tWS 2019-2020 7th Issue

the

117 years

weeklysillimanian TOWARDS A PROGRESSIVE CAMPUS PRESS VOL. XCIII NO.7 | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2019

SIGNED. Ely Dejaresco (left) from the Bohol Chronicle Radio Corporation, (BCRC) and SU President Betty C. McCann (right) sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) last Sept. 13, establishing a scholarship for Mass Communication students starting June 2020. Photo from Silliman University Office of Information and Publications.

Climate Strike set today

by Francis Ryan B. Pabiania

PAASCU revisits CED and Social Work dept

by Edan Sam Pancho THE PHILIPPINE Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU) visited Silliman University to evaluate the Engineering and Social Work programs last September 23-24.

According to Dr. Beulah Rose R. Torres, Director of the Office of Instruction (OI) , the College of Engineering and Design (CED) and the Department of Social Work made extensive preparations to address the recommendations by PAASCU during the accreditors' last visit on Feb. 23-24, 2016.

PAASCU's team of accreditors were composed of six - four accreditors for the Engineering program and two for the Social Work program. For the engineering

program, they were Dr. Cynthia Posadas, Dean of the School of Engineering and Architecture of St. Louis University Baguio City; Engr.

Ma. Estrella Natalie Pineda, Chair of the Engineering Department of De La Salle University - Dasmarinas Cavite; Dr. Manuel Belino, Dean of the College of Engineering of Far Eastern University, Institute of Technology - Manila; and Ms. Edelaine Rae Agcaoili, PAASCU representative, Manila.

For the Social Work program, Dr. Angelito Menese, Professor and Doctor of Philosophy in Social Development Program, faculty of the Phillipine Social Work, Philippine Women's University of Manila, and Dr. Lolita Pablo, Head of the Social Work and Community Outreach Departments of Centro Escolar

SUMS produces 59 newly licensed physicians

by Kristhel Hannah Baluarte SILLIMAN UNIVERSITY Medical School (SUMS) produced 59 new physicians who passed the September 2019 Physician Licensure Exam (PLE) given last Sept. 7, 8, 14 and 15.

Silliman University (SU) earned a passing rate of 98.33%, surpassing the national average of 84.96%.

Meanwhile, Dr. Walden Ursos, dean of SUMS, said that the medical profession is a profession of service to others, especially to the sick and

those who have no access to health care. He aspires that the new board passers will find their role in the implementation of the Universal Health Care Law of this country.

“If they profess to be true Christians, then it happens that they are Christians who chose to be physicians,” he added.

According to the Professional Regulation Commission, 4,006 out of 4,716 passed the PLE 2019.

Continued on page 5

STRAW committee launches Grievance Toolkit

by Shareen Anjali B. Warad SILLIMAN UNIVERSITY Student Government (SUSG) Students’ Rights and Welfare (STRAW) Committee officially launched its Grievance Toolkit on their Facebook Page last Sept. 23.

According to Ben Bensali, one of the vice chairpersons of the STRAW committee, Grievance Toolkit is an online site for students to address their concerns legally, and to solve their complaints faster and more conveniently.

The toolkit was one of SUSG President Aprille Roselle Juanillo’s platforms. It was first introduced during the Freshmen Orientation last July 1.

Head of the Students Organization and Activities Division (SOAD) and SU Grievance Center’s Grievance Officer, Abe P. Cadeliña, shared his opinion regarding the toolkit: “It’s very helpful actually, because naa man gud mga students na mahadlok na muduol to file a complaint so maayo Continued on page 5

University, Manila were the accreditors assigned to resurvey the program.

PAASCU evaluated the university's programs by the degree to which SU’s vision, mission, and objectives match the actual practice of the various areas being evaluated.

PAASCU's main objective is to improve among others, the quality of the faculty, curriculum and instruction, library, laboratory, and community engagement.

Dr. Maria Lorena Tuballa, Dean of CED, said that the accreditors observed classes in the span of two days and viewed the exhibits prepared by the departments in the OI. On the other hand, Dr. Menese and Dr. Pablo visited two agencies linked with the Social Work program of the university. The two communities visited are Casa

Esperanza in Bantayan, Dumaguete City, a community for abused children, and the Redemptorist Social Action Center, a non-government organization for distressed people.

Interviews were also conducted with the programs' faculty, students, stakeholders, the university president and vice presidents as well as the directors.

Both departments expressed high hopes for the result of the evaluation of the accreditors. "We are hoping that we can pass the evaluation and meet the quality and standards... [of PAASCU]," said Lani Placencia, secretary of the Social Work department.

The accreditation process is expected to yield high quality of

by Shareen Anjali B. Warad

Reading and Talking about Culture, and Academic Reading and Writing,” he added.

The students under IntEP also do immersion and cultural exposure activities. Dr. Caturay also mentioned the unique aspect of the program which is the buddy system, which benefits both the foreign students and the buddies who come from SU. Most of these student buddies come from the College of Education, majoring in English and AB English students.

These IntEP students are given diagnostic exams to help the teachers determine their proficiency levels and choose the appropriate materials for them. The program runs for three to eight weeks, but it usually depends on the clients' specification.

IntEP usually hosts students from Hannam University (Korea), Shikoku Gakuin University (Japan), Kobe University (Japan), and others.

6

Continued on page 6

Students from Shikoku Gakuin graduate from SU IntEP

NINE STUDENTS from Shikoku Gakuin University graduated from Silliman University’s (SU) Intensive English Program (IntEP) last Sept. 20 at the Multipurpose Room.

These students are: Hikaru Narita, Saito Akito, Yoshiya Nomihara, Hoshi Takeuchi, Soma Miki, Mihina Manabe, Natsuki Yagi, Kyoka Nakamura, and Daike Takeda.

IntEP is a short term program under the Language Center and the English and Literature department, intended for students who come from non-English medium background who desire to improve their English proficiency.

According to Dr. Warlito Caturay Jr., Language Center coordinator, the program is flexible that it can be tailored to the students’ needs and that most of their courses are skills-based. “For this semester, the Shikoku Gakuin students have more speaking classes: Conversation,

"It is not enough to just wake up. We need to rise up and actually do something," said Maria Jaya Ariola, Silliman University Student Government (SUSG) Environment Committee (EnviroCom) chairperson on their campaign for the BANGON: Parada para sa Klima, climate strike in Dumaguete City on Sept. 27.

The strike is organized by the SUSG EnviroCom in partnership with Sangguniang Kabataan Pederasyon ng Dumaguete, Ang Sandigan and Association of Young Environmental Journalists, who are mobilizing the strike in the city for consciousness about the issues.

Ariola said they expect to gather 300 youth environmental advocates and organizations to kick-off a protest parade from Quezon Park and will end at Freedom Park.

She said that several organizations will have their statements of commitments on the climate crisis.

Ariola said the city is a "university town" and should be at the forefront in dealing with the climate crisis in Negros Oriental.

She added that Silliman University is known as an environmentallysustainable institution, and she wants to make certain that it is a fact than just a title.

"As Sillimanians, we are experiencing life from a place Continued on page 5

INSIDE

twsopinion When the youth overpowered our childish leaders senyor tirador

Haze of hazing big baybe

twscomic

twseditorial

Ever Forward

Only in the Philippines

2 twsopinion

the weekly sillimanian September 27, 2019

EDITORIAL

Ever Forward

S

eptember has always been seen as the doorstep towards the end of the first semester here in Silliman. Though we may be approaching the end, we will also be looking back at the pivotal event in our history that is Martial Law and look forward to the global movement that is the school strike for climate. tWS believes that these two events have their message that will reverberate through generations. The memories of the people who have experienced these two events will serve as cornerstones for an everimproving community, intent on moving forward while looking back at where it has been.

There may come times of uncertainty; where mistakes overshadow merits, and pressure bears down on us. The inevitability of change drives us up and beyond, regardless of how it happens. History has an amusing way of repeating itself — be it good or bad. However, an effective way of preventing bad repetitions and allowing good repetitions is to simply remember what was.

Regardless, from remembering the horrors of Martial Law, to walking out of class to protest for the planet’s future seem to have more or less a similar message — the abuse of authority that allows the proliferation of suffering and repetition of past atrocities will not be tolerated again. We begin our pursuit for a better future for all, today. We stand up and begin walking, ever forward. tWS asks you this question: Do you hear the people sing?

sillimaniansspeak Compiled by Neil Willer S. Nobleza

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When the youth overpowered our childish leaders We all know that there is something wrong when children act like leaders and leaders act like children. Yes, you read it right. At this point in time we see children bringing their battles on the streets or in any different platforms. Age is just a number. It feels like the innocence of the youth overpowered the great minds of educated persons seated in the positon.

Last Sept. 9, a young boy named JD, who joined one of the gameshow of GMA Network’s noontime hit show “Eat Bulaga,” was questioned about his ambition when he grew up.

With no hesitation, JD answered that he wanted to be a soldier someday.

When he was asked why, he answered, “Para talunin ang China. Para hindi nila makuha ang dagat natin,” [So we can defeat China. So that they won't take our seas from us.] he added.

On Aug. 20, 2018, just starting 9th grade, Swedish activist Greta Thunberg decided not to attend school to protest on the risks posed by climate change. She stood in front of the Swedish parliament holding a “Skolstrejk for klimatet” (School strike for the climate) sign.

This was the time when Sweden experienced the hottest summer in 262 years. Heatwaves and wildfires also occurred.

More than a year later, Thunberg

Total number of respondents: 45 These answers were gathered from our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram posts.

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Jean Aldemer S. Salgados Kevin Q. Alaban Kristhel Hannah B. Baluarte Jeck G. Tirambulo Francis Ryan B. Pabiania Shareen Anjali B. Warad Edan Sam G. Pancho Henrie Angelie L. Tan Dominic Zi Ann D. Ng Maria Fiona A. Labucuas Diamay Klem D. Balacuit Deogracia William A. Bemida Junelie Anthony Velonta Momoka Yamamoto Ian Zane T. Esparaga Natha Le Louise B. Bureros Alrivin M. Trivilegio Agustin Vicente G. Bas Rochin A. Elnas Hervey Angelo F. Avenido Dan Walter D. Reyes Quezeah G. Alcantara

Web Manager Nathan Angelo B. Cruz Circulation Neil Willer S. Nobleza Manager Office Manager Andrea Marie A. Palomo 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) 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

Hazing is defined as any action taken or any situation created intentionally that causes embarrassment, harassment or ridicule and risks emotional or physical harm to any person regardless of that person’s willingness to participate (hazingprevention.org).

Considering the damaging effects of hazing to anyone, the activity has been condemned all over the Philippines ever since.

With the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 or the Republic Act 11053 recently signed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, all forms of hazing — physical, psychological or mental — was already banned in the Philippines.

Recently, another issue resurfaced when a cadet from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) died due to hazing. According to an article published by ABS-CBN news online, PMA cadet Darwin Dormitorio died last Sept. 19, 2019 inside his barracks at Fort Del Pilar in Baguio City. On Sept. 20, his death was confirmed to be due to hazing when the Baguio City police found bruises on his stomach. He was initially brought to the hospital after he complained about his stomach pain.

According to the police investigation, there were three persons of interest and at least

senyor tirador Zane Esparaga

delivered a powerful speech to the United Nations Climate Summit in front of different world leaders including United States President Donald Trump. An emotional Thunberg said, “People are suffering.

People are dying and entire ecosystems are collapsing. We are in the beginning of a mass extinction and all you can talk about is money and fairy tales of eternal economic growth. How dare you?”

On the other hand, leaders in our country seems like on airplane mode after being elected. History repeats itself as what they say. They just proved that promises are meant to be broken. However, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso was being praised here and there for what he has done for a short amount of time after being chosen. Changes in Metro Manila was posted via photos or videos in different social

media outlets, periodicals, and TV broadcasts. His quick action is proof that the right people will make a difference at any level in society.

It is very alarming that children who naturally would be care free would start to talk about pressing issues that the world is facing -- a job that our world leaders should be doing. The younger generation are starting to speak up and take action in their own hands because they know that it is their own future that is at stake. The real threat of not having a good future is something the older generations didn't thoroughly experience.

With this movement and uprising coming from the youth, several questions pops up in our minds. Why do we still depend on someone who is already been there but did not do anything? Why are we doing this when in fact we should be in school and those leaders should be the ones doing work? Why does our actions matter? Even if we are not the light, we can be the spark. The change we want to see is indeed in our own hands. In the end, it is us who will suffer. If we will just continue riding the waves in the ocean, nothing’s going to happen to us and to the future generation.

Haze of hazing

big baybe Kev Alaban

20 individuals who witnessed the incident. Meanwhile, in another report by the same news network, all PMA officials directly responsible with the alleged hazing death of the cadet have been dismissed from duty.

In response to the said incident, Senator Panfilo Lacson, who is also a PMA alumnus, said in a statement, “Those possibly responsible for the death of 4[th] Class Cadet Dormitorio are now surely regretting what they did. It is too late for them though and they will have to face the consequence of their indiscretions.”

The senator also added that the people who still engage in hazing never seemed to have learned from the past incidents.

The case is still an issue that lurks in and plagues the community today. Considering the successfully approved law on hazing, incidents

still occur. Over a year ago, a student of the University of the Santo Tomas, Atio Castillo’s fatal hazing and death also made a noise to the people.

However, in his case, the perpetrators were the members of a fraternity.

Whether people like to hear or not news regarding this, the idea is, hazing still occurs. It’s an issue no one can kill. Rather it is something like a forest fire; the aftermath is the haze that affects all the people in the world. But like a forest fire, collective effort may help ease it, if not end it, immediately. The people of the Philippines must open their eyes to the realities of this dangerous action and take part in the effort to abolish this inhumane and demoralizing act.

"

The senator also added that the people who still engage in hazing never seemed to learn from the past incidents.

"

the weekly sillimanian September 27, 2019

by Maria Fiona Labucuas

Game of Phones

Nowadays, social media is a minefield of unreliable sources and trudging through false information is a game of hit or miss. Given the number of people who fall victim to these false information, I guess they never miss, huh?

In a survey on online habits conducted by HootSuite and We Are Social, the Philippines topped the global list with an average of 10 hours and two minutes of screen time every day. The survey showed that Filipinos spend 99% of their time online on their phones and on social media. In fact, Filipinos have made the phones a common necessity and browsing the Internet through them has become a part of their daily routines.

Social media, although often underestimated, is a powerful medium that one can use for good or for bad.

It can be used to create, spread, and access information among other uses.

Things posted online, especially if the person has a big online following, can spread like wildfire. Everything posted online can be interpreted or judged in any way. In just one tap, movements can spread to millions in just a matter of seconds. This is why it is important to be digitally responsible; this does not pertain only to ethics and etiquette but also to the proliferation of information.

Recent developments and innovations allowed us to be able to gather information online faster than

before. However, just as there is fake news in print and in hearsay, there is also false information on social media. Social media also allowed us to connect, share ideas and engage with others but this privilege is abused and tarnished by disinformation and misinformation. Paige Occeñola dove deeper into this in her talk during the Digital Summit 2019 at the Luce Auditorium last September 9. She used a quote from Claire Wardle that defined disinformation: “Disinformation is false information that is deliberately created or disseminated with the express purpose to cause harm.”

Disinformation is spread by three types of online entities: bots, fake accounts, and trolls. Bots are program-written to give an automated response; fake accounts are false online identities; and trolls, on the other hand, may be false or real but are identified by their habit of sending strong emotions of anger in online interactions and arguments.

Any of these entities can be identified because of their arguments (or lack thereof ) and lack of real information once one clicks on their profiles.

There is a process or a sequence that disinformation follows: harassment, seed confusion, shame or discredit, propaganda, and finally, profit or clout. An example of disinformation is the army of Facebook bots that the Rodrigo Duterte presidential campaign utilized for the 2016 elections to paint him as a clean and modest man. These bots are still active

on social media, arguing with people who express their disdain towards the current administration.

The seven types of mis- and dis-information are satire, misleading, imposter, fabricated, false connection, false context, and manipulated content. An example of one of fabricated content is the issue spread about the Cosmic Carabao by the Don Juan Brewery. Although CNN Philippines reported that it was proven by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to have contained ‘high levels of methanol’ numerous bots were quick to shut down the news on Twitter saying it was invalid and that the FDA and the news company were just ‘threatening livelihoods’.

The best way to combat disinformation is digital literacy. One must be knowledgeable about factchecking and how social media can be used to help and trick them. Upon encountering news articles, one should check the source if it is a legitimate website, watch out for grammatical and spelling errors, and exaggerated content. Sometimes, disinformation is unintentional and done by a real human being; if this is the case, it’s always better to engage and correct the wrong information published privately.

One should always spot fake news, debunk it, and give facts a stronger voice online. The goal is always to spread and speak the truth always.

After all, when you play the game of phones, you win or you lie. There is no middle ground.

media. While it could be argued that this exposure to technology is because of the high degrees of industrialization and standard of living in the USA, the rest of the world is catching up. Phones, now, are a common occurrence. In less than a generation, the Internet has gone from slow and cumbersome dial-up to 3G in a single tap of the screen.

In relation to this, in another survey conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2017, 13% of teenage Americans with ages 13-17 stated that they have experienced a major depressive episode. This 13% accounts to about 3.2 million teenagers. In 2007, this number was only 8%. Between those years, online social media began to become prevalent.

While this may not be a strong link relating social media user to mental health problems, it must be noted that in a study conducted

by Costello, Erkanli, and Angold published in 2006 for the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, between the years 1965 until 1996, cases of teenage depression remained at a steady rate. This was a trend that occurred in the span of 30 years.

A more concrete piece of evidence could be found in the study of Lup, Trub, and Rosenthal published in 2015. The study found that depression was more common among teenagers who followed strangers in Instagram, including influencers. In comparison, teenagers who have only followed friends were less prone to having depression. This is further supported by the study of Lin, et. al., published in 2016, that found that young adults who spent more time in social media platforms had significantly increased odds of depression.

Internet and Communication With all the flaws of the Internet, and the faults of those that use it, online social media is quickly becoming the new frontier of communication. Even by 2007, 69% of American adults have had access to the Internet.

Furthermore, a quarter of these Internet users have used online social media platforms.

A decade later, social media and the Internet have gone beyond the West.

In 2017 alone, 3.8 billion people have had access to the Internet. That is roughly half the world's population.

Within this statistic, around 2.9 billion are active social media users.

These numbers are only set to increase as the world population increases, and the Internet becomes more accessible.

For those that believe that social media negatively influences the mental health of people, this could potentially spell the doom of modern humanity. There have been sentiments that the Internet and technology augmented communication is ruining interpersonal interaction— something so inherently human.

Sociologist and psychologist Sherry Turkle published multiple works regarding this. Among those, perhaps the most familiar to Sillimanians is her essay The Flight from Conversation. In it she talks about how technology is damaging our ability to communicate. Citing her work experience, she laments how modern people are finding it hard to communicate with each other, truthfully.

Care in the Internet Age However, one aspect that is often overlooked when it comes to the Internet and communication is how it could potentially be beneficial for everyone's psyche. Social media could, potentially, help solve mental health problems. Even in its infancy in the mid-2000s, emotional and mental support has been a topic in online social media platforms.

Around 5% of all adults in the US who have access to the Internet were active in online support groups in 2007. In 2003, 3% of Internet users in the USA have communicated to health care providers through social media. This was increased to 10% in 2005. Beckjord, et. al., who have conducted this study, report that this statistic is bound to increase.

With the increasing accessibility of the Internet and social media, people with mental illnesses are now actively sharing their experiences and are asking for advice over the Internet. This, in turn, creates a sense

“The ‘net wants me gone”

by Junelie Anthony Velonta

Ancient humans, their visions of the future fallible, would probably think of the Internet age as an information utopia. After all, communication is at its fastest and most accessible. Within seconds, one could receive the sentiments of friends one has only met through the Internet—full of emotion, but no physical interaction. Information and human interaction, quite literally, are lingering on fingertips.

They are wrong, though. While people around the world could freely proclaim themselves as “global citizens,” humanity is still chained by its tribal tendencies. What use is information when context is thrown out the window? What use is fast communication when it is used to plant dissent and reap difference?

If the mighty are those that hold information, then how the mighty have fallen.

As the mighty fall, with all the noise and grandeur of decay, those that are below them often suffer the consequences. Narrowing the tribe down to the individual, it becomes evident that the Internet, specifically social media, affects how a person thinks. A person’s mental health relates to his/her exposure to the Internet. Today, none can deny it.

Like with life, however, social media affects a person’s mental health in different ways.

Negative Ideation Older folks would often correlate modern problems with the technology they don't understand. "In my generation, we did not have those.

And we turned out fine." Such a quote, or something similar, is so commonly thrown around that it might be nothing short of a miracle if one has not heard of it. However, every now and then, they do get something right. Or at least, halfway there.

For example, the more overt outset of teenage depression is often blamed by many as a result of teens spending more time exploring social media. In a survey made by the Pew Research Center in 2014, nearly 81% of American teenagers use online social

twsfeatures 3 DON'T 'Keep the fire burning'

by Momoka Yamamoto Recently, news about the burning Amazon rainforest spread across different media outlet. Wildfires are uncontrollable fire that engulfs hectares of combustible vegetation. It can be caused by different factors, anthropogenic and abiotic. The Amazon rainforest was reported to have been burning for almost six weeks, but the Brazilian government neglected this problem (allegedly) for the growth of their own country.

However, after receiving criticism, President Jair Bolsonaro finally sent troops to quell the fire.

The Amazon wildfire prompted seven South American countries to sign a forest protection pact. Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Suriname agreed to put a centralized disaster response network and satellite monitoring to prevent similar tragedy to happen again. After all, the Amazon rainforest plays an important role in slowing the pace of global warming, an environmental crisis that our planet is facing right now.

Wildfire is not only exclusive in the Amazon. It has been happening around the world. Indonesia, a neighboring country of the Philippines also faces the same problem. In fact, the smoke (haze) that is being generated by its wildfire has reached its neighbouring countries including Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, and the Philippines. To sum it all, the occurrence of wildfires this year increased by 84% compared to last year.

However, it doesn't matter if rainforests (like Amazon) are not the 'lungs of the earth'. If these forests keep on burning, its emissions will affect the health of every living organism, making this planet less livable.

If there are no countermeasures done to prevent or stop this tragedy, the earth will face a series of species extinction.

Full Transcript: Greta Thunberg's Speech At The U.N. Climate Action Summit

My message is that we'll be watching you.

This is all wrong. I shouldn't be up here. I should be back in school on the other side of the ocean. Yet you all come to us young people for hope.

How dare you!

You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words. And yet I'm one of the lucky ones. People are suffering. People are dying. Entire ecosystems are collapsing. We are in the beginning of a mass extinction, and all you can talk about is money and fairy tales of eternal economic growth.

How dare you!

For more than 30 years, the science has been crystal clear. How dare you continue to look away and come here saying that you're doing enough, when the politics and solutions needed are still nowhere in sight.

You say you hear us and that you understand the urgency. But no matter how sad and angry I am, I do not want to believe that. Because if you really understood the situation and still kept on failing to act, then you would be evil. And that I refuse to believe.

The popular idea of cutting our emissions in half in 10 years only gives us a 50% chance of staying below 1.5 degrees [Celsius], and the risk of setting off irreversible chain reactions beyond human control.

Fifty percent may be acceptable to you. But those numbers do not include tipping points, most feedback loops, additional warming hidden by toxic air pollution or the aspects of equity and climate justice. They also rely on my generation sucking hundreds of billions of tons of your CO2 out of the air with technologies that barely exist.

So a 50% risk is simply not acceptable to us — we who have to live with the consequences.

To have a 67% chance of staying below a 1.5 degrees global temperature rise – the best odds given by the [Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change] – the world had 420 gigatons of CO2 left to emit back on Jan. 1st, 2018. Today that figure is already down to less than 350 gigatons.

How dare you pretend that this can be solved with just 'business as usual' and some technical solutions? With today's emissions levels, that remaining CO2 budget will be entirely gone within less than 8 1/2 years.

There will not be any solutions or plans presented in line with these figures here today, because these numbers are too uncomfortable. And you are still not mature enough to tell it like it is.

You are failing us. But the young people are starting to understand your betrayal. The eyes of all future generations are upon you. And if you choose to fail us, I say: We will never forgive you.

We will not let you get away with this. Right here, right now is where we draw the line. The world is waking up. And change is coming, whether you like it or not.

Thank you.

Source: npr.org of belonging. A community forms, hostile interaction with members of with or without physical interaction. the same community, among others.

In a study conducted by Naslund, With this in mind, they did arrive et. al., published in 2016, members of to a positive conclusion. The benefits the said community were observed. could, potentially, outweigh the risks.

Many benefits were reported by There and back again peers of this community. Among Mental health remains to be a said benefits were greater social controversial topic. While the stigma connectedness and feelings of is slowly being eradicated, there still group belonging. For those having remains opposition. Whether it is problems with physical treatment, misinformation, or outright denial of stories regarding and strategies in scientific findings, the movement still combating every day challenges were faces resistance along the way. easily shared. Help regarding life Aspects of the Internet, and social decisions and interventions for better media, may add complications to this wellbeing were also offered freely. resistance. However, life tends to lean Communication, that technology towards balance. Problems that are hinders, suddenly turns helpful. born from technology could also be However, the researchers did solved by looking at technology at state that, if left unchecked, these another angle. The Internet may say communities could potentially give that it wants you gone. Though, it unforeseen risks. These risks include replies to itself: exposure to misleading information, "There's a place for you to stay."

4 twsfeatures

the weekly sillimanian September 27, 2019

The Public's Agony

by Diamay Klem D. Balacuit This year has not ended yet, but three deadly epidemics have already emerged. The poverty-stricken country now faces another set of challenges to overcome—the dengue, measles, and polio outbreaks.

The public's agony It was in the beginning of this year and up to present when these diseases caused a huge alarm to the public.

Dengue, a mosquito-borne virus, caused agony and continues to bring so much suffering. This virus is caused by day-biting Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which are bred in any stagnant water stored by any containers such as plastic bottles, tires, clogged canals and others. According to the Department of Health (DOH), dengue virus affected almost 146,000 people all over the country, both young and old,

by Deogracia Bemida A particular situation in social media can become complex when toxic netizens launch their destructive and opinionated narratives. Such people will strike a series of contextual bashing the moment they notice something unacceptable. Mostly, such actions feel like a huge slap to someone’s face when the online community cast their judgment and hateful comments that will surely ruin someone’s day.

Social media serves as the most influential source of news nowadays since a lot of people or organizations share relevant topics there. The shared topics reach a large audience, which then shapes a public opinion. Since netizens belong to different cultures, their views towards a particular situation also vary. It's either they respond neutrally, praise or react positively, or take it as an offense then rant on social media sites.

poor or rich. This virus also brought almost 600 deaths. Because of this overwhelming number of victims, DOH declared it as an epidemic— driving the local government units to strengthen their existing solutions in aiding this problem.

The DOH, which is struggling to find ways in solving the dengue epidemic, is now facing another challenge—the measles outbreak.

Measles, an airborne disease, commonly affects infants and children below 5 years-old, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This disease brings fatality to the affected children if left untreated.

However, the problem does not only end with these two. Instead, another adversary emerged from its sleeping state—driving the DOH to find ways to eradicate it again. The Polio virus reemerged after the country was declared

'Polio-Free' for almost 19 years by the WHO. The virus multiplies rapidly and is found primarily in unsanitary locations. It can be spread through infected droplets via coughing and sneezing, and consumption of contaminated food or water. Polio can weaken a person's brain and spinal cord, causing varying levels of paralysis.

People living in the waterways where the virus reemerged (Manila, Davao) are vulnerable, especially those who base their livelihood in those waterways.

The root cause These diseases are preventable.

The unsanitary environment can be solved—yet ignored by many.

One of the ways the government and the health sector tells the public in solving these epidemics is through vaccination. These vaccinations are done in series and are given to infants through oral medicine or injections.

These vaccines aim to prevent the

children to be infected from these diseases—where cure is yet to be found.

In this time of modern technology where social media is used by many, the spread of dubious claims about vaccinations is rampant. These claims are made without any support. These claims originate from a case series study made in the 1990s, which suggested that vaccines cause autism — it has since been retracted. In the Philippines, some people have turned their backs to the government's effort in their vaccination projects due to the public scare caused by anti-dengue vaccine Dengvaxia movement, as stated in an article released by ABS-CBN News. With the decline of vaccination rates, the setting for recurrence of polio virus is already ripe, according to Health Undersecretary Eric Domingo.

Aside from the spread of

misinformation that halted the public to trust the government's initiative, unsanitary environment comes in addition to the sources of the existence of these diseases. Different information drive programs are being held by the government to highlight the importance of cleanliness—yet inaction of the public prevails.

A solution will always come Despite the problems brought by these deadly epidemics, the DOH still hopes to end these adversaries that caused a lot of misery to the public. Equipping the public about the importance of cleanliness and continuing to give vaccination programs to them are the goals of DOH in solving these deadly epidemics. Controversies may hinder them—but their mission in serving the public continues.

The common problem lies within the people who prefer to express their sentiments aggressively. With the use of their ‘mighty keyboards,’ they attack and pick fights with strangers in a childish way. In most cases, people who react negatively are easily offended.

There are categories of netizens who possess a heightened sense of fragility. Their feelings are fragile to the extent that when something small or irrelevant catches their attention and within their view, they regard it as offensive. They tend to criticize those whom they think are at fault and derogate them publicly.

Netizens who keep on doing such action seem to be everywhere as they can be at home, in classes, or even in the workplace. They are referred to as keyboard warriors, internet trolls, and snowflakes.

There seems to be distinctions among the three. They may sound synonymous to each other; however,

a thorough examination says otherwise. Thus, it may not be a good idea to interchange those terms when describing a certain netizen.

Keyboard warriors are those who express their rage through a text-based medium because they are incapable of resorting to physical violence.

They often make online threats that are physical, psychological, and even sexual.

On the other hand, online trolls are those whose main intention is to antagonize other netizens through offensive means. They have no intention of providing a good argument and only rely on memes.

Memes are emergency words, phrases, and images created by the online community that are usually employed when one can't think of anything else to say.

Lastly, snowflakes are those who entitle themselves with traits of uniqueness and being peerless. Most of the time, they are sensitive to

opposing opinions. Hence, the term snowflakes.

These attention hoggers find convenience in provoking others and convince the people to take their sides. They resort to blaming the apathy of the others where in reality some of them are hypocrites who need self-validation. There are times when their sentiments lead to outrageous outcomes that will surely raise the eyebrows. In a nutshell, they can be thought of as concerned citizens, but in reality, some of them are more or less, a bunch of childish teens or adults who constantly do nothing productive in their spare hours.

Responding to their comments or tweets is comparable to adding fuel to the fire: the more you defend, the more they will use your words against you and certainly they will lead you into further anguish. They will usually insist on their ideologies and prove to the public that they are in the right

position.

The actions of these digital warriors are grounds for cyberbullying, a criminal offense and also a leading cause of youth depression. The effects of depression to the youth are something that should not be taken lightly. As mentioned by PhilStar Global, victims of cyberbullying are most likely to lose self-confidence, skip school, incur health problems, and get involved in alcohol and drug addiction.

These new breed of digital warriors will always exist as long as they are able to, with the help of accessible media platforms. However, since their virtual actions can only affect those who stay in the same dimension that these digital warriors are staying, one can always transfer to another breadth where s/he is no longer susceptible to such toxicity. The choice is always left within one's finger: to click unsubscribe or continue watching.

The Age of Digital Warriors

gallery

VLOG TALK. Vloggers Carlo Ople, David Guison and Wil Dasovich (L-R) talks about the basics of vlogging and online content creation last Sept. 14 at the Luce Auditorium. Photo by Natha Le Louise B. Bureros.

FORUM. The speakers and organizers of Open Forum on Martial law stories last Sept. 23 at MPR; (L-R)Jovelyn Jocson, Rev. Joel B. Tabada, Lucille Jean Raterta and Alia Abadia* Photo by Alrivin M. Trivilegio.

LEARN TO EARN. Senior High School students in Accounting and Business Management strand gather to celebrate their Interactive Activity Month; it highlights their Entrepreneurship classes’ “Entrep Fun Fair” that attracts students with their wide variety of products last Sept. 23.

Photos by Maria Fiona A. Labucuas.

FINISHED. Students from Shikoku Gakuin University pose at the awarding rites of the Intensive English Program of the Language Learning Center last Sept. 20 at the Multi-purpose Room. Photo by Natha Le Louise B. Bureros.

the weekly sillimanian September 27, 2019

Religion and Peace Studies dept celebrates International Peace Week; participates in climate action

by Edan Sam Pancho MORE THAN 20 sections of Grade 12 students performed peace presentations in celebration of the International Peace Week organized by the Religion and Peace Studies department last Sept. 17 at the Silliman University Gym. These presentations were a part of their Christian Faith Formation and Spirituality (CFFS) subject’s performance task.

Present during the event were their respective teachers and Grade 11 students who created banners and slogans of peace. “The goal of the event was for the students to imbibe the culture of peace, internalize it and [for] the audience to understand the concepts of peace,” said Dr. Lily F. Apura, chairperson of the Religion and Peace Studies department.

The department organized a series of events aligned with the celebration of the International Day of Peace this Sept. 21. This year’s international theme is “Climate Action for Peace.”

According to Dr. Apura, the theme was revised into “Upholding Children as Zones of Peace: Strengthening Peace and Human Security,” to suit the context of the recent violence in Negros such as the killings, stabbing incidents, and the bomb threat in the university.

The graduating students of Masters in Peace Studies also organized an interactive peace forum held last Sept. 17 at the Magdamo Hall. Among those in the forum were representatives of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Dumaguete Provincial Police, and the 111th Army Battalion. Attendees were a section of Grade 12 CFFS students, as well as the faculty of the Religion and Peace studies department and representatives from Divinity School. In addition, a midweek prayer meeting, still in relation to the theme, was held last Sept. 18 and 20.

The university also participated in the #ClimateEmergencyHour as organized by Greenpeace Philippines in coordination with the Religion and Peace Studies department. The #ClimateEmergencyHour is an event where students walk out of their classes at 2 p.m., then display their banners to signify support for the call to mitigate climate change and take pictures to raise awareness in social media of the current environmental situation.

Christian Studies students were also required to post peace messages on social media. A fun day and arts for peace was organized for the Casa Esperanza community last Sept. 21. It included activities such as paintings and games.

Four Sillimanians pass Librarian board exam

by Edan Sam Pancho SILLIMAN UNIVERSITY (SU) produced four new librarians after the results were announced by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) last Sept. 16.

Three out of the four examinees were first-time takers, registering a 60 percent passing rate.

The newly licensed librarians of SU are: 1. Banlat, Elizabeth M. 2. Catalan, Rolette V. 3. Enolpe, Cendi F. 4. Enolpe, Rio A. from page 1 | SUMS produces...

The newly licensed physicians of SU are: 1. Abella, Eljay Mae A. 2. Alcala, Cazielle Kate B. 3. Alonzo, Thea Kristelle V. 4. Amante, Jonathan IV K. 5. Aquino, Jeremiah 6. Araneta, Leonard Vince T. 7. Bandico, Jonahmae H. 8. Barlisan, Alwina May P. 9. Bejarasco, Hanna Claire P. 10. Benasing, Mohammad Walley F. 11. Bigno, Jennalyn A. 12. Bogabong, Moh’d Ryane Eid A. 13. Braga, Philip Jay D. 14. Buenavista, Casey Brent C. 15. Cabahug, Danielle Angelique N. 16. Cabiles, Sigrid Lourdes T. 17. Calumpong, Eiffel Athena F. 18. Cimafranca, Louie Mar E. 19. Contreras, Phil Edgar E. 20. De Guzman, Roy Anthony T. 21. Delmo, Hazel Frans 22. Delos Santos, Rother Jan B. 23. Dempsey, Spencer Michael M. 24. Duran, L. Angelique Gene E. 25. Escabarte, Belle T. 26. Estreller, Ivan T. 27. Fausto, Abigail T. 28. Galura, Merianne Joy S. 29. Garpa, Marsha Lou S. 30. Gener, Jashen D. 31. Giangan, John Kevin C. 32. Goroy, Irish Jullienne M. 33. Homecillo, Rogo C. 34. Jakosalem, Kim G. 35. Loques, Ace Mykole P. 36. Magboo, Edna Jane Adelee II P.

Ms. Sarah Mae B. Salares, program coordinator of SU Library and Information Science, said that she is thankful and proud of the new batch of librarians.

According to PRC, 565 out of 1,024 examinees passed the Librarian Licensure Examination given this month in the cities of Manila, Baguio, Cagayan De Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legazpi, Tacloban and Tuguegarao this September 2019.

37. Malinao, Diane Mae D. 38. Manahon, Donabella D. 39. Maxino, David Timothy R. 40. Miraflor, Brian Matthew H. 41. Montebon, Keziah Marie U. 42. Montecino, Diane G. 43. Pakilit, Katrina S. 44. Po, Gabriel Vincent B. 45. Poliran, Kweena Lou A. 46. Porlucas, Eden Pearl J. 47. Ramos, Christopher King G. 48. Salig, Ivy B. 49. Siao, Winnie Maureen H. 50. Solano, Kyle Vinci P. 51. Suan, Essel M. 52. Sumagang, Leana Rae C. 53. Takinan, Ayara Aynne D. 54. Tan, Joey A. 55. Tenorio, Jehaila B. 56. Teves, Serafin Gino B. 57. Vitug, Kevin S. 58. Voskamp, Andres Anthony Eli II C. 59. Yap, Carl Gerard A. The passers, on the other hand, are all overjoyed with the announcement.

"Despite all the hardships and pain, the sleepless nights and heartaches during medical school, internship and review, it was all worth it!" said Diane Mae Malino, one of the passers.

Malinao also shared that during the review season, she alloted 15-16 hours a day studying, reading her handouts 2-3 times a day, scheduling and dividing all 12 subjects in the span of two months.

“Congratulations to them [passers] and to the faculty and staff of SUMS!” Dr. Ursos said.

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SU welcomes partnership with NGU

by Henrie Angelie Tam

SILLIMAN UNIVERSITY (SU) welcomed guests from Nagoya Gakuin University (NGU) of Japan last Sept. 11-17 to discuss future collaborations.

The guests included Dr. Yoshiharu Masuda, a college professor, and freshmen students of NGU namely: Akira Kato and Kaito Kokubo, Physical Therapy students, and Tomoro Shindo, an English major.

According to Dr. Lily Ann Bautista, SU Institute of Rehabilitative Sciences (IRS) director, NGU contacted SU for an exploratory visit inside the IRS and for a discussion on a possible exchange program.

Correspondingly, Dr. Masuda and company were toured around the institute by Dr. Bautista last Sept. 13.

Last Sept. 16, students from NGU demonstrated their coffee brewing skills at the Kokusai Kapayapaan Cafe and Gramophone Exhibition at the Oriental Hall.

According to Jezeree Jeonne Gajelomo, one of the organizers of the event said that the purpose of the event was to expose students of the Japanese culture, as well as to strengthen the partnership between SU and other universities from different parts of the world.

On the same day, Dr. Masuda presented his gramophone skills at the College of Performing and Visual

Arts. His demonstration consisted of creating different timbres through various needles without the use of electricity.

Dr. Masuda is famous for his documentary film entitled, “Yoshi’s Blend.” The film showed how Dr. Masuda’s coffee helped elevate the lives of the Japanese tsunami victims in Kobe. It also explored musical therapy as a healing aspect aside from physical aspects when recovering from trauma.

Meanwhile, Director of Strategic Partnerships Dr. Jenny Lind Elmaco continues to collaborate with other institutions to provide students with different opportunities outside of the classroom setting.

second-line leaders of progressive organizations and/or individuals who are committed to the values of freedom, equality, social justice, and solidarity. It also plans to pursue social and political development work and political management positions.

This program is supported and managed by the Friedrich-EbertStiftung Philippine Office, a private, not-for-profit, public interest cultural-educational foundation committed to the ideals and basic values of social democracy.

Chan, Angeles, and Maestrecampo will finish the fifth session on Project Management Tools and Skills after four other cluster sessions, which are three-day modules scheduled over the calendar year. Cluster sessions focused on Personal Development Skills, Political Communication Skills, Political Systems and Theories, Economic

Literacy and Political Economy.

Chan said he applied after he was encouraged by Reyman Krystoffer Sy, Akbayan Youth Dumaguete Chairperson, as the program will help him be "better equipped as a progressive youth leader."

"It will provide us with skills should we pursue development or political work. Some of the things I learned [are] actually applied to my being a student leader," he said.

He shared that he is among the few undergraduates in the program.

Many in the course are already working in the academe, corporations, non-government organizations, trade unions, and government.

Three other Sillimanians also finished the same program: Shamah Bulangis of APM Batch 5 (2016), Marius Viktor Aragon and Sy of APM Batch 7 (2018).

Among the pressing issues Ariola mentioned are the “Coal-Free Negros” campaign and its Renewable Energy Ordinances; the saving of Mt. Talinis and the protection of areas against energy explortation; and the appropriate funding for the Center for Tropical Studies.

Recently, the Department of Education released a memorandum urging educators to excuse elementary and high school students from their classes provided they present a parent's consent and proof of attendance.

Meanwhile, Ariola added that on Sept. 20-27, young people around the world are responding to the third global call to strike for the climate to urge world leaders in the United Nations Climate Summit to act and

declare a climate emergency.

She said that the Philippines has already around 12 actions registered online. Since Sept. 20, around four million students have been striking for “climate change” all over the world.

These climate strikes - formally known as #FridaysForFuture was started by Greta Thunberg, a climate activist from Sweden.

According to Ariola, the effects of climate crisis are not in the faraway future, and they are only going to get worse, especially if we just sit and complain about them. "I don't want you to regret when you grow old, that you didn't do enough for your future grandkids, the ones who will inherit a broken world," she ended.

furnished the other people concerned but with this one [grievance toolkit], I automatically get a copy [of the letter] and then I just follow up about this [certain] complain.)

The great thing about this toolkit is while you address the letter to the SOAD office, the offices concerned will be copy furnished to the concerned offices, he added.

Cadeliña said that the only con he could see with the app is the convenience of directly talking to someone personally and be guided compared to just filling in information which, according to him, “murag limited na lang nimo ang unsa pay laing buhaton,” (it has a limitation to you and what other actions you can do) although he said that it is already great and helpful.

He also added that he likes that the toolkit is being handled by the SUSG because, according to him, it will be more comfortable for students to know that the toolkit is handled by fellow students. It will also give the student body the impression that the SUSG, through the STRAW

committee, is doing their job.

So far, the toolkit has already received one complaint after the initial launching which was around late July and early August. And recently, they received another complaint. “It is tested and it is also addressed. I admire STRAW for having that [grievance toolkit],” Cadeliña added.

When asked regarding the choices the students can choose from, Bensali mentioned that “the students' concerns are grouped into four categories: student to teacher concerns, student to student concerns, student to admin concerns, and special concerns which will be handled by the chairs of SG STRAW committee.”

The process of this toolkit starts with the students having to go to the grievance toolkit website and pick their concern. The students will then be given pre-formatted letters to be filled out. The letters will then be forwarded to the SOAD head and further handled by SOAD and SG, he added.

Sillimanians to finish leadership-training course

by Francis Ryan Pabiania THREE SILLIMANIANS are set to compete the Academy of Political Management (APM), a leadership-training course for young progressive leaders, on Oct. 25-27 at Estancia de Lorenzo, San Mateo, Rizal.

Senior Foreign Affairs student Royd Edcel Chan, Silliman University (SU) alumnus Nathalie Angeles and SU Senior High School faculty Novee Maestrecampo are among the 33 scholars who are young professionals working in government or non-government organizations, student leaders, activists and advocates engaged in social-political campaigns in the Philippines.

The course supported and managed by the Friedrich-EbertStiftung Philippine Office, is for from page 1 | Climate Strike... of privilege and so we must understand the climate crisis and how it affects the marginalized, the oppressed, and the masses," she added.

She stressed that students’ learning in the university must be used to fight for their rights and persist to see real climate action from our government.

"Let's get out of our bubble of privilege and use the quality education we have to protect the underprivileged who are affected by the climate crisis the most," she said.

She encouraged students to participate in the event, to approach teachers and explain the purpose; and to present proof of attendance such as pictures and videos to be excused from classes. from page 1 | STRAW committee... sya na option na there’s something online for the students to [share] their concerns.” (It’s very helpful actually, because there are students who are afraid to file a complaint [letter] so it’s better that there’s an option, something online for the students to [share] their concerns).

He also mentioned that even with the new toolkit, the letters would still be sent to the SOAD office which will be further handled by him and the SUSG. Cadeliña also mentioned that with the toolkit present, it will be more convenient for him and for the students as well. “It’s a good thing for my part because in the past while I received complaints, ako man na siyang i-forward to the right offices, I also copy furnished (or the letter is being copied to) the other people concerned but with this one [grievance toolkit], automatic naman siyang ila kong hatagan ug copy so igo na lang ko, ga follow up about this [certain] complain, he said.” (It’s a good thing for my part because in the past while I received complaints, I would forward them to the right offices; I also copy

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the weekly sillimanian September 27, 2019

RANDOMSPACE: Types of Area 51 Raiders:

the

The Facebook event “Storm Area 51, They can’t stop all of us” is a plan that started as a joke by people to storm Area 51, a US military base rumored to hold top-secrets last Sept. 21. This will go down as a great example of how social media has a widespread impact on the millennial generation. So practice your Naruto run, and play the Avengers theme as we take a look at the top three kinds of people who led the charge to see 'them aliens'.

Kyles

Naruto Runners

Ricardo Milos

Angry brave men who, with the fuel of drinks such as Mountain Dew and Monster energy drink, will lead the Area 51 raid. Special skills are dry wall punching and going berserk when someone says that anyone in camouflage is their step dad.

People who have mastered “the Ninja Way” and practiced the unique running style of Naruto Uzumaki sprinting with his arms stretched behind him. If they begin to Naruto run, they can move faster than bullets.

The man, the myth, the legend. He is a Brazilian model known for his charismatic and alluring dance which mesmerizes all blessed enough to witness it. His special skills are Dance of the Brazilian God and battle trance aura which grants fervor to his allies.

Source: DailyDot

Source: When in Manila

Source: KNOW YOUR MEME

Complied by Edan Sam Pancho

ONLY IN THE PHILIPPINES

twscomic

PFIP, FARDEC spearheads forum on Silliman experiences during Martial Law

by Dominic Zi Ann D. Ng MEMBERS OF Prison Fellowship International Pilipinas (PFIP) and Farmers Development Center (FARDEC) convened a forum about the Martial Law stories of Silliman University (SU) last Sept.

23 at the SU Multi-Purpose Hall.

The forum highlighted the events that happened during the Martial Law period and featured a testimony from one of the speakers. The forum speakers were Reverend Joel B. Tabada from PFIP and Jovelyn Jocson from FARDEC. According to Lucille Jean Raterata, one of the organizers of the event, “Beyond The Storm: The Martial Law Stories of Silliman University was a forum to provide an avenue of learning about the effects of the Martial Law through the perspective of the Filipinos in Negros Oriental.”

She also added the purpose of the event was to share those stories to the younger generations that they may recollect what they have learned from page 1 | PAASCU revisits... teaching and research, support for students, relations with the community, and management of resources. Through the years, the university has been accredited by various accrediting agencies. Two

about the Marcos era from their classes and fact-check with the actual events that happened.”

First speaker Rev. Joel B. Tabada, a former Sillimanian pastor, narrated his experiences during the Martial Law. He recalled that on Sept. 23, 1972, the church was overflowing with people crying and he was bewildered to see this kind of crowd for the first time in his three years as a pastor. He was detained along with six Silliman students and was even threatened by a drunken guard. He was released before Christmas time and had interviewed more than 70 prisoners. After his release, he was still allowed to do pastoral functions; however, he was not allowed to resume church liaison.

Second speaker Jovelyn Jocson tackled about the experiences of the farmers back in the Martial Law period and some of the significant people killed.

The forum ended with Ms. Raterata giving out certificates and tokens of appreciation to the speakers. other programs are scheduled to be accredited by another accrediting agency before the end of the year: the Junior High School and the Filipino Graduate programs.

SUROTC holds annual presentation of Sponsors and Tactical Review

by Henrie Angelie Tam Silliman University (SU) Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) held their annual presentation of sponsors and tactical review last Sept. 21 at the Filomena Cimafranca Ballfield.

The corps of sponsors for school year 2019-2020 were formally presented together with their ranks.

Fifteen sponsors were presented namely: Abbygaile Rodriguez, Alfa Company Sponsor; Linnel Ann Maputi, HQ Company Sponsor; Mikaela Angelique Zayco, Bravo Company Sponsor; Bianca Merquita, Golf Company Sponsor; Shaniah Nicole Iturralde, Charlie Coy Sponsor; Cheenee Diantha Basañes, Foxtrot Coy Sponsor; Pia Nicole Dela Peña, Delta Company Sponsor; Rheanna Guevarra, Echo Company Sponsor; Kate Chantelle Villones, First Battalion Sponsor; Nathalie Grace Desor, Second Battalion Sponsor; Beatriz Merquita, Corps Ex-O Sponsor; Chelsea Sandoval, Corps S4/S7 Sponsor; Ma. Remy Tampac, Corps Adjutant & S1 Sponsor; Gwyneth Gandola, Corps S2/S3 Sponsor; and Harri Myrtle Rhodes as the Cadet Colonel in the Corps of Sponsors.

Some of the sponsors were asked what it is like being a sponsor for the ROTC unit and how to handle the pressure as a sponsor.

Rhodes answered that being part of

the Corps of Sponsors is a privilege.

It is a platform for them to serve the community. “Reaching out to the community every month by doing our own programs and outreach is such an accomplishment that warms our hearts. Also, the sisterhood I have gained with my co-sponsors is irreplaceable,” she said.

She shared that juggling between ROTC and studies are not easy.

Instead, she suggests to prioritize what is important and to learn time management.

Likewise, Villones responded that she enjoys participating in military trainings offered such as first aid training, military courtesy lectures, M16 training and others.

She said that “As a sponsor, I aim to bring godliness and morale among my fellow cadets. Since the ROTC program could get challenging, we are tasked to break the chain of apathy and instill a sense of patriotism through military service.”

When talking about the pressures she faces from her higher ups and upholding the values of a modern Maria Clara, she remains optimistic.

She asked for suggestions from alumni sponsors and advisers. She also said “...I tend to just focus on participating more on the activities.

Whatever the cadets do, I do, so as to prove to people that sponsors are not just merely ‘sitting pretty’.”

Desor answered that she is delighted to be part of the Corps of

Sponsors. She shared that she cannot let stress affect her since it is part of her duty to be calm and collected: “Approach issues with class and speak with confidence and authority as it gives a sense that everything is under control. Lastly, stay collected. Don't allow your emotions to get in the way. Always keep a positive mental attitude and remain fearless.”

Maputi said that although it pains her to ask for support from her parents, especially their contributions, she is still glad since it is for a good cause. The reason she joined is for the activities they prepare every month.

Regarding the pressure she faces with upholding the expectations as a sponsor, she said, “I think it all depends on how you respond to certain situations. You only feel pressure when you put it upon yourself,” she said.

Capt. Maria Ellaine A. Adarna was also introduced as the Corps of Sponsors adviser.

The guest of honor and speaker of the event was Col. Noel T. Baluyan, Commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade. Also present in the event were Dr. Betty C. McCann, Dr. Earl Jude Paul Cleope, Dr. Jenny Chiu, Prof. Jane Annette Belarmino, Rev. Wella De Rosas, and the cadets from Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS) and Literacy Training Service (LTS) component led by Dr. Jake Macahig and Mrs. Lorene Lumayag, respectively.

didyouknow?

Silliman University ranks 3rd in localpulse.net's listing of 2019 Best Philippine Schools to Study Medical Technology The ranking is based on the university's board exam performance, number of examinees, top performing examinees, accreditation status, and facultystudent ratio.

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LADIES IN RED. The Silliman University Corps of Sponsors, presented during the Presentation of Sponsors last Sept. 21 at the Filomeno Cimafranca Ballfield. Photo by SUROTC Photographers.