No. 6

TOWARDS A PROGRESSIVE CAMPUS PRESS

114

years

vol. LXXXViIi No. 6 | FRIDAY, August 12, 2016

TOWARDS A GRICULTURE. Department of Agriculture secretary, Emmanuel Piñol, addresses the problems in the agriculture sector during the Annual Green SONA last Aug. 9 at Guy Hall. PHOTO BY Kenno Elum

SUHS gears to promote environmental initiatives

By Angelica Mae D. Gomez and Gloria Gem T. Lumayag “IF YOU DON’T care about the environment, it’s as good as you don’t care about yourself,” Silliman University (SU) president Ben S. Malayang III said in his opening speech at the Youth Environmental Fair and Congress last Aug. 6 at the SU Gymnasium.

More than 800 students from different high schools from Amlan to Zamboanguita attended the lecture and workshop that was sponsored by the Silliman University High School (SUHS) batch of 1976 in cooperation with the HS-

Centennial Committee and SUHS. The Youth Environmental Fair and Congress was the first event of “An August Rush,” a series of events geared to commemorate the SUHS centennial that will be celebrated this month. The main theme of “An August Rush” is the environmental advocacy which features running and tree planting activities.

The speakers of the event were selected SU faculties: Dr. Enrique G. Oracion, dean of Graduate School, on Climate Change and Human Impact; Dr. Robert S. Guinoo, chairman of SU Biology Department, on the State of Environment: Global and Regional Perspective; Dr. Theresa A.

Guinoo, faculty of SU Nursing, on Climate Change and Health; and Prof. Michael Lawton R. Alcala, coordinator/chairman of the Center for Tropical Studies (CENTROP), on SU CENTROP Initiatives.

For the workshop proper of the event, students (divided into six groups), created their own environmental advocacies based on the topics given to them: environmental policies, biodiversity, aquatic, terrestrial, culture and health, and pollution.

According to Atty. Jose Riodill D. Montebon, the event manager of “An August Rush,” the continue to page 4...

with the CDRRMO for the disaster preparedness week.

According to Fearn Ann Acibo, co-chairperson of the SUSG Environment Committee, the seminar-workshop was supposed to be conducted last July but was cancelled due to several changes.

Eighty percent of the CDRRMO’s programs are based on Information Education Campaign which aims to teach people how to respond in times of disasters. However, according to Chu, even with the intensive campaign people have always been passive when it comes to disasters.

Chu mentioned “herd mentality” as one of the human failures in need to be eradicated.

“We fail to see the danger because we are afraid to stand and soar; we don’t want to be different,” he said.

“When will we learn? Learn and prepare when there is no emergency.

Don’t be afraid to be different; don’t be afraid to speak out.”

In his lecture Chu tackled various topics such as preparation before,during, and after a disaster, hazards and risks, contingency plans and critical needs that have been addressed for the city’s isaster continue to page 4...

First of which is the Kudiyattam (Indian), which requires strength from the gut. It recognizes the “three Body Principle” (Individual, Actor, Character) and the powerful use of eye and hand gestures.

Second, is the Beijing Opera (China), wherein a lady requires a lot of elegance. Lady characters are more effectively done by men.

Aguilar said, “Men tend to exaggerate because it is not in their nature.”

Third is the Japanese Noh, which circles on Ju Ha Ku: Beginning, Middle, and End. It represents beauty in both sides: darkness and light, good and bad (always balanced).

Lastly, the Wayang Wong (Indonesian), which follows

breath as an actor moves and finds beauty in slowness.

Aguilar calls art a “divine intervention” and said theater is basically a collaboration of different arts: visual arts, dance, and music.

“Directing has a huge responsibility in telling a truth in a story,”Aguilar said.

She takes notes in every production, always thinking “What could have worked better?” in order to develop the play.

According to Aguilar, directors should not limit themselves as well as they should not limit their staff and actors/actresses.

“Being too worldly...it blocks a lot of things from us. It continue to page 4...

Frat-Sor alliance holds leadership enhancement training program

By Mary Abigail T. Go

THE FRATERNITY-SORORITY Alliance in collaboration with the Silliman UniversityWorld Bank Knowledge for Development Center which is celebrating its 13th anniversary, held a leadership enhancement training program last Aug. 5-6.

According to Carr Ramirez

Lobaton, Rizal Youth Club president, they organized the leadership enhancement training program “because of one and only one reason: service.”

Lobaton added that service is their sacrifice and reward at the same time, and that it embodies the true essence of being a fratman/sorwoman.

The program also intended to continue to page 4...

SUSG Environment Committee organizes DRRM workshop

By Karah Jane B. Sarita

“SOMETHING IS ALREADY going on. When are we going to prepare?” Engr. Jose Chu, City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) Head challenged the youth in a seminar-workshop last Aug. 6 at the American Studies Resource Center.

This Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) seminarworkshop was organized by the Silliman University Student Government (SUSG) Environment Committee in collaboration

ITI scholar turned director conducts lecture

By Karah Jane B. Sarita

“ART SHOULD NOT be limited, do not limit yourself. Let it flow,” Denise Mordeno Aguilar, theater practitioner and educator, conducted a lecture entitled “Turning Grief to Greatness: A Director’s Process” last Aug. 8 at the Audio Visual Theater-1.

The lecture was part of the Albert Faurot Lecture Series, a running lecture series in the Culture and Arts Council.

Aguilar studied at the Intercultural Theater Institute (ITI) in Singapore.

She was also a recipient of the Kuo Pao Kun Foundation-ITI Scholarship.

According to Aguilar, she was able to play characters of different cultures.

WORKSHOP. Students from Amlan to Zamboanguita high schools work together to make their environmental advocacy during the Youth Environmental Fair and Congress last Aug. 6 at SU Gymnasium. PHOTO BY Ariana Gabrielle Melgar

SU supports breastfeeding campaign

By Gresheen Gift M. Libby

IN LINE WITH the national breastfeeding month, employees and alumni of Silliman University (SU) together with mothers and advocates gathered for “Dumaguete, Hakab Na!,” a breastfeeding campaign last Aug. 6 at the student lounge of Oriental Hall (OH).

The event was organized by four mothers: Hera de Guia, Clarisse Sy, Manelli Jarambe-Maribao, and Gladice Divina Alcantara.

“Dumaguete, Hakab Na!” is a non-profit campaign that aims to raise awareness and encourage breastfeeding. “As of now, it is nonprofit, but we tried to tie-up with the local government,” de Guia, the event organizer and also the guidance counselor of SU College of Business Administration said.

De Guia also said that they

are still trying to get the local government involved so that the next campaign would be bigger.

“Hakab” is a Tagalog word for the act of latching on, or babies feeding from their mothers. “Hakab Na!” is in line with the international campaign “The Big Latch On”, and it aims to bring mothers from all over the country to simultaneously latch their babies at exactly 10:30 to 10:31 a.m. The organizers recorded the number of babies who latched during that minute and added it to the nationwide count.

There were 12 recorded latches during the full one-minute latchon at OH. These will be added to the nationwide count, and then the international count.

The mothers at the event were also sharing their stories and tips on how to breastfeed their children. continue to page 4...

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the weekly sillimanian 12 August 2016

the weekly sillimanian 12 August 2016

A Talk of Our Tongue

As One Puzzle

T

he State of the Nature Assessment (SONA), held at the Silliman University last Aug. 9, is an annual event organized by the Green Convergence for Safe Food, Healthy Environment and Sustainable Economy.

Held for the first time outside Metro Manila, the theme of this year’s “Green SONA” is about the latest state of the Philippine environment.

Leaders from different civic environmental organizations have gathered to discuss topics such as “Philippine Carbon Sources and Sinks”, “Status of the Implementation of the Solid Waste Management Law”, “Philippine Forests as Carbon Sink”, “Status of Philippine Agriculture: Carbon Source or Sink?” and “Energy Sources, Utilization and Scenarios.”

Our environmental problems in the Philippines not only stem from climate change or from deeply rooted socio-economic issues in our struggles as a nation but also conflicts that arise from widespread poverty and a huge divide among the rich and the poor.

This huge divide gives rise for the almost abrupt and unsustainable settlement of highly urbanized areas which, in turn, increases the waste produced by the area. Squatters’ areas are the primary evidences of this and one could not help but notice that the former are hotspots for ineffective waste disposal.

The world is plagued with a sickness, one that has been slowly destroying our planet in front of our very eyes. It affects us all, no matter where or who we are.

Remedying the sickness that plagues our country will require long term commitment and genuine actions coming from the people and not just from the leaders. Let us start changing things slowly by doing our part and expanding our awareness about taking good care of our environment.

Each one of us should take part in this battle. Each one should care, because no matter how hard one works, a single hand could never complete a puzzle.~

By Junelie Anthony Velonta

I

editorial

sillimaniansspeak Compiled by Gresheen Gift M. Libby

“What are your expectations for Hibalag 2016?”

“I am expecting for this year’s 2016 Hibalag Booth Festival to be more successful and the students to follow the new policies that is set by the SUSG-ComSo, with the guidance of SOAD, and OSS. With this, Sillimanians can make our Hibalag run smoothly.”

Steve Karlo B. Canones, Bachelor of Business Administration Major in Management II “I expect Hibalag 2016 to be cleaner and more enjoyable. I expect that it would have more activities and fun programs in hand. I also expect more artists, bands and entertainment to perform on the stage.”

Kassandra Joyce S. Eguia, Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy II “I’m expecting a little less this year since minors are now tied up to their curfew.”

Roselle Louise V. Loculan, Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy II “I expect that Hibalag 2016 would be more memorable, fun and better than last year’s Hibalag celebration. Last year’s Hibalag was memorable for us freshmen students I hope this year would have more events to be enjoyed not just for Sillimanians but for everybody.”

Jirah Kaye V. Credo, Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy II

Next Issue’s Question:

“Tinatangkilik pa ba ng mga kabataan ang kultura ng ating bansa?”

For your answers, just text the Circulation Manager (09177013806).

Indicate your full name (with middle initial), course and year.

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.

Malansang Isda John Carlos A. Plata | Goliath is Dead Isang mahalagang bagay na natutunan ko mula sa aking pakikipagpanayam sa mga kasali sa nalalapit na Talumpati ng Taon ay ang nakalulugod na katunayan na ang wikang Filipino ay hindi na nakararanas ng pag-unlad.

Bagamat ang wikang Filipino ang pangunahing wikang ginagamit ng karamihan sa Luzon, hindi maipagkakailang ito’y nababalewala na sa mga rehiyon ng Visayas at Mindanao. Sa ilan sa mga lugar na ito kung saan may kani-kaniyang mga dayalekto, kapansin-pansing mas kursunada ng mga tao ang pagsasalita ng wikang Ingles. Para sa ilan, nagiging pangatlong wika na lang ang Filipino. Mas tinatangkilik ang wikang Ingles sa kadahilanang ito raw ay “pangkalahatan.”Ang mas masaklap pa rito ay ilan sa mga Pilipino ay nadadala na ng imperyalismo at mas inuuna pa ang pagkatuto ng mga wikang banyaga tulad ng Hangul, Niponggo, at iba pa.

“Saranghaeyo” raw, ngunit hindi naman nila minamahal ang sarili nilang wika.

Ang bokabularyo ng isang wika ay lumalarawan sa pagpapahalaga ng mga gumagamit nito, kung

kaya’t sa Pilipinas, may mga natatanging pagkakakaiba ang mga salitang palay, bigas, at kanin, habang isang salita lamang ang katumbas nang lahat ng ito sa Ingles.

Dahil diyan, mapapaisip ka kung anong klaseng pagpapahalaga ng mga Pilipino ang nailalarawan ng mga umuusbong na salitang balbal tulad ng boom panes at pak ganern?

O mayroon pa nga bang kahulugan ang mga salitang ito? Lumalawak nga ang ating bokabularyo, hindi nga sa masamang paraan, pero sa paraan namang walang kwenta.

Sa pagkadagdag ng mga salitang “kilig” at “teleserye” sa Oxford Dictionary noong Marso, masasabing mas nagiging prominente ang ating kultura sa ibang bansa. Pero bago na naman tayo magsigawan ng “Filipino pride!”, sana’y maisaisip din natin na ang mundo’y hindi lang puro tungkol sa pag-ibig at telebisyon.

Ang buhay ng isang wika ay nakasalalay sa paggamit ng tao.

Naluluma at unti-unting nalalaos ang mga wikang hindi na nagagamit.

Hahayaan na lang ba nating dumating sa puntong wala na tayong wikang

pambansa? Maaring pagmamalabis lamang ang pagkabahala sa ganitong sitwasyon pero kailangan nating magkaroon ng kamalayan at pakialam.

Hindi naman masama para sa mga Pilipino ang makipagsapalaran sa ibang mga kultura. Sa kasalukuyan, walang estudyanteng matututo kung ang matematika o agham ay itinuturo sa Filipino. Bigyan lang sana natin ng nararapat na kahalagahan at konsiderasyon ang ating sariling wika. Gamitin ito paminsan-minsan, maglaan ng oras para magbasa ng panitikang Pilipino, at manood at makinig ng mga programa sa telebisyon na gumagamit ng wikang Filipino.

Ang wikang pambansa ay wika parin ng isang Pilipinong edukado.

Hindi ito “baduy,” o “jologs,” o “jeje.” Ito ang wikang pambansa.

Ito ang nagpapakilala sa atin bilang mga mamamayan ng Pilipinas.

Mahalin at pagyamanin natin ito.

Sa pamamagitan ng mas masusing pananaliksik, pag-aaral, at higit sa lahat, paggamitng wikang Filipino, mapapalago ang kultura at maiibsan ang masakit na katotohanan ng colonial mentality na laganap sa bansa.~

The Antagonized: Ang Kamandag ni Rowena Eric Gerard D. Ruiz | Tarantado, Asintado Here in the Antagonized, I will criticize certain personalities based on criticisms from their opponents, from interest groups, and from media commentaries. In its second installment, “Ang Kamandag ni Rowena” I will deviate from the big personalities. I will talk about how this teacher who taught me that the devil can take many forms.

Mayroon akong guro na nagbahagi ng kanyang reaksyon nang makamit niya ang master’s degree. Itago natin siya sa pangalang Juana. Hindi niya lubos akalain na isa na siyang dalubhasa.

Dahil master na siya, natural lang isipin na mayroon siyang mataas na kasanayan sa larangan. Kinatatakutan ni Juana na baka mayroong mga taong magtanong sa kanya at hindi niya ito masagot. Ngunit, naliwanagan siya sa kasabihang “there’s always room for learning.”

Bumilib ako sa pagpapakumbaba ng aking guro. Oo, master siya pero hindi niya inangkin na magaling siya.

Inamin niya na marami pa siyang bagay na dapat pang matutunan.

Pero, hindi talaga bilog ang mundo. Meron talagang mga taong sobra ang kayabangan sa sarili. Meron talagang mga taong mataas ang tingin sa kanilang sarili. Sila yung tipong mababa ang pagtingin sa mga taong ‘di nila kaantas’. At ako, sa tatlong taon kong pamamalagi sa Silliman, nakakita ako ng guro na ganito ang ugali.

Itago natin siya sa pangalang Rowena. Kung tutuusin, magaling na man magturo si Rowena. Kilala siya ng karamihan ng mga mag-aaral at guro. Ngunit, hindi siya patok sa lahat. Mayroon siyang ugaling manira ng ibang tao. Pati estudyante ay hindi makakaligtas sakanyang kamandag.

“She’s not that good,” sabi ni Rowena sa aking kaibigan. Siya ay nagtapos ng cum laude. Binarat naman ni Rowena ang pagbigay ng grado sa isa kong kaibigan naitatago natin sa pangalang Ellie. Matalino si Ellie. Class valedictorian sa hayskul at magna cum laude naman sa kolehiyo. Nung nagusap kami ni Ellie, matataas naman raw ang kanyang mga marka. Pero, parang minata-mata lang ni Rowena ang pagbigay ng grado. Pareho kami ng sinapit ni Ellie. Minaliit rin ni Rowena ang galing ng isang tanyag na estudyante na nagtapos lang naman bilang summa cum laude.

Makamandag at matalas ang dila ni Rowena. Bilang isang guro, hindi dapat siya nagbibitiw ng mga hindi kanais-nais na

komento. Dapat munang tignan ni Rowena ang kanyang sarili, suriin ang kanyang sariling abilidad, at palakasin ang kanyang mga kahinaan.

Kung ikukumpara natin si Rowena at Juana, saan ka papanig? Sa mapagkumbaba o sa mayabang? Sa anghel o sa demonyo?

Ang propesyon ng pagtuturo ay dapat sa mga guro na tulad ni Juana.

Bilang mga guro, dapat niyong imulat ang inyong mga sarili na kailan ma’y ‘di niyo makakamit ang rurok ng karunungan’. Mayroon tayong iba’t ibang kakakayahan.

Hindi tayo mga perpektong nilalang.

Ngunit, ginawa tayo ng Maykapal para paghusayan ang ating mga pagkakamali. Bilang mga guro, dapat kayong maging modelo sa silidpaaralan. Huwag tularan ang mga tulad ni Rowena, ang makamandag na ahas. Maging mapagkumbaba dahil ito ang susi sa kaligayahan.

Sa mga gurong tulad ni Rowena, tandaan niyo ito: Bago mo batiin ang dungis ng ibang tao, ang dungis mo muna ang tingnan mo.~

n abundance we do see Filipino dictionaries in the shelves of our nearest, or most convenient, book stores. We often learn Filipino; we remember that it was taught to us in our elementary and high school days then forget all about it and speak other languages, and the cycle goes on. When we meet someone who does not speak our native language, we turn to English. But when our luck runs out and so does our vocabulary, Filipino creeps back into our spine, coldly—forcing us to utter words we haven’t used nor understood, and stumble upon where we haven’t stumbled before.

No, Filipino is not an evil language, and is not a last resort for communication. It may be our incessant fetish for everything “sosyal” or “western” which has

turned us to reject the very “dank and nasty hodgepodge of a language,” and almost actively deny the fact that it exists. For a moment let us open our minds, and breathe in the language we rarely speak in, or of.

Many say that Filipino is just formalized Tagalog. Yes, it may be true that it was and is based on the language of the “imperial” North—but it is little known that Filipino serves as a medium to cater the language gap between individuals, and indeed cultures. “As it evolves, it shall be further developed and enriched on the basis of existing Philippine and other languages.” Section 6 of Article XIV of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides basis for this; it implies that each cultural group

Progress Against Preservation

F

By John Carlos A. Plata and Merell Lystra L. Recta

ranklin Roosevelt once said, “A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people.”

The Energy Development Corporation (EDC) is planning to expand its reach within Mt. Talinis for their Southern Negros Geothermal Project. In this expansion, they plan to add 60 megawatts (MW) in their steam field capacity that would require a vast 5,163 hectares of land within the mountain.

In response, concerned environmental groups such as Save Mt. Talinis and 350 Pilipinas protested for the environment’s health, hoping to prevent the feared destruction of the area. They seek to deny EDC from being granted of an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The magnificent Cuernos de Negros of Negros Oriental is on the verge of a battle between the development of a geothermal power plant, and the preservation of the remaining one percent natural forest in the region.

The last frontier “Secretary Gina Lopez, defend Cuernos de Negros! No ECC to EDC’s [5,163-hectare] development block at Cuernos De Negros!” is the very first line one will see in the 350 Pilipinas’ petition webpage.

Trees live by its roots. Change the roots, and you change the tree. Change the trees, and you change the forest. Mt. Talinis, a home to critically endemic species of the region, is also the home of hundreds of families nearby and serves as the region’s water source.

A submitted statement from the Environmental Performance Report and Management Plan recognized EDC’s developmental block within the key biodiversity area, a nationally identified site of global significance addressed to biodiversity conservation. Almost about 3,000 hectares surrounding the peak is classified as a close natural forest, and

about 1,800 hectares is classified as a secondary natural forest, making it one of the top conservation priority areas.

Even though EDC committed to replace each affected tree with 100 indigenous seedlings through the “Binhi” greening legacy, it still wouldn’t be able to replace the reality of losing our remaining natural forest.

It should be noted that the ecological services rendered by a newly grown tree is far different from a grown one, which may even lead to the possible demise of the biodiversity once rooted in the area. DENR Secretary Gina Lopez once mentioned these words in her campaign against mining: “Biodiversity holds preeminent value.

Reforestation does not replicate an ecological system. No amount of planting trees will bring biodiversity back.”

What alarms most environmental activists against EDC’s expansion program is the enormous 27 billion investment having no full disclosure of the program’s parameters. This large amount of funding gives skepticism to the activists as to why this budget was agreed upon, despite not having enough details for the public to know.

The unheard perspective Though frowned upon by environmental groups, the expansion program of EDC answers the demands of the region’s growing economy. With an extended capacity, more facilities and households can be powered. Moreover, on the company’s historical record for the past 33 years, it has been in the forefront of environmental protection programs, and has reforested around 3.2 million trees in Negros Oriental alone, making it a point to replace every cut tree with new ones.

The previous expansion, which led to the cutting of more than 576 trees in the Nasuji area, caused an uproar because of EDC’s decision not to inform the public and local government units. Still, EDC received a permit from the DENR allowing such undertakings.

This might have appalled most activists, but the activity was legal.

could have their own variety of the Filipino language, as it is natural for it to nurture. Saying so, there is not much of the strict guidelines “ye olde” Filipino teachers have implemented, as what they were teaching

was Tagalog, which does not really cater to the many ethnic groups in the Philippines. Mixing up words from the many native tongues to the context of Filipino is almost perfectly fine, as long as we follow the grammatical rules.

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Filipino is actually a solution to many problems. Aside from the aforementioned reason, it could also be a transitional language as it was built with the other languages of the country in mind. After the National Assembly passed the Commonwealth Act No. 184 (1936), eminent linguists representing a linguistic group including Jaime C. de Veyra (Hiligaynon), Santiago Fonacier ( I l o c a n o ) , Casimiro Perfecto (Bicol), and Filemon Sotto (Cebuano), among others, were gathered to form a committee to decide on the basis of the national language. This, together with the efforts of many in the following years, assured that Filipino was a tongue that has the potential to cater and provide transition to

other languages and cultures. In the perspective of foreigners in the country, Filipino is not so hard to learn as it uses the Latin script unlike many other Asian languages.

It is also not difficult to speak, since the words are spoken and pronounced almost like the way they are written. As a bonus, Filipino is a flexible language, resulting from being “under colonial overlords” at least twice; thus, we have borrowed words like educación, (bah-mi), hukum, among others, since then until now.

The Filipino language does not deserve the amount of hate and ignorance it has. Most of these alleged hate is actually directed towards ourselves, and reflects how we absorb what is “poreyn and sosyal” with all our rigor and fetish.

Filipino is a step for us to be united; however, it is also true that it does not cater to all. But with enough dedication and education, we will see that though we may be different, we share a common language, a common tongue.~

Stacy Danika Alcantara: Sillimanian, Diplomat, Record

By Junelie Anthony Velonta

M

iss Silliman, summa cum laude, a record to beat, and now a diplomat: Stacy Danika Alcantara is almost the epitome of a lifetime achievement. The latest addition to the renowned list of Sillimanian diplomats, she has proven herself to be more than what meets the eye, even in her younger years.

While still in high school, she was already distinguished by the awards she has received. She became the editor of the school paper, and even competed and won in writing competitions. “The Secret of the Amulet” was the title of her first published book, all the while being a third year student. In her last year in high school, she became the youngest to have been crowned Miss Silliman, and even graduated with honors.

In 2009, she obtained her degree in Bachelor of Mass Communication, summa cum laude, along with an award as one of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines. She even became the current highest scorer in the Foreign Service Officers Examination, exceeding the 90 percent mark.

Her achievements could go on and on, but in an interview, she said: “I have failed more times than I have succeeded. I have lost more times than I have won. I think what has gotten me through it Also, this year’s proposed expansion program aims to achieve a zero disposal system in the operations through the re-injection technology of the well construction.

This allows continuous recharging of the geothermal reservoir, thus eliminating excess brine (solution of salt and water) components.

The re-injection technology is an environment-enhancing technique to inject back the fluid separated from the steam back into the ground to power again the plant.

Vicente Omandman, the senior manager for the EDC Negros Island Geothermal Business Unit,

stated that she wasn’t immediately successful in everything she has achieved. It was through her almost iron will that she excelled.

Grabbing every opportunity in her way, she opened portals to great feats—even if it meant failing on her first try. Discouraged, she was not.

Aside from her will to improve, she says that what really contributed to her success is finding joy in whatever she was doing. She tried to find what inspired her in the many tasks she

had to do. This made her complete her output with passion and gusto.

During her time in Silliman, she said that she has learned to create opportunities as well as seize them as they come.

She attributes her sense of moral courage to her journey in Silliman as well as with the student government. Lastly, she reveals that Silliman taught her to value people: a realization not many people possess.

On a last note, here is her message to all Sillimanians: “I have failed more times than I have succeeded. I have lost more times than I have won. I think what has gotten me through it all is grit. I just don’t stop trying and I am not afraid to fail.

After leaving Silliman, the world outside was challenging at best and cruel at its worst, so brace yourselves for the adventure that is to come. Be open to failure because you need it to widen your mind, broaden your experience, and strengthen your character. Be open to new possibilities and to scathing criticisms. You won’t grow if you continue to stick to the familiar and if you will only listen to your supporters. Finally, as my former boss Secretary of Foreign Affairs keeps on urging us, ‘Reach beyond your grasp.’”~

emphasized that the company invests not only in establishment but also in ensuring the trees’ survival.

The call for a stand Which of the two will you support?

Are you, like the organizers of 350 Pilipinas, against the expansion program which will put Mt. Talinis’ biodiversity into danger? Or do you sympathize with the company’s intention of simply responding to our rising demands, but in turn will also pay a contribution to the environment lost by planting seedlings?

It is your time to make a decision.

You can’t just be ignorant, sitting on a soft cushioned chair while

sipping your coffee, and leaving your environment’s state and the future it holds at stake. You can’t just read this feature story without deciding which side you are on. This concerns the Horns of Negros, the renowned Mt. Talinis, the mountain that most of the cities in the province depend on.

The whole point is not to ruin EDC’s reputation nor disregard the efforts of the activists. The point lies on what your stance is, so that once the effects of whatever action has taken place, you know where you stand.

Now tell us.

Is the expansion program proposed

by EDC a threat, or a treat?~

all is grit. I just don’t stop trying and I am not afraid to fail.”

Inspirational? It goes even further. In the same interview, she

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the weekly sillimanian 12 August 2016

NINDOT MAN NA BAI! The Philippines is as culturally diverse as its very many intertwined languages. Here are some of the many tongues and where to hear them in action.

Cebuano The lingua franca when living in some Visayan places and most of Mindanao, its name was derived from Cebu, which is its urheimat (homeland).

Bicolano It is the language spoken in the Bicol region.

Bisakol, a dialect of this language, is the link between the Visayan and the Bicolano languages.

Waray Widely spoken in the island of Samar and parts of Leyte, it is said to be named from its most heard word “waray,” meaning “nothing.”

Hiligaynon Known for its sweet intonation, it is the second most spoken Visayan language. It is usually heard in the Western Visayas region and some parts of Mindanao.

Compiled by: Junelie Anthony Velonta via https://www.vigattintourism.com/tourism/articles/Major-Languages-in-the-Philippines , http://orig02.deviantart.net/63d0/f/2012/131/2/3/bogart_the_explorer_from_davao_city_by_zabyuki-d4zbjbm.jpg, http://

roundup

Who’s that pokemon?

from page 1 SUHS gears.. purpose of the event was to reach the generation of tomorrow and the future addressing that we are now in a time of urgency. “We live in the age of an August rush. There is no time to lose. We must pause, we must consider and we must act,” he added.

Montebon urged the youth to consider the important things, accept responsibilities, and look at challenges and opportunities to ensure “a collective future that is enjoyable and sustainable for all of us” and to be able “not just to change the world but to ensure that we have a world that we can change into.”

“Hopefully, they will pass it on to their peers and it will become part of their own thinking and their lifestyle and maybe will have a better plan to look forward to,” Montebon said.

In lieu of celebrating their 40th reunion, Marietta U. Montebon, class SUHS Ruby ’76 Convenor, said that their batch thought of celebrating their Ruby anniversary by doing something more meaningful than the previous reunions.

“It’s about time to look into an

advocacy like the environment, which is one of the best advocacies of the university and to do something meaningful with our high school students,” she said.

At the end of the program, Dr. Betsy Joy B. Tan, vice president for Academic Affairs stated that the event was “a manifestation of team spirit.”

“We are here for a common purpose, it’s because we love to protect our environment,” Tan said.

“I hope this activity will not only be a beginning, but there will be more activities like this to sustain what you [the youth] have started.”

“Ang among natun-an diri sa karon kay daghan sya kay it’s all about environment then about sa mga dapat himuon to preserve it,” Jenelyn Deguit from Boloc-Boloc High School, said.

“We should plant more trees kay ngano, what if mawala ang atong mga trees, naa’y posibilidad nga ato nga palibot magka landslide [ug] flash flood.”

“Mas chada man siya nga activities karon kay ang mga student makabalo sila sa unsa ilang buhaton,” Deguit added.~

from page 1 Frat-Sor Alliance.. enrich new brand of leaders who could cope with rapidly evolving times and make critical decisions.

The training program was held for two days. The first day consisted of a series of talks at the Audio Visual Theater-1 and team building activities were done at the East Quadrangle on the second day.

The first day were talks by Dr. Jenny L. Chiu, Dean of School of Public Affairs and Governance, on Good Governance; Dr. Henry A. Sojor, former president of Negros Oriental State University (NORSU), on the Ethics of Leadership; Mr. Louie Limkin, a macroeconomist and finance analyst from the World Bank, on Finance Management.

The talk was done through a live stream video conference from Manila.

Silliman University (SU) President, Dr. Ben S. Malayang III, gave the opening remarks anchored on how attitude and competence makes a great leader.

The team building on the second day of the program was organized

by Saceda Youth Lead spearheaded by their chair and founder, Mr. Dave Saceda. The participants then were divided into teams.

The activities done were connected to the topics on the first day. Lobaton said, “Basically, first day is theory and second day is application.”

Ms. Liane Aventurado, Saceda Youth Lead program officer said that the activities could help improve productivity and motivation.

“Some benefits of these activities include the improvement of one’s morale, leadership skills, processes, procedures, and organization productivity. It also helps participants to identify the team’s strengths and weaknesses and improve their ability to solve problem,” Aventurado added.

It was a city-wide event attended by students from Foundation University, Colegio Santa Catalina de Alejandria (COSCA), (NORSU), STI Dumaguete, SU, and some librarians. There were a total of 100 registrants at the event.~

from page 1 ITI Scholar.. hindrances us from appreciating art.

Every art is a soul,” Aguilar said.

Aguilar is one of the directors

in Ulahingan: Heaven as The Sea (A Manobo Epic), which will be restaged on Aug 25.~

from page 1 SU supports..

For Mary Paz Merecido, breastfeeding is a must. “My toddler is exclusively breast-fed.

Akong gisulyan ug formula milk, pero she will throw it up,” she said.

“I think that breastfeeding is natural, something that could be encouraged. It’s healthy for the baby and for the mother.

Breastfeeding in public should not be scandalized or i-bastos,” Oyen Alcantara, a faculty member of SU Psychology Department said.

“Mas na-encourage ko na mag breastfeed. Because of this campaign, I learned that babies should be breastfed,” Ericka Amores, a would-be mother said.

“I wanted to bottle-feed my baby at first, but now this campaign convinced me to breastfeed.”

Dumaguete, Hakab Na! first joined the campaign last 2015. As of this year, Hakab Na! has spanned to different locations in the country, such as Baguio, Leyte, Metro Manila, Bacolod, and other places.~

from page 1 SUSG Environment.. preparedness program and emergency response protocol.

Nikko Calledo, former chairperson of the SUSG Environment Committee, also lectured in the seminar-workshop.

Calledo talked about him being a SEAtizen (steward of our seas) with the aim to inspire the

participants to lead and do the same.

“We are never too young to lead, never too small to make a difference, and never too small to change the world,” Calledo said.

Calledo also urged everyone to support their campaign against the use of plastic drinking straws,

the advocacy of Straw Wars Philippines. It was attended by SU Senior High School and Foundation University students, as well as members of SU Muslim Students Association and SUSG Environment Committee.~

Sipi ng Linggo

“Hindi pagdurusa ang pagdaan sa napakatinding pasakit.

Para kang tumanggap ng basbas. Parang pag-ibig.”

- Galing sa pelikulang “Heneral Luna”

Calling for column writers and commission photographerS Email your articles or questions to: weeklysillimanian@su.edu.ph

ERRATUM In last week’s issue, in the article “Academic orgs conduct outreach program,” it should be Frank Cadurna, not Cadorna.

HAKAB NA. Breastfeeding mothers participate in a non-profit campaign that aims to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding last Aug. 6 at Oriental Hall. PHOTO BY Gresheen Gift Libby

THANKFUL. Silliman Idol candidates huddle together as they listen to the announcement of the the top ten finalists last Aug. 5 at Robinson’s Place. PHOTO BY Santia Onnycha Ursabia