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TOWARDS A PROGRESSIVE CAMPUS PRESS VOL. XCI NO.13 | FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019
theweeklysillimanian.com
Students of Silliman University (SU) during the Environmental Summit, with the theme, "No time to waste: Environmental Summit" held at SU Hall last Dec 9. The summit emphasized on the university’s implementation of the environmental principles and the zero-waste management policy. Photo by Neil Willer Nobleza.
SUFA questions the memo in regards to X-mas vacation by Deogracia Bemida & Nathan Angelo Cruz Silliman University Faculty Association (SUFA) questions the issued memorandum from the office of Human Resource and Development (HRD) released last Nov 28. The memorandum states that the Christmas vacation for the students will start on Dec 16 and all university employees will continue to work until Dec 20. The resumption of work is said to begin on January 6, while classes begin on January 8, 2020. In response to the memorandum, SUFA addressed a letter to the Silliman University Office of the President questioning the dates of Christmas vacation and resumption of work for the university employees. They remarked that if they are to
return on January 6, what work will be done if students are not around. SUFA’s stand is that it is up for any academic personnel to be in their offices, and for those who will be in the following week of Christmas vacation shall be given extra pay for working beyond the class days. Asst. Prof. Jonathan Te, acting president of SUFA mentioned that they have been telling the members of union not to file a leave without pay. “We are only recourse to file a leave without pay because they already planned and they already set their schedule for traveling. For example, they’re going and not all of the academic personnel are from here, so we are telling them not to file a leave without pay because if you file it, then your pay will deduct for something that your not suppose to
be working,” he quoted. Since the university follows the school calendar, the union finds the schedule unusual because it states that Dec 13 is the last day of classes and after that, work continues for the following week. As for them, Dec 16-20 are extra days and it is weird for them to work since students are on vacation. “We always believe that once its the last day of school for the students, that’s it for us. That”s already a Christmas vacation. We already made plans, so for example, before the memorandum came out on Nov 28 we already made plans when mag Christmas party for faculty union” he added. According to the HRD Manager, Atty. Joshua Francisco J. Ablong, the university follows a twoweek shutdown in the month of December and that is to enable the
university faculty and staff to be with there family and normally that is undertaken every year. The university shutdown will happen on Dec 21 and the date falls into the two-week calendar shutdown schedule. Atty. Ablong explained: “If you count the number of days during the shutdown from Dec 20 January 6, that’s approximately two weeks and so that has always been the practice every year.” To be concise on the practice of having a two-week shutdown, the administration body decided to let Dec 20 as the last day for work. The same day is the scheduled Christmas party for the university personnel. According to Atty Ablong, the Office of the General Council is currently preparing a response to the letter of SUFA.
CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
McCann: "Let us thank God" by Francis Ryan Pabiania Silliman University President Betty McCann, on Wednesday, stressed to celebrate Christmas with "joy and deep gratitude to God" in her Christmas message. In a message request of the Weekly
Sillimanian, McCann said that there are reasons to thank for the past years including the performance and opoortunuties of the university, students, faculty and staff and mong others.
by Nathan Angelo Cruz SILLIMAN UNIVERSITY (SU), in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), launched the Silliman Innovations on Energy (Sinergy) Technology Business Incubation (TBI) at the Mariano and Lina Lao Innovation, Creativity and Invention Lab (ICI Lab), Dec. 7. According to Lawrence dela Peña, Project Staff of Sinergy TBI, SU was chosen to cater to the innovators in the region by the DOST due to its available facilities, especially the ICI Lab, as well as its abundant energy resources.
Sinergy TBI, the first of its kind in Negros Oriental, is a business incubator that assists technologybased startups in generating ideas, developing prototypes and commercializing products. It aims “[t]o produce teams that will leave the incubation program financially viable and able to sustain operations with the ability to compete in the market,” according to their Facebook page. “The purpose of the TBI is to incubate ideas. So, for example, if you have a startup idea, regardless Continued on page 4
twsopinion Stop Making Resolutions and Start Living the Moment hinahannahp si koya
When Sirens Blared Bangiitang Pluma
twseditorial
Stingy. Generous. Prodigal
twsfeatures Your 2019 Wrapped
Irreplaceable Home A Greener Mindset for Christmas
twsnews RYLF organizes X-mas charity event Safe Campus Project
Pres. McCann's full transcript of Christmas message can be found on page 4.
SU, DOST launch first TBI in NegOr
INSIDE
comes to SU
Institute of Clinical Laboratory Sciences organizes HIV Forum in line with the HIV/AIDS Awareness Month. Photo by Kyle Andree Bolhano.
PRESIDENT's CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
SU conducts environmental summit by Hannah Patricia Abril SILLIMAN UNIVERSITY conducts “No Time to Waste: Environmental Summit,”an emphasis on the university’s implementation of environmental principles and the zero-waste management policy headed by SU president, Dr. Betty Cernol-McCann on Dec 9 at the SU Hall. Aside from the strong implementation of environmental practices in the university, the environmental summit aims to achieve a common understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the environmental champions, enhance
the skills in awareness-raising, behavior-changing techniques and waste assessment. Dr. McCann opened the event by stating “There is something that each one of us can do to be able to manage our waste properly.” The university president stated in the opening remarks that the people who are aware and sensitive of the environment cannot just be in the ‘sidelines’ and not do anything about the current environmental crisis. “In fact, we should be chanting ‘no time to waste in terms of how we handle waste.’” Dr. McCann added. Dr. Earl Jude Paul Cleope, vice president for academic affairs, defined
the environmental champions, key contacts for environmental-related advocacies within their departments, units or organizations, and their responsibilities in updating and submitting plans and periodic reports to the Pollution Control Officer and Zero Waste Management committee, and promoting environmental initiatives and coordinate environmental activities. The participants have been immersed and dug in to the learning experience of the summit by conducting hands-on simulations Continued on page 4
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the weekly sillimanian December 13, 2019
EDITORIAL
Stingy. Generous. Prodigal
The fortunate give unto others help and resources, that the less fortunate may use it to improve their lives. A person born of privilege may prefer to keep things to themselves, opting to wash clean of the responsibility of alleviating the hardships faced by their poor counterparts. When we have an excess of what is needed, we usually throw and spend, only after the deed is done will we then regret our lavish actions. tWS believes that Christmas, for arguably all if time, has always highlighted the aspect of generosity to others as part of its distinctions from other events celebrated over the course of a year. Generosity is a virtue, observed by individuals regardless of the time of year. Like most virtues, it has its own vices -- a lack, or excess, thereof. Stinginess is the first vice and is a lack of generosity. Defined as 'not liking to give or spend,' this trait is observed in all of us -- whether it is material or not. A stingy person may exhibit their lack by remaining neutral in times of need or by amassing things for the self, giving none to others. Nature doesn't permit life without stinginess, only a life of vigilance and empathizing the concept of losing something. Though not necessarily experiencing it, the feeling of loss makes people realize that keeping for themselves will more often than not drive them to a guilty existence. Eventually, the overwhelming feeling of sensing the loss within the people who surround will overturn even the hardest of hearts. The vice opposite of stinginess is prodigality. A lavish lifestyle and irresponsible spending of one's resources constitutes to this equally terrible vice. A clear example of this is a parable from the Bible of the prodigal son, setting out and squandering his wealth in a foreign land. The takeaway from the story is that the son made the right choice to return home and admit to his mistakes. What is prominent with prodigality is regret, brought by imprudence and lack of self-control. People exhibit prodigality through excessive selflessness, guilty overcompensation, and being oblivious of their spending. Like stinginess, prodigality is unavoidable, but it is all the same preventable; Practicing frugality and prudence are a step in the right direction, as well as being careful and keeping track of the things you give away. There is no shortage of people who belong on both sides, but there are those who belong in the median; they are the reason for the holidays' allure of kindness. A person generous of the heart is well-balanced is giving and keeping to themselves. Because of this, they are a rather rare find, especially in our time, because people are rather inconsistent. It is true that we sometimes lack discipline, but remember that it is through falling short that we can see our mistakes. We correct our prodigality through the regret we feel; we fix stinginess through experiencing or understanding loss. tWS advises against being stingy and prodigal. Instead, we must aim to be consistently generous, not just for the holiday season, but all of the time -- a fitting resolution before ending 2019.
sillimaniansspeak Compiled by Agustin Bas
In line with the Christmas spirit, what are you willing to sacrifice for others this holiday season?
Stop Making Resolutions and Start Living the Moment
In just over a week, we will say goodbye to a decade that redefined all of us. Its tailend, 2019, has probably been a lot to us. Refreshing, tragic, revival, pain, adventure, melancholic, and whatnots. The 2010’s for me was certainly a decade of growth. It has established my identity, character, and beliefs. Looking back, it might get a little emotional; the chances we missed, the decisions we regret, the choices that changed us, and the resolutions we failed to comply. I hope you did accomplish that 1-minute plank per day challenge. Let’s face it, we’ve probably spent most of our time thinking and listing down our New Year’s resolutions instead of doing them. According to U.S. News & World Report, 80 percent of New Year’s resolutions fail by February. I, on the other hand, have stopped complying my god-forsaken resolutions by the next day or two. But did it stop me from making them? Of course not. If there’s one thing we all (except the real go-getters) have in common, it’s breaking the goals we have set upon ourselves. Why is that? According to executive wellness coach and consultant Naz Beheshti in a Forbes online article, there are two reasons why our New Year’s resolution don’t last. First, we tend to underestimate how long (and exhausting) it takes to kick a bad habit and embrace a new one. In a study, it
I'll continue to spread the Silliman Spirit by serving others in my own little way. J'Roel Del Rosario, Silliman University Alumnus Sacrifice using plastic gift wrappers and plastic wrapped items for Christmas gifts, instead patronize eco-friendly products sold by small vendors and entrepreneurs. Miles Therese Granada, BSPsych, Fourth Year Ill sacrifice my need to study to enjoy my christmas vacation Hervey Angelo Avenido, BSCE, Fifth Year Time @tita.lou22, via Instagram
Editor-in-Chief Associate Editor News Editor Features Editor News Writers
Jean Aldemer S. Salgados Kevin Q. Alaban Deogracia William A. Bemida Jeck G. Tirambulo Francis Ryan B. Pabiania Edan Sam G. Pancho Dominic Zi Ann D. Ng Ian Zane T. Esparaga Hannah Patricia T. Abril Feature Writers Maria Fiona A. Labucuas Diamay Klem D. Balacuit Junelie Anthony Velonta Momoka Yamamoto John Macklien A. Olandag Photojournalists Kyle Andree C. Bolhano Natha Le Louise B. Bureros Adrian S. Limbaga Graphics & Layout Artist Agustin Vicente G. Bas Cartoonists Hervey Angelo F. Avenido Jorlene Grace A. Elgario
Business Manager Dan Walter D. Reyes Web Manager Nathan Angelo B. Cruz Circulation Manager Neil Willer S. Nobleza Adviser Ms. Winona Jane Agir 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/tWSilliman/ https://www.twitter.com/tWSilliman/ https://instagram.com/weeklysillimanian 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. Member: College Editors Guild of the Philippines
BANGIITANG PLUMA Mack Olandag
It has always been a great thing to honor our heroes and great figures who made a lasting mark in our history. Athletes are honored with hall of fame awards or jersey retirements and brave warriors are remembered through decorations or commemorative plaques. The present times show different heroes working for liberty against society’s biggest foes, oftentimes through charity or volunteer works. There are those whose portraits come draped with the nation’s flag to honor their unparalleled heroism. As a student, I personally see these heroes as the makers of history, but those heroes that are down under, are the ones who heard the sirens blare, when Christmas wasn’t really the one they were waiting for, but a coin toss of survival or death. Almost eighty years ago, Japanese imperialists set ablaze the Philippines, bombing cities killing large numbers of the population,to fulfill their imperial expansion. December 1941 to be exact, was where the Philippines tasted its baptism of fire where our grandparents saw horror and gloom at a supposedly happiest time of the year.
takes an average of 66 days for a new habit to become automatic. Second, most of us tend to create ‘long lists of big habits we want to change’ such as losing or gaining weight, saving more money, and doubling our study hours. It might not come across our minds how such resolutions require extensive effort and time, failing to consider the small changes we can do here and now. In just a quick google search, we are able to access lifestyle sites and blogs about changing the way we make our resolutions; make easier ones, go for the challenge that you think that you could actually finish, and, sorry to make this sound mediocre,settle for less.Sometimes, we get too ambitious for our own good. If you’re fully aware of that, maybe it’s time to change your mind. Start living in the moment. As cliché as it sounds, it actually works for a lot of people. When we live in the moment, it doesn’t mean we should stop planning ahead. It means that along the way, we should pay attention on the little things, especially the ones we could use for personal growth. Living in the moment would take us to focus on what makes us and others happy. To be grateful when good things come, and most especially during the bad. Finally, living in the moment means we should stop worrying what could happen
hinahannahp SI koya Pat Abril
ahead. It may be harder than it sounds, but trust me, worrying today won’t change what happens tomorrow. It’s truly overwhelming. Before we know it, a new decade will soon be upon us. So, by now, I’d suggest you take a lot of pictures with the people in your life that matter the most. Freeze the moment with a click of a camera before time engulfs your reality. Dare yourself to confess to your crush, heck, dare yourself to confess to the person who’s been pissing you off lately. Maybe it’s time to acknowledge your feelings, and don’t feel sorry for doing so. Most importantly, be kind to others, and even kinder to yourself. Go with the flow; live in the moment. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, Sillimanians!
When Sirens Blared
Our history books depict a natural scenario of death and obliteration during this moment of history, but are we remembering the acts of valor of our forefathers at a time immemorial? We are at an age where war is but a distant heavenforbid scenario, and we can see nothing but our liberty as a nation. Our December is a cheerful month for it is where we get to wait for our presents to be opened, where we can have a fellowship with our loved ones. Are we even remembering those who lived the December nights in airraid shelters and with their arms in hand having an uncertain destiny? For most of us, this is a thing of the past. But can we imagine the families of the fallen ones with their portraits hanged on their walls together with their Christmas decorations? How about those that still live in the present with the sounds of bombs still fresh in their minds during those cold December nights four scores ago? We are always entitled for joy in Christmas season but it would rather be a more fulfilling Yuletide celebration when we spend our exuberant time with these brave warriors, looking more deeply to just the smiles in their faces, but at least having them as an example for us to fight our battles and be more courageous. Heroes don’t show up just for them to be glorified, but for them to be models of a real nation, a true giant lantern for the Christmas season. When sirens blared, everyone took cover in their shelters, with some at the face of danger to protect their significant others. As we look at our grandparents today, especially the ones who made a
stand during those perilous times, maybe we can take a time enabling them to see the products of their valor, a December now enjoyed by all whether there are snows falling or none. December now is an overwhelmingly season where smiles and laughter fill the air. The only thing that can surprise and shock us is the sudden sound of fireworks. As I see the smiling faces of our surviving grandparents who are at their eighties or nineties, I can feel a dark memory behind them that they tend to forget, but can anytime cause tears in their eyes or fear in their hearts.Our generation generally finds it hard to get through their thoughts yet when we study our own history we won’t get away from knowing these times, where December was a month of bloodshed and sacrifices, and a Christmas as a benchmark of the certainty of survival, rather than a time of lights and children’s carols. We see history as history given the joy we have today. But the most memorable can be the tragic ones, the most significant, the most dreadful ones, and the happiest, those who lived in a constant sadness and fear. It’s time to appreciate more the beautiful smiles of the elderly, and to appreciate history as a springboard for our significance as a nation. When sirens blared at those times, little did they know that with their great sacrifice, the sound of bells and carols become sweeter and more beautiful. When fire illuminated then, they illuminated a light of hope more today where hopelessness is already the most severe battle to be fought on.
the weekly sillimanian December 13, 2019
Your 2019 Wrapped
by Jeck Tirambulo
You attended 1 ½ semesters worth of classes. Top Activities: Classes, Acquaintance Parties, Hibalag Booth Festival, Semestral Break, and Intramurals 2019 Time flies fast and before we know it, the year is coming to an end. Every once in a while, it’s good to look back at what has happened to remember how we felt and what we learned from the past. Here are 10 things that happened this year. Ben&Ben came to Silliman. During Hibalag, indie folk/ folk pop band Ben&Ben came to Dumaguete and held a concert for a cause in the Silliman University Gymnasium. Proceeds from the event were donated to the Talay Rehab Center for the construction of a new building. Senior High School (SHS) won Miss Silliman 2019. Miss High School Alexandra Kaye Tuale brought the crown back to her department after several years. Since then, she has been implementing her advocacy. Silliman University College of Nursing Associaiton (SUCNA) won Mr. Hibalag. Mr. SUCNA Dominic Fernandez won as Mr. Hibalag 2019. He was also made an ambassador for one of the event’s major sponsors, Freshman Hygiene.
Silliman University Student Government Environment Committee (SUSG EnviroComm) led Climate Strike. The SUSG EnviroComm led by Maria Jaya Ariola led students and teachers from Silliman University and other schools from all over Dumaguete City in a Climate Strike to raise awareness about what is happening to the environment and to protest against coal power plants in Negros Island. Starting from Quezon Park to the Freedom Park, the students and teachers carried signs and slogans while walking and chanting. Facebook came to Dumaguete. Facebook Philippines collaborated with Silliman University in organizing Digital Tayo – a workshop on Digital Awareness and Literacy. Silliman University is the second school in the region to host Digital Tayo. SU hosted first Falling Walls Lab in the Philippines. Silliman University hosted the first ever Falling Walls Lab in the Philippines. Falling Walls is a pitch competition with delegates from different countries and from all over the Philippines. College of Engineering and Design (CED) won as Overall Champions in Intramurals 2019. CED ousted the back-to-back champions SHS and becomes the overall champions in the 2019 Intramurals with Senior High School as 1st runner up and the College of Business Administration as 2nd runner up.
SU hosted the (Association of Christian Universities and Colleges in Asia) ACUCA Meeting and Management Conference. Silliman University hosted the annual ACUCA Meeting and Management Conference where college deans, university presidents, and authorities from different academic institutions all over Asia discussed about learning strategies and existing problems in Asia’s academe. SU has its first ever Events Hosting Camp. The SUSG along with the Kapunungan sa mga Mass Communicators and Ang Sandigan organized the university’s first ever Events Hosting Camp. The event, in collaboration with GMA Regional TV, taught students how to be good event hosts and enhanced their speaking skills. Gary Valenciano came to Silliman. The people of Dumaguete were serenaded by Mr. Pure Energy himself Gary Valenciano when he came to perform in the Claire Isabel McGill Luce Auditorium. He also performed for free at the Presidencia Plaza. A lot of events can happen in a year — whether they may be good or bad. This year brought a lot of changes to Silliman University and to its students; next year wouldn’t be any different. What’s important is that we enjoyed, we gave our best in all that we’ve done, and we survived what this year threw at us.
Irreplaceable Home
by Diamay Klem Balacuit
Full packed traveling bags, transportation tickets, a bag full of food and pasalubongs, and giddy smiles along with a heart that is full of excitement fulfills the desire of everyone's wishes — it is going back home. The holiday season has already kicked in. We hear now the unending playlists of christmas carols played in every place we go, news about lighting up events in the city and in nearby towns, and different christmas parties we attend add up to the excitement stored in us as we long to enjoy the break this christmas season brings. This season is what everyone hopes for — to have a break from school and work, and for us to catch a glimpse of the smiles of our loved ones we miss. Hugs and Kisses In this yuletide season, the rush of cold breeze embraces everyone. As the breeze envelops us, the longingness slowly fills in our system — giving us the feelings of home. The home is the place that everyone misses especially to us students who study away from our loved ones. It is the place where our comfort zone lies in. The yuletide season also brings
the excitement of hugging back the memories we had in our home during our childhood days — the memories we have shared with our loved ones. Those are the days where there are no requirements needed. Instead, happiness is the only thing it needs. It brings nostalgia as everyone thought of experiencing it back again. The kisses of thoughtfulness and genuinity of love encapsulates the wholeness of us. It is truly felt when we are with our loved ones. The thoughtfulness in words and actions are evident when we see the smiles of our loving family, caring relatives and supportive friends back in our place. These things become the most important thing we surely wanted to experience even in a short period of time. Seeing their smiles and hearing their loving and comforting words pushes us to be with them in this holiday season. Comfort and Peace As we rush to finish the works and requirements we have, the realization that this season gives us a break away from the stress that these things bring motivates us to the thought of being comforted within the realms of our loved ones. The genuine smile they bring gives us comfort — to be loved and be remembered no matter what. Christmas season soothes the aching
hearts and souls of every person suffering from any misfortune in life. The warm that this season brings fills the cold gaps brought by the different tides of problems — and that is what we are looking for when we go back home. Being away from the loads of school work even in a short period of time gives us peace as we enjoy this season. We enjoy this by giving lots of love to the people who are close to our hearts. The love we have, may it be small or big, can still light up someone's dim world. This can be done even in a small gesture of kindness. This season also serves as an instrument to have a room of acceptance of everything, forgiveness of mistakes, and showering of kindness to all despite the challenges we have encountered. These things will always be found inside the comfort of our homes — giving peace to our tired hearts and souls. Heading back to our homes is the most important thing we can do. Seeing those smiles back home gives us a million reasons to continue our journey here on earth. They are our stronghold that no one can defeat. Problems may arise, but this joyful season reminds us that no one can replace our home.
twsfeatures 3 A Greener Mindset for Christmas by Momoka Yamamoto Christmas will come soon. Will you plan to celebrate Christmas this year? It is when we can eat holiday exclusive food and sweet desserts with our family, and give presents to our important ones (like lover). It is also where children will wait to get presents from Santa Clause-like figures. We are all looking forward to spend Christmas. It is an enjoyable time of the year but we need to think of the occurring environmental impact during this season. Residual products made from exchange of gifts, for example, when we use wrappers, boxes or when we immerse ourselves in unscrupulous eating (because Christmas is all about food), more wastes will be generated compared to our usual lifestyle. We should reflect on our holiday culture so far, think of greener way to celebrate Christmas, hence consider spending an eco-friendly holiday this year. An eco-Christmas might be a fresh idea for everyone. What is it all about? Ecological Christmas is when we make more eco-friendly and sustainable Christmas by reducing our holiday waste, practice shopping smart (buy what is just enough), utilising the latest technology (computer generated fireworks instead of the real one) and so on. And of course, by thinking about becomes of the wastes that we created during this season. How can we do such? First, we should choose the right wrapping paper. In Europe, most people reuse wrapping paper. If you have discarded it and bought a new one every year, you should try reusing it to learn the eco-friendly thought of Europium. And there is an important point about knowing which type of recyclable paper should we use. This could be tricky since they all look similar. However, many rolls contain non-recyclable elements like foil, glitter or plastic. If you want to know which of which, you can use the scrunch test. Scrunch up the paper in your hands and then let it go. If the paper stays scrunched up then it can be recycled but, if it unfolds by its own accord, then it likely contains non-recyclable elements. Or else, we can choose instead for recycled wrapping paper, brown paper or tissue. Second, we should reduce our food waste. One option is to buy less. We should buy them only what we can eat. And when you are food shopping, try and choose items that have light packaging, or just buy loose items. If we have the leftover foods, we can freeze them and stock in a refrigerator. Thereby, we can eat them whenever we want to eat. Third, we should choose a gift that lasts. At Christmas, it can be tempting to panic buy presents, particularly when we simply do not know what to choose. It is important to avoid buying too much stuff that will end up being thrown out or unused. Instead, we should make every gift counts by purchasing things with value, purpose, and meaning. Another great way to help the environment and to save our money is to make our own presents. If we love sewing, baking or painting, we can give a handmade gift. Best of all, it will enable you to put your own stamp on the gift. Especially most grandparents would love handmade cookies, cards and so on from kids. In these ways, we can have a nice Christmas while contributing to protect the environment. After all, unfavorable environment in the future might no longer allow us to celebrate Christmas.
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PARTNERSHIP. Silliman University together with the Department of Science and Technology launch the Silliman Innovations on Energy (Sinergy) Technology Business Incubation (TBI) at the Mariano and Lina Lao Innovation, Creativity and Invention Lab (ICI Lab) last Dec. 7. Photo by Kyle Andree Bolhano.
GLEEFUL CHORISTERS. Members of The Silliman University Campus Choristers sing and groove to the tune of some Christmas songs during the Gleeful Christmas concert held at the Luce Auditorium last Dec 7. Photo by Kyle Andree Bolhano.
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the weekly sillimanian December 13, 2019
RANDOMSPACE: Types of ninongs/ninangs:
the
It's the most wonderful time of the year! Not for those ninongs/ninangs that gave us those promises months and months ago... and forgot about it. They all have their tactics and strategies on how to avoid us during family gatherings, public places, and home visits. But not all of them avoid us, others have never forgotten about it and are very prepared for the occasion. Here are the types of ninongs/ninangs you might encounter this Christmas.
Santa Closed
Frosty the NO-man
Charlie
We see them every regular day of the year. But as the Christmas season slowly approaches, suddenly their homes, stores, rooms are closed. We just wanted to invite them to the coming Christmas parties, but we couldn't... because they are closed. For sure we were not going to ask for gifts from them, right?
The bravest, hardest and strongest of them all. As you jokingly ask for your Christmas presents, they will confidently throw the "NO" card to you. Admire these people, they know how to do proper financial management and save actual money every Christmas season.
At last, the generous part of the conversation! These ninongs/ninangs give out gifts amongst the others, but as their name goes, they only give out chocolates. Probably those chocolates were only given to them too. But at least they give!
Source: ThinkStock
Source: Frosty the Snowman
Source: BuzzFeed
Compiled by Agustin Bas
President McCann's Christmas Message It’s Christmas time again - the happiest season of the year! Let us celebrate Christmas with joy and deep gratitude to God for the grace and love that our Almighty has bestowed on us during the year. Let us thank God for good health, supportive family and friends, and success in all our undertakings. These are things the Lord has granted us in all mercy. We have so much to thank God for in the past year. The continued excellent performance of Silliman University and its students, graduates, faculty, administrators, and alumni in various fields; the numerous acknowledgements the university has received for its leadership role in the education and other sectors; and the opportunities for productive collaboration with donors and partners — all these are blessings we must acknowledge and sincerely attribute to the Most High’s goodness. As Silliman students, thank God for the learning opportunity you are enjoying. Thank God for your parents who work hard to give you one of the best educational opportunities available in the country. Thank your Creator for your teachers patiently facilitating your learning. Thank our Redeemer for the university administrators ensuring a process toward whole-person education for you. Thank our Sustainer for your classmates and campus friends whose company makes each day a joyful experience. Thank our Mighty Counselor for every member of the Silliman community who enriches your student life. May God continue to bless us all as we continue our endeavors in the New Year ahead! Betty Cernol McCann, Ph. D. President
Safe Campus Project comes to SU by Ian Zane Esparaga SEVERAL STUDENT grievances were discussed during the second-day workshop of the Safe Campuses Project. In partnership with the Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives and the Active Citizenship Foundation, Silliman University is one of the five pilot universities in the Philippines to have a Safe Space Desk on campus. “It aims to establish safe spaces desk where students and faculty could forward sexual harassment cases”, said Gabby Cadampog project coordinator. In relation to Safe Spaces Desk, Silliman University Student Government (SUSG) through its Students’ Rights and Welfare Committee said during the discussion that QR codes will be utilized in an effort to further promote the grievance tool kit which is one of the main platforms of the current SUSG administration. “It is a way for us to publicize and further give communication and disseminate this project”, said Ben Bensali SUSG Straw Committee vice-chairperson. He added that other information materials will be placed in most buildings where a lot of students are situated in. Complains regarding academic matters or teachers having unprofessional misconduct or in the worst cases like sexual harassment were the cases they focused on.
On the other hand, concerns regarding sexual harassment on the campus were also tackled. An anonymous person shared that the Anti Sexual Harassment Committee under the SUSG does not hold any consistent and regular meetings. However, according to SUSG president Aprille Juanillo, the Anti Sexual Harassment Committee was not yet a committee, though they were already holding a meeting and before the university’s semestral was recent. The stigma of students on guidance office was brought to the table. Silliman University Peer Advocacy Program’s Breather Room which was launch last Aug. was also facing issues. It was unknown to many that some colleges within the university do not have their own guidance counselor. Shamah Bulangis, part of the technical group of the Safe Silliman Task Force explained that the system of complaints in the university is not working may it be through the student body or the administration. “That’s the problem or the fear that we have in terms of relying on the current structure that we have because a lot of times they really are not working”, she said. The inauguration of the Safe Space Desk was moved January next year prior to the first target dates to further plan the said project.
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RYLF organizes X-mas charity event by Edan Sam Pancho ST REET CH I LDREN, beggars, homeless people and patients in need of blood donors are the recipients of the Renaissance Youth Leader’s Forum’s (RYLF) 12 Days of Christmas event from Dec 2 to Dec 17. As a way of giving back to the community, RYLF celebrates Christmas through consecutive feeding programs, outreaches, giftgiving to the university guards, culmination of bloodletting activity with a lecture on proper hygiene, and sharing the story of the birth of Christ in Siaton, Negros Oriental on Dec 17. Organized by Doxa Llamera and Seth Bariga, chairpersons of the event, the event aims to help the people in need especially the children wandering on streets of
Dumaguete and at the same time encourage the spirit of volunteerism of Sillimanians by donating clothes, soap, blankets and other essentials. According to Bariga, their goal is to teach and educate the children regarding the story of the birth of Christ, implant goodness, and expose volunteers to community service. Activities include feeding programs and storytelling in different places in Dumaguete City. Street children from the Downtown of Dumaguete, Quezon Park, Rizal Boulevard and Escano were beneficiaries of the said activities from Dec 2 to 6 and Dec 9. On Dec 7, RYLF held an outreach in Mount Olives church in Banilad, Dumaguete. Homeless families from Downtown, Quezon Park and the Market Area also received gifts from December 10 to
11. Silliman guards were also given as well as random parking boys on Dec 12 and 13. RYLF also organized a bloodletting activity on Dec 14 for Red Cross beneficiaries. Finally, on Dec 17, a Hygiene day with a storytelling activity and gift-giving was held on Siaton, Negros Oriental for children. Llamera, was satisfied, happy and overwhelmed as the event was decided spontaneously. “Starting from nothing, God showed His faithfulness and continued sustaining us every day. Seeing the smiles of the children and those whom we randomly give packed dinner is a reliever and an energizer to keep on going and do better everyday,” she said. “We hope that we become a blessing to others and inspire them to do the same when skies get better for them.”
of the program. “Our homonym of ‘SINERGY’ … also sounds like ‘synergy’… which means the interaction of elements that when combined produce a total effect greater than the sum of individual elements and contributions. We have envisioned our [TBI] to include all, not only energy technologies, but also educational technologies, Internet of Things, environmental technologies, marine sciences, and all the strengths that we have at the university,” Förster said. Russell Pili, Chief of Research Information and Technology Transfer Division of DOSTPhilippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development discussed matters regarding TBI and what it aims to do. “But now, DOST is gunning for Industry 4.0. That is why we recently launched our TBI 4.0 program. That is our version of converting local facilities to international TBIs. The goal of the TBI 4.0 program is to be able to create world-class TBIs, globally link them to our international partners and provide competitive facilities, access markets abroad … upgrade our skillsets and also produce quality tech startups for the world.” Pili said, Afterward, vice president for development Jane Belarmino talked on behalf of SU President Dr. Betty Cernol-McCann, followed by Dr. Henry Sojor, Provincial Administrator of Negros Oriental and served as the representative of Hon. Roel Degamo, Governor of Negros Oriental.
Dr. Sojor said: “Words like incubation, innovation, creativity and changes. Those were the words I heard from the Tiempos of [SU]. I remember very well, when I graduated from my doctoral degree here, Dr. Tiempo—both Mr. and Mrs. Tiempo—we went to Dauin. And I told them that Dauin has a lot of rocks, maybe coming from the mountains of Mount Talinis. Mrs. Tiempo patted me here and said, ‘Henry, don’t worry about the rocks. The rocks are the broken teeth of God.’” The event proceeded with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement, then a message from Edward Du, President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Region VII, and Julius Teves, Community Partner of the Energy Development Corporation was given. Three incubates, who were recipients of the Mariano Lao ICI Research Grant Scholarship, were recognized. They were: “Design and Implementation of a PHPP with a Water Level Alarm System,” “Design of a Rumble Strip Road Power Generator for Light Emitting Diode (LED) Street Lighting”, and “The Design and Fabrication of an Automated Egg Size Sorting Machine.” Parallel sessions were held in the afternoon, including 3D Programming, Innovation Technology Support, Project Proposal Formulation, Commercialization, Creativity Fest, and Mobile Programming.
Emmanuel said: “From the experience of the Sillimanian going through all experience when they leave, they actually have live with the love of the environment and to do their part.”. “So I’m hoping that both with the knowledge that they gain; understanding what are the environmental issues, what it means to people, what it means [to] the future generations, and then, not only the knowledge but building the attitude that we need on how we
feel about the environment, about creation and so on.” “I hope this will become just the regular part of any Sillimanian coming out from their experience in school.” Dr. Emmanuel added. The SU Student Government Environment Committee presented their upcoming events for the Zero Waste Month that will transpire in January 2020, such as video-making contests, photowalks, spoken word events, and music and arts night.
from page 1 | SU, DOST launch... of which university you came from, which school you came from if you want your idea to become an official business… then this is the hub for you,” he said. Dela Peña explained that one would have to pitch their ideas to a group of panelists comprised of TBI staff. If the panelists would find the idea feasible and marketable, then one would receive a grant—exclusive to this TBI—of ₱100,000. However, he added that TBI is not limited to pitches. “We are purely incubation. So, even if you don’t want to pitch but you have an idea, we allow them to be incubated here. Not by funding, but by facilities. We have the computers, the 3D printers, and the co-working space they need for their ideas.” Dela Peña stated that the establishment of a local TBI is part of a government bid to achieve Industry 4.0 in the country, featuring technologies such as artificial intelligence and smart cities at the forefront The whole-day affair began with a devotion, ribbon-cutting, dedication, and blessing, and was followed by a welcoming message by Dr. Earl Cleope, Vice President for Academic Affairs, who described this as a “leap of faith.” Dr. Dave Marcial, the project leader of SINERGY TBI and Dean of the College of Computer Studies, shared how SINERGY TBI came to be, as the staff realized the need for a “technopreneurship.” Förster then discussed the purpose and scope from page 1 | SU conducts... such as role-playing, waste segreation, and application of the Waste Assessment and Brand Audit. Dr. Jorge Emmanuel, a professor at the Institute of Environmental and Marine Sciences and a Balik Scientist under the Department of Science and Technology, is the man behind the blueprint for the action of the first environmental summit of the university. Part of his vision is to let the Sillimanians leave the campus with the engraved knowledge of caring the environment. Dr.