WVSU The Forum FS 2011-2012 by Forum-Dimensions

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NEWS/5

WVSU accepts applicants for int’l student exchange

TOURISM/10

Insider’s Guide to Virgin Islands

SCI-TECH/15 Tokay Magic

SPORTS/19

GK Iloilo holds 2nd Fun Run

Integrity. Reliability. Commitment. VOL. LXXII No. 1

OFFICIAL UNIVERSITY STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF THE WEST VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY, LA PAZ, ILOILO CITY

After 13 years

WVSU rep named as one of TOSP

By Mitz S. Serofia

ALL THOSE YEARS SEEMED like drought replenished by a day’s worth of rain. Thirteen years after the last West Visayas State University (WVSU) representative made it as one of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP), the

University celebrated when one of her graduates was once more conferred with the highly esteemed title. Christopher Millora, 21, was recognized as one of the country’s outstanding students in an awarding ceremony at the Malacañang Palace on August 4. The award was given by

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, representing President Benigno Aquino III. Graduating only in March this year, Millora was able to rekindle the university’s glory days in 1998 when WVSU produced the last TOSPian who made it to the Top 10. Millora has also made history for being the ﬁrst

from the College of Nursing to be recognized as one of the TOSP. “I felt really overwhelmed because I did not expect to be (one of) the 10, although I was hopeful,” said Millora, a former editor-in-chief of The Forum-Dimensions. [See TOSP, PAGE 8]

JUNE-OCTOBER 2011

Subong takes on 2nd term ‘Help me realize what is good for our University’

By Mary Jade P. Gabanes

By Katrina Mae O. Sencil

ABOUT 1,500 STUDENTS of West Visayas State University (WVSU) marched toward the Iloilo Provincial

‘Pag-iririmaw’ accident wounds 2 By Jesther Rose L. Rojas

TWO STUDENTS GOT wounded in a stampede during the Pag-iririmaw, the University’s acquaintance party, at the Cultural Center in the evening of July 1. A mass of students eager to witness what is in store for them in the welcoming event organized by the University Student Council (USC) got irked when their entrance to the event’s venue was delayed. Jammed in the lobby of the Cultural Center, the students – some, with their tempers rising – pushed each other toward the only possible entrance, causing the glass door to break. [See Accident, PAGE 2]

Capitol grounds on July 19 to protest the allegedly “worsening crisis of the Philippine education system” and to urge the government not to impose the P146million slash in the budget for state universities and colleges (SUCs). Pushing for educational reforms, the Kabataan Party-list Panay and the Sandigan ng Mag-aaral para sa Sambayanan (SAMASA), spearheaded the protest to demand for sufﬁcient government subsidy for tertiary education. “This is a stepping stone for change. This protest is to show the students and

the government that there is a crisis in our education system,” said Rascent Arcega, Chairperson of SAMASA. Education must be a priority of the administration of President Benigno Aquino III, they claimed. Other students who joined the protest rally were from the Western Visayas College of Science and Technology, Central Philippine University and the University of the Philippines Visayas. They all compose the about 2,500 participants in the activity, the largest student protest rally in Western Visayas since the time of former President Joseph

4 nursing graduates topnotchers in NLE By Tiffany Marie A. Somes

FOUR GRADUATES OF THE College of Nursing (CON) made it to the Top 10 passers in the July 2011 Nursing Licensure Examination (NLE). With an average of 86 percent, Ruth Marie Andoque, Maria Reylan Garcia and Kyle Nicole Teruel, all tied in Rank 9 while Ability-ann Tacaisan

landed on Rank 10 with an average of 85.8 percent. Upholding its name as one of top performing nursing schools in the country, the CON has once again made history as it posted a 100-percent passing rate in the NLE. It was hailed as one of this year’s best performing schools, along with the Cebu Normal University and the University of the

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Estrada. In the National Expenditure Program (NEP) for 2012, P21.8 billion was allotted for 110 SUCs — P23.2 billion short of the requested P45 billion and lower than this year’s budget of P22.03 billion. Fifty schools will have their total budget slashed by a total of P569.8 million. Forty-ﬁve SUCs will have reductions in their Maintenance and other Operating Expenses (MOOE) funds totaling to P250.9 million while 58 will have slashes in their Personal [See Protest, PAGE 4]

PHOTO CREDIT: WVSU.EDU.PH

[See Subong, PAGE 3]

A newly furnished fence is one of the latest innovations in WVSU Main Campus. KREZYL JOYCE PUGNA

P3M spent for repair of campus fence, roads By Ian Leoj M. Gumban

Philippines-Manila. All its 161 graduates for the year 2010 – with 33 cum laudes and a magna cum laude – passed the licensure exam. [See EXAM, PAGE 9]

SOME P3 MILLION WAS spent for the rehabilitation of the University’s perimeter fence and roads, according to the Campus Physical Planning Ofﬁce (CPPO). The rehabilitation of the perimeter fence cost P1,347,304. Started February 2 this year, it was completed on August 30. On the other hand, the

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rehabilitation of the campus roads cost P1,946,172 (P1,443,998 was spent for its Phase I and P502,174 for its Phase II). Dubbed as a “gate-to-gate road improvement project,” the road rehab was completed on June 23 this year. Both infrastructure projects were part of the West Visayas State University 2010 [See Fence, PAGE 5]

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Students protest SUCs budget cut

Organization. Students, teachers and non-teaching personnel also relayed their requests for reforms in the different school programs. They asked for a more comprehensive Career Development Plan for the university staff

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‘DON’T COMPROMISE EDUCATION’

SUBONG

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Christopher Millora is on the brink of tears as he was named as one of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines on August 4 at the Malacañan Palace. ANDEL REYES

Subong will now take on his second term, continuing his service to the educational institution since he fi rst took office four years ago. To celebrate Subong’s reappointment, the University held the “Afternoon with the President” on September 20, 2 p.m. at the WVSU Cultural Center. Members of the BOR and representatives from various sectors in the University have expressed their support to the president and on his plans in the next four years of his leadership. “His reappointment is an affi rmation and validation of his excellent performance. It cannot be denied, it is now a fact — a part of WVSU’s history,” said Julius Undar, president of the Non-Teaching Personnel

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IN A UNANIMOUS DECISION, THE WEST VISAYAS State University’s Board of Regents (WVSU-BOR) has reappointed Dr. Pablo E. Subong Jr. as President of WVSU.

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June - October 2011

Freshmen take new program in NSTP

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By Krezyl Joyce V. Pugna

THERE’S ANOTHER dish in the course. As mandated by the National Service Training Program (NSTP) Act of 2011, Literacy Training Service (LTS) is now being offered in the University, in addition to the two existing NSTP programs being taken by the freshmen. LTS is a program designed to train students to become teachers of literacy and numeracy skills to school children, out-of-school youth and other members of the society in need of their services. “For the NSTP, we now offer three components, namely, the Reserve Ofﬁcers’ Training Corps (ROTC), the Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS), and the LTS. This is not just a choice but this is in accordance to RA 9163 or the NSTP Act of 2011. These programs

are open to all ﬁrst year students who have enrolled in this school,” said Ruben C. Itabag, NSTP Coordinator and Administrative Ofﬁcer. This year, there were 139 students who enrolled in LTS, 1, 252 in CWTS, and 240 in ROTC. In the second semester, students taking up LTS will go to different places assigned by their professors to conduct tutorials and literacy trainings while CWTS and ROTC students will be volunteers in Gawad Kalinga sites. CWTS includes programs that will contribute to the betterment of the people, comprising activities which will improve health, education, environment and safety, while the ROTC is designed to provide military training in order to motivate and train the students for national defense preparedness.

Lay Forum stresses organ care, donation By Raimer Gel G. Caspillo

“DO NOT BRING YOUR kidneys in paradise. Heaven knows we need them here.” This has been the focus of the Lay Forum on the Prevention of Kidney Disease and Organ Donation held at Iloilo Grand Hotel, June 16. Participants from the academe, Association of Barangay Captains, media, as well as the patients and beneﬁciaries listened to the discussions on kidney care, kidney donations and kidney disease incidences and medications. Dr. Antonio R. Paraiso, Program Manager of Renal Disease Control Program (REDCOP) – National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI), related that dialysis machines in the Region grow in number while the numbers of the centers stay the same. Accident, from page 1

Journalism freshmen Merianne Grace Ereneta and Rizza Joy Ledesma were left with minor cuts in the different parts of their body when they landed on shards of broken glass. Though saying that no one can be blamed because what happened was an “accident,” Ereneta said the two doors of the Cultural Center must have been opened. “Crowd control was never a problem before,” said the USC adviser, Prof. Leah Mae Cabalﬁn, of the stampede, a ﬁrst in the history of the university.

Furthermore, he also revealed that West Visayas State University Medical Center has one of the highest dialysis incidences in Iloilo and putting Region VI in the 6th place in terms of dialysis incidences per population. Dr. Paraiso also stressed that kidney transplant is far better compared in having dialysis because the quality of the patient’s life will be improved with his new kidney. Under the theme “Bato Kong Alay, Bago Mong Buhay”, this program was spearheaded by the REDCOP, NKTI, Department of Health and Philippine Information Agency in celebrating the National Kidney Month. This half-day forum is one of the major activities in Iloilo as a site of the Renal Disease Prevention and Kidney Donation Program aside from medical missions. “We thought that after the event at the Grandstand, people would take a break and be back after an hour. We did not anticipate that they will wait outside the Cultural Center,” she said. “At that time, we were actually experiencing technical problems backstage,” the professor admitted. The USC shouldered the expenses for the medication of both Ereneta and Ledesma, which cost about P7,000. According to the Student Council, they will properly communicate with the students and handle crowds next time to prevent a similar incident.

FD editor is No. 1 Bayer Young Environmental Leader By Katrina Mae O. Sencil

AS AWARENESS MOUNTS on the growing need to protect the environment, the youth of today plays a major role. Mary Jade P. Gabanes, a third-year Bachelor of Special Education student from the College of Education and the editor-in-chief of ForumDimensions, bested 18 young environmentalists from other countries to be hailed as one of the top International Bayer Young Leader Awardees together with the envoys from Ecuador, Indonesia and Kenya in Leverkusen, Germany, October 21. Gabanes’ project entitled, “Empowering Special Children to Empower Others Towards Environmental Stewardship” focused on the environmental education of special individuals. Through this project, Gabanes has conducted art therapy sessions for the children and organized clean-ups and mini-events. She also spearheaded a grand variety show showcasing the children’s talents and an exhibit in SM City. “I’m overjoyed that I was able to give justice to the efforts of all the people who participated in my project,

The four Philippine delegates to Germany for the 2011 Bayer Young Environmental Envoy Program ﬂash their winning smiles as they receive their trophies. BAYER

especially the kids. The projects of my co-envoys were so amazing that it kind of scared me at first, but my teammates assured me that I have a good fight because everything I did was spontaneous and from the heart,” shared Gabanes. Prior to her all-expense paid trip to Germany for a long study tour, she was first chosen as the Philippine’s official representative to compete in the international program and was awarded August 19 at DusitThani Hotel in Makati.

“You don’t always have to get down and dirty to become an environmentalist. It’s just a matter of creativity and innovation. There are so many things we could do to alleviate the environment’s present state, and young as we are, we can be the perfect pool of ideas,” said Gabanes. Another WVSU delegate, in the person of Alﬁe Desamparado from the College of PESCAR whose project was titled, “Pass it on: Environmental Composition

and Performance” –– an aesthetic exhibition of environmental awareness through personally composed songs inspired by the people in Guimaras, also went to Germany. Every year, the Bayer Young Environmental Envoy Program and the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) continues to convene over 50 envoys from different countries around the globe to Leverkusen in Germany for an all-expense paid study trip.

CMC defends top spot in newscasting contest

By Scholastica Ross Y. Camba

WEST VISAYAS STATE University-College of Mass Communications (WVSUCMC) successfully defended its reputation as the home of newscasting champions. Vangio H. Robles, a senior Bachelor of Broadcasting student, got the ﬁrst place in the Collegiate Level of the 9th ABS-CBN Inter-School Newscasting Competition held at the Robinson’s Place Fountain Area, September 3. Robles succeeded Joseph Paul Tarrosa who also ﬁnished with the gold medal last year. Robles bested six other contenders from different schools, namely, John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University which landed 2nd place, Central

Vangio Robles delivers his winning newscast at Robinsons’ Place Iloilo, September 3. KREZYL JOYCE PUGNA

Philippine University which garnered 3rd place, University of the Philippines in the Visayas, University of Iloilo-PHINMA, St. Paul University- Iloilo, and University of San Agustin. The contestants were judged according to delivery, voice quality, diction, and audience impact. “The pressure of winning had always been there but all I did was think positively,” said Robles. The ABS-CBN InterSchool Newscasting Competition is a yearly project of ABS-CBN Iloilo that aspires to develop the skills of potential broadcasters in the Elementary, Secondary and Collegiate Level English, Filipino and Hiligaynon categories of newscasting.

WVSU teams up with ‘business program’ for the poor By Joanna Rose B. Navarro

AS THE PIONEER GAWAD Kalinga Builders Institute in the Visayas, West Visayas State University (WVSU) was chosen to become an institutional partner of the Gawad Kalinga Center for Social innovations (GK-CSI) by virtue of a letter from GK Founder Tony Meloto. With its core concept of

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“Bayanihan Economics,” GKCSI seeks to sustain security, stability and the acceleration of livelihood, education and health programs in realizing its 2024 vision of helping ﬁve million poor families get out of poverty. The approach mixes the spirit of Bayanihan and the rigors of economic development. It also challenges big businesses to

foster a “social conscience” and to set up trades for the welfare of the poor. It also aims to create a first world Philippines, to export worldclass Filipino brands, and to enhance the demand of local raw materials in the market. With the said partnership, GK-CSI specifically targets WVSU to create a stream of confident and competent graduates who’ll set up their

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own businesses in the future. “CSI is a very good program because it will allow our students and others to be productive. If we’ll pursue with it, we really can excel. Let’s eradicate the mentality that after graduating, we tend to become employees. There’s much we can do. We can be employers too,” said April Dream Teodosio, faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences.

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June - October 2011

PhilHealth names university hospital as Center of Quality ‘Quality Assurance Committee has been on top of the job’

CTE holds nat’l confab By Sheila Mae H. Toreno

By Tiffany Marie A. Somes

THE PORTRAIT OF A WINNING TEAM. IYD winners with one of their coaches.

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WVSU delegates shine in IYD tilts By Mitz S. Serofia

By Raja Paolo S. Sabido

The new Center for Teaching Excellence is ready to put WVSU in the limelight of teacher education. KREZYL JOYCE PUGNA

Teachers training center boasts of better programs By Ian Leoj M. Gumban

THE CENTER FOR Teaching Excellence (CTE), a joint project of the College of Education and the Commission on Higher Education, now operates with new developments in its ofﬁce and offers enriched projects, researches, and seminars. Situated at the Andres Bonifacio Hall, which was the previous Chemistry laboratory and library of the Integrated Laboratory School– High School, the renovated center was only opened to the public this year. With its new Director, Dr. Purita P. Bilbao, CTE ﬂaunts

its facilities and technological advancements for training teaching professionals. It is also a frequent venue for seminars and trainings which are graced by national and international speakers on teaching excellence. Dr. Bilbao stated that she aspires to make WVSU, through CTE, internationally recognized as a leading institution for teaching excellence through researchbased programs. Formed by virtue of ex-CHED Commissioner Nenalyn P. Defensor’s “Save Our Future – Save Our Normal [See TEACHERS, PAGE 8]

PRESIDENT DR. PABLO E. Subong, Jr. appointed former Institute of Information and Communications Technology (IICT) Director Dr. Bobby D. Gerardo as the new Vice President on Administration and Finance (VPAF) in lieu of Dr. Ramon G. Zarceno. Gerardo said that he feels blessed that the President

placed his trust on him and is conﬁdent in his capability to hold the said position. “It is very important to have a mutual relationship between the President and his deputies, especially because it is for the success of the implementation of the various projects and programs of the University,” said Gerardo. Furthermore, the new VPAF said that the criteria

for the selection included the degree of education and leadership skills of the nominee. “I’d like to make sure that all the plans and programs of the university will be realized, all geared towards the achievement of the school’s vision which has been a part of the imperatives of the

Action Global Program. He was awarded last July 22 at the Philippine Auto Components, Calamba, Laguna. Seroﬁa’s project entitled Green Schools Movement: Youth Envi-Leaders and EcoCart Campaign focuses on youth empowerment. “As its main feature is

likened to the hospital’s emergency cart, the project seeks to address urgent enviromental problem,” Seroﬁa added. He also stated that the project is a product of a group effort, an offshoot of a college competition. “Several individuals formulated this project. I only

carried it to the local and eventually to the international program. Moreover, Serofia was the only student who qualified to the global program. After his arrival from Indonesia, Serofia will be implementing his project, starting with two pilot schools.

alumni association. In response, the president, who at the same time revealed that he will not anymore extend his term, had asked the WVSU community’s help. “I am asking you to help me realize what is good for our university. Hindi ko kaya ang mag-isa. Kailangan ko ang tulong ninyong lahat (I can’t do

this by myself; I will need your help),” said Subong. Subong has also expressed his willingness to be a more transparent and open-minded leader. He also appealed to the university stakeholders to support the different centers of development and excellence and to cooperate in working toward the accreditation of

the different colleges. “Each one of us has a role to work with. I want each one to be innovative,” Subong said. “To predict the future is to create it. How can you predict if you do not work towards the development of your unit?” Subong ﬁ rst took ofﬁce as University President in 2007, replacing Dr. Lourdes C. Arañador.

[See VPAF, PAGE 4]

Nursing senior takes on global program By Ma. Ronida P. Veedor

BEARING A GOOD AMOUNT of experience and a promising initiative, Mitz S. Seroﬁa, a senior Nursing student, was chosen to be one of the four representatives of the Philippines to go to Indonesia this October 16-22 for the DENSO Youth for Earth SUBONG, from page 1

and the reevaluation of the Socialized Tuition and Financial Assistance Program. Also, they expect a more transparent, inclusive and participative decision-making process; institutional reforms; and a cultivation of a “cutlure of homecoming” for a stronger

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Ex-IICT director is new VPAF

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Development Goals (MDGs): Discover the Volunteer in You,” the event gathered nearly 700 students and youth leaders all throughout the country and from six other Asian nations. The conference, ﬁrst to be held outside Metro Manila, served as an avenue for an open-minded exchange of diverse perspectives on contemporary global challenges, especially the attainment of the MDGs.

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WEST VISAYAS STATE University (WVSU) took home three bronze medals during the 12th International Youth Day Celebration and Youth and Educators Summit for the Millennium Development Goals held in Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center, Aug 3-7. Fermin Sornito, Jr., CAS, and Mitz Seroﬁa, CON, snared the third spot in the

oratorical and essay writing competitions, respectively. The Quiz Bowl team, composed of Kit DG Pabiona (COE), Lenlen Sacapaño (CAS), and Ceril Lyn Burro (CAS), also won third place. Allen John Lira, Nursing Batch 2011 alumnus, was also elected as the Visayas Commissioner of the United Nations Youth Associations of the Philippines (UNYAP). With the theme “Volunteering for Millennium

THE PHILHEALTH INSUrance Commission (PHIC) conferred the West Visayas State University-Medical Center (WVSU-MC) with the Center of Quality status after one year of accreditation that started from October 2010 to March 2011. The Center of Quality status is the second level of the three-level benchmark of hospital excellence. The preparations done by the hospital administration started in 2009, when WVSU-MC was just on its way to the Center of Safety category. “We based our preparations on the Self Assessment and Survey Tool in the PHIC bench book. Ever since we started applying for the Safety until we reached the Quality, the Quality Assurance Committee of this hospital has been on top of the job,” said Nida Sonza, Administrative Ofﬁcer of WVSU-MC. Based on the PHIC bench book, a hospital must comply at least six of these: patient rights and organizational ethics, patient care, leadership and management, human resource management, records management, safe practice and improvement; and improving performance, to attain the accreditation status for Safety which is valid for a year; two years for Quality; and three years for Excellence.

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WEST VISAYAS STATE University Center for Teaching Excellence (WVSU-CTE) hosted the National Monitoring and Synchronization Conference Cum Workshop held at West Visayas State University (WVSU) - Andres Bonifacio Hall, July 13-14. Representatives from seven Centers for Teaching Excellence (CTEs) and 16 Network Members for Excellence in Teacher Education converged in this two-day conference workshop. It included presentation of the 2010 accomplishment report of the centers, linking Teacher Education Institution through the Technology Enhanced–Learning web portals, action plans for a Nationwide Training of Trainers (TOT) for Kindergarten Teaching, and the presentation of the 20112012 CTE plans. Dubbed as “HEIs (Higher Education Institutions) Inthe-Web and In-the-Know for Enhanced Teaching Excellence,” the workshop

aimed to synchronize the annual activities of the CTE; establish linkages between teacher education institutions through web portals; and prepare the action plan for the nationwide TOT. The conference is part of the Commission on Higher Education’s nationwide program, Save the Normal Schools/ Save Our Future project. The Conference Cum Workshop was inspired by the messages of Dr. Patricia B. Licuanan, Chair of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Comm. Nenalyn P. Defensor, who both gave the context and the directions of the CTE. “We want to revive, revitalize these original normal schools and develop them into CTE in Teacher Education,” said Dr. Licuanan. WVSU-CTE has conducted three local and regional in-service activities, one national conference, three commissioned professional development of teachers, one internet and one national research publications in the previous academic year.

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June - October 2011

French visitors immerse in GK villages

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By Jenny Pearl A. Infante

A GROUP OF 12 FRESHMEN and sophomore Business students from E Cole’ de Superior de Commerce de Paris (ESCP) traveled to the Philippines to work for the poor. They visited West Visayas State University (WVSU) last August 4 and stayed for 22 days in Good Samaritan, Gawad Kalinga (GK) Village, Janiuay, Iloilo where they experienced first-hand the works of GK. They were accommodated by the GK folks led by Angel Supiton. The students comprised six males (Saad Lahrichi, Joshua Ghafoor, Arthur Allard, Anas Jaldi, Charles Sicat, Beranger Gras) and six females (Wasane Elhsissen, Sophia Klotz Douiri, DaineBouyer, Tatiana Topiol, Audrey Joubert, Anne- Cecile Fursten Ferger). Four of which are Moroccans. Every summer, students of ESCP are given the option to either stay in France, have their on-the-job trainings within Europe or travel abroad. The 12 of them paid for their individual expenses and each gave P3,000 per week

to GK, an amount which they believed would be of big help to the organization. Having the local and international provision for immersion programs, the visit of French students to Iloilo was made possible when Supiton got a call from Center for Social Innovation, another GK program in Manila. Supiton, with his counterpart Peter Tiu and a GK part time worker Sally Ramos, were responsible for the accommodation. Aside from immersing with different families in Janiuay, the students also built two GK duplex houses during their stay. They were also able to visit three GK sites in the province, namely Sook, Ajuy and Concepcion. A total of 50 ESCP students were sent and dispersed throughout the Philippines. When GK founder Tony Miloto went to France and visited ESCP, the students French students in a courtesy call with Iloilo City Councilor Jason claimed to have been inspired Gonzales. TAJEN SUI by the fruits of GK, especially in Iloilo. The French students also expressed their plan to return to the Philippines and stay here for a few months next year.

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CORRESPONDENT

PACSA ofﬁcers with Boy Abunda and Efren Peñaﬂorida. PACSA

Student leaders attend PACSA mid-year confab THE LA CARMELA DE Boracay Resort Hotel was swarmed by hundreds of delegates from all over the country, composed of both tertiary level students and campus advisers, as the Philippine Association for Campus Student Advisers (PACSA) held its second midyear convention last July 2830 at Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan. Having been known as one of the premiere resort hotels in Boracay, La Carmela was able to accommodate more than 700 guests from the convention alone. “I can’t believe the number of people who attended the PACSA convention. My fellow delegates and I had a blast,” said Keziah Huelar, Journalism student and delegate of West Visayas State University. The delegates were grouped

A THIRD YEAR BACHELOR of Special Education student was chosen as the Philippines’ lone delegate to the Global Challenges of Youth with Disabilities International Study Program held at Seoul, South Korea, August 23 to September 5. Jane Ro-an G. Derecho comprised the twenty delegates from 11 ASEAN countries who participated in the said program. It was hosted by Korean Society of Rehabilitation for Persons with Disabilities (KSRPD), a non-government institution established in 1954 by Dr. Nak Joon Baik in South Korea. KSRPD aims to strengthen effective partnerships with persons with disabilities (PWDs), activists, professionals

working in NGOs, and Korea disability experts, through coalition on contemporary issues, research and practices. “I was moved by the message of Kyeong Seok Park, who talked about the history of persons with disabilities in Korea, emphasized that people with disabilities are still able to participate in the society and they are treated with equal respect and dignity. And in Korea, laws protecting PWDs are not just passed into laws, but rather demonstrated and strictly followed unlike here in the Philippines,” said Derecho. Derecho is an ofﬁcial member of Breaking Barriers for Young Adults with Disabilities Training and Development Center (BBYTDC), a non-government organization for PWDs in Iloilo City.

Salcedo were paraded. Before the grand launching, USC members went to WVSU College of Agriculture and

Forestry (CAF) in Lambunao on August 19 for the Green Week Opening Program with CAF students.

By Sheila Mae H. Toreno

‘Green ambassadors’ named in ‘Green Week’

By Rocill Jhen G. Caspillo

By Mary Jade P. Gabanes

Junior goes to SoKor for study on PWDs

into “students” and “advisers” as each group had different sets of activities and speakers for the plenary sessions on the theme “Strengthening Campus Advising and Student Leadership amidst Global Challenges”. Famous national personalities attended as speakers of the plenary sessions. CNN’s 2009 Hero of the Year Awardee Mr. Efren Peñaﬂorida and revered TV personality Mr. Boy Abunda were invited as guest speakers on the topics “Youth Response to Global Challenges” and “Governance in Campus Advising and Student Leadership,” respectively. The head organizers of the convention coming from the PACSA-Visayas Core Group under the leadership of Prof. Sunny Lasala of the University of San Agustin expressed their heartfelt gratitude to all those who have made the event a success.

IN ITS CRUSADE FOR environmental stewardship, West Visayas State University (WVSU) University Student Council (USC) spearheaded the Green Week Celebration for the second time. Various contests were conceived such as Green Lens, a photography contest, where the entry from the College of Mass Communications won and Nature Flicks, a short ﬁlms contest that aimed to develop students environmental responsiveness through media, which was topped by the College of Education. In the grand launching on August 24 at the WVSU Cultural Center, Fashion Goes Wild: Eco-Asia competition

ﬁlled the event with glamor as models dominated the runway, wearing creations of student designers inspired from selected Asian countries and created out of recycled materials. College of Mass Communications’ Thaiinspired design by Russel Jude M. Patiña was adjudged as the winner. After launching the Search for the Next Green Ambassadors, 12 students were given the chance to implement their environmentally cognized proposals that will be implemented on August 26 2011 to March 16, 2012. The night also became remarkable as collections of Iloilo’s fashion designers such as Mark Uer, Paul Conte, Jun-G Candelario and of well-renowned couturier Jet

MC Girl Scout joins international camp By Sheila Mae H. Toreno

WITH MORE THAN A decade of girl scouting and related works, a sophomore Mass Communications student was qualiﬁed to participate in an international jamboree. Hyacinth S. Bangero, a second year Bachelor in Broadcasting student, joined the 13th Girl Scout International Camp held at Goseong Jamboree Campsite, South Korea, July 25–31. Bangero was one of the 12,000 delegates, some of whom were from other countries. Awarded as the Outstanding Girl Scout of the Philippines (GSP) in the Visayas for 2010, Bangero was granted with the

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said international travel grant by the GSP. Bangero’s active involvement in Girl Scouting since grade school and for her one-year round community project, “Communal Herbal Garden for the Aetas of Nagpana, Barotac Viejo”, made her earn the distinction as Outstanding Girl Scout in 2010 and Chief Girl Scout in 2009. “I have learned that it isn’t difﬁcult to be with people of different culture, to be proud of my country and to understand Korean culture. And the award is not just all about prestige but it is to meet people’s expectations and to prove my potentials more,” said Bangero.

A galore of recycled Asian-inspired couture highlights the 2011 Green Week Celebration. TAJEN SUI Protest, from page 1

Services (PS) of P403.3 million. As for WVSU, P3.7 million will be slashed from its MOOE. Nothing was allotted for its Capital Outlay. Reducing the budget for education “is like abandoning (the government’s) responsibility” to provide for “every Filipino’s right to education,” said Krisma Nina Porquia, WVSU student councilor. Porquia fears that the reduction in the budget for education will result VPAF, from page 3

President when he started to take ofﬁce four years ago,” he added. He also intends to come up with projects that would improve the resource generation of the university.

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to higher tuition and other school fees. It may give SUC administrators a reason to hike university fees “to augment the budget that the government must provide,” she said. She added that the government “allows the yearly increase in tuition and other fees to the detriment of the Filipinos who cannot afford the high price of education.” On September 24, students staged another picket wherein the protesters did a mass “planking” along the city streets. Focus on infrastructure projects is also in his list for the productive utilization of the students and faculty. With his appointment as the new VPAF, Gerardo was replaced by Prof. Joel T. De Castro as the director of IICT.

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June - October 2011

WVSU accepts applicants for int’l student exchange By Raimer Gel G. Caspillo

FENCE, from page 1

Development Plan. They were funded by the university administration’s Capital Fund. The fence rehabilitation, however, did not cover the entire perimeter of the university. The fence on the campus’ left wing, surrounding the College of EducationIntegrated Laboratory School was left untouched. It will be repainted soon, Engr. Gina Pañares, the CPPO chief, said. Also, the rough roads in front of the Administration Building, toward the university back gate in Magsaysay Village, are scheduled to undergo rehabilitation. The bidding process for the project and other transactions

are ongoing. A few days after the newly rehabilitated perimeter fence was repainted, graffiti were seen on some of its parts. Some students and concerned sectors in the university have expressed concern on the matter. But according to Pañares, “the protection of the fence against vandalism is the responsibility of our campus security. The Planning Office cannot control these activities.” The graffiti were removed two weeks later. Pañares has encouraged everyone to take care of the university facilities. “If the university’s students, faculty and staff are careful enough, we can preserve the physical facilities of this institution,” she added.

WEST VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY-COLLEGE OF Medicine (WVSU-COM) placed ﬁfth in the roll of top performing medical schools in the country after garnering a 95.31 passing percentage during the August 2011 Physician Licensure Exam (PLE). Sixty-one out of 64 board takers successfully hurdled the PLE. The Professional Regulation Commission announced that 1, 605 out of 2, 131 examinees passed the licensure exam given by the Board of Medicine. Cebu Institute of Medicine and University of the Philippines-Manila both topped the exam with 100% passing rate, followed by University of Santo Tomas (99.73%), Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (98.31%), and University of the East (96.04%). The oath taking ceremony of these new physicians was held last September 11 at the Plenary Hall of the Philippine International Convention Center in Manila. A parade of literary characters dominates the WVSU campus roads, September 9. KREZYL JOYCE PUGNA

English Day highlights essence of language By Scholastica Ross Y. Camba

THE SLOGAN “ENGLISH: An Edge to Global Competitiveness” was emphasized in this year’s English Day celebration through the different activities and contests, September 9. Once again, the streets of the university were ﬂooded with the parade of literary characters that rekindled among students their basic literature classes. The street theater also captivated the attention of many students despite their ongoing college activities. Different contests like Quiz Bee, Spelling, Vocabulary and Idioms, Speech, Grammar, Character Interpretation, Graphic Poetry, and Impromptu Speaking took place the whole day while a ﬁlm showing was also concurrently held. The winners of the contests were as follows: Stephene

Barredo (CAS) for character interpretation; Louise Maravilla (CMC) for graphic poetry; Keziah Huelar (CMC) for impromptu speaking; Max Shane Lamanero (COE) for Literature quiz bee; Elente Joy Baila (WVSU-Pototan) for spelling; Therese Ramona Bulano (ILS) for vocabulary and idioms; Robie Arbis (IICT) for speech; and Marvin Porras (WVSU- Calinog) for grammar. Prof. Ma. Eloisa L. Yap, Head of the English Department, spearheaded the event in partnership with the Center for Foreign Languages, Arts and Sciences Students English Majors and English Majors Organization of the College of Education. “This activity aims to foster mastery of the English language and make the students realize that this is one way to become globally competitive,” said Prof. Yap.

Koreans hold talk on information tech By Jesther Rose L. Rojas

A GROUP OF SEVEN students from Jeju National University lectured on current trends in information technology (IT) as part of its Korea Internet Volunteers (KIV) Program, IICT building, August 3 to September 2. The team gave ITrelated talks about Android programming application, a developing communication for Android smart phones. Stated in their lecture, students will collect tourism information about Iloilo City and the KIV will complete the Iloilo Guide Application to let the people know about the city’s tourist attractions. Aside from giving lectures, the team also focused on cultural exchange. IICT students participated in Korean traditional games and performances, K-pop singing class, and learning of

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Korean language. “This is the ﬁrst time that there was no English translator with them,” said Dr. Bobby Gerardo, former IICT Director. The IICT students acquired skills in preparing and developing applications for Android and had the opportunity to experienced cultural exchange and to be exposed globally. The KIV team also donated a laptop, LCD projector and camera to the school. “In fact, I’ve already signed the papers for the second KIV program, but then, it will be held in other WVSU campuses,” Dr. Gerardo said. KIV is an overseas volunteer program supported by the Korean Government where 612 volunteers are participating in 22 countries. WVSU is one of the chosen locations for the program.

2 juniors admitted to US study tour By Raja Paolo S. Sabido

WEST VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY (WVSU) SENT two third year Mass Communications students who represented the Philippines in the Study of U.S. Institutes (SUSI) for New Media and Journalism program at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, June 26- Aug 2. John Francis Mikhail A. Blacer, Bachelor in Broadcasting 3-A, and Mark Joenel F. Castillo, Bachelor of Science in Development Communications 3-A, were two of the seven chosen students to join the said program out of more than 800 applicants around the Philippines. There were 20 students from three Asian countries who attended the program: six from Malaysia, seven from Indonesia, and seven from the Philippines. After being nominated by Prof. Ricky G. Abaleña III, Blacer and Castillo both wrote an essay about why they should be chosen to attend the said program. In addition, the guest speakers, who discussed topics about the foundations of American Journalism and New Media, writing and reporting, and US history and foreign policies, are journalists from The New York Times, Voice of America, and the Cable News Network. Also, the ﬁve-week program is composed of four weeks of lectures, and a week of educational tour which included a tour to Detroit, Michigan, The New York Times Square, the United Nations headquarters in the US, and Gettysburg, a famous civil war battle site. “Prior to the trip, I have the sense of ethnocentrism in me; that the Philippines has the richest culture. But no, it isn’t. I realized that every culture is unique and different and that other countries also have rich culture like us,” said Castillo. Castillo also said that because of the danger that faces journalists here in the Philippines, he prefers the mass media in the US over the mass media in the Philippines. Moreover, this is the second year that SUSI for New Media and Journalism program at Ball State University held lectures and study tours for foreign students and the second year of WVSU to have representatives to attend the said program.

Language Center celebrates 1st Language Fest By Katrina Mae O. Sencil

IN THIS AGE OF GLOBALIZATION COMES THE NEED to communicate with various people, not only through English but other languages as well. With this premise, the Center for Foreign Languages (CFL) held the City-wide Language Festival 2011 last September 5-9 at the West Visayas State University Cultural Center Rehearsal Hall. The festival with its theme “Foreign Languages – An Edge to Global Competitiveness” aimed to stir the interest among students to learn other languages,” said Prof. Sharon F. Quimpo, Director of CFL. The features of the Language Festival include University Foreign Language Games, Foreign Film Festival wherein five foreign films were shown, Foreign Language Quiz Bees on French, Japanese and German, the Korean and Japanese Food Demo, Food Festival, On-the-Spot Manga Contest, and the Global Business Conference of the Association of Training Constitutions for Foreign Trade in Asia and the Pacific (ATIFTAP) on the theme: The Language of Business in the Global Economy. On the last day, the WVSU English Department together with the CFL celebrated the English Day which was participated by the students, faculty and staff.

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IN AN EFFORT TO INSTILL quality education, the Japanese Cooperation Volunteers conducted a workshop on teaching strategies on Mathematics and Science subjects recently. WVSU, being one of the leading institutions in the country, was one of the chosen universities. The university welcomed the seven Japanese volunteers who also conducted the same program in some provinces in Panay. ‘The Bagong Rule’, a method of teaching students who have difﬁculty with their basic subjects, was among

the highlights of the lecturediscussion. The said activity was under the Samurai 6 project of the Japan International Cooperation Agency. It focuses on improving science and mathematics literacy in the Philippines by visiting and introducing Japanese methods of teaching in different educational institutions in the country. Students from the Division of Mathematics Education, Science Education, and Secondary Teacher Training from the university were among the few fortunate participants to attend the workshop.

By Jeline N. Encarnacion

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By Jandi M. Nietes

COM ranks 5th in licensure exam

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Japanese pedagogy introduced

 NEWS BRIEFS     

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DO YOU WANT TO STUDY abroad for a semester or two? The West Visayas State University (WVSU) Communications and International Affairs Office (CIAO) now accepts student applicants for the 2012 University Mobility in Asia and the Pacific program (UMAP). Under this program, students can undertake undergraduate studies abroad for a span of one to two semesters in any participating university among the 31 UMAP member countries as USA, Australia, and Hong Kong. Eligible applicants are first year to third year students under colleges with Level II accreditations, having GPAs of 1.75 or higher and without failing grades. If interested, students can log in to WVSU UMAP Account (wvsu.edu.ph/umapphil) and create student accounts. Once the student account is created, the student themselves can log in the UMAP STUDENT CONNECTION ONLINE (USCO). The program open to most Philippine Universities is UMAP Multilateral Exchange

Program (UME). Likewise, students must contact CIAO located at Quezon Hall to facilitate the application. In the program, hosting universities are expected to waive tuition fees for the exchange students and their home universities are mandated to accept credits for the study abroad through the University Credit Transfer Scheme. Founded in 1993, UMAP is a voluntary association of government and nongovernment representatives that aims to achieve a better understanding of the cultural, economic, and social systems of other countries through enhanced cooperation between universities and increased mobility of student and staff. WVSU became one of the pioneer members of the UMAP Council, Inc. Philippines through the Board of Regents Resolution No. 95-2008 but the Multilateral Student Exchange Program only became fully operational in time that the Memorandum of Agreement /Pledge of Agreement were signed by WVSU University President Dr. Pablo E. Subong, Jr. on September 15, 2010.

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June - October 2011

What it means to be a volunteer

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Of life and lessons learned

By Mitz S. Serofia

HEN I ENTERED COLLEGE, I MADE a commitment to myself to not anymore engage in activities outside my academics. I had too much of them when I was in high school and so, I wanted to stay away from responsibilities and the concomitant pressure as much as possible. But I surprisingly took the unpopular choice. I decided to be part of the university publication and several other organizations during my early years in the university. Now as I look back, as I try to reap the rewards of a once uncertain choice made true by a conviction to share and serve, I am enveloped with fulfillment. Now, I am convinced that nothing great could ever be done without an act of decision. But that’s the problem these days. How many of us would say yes to joining Gawad Kalinga or sign up for a cause for Mother Earth? How many would go out of his way to teach our indigenous brothers and sisters? People would usually label volunteering for a cause a burden or an additional workload, among all else. Many of us also have the mindset that we have no need to provide assistance to a movement already taken up by many. We think that the help we don’t give wouldn’t matter compared to what others do give. Between sitting down and campaigning against injustice, we tend to take time looking for varied excuses in favor for a more comfortable option. Yet in the middle of all this self-centeredness, we are invited to think beyond ourselves. In a study by the University of South Carolina, it was found out that the most noteworthy reasons for volunteering were feeling compassion for people in need (86 percent); having an interest in the volunteertype activity or work (72 percent); gaining a new perspective on things (70 percent); and the import of the activity to those in need (63 percent). The intentions may be diverse but things remain certain at the end of the day: the hungry are fed, those who cannot read are taught, those that are sick are cared for, and the land is protected and nurtured. On the other hand, allow me to share how I found my reasons for owning up the heart of a volunteer. A few years back, I used to sign up for medicalmissions, tree planting activities, Catechism classes, fun-runs, fund-raising projects, among several others. Before, these were done mostly out of fun until I began to entertain the idea of doing them for personal gain. I won’t try to be a hypocrite in telling that these were done self-aggrandizement aside. But believe me, wrong motives don’t usually end to bad results. Along the way, I learned to love what I was doing. And for me, that’s the most important part of volunteering as it is the true capital of being involved. What comes after is a price far greater than any material compensation or what you can ever wish to write on your resumé. Last year, I volunteered to take part in an environmental project of a friend. We went to at least 20 barangays in and out Iloilo City to share stories and puppet shows about the environment. And in those places that we’ve been to, I realized how a simple effort can be a big influence in the lives of others as I saw how much they yearn for a grasp of awareness on matters that concern them most. Also, the eagerness of the kids, for which the project primarily serves, boosted my hopes that our toil — my toil — for the environment is not a losing battle. I may just be a volunteer trying to influence at least 40 kids per barangay back then, but the efforts I’ve invested in the realization of the project made me consider it as my own. Truly, it is only when one fully submits himself to a cause does he become part of it and the change that is to come. For a country known for its bayanihan culture, volunteerism is innate in us but the attitude to act is not. Nevertheless, our being Filipino is enough reason for us to nurture it and choose a course which we are to follow. We are reminded that a nation is built not by leaders but by volunteers. The height of our ideals, breadth of our sympathy, and depth of our resolve to help are the cornerstones of a responsible citizenry and eventually a progressive nation. Volunteers don’t get paid or even recognized at times but it is for us to know that it is only in the giving of oneself to others that we truly live.

I Desperate, drastic call

ONSIDERED AS A LEVERING MEASURE and a means to enhance the country’s basic education, the much debated K-12 program presented by Department of Education Secretary Armin Luistro in October 2010 is on its way. As proposed, the program will include kindergarten, six years in elementary, four in junior high school, and two in senior high school. President Benigno Aquino III declared that this will take effect next school year. However, like any change in system, the proposal of adding two years in the education ladder received an unwelcoming response. In fact, it was deemed to be the most drastic course of the Aquino administration. Its taking effect in the subsequent academic year shouts out one thing –– unpreparedness. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, eight million Filipino youths are dropping out of school. Adversities and lack of ﬁnances, among others, force them to abandon their education, lending them two possible outcomes: either they labor for the costs of an expensive living or they just lielow. This is happening in a 10-year education setup. Twelve years will most probably skyrocket the dropout statistics. Although education in public schools is free, every student needs an average of P20,000 annually to cover fare, food, supplies and other educational expenses. Parents could barely even allot enough funds for 10 years, excluding college. That in mind, two more years will most likely run their pockets dry. More years of education, more strain in monetary resources, more dropouts and more problems.

On top of this, the government lacks concrete financial allocation and subsequently, the political will power to refurbish the educational system. The country is yet to build an additional of 152,000 new classrooms and hire 103,599 new teachers. That would translate to 70 students still crammed into one classroom. This had been a perennial problem. In fact, former Education Secretary Mona Valisno said that DepEd is in dire need of at least P163 billion to construct 93,599 additional classrooms, purchase 134,400 seats and supply textbooks and scholarship grants. All of these are deficits of the present education program. Do the math and you will know how much more is needed for K-12. While it is apparent that the country’s educational program desperately needs reforms, it is not always true that pressing times need drastic measures. There is no clear correlation between the length of schooling and students’ performance. If the Aquino Administration really wants to develop the youth’s educational aptitude, it should start dissecting the quality of education that this country offers. Instead of more years of school, it should give better years in school. Countries with high-achieving students are interestingly the ones whose governments allot higher budget for education. Hence, their example reflects our need to have better-trained teachers, new functioning facilities and equipment, more textbooks, complete resources, and numerous opportunities for students. Improving the quality before increasing the quantity of education is what is precisely needed. With proper support, Filipinos can surely do in 10 years what the rest of the world can in 12.

Editorial

OFFICIAL UNIVERSITY STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF THE WEST VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY LA PAZ, ILOILO CITY

EDITORIAL BOARD A.Y. 2011-2012 Mitz S. Seroﬁa Mary Jade P. Gabanes Editors in Chief Katrina Mae O. Sencil Managing Editor

Raimer Gel G. Caspillo Associate Editor

Ma. Ronida P. Veedor Feature Editor

Sheila Mae H. Toreno News & Special Reports Editor

Jandi M. Nietes Sports Editor

Jesther Rose L. Rojas Literary Editor

Jenny Pearl A. Infante Filipino Editor

Joanna Rose B. Navarro Creative Director

Rother Johann R. Dadivas Cartoonist Jeline N. Encarnacion

Scholastica Ross Y. Camba Circulation & Exchange Manager

Ian Leoj M. Gumban

Krezyl Joyce V. Pugna

Raja Paolo S. Sabido Tiffany Marie A. Somes Editorial Assistants Rocill Jhen G. Caspillo Correspondent Dr. Bonna S. Palma Publication Adviser

Prof. Ricky G. Abaleña III Chair, University Publications Committee

Dr. Merna G. Rico-Lopez Dean of Students, Ofﬁce of Student Affairs

Dr. Pablo E. Subong, Jr. University President Letters/comments/suggestions/contributions are welcome in the Forum-Dimensions. Contributions must be sent to THE FORUM-DIMENSIONS Ofﬁce, Rm. 108, Quezon Hall, West Visayas State University, La Paz, Iloilo City. E-mail: forumdimensions.wvsu@gmail.com Tel. No. : (033) 320-0870 loc 162

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By Mary Jade P. Gabanes

AM A SINNER. WE ALL ARE. THE CHOICES I make don’t always conform to the rules. But I guarantee that the things I do are more often than not acceptable. I am not a rebel –– just an explorer, a free spirit. I believe that the best lessons in life are learned only through bending the law a little, by getting hurt, and by making mistakes. You’ll never see the beauty of life if you always choose what’s comfortable. I opt for a different path, the road less travelled by the unconventional. *** Schedules. I missed an important flight once. I was bound to have my visa interview just an hour after my supposed time of arrival to Manila. Right then and there, I felt stupid and irresponsible. I whined, cried, and even cursed a little. And then I laughed hard. It’s really clever the way fate plays a joke on us. If I had not missed that flight, I would never have realized what kind of a last-minute person I am and that things won’t always go my way, not like how they have been for quite a while. Sad as it is, the world won’t always try to please me. It’s a wakeup call. I’ve been too dependent and secured. My flight and interview was rescheduled a week after that. That time, I checked in two hours before boarding time. Life is all about making mistakes, learning from your mistakes, and moving forward. *** People. They will always have a way to get into your nerves. They will (it’s presumed) disappoint you one way or another. Even those you look up to and count on. And just the same, you can’t avoid disappointing people, even those you try so hard not to hurt. But if you’re lucky, you’ll find people that are worth-keeping –– people that are worth the pain. I’ve met a lot of people from different walks of life with different stories to tell. I’m thankful I met a group of youthful individuals who share my youthful passion. Individuals I never would’ve imagined I’d be linked to. Teenagers who changed my views about happiness, who gave FUN a new exciting meaning. They showed me that you don’t have to own a lot of things or have a lot of money in order to enjoy life. Sometimes, you just have to be with the right people, at the right time and that’s all it takes. *** Flunking. That could be the second worst thing that could happen to a student’s life, next to being expelled, of course. My academic standing is as erratic as my decision-making abilities. From time to time (and now it’s becoming even more frequent), I have to drag my grades to where they should be. My academic stability is really off lately. But then, they remind me of how laid back I’ve been these past few days. If I didn’t get a score of 3/30, I wouldn’t have reflected on my priorities. Flunking on that quiz was really an eye-opener. Too bad I had to learn the hard way. *** Love. They say it’s the most magical thing on earth. Well, I couldn’t agree more. I’ve seen how people are when they’re in love and how they are when they’re not. The loveless are usually grumpy, irritable, ill-tempered and plain pessimistic. Those who are in love most often exhibit actuations like that of a drug user –– intoxicated, high, impulsive but radiant, optimistic and inspired. I know of a lot who never seem to get it right with love, jumping from one relationship to the other in search for true love while there are lucky ones who find it with their first. Love works with trial and error. All you need is a little courage to face the inevitable pain and an open heart to welcome great possibilities. *** Life. Life is a complicated web woven to make us crazy. It’s so unpredictable. You’ll never know who you’ll meet, who you’ll love and who will make you cry. There’s no way to predict what happens next. You just have to be as sure as possible that everything is worth your while. The lessons we learn along the way defines whether or not our life is a life lived well.

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June - October 2011

By Katrina Mae O. Sencil

By Raimer Gel G. Caspillo

WUR personnel and subject our University to their assessments. The survey will determine WVSU’s ranking not only in the Philippines or Southeast Asia but in the world. WVSU was not included in the recent QS WUR because our administrators have not invited QS WUR personnel to assess us yet. It is as clear and as simple as that. Will WVSU become one of Southeast Asia’s top universities in the next surveys? Only QS WUR has the answer. *** Tourism is a sunrise industry that enlivens the economic activities in the City of Iloilo. When January comes, the City is on the limelight because of Dinagyang Festival. The mania of this month-long celebration continues as Paraw Regatta paves way for the succeeding month of February. Yet, as those drum beats cease, tourism in the City is deemed to be lifeless. As to former Department of Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim, Iloilo just needs a good packaging. This packaging could focus on Iloilo’s cultural heritage, he stressed. Iloilo City cradles potential tourist spots like the Spanish colonial houses that enthusiasts would likely ﬂock in. The Ledesma Mansion or “Eagle House”, SansonMontinola House, the Grand Ledesma Mansion, Locsin House, and Casa Mariquit are just a few of those houses that withstood the test of time. Calle Real, popularly known

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as the streets of Iznart and J. M. Basa, is also a possible tourism highlight. Possessing architectural designs with American and European influences, these structures are concrete testaments of the City’s hay days during the economic boom of the sugar industry. The first department store in the region owned by an Englishman Henry Hoskyn and business establishments built as early as 1930. The Spanish colonial houses and Calle Real are potential tourist attractions that can be used for educational, commercial and mostly tourism functions. Through this, prevention for further destruction and preservation of these heritages can also be realized. Tours on these sites can be organized to further educate the people of their essence to Ilongo history and boost the culture of tourism – Ilongos must love the Ilongo culture. However, Iloilo City Tourism Officer Benito Jimena related that there is a lack of integrated approach for these structures to be available for the visitors. In realizing this advocacy, the City Tourism office is confronted with two underlying obstructions – absence of incentives to be given to the owners for them to further improve their establishments and negligence of proprietors who don’t allow tourists to enter in their old houses. According to Mr. Jimena, Iloilo before was being promoted through the posters of Miag-ao Church and the heritage buildings in the City. Surprisingly, these promotions were not able to attract much tourists to Iloilo City. These buildings were not made interesting thus; visitors have no reasons to visit the place. They only see these structures on photographs oblivious of their stories and significances. “You cannot love something which you do not know,” Mr. Jimena remarked. Living up to the vision of making Iloilo a premier city by 2015, may the government and the old buildings’ owners be open to negotiate for this advocacy.

Compiled by: Tiffany Marie A. Somes and Krezyl Joyce V. Pugna In the recent advent of the national issue regarding the passing of the HB 4244, otherwise known as the Act Providing a Comprehensive Policy on Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health, and Population and Development, and For Other Purposes or the Reproductive Health Bill, factions have developed as they decide whether approving it is the right thing to do or not. Although there are general agreements with its provisions, it is still subjected to public scrutiny. With the ongoing debates, Talks and Voices weighs the views and opinions of the Taga-West whether to or not to allow the passing of this bill. Para sa akon, bill ni siya nga indi dapat ipasar kay it promotes immorality. It’s like your killing someone. Gina prohibit mo nga mabuhi ang isa ka tawo. -Escopel, CMCSC Asst. Auditor Kami kay student nurses kami, kag advocates kami sang health, syempre ang RH Bill makabulig man na. Galing may mga implications lang gid ya sang morality, especially sa culture ta kag damu man ga pati nga indi ni manami. So in the end, ara na nay a sa tawo kung anu gid ang mas pili-on nila. -de la Cerna, NSC Chair Although I am a Catholic, I’m for the RH Bill kay for the good gid na ya. Kay daw mas ma konsensiya ka dapat nga sagi kalang bata nga bata, indi ka man kasarang. Wala pa man na life mo so wala kay may gina patay. -a concerned university ofﬁcial I am not in favor of the RH Bill kay basi gamiton lang na as an excuse sang teenagers to engage in pre-marital sex kag ma set aside na ang morality. -Cabiles, Filipino instructor Ako ya, pro ako. Sa opinion ko, damu na galapta na mga sakit like AIDS, ti using contraceptives, ma prevent gid na ya ang paglapta. More ang positive effects sang sa negative. -Quidato, Fil instructor ***** The entire West Visayas State University academic community recently rejoiced over the reappointment of Dr. Pablo E. Subong. Dr. Subong, who ﬁrst assumed presidency way back in 2007. He is now on his last term as the head of this university. After four years of administration, we ask the views of the Taga-West wether they approve of his reappointment or not. Yes, I am in favor of his reappointment. So far, na tagaan gid action ang mga reklamo sang mga students, like ang guba-guba na dalan. Wala man poblema sa iya nga administration, maybe siguro ang mga tawo sa dalom niya pero all in all, mayu siya. -Gario, CON In a way, yes ako. Ok man si Sir Subong. Indi man siya ya malain. Sa subordinates nalang guro ang poblema. Pero kung may mga negative feedbacks, mas damo gyapon ang mga positive. -Corros, CMC For me, indi ko ya in favor sang iya reappointment kay pag graduate ko, amu man pagpungko ya. So four years, ari man ko di liwat for my graduate school education, wala man ko may makita nga dako gid nga mga improvements. Plus pa nga I think, kilanlan ya gid improve iya nga communication skills kay as the representative of this university, kilanlan the best lang gid ya ang aton. -A graduate school student Ako ya, no ako. Sa three years ko sa university, I’ve never seen such effort from him to live up to the vision of WVSU. Wala ko gid sya nakita nga gasupport sa activities sang students and the students seldom see him. Daw wala sya ga reach out sa students. So tani, maubra ya naman na sa last term ya. -Anonymous

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On Track

Talks Voices

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a lot of writing, probably you are expecting that your output will be given back to you with the feedback that you need, but this is not always the case. Output and exams take up the largest portion of my time but most of them were not given back to me, and end up dusty in the prof’s shelf. We can all admit to ignoring a pile of our photocopies when already satisfied by the grade, but let’s be honest: an uno means “good,” but it doesn’t mean “perfect.”As students, being assertive will give more chances to improve facing feedback when professors take the time to give it. But professors also need to fulfill their obligations as teachers who value our growth, not just the grade we get. It will be better if professors take some time to talk to all of their students and offer a much needed boost. We all know that not every professor memorizes the names of all his students and not every student knows the first names of all his professors but I think if both sides take the opportunity to supply and accept feedback, it would certainly strike the point of teaching than just simply awarding a number grade. We don’t just grade our courses; we reflect on them. It’s time to receive the same in return. *** As an English major, I can’t count how many times I’ve gotten the “So are you going to teach?” question or the “What are

you going to do with an AB in English?” These questions arise so often and are so overwhelming I can’t decide where to start explaining to them the intricate route of my career path. What I want to tell them is that I have to do what I have to do. I can’t go to law school if I don’t have any interest in being a lawyer. I can’t take a master’s degree if taking a master’s degree feels like it is going to kill me. I can’t be a teacher if I don’t feel like going to school every waking moment of my life. Faking it never works. If you are stuck in the same rut that I am presently in, what I can say to you is do what feels important to you. If you don’t believe me, read Richard Wright. Read Charlotte Brontë. Read William Trevor. Read the entire Western canon. And you’ll see. Or follow this easier prescription and that is to close your eyes and remember everything you already know. Let whatever mysterious starlight that guided you this far, guide you onward into whatever crazy beauty awaits. About three years ago, I was a senior in high school and I was on the brink of college, thinking about what I wanted to do with my life and why, and utterly certain that, if nothing else, I loved books and the worlds that they opened for me, and I wanted to spend as much time around them (and around other people who thought this way about them) as I could. I trust that all I’ve learned during my high school and ﬁve semesters of being in college was worth learning, no matter what answer I have or do not have about what use it is. I know that all those stories and poems and plays and novels are a part of me now and that they are bigger than me and they will always be. As long as my major makes me happy and inspires me, I’d rather spend two more years delving on it than stick in a practical major hating it. I’ll just take the skeptics as they come. I hope when people ask what I am going to do with my English degree (this also applies to other degrees that don’t guarantee an accurate career path) I can say this: Carry it with me, as I do with everything that matters.

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HILE SCANNING THROUGH the pages of one of our national tabloid dailies, I happened to glance at an article relating the release of the 8th Quacquerelli-Symonds Annual World University Rankings (QS WUR). This claims to be the most widely followed system for comparing international education institutions. This is being sought by academic leaders evaluating universities with which to partner, employers eyeing for their competent recruits, and parents surveying schools for their children. I immediately surf the net and searched the website. I am not concerned knowing that Cambridge dislodged Harvard from the top slot last year and retained it this year or much bothered that no Philippine University made it as one of the top 300 higher education institutions in the world. Instead, I only became interested to know a single thing – West Visayas State University’s ranking. I opened the website and typed ‘WEST VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY’ in the search engine. I clicked the search button but just grew distressed with the result as it appears– ‘NO RESULTS FOUND’. I leaned back and paused for a while. Maybe the name was misspelled I pondered. Again, I typed our university’s name but just got the same – ‘NO RESULTS FOUND.’ I was puzzled by the outcome until President Subong enlightened me during the special convocation purposely held for his reappointment. In ‘An Afternoon with the President’, President Subong related that in his second term’s ﬁrst year, he seeks to establish Centers of Excellence for Medicine, Information Technology, Nursing, Criminology, Agricultural Entrepreneurship, Industrial Technology and Caregiving Management. He also eyes for the accreditation of some of our colleges. If realized, the step for institutional accreditation will be conceived. This will be the point for our administrators to invite QS

Thoughts on the Portmanteau

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HEN ABIGAIL VALTE SAID that students protesting against budget cut for state universities and colleges should better “focus on their studies,” I was not the last one to be upset. Her statement implies that the student’s marching on the streets and walking out of the classes are downright worthless. It appears to me that she’s insinuating that we are “enjoying” all these huffing, puffing and outbursts on the streets. The sore truth is, students are protesting because they are not given what they rightfully deserve. The truth is, the state of our education is in its greatest crisis. Isn’t it that we are told that learning doesn’t end in the four walls of a classroom? Our books, teachers and term papers are not only the materials that educate us. Students are now aware of the realities that unfold around them. They are enlightened and are ready to step up for what they believe in. Isn’t that what education taught us? Yes, it is not in the curriculum but latently we’ve come to the realization that we already had enough. Telling students to “focus on their studies” defeats the very notion of education. No wonder that our education is in crisis. The forefront of these campaigns embodies what a real scholar is – one who serves his country and stands up for her. One who does not pore over books alone for the selfish cause of bidding farewell to his country when his working visa gets approved by the Canadian embassy. *** At WVSU, our grades are multipurpose: they reward us, terrify us and sometimes surprise us. But for all that number grades do, they do not follow the central mission of our education. They do not teach. I sat down with an IUIS print-out of my grades and tried to answer some practical questions about my growth as a student. Have I learned to write well? Do I think more critically than I did before? Have I developed a passion for my future career? Perusing my grades, I quickly found out that they fall flat as to answer all these. If you belong to a course where you do

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June - October 2011

This column shows what the young taga-West thinks about the things affecting their lives. Contributions from students are welcome.

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Taga-West Ko ‘Ya

By Martin Erick P. Gumban

NDI KO YA PAGPASKWELAHON AKON BATA SA WEST KAY basi magdungol.” I had my earphones on, amplified to more than half of the volume meter, yet the words coming from two women behind me are too loud for me to hear. “Gani man. Bati ko dira ka gid makatuon mag-cheating kag inaway.” Now I lost track of Bruno Mars and decided to take those ear plugs off. The words were so clear and it was not pleasing to my senses. They were criticizing me and my school. So, I stopped and beckoned. They shut up and stared at my ID. I can still remember my kindergarten days in this University more than 12 years ago. The fervent feeling during the first day of classes; how our kindergarten teacher spoon-fed us with hot arroz caldo and knowledge; and the dancing fruits and vegetables during Nutrition Month. It became more memorable until I reached elementary where I learned to compete and strive –– trying to see the test paper of my classmates and compare scores with them. If you’re an achiever, you can get all the opportunities: from being a class president to national quiz bee competitions and I am quite lucky to be one of them back then. Then entered my high school years where I learned to spell the word FUN very well. The week is so full of requirements, having long tests in trigonometry and plays in English literature but still I managed to visit the mall and sing for videoke till the arcade zone ran out of tokens. I had guts to show-off in different activities, from acquaintance parties to promenade nights. These events and moments in our lives are truly treasured –– evidenced by thick scrapbooks and memorabilia before entering college. It’s quite serious. The atmosphere in college is more on shaping your future and what to write on your resumes after graduation. It is the future we are talking about and it is one hard road to conquer. I am not bragging about my achievements nor trying to make a detail by detail report of my student life. What I am trying to stress was that what the two women are talking about is not true. The products of our institution are prices of the society. WVSU molded me to be who I am right now. My more than a decade of exemplary learning and exposure on different scholastic endeavors became my foundation for being a proud student. I am proud to say that I accomplished something even when I was just five years old. I extend my thanks to the educators and mentors who helped me in my course and guided my path to where I stand right now. We’re achievers for we were able to produce not just intelligent students but globally competitive life-long learners –– proving that this mission is not impossible at all. Yes, I am not perfect. It is not all the time that I belong to the line of those who top exams or one whose name is posted outside the school premises for being the champion of an international competition. I have failed examinations and gained incomplete grades. I have had absences due to the failure of waking up early after a party the night before. I’ve been reprimanded by mentors whom I respected and felt humiliated in front of the class because I wasn’t able to submit my excuse letter. I’ve been to those times not feeling worthy of being a WVSUnian –– that I don’t have those qualities and characteristics of the so called “model student” of the university which is known to be the center of excellence. But I am so happy that WVSU doesn’t let her students feel that way. With the help of some mentors and classmates, I was able to continue to strive for my vision to march up the stage and receive my diploma. Instead of giving up because of the pressure, I was able to transform the weight on my shoulders into a challenge of becoming better and proving to the people that I am worthy to be called a student of this institution. WVSU is giving chances to the students to hone themselves to be productive citizens of the country and at the same time experience quality education while having enjoyment and fun. The acquisition of knowledge in this University is infinite. Learning becomes a habit and the methods are not difficult at all. Trigonometry may be difficult but I learned it the fun way when I was in high school. Presently, I am bound to finish loads of reports and nursing requirements. But as a student of this university for many years, I was taught and trained to make complex jobs easier. My father and my manangs and manongs were right when they said that when you are a WVSU graduate or you are a student of West, you don’t leave tasks unaccomplished. There’s that spirit of determination and challenge inside you that makes you do good in your work and that is something to be proud of. Now, I am bulked with these obligations at hand, yet I still have fun and I see to it that I savor every moment of my college life. Those two women are clueless of what it means to be called a TagaWest. I’m not saying that the university is free from cheaters and hardheaded individuals but what matters most is that this institution is capable of producing competent students who are made to excel in the hard and crazy world after graduation. I’m not running for magna cum laude or representing the school in some prestigious competitions. I do not force myself to do so in order to live up with the expectations of being a student of this school. But, I am doing my best as a student to accomplish every requirement on time and pass every exam I take. With those thoughts, I didn’t hesitate to look back and face those women. And when we happened to pass by the entrance gate, I just smiled at them and switched my attention to the streamers hanging. “Wow, grabe top one ang Nursing sang West sa board exam, may apat pa sa top 10. Kag idol man ni ya ang Millora nga ni, ten outstanding students naman ni siya? Baw tane bata ko amo man ni ba.” I looked at them again and smiled, had Bruno Mars back, amplified to more than half of the volume meter.

On the Crest of A Wave

To my closest buddies in the class GAVE IT A TRY. I WON AS THE who are there at my side during ASSC Chairperson. I was certain my humble beginning. Yao, Allie, that’s it not luck anymore, it’s Tin2x, Gabyel, Kent, Niño, PK, the result of my hard work. It was Marx, Donnie, Vince, Jona, Paul, a roller coaster ride. A year was Mark, Devine, and Pearly. Thank enough for me to learn new lessons you guys. in life and realize my mistakes. To Annalie Treyes who is the My co- officers became my second major reason why I’m here in the family. We had so much adventures, position. Thank you for giving me ups and downs, and memories to the precious chance. You are one of cherish in the future. The plan was for me to run again for the same my closest friends that inspire me By Carl Myson “Caloy” G. Dulla position but its amazing how destiny a lot. works. Our standard bearer decided to give up the USC To Sid and Diane who are my council buddies at the chairmanship, so the party had a deliberation. It was so same time my political advisers, thank you. To Charles Badon, Drexel Pajarilla, and Irene not easy but most of my party mates had chosen me to Divinagracia who are my fellow student leaders that become the new standard bearer. I presented my self and my platforms sincerely to the believed that I could do great things, thanks Nongs and whole student body during the campaign period. With the Nang. To my ASSC family: Kenneth, Rjell, Jola, Bernard, help of my party mates and supporters, the student body had made its verdict by giving me the chance to have the Garry, Donato, Fermin, Aira, Rochas, Annie, Dustin, and highest position in the university.It only proves that when Rudiver, thank you for the experiences and lessons which you work hard for your dreams, nothing is impossible. I made me ready for the USC Chairmanship. I love you know that my past positions molded me to become the guys. To my USC family: Diospyros, Gabriel, Third, Briana, USC Chairperson. Steffi, Val, Al, Jeru, Krismae, Dan, Mark M.,Irene, Omar, Julie, Keziah, and Kathlene, thank you for the trust and DEFINE LEADERSHIP If you’re a student leader, you would always be asked respect. We still have a long way to go and I know our of your definition of leadership. We always hear the same batch will make a legacy. Rock on! To SUMAMA party which nurtured me to become an ideas in different responses. I had three strong perceptions effective student leader, thank you. Thank you Sir Ismael about leadership. You must listen to your constituents. You don’t have Tolentino for sharing your time every election. To my CAS family, thank you for the good times and the brightest ideas at all times so why not listen to the ideas of others. You’ll be amazed on how other people the bad times. I’ll always be proud as a CAS student. To the teachers who have inspired me in different think in your organization. Always share your time in listening to the concerns of your constituents. Hearing the ways: Ma’am Peregil, Atty. Erebaren, Sir Jacinto, Ma’am Simpas, Ma’am Galvez, Ma’am Lorilla, thank you so problems directly from them is a big favor for them. It’s all about teamwork. You should know how to much. To Ma’am Leah Mae Cabalfin and Sir Jonathan Glorial, delegate the tasks to your co-officers. You must give them the full credence in their obligations. Make them feel that our USC advisers, thank you for the guidance and words each one of them plays a vital role for the success of the of wisdom. The USC loves the two of you so much. To the best mentor and my council adviser for three organization. You should never give up on them for a consecutive years, Sir Shim Lester De Pio, thank you for team that starts something must finish it as a team. Admit your mistakes. If you’ll continue to deny your supporting me in my every endeavor. To the school key officials who are Dr. Teofilo R. mistakes, you would not grow as a leader. You’ll be serving with pretentions and you’ll feel disappointments Rabanes, Dr. Merna G. Rico-Lopez, Dr. Ma. Lulu C. from within. If you admit your mistakes, it becomes Loyola, Dr. Ramon G.Zarceno, and Dr. Pablo E. Subong your inspirations to do better next time. It will give you Jr., thank you so much for helping and understanding the a positive outlook in life, thus bringing positivity in the student councils. To my Family: Mommy, Daddy, Inday Kaye, to council. These three things sum up my definition of effective Carson, and to JR, thank you for the endless love, care, and support that you’ve given to the youngest member in leadership. the family. To our mighty Creator who has been so kind to me and THE NOBLE MEN BEHIND CALOY One of my principles as a student leader is that you never gets tired of giving me blessings, Thank you Lord. To Forum-Dimensions for giving me the rare should not forget to look back from where your have started and thank the people who have became your opportunity to write in the university pub, thank you. Thank you to all WVSU students for putting me in the inspiration since the beginning of your journey. Thus, I want to thank the very special individuals who are always position. I owe it to you guys and I will work harder to promote our welfare and interest. there for me. We’re half way there. The remaining days might not To AB Political Science Batch 2012. Thank you classmates for making me strong and wise. Serving you be easy, but our unity shall make us victorious. Let’s join hands and aspire together for a better WVSU. would always be my pleasure.

TOSP, from page 1

Academic and extracurricular achievements were the basic criteria for selection of those who will be awarded a post in the Top 10. Besides excelling in these areas, Millora capitalized on his “succinct yet sincere” answers during the ﬁnal interview. He said he deemed the search as a competition he must win not for himself but for his Alma Mater. “Ever since the regional screening, my mindset was clear that I must do my best for my school. I wanted to give back what WVSU has given me through TOSP,” said the teary-eyed nursing graduate who recently passed the July 2011 Nursing Licensure Exam. Millora added that his environmental advocacy helped him win the award. Through an environmental project that served as his entry to the search for the Bayer Young Environmental Envoy, Millora has conducted storytelling sessions TEACHERS, from page 3

School”, the CTE was awarded to WVSU last 2009 as it has been one of the few SUCs being recognized as Center of Excellence in education. Currently, the center is divided into the profession development and continuing education division; curricular innovation and interdisciplinary research division; teacher induction, networks, and linkages division; and instructional and media technology production division. The CTE also has a Distance Education Program

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among kids in the different barangays in and out of Iloilo City, including Gawad Kalinga sites and indigenous communities. He also said he offers the award to God Who has been “so generous” to him and to his family. “The inﬂux of blessings in my life is a product of the Lord’s intercession and the support of the people around me, which I am really thankful for,” Millora said. Among Millora’s prominent accomplishments were being an International Bayer Young Environmental Leader, Most Outstanding Student of Iloilo, and an Esteban Javellana Award for Excellence in Creative Writing recipient. The other TOSPians in the Top 10 were from the University of the Philippines-Diliman, Ateneo de Manila University, Silliman University, University of San Carlos-Cebu, Centro Escolar University, Mindanao State University, De La Salle University-Lipa and University of Nueva Caceres in Bicol province. which caters to professionals who are not able to personally attend to trainings or seminars. It offers online courses and activities for aspiring trainees that come from different parts of the country. “We also have trainees from around the world. We have just received a request from our alumna in New York for our Distance Education Program. Through our new facilities, we continue to produce courses and modules for online use,” Dr. Bilbao stated. She also clariﬁed that the Center for Teaching Excellence is a venue for training of existing teaching professionals and not for student activities.

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June - October 2011

Facing What Lies Ahead SUBONG SPEAKS. In Achieving the University’s Vision, How Far Have We Gone? By Sheila Mae H. Toreno and Jeline N. Encarnacion

the President Pablo E. Subong Jr. Accomplishment Report in 2007–2011.

of the university and a business center, a one-stop destination comprised of commercial business establishments.

Who is ‘Jake Joaquin’? Subong denies ‘nepotism’ in admin

URE, the administration of President Pablo E. Subong Jr. is not spared from criticisms. But one of his critics is not like the others who lambast the current university leadership in the face and air their protest outside Subong’s office. This one’s a netizen — holding in his hands the power of anonymity provided by the Web and the influence of Facebook — hiding behind the dubious account “Jake Joaquin.” One of “Jake Joaquin’s” allegations against Subong is nepotism. “Upon obtaining the office, WVSU President, transferred his son Paul Marlo Subong and his daughter-inlaw Karen Alinor Subong from WVSU Calinog Campus to the main campus as classroom instructors (IICT) and appointed Paul Marlo Subong as University Facilities and Network Administrator, and Karen Alinor as Assistant University Registrar [sic],” he (we presumably used this pronoun basing mainly on the masculinity of his name) said in his Facebook Status. “Dr. Pablo Subong, as university president, is an appointing authority, recommending authority, chief of the bureau or office,” “Joaquin” said, “and person exercising immediate supervision over the appointee, who appointed Paul Marlou Subong as University Facilities and Network Administrator under the President Memorandum No. 08-163 and Karen Alinor Subong as Assistant University Registrar under President Memorandum No. 09-251, is a violation of Section 59, Executive Order No. 292 [sic].” But Subong denied the insinuations, saying the allegation

of nepotism against him is baseless. “There is no nepotism in teaching, so if they claimed I violated the law on nepotism, I did not because my son and daughter-in-law were appointed by the previous WVSU president while I was still the school administrator of the Calinog Campus,” said Subong. As regards his son and daughter-in-law’s assignments in the Admin, “there is no additional compensation” and they are “part of their academic load as teachers,” he said. “He (“Joaquin”) simply charged (me with) those issues without bases,” Subong said, adding that he considers such action as a “character assassination” against him. The National Bureau of Investigation is currently investigating who is behind the suspicious Facebook account.

This diagram is retrieved from the Facebook account of “Jake Joaquin.”

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Gabanes’ victory as one of this year’s four Bayer Young Environmental Leaders — these information are not regularly posted on the website. Thus, the president instructed the staff of the MIS to regularly update the website’s content. Another factor, according to the president, is the budget decrease “that hampers the performance of the university.” “But we are now trying our best to recover the increase of budget through our income and resources. And we defended our budget in Congress to restore the 2010 budget for the 2012 budget,” he said. Meanwhile, the Subong administration is continuously helping improve yearly graduate employability by building ties with different agencies. The WVSU’s global linkages and collaborative programs were realized by inviting professors from countries like London, United States and Canada to teach in the university, and sending exchange students abroad, as part of the National Network of Normal Schools Program or Erasmus Puldos. With the number of areas that the university needs to improve to ﬁnally become one of the top universities in Southeast Asia, some of its stakeholders fear that it may fail. Now more than ever, the university community must live up and hold on to its core values — and trust the Subong administration — if it aims to get, or at least get close, to its vision.

Exam, from page 1

ﬁnally paid off,” said Garcia, 21, former Special Reports editor of The ForumDimensions. “I plan to pursue a master’s degree in nursing alongside gaining clinical experience — these are my tiny steps toward my goal of becoming either a nurse clinician or nurse anesthetist,” she added. The new batch of registered nurses had a mass oath-taking in the WVSU PESCAR Gym, September 28.

Meanwhile, University of Santo Tomas rallied behind for the second place with a passing rate of 99.79 percent and the Trinity University of Asia with 99.74 percent. “I feel blessed and rewarded. Blessed because topping the board exam will unhinge bigger doors of opportunity for me, and rewarded because the years of sacriﬁces (that my family and I) have went through

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The university’s ranking Attaining these developments is no stroll in the park, and maintaining the status of excellence is not an easy step either. To keep the ranks, the administration is still improving national and international linkages through partnerships and collaborations. Through this, the institution can face the challenges ahead, tell a new story about the university and build a brighter future for generations to come. As he should, being the university president, Subong envisions WVSU as one of the top universities in Southeast Asia through the realization of programs embodied in the criteria set by international evaluators. Enhancing the university as a research institution is regarded as a potent force in increasing the production income, thus, providing more ﬁscal support

for the improvement of the provision of instruction. Subong also hopes that the university’s external campuses will become Centers for Excellence in their respective programs such as criminology in Lambunao Campus, agricultural entrepreneurship in Calinog Campus, industrial technology in Pototan Campus and healthcare giving in Janiuay Campus. When all these are achieved, that will be the time that the university will apply for Quacuerelli Symonds (QS), a ranking of the world’s top 500 universities. QS has a system designed to look at a broad range of university activities. The criteria include academic peer review (40 percent), recruiter review (10 percent), faculty-student ratio (20 percent), citations per faculty (20 percent) and international orientation (10 percent). But despite the university’s efforts in topping the charts, 4 International Universities and Colleges (4IUC), an international higher education search engine and directory reviewing accredited universities and colleges, revealed that WVSU is currently ranked 87th among universities in the Philippines — it slipped from the 53rd slot in the rankings last year. WVSU, Subong said, failed the 4IUC assessment which was based on what was published in the university website. Although the university has a lot of achievements — one example is that of Mary Jade

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obtaining their master’s and doctorate degrees, the administration has provided them with half-time and outside scholarships grants. A state-owned institution, this university relies on financial support from the national government to support its year-round operation. The university is looking for alternative means through research and production in dealing with budgetary constraints and augmenting the institution’s income. In the field of research, the university is continuously conducting research activities in collaboration with local, national and international organizations or agencies. On the other hand, in the area of extension, the university is constantly generating organizational outcomes such as the improvement of the economic livelihood of people and the welfare of the local community. In the field of production, WVSU will have a technological educational facility to increase the income

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Quality of different fields To improve the academic competency of the students, the administration, through the aid of the Department of Science and TechnologyScience Education Institute (DOST-SEI), has allotted P3 million for the improvement of the University Resource Learning Center (University Library and the Audio Visual Center), and support facilities for DOST-SEI scholars and all students and faculty of WVSU. The Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, in coordination with the Management Information Systems (MIS) and the Office of Finance, implemented the computerization of enrolment. It has also employed the Integrated University Information System wherein students could access their grades through the Internet. To further enhance the standards of teaching quality, the BOR issued Resolution No. 80-2009 which provides that all faculty members are expected to upgrade their academic qualifications. To support the teachers in

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In Resolution No. 512011, the West Visayas State University (WVSU) Board of Regents (BOR) unanimously approved the reinstatement of Subong this year. First appointed to position on September 12, 2007, Subong has sought to implement measures to improve the different areas in the university. Under the Subong administration, the university became the only Level IV accredited state university in Region 6 — and one of the 13 out of 109 state universities and colleges (SUCs) with such status in the country — as per evaluation of the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines Inc. This feather in the university’s cap was made possible by the number of accomplishments attained in the ﬁelds of instruction, faculty development, research, extension and production. The university’s excellence in the ﬁeld of instruction paved way to its being the Centers of Excellence in Teacher Education, Medicine and Nursing. It is also No. 1 in Elementary Education and Nursing programs and No. 2 in Secondary Education and Medicine programs, based on

PHOTO CREDIT: LINK.EXE

OW ON HIS SECOND TERM AS president of this university, Dr. Pablo Subong Jr. is faced with more challenges than before. With deﬁnite plans on how to run this educational institution in the next four years and make it achieve its vision, he is set to make the most in his “last stand” as this university’s topmost ofﬁcial.

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Calabazas Island

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Calabazas Island is commonly called by locals as Parola. The island offers a touch of history due to the lighthouse that has been there since the early 1900’s. The perfect combo of aquamarine waters and the coral garden sum up to an ideal snorkeling site. Calabazas Island is just across Nasidman Island. It is a small ﬁshing village where you can see natives having smiles

Century Old Fortress

on their faces. The place is also perfect for swimming and exploring. Calabazas Island is just 20 minutes away from Barrido Wharf which is just a ten-minute tricycle ride from the town proper of Ajuy. If you want a different kind of adventure, visit this island, bring along your friends and families and savor the peace and comfort the island offers.

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Insider’s Guide t

ISLA By Jenny Pearl A. Infante and Jesther Rose L. Rojas

Salug Daku Salug Daku is what you call the gateway to paradise. Twenty minutes away from Barrido Wharf, this privately owned island is the perfect haven for your family and barkada. It offers a variety of activities such as snorkeling, swimming and camping. The island also has cottages where you could spend the night in the most luxurious way possible yet at affordable rates. If you’re looking for a place where you could be away from the hustle and bustle of city and

PHOTO CREDITS: google.com

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Earthbound Paradise

be reunited with yourself, then this place is for you. It boasts of white sand beaches and crystal clear waters making you realize that Philippines is indeed the Pearl of the Orient Seas. Salug Daku may not ring a bell to you but the moment you set foot on this island, it has a way of imprinting itself into your mind so you won’t forget it for a lifetime. So take the chance and spend the most wonderful moments of your life at Salug Daku.

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Mantalinga Island

A Fresh New Haven

Virgin

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Olotayan Island

If you’re in for a soothing “out of city hassles” atmosphere, with sheer waters and a rustic locale, Olotayan island is the place for you. This humble island barangay in Roxas City, Capiz gives an ideal venue for sailing, jet-skiing, and kayaking. Devoured by rolling waves and serene shores, it is blessed with white sand mixing with corals captivating those souls that seek for adventure. An impeccable spot for honeymooners and businessmen who wish to unwind, this 100 hectare island barangay offers a vacation spot with a modest therapeutic image. Because of its crystal clear waters and radiant white sand, it has been quoted as a “mini

A relaxing get away

Boracay” of Roxas City. Its nostalgic view attracts many tourists to enjoy the placid and native aura of the island. The few visitors who have already trekked the island claim that their visit became a revitalizing encounter, for they had the chance to go back to basic living - a chance to do away with the demands of urban life. According to the natives of the island, there has been a popular legend attributed to its distinctive existence. It is said that an atrocious giant once ruled the land bringing forth havoc and torment to the inhabitants. Pleading for liberty, they turned to the anitos and anitas (gods and goddesses) who dwell in

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the land. A strike of lightning hit the giant, having his body shattered in the sea. Olotayan was believed to be the head (ulo) and the stomach (tiyan) of that giant. There is a solar panel system that generates electricity within the island. There are also available cottages and beach houses open for reservation. You can reach the island only through private boat rental from Banica, Roxas City to Olotayan which is at P2,000. An excursion with a group would be less costly. Give yourself a break and consider it a treat. Enjoy the wonders of nature and unwind, leaving a pack of hassle behind. See the enticing beauty of Olotayan where happiness is in its purest form.

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Most travellers and vacationers are enticed with the beauty of white sand beaches but for those who thirst for something more exceptional, the sparkling gray sands of Mantalinga Island proffer a one of a kind experience. Dubbed as “Good Island” by tourism experts, Mantalinga Island is believed to be a source of luck for most ﬁshermen. This small hilltop island is a perfect venue for kayaking and an ideal diving spot for questloving scuba divers. The island is accessible at about a few kilometres away from the coast of Baybay Beach, Roxas City. Described as having a mysterious appeal, different folk tales and legends concerning the island evolved. It has been said that the island was actually the eye (mata) and the ear (dulunggan) of the giant. Thus, it was named “Mantalinga”. Stories about spiritual guardians, lost souls and spirits inhabiting the island never stopped interested sightseers to explore the island through private boat rentals available at P2,000 and camping sites that would accommodate overnight visitors.

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June - October 2011

Hold on

Bare Misconception by Locality711

Callous and rough, a strict facade Smooth and tender, your true endeavor A cut, or wound a small repercussion. Like a rose with thorns, I’d take you still.

Let Go

I closed my hands better so that I could meet the spaces of your hands And feel the warmth that once deﬁned our past But like the sand that traverse on my palm I know ours was never meant to last Seasons do change and stars move into their courses Hoping the lines in my palm would do the same Connecting what was lost and what could have been For somehow I wish we could happen just the same

Deft precision with such small hands, you amaze me with your uncanny stance a stroke of the brush, not a pigment misaligned but through that smile, i see a frown...

I’ll open my hands for now And watch you fade into the morning sun Take your time trekking your own path For I will follow you like shadows of your past

I follow your work, till your shift would end. I follow you home, till you go to bed. Seething to know why you are pained Then morning has risen but you do not paint.

The moment you return don’t forget To stop by at the palmist shop Ask her of what the lines meant on your palm, For I know for sure she’ll reply You’ll meet a girl on your way home She’s been waiting for you a thousand moons ago.

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A hoe, a sickle, tools I am alien to. Then hours would lapse you till the ﬁeld, never stopping, your hands have blistered. A wince of pain, inglorious pain. I think and stop to buy you gloves I think and stop to get you bandages I think and stop to ask about how it hurts. When all you ever really needed,

Doesn’t fit Mine Joeresca C. Mallorca

You hold my hands for the first and last time Just when our hearts were still beating in the same chime You told me that you’ll never let go till your last breath But when sunrise came, you gave my heart an early death Drops of tears cause the world to die It made me realize everything was just a lie I looked at my hand, thinking your hand doesn’t fit mine Now, even though you are gone, everything turned out just fine.

Abot Kamay

Was someone to share the pain...

~Somes

Habang naglalakad kami, Dinadama ko ang mga nakaw na sandali, Habang kami ay nagkakalapit, Lalo kong nararamdaman ang sakit.

Dead Man’s Hands Joener B. Bangeno

Ang taong lagi kong mamahalin, Kay sakit na kailanman, hindi magiging akin, Kami ay hanggang magkaibigan, Kahit ang hanggad ko ay higit pa riyan.

Shall we never get rid of this our past? O, but what slaves we are to bygone times Waste all our strength to carry it we must With naive success are we constrained to sighs. A dead man’s hand wills wealth no longer his And lays his ﬁngers on our judgment seat We read books written by the hands of his Laughs his jokes, weep his pathos, oft repeat Our hands grapple with their very same death And died of the same curse that killed their breath

Nang biglang nagkalapit ang aming mga kamay, Ang pag-asa ko ay muling nabuhay, Nang ang kamay ko ay kanyang hinawakan, Pakiramdam ko, ayaw ko na siyang pakawalan. Sinabi niyang ako ang matagal na niyang hinahanap, At pakiramdam ko, nagkatotoo lahat ng aking pangarap, Kaya’t kahit alam pa naming ito ay mali, Handa kaming ipaglaban ang isa’t isa hanggang sa huli.

Should we turn our eyes to what point we may And a dead man’s white hand encounters them Tugging our strings on which destiny lay! Must we be dead ourselves before we mean To exert our inﬂuences on our world, But that of another generation Where we shall have no right to interfere . Wherefore the world shall cease to be our friend Our hopes rest lifeless on the dead man’s hand!

Subalit ako ay nagising sa katotohanan, Na kung ipagpapatuloy naming mayroong masasaktan, Ako ang nagpasya, ang laki ko namang tanga, Abot kamay ko na, pinakawalan ko pa.

Ang mga Kamot ko Pugs!

Damo na ang nabulig ko para sa imo, Mabug-at permi ang gina bit-bit ko, Ang ginapangayo ko lang indi mo ako paggamiton sa pag tinunto Para padayunon ko pa ang akon serbisyo.

Choke C.P.

Touch me when the nightingale sings Of splintered dreams and woven misery Comfort me when the sun breaks Into delusional sanctuary

Seething, conniving little thing Wishing, hoping for your life Denying, begging for my mercy Crying, realization for your end

Etched it on the corners of your mind To place your hand over my heart And feel the pulse vibrates into echoes That will bounce till the end of time

PHOTO CREDITS: deviantart.com

Remember to caress my morning hair And untangle the knots that came in between Hum me a lullaby when the wind forgets To sing me a song of hope and dreams

You cringe as your air becomes scarce My thumbs press hard on your trachea You gasp for life, when force is applied My ﬁngers wrap around your neck

Grip

Tani halungan mo gid ako, Para may mauyat pa sang camera mo, Gani, indi ta gid ka pagpabay-an, Kay ako ang imo nga mga kamot nga masaligan.

Caress

Don’t forget

Conniving, seething cowardly acts Hoping, wishing to escape me Begging, denying your faults Realization, crying for your sins

Before I go caress me once again Like you did that summer night When the willow breaks and the air smells of the sea And adieu was the last thing to say

Flesh, so soft and delicate Muscle underneath, bending, unending Cringe, and twitch, lifeless as you are Silly conniving little thing.

Write me a letter please and bottle it up with incense Let it ﬂow with the waves and watch it sail away Don’t fear for I will be reading it With love and happiness with the stars up here.

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June - October 2011

The Law

Its People

HERE’S TO THE GOOD CITIZENS OF OUR COUNTRY

Last 2009, 328 individuals out of every 100,000 population commit heavily penalized crimes. Concurrently, several conflicts arise, triggered by an inadequate awareness of a concrete, legal system to follow. If a criminal wickedly snaps his fingers, do you know which way to go? REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6809.

EIGHTEEN AND EARNING By Ma. Ronida P. Veedor

THE DECOY OF CREATION

By Jandi M. Nietes and Tiffany Somes

UST WHEN SHE WAS ABOUT TO GRADUATE from high school, with numerous awards and citations under her name, she waited for her mother to come and give her a warm embrace and say I’m proud of you. But she never came. Tata*, is just one of the estimated 136,000 babies born to teenage mothers per year. Her mother, a would-be cum-laude from a prestigious university gave birth to her at the age of 19, just months before her college graduation. Her father is about to

By Ian Leoj M. Gumban

T WAS THE NIGHT BEFORE THE TYPHOON FRANK WHEN THE WHOLE OF Balantang, Jaro suffered a blackout. The morning that followed, just after Erlinda, 19, and her family finished their late breakfast, their vicinity was filled with a loud alarm. “Pagkabati namon sang siren nagsala kami dayon kay bal-an namon maabot na ang baha.” Her family panicked, her dad taking their car and telling them to board it so that they could go and leave the place before the flood will rise up. The fear and anxiety of thinking that the ranging water is coming made it possible for them to reach the city despite the wedging traffic. The rain and strong wind subsided, prompting Erlinda’s family to go home. Outside their residence, the muddy paths and scattered belongings left by Frank became visible. But they never expected what they found inside: their neighbors whose feet were drenched with mud, scavenging and taking away their usable properties. Erlinda was a victim of qualified theft, a crime whose offenders are required to receive a higher degree of penalty as the crime was committed during the time of calamity. “Mga bata pa man to sila, I think they are of my age.” Erlinda vaguely remembered a teenage boy who fretted when the owners of the house emerged in the doorstep. The boys scuttled with fright towards the exit, leaving Erlinda’s family completely perplexed of what had just transpired before them. “Wala na man lang gin-mind ni papa bisan nga ang amon mga kaldero, bag, kag iban pa nga gamit napangkuwa nila.” However, the seriousness of the act remains unrecognized by most of law breakers who have little or no knowledge about Philippine’s ruling structure. A person who commits theft must pay a fine not exceeding P200, if the value of the stolen item is not more than five pesos. However, if the same amount of item is stolen and was done under the impulse of hunger, poverty, or difficulty of earning a livelihood for the support of himself or his family, the person must pay a fine not more than P50. In the event that the stolen property was more than P200 but does not exceed P6,000, the thief must be imprisoned. On the other hand, qualified theft’s penalty is two degrees higher than that of a plain crime of theft. There are incidences that come into being with indiscriminate flare of disclosure. In hours of distress and unfortunate occurrences, things, even unfortunate ones, do happen.

face a brighter future as he embarks upon a journey to the seas. And where does Tata ﬁt in their plan? No, she doesn’t. She was not even a part of it to begin with. TRUTH BEING TOLD The UN Population reports say that there are about 3 million pregnancies in the Philippines every year, and half of them are unwanted, giving way to 1.5 million souls who aren’t considered as blessings but rather, as burdens. “Halin sang sugod palang ya, na feel ko na ya nga indi ko nila gusto. Waay sila sa mga importante nga happenings sa life ko. Mayo man na bala nga parents?” says Tata. In the advent of this phenomenon, the newly revamped House Bill 4244 or more popularly known as the Reproductive Health Bill (RH Bill) was passed to congress, promising freedom of choice for an individual may it be in attending lectures with regards to reproductive health or the use of contraceptives. Population Institute of the University of the Philippines showed that more than four million Filipinos aged 15-19 already had sexual intercourse. Two of every ﬁve teenage pregnancies are unwanted ones and more than 46 percent of young pregnant women resorts to induced abortion. “Basi gani guro nagplano

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pana sila nga ipa-abort ako,” Tata adds. Upon implementation, one of the bill’s advantages would be on reproductive healthcare that would be made available in the local and barangay sectors across the country. Though there is a misconception on the legalization of abortion, HB 4244 stresses the proscription or the prohibition of abortion. FLASHBACK TO REALITY Tata was lured with the difference the RH Bill might have done with their lives if it was amended long before she was conceived. “Ayhan ari pa ko di subong kung ara na ang RH Bill?” she pointed out. Having them as parents, she questioned the occurrence of that day, 17 years back when she was brought into Earth. Nevertheless, she gracefully accepted her life and thanked the Lord for the gift that some could not appreciate. She continuously longs for the love that brought her to existence and is still ﬁlled with hopes that one day, she might just be able to feel it.

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”An act providing for a comprehensive policy on responsible parenthood, reproductive health, and population and development, and for other purposes.” Shall be known as the “The Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population and Development Act of 2011.”

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HOUSE BILL 4244.

310. Qualified theft. — The crime of theft shall be punished by the penalties next higher by two degrees than those respectively specified in the next preceding article, if committed by a domestic servant, or with grave abuse of confidence, or if the property stolen is motor vehicle, mail matter or large cattle or consists of coconuts taken from the premises of a plantation, fish taken from a fishpond or fishery or if property is taken on the occasion of fire, earthquake, typhoon, volcanic eruption, or any other calamity, vehicular accident or civil disturbance.”– Approved on May 1, 1980

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E EMPTIED THE BOWL OF FRESHLY COOKED NOODLES HIS MOTHER PREPARED for breakfast. A subtle smile crept on his face knowing that the 17 years of mornings he spent in his rural hometown was what made his life better than the rest. On year 2009, Joseph faced the fact that he has to leave home and put up something for his future. He has chosen the field in college where he could be more of himself. The riddle that is inculcated within the English Language and literature drew him with the decision of choosing Bachelor of Arts in English. However, just after he turned 18, responsibility crashed on his shoulders. “Budlay gid ambi kay ga kinahanglan gid kami kwarta. Indi man pwede nga isarig ko lang tanan kanday nanay.” He became a man of legal age who has the freedom to direct the course of his life. The unrecognized accountability that was given to him directed Joseph to seek for a job. Joseph belongs to those many individuals who have put on independence after reaching the legal age proclaimed by our law. According to article 236 of the Executive Order No. 209, also known as the Family Code, as a child turns 18 years old, he will gain freedom from parental authority and even obtain full-ownership of any of his properties. A cluster of hesitation sprung the instant he surveyed the alleys of Iloilo City for a possible employer. “At first, ga duwa duwa pa ko kay basi indi ako mabaton sa ubra. Wala pa ko daad experience kag bag-o lang gid ko ka 18.” But with the innate gift of playing with words, he found himself working as an English tutor in a Philippine based Korean online tutorial. Upon working, Joseph found complexities in life which were far from the childish inclination of sovereignty from a guardian. He discovered hitches in the society that were deeply buried within the realms of his new challenge. He still have two more years to spend in college before he could finally graduate, but being a working student gave him channels to reality. Habits started to change, routines developed to new ones and he became someone who has heavier responsibility to carry but has better view of things. Joseph started waking up earlier than usual to cook his own meals for the day. He even opted to take morning classes on his part time job starting at five in the morning, after which, he would hurry and proceed to his seven o’clock class in the university. His afternoons are limited to six o’clock since he have to teach English to Koreans from seven in the evening until midnight. All of these, he did in the aim of relieving his parents from the burden of his education. “Makapoy gid eh. Kis-a daad kadungan pa mga exams namon. Indi man daad pwede ka absent sa Korean Classes ko kay ma blacklisted ka sa manager sang company. Budlay na maduraan sang ubra.” Joseph became a master of juggling his time among school, family and work. He admitted that there are times that he can’t perfect giving his best to all of life’s aspects. There are moments that he has to compromise his comfort in order not to lose what’s important to him at the moment. “I have lesser time for pleasure. But I always make it a point not to feel down. I have plans, and that’s enough motivation to go on.”

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 71. “Article

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An act lowering the age of majority from twenty-one to eighteen years, amending for the purpose executive order numbered two hundred nine, and for other purposes. “Art. 234 of Executive Order 209. Emancipation takes place by the attainment of majority. Unless otherwise provided, majority commences at the age of eighteen years.”– Approved on December 13, 1989

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June - October 2011

Green Initiatives on the Rise! Text by Raimer Gel G. Caspillo Illustrations by Rother Johann R. Dadivas

est Visayas State University’s Green Week 2011 celebration peacefully concluded, leaving behind facets of environmental stewardship to WVSU students. In its simple way, this annual event had showcased avenues where one could participate to become a more environmentally cognized citizen. Yet, the challenge is not over. The 12 Green Ambassadors were named and were tasked to implement their proposals from August 26, 2011 to March 16, 2012. These green initiatives will be realized in the WVSU campus and whose impacts will be assessed later. Speak out! Speak green!

Conceptualized from the emergency carts in hospitals, this project seeks to push more urgent actions to manage pressing environmental issues. Carrying with it cleaning tools, labelled garbage bins and educational materials, the cart will rove around the campus to do clean up drives and hold mini class discussions under makeshifts with the aid of student volunteers. You have no excuses. Garbage bins will go to you! Mitz Seroﬁa, CON

Eco Tips

Identiﬁcation of Indigenous Ornamental Plants

The world faces two major issues today, the economy and the environment. In an initiative to address the former, West Vi s a y a s State University students can practice ways to reduce toxicity inside the school campus. This can be done by using ‘green products’ or reusable goods, minimizing energy usage, using e-mail instead of snail mail correspondence, conserving water, switching from using light bulbs to ﬂuorescent bulbs, and joining environmentally advocated organizations.

Garbage cans will be provided for each building. Wastes will be classiﬁed into compostable, recyclable, reusable, and residual. Biodegradable wastes will be composted and recyclable products will be sold.

Nico Balderas, IICT

Reniel D. Ala-an, Calinog Campus

Zero Waste

The College of Agriculture and Forestry has revived its Agri-Eco Park Project found in its 3,474 hectare reserve which covers forests, bodies of water and numerous species of flowering herbs, shrubs, trees and ferns. However, plants in this area were not yet fully identified or some were identified but not labelled. In partnership with the Environment Concerned Organization, plant species will be identified and labelled. Samples of plants with ornamental values will be gathered and propagated at the Horticulture Section of the College. Faith Hope Palestra, CAF

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E-Cart – A Push for Mother Earth

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May Kinabukasan sa Basura Proper garbage disposal had been a bother at West Visayas State University Pototan Campus. In light with the problem, a 150-160 square meter land area at the back of the campus is slated to be utilized as a dump site. Spearheaded by Yellow Bees and Trees organization, this project will also pave way to establish a waste recovery facility where the biodegradable and the non-biodegradable will be segregated. Vicente Sibag, Pototan Campus

Trashwood

Environmental Awareness Program for a Cause

Rubbish to Realia

Trash cans are not properly utilized at West Visayas State University Lambunao Campus. There is no proper waste segregation and dogs can easily spill these cans, leaving their foul contents scattered. To address these, trashwood was conceived. This is like a box made from wood. Two versions of this will be made to be labelled Biodegradable and NonBiodegradable. Because of their sturdiness, these cans can withstand the test of time.

Environmental literacy is a key to have environmentally cognized citizens. Programs must be promoted that can hone and develop the awareness of people especially those with low educational attainment. Outreach programs and symposiums about Proper Garbage Disposal and Global Warming will be held throughout various barangays in Calinog. Melvin Calfororo, Calinog Campus

Wastes can now be educational tools! This project highlights used manila papers, cartolinas, illustration boards, plastic cups, plastic bottles and others that will be embellished to become classroom visual aids. Through the aid of the Education Student Council, a learning tools- and visual-aids-making competition will be held to be participated by the different College of Education based organizations. G. L. John Clavel Haro, COE

PET

BIOWAS for Plants

Amba

Gardens of the Future

Dim lit roads have significant impacts at West Visayas State University. In the presence of non-illuminated roads, students find it hard to pave their ways in the dark. In this advocacy, PET bottle lamps will be installed in pathway posts near accident prone areas. PET bottle lamps are filled with a solution of water, chlorine and salt which is encased in corrugated sheets. It also aims to lessen energy consumption cost in the University. Jesyl Gabrielle Gubatanga, CON

Biodegradable wastes are potential fertilizers for plants. If decomposed, these media could yield healthy medicinal and ﬂowering plants. In partnership with the Society of United Mathematicians and Statisticians, Microbia, Arts and Sciences Society of English Majors, Political Science Students’ Organization, Inc. and Gawad Kalinga 1MB, this project will also serve as an income generating project and will beautify the vacant lots in the University.

Music is the language of the soul. It transcends age, race, beliefs and languages. Now, it is also a tool for environmental awareness. A concert for the environment will be held at West Visayas State University Cultural Center with tickets at Php 100.00 each. Local WVSU bands will be invited to perform concurrent with fun games in the program. Raye Christopher Taton, COE

Quezon Hall has been the most magniﬁcent structure at West Visayas State University Main Campus. In the contrary, its back part is barren and lifeless. This project envisions nurturing of vegetable, ornamental, medicinal and ﬂowering gardens at the back of Quezon Hall. With the participation of the members of Microbia, this endeavor will also serve as an income generating project where harvested plants can be sold.

Tajen Sui, CAS

Jharsiel Lindayao, Lambunao Campus

Riezella Javier Ayongco, CAS

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June - October 2011

By Raimer Gel G. Caspillo

(Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN, June 1, 2011) –– The “tuko,” the endemic Philippine gecko, has been making a lot of noise in the wildlife trade –– and conservationists do not like what they are hearing. ~Carla P. Gomez

and annihilate it with matter, the energy it produces could only light a single electric light bulb for a few minutes. Fortunately, it’s not possible either that it could cause a total mass destruction. The amount of antimatter produced at present is perfectly safe. Yes, it’s true that a few grams of this stuff can really be nasty but one milligram would cost 100 billion dollars and one gram would take two billion years of harnessing energy to produce. It’s quite unlikely that someone would spend that much and wait that long just to see an explosion. Antimatter weapons are also hypothetical. But the Unites States Air Force has been interested in its military uses and started funding antimatter-related research since the Cold War. On March 24, 2004, Eglin Air Force Base Munitions Directorate ofﬁcial Kenneth Edwards spoke at the NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts and emphasized potential property of antimatter weaponry which, unlike thermonuclear weaponry, leaves “no nuclear residue”. Edwards has granted funding for positron weapons technology development. So maybe it is possible but not promising that there will be antimatter weapons someday.

Basically, its principal purpose is to study the laws of nature. Antimatter is just for studying and proving or disproving theories in physics. Although these facts about antimatter are a bit anticlimactic and maybe a bummer, technology is now being explored to make antimatter carrying cases, to consider using antimatter for medical purposes and to consider how to make antimatter rockets. It is a world of myriad possibilities and even just the concept of antimatter is already a milestone towards making what seems impossible a hundred years ago possible today.

Antimatter:

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The Facts behind the Fiction

By Jeline N. Encarnacion

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that threatens to destroy the Vatican! It may sound great but let us take in the real deal about the situation. You see, antimatter hasn’t just recently surfaced. It has been studied by physicists for the past 75 years and has already been used and produced by CERN (the world’s largest center for the study of particle physics, located in Switzerland and the border of France) over the past 20 years. It is actually used in our everyday world at low energies, for example in revealing the workings of the brain through Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan where the positrons come from the decay of radioactive nuclei incorporated into the special ﬂuid injected in the patient. Some suppose that antimatter could be the future source of energy. Unfortunately, it’s not possible. You can never ﬁnd a certain amount of antimatter lying around somewhere. Matter comes from energy as Einstein’s Theory of Relativity says. We need energy to create antimatter and unfortunately get only a tenth of a billion (10-10) of the invested energy back. If we accumulate all the antimatter CERN has already produced,

Sources: geckosunlimited.com tokaygeckos.org tokeksabah.blogspot.com hubpages.com mukamo.com ptni.tv pia.gov

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animals in Filipinos’ homes as they frequently adapt to rural human habitations. They roam on walls and ceilings at night in search of insect preys. Their renowned loud vocalization gave them their characteristic names and their distinctive blue-grey body and sporting light yellow to bright red spots make them appear dreadful. Females lay clutches of one or two hard shelled eggs that, when hatched, lives for seven to ten years. Males are extremely territorial and whose powerful bites won’t let go for a few minutes and even up to hours. Indiscriminate hunting and collection of Tokay Geckos impose the risk for population decline of the reptile. Without oblivion, DENR Undersecretary Atty. Ernesto Adobo Jr. called for appropriate legal actions to be imposed against any person found violating Republic Act No. 9147, otherwise known as the “Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection

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NTIMATTER IS REAL stuff. Imagine yourself looking at the mirror. What If that guy looking back at you is real –– an “antiyou”? That’s exactly what physicist Paul Dirac thought in 1928. He described that an electron has an opposite “twin” particle –– an antielectron or simply the positron. The same is true for the proton, an antiproton and the neutron, an antineutron. Antimatter is the anti-particle to matter. It consists of the same particles as to that of matter, only the exact and total opposite. It is the mirror of the universe. When matter and antimatter get in contact with each other, they go boom ... destroying one and the other and disappearing in an explosion. When both particles disappear, they leave behind their entire mass as energy. Physicists call this “annihilation.” This little bugger of information definitely attracted the attention of the sci-fi world for the past few years, firing up science fiction junkies’ imagination. Matter plus antimatter equals total world annihilation! It could be a weapon of mass destruction that brings us to the brink of World War III! Totally powerful stuff

geckos being conﬁscated and salvaged from mad hunts in the provinces. Believed to have high medicinal values, these reptiles are most coveted in a sizzling illegal wildlife market. This even provoked DENR’s high authorities to call for persistence and vigilance against the illegal collection, transport and trade of the geckos and other banned wildlife species. Tokay Geckos weighing 300 grams and above and

scientiﬁc evidence was found that Tokay Geckos can cure AIDS. Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Enrique Ona expressed his surprise over the sudden emergence of rumors about geckos in the country for the recent months. In his statement for the Philippine News Agency, Ona remarked, “funny, but it is true, not only in the Philippines but in other countries that when certain sickness, before you know it, our grandparents already have solutions, that’s why we call them grandmother’s tale.” Ona urged the people to stop believing in such myths as there are no bases. Likewise in his email to Malaysia’s New Straits Times, World Health Organization Director Christy Feig was emphatic to falsify claims that geckos can cure diseases especially rumors of the reptile’s efﬁciency in treating AIDS. Tokay Geckos are nocturnal arboreal geckos living throughout Southeast Asia. It is common to see these

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LARMING reports about the illegal Tokay Gecko trade confront environmental advocates and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) ofﬁcials. This budding business does not intend to sneer exotic birds in Palawan nor menace endangered saltwater species in the Tubbataha Reef. Surprisingly, this industry eyes to excavate in our very homes and target our gentle house companions. Recent advisories revealed numerous

Act”. Illegal transporting and trading of the gecko is subjected to a twelve year imprisonment and a one million peso ﬁne under the Act. In addition, offenders must face charges applicable to international laws. Tokay Geckos have even more uses than being mere medical breakthrough embodiments. They feed on insect pests that threaten humans as scorpions and centipedes. They may be clever in demonstrating their vocalizations in the middle of one’s good night sleep, yet, they break the ice. Though these reptiles were not yet classiﬁed as endangered species, the crusade continues to falsify that unsound Tokay Magic!

having body lengths of more than 21 inches are desired by buyers. A website reported geckos weighing 85.05g-102.06g worth $5500 or about 250,000 pesos. It was posted that the price of Tokay Geckos depends on the reptile’s tongue because the bigger it is, the bigger its tongue will be. The gecko’s tongue is believed to contain a chemical substance that can help prevent Human Immunodeﬁciency Virus (HIV) from spreading. Caused by HIV, Acuired Immuno Deﬁciency Syndrome (AIDS) diminishes a person’s immunity and makes him vulnerable to other complications. This gecko is also tagged to contain enzymes that have antitumor effects that suppress the growth of tumor cells. In traditional medicine, they were also believed to enhance male sexual functions and increase stamina. Contrary to the belief, no

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June - October 2011

WVSU naki-isa sa International Coastal Clean-up 2011 Ni Ian Leoj M. Gumban

Honeelee Arevalo habang nakikipagdebate, Setyembre 16. KREZYL JOYCE PUGNA

Bangi-anay 2011 nagpamalas ng bagong estilo ng pagdebate

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Nina Scholastica Ross Y. Camba at Krezyl Joyce V. Pugna

Gumamit ng bagong pamamaraan ng pagdidebate ang mga nakilahok sa Bangi-anay 2011 University Debate noong Setyembre 16 sa WVSU Cultural Center. Sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon, ginamit ang Asian Parliamentary Debate sa halip na Oxford Oregon na kadalasang ginagamit sa nasabing pangyayari. Ayon sa University Student Council (USC), tagapangasiwa ng Bangi-anay, malaki ang kaibahan ng dalawang pamamaraan. Sa Oxford, may dalawang pangkat na tinatawag na affirmative side at negative side. Tatlong tagapagsalita lamang ang kailangan sa bawat panig, sila ay tinatawag na Feasibility/Practicality speaker, Necessity speaker, at Beneficiality speaker. Maari lamang silang magsalita nang naaayon sa kanilang ginagampanan. Ngunit sa Asian Parliamentary Debate, ang dalawang pangkat ay tinatawag na government side at opposition side. Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Government Whip ang tawag sa mga tagapagsalita ng government side samantalang Leader of the Opposition, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Opposition Whip naman sa opposition side. Maaring magkaroon ng point of information mula sa kabilang pangkat pagkatapos ng isang minuto at ito ay maaring tanggapin o tanggihan. Ang pagbabatayan ng oras ay magkaiba rin. Binibigyan ng lima hanging pitong minuto ang Constructive Speech, limang minuto para sa Interpellation at tatlong minuto na pang Rebuttal Speech sa Oxford. Habang sa Asian Parliamentary, ang tagapagsalita ay binibigyan ng pitong minuto sa constructive speeches at apat na minuto lamang ang inilalaan sa isang tagapagsalita sa magkabilang panig at wala na itong Interpellation. Dahil mas malawak nitong sinusukat ang karunungan sa pamamagitan ng pangangatwiran at kritikal na pag-iisip, napili ang estilong Asian Parliamentary ng USC. Hindi naging hadlang ang bagong pamamaraan ng pagdebate sa anim na kolehiyo na sumali sa kompetisyon. Kabilang dito ang College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), College of Education (COE), College of Nursing (CON), WVSU-Integrated Laboratory School (WVSU-ILS), WVSU-Pototan at WVSU-Janiuay. Gayunman, sa ikalawang pagkakataon, muling nasungkit ng CAS ang titulo ng pagiging kampeon matapos makipagtunggali sa WVSU-Pototan sa Semi-finals at COE sa Finals. Ang mga mag-aaral na sina Honelee Arevalo (2-A), Mark Arvil Villarcal (3-A) at Lenlen Sacapano (4-A) na pawang kumukuha ng Political Science ang kumatawan sa nasabing kolehiyo. Nakamit ni Arevalo ang Best Debater matapos makipagdibate sa topikong “SIM cards registered in National Telecommunications Commission” (opposition side) at “WVSU, One Term Presidency” (government side). Ang Bangi-anay ay isang taunang pangyayari na naglalayong sanayin ang potensyal ng mga mag-aaral na may kaliksihan sa pagdidebate.

FD staffers nakasungkit ng 10 parangal sa PIA Seminar Ni Krezyl Joyce V. Pugna

Nagtagumpay ang dalawang kinatawan ng Forum Dimensions sa PIA-6 Campus Journalism SeminarWorkshop na dinaluhan ng 148 mamamahayag, Grand Regal Hotel, Bacolod City, Setyembre 6-8, 2011. Ang nasabing mga kalahok ay sina Katrina Mae Sencil, 3rd year AB English, na nanalo bilang Most Promising Editorial Writer (English at Filipino), Most Promising Column Writer, Most Promising Feature Writer (Filipino); at Krezyl Joyce Pugna, 1st year BS Development Communication, na pinarangalan din bilang Most Promosing Editorial Writer (English at Filipino), Most Promising Column Writer, Most Promising Photojournalist, Most Promising News Photo (Filipino) at Promising News Photo (English) . Taun-taon ang pagtataguyod ng ganitong mga seminar ng Philippine Information Agency upang sanayin ang mga manunulat mula sa iba’t- ibang unibersidad sa Rehiyong VI para sila’y magkaroon nang mas responsableng kaalaman ukol sa sari-saring uri ng pagsulat. Ang tatlong araw na paligsahan ay kinabilangan nang pagsasanay sa pagsulat ng balita, editorial, kolum, lathalain, sports, photojournalism, copyreading at headline writing.

NAKILAHOK ANG MGA mag-aaral at guro ng West Visayas State University sa International Coastal Clean-up Day 2011, ika-17 ng Setyembre. Ito’y pinamunuan ni Propesor Hilda C. Lorilla, research coordinator, kaakibat ang University Student Council (USC) at ang iba’t-ibang organisasyon ng WVSU na tumulong sa paglinis ng Dungon Creek, ang estero sa likod ng Unibersidad na dumadaloy patungo sa Iloilo River. Ang Brgy. Magsaysay, Brgy. Montinola, Brgy. Our Lady of Lourdes, at Brgy. Bolilao ang napagkalooban ng serbisyong ito. Ang nasabing araw ay itinakda ng Ocean Conservancy bilang araw para sa pangangalaga ng ating yamang dagat . Mula taong 2002 ay taunang dinadaluhan na ito ng mga magaaral ng WVSU na pawang

kasapi lamang ng NSTP at ROTC. Sa pagkakatatag ng “Adopt-a-Creek Project” ng Research and Extension Ofﬁce at ng mga mag-aaral sa AB Political Science noong AY 2004-2005, dumarami ang tumatangkilik sa proyektong ito. Sa taong ito, pinasimunuan ng Sangguniang Panglungsod ng Iloilo kasama ng DENR ang ginanap na coastal clean-up. Ang Dungon Creek ay nilinis ng WVSU, Central Philippine University (CPU), Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, at ng Coca-Cola Bottlers Philppines. Kabilang sa mga dumalo ang mga kasapi ng SS Society, SUMS, Bayer Alumni, KADIPAN, ASSEM, PSSO, Inc., Microbia, AEGES, Forum-Dimensions, AECES, SAMAGFIL, EEC, Glee Club, SRCY, HSSC, University Math Club, SPEDSA, KAPAGPIL, Zonta Club, ASSC, STEMA, NSC, at ng USC sa nasabing proyekto.

Inaasahang sa susunod pang mga taon ay magpapatuloy ang gawaing ito sa tuwing ikatlong Sabado ng Setyembre at patuloy na makikiisa dito ang WVSU. Sinabi ni Prop. Lorilla na naging matagumpay ang proyektong ito kahit pa hindi masyadong sapat ang nailaang oras sa paghahanda. Umaasa si Prop. Lorilla na ang gawaing ito ay magbigay sana ng leksiyon sa mga magaaral ng WVSU at sa mga residenteng nasasakop sa mga coastal clean-up na kailangan na nating bigyang lunas ang ating naghihingalong Inang Kalikasan. “We must be very concerned with our environment. With your simple act of helping clean our creeks and our University, we are contributing to our nation and to the world. We must continue to ﬁght for the preservation and protection of our environment for a sustainable community,” ani Propesor Lorilla.

Sumama ang mga mag-aaral ng WVSU sa International Coastal Clean Up, Setyembre 17. SHARLA RAYE BILLENA

BIGKASAYAWIT tampok sa Buwan ng Wika Ni Jenny Pearl A. Infante

HATID ANG BAGONG MGA patimpalak, tumingkad ang selebrasyon ng Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa sa West Visayas State University, ika26 ng Agosto, Cultural Center. Naging tampok na paligsahan ang BIGKASAYAWIT, isang kompetisyon ng pagbigkas, sayaw at pag-awit na siyang naging sentro ng selebrasyon. Ang nasabing patimpalak ay hinati sa tatlong kategorya na binubuo ng balagtasan, pagkukuwento at sayawit. Napanalunan ng College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) ang balagtasan sa katauhan nina Yedda Sol Abrugar, Wilma Grapa at Carl Steven Alayon. Pinangalawahan naman ito ng College of Education (COE) sa katauhan nina Joni Borromeo, Jomaima Loberiza, John Francis Claro at Lovejoy Orminita. Nakuha naman ng Information and Communication Technology (IICT) ang ikatlong puwesto sa representasyon nina Ian Seth Chua, Laurence Dequiña at Shane Ganzon. Sa larangan naman ng pagkukuwento, nakuha ni Riezelle Ayongao ng CAS ang

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unang puwesto, na sinundan nina Charles Ysulan ng COE at Dion Amor Ledesma ng CMC. Ibinulsa naman ng COP ang patimpalak sa sayawit habang nakuha ng CON ang ikalawang puwesto at pangatlo naman ang COE. Naging sentro din ng atensyon ang pagpili ng Lakan at Lakambini 2011 kung saan hinirang si Marlon Balberona ng CAS bilang Lakan at si Desiree Paranpan ng COE bilang Lakambini. Dinaluhan ang programa ng ng mga mag-aaral mula kindergarten hanggang kolehiyo na kumukuha ng asignaturang Filipino. Sa kabilang banda, nagkaroon din ng pagsusulat ng sanaysay at tula, at tagisan ng talino noong ika-19 ng Agosto. Pinagtagumpayan ni Christine Joy Laguihon ng CBM ang patimpalak sa sanaysay. Nakuha naman ni Blesse Besana ng CAS ang ikalawang puwesto, habang nakamit ni Louis Anthony Duran ang ikatlong puwesto. Sa tagisan ng talino, CON ang inihayag na kampeon na sinundan ng IICT at CAS. Sa larangan ng pagsulat ng tula, nakuha ni Allen Carvajal

ng CAS ang unang puwesto na pinangalawahan ni Krichael Genogaling ng COE, habang pangatlong puwestoo naman si Angelie Rose Dalumpines ng CON. Naimbitahan bilang panauhing tagapagsalita si Dr. Maribelle A. Arib, Dean ng Kolehiyo ng Edukasyon mula sa NIPSC- Concepcion Campus. Ang nasabing programa ay pinangunahan ng Samahan ng mga Mag-aaral sa Filipino (SAMAGFIL), isang organisasyon kung saan lahat ng estudyanteng kumukuha ng

SILAK nagdaos ng Panulaton 2011 Ni Tiffany Marie A. Somes

SA KAUNA - UNAHANG pagkakataon, nagdaos ng isang pantas-aral tungkol sa Page Layouting, Photojournalism at Captioning ang Silak, opisyal na pahayagan ng Kolehiyo ng Edukasyon ng West Visayas State University (WVSU). Ang Panulaton 2011 na ginanap Setyembre 24-25, ay dinaluhan ng 120 kalahok, na pawang mga mag-aaral at mga guro, mula sa iba’t ibang pahayagan ng WVSU at mga paaralan sa Iloilo City. Layon ng Panulaton 2011 na malinang ang kakayahan ng mga mag-aaral sa pagkuha ng makabuluhang litrato magkaroon ng sapat na kaalaman sa paggawa ng mga disenyo ng diyaryo at magasin, mabigyan ang mga tagapayo ng sapat sa kaalaman sa pamamahala ng isang pahayagan at mapagtibay ang alyansa ng mga pangkolehiyong pahayagan sa rehiyon. “Malaki ang maitutulong nito sa lahat ng dumalo, lalo pa kung nakinig sila nang mabuti sa mga lektyurer. Ang lahat ng mga impormasyong nakuha nila dito ay magagamit nila sa kanilang pagsusulat. Malaki rin ang maitutulong nito sa mga tagapayo para sa kanilang pagpapatakbo ng isang pahayagan,” pahayag ni Kimberly Rose Pillo, committee chair ng Panulaton 2011. Nagbigay ng mga karagdagang kaalaman sina Rensie Faradero sa Page Lay-out, Guijo Dueñas sa Photography at Hazel Villa sa Captioning at Pagsulat ng Balita. “Asahan niyong magkakaroon ulit ng Panulaton sa susunod na taon at tiyak na mag-lelevel up kami,” sabi ni Pillo. kursong Filipino at Literatura sa WVSU ay miyembro. Kabalikat ng SAMAGFIL ang Kapisanang Diwa at Panitik (KADIPAN), isang organisasyon ng mga estudyante sa Kolehiyo ng Edukasyon na kumukuha ng kursong Division of Language Teaching na may konsentrasyon sa wikang Filipino. “Ang Wikang Filipino ay Wikang Panlahat: Ilaw at Lakas sa Tuwid na Landas” ang naging tema ng selebrasyon.

Nagpasiklaban ang mga kalahok sa balagtasan sa paggunita ng Buwan ng Wika. KREZYL JOYCE PUGNA

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Paglitaw ng mga Freedom Walls:

Sining o

Kaka-make-over ko lang, tapos... Kakaloka kayo!

mapanirang gawain ng tao sa paligid.

Pagkilala sa

A K A K ATAWA mang panoorin, ngunit ilang beses na ngang halos matapilok ang babaeng lumalakad sa kalsada. Isang punit na envelope ang nakaipit sa kanyang mahabang kamay habang mabilis siyang lumiko pakanan. Napatigil siya, sabay yuko, at tanging ang puting uniporme niya lamang ang nanatiling matingkad. Sa oras na iyon, sa harap mismo ng simbahan, isang mahinang paghikbi ang narinig. Matinding damdamin at kawalang makakapitan...pusong sugatan at pag-ibig na hindi tanggap...midterm grades na bagsak at research proposal na sa kabila ng ilang buwang puyat, rejection lang ang natanggap... at ilang tasang kape at luha nga ba ang katumbas ng pagiging isang college student? At sa oras na tila paguho na ang mga sinimulang pangarap, kanino nga ba pwedeng lumapit ang isang taga-West?

Nina

n umba oj P. G e L n a at I Veedor nida P. o R . a M

Nurses Christian Fellowship Ang Nurses Christian Fellowship (NCF) ay isang organisasyong panrelihiyon ng College of Nursing na binubuo ng pawang mga Kristiyano. Aminado ang kasalukuyang presidente ng NCF na si Elvan Antonni Marcelo na mahirap bumuo ng isang organisasyong tulad nito na pawang nursing students ang miyembro dahil hirap ang karamihan sa kanila na balansehin ang kanikanilang oras. Upang lalo pang mahikayat ang kapwa estudyante, sinisigurado ng mga opisyales ng NCF maging ng kanilang tagapayo na si Propesor Jocelyn Jainga na akma sa bagong henerasyon ang tema at programa. Ang NCF ay regular na nagtitipon isang beses sa isang buwan. Sila’y nagsasagawa ng samu’t saring mga laro, group discussions at iba pa.

Campus Crusade for Christ Isa sa mga organisasyong may layuning matugunan ang mga pangangailangang ispiritwal ng mga mag-aaral ay ang Campus Crusade For Christ (CCC) na kilala na sa halos kalakhan ng siyudad ng Iloilo. Kabilang sa kanilang iniimbita sa kanilang ministry ay mga mag-aaral, atleta, pamilya, at propesyunal. Ngunit ang CCC sa WVSU ay higit na naka-pokus sa mga mag-aaral na nagnanais na mapalapit ang loob sa Panginoon. Sila ay pinapayuhan ni Dr. Lulu Loyola. Campus Bible Fellowship Ang Campus Bible Fellowship (CBF) ay isang inter-denominational na pangkat ng mga magaaral na Kristiyano na ang pokus sa fellowship at sa pagturo sa mga kasapi ay tungkol sa Kristiyanong pananampalataya sa pamamagitan ng pagkilala sa

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salita ng Diyos. Sila ay nakatuon sa pagpalaganap ng Magandang Balita sa pamamagitan ng Bible study. Ang kanilang tagapayo ay si Propesor Agatha Senina. Young Flames for Jesus Isang panrelihiyong organisasyong itinatag ng mga Katoliko para sa kapwang nakikiisa sa kanilang pananampalataya ang Young Flames for Jesus (YFJ) na nagkakaroon ng mga pagtitipong may layong palakasin ang pananampalataya ng mga Kristiyano sa WVSU. Ang YFJ ay isang pangkapuluang organisasyon na laganap maging sa mga institusyong pang-kolehiyo. Sila ay tumatayo sa prinsipyong inilahad ni Hesu Kristo sa Mateo 28:19 na, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations.” Sila ay nasa ilalim ng pagpapayo ni Dr. Grace Gomez. CFC – Youth for Christ Ang CFC Youth for Christ (CFC-YFC) ay isang organisasyong kasapi ng

kalatagan ng isang bagay. Kadalasan, maaari rin itong makadungis sa dignidad at pangalan ng isang indibidwal. Kagaya na lamang ng mga clique at iba pang mga grupo na nabubuo sa loob ng kampus. Kung nakasulat ang iyong pangalan sa kahit isang sulok lang ng paaralan,batid nito na may kagalit kang miyembro nila at siguradong ikaw ay maaaring s u s u n o d n i l a n g biktima.

Couples for Christ Global Mission Foundation na isang ministry na pampamilya para sa mga Kristiyano. Ang YFC ay isa lamang sa marami pang mga sangay nito sa loob at labas ng bansa. Kabilang dito ang CFC Singles for Christ, CFC Youth for Christ, CFC Kids for Christ, CFC Handmaids of the Lord, at CFC Servants of the Lord. Ang YFC sa WVSU ay dumadalo sa mga gawain ng mas malaki pa nitong pangkat. Iniaangkop nila sa iskedyul, pangangailangan, at paguugali ng mga mag-aaral ang ministry na kanilang naitatag. Kasama nila sa kanilang adhikain ang tagapayo nila na si Propesor Ma. Jeannie Dureza. Christ’s Youth in Action Ang Christ’s Youth in Action (CYA) ay isa ring organisasyong pandaigdig para sa mag-aaral na kasapi sa pananampalataya ng Romano Katoliko. Sila ay may layuning mapalaganap ang Magandang Balita sa kabataan at sanayin ang mga ito upang maging lider na handang magsilbi sa simbahan at sa lipunan. Isa sila sa mga pangkat na may pinakamalaking bilang ng miyembro sa buong mundo.

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Isang epiktibong ministry para sa kabataan kung maituturing ang CYA sa tulong nga kanilang tagapayo na si Propesor Anabe Siason. AMiCUS Isa pang organisasyong panrelihiyon sa WVSU ang AMiCUS o ang Adventist Ministry to College and University Students. Ito ay naghihikayat ng mga estudyante sa Kolehiyo ng Medisina na pawang kasapi ng Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA). Ang AMiCUS ay isang ministry ng Departamento ng Edukasyon na kinakatawan ng SDA. Sila ay may layuning palakasin ang pananampalataya ng mga kasapi nila at palaganapin ang kanilang paniniwala upang maibigay ang spiritwal, intelektwal, at sosyal na pangangailangan ng mga mag-aaral sa mga sekular na mga kampus. Tagapayo nila si Dr. Doris Mendoza. *** Sa puntong punongpuno na ang iyong kaban ng kabiguan at ang tanging panlaban mo ay ang iyong paniniwala, mag-dadalawang isip ka pa bang isuko ang lahat ng ito sa Diyos? Sa panahon na nakakalula ang mga pagbabago, tila mas makabubuti ang pagdinig sa iyong Panginoon kesa sa pagyakap sa nakakalitong modernisasyon.

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nre a A P K g n a S A A N mga Samah

Visayas Sate University na kakaayos pa lamang. Tumambad ang mga guhit mula sa pulang spray paint na hindi maliwanag ang mensahe. At dahil wala namang testigo o suspek ang nasabing insidente, walang nagawa ang pamunuan ng WVSU kundi ang pinturahang muli ang namantsahang bakod at umasa na hindi na ito madudumihan. Nakalulungkot mang isipin, ngunit ito ang isa sa pinakakaraniwang uri ng Bandalismo na makikita marahil di lamang sa maraming sulok ng ating siyudad kundi maging sa buong bansa. Maaaring biro lamang to sa iilan, ngunit seryosong usapan ito sa karamihan. Ang bandalismo ay hindi lamang n a k a k a mantsa sa

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? O G N U T P A lihiyon

presensya ng Panginoon. Sa katunayan, ipinahihiwatig lamang ng mga katagang ito na sa lahat ng oras, mabuti ang Panginoon, dahil maging sa tagumpay man o pagbagsak ng isang tao ay patuloy pa rin ang kanyang pag-gabay. Ito ay maituturing na isang obra-maestra ng makabagong panahon. Sa kasamaang palad, hindi lahat ng obra ay kaayaaya sa mata at mapaglaro sa imahinasyon. Ang mga vandal na ito ay simple’t walang kwentang guhit, kadalasan ay may mahahalay na mga salita na ipininta ng isang taong walang magawa sa buhay kundi ang dumihan ang isang malinis at kapipinta pa lamang na gusali o pader. Katulad na lamang ng vandal na kumakailan lang ay naging sakit ng ulo ng General Services Ofﬁce. Nagulantang ang lahat nang makita ang isang hindi kanais-nais na marka sa bakod ng West

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Ang bandalismo ay ang pagsulat o pagguhit sa mga kalatagan katulad ng mga pader ng mga banyo, ibabaw ng mesa, mga abandunadong gusali, at marami pang ibang hindi kailanman ginawa para guhitan ngunit tila “canvass” na malayang ginuhitan ng pawang walang katuturan. At dahil dito, isang hindi kanaisnais na reputasyon ang naiani ng bandalismo. Subalit, taliwas sa masamang impresyon ng karamihan, hindi lahat ng bandalismo ay may hatid na masamang persepsyon. Katulad na lamang ng “ruins” ng abandunadong gusali na matatagpuan malapit sa Gaisano Capital Lapaz, ito ay isang magandang halimbawa ng Bandalismong taliwas sa ideyang mapanira. “God is good all the time” ang mensaheng nakapinta sa pader ng nasirang gusali. Sa perspektib ng isang makaDiyos, ito ay nagsisilbing paalala sa bawat taong tila nalimutan na ang

Nina Jenny Pearl A. Infante at Raja Paolo S. Sabido

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A MGA MALALAWAK na pader ng mga nasirang gusali malimit itong makikita. Maging sa mga konkretong bakuran, ito ay unti-unting naglipana. Nasakop na din nito ang mga bagong pinturang overpass. At kahit mismong kakapinta pa lamang na bakod ng unibersidad ay di nakaligtas. Sa paglipana ng mga grafﬁti at freedom walls namukadkad ang mga katagang “Wasper,” “Le Can” at “Sake” na pawang mga alyas ng may likha nito. Pero ano nga ba talaga ang tunay na kabuluhan ng mga obrang ito? Ito ba ay sadyang maka-sining lamang o maaaring mapabilang sa mga nakayayamot na bandalismo o vandalism? Ang salitang vandalism ay nagmula pa sa isang mapanirang tribo na tinaguriang Vandal sa Roma ilang dantaon na ang nakalilipas. Dahil sa walang katuturan nilang pagsira sa kagandahan ng kapaligiran, sa kanila ibinatay ang salitang ginagamit natin ngayon upang ilarawan ang

Bandalismo?

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Illustrations by Rother Johann R. Dadivas

PHOTO CREDIT: GOOGLE.COM

Optical Illusion

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Old, new champs emerge on PE Day By Jeline Encarnacion

IGNITED BY THE SPIRIT of competition, West Visayas State University freshmen and sophomores ﬂared up with

enthusiasm in celebration of the annual P.E. Day 2011, October 3. In the freshmen competition, the College of Education (COE) successfully defended its dominating streak by

Gaming new balls

By Jandi M. Nietes

In a well-applauded performance, the College of PESCAR showcases their expertise as they exhibit the different fundamental positions in PE Day 2011. KREZYL JOYCE PUGNA

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) fashioned the champion in the sophies. Champs in the banner category bore the proud names of BSPED 1-B for the freshmen and the BSED for

the sophomores. COE superstars thwarted their opponents from the freshies to the sophies as they brought out the battle for the street dance competition and exhibitioned their dominance

with another gold. Although exempted from the competition, the College of PESCAR, nonetheless, proved that they are the best in their craft after opening both competitions with an explosive mash-up.

By Jandi M. Nietes

The agility run components include a 10-meter shuttle run and a 40-meter staggered run. Plyometrics include kangaroo jump, scissors kick and other exercises. Originally, the training program was speciﬁcally designed for athletes to compete in high level competitions, but the WVSU Sports Ofﬁce is opening its doors to sports enthusiasts and other faculty members who are willing to participate. So, the next time you see the varsity athletes of the university, you might as well clear the road or better yet, join them.

GK Iloilo holds 2nd Fun Run By Mitz S. Serofia

WITH A SPURT OF LEG power, thousands of runners dashed their way to help the poor, July 10. In its 2nd year as head organizer, Gawad Kalinga (GK) Iloilo, together with 25 partner groups, gathered approximately 2500 participants from different schools, government and nongovernment organizations in its annual GK Fun Run. West Visayas State University, being the GK Builder’s Institute in the region, had the largest delegation, sending 150 students, faculty, and alumni. With the aim to raise funds for GK Iloilo, the event was graced and supported by GK Executive Director Luis Oquinea and City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog. The activity, which included 3-K, 5-K, and 10-K runs, started at SM City Iloilo at around 5:30 am and ended with the awarding of winners.

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One hundred ﬁfty WVSU students, alumni and faculty, together with 2,350 other participants, join the second GK Fun Run last July 10 at SM City, Iloilo. TAJEN SUI

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March 2012, the sessions are speciﬁcally set to meet the demands of the Regional and the National SCUAA olympics. Employed weekly every Friday with the last Friday of the month reserved for the ﬁtness testing and evaluation the both athletes and coaches train from 5:00 – 7:00 PM. Trainings are spearheaded by Dr. Barlas and other sports coaches. The training design includes: cardiovascular training with a 30- minute light running (body warm- up) and a speed training with a 10-meter sprint with 10 repetitions and varying cutoff time for men and women.

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IF YOU HAPPEN TO ROAM the campus at 4 or 5 in the afternoon on a Friday, don’t wonder why a swarm of athletes are jogging. “It all started when we could no longer completely monitor athlete performance objectively. Then the TAPE program was implemented,” said Dr. Porferio J. Barlas Jr., University Sports Director, on the birth of the Training Athletes for Performance Enhancement (TAPE) program. Implemented all throughout the external campuses of the

University, the TAPE program was tailor-made for WVSU athletes to improve their multi-dimensional physical development and to monitor and increase their endurance and strength, develop speed, and improve ﬂexibility by a series of rigorously planned program divided into sessions. Programmed for six months of continuous training and evaluation, the program set off on September 2. Considered as a pre-season training, this was considered a “warm-up” for athletes before intercollegiate competitions. Projected to last until

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TAPE Program implemented at WVSU campuses

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ALL IT A REVOLUTION; A CHANGE WITHIN THE system of Philippine sports and athletics. After years of stagnation and unremarkable change in the typical sporting arena, the goal to elevate internationally prevalent sports has been, at long last, realized. For decades, basketball and boxing have dominated the national sports scene and though these activities foster man’s prowess in stamina, speed, agility and power, they have been given much attention, which eventually lit the pathway for strategy enhancement and player development in the sport. Yet, this has also cleaved the reasons for the crumbling and the loss of enthusiasm of sports fanatics, especially the youth, to other facets of human athleticism. Year after year of pushing through and finally what were once dreams had materialized. The establishment of what is celebrated as football to the British and what is recognized as soccer to the Americans, Soccer-Football has congested the support of the nation. Evident from this, the Philippine team that swept the country diverted of its current predicaments in politics, governance, morality and capitalized on goals and kicks, the Philippine Azkals has dominated the sports and athletic eye of the country for the past multitude of months. Though falling short in several leagues, team Philippines was pumped with determination to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, and swept team Sri Lanka in an upset with a 4-0 margin in the second match out of 5 which was their first victory in a qualifying match for FIFA. On a peculiar field, another western sport emerges with heat in the nation’s capital. Rugby, a physically demanding sport and considered as a game of strength and speed will no longer be abstract in the Philippine sports arena. The Philippine Volcanoes have been actively serving their pitch since 2004, yet was not able to completely publicize their victories until only recently with the rising sport fad in the country. Nevertheless, it’s not merely about the national teams, but what matters significantly would be the likelihood for the acceptance and development of skills in the grass root personas of the nation—the youth. Close to home, Iloilo is considered to be the nation’s football capital. In Barotac Nuevo, sits the hope of soccer’s future in the Philippines. Competing for supremacy and training at its height, these young Illonggos are dedicated to really ‘play the game’. And yet, more regions in the country alone strive to mould young would-be athletes to be the front bearers of Philippine soccer. Though rugby is still ‘young’ in the country, the game, in a sense of technicality, is new to the people. Since it requires demanding physical prowess, the Philippine Rugby Football Union and rugby enthusiasts hope for the best in the sport’s future. It would still travel a long road before it could no longer be alienable to the Filipino people. Gone would be the days that Filipino strength would be undermined. Despite of our physical structure and being labeled as short, we have always been notorious for blazing speed, which is a determining factor of scoring a touchdown. This only makes sense why such a game would click in the perfect moment and become a fad. Unlike in other countries, athletes are groomed by the government as early in childhood. Though having massive advantages proven by several super athletes in China in the field of badminton and indoor athletic tourneys, the Philippines is counting on raw skill and critical thinking of the Filipino athletes. Continuous progress in the arena of sports may not be pacing at blazing speed. But yes, it is pacing forward.

reigning as champs in the event’s highlight. BSPED 1-B hurled themselves to the top spot while BSPED 1-A settled for third in the mass dance competition. Grooving to the beat, the College of Nursing (CON) fell a spot short, with BSN 1-A landing at second. All it took was a rendition of the Itik-itik folkdance and the merged forces of the BCM, BOT and BHRM students from the College of Business and Management tipped the COE’s title and proved themselves as a force not to be reckoned with in the sophomore mass dance competition. Yet again, the CON’s Sinalampati dance was unable to snag the victory and slated a similar outcome with last year’s showdown nesting on silver while BSPED sophomores fell behind and lost its long-time hold on the championship and settled with bronze. BSN 1-A’s mascot outcolored the other freshmen and mustered ﬁrst place while the AB-BSAM tandem from the

WVSU FORUM DIMENSIONS_TABLOID_2011_20

VOL. LXXII No. 1

THE SPORTS SECTION OF THE FORUM

JUNE-OCTOBER 2011

Sophies drown seniors in relay WITH ONLY A FEW AQUATIC flexes ahead, the yellow submarines frisked a cut-throat win against the red flippers to breathe in a fresh gold in the mixed swimming relay during the Nursing Fun Days 2011, August 14. Denise Naciongayo, last year’s female most valuable swimmers hailing from the yellow sophomores, went headto-head with the senior’s best swimmer Joel Atinado in the last leg of the match-up. Though the mixed event kicked off with the freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors at par with each other at the few minutes of the swim, stamina took its toll and decided the match. The sophomores gapped large meters ahead after each lightning flutter kick and speedy stroke which persisted until the third lap. Recovering the margin to a fraction, both seniors and juniors capitalized on their persistence and caught up with

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Senior’s Joel Atinado takes a huge lead against opponents in the Men’s 50-meter breaststroke during the Nursing Fun Days 2011 Eliminations at Iloilo Sports Complex, August 16. MARJORIE P. TALEON

the sophomores. Nevertheless, the sophomores were the first to tip the tile in the third lap where Naciongayo thrust to maximum speed. At first, the seemingly unrivaled Naciongayo tipped 50 meters in half within seconds, but Atinado, engulfed with adrenalin and an overpowering desire to revert the competition in favor of the red seniors, flexed his leg with rocket-speed

to capsize sophomores’ victory. Tailing just behind Naciongayo, Atinado seemed relentlessly unstoppable but to no avert. Naciongayo cut her breaths even shorter in order to bargain a win. Like thunder, Naciongayo ended with a winning streak for the sophomores and nipped the gold. Meanwhile, two seconds after, Atinado ﬁnished with silver for the seniors.

Unleashing the

C M Y K

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By Jandi M. Nietes

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C M Y K

The team doesn’t want to stop earning medals that are not gleaming gold.

By Jandi M. Nietes

no pikes and most deﬁnitely no dragon hunting. All they need is a boat, a beat, a paddle and teamwork. They are the super-athletes of the Philippines, the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation (PDBF) team. Good thing there’s no speed

limit in the water because if there were, the Philippine Dragon Warriors wouldn’t have crashed the 2011 records in the International Dragon Boat Federation World Championships. Setting the world record in all events they won as champions, the Philippine Peddlers clinched the world record in 1000-m men’s event, the 200-m men’s event, the 500-m men’s event, the 200-m mixed event, and the 500-m mixed event, and yet, the team doesn’t want to stop earning medals that are not gleaming gold. A summation of 7 medals, 5 golds, 2 silvers and 5 new world records in the 10th International Dragon Boat Federation World Championships, the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation Team was welcomed home with a stripped National Team Title, consequently loosing all ﬁnancial

PHOTO CREDIT: WWW.PDBF.ORG

RAGON WARRIORS. They’re not the type that you would originally imagine seeing in animated movies and ﬁctional books. No helmets, no shields, no swords,

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ragon

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On the other hand, the freestyle category was dominated by the yellow submarines after earning a huge margin from their opponents in both the male and female division. However, in the breast stroke category, the male seniors shared the cup with the female juniors. Rafting the battle in their favor, the male seniors bagged the breaststroke gold along with the lady sophomores. Supremacy was proven by the red flippers after capping the overall championship in the male category. Falling short at second is the yellow submarines. Meanwhile, the juniors and freshmen swimmers dragged behind in the competition and ended up in third and fourth place, respectively. In the female category, the gold was a definite hands-on to the sophomore flippers after setting the competition ablaze. The red seniors came in second place, followed by the juniors and the freshmen. support from the government. Ironic? But that’s the least of their problems. Loosing the title as a National Team, the PDBF team will not be commissioned to represent the country in the 26th Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia on November if the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee would fail to reaccredit and recognize their former status. The trip to Tampa, Florida itself would have been jeopardized if not for the sponsorship of private companies and other organizations. The team had to reduce the number of its members in order to compensate with the needs of the athletes. Comprised of roughly 65 members, the team sacrificed their time for their families in order to serve and give honor to the country. Despite the bleak government support, the Philippine Peddlers never lost hope and kept on striving, and made use of what they had the most: their skills, unity and love of country. It took a single news of their achievements for blessings to shower to the neglected Philippine Dragon Boat Team. Even President Aquino invited the team to the Malacañan Palace and promised to cut politics from sports. Moreover, Congress has pledged a donation of P5,000 from each legislator which would sum up to P1.4 million. The team is currently scouting for new peddlers as they are holding open try-outs in order to contend in the 25-man boat team in future competitions.

CMC All Stars beats alumni in surprise win By Raimer Gel G. Caspillo

ROCKING THE GAME IN an uproar of successive points, Team GMA Iloilo threatened to steal the win against their unrivaled opponents. But to no avail, the College of Mass Communications (CMC) All Stars ravaged the former’s defenses and trashed team GMA’s labors for a ﬁnal score of 72-65, September 24. The fourth quarter stirred the crowd when the All Stars tied with Team GMA at 2:37 hanging. Team GMA called for a second time-out, but the power duo of All Star Jersey Number 15, Ronel Kay Juperatum, and Jersey Number 9, Ray Anthony Ladera, proved too fatal for the GMA shooters and landed them the defeat. By the advancement of the third quarter, the CMC All Stars kept sweeping the lead with 12 points rendered by Ladera. With 5:33 on the clock, Team GMA called for a time out but scored themselves with nothing but loose loops and failed to recover with 14-21. Near the end of the ﬁrst half, the All Stars, composed of CMC students, grew hopeful as Juperatum once again maimed

two point shots that trimmed team GMA’s lead to 21-20. GMA Iloilo Jersey Number 3, Christian Jagorin, acquired two fouls while Juperatum, All Star Jersey Number 55, Neriff Jay Baraquia, and Jersey Number 6, Julius Dagohoy earned themselves a foul as well. Though the ﬁrst quarter opened with having Juperatum’s two-point shot, GMA Iloilo Jersey Number 4, Sam Sevilla countered with two point throws, sealing the ﬁrst quarter to team GMA Iloilo’s favor 13-8. GMA Iloilo’s Mark Villaruz garnered a total of 23 points backed by Christian Jagorin with 13. Sam Sevilla (13 points), Mark Nunieza (12 points), Edgar Antolino (2 points), Jenan Sulmaca and Ray Cañete delivered counted shots but failed to slate their team’s triumph. Juperatum gave the All Stars its 27 points and Ladera delivered the other 26 points. Meanwhile, Neriff Jay Baraquia (4 points), Patrick Pasalgon (2 points), Julius Dagohoy (11 points), Aldrich Karl Villanueva and Carlson Alelis also showcased their strengths that eventually gave them their triumph.

Senior-junior basketball class highlights the several feats of athleticism in the CMC Hinampang 2011. KREZYL JOYCE PUGNA

Soph’s Edge Seniors by Free Throws By Krezyl Joyce V. Pugna

Stopping time from its tracks in the last quarter, Mhel John Abelida debunked the 3838 dead heat from the senior eagles with 3 free throws all counted in the basket in favor of the sophomore tigers, and eventually thwarting the seniors’ claim in the championship cup with a concluding score, 41-38 in the College of Mass Communications Hinampang. Though edging off the yellow tigers in the second half, the red eagles successively scored fouls which were capitalized on by their opponent, until the tigers thrust themselves up and back in play from seven free throw points after cashing in from the eagles’ technical fault. Ronel Juperatum of the red eagles took the lead with 14 points which silenced the tigers’ advancing points to six and shaved the margin off to three

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and summed up the third quarter with 31-34 in favor of the seniors. With a minimal point advantage, the eagles soared on top nipping the competition with a ﬁve-point advantage after the second half with 25-20. Though the game started with a surprising lead from the sophomores, the seniors rallied up the ﬁrst quarter to haul in close with their opponent but failed to overcome the yellow tigers with 12-8. Star player of the sophomores, Abelida hooped 21 points and backed- up by Mel Vincent Abadonio with 16 points. Janzyn Frenz Crisostomo with 4 points together with Peter John Hyro Lida and Flynn Aguilar. Juperatum of the Seniors scored the most with 28 points, followed by Rey Ladera with 10 points and together with the eagles, Antolino, Destacamento, Lacuarta, Bermejo, Legandin, Arabis, Balleza and Lebrilla.