tWS 2022-2023 10th Issue

SU environmentalists protest to shut down Dumaguete trash incinerator

by RANJIE NOCETE & NATHANIEL CARAMPATANA

SEVERAL SILLIMANIANS protested Saturday to shut down the pyrolysis-gasification machine in Barangay Candau-ay that incinerates the city’s trash and releases toxic gases.

One of the protest organizers and co-convener of War on WasteNegros Oriental, Merci Ferrer said that Dumagueteños were not consulted or informed that the incinerator “will kill them eventually.”

The local government aimed for the machine to convert wastes into solid materials for infrastructure projects like hollow blocks. However, environmentalists and protestors warned against its damaging impact on public health.

During the protest, former Technical Adviser for the United Nations Development Program

and expert on pyrolysis-gasification technology Dr. Jorge Emmanuel revealed that pyrolysis releases toxic gases that “will stay in the environment for hundreds of years.”

He said that it could cause an increased risk of miscarriages and birth defects, reduced fertility and sperm count for males, and different types of cancers.

Pushing to shut down the machine, Ferrer said, “The deadline is today or tomorrow. I hope a beautiful light will shine on Mayor Ipe Remollo, to the administration, enabling them to see the correct way of addressing this issue,” she said.

During the protest held on Rizal Boulevard, protestors lined up on the roadside holding biodegradable signs, others gave out primers, and organizers spoke up about the dangers of pyrolysis to the passersby.

One Sillimanian protestor, Mayumi Maghuyop of the College of Performing and Visual Arts said that she joined the rally because “we should be saying more about the things that we care about, especially the environment…[because] it’s going to affect a lot of people, not just us.”

A senior high school student also expressed that she went to the protest “to support and [to] defend our right to breathe properly.”

Instead of incinerating all the city’s trash, the protest called for the local government to transition towards a zero-waste and sustainable circular economy.

Silliman University Student Government Environment Committee

Chairperson Dignity Lagunay

Continuedonpage4

SU hosts Harvard for leadership forum

by ALLIANAH BOLOTAULO

HARVARD PHILIPPINE FORUM (HPF) conducted its annual service and culture trip to the country at the Silliman University (SU) Hall last Jan. 9 along with Sillimanians and delegates from 11 schools across the Visayas region.

With the theme “Igniting Transformative Leadership Across Seas,” members of the HPF chose SU as this year’s host for the Dumaguete leg of their twoweek-long January Term Trip.

Silliman University Student Government (SUSG) President John Christian Entrata

Continuedonpage4

Sillimanians elected as officers for new regional writers’ guild

by RANJIE NOCETE

TWO STUDENTS from the Silliman University (SU) College of Mass Communication (CMC) were elected as secretary and SU representative in the newly founded region seven writer’s guild Batang Kaparis ni Rizal (BATARIZ).

These Sillimanians were among the 30 campus journalists and youth leaders from schools across Central Visayas that comprise the writers’ guild spearheaded by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) region seven.

Elected SU representative and second-year student

Nathaniel Carampatana said that the guild aims to write newsletters that feature “stories of hope,” focusing on development journalism.

Moreover, third-year student Justynne Keigh Dano elected as the secretary, said that this guild would serve “as a bridge” for the DILG to improve youth participation in local governance.

“For example, if there is a project by the DILG in our locality that has helped the community…we are the ones who will write a story, and those stories will be compiled as one to make a newsletter,” she said.

Ivan Anthony A. Adaro

Luke Edward Gallares

SU Environmentalists gather at the Dumaguete Rizal Boulevard to protest against the city's waste incineration technology PhotobyNathanielCarampatana

Photo courtesy AmielVillarta,SUCC

PYROLYSIS

The Anti-Hero

A protest held at Pantawan, Rizal Boulevard organized by local environment groups caused a stir amongst Dumaguete locals.

Sillimanians, environmental activists, and waste workers spoke out on Jan. 28 against the pyrolysisgasification technology the city purchased as a supposed solution to the steadily increasing waste brought to a Central Materials Recovery Facility at the boundary of Barangays Camanjac and Candau-ay.

The machine was bought after the city failed to establish a sanitary landfill as proposed in the approved plan to close the 57-year-old dumpsite in Barangay Candau-ay.

With the local government pushing for this relatively new technology, environmentalists were quick to note the possible dangers this incineration machine could bring to the environment and public health. At the forefront was Dr. Jorge Emmanuel, who is an expert on pyrolysis after having studied it for decades.

Dr. Emmanuel warned the Dumaguete City Council during their open hour session on July 29, 2020, about the harmful effects of pyrolysis on the people of Dumaguete, Sibulan, San Jose, and Bacong. The effects include various types of cancer, female and male reproductive and developmental problems, nervous system disorders, increased risk of heart disease and diabetes, and several others.

The late Vice Mayor Alan Cordova said the matter needed to be discussed further. A follow-up meeting was scheduled and all the environmental group representatives had shown up at the appointed time but were informed half an hour later that the meeting was postponed.

The meeting was rescheduled but the environmental groups were only notified just an hour before the meeting, and thus no representatives attended due to short notice. The majority of the council approved the resolution to fund the procurement of the machine shortly after the meeting, without hearing about its environmental and health consequences.

Editor-in-Chief

Anna Avery T. Zapanta

Associate Editor

Ranjie Mae C. Nocete

News Editor Nathaniel E. Carampatana

Feature Editor Ivan Anthony A. Adaro

Web Manager

Sheikha A. Encabo

Business Manager

Klodia Reese M. Gabaya

News Writers

Nina Isabelle J. Alolod

Stefan R. Saldon

EDITORIAL

As of writing, the equipment needed to test dioxin emissions that are emitted by the pyrolysis machine’s operations is very expensive. This makes it difficult to continuously monitor the varying levels of dioxin emissions. Thus far, no dioxin test results of the pyrolysis-gasification technology have been released to the public.

In addition, there is a glaring issue of a lack of public consultation and taking into account the advice of professionals on the matter.

We from the Weekly Sillimanian call on Sillimanians to take a stand on this matter. Pyrolysis is a matter of environmental and public health. Consultation with the public regarding their thoughts on whether this technology would be the best possible solution for the city and whether they are agreeable to the effects of the dioxins should have been done first. Silliman and its constituents are advocates for human rights, environmental protection, and preservation. This is a matter that affects everyone.

Pyrolysis is not the right solution to the waste problem building up at landfills. Contrary to some beliefs, incineration is a harmful method of getting rid of waste. This incineration technology may be a convenient short-term solution to the pile-up of solid waste, however, its long-term effects heavily outweigh its current convenience. Rather, allocating the funds towards proper implementation of waste segregation protocols and promoting zero waste movements could have been a solution that would have brought Dumaguete a step closer to sustainability. Local efforts to kickstart a circular economy model and turn Dumaguete into a Zero Waste city exist, so why not use the dumpsite closure as an opportunity to further these efforts?

The pyrolysis machine creates problems from an environmental to a human level, and no one is exempt. How can it be so easy for the local government to overlook the basic right of its constituents to a healthy living and working environment? tWS

People Come and Go

IVAN ANTHONY A. ADARO | Writer, tWS

Looking into her wilting eyes, I reached out for her hand which holds a special type of warmth that never fails to spread a sense of tranquility over my soul. As I watched her dying breath seep through her fragile body, I kept telling myself over and over again, “No! This is not happening! It’s all just inside my head!” Sadly, when nature–the same type of nature that breathes life, paints stories, and creases time–does her bidding, there is nothing we can do when she finally makes her choice.

I hate it. I absolutely hate it! I hate how cold and fake everyone’s touches feel when they hold me. I hate how I can no longer feel that distinctive warmth in her hands that only she can give me. I feel like I’m crumbling. I feel like I’m suffocating. But why is it that life still continues to go on?

If I could go back into the past, will I ever be able to undo nature’s untimely bidding and ease the burden I am suffering now? Or would nature just keep throwing me back to where I am standing right now just so that I’ll never escape from the problems that I should be facing?

This is a story of my most traumatic experience—a story about saying the most painful goodbyes. And if there’s anything that I have learned from the past recollections that I have puzzled together around those experiences, it is that people will eventually come and go.

As you continue to expand and evolve in this journey called life, goodbyes are inevitable. No matter how painful it is, you’ll have to someday say goodbye to people, places, principles, philosophies, and parts of yourself that no longer serve you—to things that no longer resonate with you, your new environment, and your new profound self. Still, it is easier said than done because human as we are, the hardest part of letting go is our pride and ego. It desperately wants to cling onto something familiar–something comfortable–even if it dangerously causes you pain and misery.

Situations like these often happen many times throughout our lives, and honestly, these things are normal—may it be from pain caused by a death of a loved one, adjustments made

Climate Solutions: We're not the problem; Infrastructure is!

LUKE EDWARD GALLARES | CBA

I believe it when Silliman University (SU) declared the Philippines to be in a state of “climate emergency.”

The drive now is to become more environmentally conscious by using tote bags, bringing fancy aqua flasks, and purchasing expensive stainless steel straws to save the environment. At least students have been making decisions in light of the situation.

I don’t think we—the students— are part of the problem. Sure, we may have that occasional environmentally apathetic Sillimanian walking in our venerable campus and littering everywhere. But for the most part, I believe that Sillimanians have a clean, green, and environmentallyconscious mindset.

The real problem is when you escape the city and go into the rural areas of Valencia, Dauin, and Sibulan, to name a few, with streets that do not have a weekly garbage-truck collection system. Smaller communitybased islands are even worse, like Apo Island, Sumilon Island,

Feature Writers Keisiah Dawn T. Tiaoson

Lea Katrina P. Canizares

Paul Ray G. Donaire

Photographer Francis Ryan B. Pabiania

Cartoonist

Allianah Junnice F. Bolotaulo

Natania Shay S. Du

Lady Lynn W. Aplicano

by moving from one stage of life to another, reconciliations discerned after thorough reflections, and others. However, keep in mind that we can always show our love to someone without needing to see or keep them and that there is joy found in letting go of burdens that weigh heavily on our shoulders.

Saying goodbye to someone or something that you hold so dearly can be difficult sometimes. It means letting go and preparing to hurt–and be hurt–in the process. However, acknowledging and accepting the situation you are in makes you grow stronger and more mature. That’s why never be afraid to let go when clinging on tighter just makes you hurt more. Never be afraid to close a door that is no longer meant for you because this could be an opportunity for you to open a new one and for you to make more space for what comes next.

Goodbyes are inevitable— painful, yet essential to your development. Accepting and understanding changes when things shift and take their natural course is a way to ease the burden. But if there’s anything worth fighting for, let it be your happiness found in embracing impermanence and the natural flow of things–of people–that come and go.

components into petroleum, carbon, and more. However, there is little to no research being done on pyrolysis.

and other provinces such as Bohol (Pamilacan, Balicasag, and more), where there are dismal attempts at proper garbage disposal and collection. The people in these far flung communities tend to burn their trash or litter everywhere simply because proper garbage disposal is inconvenient. After all, mitigating climate change is the least of their worries when the struggle of making enough money and putting food on the table is more pressing and urgent.

The solution is not just as simple as expanding the garbage collection system. Unusable, disposable plastics are not only harmful to the environment— breaking them down, upcycling them, and reusing them don’t help since upcycling could still cause fair amounts of microplastics to break down and trickle into the underground water systems.

A good solution might be pyrolysis which is a type of disposal where plastic is burnt or heated within a vacuum, breaking down the

Social Media Manager Rainne C. Nocete

Graphic Artist Rainne C. Nocete Julianne Rissa P. Gabriel

Layout Artist Jarixa E. Balbuena Adviser Winona Jane C. Agir

What about discarded electronics? I know Silliman University has a stockpile of broken or destroyed computers hidden somewhere within the College of Business and Administration because a teacher discussed it in class. He mentioned that these broken electronics were stockpiled because there is no proper disposal point for these within the city, and so our school is forced to stockpile in the meantime.

While I’m proud of us students and the SU staff for becoming champions of environmentalism, let’s call on our government, mayors, congressmen, and leaders to make it easier for the masses to throw their garbage properly. Let’s include proper waste disposal in every new administration’s three-year plans. Let’s call on more investments in technologies for waste disposals other than landfills. Let’s call for a more holistic approach to garbage collection and disposal.

Because at the end of the day, we’re just treating the symptoms, it’s time we focus on the cure.

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) 4226002 loc. 243.

www.facebook.com/tWSillimanian 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.

The Resolution Solution

by DAWN TIAOSON

What else could be more exciting than hoping? What else could be more fulfilling than having the urge to do better? New years are regarded as a chance to make a vision of progress and self efficacy. It is also a powerful force with which one can take the chance to reinforce control over one’s life.

Establishing a resolution is more than just a tradition. It is a craving for improvement and growth. It is a way to move forward, welcoming another year with direction and positivity. Starting a year with a list of healthy goals radiates optimism, and looking forward to a year of purpose-driven actions and self-growth is a lifechanging common ground for people.

Resolutions are personal and individually determined, yet they hold the power to affect families, friends, and the community as a whole. Sticking to a goal of getting better actually contributes to varying aspects of a functional community, and the yearning for progress and positive change can be contagious.

That being said, perhaps consider these suggestions as goals for this New Year:

1. Meet new people and make friends. Friendship enriches life. A friend is on your table during triumph and beside your bed during frustrations. A different mind can contribute a clearer perspective that can open a different door towards a better you. On top of that, be the reason why people smile and believe in pure hearts, kind souls, and pure hearts.

2. Become financially literate. Did you know that the World Bank found only 25% of adult Filipinos to be financially literate? Financial literacy provides a chance for a lifetime of financial wellbeing. Managing financial resources effectively can help in enhancing decision making ability, and in promoting self-discipline.

3.Volunteer!

Volunteering for something that holds personal significance keeps you confident that you are doing exactly what you aspire for yourself to do. It gives you more motivation to do better and actually achieve satisfaction on the things that matter to you. As long as you love and are happy with what you are doing, little else will matter.

Zero Waste: It Starts With Us

by RAY DONAIRE

4. Stop being late.

Time is essential, and must be spent really carefully. Being late can be equated to being impolite. In order to be respected, one must be time conscious. It also avoids the risk of procrastination and unnecessary frets.

5. Rely on yourself more.

Believe that you have everything you need to be successful. Know that happiness, love, grace, and everything you crave for can be given to you—by you. People may contribute to your needs, but your life will always be up to you. Resilience can bring out a stronger and perhaps wiser version of you.

This New Year has a lot in store for each and every one. Resources may vary, and opportunities may be unequally distributed, but the New Year isn’t just about resolutions and dreams. A new year can be a bearer of hope too. Three hundred and sixty-five days of the unknown, but perhaps upon following the suggestions above, a memorable year could be ahead of you! tWS

At The Halfway Mark

by LEA CANIZARES

There is no denying that the past couple of months felt as though they had slipped away in a blur. After an extended holiday season and more than a month-long break, it is now the time of the academic year where Sillimanians gear up for a fresh start in the second semester.

After surviving the transitional first semester of the school year, more challenges await as students face and go beyond the halfway mark. While most confront challenges academically, emotionally, and socially to acclimate to the college environment, it is important to keep in mind that you have all made it to the second semester. This is a pivotal milestone that should be worth celebrating.

The second semester is an incredible opportunity for every student to take their respective college experiences to the next level. When asked what she wants to work on to have a better college experience this semester, Alyssa Glorydale Algo, a second year Medical Technology student, answered, “From the perspective of a second year medtech student, given the amount of studies we have to do, I look forward to be more balanced with my academic and my social life this second semester. It is easy to become overwhelmed with acads but I need to be more involved with stuff outside of it too like in different orgs.” She also expressed that college life around Silliman should not only be entirely revolved around academics or good grades. Rather, it should also be about investing in genuine friendships, networking, and your personal growth as a person. Through this, a student’s college experience can be a lot more meaningful.

Embarking on the start of the second semester marks a more deliberate return back into the campus. Students will have a better notion of what to expect, which may make adjusting to the upcoming semester much easier and bearable. Mariella Valbuena, a Grade 8 student, shared that some of the positive feelings she has upon returning to campus is the excitement to meet people and build a positive mindset. “Kanang positive na

akong outlook, motivated na ko to get good grades, and ma-achieve akong goal gyud. [The positive outlook and motivation to get good grades and achieve personal goals]” she shared.

As students venture into the second semester, there can be a number of interesting things that they can look forward to in their student and social life, or perhaps some pressure—maybe even a mix of both. Students may come back to campus with some mixed feelings due to the seeming unfamiliarity of what is next to come—and these are all valid feelings. When asked what she was worried about the most for the second semester, Mikaela Marie Valbuena, a first year Biology major, shared, “Probably the adjustment of the schedule”. She also added that adjusting between face-to-face classes and online classes can be challenging at times, especially if online classes are in between face-to-face classes.

Still, the second semester is not just entirely about worries and stresses. Starting afresh for another semester has its share of fantastic advantages such as returning to the campus equipped with abundant knowledge and college wisdom from the experience and learnings that students have gained over the previous semester. Even if the first semester was tough in its own way, the mistakes made and

challenges faced were valuable learning experiences that can encourage one to grow better and stronger.

Halfway through the school year, students are concerned with starting off the semester on the right foot by setting their personal goals, assessing their study habits, and ready to incorporate their new year’s resolutions—and these are all normal concerns. Actively working to make oneself better in areas that need to be addressed is a starting point towards daily progress. Students have already come so far and time flies so fast before we even realize it. Though it is better to see the glass as “half full,” one must remember that there is still a half of the school year left. Students must be able to keep their heads up and brace themselves as they approach the midway point of their academic year. Nothing is ever perfect, and unforeseen circumstances may always surface.

Reaching the halfway point of the academic year is already a fulfillment in itself. Being able to survive all those coursework, term exams, and long nights spent studying is commendable. Students can make the most of their second semester of college by understanding that it has a character of its own, and while it is different from the previous year, the wonderful experiences that await and that are yet to unfold will remain. tWS

Zero Waste is an environmental movement that promotes responsible production in order to protect and conserve natural resources. It strives to control waste management, which can be a threat to the ecological balance among all living things and the environment if not done properly.

Every month of January, the world commemorates the national zerowaste movement. Sadly, for a world filled with leaders and confederations that continuously project speeches about Zero Waste Management, we are still very far from achieving a Zero Waste world. Dumaguete City is no exception to this, especially after Dumaguete City began operating a pyrolysis-gasification technology to burn Dumaguete’s waste in the Central Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) at the border of Camanjac and Candau-ay.

“Unbeknownst to most Dumaguetenos, this technology creates extremely poisonous air contaminants and toxic ash. Studies from around the world show that waste workers and residents living as far as 7.5 km away from these types of technologies have higher rates of cancers, miscarriages, birth defects, and other health problems linked to the toxic pollutants,” according to Burn Not Dumaguete.

Zero Waste extends to the recovery of natural resources by promoting the environmental preservation practices of reduce, reuse, recycle, and upcycle. Still, proper segregation at home is useless when this garbage waste ends up mixed with biodegradable and non-biodegradable ones in landfills. In the case of Dumaguete, the incinerator was the chosen method for eliminating waste. This leaves us to ponder on the questions: How can we achieve a Zero Waste community if biodegradable and nonbiodegradable trash, even when properly segregated, just ends up being mixed and dumped in the same landfills? What does the incinerator mean to the Zero Waste movement? Most importantly, how far are we from truly achieving a Zero Waste community?

“We still have a long way to go. I believe that we have made strikes already, but this incinerator [pyrolysis-gasification machine] is putting a block on our effort because we can never be Zero Waste with the incinerator with us. So, it’s very important that we shut down the incinerator for us to be truly Continuetopage4

Kung Saan Ang Mga Alaala’y Hindi Namamatay

by IVAN ADARO

Ang silid-aklatan ay dating kanlungan ng lahat na bagay -mga kaganapan na nagpapasigla sa kalooban. Iba’t ibang talampakan mula sa iba’t ibang kaluluwa ang nagtitipon malapit sa mga pasilyong punong-puno ng karunungan na nakaukit sa lumang pergamino. At habang ang mga tunog ng mga pahinang nagbubukas at mga tintang tumatagas ay pumupuno sa kapaligiran, ang halimuyak ng mga lumang aklat ay tumatakip sa malakas na bango na nagmula sa mga masigasig na diwa.

Ito ang mga kaluluwa na nagdagdag ng buhay sa tahimik at madilim na santuwaryo - mga kaluluwang nag-iwan ng mga bakas na nakabaon sa mga aklat na iniwaksi na ngayon. Habang kumakalat sa hagdanan ang naipon na alikabok at mga napunit na pahina, ang talampakan sa mga dating naglalakad sa hagdanang iyon ay wala na saanman. Gayunpaman, ang mga boses na dating maririnig sa silid ay mananatili sa mga pader nito, ang mga kusang salita na dumaloy sa papel ay hindi kukupas kahit anong mangyari, at ang mga masasayang alaala na nakaukit sa diwa ng lahat ay hindi mamamatay magpakailanman.

sillimaniansspeak

Compiled by Rainne Nocete | tWS Social Media Manager/Graphic Artist

"What will you miss the most about the library?"

“Having one.”

“Salibrakusogang wifi.”

Feliz Lazarte | SHS STEAM 11

“Study rooms on the 2nd floor and the bookshelves.”

Ray Daniel Cal | Computer Science II

“The library has witnessed all of my battles and struggles related to my studies, which is something that I will miss. Whenever I study there, I feel so much comfort and it gives me a peaceful vibe. It has been and will always be my home.”

Jericha Loraine Dipaling | Psychology I

Next Issue's Question:

What was one silly thing you did for someone you like, that you would never do again?

For your answers, just text Rainne Nocete (0998-555-7391). Indicate your full name (with middle initial), course and year.

Maristella Cortez | SHS STEAM 11

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LISTEN TO

Adore You

Clover Paradise

Clover Paradise is a duo comprised of local artist Joaqui Huesca from Cagayan de Oro City, and Lanz Gabor, a fellow Computer Science student and the Principal Violinist of the Silliman Strings Ensemble. Their goal in music is to achieve resonations of ethereal colors through mellow strings and pads.

frompage1| SU environmentalists... explained that establishing a sustainable circular economy includes the decentralization of waste, emphasizing the “No Segregation, No Collection” policy.

The said policy enables at least 50 percent of trash to be diminished from the total by composting biodegradable material. Through recycling, at least 25 percent of recyclable trash is removed.

“So now we’re left with ten to 15 percent of residual waste. This is the part where the intervention takes place,” he said.

Ferrer thanked the Silliman University Student Government Environment Committee for mobilizing Sillimanians to join the protest.

“But I would also like to call on the Silliman University Administration, the Silliman University Medical Center, and all other sectors of the Silliman University, Foundation University, Saint Paul University, NORSU [Negros Oriental State University], all the high schools—public and private, even elementary schools, to come and join us,” she added. tWS

frompage1| SU hosts Harvard...

stated that the university was selected due to its close ties with the American Embassy through the American Resource Studies Center (ASRC).

The SUSG and Office of Student Services worked with HPF to make the event possible.

Entrata shared that the event was an opportune time to build lasting networks with student leaders from the region and Harvard University.

“Transformative leadership means leading toward sustainable solutions and being able to challenge long-standing systems, these can be achieved easier when student leaders come together to work towards one cause,” he said.

HPF tackled topics on leadership and conversed with the attendees. Furthermore, they shared their own college experiences at Harvard and various learning opportunities for those who want to study at their university in the United States.

SU International Students Center Director Prof. Moses Joshua Atega saw the event as a gift of inspiration with HPF reaching out to Asia and sharing about their own campus life.

He said, “Their mere presence already made an impact, [and] much more when they talked about the need for the total development of a student in making choices within one’s campus life.”

The forum is a nonprofit organization that is composed of Filipinos, Filipino-Americans, and friends who have a goal of celebrating and sharing the vitality of Philippine culture and tradition with the Harvard community. tWS

frompage1| Sillimanians elected...

The three-day program “Bangon Kabataan: Improving Youth Participation in Local Governance” also comprised a journalism workshop with resource speakers for different fields of journalistic writing.

Dano and Carampatana shared that the guild is still in the process of finalizing its plans and is not yet in operation. The workshop and program were held at the Cebu Parklane International Hotel from Dec. 14-16, 2022. tWS

frompage3| Zero Waste: ...

Zero Waste.”, Joshua Villalobos, a junior majoring in Sociology from the College of Arts and Sciences and the current co-chairperson of the SUSG Environmental Committee, said this when asked about the current situation of Zero Waste in Dumaguete.

If we are truly to achieve Zero Waste, we must seriously implement segregation at our homes and segregation at the landfill. It is important for everyone to put an effort into these movements and understand that every action has a significant contribution to the environment. With the current predicament

Dumaguete—and the world, in general—is facing, it is vital that we push our government and leaders to follow proper Ecological Solid Waste Management Acts and influence its people to be conscious about the environment.

Achieving Zero Waste starts within oneself. It starts when one acknowledges that there is an urgency to save the environment and the lives of people who depend on it. To achieve Zero Waste, everyone must be dedicated, committed, and instilled with values that fuels one to show their love for the environment. “One value, if I’m to speak of it, should be empathy. It should be about feeling what others feel. Ask yourselves: “How

can I, as a human being, be okay that waste workers are actually inhaling toxic chemicals?” And by that, I think you will be able to feel that you’re not only taking care of the environment and planet, but you’re also taking care of people,” Villalobos expressed.

To push for Zero Waste is not simply a personal choice but an environmental responsibility. It is a duty of mankind that requires collective efforts.The fight still has a long way to go and we must stay alert to possible destruction—either man-made or natural disaster—that threatens humanity and the environment. tWS

Langub Queen advocates for mental health importance

by STEFAN SALDON

SILLIMANIAN Merry Louie

Cadalso wished to call for the importance of mental health in her reign as the newly-crowned Langub Queen-Miss Mabinay 2023.

Cadalso discussed the opportunity to raise awareness of mental health, illness, and LGBTQIA+ rights.

“Sounds like a cliché, but it’s something that needs to be taken very seriously,” Cadalso said.

She explained that with the right coping mechanism and support system, the journey to stability and recovery doesn’t have to be rough.

Apart from this, Cadalso also shared her desire to participate in activities organized by Local Government Units aligned with services, such as donation drives and feeding programs.

“I don’t want to just have them applaud my words, I want to show that I’m a woman of my word,” she added.

With the experiences gained over the years, Cadalso considered the world of pageantry as gateways to highlight advocacies that she cared about.

“In order for the impact on the community to be significant and remarkable, the effort we put into anything we do must be great,” Cadalso said.

She also said that her victory is simply “one among many testimonies that exhibited Sillimanians’ excellence in everything they do, not just for themselves, but for the community.”

Cadalso added how her winning title can inspire everyone to give back to the community and contribute to the causes that people care about.

SUSG Judiciary bares plans, calls for earlier appointments

by SHAY DU

THE JUDICIARY branch of the Silliman University Student Government (SUSG) planned to strengthen internal operations now that this year’s set of student justices has been appointed.

The writing of a set of Rules of Court (ROC), the improvement of prescribed forms for filing cases, and the creation of a legacy archive of documents are among the priorities of this year’s judiciary.

Prime Justice Hon. Earl Guen Padayao initially wanted appointments to be finalized earlier in the year to give the judiciary more time to work on these plans.

This was also an effort to reform the practice of appointing justices only leading up to the SUSG elections.

While the appointment process began around October last year, appointments ended up being released on Jan. 23.

“And that’s the reason why the SG judiciary is in the margins of our student bureaucracy: because the justices are appointed quite late. [As a result,] they can’t do so much.”

This year’s set of justices still hopes to implement improvements to the judiciary’s internal operations throughout the remainder of their term.

Hon. Padayao’s chief concern is the need to write the judiciary’s ROC.

“The SUSG itself is designed [to have a] framework similar to our national government,” Padayao explained. “That would necessarily call for specific rules insofar as the judiciary is concerned.”

Padayao also reiterated the judiciary’s role in hearing cases related to student conduct.

“I want to be a role model, an inspiration, a catalyst for change, and I could do all that if I were given such opportunities,” she added.

Cadalso also brought home the title of Miss Congeniality and Miss MLhuillier during the competition held at the Municipal Evacuation Center on Jan. 22. tWS

The preoccupation of other SUSG branches with “equally important matters” and the delayed release of certifications from certain colleges contributed to the months-long wait.

With this year’s list of student justices now publicized, Hon. Padayao still encourages future appointments to be processed as early as August or September every school year.

“There are so many things to do,” Hon. Padayao explained.

The Prime Justice, specifically, represents the student body as a member of the University Disciplinary Board (UDB), which hears cases related to violations of the student handbook.

As the only student representative in the highest disciplining body of the school, Hon. Padayao said, “Fielding out a prime justice there who can advocate for the students, who can articulate our perspective, and who can articulate the SUSG’s vision insofar as the case is concerned is very important.”

Photo courtesy MissMabinay2023