The Augustinian, November 2011 (News Fold)

Earthquake Alert: Are We Safe Here?

NEWS

OPINION

SCI-TECH

CAS Dean conferred as University’s youngest full professor Page 2

Webs on the World Wide Web Page 5

The ABCs of the MIS Page 1 of Features Fold

In the wake of the fairly strong tremor that struck Iloilo on February 6 this year, almost everyone who felt it has a story to tell about how it scared the living daylights out of them. No one knew it was coming.

Patron Saint’s Week: The show must go on See Page 8 on

See full story on Page 7

Features Fold

Photo by KRISTINE LOUISE L. ANDRADE

USA, 10th Best Law School in RP Nafarrete named Outstanding Law Dean

By Febrielyn S. Tumines

pursuant to the Legal Ed u c at i o n B oa rd (L E B) Resolution No. 19, dated September 14, 2011, the USA College of Law was awarded with the national recognition of

Outstanding Law School, one of the ten best schools of law in the Philippines, based on its collated bar examination passing rates from 2001 to 2010 which ranked it at number 10 among 124 law schools in the country. For that achievement, Atty. Juana Judita

Panigbatan-Nafarrete, dean of the USA College of Law, was also awarded as Outstanding Law Dean, in a ceremony held at the Manila Pavilion last November 11.

Atty. Nafarrete was cited for her administrative skills and

remarkable professionalism in running the college, thus paving the way for its achievement.

“When I assumed the deanship (13 years ago), I was only 28 years old then. I was the youngest law school dean at that best law school Page 7

Outside Courts undergo 10-M Makeover Archbishop graces AYD 2011 M o s t R e v. A n g e l N .

Lagdameo,D.D., Archbishop of Jaro, solemnized this year’s Augustinian Youth Day (AYD) celebration through a prayerdialogue with the Augustinian youths at the USA Gymnasium, August 27.

The religious activity entitled, “Pamangkot sa Amay”, the first part of the Cassiciacum (one of the highlights of the AYD), served as a way for the Archbishop to answer some of the questions troubling today’s teenagers. “Friendships made should be developed on what is good and beneficial for everyone,” the Archbishop

Admin installs CCTV cameras

By Andre Karl S. Faculin

The USA campus is now equipped with closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras to strengthen the University security.

General Services Office Director Rev. Fr. Nelson Zerda, OSA said that these security gadgets will help safeguard the well-being and property of the students and the personnel. “ Th e … [CCT V ] installation would help us maintain security, implement precautionary measures, and curb the possible incidence of crimes…,” Zerda states.

CCTV Page 5

replies to one of the question.

In his talk, Most Rev. Lagdameo gave three images for reflection : a tree, a house, and confirmation by Jesus Christ Himself.

“Without its roots, a tree will not grow and bear fruit.

Like the tree, rootedness in Christ is very important for us to grow. The house, without its foundation, will collapse.

This is why we need to have a strong foundation through constant reflection on the Word of God. We need to be united with Christ Himself because, according to Pope Benedict XVI, the youth have developed amnesia of God in many events

YOUTH DAY Page 7

The University of San Agustin basketball courts located just outside the gymnasium recently had a 10-million renovation as part of the University’s implementation of its Strategic Plan for 20042013, and as one of its goals of providing quality infrastructure and support facilities for students.

Fr. Generous P. Gonesto, OSA , Vice-President for Academic Affairs said that the court renovation, which was started last August 9, 2011, puts into effect the comprehensive USA Physical Plant Master Plan for the development of the University.

“The basketball courts have been turned into a multipurpose covered court that has OUTSIDE COURT Page 4

READY FOR USE. The Outside Courts have now been roofed and upgraded to become the USA MultiPurpose Covered Courts. (USA Publications Photos/Ray Adrian C. Macalalag)

USA teams up with CPU, UPV for ASEAN-GIZ project

By JESANNY I. YAP

The University of San Agustin, together with two other local universities in the city of Iloilo, teamed up for the ASEAN-GIZ Clean Air for Smaller Cities Project which was carried out from June to October 2011.

The ASEAN-GIZ Clean Air for Smaller Cities Project, or simply, the Emi ssion Inventor y (EI) of Iloi lo City was financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and was executed and monitored by GIZ Consultants from CAI-

Asia.

This project aims to improve air quality, particularly in smaller and medium-sized cities of some ASEAN countries

Illustration by Nicole Fernan L. Caminian

By Mary Leslie S. Eregia

By Ric Martin L. Libo-on and Joel S. Sastrillo

such as Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Philippines.

These cities, with approximately 200,000 to 1.5 million inhabitants, have a vital role to play in national development. Standing between the mega-cities and the small towns and villages, the smaller and medium- sized cities function to link together the populations into an integrated national community. Since smaller cities in Asia suffer from poor air quality just as the mega cities do, they also need support for air quality management. asean-giz Page 4

ND grad places 10th in board exam

By Joyce gem M. Cañete

Gracielle Pauline Soriano Jo, a 2011 graduate of the College of Education NutritionDietetics Department made history as the department’s first ever topnotcher when she clinched the 10th place with a rating of 84.6% in the Nutritionist-Dietician Licensure Exam administered by the Philippine Regulatory Commission in July 2011.

Sh e l ed t h e su ccess f u l Augustinian board passers whose performance gave

Photo from yearbook office

Lagdameo

Jo

t h e Un i ver s i t y a 1 0 0 % passing rate for first takers and 66.67% passing rate for retakers. The average of the two figures make up the USA topnotcher Page 2

2 « News

Volume LVII • Number 2

CAS Dean conferred Professor title

By Josefa Maria A. Castro

Dr. Isidoro M. Cruz, the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, was conferred with the academic title “Professor” in a conferment ceremony held at the USA Auditorium on August 25, 2011. The title made him only the fourth, the only male, and the youngest full professor of the University. He was given a plaque of the official title conferment which was signed by: Rev. Fr. Eusebio B. Berdon, O.S.A, the Chairman of the USA Board of Trustees and the Prior Provincial of the Order of Saint Augustine Province of Sto. Nino de Cebu, Rev. Fr. Raul M. Marchan, OSA, University President and member of the USA Board of Trustees, and Atty. Jose Mari Benjamin F. U. Tirol, BOT Secretary of the Board of Trustees. Cruz was officially conferred by Rev. Fr. Raul M. Marchan, O.S.A., and Dr. Virginia Resurrecion,

Director, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office 6.

Cruz obtained both his A.B. and master’s degrees in Literature from the University of San Agustin. He earned his Ph.D. in Literature, with High Distinction, at De La Salle University, Manila.

He won first prize for poetry in the 2003 Palanca Awards, first prize for fiction in the Philippine Panorama Literary Contest in 1996, and more than five other national awards for creative writing. In 2004, in celebration of the University’s Centennial Foundation Anniversary, Cruz was chosen as one of the 100 Outstanding Augustinians of the Century in the field of Culture and the Arts.

After his conferment, Cruz gave a professorial lecture entitled, “Augustine and the Tower of Babel: Medieval Semiotics in the Internet Age,” which discussed the application

USAEU gives birth to “The Union”

of St. Augustine’s works in the modern age. After his lecture, a panel of reactors composed of Mr. Eric C. Divinagracia, Co o rd i nato r o f t h e Co curricular Office, Dr. Remedios S. Somcio, Director of the Center for Educational and Institutional Research, and Fr. Pederito A. Aparece, O.S.A., VP for Student Affairs, shared their thoughts on the lecture topic.

There have only been three full professors preceding Cruz in the 107-year history of the University, namely: the late Dr. Josefa C. Castro, former dean of what used to be called the Teacher’s College, now the College of Education; Dr. Felicisima T. Campos, also a former dean of the same college, and the late Amorita C. Rabuco, former dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Now a full professor, Cruz has this message for the Augustinian community: “Being the youngest professor

is not as important as the fact that, so far, I am only the fourth faculty member in the 107-year history of the University to have been named Professor. Of the four, only two of us are still alive. Of the two living professors, I am the only one still teaching in this University. These figures are not heartening: in truth the paucity of full professors does not speak well of our overall faculty profile. Surely, the University of San Agustin should have more full professors and associate professors in the near future, if only for us to come closer to our vision of affirming our position as an excellent center of education. If we want USA to be among the top universities in the Philippines, we should have several professors who are acknowledged nationally for their contributions to their respective disciplines, in addition to their work as teachers deserving of commendation.

At first I harbored the notion that professorship in this University was a terminal honor

Cruz

given to those close to retirement.

Now, no longer is professorship a far-fetched possibility for those way below retirement age.

I am truly grateful to the Augustinian community for my conferment as full professor. The honor is as much the reward of hard work as it is the offshoot of the University’s generous support for my education and professional advancement. I am sure the

University has also made such support available to many others through our Faculty Development Program.

I do not think the University simply named me a professor.

I think the University of San Agustin produced me. With my conferment, I hope other faculty members will see professorship as an honor that the University itself enables us to attain.”

USA Pub earn 15 awards in COPRE

By RAY ADRIAN C. MACALALAG

course of time how effective the medium is in teaching and educating its membership. Or - we don’t want to see this - it may just end up being another school organ reduced to a mere photo album to feed the egotripping binge of a few people,” Atty. Melliza cautioned the Union in his speech.

USAEU is hoping that “The Union” will serve its purpose, which is to enlighten all its members on their rights and obligations, the present labor system, the existing collective bargaining agreement and all other matters that directly affect them.

Former USAEU president, Dr. Efraim Francis Encanto, and some faculty members from the different colleges also witnessed the launching.

After last year’s comeback in the annual College Press (COPRE) Conference and Awards, the USA Publications, the official student press corps of the University, received 15 distinctions and medals for group and individual events held at the Iloilo Grand Hotel, November 25, 2011.

The press corps won seven awards in the group contests and eight awards in individual contests this year.

The Augustinian, in its first participation in COPRE since 2004, was hailed as the Fifth Best College Newspaper in the major awards category, along with Fourth Best News Page, Fourth Best Newspaper Layout, and Fifth Best Editorial Page in the minor awards.

The Augustinian Mirror had the Fourth Best Magazine Cover Design.

Dingding ni Gusting, the latest Augustinian publication which started only last year and is produced by the USA Publications for the adopted communities of the University, was hailed as the Best Wall Newspaper this year.

The online journ.ph blog of the USA Publications powered

by Smart Communications which won fourth runner up last year was named this time as

first runner up in the 2nd SmartPIA6 Campus Journalism Blogsite Contest.

Meanwhile, the editorial staff also garnered eight medals in the individual writing , cartooning, and photography contests.

Mar y Leslie Eregia, editor-in-chief, won second place in news writing, English category.

Han na h G race Taba , senior writer, won fifth place in news writing and third place in copyreading, both in the

Filipino category.

A n d re K a r l Fa c u l i n , associate editor, won fifth place in copyreading English category and first runner up in the Search for Mister COPRE 2011.

Je r s o n E l m i d o, w a l l newspaper editor, won second place in editorial cartooning.

Kristine Louise Andrade, photography editor, placed fifth in photojournalism.

And finally, managing editor Josefa Maria Castro was named Miss COPRE 2011.

The par t ic ipat ion of the USA Publications in the COPRE resumed only in 2010 after a six-year hiatus.

The Philippine Information Agency – Regional Office 6 (PIA6), in partnership with Smart Communications, organizes the annual COPRE Conference and Awards and the Campus Journalism Blogsite Contest.

PIA6 posted on its official website that 76 college publications participated in the COPRE 2011.

first one,” Jo shares.

But for Dr. Lilia S. Teves, Head of the Nutrition-Dietetics, HRM and CA Departments, she had already known straightaway from the time she interviewed Jo at enrolment to the moment when the results were released, that she would make it to the top ten. “She has this innate intelligence; and probably the right attitude and focus made

her top the exam. She is very humble,” notes Dr. Teves.

One of Jo’s teachers, Mrs. Josephine V. Ismael, reveals, “She usually studies by herself because she’s used to that but whenever she has available time, she reviews together with her classmates. Their batch has a positive attitude and they are willing to sacrifice – one of the reasons why they obtained a

100% passing rate.”

Jo says that there was no technique that helped her top the board and that she didn’t really know how she had done it. She says in a matter-of-fact voice that “hard work was a factor, and if you want to achieve something you have to invest your time and effort...”

She attributes her achievement to “people who encouraged

me...” During the times she was feeling lax and tired, she would always remind herself that she was not going to do it (the review) “for myself but…for God, and that drove me to do my best,” Jo narrates.

When asked to give her piece of advice, Jo says, “Look ahead; value every season of your life because each one has a purpose... Remember that

whatever you are doing right now can affect your future. Most of all, whatever your dream is, hook up with God because with Him in the equation, success is inevitable.”

The oath taking ceremony of the successful examinees was held before the Board of Examiners last August 30, 2011 at the Manila Hotel, One Rizal Park, Manila.

Photo courtesy of Atty. Teopisto Melliza

By Febrielyn S. Tumines

To provide its members with a medium for free expression and information dissemination on issues that affect them, the University of San Agustin Employees Union (USAEU) launched on August 27, 2011 the first issue of “The Union”, its official newsletter.

Prof. Teresita Silma Balgos, USAEU president, together with other Union officers, led the inauguration of the first volume, along with the guest speaker, Atty. Teopisto “Pet” Melliza. “ Thi s i s not just my achievement but also that of the officers under me… I hope this will be carried over,” Prof.

Balgos said.

“We still have to see in the topnotcher from Page 1

institutional performance of 85.71% against the national passing rate of 66.97% (507 out of 757 takers passed the board exam) “Of the 3 exams, I found the first one okay. But the next 2 were quite tricky. The funny thing is, I got higher scores in the last two compared to the

WINNERS’ CIRCLE. The USA Publications staff show off their medals, flag and trophies after the awarding ceremonies of the College Press (COPRE) Conference and Awards 2011. (USA Publications Photo/Kristine Louise L. Andrade)

Photo by KRISTINE LOUISE L. ANDRADE

NOVEmber 28, 2011

Volume LVII • Number 2

NOVEmber 28, 2011

USA ranks 83 in nat’l web popularity

By Febrielyn S. Tumines

What is more important, substance or form?

This is the question on the latest school ranking for web popularity made by the 4International Colleges and Universities (4ICU) which showed our University in 83 rd place among schools in the Philippines and 8,582nd worldwide.

4ICU is an international higher education search engine

rd

and directory reviewing the official websites of about 10,000 accredited universities and colleges in in 200 countries all over the world.

Is this a big deal?

“Our University’s website is not very interesting; the pieces of information are not updated and some frames are not functioning. If you are the user, ... you will never be interested for the information is not relevant anymore. A web ma ster i s n eed ed to

maintain the website. But ... we have to understand that the University still has some other problems so that concern is not yet a priority.”, said Prof.

Josephine de Asis, Chair of the Information Technology Department.

The ranking is based on an algorithm including three unbiased and independent web metrics extracted from three different search engines: Google Page Rank, Yahoo Inbound Links and Alexa Traffic Rank.

“This is just a web popularity ranking, they have their own methods, statistics, criteria. It doesn’t give the reality of academic ranking of the school. It depends on you if you believe it or not.,” said Rev. Fr. Pederito Aparece, Vice President for Student Affairs.

The 4icu.org University Web Ranking does say that the ranking is not academic-based and should not be adopted as the main criteria for selecting a school for higher education.

Stat Analysis Team grabs bronze

Att y. M ark B o rres, a facult y member of the College of Arts and Sciences, was chosen by the National Yo u t h Co m m i s s i o n a n d t h e In te r n at i o n a l Yo u t h Fellowship-Philippines to be one of the Filipino delegates to the International Youth Fellowship-World Camp held from June 19 to July 15, 2011 in Korea.

A total of 3,500 youth participants from 60 different countries attended the camp which was organized by the International Youth Fellowship (IYF) of Korea, a

Soc. Sci. Dept. celebrates Rizal’s 150th

In celebration of the 150th Birth Anniversary of our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, the Department of Social Sciences, under the chairmanship of Dr. Rowena V. Isidro, and in cooperation with the College of Arts and Sciences, held a Uni-wide Essay Writing Contest on August 19, 2011 in the USA Graduate School Conference Room, with the theme, “Letter of Rizal to P-noy”.

Each department was represented by a pair of participants as required by the contest mechanics. They were given an hour to express their views and opinions on President Aquino’s way of governing the country, with the contestants taking on Rizal’s persona.

From among a dozen contestants, Rexon Amase and Kim Eric del Rosario, both from the College of Education, emerged as the first and second placers, respectively, while Grace Nieves from the College of Nursing came in at third place.

The top three winners received certificates and cash prizes.

USAHS Batch’76 comes home

BACK TO BACK. The USA Statistical Analysis Team members Ray Adrian Macalalag, Aj Gallenero, Robert Dionio, Jr. (3rd, 5th, 6th from the left) and their coach, Prof. Rhodora A. Cartagena (extreme right), show off their trophy and certificates awarded to them for their third place finish. (CSA-Bacolod Photo/Lucille Arcedas)

educational institutions joining the contest, ...it was natural for us to be intimidated. We never thought of maintaining our previous standing because the number of participating institutions almost doubled this year,” he shares.

The competing schools were: Aklan State University, Central Philippine University, Co l e g i o d e l a P u r i s i m a Concepcion, Filamer Christian

University, Iloilo State College of Fisheries, Interface Computer College, St. Paul University – Iloilo, University of Antique, University of Iloilo, University of St. La Salle, University of the Philippines-Visayas, West Visayas State Universit y, Western Visayas Col lege of Science and Technology (WVCST), WVCST-Miagao Campus.

The awarding ceremony

was held on October 28 at Sarabia Manor Hotel during the closing program that capped the celebration of the 22nd National Statistics Month.

The CHEd organizes the annual Regional Statistical Analysis Contest in coordination with the National Statistical Coordination Board, the National Statistics Office, and the Philippine Statistical Association.

CAS faculty, int’l delegate

By Marylex g. sumatra

NEWSBRIEF

rexon ace a. amase

By Mary Leslie S. Eregia

The USA Statistical Analysis team clinched the third place in the 8th Regional Statistical Analysis Contest for College Students on October 24 at the Conference Hall of the National Economic and Development Authority, Fort San Pedro, Iloilo City .

The team, composed of Robert Dionio Jr. (BS Civil Engineering 3), Aj Gallenero (BS Accountancy 4) and USA Publications editor-in-chief Ray Adrian Macalalag (BS Civil Engineering 3), competed with sixteen other schools from all over the region, almost twice as many as the number last year. Prof. Rhodora Cartagena, Chair of the Department of Mathematics and Physics, coached the team.

The University’s sister school, Colegio San Agustin – Bacolod emerged as champion a n d t h e Te c h n o l o g i c a l University of the Philippines – Visayas (Talisay, Negros Occidental) grabbed the silver.

Macalalag admitted that their victory was unexpected.

“With high-caliber tertiary

News » 3

Christian-based, global youth organization that aims to develop leaders of the next generation.

Borres explains, “IYF’s purpose of organizing a camp is to strengthen leadership capabilities and change the mindset of the youth. It also aims to create a largescale international venue for people-to-people diplomacy where international culture and human interactions are formed.”

According to Borres, the IYF is active in 80 different countries around the globe, and many national governments, including those of Paraguay,

BORRES Photo courtesy of ATTY. MARK BORRES

Peru, Malaysia, Kenya, and Rwanda, have recognized the power of IYF and have requested its guidance in educating their youth.

Borres applied through the National Youth Commission to be part of the delegation to the IYF-World Camp. A total of 350 selected university students and youth leaders

from all over the Philippines represented the country.

As a lecturer for a Foreign Service subject, Borres viewed the camp as an opportunity to learn about other countries’ cultures, traditions and values and, as a member of the legal profession, he focused more on international laws and diplomacy. As a youth

Celebrating their 35th Anniversary, the USAHS Batch’76 held a Grand Alumni Homecoming on August 26-28, 2011, with the Batch’76 theme, “One Heart, One Spirit” and the Reunion theme, “Paghirupay”.

The three-day event, which coincided with the Patron Saint’s Day Celebration, was organized by the Batch ‘76 president, Jose Maria “Boy” Lucero, who was assisted by different task committees.

The affair commenced with a Eucharistic celebration presided by a USA Grade School Batch’72 alumnus, Rev. Fr. Rey Savilla , followed by a “Get To Know You” program and then lunch in the USA Cafeteria.

The other reunion activities were held at Anhawan Beach Resort, Smallville (Retro Night), Asilo De Molo (charity event) and Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center ( fun games and talks).

“The Grand Reunion of the USAHS Batch’76 was truly an event to remember for all of us. It brought us back to the school where we had an enjoyable period of our life. It gave us the time to savor and embrace once again the joy of being young and beautiful... Words were not enough to describe what we all felt during the momentous event,” Bayani Ladrido, an alumnus of USAHS Batch’76, said. He acknowledges the big role technology and social networking, particularly Facebook, played in locating and communicating with his batchmates, and in establishing contacts with most, if not all, of those who were abroad.

He hopes that the grand reunion will “make the University more vibrant and welcoming to its alumni, more friendly and helpful to the needs of the alumni as they find ways to celebrate their being proud Augustinians!”

The USAHS Batch’76 holds its grand reunion every five years. They will have their Ruby (40th) Anniversary in 2016.

WILHELM C. LIZADA

d evel o p m ent l ead er an d advocate, he said that the camp taught him the value of sharing his skills with others; it also allowed him to identify traditional Filipino values that can contribute in making the Philippines a great nation.

As a youth ambassador, he points out the current patronizing attitude of our countrymen towards what we all should be rightly proud of.

He even quotes a line from an American writer, “Filipinos tend to worship, almost slavishly everything foreign... If the idea is American or German, it has to be superior to anything that Filipinos can think of themselves.”

He explains, “Buying Filipino products is an act of sacrifice, an

act of patriotism, an act of good citizenship; it is important to have one heart and mind for the country.”

To make the camp more educational, the IYF prepared a series of activities that took place in several culture-rich cities in Korea: (first week) leadership training in Daegu City; (second week)events in Busan City; and (third week) the IYF Youth Festival in Daegeon, Guangzhu, Bucheon, Incheon and Seoul.

When asked about what he learned from his experiences, Borres said, “The world of heart: I learned that personal communication and exchange of heart are very important in this very impersonal world.”

4

Volume LVII • Number 2

Epicness

“...it was not Marcos or his legacy that accounts for the lack of any real progress in the Philippines.”

To bury or not to bury? “unjustified” actions.

As much as the history books have permanently tainted the Marcos name, Mr. Marcos’ love of country, patriotism and heroism cannot be denied. He was an outstanding law student and, after topping the bar with the highest passing score in the history of the bar exams, became a trial lawyer after which he became a congressman, a senator, a senate president, and eventually, president of the Philippines.

Marcos was a former soldier, a recipient of the medal of valor, a guerilla fighter during World War II, and a former president of the republic. Any one of those four reasons entitles him to a Libingan burial.

Perhaps now, former President Ferdinand E. Marcos is entitled to a decent burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. We have, after all, come full circle and need to come to terms with the realization that, after all, it was not Marcos or his legacy that accounts for the lack of any real progress in the Philippines.

A heigh t ening a n d controversial issue that’s bound to be the subject of multiple future debates in the country is the recently resurfaced topic on the burial of the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (resting place of heroes) on the occasion of the 25th year anniversary of 1986 EDSA Revolution. Marcos’ remains are currently preserved in a glass coffin in his hometown of Batac, Ilocos Norte.

The issue has supposedly come up because of the death of former Armed Forces Chief of Staff Angelo Reyes who committed suicide, amid charges that he received huge military payoffs, and was buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

More than a year ago, when incumbent President Benigno Aquino III was courting the

people’s vote to clinch the presidency, he unequivocally rejected the idea of allowing a hero’s burial for the late dictator.

Aquino believes that honoring Marcos with a state burial would directly contradict his support in providing the victims of the Martial Law regime with compensation. Aquino also argues that Marcos cannot be proclaimed a hero considering that the problems that emerged during his (Marcos’) presidency are yet to be fully addressed even up until today.

Public opinion argues that if PNoy would allow Marcos to be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani because he was once president, then the Filipino nation can look forward to letting Gloria MacapagalArroyo be buried there for the same reason that she has also

been president of the country.

Marcos was president of the Philippines for two decades and, like Angelo Reyes, had never been convicted for the crimes of which he was accused. In fact, none of Marcos’ top military officers or Cabinet members were taken to account for the alleged “crimes” perpetrated during his 20-year rule.

Although the 1986 People Power spearheaded by the late President Corazon Aquino brought back the democracy that Filipinos have long thirsted for during the 20-year Marcos dictatorship, it has silently divided the nation since then, especially whenever a burial for the late president Marcos was mentioned. Throughout the EDSA Revolution and post revolution years, the Marcos family has undergone humiliation and pain; however, it is undeniable that many Filipinos have also harbored a strong admiration for the former dictator, given that they have understood the compelling reasons for his supposedly

ASEAN-GIZ from Page 1

agencies and private companies in their conduct of EI Activities especially in data gathering, conducting surveys, and doing interviews for the three primary components: area sources, stationary sources, and mobile sources.

The Universit y of San Agustin (USA) Civ il Engineering and Chemical Engineering departments were tasked to supervise the area sources which comprised of 180 barangays over 16 grids. They included households, landfills, terminals, agricultural activities, gasoline stations, and the like.

Stationary sources, on the other hand, were assigned to the Chemical Engineering department of the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) School of Technology

(SOTECH). They included establishments with Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECC) such as oil depots, malls, hotels, and power plants.

The mob i le sources, including emissions from vehicles plying all the major routes in Iloilo City, were assigned to the Civil Engineering department of the Central Philippine University (CPU).

EI Coordinator and Dean of the College of Engineering and Architecture, Engr. Reynaldo M. Asuncion says the project is very favorable not only to the environment but also to the University and the students.

“The air quality standards for Iloilo City after implementation of the action plan in 2012 will be beneficial

for the health of the populace and the coming generations,” shares Engr. Asuncion.

He believes that the collaboration of the University with its local partners “helps the city establish a mechanism for better data management and facilitates data sharing and public reporting.”

Engr. Asuncion adds that “the students were also able to participate in a laudable project, communicate well in the community, help explain the purpose of the EI, and most importantly, discover things that need to be addressed for better air quality management in Iloilo City.”

The action planning with the stakeholders of the said project began sometime in December 2011.

induce demand.

“Students will no longer have a difficult time during their P.E classes especially when it rains. The covered court will be a big help not only to sports but also to various programs and departmental activities or any other events that involve only few people as well,” he adds.

He also mentioned that it takes two to three days just to put up a temporary stage inside

the gymnasium, thus, with the new covered court, it will be time-efficient.

The budget allocation for the renovation was taken from the miscellaneous fees that the University collects from students and was approved by the USA Budget Office based on the priorities of the institution.

“The implementation of the Strategic Plan is a gradual process that will reinforce and

bolster quality education and that the uses of the existing facilities are rationalized and optimized,” Gonesto emphasized.

The renovation project, with Engr. Ronaldo Bucana as the project engineer, involved the key offices of the VicePre s i d e n t f o r A c a d e m i c Affairs, the Vice-President for Administration and the Director for General Services.

josefa maria a. castro

Only Iloi lo Cit y and Cagayan de Oro Cit y in Mindanao have been selected as the two beneficiary cities for the project implementation in the Philippines, with the local universities collaborating and contributing in building their respective cities’ capacities in generating reliable data that are publicly accessible through a joint conduct of an emissions inventory.

The project involved three of the most prestigious universities in the city, namely: the University of San Agustin (USA), the University of the Philippines -Visayas (UPV), and the Central Philippine Universit y (CPU). They liaised with other government OUTSIDE COURT from Page 1

a stage and it will surely benefit not only the school but also the entire Augustinian institution,” Gonesto says in an interview.

According to him, the University recognizes the need to provide a fulfilling learning environment for students and sees the need to establish major infrastructure facilities not only to support learning, but also to

USA PUBLICATIONS

CALL FOR APPLICANTS

Are you a writer with more that just a knack for writing?

USA Publications is looking for potential campus journalists for AY 2012-2013. Interested applicants may get an application form from the USA Publications Editorial Office, 2nd Floor Alumni Building, University of San Agustin.

For more info, visit www.usa-pub.blogspot.com.

november 28, 2011

Editorial

Big Brother San Agustin This time, teachers, students, and all personnel inside the University shall be members of a bigger Big Brother compound. Whatever they do, Big Brother will be able to see it. How? The newly-installed closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras in the University will do the job; all the faux pas and the ‘inside jobs’ will be seen. Good luck.

The Administration has done well by installing these gizmos on campus. Security will be further strengthened since there have been plenty of cases of theft here lately. Hopefully, the felons who take advantage of the big crowds during the payment of fees will be caught in the act doing their charades to fool students into parting with their money.

It would be better, however, if the CCTVs are installed in other locations and not just in selected places. If death is like a thief that comes in the middle of the night, then in like manner, a thief is a movie star who knows how to hide from those pesky paparazzi. In other words, the University needs more CCTVs. There are certain realities here that we should consider – not just theft. The abuse of school facilities done by some students, faculty, and personnel must also be seen. Although not true to all, in classrooms for example, students no longer write on paper but on their arm chairs.

Teachers no longer teach to their fullest capacity by standing and moving around the classroom during their lectures; they simply sit at their desks and increase their waistlines without giving consideration to their students who lose plenty of pounds toiling away just to pass their subjects.

Even on the stairway of one building the name of which we shall hide

USA PUBL

FOUNDED

EDITORIAL BOARD

RAY ADRIAN C. MACALALAG MARY LESLIE S. EREGIA Editors-in-Chief JOSEFA MARIA A. CASTRO Managing Editor JESANNY I. YAP ANDRE KARL S. FACULIN GENESSA A. BUENAFE Associate Editors Literary Editor Febrielyn S. Tumines Wall News Editor JERSON E. ELMIDO Art Director NICOLE FERNAN L. CAMINIAN Photography Editor KRISTINE LOUISE L. ANDRADE Circulation Manager JOHN LOUIE E. ESMAYA Gladys T. Confesor Moderator

« Opinion

with the moniker, ‘Alumni Building,’ some maintenance personnel make it their private haven for their daily nicotine fix. If CCTV cameras were to be set up at this place, ‘abuses’ would be minimized. Big Brother would be able to see proof of who should be up for eviction.

With CCTV cameras in each classroom, stairway, and other places where students congregate, the discipline in the University and the proper implementation of the University policies would most likely be observed - students would behave as students ought to, not like laughing hyenas; they would wear their IDs on campus; they would no longer perform the most devious tricks that would enable them to pass their major subjects; teachers who abuse academic freedom would be dealt with accordingly; cigarette puffers in the smoke-free University of San Agustin would be caught red-handed. If CCTV cameras were everywhere, fewer bad moves would be left unseen by the school authorities. Big Brother would be able to identify the persons who should leave the Big Brother compound.

If the University has already been able to install some CCTVs, it does not mean it could no longer install more. This innovation in campus security must not only be for the minimization or even elimination of theft cases. It could also be used to shoot “tranquilizers” into the “wild animals”, a.k.a. delinquent students, who come to school to party and not to study. And most likely, it could prevent the “blue boys” in the Alumni Building from blowing nicotine rings into the air.

A proper eviction of the pasaway boarders is in order.

Good luck, campus-mates, on your stay in the Big Brother San Agustin compound.

LICATIONS

OUNDED 1928

EDITORIAL STAFF

Senior Writers Ric Martin L. Libo-on, Mia Rose V. Emboltura Hannah Grace S. Taba, James Marthy M. Esleyer Staff Writers Charrie Rose E. Duay, Kim Eric J. Del Rosario Joyce Gem M. Cañete Newspaper Apprentice Writers Wilhelm C. Lizada, Marylex G. Sumatra Joel S. Sastrillo, Kevin Jerrol C. Erebaren Magazine Apprentice Writers Diane Danica C. Dy, Christine Joy A. Saber Ayah Danica V. Granada The Augustinian is the official student newspaper of the University of San Agustin. It is published by the USA Publications with editorial office at the 2nd Floor, Alumni Building, University of San Agustin, General Luna Street, 5000 Iloilo City. Comments, suggestions, and contributions may be sent to the Editorial Board through the email address usa. publications@rocketmail.com.

Telephone: (033) 337-4842 local 189 Website: www.usa-pub.blogspot.com

5 Webs on the World Wide Web Are you visible?

Well, if a person looking at you has a good pair of eyes, he will definitely see you. But we easily forget those persons that we randomly see.

In the World Wide Web, we become visible to the whole world and people we never meet get to “see” us. Through the web, we can update people far from us, even our ‘stalkers.’

This is what we call online visibility. This visibility is not limited to people; it also applies to companies, government offices, and even universities.

Recently, something really shocked me – and somehow shocked those who are always o n l i n e. I s earc h ed “ To p Universities in the Philippines” on Google and I saw 4icu. org which has ranked the universities and colleges in the Philippines according to the number of visits its website has had over a certain period of time.

I immediately browsed over the page to see how our prestigious university fared… and, with great shock, saw that it was a deplorable 83rd among 187 colleges and universities in the country.

How frustrating.

Among the Iloilo City universities and colleges on the list were the University of the Philippines-Visayas at 16th, followed by Central Philippine University at 22 nd , John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University at 71st, West Visayas State University at 87th, Western Visayas College of Science and Technology at 101st, Western Institute of Technology at 105th, and University of Iloilo at 184th.

I really do not care how other educational institutions ranked. It is our ranking that really made me feel terrible – it almost crushed my heart to see us on that spot. Though the ranking is not such a big deal, it made me think of our University website. It is not updated regularly. Most of its contents are missing. The last posted news update was in January 2010.

So m eb o d y, a ny b o d y, please, get those cobwebs off our University website now!

Even my classmates and friends from other schools mentioned that our University website has not been updated.

At first, they were amazed to

Vox Populi

“Remember, simple good habits can later evolve into complex moral virtues.”

Razor Edge

“Somebody, anybody, please, get those cobwebs off our University website now!” see that there is a beautiful video presentation on our homepage. It made them think that studying in the University of San Agustin is one of the best choices they would have in preparing for their future.

What turned their interest off was when they saw the empty virtual campus tour page, the outdated information on the different colleges, and other “ancient” pieces of information that should otherwise be crucial to the existence and attraction of a University website.

During my elementary years, I became truly proud to be an Augustinian when I heard the news that our University was one of the first universities in Western Visayas to have created a website, including an online student services portal.

As time went by, however, our website became neglected, moribund even, and had been surpassed by those of other educational institutions that

Barely few seconds are left and the time bomb is about to explode. Flashing like a lightning bolt trying to reach the finish line, gasping for breath, I race towards the Aguirre Building for a ‘major major’ subject. Five, four, three, two, one… Unfortunately, 7:15 has just struck the clock.

Once again, I’m late for my 7 o’clock class.

A cliché goes, “The early bird catches the early worm.”

But in the case of Filipinos, let me state it this way: “The late bird likewise catches the late worm.” It may be funny but this chronic phenomenon of being tardy, tagged as ‘Filipino time’, has entangled us in this negative cultural mindset.

Th e n o to r i o u s hab i t of coming to appointments fifteen minutes or even thirty minutes after the scheduled time is an unconstructive reality that afflicts the socio-cultural, political, and economic affairs of our nation.

In an economic sense,

delays in milliseconds can already make a big impact on productivity, stability and profitability. In another sense, when politicians cannot begin their session on time due to lack of quorum, it spells retrogression in the legislative affairs of the state. In the case of students, especially of this University, time is not simply equated with the ringing of the bell accompanied by the “Agustino Ka” melody, but also with the amount of learning gained in every split of a second.

Typically, Filipinos define time in a vague manner such that, having a call time at nine is already understood to be as late as ten in the morning. Come to think of it, a 15-minute delay every day is equivalent to 5,475 minutes or 91 hours in a year put to waste. Numbers truly don’t lie, do they?

L ook ing back to our Spanish colonization, we have learned that the Spaniards regarded the Filipinos with superiority, developing the

CCTV from Page 1

the Management Information System (MIS) office.

Installed in September 2011, the four-channel CCTV system will be expanded to twelve channels for a wider security range within the campus. “ You see, months ago, there were cases of theft of

items from the cafeteria and the cars of some personnel and students. So, we have to install the CCTV [cameras] in order to monitor the whole campus,” Zerda adds.

With an estimated total cost of PhP 60,000, these surveillance gadgets, procured from JM Square Service Center, will

Each one of the four CCTV cameras was set up at Herrera Hall (Administration Building) to focus on some strategic points, namely: at the entrance and exit gates of the vehicles and the pedestrians, at the accounting lobby and at

have weekly updates. I believe that site visitors from around the world are satisfied only when they get answers to their queries because all the information they need is on the website.

The best thing that the University should do now is to look for people with technical and blogging skills who can update our website in terms of its appearance, user interface, news content, shout-outs, and other vital information.

Colleges and other school units should post their own up-to-date information (events, announcements, organizational changes, schedule of activities, fees, etc.) consistent with the University’s policies.

Millions of people are online. If we want the University to shine, as the University promotional video plays up, an updated school website is a good way to start.

Too late or not? culture of inferiority among the “natives” in everything, including time. But, let us not simply attribute it to our historical roots. Rather, we must examine our inherent tendencies so that we can change our mindset, transform our attitude and revolutionize our punctuality. Hence, it is but timely to value every second, every minute and every hour, to be as precious as a bullion of gold.

To be one in time is the bullish response of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to this severe contagion of the Filipino propensity for starting, or arriving at, events later than the time set. DOST Secretary Mario Montejo believes that “with Juan Time, Filipino time will come to mean ‘on time’ and no longer late.” Setting and redefining a common time, the Philippine Standard Time (PST), in the 7,107 islands of the Philippine archipelago, Juan dela Cruz will no longer have excuses for time delays.

However, hav i ng a synchronized time is not the sole remedy for this social illness.

Instead, time management is, essentially, the panacea to our chronic disease.

Andre Karl S. Faculin

Ray Adrian C. Macalalag

Making real the vision, “The new Filipino time is on time,” is not an overnight transition. It is a long-term challenge for every Filipino to break the habit and start the change, not tomorrow or later, but right here and right now. Even in doing something as simple as waking up fifteen minutes before the usual time, I believe that this will promote personal discipline and foster the true essence of Filipino time. Instead of liking Facebook statuses for five hours, why not spend time wisely by doing school work or household chores? Remember, simple good habits can later evolve into complex moral virtues.

It was already 7:15 yet I was still fortunate enough to have come five seconds earlier than my teacher did. How lucky could one guy be! Despite this classic challenge for students (and teachers alike), we must treasure the gift of time by being conscious of it—literally waking up before the sun rises.

Though I admit to have been infected by this endemic epidemic, I am willing to receive the vaccine of betterment. Are you also ready to offer your arm for a shot of this vaccine?

It is not too late. boost the security operations and lessen the expenditures for additional security personnel.

“It is easy to retrieve and look for recorded videos, especially of unusual situations that occur... so they will assist us in maintaining peace and order in the University premises…,” Zerda states.

6 « Special Report

Volume LVII • Number 2

NOVEmber 28, 2011

Smoke-free Iloilo: The war has just begun

Illu

stra

tion

by RAY

ADR

IAN

C. MACALALAG

By Andre Karl S. Faculin

A year after they started roving around the metropolis busting the public smokers, the ‘men in black’ have continued to wage the war against smoking.

As most people know by now, smoking means pleasure for the few but peril for the many. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco smoking kills at least 5 million people every year, a number described by the WHO as “one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced.” Regarded as the biggest contributor to a worldwide epidemic of non-communicable or chronic diseases such as heart attack, stroke, cancer and emphysema, smoking must be stopped and humanity must not waste time in this campaign. The call to arms against smoking is urgent since smokers are not the only victims; in fact, the data from the World Health Organization (WHO)clearly show that approximately 600,000 deaths have been associated with secondhand smoke.

With the vision of turning Iloilo into a smoke-free city, the Iloilo City Anti-Smoking Task Force (ICAST) armed itself to the fullest, ready to strike at the first sign of a careless and irresponsible puff in a public place. It has been mandated to implement and enforce the provisions of Regulation Ordinance (RO) 2006-150, otherwise known as the Comprehensive AntiSmoking Ordinance of Iloilo City.

Created on September 1, 2010 and authored by former city councilor Julienne Baronda, the ordinance has been revitalized to mark the resumption of the battle against smoking in public places. “...the mayor is tough in this campaign and he wants to implement the existing ordinances of the city,” Atty.

Joshua Alim, ICAST Chairman, said in an interview with The Augustinian.

ICAST Director Iñigo Garingalao stressed that the ordinance was created to strengthen the policy on protecting the city’s constituents and those who sojourn in its territorial jurisdiction, from the adverse effects of smoking and second-hand smoke. “ Th e o rd i nan ce p r i mar i l y aims to protect non-smokers and to regulate and discipline nicotine inhalers, particularly for them to smoke only in designated areas where non-puffers cannot be affected by secondhand smoke.” Garingalao added that the ordinance also “regulates establishments in which smoking is totally banned and mandates them to designate smoking and non-smoking areas, depending on the function and business of the establishment.”

Based on the provisions of the ordinance, smoking is absolutely prohibited in schools, public buildings, public conveyances, fire hazard areas,

hospitals and clinics. Excluding designated areas, smoking is likewise banned in accommodation and entertainment establishments, private workplaces open to the general public and all public places.

Together with 10 apprehension agents, 1 police officer and 3 secretaries, the ICAST is obliged to step up its antismoking drive. Citing Republic Act 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act passed in 2003, individuals violating the ordinance will be penalized with PhP 500, PhP 1,000 and PhP 5,000 for the first, second and third, or succeeding, offenses, respectively.

Moreover, administrative violations of business entities due to failure in designating smoking and non-smoking areas will will have the corresponding penalties: Php 500 for the first offense, Php 1,000 and one week suspension of business permit for the second offense and Php 5,000 plus cancellation and revocation of business permit for the third and succeeding offenses.

With a firm conviction, Garingalao believes that the ordinance will safeguard the interest of all by targeting the culprit - smoking.

“There are many more nonsmokers than smokers. This ordinance is for the welfare of all since it aims to have a disciplined citizenry that is aware of the ill-effects of smoking,” Garingalao expressed.

Alim likewise affirmed that the task force has proven its critics wrong in spite of the obstacles it continues to face.

“The non-smokers really love it; as a matter of fact, they strongly support it. With the smokers, we sometimes find it hard [to impose the ordinance] since ... they criticize us, saying that this ordinance will not stay long, ningas kogon, and all these things,” Alim stated.

The program carried out by the ICAST has two approaches: the apprehension aspect and the advocacy, education and information approach.

Garingalao explains that “these two aspects must be balanced to successfully make Iloilo City smoke free,” adding that, “the ICAST cannot do it alone; we need people from the barangay ... to fully support and implement the ordinance in their respective communities.”

Ian John Pamplona, ICAST member and officer-in-charge of apprehension, reveals that their agents work eight hours a day, intensively make patrol rounds in the 7 districts and 180 barangays of the city to apprehend hardened law-breakers. In addition to fines, citation tickets are issued to students and other private citizens while a temporary operator’s permit is issued to the public utility drivers who are also required to hand over their driver’s license upon apprehension.

The second approach is focused

on educating the general public and disseminating information on the negative impact of smoking.

“We go around schools, hav ing lectures and informing people, especially the students, about the ex isting ordinance; we also emphasize the fact that smoking is not good for their health…

The ICAST believes that students, even in the elementary [level], have to be educated even at a young age… However, people who are old enough to know, hardly listen when we tell them this because they say, they have already invested a lot on smoking,” Alim imparted.

In the University, despite the strict implementation of the no-smoking regulation, an Information Technology junior who refused to be named said he still manages to smoke in the vicinity of the University.

“Maka-smoke man ko gihapon especially dira sa side gate,” he grins.

However, both Alim and Garingalao still claim that the task force has been effective in the implementation of the policy.

“Because of our campaign, because of anti-smoking [and] because of the support of the media, we [have] created the so-called social awareness,” Alim points out.

Garingalao also affirms Alim by saying, “with political will, we have proven that the implementation is sustainable.”

Statistics furnished by the ICAST clearly proves the indefatigable effort exerted by the task force. In fact, from September to October last year, 2,249 individuals were apprehended.

Generally, 65% of the violators were students and minors, 25% were drivers while 10% were other violators. With regard to location of the violation, public establishments and public utility vehicles topped the list of favorite smoking places, according to Pamplona. Not only that, Alim revealed that the task force has contributed as much as PhP 400,000 to the city coffers from fines or penalties collected from violators.

It is alarming to note however, that a large number of the violators were students. Garingalao bared that most of the apprehended individuals came from prominent universities in the city.

“In San Agustin alone, Aurora Subdivision has become notorious

for smokers and busy for the task force operations,” Garingalao revealed.

Though inadequate in financial and manpower resources, the ICAST remains firm in its thrust.

“We are operating on a very limited budget from the city government...

We have to get support from the private sector for advertisements and sometimes, even from my own pocket,” Alim shared.

Yet, the sad truth is that, the battle seems like the story of ‘David and Goliath.’ The political cowards versus the giant tobacco industry scenario undeniably hampers the campaign.

Amidst these difficulties, the ICAST, as the task force of the people, assures Ilonggos of the strict, faithful and religious implementation of the law.

“We don’t [care] kung sin-o man da ang ma-igo because this is the law. We

want to have clean air in the city because smoking affects your neighbors, your wife, your child, your husband and the entire family without you knowing it.” Alim adds, “Without you knowing it, you, too, are slowly facing ... danger…”

In the same way, Garingalao calls for the populace to cooperate and be advocates of this ordinance even in the simplest way possible.

“We are aiming for a citizenry that obeys and respects the ordinance not by being afraid to be apprehended but by doing it with their own free will,” Garingalao concluded.

Special Report » 7

Volume LVII • Number 2

NOVEmber 28, 2011

Earthquake Alert Are We Safe Here?

By Febrielyn S. Tumines

In the wake of the fairly strong tremor that struck Iloilo on February 6 this year, almost everyone who felt it has a story to tell about how it scared the living daylights out of them. No one knew it was coming. Since it happened on exam day here in school and almost at midday, everyone was caught unawares. Many students were still taking the exam and most personnel were already having lunch.

Given that we, students, spend almost ten hours in school, we can’t help but ask, “If a stronger quake struck again (God forbid!), are we safe here in the University?”

Last year, the General Services Office received complaints about the appearance of some cracks on the walls of the Fray Luis de Leon building.

Structural engineers were contacted to check the building. After they had done a thorough inspection, they concluded that, despite the cracks, the building was still safe for occupancy.

“Our buildings here are safe, even those built before the 1950’s; all have passed the standard minimum requirements, if structural soundness is concerned,” assures Rev. Fr. Nelson

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time. I was not adept in running a law school but I had the responsibility to maintain the reputation of the College of Law as one of the premier law schools in the country,” she said.

Now that the College of Law has been named as one of the best in the country, Nafarrete expresses her gratitude to those who have helped her.

“I would li ke to take thi s opportunity to thank the incumbent administration under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Raul Marchan, Rev. Fr. Mamerto Alfeche, O.S.A, Rev. Fr. Manuel Vergara O.S.A, the late Rev. Fr. Rodolfo Areza O.S.A and Rev. Fr. Edgardo Lazo O.S.A, Dean Emeritus Cesar Tirol, the members of the College of Law faculty, my secretary, Ms. Girlie Espinosa, and the student assistants assigned at the College of Law Office, the University of San Agustin Battle from Page 8

over showmanship? Equal support and rightful recognition must be present to honor the achievements of the country’s sportsmen since international competitions are not searches for the next big showbiz celebrities but for real athletes with talents.

On the other hand, being able to play in the second round of the World Cup qualifier is a big achievement for the Azkals considering they’re a young team in the field of soccer. For making it to the semifinals of the biggest soccer competition in the region for the first time ever, the Azkals were bestowed with the Presidential Achievement Award. Yes, they are now sports

Zerda, Director of General Services. “[The buildings] were designed by licensed structural engineers and the University has its own Preventive Maintenance Program. In other words, our buildings are regularly checked for safety...,” he adds.

Because standards change, the building structures are developed and upgraded following the new standards so that, in some instances, the required features are added to the existing buildings.

It is reassuring to know that the new structures in the University were built using the Ultimate Design Method which means that they could withstand a 7.0 magnitude earthquake.

Moreover, these structures have been provided with at least two exits, the standard minimum requirement, so that the occupants could have easier and quicker mobility during a tremor.

All new constructions, like the covered walk near the side gate, the skywalks connecting the Gamboa, St. Monica, Blanco and Mendel Halls and recently, the covered court/gym extension, are mostly made of steel.

“Compared to concrete, steel is more durable and it can better withstand the impact of an earthquake. Steel

might deform but it will not crumble,” explains Zerda.

He also proposes a more intensive information campaign so that, “the administration, the faculty and staff, and most especially the students, are informed about what to do during an earthquake,” for no matter how strong our structures are to withstand a strong earthquake, if the occupants are ignorant or misinformed about what to do, the effect would still be the same, that is, greater possibility of injuries, damages and even deaths in a wink of an eye.

However, Zerda further assures all Augustinians that regular checking of the buildings will continue to be done and that, hopefully, all future structures will be made of steel.

Natural calamities are like merciless thieves, striking when and where we least expect them - at dawn, at noon, at night, at home, at work, in school, at the mall and even on the sidewalk downtown. Yet, armed with the proper knowledge on what to do during these unfortunate incidents, we can face any destructive force of nature or man-made perniciousness with equanimity and not resort to panic which is just as injurious or fatal.

Alumni Association (USALAAI), the University of San Agustin Faculty and Personnel Association (USAFAPA), the University of San Agustin Alumni Association (USA A A), the law students and the different organizations in the College of Law, my friends in this academic institution, my family, especially my husband, Atty. Perpetuo Nafarrete II, my daughters, Juris and Felice, and my mom, Mrs. Erlinda Panigbatan, for their unconditional love, understanding and patience. They are the wind beneath my wings. Above all, I thank the Lord Almighty for these recognitions and for all the blessings that He has showered upon the College of Law and my family,” Atty. Nafarrete enumerates.

Having been the sole recipient of the award in the entire Western Visayas and having brought pride to the Ilonggo community, the USA College of Law also received a special

citation given by Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog at Robinson’s Place, Iloilo last November 21.

Among the top ten outstanding law schools, the top five were awarded with the Excellence in Legal Education honors, and they are: 1) Ateneo de Manila University, 2) San Beda College, 3) University of the Philippines-Diliman, 4)Ateneo de Davao University and 5) University of San Carlos - Cebu.

The rest of the top ten awardees are: 6)University of Santo Tomas, 7) Arellano University, 8)Xavier University, 9) Far Eastern University, and 10) University of San Agustin.

For the realization of the College of Law’s objectives, Dean Nafarrete says that the policy on “Quality Admission, Quality Retention” and the “Model Law Curriculum”, approved by the Commission on Higher Education, are strictly implemented.

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Betito adds that “the players deserved the win and that the JBLFMU basketball team was a great challenge to beat.”

Despite the tough challenge, the Eagles came through. This win was the much-needed rain that they had long been wishing for during the ten-year championship drought in which they had languished.

“We were simply runner-up for so many years. Finally, we grabbed the championship for the University.

The credit goes to the team whose strongest supporter was the Agustinian community, especially the friars, particularly the Sports Director,” Betito states.

With their win, the USA Eagles became qualified to play in the Western Visayas Regional Athletic (WVRAA) Meet in December 2011.

of their life”, the Archbishop says.

In an inter v iew w it h The Augustinian, the Archbishop wishes that today’s young people would “be like a house built up in Jesus Christ who serves as the strong foundation, because if there is no strong foundation, the house (young people) will collapse”.

Mr. Eric C. Divinagracia, Chair of the Office of Co-Curricular Activities, says that this year’s AYD aimed to promote the Augustinian values (Caritas, Unitas, Veritas) and to celebrate the WYD and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines’ Year of the Youth.

With the theme, “St. Augustine: Our Model of Friendship and Fraternal Charity”, the AYD was sponsored by the Office of the Campus Ministry under Rev. Fr. Vincent O. Liwag, OSA.

legends and they deserve fame and recognition; certainly, there’s no question about why they have drawn everybody’s support. But then again, another big question is raised, ‘why are others who are just as deserving not given equal honor and attention?’

Moreover, according to the Philippine Spor ts Commission (PSC), the “Dragon Warriors”, as the Dragon Boat Team members call themselves, were reported to have been deprived by the government of the incentives for winning 5 gold medals and 2 silver medals in an international competition. The PSC said the dragon boat paddlers are not considered national athletes by the National Sports Associations (NSAs) and the Philippine Olympic

Committee (POC).

Financial constraint sorely crippled the Dragon Warriors. Lack of training allowance and funds almost cost them the chance to compete in the finals. W hile the Dragon Warriors were praying for a miracle, the Philippine Azkals went shopping for new uniforms. Interestingly, the Azkals, whose Pinoy members make up only 20 percent of the team, are considered to be “national athletes”, while the Dragon Boat Team, 90 percent of whose members are Pinoys, are not.

Show business doesn’t seem to be the only factor in the issue; others think the root cause is something else.

Sen. Pia Cayetano pinned the blame on politics. “Honestly, tingin ko

maraming bahid ng politika (I think it reeks of politics)... It boils down to one not willing to support a particular athlete or a particular team dahil bata ng iba ‘yon (because it is sponsored by someone else),” so, talented athlete or not, as long as you have strong political connections, becoming a popular sport superstar is quite easy.

Filipino athletes have started to show the entire world what we have and what we can do in many fields in sports but in our own country, talented sports aspirants are not encouraged because some people don’t let them. Bayaning Atleta Partylist Representative Mark Sambar aptly puts it this way, “It’s saddening because you know that we have a lot of athletes there that are so good and so talented but they cannot

rise to that level because they’re being held back by some people.”

It’s not a question of who looks better or who wins more medals; it’s a matter of extending equal support to our kababayans. Everybody knows that. But like crabs in a bucket, some people would keep on striking others or pulling them back just to get to the top. In the battle of the dog and the dragon, the crab always wins, threatening the country’s honor that both the Azkals and the Dragon Warriors have fought for.

Then there were the Philippines Azkals–scratch that— Then there were the Philippine Azkals AND the Philippine Dragon Boat team: BOTH the pride of the Philippines.

Photo by RAY ADRIAN C. MACALALAG

USA Eagles snatch PRISAA Championship in tight play-off with JBLFMU

Battle of the Stray Dog and the Dragon “Why are others who are just as deserving not given equal honor and attention?”

Then, there was soccer.

–scratch thatThen, there were the Philippine Azkals.

In the world of sports, plenty of praise press seems to have been heaped on the “achievements” of the Philippine Azkals team, overshadowing those made by ‘native’ Filipinos who also deserve a little beam of the limelight. Thus, arose the comparison between members of the Philippine Dragon Boat team and the Philippine Azkals.

From w here they are to what they are doing, the Philippine A zkals are all over the media. Sure, they do deserve the spotlight for resurrecting soccer in the country, giving honor to the Philippines and making the sport more attractive to all orientations with their good looks. However, these reasons alone should not deprive other Filipino athletes, such as the members of the Philippine

Divergence

genessa a. buenafe

Dragon Boat team, of the ample support that was shown and given to the Philippine Azkals. After all, both teams’ names have the same modifier - ‘Philippine’.

Why is the Dragon Boat team comparable to the Azkals, anyway? Well, the Philippine Dragon Boat team garnered ONLY 5 gold medals and 2 silver medals in the World Championships, beating Japan, Trinidad and Tobago, Australia, Italy and Puerto Rico, but, so far, they have just one national TV spot. On the other hand, the medal tally of the Philippine Azkals doesn’t bear mentioning: 0 gold medals, 0 silver medals. However, they have 5 TV ads, collectively or singly, and counting.

Apparently, the recognition that is supposed to be given to ‘pure Pinoy achievers’ has been put on hold while over-the-top recognition goes to ‘half-Pinoy cuties’. Shouldn’t talent prevail battle Page 7

By Genessa A. Buenafe

The University of San Agustin Eagles snared the championship from the John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University in a two-game play-off of the men’s basketball, in two consecutive tightly contested matches at the University of San Agustin Gymnasium, Iloilo City, last November 22 and 23 during the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) meet.

Leading by as many as 14 points in the second match, the USA Eagles stormed past the opponent, leaving no stones unturned as they grabbed the championship from the men of JBLFMU. “The University has had a drought for not having won a single championship for so long. This pushed the team to persevere this time,” said Mr. Rodolfo Betito, Jr, coach of the USA Eagles. “The first game marked the start of the Eagle’s come back with a challenging play in Game One and winning a tight face-off against our opponent.”

Furthermore, because the Lacsonians were in control of the game, playing above the rim from the first to the third quarters, the Eagles became more hungry for the gold.

However, the fourth quarter still showed no promise to the Augustinians until the last three minutes of the game when team captain, Skyld Corillo, nailed a 4-point play that tied the score, 81-81. It became the turning point for the Eagles. But just when they thought they were back in the game, the Lacsonians

regained possession of the ball and scored points to catch up with the Eagles and threatening their championship hope. With the way the game played out in the last minute, the Augustinians were still far from the win. Until the last 40 seconds when they really stepped up. “It was the epitome of team play,” added Betito.

The Eagles now have ball possession from a rebound by Zafe who made a swift pass to Agudo who, in turn, passed the ball to Sombrea. They ran down the clock with the ball passing from hand to hand, from Sombrea to Madulin to Corillo and finally, back to Zafe who nailed a two-point shot for a two-point lead against the Lacsonians. Failing to recover, the opponents sealed their fate.

“All five players went for the win in the span of only a few seconds,” Betito says. “The score was just secondary but the hustle, the desire, and the team defense and team effort made all the difference.”

High on the euphoria of their first win, the Eagles were relentless in going after the Lacsonians from first through third quarters of the second game which saw the two teams go physical in a neck to neck battle of gritty determination.

Leading with two points at the end of the third quarter, the Augustinians managed to take control of the ball.

Likewise, the Lacosonians failed to convert leaving the Augustinians open for the win yet again.

PRISAA Page 7

Educators win cheer dance tilt

By RAY ADRIAN C. MACALALAG

SMILE OF THE CHAMPIONS. The College of Education performs with their biggest smiles and skills and soon bagged the USA Intrams Cheerdance championship crown. (USA Publications Photo/Kristine College of Pharmacy and Medical Technology, 1st Runner-Up Louise L. Andrade) (USA Publications Photo/Kristine Louise L. Andrade)

Last year’s second runnerup is now the holder of the USA Intramurals Cheerdance Competition championship crown this year.

The College of Education (CE) cheered and danced their way to the top after besting the other departmental teams.

Their victory came in the

heels of the Basic Education Department that was granted a distinction as not having to compete after their three-peat win in the said competition.

Performing a blazing 2-2-1 split pyramid to 2-2-1 high-v pyramid stunt, a cartwheel mounting technique, and a back tuck basket toss, the CE

team proved they were the best. Trailing them were last year’s first runner up from the College of Pharmac y and Medical Technolog y (CPMT), and the College of Business Administration and Accountancy (CBAA) who were first and second runners up, respectively.

Being tough contenders, the CPMT team performed a 2-2-1 hand stand pyramid, a 2-2-1 pendulum pyramid, and a lib to arabesque partner stunt with single full twist dismount.

Meanwhile, the CBAA team, as the first team to perform, wowed the audience by building a five-man revolving

College of Business Administration and Accountancy, 2nd Runner-Up (USA Publications Photo/Ray Adrian C. Macalalag)

pyramid and a scale pyramid stunt.

The cheerdance teams were composed of 30 dancers, 10 lifters, and five props men coming from any year level following the guidelines issued by the Physical Education Department, a change from an old polic y where only

f re s h m e n s t u d e n t s w e re allowed to join.

The w inning team, together with some recruits from the other teams, represented the University in the Milo Cheerleading Competition held at the Iloilo Sports Complex, September 18.