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TOWA R D S A PRO G RE SSI V E C AMPU S PRE SS VOL. LXXXIX NO.17 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017

SIGA 2017. The College of Performing and Visual Arts wins first place in Jingle Competition of the All University Christmas PartySIGA 2017 last Dec. 11 at Roman T. Yap lane. PHOTO BY Jill Silva

CAS dean appointed as new Institutional Sustainability Assessor PHOTOS FROM su.edu.ph

COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION (CHED) appointed Silliman University (SU) College of Arts and Sciences Dean, Dr. Earl Jude Paul L. Cleope, as a new assessor of Institutional Sustainability Assessment (ISA) effective Aug. 1, 2017 until Dec. 21, 2019.

CHED established ISA to help Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) develop Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) systems that will enable them to perform effectively and efficiently and meet their desired outcomes and performance targets.

Among the 69 new ISA assessors, Cleope was the only assessor appointed from Negros Island Region.

BY Meilynne Gem Sonjaco

News Writer

ISA assessors assist CHED in assessing the Internal Quality Assurance systems of HEIs using the ISA Framework and provide feedback to the Technical Working Group ISA (TWAG-ISA) on how to improve ISA policies, procedures, and instruments.

They will also help in reviewing and finalizing the ISA narrative re-

ports and assist TWAG-ISA in orienting public and private HEIs within their region, CHED Central and Regional Offices, and other stakeholders using the ISA tool.

According to Cleope, Vice President for Academics Affair Betsy Joy B. Tan was the original nominee from SU but she encouraged Cleope instead because of her busy schedule.

Cleope shared that the role is not a “new thing” for him.

“I have been an accreditor of

MOTHER BENEFICIARIES of the government’s conditional cash transfer program in Negros Oriental have recorded almost perfect compliance with the health conditionalities under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4 Ps), saying they were doing this not so much for the cash as for the value of disease prevention and good health, according to a study at Silliman University.

Photo by Enrique Nicholas Bejar

Plastics dominate ocean wastes in a clean up

A TOTAL of 29,659 pieces of trash were collected along the coastline of Brgy. Lo-oc and Bantayan, Dumaguete City in a Coastal CleanUp and Brand Audit last Dec. 2, spearheaded by WOW-Break Free From Plastic Negros Oriental.

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SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY should be given priority especially in honing not just the physical but psychosocial skills among athletes, and schools should teach student athletes how to balance their academic and sports responsibilities, said Dr. Michele Valbuena, sports psychologist and chairperson of the Silliman University psychology department.

Cum laude places 4th in Agriculturist board

ELLINE T. MACAY, a graduate of the Silliman University (SU) College of Agriculture, cum laude, placed fourth in the November 2017 Agriculturist Licensure Examination.

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GENIN AMISCARAY, Silliman University (SU) Economics graduate (magna cum laude), made it to the top 30 in the national selection for the 56th Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP).

TOSP recognizes students from around the country who “have personified academic excellence, exemplary leadership and deep sense of social responsibility, all anchored on

Sports psychology overlooked, says expert

Photo from www.su.edu.ph

Photo from https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com

Photo from https://twitter.com/govph/

NegOr Pantawid beneficiaries show high health compliance

the graduate programs and I’m also a Regional Quality Assurance Team member of CHED before, so being placed in this position is a kind of progression and promotion on my part and still is a part of learning,” Cleope said.

“As an educator, I accept this role as a challenge. However, with this position, I can help Silliman prepare for the assessment; that is my primary concern and main purpose,” Cleope added. tws

Amiscaray makes it to Top 30 for TOSP

good moral values.”

Reacting as a national finalist, Amiscaray said, “I will be up against the best of the best all over the country. However, what I truly love about TOSP is that the organization’s culture erases the mindset that we are in a competition.”

The top 30 was selected from 77 Regional Awardees and National Nominees for TOSP all over the

by Esther Micah Gillesania News Writer

country.

The Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines will receive their award from President Rodrigo R. Duterte at formal ceremonies in Malacañang.

Amiscaray and the other finalists will undergo an interview before a

panel of judges convened by the National Executive Committee in February 2018.

The finalists will also participate in the TOSP National Program Week in which they will attend a formation program, including outreach and exposure activities.

Amiscaray thanked those who supported her “Heart for a Child”

project during her Miss Silliman 2015 reign, which implemented feeding and reading activities for children. tws Photo from www.su.edu.ph

2 twsopinions

the weekly sillimanian December 15, 2017

the weekly sillimanian December 15, 2017

QUESTIONS

Diamond

D

iamond is the hardest mineral on Earth. It can cut any kind of rock or metal.

In fact, to burn a diamond, it must be heated to 900 degrees Celsius. However, a mere touch of a human finger can make this almost unyielding gemstone quickly lose its sparkling appeal.

So how can you keep your diamond looking its very best? You polish it..

2017 may not be the greatest year for Silliman University (SU), but surely, some memories will forever be etched in the heart of its history.

Transition If there is one word to best describe 2017 for SU, it would have to be transition. This year, SU took some turning points that somehow changed the landscape of Silliman education.

One of course, is the implementation of the first-ever three-part graduation rites. The graduation ceremony is now composed of departmentalized presentation of candidates on the first day and the baccalaureate service and the confirmation of graduates on the following day.

Moreover, this year is the defining moment for SU with the full implementation of the K-12 curriculum. The administration had expected a drastic decline of enrolment that would affect the university’s monetary stability. However, as we reached halfway of K-12’s full implementation, Senior High School turned out to be not that bad after all—way better actually.

This year also marks the transition of power and glory from one college to another. After three consecutive years, the Miss Silliman crown was bequeathed to another queen from a different college. The Intramurals championship trophy was clinched by the newcomers Senior High School from the seven-time champion College of Business Administration.

Bumps One can never forget the historical faculty strike last July. The strike that did not just compromise the recitation days of the university,but also tested the relationshipbetween the administration, faculty association and the students. Most importantly, the strike has proven that Sillimanians may not be apathetic after all.

This year, a humanitarian crisis called for the Silliman Spirit—the Marawi siege.

SU responded to this call. The administration donated one million pesos to Dansalan College, a Christian school that was greatly devastated by the war. A Muslim organization in the university organized a run for the benefit of the victims in Marawi.

And lastly, the Peace Studies department spearheaded a get-together between Senior High students and displaced war victims.

On the other hand, this may not be a major bump for the university, but welcoming a new university president is both a challenge and an excitement. We cannot wait to see the changes or surprises the current university president will bestow onthe university now that he only has five months in office.

Excellence Amid these changes, the university continues to manifest the excellence it has always been known for. Three Sillimanians placed 2nd, 9th and 10th in the 2016 bar exams. We also continue to top in the medical technologist, librarian, psychologist and agriculture licensure examinations.

On the other hand, Silliman continues to send representatives to national conferences like Philippine Model Congress, Ayala Young Leaders Congress and Aboitiz Future Leaders Business Summit. We also send students tointernational conferences like “Jenesys” in Japan sponsored by the National Youth Commission. This year, we have an alumna who qualified for the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines.

2017 is the year that was. 2018 may bring uncertainties and challenges, but we believe Silliman is ready to face them. Oh come on, this university survived even the greatest “dirts” the world has seen!

Silliman University is a diamond, it has always been. The older it gets, the more it sparkles, just like a diamond. tws

PHOTOS FROM su.edu.ph

THE GREATEST GIFT Esther Micah B. Gillesania | Life in two cents | News Writer

What is the real meaning of Christmas? Is it the gifts under the tree, the lights in the windows, the cards in the mail, noche buena with family and friends, stockings hanging in the living room, and cheers of “Merry Christmas” to the passersby in the streets?

For some people, Christmas is a time of disappointment. They don’t have the money to spend for presents for their loved ones. Many are saddened when they think of the people who cannot go home for the season to be with them. And for some, Noche Buena may only be a mere wish.

Yet, Christmas can be a season of great joy, too. It is a time of God showing His great love for us. It can be a time of healing and renewed strength. Christmas is a time to

celebrate the birth of God’s only Son and the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. His birth brought great joy and hope to the world. He was no ordinary child.

Why did Jesus come? Why did God have to send His only begotten Son for us?

The Bible says that all have sinned. We are all born with a sinful nature. We do things that do not please God. Through the sins of Adam and Eve, we have all inherited that nature. We need to have that removed, and it’s because of God’s unfailing love to people that He provided a way to have our relationship restored with Him. The only way is through Jesus.

We cannot do righteous acts on our own, that’s why we need a Savior who can deliver us from our

sinfulness. If we believe that Jesus died for our sins, we can ask Him to come into our hearts and forgive us.

Then, we are clean and made whole.

We can know that heaven is a place where we can go to when this life is over.

So with all these being said, if Jesus truly is within us, then we should also follow His perfect example of giving love to the people.

There are those who wish to have a happy holiday but can’t have it because they are less fortunate. If we have been given enough blessings, it is our time to share these to bring joy and bless them. Then, those people will feel the happiness and love that they have been longing for. They will see that Jesus lives in us and that His light reflects throughout the season.

LIBERATE THY HEROES

“What important lesson have you learned in Silliman this 2017”

One thing I’ve learned in Silliman that has been very useful to me in the internship is to always do your best and be confident. Silliman has prepared you or is preparing you for the future.

Pol Eldridge Caluscusan, Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy - V Being many miles away from home with no one to do even the basic chores, I have learned to do things by myself. The many miles put by education between me and my family have proven beneficial to me as I have learned to face each day away from home with much confidence never known to me.

Marvin Florendo, Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy - V I learned that, more than academics, the four years of college I have spent in Silliman is all about finding out who I am, what I am to people around me and how I belong in the bigger world outside of Silliman.

PG Olivier Bulfa, Bachelor of Science in Accountancy IV I have learned not to procrastinate, though it was the thing that I used to do. It was very important for me not to procrastinate since it had helped me not only in my academics, but also as a Silliman student. Knowing that you are ready for the upcoming exams since you studied in advance releases the weight from your shoulder, making you more fit answering any exam them may give you.

Kyle Aaron Sarino, Senior High School, STEAM - Grade 12

tWS wishes you a Merry Christmas , Sillimanians!

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.

Carlee Cherokeeh T. Calingacion | Message In A Bottle | Features Editor

I was in my 2nd year of kindergarten when my dad first left for UAE. Stopping him was futile, for he was determined to leave. Questions flooded my 6-year-old brain as to why he had to leave. He and my mom had to explain to me that life was hard and they wanted the best for me and my sister. At that time I never understood. Now I do and truth be told, it saddens me.

It was only recently that I stumbled upon Proclamation No. 276. This was signed by Corazon Auqino, former president and it states “DECLARING DECEMBER, 1988, AND THE SAME MONTH OF EVERY YEAR THEREAF TER AS ‘THE MONTH OF OVERSEAS FILIPINOS.’” Not a day, but an entire month is dedicated to all of our nation’s people

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

who had to leave the country to be able to give. “WHEREAS, millions of Filipinos are spread in many countries of the world as immigrants, workers, students, and professionals;” This goes to show that our nation lacks in many aspects that people have to leave to acquire these things somewhere else. If only our schools are well equipped and jobs are provided, people would opt to stay.

“WHEREAS, many Overseas Filipinos contributed to the struggle against the prior regime and fought for the restoration of Philippine democracy;” Our nation cannot just depend on the OFWs to restore our country’s democracy. They are the ones we have to liberate from the slavery brought about by our

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

D

r. Cleope is a professor of History and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. He was appointed to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Institutional Sustainability Assessment team.

DR. cleope

nation, not the other way around.

I just want a system where my father won’t have to leave to be able to provide for us. I’m sure most, if not all, families of OFWs feel the same way.

Overseas Filipino Workers sacrifice their lives every day.

Celebrating their hard work for a month ONLY is not enough, don’t you think? So, how can our nation celebrate the bravery of these OFWs then?

It’s by welcoming them back home as heroes for their sacrifices; giving them better paying jobs that won’t require them to be separated from their families; and telling them that they don’t have to leave our country anymore for numerous reasons, these would be the best ways to celebrate their heroism. 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

BY Margarita Delos Santos, Feature Writer

1. What is the most unique place you have ever been to in the Philippines?

Actually there are a lot, but now, I can say it’s the island of Simara. Actually it’s an island municipality called Corcuera it’s in the middle of the Romblon Sea. It’s very isolated that’s why it’s very unique. A very small island but it’s a municipality.

5. What has being a Sillimanian taught you?

Competence, Character and Faith.

2. Growing up as only son, what lessons have you learned from your sisters?

If you are an only son surrounded by all sisters, it’s better not to stay at home all the time or else you become one of them. That’s why I always go out and be with my cousins (HAHA).

7. How do you maintain a strong and well-established relationship with others?

Respect as persons. Don’t put the accolades and achievements on the top of your head.

“Respect for women and filial piety” is also something I have learned from them.

3. How do you balance your time?

Basically it’s just prioritizing and you should know how to delegate. Then of course, you should have

“the courage to say ‘no’ to certain things.”

4. Being in Silliman almost all your life, what significant changes have you noticed in terms of the environment, students, and quality of education?

For the environment, practically there’s nothing much that has changed but maybe there’s just more cars than before.

“Students probably became better looking, taller, bigger and mature than ever.”

In terms of education, I think Silliman has maintained the quality education.

tws

Compiled by Miles Therese Granada, Circulation Manager

Being an intern assigned in Cebu, I guess the most important lesson that I’ve learned this year is about the value of friendship and family. They were my support system during the times when I was exhausted from a 16-hour shift or from a very busy day at the hospital. The co-interns and clinical instructors that I have here somehow became an extended family and in a way they made me feel that Silliman and Dumaguete aren’t very far away because I still have them.

Tricia Anne Tiangson, Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology - IV

for

EARL jude paul

Editorial

sillimaniansspeak

twsfeatures 3

6. Did you have to give up anything for success?

None that I know of.

8. What is it in history that fascinates you most?

Human Vanity.

9. If you could go back in time, what significant historical event you would want to witness?

The creation, the event when the snake tempted Adam and Eve because I don’t think if Adam or Eve were Filipinos they wouldn’t eat the apple. I think they would eat the snake (HAHA).

10. If you are to change something that happened in the past, what would it be?

The Creation.

“Filipinos should be in the Bible” (HAHA) 11. If you were talking to a student, how would you encourage him/her to love History?

Well it’s really not more of words but it’s more of how you act out. How you explain to them the relevance, because history is practically about dead people but it’s not the dead people it’s really more of the relevance.

“Relevance is very important.”

12. If you can be a character in the history, who would you be and why?

I would probably be me (HAHA)

How St. Nicholas Became Santa Claus

BY Kyle B. Reyes, Feature Writer

T

he tradition of gift giving is a very important element to the Christmas season. It teaches us the importance of generosity and how giving can be much better than receiving.

This tradition is done in memory of St. Nicholas, a fourth-century bishop from Myre (Demere now in modern day Turkey). He was wellknown not only for keeping his faith in the midst of ruthless persecution from Emperor Diocletion, but also for his generosity--providing things to people who were less fortunate than he was.

Stories of his Generosity Nicholas was born to a wealthy Christian family. When his parents died, Nicholas took the words of Jesus Christ, “sell what you own and give to the poor,” (Matthew 21:19) and set them in action. He decided to use his whole inheritance to help the needy, the sick and the suffering.

There were two popular occasions that showed how much he cared for those who were less fortunate.

In one occasion, three daughters of a poor man were about to be sold into prostitution due to lack of dowry. A dowry is an amount of money that a woman must give to the man and

his family before they wed. It can also be vice versa. Without a dowry, the women cannot get married. St. Nicholas happened to pass by the man and heard his problem. Later, St. Nicholas started throwing the bags of money through the windows of the man’s house. This amount of money was enough for all three of these women to pay for dowry.

These bags of money would usually land on stockings or shoes, thus giving rise to the tradition of hanging stockings on chimneys.

Another popular occasion of St. Nicholas’ generosity was shown in the story of three little boys. As they were making their way to Athens, the three boys came across a butcher who robbed and dismembered them.

The butcher then left their bodies in a pickling tub. Mysteriously, St. Nicholas appeared and brought the boys back to life after praying earnestly to God. This story made St. Nicholas the Patron Saint and Protector of Children.

St. Nicholas was also known for saving people from famine, rescuing people for being accused of crimes they didn’t commit, and praying for the safe trips of sailors and voyagers.

St. Nicholas did many of his

generous deeds in secret. He did not expect anything in return which earned him the title of “The Patron St. of Gift Giving.”

Transition to Santa Clause How did a bishop, dressed in holy robes and seen holding a holy staff, suddenly become the image of a jolly red-bearded fellow who goes around the world in one night giving gifts to all of earth’s children?

Believe it or not, this most iconic image of St. Nick was the product of the early Dutch settlers in the newly found New York City.

Stories of the Dutch version of St. Nicholas started spreading around America.

During the American Revolution, the Americans wanted to remember their Dutch roots. Therefore they took this version of St. Nick who was named “Sinterklausse.”

From this idea, Literature Professor Clement Clark Moore from New York, wrote a 56-line poem entitled “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” more commonly known as “The Night Before Christmas.” It is here where he first described Santa Claus as

PHOTOS FROM https://www.pinterest.com/pin/432345632958283412/

an American fur-wearing, pipesmoking elf. This elf would carry a sack filled with toys that he would give to the children on Christmas eve. He was also given a sleigh towed by the eight reindeers.

Despite this being an iconic image of Santa, he still isn’t the jolly red giant we know today yet.

Santa’s story of living in the north pole, having a toy factory, having a naughty or nice list, etc. still didn’t come into play. This was until New

York illustrator Thomas Nast started putting these ideas on his illustrations for the Harper’s Weekly magazine.

It was then the iconic image of Santa Claus was born, appreciated by all children of different generations that passed and yet to come.

Although the representation of Santa Claus has gone through many versions, the message of his character stays the same. Through him, we understand the message of giving and how it can affect those who need it the most. tws

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the

the weekly sillimanianDecember 8, 2017

Heart of Gold. Sharing blessings has become the image of Christmas. But being generous does not only happen at this time year—it could be done every day. There are just people or groups of people who willingly emanate that Christmas joy.

THE NOCHE BUENA PROJECT

The Christmas benefit gig of a band Ben&Ben in Dumaguete was a support to this project that gathers donations to bring the Christmas joy to typhoon-hit communities.

ORIENTAL NEGROS CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY NETWORK

Photo from Oncan Dumaguete Facebook Page

A child-oriented advocacy networks which promotes children’s rights and children’s protection at a large scale and services include feeding programs and educational sponsorship.

CHRISTMAS HOUSE IN DUMAGUETE

Photo from The Negros Chronicle

A house beautiful and grand is a haven both for your sight and heart because owner, Dr. Rico Absin, annually shares his blessings to at least 300 less fortunate children.

WISH UPON A STAR PROJECT Individual stars with a picture and wishlist of 250 identified beneficiaries will be hung at a Christmas tree in a mall where you could be their sponsor.

Photo from Mini Learners

Compiled by Merell Recta, Feature Writer , VIA http://thenochebuenaproject.org/about/, http://www.charity-charities.org/Philippines-charities/DumagueteCity-1622138.html, http://truesense4u.blogspot.com/2011/11/christmas-house-in-dumaguete-city.html, http://pageone.ph/wish-upon-a-star-pro ect-to-benefitelementary-pupils-in-negros-oriental-hinterlands/

Sports psychology overlooked, says expert SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY should be given priority especially in honing not just the physical but psychosocial skills among athletes, and schools should teach student athletes how to balance their academic and sports responsibilities, said Dr. Michele Valbuena, sports psychologist and chairperson of the Silliman University psychology department.

American Psychological Association defines sports psychology as a “proficiency that uses psychological knowledge and skills to address

optimal performance and well-being of athletes, developmental and social aspects of sports participation, and systemic issues associated with sports settings and organizations.”

Valbuena said, “In the Philippines, [sports psychology is] still a growing field because not many recognize the importance of developing the psychosocial skills of athletes as similarly important as the physical skills.”

She said psychosocial skills refer

by Jameela Antoniette I. Mendoza

News Writer

to athletes’ ability to deal with anxiety and pressure in their social environment that could affect their mental health.

“Mental toughness and management of anxiety should also be developed among athletes,” she said.

On the other hand, SU basketball varsity coach Jake Villavicencio said his training for the team mainly focuses on improving physical skills.

“As to [the athlete’s] mental health, such as [dealing with] stress, pressure, and anxiety, this should be handled by professionals,” he added.

Moreover, SU Athletics Director Niño Piñero said part of the training before becoming a certified university coach is to know how to teach mental preparations to athletes before and after competitions.

“But sad to say, maybe because of stress and pressure of work, [and] be-

cause these are not full-time coaches, they are not able to strictly implement the mental preparation of their athletes,” Piñero said.

He shared that while there is no formal psychosocial training for student varsity athletes in Silliman, counselling may be given to them upon recommendation by their coach.

Coaches act as the go-between person of student athletes before seeing guidance counsellors, he added. tws

Plastics dominate ocean wastes in a clean up

by Esther Micah Gillesania

News Writer

FAKE NEWS. Dumaguete MetroPost publisher Alex Pal (center) reminds students to validate information they share on social media. Together with Pal are Philippine Press Institute (PPI) training director Tess Bacalla (left) and PPI executive director Ariel Sebellino in “Let’s Get real on Fake News” forum last Dec. 11 at SU Audio Visual Theater.

PHOTO BY Dave Ludocdoc

A TOTAL of 29,659 pieces of trash were collected along the coastline of Brgy. Lo-oc and Bantayan, Dumaguete City in a Coastal Clean-Up and Brand Audit last Dec. 2, spearheaded by WOW-Break Free From Plastic Negros Oriental.

A list posted on WOW’s Facebook Page showed that plastics bags and unidentifiable plastics topped the most number of trash, with 7,926 pieces collected.

This was followed by 7,404 pieces of identifiable sachets and plastic wrappers and 3,030 pieces of Polystyrene foam (Styrofoam).

“Polystyrene foam floats on water which makes it a common type of trash washed up on beaches,” it said.

NegOr Pantawid beneficiaries show high health compliance

by Celia E. Acedo Silliman University Research and Environmental News Service

MOTHER BENEFICIARIES of the government’s conditional cash transfer program in Negros Oriental have recorded almost perfect compliance with the health conditionalities under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4 Ps), saying they were doing this not so much for the cash as for the value of disease prevention and good health, according to a study at Silliman University.

The author of the study, Dr. Maria Theresa C. Belciña Jr. of the SU College of Nursing, wrote in her dissertation: “The health services utilization of the beneficiaries of the CCT program in Negros Oriental is remarkably good. Almost all mothers (94.69%) are submitting for pre-natal check-up, a big majority (71.98%) is availing of the post-natal care services, and majority of the mothers (50.72%) is attended by skilled or trained health practitioner during childbirth.”

In 2016 Belciña surveyed, for her dissertation, seven municipalities (Ayungon, Basay, Bindoy, Jimalalud, La Libertad, Tayasan, and Vallehermoso) and asked 207 mother respondents aged 25 years and above what motivated them in (or hindered them from) availing of health services under 4Ps. Her survey also covered 768 children considered for preventive check-up and 294 children 0-5 years old for immunization.

In child immunization, 84% of children aged 0 – 12 months were reported to have been fully immunized (given 14 to 16 shots of required

vaccines); but those 1 – 5 years old recorded only 11.07% full immunization, partly because immunization for the latter age group was not required and partly due to lack of vaccines.

For preventive check-up, the children needed to be brought to the health center once a month or at least 9 times a year. In this study, 0-12 months old registered 84% full compliance; 1-5 yrs old, 90% compliance; 6-11 yrs old, 65% compliance; and 12-18 years old, only 17% compliance.

The older children registered low compliance with check-up mostly because they needed to be in school while the check-ups were done.

Regarding positive health motivation, 55% of the mothers cited the importance of maintaining good health; while only 9% cited cash gift as a motivation, and another 10% said because the services are free.

On the other hand, respondents who failed to avail of the health services said bad weather and long distance from the health center was a hindrance(34%), while others said they were “ busy at work” (19%), “couldn’t leave the house” (14%), and “herbal and alternative medication alleviated their ailments” (12%).

The Philippines enacted 4Ps into law in 2010 as a poverty reduction and social development strategy, providing conditional cash of up to P15,000.00 annually to extremely poor families.

In 2016 the government allocated more than 50 billion pesos to 4Ps, benefitting some 4.4 million house-

holds.

The premise is that keeping children healthy and in school could break the cycle of poverty between generations.

In exchange, the beneficiaries need to meet health and education requirements.

In education, the condition is that 3 to 5 years old go to daycare/ pre-school, attending at least 85% of the time, and 6 to 14 years old enroll and attend school also at least 85% of the time.

Pregnancy and childbirth are among the leading causes of death, disease and disability in women of reproductive age in developing countries.

In 1990, the Philippines recorded 209 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, worsening in 2011 to 221 per 100,000 (higher than government’s target limits) from pregnancy complications, high blood pressure, hemorrhage, and abortive outcomes.

Deaths of children under 5 years in the Philippines decreased from 80 per 1,000 live births in 1990 to 28 per 1,000 live births in 2015; but the World Health Organization said these figures were higher compared to other countries in the region.

More than half of under-five deaths are deaths of newborns, in the first week of life, from complications from prematurity, birth asphyxia, and infections (sepsis and pneumonia).

Belciña said studies proved that essential maternal and newborn care could save lives of mothers and newborn babies.tws

When exposed to natural elements, it breaks down into smaller fragments. These small pieces of foam can look like food to marine animals, the post added.

“The counting is useful because it allows us to assess the characteristics of the waste and try to predict where it originated from; that way we

can identify where there is need for more education or better management practices,” said Natasha Kunesch, WOW assistant head.

As of press time, WOW has still has to give the Weekly Sillimanian the final list of their inventory of the brand audit. tws

Cum laude places 4th in Agriculturist board

by Chrisse Martha Gillesania News Writer

ELLINE T. MACAY, a graduate of the Silliman University (SU) College of Agriculture, cum laude, placed fourth in the November 2017 Agriculturist Licensure Examination.

Macay is one of the 16 out of 21 takers from Silliman University (SU) who passed the board exam.

Fifteen takers were first-timers and one was a re-taker.

“I’m very grateful to Papa God for granting my prayers and for the continued guidance, and... to my family and friends and the SUCA facilitators for their interminable support and constant motivation,” Macay said.

SU got an overall performance rate of 76.19 percent, higher than national passing rate of 38.25

percent.

SU’s new registered professional agriculturist are: 1. Ahig, Jan Mark E. 2. Amaro, Sidney T. 3. Apale, Leus Agustine A. 4. Apsay, Herv Martelle Z. 5. Biyok, Fatima B. 6. Delima, Alejandro, Jr. H. 7. Diamante, Carlos Rock Z. 8. Gaudie,l Aaron Jude M. 9. Gumapac, Kenneth L. 10. Macabinguil, Princess Akimi F. 11. Macay, Elline T. 12. Sabilao, Risa May E. 13. Sy, James, Jr. B. 14. Villacampa, Ellen Joy K. 15. Villamil, Kim Brian B. 16. Vineles, Franscil P.