tWS 2022-2023 1st Issue

the

119 years

weekly wee kly sillimanian TOWARDS A PROGRESSIVE CAMPUS PRESS | VOL. XCIV NO. 1 | THURSDAY, 13 OCTOBER 2022

fb.com/tWSillimanian @tWSillimanian @twsillimanian twsillimanian.com

IN PHOTO. SU Cafeteria staff (orange uniform) serving customers | Francis Ryan B. Pabiania

SU Admin investigates alleged ‘food contamination’ incident from the food served by the uniRANJIE MAE R. NOCETE N AT H A N I E L E . C A R A M PATA N A versity’s food cafeteria, although there were other foods brought SILLIMAN UNIVERSITY ad- in from outside of the university. ministration investigates an alleged Dr. Madeline B. Quiamco, CMC “food contamination” incident affecting 74 attendees from the College dean, sent an incident report Monof Mass Communication (CMC) day to Prof. Jane Annette Belarmino, and School of Public Affairs and Vice President for Development, EnGovernance (SPAG) after attending terprise, and External Affairs (VPtheir acquaintance parties Saturday. DEEA) who leads the investigation.

For his part, Dr. Ferdinand Mangibin, SPAG dean, also sent a letter to The attendees experienced diVP Belarmino providing more inforarrhea and vomiting allegedly mation to help in the investigation.

In her incident report, Dr. Quiamco The affected students who went to said that 20 out of the 62 attendees of the doctor were diagnosed with acute the acquaintance party organized by gastroenteritis and mild diarrhea. the Kapunungan ng mga Mass ComDr. Quiamco admitted that she municators (KMC) were affected. was worried about the financial Dr. Quiamco, in an interview strain caused by the incident. “Many with tWS, explained that the rea- of the affected students did not want son why they linked the symp- to go to the Clinic because of the toms to the food at the acquain- money and time they must expend.” tance party was because “that was Meanwhile, SPAG’s Council the only common thing they did.” Governor Marc Lirazan conShe also did not believe some- firmed that 54 were affected, one messed with the food while it was in the Multi-Purpose Room.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4...

SU strengthens stand to pursue truth, encourages all to combat widespread false information NATHANIEL E. CARAMPATANA PRESIDENT DR. BETTY CERNOL MCCANN told Sillimanians to use their expertise to promote truth, human rights, and democracy in line with Silliman University’s values during the return of the face-to-face All-University Academic Convocation.

The university reaffirmed its commitment to truth and its discovery, investigation, and dissemination following the constant emergence of unreliable data and materials. McCann stated that no one should be involved in activities that deliberately spread disinformation or misinformation.

“For those who have access to social media, use your expertise to challenge disinformation, and where necessary, work together to take down websites that deliberately engage in it,” she said.

McCann also warned Sillimanians that all educational levels would be affected by the consequences of false information when new learning materials are made available.

Headed by the Dr. Mariano C. Lao Innovation, Creation and Invention Technology Laboratory, the series’ first batch proceeded every Saturday with topics such as misinformation vs. disinformation, fact-checking on social media, deep fake technology and its impact on society, and sociology of information.

and platforms to various speakers until Dec. 17, 2022.

“Please be with us. In this drive, simply defending the values of truth, a healthy environment, and society’s well-being is no longer enough. We must advocate and advance peace values,” McCann concluded, encouraging Sillimanians and non-SilThe continuation of the an- series recently began last Oct. 1, dis- limanians to join the initiative.

Meanwhile, she nounced the continuation of the series launched by Silliman Online University Learning last April 2, 2022, on fact-checking to combat misinformation, mal-information, and disinformation in social media.

cussing the topic of virtual classroom orientation and introducThe All-University Action. For each succeeding Saturday, ademic Convocation occurred the team assigned crucial topics last Sept. 28 at the Claire Isalike fact-checking processes, tools,

p 04

Sillimanian Grabs Mr. Grand PH 2022 Ambassador Title

bel McGill Luce Auditorium.

p 02

Another New Normal

p 03

A Home Away From Home

tWS

SU hosts AAIG caravan 2022 STEFAN R. SALDON

SILLIMAN UNIVERSITY HOSTED and partnered with the Academe, Alumni, Industry, Government (AAIG) Caravan in promoting a space wherein graduates can easily transition from school to the ever-changing working industry.

Five guest speakers were invited to the caravan webinar, each tackling a topic connected to this year’s AAIG theme, “Strengthening Approaches Towards The Preferred Future.”

Industry speaker Suzanne Antoniette Lu-Bascara, Assistant VP and Site Director of Inspiro Relia Inc., highlighted the high unemployment rates of Central Visayas, standing at 8.04 percent compared to the national average of 6.37 percent.

“Quality education is often viewed as a stepping stone to employment. Yet year after year, graduating students face the daunting task of adapting to an ever-changing landscape of career and recruitment,” Don Timothy Buhain, Chief Executive Officer of Rex Education added.

Moreover, Lu-Bascara advocated for job opportunities through Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), sharing the industry’s 11 percent contribution to the country’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product).

However, she recognized the skills gap present among graduated students and further advocated for their proper training.

In relation to the skills gap, the speakers of the AAIG explained the importance of a better educational system to provide students with the skills necessary to better adapt to the current Fourth Industrial Revolution, which focuses on data and rapid technological advancements.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 ...

2 | twsopinions

the weekly sillimanian 13 October 2022

EDITORIAL

Reinventing Silliman's Student Government Judiciary EARL GUEN QUINONES PADAYAO | Senior Juris Doctor, SU College of Law There will always be legal drama in the corridors of Silliman University’s Student Government – especially during election season. To me, this is quite expected. After all, we have a pool of the best and brightest who occupy the top seats of our student bureaucracy.

As a former COMELEC Chair for one term and a three-termer in the judiciary, I’ve had my fair share of exposure to the legal controversies by and between the ‘gods of power’ among us students.

Another New Normal However, the new learning system has also brought concerns from both college students and parents.

Having the option to decide to hold online synchronous classes instead of F2F may sound like a convenient option to have, however, this does not necessarily extend to the college students. For college students, they have been faced with the need to seek out areas near or within Silliman that have a stable internet connection to attend synchronous classes despite already being on campus.

This is especially troublesome for those who have back-to-back classes.

class only to find out online minutes later that classes are either to be held online synchronously, asynchronously, or not at all.

We understand that this is currently an adjustment period as we transition back to fully in-person classes from Online Distance Learning, but we from the Weekly Sillimanian call for the Administration and faculty to reassess the current modes of teaching and class scheduling in consideration of the college students’ academic performance and holistic development.

Several students have expressed their frustration on this matter. One student recently shared that she has a teacher who holds classes online has a tendency to dismiss them late, but her next class is a F2F one, so she and her blockmates would often be rushing from wherever it is that they found internet for their online class, all the way to their F2F class.Additionally, taking into Teachers can now decide to hold account the limited availability of online synchronous classes instead usable devices, some students are of F2F. They make these announce- needlessly burdened even further. ments F2F or via the Silliman Online University Learning platform. StuOther accounts from students redents have to frequently check my- veal that on several occasions they SOUL to ensure they do not miss an had already arrived at their desigannouncement, class, or assignment. nated classroom in time for F2F

Isn’t this too much to expect of them? In addition to their demanding academic loads, they have to constantly be readily available for both online synchronous and F2F classes. What of those who have neither the means nor the resources for it? College students deserve to have set schedules announced ahead of time for alternating modes of class, and for spaces on campus that are equipped with stable internet and devices available for use.

It’s been almost two months since Silliman University resumed in-person classes as per the advisory released by the Department of Education (DepEd), announcing that limited F2F (face-toface) classes will begin in August.

After two years of stagnance, the campus is brought back to life with everyday school activities. In light of this, the resumption of in-person classes has teachers and students alike faced once again with the daunting task of having to adjust to yet another new normal. In compliance with DepEd, the university is utilizing hybrid classes before fiveday F2F classes will become mandatory for all schools starting Nov. 2. This new normal entails a new schedule, designed to accommodate all students and strategically minimize the population in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Silliman is an institution that values the quality of its students’ education, growth, and college experience. This cannot, and should not, be compromised. tWS

I could say I’ve read and seen enough to notice that our corpus of student laws is premium cut. We have a rich constitutional history – a constitution that received interesting amendments in recent years. We also have a vast collection of student laws promulgated by various generations of Student Assemblies – our own legislature – which leaves us with much to munch on. Even the implementing rules and regulations of our elections are well-thought.

Yet, one leg of the student government seems underappreciated: the student judiciary.

It seems to me that the judiciary has taken the back seat in many of our student government’s activities.

Now, I know for a fact that the Judiciary is most instrumental during election season’s much-awaited legal disputes between two old and powerful political parties: CAUSE and SURE. Obviously, we’ve always been instrumental in blunting the fangs of the two parties in their yearly electoral deadlocks.

But I think the judiciary should be more than just the election cases. We are bigger and grander than mere election cases.

News Writers Nathaniel E. Carampatana, Nina Isabelle J. Alolod, Stefan R. Saldon, Allianah Junnice F. Bolotaulo Feature Writers Keisiah Dawn T. Tiaoson, Lea Katrina P. Canizares, Paul Ray G. Donaire, Yuan Ceagor K. Raquel Photographer Francis Ryan B. Pabiania Cartoonist Lady Lynn W. Aplicano Social Media Manager/Graphic Artist Rainne C. Nocete Graphic Artist Julianne Rissa P. Gabriel Layout Artist Jarixa E. Balbuena Adviser Winona Jane C. Agir

In that decision, we also defined ‘who is a candidate’ insofar as student laws are concerned. We also resolved an issue concerning the weight and status of COMELEC decisions in our jurisdiction after one party blindly relied on the ruling of COMELEC in the case of SURE v. Pajantoy. Incidentally, I was also the ponencia of the Pajantoy election during my time as COMELEC Chair. Weird that a decision I previously penned was later cited in a student court where I am sitting.

Point being: With just one case, we were able to answer key questions and clarify gaps in our student laws.

Now, imagine a judiciary which functions early in the school year. We could start introducing reforms within our branch and start receiving cases.

The body of work we could produce would have a monumental impact.

PAUL RAY G. DONAIRE | Writer, tWS

man

“Huh? Isa ka sud-an ra unta akong gi-order.”

That was the first thing that came to mind when I ordered a meal at a local karinderya, which cost me roughly about Php 70.

“As in? Mahala ‘ba.”

Then, there was one time I had lunch at Silliman University Cafeteria and ordered rice with fried chicken and some sort of green strings valued at around Php 135 that left me to ponder for a moment, “Unta nag-Jollibee na lang ko. Halos pareha ra man gasto.”

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.

In all honesty, I feel as though I’m becoming a burden to mine.

www.facebook.com/tWSillimanian weeklysillimanian@su.edu.ph

From Php 25 for three beef siomai balls at Master Siomai to Php 35; from Php 50 for large fries at Potato Corner to a 50 percent increase in its original price; and other retailers absorbing price hikes in response to inflation. I’m not even sure what necessity means anymore.

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.

It is worth noting that in 2020, the student judiciary laid down a landmark decision with the consolidated cases of CAUSE v. COMELEC and SURE v. COMELEC. The student court finally had the chance to recognize the suppletory role of Philippine national laws in our campus jurisdiction insofar as student disputes are concerned.

Gastos here, Gastos there: Inflation and its Impact on College Students

Do you know the feeling of BADLY NEEDING to spend less because you live in a residence hall on a tight budget? Or that you’re overly conscious of your parent’s financial obligations to let you study at one of the most expensive universities in the country?

Editor-in-Chief Anna Avery T. Zapanta Associate Editor Ranjie Mae C. Nocete News Editor Mary Reyshel P. Repe Feature Editor Ivan Anthony A. Adaro Web Manager Sheikha A. Encabo Business Manager Klodia Reese M. Gabaya

If the student government wishes to introduce sound legal reforms, the court should be appointed and composed early in the school year and should be given more funding.

I thank SG President Christian Entrata for working on our appointments early this school year. I hope this continues. Early appointments will give the justices time to finetune the Rules of Court (ROC).

This column is not to call out the eateries I mentioned above, as I am confident, certain, and positive, without a doubt, that this is the outcome caused by the ripple effect of the inflation rate which all business sectors are affected by.

Inflation rate dooms to endanger global food security where no one is exempt, regardless of socioeconomic background. Henceforth, it requires

extensive reviews employing the lens of sociological imagination to pave the way for creating dialogue on personal troubles and public issues.

Budgeting expenses is ultimately challenging for me as a college student when I still depend on my family. If this problem continues to deteriorate our economic state, what will happen to those who are financially struggling?

What will it be for them? Should we stay silent and let it pass? To come forward and say, “It’s a worldwide problem and there’s nothing we can do about it”?

This isn’t some kind of social phenomenon to be overlooked. It deserves public attention and priority from the government. But how come the new administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. has yet to present substantial countermeasures against inflation even after his first 100 days in service?

Remember, life is at stake here. The worst-case scenario is that inflation could drive us to world hunger where everyone, especially those who belong below the poverty line, can barely afford supplies and goods, not to mention the shortages of our local resources. So, the question arises: would this be another era of famine crisis in our country? We never know, but it’s best that we anticipate something that affects us publicly.

Money is an integral part of society.

It serves as a tool to boost and circulate the well-being of the economy. Considering the neo-liberal educational system that we have right now, the cycle of “Gastos here, Gastos there” continues to take a toll on students and their families who want nothing more than quality and excellence in higher education.

twsfeatures | 3

the weekly sillimanian 13 October 2022

A Home Away from Home LEA KATRINA P. CANIZARES | Writer, tWS

As young adults, leaving the comfort of one’s childhood home is a point in life that not all may want to find themselves in. To most, it begins when they start building their own families. To others, it starts when they enter adulthood.

But to a common majority, it begins in student life, especially when the student finds themselves in a school far away from their homes.

Moving into a dorm can be one of the biggest transitions a student can experience. It is a given that going off to a college away from home can both be an overwhelming and exciting experience at the same time. This experience means venturing onto a new path—being away from family, friends, and the things one has been accustomed to—and most especially, drifting away from the place called “home.”

Not only will it be the first time one will be living away from home, but it can also be the first time having a new set of duties and sharing a room with practical strangers.

Long-lasting friendships, a sense of campus community, and a conducive environment for learning are just a few of the advantages of dorm life, which has reinforced its status as a quintessential element of the “real college experience.” Still, embarking on a new adventure comes with challenges that one must embrace. Carrying and unloading massive bags and luggage, seeing the hallways packed with unfamiliar faces, and getting settled into what will soon be a home away from home are among the few things a dormer has to confront silently.

Most dormers are used to living in their houses with their families and personal spaces. Hence, trying to acclimate to a new environment might take a lot of patience as they try to embrace constant bouts of change.

Regardless of the idea of being liberated and the excitement for a new adventure that awaits, homesickness is also quite prevalent in dormitory life. Understandably, it is a perfectly normal response to being separated from one’s family and home. The longing for the presence of one’s family and for the place they grew up in is a feeling that may envelops them with nostalgia—like the home-cooked hearty meals served at the table, the quick stroll around the neighborhood, the comfort from their favorite spots at home, and being surrounded by their loved ones.

Womanhood, Beyond Prose YUAN CEAGOR K. RAQUEL | Writer, tWS

for the first time. However, this experience in itself can foster holistic development. Many people consider living in the college dorm to be a rite of passage into adulthood as dormers discover more about themselves and their capabilities. More to that, they are presented with a chance to establish social relationships with other people with similar experiences.

What does it take to write a book? What does it mean to write so passionately about a wonted thought – a depreciated cause – a story seemingly savvied only by storytellers, and to be brave enough to share it to a world that could not be more preoccupied and indifferent? Why write a book? Why write?

As a dormer, Glorynjul Alapan shared that she had the chance to come across a wide range of personalities in the dorm—some pleasant and some not—but just by residing with other university students, it enabled her to expand her network of acquaintances and enrich her life with newfound bonds.

In an interview with the Weekly Sillimanian, Miss Angela stated that she was not originally as keen on writing the book as she ended up being. She began writing the book when she was pursuing her master’s program in Creative Writing at UP Diliman. She wanted to write a book that showcased the experience of women, especially the experience of female poets. When asked about the parallels between her published works, and of the relative liberties taken by her latest book, she replied: “My first book, “The Sea That Beckoned” was about the Filipino-American experience. I wanted this second book, Young Enough to Play, to encapsulate the Filipina experience.”

For Karylle Jed Dumanglas, dormitory life has been a rollercoaster ride of emotions for her. Being away for the first time has made her learn to become more reliant on herself.

“With dormitory living, students will meet people from various walks of life who are yet to change their lives for the better in ways they do not know yet,” she shared. Julianne Rissa, another dormer, shared that the transitions of dorm life can be eased by combining great opportunities for independence and fun with assured security and accessibility to the university’s campus.

From the perspective of a student who has been living in the dorm for two years, Alyssa Glorydale Algo shared that dorm life has been a safe haven for her. “Dormitory living allows students to build lasting friendships,” she expressed.

Regardless of the longingness she felt from being away from her family, dorm mates are present to provide comfort. When one gets home, they will be greeted by people who will share nearly everything with them, assist them with their responsibilities, and take them to restaurants. The bonds fostered with dorm mates and dorm managers is one that is beyond compare and is bound to stretch even after college years.

From a distance, dorm life may appear daunting—most especially if it is the first time. But once given a chance to get settled in, that is when the adventure towards adulthood truly begins. Shying away from familiarity may be terrifying at times, but it provides a real avenue for Drastic lifestyle changes are inevi- growth—one that is bound to leave table for those living away from home an impression on one’s life forever. tWS

In a world of tumult and obscured injustice, we need people who can clarify our negligence. In a society founded on urban pace and progress, we need people who do not live by their disposable nature. In a life as fleeting and arbitrary as ours, we need people who find purpose in helping others find theirs. Angela Gabrielle Fabunan is one such person. A recipient of numerous literary accolades and fellowships, she is also a published author and educator at Silliman University’s Department of English and Literature. Her latest book, “Young Enough to Play” was officially launched at the Romeo P. Ariniego Art Gallery last Sept. 30.

It was met with great enthusiasm by the faculty members, students, art lovers, and friends in attendance.

Her second book is a set of lyrical love poems told through the eyes of a young girl, then a young adult, and then a full-fledged adult. The poems are contrasted to the coming-of-age experiences of the speaker. They talk about the speaker’s relationship with other women, to the you persona, and to the time period of the present day. Its central, unifying themes include intellectual discourse, adolescence, and mental, rather than physical imagery; of the real, rather than the imagined.

On the subject of prospective readers, she mused: “I have heard it said of my work that it is primarily targeted towards female readers. Indeed, the book is dedicated to all women writers. However, I do believe I write for those who are interested in poetry, no matter what genders, especially those interested in Formalism.” She hopes the book can influence the way the reader looks at their imagined lives, rather than their “real” or physical lives, and can serve to validate that imagination.

IN PHOTO. Angela Gabrielle Fabunan at “Young Enough to Play” launching at Arieniego Art Gallery | Mary Lajato, SUCC NACRO

Reflections. Miss Angela’s writing process was as much an exercise in catharsis as it was a display of her technical abilities. According to Miss Angela, when people write poetry about their traumas, or about what people cannot speak of in public, there is a certain way of reading it that takes the poet back to that same trauma. In writing the book, she felt the most intimate sharing of her life to the page, and for a long time, the page was her only listener. She relived the trauma almost every day while she was editing the proofs of the book. And when the book was published, she felt not as if a weight had been lifted off, but almost afraid that her readers would live through her traumas as well. She admitted that the greatest challenge of the book was leaving the stage where she was at psychic distance from what she was writing about.

She said that poems can be instrumental to understanding our failings and addressing our follies. Sometimes, artists can only do so much as leave their work in other people’s hands without explanation. She has certainly learned that her books can be theirs as much as hers. She consciously writes with her audience in mind, but also understands that some people will not be able to relate to her work as readily as others.

When asked why students ought to actively engage and appreciate literature, Miss Angela responded: “[Because] it changes the way you think about the world, about society, and about others. It gives you the tools to critique yourself and others, when there is an injustice you feel within you and around you. Engagement and critique are the tools of the student’s trade, and doing so with literary works can go beyond the classroom.” As students, our view of literature, and more broadly, of art, should not always be self-serving. Every injustice, every meaningful advocacy only awaits to be read and heeded – to be made to change lives, to change society, to change the world. tWS

Kanlungan ng

Pag-irog KEISHIA DAWN T. TIAOSON

Umalsa laban sa kahapong marahas, Balot ng pag-asa sa layang asam.

Pag-asang hele sa gabing mapanglaw, Oyayi ng poot na ‘di makasigaw.

Ikaw ang halimuyak ng bawat bulaklak, Kaakibat ng mga halakhak.

Sa pagsalubong ng panibagong liwayway, Ika’y tumindig, at nakipagdigma.

O bayan ko, kanlungan ng aking pag-irog, Karagatan mo’y sagisag ng tapang.

Patag mo’y sagisag ng paghihimagsik.

Sa papuri sa ‘yo’y nangahas umalpas.

Pilipinas, langit sa pisngi mo’y bakas.

IN PHOTO. SU Campus Dormitories, Vernon Hall

sillimaniansspeak Compiled by Anna Avery Zapanta | tWS Editor-in-Chief

"How has a teacher greatly impacted your life?"

“Well, I guess I’m really grateful for all the teachings that they taught me especially the ones you don’t learn in textbooks. I really appreciate those teachers who talk about life, experiences, and expound on the different lessons that we have. I think that’s what makes a teacher really great.”

Ella Nazaria P. Vasquez | STEAM 12 J “A teacher has greatly impacted my life through the opportunities that I have right now. That teacher, specifically the time that I am referring to, molded me to become what I am right now.

They made me more passionate about what I am doing right now.”

Franz Jullian T. Sevilla | MassCom II “I am very thankful for all the teachers out there because they exert their time and effort and sacrifices just to mold us to be the best version of ourselves. For that I salute to all teachers.”

Mickaela Junko N. Penas | Nursing I Next Issue's Question: "What suggestions can you give to the cafeteria to maintain customer satisfaction?"

For your answers, just text Anna Avery Zapanta (09998024421).

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

4|twsbackpage

the weekly sillimanian 13 October 2022

FEATURE

A Call to Save the Environment YUAN CEAGOR K. RAQUEL

THE ENVIRONMENT PLAYS an essential role in our lives. It serves as a shelter for all living things on the planet. For life to be necessary, environmental protection is a crucial intervention that everyone must be accustomed to. However, with nature at its breaking point—pollution, global warming, and temporal displacement, among others—the environment gradually deteriorates and is slowly facing death. What’s even more alarming is the fact that human activities are the main contributors to these problems. To make matters worse, some are unaware of the consequences of their actions or choose to turn a blind eye.

With the rising global demand for environmental conservation, it is the obligation of constituents in the community to save the environment.

Frustrating as it may sound, these have been somewhat overlooked in the eyes of the government, regardless of frequent discussions on environmental crises. Yet, this has never drawn back the passion of the university’s student body to continue advocating for environmental rights.

After two years of online distance learning (ODL), the Silliman University Supreme Government (SUSG) Environmental Committee—currently chaired by environmental activists Dignity Lagunay and Joshua Villalobos—is back in action once again with an in-person approach and a mission to encourage the student body to participate “towards a cleaner, healthier, and greener Silliman Campus, promoting and sustaining social and environmental justice within and beyond the university.”

Due to the depletion of natural resources and rampant climate change, the emergence of the environmental movement has increased over time, demanding collective efforts in the pursuit of ecological sustainability.

As part of the growing process, it is important to be immersed in a world where one can mold themselves to the value and spirit of stewardship as well as engage and be inspired to take part in environmental endeavors in order to help combat climate change on Earth—our home.

from page 1 | SU joins AAIG...

Atty. Myrish Cadapan Antonio, an alum of SU and current Senior Director of the Fellowships And Global Initiatives Legatum Center at MIT, said that in order to achieve these goals, the different pillars of AAIG must collaborate since it “would be difficult or impossible to do independently.”

The AAIG Caravan webinar hosted by SU was held on Sept. 30,

In taking into account, one of the committee’s goals is to make Silliiman University a model of an environ-mentally sustainable university and foster partnerships within environmental organizations in the local communities. This has motivated the committee to plan a series of activities for S.Y. 2022–2023, primarily focusing on the climate crisis and climate solution awareness, zero-waste, and marine conservation.

Among the notable programs of the committee was exhibiting a climate solution showcasing the zero-waste products from a local partner, Ritual Dumaguete, and a solar generator from the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development during the Genesis. It is also worth noting that the committee has secured a partnership with Zero Waste Youth Negros Oriental and spearheaded an outreach environmental program where they mobilized an estimated 400 young people from various organizations and institutions in the city of Dumaguete for a clean-up drive at Barangay Bantayan, Barangay Looc, and Barangay Piapi.

The committee, with the support of the university, continues to provide opportunities for students to engage in environmental protection. To this end, it is up to you to take the chance and address the urgent call to save the environment. Age doesn’t define the roles of an individual, but it is the duty of an individual to find their roles in society. And clearly, with the actions that have been made possible by the committee within the community, it is never too late for you to partake in the worldwide environmental movement.

Let us stand together to save the planet by upholding our institution’s vision to commit to total development for the well-being of society and the environment.

Be it a small-scale contribution or the other way around, making a difference is what matters—and it starts with the way we practice advocacy in our personal space. tWS as the fourth leg of the caravan series around the Philippines, representing the Visayas region.

The event was a collaboration between SU, the University of Santo Tomas Alumni Association (USTAAI), the UST Graduate School Center for Continuing Professional Education and Development (UST CCPED), and Rex Education. tWS

from page 1 | SU Admin...

During the event, Dr. Quiamco shared that the CMC ordered 80 pieces of butincluding SPAG Dean Dr. Ferdinand Mangibin, out of the 85 who attend- tered chicken and 60 cups of rice which ed the SPAG acquaintance party. was delivered at about 3 in the afternoon but was served at around 8 p.m.

Lirazan also said that the majority of Meanwhile, according to Lirazan, those affected from SPAG only took SPAG was served rice, Hawaiian chickover-the-counter medications and en, pancit guisado, macaroons, and spent an average of Php 100. However, blue and pink lemonade. He noted there was one case of hospitalization. that one of the students reported the Dr. Edna Gladys T. Calingacion, Hawaiian chicken tasted a “bit odd.”

Student Services dean, assured that “I call on that this recurring inthe students affected can be reimcident be investigated thoroughly bursed. However, only one stuand be treated seriously. I will not dent went to see her since Monday. take this fiasco lightly and that those “I have requested the units con- responsible be held accountable cerned to inform the students to see for compromising the health of my me in the office for reimbursement of constituents – the students,” he exmedicines bought and laboratory ex- pressed. To prevent an incident from aminations required, reimbursement happening again, Dr. Quiamco sugfor hospitalization expenses through gested that the time window between the student insurance, and to buy pre- cooking and eating should be closscribed medicines,” Calingacion said. er to avoid room for contamination.

As of writing, the SU cafeteria, VPDEEA, and the SPAG dean have informed the Weekly Sillimanian that they will be waiting for the official findings of the investigation. tWS

ACCEPTING COLUMN SUBMISSIONS

You may send your 300-500 opinion write-up to the ly Sillimanian email: lysillimanian@su.edu.ph. are free to choose your

words WeekweekYou 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. www.fb.com/tWSillimanian @tWSi l limani an @twsillimanian

Sillimanian Grabs Mr. Grand PH 2022 Ambassador Title

NEWS IN PHOTO Joren King Finney from SU College of Business Administration as Mr. Grand PH Ambassador 2022 | VINZ Portraits

JOEREN KING FINNEY from Silliman University’s College of Business Administration was given the Ambassador title during the grand finals night of the Mr. Grand Philippines 2022 pageant held last Sept. 25 at the Grand Ballroom of Winford Hotel and Casino in Manila.

Among 132 aspirants from over the Philippines, Finney was one of the 31 chosen to become the official candidates. The number further narrowed down to 28 men when the competition neared. ing

The sportsmanship,

local and

male pageant focuses on sensible masculinity, outstandlimitless potential to develop and empower young men.

In a guest appearance in Rise and Shine Pilipinas, the Negros Oriental representative talked about his advocacy for “Garbage Free Underwater.” Finney always noticed people in his hometown cleaning the sand or surface of the water and as a divemaster, he knew he had the ability to get garbage from under the sea.

After being asked why he should be the next Mr. Grand Philippines in a live interview with Philippine Pageants, he answered, “I’ve always wanted to be a role model and inspiration to the young men and young women out there who always strive to be the better version of themselves.”

Finney bagged the awards Best in Formal Wear, Best in Swimwear, Best in Sportswear, Mister Photogenic, Mister Option Philippines Ambassador, Gold’s Gym Ambassador, and Mister Sy Glow Ambassador.

Prior to joining the nationwide pageant, Finney represented his hometown Dauin, in the first provincial search of Mister Grand Philippines in Negros Oriental. On the coronation night last June 10, 2022, he entered the final round with the candidates from Dumaguete City, Pamplona, Amlan, and Valencia and was proclaimed the winner. tWS