No. 15 by The Weekly Sillimanian

115

years

TOWA R D S A PRO G RE SSI V E C AMPU S PRE SS VOL. LXXXIX NO.15 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017

SILLIMAN BEAUTIES: Sillimanians win four of five spots in the “Royal Court” of Miss Dumaguete 2017 pageant. From left to right: 3rd runner up Maydel Faburada, 1st runner up Ellisse Anne Dolleton, Miss Dumaguete 2017 Lexandrea Dela Cerna , 2nd runner up Vanessa Garner, and 4th runner up Nastassja Amigo. PHOTO FROM Miss Dumaguete 2017 Facebook Page

Sillimanian wins Miss Dumaguete 2017 crown SILLIMAN UNIVERSITY (SU) senior civil engineering student, Lexandrea Dela Cerna, 19, was crowned Miss Dumaguete 2017, besting nine other candidates in the beauty pageant held November 22 at the Lamberto Macias Sports Complex. Joining Dela Cerna in the “Royal Court” of Miss Dumaguete are fellow

Sillimanians Ellisse Anne Dolleton of the Medical School (1st runnerup), Vanessa Garner of the Institute of Clinical and Laboratory Sciences (2nd runner-up), and Nastassja Amigo of the Senior High School Department (4th runner-up). “For a long time now I really wanted to go back to pageants after Miss Silliman 2015, and my handler, Tita Melchy,

Esther Mic ah B. Gillesania

N ews Wr it er gave me the opportunity to join Miss Dumaguete,” said Dela Cerna, who did not figure in the top 5 places in the earlier beauty contest. She said relearning how to walk and talk in front of many people was the most challenging part of her Miss Dumaguete pageant journey, besides

CHECK INSIDE

twsOPINION Editorial

UNIVERSE

12 QUESTIONS FOR

YOUNG ARTISTS

A GROUP OF young “undiscovered” artists in Negros Oriental exhibited their self-portraits Nov. 17 to Dec. 1 at the Foyer Gallery of Silliman Hall. “TUMAW” featured the self-portraits in acrylic paint, water color, oil paint and coffee by Guhit Pilipinas Negros Oriental (GPNO), a local organization of

twsOPINION On Hope and Self-Motivation Angelica Mae D. Gomez

PHOTO FROM MISS DUMAGUETE 2017 FB PAGE

COSMETIC PRODUCTS HAVE played a crucial role in helping some people enhance their physical attributes. Make-up and beauty routines are now one of most relevant conversations and topics in social media that influence a lot of people all over the world. These create trends from “eyebrows on fleek” or “kilay is life” to Korean face.

MASSCOM GRAD’S FILM TO COMPETE IN A FILM FESTIVAL

With four Sillimanians in the top five, Miss Dumaguete 2017 said she could not help but be proud. “A Silliman woman is worthy to be a beauty queen.” But she does not see herself joining any beauty contest in the near future. “For now, I want to focus on becoming an engineer.” twS

PHOTO FROM SU.EDU.PH

PHOTO FROM VESTIL’S FB ACCOUNT

PHOTO FROM Sthesummitvanuatu.com

GREEN BEAUTY: GOING ORGANIC

having to skip some classes to attend rehearsals. After winning the crown, Dela Cerna said she will start working on her advocacy, which is empowering “morenos and morenas.” “[Being] brown is beautiful. I really believe that we have to love our own skin, we have to appreciate it,” she added..

LEXANDREA DELA CERNA

LET US GET TO know more Miss Dumaguete 2017, Lexandrea Dela Cerna as she answers 12 questions about beauty, time management, lovelife and her inspiration.

twsCOMICS Group Work with Relationship Goals

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the weekly sillimanian December 1, 2017

Universe I

t came as a surprise for many Filipinos when Miss Colombia and not Miss Philippines Rachel Peters was called for the final spot in the top five in the Ms. Universe pageant last Sunday. Many believed that Peters had the confidence, body, looks, brains and walk of a Miss Universe. But, is it really about possessing these standards of pulchritude that makes one to be named the most beautiful girl in the entire universe? We don’t think so. GMA News Stringer Peterson Gonzaga said “story package and her not so strong personality” may have been factors in Peters’ loss. “Some of the judges were looking at the personality, the story, the background of their life, baka yun: that might have hindered the Philippines,” he said. Miss South Africa Demi-Leigh’s background story of pulling through a carjack incident was her strongest edge for winning the pageant, Gonzaga added. While Peters’ fate might be a defeat for the Philippines, it clearly tells something good about how most beauty pageants are judged today. Beauty pageants are now also won on candidates’ claims of charity work, protecting the environment, spreading global goodwill, etc. We do not denigrate Peters’ top 10 finish. But, she should have shown a better part of her life and advocacy instead of just her passion in surfing and her own coffee shop in Siargao. Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach said, “A Miss Universe should be confidently beautiful with a HEART.” Wurtzbach spoke about HIV awareness during her final question at the Miss Universe pageant and it became her focus during her one-year reign. Miss Universe 2017 Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters is an advocate in promoting self-defense in her country and speaking up for those who are “afraid and cannot speak.” It is not just international pageants that have turned to be more advocacyoriented. Take our own Miss Silliman pageant for example. The “Heart for a Child” project of Miss Silliman 2015 Genin Amiscaray sought to bring happiness in the lives of students through feeding, storytelling and booksharing activities in public schools. Miss Silliman 2016 Aiko Kitane’s “SheMoves” sought to help women channel their ideas and emotions through physical activities and personal talks.Moreover, the Weekly Sillimanian congratulates Lexandrea Dela Cerna for winning Miss Dumaguete 2017. By winning the pageant, Lex exemplifies the “never giving up” mantra and the cliché “everything happens for a reason.” As new Miss Dumaguete, Lex aims to inculcate in the hearts of everyone love of their own skin color and identity. Our congratulations extend to the four other beautiful Sillimanians who went out of their comfort zones to join the pageant. These pageants provide an avenue for women to show the world that they can be catalysts for social change. However, as Joel Barker once put it: “Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world.” We hope that the winners will fulfill the promises they made on that stage. After all, only one coronation night makes a woman a beauty queen. But it takes more than a year for that queen to become a woman-- confident, beautiful, smart and touching many lives in the universe. tws

ON HOPE AND SELF-MOTIVATION Angelica Mae D. Gomez | Just a thought | Feature Writer I always say that I’d write my thoughts as soon as I possibly can but I did not. It is such a waste of time to put off writing of any form to another day because the thought would be gone like a bubble. I’m not really proud to say that no matter how much I want to accomplish important tasks at hand or how much I tell myself that I really need to change my ways, I always end up putting it off then regretting that I’ve let the moment pass by and got nothing to write or record. I feel bad every time because of my lack of motivation. Every time it happens, I can feel the disappointment seeping

Even though as an individual she has a right to run for the senatorial position as announced, but the thing is, does she have the qualifications to be one? I don’t doubt her being a blogger. It’s her hobby after all. Being a senator is different. Being popular on the net is not enough to guarantee her position as a senator. Haji B. Apurado ,Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy -III “I think its bad because she’s not deserving of the postion” Jeanne Duazo, Bachelor of Mass Communication- I

Next Issue’s Question: “Since it’s Filipino Values Month, what Filipino value do you think millennials should practice more often?”

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.

Layout Artists Irah Kaye R. Osumo Michael D. Endab

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

News Writers Esther Micah B. Gillesania Chrisse Martha B. Gillesania Francis Ryan B. Pabiania Meilynne Gem C. Sonjaco Edna Lhou P. Masicampo Joevic B. Baclayanto Jameela I. Mendoza Feature Writers Merell Lystra L. Recta Angelica Mae D. Gomez Margarita M. Delos Santos Kyle B. Reyes Cartoonist Hervey Angelo F. Avenido Josh Parilla

“ancient” and defend your own “ancient.” You have a hero who gets stronger from every kill, you have creeps to help you push through and you have various items to choose from in the shop. But, every second, skill and strategy is vital in getting to that victory. Players don’t just choose randomly and win; rather, they use critical thinking and wise strategy to achieve it. Players may not be too focused in perfecting their quizzes in school but it doesn’t equate them to not knowing anything at all. DOTA doesn’t make you an addict. Perhaps, video games were just meant to make you get into the game often, but not necessarily addiction. Besides, it is all a matter of control and discipline just like any other activity. Getting into the nerves of this video game is like being in a relationship—it can either be a distraction or an inspiration. Although playing DOTA doesn’t involve much of physical

Web Manager Jedidiah Jan L. Colinco Office Manager Doreen Joan P. Lumayag Circulation Manager Miles Therese P. Granada Graphic Artist Gloria Gem T. Lumayag Photojournalists Al Remuel B. Tubongbanua Hannah Diane E. Bengco Jill C. Silva Enrique Nicholas M. Bejar Dave Dianne O. Ludoc Adviser Celia E. Acedo

Beauty tips:

Always wash your face at night and put sunblock every day. 3. How do you make yourself physically fit? I work out at least thrice a week. I do volleyball trainings. 4. Why did you choose engineering? When I was in fourth year

Merell Lystra L. Recta | Gaming Recon | Feature Writer The growing eSports competitions here and abroad has sparked interest among gamers.This year’s inclusion of Defense of the Ancients (DOTA) 2 in Silliman University Intramural games is something new and enthralling to Sillimanians and could be the beginning of an improved DOTA competition in the succeeding Intramurals. DOTA is a multiplayer video game famous among Filipino gamers. Its popularity has been growing rapidly that even girls— including myself—engage in a game mostly dominated by boys. However, most people see gaming in general as connected to addiction. I don’t think that seeing the game that way will be enough reason for people to underestimate the game itself, the people who play it and the people who want to try it. The creators of this game are most probably geniuses. The objectives of the game is simple. Get to the opponent’s base called

2. What is the importance of having a good skin? I am really keen on skin. My skin routine is much hectic. Every night, I remove the make- up, wash my face and put serum.

movements, it is still a sport just like chess doesn’t involve bodily movements. Based on observations, the Silliman population is densely populated with gamers, which means that including DOTA and other popular video games such as Counter Strike and League of Legends might encourage more students to participate in Intramurals., thus making Intrams more “sadya.” Promoting eSports in this annual celebration is not an agenda to promote computer addiction. Nor does it mean distracting the students from their studies. If properly implemented, it might even encourage students to do well in their class performance by requiring eSports competitors to have a passing grade in all their subjects. After all, any form of leisure activity in the court, board or computer is just a matter of discipline. twS

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/ theweeklysillimanian.com weeklysillimanian@su.edu.ph Opinions expressed in the columns are those of the columnists and not of tWS or of Silliman University. Comments, questions, and suggestions are highly appreciated. All submitted manuscripts become the property of tWS. Manuscripts will be edited for brevity and clarity. Member: College Editors Guild of the Philippines

high school, I didn’t have particular cour4se in my mind. But, I felt to myself that I’m probably good at Math so I chose engineering. In the long run, engineering paid way to pageantry. Ironically, it’s a place dominated by men and it made way to Miss Silliman and now Miss Dumageute. 5. What is your other option aside from becoming an engineer? I want to be a blogger or vlogger. I am more into make-up. I like Tati. 6. What have you learned in your Miss Silliman pageant stint?

I learned to accept all the happenings no matter what. Because God has his reasons for these things to happen. And that happened in order for me to become Miss Dumaguete 2017. Miss Silliman is very different from other pageants. It’s more on the intellectual side. You have to know more about your advocacy in life. The

Ray Chen S. Bahinting Editor-In-C hief pageant helped especially in dealing with people and public speaking. 7. How do you manage your time as a senior engineering student, varsity player and now a Miss Dumaguete?

It’s all about prioritizing. I

have a list of the things that I have to do in my planner especially that I am forgetful. 8. How did your boyfriend help you during your Miss Dumaguete journey? I only had one boyfriend. He is Engineer Alex Gascon. He was very supportive especially during my Miss Dumaguete journey. But honestly, he is really against me joining Miss Dumaguete because of the bikini portion. But he supports me in everything that I do. Even before the pageant, he already said,

“YOU ARE MY MISS DUMAGUETE.”

9.What is your favorite movie?

PHOTO BY JILL C. SILVA

Wonderwoman 10. What is your favorite childhood memory? Playing childhood games like Patintero. 11. Who is your role model?

My mother. She is really caring, loving, understanding. She is the light of our family. She is my inspiration in everything that I do. When I think of the real essence of a woman, I always think of my mother. She is my pillar, the one who holds our family, the one

who makes the final decisions. And I believe that that’s really the essence of being a woman. 12. In the next ten years, how would you want Dumaguete City to look like?

I would really like to see Dumaguete towards a greener side;

more trees in particular. Besides from being progressive, I really want Dumaguete to prioritize the ecosystem. twS

Green Beauty: Going Organic

osmetic products have played a crucial role in helping some people enhance their physical attributes. Make-up and beauty routines are now one of most relevant conversations and topics in social media that influence a lot of people all over the world. These create trends from “eyebrows on fleek” or “kilay is life” to Korean face. Skin is exposed to different kinds of damages from the sun, pollution, insects and what not. Skin is the largest organ of the human body; we should always give utmost care and protection to it. But little do we know that these cosmetic products that we think can nourish our skin are actually very harmful to the environment, animals, and even to us human beings. Behind the Cosmetic Industry According to Readers Digest, nearly one in five cosmetic products contains traces of formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. A 2011 OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) study found that even formulas labeled “formaldehydefree” still released a significant amount of formaldehyde gas when they are used or heated, such as hair, nail, and make up products. Formaldehyde is also mostly found in deodorants. Just think of it when you shave your armpits, scraping off a layer of skin and imagine the carcinogenic filled deodorant that goes through your pores, a vulnerable part close to your lymph nodes. In addition, Safe Cosmetics Organization said that an average person scrubs or lathers in

approximately 500 chemicals a day that includes not only carcinogens but also endocrine disruptors that lead to harmful diseases. Another chemical that you should be ditching right now is titanium dioxide that usually comes in very small particles, which you can commonly find in skin tints, mineral based cosmetics, and sunscreens. According to a Huffington Post article, this chemical is responsible for DNA damage for fresh water snails and stops phytoplankton from growing, given that phytoplankton is responsible for producing two-thirds of the Earth’s oxygen. Likewise, National Geographic News said that paraben is also a product we wouldn’t want to use especially for people who love being in the water. According to some scientists, it has been proven that paraben is partially at fault for killing off corals and is a hormone disruptor for dolphins. These chemicals are not only harmful to our body but also to our environment. Furthermore, one of the most harsh and sad truths in the cosmetic industry is the reality of animal cruelty. Just recently, PETA UK (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals United Kingdom) announced that most of the brands that pay for animal testing are actually leading make up brands. Moreover, one hundred million animals die each year due to animal testing. These innocent animals are forced to inhale toxins and to take drips of corrosive chemicals in their eyes. They are even drilled with holes into their skulls. Green Beauty: Don’t Panic, It’s

Margarita M. Delos Santos Feature Writer

products actually have nutritional value that helps support your skin

Organic There are many misconceptions for the word “organic.” For the most part, it is quickly linked to food products. Now, there is a new trend that people are advocating and that is turning to exclusively organic make-up and skin care. Going organic, in terms of beauty routine, means using products that are animal-cruelty free, natural, vegan, and paraben-free products. It means that these products are made with natural ingredients which are grown from organic method of farming without harmful fertilizers and pesticides. In addition, these products also do not test on animals since it is already safe for human skin. Our skin is like a sponge that absorbs everything we put on it but with the lightness of organic products, it doesn’t make our pores clog. This maintains the pH level which will lessen the chances of ageing and having wrinkles. The ingredients in organic and natural

not only on its surface but within. It has been researched to make sure that they repair, refine, and rejuvenate your skin. Support Local

Some people think that natural organic products are very expensive but actually they are not. There are actually a number of local entrepreneurs that sell natural organic products that we can use not only in our beauty routine but also in our household c l e a n i n g materials. “Green Beauty” or shifting to organic beauty lifestyle is not that easy since not all products you want have an organic and natural version of it. But starting with simple everyday needs such as sunscreens or shampoo can really give a benefit in our health and environment. Let us have the habit of reading the labels and ingredients of our products before buying it and be more responsible consumers. Being beautiful should not be all about how we look but also what we put in our bodies. twS

PHOTO FROM https://www.thesummitvanuatu.com/tamanu-oil-delivering-hope-psoriasis-sufferers/

The people we choose to lead us are the people we give power to, and this reflects the kind of people we are, the society we live in, the culture we are creating, and the country we leave behind for our children. Sol De Castro Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology- IV

existing in my head to swallow me but it did not. I’d say that the only thing that’s been holding me up the surface to still breathe so I don’t fully drown is a tiny dint of hope that springs within me. The feeling is like no matter what the perils ahead, I will thrive and am not giving up without putting up a fight. So, I guess that’s some thought. I will not give up without putting up a fight. The thought sort of gave me a glimmer hope for myself and hope for my future that is still looming ahead. It reminds me that I still have time than I care to admit. twS

A SPORTS SPOT FOR GAMERS

Compiled by Miles Therese Granada, Circulation Manager

Mocha’s outspoken characteristic is commendable but I don’t think offering her a position in the senate would be best for our country since a senator’s job, aside from populace representation, is to create laws for the welfare of everybody and I think she represents not a lot of those who are in actual need of the government’s help. Paula Izzabela F. Estoy, Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy -III

in. Thus, the cycle goes on and on and it wastes my energy. In addition to this, I’d like to include the fact that for years, I’ve been battling with myself for my lack of motivation. It’s a shame to admit even to myself that I can barely keep up with my goals. My personal feeling regarding the issue at hand is that, it’s like me, struggling very hard to swim in a vast torrent of waves with my body grounded under water with only my head stuck out and my arms flapping wildly. In that state, I can barely swim against the ebbs and tides of the waves. Might as well for the ocean

twsfeatures 3

Questions for Lexandrea Dela Cerna

1. How do you feel right now? I don’t really feel particularly different. I know that I am Miss Dumaguete, but I still feel the same like a normal girl especially with the Intramurals. I just feel like any athlete who’s aiming for the championship.

sillimaniansspeak “What is your reaction to the pronouncement of House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez that Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson will run for 2019 senatorial seat?”

the weekly sillimanian December 1, 2017

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the weekly sillimanianDecember 1, 2017

THE SILLIMAN OLYMPIANS. It is every athlete’s dream to play and wave the country’s flag in the world’s largest convention of athletes—the Olympics. Likewise, it is every country’s pride and honor to send these athletes in the Olympics knowing that they will give their 101 percent in this once in a lifetime opportunity given to them. The Philippines has sent many athletes in the Olympics who come from various universities and provinces in the country. Of course, Silliman University has its own brand of Olympians. Here are some of the Sillimanian athletes who competed in the Olympics that surely brought honor to Philippines and Silliman University.

SIMEON TORIBIO He was a Filipino high Jumper who represented the country in three consecutive Summer Olympics. He won a bronze medal during the 1932 Summer Olympics.

JENNIFER CHAN She was a member of the Philippines Women’s Archery Tea and won a gold medal in the 2nd Asian Archery Grand Prix held in Vietnam on July 2011.

Compiled by Kyle Reyes via http://su.edu.ph/139-alumni-hit-gold-bronze-in-vietnam-archery-grand-prix/, http://su.edu.ph/139-alumni-hit-gold-bronze-in-vietnam-archery-grand-prix/

MARK JAVIER Javier was the Lone Filipino Archer during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. He won a gold and silver medal during the 2014 Philippine National Open Archery in October 2014.

PAULA LYNN OBANANA Obanana was a badminton player who competed in the 2006 Rio Summer Olympics. She won a gold medal in the 2015 Pan American Games with her double Eva Lee.

MassCom grad’s film to compete in a Film Festival

A FILM BY Val Amiel Vestil, Bachelor of Mass Communication 2017, magna cum laude, will be screened in Sine Negrense: Negros Island Film Festival 2017, Nov. 27 to 29 in Bacolod City. Vestil directed his film “Adobo” for his Film Appreciation class during his senior year. The film is about Tere, a mother abandoned by her husband, and her rebellious son, Kaloy, and how she attempts to heal the wounds inflicted by their abandonment.

“I feel really pressured since this is my first-ever film festival and it has been my dream to really pursue a career in film and this is a great stepping stone,” Vestil said. The cast and production staff are composed mostly of fellow Sillimanians. According to SunStar Bacolod, the three-day festival is held for the first time in Negros. It is presented

EXCERPTS FROM THE 2015 report of the UN Ad Hoc Working Group on the Regular Process for Global Reporting and Assessment of the State of the Marine Environment Including Socioeconomic Aspects: Increasing Inputs of Harmful Material Agricultural inputs The agricultural revolution of the last part of the twentieth century, which has largely enabled the world to feed its rapidly growing population, has also brought with it problems for the ocean in the form of enhanced run-off of both agricultural nutrients and pesticides, as well as airborne and waterborne inputs of nutrients from waste from agricultural stock. (The use of fertilizers) is rapidly growing in parts of the world where only limited use had occurred in the past. That growth has the potential to lead to increased nutrient run-off to the ocean if the increased use of fertilizers is not managed well. . . In the case of pesticides, the issues are analogous to those of industrial development. Newer pesticides are less polluting than older ones, but there are gaps in the capacity to ensure that these lesspolluting pesticides are used, in terms of educating farmers, enabling them to afford the newer pesticides, supervising the distribution systems and monitoring what is happening in the ocean. Eutrophication Eutrophication resulting from excess inputs of nutrients from both agriculture and sewage causes algal blooms. Those can generate toxins that can make fish and other seafood unfit for human consumption. Algal blooms can also lead to anoxic areas (i.e. dead zones) and hypoxic zones. Such zones have serious consequences from environmental, economic and social aspects. The anoxic and hypoxic zones drive fish away and kill the benthic wildlife. Where these zones are seasonal, any regeneration that happens is usually at a lower trophic level, and the

ecosystems are therefore degraded. This seriously affects the maritime economy, both for fishermen and, where tourism depends on the attractiveness of the ecosystem (for example around coral reefs), for the tourist industry. Social consequences are then easy to see, both through the economic effects on the fishing and tourist industries and in depriving the local human populations of food. Marine debris Marine debris is present in all marine habitats, from densely populated regions to remote points far from human activities,from beaches and shallow waters to the deepest ocean trenches. It has been estimated that the average density of marine debris varies between 13,000 and 18,000 pieces per square kilometer. However, data on plastic accumulation in the North Atlantic and Caribbean from 1986 to 2008 showed that the highest concentrations (more than 200,000 pieces per square kilometer) occurred in the convergence zones between two or more ocean currents. Computer model simulations from data from 12,000 satellite-tracked floats deployed since the early 1990s as part of the Global Ocean Drifter Program, confirm that debris will be transported by ocean currents and will tend to accumulate in a limited number of subtropical convergence zones or gyres. Plastics are by far the most prevalent debris item recorded, contributing an estimated 60 to 80 per cent of all marine debris. Plastic debris continues to accumulate in the marine environment. The density of microplastics within the North Pacific Central Gyre has increased by two orders of magnitude in the past four decades. Marine debris commonly stems from shoreline and recreational activities, commercial shipping and fishing, and dumping at sea. The majority of marine debris (approximately 80 per cent) entering the sea is considered to originate from land-based sources. – (Excerpted by SU Research and Environmental News Service) twS

Esther Mic ah B. Gillesania

News Wr it er

FIRST WORLD OCEANS REPORT (8TH in a series)

INTRAMURALS 2017: Students try to pull the rope harder in order to win the Tug of War contest under the Larong Pinoy event during the opening day of Silliman University Intramural Games 2017 last Nov. 26 at Silliman Gymnasium. PHOTO BY Rasheed Salcedo

by the Film Development Council of the Philippines, The Negros Museum, Design Brewer, and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts Committee on Cinema. The Short Film Competition component themed “Negrense New Wave” encourages the new breed of film makers to find their voice as Negrenses and tell their own stories through film. The awarding will be on Nov. 29, 6p.m. at the SM City Bacolod Cinema 4. twS

Young Artists

A GROUP OF young “undiscovered” artists in Negros Oriental exhibited their self-portraits Nov. 17 to Dec. 1 at the Foyer Gallery of Silliman Hall. “TUMAW” featured the selfportraits in acrylic paint, water color, oil paint and coffee by Guhit Pilipinas Negros Oriental (GPNO), a local organization of young art enthusiasts. Iris Tirambulo, a founding member of the project, said the exhibit should encourage young artists to come out and show the province their

Meilynne Gem C . S onjaco News Writer own brand of art. She said some artists who were discouraged to pursue a career in arts became part of the “underground art,” hence, the project title Tumaw, which is derived from the Visayan vernacular meaning to arise, to come out, to emerge.” GPNO counts among its members students in information technology, architecture and high

school. Others are call center agents, fine arts graduates as well as graduates of other courses. Maej Anfone, head of GPNO and SU BS Information Technology student, said they wanted to showcase Negros Oriental’s undiscovered artists. “It is true that there are already well-known artists here in Negros Oriental but a group of young talented artists should also be put into the spotlight.” twS

Silliman University played host to the regional symposium, “Beyond ASEAN@50: Opportunities and Challenges for Regional Integration,” held Monday, November 20, at the CBA building. Dr. Betsy Joy B. Tan, SU Vice President for Academic Affairs, welcomed the delegates in behalf of the University. The symposium was organized by Silliman University College of Business Administration, Philippine APEC [Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation] Study Center Network (PASCN), and Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS). Dr. Gloria G. Futalan, Dean of the SU College of Business Administration, represents Silliman in the PASCN, an organization created by Administrative Order 303 by President Fidel V. Ramos in 1996 to promote research on APEC-related issues. Silliman researchers Wilma Tejero of the SU Economics Department and Dr. Enrique Oracion, Dean of SU Graduate Programs, joined PASCN and PIDS scholars in presenting papers at the symposium. The topics included technology liberalization, Filipino awareness of ASEAN, income inequality among ASEAN, and disaster risk reduction. Tejero’s paper was based on her collaborative research with Dr. Jinyoung Hwang, professor at the Department of Economics at Hannam University in South Korea, where Tejero is currently studying for a doctorate in economics. They studied the data of income convergence and divergence among rich and poor nations in Asia and ASEAN over long periods from 1975 and 2015. Tejero and Hwang wrote, “It is observed that the influence of externalities (openness, improved human capital, higher investments, size of government) due to economic integration among countries in the Asian region is not yet too significant

to effect economic convergence in income levels among these nations.” But still the authors recommended that “emerging countries (like Philippines and Vietnam) must take advantage of the benefits of integration by strengthening these factors (capital formation, trade liberalization, human capital and size of government) so as to push further the rate of increase of income level leading toward economic convergence in the Asian region.” Tejero and Hwang’s paper was presented by Orlando Roncesvalles, visiting professor of economics at Silliman and former assistant treasurer of the International Monetary Fund. The study by Dr. Sheila V. Siar of PIDS measured the level of awareness of the Filipino people on ASEAN, their perceived problems confronting the Philippines and ASEAN, as well as their aspirations and hopes for ASEAN—using online and paper survey and focused group discussions in the research. Siar said the results reveal “moderate familiarity about ASEAN as well as modest identification as ASEAN citizens… There is a general sentiment that ASEAN is beneficial for the country, albeit only moderately…Media coverage of ASEAN is perceived to be inadequate. She reported further, “The study validates the most immediate concerns being faced by the Philippines today, notably affordable internet connections, poverty, corruption, agriculture and food security, and energy provision and price. “The most pressing regionallevel concerns are climate change and natural disasters, territorial and maritime disputes, trade and investment issues, agriculture and food security, and income disparity and social inequality.” Justin Raymond S. Eloriaga of De La Salle University in his paper recommended for trade liberalization of technology among ASEAN, saying this would lead to lessening

the digital divide between rich and poor, and consequently of income inequality. In practical terms his policy recommendations are: “making public Wi-Fi accessible through publicprivate partnership in the ASEAN, promoting software literacy through basic software education in the Basic Education Curriculum, trade liberalization through lowering of technology importations customs tax, trade barriers on technological goods and telecommunications tax.” Finally, Dr. Oracion in his paper recommended that the kinship network in Philippine culture, in which family members take care of their own, can be a potential source of assistance in disaster-stricken communities in the Philippines—one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. Oracion compared “the dynamics of extending assistance during periods of crisis such as food scarcity due to the cropping cycle or crop failure caused by natural calamities (in both) indigenous and contemporary rural communities.” He found that “The two communities similarly demonstrate that inter-household sharing of food and other resources is adaptive and an inherent element of Filipino culture, and integrating the concept of kinship networking in disaster risk reduction management will enhance disaster preparedness and harmonize relief distribution in situations where panic and confusion prevail between the humanitarian groups and the devastated local people.” Also present at the symposium were Alfred Kristoffer A. Guiang, Principal Assistant, Office of ASEAN Affairs, Department of Foreign Affairs; Dr. Erlinda M. Medalla, Project Director, PASCN; and Dr. Francis Mark A. Quimba, Research Fellow, PIDS. – By Celia E. Acedo, SU Research and Environmental News Service twS

Silliman hosts symposium on ASEAN