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Towa r d s A Pro g re ssi v e C amp u s Pre ss vol. LXXXIX No.11 friday, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017
A BOND LIKE NO OTHER. Senior High Students teach kids from Marawi how to make origami during the “Fun with Displaced Children of Marawi” activity organized by SU Religion and Peace Studies last Sep. 23. PHOTO by Francis Ryan Pabiana
Sillimanians bond with Marawi refugees; SU Muslim students organize ‘Run for Marawi’
“Thank you for the help, comfort, effort, and moment you spent with us. You made us feel like we belong here in the City of Gentle People,” said Jamaliah Tomawas, 40, a Marawi refugee. Jamaliah, together with other displaced victims of the ongoing Marawi siege, finds solace in her second home, Dumaguete. Last Sept. 23, about a hundred Silliman University Senior High School (SU-SHS) students spent time with the refugees from Marawi City in an activity entitled “Fun with Displaced Children of Marawi” at SU MacKinley Hall.
M y r a l u z Wa d d i n g t o n , coordinator of SU Peace Studies, said, “We want to let the students facilitate a kind of environment where children can have fun with others and not be afraid whether they’re Muslims or Christians.” Around 56 children and 24 parents participated in games like paper dance and the boat is sinking. They were also taught how to make origami or paper folding and other art works. The children were also asked to draw anything which they shared in front together with their
Fran cis Ry an B . Pab ian ia News Writer student-facilitators. Along with other faculty members, SHS students taking Christian Faith Formation and Spirituality classes conducted storytelling and debriefing sessions. To cap the activity, the student-facilitators distributed packed lunch for the participants. Jamaliah, a teacher and a mother, cannot help but be thankful to the volunteers and organizers of the activity.
Alumnus donates P10M for Medicine scholarship
Silliman University Medical School (SUMS) received a donation of P10 million from an SU alumnus and cardiologist to pay for scholarships for medical students. Dr. Romeo P. Ariniego, recipient of the Outstanding Sillimanian Award in 2010, donated the money during the Founders Day Celebration last August. The scholarship, which was named after him, will be awarded starting next school year. It can accommodate one or two students per year.
An estimated P150, 000 is allotted for each student scholar per semester, covering tuition fees, book allowances, and other miscellaneous expenses In 2015, Ariniego also donated a sum of P10 million to SU for the establishment of an art gallery which now houses part of his art collection. “It’s both an honor and a privilege that you are given such a scholarship, knowing that Dr. Ariniego is a medical professional, so his personal choice was to give that scholarship to deserving
A NEW LOOK. Faculty of Physical Education Department bless the newly renovated Shaw Memorial Pool last Sept. 17. PHOTO by Diana Notarte
medical students,” said Dr. Walden R. Ursos, dean of SUMS. According to Ursos, to qualify for this scolarship, applicants must be Filipino citizens who graduated at the top 10% of their class in qualified baccalaureate degree programs in any public or private school in the Philippines, with a National Medical Admission (NMAT) percentile rank of 75 and above, and who passed the qualifying criteria and entrance protocols of the S.U. Medical School. First priority will be given to children or qualified dependents of Silliman University personnel with salaries in the lowest 20% bracket. Second priority will be given to children or qualified dependents of families who are residents of Dumaguete City for at least 7 years, and who belong to the lowestincome bracket identified by CHED as equivalent to tax exempt. Third priority is for children or qualified dependents of families who are residents of any LGU in Negros Oriental for at least 7 years, and who have graduated from the government’s 4Ps program as officially certified under oath by the municipality or City or Provincial DSWD officer. Scholarship application must continue to page 4...
“We can’t forget this lalo na po yung mga bata [especially the children]. Their happiness is unexplainable,” she said. On the other hand, Dawn Likha Borja, Grade 11 Humanities and Social Sciences student, said she empathized with the refugees, especially the children. “One can’t help but empathize with them silently, hoping … for the peace and justice these children wholeheartedly deserve so much, but which has painfully eluded them until now,” she said. The activity was initiated by Silliman University Religion and
Peace Studies in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development. It is in line with the university’s Peace Week Celebration with the theme “Together for Peace: Respect, Safety, and Dignity for All.” The activity also celebrates International Day of Peace which focuses on engaging and mobilizing people around the world and emphasizing the vital role of young people in supporting refugees and migrants. Some refugees, like Jamaliah, continue to page 4...
Magna cum laude graduate in library science from Silliman University (SU), Sandra Claire Panotes Dupio, ranked eighth in the latest Librarian Licensure Examination. Dupio got 88% in the exam. SU garnered a hundred percent passing r a t e after all its
seven examinees passed the board exam. “It took me a while to sink it all in. I was really, really thankful to God and I cried while talking to my mother on the phone,” Dupio said. She said the Bible verse Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” was her driving force that kept her going. Out of 904 national takers, only 545 passed. Meanwhile, the top three performing schools are: UP Dilliman, UST, and Benguet State University- La Trinidad. (By Esther Micah Gillesania, News writer) tws
Sillimanian ranks eighth in Librarian Licensure Exam
SU gets 100% passing rate in Physician Licensure Exam
Silliman University Medical School (SUMS) got 100 percent passing rate in the September Physician Licensure Examination, with all 42 successful examinees. It was supposed to be the eighth consecutive 100 percent for SU, except for last year when Silliman only got 87 percent passing rate. Dean Walden Ursos expressed his happiness over this year’s
perfect results and said, “Of course, God answered our prayers.” The national passing rate is 82.19% SUMS will hold a fellowship breakfast “Pakig-Istorya” and thanksgiving devotion for the newly registered physicians, parents, faculty, and staff on Oct. 6. (Francis Ryan Pabiana, News Writer with Chrisse Martha B. Gillesania, News Writer) tws
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the weekly sillimanian September 29, 2017
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very day, we receive so many calls that test our faith and character. We answer the calls that matter to us, while reject those that don’t. Have you, in your existence, ever received a call to help humanity? Did you respond to the call? Four months ago, our brothers and sisters in Marawi City were going about their lives when out of the blue, the Islamic State-inspired terrorist group Maute waged war on the city. Last Sep. 27, after Marawi was reduced to a rubble, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said that the war in “Islam City” would be over in three days. We hope that this is true, especially that all the victims of this war have nothing left for them but hope. First and foremost, we would like to commend our heroic soldiers who risk their lives for the liberation of the city and for thwarting the war to spread outside Marawi. Our snappiest salute to all of you. As the fighting is about to end, the start of yet another challenging phase of moving on begins--the tortuous road to recovery. The Weekly Sillimanian lauds the Silliman University Peace Studies Center, headed by Dr. Myraluz Waddington, and the senior high school students in their efforts to help Marawi evacuees in Dumaguete. They spent last Saturday morning bonding and playing together with displaced children and parents from Marawi. Same commendation goes to the Federation of Muslim Students of SU (FeMSU) and SU Frat-Sor Alliance for spearheading the #RunforMarawi 5-Kilometer run. They were able to sell more than 200 tickets worth P200 each. These initiatives only show that no act is too small as long as it helps. As Ronald Reagan put it, “We cannot help everyone, but everyone can help someone.” Meanwhile, the Weekly Sillimanian knocks on your hearts to extend whatever help you can give to bolster the rehabilitation of Marawi City. The war is nearing its end yet most of the refugees will have to stay a little longer at the evacuation centers. Some will try to go back to Marawi to start anew. Hence, your assistance will be of great aid to them. You can donate used clothes, toothpaste, bath and laundry soap, shampoo, towels, etc. Meanwhile, those who escaped death are being haunted by another terrorist: disease. Due to congestion in evacuation centers, most evacuees especially children are suffering from diseases like fever and cough. Some have died from illnesses like diarrhea-induced dehydration. Hence, they need immediate health care and supplies like first aid kits composed of alcohol, medicines, etc. and even food and water. If you are too lazy to pack relief goods, then you can donate monetary assistance to some organizations here in the campus like FeMSU. Ten percent of your monthly allowance would not cost that much, right? In addition, the Silliman University Student Government (SUSG) Health Committee is also accepting donations in the forms of hygiene and first-aid kits. Drop them by at SUSG office. Moreover, tWS calls on the university to coordinate with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees of the Philippines office to help in the rehabilitation of Marawi. tWS believes that the university can spare an amount from the liquidity reserves they have been saving in case of any natural disasters. The disaster funds amount to more than P300 million. Although the Marawi siege was not caused by natural disasters, it was still a disaster that caused social upset. Marawi needs our help. The university could help in rebuilding some facilities and buildings like the library at Dansalan College-- a school under the United Church of Christ in the Philippines. As a leading Christian institution, Silliman University should help everyone regardless of faith. Mother Teresa once said, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” While we enjoy being free, there are people in Marawi who cannot sleep at night in fear. While we enjoy the company of our families, there are children who became orphan during the incessant exchange of gun fire. While we enjoy the comfort of our bed, there are lolos and lolas who can’t even lie down on cold cement floors. While we sit in the ivory towers of Silliman, there are students whose dreams are postponed because they cannot yet go to school. What is going on in Marawi is clearly a humanitarian crisis that calls for Silliman Spirit. Some have responded to the call. Will you? tWS
editorial
sillimaniansspeak Compiled by Jasmyn Siobhan A. Olmido, Circulation Manager
“What do you know about Marcos’ martial law?” Martial Law is described as one of the most horrific events in Philippine history. My grandfather used to tell me stories about it. That time, he was a pro-Marcos, but upon hearing about the bloodshed during Martial Law, he felt betrayed and joined the rebels fighting against the Marcos regime. Jon Nichole Lapac, Bachelor of Science in Psychology-III What I know about Marcos’ Martial Law is that, everything was controlled under the government and military forces. It was one of the worst things that happened in Philippine History wherein Filipinos were under scrutiny. Ritchie Lloyd Melgar, Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering-III Marcos’ decision in pursuing martial law was because of activists trying to revolt. It didn’t quite go well because of power abuse, violence and of course corruption. Our country suffered billions of debts to the world bank, and until now, our country is still paying for it. Maria Carmila Tapis, Bachelor of Science in Accountancy-III
Next Issue’s Question: Watch out for our next SS question on our official Facebook page, the Weekly Sillimanian. For your answers, just scan the logo on the left or text the CIrculation Manager (09759664662). Indicate your full name (with middle initial), course and year.
Editor-in-Chief Ray Chen S. Bahinting Associate Editor Gresheen Gift M. Libby News Editor Sommer J. Buyante Features Editor Carlee Cherokeeh T. Calingacion Business Manager Jenievieve Ann O. Amores Layout Artist Irah Kaye R. Osumo News Writers Esther Micah B. Gillesania Chrisse Martha B. Gillesania Francis Ryan B. Pabiania Meilynne Gem C. Sonjaco Feature Writers Merell Lystra L. Recta Angelica Mae D. GomeZ Cartoonist Hervey Angelo F. Avenido Web Manager Jedidiah Jan L. Colinco Circulation Manager Jasmyn Siobhan A. Olmido Office Manager Rachel Mae T. Lood Graphic Artist Gloria Gem T. Lumayag Photojournalists Al Remuel B. Tubongbanua Hannah Diane E. Bengco Jill C. Silva Adviser Celia E. Acedo
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/ weeklysillimanian.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
Why are we Blinded?
Esther Micah B. Gillesania | Young Environmental Journalist The mass media, as we know them, are the most powerful tool to use when we want information to be disseminated. They are also the most powerful tool used when we don’t want some information to spread--- hence, this so-called “filtered truth.” Sometimes, we think that the information reported by the media are all that we need to know, but that’s not always the 100% truth. In the headlines, we often read people getting killed, robbed, and cases of bombing in different places. Even with what’s going on in our government, the crimes and the politics. Most of the national newspapers focus on these two topics. Unfortunately, those are not the only concerns that need to be addressed in our country. Has it ever crossed your mind to care about your environment?
Do you ever wonder why we experience severe flooding and the sudden, abrupt climate change? I’ll guess that your answer will be no, and that’s a fact. We don’t really care about something we know nothing about. People tend to be reactive rather than proactive. We only show our concern once it’s already affecting us--- like how many casualties and houses being buried by natural calamities, and other than that, we don’t care. I wouldn’t put the blame on the people because I must say that the media themselves do not give much attention to the issues of the environment, which I think is very important. We have fewer conversations about what’s happening in our oceans, forestsand the air we breathe. If we could only get the most influential and powerful tool to disseminate information, which is the media, to
report on environmental news and issues, then it will raise awareness and the involvement of citizens, which may serve as an eye-opener even to the sources of pollutants like business establishments (malls, grocery stores, etc.) who still choose to disobey the banning of single-use plastics. Let us not wait for the day where we could only see plastics instead of fishes swimming in the ocean and buildings instead of trees that could provide oxygen for us to breathe. Let us not only focus on crime and politics. Sure, they are important, but our environment should also be given equal importance. Raising and initiating conversations about environmental concerns can potentially reveal the unfiltered truth and wake the passive citizens. It brings us to the reality of why we should care about mother earth. tWS
Learn to say NO
Eugene Jamandron | Talk with sense Despite the uncertainties in life, one of the things that had long lingered in my mind was how to accept those abrupt, sudden happenings in our challenging world. I never thought how my actions would drastically change my life. Some implications on how those same actions are being criticized. Amid all these uncertainties, I realized the value of commitment towards study and work. Working as a part time reporter in a local newspaper and, at the same time, trying to earn my bachelor’s degree in Silliman in the last five years now is a great challenge. A seriously difficult job. Too many times, I would end up slumped into a corner, crying my life away. The demands in school, the pressure in the workplace, the calls from any of my family members throwing in their concerns, listening and comforting my friends after their hearts are broken, and the family conflicts had long taken its toll on me multiple times. And yet, I continue to fight. The exhausting journey does not end there, though. Since I am working off campus, I have to travel an hour vice-versa every
day to beat my deadlines. As a journalist, it is quite hard but I have to make it happen. Soon, by the grace of God and through my perseverance, I will be able to capture and brew the best formula on dealing with my journey. I was actually inspired by writer Bo Sanchez in his book entitled “How Your Words Can Change Your World.” He wrote, asking what particular movies are we watching every single day. Not movies at the big screen, though, but the “inner” movies that we are watching at the small screen of our minds. Day-dreams, if you may say so. He said, first we need to change the bad beliefs that support our bad habits because our inner movies affect our destiny. For a long time, I really believed that I was weak. After all, I am only human. But soon, I started to believe that I am strong enough, and that weakness will only consume us if we allow it. I am not weak at all because I have God’s supernatural strength within me. That’s why I believe you can change too. You can change today in order to change the cycle of your thoughts. To surround yourself with people who can lift you up
instead of pull you down. The technique of the two psychologists, Joseph Luft and Harrington Ingham who developed the Johari Window has a great impact on me. The Johari house has four rooms and I substituted it with four adjectives: necessary, but, not important and important, but, not necessary. In using those adjectives, I was able to distinguish how my commitments are being kept and executed accordingly to its time, associated with the importance and value of the commitment no matter how small it is, against not necessary and not important things. After learning the technique, I finally have the guts to say NO to things that just come surprisingly even though they are important. I do have set aside some reservations for the things that I am committed to. This is quite confusing, because I need to set exemptions for the valid reasons and excuses. One has to learn independence towards work and study. The principles, ethics, theories and personal life experiences are combined to hone a person who is more rational and strong. A person who is not being surprised anymore by abrupt happenings, rather, respond to it rationally. tWS
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Ako, Tayo Ikaw, the weekly sillimanian September 29, 2017
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a panahon natin ngayon kung kailan walang tigil ang pagdanak ng dugo ng kapwa inosente at mga kriminal, masusumbat pa ba nating nang buong kasiyahan ang salitang kapayapaan? Lingid sa kaalaman ng karamihan, ang buwan ng Setyembre ay tinaguriang National Peace Consciousness Month o Proclamation No. 675, s. 2004 na ipinanukala ni dating president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo noong ika-20 ng Hulyo, 2004. Para sa taong ito, ang tema ay “Puso para sa Kapayapaan, Magkaisa para sa Bayan.” Binibigyag diin sa temang ito ang ating matinding emosyon para sa ating bansa. Ang paggamit sa salitang puso ay maaaring nangangahulugang pagmamahal. Pagmamahal para sa kapayapaan, pagmamahal para sa bayan. Sa tingin man natin ay kontento na tayo sa kapayapaang tinatamasa natin ngayon, naisin pa nawa natin ito hanggang sa puntong hindi na natin kailan pang matakot sa paglabas ng ating mga bahay sa gabi.
Carlee Cherokeeh T. Calingacion Fea t u res Wr it er
May kapayapaan sa pagkakaisa, hindi lamang sa isipan kung hindi pati sa diwa. Ang mensaheng hatid sa atin ng tema sa taong ito ay nagsasabing kinakailan ng ating sambayanan ng pagkakaisa at pagmamahal para sa bayan upang matamasa ang tunay na kapayapaan sa buong sambayanan. Ano nga ba ang hangarin ng p r o k l a m a s yo n g ito at bakit mahalaga ito sa lipunan? Gaya ng isang bahay kubong itinatayo, ang isang kakulangan sa tamang pundasyon ay mauuwi sa paguho. Kung iniisip nating may isang antas ng lipunan nakahihigit sa isa, tayo ay nagkakamali. Lahat ay may sariling kahalagahan at kung wala ang isa, masisira ang sistema ng
buong lipunan. Dahil dito, isa sa mga hangarin ng proklamasyong ito ay ang
paghikayat ng patuloy na pagmithi sa pagkamit ng kapayapaan sa lahat ng buhay at ng bayan. Ang paghangad ng kalayaan ay paghangad na matugunan na ang mga problemang pang-sosyal. Ang paghangad ng kalayaan ay paghangad ng paglipad palayo sa kahirapan, pang-aalipin sa ano mang aspeto, at kawalan ng hustisya at katarungan. W a l a n g kaunlaran para sa bansang walang pagkakaisa kung saan ang mga tao ay nagmamadaling higitan ang isa’t isa. Walang kalayaan sa lipunang ganito, at walang kapayapaan sa pusong napuno na ng ganid. Walang kalayaan sa mga tahanang takot sa pagsalubong ng bagong umaga dahil sa kakulangan
ng kakayahang siguruhin ang hapag kainan at edukasyon ng mga anak. Walang kakalayaan sa hindi maabot na presyo ng bilihin. Walang kalayaan sa pamumuhay sa kakulangan. Naway ang National Peace Consciousness Month ay buksan ang ating hangarin na maghangad ng tunay na kapayapaan at katiwasayan. Naway ito ang magpaalala sa ating tayo ay nabubuhay ng magkakasama at lahat ng ating ginagawa, mabuti man o masama, ay nakaaapekto sa buhay ng isa’t isa. Ito ang ating pagkakataong pagnilaynilayan kung ito nga ba ang mundong ating tinatamasa para sa mga bata. Ito nga ba ang reyalidad na nais natin. Ang daan bang tinatahak natin ay tungo sa katiwasayan at pagmamahalan? Sa katahimikan, buksan mo ang iyong mga mata at pagmasdan ang iyong mundong ginagalawan. Nakikita mo na ba na salitang kapayapaan ay hindi pang-isang tao lamang, ito ay pangkalahatan. Tao at lipunan. Bansa at buong mundo. Ikaw, ako, tayo. tWS
o s r n e with a p D N l A U P CLOSE Daryl Robinson just discipline also and
Angelica Mae D. Gomez Fea t ure Writ e r
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ost people know him as a basketball player and the governor of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). But there is more to him than just being a regular Sillimanian. Let ’s find out. Early Life Born on August 28, 1975 and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Daryl Robinson was the youngest of three kids. In high school he was an active sportsman and played football, a sport that he was passionate about. After high school, feeling that he didn’t have any prospects of recruitment to any colleges or being drafted in any football leagues, he took the military route. “One of the programs in the military was called tuition assistance,” Robinson said. Robinson studied in Florida Atlantic University with his military scholarship and took International Relations. Militar y Life For 20 years, Robinson spent his life travelling the world in the Navy. According to him, he’s “been around the world twice.” After his technical school from the military, Robinson decided to go to Japan which he enjoyed so much that he stayed there for ten years (1994-2004). It was there that he met his first wife of seven years and had two children with her. Robinson reflected that his life in the navy taught him not
but leadership embracing diversity. Robinson said, “Growing up you stick around with your ethnic group and not too many people get outside of their comfort zones. “In the military you’re introduced to many cultures, many backgrounds and it was one of those things that probably what made me who I am today, being able to embrace other cultures and backgrounds.” His move to the Philippines Originally, Robinson planned to go to Thailand but due to language barrier and financial issues, he decided to move to the Philippines instead. According to Robinson, he’s been to the Philippines before because of deployments. Before his move to Dumaguete, he stayed in Manaoag, Pangasinan, for a year. However, wanting to study again, Robinson decided to go to De La Salle University in Manila to study, but after some problems with the paperwork, he decided not to push through with it any more. He then decided to study in Silliman instead on the recommendation of a fraternity brother. Despite his age, Robinson, 42, claimed “I love the academics; you can never get enough information.” Currently he’s in his third year as a Psychology major. When he was in his 2nd year, he was elected as the vice governor of the Psychology Society.
PIO, “As a governor, he is really responsible and approachable. He is not a “yes man” and he takes the interest of the whole CAS student body first before making any sort of decisions.” What three words best describe you? -Persistent, entertaining and forthright. What are you passionate about? -Time is precious to me and I hate to use the term “Filipino time.” I hate it with a passion because if you say you’re going somewhere, be there at that time and don’t be an hour late ‘coz the way I think about it, it ’s not just your time that you’re wasting, you’re wasting other people’s time as well. Who are your major influences in life? Robinson as a PHOTO BY GLORIA GEM LUMAYAG -The late CAS Governor Dr. Martin “The only Luther King Jr., Barack Obama, reason why I ran for governor was to make a change and and my dad. What would people be actually just to break up things as surprised to learn far as a lot of not doing nothing,” about you? Robinson said. -I can be a comedian. “My biggest thing was ‘okay, What is your greatest your let ’s break this mould, let ’s spice greatest strength? things up a little bit ’,” he added. -Being able to help others Robinson said that it is still a challenge because apathy is during difficult times. What is your greatest still within the college and that weakness? he is doing his best for CAS to -I think my greatest weakness become a unified college. According to Carlee is not being able to figure out the Cherokeeh T. Calingacion, CAS’ [simplest] things sometimes. What ’s your biggest regret?
-I think my biggest regret would be… I love the military but I wish I’d have gone the route that I would have taken out of high school, the one I wanted because you never know, although I probably wouldn’t be here but I’m thinking with the talent that I have, I probably play in some sports team right now. What are you most proud of ? -I’m proud of my kids. What is your most treasured material possession? -My grandfather’s old pocket watch. If I were able to lose that I don’t know what I would do. My grandfather had it from the war ( World War II). I was told that his grandfather gave it to him so it was one of those pass-itdown-the-line-generation-fromgeneration kind of thing. What are your hobbies? -Currently, I still play video games - I still play PS4 and sports like basketball and baseball. What music do you listen to? - I still listen to a lot of 90’s music – a lot of 90’s RnB. What ’s your favorite movie? -“300.” Describe your perfect day? -A perfect day for me would be one full of [quietness]. What makes you angr y? -Liar, nonsense, or people who procrastinate. What important life lessons have you learned through the years? -One thing would be hard work pays off. Another one would be stick to your route and don’t forget where you came from because not too many people will have the opportunity to do what I have done so far in life. tWS
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the weekly sillimanian September 22, 2017
RANDOMspace:
the
Tech-nation. We cannot deny the importance of technology in our daily lives. But as we adopt technology upgrades in our daily life, so should we strengthen our struggle to be environment-friendly. Researchers are finding innovations toward sustainable use of power. Hitting two Fabrics to Not just a Steps to birds with fitness throw away generating one stone A stretchy fabric-based Researchers found a way to power A device that uses maximize the sustainability in a used bathroom tissue that will make it generate electricity with about the same efficiency as the natural gas plant and solar panels.
Interactive tiles that generate power from the footsteps of passersby might be our next smart streets making our streetlights light up without the use of electricity.
sensor that can detect a wide range of movement might be our next smart apparels and our portable fitness trackers.
sunlight to purify the air and produce hydrogen gas that can be used and stored for power was engineered by researchers in Belgium.
Compiled by Merell Lystra Recta via https://www.livescience.com/technology
roundup SILLIMAN...
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arrived in Dumaguete earlier this month. Some of them are staying with their relatives while others are taken care of by local barangays. Run for Marawi A day after the SHS students bonded with the displaced victims of Marawi hostilities, the Federation of Muslims Students in Silliman University (FeMSU) and SU Frat-Sor Alliance organized “Run for Marawi,” a fund raising event to help students of Dansalan College in Marawi City and some evacuees in Iligan City. About 150 participants from Dumaguete City joined the 5-kilometer run last Sep. 24
starting from SU Ballfield. All proceeds will be spent for school supplies for the students in Dansalan College and hygiene supplies for evacuees in Iligan City. Dansalan College was founded in 1950 by the United Church of Christ in the Philippines. It plays a lead role in interfaith relations in Marawi City with around 95 Muslims students and nearly 80 percent Christian staff. During the Marawi conflict, national news reported that at least two of the campus buildings were burned. Al-khaizer Bael Warad, senior civil engineering student and head organizer, said they will have other fund raising activities for the same cause if the proceeds will not be enough.
He shared they did not meet their target of 2,000 tickets because people wanted to have freebies. Only a total of around 225 tickets were sold at P200 each. “We told them na kaning among event, all proceeds will go directly to beneficiaries. There’s a possibility na makaltasan ang budget [if we giveaway freebies]. It’s just a spirit of helping other people, our brothers and sisters in Marawi City,” he said. The war in Marawi entered its four month since it erupted last May and it is still raging. The death tol l c aused by the ongoing war has reac hed 800. The cr isis has also displaced almost 400,000 people in the pro vince of L anao del S ur. t ws
A GREATER CAUSE. Sillimanians join run for Marawi, a fund-raising event dedicated to help in the rehabilitation of Dansalan College in Marawi . PHOTOS by Carlyle Bugarin
ALUMNUS...
Mentoring in Open Govt Data pushed by ICT experts Lack of access or slow connection to the Internet are just one of the reasons why Philippine civil society organizations (CSOs) have not taken advantage of open government data. Many of them are not even aware that open data exist; or if they do, they lack the ability to read, select, interpret, and build narratives from, information that the Philippine government puts online, said Dr. Dave Marcial, Dean of the College of Computer Studies at Silliman University. Marcial is one of three Information and Communication Technology experts who are now advocating for the intensive “mentoring” of civil society organizations, journalists and businesses in handling open government data. Writing in a 2016 issue of
the Journal of Community Informatics, Marcial and his colleagues, Michael P. Cañares (principal author) and Marijoe Narca, reported the results of their survey of 37 officially registered civil society organizations in Central Visayas (Bohol and Negros Oriental). They quoted a broadband study that said household penetration was only 23% (2013), with Internet speeds among the lowest in the world. This means some of the CSOs do not have access to internet services. They also found that although half of the CSOs had personnel with basic computer skills, open data and open government were new concepts for them and only very few knew that government published information on data portals.
PULONG-PULONG. Martial Law survivors, (L-R) Rev. Joel Tabada , Prof. Lorna Makil, and Prof. Carlos Magtolis, talk about their Martial Law experiences during the “Pulong Pulong Sa Martial Law” last Sep. 21 at Silliman Hall. After the forum, a candle-lighting was conducted at East Quadrangle to commemorate the 45th anniversary of Martial Law.
The assumption for open data is to make government more transparent and accountable. “Access to and use of government data can improve governance as new actors and stakeholders with different interests and influence can provide insight and perspective into government policy making and practice,” they authors explained. The long-term view for open data should be “the actual production of outputs that benefit citizens and communites,” they added. In 2011, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) implemented the Full Disclosure Policy. All local government units were directed to post public financial documents, including statements of receipts and expenditures of funds, annual budget reports, statement of debt service, items to bid, etc. In 2013, DILG required the information to be posted in open format. In 2014 “it launched the Philippine open data portal, which aims to make national government data searchable, accessible, and useful, with the help of government agencies and the participation of the public.” Training for civil servants involved in data management then ensued. But the research results in the above article revealed that “although the provincial governments of Bohol and Negros Oriental post their financial information in their websites, these are hardly used by the CSOs. In the most extreme cases, they are not even aware that the information exists and how they will be able to use it.” The researchers recommended that efforts by government to open data to the public should be matched with a capacity-building program that would develop higher-level skills for civic engagement and the economic, political and social empowerment of the constituencies. – (Celia E. Acedo, SU Research and Environmental News Service) t ws
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be submitted to the Student Scholarship & Aid Division (SSAD) on or before April 30 annually for documentaryscreening. The SSAD shall accept scholarship application as early asJanuary prior to start of the school year. Application of qualified applicants shall be forwarded to the SU Medical Office with the other required documents for screening, interview and final selection of recipients by the
SUMS Scholarship Committee. A scholarship recipient is required to render community ser vice of two years for ever y year he was a recipient of the scholarship, afterpassing the National Physicians Licensure Examination or not. The return ser vice must be done anywhere in the Philippines but preferably within Negros Oriental. (Chrisse Martha B. Gillesania, News Writer) tws
THE MAESTRO. Maestro Gerard Salonga holds a training session with the Silliman Band at the Luce Auditorium. Salonga will conduct the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance on Sep. 28 and 29 at Luce Auditorium.
The Unwanted Answer