN D. BERMOY│ Alumni Editors Across Continents JEFF B. VASQUEZ (AUSTRALIA-New Zealand) ● JOSEPH ENRIQUEZ (UAE) ● RAE JESSICA ENRIQUEZ (ASIA-Singapore) ● MARIA JANET DAJAO (AMERICAS-Canada) ● KARREN BANDAJON (AMERICAS-USA) ● JUVILYN DILAO (UAE) ● JOSEPH FRANZ LANZADERAS (ASIABrunei Darrusalam) ● LORDSON OBRE (ASIA-Malaysia) ● ARLENE BUANJUG-ROLDAN (ASIA-Philippines) │ Resident Writers & Contributors Elementary School AGNES GUMANDOY (Mabini campus) High School MARY JANE MUAÑA (Lahug campus) ● EMELIA OBANER (Mabini campus) College of Arts & Sciences ROWENA NERVES ● ROSARIO E. SEQUITIN College of Education JANE EVITA NGO, EdD│ Layout Artists EDIK DOLOTINA │ Administrative Staff CRISLYN PANAL