PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
EDITORIAL BOARD EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT Editor-in-Chief
Mr. JOEY G. VARGAS
Associate Editor
Dr. MARIO H. MARANAN
Art Editor / Layout Artist
Mr. LLOYD ZAPANTA
Publication Coordinators Good day, Sebastinians! We must remember that early this year, we began a threeyear celebration leading to the 75th Foundation Anniversary in 2016. It fills me with a deep sense of joy that this historical and significant moment happened during our time in the institution. It is clear also that this joy is coupled with a sense of mission, for us to ensure that we bring the institution to new heights and to push it forward stronger and prepared to face the challenges that undoubtedly would come. The first of our celebration dwelt on scrutinizing our identity, an essential act if we would want to know where we are bound to go, or how we may move forward. This coming next celebration, we will then look into our mission in terms of instruction. We will work to bring to light what indeed is the Sebastinian Education. And then on the third year of the celebrations, we will deeply and more concretely root ourselves into the foundations of Caritas et Scientia – Love and Wisdom. I welcome you all to this exciting year! To the new members of the family, accept my warmest expression of welcome and gratitude. Thank you for believing in us and our educational apostolate. Together, may we reap the fruits of our toil and labor. To those who have been here for years now, do receive my utmost respect and love, coupled with much gratitude. Your dedication does not go unnoticed. Let us move forward, in faith, in hope, in love.
Mr. ALVIN RAY RAMOS Mr. DAVID EMMANUELLE L. TORRES
BUSINESS DEPARTMENT Publisher
Rev. Fr. CRISTOPHER C. MASPARA, OAR
Associate Publisher/Circulations Manager Ms. MARYGRACE A. AC-AC
Finance Manager
Rev. Fr. WILLIAM C. VILLAFLOR, OAR
Content Strategist
Ms. JAIVIE L. DEL SOCORRO
Publications Consultant
Rev. Fr. LEANDER V. BARROT, OAR
is published by the Office of Corporate Communications with office address at the Saint Sebastian Building, San Sebastian College-Recoletos, Recto Ave., Manila. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without the express prior approval of Corporate Communications. All comments regarding the content of this publication shall be addressed to the Editor-in-Chief.
REV. FR. CRISTOPHER C. MASPARA, OAR President
EDITORIAL
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t this point, when the institution has boldly began the process of selfevaluation and selfscrutiny by attempting to concretize its identity, recognizing that by doing so, it will develop itself into a braver institution ready to face the challenges of the muchdiscussed impending ASEAN Integration and the challenges of the implementation of the K+12 Curriculum, it is but imperative that the institution must look into its foundation: Christian Education. One must ask – nay, not afraid to ask – what makes a Catholic Education truly Catholic? How is it possible for an institution to translate the church dogmas and teachings into educational paradigms and concepts that may
be concretely embedded in academic structures and instruction? One must, therefore, not afraid to ask: what are the attributes of the Catholic education that San Sebastian College – Recoletos Manila offers? How is the Sebastinian Identity and the Sebastinian Education distinct from among the ranks of colleges and universities in the country? What sets it apart? We must continually scrutinize ourselves by, for example, scrutinizing the projects we choose to take on as a collective entity. When we design projects – academic or non-academic – do we truly consider the principles and ideologies posed to us in and by our faith? Are we able to recognize a singular
thread – i.e., the Gospel – binding all the activities that each of our various units do? In our classrooms and our offices, in moments when we evaluate our students or moments when we entertain visitors; along hallways and corridors, when we realize different projects and activities, do we deliberately carry gifts from the Gospels to be given to the people we commit to serve?
CONTENTS NEWS PAGE 4
COVER STORY PAGE 11
ABOUT THE COVER
Or do we simply move along life’s currents like a ship without a rudder or a ship without an anchor? Some questions need not be answered; some even need not be asked. There are many, though, that must necessarily be entertained even only so that we may be jolted out of slumber and complacency.
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SSC-R MANILA NEWS
SSC-R posits Senior High School program by Joey Vargas The first part involves making sure that the faculty members would develop acceptance and a sense of ownership of the program. Their knowledge about this piloting program must also be enhanced so they would be able to entertain queries from the institution’s stakeholders and so they may be prepared for the 2015 implementation. The second part would involve having Fr. Barrot explains Senior HS program implementation college professors take over during the first few years of ollowing the permit granted last May implementation, as faculty members from 29 by the government, through the the high school department are prepared by Department of Education (DepEd), to undergoing seminars and other trainings. The the San Sebastian College – Recoletos Manila goal in 2016 and 2017 is to gradually usher in a to operate the Senior High School Program shift from the old to the new curriculum, until under DepEd’s Enhanced Basic Education full implementation in 2019. Program, steps are being done to ensure
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that the required standards for the program are met. Rev. Fr. Leander V. Barrot, OAR, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, in an interview with the croSSCuRrent (Official Administrative Reports publication of SSC-R Manila) gladly declared that his team is now on its implementation stage, which has two parts.
Fr. Barrot acknowledges and understands the apprehensions felt by some about said implementation. He said that sacrifices must be seen as necessary for the sake of the school so that it may adjust to the movement the Philippine educational agenda is currently taking.
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Maspara creates group for pedagogical-pastoral theme
s a response to a call from the Head of the General Secretariat and Youth Ministry (GSEAYM), through the President of the Recoletos Educational Apostolate in the Philippines (REAP), for "suggestions on how to develop and implement the annual pedagogical-pastoral themes in the educational apostolate of the Recoletos schools", Rev. Fr. Cristopher Maspara, OAR, current SSC-R Manila President, created a core group tasked to come out with said suggestions. The core group -- composed of Rev. Fr. Gideon Antolin Lagrimas, OAR (VP for Religious Affairs), Rev. Fr. Alberto Avanzado, OAR
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(Campus Minister), Mr. Joey Vargas (Artistic Director, Center for Culture and the Arts ), Ms. Andrea Allado, Mrs. Ma. Luisa de Vera, Mr. Hector Lamug, and Ms. Angelita Roberto (Basic Education teachers) -- is tasked to come out with some articles and researches about the theme for the year 2015: Charity and Knowledge: we educate the mind and heart. The group is also expected to coordinate with the various units so as to be able to submit posters, motto, images/designs, jingles/ songs, photos and stories that capture the spirit of Caritas et Scientia,which is assigned as the pedagogical-pastoral theme for all Recoletos schools in the world in 2015.
13 studes pass MTA
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hirteen students of San Sebastian College- Recoletos Manila passed the Microsoft Technology Associate Certification Examination last July 28. Jhedha Lorene Amorganda, Mary Joy Bulaong, Mikhael Miguel Burog, Darius Castro, John Mari Combalicer, Jim Steven Kong, Princess Anne Lamagna, John Daniel Lopez, Randolf Josef Magarzo, Adrian Nicole Manio, John Benedick Nebrida, Darwin Seminiano, and Enrico Tresvalles from the College of Accountancy, Business Administration and Computer Studies got the MTA certification. The Microsoft Technology Associate is a new, entry-level certification designed to help individuals take the first step toward a career as an IT professional or developer. MTA validates 80% knowledge and 20% skills. Each MTA Certification exam covers a wide technology area which includes fundamentals in Software Development, Web Development, Windows Development, Database, System Administration, Networking and Security. Earning the certification can be the first step towards becoming a Microsoft Technology Specialist. Passers also become members of the Microsoft Certified Professional community. As cited online, they will get access to members-only benefits such as special offers, the MCP transcript tool, and private newsgroups where they can network, find peer support, and share their accomplishments with millions of certified professionals worldwide.
SSC-R MANILA NEWS
Grade School ranks 7th in NAT
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an Sebastian College- Recoletos Manila received the Superintendent’s Award from Department of Education National Capital Region Division of City Schools- Manila last August 29 during the 2nd Executive Meeting at Taste of Asia, MOA, Pasay City. Mrs. Olga Paguia, Elementary Principal, and Mrs. Anita Servando, Coordinator for Academic Affairs, attended the awarding. The Superintendent’s Award was given after SSC-R Manila ranked 7th in Mean Percentage Score (MPS), Grade VI National Achievement Test (NAT) for SY 2013-2014 among the 98 Private Elementary Schools in Manila last March 13. Schools Division Superintendent Corazon C. Rubio, CESO VI, granted the award to SSC-R Manila “for putting in place a continuing systematic method of upgrading the delivery of educational services and implementing appropriate teaching strategies that would ensure quality education as shown in its performance in the 2014 National Achievement Test.” Education Secretary Armin Luistro, through DepEd Memorandum 222 series of 2013, said that NAT is administered annually by DepEd to gauge the academic performance in key subjects of elementary and secondary students in both public and private schools. The result reflects the examinees' readiness for high school.
HS dep’t granted 5-year level III re-accredited status by Nicolie Maningas and Patricia Manalili
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he San Sebastian CollegeRecoletos Manila High School Department, together with the Grade School Department, retained its Level III status for the next five years after the re-accreditation results were released by the Philippine Accrediting Association for Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU) on May 19, 2014. The PAASCU Accrediting Council visited the department last February 27-28. The panel was headed by Mrs. Ma. Del Pilar Limas, Principal of the University of La Salle Integrated School. Her fellow accreditors, who also came from PAASCU accredited schools, were: Mr. Jose Cuya, HS Principal of Claret School of Quezon City; Mrs. Luzviminda Dionisio, Former Assistant Principal of St. Scholastica’s College; Mrs. Winilda Asaña, HS Librarian of Colegio de San Agustin; Mr. Camilo Fernandez, Grade School/High School Principal of Marist School; Ms. Maria Oliva Reyes, Guidance Services Head of San Beda College; Mrs. Diosdada Lingad, Coordinator for Student Services & Formation of St. Scholastica’s College. Ms. Jane Martinez was also part of the council as the PAASCU Representative.
Nine areas were evaluated during the accreditation namely: Philosophy and Objectives, Curriculum and Instruction, Faculty, Administration, Student Services, Physical Plant, Laboratories, Library, and School and Community. The department had extensive preparations for the visit and on the accreditation days, the faculty and staff presented how a Level III accredited school should be. “It was a relief for the faculty knowing that the accreditation was over, more so finding out that we passed,” said Mrs. Rosemarie J. Abrencillo, Coordinator for Student Affairs. Dr. Juliet M. Baltazar, newly appointed High School Principal, remarked that being re-accredited Level III by the PAASCU is very important for the brand of the school. “Belonging to this level of basic education is a privilege given only to selected schools in the Philippines and passing the re-accreditation is a huge accomplishment for the institution.” The department is already making preparations in time for the next PAASCU visit. They are starting to organize the important documents and as soon as the list of recommendations is released by the accrediting office, they will start working on each recommendation.
San Sebastian welcomes new students
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rior to the beginning of the regular classes, the Orientation Program of the College Student Development Center was held last June 14 from 8:00-11:00 AM in Bulwagang Diego Cera. The orientation was one of the information services of the center aimed at informing and acquainting the new students and their parents or guardians about the school. The highlights of the program were as follows: discussion of the school’s vision and mission by the VP of Administration &
Director of HRDC, Rev. Fr. Don H. Besana, OAR; presentation of the policies regarding academic matters by Dr. Mario H. Maranan, Chairperson of the Area of Languages and Humanities; introduction of the student services and other school policies given by the Student Affairs Office Director, Atty. Ernesto C. Salao; and the introduction of the school administrators and faculty members by the HRDC. The concluding message was delivered by the school president, Rev. Fr. Cristopher C. Maspara, OAR.
The program ended with a campus tour for new students facilitated by the Supreme Student Government and selected tourism students. The positive responses of students and their parents/guardians during the orientation program clearly indicated that they were one with the vision, mission and objectives of the school.
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SSC-R Manila gets permit for SHS program; creates advisory board
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an Sebastian College- Recoletos Manila (SSC-R Manila) received the government permit for Senior High School (SHS) Program starting next Academic Year 2015-2016. The permit was officially granted last May 29 by the Department of Education National Capital Region. Pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 9155 (Governance of Basic Education Act of 2001) and Republic Act No. 10533 (Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013), SSC-R Manila is granted Provisional Permit to Operate the Senior High School Program effective school year 2014-2015. The Issuance and Revocation of Permits and/or Recognition of Private Senior High Schools is part of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Enhanced Basic Education Act Of 2013. Section 15, Rule IV
of the IRR asserts that Private Educational Institutions may only offer senior high school when so authorized by the DepEd. The DepEd shall prescribe the guidelines on the issuance and revocation of permits and/or recognition of senior high schools. In line with the implementation of the Senior High School Program, SSC-R Manila School Board also approved the creation of the Senior High School Academic Council: Chair: Rev. Fr. Leander Barrot, OAR, Vice President for Academic Affairs Co-Chairs: Rev. Fr. Joel Alve, OAR, Director for Basic Education Dr. Rodrigo Ponce Jr., OAPD Director Members:
Dr. Lolita de Guzman, CABACS Dean Dr. Winston Sirug, CAS Dean Atty. Ernesto Salao, SAO Director Atty. Gerardo Lara, Registrar Dr. Mary Grace Ac-ac, CCD Director Dr. Jerica Baculod, Research Director Mrs. Mary Jane Bautista, SDPC Head The council acts as advisory board to the principal of the High School Department in terms of the implementation, review, and updating of the Senior High School curriculum and program of activities and Student Development Program, creation of national and international linkages, crafting of the needed manuals, processes and procedures, and marketing and conducting necessary researches.
Mrs. Olga Paguia, Grade School Principal Dr.Juliet Baltazar, High School Principal Dr. Corazon Reyes, CIHM Dean
PAASCU holds general assembly
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he PAASCU, for the first time in its history, will hold two separate events for the 2014 PAASCU General Assembly on November 24-25 at the Hotel Benilde Maison de La Salle, Malate, Manila. The assembly will focus on “Issues and Trends in Education: Implications for Accreditation.” The schedule is as follows:
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November 24, 2014 – Commissions on Elementary, Secondary and Basic Education , November 25, 2014 – Commissions on Tertiary Education, Engineering, Computer Science and Technology Education, Medical Education and Graduate Education The SSC-R Manila delegates will be Rev. Fr. Cristopher C. Maspara, OAR (President), Dr. Rodrigo F. Ponce, Jr. (Director of Office of
Accreditation, Planning and Development and the ETEEAP Center), Dr. Ma. Corazon R. Reyes, (Dean of the College of International Hospitality Management ), Dr. Juliet Baltazar (Principal of the High Department), and Mrs. Olga O. Paguia (Principal of the Grade School Department).
SSC-R MANILA NEWS
Sebastinians join Walk for Peace
Despite the heavy downpour of rain in the early morning of Sunday, September 14, the Sebastinians joined the “Walk for Peace: Youth against Violence” organized by the city’s Youth Development and Welfare Bureau from Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park to Bonifacio Shrine. The NSTP students, Supreme Student Government, Faculty and Administrators were among the volunteers from San Sebastian College-Recoletos Manila. The Walk for Peace 2014 was also participated in by the different colleges and universities to show their support to the antihazing campaign and also to commemorate the victims of violence. It was a campaign against hazing and other types of violence in community specifically educational institutions. Aside from the walk, students undergo a “spiritual blessing” thru holy water from fire trucks blessed by Fr. Robert Reyes, who is also known as the running priest. Mr. Angel Espiritu III, head of the Manila Youth Welfare and Development Bureau and Fr. Reyes explained that this hosing ceremony symbolized hope to wash away thirst for power and violence among students and fraternities.
Dr. Baltazar hailed as HS new principal by Patricia Elena A. Manalili
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ith the retirement of Mrs. Cristina M. Aliwalas, Dr. Juliet M. Baltazar was appointed as the new High School Principal effective on April 1, 2014. Dr. Baltazar has been teaching in SSC-R Manila for 25 years until her appointment as principal. She started June of 1989 as a regular faculty member. Then in 1994, she became the Feedback Adviser. She was promoted as the Subject Area Adviser for English in 2002, and finally, as the Coordinator for Academic Affairs in 2009. "It’s a different story when you are a principal from just an academic coordinator or a teacher, because this time I won’t have a chance to teach anymore, my concentration would be my position as principal,” Dr. Baltazar stated after being asked as to how she felt about her newly appointed position. She said that she would miss teaching for she would be devoting most of her time to her new duties and obligations. Moreover, Dr. Baltazar said that she was informed as one of the candidates in the preliminary selection for principal last year.
She even shared that she wasn’t surprised but she wasn’t also very happy. “Honestly, the initial reaction wasn’t good because I refuse this position; because I know how much responsibility it entails.” Her plans for the high school department include strengthening the foundation laid out by the previous administrations and realizing the main goal of SSC-R, Manila, which is to give the students quality education. She also acknowledged the accomplishments of Mrs. Aliwalas and promised to try her best to live up to the expectations of the whole department. Dr. Baltazar also emphasized the significance of being re-accredited Level III by the PAASCU. This status is only given to a few schools in the Philippines. “I think that’s the most crucial: to belong to an accredited school because parents and other people will automatically consider our school as an institution that thrives for progress, for improvement, and for change. In that case, the school will always try to accomplish something, quality education most especially.”
Con’t. SSC-R posits Senior High... p. 4 In order to address these apprehensions, even among faculty members, intensive internal campaigns must be conducted. These campaigns include plans to conduct seminars for faculty and parents to introduce and explain the mechanics of the Senior HS program, and to show that this program would give better options in the long run and would help equip the students with skills that meet international standards. The only thing that is perceived as a drawback is the thought that this could mean incurring expenses on the part of the parents; but, ultimately, the program would result to producing graduates ready for the ASEAN integration, to better opportunities, and future employability, Fr. Barrot argues. A seminar program has also been designed to be given to the school’s various linkages
such as a network of schools that already signified intent to partner with SSC-R Manila in the implementation of the program. SSC-R Manila has been granted provisional permit to offer 6 academic tracks and 3 technical-vocational (techvoc) programs, which are posited to develop social responsibility among the students and to target poverty alleviation through education. The various units of SSC-R Manila are mobilized to collectively offer this pilot Senior HS Program. For the technical-vocational prgrams, for instance, the Sebastinian Outreach Foundation, Inc. prepare to get involved in giving trainings to the students and in developing livelihood programs. The Institute of Religious Education and Philosophy is prepared to give values integration programs.The College of
Accountancy, Business Administration, and Computer Studies prepares to give trainings for business opportunities, among others. The College of International Hospitality Management, for its part, shall offer lessons and trainings on culinary arts; while the College of Arts and Sciences is expected to ensure that the students are exposed to humanistic principles and theories. Coincidental to this development, SSC-R Manila is also in the process of working on its typology, which is also meant to secure attainment of the ideal SSC-R Manila graduate.
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SSC-R MANILA NEWS
PAASCU partners with Autodesk, Inc. SSC-R Manila welcomes Thai university partners
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he PAASCU Commission on Engineering, Computer Science and Technology Education (CECSTE) hosted a two-day workshop last August 14-15 at Hotel Benilde Maison de La Salle, Arellano Avenue corner Estrada St., Malate, Manila. The twoday workshop covered the following: 1.
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The launching of the Autodesk Project, a new initiative involving a partnership between Autodesk and PAASCU. Autodesk is a world leader in 3D design, engineering and entertainment software. A workshop on “Aligning PAASCU Institutions to 21st Century Skills Using Learning Outcomes and Competencies” conducted by members of the CECSTE. The workshop aims to guide institutions on how to adapt their existing curriculum and syllabi to learning outcomes and competencies.
Ms. Princess Arleen S. Zamora, Area Chairperson of Information Technology under the College of Accountancy, Business Administration and Computer Studies (CABACS), attended the event. The Memorandum of Understanding between PAASCU and Autodesk was signed last September 23 and a training workshop was conducted for those who were responsible for the installation and activation of the software. The event was held at the Hotel Benilde Maison de La Salle, Malate, Manila. The four-year partnership will offer access to the Autodesk education software to PAASCU member and candidate institutions. The following will be made available at no cost to the school: latest version and two versions back (2014, 2010);
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4-year term license, counting from activation date;
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125 seats per serial per program;
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network deployment;
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by default, in ARC; andone user can retrieve 1 serial for each product version
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additional serials can be granted, if needed.
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partnership meeting between officials from the San Sebastian College – Recoletos Manila and some visiting officials from the Naresuan University of Thailand was held on May 8 at the Seminar Room of SSC-R Manila. In attendance were heads of various units of SSC-R Manila led by Rev. Fr. Leander Barrot, Vice President for Academics, and Rev. Fr. Joel Alve, Vice President for Student Welfare. Prof. Dr. Sujin Jinahyon (President of Naresuan University), General Dr. Siri Thiwaphan (Deputy Chair of Naresuan University Council), Dr. Suchart Muangkeow (Vice President for Administrative Affairs), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Poonsuk Hingkanont (Dean of Faculty of Nursing), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Watana Padgate (Director of Naresuan University International College), Ms. Piyawan Uttapan (International Relations Officer), and Mrs. Supaleka Phanpanya (Public Relations Officer) represented the Naresuan University.
This meeting was meant to concretize the partnership between the two academic institutions in terms of academic collaborations and cultural exchange programs. In his speech during the meeting, Dr. Jinahyon calls this partnership as a strategy for the realization of Naresuan University’s visionofbecoming a research-based university before 2017. It is clear for them, for instance, that in order to make people engage in their projects and to motivate them to be innovative, they must work towards developing an academic community strong in the English language, thus, their plan to send students to SSC-R Manila who shall undergo comprehensive lessons in the English language learning. Dr. Jinahyon further points out that this move towards research ensures promotion of growth of their country. The meeting ended with the respective officials granting tokens to their respective institutions.
SSC-R MANILA NEWS
Tenth TradEx showcases student’s ingenuity by Kim Jayson Matthew A. Soriano
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SC-R Manila Business Management (BM) and Marketing Management (MM) students showcased their entrepreneurial talents and creativity during the TRADEX (Trade Exhibit) that was held last Aug. 29-31 at SM City Sta. Mesa 5th floor, Cinema Section. The San Sebastian College organized the TRADEX since 2004 and was said to be in the curriculum as a requirement of the subject in Business Administration. The event’s purpose is to test the entrepreneurial skills and talents of the BM and MM students, to see whether their products are feasible to the market, and also to know how much these students are prepared in terms of business planning and research. With the help of the College of Accountancy, Business Administration and Computer Studies (CABACS), BM and MM students made their first step in the business industry. The students managed to make their own innovative products if they wanted to sell considering that the competition among the various groups was also intense. This year, led by the Dean of the said college, Dr. Lolita de Guzman, the organizers of the event were Mr. Philip Cheng (Feasibility
Adviser), Ms. Mia Fey P. Esteva-Atendido (CABACS Secretary), and Mrs. Rachelle Franco (CABACS Professor), with the help of some student leaders such as Ms. Angeline Galang and other Business Administration students. Customers and other people came to the venue to check on the products of Sebastinian Business Administration students. Some of those who came were relatives, friends and peers of those who exhibited. There are 21 groups that showcased their products in the event, namely : Jheja Baganizer, Easy Frame, Zzaburgaboom, Waterproof Case, Bannafitters, H.Y.I. Pillows, Awesome Tooth Brush, Zippy Pants, Soft Bites Suave, Chichanachos, Sticker Speaker, Soda Fountain, Kwemai, Chipstables, Whatta Change, Ropelets, I-pouch, Ring Watch, Tote-Tee, Younique, Crispy Emapanada Burger. Members of these groups had to really work their utmost to ensure they reach the respective quotas set for them. According to Ms. Galang, “managing the 10th yr. of Tradex was not easy but worth it. Having effective communication is really a big help to make your own product feasible to the market.” She also said that asking
for help as well as having connections with different organizations and people are necessary. She added that for the last 10 years, the present batch (2014-2015) made a record of more than three hundred thousand (₱300,000) sales and is said to have surpassed all the previous batches since 2004. Reaching it was obviously done through hard work and competency, she quipped.
SSC-R Manila creates Publications Office
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ith the institution’s goal of improving its print and online media presence, the Publications and Web Development Office has been created this year. It shall serve as a sub-office under the Corporate Communications Department, and shall take charge of the publication of the croSSCuRrent (which primarily contains the official administrative reports of the institution) and some other publications, and the development of the web site. It shall also assist in ensuring that other institutional media materials such as photos and videos meet moral, intellectual, and aesthetic standards. The office is headed by Joey Vargas, who is also the Artistic Director of SSC-R Manila Center for Culture and the Arts.
Vargas – whose undergraduate degree is BA Communication Arts, Major in Writing – serves as the Editor-in-Chief both of the croSSCuRrent and the web site. He graduated from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), where he later taught theatre, speech communication, and writing subjects for about 4-5 years after teaching similar subjects in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences of the University of the Philippines in Mindanao for about 2-3 years. Ms. Grey-An Keith P. Pascual, also a BA Communication Arts, Major in Speech Communication graduate (cum laude) from UPLB, serves as the Publications Office’s Managing Editor. She was given the Best Paper and Oral Presentation
Award during the 5th CAS Student-Faculty Research Conference in UPLB for her study entitled, A Preliminary Documentation of Suwayan: An Ilocano Oral Tradition in Pangasinan. The Publications Office Art Editor is Mr. Lloyd Zapanta, who is finishing his degree in Journalism at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. Jaivie del Socorro, the institution’s Corporate Communications Officer, serves as the Publications Office Content Strategist. Socorro is a BA Mass Communication graduate of SSC-R Manila, and is now finishing her Master of Arts in Communication Management degree from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila.
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SSC-R MANILA NEWS
SSC-R Manila fights Fr. Maspara speaks USA-Canada Cervical Cancer
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edical and Dental Services Department and GlaxoSmithKline Philippine Incorporated are raising awareness about the burden and prevention of cervical cancer among SSC-R Manila employees through the on-going 4-day information dissemination program conducted inside the campus. With the mission to raise awareness about the killer disease, MDSD and GSK Inc. are conducting the “Three Easy Steps,” the program that focuses on disease awareness and the value of adult immunization to be able to fight cervical cancer. Step 1 is “Engage.” Educational materials such as leaflets and posters are provided to make the public participate and become involved in such activity. The second step is “Educate.” A booth coined as “X means Love” will be set up this Friday, October 10, to clarify confusions and entertain inquiries about the cancer. And the last step is “Enjoy,” which is the vaccination day. As part of educating the public, GSK Inc. runs “Cinemust,” an exhibition of films that portray women and their family’s stories of love, hope and sacrifice amidst cervical cancer battle. The film showing is scheduled on October 9 for Grade School Faculty and Staff, October 10 for High School Employees, October 11 for Non-Teaching Personnel and Academic Non-Teaching Faculty at the Coffee Shop and GSM Blue Bar respectively. An open forum with Mr. Fredrick Estacio, RN, will follow after the films. MDSD and GSK Inc. advocate healthy lifestyle, screening and vaccination to prevent cervical cancer. According to GSK Inc., there is a great need to spread the word especially that this type of cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women, with the Philippines having one of the lowest 5-year survival rates at 44%.
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alumni reunion
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he President of San Sebastian College - Recoletos Manila and Canlubang Campus, Rev. Fr. Cristopher C. Maspara, OAR, is currently in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A. to deliver the keynote speech during the 10th SSC-R Grand Alumni Reunion organized by the SSC-R Alumni Association of USA/CAnada. It is slated to be held on the 26th to the 27th of this month at the Tuscany Suites & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A. The first day is expected to witness the arrival of alumni coming from the U.S.A., Canada, and the Philippines. The following day, there will be meet-and-greet, and introduce-yourself activities. Later in the afternoon of the 27th, the Grand Alumni Dinner/ Dance will commence at 7 p.m. It is in this particular event that Fr. President Maspara will deliver one of the keynote speeches. With a program lined-up for a two-day affair, the alumni are expected to paint the town red as it will be an event to remember, an event for fun and for nostalgia.
CMO organizes living rosary
The Campus Ministry Office, led by the Campus Chaplain Rev. Fr. Alberto S. Avanzado, OAR, recently organized a Living Rosary attended by students, faculty, and employees of SSC-R Manila last October 7. This is in commemoration of the Memorial of the Our Lady of the Rosary, in unity with the calendar of the Roman Catholic Church. October is known as the Month of the Rosary, therefore, also dedicated to Mary.
COVER STORY [Editor’s Notes: We are reprinting in two parts a document proclaimed by His Holiness Pope Paul VI on October 28, 1965 sometime at the beginning of the historic Second Vatican Council, which proved pivotal for the Church. This particular document focuses on Christian Education and bears the title: “Gravissimum Educationis.” We deem it timely for us to spend time reading and reflecting on this declaration especially during this time when San Sebastian College – Recoletos Manila examines its role and its value as a paragon for educating the young.]
ON CHRISTIAN EDUCATION:
GRAVISSIMUM EDUCATIONIS Part I INTRODUCTION The Sacred Ecumenical Council has considered with care how extremely important education is in the life of man and how its influence ever grows in the social progress of this age.(1) Indeed, the circumstances of our time have made it easier and at once more urgent to educate young people and, what is more, to continue the education of adults. Men are more aware of their own dignity and position; more and more they want to take an active part in social and especially in economic and political life.(2) Enjoying more leisure, as they sometimes do, men find that the remarkable development of technology and scientific investigation and the new means of communication offer them an opportunity of attaining more easily their cultural and spiritual inheritance and of fulfilling one another in the closer ties between groups and even between peoples. Consequently, attempts are being made everywhere to promote more education. The rights of men to an education, particularly the primary rights of children and parents, are being proclaimed and recognized in public documents.(3) As the number of pupils rapidly increases, schools are multiplied and expanded far and wide and other educational institutions are established. New experiments are conducted in methods of education and teaching. Mighty attempts are being made to obtain education for all, even though vast numbers of children and young people
are still deprived of even rudimentary training and so many others lack a suitable education in which truth and love are developed together. To fulfill the mandate she has received from her divine founder of proclaiming the mystery of salvation to all men and of restoring all things in Christ, Holy Mother the Church must be concerned with the whole of man’s life, even the secular part of it insofar as it has a bearing on his heavenly calling.(4) Therefore she has a role in the progress and development of education. Hence this sacred synod declares certain fundamental principles of Christian education especially in schools. These principles will have to be developed at greater length by a special post-conciliar commission and applied by episcopal conferences to varying local situations. 1. The Meaning of the Universal Right to an Education All men of every race, condition and age, since they enjoy the dignity of a human being, have an inalienable right to an education (5) that is in keeping with their ultimate goal,(6) their ability, their sex, and the culture and tradition of their country, and also in harmony with their fraternal association with other peoples in the fostering of true unity and peace on earth. For a true education aims at the formation of the human person in the pursuit of his ultimate end and of the good of the societies of which, as man, he is a member, and in whose obligations, as an adult, he will share.
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COVER STORY Therefore children and young people must be helped, with the aid of the latest advances in psychology and the arts and science of teaching, to develop harmoniously their physical, moral and intellectual endowments so that they may gradually acquire a mature sense of responsibility in striving endlessly to form their own lives properly and in pursuing true freedom as they surmount the vicissitudes of life with courage and constancy. Let them be given also, as they advance in years, a positive and prudent sexual education. Moreover they should be so trained to take their part in social life that properly instructed in the necessary and opportune skills they can become actively involved in various community organizations, open to discourse with others and willing to do their best to promote the common good. This sacred synod likewise declares that children and young people have a right to be motivated to appraise moral values with a right conscience, to embrace them with a personal adherence, together with a deeper knowledge and love of God. Consequently it earnestly entreats all those who hold a position of public authority or who are in charge of education to see to it that youth is never deprived of this sacred right. It further exhorts the sons of the Church to give their attention with generosity to the entire field of education, having especially in mind the need of extending very soon the benefits of a suitable education and training to everyone in all parts of the world.(7) 2. Christian Education Since all Christians have become by rebirth of water and the Holy Spirit a new creature(8) so that they should be called and should be children of God, they have a right to a Christian education. A Christian education does not merely strive for the maturing of a human person as just now described, but has as its principal purpose this goal: that the baptized, while they are gradually introduced the knowledge of the mystery of salvation, become ever more aware of the gift of Faith they have received, and that they learn in addition how to worship God the Father in spirit and truth (cf. John 4:23) especially in liturgical action, and be conformed in their personal lives according to the new man created in justice and holiness of truth (Eph. 4:22-24);
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also that they develop into perfect manhood, to the mature measure of the fullness of Christ (cf. Eph. 4:13) and strive for the growth of the Mystical Body; moreover, that aware of their calling, they learn not only how to bear witness to the hope that is in them (cf. Peter 3:15) but also how to help in the Christian formation of the world that takes place when natural powers viewed in the full consideration of man redeemed by Christ contribute to the good of the whole society.(9) Wherefore this sacred synod recalls to pastors of souls their most serious obligation to see to it that all the faithful, but especially the youth who are the hope of the Church, enjoy this Christian education.(10) 3. The Authors of Education Since parents have given children their life, they are bound by the most serious obligation to educate their offspring and therefore must be recognized as the primary and principal educators.(11) This role in education is so important that only with difficulty can it be supplied where it is lacking. Parents are the ones who must create a family atmosphere animated by love and respect for God and man, in which the well-rounded personal and social education of children is fostered. Hence the family is the first school of the social virtues that every society needs. It is particularly in the Christian family, enriched by the grace and office of the sacrament of matrimony, that children should be taught from their
early years to have a knowledge of God according to the faith received in Baptism, to worship Him, and to love their neighbor. Here, too, they find their first experience of a wholesome human society and of the Church. Finally, it is through the family that they are gradually led to a companionship with their fellowmen and with the people of God. Let parents, then, recognize the inestimable importance a truly Christian family has for the life and progress of God’s own people.(12) The family which has the primary duty of imparting education needs help of the whole community. In addition, therefore, to the rights of parents and others to whom the parents entrust a share in the work of education, certain rights and duties belong indeed to civil society, whose role is to direct what is required for the common temporal good. Its function is to promote the education of youth in many ways, namely: to protect the duties and rights of parents and others who share in education and to give them aid; according to the principle of subsidiarity, when the endeavors of parents and other societies are lacking, to carry out the work of education in accordance with the wishes of the parents; and, moreover, as the common good demands, to build schools and institutions.(13)
COVER STORY Finally, in a special way, the duty of educating belongs to the Church, not merely because she must be recognized as a human society capable of educating, but especially because she has the responsibility of announcing the way of salvation to all men, of communicating the life of Christ to those who believe, and, in her unfailing solicitude, of assisting men to be able to come to the fullness of this life.(14) The Church is bound as a mother to give to these children of hers an education by which their whole life can be imbued with the spirit of Christ and at the same time do all she can to promote for all peoples the complete perfection of the human person, the good of earthly society and the building of a world that is more human.(15) 4. Various Aids to Christian Education In fulfilling its educational role, the Church, eager to employ all suitable aids, is concerned especially about those which are her very own. Foremost among these is catechetical instruction,(16) which enlightens and strengthens the faith, nourishes life according to the spirit of Christ, leads to intelligent and active participation in the liturgical mystery(17) and gives motivation for apostolic activity. The Church esteems highly and seeks to penetrate and ennoble with her own spirit also other aids which belong to the general heritage of man and which are of great influence in forming souls and molding men, such as the media of communication,(18) various groups for mental and physical development, youth associations, and, in particular, schools. 5. The Importance of Schools Among all educational instruments the school has a special importance.(19) It is designed not only to develop with special care the intellectual faculties but also to form the ability to judge rightly, to hand on the cultural legacy of previous generations, to foster a sense of values, to prepare for professional life. Between pupils of different talents and backgrounds it promotes friendly relations and fosters a spirit of mutual understanding; and it establishes as it were a center whose work and progress must be shared together by families, teachers, associations of various types that foster cultural, civic, and religious life, as well as by civil society and the entire human community.
Beautiful indeed and of great importance is the vocation of all those who aid parents in fulfilling their duties and who, as representatives of the human community, undertake the task of education in schools. This vocation demands special qualities of mind and heart, very careful preparation, and continuing readiness to renew and to adapt. 6. The Duties and Rights of Parents Parents who have the primary and inalienable right and duty to educate their children must enjoy true liberty in their choice of schools. Consequently, the public power, which has the obligation to protect and defend the rights of citizens, must see to it, in its concern for distributive justice, that public subsidies are paid out in such a way that parents are truly free to choose according to their conscience the schools they want for their children.(20) In addition it is the task of the state to see to it that all citizens are able to come to a suitable share in culture and are properly prepared to exercise their civic duties and rights. Therefore the state must protect the right of children to an adequate school education, check on the ability of teachers and the excellence of their training, look after the health of the pupils and in general, promote the whole school project. But it must always keep in mind the principle of subsidiarity so that there is no kind of school monopoly, for this is opposed to the native rights of the human person, to the development and spread of culture, to the peaceful association of citizens and to the pluralism that exists today in ever so many societies.(21) Therefore this sacred synod exhorts the faithful to assist to their utmost in finding suitable methods of education and programs of study and in forming teachers who can give youth a true education. Through the associations of parents in particular they should further with their assistance all the work of the school but especially the moral education it must impart.(22)
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COVER STORY NOTES 1. Among many documents illustrating the importance of education confer above all apostolic letter of Benedict XV, Communes Litteras, April 10, 1919: A.A.S. 11 (1919) p. 172. Pius XI's apostolic encyclical, Divini Illius Magistri, Dec. 31, 1929: A.A.S. 22 (1930) pp. 49-86. Pius XII's allocution to the youths of Italian Catholic Action, April 20, 1946: Discourses and Radio Messages, vol. 8, pp. 53-57. Allocution to fathers of French families, Sept. 18, 1951: Discourses and Radio Messages, vol. 13, pp. 241-245. John XXIII's 30th anniversary message on the publication of the encyclical letter, Divini Illius Magistri, Dec. 30, 1959: A.A.S. 52 (1960) pp. 57S9. Paul VI's allocution to members of Federated Institutes Dependent on Ecclesiastic Authority, Dec. 30, 1963:Encyclicals and Discourses of His Holiness Paul VI, Rome, 1964, pp. 601-603. Above all are to be consulted the Acts and Documents of the Second Vatican Council appearing in the first series of the ante-preparatrory phase. vol. 3. pp. 363-364; 370-371; 373-374. 2. Cf. John XXIII's encyclical letter Mater et Magistra, May 15, 1961: A.A.S. 53 (1961) pp. 413-415; 417-424; Encyclical letter, Pacem in Terris, April 11, 1963: A.A.S. 55 (1963) p. 278 ff. 3. Declaration on the Rights of Man of Dec. 10, 1948, adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations, and also cf. the Declaration of the Rights of Children of Nov. 20 1959; additional protocol to the Convention Safeguarding the Rights of Men and Fundamental Liberties, Paris, March 20, 1952; regarding that universal profession of the character of human laws cf. apostolic letterPacem in Terris, of John XXIII of April 11, 1963: A.A.S. 55 (1963) p. 295 ff. 4. Cf. John XXIII's encyclical letter, Mater et Magistra, May 15, 1961: A.A.S. 53 (1961) p. 402. Cf. Second Vatican Council's Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, no. 17: A.A.S. 57 (1965) p. 21, and schema on the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, 1965. 5. Pius XII's radio message of Dec. 24, 1942: A.A.S. 35 (1943) pp. 12-19, and John XXIII's encyclical
letter, Pacem in Terris April 11, 1963: A.A.S. 55 (1963) p. 259 ff. Also cf. declaration cited on the rights of man in footnote 3. 6. Cf. Pius XI's encyclical letter, Divini Illius Magistri, Dec. 31, 1929: A.A.S. 22 (1930) p. 50 ff. 7. Cf. John XXIII's encyclical letter, Mater et Magistra, May 15 1961: A.A.S. 53 (1961) p. 441 ff. 8. Cf. Pius XI's encyclical letter, Divini Illius Magistri 1, p. 83. 9. Cf. Second Vatican Council's Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, no. 36: A.A.S. 57 (1965) p. 41 ff. 10. Cf. Second Vatican Council's schema on the Decree on the Lay Apostolate (1965), no. 12. 11. Cf. Pius XI's encyclical letter Divini Illius Magistri, 1, p. 59 ff., encyclical letter Mit Brennender Sorge, March 14, 1937: A.A.S. 29; Pius XII's allocution to the first national congress of the Italian Catholic Teachers' Association, Sept. 8, 1946: Discourses and Radio Messages, vol. 8, p. 218. 12. Cf. Second Vatican Council's Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, nos. 11 and 35: A.A.S.57 (1965) pp. 16, 40 ff. 13. Cf. Pius XI's encyclical letter Divini Illius Magistri, 1, p. 63 ff. Pius XII's radio message of June 1, 1941: A.A.S. 33 (1941) p. 200; allocution to the first national congress of the Association of Italian Catholic Teachers, Sept 8, 1946: Discourses and Radio Messages, vol. 8, 1946: Discourses and Radio Messages, vol. 8 p. 218. Regarding the principle of subsidiarity, cf. John XXIII's encyclical letter, Pacem in Terris, April 11, 1963: A.A.S. 55 (1963) p. 294. 14. Cf. Pius XI's encyclical letter, Divini Illius Magistri, 1 pp. 53 ff. and 56 ff.; Encyclical letter,Non Abbiamo Bisogno June 29, 1931: A.A.S. 23 (1931) p. 311 ff. Pius XII's letter from Secretariat of State to 28th Italian Social Week, Sept. 20, 1955; L'Osservatore Romano, Sept. 29, 1955. 15. The Church praises those local, national and international civic authorities who, conscious of the urgent necessity in these times, expend all their energy so that all peoples may benefit from more education and human culture. Cf. Paul VI's
allocution to the United Nations General Assembly, Oct. 4, 1965: L'Osservatore Romano, Oct. 6, 1965. 16. Cf. Pius XI's motu proprio. Orbem Catholicum, June 29 1923: A.A.S. 15 (1923) pp. 327-329; decree, Provide Sane, Jan. 12, 1935: A.A.S. 27 (1935) pp. 145-152. Second Vatican Council'sDecree on Bishops and Pastoral Duties, nos. 13 and 14. 17. Cf. Second Vatican Council's Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, no. 14: A.A.S. 56 (1964) p. 104. 18. Cf. Second Vatican Council's Decree on Communications Media, nos. 13 and 14: A.A.S. 56 (1964) p. 149 ff. 19. Cf. Pius XI's encyclical letter, Divini Illius Magistri, 1, p. 76; Pius XII's allocution to Bavarian Association of Catholic Teachers, Dec. 31, 1956: Discourses and Radio Messages, vol. 18, p. 746. 20. Cf. Provincial Council of Cincinnati III, a. 1861: Collatio Lacensis, III, col. 1240, c/d; Pius XI's encyclical letter, Divini Illius Magistri, 1, pp. 60, 63 ff. 21. Cf. Pius XI's encyclical letter, Divini Illius Magistri, 1, p. 63; encyclical letter, Non Abbiamo Bisogno, June 29, 1931: A.A.S. 23 (1931) p. 305, Pius XII's letter from the Secretary of State to the 28th Italian Social Week, Sept. 20, 1955: L'Osservatore Romano, Sept. 29, 1955. Paul VI's allocution to the Association of Italian Christian Workers, Oct. 6, 1963: Encyclicals and Discourses of Paul VI, vol. 1, Rome, 1964, p. 230. 22. Cf. John XXIII's message on the 30th anniversary of the encyclical letter, Divini Illius Magistri, Dec. 30, 1959: A.A.S. 52 (1960) p. 57.
Nineteenth SDPC Week promotes
H.E.A.L.T.H.Y LIFE Series of activities are being conducted to cater students from all levels, parents, school staff, and immediate public.
RGC 9th placer; “Approaches in Teaching Pupils with ADHD” is for September 24 with Ms. Audrey Ann H. Bobis as speaker; “Personality Development for Yayas, Maids and Drivers” is prepared with Ms. Francine Rose A. De Castro, RGC, RP Psy as resource person; and “When Friendships Blossom: Boy-Girl Relationships” is scheduled for Grade 6 pupils for September 25 with Mrs. Zeny Ungson.
SDPC and the Grade School Department have organized Storytelling activity for gradeschool and kindergarten students for September 22 with Ms. Angeline Basuel and Ms. Mildred Parintila as facilitators. Seminars on “It’s never OK! A primer on the Big B (Bullying)” is set for September 23 with their speaker, Ms. Merimee U. Tampus,
A homage for gradeschool students’ grandparents entitled “Young at Heart: A Tribute to Lola Mommy and Lolo Daddy” and seminars on “Peer Pressure” and “The Magic of Getting Good Grades” are organized for September 26 with invited speakers, Mr. Floyd Batongbakal and Mr. Juanito D. Alcazar, RGC. In addition,
Student Development and Placement Center of SSC-R Manila celebrates its 19th SDPC Week with the theme: H.E.A.L.T.H.Y LIFE (Holistic Empowerment And Living Towards a HappY Life) from September 22 to September 29.
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Parenting Seminar dubbed as “Can’t Stop Clicking: Managing Cyber Overuse Among Children” will be conducted on September 27 with Mr. Eduardo Caligner. Meanwhile, SDPC collaborated with the High School Department to conduct group counseling. Creative Techniques for Wellness, employing creative work as a form of non-verbal expression in a therapeutic setting and using experiential exercise through different creative modalities as a counseling technique and intervention and group processing, are designed for students.
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SSC-R MANILA NEWS
Teachers attend environmental assemblies by Cristina L. Tañedo
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nvironmental issues such as climate change and global warming have been the concerns of many, not only of environmental scientists. Mitigating measures and ways of minimizing the drawbacks of these environmental problems gained more attention from the government sector. It is along this context that the Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (EMB-DENR) sponsored two environmental assemblies and SSC-R Manila was lucky to be invited to participate in these events. The first event was the Project WET Trainers Training, a Water Education for Teachers, on April 30 this year held at the
modules in integrating climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction concerns. Mr. Mark Gonzales and Ms. Cristina Tañedo, both faculty members of the College of Arts and Sciences of SSC-R Manila attended this event.
DENR, Quezon City, in cooperation with Nestle Philippines. This assembly was composed of educators from different universities and colleges from NCR and focused on the preservation of water resources and introduction of the teaching
The second episode was the Nagbabago na ang Panahon, Panahon na Para Magbago, A Climate Change Adaptation Forum for the Communities, held last June 6 at the Renaissance Convention Center in Marikina City. Ms. Merle Salmorin and Ms. Cristina Tañedo were the representatives from SSC-R Manila. The convention was participated in by various sectors of the community: educators, social workers, civic volunteers, youth, municipal and barangay leaders.
Students trip to La Mesa by Cristina L. Tañedo
Environmental science students went on a nature trip on August 30 this year at the scenic greenery of the La Mesa Eco-Park. Identification of various trees and plants, tour to the butterfly and orchid gardens and nature trekking gave them the feeling of getting back to nature without leaving the city. The activity not only served as an opportunity for participants to bond with nature but also proved that the best way to study nature is by exposing the learners to nature. Together with the Natural Sciences faculty were officers of the Sebastinian Environmentalist Society (SEC) tasked to supervise and facilitate the activity. A short “Q & A” was held to check how the participants fare on issues and trivia about the environment.
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Psychology students attend research colloquium by Merle E. Salmorin
GS Science Area reaches out to Brgy. 393 by Sylvester C. Charlon
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ast July 31, the Sebastinian Psychology Society (SPS),led by SPS President Ericka Paula C. Lupo, and the Area of Psychology under the College of Arts and Sciences held the annual Research Colloquium for the graduating Psychology students enrolled in Psychology 401 (Research A). The activity aims to orient the students with first-hand experiences of the resource speaker, regarding the challenging tasks inherent in thesis writing endeavors. Ms. Hanna Thea Marie C. Pausal, the leader of the group that won the Best Thesis in Psychology the previous academic year, was the invited resource speaker. Her group members were Julia Erika A. Buco and Justine Joy M. Osano. Their thesis adviser was Professor Teresa U. Tubania. The title of their winning thesis is “The Quality of College Life of the Graduating CAS Students and Its Relationship to their Organizational Satisfaction as Sebastinians”. The speaker spoke on the experiences, the challenges, and the meaningful journey of research writing that are part of the BS Psychology curriculum. Ms. Pausal reminded the 4th year Psychology students
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enrolled in Reseach A that a scientific inquiry to human behavior problems in a form of thesis writing is a significant step towards a deeper understanding of human complexity and the many possible solutions that can be discovered through patience, hardship and critical thinking. Ms. Merle E. Salmorin emphasized the value of scientific research in the field of Psychology as it trains each student in systematic data gathering before making conclusions and generalizations as well as in the logical analysis and interpretation of data before these are applied in problem solving, formulation of intervention programs and in policy enhancements. The BS Psychology curriculum offers two subjects in research making: Psychology 401 (Research A) which requires the students to come up with a group thesis proposal (chapters 1-3) and Psychology 403 (Research B) which requires students to come up with a completed group thesis (chapters 1-5).
The Science Area, spearheaded by its Subject Area Adviser – Ms. Nicetas G. Valencia, in coordination with Grade 5 pupils, conducted a feeding program for residents of Brgy. 393 last August 4this year at the covered court of Brgy. 393 San Miguel, Manila. The said activity aimed to rekindle awareness and concern among the pupils of the grade school department about the social condition in the adopted communities of the institution. The 50 attendees, mostly children ages 4 to 10, did not just receive physical nourishment made possible by Jollibee Foods Corp., but more essentially, spiritual nourishment through catechism led by Mrs. Aniversario T. Terania. The children enjoyed their food and participated enthusiastically with Mrs. Terania’s discussion of a Bible Story. Science teachers Mr. Sylvester Charlon, Mrs. Conchita S. Dalisay, Ms. Kristine Joy Mabalot, and Mrs. Anita Servando (Coordinator for Academics) were all there to support this endeavor. The Grade 5 advisers Mrs. Amelia G. Lumbis and Ms. Carmina Lou V. Manapat were also present to help. Mrs. Veronica B. Cosme, the Outreach Coordinator, was also there to supervise the entire activity. Other faculty members of the Grade School Department also attended to support and help achieve the goal of the activity.
SSC-R MANILA NEWS
Graders share gift of stories
by Merle E. Salmorin
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ll of us wonder about things. Why is the sea salty? Why is the sky blue? Why does the sun rise in the east? Why does skin color differ from one person to another? The list is endless. Before written language, natural phenomena were explained in stories. This explanatory aspect makes storytelling an ideal teaching and learning tool. Stories can be used to identify unfamiliar terms and broach new ideas. They can be used to present culture. They can be used to enrich our lives. Using no media but imagination, we can learn and entertain for hours through the art of telling and teaching stories. Armed with our strong commitment to children and education, the English Language Area, in coordination with Scholastic, conducted storytelling sessions to Grade one to six pupils last August 4 at the Grade School Library. Also in attendance were the ELFACO Officers together with Mrs. Anita
Servando, Mrs. Veronica Cosme, and the English Language teachers. Its objective was to entice children to go back to reading, build confidence, and empower them to be learners for life. Miss Roxanne Velare, Scholastic consultant, gave a brief introduction about the invited storytellers. Thereafter, Grade one and two pupils embarked on their first storytelling session with Miss Cathy Bautista who read My Lucky Day and Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon. Grade three and four pupils were enthralled by the story entitled Koko’s Kitten and Nothing Ever Happened on the 90th Street read by Miss Leah Silvano. The tale of The Eyes of Gray Wolf definitely fascinated the Grade five and six children as Miss Leah Mendoza expressively read it aloud. According to Madeleine L’Engle, “Stories make us more alive, more human, more courageous, more loving.” This quote spelled the young graders’ experience as their eyes sparkled in appreciation of those stories they listened to. To further strengthen the pupils’
ingenuities, they were given a chance to ask some questions about the tales, which the storytellers answered with gusto. In addition to the richness of the children’s fertile imagination’s, the storytelling sessions showed how empathetic they area quality that seems to flow naturally in their young and fresh minds. They experience happy events and sorrow for characters who encounter bad times. As John Kotter once said, “ We learn best- and change- from hearing stories that strike a chord within us.” The English Language Area hopes to carry out this meaningful activity every year so long as the children love to hear stories, both true and make-believe, because the Area wants them to know that when one tells another a story, one gives the other a gift that no one else can; therefore, one encourages everyone to share their gifts far and wide.
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Grade School observes Nutrition Month
by Nicetas G. Valencia
in emergencies from the national to the barangay level; and 3) Increase awareness among families and individuals on coping and resiliency strategies to prevent malnutrition and worsening of nutritional status in times of emergencies and disasters.
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SC-R Manila Grade School Department never misses to join the whole nation in the observance of the Nutrition Month. This is in response to the Department of Education Memorandum No. 73 s. 2014 which enjoined all schools to participate in the said event. The month of July has been designated as Nutrition Month pursuant to Section 7 of Presidential Decree 491 or the Nutrition of the Philippines signed on June 25, 1974. It aims to create greater awareness among the Filipinos on the importance of nutrition, focusing attention on informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. The National Nutrition Council (NNC) spearheads the yearly nationwide launching and celebration of Nutrition Month. The year’s theme Kalamidad, Paghandaan; Gutom at Malnutrisyon, Agapan highlights the importance of good health and disasterpreparedness. According to NNC, the theme aims to emphasize the hunger awareness and prevention of malnutrition among Filipinos. The NNC has outlined the following goals in relation to this year’s Nutrition Month celebration: 1) Promotion of interventions in addressing nutritional needs in emergencies and disasters including preparedness, response, and recovery; 2) Mobilization of respondents particularly the local nutrition clusters and stakeholders in addressing the gaps in nutrition
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Nutrition in emergencies such as during calamities and disasters refers to key nutrition services that are components of emergency preparedness, response, and recovery phases aimed at preventing death and worsening of malnutrition in the affected population, particularly in the most nutritionally-vulnerable groups: infants, children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers, and older persons. In support of the whole nation’s 40th year celebration of Nutrition Month, the Science Area prepared various activities for the month of July with emphasis on this year’s theme. Nutrition month is an annual school event celebrated every July to emphasize the importance of proper nutrition by eating the right kind and amount of food to promote a healthy lifestyle. This year, a simple launching of the Nutrition Month through banners/tarpaulins bearing the theme of the celebration was held. A
short re-launching program was held at the College Quadrangle in which selected pupils from Grades 3 to 6 presented a skit to rekindle awareness on all pupils on the importance of proper nutrition especially in times of emergencies, natural disasters, and calamities such as super typhoons. The Science teachers religiously integrated discussions on proper nutrition in their daily class encounters with the pupils. The subject teachers in respective grade levels also monitored the packed snacks and lunch of the pupils. They tirelessly gave reminders to practice healthy lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle has both short and long term health benefits. Eating a balanced diet, regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight can add years to one’s life and reduce the risk of certain diseases. In the short-term, it can also make one feel and look at his/her best, give more energy, and help maintain a healthy weight. The pupils enriched their knowledge on the importance of good health and disaster-preparedness through pictures and video clips of typhoonhit areas. A pep talk was also conducted in the different grade levels to promote proper nutrition in their growing up years. It has been said countless times that “You are what you eat!” Though, it sounds funny, there really is a lot of truth in this statement. After all, food fuels the body and the type of food people eat affects their metabolism, digestive processes and overall well-being.
SSC-R MANILA NEWS
Con’t, Nineteenth SDPC Week p.14... “Angel Card” and “Popsicle Stick Art” are used for Grade 7, “Beads that Heal” and “Corrugated Paper Art” are chosen for Grade 8, “Sand Tray Work” and “Stone Art” are for Grade 9, and “Music Therapy” and “Mask Art” are selected for 4th year high school students. Using creative techniques for group counseling aims to provide individuals a meaningful avenue to freely express self and to be able to choose a more balanced life, mindful of their well-being. On the other hand, Peer-Pop Jingle Making Contest is organized for college students, while a talk entitled “Fortifying the Sebastinian Skills to Achieve Success” is scheduled for September 26 for 3rd and 4th year students from CIHM and CAS with Mr. Kim Chua, Senior Marketing Manager of Jobs180.com, as resource speaker.
HS Sebastinians bag awards in APPSAM
by Victoria Nicolie Hope C. Maningas
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our Sebastinians bagged awards in the 4th National Student Leadership Assembly and Talent Fair sponsored by the Association of Philippine Private School Administrators and Mentors (APPSAM) last July 21 - 23 at Teacher’s Camp, Baguio City.
John Danyael B. Taguinod placed 8 in Mathematics Quiz Bee, Kay G. Perez finished 5th in Pagsulat ng Tula, and Patricia Elena A. Manalili bagged 2nd place in Science Quiz Bee. They are all from IV – St. Augustine. th
Roland Joshua Mari D. Tan of IV – St. John Bosco became a finalist in Extemporaneous Speaking. Moreover, he, together with two other speakers from different delegations, placed as runners-up in the Oxford-Oregon Debate Format. “I felt excited, nervous, and overwhelmed as I competed in those two events. After everything that has happened, of course, I am happy to be able to contribute to the awards brought home by our school’s delegates,” Tan said. During the 3-day assembly, speakers were invited to talk in the plenary sessions. Dr. Erico H. Habijan of the Department of Education talked about nurturing leaders in one’s self; Mr. Luis A. Gutierrez of STI College, Parañaque discussed the essence of youth leadership; Mr. Emmanuel James Pattaguan of the University of St. Louis Tuguegarao presented how the youth should learn without fear and take action against bullying and violence; and Hon. Commissioner Earl Pioquinto Saavedra of the National Youth Commission shared his wisdom on channeling youth energy for responsible citizenship and leadership. “You have to have the sense of responsibility in and out of your school, with or without your organizations,” said Mr. Saavedra.
Parenting Seminar: “Rekindling, Empowering and Deepening Family Relationships” is also open for college students’ parents and non-teaching personnel of SSC-R Manila. SDPC invited Rev. Fr. Allan Morris T. Abuan, Archdiocesan Director for Family and Life of Lingayen Dagupan, to give the talk, while Relaxation Training is conducted for Psychology students from National Teachers College. SDPC Personnel and Guidance Counselors from Gradeschool Department, Mrs. Ana Lourdes C. Aseron and Mrs. Ma. Corazon B. Tuazon; from High School Department, Mrs. Analyn R. Ripotola and Ms. Karen Dianne C. Guevarra; from College Department, Ms. Katherine C. Kalalo and Mr. Giovanni Carlo L. Atendido; from Law Department, Ms. Ma. Teresa E. Ronquillo; School Psychometrician, Mrs. Teresa U. Tubania; and SDPC Head, Mrs. Mary Jane D. Bautista, RGC, initiated and organized the week-long program.
HS holds Science Fair ‘14
by Anne Princess K. Mercado
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n celebration of the Science Week with the theme: “Philippines: A Science Nation Meeting Global Challenges,” the Science Area, in coordination with the D’ Great Rovers Events Management, took the first step towards astronomy awareness by bringing to SSC-R High School Department the Mobile Planetarium on July 23. The astro fair consisted of three booths located in the High School Arcade, the Viewing Room, and the Audio Visual Room. Inside the “Sky Dome,” the solar system and other heavenly bodies were discussed through motion pictures projected on screen. Two videos were shown entitled “Exploring Space,” about the different planets, and “Oasis in Space,” about the different galaxies. The “Watch Out” booth presented a film tackling controversies, theories, and phenomena in space and astronomical instruments used in explorations. The last booth stationed at the AVR exhibited meteorites, a dinosaur egg, mammoth bones, and “stardung” or tektites – star crash debris. Unfortunately, the much awaited stargazing was cancelled due to unexpected rain showers that were experienced in the evening. As part of the celebration, the Science Area also sponsored an outreach program for children 6 – 12 years old at Brgy. 393 Quiapo, Manila on July 26. The outreach program started with parlor games followed by the “Handog Tsinelas Program” and distribution of hygiene kits donated by students from Grade 8-Our Lady of Consolation and IV Year- St. Augustine.
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CAS Week to CAS Day one week. Likewise, the respective head of every department agreed that the said move was deemed the most practical way of celebrating the founding anniversary simultaneously with the foundation of San Sebastian as an academic institution.
Mr. Hadje C. Sadje (center) during the seminar conducted by the Political Science Department … one of the highlights of the CAS Foundation Celebration
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he College of Arts and Sciences’ tradition of week-long celebration of its Foundation Anniversary was capsulized in just a day celebration after the school administrators decided last year to shorten the celebration of the Foundation Anniversary of all colleges in San Sebastian. The rationale of the decision is to shorten the days of disruption of classes caused by the traditional bulk of activities intended to be executed for a period of
Despite this, the College of Arts and Sciences managed to utilized effectively the day allotted to them to celebrate the foundation anniversary as part of the foundation anniversary of San Sebastian as an academic institution. The celebration was centered on the main theme “Greatness Awaits One Who Recollects”.
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The Area of Political Science through the leadership of its Area Chairman, Mr. Francisco Riodique, organized a seminar with a theme “Islam on Philippine Politics and Culture”.
The Area of Physical Education spearheaded the 4th edition of STAGSRUN with this year’s theme “Run for Charity”.
Sadje emphasized that the distinctive characteristics of Islam in the Philippines is its being tribal in nature.
Youth and students from different schools around Manila participated in the event as performers and audience. Siakol band, one of the country’s popular bands, showcased their prowess in Pinoy rock as they put their audience in awe with their new compositions.
SSC-R Alumni Association and SSG initiated the event to provide venue for students to showcase their talents and skills, to enhance the interaction and camaraderie among the students of participating schools, and to promote SSC-R to other institutions.
Different bands representing their schools showcased their own music: Banda ni Jojo (San Sebastian College-Recoletos Manila), Cloudnine (San Sebastian College-Recoletos Manila), Line Madness (Technological Institute of the Philippines), Legendaddy (Asia Pacific College), Deauna Band (Systems Technology Institute), Dear Molly (University of Santo Tomas), City Light Band (Manuel L. Quezon University), Traffic Jam (University of the East), Night Shift Band (AMA Computer Learning Center), Kropek Syndrome (University of the East), Nameless Band (Technological
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On Islamic Politics and Culture
A notable sociologist and an alumnus of PUP, Ateneo, UP and Vrie University in Amsterdam, Mr. Hadje C. Sadje graced the seminar as the resource speaker.
an Sebastian College-Recoletos Alumni Association and Supreme Student Government organized an inter-school battle of the bands competition dubbed as “Rocktember Storm 2014” last September 13 at the Bulwagang Diego Cera, SSC-R Manila.
It was the first time that SSC-R AA and SSG organized this kind of event. It was planned to be conducted last year but due to the Yolanda typhoon, the budget allotted for the event was donated to the typhoon victims.
The first PinakaTALENTADO Ako was organized by the Areas of Languages and Humanities.
The Areas of Mass Communication, Political Science, and Psychology spearheaded seminars pertinent to their academic tracks last January 13, 1-2 pm.
SSCRAA, SSG hold inter-school battle of the bands
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The Area of Mathematics took charge of the motorcade as part of the opening salvo of the celebration.
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Institute of the Philippines), Diamond Altar (Informatics Philippines), and When the bell rings (Far Eastern University). Nameless Band, consists of Civil Engineering students from TIP Manila, was awarded as the Grand Champion. The band bragged their style as they played music with meaning and variety, performing their own rendition of Adele’s Set fire to the rain and Freddie Aguilar’s Anak. The judges measured the originality, audience impact, preparedness, quality of performance and presentation. The panel were Atty., Florante Legaspi, legal counsel of ABAKADA Partylist; Mr. Joel Ramos, Media Relations office of Geises Maclang; Mr. Mark Sambito, President of Raja Traveling Tours; and Mr. James Rodriguez, member of Siakol band.
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Buwan ng Wika ipinagdiwang ng Hayskul
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ni Marella L. Canonizado
agbigay-pugay sa wikang Filipino ang mga mag-aaral ng Mataas na Paaralan ng San Sebastian sa kanilang pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Wika noong Agosto. Ang mga patimpalak na para sa lahat ng baitang sa departamento ay ang paggawa ng Poster at Slogan, Pagsulat ng Sanaysay, at Tagisan ng Talino. Ang iba pang mga patimpalak ay idinaos din katulad ng Sabayang Pagbasa para sa ikapitong baitang, Isahang Pag-awit sa ikawalong baitang, Sayawit para sa ikasiyam ng baitang at Sabayang Pagbigkas para sa ikaapat na taon. Isinagawa ang huling bahagi ng patimpalak ng Sayawit sa quadrangle at Sabayang Pagbigkas sa Audio Visual Room noong Setyembre 4. Ang mga nagsipagwagi sa patimpalak sa paggawa ng Poster at Slogan ay sina Wilbert Villareal ng ikapitong baitang, Nancy Nicole
Supeña ng ikawalong baitang, Ma. Carmela Acosta ng ika-siyam na baitang, at Sean Chadwick Barnachea ng Ikaapat na taon. Sa Pagsulat ng Sanaysay nagwagi sina Brix Vasallo sa ikatlong posisyon, Princess Andrea Alvaran na nakuha ang ikalawang parangal, parehong mula sa IV – St. Augustine at si Joshua Dave Ebesate ng IV – St. Benedict na itinanghal na kampeon. Sa Tagisan ng Talino, nagwagi ang grupo nina Miguel Luis Tan ng 7 - Charity, Arvin Africa ng 8 – Our Lady of Consolacion, Gian Manuel ng 9 – St. John, at Reynaldine Hilario ng IV – St. Dominic. Sa Sabayang Pagbasa para sa ikapitong baitang, nagwagi ang Wisdom para sa ikatlong parangal, Charity para sa ikalawang parangal at Faith para sa unang parangal.
Sa Isahang Pag-awit para sa ikawalong baitang, nagwagi sina John Ray Canturia para sa ikatlong parangal, Ella Fritz Sarmiento para sa ikalawang parangal at Joriz Pineda para sa unang parangal. Sa Sayawit para sa ikasiyam na baitang, nagwagi ang St. Matthew para sa ikatlong posisyon, ikalawang pangkat ng St. Peter para sa ikalawang posisyon at unang pangkat ng St. Peter para sa unang posisyon. Sa Sabayang Pagbigkas ng ikaapat na taon, nagwagi ang St. Dominic para sa ikatlong posisyon, unang grupo ng St. Augustine para sa ikalawang posisyon, at ikalawang grupo ng St. Augustine para sa unang posisyon. “Ang mga patimpalak ay isinagawa upang mapagyaman ang kasanayan ng mga magaaral sa iba’t-ibang larangan,” sabi ni Gng. Elisa Basa.
Mga mag-aaral, nagbalik-tanaw sa kasaysayan
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pinagdiwang ng mga estudyante sa Departamento ng Hayskul noong Setyembre ang Buwan ng Kasaysayan na may temang: “Aral ng Kasaysayan, Tanglaw ng Kinabukasan”. Layunin ng pagdiriwang nito ay hikayatin ang mga mag-aaral na mas maging interesado sa pag-aaral ng kasaysayan at madagdagan ang kanilang kaalaman tungkol sa iba’t ibang pangyayari sa mga nakaraang panahon. Tinampukan ng mga mag-aaral, mga guro at pati mga magulang ang iba’t ibang palatuntunan. Iba’t ibang patimpalak ang inihanda para sa kabuuan ng buwan. Kabilang dito ay Ang Pana, isang History Cosplay na naganap noong Setyembre 25, na naglalayong magaya ng mga kalahok ang iba’t ibang personalidad mula sa Asya sa pamamagitan ng pagtatampok ng kanilang kasuotan, tindig at mga kaugalian. Ang nagwagi sa History Cosplay para sa ikapitong baitang ay si Miguel Luis Tan ng Grade 7-Charity, bilang Benigno Aquino Jr. at ang nanalo naman sa ikawalong baitang ay si Denson James Villapa ng Grade 8- Our Lady of Perpetual Help bilang Mahatma
ni Francheska Lou Osite at Jonlene Mae Andal
Gandhi. Noong Setyembre 26, ginanap naman ang pangwakas na palatuntunan para sa Buwan ng Kasaysayan sa Bulwagang Diego Cera na pinamagatang #FlashbackFriday. Ang nasabing palatuntunan ay pinangunahan ni Ginoong Edward Noda Jr., Subject Area Adviser, at ng mga guro ng Araling Panlipunan. Ang Human Diorama kung saan binibigyang buhay ang mga sinaunang pangyayari sa pamamagitan ng pagganap ng mga tauhan sa nasabing pangyayari ay naganap noong araw na iyon. Ang patimpalak na ito ay sinalihan ng mga mag-aaral mula sa ikasiyam na baitang. Ang mga nagsipagwagi para sa Human Diorama ay: 3rd Runner Up – St. Peter (Trojan War), 2nd Runner Up- St. Matthew (Trojan War) , 1st Runner Up – St. John (French Revolution) at Kampeon ang St. Peter (The Tudors). Ang Panahon Ko ‘To! Ang gameshow ng buhay ko, kung saan ipinapakita ang pangyayari sa iba’t ibang panahon ay isang
gameshow na nagbahagi ng mga kaalaman na nauso noong partikular na panahon na tinutukoy. Ito ay sinalihan ng mga magaaral, guro at magulang na nagmula sa ikasiyam na baitang at ikaapat na taon. Ang mga nagsipagwagi naman sa Panahon Ko ‘To! ay sina Lance Carlo Santelices, Mr. Efren Santelices at Ms. Carolyn Clerigo sa ikatlong pwesto na kinatawan ng Grade 9St. Peter; sila John Emmanuel Reyes, Mrs. Juana Dionisio at Mr. Nicolas Mendoza para sa ikalawang pwesto na kinatawan naman ng Grade 9- St. Matthew. Ang kampeon ay sina Omar Luigi Papina, Mrs. Ria Papina at Mr. Alvin Ray Ramos na kinatawan ng Grade 9- St. Mark. “Maganda, maayos at nakatutulong sa pag-aaral ang mga iba’t ibang programang isinagawa ngayong Buwan ng Kasaysayan, nawa’y maipagpatuloy ito sa mga susunod na taon.” sabi ni Jerald Los Baños ng Grade 7 Charity. “Nakakakaba habang nagtatanghal sa entablado pero masaya kapag nalaman mong naibigay mo ang buong makakaya at nakapagpasaya ka sa mga tao.” sabi naman ni Nicart Ubaldo ng Grade 9 St. Peter.
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“Peer - Pop Jingle Making Contest” (Let your talent shine and voices be heard!) 19th SDPC Week by Giovanni Carlo L. Atendido
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he young generations of today are constantly active. They have the ability think, create and act out in an immediate response. This implies that in school students are crafted with their skills, attitude and experiences appropriate to their needs and conditions. One of the major activities held during the 19th SDPC Week is the Peer – Pop Jingle-Making Contest done at the Seminar Room, SSC-R, Manila. The event aspires to reveal the uniqueness and individuality of the Sebastinians.
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In order to have a more lively and interactive event, the office decided to promote activities that will showcase the talents of Sebastinian. Each group of participants was asked to composed a jingle / song, however, the song to be composed must have its relevance to the theme. A pre-selection was made as the screening part of the contest. The contest proper opened with an Invocation by Mr. Nilo Arceno, followed by a Welcome Address. The judges were Mrs. Mary Jane Bautista, Head of SDPC; Mr. Albert Danan, Recruitment Officer; and Dr. Mildred Parentilla, Grade School Faculty.
Students from Political Science, Communication Arts and Peer Facilitators group joined the contest. Every group performed their best composition before the crowd and the judges. One group made their way to the top. The participants were given certificates of participation and the winners received cash prizes. Every performance drew resounding noise and applause from the audience.
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con’t...CAS Week to CAS Day pg.20 Immediately after receiving the trophy and cash prize, group B of Paco Catholic School was then again called as the winner of the second prize, receiving Php 7000, a trophy, and a certificate.
On Human Resource Management Meanwhile, the Area of Psychology also organized a seminar focusing on Human Resource Management with Dr. Consuelo Malaluan as their keynote speaker. The seminar was held at the San Sebastian Coffee shop simultaneously with the seminars of Mass Communication and Political Science.
Utilizing the talents of all male dancers, participants from group B of Paco Catholic School captured the hearts of the judges and audiences by emphasizing the importance of “Dapat Tama” in all endeavors in life especially when it comes to politics and leadership.
According to Dr. Malaluan, “People are the most important element in an organization”. PinakaTALENTADO Ako 2014 goes to V.Mapa High School Fresh from their victory as the Pasiklaban Champion 2013, the Victorino Mapa High School once again proved that its academic institution is home for magnificent talents, as their representative instrumentalist Jeulo Madriaga bagged the title as the first PinakaTALENTADO Ako last January 13 at the Bulwagang Diego Cera. With his rendition of Mexican instrumental songs, Mr.Madriaga obtained the unanimous votes from the panel of judges, mostly from the field of performing arts. Mr. Madriaga was teary-eyed when his name was called as the winner of the said talent contest. He received the prizes
Winners of the PinakaTALENTADO Ako 2014 ( the instrumentalist from V. Mapa High School; interpretative dancers from Paco Catholic School; Hand amounting to Catholic Php 10,000, a trophy and Mime from Paco School; sole winner from the Elementary Department certificate.
a
Meanwhile, group A and B of the Paco Catholic School were emerged as the 1st and 2nd runner ups respectively. Showcasing their artistry using their hands to interpret a religious song, group A of Paco Catholic School managed to wow the judges and audiences. The hand mime emphasized the importance of fidelity in building the community of Christ. The judges had chosen the hand mime of Paco Catholic as the third placer considering the uniqueness and precision they showcased during the competition.
The organizers of this competition accepted multiple entries from San Sebastian College-Recoletos, Manila, Paco Catholic School, Manila Cathedral, and V. Mapa High School. Meanwhile, the organizers also welcomed participants from the elementary department. The 8 year old belter,Audrey Magpantay, emerged as the sole winner. Mr. Elimar Ravina of the Languages and Humanities Department was the head of the PinakaTALENTADO Ako 2014.
Fortifying the Sebastinian skills to achieve success by Giovanni Carlo L. Atendido
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stablishing and exploring of career conduit is one of the most essential to students’ journey towards success. Perhaps, this is also crucial as they undertake and find something that could give them self- worth, purpose and meaning to live life even better. What career to uphold, to take, to carry out and to dwell on are the questions quite challenging to answer, especially for the young. A lot of people, however, fail to recognize this. Significant people that surround the person/student should cooperate to
determine the best that underlie career planning. Doing so may facilitate a deeper and holistic career – decision-making and pursuit. As a response to this particular need and to handle cases in line with careerplanning, seminars and consultations were conducted for the students. One of these seminars was with the theme, Fortifying the Sebastinian Skills to Achieve Success, which was held during the 19th SDPC Week participated in by college students from different departments and colleges of
SSC-R Manila. Mrs. Mary Jane D. Bautista, RGC delivered her opening remarks to officially welcome the participants. One of the guidance counselors, Ms. Katherine Kalalo introduced the resource speaker, Mr. Kim Chua, the Senior Marketing Consultant of Jobs180.com, who conveyed his thoughts, new strategies and tools for those who are in the process of plotting their careers. The seminar was held at the Coffee Shop of SSC-R Manila.
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Seminar on family relationships held
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n line with the 19th SDPC Week, the college SDPC organized a parenting seminar entitled R.E.D (Rekindling, Empowering, and Deepening) Family Relationships last September 27 at the Bar Review Center. The seminar, a part of the Parents Enrichment Program of the center done annually, aimed at renewing and revitalizing the marital relationship of parents, which may assist in intensifying the bond with their children. Through this, they may be able to become examples of loving Christian Families.
The objectives of the program were fully realized because of the solid background of the resource speaker, Rev. Fr. Allan Morris T. Abuan, on marital and family counselling relationships. During the course of the seminar, Fr. Abuan talked about the importance of the development of a relationship of both husband and wife with God. In return, the relationship of couples for each other must radiate and express it to their children for them to become followers and examples of God’s love to others.
The good number of participants in the seminar indicated an act of collaboration of parents with the school in developing and achieving the holistic person of their children. The evaluation results and feedbacks from the parents illustrated that the seminar was successful.
SAO, SDPC hold anti-bullying seminar
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he SSC-R Manila Student Affairs Office (SAO), in cooperation with the Student Development and Placement Center (SDPC), presented an Anti-Bullying Seminar entitled “The Psyche of Bullying” on the 27th of August this year. The event, attended by college and high school students, was held at the Bulwagang Diego Cera of San Sebastian College – Recoletos Manila. Ms. Malou de Vera led the opening prayer, followed by a meaningful welcome remarks delivered by the SAO Director, Atty. Ernesto C. Salao. To introduce Dr. Oliver B. Sta. Ana, the speaker during said seminar, the Coordinator for Student Discipline, Mr. Elmer German Garcia, read the following short profile: Dr. Oliver B. Sta. Ana graduated with the degree, Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Psychology from De La Salle University – Manila in 2011 under a Scholarship Grant from the Commission on Higher Education Faculty Development Program. As a University Scholar, he also earned his Master of Arts in Counselling from the same University in 2006. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Psycholofy from the Far Eastern University in 1999. He has earnedcredited units in Master of Arts in Islamic Studies from the University of the Philippines – Diliman. Dr. Sta. Ana is a Board Topnotcher in Guidance and Counselling in 2008. He
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passed the Career Executive Service Officer Examination (CESO) in both Written and Assessment Centers. He is also a licensed secondary education teacher. Dr. Sta. Ana attended, facilitated, and served as resource speaker to various seminars, trainings, workshops, team-buildings related to his field particularly on parenting, counseling, education, organizational behavior and development. He conducted relevant researches in the fields of education and psychology which were presented in the University of the Philippines, and his paper on Academic Resilience was accepted for presentation in Freiburg, Germany and Turkey. Dr. Sta. Ana held various committee memberships and received the Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Service and Generosity in the 2012 Global Intercultural
Experience for Undergraduate Program, University of Michigan. Dr. Sta. Ana held various positions at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. He served as Chairman of the Department of Psychology, OIC Dean of the College of Human Development, and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Mr. Garcia also took charge of facilitating the Open Forum immediately after an intermission number from Ms. Crisel Hernandez, which came immediately after Dr. Sta. Ana's very interactive presentation. Ms. Mary Jane Bautista, the Head of SDPC, was tasked to give the closing remarks; Ms. Bleezy Perez, the SSG Commissioner for Culture and Religion, was tasked to lead the Closing Prayer, just before the SSC-R Hymn played.
Law Guidance conducts seminars by Ma. Theresa E. Ronquillo
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Surviving Law School Seminar
The seminar on “How to Survive in Law School: Season 2” was held on the 2nd of September at the Bar Review Center’s main room. It was a joint activity of the Dean’s Office and the Law Guidance Office. The speaker was Atty. Karen Canullas-Armada, a graduate of SSC-R College of Law who placed 6th in the 2007 Bar Exams. Atty. Armada is presently connected with the Supreme Court of the Philippines and is also an SSC-R COL faculty. The seminar aimed to orient and equip new students, freshmen in particular, with knowledge or inputs on how to face academic and other challenges in Law School. Atty. Armada was undeniably an excellent speaker; she was able to attract and hold the audience’s attention from the very start until the end of the seminar. She shared the knowledge she learned from the Law school as well as her real-life experiences that served to inspire the delighted aspirants, newbies and oldies in Law school. A total of 89 students together with some Law professors attended the seminar.
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Meridian Therapy, Hypnosis and Relaxation to Law Students and Barristers
The Law Guidance Office offers various counseling techniques and tools to Law students and barristers to help them become more psychologically prepared to meet the demands of Law school and the Bar Exam. Ms. Ma. Teresa E. Ronquillo, Law Guidance Counselor, has been offering these counseling services such as those done in August 1 and 7 this year free of charge for students, barristers and employees as well.
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Seminar-Workshop for Bar Examinees
Psychological preparedness of the Bar Examinees had always been a part of the Law Guidance Program aimed at helping Sebastinians to prepare themselves for a very important phase in their quest to becoming a lawyer. This year’s SeminarWorkshop entitled “Gearing Up for the Bar Exam 2014” given to Sebastinian barristers and Law students was held on the 1st of September at the Bar Review Center. One hundred twenty-six (126) Barristers and Law students attended the seminar. Dr. Imelda V. G. Villar, a known practicing clinical psychologist and an NLP expert, served as the resource speaker and facilitator. She had been invited by the Law Guidance Office for years to give this kind of seminar. During the actual seminarworkshop, the resource speaker gave a lecture on the importance of psychological preparedness for the Bar examination as well as how the NeuroLinguistic Programming (NLP) could address the needs of the examinees and students alike. For the second part, she did some empowering sessions of relaxation and NLP procedure. Afterwards, the participants emerged refreshed and motivated. College of Law Dean Atty. Ferdinand A. Tan and Associate Dean Atty. Josephrally L. Chavez, Jr., together with Atty. Ernesto Salao, Law professor and the College Department’s Student Affairs Office (SAO) Director, showed their full support for said activity. The Law Guidance Office exhausted all means to reach out to students and barristers alike. It likewise sought the assistance of the College of Law librarian for the dissemination of the information. The activity was not only for psychological preparedness of the students and barristers, but was also anchored on the following SSC-R Core Values: service, community life, and passion for excellence. ·
Echo-Seminar on Hypnosis and SFBT for Counselors
Ms. Ma. Teresa E. Ronquillo, Law Guidance Counselor, and Ms. Katherine Kalalo conducted an echo-seminar on Hypnosis and Solution Focused Brief Therapy on the 28th of August this year. The seminar was held at the Seminar Room with the SDPC staff in attendance.
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New Sebastinian Students
Law
To welcome new Sebastinian Law students, the Law Guidance Office organized an orientation program entitled “Witnessing the Influence of Recollect Education in the Legal Profession”. The activity was held on July 2 at the main room of the Bar Review Center. Around 196 people attended the program. For two consecutive years, the College of Law had been inviting the parents of new Law students to attend the orientation. Religious and lay administrators of the school and of the College of Law were also present to welcome the new students and their parents. The program started with an invocation led by the Campus Minister Rev. Fr. Alberto S. Avanzado, OAR followed by the singing of the national anthem. Atty. Ferdinand A. Tan, Dean of the College of Law delivered his welcome remarks. The Vice President for Academic Affairs Rev. Fr. Leander V. Barrot, OAR presented the SSC-R vision, mission and history. Mrs. Mary Grace S. Poblete, Head of the HRDC, then introduced the school’s religious and lay administrators. It was followed by the introduction of the College of Law faculty by Atty. Josephrally L. Chaves, Jr., Associate Dean of the College of Law. An equally important part of the orientation was the presentation and discussion of the academic and non-academic policies of the college by Atty. Ernesto C. Salao, Director of the Collegiate Student Affairs Office. During the Dean’s Hour and open forum, Dean Tan, Associate Dean Chavez and Atty. Salao answered queries from students about other matters as well as scholarship grants and books.
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Seminar-Workshops Hypnosis for Students
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The Law Guidance Office conducted two seminar-workshops on Hypnosis for Psychology students last September 23 and October 1 facilitated by Ms. Ma. Teresa E. Ronquillo, Law Guidance Counselor. The first one held in September was a free seminar for Psychology students. There were around fourteen Psychology students from the National Teachers College and the San Sebastian CollegeRecoletos Manila in attendance. The two-hour seminar started with a talk on the definition of hypnosis, its concepts, elements, procedures and application. Ms. Ronquillo had a demonstration of how to conduct hypnosis and likewise shared some cases when it was applied to treat some problems. The second leg of the seminar was held in October upon the invitation of Mrs. Mary Jane Bautista for her BS Psychology students.
Ms. Ammarie Cruz and Mr. Allison Torres, both 2nd year JD students hosted the event.
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HRDC organizes trainings by Albert C. Danan
May 21, 2014 SEMINAR ON SPIRAL PROGRESSION Seminar Room/1:30-4:30pm Engaging the teaching community to a productive session of retooling for K+12 Program Implementation, the seminar on Spiral Progression was held at the Little Theater on May 21 from 1:30 to 4:30 pm. The invited speaker was Dr. Jocelyn C. Briones from De La Salle Santiago Zobel School, Muntinlupa. The seminar was attended by some 68 participants who were Basic Ed teachers and College faculty members from CAS, CIHM and IREP. July 9, 2014 IN-SERVICE SEMINAR FOR THE COLLEGE DEPARTMENT Little Theater/1:30-4:30pm
An orientation seminar was held for the college faculty members. The keynote speaker was the school president, Rev. Fr. Cristopher C. Maspara, OAR. He presented the school accomplishments and laid out the plans, priorities and directions for the current school year. He briefly mentioned the preparations being done for the school’s 75th Foundation Celebration and the challenges it has to embrace in working for a university status. This in-service seminar was attended by faculty members from CABACS, CAS, CIHM, and IREP. Rev. Fr. Gideon U. Lagrimas, OAR rendered the invocation while Rev. Fr. Don H. Besana, OAR gave the closing remarks. July 22, 2014 ORIENTATION PROGRAM FOR EMPLOYEES Seminar Room/1:30-4:30 pm
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As a requirement upon hiring, an orientation was given to the newly-hired staff and faculty members. Rev. Fr. Don H. Besana, OAR presented the school vision, mission, values and objectives. The program also provided an orientation on the different school services discussed by the following office heads: Library Services (Jacqueline
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Lucero), Research (Dr. Jerica Liza Baculod), Student Development and Placement Center (Mary Jane Bautista), Student Affairs Office (Atty. Ernesto Salao), Health Services (Dr. Zaela Vanessa Mailom), Corporate Communications Department (Dr. Mary Grace Ac-ac), Finance Department (Rev. William C. Villaflor, OAR and Ms. Sherlita Mendoza), and HRDC (Mary Grace Poblete). July 23, 2014 VALUCARE CARD ORIENTATION Seminar Room/10:30am and 1:30pm In an orientation for all employees regarding ValuCare Card, ValuCare representatives stressed the importance of using the card for medical and other recognized purposes and maximize its use if possible. Also discussed were some procedural requirements in using the card and in availing the services that are included in the contract. The seminar also enabled the participants to express problems they have encountered with the previous health card supplier. ValuCare was able to entertain some clarifications and thanked the participants for spending time to be oriented with their services. The orientation was done in two clusters; one in the morning (10:30 am) and another one in the afternoon (1:30pm). July 26, 2014 SEMINAR-WORKSHOP ON BUSINESS COMMUNICATION High School AVR/8am-12nn
EFFECTIVE
Aiming to improve and update the writing styles of office secretaries and staffs, a seminar-workshop on Effective Business Communication was held on July 26 at the high school AVR. College language professor Ms. Aisa Arlos served as the trainer/ speaker. She introduced participants to the “dos and don’ts” of making a memo and minutes of the meeting, two most common office communication forms which apparently suffer from common mistakes. The workshop was able to converge 15 trainees from the following offices: CABACS, EDP (2), Athletics Office, Capt. Galley, CMO, HRDC, CAS, Clinic, High School Guidance, CIHM, Accounting, CCA, Grade School, and
VP-Social Welfare Office. Miss Edry Oballes rendered the Invocation, while Ms. Mary Grace Poblete gave the Closing Remarks. August 9, 2014 SEMINAR ON CUSTOMER RELATIONS MANAGEMENT High School AVR/8am-12nn) Office frontliners were treated to a seminar enhancing their skills and updating their awareness on “customer-centric” as an emerging trend in Relationship Marketing. Marketing professor, speaker and HR Officer Mr. Albert C. Danan delighted the participants with interesting principles on Customer Paradigm and broadened participants’ orientation on Customer Service, Customer Delight and Customer Success. The seminar was able to gather 28 trainees coming from different offices. Fr. Cristopher C. Maspara, OAR rendered the Opening Remarks while Ms. Mary Grace S. Poblete did the Closing Remarks.
September 17, 2014 SEMINAR ON INSTRUCTIONAL SUPERVISION Coffee Shop/1:30-4:30pm Academic heads/deans, subject area advisers, coordinators, and area chairs were given a seminar on Instructional Supervision, one of the many seminars conceived in preparation for the implementation of the K+12 program. Addressing the participants was Dr. Danilo K. Villena, Program Adviser of the Graduate Education Sciences of PNU. His lecture was focused on the comprehensive review of instructional supervision, supervisory approaches, models and researches drawn from instructional supervision, and aligning supervisory practices with K+12 program. Leading the invocation was Ms. Eileen Q. Fernandez of the grade school while Dr. Clarissa DC Guia introduced the speaker. Fr. Leander V. Barrot, OAR gave the Welcome Remarks while Fr. Don H. Besana, OAR acknowledged everyone in his Closing Remarks.
Father Delfin grateful in death by Jaivie del Soccoro
J
uly 3 marks the loss of a good person in the Recoletos family, Rev. Fr. Delfin Castillo, OAR at the age of 68. He passed at 10:03 pm of multiple organ failure due to pancreatic cancer. “Fr. Delfin,” as most of his colleagues and friends called him, was born in Tacloban City Leyte on July 10, 1946. He had his simple profession on September 7, 1968 at Monteagudo, Navarra, Spain. His simple profession on October 17, 1971; diaconal ordination on March 19, 1972; and his sacerdotal ordination on June 29, 1972 were all held at Marcilla, Navarra, Spain. The last religious assignment of Fr. Castillo was at the San Sebastian College – Recoletos Canlubang Laguna as the HRDC Head and Assistant Property Administrator. During his early years as the servant of the Lord, he was very obedient to his religious assignments: 1972 - San Carlos City Negros Occidental 1979 - Bacolod City 1991 - Talisay City Negros Occidental 1997 - Spain 1997 - Talisay City, Cebu 2003 - Provincialate, Quezon City 2011 - San Sebastian College – Recoletos Canlubang, Laguna In the burial mass held last July 7 at the San Nicholas de Tolentino Parish, attended by Fr. Delfin’s friends, relatives and brothers from the order, his nephew Rev. Fr. Randy Castillo, OAR shared his last months’ life experience with his “Tito Delfin”. Fr. Randy was able to ask for his Tito Delfin’s message to the Recoletos family. Among Fr. Delfin’s message was “Maraming, maraming, maraming salamat po.” He gave thanks to the people who offered prayers for him, for all the people who became his brothers and sisters. Fr. Delfin thanked God for the servers and parishioners of the church. He also asked for continuous support for the religious vocation with prayers, love and care. Fr. Delfin also gave emphasis on forgiveness and reconciliation.
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[Editor’s Note: Below is a transcript of the speech delivered by the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Rev. Fr. Leander V. Barrot, OAR, during the opening of the 73rd Foundation Anniversary in January this year. croSSCuRrent deemed it significant to have said speech published in this issue considering that, now, we begin to prepare for the next phase of our 3-year celebrations, i.e., that which centers on Sebastinian education leading to the desired state of greatness.]
Keynote Address 73rd Foundation Anniversary
San Sebastian College – Recoletos Manila Rev. Fr. Leander V. Barrot, OAR Vice President for Academic Affairs A pleasant afternoon. Early today we formally opened our 73rd Anniversary Foundation festivities. Yesterday (Sunday) we held the Sebastinian version of a community or family oriented fun-run for the fourth time. Probably now, you still feel the pains and aches in all over the body but enthused because the opening-activities of the week-long celebration were successful. Let the body aches and the pains be reminders that, in the midst of our festivities, there remains a great portion of the Philippine population sorely aching because of poverty, depressed due to loss of hope, pained as a result of separation, and grieving caused by the loss of loved ones from natural and man-made devastations. In our festive foundation celebration, therefore, let us be reminded that we belong to a grater community a community of faith and a family of believers a section of which is experiencing what St. Paul calls the “thorn in the flesh.” Towards the 75th Anniversary Foundation in 2016 This 73th foundation anniversary is the first in the series of three foundation celebrations leading to the 75th on January of 2016. The Theme “Greatness Awaits One who Recollects” is the over-arching theme. Specifically this year, we reflect on Humility, i.e., focusing on our identity both as Sebastinians and as members of a bigger Recollect family. On January 2015 – we focus on creative or innovative creativity centering on Academic Excellence and on the 75th Celebration –
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we reflect on Love and Wisdom, “Caritas et Scientia” as the fruits of Greatness. In short, in our journey toward the 75th foundation celebrations we have GREATNESS as communal goal or destiny. GREATNESS is our institutional dream. Defining Greatness Our first challenge, therefore, is to define greatness. Do we have a common understanding of what greatness is all about. Are our individual pursuits for greatness a part and parcel of the institutional thrust for greatness? If we make a survey of what and how we, individually, strive for greatness, will we have a college with a very clear and distinct thematic destiny? Or will we only produce a hodge-podge of unconnected individual pursuits and stories often conflicting and many times in gridlock with each other? If greatness is our common goal, if it’s our dream, and if it is our challenge—then, I believe there is a need to situate GREATNESS in terms of our identity and context. The Philippines Education Agenda: A Context for GREATNESS Allow me to set the parameters in our pursuit for communal greatness. Our institution is entrenched in a period where the Philippine education program is gearing toward global recognition and standardization. For some, this program is a wild dream and an ambitious proposition; but for others, cognizant of the rippling effects of globalization – consider the Philippine Education Program – the bitter pill to swallow for international integration. The K+12 program, which our institution has silently prepared for
the past two years and is now stalled due to the DepEd’s postponement of the release of the Senior High School Curriculum and other implementing guidelines, places the institution in a very precarious situation. While we have taken this gargantuan challenge as an opportunity for greatness in educational service, it does not take away doubts and fears of the possible negative initial impacts and consequences on our finance, employment, school status, enrollment counts and the list goes on. The CMO 46 series 2012, known as the “Policy-Standards to Enhance Quality Assurance in Philippine HEI through Outcomes-Based and Typology-Based QA,” though very much questioned by many other reputable institutions, if implemented could likewise put our dream for university status in quandary and even our college identity in jeopardy. The ASEAN Economic Integration in 2015, which is just around the bend, though principally a business and economic agenda, has colossal impact on our educational systems, because eventually, our graduates have to compete against graduates from other ASEAN member-nations for job opportunities both here in our homeland and in other foreign places in Asia and the rest of the globe. Do we honestly produce globally competent graduates? The gradual phase-out of the old Curriculum beginning 2016 and the Integration of International Skills and Competency requirements – or the challenge of formulating new Quality Assurance standards for all academic discipline is likewise an intimidating responsibility.
All these compounding educational circumstances before us could either bring out the best or the worst in us. In the nitty-gritty, these challenges will compel us to throw away old notes and books and equip ourselves with the pedagogy for the 21st century learnings and competencies; we have to shelve the old teacher-centered instruction and adopt an innovative and creative learnercentered or outcomes-based or inquirylearning methodology so as to set the habit for students to continuously learn and unlearn for the rest of their lives, we have to be less content with simple masteral degree but invest personally on doctoral degrees and post-doctoral studies to be at par with international professors and instructors; you have to set aside professional rivalries but work collaboratively and create a system of mentoring for the growth of the Sebastinian professional community. There is a need to abandon the cut-andpaste lecture series notes and instead engage in in-depth and innovative researches so as to contribute to the growing pool of knowledge and studies and create a culture of research for the whole institution. Sebastinian and Recollect Identity: Key to GREATNESS Do we have the necessary keys to unlock the doors leading to GREATNESS? As a Sebastinian institution having served the Philippine Education for the last 73 years, I believe we have. Sebastinian Core Values: As Operational Values. Specifically, we have identified and defined our core values. Some have memorized them; we often see them hanging on our walls. These core values – if only we make them operative values – could spur us on to greatness: -- Imagine every sebastinian selflessly reaching out to the academically challenged, cowardly feeble
and financially tested students (love); -- Imagine each of you and me practicing and living honesty, integrity, truthfulness and veracity every minute of our office hours, every business transaction and every single academic activity and initiative (moral integrity); -- Imagine each one desiring to be the best in a particular field of expertise, not to compete with one another, but in forming the minds, hearts and consciences of every student entrusted to us (passion for excellence); -- Imagine each member of the Sebastinian family giving respect, deference, esteem, and appreciation to each one here present and and those absent as well (justice and peace); -- Imagine you and me willing, available and ready to take any responsibility in whatever capacity as committee member or head, administrative post and professorial and staff duties and at the same time open and humble to handover responsibilities to a new generation of succession (service and community life). To make our Sebastinian core values operative is to transform the “ifs” or conditional statements to declarative statements or the imagining to a reality. To declare our core values as operational is to say “I am”. I am love; I am moral integrity; I am Passion for Excellence; I am Justice; I am Peace; I am service; and I am community life.” One Mind, One Heart: A Recollect Operational Value. Among us, Recollects, there is this oft-repeated dictum “One Mind One Heart.” This too is a powerful value if only made operative. One mind is achieved in the venue of table discussion. In the meeting table we pour out our expertise; we help create a communal vision; we discuss strategies; we agree on a common task; we decide an agreed implementation scheme; and
we share responsibilities. One mind refers to the coming together of expert adults willing to make a difference, willing to contribute to make San Sebastian—what we call “di basta-basta.” The effect of such an operational attitude is “one heart.” I have never seen a community and an institution achieving one mind without becoming a community in “one heart.” The one heart then is a natural overflow of one mind resulting to the becoming of the one San Sebastian family, one Sebastinian community. Drafting the 2014-18 Five-Year Development Agenda for San Sebastian In two weeks, we will be drafting the 2014-2018 Institutional Development Agenda for our beloved Institution. We have the concrete opportunity before us to exercise greatness. We have the tangible occasion to make both our Sebastinian and Recollect values operational effecting proposals and determinations, plans and programs, actions and researches that will address the fears and doubts, problems and difficulties, worries and anxieties the Philippine Academic Agenda could possibly produce. Final Words Today, as we celebrate the 73rd foundation of our institution, we have carved a path for ourselves. We have communally decided to tread the road to Greatness; we have opted to be better than we were before. We have embraced – as an institution and as individual persons – GREATNESS, as goal and destiny. Let it be so and let it be. God bless and Bravo Baste! Fr. Leander V. Barrot, OAR Vice President for Academic Affairs January 12, 2013
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