Tolentine Star Tabloid 1st Semester 2018-2019

AY 2018-2019 LXXVII No. 4

TOLENTINESTAR

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL - RECOLETOS MEMBER, COLLEGE EDITORS GUILD OF THE PHILIPPINES

TRUTH AS IT HAPPENS

ON THE RISE

DEALING WITH THE HIKE. The information regarding the tuition and miscellaneous fees can be seen around campus.

PHOTO by KAYE EUNICE LAMERA

Tuition fee hike to add P30 per unit, UNORSSGO seeks information

by CHARLENE GRACE GELOTIN

On top of the slowly ballooning jeepney fares and gasoline prices, students are set to juggle with another increase as the University’s petition to raise the tuition fee by five percent has been approved by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Aug. 28 as confirmed by Director of External Affairs Dr. Carlos Eduardo Legaspi, Jr., Oct. 6.

Legaspi revealed that even though the letter of approval was sent out by the CHED national office to its regional offices Aug. 28, the University had not been informed of any update until the first week of October.

“Last week, the Office of the President checked on CHED to follow up on the status of our proposal and they told us that ‘sorry, approval was released Aug. 28 but the regional office has not communicated with the school,” Legaspi said.

Due to the delay of communication, the increase will be reflected in the payment for the final term.

“Supposedly, the increase should have been reflected starting from prelim. It should have been divided into three – prelim, midterm, and finals. However, now, the increase

will be introduced in the finals,” he said.

Moreover, Legaspi stressed that the five-percent increase pertains to the total tuition fee payment for the semester and not for the payment for the end term. “It should be explained that you take the whole tuition fee then add five percent of that fee not five percent of the payment for finals only.” He also added that there are a number of increases in miscellaneous fees. However, he emphasized that these collections are external factors outside of the control of the University.

“For example, the laboratory fee, we have a small increase because the cost of our supplies also increased. However, the increase was so minimal that it was still even subsidized,” he added.

KEEPING UP WITH INFLATION The five percent tuition fee increase, which is equivalent to an additional P30 per unit, is a means of coping with the rising prices of basic goods and commodities.

“Actually, when the increase was petitioned for, we looked into the inflation rate. In my opinion, with the TRAIN law, the taxes imposed by the government on the prime commodities are still higher than the take-home pay. That is why the buying power of peso is stunted,” he said.

Furthermore, Legaspi added that there had been no tuition fee increase in the last five years, “Our most recent increase was during the first year of the three-year term of Fr. [Emeterio] Buñao. During the succeeding years until the term of Fr.

the 17th President of UNO-R in the University Gymnasium, July 5.

“All my life, I wanted to be a simple priest. I was happiest [when I was] Chaplain [here before because I really acted like a priest]. Now that I am the University President, [I’m mostly in the] office. But if this is the will of God for us to serve the University, we have to obey God,” Fr. Besana said.

Bestowed with the University Mace and the Bible, Fr. Besana was presented with his roles and functions alongside the University’s Vision and Mission as he was donned with the academic gown and presidential medallion “As president, I will be continuing with the programs of the last administration. . . I have nothing to

Alongside the new administration, Fr. Besana emphasized on following “the mandate of the Church, the mandate of the Order, and the promise that this school year has to be valuedriven.”

Outgoing University President Rev. Fr. Eduardo Celiz, Jr., OAR stated his relinquishment message and was presented with a certificate of appreciation.

With a new Recollect mission of shaping youth seminarians to become priests, Fr. Celiz will head to Baguio, entrusting Fr. Besana as capable with “a lot of experience especially with the new educational system”.

“I expect that Fr. Besana will do his utmost for the development of the University and its stakeholders

[Eduardo] Celiz, we never had any tuition fee increase,” he said. “After that, we only had miscellaneous fee increase which we cannot forego.”

LITTLE TO NO PROFIT Legaspi emphasized breakdown of the revenue of the University from the tuition fee collection.

Following a CHED memorandum order, 70 percent of the money goes to the faculty salary and benefits like scholarship programs for children of faculty and staff.

Furthermore, 20 percent is appropriated for facilities and physical development, “That is why you can see that there are many ongoing constructions.

During summer, our petition for increase was still pending yet, we already had repairs and renovations.”

Medtech dep’t rises to TUITION FEE HIKE/ 13 top 3, plans to Besana steps in as University Pres, Celiz leaves for Baguio Outgoing Vice President for Academics change as of the moment. . . The last and that he will always be guided by regain 100% Rev. Fr. Don Besana, OAR made his administration really did a lot of good the University’s mission and vision,” presidential status official with the things but we have to supply whatever Accountancy student Anika Mae passing rate signing of the Document of Faith as is [lacking],” Fr. Besana added.

Fierro said. “With UNO-R as the cradle

by LYKA DE LA TORRE

by MAREVILLE ANNE CARO

The Medical Technology Department ranked as third top performing school in the Philippines as 72 out of 73 takers passed the September 2018 Medical Technology Licesure exam with a 98.61 passing percentage, Sept. 26.

“Of course, I am happy. Last year, we only had one student who failed also. It is the same this year. I think it depends on the number of students who took the examinations. We had 72 out of 73,” Medical Technology Department Head Fatima Medel RMT, MSMT said.

According to Medel, it is very hard to maintain the University’s MEDTECH DEP’T RISES/13

Constantly Changing? page 8

A PROMISING START. Rev. Fr. Don Besana, OAR states his deepest gratitude as he takes the seat as the newly hailed President of the University.

PHOTO by JOELLE MARIEL PADEROG

of excellence, it would be fulfilling if students are engaged as well in the decision making process. Physical presence I believe is important than mere messages through letters or announcements, [such as] interaction with students. With the varying courses in the university, equal attention must be given to each.”

The Investiture Rites was celebrated

by Rev. Fr. Dionisio Selma, OAR, Prior Provincial of the Order of Augustinian Recollects Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno, after the annual Mass of the Holy Spirit with its theme “Making us Faithful Servants of the Gospel”.

On his 18th year of priesthood, Fr. Besana was elected May 25 by the Board of Trustees as University President.

Kabataan Para Sa Makulay Na 2030

A Closer Look On The Lady Behind the Laude

NOPSSCEA to elevate athletes in Season 38

page 4

page 7

page 16

TOLENTINE STAR IS THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL - RECOLETOS

NEWS

2

TOLENTINESTAR

UNO-R college student pop increases by 10.45% after K-12 transition

by KAYE EUNICE LAMERA

ADVOCATING FOR THE FUTURE. Aileen Joy Pelongco of Kalipay Negrense Foundation shares her advocacy to the youth. PHOTO by REINHARDT FIRMEZA

3rd International Youth Day-Negrense highlights advocacies, contributions of youth

by MAREVILLE ANNE CARO

Youth orgs and students from all over Negros Occidental filled the STI-West Negros University Gymnasium as they gathered to celebrate notable contributions and advocacies of youth in honor of the 3rd International Youth Day-Negrense, Aug. 11.

“There are five main advocacies that we want to emphasize and celebrate. These are Education, Youth Empowerment, Environment, Social Actions, and Culture and Arts.” Vice President of the Youth Empowering Youth (YEY) Initiative Rochelle Sarmiento, said.

Bringing light to one of the advocacies, event partner Sowing Legacy Movement Inc.’s National Secretary Christine Joy Dorias spoke about the importance of education

and empowerment to the youth.

“Youth is the biggest sector of the world. It is true what Dr. Jose Rizal said that we are the hope of our country. If we don’t act now, when [will we]? If not us then who?” Dorias shared during her talk.

Representatives from the Student Catholic Action of the Philippines (SCAP) showcased their talent through dance and music as one of the advocacies of the youth. Notable paintings of the youth concerning environmental issues were also displayed in the event.

“Immersing in events just like the International Youth Day has been a great privilege to me. One of the best part in the event is meeting different youth groups all over Negros and

witnessing them as they showcase their talents. Not only were we able to witness the incredible talents of other youths but we were also in awe as we listened to different speakers as they highlight how important it is to empower us. The youth, after all, as said by Jose Rizal is the hope of our future,” Medical Technology student Veronica Therese Avenido shared This year’s International Youth DayNegrense was themed “Celebrating Safe Spaces for the Youth through Music and Advocacy” and was headed by the Youth Empowering Youth Initiative (YEYInitiative), a non-goverment youth organization in Bacolod City which advocates for education, environmental awareness, Filipino youth empowerment.

To our surprise, “Breaching the confidentiality of HIV positive patients” was the motion, so we were both shocked and, personally, I was unprepared but I told myself, there is no turning back.

We are already here and whatever the outcome may be, let it be. Fortunately, we won and that experience was really gratifying,” Quizon shared.

Furthermore, Magalona shared, “[I was] surprised and overwhelmed, as I do not consider myself as an efficient speaker and this was the first time I participated in a debate. This experience gave me a voice; to think before you speak when making a point as this can affect relationships in life with other people.”

Second placers in the debate were

interns Chilton Al Egca and Tisha Celine Erika Ocampo who were not officially competing for the debate team but, since Colegio San Agustin - Bacolod’s Debate Team backed out, the organizers opened a slot for another team from the University then the two were chosen to compete.

The event also comprised of the Intercollegiate Health Research Proposal represented by interns Ariane Aristosa, Tisha Celine Erika Ocampo, Areen Reyes, Uriel Lamela, and Terrence Jose who ranked second place. In the Intercollegiate Quiz Bee, interns Peachy Andrea Deocares, John Mark Mondia, and Axel George Crisostomo also garnered second place.

The number of official college enrollees for the first semester of academic year 2018-2019 boosted from 3,628 to a total of 4,007 due to the increase brought by the freshmen of the first batch of K-12 graduates, October 2.

Compared to the first semester of last year’s total population which was 7,607, the University is now with 8,313 officially enrolled students.

“For the past two years, although there were no first year [college] students because the grade 10 [students] moved to grade 11 and 12, we still accepted graduates from 2015 and below to college. All in all, because of this grade 11 and grade 12 requirement in the general education, we had a dropped population but I think recovery period starts now,” University Registrar Engr. Christopher Taclobos, MEng said.

The freshmen significantly contributed to the University’s increasing population with a total number of 1,397 students. “That is a positive note to the University; that we are doing good in our programs and, of course, the more the population, the

more people, the more young students that we can evangelize to bring them closer to God through the teachings of St. Augustine,” Director of External Affairs Dr. Carlos Eduardo Legaspi said.

“I chose UNO-R because it is a top performing school in Medical Technology and it will help me reach my goals,“ Medical Technology freshman Regine Kate Junto shared.

The College of Engineering (CEN) comprises the highest number of enrollees this semester with 1,416 students.

With a total of 939 students, the College of Business and Accountancy (CB&A) is the second most enrolled college followed by the College of Allied Medical Health Sciences (CAMHS) with 459 students. The College of Criminal Justice Education (CCJE) catered 353 students while the College of Education (COED) has 340 students.

336 students comprise the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) while the College of Information Technology is with 164 students.

Meanwhile, 315 students enrolled in the School of Law.

ROLEx to innovate Agriculture Education thru e-Learning

by MIRRAY CHRISTINE MAGUAD

Medtech team nabs gold in USLS Med School Intercollegiate Debate

by MAREVILLE ANNE CARO

It was a two-time victory for the University’s Medical Technology Department Debate Team as freshmen Juan Carlos Magalona and Steven Kent Quizon championed in the Intercollegiate Debate during the 2nd University of St. La Salle College of Medicine’s Health Colloquium at the Mutien Marie Auditorium, Sept. 24.

The two reps who were first-timers in the debate competition still took over where Quizon bagged the Best Speaker award.

“In view of the Generics Awareness Month, we thought [that] the motion for the debate was “Branded favored over generics” so we focused on the matter, the other was “Marijuana as a medicine”.

PASSION FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH. Tisha Celine Erika Ocampo answers the panelists’ queries together with her groupmates.

PHOTO by JEZREEL CABEROY

DEVELOPING EDUCATORS. Resource speaker Ramon Manuel Nisperos discusses the principles of e-Learning. PHOTO by REINHARDT FIRMEZA

The Recoletos Online Learning Extension (ROLEx) laid out practices on e-Learning and strategic project management of distance education which emphasized on Agriculture Education through its two-day seminar at the Mass Communication Studio and L’ Fisher Hotel, June 2930.

“It’s merging open-business with e-Learning as a driver of social transformation,” Ramon Manuel Nisperos, guest lecturer, said during his discussion.

Critical strategic plan and management were emphasized on the second session of the training series. The participants were able to experience engaging in a Webinar, an online venue for seminars and discussions which allows the user from different locations to see and listen to the instructor, ask questions, and interact with each other.

“With regards to the two-day seminar, so this is, shall we say, an emerging technique in technology that can be used not only on these future entrepreneurs but basically to those individuals who have not gone through this kind of learning,” Project Head Dr. Reymund Sabay said.

“The target of ROLEx is to create electronic services particularly on agriculture and basic concept of e-Commerce,” Dr. Sabay added.

ROLEx Director Dr. Ma. Corazon

Acaba said that the Commission on Higher Education allotted 11.16 million pesos for the project to accomplish its aim to propagate the programs in Agriculture through strategic plans which is to have a product development program that will encourage students to enroll in the said course.

“There is a need, there is a high demand in the students but the program [Agriculture] is unattractive to them, leading to the decrease of enrolment, so the solution would be to target this student; the future student to enroll in Agriculture,” Dr. Acaba said.

The product development program has four necessary actions which are to innovate and develop courseware for online learning courses, capacitate the teachers for Agriculture professionalism, linkage and partnership, and marketing of virtual learning.

On its first day, participants from each of the colleges and organizations were given a chance to learn and experience the core content of Distance e-Learning and e-Commerce.

Certified e-Commerce Professional and Senior Lecturer at the University of the Philippines Open University for e-Commerce Entrepreneurship Ramon Manuel Nisperos mentored the two-day seminar.

NEWS

3

TOLENTINESTAR

SSD installs walk-through detector; new CCTV cameras to follow

by ALYSSA MARIE ARCEÑO

The Safety and Security Department (SSD) of the University put up its first walk-through detector at the main entrance of the campus as one of its heightened security measures for the incoming academic year.

The walk-through detector was part of SSD’s plans for academic year 2017-2018 and was provided by the University’s partner security agency, Greengold. It was installed last April 7 in time for the 72nd Commencement Exercises.

“This academic year, [we started] first [with] the installation of a walkthrough detector at the entrance gate.

Through this walk-through detector, any contraband brought inside the campus can be detected,” SSD Supervisor Mars Olea, RC said.

According to Olea, the walk-through detector is a machine which can detect contraband such as firearms and deadly weapons. The machine will determine once the mentioned contraband will pass by the walkthrough detector through an alarm and light signals.

“The walk though detector is designed to detect deadly weapons.

We also check the IDs of the visitors and ask them of their purpose of going inside the University,” University security guard Victor Balsa Jr. said.

Meanwhile, 48 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras to be installed in the Integrated School building are still for the approval of Father President Rev. Fr. Don Besana, OAR. Also part of SSD’s yearly security procedures are the issuance of visitors’ passes and distribution of car passes which still follow the same protocol for this academic year. “The issuance of visitors’ IDs are applicable to all visitors [who go inside the campus].

Once they enter the campus, they are issued visitors’ IDs, get their valid IDs, and have their information logged in by the security guard [on duty] for security reasons,” Olea said.

Car passes were released by the SSD in the beginning of the academic year. “Car passes are designed for the students, their parents, school

personnel, and admin to gain vehicle entry to the University. Blue car passes are for the students and their parents while yellow [car passes] are for the faculty and personnel and red [car passes] are for the admin,” Balsa Jr. added.

A change of security personnel was also led by Olea. According to him, there was a change of staff due to over-familiarization, expired licenses, and some because of arrogance in the workplace.

Security guards were instructed to rotate stations every 15 days so that they can familiarize themselves with the policies around the University such as at entrances and gates.

To add more security inside the campus, SSD is expecting more walkthrough detectors by the next academic year.

“Our plan for the next school year is to add two more walk-through detectors so that, at least, entry of students until visitors in the campus are screened and monitored,” Olea added.

First S.O.A.R. journal includes UNO-Rian thesis papers

by TISHA CELINE ERIKA OCAMPO

Showcasing the Augustinian Recollect zeal for excellence, the Students’ Outputs to Advance Research (S.O.A.R) journal featured five thesis papers from UNO-Rian students on its first launch at the Teodoro Hall, STI-West Negros University, April 19.

“Supposedly, these papers will go through review for publication in our own ‘Virtutis Incunabula’ [the UNO-R research journal] but, because of the opportunity from the collaboration of three schools that are Riverside College, STI-West Negros, and UNO-R to put up a journal—a peer-reviewed journal publishing student outputs, we, again, chose five out of those.

I guess around 14 outputs to be published in this journal,” Research and Development Office Director Dr. Mona Freda Secondes, ChE said.

The studies were presented

earlier during the March 2017 UNO-R Research Exposition and were chosen by Secondes and two other editors. Aside from choosing the papers based on the originality and the overall significance of the studies, Secondes said that, “It will be published and it will be peerreviewed, so the structure and the content must already be very good.”

“I was so shocked because out of the many, my research paper was selected but at the same time I felt proud for myself and my adviser because reminiscing our struggles, I’m glad that we finished the paper and was included in this journal,” Rigel Kate Lamig, MAGC, RGC, one of the researchers, said.

Among the 15 other studies published in the journal were “The Relationship of Student Motivation

and Academic Performance” from the Recoletos de Bacolod Graduate School, “Power Transmission For Cellphone Charging Using Wireless Electricity Transmission (WET) technology” from the College of Engineering, “Behavior Modification Techniques Of Parents and Caregivers of Children With Autism” from the College of Education, “Suicidal Ideation and Social Support Among Freshmen Students: Basis For Intervention Program Improvement” from the College of Criminal Justice Education, and “Active Appearance Model In Racial Classification” from the College of Information Technology.

The journal was already sent to the National Library to obtain the International Standard Serial Number.

that cancer is not only in the body but affects every creation of God. He also addressed the need to walk with faith and be united to battle societal issues.

“We need to walk together to restore a healthy and responsible leadership to heal our land from this societal malady,” he added.

The anointing of the mass-goers was performed after the mass as a response to the call of healing for cancer patients.

In addition, an annual walk from the Provincial Capitol Lagoon to the University kickstarted the event. It served as support to those who are

still battling with cancer, those who survived, and those who died because of this disease.

“It is to give support to those people that are facing cancer today. We offer [a] walk for their healing and, through this simple act, we can show that they are not alone in their battles,” Criminology student Ina Marie Muesco said.

St. Ezekiel Moreno is an Augustinian Recollect priest and is one of the Patron saint of the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos. He also served as a missionary to the Philippines for 15 years.

Fr. Santillan advocates against ‘Cancer of Apathy’, calls for healing

by MAREVILLE ANNE CARO

A disease affecting not only the body but also the society called “Cancer of Apathy” was given emphasis in commemoration of the Feast Day of St. Ezekiel Moreno, patron saint of cancer patients, Aug. 19.

“Malady or cancer is not only on the physical or the bodily [aspect] but affects even our society, even our environment. Because of man’s call, [there is the] cancer of apathy indifference and selfishness,” Rev. Fr. Farley Ray Santillan, secular priest of the Parish of St. Jude Thaddeus, said.

During the mass, he pointed out

SOLIDARITY IN HEALING. The UNO-Rian community takes a solemn walk for the recovery of cancer patients while praying the Holy Rosary.

PHOTO by JOELLE MARIEL PADEROG

SECURITY MEASURES. Campus visitors pass through the walk-through detector prior to their entry. PHOTO by ALRENZI ESPARAGOZA

RBGS offers MSSW; Colleges to push through with other programs

by KAYE EUNICE LAMERA

The Recoletos de Bacolod Graduate School (RBGS) opened its doors to 17 enrollees for the newly offered program of Master in Science in Social Work (MSSW), June 25.

“The opening of this master’s [program], the dream of it, are really coming from that desire – to address the need of social workers to further enhance their learning and, at the same time, to advance them professionally,” Social Work Program Head Dr. Richelle Verdeprado, RSW said Verdeprado said that it will be a great opportunity for social workers in the local area who want to learn more and get a master’s degree without traveling to Iloilo, Manila, or to other institutions which offer the said program.

“And it’s not just open to BS Social Work graduates. It can also be offered to other graduates of different courses provided that they will take some courses which are needed for them to take the board exam and to comply with the 1000 duty hours, along with the undergraduates aside from the required practicum of the master’s program,” she added.

According to Verdeprado, they are hoping that the curriculum will focus more on the problems which they experience in work wherein theories of the social work profession must be blended with practice, letting them explore how it could be applied in real life in order for them to help the clients, groups, and communities better.

“But then, we actually had difficulty with preparing the papers; which is one main reason that the undergraduate program (Bachelor of Science in Social Work) is still not accredited by the PAASCU. So, we really had a lot of struggles with the paperwork and in convincing them [accreditors] that despite not yet being accredited and the processing for the accreditation will still be next year, we are more than ready to open [MSSW] because we know that there are many interested to enroll ever since,” she said.

The opening of MSSW will open more partnerships with agencies and the University especially with the Social Work program which will give the students greater opportunities of gaining experience and maximizing academic freedom.

“The MSSW Program will deepen our knowledge, understanding, and wisdom of Social Work as a profession,” Lordielyn Joy Pereyra, RSW, an enrollee of the program, said. She also added that she knows that the professors in this program are competent and determined enough to influence quality Social Workers.

Meanwhile, the College of Business and Accountancy (CB&A) now offers Bachelor of Science in Office Administration (BSOA) to answer the demand for stenographers.

“Actually, this is not a new offering. The College has offered this a long time ago but it was closed. Based on some people telling us, there is a need [to offer the program] because the students that will be graduating or the graduates of the Office Administration will be working as possible employees in courts. They will be skilled stenographers. There is really a need for stenographers because employees of these organizations are already retiring. So they need people to replace them,” CB&A Dean Dr. Jelyn Gaspillo said.

In replacement of the Bachelor of Science in Accounting Technology, the college opened the Bachelor of Science in Accounting Information System.

According to Gaspillo, they only offer Marketing Management among the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration majors, Banking and Business Management which were dissolved.

College of Education (COED) Dean Dr. Ma. Theresa Chavez confirmed that the College will not be offering the Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in MAPEH program.

Meanwhile, according to Chavez, Bachelor of Science in Special Needs Education, formerly known as Bachelor of Elementary Education major in Special Education, and Bachelor of Physical Education (BPED) are now independent programs.

“Now, we have the BPED. That is also new because before, it was under BSED major in MAPEH. But now, it is separated. It is already Bachelor of Physical Education.

Once you have graduated in BPED, you can teach from kinder to grade 12 because when we say BSED [major in MAPEH], that is only for secondary,” Chavez said.

LOCAL

4

TOLENTINESTAR

Diin Makalab-ot ang Lima ka Pisos Mo? ni MICHAEL LIBRANDO

Saka, pana-og. Saka, pana-og. Daw parehas lang sang aton nga kabuhi, ang balaklon sa merkado kis-a gasaka, kis-a gapana-og. Pero, sa karon nga ti-on daw tanan na lang gasaka kag daw wala na guid kahigayonan nga magpana-og.

Ang mga nanari-sari nga bunga sang TRAIN law kag sang nagataas nga inflation rate sa karon ay mabatyagan na guid sang mga pumuluyo sa bisan diin nga rehiyon sa Filipinas. Ano na lang ayhan ang aton puede mabuhat para ma batu-an ang ini nga problema?

DUGANG PRESYO SA PAREHAS NGA SERBISYO Pero, dali lang, ano guid ni ayhan ang gina-tumod sang inflation rate nga aton ginatawag? Amo ni siya ang pagtaas sang presyo sang kuwarta sa ekonomiya. Isa ka simple nga halimbawa sini ang pag-tikal ni lolo mo sang una nga sa isa ka piso niya kuno, damo-damo na siya puede may maibakal.

“Bag-o lang, nagbakal ko diri sang paitan.

Sang una, ang ginbakal ko nga pulo ka pisos damo-damo na [nga paitan]. Subong ang pulo ka pisos daw apat na lang ka bilog.

Tapos ang batwan, ang sang una nga bakal ko, lima ka pisos, subong, pulo na ka pisos dayon pila lang ka bilog,” suno sa kay Jennifer Jose, isa ka maestra sa Education and Training Center School 1.

Bisan wala man guid tuod nabuhinan ang kalayu-on sa ginabyahe sang mga dyip subong, gakasobrahan pila ka pisos ang dapat ihatag mo sa kamot sang drayber para indi na kamo magbaisay pa. “Imbes isa lang ka piso ang gintaas, mabatyagan guid ya. Kapin pa guid kung ga-double ride ka.

Sang anom ka pisos pa ang plete, puede ka pa makabayad lima ka pisos kung lapit man lang pana-ugan mo. Subong, indi na guid, ya. Mahatag ka anum ka pisos, mabaisay pa kamo sang drayber nga lapit man lang nga indi gani kalab-ot apat ka kilometro ang biyahehon mo,” siling ni Karen Moncay, isa ka estudyante sang Computer Engineering.

KRUDO, ANG MAKINA SANG EKONOMIYA Ano man guid bala ang gapataas sang inflation rate sa karon? Kung sa aton presidente nga si Rodrigo Duterte pa, ginabasol niya ang pag-taas sang krudo sa baligyaan, ngaa amo ni ang nagdugang pa sa problema sang mga Filipino.

“You will look around anywhere here.

This microphone, this book, this glass of water, your suit, is connected with oil. Because they are made of machines and equipment,” suno sa kay Presidente Duterte, kinahanglanon sang mga makina nga ini ang krudo para mag-giho kag, tungod diri, gataas na guid ang presyo sang mga produkto kag serbisyo. “And that is one of the reasons, it’s not an excuse. I admit there is inflation. But it’s really – the number one culprit is price of oil.”

Tungod nga ang Filipinas ang isa sa mga pinakadako nga ga-import sang krudo sa Southeast Asia, indi katingalahan nga kita ang gabatyag sang kabug-aton sang inflation sa karon. Sa tuig pa lang sang 2016, ang Filipinas nag-import sang nobenta’y kwatro ka porsyento sang krudo gikan sa luas.

Sa tiempo man nga nagdugang ang taas sang presyo sang krudo,

nadugangan pa guid tungod sa TRAIN law nga gin dugangan ang buwis sa mga petrolyo nga produkto. Pero ngaa pati presyo sang mga balaklon sa merkado nagdugang ang mahal? Siempre paano man sila gali dalhon sa iban nga lugar?

Siempre isulod sila sa mga sakayan kag barko nga nagagamit sang krudo.

“Basta malaka ang mga suplay kay gamahal man guid na siya. Kay sa Manila kuno, diri na gakompra sa Kanlaon. Ang karots tag-120 [pisos] ang kapital, baligya namon 140 [pisos],” siling ni Jennie Jison, isa ka manugbaligya sang utan sa Merkado Libertad. “Sang una, gabaligya lang kami tag-80 [pisos] ang karots, subong tag-140 [pisos] na.”

PANGLAKTAW SA GUTOM Sa karon nga mahal na guid ang tanan, paano man abi naton mahusayan para ma buhin-buhinan man ang kabug-aton sang ginapas-an ta nga problema? Kada tawo may sari-sari man nga diskarte para makaginhawa pa sila.

“Imbis nga ga-two rides ko, gina-one ride ko na lang. Tapos, mangita [ko] kalan-an nga barato. Gabakal na lang ko daan mga de lata nga pagkaon para diri na lang ma tig-ang kag makaon sa dorm. Maayo tani kung nagmahal ang tanan pati allowance ma-upgrade man kay kaya lang. Kaso, ang problema, ang mga balaklon lang gamahal ang suweldo sang mga empleyado wala,” kung sa kay Karen pa.

Kung sa may ubra naman, indi na bag-o nga mangita iban pa guid nga pamaagi sa pangkwarta parehas sang mga sideline o puede man overtime sa obra. “Dapat may iban ka nga gingikanan sang imo income wala pasilabot sa suweldo mo. Indi ka guid magsalig sa imo suweldo kay kulang guid.

Amo na ga-tutor pa guid ko,” padayon pa ni Jennifer.

Sa amo ni nga tinion nga daw indi pa guid maganubo ang mga balaklon. Dapat mas maging wais na guid kita sa pagkapot sang kuwarta. Indi kita magpadala-dala sa mga impraktikal nga mga butang kag galastuhon. Dapat layo pa ang malab-ot sang aton nga lima ka pisos sa karon.

GRAPIKS ni MATTHEW JOHN LORIZO

Kabataan Para Sa Makulay Na 2030 ni ALYSSA MARIE ARCEÑO

Kahirapan. Kakulangan. Karahasan.

Ilan lang ang mga ito sa mga nararanasan natin araw-araw. Kahit na bakas sa ating paningin at damdamin ang mga sitwasyong ito, patuloy pa rin tayong namumuhay sa ilalim ng mga impluwensya nila. Kahirapan.

Kakulangan.

Karahasan.

Naging bahagi na sila ng ating buhay. Tayo ay ipinanganak na may kahirapan sa ating paligid, kakulangan na nararanasan, at karahasan mula sa ibang tao.

Sa panahon ng social media at smartphones, tayo ay mga saksi sa mga kaganapan sa mundo. Mayroong mga bidyo, palabas, at litrato para makapagpatunay na may kamuwangmuwang tayo sa mga krisis sa mundo. Abot-kamay na natin ang mga ito sa pamamagitan lamang ng isang klik at kaunting type. At dahil na parami at parami na ang mga kabataang nakatutok sa kanikanilang smartphones at laptops, ang kaalaman sa mga suliranin at krisis ay dali-dali ring nakukuha. Kasama na sa paghagap ng kaalaman ang pag-antig ng kanilang mga damdamin at ang pagliyab ng kagustuhang tumulong sa sarili at sa kapwa.

Hinding-hindi nagkamali ang ating pambansang bayani na si Gat. Jose Rizal nang winika niya na, “Ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan.”

Sa katunayan, siya’y nagbigay ng tatag at makatarungang pag-iisip sa bawat kabataan ngayon na patuloy na lumalaban sa pantay-pantay na karapatan, hindi lang para sa kanila, kundi na rin para sa lahat ng mamamayang Filipino hanggang aabot ito sa taong 2030.

ANG TUNAY NA BAGONG TAON Ano ba ang mayroon sa taong 2030? Ang taong 2030 ay isa mga pinakahahangad na taon sapagkat ito ay nagbibigay pag-asa sa mundo patungo sa pagbabago at pag-unlad.

Ito ay misyon ng United Nations o ng UN para iangat ang estado ng pamumuhay ng lahat mapa-tao man o mapasa-kalikasan. Sa layuning ito, sila ay nagtatag ng 17 na Global Goals upang ipasakatuparan ang mga layunin ng kanilang organisasyon na magbawas ng suliranin sa mundo sa pamamagitan ng pagahon ng lahat mula sa kakulangan sa edukasyon, pagkain, kalusugan, malinis na kapaligiran at karagatan, pagkakapantay-pantay ng mga kasarian, at marami pang iba. Ang 17 na Global Goals na ito ay pinagkaisa at itinawag na Sustainable Development Goals o mas kilala bilang SDGs. Ang pagtutulak at pagpapalaganap ng mga ito ay nagsimula pa noong taong 2016.

Ang mga SDGs ay itinatampok bilang makukulay na mga simbolo ng pagbabago. Pula para sa de kalidad na edukasyon, kahel para sa pagwaksi ng kahirapan, asul para sa malinis na katubigan at inuming tubig, dilaw para sa malinis na enerhiya, luntian para sa maayos na kalusugan at pag-aruga sa kalikasan. Ilan lamang ito sa mga makukulay na mga kahon na nilalaman ng 17 na SDGs. Mayroon silang mga kaakibat na mga guhit para mas lalong tatatak sa mga isipan natin lalo na sa mga kabataan.

NAGSIMULA SA MALIIT Sa dinami-rami ng mga suliranin

sa mundo, paano ba natin masisimulan ang inaasam na pagbabago? Ano ba ang dapat nating unahin? Buti na lang at noong taong 2016, naisipan ng maraming kabataan sa iba’t ibang panig ng mundo ang pagbuo ng kanikanilang mga grupo na mamumuno sa pagtatag ng SDGs sa kani-kanilang bansa.

Bilang isang third-world country, ang Filipinas ay hindi bago sa mga suliraning nararanasan sa mundo.

Tayong mga Filipino ay sanay na sa kahirapan, dumi, sakit, at marami pang suliranin. Iyan ang masakit na katotohanang dapat nating tanggapin at dapat ding baguhin at tuluyan nang iwaksi.

Bilang tugon sa tawag ng mga suliraning ito, mga kabataang Filipino ay nagsanib-puwersa para bumuo ng mga grupo na ang mga layunin ay makapagpalaganap ng kaalaman at mga sariling pangako para sa pagbabago. Isa sa mga grupong ito ang 2030 Youth Force in the Philippines. Ang 2030 Youth Force ay isang pangkalahatang organisasyon na binubuo ng mga sangay sa iba’t ibang bansa. May iilang kabataan ang kasalukuyang namumuno ng sangay rito sa Filipinas at patuloy silang nagpupulong kasama ang kabataang Filipino sa iba’t ibang rehiyon ng bansa.

“Ang 2030 Youth Force ay itinatag noong 2016 sa tulong ng United Nations Development Programme. Ang aming mga samahan ay matatagpuan sa iilang mga bansa sa Asya.

Mayroon nang humigit-kumulang na dalawang libong miyembro sa buong Filipinas. Lumilibot kami sa bansa para magpalaganap ng kaalaman sa kabataan tungkol sa SDGs. Pagkatapos naming makausap sila, hinihikayat namin silang kumilos para sa [SDGs],” ika ni Jules Guiang, tagapagtatag at pambansang convenor ng 2030 Youth Force dito sa Filipinas. Kasama sa mga pagpupulong at pagtitipon ng mga miyembro ng 2030 Youth Force ay ang pagbibigay kaalaman sa mga kalahok at member advocates tungkol sa pagtuklas ng mga suliranin at kung paano sila mahihinto sa komunidad.

Sila ay naghihikayat din sa mga member advocates na tumulong sa paglutas ng mga suliraning nagsisimula sa mga maliliit na komunidad sa pamamagitan ng paggawa at pagpatupad ng mga programang abot-kaya. Sa kabila ng pagiging masigasig ng 2030 Youth Force sa mga pagpupulong at pagbibigay ng mga pantas-aral, ang samahan ay nabubuhay at gumagalaw sa pamamagitan lamang ng mga donasyon mula sa kanilang mga tagasuporta at mga tagapagtaguyod ng mga SDGs. “Hindi kami tinutustusan ng kahit anong pribadong ahensya. Kami ay naghahanap ng mga kasosyo para may sasagot sa mga proyekto namin,” dagdag pa ni Jules. Ang kanilang mga gastusin at proyekto ay nakasalalay lamang sa kabutihang loob ng mga donante at mga isponsor.

Sa ngayon patuloy na bumubuo sina Jules ng mga lider sa kada-rehiyon upang maging mga embahador.

PARA SA BAYAN Sa kabilang banda, ang samahan naman nina Mozammel Hussein

Mimbantas at kanyang mga kaeskwela ay matagumpay sa pagtataguyod ng kanilang programa na nanghihikayat sa mga kapwa nilang kabataan sa Mindanao State University na humingi ng tulong upang magpatuloy ng mamuhay ng normal matapos maranasan ang lagay nila noong Marawi Siege sa pamamagitan ng counselling at therapy. Ang SDG na ipinaglalaban nina Mozammel ay ang ikatlo o Maayos na Kalusugan at Kapakanan. Isa sa mga kalahok sa Ideas Positive Youth Forum ang samahan nina Mozammel o mas kilala bilang Team Aqilah. Hindi katulad sa 2030 Youth Force, ang Team Aqilah ay nakatanggap ng suportang pangpinansyal galing sa Unilab Foundation upang itaguyod ang kanilang programang mas kilala bilang MHarawi, isang programa para sa kalusugang pangkaisipan at pang-emosyonal ng mga kabataang Meranao.

“Ang aming pangunahing inspirasyon ay ang aming komunidad dahil, kamakailan lamang, at alam nating lahat, nagkaroon ng Marawi Siege at mayroong maraming insidente ng post-traumatic stress, pagkabalisa, at depresyon na ibinuhat ng siege at, dahil dito, nagkaroon ng maraming organisadong serbisyong pang-psychosocial para kalusugang pangkaisipang sa lungsod,” ani ni Mozammel. Ayon kay Mimbantas, bukas ang MHarawi sa mga mag-aaral ng Mindanao State University na nasa edad ng 16 hanggang 25. Sa ngayon, ang MHarawi ay mayroong mga mental health hub na naka-istasyon sa kampus ng kanilang pamantasan.

Hindi lang sa Mindanao nagtatapos ang layunin ng Team Aqilah. “Gusto naming ipalaganap [ang programa] sa iba pang mga lungsod at pamantasan.

Sa palagay ko, bawat pamantasan ay dapat magkaroon ng isang mental health hub dahil ang mga mag-aaral ay nakikibaka sa kanilang pag-aaral, sa pananalapi, o sa mga problemang pangpamilya,” dagdag ni Mozammel.

Ayon sa UN, ang edad na tumutukoy sa kabataan ay mga taong nasa pagitan ng edad na 15 at 24 na taon - murang edad para sa ilan. Ito’y mga taon ng isang tao na iginugugol sa pangkasiyahan, paghahanap ng sarili, at pagiging malaya sa mga responsibilidad at tungkulin ngunit, sa ilan, ito rin ang mga pagkakataon sa ating mga buhay na malaya pa tayong magpasya kung ano ang gagawin sa ating mga natitirang panahon bilang bata. Bata pa upang kumilos, bata pa upang magdala ng pagbabago.

Ang mga samahan nina Jules at Mozammel ay patunay lang na ang kabataan ay kusang kumikilos para sa pagbabago; upang itaguyod ang 17 na SDGs na nakasalalay sa ating lahat nang sa gayon ang mga susunod na salinlahi natin ay mamumuhay ng masagana at mapayapa. Hindi lamang sa Filipinas, kundi sa buong mundo, ay mga samahan na nagkakaisa kahit pinaghihiwalay ng karagatan at kabundukan para sa makulay na 2030.

Masasabi na rin natin na si Gat. Jose Rizal ay nakangiti sa atin mula sa itaas at siya ay hindi natin ibinigo.

GRAPIKS ni LOURDES ANGELINE SENDICO

LOCAL

5

TOLENTINESTAR

Paglulupit ng ENDO, Daing ng Manggagawa ni MIRRAY CHRISTINE MAGUAD

LABAY ANAY. Mga babayi nagapili sang mga nanari-sari nga panapton sa isa ka relipan sa kilid merkado.

DEBUHO ni KAYE EUNICE LAMERA

Pag-ukay Sa Kamatuoran Sang Pang-ukay ni TISHA CELINE ERIKA OCAMPO

Mahilig bala kamo sa mga tahum nga mga panapton pero nagakabalaka kamo sa bili?

Gapangita bala kamo sing merkado kun diin makabakal sing madamo nga bayo nga indi na kamo mag gasto sing sobra?

Gani, mga abyan, magkari na kamo sa pinakamalapit nga ukay-ukay sa inyo nga lugar!

Sa kadamo sang pili-an kag sa presyo nga lima ka gatos, may yara ka na pulo ka panapton nga matahum kag ang kalidad daw iya sing may tatak para sa presyo nga tunga sing orihinal nga bili! Ano pa ang ginahulat niyo? Mang relip ta!

KARI NA, MGA SUKI “Mas nami ang ukay kaysa branded kay barato guid siya ya tapos nami pa.”

Isa sa kadam-an nga mahilig mangrelip si Mary Grace Parian. Sa iya paglagaw para mangita sang matahom nga bayo, wala siya nagakataka nga pangsudlan tanan nga tindahan nga nagabaligya sang mga ukay-ukay o relip. “Mangita ko danay sang pinakabarato sa isa ka ukay-ukay store tapos lantawon tanan,” hambal niya. Dayon man siya nga nagkadlaw kag nanugid, “Kung makakita na ‘ko [sang bayo nga gusto ko], taguon ko sa pinakaidalom; sa indi bala maayo maukayan.”

Wala diri gakatapos ang iya pagpangita kay suno sa iya, masaylo na man siya sa isa pa guid ka balaklan kag mangita liwat sang bayo nga nanamian niya.

Pagkatapos sini, iya nga ikumpara tanan nga iya nga nakita kung diin ang mas barato kag mas manami kag amo ina ang iya nga baklon.

Indi man lang mga panapton ang makita kag mabakal sa is aka ukayukayan. Gani, kung mapisan man lang ang manugbakal, makakita ka man sang mga punda ulunan, habol, tabon sa higdaan, sapatos, kag mga bag nga barato kag maayo man ang kalidad.

Apat na ka tuig nga nagaubra si Jhunrix Pines sa duha ka ukay-ukayan sa dalan Gatuslao. Sa iya nga adlaw-adlaw nga pagbantay sa tindahan, wala pa niya nakita nga gakawad-an manugbakal ang mga relipan.

“Ang ukay-ukay, branded man ina gihapon galing, amo lang, mga secondhand,” pagpang-athag ni Jhunrix. “Nami man ang kalidad kay ginpili-an man ang mga ina.”

“Nami guid ya sagay pangita sang mga bayo nga nami kay daw ka-challenging nga kinahanglan mo pa mag-ukay para lang makita ang gusto mo nga bayo; kaexciting bala,” pag-istorya ni Mary Grace.

“Barato lang siya ya. Tapos ang kalidad [manami]. Indi ka guid maghinulsol nga ginbakal mo siya. Imagine, singkwenta pesos mo, apat ukon lima na mabakal mo. Indi parehos sa branded nga kamahal [tapos] gaduha-duha ka pa kung baklon

mo kay ang kalidad indi man manami.”

MALAIN NGA BAHIN Tanan nga bagay may yara man guid maayo kag malain nga mga bunga. Maayo man guid ang pagbakal sa ukay-ukay ang halinan nga dako guid nga kuwarta ang matipon pero may yara man mga tawo nga gakabalaka sa katinlu-on kag kalidad sang mga panapton gikan sa relipan.

“Isa man lang ang kaperdehan sa akon [sang pangrelip]: hassle,” siling ni Chilton Al Egca, kaupod man sa mga katawhan nga mahilig magbakal kag magsuksok sang matahom nga mga bayo. Gani, imbes nga sa ukay-ukay siya mangita sang iya nga panapton, mas pili-on niya nga magbakal sa mga tindahan nga may tatak. “Kung may yara man lang ako budget, mas pili-on ko ang branded ukon bag-o nga mga bayo,” siling niya. “Indi siya amo na ka hassle kag mas hapos.”

Suno sa iya, ang labi nga rason kung ngaa wala siya gabakal bayo sa ukay-ukay kay tungod nga mabudlay mang-ukay sang mga bayo. “Sa matuod lang, gusto ko man magbakal sa relipan,” pagpaathag niya. “Kung kaisa, ang bayo nga makuha mo halin sa ukay mas nami man guid kung ikumpara sa mabakal mo sa mall pero wala ko panahon kag natamad guid ko mang-ukay. Kung kaisa, kabaho kag indi ko guid maanto.”

Sang siya ginpamangkot kung ang iya pagka-estudyante sang Medical Technology isa sa kabangdanan kung ngaa wala siya maayo gabakal halin sa relipan, nagsabat man si Chilton nga indi ini rason kung ngaa talagsa sa masami lang siya ga pangrelip. “Naga-andam man ako halin sa mga makuha mo nga sablag halin sa mga bayo.”

Indi man buot silingon nga kung barato kag manami ang isa ka butang, takos na ini nga baklon. May yara man nga butang nga kinahanglan huna-hunaon antis ini himuon. Parehos kay Chilton, mas ginapili ya nga magbakal sing panapton gikan sa mga tindahan nga may tatak kay may mga tion nga pa suwerte-suwerte lang ang makakita sing bayo sa relipan nga manami kag gusto mo guid baklon.

GIKAN SA “HALUKAY” Ang relip nga nakilala ta ay halin sa tinaga nga “relief” tungod nga kalabanan sa mga baligya sa relipan halin sa mga donasyon sang mga Amerikano, Hapon, ukon sino man da nga dumulu-ong para

sa mga gakinahanglanon. Natiunan lang guid nga ang mga Filipino hubos ka wais.

Ang mga imported nga mga donasyon nangin negosyo na sang kadam-an. Ang “relief” nangin relip nga ginatikab sang mga baba ka mga pinoy.

Parehos sing kinaiya sang ginhalinan sing mga bayo sa ukay-ukay, ang ideya sang pagbaligya sang mga dinaanan na nga mga panapton ay naghalin pa sa tion sing mga kalamidad kag kalisod sang dekada ‘80. Ang mga bayo kag mga iban pa nga produkto nga sobra halin sa merkado sing iban nga pungsod among gindala sa Filipinas gikan sa kaayo sang buot sang mga dumulu-ong. Gani, ining maayong buhat, sa paglipas sang mga tini-on, nangin kabahin na sang kultura sang mga Filipino.

“Kung maghambal ka nga ukay-ukay, ga patok guid sa masa; sa tawo. Barato,” pagtumod ni Dr. Julio Jude Rosales, isa ka maestro sang Economiks. “Bisan nga nagamit na ang mga ini, mahilig man gihapon ang mga tawo sang mga butang nga gikan sa mga sa guwa nga pungsod.

Kung nahibalu-an nila nga halin ang ini nga mga bayo sa China ukon Korea, panumdumon guid nila nga mas nami ang kalidad sang mga ini maskin nagamit na. Wala na sila pasilabot dira; barato ang mga ini nga bayo kag hapos lang baklon.”

Tungod sa estado sang ekonomiya sang pungsod, ang ukay-ukay ang nangin dalan para matuman ang isa sa mga pinaka-importante nga kinahanglanon sang isa ka tawo.

“Ang ukay-ukay, mga sobra na nga mga bayo sang iban nga pungsod nga gakadto diri sa Filipinas,” pagdugang nga sugilanon ni Rosales. “Barato lang kay mas gamay ang buwis nga ginbayaran pasulod diri. Makabulig guid ini sa paghatag sang isa sa pinakalabi nga kinahanglanon sang tawo. Amo na ngaa nahilig guid kita diri labi na guid ang mga pigado kag ang medyo may sarang lang sa pangabuhi. Makabulig guid ini sa ila galastuson.”

Sa tion subong, gataas nga gataas na lang ang bili sang mga balaklon sa merkado. Gani, kita nga mga manugbakal, nagapangita na sang mga paagi para indi na maggasto sang dako.

Ang ukay-ukay isa lang sa mga butang nga nagabulig para maibanan ang aton nga mga galastuhan. Wala labot nga barato guid ang mga baligya, may mga makita ka man nga mga matahom kag de kalidad nga mga bayo kag iban pa nga puwede magamit sa panimalay kag sa pang adlaw-adlaw nga kabuhi. Gani, tungod nga nagamit naman ang ini nga mga panapton, ginapaandaman lang ang mga manugbakal nga tinluan lang sang maayo ang ila nga mga ginbakal.

Karon nga nahibaluan na naton ang mga bentaha kag disbentaha sang ukayukay, yara man lang na sa aton kun diin ta mas maganahan magbakal.

Te, mangrelip na kita?

KASADYA SA PAGPILI. Duha ka mag-abyan nagangirit samtang gahakop sang mga balaklon nga relip.

DEBUHO ni KAYE EUNICE LAMERA

Sa araw-araw na labas-pasok tayo sa ating pamamahay upang mag-aral, marami tayong makikita sa pagdaan. Sa usok ng kalsada, mga samaing-palad na mga manggagawang naghahalo ng semento sa tanghaling tapat, sunog ang mga balat na animo’y tigang na lupa sa ilalim ng nagaapoy na init ng araw. Mga nag-ngingitiang binibini sa paborito nating fast food chain, mga tagahatid ng pagkain ngunit hindi makakain-kain. Normal lang sa ating paningin ngunit hindi natin napupuna na sa kani-kanilang mga isipan ay parang bibigay na sa kakatanong kung ilang araw na ba ang natitira sa kani-kanilang mga kontrata sa trabaho. “Huling suweldo ko na ba ito?”

“Saan ba ako kikita sa susunod?” “Hindi pa ba sapat ang pagpapagod ko?”

Hindi maipagkakaila na ang antas ng iyong pinag-aralan ay siyang magdidikta ng iyong kapalaran. Lahat ng mga oportunidad ngayon ay tumatakbo na sa papel - diploma, certification, resume, clearance, at marami pang iba. May ibang sinuswerte, mayroon namang sadyang lubog talaga sa kamalasan ng mundo at tila hindi na makaahon-ahon sa kahirapan. Sa panahon ngayon, nasa titulo at pangalan ang basehan upang makamtan ang disente at maayos na kabuhayan ngunit paano naman iyong mga kapos sa pang-gastos sa edukasyon at walang permanenteng trabaho na araw-araw kumakayod-kalabaw upang matustusan ang pangangalingan ng kanikanilang mga pamilya? Paano matutugunan ang mga humahabang araw na dumarating sa kanilang buhay sa pamamagitan ng panandaliang kabuhayan?

SANAY SA TIRA-TIRA Masakit isipin pero kailangan itong gawin ng ating mga manggagawa kagaya na lamang ng ibang mga construction workers sa pamantasan, na kasalukuyang nagtatrabaho sa Integrated School Building, na napapasailalim din sa kontraktwalisasyon.

Pagkatapos ng kanilang trabaho ay hindi nila alam kung kailan pa sila ulit makakikita ng trabaho kaya tinitipid nila ang kanilang pera kung sakali mang sila ay mawalan ng trabaho sa mahabang panahon. Isa rin sa pinag-aalala nila ay ang kanilang mga pamilya, kung paano nila matutugunan ang kanilang mga pangangailangan, at paano sila makakakain ng tatlong beses sa isang araw.

“Tinitipid ko na lamang ang aking suweldo dahil ako ay may mga anak pang kailangang pakainin at, sa panahong wala nang trabaho, kailangan ko talagang kumayod upang mapakain ang aking pamilya” ika ni Taba Toboso, isang construction worker sa nasabing gusali.

“Ang mga manggagawang nasa ilalim ng kontraktwalisasyon ay kailangang tipirin ang kanilang sweldo dahil walang kasiguraduhan ito. Maaaring pagkatapos ng ilang buwan ay wala na silang trabaho. Isa ito sa negatibong epekto ng kontraktwalisasyon,” sabi ni Letecia Gayares, isang guro sa Ekonomiks sa pamantasan.

PAMILYA ANG PUHUNAN Kadalasan, ang mga empleyadong nakatali sa kontraktwalisasyon ay sila pang tagapagtustos sa mga pangangailangan ng kanilang pamilya - mga bread winner ika nga ng iba. Minsa’y napipilitan na lamang silang magtrabaho sa kontratang hindi nila alam kung may kasiguraduhan o pasuwertesuwerte na lang. “Para sa akin, ang bawat bagay ay may positibo at negatibong epekto pero pagdating sa kontraktwalisasyon, marami ang negatibong epekto nito. Hindi alam ng mga manggagawang ito kung ano ang kanilang kapalaran, kung magkakaroon pa ba sila ng trabaho o hindi na,” puna ni Gayares. Ang kanilang mga pamilya ay umaasa na lamang sa kanilang katiting na sahod at minsa’y sila ang lubhang naapektuhan nito, naghihintay sa bintana at nag-iisip kung makakakain pa ba sila bukas o kaya’y may gatas pa bang iinumin si bunso. “Wala na kaming mapagpipilian.

Ito ang trabahong pasado sa aking napagaralan dahil hindi ako nakapagtapos ng pagaaral,” dagdag pa ni Taba.

Sa ibang trabaho, kailangan ng mataas na edukasyon ngunit ang iba’y kailangan lamang ng high school diploma. At sa mga hindi pinagpalang makapagtapos ng kolehiyo, hindi karamihan ang trabahong maaari nilang pasukan kagaya na lamang ni Taba na paraket-raket

kung maaari. “Masaya at panatag ang aking loob sapagkat napupunan ko ang mga pangangailangan at kagustuhan ng pamilya ko. Napapa-aral ko nang mabuti ang aking mga anak, napapakain ng tatlong beses sa isang araw. Kahit papaano, kumakasya naman at sapat din naman sa amin,” saad ni Raymond Laguda na isang cook sa isang pizzaria na may permanenteng trabaho.

HAGUPIT NG ENDO Malaki-laki na rin ang negatibong epekto ng lokal nga kontraktwalisasyon sa mga Filipino. Hanap trabaho rito, hanap trabaho roon. Ang tirik ng mainit na araw sa bangketa at pawis na pumapatak ay parang walang katapusan. Walang araw na hindi mo iisipin kung kailan mo makikita ang inilaan para sa iyo. Lakad dito, lakad doon. Apply rito, apply roon. Ang ganitong sitwasyon ay kumakain lamang ng kanilang oras. Ang masaklap dito ay kung wala nang trabaho, para kang nakalutang sa tubig; hindi mo alam kung aahon ka pa ba o magpapaanod na lang sa agos nito. Dahil dito, gusto ng gobyerno na tapusin na ang ENDO o ang Lokal na Kontraktwalisasyon upang mabigyan ang mga trabahador ng maayos na trabaho at matugunan ang pangangailangan ng kanilang mga mahal sa buhay. Ang pagtanggal sa ENDO at Kontraktwalisasyon ay higit na makakatulong sa mga manggagawang nasa ilalim nito. Sila’y hindi na mag-aalala sa mga problemang kailanma’y hindi nila ginusto.

“Gusto ko sana na itigil na ang kontraktwalisasyon dahil hindi mabuti ang naidudulot nito. Maraming mga Filipino ang naaapektuhan. Ang ating gobyerno ay dapat gumawa na ng hakbang sa problemang ito,” sabi ni Gayares.

Walang pigil na ang mga hinakdal at hinaing ng mga Filipinong manggagawa ukol sa kontraktwalisasyon, umaasa na sana ay mabigyang pansin ng mga nasa awtoridad ang kanilang mga daing at kaunting kahilingan - mga karapatang matagal nang ipinaglalaban ng mga gaya ng karapatan na makapagtrabaho sa maayos na estado, pagkakaroon ng magandang oportunidad sa empleyo, pantay na karapatan sa promosyon at pagkakaton sa trabaho, at maging sa karapatan sa seguridad at kanaisnais na kalagayan sa lugar ng trabaho.

Ang Department Order No. 18-A, Series of 2011, na siyang nagsisilbing taga-sugpo ng mga pang-aabuso sa kontraktwalisasyon, ay nagsasaad ng mga karapatan at proteksyon na naaayon para sa mga kontraktwal na mga manggawa. Napapaloob dito na maigting na ipinapatupad ang pagbabawal ang mga kontraktor na manpower o labor service cooperative na hindi sumusunod sa itinakda ng Labor Code tulad na lang ng sobrang babang pasahod, hindi pagpapahintulot sa pag-uunyon, at hindi tamang pagbayad sa mga benepisyo ng mga manggagawa tulad ng Social Security System o SSS, Pag-IBIG, at PhilHealth. Nakasaad din dito na hindi pinapayagan ang mga kontraktor na walang sapat na puhunan at kagamitan o tinatawag na “Cabo” o Labor-Only Contractor.

Pinagbabawal din ang paguulit-ulit na pagempleyo ng hindi aabot sa anim na buwan o mas kilala bilang “5-5-5” para maiwasan ang mga regularisasyon at pagbabayad ng tamang suweldo at benepisyo para sa mga manggagawa.

Bukas samakalawa, ay walang katiyakan ang kanilang haharapin. Mahirap mang maiangat ang kanilang antas sa lipunan sapagkat sila ay pawang mga kontraktwal na mga manggagawa lamang - mga hindi nakapagtapos ng pag-aaral at mayaman sa kasalatan. Ngunit, hindi ba na tunay silang kahanga-hanga? Mga natatanging tao na patuloy na lumulusong sa gitna ng animo’y mabuway na karagatan, hawak-hawak ang mga dahilan, resume, bio-data, at iba pa, patuloy na sumasabay sa agos ng buhay.

Nawa’y ang nauukulan ang magsilbing daan upang maiangat sila sa bahang kailanma’y di nila napaghandaan. Nawa’y sa susunod na pagdaan natin papuntang paaralan ay nakangiti na silang nagtratrabaho sa kabila ng usok at pagod.

GUHIT ni MICHAEL STEVEN VENIEGAS

FEATURE

6

TOLENTINESTAR

Paghiusa Para Sa Buasdamlag

Breaking the Model Kinship Of Yesterday

by KAYE EUNICE LAMERA

ni KAYE EUNICE LAMERA

“Doktor” Ini ang tinaga nga ginbuya ni Shian samtang nakahigda sa iya hiligdaan sang akon siya ginpamangkot kon ano gusto niya mangin magdako siya. Gusto niya mangin isa ka doktor. Pero tungod sa iya nga sitwasyon subong, ang iya handom nga ini, daw kaangay sa isa ka panganod nga amat-amat gakadula.

Sang una tubtob subong, sa guwa sang panimalay makit-an nga nagapakasadya sa paghampang ang mga kabataan. Mga yuhom nga malapad kag mga kadlaw nga nagapabati guid sang kalipay ang mapiyaran. Pero sa pihak nga bahin, samtang ang iban nga mga pamatanon nagapangasadya, may yara isa ka bata nga nagapasakit samtang ginatinguhaan nga batuan ang ginabatyagan.

MASAKIT NGA KAHIMTANGAN Tatlo pa lang ka tuig sang nahibaluan nga si Lance Cacho ukon mas kilala nga tawgon bilang “Shian” may yara sang Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Isa ini sa mga masunson nga klase sang kanser sa mga kabataan. Sa mahubin pa lang niya nga edad, pila na ka sesyon sang chemotherapy ang iya naagyan sa sulod sang lima ka tuig. Subong nga pito na ka tuig si Shian, wala na lang ginpadayon ang chemotherapy.

Suno sa kay Hannah May Sarabia, ang iloy ni Shian, nag-untat sila mahanungod kay ara na sa sitwasyon si Shian kon sa diin daw nabughat ang iya nga bone marrow nga buot silingon nga ang iya lawas makalanag na para sa chemotherapy. Tungod diri, ang bone marrow transplant ang ginahunahuna nga, basi pa lang, ang iya nabilin nga kahigayunan. Pero bisan amo ina, wala sa gihapon ini nagahatag sang 100 ka porsiyento nga pasalig nga si makayanan ini ni Shian.

Nahibaluan nga puede magalabot sa tatlo tubtob apat ka milyon ka piso ang kinahanglanon nga kuwarta para sa bone marrow transplant nga himuon sa St. Luke’s Medical Center.

Apang ini madako na ngadaan nga galastuhon, wala pa diri labot ang galastuhon para sa sa duwa ka bulan nga pagbulong para pagpreparar sa kay Shian para sa transplant.

Pero ang kahimtangan ni Shian amo ang nakatandog sa mga taguipusuon sang madamo nga tawo agud magbulig sa iya sa mga kinahanglanon para sa operasyon.

PAG-UGYON PARA SA CAUSA Madako man guid ang nabulig sang social media, labi na guid ang Facebook, sa pagpalapnag sang estado ni Shian apang madamo nga mga tawo ang nag-ambag sang bulig paagi sa mga donasyon kag pag-fund raising.

Apang si Shian grade 1 sang nag-untat sa UNO-R sa iya pag-eskwela, nag ugyon sa pagbulig ang mga UNO-Rian sa causa nga magabulig sa kay Shian sa iya nga mga galastuhon sa mga bulong kag operasyon.

Si Christelle Villaruz, isa ka manunudlo sa unibersidad, kag ang Children of Mary (COM), nagbuhat sang duwa ka separar nga Dinner for a Cause para kay Shian sang nagligad nga University Week 2018. Ini ila

ginbuhat para makaganar sang pondo para sa pagbulig kay Shian.

Suno sa nagbulig patigayon sini nga si Fritz Hulguin, COM Worship Committee Officer, isa ini ka pamaagi sang COM para makabulig patigayon para sa kinahanglan ni Shian para sa iya nga pagbulong. Wala labot dira, may yara man sila sang donation box nga ginpatigayon para sa mga gusto maghatag para kay Shian. “Bisan gamay lang na nga bulig, daw dako na ina ya kay Shian. Kay bisan maglakat ka sa dalan, indi ka man makapulot kuwarta. Kung indi ka magpa-Dinner for a Cause, wala ka man hangpon,” hambal ni Christelle.

Mga personal man nga nakakilala kay Shian ukon indi, sa gihapon, nagapakigbahin sa pagbulig sa bata.

Apang bisan sa mga gagmay nga tikang kag pamaagi para makabulig, magaagom guid ini sang maayo nga resulta.

Bisan sa simple nga pag-post kag share sa Facebook mahanungod sa estado ni Shian o kon pag-tap sa mga katawhan nga may taguipusuon sa pagbulig, sa gihapon, makabulig guid ini. “Makusog nga bata na si Shian. Kabalo guid ko nga malampuwasan niya ang ginaagyan subong kag ginapangamuyuan siya namon,” hambal ni Fritz.

Ang gahum sang pag-ugyon sang mga taguipusuon nga maluluy-on perti guid. Ang pag-ugyon sang mga tawo para magbuhat sang mga butang nga makabulig kay Shian nagapakita kon ano ka maluluy-on kag may kalabutan ang mga tawo sa isa kag isa labi na guid sa mga nagakinahanglan.

PAGLAOM KAG PAGTUO Sa linghod nga edad, nangabuhi si Shian nga pabalik-balik sa ospital kag pag-atubang sa nanari-sari nga bulong sa matag-adlaw. Apang ini ginakaagyan ni Shian, padayon man siya sa gihapon sa paglaom nga siya mag-ayo bisan nagaantos siya sa kalisod kag kasakit.

Si Hannah, bisan nabudlayan na, padayon man sa gihapon sa pag-alaga kay Shian kag pagpangita paagi para lang maka-agom sang kuwarta nga kinahanglan para sa pagbulong kag pagtatap sa iya pinalangga nga bata.

“Budlay guid katama. Para sa akon, masuko na guid ko guro. Pero nakita ko man ang akon bata nga gabato, siempre tanan man himuon ko man.

Naging makusog lang ko sa gakatabo sa iya kay tungod kinahanglan niya guid kami. Kung ano man guid ang [plano] sang Ginoo, batunon na lang guid namon,” hambal ni Hannah.

Ang mga kabataan nagakaangay nga mahatagan sang maayo nga buasdamlag apang sila ang magahatag paglaom sa aton nga katilingban. Sa edad nga pito ka tuig, may yara na sang handom si Shian. Isa si Shian sa mga kabataan nga puno sang paglaom kag handom nga makabulig man sa iban nga tawo. Pero tungod sa iya nga ginaantos nga balatian, basi sa damgo na lang ini niya mahangpan.

Gapalangluya man ang lawas, ang paglaom sa taguipusuon ni Shian madako kag mabaskog. Wala nagaisahanon si Shian sa pakipagbato para sa iya kabuhi. Apang kaupod niya ang iya pamilya, ang mga tawo nga natandog ang tagsa-tagsa ka mga taguipusuon mahanungod sa sitwasyon niya, ka labi na guid sa tanan, ang Ginoo.

Apang kung isa ka man sa mga luyag magbulig sa kay Shian labi na guid sa aspeto sang kuwarta, i-contact lang si Hannah May Sarabia paagi sa iya nga Facebook account o kon mag-text sa +63918 633 3107.

DEBUHO gikan kay HANNAH MAY SARABIA

Upon entering the doors of a colorful and homey room, toddlers occupied the working area, drawing and coloring on a piece of paper. As they presented their work, stick figures resembling people were evident. Everyone did not draw the same figures but everyone wrote “My Family” at the top of their papers.

Come to think of it, what has really become of the concept of family most of us have made to believe in?

S O LO F L I G H T Most parents would favor having someone to share the responsibilities of parenting with. But in the case of Kaspersky*, she chose to carry the weight of being a parent all by herself.

Kaspersky is a single mom who has been going through a rough patch in life as she struggles to raise her child without the luxury of having the father of her child sharing the responsibility with her.

At the age of 33, she got pregnant with a married man. Given the man’s situation, she opted to continue with her pregnancy and cut ties with him. With a strong personality yet fragile heart, she raised her daughter, Avira*, into the fine young lady she is today.

She managed to bring up a store to sustain their daily necessities while Avira’s aunt supports her niece’s education by sending them allowances. Moreover, they offer rent-outs for the available space in their house for small businesses for extra income.

Although Kaspersky does her best for her princess, there have been times when Avira wanted to have a father figure. “Growing up, I was bullied by my relatives for not having a father. I was told that I was not loved and that I don’t deserve my life nor my existence in our family,” Avira shares. The very same line of blood had forsaken her despite knowing the real deal behind her mother ’s decision.

Both Kaspersky and Avira have invisible scars in their entire beings for experiencing such judgement from others, especially their own relatives. But despite having those scars, they remain resilient and face life with hopeful yet strong hearts.

T WO H O M ES Being in a situation where you are torn between two things is something most of us have gone through at least once in our lives but Yezil Rhose Lusaya, a fourth year Psychology student, gets two of almost everything – two parents, two families, two houses, two sets of rules and expectations, and two schedules; with the ability to juggle between her two homes.

“I think it can’t be helped that, sometimes, you may feel kind of envious because they (parents) have their new families. Back when I was little, I had a hard time adjusting with my situation.

Whenever I see a family who looked like they were happy and okay, I felt kind of insecure,” she says.

It was at the age of eight when her parents got separated. She knew the situation but, just like any normal eight-year old kid, she did not fully understand what it really meant for her parents to part ways. “ There was a time when I was being sort of passed on [from my mom’s to my dad’s and vice versa] as to where I should stay. I really had quite an adjustment whenever I moved from here to there,” she adds. The transition from having one happy family to two separate blended families had affected Yezil wherein she really needed time for

ARTWORK by MICHAEL STEVEN VENIEGAS

a d j u st m e nt s .

Nonetheless, she somehow learned to enjoy the setup.

Both her parents currently have their own families. Her father with his wife and their child and her mother with her husband. And now that she has grown up, she has realized and understood that both her parents do love her but it is just that they do not want to live together anymore because they cannot seem to work things out between them.

F RO M T WO, N OW T H R E E In Bago City is where a couple named Yen* and Dom* reside. Both have been in a relationship for a few years now and have decided to adopt. Yen has a woman’s body just like Dom. But unlike Dom, she has a heart of a man.

According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), members of the LGBT community have equal rights in legally adopting a child. But then, the he or she shall be identified as a single parent.

Yen adopted Sapphire* when she was 11 months old, small and thin, from a family of sakadas with 8 children last April 30, 2018.

Nevertheless, Yen did not deprive the biological mother of Sapphire to see her once in a while.

“At first, it (parenting) was kind of hard but then I opted not to think of the difficulty. Between the two of us (Dom and I), I said that we should really do this because we do not perceive Sapphire as a mere toy. I said to Dom that we should raise her well for her bright future,” Yen shares.

They are not totally well-off in life in the sense that Yen gives great effort to find incomegenerating work which is related to her craft, making art, while Dom manages their small store. Despite the situation, both are doing their best to give Sapphire a good life.

“Many children need families.

We have a scarce number of families who are willing to take care of these children. At least there are people, no matter what their gender preferences are, who are responsible enough to take care and love these children,” Atty. Ma. Dolores Nalumen, RSW, College of Arts and Sciences faculty, says.

N E W H O P E F RO M A N OT H E R HOUSEHOLD Death. Abandonment.

Two of which have been faced

by Angel* who, at a young age, withstood the test of time with no parents but only an older sister but had been blessed with a family

who opened their hearts and home to them. “People’s initial reaction is usually pity for what we had experienced but I do not like that kind of reaction just because of what happened to us. It is good that they could see that. Despite of that, we have been blessed,” she shares.

She is now a 20-year old college student from the Municipality of Pontevedra. Her mother died due to health complications when she was two years old and her father took his own life six years later.

The traumatic experience she gained from her father ’s death spread fast as it was televised in TV Patrol Negros the following day.

Because of that, the mayor of their municipality promised to help them by means of supporting for their education until they finish college.

Not long, the experiences the sisters had under the care of their cousin was reported to the DSWD wherein they stayed in a temporary shelter until such a time when they needed to find people to take care of them.

“We were not given to our relatives because they were very far from us. But because our late parents were close to our church, they had true friends there, so the church had heard of our condition and the Lord touched their hearts to accept us,” Angel said as she shared that the family was her godmother ’s.

Despite the odds, people thrive to attain happiness and a sense of fulfillment. The ideal family we have known is not really the family which most people have. It does not necessarily need to follow an exacting mold of a macho father, feminine mother, the two’s own children in a cozy house. The model of traditional families we have grown to be acquainted with have been modified into such odd yet realistic concepts. “ The important thing in all of these situations, traditional or unconventional families, is their commitment, care, and love to their children, to help them grow up as good citizens of this country,” Atty. Nalumen says.

We are in the age where we have already broken the model figure of a traditional family and somehow redefined the concept of what a family is and should be.

Unconventional families enable us to open our eyes to the fact that no matter what the size, composition, or kind a family may be, they all share one special thing – love for one another. *not their real names

FEATURE

7

TOLENTINESTAR

A Closer Look On the Lady Beyond the Laude

by TISHA CELINE ERIKA OCAMPO

April 7, 2018.

The air is thick with the mixture of excitement, relief, fulfilled goals, and high hopes for the future. Like a beacon in the hot April twilight, a flicker of blue makes its way in front of the crowd. Resembling her college’s spirit animal, the phoenix, Claire Magbanua is a glowing picture of fire and victory as she takes her place on the podium to deliver her speech as one of the three Summa Cum Laudes of the Class of 2018.

ADRENALINE RUSH. Crowds excitedly line up at the SM Cinemas, hoping to pass the number cut-off as seats were insufficient to accommodate more movie-goers.

PHOTO by KAYE EUNICE LAMERA

Eigasai: Diversity On Reel Of International Caliber

by STEFFANIE CONDEMILICOR

Tickets were quick to run out as the SM Cinemas were filled with otakus, film enthusiasts, and patronizers of Eigasai. Also known as the Japanese Film Festival, it culminated its second year in Bacolod City last August 9 to 12. A free film festival that aims to promote cultural exchange through films of diversified genres organized by the Japan Foundation Manila as a commemoration of the Philippine- Japanese Friendship Month.

Eigasai comes from the word “eiga”, a Japanese term for “film”, and “sai” for “festival”. This film festival is held all over the world and is now making its 21st year here in the Philippines. Deciding to bring it to the regions, on their 20th year, they brought Eigasai to Bacolod City so that others could also enjoy learning about Japanese culture and so that film enthusiasts could also enjoy a new cup of flicks.

“Confirmed by the Negros Museum, this Eigasai is the first international film festival that was brought here to Bacolod, being the first one that started the film festival of international caliber since the city have only had local film festivals,” SM City Bacolod Public Relations Manager May Castro says.

UNITY THROUGH I N T E R N AT I O N A L F I L M S After being brought to Bacolod last August 24 to 27, 2017 during its 20th anniversary, this year ’s Eigasai was said to be the biggest and the best Eigasai which succeeded in gathering more audiences and film enthusiasts than it did last year. With the theme “Celebration of Collaboration and Diversity ” it included a lot of movies of different genres romance, action, anime, comedy, thriller, drama, and documentary. “ The purpose of having this Japanese Film Festival which was brought to us by the Embassy of Japan and executed by the Japan Foundation Manila is to bring the Japanese culture to us Filipinos; to show us on how they do their films, to learn more from them.

This is really a form of cultural exchange,” Castro says.

U N D E R S TA N D I N G D I V E R S I F I E D C U LT U R E S As this year ’s theme revolved around diversity, it brought the audience films of different tastes and styles. Films like “Daytime Shooting Star,” “ Tori Girl”, “Honnouji Hotel”, “ReLIFE”, “Survival Family ”, “Let ’s Go, JETS! From Small Town Girls to U.S. Champions?!”, “Memoirs of a Murderer ”, “Rudolf the Black Cat ”, “ Tora-san of Goto”, “Chihayafuru” parts 1 & 2 and this year with the premiere of CHIHAYAFURU Part 3, being the most watched film.

Chihayafuru, directed by Norihiro Koizumi, is a Japanese sports romantic teen drama film about Chihaya Ayase, an elementary student and a player of competitive karuta, a Japanese card game that uses a deck of uta-

garuta cards to play karuta within the format and rules set by the Japan Karuta Association. As her friends and teammates support her, Chihaya continues to strive to become the best karuta player in the world while establishing relationships with other players.

On its third part, the story takes place two years after Chihayafuru Part 2 and Chihaya is now a high school senior continuing to reach her dreams as she tackles the dilemmas of a graduating student. The movies presented were a mixture of old films and commercial hits in Japan and some that are fairly new.

OF C O L L A B O R AT I O N AND DIVERSITY Bringing “free films” was already a reason for this festival to become successful and gather hundreds of audiences. Eigasai was well-funded by its major sponsors such as Cinemalaya, a local independent film festival, to name a few. Eigasai brought films wherein admission fee is already easy on the pocket in order to form an alliance to bring not only local but also international films here in the Philippines.

Negotiations have been made for the Korean Embassy to try and reel in the Korean Film Festival since Korean pop music and Korean drama are now becoming very huge hits in the country. The French and German embassies have also expressed their interest in the event as they plan to showcase their films in the country.

“Eigasai was very nice since they are showing rare Japanese movies that can only be seen at cinemas in Japan. The best part is it is free. I never thought that they will showcase the movie that I am an avid fan of from manga to live action on the big screen,” Charlene Hinguillo, an enthusiast of Japanese works through manga and anime, says as she cheerfully recalls her Eigasai experience while exiting the cinema with her friends.

Serving as a link in the chain of global film culture and international cultural exchange has been the major purpose of film festivals.

International film festivals such as Eigasai help bridge cultural gaps - an exceptional tool for crossing communication channels from one place to another. It was a proud moment for the locals in Bacolod City to witness some of Japan’s acclaimed works as they understood how the people of Japan express themselves through the big screen.

KINDLING A DREAM Like the rest of us, Claire was just another student who strove to make the most out of her college years. Being Summa Cum Laude was a dream and a bonus. “Being the Summa Cum Laude, actually, at first, it wasn’t really my goal but I dreamed of it. I did not list it as my goal because I thought being a Summa Cum Laude was too much but, as what we always say, ‘Dream High, Dream Big’, so I added it on my ‘bucket list’. I thought I could not make it but I did and I think it was because of my determination and steadfast spirit,” she admits. “Like the other students, my journey in college was not that easy. I also experienced what other students experienced like staying up late at night to study for the quizzes and examinations, finishing the neverending projects, and accomplishing whatever tasks just to meet the deadlines.”

She goes on that it was her choice to put pressure on herself to be a consistent Dean’s Lister. “There were a lot of times in my college life that I wanted to give up,” she says. “It was during my fourth year when I felt the unbearable pressure and stress. It was when I was taking my last major subjects, finishing our thesis, doing the internship, and also taking review classes. I love my parents so much that I don’t want to disappoint them. I said to myself, ‘Claire, you’re already in fourth year; your last year.

Please remember the reason why you started.’ then that thought had me going.”

ON GIVING BACK “I wanted to help my parents financially and, indeed, my academic scholarship helped us a lot,” she adds.

“My nanay and tatay are also my inspirations in life and are my great motivators and I really adore and honor them because they are willing to give or sacrifice everything just to give us quality education and to provide us a pleasing life. If they never gave up on us, why would I give up on achieving my dreams?”

Her father, University Head Security Guard Leoven Magbanua shares, “In high school, she was a chess player and at the same time, a volleyball player.”

Mr. Magbanua also recounts how Claire sticks to a routine of house-schoolchurch. The proud father says that Claire never needed to be scolded especially when it came to her studies. He and his wife, school teacher Arlene Magbanua, emphasize the value of education to Claire and her younger sister. “I always tell Claire to ‘study well because that is all that we can give you’,” Mr. Magbanua

says. “It is due to our financial state. Of course, we lacked the means sometimes.

Claire has seen our situation and she works hard as well.”

“If I am being praised as the Summa Cum laude alone, honestly, I feel a bit shy,” she timidly shares. She says that she is just a simple person who does not like putting on airs and wants to lay low.

“But being called as the Summa Cum Laude daughter of the campus security guard, it is such a proud moment for me and for my tatay. I am proud that I am a daughter of a sikyu and I am very grateful that he is my tatay. My tatay is my number one fan and supporter throughout my college life.”

DESTINED TO RISE Every success story has a beginning.

Being the achiever that she was since her early days, it seems like graduating top of her class is in the stars for Claire.

“When I was a child [in my elementary days], I was not that really goal-oriented.

Like the kids before, I was not really that serious when it comes to school but, of course, I did understand that I needed to study well. Before, honestly, what’s on my mind was I should study well because nanay and tatay told me so. Knowing that my mom is a teacher, I should do my best in school because I think more is expected from a student whose mom is an educator. And because of that mindset, I also did well back in elementary.

I even graduated as the salutatorian of our batch,” she reminisces. “When I was in high school, my mind shifted gears.

This time I learned how to set goals.

This was the time when I developed my study habits and became more serious about my studies and I became even more serious when I was in fourth year high school because I have heard that [being] the valedictorian will have the opportunity to enter college as a full scholar. Because of that, I made graduating as class valedictorian my goal and, with determination, I did graduate high school as valedictorian.”

Claire had her moments in choosing her path to graduating successfully.

Claire did not initially have the Education program in mind. “After high school, I was torn between taking Accountancy and Education. But, because it was really my dream before to become a teacher and because I also want to help students who find math difficult, I took Bachelor of Secondary Education and majored in Mathematics. Of all the subjects, it is my favorite. For me, Mathematics is easy. You have nothing to memorize.

All you have to do is to just understand the concept and to just practice solving.

That’s it.”

Classmates like Michael Aglubat, an Education graduate who majored in English have also seen Claire grow and can attest to Claire’s humility despite her excellent academic performance.

“Claire really knows how to weigh what is important and what is not; she knows her priority,” Michael shares. He fondly recalls how they would wonder whether Claire is still human as she would ace every test—announced and surprise tests alike. “The word ‘perfect’ is already a connotation for ‘Claire’. But, despite the fact that it seems like she has everything, she still oozes with humility and that made us admire her more,” he says and goes on to tell that Claire was more than just a student achiever.

“There was a time when we were having our in-house review on Math for the board exams, our professor ran a little late. Claire took over and reviewed us.

Her approach on the subject was easier,” he adds. “She is not just a girl, a leader, and honor student. She is a woman of substance.”

Despite graduating with the highest honors, Claire remains humble and reserves all the pride she has for her parents especially when she is being praised for being the hardworking Summa Cum Laude daughter of a security guard.

Claire is currently working at Shiloh Christian School, her high school alma mater. She had already taken up the Licensure Examination for Teachers last October 30. She shares that she had to learn to adjust to the world outside graduation and had to adapt to balancing the time between her work and her review. “I am enjoying what I am doing,” she smiles. “I really think teaching is for me. I love being with kids and I love the feeling I get when I see them improving.”

Everyone has their own success story waiting to be written. For Claire, her story is just the prologue of greater things to come. The important thing is that her tale serves as an inspiration for those who are still in the process of writing theirs - Latin honor aspirant or not.

“To all students out there, let us bloom wherever we are planted,” she advises. “Let us not settle for less.

Let us keep on dreaming and keep on achieving our goals and match it with passion, determination, and hard work.

If life is being hard on you, never give up. Always remember there are people out there who are always ready to catch your back. If there are none, then there is surely one person up there who will never leave you nor forsake you.”

PHOTOS courtesy of CLAIRE MAGBANUA.

OPINION

8

L

TOLENTINESTAR

Constantly Changing?

ast A.Y. 2017- 2018, the Office of the President released Memorandum Order No. 006 which declared the merging of seven colleges into four colleges. The memo also called for the change of supervision over the merged colleges.

The student body as well as everyone concerned with the UNO-Rian academe experienced an abrupt change of the organizational set-up of colleges after a very long time. It was a bold move for the administration to shuffle the system of offices and categorization of each college since all attachments from the previous academic year such as the student government, college publications, and sports teams were discredited and reassigned to a different college, leaving the students confused and disappointed all the while.

It was hard for the students to transfer and become a member of a college in which they were not familiar. Some still had the blues of leaving their college and participating under a new leadership. All of these were done, not to baffle the students but, because of the student population drop crisis which the K-12 program had caused.

Apparently, for the administration, it was wise for them to merge the colleges since there were no freshmen present to fill in the gap left by the recently-graduated batch of students.

Moreover, the recent academic year passed with a lot of adjustments undergone by the students. It served as a seemingly short time for a handful of alterations. The year even ended with another shift as the Office of the President released Memorandum Order No. 069, stating that the previously merged colleges turned departments would be reverted back to their college statuses.

Now, the declaration of the memo only poses one question: “Are the students ready to take in another change?” Imagine preparing for a whole new year ahead of us yet another amendment is also getting ready to strike our plans down. This change that will take effect on the first semester of the incoming academic year will become another headache for student leaders, campus journalists, and all students in general. The efforts that they made to establish united organizations a year ago are going to be torn apart by another reshuffling of offices.

We are calling for effective planning in the future. Planning that envisions years ahead from now so that we can avoid a domino effect situation such as this. Planning that evaluates the whole aspect of well-being of the student body. Planning that correlates its previous shortcomings to future plans while erasing its similarities one subplan at a time.

We are calling for early announcements regarding issues that may affect the activities and unions organized by the student body so that we may also plan ahead.

And lastly, we are calling for a role model system to which the student body may reflect itself. A role model system that influences the effectivity and efficiency of the student body. A role model system that works hand-in-hand with the studentry.

We hope that our voices may be heard and that the thought of this piece may influence the way things will work in the future. May everyone in the learning community yearn for better, well-planned years ahead.

EDITORIAL

TOLENTINESTAR

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL - RECOLETOS EDITORIAL STAFF A.Y. 2018-2019

ARTWORK by STEFFANIE CONDEMILICOR

“

Oceans Are Not Humans’ Trash Cans

We often put our attention to what is trending but we can’t even put up and continue a trend for an environmental issue.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

CHARLENE GRACE GELOTIN ASSOCIATE EDITOR

KAYE EUNICE LAMERA MANAGING EDITOR DESK EDITORS

MAREVILLE ANNE CARO NEWS AND SPORTS EDITOR

STEFFANIE CONDEMILICOR LITERARY EDITOR

MICHAEL LIBRANDO FEATURE EDITOR

TECHNICAL EDITORS

LOURDES ANGELINE SENDICO GRAPHICS EDITOR

MATTHEW JOHN LORIZO MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

STAFF WRITERS

PHOTOJOURNALISTS

JEZREEL CABEROY LYKA DE LA TORRE CHRISTIAN JOHN FUENTESPINA MIRRAY CHRISTINE MAGUAD TISHA CELINE ERIKA OCAMPO JESSEL MAE SIRUELO

JOELLE MARIEL PADEROG ROMCHELLE CHRIS DANIELLE WAMINAL VIDEOGRAPHERS

REINHARDT FIRMEZA PHILIP ANDRE GIMAY

CARTOONIST

LAYOUT ARTIST

MICHAEL STEVEN VENIEGAS

ALRENZI ESPARAGOZA

GRAPHICS ARTIST

WEB ADMINISTRATOR

CAESAR DANIEL PARAYNO

DYNIEL KEITH CATALUÑA

IVY GONZALES - ABOY TECHNICAL ADVISER Like us on facebook.com/tolentinestar.

Follow us on Twitter @tolentinestar.

Be in the know. Visit www.tolentinestar.com.

For comments, suggestions, or reactions, e-mail us at tolentinestar@gmail.com or feel free to drop by our office located at the ground floor of the COED building, beside the CAS Student Council office.

MAREVILLE ANNE CARO news and sports editor annecaro.ts@gmail.com

Movement to save the earth. A movement that we commonly hear but is rarely effective on its course.

We often see posts on social media about oceans with floating plastics and dead sea creatures because of climate change. Some show genuine care but the majority just do it for the fact that they can show off that they care about the oceans and the life beneath it.

The ocean is

important as it is, by far, the oldest feature of Earth making up approximately 70% of Earth’s surface. It is far older than our gigantic dinosaurs and homo species. It sustains all life forms of the only planet known to be a home of the living; vital to all especially to us, the human beings. But, a s of now, is the ocean still clean as before? We can see floating things and it is not definitely marine species. It is absolutely the wastes we thought as “just one plastic”.

One plastic floating in the ocean yet is a catalyst of the pollution to the most important source of life for humanity. There could be more plastic on the oceans than fish.

Almost 14 million tons of ARTWORK by MICHAEL STEVEN VENIEGAS

plastics alone are sent to the ocean every year. We can try and stack them up and you can reach outer space. These are the numbers you can’t even fathom. The culprit? Us, humans.

One of the most affected creatures are the life beneath the sea.

Imagine snorkeling and see turtles sucking plastic straws or seahorses clothed with plastics. A devastating picture to imagine right? The count of whales, dolphins, sharks, and rays have reduced to 75% due to water pollution. Greenhouse gases and carbon emissions are making the oceans very acidic, thus, they also contribute not only to deaths of many sea creatures but also to the coral reefs.

The Philippines consists of more than 7,000 islands and has a very rich marine biodiversity at stake.

One major factor is that we are in the pacific ring of fire which means we are always experiencing typhoons, thunderstorms, heavy OCEANS ARE NOT/15

Facebook is not a Public Sidewalk

EDITORIAL BOARD

ALYSSA MARIE ARCEÑO

THE CASSIOPEIA

SUGAR RUSH KAYE EUNICE LAMERA managing editor

“

Most of us have exploited the accessibility of Facebook and have utilized it as a channel for one’s explosion of anger and frustrations.

lamera.ts@gmail.com

1, 2, 3… boom! Like a kettle with boiling water, you felt as if the rage inside you somehow exploded. And then, furious clicks could be heard. After just a few minutes, a sharp 100-character Facebook status has been crossly composed on your phone or computer and… voilà! You hit that post button and you feel as if you have somewhat vented out all the negative energy you have had just a while ago or so you thought.

In an age where people are so accustomed to blending in with the wonders of modern technology, especially smartphones and computers, it is not much of a surprise to know that most of us have Facebook accounts.

Somehow, people have started to smear on that fine line between privacy and openness and has made the latter take over in social networking sites, specifically, Facebook. People, especially millennials, nowadays simply tend to overshare – posting everything they think or do for a wide range of people to know. Most of us have exploited the accessibility of Facebook and have utilized it as a channel for one’s explosion of anger and frustrations.

There is this quote which really caught my attention when I was browsing through my feed one Saturday morning.

It went like this, “Venting online is more like letting yourself explode on a public sidewalk; wide and open enough for all the passersby to hear and know.” It is like when one vents out online, he decides to shoot pessimism into an open space, granting almost anyone access to knowing his downbeat sentiments.

Oftentimes, when one lets himself drown in negative emotions, he would most likely, rashly choose to vent out online which is not really different from venting out in public.

Some people just need to be reminded that they ought to draw and maintain a limit when it comes to getting things too personal on social media. Think about this: you post a status where you used foul language and somewhere on the other side of that connection is an array of people from all walks of life and ages who could read your words and take them to heart. The thing is, negativity spreads too fast. It doesn’t really pass on to others but, rather, it somehow multiplies. And, sometimes, although one’s intention may

intend no harm but to simply vent out, other p e o p l e may think otherwise.

We are all ARTWORK by accountable for our digital STEFFANIE CONDEMILICOR footprints. Frankly, people should bear in mind that social media platforms are not our diaries. Also, rather than to harp on about petty things on Facebook, let us welcome the concept of being responsible for our way of dealing with things. There are consequences which we must consider if we were to use inappropriate mediums.

Facebook. It is an effective and convenient way to connect with other people but now that we have somehow misused and abused its purpose, it is as if we are digging holes as opportunities for others, or even ourselves, to ruin our relationships, our reputation, and even our career. The wrong words may be a two-edged sword which can hurt others and even our own hearts.

OPINION

9

TOLENTINESTAR

Mindless Obedience and A Two-minute Journey CHEAP THRILLS ALYSSA MARIE ARCEÑO editor-in-chief arceno.ts@gmail.com

September 21, 2018 was supposed to be a thank-God-it’s-Friday experience but, before reaching school, I was not feeling well given that the scorching heat from the jeepney ride, stress, allnighters from last University Week, and lack of lunch made me feel all dizzy then symptoms of hypertension surfaced. I was planning to have my blood pressure checked before going upstairs to the laboratory for a quiz but, instead of having an afternoon visit to the clinic, I was greeted by an insisting guard, telling me not to enter the school premises because of what I was wearing. It came to me as a surprise as the pair of clothing that I wore was the usual terno I kept on wearing since last year - the usual Star Wars t-shirt and a knee-level denim skirt. I thought that manong guard was new and that he was not used to seeing me like this but then my appeal to go to the clinic did not change his mind, still insisting that I did not comply with the dress code as he kept on pointing at the placard with the list of dress code violations.

As my pleading went on, he still insisted that I am not allowed to enter.

I tried to contact a member from the publication to ask for help to bring me a pair of pants from my locker but she was busy at the moment. I told manong guard I could not reach a friend at the moment and he simply replied, “Ti, ma’am, indi ka guid puede kasulod.”

Desperate for medical assistance as my hypertension worsened, I contacted staff members from the publication to come and fetch me from the main entrance and, without a breeze, they came running to my rescue. Hoping for assistance from the guards, the staff members asked them to contact the clinic but they simply replied, “Una kamo anay sa DSA antes kamo magkadto sa clinic.” Passing students noticed my situation and exchanged remarks of pity and confusion. It was a relief when the rest of the staff went to the Office of the Vice President for Student Welfare and asked for help, contacting the University Clinic. I could not move my hands nor my legs when the student assistants from the clinic came to fetch me. As they placed me on the bed, the nurses on duty said it was a

“

“

The University must not only empathize with the students in general but also with the PWDs studying, working, and visiting in the University.

case of hyperventilation that caused the numbing of my hands and legs and that stress was mainly the reason behind.

One of the nurses jokingly added, “Sin-o naka-away mo haw?”

It was one of my most unfortunate moments in school. Some students may recall their days in school as happy or embarrassing, making them their fondest memories. Yet this memory will never be the fondest of mine.

Aside from the mishap, the journey to the clinic also added to inconvenience.

Since the student assistants carried me with a wheelchair, they had experienced a difficulty in finding ways to the clinic since there were little to no ramps for persons with disabilities or PWDs. The ramps were not even wide enough to fit a single wheelchair along. Because of the lack of ramps, they were left with a choice to carry the wheelchair with me in it down and up the stairs.

The series of events left me and my companions with a lot of questions: What will happen if the case was worse like a heart attack or stroke? Will they still answer to your pleas monotonously as you collapse? Will this happen to students who may experience what

I had experienced also? Is there no exception to the rule even if it may be life or death already? Is the University a place inconvenient for students and visitors who are PWDs? The key to reducing these kinds of risks and mishaps is for the people in charge to weigh the situation in every time; to empathize. The rules must be followed strictly but they also must be followed on a case-to-case basis. In my standpoint, I did not even mean to defy the dress code if that was what they thought. It is okay to call me out and issue me a ticket to the Office of the Vice President for Student Welfare.

I could just leave my ID and just go with it. What mattered more to me at that time was my health condition.

If they weighed the situation in at that time, it would have spared me having a hyperventilation episode. The University must not only empathize with the students in general but also with the PWDs studying, working, and visiting in the University. We must live up to our motto, Caritas et Scientia in our everyday lives at school because Caritas et Scientia combined is peace and harmony to all

ARTWORK by MICHAEL STEVEN VENIEGAS

Study First, Play Later

“

Just like in video games, we do not really have enough resources so we need to strategize our actions wisely.

AWAY FROM THE KEYBOARD MATTHEW JOHN LORIZO multimedia editor lorizo.ts@gmail.com

They said, in order to get high grades, you must be focused and spend most of your time on your academics. Most parents would blame video games as a source of their children’s decreased performance in school. After seeing their bad grades, what most parents usually do is they keep their children off their gadgets or implement strict usage of WiFi connection as long as they focus on their studies and fix their grades properly.

Well, I believe it has become a common parenting thing. Young students these days find it hard to balance their gaming hobby and academics at the same time, scared that their parents would freak out when they find out that their child will have bad grades.

The fact that video games have earned their reputation in distracting students from their schoolwork has a little bit of a truth. Video games these days are greater than ever. From graphics to its mechanics, video game industries are doing their best, developing and pushing the boundaries of virtual interactions in video games until people will go crazy about it.

With these advancements of technology, people seem to be easily persuaded with the aesthetics of latest games and they would spend a lot of time completing challenges, quests, or objectives just to receive unique rewards - it could be in a form of an item or a trophy. It is not just the time that people are spending and investing on video games. Some people would also pitch their money in just to acquire items and in-game currencies.

With these attention-seeking pleasures, playing video games might hinder one’s progress in real life. Instead of mixing playing and studying together, it is also important to stray away from the screen for a while. Choosing the right environment on doing such activities is essential. Some students get easily distracted when they boot up their computer, so it is good to have different environments for your studies and your gaming sessions. Another thing that keeps the student distracted from their priorities are the downloadable contents and limited-time events. These add-ons enhance the gaming experience from its

ARTWORK by MICHAEL STEVEN VENIEGAS

natural state. There are occasional events that would reward players that can only be obtained in the specific time or event and it gives students a dilemma of which are they going to do first? The limitedtime event or their studies?

Yet in the advent of academic demands, school may become very stressful; some students get anxiety attacks and fatigue because of the pressure they go through in school. Some students choose to do something that would keep them calm and relaxed. Gaming is one of them and time management is their friend. Why not focus first on what is important and reward yourself with things that will give you pleasure? Just like in video games, we do not really have enough resources so we need to strategize our actions wisely. Bad decision-making may result to negative outcomes and may disqualify you from getting a reward.

Studying does not really interest some of the students because you don’t really get “rewards” from it but, if students were to change their perspective on studies into a game-like perspective, it might help them get through tough difficulties.

They can actually use similar strategies in school like trying to be at the top of the leaderboards in video games. You can absolutely make your way to become top in class by complying with requirements or can we say “quests”. With this type of mindset, attitude, and right discipline, any student can balance video games and academics at the same time. They just need a right strategy.

Never Too Old To Be Young, Never Too Young To Be Old

There is room now for open and respectful discussion from both sides and we have gotten a different kind of upbringing to thank for that.

“Noong panahon namin,” a lot of us are familiar with this introductory phrase whenever our parents or elders lecture us about a lot of things; things that are foreign and have a little hint of familiarity for them but are widely used or practiced by us, millennials and Generation Z babies, as we let ourselves be taken by the current of trends.

Confessing. It is indeed sometimes annoying to hear those comparisons of traditional versus modern practices from the ways of life or even culture.

Those long lectures are always answered by loud grunts, rolling eyes, and sighs coupled with a here-we-goagain face. These establish a visible gap between generations; a visible gap that we see every day that is being caused by this institutional age segregation.

SERIAL SLEEPER STEFFANIE CONDEMILICOR literary editor condemilicor.ts@gmail.com

As this age difference creates a drift in thinking, it also creates a change in action from one generation which may or may not be acceptable to the other.

We call this drift as Generation Gap. Though, admit it, you sometimes wonder if you were born in the wrong generation; having to keep up with the trend but lacking an avenue for that; having to socialize with other peers but you feel too out of place. Also, sometimes, you wish you could just go back in time to your grandmother’s younger years and experience those outside-the-window haranas, receiving those poetic love letters written on parchment paper, having a sincere old style yet classic love from a man suited in a Spanish accented barong and hearing the words “Sinta, ako’y sana’y ipaghantungan mo ng kuwento tungkol

sa ginawa mo sa buong linggo nang sa gayo’y parang kasama na rin kita,” instead of the typical “I miss you”.

Those desires are also equivalent to how our parents and grandparents want to experience the gift of technology. Those “Turuan mo naman ako mag Facebook o mag cellphone” moments are their ways of saying that they also want to understand the world you are living in. Though it is sad that we only want to hear our own side of the story, our elders only want what’s best for us. They are strengthened by experiences and failures; the reason why they impose their opinions and authority on us.

“Marami pa tayong bigas na kakainin” is the exact quotation appropriate to emphasize that we have future endeavors to struggle and experience and that we need the guidance of the elders, those who are experts or had experienced the same kind of situation.

We should retrieve the knowledge from the old days, understand, and respect it. In that way, we could learn from it.

The old and the young have a lot to teach each other. It is noticeable

that this generation gap does not have to do with age; It has more to do on the attitude whether someone is keen enough to accept an open and multicultural society. There is room now for open and respectful discussion from both sides and we have gotten a different kind of upbringing to thank for that.

As change is ever-expanding, having different ideas or opinions does not suggest that one of them is right and the other is wrong. We must be observant of the difference of generation to generation from the way they dress, food they prefer to eat, movies t h e y

want to watch, moral values, ideologies and beliefs, and even political or socioeconomic stances and opinions.

As this gap came from lack of communication and understanding of emotional feelings from each other in the family, it is very important to spend time with each other and try to understand and appreciate the views and morals of one another. We must observe and accept how every generation is different and yet quite similar to one another. May we echo a howl of defiance against the wall that hinders both generations to reconstruct the bridge and connect the gap. From once upon a time to the present, this gap isn’t as wide as we think.

ARTWORK by STEFFANIE CONDEMILICOR

OPINION

10

TOLENTINESTAR Ang ini nga bahin para lamang sa mga estudyante nga gusto magpabutyag sang ila mga hibubun-ot ukon reklamo nga ila man gusto ipalab-ot sa mga nasa-aran. Ang Buckle nagapadayon sa pagbaton sang nagaka-angay nga mga isyu. Kung gusto mo mapalab-ot ang imo mga reklamo batok sa administrasyon, sa kapareho nga mga estudyante, ukon sa wala labot nga katawhan, indi guid magpangduwa-duwa nga ipadala ina sa Tolentine Star (tolentinestar@gmail.com), may ngalan man ukon wala. Gani, sa wala pa dira mamuragmuragan sa ila katulugon kag sa mga wala pa naigu-an sang bato nga halin sa langit, magbugtaw na kamo kung indi niyo gusto mabatyagan ang kasakiton sang nagapadayon nga paghanot sang...

COMPILED by TISHA CELINE ERIKA OCAMPO PHOTOS by KAYE EUNICE LAMERA

ni KALISUD kag KALIPAY

What can you say about the Mr. and Ms. UNO-R 2018 pageant?

John Emman Gabriel Gauzon, BSCrim IV I think, if I could rate it [with] 10 as the highest, 9. Since ako nagbantay didto, May ara ang UNORSSGO [times] nga namiss nila ang communication with the security. Ang ila pagfacilitate, wala sa ila ga intsindihanay. Pero, with the whole event, it was successful so that’s why I gave 9.

Millennie Rose Casue, BSMT I My overall opinion about Mr. and Ms. UNO-R [is that] the event was averagely satisfying. Nawitness ko ang other nga Mr. and Ms. UNO-R man sang una. For me, it presented to us a fresh theme which is Rio but may isa lang ko gusto nga i-note which, for me, wala siya masyado nagstick sa theme nga Rio kay nakita ko sa mga segments. [For] example sa playwear kag sa evening gown gulpi siya nagmodern Coachella which is indi ko makita ang iya relation sa Rio. Pero, overall, nami man sya kay daw ka-festive sang approach sa amon. May draggy moments pero okay na siya overall.

Daniel Rapista, BSPharma IV Ang akon thoughts sa Mr. and Ms. UNO-R sa ini nga 2018 is successful man siya actually kag mas lively sang sa iban nga Mr and Ms UNO-R kay kanami sang theme kay Rio. Actually, ang nami guid subong nga part tungod kay ang ambiance kag ang crowd mas active subong kag mas gaparticipate na tanan kag ang improvement gid sa stage nga damo na sang mga design, mga graphics.

Nikka Joy Atienza, BSMC IV The whole program was successfully executed but then tani rules must be followed accordingly and also tani they should make good choices man to those na tagaan nila responsibility during the event and brief them if they should be formal or not to avoid lapses and criticisms from others. For the design okay man pero if compared sa last two years na stage design, mas bongga ang sang last.

Bye-bye Weekend

Nabatyagan niyo na bala na daw balay niyo na ang Unibersidad?

Sa pito ka adlaw nga ginhimo sang Ginoo, ang Domingo ina ang adlaw sang tig-pahuway. Para sa isa ka ordinaryo nga estudyante, pati ang Sabado dalahig na. Tion ina sang pagtuon kag pagpahuway pero ngaa daw hawiran pa ang mga estudyante bisan Sabado-Domingo nga mga inadlaw haw? Nahadlok guid bala ang Unibersidad nga madula kita sa panan-aw nila? Ka-touching man na man. Sa tam-an niyo na guro ka tinir sa UNO-R, memorize mo na guro pati ang ngalan sang mga iMags nga janitor, ay? Indi lang mahal sa tiempo ang mga gina-require nga kadtuan nga activity sang estudyante, mahal pa guid sa kuwarta. Ang mga taga-norte o diin pa da halin nga lugar luwas pa sa Bacolod mamalayran pa sa mahal nga plete o dorm para makakadto lang sa buluthuan. Maayo lang kung barato ang tuition kay indi man. Ga-contest lang sila sang plete! Pagkatapos, pang-gaan quizzes kag assignments sa dason nga semana? Diin pa na nila idasok sa ila schedule? Indi na kamo matingala nga lowbat pirme ang mga bata kag wala may isabat sa papel mag-Lunes.

Pauna-una Para Indi Mawad-an

Tanan man kita guro kabati nga may nagdugang nga pila ka salapi sa balayran ta sa eskwelahan. Kibot lang kita kung magbukas kita sang UIS account naton, ang ginpa-in ninyo nga inug-bayad kulang na. Daw mahibi ta kung hambalan ta sang SA sa Accounting Office nga kulang pa kita gihapon linibo nga inug-bayad.

Daw buk-on mo ang kristal sa counter, no? Sa tiempo karon sang mataas nga matrikula, ngaa ginakulang pa kita gihapon sang mga gamit kag equipment sa eskwelahan? Na-inform man na sila guro nga nagdamo man ang mga estudyante pero ngaa daw pauna-una pa na kita hulam kay basi maubusan kita.

O kon sa roleplay-roleplay niyo sa klase pero wala ga-gana ang mikropono, so bale daw props na lang ato. Abi, lihog bakal man kamo de kalidad kag madamo nga gamit. Nabansagan pa man ang buluthuan nga “ekselente”. Makadlaw na lang kami.

Exclusive or design?

Abaw! Daw sang tuig 2016 pa na nagpuli sa UNO-R ang “bag-o” nga school bus, haw? Ma-second na ka birthday ang bus pero ngaa daw grabe guid ang halong sang mga naga-bantay, man? Sa pagkabalo naton tanan, ang bus ginagamit ina para mangin service, diba? Daw normal na lang gani sa aton nga kung may yara ta sang outing o attend-an na seminar, ma-arkila pa ang bilog nga klase sang dyip. Wala man lang may nagasiling sa aton nga, “Ahay. Kaluoy man sa ila. Ari, gamita ang bus para daw may pulos man gina bayad niyo sa amon.”

Asta lang na guro sa damgo. Kulang na lang ilubong sang bus iya kaugalingon sa shed. Kadlawan ta lang kaisa ang mga Shopping-Libertad nga dyip sa pagpadalagan pero, at least, gadalagan, diba?

Lab-ot Langit nga Pasunaid

Naano nga puro tarpaulin ang guha sang UNO-R nga gasiling “cradle of excellence”, “PAASCU accredited”, kag “top performing school”. Puro bugal bala. Pero kung magsulod ka sa campus tuman ka layo sang mga tikal sa mga tarpaulin. Daw makupos guro ang pila ka dosena nga tarpaulin kag standee sang kahuya! Daw wala lang increase sa matrikula nga galab-ot na sa P1,500. Haluson ang kalabanan sa mga estudyante ang makagamit sang tarong sa mga facilities labi na guid laboratories. Gina-tumod kuno nga “cream of the crop” ang mga gagamit sang mga lab. Sure sila? Ngaa gina-kubos nila ang kagamitan? Ang tikal sa guha, gaka-buslan sang “gina-gamit pa sang pihak nga klase”, “expired na, sorry”, kag “out of stock”. Kung puede lang, amo na ang ipamutang sa mga tarp. Mas may kamatuoran pa.

Napan-os nga Activities

Ina bala nga excited ka sa isa ka event o kon aktibidades pero canceled na gali! Ay te kasadya lang. Kanami na tani pamatian nga may labot man sila sa kaayuhan sang tuig para sa mga estudyante pero ngaa daw wala tupa, haw? Sa kadamo sang kamot nga gin-agihan sang mga papeles amo man ang pagdalagan sang mga semana kag bulan. Kung kaisa, nagalabot na sa punto nga indi na madayon kay tungod alangalang na. Tapos silingan kita nga, “ay, indi na ato gali madayon.” Pamatuod lang ini sang plano lang nga plano, indi man kabalo kung paano i-execute. May ara pa second sem, guys!

NEWS

11

TOLENTINESTAR

Silliman research director calibrates teachers in the field of research

by MIRRAY CHRISTINE MAGUAD

SSG IN USC. Rev. Fr. Cristituto Palomar, OAR welcomes the students to the newly renovated UNORSSGO office together with John Lewis Pabilona. PHOTO by JEZREEL CABEROY

USC refurbished to become new UNORSSGO office

by JEZREEL CABEROY

The University Student Center (USC) has been repurposed to become the new UNO-R Supreme Student Government (UNORSGGO) office and was blessed by University Chaplain Rev. Fr. Cristituto A. Palomar, OAR, July 11.

The USC was previously a location meant for meetings or a study area for students. However, according to UNORSSGO President John Lewis Pabilona, students were not using the area and preferred going to the library. The use of the new site is part of Pabilona’s platform of institutionalization to “create a place wherein there is a center of interaction between students and the student government.”

“We believe, in order to effectively carry out our duties and responsibilities, of course, we need a place conducive of productivity,” Pabilona said.

Furthermore, he revealed that

having a cramped space and messy workplace can negatively impact on the effectivity of the new UNORSSGO officers. The selection of the new location was also to encourage the officers to do their duties better.

Free blue books and yellow pad papers given to college students during exam weeks, a project of the previous administration, will be continued and can be availed by students at the new UNORSSGO office. In addition, the UNORSSGO plans to add printing services and borrowing of items that students will find useful, such as umbrellas, will be implemented. However, they are still screening for a process so that students will not abuse the services.

Repairs and repainting are to be done within the year. Also, new appliances are to be bought to help with the programs of the organization.

Silliman University Director of Research and Development Center Dr. Enrique Oracion imparted techniques on Research Enhancement and Research Paneling Practices to the University professors at the President’s Hall, July 14.

“Through the teachers, they could now transmit this by teaching research in a way that it would stimulate more interest and favorable attitude to the students even in the senior high up to the graduate school. I would say that this is really something nice as part of the capacity building of the graduate school, Recoletos de Bacolod,” Oracion said.

According to Recoletos

de Bacolod Graduate School Associate Dean Dr. Dennis Madrigal, the seminar was conducted to elevate the research competencies in the Recoletos de Bacolod Graduate School (RBGS) teachers so they can mentor students especially those who are writing their theses and dissertations.

“This is really for calibration of perspective, paradigms, and practices of the RBGS professors, advisers, panel members with regards to research,” Madrigal said. “So generally, this is to contribute [in] strengthening and nurturing the research culture of the University.”

To emphasize the importance

of the seminar series, the participants were given the chance to ask questions that would fulfill their understanding about the recent concepts and ideas in research.

“I told Dr. Madrigal, this is really important to me because I can really see the difference between the old practice [in research]. I would like to find out whether the old one will be discarded or we will adapt the new one,” RBGS faculty Dr. Ma. Teresa Lagradilla shared.

With modern revisions in thesis and dissertation formats tackled during the seminar, RGBS is on its way to adapting the said alterations.

MENTORING MENTORS. Dr. Enrique Oracion emphasizes points on the importance of research in the academe and beyond.

ROMCHELLE CHRIS DANIELLE WAMINAL

PHOTO by

UNO-rians advocate for greener campus in Ecoweek

by JESSEL MAE SIRUELO and CHRISTIAN JOHN FUENTESPINA

ANTI-EJKs. Members of religious organizations walk with placards and streamers in view of the recent clergy killings. PHOTO by STEFFANIE CONDEMILICOR

Campus, religious orgs join procession as response to EJKs

by JEZREEL CABEROY

“Pray for your enemy ” placards occupied the hands of students and members of various religious groups as they united together for a penitential procession from the Sacred Heart Parish to the San Sebastian Cathedral in celebration of the Day of Fasting and Abstinence for the Clergy, Consecrated Persons, and Lay faithful of the Diocese, June 29.

“We are praying for the enemy because, we believe that , there is conversion,” Rev. Fr. Jexon Davao, Parish Priest of Barangay Banago, said. “It has a lot of impact to the faithful and, probably, it will unite the faithful and see things clearly.”

He said that these deaths do not have a direct impact to the priests because it is part of their mission as they invite all people to join their cause of preventing further deaths.

“The Day of Fasting and Abstinence is a reminder for us Christians to look back

on our lives, reflect on our wrongdoings, and repent ,” Accounting technology student Lyka Jane Dionson said.

The Bacolod Union of Diocesan Seminarians spearheaded the penitential procession in honor of three murdered priests in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija.

A letter from the Diocese of Bacolod was received by the University which condemned the killing of Rev. Fr. Richmond Nilo, who passed last July 10, and called a speedy resolution of the case. Rev. Fr. Nilo was shot dead in preparation for a Sunday mass in Zaragoza, Nueva Ecija. Two other priests were murdered namely Fr. Tito Paez on December 2017 and Fr. Mark Anthony Ventura on April 2018.

The event was the church’s response to the killings involving drug traders, drug suspects, and innocent civilians as the church replies with prayer, penance, and mourning for those involved.

The UNO-R Supreme Student Government (UNORSSGO) painted the Rekoleto community green as a way of advocating environmentalism through the week-long celebration of Ecoweek 2018, Aug. 13-17.

“This is to let us remember to preserve and take care of our ecosystem and also to appreciate nature and prevent the destruction of it,” UNORSSGO Senator Johnny Jade Veniegas said.

“Honestly, it was really shocking for me because most of my fellow contestants have some background on photography. Me, on the other hand, take pictures for fun using my phone only. But I am really thankful that my

entry won the contest. It was indeed a great opportunity for us students to speak our mind regarding one of the biggest issues on the environment,” Justin Fiel Ayuco, Accounting Technology student and Photography Contest first placer shared.

In addition, the Green Alert Exhibit showcased the status of the forest lands in Negros. Green Alert denounces deforestation of Negros Natural Parks through their exhibits.

“I loved the exhibit because I saw a lot of paintings made by the students that symbolized about how people affect nature because of our doings.

Also, those paintings opened my eyes from the reality of destructions,” Civil

Engineering student Isabelle Bacuna shared.

The Student Catholic Action of the Philippines - UNO-R chapter bagged first prize for the Eco Office Contest wherein they exhibited the cleanest student organization office with a harmonious working environment.

A number of activities were carried during the entire week such as the Photography Contest, Tuesgreen, which encouraged students to wear green-colored shirts on Tuesday, the Eco Office Contest, the Society of Environmental Enthusiasts for the Development - Rekoleto (SEED) Convention Seminar, and Green Alert Exhibit.

CAMPUS GREENITIATIVE. In accordance to the EcoWeek, SEED prepares a little activity for the students to participate in and showcases an exhibit on environmental awareness. PHOTO by JOELLE MARIEL PADEROG

NEWS

12

TOLENTINESTAR

1,029 SK execs undergo SK Mandatory Training in UNO-R

by KAYE EUNICE LAMERA

OF GLITZ AND GLAMOUR. Winning candidates of Mr. & Ms. Freshmen 2018 in their last photo op after bagging their respective crowns. PHOTO

by PHILIP ANDRE GIMAY

Ramirez, Faraon end two-year Mr. and Ms Freshmen crown drought

by JEZREEL CABEROY

Kelp Jason Ramirez of CB&A and Kaith Faraon of CEN ended the two-year miss and were crowned as Mr. and Ms. Freshmen 2018, respectively, at the University Gymnasium, July 7.

Ramirez wowed the crowd as he displayed his spray-painting skills during the talent portion of the competition.

Moreover, he expressed his desire to enter other pageants even outside the University, plan to compete in Mr. and Ms. UNO-R, and acknowledgment of his role as the newly crowned Mr. Freshmen.

“I believe that there are more responsibilities [as Mr. Freshmen] and I should be more focused in my purpose and

advocacies,” Ramirez said.

On the other hand, Faraon’s dance performance had inspirations taken from the Disney film Mulan. She said [that] it was inspired by her experiences and background. Like Ramirez, Faraon was able to take part in various pageants before.

“I want to show to the people not only the skills I have but also to really do my act,” she said.

“I want them to be the main advocates of our Plastic-Free advocacy. We really need model people that can really live up to the standards and requirements in endorsing and inspiring other students to practice the No-plastic UNO-R,” UNO-R Supreme

Peter’s Prize awardees establish group for Hiligaynon writers

Student Government President John Lewis Pabilona said regarding his expectations for the pageant winners.

Meanwhile, Ervin Jeremiah Mesa of CIT and Jan Deo Vonn Guara of CEN settled as first and second runners-up of Mr. Freshmen, respectively. Francesca June Sinadjan of COED and Alexandra Caldit of CCJE were crowned as first and second runners-up of Miss Freshmen.

Then reigning Ms. Freshmen Trisha Marie Clauor and Mr. Freshmen first runner-up Rheign Distrito graced the pageant stage to relinquish their crowns. Both crowns were untouched for two years since 2015 due to the implementation of K-12 curriculum.

A total of 1, 029 newly elected Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials from Bago, Bacolod, Talisay, and Murcia immersed in the SK Mandatory Training at the President’s Hall and High School Arts and Cultural Center, May 19, 21-24.

“We know for a fact that this youth come with different backgrounds of different educational qualifications, so, at least, we have the benchmark that they will be ready to take on, to carry on the responsibility given their knowledge and skills,” Bacolod City Department of Interior and Local Government Director Ma. Joy Maredith Madayag said.

According to Madayag, the newly elected SK officials were obliged to attend and complete the one-day training before they officially assume office which was in accordance with Republic Act 10742, also known as the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act of 2015.

Each city and municipality was scheduled for one day of training except Bacolod which was divided into two batches and scheduled for two days due to the number of participants.

“This is the first training since after election. We had trainings but it was from the Local Government Units. This time, this is an initiative of the DILG, so this is being conducted nationwide [with] uniform modules, uniform topics for SK,” she added.

The three modules used focused on local governance and decentralization, history and salient features of SK, minutes of the meeting and resolutions, budgeting and planning, and the code of conduct and ethical standards for public officials.

“I have learned that being an SK official is not a simple job. We are the representatives of all the youth in our areas and we are the ones responsible for their welfare,” Brgy.

Alijis SK Kagawad Emil John Tabujara said. Tabujara added that by these learnings, he may be able to help his fellow youth become more sensitive to the happenings in our society as well as to help them raise awareness regarding their rights and obligations as Filipino citizens.

“It is true that being an SK official is not just a calling to public service but, aside from that, the SK officials should develop in themselves a good moral character. In the same way that if an official is given the opportunity to serve, he or she should not lose the sight that it is also an opportunity to help himself or herself to build his character, confidence, and skills,” Director of Student Affairs Dr. Dexter Paul Dioso said.

Madayag said that they will come up with an assessment with regards to what further knowledge and skills are needed to make the young leaders become effective and efficient SK officials.

by LYKA DE LA TORRE

Now a m ba ssa do r s o f t h e T h e Pe te r S o l i s Ne ry Fo u n d a t io n for Hi li gay no n L i te ra t u re a n d th e Ar t s, I nc . , t he Pe te r ’ s P r iz e awarde e s fo r “ M ga B in a l ayb ay Saba t sa Pa ngha n gka t 2 0 1 8 ” po e m - a - t ho n e st ab l is h e d t h e Hu bon B ugl a sa non , a g ro u p to gat he r Hi l i gayn o n wr ite rs , to g e t he r w i t h th re e o t h e r Pe te r’s P ri z e fi na l is t s , Au g . 1 7 .

Unive r si t y p ro fe s s o r, Hiligay no n b i na layb ay w rite r, and now a Peter’s Prize awardee o n h i s fi r st a t te m p t , S e ra f in Plo tri a , Jr. wa s re c o g n ize d in th e Ma ssc o m S t ud io a l o n g s id e po e m - a - t ho n fi na l is t s Ro m e r No mes, Edwa rd M a rc ito , Ch o n a Go s cia o c o , a nd I sm a e l J ava l a s t Aug. 15.

“Wi nni ng t he Pe te r ’ s Prize , a n awa rd o p e n to a l l Hiligay no n po e t s a n d wr ite rs a ll ove r t he wo rld, is d if fe re n t .

For m e , I c o nsid e r t h is a valid a t i o n o f my be in g a wr ite r a nd a po e t a nd my m a s te r y o f th e Hi l i gayno n l a n g u a g e s in c e I was judg e d by my fe l l ow po e ts a nd w r i te rs a l l ove r t h e Hiligay no n- spe a k i n g wo rl d th a t jo i ne d t hi s c o m p e t it io n ,” Plo tri a sa i d.

Hav i ng use d t he Hil igay n o n la ng ua g e a s a w r i t in g m e d iu m s in ce hi s c o lle g e d ays , P l o t r ia believe d t ha t t h e re wa s no th i ng to b e a sham e d o f wit h th e di a l e c t , a ddi ng t h a t h e h a d o nce publ i she d H il igay n o n tabo o wo rds dur i ng h is d ays a s a write r i n To le nt i n e S t a r, t h e o ff ici a l st ude nt pu b l ic a t io n o f th e U nive r si t y.

L ike w i se , P lo t ria’ s fe l l ow bin a layb ay w ri te r s and fou nde r s of the Hu b o n Bugla sa no n we re m o t iva te d to g ro up t he m se lve s a n d to ga in

m o re m e m bers in order to g row a s a l iterary c ommun it y – in s p ire d by t he Peter’ s Prize fo u n d a t io n t hat lin ked t hem to g e t h e r. “ S in c e t hey [ Hubon B u gl a s a n o n foun ders] are all p r iz e w in n e rs of t he Peter’ s P rize , t h ey have a bigger c o n n e c t io n w it h eac h ot her. . .

I c re a te d t h e Peter Solis Nery Fo u n d a t io n for Hiligayn on L ite ra t u re an d t he Art s to g ive b a c k to t he c ommun it y. I t h o u gh t t h a t t his should be my a dvo c a c y b ec ause Hiligayn on l ite ra t u re is n ot given en ough a t te n t io n a n d I later added t h e a r t s e s p ec ially bec ause I b e l ieve t h a t t he art s in tert win e [ w it h l ite rat ure] ,” Carlos Pa l a n c a Memorial Awards fo r L ite ra t u re Hall of Fame Awa rd e e Pe ter Solis Nery said.

N e r y b e l ieved t hat a c ult ure a n d it s p e o p l e c an be iden t if ied by t h e ir l a n guage an d t he on ly way to ke e p a c ult ure an d it s vo c a b u l a ry an d t radit ion s is by ke e p in g an d preservin g it s l a n g u a g e – whic h c an on ly be d o n e by written rec ords suc h a s s to r ie s a n d poet ry. “ I ’ m s o happy bec ause I d id n o t a sk t hem [ Peter’ s P rize awa rdees] for t his [ t h e e s t a b l is hmen t of H ubon B u gl a s a n o n ] . For as lon g as t h ey n e e d m e, I will be t here to s u p p o rt t h e m. T he foun dat ion is f u l ly s u p p ort in g t he group,” N e r y s a id .

The term “H ubon B u gl a s a n o n” st an ds for “a g ro u p o f N egren ses” wherein h u b o n is t h e H iligayn on term fo r “ a g ro u p” an d Buglasan on m e a n t “ t h e p eople of Buglas” – a n o l d n a m e for Negros.

NEARING COMPLETION. The Integrated School building on its final wrap-up.

PHOTO by MICHAEL STEVEN VENIEGAS

IS building construction delays for state-of-the-art upgrades

by LYKA DE LA TORRE

Despite overdue construction, phase one of the four-story Integrated School (IS) building is nearing its structural completion after material upgrades made by new project manager, Ar. Peter Tancheung and the University’s internal team composed mainly of engineers from the College of Engineering faculty and University alumni.

After former project manager Engr.

Carlos Senador resigned of unstated reasons, Ar. Tancheung gained supervision in November 2017 to continue major parts of the construction that was halted for “around one week”, according to Director of External Affairs Carlos Eduardo Legaspi, Jr., PhD. “Before I came, the construction was already delayed from the plan because there were problems with the initial project manager’s design that was impossible to solve. When I arrived, the [UNO-Rian engineers] also stepped in,” Ar. Tancheung said.

With the structure already beginning to take form upon the arrival of Ar. Tancheung, he could only make changes on the upper floors’ materials and design.

Staying true to the “state-of-theart” promise of the IS building, the construction prioritized safety and comfort for its occupants. “There is no fire hazard because even the doors are made of steel. The walls are soundproof

and heat resistant. The material used is lightweight, so even with an earthquake, they will not fall apart,” Ar. Tancheung said.

Only the first floor of the building stayed true to the initial design, including the use of hollow blocks whereas other floors of the four-story building utilized expanded polystyrene concrete which has increased thermal and sound insulation properties.

“The rooms will not be air-conditioned but conditioned by natural air. The building is designed so it would not need aircon . . . Initially, the design of the building was for centralized aircondition but this will lead to tuition fee increase,” Legaspi said.

Despite having an approximate manpower of 200 from Kenneth Construction and General Merchandise working nine hours a day and sometimes going overtime for another six hours, the IS building will not be ready for occupancy by the first semester of this academic year.

As explained by Dr. Legaspi, the construction of a state-of-the-art building is quite costly. Only having three batches of high school alumni willing to sponsor, the administration is currently tapping for more benefactors.

Thus far, there is still no final date for the building’s inauguration.

“The transfer of students [from grades one to ten] will be on October or November. That would be second semester since the interior is yet to be finished,” Legaspi said.

The IS building stands as a school by itself – complete not only with classrooms and laboratories but facilities such as a canteen, a library, an auditorium, and a chapel.

However, the said building is only the first phase. According to Legaspi, there is a second phase for the senior high school.

Dr. Lucille Montalvo, LPT, principal of the Junior High School-Integrated School, said that there were still “lots of things to be done” despite the functional structure, resulting to a yet unknown date of transfer.

“We are being prepared to transfer, the date is just not really fixed. Although, the structure is already more or less [finished],” Montalvo said, adding that the IS faculty had undergone an ocular visit to the building site last September 2018.

Nonetheless, IS faculty are looking forward to the building and the feeling of finally integrating the IS. “It’s like a fulfilled dream. We have been looking forward to this and, finally, it is standing in front of [us]. It is really a new home for the IS. . . It is one big apartment for all of us,” Montalvo said.

NEWS

13

TOLENTINESTAR

Renovations, equipment promise better acad year

by TISHA CELINE ERIKA OCAMPO

The University upgraded and modified campus facilities as a nod to PAASCU recommendations and evaluations from last academic year 2017-2018.

One of the most major renovations included the installation of two doors per classroom which were PAASCUprescribed. “Emergency exits are one of the reasons but teachers also gave feedback on [the installation] giving better ventilation,” Property Office Supervisor Ildefonso Obligado said.

Electric fans and newly acquired air conditioning units mounted on classroom walls provided proper ventilation for the students. “Eight classrooms [in the St. Augustine Building)] will be converted into airconditioned classrooms and, for the uniformity of [the number of ] electric fans, there must be four electric fans in every room,” Obligado said.

The buildings that have been installed with electric fans were the Lady of Consolation Building, St. Joseph Building, St. Augustine Building, and Thomas Villanova Building.

According to Obligado, other renovations included the repainting of classrooms including the tables, chairs, and platforms, as well as the repainting of the lobby, and the roofs of the auditorium and Thomas Villanova building.

CAS SC and UNORSSGO Relocation The assignment of offices for student organizations were also included in the PAASCU recommendations.

“For so many years, starting from two years ago, and, as you can see, the office of the CAS (College of Arts and Sciences) [student council] is under the auditorium; even during the PAASCU [accreditation visit], one of the considerations is to build a good space for the office of the

CAS [student council],” Director of Student Affairs (DSA) Dr. Dexter Paul Dioso said.

However, due to the number of organizations and the scarcity of facilities, priorities have to be made when assigning offices. Dioso’s office had planned that the UNO-R Supreme Student Government will be vacating their office to the University Student Center in the University Park while the CAS student council will take over the former SSG Office in the TV building.

“Of course, the Supreme Student Government and the college council[s] should have [their offices] and it is mandated that they will have offices,” Dioso said.

SUPPLY VERSUS DEMAND “The [office of the] DSA’s focus is to give working environment to all councils first before the organizations but we have so many organizations; we have around 30 plus,” Dioso said.

Academic and religious student organizations that already have their fixed offices will be keeping them while empty classrooms can be used as meeting rooms.

“If there is a demand for an organization to really have their office, all I can say is if the University cannot provide, I cannot accredit,” he added.

The office of the DSA monitors the offices and Dioso said that he will be providing laminated guidelines or have them printed on tarpaulins to show the proper custody of the offices.

“I think it is good that we have these renovations for the betterment of the University and it can also have a positive impact on the students and teachers,” Medical Technology student Khyrstein Perez said.

Freshmen don school uniforms

new

by CHARLENE GRACE GELOTIN

Sporting a new look, college freshmen were required to wear a new set of school uniforms effective academic year 2018-2019, confirmed by Director of Student Affairs Dr. Dexter Paul Dioso.

Female students wear threefourth-sleeved cream blouses with waist bands and sports collars together with pleated skirts that should not hover above the knees. On the other hand, male students don Santana polo shirts with side slits and plain black pants.

“As mandated by the school board, we will have the new school uniform for the incoming freshmen. This could be a good start. This is the best time to change the school uniform,” Dioso said.

Upon the directives of the former Vice President for Student Welfare, Rev. Fr. Louie Gabinete, OAR, first years were obliged to wear the uniforms while continuing students were not. “The old students can retain their uniform but if they want to have the new, they can. As far as I know, it was the mandate of Fr. Louie that the uniform is optional for the higher years yet mandatory for the incoming freshmen,” Dioso added.

Identity in uniformity One of the reasons behind the new look is the desire to achieve consistency with the uniforms worn in other Rekoleto schools.

“We wanted also to have a kind of uniform much alike with that of our sister schools,” Dioso said. “The skirt

really is unique to Rekoleto schools.

Our sister schools’ [students] are wearing that kind of skirt.”

Dioso also revealed that the uniforms were sketched by a student from the College of Education yet the guidelines for the design are brainchildren of the school board.

“It is more of the colors that was part of the deliberation but in terms of the design, it is from the concept of the administration, so the seed of the design is from the mind of the school,” he said.

Fashion Revolution Contrary to previous uniform designs where female students have the option to wear pants instead of skirts, the new look offers no trouser alternative. “There will be no option for pants. It will be uniform and this covers all freshmen. Which means even the first year criminology [students] will have to wear, unlike in our practice before where they wear their own different uniform,” he said.

Moreover, aside from encouraging students to wear campus organization shirts on one of the civilian days, Dioso also emphasized that non-adherence to the design promulgated by his office will result to non-entry to the campus.

“They will not be allowed to enter the University because the school uniform is part of the policy so they have to adhere to that,” he said. “If some of the designs do not adhere with the official design, then they would have to redo it.”

PRAYERS FOR MENTAL WELL-BEING. Students and faculty led by the SDPC pray in unison.

PHOTO by MICHAEL STEVEN VENIEGAS

SDPC campaigns against depression and suicide

by MIRRAY CHRISTINE MAGUAD

The Student Development and Placement Center (SDPC) held its lighting of candle and office-byoffice prayer as part of strengthening campaign on depression and suicide awareness, Sept. 7.

The campaign encouraged students to speak out their emotions and to overcome depression so that they would not be led to any suicidal attempts and suicidal deaths.

“This is to promote that they [students] can ask for

help. They should not be shy in coming to the office or they should not be shy also on expressing their thoughts because, one way o r a n o t h e r, s o m e o f u s d o f e e l d o w n a t t i m e s ,” S D P C Director Chris Fe l i Joy Ta j o n e r a s a i d .

SDPC celebrated the Suicide Awareness Day on Sept. 10 together with the Pamilya Rekoleto of the Integrated School where the guidance office also prepared some activities and plans as precautionary

actions of the said campaign.

They also had symposiums and seminars not only for the students but also for the faculty such as about spotting depression in the classroom and symptoms of depression and its signs. “ We also want to encourage students to come to our office and voice out their problems so it will be addressed by the counselors and would not lead to any w o r s e a f t e r m a t h ,” Ta j o n e r a added.

FROM PAGE 1

Tuition fee hike...

The remaining 10 percent, which is the return of investment (ROI), serves as the administration’s profit. However, Legaspi reasoned that the University’s exhaustive renovations resulted to a minimal or no profit at all.

“The 10 percent is the profit of the school but, if you try to look at it, the totality of our expenses for the repairs and maintenance exceeds the 20 percent,” he said.

OK’D BY ALL In addition, prior to petitioning the increase, Legaspi shared that there had been a series of consultations among representatives from the student government, parents, and the College of Law wherein concerns on the proposed increase was discussed.

Moreover, he stressed that after the discussion, all representatives from the different bodies agreed to the petition.

“Everyone agreed. Even the PTA agreed because the parents can see that there is a need since we did not have any increase in the past five

years,” he said.

Yet, on the other hand, Loli-an Alvarez, mother of an Engineering student, claimed unaware of the hike and urged the administration to employ extensive information dissemination. “[The hike is] reasonable but they should have disseminated the information so that people will be surprised when they are paying at the accounting office and are asked to pay a higher fee,” she said.

Christan Shane Plaza, a senior Information Systems student, acknowledged the justifiability of the increase, “I believe it is just reasonable because of the rapid increase of expenses and also the resources of the University seem to be affected by the construction of the new building as well.”

IN NEED OF AN EXPLANATION UNO-R Supreme Student Government (UNORSSGO) President John Lewis Pabilona confirmed that the student government had been consulted regarding the proposal and had given its approval.

Medtech dep’t rises... status as one of the top performing schools in the country, “As of now, we can say that we really identified the requirements or the ingredients to be on top but it is really difficult to maintain especially that it depends on the students; no problem as to instruction.”

Although this is already the second time that the department fell short due to only one failed examinee, they plan to regain 2016’s passing percentage which was a 100 passing percentage. “It is always our target.

We are hopeful and we pray hard. We

always pray hard that we will get 100 percent passing[rate],” she added.

The department also plans to make the exams computerized to eliminate papers but still remains a plan, “Probably we are looking into making use of computers for their exam to eliminate waste of papers.

The challenge is if we are going to do that one, we have outbound interns, so what will happen to them? That is another challenge but is still a plan.”

Meanwhile, fresh graduate Anamae Lachica, RMT shared how she felt after knowing that she passed the

However, he revealed that after the consultation, UNORSGGO was not given any update.

“Although, we can see both that it will burden the students but for the sake of the whole community and the functionality and for our facilities, the increase is truly needed. However, the lapse is, we had not been informed of any update of the said consultation,” he said.

Hence, Pabilona said that he has submitted a letter to the Office of the Vice President for Finance asking for an explanation and information on what specific fees were increased, by how much, and when were these fees approved and implemented.

“The students share the same sentiment that they should be informed beforehand. They are taken aback when they go to the accounting office. They are surprised because they are asked to pay a greater fee or their money they have on hand is not enough,” he added.

board exam,”I was happy, of course, and relieved that I did pass the exam.

Who would not? Preparing for that exam was no joke. After all, it is the most expensive exam that I ever took up to date.”

Medel is hopeful to reach the 100% passing percentage since there will be 109 interns from three sections who will be graduating this academic year. She also expressed that the freshmen need to further improve as major subjects will now fall on their second year.

14

ENTERTAINMENT TOLENTINESTAR

T A P I S PA SIPAT FIND THE HIDDEN OBJECTS, SUBMIT A COPY OF THIS PAGE, AND BE ONE OF TEN PEOPLE TO WIN A TOLENTINE STAR NOTEPAD. SUBMISSIONS ARE ACCEPTED IN THE TOLENTINE STAR OFFICE.

RULER CANDLE LOLLIPOP BASEBALL PENCIL PAPERCLIP DICE WRISTWATCH

anticipation

by CAESAR DANIEL PARAYNO

cat lover

by MICHAEL STEVEN VENIEGAS

COMPLETE THE CROSSWORD PUZZLE, SUBMIT A COPY OF THIS PAGE, AND BE ONE OF TEN PEOPLE TO WIN A TOLENTINE STAR NOTEPAD. SUBMISSIONS ARE ACCEPTED IN THE TOLENTINE STAR OFFICE.

SPORTS

15

TOLENTINESTAR

The Rams Behind a Net, a Woven Ball, and a Silver Medal

by LYKA DE LA TORRE

The medals they have won were barely recognized.

Sepak takraw, the extreme acrobatic sport they had bled for, was underrated.

However, why take these midair-kicking regu of Rams for granted in their own home court when they are recognized on a national scale?

The national-contending trio of St. John Deroa, Yves Jason Demontaño, and Arlon Sabordo had brought home yet another medal from the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) National Games – a gleaming silver they were not satisfied with.

Underappreciation in their own home court has taken its toll. What kind of motivation can be found in barely filled bleachers?

THE GOLD THAT ALMOST SLIPPED AWAY All sepak takraw Rams had accepted how little audience admiration they actually gain compared to the fame of other ball sports. Not being a famous sport was okay but losing the chance to even prove themselves? That was the last straw the players could not swallow.

The last Negros Occidental Private Schools Sports Cultural Educational Association (NOPSSCEA) games almost cancelled the Sepak Takraw tournament. According to NOPSSCEA’s rules, a competition cannot be held with only two participating schools and, for that season, only the UNO-R Rams and the University of St. La Salle (USLS) Stingers signed up to compete.

Holding the tournament was cancelled and the USLS Stingers, being defending champions, automatically got the chance to advance to regionals with only a selection of players from the Rams – at least, that was what was supposed to happen. If it weren’t for the efforts of persuasion made by the coaches of both schools, the Rams would have lost their varsity scholarships and a chance to the NOPSSCEA gold medal which they did obtain.

Nonetheless, perhaps that incident was an eye-opener – it was only one consequence among many of Sepak Takraw’s declining fame. A decrease in the audience has led to a declining number of interested players.

THE OVERLOOKED SPECTACLE All Sepak Takraw-playing Rams had accepted how little audience admiration they actually have compared to the fame of other ball sports but after bagging a gold from NOPSSCEA? Not being a famous sport was not okay.

Both the players and their coach, Richard Dela Cruz, agree that publicity was the real issue – Sepak Takraw games were not promoted enough.

According to Demontaño, the audience they get are always their own families, close friends, “Takraw legends”, and younger Takraw players admiring their idols. He is saddened at the thought of Sepak Takraw being the former Philippine national sport.

However, Sabordo believes that any first-time spectator of Sepak Takraw can be captivated by the sport due its “unique gameplay of jump-kicking the ball and the spins during attacks”.

“The audience gets attracted to the cartwheeling spikes and the kind of clash they barely see in other sports,” Demontaño adds.

The lack of support inside the court starts to affect the players’ performance.

For them, it really does help to have a cheering audience, especially in their

own home court as a confidence booster to help them last throughout the game.

“It affects our morale because we also want Takraw to be well-known,” Deroa regrettably admits.

Even the players themselves that had made it to the national field are already something to watch out for. “Those three almost have the same personality – all jokers and the jolly type but have intense concentration whenever in court. They are always battle ready.

They are almost the same but that’s what I like about them – they can easily sync anywhere you place them alongside anyone,” Dela Cruz proudly shares about the players he has been coaching himself.

Deroa, Demontaño, and Sabordo come from different cities but have all met even before becoming UNO-Rians.

Back in elementary and high school when they faced each other on opposite sides of the net during practice games and tournaments.

JERSEY #1: ST. JOHN DEROA The versatile player referred to as Katong by many but who would rather be called as Tongkatz started playing Sepak Takraw way back when he was small enough to have been forcibly carried to a court. Deroa spent his elementary hours as an all-around athlete – jumping around from sport to sport “like volleyball, basketball, table tennis, football, taekwondo, and badminton”.

Noticeably, Sepak Takraw was not on his list. However, coach Arnel Ariola from his fourth grade days saw potential in him – enough to employ brute force. That coach barged into Deroa’s classroom, lifted him, and carried him all the way to their school’s Sepak Takraw court.

Deroa was asked to consecutively kick a ball without dropping it, managing 23 kicks right on his first try despite being a mere grade four student. Surprised at how fast he excelled in the sport, Deroa felt a sudden liking for Sepak Takraw and decided to pursue it – talented enough to have played in the Association of South East Asian Nations School Games back when he was in high school.

Currently, Deroa is a fourth year student and the Rams’ all-around spiker, setter, and tekong, also known as the server.

JERSEY #7: YVES JASON DEMONTAÑO Coming from a family with several Sepak Takraw athletes, it only makes sense for Demontaño to be enchanted by the sport at an early age. As a kid, he used to love watching his cousins’ practices until he tried the sport for the first time and loved playing it even more.

Demontaño began frolicking with a woven ball during his third grade in elementary school and finally dedicated himself to it upon fifth grade. He was enchanted by Sepak Takraw’s uniqueness and intensity because, clearly, not everyone could handle the extremeness of the acrobatic sport.

“Sepak takraw is hard without skills and the patience to train – unlike volleyball, basketball, and football where almost everyone can play, including us, Sepak Takraw players. While if you ask

others to play Takraw, for sure, they cannot handle it,” Demontaño explains.

Yves Jason “Model” Demontaño, as referred to by his coach and teammates, is not only a literal model but a role model tekong to other Sepak Takraw players.

JERSEY #22: ARLON SABORDO Much like Demontaño, the influence of family paved Sabordo’s path to the Sepak Takraw court – that and a humble beginning of playing kick with elastic bands way back in elementary. Watching Ariel, his younger brother, play Sepak Takraw was enough for Sabordo to try out the sport when he was just a sixth grader. It was only a matter of weeks before he began developing his own interest for the acrobatic ball sport.

Sabordo was the “Hashtag” of the Rams, due to his excessive use of hashtags on Facebook posts, and the team’s feeder, also known as the setter, who always looked forward to leading warm-ups whenever their coach is running late.

Of all things, he loved the uproar of trash talk and cheering that Sepak Takraw players made at the spectacle of scoring.

THE SILVER THEY REGRET Alongside nine players from the Central Philippine University (CPU), the three Rams had travelled to Bohol for the 2018 PRISAA National Games only to have three of their key players injured and unable to play.

An athlete from CPU acquired kidney stones, another had a leg injury, and Deroa’s old hamstring injury unfortunately got triggered. Bruises gradually appeared on Deroa’s leg, and he described the pain to resemble knives continuously stabbing him.

The Rams never underestimated their opponents but they believed that they could have seized the championship if it weren’t for their lack in players.

“When it is the three of us together, you could really say that it is a line-up for nationals that could take on anyone.

None of us lacked in effort. Our lineup was painfully strong but maybe winning was not just for us,” Demontaño regretfully shares.

Demontaño and Sabordo had graduated and the recent season was their last. Their aim was the national gold medal but their efforts where in vain at the stroke of what they believed was bad luck. Nonetheless, the players are only glad to have had varsity scholarships to support their education. Earning medals is their only way of saying thank you to the University that gave them diplomas.

Having graduated last academic year, Demontaño and Sabordo are individually preparing themselves for the Criminology Licensure Exam.

Sabordo can be spotted within the University campus as a security guard saving up for his review tuition fees.

For every point that their kicks score, for every scratch and every injury, for every assignment sacrificed, these “Takraw legends” deserve recognition as much as the amount of sweat that drip upon their rusting medals.

FROM PAGE 8

Oceans are not... rainfalls, and monsoon rains and, if garbages are not disposed properly, they will be washed up to our precious crystalline waters.

We have the movement but very few are moving. We are raising awareness but only a few listen. Only a few show genuine and consistent care to the oceans. Government and various non-government organizations including the youth are pushing every activity they can such as coastal cleanups, the #BreakFreeFromPlastics movement, and other awarenessraising ideas on social media. Yet this will not work if people will still keep their ears and eyes closed

on the reality thus. We still blame the government when we do not even read the republic acts they passed for the betterment of the environment. We still criticize the higher-ups of the flopped solutions we did not even participate in after all. We still blame informal settlers for the massive wastes they bring to the community and the local government units for allowing them.

The thing is, we do not need to blame others. We need to start within ourselves.

Discipline ourselves and understand the reality. We need to be stewards of our own land and seas and to work

hand in hand to achieve progress.

Life is dependent on the sea which means it is fragile that we handle it with care. We think more about our followers on Instagram and Twitter, our likes on Facebook, our Tumblr accounts, and our posts but how much do we really care about what sustains us?

We often put our attention to what is trending but we can’t even put up and continue a trend for an environmental issue. Social media is a big help in raising awareness but that will not collect the plastics you throw at the oceans nor save the lives of the sea creatures - the action should start in you.

COMPILED by MAREVILLE ANNE CARO PHOTOS by MICHAEL STEVEN VENIEGAS

Should the government provide more funding to traditional Filipino sports?

Yurric Apostol, BSMT I I think the government should fund the traditional sports like Sepak Takraw and other traditional sorts because, I think, it is a way for us Filipinos to connect with our traditional way of life and to invest more on recreational activities not only focusing on sports of other countries but also giving pride to our own country.

Alvin Dagohoy, BSA I Yes, because kinahanglan ta i-enhance and aton culture kay nowadays daw gadula na sya nga gadula, so bisan na lang tani sa mga native sports ma-give importance sang government kay kabalo ta bugal ta ni sa iban kay kita lang nga Filipino may amo ni nga mga sports kag para mas makilala sila.

Melisa Juada, BSED IV Yes, indeed, that the government should provide funds to people nga ga-join to those specific sports because it is our tradition and when they join and win those sports, it is in the glory of our country.

Ma. Cirila Limpañgog, BSChE V Feeling ko oo kay for example ang arnis isa ka sport. If ever na suportahan pa guid ang arnis, mas nami pa guid na i-promote siya as [national] martial art.

Kurt Jo Anton Abitan, BSCrim I Para sakon yes kay pareho sang takraw isa na sa sa mga sports sang mga pilipino kag dapat gaan sila focus kag para matun-an pa guid nila ang mga bagay kag indi lang dapat pag tagaan sang gobyerno sang bulig ang mga kabalo na, dapat man nila hatagan ang mga gusto makabalo.

sportstar CAUGHT IN ACTION: CAPTURE THE ENERGY, CAPTURE THE DRAMA.

COLORS OF SPORTSMANSHIP. NOPSSCEA Season 38 volunteers proudly flash the 55 competing schools’ flags. PHOTO by ROMCHELLE CHRIS DANIELLE WAMINAL

NOPSSCEA to elevate athletes in Season 38

by MAREVILLE ANNE CARO

The Negros Occidental Private Schools Sports, Cultural, and Educational Association’s (NOPSSCEA’s) 38th Season officially opened with the 55 participating schools’ athletes and delegates parading their banners at the Panaad Stadium, Sept . 21.

“We are geared towards the continuity and burning passion in developing [a] new breed of athletes and achievers. We give honor to those who thrive for

excellence and we will continue to support in the development of the youth,” current NOPSSCEA President Ryan Mark Molina of STI-West Negros University said.

A ceremonial torch was led by the outstanding athletes of NOPSSCEA from different sports followed by the raising of school banners and hoisting of NOPSSCEA’s flag.

Former NOPSSCEA standout , University Athletic Association of the Philippines champ, and

National University badminton varsity Mike Minuluan served as guest speaker for the opening.

“The attitude of a player is very important when it comes to the training. Then, education is very important because, without education, you cannot reach your goal as an athlete; time management of an athlete on how to balance their education and sports,” Minuluan shared.

“When it comes to being competent , it is the skill of the

to the beach volleyball national championship but they encountered a lack of manpower in their indoor volleyball regionals game which led to their ultimate loss to CPU and having to settle for a selection of players for the national line-up.

“Our coach really knew how to encourage us – that we are capable of winning. He taught us to be brave in the court and to not be scared by anything. He taught us to not settle for better and aim for the best.

Also, I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for my teammates. This is a team sport, after all,” Polidario said.

afternoon, but our schedule was limited because of having classes.

But I think discipline also matters on every game because if everyone had this personality, they will reach what they dream of,” Belibestre said.

Ernesto Peraren bagged a silver medal from the javelin throw and Francis John Escora was the discus throw bronze medallist. Also joining the Rams’ track line-up was racewalker Johny Mayongue.

Moreover, Lady Ram Arlyn Saul sported the national gold medal for high jump and Lady Ram Thanya Andrea Ibasco bagged a bronze medal from the discus throw category after being selected to back FCU’s Western Visayas PRISAA (WVPRISAA) women’s athletics line-up.

Rams in WVPRISAA line-up seize overall silver in National Games

athlete on how he or she performs and trains for the competition and also another factor is the talent of the athlete,” he added.

Moreover University Sports Officer-In-Charge Elma Tejida expects University athletes to dominate NOPSSCEA games, “We thrive to win in every game and that is our main goal.

The key factors to win is the perseverance and determination of our athletes and, of course, [by] practicing and training

by LYKA DE LA TORRE

With the dissolution of the Negros Island Region (NIR), Rams were back on Western Visayas’ lineup, bagging overall second place with a medal haul of 78 golds, 57 silvers, and 68 bronze medals in the 2018 Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) National Games held in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, April 22-27.

GOLD-CLAD VOLLEYBELLES The all-UNO-Rian women’s beach volleyball team of Jenny Mar Senares, Alexa Polidario, and Erjane Magdato successfully defended their second back-toback national gold title under the tutelage of Coach Jason Delmo.

Alongside Lady Ram Hanna Mae Bolistar, the champion beach volleybelles also assisted Central Philippine University’s (CPU’s) indoor volleyball team to a third consecutive national gold medal for the Western Visayan squad.

Last year’s indoor volleyball MVP Polidario was awarded as this year’s Best Attacker and last year’s beach volleyball MVP Magdato was entitled as this year’s indoor volleyball Best Blocker.

“I think teamwork, perseverance, patience, and a good mind set on and off the court,” Magdato enlisted their gold-winning qualities.

According to Polidario, the Lady Rams had no problem getting

TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPS Prepped by the coaching of Luis Miguel Arca, the Ram’s track and fielders seized their first-ever National PRISAA gold title with underpinnings from three other Western Visayan schools, the University of St. La Salle (USLS), Western Institute of Technology (WIT), and Filamer Christian University (FCU).

Track runner Micael Manaay sported gold medals from the 110-meter hurdle race and 4 x 100-meter relay and a silver medal from the 100-meter sprint. Double gold medallist Jose Jerry Belibestre, Jr. placed first in both the long jump and 4 x 100-meter relay.

“Our preparation was so hard.

We do training in morning and

RAMS ON REGIONS With the NIR party, Rams had attained overall third place in last year’s national games held in Iba, Zambales. However, with the known dissolution of the NIR, players scattered back to their original regions.

Falling behind by a massive gap of 58 medals, this season’s Western Visayan squad remained on second place by failing to overturn Central Visayas’ fourth back-to-back overall championship with a medal count of 143-65-53.

TOLENTINE STAR IS THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL - RECOLETOS

well. Hopefully, we can get the championship.”

The event was graced by performances from member schools including the University ’s Kasadyahan Dance Company and UNO-Rhythm.

NOPSSCEA officers also announced that ball games and other sports competitions will begin Sept . 22.

The NOPSSCEA opening ceremony celebrated the theme “Elevate at 38”.