the
weeklysillimanian
116 years
TOWARDS A PROGRESSIVE CAMPUS PRESS
@tWSilliman theweeklysillimanian.com
VOL. XCI NO. 1 | TUESDAY JULY 30, 2019
SUSG Pleads Transparency from the Admin Kristhel Hannah B. Baluarte News Editor
SILLIMAN UNIVERSITY STUDENT GOVERNMENT (SUSG) highlights transparency in fees and publication of official documents on a post on their official Facebook page, this S.Y. 2019 -2020. SUSG President Aprille Roselle Vince Juanillo said that transparency has been one of the SUSG’s biggest thrusts even during their campaign period. A deliver of service with certain transparency. Being transparent is their responsibility and placing the students’ trust into. In line with the SUSG’s aim for transparency and Digital Empowerment, an online platform called “LIHOK” was implemented, it is for students to be updated about the SUSG’s progress throughout the year. “What we [SUSG] noticed is that most people
don’t really see that the Student Government is doing anything unless it’s a physical thing because people are visual so we think it’s right for students to know what the SUSG is doing even in the process of it,” said SUSG President Aprille Roselle Vince Juanillo. TRANSPARENCY IN FEES According to the SUSG’s first LIHOK report, they are seeking for transparency in fees from the SU A d m i n i s t r a tion. Juanillo said the intention is for the students to know where their money is going and what the SU Admin is doing with the money. Moreover, Juanillo said they might be the first administration who can get a copy of the breakdown of the miscellaneous fees because the past administrations only got a schedule of fees and not a thorough breakdown of it, for the reason
that the Business and Finance does not have a system that presents it the way the SUSG wanted it to be delineated wit. The SU Admin is on the process of checking its validity and singling out the files from the entire roster of expenses, which will be then handed to the SUSG. The SUSG will go fully transparent in presenting the data when given by the SU Admin. Juanillo added that “[it is] going to be a public document … so we know if we’re either underpaying or overpaying something.” PUBLICIZING OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS Last July 10, the SUSG published the order documents from the Secretary of Department of Labor and Employment, Silvestre H. Bello III, concerning the labor dispute between SUFA and SU Admin. continued on page 4
SUCN organizes Disaster and Emergency Management Program Henr i e A n gel i e L . Tam
Silliman University College of Nursing faculty (SUCN) and medical health personnel all over the Philippines collaborated in the Community-based Disaster and Emergency Management Program last July 18 in the SUCN grounds. The program was to empower the participants to help educate and equip the community for disaster preparedness. According to Dr. Freslyn Lim-Saco, Assistant Professor of SUCN, the Program of Leadership Excellence in Nursing (PoLEN) of SUCN collaborated with the California Baptist University’s College of
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Shock and Awe
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Nursing for a simulation to help out the community to respond appropriately and promptly before, during and after disasters. Nurses and personnel from hospitals in Dumaguete City including Silliman University Medical Center and ACE Dumaguete Doctors Inc. were present during the drill. Among those present were representatives from St. Paul University Dumaguete, Negros Oriental State University, Foundation University Dumaguete, and Misamis University. Government sectors namely Dumaguete City Department of Education, Department of Education
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Adding fuel to the fire
Division of Negros Oriental, Dumaguete City Health Office, and City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office were also in the event. Special aid was given through the Negros Oriental Provincial SWAT team and Silliman University by providing a police car, fire truck, and ambulance. Student nurses also served as actors during the said event. In addition, Dumaguete Mayor, Felipe Antonio B. Remollo, provided meals, among others, as support for the event. tWS
LOCKDOWN. Silliman University suspends afternoon classes and work, after receiving a bomb threat from an alleged former NPA member.
SU starts construction of a two-storey academic building Ed a n S a m Pa nc ho Ne ws Writ e r S I L L I M A N UNIVERSITY (SU) began the construction of a two-storey academic building on April 1 located between Pulido and Doltz Halls. According to Engineer Edgar Ygnalaga Jr, Head of Buildings and Grounds, “With its growing enrollment, the university still needs more academic space.” The academic building is being constructed by Sobre Yu Construction. With a total area of 882 square meters, the building, with a total of eight rooms, will include four rooms on the first floor and another
four rooms on the second floor with one functioning as a faculty room. Envisioned amenities will include a laboratory conducive for students’ activities. The said building is scheduled to be finished after 120 working days. A decision as to who’s going to occupy the new building has not been made. However, Ygnalaga said, it would most likely go to the Senior High School because of their population. The final decision has yet to be announced by the SU Administration. tWS
“What we [SUSG] noticed is that most people don’t really see that the Student Government is doing anything unless it’s a physical thing...” Aprille Juanillo on the SUSG’s promise on transparency
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HANDHELD
CHAMPION. Sillimanians, Julina Franz Abellar and Julmar Joseph Misa won as Ambassadors of Goodwill 2019 in the Mr. and Mrs. JPIA Dumaguete winning the pageant 7 years straight for MR JPIA AOG and 2 years straight for MS JPIA AOG that was held in the SU Gym, July 20. PHOTO BY Natha Le Louise Bureros
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the weekly sillimanian July 30, 2019
EDITORIAL
Shock and Awe
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he month of July comes to a dramatic close with the commencement of the long-time Sillimanian tradition “Hibalag” starting off with the booth-building and from there it will all be an elaborate buildup towards the week-long celebration of founder’s day. But in the shadows of the night, the downpour of not only rain but the plague that was the bomb scare — all create an overshadowing blanket of uncertainty over the students. On June 19 at 1pm, Silliman University posted a statement regarding the cancellation of classes due to the "continuing security and disaster response exercises" done by the school. Though it may look quite normal at first glance, one must take into consideration the sudden release of this post, which got mixed reactions from the students, faculty, and staff alike. The top issue remains that it was all so sudden. Students and employees were asked to leave the school premises without additional instructions or definite explanations according to multiple grievances sent to tWS. Students pointed out that the wording of the advisory didn’t cause any sense of urgency to most, seeing as it was just an “exercise,” only to be caught off-guard when they learned from staff that there was a bomb threat. Students and employees of the university are frustrated at the management of the whole ordeal — from the communication of details to the lacking sense of urgency and firmness of the evacuation process. The question now being asked is this: Are we going to double or even triple down on measures after that? Another thing to note is that the bomb threat had major implications to events in Silliman University. The event that takes the biggest blow among all others is the Founder’s Week celebration or Hibalag. The Hibalag celebration — celebrated mid to late August — continues as planned but with doubts on whether or not activities will be affected. The Administration’s directive is to make sure that the student body, as well as the faculty and staff are safe and secure within the premises of the University. It is possible to drive away uncertainty and doubt if the Administration continually step up security measures while at the same time maintain the quality of everything that we enjoy and relish within the portals of Silliman — the Silliman Experience. tWS believes that the Silliman University Administration’s security capabilities have been tested last Friday, June 19. Faced with expectations from students, the administration must find ways to improve upon said security protocols without affecting the activities of the annual Hibalag celebration, and future school activities, by a huge margin. tWS
sillimaniansspeak Compiled by Nathan Angelo B. Cruz | Web Manager
“What is your take on Silliman University’s safety and security protocols?” “The university’s security protocols were recently put to the test. Generally speaking, the security personnel were very responsive when it comes to securing the campus. Although, the dissemination of information could’ve been a whole lot better if the security office, along with the school administration, publicised real-time updates to the situation, so as to debunk false information that were circulating during the lockdown.” Ben Nadzmier Bensali, HumSS Grade 12 “ I believe the university tried its best to ensure safety of everyone, being responsive was good. However, updates could have been smoother and systematic evacuation was lacking. Providing mental care service for the traumatized seems essential as well. Looking forward to improvements and preventions.” Heun Helena Yang, Bachelor of Fine Arts IV “Silliman needs a dedicated team and system for dissemination of *actual* information. Plain and simple. Most of the panic was caused by false information being spread, which helped no one.” Ronald Christian Kollman, Bachelor of Science in Nursing I
Editor-in-Chief Associate Editor Business Manager Web Manager News Editor Features Editor
Jean Aldemer S. Salgados Kevin Q. Alaban Dan Walter D. Reyes Nathan Angelo B. Cruz Kristhel Hannah B. Baluarte Jeck G. Tirambulo
News Writers Francis Ryan B. Pabiania Edan Sam G. Pancho Henrie Angelie L. Tam Feature Writers Diamay Klem D. Balacuit Maria Fiona A. Labucuas Cartoonisy Chiaki Hoshi Photojournalists Natha Le B. Bureros Alrivin M. Trivilegio Adviser Dr. Warlito S. Caturay Jr.
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) 4226002 local 243. https://www.facebook.com/tWSilliman/ https://www.twitter.com/tWSilliman/ 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
Adding Fuel to the Fire by Junelie Anthony Velonta | But’ang Amang
“Dili na safe ang Dumaguete.”
“City of Gentle People no more.” “Please suspend classes because (insert reason).” Isn’t it tiring to hear these? Isn’t it very annoying to see these on Facebook feeds? If such statements are to be analyzed, they do not actually add anything constructive to the current situation in the city. Furthermore, they do not add any sort of solution to the problem. Why then, are such statements rampant? A common way to lessen a person’s fears is to voice it out. By doing so, a part of the inner tension gets released—much like in therapy. This is what is happening now. With the people made afraid of the recent events, they voice out their fears
and concerns through multiple channels. In this time of social media, they voice their fears out through there too. However, it must be noted that those that read or hear these concerns are not therapists. They are not equipped to handle and lessen the fears of those that voice out. If anything, those that read or listen to it have become afraid themselves. Fear, then, spreads. This spread is further hastened by social media, where one post could spread to the attentions of many in so little time. As such, those kinds of statements should be stopped. They add nothing positive to the situation. They do not help solve it. What, then, should be done by those that wish to express concern? They could still voice it out, but through proper channels. Such concerns
should only be voiced to one’s self, to those that one regards closely, and those that could actually do something about the situation (e.g. government officials, police officers, etc.). If one is eager to post about it in social media, it is better to research about how to maintain one’s safety and how to be vigilant and aware. Findings then could be posted online. These could help those that would actually face such situation. Developing relevant skills would help, too. While the most common response would be self-defense or martial skills, it must be noted that they are very contextual. Medical skills (such as first aid) and situational awareness are much more helpful than the ability to punch someone. Remember, one cannot defend against the knife one never sees coming. Lastly, think before you click. tWS
Belief and Non-Belief
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by Jean Salgados | Editor-in-Chief
’ve lived most of my life under the care and guidance of a catholic family that sent me to a catholic school in the Province of Bohol. My inquisitive outlook on how things work led me to reject most of the religious structures I’ve lived with. I currently live out my life in accordance to the ways of Humanism, and even prior to my disbelief. Walking into Silliman University, I knew that I was once again going to be walking among God-fearing individuals, I but also hoped for something different. My mother taught me to accept people as they are and try to see the silver lining in every circumstance that I come across in all aspects of my life. The Christian student population in Silliman is quite different from the catholic population I grew up with in Bohol; Both communities do share the same love and devotion for both God and Jesus. The dormitories within Silliman have a devotion session and they have services similar to the Holy Masses the catholics celebrate every sunday.
What I find most interesting is the apparent existence of multiple christian denominations in the student population. From Latter-Day Saints to Islam, Silliman University made the inclusiveness aspect of their environment a good place for the harmonious existence of many belief systems. But I have come to ask the question of whether the people with no religion can be viewed as normal in this great institution. Non-believers are but a minority in this University and from my personal experience, I’m glad to have found other people who share the same belief. What I find disappointing is the fact that there still exist some people who can’t wrap around the idea of someone not believing the same way they do. There are people who are militant about their religion that they become bigots — the unideal image of a religious person, but the most common form of one. I had recently come across a group of Christians in school who would
relentlessly push their religious agenda on me whenever they talk about praising Jesus, while at the same time being sparing no expense when throwing tirades at people who openly contradict their sayings. I believe that these ways of thinking have no place in the progressive space that is Silliman University. As a Humanist, I came into Silliman knowing I will be scrutinized for my secular ways of thinking and how openly I denounce religious faith. But I have come to the conclusion that perhaps the best way to achieve harmony is not to call out each other’s belief systems, but to engage in healthy intellectual discourse, but holding on to one’s beliefs, settling and accepting the differences, and to ultimately work together despite these differences. Because in the span of time I have been in Silliman, I have seen stronger bonds despite the differences and even stronger willingness to form connections. This is what I love about Silliman -- the strength in diversity. tWS
the weekly sillimanian July 30, 2019
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The 4 P’s in a Pod by Maria Fiona A. Labucuas | Feature Writer
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tudents who have taken research subjects have most likely heard of one if not all of the “4 Ps” of the English Department. The 4 Ps are jokingly considered by some as the “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.” In most cases, students avoid enrolling in their classes or contemplate on dropping the subject when already in their classes. The stories of students getting low marks in their classes are modern day horror stories that will never be forgotten. The four Ps are called as such because their last names start with the letter P. These teachers are Ma’am Hellene Pinero, Asst. Prof. Lady Flor Partosa, Asst. Prof. Ronelaine Picardal, and Asst. Principal Myla June Patron. They are known for being strict, being tough on their students, and for having high standards. Allandra Gandola, a Grade 12 ABM student, said that she personally experienced being in one of the 4 Ps’ research classes which resulted in her losing her academic scholarship last year. She even compares that particular ‘P’ jokingly
as “tough” in terms of classroom policies, attendance, and deadlines. She said, “I believe that by imposing such expectations in class may help students develop effective time management, do better decision-making, and demonstrate appreciation of the opportunity/ Other students who have privilege to have access to quality education.” experienced being in the 4 Ps’ She also adds that this will prepare them to meet classes shared that they learned to the expectations set in their future workplaces. work better under pressure because The reason the 4 Ps are famous (or of them. They learned skills that could be used outside the classroom. infamous) among students is because of their unique teaching style which, because they are Contrary to popular belief, the 4 unconventional and outside most students’ Ps aren’t a one-way ticket to “Goodbye comfort zones, is feared or even hated. However, Honors” town. These “terror” teachers this antagonism against them, one may realize may be tough and scary, but that’s later on, may be purely from immaturity. If only because they care. Ma’am Pinero not for these “terror” teachers, students would once explained to her students that the take longer to adjust and cope with stress reason she challenges her students is Ironically, the 4 Ps create good memories because not doing so would be an insult to their intelligence. These “terror” once the semester is over. Every time someone teachers want students to maximize mentions one of them or reminisces the time their learning. They make it difficult they were in their class with their friends or for students to challenge them to be classmates, it generates laughter. They recall the better than what they already are. stress and the pressure they had but also admit that they wouldn’t be the persons they are today Asst. Prof. Ronelaine Picardal had they not been in any of those classes. tWS acknowledges that she is probably known to the likes of Thanos. However, she admits that because of her teacher’s high standards during their oral recitation and oral defense, her grammar and speaking skills have improved significantly.
A psychedelic expectation
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The clock is ticking and the calendar is flipping. In just a matter of weeks, students will soon go through the same cycle - the midterm exams. Taxing it will be. Despite the week-long preparations and self-assurance of readiness, students still can’t avoid scratching their cranium when faced with a sheet of bond paper bearing the Times New Romans in 12 and waiting for the tip of their pen to touch it. However, just like other things, pre and post-midterm stress just comes and goes. It will eventually be lost and not a faint of aftershock will be left when Hibalag comes. Hibalag, of course, is a muchawaited 11-day event of gathering, meeting, and reuniting of Sillimanians around the globe. Packed with exemplary activities, Hibalag is one of the highlights of Silliman University's Founders Celebration.
by Jeck Tirambulo | Feature Editor
From the previous year's summer-inspired theme, the Commission on School Organizations (COMSO) has tapped "Retro Psychedelic" as this year's Hibalag theme. Psychedelic is associated with the powerful effects of some drugs illustrated as a manifestation of distorted vivid colours imbued into patterns and symbols when channeled into the arts. However, that's just one aspect of it. When channeled as music, it makes use of distorted electric guitars and Indian inspired musical arrangements.
vibrant elements integrated into every booth design. This will be a challenge to competitive student organizations who are vying for the accolades that will be given on the last day of Hibalag. Crowd of hippies
A crowd of hippies is what might be expected during Hibalag. Hippies are popular during the 1960s. They were described as unconventional in terms of appearance and practice; often confused as spiritual seekers and stereotyped as ganja lovers. However, they were the Therefore, it is a challenge early adopters for "woke" culture. They for the participating school don't tolerate inequality and other organizations to integrate such forms of social injustices. How relevant. theme and for the organizers to deliver the colorful retro-psychedelic Truly, this year's theme raises experience and meet the expectations. curiosity among some Sillimanians. It's something unusual and challenging. Often ignored and overlooked, themes Retro psychedelic booths are important avenues in relaying subtle Since every booth is a messages. As for everyone who is excited representation of different cultures, for Hibalag, make the most out of it. tWS it is expected to see surreal and
twsannouncement! tWS is going to hold a Sillimanian culture poll very soon. If you want to contribute some Silliman pop culture personalities or symbols, you may do so by messaging the Weekly Sillimanian facebook page! Just go to this link https://www.facebook.com/tWSilliman/
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http://www.emerge-arts-festival.org.uk/active-round-necklong-sleeve-printed-tshirt-elastic-waist-pants-womenstwinset-gray-s9s86h4832516-p-13086.html
the weekly sillimanian July 30, 2019
Prevention is the Solution. The dengue fever, a mosquito-borne infection spread by a certain species of mosquito – the Aedes aegypti, has already affected almost 106, 630 people in our country starting from January to June this year. Because of this alarming number, the Department of Health (DOH) declared the National Dengue Alert with the objective of spreading awareness and prevention to the public. Here are some tips to prevent from getting this virus
WEAR LONG-SLEEVED SHIRTS AND PANTS Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants can protect you from getting a bite coming from a virus-carrying mosquito. To have a long-lasting protection, wear a permethrintreated clothing and gear.
MAKE SURE THAT WINDOWS AND DOOR SCREENS ARE CLOSED Installing windows and door screens is a great help. Having these in homes, schools, and offices can prevent not just the dengue virus but also the other viruses brought by the other insects.
USE MOSQUITO NETS WHILE SLEEPING When you sleep in a place with many mosquitoes, consider using mosquito nets for they will serve as your protection while sleeping. This is applicable when sleeping areas do not have screen windows and doors. https://www.lifesystems.co.uk/products/mosquito-nets/ solonet-single
https://www.phantomscreens.com/retractable-door-screens/
Compiled by: Diamay Klem D. Balacuit via https://www.passporthealthusa.com/travel-medicine/dengue-fever-prevention/; https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/179471.php; https://www.medicinenet.com/dengue_fever/article.htm#dengue_fever_facts; https://www.cdc.gov/features/avoid-dengue/index.html
SUSG Pleads... from page 1 “We gave both parties the opportunity to give out facts they are willing to share to the public, that they think the public should know…We did not touch the data they gave us, so how they were placed there is exactly how they put it there,” Juanillo explained. The goal of distributing it to the public was to have a better informed studentry and to provide substantial knowledge of the events around the university. Full-disclosure of necessary information will be carried out by the SUSG. Besides these a f o r e m e n t i o n e d , the SUSG is continuing their drive for transparency on multiple platforms: zero waste advocacy, student assistance, inclusivity in advance gender equality, improvement of school WiFi and other matters, all of which are officially posted on their first LIHOK report. tWS
Silliman Idol Lists Top 15 Franc is Ryan Pabiania Silliman Idol committee short listed the Top 35 qualifiers into Top 15 shortly after the Live Auditions held at the Audio Visual Theater, July 20. Sixty-four Sillimanians from junior and senior high school to college had close auditions last July 13. This is higher than the last year's number auditionees of 55. Seven SHS students dominated the list:Chino Rafael Capul, Shannyn Morales, Khristine Angela Mercado, Hannah Joy Ramos, Dezirhyl Genn Ramirez, Carla Andrea Bacalso and Raya Nicole Reyes. Joining them are university students from different colleges: Mark Levien Reluya and Danafhe Cadvez (BS - Civil Engineering); Eden Faith Lucaylucay (Advance Certificate Degree in Music); Marieneil Caguisa (BS - Medical Technology);
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Melchizedek Lozarita II (BS - Information Technology); Josi Caitrina Salomon (AB Political Science); Khrystal Jaimie Jordan (Bachelor in Special Needs Education) and Geovannie Shane Dacuya (Institute of Rehabilitative Sciences). "This year’s Silliman Idol is going to be filled with heart-warming performances and will bring out the inner artistry in them," said Silliman Idol Chairperson Nicole Lucero. The competition focuses on the theme, “Your Mood, Your Music," depicting individuals’ moods or emotions through songs. Lucero said being into music allows a person to reflect into the song expressing their "mood or emotions”, as they want the contenders to connect with the audience — choosing a mood or emotion in interpreting their chosen songs. "Our goal is to strengthen the artist’s confidence in expressing what they feel and how they want the audience to feel," she added. There was no complete schedule of events; only competition rounds were posted as of press time. "As we start the competition and head towards Idol Night, we will all witness how these contenders break their walls and sing their innermost selves as they fight for their spot and claim the Championship title for Silliman Idol 2019," Lucero said. tWS
GALILEAN FELLOWSHIP. ROTC, CWTS, and LTS participate in a Galilean Fellowship held in Cimafranca Ballfield and Ravello Field last Saturday, July 27. PHOTO BY Jan Renzo Marquez (taken from SUCC)
NUTRI FEST. SUROTC cadet dances to zumba music during the Nutri Fest on July 21. PHOTO BY Chloie Marie Vincoy (taken from SUCC)
TOP 15. 15 out of 65 contestants were chosen during the 2nd audition of the Silliman Idol last July 20 at the AVT. PHOTO BY Jan Alrivin Trivilegio
Hibalag 2019 to go retro Natha n Ang e lo C r uz
Ne ws Writ e r
Committee on Student Organizations (ComSo) Chairperson Al-khaizer Warad said that this year’s Hibalag Booth Festival, to be held from August 19 to 29, aims to “go back to where it all started” with the theme, “Retro Psychedelic.”
To hype up the 11-day event, ComSo released the first Hiba-vlog on July 22 on their Facebook page, with more content to come, along with a continuation of the Hibalagserye videos from last year, according to Warad.
“We want to go back to where it all started. The retro age, the seventies, because … woke people, the hippies — nidaghan sila in the seventies. People were so awake of the reality… daghan mga revolutions na nahitabo. So that is why, we want to go back there; we want to appreciate the decade, the era,” Warad said.
“We’re still in the planning stage; we’re still doing all necessary preparations, he stated, “processing permits… everythinglogistical and technical… we’re still finalizing.”
He further stated that although the theme is retro, there is a twist due to the psychedelic aesthetic, comprising vibrant colors reminiscent of the decade.
Meanwhile, ComSo Cochairperson Kirsten Dique said that they plan to have a “mini-Parada Sillimaniana” on the first day, featuring the participants of the staple events for this year, like the Miss Silliman, Mr. Hibalag, Silliman Idol, and Hibalag King & Queen.
According to Warad, there will be an 11-day outreach activity during the Hibalag season, this will be organized by ComSo along with Silliman University Student Government (SUSG), SU Extensions Program, SUSG Executive Committee, and the Student Organizations and Activities Division. Warad added that there will be a fellowship during the closing event on August 29, which is open to all Sillimanians and Dumagueteños. Amidst the preparations for the upcoming events, the ComSo have one thing to say for everyone - that is to look forward for the release of the schedule during the first week of August. tWS