No. 10

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TOWARDS A PROGRESSIVE CAMPUS PRESS

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vol. LXXXViIi No. 10 | FRIDAY, September 9, 2016

DISMANTLING. Booths are now being dismantled starting last September 1 at the Ravello Field. PHOTO BY Kenno Elum

2 Sillimanians top Medtech boards

By Stephanie Ria L. Colinco

TWO GRADUATES OF the Institute of Clinical Laboratory Sciences (ICLS) ranked first and second during the August 2016 Medical Technologist Licensure Examination. Roselle Louise Publico and Clarisse Cadano, who graduated from Silliman University (SU) last March 2016, placed first and second, respectively. Publico, who graduated magna cum laude, is the second ICLS alumna to

top the board exams. She followed 21 years after Lydia Labor Dayang also topped the exams in 1995. According to Publico, before taking the exam, she felt afraid that she would not be able to meet people’s expectations of being one of the topnotchers. “I never had strong confidence in my abilities…I know that I am not the smartest…not the most dedicated [among all board takers]. But God has shown me favor for He has blessed me,” Publico said.

Pan Hel pres kicked out of Hibalag

By Ray Chen S. Bahinting

THE PRESIDENT OF the Pan Hellenic society was escorted out of the Hibalag booth area due to “sudden interruption of the Miss Silliman pageant live stream” last Aug. 24. Kyle Duazo, a junior mass communication student, was having his show, “Talentadong Sillimanian” when a Committee on Student Organization (ComSO) member, together with six security guards escorted him out of the Hibalag booth area and banned him from entering the booth area until 9 a.m. the next day. Pan Hellenic’s show “Talentadong Sillimanian” featured a dance crew, solo artists, and local bands. It was scheduled to run from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m at the Hibalag Booth Area. However, it was cut off one hour

and 15 minutes after it started because of the midweek service at the Silliman University (SU) Church. “I was mad, I was extremely mad that [I had to be cut off at 6p.m. for the midweek service]. I did not know about it before. This person [from ComSO] was telling me, ‘we didn’t know either.’ I don’t care if it’s not your fault. It is your job to know these things. It’s Wednesday, there’s midweek service every week. It’s not like it’s something new in Silliman,” Duazo said. Monique Recto, from ComSO, said, “We weren’t informed about that, kanang ipa stop, kato ra jud nga time mi gi inform. We explained to Kyle that the orders [to stop the show] were coming from the SU Buildings and Grounds a.k.a administration so we continue to page 4...

Advocates call to conserve oceans

By Mary Abigail T. Go

GLOBALLY RENOWNED WATER issues advocate, explorer, and filmmaker, Alexandra Cousteau, together with other environmental advocates, visited Silliman University to promote ocean conservation by providing new ways for sustainable fishing management and educating the youth to uphold marine laws. “The time to save the oceans is now and we have to do it like our lives depend on it, because it does,” Cousteau, who was also the Oceana senior advisor, said in her lecture “Save the Oceans, Feed the World” last Sept. 2 at the Audio-Visual Theater 1. Alexandra is the granddaughter of Jacques Cousteau, who was a famous French oceanographer, researcher, filmmaker, and undersea explorer. The lecture aims to have the youth share

the advocacy of conserving the ocean. Cousteau shared that she joined Oceana, an international nonprofit organization that focuses on marine conservation, because she has seen in her travels the urgencies of ocean conservation as the sanctuaries she enjoyed before are either polluted or damaged. Cousteau said that “we should protect it because it’s a part of our lives. It is a mode of transportation, source for food, and provides oxygen.” She reminds the youth that “we have an impact in the daily choices we make and this battle needs conscious choices to diminish the destruction of oceans.” She also encourages them to be part of the civil society by supporting and joining groups and non-profit organizations, signing petitions, and voting wisely. Also at the lecture, were two continue to page 4...

On the other hand, Cadano, a dean’s lister in her college years, said that “the path to being a registered medical technologist has never been easy.” “But [SU] has backed me up with sufficient knowledge and training since [my] first year in college…the ICLS faculty and staff always try to give the best, nothing less,” Cadano said. Both Publico and Cadano have plans to pursue medicine. ICLS Director Jusie Bernal said that their college has prepared the topnotchers and passers with holistic

education at SU through developing their attitudes, knowledge, and faith. “We provide them with the knowledge and skills. Starting from their freshmen year, we already gear them towards the board exams,” Bernal said. Bernal added that Publico and Cadano are “deserving of their awards.” “Words cannot contain how [they] have given honor to Silliman and ICLS…To all who passed, job well done and to God be the glory,” Bernal said.

According to Bernal, the current batch of ICLS students feel “pressured”to top the board exams also. “We encourage them to excel… [but] we tell them ‘not to worry, just do your best. You will always make us proud’…all we want for them is to pass; topping [the board] is just an additional,” Bernal said. ICLS produced 150 passers in this year’s board exams. It attained a passing average of 96.15% and ranked ninth among the country’s top performing schools.~

By Stephanie Ria L. Colinco

nine-dash line, which is based on their historic rights, is not honored by the UNCLOS or the socalled “Constitution of the Seas.” Jardeleza explained that starting in 1995, China took possession of the reef and “the [Philippines] has been engaging in a dialogue with China ever since.” “The first time I went to Washington DC, I brought with me two big maletas. ‘ Yung laman nun parang balikbayan box, containing proof of our 17 years of exchange with China,” Jardeleza said. The 17 years of failed exchange of views with China was one of the triggers for the Philippines to take action. Jardeleza also presented China’s violations which were traditional fishing in Scarborough Shoal and land reclamation activities in the West Philippine Sea. Jardeleza explained that former President Benigno Aquino III

initiated the arbitration, but was earlier “faced with the difficult duty to decide whether to file or not to file” considering several factors such as China’s opt-out. “Our consultant from Yale told us that the possibility of the case being thrown out is more than 50 per cent…we were going up against China…’bakit naman papansinin ang Pilipinas, kaliit-liit niyo,’” Jardeleza said. Nevertheless, the Philippines has now a claim to 50 features in the West Philippine Sea, one of the many awards given by the tribunal. “Imagine how we have to go around the country telling everyone why we lost…buti na lang nanalo tayo,” Hilbay said. During the lecture, Hilbay talked about the process of how they “handled this particular arbitration” and gave “an attempt to try to put a face to the case.”~

‘Best legal minds’ give talks on West PH Sea win

“IT IS A no brainer that the claim of China has no basis under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).” This was the statement of Assoc. Supreme Court Justice Francis Jardeleza during the General Integrative Lectures entitled “How the Sea Was Won: The West Philippine Sea Arbitration” on Sept. 2 at the Luce Auditorium. Former Solicitor General Florin Hilbay, agent to the litigation, and Jardeleza, head of the Philippine legal team for the West Philippine Sea arbitration at the Hague, spoke during the event. Hilbay and Jardeleza are the “best legal minds” and were instrumental in the decisive victory of the country according to Atty. Myles Bejar, university General Counsel. According to Jardeleza, China’s

JPIA remains top org in SU

By Karah Jane B. Sarita

AWARENESS. Alexandria Cousteau conducted a lecture entitled “Save the Oceans, Feed the World” last Sept. 2 at Audio Visual Theater 1. PHOTO BY Kenno Elum

THE SILLIMAN UNIVERSITY JUNIOR PHILIPPINE INSTITUTE OF ACCOUNTANTS (JPIA) received the “Top Organization of the Year” award during the closing of the Hibalag Booth Festival last Aug. 29 at the Hibalag Booth Area. Last year, JPIA was named the top organization for the first time led by Ana Remoto. “It was really a heavy task for me to maintain the position, and the moment I knew na JPIA is still the top org, and it is now under my term… Ako ra jud na think ato na time is it is all for the glory of God and I was definitely not alone sa pag achieve ani,” said Frank Cadorna, JPIA president. continue to page 4...


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the weekly sillimanian 9 September 2016

the weekly sillimanian 9 September 2016

Amid Dark Times I

t is during this time that Filipinos should gather to pray for peace in this country. It is during this time that Filipinos should cooperate, not aggravate. It is during this time that Filipinos should murmur, not clamor. It is during this time that Filipinos should unite against one enemy: themselves. During this time, being critical is not an option. Lives. Remember, lives were lost. The country has been in a tremor these past few weeks. From drug control to extrajudicial killings, casualties are escalating. Just recently, a blast killed 14 people last Sept. 2 in Davao City. Authorities reported that 67 others were injured in the blast. The President declared “state of lawlessness” nationwide to strengthen internal security. Fourteen lives. It’s a waste to sacrifice fourteen lives for no purpose. It is obvious that the President has a lot of detractors due to his unconventional ways. But to include innocent lives is cruel. It is inappropriate to bash incompetency and weigh it with the lives lost. Many people posted on social media, expressing their hate regarding broken promises of change, and of peace and order. The Weekly Sillimanian remains strong amid threats to national security. We believe that this is not the time to blame authorities, but this is the time for the whole nation to stand up and pray. We encourage everyone to be resilient amid dark times. It is during these times that we need to hold each other’s hands and be as one nation. For this is our motherland, we need to protect it from our own demons. For the enemy has been here, and the Filipinos didn’t notice it. The enemy is self-interest. The enemy of the Filipino is himself.~

HBF Winners Hibalag Org of the Year Biology Society Academic Sector: Overall Cleanest Booth - Aggies Club Overall Best Booth Exhibit - Aggies Club Overall Best Gimmick - Biology Society Overall Best Booth Design - United Architects of the Philippines Student Auxiliary - SU Chapter

editorial

sillimaniansspeak Compiled by Gresheen Gift M. Libby

“What is your stand on the freedom of information act?” “The President’s efforts towards upholding transparency and accountability in the government through an executive order is highly appreciated. The EO on Freedom of Information, however, has far too many exceptions to be transparent. The EO does not cover the House of Representatives, the Judiciary and the Senate and is only limited to the executive branch. It is preferable for the EO to be institutionalized to provide appropriate criminal charges and penal sanctions to the violators of the law. Most importantly, if it will be institutionalized, the FOI will not be easily removed by the next administration because it is a law and if it is just an EO, it will still depend on the next administration to adopt it or not. If the EO will be legislated, I’m enthusiastic on an accountable, transparent and honest government. ” Cliff Japhet M. Cafe, Bachelor of Science in Social Work IV “In my opinion, Transparency is one of many keys to eliminate corruption in the country. And it starts with the 2nd EO that the Duterte Administration has just passed, the freedom of information. Now, people can access to informations which were not accesible in the past administration. And what I like about it is that the DoJ has the final say on whether or not to give of the information through due process. I hope that, one way in the other, it would lessen the unending corruption that has been strangling us filipinos for years. Support is what the administration needs and it is support we give.” Patrick Pol L. Lacandula, Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering III

Next Issue’s Question:

“What are your thoughts on the security measures that Silliman has recently implemented?” For your answers, just text the Circulation Manager (09177013806). Indicate your full name (with middle initial), course and year.

By Junelie Anthony Velonta

The lackluster hype that is Hibalag 2016 Jayson Semetara | Through the eyes of a foreigner

August; the time of year that all Students feel excited for. Its’ the time of year where we all plan events, meet ups, check out booths, find out when to study for our exams that we’ll be going back to; all that makes the Hibalag booth festival very exciting and lively. However, Is it just me or did this year’s Hibalag festival felt a little, bland? Where was the excitement that made us excited to not have class? Granted this entire semester felt really slow; announcements for events AND actual events came out extremely late (example: why was the org fair at the end of June when it should have been the first week of June, when students are back into school and not riddled with classes?). Granted, the whole K-12 school year made our student body smaller, the entire campus had to readjust how to work orgs and events out. Hibalag should have been one of those events that shouldn’t be affected by the twist and turns. So we students

waited for the announcement of the Hibalag fair; what events are happening? Who’s going to show up? When will Miss Silliman corronation night be? July came and nothing. August came and nothing. THREE DAYS BEFORE Torch Parade/ Parade of lights and we finally know what’s going on. Why so late? I know a few orgs felt discriminated or left out on announcements and planning with COMSO, or felt rushed because of the late announcements, and were not prepared for their own events to collaborate with the Hibalag fair. Then there’s the focus on this year’s celebration. Both the SU Church and SUHS celebrated their centennial anniversaries. First and foremost, Congratulations on the achievements!!! The already shorted focus shifted toward these centennials. Already these two were planning their own events to celebrate their achievements! Finally was the whole layout of the events. Why was the Parokya ni Edgar concert held

at Freedom Park when its ads and billboards stated its part of the Silliman Founders week? Sure we Sillimanians had a special section during their concert, but wouldn’t it be better to have them perform on our main stage, giving the foot traffic of all those people to our Hibalag grounds? Why was there a whole bunch of dog shows, and lots of promos about dog rescue, but no direction to which booth were helping with the dog rescue? They even stated that they had a dog adoption booth on the grounds, but didnt’ say who or where it was being hosted? Overall the grounds this year felt really empty majority of the time, as if no one wanted to go. Poor planning and advertising might have been a factor, maybe even laziness and shortcuts, but I also do feel that we all are off our game because of the weird start of the school year. Lets just hope we get out of this dizzy spell and talk more to the student body about being informed about events and important announcements.~

This is for you

Julien Marie S. Piñero | The Free Bird

People killing’, people dying’, children hurt and you hear them crying’ Can you practice what you preach? Or would you turn the other cheek? Father, Father, Father help us, send some guidance from above ‘Cause people got me, got me questioning’ Where is the love? I was just scrolling my Facebook feed when I According to Inquirer, the Abu Sayyaf be socially updated so to speak. Millennials, bumped into an article about The Black Eyed Group (ASG) terrorized the country, wake up! We are more than just clicking like Peas reviving their famous song “Where is the specifically in Davao. The blast killed 14 buttons and trending in social media sites. love.” I remember the 6-year-old me singing people and more than 60 were injured. ASG The millennials are powerful, but they just and rapping into this beat, not understanding spokesperson Abu Rami warned that similar don’t realize it. We, themillennials, are more the strong message behind the lyrics. Thirteen attacks should be expected in the coming than just hundred likes in Facebook; we are years later, I never knew that the same song days.Statuses, hashtags, and shared photos more than just a trend in Twitter;we are the would make me cry. Now, as I play this have circulated online. People have been representation of the future. We are the future. track, I am 19-years-old and fully aware of reacting through different “emojis.” A lot Everyone should do their part in whatever the global chaos. You know what makes me have been using the hashtags #PrayForDavao capacity because if nobody won’t, then who sad? It is the fact that I am fully aware of the and #StayStrongDavao. Some also shared will? tragedies that surround me, and not being able negative statuses questioning Davao’s safety. As you read this article, I hope I opened a to do something about it. I wonder if my coOur world has been facing a lot of global hope in your heart. I hope you feel empowered. millennials also feel this way. challenges. From environmental issues, gender I hope you realize that you are a piece of the The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) equality, poor and rich gap, and to the endless puzzle towards a better world. Every little terrorized Syria, Paris, Belgium, Turkey, list of global problems. All these things are action you do in helping the community and Orlando, and Dallas, to mention a few. really a lot to take in, but somehow we ought supporting campaigns that matter will count. Thousands of lives have been taken away. to know the current state of the world that we So, stop being caged with your Facebook and Not only that, children have been robbed the live in. Twitter accounts. Free yourselves to the world opportunity to live a normal life,the chance Are we really aware? Yes. Do we really care? and find a way to let the world hear your voice to be at school, the chance to play. They were That, I’m not certain.We just opt to share photos and don’t forget to act upon it. deprived to experience childhood. and videos, and statuses of the tragedies just to This is for you, my co-millennial.~

Non sequitir

Eric Gerard D. Ruiz | Tarantado, Asintado

Editor-in-chief Angelica Mae D. Gomez Managing Editor Eric Gerard D. Ruiz News Editor Mary Abigail T. Go Feature Editor Andre Joshua T. Aniñon Business Manager Julliene E. Salboro Online Editor Jedidiah Jan L. Colinco Senior News Writer Stephanie Ria L. Colinco News Writers Ray Chen S. Bahinting, Julien Marie S. Piñero, Karah Jane B. Sarita Feature Writers Junelie Anthony Velonta, John Carlos A. Plata, Merell Lystra L. Recta Cartoonist Cyd Elneth Gia C. Maclachlan Circulation Manager Gresheen Gift M. Libby Office Manager Irah Stefan T. Diao Layout Artist Gloria Gem T. Lumayag Graphic Artist John Rey L. Villareal Adviser Ronelaine B. Picardal

The Weekly Sillimanian is published every week by the students of Silliman University, with editorial and business addresses at 1/F Oriental Hall, Silliman University, Hibbard Avenue, Dumaguete City 6200, Philippines. SU PO Box 24. Telephone number (35) 422-6002 local 243. https://www.facebook.com/ towardsaprogressivecampuspress/ https://theweeklysillimanian.com weeklysillimanian@su.edu.ph Opinions expressed in the columns are those of the columnists and not of tWS or of Silliman University. Comments, questions, and suggestions are highly appreciated. All submitted manuscripts become the property of tWS. Manuscripts will be edited for brevity and clarity.

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It does not follow. I remembered when my classmate and I were discussing about gay marriage, the topic for an oral test that we had in English. He said, “gay marriage should not be legalized.” I asked, “What made you say that?” He stood up, chin up, and proud. “It’s because I’m straight.” It does not follow. I remembered a scene in my English class in third year high school. He was arguing about the dirty history of the Roman Catholic church. I interrupted, “Why waste your time debating about religion?” He replied, but was irritated with my question. “It’s because you’re immature. Only mature people talk about this topic.” It does not follow. I remembered when I gave an opinion about a certain issue. Feedback? My opinion was biased. It does not follow. I asked my teacher in high school about “passion.” For 20 years, she has been teaching in that school. She said, “passion is not something you say or boast to other people. Passion is when you fight amid the demands

and struggles. I’m passionate in my teaching career. Though sometimes computing grades makes me so tired, I still continue because it’s my passion to teach. That’s the thing that makes me push through.” That was the lighter side of things. She usually complains about computing grades in class, saying that it takes most of her time. Many judged her that she’s not passionate because she complains. But, they didn’t know the real her. To easily conclude she’s not passionate is not a fair judgment. It does not follow. I asked my friend in high school if the rumors were true. She was accused of drawing nude images on the blackboard after class hours. “Did you really do that?” I asked. “So you believe them?” She shouted. To ask is not to believe. To ask is to ask whether there is worth asking for. To ask is to know more. To ask is to know better versions of the story. To ask is not to give judgment. It does not follow. Sometimes, it does not follow. Sometimes, people think that they’re capable, superior,

and plausible.Nevertheless, do you know what makes the world a better place? We are diverse. We are unique. We are different. But then again, sometimes, it does not follow. Opinions vary. But opinions are never biased. Opinions can be rebutted. As a common courtesy, give your foe a sound argument for he gave you one, because in the end, it does not follow. Francis Underwood would say, “There are two kinds of pain - the sort of pain that makes you strong,or useless pain,the sort of pain that’s only suffering. I have no patience for useless things.” Then, he would strangle the dog to death.And for me, I also have no patience for useless things.I would also strangle the dog that symbolizes useless pain (for immature people, this statement should not be interpreted literally. I love dogs, for your information). I would strangle the fact that I entertained useless things. For nothing can be reaped from useless things but scrap. Nonetheless, after all those useless ruckus, non sequitur.~

Every time I look up, Every time I look down, No one’s on the common ground. And if you never speak truth, Then you never know how love sounds. -The Black Eyed Peas, 2016

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here is the love? We’ve been asking that question for generations. For a country torn by many struggles, from natural calamities to differences in creed, we have experienced hardships not found in other places. The most prominent and damaging of which is terrorism: a problem Filipinos have faced ever since time immemorial. Terrorism in the Philippines has taken too much of a toll to the country and its people. In an article published in the New York Times, from 2000 to 2007 alone nearly 400 Filipinos have been killed and injured more than 1,500. This was more than the amount of casualties in Indonesia, Morocco, Spain, Turkey, or the

United Kingdom at that time. More than 40 major bombings against civilians have been staged since the year 2000. Although the struggle has been mainly in the south, attacks have reached the national capital for many times which is hundreds of kilometers away due to its political and strategic importance. Terrorism, as defined by the Human Security Act of 2007, falls under the definition of acts causing “widespread and extraordinary fear and panic among the populace.” These attacks range from massive scale attacks such as the Siege of Zamboanga, which involved numerous civilians and took the lives of many, to attacks on public transportation and gathering places, such as the bombing in Plaza Miranda in 1971. The sad thing about this is that so many of these attacks are “messages” to the government, all the while involving so many innocent lives. Some of such are unclaimed by the groups currently residing in the Philippines, and the many lives lost may have been a result of grudges between bigwigs inside or outside the government. The first group to be officially

recognized as a terrorist group has been the Abu Sayyaf group, also known as ASG. Although the smallest among the active terrorist groups in the Philippines, the ASG is known to be the most active and the most violent. There are also other prominent groups such as the New People’s Army, otherwise known as NPA or the Communist Party of the Philippines, which was founded by Jose Maria Sison who is in a selfimposed exile outside the country, the Moro-Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), Jemaah Islamayah, Many smaller groups are sprouting after receiving foreign support, most of which are from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, popularly known as ISIS or ISIL. The Government is taking action ever since but the toll is taking more and more lives. The Philippines has been battling terrorism for a very long time now. The lives of many innocent, of those with families, of those who believe in a peaceful Philippines, have been lost and it is not clear when peace will heal the wounds of the past.~

Organo del Pueblo Filipino

Best Torch Design - MedTech Society Best T-shirt Design - Ang Sandigan Cleanest Booth – Religious, Socio-Civic, & Special Interests Sector and West Visayan Circle Best Booth Gimmick - Biology Society and Religious, Socio-Civic, & Special Interests Sector Best Booth Exhibit - Religious, Socio-Civic, & Special Interests Sector and West Visayan Circle Best Booth Design - Religious, Socio-Civic, & Special Interests Sector#PINAKAHAYAG Award - College of Education Student Organization #EFFORT Award - United Architects of the Philippines Student Auxilliary - SU Chapter, Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers, Philippine Institute of Computer Engineering Students, SU LAWOD, Social Work Society, SU Future Electrical Engineers, and Siquijorian Students for Enrichment, Enlightenment, Development and Service Frat-Sor Sector: Cleanest Booth - Red Shield Fraternity Best Booth Gimmick - Aces and Lilies Best Booth Exhibit - Beta Sigma/Sigma Beta Fraternity Sorority Best Booth Design - SU Rhoans Regional Sector: Best Booth Gimmick - ZamboSur Sillimanites Cleanest Booth - West Visayan Circle Best booth Exhibit - West Visayan Circle Best Booth Design - West Visayan Circle Street Dance competition: Champion - Arts and Sciences Cluster First runner-up - Regional Cluster Second runner-up - Business Cluster Third runner-up - Regional, Socio-Civic, and Special Interests Cluster Rafael Palma, who served as the paper’s acting editor during Luna’s absence. Malolos, the heart of the Philippine Republic at that time, was soon captured by the Americans, and as La Republica Filipina was forced to shut down, La Independencia became the only publication then to fight for independence, even with some of its editorial staff already being forced to part ways. Struggling for survival, La Independencia’s headquarters did not have a permanent address. The press

be buried near the paper’s office. La Independencia eventually lost the struggle, ceasing operations as the remaining three members of its editorial staff fled to Camiling, based in Manila, La Independencia national anthem, entitled then By John Carlos A. Plata Taguig. The paper released its announced to the public that Asilo as “Filipinas” and written by and Merell Lystra L. Recta last issue on Nov. 11, 1990. de Huerfanos, a printing press in Jose Palma, who was part La Independencia remained ore than a century ago, Malabon, was its place of publication. of the paper’s editorial staff. persistent in expressing its Garnering support from the upper, The paper kept the fire blazing. on Sept. 3, 1898, what nationalistic and revolutionary views would later become the educated class, La Independencia In the year 1898, Pedro Paterno even in its untimely demise. In its very another nationalistic most distinguished publication in had sufficient resources to produce founded last issue, the “organ of the people of the Philippine Revolution released a four-page paper, with one page newspaper named La Republica the Philippines,” the most renowned to achieve national its first issue under General Antonio dominated by advertisements. The Filipina newspaper in the Philippine Luna’s leadership. Revolution Who knew that dared to publish one of the nation’s this statement: most remarkable “We are near heroes, who was the mountain, known to fight there our look is with weapons, also directed; there fought with a pen? our liberty will Upon hearing of be secure. But President Emilio to compromise Aguinaldo’s with the enemy, decree against to shake hands independent with him while newspapers, with a gun he is which ended the opening for us in nationalistic paper the future a new La Libertad just era of slavery after its first release and sufferings, on June 20, 1898, *photo sourced from https://kahimyang.com/kauswagan/articles/1269/today-in-philippine-history-september-3-1898-la-independencia-came-out-with-its-first-issue no, one thousand Luna efficiently times no… appealed for a In spite of his and independence moved to San Fernando, Pampanga; victories and because of them, the presidential authorization that paper contained a limited number unity would allow him to publish an of news stories, but what set it above under a Philippine Republic. Angeles, Tarlac; and finally to enemy will be abhorred, not feared… La Independencia rejected all Bautista, Pangasinan in an attempt Not a moment of peace and tranquility independent paper of his own. other publications was its sharp, Luna decided to name the expressive, well-written editorials, attempts by the Spaniards at to flee from the Americans’ advance. shall we give to his soldiers!” newspaper La Independencia columns, and essays. The paper reconciliation. It continued to La Independencia, in its final In today’s information age, (The Independence) when an acquired a vast readership base, even serve as an advocate of Philippine months, experienced a difficult period the lessons to be learned from American Provost-General leading Spaniards to assume that independence throughout the second of recession, as the conditions during La Independencia’s history stands suggested the name La Patria the writers and editors of the paper phase of the Philippine Revolution the war were unwelcoming and through the test of time. Its purpose (The Homeland) as inappropriate, were also Spaniards—traitors of their against the Spaniards, and during resources became more and more as a medium of expression was considering the Filipinos’ subsiding own kind. The superior quality of the the war against the Americans. scarce. The size of the issues shrunk, instrumental in making Philippine During the Filipino-American and was reduced to two pages. independence possible. With its tension with the Spaniards. newspaper’s contents enabled it to Being an emissary of the nation’s be considered as the best of its time. war in 1899, even in Gen. Luna’s Though newsprint was somehow existence as a message to the people On its first anniversary, La departure for his military duties, never at a shortage, publishing the that they can defend their country angst against Spanish rule, La Independencia prepared for the Independencia first published the the paper remained strong amid its paper was so difficult at the time; with a series of symbols and spaces, the worst by hiding its location. Though Spanish lyrics of the Philippine adversities. Luna was replaced by the press and materials had to legacy of La Independencia lives on.~

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the weekly sillimanian 9 September 2016

Saints to See. Just canonized as a saint, Mother Teresa is recognized as our role model of holiness. Let us meet a few people who also lived a holy life.

St. Lorenzo Ruiz Feastday: September 28 Being the patron saint of Filipino youth, he demonstrated strong faith to God even if torture pained him and led him to his grave.

St. Agnes Feastday: January 21 Blessed with overflowing beauty, her love for the Lord is greater than any fair man of the land. She considered that Jesus is her only spouse.

St. Maria Goretti Feastday: July 6 This patron saint of young women was a rape victim herself. Even so, her heart was open for forgiveness.

St. Augustine of Hippo Feastday: August 28 Known as the patron of brewers whose conversion has been an inspiration, especially to those struggling with a particular habit.

Compiled by: Merell Lystra L. Recta via http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=231, http://edition.cnn.com/2016/09/04/europe/mother-teresa-canonization/, http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=106

lipstick

roundup

from page 1 Advocates call.. winners of the “Ocean Heroes Awards” given by Oceana Philippines to individuals who have been working to conserve and protect the marine sanctuaries and oceans in the country. Veda Raunillo, from Guihulngan, was credited for upholding marine protection and mangrove rehabilitation in her community despite being harassed and threatened.

from page 1 JPIA remains.. The top 10 organizations are the best performing organizations, accumulating the highest number of points based on the ranking in the overall points tally in one school year. “Getting to that position all depends on how active an organization is and there are many ways to gain points such as organizing events, assisting campus and SG activities, and participating in various events. It all comes down to how the organization manages its resources,” Divina Tubat, Committee on Student Organizations (ComSO) Head, said. According to Cadorna, the award itself is a proof that he can actually lead an organization filled with brilliant minds. Cadorna said that he never tolerated his co-officers to focus on their assigned work, but to have the initiative to help others. He stressed that more work can be done through teamwork. Philippine Institute of Civil

Genita Dayupay, who received the award on behalf of her late husband, is the widow of Oliver Dayupay from Ayungon. Oliver was awarded for his regular participation in biannual reef monitoring projects due to his extensive knowledge of corals. He also organized fishermen in protecting the town’s marine sanctuary from illegal fishers.~ Engineers won second place, followed by Silliman Junior Business Executives, and Ang Sandigan at fourth place. The rest of the top 10 are,in order: Social Work Society, Kapunungan sa mga Mass Communicators, Silliman University College of Nursing Association, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Silliman University Medical Students’ Associations, and Pan Hellenic Society. Moreover, Nathalie Angeles, vice president external of JPIA said, “I feel very grateful for the award. I’ve worked alongside some pretty amazing people in my time as a JPIA officer and I’ve seen firsthand how much time and effort has been put into every activity we conduct. It makes me proud to think that accountancy students are defying the dull, boring stereotype and are proving to everyone that there is always room for growth and learning in aspects other than academics.”~

Quest towards a plastic free PH

By Julien Marie S. Piñero

THE ADVOCATE BEHIND the campaign Plastic Free Philippines conducted a workshop about plastic pollution last Sept. 3 at the American Studies Resource Center. Plastic Free Philippines is an environmental campaign that aims to reduce the trashes particularly the plastics that floats in the ocean. Anna Dawson initiated the Plastic Free Philippines campaign. She is a citizen from New Zealand, who worked as a civil engineer in Davao in 2008. According to Dawson, “Plastic pollution isn’t going anywhere, unless we do something about it.” In 2014, together with her husband, they traveled through a yacht from New Zealand to the Philippines stopping from the remote islands Tonga, Fiji, Tuvalu, Kiribati, and Marshall Islands. During their travel, Dawson discovered the extreme plastic pollution. In 2015, when she became a mother, she said, “I wanted Josh to experience the beauty of the oceans, and he can’t do it if the plastic pollution will continue.” With these reasons, she was triggered to start the campaign against reducing plastic. Dawson chose the Philippines as a place

to start her campaign because there is a bigger population here in the Philippines than in her home country. According to her, the impact would be bigger. The campaign Plastic Free Philippines started a month ago. At the moment, Plastic Free Philippines has no physical office but Dawson said that people can follow the journey through liking their Facebook page Plastic Free Philippines and visit their website plasticfreephilippines.com. Dawson said that this is the first step in fulfilling her dream for the country. She aims to make Plastic Free Philippines into an official NGO. For now, Dawson have connected and talked with several environment organizations such as Convergence Philippines, Mother Earth Foundation and Eco-Waste Coalition. The workshop was attended by Sillimanians and members from the Marine Conservation Philippines. Prior to the workshop, the group had a beachclean-upinthecoastofSillimanbeach. In the next 3 months, Dawson will be cycling 2000 km with a bike made from bamboo (bambike) along the Philippine coast and conduct a lecture in elementary schools. She will also connect with the locals and organize clean-up drive.~

Biology Society named Hibalag Org of the Year

By Karah Jane B. Sarita

THE SILLIMAN UNIVERSITY Biology Society won the title of Hibalag Org of the Year for the first time last Aug. 29 at the Hibalag Booth Area. “Winning the Hibalag org of the year was not really on my mind. I was just wishing for any award to pay off all of our efforts from the very start…,” Charity Hope Ponce, Biology Society president, said. According to Divina Tubat, Silliman University Student Government Committee on Student Organizations (SUSG - ComSO) president, for the Booth Awards, members from the ComSO Evaluations team checked on all the booths every night. “Other than the Evaluations team, unannounced judging are conducted by judges with expertise

in the art and technical aspects. They are accompanied by a ComSO Evaluations member at any night in the whole duration of the Hibalag celebration in order to assess the booths,” Tubat added. Ponce also shared how they were already contented with their first awards (Best Gimmick for the academic sector and overall) and was very surprised when they found out they won as Hibalag Org of the Year. “Indeed, my last Hibalag, hopefully, is memorable and we made history to the Biology Society,” Ponce said. Ponce expressed her gratitude to all of the members especially to her co-officers, to their adviser and department chairperson, Dr. Robert Guino-o, and also to their other adviser who is also the associate dean of their college, Dr. Brigitt Villordon.~

from page 1 Pan Hel.. can’t do anything.” But,Duazo“insisted”to resume their show right after the midweek service. Despite only having 45 minutes left for their show, Duazo asked ComSO if he can get more time than what is left just to finish all their bands’ performances. The ComSO events team offered Duazo the 10 p.m. to 12 midnight slot for their show to resume after the live streaming of Miss Silliman pageant. “We talked to the bands nga mu-perform if okay lang ba nila mu-perform pagka- 10 p.m., and okay lang man nila,” Recto said. However, ComSO allowed one band to perform at 7:15 p.m., as per Duazo’s request, although the Miss Silliman pageant was starting. “Suddenly, nay ga tingog-tingog sa stage, naay ga yaw-yaw while ga live stream ang Miss Silliman and everyone was watching na the live stream. When I looked, Kyle was there, talking with the mic. Next thing I knew, he brought a barber with him on stage and started to get his head shaved. Of course na shock mi kay ga live stream na and he interrupted it,” Recto explained. “So I went to him and asked what he was doing and he said he is getting his head shaved (obviously). So I went to the sound booth and asked the operators who gave him a mic and they said nga ni-adto siya didto and told them nga nakapananghid na daw siya namo, which is not true.” Recto said. “Mao nay nakapait dira kay ni interrupt siya diretso sa event, wala siya nananghid. I told the

operators to turn off the mic and the spot light,” Recto added. Duazo, on the other hand said, “When I was shaving my head, two ComSO members came by and I explained to them through the microphone that ‘I am doing this for cancer patients; this is our event in the Pan Hellenic society, the ‘Lose hair to raise care’ advocacy.” “Then they asked the guys from sound booth to turn off the mic and spotlight. I finished my head getting shaved, then I watched Miss Silliman live stream,” Duazo said. According to Duazo, he was waiting for his show to resume when a person from Royhle Filght Training Academy asked him if he could use the microphone for an announcement on stage. Duazo then assisted him to the ComSO booth and explained to them what the person needed. “I think that really pissed them off when I brought the guy over. They’re like mad at me on talking to them again after what I did; like the nerve of me,” Duazo said. “I was waiting and talking to the Royhle guy when Monique came up with six guards and wanted me to be out of Hibalag,” he said. Recto, who was in charge of the Hibalag booth area, said: “I texted Niña Sung (ComSO chairperson) and about what [Kyle Duazo] did. And a few minutes later, Niña called and told me to get the security guards to escort him outside the campus, orders from sir [Abe Cadeliña, Student Organization

and Aid Division head].” On the other hand, Cadeliña said, “It was my instruction to ComSO to ask for assistance from the security guards about Kyle but I did not instruct them to kick him out of Hibalag. Why would I ask the guards to kick him off Hibalag when in fact he is a student of ours? If he was an outsider, then by all means, kick him out. ” Cadeliña added the issue was a case of miscommunication, misinterpretation and misconception of things which led to “heightened emotions.” “I did tell ComSO that if there is any problem, you ask assistance from the guards. Assistance is different from kicking somebody out,’ he added Last Friday, Sept. 2, Duazo, ComSO and Cadeliña sat with Dr. Edna Calingacion, dean of students, to “settle everything.” Cadeliña said, “[The issue], to put it bluntly, it is so childish. These are just minor tensions between [ComSO] and Kyle because of other issues. One thing led to another and then again the height of emotions. And you know what happens when you are at your highest point of emotions nga mura nag it would make you do something out of proportion.” Cadeliña added that the “tension” between Duazo and ComSO was because of “anger caused by deeper reasons.” “During our settlement, we dig, not just what happened in Hibalag, but the issues way back. That is why I really wanted them to sit down and face each other because I knew there was something more,” he said.~

“Hermano Puli” to the students and to educate them of this lesserknown Filipino hero. DAKILA Dumaguete organized the event. “Hermano Puli” follows the story of a young preacher named Apolinario de la Cruz, who leads a movement for equality and religious freedom for his fellow Filipinos but was condemned to death by the friars for heresy. Gil Portes, the director of “Hermano Puli”, said that it took him 21 years to make that film a reality. “There was a lot of financial concerns… we literally had to move heaven and earth just to film it,” Portes said. He also said that although 21 years was a long time, his love for the hero and filmmaking is what inspired him to keep going. The lecture about history and

heroism was headed by Alvin Campomanes, a historian from the University of the Philippines Manila. He wrote the official study guide of “Heneral Luna” and “Hermano Puli.” “When you learn history, everything around you starts to make sense and that’s what makes you more human,” Campomanes said. Campomanes also discussed about Hermano Puli’s love of God, love of his nation, and love of his neighbors. “I am confident that the millennials will like it,” Portes said. “There is an Hermano Puli in each one of us. We don’t have to die, or stage a revolution for us to become heroes. But by doing simple things - maybe helping someone in need- you’ll never know if that act alone changed their lives. And that’s what makes us heroes.” “Hermano Puli” will be shown nationwide on September 21.~

DAKILA conducts forum on heroism

By Gresheen Gift M. Libby

THE MAKERS OF the widelyacclaimed independent film “Heneral Luna” came to Silliman University to promote the newest film, “Hermano Puli” in a forum named “Bayani Ba’To? Heroism X Pag-Ibig.” The forum made possible by DAKILA,T-Rex Entertainment,and in partnership with the Kapunungan sa Mga Mass Communicators last September 5 at the Silliman Hall. DAKILA is an organization that aims to build a movement of heroism towards social transformation. Last 2015, they brought “Heneral Luna” to over 40 schools nationwide. The result was a massive following of “Heneral Luna” from mostly millennials. This 2016, they aim to do the same – bring the newest film


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