The Spectrum E-Newsletter - October 2018

VOL. 63 NO. 6 · OC TOBER 2018 TRUTH BEYOND KNOWING

T H E O F F I C I A L S T U D E N T M E D I A CO R P S O F T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F S T. L A S A L L E

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SONA 2018 FACES BACOLODNON PROTESTERS DUTERTEMONYO. Protestants burn down an effigy of President Rodrigo Duterte at the Bacolod Public Plaza. — MILLEN ANDRE E. GELA

BY STARLENE JOY B. PORTILLO

President Rodrigo Duterte’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA) was greeted by anti-Charter Change (ChaCha) and anti-federalism civic groups.

As the president was slated to deliver his speech last July 23 at the Batasang Pambansa, protesters trooped the Provincial Capitol Lagoon that morning, led by Paghimud-os: Negros Citizen’s Coalition.

Along with various sectoral groups, Paghimudos staged the “Bagting Contra ChaCha” march that featured “symbolic ringing of bells and raising of voices against hasty ChaCha and federalism.”

The march concluded at the Negros Press Club, wherein a press conference spearheaded by former Negros Occidental governor Rafael Coscolluela was held.

“Hopefully, [the mobilization] will build up into a national movement for democracy and people power,”

more inside

ECOBOX Once a focus of environmental rehabilitation initiatives, what has happened to the Sum-ag River? read on page 3

he declared.

Coscolluela emphasized the main objectives of the pre-SONA citizens’ march, which were: to declare the true state of the nation as told from the citizens’ point of view, to launch the “No To ChaCha Campaign,” and to call for solutions to address the urgent problems and issues affecting the nation and its people.

According to the former governor, the charter change presents two problems.

Firstly, it provides opportunities for the insertion of dangerous or self-serving provisions while distracting the people from addressing more urgent problems.

It is also meant to enable a permanent, virtually nonreversible shift to federalism, which Coscolluela and the coalition believes is a system the Philippines is not ready for, because it proposes more “government” instead of less.

“ChaCha is not a messiah that will deliver us from our suffering; federalism is not a savior that will relieve

EDITORIAL When the country’s first line of defense fraternizes with the enemy, do we fight or do we follow their lead? read on page 4

us from our economic problems,” said General Alliance of Workers Association (GAWA) - Negros Occidental Secretary General Winnie Sancho.

Moreover, Coscolluela said that the Philippines is currently experiencing the highest inflation rate over the last 16-18 years, now exceeding 5.2 percent.

He has also stressed that the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law has caused a spiral in prices of food and other basic commodities which in turn, resulted to the current all-time high record in joblessness and underemployment.

“The people who are feeding the nation are the ones who are poorest,” the former governor highlighted, adding that agriculture and fisheries are among the poorest performing sectors in the Philippine economy.

Grid Alila of Negrenses Dependent Democracy and Negros Occidental Small Fisheries Alliance spoke in

SPECIAL REPORT In an exclusive interview, Congressman Greg Gasataya talks about both current and slated city road projects. read on page 8

SONA / PAGE 2

FEATURE Get to know the man behind the instant tourist attraction that is Bucalan-Caci Sunflower Farm! read on page 9

2 NEWS

Teachers march for pay hike on World Teacher’s Day FOUNDED 1956 VOLUME 63 NUMBER 6 OCTOBER 2018 Joshua Martin P. Guanco EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Katherine E. Co ASSOCIATE EDITOR Victoria Marian B. Belmis MANAGING EDITOR Robert H. Jerge III EXTERNAL AFFAIRS DIRECTOR Starlene Joy B. Portillo NEWSPAPER EDITOR Hezron G. Pios MAGAZINE EDITOR Martini M. Falco ONLINE PUBLICATIONS EDITOR Alvin Brian S. Legario LITERARY EDITOR Mariano O. Javier PHOTOS AND VIDEOS EDITOR Ena Louise P. Apelo ASST. PHOTOS AND VIDEOS EDITOR Glen Jed J. Descutido LAYOUT AND GRAPHICS EDITOR Alfredo Jr. R. Bayon-on ASST. LAYOUT AND GRAPHICS EDITOR

NEWSPAPER WRITERS Kynah Rhea B. Fuentes, Joshua L. Mahilum, Ivee E. Manguilimotan MAGAZINE WRITERS Disney Marie Espartero, Lance Christian M. Juarez ONLINE WRITERS Ma. Angeline M. Mayor, Charlene Marie D. Lim, Ida Sarena Gabaya LITERARY WRITERS Ma. Kristine Joy R. Badayog, Lorraine M. Labos, Chad Martin Z. Natividad PHOTOJOURNALISTS Nicci Bernelle D. Aguilar, Millen Andre E. Gela, Gerico T. Guanco VIDEOGRAPHERS Alfed Edrian D. Ama, Kyle Jyrax D. Sevilla LAYOUT AND GRAPHIC ARTIST Alexandra V. Bachoco ILLUSTRATORS Andrea Danielle A. Gamboa, Carl Hason T. Gerale, Anna Theresa S. Parayno WEB ADMINISTRATOR Keanu Kent. B Gargar EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Keanu Joseph P. Rafil PUBLICATION MODERATOR Jean Lee C. Patindol

The Spectrum is the official student media corps of the University of Saint La Salle. Its editorial office is located a the USLS Student Activity Center, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100; it can be reached through the telephone number, (034) 432-1187 local 172 and e-mail address, thespectrum.usls@gmail.com. All rights reserved. No part of The Spectrum may be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the Media Corps. all contributions become The Spectrum property and the Editor-inChief reserves the right to edit all articles for publication.

A UNITED FRONT. PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS OF THE PROVINCE TOOK THEIR PROTEST TO THE STREETS OF BACOLOD LAST OCTOBER 5. — ANNA THERESA PARAYNO

BY KYNAH RHEA B. FUENTES AND MARIA ANGELINE M. MAYOR

While the rest of the country celebrated World Teacher’s Day at the comforts of their classrooms, the teachers of Negros Occidental took theirs to the streets.

Public school principals, supervisors, and teachers from across the province staged a rally to demand for a salary increase at the old Bacolod City Hall’s Fountain of Justice last October 5.

The teachers’ rally, which also pushed for reducing workload and abolishing the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law, was led by the Alliance of Concerned Teachers-Negros (ACT–NEGROS) in collaboration with the Bacolod City Public School Teachers Federation and Association of Classroom Teachers-Bacolod.

The crowd, who wore black shirts as a “sign of mourning”, marched from Rizal Elementary School, walked around the public plaza and stopped at the old City Hall, airing their demands for salary increase and the abolition of the TRAIN Law. “We are holding on to what Duterte has said in front of his mother’s tomb, that he will increase the salary of teachers for ₱ 10,000—but it never happened,” expressed ACT-Bacolod President Richard Gelangre.

To “dramatize the sacrifices of the Filipino teachers and to warn the government”, the teachers protested in the form of a mass leave on the same date as their sign of indignation against the condition of being overworked, underpaid and overtaxed.

A total of 89 public schools in Bacolod City participated

in the march rally. Several other neighboring cities and municipality including La Carlota, Talisay, Silay, Bago, and Murcia also took part.

Additionally, setting the said rally on the date intended for Teacher’s Day was part of the organization’s purpose to be effectively noticed and heard by the government.

“If other public employees and uniformed personnel have been given increase, then why can’t they do it to us, teachers?” inquired ACT-Talisay President Arman Reyes.

According to the official statement of ACT-Negros, due to the Department of Education’s (DepEd) policies which demand greater time and efforts, the situation deprives teachers enough time to rest and prepare for their daily lessons, therefore causing them “a very stressful experience.”

Most assignments include non-teaching related reports and paper works of other agencies that cover: the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, deworming programs of the Department of Health, earthquake and fire drills of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, local and national election of the Commission on Elections, and tree planting activities of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

ACT-Negros also stressed that most teachers are paid with a minimum of ₱5,000 per month, which is lower than the National Economic and Development Authority’s estimated amount of a “decent” income of ₱42,000 for a family of five. Therefore, making Filipino teachers the lowest paid in Southeast Asia.

Additionally, the implementation of TRAIN Law adds to the burden of the teachers since the increase of the Expanded Value Added Tax, excise tax, and other forms of taxation have affected the prices of basic goods and services.

“Teachers were made to believe that withholding tax exemption will increase their take-home pay but in reality, they brought home lesser than before the TRAIN law,” its statement added.

The march was already their third this year.

USG launches new Mental Health initiatives

BY CHAD MARTIN Z. NATIVIDAD

The University Student Government (USG), in partnership with the University of St. Lasalle, introduced the first Mental Health (MH) organization to actualize in Bacolod last June 28 at the USLS Forum.

Going by the name Youth for Mental Health Coalition (YMHC) - Bacolod Chapter, the group will be a linked arm to an organization of the same name that is based in Metro Manila.

Conceptually, YMHC is a group of student organizations and youth advocates that work to gradually improve the Filipino youth’s consciousness on mental health and, ideally, aim to end the stigma on mental illness. Additionally, the program is in partnership with the Psychology Department and the Psychological Society in the campus.

After the launch, the USG also revealed the upcoming implementation of the Lasallian Wellness Program before SONA behalf of his groups, indicating that they cannot see the states of the sectors in the proposed ChaCha. “The question is: do we really need a charter change, or do we only need to amend and maximize the current charter as well as implement and strengthen the government’s transparency and accountability?” Alila questioned.

He added that the government currently pushes for a ChaCha they cannot define, let alone introduce the public benefits.

“Instead of finding answers, it leads us to more

the public.

The USG hopes to provide more events and implement policies that would serve to soothe and improve the general mental health of the student body in the midst of the tedium brought about by academic and co-curricular activities.

The latest fruits of their program was a Dog Show organized together with the Green Ranchers Club, Bacolod Dog Lovers Organization, and Kansilay Responsible Furparents Organization which was held at the Covered Court last August 9.

Simultaneously, free ice cream and coffee were also distributed to tempted Lasallians under the support of Café Pisan at the iCafé Lobby.

YMHC National Chairperson RJ Naguit has also visited the university last March to give a talk on Philippine Mental Health Law together with Senator Risa Hontiveros. questions,” he concluded. “Is this for the public’s interest, or those of the politicians in power?”

During the afternoon, BAYAN-Negros led another march from the Sacred Heart Seminary and the Lagoon, going to the Bacolod City Public Plaza, wherein they burned a long-nosed Duterte effigy they coined as “Dutertemonyo”.

“We will hold our own version of the People’s SONA in the streets today,” stated BAYAN-Negros chairperson Christian Tuayon.

The movement in Bacolod is only one leg out of many in nationwide protests before and during the president’s 48-minute speech.

NEWS 3

Sum-ag River eco-tourism project to feature floating resto

BY MARIA ANGELINE M. MAYOR

The future looks bright for Barangay Sum-ag, as Brgy.

Captain Rodney Carmona said that the eco-tourism project development of Sum-ag River has already started.

In a one-on-one interview last August 21, Carmona stated that a floating restaurant is among the plans for the Sum-ag River development wherein he added that the bidding for the said project is currently ongoing since it is going to be done with other stakeholders.

“The advantage now is that Brgy. Sum-ag will be one of the tourist destinations here in Bacolod City,” he said.

The barangay chair stressed that many will benefit from sustainable livelihood through the project, since it could generate employment especially among residents living near the riverbanks.

“They can earn an income [through making] handicrafts and souvenir items for the tourists. This is an advantage because [...] it will improve the economy of the barangay,” Carmona explained.

He hopes that the construction for the floating restaurant will start this year, after the bidding process`, which usually takes 60 days.

Also in line with the Sum-ag River development project, the local government has already allotted a fund of ₱2.7M for the creation of the Department of Tourism (DOT) building and docking area located at Purok Gawad Kalinga (GK), also called GK Village in Sum-ag.

The construction for the building and docking area is currently ongoing and shall be finished by next month, according to Purok GK resident and DOT staff Veronica de Jesus.

Carmona indicated that their local government organizes clean-up drives every quarter of the year to maintain the environmental sanitation of the river.

He added that there are also private and independent organizations taking initiatives in cleaning the river, and they are planting mangrove plants for flood control.

“We can notice that the habit of having cleanups has educated the residents near the river and influenced their behavior towards garbage disposal.

Today, no one throws plastic and garbage on the river anymore,” Carmona said.

Meanwhile, Bacolod City Tourism Office holds the skills training project for the riverbank community members in Sum-ag River in line with the establishment of the floating restaurant in Sum-ag River.

CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION. THE ONCE DIRTY SUM-AG RIVER AFTER THE CUMULATIVE EFFORTS OF ITS BARANGAY OFFICIALS AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS. — GERICO T. GUANCO

INTERVIEW WITH THE BRGY CAPTAIN. RODNEY CARMONA, BRGY CAPTAIN OF SUM-AG GIVES UPDATES ABOUT THE SUM-AG RIVER REHABILITATION PROJECT. — GERICO T. GUANCO

The skills training program of the Tourism Office include an Environmental Awareness Training, Life Saving Training on Water Rescue and Drowning, Livelihood Trainings on Recycle Paper Craft, DOT Kulinarya street food vendors training, and Wellness Trainings such as Thai Massage, Traditional “Hilot”, and Foot Massage and Spa. According to Chief Tourism Operations Officer Elma Gerasmo, the current administration under Mayor Evelio Leonardia is actually continuing the

plan for the rehabilitation and development for Sum-ag River which was initially started by the previous administration under former Mayor Monico Puentevella.

The Sum-ag River Eco-tourism Development Project is a part of the 10-year tourism plan of the city along with four other tourist spots such as the Bacolod Coastal Boulevard in Brgy. Banago, Bacolod Public Plaza conservation and restoration, and Bacolod Nature’s Park in Brgy. Alangilan.

NSTP dept spearheads nat’l security talk

BY JOSHUA L. MAHILUM AND IVEE E. MANGUILIMOTAN WITH REPORTS FROM MA. KRISTINE JOY BAYADOG

Despite the reported 64.42% and 71.39% respective decrease in index and non-index crimes, in Negros Occidental for the first two months of 2018, Deputy Chief Police Provincial Operation Management Unit Police Inspector Glen John Grajol still emphasizes the need for vigilance.

Grajol has stated the decrease in crime during his talk about Negros Occidental crime situation during the National and Local Security Concern Forum held last September 1 at the Santuario De La Salle.

“The youth can be an asset to the government by informing the authorities about the people who indulge themselves in illegal activities, and at the same time work hand in hand in order to combat these criminalities,” Grajol expressed.

The decline in crimes, according to Grajol, can be attributed to the joint coordinations of law enforcement agencies, active community involvement,

police visibility and other anti-crime activities of the security sector.

“I believe that ‘dura lex, sed lexd’—the law may be harsh, but it is the law. Just like ignorance of the law excuses no one,” Grajol stated.

Additionally, Deputy Commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade Colonel Inocencio Pasaporte also discussed problems with regards the West Philippine Sea dispute, the internal and external threats that posed risks to the security of the country, including the terrorist groups such as: the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army - National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), Abu Sayyaf Group, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), Daulah Islamiyah, Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Moreover, Pasaporte encouraged the students to take part in the security efforts by being responsible in their actions.

“Everyone of us plays a role in securing our safety.

For the students, they can help by doing good and by

doing what is right. [...] It is really important that the students are responsible,” Pasaporte addressed.

Reactors Retired Major General Jon Aying and Jack Pamine also shared their perspective on the matter and answered questions from the crowd.

“The communities must be part of the effort. You know, there are only so much military and PNP, they cannot do all these things. But if the community does its part, then we will be more resilient and more effective in preventing, deterring or responding to any untoward incident,” Aying stressed.

The said talk was organized by National Training Service Training Program (NSTP) to promote civic consciousness and social awareness among the students of the university.

“It is important that our students know what we are up to; what we are faced with in terms of peace and security issues of which we might be called to respond [...] This is very critical now more than ever because a lot of security issues are confronting us,” NSTP Head Cluster Coordinator Ann Gladys Ponteras explained.

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SAINT LA SALLE · USLS STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100, VOLUME 63 NUMBER 6 · OCTOBER 2018

4 EDITORIAL & OPINION

They have forgotten to remember Smoke Machine

Starlene Joy B. Portillo starleneportillo@gmail.com

Yet they fail to see how succumbing to the demands shall not end the oppression, but instead only embolden the oppresors more.

- CARL HASON T. GERALE

Chinese Checkers: Territory and Sovereignty Edition Last June 7, the eyes of millions of Filipinos were presented a certain mobile phone video that aired through various media stations and online platforms of the country. It was a video of men in a Chinese Coast Guard speedboat boarding and taking almost all of the catch of a Filipino-operated fishing vessel in the Scarborough Shoal, 124 nautical miles off Zambales province—within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone.

This incident, which was clearly an act of bullying towards our fishermen in our very own territory, eventually sparked outrage and flak from the country’s citizens—but not its government. In fact, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque dismissed the claims that Filipino fishermen were bullied by Chinese forces, even pointing out that the explicit act of spitting on our sovereignty is a gesture of magnanimity, as the Chinese Coast Guard gave noodles, cigarettes, and water in exchange for the fish they took; as if the country should be indebted to what they claim as China’s “generosity”.

Is this the first time our government brushed off China’s unambiguous harassment towards our country? No. We’ve been firsthand witnesses to these denials uttered by our China-infatuated Commanderin-Chief and his lackeys even in the face of a militarized

South China Sea, which is equipped with missiles poised to strike Manila within a moment’s notice.

Lie after lie, cover up after cover up, the government keeps on ignoring its people’s cry against the looming threat to its sovereignty and territory. And when it’s all too late, it is us, the youth, who are going to reap the fruits of this administration’s defeatist stance towards China’s harassment and outright disrespect to our nation.

Whether it is the constant bullying or its long-range warheads, once China finally has our country in a checkmate, all of these can’t be undone anymore. How can we fight for our country’s rights as a state if our own government is indifferent to the issue at hand? We bet our president doesn’t even have the answer to this question right now.

As for The Spectrum, we firmly believe that valuing and upholding our nation’s identity is a step forward for all of us Filipinos. That amidst a government that is nonchalant about its country, let us be the hope both the past and future envision us to be in the face of foreign oppression. Let us fight for our country’s sovereignty in our classrooms, homes, streets, and even on our social media accounts. Besides, our country is only as strong as our government. However, the government is only as as strong as its citizens.

Pepsi Paloma has been dead longer than she has lived. In the 33 years that passed since then, the mystery surrounding all that led to her ill-timed end manages to resurface time and time again in different forms.

It has allegedly been written into Eraserhead’s song Spolarium back in 1997. Meanwhile, 2014 saw US-based lawyer Rodel Rodis virtually publishing the articles “The Rape of Pepsi Paloma” and “Was Pepsi Paloma murdered?” through Inquirer.net.

And just recently, the case has transcended into yet another manifestation: the issue of press repression.

Current Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, who is suspected of being involved in the coverup of Paloma’s abuse, issued a letter to the Inquirer asking for Rodis’ write-ups and that of another writer to be taken down since the “unverified articles have been affecting [his] reputation for the longest time”.

Almost a month later, the links to these articles became inaccessible.

The online news site’s move to make the stories temporarily unavailable for the reason of verification might seem reasonable. However, a deeper look would reveal how detrimental it is to press freedom.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer, ironically a cornerstone for free press during and even after the Marcos regime, is paving the way for other people in power to realize that they too, have the capacity to rewrite and un-write history whenever they want it. By giving in to Sotto’s attempt of washing his questionable hands, the Inquirer is making it acceptable for the press to be bullied into submission. Yet they fail to see how succumbing to the demands shall not end the oppression, but instead only embolden the oppressors more.

You see, being compliant might keep the paper running for a day more than expected, but what worth is survival if you have compromised all that you stand for?

We live in an era where journalism’s “core values of accuracy, fairness, balance, integrity, and responsibility” are being put to the test. The Inquirer—whose motto is Balanced News, Fearless Views—owes it to the Filipino people to wholly uphold their vows. After all, the right of the public to know should weigh more than the authority’s privilege.

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SAINT LA SALLE · USLS STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100, VOLUME 63 NUMBER 6 · OCTOBER 2018

OPINION 4

Orange Peel

I’m fe-fe-fed up In a live video broadcasted via Facebook all over the country, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson along with fellow blogger Drew Olivar, staged a “game show” about the Duterte administration’s proposed federalism drive. But what was supposed to be an opportunity to inform their viewers about the probable constitutional shift became a “song-anddance” number which was utterly vulgar, improper, and despicable to the core.

The video showed Olivar singing the lyrics, “I-pepe, i-pepe. I-dede, i-dede. I-pe, i-de, i-pederalismo,” (colloquial terms for breasts and vagina) while pointing to his pelvic and torso regions. Lewd right?

But what made the video worth throwing into the pits of any religion’s concept of hell was Uson—who was tasked to launch an information drive about federalism—laughing at what should have been an opportunity for her to stay true to her responsibility as an agent of public service. After all, she was placed in the PCOO and was even handpicked to be the Prometheus of the proposed constitutional change who will bring forth the flames of federal knowledge into the minds of the uninformed Juan.

But she didn’t.

Upon her rise to the ranks of this administration, Uson was bombarded with criticism and speculation as to whether she was fit for a job in the government, particularly that she was going to earn ₱106,454 every month while carrying her blogger-propagandist persona that outright attacks and spreads false information about anyone who criticized Duterte. She

Joshua Martin P. Guanco theguanks@gmail.com

was encased inside a box of both her sexy-star past and her Duterte Diehard Supporter present, yet she stayed true to her boss—Duterte of course, not the taong bayan—through the fake news and lambastments she constantly published in her own blog whilst being an Asec.

Going back, when I found out that she was going to be in the frontlines of the federalism information drive, I eventually had no doubts—that she was going to have a blunder.

Basing on the song-and-dance of Olivar’s jingle and her incessant laughing on what should have been a serious matter, she did.

What’s worse is that she won’t own up to this obvious mistake of hers. Was this the first time she did not apologize for her blunders? Well, she didn’t acknowledge her mistake when she tried to defend Duterte’s controversial kiss with an Overseas Filipino Worker at the expense of a video where Ninoy Aquino was kissed by two women prior to his assassination.

Even at the wake of the “pepedederalismo” backlash she received from netizens, lawmakers, and public officials—most especially that it was the only time when Senate President Tito Sotto made a right decision in voicing out his opinion on a pressing issue—Uson insisted that what she and Olivar published on Facebook did not mean any harm; they even came up with alibis that sounded so stupid even a supercomputer cannot comprehend.

She thought she was right, but she wasn’t.

Mocha Uson befouled and mocked a serious national issue that should be discussed with formality

Mocha Uson befouled and mocked a serious national issue that should be discussed with formality not vulgarity. not vulgarity. Mocha Uson dispersed misinformation (nothing new about it, though), such as identifying France as a federal state when in fact it isn’t. Mocha Uson did not take her job and responsibilities seriously despite the fact that a portion of the whole population’s taxes goes into her pockets. Mocha Uson, who has been slut-shamed for her past, still gave her consent to make the female genitalia as a point of humor in the stunt that happened during Malacañang’s office hours.

With petitions asking Uson to resign as well as calls for slashing the budget of the PCOO, it is clear that the public is in distaste of Mocha’s actions. However, all of these are pointless when even the president himself is “cool” about the video. With that, the cycle continues: commit a blunder, garner the wrath of the public, wait for the president, repeat.

But I don’t. And I believe a number of people would agree to this response of mine. Why? Because we all share one sentiment: we’re all fed up of this circus show and the clowns that make a joke out of the whole country and its people. If only the joke was funny and is not detrimental of a whole nation’s future.

Why our teachers (and everyone else, of course) should be taught about mental health Imagine you, or your friend, with a diagnosed mental illness—let’s say, depression—gets indirectly told by a professor in class that you shouldn’t be declaring that you are mentally sick, or that you are suicidal. I mean, just how sick can that get?

Let’s admit it: the topic is overused. So overused and endlessly repeated that it’s been misused, normalized, and romanticized in so many different ways. It’s the cry of the mental health advocates who wouldn’t shut up, the deafening silence of those suffering it amongst the darkness, and a rollercoaster-kind of a debate topic among those who would rather say anything about it than to do some good, sweet research. But perhaps, it is so overused that it’s still not enough.

The American Psychiatric Association describes mental illnesses as medical problems that involve changes in one’s emotion, thinking, or behavior. And just like some physical illnesses, they can also be life-threatening.

Others, however, describe it as a weakness. They would say it like it was a decision to have or not have one in the first place—like it was a lack of willpower on our part to stop it from consuming us. They’d say we aren’t being “strong” enough. Maybe, in an imaginary universe, we should probably be able to conjure such “strength” to be fully void of such illnesses, just as we can possibly possess optimum health to be free of any sickness at all.

But we aren’t in that world, are we?

To hear these similar-sounding words from a teacher in a classroom of this very university is sincerely just heartbreaking. Worse, I have a friend in the same class who really does suffer from a mental illness. I must admit that I can see it’s coming from a very traditional

Kath Ang Isip

Katherine E. Co kathyuiop@gmail.com

We condemn men when they do it but when we fail to see the extent of the harm we can inflict on them as well. perspective, since there is a generational gap to consider, but it shouldn’t be an excuse to simply be ignorant and dismissive of other people’s struggles. And, again, I say it once more: it is heartbreaking.

What a lot of people seem to not realize is that stigma, in almost all ways, is damaging. What do you want to expect from these people with mental health conditions—to simply ignore other people and just be “strong”? Isn’t this precisely why they need help? But more importantly, doesn’t this pose a larger obligation for our teachers—our “second parents”, our opinion leaders and influencers—to educate us with facts and the context of things, to teach us open-mindedness, and to foster a love for learning as we constantly advance with newer research and knowledge?

But why is this not so surprising? Maybe because it sounds like the same story over again, just weaved a little bit differently from the other, coming from very traditional and close-minded relatives, friends, your parents’ colleagues, and sometimes, even from your parents themselves. It’s no shock why a lot of people decide to keep that ‘unspeakable sadness’ a secret—a thickly-lined mask.

As young as we are, it’s a good thing to start with ourselves first—listening to people, researching on as much related topics as possible, engaging in intellectual and fact-based discussions with other people and sharing humane, personal stories that bring light to the dark areas of the subject.

But hopefully, the movement can be extended to everyone else who may or may not think they are included in the narrative; not just us, the young people, not just our teachers, not just our parents and families— all of us. All of us have brains to take care of (Yes, we definitely do), and a state of balance to maintain to stay alive. You face illnesses either way, once in a while. It may not be a mental illness, but it doesn’t mean it’s all that different. Our brains aren’t just a part of our bodies—it’s the control center, the master of our system. If it gets sick, we are still considered ill.

It doesn’t sound simple, but it can start small—in our own little ways. Maybe we can encourage our school administrators and guidance counselors to facilitate seminars and forums for teachers and parents because maybe, more than just guidance and education, we need more acceptance—something that is hindered by the stigma that a lot of people still have.

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SAINT LA SALLE · USLS STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100, VOLUME 63 NUMBER 6 · OCTOBER 2018

THE MORNING AFTER

Following the week that highlighted this month’s celebration, people seldom wait long enough to see the aftermath of the 39th Masskara Festival.

From the piles of rubbish being swept away to exhausted kiosk workers—the dawn brings to light the grimy face behind the mask.

PHOTOS BY ALFED EDRIAN D. AMA, MILLEN ANDRE E. GELA, GERICO T. GUANCO, MARIANO O. JAVIER & KYLE JYRAX D. SEVILLA

8 SPECIAL REPORT

GASATAYA: ROAD PROJECTS ARE LONG OVERDUE

BY HEZRON G. PIOS

Flash floods, traffic congestion, and uncalled-for accidents surpassed by day-to-day commuters of the concrete jungle that is Bacolod thrive until now.

These problems all point their points of origin toward a singular cause: unfinished road projects coupled with poor drainage systems. Here’s a closer look at the current situation and the future of our local crossroads and highways.

Bacolod City Lone District Representative Greg Gasataya expressed that “the congress is proposing that the [road] projects should be completed within the year they are implemented.”

He was confident that the performance of the current Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), headed by District Engineer Abraham Villareal, can reach his target date of completion for the projects by the end of 2018.

“These projects are long overdue. We could have started this ten years ago but we chose not to. So we will push [through] despite of the complaints,” Gasataya said.

In addition, he expressed that he understands the level of inconvenience fostered by these projects.

“There are those who will complain when they see projects not finished yet [but these are inevitable] because there are really works from last year that are still ongoing and they just overlap with the new ones,” he stressed.

Gasataya also shared that this is the first time in Bacolod’s history for the national government to allot

SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE? WHAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN TEMPORARY INCONVENIENCES IN BACOLOD’S ROADS HAVE BECOME A NUISANCE TO ITS COMMUTERS FOR ALMOST A YEAR. — MILLEN ANDRE

such huge budgets for city projects, with a total worth of P1.4B for 2017 and P2.4B for this year. The said budget includes aforementioned road projects, construction of new classrooms, improvement of bridges, and opening of new highways.

So far, there has been the construction of new drainage systems in Lacson Street whereas the Bacolod Economic Highway was eyed as a 21.8-kilometer alternate highway that will bridge Bacolod City to the Silay City Airport with a P800M budget from 2017 to 2018. A portion of the said highway is already complete.

In contrast, Gasataya explained that the scheduling [of the projects’ completion] varies since there are those that can be done in six months while others extend to a year or more.

“It truly depends on the nature of the project on how long it can be done,” he stressed.

Furthermore, Gasataya expounded that the budget for such projects shall be approved upon December, although its effectivity officially begins in January. But once the budget has taken effect, it will be followed by biddings which will consume additional months.

Thus, the soonest the projects can start has always been around March or April.

Aside from budgeting, Gasataya also clarified the legal process in which these infrastructure projects are under the coverage of.

“These projects have a contract or a schedule to follow based on the contract that they signed between the construction company and DPWH, so they must follow that certain schedule. If they will not be able to follow, they are going to pay for damages in favor of the

government,” he explained.

On the other hand, for 36-year old Joel Paderna, a driver of GNC Taxi company, he sees no other conspicuous interruption in the road but traffic.

“I always get disturbed during [the peak hours of] traffic, but I think it’s fine now. I believe that the ones in charge of the projects have already developed them well,” Paderna stressed.

Paderna shared how he and his fellow taxi drivers used to overcome unexpected cases of flash floods.

However, he supposed that the chances for them to face that issue anytime soon are least likely.

Similarly, fourth year AB Communication student Gissa Lacse, underscored her recurring problem whenever she sees the lining up of vehicles even from afar whilst commuting.

“In my experience, it is really annoying especially for me as a student because I’m often in a hurry, [and the traffic] is so time-consuming,” she said.

Lacse further expounded how the implementation of some flood control projects was a good initiative.

Nevertheless, these very projects had also caused vehicular accidents in the process.

The future of this concrete jungle pursues to be more scintillating for its citizenry. Perhaps, it is not only the structure—the slithering streets and the rocky roads— to be fully blamed for for the unresolved conflicts.

Perhaps, it could be suggestive of a tightened road discipline and management.

Anyhow, Bacolod City has no choice but to wait for the end result to come through: an end result that should have began to take place a decade ago.

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SAINT LA SALLE · USLS STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100, VOLUME 63 NUMBER 6 · OCTOBER 2018

FEATURE 9

HOW A MAN WITH A FLOWER SURNAME STARTED A FLOWER FARM

BY LORRAINE M. LABOS AND CHARLENE MARIE D. LIM

When he first saw a single sunflower seed, Vicente Flores thought of it as nothing but a carbon copy of a grain of rice that simply turned black, as he showed no interest in these kinds of things beforehand. He didn’t know how to tend to flora and he certainly didn’t know how a bunch of seeds paired with a simple family request could turn into a grand tourist attraction that he soon would be proud of.

Vicente is a simple man with not-so-simple jobs: a contractual worker at the local company of Central Azucarera de La Carlota, a barangay kagawad, and a chairman of health and sanitation. He seems to have his hands full, but despite these tedious and demanding careers, he knows that before everything else, his first job is to be a loving father. So when his son presented him with sunflower seeds in hopes of him growing them into beautiful flowers readily available for his son’s wedding, Vicente couldn’t say no. After all, it was the best possible gift. However, luck was not swaying with them and the sunflowers failed to bloom before the wedding day. Hence, the dream of a sunflower-filled wedding church was no more.

But Vicente is a man of his words and he does

not easily back down. As soon as he came back from the wedding, he snapped a photo of the field and sent it to his newly-wed son. The moment his son posted it online, people just went crazy, eager to see those yellow flowers in real life. The bright, happy crown petals of the sunflowers attracted thousands of people and due to the hype, he decided to open up the sunflower farm. Vicente Flores, still a simple man, now has five not-so-simple jobs.

Thus, internet fame birthed to an esteemed, newly spawned sunflower farm that hundreds of tourists visit every day like buzzing bees to that of a sweetened flower. Bucalan-Caci Sunflower Farm located at Barangay RSB, La Carlota City, Negros Occidental opened its wooden gates last September 10.

“This was an accident but then thousands of people started to flock—and that was the beginning,” Vicente said, as he recalled the surprising phenomena. Only a donation box awaits the tourists and not an entrance fee. The place also sells flowers to gain income in order to buy seedlings for planting and paying for the people who help manage the farm. Besides sunflowers, the farm also offers souvenirs and light snacks such as fish crackers, puto, and kutsinta.

“As a barangay official, I want the citizens to see that I am doing my part as chairman of health and sanitation,” he added, emphasizing that the land where his farm stands on was lent to him for free in order to practice his advocacy.

There is also a hopeful possibility that Vicente will be planting different varieties of flowers if the sugar central he is working on gives him another parcel of land to plant on, expanding the farm and smiles of everyone who visit his farm even more.

You can call this bonanza as fate and coincidence with bits of hard-work, but you can’t deny that everything played out well. Vicente Flores is the man with the Spanish term for “flower” as his surname that started a flower farm. And although these sunflowers may only bloom for ten short days, the joy they cast onto people would definitely last for decades.

IN FULL BLOOM. A FIELD OF BUCALAN SUNFLOWERS GREETS TOURISTS AT BARANGAY RSB, LA CARLOTA CITY. — GERICO T. GUANCO

10

LOCAL

Pagdumdom sa mga Tuod nga Bagani NI MA. KRISTINE JOY R. BAYADOG

Sa pagkabugana sang isla sang Negros, indi matago nga ang ginhalinan sang matam-is kag manggaron nga duta ― ang mapait nga sakripisyo sang dugo kag kabuhi sang mga mamumugon. Sa pihak sang ila pagpanikasog kag paghimud-os, sila gihapon ang nabilin nga kubos sa kalibutan. Ang mga manggaranon, padayon nga nagamanggad samtang ang mga pigado nagakagutman. Para sa ila, kung imol ka, indi ka kabato.

Isa sa mga rason kung ngaa padayon ang pagusmod sang ekonomiya amo ang wala katapusan nga korupsyon kag inhustisya sang sistemang panggobyerno—sistema sang pagpatay kag pabulagbulag sa hangyo sang mga pigado.

Subong aton pahanumdumon ang mga nagkalatabo sang diktaturya sang rehimeng Marcos—hindi lamang ang mga pagpatay kundi ang pagkabaganihan nga nabun-ag sa tagipusuon sang tagsa ka Pilipino.

Hapon sang ika-20 sang Setyembre sang tuig 1985, nagtipun-tipon ang mga raliyista sa plaza sang Escalante. Mga sakada, mangunguma, propesyonal, manug-isda, residente, kag mga tawo sang simbahan ang naghiliusa kag nagbitbit sang mga karatula para magprotesta batok sa selebrasyon sang ika-13 nga anibersayo sang Martial Law kag ang “New Society” nga ginpatuman sang diktador.

Samtang ang mga tawo ginapakod ang ila panindugan nga pahalinon sa iya termino si Marcos, ginapalibutan sila sang mga awtoridad, mga miyembro sang Regional Special Action Forces, Civilian Home Defense Force, mga kapulisan, kag mga indi kilala nga armado nga mga lalake.

Sa amo nga tiyempo kung sa diin naga-abanse sa pagwelga ang mga tawo, ang mga fire truck nagsugod na sadto basya sang tubig. Sang naubos ang karga sang mga fire truck, ang mga kapulisan nga nagapalibot sa mga tawo amo ang naghaboy sang tear gas canisters sa mga naga-protesta.

Isa ka tear gas canister ang nahaboy sa bahin nga ginatindugan ni Juvelyn Jarabelo, 20 anyos nga babaye nga isa ka lider sa simbahan kag nagapanguna sa amo nga protesta. Ginpudyot niya ini kag ginhaboy balik sa mga awtoridad kung sa diin ginbalusan sila sang nagsunod-sunod nga mga tiro sang pusil kag siya ang una nga naigo kag napatay. Ang mga nabilin nga nakaluwas sa una nga pagpaniro, ginpalibutan gihapon sang mga armado kag ginpangtiro liwat para indi na kapalagyo. Napulo kag lima ang napatay mismo sa lugar sang welga, samtang ang anum napatay sa ospital.

Trenta y tres katuig ang nagligad, isa ka krimen ang naglapnag sa timog nga bahin sang Negros.

Krimen nga nagkitil sa kabuhi sang bente-uno ka mga aktibista. Ang sadto nga aktibismo ang nagpukaw sa binag-binag sang mga Negrosanon nga dapat isikway na ang mga kalainan kag korupsyon sa gobyerno.

Makabig nga mga matuod nga baganihan ang mga nagsakripisyo sang ila nga kabuhi para lang maluwas ang bilog nga pungsod indi lamang halin sa diktadorya ni Marcos kundi pati sa mga nakipagbato para makuha ta ang matam-is ngakahilwayan halin sa pag-abusar kag diskriminasyon. Sila ang nagtindog kag naghimakas nga magbato para lang maagom sang tanan ang hustisya kag demokrasya. Amo gani nga dapat sa pagdumdom sang ila nga ginhimo, kabay pa nga magdumdom man ang tawo nga maghimo sang maayo para indi na magliwat pa kag matabo ang kamatayon kag kabudlayan nga naagyan sang aton nga mga bagani.

Paano ginawa ang mundo?

NI VICTORIA MARIAN B. BELMIS DIBUHO NI ANDREA DANIELLE GAMBOA

Kaakibat ng napakasaganang kultura ng bansang Pilipinas ay ang mga samu’t saring kwento tungkol sa pinanggalingan ng daigdig at ng sangkatauhan. Narito ang tatlo sa napakaraming mito ng paglikha mula sa iba’t ibang pangkat ng tao sa bansa.

Ayon sa mga Tagalog Noong unang panahon, wala pang kalupaan.

Tanging ang kalangitan at karagatan lamang ang matatanaw mula sa noo’y musmos pang daigdig. Sa pagitan ng langit at dagat ay isang ibon na walang tigil sa paglipad. Sa tagal ng paglipad ay napagod ang ibon, subalit saan man niya ibaling ang tingin ay wala siyang makitang madapuan.

Dahil dito, napag-isipan niyang gambalain ang karagatan. Nagalit ito kung kaya’t pinaghahagis niya ng tubig ang ibon. Sa taas ng mga alon ni Karagatan ay umabot ito sa langit. Nagimbal ang langit. Upang humupa ang mga alon, binagsakan ito ng langit ng naglalakihang mga bato.

Sa mga batong ito dumapo ang ibon at nang lumaon ay tinubuan ng mga halaman at puno ang mga ito. Isang araw, nagpasya ang ibon na mamasyal, habang ito ay lumilipad sa ibabaw ng karagatan, ay may nakita itong kawayan na lumulutang.

Dumapo siya rito at tinuka niya nang tinuka hanggang ito’y nabiyak. Lumitaw mula sa kawayan ang unang lalaki at babae ng daigdig—sina Malakas at Maganda.

Ayon sa mga taga-Visayas Libu-libong mga taon na ang nakaraan, walang kalupaan, walang araw, ni walang buwan at mga bituin. Tanging naroroon ay ang napakalawak na karagatang pinamumunuan ng diyos na si Maguayan at walang hanggang kalangitang pinaghaharian ni Kaptan, ang pinakadakilang diyos sa lahat. Pinagkasundo ng dalawang diyos ang kanilang mga anak na sina Lidagat at Lihangin. Hindi nagtagal ay isinilang ni Lidagat ang apat na anak: si Licalibutan na kasing tigas ng bato, ang masayahing si Liadlao na may katawang malaginto, si Libulan na malatanso at ang nag-iisang babae na si Lisuga.

Nang namatay ang kanilang mga magulang ay inihabilin kay Licalibutan ang hangin, ngunit naging sakim siya. Hinikayat niya ang dalawang kapatid na lalaki na agawin ang makapangyarihang kidlat ni Kaptan. Sinugod nila ang kaharian ni Kaptan at gamit ang napakalakas na hangin ay sinira nila ang tarangkahan nito. Isang nag-aapoy sa galit na diyos ang sumalubong at nagparusa sa tatlong magkakapatid.

Nagpakawala ng kidlat si Kaptan. Unti-unting natunaw si Libulan at naging bilog na tanso. Ganoon din ang nangyari kay Liadlao na naging malaking gintong bilog habang ang katawan ni Licalibutan ay nagkapira-piraso at tuluyang bumagsak sa karagatan.

Walang kaalam-alam sa nangyari sa mga kapatid, hinanap ni Lisuga ang mga ito at siya ay napadpad sa kaharian ni Kaptan. Nadamay siya sa galit ng

diyos ng kidlat. Sa pagpakawala ng kidlat ni Kaptan ay nagkalasug-lasog ang pilak na katawan ni Lisuga.

Pagkatapos nito’y nagtungo si Kaptan sa karagatan upang gambalain si Maguayan at pagbintangan na siya ang puno’t dulo ng mga nangyari. Hindi nagpadala si Maguayan; pinakalma niya ang diyos ng kalangitan.

Nang lumaon ay nahimasmasan ito at lubos na nanghinayang sa nagawa. Kahit pagsamahin man ang mga kapangyarihan nila ay hindi na nila maibabalik ang mga apo. Napagpsayahan na lamang nila na bigyan ng natatanging liwanag ang bawat katawan ng kanilang mga apo. Si Libulan ay naging buwan, habang si Liadlao ay naging araw. Sa taglay na kagandahan ay naging mga bituin ang pilak na katawan ni Lisuga samantalang naging kalupaan ang pira-pirasong katawan ni Licalibutan. Hindi man tumataglay ng liwanag, sa kalupaan ni Licalibutan umusbong ang sangkatauhan.

Ayon sa mga Bilaan ng Mindanao Sa simula, mayroong lamang apat na nilalang—sina Melu, Fiyuwey, Diwata at Sawey. Sila ay nakatira sa isang napakaliit na isla na kung saan wala ni isang puno o halaman na tumutubo at ang tanging buhay na nilalang, bukod sa kanila, ay ang ibong nagngangalang Buswit.

Isang araw, pinadala nila ang ibon sa karagatan upang maghanap ng kahit anong makita niya at sa kanyang pagbalik ay dala niya ang isang piraso ng yantok, ilang bungang kahoy at lupa.

Dinampot ni Melu, ang pinakamalakas at dakila sa apat, ang lupa at hinulma niya ito nang pabilog. Ito ang naging daigdig. Pagkatapos, ay itinanim niya sa bagong likhang mundo ang rattan at mga buto mula sa mga bungang kahoy. Malugod at masaya nilang sinusubaybayan ang pagtubo ng mga halaman at puno ngunit napagtanto ni Melu na walang saysay ang mundong ginawa nila kung walang tao na gagamit at makikinabang dito.

Kung kaya’t gumawa sila ng mga tao gamit ang pagkit o wax. Matagal nilang hinulma ang mga ito, ngunit nang ilapit nila sa apoy ay natunaw ang kanilang nilikha. Nabigo man sa unang tangka, hindi sumuko ang apat at sa ikalawang subok ay gumamit sila ng lupa. Naging maayos naman ang kanilang paggawa ngunit nasa taas ang butas ng ilong na ginawa ng isa sa mga kasama ni Melu. Pinagsabihan niya ito, na hindi maaaring baligtad ang ilong sapagkat malulunod ang mga tao kapag ganito ang pagkakahulma ng kanilang ilong, subalit ayaw siyang pakinggan ng mga kasama.

Hinintay ni Melu na umalis ang kasama bago niya madaliang binaliktad ang ilong. Sa kasamaang palad, dahil sa pagmamadali niya ay na-diin niya ang malambot na lupa. Ito ang dahilan kaya makitid ang punong dulo ng bawat ilong ng tao magpahanggang ngayon.

Ang inyong mga nabasa ay tatlo lamang sa napakaraming mito ng paglikha ng ating bansa.

Patunay lamang ang mga ito, at ang ibang pang kwentong bayan, na talagang hitik sa yamang kultural ang perlas ng silangan!

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SAINT LA SALLE · USLS STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100, VOLUME 63 NUMBER 6 · OCTOBER 2018

LEISURE

WIKATIONARY

Endemic Animals in Negros Occidental Being the fourth largest island in the Philippines, Negros is home to a variety of wildlife that either remain unexplored or underappreciated. In an effort to raise awareness of their existence and the critical threat that looms over some of these endangered species, this issue’s WIKAtionary offers a look at five endemic animals that can only be found in the Sugar Capital of the country.

BY MARTINI M. FALCO | ILLUSTRATED BY ANNA THERESA S. PARAYNO

Maral (Prionailurus javanesis sumatanus) Conservation status: Least Concern (Population stable) Also known as the Visayan leopard cat, this small specie of wild cat is about the size of a domestic cat but slender and is marked with distinguishable dark stripes as well as a short and narrow white muzzle.

Visayan tarictic hornbill (Penelopides panini)

Negros bleeding-heart pigeon (Gallicolumba keayi)

Conservation status: Critically Endangered (Population decreasing) Peculiar of its color, this pigeon specie is most identifiable for its large blood-red patch on its breast hence, the name.

Conservation status: Endangered (Population decreasing) It is the smallest hornbill found in the Philippines and has, like many other hornbills, a characteristic ornamental casque on top of its bill.

Visayan spotted deer (scientific name: Rusa alfredi) Negros warty pig (Sus cebifrons negrinus)

Conservation status: Endangered (Population decreasing) A nocturnal and endangered species of deer that is located primarily in the rainforests of the Visayan islands of Panay and Negros.

Conservation status: Endangered (Population decreasing) Researchers say that the reason for the warts is to assist as a natural defense against the tusks of rival pigs during a fight.

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SAINT LA SALLE · USLS STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100, VOLUME 63 NUMBER 6 · OCTOBER 2018

11

SPORTS

facebook.com/thespectrumusls

HEAD TO HEAD. SAN BEDA COLLEGE IMPORT DONALD TANKOUA AND LYCEUM OF THE PHILIPPINES UNIVERSITY’S CJ PEREZ GRAPPLE FOR THE BALL DURING THE NCAA SEASON 93 CHAMPIONSHIP.

@thespectrum.usls

@TheSpectrumUSLS

PHOTO TAKEN FROM THE INTERNET

Ballers cry foul over 2020 banning

BY JOSHUA MARTIN P. GUANCO

With a vision to have an all-Filipino collegiate conference, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has mandated to ban foreign players (commonly called as “imports”) from all sports events starting on the league’s 96th season in 2020.

Regardless if the imports still have remaining playing years or not, NCAA Management Committee Chairman Frank Gusi said that Season 95 will be the last time foreign players will be seen in the intercollege sports league.

The association believes that by banning all imports from the games, the stakes would become balanced, envisioning that it will be all Filipinos winning the individual sports awards, since foreign players have dominated the league for the past several seasons.

“Not having any foreign player makes participation of teams almost equal,” Gusi explained his stand in an interview with INQUIRER.net.

Despite of the forthcoming ban, Gusi shared that Filipino-foreigners can still play in the league.

“It’s okay. As long as long you have Filipino blood, your mother or your father is a Filipino,” the chairman addressed.

Though he might not have stepped on NCAA

hardwood throughout his Philippine collegiate career, former De La Salle star Ben Mbala of Cameroonian descent expressed his opinion on the matter, saying that the decision was “a little bit harsh.”

“All over the world, there are players from everywhere. Teams are mixed. We haven’t had this problem of foreign student-players being treated or looked at [differently], but right now, [...] I feel like it’s a little bit of a racist connotation,” the former University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) big man said.

Mbala also explained that even though imports do have an edge when it comes to talents and skills, they can still help local players improve their craft.

Additionally, former UAAP basketball star Kiefer Ravena supported Mbala’s statements as he took to Twitter and said: “But what if our local bigs took it as a challenge instead of an excuse of them not being able to play?”

Mbala also attested that preventing imports who seek education in the country is more impactful to the foreigners than banning them from participating in sports.

“At the end of the day, we’re forgetting that they’re all students studying and having an opportunity in life.

And I feel like, for me, it’s the way of the Filipino [to help] other people from other countries.” Mbala said.

In the wake of the NCAA’s announcement, all eyes are now fixed on the UAAP whether or not they will also follow the import ban. But for Mbala, his opinion on his former league’s plans is this: “I’ve heard about the UAAP thinking about following the NCAA and if they do so, that’s going to be really bad for basketball in the Philippines. Because what about the foreigner kids that are probably in the Philippines studying, but at the same time, they can play ball? They won’t be able to play ball just because they’re not Filipinos?”

Meanwhile, in the pro divisions, the newly formed Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MBPL) under senator Manny Pacquiao has also banned foreign players from the court, as it remains steadfast on its vision to be an avenue for local players to improve their skills.

As per the boxer-turned-lawmaker, the banning of imports is reasonable for they seem to overshadow Filipinos in the hardwood.

The Philippines is currently ranked 30th in the Fédération Internationale de Basketball (FIBA) world wide standings while it is placed fourth in the Asia division.

Negrense Boxer Fights for a Second Chance at World Title

BY IDA SARENA M. GABAYA

Bacolod pride Genesis Servania proved to the entire boxing world that he deserves another shot at a world championship title when he returned to the ring and outboxed Mexican Carlos Carlson at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, California last September 29.

As mentioned in an online article from Panay News, Servania—who is currently based in Nakazawa, Japan for his training—stated: “I trained hard for this fight and I’ll give all my best. My opponent is a good fighter, I have respect for him.”

After months of serious training and preparation, Servania was eager to put on a good fight against Carlson; knowing that a win from this match can be his ticket towards his dream fight with the current world title holder Isaac Dogboe.

Servania boxed with intensity on the first rounds, as he kept the match heated, flooring Carlson with a sharp right hand counter. Most importantly, he showed off his speed and power after knocking out Carlson in the third round of their super bantamweight clash.

The Mexican was no longer able to rise again after the ten count administered by referee Marcos Rosales, announcing Servania as the victor via knockout with 2:15 left in the third round.

Per ESPN News, Servania’s manager, Naoyuki Kashimi, claims that the Filipino boxer is willing to face any fighter with a world title.

Since suffering his first career loss in the hands of two-time Mexican Olympian Oscar Valdez last year, Servania has won three consecutive bouts in the squared circle.

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SAINT LA SALLE · USLS STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100, VOLUME 63 NUMBER 6 · OCTOBER 2018