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Towa r d s A Pro g re ssi v e C amp u s Pre ss vol. LXXXIX No. 1 | friday, July 21, 2017

KILL APATHY. In support of the Silliman University Faculty Association strike against the SU Administration, students hold up protest placards and wear black clothing while chanting “Laban SUFA!” at the Administration Gate along the Hibbard Avenue last July 19. Photo by Leandro T. Credo

SUFA goes on strike

Silliman University Faculty Association (SUFA) went on alabor strike against Silliman University(SU)Administration last July 19 after the deadlock on the Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations.

SUFA president Jan Antoni Credo said the labor strike was decided by the SUFA members of the union last June 2017 after the group and the administration failed to reach an agreement on seven issues.

The faculty union is demanding a one-time bonus of P38, 000, a P1, 500 across-the-board salary increase in 2017, and another P2,300 increase in 2018, a productivity enhancement incentive (14th month pay), improvement in retirement pay, Christmas and Founders Day Bonus, and K-12 transition scholar’s subsidy.

Despite the incessant downpour of

rain since they launched their strike at 5 a.m., about 280 SUFA members did not attend their classes as an act of protest.

They carry placardsalong all the major entry and exit points of the university.

According to Credo the strike will paralyze the university operations in order to make the administration realize the value of the teachers.

The union exhausted all its efforts to prevent the strike, but the administration leave them with no other choice,Credo said.

“I want to say that this fight is not only for the teachers or the students; this is for the entire university,” said Allison Ladero, Silliman University Student Government (SUSG) president.

Ladero, together with more than 100 students joined the protest rally of the Silliman University Faculty Association (SUFA) against the Silliman University Administration last July 19 near the administration gate along Hibbard Avenue.

The students and members of SUSG substitutedmembers of SUFA in bringing placards while shouting “Laban SUFA” in unison.

They also encouraged passing vehicles to honk their horns as a sign of support to the union.

As early as 7am, the members of the SUSG stationed themselves at the Langheim Gate.

Chrisse Martha B. Gillesania News Wr it er

On a press conference called by the SU administration last Wednesday, the demand of SUFA amounts to approximately P110 million and the university can only give P63 million.

Administration panel chief negotiator Atty. Sheila Lynn Besariosaid that at

Sommer J. Buyante News Editor Ray Chen S. Bahinting Editor-in-Chief this point in time they cannot afford to give more than what they offer without compromising the university.

They said the university is generating P480 million from tuition fees; P207 million goes to faculty salaries, P113 million goes to services. The deficit is patchedfrom the university’s auxiliary revenues.They said that the university earns P317 million from these auxiliary revenues However, according to Atty.

SUSG, students back SUFAmembers on strike SUSG Speaker of the House Josh Ellesosaid that they refuse to stay silent and in middle ground in the face of the issue. Their demand is for the university administration to put prime importance on the welfare of the faculty.

Other students began to join the SUSG and SUFA members in protest at around 2pm. But it was not until 4pm that a number of students flocked the area.

In a statement released Tuesday night on their Facebook page, the SUSG already asserted their support for the said union.

“As students, we feel for the struggle of our teachers and we believe that their claims are justified,” it said. “We demand

for the administration to take immediate action in settling the dispute with SUFA for the sake of the students who breathe life into the university.”

Moreover, SUFA President, Jan Antoni Credo, said that some teachers became emotional with the support of the students.

It’s very heart-warming. Some teachers at the back told me that they were trying to hold tears because never did they expect the overwhelming support of the students,” he said.

Later in the afternoon, Laderocalled all Sillimanians to continue their protest-rally the following day. He also encouraged everyone to wear black in order to send a message to the administration.~

Sudden increase in Aircon fee

The Silliman University administration increased air-condition fee this semester to as much as 100 percent without prior notice to students.

Silliman University Student Government Speaker of the House Josh Nathaneil Elleso, raised his question to the administration regarding the aircon fee, last July 13.

He asked why the same exact room he was enrolled to in his previous year charged P46 for aircon before and now it went up to P140.

Atty. Fe Marie, Silliman University (SU) vice-president for finance and administration, explained that the current aircon fee is actually the correct amount to be charged.

“For three or four years, we have been charging the students the wrong aircon fee,” she said.

Sommer Buyante News Ed it or

According to Tagle, the aircon fee that has been charged to the students is based on a summer rate, not based on a regular semester.

The reason for this mistake, according to Tagle, is the administration’s computer system.

She said that the administration failed to notice that they have been “undercharging” the students in the last three years.

The aircon fee is determined by the number of students enrolled in the class and the number of hours the room will be used. Hence, subjects taken during summer have lower aircon fee compared to the subjects taken in a regular semester.

Complaints regarding the increase have been circulating in

social media. Some students who are having their internship outside Dumaguete are also charged with aircon fee though they are not using the classrooms.

Jewel Darlene Flores, a senior Medical Technology student who is having her internship in Manila, said, “It was quite disappointing to pay for a whole semester while we [interns] are only present for a maximum of one month in the campus.”

Atty. Tagle said although the cost of the electricity has been lessened due to the use of solar power, the excess money goes to the payment for solar panels.

Moreover, she said savings from solar panel are not directly deducted from the aircon fee but, but to the overall electricity consumption of the university. ~

Besario,they could not depend from auxiliary revenue to meet the demands of SUFA because it is not sustainable.

She said auxiliary revenues are unpredictable since they increase and decrease.

On the other hand, Cedo said that the P63 million offer of the university is based on the administration’s assimilated zero enrollees for first and second year college this school year.

As of July 5,2017, the university has 531 first year and 1106 enrollees for second year. However, tuition revenue still decreased due to the decline in enrollment.

During an interview with the Weekly Sillmainian last July 14,Silliman University vice-president for finance Atty.

Marie Fe D. Tagle said the P246 million from the surplus is saved by the university

since 2012 for disasterpreparedness and risk reduction purposes.

Tagle said the university is targeting an amount of P3.65 billion savings which is the total replacement cost of buildings, laboratories, and learning resources of Silliman.

She said if the university gives in to the demand of the SUFA using the surplus, it maynotbeabletosustaininthecomingyears.

However,MiletonGabas, a board member of SUFA, said that the university has over P330 million peso surpluses.Their computation is based on the financial audited statement of the administration.

“We just want a share of those surpluses because we are part of the university operations,” Gabas said. continue to page 4...

GRAND IFTAR.The Silliman University Muslim community gathered last June at Oriental Hall to celebrate grand iftar (breaking of fast) as a part of Ramadan celebration.PHOTO BY SeigfredVince Teves

Still no dean for MassCom Gre s he e n Gif t Libby Asso ci ate Edi to r

The College of Mass Communication (CMC) is entering its third month of the first semester this school year without a college dean after its previous dean, Dr. Rosario Baseleres, has retired.

In the absence of a dean, Dr. Betsy Joy Tan, Silliman University vice-president for academic affairs, temporarily fills in the role of the dean.

Mark Raygan Garcia, director of the Office of Information and Publications, represented the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs in an interview.

Garcia said that the VPAA is taking charge of the college to ensure that the College proceeds with plans and conducts its classes and activities smoothly, without unnecessary disruptions. continue to page 4...

Cafeteria food prices surge by 20% Chris s e Martha b. Guille s ana News Wri ter

Beginning June 14 this year, the Silliman University (SU) Cafeteria increased their food prices by up to seven pesos.

According to Atty. Fe Mary Tagle, SU vice-president for finance and administration, the increase is due to the revenue loss of the university from the decline of enrollment this school year.

The university increased the contributions of Silliman’s auxiliaries such as the cafeteria and SU farm

to 20 percent from to at least compensate this loss of revenue Tagle said.

Ana Vee Riconalla, manager of the Food Services Department, said that this is the first price surge that has occurred since she held her position at the cafeteria three years ago.

“For several years, there has been no increase in the prices of goods and services offered by the Food and Auxiliary Services Department even continue to page 4...

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the weekly sillimanian July 21, 2017

the weekly sillimanian July 21, 2017

Trust Issue

T

he increase of air-condition fees this semester was a shocker. It has increased to more than 100 percent. But, the administration failed to even release a notice or an explanation why.

Disappointing.

According to Atty. Fe Marie Tagle, vice-president for finance and administration, there is actually no increase in aircon fee. They are just correcting the wrong charge, she said.

For the last three or four years, the students have been “undercharged.”

She said that the previous amount of airconfee was mistakenly based on a summer rate and not on a regular semester.

How did this happen?

According to Tagle, the administration failed to notice that the students are not charged with the right amount of aircon fee. It was only this semester when they found out about it.

The Weekly Sillimanian (tWS) believes further explanation should be done by the Administration on this issue.

Nevertheless, tWS has four concerns over this issue.

First, why did the administration fail to release a prior notice that air-conditions fees will increase?

A simple advisory and brief explanation would be a great help, after all, we opt for transparency. When the issue busted in social media, the administration chose to ignore it by failing to release a statement.

Did the administration think that students will not notice the increase? Did they think that the students would continue to be apathetic on this matter?

If the intention of the administration is clean and the claim is valid, they should have explained clearly.

Second, charging of student fees goes throughthe offices of Business and Financeand the Management Information System.

With all the eyes and brains in these departments, at what end did the mistake happen?

With all the eyes and brains in the concerned departments, how can these mistakes remained unnoticed for four years?

Was there a miscommunication between the offices?

Or is it the administration that is passive enough to commit such mistake and not immediately correct it?

If that is the case, should the students be worried as well if our other fees are charged correctly?

Third, does it take a financial difficulty for the administration before they recheck and assess the system?

With all the issues the university is facing, prices of food and fees suddenly increasing, students cannot help but feel like milking cows.

Fourth, Tagle said that they used funds of the university’s other sources to patch the deficit on the aircon fee.

If the university has the enough monwey to fill in the undercharged fee for four long years, then maybe it can also give what the SUFA demands. All it takes is an overlooked computer system.

The Weekly Sillimanian understands that the university is facing financial difficulties due to decline in enrollment.

However, the administration should not neglect its duty to give studentsa truthful and on-time explanation.

Please be clear and reasonable in your statements.

Because with all the things that are happening in the university today, we, the students cannot help but question, “Where will we place our trust then?”~

I

sillimaniansspeak Compiled by Jasmyn Siobhan A. Olmido, Circulation Manager

“Do you think that the new mini cafeteria in the library is necessay?”

“As a student of Silliman for almost 3 years now, I always study in the library and I am capable of studying without a cafeteria inside. I guess they should give consideration to the small food establishments outside the Library such as the kiosks.”

NJ Dave A. Pague, BSMT III “Yes, it is. It’s usually taxing for students to stay in the library and leave the building when they want/need something to eat. Too many things will be involved like having to go through the hassle of opening the bags before leaving and having your ID scanned before entering just to get food. But with the mini cafeteria, students no longer have to do those.”

Isabelle Mae Antonio, BS Psychology - III “I think Library is the best place to study because books are accessible and fortunately it is now offering food. In addition, you can save money because instead of going to coffee shops and spend on expensive food, you can study with a full stomach inside the library.”

Bienni Claire Delmo, BS Nursing III “No. I don’t think that having a mini cafeteria in the library is necessary. I understand that the purpose of it is the convenience on the side of the students in their problems with distant food stalls. However, the essence of having the library as a ground and center for focused study and formal discussion is deteriorating because of the tendency that it might be perceived by the students, especially those who have classes at course buildings near the library, as a food center. By then, the desired kind of silence may not be guaranteed and the rule on no bringing of food is contradicted.”

John Christian “JC” Lado, BSED MAPEH III

Next Issue’s Question: ”Do you think that the aircon fee charge in the last three years was a system malfunction as said by the administration?”

For your answers, just 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 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

Hans Ethan I. Carbonilla Cartoonist Hervey Angelo F. Avenido Web Manager Jedidiah Jan L. Colinco Circulation Manager Jasmyn Siobhan A. Olmido Office Manager Rachel Mae T. Lood Layout Artist Irah Kaye R. Osumo Graphic Artist Gloria Gem T. Lumayag Photojournalists Al Remuel B. Tubongbanua

Hannah Diane E. Bengco

Jill C. Silva Adviser Sonia B. SyGaco

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/ 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

Nobody Really Cares

t has already been two years since the first time I stepped foot into these halls but I can still remember the rippling anxiety I felt that very day.

Back in high school, I always felt like a lot of insecurities hugged me. I would ask the wind why I am the only one who felt that way and why others didn’t. I found the most random imperfections about myself that nobody else noticed. I made sure nobody noticed.

I’ve always been hiding my forehead with either straight cut or side swept bangs because I felt like everybody’s eyes would land on my forehead the second I will show it.

Because of this, the first thing I’d look at a person is the forehead.

Good for her she has a small forehead.

That guy’s hairline though!

editorial

Aside from my vast forehead, I was insecure of my eyes. Back in elementary, I was called bukaw, budlat, and more derogatory terms because of the largeness of my eyes.

Why was often the question inside my head. Why was I born with such eyes? It came to a point where I’d think that someone’s eyes are bigger than mine so why isn’t she bullied?

She should be the one bullied and not I. Those were dark times.

In my second year of high school, I became aware of my knock knees.

It felt like I ate a forbidden fruit and was not able to see my legs the same way again. Khaki shorts were my best friends— they were conservative enough and hid my thighs but were not too long to emphasize the shape of my knees. Whenever I walked around downtown, I’d often look at people’s, especially girls’ legs and

Carlee Cherokeeh T. Calingacion Fe at ure Edit o r

determine whether they are bowed, knock, or straight. If straight, lucky for them. If not, I gave them props for having the guts to wear fitted pants. Looking back, I felt humiliated at myself for looking and judging others the same way I did.

All these negativities enveloped my being and I felt caged in my own body. I feared my own shadow because I felt like it was hunting me down. My reflection in the mirror was horrifying that I would even go to school without looking at my own reflection. I was filled with darkness and it made me feel like my forehead and eyes were increasing by one millimeter every second and that my knees were overlapping each other even more.

A Letter to SU and SUFA Presidents Dear Dr. Ben Malayang and Prof.

Jan Credo, This letter will be longer than what I am used to writing so I apologise in advance. This is my little contribution to this important conversation and I thank you, in advance, for the time and attention that you will spend reading this letter.

I have also cc’d other parties who may be equally invested with the hope of giving better monthly salaries and better benefits for the teachers.

I write with the hope that more creative, sustainable, and brave solutions will be found to solve the challenge faced by the administration and the faculty union today. More importantly, that in the end, the teachers will receive the maximum benefits possible.

I write as a teacher of Silliman, an alumna, and just recently, an aunt paying for the tuition of a niece enrolled in the university. I am aware of the challenges that all stakeholders face. These past weeks, I have received so many emails from teachers who tell heartbreaking tales about the sacrifices they need to make to maximise their salaries from the university. I feel guilty because I have the comfortable luxury of not being economically prejudiced by my sub-Php20k take-home pay. However, I feel the responsibility of also contributing to the conversation, despite the very limited data I have at my disposal.

I am sure that some of my figures and analysis will be inaccurate or incomplete and for that, I apologise in advance as well.

Before I wrote this letter, I spent a considerable amount of time studying the following: 1. Silliman’s 2008-2016 Strategic Plan 2. Financial statements from 2011 to present found online (Silliman website, SEC iview, etc) 3. Updates on the negotiations 4. The 152-page minutes of the negotiations 5. The fees that our students pay, apart from tuition I am optimistic that if we gather the brilliant minds within and outside Silliman, we can come up with the money to improve existing offers. Some thoughts and proposals: 1. Appointment of a 3rd party expert (negotiation “amicus curiae”) In the Minutes, both parties discussed the possibility of conducting a study to see if the university can afford to tap nontuition revenues to improve its offer.

I did not see a report on the study in this 152-page document or in any of the online sources that I have painstakingly searched.

May I propose that a neutral 3rd party be brought in to conduct this study-- akin to an amicus curiae in court proceedings?

A neutral 3rd party, chosen by both the admin and SUFA, will give both sides objective analysis and peace of mind. I have seen the computations from both sides and now would be a great time to get external opinion to look at this

challenge with another relatively fresh perspective. An outsider (i.e. not from the finance offices of Silliman) may be trusted by both sides to present objective analysis.

From the minutes, I could sense that the inability to improve the offers of both sides is a result of totally contrasting assumptions.

Based on the minutes, the negotiators for the administration seemed to be working on a mandate of just using the 70% tuition revenue as the source of the funds to improve the salaries and benefits of our teachers.

We know that nothing in the law prevents the administration from using non-tuition revenues for salaries.

It also sends a wrong governance message for future negotiations when we say that for conversations on salary increases, we have to stick to 70% of the tuition. It raises the question: why are we then pursuing all other economic ventures to have more revenues? I fear that future negotiators will review the minutes of these negotiations and believe that going beyond the 70% share will never be an option. This has no basis in law and even sound financial policy.

For the union, they seem to very sure that tapping into non-tuition revenues is reasonable. This has to be explored objectively.

Our challenge now is to get an expert who can find existing nontuition sources and assess these to ensure that it is financially reasonable and sustainable to use them to increase existing offers. I have not seen this option being taken yet.

2. Explore the possibility of using more than 70% of the tuition revenue to improve salaries.

The law provides for a 70-20-10 allocation: 70% salaries and benefits 20% improvement of buildings and other costs of operation 10% ROI However, the law actually does not prohibit universities from allocating more than 70% of the tuition revenue for salaries. In fact, it may seem that Silliman already does.

• 2016 figures show that tuition revenue was at Php 479,896,985 • 70% would be Php 335,927,889.50 • However, Silliman spent Php 402,779,066 for personnel salaries and benefits. • It is possible to conclude that even now, Silliman is actually going beyond the 70% threshold and/or tapping from other non-tuition sources to pay for salaries and benefits. • Our challenge is to find more of these non-tuition sources.

I am also aware that Silliman has more than enough funds to cover for school expansion and purchase of instructional equipment. As of 2016, we have Php 73,328,288 in our academic development fund- reserved for “school expansion and purchase of instructional equipment”. We have enough to construct buildings and buy instructional equipment. What

I blamed others why I became that way. They were the ones who pushed my buttons and made me the insecure person that I was. At the same time, it was my fault. I became too good of a listener that I forgot to filter away the detrimental things people spouted on me. Instead of barricading all the negativity, I absorbed them all at once. I may profusely point my fingers at others for causing all these dismays, but what has already happened cannot be rebuked.

Two years into college and I already grew my bangs. If it was too hot, I would put my hair up in a bun or in a ponytail and I would wear shorts. On lazy days, I just lay my hair down without brushing and would wear comfy leggings or fitted jeans.

What sparked the change in me?

I was freed from all my insecurities the day I realized that nobody cared.

I was feeling extra adventurous that day and wanted to try showing my forehead to see what my classmates thought. After I put my hair up, I waited. Ten minutes. Two hours.

All my classes ended and not one commented about my forehead. No one! The next day, I tried wearing short shorts. As expected, my friends teased me but it was because they wanted me to wear more of those.

It was then that I was enlightened and “who cares” became my life’s mantra. I let go of all my insecurities and self-doubt and then my judgement on others have been lifted as well. ~

Here are some snippets of the All-University Acquaintance Party Modern Dance competition.

2ND PLACE WINNER - COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

By Golda S. Benjamin

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1ST PLACE WINNER - SENIOR HIGH 2nd-place winner, Legit from CBA

we need to work hard on is to find enough for the salaries of our teachers.

3. Explore the possibility of getting a portion of the liquidity reserve fund. I understand that earlier, the admin released a statement expressing its concern as to the wisdom of tapping into liquidity reserves. I hope that this position can be re-assessed and reviewed using more objective reasons and liquidity/contingency calculations.

• From the minutes, I perceived the reasons to be solely borne out of fears of absolute and total catastrophe/loss. More objective standards might help all parties negotiate based on logic, reason, and financial soundness -- instead of fear. • Right now, the liquidity reserve is valued at approximately 13% of the university’s total assets. Is there an objective financial standard that we can use to determine the value of an ideal liquidity reserve fund? • If the board established this fund and if expert advice reveals that there is room for a small portion of this fund to be reclassified to cover salaries, this could also be a potential fund source. • Nothing in the law prohibits Silliman from doing so.

This will not be a distribution of profits -- something not allowed for a non-stock, nonprofit institution.

Rather, it will be a reclassification of funds to cover for personnel salaries. If allowed by the by-laws of the university, then it can be done.

• As an outsider to the negotiation, I also want to know what amount we are aiming for as a good liquidity reserve fund, what are our objective financial standards for setting these amounts, and what other ways are available for Silliman to prepare for unforeseen events (e.g. insurance, investment funds, etc). It is not enough for us to simply read that “it lacks good judgment to tap into the liquidity reserves of the university...”

We need an objective explanation for this decision, if it has to finally be made.

4. Explore the possibility of non-equal one time bonuses.

I understand that historically, Silliman negotiations have often used the across-the-board offercounter offer formula. However, there are many other configurations available. For example, for the offer of one time bonuses, parties may explore giving different amounts to different classifications of personnel. What can be saved here may be used to improve the across-the-board salary increases in subsequent years.

5. Post all relevant documents online so the Silliman community can contribute intelligently. Right now, negotiation updates and the proposals are easily searchable.

However, it might be useful for the Silliman community to have the financial statements all in one page, together with the Notes to the Financial Statements (which are often more helpful than the FS itself ). If explanations about the non-viability continue to page 4...

3RD PLACE WINNER- COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND DESIGN

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PHOTOS BY: JILL C. SILVA

What’s Missing?

s another school year starts, another batch of new students wander around the campus and discover its majesty— starting from the abbreviated building assignments down to the spooky stories of the campus’ history. Adjusting to a completely different environment is tough especially for those newbies on campus. However, being acquainted with this university’s culture is the best way to get the gist of being a Sillimanian.

With over a thousand senior high students roaming around the campus this school year, you might wonder how the senior high department is able to handle such large population.

“The struggle is real” was the handy motto for the department and students last school year. Despite that, it was still a fun rollercoaster ride.

There are a few tweaks with the current grade eleven’s setting. For those of you who aren’t aware of

Merell Lystra L. Recta Fe at ure Wr it e r

these changes, let us take a step back in time and get to know what was once a part of senior high life.

Can you balance academics with activities outside the classroom?

One of the struggles in senior high last school year was the implementation of Related Learning Activity (RLA) wherein the students must participate in activities that incorporate the 5 Cs of Silliman— classroom, church, court, community, and cultural center. Every activity has a corresponding number of hours and every student must comply a total of 200 hours for the first semester.

However, it was replaced with Subject Directed Learning (SDL) during the second semester. This is why a lot of senior high students signed up for organizations and participated in various activities last year.

Can you imagine having a class together with 5 sections inside a large room?

Yes and they referred to it as the “big lecture” or “super lecture.” With around 200 students and just one lecturer in a class, it is no wonder that the attention of some students gets disrupted easily by their seatmates.

But if you are lucky enough to have a funny and energetic lead lecturer, you’ll understand how the line “the more, the merrier” is in real life.

Most likely, it is only in Silliman’s senior high school that you can experience being in a class as large as that.

Unfortunately, the current grade 11 peps cannot experience such.

There are still a lot to improve in senior high’s curriculum and most probably, those under the old curriculum might find it uncomfortable having these people dubbed as high schoolers in a college environment.

If you are having trouble adjusting to this change in curriculum, learn to embrace it. The only way to progress is through change. You might miss some things but they will all come with good results in the end. ~

the weekly sillimanian July 21, 2017

RANDOMspace:

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Nutrition Myths Debunked .Information regarding nutrition can be accessed easily but the problem is a lot of informations are inaccurate.With all of the hoaxes out there, here are some of the biggest nutrition myths debunked by experts.

Myth #1: Dairy and milk as best source of calcium Not just dairy and milk but leafy green vegetables, like collards, soy products, and baked beans, are also great sources of calcium.

Myth #2: Fresh products are healthier than canned and frozen goods Canned and frozen goods have nutrient contents that are just as good and nutritious as “fresh” labeled products.

Myth #3: Taking a daily multivitamins promotes healthier body It is better to absorb nutrients through healthy food intake than taking vitamins to make up for the nutrients the body needs.

Myth #4: Eating protein builds muscle Eating protein does not build muscle. Only exercise can. Cover just a quarter to a third of your plate with protein and your body will handle the rest!

Compiled by Angelica Mae D. Gomez from http://www.foodandnutrition.org/Stone-Soup/May-2015/10-Nutrition-Myths-Debunked/

DON’T DO THIS

roundup

SUFA...

from page 1

A d a p t i v e m e a s u r e s As part of the adaptive measures, Atty.

MylesBejarsaidstudentteachersatSilliman University will be used as coordinators or facilitatorsto elementary and secondary levelwhile being guided by mentors.

They will not act as substitute of teachers and will not be paid.

As for the tertiary level, teachers who do Still no.. from page 1 At present, only the College of Mass Communication has no dean.

However, Garcia said this is not the first time that the VPAA handled colleges that lacked deans. The same arrangement was said to be applied at the Graduate Programs, and briefly at the College of Computer Studies.

He further explained that a potential new dean was considered, but the candidate decided to postpone the engagement nearing the start of the school year.

There is still no confirmation if the said potential dean will be available for the next semester.

“As is proper and diligent, the university is initiating a search process to identify who else could be appointed dean hopefully next semester,” Garcia said.

Garcia assured that the College will not revert back into a department or a school, and that

Cafeteria food... from page 1 when costs incurred in its production have been going up,” she said..

She added, “However, as a subsidiary rule, there is a need for us to augment our income to help the university bring in more revenues especially in these trying times.”

Riconalla said the department decided to increase the prices between P 2 and P 7 per serve of food items after reviewing the pricing scheme.

These changes constitute approximately 20% of the original product price.

“For example, the price of our beef and pork dishes increased from P 40 to P 47, the pansit bihon and vegetables from Php 25 to Php 32; the fruit mix from Php 30 to Php 35, and the salad from Php 35 to Php 40. The cost of a cup of rice also increased from Php 10 to Php 12,” Riconalla said.

In line with the increase, the cafeteria implemented a three-peso discount to all students, faculty, staff, and alumni of the university who could present their valid IDs in the cashier.

Riconalla added that the increase is reflective to the quality of service they have in the cafeteria.

“Worthy of mention is the installation of air conditioning equipment, the state-of-the-art comfort rooms, the new and elegant tables and chairs, and the recently renovated dining areas and stations,” she said.

Other improvements include the opening of the new amenities center at the Main Library and the cafeteria’s new outlet at Kross Kat. Furthermore, the department plans to open a halal corner this August to cater to the dietary requirements of Muslim customers.

not join the strike will take over the classes of the teachers who are out. A reflective evaluative measure will be conducted to determine if remaining teachers who do not go on strike are enough cater all the classes of the teachers on strike.

The strike will continue until the two panels come into an agreement, or a jurisdiction will be given by the labor secretary. ~ the college will still run normally despite lacking a dean.

A temporary arrangement between the College and the VPAA for this semester is in the works while they scour for new potential candidates for the next dean of the College of Mass Communication.

“It’s really hard for us to operate efficiently, considering our current situation. But thankfully, we have our very understanding and supportive adviser who guides us in everything we do,” said Renz Macion, the governor of the college.

“The College of Mass Communication is still standing despite the absence of a Dean. But, just like any other ship, we still need a captain to steer the waves.

We, Maskomistas, are hoping for a new captain to sail before our ship sinks,” said Julien Pinero, college internal affairs. ~ According to a junior Mechanical Engineering student, who wanted to be anonymous, the cafeteria is no longer the usual “go-to kainan” ever since the prices began to rise.

A parent who buys food at the cafeteria every lunch time also shared the same sentiments.

According to her, although she and her family really like the homemade taste of the food and other healthy food options, she thinks that the sudden rise of the food prices is not student-friendly.

“The sudden increase of the food prices is really sad,” she said. “And I don’t know why it’s increasing so much.”

In line with this, the dorm food fee has increased. Dormers inside the university are paying fixed amount of food consumption for the entire semester, except for the cottages that have their own cooks.

From the average of P20, 300 per semester, the price dorm food increased to P22,320.

Jullan Joyce Igot, a dormer from Channon Hall, expressed her disappointment saying, “We [the dormers] think the price is too much.

It was all of a sudden, we weren’t told beforehand. They increased the price but the quality of the dorm food hasn’t improved.”

On the other hand, Mark Avila, president of Vernon Hall, said the reason why the increase in price on dorm food may be because of the increase price of commodities or because of the less number of dormers inside the campus.

“I think [the price increase] is reasonable, because with the growing price of commodities you really need to increase the price of food and services,” he shared. ~

FIGHT. Members of the Silliman University Faculty Association (SUFA) hold up their protest placards in front of the East Quadrangle. PHOTO BY JILL C. SILVA

Senior High dethrones CBA in modern dance contest

The College of Business Administration (CBA) failed to win their fourth consecutive championship in the all-university acquaintance party modern dance competition after coming off short behind the Senior High School(SHS) dance troupe.

The three-time defending modern dance champions, CBA Legit, fell to the second place after being defeated by the new comers, SHS dance troupe.

Aiko Kitane, CBA Legit group leader, said “CBA Legit won for straight three years, and not being able to defend our victory once more made us thank the experience.”

However, Kitane said the group cannot help but be disappointed.

“But to be honest, we really ended up heartbroken. All of us are already graduating, and our beloved trainer, Tristan Bonnit, will no longer choreograph until he finishes his other responsibilities that he has to prioritize,” she said.

But she is still happy with the results.

“All those effort, sacrifices, expenses, and time, only to say it,were okay? But united as we are, we came to a realization that winning isn’t everything because as

performers, our first goal is to show people what we got,” she added.

On the other hand, SHS Governor, VeremeikaGaudie, expressed her happiness over their win.

“It’s very humbling to see that Senior High students were able to give their best to deliver in Modern Dance competition (MDC),” she said.

The college of Engineering and Design ranked third in the competition.

Silliman SEAty The all-university acquaintance party brought the best of Dumaguete City inside Silliman University.

In line with the theme “Silliman SEAty: Campus by the SEA”, Silliman University Student Government wanted to bring the common gimmicks in Dumaguete City inside Silliman.

“The essence of the ‘Silliman SEAty is that we really want Sillimanians to feel what Dumaguete City life is; like cheese sticks, dance competition which is famous in the city, and partying.

That is why we incorporated the whole idea together.”

Three thousand cheese sticks

were given away for free to students during the party, in which officers of SUSG used their own personal money to buy.

According to Ladero, they wanted to have a lot of cheese sticks for the students, and they prefer to use the SUSG fund for other more important events and or activities such as for Hibalag or Miss Silliman.

“We are reserving the funds for other activities and we decided to contribute [funds], in that way it’s easier to buy, kind of more convenient because we could really say that we’re very genuine as well…”

Students grouped themselves into five to 10 members, who do not know each other as part of acquaintanceship,in order to avail the free cheese sticks.

Ladero said he was satisfied with how the whole event turned out. “I think I saw a lot of people in the party and like it, we heard a lot of positive feedback, the whole program itself. We were able to create an acquaintance party that really makes people united and to meet people as well in the university.”(by Francis Ryan B. Pabiana)~

immediately to different colleges and other similar efforts to make sure that the burden of getting paid will not shift to the faculty (i.e. they have to go to the finance office and process for the release of funds). For full disclosure, I also do not have my contract yet and have not received my salary since classes started.

However, as I mentioned earlier, I am not necessarily prejudiced economically with incidents like this one.

Silliman is a great institution, with alumni who solve gigantic problems all over the world. I am confident that we can find someone who can find the money in Silliman’s existing financial portfolio to improve the current offer of the administration, while ensuring a sustainable future

for all those concerned.

I am authorising all recipients of this email to forward this to whoever might find it useful, with the additional hope that this will encourage more members of the Silliman community to send in their contributions and advice to all concerned parties.

I pray for flexibility, courage, and collective wisdom.

God bless us all.

A LETTER ... from page 2 of tapping a particular fund are available, those should also be posted online so that we can determine its validity, financial soundness, and/or legality, and even contribute other advice that may be considered by either the administration or the faculty union. The information hub may also clearly provide for the emails of responsible parties in case people want to give suggestions and proposals.

We cannot afford to simply be sending out public messages telling the community why the offer of the other party is not acceptable.

Especially because the relationship between the administration and the faculty union is now perceived as strained, what we, the outsiders, need to see is that we are harnessing the brilliance of neutral third parties, of the alumni, and of other stakeholders to find ways to address the interests of all stakeholders.

While not connected to the ongoing negotiations, may I also request the concerned offices of Silliman to do its best to release the contracts of our teachers as soon as possible. At least three members of the faculty have emailed me that they have not received their salaries yet. If the teachers have remained unpaid because of the lack of contracts, I propose that cash advance forms be forwarded

Sincerely, Golda S. Benjamin Miss Golda Benjamin is a faculty of Silliman University College of Law. She also posted this the same letter on her personal Facebook account. At press time, the post has now 54 shares. ~

MESSAGE FROM tWS

In the editorial of last week’s issue of the Weekly Sillimanian, we failed to attribute this statement, “However, if the administration gives in to the demand of the faculty union, the students may suffer. The university may start to falter its operation and in worst cases will close just like a school in Metro Manila.” The statement was said by the Ms. Charmaine Melaño of the Office of Information and Publications during a meeting with the student publications

last July 3 when she relayed the message of the University president. The Weekly Sillimanian takes full responsibility of the errors it has committed in the editorial section of the paper. Moreover, the editorial that was circulated online was the editorial edited by the Editorial board only. To clarify, the Weekly Sillimanian is not under by any party or the administration. We are bound to serve the student body and the student body alone.~