Engineering SPECTRUM Volume XXIV No. 1

Volume XXIV No. 1 | December 2017

The Official Student Publication of PUP College of Engineering

/PUPspectrum

POWER TRIP. Police Officer Samarita restricts one of the Engineering SPECTRUMS’s staff while covering the rally about free education act at the front gate of the University.

Victor Calinao, Jr.

Admin, Sentral na Konseho: No campus reps n Christian James Concepcion

Shedding some light on the issues of the alleged intensified repression against Emanuel de Guzman, Vice President for Student Services (VPSS) Herminia student activists and organizations, PUP admin taking over student publications, Manimtim, University Registrar Zenaida Sarmiento, and concerned student and ‘mandatory’ uniform implemented, the SPECTRUM talks with President organizations to clarify the said issues.

features Bakit, Tibak, Bakit?

ISSUES

sci-tech

circle

Says who?

The Rising Digital Currency

Takipsilim

PAGE 8

pexels.com PAGE 13

PAGE 11

PAGE 14

PUP preps for 2018 freshmen comeback

6 of 10 CEans OK'd PUV modernization

CEA 4th floor: ready to use

n Von Ryan Maicle

n Victor Calinao, Jr.

n Ysabelle Mendoza and Jude Aeddrian Atienza

along in receiving huge number of freshmen applicants in next year, office of the Vice President for Students Services and Vice President for Academic Affairs said some of their plans.

In a SPECTRUM survey, six out of 10 CEans approved the government's plan for all out PUV modernization program, November 8-10.

Physical Planning and Development Chief Arch.

Sherwin Nieva said the fourth floor renovation is still considered as incomplete due to payment issues between the admin and the contractor.

PAGE 2

NEW research building to open in 2018

No definite inaugurration date news | PAGE 2

coa report: unutilized fund up to php168 m

PAGE 3

ceans react

do you fear for your safety?

lacks dissemination of information news | PAGE 3

ISSUES | PAGE 11

PAGE 4

augmented reality

modifying perspectives sci-tech | PAGE 12

the battle scars of marawi junaina sharief story

literary | PAGE 15

News

Spectrum

Victor Calinao, Jr., Editor

2

December 2017

Online post controversy

Admin, Sentral na Konseho: No campus repression n Christian James Concepcion Shedding some light on the issues of the alleged intensified repression against student activists and organizations, PUP admin taking over student publications, and ‘mandatory’ uniform implemented, the SPECTRUM talks with University administration and concerned student organizations to clarify the said issues.

Repression or renovation?

“The campus security personnel nailed the doors shut, forcibly removed the students and threatened that they will be arrested and brought to the police if they try to assert their rights,” said Rejhon Modesto, PUP Sandigan ng Magaaral para sa Sambayanan (Samasa) chairperson.

“Hindi ko maintindihan pero ‘yung kasing Unyon ng mga Magaaral na lugar ng mga organisasyon ng mga estudyante … ay nirehabilitate namin,” de Guzman explained.

First was last September 8.

Then a week later, another notice to vacate the Gabriela Silang building (located beside the PUP Oval) for the scheduled repair and rehabilitation was issued by Engr. Nathan Gacute of the Facility Management Office.

In his words, Modesto iterated that the deadline to vacate was

September 22 but to their shock, the Samasa office was already in chaos.“Pagbalik namin ng 22, halatang nagulo 'yung mga cabinet.

Mismo ‘yung mga guard na 'yung nagsabi na nag-clearing operation sila.”

And when the renovation is completed, offices from the Main building will erect in Gabriela Silang hall, the Gender and Development Office, and Sports Development Program Office.

Moreover, student organizations in the Main building will be housed in the first floor of Charlie del Rosario building as told

by Prof. Jose Abat.

And as advised by Vice President for Academic Affairs Manuel Muhi, there should only be one student organization per college as there are only 16 available stalls.

As of this writing, according to Arch. Sherwin Nieva, chief of Physical Planning and Development

NO CAMPUS 'REPRESSION.' University President Emanuel de Guzman denied the alleged campus repression reported by different student organizations in an interview with SPECTRUM, October 5.

Victor Calinao, Jr. Office (PPDO), there is still no formal papers being brought to his office about the renovation of Gabriela Silang hall, which de Guzman said earlier in the intervew.

"Wala kaming document na ipapakita diyan. Kahit kwento nga wala eh."

New student regent

The signed certification letter

by University Registrar Zenaida

PUP preps for freshmen comeback n Von Ryan Maicle

EN route for the next academic year, the administration has prepared and still preparing plans, along in receiving huge number of freshmen applicants.

'Bloat' sections

According to an interview, the office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Services (VPSS)

said that 21,500 applications per batch of PUP College Entrance Test (Pupcet) were filled last October 14 and December 9 and applications for third batch schedule on February 24, 2018 is still on the run.

In response to this situation, VPSS Herminia Manimtim said they had to 'bloat' sections by increasing the class size up to 65 students per section, but will be effective only to non-board courses.

4th batch

As of this press time, the University is currently receiving applicants for the third batch and the Administration is having in mind whether or not to put up a fourth batch to accommodate the sudden growth influx of applicants. Before, the University has always accepted 8,000-10,000 students from the total applicants every start of an academic PUP preps for.../p.4

BEHIND THE MASK Alpha Phi Omega neophyte members roamed around naked inside the campus for the annual Pylon Run as a sign of protest in human righs, quality education, and respect for law, October 2.

Victor Calinao, Jr.

Sarmiento stated that Karl Paulie Anareta is not officially enrolled for the first semester of the academic year 2017-2018.

Whereas according to the constitution of Alyansa ng Nagkakaisang Konseho ng PUP (ANAK) Federation, the student regent must be: (1) a bona fide student of the University, and; (2) elected student council president of any college in PUP branches or

campuses.

The said provisions invalidated Anareta as the Student Regent and thus the Sentral na Konseho ng Mag-aaral convened the 19th congress of the ANAK PUP Federation. This is one week earlier than the supposedly September 30 to October 1 issued

by Anareta dated September 12 wherein 25 out of 35 student Admin, Sentral na.../p.4

Another adjustments

New research building to open in 2018 n Angela de Guzman

The construction of the Engineering and Science Research Center building is all but finished, with a few things that are needed to be done before opening its doors to the PUP community.

According to the Physical Planning and Development Office (PPDO), the building has only a temporary connection of electricity for the ongoing installation of airconditioning in the rooms, elevators, and sets of equipment provided by the University.

"Isang elevator lang or isang aircon ang kaya. Kung magsabay, magkakaroon ng aberya. Eh hindi naman ganun kalakas ang boltahe," PPDO Chief Arch. Sherwin Nieva added.

Nieva also said the University has arranged two contracts with the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) amounting to PhP1.2 million for a stable connection of electricity for the building.

“Hindi naman magandang maibigay siya sa students na hindi fully functional,” stated by PPDO Estimate and Structural Design Section Chief, Engr. Richmon Pangilinan.

Targeted to be fiinished by December 2016, the office has not

indicated a definite date for the inauguration of the engineering and science research building but Nieva explained that it would be ready for turnover by 2018 once the building has a permanent connection of electricity and testing has been conducted.

Six units of air conditioning systems for three laboratories are yet to arrive. As for the equipment, such as computers, machines, wireless internet, the security of the research center has not been properly established as the College of Engineering and College of Science still have their equipment stored in their respective colleges in order to avoid situations such as burglary.

More developments Other plans regarding facilities are in the process of procurement such as the replacement of the University’s old gymnasium to a two-floor Sports Complex.

Moreso, the current developments under the administration are the renovation of the Gabriella Silang hall, Charlie del Rosario building, GSIS Condotel building, and negotiations regarding the 20-hectare land that the PUP can receive from the planned New Clark City project in Capas, Tarlac, which can be used as an extension of the University.

News

Spectrum December 2017

3

COA report: unutilized fund up to PhP168 M

TERRITORIAL

n Rogelio Legaspi, Jr.

EE, IE bag awards in DOST research tilt

Now being implemented - Admin

For the year 2016, an approximate amount of PhP168 million unutilized funds for the University’s different development programs has been reported by the Commission on Audit (COA) annual report.

The budget, according to the interviewed officials, is now being utilized as this academic year 2017.

Scholarship Programs

According to the 2016 COA Report, the Enhanced Implementing Guidelines for t he E xpanded Students’ Grant-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (ESGP-PA) and the Tulong Dunong Scholarship Program, the two scholarship

programs offered by the PUP, have PhP45.63 M and PhP36.68 M reported unutilized fund for the year 2015, respectively.

However, in an inter view with SPECTRUM, the chief of Scholarships and Financial Assistance Services (SFAS) Leilani Teves assured that the programs are now on its highest peak of development since its implementation last 2014.

“Masasabi kong happy na ‘ko sa mga improvement”, added Teves. The ESGP-PA as of this writing has 386 beneficiaries out of 407 slots given to the university, among which students are members of the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program (4Ps).

The unimplemented remaining slots, according to Teves, are the results of the students experiencing personal problems that cause them

to drop out from school and some students that lack documents needed.

Nevertheless, Teves guaranteed that they are enforcing different procedures such as seminars and personal coaching to avoid the said conflicts with the program.

T h e Tu l o n g D u n o n g scholarship program is still partially implemented due to lack of definite guidelines provided by the Office of Legislators who deliver the official list of beneficiaries of the said program. Teves also ensured that they follow proper procedures to fully inform the university about the said programs. The said programs are now transferred under the care of the Student Services office for this year .

“Bale ngayong year, nilipat sa amin for better implementation,” said Diosdado Martinez, chief of

Student Records. Aside from the said programs, the SFAS still has scholarship programs under their office such as Student Grant Aid and program for the athletes.

University Development

Various projects for the year 2015-2016 have been accomplished and marked as implemented by the COA, such as the PUP’s accreditation for Levels I and II dated at August 20, 2016. However, many are still marked as unimplemented or partially implemented including the unutilized amount of PhP75 M for seven infrastructure projects until the end of year 2016, and only 76% of the budget PhP2.5 M for the Gender and Development (GAD) are utilized during the covered year, in which COA Report.../p.4

UPDATES

n Victor Calinao, Jr. Two PUP teams are among the winners in the Regional Innovation Contest and Exhibit 2017 of the Department of Science and Technology, at Technological Institute of the Philippines-Quezon City, October 3-5.

With over hundreds research proposed by different institutions, the research entitled, “Life Jacket with Light Emitting Diode Powered

by Sea Water,” of the Industrial Engineering department notched the second runner up in the category of ‘The Outstanding Student Creative Research’ or Sibol Award with the proponents, Jeff Andrew Loyola, Mary Mae Cueva, Danica Villar, and Mikkaela Seras (IE V).

Also, Cordless Induction Clothes Iron presented by Electrical Engineering students: Rhovel Flores, Jovie Micah Venus Dolotina, Bryan Albert Castro, and James Earl Cruz (EE V) secured the third place in Outstanding Creative Research or Likha Award, a government-funded category.

ECE prof drops charges to worker n Ynamalaya Escoton

MARSHALLED FORCES. Youth activists tackled different issues such as the facism of Duterte regime, the status of activism in the different university and the campus repression in the national walkout protest at Mendiola, Manila last December 7.

Jobel Ibasco

Civil grad, 10th in '17 board exams n John Carlos Manansala With a 95.10 percent rating, Jean Steven Erick Bianes (CE ‘17) secured the 10th place in the November 2017 Civil Engineering licensure examinations alongside 71.05 percent passing rate of CE department against the 48.81 percent national passing rate.

Another board placers are Ronald Collamar (ECE ‘16) and Gabrielle Dacalcap (EE ’17), with a rating of 90.50 percent and 88.5 percent respectively, to secure the sixth and 10th spot in the September 2017 Registered Master Electricians (RME) board examination. The University, having a 86.41 percent rating, was the fourth top performing school in the RME while tallying a 78.22 percent Civil grad places.../p.4

6 of 10 CEans OK'd PUV modernization n Victor Calinao, Jr. ABOUT six out of 10 CEans agreed with the government’s PUV modernization program in a recent survey conducted by the Engineering SPECTRUM, November 8-10. Out of 208 students who participated in the said survey, 124 students or 59% said that they are in favor of the Public Utility Vehicles (PUV) modernization program while 41% of the respondents said no.

Transport strike Last October 16 and 17, class suspensions were declared by Malacanang as the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston) staged a transport strike in protest of the government’s PUV modernization program with the major concerns of unemployment and huge debts over the impending program.

Under the PUV modernization program, it seeks to phase out more than 15-year-jeepney units with environment friendly jeepneys, which is around PhP1.2 to PhP1.8 million per unit, to improve the fleet towards low emission PUVs and safer public transportation system.

Perceived by the program, the

new vehicles will be equipped with speed limiters, global positioning system, and closed circuit televisions to monitor both drivers and passengers. Entire public transport network also promises to be expanded and planned out better and will be more persons-withdisabilities-friendly.

Fare hike According to Piston, the program would hike the minimum fare in jeepneys from PhP8 to PhP20. “For commuters, it would result in unbated fare hikes with the minimum fare increasing to at least PhP20 through the Ayala-owned BEEP automated fare collection system,” Piston added.

From the survey conducted by the SPECTRUM, three out of 10 CEans are willing to the proposed PhP20 regular minimum fare for a modern PUV ride. Hitherto, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (Ltfrb) had issued a statement that minimum jeepney fare will not even reach PhP15 once the modernization program is in full swing.

Traffic problem

According to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), public transport system would improve as planned through public transport routes will be planned by local government units (LGUs) based on the current and projected travel patterns in their respective areas along with the modernization program.

Even so, five out of 10 students do not believe that PUV modernization program can aid the traffic problem. “Better wait for 6 of 10 CEans OK’d PUV.../p.4

Electronics Engineering Professor Joanne Magsumbol was sexually harassed at the third cubicle of the comfort room, CEA building last August 23 about 10:30 in the morning.

Harold Mendoza, worker of MRZ Builders Corp., allegedly touched her private part inside the second floor ladies’ comfort room.

Arriving at the PNP Station 8 with the company of CEA Security Guard Mr. Jay-Ar Allan Del Rosario, Magsumbol filed charges against the suspect but then change her mind afterwards and only filed a blotter.

Mendoza was instantly fired from the job and warning sign in front of the college’s lobby was posted after said incident.

SILAW wins 3rd spot in int'l research n Ma. Pamela Patawaran After the championing the Tuklas ‘17, CpE’s research, “SILAW: A Hybrid Renewable Energy-Powered Light Buoy System Harnessing Sea Energy Potentials", once again proved its calibre by finishing second runner up in the Aramco-Enactus Innovative Challenge National (Finals), held last August 19.

The proponents Christopher Renz Arnau, John Angelo Mariano, Ian Kenneth Poblete, and Jann Warren Aralar (CpE ’17), with Rachel Pecio and Miguel Manuel (CpE V) as presenters, bested out 16 other participants from universities in China, Malasysia, Singapore, South Korea, Philippines.

The said contest is to empower university students in Asia to develop innovative solutions addressing issues related to climate change, environmental sustainability and energy efficiency in their communities.

News

Spectrum

4

December 2017

CEA 4th floor: ready to use n Ysabelle Mendoza

The renovation works of the Engineering and Architecture fourth floor has been completed but the 'paper works' are still on the process.

According to Arch. Sherwin Nieva, director of Physical Planning and Development Office (PPDO), the project is nonetheless considered as incomplete due to payment issues with the contractor and the University.

Nieva stated that only 15% of the total payment is given to the contractor, having a 10% retention for defect within a year, reason why

turning over of renovated facilities are phase by phase.

“Kinakausap namin si contractor na kung pu-pwede, na need talaga namin ang classroom, alam niyo naman, eskwelahan ‘to. Na kung pwede, i-turn over na sa amin ‘yung classroom kahit hindi pa bayad.

Kasi sigurado babayaran naman sila,” Nieva appealed.

CEA renovation scope consist of reconditioning of comfort rooms, waterproofing of roof because of corrosion made by salty humid, restoration of ceiling, repainting of hallways and classrooms, reversing of classroom doors for emergency purposes, and rubberized floor painting for entertainment plaza.

Delayed inspection was caused by DPWH lack of manpower in inspection team, different government agencies also need inspection from DPWH, and paper works to be submitted by the contractor are held up.

As of this press time, comfort rooms on third and fourth floor will be available once the rectification process is done, while on first and second floor are ongoing.

With this, the PPDO request the students to utilize the new facilities with care. Moreover, the project will be turned over to NDC Compound Chief Engr. Kenneth Bryan Tana once the DPWH is finished with the inspection.

6 of 10 CEans OK’d PUV.../p.3 e-PUVs/ self-driving PUVs. Yes, new proposed PUVs are less harmful to the environment … If pollution is the problem, why only change the PUVs? They only make a very small portion of the country’s total combustion vehicles. I see it more as a result of these company’s desire of more profit, than a countrywide

solution,” stated by Benso (ME III) in the survey.

Modernization on progress Ltfrb Chairman Martin Delgra said the pilot implementation of the program will be tested through areas in Taguig, a portion of Pasay, and Pateros with the reorganized

routes depending on the commuter’s needs.

As of this press time, Ltfrb are still doing preparations for the timeline for its implementation, which requires completion of route rationalization studies for Metro Manila, and in some parts of the country where traffic is abundant.

Admin, Sentral na.../p.2 council presidents were part of the quorum.

“We are challenging those who are saying na ang 19th congress ay admin-initiated na harapin ang branches and campuses para malaman nila mismo kung ano ang nararamdaman ng councils natin from far-flung areas,” said Elijah San Fernando, the newlyelected Student Regent and the current Vice President of SKM. Publications Office

To provide consultations and set guidelines for the improvement of student publications, the Board of Regents (BOR) revived the Student Publications Office (SPO) in its meeting last June.

As told by the University president, qualifications for the SPO head includes: (1) a writer in his years as a student; (2) a faculty member holding a permanent position, and; (3) ‘may pagmamahal sa press freedom’.

Specifically, the SPO is responsible for the facilitating the examinations for aspiring college publication writers and editorial board, determines the fund process of the publications, and sets

guidelines for the improvement of student publications.

According to VP Manimtim, as of this writing, the current Center for Creative Writing head Prof.

Merdeka Morales holds the position as the SPO Coordinator while the PUP admin is on the process of looking for the qualified person to handle the headship of the SPO.

Manimtim, however, clarified that the SPO is under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Student Services. This only mean that the services that will be offered are not compulsory.

Uniform, other school fees “Walang additional fees. Pero merong mandatory fees kasi kapag sinabi ng board of regents na ganito ang fees, ay ito ang babayaran nila.

Pero ang sinasabi ko, wala akong ginagawang bagong fee.”

University President also explained that there is no mandatory uniform policy being implemented, as the BOR released a resolution stating that the purchase of school uniforms shall be voluntary. “At lalong hindi ko tinaasan ang kahit anong fee," de Guzman added.

COA Report.../p.3

IN-DEPTH EXPOSITION Office of the CE Research Extension and Community Involvement (Cereci) wrapped up a three-day Resarch Capability Training Seminar as one of the proponents demonstrates their research innovations to the students, November 23-25 at the CEA Lobby.

Victor Calinao, Jr.

PUP studs champ at EE video tilt n Jonero Dacula

Third year students of PUP hailed grand champion in this year’s Integrated Institute of Electrical Engineers' Watts Your Course Promotional Video Competition, November 18 at SMX Convention Center.

Jan Maverick Bautista, Gesper Dave Magpantay, Lizz Jeren Villegas, Christiane Pamela Vivero, Keren Margaret Magsumbol, Sarah Mare Porras, John Carlo Cordero, Irelan Rey Rafols (EE III), and Christine Rae Imbat, Czarino Bambo (BABrc III) brought home awards citations and a cash prize worth PhP50,000.

Quiz Show Meanwhile, the quizzers team successfully bagged second runner-up tilt of the 15th Philippine Electrical Code Quiz Show last November 17.

Mark Vincent Alcaraz, Bryan

Estaris (EE III), Bryan Reodica, Leizel Joy Baes, and IC Geberlene Malco (EE IV) made it to the final rounds with almost 32 colleges and universities participated in the said contest as part of the 42nd Annual National Convention of the IIEE.

Civil grad.../p.3 rating in the Registered Electrical Engineers licensure examinations.

The department of Electronics Engineering gained a rating of 98.32 percent to hail as the fourth top performing school in the October 2017 Electronics Technician (ECT) board examination. The department also recorded a 56.90 percent rating in the ECE board exam, surpassing the 46.72 percent national passing rate.

Moreover, the department of Mechanical Engineering gained 82.79 percent rating over the national passing rate of 29.52 percent last September.

the other 24 percent is still not fully disclosed.

The GAD office, which will be located on the Gabriela Silang building in Mabini Campus beside the PUP Oval, is said to be renovated as a response to the dismissal of the student organizations residing in the said building, according to the interview of SPECTRUM with PUP President Emanuel de Guzman last Ocotober 5.

However, Physical Planning and Development Office Director Sher win Nieva disclaimed the renovation status of the building for the GAD office, “Wala, wala kaming natatanggap about diyan.”

O n t he ot he r h and, t he seven infrastructure projects that include repair and rehabilitation of different building from different PUP branches, are already fully implemented prior to 2017 according to Nieva. This includes the Phase I of the rehabilitation of the CEA

building which is now on its second phase. Aside from this, Nieva also reported three projects to start next year, including the construction of building in Taguig, Maragondon, and Mabini Campus.

Special Trust Fund

A surplus income of PhP42.84 M from the 2016 income of PUP totaling PhP404.94 M is reported by the COA, which, according to Budget Services Office Director Florenita Imperial, is an excess from the targeted PhP362 M income for 2016.

“Out of that 42 million, ang income from other sources, ‘yung PhP24.81 M. ‘Yung PhP18.03 M galing ‘yun sa fiduciary,” said Imperial and added that the said income went for the honoraria services as payment for the faculty and staff, and for the expenses of acquisition of supplies and services for the different colleges approved by the Board of Regents last March.

PUP preps for.../p.2 year before the K-12 program, and the administration plans to gather the same number of students for the upcoming year despite the increase of applicants.

“Parang there’s a sudden interest in PUP, and I don’t think it’s because of the free tuition, kasi mura naman tayo eh. I think it’s about the image that we have obtained," said Manimtim, Vice President for Student Affairs and Services.

Pupcet Leakage

Manimtim said there is no leakage happened in the last Pupcet, "There is a report gathered by SKM President Elijah San Fernando that there are students who created a group and were like chatting and posting something related to the exam."

VPSS explained that the report does not qualify as a leakage, "A leakage is something like having a set of answers from the admission that leaked, or came out to somebody else."

Scholastic modifications

With the reports coming from the office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, a new curriculum exclusively for incoming freshmen has been prepared in line with the K-12 program.

According to Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Manuel Muhi, the new curriculum is designed to help students to increase their passing rate in board exams which include qualifying exams, pre-board exams and integrated courses, where board subjects are incorporated into a single course.

Moreso, students from other curricula like the basic education curriculum that did not undergo the K-12 curriculum cannot be accepted as college freshmen. They must finish the K-12 curriculum for them to be able to move on to college.

Bridging Program As an addition to this modifications, the administration is also preparing the bridging

program which guides the students to take up an undergraduate course degree different from the field of specialization they took from senior high. However, the students who will undergo the bridging program will be automatically irregular students effective at the start of the first year, first semester to finish the necessary subjects required for the course program.

“Actually, the other schools, hindi pa nga nila nakikita ‘yun eh.

Nag-consult nga ‘yung iba sa akin na, ‘Paano gagawin niyo?’ Sabi ko, ang gagawin namin, we’ll create a committee to study kung anong subjects kukunin ng mga bata," Muhi said as he explains the nature of the bridging program.

As far as the compression of certain five-year courses into four years such as Engineering with K-12 curriculum, Commision on Higher Education (CHED) has not released any memorandum pertaining to such changes. Until then the said courses will still remain as is.

News

Spectrum December 2017

5

SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE

Six major infrastructures has been either completed or still on going.

Asking about the updates, the SPECTRUM sat down with the Physical Planning and Development Office (PPDO), headed by Arch. Sherwin Nieva, to clarify what went right and what went wrong.

“Kahit tapos na ng contractor, ginagamit na ng PUP, pero once na ‘di pa ‘yan binabayaran, considered na ongoing pa rin ang project.”

n Engineering SPECTRUM News Team

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2 3

3 4

4 1. Gabriela Silang hall After almost four months since the PUP administration locked the gates for the ‘renovation’, the Gabriela Silang hall is still a ghost building. Asking the PPDO about the update of the said renovation, “Wala kaming document na ipapakita riyan.

Any document wala. Kahit kwento nga, wala eh,” Nieva said.

6

2. Charlie del Rosario building Amounting to PhP8.08 million in the 2016 Commission on Audit report, the renovation for the Charlie del Rosario second floor has now been completed with repainted walls and improved comfort rooms.

As for the first floor of the building, it has been long vacated and will house the student organizations in the Mabini campus, as per the instruction of Vice President for Academic Affairs Manuel Muhi.

6

5 floor in South Wing, was fenced as the ongoing repair and rehabilitation of classroom buildings worth PhP10 M is on the process.

5. Study Center A look at the latest situation inside the East Wing ground floor where the Student Center will soon erect. Since last academic year, the food concessionaires were being transferred to the Lagoon in preparation for the repair of the study center.

6. College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) building Started last March, the renovation of CEA, from comfort rooms to classrooms and laboratories, has yet to be completed by the end of the academic year.

As of this writing, only one comfort room for Male and one for Female in the ground floor is being used, servicing the entire building.

Meanwhile, the re-opening of the completed comfort 3. GSIS Condotel building Installation of air-conditioning system and re-operating rooms, especially in the fourth floor, will wait until the on-site the elevator are the proposed projects to be done for the GSIS inspection by the Department of Public Works and Highways to ensure that the safety guidelines were being practiced.

Condotel building.

The building, as explained by Nieva, was designed to be air-conditioned and not for passive cooling. “Nakaabang na Future plans Nieva hinted future projects of the PUP administration ang linya ng aircon diyan. Sasaksakan mo na lang ng aircon which will include proposed four-storey classroom buildings ‘yung building.” for Taguig and Maragondon branches, and two-storey PUP Gymnasium and Food Technology building in the Mabini 4. PUP Mabini campus sixth floor A portion of the College of Science, located at sixth campus.

Opinion

Spectrum

6

December 2017

editorial

Reinforce not depose Just recently, President Rodrigo Duterte had once again returned the jurisdiction of his bloody war on drugs to the Philippine National Police (PNP) replacing the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) as the lead agency for the campaign for its incapacity to curb drug problem due to lack of manpower. However, this clearly negates the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act which mandates the PDEA as the main institution to battle illegal drugs in the country.

Amidst the public outcry over the controversial killings of two teenagers in Caloocan, Pres. Duterte named the undermanned, under budget, and under equipped PDEA as the ‘sole agency’ in charge of the war on drugs.

Despite of having limited resources, with only over 1,000 operatives around the whole country, the PDEA was able to conduct 1,341 anti-drug operations from October 10 to November 10. These operations resulted to the arrest of 404 drug personalities and the seizure of the dangerous drugs worth PhP53.83 million.

Even with this achievement for short period of time, the president does not seem pleased with the performance of the said institution, thus, deciding to bring PNP back to drug war. PDEA Chief Aaron Aquino welcomed the order of the president and conceded that they are not capable fight the drug war alone; it needs PNP’s support.

Apparently, some senators and human rights advocates had expressed their concerns over the PNP’s return on drug war.

Senator Risa Hontiveros criticized the move and labelled it a return to the ‘nightmare’ of Oplan Tokhang, which is the PNP's anti-illegal drugs strategy which was questioned before the Supreme Court.

Hontiveros urged Pres. Duterte to retain the position of PDEA and let PNP and other law enforcement agencies to take a secondary and coordinating role.

Similar to the idea of Hontiveros, Senator Grace Poe stated that it would be ideal if the PDEA will continue to head the drug war and let the PNP lend its ‘full operational muscle’ to fill up PDEA’s lack in manpower.

Even Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon is in contradiction with the return of PNP to the drug war due to the high number death tolls ranging around 6,000 to 7,000 under the operations of the organization. While only one drug suspect had been reportedly killed under the operation of PDEA. Even though the law clearly states that all antiillegal drugs operation shall be under PDEA, Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III that the decision is part of the President’s prerogative and he is allowed to pursue his priority, which is the all-out war against drugs, in accordance with his own strategy.

However, no president is above the law. The Government shall commit all means to address PDEA’s lack of resources in order to assist the institution in carrying out its mandate. After all, if authorities fail to adhere and uphold the rule of law, who will?

seventeen seconds Treasure Trove Ria Camille Rivera Seventeen seconds have passed, yet, I’m still sitting here waiting for another person to stand up and seize that thing I desire. Another 17 seconds passed, my mind wandered to countless reasons why I should or should not stand. Another 17 seconds passed, someone finally stood up, ran on the aisle, and received the reward.

Right in that moment, I realized how fear became the most powerful motivator of my life. It pushes me to things I detest and it pulls me away to things I yearn. All my life I lived in fear. I fear everything out of my comfort zone. I fear all things new. I fear the unknown.

As a child I was constantly taught to watch over my actions to keep myself safe but due to the rebellious nature of a child, my parents instill fear in me so that I would behave. But as I grew up, I created my

Managing Editor Creative Director

Jonero Dacula Jeshua Ephraim F. Malimata

Moderator Editorial Consultants

Engr. Kaycee B. Victorio Engr. Orland D. Tubola Mr. Edcel B. Artificio

Staff Zarce Abaracoso, Honey Grace Alfonso, Jude Aedrian Atienza, Jonero Dacula, Keihl Rhandal de Castro, Ynamalaya Escoton, Jobel Ibasco, Nehemia Ibbarientos, Rogelio Legaspi Jr.,Ysabelle Mendoza, Martin Santelices, Richard Clapano, Mark Christopher Rosario, Von Ryan Maicle, Mary Angela De Guzman, Joshua Cabatuando, Vincent Bryan Velez, Ralph Antonio Inocentes, Contributions, reactions and opinions are accepted in the publication. It should bear contributor’s name, address, course, year and section, and signature. Name may be witheld upon request. Forward your contributions to Engineering SPECTRUM Editorial Office Rm 423, Engineering and Architecture Building, .Anonas cor. Pureza Sts., NDC Compound, Sta. Mesa, Manila Member

Alyansa ng Kabataang Mamamahayag (AKM-PUP)

and convinces us that there is no better place than our comfort zone.

Abraham stated that if a person can hold a pure thought for 68 seconds on any given subject, it will be on its way to manifestation.

The key word is pure, meaning positive focus, strong energy, no resistance, no hesitation; to inhibit oneself from slipping into sloppy thinking.

Perhaps, our chair is the better place for us to be.

Perhaps, standing in front would make us look like an idiot or a person desperate for attention. But perhaps, for a split second, we could be that dauntless man who makes a run toward his goal and triumphed.

It will only take you 17 seconds to dream, another 17 seconds to battle with the idea and another 17 seconds to decide. So before your 17 seconds is over, step forward and take a leap of faith.

Stealing Heaven

Volume XXIV No. 1 December 2017 Ria Camille R. Rivera Christian James L. Concepcion Alec John P. Garcia

what if. It won’t stop until we finally surrender. No wonder our greatest regrets are our what ifs.

Indecisiveness is the moment of hesitation between saying yes or no.

It’s the terror in taking risk or the anxiety in welcoming uncertainty. And, it is caused by one thing and one thing only – fear. Unless we learn to combat our fears only then we’ll be able to fight a winning battle. Only then we’ll understand that longing for something is never enough; that the thing we longed for must be claimed.

According to Abraham Licks, an American inspirational speaker and author, a thought reaches a combustion point at 17 seconds of pure undiluted focus. For another 17 seconds, it draws another thought to it and it is exponentially more powerful.

Sadly, here is where indecisiveness takes place

in another society

Official Student Publication of PUP College of Engineering Established May 1993 Editor in Chief Associate Editors

own set of fears which I used as shields to keep me from imaginary harm. It helped me justify my cowardly actions and create excuses I thought were acceptable.

Time passed and I still remorse over the words I should have said, the deeds I should have done, and the things I should have owned.

But for every attempt to step out, worries bombard my brain, waging a battle in my head that triggers me to take a step backward – indecisiveness.

Indecisiveness is the language of fear disguised as critical judge in a quest for a ‘perfect’ decision.

It works like a detective critically examining all terms to ascertain that the trail you’re about to cross is easy and familiar. Indecisiveness is also the voice which questions our decisions – what if something bad happens, what if it didn’t work out, what if… what if…

Ysabelle Mendoza Today, most Filipinos have access to internet connection and depend their everyday lives on social media mainstream and trendsetters. Clearly, we have more freedom in virtual world than other countries like China, who blocks most of social media applications to their citizens. But why is slow internet connection still a problem in our country?

An internationallyknown successful entrepreneur granted a student’s wish to give a talk

at a university here in the Philippines. Jack Ma is the founder of Alibaba Group, an internet-based company that caters sales via web portals that talked, in his lecture, about our issue with how poor our internet service is.

“I tried to test the speed of Philippine internet last night. It's no good. But this is the potential, this is the opportunity. And I encourage government and entrepreneurs and everybody to work together to improve the speed and coverage of the

internet,” said Ma in his talk.

For the past few years, Philippines has adopted many technologies worldwide. From handheld devices to smart appliances, Philippines became open for changes in the traditional system. As part of this, internet connections are openly available especially in Metro Manila.

As a motivational speaker, Ma recognizes the opportunity out of negativity. Even if we still face third world issues, our

country can still hook up with the first world country development. What we lack always resurface during crisis is unity. Working together is always intertwined with success. If our leaders refuse to make adjustments and sacrifices, then why would the private sectors do it?

If the government and entrepreneurs agree on milking the people’s resources for upgrading, then this country will be doomed.

It is not the business that In another society... p.7/

Opinion

Spectrum December 2017

7

TWO GODS IN MEN

Opus of Orpheus

Jeshua Ephraim Malimata ENGINEERING is the mastery of necessary concepts to be precise and accurate in designing and building. The branch of science that does not tolerate error, wherein one mistake in a particular equation can ruin everything in engineering. So one must be fully aware and follow the laws of physics and nature of things; how it works and what it does. If someone wants to become an engineer, he must be a critical thinker, a problem solver who masters concepts and computes perfectly, and be completely rational.

According to a German philosopher, Freidrich Nietzsche, these are characteristics of Apollo in modern people that we always strive to understand and master. We compute to create inevitable future through eliminating randomness and destruction.

We, the modern people, pour our time in planning and maintaining life instead of

living it.

Apollo, the god of wisdom, rational thinking and order, appeals to prudence and purity, the defender of reason, the builder of life, the God who brings peace and an agent of calmness, the logical thinker, and the God of grace and true form.

In Greek myths, when people encounter a life and death situation, the Greeks go forth in the temple of Apollo to pray and ask solutions for their problems.

People who seek peace visit Apollo and listen to his music for tranquility. And when there is a war, whoever Apollo sides on inevitably comes out victorious.

Apollo’s characteristic is sure, exact and rational in nature.

Nietzsche said that if this continues we will kill the other god in human, Dionysus. That our hands will be filled with blood of a god, a god that makes our existence worth living, exciting and ecstatic and we

trade it for shallowness of human existence.

Dionysus, the god of wine, the god of many form, the persecuted god, the suffering and dying god, the mad god, the raging one, the dancing god, the creative, the ambivalent one, the god of destruction, the irrational, and the bringer of madness.

Dionysus is the exact opposite of Apollo. When Dionysus came in a certain conflict, his presence awakens sense of urgency and terror in the heart of all within his vicinity. And when people are in great despair, Dionysus pushes them to be reckless. He brings uncertainty to a man’s heart willing them to dance in a state of madness and ecstasy. He is not a hero that goes in the front row to fight for peace; but instead, he shackles a man’s heart divulging out their innermost passion to help them from suffering and despair.

Dionysus is the hidden madness in every man, the

impulse of man to struggle in a tragic disposition.

Today in modern age we slowly kill the Dionysus in us. We wanted to control and understand everything, to be sure and be harmed by nothing. We force our self to establish our planned dreams. And for sure, most of us engineering students are trained to be sure of our answers. We calculate everything to make our future plans engineered.

Nietzsche believes that true wisdom comes out when we accept the two gods in us.

That we are half rational and irrational, driven by reason and impulse, half living in wisdom and in passion, that we can be right and be wrong. Don’t try to snuff the other one to make space for the other, but accept them and embrace it. Free yourself from routines and let your creativity flow be impulsive but responsible. Accept the two gods in you. Accept that we are, after all, human.

We are watching Humanité alec john garcia “People today are not that dumb to be fooled anymore...”

- My friends, and family who have voted for Duterte, and why they did.

Filling the hearts of the ‘DDS’. As we all know, historically, Duterte was the first Philippine President elected in the age of ‘information’ and social media. And the platform has been the bedrock of his campaign, even until his presidency today, on disseminating their official ‘information’.

Today, it’s undoubtly commendable on him when he signed the Free higher education for all act, the FOI, and when he banned smoking in public. I even remember during his campaign – it was the passion, will, and ingenuity that many people and I, who at one point have supported his campaign, saw in him.

Even many of the CEans (SPECTRUM Election Survey 2016) would have voted for him. But Duterte, despite the ‘beyond-the-ceiling’ other promises, and ‘foul mouth’.

Unforeseen, was when he has

gone ‘too’ hungry for blood, as the solution for seemingly all of his problems. Beyond his killing promises, and his own ever changing ‘deadlines’.

Indeed, social media may have truly united us with our society’s common calls, personal interests, and peer’s necessity of communication.

This ‘cost-free’ platform has connected and made people’s lives, of a geographically challenged country, in a better way and easier.

But then again, traditional politicians (trapos) are not in exception. They too have started playing their own flames.

Just last September, in a Viber group “17th Congress Majority” Fariñas, has been reportedly kicked the Makabayan bloc from this online group. The informant congressman was then lead to leave the super majority in Congress. And still leave the majority as still the majority.

Of course, having a Viber group isn’t bad at all, it’s everyone’s right to have a peer convention on any platform they wanted.

But the dominance of: Conspiracies against the critiques, the media, and even to themselves that are flooding the social media’s algorithm; False information, such as when PCOO’s Facebook page posted a ‘misleading’ infographic of infrastructure spending; Propagandas; Threat of war, and terrorism; And public delegitimization of many media outlets.

What’s left for us is the smog of confusion that they meant to create all along – obviously, the ‘whataboutism’ way.

On the echo chamber of Facebook’s algorithm of bloggers such as Mocha, Sass, Thinking Pinoy, and ‘the squad’, their previous activities already say a lot about the current government already.

But for whatever may happen next, what our country needs now is clarity.

All has perhaps been clouding our long-term vision, and are replaced by these small scattered fears throughout the country. Yet this communication platform is still ‘abused’ by these people.

In 2018, the Office of the President is again expected to get a highly unprecedented P2.5-billion allocation for its confidential and intelligence funds.

The entirety is the same as the amount the OP received for these budget items last year.

But it is 5 times bigger than the funds the office received (a total of P500 million) in 2016. And 4 times more than the years 20112016 combined.

To President Duterte.

With this huge presidential intelligence fund, indeed, it must be easier for you to watch your critic or anyone you think who come on your way.

But, for now I’ll be going back to what my friends tell me when they voted for you.

“People today are not that dumb to be fooled anymore. He knows we are watching him, and it will be just dumb for him to think that we don’t.”

These were ‘DDS’.

‘Your play may have gracefully started. But I don’t think it still feeds you to perform in a theater with full of bleeding audiences.’

in another society... p.6/ it is us, humans. Knowledge is useless if not learned how to apply to real situations.

Like in Ms. Gina Lopez’s statement, “…when you make decisions based on business interests, you have shirked your responsibility.

You have lost the moral ascendancy to rule the

government because, to you, business and money is more important than the welfare of our people,” the internet connection in our country is more of a business than the betterment of our systems.

“I believe it’s not the technology that changes the world. It’s the dreams behind the technology that changed

the world.” –Jack Ma, CEO at Alibaba Group We want our government and entrepreneurs to work as one and give a better future in this country, but what if they work together but are against the will of the citizens? Our potential should push us to achieve

good, not only for our own selves, but for everyone’s sake. The passion of a leader can influence the perspective of his jurisdiction. Doing what we think is right can be confusing at times, because we have our different versions of right. What we must do is the truth because the truth is inevitable.

Pan de Inhinyerya

Fail and Fall “For the righteous falls seven times, and rises again. But the wicked stumble in times of calamities.”

Proverbs 24:16

Failure, in whatever form it may be, does not mean the end of everything. You have failed maybe because your efforts are not enough or the universe does not conspire with you. But remember that doing your best is way better than cheating. Never lose hope.

If you ever found yourself alone in the dark, always remember that there’s darkness, only for us to realize that light does exist. For failing and falling are constant reminders that life is a battlefield–a never-ending quest for glory.

New Encounters Four days filled with change, fun, doubts, and tears were all it took for my life to change; I was able to do things I never imagined I could do. I stepped out of my comfort zone, took risks, and ventured into a new world through Camp Calye.

Summertime was always a boring season. It was when I usually just stay at home, I rarely go out, and my parents are too busy to schedule a vacation. Joining Camp Calye was a way to make my summer memorable. I was tired of staying at home, phone in hand, scrolling over other people’s lives. I didn’t want to waste another summer of my life, so I signed up. I was encouraged by all their testimonies as to how fun and life changing it was and I knew that I wouldn’t regret it in the end.

First day of camp surprised us all. I was a first time attendee, I didn’t know anyone besides my teammates, and I started doubting myself if I made the right decision. But I always told myself that the things I dread, ends up giving me the most memories.

We did different activities such as rappelling, mud slide on a cliff, and even a mud course. I have never imagined doing those things in my life, let alone in one day!

The next two days were filled with talks and various activities. We would start the day by doing an exercise and preparing our own food.

There was an activity where NEW BREED we had to blindfold ourselves and we had to find our team by listening to leaders, shouting our team names.

It was chaotic and fun but at the same time I realized something about my faith. It’s that no matter how lost you can be or how far you stray Mary Angela M. De Guzman away from God, we would facebook.com/angelaaaa.dg always find our way back to our Creator.

Different preachers from our church shared their own experiences on how they overcame the biggest tidal waves in their lives. Their talks left us in awe over how miraculous their lives had changed when they started trusting Him and believing in themselves.

We all know that our problems won’t just disappear when we start believing Him. What I learned from them was once you start to believe and trust Him, that’s when you start to love yourself and the people around you.

You start to appreciate the people around you and realize that you are loved and you are part of something bigger than yourself.

Camps are for meeting new friends, doing fun things and discovering yourself. But what made Camp Calye stand out among all the other camps was that along the way we are taught to love ourselves more and accept ourselves despite our flaws and failures.

As we go on with our lives, these four days would always be a reminder that the road ahead may be tough but we would always overcome every change and trial we will encounter.

Angela, or Gela, is a fan of independent music but cannot live independently.

TIWAY.DOC RIA Thank you natapos din! <3 | CHRISTIAN Thank you sa lahat ng naniniwala at patuloy na naniniwala sa kapangyarihan ng mga salita, at dyaryo| ALEC Salamat.

Mabuhay ka!| JESHUA Happy 50th Birthday Papa, I love you | JOBEL I love you 5ever, Tiffany <33 | YSABELLE Ily, Buboy. Always have, always will. | BOGART Salamat Belle at sa SPECTRUM fam sa oppurtunity | KEIHL Thank you Ivan Turla for being my inspiration. Luv u :* | VICTOR Maraming salamat sa lahat ng sumusuporta | JONERO Thank you and finally may print na din tayo | RALPH Tiway to my final kapwa spekapips and pamileh | HONEY Your support is our strength throughout our journey. Thank you! |CARLOS Hi Tiway sa’yo Barry Allen :) Ingats! Tiway. | RICHARD Thank You Yna cuoh | ROSE MARIE Tiway.

Feat

Spectrum 8

TiBAK

BAKIT,

BAKIT?

less so of an article “When a government is firmly established, it doesn’t have to fear the effect of an innocent cartoon, vain for statistical in search or of transparency, but here the government is shrouded in the deepest silence and one will ” . information either in official publications or elsewhere -1897, J.A.B. Wiselius on his A Visit to Manila & Its Environs Joshua Cabatuando, Alec John Garcia, and Maria Pamela Patawaran

A

timeless Filipino shout of “Makibaka!

H’wag matakot”. From hallways, to plaza, and classrooms. We might all be hearing these words these days quite more often.

And undoubtedly, as PUPians we perhaps all do, sometimes, even right in front of our faces more than anybody else in the country.

Going back to the days of the Himagsikang Pilipino, along with Rizal’s plead not it to be bloody. The Filipino activism can be seen in many parts of the society. From the town corruption, to national institution’s inaction, or perhaps too much action – making it a tide of oppression rather than desperation –, all down through the simple flawed school policies.

PUP, ‘Tagapagtanggol ng mga naapi!’

It’s not new to most of us, PUPians, that sometimes random people we get along with will connote us as “aktibista”, “ralyista”, “manununog ng upuan”. As if it has been the new kind of greetings to tell a PUPian.

Many, at first will completely disdain this connotation. Some gets good along agreeing with this fact, and even embracing it. But what will certainly not run out, plainly often times, are the rest of the people who are in silence. Listening, preparing, and waiting for the next narrative of their next day on how they’ll treat it while looking upon the future.

The Polytechnic University of the Philippines, has had a long history of fighting for the survival of its own vision and institution. An

institution that pose itself to enlighten, empower, and serve the people.

‘Sino ang Tibak’ We all fight for something. It is the core of our purpose, of our existence. And goes to all things, may it be working a noble job for your family, doing best on your craft, on business, talents, helping ones in dire need.

But there are ones who said to pledge their lives to fight for their dreams, and faith. For their motherland, for their countrymen who couldn’t fight for themselves.

‘Tibak’, as many call them. They are the few faces, bearing these passionate souls that chose to march down the coast of Mendiola with huge placards of bold and fierce letters shouting for justice, ousting the government; walking down the hallways of the university, entering rooms to explicitly explain the oppression of a system; the injustice with each and every move of the administration and later giving invites to join their movement.

Often, we see these people as nuisance – causing traffic, noise pollution, ranting about the things that they “shouldn't mind”. Vandalizing,

causing troubles, and risking their lives for nothing (at least most of us this is what we think). But, is it really worth risking?

So, we asked our fellow CEans for the questions that tickles our heads but never really get a chance to ask personally the people whom we called as ‘Tibak’.

"Alam ba ng magulang mo na aktibista ka?"

“Alam nila na aktibista ako. 2016 lang nila nalaman ... Dumating sa puntong Marcos

ELIJAH SAN FERNANDO (BSE IV)

JOIE SAYEN ANG (CpE V)

tures Apologist ako, pero as time goes by naging malawak na ang pang unawa ko sa political situation ng bansa.

“Nalaman nila sa facebook posts ko. Sabi nila “continue what you’re doing, ‘di ka namin susuportahan. Stop what you’re doing then continue yung support namin sa ‘yo. So naputulan ako ng allowance, for a year. Dahil sa isang facebook post about religion. My parents have a very religious background. Tinulungan ako ng mga kasama ko until now, na binalik na ng parents ko ‘yung allowance. Since, unti-unti na ring natanggap ng parents ko.”

-Elijah San Fernando (BSE IV), the University Student Regent for 2017-2018. He believes that only by integrating with the activists, in a personal level, only ones can truly understand what it’s like to be one, and why they became one.

“Bakit idinadaan sa rally?”

“Kasi sa totoo lang, kung hindi mo isisigaw, hindi ka pakikinggan. Nakakalungkot nga lang na lawit na dila mo kasisigaw, bingi-bingihan pa rin ang mga kinauukulan. Kaya sana tuwing may magrarally sa Mendiola, o sa Popeye at sa gate, wag silang ituring na panggulo at salot sa lipunan, tandaan lang natin na karapatan mo at karapatan nating lahat ang isinisigaw nila.”

-Asiya.

There are two reasons as to why Asiya is anonymous. First is due to her parents’ “lack of knowledge about her principles and ideologies”.

And second, it is because protesting against the government is prohibited in their religion.

December 2017 9

"Bakit ka naging aktibista?"

“Hinahamon ako nung kaibigan ko. Puro nalang daw ba kami ganito [feeding programs]?

Pagkatapos naming sila pakainin anong mangyayare sa kanila? Gutom parin. Ayun parin buhay nila.”

Hindi ba matatapos ‘yang laban niyo?

“Ang tunay na aktibista, ‘yung prinsipyo niya hindi mawawala. Isinumpa naming naibibigay namin ang buhay at oras namin para sa kapakanan ng nakararami.”

-Joie Sayen Ang (CpE V), student is a volunteer who did feeding programs and handed

out relief goods during times of calamity. But that was before he became a student leader of the Kabataan partylist. Before he saw a deeper problem – a broken system – that needs to be solved.

“Bakit kayo nagvavandal?”

Maya believes that vandalism and other symbolic actions must be heard rather than be condemned, and condemn those who just wanted to be heard. She said this is a must to represent the voices of the masses whom are all too much either neglected or abused by the people up top.

- Maya Santos (ABE III), student and an active leader and activist in Gabriela Youth-PUP.

"Then we may at least be proud to say that 'Yes, we all are.

Aren’t we?'"

Revolutionary movements have always felt home to her, as she was born of the womb of a brave soul who fought for freedom from the Marcos regime.

‘Welcome to the Philippines!’

In the 1890s, a the Dutch national from Java, Wiseleus, came to the Philippines for his stop-over, on his way back home to Netherlands.

It was highly rare during that time, to see how our country was seen in the eyes of neither Spaniards nor Filipinos and document it. What he saw, is certainly how we knew it now – a society wherein the government is violently impulsive.

Very curious why, he walked around the muddy streets of the capital of Manila, watched

A.K.A. ASIYA­

MAYA SANTOS (ABE III)

cockfight, witnessed people’s love for music as they listen in a park with a musiko, and got invited for a night-stay in a usual friendly stranger Filipino home in Laguna when he was brought by a friar friend as a guest in the town. Until he found it out—the power was not in its government’s hands.

And, yes, we know where it was.

It perhaps sounds ironic, that in this century-ago times of absence of government, absence of people who speaks for their community, and for themselves. Only one question, until now, underscores it all – who holds the power?

But then time passes by. Things changes.

People come and go. Power jumps off from one to another. Even the cliché says, ‘with great power comes with great responsibility.’ A simple line from every superhero comic rule, entails another question again. Now, who do we hold responsible?

Mabuhay!

From the mass walkout of students and staff in the 1960’s in demand for their rights upon the need of conducive classrooms and facilities, which was further won – with our current campus today in Santa Mesa; Sustained 12-peso tuition for decades; Probe on ROTC hazing; End of Marcos’ dictatorship; Cancellation of calendar shift; And, recently, the free tuition for all of the state colleges and university in the country. These are just one of what activism has done for us.

In all senses and ways of it such as: the efforts to promote or impede; direct economic, political, or social into reform or stabilization; and whether it failed or it succeed the desire, in one’s advocacy, is for the society to advance.

It is a privilege to have someone fight for each of us. Not to look far, we can see it all around us trying to make positive change in the society – a friend, parent, teacher, street sweepers on every morning. Someone who faces the things, who and that, to most of us all seems frightening, unchangeable, and concretely barring.

In 2012, from the study by The Freedom House, the Philippines was considered as one of the freest nation in terms of access to the internet, was considered sixth in the world spot.

Although, experiencing slight decrease in points, for the past years, this is due to the low speed, high subscription costs, and some libel cases after online posts. Still, for now, the state of the internet in the country is currently at “free”.

These wins from our fight as a society were not single-handedly fought in the hands of one person, or a party only. This is won by the working, understanding, caring, and thinking people together regardless of individual differences.

Although, there are times when we personally feel powerless, at times we feel like our energy is endless, perhaps one of the things that we mostly forgot is that we have more power than we realize.

So maybe, as stapled to being a PUPian that every day is a fight for freedom, when again asked, “Kayo yung mga Aktibista ‘di ba?” or “Kumusta, aktibista ka na ba?” Then we may at least be proud to say that ‘Yes, we all are. Aren’t we?’

Features 10

NUMB

Spectrum December 2017

ERS _

For the benefit of many, few must sacrifice. For the greater glory of the country, people’s lives are at stake. Escoton trails us back to the first stories of extrajudicial killings.

Yna Escoton

IF you were given a choice between the hell on earth and the actual hell, what would you choose?

Ever since the former mayor of Davao City has filed for candidacy and has been seated on the Malacanang Palace, he admirably stuck to his battle cry of fighting criminality, corruption, and drugs. The genius of his campaign was how he talks so brazenly that it would ultimately seep into the masses subconscious mind that what we need, in this era, is an iron-fist president.

“We will not stop until the last drug lord… and the last pusher has surrendered or are put either behind bars or below the ground, if they so wish.” President Duterte said in his inaugural State of the Nation Address.

And in the busy streets of the Philippines, down endless alleys are heavy knocks of armed policemen with the supposed intent of convincing ‘drug suspects’ to “go into rehabilitation so that they can be reintegrated into the community.”

But pleads are not heard. They are silenced with gunshots.

Tale of Terror Stories of extrajudicial killings have been passed down from streets to streets.

Even in slums, you’ll see crowds gathering and talking about whatever that ails them to whoever will listen to their accounts. A father whose 17-year-old son was shot will bent out his frustration until words get around and a

The tragedy is not these numbers, but how we perceive these numbers meant to represent.

These lives are not just numbers to add to the statistics, these are lives worth living, worth forgiving, just as much as ours.

But Carl Arnaiz or Kian Delos Santos was arguably not a drug lord, nor a pusher.

Carl was a 19-year-old who managed his own sari-sari store in Cainta, Rizal whilst Kian was a 17-year-old who helps man-up their sari-sari store with his father. Both of them allegedly fought back, both of them shot dead, both of them not given a choice, both of them now six-feet under the ground, and both of them are now just numbers on the growing statistics of ‘Oplan Tokhang.’

Oplan Tokhang The police see it as a raid. They saw it as an execution. Forensic pieces of evidence show the brutal reality… and that they were right.

One of the key features of President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war is ‘Oplan Tokhang,’ derived from the Visayan words “toktok” and “hangyo” – knock and plead.

wife whose husband got arrested, a teen whose tropa got detained, a sister whose brother got shot in the middle of the street, and even a student who just woke up only to get hauled and questioned in the most violent manner will speak up one by one about their tales of terror.

There were many stories told about one Saturday afternoon in March and one has lived to tell the truth.

On a hazy afternoon of downing medium accounts of beers, five friends are merrily playing a game of pool until policemen carried out a raid and forced them to admit to owning a plastic sachet with a white substance and a gun.

Inside the shack with torn tarpaulin walls, the afternoon of playing ball pool turned into an afternoon soaked in a pool of blood for Efren Murillo who took a bullet to his chest;

but in between ragged breaths and a rapidly slowing heartbeat, he decided to not to die.

He laid limp on the floor carefully remembering every pleads and cries as his best friend, Marcelo Daa, turns cold as a corpse after three gunshots.

But there were more gunshots outside and Efren prayed hard for this to be all over.

“You know what to do.” He heard one cop instruct his colleagues.

And in all the months that this tragedy has occurred, a statement after statement has evolved that four ‘drug users’ named Marcelo Daa Jr., Jessie Cule, Rhaffy Gabo, and Anthony Comendo was shot dead in Payatas, Quezon City and a victory for the policemen as warriors of the state.

But not until the fifth man told of his tales about how he stood up in the scene of the crime with blood still gushing through his body and into the highway with nothing but the intent to live.

In the months after the tragedy, the fifth man rose from the Tokhang Operation at Group 9, Area B, Payatas Quezon City on August 21 and filed a complaint against Police Senior Inspector Emil Garcia, Police Officer 3 Allan Formilleza, Police Officer 1 (PO1) James Aggarao, and PO1 Melchor Navisaga, their ‘informants’ Lea Barcelona, Mary Joy Ralo, Lorie Barcelona, and Richard Andan for murder, frustrated murder, robbery, and planting of drugs and firearms before the Office of the Ombudsman.

Forensic evidence told of the truth and that Efren Murillo is the first victim of Oplan Tokhang to petition the Supreme Court for protection.

From a historical fact that every hardline drug war fought in the history of the countries have all but failed. Only the ones who win are those who made drugs not be controlled by the authorities, but rather by the medical and scientific community who knows a lot about drugs itself.

Indeed, there are lots of horrible crimes that are induced by drug addiction. But it doesn’t mean that a health issue shall be an authorization from us, to blast thousands of lives into pain, and immediate darkness.

The reality about this war on drugs is that, as much as it helps in the drug crimes of our country, innocent lives are also at higher stake.

For a statistician, these lives, innocent or not, are now just numbers in the growing statistics of this campaign. And that’s all they are going to be remembered by some. The irony of our ‘humanity’ is that we can only care for the specifics or, say, a woman hugging her lifeless partner in the streets crying for justice but not in the thousands of people killed.

In this government, ‘poverty’ and ‘drug use and pushing’ are being correlated. Drugrelated killings have been small-scale peddlers and users from the urban poor while bigtime syndicates in drug cartels remain crystal and yet we say societal hierarchy was never a problem.

The sad reality is that no matter how much we sympathize with their families no one could ever fill the hole left by a dead son to his father or a dead husband to his wife. No country’s glory would ever suffice in the death of an innocent life.

Numbed by Numbers The drug war is not new. Experience as they had back then, Switzerland, Mexico, Netherlands, and more other countries who have already done what President Duterte is now doing, has quite long learned their lessons already.

Photo by: Raffy Lerma

Issues

Spectrum December 2017

11

BULL’S EYE

in-depth

SAYS WHO? Vincent Bryan Velez

In a recent PNP report, there was no single record of extrajudicial killings since President Duterte took the post. If so, then Kian, Carlos, and other 13,000 deaths are what, Velez asks.

JUST recently, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported that there is no extrajudicial killings (EJK) under President Duterte’s term, relieving the widespread fear of citizens from these “made up” mortifying incidents. So if that was the case, then what do we call Kian, Carl and the other 13,000 deaths?

Only last October 6, PNP Spokesperson Chief Superintendent Dionardo Carlos clarified that no EJK case was ever recorded beginning the President’s term from July 1, 2016 up until September 30, 2017.

Despite this administration’s war on drugs which raised the left and right reports of found lifeless bodies and gunned down drug suspects, not a single one was considered an EJK. Not even the case of Kian Lloyd Delos Santos, a 17-yearold alleged drug runner, who was gunned down in a dark alley in Caloocan by three un-uniformed policemen. A slight glimpse of his last minutes were even recorded by a CCTV, in which he was being dragged by two men, with another one tailing behind them, up to somewhere not anymore covered by the video, until he was found dead.

PNP doesn’t even recognize Carl Angelo Arnaiz death as one.

He is a 19-year-old former UP student, who robbed a taxi driver and was caught in a shootout with Caloocan police officers which

cost his life. At least, that’s what the police reports says of the teenager, who according to his father, just went out of their house in Cainta to buy midnight snacks, gone missing for 10 days, and was later on found by his family in a morgue in Caloocan, lifeless.

Kian and Carl were only two of the thousand no-name individuals in the 13,000 deaths.

So if theirs were not EJK cases, how about the other 12,998?

According to Carlos, the report was given by the Task Force Usig, a police unit which handles “extralegal killings” of activists, media workers, foreign nationals and etcetera.

The statement was released to debunk Social Weather Station (SWS) survey results, which says seven out of 10 Filipinos were afraid of the possibility that they or someone they know could be an EJK victim.

With the numerous reports from different media outlets regarding the alarming increase in mortality rate in relation to the war against drugs, PNP released the #RealNumbersPH from which they present their own account of deaths, operations, apprehended and arrested suspects, and many more.

Based on this report, there were only 6,225 drug-related deaths starting President Duterte’s term up to date.

Among these, 3,850 died

during police operations because suspects “fought back” while some 2,290 were still “under investigation”. And though these numbers were far from the alleged 13,000, not a single one was still considered extrajudicial.

According to Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella, the zero report was justifiable, considering Administrative Order No. 35’s definition of EJK. According to it, EJKs are killings of the members or advocates of cause-oriented organizations like labor, environment, or media activists. How convenient would it be to consider those numbers above as mere deaths?

Besides, these reports came from PNP, the institution itself which has continuously tarnished its reputation by their frequent involvement in the recent killings.

With the unreliability in their ranks, Commission on Human Rights Commissioner Chito Gascon could even be right in his accusation that the institution is hiding behind definitions.

Because if there were no such cases, as their report says, then where have this fear come from?

Simple. Because, though let’s say that these are not EJK cases, these deaths were real.

Whatever the real figures are, real lives were lost. Some even remained unsolved. And that’s what those seven out of 10 people were afraid of.

tête-à-tête

CHECK Keihl Rhandal de Castro THE news that there were no reported cases of extrajudicial killings according to the Philippine National Police (PNP) has surfaced in the news dailies weeks after the bodies of Kian Loyd Delos Santos (17 years old) and Carl Angelo Arnaiz (19 years old) were found in the streets of Caloocan.

As of September 30, over 6,225 drug-related deaths, and not a single record of extrajudicial

killings was tallied in the PNP report since ‘Oplan Tokhang’ of the Duterte administration came into effect.

Now, with the stories of Kian, Carl and other unreported cases of allegedly victims of extrajudicial killings, the SPECTRUM asked CEans about their thoughts on the said issue with a question, “Do you fear for your safety?”

fact check John Carlos Manansala

Raising the red flag against unverified news, Manansala takes us to the online world full of Mocha Usons and imparts us the power of critical thinking to identify what is the truth and what is not.

THINK of the potential consequences before you click it; because the single unverified news you do and share can travel halfway the globe before the truth prevails.

Social media becomes the most influential player on information dissemination. This technological advancement can make information strike like a speed of light. On a single blink, the information can be forwarded from one to another making people inseparable from the information spreading on the surrounding.

However, this speed-oflight sharing of information system occurring on society also became a path to spread bogus

and not part of government, that she’s a blogger and not a journalist.

Reacting to her claims, Sen. Nancy Binay cited the Republic Act Number 6713 (or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees) Article IV: “Public officials and employees shall provide service to everyone without unfair discrimination and regardless of party affiliation or preference,” making Uson inseparable from being a blogger and an assistant secretary.

The government, on the other hand, is on the verge on finding the solution. Last June, the Senate Bill No. 1492 or An Act Penalizing

For what it’s worth, in a democratic country where we can say what we want, critical thinking is indeed necessary. And citizens who think critically are the people that this country deserves. information or unverified news.

Easy publication and dissemination of misleading articles circulate within the whole system blinding the readers of alternate facts and making the believers, fool; proving how powerful social media is to make not only news go viral, as well as fictions and satirical claims that certainly leads to the deadly danger of unverified news.

Mocha Uson, the political blogger turned to Presidential Communications assistant secretary and also hailed by the netizens as ‘fake news queen’, is making her own noise as her own personal blog account is posting endless supports to the Duterte administration as well as spreading of several unverified news.

Online articles such as the wealth of Antonio Trillanes III to which the senator filed a criminal complaint, Honduran soldiers she defensively used as a ‘symbolism’ instead of Filipino soldiers, and the posting of killed policeman in August that was killed a year ago.

Last October 4, Uson was invited on a senate hearing where she claimed that she’s also a victim of unverified news.

Correspondingly, she insisted that her blog is of her own account

the Malicious Distribution of False News and Other Related Violations was filed. The said bill tends to penalize any person or entity that maliciously offer, publish, distribute, circulate, and spread unverified news or information in print, broadcast or online media.

For what it’s worth, in a democratic country where we can say what we want, critical thinking is indeed necessary. And citizens who think critically are the people that this country deserves. We must be smart and critical thinkers on the spreading news we see online, every news, fictitious facts, hoax, or satirical claims. Yes, we are entitled on our own opinion but the thing is, we’re also responsible for the consequences of the words we say and the actions we take.

As a responsible citizen and netizen, we all have our own role to play. Think before you click, because the single information - either fake or legitimate - you share, can travel halfway the globe before the truth prevails.Bear in mind that ‘Fake it ‘til you make it’ rule doesn’t apply here since real life consequences and nation’s unity are at full stake. And as a millennial puts it, be a fact checker on this world full of unverified news.

?

ceans

react “… Ayoko mangyare sa ‘kin ‘yun siyempre. Gaano lang kadali taniman ng ebidensya ‘yung mukhang adik na tulad ko na inaabot ng gabi dahil sa letseng trapik.”

“Yes I do, especially going home late at night… hindi lang sila Kian at iba pang kabataan na napapabalita sa telebisyon ang kabuuang bilang, Marami pa, Napakarami pa.”

“Hindi naman kadalasan teenagers ang victim. Kadalasan ng mga victim ‘yung mga late na, nasa kalsada pa like mga tambay. ‘Di naman ako natatakot, safe sa Marikina”

Romeo Delos Reyes (CE III)

Jasmae Marie Gen Roldan (EE V)

frederick legaspi (me iii)

“Yes, because I fear for my mother’s sanity. I have seen what losing a child does to a mother and I don’t want her to experience that. Not yet.” viene eguia (EcE III)

Sci-Tech

Spectrum

John Carlos Manansala, Editor

12

December 2017

Modifying Perspectives Augmented Reality

Ralph Antonio Inocentes Imagine a world comprised of computer generated imagery. A world of latest technologies but in a sudden play of your mind and hands, everything becomes a burst of magic.

It might not be the ‘”pulling the rabbit out of the hat” magic but it gets even better. At this technological days, it is technological magic called AR. From the normal point of view, AR modifies the world to the whole new perspective.

A whole new world Augmented reality (AR) has been with us ever since the mid-20th Century. It was developed by the father of computer graphics, Ivan Sutherland creating a head-mounted display system. Because of this revolutionary device, companies have become aware and followed him and his co-workers, furthering the development and applying to a widespread of applications until to this very day.

The increasing trend of augmented reality

captures not only the viewer’s attention, but also the vastness of a person’s imagination.

AR, serves as a portkey that turns the real world into something much interesting; transfer us into a world full of magic.AR adds or “augments” the way we see things helping us to perceive better.

AR uses the existing environment as the base where it overlays with virtual information that provide users with whatever is needed. It

also differs with virtual reality – completely changing the surroundings and sends you into the virtual world while wearing a certain instrument making it possible.

The catalysts for augmented reality may be resting in our humble abodes. Smart phones and tablets may exhibit functions for augmentation in real-time setting enabling multiple types of AR to fit your needs better.

Types of Augmentation Marker-Based

Marker-based AR or recognition based AR provides augmentation by the aid of visual markers. It works by scanning a particular pattern – a marker, symbol or some certain code. Let’s say a QR code, capable of yielding information through your smart phone or any handheld device. Occasionally, three-Dimensional figures are shown in the device aiding the user e.g. customization of a certain object like automobiles.

More applications can be observed for educational purposes. Augment, for example, is an app that encourages educators to create simple marker based ARs for students to have an extraordinary learning experience.

Companies have also tried incorporating markers in their product’s packaging and make things more interesting for consumers while they enjoy the comfort of their food.

Superimposition

Location-Based

Location-based AR or marker-less AR uses a type of system such as GPS that are embedded on a device offering data based on your location. With this Exploring cities, visiting museums and taking a bite in a faraway restaurant may become a whole lot different with augmented reality.

The fieldtrip for instance, the perfect tour guide for thrill-seekers, which inform users numerous facts about their current whereabouts.

Although marker-less AR is commonly used for navigation and/or looking for nearby establishments, it also proved to be more than fruitful in the field of entertainment.

Niantic’s Pokémon Go, is just an example.

This app utilize the location indicated by the GPS for easier tracking in players’ phones while they interact with a variety of augmented objects.

Superimposition AR may partially or fully replace an object to a virtually-designed one. Various apps and devices have been made to assist people in their own homes.

Now it can be pretty viable for us to easily change our perspectives without wasting manpower.

Moreover, it can also wear a set of instruments to support their perception of the surroundings. Almost similar to VR gear, Microsoft Hololens equip its users to look from other perspective. Virtual objects from the eye gear will help create what they desire and apply it to the real world. This device promotes prototyping while being able to communicate easily with co-workers.

Doctors can use this AR to have a live feed from an x-ray machine to superimpose the x-ray view of body part on the real image to have more vivid look on the bones.

Projection-Based

This AR simply projects light, illuminating surrounding surfaces, which may allow human interaction. It works by touching the beam of light to operate, in return, sensed by the system either with a sensor or a camera.

Lightform, a projector that shine on solid surfaces, turns anything into a screen with a touch of its light. It scans the given material or environment through projection mapping to create appropriate images showing some stunning lightshows.

Holograms are also included. Mixing light patterns to produce images is how it works.

Digital Nature Group (DNG) have made fairy lights. It is an interactive hologram that combines mirrors, cameras and plasma lasers to project images mid-air. By touching, it may cause interactions depending on the device's programming.

: Zarce Abaracoso and Ralph Antonio Inocentes AR still can’t get enough. In our world as well as his, Harry Potter needs no introduction – he’s the Boy Who Lived, the Chosen One and the best-selling staple of pop culture who reintroduced us to the world of sorcery and wizardry that brought every kid a magical childhood.

Niantic, Inc., the company that brought us the critically acclaimed Pokémon Go, is here again to deliver the magic that we witnessed in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter.

In collaboration with Warner Bros. and Portkey Games, Harry Potter: Wizard’s Unite is an augmented reality mobile app,

similar to its predecessors, that lets you experience the wizarding world through your handy smart phone.

Gain magnificent artifacts, fight powerful enemies and fantastic beasts, learn mystifying spells and engage with popular characters from the series just waiting for you at your nearest cul-desac. The launch of this gaming platform powered by augmented reality on 2018.

It may seem so muggle-worthy but augmented reality devices are also supercomputers tightly packed designed to fit atop our heads. It’s like a wearable smart

phone yet it requires remarkable computing power to process the simplest images.

Imagine the smallest microchip installed in your eye gear capable of processing various tasks. Parts of a computer such as the central processing unit, graphics processing unit, random access memory, global positioning system, etc. comprise ARs. with projectors and display monitors.

Light projected around our surrounding environment to observe are more likely to introduce human interaction.

As an example, head and eye gears

References: http://www.realitytechnologies.com/augmented-reality; http://www.computer.howstuffworks.com/augmented-reality; http://www.tectarget.com/definition/augmented-reality-AR;http://www.igreet.co/the-types-of-augmented-reality; http://www.nianticlabs.com/blog/wizardsunite/

provided with perfect light projection may realistically overlay information and users can view their progress through retina displays on their worn instrument. Glasses and mirrors are also managed to perform well-designed images.

Even reflection of light can augment reality. Combining light, lenses and screens fool our eyes to comprehend unfathomable creations.

Though the whole mechanics of the game is not yet released, one thing is for sure. It will anticipate not only Potterheads but also the muggles.

Sci-Tech

Spectrum December 2017

13

BITCOIN THE RISING DIGITAL CURRENCY

Honey Grace Alfonso and Jude Aeddrian Atienza BITCOIN is an international currency within the World Wide Web and throughout private networks. This is called cryptocurrency, derived from cryptography which means solving codes. It is the first digital currency that can be sent through the internet without any need of centralized service like banks, due to the innovation of machineries and programs.

Moreover, if public treasury is to bank, block chain â&#x20AC;&#x153;network nodesâ&#x20AC;? is to bitcoins, in which serves as public ledger that allows many users to sub consistently check the amount of transaction

or payment that bitcoin was used similar to Credit Card and debit cards.

Bitcoin also involves using of wallet which can be installed in computer or mobile devices. This is where the transactions and the current amount of bitcoin are being kept. This information is called the crypto currency wallet which has different types. The highlight of bitcoin and other cryptocurrency is that sending money, unlike bank transfers or money changer, it does not cost or deducts any fees.

PUP Bitcoin Technology Group of students from Computer Engineering Department way back year 2015, created a Portable ATM Machine prototype on their undergraduate thesis.

This Bitcoin ATM machine operates one-way, meaning it permits a user to only trade their bitcoins. It receives local currency then converts it to bitcoin equivalent. By simply scanning the Bitcoin wallet public address in the form of QR codes, and following the procedures, bitcoins will be transferred on user's wallet.

bitcoin in the global market Donating for a Cause

Online Shopping and Retailing Industry

Trading Industry

P

\ Scams, online hackings, and other technical glitches open the doors for cryptocurrencies to finally top the line over the use of debit/credit cards etc.

Online Games/Gambling

Dota 2 is a popular e-sport game throughout the world.

Bitcoin is used to be set as the currency for gambling in whose teams are ought to win.

The most trend use of bitcoin today is through buy and sell. Here in the Philippines, using coins.ph, one of the leading mobile blockchain-enabled platform as bitcoin wallet, students can now be more engaged on bitcoin Network and trading system. By just downloading the mobile application, coins.ph, and following the basic procedure, Bitcoin accessibility is faster, easier, and more convenient.

Keep in mind that doing bitcoin venture can be an asset. Example, if you buy a large sum of bitcoin, you may sell it on lower commission rates. Since bitcoin value varies from time to time similar to stock market, you may sell your bitcoin on a higher rate depending on the exchange rates.

Since Bitcoin can be transferred easily, decentralized and not reveal the true identity of the sender. It can be used to donate to organizations or any institutions.

Buying Illegal Items

With the use of bitcoin to buy and sell drugs, untraceable and multiples of illegal traders and buyers engage in this usage.

want to have a Bitcoin?

Familiarize yourself about Bitcoin

1 A better way to begin using Bitcoin know it first in order to understand how the system works and how you can use it in your daily life.

Trade Bitcoin

3 There are several ways to earn or buy bitcoin. Bitcoin can be earned by simply buying it online, and also it can be done by selling it.

Get a Bitcoin Wallet

2 A mobile wallet is like vessel on the bitcoin industry.

One of such is coins.ph. Each bitcoin wallet can display the total balance of all bitcoin it handles.

Controlling Bitcoin Wallet

4 Using the wallet user created, public Bitcoin address is prepared. Just like an email address, it can be shared to anyone to send the bitcoin.

References: https://www.weusecoins.com/en/getting-started/; https://bitcoin.org/en/vocabulary; https://www.weusecoins.com/the-many-uses-of-bitcoin/; https://bitcoinmagazine.com/articles/blockchain-trucking-alliance-seeks-revolutionize-transport-industry/

Create a public Bitcoin address

5 For starters, send a lesser sum of bitcoin to the address prepared using the "withdraw" or "send" key.

Confirmation might take 10-20 mins. If all are correct, the user has moved the bitcoin to a wallet successfully.

Circle

Spectrum

Ysabelle Mendoza, Editor

14

December 2017

UPUAN “Second year college ako nung maging student assistant sa IE laboratory, may 1 month probationary ako para mapasa nung senior S.A. yung mga gawain pero lagi siyang nauunang

TAKIPSILIM

umalis sa akin since hinahabol niya last ride ng PNR so ako yung nagsasara ng 9pm ng laboratory namin dahil inaantay ko pa lahat ng class matapos isang gabi habang gumagawa ako ng homework sa laboratory may naririnig

Naranasan mo na bang umuwi ng late galing ng CEA? Naranasan mo na bang kabahan ng sobra dahil sa hindi maipaliwanag na bagay? Nakaramdam ka na ba ng panlalamig at pagtaas ng balahibo dahil sa takot? Kung oo,

Mga kwentong kababalaghan Mark Christopher Rosario marahil ay isa ka na rin sa mga nabiyayaan ng third eye o ang mga tao na nakakakita ng mga kaluluwang pagala-gala.

Paano kung sa mismong loob ng CEA pala ay kasama sa mga kwentong may kababalaghan? Anong gagawin mo?

akong ingay sa may 3rd flr. na nag-aayos ng upuan sobrang ayaw tumigil noon at hindi ako mapagconcentrate sa paggawa ng homework tapos umakyat ako sa 3rd floor para silipin yung itaas na room nung lab.

Pagtingin ko, shocks! walang tao sa room at patay ang ilaw takbo ako agad pabalik ng lab.

Dasal ako ng dasal since di ako sanay ng ganun then ayan nanaman umiingay nanaman mga silya ng hinihila. Since hindi pa ko pwedeng umalis ng CEA noon dahil may nagkaklase pa sa room 221 nagpatugtog nalang ako ng malakas na christian songs upang hindi ko na marinig yung naririnig ko at para di ko maramdaman yung takot. Sa awa ng Diyos kahit gabi-gabing ganun nasanay nalang din ako, hanggang sa hindi na ako nagdu-duty mag-isa sa gabi .”

-Carla Samson (IE V)

P i n t uan “Last subject yon. Then doon kami

H AWA K A N “Yung sa friend ko naman , sa C.R. ng

nakaroom sa 306B ba yon? Yung tabi lang

girls doon sa 2nd floor, siya lang daw mag-isa

ng C.R. ng girls. Then nag C.R. ako mag-isa.

doon, tas after niya mag-C.R. nag-ayos muna

Tapos wala na mang tao sa C.R. pagkapasok

siya ng sarili niya, tinignan niya yung sarili niya

ko. Then, nung nasa stall na ako, sumara yung

sa C.R. tapos nagtaka daw siya bakit parang

pinto sa katabing stall ko. Iniisip ko na baka

unli-flush yung isang cubicle sa gilid niya,

may ibang babae lang na nag C.R. ganun.

kaya pinuntahan niya , tapos nung nakita niya

Then after ko mag C.R., naghugas ako ng kamay ko then narinig kong biglang

pataas-baba yung handle nung flush paulit-ulit ganon parang haunted, tumakbo na agad siya .”

bumukas yung gripo ng slight sa stall na nagsara. Yung parang nagkadrip lang ng

-Cheszka Benares (IE III)

tubig kaya ko narinig. Nakita ko na may siwang na onti dun sa pinto tapos sinilip ko, TAPOS WALANG TAO! Tumayo yung balahibo ko tapos ambilis ng tibok ng puso ko noon. Binilisan kong makaalis sa C.R..”

-Bea Azucena (ECE III)

SECRET TECHNIQUE

art by: GREED

Sopas Ni Manong

Mga Alagad ni Orig na Kurips

CONSISTENTLY LUCKY I was on an adventure towards an uncharted island in the West Philippine Sea. It was full of abstract due to a tribe who lived there before. Walking around a mountain, I saw three trails down my track.

In that cross-section, one path was a trail of blood, like a person is bleeding. In the middle I saw sightings of a lake filled trees, like a paradise. And the other was sort of different. I saw nothing but a road aligned, symmetrical in terms of shape, that one can say it’s perfect for a road. I was really confused to where should I head to. Choose the blood to maybe there is a person who need utter care. The middle, to complete my adventure of finding paradise. Or just picked continue with my adventure towards that odd road.

“I’ll just trust my instinct” I told myself. So there I was walking through the symmetrical road. And eventually I reached the peak of the mountain, not high above the clouds. The regrets came to my head because I did not went to help a person who was bleeding. So I took out my binocular to find out where the trails lead to. As I looked I saw the lake. Then looking closer I had found that it was filled with crocodiles and that could lead to a dead end .Then looked at the other path. The trail of blood was actually the blood of the native tribes whom I saw at their village corpses of other adventurers. They were cannibals. “ …………………….. Thank god I’m an engineer”

Literary

Spectrum December 2017

15

JUNAINA SHARIEF STORY Retold by Ysabelle Mendoza

BEHIND THE

BATTLESCARS MARAWI

OF

Junaina Shareif is a feminist, a speaker, and a student leader from Mindanao State University Marawi Campus. Taking up Master’s Degree in Public Administration. Since a child, Marawi has always been her home. She met SPECTRUM in Philippine Good Governance Summit 2016.

Marawi, for me, is not perfect but it’s irreplaceable. The weather, culture, tradition, and other practices we have are priceless and unique.

Aside from being known as prideful, business-minded, and smart alecks, Maranaos are also known as ones of the most hospitable people, and that’s already proven and attested by our non-Maranao friends who used to visit Marawi City. We are bound by our social responsibilities, which is to attend and contribute in different kinds of events.

Despite the negative remarks, we hear from other people who never met us and visited Marawi City, we still continue live our lives the way how Islam teaches us to live- to pray five times a day, give charity to the poor, respect others and other teachings that both make us good Muslims and good Maranaos.

Ever since I was a child, Banggolo has been one of my favorite places in Marawi City.

A place where most of Maranaos, together with their family and friends, gather to enjoy. It may not be as perfect as paradise, but the best thing about Banggolo is it is the only place in Marawi where you can find most of Maranao food delicacies, arts, customs, lifestyle, and history.

It is considered as the center of Marawi, where public and private schools, government and non-government offices, public market and variety stores, are located. Banggolo may be the most crowded place in Marawi but still, the best place for me, for it fully illustrates the culture and tradition of the Maranao people.

Eating Maranao food and having quality time together with my family and friends a re t w o of my most treasured experiences in Banggolo. Even my non-Maranao friends used to visit Banggolo, they find it very u nu s u a l a n d would like to see the other side of the Maranao people.

I was supposed to be in General Santos Cit y on the 23rd of May for the National Yo u n g L e a d e rs’ Conference.

Days before the said conference, I flew to Manila and visited

Ateneo de Manila University for a pre-departure orientation meeting for our International Work Camp in Macau, China with my three other friends from UST, and another meeting in NYC office for the Philippine Youth Development Plan 2017-2022.

Days before my flight going to General Santos City, I felt a very indescribable feeling that made me felt so uncomfortable. So on the 21st of May, instead of flying to General Santos City, I decided to cancel my participation in the said conference and directly went home to Marawi.

Then the siege happened.

I thank the Almighty for giving me signs days before the siege because, without it, I might be stranded in General Santos City thinking about my family and worrying about

received some text messages saying that there’s a clash between the men in uniform and a group of armed people wearing black in barangay Malutlut, Marawi City.

Hours passed, we received a group message again saying that at exactly 5 pm, the Maute group will burn the city jail, which really happened, followed by the burning of Dansalan College. During that time, everyone was shocked! Most of our visitors were not able to attend my nephew’s celebration because of the unexpected happening. There were some MSU students who were stranded after their classes and had to sleep inside MSU campus.

Everyone didn’t expect that the clash will last for months, assuming it only to end less than a week.

In the morning of the 24th of May, I have

Of all the pains I had, of all the heartbreaks I felt, and of all the tragedy I witnessed, this is the most painful one their situation.

A day after my arrival in Mindanao State University (MSU), my family and I went to Banggolo and Marinaut (which are now part of ground zero areas) to be part of my cousin’s celebration as she finally finished her college journey. Never have I thought that it will be my last day visiting those places, where every bit of it was shattered into pieces.

On the 23rd of May, my family and I were celebrating my nephew’s graduation in Brgy. Salam, MSU, Marawi City. Since the graduation started at 9AM, graduates were expected to finish the ceremony at 12nn. Around 3 o’clock in the afternoon, we received a text message from one of our visitors saying that she might be late because there’s a long traffic happening in town. After few minutes then, we

witnessed the worst experiences of the Maranao people. People are evacuating, crying as they fixed their valuable things. Confusion and worry surfaced the whole place, not knowing what to do next. I have seen both rich and poor people leaving the city, clueless. I have seen a blind old man walking and carrying his bag while holding his daughter’s right hand. I have seen a pregnant woman looking for a car to ride while carrying her baby, followed by her three other children. I might not be able to enumerate it all now, for the trauma still resides in me, but I know I can fully share all of these in the future because these memories will not be forgotten forever. It’s historic.

As hard as it is to accept, it is undeniable to expect the ruined Marawi City after almost six months of battle.

The buildings we used to gaze at, the mosques we used to visit to pray five times a day, the schools that provided primary and secondary education for students, the roads that served as directions from one place to another, the stores that served as livelihoods for some Maranaos, and all other important things that represents the Maranao people are all gone.

These are some of the most heartbreaking things I know I will see when I return in Marawi, but despite that, I still have the strong hope that in God’s will, we will rise again very soon.

I feel miserable every time I see the current situation of my beloved city on television. Of all the pains I had, of all the heartbreaks I felt, and of all the tragedy I witnessed, this is the most painful one. It’s very hard to wmove on and just accept that Marawi is totally gone. The place where I was born, the childhood I once had, my first day at kindergarten up until my college graduation, all of my most unforgettable moments happened in Marawi. Nothing is more catastrophic than knowing that the only place you spent most of your life is shattered into pieces.

Despite all the mishaps, hope is the only thing I hold on to. I know for sure that my city would find its feet again. Everything will go back to the way it used to be. Names may be different, but faith is what we have in common. In the near future, I am hoping to have more peace instead of wars, love instead of hatred. I wish there will be solidarity in this country- where we could live all together as one, where religion doesn’t divide the nation simply because we are all human beings and we are all God’s creation.

I wish what had happened in Marawi City will serve as a lesson and realization. I wish there will be no more generalization and discrimination against Muslims because we are all human beings too- we also have the right to live in a place full of love and freedom.

And lastly, I wish ever yone would learn how to love f r e e l y, r e s p e c t without threats, accept without judgments, and understand with an open mind.

May our dif ferences b e t h e b a l an c e this nation lack. May our diversity strengthen the unity we need.

The gleam of moonlight strikes her eyes aflame As shadows swirl along a melody A rhythmic heat that only she can tame She brands her lips upon my memory Her scent flows smoothly through the darkened room Her breathing, gasping softly on my skin Caress of silk enticing in the gloom A thirst for whispers hissing from within Sensation crawling from each other’s touch As eyes are both locked on a dreamy stare Our hearts and bodies bound by lustful clutch In this night light we amorously share Let heartbeats sing each gracious tender line For tonight, I am hersand she is mine

Arabella Love is not you who walks pride and mighty Tall and fiery, clamorous and roaring.

Love is he who does not seek for bounty, It’s silence and freeing – full of giving.

Ah, my darling, you are like a firework Rapid bursts of light, stellar but fleeting.

You are Shiva dancing – undaunted smirk; This is an unbecoming of something.

Let me be swallowed by your dying light I wouldn’t mind as I would be a part – Your flickering life like stars in the night, As I couldn’t reckon, us, be apart.

But my love it’s true, I am set to rue.

As for me, it will only just be you.

Yellow Fires

You’re a masterpiece in a museum They were amazed by your heavenly hue You were the most immaculate sculpture And with your flawlessness, we were captured Up to what extent do I need to pay?

Does it cost ebullience to fade away?

I just wanted to play a minor part Yet, you killed the burning flame in my heart You slayed the ecstatic feeling inside Kneeling on the floor, bare-footed, I cried Begging you to give me a glimpse of hope From a fine lady to a beast, you morphed Tonight and then, we’ll never be apart Beside me is you, cold, dead piece of art

Orange Obsession Keihl Rhandal de Castro

Green Erotica

Von Ryan Maicle

Love comes in different sizes and different colors, what's yours? Read on.

It was the best magic that sparked it all, You were looking at me, I, doing same, When the sudden staring became weird call.

We were paralyzed, but heart couldn’t tame, Deep down inside, our yearns were out crying Trapped on cavernous chasm we both sailed.

Our emotions and feelings were pleading, No, we couldn’t be ‘cause rules made us failed.

When that red apple fell on Newton’s head, It firstly meant something that’s be hidden.

“Love supposed to bind us”, everyone said ‘Til they heard it and held “it’s forbidden”, Because this love must only between Eve And Adam, never be Adam and Steve.

Prolonged intimacy – one placid fight With loud music, liquors, and playful light, Ephemeral bullcrap through handed shame Flesh of ‘lil fabric, an insistent game, Lemons and kisses, and a longer night, Tongue on mouth, devouring – a noxious bite Then and there thought a sweet catastrophe, Perhaps, a distress-tainted sympathy Through abyss, dread and horror unperceived Pull back too late, now all can’t be relieved For within me, curls up an entity, Juvenile of eccentric vagary, Skip from adolescent, an unsought fright A flux in flight, ‘had wished I didn’t fight.

Red Apple John Carlos Manansala

Blue Regret

One afternoon of cold-breezed December Wind of northeast is all I remember A man in black suit formally renounce The fall of men who fought with every ounce After months of waiting for your comeback With trousseau on hand, now fading to black Here, battle scars laxly dwell in fortress With time and fate, are always a detest Love that is lost, forever will wander Perpetual agony of long ponder Taste of bittersweet, adrift in shadows For hate is danger, enfold in sorrows A heart is a home, made for souls of two Now inhabited by ruins of you

We have been exiled by the moon and stars We have been painted black and white and gray The sharp cold winds of the night gave us scars Wounds and broken skin, they needed to stay So we’re the ones who tried to forget them By drowning ourselves and keeping away From all the blues and the hues we breathe in Isn’t it just normal to stay insane?

But what a shame, the dark is a mayhem Oh tell me, what was it you told me then?

That made my eyes search for the dark places I forgot all of it, I was in pain We have been given the night and its fire It’s a pity we became so afar

Ma. Pamela Patawaran

Violet Promise Ysabelle Mendoza

Indigo Wine Rogelio Legaspi Jr.