Todays CAROLINIAN - July 2017 Newsletter

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Today’s CAROLINIAN

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Photograph by Carmelle Gacasan

USC Clarifies the Status of Shiftees, Transferees and Returnees Christian Rey Camay and Sofia Isabel Tajos The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) issued a memorandum last July 13, 2015 stating that higher education institutions (HEIs) are allowed to accept freshman and sophomore students for the school years 2016 – 2017 and 2017 – 2018, as long as they are graduates from early implementers of senior high school or graduates under the K-10 cycle before the implementation of the K-12 program. The graduates under the previous K-10 cycle are allowed to complete their undergraduate degrees in the said school years as a leeway for them to go to college.

This has become a problem for some students especially the transferees, shiftees and returnees in the University of San Carlos (USC). This is because most of the departments do not accept first and second year students as these departments are not offering courses for first years and second years anymore.

A memorandum from the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) dated Jan. 24, 2017 stipulated, “We will no longer be accepting new students (freshmen or transferees) for the AY 2017 – 2018 in the undergraduate programs. [...] Please do not allow our own students to http://todayscarolinian.net

shift to another program or transfer to another school. Courses under the current curricula may no longer be offered once the first batch of K-12 graduates enter college.”

Additionally, a follow-up memorandum dated April 17, 2017 was circulated to clarify the statuses of shiftees, transferees and returnees.

“Only on cases when courses are regularly offered that shiftees, transferees and returnees may be accepted. Chairs are advised to evaluate these incoming students well to ensure that the [u]niversity will not be obligated to offer their lacking subjects in the future.”

The K-12 program was implemented nationwide last 2016, although some schools were already permitted by the government to pilot senior high school ahead. USC in return will try to assist all students in finishing their degrees and has suggested a visit to the CHED website for schools that still accept students under the old curriculum prior to that of K-12.

In these transition years of the K-12 program, the fate of the students unable to enroll this academic year is still uncertain. TC

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Today’s CAROLINIAN

NEWS

JULY 2017 | Vol. 5 No. 2

Marawi Resurgence Mary Elizah Castillo A growing indication that the Marawi crisis might soon be over is from President Duterte’s assessment that there is less resistance and less fighting within the region. Senator Francis Escudero says the president might announce the end of the Marawi crisis and the lifting of martial law in Mindanao when he delivers his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 24, 2017. The 60-day period of martial law shall have lapsed by the time of the SONA.

Still, the President could not fully predict when the crisis will end after nearly a month since the Maute terror group attacked the city last May 23, 2017. He states that the crisis will be over as soon when government forces retake control of the Islamic City.

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella stated that military offensive operations will continue to subdue any more attacks

and end any more hostilities until Marawi is fully liberated. With this, the government will continue deploying jet fighters, attack helicopters and armored vehicles to crush the Maute group extremists, with the government having the upper hand with higher vantage positions. With the death of over 70 government forces, President Duterte vows that he will “root out” all these terrorists to prevent any more unnecessary bloodshed.

Abella also announced that the Bangon Marawi Rehabilitation Program of the city, which aims at both short-term and long-term recovery, will soon be implemented by local government authorities and organizations. “Reconstruction and rebuilding of important structures have begun and are ongoing,” Abella stated.

On the other hand, Jose Antonio Custodio, a military historian, says that the conflict in the southern city may have erupted due to disenfranchised politicians. “I think it shows that there is a larger issue at hand than just an ISIS-linked organization. I think there are social inequities in the area that needs [sic] to be investigated and addressed through policy reinforcement by the government,” says Custodio. Numerous political analysts agree that more effective policies should be crafted to prevent further alienation of the Filipino Muslims sector. TC

Inforgraphic by Drix Ponteres

TC Dorms Supervisor Clears Up Policy Issues Kaye Diamos New policy issues regarding the University of San Carlos- Talamban Campus (USC-TC) Dormitories rose recently and was said to be the reason that has prompted the dormers to leave. However, in an interview with Celestina Salapa, supervisor of the TC Dorms, on June 30, 2017, she said that students left for personal reasons and went on to clarify certain point on why these new policies were implemented.

with the help of the Dorm Administration, they should look for another student to join them.

It has been made mandatory that each room be filled to save power and electricity and to socialize the students. Furthermore, rooms which are not filled are open for transient students who wish to stay temporarily at the dorms for activities such as project and thesismaking.

Within the rooms, the appliances that may be brought in are limited to tablets, personal computers and laptops or any gadget that may be used for educational purposes.”. Flat irons are no longer allowed due to the presence of laundromats within the school vicinity and for safety purposes. Rice cookers are also not allowed since there are already concessionaires in the dorm canteen.

The 800-student capacity dormitories can house the students for their whole course with payment charged per semester. Once a student has signed the contract, payment for the stay is directly assimilated into his or her tuition via the Integrated School Management Information System (ISMIS). In the event that a student leaves the dorm in the middle of the semester, he or she cannot withdraw the assimilated payment from ISMIS, the advantage of this being that the student no longer has to place a one-month or two-month deposit.

Another recent rule that has also been implemented is that vehicles, whether taxis or privately-owned, can only enter the school premises until 10:00 p.m.”, which many, especially the ones who come home late from their on-the-job training, found inconvenient.

Aside from exhaustion, dormers do not want to walk along the dark path going to the dormitories. Salapa responded saying that the dormers were already advised to carry around their own flashlights.

Also, morsels of food that get washed can clog drainages and when not disposed of properly, can draw stray cats and dogs in.

“This will discipline the student to finish his or her contract for the semester,” Salapa added.

The rates of the rooms are fixed and depend on the number of occupants. If the room is short of a student and the occupants choose to have the room for themselves, however, they would have to pay for the remaining spot. If not, then i

Activities are also organized by the Carolinian Residents’ Association (CRASS) for social enhancement of the dormers. It was also included in the contract that each student is obliged to attend such events like dorm orientation and acquaintance party. But in the event that a student has a valid reason of not being able to attend, he or she is given consideration.

Interviewed Ms. Celestina Salapa last June 30, 2017 and some dormers on the same day.

However, the number of concessionaires reduced and can only cater a limited number of students. Salapa has observed that they do not open early for students with classes at 7:30 a.m. and do not stay open for students with classes until 9:00 p.m. They are also not open on Sundays which makes it inconvenient for the dormers. This issue has concerned her as well, and it is still subject for discussion.

Residents of the dorm were interviewed about their take on things, and they said that living in the TC Dorms is so convenient and the price is reasonable. However, they found the new rules to be difficult in different ways and stricter, but to which they would have to abide by during their stay. TC

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NEWS FEATURE

Today’s CAROLINIAN

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New University Vice Presidents Begin Term Laura Posadas

Photograph by Keith Ayuman Big shoes were filled and new terms began for the newly appointed Vice-President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), Fr. Aleksander Gaut, SVD and Vice-President for Finance (VPF), Fr. Arthur Villanueva, SVD last June 1, 2017. Since the three-year terms of their predecessors have already concluded, it was just about time for new appointments to be made by our university president, Fr. Dionisio Marcelo Miranda, SVD. Let us get to know them better and know what they have in store for the Carolinian body.

his adjustment period. His initial strategy is to simply go with the flow for now, with no definite and concrete plans yet. However, with working experience in the university, we can be assured that we are in good hands.

Fr. Villanueva’s message to the Carolinian student body is a message of assurance that we are always welcome in his office. The Office of the Vice-President of Finance is an open door to every Carolinian in need of their services.

Fr. Aleksander Gaut, SVD

Fr. Arthur Villanueva, SVD Fr. Arthur Villanueva, SVD, until his ordination in the Divine Word Seminary, resided in Tagaytay, Philippines and took up further studies in Anthropology at the University of San Carlos.

Fr. Villanueva is not new to his position — he was the university’s VPF from 1992 until 2010.

He was then transferred to St. Jude Catholic School in Manila as their finance head for six years.

When he received the appointment from Fr. Salas, Fr. Villanueva was more than willing to take the position again. However, according to him, the University of San Carlos was not the same as it was before he left; he is still in

Fr. Aleksander Gaut, SVD has a degree in Philosophy and a masteral degree in Pastoral Theology and Sociology. He also has a doctorate degree in Community Development from the University of the Philippines - Los Baños. In 2011, he was one of the few to receive an academic excellence award from the graduate school of the University of the Philippines.

He started working in the university as early as the year 2000 and was the university chaplain by that time. In 2010, he was an associate professor in the Department of Anthropology, Sociology and History. The following year, he was appointed as the department chair.

In 2015, he was a visiting professor and lecturer at St. Nanzan University, Nagoya, Department of Asian Studies. Currently, aside from being the Vice-President of Academic Affairs, he is also the Admonitor of the SVD Philippine Southern Province.

Fr. Gaut and Fr. Salas have worked closely during the previous years. He witnessed Fr. Salas’ administration and vows to maintain all the systems, processes and mechanisms on how to manage the different departments in the academic division. He intends to maintain what has already been introduced for continuity purposes. However, he is also ready for slight modifications along the road.

Fr. Gaut takes pride in the recent topnotchers from the licensure exams. He hopes this excellence is maintained in most, if not all, academic disciplines in the university. He believes that the university is known to be one of the best universities in the country, not only for having topnotchers but also because of better quality students in terms of passing percentage in the board exams.

Lastly, Fr. Gaut’s message to the Carolinian body is an invitation to become a cohesive, unified family aiming at excellence in everything that Carolinians do. TC

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Today’s CAROLINIAN

NEWS FEATURE

JULY 2017 | Vol. 5 No. 2

LRC Installs Collaborative Learning Hub Stephanie Camile Samonte Photograph by Jhessa Ugdamina To further improve its mark as a haven for studying, research and information, the Joseph Baumgartner Learning and Resource Center (LRC) management recently installed the Collaborative Learning Hub (CLH) on second floor of the library near the Humanities section.

require users to register and submit their countersigned IDs to the librarian in the Humanities Libraries Reference Counter, to be in groups with two to four members, to have a project or research to work on, to use the CLH for a maximum of two hours and to abide by the other rules of the library.

According to the Library System, the hub is a technology-enabled collaborative space that reflects the 21st century learning commons where students can work together in groups. Its purpose is to adapt to the needs of the millennials by providing them workstations, as well as the teachers for an easy access to E-resources, E-books and online journals.

Currently, the hub features sitting areas designed with colorful hues and structured with modern architecture to embrace a more modern setting. The LRC management plans to install 10 computer workstations that would serve as portals for accessing the subscribed E-resources.

Although not officially open to the public, students and faculty members are allowed to enter the area as long as they abide by the guidelines for the hub. These guidelines

“I hope with the new hub that we have, we may encourage students to come here at the LRC and, at the same time, they will be encouraged to use our online databases,” said Ms. Janice Berdin, a Serials Librarian.

Initial response for the hub from students was positive.

“It was great! We could relax and chill with friends despite our busy schedule,” said Patricia, a BS Architecture student.

Her companion Gem, also an architecture student, added that the hub is ideal for studying and for making assignments since the place is comfortable.

Other students who were interviewed also thought that the place is very conducive for learning because of its ambiance.

Furthermore, they also said that it was a good idea since it attracts more students to visit the LRC. Regarding the official opening of the hub, LRC management has yet to release a date.

TC

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MAIN OPINION

Today’s CAROLINIAN

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We Need Etiquette on the Road, Too

Illustration by Eduard Jude Jamolin In our country, the one issue that never gets old is traffic. Almost every city is plagued by this dilemma and with continued industrial developments, this problem can only worsen if no action is taken and properly implemented.

Almost every time and among others, the culprit that everyone points at when investigating the cause of traffic is the rapid increase in the number of cars on the streets. This, along with the non-increase in the size of our roads, can naturally cause congestion especially during the peak hours.

“convenient” means on the side of an already small street — convenient for the parked car owner, but inconvenient for the rest of the world.

It is important to note, however, that the increase in car sales is a manifestation of higher consumer purchasing power which can be an indication of economic growth. It is imperative that the government regulates the number of cars on roads to control traffic congestion if not widen them altogether. However, no regulation will be effective if people continue to be ignorant and insensitive towards good traffic etiquette.

It is worth pointing out that sidewalks were made for pedestrians and not motorcycles.

Therefore, no matter how crowded the roads get, motorcycles passing on the sidewalk should never be tolerated. Not only is this against established traffic rules, it is also wrong on any angle.

The considerable number of cars on our roads can cause traffic congestion, but what worsens the situation is that some of these cars don’t even move. Sometimes, people park wherever they find convenient, and sometimes,

Whenever traffic is slow moving, some drivers turn driving into a race of who gets to get out of the congestion first — especially on intersections where the traffic light is not working. It’s like we’re all always in a hurry that we find it a nuisance to give way to the side of those who haven’t advanced yet even after more than five cars have passed in front of us.

Still, all the blame cannot be put on the drivers’ shoulders. Pedestrians’ refusal to follow rules can also cause, not only congestion, but also accidents. What people don’t realize is whenever the traffic light screams go for vehicles, it means wait for pedestrians. Most of us interpret the light as “go as long as the next car is still five meters away.”

Public Utility Jeepney passengers can also cause headache when on the road. Passenger ignorance on the jeepney stops or no stopping zones can sometimes compel drivers to break traffic rules. Some passengers feel so entitled to go down wherever it is most convenient for them, so much so that when the driver refuses to stop, they start complaining. There is a reason why jeepney stops and no-stopping zones exist. How hard is it to just respect them?

So much stress is caused by our noncompliance of the unwritten rules of traffic decorum.

The fundamental principles of patience and discipline can help reduce the negative energy caused by the mentioned violations to traffic etiquette.

This is just a matter of cultural discipline when it comes to behavior on the road. We can continue developing economically — improving infrastructure, increasing purchasing power; we can continue coming up with new regulations — more traffic rules, new tax reforms, but we can never truly eradicate these issues if we don’t learn proper traffic etiquette.

TC

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OPINION

Today’s CAROLINIAN

JULY 2017 | Vol. 5 No. 2

Specialization Specialize (v.): to concentrate one’s efforts in a special activity, field or practice.

In high school, we spent four years getting shallow dives in an array of subjects. We get a general gist of the world — sciences, arts, history, languages. What distinguishes higher education is our deeper dives into what we want to do in the future. At the expense of other fields of study, we thoroughly explore a single area, learning things others do not have the time or aptitude for.

Janzyl Go

This kind of specialization allows us to contribute to society when we leave the school gates. We get hired for things others don’t understand or aren’t capable of.

Manny Pacquiao is a national treasure and a boxing hero.

He catapulted our nation into fame with his quick strikes and hard punches. However, his conduct in the senate keeps us from progress. Although he rose from the masses and knows their struggles, he has forgotten or simply ignores the constitutional rule of separating Church and state.

This makes him clearly unfit for his senate seat. His voice no longer speaks for the public, but for the Church.

Those who idolize him because of his prowess in the ring have clouded judgement and are blind to his faults. They turn their ears from criticisms because they would rather focus on the “real” issues of drugs and terrorism. Never mind that all of those would be easier to solve if we had the

right people in power instead of whoever is popular.

There is no denying Manny Pacquiao’s contributions to the nation. His winnings have significantly improved the lives of many Filipinos. But all of those came from being a boxer, and it would be such a shame if we lose that.

His recent match has exemplified what happens if he continues to overextend himself with political duties.

Days and weeks that ought to have been spent training were lost, and so was the match.

Pacquiao’s drive is admirable, but he and his supporters need to remember the purpose of specialization.

Let him do what he’s best at.

TC

On the Economy of Grief The economy of grief is neither a stable nor forgiving one.

How far should a camera lens be allowed to look at someone else’s pain? How much weight should the state have in answering the question?

Kyn Pescaño

In the wake of Marawi City’s now-month-long siege, the earthquake that ravaged Leyte and the small, inaudible deaths on the streets both past and present, how does our nation retain its composure? Perhaps it is through television screens, through people who write well enough to be allowed to preach a better truth. Perhaps this diluted truth is what we

need, or only what we can bear to carry. Either way, the state is the state not because of an individual or even a collective’s grief. It is as it is because of the politicians that want to make a difference, if not for their gain then maybe for the country. It is as it is because of the people, because of our rejection of an economy that does not stand unless grief is blended in, engraved in the currencies we have forgotten how to use in daylight.

How much does a child’s cry cost? Four thousand sadness, ten thousand blame, two thousand anger, negative

one responsibility? Can a Filipino afford to buy back his countryman’s security without losing a meal for the day, or himself? Why have we never truly acknowledged the existence of this economy, of this buying and selling and trading and exporting of grief between newsprints and statistics? Maybe we are scared, or maybe we have gotten so used to it that we never bother, anymore, to ask for change. TC

OPINION

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Today’s CAROLINIAN

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A Millennial Matter: HIV In a country where moral and spiritual values are more important than talking about sex, it comes without shock that about 2,600 Filipinos from 15 years to 34 years old have contracted the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) from January to April 2017 alone. These data are according to a DOH report in April 2017 with the numbers still rising.

Joen Jacob Ramas

Our continuous consideration of sexual intercourse as taboo in our society has hindered us from age-appropriate sex education. Even our Filipino value of conservatism has added to this barrier.

We must acknowledge that instead of teaching abstinence, we could teach sex education in schools. Families need to inculcate a family culture that is open, communicative and expressive: parents should answer their children’s queries and curiosities on the risks and responsibilities one has to take on the act. Now that the age range of persons acquiring HIV is getting younger, it should be more important to talk about sex in the family and in educational institutions.

On the other hand, society must also reduce, or even totally eradicate, the existing stigma towards HIV-positive

individuals. We must work together to understand what HIV is and how one could avoid it by being inclusive and sympathetic with those who have acquired it. Just because one has HIV doesn’t mean they’re addicted to sex. We don’t have to judge them.

The discussion on sex education and HIV awareness in the ever-conservative Philippines will still have a long way to go. But with the alarming increase of HIVpositive individuals among millennials, it is time to gear up for a sustainable future sooner rather than later. TC

State of the Art I never actually understood where this phrase came from, and if I’m being completely honest, I still don’t. I do know, however, that it refers to something in its most up-todate, cutting-edge innovation.

The more I think of it that way, the more “state of the art” seems like an oxymoron.

After all, what is the state of our arts?

Paolo Perez

Take, for example, the recent entries into the Metro Manila Film Festival. Whereas last year’s felt like a breath of fresh air, perhaps even the dawning of a renaissance period, 2017 seems to bring us back to the old grind of rom-coms, cash cows and the superficially-

charming yet sociallyineffectual Vice Ganda. The price of all this? The rejection of a whopping 22 scripts, including two by acclaimed director Erik Matti.

I’m no film buff — truth be told, I still think the Transformers movies are worth watching — but when the criteria for consideration places commercial appeal (admittedly important) at a whopping 40 percent, against the 10 percent allotted to the promotion of Filipino culture and history, it’s sure to raise a few eyebrows. The entire fiasco reeks of the musky smell of rolled-up peso bills and the metallic clink of coins on a counter.

Although the MMFF is far from the only avenue for local filmmakers to share their work and passion, it is one of, possibly even the single most, high-profile. With that in mind, certainly it needs to make its investment back, but after last year’s commended projects such as Saving Sally and Die Beautiful, 2017’s direction feels more like the easy way out.

When we say “state of the art,” it means that something is at the top of its game: sleek, refined, as close to perfect as is currently manageable.

Is this really the best we can do? TC

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Today’s CAROLINIAN

FEATURE

JULY 2017 | Vol. 5 No. 2

The USC AstroSoc Adrian Abac and Zachary Borromeo Illustration by Jon Ahmed Durano

Though viewed mostly by the public as two separate subjects, astronomy is actually just a branch of physics, and in modern times, it is commonly referred to as astrophysics. In order to understand the universe, one has to be acquainted with the laws of physics that govern it. This makes physics the oldest, and more importantly, most fundamental, of all the sciences.

Nothing captures the imagination of people more than the images of different celestial bodies such as galaxies, star clusters and nebulae.

The next reasonable thing to do, then, is to turn that spark into flame, and to keep that flame burning in the Carolinians and the general public.

This is the mission of the USC Astronomy Society, also known as AstroSoc, which is under the umbrella of Carolinian Physics Society (PhySoc). The organization had been on a hiatus for two years before it was revived in 2015. Currently, the 22-member group is headed by its Chairman Adrian Abac, with the help of PhySoc President Geo Peig.

Twenty-two is the total number of students that are currently enrolled in a 5-year BS Applied Physics program. Compared to other courses, the number is significantly low. However, this will never hinder the desire of the students to uplift the scientific literacy of the public, particularly in the fields of astronomy and physics.

Despite the diminutive number of members, the AstroSoc has been active since its revival. Its debut event last July 15, 2015, COSMOS: Into The Realm, were participated by USC students. It celebrated the International Year of Light, Einstein’s General Relativity Centennial and most notably, New Horizons’ flyby past the dwarf planet Pluto.

AstroSoc also holds its annual AstroDay, participated by different high schools from all over Cebu province. The activities include Film Showing, Extemporaneous Speaking Contest, Videomaking Contest and Astro Quiz.

Lastly, it also holds stargazing activities at different times of the year.

These are often assisted by Christopher Go, a USC BS Physics alumnus who is renowned internationally for his discovery of Red Spot Jr. The study of the universe through astronomy, and physics in general should not be taken as an intellectual privilege. It is a celebration of humanity’s quest for the unknown and for the future. It teaches us humility, as the majesty of the cosmos quashes out whatever ego we have in ourselves.

Furthermore, the scientific literacy and cosmic perspective brought about by this quest is crucial for the progress of our species – it helps us in the decision-making in our daily lives, and it keeps us from deluding ourselves and others.

The organization is currently accepting new official members from the undergraduate Carolinian community. In the future, it will expand its horizons by accommodating members from the general public as well. In the meantime, everyone is invited to take part in the organization’s activities.

TC

“We invite everyone to join our organization.

We offer much more than jargon and math; we offer to you the universe.”

- Adrian Abac, AstroSoc Chairman

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FEATURE

Today’s CAROLINIAN

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As Loud as Warriors Paulie Yap If there is one thing Carolinians are known for, it is how they never fail to waive the banner of ultimate pride for the university.

Who would question them though? With all the achievements a number of students have garnered over the years, it is no wonder that in the hues of yellow and green, confidence shines through. In terms of Carolinian pride, one prominent name is synonymous - Warriors Turf.

Mainly known for their t-shirts, Warriors Turf has evolved since.

Other than their wide array of merchandise whose target market are mainly students from the University of San Carlos, they have also taken upon themselves to market Carolinian pride.

Warriors Turf started in the August of 2014. According to Kiefer Lim, the owner of the enterprise, two Carolinians noticed the need for their fellow schoolmates to be proud of their identity as Carolinians. The two wanted to acquaint the identity which is “Class, Prestige, and Pride”. Hence, the production of their shirts began. And the rest was history.

In the eyes of some students, they are merely a business. Simply marketing their products and such. But what they do not feel are the reciprocated effects underneath the realms. Warriors Turf actually sparks the students’ love for the school which is very uncanny nowadays.

What people do not realize is that the minute they buy statement shirts or the like from WT, they are upholding the Carolinian pride everyone must possess. By wearing these, they are making a statement that they have no shame with being a Warrior. Other than their products, Warriors Turf has also delved into other means in encouraging Carolinian pride.

In CESAFI events, Warriors Turf supports the athletes and justifies the greatness of Carolinians even further. They also help with organizations’ needs for their events, especially when these include Carolinians. One example is the annual TC Days of Talamban Campus.

According to the enterprise’s Managing Director, Jefferson Vinluan, “We don’t only focus on selling shirts but we find ways to make events, fashion shows, or any marketing strategies that will accelerate the contagious pride”.

As for future plans, Mr. Vinluan has not disclosed on anything about them yet and said, “but one thing is for sure, we are going bigger and better”.

With or without their products, Warriors Turf has successfully challenged other universities because there is no other university that stands out more than the University of San Carlos. With its students who are unafraid to put up banners of yellow and green everywhere, it is undeniable. TC

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Today’s CAROLINIAN

VOX POPULI

JULY 2017 | Vol. 5 No. 2

What is your take on the dwindling college population of USC? With the effectivity of the K-12 educational program, there was an observable decrease in college enrollees. This decrease became more evident as another school year opened. More changes on the college situation are experienced by our fellow Carolinians. That being said, what is your take on the dwindling college population of USC?

“It’s kinda bad because it’s really hard to retake subjects because they won’t be offered anymore and there’d be less people that would take it because of the senior high school students. “ - Jon Tillo (BS CpE – 3) “I think that it is nothing to worry about because it is a transition in the Philippines since the K-12 program started. For now the population might be decreasing but when the first batch of senior high students graduate, USC will start to increase in population again.”

- Martha Justine Tirol (BS Psych 3) “The dwindling of population in the college level in USC is actually a bit drastic though it’s understandable knowing the circumstances — the change of the curriculum in the Philippines, particularly the introduction of K12. But even knowing these reasons, it is still saddening because the college students in our campus is [sic] slowly diminishing to the lowest count. As a student, it’s really lonely to walk in the hallway knowing that there aren’t a lot of college students in there, but on the other hand, ever since senior high students came to the picture, it seemed like the atmosphere became less heavy. Since it seemed like they just replaced the first years, it’s less saddening.“ - Charles Jethro Yway (BS Psych 3) “I don’t think it’s bad because it’s part of the adjustment period for the K-12 program. It’s just that we’re not used in seeing 3rd years and 4th years only around the campus because we’re used in welcoming freshmen. And I don’t think that we’re getting smaller and smaller because the senior high are still occupying the campus, at least. In my opinion, if there’s one bad thing that this is bringing, it’s the fact that there will be no students graduating for the next two years before they (SHS) graduate. But overall, I don’t think that this is affecting USC in a bad way.”

- Hanna Tejada (AB Comm - Media 3) “The huge gap of enrollees in our university had a big impact especially to us SHCP students, who also have the smallest population of students among the schools since K-12 has been implemented. Adjustments not only to the faculty but to the students as well are quite obvious and these factors affect the usual routines and activities we used to have. However, despite the negative effects this change might bring, we want to flip the table knowing that it will have great results soon. Just like the saying, ‘the constant thing in this world is change,’ I too believe that with change, we improve and progress forward.“ -Rodney Glenn Lim (BSN 4)

“SAFAD is much quieter now. Staying inside the campus is more peaceful compared to my first year in USC. I think the environment helps me focus more on my studies. However, I miss the usual creative and exciting buzz that happens in SAFAD.” - Jeremiah Ablaza (BFA-AA 4) “Less college students, more high school students. Either way, ’di mahutdan ang institution, naa gihapoy money and possible daghan ang mu enroll for college sa future since ni make man jud ug name ang school nationally.’”

- Karisse Del Rosario (BFA - AA 4) “When the new curriculum was implemented, I thought it would make my campus, the Downtown Campus, quieter and less populated.

Which would have been kind of sad since I was used to seeing the school facilities always full of students talking or studying. But when the school year started, I realized that nothing really changed. The dwindling college population was offset by the increasing population of the SHS. There may be changes but only minimal. But regardless the change, it’s still the USC that I am used to.”

- Christina Linao (BSMA-3) “It’s a part of the transition to K to 12. More people are graduating while the numbers aren’t increasing because there are no freshmen to counter this ‘loss’ of population. I believe once this transition is done, there will be an influx of college students because of the recent successes of USC in the nationwide qualification exams.”

- Crissa Joaquino (BSBA FINC 4) “For me the decreasing population of the University is a good scenario, because if there will be too many students to cater, the University would be having a hard time to accommodate and respond to the varying needs of the students. This holds true especially to the senior high school, in which almost all of the classrooms are occupied. Hence, not catering their classroom needs. So for me, it is definitely fine.”

- Rishell Bagarinao (BSBA OM 3) “Merely temporary. The decrease in the college population has been countered by the humongous population of the senior high students.

It’s only a matter of time before professional education is filled up once again. I think the new K-12 is beneficial to the new workforce as they are opened up to greater possibilities of employment locally and internationally. Although the cost might be high, the quality of education USC provides makes up for the costs expended.”

- BSA-5 TC

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LITERARY

Today’s CAROLINIAN

11

The Yellow Beast of the City

Jayvee Gulfan

Illustration by Charlene Tan “Oh shoot, it’s 5 already.”

Albert quickly went down the stairs, praying to the gods for luck on his way home. His class was supposed to end at 4:30, but his professor wouldn’t stop talking. As he was going down, he caught a glimpse of the crowd outside.

“No, no, no, no, I’m dead. I’m screwed.”

When he reached the ground floor of the law building, he felt miserable. Just like every Friday, the streets became crowded with students just dismissed from their final classes. Friday had become a do-or-die ritual of getting home unscathed.

“Please let there be one, please,” Albert chanted.

And there it was. The yellow beast pulled over from beside the supermarket, ready to take the lives and souls of the students. It hummed with a thunderous noise, and all at once, the battle began.

The crowd broke and charged at the beast.

Albert, determined to get home, lunged with all his might. But the crowd was immense. With sheer force, Albert was

pushed aside and crudely stumbled to the ground. It was a nightmare.

Numerous students charged at the beast, trying to get a spot inside it. Others would climb on the beast, hoping that it wouldn’t notice them. It was nearly full but the crowd kept charging, like vultures towards a carcass. Albert was still stunned from the blow he took earlier, and as he was getting to his feet, it had its full and sped away from the battlefield.

“Dear God! First, my professor wouldn’t stop talking about his plants, now I can’t get home because of this mess. Could this day get any better?” Albert said in frustration.

The city was a mess. Traffic made the atmosphere hot and humid. If you walked, it would feel like a desert. The smoke from other monsters made it hard to breathe.

Riding on the fantastic, white beast was a gamble. It would ask too much of your soul to the extent of depleting it. And in the case of Albert, he was just a simple student without much soul to bargain for.

He needed to get on this yellow beast, even if it was the last thing he did.

This was his chance. Another yellow beast stopped to partake in the food fest. With all his remaining strength, he pushed through the crowd. It was hellish. With his right arm reaching the back end, he continued to move forward. He felt adrenaline kick in. Several students clawed at his face, desperate to make him fall again. But once was enough. Albert pushed and scratched his way inside of the beast until he reached its stomach. When the beast was full, it sped up towards the highway, belching a low, humming noise of content.

Avoiding the possibility of spanking and some harsh words pointed at him, Albert, at last, felt at ease. Only one thing was left to finish his ordeal. He reached for some change and gave it to a goblin hanging at the back end of the beast.

“Pila ni? Asa ni gikan?” the goblin asked.

“Usa na kuya, USC gikan padung Tintay,” Albert answered.

Albert, however, remained wary. You never know what might happen on the route of the worshipped-and-dreaded 13-C. TC

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LITERARY

Today’s CAROLINIAN

JULY 2017 | Vol. 5 No. 2

Youth = Infinity Erica Nicole Jabel Illustration by Justine Patrice Bacareza tick tock tick tock tick. tick Silently taking away. away

For the dying need only but A cup of water, a friend’s regret So little is what’s left for us But youth, Youth is infinite. make it count

I am dying I look around me, And see millennials, their proud generation Walking head high, down the avenue of life At 90 I had discerned what’s more fatal than death To avoid reality/ death, facing it while watching your fear. Is this fatality unjustified?

I have once traveled the road you take now

A lot has survived But survival does not equate to Living – so fear still.

Youth I have lost too many people fallen to too many illusions I was chasing an empty dream But you? Such a pity So young, but never youthful

of crumbling silences and hurled dreams past the avenue of lifelessness and regrets adventures planned and forgotten bucket lists turned to dusty yellow papers goals turned into what if’s

Youth, when will you start to live?

TC

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LITERARY

Today’s CAROLINIAN

A Tribute to Marawi City and its People Raizah L. Bagul Marawi City is unrecognizable. What used to be a city crammed with bustling people with a traffic that could pop a blood vessel is now an eerie ghost town – the silence occasionally broken by bullets. Where there used to be a street is now a pile of rubble. Blasted walls and shattered windows made our city look as if it were beyond repair. Pictures of what was left of a burned school only proved to emphasize what thousands of people lost in a matter of days.

Although I spent many summers grudgingly seated inside our air-conditioned van on the way to Marawi with the occasional annoyed, “Are we there yet?” to my mom as a kid, my heart still broke. What more could have my titas and titos, the ones who’ve spent their entire lives building a peaceful life in that city, have felt?

You may have only known Marawi as a battlefield but to me it was a combination of childhood summers spent with family. You didn’t hear about how my titos spent their youth playing in the cool and comforting arms of Lake Lanao. Or how my titas were always beckoned by the savory smell of rows upon rows of chicken roasting in our street, lovingly called “Pay-Pay Street” by the vendors who enthusiastically fanned the fire to cook. As far as I can remember, Marawi City has always stood the test of time. While relatives may have separated and gone to the different corners of the country, for some reason, they always seemed to gravitate their way back to Marawi.

Despite all that’s been lost to the people of Marawi, hate will not fester inside them – as hate had also been the fuel that burned and brought destruction to home. Admittedly, the fight to build anew will be an uphill battle, but I’m willing to bet that the view will be unlike any other. For what is a pile of rubble today is a city waiting to be built anew tomorrow.

Marawi City is resilient. The people, be they Christian or Muslim, will return to their homes. They’ll drive through the twisting road to the city, as if for the first time. While he may find Marawi drastically changed, they will take time to get to know the new places they’ve suddenly found but will have to gracefully bid farewell to those they cannot.

TC

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COMICS

Today’s CAROLINIAN

JULY 2017 | Vol. 5 No. 2

Who You Want To Be

by Eduard Jude Jamolin

HOROSCOPE aquarius

libra

scorpio

gemini

Ayaw pagdalag dumot sa taong nagpalagot nimo.

Kung palaguton ka balik, pangutan-a “Gusto mo bang sumikat? O gusto mo lang magpasikat?”.

P.S. Ay’g kalimot ug shagit ug “IT’S SHOOOWTIME!”.

Makakita ka’g “bag-o.” Bag-ong pasakitan. Bagong bakakan. Bag-ong atikan. Sakpan naka bes.

No to redundancy kasi.

Hunonga nana imong pag share sa mga poems ni Lang Leav. “Lang” hiya ka. “Leav” her alone. #NoToHugots2k17

Lucky Color: Snakeskin Green

Makakwarta ka karun pero imo ranang magasto.

Ma itsuraan ka, way maibog nimo. Makapasar ra ka puhon pero... NSTP rasad kutob. Pero ay’g kabalaka at least, itsuraan.

Lucky Color: Lang Color for you Lucky Color: Colors sa NSTP na Shirt

Lucky Color: Tawag ng Tanghalan Gold

taurus

aries

cancer

capricorn

Magkita mo sa imong ex na si Jessa balik.

Mangutana dayun ka ngano si Jessa na Jerry na karun.

Walay bati mahitabo nimo. Wala say swerte maabot. Galibog lang ko ngano mugasto kag P120 para PREMIUM SPOTIFY nga pwede raman unta ka mutan-aw ug balik2x sa SONA ni Duterte sa youtube, wa pay bayad.

Do not give up. Do not surrender. You are a person who believes in morality, dignity and lots and lots of extra rice

Swerte kaayo ka! Makakwarta ka’s imong idea na pang GAME SHOW. Ang tawag ani ky “PERA o PAPEL”, nakuha ni nimo ang idea pagkalibang nimo sa C.R. katong namili ka’g unsa imong eh ilo. Kahinumduma pa’ka?

Lucky Color: Pride Colors

Lucky Color: Cynthia Villar Orange

Lucky Color: Spotify Green

Lucky Color: Brown Is The New Green

Sagittarius

Virgo

pisces

leo

Bilib ko nimo! Daghan kaayo ka’g problema, buhatunon ug utang pero nadala pa nimo’g pamukong sa shuttle with no regret. Yan ang pinoy! *thumbs up*

Congratulations! You are a lucky student!

Mananalo ka ng pangkolehiyong package (Dormitory room, sasakyang dilaw at extra small na toilet) galing sa “SkaiPleykz”, kasama pa dito ang isang GTECH, isang yellow pad, “kilay pencils” at isang Sprockets na Strawberry Milk Tea.

Kahibaw kong kahibaw ka na kahibaw ming tanan na fan ka ni JADINE ug Bea ug Lloydie. Di na siya sayop ha, ang nasaktan at umasa ulit ra.

*sing in tune of LERON LERON SINTA for more luck*

Lucky Color: Red, White & Blue (PENOY PRAYD!)

Lucky Color: OPAC Orange

Lucky Color: James Red

Leo leo sinta Mahagbung nasad ka Pero ayg ka guol, makabawi ra’ka

Mainlove kag gwapa Ay sa panguyaba Unaha sang singko nakuha sa maestro

Lucky Color: Pilot Red (Familiar?)

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PHOTO OF THE MONTH

Today’s CAROLINIAN

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

Photo by Eloise Yuson Diaz

“Be all in or get all out. There’s no in halfway.”

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Today’s CAROLINIAN

JULY 2017 | Vol. 5 No. 2