Atenews 2011 Year-end Issue by Atenews

VOL. 58 YEAR-END ISSUE | APRIL 2011

ATENEWS

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF ATENEO DE DAVAO UNIVERSITY

YEAR 2 2 0 END 0 1 1 0 1 Ateneoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Unforgettable Moments

and more...

TENEWS

VOL. 58 YEAR-END ISSUE | APRIL 2011

from the Editors’ Desk C

ongratulations, my fellow Ateneans, for hurdling this tough yet meaningful academic year! In the next few months, we shall move forward to a higher echelon of endeavors. As we proceed to what we call our future, let us assess our relevance in the affairs of the past. Atenews offers you this year-end issue. As we worked on this release, we intend to leave an impact, a force that will rekindle the Ateneans’ sense of history. This issue may not have captured everything in the previous school year, but the events recorded here may be helpful in our recollection and in our assessment of our function in the various school activities. We in Atenews think that may be, beginning with this assessment, we could reflect on our function in the events of the society especially now that our being men and women for others is being challenged. In those events that had gone, we learned a lot. Let us treasure the learning and grow with our experiences now and in the past. After all our hardwork and sacrifices, let us partake this year-end issue. Kudos, Atenistas!

-Paul Randy Gumanao, Editor-in-Chief

or some students, school year 2010-2011 may just be another ordinary year. It may be boring for some while for others it may be fun-filled and exciting. We may have different opinions on the impact of the last school year but then what matter most are the memories and moments we shared together. Certainly, ATENEWS will never let go of these events for they form the history of the students who contributed in making such affairs successful. News, feature stories, pictures and graphic presentations of last school year are jam-packed in this SCHOOOL YEAR-END ISSUE. I hope that this time I will not be seeing copies of this issue being left in the gazebo or in the classroom, or copies used as scratch, wiping paper, and umbrella. As an editor, it pains me a lot when I see that the efforts of those who contributed in this paper are just ignored. Regardless of how much each copy costs, it may be immaterial for some, my only request to all my fellow students is to please keep the copy and make it part of your archives. I guarantee that this issue will make you realize that Ateneo is a place where students do not just prepare for their career but also it is a venue where everyone makes history –and when we make one, we make it as one. Ad majorem Dei gloriam.

-Tom Louis Herrera, Managing Editor

year of blissful events, controversies and unexpected issues: these are the words I would associate with the academic year 20102011. When I was promoted as the News Editor of ATENEWS a year ago, my life has been extraordinarily exciting. The Editorial Board faced nerve-wrecking hullaballoos, mind-exhausting arguments and of course, published issues that stirred the Ateneo community. Being an editor is no easy task. We face problems ranging from petty office mess to serious legal battles. But heck, we stand still as one, despite the unfounded criticisms even from our evangelists. But all these made me a more experienced, knowledgeable and steadfast student journalist. The past year, now gone but filled with memories worth cherishing, is now crystallized in this jam-packed year ender issue. And as another promising academic year opens, rest assured that the events would also be covered. As the official student publication of the university, ATENEWS will never stop to search for news, promising stories and trending issues and deliver them straight to you. After all, it is an intangible covenant we affixed our signatures on as we entered this office: service to the students; to convey what must be conveyed and to serve as the voice of the studentry. As we always say, end the silence of the gagged.

Farewell, Father Samson T

ATENEWS

he progress of a community always depends greatly on the leadership capabilities and the kind of supervision it gets. It is then with great pleasure that the ADDU community had been directed by a great headmaster like you. Because of your passion on pursuing Academic Excellence, you had led the university on a milestone of success, being ranked as one of the best and elite universities in the country. You were more than just the University head of the school, almost like a father figure and a mentor to most students. The way you touched and inspired lives of others would surely be remembered. Now that your term is about to end, we wish you the very best of what life has to offer. May you grow and prosper in every aspect of life. You will forever be missed. God bless you, Father Samson.

Text by John Kessler Misterio

-Jan-Patrik Laroya, News Editor

ATENEWS | The Official Student Publication of Ateneo de Davao University EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Paul Randy Gumanao ๏ ASSOCIATE EDITOR Reymond Pepito ๏ MANAGING EDITOR Tom Louis Herrera ๏ NEWS EDITOR Jan - Patrik Laroya ๏ FEATURES EDITOR Maria Katherina Galope ๏ HONORARY EDITOR Santigo Paulo Pascual SENIOR WRITERS Merill Jem Llerena, Joffreyle Marie Opiano, Rea Romero, Kathleen Anne Veloso ๏ WRITERS Cyril Jerome Almanzor, Garry Camarillo, Edward Lactaoen, Jhar-Mae Magalona, Jamira Anne Martinez, John Kessler Misterio, Patricia Templa, Almira Jane Villegas, Pamela Joy Yutiamco ๏ PHOTOJOURNALISTS Miguel Antonio, Caycee Coronel, Khalil Angelo Gamela, Kriszle Muit, Maritoni Nanini, Paolo Villanueva ๏ CARTOONISTS Adrian Ablazo, Bea Trizzia Jimenez ๏ LAYOUT & GRAPHICS Sanju Chugani, Karlo James Bringas, Jan Mikko Canarias, Jason Occidental ๏ WEB DEVELOPER Eugene Maning ๏ MODERATOR Dr. Victoria Tatad-Pre COVERED COURT BUILDING, ATENEO DE DAVAO UNIVERSITY, E. JACINTO ST., DAVAO CITY MEMBER OF THE COLLEGE EDITORS GUILD OF THE PHILIPPINES Telephone: (082) 221-2411 local 8332 ๏ E-mail: atenews@gmail.com We accept articles, letters, pictures, comics and other contributions for publication.

We Will Miss You...

Dates to Remember

May 1 - Labor Day May 21 - Summer Classes End May 24-28 - Ateneo Summer Writers Workshop May 25-26 - CEA/SAS First Year Orientation May 27-28 - SBG/CoN First Year Orientation June 1 - 2nd Year Enrollment

June 2 - 3rd Year Enrollment June 3-4 - 4th & 5th Year/Transferee Enrollment June 4 - Late Enrollee/Transferee Orientation June 6 - Classes Begin June 6-11 - Adding & Dropping June 13 - Philosophy Division Orientation Day

June 15 - SBG Orientation Day June 16 - Mass of the Holy Spirit June 17 - NS/SSE Division Orientation Day June 20 - CEA/CS Division Orientation Day June 22 - CoN/Hum Division Orientation Day June 24 - CCO General Assembly

TENEWS

VOL. 58 YEAR-END ISSUE | APRIL 2011

CS & Their Suave Moves Dancesport Champions

by Maria Katherina Galope

eating up the dance floor (or should I say basketball court) were the contestants for this year’s dance sport competition, who actually first performed during the opening of the college fiesta way back last semester. Each pair, representing its division, presented three different ballroom dances, namely the Chacha, Rhumba and Jive. The judges were standing at different sides of the court so no sensational dance move or blunder went unseen. Accompanied by the cheering crowd, Mr. Rikki Enriquez announced the winners. Louise Anne Subido & Ace Michael Saquin, the 7th entry in the competition made the Humanities Division proud by grabbing the third spot. Danielle Kaye Angeles & Kirk Rhuvic Castro, the 6th pair, gave College of Nursing something to cheer for when they were awarded second place. Roshen Joy Sabater & Razelle Jhan Sina-on, the 5th entry from the Computer Studies Division swayed their way into the hearts of the judges and the crowd by winning the first place.

Roshen Joy Sabater & Razelle Jhan Sina-on from the CS Division

Stunning Routines at the Cheerdance 2011

by Jan - Patrik B. Laroya

ooming yells, crashing noises, deafening drumrolls, and all other kinds of noises thundered the Ateneo grounds as herds of Ateneans marched into the Covered Court for the much awaited finale of the College Days 2011 Celebrations, the Cheerdance Championship! This year’s Cheerdance competition, as expected, was flooded with superb routines, striking and impressive themes and executions that wowed the students. The College of Engineering and Architecture made a comeback from being the second runner up in last year’s competition to this year’s champion. Following the CoEA are the College of Nursing and the Accountancy Division. Last year’s championship crown was bagged by both the Accountancy Division and CoN, leaving the then - Engineering and Architecture Division on the third spot.

Congratulations to all the divisions for a job well done!

Louise Anne Subido & Ace Michael Saquin from the Humanities Division

PALARONG ATENISTA RESULTS Overall Champion - Accountancy Division 1st Runner Up - College of Engineering & Architecture 2nd Runner Up - College of Nursing

Danielle Kaye Angeles & Kirk Rhuvic Castro from the College of Nursing

ATENEWS

TENEWS

ATENEWS 24th Awitenista: Winners, Losers and Feedbacks VOL. 58 YEAR-END ISSUE | APRIL 2011

VOL. 58 YEAR-END ISSUE | APRIL 2011

SAMAHAN Awards: A Night of Excellence

by Gary Camarillo

By Cyril Jerome B. Almanzor and Kathleen Anne N. Veloso

ast February 17, the covered court was filled with students, parents and teachers ready to witness the recognition of student-leaders who had exemplified excellence in their respective work for the student body. Hundreds of awards were given to members of various committees and organizations, such as the different Division Student Executive Committees (SECs) and the Campus Clubs Organization (CCO).

The annual Atenean original music panorama came alive once again last February 18 as artists from different parts of the university converged for the hosting of the biggest music awards ceremony on this side of collegiate music scene. Superb musical performances came from new found acts as they showcased their catchy melodic songs for the crowd. Awitenista veterans Josef Mikael del Corro, Kaki Bundalian and their group clinched over the contemporary solo award for the song Sabit and went off as the overall champion of the night. Ikaw at Ako Atenista by Prince Padilla garnered the most votes for the People’s Choice Award.

Induction of the Samahan Officers for SY 2011-2012

The SAMAHAN Awards ended with the awarding of the Most Outstanding Class President from the General Assembly of Class Presidents (GACP).

Shades of White Band: The Overall Champion

Other winning songs were He’s the Reason by Verna Sabsal for the religous category, Ikaw Ako Tayo by Fifi Degamo for the nationalistic category and Hilagyo by Paulo Orquina for the contemporary group award. Kung Tunay Kang Atenista by Kriz Dimaano took the Jam Atenista award. One of the defining moments of the event was the fleshly dance act of Office of the Students Affairs director Mr. Ricardo “Rikki” Enriquez sporting a black latex skinny suite with his group, the ‘Original Ateneo Talents’.

Truly, Ateneans have once again proved their passion for excellence as they stood out from the four corners of the classroom and acted as young leaders showcasing their potential.

GACP Chairperson’s Award

The usual mixed comments circulated still. One participant verbalized: “Alam mo, what Awitenista organizers lack is musical broadmindedness and tolerance. Masyado silang nakapako sa traditional pop-culture eh. Yan tuloy walang outlet for good musicians inside the school to show what they got. Ang KORNY ng most of the songs na nagagawa, kasi ang higpit nila. Di naman sila yung musicians and composers eh, so why should they decide for the songs we make. Ours is nowhere to be compared sa wide music tolerance dun sa UP and sa AdMU.”

iLEAD Launching

Outstanding 1st Year Class Awardee

SSE DIVISION BAGS 2011 UTAKAN TITLE by John Kessler Misterio

he Social Science and Education Division quiz bowl team came in as champion in the recent Utakan 2011. Nine Divisions participated in this event held at the Covered Court of Ateneo De Davao University as part of the College Days celebration. Utakan, which is an annual quiz bowl, is composed of three rounds having 16 questions each with a respective point system for each level. Questions were taken from various categories such as sports, mathematics, Filipino, EDP, biology, history, chemistry, physics, psychology, theology, literature,

sociology, entertainment, current events and a special category of questions given by this year’s major sponsor, the San Miguel Corporation. In the end, the Social Science and Education Division bagged the championship title, with a total score of 125 points. The Computer Studies Division with a total score of 119 points and College of Engineering and Architecture with 117 points landed on the second and third spots, respectively. Atty. Pilariza Racho - Baldovino, served as the Quiz Master of the event.

Awitenista Winners Hold their Trophies with Pride.

For the first years making their first foray into ADDU college life, and also for more seasoned students looking for a good time at the start of the school year, their respective divisions provided an orientation and entertainment to boot in true Atenean fashion.

The sun shone bright and hot, and the walk was considerable, but who cares? It’s not everyday Ateneans can let their creativity explode in such color and scale as in a parade like this.

For lounging, for raising funds, or for satisfying some weird need: whatever the reason behind the booths, the Gimikan was a hit.

Faces worth of fancy, smiles that swoon, and bodies to die for: for a few breathtaking hours in the night of August 13 the models and the photographers showcasing took the Ateneo by storm, leaving one and all present stunned and giddy in their wake.

The Ateneans’ great love for dance never fades, but only gets better.

The gift of life is the most precious gift there is. This is something Ateneans know, even to their very blood.

A new era begins for the university as Fr. Joel E. Tabora, S.J. is elected to be the new President of the Ateneo de D a v a o University.

Sing. Dance. Dazzle. Amaze. And smile. You just might be a star!

Almost two months in, the first years select their representatives, adding their voices to the Ateneo chorus.

There is free lunch (or software) after all. So stop those torrents! :)

Whatever our religious beliefs are, wherever we came from, our common experience is the insoluble bond that we all should recognize and celebrate.

St. Ignatius de Loyola will always be honored, through a feast that includes balloons, a parade, and a solemn prayer.

JUNE 2010

JULY 2010

AUGUST 2010

SEPTEMBER 2010

NOVEMBER 2010

DECEMBER 2010

JANUARY 2011

FEBRUARY 2011

OCTOBER 2010

MARCH 2011

The earthquake arrives in Japan, and its after-effects were felt everywhere.

Dance and yells, sound and spectacle: As we divide amongst ourselves to support the eight competing divisions in doing what Ateneans love best in this school’s roster of social events, this year’s Cheerdance competition unites us all in our love of it.

The Mindanao Week of Peace is commemorated on the last weeks of November, perhaps as a way of ushering that which it celebrates.

Atenistas from all over come together for three days full of possibility.

Kick-starting its newfound independence with its first ever Technical Exhibit and Quiz Bowl, the College of Engineering makes its presence felt, promising great things in the coming years.

The Chemistry Analytical and Research Laboratory (CARL) opens, proving that facilities in the Ateneo can go toe-to-toe with the best anywhere.

The TOFI consultation on February 11 “followed the money”, so to speak, as the three SAMAHAN officers present gave out question after question on fees collected and fees proposed.

The Maguindanao massacre, which claimed 58 lives under orders of the Ampatuans, illustrated political impunity to ordinary Filipinos and outraged all, and with more than a year after its occurence and the sheer number and power of those involved, hope for its being brought to justice remains unacceptably fragile.

Showcasing the best of Atenean music and songwriting, Awitenista 2011 was a resounding success, thanks to the talent and enthusiasm of all who were involved.

A student-leader is one who serves, but that does not mean that he or she should go unrecognized, and the Samahan Awards is one such venue to recognize them.

A character in Stephen King’s book calls debating “arguing for fun”, and indeed it was. For three days, the Ateneo gathered under its roof some of the best and brightest debaters from over a dozen high schools and colleges all over Mindanao as they discoursed about some of the relevant socio-economic topics of our time.

Say goodbye to college and hello to real life. But for now, a sweet, sad adieu. PHOTOS Migo Antonio, Caycee Coronel, Kahlil Gamela, JM Mercado, Tonchi Nanini, and Paolo Villanueva TEXT+LAYOUT Dave Bringas

10A

TENEWS

VOL. 58 YEAR-END ISSUE | APRIL 2011

Togas and Tassles Batch 2011 Graduation

VOL. 58 YEAR-END ISSUE | APRIL 2011

VALEDICTORY ADDRESS By LYNN MIGEL Q. ESTOQUE AB International Studies, magna cum laude

ev. Fr. Antonio S. Samson of the Society of Jesus, President of the Ateneo de Davao University; Msgr. Fernando Capalla and Hon. Judge Aboali Cali, representing the Bishops Ulama Conference; Fr. Danny Montana of the Davao Association of Colleges and Schools; Mr. Paul Dominguez, Chairman of the Board of Trustees; members of the Jesuit community in Davao City, honored guests, university administrators, faculty and staff, our dearest parents, friends, ladies and gentlemen, a pleasant and wonderful morning to you all. For some, today is just another ordinary Saturday, but for us – the graduating batch of 2011 – it marks a humble celebration of our hard work and achievements over the past few years. It has been a long tiresome road for all of us, including our parents and teachers. We acknowledge the struggles and challenges and learn that experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, then the lesson afterward. It is these lessons that have distinctly molded our characters to who we have become today. In bringing our college experience to an ultimate close, we shift our focus to the future of uncertainty and hope, even as we face a far wider and a much more complex world out there. However, graduation is not the end, it is only the beginning. And as Edward Koch said and I quote, “THE FIREWORKS BEGIN TODAY. EACH DIPLOMA IS A LIGHTED MATCH. EACH ONE OF YOU IS A FUSE.” As we walk away today with our respective degrees, let us go step forth and spread the fire of positive change. After today, we will all be faced with an inevitable reality called LIFE. There are a few things that are certain in life, one of which is change. Change can come as sudden as a tsunami hitting Japan and destroying everything in its wake. Life, as we know it, is defined by endless challenges and struggles. No matter how long one plans or prepares, there will always be drawbacks along the way. In the past two weeks, we have been reminded of exactly that – as we beheld in shock, in pain and in sorrow, the epic proportion of the natural and human calamity which befell the booming country that was Japan. Despite their wellknown culture of preparedness, the unpredictable fury of nature left them under heaps of rubble and with threats of nuclear fall-out. In previous weeks, we have also been reminded of such manifestation of life’s uncertainties in the tenuous plight of our new heroes – our OFWs – caught in the turmoil of civil unrest in Northern Africa and the Middle East. In the past month, we have been held hostage to the glaring allegations of corruption that have seeped through the very institutions tasked to protect our national security and integrity in government service. These events shook our consciousness so quickly and so pointedly, they mirror facts of life that have become so familiar to us: Here, we see the generals, the whistleblowers, the lawmakers, dictators who fell from grace and relinquished power even as one used it flagrantly to hang on to it by inciting violence among his people, demonstrations of people power of a different kind and helpless expatriates caught in the middle of a civil strife turned violent and bloody. My fellow graduates, this is the world that will eventually welcome us, or have already absorbed us, even as we come here this morning, celebrating our college graduation. However, we should not be daunted by the challenging realities that face us rather we should be challenged to bravely address these realities equipped with the learnings of our Jesuit Education. We need to embody the distinct core values and life-enriching lessons that Jesuit educational philosophy has imparted us with – such as the values of discernment and magis. St. Ignatius says that what really matters in the transformative act of becoming human and Christian is not the many superficial bits of knowledge and

information, but a deep understanding and appreciation of what is truly important. It is easy to get completely lost in the false promises and materialistic views that the media –in a variety of forms –provide in a globalizing world today. We are a generation living in a world where people gullibly believe in dreams that tell them they can become more human when they have the right gadgets or the right clothes, or when they “have” to change their physical appearances to fit a societal standard of beauty. Such beliefs mask the true problems of the world such as the suffering of the world’s poor who are perpetually pushed to live in ugly subhuman conditions. As graduates of an institution that carries the weight of an educational tradition going back hundreds of years, we must prove that we are not those who are easily swayed by the information provided by the media, but rather those who have a depth of perception, commitment and character, and are capable of making decisions through proper discernment that stems from the inner realm of faith, conscience and truth.

ATENEWS

Magis, on the other hand, entails striving for that which is excellent, but sometimes we get trapped in the definition of magis that pertains to a more competitive culture that perceives attaining more awards or medals as better. But magis, as what we have eventually come to understand, is not about the tangible awards one receives, nor is it necessarily being the best in everything. Rather, the spirit behind doing more is one that points to a lifestyle, an orientation –living genuinely everyday according to our values and principles and staying true to what is essential when one is put to a test, not just any test but the kind of ordeal that poses life’s tough choices. Our schooling may be over, but remember our education still continues. A person wisely once said that what we are is God’s gift to us, but what we become is our gift to God. It is only through incorporating such fundamental values of Jesuit education in our everyday lives that we manage to achieve this. As graduates who are molded according to the framework of Jesuit educational philosophy, we are called to living a life that is predicated on SERVICE and active commitment to promote a new kind of nationalism in a positive way. As future engineers, diplomats, nurses, entrepreneurs, teachers, social workers, politicians, scientists, economists, accountants or researchers, among others, allow me to raise this question for our inquisitive minds: How can we live our lives in a way that makes us part of the solution to the compounding societal problems prevalent in the Philippines today? What are our rights and duties as Filipinos in response to the nation’s call of change not simply as a form of lipservice but one that is truly transformative and reflective of our common aspirations? And so, my fellow graduates, my fellow Ateneans, I am truly and deeply humbled to be speaking on your behalf this morning. It is a rare privilege I won’t ever forget so easily. Remember to always show gratitude to the people who have supported us. To Mr. Paulo Miguel Prieto, Jose Miguel Santillan and my lovely IS4 family, I’m keeping my promise: thank you for always believing in me. Before we officially end this symbolic academic ceremony and venture forth in the world on our different yet destined paths, I leave you with these parting words: That we always transcend our expectations, that we love to the fullest, that we stand by our morals and principles, that we never fear to try and brave the world that awaits us, that we live with compassion and incarnate our faith genuinely, that we become persons for others especially those who need us the most, that we maintain a positive attitude amidst indifference and that we live a life of integrity. And finally, that we always, always put God first in our lives. So congratulations Graduating Batch of 2011, we did it! Thank you and God bless.

HONORS AND AWARDS

“THE FIREWORKS BEGIN TODAY. EACH DIPLOMA IS A LIGHTED MATCH. EACH ONE OF YOU IS A FUSE.”

VALEDICTORIAN Lynn Migel Q. Estoque, AB-IS SALUTATORIAN Alyssa Marie A. Capuno, BS-Entrep FAITH AND JUSTICE AWARD Charmaine B. Espinas, BS-CS LEADERSHIP AWARD Jan Raphael D. Cacayan, BS-ECE DIVISION AWARDS Accountancy: Elfin Kenneth S. Puentespina, BS-A Business and Management: Alyssa Marie A. Capuno, BS-Entrep Computer Studies: Marian Kirstie B. Sanchez, BS-IT Engineering and Architecture: Jan Raphael D. Cacayan, BS-ECE Humanities: Claide Kinneth A. Saludar, AB-MC Natural Science and Mathematics: Jenny Marie O. Quiao, BS-Bio Nursing: Eliez Anne M. Dayanghirang, BS-N Philosophy: Duane Allyson U. Gravador, AB-Philo

12A

TENEWS

VOL. 58 YEAR-END ISSUE | APRIL 2011

Mayhem in CCO, GACP polls

New Grading System

t the end of the semester, students receive a letter grade for their enrolled courses. The letter grades, their grade point equivalents, and their percentage equivalents are as follows:

by Paul Randy Gumanao

Screenshots from the FB secret group of Piglasapat handed to Atenews by a concerned student

he day when the recent tsunami hit Japan was also the day when the expose entitled “Mayhem on CCO, GACP polls” was published in www.atenews. org. It was about an alleged conspiracy posted in the facebook secret group of Piglasapat that was forwarded to Atenews by a concerned Atenean who got to have access to such facebook group. After almost a month of deliberation on the allegations of planned maneuvering of the CCO and GACP elections, Atenews decided to publicize the issue on the principle that the interest and welfare of the majority must be upheld. With the strong conviction that such issue was more than just political party rivalries, and after considering the opinions of the parties involved, Atenews decided to do its part in protecting the democratic rights of students even inside the campus. One of these rights is to be given equal opportunity to represent and or to be represented in any student organizations. This means that no student deserves unjust treatment in the exercise of the right to vote and to be elected for as long as the legitimacy of the election is parallel to the standing rules and by-laws of the organization.

For further readings, visit www.atenews.org and check the article “Mayhem in CCO, GACP polls”.

COMELEC IS IN NEED OF WILLING AND DEDICATED COMMISSIONERS AND VOLUNTEERS FOR SY 2011-2012 Forms are available @ the COMELEC Bulletin Board near Samahan Office For More Info Text 09324773367

Deadline of Applications in on June 11

Percentage Grade

Descriptor

92% to 100%

Excellent

B+

88% to 91%

Very Good

84% to 87%

Good

C+

80% to 83%

Satisfactory

76% to 79%

Acceptable

72% to 75%

Minimal Pass

Below 72%

Failure

Failure Debarred

For students whose attendance is less than 80% of class hours

Withdrawn with Permission

For students who withdrew enrolled courses within the first six weeks of the semester, or the first two weeks of summer classes

Quality Point Index (QPI) System Each letter grade has a corresponding quality point equivalent:

(Signed)

The said article in www.atenews.org received numerous positive and negative feedbacks from the Ateneans, students and alumni alike. The CCO and GACP polls were supposed to be held simultaneously on the day when the expose was released. However, only the CCO election was pursued, while that of the GACP was postponed to another date because of the tsunami scare.

Letter Grade

NLRC: Dismissal of 3 CON CI’s is Jusitified

AVAO CITY, Nov. 25, 2010 The National Labor Relations Commision Regional Arbitration Branch No. XI resolved to a decision on the dismissal of the three clinical instructors of the CON as justifiable. The decision was made by the Labor Arbiter Merciditas Larida as a resolution to the complaint of the 3 terminated clinical instructors who were alleged to be engaged on case buying. The dismissed AdDU-CON CI’s; Willyn Adrias R.N. M.N, Vivien Go R.N. M.N. and Fe Estampa R.N. appealed to NLRC late last year for intervention for an illegal discharge against AdDU. NLRC states on its decision that the termination was appropriate. The three dismissed were guilty of case buying, falsification and misinterpretation of working hours. The NLRC decision report also asserts that “Adrias and Go made profit out of cases by requiring students to pay money for each clinical case given to them without the students performing any clinical procedure”. Furthermore,

by Gary Camarillo

NLRC adds that the acts of Mrs.Adrias and Mrs. Go were serious misconduct which constitutes to willful violations of the Code of Ethics of Ateneo Educators and the Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses. NLRC also identified Mrs. Estampa’s nonrenewal of probationary employment from the University to be legal and had valid ground. Mrs. Estampa claims that she was already a regular employee of the university for 10 semesters. But she lacked a Master’s degree which is a requirement for regularization. For this reason, she was classified as a contractual employee and her 10 semesters of service in the University didn’t entitle her for regularization. NLRC specified that Mrs. Estampa’s renewal of contract completely falls on the university’s prerogative. NLRC’s decision, however, is appealable. Adrias, Estampa and Go are reportedly working on their plea at the Court of Appeals.

Letter Grade

Quality Point Index

4.00

B+

3.50

3.00

C+

2.50

2.00

1.00

0.00

Not Counted in QPI

For more info Pls. Visit:

ATENEWS

LETTER GRADE SYSTEM Implementing Rules and Regulations

1. The Letter Grade system will be effective for the incoming first year students of June 2011. Transfer students, if classified as first year, will have letter grades. Transfer students placed on the second or upper years continue to receive numerical grades. 2. Upper-class students will continue to receive numerical grades. The present WPA and retention policy will still be in effect for them. 3. Second year and upper class students will continue to receive numerical grades until school year 2014-2015 for a fouryear program, school year 2015-2016 for a five-year program. 4. An Ad Hoc Committee will be created to facilitate orientation, transition, monitoring, and resolution of conflicts related to the change in the grading system. The Ad Hoc Committee will be composed of the University Registrar, the Standards Committee Chair, the MIS Director, the SAMAHAN President, and one more member.

Quality Point Index (QPI) Computation Formula: ∑ (QPI of each course x no. of units of each course) Total No. of Units

For example: Courses

Units

Letter Grade

Point Equivalence

Product

English 11

B+

3.5

10.5

Math 111

1.0

3.0

Bio 100/101

2.0

10.0

Hist 111

2.0

6.0

Soc 111

4.0

12.0

Total

41.50

QPI = 41.5/17 = 2.44

*The QPI is rounded off to two decimal places.

Note: the New Grading System is Applicable only to the INCOMING 1st Year Students of SY 2011-2012

http://www.addu.edu.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=891&Itemid=462

14A

TENEWS

VOL. 58 YEAR-END ISSUE | APRIL 2011

Ateneo community offers prayers, demands justice for Michelle Lubaton by Paul Randy Gumanao

Shortly after the death of Rhea Axalan last March 1, 2011, another Atenean died. Michelle Aaron Lubaton, known to her friends as “Aish”, 20 years old and an incoming 4th year BSBM student, was stabbed to death in her dormitory room in the dawn of April 11. The suspect, a 16-year old caretaker of GMGK dormitory in Ponce street, is said to be Aish’s “secret admirer”. Initial investigations show that Aish was stabbed after resisting an attempted rape. Indeed, it is not difficult to admire an intelligent, humble, kind and beautiful young lady like Aish. Her sister Naye Joy, an alumna of AdDU, shared how their family grieves with Aish’s untimely demise. “Last Friday (April 8), nagtext pa siya sa ako nga ‘Ate, DL ako. 91.4 ang WPA ko.’ Ako ang nagapaeskwela sa iya mao nga nalipay ko kay nagtinarong siya,” shared Naye Joy. Aish was expected to graduate as cum laude. The Lubatons have long been staying in GMGK dormitory. According to Naye Joy, even when she was still in college, she stayed in the same room where Aish was brutally killed. “Sakit gyud kayo. Dako kaayo among trust sa dorm (sic). Amo pa gyung kutsilyo ang gigamit pagpatay sa iya. Ang dili nako masabtan, nganong nahitabo pa to kay Aish didto mismo sa sulod. Paminaw namo, mura ganig nag joint forces tanang circumstances sa iyang (Aish) pagkamatay,” added Naye Joy.

On April 15, the SAMAHAN Central Board initiated a candle lighting ceremony as a tribute to Aish. Classes were shortened to allow the entire community to participate. During the sharing of testimonies, Aish’s close friends talked about how blessed they are being with Aish in a very short period of time. Wearing smiles dampened with tears, Aish’s bestfriends attested how good she was. Her thoughtfulness, her positive outlook in life, and her trademark smile and happy disposition are but some of Aish’s qualities that her friends will miss. Last school year, Aish’s class, the 3-BM-A, was adjudged as the most outstanding class. Her classmates said that it would have been impossible for them to win without Aish’s big counterpart. Aish’s class decided to offer to her the framed certificate of recognition for the most outstanding class. Naye Joy, who represented the Lubaton family during the ceremony, received Aish’s award with tight heart. Like Rhea Axalan’s death, Michelle Lubaton’s death deserves a good explanation. SAMAHAN Central Board and the entire Ateneo community condemn the killing and demand justice for Aish’s death. The suspect, being a minor, is in the custody of the DSWD as stipulated in the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, a rule that earned various criticisms from the community.”

ATENEWS

Atenean Crowned Mutya ng Dabaw 2011 I

by Jan - Patrik B. Laroya

rene Lascuña was crowned Mutya ng Dabaw 2011 on its Coronation Night held at Almendras Gym Davao Recreation Center on March 15, 2011 which is part of the 74th Araw ng Dabaw celebrations. The 20-year old Atenean bested the other four finalists by blowing the audience and judges breaths away with her complete beauty queen package which includes her candid smile, gorgeous body, perfect stance, attitude, stage presence, intellect and confidence to boot. Lascuña, a fresh graduate of the Ateneo de Davao University with a degree on International Studies major in Asian Studies, was also awarded Miss Photogenic 2011. In addition, she is now the reigning Ambassadress of Goodwill of Davao and will help promote advocacies and other programs of the local government of this city. Photos Courtesy of Jan Mikko Canarias

The Game of the Century The Basketball Men Championship Game: CEA vs. BSA-MA

Photos Courtesy of Jason Occidental

SAMAHAN CONDEMNS THE MURDER OF MICHELLE LUBATON

he Samahan ng mga Mag-aaral ng Pamantasan ng Ateneo de Davao (SAMAHAN) mourns over the tragic death of fellow Atenean, Michelle Aaron Lubaton, who was brutally stabbed to death by a minor. Michelle sustained seven stab wounds inside her room at GKMK Apartment in Ponce Street, Barangay 28-C Poblacion, Davao City at around 2:30am on 11 April 2011. She was declared dead on arrival at the Southern Philippines Medical Center. The suspect, 17, is now under the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Under the Republic Act 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, “a child above 15 years but below 18 years of age shall be exempt from criminal liability and be subjected to an intervention program, unless he/she has acted with discernment, in which such child shall be subjected to the appropriate proceedings in accordance with this Act (Chapter 2, Section 6).” While we respect the noble intentions of Sen. Francis Pangilinan who authored the Act together with the rest of the lawmakers of the 13th Congress of the Philippines who passed it into a law to protect the welfare of the Filipino child, the RA 9344 has become a saving grace for youth offenders who abuse their immunity from any criminal liability. Even if they

are not exempted from civil liability, they do not have the financial capacity to compensate their victims. Most often, these youth offenders have nothing in life which lead them to commit petty crimes. Moreover, the law does not clearly state who is held liable for cases like that of Michelle’s offender. The policemen stand helpless. But for such a heinous crime as murder, an intervention program by DSWD might be too insignificant as a consequence to the criminal. Do our local intervention programs prove to be effective in rehabilitating juvenile delinquents? How about those repeat offenders with a history of crimes committed in the past? Will they continue to enjoy their blanket of protection courtesy of RA 9344? We urge Sen. Pangilinan and the members of the 15th Congress of the Philippines to amend the RA 9344 to make restorative justice real and not just on paper in order to bring justice to the victims of youth offenders. Certainly, we do not wish to see more victims of crimes, no matter how petty or heinous, committed by juvenile delinquents who can easily run away from their criminal and civil liabilities. We also ask the members of the 16th City Council of Davao to pass a local ordinance enforcing stricter safety and security measures on student dormitories and apartments within the city. A large

number of college students in the city stay in such places for accessibility and proximity to schools. Hence, the City Government of Davao must ensure that such business establishments provide adequate security to student residents. There is no place in this city for such violence. Let Michelle’s case be the last. Now that the suspect is in the hands of the authorities, we are one step closer to achieving justice for Michelle. We call on the Department of Justice and the Department of Social Welfare and Development to do all that is necessary for the speedy delivery of justice to the family of Michelle and to the entire community who cares for Michelle. We condemn and deplore the murder of our fellow Atenean. For someone who loves her family very much, is a true friend to many and is a diligent student, she does not deserve such painful death, all the more the deprivation of justice she is due. We pray that her soul may finally rest in peace with the Creator. On behalf of the SAMAHAN,

(Signed)

SAMAHAN CENTRAL BOARD 2011-2012

ATENEWS

VOL. 58 YEAR-END ISSUE | APRIL 2011