No. 3 by The Weekly Sillimanian

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Towa r d s A Pro g re ssi v e C amp u s Pre ss vol. LXXXIX No. 3 | friday, July 28, 2017

RESOLVED. Students and some members of Silliman University Faculty Association (SUFA) huddled under the drizzling night after the announcement that the strike was over as the faculty union and the administration reached a settlement. Photo from SUFA Facebook page

Resolved: Admin and SUFA dispute The dispute between the faculty union and the administration is finally resolved. After one-year and two months of negotiation, the Silliman University Faculty Union (SUFA) and Silliman University (SU) Administration had come to an agreement before the Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (TIPC) of Negros Oriental last July 21. This negotiation on Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) was the longest in history of the university that even led to a three-day labor strike of the faculty union. On a statement released by the TIPC, “Silliman (administration) agreed to review existing offer, which was before based on the projected enrollments and revenues, to now based on actual enrollments

and revenues this year.” The administration projected a zero enrollment for first year and second year college students. As of July 5, there were 531 freshmen and 1,106 sophomore college students. Based on the recomputation, the package offer increased to 407 regular academic personnel of the university for three years in 2016-17, 2018-18, and 201819. “Salaries and benefits for the academic personnel alone will now be over P230M per year. SUFA accepted this offer,” it stated. The details on the new CBA, however, cannot be disclosed yet until both parties have signed. Meanwhile, an emotional Jan Antoni Credo, SUFA president, announced during the union’s picket lines that a new draft of

Some dormers in the university expressed their disappointments over the dorm services but having to pay sudden additional fees this semester. “The fees that we are paying are not worth it, there could’ve been more improvements made. We expected more from the Student Housing especially in terms of our food,” said a frustrated dormer from Edith Carson who wanted to remain anonymous. Dorm Food In line with the cafeteria’s 20% increase of food prices, the price of dorm food has also increased. It is mandatory for dormers inside the university to pay fixed price for dorm food covering three meals per day for the whole semester. This excludes dormers in cottages since they have their own cooks. From P20, 300 in the previous years, dorm food increased to P22,320 starting this semester. Quina Amarayah H. Subito, a Grade 12 STEAM student dormer in Edith Carson, said that despite the increased price, the quality and amount of food that they receive remain the same. “Sum-od ang dorm food, we don’t really get that much flavor and more

M eil y n n e Gem C . S onjaco Apura, even though aircon fee in classrooms increased, aircon fees in News Wr it er

Ray Chen S. Bahinting Editor-in-Chief the contract was in the works since July 22. “The long struggle is finally over. But it is not completely over yet until we sign the final documents,” Credo said. Although the SUFA’s demands that led to deadlock were not fully given by the administration, Credo believed that SUFA panel did its best in the final negotiation with Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) that lasted for three hours that evening. “We believe that we have secured fair, just, and equitable benefits for all the members of the union,” he expressed. Moreover, Credo thanked the SUFA members who supported

Dormers complain on increased fees often than not, food will easily run out especially in big dorms like Edith Carson,” Subito added. Another Grade 12 STEAM student from Doltz Hall, Alan Raphael Sy, shared the same sentiments. “Sometimes they [the cafeteria] serve us rubber meat and there are times wherein we receive beef that is a little undercooked. In addition, the flavors are bland. Ga expect ko na mu improve sila since we added more or less P2,000 to our dorm food fee,” Sy said. On the contrary, GJesel Eev Saile Mumar, president of dormers in Channon Hall, shared the she thinks the increased price of dorm food is reasonable. “I personally think that the quality of food the cafeteria serves us has improved in flavor and variety. We don’t experience the same food always and as what I have also gotten from my fellow dormers, they too think that the food is getting better,” she elaborated. Dorm Aircon Fee According to student housing and residence division head, Princeton

dorms are not affected. However, Rachel Lynn Agravante, a student dormer, claimed that Channon Hall dormers who are accomodated in air-conditioned rooms were charged P5,500 for aircon maintenance without any prior notice. “We were shocked and surprised na pabayaron diay mi ug P5,500 extra para sa pag maintain sa aircon, plus at the end of the sem pabayaron pa mi sa among metro for our overall aircon electric consumption.Wala man mi gipabayad ug additional P5,500 sauna karun raman ni,” Agravante said. She pointed out that this type of payment scheme is unfair since the P5000 additional payment is only applicable for Channon Hall dormers. “I find it unfair because it is only us who has to pay for our overall aircon electric consumption while those dormers in Edith Carson have a fixed rate. Maka unli aircon sila, kami kailangan namo ilimit among aircon or else mudako amo balayran,” she added. Dorm wif i continue to page 4...

him and the rest of the union panel. “Magpasalamat ko sa tanan nga nisuporta nato. I really thought nga katong nagkapihan pa ta dinhi, wala kaayoy gapakabana apan naa diay silent majority nga nagpaluyo nato,” Credo narrated. He also thanked the “unexpected and strong” support of the students. But as he was about to continue his discourse, Credo stuttered and never continued his speech. He started to become emotional so as the faculty members and some students. He uttered “thank you” before he cried and was hugged by his colleagues. On the other hand, last July 25, SU president, Ben S. Malayang III released its first statement since SUFA staged its strike.

“Much has been said by many about events and the people involved in the recent faculty strike in Silliman. There were nice things said, but also not so nice things uttered in anger,” said Malaayang on statement that was uploaded in Silliman website. “This is understandable in light of the passions and emotions expended, and the inherent need for people (of all and any persuasion, both for or against the strike) to self-justify their actions,” he added. Malayang said that the strike was an “extraordinary event” that caused people to act on “extraordinary ways.” “Let us remember and keep our faith that Sillimanians are people of goodwill and of good intentions,” he added. ~

Students from Japan Reach out to Communities in NegOr Chris s e Martha B. Gille s ana News Wri ter

“Everything we e x p e r i e n c e d is very eyeopening, and interactive with the local people who gave us a chance to broaden our perspectives,” said Saki Mutsuro, Japanese student who participated in a series of service-learning activities in Negros Oriental. Saki, together with other students from different universities in the United States and Asia came to Silliman University (SU) to participate in service-learning

activities headed by the Institute of Service Learning (ISL). They immersed in rural and urban communities in Negros Oriental. This year, all-female group of six from International Christian University in Tokyo, Jaoan arrived to participate in the said servicelearning activities They visited orphanages including Bata ng Calabnugan in Sibulan, Little Children of the Philippines in Daro, Dumaguete City, and Casa continue to page 4...

ONE WITH SUFA. The protest rally last July 19 marked the first time that Sillimanian students joined the teachers on the picket lines, holding protest placards and wearing black shirts supporting the Silliman University Faculty Association (SUFA).PHOTO BY Jill C. Silva

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the weekly sillimanian July 28, 2017

All for Silliman

An owl’s point of view

he dispute between the faculty union and the administration is finally resolved and now, education in Silliman University goes back to how it should be. That labor strike by the faculty union marks two historical events: first, it was the longest negotiation of the union and the administration that lasted for one year and two months, and second the students proved to the entire university that they are not apathetic after all. The students were not just there for SUFA but they were there, legally expressing themselves because they had their own claims. Students were there, hungry for a valid explanation on the sudden increase of fees in the university but no improvement of facility. the Weekly Sillimanian (tWS), then, commends all the students who marched with Silliman University Faculty Association (SUFA) during the labor strike and those who bravely fought for their stand. By doing so, wou have proven to everyone that you are of what is happening in your realm and you practice your constitutional right to freely express your opinion. Continue expressing your concerns; do not be afraid to speak for as long as you are right. tWS also commends the Silliman University Student Government for making a stand on this critical issue and for being the voice of the student body. Standing for the students’ welfare was never easy but you attested it other way. tWS hopes that you continue to be the strong student government that you are now. tWS also commends the SUFA for being an inspiration to students. You have awakened the sense of activism among them. The paper hopes that as your salaries and benefits improve, the quality of service you give to students will also ameliorate. And lastly, tWS commends the administration for their composure amid pervasive criticisms about them. By being open to re-negotiation, the administration proves they only care not for one party but the entire Silliman community. tWS hopes, that should a crisis rise in the university, and the administration knows there is an immediate solution, do not let it reach to an extent where students’ education is compromised. The three-day labor strike was a history in itself and we cannot do about it but look back and learn. Let us not forget what the strike has taught us, for it will be the university’s sentinel in the years to come. ~

editorial

sillimaniansspeak Next Issue’s Question: “What issues should have been discussed or given importance by President Rodrigo Duterte on his 2nd State of the Nation Address?”

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

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Being Left Behind By Jess Gayan Lumain | Governor , College of Agriculture | Speak Up The College of Agriculture is a small college, in relation to population. We are located at Barangay Bantayan, Dumaguete City, and our college is approximately two to three kilometers from the main campus. Just like any other college, we also have our problems and concerns regarding the state of our college. Our development in terms of infrastructure and facilities are way behind other colleges, yet we are paying almost the same tuition fees. We are paying for the same miscellaneous fees like other students in the main campus, yet we don’t have the luxury in

availing some of these services. Common problems that we, as a student body from the College of Agriculture, want to address is the proper information dissemination. Many announcements from the main campus are not posted in our college bulletin boards, and we don’t receive the regular weekly newspapers and even if we do, it is not updated anymore. As a result, we often get left behind in university events. Another concern is the installment of air-conditioning units. We may have a small number of enrollees, but we also have the right to have rooms with proper air conditioning, since

all of the colleges from the main campus are enjoying this service. We may have no air conditioned rooms in our college yet some of our fellow students in the college are charged with aircon fees. The equipment in our college are insufficient and outdated, and these greatly affect our learning experience. Even though we lack equipment and some of our facilities don’t meet the standards, we are still trying to learn as much as we can with the available resources that our college currently has.~

SILLIMANIANS SPEAK Compiled By Jasmyn Siobhan A. Olmido | Circulation Manager The Weekly Sillimanian decides to compile the answers of the Sillimanians to the question ,”Do you think that the charge of aircon fee in the last three years was a system malfunction as said by the administration? Why?” tWS was overwhlemed with the responses by the students that opted to have more responses that the basic four. SO

here

are

the

answers:

Three years worth of system malfunction? How could they miss this? Numbers talk, you know. If it is indeed a system malfunction, they should have spotted this by the end of the first year. Are they incompetent? Is math so hard for them? Are they only using pen and paper? Do they not understand the concept of a computer? Did none of them have a calculator? Students can think, you know. Sillimanians are quite smart and I feel insulted by the reason that they gave us. Mura bag gamay ra kaayo ni nga issue. And why is the aircon fees the only thing that is affected? System man kaha ang affected? Dapat tanan diba? Nya ang mga nanggraduate na? What a big, big mess! Even our respective organizations notice deficits and excesses within a semester and most of us have no business/finance background, just simple arithmetic skills. Good luck na lang jud. Akoy maluoy anang mga students nga gabaguod kay naay tawo nga gadinangag kay wala niya gihimo ug tarong niyang trabaho for 3 YEARS. Let me repeat, for 3 YEARS. For me, three years worth of “system malfunction” is so impossible to miss. It is so impossible to believe their reasons seeing that finance is their specialty. Don’t charge us for your irresponsibility. Pag sure. We are beyond triggered already. I have no more words. Misag unsaon nimo ug bali-bali, ang bottomline, nagdinangag ang business office. Felice Marie G. Enopia, MD-III In my own personal opinion, it really wasn’t. Judging by the very recent strike, many new buildings

and add-ons seems Silliman is a bit strip for cash. Not to mention the all university acquaintance party in comparison to the previous one, known as specs, was totally a boring and underspent event that supposed to be the kick start of the year. Going back to the topic, with all the points I have raised I really do believe that Silliman wants the money for something else that they are planning. Lately, we have heard of a dormer complaining of a 1500 air con bill in the first 15 days. Although they did change it after, note after. It is a bit sad that it is happening, but in the end it is just my opinion whether Silliman is hoarding some or not whether Silliman will increase fees ( which is already ridiculously high in the first place). Aurel C. Nocete BSPT- II I beg to disagree that the aircon fee charge in the last three was a system malfunction. 3 years is a very long time, it is so impossible for the administration not to notice it earlier and the sudden increase of fee was way too huge for a system malfunction. Kriss Tita O. Montajes BSCE-IV There are two sides in every story, one being the administrations’ proclamation that it was a software malfunction and the side of the students and either of both sides could be deemed true. As a student, my opinion regarding the aircon fee for the last three years was not a system malfunction because if you look at it, yes there are two aircon units in most of the rooms but there are about 50 students in each class, (unless it is a laboratory classroom like in the Medtech dept. with a class size of 12) fees can never be beyond a hundred. It is the correct charges for the aircon fees, however now the charges are twice as high as it was for the past three years which is actually doubtful. Why the sudden raise? How can a system malfunction happen for three long years without the Business and finance or any of the administration noticing it? These are some of the questions raised by most of us confused

students. I hope this matter can be resolved the soonest time possible. Shaia Nicole C. Reyes BSMT-III Blaming the aircon fee increase on a “3-4 year system malfunction” is laughable. For a university that countlessly boasts its admirable credentials and intra and international achievements, one will think a mere malfunction will be spotted and properly attended to in the span of a semester, at most. The charging of the increased aircon fees was done on the down low and without prior notice, almost as if they were a villain in the Scooby-Doo franchise and believed they wouldn’t get caught. I’m also bothered by the inaccurate dating on the My Silliman account; I checked my account on Tuesday, July 18th and the dates for the aircon fees were marked with July 31, 2017. Silliman gets more fishy with each new semester, and not in a good way. Alexandra Nicole N. Dolumbal BSMT III The first question to that is: How much is the amount of aircon fee charge 4 years ago and beyond? Was it different from the amount charge 3 years ago? It’s not a system malfunction! If they call it as a system malfunction 3 years ago, why didn’t they settle it by the time when they discovered the malfunction issue? What was the reason why they waited 3 years before declaring it as malfunctioned? If they are planning to increase fees within the university, then they must inform all the students prior or during the enrollment time. Who were the beneficiaries if the tuition increases? The admin and faculty. Who were the beneficiaries if the school fees increase? The ADMIN! I am referring all these questions to the admin. “If you discover a problem or an issue, you better settle it as early as possible before it becomes worse!” Basic quotation! IN SHORT, THAT WAS NOT A SYSTEM MALFUNCTION!!! Joie Lyndon M. Villarubia B.Th. III ~

uly 19, 2017— on this memorable day, placards were raised, chants were shouted, and cries were heard. This event will be written in history as the day that the teachers stood up for what they believed was equitable; the administration stood their ground for the wellbeing of the university; and the students united for what they believe was right. The public witnessed how the teachers pushed through with their strike and how the administration continuously defended itself against all allegations. The dispute of the two most important foundations of the university greatly affected the students and pupils. Harsh words pierced like arrows that hurt a lot of people. Amid all the disagreements, some people still had the audacity to contribute to the problems by spreading false information. It lasted three days and those three days were filled with despair and chaos. The word “apathetic” has been haunting the student body for the past years. Let us admit it; students have slowly lost their interest in participating in some university activities that aim to hone their talents. However during the strike, students showed that they were not as apathetic as people thought they were. They were not ignorant and meek. They wanted to be heard.

Carlee Cherokeeh T. Calingacion Fe at ure s Edit o r

The strike might have been an event that we wish never happened but still it left very significant notes in the students’ minds: students are not alone and it is okay to sympathize. Students have minds of their own and they are independent young people that cannot be controlled like mere puppets. Despite the constant race between the societies and colleges to be the ones on top, differences were set aside. Students did not represent their colleges, their colors, their mascots, but they came as student body of Silliman University. They showed everyone that students’ minds were alike despite being diverse. The patience of the Silliman University Faculty Association (SUFA) members is highly commendable. The outsiders, people who know little to nothing of the facts about the strike, might think that the faculty is destroying the image of Silliman and that they are making a fool of themselves. Society has negative connotations towards people who engage themselves in rallies. Radicals, hotheads, war freaks— these are just a few of the negative words that are associated to people who are oppressed, needed change, and workers to achieve

their goals. Remember, majority of the teachers are doctors and masters of their own fields. For them to set these titles aside and for them not to care about the comments of the public is enough to tell us a strong message that they’ve had enough. They were not raising placards along the streets for attention only but on their shoulders were their prides and honors as pillars of this university. Our proud teachers showed us that it was okay to ask for help and it was okay to be vulnerable. The one who came as villain out of this story was the administration. Just like fairytales, we describe the villain as someone who is not so likeable. And during that event, the people’s sympathies were towards the SUFA making the administration unlikable, hence they were villains. But wait a second. When some students joined hands with the faculty, were there also students who defended the admins? Some might have been “pro admins” but were scared to voice out because of what others might think. No matter how villainous the admins might have been portrayed, as smart and educated people, we must look into all angles and pick one. As Sillimanians, we must understand the entire book and not just a page. In court hearings, it is not always the defendant

PHOTOS FROM: Lhttp://rachelsayshello.com/wp-content/ uploads/2011/10/WATERCOLOUR-OWL-2-copy.jpg

who is the culprit. By wanting to negotiate again, it goes to show that the administration is open to change for the benefit of everybody. People probably thought that it was SUFA who won but looking into it, all parties equally won fair and square. The teachers were able to get what were supposedly theirs and the administration was able to retain

having their brilliant teachers. The brilliance of the teachers won’t be recognized as well if it weren’t for the good management of the administration. Despite the darkness that clouded over the proud institution of Silliman, the greatness of this university and the people who went and left the halls of the campus will never be tarnished.~

An Extraordinary Life

PHOTOS FROM: LEE VERDOGUILLO’S FB

ave you ever tried proving something to the society knowing that they will just acknowledge but they will never truly accept it? Have you ever felt conscious of the way you look, act, and even respond because what you might do in the next thirty seconds is something that the society would consider as taboo? In this world where people have shortage of acceptance and a surplus on criticisms, where do you belong? The concept of sexuality in our generation has become a controversial issue. However, despite the consequences, a lot of lesbians, gays, transgenders, and bisexuals finally have the courage to come out of the closet. Although they are still regular members of the society, queers still have a difficult time before being fully accepted. Being accepted by the public is not a piece of cake— it will always require an extra amount of effort. Lee Verdoguillo, transgender woman, is a fourth-year Juris Doctor student of Silliman University. It was during her second year in college when she started transitioning. However, being feminine and flamboyant started way back in her childhood

M erell Ly st ra L . Rec t a Fe at ure Wr it e r days. At first, she thought she was only gay but upon reading some articles and studies about sex transition, she realized she wanted to be a biological woman after all. Taking hormonal pills was done in secret during her early transitioning stage. Although her parents accepted her being gay, being a transgender was a different story. When they finally knew about it, they got mad because of two concerns: her health and society’s reaction. How does a being a transgender differ from being gay or lesbian? There is what we call sexual orientation wherein a person can get attracted to another person of the same sex but still considers himself or herself the sex that was assigned at birth. However, in gender identity, there is already that consideration of being the gender opposite to what is assigned at birth. One common misconception about transgenders is that they undergo a surgery and change their private parts however, they do not need to do so. In a nutshell, men who identify themselves as women are already transgenders. “Even if they scolded me for taking hormonal pills, I just continued secretly still,” Lee said.

Later on, the changes made her look better and made her do better in school, too. This is because she felt more free. It is as a woman that she can express herself fully. She even graduated cum laude in her bachelor’s degree. Her family was against it at first but eventually they have seen how the transition improved her as a person. Six years after, she can say that the greatest struggles lie in the beginning of the change. Just as how your classmates will tease you if you got a very unusual haircut. “It is never really a choice; it is who you are” she said. By the time she became conscious of it, she knew that she wanted to be woman. According to a study that she included in her thesis, the brain of a transgender woman is similarly structured to that of a genetic woman. It isn’t much of a personal choice; it is just being who you are. Her life as a transgender is extraordinary. In some way, people like her even excel than others. Perhaps it is because they will always strive to prove something in the society. There is always that extra effort that is part of her daily life. At the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter what your gender is. As long as you know your identity in this world full of criticism.~

the weekly sillimanian July 28 , 2017

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Milestone year: A Timeline of Major LGBT Victories . There have been several milestones in the LGBT community in the last few years. From pop culture to government, from protests to legislation, from important conversation to life-changing action, here’s a list of four things that have changed in the past years:

September 26, 2014 UN passes resolution against LGBT discrimination The United Nations Human Rights Council adopts the Resolution on Human Rights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, condemning violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity worldwide.

June 2, 2015 Cambodia gets its first LGBT magazine Print magazine Q Cambodia launches in Cambodia as the country’s first LGBT magazine.

June 26, 2015 The U.S. legalizes samesex marriage nationwide The U.S. Supreme Court votes in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage in all 50 states in a landmark decision.

May 9, 2016 First transgender politician wins seat in Phil Congress

Geraldine Roman, Representative of the First District of Bataan, was the first transgender woman to ever be elected in the House of Representatives.

Compiled by Angelica Mae D. Gomez via http://mashable.com/2015/06/28/lgbt-pride-milestones/#9IRMLoyLBOqs www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/05/12/1582469/first-transgender-politician-wins-seat-congress

roundup Students...

IGNORE-RANTS

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Esperanza in Bantayan, where they interculturally shared and played with the children. As part of the program, the service-learners prepared meals and donated school supplies to the children. They also visited communities in the province including the mountainous parts of Boloc-boloc, Sibulan and the Scandinavian Village in Candau-ay, Dumaguete. “We’re really glad that we were able to have many life-changing experiences,” Saki said. “We’re still thankful for everyone who welcomed us warmly, because nothing would have been possible without them,” she added. During one sharing session, a foreign student expressed her empathy towards some locals who are unable to spend for their

education. She said that most locals in the Scandinavian Village get their income by selling trash, driving pedicabs, and selling pigs, but the money they earn is still not enough to supply for their family’s needs. “But Filipinos are satisfied by their living. Satisfaction must come from their strong bond in the village. The experience tells me that their income status does not necessarily influence their happiness,” she said. The service-learning ran from June 29 to July 27. Meanwhile, two students from SU are also doing service-learning activities in Japan under the Summer Service Learning Program of ICU. They are Joshua Pelido and Johanna Charice Concepcion both taking BS Nutrition and Dietetics. ~

BREAK TIME. Two Dumaguete City Tourist Police took a break from their work by checking out the collectibles sold by the Silliman University Geek Culture Society at Dumaguete Geek Meet Up last July 15 and 16 at the Paseo Perdices lobby. PHOTOS BY SU Camera Club

RIDD L E You are a girl sitting at a table. There are six men at the bar. One comes up to you and asks for your number saying his name is Ian. You say no. The next one comes up to you and asks for your number saying his name is Austin. You say no. The next guy comes up and asks and says his name is Marcus. You say no. This is followed by guys named Geoff, August, and York in that order. Why did you say no to all the men? Go to the Weekly Sillimanian Office, first floor of Oriental Hall, with your answer.

from page 1 Dormers... Dormers have the option to avail or not the dorm wifi which costs P200 per month. However, since some dormitories can’t be reached the signal of Silliman wifi, some students are left with no other choice but to avail the dorm wifi. According to management information systems director, Percival Gerard M. Genove, dorm wifi is about 60-80 mega bites per second. He said this speed is enough for students to be able to access the internet and do schoolrelated activities. Despite this, there are still student dormers who complained that the wifi speed is slower this semester compared to last school year. A fourth year student dormer in Edith Carson, Tatin Villareal taking AB Political Science, expressed her complaints on the dorm wifi. “Ang bagal talaga ng wif i dito. [The internet connection here is really slow.] Recently, bumagal siya for some reason compared to last year. We don’t expect it to be that fast naman but we didn’t expect it to be this slow, considering the fact that we paid more or less P800 per

sem for dorm wifi,” Villareal said. Villareal added she used to do her assignments at night before, but due to the slower wifi speed now, she and her dorm mates have started doing their school work between 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. since the wifi speed is a bit faster in those hours. Student housing has addressed this problem by conducting a survey-petition wherein dormers can affix their signature for faster dorm wifi with a rate of P1,500 per sem. Genove said the petition needs 500 signatures from the dormers before the administration takes action. Dorm Sanitation “In our cafeteria here at Edith Carson, you can sometimes see baby cockroaches at the walls. I wish they [dorm maintenance] would do something about this. We are eating food inside this room,” said Nefertari Aliyah Mamon, a dormer in Edith Carson. Kayla Pili, another dormer from Azucena Cottage, shared the same sentiments as Mamon. “We see rats and cockroaches pass by through the corridors and

it’s already normal for us to see those na,” she said. Washing Laundry Student dormers from Channon Hall raised a complaint on how they are not allowed to do their laundry inside the dorm unless they are Divinity School students. “Nanglaba ko sauna, gikasab-an ko kay dili ko divinity student. Unsa may kalahian namo? [I washed my laundry once and I was scolded because I am not a Divinity School student. What is our difference?]” asked an dormer from Channon Hall who wanted to be anonymous. She said that even though Channon Hall was originally known as the dormitory for divinity students before, the guidelines should be fair to all the dormers. When asked about the issue, Apura explained that normally all dormers are not allowed to do their laundry in their respective dorms. “If everyone [the dormers] was allowed to do their laundry, there would be a great consumption of water and the price to pay for that excess amount of water is not covered under the Dormer’s Full Payment per sem,” Apura said. ~

Three Students Set for 10-Month Exchange in Japan, Korea

The Office of Student Affairs has released the names of this year’s recipients of scholarships under the Foreign Student Exchange Program covering September 2017 to June 2018.

Gajelomo, Jezeree Jeone R . BS Psychology International Christian University, Tokyo, Japan Silliman annually sends out students under it various student exchange program with different partner universities in Asia,

Esolana, Rhyn Anthony Nique S. Dilag, Sarah Mae S. BS Foreign Affairs BS Biology Hannam University, South Korea Hannam University, South Korea Europe and the United States. Its partnership on student exchange with universities in Japan and Korea are among the more

established and long-running. ~ (From SU.EDU.PH)