tWS 2022-2023 12th Issue

Cheerdance ‘deferred,’ admin prefers the old-style cheer squad

by RAY DONAIRE

FOLLOWING A LARGE margin of 20-2 votes, this school year’s Silliman All-University Cheerdance Competition (SAUCC) was deferred with some administrators hoping to bring back the “traditional” cheer squad without the acrobatic stunts during the Dean’s Conference held last Jan. 30.

The decision was made due to COVID-19 restrictions and risk-prone activity.

Dr. Walden Ursos, chair of the Wellness Committee, said that there is still no declaration from the Department of Health pertaining that the coronavirus has ended. He added that a new strain of COVID-19 was discovered which can be detrimental to the academic community.

Also, with the lack of protective equipment, Ursos said that the school cannot safeguard the health of the cheerdancers from injuries.

Ursos then addressed the comments comparing the success of other public events such as the Miss Silliman pageant by saying that contestants and audiences during Miss Silliman kept their distance while in cheerdance, “there is a lot of touching.”

Before the decision, John Jericho Murro, chair of the Silliman University Student Government Cheering Committee, said that SAUCC was declared to be part of the intramurals last semester. Hence, some of the colleges rehearsed early in preparation for the event.

Murro confirmed that the committee modified the guidelines in adherence to the COVID-19 protocols to ensure that health interventions were observed in line with the restrictions during the gradual transition into face-to-face events.

He added that they removed some parts of the guidelines which they thought could cause accidents to the cheerdancers and allowed only the basic stunting.

On the deferral of the competition due to COVID-19, Murro said they were not in favor of the decision because cheerdance competitions in other schools in Dumaguete City and the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) pushed through.

However, in an interview, Dr. Edna Calingacion, dean of students, said, “You can never compare our cheerdancers to that of the UAAP member schools because they are athletes, ours are not.”

Calingacion added that Silliman’s brand of cheering competition was the “Cheering Squad Competition,” which only reflects the advocacies

Continuedonpage4

VSC welcomes this year’s finalists, 8 out of 10 from SUPASA

by STEFAN SALDON

SILLIMAN UNIVERSITY (SU) held this year’s Valentines Songwriting Competition (VSC) with eight out of ten of its grand finalists from SU Producing and Songwriting Artists (SUPASA) last Feb. 14.

Around 32 members of SUPASA participated in the said competition which was held faceto-face after two years online.

Jeyah Mae Culanag, SUPASA founder and president, said

that this exposure would help boost SUPASA as a growing organization in the university.

SUPASA members, Gabrielle Moreno and Natayla Songgal were awarded Best Interpreter and Best Arranger for their songs “Mangga,” and “Moonlit Dew,” respectively.

Previous awards during the online set-up such as Best Song, Best Music Video, and Popular Choice were removed from the competition.

VSC 2023 announced Julia Faith Joaquin as its grand champion with

her song called “Pangandoy,” which talks about unreciprocated love.

Joaquin said that the song talks about her personal experience but is also open for interpretation by the listeners.

Hershey Alvero Permano, VSC chairperson said to “watch out” for songs from this year and the previous years’ finalists to be uploaded on Spotify.

The event was held at Claire

by SHAY DU

SILLIMAN UNIVERSITY (SU)

Library relocated facilities to the SU Gymnasium and opened for use on Feb. 20, Monday, amid discussions within the SU community.

The relocation came as a result of the planned renovation of the SU Main Library, which started on Feb. 17 and is scheduled to complete in a year.

Mixed reactions and concerns were raised when the SU Library announced the relocation online on Jan. 17.

Since then, library personnel continued to transport resources and materials to the gym; conducted the SU Libro program to give out old books to students, schools, and public libraries; and

discarded periodicals and other materials that needed to be phased out.

Aside from the books, the temporary library at the gym will have ten computer units, a laptop zone, internet access, the MakerSpace, the American Corner, and lounging areas. The opening of the temporary library was initially set at an earlier date but was pushed back due to delays with the installation of electricity, WiFi, CCTV cameras, and the hiring of security personnel. Service hours were also changed due to the relocation, with physical services available only on the weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In the meantime, Physical Education (PE) classes such as modern dance and international group dance

Continuedonpage4

On lib relocation: SUSG urges consultation, depts. call for cooperation Shay Du

SU Lib opens at gym, admin explains rationale

Senior High Pep Squad won 1st runner-up in SAUCC 2019 Photo courtesy SillimanUniversitySeniorHIghSchool

TOO FAR

In The Know: Students' Right To Due Process

EARL GUEN QUINONES PADAYAO | Senior Juris Doctor, SU College of Law

I find it perplexing that many students’ understanding of their right to due process in schools remains very slim. In this column, I will write about how students’ right to due process can potentially tame the great disciplinary powers enjoyed by educational institutions.

Schools' Power to Discipline

As a preliminary matter, I must start with the schools’ power to discipline.

The Supreme Court is quite clear that educational institutions enjoy the power to discipline students. As noted in the case of Jose Angeles v. Sison, “a school has a dual responsibility to its students. One is to provide opportunities for learning and the other is to help them grow and develop into mature, responsible, and worthy citizens of the community. Discipline is one of the means to carry out the second responsibility.”

In the case of tertiary and higher education, the Supreme Court said: “Academic freedom in all its forms, demands the full display of discipline. To hold otherwise would be to subvert freedom into degenerate license.”

EDITORIAL

A video uploaded online by a teacher went viral recently wherein she recorded herself in front of her class calling out and reprimanding two students who cheated during an exam and going as far as to reveal the students’ names without censorship in the uploaded video.

The video starts with the teacher asking the class if it is a coincidence that two students have not just the same score, but also the same correct answers and mistakes–especially with one of them being a frequent absentee. While still recording, the teacher went on to berate the students, saying that it is awful to be happy when you have high scores and grades that came as a result of cheating.

She announced that if they were honest about their actions, she would give them a chance to retake the exam. Both students admitted to the act, and the teacher continued to call out the students while speculating how they were able to accomplish their misconduct, further pushing them to demonstrate how they did it.

Some netizens commended the teacher, one commenting, “You have to teach the new millennials nowadays good moral and right conduct.” The commenter further said that the teacher made no mistakes and that despite mentioning the names, she didn’t show their faces. She also lauded the teacher for giving the students a second chance and for doing her job.

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“They needed guidance, not insults,” said another commenter who claimed to be a teacher herself. She further said that no matter how big a student’s mistakes are, you should not humiliate them. She also mentioned that if the video was taken as evidence or proof of cheating it must be kept private, and that the teacher should not post a video publicly that mentions their names.

We from the Weekly Sillimanian believe that it was wrong to publicize a matter that should have been discussed in private. What was the intent behind posting the video online, made available for anyone on the internet to see? This did not teach students a lesson, but rather it showed students that teachers would rather criticize and humiliate them than try to understand the situation and help them do better.

Students go through the ups and downs of life too, and a more humane approach would have been preferable. Villainizing cheating will not help the students. It is by coming from a place of empathy and concern for the students that teachers can truly focus on the total welfare and growth of their students. Trying to understand their reason to cheat and helping them recognize the negative impacts would have made the situation an effective learning experience, rather than a traumatic memory of being subjected to public humiliation. tWS

In the case of basic education, which accommodates minor children, they also discipline students in exercising their child-rearing obligations under the concept of special parental authority and responsibility in the Family Code. Article 218 reads: “The school, its administrators and teachers, or the individual, entity or institution engaged in child care shall have special parental authority and responsibility over the minor child while under their supervision, instruction or custody. Authority and responsibility shall apply to all authorized activities whether inside or outside the premises of the school, entity, or institution.” This is qualified or limited by the second paragraph of Article 233: “In no case shall the school administrator, teacher or individual engaged in child care exercising special parental authority inflict corporal punishment upon the child.”

Disciplinary Powers are Limited By Due Process

Indeed, schools may impose disciplinary sanctions on erring students. However, we must beg the question: How far can these disciplinary sanctions go?

According to jurisprudence, schools’ right to discipline is not absolute but greatly limited by students’ right to due process. Indeed, due process is one of the most fundamental rights enshrined in the constitution – and a student is entitled to the same.

Students do not shed their constitutional right to due process upon entering campus. This is the doctrine from the en banc decision of Malabanan v. Ramento. Chief Justice Fernando wrote that “the authority of educational institutions over the conduct of students must be recognized, it cannot go so far as to be violative of constitutional safeguards.”

One illustrative case about students’ right to due process is Non v. Dames. In this case, the Supreme Court clarified that students enjoy the procedural due process before being sanctioned by schools. In effect, sanctions cannot be arbitrary, oppressive, and dismissive of rights. Talking about the requisite due process before the imposition of penalty:

“it [penalty] must be imposed only after the requirements of procedural due process have been complied with. This is explicit from the Manual of Regulations for Private Schools, which provides in Paragraph 145 that “[n]o penalty shall be imposed upon any student, except for cause as defined in this Manual and/or in the school’s rules and regulations duly promulgated and only after due investigation shall have been conducted.”

Furthermore, it could be culled from prevailing jurisprudence that the following minimum standards of students’ right to due process should be observed:

(1) The students must be informed in writing of the nature and cause of any accusation against them.

(2) The students shall have the right to answer the charges against them, with the assistance of counsel, if desired.

(3) The students shall be informed of the evidence against them.

(4) The students shall have the right to adduce evidence on their behalf.

(5) The evidence must be duly considered by the investigating committee or official designated by the school authorities to hear and decide the case.

(6) The penalty imposed must be proportionate to the offense committed.

(7) For those exercising special parental authority over studentminors, no infliction of corporal punishment upon the child.

Problems Concerning Students' Right to Due Process

Due process is a very fluctuating concept that should not be left to the sole province of jurisprudence. Students’ rights to due process must be fully ventilated in the halls of legislature and captured by the law. Anyway, there is greater stability in a positive law that expressly recognizes this right. To rely solely on jurisprudence is not legally strategic if we want to ensure students’ rights are amply protected from arbitrary and oppressive imposition of school penalties or disciplinary sanctions.

It is admitted that it is common for universities to include due process procedures in their manuals. However, without a uniform or standard national statutory framework, these school manuals would again be subject to the risks of abuse, whims, and caprice of people in power in the academe. Verily, mere university manuals and school discipline guidelines could not possibly be enough to give students a true voice compared to a law that has the effect of reshaping realities.

sillimaniansspeak

Compiled by Rainne Nocete | tWS Social Media Manager/Graphic Artist

When does "Pitik" culture become harmful?

“Harmful siyaiflainlantawonangtawoanana pic or wala’y consent and nilikaynasiyaandga-picgihaponkabisagklaronanga you don’t want your photo taken.”

Ahva Muriele G. Devivar | BS Nursing I

“When a person’s privacy has been violated; especially if it’s used for clout chasing.”

Matthew Nathaniel Domen | STEAM 11

“When it is posted without the consent of the person in the picture.”

Ghian Mhari Olpoc | ABM 12

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Who/what is your favorite campus animal?

For your answers, just text Rainne Nocete (0998-555-7391). Indicate your full name (with middle initial), course and year.

The Weekly Sillimanian is published every week by the students of Silliman University, with editorial and business addresses at 1/F Oriental Hall, Silliman University, Hibbard Avenue, Dumaguete City 6200, Philippines, SU PO Box 24. Telephone number (35) 4226002 loc. 243.

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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.

A Labor of Love: ARTE FAIR

by NINA ALOLOD

When one thinks of February, what first comes to mind are the romantic pageantries of Valentines Day—flowers, chocolates, haranas dedicated to a significant other. But aside from these displays of affection, February is also a celebration of National Arts Month.

Our country is certainly no stranger to creativity, for it is reflected and embedded in our culture. We see this in the personalized art spray-painted on our jeepneys, in the unique use of piña fiber to create traditional Filipino clothes, the costumery donned by street dancers during festivals, and more.

National Arts Month acts as a tribute to the uniqueness and diversity of Filipino heritage and culture. Throughout this month, Filipino artists are able to showcase their talent as well as find new avenues to channel their creative energies. In celebration of National Arts Month, an art exhibition called Arte Fair is currently being displayed in the

Arté Café Gallery located in the 2nd floor of Allegre at Rizal Boulevard from Feb. 4-26 with a lineup comprised of local artists in Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Cebu, and Manila.

Silliman University alumni Cil Flores took part in this exhibition with her artwork “Uncover” featuring her original character Clae inspired by the annual Sandurot Festival that emphasized the hospitality and friendliness of Dumaguete City.

“The background and elements (i.e. glowing rocks, runes) are inspired by The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which is a videogame I’m currently playing.” Flores expressed when asked about the inspiration behind her artwork.

One trademark of a good artwork, according to Ian Rosales Casocot in his article entitled “The Arts City of Our Secrets,” is its ability to tell a story. Casocot expressed that to tell the story of Dumaguete is to be immersed in the language of how it embraces culture and the arts. Miss Flores’ artwork is no exception to this—with its colorful artistic interpretations and elements

that accentuates a nice depiction of Dumaguete’s culture and arts. The dark colors of nature complementing each other in the starry night sky adds a dreamy feel to it that provides a strong foundation in captivating the viewer’s eye to the center of the artwork—the girl holding a glowing cube that radiates an inviting warmth adorned with outlines of figures partaking in revelry and community, further honing in on Flores’ interpretation of the Sandurot festival.

There is no shortage of love for artistry in Dumaguete whether it be literary, musical, or theatrical. Silliman University is a testament to this—from the Tiempos who marked their place in the Philippine literary scene and are now immortalized in the annals of the Silliman University National Writers Workshop to the Claire Isabel McGill Luce Auditorium where countless local and international performances have been held.

“Dumaguete is slowly developing its vibrant art scene and we’re blessed to have three art galleries and ongoing exhibitions in the city,” continued Flores. She also expressed that through the art exhibition, students and budding artists out there will be able to view each artwork present and appreciate the talent, skill, and creativity that local artists of Dumaguete and around the country possess. tWS

Different Types of People During Valentine's Day: Disney Edition

by LEA CANIZARES

Love is in the air! Valentine’s Day is upon us once again, and with it comes the inevitable surge of emotions, expectations, and relationship drama. Some consider it as a time for them to give chocolates, flowers, and gifts to their significant others. Others use it as an opportunity to confess to their crushes. Lovers may see it as a chance for them to take their relationship to the next level while ‘bitter’ singles and haters out there may think that it is just another excuse for society to impose unrealistic expectations and unnecessary attention. But enough of those shenanigans! Let’s take a step back and look at the different types of people during this special day, shall we?

Minahal. Iniwan. Pinagpalitan.

Puso ko’y binihag mo!

Sinungkit na parang bituin

Nahulog sa kamay mo.

Sindi nito’y lalong kumikislap

Habang hinalikan mo ‘to ng matamis.

Ako ang pinakamasaya na bituin, O kaya’y naisip ng puso ko.

Kinabukasan, hindi kita nakita

Ika’y nawala na parang bula!

Pero, heto pa rin ako, naghihintay sa’yo.

Habang lumulubog ang araw sa gabi, Pinagmasdan ko ang ilaw na unti-unting nawawala Hanggang sa ito’y namatay kagaya ng puso ko

Nung nakita kitang nakatingin na sa ibang bituin.

Minahal kita na parang buwan.

Sabi mo na mamahalin mo rin ako na parang bituin. Eh, kung ganon, bakit ang dami namin?!

Tumingin ulit ako sa mga mata mo Ang parehong pares na dumurog sa puso ko.

Kung alam kong iiwanan mo lang ako, Sana hindi mo na lang binihag ang puso ko!

1. "Yes I'm alone, but I'm alone and free!" - Elsa

First up, we have the single and proud. These individuals are living their best life, embracing their independence, and rejecting the notion that being in a relationship is the only path to happiness. They’re out there doing their own thing, enjoying their own company, and not having to worry about splitting the bill or compromising their Netflix preferences.

2. "Anna, you can't marry someone you just met."

Then of course, we have the hopeless romantics. These people believe that love is in the air and that perhaps this Valentine’s Day will be the day they finally meet their soulmate. They have all the love to give, but with no one to give it to. All they can do is daydream about their crushes and conjure love scenarios in their heads that are unlikely to happen in real life.

3. Can You Feel The Love Tonight?

Next on the list are the lovebirds. As the saying goes, “birds of a feather, flock together.” They are the ones head-over-heels crazy in

love with each other and can make you go “Sana All” [“Hope All”] and “Respeto Naman Samin Mga Singles” [“Show Respect For Us Singles”].

You may find them around holding hands in public, clinging onto each other like inseparable magnets, and exchanging gifts wrapped in tin foil, delivered with beautiful, glossy greeting cards, and teddy bears.

4. The Sleeping Beauty

Ah, the sleeping beauty on Valentine’s Day—a unique perspective indeed! For those who love nothing more than a good night’s sleep, this holiday can be a bit of a snooze-fest (pun intended).

These folks have no interest in grand gestures, fancy dinners, or over-the-top surprises. They’d rather

spend the evening snuggled up in bed, dreaming of a world where they would never have to leave their cozy cocoon of blankets and pillows. And let’s be real here. Who needs a significant other when you have a comfortable mattress and a good set of sheets? Sleeping alone has never been so appealing. So, to all the sleeping beauties out there, we say embrace your love for slumber and have the sweetest dreams this Valentine’s Day.

5. "Poor unfortunate souls"- Ursula

These individuals believe that Valentine’s Day is just a Hallmark holiday designed to milk people of their hard-earned cash.

Continuedonpage4

Eco-friendly Things to Remind

by DAWN TIAOSON

It has been imprinted on humans that to love is to give, to love is to share, and to love is to appreciate. They naturally know that love is to be nurtured. Love is to be expressed. Ultimately, they know that love is one of the most powerful driving forces that binds two souls into one.

This Valentine’s Day, you may also want to give your significant others a gift to treasure forever. A gift that holds a sentimental value that will never expire. A gift that brings reassurance and feelings of love that lasts long. You may want this gift as something that represents you whenever you are away.

You of Me

You want to give something that could lift spirits and carve smiles—a gift that means the world to receive no matter the price. The Earth loves that idea too. Although giving gifts is a way of showing your love and affection for someone, you can still express this love while also extending your care for the environment with these eco-friendly gifts. Scented Candles are reusable and come with varying aromas. The scent your lover associates you with is one of the hardest things to forget. Whenever roses bloom, the thought of you comes to mind.

Continuedonpage4

IVAN ADARO

"Uncover", 2023 | Photo courtesy Cil Flores

Arte Fair exhibitors | Photo courtesy Cil Flores

Artist booth from Day 1 of Arte Fair | Photo courtesy Cil Flores

Check us out online!

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Function

Kalamay Papi

ACCEPTING COLUMN SUBMISSIONS

You may send your 300-500 words opinion write-up to the Weekly Sillimanian email: weeklysillimanian@su.edu.ph.

You are free to choose your topic.

Kindly include your full name and a photo of yourself. Please submit in an editable file format.

For inquiries, contact us through our social media accounts.

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Function is the latest release of Sillimanian, Joaquin Abregana, also known as “Kalamay Papi”. He is a Dumagueteño singer, rapper, and songwriter who produces hip-hop and R&B music. His works are available to listen on Spotify and iTunes.

frompage3| Different Types of...

They don’t understand the point of buying overpriced chocolates and flowers, and think that expressing love should be a daily occurrence, not just reserved for one day a year.

6. "I must say, I really felt quite distressed at not receiving an invitation." - Maleficent

Famously dubbed as ‘bitter,’ these people are the ones who are reminded that they are single and have no partners to enjoy the love activities with. No words of affirmation, no quality time, no physical touch, no receiving gifts, and no acts of service—just them and their single

frompage3| Eco-friendly Things...

Whenever romantic scenes occur, it instantly paints an image of you and evokes a sense of longing. Scented candles are good for three months at most, and it is safe for house pets and children too.

Yarns are not just for cats but for your lover too. DIY Flower Bouquets will never wither, just like true love.

Tangling yarns using patience and consistent pattern demonstrates perseverance and focus. Perseverance and focus demonstrate the amount of persistence despite the odds and the delays—a perfect illustration of your love that stays the same no matter the season. These flower bouquets never die, so they may stay for a lifetime. Additionally, it is a much healthier option for the environment and more practical in a financial sense as it utilizes lesser resources compared to traditional flower bouquets.

Gifts don’t always have to cost a pretty penny. Poems and love letters are romantic. These written thoughts, metaphors, and cheesy lines are timeless. Lay down your heart, let your pen bleed with the words you failed to say in person—talk about the intensity of your love. Write poems so your love remains assured inside your lover’s heart. Handwritten letters don’t require electricity, printers, or anything modern, which is also beneficial to the environment.

lives. Oftentimes, they are the ones asked to take photos of couples and be the wingman of lovers. If this is you… please don’t cast a 100 year old curse.

Regardless of what your status is on Valentine’s Day, one thing is for sure: Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love and all its forms. Whether it’s the love you have for yourself, the love you have for your friends, or the love you have for your significant other, it’s a time to spread joy, kindness, and happiness. So go out there, have some fun, and don’t forget to eat plenty of chocolates—because who needs a significant other when you have a box of truffles, right? tWS

It requires only your honest words to touch the heart of your loved ones.

Ultimately, time. All those mentioned above would mean nothing without you around. Make sure to hold your lover’s hand whenever thunderstorms come to scare. Walk with your lover around the places that remind you of each other. Talk for hours about the shore, the dogs, the leaves fallen, or anything that may seem weird to other people. Time costs nothing, but it means everything when shared with the people you regard so dearly.

The gift you give must contain a significant resemblance with you. It must be something worth holding to eternally, to timelessly be a reminder of your true feelings, and to forever be an evidence of your passionate soul. This Valentine’s Day, let us extend our love not only to our significant others, but to the environment as well for the next seasons of love to come. tWS

frompage1| Cheerdance 'deferred'...

of each college unit’s identity through basic cheers and yells.

Unless Silliman trains cheerdance athletes, Calingacion said, “We will always see cheerdancing as a very risky competition.”

Regardless of the dangerous circumstances that a cheerdance could bring, Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Earl Jude Cleope said that SAUCC is only deferred for this year’s return of in-person intramurals which makes it a subject for inclusion next school year. tWS

classes will continue to be held at the green badminton courts in the gym.

frompage1| SU Lib opens... but its lack of flooring, air conditioning, and other facilities made the proposal unviable, according to Cleope.

Other events such as the University Intramurals, varsity practices, and other university-wide events will be held at alternative venues.

On location: No better option

The decision to temporarily relocate the library’s operations to the gym was not among the University Library Council’s (ULC) initial proposals, but a suggestion by Dr. Earl Jude Cleope, Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA).

Cleope’s main reasons for choosing the gym as the area for relocation included the ease of transporting the library’s resources and convenience for students.

The administration rejected other proposals due to logistical reasons.

The first option initially proposed by the University Librarian was to scatter the library’s resources across the learning resource centers (LRCs) of the different departments and colleges.

However, Cleope said that this proposal was rejected because not all colleges have LRCs that can accommodate the library’s collections.

“The fact is that, where will the students go?” Cleope said. “And the logistics of transferring [must also be considered since] all the resources and materials [will go] to all these different places.”

Portal East was another option for the relocation,

“In other words, practicalitywise [and] cost-wise, that was out of the question,” he said.

The use of container vans came up as another option but was eventually scrapped considering all facilities and resources are expected to be transferred back to the Main Library in a year.

Doing the construction in phases while the librarians and books remained in other parts of the library was also mentioned, but was rejected by the contractor due to the scale of the renovation and the hazards involved.

“So the option that I saw was the gym,” Cleope said. “[During the consultation, we] realized that the gym would be the suitable place because it’s near the library, students can still go, and there will be no stoppage of services.”

Sarah Angiela Ragay, officer-incharge of the University Librarian’s office, said that they had concerns regarding the gym as the chosen area for temporary relocation.

“We ourselves are very concerned about [the affected events such as the intramurals, PE classes, and graduation],” Ragay said. “[But Dr. Cleope said] we have [the Lamberto] Macias [Sports Complex], [the] Luce [Auditorium, and many other options].”

On the concerns regarding the intramurals, Jane Annette Belarmino,

Vice President for Development, Enterprise, and External Affairs, said that the gym is only one of several venues for sporting events.

“[Between the gym and] a library renovation that is basically the heart of any academic institution, [which will you prioritize]?” Belarmino asked. “Library or intramurals that will only take place one week in one year? The library that will be used by all students for the entire year [or] intramural games where we can find alternative venues

The PE and athletics departments were also consulted before the relocation and agreed with the arrangement.

On timing: Renovation was urgent

While the Uytengsu Foundation, Inc. donated ₱ 120 million for the renovation of the Main Library in 2019, the renovation was only approved in November 2022.

Complications with COVID-19 and the long processes of commissioning architects, planning, bidding, and seeking approval from the donors and the Board of Trustees led to the threeyear wait, according to Belarmino.

“If you are a donor, and you had donated this amount and nothing has been done, how would you feel?” Cleope said. “And if there will be no movement whatsoever, when will the modernization take place?”

Cleope then confirmed that the the contractor has been waiting along with all the signed contracts, therefore, raising urgency levels of the project.

This is a developing story. tWS

On lib relocation: SUSG urges consultation, depts. call for cooperation

by SHAY DU

SILLIMAN UNIVERSITY

Student Government (SUSG) and other departments in the university called for more student consultation and cooperation within the community after the SU Library’s relocation to the SU Gym.

The SUSG urged the SU administration to conduct more consultations with the student body after they were “blindsided” by the relocation.

Meanwhile, the Physical Education (PE) and Athletics departments, along with the University Librarian, emphasized the need for the SU community to cooperate with and respect each other during this transitory period.

“We believe we are one [with] the university, [so] we [should] help one another attain its vision for total human development,” said Meriam Ramacho, head of the PE department.

An online discussion arose when the library to the gym relocation was announced on Jan. 17 via email and social media.

Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) Dr. Earl Jude Cleope suggested the gym as the area for relocation because it was the best option in terms of logistics and student convenience.

Cleope made arrangements with the PE and Athletics departments prior to the relocation, but the SUSG was not included in consultations because it was “an administrative call.”

“I felt that there was no need to consult the students because, in the first place, they don’t know the operational [aspects] and the financials [of the library],” Cleope said.

Cleope further stated that the timing of the meetings regarding the relocation made it difficult to call students to attend.

SUSG: Students should still be consulted, lacking admin-student engagement an ongoing problem

According to John Christian Entrata, SUSG president, he and Vice President Kyla Bue only discussed the matter of the library’s temporary relocation with Cleope after it was announced.

“[We] actually found out about [the relocation] by accident [during] an interview with Hashtag Silliman in the library, [where we saw personnel] repacking things,” Entrata said.

While Entrata agreed with the administration’s decision to use the gym as the area for relocation, he criticized the lack of student consultation because “the [students] are the primary users of the gym and the library.”

“Actually, [the lack of student consultation has been] a major concern [of] the SUSG for years already, and all we can [really do is to] reach out,” Entrata said. “However, sometimes we don’t actually know [what matters we need to] reach out about.”

Entrata further questioned the lack of communication on the library relocation issue because of the existence of an SUSG Representative to the University Library Council (ULC).

This representative acts as a liaison between the ULC and the SUSG by communicating with the University Librarian and attending meetings of the ULC, according to Rep. Pauleen Oconer, who currently holds the position.

However, the last time Oconer was called for a meeting on the library renovation was in November 2022.

“At the time, [the] renovation topic wasn’t urgent yet,” Oconer said.

Plans for the renovation presented at the meeting had also been different, according to Oconer, with the renovation being scheduled for June 2023 and the books possibly being transferred to a “third-party” building.

Following these events, Entrata called on the administration, in general, to be more proactive in engaging with the student body through the SUSG and making them aware of major decisions.

In response to these events, Entrata said that the SUSG Assembly has plans to craft a resolution that will encourage the administration to initiate more dialogue with the student body through monthly or bi-monthly meetings. Lib, PE, Athletics depts. emphasize cooperation, respect

During meetings with the administration, the PE and

Athletics departments agreed with the decision to temporarily relocate the library to the gym.

“With optimism in our hearts and minds, we agreed to the proposal because we have alternative venues for our PE classes,” Ramacho said. “With these, we also followed up our request for the roofing of the swimming pool and Pelota courts in anticipation [of] our PE offerings in the first semester of school year 2023-2024.”

Dionesio Piñero II, head of the athletics department, also agreed to the arrangement since concerns related to varsity practices and the University Intrams have already been addressed.

“The gym is for all, not just [for the athletes or the PE classes; that’s why it’s called the multi-purpose gym,” Piñero said. “[Plus,] this is our third experience of having been affected by the [unavailability] of the gym, so in times like these we always have our options [that will also ensure] the safety and security of our students.”

Alternative venues include the Alaska Court and Cimafrance Ballfield.

While Piñero appreciated the “healthy” discussion that came from the students expressing their sentiments about the relocation issue, he also reminded them to be more understanding toward the situation.

“[On the athletics department’s side], we have to look back [on] how we can help because we’ve been using the gym every day,” Piñero said. “We [should] also give others the chance to use the gym because there is no other place that the library can place all their equipment.”

Responding to negative reactions to the library’s relocation to the gym on social media, Sarah Angiela Ragay, officer-in-charge of the University Librarian’s office, called for respect since PE classes and library operations will both continue to be held at the gym.

Ragay also emphasized that, while the current arrangement is a burden on all affected parties, the SU community should still be considerate of each other.

“We are doing [this] because [we still need to serve the students’] information needs,” Ragay said. tWS