BROADSHEET 2017

Pioneer

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF PALAWAN STATE UNIVERSITY MAIN CAMPUS

Member: COLLEGE EDITORS GUILD OF THE PHILIPPINES

Vol. 26 No. 2 August - September 2017

USC calls for decentralization of funds “Ayoko lang maging limited kasi ‘yong proyektong pwedeng gawin para sa mga estudyante.

Dapat nandiyan ‘yan eh, dapat nararamdaman nila na ‘yong fund nila, nagagamit nila.”

JOHN PAUL FAVILA As a prime mover of fund transfer of student funds that are used in student welfare and activities, University Student Council and University Student Regent Ma. Aurora Balbutan explains her side about the issue that keeps on trundling within the minds of the PSUans.

Balbutan said that the issue about fund decentralization was presented in two Board of Regents meeting she attended which was tackled in the “other matters” agenda of the said meetings.

“It was presented noong ikalawang board meeting ko, the 194th meeting last November 6. During that meeting, ‘yung decentralization ay na-aaproved in reference of CHED Memorandum No. 20 which is regarding sa policies on fund management and organization ng pera ng university,” she said in an interview with the Pioneer.

Based from that reference, Balbutan stood upon the idea that USC fund and student publication fund (PSU – Pioneer) should be excluded because the administration does not have concise legal basis and power to collect such fund from the students every enrollment.

“Secondly, in reference doon sa memorandum na ‘yon which states na ang USC, and publication and other agencies such as Alumni, faculty and also Graduate School ay excluded dapat. Mayroong body siya na bumubuo dito, dapat hindi pinapakialaman ng university ‘yong ulitization ng fund nila,

THE HEART TO SERVE. USC President and PSU Student Regent, Ma. Aurora Balbutan, the brain behind the call for action to decentralize student funds, delivering a message during the student regency election.

(Photo: John Clark Bungay)

(see USC CALLS | page 2)

PSU ranks 7 out of 116 schools in SW Licensure exam, Navarro placed 8th overall DEVORAH CLAIRE USOP Palawan State University garnered 93.55 % passing rate in the Social Workers Licensure examination. Out of 5,997 examinees from different colleges and universities, only 3,951 were announced passed by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). The Professional Regulatory Board for Social Workers administered the said examination in the cities of Manila last July 27-28.

Devie Mae Navarro, a former writer of the Pioneer, also placed 8th in the said examination with 84.10 percentage rating. other temporary faculty members experiencing “As a college student before, being one the delay of salary for three months. of the topnotchers was one of my dreams.

Permanent faculty greater that J.O. Dreams lang naman eh… So walang masama faculty doon. But during our review in U.P, I thought “I don’t think they are doing anything about contented na ko once I already have the three it. Kasi ang concern lang naman nila ay ang letters at the end of my name (RSW). Kasi sa permanent faculty. ‘Yon yung pagkakaalam ko dami ba naman na mga colleges and university ha. ‘Yon yung nararamdaman ko,” she answered na magtetake ng exam parang imposible ata after being asked about the representative of makasama ako plus I also have batch mates at the faculty in the Board of Regents and what yung batch 2017 na kasabay ko mag-take ng are the actions being taken about the issue. exam. So, ‘di na ko nag expect pa.” she said (see J.O Faculty | page 2) as they were included in the postponement of

J.O. faculty experiences delayed salary JAMAICA PEDERE The unavailability of signatories for documents is the reason for the delay of salary for Palawan State University faculty.

According to one of the faculty member, who requested the condition of anonymity, however, such should not be the acceptable.

“Minsan, halimbawa ganitong month, on time. And the following month, made-delay siya ng mga three days to one week,” she said.

In a bid to solve the burden it causes them, she suggested the process’ automation with 151

Editorial |5

Messenger under fire

DEVCOMM |10

Purok San Francisco decries Poor Drainage System

, 2/F, CCJE Building N(048) 434-0283 Ð psu.pioneerpub@gmail.com M Pioneer Publication N@Pioneer_PSU P@pioneerpublication

examination last year.

At some point cancellation of exams help her together with her batch mates to take a lot of review and do all the preparation needed in the coming examination, aside from enrolling in a review center she also engaged herself in a group review. “ But most importantly,

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(see PSU ranks 7 | page 3)

ining’s

Undying FEATURE |6/7 Inspiration pioneerpublication

wwww.pioneerpublication.org

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VOL. 26 NO. 2 AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2017

NEWS

Balbutan is the new Student Regent STUDENT REGENT OFFICERS. L-R President Ma. Aurora Balbutan, Vice President Muskin Ibrahim, Secretary Mary Grace Martinez, Appointed Treasurer John Warl Apdon, and Appointed Auditor Warren Jaud. (Photo: John Clark Bungay)

JOHN PAUL FAVILA Ma. Aurora Riceli D. Balbutan, president of the University Student Council of PSU-Main campus will head the PSU Student Regency after winning the position in an election over Muksin “Jiro” Ibrahim of Brooke’s Point and Warren Jaud of Roxas campus.

Balbutan, who is a fourth year AB Political Science student, maintained a 1-point margin over Ibrahim who got 7 votes while Jaud garnered only one vote out of 16

J.O FACULTY| from page 1

Red Tape According to her, it’s the red tape that has been causing the delay due to multiple signatories.

“Buti sana kung pagkatapos pumirma ni signatory A, ihahatid niya ‘yon kaya signatory B. Hindi naman gan’on, maghihintay pa ‘yon ng messenger,” she added.

Side effect on teaching The issue does affect her mindset as a teacher when it comes to teaching material expenses.

According to her, last semester, she shouldered the printing cost of all her long quizzes in four blocs with around 45 students each, which amounts to almost a thousand.

“So gustuhin ko pa naman sanang magturo, wala. Actually kung maayos lang yung pasahod dito, there would be a chance na hindi ko tanggapin yung offer but hindi ko naman sinasabing materialistic ako but I had to think for myself, sa future.

So sana lang ayusin ng admin. Sana ako na ang huling biktima ng sistema nila. Sana ayusin nila kasi kaya naman yan kung sa kaya.”

HR Head lays reasons for delayed salary Mr. Gil Bundac, Human Resources and Management Head discussed

USC calls from page 1

PSU student presidents.

Meanwhile, Muksin “Jiro” Ibrahim from Brooke’s Point campus was afterwards elected as the Vice President and Mary Grace Martinez from El Nido campus was elected as Secretary.

“Sabi ko kanina na pinag-pray ko kung para sa akin talaga siya, and I thank the Lord na binigay siya sa akin. I will not fail you for having me in this position. I will do my best to represent each and everyone sa inyo, not only the main campus.

Katulad ng sinabi ko kanina, nandoon kasi ‘yung gigil ko na parang ‘pag

taga-CCRD, maliit lang naman ‘to na campus, bakit kailangang ganitoganyan. More than anything else, gusto kong i-prioritize na magsimula tayo sa maliit hanggang doon tayo sa malaking picture, kasi lahat naman tayo nagsisimula sa maliit bago tayo dumating doon sa malaki. So guys, maraming maraming salamat sa inyo”, Balbutan said in her speech.

The Federation of Palawan State University Student Governments’ constitution says that President, Vice President and Secretariat positions are the only ones to be subjected

reasons causing the delayed salary.

He said that weekends and holidays intervened on the five days allotted time to process the Daily Time Records and if one of the signatories is absent.

“Kagaya ko, ang authorized signatory ay HR. Kapag wala ako, hindi pwede si Ruby kasi si Ruby ay Administrative Assistant, hindi siya authorized,” he added.

Funds don’t come in a regular basis because the amount budgeted for the J.O. salary was from the tuition fee of the students and the absence of a president is also dragging the process because the OIC President can’t move without the approval of the BOR. “Kagaya ngayon, renewal ng employment. Ang renewal ng employment based sa BOR. Hindi kami maka-prepare ng salary kapag walang approval ng BOR and ‘yong meeting ng BOR is this 28th of December pa. Kapag inuna naming na hindi approved ng BOR, e makukulong naman kami,” said Mr. Bundac.

There are also required documents that serve as clearance for J.O. faculty that they need to submit in order to be get their salary.

The solution that has been implemented is the moving of the payday dates for J.O. faculty to 10th

and 25th of the month to avoid clogging with the regular employees.

Bureaucracy, not red tape According to Mr. Bundac, having five signatories is not a manifestation of red tape but rather government bureaucracy and it is how the government works.

The Anti-Red Tape of 2007 says that there should be a maximum of five signatories and that’s being followed in PSU. Mr. Bundac added that it’s so easy to scream about red tape happening in the institution yet there were no concrete evidences and there are no reports filed and said by doing so, they are tarnishing the reputation of the university.

“Sige nade-delay ang sweldo and I’m sorry for that. Pero ang ano doon, binibigay sa’yo. Hindi namin binabawasan ni singko.”

Free photocopying services Xerox machine operators have an existing contract with the institution and members of the faculty can ask for a permit so that they can photocopy teaching materials for free.

Mr. Bundac added, “Bawal sa gobyerno ang gumastos ka ng sarili mong pera para sa trabaho. You’re not supposed to do that kasi nga sooner or later baka posibleng maglead to corruption yan.”

TECH4ED. OIC President Marissa S. Pontillas joins the ribbon-cutting ceremony during the Tech4Ed program for CTE students. (Photo: PSU PRIMO)

(see Balbutan Faculty | page 3)

the way of collection and ‘yong expenditures,” she said.

Balbutan also uttered about that the first resolution after the board meeting states that USC and Pioneer shall collect their own fees starting the second semester of the present school year but the latest 195th board meeting inflicted some revisions in the resolution particularly with regards to Pioneer which has no cash on-hand or even petty cash fund held by its own office.

“Iyon ‘yong first amendment and second amendment, since hindi pa tayo masyadong handa kung papaano ‘yong process ng pag-collect ng fund, so this administration ay paghahandaan na so sa resolution na ‘yon, student council na ‘yong magkocollect ng fund. So ibig sabihin, the burden of preparing the needs and necessities to secure the fund to ensure the entire process ng financial ay nakasalalay sa administration ngayon,” she stressed.

According to her, there are applicable measures on how to regulate these funds allocated for each of the independent sections of the university including the university student government and the publication which are articulated in the CHED Memorandum No. 20, series of 2011 (Art. I, Sec. R).

The mandate of which states that funds that are governed by law include NSTP, ROTC, publications, SSG, alumni funds and the like provided under R A No. 8292 which are integrated in the depository account and special trust fund in contrast to student governments and publications that have their own accountable officers to manage their fund and are allowed to open their own depository account. “It is actually a realization for me na tayo, as student leaders, sa atin ‘yong movement kung paano natin gagawan ng paraan kung paano tayo magkocollect talaga and it is the administration na naghihintay lang din sa atin at mase-secure nila na dapat secured ‘yong pera natin kapag nasa atin na.

Actually, the administration is willing to teach us on the management of f inancial,” Balbutan added.

According to Balbutan, the OIC – President Pontillas also believes that it is not easy to transfer the funds because it still has to undergo guidelines and a lot of processes even though it is constricted in the par t of the prime movers to have it approved but still, Prof. Pontillas, as the Vice Chair of the Board, manages to make it.

For the meantime, Balbutan and her colleagues are still in the process of identifying methods on how to transfer the fund effectively which still has to undergo a series of scrutiny and corroboration in the Board meeting.

“This is the idea. Originally, from the Board of Regents, ibababa ng admin ‘yong fund natin but also, it has been deliberated by the Board na masyado ngang malaki ‘yong 2 million or 1 million para biglaang bitawan o ibaba sa student government. So we have to go through (the) process na kung saan nagkaroon ng debate kung ibababa ito o hindi. So ang napag-usapan na lang is how we can utilize and make use of our funds.”

The battle for fund decentralization The very aim as to why Balbutan pushes for student fund decentralization is not because of the legacy she wants to imbue to remain with her name as the Student Council President and as the Student Regent, but because she doesn’t want the next generation of student leaders to suffer and experience the same troubles and struggles that the current off icials still undergo.

“Ayoko lang maging limited kasi ‘yong proyektong pwedeng gawin para sa mga estudyante.

Dapat nandiyan ‘yan eh, dapat nararamdaman nila na ‘yong fund nila, nagagamit nila. ‘Yong pwede nilang i-access, they can request for their projects, for the valid programs na mapapakinabangan ng maraming estudyante. So ito talaga ‘yong nagiging drive ko na I want this, we want this. Masakit kasi isipin na pera niyo ‘yan pero maski pisong duling hindi niyo nagagamit,” she stressed.

The battle to call for fund decentralization started years ago but it was only in this time that it was given the chance to get approved by the board which was brought about in line with the National Day of Protest declared by President Duterte.

Balbutan further explained that the move to decentralize students’ funds was not an outcry condemning the university administration but the processes and struggles that the students undergo everytime they request fund from the university using the students’ funds and was ultimately for the purpose of having the voice of the students heard about the cavernous subject matter.

“Siguro parang plano lahat ni God ito na mangyari talaga lahat. Parang God paved the way perfectly para sa atin. Ýong pagupo natin sa Board, it was not planned. I didn’t plan for it; I didn’t plan to run. Parang binigay na lang siya ng Panginoon na parang lahat naging (sequentially) favored sa atin,” she said.

From the time when she began her stint as the new Student Regent, Balbutan said it was not easy and was not hard either to communicate and coordinate with the administration even though she was selected by her colleagues to be able to handle things abruptly since she is from the main campus.

“Parang it’s a balance of yes or no, parang parati kang nasa kalagitnaan. Kasi parang from the time na naramdaman kong student regent na ako, doon ko rin na-realized na dati we go against the administration, pero this time I realized and I personally see ýong struggle din ng mga nasa administration. Doon ko narealized na I’m the student regent and I am the bridge between the students and the administration.

This is the very fortunate chance na iparinig ang boses natin though critical siya, but it’s time to say that admin, without us, you are nothing,” she ended.

Balbutan finally thanked the whole PSU studentry for the support they gave her during her journey as a student leader that continues to drive and propel her utmost capacity to serve and help students create a healthier student life in PSU. “Gusto ko lang magpasalamat kasi we finished strong(ly) sa kabila ng lahat, and we accomplished this year the biggest battle na noon pa lang ipinaglalaban na … hopefully sa mga darating pa nating mga programa this school year, sana mapakinabangan hindi lang administrasyon, hindi lang ngayong mga batch of students but for the next generation that will come our way,” Balbutan ended.

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VOL. 26 NO. 2 AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2017

NEWS

Sen. Gatchalian pushes for fast action on brownouts DEVORAH CLAIRE USOP ALARMED by the grave impact of the Palawan energy crisis on the provincial economy, Senator Win Gatchalian is pressing the Palawan Electric Cooperative to make “drastic moves” to immediately resolve the frequent brownouts that have plagued the province since the beginning of the year.

Data provided by the Senate Energy Committee during a hearing held this week to probe the power situation in Palawan showed that even just a single hour without electricity costs the province between P6.1 to P10.7 million in economic productivity losses.

“Palawan is a fastdeveloping economic and tourism center. The volatility of its power supply will pull back the development of the province, to the detriment of the Palaweños. Let us all make sure that the gains made by the island province are not laid

to waste due to the sluggish action of the government,” Gatchalian, the chairman of the Senate Energy Committee said. One of the solutions proposed by Gatchalian was for Paleco to invoke its legal right to immediately terminate power supply agreements with underperforming generation companies.

“Evaluate the performance of the gencos. Whoever does not comply, recommend that their contract be rescinded.

If there is a violation, then rescind the contract. You have to stop accommodating them because if we keep on accommodating them, nothing will happen,” Gatchalian told Paleco as he recommended the undertaking of a new competitive selection process (CSP) to find alternative energy sources to replace the erring gencos and provide a stable energy supply for the province.

“I guarantee you, the law is on your side. You should not be afraid.

The regulators, the NEA and ERC,

and the Senate are behind you.

Do the right thing for the Palaweños.... we are here to protect you, so it is important that you protect the Palaweños,” he added.

The Senate Committee on Energy and stakeholders in the local energy industry of Palawan also agreed that a change in the order of dispatch in the coverage area of the Paleco is a viable provisional solution to the protracted power crisis.

“From what I see, just rearranging your dispatch will have immediate results,” Gatchalian said. The NEA and ERC agreed with the proposal for Paleco, as the system operator, to change its priority dispatch according to plant design: base load generating units (low speed) must be prioritized while peaking load (high speed generating units) must be the last dispatch.

Changing the order of dispatch, they concurred, would have “immediate” impact on the power outages by stabilizing electricity supply.

THE SEA TURNS RED. Due to red tide contamination in Palawan, certain sea foods are pulled out from the market.

(Photo: Rachel Ganancial)

PSU ranks 7 from page 1

hinanda na naming yung sarili namin way back college days, kasi yung foundation talaga ang importante”. she added.

“I-challenge nila ang sarili nila. If they want to be part of the topnotchers someday, invest now.

Minsan inaakala natin na hanggang dito nalang talaga yung kakayahan natin per mali yun, hindi mo lang kasi

Balbutan from page 2

for election, while Treasury and Auditing positions have to be appointed by the elected President with the majority approval of the whole body.

On the other hand, Dr. Grace N. Abrina, OSAS Director said that she was happy that Balbutan made it to the position so that it will no longer be diff icult for the President to communicate with the university administration.

“I am happy that she made it because you know, the heart and the willingness to serve nandoon.

She serves the best that she can.

So I really hope that you will be one who also pray for her, hindi lang sa pagiging leader niya, sa pagiging estudyante ninyo, boses ninyo, but also pray for her sa kanyang battle.

I will also help her in performing

binibigay yong hinihingi ng pangarap mo. Hindi rin naman ako achiever during my high school years at di rin naging dean’s lister so walang imposible. Pero wag sana sila mag aaral lang para magkatrabaho kundi para matuto. Yun lang ang mabibigay ng PSU sa atin. Maappreciate sana nila yon.” She said to inspire the students in the university. her duties as your student regent kung saka-sakali. And it’s the will of the Lord na siya ay nandito dahil nakita ko rin sa kanya kung paano niya ginagawa ang kanyang duties as USC President ng main campus”, Dr. Abrina said in a speech after Balbutan won the post.

“But still may mga lapses pa rin sa ating mga undertakings but I just hope that we will be able to do our tasks together, kumbaga working against all odds. I really believe that Au will represent well the students in the Board of Regents. Nakita ko kasi sa meeting namin sa council na she can really raise her voice, she contributes a lot. So may the Lord bless you all”, she added.

The new set of Student Regent body, together with the other CCRD presidents, will have their initial meeting to formalize their plans and schedules of succeeding meeting in the university Board of Regents.

Coconut pest now under control — PCA JAMAICA PEDERE PHILIPPINE Coconut Authority officers in the province of Palawan recently announced that the Brontispa Longissima beetle has been put under control.

Speaking before members of the media at the Kapihan forum of the Philippine Information Agencypalawan, PCA’s Raul Aguilar said they have found a solution to prevent the beetle from wreaking havoc on coconut trees in the province which once caused problem among coconut farmers.

“We have long resolved the problem of brontispa in the province, and although there remains to be presence in coconut trees, it is no

longer a threat as we have determined how to manage it. We conducted a campaign using the biological pest control black earwig,” Aguilar said.

“The black earwig served like the soldier of the coconut farmers as it eliminated the coconut leaf beetle,” he added.He added that they setup laboratories in Aborlan and Brooke’s Point to produce the black earwig which is a natural form to tackle the problem. “We don’t use chemical control anymore because they kill other friendly insects. What we are using instead is bio-control with the use of black earwig,” he explained.

He further explained that the black earwig feeds on the larvae of brontispa with the use of its forcepslike pincers on its abdomen.

Sandiganbayan sentences Reyes 6-8 years imprisonment for graft JOHN PAUL FAVILA THE SANDIGANBAYAN found former Palawan Governor Joel T. Reyes guilty for graft in relation to the unwarranted benefit to a mining firm, which was granted to small-scale mining permits despite exceeding the allowable extraction limit and sentenced him to six to eight years imprisonment.

In its decision promulgated last August 29, the Sandiganbayan Third Division found Reyes guilty of graft in granting unwarranted benefit to Olympic Mines and Development Corp in the renewal of a mining permit valid from April 6, 2006 to April 5, 2008.

The renewal of the permit was granted despite the mining company’s standing previous permit that remains valid up to November 2006. The renewal also allowed Olympic to overextract as it has already mined more than the annual maximum of 50,000 metric tons of ore as allowed in its previous permit.

The Sandigan thus found Reyes “guilty beyond reasonable doubt of

violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019, and is sentenced to an indeterminate penalty of imprisonment of six years and one month, as minimum, to eight years as maximum, with perpetual disqualification from public office.

The court also said in its decision that Reyes acted with gross inexcusable negligence when he renewed the mining permit despite the validity of the previous permit which caused an undue injury to the provincial government. He also acted with negligence when he approved the permit “despite OMDC’s violations of the terms of said small scale mining permit.”

The Court likewise did not believe in Reyes’ defense stating that he only relied on the recommendations of the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB). “Accused Reyes cannot feign ignorance of the exhaustion of its privilege by OMDC…. As Governor of Palawan, his authority to approve small-scale mining permits calls for the dual role of allowing the exploration and exploitation of, and conserving and preserving the natural resources within the province’s territorial

jurisdiction,” it said. “He chose to intentionally and willfully ignore his responsibilities and conveniently relied only on the recommendation of the PMRB,” the court added.

Former Provincial Mining Operations Officer Adronico Baguyo who was co-accused in the case was however acquitted because the prosecutors failed to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt against him.

Aside from this, Reyes is also currently facing 36 counts of graft in connection with the alleged misuse of P1.53 billion Malampaya funds and murder charges for the killing of broadcaster Doc. Gerardo V. Ortega.

He is presently detained at the Puerto Princesa City Jail while trial for the murder case is on-going.

The elder Reyes was earlier charged with graft over the fertilizer fund scam for allegedly giving undue benefit to the bogus foundation Masaganang Ani Para sa Magsasaka Foundation in the procurement of 3,240 bottles of liquid fertilizers without public bidding in 2004 but the case was dismissed due to the Ombudsman’s inordinate delay in investigating the charge.

NO MORE TRIKE? A resolution aiming to remove tricycles in national highways is being proposed by the local government.

(Photo: Rachel Ganancial)

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VOL. 26 NO. 2 AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2017

Messenger under fire

P

ioneer Publication has lately been criticized by organizations within the university. Their contention is, we no longer do our function as an organization due to our failure to release on time as if we’re just staying in the office sucking the university’s resources used to pay for our office’s electric bill for boisterous party.

It is easy to blurt out any criticism against someone or something without knowing the real situation – this always happens and we understand this but let us also use this platform to defend ourselves.

First of all, the reason for our delay is the funds we use for printing undergo a series of process. We cannot touch the fund the moment we need it. Our managing editor, or staff writers for that matter, first have to make letters approved by the PSU administration for us to make our move. The papers will be passed from one hand into another before it is fully signed: a tedious process prevalent in every government office.

Second, as of the moment, we do not have an adviser whose signature is needed to approve our requests. Just recently we were told that unless we have an adviser, we cannot publish out first issue. This has been our problem hitting us for a little over a year now since the resignation of our former adviser due to personal matters.

Third, we are hit by the administration by saying we hop from one travel to another on the contention the travel is for naught. Fact is, whenever we go outside Palawan, we either attend a national press convention, or College Editors Guild of the Philippines’ journalism training and seminar, or journalistic competition. These are all supported by our constitution and by-laws established within the guidelines of Campus Journalism Act of 1991.

Fourth, we are criticized for the unproductivity of our writers, which is absolutely untrue. Every member of the publication signed up aware of the responsibility that we are servants of the studentry. Despite their busy schedules and academic pressure of school works. They still go to field and cover events.

Fifth, we turn our office into a boarding house. We are alleged to sleep in the office overnight, but school security can prove we do not. For the record, we write letters to be signed by the admin before we can hold by admin to conduct our presswork overnight. Our office is boisterous with laughter and fun we have, but we see to it that we do our job.

Sixth, we no longer write for students. What they mean is we should not write stories about national issues; but Pioneer’s role is a Fourth Estate, whose function is to be a watchdog of democracy. It is our job to inform the community. Besides, students are no longer babies whose umbilical cord is tied to their mothers’ wombs, which behooves them to open their eyes and get intellectually engaged – to know our country’s history and struggle.

All these were hurled at us as one of the media in the university.

Some forget that if it were not for the writers, Pioneer would not exist. Yes, Pioneer needs financial support to sustain its existence but also needs manpower to function. Writers weave words without asking for compensation. Their sacrifices in running up and down the stairs, and their efforts in braving the heaviest of rain are the emblems of their commitment to serve the studentry.

Despite these, we will still stand with our eyes wide open and arms stretched to welcome the challenges the present is and future will hurl in our way, but will not stop in our tracks to achieve fairness and criticality in the university level to make a difference.

We will continue to write as long as our pens burn with the need and passion to tell the stories of the nation and every student in Palawan State University.

EDBOARD

OPINION

Our community is evolving through many experiences that have had impacted the lives of humans.

With all the faculties God gave us, we stand as the highest animal among all creatures that get to live, breathe, eat, and love. Therefore, we have the capacity, among other things, to perform extraordinary things we didn’t think we could do. We have the intellect and reasoning to discern what it is that we should do and what to avoid. We have the capacity to think and nurture the world where we live. This is an enigmatic way to describe something humans can do to other humans, let me say “injustice” for example.

Amidst human fame, we perform our duties and observe everything we see, hear and feel within our spheres. We have our own agenda and priorities we set for ourselves to become aware and knowledgeable of so many things we might be curious about. So our own capacity to execute what it is that we want to do is the nutshell of our own story.

While it is acceptable that humans are capable of performing extraordinary things that astonish the simple mind, it is also acceptable that humans are capable of inflicting injustice inasmuch as the problem of evil protrudes his entire person. And that’s the topic that behooves me in the idea of writing about injustice.

I kept asking myself why humans need to feel the injustice. Why do weaker people need to endure their plight brought about by the injustice acts? Why is injustice legitimate on the human feeling? Why is the concept of injustice so powerful and unassailable? Why?

EDITORIAL

Despite these, we will still stand with our eyes wide open and arms stretched to welcome the challenges the present is and future will hurl in our way, but will not stop in our tracks to achieve fairness and criticality in the university level to make a difference.

VOL. 26 NO. 2 AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2017

The pinnacle of success that among the government units and the the Palawan has been experiencing people. for the past years is far beyond my The locals and a government expectations as someone who was unit like PNP should cooperate and born and raised in this tropical paradise. complementeach other. The citizens While the tourism industry is seen to report the abuses, regardless whether contribute to the livelihood of the local the victim is a family member or not, folks, and raise revenues to beef up the while the police take the requisite economy, it has created such problems actions, as a form of vindication for that need to be intelligibly assessed, all the doubts the PNP gained on the which some of us have glossed over. heels of Duterte’s war on drugs.

For instance, the exodus of tourists Now, how will other Puerto is seen to spur the rising of HIV cases Princesa people, or Palawenos know in Puerto Princesa City, as tourists about the commission of the abuses hire sex workers who conduct sexual especially those who are illiterate?

Albert Villamor intercourse unprotected, especially in It is through tapping the local media areas of Coron that are considered as the power-that-be? Mind you, some that will propagate the horrifying one of the tourism hubs. police are said to be the protectors of cases of abuses to inform the public.

Tourists also fool the people, the scoundrels. Such a shame, right?

People will only be taken advantage of especially the minors, into doing There is also the Department if they are not informed because they diabolical transactions that are against of Social Welfare and Development, are incognizant of what to fight for. our laws, which threatens the safety which handles violations against the Therefore, the media’s power is vital of the people. Most of the time, the cases involving minors. But the question and should not be underestimated tourists convince despite the issue of fake some uninformed news that leave a dent minors to peddle Yes, the tourism industry has set our name in on its credibility. The drugs and commit the world map, and is touted to welcome and information from the crimes since they media will really sow invite more stellar opportunities in the coming are acutely aware realizations and poke the that the children can years. There is nothing wrong with unlocking citizens to fight for their easily be tamed by our doors and letting people from all walks rights.Yes, the tourism sweet rhetoric, and of life to see and experience what Puerto cannot be thrown industry has set our into jail for offense Princesa City has in store for them, as this will name in the world map, for good; which and is touted to welcome prove that the city is an open door. makes me question: and invite more stellar are we, the Puerto opportunities in the Princesa people, only sticking to what are, will they immediately respond? Will coming years. There is nothing wrong the tourism industry can bring into they have the patience to wait for the with unlocking our doors and letting our economy without us being keen abused to heal? (Case on point: I know people from all walks of life to see and observant of its slow but creeping a case of minor who they gave up on experience what Puerto Princesa City consequences? just because the minor just exhibits has in store for them, as this will prove Is there really a way to ensure rowdy behavior). And if yes, how long that the city is an open door. But as that while we are embracing progress, will it be? the citizens of this tropical paradise, we also making the necessary steps to On the other hand, will the and the government are tasked to be ensure the safety of Puerto Princesa victims report to the police when the more critical.

City? How can we at least minimize, if perpetrators shove into them some In the end, the success story not stop, the abuses that the tourism thousands of pesos that they cannot of the city and its people will still be spurs? earn in one month’s work no matter written by the actions we take for There are certain state actors that how hard they toil, in exchange for or against any adverse actions that we can tap. The Philippine National their dignity? Will they flinch, or will will place the people and city’s safety Police is one. But the questions are, will they fight for themselves despite the in perilous ground. There can be no they be true to their job amidst the offer that could blind them into silence? success without safety, as there can be issue of bribery and corruption that Will they let their stories to be gone no harmony without solving the things some of them tolerate? Will they be with the wind? that bombard our nation. our go-to or stay-away-from? Worse, To be able to minimize the abuses, will they will they not be influenced by there needs to be a cooperation

The way I see tourism in Palawan

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Eleana Marie Tabang • ASSOCIATE EDITOR Albert Villamor, Jr. • MANAGING EDITOR John Clark Bungay NEWS EDITOR John Paul Gabinete Favila • FEATURES EDITOR Charmaine Balisong • DEVCOMM EDITOR Devorah Claire Usop LITERARY EDITOR Rachel Ganancial • SPORTS EDITOR Alexis Fernandez • CHIEF ILLUSTRATOR Milcah Lagumbay • LAYOUT ARTIST Regina Gruzei Catbagan SENIOR STAFF WRITERS Timothy Gemar Fagut, Karl Michael Nierva, Jamaica Pedere, Elyssa Gene Vasquez, Jesseth Nez Pasagad, Brittny Lourde Trinidad, Noemi Camaso ILLUSTRATOR Ryan Justine Manreal • STAFF WRITERS Christopher Odin Legaspi Villegas, Joyce Ann Pe Yap, Jaime Pagadora Cabrigas • ADVISER Prof. Ralph Pulanco THE EDITORIAL BOARD RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ACCEPT, REJECT, AND EDIT ARTICLES, PHOTOS, AND OTHER MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR THE PUBLICATION. NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED, MANUALLY OR DIGITALLY, OR BY ANY MEANS WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITEN PERMISSION OF THE EDITORIAL BOARD.

Modern Feminism: For Equality or Superiority?

Charmaine Balisong It was not only before a few decades back that women used to practice lesser rights than men. In the United States, unmarried women were not allowed to be issued with credit cards; even if the woman is married, permission from the husband in the form of his signature is required. They were also deprived to be in possession of birth control pills.

Females were not allowed to serve in

I asked this because I was recently victimized by injustice: a hostile, belligerent and nefarious act that’s rotten happiness and pleasures among humans, as I see it. I didn’t expect that injustice would have enslaved me into its tiger webs. I didn’t presuppose that among so many people, I would be one of those who needed to contain the anxiety of injustice.

It occurred to me once more that no matter how you win the race, how you’d persevere with a lot of your razzle-dazzle, generosity and reverence, you’ll be paid by a commune of personal attacks of inequity and unfairness which could sometimes choke you to self-death.

I pity myself for not choosing to do anything that would make the situation easy and light.

Yet, I choose to remain proactive and keep myself grounded of crimes to be committed. I regret for not allowing myself fight for what is necessarily right to be able to annihilate its effect in my personal feelings that’s burdened verily. I found myself afraid of being scarred by it and take the steps to give myself the justice I deserve without jeopardizing my future. I hate that this has happened to me and continued to exist.

As much as injustice happens

John Paul Favila

Injustice is no different from slavery.

Once you get to experience it, you feel like you’re deprived of your every right as to the manner of feeling hopeless and boneless; without a foundation to support your body from the taxing effect of agony.

male. Many women depict the male gender as very dominant specie that possesses the mentality of oppression towards women. They do not acknowledge that men are also oppressed and therefore ignore this fact focusing on helping only the women who were abused and are in need of physical and psychological assistance. The evolution of Feminism has turned the movement into its opposition: Feminists became sexists.

Feminism is not the ticket for women to behave like men. The movement’s main purpose is for equality among the genders. Equality is the state of being equal-equal in status, rights, or opportunities. The logic is very clear in its definition.

Equality among genders does not mean that if men open their legs when they ride the train or the jeepney, women can freely do so without being judged. This movement is not your reason for you to lose your dignity. Feminism is not the reason to lose the essence of being a woman.

Feminism is not the ticket for women to behave like men.

The movement’s main purpose is for equality among the genders. a jury yet alone experience equality in the workplace. Women were expected to stay at home to take care of the household.

It is only fitting and proper to acknowledge the contributions of the 1st and 2nd wave of Feminist movement to our society. They gave women the choice to stay in the household or to expand their interests in other fields. They fought for legal discrimination and opened new educational possibilities for women. They called out rape culture and gave voice to women who were afraid to speak out. The importance for birth control was also recognized as well as the rights of domestic workers. Indeed, the movement addressed a wide area of concerns and have made great contributions to the society.

Yet no one can deny the radical change that is happening to what is now called as the 3rd Wave of Feminism.

Evolution among the idealism of this movement has become anti-

The reciprocating dilemma of human injustice

slavery. Once you get to experience it, you feel like you’re deprived of your every right as to the manner of feeling hopeless and boneless; without a foundation to support your body from the taxing effect of agony. It could exist in exchange of a logrolling phenomenon in favor of fame, popularity and power. As what other people experience, we used to be left with no choice but to acquiesce to the obviously futile and baseless, malicious, villainous concept of injustice as part of every societal culture.

For so many years, we have witnessed how this monster swallowed the very being of impar tiali t y and chancery which result to a possibility for the underprivileged to be looking askance. I hope nobody gets me wrong here for I don’t intend to generalize things that injustice may have affected in one way or another.

But we see, very clearly, that this monster never gets tired or preying whoever it wants while nonetheless does not pick a victim all night long.

It’s so much of heartbreak to see yourself suffer from a terrible situation especially when you did not deserve such an honor of the lowest form. Indeed, it is a sort of honor that nobody could have wanted so badly.

It doesn’t escape us from knowing

There is no gap between the two genders in the economic, social, or political field. Both male and female have their own strength and weaknesses and it is every person’s right to acknowledge it and to decide how to address it. Chivalry is appreciated, respect is highly regarded.

To my fellow women, let us see men as partners, not as competitors or oppressors. One’s mistake is not a reflection of the personality of all the people who share the same gender.

Times change but the standards of morality do not.

Today, let us be the generation who will enforce a new wave of Feminism, the modern Feminism that will enforce respect and value all responsible choices despite the presence of cultural and social diversity. As for the women, whether the choice is to be a woman of the household or an engineer, as long as the profession does not oppress anyone, nothing can stop you from pursuing that career. Not men; not even the Feminists.

almost very untimely, we suffer from it as it disenfranchises our capability to be consistently happy, satisfied and live a normal life. The perpetrators do not see how you make a living in the middle of the dark concept of injustice, what they do instead is to demarcate a fact that’s only made by their fabricated eyes on how you would suffer as if they’re fortunetellers to see your future.

Injustice is no different from

While the producers continue to invest on these conventional trend, the art in filmmaking fails; the mass loses the chance to think and be a critical audience.

Films are medium greater than its entertainment value – that is to reflect our culture, expose the truth and move the society to progress.

August 2017 is a revolutionary milestone for the Filipino film industry – the month of the first run of Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (PPP), a nationwide film festival organized by the Film Development Council of the Philippines.

PPP partnered with commercial theatres nationwide to exclusively screen Filipino films on the whole week, 12 films offerring variety of genres chosen by award-winning directors and pillars of Filipino film industry.

Last December, Metro Manila Film Festival, the then only film festival with nationwide screening, draw a dichotomic debate between films with artistic substance and films with commercial value after announcing its roster of selected films of which

Filipino films that matter Eleana Marie Tabang majority was independently produced.

But unlike the previous years of MMFF, 2016 did not receive the expected amount of kickback reflecting the dark truth of what this film festival has become – a business.

At the end of each festival, despite the golden trophies on the award’s night, each films will still be headlined based on ‘box office hit’, math will still define the art.

These instances will make you question what is wrong in the audience and why quality pictures don’t sell much. Chances are, maybe the mass was conditioned that the quality of film was limited only to its capability to make the audience laugh; that they only view films as a catalyst to escape reality in between the dialogues instead of finding the reality on the same line; that they chose films they could reaffirm their existence over films that would elevate their self-understanding; or maybe it is the lack critical appreciation as producers

5

the fact that the world evolves unfairly, not giving opportunities to those who deserve it most.

Today, I may have lost the guts to shout into the oblivion what I feel, I have managed to ease the pain squarely as much as I choose not to be drowned in its tidal reform which has set the board in. I began to consistently accept that not every fight needs the backing up, just a moral character and your conscience will do the rest for the entire day.

But even if the a true and honest plea does not always win the case, what’s more important is the learning you get from every success of evil in your life; that you remember that there’s a Supreme Power that makes it all worked no matter how you’re locked up in nowhere. From every failure, we realize that we have our friends and families whom we should always hold onto to; that we are surrounded by inspiration to transpire our anger into something that surpasses its kingdom within your person.

Just remember when Khalil Gibran said that the deeper the sorrow covers itself into your being, the more joy you can contain. Also, a message sent to us by Edmund Burke reminds us that all that is necessary for evil to triumph, it is sufficient that good men shall do nothing. Apparently, we need the wounds of injustice in our hearts, whether we like it or not, but soon its lashes vanish and the scars remain. From that idea, you let challenges challenge the spirit of your being because you are brave enough to conquer and defeat the fear of being a victim again and again.

continue to feed us films that settle with minimal thinking.

But the Filipinos deserve more than the same formula producers of big media corporation choses to offer: the unbeatable love team top-billing a cliche romcom which title is always based on a song; a comedy on absurd life ironies featuring every trending punch line of the year; or nth mutation of a household fantasy series that strings desperation with nonsensical extensions. Their films are obviously created with sole purpose – to profit; weaving predictable plots rather than developing deeper stories that could contribute in the advancement of industry.

While the producers continue to invest on these conventional trend, the art in filmmaking fails; the mass loses the chance to think and be a critical audience. Films are medium greater than its entertainment value – that is to reflect our culture, expose the truth and move the society to progress.

In the age of competition against domination of Hollywood movies and rampant film piracy, the future of our film industry seems to be in bleak. And with MMFF continuously disappointing us with it’s futile reform (months prior to 2017 MMFF, the selection committee already secured Vice Ganda and Vic Sotto’s films, not to mention the politics and corruption involved in the same film fest), PPP lights up the hope that we could still experience films we deserve. For the love of our culture, art, and own identity, let us support quality local films!

ining’s 6

VOL. 26 NO. 2 AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2017

FEATURE

7

Sayaw Pinoy 2012 competition where Sining Palawan won 2nd, held at Mall of Asia.

Learning new dances during this Indian Dance Class.

Undying Inspiration ELYSSA GENE VASQUEZ

Everyone from Palawan State University have known Sining Palawan Dance Troupe as a center of eminent folk dancers who have long been showcasing Palawan’s culture.

This well-known dance troupe has been lauded, not only inside the university, but also by the local government of Palawan, all other folkloric dance troupes and organizations allover the Philippines, and on other countries. Sining Palawan has its mission to express talent, expose culture, explore tradition, and experience learning through folk dances and music and through excellence paved its way to its glorious achievements. With all these distinctions about the dance troupe’s achievements there is one man that deserves the honor for being the person behind Sining Palawan Dance Troupe’s successful journey to excellence. This man was Sining Palawan Dance Troupe’s spearheading father, Dr. John Christian S. Jaridn – Sining Palawan’s Artistic Director.

Dr. Jardin was an acreditor, the president of the Philippine Folk Dance Society (PFDS) Palawan chapter, a researcher who was able to present one of his many researches in Singapore, a newly appointed director of PSU’s Social and Cultural Affairs Office (SCAO) and a newly elected board member of the Philippine Folk Dance Society on national basis. He was born on October 7, 1982 on the culture-loving province of Nueva Ecija, and graduated on Philippine Normal University major in Social Sciences. As a fresh graduate, Dr. Jardin started his teaching career here in Palawan on 2003 as he found an opening in Palawan State University.

He was assigned at College of Arts and Humanities, and sometimes at the College of Teacher’s Education, and he imparted knowledge as he taught social science subjects and other related subjects such as research and history.

Dr. Jardin was also part of Philippine Normal University’s dance troupe, the Kislap Sining Dance Troupe. He’s one of the few people in their university whose course was not closely related to dancing, yet his love and passion in culture and dance had to be showcased to inspire. Soon as he was known as a member of Kislap Sining, Dr. Jardin was also tasked to handle the PSU dance troupe along with his co-teacher, Ms. Janice Olasiman - Decorion. Later, when Ms. Janice had settled down and returned to Cavite, Dr. Jardin took full leadership on Sining Palawan.

Since 2003, Dr. Jardin advocated the revitalization of the PSU dance troupe as it takes the name Sining Palawan which literally means, Palawan Arts upholds its vision as University Ambassadors for cultural development through quality folk dance performance.

Under Dr. Jardin’s effective leadership and outstanding management, Sining Palawan Dance Troupe progressed through series of changes and hardships before it achieved its world-class artistry that made it soon considered as one of the cultural arms of the Palawan State University, and widely known as “Palawan’s Premiere University-based Dance Troupe.”

Before achieving its today’s status, Sining Palawan started small. Ms. Luigi Lauron-Marco, one of the pioneering members of Sining Palawan Dance Troupe and Dr. Jardin’s close friend and assistant, stated in an interview with the Pioneer, “Actually meron nang PSU dance troupe dati, ang humahawak nun sila Mam Magapan, sila Mam Reyes, sila Mam Puno. And then nung pumasok si Sir Jardin, sila na yung humawak ni Mam Janice, dun na nabuo yung Sining Palawan Dance Troupe. Nag start kami sa wala, as in from scratch talaga. Yung mga costumes wala pa rin nun masyado, sa PSU Manalo pa kami nagrerehearse, wala pa kaming rehearsal hall, wala kaming office.” Ms. Luigi also said that they during those times, they don’t even have karaoke and cassette to use that they have to borrow from other people and offices, until such time came when Dr. Jardin would use his own money to buy one.

Dr. Jardin was known to be strict during practice, and his discipline and determination caused his dancers to unleash their full potentials and made way to Sining Palawan’s perfection. “Talagang strict, malupit talaga siya magturo,” Ms. Luigi emphasized, “Si sir kasi mayron siyang gusto imaintain na standards. So kung di siya nag strikto, mahirap mamaintain yung standard na gusto niya maabot... The fact na pinapansin ka niya, pinapagalitan ka niya, kinocorrect ka niya, ibig sabihin concern siya sayo.”

Aside from being the dance troupe’s leader and director, Dr. Jardin was also the Sining Palawan dancers’ second father. He taught other things life aside from dancing. “Being in the group is like having a second family talaga, and parang si sir ang tumatayong tatay at nanay namin sa group. Sa dance troupe kasi just like a family, hindi lang naman ang matututunan mo ay ang pagsasayaw. Marami kang bagay na matututunan, like discipline, time management, leadership, management, paano ka makisama, yung mga ganung klase. So di lang pagsasayaw ang tinuturo niya sa amin,” It is no doubt that Dr. Jardin not only made Sining Palawan a competent dance troupe, but also a family of dancers who have the heart for the group, as he shared his passion on their hearts, too.

Every dance troupe director has their dream for their dance troupe. And as for Sining Palawan whose world-class excellence was feared by its competitions and lauded internationally, Dr. Jardin, who was its father that is outstandingly capable on delivering the high-standard quality performance, achieved a handful of dreams, both of his dreams and of his dancers’. One of his dreams was for Sining Palawan was to perform on the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). Back then, Sining Palawan have performed outside the CCP for the Fiesta Filipina on 2012, and on Pasinaya wherein different dance troupes all over the country performs all throughout the day. Sining Palawan have performed in Pasinaya for two years last 2015 and 2016, but not on CCP’s main theater. However, when Sining Palawan was finally invited to perform on CCP’s main theater just this March 8, Dr. Jardin did everything to make this opportunity and dream possible. “Any performer ang pinaka dream talaga is makapagperform ka sa CCP, at alam kong dream niya yun. Ilang beses na kami nakapagperform sa CCP pero hindi sa main theater.. Ang nagpeperform lang sa main theater ay ang mga resident performers lang nila.”

Ms. Luigi continued, “Pero last March nainvite kami to perform sa main theater kaya kahit walang funds talaga na makukunan, talagang ginawan ng paraan ni sir na maipush na makapagperform kami sa main theater - kasi yun yung talagang dream niya.” Because of Dr. Jardin’s determination, Sining Palawan was able to perform Tagbanua Suite for Indak Pilipinas Folkloric Dance Festival and Conference at CCP’s main theater, together with the well-known folkloric dance groups such as Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group, Bayanihan, Philippine Barangay Folk Dance Troupe, and the PNU’s Kislap Sining Dance Troupe where Dr. Jardin graduated.

Dr. Jardin was a strong man, even as he fought against cancer during the past months when he was diagnosed with cancer of the lymph nodes of lymphoma.

“Nakita ko si sir simula umpisa nung nahihirapan na siya.

Nararamdaman ko na unti-unti nagiging irritable na siya, yung gusto na niya lang umuwi, I think nahirapan na siya huminga nun.” He was hospitalized at Adventist Hospital, and because his family was at Nueva Ecija, Sining Palawan stood as his family here as Ms. Luigi and Cassius Calan would switch places to take care of Dr. Jardin until lately his mother came.

To financially help for his hospitalization, Ms. Luigi sought help from PSU’s alumni and former members of the dance troupe. “Nakakatouch din kasi ang dami talagang mga former members ng dance troupe and mga alumni na pumupunta doon at umaabot ng tulong nila which is sobrang malaking tulong.” Later, Sining Palawan have collaborated with PSU Singers and the University Student Council and performed a benefit concert called Handog which was dedicated

to Dr. Jardin. Handog was held at the PSU Gymnasium last August 2, and at Capitol Victoriano J. Rodriguez (VJR) Hall last August 4. The money allocated from the concert was used to pay hospitalization bills so that Dr. Jardin could get out of the hospital.

Before his hospitalization, Dr. Jardin was newly appointed as the SCAO director and newly elected as PFDS board member, “I remember sinabi niya sakin nung nasa Dumaguete kami, naooverwhelm daw siya sa mga bagay na naaachieve niya or nabibigay sakanya .. Kaya lang natatakot din daw siya para sa sarili niya kasi may nararamdaman na siya. May (2017) pa lang yun. Hindi niya pinaparamdam pero alam ko, nahihirapan siya.” And even when he was struggling in the hospital, he would think about others, most especially Sining Palawan. “May mga time nasa ospital siya,.. Lagi niya paring tinatanong ‘Oh, kamusta rehearsal niyo?’ ‘Kamusta yung mga bata?’ That was June, and iniisip niya pa rin ano yung icocontest namin.. Kahit nandun na siya sa ospital, kahit di na siya okay, iniisip niya pa rin yung grupo, iniisip niya yung dance troupe. So struggle, struggle talaga. As in, ang layo-layo niya sa itsura niya nung mga time na naga struggle siya kesa nung dati na maaliwalas yung itsura niya. So nararamdaman kong struggle siya pero nararamdaman ko ring lumalaban siya.”

Sir Jardin’s life have been an inspiration to every person he have been with, especially with Sining Palawan. “Pag si sir kasi nagsalita, kahit minsan galit siya or kapag minotivate ka niya, talagang tumatagos sa puso.. Si sir is a very inspirational na tao.” Ms. Luigi continued, “Sabi niya, ‘Gusto ko maalala ako ng mga estudyante ko na someone na nag inspire sa kanila..’ And I’m sure naman na maraming nainspire si sir..

Nararamdaman ko na ung mga estdyante niya ay sobrang mahal siya.” And even when his journey have ended the past August 10, yet if one word would describe how he would be remembered, that Sir Jardin would forever be a living inspiration.

Preparation for the 2007 US tour. The group together with the university officials.

Pagtitipon - the reunion concert. Dr. Jardin dancing Sinakiki together with Ms. Janice Olasiman - Decorion.

A visit from Philippine Folk Dance Society national president, Mr. Rodel M. Fronda, and Dr. Jardin’s mentor from PNU’s Kislap Sining Dance Troupe, Mr. Aquilino Ed Santos.

Silver award winners during the 10th Sabah International Folklore Festival held in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia on September 2015.

2006 US Tour. Sining Palawan dance troupe at Universal Studios, Los Angeles California, together with some university officials.

Wide smiles during the Sayaw Pinoy 2014, when Sining Palawan Dance Troupe reigned as champion, beating 17 dance troupes all over the Philippines.

After concert. Evident smiles after the successful concert, Pamana, held in CAP, Puerto Princesa.

Proud and grand. Sining Palawan Dance Troupe during the parade, representing the Philippines in the 10th Sabah International Folklore Festival.

Curtain call during the Pagdiriwang Concert 2012

2016 summer outing. Sining Palawan Dance Troupe in their yearly summer outing - a summer activity before the school year starts.

PASUC 2016. Sining Palawan representing Region 4 and went home 3rd place for the folk dance category.

(Photos: Sining Palawan Dance Troupe)

8

VOL. 26 NO. 2 AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2017

FEATURE

CASHEW NUT, CAN YOU NOT? The cashew industry is seen to flourish in Palawan in the coming years, as it still strives in the market preference notwithstanding the high consumption of Hopia which is seen to be seen the industry’s tough competitor.

According to Milagros S. Cacal, Palawan Agricultural Center chief, the DA now reaches out to the areas that produce the largest number of cashews in Palawan in the pursuit of finding and solving the problems they face in terms of production.

She has bared in an interview that normally, the problems lie on the old cashew trees themselves, when they are no longer producing productively as they did in their younger years.

But she also revealed that in the case of consumer preference, there is what one calls “niching.”

Because of this, the old cashew trees had to be cut down, and be replaced with the younger ones to boost the cashew production in consideration of its high demand.

“There is a niche. Kung baga kung cashew gusto ng buyer, iyon ang bibilihin niya,” with the consideration of consumer’s pocket capability.

She said, “sa totoo lang, nandoon pa rin talaga ang mga buyers (cashew). The fact na from our assisted manufacturers halos talagang ubos ubos ang kanilang supply ng cashews.”

Joy Vicera, a retailer of both hopia and cashew products in a local mall, also claimed that the tourists prefer to buy cashews to hopia, making the latter as one of her bestsellers.

“Mura ang hopia, pero hindi pa rin niya matalo ang cashew,” she said.

Vicera also said that there also comes a point when she runs out of cashews to sell because the wholesalers do not where to get the raw cashews to process, as the demand for the product became relatively high.

“Nagkukulang nga eh. Lalo na ngayon na medyo walang masyadong kasoy,” she added.

Fortunado, however, said that it is normal for people to compare cashew with hopia, but at the end of the day, it still boils down to consumer preference. ““Different buyers and turista have their mind and budget, kung kanino ibigay, and how they perceive it,” she added.

Fortunado revealed a cashew retailer in Roxas whose cashew products’ quality tingles with consumers’ taste buds, hooking the customers’ picky tastes.

“One of them (cashew retailers) itong taga- Roxas, pinakamasarap na cashew, every year iyong sale niya, ubos nang ubos. To me, that is an indication na hindi totoong

Don’t Let those Dreams Cease to Persist LOU

It is the seeking of goodness in hard to find places that goodness starts to manifest itself there. See the goodness in another human’s heart and they will begin to see it and act upon it as well.

It starts with a dream that never ceases to persist in your heart that the world can change.

Deja vu

9

YANA “Do you believe in reincarnation?”

I asked him while walking on our way home. It was past nine. The path was dark but he was holding my hand I did not mind to sight the nearest light.

My eyes have already adjusted in its darkness. We have been taking this road for a year. I could proudly familiarize myself in its curbs, holes and edges.

“You know things like that are not real,” he said in between his cracked laughter.

I looked at him, his eyes fixated in a distance. He always had his vision ahead.

“But the possibility of experiencing this life again?”

“There is only one life after death.”

The cold breeze greeted us as we took halfway. It is the season of longer and colder nights again.

“How certain are you that’s the only ending?”

“Stop that nonsense You ask too much. Some questions arent meant to be questioned. You need to change your mindset.”

I looked above. The farthest light shines, illuminating the endless queries of the universe.

We finally reached the end.

“We’re here.”

I felt his hand slipping away from mine. He switched the lights on. At that moment, I realized I was never at home.

natatalo ang mga cashiews,” she said.

“Based on my observation, … may mga turista na iba naman ang gusto, kasi ang hopia puwede mong kainin as normal na meryenda, it’s cheaper, you can give to many and iba ang lasa,” she added.

That high demand is also concurred by Rosenda Fortunado, the Department of Trade and Industry chief, when she admitted that the cashew industry “really” thrives in the market preference, refuting the claim that it now fares bad in consumer’s taste.

LITERARY

You over there in your room, or in a jeepney, or at a nice little café, or in school, staring out a window, dreaming of ways on how you can change the world for the better—never stop dreaming. Even when you feel like just a small speck of dust in the universe and even when you think you won’t be able to do anything about the inevitable obliteration of the world and the galaxy—please keep dreaming. Because there are others dreaming of the same things as well.

Eventually, in the dreaming, you will start to do the seeking and so will the others.

ALBERT VILLAMOR

Because of this, efforts from Department of Agriculture (DA) are being put in place in an attempt to beef up the cashew farmers’ yielding.

VOL. 26 NO. 2 AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2017

I am glad that I went to the place where you came from.

She even cited that in the case of the tourists in El Nido, they prefer other presents like banana crackers because that is what suits their preference.

CHI

I am glad that I went to the place where you came from.

Where I loved committing my mistakes for a short fantasy.

When there was hope even on the garden of sorrow, I could always find the beauty in every error. Every new day was a sparkling moment to dream and live the memories. There were ideals worth of fighting for and believing on. Respect was an action and not just an illusion.

“Iyong iba mas gusto nila ng crackers, iyong iba mas gusto nila ng ibang product, depende iyan sa niching,” she said.

In a bid to also help the cashew growers, certain groups under One Town One Product Philippines like Cashew Industry Cluster Council conduct training to help them become equipped with more knowledge regarding their business ventures.

Flashback

“Nagusap usap kung paano tulungan and I think there are more than 10 that we enrolled in the program. Three months na programs. Marami tayong na-involve na cashew manufacturers,” she said.

CHI

If I could go back to the past, I would book a flight to the time where things were like fairytales I could never imagine to happen. The day when sun was shining bright, smiles were warm and everything was peaceful as a morning air. Those hours that I could imagine the idea of family and existence of love. Among anyone and everyone, I found someone.

The program was on a modular basis, and was also conducted through the help of the team under Joey Concepcion, the current Presidential Consultant for Entrepreneurship.

With dramatic pace and progress that the Palawan’s cashew industry has made, it is difficult for one to say that its success has begun to spiral down into neglect because it is one of the things that Palawan are known for

I am glad that I went to the place where you came from.

Standing in front of your name, I am now giving you back this book. I travelled so much back to your days and I almost plagiarized your story.

I am glad that I went to the place where you came from. I realized that I was born to be one of the hopes of my generation. I can still love committing my mistakes for a short fantasy. There’s still hope even on the garden of sorrow, there’s always beauty in every error. Every new day can be a sparkling moment to dream and live the memories. There are still ideals worth of fighting for and believing on. Respect is still an action for understanding and appreciation.

There’s no point of comparing yesterday and today. I am a child of the present and I must make my youthful days alive. I also have something to tell.

If I could go back to the past, I would save all those memories. I would pray to all churches calling all saints to help me ask for a chance of resetting the past. Changing the time like nothing happened before everything turned to ashes.

“You can not say you have been to Palawan if you have not tasted our cashews,” Fortunado teased.

Before bombs exploded, before lives were loaded to cannon and guns.

Is our cashew industry now sinking?

No, said the DTI chief.

Dear ‘la,

(Photo Source: flckr. com, fpt.net)

If I could go back to the past, I would book a flight to the time before the war I could never imagine that happened.

Illustration: Milcah Lagumbay

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VOL. 26 NO. 2 AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2017

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VOL. 26 NO. 2 AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2017

FASTBREAK

CS, CNHS crowned PSU Ambassador and Ambassadress 2017 JOHN PAUL FAVILA

Photos: Ian John Bacaltos

Purok San Francisco decries Poor Drainage System RACHEL GANANCIAL & ALBERT VILLAMOR

Tiniguiban is one of the most populated Barangay in the city of Puerto Princesa where it has 9000 -residents. There are lots of boarding houses and few establishments built in barangay. Aside on the development of barangay, some residents are still complaining about the drainage facility.

Nene is one of the residents of rising population of Barangay Tiniguiban where she’s currently living with his husband and his two-year old baby. Renting in a small room for a couple of years, Nene witnessed how flood rises when rain pours even in smallest volume.

“May ubo po siya, pero sa tingin ko nasanay na rin sya sa ganitong klaseng environment.” She said while breastfeeding her baby and narrating how drainage system issue affects her.

Like Nene, Nina Eleazar has been living in Tiniguiban for the past 12 years, she saw everything from the time that Purok Francisco started to implement progress from small population to what it is now, consisting of more than 1,000 population.

Dahil nga sa pagtaas ng tubig, minsan hindi na nakakapasok ang mga bata sa eskwela, she expressed while elaborating the effect of the situation. “Ang mas mahirap pa nga, dati halos hindi makapasok ang sasakyan naming eh”.

Nene and Nina’s stories are narrations of some suffering that residents are facing due to the lack of proper drainage system in the area of Purok San Francisco. Some of the residents have been pointing out that road construction made the drainage system even worse.

It is partly our failure, but the government too, says Bgy. Captain According to Rosemarie Ocampo, head of Bgy. Tiniguiban, it was partly their fault but the government should be also held accountable too.

“Sa totoo lang, ginagawa naman talaga naming ang makakaya naming para matugunan ang mga pangangailangan ng mga nasasakupan ko.”

She emphasized that she does her best to go to the location to know the extremity of the situation and hear all her constituents, but the government should also shape up and provide for this basic need.

The barangay hall has about P 3,000,000.00 for the project, as she pointed out, but added that it is not enough to provide for the project because fixing the problem would also entail specialists in the field of excavation and land examination.

“Dapat masukat ng geodetic engineer ang lupa kasi hindi pantay” attributing to the unremitting flooding the residents get from time to time.

“Parang planggana style kasi ang lupa. Kailangan pa pag-aralan.” She furthered.

“Alam mo sa pakiusap lang ginawa na namin … kaya lang sa city government pa rin nakadepende dahil sa 66 barangay, ang city government pa rin ang dapat mag-solba niyan.

Kami ay nagpaparating lang sa kanila sa laki ng budget ng city, ano na lang sa barangay?

The government still has the upper hand over the said problems because after all they are the implementers of the program, she recommended.

Prioritization of the road before the drainage to blame for flood Ocampo agreed on the point of view of some residents pointing out that prioritizing the construction of the road before the drainage should also be lambasted.

Due to this, the water from the constructed roam rushes off to the unpaved roads affecting the houses.

“Kasi dati ang sabi nila unahin muna ang road… Nakinig naman kami kasi iyon ang hiling ng mga mamamayan.”

However, she said that this serves as a lesson to her.

Her steps towards the issue She said that they have already done a lot of sitting down, but the citizen participation is also needed to make the barangay success possible.¬According to her, the citizens play an important role in attaining the objectives of barangay. But then, she doubts if it can be attained instantly since the drainage system is now considered to be perennial problem

Road construction not the culprit for flood “Dati pa man… Hindi pa man tayo nag co-construct ng concreting ng kalsada… kasi yun yung sinasabi nilang culprit daw ng kung bakit sila binabaha… kasi before pa tayo nag construct diyan, mayroon na talaga silang tubig sa loob. Kasi, ano talaga sila… yung binanggit ko kahapon – para siyang basin. Kumbaga, wala pa tayong… Di pa namin nailalabas

yung tubig.”

City Engineer Arnel Grande explained that road construction is not the main reason of flooding inside the area of Purok San Francisco.

“Saka naghahanap kami ng sinasabi nga naming… unahin muna natin yung out poll na tinatawag.

Kung saan doon natin pwedeng ibagsak yung tubig… drainage.

Actually ngayong 2018, kasama iyan sa bina-budget/an naming area ng San Franciso na mailabas yung tubig nila.

Kasi hindi nga na-incorporate doon sa road construction, so papadagdagan natin ng drainage, pero inuna muna namin yung portion ng out poll.

He is referring to the area from Alisanco to the New Market where they will lay an out poll.

“Inuna muna naming lahat ng nasa labas na kung saan meron silang tatakbuhan. Yun naman yung basic law ng pag-construct ng drainage.

Unahin mo yung pinaka-mababa, yung lulusutan sa ilalim bago mo iakyat pataas dun sa mga area sa taas.”

Case in the city He also mentioned that the same situation is the problem in most places. “Pakto Road, Palo Alto diyan sa San Pedro, tapos San Manuel…

Tipuco… Halos lahat ganyan yung case.”

As for the out polls, the City Engineering would need to build a treatment facility first, because private beaches will want to protect their areas, which is time consuming according to Grande. Other than this, the manholes needed to be used as access to clean the drainages when siltation occurs, would have to be

more than the standard of 20 meters.

This risk for their manpower is out of the question for City Engineering.

Impounding ‘Basin’ Places

Reservoir

for

The Pollution Control Consultancy and Design (PCCD) released a plan similar to this, in which they’d use two large culverts for the road, but because the roads are undeniably small in Puerto Princesa, they would have to go through the legal process of asking the people to give some parts of their lands.

Their other option is an Impounding Reservoir. The City Government has a property just behind the City Coliseum that they could use to build a Pay Parking area, underneath it would be the reservoir of various chambers that could filter and hold the water from these Basin places –Pakto Road, Palo Alto, Pinera… Ligaya...

The water would then be used for recycling to be used for extinguishing fires and more.

Residents hope “Kapag tumataas po ang tubig, kami na lang po ang gumagawa ng paraan,” Nene said.

Nene and Nina confessed that they no longer trust the government to dispense help, as it takes time and to some extent neglect. Still, they are hoping for some changes in the situation they both have “Kailangan na talagang baguhin” Nina added.

Month of April, same issue of Purok San Francisco has been broadcasted in a local TV station, facing a rise of water in a summer season.

Goswami Om from College of Sciences and Blanche Iris Dequito from College of Nursing and Health Sciences showed wits and confidence as they grasped the crowns for Mr. and Ms. PSU Ambassador and Ambassadress 2017, held at the City Coliseum, Sept. 7.

Out of 25 competing candidates, only 16 were chosen to proceed to the next round of the pageant namely Dionisio Mahilum and Goswami Om from College of Sciences, Francis Ezekiel Pua from Collge of Business and Accountancy, Chito Alarcon from College of Arts and Humanities, Gemark Dela Torre from College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Ryan James Macanas from College of Hospitality, Management and Tourism, and Karl Micah Lepon and Yves Ian Regalado from College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology in men’s category.

In women’s category, Precious Badon of College of Arts and Humanities, Eloisa Leslee De Luna and Maria Christina Fabrigas of College of Sciences, Blanche Iris Dequito of College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Ina Louise Abello of College of Community Resource DevelopmentNorth, Cesame Fabrigas of College of Teacher Education, and Michelle Dawn Espera and Cleofe Vera Cruz of College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology took steps toward the top 8.

Based form the scores gathered

during the preliminary and actual competition, Om bagged awards such as Best in Formal Wear, Mr. FB Sensation and Best in College Wear while Dequito garnered Ms. World AI Corporation, Best in Formal Wear, Darling of the Crowd, Best in Production Number and Best in Talent.

The pageant’s scoring basis came from Part I which sets 50% on the pageantry and Part II setting 50% coming from the Question-andAnswer portion.

Meanwhile, Karl Micah Lepon from College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology was hailed as the Mr. Puerto Princesa Palawan Association of Higher Education Institution (PPPAHEI) and Ina Louise Abello from College of Community Resource Development-North was the Ms. PPPAHEI 2017.

Mr. PSU Puerto Princesa title was given to Yves Ian Regalado from College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology while Ms. PSU Puerto Princesa title was clinched by Eloisa Leslee De Luna from College of Sciences.

Dionisio Mahilum of College of Sciences and Cesame Fabrigas of College of Teacher Education were 2nd Runner-ups while Francis Ezekiel Pua of College of Business Accountancy and Maria Christina Fabrigas of College of Sciences won as 1st Runner-ups.

The question and answer portion tested the acuity of the candidates as they were asked what skill they have that can be helpful to the PSU community and what specific

75,000 each plus the P 50,000 each for gold medalist, P 30,000 each for silver medalists and P 10,000 each for bronze medalists case incentives from Dennis Uy, a sports fan and the president and chief executive officer of Phoenix Petroleum. Over all, the government gave a total of P 18.04 million to the athletes and P 7.2 million to their trainers and coaches as mandated by RA 10699 or the National Athletes, Coaches, and Trainers Benefits and Incentives Act. The cash incentives sounds great but being a national player is not easy. You’ll fail not once, twice or thrice but many times. You’ll get Alexis Fernandez bruises, scratches or even an injury, temporarily or permanently. Those I remember back during my national athletes that we idolized, we elementary days, me and my thought of them as a born-to-be in classmates used to play games their field, but no - they all started during vacant time ------ that is, from the beginning also. And like any recess break or after we ate our other, they persevered and continued lunch and before going home in the their way up to where they’re now. afternoon. My parents and teacher Some of us may thought that sports would totally scold me for doing that. have chosen then, somehow it’s yes It’s not because I looked like a trash and somehow it’s a no. There’s a because of my dirty lot of reasons for and smelly uniforms We all had a dream that. Maybe we are but because they’re physically incapable in our life, but most to do sports. But worried that I might collapse anytime of us learned not to what’s paralympic because I have a is for? Or maybe dream big or live as because of our trouble in breathing whenever I get if they don’t have any social status. perspired. The point We all had because of our social a dream is, they as much as in our possible, would not status. We thought of life. But most of want me to engage equality in all aspects. us learned not to in any physical dream big or live as Even in sports, activities out there. if they don’t have So I limit myself any because of our equality became a doing great in my social status. We academics. But not taboo word for those thought of equality until I met a teacher who love sports but in all aspects. Even who inspired and in sports, equality just can’t. encourages us to became a taboo join and engage word for those ourselves in any sports field for our who love sports but just can’t. Why school meet. To make it short, I played can’t we become an athlete for being again. So what the gist? There, then, I poor? Why can’t we play for being a realized that sports is life, that sports person with wheelchair? Why can’t is versatile. we become a sports enthusiast for Last September, after the being a member of indigenous people Southeast Asian Games in Malaysia, or for being an out-of-school youth?

President Rodrigo Duterte and the Why can’t we?

Philippine Sports Commission gave These might be the questions incentives to our country’s fellow that had crossed, or now occupying athletes. Gold medalists received your head or later will. It is true that P 300,000 each, silver medalists P sports is expensive but not all who 150,000 each and bronze medalists P can afford it has potentials. There’s

Sports Equality: Looking for the next award-winning athletes

THE NEW CAMPUS FIGURES. Goswami Om and Blanche Iris Dequito of CS and CNHS posing for a camera shot during the formal wear category. The two were later announced as PSU Ambassador and Ambassadress for school year 2017-2018. (Photo: Milcah Lagumbay)

contribution can they offer for the PSU society.

“I feel really blessed and thankful.

I will continue my advocacy since that is the reason why I am here and I will be doing my best to be a good ambassadress of Palawan State University”, said Dequito in an interview right after the being crowned.

On the other hand, as an Indian national, Om did not let his foreign

a lot out there who are capable of sports. There’s a lot out there who may bring home tons of gold medals for our country. Unfortunately, you can’t find them in the gyms nor with their trainers or coaches because they’re out there in life busy making money for their livelihood or some are lost in finding themselves in any ways or broken as life beats them.

President Duterte tells the PSC to widen its scope and look for the next award-winning athletes in non-traditional places and include the members of indigenous tribes and the out-of-school youth during a ceremony awarding cash prizes.

If government would give them a chance, our next sports enthusiasts can be whoever who loves sports.

This step would totally make a turning point to anyone who aspires to become a part of our country’s top performing athletes. And also a chance to hone the talents hidden by everyone. Who knows if it’s you who our country is waiting to bag golds during international games and make our country’s flag stand high in the podium?

So it is now not bad to dream to become the next Michael Phelps of the Philippines nor to become a member of Gilas and shoot like Michael Jordan because sports after all is universal. You can now swim even without your feet or even an OSY who once dreams to become a sports idol.

identity hamper him to become confident and have the guts to join the contest. “It’s been a great journey.

I am very honored to be a part of the PSU community and I am very thankful for giving me this opportunity”.

“Today was very successful. Tsaka ‘yung mga candidates na nanalo, they deserve it”, Ms. Everly Tana, one who composed the Board of Judges, said.

On the other hand, the Chairman of the Board in the person of

Prof. Silvany Delight Gastanes, the University Sports Director, said in an interview, “Job well done! I want to congratulate ‘yung mga students na nag-effort sa event na ito. At the same time, na-appreciate ko ‘yung mga students na nag-support ng pageant kasi hindi ko in-expect na ganyan karami ang pupunta para mag-witness ng search ng Palawan State University Ambassador and Ambassadress”.

KICK TO VICTORY: A player hitting in a sepak takraw game during the third day of Intramurals 2017 (Photo: John Clark Bungay)

RUN OF THE CHAMPIONS. National Atletes of Palawan State University leading the lighting of urn of friendship during the Intramural 2017. (Photo: John Clark Bungay)

VOL. 26 NO. 2 AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2017

FASTBREAK

THE CHAMPION. CEAT regained the victory it lost to CCRD North the previous intramurals. Holding the trophy is CEAT Governor Shaira Cabrera. (Photo: John Clark Bungay)

CEAT dominates Intramurals 2017 CHARM BALISONG Motivated and determined to bring home the beacon and reign the this-year’s Intra-Collegiate Meet, the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology made it and was announced as the overall champion of the Intramurals 2017 during the closing ceremony held at the PSU gymnasium last September 8.

Garnering a total of 71 golds, the CEAT was off icially hailed as the year’s roaring tiger followed by the Palawan State University Laboratory High School with 53 golds and the CCRD-NORTH clutching the 3rd place with 39 golds on their basket.

Recalling CEAT, ranked as 1st runner up last year, Engr. Patrick Nangkil, the college’s current Dean, shared the preparations they did before the said event. “June pa

lang, pagkaupo ko as Dean noong May, nag-assign na ako kaagad ng coaches sa lahat ng events. Kinausap ko na kaagad ‘yung governor.

Sinabihan ko na ‘yung mga coaches na kumuha na ng mga athletes para magparticipate lahat, walang hindi magpaparticipate. Walang event na walang participants ang CEAT.” It can also be remembered that despite being the college with the second most number of

students, CEAT became one of the most populated and supportive delegation, chanting and cheering their fellow wizards during the parade that is part of the opening program on the f irst day of the said week-long event.

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa buong CEAT community, hindi lamang sa athletes, off icers, kundi pati sa mga simpleng estudyante lang na pumupunta araw-araw sa PSU, sa

Sports Complex para magcheer at magbigay ng encouragement sa mga athletes”, Engr. Nangkil stated expressing his gratitude to those who gave their efforts.

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa simula, sa mga estudyante, athletes, coaches, faculty, staff at off icers para sa kanilang efforts na walang inaantay na kapalit at pagpursigi nila na maging champion ang CEAT”, he ended in an interview.

CCRD-South bags back-to-back Championship in Basketball men ALEXIS FERNANDEZ

CULTURE APPRECIATION. CCJE Dragons waving the Vietnam’s flag, the ASEAN countrythey were representing in the street dance competition. (Photo: Rachel Ganancial)

Intramurals 2017 keynote speaker donates 200 footballs ALEXIS FERNANDEZ Guided by the theme, ”Moving Forward Through Harmonious Diversity”, Palawan State University has finally opened this year’s Intracollegiate Meet 2017 at Ramon V. Mitra Sports Complex, Sept. 4.

With eight colleges from PSU main campus plus the delegations from Laboratory High School, and external campuses PSU Cuyo, CCRD North and South, 12 delegations will now vie to clinch the championship title in different sports events.

Meanwhile, a parade was held first in the morning as part of the opening program being participated by the students, athletes and school staffs and faculties.

200 Balls Donation Being the President

of

the

Philippine Football Federation and a coach of the Philippine National Football Team, keynote speaker Engr.

Mariano Araneta Jr. wasn’t able to attend the program because of an international football league event today in Bacolod City, and in behalf of the league , Engr. Araneta donated200 balls (for football) to PSU that will be distributed to different teams in the main and external campuses.

On the other hand, Prof. Marissa S. Pontillas, OIC Office of the President gave her remarks on the importance of this event in the first place, collaboration and teamwork. “ 21st century skills that we are developing in our students— collaboration and teamwork. It is through sports that we learn teamwork, that competition and aiming to be good, better and best requires that we work among with each other. ”

(Photo: Kyle Murillo)

CCRD-South bagged home the champion title for the second consecutive time as they towered over the CBA Royalties in the championship game of BasketballMen’s Division, 64-53.

“Nagpalakas kasi sa team namin ngayon ay dahil sa pagmi-merge ng South 1 at South 2. Sa lineup namin, marami talagang nawalang malalakas. Ang nagpalakas ng

lineup namin ay yung pagmi-merge ng dalawang team,” said Mr. Rolex Sudara, coach of CCRD-South.

It has been a toe-to-toe matchup between the two teams in the first period but the CCRD-South capitalized on the penalty situation of the Royalties, score, 13-17, in favor of South.

The two teams engaged in a fast phase game with the CCRDSouth getting the better end of the spectrum, ending the third period, 32-46.

The Royalties tried to run at the last minutes cutting the lead from 20 to 11 but the CCRD-South shut the door with their steals converted to fastbreak points, sealing the game, 64-53.

“Pinaghahandaan namin na palagi kaming may body conditioning ilang weeks bago magsimula ang Intrams. May trainer kami na nagtitrain sa kanila para sa set play,” added Mr. Sudara when asked about their preparations this Intramurals 2017.