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Integrity. Reliability. Commitment.
Vol. LXXVIII No. 1
The Official University Student Newspaper of West Visayas State University, La Paz, Iloilo City
June-October 2017
SMILES TO THE SKIES. As the University celebrates its 115 years of delivering unwavering service, harmony and excellence, it is but rightful to give back grateful innocent smiles to the Almighty. JOHN GLEN L. TEORIMA
WVSU puts more teeth in campus security By ZYNNIE ROSE C. ZARAGOSA
With the threatened security in the province of Iloilo, the University heightened safety precautionary measures through emergency initiatives, July 21. Several protective measures were implemented in the University, one stating that only students and personnel with approved permit to conduct activities and overtime
duties are allowed to enter the campus. Another measure is the “No ID, No Entry” policy wherein aside from students of the University, visitors or should also show valid IDs issued by the government to get inside the campus. In addition, all vehicles getting inside the campus Page 3
WVSU hastens drive vs anti-student policies via Konsultahang Kabataan By Nicole Anne A. Moscoso and Maria Kayla T. Tingzon
To step up its drive in upholding public character in state universities and colleges (SUCs), the Office of the Student Regent, with Kabataan Partylist (KPL), chaired Konsultahang Kabataan, a consultation, at the West Visayas State University (WVSU) Rehearsal Room, July 13. The event identified issues on the current state of the youth
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and the nation as it targeted to develop social awareness among Taga-West. Mark Lim, president of the National Union of Students of the Philippines, also accented neoliberal attacks on education. He also stressed every student’s right to air out affronts against anti-student policies such as abusive collection of student fees and ‘unjust’ treatment of Page 3 @forumdimensions
NO RICHER CULTURE. The vibrant and wealthy culture of indigenous people were emblazoned in the recent celebration of the Indigenous Peoples Month. JOHN GLEN L. TEORIMA
Nat’l celebration targets to value IPs By czarina lou g. delfin
Despite the lack of response from government agencies and Filipino citizens, University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) spearheads Indigenous Peoples Month Celebration, October 23-27, to value the role of indigeous people (IP) in the community. OPINION, page 4
On DU30’s “You’re next” Mayor Jed Mabilog’s dismissal and what’s next for Iloilo City.
@forumdimensions
“We should have this paradigm shift that we, as Filipino citizens, should work hand-in-hand with our IP brothers and sisters for national development,” Mr. Sashah Dioso, project officer of Indigenous Peoples Page 3 FEATURE, page 7 ASEAN at 50: Bridging Economic Divide Philippines, ASEAN, and the international turf.
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news FORUM 2 Online ruckus blows up over Hinampang venue controversy The
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By ALTHEA MAE P. PACLIBAR and ZYNNIE ROSE C. ZARAGOSA
Taga-West netizens were rattled after several conflicting announcements that the University Hinampang 2017 will be held in West Visayas State University (WVSU) Pototan Campus surfaced.
In the recent post of Forum-Dimensions on its Facebook page, arguments aroused because of the contradicting opinions of WVSU students from the different campuses.
SCORCHING DEBATE. The Federated Student Council officers discuss about the U-Hinampang 2017 venue with Pres. Sorolla.
Smart launches ‘internet for all’
“Hinampang this year will not be handled by the University Student Council of the main Campus but by the Federated Student Council which is the Highest Governing body of our Studentry,” Andrew Porras, vice chair of both the University Student Council (USC) and the Federated Student Council (FSC) disclosed in a comment. “After the long deliberation, voting has been done and the result favored the Pototan campus. The result was also presented to the University officials and Dr. Sorolla, and it was approved,” Porras cited.
August 30, the USC Facebook page posted an official notice: “Final venue for HINAMPANG is yet to be decided by the FSC. ” “We had a meeting with all the college student council representatives, and it was clear that we have not agreed about the final decision as to where the venue of the Hinampang 2017 will be, but we will keep everyone posted,” said Castaño. In a meeting with Dr. Luis Sorolla Jr. last September 1, FSC voted 10-7 in favor of the Pototan Campus as the venue of University Hinampang.
Univ tapped to join in disaster risk reduction, management activities
By Deanne Angelica T. Larroza and Nicole Anne A. Moscoso
By JISSA P. PADIOS and JOE RENZ T. CATALAN
The University catches up on tech-advancements through making Smart Wifi’s “internet for all” available in the campus. Mr. Louie F. Cervantes, Management Information System (MIS) Director, partnered with Smart Communications Inc. to secure a grant to support Taga-West with 30-minute free internet on a daily basis, making the first attempt to comply with the
Pursuant to the National Disaster Conciousness Month (NDCM), the Office of Civil Defense Region VI (OCD VI) and the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC) tapped the University’s support for activities. Endorsed by the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office VI, the undertaking, themed “4Ks: Kamalayan sa Kahandaan, Katumbas ay Kaligtasan”, aimed to heighten awareness on disaster management. In connection, the
Department of Information and Communications Technology’s (DICT) accessible free internet service. The Coop Canteen has announced that they are now selling Smart load cards for extended Wi-Fi connection. In line with this, Smart Wi-Fi hotspots are located at the Quezon Hall, Education Building, Mini Forest, and Administration Building.
Death of ILS stude alarms Univ By Deanne Angelica T. Larroza
Despite the widespread awareness for dengue hemorrhagic fever over the past years, Region 6 already has a total of 44 recorded deaths, one of which from the Integrated Laboratory School (ILS) According to her mother, Julyanne Baiza, Grade 8 student of West Visayas State University ILS, had an “unalarming” platelet count but that caused her an overall stay of 10 days until death.
“It was so comforting that so many people cared in times of our sorrow,” said Baiza’s mother on an interview. With this incident, the university conducted fogging to prevent similar cases just four days after Baiza’s death, Aug. 19. The Department of Health reminds every one of its dengue prevention and control program to prevent the rise of dengue cases.
University participated in the Fun Run: “3K Run For Disaster Resiliency” at South Point, SM City, July 15. “The memo was issued as a favorable action to OCD’s request, and though we are disappointed we haven’t reached the number of students expected in the fun run, we still believe we were able to help feed the breach for resilience,” said Berlouie L. Baga-an, OICDirector, WVSU-CDRRM. Other activities of the celebration spearheaded by OCD and RDRRMC were mass and fluvial parade.
BEATING THE RHYTHM. Taga-West jumps in with the rhythm of the warm-up dance to support the run for a cause: “3K Run for Disaster Resiliency. JOHN GLEN L. TEORIMA
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news Broadcasting junior is Miss City Mall Tagbak By ANGELIE KAYE A. DIPUTADO
CATALAN
Justine Catalan, a third year broadcasting student, was crowned as Miss City Mall Tagbak during the pageant’s coronation night, May 26. The pageant was held at the City Mall Tagbak in Jaro, Iloilo where Catalan, crowned Miss Pag-iririmaw 2015 first runnerup, bested 18 other candidates. Catalan also got the Best in Summer Attire award. “I would like to thank God because of all the blessings and
talents He gave me,” Catalan said, adding, “I offer my achievements to Him.” Furthermore, University alumnus Joebet Plomes garnered the Mr. City Mall Tagbak title. Runners-up for the female category were Ailyn Lumampao (1st), Jell Roses Duga (2nd), Angel Delfin (3rd), and Jhamel Drilon (4th) while for the male category, Christian Presidente (1st), Christian Bintacur (2nd), Jerald Locsin (3rd), and Claude Bachoco (4th).
From WVSU puts more... should only pass through the main gate as exits at secondary gates were closed, in compliance with the “One Entrance, one Exit” policy, made effective July 27. Advanced Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps officers were tapped for additional assistance in the implementation of campus safety and security procedures. “Dapat kun tani may participation gid ang mga
estudyante bilang isa ka pillar sang campus security,” Mr. Pantaleon Belandres, head of the security unit, said. According to the memorandum sent by the University President, everyone in the campus is advised to report immediately to the security personnel any suspicious person inside the campus for recent sightings of terrorists alarmed the whole province of Iloilo.
Univ’s 115th anniversary pays tribute to Marawi By ELLA HYACINTH R. GOLEZ and JONEL MOLENO
piracy and intellectual rights. The group, in partnership with the OMB, is looking forward to going around Mindanao in 2018. The OMB is a government agency under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) that regulates the production of all forms of optical media and is commissioned to impose fines and penalties for its illegal duplication. From Univ hastens... teachers to students. “We in KPL urge our fellow youth and our fellow Filipinos to strive to realize their role as ‘pag-asa ng bayan’, who defend our motherland, and to join the struggle of the marginalized and oppressed in
our country,” KPL Rep. Sarah Jane Elago said in an interview. The event culminated with Rep. Elago addressing questions regarding the issues and crises that the youth of today experience in the Philippine education system.
By Nicole Anne A. Moscoso and Maria Kayla T. Tingzon
fighting for,” Atty. Anselmo B. Adriano, OMB chairman said. OMB also urged Tagawest to campaign against child pornography. “It would be a good opportunity to teach you so that you would be aware in case a similar situation would arise,” Atty. Adriano said. Since June 2016, the OMB has been moving around the country to raise awareness on
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In light of the 23rd day of the Marawi City siege, the entire WVSU community, piloted by the University Student Council (USC), held a gift-giving drive and offered prayers of protection for the Maranaos during its 115th founding anniversary celebration at the University Grandstand, June 15. “What made this celebration very much significant to every student of the University was its major goal to solicit assistance for the victims of the war in Marawi,” said Aaron Joseph H. Castaño, USC Chairperson. Moreover, Taga-West imparted help through sharing toiletries, clothes, halal canned goods, and instant noodles. This year’s celebration highlight has never been done in previous foundation commemorations.
OMB enjoins millenials to campaign vs anti-piracy The Optical Media Board eyed to advance their antipiracy campaign especially on the millennials who are severely exposed to the web and internet through a #OMBeOriginalForum at the WVSU Cultural Center, Nov. 8. “Part of our strategy in fighting piracy is to inform people, particularly yung kabataan, on what the OMB actually does and what we are
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From Nat’l celebration...
Resource Center, explained. Dioso encouraged the Filipinos to take steps in order for them to realize that IPs are part of the Filipino nation. The week-long event
highlighted the IPs in nationbuilding through activities involving panel discussion with stakeholders and display of art from Ati IPs and Panay Bukidnon.
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On DU30’s “You’re next” President Rodrigo Duterte’s most recent blow through his iron fist left Iloilo City appalled and shaky. It was as if a tremor made the city grounds tremble as the Office of the Ombudsman’s order to dismiss Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog over alleged unlawful acquisition of wealth came like a thief in the night despite the president’s prior scare (Remember Duterte’s infamous “You’re next”?). Now that Mabilog’s kicked out of office, what’s next for him and what Duterte calls the “most shabu-lized city” in the Philippines? Iloilo City, one of the country’s wealthiest places, now welcomes a new mayor in the person of Vice Mayor Jose Espinosa III after Mabilog already exceeded the allowed number of absences since the day he left the country for an official trip to Japan and Malaysia, the similar day Duterte ordered a lifestyle check on him over his “palace house”. Mabilog then filed a sick leave to seek medical treatment abroad in September, which he extended to October, with no hint of definite returning and whereabouts. Despite the attacks on Mabilog’s supposed luxurious mansion, there are still some accounts that the exorbitant “White House” is not actually a palace—that is, his abode is not as huge as it seemed to be in photos circulating online.
Some tourism officers along with Iloilo City’s tourism officer, June Ann Divinagracia and cultural activist and tour guide Carlos Celdran, went on a tour inside Mabilog’s three-story house. Celdran described his abode as “not a mansion at all”, much smaller than his neighbors’. But regardless of these prerogatives, the fact that Mabilog failed to return to the country and instead decided to just disappear leaves many implications. The denizens of the City of Iloilo are still left puzzled and bewildered as to why the former “World’s Top 5 City Mayor” was in a hurry to escape from the clenched fist of the Duterte administration and the country. Some see his act of being unable to face the people and the charges pressed against him to vindicate himself and his actions as a deliberate act of cowardice, a deed that might as well serve as a supplementary evidence to the recently handed down verdict of him–guilty. We can’t blame Mabilog to act like a cat on a hot tin roof. Right after the death of the alleged narco-politicians Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog Sr. of Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental in July 2016, Samsudin Dimaukom of Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao in October 2016, and Rolando Espinosa Sr. of Albuera, Leyte in November, there is no more reason for Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog to stay. Abroad, Mabilog is with his wife Maria Victoria “Marivic” Mabilog and his two children. In contrary to the mayor’s purpose, Marivic said that she left the country with her children to shield and protect them at all cost. Iloilo City may have already come a long way in terms of achieving visible and ceaseless progress after Mabilog became mayor but due to unforeseen circumstances along the way, having the previous Vice Mayor Espinosa as a new head taking in-charge does not ensure the growth of the city after it, being labeled as “shabu-lized”. Moreover, instantaneous changes are impossible. The city, along with its public officials and citizens, must cooperate for the betterment of the Ilonggo’s quality and safety of life.
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What’s the difference between art featuring nude figures and pornography? Is there really a difference? Subjectivity versus objectification, complex versus one-dimensional, and contemplation versus arousal. These are dichotomies that point out the difference between prototypical instances of pornography and art. However, these will not serve to justify the claim that pornography and art are incompatible. Art and pornography are often thought to
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be mutually exclusive. Art has always been linked to passion, expression and sensuality. It is the process of using one’s skills in creating objects, experiences which stimulate the thoughts, emotions and beliefs of the audience through their senses. One controversial subject in art is nudity. The human body has been a main subject for artists. Distinctions can be made between erotic art and pornography, though. The distinction may lie in intent and message wherein erotic art would be intended to capture formal elements of art. Pornography may use these tools
but it’s primarily intended to arouse sexually. Nevertheless, elements of distinction are subjective. Beyond its capacity to titillate, good erotic art can make powerful, sex-positive social statements. Ravi Zacharias once told the story of a trial in which a lawyer was defending a pornographer. The lawyer asked the plaintiff if he had gone into an art gallery. The plaintiff responded yes. The lawyer continued by asking if he paid to go into that art gallery. Again he answered yes. “Were there paintings of naked people in that art gallery?” the lawyer asked. “Yes,” the plaintiff responded. “So why do you call that art, but Playboy pornography?” The
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plaintiff did not have a response. Zacharias noted that while both art and pornography utilize nudity, the purpose for portraying the naked body are distinct. Pornography utilizes nudity for the purpose of stimulating the base instincts of individuals, instincts that’ll not be satisfied by that alone. On the other hand, art utilizes nudity for highlighting the beauty of man. Pornography engenders lust while art engenders admiration for the glory and beauty of the human body, and thus the glory of its Maker. At the end, it still lies between the eyes of the artist, pornographer and viewer if how they evaluate and give meaning to the masterpiece.
Decisively Indecisive
When my NCAE result came out, it showed I was better off taking courses in line with law. From that moment on, my heart would beat faster when reminded about being a steward of justice in helping the marginalized—leaving behind my childhood dream of becoming a medical doctor someday. I got accepted under the HUMSS strand. I thought I was already decisive about my decision of taking up political science as my pre-law until some “nuisances” decided to tag along in the scene. I once wanted to take foreign service because people say it’s good for anyone whose path is to be a lawyer. Add the fact that you’d be
a diplomat if you pass the licensure exam, but little did I know, that exam’s even tougher than the Bar Exam. So I crossed it out my list. Some instances, I watch crime drama. I realized, the idea of standing in court in the pursuit of upholding truth excites me because it is a fulfilling feeling to extend a hand to those in need. I’m already a broken record for the countless times I have imagined myself burning the midnight candle for next day’s recits and case digests for four excruciating years, and then later taking the baffling exam that would define my career—the Bar Exam. In a recent exam, I’ve seen
questions under criminal and labor law that almost whacked my brain due to difficulty. Not being sure about answering the queries was discouraging, really. It is ironic how I doubt myself if I’d become a lawyer someday and give myself a pep talk that goes, “I don’t really know what the future holds until I take risks and by risks, I mean, also to try out my luck in defying odds.” You may say I’m in grade 12 but I’m overthinking the whatnots unnecessary until I get my diploma as a degree holder. Right now, I may be scared, but I hold optimism within me enough for me to cling on to my
dreams. Eight years from now, the four letters that will be added before my name will be worth it—Atty. Some of us still yet to unveil our journey to becoming young professionals are deeply puzzled of what will be and who we will be. But I have realized, in the long run, it would no longer matter how much taunting we have to go through to reach the finish line but what would surely prevail is how triumphant we would become when we get to our target point.
When “Philppines” seeks for the missing “i”
The inner proofreader in me was triggered by welcome banners that flashed a misspelled “Philippines” in the midst of the nearing 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Meetings in Metro Manila. While some would brush off the recent gaffe, I would insist for “Philppines” to still look for that missing “i”, because really, the ASEAN Economic Community has been lacking it as well. ASEAN has a deal called RCEP or Regional Comprehensive Economic Cooperation, a free
trade agreement between the ten ASEAN member states and the group’s partners. By this, cheap imports from other countries would flood the country’s market, competing against our products. The mega trade deal is amazing. But how would it fairly share wealth especially to countries with no strong local industry? President Duterte and VP Robredo, who met in the same line of thinking this time, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, and Gabriela Party Rep. Arlene Brosas all echo the same concern over RCEP: the missing “i”— inclusivity. ASEAN’s data show that Micro, Small and Medium
Enterprises (MSMEs) comprise about 95-99 percent of all businesses in the region. In the Philippines, majority of the MSMEs are in the wholesale and retail trade, information, communication, accommodation, food service, financial and insurance activities. However, they still do not account for a commensurate output share in terms of GDP and exports. Furthermore, RCEP, according to Brosas, is a suicide plan for the Philippines. But if we also consider what Najib has pointed out that in the rise of extremist populism in Europe where those who felt left behind by economic growth, prosperity and the benefits of globalization overturn elections and political
systems, RCEP will not be dangerous at all. In fact, it will be what we envision it to be— pragmatically beneficial to all. One of ASEAN’s programs is a mentoring network to empower MSMEs. However, inclusivity will remain an issue unless we heed the practicable proposal of some solons. For instance, the leaders of the country urge big businesses to embark on inclusive business models to spread the benefits of economic growth and to the extent of involving as many MSMEs in their supply chains. Truly, rich economies would just become richer, and the poor ones would just become poorer if we give up the missing “i”. You know what that is. Let’s look for it too until it’s found.
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Words by Angelie Kaye A. Diputado Photos by Gabrielle Chelsie Marie C. Castro
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h e aroma of a d v e n t u r e pervaded in the air. As soon as the habal-habal started to vroom to take us to some highland described to us as some place where luxuriance was indeed palpable, the stately sight of mansions gradually turned into pure greenery, the concrete road turned into bumpy earth that made us bounce in our motorcycle seats every now and then, and the cool zephyr replaced the warm air. As we moved away from the heart of Alimodian, we knew something soul-stirring was waiting for us. Found more than a thousand feet above sea level, the seven farthest barangays of Alimodian, collectively called Seven Cities, paved their way to glory as the denizens of the highland turned their place into a paradise amidst challenges over the years. How did they, one might ask. Only in Seven Cities will you find chemicalf r e e
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plantations of high-value crops nestled atop a mountain in the province of Iloilo. The chemical-free farm in Seven Cities first bloomed in 2004 through the efforts of the Department of Agriculture and Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). The said organizations educated the residents of the area organic farming techniques, and until now, the seven barangays are rising to fame as their harvests are patronized not only by the people in their municipality but also in some nearby municipalities like Leon and San Miguel and even people from Boracay Island. “We are not fully organic, but we are rather chemical-free because we’re still using commercial fertilizers in our greenhouses at minimal times. However, if the KOICA will approve our request for a shredder machine, that’s when we turn a hundred percent organic,” said Jennie Alimante, barangay captain of Dao, one of the barangays in the Seven Cities.
Blessed with a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius, the residents of barangays Cabacanan, Dao, Umingan, and the four others included in Seven Cities grow crops such as broccoli, lettuce, cauliflower, and even strawberry, which can be consumed as soon as you pick it—proof that the harvests are grown with no hint of chemical insecticides, pesticides, or herbicides. The farmers from the different barangays engage in barter trade of their produce every Sunday morning, when the sight of fog and the grayish sky greets farmers, young and old alike. “We only use a special concoction of fertilizer in our plants, and we manually handpick the pests in our crops. Also, we are practicing natural composting and the use of indigenous microorganisms (IMO) in terms of creating fertilizers for the crops,” said Mrs. Roda Daan, a local farmer technician or LFT. Aside from yielding crops, the people in the mountain area are also raising pigs, carabaos, cows, and African hito, also sponsored
Ways to Save
our Soils
by the authorities and maintained by the residents of the barangays. Moreover, several meters away from the farthest barangay of Umingan stands a huge stone formation on the top of the mountain called Bato Dungok, the highest peak in Alimodian. Despite the rocky trail, a breathtaking view awaits for hikers at the top. They say oases are only found in deserts, but as we ventured into the beauty that is Seven Cities and as we beheld the spring of life that it is, we have realized, oases of verdancy can also be found even in peaks and mountaintops.
Design crop rotations improving soil health. Many high value crops cannot be grown sustainably in a short rotation, such as potatoes and carrots. Design a longer crop rotation which avoids these problems. Focus on financial margins over the course of a whole rotation, not annual margins.
Source: www.soilassociation.org
Improve soil health monitoring. Analysing soils is an essential first step to support effective decision making on soil health, but some farmers neglect to do this routinely.
Reduce soil compaction from machinery and livestock. Soil compaction can lead to increased surface runoff as well as drought stress, fewer grazing days, poor root growth and reduced yields overall.
Bring more trees onto the farmland. Plant/ allow trees to grow on vulnerable, steep sided fields and rough grazing. Increase your understanding on the value of trees.
Increase the amount of plant and animal matter going back onto fields. Soil organic matter is an essential element to healthy soils – achieving high levels is the key to soil health.
Cover up bare soil with continuous plant cover. Plant roots hold soils together, reducing erosion, and allowing air to penetrate in spaces around roots.
Encourage soil organisms that build up soil and release nutrients. Consider the unintended consequences of agrochemicals before making decisions on their use and consider ploughing less to reduce the physical impact on soil life
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ASEAN at 50:
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Bridging Economic Divide
Words by Ella Hycainth R. Golez and jissa p. padios Illustration by Joe Renz T. Catalan midst human rights violations enterprises, e-commerce, youth, to provide shelter to in the country, the Philippines and women entrepreneurship over 600 is back on the spotlight once again. million The country’s chairmanship THE BATTLECRY on the 31st Association of Southeast This year, the international Asian Nations (ASEAN) Business summit is themed “Partnering and Investment Summit (ABIS) is for Change, Engaging the coincidental with ASEAN’s 50th World”. This appositely mirrors anniversary. For a country both in the Philippine government’s the dawn of a promising new era advocacy to promote unity and and in the dusk of societal ills, the growth among ASEAN’s member chairmanship could not have come states. As promised, President Asian at a better time. Rodrigo Duterte, along with other people. ASEAN leaders, highlighted the STRENGTH IN NUMBERS ten-nation consortium as a replica C O U N T I N G Within 50 years of reconciling of regionalism, bringing light to EVERY JUAN IN The ASEAN community is interests, ASEAN has smoothed inclusive growth and security. mostly made up of youth. For the progress of economic, political, and cultural integration and THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME Filipino youth especially, this is Southeast Asia is home to 8.8 the time to show what they got. exchange among its member states. It is a regional intergovernmental percent of the world’s population Now that ASEAN offers more prospects for education, leadership organization comprised of ten as of 2016. While some tiny states development, job opportunities, Southeast Asian countries, Philippines and its neighbors. The like Singapore and Brunei have mutual arrangements and more, ten-nation bloc strongly advances flourishing cost-cutting measure, they are more than auspicious. unity among its members and is many stay behind like Laos and NOW IS THE TIME a host to the youngest and most Myanmar. Nevertheless, through the Duterte believes that for dynamic economies in the world. In the Philippines, the celebration of cooperation and ASEAN to be a global player, economic focus is towards the camaraderie brought about by it should fulfill this condition: promotion of inclusive growth the international summit, the ASEAN must safeguard the through innovation in four leaders are expected to bridge the operation of different agreements areas: micro, small, and medium economic divide and build a home made through the years.
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Purely Gastronomical
Imagine a world where everyone speaks the same language. Not the system of words, but the language that speaks of camaraderie. Imagine when the coffee beans from Vietnam and the beauties of Thailand are just a ride away. Imagine when your fave tourist spot in Cambodia is reachable, visa-free. Imagine a home where everyone speaks of humanity. This is not just about us being Filipinos. This is us given the once-in-a-lifetime chance to embrace humanity, to go beyond borders, and to engage the world all at once.
Words by Zynnie rose zaragosa, Althea Mae Paclibar and Czarina lou delfin Photos by Charmaine Rose Monte, John Glen Teorima and Ryan Nicole Flores
Iloilo City has always been touted as the City of Love. Primarily, it is because Ilonggos have always been known to be a sweet, admirable, and loving people. But whilst love has always connoted that meaning for the Ilonggo community, one thing that the humble people of Iloilo refuse to hate is food. One might as well say Iloilo is a city of love—for food. Palatable gastronomies are an Ilonggo’s guilty pleasure, as evidenced by the many delicacies that have aroused the interest of the staff of The Forum. So for self-confessed “foodies” out there, here’s a guide to all the delectable recipes you need to scour upon visiting not only the city of Iloilo but the neighboring towns as well!
Siopao Fit for a Queen Roberto’s is a solely Iloilobased 39-year-old diner that opened on the 25th of May 1978. It has gained popularity because of its queen siopao, a siopao that’s an inch bigger than a saucer, with bacon, ham, Chinese sausage, and chickenpork adobo with egg. “Ever since I retired, kada ara ko sa city, gahapit gid ko sa Roberto’s. Sa kabuhayon ko nga gabalik di, ang mga crew, puro dun nanda ako kilala hay pirme gid ako di nagabalik ka siopao,” says Arturo Siojo, a retired teacher from Sta. Barbara. No Racism, Just Pasta From the center of Miag-ao, you just have to stroll until you reach South Bay, a fisherfolk community. Not far is a stall that sells an extraordinary treat, pasta negra—a concoction
of pasta, cheese, tomatoes, and for sauce, forget tomato paste because what they got is squid ink. “Namit sya. Weird sya at first kay lain ang pasta nga ata sang lukos ang sauce, pay kun magdugay na, ma-realize mo, namit sya,” shared Nikka Tulin, a biology senior who stumbled upon the kiosk. A Madge-ical Café A local watering hole created out of Vicente de la Cruz’s love for his wife Magdalena where the shop’s name is derived, Madge Café exudes a calming ambiance amidst the busy La Paz market outside its doors. The most notable feature of Madge is the wall of personalized mugs and the wall of memorabilia showing famous people taking a sip of Madge’s original coffee.
PANTAT OF YOUR LOVE Grilled catfish or pantat, the icon o f Zarraga, is the sole reason behind the emblazonment of Pantat Festival. In Zarraga’s streets, one can find kiosks selling palatable grilled catfish, attracting travelers. It’s not hearsay that the toothsome catfish is easy to debone, making it an advantage to boost its name in the market. These slimy freshwater visions are easy to breed and most are cultured from fingerlings in Zarraga fishponds.
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WVSU cuts loose from four-year streak in IDBL By NICOLE ALMOITE A. MOSCOSO & ALTHEA MAE P. PACLIBAR
After bagging victory in the 2016 Iloilo Developmental Basketball League (IDBL), the University ended its prime of owning its most anticipated four-peat championship title as the team failed to secure victory in this year’s season. In their fourth game this year, the West Visayas State University (WVSU) female basketball team fell short in maintaining its winning streak as the team from Pototan seized victory and ended the game, 56-50. “Siyempre kulang kami apat ka players kay ang iban kay wala inugpliti paPototan,” Coach Noel Gaban said when asked about what caused the team’s downfall. Coach Gaban said that the league is limited to players with ages 18-25 years old. He also emphasized that all student athletes who are members of the
basketball teams of all seven WVSU campuses were culled for the selection of players for both male and female categories to represent the University “Sa four years namon nga hampang sa IDBL, especially ako gid, subong lang nga nataktak gid kami, wala kami ka saka sa semis kay tungod wala kami ka practice gid bala,” Mary Ann Hugo, shooting guard of the WVSU team imparted. “So ang mahambal ko lang gid is matrain kami hard para sa SCUAA, kag syempre dapat may teamwork gid kami kay sang nagligad kanyakanya gid kami,” Hugo added.
With the aim to hone and develop players’ skills and capabilities and help in building the players’ characters, IDBL also emphasized on expanding knowledge and abilities in playing basketball. This year’s league kicked off last July, and is still ongoing as the remaining t e a m s compete every week until the championship games next summer. The WVSU Men and Women’s Basketball Teams are now preparing for the upcoming regional State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) event on Dec. 4-9 and will be housed starting Nov. 24 to Dec. 2.
A total of 150 fitness enthusiasts participated in the event that garnered a lump amount of proceeds that will be given to their beneficiary organization, Friends of Cancer Kids Iloilo Foundation, I n c . “Ang calisthenics para sa amon, more efficient kag effective kay syempre no gym membership kag wala bayad. At the same time, ang gina-develop diri namon ang camaraderie, indi
lang nga pabakod-bakod pullup. Gusto namon nga maspread gid [ang calisthenics],” Santamaria added on his advocacy of fitness through calisthenics.
Iloilo achieves over 10,000 pull-ups world record By RIGGS ZYRILLE G.V ERGARA
More t h a n 10,000 pull-ups w e r e
reached by the participants of the World Pull-up Day event led by the Barista Street Workout Iloilo (BSWI) and
Junior Chamber International Metro Iloilo Dinagyang at the SM City Iloilo Cyberzone, September 9. Their efforts were a contribution to the country’s attainment of rank 3 world record in the World Pull-up Day with a total of 37,379 pull-ups. “Ang World Pull-up Day kumbaga birthday sang street workout or calisthenics. Diri gatipon tanan nga calisthenics practitioners [around the world] para ma-promote ang fitness through calisthenics,” Guts Santamaria, founder of BSWI, said.