he FORU T M
Vol. LXXVI No. 1
Integrity. Reliability. Commitment.
The Official University Student Newspaper of West Visayas State University, La Paz, Iloilo City
June-October 2015
TAGA-WEST MOVERS AND SHAKERS. President Luis Sorolla Jr. assumes the role of a captain in a hearty mass dance that symbolically speaks for unity and camaraderie. Gabrielle Chelsie Marie C. Castro
Certification imminent
WVSU embarks on back-to-back ISO surveys
By JEROME GABRIEL B. AGUILAR & JONEL P. AMIO
With its administration, faculty and staff prepped and fully operational, West Visayas State University (WVSU) welcomed an assessment from the Anglo-Japanese American (AJA) Registrars Inc. during the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Stage 2 visit, October 5-6. The audit team led by Ms. Quinie Anne Aguinaldo, along with Capt. Nicanor Altares, Mr. Melvin Grueso
and Mr. Kelvin Castillon, completed the inspection of academic processes, its integration in the institutional system, and the latest revisions on university documents in their two-day visit. “We are still waiting for the official decision, as to whether we will be certified,” Dr. Luis Abioda, Vice President for Academic Affairs said. A letter of attestation from AJA Registrars Inc. was sent to WVSU on October
Daejin University seals off partnership deal with WVSU
By ANN MARIE N. SERVITO
President Geunyoung Lee of Daejin University in Korea paid a visit to West Visayas State University (WVSU), July 13 to sign the International Understanding of Cooperation with University president Dr. Luis M. Sorolla Jr.
The hallmarks of the cooperation as bared by the memorandum, include special cooperative academic programs which promote Korean as a second language and exchange of academic materials. “The signed
SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED. WVSU President Sorolla and Daejin University President Lee beam with pleasure after signing the International Understanding of Cooperation. Center for International Affairs Office
memorandum of understanding between Daejin University and WVSU will provide exciting opportunities for more cultural and academic exchanges between our institutions. In fact, we are currently working on the possibility of exchange for next year. In addition, both universities will pursue collaborative research and academic activities,” said Dr. Claudette Baluran, director of the WVSU Center for International Linkages and Public Information. When asked on how this linkage became
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9 to confirm the accrediting body’s evaluation of the academe and recommend it for certification. “The ISO certification is beneficial for the students because it aims for continual improvement of our management systems, and the satisfaction of our students with the curriculum and services offered by the university,” Dr. Alona Belarga, Director of the Office of Instruction and Quality Assurance affirmed. “It takes a lot of courage, investment and commitment, and the involvement of the management, the faculty and staff of all the colleges and support units to make this possible,” she added. The ISO is an interdependent, nongovernmental body responsible for developing voluntary international standards and providing common standards among countries in facilitating world trade, hosting a total of 164 member-nations including the Philippines. STEP BY STEP According to Dr. Belarga, the preparation stage done prior to the ISO accreditation was no easy task. There was the making of the quality manual, the quality procedures, and the work instructions of the different offices. “Many trainings,
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Philippine e-Library
A Candidate for Uncertainty
Opening portals to quality online databases
Is democracy the only basis in screening the future leaders of the country?
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West volunteers take on APEC Summit By MARY ZELIET L. PARIS
With the largest number of volunteers from the academe, the University sent a total of 24 students and six professionals to the Iloilo City’s hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Meetings from September 21 to October 6. Five students were from the College of Arts and Sciences while nineteen were from the College of Communication. Professional
volunteers deployed were Jeffrey Ballaret, Reymund Flores, Voltaire Jacinto, Jose Ariel Castaneda Jr., Ricky Magno, and Belen Carreon. Assigned as Conference Management Services (CMS) officers, Delegation Coordinators and Media Team, the volunteers underwent screenings, rigorous interviews and a Diplomacy Training by the Foreign Service Institute and Carlos P. Romulo School
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COM dean is new APMC prexy
By Alyssa Jude M. Montalban
Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz of the West Visayas State University-College of Medicine (COM) assumed his post as the new president of the Association of Philippine Medical Colleges, Inc. (APMC) effective for Fiscal Year June 1, 2015 to May 31, 2016. Dr. Villaruz was elected out of the 42 medical school deans in the country during the organization’s
annual convention held in Davao City, February 2015. The APMC is an association of medical school deans established in 1967 equipped with the aim to facilitate and coordinate internship programs with government hospitals and analyze issues on medical education to recommend policy decisions. “The APMC president is the figurehead of these
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Camiña
Bahay na Bato page 15 Sa paglapat ng iyong labi sa antigong tasa, ang aroma ng tsokolate ay nananatili sa iyong sistema
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WVSU educator is 2015 Metrobank Outstanding Teacher By EDELAINE ELLENSON QUEEN G. ENCARGUEZ
Betita
Prof. Rejie F. Palmos, coordinator of the West Visayas State University (WVSU) Center for Peace Education, a grade school teacher and guidance counselor of the Integrated Laboratory School was honored in the 2015 Metrobank Search for Outstanding Teachers (SOT) awarding ceremony, September 3 at Makati City. Now on its 31st year, this year’s SOT awardees were composed of four teachers in the elementary level, four in secondary level and two in the tertiary level joining a total of 336 teachers recognized by the Metrobank Foundation since 1985. “I want to contribute to WVSU’s laurel of excellence and become more believable as peace educator. I offer this award to the 300 years of Miagao Foundation and centennial celebration of my Alma Mater, the Miag-ao Central Elementary School and to my family especially my mother who served as my motivation,” said Palmos. Palmos holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, a Master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling and a Doctorate degree in Psychology and Guidance. He was also a recipient of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines award in 1995. Despite being a “long overdue” invitation from two of his co-teachers and with 20 years of teaching service, Palmos shared that he waited for the right time to finally join the search. “I was prayerful, patient
and persevering. I did not receive the notice that I was qualified and told myself to just relax and breathe in love and gratitude,” he said. A total 467 teachers vied for this year’s top ten spots, trimmed down to 110 provincial finalists, further reduced to 40 regional finalists after undergoing preliminary interviews and teaching demonstrations. Twenty finalists went on to the national finals. Moreover, the winners were adjudged according to their major contributions in education, community and civic involvement, research and extension programs, educational leadership and exhibited competency and dedication for work. “Be the best of what you can be and always remember that in the great tapestry of life, you are important. We cannot complete the colorful puzzle if you are missing. Celebrate life, celebrate failure,” Palmos added. Meanwhile, another Ilonggo educator and WVSU alumna, Dr. Myrna B. Libutaque from the Philippine Science High School-Western Visayas campus clinched the Metrobank Outstanding Teacher award for the secondary level. In partnership with the Department of Education and Commission on Higher Education, the Metrobank Foundation SOT winners received a gold medal, trophy and plaque of recognition for their respective institutions and a cash prize of P500,000 each.
Researchers, studes convene in research confab By PAULA FLORIZ A. ACELAR
To build linkages and networks for stronger teacher education research, development and practices in the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the State Universities and Colleges Teacher Educators Association (SUCTEA) with the College of Education administered the International Research and Development ConferenceWorkshop and Convention on Teacher Education on September 9 to 11 at Diversion 21 Hotel in Iloilo City and at Casa Pilar in Boracay Island, Aklan. Research presenters and speakers from around the globe convened in this three-day seminar to present 92 studies and share knowledge and insights about higher teacher education in the ASEAN, broaden knowledge and understanding on the use of ICT in pedagogy, and strengthen the preparation for the implementation of the senior high school and the articulation of the new developments in teacher education. Among the plenary speakers were Dr. Piyada Wattanasan, President of the St. Theresa International College (STIC),
Thailand; Mr. Ely Berrera, Principal of Gandhi, Ancol Jakarta, Indonesia; Dr. Joel P. Limson, President of the Northern Iloilo Polytechnic State College (NIPSC) and Philippine Association of the State Universities and Colleges (PASUC); Mr. Robbie Macalde, Senior Specialist of IFLEX SEAMO INNOTECH; and Dr. Amelia Biglete, Director of OPSD, Commission on Higher Education (CHED). The other plenary speakers were Dr. Rosario Alberto, Abel Andos, Dr. Vichian Puncreobutr and Dr. Yongyurt Khamkhon from STIC, Thailand; Dr. Filomena Dayagbil from the Cebu Normal University; and Dr. Ma. Christine Asuncion V. Dequilla from WVSU. The said conferenceworkshop was also spearheaded by WVSU College of Education (COE), St. Theresa International College (STIC), Thailand, Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Philippine Association of the State Universities and Colleges, West Visayas State University, and IFLEX SEAMO INNOTECH.
Bicol
Sindol
Soberano
Barrio
de Matias
Biscaro
Taga-West nurses dominate PNLE anew By ANNE FRANCEINE JEAN B. CORILLO & PARVANE MAE A. LAGON
Back to back to back! West Visayas State University - College of Nursing (CON) has once again dominated the Philippine Nurse Licensure Exam (PNLE) last May 30-31 with a 100% board passing rate– for the third time. WVSU was named the top performing school in the licensure examination for nurses, with seven Taga-West nurses landing in the
top 10. Released on June 23, the results of the PNLE recorded a total of 153 board passers from West, a statistic slightly larger than last year’s 139. This year’s record of seven PNLE takers in the top 10 remains the second highest number of topnotchers in the history of CON, trailing behind Class 1998 with nine.
“I want to be humble in our victory and continue doing our job,” said Dr. Rosana Grace Belo-Delariarte, Dean College of Nursing. Topnotchers include Regine Betita, Erica Bicol, and Liezel Kate Sindol in Rank 4; Frances May Soberano in Rank 8; Ma. Fesa Barrio in Rank 9; and Joanna Francessca de Matias and Ma. Gay Biscaro in Rank 10.
“Diligence, determination, hard work, and a strong will are the key ingredients to what I have achieved. But it is really my faith that made me what I am today,” said Betita, a Magna Cum Laude alumna. Tied with WVSU - CON as top performing school in the PNLE are Siliman University with 56 board passers and the Chinese General Hospital Colleges with 55.
COC nails Banggi-anay championship By JONEL P. AMIO
WAR OF WITS AND WISDOM. COC and CON go head-to-head against each other during the much awaited final round of this year’s Banggi-anay. Miguel Lorenzo Hojilla For the first time in the university debate history, the College of Communication (COC) has finally triumphed to be victors in the Banggianay 2015: War of Wits and
Wisdom. Being a competent team advancing to the semi-final and final rounds in the past years, COC proved itself worthy of the title in the
COC junior clinches silver in newscasting tilt By EDELAINE ELLENSON QUEEN G. ENCARGUEZ
A junior student of West Visayas State UniversityCollege of Communication was hailed second placer among 13 participating schools in this year’s ABS-CBN Inter-school Newscasting Competition held at SM City, Iloilo, September 12. Juan Ignacios Sala, a broadcasting student clinched the silver medal for the tertiary level after performing in three categories namely English, Filipino and Hiligaynon. According to Sala, his
preparations include intensive training, power dressing practice and improvement of the Hiligaynon pronunciation under the coaching of Prof. Zsa Zsa Bacaling. “Despite my father’s passing, my family, friends and teachers motivated me to keep going and I offer them my success,” Sala said. Sala trailed after champion St. Paul University Iloilo and followed by University of Iloilo in third place.
Banggi-anay scene along with the then-champs, College of Arts and Sciences and College of Medicine. The final round was between COC in the government bench with Kristina Amuan as the Prime Minister, Hannah Undar as the Deputy Prime Minister and Mouril Legaspi as the Government Whip against College of Nursing in the opposition with Miguel Lorenzo Hojilla as the Leader of the Opposition, Rae Dawn Vales as the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Jason Rehum Baldimor as the Opposition Whip with the motion, “This house, as the European Union, would cut Greece’s debt into half in exchange of exclusive
responsibility of accepting Syrian Refugees”. Miguel Lorenzo Hojilla and Kristina Amuan were the Best Debater and Best Speaker of the round coming from CON and COC, respectively. This year’s Banggianay was participated by nine teams from the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Agriculture and Forestry, College of Business and Management, College of Communication, College of Education, College of Nursing, College of Medicine and the Integrated Laboratory School with the Institute of Information and Communication Technology emerging as a first-time participant.
Magno is PNRC blood service awardee By JEROME GABRIEL B. AGUILAR
Juan Ignacios Sala
The College of Arts and Sciences gained recognition once more with the recent awarding of the National Blood Service Platinum Award to Prof. Celia P. Magno, department extension facilitator of the Biological Sciences for her outstanding contributions to Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC), August 13. Magno was given credit for enriching the Blood Program of the PNRC Blood Bank Center through the act of voluntary blood donation, which she has promoted amongst her students taking Bachelor of Science
in Biology and Bachelor of Science in Nursing. “I am happy, elated and very grateful that my lifelong work has been realized at last,” Prof. Magno said. According to her, she has been acting as coordinator for these events for more than a decade. The blood-letting drive is an annual activity conducted at the Rizal Hall, and as of the first semester, two separate events were coordinated, one by Microbia, the Biological Students’ Society last July 11, and another by the College of Nursing last August 20.
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June-October 2015
Bilbao speaks at K-12 symposium By John Carl T. Alonsagay
GOING PLACES. Dr. Sorolla once likened WVSU to a ship and accepted the position of a captain who will lead the ship to “go places”. In his interview with The Forum last school year, he disclosed that ISO certification was one of the many developments he was eyeing. This school year, WVSU embarked on survey visits from ISO and Dr. Sorolla, shown in this picture with auditors of ISO Phase 1 survey visit, shouldered the role of a captain with his vision and toils in having the main campus accredited. Management Information System
PPO implements traffic reroute scheme By ALYSSA JUDE M. MONTALBAN & ANGELIE KAYE A. DIPUTADO
To accommodate the closing of the Iloilo Sports Complex gate due to the construction of the College of Medicine annex building, the Physical Planning Office (PPO) implemented a rerouting scheme for the traffic flow inside WVSU effective at the beginning of School Year 2015-2016. The new traffic scheme
included the reopening of the Integrated Laboratory School gate to provide an exit for vehicles bound for the La Paz and Jaro area and the General Services Office back gate for the entry and exit of vehicles bound for the Iloilo Sports Complex and Bolilao area. “All these changes are only temporary. All
arrangements will return to normal once the construction of the College of Medicine annex building ends on their target date at June 2016,” said Engr. Gina Pañares, head of the campus PPO. The Iloilo Sports Complex gate, however, still remains open for pedestrians from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM, 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and
from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. This is to accommodate the large number of students who reside in the Magsaysay Village Area. “Our main priority is safety, and our goal is focused on zero accidents. We need to fully evacuate the area near the site of construction to eliminate any untoward incidents,” said Engr. Pañares.
The string of competitions was moved to the third floor of the University Student Center. The College of Arts and Sciences bagged first place in the overall results, accumulating a total of 58 points, followed by the College of Education in second place with 54 and the College of Communication in third place with 42.
Galaw Kalikasan Dance Competition
Green Day resumes amid rain
By JEROME GABRIEL B. AGUILAR
A sudden downpour of heavy rain upset the simultaneous activities of the Green Days culminating event that took place on the Jubilee Park, August 21. The onset of a low pressure area spurred a storm in Iloilo City, calling off the half-day merriment intended to promote environmental awareness for the students of West Visayas State Univesity.
1st Place
College of PESCAR
2nd Place
College of Education
3rd Place
College of Arts and Sciences
NOSTE, WVSU hold int’l confab By Connie C. Durana
In line with its goal to improve science teaching in the country, the National Organization of Science Teachers and Educators (NOSTE), in partnership with the West Visayas State University, held the 2015 International Research Conference-Workshop and Biennial Convention, September 18-21, an affair which featured talks from respected authorities in science education, both local and foreign. The four-day conference was held at Diversion 21 Hotel at Iloilo City, and at Boracay, Aklan. Among the speakers were Dr. Josette T. Biyo, director of the Department of Science and
Technology Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI), Dr. Deborah J. Tippins, lecturer and science education researcher from the University of Georgia, and Dr. Lourdes M. Ferrer, professor at the University of Guam School of Education. The conference featured plenary sessions, workshops, paper presentations, and outdoor explorations which aimed to develop the roles of science teachers in broadening the horizon of science education. The affair’s goals included the strengthening of partnerships among science teachers and researchers for the sustained sharing of knowledge, experiences, and practices to enhance the teaching of science.
450,000 Teacher Education students and 1,207 Teacher Education Institutions all over the country for the success of the K-12 Curriculum. John Michael J. Jarbadan, chairperson of the COE Junior Curriculum Council expounds the significance of the said symposium. “Today, this is our beginning of exploring the new curricular landscape; preparing ourselves in the teaching endeavors especially the K-12 Curriculum implementation will reach its peak next school year,” he said. About 350 Junior Education and Diploma in Teaching students attended the event to furnish their awareness in the evolving teaching profession.
Poster-Making Competition 1st Place
College of Nursing
2nd Place
College of Education
3rd Place
College of Business and Management
Green Project Implementation 1st Place
College of Arts and Sciences
2nd Place
College of Education
3rd Place
College of Communication
Green Maze Planter
UMBRELLAS UP. The rain does not seem to dampen the students’ spirits as they celebrate Green Day. Charmaine Rose P. Monte
“Change is the only permanent thing in the world, change is for the better. K-12 is a curricular reform and therefore, K-12 is better,” Dr. Purita Bilbao said during the curriculum development symposium, July 10, 2015 at the Monfort Hall of the DepEd Iloilo Division Office, La Paz, Iloilo City. Dr. Bilbao, former WVSU professor and currently, the Chair of Technical Panel for Teacher Education of the Commission for Higher Education (CHED), served as the resource speaker of the symposium spearheaded by the College of Education (COE) - Junior Curriculum Council and Curriculum Development instructors. Dr. Bilbao also emphasized the crucial role of the estimated
1st Place
College of Arts and Sciences
2nd Place
College of Communication
3rd Place
College of Education
Proyekto sa Basura 1st Place
College of Education
2nd Place
College of Arts and Sciences
3rd Place
College of Business and Management
Junk-To-Art Contest 1st Place
College of Arts and Sciences
2nd Place
College of Communication
3rd Place
College of PESCAR
Digital Poster-Making Competition 1st Place
Institute of Information and Communication Technology
2nd Place
College of Education
3rd Place
College of Arts and Sciences
Essay Writing Contest 1st Place
College of Communication
2nd Place
College of Nursing
3rd Place
College of Education
Green Project Film 1st Place
College of Communication
2nd Place
College of Arts and Sciences
3rd Place
College of PESCAR
* Date courtesy the University Student Council
WHEN LEGENDS MEET. Montaño and Bilbao take time to pose after the K-12 symposium. JOHN CARL ALONSAGAY
Med Ruby anniversary features cross cultures By PARVANE MAE A. LAGON
With the theme “Heal the World” the three-day Ruby Anniversary celebration of the West Visayas State University College of Medicine alumni night was conducted, July 17 at the Ann Margaret Hall Diversion 21 Hotel, Iloilo City. “The festive alumni night served as a pavement for the men and women of the college to rekindle and look back on the memories that they have made together,” said Dr. Joselito Villaruz, Dean of the College of Medicine, adding, “Memories that they will laugh about, cry about, and even smile about.” The celebrating batches were assigned to a country in each of the continents featuring a cross-cultural theme. The alumni board was assigned with Japan, Silver Jubilarians characterized Spain, class of 1980 with Polynesia, class of 1985 with Philippines, class of 1995 with Brazil, class of 2000 with USA, and class of 2005 with South Africa. The alumni board presented a Japanese samurai and geisha setups for their production number which
was followed by the Africaninspired corale and dance by the class 2005. Moreover, US fellows from class of 2000 showed off with their hip-hop moves, while the class of 1995 had their samba number. The class of 1985 presented their version of the song Iloilo ang Banwa Ko. Furthermore, three attending members of the batch 1980 performed a Hula Dance and Tahitian dance. The Spanish Paso Doble dance by the Silver Jubilarians joined by ADS school of Performing Arts Students and Centro Flamenco Dancers were among the highlights of the event. Gathered together, the audience sang their Community Song and the Candle Lighting followed with Michael Jackson’s ‘Heal the World’ played in the background. The night ended with the awarding of the grand prizes for the raffle draw with Ritmo Tambores providing music for the celebrants taking the stage. “To sum up everything, it was definitely a night of splendid memories and magnificent dreams,” Villaruz added.
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Univ library leads Phil e-Lib Training By Alyssa Jude M. Montalban & Charmaine Rose P. Monte
GLITZ AND GLAMOUR. The candidates of Mr. and Ms. Pag-iririmaw set hearts thumping during the extravagant Broadway-themed pageant. Gabrielle Chelsie Marie C. Castro
CAS lords over Pag-iririmaw 2015 By Marjoe Renz Dominic P. Deita
This year’s Bits of Broadway-themed Pagiririmaw saw the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) bop to the top. Angel Louise Paltuob, AB English freshman of CAS, romped away with the Miss Pag-iririmaw crown, ending the College of Communication’s fouryear reign in the said pageant which is the highlight of the university acquaintance party. Aljon John Empedrado of the Institute of Information
and Communications Technology (IICT) was hailed as Mr. Pag-iririmaw. “I feel proud that I was able to put CAS to the pedestal once again. My thanks go to the people in the Arts and Sciences Student Council for helping me shine,” Paltu-ob said. The mass dance competition which witnessed dancers from the different colleges dance to themes from Broadway musicals was championed by the College of
PESCAR (COP), with CAS and COE trailing behind. The fourth year curriculum triumphed in the mob dance competition, followed by the juniors, the sophomores, and the freshmen. The Lady Gaga look-alike of the Integrated Laboratory School brought home the bacon in the first time “Your Face Sounds Familiar” contest, COP’s Ariana Grande placed second, and the Meghan Trainor of the COE got the third place.
It was CAS that took home the overall champion trophy of Pag-iririmaw 2015. “The success of CAS in Pag-iririmaw 2015 is the product of the collaborative efforts of the officers, the contestants, and the students to show everyone what it is to be here in CAS. This victory is a testament of our will to bring back the glory of our dear college,” John Stephen Clavel, vice chairperson of the Arts and Sciences Student Council, cited.
Microbia Reg’l BioChallenge marks 10th year By Marjoe Renz Dominic P. Deita
Microbia, the BS Biological Sciences Students’ Society of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), gained another feather in its cap as its annual Regional BioChallenge marked its tenth year. This year’s Regional BioChallenge was held at
the third level of Robinsons Mall, Iloilo City. Twentytwo students from public and private secondary schools in the region brushed elbows for the first prize. “The BioChallenge is where the intelligents of high school students in the region are
being showcased. BioChallenge is unique from other quiz competitions because of the practical and buzzer rounds where students’ practical skills are put to test,” said Elijah Joy Magallanes, event chairperson. The quiz bee, which includes an elimination
round for all the participants, a buzzer round for the top ten contestants, and a practical round for the top five contenders, has been the outcome of Microbia’s goal to promote scientific knowledge to the twenty-first century society.
With the goal of enhancing student access to digitized library materials, the WVSU library services in cooperation with the National Library of the Philippines (NLP) led the Visayas-wide Philippine e-Library training program on September 5, Lopez Jaena Hall. The training, attended by 48 library personnel from state universities and colleges (SUCs) all over Visayas was spearheaded by Atty. Antonio M. Santos, director, NLP and program manager, Philippine e-Library. The Philippine e-library program, developed in 2003 with a budget of P166,770,000 through the Commission on Information and Communication Technology (CICT) is a collaboration of five agencies including the National Library of the Philippines (NLP), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Agriculture (DA) and Commission of Higher Education (CHED) and the University of the Philippines system. Aside from its main function of providing an online access to one million
bibliographic records, 25 million pages of digitized Filipiniana materials and 29,000 full text journals, the program also allows user access to researches and catalogs of participating agencies. “By providing technical trainings to library personnel of SUCs, we are hoping to improve program implementation and student access of the Philippine e-Lib,” said Atty. Antonio M. Santos, NLP director. The library, which will adopt the program this 2015, had been utilizing Proquest and Infotrac as portals of online databases. “This is a great opportunity to SUCs because we have a limited budget and are blessed to be given free access to quality online databases that will enrich our research facilities,” said Nora P. Rose, university librarian. These online databases can be accessed via the e-resources section of the university learning resource center website, wvsu.edu. ph/ library.
SANTOS
COM ranks third in PLE By Connie C. Durana
THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS. Participants of the decade-spanning Microbia Regional BioChallenge look intently at specimens under the microscope in the practical round of the competition. Rexie Belloga
West Visayas State University-College of Medicine retained its place as one of the most esteemed medical schools in the country as it garnered the third rank for the top performing schools in the Physician Licensure Examination (PLE) for August 2015.
Out of its 83 examinees, 82 passed giving the College a passing rate of 98.8% that is higher than last year’s 93.67%. “It’s still on the quality of students that we have. Also, the commitment of the faculty and staff to support the learnings of these students,” Dr. Joselito P. Villaruz, dean
of the COM, commented on how the College maintains its outsanding performance. Last year, the College ranked as seventh top performing school in PLE. Overall, 2,491 out of 2,921 passed the PLE which took place in Manila, Davao and Cebu.
Language Festival highlights performing culture By FRANCIS CEDIE F. PALAO & RIGGS ZYRILLE G. VERGARA
Stimulated by the need of international progress, the WVSU Center for Foreign Languages (CFL) held its 9th City Wide Language Festival, with a theme, “Building a High Performing Culture through Foreign Languages: An Answer to Global Challenges.”, September 7-13. “In order for us to have an ambiance that is ready to receive and attend to visitors coming from other countries, maybe even make business with them, we are ready with the language center,” emphasized by Ms. Sharon Quimpo, head
of the CFL. The festival included short term courses taught by internationally-certified CFL instructors in Spanish, Italian, German, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and French with tokens including T-shirts, notebooks, and bags from the Department of Tourism (DOT). Aside from the short courses and film showings, CFL also conducted Japanthemed contests which included Kiri-e: Japanese Paper Cutting, Japanese Calligraphy, Hashi: Building Bridges, a type of logic puzzle published
by Nikoli, Yoyo-tsuri: Japanese festivals Yo-yo balloons and Japanese language quiz bee. The Iloilo Kendo Club demonstrated the modern Japanese art of swordmanship during their Kendo Demo on September 12 at the WVSU Rehearsal Hall. Film Development Council of the Philippines Cinematheque Iloilo also collaborated with the Center by having free film showings . Contests, featuring the different languages, such as Italian and Spanish “Luz, cámara, acción” Video Making on Sept. 1-12 and the French Embassy also promoted “Why
Do I Care?”, a French poetry Ilonggos Collectors and Center, Japan Foundation and contest open to all French Hobbyists, Iloilo Comic Con, other local and international language students with the Alliance Française de Manille organizations sponsored the prize of a linguistic trip to (AfM), Korean Cultural said event. France in December. United Ilonggo Collectors and Hobbyists also participated by having a Toy and Comic Arts Exhibit and a parade highlighting the arts and culture of the Asian languages was also held. The embassies of each country, KONNICHIWA! The sun-kissed participants of the festival flaunt their getups inspired by “The Land of the Rising Sun” in the parade. DOT, Cong. Jerry Center for Foreign Languages P. Treñas, United
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WVSU alumna is TOSP nat’l finalist By ANGELIE KAYE A. DIPUTADO
Pugna An alumna from the West Visayas State University (WVSU) was recognized as a national finalist for the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) last July 2015. Krezyl Joyce Pugna,
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Bloodletting program gathers Taga-West donors
College of Communication, was the sole finalist from WVSU who qualified for the TOSP national level along with other three finalists who represented Western Visayas. “I was one of the three nominees of the WVSU for the regional level but honestly, I didn’t expect to qualify for the regionals because I wasn’t even a cum laude graduate and I was also the official photographer of the TOSP two years ago,” Pugna said. Pugna was a Bachelor of Science in Development Communication student, a staffer of Forum-Dimensions and the president of the Philippine Devcom Society, a national organization for Devcom students. According to her, she
never expected to qualify for the regionals because early on she did not receive the information about the competition. Nevertheless she was able to pass all the requirements before the deadline. “I told myself that even though I won’t make it to the nationals, it would be okay because my experience is already overwhelming,” she added. This prestigious award for young role models of the country aims to recognize the outstanding students of the nation who have personified academic excellence, exemplary leadership and deep sense of social responsibility anchored on good moral values.
Microbia, the BS Biology Students’ Society of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), held the annual open bloodletting activity at the Rizal Hall, July 11, drawing loads of support from blood donors from inside and outside of WVSU. The volunteers were given cards as incentives from the Philippine National Red Cross for them to hand in shall the need for blood transfusion arises. “I’ve done this for ten times, so I’m already used to it,” said Mark Andrew Posa, a volunteer and a College
Arts and Sciences.
modern dance, contemporary
section, catered Latin American
By Jerome Gabriel b. Aguilar & Francis Cedie F. Palao
of Nursing alumnus. “To those who haven’t given it a thought, they should try donating because it offers a lot of benefits.” The blood-letting event coordinators included Prof. Celia P. Magno, the department extension facilitator of the Biological Sciences Department of CAS, and Jan Vincent L. Segovia, vice chairperson of Microbia. Magno, later a recipient of the National Blood Service Platinum Award from the Philippine National Red Cross for uplifting the organization’s noble aim of upholding
the bloodletting program in Western Visayas, said, “I believe it’s destiny, divine intervention, that I was made an instrument. I have the ability, the passion, and the command given to me in order to save others by blood donation.” The event, according to Segovia, is “one of those that helps raise awareness on the importance of donating blood and helping others”. The other institutions involved in the project included BS Biology Pre-Medicine Track, the Philippine National Red Cross Blood Bank Center, and Gawad Kalinga Inc.
“Name that Concert” contest foregrounds IIDC show NEWS BITS
By Paula Floriz A. Acelar
This year, the Irong-irong Dance Company of the College of PESCAR introduced “Name that Concert” contest during its annual dance feat held last September 28 in WVSU Cultural Center. The main purpose of the contest was to revive the essence of folk, international and modern dances through social media. The crowd posted personally-made titles for the dance concert in Facebook with the hash tag IIDC followed by the title. Receiving P1000 in cash, the winning entries were: #IIDCMetanoia of Amber Zelhart from College of Nursing, #IIDCinfocus of Wylah Paclibar, Integrated Laboratory School and #IIDCmetamorphosis of Jared Gussie Espino of College of
By JOHN CARL T. ALONSAGAY
EYE CANDY. With breath-taking movements set to good music, the Irong-Irong Dance Company, shown here performing Singkil, render a jaw-dropping cavalcade of dances. Charmaine Rose P. Monte
Irong-irong Dance Company, teachers and alumni of the College of PESCAR, with the participation of West Crew, presented different genres of dance like folk dances, Western influence, Latin formation,
dance and hip-hop. IIDC Dancers executed local dances like“Singkil”, “Itikitik”, “Cariñosa”, during the folk dances segment. Meanwhile, Irong-irong dancers, in their Latin formation
dances, tango and the Spanishoriginated dance, flamenco. Finally, the IIDC feat ended the performance with a much-applauded productions of contemporary dance, hip hop and modern dance.
Alumna receives YSEALI scholarship By EDELAINE ELLENSON QUEEN G. ENCARGUEZ
Lara Jeunesse Villaruel, an alumna of the West Visayas State University-College of Communication was among the 21 young leaders from Southeast Asia who are currently participating in the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI): Leading and Organizing for Change in Southeast Asia in Northern Illinois University (NIU), DeKalb, Illinois, USA from September to November 2015. The YSEALI program
Creative Writing studes launch first Poetry Slam
aims to provide the highquality leadership and citizenship development through an understanding of civic engagement from historical and contemporary institutions and events. A total of 13 delegates were chosen from the Philippines and were distributed to the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, Montana, Nebraska, and Illinois. Mostly based in NIU, the participants will also
SCHOLAR. Villaruel poses with other scholars of the Philippines and NIU’s Pres. Douglas Baker. Lara Jeunesse Villaruel
have a chance to transfer from Illinois to the states of Georgia, Alabama, and Washington D.C. to visit sites which are significant to civic movements that happened in the US. “I believe that we were chosen by our respective US embassies in our countries through the effort we exerted in changing the world,” Villaruel shared. According to Villaruel, this program is different from any other international programs she has participated before because it was jampacked with lectures coming from different professors and tours related to these discussions. After the program, the participants will be required to implement a project critiqued by the faculty and staff of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies using the seed money
that will be given by the US Department of State. “YSEALI will give me a bunch of networks for the future. Not only do I given the chance to help shape a better Southeast Asia, but I also get the chance of improving my personal development as a leader. In November 19-23, I’ll be in Malaysia for another YSEALI Summit,” she added. The said program is spearheaded by the US Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and conducted by the Center for Southeast Asian Studies. Villaruel is a Magna Cum Laude Journalism graduate and was also a delegate to the, Japan East-Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youth in 2013 and Peace and International Conference on Youth for Peace in Jakarta, Indonesia.
With the theme, “Hipos: Pamati-i ang huni sang amon hutik, ang huyop sang inyo mga hibubun-ot”, the Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English 3-A, Creative Writing students under Prof. Hazel P. Villa launched the Poetry Slam held last
September 9 at the West Visayas State University Cultural Center. The Poetry Slam, the first to be held in Western Visayas was graced by the presence of the University President, Dr. Luis M. Sorolla, who also performed humorous hiligaynon spoken poetry during the event.
Freshies break enrollee record By RIGGS ZYRILLE G. VERGARA
A record-breaking number of 2000 freshmen, the highest in history of WVSU joined the student population for the 1st semester of Academic Year 2015 to 2016. The most number of enrollees this year in the Baccalaureate Program came from COE, 572. Meanwhile CBM has 347, followed by CAS with 216. IICT has 192 along with COP, 188; CON, 177;
COC, 166 and COM, 113. The students attended the University Freshmen Orientation at the WVSU Cultural Center, June 8 spearheaded by the University Student Council. It included introductions of officials from various offices, presentation of different organizations and the showcase of college uniforms.
FD trains Culasi journos By MARY ZELIET L. PARIS
To enhance the skills of students in journalism, FD held a Pen Talk at Culasi National High School, Ajuy, Iloilo, August 22. Attended by more than 30 aspiring student journalists, the workshops included News, Feature, Editorial, Science and Sports-Writing, Photojournalism,
Copyreading and Editorial Cartooning. The workshops were hands-on and interactive. An hour long lecture with open forum is followed by a writing competition where they are given the chance to apply what they have learned. Pen Talk is a free writing workshop
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SPECIAL REPORTS
June-October 2015
Miscellaneous fees: Keeping a tab on your money By ALYSSA JUDE M. MONTALBAN
Like many educational institutions in the country, the collection of miscellaneous fees to cover the expenses incurred by non-academic activities has been adopted by West Visayas State University. In the past decade, the university Board of Regents approved a resolution allowing the collection of miscellaneous fees. This resolution gave the university’s student organizations the ability to directly collect, utilize and distribute their own funds to various programs and projects aimed at student development. The current system, supervised by the Office of Student Affairs (OSA), allows the student organizations to effectively allocate the funds to programs and projects that best fit the interest of the students that they serve. With this scheme, the student organizations unique position as student advocates is maximized. In contribution to the university’s goal to promote transparency in its administration and finance, periodic assessment of the university’s organizations is conducted every semester. This ensures that every student receives their money’s worth. Taking a closer look at every student organizations’ performance, we now let Taga-west decide if the money they spend is actually well-spent.
The Facts and Figures According to the data gathered, the College of Communication collects approximately Php 1,375 for the 1st semester, PhP 1550 from the College of Arts and Sciences, Php 980 from the College of Education, Php 455 for the College of Nursing and Php 775 from the College of Business and Management while other colleges not seen in the list have not responded to the query. These fees usually cover council payments, PTA fees and collections for several nonacademic activities such as college days and acquaintance parties. To regulate the allocation of funds, several councils have taken measures determine the amount of fees to be collected. “Our student council through its executive and legislative bodies and with duly approved resolutions determines the amount to be collected. Another determining factor is the budget allocated for the activities divided by the projected number of students,” shared a representative from CBMSC. Other internal control measures being undertaken
by the student organizations and councils to make sure that their spending is monitored include endorsements from the previous batches of the council and the organizations duly endorsed and
“Wala gid ya kami kabalo kung diin gakadto ang amon kwarta kapin pa ang sa college publication kag PTA fee, gabayad lang
approved to and by the college dean and is forwarded to the dean of the Office of Student Affairs. From the Students Even if facts and figures represent empirical evidence, student perspective is still the most effective measurement of an organization’s performance. “Para sa akon, ok man ang akon ginabayran kay kumpara sa iban nga universities, mas barato di ya ang miscellaneous sa aton kag transparent man ang mga councils kay ginapost nila ang breakdown sang kwarta every before or after event,” shared one Taga-West from the College of Nursing. However, not all students will agree to this.
kami k a d a s e m pro indi namon makita ang output kag improvement,” disclosed one Taga-west. Some Taga-west, however, recognizes the importance of external control measures to ensure transparency among student organizations. “Ok lang man nga may pre-enrollment pero dapat i-ensure nila nga SEC registered sila para nga kampante ang students nga ang kwarta nila gakadto sa dapat kadtuan,” imparted a CAS student. From the Orgs “We try to promote transparency through the conduct of Joint Homeroom,
Curriculum and Council officers meeting every semester where the allocation of the budget per event is being presented which has already been duly approved by the dean,” shared a Nursing Student Council officer. Another practice performed by several colleges which they had considered to be effective is the conduct of a College Kaathagan inviting all organizations and colleges to present their liquidations where students are free to ask questions to the persons involved. Questions and concerns directed to specific organizations by the students, on the other hand, are addressed by the organizations through the presentation of furnished financial statements and thorough explanation of how the money is utilized. “Yes, we have received complaints because as a state university, we have students who are also financially challenged but we try to address their issues through thorough explanation of how and where these funds go,” imparted an officer of COCSC. Also, through the supervision by OSA, various measures are also being
Mean Girls… and Boys
undertaken to ensure that funds are used properly and that transparency is maintained. Student organizations are subjected yearly to accreditation by the OSA and are required to submit a portfolio containing the organizations projects, budget allocation and financial statement and performance. Furthermore, benefits received by the officers of a particular organization pursuant to those stated at the university handbook such as scholarships and service grants may be forfeited if the organization was not able to comply with the requirements. Even if West Visayas State University offers one of cheapest tuition and miscellaneous fees in the region, it still remains a witness to a number of college students dropping out of school due to financial constraints. More than anything else, transparency in the handling of the students’ money should always be a top priority, for in every peso that a Taga-West brings in into the institution, is a story of a pawned carabao or a sleepless night spent moping floors in a fast food restaurant. Whether it is dictated upon by law or is merely a social responsibility, it should always be everyone’s job to keep a tab on the students’ money.
By Marjoe Renz Dominic P. Deita
Have you ever watched “Mean Girls”? It’s this flick about a home-schooled girl from Africa who enters the portals of an American high school and gets her life messed up by three “it girls” who are, by the way, notoriously evil. It’s good how the movie echoed high school–queen bees and wannabes, social hierarchy, cliques. But let’s shine the limelight on the three women to whom the movie title pertains to–the so-called “The Plastics”. It’s funny how only three people like The Plastics (or the “Mean Girls”) could inflict terror to every single person in North Shore High (yes, even the teachers) and have everyone tied to their little fingers. It took only three of them to give the school a horrendous climate. WVSU, as an academic institution, does not pale in comparison with North Shore High. It also has its share of mean folks who happen to jeopardize Taga-West. You can’t But they don’t come in a triad. They’re more than just three. sit with us! And they’re not all girls. Some of them are, needless to say, boys. If you happen to know these “mean girls and boys”, just read on! (And when you see them, say hello!) Ms. “Where-The-Hell-Is-Your-Glue?” Like the home-schooled girl in “Mean Girls”, we’ve all experienced being new to a school. Most of the time, we expect for the best to happen. For Flor*, though, when she passed her enrollment papers for the first time, she never expected for the worst. “Sang ara ko sa amon college office para mag-present enrollment papers, ginmalditahan niya ko ya. Wala ko natapik akon 1x1 picture sa isa ko ka paper. Ti naglisensya ko sa iya kun pwede ko ka pangayo sang glue kay nakita ko may ara sya,” narrates Flor. “Ginhambalan niya ko, ‘Ginbakal ko na ya akon glue, ‘day. Wala ko ina ginapapangayo. Bal-an mo na gid kinahanglan mo, wala ka gadala!’” Flor testifies, “It’s all right if ang tono ya indi man ko bala mahuy-an, galing daw ginpakahuy-an ya gid ko ya bi sa mga masunod sa linya. Humiliating gid ya!”
Mr. “Don’t-Even-Think-About-It!” You have to sign a document. Problem is, you don’t have a pen. Moments like this happen– inevitably. Quentin* shares his account (take note: account!) with Mr. “Don’tEven-Think-About-It!”. “Because I was to get my certificate of grades, I had to go to the admin building and negotiate with this guy with glasses. Ginsugo ya ko nga mapirma sang payment slip to guro. I realized wala ko pen. Tapos nakita ya ako nga nagtulok sa pen ya,” Quentin narrates. “Tapos bal-an mo kun ano ginhambal ya sa akon? A forceful ‘Don’t even think about it!’ Gatulok pa lang ko gani. Suplado. Abi ya guro matunaw iya pen kun tulukon ko dugay!”
Ms. “Why-The-Hell-Are-You-Late?” Mandy* met Ms. “Why-TheHell-Are-You-Late?” in the quietest part of the campus (hint: a room full of books!) because the latter has a reputation of maintaining the silence there. Contrary to this myth, sometimes, Ms. “Why-The-Hell-AreYou-Late?” is the one who breaks the silence. “Manugtapos na bi ang school year, wala man ko gihapon library card. Ti nag-abot ang time nga ginkinahanglan ko gid, so nag-ask ko kun pwede pa ka paubra,” our subject says. Mandy wraps up, “Naghambal siya tunog, ‘Ngaa late ka? Manugtapos na ang tuig, subong ka pa lang mapaubra?’ Embarrassing gid kay nagtinulok tanan sa akon.”
Ms. “Shoo!-Go-Away!” Julie* shares about why she gets irritated every time she sees Ms. “Shoo-Go-Away!” “Once when our section was having our rehearsal for PE Day, and we were occupying the spacious area bala sang new co-op, she came to us and said angrily, ‘Sin-o naghambal sa inyo nga diri kamo ma-practice? Ni wala kamo gani permit!’ The whole class kept quiet. And she continued, ‘Nagatan-aw lang ko practice ninyo pay ginabantayan ko kun sin-o gapungko sa mga grills nga indi gid na da pwede pungkuan! Sige lang, napangkuhaan ta man kamo pictures. Ipang-report ta man kamo gihapon!” she says. “We know she was on point. Wala gid man kami permit. Pero she can approach us man nicely kun gusto ya mag-ask kun may permit kami. Kag pwede man sya ka saway sa amon nga gapulungko sa grills calmly. Nakibot lang kami ya kay wala kami gani kabalo nga indi na didto pwede ka pungko, tapos ginkuhaan ya na kami pictures gali kay i-report ya kuno kami.” Until now, Julie honestly waits for those pictures.
Mr. “Who-The-Hell-Is-He?” Joseph* once asked Mr. “Who-TheHell-Is-He?” for consent to use a particular edifice as venue for a certain org’s orientation program. “I told him, ‘Sir, pwede namon magamit ang venue for our orientation program? Indi abi ideal ang third floor sang student center kay mainit kuno didto kag…” He says he wasn’t able to finish his statement as Mr. “Who-The-Hell-Is-He?” interrupted him. “He said, ‘Araw-araw man! Pwede na ah!’ I said, ‘Sir, diri kami bi ginrefer kay last school year, diri man kami nag-orientation. Tinluan lang namon, Sir.’ He replied, ‘Ti kun i-refer ta man kamo abi sa iban? You’re like the one thousandth org who promised nga maninlo after. Basi bala kamo man ang last org nga maka-orientation diri! Kag to think org lang kamo! Who’s your adviser?” Joseph uttered the name of his org’s adviser, and you can now bet why Mr. “WhoThe-Hell-Is-He?” is named such.
Where It All Boils Down “Kis-a maintindihan mo ngaa ga-mean sila. Indi ka kabalo mu. Basi bad day nila or what,” Dianne* jokingly says. “Galing kun pirme na lang gid sila ya abi ga-mean, kaulugot gid,” she adds. “There are people here in West nga budlay i-deal,” Thea* attests. Christian* adds, “I don’t wonder why most incoming freshmen get sickened and alumni don’t go back. It’s hard to deal with certain people inside the campus. Daw pendulum ka dasig ila mood swings. Indi mo sila mapaktan. And damo gid ya ang suplado kag suplada.” To the “mean girls and boys” out there, we don’t intend to make you look evil like The Plastics in “Mean Girls”. Really, we don’t! We just want a harmonious relationship with you because our campus needs a nice and cozy climate for all the Taga-West brains to be free of bad vibes! *not their real names
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FORUM
I7
OPINION
June-October 2015
A Candidate for Uncertainty The filing of certificate of candidacy became a freak show. Different personalities and their supporters flooded the Palacio del Gobernador in Manila to file their Certificate of Candidacy hence the election season kicked off. Various candidates have their own style of appealing to the public. Some political party made a dragon dance intermission and some costumed themselves to portray the nationalist film, “Heneral Luna”. Others were common citizens who submitted their files as Presidential or Senatorial candidates, others even made media attention for claiming themselves as “Lucifer”, an alien representative or even “King of the Philippines”. “One hundred thirty-four candidates is a sign of a vibrant democracy” is a statement by the Commission on Elections (Comelec), boasting the rise of Presidential candidates for the 2016 National Elections; although the elections will still be a potential standing point for political dynasties and plutocrats. The government never paid attention to this socio-political problem that is still chronic in the country. Yet, we are facing a more troubling enigma: Is democracy the only basis in screening the future leaders of the country? The prime purpose of a democratic government is to give voice to its people and serve as an only-way ticket to participate in the governance-based issues. Somehow, this state-given privilege is the one that keeps our system alive. Yes, the aspiring presidential candidates are hungry for change, but it turns out that democracy is over-abused; thus, the presence of the “nuisance,” which transmutes the solemnity of the filing of candidacy into a ridiculous circus show. Our only hope is the screening process of the Comelec. According to the Philippine constitution, any person declared a nuisance candidate, as defined under Section 69 of Batas Pambansa Blg. 881, is otherwise disqualified by final and executory judgment. The basis of a nuisance candidate according to Comelec Chair Andres Bautista and Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez is the capability of the candidates to mount a national campaign; and that one can be considered a nuisance candidate if he or she makes a mockery of the elections, causes confusion, or demonstrates no genuine intention to run for public office. So it is ensured that the 134 candidates will be trimmed down to the apt candidates. But are we guaranteed of the trustworthy reduction? This Comelec has always been the one doing these screening processes since the start; yet, even with this filtration, our government is still undeniably filled with political dynasties and corrupt officials. If this screening is indeed effective, then why do we have the existence of such politicians? Article VII, Section 2 of the Philippine Constitution states: “No person may be elected President unless he is a natural-born citizen of the Philippines, a registered voter, able to read and write, at least 40 years of age on the day of the election, and a resident of the Philippines for at least 10 years immediately preceding such election.” These are the only guidelines for being a presidential candidate. If we’re going to take a precise look at this, almost anyone can run for presidency. College degree, mental and health stability, experience in the politics for certain number of years – these are only few of the competent requirements that should be included. Most job applications even have this type of requirement, why not implement it on the highest job of the country? These current guidelines are surely not reassuring the fate of our country. The Comelec should have stricter requirements for a presidential candidate as their current ones are not enough to test the capability of a person as a national leader. Yes, the democracy is there. But we are not going to settle for mediocrity because handling a nation is not a joke. And we’ve had enough of half-baked and good-for-nothing leaders. Our country is not getting any better. All the changes that these candidates are asking for are easier said than done. And the only way to ensure that the change will be effective is to guarantee the capabilities of the candidates. And these so-called “democratic” requirements are not enough to prove that; because if this screening is indeed effective, our country would’ve had great progress by now. There is a great need for these guidelines to be stricter as the need for national progress is arising day by day; because no matter whom we choose if our options are not at all reliable, our suffrage will only be put to waste.
EDITORIAL
The FORUM Integrity. Reliability. Commitment.
The Official University Newspaper of West Visayas State University, La Paz, Iloilo City under the banner of West Visayas State University Forum-Dimensions Publications, Inc.
Stigmatized In a heavy storm, there are always writers who hoist torchlight in front of people. Whatever happens in this world, people will watch this light. Entangled in a web of backbreaking publication duties and academic demands, I felt I was like out in space. It was only when I came across this blog post linked to Facebook one night which undeniably turned my inattention into something that struck me hard. Curiosity got the best of me so I opened the link entitled, “For the girl who chose an easy major.” I skimmed through the article wondering about what the author may have meant in selecting a troublefree college degree. Then I got a wind of what she was saying. She was a victim of the stigma of societal expectations, educational norms and other convoluted realities where most career choices are firmly ingrained. She was referring to
Euphemisms Connie C. Durana
Member, College Editors Guild of the Philippines Editor-in-chief: Edelaine Ellenson Queen G. Encarguez; Associate Editor: Connie C. Durana and Alexa Gianne L. Morga; Managing Editor: Alyssa Jude M. Montalban; News and Special Reports Editor: Marjoe Renz Dominic P. Deita; Feature Editor: Mary Zeliet L. Paris; Sports Editor: Rodelo G. Lopez; Literary Editor: Ann Marie N. Servito; Filipino Editor: Anne Franceine Jean B. Corillo; Online Editor: Carmela V. Paredes; Cartoonist/Art Director: Mark Andrew P. Ituriaga; Photojournalists: Gabrielle Chelsie Marie C. Castro, Charmaine Rose P. Monte Circulation & Exchange Managers: Jonel P. Amio and Francis Cedie F. Palao Editorial Assistants: Paula Floriz A. Acelar, Jerome Gabriel B. Aguilar, John Carl T. Alonsagay, Joe Renz T. Catalan, Angelie Kaye A. Diputado, Parvane Mae A. Lagon, Riggs Zyrille G. Vergara; Correspondent Himamaylan Campus: Ariane Joy V. Garganian Adviser: Dr. Bonna S. Palma; Co-adviser: Prof. Jemuel B. Garcia, Jr.; Dean, Office of Student Affairs: Dr. Leah Mae C. Cabalfin; University President: Dr. Luis M. Sorolla, Jr. Letters/comments/suggestions/contributions are welcome and must be sent to the FORUM-DIMENSIONS Office, 2nd Flr. University Student Center, West Visayas State University, La Paz, Iloilo City E-mail: fd@wvsu.edu.ph Tel No.: (033) 320-0870 loc 1610 http://forum-dimensions.com
As a Microbiology student, I see the world differently when it comes to these icky creatures you call microbes. They are not really icky when you spend most of your college days nursing, feeding and hoping that they grow healthily so you could see the sparks in the eyes of your instructors when you present it to them—as if they’re not the very things that kill people on the other side of the planet. Before you judge my unconventional pets and me, let me tell you how they taught
Scribe's Shift
her being a Journalism major subdued as something that was “wasting her intelligence” and that choosing an arts degree enfeebles her brilliance and skill. Guess what? We were actually paddling the same boat. This isn’t new to me in any case. Writers, like prophets are sometimes dishonored. I was always regarded as the girl in pink who did nothing but write. Many have tried to ask me why I’d rather pursue my artistic epiphany than pursuing a business major or a pre-medical degree that will increase my chances of landing a decent job in the future. Even my parents did. Before, it was never impossible to feel like a loner battling the odds or an insecure guzzling a large dose of inferiority. Then I got used in hearing how journalism has been deemed as a third-rate college course. People are often misled
by the account that journalists should only have a paper and a pen and they’re all set. Edelaine Ellenson Queen Notwithstanding G. Encarguez that almost any hour of the day, we’re hard at work squeezing our brain juices and We are a combo of arts and straining our phalanges to the science majors with different limit to prove that writing interests and passions but we provides a mystical experience got along so well tied by the and is oddly challenging unlike commonality to write. any other career rooted in other So it’s no surprise if spheres of learning. someone subverts your major I don’t know if I am a just because all you need is a pen good or a bad writer. All I and a piece of paper, and not know is that I am brimming laboratory apparatuses, medical with passion whenever I kits, t-squares, and neverweave my words. I love what ending equations and formulas. I do and it’s making me really As the voice of our age, our job happy. Perhaps the happiest is to prove them that just like experience of my life is meeting how a true journalist would. this bunch of extremely This is not just another intellectual and talented scribes obscure career—it is something whom I consider not only my that we could succeed where pubbies but my brothers and so many had failed. It’s our life sisters despite our differences. and we have to heed its call.
me lessons in their teenytiny ways. They get irritated when crammed. Once, there were little ones down the censored area of females that lived a peaceful life. Then things went out of control and they got really stuffy down there and BAM! I don’t want to get to the visual details so here’s my point: Always leave a space, just in case. In an era where everyone wants everything, and everybody wants to do this, try those, eat these, and be that, it is okay to say no. It is okay to distance yourself when you’re uncomfortable with things. It is okay to be silent at times. Some people may call it emptiness, indifference, or weariness but
I prefer to call it space. That is the part of you reserved only for you and when you find the right thing, experience, or person to fill that space up, it’s going to be worth it. They want to breathe their own air. Bacteria are in a way classified with their affinity with oxygen. Some love it so much they can’t live without it. Others may like it but not so much to mingle with O out in the open. There are those oxygen haters who’ll faint at the sight of it. The moral of the story? People can judge you all they want but at the end of the day, it goes down to who you are and who you want to be. Does it matter if they judge you? No and yes. No, simply because it’s your life, not theirs. Yes, because you’re not perfect and once in a while you make mistakes.
Little Ones
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Not all people who judge you have hate or envy towards you. Some just care enough to point out the glitches in your life you’re too ignorant to notice. In the end, you’ll always have a choice of doing life your way. They don’t want you to die but if you do, they don’t care. Perhaps there is one trivial reason why ‘bacteria’ starts with letter B. The truth is, they don’t want you to die for you are a source of essential matters to them. When death is inevitable, they’ll just shrug their shoulders, assuming they have one or two, and go on with their lives or maybe die with you. Case in point: Let go of the things you can’t change and make the best out of the things you have now. They’re not really icky after all, are they? WvsuFd
8I
OPINION
June-October 2015
Eunoia Alyssa Jude M. Montalban
Of tin can brassieres and fork earrings Last month, I read a book detailing one woman’s epic misadventures. The cover was colorful, but the content was much more than that. It was an explosion of colors and glitters – in short, it was so refreshing I couldn’t help but share it to anybody who cared to listen. A semi-biography, it details the life of Baroness Elsa Von FreytagLoringhoven, a woman who was, by any standards, far advanced for her time. She was defined by the book as a “poet, sexual libertine and art enthusiast” and she taught me one of the best secrets in living a fulfilled life – to be ridiculous. It may come as a shock to many – that I may consider living ridiculously as something synonymous to living in fulfillment. But if you try to read this amazing woman’s misadventures which include wearing a tin can brassiere while parading on the villages or choosing forks as dangling earrings, you may realize how refreshing it is to go beyond the norms of society. More than her crazy antics or her unrestricted courage, what really caught my attention was the kind of freedom that goes with her actions. It seems to me that she had achieved a state where no amount of social norm or propriety can ever reach, allowing her to express who she really was. In the end, it gives you the feeling of knowing who you really are through
a sense of exhilaration and invincibility. An even deeper look at her story, however, would often lead us to a truth that had been so around for so long one might be surprised that it was new at all – that genuine growth only comes when one goes beyond his own comforts. We must not forget that society had always been society, a dictator, a limitation, an antagonist, and if one lived a life engulfed in its comforts, one would also be living a life based solely on its dictates and limitations. So why not refuse its comforts so that you could live beyond the limitations? In the end, the Baroness had only taught us to speak out when we’re afraid of the crowd, dive when we’re afraid of drowning, fly when we’re afraid of crashing and breathe even if we’re afraid of dying. For at the end of time, one will actually realize that all the opportunities to be great were not dependent on the society that we lived in, for greatness will always be a choice. In my short and boring 18 years, you may consider me ridiculous to advise anybody about knowing the secret to living a happy and fulfilled life, but I’ll stand firm on my principle that before Thomas Edison invented the light bulb, everybody called him ridiculous. And he was one of the few people who had revolutionized history. Now who’s more ridiculous?
Coup Deita Marjoe Renz Dominic P. Deita
Logical fallacies My favorite columnist once disclosed that he yearns for the time that “Gobyerno kasi!” would be a compliment. The political landscape of our country is, without a doubt, at an all-time low. The Philippine government is a rendezvous of “murderous warlords and kleptomaniacal fornicators”, as essayist Lourd de Veyra would dub our leaders. Somewhere in my fickle
The
and muddled brain, I found a rebuttal to what my favorite columnist said. That we have lying, thieving scoundrels in our midst is not because they placed themselves in public office, but because the Filipino people voted for them. I’ve heard a lot about logical fallacies; I learned about them in English 102. They’re statements which seem to be true because that’s how they
Ready, Get Set, Go! Fuelled by too much caffeine and sheer stubbornness, my daily routine can be summed up in a phrase: too much work, too little sleep. Driven to cross off everything on my to-do-list for the day, I jump out of bed, skip breakfast, run around like a psycho, yanked from one duty to the other, go (or crawl) home a worn-out zombie, fall asleep past midnight with the TV watching me, and wake up two snores and a pool of drool later to snooze the screaming alarm. Then repeat step one. Life is exactly how I want it to be- or so I thought. Science freaks would probably want to shave my head bald when I say this but I will still do so anyway. The world is spinning twice as fast! Yes, I know there still is 23¾ hours in day but what I mean is that it’s like we’re cursed with a daily fun run. It’s just that this race isn’t that much fun. People move in fast-forward: crazy-fast that those whose legs can’t keep up get left behind and never get to finish the marathon. This is the kind of world
we were born into: A concrete jungle where only the fastest and fittest ironmen survive. And so we spend our daily lives wanting to be first, or at least just strive not to be the last one to reach the finish line. Here we are then, living our hectic lives as if the tasks we accomplish somehow equalled what humankind has always yearned and searched formeaning. Drowning in stacks of work yet to be done or cramming to beat deadline after deadline, it’ as if we are slowly morphing into cold, lifeless robots. Behind all the fuzz and buzz, isn’t life about the little moments? Waking up to the scent of coffee prepared exactly how you want it, savouring every bite of your favourite squid dish, being reminded again and again to bring an umbrella because it’s rainy outside, fighting over which channel to watch, sweating like sardines in a car but still laughing about it, being asked about your day, worrying someone if it’s 10pm and you’re still not home,
FORUM
Territorial Nomad Mary Zeliet L. Paris
or simply just going home to a complete family. Like any other major life lesson, it slaps you hard in the face and you don’t realize it until it’s too late. She’s gone. The one who made my perfect coffee, and satisfied all my out of the blue food cravings, the one who wouldn’t let me out the gate without an umbrella, the one who I would have crazy TV channel debates with, the one I would sit next to (or more accurately, cram up) in the auto, the one who always wanted a daily update, the one who worried too much for my seldom nights out, my Nanay, my grandmother is now reunited with the Creator. Here I am, wishing I had less breakfasts to skip and didn’t
rush out the door too often and too fast. Now I go home to a dining table with one set of plates gone, an unoccupied chair, the kitchen silent without the clinks and clanks, the air bland without the smell of the night’s special dinner and missing terribly her mundane look in her favourite duster, sitting in her cozy old couch with the TV volume too loud. All along I thought being busy is what life is about. I designed myself to be a winner in this race but kept wondering why I kept on losing. Turns out, it’s not the big finish that makes life worth living but the shy, quiet, little-big moments you share with the special people you walk the crooked road with. Life, I know now, is a journey, not a race.
Perfectly flawed
Soliloquy Ann Marie N. Servito
trying to follow my passions. Times come when the default expression ‘cute’ they give me rings a negative descry. No, I’m not blaming my
I am often mistaken for a child. One Friday, when I entered the gate, the campus guard asked me if I were an ILS student. I try to contain my frustration when the cashier skips my wee self on the queue and I can just go completely unnoticed. Worse, my personal preference of things is intercepted by people. “You’re too short for him, you won’t look good together. “ I have no plans of marrying a skyscraper. “You can’t wear that. It’s for tall girls.” But it does come in smaller sizes. “That career isn’t for you. You won’t look respectable.” I’m just
parents. I am most grateful for their golden gametes. It is just unfortunate that my physical anatomy and not my character has become the shallow basis of some people’s judgement. It’s almost like the world is being racist and I’m disgustingly black. But all these years of not seeing the world in a taller perspective, all these years of always looking up and being overlooked, I learned a universal truth: Once you accepted your flaws, no one can use it against you. Exposing a mural under the sun permanently dries up the
roll – they would seem to be true, but they’re not. When you analyze them, they are in fact absurd, ridiculous, irrational! As the 2016 national election paces near and the Filipinos are starting to evaluate the aspirants for public office, I stand astonished at just how many logical fallacies I can enumerate by reading people’s opinions mirrored in tweets and Facebook posts. VP Binay, a presidential hopeful, has always been disparaged as an unfit president. You know why? Because Juan dela Cruz says he is darkskinned and short. But since when did complexion or height become the benchmark of a president? We are, after all, the lahing kayumanggi, as a previous column in this publication would declare. Just because Bongbong Marcos has a dictator for a father doesn’t imply that another
Martial Law will take place if he wins as vice president, right? Guilt by association! Definitely a logical fallacy. And Miriam Santiago, who I’d prefer to call a diva, a woman who is not afraid to say what she wants to say, has been criticized because “viragos don’t have a place in the government”, as what a tweet I once read points out. (A virago, by the way, is a loud woman.) It comes not a surprise that Grace Poe and Leni Robredo have been showered with lots of “I’ll-vote-for-you” remarks because Poe had a father dearly loved by the Pinoys and Robredo had a husband that de Veyra would call “a noble, dedicated, decent man”. But wait! When P-Noy ran for president, he also had a lot of people call him the change that the country needs because both his parents are emblems of public service, but I can’t recall
paint. Display your insecurities and you’ll preserve something beautiful. It’s not about the clothes. It’s about how you ramp on the highway with those raglike apparels that will make you stylish. Wear your imperfections like a crown and do not let the peasant’s criticisms destroy your reign. They can’t torment you with the same offences you’re already proud of. I saw this from my bravest and the most cheerful friend. When college began, she was diagnosed with alopecia. It wasn’t long until she decided to wear wigs. Not even once did she refuse to go out with us because she’s ashamed of her state. Sometimes, we’d have too much fun that her wig would fall off from her head and she’d be the one among us to laugh first. Life gave her a cloudy sky and she created her own sunshine.
anything P-Noy did while he was the country’s trailblazer that people did not have the audacity to say, “P-Noy does not deserve to be president!” I’m not saying that Poe and Robredo won’t get the Philippines anywhere, and I certainly am not saving the faces of Binay, Marcos, or Santiago from their bashers. I can’t even cast my vote in the 2016 elections because May 2016 is one month before I turn 18. All I am saying is that the Filipino should open his eyes towards false judgment. My teacher once asked me, “If Rizal would run as president today, do you think he’ll win?” I said, “The Filipinos are a judgmental race, Sir. I don’t think he’ll win. People will make fun of his shortness, his mustache, and his hairdo. They’ll make memes of how his being a womanizer would make him unfit of being president. Because he’s poetic,
I saw this from my healthiest classmate in class. He receives hugs from most of the prettiest girls just because he’s glad with the fact that he looks like a walking huge pillow. Your passive silent assent doesn’t mean you choose to be stagnantly pathetic, not wanting be a better version. It only means loving yourself while you’re on the way to perfection. Some things transform the moment you stop concealing it with desperate measures. What are flaws exactly? In fact, society has no right to label what are the ‘flaws’ and what aren’t. Flaws are illusions. Flaws are subjective. Their truth is not your truth. Society has been mismatching labels with the actual beings for too long. The world has skewed people’s perceptions to be so narrow and limited.
people will say he’s only good for talk. Some would comment that he’s only doing his activities for self-aggrandizement. He may have what it takes to steer our country to greater heights, but when the Filipino starts to make logical fallacies of him, winning is never a sure thing.” Is it gobyerno’s fault that our country is distraught, or is it tao who is to blame? Sorry to burst your bubble, dear friend, but until you clear the miasma of false judgment clouding your system, you shan’t say “Gobyerno kasi!” and blame the public officials for the nation’s sad condition. You must not dwell with logical fallacies; instead, choose those aspirants for public office who are anagrams of accountability and servant leadership. I’m getting preachy, I know. I won’t be voting in the 2016 elections, but I know better than those people who make decisions out of logical fallacies.
The
I9
OPINION
FORUM
West Post Test:
Hug Me or Hug Me Not
June-October 2015
Chairperson's Desk
By Jonel P. Amio
Christine V. Salao
Larger than Life
“Free hugs!” We were shouting at the top of our lungs as we walked around the school searching for someone who’d buy the offer. The Shenanigan We conspired with Philip Anthony Divinagracia, a 2nd year Bachelor of Science in Business Administration student and Mr. Pag-Iririmaw 2014 1st runner-up, one of the ‘finest faces’ in the university. We ambushed random students roaming around the school campus and made Philip send off free hugs. There was consent from the participants. After each five-second hug, students were shown a picture of a notso-good looking guy and were asked afterwards if they’d still be willing to receive ‘free hugs’ from him. Some of the answers were outrageous.
The Reaction “Siya (Philip) eh. Kay gwapo.” Eighty percent (80%) of the students who participated in the social experiment opted for Philip over the guy in the photo. Their reasons were quite reminiscent from each other. They said they’d chosen Philip because he’s good looking and it was a fulfilment of their dream: to hug their ultimate crush. Some have gone emotional. There were far more interesting answers though. Others said that they find Philip attractive because he looks tidy plus his commendable body built that resembles his disciplined lifestyle. When asked why not the guy in the picture, the responses were extreme. They reasoned out that the
guy looked like a criminal or someone that they can’t trust at all. Let alone allow him to hug them. Yet still others tried to be neutral. They said that it’s fine whoever between the two. In their final say, however, they had chosen Philip. The Conclusion People, most of the time, prefer what is pleasing to the eye, what is beautiful. The Implication In the advent of fashion, cosmetics and pageantry, beauty is standardized. We live in an age when we can be prematurely rated in a scale of 1-10 just with a single head to toe glance. Society is always the judge. You can’t just walk around the corner without society scrutinizing how well your eyebrows are threaded, how fair or tanned
your skin is or how great have you sculpted your six-pack abs in the gym for three sweaty months. Just like what we can infer from the result of the social experiment, we have this preferential option for the beautiful. This is not at all bad. It’s part of human nature. Trying to look beautiful has never been wrong. Physical beauty is in fact a vital aspect in one’s life. As we dwell in an environment where first impressions last, we need to look presentable in front of other persons may it be in the formal workplace, at school, public areas or simply at home. But with all these efforts to look beautiful, the greatest challenge is still keeping your thoughts, words and deeds as beautiful.
Great things start from small beginnings. Thus said, one of the popular sayings that can truly be attributed to how something so small can transform into something larger than life. We live in a generation of empowered youth, in the time where youth leadership thrives not only as mere chances to show capabilities but for a bigger purpose of national development through youth leadership. Student councils, though some may see as a disturbance to academic excellence and just simply takes time and effort is one of the countless overlooked things where something that starts small becomes even bigger. The University Student Council, despite some people simply seeing it as a bunch of college kids planning downright crazy events for the entire university is no less different. Sadly, despite it being a platform of training for governance, people see it much less than a simple organization that has the mere purpose of popularity and fame. Yes, that is what people usually see. The perks, the freebies and all the glamor of being a part of the “prestigious breed of USC officers” but little do they know that behind every USC officer is a person struggling, a person who has sacrificed so much to be of service to WVSU and to every Taga-West, someone who has chosen the path less travelled. Countless times we have literally made the University our home, staying in to make sure an event goes smoothly. We experienced sleepless
Talks&Voices
nights, days full of work, trading a barkada day-out for an emergency meeting, even letting go of relationships just because we can’t find someone who understands we don’t get to reply as fast as before, we don’t get to go on dates because we have USC and the rest of Taga-West as a competitor for attention. We have encountered tears for being so tired, pain for facing issues. Probably, even getting our names stained and tainted for something untrue, just in the name of service. We get to be judged, more often than not, for being in the scrutinizing eyes. Despite all that, we choose to serve, without expecting anything in return, because we only have the heart for leadership. Here we are, three different parties, three different political spectra in WVSU, uniting together for a purpose. The USC is one living proof that at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter where we come from but where we will all be goingTOGETHER. This is us, USC ‘15-‘16, laying down everything we are and everything we hope we can be to serve every Taga-West. We may come from different backgrounds, different walks of life but we share the same struggle and the same passion to serve every Taga-West. We may not be perfect but we are doing our best to be the right leaders you deserve. With this, we give you something larger than life-our will to serve. Being in the USC may seem something small but serving for our University, for every Taga-West, for the country and the people, this is all for a bigger purpose.
Compiled by CHARMAINE ROSE P. MONTE & GABRIELLE CHELSIE MARIE C. CASTRO
What is your opinion on the implementation of Biometrics Policy? With the advent of technology, West Visayas State University is gradually achieving its mission of becoming one of the top universities in Southeast Asia by utilizing the latest innovations such as the Biometrics. Biometrics as a technological system uses fingerprint to verify a person’s identity and it is almost operated in schools, offices, companies, etc. But is it really necessary to implement this kind of system? We gathered views and opinions from the people in our university who are affected by this policy starting with the faculty and staff. “It is counter productive for the faculty. Nadugangan pa ulubrahon especially when there are unregistered entries- ga delay pa gid ang DTR, overload pay, etc. It’s DEMONALIZING.” - CAS
“It makes life MISERABLE for SUC faculty. So downgrading.” - CAS
“In a century we have produced topnotchers, some colleges become CENTER OF EXCELLENCE, why doubt our commitment?” -COC
“We stay in school 24 hrs. Do school work overtime at home. WE NEVER COMPLAIN. Now, why do they have to deduct us everytime we arrive late (when the truth is we ‘ve never been late ni our class). Complicated? Yes, because the system was not explained well. “ – COP “OK malang na tani ung gin ask and consult and faculty pero the sad fact is it was implemented without consultation of the entire faculty members. FA President, can you stand for us? Thanks. ” - CAS “No idea. ”
- CBM
“I don’t care. I know I arrive at 7 a.m., go home at 9 p.m., do my work, give honor to the school with or without the Biometrics, that’s commitment.” - COP
“Well, it’s quite difficult at first but we will get used to it. ” - IICT
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FEATURES
The
FORUM
White Handkerchief: A Survival Sex Story By Jonel P. Amio and Ann Marie N. Servito Illustration by JOE RENZ T. CATALAN
In the midst of a dark alley, she stood waiting, her thoughts shifting from one thing to another. She thinks about her ill mother back home who did everything to support her and her siblings, but her efforts aren’t just enough. Then there comes a mental image of her hedonistic father, a drunkard. He barely comes home and provides them little to nothing of fatherly support. Her family’s a mess, she thinks. But then again she heard a cacophony exuding from a group of college girls. They’re talking about the latest update of a familiar brand, a familiar logo. Apple.She thinks about Snow White, how she naively bit the lethal fruit that brought her to her deathbed. But Snow White had her Prince Charming to save her. She could only hope that she, too, is waiting for her Prince Charming, but she’s not. She’s waiting for another witch with an apple. It’s time. There is screeching. She can see the cab, more likely the person inside. He’s here. She picks up something from her pocket, a white handkerchief. Then she allowed gravity to take over. Once the hanky reached the cold ground, she’s on for the trade. According to Professor Ma. Rosario Victoria de Guzman of the College of Communication, in her study about ‘survival sex’ in Iloilo, more and more young people enter motels and lodging inns in the city near high schools and universities, some of them even wear their school uniforms. Survival Sex is a new term among young people referring to the act of engaging in sexual activity in exchange for their tuition fee, cell phone load, for their allowance or simply for satisfying their earthly whims. “The proliferation of Survival Sex especially among the young people will deeply affect the image of the City of Iloilo. For Iloilo to be one of the most liveable cities it will not be enough to have a clean and green environment, high rise buildings and a lot of investments but a healthy environment grounded on the strong moral fibre of its constituents,” Prof.
De Guzman said. Prof. De Guzman’s study had caught the attention of concerned parties including the city government. In response to this issue, an ordinance regulating motels and lodging inns from receiving minors in their establishments was forwarded by a committee headed by Councilor Dylee Salazar-Zulueta together with the Task Force on Moral Recovery headed by Mr. Jeorge Duron. “We cannot fully eliminate this problem. However the ordinance currently in its third and final hearing can somehow lessen its occurrences”, Prof. De Guzman added. Councilor Zulueta confirmed that the ordinance is pending for final approval as amendments were made during hearings since March 26. Taxi operators, students, motel and lodging house owners attended these hearings together with the committee. With the noise spread by this ordinance and with the Task Force’s efforts on educating the public specifically in the areas such as Calumpang and Calaparan where these incidents are said to be rampant, motel and lodging houses operators have taken measures to support it. There are signages already posted in motels and lodging houses even before the ordinance was approved. The profiling scheme of the Task Force would also help in monitoring these taxi drivers and motel employees. “May ginaplano kami nga ma-seminar sa ila para tani ma-discuss gid mayo ang ordinance to make them understand para makabulig sila implement sini,” Councilor Zulueta said. “More than anyone to blame, I guess we have to stress on the vital role of the parents in the family and the importance of communication,” Prof. De Guzman told Forum-Dimensions as she highlighted the importance of good parenting on establishing the moral system of a child and its effects to the community. “I believe that this could greatly help sa morality sang aton nga mga kabataan. Because Iloilo City, we know, nga very fast ang development ta and then ang pace bala daw dasig lang tanan. We also want to preserve ang morality sang mga kabataan,” Councilor Zulueta added. There is screeching. She can see the cab, more likely the person inside. He’s here. She picks up something from her pocket, a white handkerchief. Then she allowed gravity to take over and dropped the piece of cloth on the ground. Slowly, a man came out leading to her direction. After a few minutes, both of them went inside the deserted cab going somewhere we will never know.
Millennials: The Copy Paste Generation By Mary Zeliet L. Paris Illustration by MARK ANDREW P. ITURIAGA
CTRL+C and CTRL+V are two mere basic keyboard shortcuts. It’s funny how “Copy, Paste” has shaped the modernday student. Pixelated Classroom Shifting slowly into an all-electronic sphere, the academe has drastically transformed in the recent decade. Our good-old chalkboards, clunky typewriters, and thick, bulky books have been replaced by sleek PowerPoint presentations, PDF files, tablets and smart phones. This era has given birth to the new normal. Used to the fast and easy, millennial students crave for what is instant. Admit it, slow internet connection bulges vessels in your neck. We are hardwired to opt for what uses up the least effort but gets the job done at the least time. Copy, paste then has become the go-to shortcut. Blurred Lines Culture of so much to do, so little time and the economy of effort, recent studies have shown that these are two of the many reasons why Copy-Paste is so prevalent nowadays. And probably the biggest factor why it still is very much alive and kicking is because of the gigantic lack of awareness of it being plagiarism. In 2014, level of plagiarism on the Internet has exceeded 63%. While most of this is innocent filesharing, a piece of the pie is about student-related plagiarism. We might think that googling a word, clicking a link and copying an article then stamping our name on it is mere “research”, the lack of proper citation is bull’s eye for intellectual property theft. Whether it be a phrase, a paragraph or an entire article, no matter what level, copy-pasting someone else’s work (which probably took loads
of the author’s time and effort), still is stealing what is not ours. Double-Sided Sword At some point in our toxic university life, we might’ve fallen victim to the normalcy of copy-paste. Even though we could see it as some survival skill in the crazy battlefield of the academe, the only way to beat a deadline or the last call to desperately pass a subject we’ve been crawling, is not all the cramming and stress part of the roller coaster ride of learning, unlearning and relearning? Intellectual journeys will always be the bittersweet combo of migraines, time pressure, thought drought
and finally, eureka moments. In a time where everything is a click away, it always is a pleasure slow down and explore the deep trenches of man’s thoughts, scribble them on a scratch piece of paper, sign your name on it, ready to scream to the world that what you have staring back at you is your own brainchild. At the end of the millennial student’s haggard, braincracking day, there still is no shortcut to any place worth going.
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FEATURES
FORUM
Bloated Brain
A Look at Cyberspace Information Overload By Mary Zeliet L. Paris Illustration by MARK ANDREW P. ITURIAGA
Bombarded. In this 21st century cyber world, we are constantly flooded with unlimited information. Fact, fiction or half-truth, stories are unbounded in the free world of the internet. The giant library of infinite human knowledge has shrunk into a portal we can lazily access at our fingertips. With a single click, the web gushes out a tsunami of unfiltered information and we struggle to search for the one drop that we need. Voila! We’ve become human-machines with bloated brains struggling to adapt to cyberspace information overload. The New Normal Gone are the days when students climbed steep library ladders to unshelve and dust off yellowing pages of books. Dubbed as the synthetic library, the cyberspace is now the leading source of knowledge. The web really is a melting pot of diverse and unfiltered tidbits of information from all over the globe, both factual and made-up. Everyday has then become a cycle of logging in, screening data, deciphering which links to click, which pellets of info to absorb and which to throw in the dumpster. Not So Blank Space Let us try to dissect this generation’s go-to websites. Google. Unanswered questions, no more. Here is the ultimate know-it-all that can answer all your questions! It is not uncommon to hear someone say, “Just google it” or “Ask Google”. As a matter of fact, “Googling” is now a term adopted in the dictionary. From academic queries to love advice, this search engine is sure to give a wide array of suggestions. But can we really trust everything Google says? Wikepedia. This free encyclopedia, boasts a total of 36 million articles, equal to over 16, 000 print volumes. What makes this online encyclopedia unique is that anyone-student or
professional, credible or not, has the liberty to edit any of its contents. Now that’s a big reason to doubt the authenticity of its facts and figures. Social Media. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube, the social media is designed to be an avenue for sharing and socializing. Doubled as sources and makers of news, these sites, unlike recognized TV and Radio news programs, are prone to false information. Death hoaxes and predictions of the end of the world, shared for the whole cyber world to see, can instantly cause false alarms, panic and even hysteria. Again, quantity vs. quality of information. Overheat Like any other machine, the human brain can get overworked. A muscle that never stops working from life’s day one, the brain gets strained when exposed to too much stress. Cognitive overload, the more appropriate term according to neuroscience, can lead to loss of focus, indecisiveness and bad decisions. The human brain is simply not designed to digest every bit of information in an instant. Attention Deficit Trait has now become very common among professionals and students. Retaining attention and interest is reflected in how fast you scroll your screen. Filter Failure As Clark Shirky puts it, “It’s not information overload. It’s filter failure”. Managing what and how to consume and use what we see, hear and read in the web and the intellectual sieving of truth from fallacy are skills the modern-age student must learn in order to survive in today’s information age. So the next time you type in a four-letter word in Google, pretty sure a hurricane of links and suggestions will be thrown at you like bullets in an open fire, every single one screaming and prying for your sweet attention. This is the world now: A big bowl of pixelated jibber jabber with a side of this and that. At the end of the day, it still is not about what we know, but what we do about it.
MIRRORING 21st CENTURY LEARNERS:
K-12
Is WVSU
By JOHN CARL T. ALONSAGAY & PAULA FLORIZ A. ACELAR Illustration by MARK ANDREW P. ITURIAGA
AGAINST all odds, the K-12 curriculum will be implemented nationwide as mandated by Republic Act no. 10533 or the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013. The Philippines is the third to the last country to implement a 12year basic education. With the clock ticking and time running out fast, is WVSU really ready? Big Baby Steps Recently, the West Visayas State University System publicly announced that it is ready for the implementation of the new basic education system. Let us take a look at the university’s preparations and see the forecasted changes in the academe come A.Y. 2016-2017. “There are talks and attendance seminars attended by some WVSU teachers regarding K-12. If these signify readiness, then at a scale of 1-10, we are ready with a score of 7,” said Prof. Marievic Violeta, a faculty member of the College of Education and a Curriculum Development Instructor. Also this academic year, the Integrated Laboratory School (ILS), the university’s basic education program, was
transferred at the Ramon Magsaysay Hall (Education Building) as a temporary facility to house learners as the construction of the COE Academic Building 3 is on the way. “So far, we try to cope up with demands of the K-12 curriculum,” Dr. Emelie Palomo, director of the ILS, stated in an interview. Steering in the new and improved system, the university is gearing up for a long list of changes. The tertiary level is not immune from these. In the pioneer year of K-12, there will be zero freshmen in the university’s college level. “A new admission policy will be crafted by the Admissions and Records of the University,” Dr. Palomo added. Starting next year, the ILS will not accept transferees as the university will be offering vocational education in the College of Business and Management, Institute of Information and Communications Technology, College of Education and
ready?
College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). K-12 101 Highlight of the new system, the senior high school will offer academic, technicalvocational, sports, and arts and designs tracks that will mentor students to choose their suitable career paths. Academic track constitutes four sections; the Accountancy, Business and Management, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Humanities and Social Science and General Academic, which readies students to pursue college education. Each section encloses 15 core subjects and 16 track subjects under 2,840 hours. Meanwhile, the technicalvocational track comprises subjects of Home Economics,
A g r i F i s h e r y, Industrial Arts, Information and Communications Technology, and TESDAspecialized subjects. Safety and First Aid, Human Movement, Coaching, Sports Officiating and Sports Leadership composes the Sports track. The Arts and Design caps nine subjects which claim 80 hours per semester. The Leap History in the making,
K-12 is set to revolutionize and modernize education for the 21st century global learner. West Visayas State University valuing service, harmony, and most importantly, excellence, is a step ahead to fulfill the university’s vision; to become one of the top universities in Southeast Asia.
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June-October 2015
TOURISM
The
FORUM
of Oases V By MARJOE RENZ DOMINIC P. DEITA Photos by CHARMAINE ROSE P. MONTE
A It’s like the relaxing cup of macchiato you’ve been ordering again and again from your favorite coffee shop or the slice of blueberry cheesecake your taste buds have been hankering for – only better!
famous tourism columnist once said that there’s a detox for the body and there’s one for the mind and the soul. If the latter is what you want, Ephrathah Farms, an organic farm-cum-resort-cumhotel-cum-restaurant nestled in the halcyon barangay of Sariri, Badiangan, Iloilo could definitely provide you with what you are missing. Ephrathah emanates the complete opposite of the urban jungle’s cacophonous atmosphere. If the weather isn’t blustery and is at its sunny best, the sunlight striking at your epidermis and the cool zephyr from the hilltop could never disappoint to give you the distinct pacific feel that only Ephrathah can provide. Upon entering, you’ll be situated at a high altitude of land and spread before your very eyes is a panoramic view of the sprawling plantations with rows of burgeoning flora–rice, tomato, leafy vegetables, upo, several pepper species, red lady papaya, dragon fruit, and more– which is, without a doubt, spellbinding. Of course, the seven-hectare paradise has so much more to offer! Only in Ephrathah can you find a mango-shaped swimming pool with water so tempting that a dive would guarantee total exhilaration. Dreaming of a romantic wedding in a glass chapel just like those in foreign lands? Ephrathah Farms boasts of its big quaint chapel with walls of glass fit for those couples dreaming to tie the knot in some place swanky. The place is also fit for retreats as it has a couple of retreat houses styled like dormitory rooms
that look as if they’re floating atop a lake; these structures give the impeccable feel of absolute solemnity. And I tell you, an Instagram-worthy picture in the pavilion would not disappoint! For those with the audacious heart, one can try fishing, boating, rappelling, or the zipline, where you could see a bird’s eye view of the verdant farmland and its immensity while several feet high up in the sky. Those who are selfconfessed “foodies” could sink their teeth on the the palatable dishes that the restaurant serves. The mini zoo and the herb garden are also flaunt-worthy amenities of the picturesque home away from home. Organic farms have this discrete trademark of making one experience the vitality of life. And Ephrathah does not fall short. For Engr. Eddie Cañoto, the owner of the up-andcoming agri-tourism wonder, the practice of organic farming is seemingly the best facet of Ephrathah as a farmland. Its wide array of produce being sold to big commercial establishments (like SM Supermarket) has been nurtured with a system of heart-healthy and ecologically beneficial methods free from synthetic fertilizers that render the soil unhealthy. Ephrathah, which comes from a Hebrew term which means “fruitful”, is one of those farmsteads that “yield the organic heart”. With an affordable entrance fee of P50 and reasonably priced room rates for those who want to spend a night in the dainty oasis of verdancy, Ephrathah is ideal for those who don’t have time for a full-blown vacay but want to shrug off the clichés of life in the concrete forest. When you have an insatiable need to see something beautiful, Ephrathah Farms, an hour and a half drive from Iloilo City, is definitely the perfect place to pay a visit to. A detox for the mind and the soul, you say? Ephrathah i s , without a doubt, the perfect example.
The
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TOURISM
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June-October 2015
Verdancy By PAULA FLORIZA A. ACELAR Photos by CHARMAINE ROSE P. MONTE
A
way from the city’s busy streets and polluted air lay pacific and tranquil places. Let yourself breathe the fresh air, sway with the rice fields in the silent music of the winds. Bid goodbye to the grease in fast food chains and fizzing acid from sodas and say hello to dishes in shades of green. Your body deserves rejuvenating treats from this restaurant that satisfies your stomach with a heart-healthy menu. THE GREEN SPOT. A two-hour bus ride from the asphalted jungle of Iloilo resides the structural farm of Passi City. With another 20-minute ride, your feet brings you to a place of marvel named “Midway.” The place is quite far away from the busy streets of Passi. Nevertheless, the view is magnificent. At first, you would think that it’s just the usual eating place, but as you leave the restaurant doors, your eyes will be amazed to reveal an organic farm just behind the restaurant itself. Midway serves healthy meals for travelers that try their food. With freshly-picked ingredients, the costumers couldn’t resist to ask for more. THE SECRET GARDEN. Midway prioritizes the health of its costumers, so the ingredients added to their best-selling menu are given a hundred percent care
and supervision. With barbed wire enclosing the planting fields, the management restricts costumers or even staff not properly equipped to set foot in the organic farm. The farm-fresh vegetables are handled and grown with care. Thus, it gives the costumer the assurance and satisfaction that they will leave with a full and healthy stomach. HEART-HEALTHY DISHES. According to the chef, the best-selling dishes are the grilled tilapia, “kansi” and their fruit milkshakes. Grilled tilapia is a smoke-rich dish, abundant in protein. Kansi is a dish of a savory broth of beef, cabbage, potatoes, garlic and seasonings. Midway’s fruity milkshakes offer a refreshing feeling of freshly-picked fruits, and rich-in-calcium milk. PASALUBONG EXPRESS. If you want to bring home the bounty of nature, Midway’s pasalubong express caters delicacies like macaroons, ginisang bagoong, crinkles, tomato jam and local vinaigrette. The restaurant also sells fresh vegetables picked from the organic farm. BRINGING THE FARM TO THE CITY. To accommodate the fast-growing demand of the Midway customers, the owners decided to put up a branch in Iloilo City. Through this action, the health-loving customers need not to travel far to experience the bounty of nature.
Alas, the farm is finally brought to the city! Nature has more to offer humankind. Midway is just one of the many eating places that can help you start your healthy diet. Love life. Eat healthy. Be healthy.
Macaroons
Crinkles Ginisang Bagoong
Tomato Jam
Kansi
Special Vinaigrette
Grilled Tilapia
Peppers
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June-October 2015
SCI & TECH
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FILIPINOS IN THE COSMOS:
Is the Philippines ready for the space race? By JOHN CARL T. ALONSAGAY Illustration by MARK ANDREW P. ITURIAGA
F
IVE DECADES since the space race was fired off through the competition of the United States and the Soviet Union, the overturn of the 21st century is focused in the excitement of exploring mankind’s final frontier - the outer space.
Humans already have set foot on the moon, sent the Voyager probes into the unknown, landed on a comet, sent a probe for nine years to meet Pluto, the discovery of an Earth-like Planet just a million light-years away and most recently, the discovery of water in Mars. All of these achievements prove to be remarkable and gave a higher sense of pride to the countries behind it. But for the Philippines, making a mark in human history is just a mere ambition, for public funding would rather prefer solving social and economic woes. But is it really necessary for our country to invest in a space program?
Outer Space for National Development “Having a National Space Program is not only sending people or creating rockets to space,” said Prof. Richelle O. Tuvillo of the Department of Physical Sciences of the College of Arts and Sciences, West Visayas State University. Since 1972, The Philippines already had the PAG-ASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration) under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) as its Parent agency, it became the country’s most important institution in providing public weather forecasts as well as research in meteorology and astronomy. “A National Space Program under the Department of Science and Technology would be an onset of more innovations in technologies for our country’s development; it will aslo include development in meteorological studies that has a critical role in Disaster risk management and as well in National Security and Communications,” Prof. Tuvillo added. In 2015, the government allocated P3.46 billion to the agency to answer its limited facilities and expand its critical role for weather predictions, disaster management and other scientific services. However, the said agency doesn’t have a financial capability of establishing a sophisticated space program In contrast, our Asian neighbors already have theirs; Indonesia had its satellites be carried out of Earth through Japanese rockets. Their space program increased their capability for weather predictions and other meteorological services.
Lagging behind? It is possible that the government could fund a space program only that a bigger allocation should be made by the members of the Congress. Currently, only 17.6 billion pesos is allocated to the Department of Science and Technology, insufficient to fund its critical role in weather predictions as well in scientific research. Our neighbors such as Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia already have their own frugal space programs. Bangladesh, that has a lower GDP compare to the Philippines, has its own space program that had been running for 35 years now.
First Filipino Astronaut. In 2014, 22-year-old Daniel “Chino” Roque won a rare opportunity to reach the stars after winning a competition organized by the Axe Apollo Space Academy. Earlier this year, his mission of just being a ‘Space Tourist’ changed as the NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) discovered the alarming condition of Metro Manila (land depletion due to excessive industrialization and the city couldn’t hold its heavy load anymore). The AXE Apollo Space Academy, the private agency that selected Roque was asked by NASA if they can use Roque’s services. NASA said that Roque will be included in the next batch of 8 Astronauts who will be replacing the current astronauts assigned in the International Space Station (ISS). Among his primary missions are to gather our country’s weather, atmosphere and assess other factors that may lead to Manila’s future submergence. Currently, Roque is scheduled to stay at Kennedy Space Center for 4 full months of space training for his departure sometime in November or December 2015. And if finally, he will reach the Earth’s exosphere, he will be remembered in our history as the first Filipino in the cosmos. Diwata: First Filipino Satellite. In the late 90’s, DOST funded two satellites named Agila-I and Agila-II, and they’re foreign made. They are mainly used for communication purposes. Recently, all of that changed with the government’s allocation of P324.8 million ($7.3 million) for a big project. The Department of Science and Technology announced the launch of our country’s
first microsatellite, with the cooperation of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency ( JAXA) named DIWATA. The government project called the Philippine Scientific Earth Observation Micro-Satellite Program aims to send two microsatellites, the first one which is DIWATA is expected to be launched by July, 2016 in the International Space Station and the other one is in 2017. Philippine Space Act of 2012. The critical role of Science and Technology in nation building was already mentioned in the 1987 Constitution: The provision of support to developing science and technology that will foster patriotism and nationalism and accelerate social progress (Article II, Section 17). This serves as the main point of establishing the Philippine Space Agency in a bill authored by Agham Party-list Representative Angelo B. Palmones, titled “Philippine Space Act of 2012”. If the said bill will become a National Law, the government shall allocate funds for establishing an agency called “Philippine Space Commission” and shall be responsible for space research, promote National Security and appoint Filipino Astronauts.
Future of Philippine Astronomy and Space Sciences. Decades after the cold war, countries like Bangladesh, Ethiopia and our Southeast Asian neighbors started forming their own space programs- a clear indication that space exploration is not a monopoly of first-world countries. We may be exploring humanity’s final frontier but at least we work it with our very own Filipino version of innovation and hard work. Let’s understand that our ambitious space voyage is not just to bring the Philippine Flag in the cosmos, but also to translate it as a Filipino contribution towards the widening human knowledge of space, benefiting all mankind.
REFERENCES: • http://www.arstechnica.com/ • Department of Science and Technology- (www.dost.gov.ph) Special Thanks to: Prof. Richelle O. Tuvillo Department of Physical Sciences College of Arts and Sciences, West Visayas State University
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June-October 2015
Hibla
ng Kultura
Nina Paula Floriz A. Acelar & RIGGS ZYRILLE g. VERGARA Kuha ni EDELAINE ELLENSON QUEEN G. ENCARGUEZ
N
akatingin si Mary Ann Montagot sa batang babaeng naglalaro sa damuhan. Ang mga ngiting kanyang nasilayan ay unti-unting nabuo sa kanyang mukha, kasabay ng paghabi sa mumunting sinulid. Sa kanyang mga kamay nagsimula ang tradisyunal na hablon ng panahon. “Nay, gagawa din po ako,” ang boses ay nagmula sa batang tila kanina ay masayang nagtatampisaw sa ilalim ng araw. Muli,
S
ang paghahabi ay sinimulan nila nang sabay. Sa mga nakalipas na taon, patuloy na namamayagpag ang Hablon Weaving sa Miagao, Iloilo. Sa kabila ng mabilis na paglago ng teknolohiya, hindi pa rin limot ng mga naghahabi ang kasaysayan nito, lalong-lalo na ang naiambag ng kapirasong hablon sa kanilang buhay. PANIMULANG SINULID. Sa Miag-ao umusbong ang industriya ng hablon. Ang salitang “hablon” ay nanggaling sa katagang habol na nangangahulugang paghahabi gamit ang kamay. Ang Hablon Weaving ay kilala sa kanilang magaganda at malikhaing pagsama-sama ng mga kulay, disenyo at mataas na kalidad na mga produkto. Gumagamit ito ng
C
a pag-angat ng popularidad ng social networking sites, karamihan ay gustong puntahan ang mga lugar na kung saan iilan pa lamang ang nakakadiskubre. Hindi na bago ang paghahanap sa isang fancy café kung saan pwedeng magmuni-muni at magpalipas ng oras. Lingid sa kaalaman ng iba na nagdadala ito ng di-pangkaraniwang kasiyahan lalo na kapag pinupuno nito ang nakakubling pananabik sa bawat pusong naliligaw. Ilang taon na rin ang nakalipas at patuloy na umaangat ang ekonomiya ng ating lungsod. Natutunan rin nitong pag-ibayuhin ang nasimulang relasyon nito sa pagkain. Marami na ring mga makabagong establisyemento ang tinatangkilik ng mga Ilonggo sa kasalukuyan. Hindi na rin bago ang pagsuri ng pagkain kung swak nga ba ito sa kanilang panlasa. Sa bawat pagbisita, hindi maiiwasang kumuha ng litrato ng pagkain, paglalagay ng
tradisyunal na pamamaraan ng paghahabi ng tela na nagsimula pa noong ika-labingwalong siglo. BUHAY PAGHAHABI. Samu’t saring kulay ng sinulid ang naghihintay na masalabid sa isa’t isa upang mabuo ang isang katangitanging obra maesta. Ngunit paano nga ba nagagawa ang bawat pambihirang piraso ng hablon? Bago simulan ang aktwal na paghahabi ng hablon ay masusi munang pinagpaplanuhan ang disenyo. Pagkatapos ng paggawa ng disenyo ay inilalagay ang mga napiling sinulid sa isang kuwadradong bistador na kung tawagin ay sab-ong. Ito’y puno ng mga kawayang talasok sa magkabilang dulo na kung saan ipinapalibot ang mga hibla, na nakaayon pa rin sa disenyong sinusunod, sa haba at sa lapad ng tela. Sunod naman ang pagpapaikot ng
mga sinulid sa isang pirasong kawayan. Ang bawat hibla ng sinulid ay ipinapasok sa bibig ng heddle o sa kanilang kataga ay binting. Pagkatapos nito ay ipapasok naman ang mga sinulid sa isang bakal na patpat gamit ang bamboo hook. Sa isang kahoy na baston sa pundasyon ng habihan naman huling itatali ang mga hibla ng sinulid. Ang mga hibla ng sinulid na gagamitin sa pahalang na disenyo ay papaikutin sa isang tradisyunal na spooling wheel. PAMANA. Ang maliit na bata na nakangiting pinaglalaruan ang mga bigkis ng makukulay na sinulid ay ngayo’y isa nang maybahay na kumakantakantang pumapadyak-padyak sa kanyang habihan. Ang kanyang makukulay na sinulid ay nagsilang ng isang telang bahaghari na ngayo’y pinapanood na ng kanyang dalagitang anak, na sa dadaang bukas ay sa kanya naman ipapamana. Mula henerasyon sa henerasyon ay naging parte na ng kultura
amiña
Bahay na Ni ANNE FRANCEINE JEAN B. CORILLO Kuha ni CHARMAINE ROSE P. MONTE
sari-saring captions at double tap galing sa kanikanilang followers. Ang mga most recent posts ay nangeengganyo sa karamihan na masilayan ang isang lugar. Ang pag scroll down ng mga litrato sa Instagram ay nagsisilbi na ring free taste upang dayuhin ito ng mga tao. Hayaan ninyo akong buksan ang GPS ng inyong smartphones nang sa gayon ay mas mabigyan natin ng kaukulang pansin ang realidad. Higit 30 minutong paglalakbay mula sa kaibuturan ng lungsod ng Iloilo matatagpuan ang isang landmark na pinagtibay ng kasaysayan sa Osmeña St., Villa Arevalo. Katulad ng iba’t-ibang bahay pahingahan sa buong lungsod, namumutawi ang amoy ng kasaysayan habang bumubulong ito ng makabuluhang kwento sa iyong buong pagkatao. Hango ito sa arkitekturang Espanyol katulad ng mga simbahang naitayo ilang siglo na ang nagdaan.
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ng mga kababaihan sa Miag-ao ang paghahabi ng hablon. Simula pagkabata’y napapaligiran na sila ng mga habihan at pira-pirasong tela. Kaya nama’y karamihan sa kanila ay ginawa na itong pamumuhay na ginagamit panustos sa kani-kanilang mga pamilya. TULONG NG TELA. Sa bawat padyak ng mga mauugat na mga paa ni Aling Mary Ann ay naaalala niya ang kanyang mga anak na nagpupursige sa kani-kanilang hanapbuhay, na kundi dahil sa paghahabi, ay hindi nila matatamo ang narating nila ngayon. Simula nang nagtrabaho si Aling Mary ay marami ang kanyang naipundar sa buhay. Gayundin ang iba niyang mga kasamahan sa kooperatiba ng Hablon. Mga anak na napagtapos ng pag-aaral, mga bahay na naipatayo. Malaki ang naitulong ng paghahabi sa araw-araw na pamumuhay ng mga Miag-aoanon. PAG-ANGAT NG HABLON. Sa pagdaan ng panahon,
Bato
patuloy ang pamamayagpag ng Hablon. Kabi-kabilaang pagkilala ang natamo nito. Mapa dyaryo, telebisyon at social media man, maraming mga papuri ang natatanggap nito. At dahil dito, nagkaroon ang Hablon ng mataas na demand sa iba’t ibang parte ng bansa. Sa unang lingo ng Setyembre ay idinaraos ang pinakakahihintay na taunang Hablon Festival sa Miag-ao. Ang nasabing pagdiriwang ay punung-puno ng mga mabibighaning mga kasuotan na purong gawa sa hablon, at ito’y kanilang ipinagmamalaki sa mga fashion show at exhibit. Makikita din ang mga ito sa mga parada at pageants. Sa buhay ng mga Miagaoanon, ang hablon ay isa sa mga pinakapundasyon ng kanilang kultura, na kahit na sa paglipas ng panahon ay hindi maiaalis ang bakas ng paghahabi ng mga telang binigyang sigla ang kanilang mga buhay at kulay ang kanilang bayan.
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June-October 2015
MOTHER TONGUE
The
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Sugilanon
Tagipusuon
sang
Gindihon ni PARVANE MAE A.LAGON Laragway ni JEROME GABRIEL B. AGUILAR
Ano a n g ginabatyag mo subong? Nasadyahan ka bala? Nagahigugma ka bala? Nagabukal ang dugo mo sa kaakig? Nagatururagay ang imo luha sa kasubo? Ipautwas ang ginabatyag. Ipautwas ina tanan. Indi pagtagua kay hinali madayunan ka pa. Kung wala na gid sang pautwasan, isulat ang ginabatyag kag ipadala sa Kasing kasing page. Hiligaynon man, Filipino, ukon biskan ano pa man ina katutubo nga tinaga nga nahibaluan mo, pwede gid didto. Pasalamatan ka pa nila kay nagpautwas ka! “Ang organisasyon nga ini para gid sa tanan. Sa tanan-tanan nga may gusto mabatian, gusto magpaambag, kag gusto maintiendihan. Pero syempre, para man ini sa mga may kinaadman nga gingaan kahigayunan para mapalapnag nila kung ano may ara sila kag kung hasta diin ang masarangan nila. Ginasigurado man namon nga mapareserba kag mahatagan bugal pa gid sang mga tawo ilabi na gid sang mga Ilonggo ang nagkalain-lain nga mga
tinubo nga mga sinulatan,” hambal ni Noel de Leon, amay sang Kasing kasing nga organisasyon. “Nag-umpisa man lang sya sang bata ako. Nakahiligan ko gid ang pagbasa sang mga katutubo nga mga sinulatan, istorya, nobela, binilaybay, kag iban pa. Ginhambal ko sa kaugalingon nga, indi ko gusto nga sa kadugayon sang tini-on, malimtan kag madula na ini. Didto na nag-umpisa. Naghimo ako sang isa ka organisasyon kung diin tanan nga may kapareho ko nga prinsipyo kag handum ang nakaupod ko. Nagasuporta kami sa mga buluhatun nga mas makasangkad sa mga katutubo nga mga tinaga kag ang mga kasulatan sini.” Gusto mo bala makabantala sang isorya? Sang istorya sang pamilya mo? Sang istorya nyo sang bata mo? Sang istorya nyo sang abyan mo? Sang istorya nyo sang ginahigugma mo? O biskan istorya lang gid nga kawilihan sang tanan? Hay, sampat gid! Gusto mo bala makabasa sing masubo nga panulatun? Gusto mo bala makabati sang daw angay sang ginakutkot nga tagipusuon paagi sa katapusan sang isa ka binalaybay? Hay, insakto gid! Sanday Tay Alib kag Tay Amor ni Marrz Capanang; Si Kilat (k)ag si Da(e/l/r)ugdog: Pagsasalin ng Sugilanong Pambata sa Iba’t Ibang Wika ng Bisayas sa Konteksto ng MTB-MLE kag ni Dr. John Barrios; Galing Cine Café ni Nestor de Guzman; Masculadoll ni Loui Cano; Kulay Rosas ang pintig ng Puso ni Gerardo Torres; Baklabakla paano ka ginawa ni Edgar Portalan; Last Order sa Penguin ni Chris Martinez; Kasubong sang Hangin ni Gil Montinola, kag Gisi nga Kasanag ni Mary Rose
Bulawan nga Kawayan Gindihon ni RODELO G. LOPEZ Laragway sang IKMA
Bulawan ang mga kawayan sa Maasin. Makita mo ini nga nagaidas halin sa kabukiran sang banwa pakadto sa mga kabaraggayan. Ang duag-berde nga tanum ang nagapanguna nga salandigan sang ekonomiya sang banwa paagi sa pagprodyuser sang kalalaw, tabungos kag kisame sa bilog nga probinsya sang Iloilo. Ang banwa nga ini sa ikatlo nga distrito sang Iloilo ang ginakilala bilang “Bamboo Capital” sang pungsod. Sini lamang nga mga tinuig, ang lokal nga panguluhan sang banwa nag-umpisa nga magexport sang mga nagkalain-lain nga produkto sang kawayan sa pungsod Taiwan. Pero bag-o maabot sang Maasin ang ekonomikal nga sitwasyon nga ini, nag-umpisa ini anay sa pinakadalum kapareho sang isa ka saringsing sang kawayan nga nag-umpisa sa pagigod sa mga tunok bag-o nagtubo nga layon. “Sang nagpungko ako sa munisipalidad bilang alkalde, nangin problema ko ang barato nga bili sini sa merkado,” hambal ni Mayor Malones. “Ang mga kawayan sadto nagabili lamang sang hindi
magsobra sa 20 pesos. Ang mga tawo wala gana manggama kay kun mangayo sila sa ila ingud balay ginahatag lang dayun kay kabarato gid,” dugang pa nya. Sang tuig 2000, may nagpalapit nga Intsik sa alkalde nga nagaganyat nga baklon ang iya makina. Bangud nagaduwaduwa ini kun makabulig ang ini nga makina sa ekonomiya sang banwa, isa ka importante nga bagay ang iya ginpamangkot, “Nga-a baklon ko ini?” Ang kakulang sang mga kawayan sa Negros, kun sa diin nagapuyo ining Intsik, ang nangin rason sini nga nagganyat sa alkalde nga batunon ang makina. Paagi sang maid-id kag trabahuso nga pag-operar sang makina nagbunga ini sang isa pa sang tuig 2006 kag nadugangan pa sang duha sa sunod nga tuig. Bangud sa daku nga kantidad nga ginhatag sang mga makina nga ini, natukod ang Iloilo Kawayan Marketing (IKMA) sadtong 2009. Subong ang IKMA ang nagasuplay sang barbecue sticks sang isa ka daku nga fastfood chain sang pungsod. Ini man ang supplier sang chopsticks sa mga
nagapanguna nga supermarkets sang syudad kag insenso nga ginagamit sang mga Hindu sa ila relihiyon. Sang nagligad lamang nga tuig, nakaimbento ang IKMA sang bamboo charcoal nga ginpasidunggan sang Department of Science and Technology (DOST) bangud sang inobasyon sini. Kumpara sa kahoy nga uling, ang bamboo charcoal nagaimitar sang minima nga aso, mas masingkal kag mas makini kun kunsumuhon. “Maswerte gid ang banwa sang Maasin bangud nabugayan gid ini sang madamu nga mga kawayan. Sa pihak nga bahin, nagakinahanglan nga ini ang pasangkaron, amu ini ang rason kun ngaa padayon kita nga nagapangayo sang bulig sa DOST kag sa mga ahensya sang gobyerno nga pwede makabulig sa aton”. Sa likod ng mauswagon nga industriya sang kawayan sa Maasin, ang mga mangunguma. Pamatii ang hampak sang ila mga binangun kag batyagon ang tunok nga ila ginaantus paagi sa artikulo ni Connie Durana sa magazine nga Dimensions
Adelle Pacificar, duwa ka mga alumni sang West Visayas State University. Ini ang iban lang sang mga madamo nga tagasulat sang Kasingkasing nga organisasyon nga mga naka pablisar sang ila children’s books, nobela, sanaysay kag mga binalaybay nga pwede na makit-an ukon mabakal sa D’tops, Panublion Musuem, kag sa nagkalain-lain nga bookstores sa syudad sang Iloilo. Indi lang sa pagpablisar sang libro ang ila ginabuhat kundi nagabook-drive man kag nagapatukod ang organisasyon sang mga literary forums kung diin ginagaan ang tanan sang tsansa nga makapamangkot kag makahatag sang mga tips kung paano mas mapanami ang pagsulat. “Sa subong, nagahiwat kami sang mga small talks kung diin ginapakilala sang iban nga Ilonggo nga mga manunulat ang ila tagsa-tagsa ka mga kasulatan. Ang pinakabag-o namon nga aktibidad amo ang ‘Magsugilanonay Kita: 1st West Visayan Mother Tongue Children’s Books Summit’ nga ginhiwat sang Septyembre 25.” “Tani, maabot man ang tini-on kung sa diin tanan kita makatalupangod sang importansya sang pagpalangga sa kaugalingon nga tinaga kag katutubo nga mga kasulatan.” Mangkuton ta ka liwat: Ano ang ginabatyag mo subong? Nasadyahan ka bala? Nagahigugma ka bala? Nagakulo ang dugo mo sa kaakig? Nagatururagay ang imo luha sa kasubo? Ipautwas ang ginabatyag. Ipautwas ina tanan. Indi pagtagua kay hinali madayunan ka pa. Didto, hindi ka pa mahuy-an. Didto, hindi ka pa pagpabay-an.
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FORUM
n his passing on his way to Manila from Dapitan, Rizal had described in his notes a white city set in water, a nymph of galvanized iron, a modern creation, poetic in spirit of its iron uniform. Historical records, photographs and even paintings had, even then, described a colorful city, progressive and booming in its trade, cradling a civilization that shows promise and loyalty to beauty and the arts. Now, more than five centuries after Spaniards Mateo del Saz and Juan de la Isla had set foot in Panay to discover what will be named as the Queen City of the South in 1890, the “La Muy Leal Y Noble Ciudad de Iloilo” has remained the core not only of progressive economic growth but also of dedicated cultural preservation. The Downtown Central Business District In 2000, Regulation Ordinance No. 00-054 was approved creating the Iloilo City Cultural Heritage Conservation Council (ICCHCC) with the primary aim of declaring certain building structures or sites in Iloilo City as local heritage or legacy buildings, structures or sites prescribing its use and conservation. Former Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas summarized the efforts for cultural preservation in his message to the ICCHCC catalog, “Our cultural heritage sites will only be effectively conserved if the people comprehend its value; the motivation for conservation coming from the community itself.” For a decade, the council focused on in-depth planning for the project’s execution and in 2011, the conservation efforts intensified, initiating the reconstruction and restoration of several buildings in Downtown, Iloilo. Included in the twenty-five buildings subjected to preservation efforts are heritage structures at least 50 years old found in JM Basa and Iznart Streets. Jose Roni Peñalosa, coordinator,
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FEATURES
June-October 2015
Iloilo City v2.0: Where the past meets the present By Alyssa Jude M. Montalban & Riggs Zyrille G. Vergara Photos by gcm castro & cR monte
Physical Planning Office, Iloilo City shared, “We are aiming to improve Iloilo City’s face value not only for the recent APEC Ministerial Meetings, because in the long run, these improvements will benefit tourism and economic development.” One notable structure to have undergone reconstruction was the Elizalde building , a typical bahay na bato whose architectural wonder is observable in its sliding capiz shell windows and wrought iron ventanillas in floral design. But perhaps the most familiar of all is the Regent Arcade Building, built in 1927, manifesting detailed Corinthian architecture with female ornamental figures adorning the entrance. However, more than the preservation of these cultural wonders, the project also aims to promote economic stability with commercial establishment owners contributing and also benefitting from these restorations. Architect Rene Luis Mata, who is an expert on restoration and rehabilitation, discussed that adaptive re-use of
heritage structures is vital to strike in 1998, the City of Iloilo aimed a balance between business and to create a business hub for cultural preservation. multinational companies and largeIloilo Business District scale businesses. The then Midtown Before the Iloilo Business Business District project was meant District was conceived, a majority to be an avenue to bring a variety of of Iloilo City’s commerce is focused services and products to consumers on vibrant small to medium scale without threatening stable and small locally-owned businesses. From your scale business in Iloilo. In 2009, one-stop bazaar the project was to discount and implemented as White city set in thrift stores, the Iloilo Business water, a nymph of Iloilo’s local District. economy was a “We had galvanized iron, a colorful blend of gathered several modern creation, commercialism investors and and a sense of stakeholders and poetic in spirit of its familiarity that offered them iron uniform comes with time. the possibility of Dr. Jose Rizal investing in our The stores that have been existing in Downtown, city by giving them incentive of Iloilo, present for the past 50 or so opening up their business without years was Iloilo City’s symbol of the burden of taxes for a certain economic stability. length of time depending on several “However, we also want to open parameters so that they could the city’s doors to large scale business immediately start their operations,” opportunities and bring them to one said Mr. Peñalosa. place that can be accessed easily by The construction of the Iloilo its customers,” shared Mr. Peñalosa. Convention Center to host the To make this dream a reality, APEC ministerial meetings was
also an added attraction to investors. Inaugurated in September the P700 million structure can become a venue for meetings and conventions that will draw in more visitors and added business opportunities for the city. Glass Panels meet Capiz shells Rizal, in his passing from Dapitan to Manila had written, “The entrance to Iloilo is beautiful, the liveliness of the Escolta (which he meant Calle Real) pleased me.” Even then, the city, at first glance, exuded an aura of life, of beauty and of growth that could inspire, amuse and open its visitors and inhabitants alike to its endless wonders. The prosperous marvel of the city’s avant-garde structures welcomes us to the stimulating sensation of the present, all the while defying the abounding splendor of the cultural heritages sealed on almost every curve of the town. If Rizal could have written such poetic words in description of an entrance, what more could he have done if only he was able to step on the grounds of La Muy Leal Y Noble Ciuded de Iloilo?
THE PHILIPPINES AND HER CHILDREN’S WAR Filipinos’ Patriotic War fought 70 years ago By JOHN CARL T. ALONSAGAY
Filipino Guerillas having a victory parade in Calle Real in Iloilo City just after the liberation by American and Philipppine Commonwealth forces (images courtesy of the US Army 40th Division Photographs)
Amidst the standing memorials of heroes who fought with guns and their bare hands, most people in our generation are not aware of this fact: Our forefathers were once victorious in a patriotic war against the forces of the Japanese Empire.
World War II formally ended with the surrender of the Japanese Empire to the Allied Powers on September 2, 1945 on the American battleship USS Missouri. But the story of those thousands of Filipinos whose struggle was known in history
as one of the most successful resistance movement during the war was not told well. FOR THE MOTHERLAND The almost three-year Filipino guerrilla war against the Imperial forces of Japan began when dispersed bands of Filipino and American soldiers and civilians resolved to resist then continue the war in the mountains and in the ferocious jungles. It saw many of these bands merged into large guerrilla units. By late 1944, the guerrillas had gained control and had been
operating in 36 out of 48 of the Philippines’ provinces, and were supported practically by the entire population. Here in Panay, the guerrilla operations were considered as one of the best organized resistance unit during WWII. The most notable of its commanders is Col. Macario Peralta Jr. who patterned its organization to that of US armed forces’. Gov. Tomas Confesor was also well-known for continuing the commonwealth government in the hinterlands of Panay, (the City of Iloilo was occupied by the Japanese Forces at that time) resumed their operations by circulating guerrilla money, providing intelligence through US submarines landing occasionally in the coasts of Antique and taking control of the towns of Passi (now Passi City) and Dumarao (now part of Capiz). FREEDOM WITHOUT BENEFITS Only a few have known the success of the struggle of the people of Antique, Capiz and most especially of Iloilo during the war. Some have already died without
receiving the benefits they deserve. According to a 2010 data from the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), there are still 28,993 living WWII veterans and many of them are still underpaid of their benefits due to lack of funds. The PVAO also said that the Government still owes P17 billion to 83,346 beneficiaries, including living veterans, the surviving spouses of deceased veterans and other pensioners. LEGACY Yes, their contribution to what society is today cannot be repaid. But through education and introduction of WWII history to the generation today, the bloodshed will not be in vain. 75 years ago, United States President Truman sent a message to the Philippines, “The Filipino people are spiritually worthy of independence, they have won the war, their spurs as a nation.” Amidst the absence of statues of heroes whose names are not written in history books, may our forefathers’ hard-fought legacy be remembered.
18 I
The
ENVIRONMENT
June-October 2015
FORUM Bakhaw lalaki trees are among the most abundant species thriving in the community-built forest
Mangrove: Relive & Relief By Connie C. Durana Photos by Anne Franceine Jean B. Corillo
A small community north of Kalibo has been changing the way we see the approach on the mitigation of the global issue of environmental preservation. Bakhawan Eco-Park seems just like another tourist stopover in Kalibo. At most, it’s more like a segue if you’re too idle to hop in transit to the more popular spots like Boracay Island. For the locals, it’s just another getaway from the busy, monotonous life of work and school. But little are we reminded of its significance to the environmental and social scene. The eco-park named after the generic term used to denote a large family of mangroves lies in the New Buswang district of Kalibo, the largest and the capital
town of Aklan province. Once a wilderness and almost a wasteland off the shores of Kalibo, the 220-hectare park is a thriving mangrove forest of varying mangrove species. Transversing the forest is the So-oc River. To facilitate a hassle-free sightseeing within the ecopark, a one-kilometer trail with occasional rest stops was installed. Along the trail, one could fully experience the serenity of the mangrove forest. Lining the trail are varying ages of mangroves trees of different species. Some of our team’s sighting along the trail include nipa
(Nypa fruticans), tawalis (Osbornia octodonta), bakhaw lalaki (Rhizophora apiculata), and bakhaw bato (Rhizophora stylosa). By the end of the trail, the uplifting vew of Aklan River delta will greet travellers. Just across the natural shore is a sandbar that could be reached by renting kayaks or if you’re brave enough you could try renting a balsa for a more adventurous take on the experience. The eco-park is not only a showcase of verdant flora but also of flourishing fauna. With Php 200.00, you would be able to see the actual harvesting of tamilok (woodworm) that you could save for consumption later. Also, the eco-park houses prawn, milkfish and pla-pla cultures which you could feed yourself. While ambling through the trail, be aware that just below you are little crawling creatures, which get yummy when mature. These mud crabs are also cultured here and they get to have a hefty price in the market. Meanwhile, these offerings are not just for show. They are also a source of livelihood for the local community that supports the maintenance and growth of the mangrove forest. Sprout and About
Formerly a vast mudflat, the idea of planting and conserving mangroves in the
area sprouted way back in the 80’s and finally realized in 1990. The project grew with the support of the local community. The locals constituting the people’s organization KASAMA are the ones nursing the mangrove seedlings and replanting them when the right time arrives. It also received generous support from the Uswag Foundation and the national government through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Due to the success and growth of the project, the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization merited the mangrove forest as one of the exemplary forest managed in whole of Asia and the Pacific. The Bakhawan EcoPark is now known as the most successful mangroveplanting project in the Philippines. It lays down an example of its kind to community-developed conservation projects. The structure of how this project developed is based on the foundation that local communities have a strong link in the correct stewardship and fostering of the natural environment. What these local communities need is empowerment to act and the adequate information to take these actions effectively.
The Mangrove Concept
The Philippines being a tropical country lodged strategically between 25˚N and 25˚S latitudes offer an optimum environment for the growth of various species. In actuality, Philippines ranks 15th in the world with the largest area covered with mangrove forest. In spite of this, the Philippines had already lost 70% of its natural mangrove forests. While it is common knowledge that depletion of forests around the world has been a issue concerning global warming and climate change, the rate of how fast mangrove forests are depleted in developing countries such as the Philippines is alarming. In a global scale, we are losing 1% to 2% of these forests annually. However, the figure mostly applies to developing countries and it is projected to rise in coming years. In a country whose shorelines are treasured pieces of its national identity, protecting the mangrove forests should never have been an option. These mangrove forests are silent inundation control system of our shorelines protecting us from floods, storm, wave damage, and erosion. In their distinctive roots are shelters of fingerlings of valuable marine life waiting to mature and swim in the high seas. They are the abode fostering molluscs and
crustaceans whose market value could help local households keep up with the fluctuating economy. Mangroves are resilient groups of plants that could withstand high salinity, high temperature, extreme tides, high sedimentation and muddy anaerobic soils. In the Philippines, many efforts to replant the lost glory of mangrove forest were put in vain due to high post-planting mortality rates. This is due mainly to inadequate information which cannot cover the complex circumstances of mangrove ecology. Double Take
Bakhawan Eco-Park is an example of fringe mangrove forest which envelops the areas along the edges of bodies of water like bays and estuaries. While it is a highly protected and controlled mangrove forest, others of its kind are threatened not only by the deteriorating effects of climate change but also because of the continual anthropogenic or human-caused damages. The most threatening of these activities are the conversion of mangrove forests to aquaculture ponds. The fact that we are living in a country that prides itself having high species diversity, we should also take pride in conserving this wealth. It’s just that the Bakhawan Eco-Park community is one step ahead of the game.
The
FORUM
I 19
NEWS
HERF credits WVSU-ECHC faculty research paper
June-October 2015
WVSU-ECHC celebrates decade of excellence
By ARIANE JOY V. GARGANIAN, Correspondent, Himamaylan Campus
By ARIANE JOY V. GARGANIAN, Correspondent, Himamaylan Campus
SEASONED RESEARCHER. Java was all smiles as he received the award for Best Research Paper for his gender sensitivityoriented graduate thesis in the International HERF. Ariane Joy V. Garganian John Rey B. Java, a faculty member of West Visayas State University - Extension Campus at Himamaylan City (WVSU-ECHC), was conferred the award for Best Research Paper under the social sciences category during the International Higher Education Research Forum (HERF), August 19 to 20 with the theme “Research in Higher Education: Confronting the Now, Creating the Future.” The seven founding members of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges - National Capital Region (PASUC-NCR) Research Consortium, now known as the Philippine Higher Education Research Consortium, organized the
From COM dean...
From Camiña...
42 medical schools and our task is to advance the causes as well as to respond to the problem besetting medical education in the country. It is a body that oversees the performance and updating of medical schools
Camiña Balay Nga Bato Isang siglo at 55 taon na ang nakalipas nang naitayo ang isang mansyon na nagbibigay ng kasiyahan sa mga kabatan sa kasalukuyan. Ito’y isang ebidensya ng kahangahangang paglikot ng imahenasyon ng tao. Isa itong produkto ng imahenasyon na naipatupad upang maging isang realidad ni Don Fernando Avanceña, ang unang kura-paroko ng bayan noong 1865. Nakuha ang inspirasyon ng paggawa nito sa isang bahay kubo na mayroon 24 na poste. Bawat poste ay nangangahulugan ng estado ng kayamanan ng isang may-ari. Kamakailan lang ng ito’y unang nabuksan sa publiko mula sa suhestyon ng kaibigan. Maganda itong lugar sa mga taong gustong
Amidst years of threats from destabilization, West Visayas State University Extension Campus at Himamaylan City celebrated her first 10 years of prospering existence last July 22, 2015 with the theme: “WVSUECHC: Committed in Transforming Lives and Communities…10 years and Beyond.” The event was started with a thanksgiving mass and a caravan from Himamaylan City to neighboring towns. Fiesta sa West was also held wherein both students and teachers revel in BBQ party and prizes from fun games and raffles sponsored by Globe Telecommunications. “I really enjoyed the program, especially, the sugba-sugba during lunch despite the heat of the sun. The students were evidently very happy with the prizes they received. This year is indeed amazing!” shared by Emie Rose L. Boliver, CSC Councilor. In addition, WVSU benefactors: Dr. Bobby D. Gerardo, VP for Administration & Finance and Dr. Luis M. Sorrolla Jr., WVSU president attended the celebration showing their full support to WVSUHimamaylan through their inspiring messages during the solidarity and awards night. “I have faith in the
leadership of Dr. Genesis G. Camarista in bringing WVSU-ECHC to the highest heights. Let our dreams be bigger than our fears,” said Dr. Sorrolla during his speech. Honorable Agustin Ernesto G. Bascon, Himamaylan city mayor, Hon. Carminia G. Bascon, Himamaylan City vice mayor, along with Hon. Emilio L. Yulo III, former board member of 5th District of Province of Negros Occidental supported the event. “I am fighting for the students. I am fighting for the security of tenure for the teachers,” Mayor Bascon said when he mentioned about the status of the school. The school administration also awarded the pioneer faculty and staff: Mrs. Ineeh W. Bana-ag, Mrs. Salvacion A. De Asis, Dr. Virgie P. Tan, Mr. Randy I. Calvo, Mrs. Jennilyn G. Evaristo, and Mr. Jose G. Tuhao as a recognition for their persistent service and dedication since the school was established in 2006. Alumni representatives John Rey Elamparo, Ralyn Mapa, and Marjohn Tamona, school heads in their respective districts, also graced the event with their presence and testimonies shared on how WVSUECHC transformed their lives.
forum at the Century Park Hotel in Malate, Manila. The forum was hosted by the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, co-hosted by the Philippine Normal University. Out of roughly 350 delegates who attended the forum and presented their research papers, top 10 presenters were selected. Their research papers revolved on subject matters of the social sciences such as philosophy, government, politics, the humanities, and sociology. “I felt fulfilled when I was announced as one of the top 10 research presenters, and I felt so blessed when I became the recipient of the 2015 HERF Best Research Paper award in the social science category,” said Java.
Java’s study, titled “Gendered Illustrations in Philippine Textbooks”, was his graduate thesis in the University of the Philippines in the Visayas (UPV). “I had presented research papers in various international conferences. But this one is totally different. I was informed by the awards committee that I was one of the finalists for Best Research Paper in the social science category. So I made a lot of preparations since I will not only present my study but I will be competing for Best Research Paper. It took me more than a month to proofread and review my full paper, since it embodies 80% of the criteria, with the remaining 20% from oral
presentation,” said Java. His paper aimed to examine the portrayal of both sexes in different categories of human activities in Philippine textbooks, specifically, in the first grade. It examined how these “gendered illustrations” influenced the children on their concept of gender norms. “With the experience I had, I must agree with what my UP professor once told me, ‘Research presentation in conferences is a good avenue to establish your worth in the research community. Seasoned researchers are polished with this process.’ I am honestly excited to see my paper published in the Asia Pacific Higher Education Research Journal in 2016,” Java added.
especially if we get to have the new directives or new memorandum orders from the Professional Regulation Commission, Commission on Higher Education or Department of Health,” Dr. Villaruz said on his role
as APMC president. The COM dean also revealed that as the new APMC president, his flagship program is focused on coming up with an APMC journal intended to assist the 42 member
schools to transform their curricula into an outcomebased education alongside the intensive preparations for APMC’s 50th year. Dr. Villaruz, who became the first alumnus dean of the college in
January 2010 took up his Bachelor of Science in Biology in the University of the Philippines in the Visayas in 1987 before completing his Doctor of Medicine degree in WVSU in 1991.
Before being elected as president, Dr. Villaruz served as the association’s vice president for Fiscal Year 2014 to 2015 and was preceded by Dr. Alberto B. Roxas of the University of the Philippines Manila.
mapawi ang kanilang uhaw sa kasaysayan. Mula sa pribadong bahay ng ika-4 na henerasyon ng pamilya, napagdesisyonan nilang buksan ito sa publiko. Sa ganitong paraan, maibabahagi nila ang parte ng kanilang buhay sa bawat yapak na nagmarka sa kanilang pamamahay. Unang pahina ng Kasaysayan Mula sa katanungan, ang pamamahay ng Melocoton-Avanceña clan ay sumasalubong sa tagadayo kasama ang iba’t-ibang uri ng hablon. Sa pagpasok sa loob ng pamamahay, iyong mahihinuha ang melancholic mood na nagmumula sa isang pianong napaglipasan na ng panahon habang sumasabay sa pag-ihip ng hangin ang malaking pinto na yari sa kahoy. Tila ginigising
nito ang iyong katawang lupa subalit ang pagtingin sa mga antigong bagay ay nagbibigay ng di pangkaraniwang ligaya at pagpapahinga ng damdamin. Naimungkahi ni Luth Camiña, ika-apat na henerasyong may-ari na ang swerte ng pamamahay ay nagmumula sa paghahabi. Ang paghahabing tradisyon ng pamilya ay naipasa sa sumunod na mga henerasyon. Lola Rufina Heritage Curio Shop Maaari itong maihambing sa silid-aklatan— nagbibigay ng karagdagang kwento maging sa ihip ng hangin. Lahat na matatgpuan sa loob ay mayroong nakakubling kasaysayan. Mas kilala bilang silong ng bahay, pinasadya itong mataas mula sa palapag upang maiwasan ang pagbaha. Maraming
nakakabit na mga antigong palamuti na nagbibigay ng karagdagang kagandahan sa gawa sa batong dingding. Chocolateras, baterol, sinamak, tablea, hinabing bags at tsinelas na gawa sa abaka ay iilan lamang sa mga lokal na bagay na patuloy pa ring ginagamit sa kasalukuyan. Kung souvenir ang hanap mo, dito matatagpuan ang mga kailangan bago mo simulan ang tour sa loob ng boong mansyon. Agaw pansin rin ang mga antigong santo na nangangahulugan lamang ang pagiging maka-Diyos ng mga Ilonggo maging noong unang panahon. Escalera Sa kadahilanan ng pagsagawa ng bahay hango sa isang bahay kubo nating mga Pilipino, matatagpuan ang malaking hagdan
papunta sa hapag-kainan. Kinakailangan nito ng tibay ng baga sapagkat ang pagakyat doon ay katumbas sa pag-akyat ng isang maliit na punong kahoy. Hindi na bago kapag hinihingal ka papuntang itaas ngunit mayroong sekreto sa mas madaling pag-akyat. Kagaya ng donya noong unang panahon, kinakailangang umakyat ng patagilid sa hagdan upang mabilis na marating ang ikalawang palapag ng bahay. Doon matatgpuan ang hapag kainan, silid-tulogan at oratoryo na kung saan sinasagawa ang pagrorosaryo. Ang mataas na hagdan ay para rin sa mahirap na pagpasok ng mga magnanakaw. Tsokolate de batirol Sa Php 150 na entrance fee mayroon ka ng dalawang tasang tablea at kinihad, isa itong tinapay na paboritong
ipares sa mainit na kape o tsokolate ng mga Ilonggo. Ang aroma ng tsokolate ay nananatili sa iyong sistema habang naglalakad ang iyong mga mata sa bintanang gawa sa kabibe ng Capiz. Ito’y mainam na pantapat sa kahit anong uri ng panahon. Makukuha mo rin ang karagdagang enerhiya mula sa bottomless calamansi juice sa halagang Php 35 lamang. Maaari ring magdiwang ng pormal na selebrasyon sa pamamagitan ng buffet (minimum of 10 pax) sa halagang Php 500 sa bawat tao. Sa panahong ito, maaari niyo nang isara ang GPS ng inyong smartphones at bigyan ng hatol ang halaga ng lugar hindi lamang sa pamamagitan ng litrato kundi maging sa isinisigaw ng inyong mga puso.
20 I
The
NEWS
June-October 2015
FORUM
FD journos make “I’m Ms. Iloilo City 2015, proud to be Ilonggo!” – Libo-on waves in PIA tilt
By Riggs Zyrille G. Vergara
For um-Dimensions was at the pedestal again as six staffers garnered awards in the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Region VI Campus Journalism Seminar Workshop held at the Sarabia Manor Hotel, July 29-31. Paula Floriz Acelar, a BS Biology student, was called out both as the Most Promising Feature and Column Writer. Jerome Gabriel Aguilar, a BA Journalism freshman, was also awarded as another Most Promising Column Writer. In sports writing, Angelie Kaye Diputado of BS Development Communication and
Parvane Mae Lagon of BS Nursing proved to be par excellence, which led them to become the most promising writers of the said category. Along with John Carl Alonsagay of BSEd Major in English and Joe Renz Catalan of BA Broadcasting, the pool of writers clinched an Honorable Mention for Outstanding Page Design. The seminar-workshop conducted by PIA did not only include the basic courses of journalism but also some additional topics of discussion such as development communication, gender development, digital journalism, and geological hazards.
Univ EDC write shop highlights success stories By JOHN CARL T. ALONSAGAY
There is a lot of interesting stories to tell in the 18th Extension-in-house review and success story writeshop launched by the WVSU University Extension and Development Center (UEDC) last July 8-11, 2015 at the Iloilo Midtown Hotel, Iloilo City. Fe Seta D. Enconto of the
UEDC said that here are 59 participants who registered after the announcement of the event. Participants are mostly college professors, teachers, nurses and civil employees. Prof. Hazel P. Villa, from the WVSU College of Education served as the resource speaker of the event.
Mr. Arts and Sciences 2014 did it last year; this year, it’s Ms. Arts and Sciences 2015 who reigned in the Mr. and Ms. Iloilo City pageant. Anna Andrea Libo-on, Ms. WVSU 2015 first runnerup and Ms. Arts and Sciences 2015 titlist, was crowned Ms. Iloilo City 2015 at Robinson’s Place Iloilo, August 22, making her the second TagaWest and Taga-CAS to come out victorious in the prestigious pageant, Marlon Balberona being Mr. Iloilo City 2014. Libo-on, currently a BS Biology senior of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), when asked for a message for all Ilonggo teenagers as Miss Iloilo 2015, said, “Try to do things beyond your comfort
zone, things that could help you improve yourself. Never stop exploring the city of love!” On the same occasion, two Taga-West gentlemen who vied for the title of Mr. Iloilo AMIO City 2015 were able to qualify for the competition’s final round. Jonel Amio from CAS and Jean Perri Gambol from the Institute of Information and Communications Technology (IICT) garnered the first runner-up and second runner-up titles, respectively. “I treasure the experience more than the achievement,”
says Amio, an AB Political Science student of CAS and the Circulation and Exchange Manager of ForumDimensions. Gambol, an Information Technology student, said, “I decided to join the pageant because I wanted to boost my confidence and prepare myself
for even bigger pageants in the future.” Two other students from WVSU also made it in the Mr. and Ms. Iloilo City semi-finals, namely Abelard Bartolome from WVSU Pototan Campus and Yvonne Abido from the College of PESCAR (COP).
“We started building the Roxas Hall annex building on April 21 this year, and it will take an estimated 420 calendar days to achieve completion. The construction of the academic building of COE, which we started this August, will be completed in a span of 350 days,” Engr. Gina Pañares, head architect of the Physical Planning Office (PPO) said. According to Pañares, the duration of the construction of the two buildings may be extended in events of particular painstaking processes on site. Prior adjustments such
as the closing of the gate near Iloilo Sports Complex and the demolition of the COM canteen also had to be imposed. The three-storey academic building will consist of classrooms, laboratories, and audio-visual rooms. The College of Medicine annex building located at the left wing of the Roxas Hall, to stand on the previous site of the PSWF, will include an animal house, a human dissection room, a 420-seater auditorium, a multi-purpose roof deck, and laboratories for skills and research.
By Jerome Gabriel Aguilar & Francis Cedie Palao
With the construction of the Roxas Hall annex building and the three-storey academic building to house the new breed of College of Medicine (COM) and College of Education (COE) students in generations to come, several adjustments had to be made. With the Panrehiyong Sentro ng Wikang Filipino (PSWF) building demolished for the construction of the Roxas Hall annex building, the Filipino Department faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) had to transfer to a room in the first floor of the
Institute of Information and Communications Technology (IICT) building. On the same occasion, since the proposed academic building for the COE students will be put up in Gabaldon Building, the site of the Integrated Laboratory School (ILS), several elementary and high school classes of ILS had to occupy the classrooms of the Ramon Magsaysay Building, the former building of COE. The two projects - the Roxas Hall annex and the academic building for COE students - are scheduled to finish next year.
By Francis Cedie f. Palao
Administration students shall be supplemented with sufficient knowledge outside the four walls of the classroom. JAMS has an entire year of activities specifically for the course Merkado 2, on which every BSBA class is required to put up stalls and kiosks at the College of Business and Management (CBM) grounds during every CBM or university event. Requirements for Merkado 2 included proposed
GAMBOL
Building constructions cause adjustments
JAMS sponsors Merkado sa CBM To enhance the future entrepreneurs’ and bosses’ ability in innovation and other skills in business and management, the Junior Administrators and Managers Society ( JAMS), the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) students’ organization, spearheaded the opening of Merkado sa CBM, July 15. According to JAMS, by initiating and conducting activities like this, Business
LIBO-ON
Carmela Paredes
By CARMELA V. PAREDES & marjoe renz dominic p. deita
product/service, workforce plan, and budget plan before putting up the business and financial reports to be submitted at the end of each event. On the other hand, Merkado 1 is a course requirement, initiated by assigned sections every day to sell goods at any time the opportunity arises, adjusting to the time of their classes. At the end of each semester, they are required to submit their
financial reports to assess the students’ capability in formal business. “This activity will help the students seek for opportunities and enhance their skills in accounting and marketing since they are given the leeway to experience running a business. In addition, they will also learn how to manage their time; time management is very important,” said JAMS chairperson, Sheina Jane Colago.
ENTREPRENEURS IN THE MAKING. Customers are flashing contentment in their faces as they purchase goods from CBM’s “future entrepreneurs” in the Merkado sa CBM. Junior Administrators and Managers Society
From ISO...
From Daejin Prexy...
From APEC...
meetings and consultations were done to make sure that everyone will be empowered and informed on what to do,” she said. University faculty and staff assigned as internal quality auditors were key during the ISO visit, along with the deans and directors of each college and the heads of the units of support services. possible, Baluran stressed that the university has been internationally identified as a leading academic performer. Some international partners like Daejin University contacted the office directly for collaboration. “Our current international linkages are highly indicative of Dr. Sorolla’s strong leadership of Diplomacy at the Richmonde Hotel, August 20 to 22. “Looks like you had extensive trainings. You’re not only very good but an excellent breed,” said Ambassador Ma. Angelina Sta. Catalina, Deputy Director General for APEC
“They were really trained to do it,” Dr. Belarga commented about the audit team who came to the event. The first phase of the certification audit conducted on July 29 involved the examination of institutional documents, whether or not they are beneficial to the student body. and vision for the university. With his support the faculty, staff, and students will soon enjoy more benefits brought about by these linkages and internationalization,” she added. Lee was accompanied by three professors from Daejin, namely Dr. Jungjal Lee, Dr. Gibong Yun, and Dr. Byungsoo Kang. CMS on the conduct of WVSU delegates. Held at the Iloilo Convention Center (ICon), the hosted meetings included Small and Medium Enterprises, Senior Disaster Management Officers Forum, and Food Security and Blue Economy.
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Lakan at Mutya ng Wika, kinilala Ni ANGELIE KAYE DIPUTADO
Lakan at Mutya ng Wika, Agosto 26 sa WVSU Cultural Center. Naging usap-usapan ang di pagkakaintindihan sa pag-anunsyo ng resulta kung saan naunang kinoronahan
si Aguilar bilang Mutya ng Hiligaynon o Ikatlong Pwesto subalit agad din naman itong binawi upang ibigay sa kalahok mula sa Kolehiyo ng Narsing na si Hedda Mae Dariangan.
Kinilala ring Lakan at Mutya ng Filipino sa ikalawang pwesto sina Kim Michael Sorongon ng Kolehiyo ng Edukasyon at Charmaine Pasco ng Kolehiyo ng PESCAR, habang kapwa namang Lakan ng Hiligaynon sina Paolo Guisado ng Kolehiyo ng Narsing at Ian Josef Pretta ng Kolehiyo ng Agham at Sining ang titulong Lakan ng Hiligaynon; si Dariangan ang idineklarang Mutya ng Hiligaynon. “May mga bagay talaga na hindi naiwasan noong araw ng patimpalak, gaya nga ng kaunting di pagkakaintindihan sa resulta dahil lahat halos ng mga kalahok at magagaling at karapat-dapat sa titulo,”ani Chris John Billones, tagapagbalita ng Samahan ng mga Mag-aaral sa Filipino (SaMagFil).
kagamitan para sa kanilang incubation program na tutulong sa tiyak paglago at pag-unlad ng mga negosyong tila naka-”incubate” dito upang mahasa at mapabilang sa mga nangungunang negosyo sa kani-kanilang mga larangan. Kasama sa mga pasilidad ng gusali ay ang office space, silid-pulungan, GTBI Executive Lounge, laboratoryo, computer services at cafeteria. Dagdag pa rito, hinihikayat din ng proyektong ito ang paglikha at pagpapalago ng mas marami pang makabagong produkto mula sa mga halaman at iba pang natural na mga sangkap, bioinformatics at naka-base sa teknolohiya at iba pang kumpanyang nakasentro sa Information and
Communications Technology (ICT) sa Kanlurang Visayas. Ang GTBI ay makakaapekto rin sa pagbabago ng ekonomiya na magdudulot ng pagkakahatihati ng mga gawaing rural at magbubunga ng iba’tibang oportunidad sa rural productive employment. Kabilang sa mga serbisyong kanilang ibinibigay ay ang: pagpapanatili ng seguridad, sama-samang pagpupulong at pagsasanay, mabilis na internet connection, gabay sa pagtatayo ng negosyo, support services, business/professional/ technical consultancy services, mentoring and coaching, technology forecasting and matching, laboratory and production, R&D funding assistance and other financing assistance at technology
transfer assistance. Ang proyektong ito ay nagbibigay prayoridad sa mga nakapagtapos sa WVSU at iba pang institusyon ng mataas na edukasyon, innovators, technicians, kasama ang iba pang nagsisimula pa lang sa pagnenegosyo partikular na ang mga SMEs. Ang nasabing proyekto ay naisakatuparan sa ilalim ng administrasyon nina Dr. Pablo E. Subong at Dr. Luis M. Sorolla, Jr., Presidente ng WVSU, Dr. Gerard L. Penecilla, GTBI Project Leader, Dr. Joel T. De Castro, Direktor ng IICT, Bb. Russell M. Pili, Chief STTD, PCIEERD; G. Abelardo F. Valdez, Department Manager TACD TUCSG, TRMCs. at Bb. Cheryl L. Ortega, Dev. Mgt. Officer III, TRC.
MGA BINIBINI AT GINOO NG WIKA. Hindi lang kariktan, talento, at katalinuhan ang ipinamalas ng mga kalahok ng Lakan at Mutya ng Wika kundi pati pagpapahalaga sa wikang pambansa at sa wikang Hiligaynon. Gabrielle Chelsie Marie c. Castro Sa kabila ng kaunting kalituhan, taas-noo pa ring nasungkit ni Aura Pauline Aguilar ng Kolehiyo ng Agham at Sining at ni Marte Jun L. Granada ng Kolehiyo ng PESCAR ang titulong
GTBI, sanayan ng negosyo at pangkabuhayan Ni ANGELIE KAYE A. DIPUTADO
Sa layuning makapagbigay ng mas epektibong kasanayan para sa komersyo at mga makabagong kabuhayan sa unang bahagi ng pagunlad at pagpapayaman, tulong-tulong na itinatag ng Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Engineering Technology, Research and Development, Technology Research Center, Commission on Higher Education at West Visayas State University (WVSU) ang Green Technology Business Incubator Project na pinasinayaan noong ika-21 ng Enero sa GTBI Building, WVSU. Ang gusali ng GTBI na itinayo sa likurang bahagi ng WVSU ay may mga modernong pasilidad at mga
2 mag-aaral tagumpay sa SMC Ni EDELAINE ELLENSON QUEEN G. ENCARGUEZ
Nasungkit nina Reynaldo Umalay Jr. ang unang gantimpala sa patimpalak na Comics and Cartooning at Joseph Bernard Marzan ang ikalawang gantimpala sa News Writing sa Student Media Congress (SMC) noong October 16-19 sa De La Salle University (DLSU), Manila. Sa temang “Experiencing Media Dynamics”, dinaluhan ng mga delegasyon mula sa iba’t-ibang sulok ng bansa ikatlong taon ng mga patimpalak at pagtatagisan ng talento sa pamamahayag na may layuning palaganapin ang
kapangyarihan ng media sa ating lipunan. Inimbitahan ang mga dalubhasa sa iba’t-ibang larangan tulad ng print, broadcast at new media bilang mga panauhing pandangal sa nasabing pagtitipon. May kabuuang limang plenary talks, 13 competing at 52 noncompeting workshops ang nakaraang SMC. Ang SMC ay taunang inilulunsad ng DLSU Student Media Office, DLSU Culture and the Arts Office at De La Salle-College of St. Benilde’s Publications Office.
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BALITA
June-October 2015
Logorrhea Anne Franceine Jean B. Corillo
Five point zero SINGKO. Gindala ako sang akon mga dapa-dapa sa ining unibersidad nga may dako nga paglaom nga mangin isa ka nars sa pila ka adlaw. Ugaling akon man nabinagbinag nga ang kabuhi sa sulod sang unibersidad wala lang nagapalibot sa kung diin ka naghalin nga kolehiyo. Pilit ka man nga ginaguyod sang realidad nga makiapid sa mga hitabo gamay man ini ukon dako. Kung isa ka sa mga wala labot sa imo palibot mahimo nga indi mo maintiendihan ang akon punto hasta sa pinakaulihi sini nga tinaga. Madamo sa aton ang nangin matalaw— matalaw sa isa ka numero nga abi nya sampat na para ipakanubo ang kaugalingon. Huo, nagalaom kita sang mataas nga grado apang ang kaayuhan amat amat naman nga naalimunaw. Kasami nya hambalan sang indi manami nga tinaga ang mga tawo sa aton palibot kapin pa kung manubo gid ini sa iya panulukan. Kasami nya nga sulit suliton ang ila sala agudto ipaambit nga mas maayo sya sa ila. Kasami nya nga mangbuno sang mga tinaga nga indi naman kinahanglan ipagwa. Masami na nya nga gakasal-an ang disiplina nga isa ka ispading nga ginapatupa sa iya isig kapareho. Ang titulo nga iya naagom amat-amat nga ginatabunan ang ti-on sang sya pa lang nagaumpisa. Madumduman mo pa
bala ang ti-on sang ikaw ang nagapamangkot? Ang ti-on nga halog pa ang imo baul sang kinaadman? Nangin maalam ka bala insigida? Ngaa nangin matinaas-taason ka? Ang aton pagtinir sa sulod sang unibersidad nagadepende sa tagsa ka diskarte. Ngaa mahadlok ka madagpa kung amo man lang ina ang mangin rason sang imo tayuyon nga panglakaton? Wala ko nabatyagan si singko pero bal-an ko nga indi man grado ang nagatakos sang imo kaugalingon kundi ang kaayuhan sang imo tagipusuon. Siling sang iban kinahanglan ta butungon ang kaugalingon agudto mahatagan rason nga mag untat ang nagakwestyon sang aton abilidad. Ngaa kinahanglan ta mangin daw angay sang preso sa ina nga utok? Ngaa kinahanglan ta mangin daw angay sang lasang sa mga pagtakos sang mga tawo nga nagaangkon sang tanan nga ihibalo kung daw dapaw man ang pagtrato sa ila isig kapareho? Dulaa ang lapyo nga nabatyagan sang tagipusuon. Indi na kinahanglan mag abot sa ti-on nga ipabugal mo ang kaugalingon. Ipakita ang husto nga abilidad hinali nga gin takpan na sang ila pagkapropesyonal ang husto nga paginawi kag hinali nalimtan naman nila kung paano mangin tawo.
“Laging nakaagapay ang ating mga health centers upang bigyan ang mga bata ng libreng bakuna. Mas mainam pa rin ang magkaroon ng bakuna kaysa malalang sakit,” ani Reyes. Adhikain rin ng programa na gawing community-based ang bakunang HPV para sa 9-13 taon sa lalawigan ng Iloilo at Negros Occidental. Ang pagpupulong ay nilahukan ng mga mag-aaral mula St. Paul University-Iloilo, Central Philippine University, West Visayas State University, at University of San Agustin gayundin ng mga kintawan ng Panay News, News Express,
Philippine News Agency, RMN, Bombo Radyo, ABS-CBN, at Philippine Information Agency.
Kampanya sa pagbabakuna pinagtibay ng DOH
Ni EDELAINE ELLENSON QUEEN G. ENCARGUEZ
Upang lubusang maunawaan ang kahalagahan ng pagbabakuna, nagtipon-tipon ang ilang sangay ng media at mga mamamahayag-pangkampus sa buwanang pagpupulong angkop sa mga isyung pangkalusugan ng Department of Health (DOH), Agosto 10 sa Iloilo Midtown Hotel. Sa temang “Bakunang Tuloy-tuloy para sa Malusog na Batang Pinoy”, inilunsad ng DOH ang 2015 School-Based Immunization Program sa buong buwan ng Agosto. Ang programa ay angkop sa mga mag-aaral ng Grade 1 and Grade 7 sa mga paaralang pampubliko bilang pagtugon sa mga nakakahawang sakit na karaniwang nakukuha ng mga kabataan na hindi
nababakunahan. Mayroong 189,496 magaaral ng unang baitang at 148,248 mag-aaral ng ikapitong baitang sa buong rehiyon ang makakatanggap ng benepisyong ito. Iilan sa mga sakit na nais sugpuin ng bakuna ay ang tetanus, diphtheria, Bacille Calmette Guerin o BCG, Hepa B, polio/ inactivated polio, Pneumococcal Conjugate, measles, mumps, at rubella na isasagawa ng mga health workers at volunteers na sinanay ng kagawaran Ayon kay Dr. Renilyn Reyes, Medical Officer II ng Department of Health Regional Office 6, ang mga magulang ng mga kabataan ay may pananagutan sa pagpapanatili sa malusog nilang pangangatawan.
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June-October 2015
ENTERTAINMENT
Book Reviews Reviews by RIGGS ZYRILLE G. VERGARA, Connie C. Durana & MARK ANTHONY J. SICAD
Matched by Ally Condie When Cassia Reyes turned 17, she has to face one of the life-turning ceremonies held in the Society – to be “matched” with another guy selected by the authorities of the Society themselves. She becomes matched with her best friend, Xander Carrow. But when Cassia looks up the following information about her match, a picture of another guy came up – Ky Markham, an exile in the Society. The authorities tell her it’s a blip, a rare glitch. And that their matching algorithm is accurate, that she and Xander will lead a happy life together. But Cassia suddenly finds herself falling in love with Ky, and all the while contemplating if the Society is truly what it seems to be. In a world where your every movement is dictated by a set of authorities, Cassia is stuck between choosing the life she has known and taking a path she truly wants but no one else has dared to follow. Ally Condie’s first installment of the trilogy is a classic dystopian story that teaches us the value of every choice we make and how it affects each aspect of our life. The absorbing page-turner is not just a struggling love-triangle tale that will touch your heart but is also a compelling novel that tackles about the limits of personal freedom and government control. Condie’s way of writing will leave you yearning for the second and third book, as it features twist and turns that you did not anticipate.
Another Day by David Levithan If there’s one thing Rhiannon knows for sure, it’s that she has accepted her life, both the good and the bad. She even fools herself into thinking that she deserves her boyfriend, Justin, for all that he is and, most especially, for all that he is not. She has learned to live in a delicate bubble. A bubble that would burst with just one wrong move. The bubble eventually bursts when, one morning, Justin seemed different. Romantic, sensitive, and overwhelmingly easy to be with. A world away from the Justin she is used to. Together at the beach, Rhiannon and Justin had the perfect day. Or so she thought. Another Day is the much awaited companion of the highly acclaimed novel Every Day. David Levithan hasn’t lost his magical touch in telling Rhiannon’s side of the story. He poured into one novel all the things that make love and teenage life difficult and exciting. From exploring the puzzle of not knowing where one belongs to making the ultimate sacrifice for love. If you loved Every Day, you will surely love this book. More importantly, you will grow to love Rhiannon the way you love A. This book is a must read for all who want to feel in love or for those who want to remember the feeling of a love lost.
I Wrote This for You
by Pleasefindthis
Far from a novel, I Wrote This for You is a collection of both evocative and beautiful words and photography. Divided into four different chapters (Sun, Moon, Stars, and Rain), I Wrote This for You focuses on a different facet of life, love, loss, beginnings, and endings. Filled with emotions of all sorts, this book is a perfect read for any teenager looking for “hugot” quotes. If you’re looking for something to post on Facebook, tweet, or simply want to immerse yourself in beautiful relatable words, this book is for you.
Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell A love story to last a lifetime, Eleanor and Park tells the story of Eleanor, red hair, fat, poor, and boring Eleanor, and Park, cute, charming, and rich Park. Together, these two make the most unlikely couple. It all started when they became seatmates in the school bus. From awkward silences to comfortable silences to exchange of comic books that eventually led into love. It was a perfect relationship. There’s just one thing that’s wrong: Eleanor’s family. This book revolves around the concept of first love and how it can change a person at such a young age. A far cry from the usual teenage romantic novels which usually ends in a much expected way, this novel would take you to an emotional journey you won’t see coming. From love found to love lost to hoping that things will get back the way they used to be, this book will prove to you that you really can’t forget your first love.
Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly Music is Andi’s only escape after her family shattered in one fateful incident. With her mother still sulking in the darkness of the past and her father moving on too fast, Andi is left with herself and her music. In agreement with her father, she travels to Paris, a city of dreary past and unquiet ghosts. There she finds a centuries-old diary of Alexandrine. As Andi tries to unravel the secrets of the diary, it was her who became tangled in the dark truths of its history. Revolution is Donnelly’s take in both contemporary and historical fiction in one title. Follow Andi’s Parisian tour of partying in the catacombs, meeting strange librarians in old libraries, and jamming with French musicians turned taxi drivers. Revolution, with its unfolding of French Revolution era Paris, is packed with historical bits without needing a history geek nearby.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon Christopher Boone has Asperger’s Syndrome. At age 15, he loves mathematics as much as he hates talking to fellow humans. When he found his neighbor’s dog cold and dead, Christopher found himself breaking every rule of his life to find out the murderer. It turns out the dead dog is just the beginning of the many mysteries of his life and knowing all the answers is just as terrifying as eating yellow and brown food which he hates so much. Mark Haddon’s The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time is a murder mystery novel of incomparable novelty. The peculiarity of Christopher’s character is both hilarious and heartbreaking. The novel, narrated by Christopher himself, offers a glimpse of a deranged yet innocent mind. The book itself is a cross between children’s book fun and coming-of-age drama.
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COMICS By MARK ANDREW P. ITURIAGA & JOE RENZ T. CATALAN
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Inocencia’s Flying Heels:
The unrecognized feat of the fastest woman in Asia By RODELO G. LOPEZ Photos by Dr. Manuel Sumaylo
1958 Asian Games, Tokyo, Japan
Sometime in the year 1940’s, the agility of a demure, dimpled little girl playing softball in the muddy plaza of New Lucena, Iloilo was never spared from the keen eyes of a certain Sir Kulas. In the blink of an eye, she would sprint from base to base as swift as an arrow. She could run faster than her opponents could throw the ball to the bases. Sir Kulas was totally awed by the jaw-dropping ability of the girl. Never in his life did he saw a girl that could run fast as that. His astonishment prompted him to call the attention of the girl “You will be a star!” Eighteen years after, Sir Kulas was again witnessing the agility of the girl. But this time, not in the muddy plaza of New Lucena. Not in the field of softball. But in 100-meter dash in 1958 Asian Games in Tokyo, Japan racing a neck-to-neck battle against Japanese sprint superstars Sakura Fukuyama and Yuku Kobayashi. The National Stadium was filled with Japanese crowd wildly cheering for both Fukuyama and Kobayashi as the giant sprinters advanced wide margins against other competitors. Out of nowhere, the New Lucena lass shocked the crowd when she trailed ahead of the two Japanese. On the 12.5th second of the race, Inocencia Solis torn the finish tape. Since then, she was dubbed as the fastest woman in Asia. Starting Line After seeing the potential of Inocencia, Sir Kulas immediately advised the little girl to join the athletic events in New Lucena Elementary School. She was at once trained in short-distant races. Consequently, her track to athletics opened various opportunities for her until high school. “When she graduated from elementary, we recommended her to the faculty of Sta. Barbara National Comprehensive High School because she can’t afford to study in a private school in her town,” Dr. Manuel Sumaylo, third cousin of Inocencia and coestablisher of Santa Barbara Centennial Museum recalled. Her debut to athletics was on the 1949 Interscholastic Meet when she bagged a bronze medal. Since then, she had participated on various interscholastic meets eventually winning more than 70 medals, trophies and plaques. She established national records in these
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SPORTS
competitions. Seeing her potential, Inocencia was offered full scholarship by Cebu Institute of Technology (CIT). She gained national prominence when she held the national record in 100-meter dash for 12 years and 200-meter dash for 15 years and Long Jump for seven years. Major tracks Of all the accolades she had reaped, two major triumphs permanently etched Inocencia’s name to the Asian athletic platform-1954 and 1958 Asian Games held in Manila and Tokyo, respectively. During the 2nd Asian Games in 1954, she was able to finish the race with an outstanding 26.5 seconds setting her to the third position. Meanwhile in 1958, the whole country rejoiced when she nosed out the two hyped Japanese sprinters in the 100-meter dash event. Warm-up Inocencia had stayed on Dr. Sumaylo’s house for four years. In the course of that stay, Dr. Sumaylo noticed that Inocencia trains herself. She had developed an exercise of her own. Uncannily, she also practiced running on the nearby river. “Ginadalagan lang na niya kun magpuli sya dri sa Badiang halin sa eskwelahan recalled Elisa Espinosa, niece of Inocencia,” Elisa, who claims to be the favourite niece, also narrates the kindness of her auntie in raising and sending her to school. Approaching the finish line After her life as an athlete, she was recruited by the local government of Caloocan as a coach. Later on, she transferred to Paglaum, Negros Occidental. Her excellence continued until her life as a coach. She has been a champion national coach in Palarong Pambansa for 14 years and in Junior Girls Division for 10 years. One extraordinary incident occurred in Inocencia’s life, as recalled by Dr. Sumaylo was when she was been robbed in their in-house training in Paglaum Negros Occidental. Inocencia, refusing to be taken advantage of, chased the thief who was already miles ahead. “Nagsala gid ang takawan nga magpalagas sa Fastest Woman in Asia,” Dr. Sumaylo said while stifling a laugh.
Forgotten feat. Both Espinosa and Sumaylo feels that as time goes by, the glory of the name Inocencia Solis is slowly fading. “Tani himuon sang kabataan subong nga idol kag inspirasyon si Auntie bala nga biskan waay kaw ti kwarta pwede kaw mangin isa ka champion basta magtinguha ka lang,” Espinosa appealed “It is really a sad truth that Inocencia’s legacy was already forgotten. She has given so much pride to our country, hence she should be recognized” Dr. Sumaylo expressed. In a sense, the two wished one thing in common: that even though Inocencia had already trailed her way into the afterlife after suffering from severe diabetes, her footprints in the Philippine athletic track will be followed and remembered.
June-October 2015
Cop outplays Calinog Campus in futsal stint By JEROME GABRIEL B. AGUILAR
Furious feet, dazzling kicks and outstanding moves earned the gold for WVSU-College of PESCAR Futsal team as they managed to outmaneuver the WVSUCalinog Campus during the University Hinampang futsal championship match held from September 1619. With a score of 5-2, WVSU-COP displayed an effective interplay of both offense and defense that gave the opposing team a run for their money. According to Porfirio BarlasJr.,former Sports Office Director and Dean of COP and now a Referee Assessor for both national and international referees who was present during the event, most of the futsal players were also players of other sports throughout Hinampang, and they were veterans of the 1st futsal game of the previous year. “The match was fast-paced, intense and exciting. There was pressure on the part of the Calinog Campus since they were on COP’s home court, and COP had many supporters cheering them on the sidelines.” He added. “I believe that aside from experience, what is key to their
winning is the presence of having the right man for the right job at the right time.Saatinditotalaga, we don’t train that hard, but we play hard. This is what we call the ‘Taga-West’ spirit.” Barlas, who is also to be the coach and trainer for the futsal teamon the upcoming SCUAA meet, stated that he still has the core group who won 1st runner-up during the previous regional meet. New members are to replace those who have already graduated, but he is convinced that the remaining members are ‘the strong ones’ who have the needed experience to work things out for the team.
West Eagles clinches top 2 in Milo cheerdance competition
By JEROME GABRIEL B. AGUILAR
Despite having only two weeks of preparation, WVSU's West Eagles proved that they are still a force to be reckoned with as they clinched second place in this year's MILO Cheer Dance Competition- Iloilo with University of San Agustin taking the lead in the tertiary level. "Skill-wise, lamang ang aton nga team pero kulang gid abi sa practice kag most of the members are new so dako gid nga
adjustment ang ginhimo namon," Coach Ryan L. Puljanan said. "Anyway, thankful man ako sa gihapon kay tanan nagcooperate, ang mga nag-intra subong nag-volunteer lang magjoin, wala sila ginpilit. Also, thankful man ako sa support sang College of PESCAR kag sang university," Puljanan added. This is the fifth year of participation of West Eagles in the said event.
Sports The
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University Hinampang moved
By Rodelo G. Lopez
Trail back in time as we remember the glory of the fastest woman in Asia.
see page 23
June-October 2015
UNIVERSITY HINAMPANG Results
Lambunao pescar pototan
To give ample time to the athletes in preparing themselves in the upcoming State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) Meet slated at December, the University Hinampang was moved two months earlier. “If we follow the previous year’s schedule which is November, there would be little time for our athletes to practice and to pass requirements for the upcoming SCUAA Meet” Ember Marano, USC Councilor said. This move garnered positive response from the WVSU community especially to the athletes “The change was favourable to us. Well, we can have ample time in practicing in our game” Mae, an athlete of College of PESCAR remarked. Meanwhile, Lambunao campus leads this year’s over-all championship garnering 297 points followed respectively by College of PESCAR with 213 points and Pototan campus with 179 points CAPTURED ATHLETICISM. TagaWest athletes displayed their competitive prowess during this year’s University Hinampang
WVSU dance sports couple beats SCUAA giants By RIGgS ZYRILLE G. Vergara Photos by JASPER TOLEDO
Despite being the shortest among 25 competitors in National State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) Dance Sports Competition-Latin Category, Region VI’s representatives Justine Nories Bautista and Shanane Marie Gestosani of WVSU grooved all the way to the first-runner up placement. Bautista standing 5”4’nd Gestosani 5” aced the towering opponents from different regions snagging the silver award behind the gold finish of National Capital Region represented by Rizal Technological University. Another representative of Region VI, who hails from Carlos Hilado Memorial State College took home the bronze medal. “We are really stunned by the height and built of our opponents, the moment we entered at the venue. We didn’t really expect anything. But throughout our performance, we kept on thinking that it is our way of giving back to all those who supported us so we gave nothing but our very best,” Bautista remarked. The students of College of PESCAR displayed their prowess in different categories such as Jive, Rumba and Cha Cha Cha. Their staminadefying routines were perfected through the watchful eyes of Prof. Noel Mondejar, faculty of the College of PESCAR and Mr. Nero Amorin. “The couple really has remarkable skills and undeniable talent; because what we expected was only until third runner up but they won beyond that,” Mondejar emphasized. When asked about the recipes for their victory, Mondejar pointed out passion for dancing, constant practice and determination to win.
janiuay calinog himamaylan cbm cas ils caf coe com
Thumbstone Rodelo G. Lopez
On losing the fight against China “Almost” is indeed such a painful word. The Philippine bid to host the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup “almost” won against the giant China. But then, the FIBA panel favored the latter. When China was announced as the host country of the tournament, Filipino hoops fans voiced out their opinions on twitter. Some said that assurances in proposed infrastructures, transportation and economic situation were the main loopholes of the country on why its bid failed. Prior to this, hopes of the Filipino fans to host the basketball’s biggest international tournament were up high, considering the strong campaign formulated by Philippine delegation head by Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas President Manny V. Pangilinan. The delegation banked on its “heartware” as the key component to their bid. The 20-minute presentation of the Philippines really reflects the passion of our country when it comes to basketball. Undeniably,
Filipinos are the most passionate players and fans at the same time. However, passion was not included in the four key areas examined by the FIBA panel; vision, concept, experience in hosting events and basketball history in the country. Of all the four key areas, I believe that experience in hosting events is the most crucial among the four because when a country has an a m p l e experience, there are only little things to fix. China h o s t e d the 2008 Beijing Olympics, 2010 Asian Games and the 2014 Youth Olympic Games, among others, while also having a huge market thanks to its 1.3 billion-strong population. Meanwhile, its worthy to note that that Philippine had pulled up a close fight giving the Chinese delegation a headache. Nevertheless, the Filipino passion for basketball would not be impaired by just a mere lost to a bid. Its undying enthusiasm to the well-loved sport would not fade. The word “PUSO” sums it up.
Almost is indeed such a painful word.