The Bicol Universitarian - Volume XLI Print Issue 1

WORKING HAND-IN-HAND. Police officers and volunteers repack the relief goods provided

by the provincial government of Albay in order to give support to the survivors of Super Typhoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan) in the hardly-hit provinces of Visayas at the Albay Astrodome.

V olume x li Issu e 1 J u ne - O C T O B ER 2 0 1 3

DON MARI PHIL FRAYNA

ME MBE R: C ol l ege Edito rs Guild o f the Philippines, Bico l Asso ciatio n o f Student Campus Writers

SC scraps pork; BU scholars plea

by Joshua Caleb Pacleta and Dorie Mae Ornido

In a landmark decision that is bound to affect the culture of political patronage in the country, the Supreme Court (SC) declared unconstitutional the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or the congressional pork barrel, Nov. 19.

The SC ruling was issued five months after the Philippine Daily Inquirer exposed the story that the P10 billion in allocations from the PDAF was channeled into ghost projects through bogus nongovernment organizations (NGOs) and had gone to massive kickbacks over the past 10 years.

However, the decision has caused concern among students whose scholarship programs are financed under the congressional pork barrel funds.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) officials assured that the commission will search for possible sources of funding for thousands of scholars reliant on the multibillion-peso fund.

“As early as October, after the Supreme

BU hosts Guiness attempt

by Dorie Mae Ornido

With 3,200 participants out of the 13,892 in official count, Bicol University formed part of the biggest delegation in the World’s Largest Human No Smoking Sign advocated by the Smoke-Free Albay Network (SFAN) last June 28 to promote awareness on cigarette smoking among Albayanos and attempt to be one of the Guinness World Record (GWR) title holders.

“Aside from being recognized by the GWR, the main purpose of this event is to promote people’s awareness on the effects of cigarette smoking and encouragement of the LGU’s to have their own ordinances,” Albay Board Member Herbert Borja, SFAN chairman, said.

The symbol filled with colors of red, white and black had a total area of 5,033 sq. m. or more than half of a hectare drawn at the soccer field facing the commencement stage.

In the absence of a GWR representative, three Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) served as independent witnesses as a requirement of the GWR.

Out of the 18 local government BU hosts/page 2

Court released its decision for a temporary restraining order on the release of the PDAF, CHED issued an appeal to the 111 State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) to allow PDAF beneficiaries who were enrolled in the first semester of this school year, to enroll in the second semester,” Chairperson Patricia B. Licuanan said in a press statement last Nov. 22, 2013.

“Once CHED has assessed the resources needed by former PDAF grantees in public and private higher education institutions (HEIs), CHED will tap into its Higher Education Development Fund, funds from the General Appropriations Act and possibly from the President’s Social Fund,” Licuanan added in the same document.

Licuanan said that CHED will extend assistance to the students whose tuition and other school fees were taken from the money from their district, or the congressional pork barrel. She also said that the budget under the new line item will go

directly to the SUCs and will not have to pass through district representatives.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) issued Advisory No. 110 to all SUCs, asking them to consider the House of Representatives’s prior request.

“In response to the PASUC advisory, President Fay Lauraya made a memorandum that BU will consider the request, given that the congressmen will send an assurance letter that they will support PASUC’s advisory and will still support the scholars and pay for their scholarship no matter what happens in the PDAF issue,” Office of Student Services (OSS) Assistant Dean Dr. Baby Boy Benjamin Nebres said.

CONGRESSIONAL ‘PORK’

Under the abolished PDAF system, every district and party-list representative gets a pork allocation of P70 million per year, while each of the 24 senators receives P200 million a year. House

Albay consumers vote for PSP scheme

members may spend a maximum of P30 million on soft projects, which show direct impact on the scholars, health and other social services projects.

The remaining P40 million may be spent on hard or infrastructure projects.

The task of the lawmaker is only to identify what projects he wants to be funded at the start, then monitor and sign on to project completion in the end. The budget will then be only released when the lawmaker is able to identify the programs he is going to implement, such as scholarship programs.

When asked about the effects of the PDAF’s abolition, Cong. Fernando Gonzales of the 3rd district of Albay said that they are now trying to get an alternative to PDAF and that they are still studying how the national government can take over its function.

“So we now have to have another mechanism, probably through CHED, for them to assume the scholars that were funded under the SC scraps/page 3

in this issue 5

by Jessica Bechayda with reports from Mary Christelle de Vera

By way of a referendum supervised by the Philippine Rural Electricity Cooperative Association, the Albay Electric Cooperative (Aleco) has been decided to a Private Sector Participation scheme in order to bail out the coop of its unpaid P4-billion debt, Sept. 14.

San Miguel Corporation Global Power Holdings (SMC) represented the PSP scheme while the Cooperative to Cooperative (C2C) Partnership was represented by the Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO).

PSP garnered 5,506 of the total votes over C2C which only gained 3,941 votes.

The three districts of Albay voted as follows: First District had PSP-94, C2C-155; Second District voted with PSP-2,139; C2C-1,222; and Third District had 2,426 for PSP and 715 for C2C.

However, according to Energy Sec. Jericho Petilla, SMC will not own Aleco. SMC, he said, will just run the cooperative for 25 years and shoulder the debt and pay monthly concession fees.

With this outcome, SMC’s subsidiary SMC Global Power Holdings Corp. will run the cooperative as a private corporation guided by its technical bid accepted by the Interim Board.

The SMC technical bid provides that a sole and exclusive agent or concessionaire of Aleco will act on matters such as application for increase in

tariff with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) provided that the concessionaire only collect such tariffs that ERC approved.

On the fate of the existing operations and maintenance personnel of the cooperative, Aleco will indemnify, defend and hold the concessionaire, its directors, officers and employees free by reason of their separation from employment.

As required by the technical bid, all equipment of Aleco for transmission and distribution must be in good condition and considering that the technical system loss the cooperative has been suffering are due to equipment that are in need of repair and Aleco must first restore them before SMC takes over.

In a press release statement, Ramon S. Ang, president of SMC, said that in its effect to improve the cooperative operation and profitability, SMC Global Power will make an investment of P1.2 billion. This amount will be released over a three to four-year period.

“The paying debt will be subject to the positive performance of the business,” Ang said.

“None of the debt will be passed on to consumers and over the next three years, SMC Global Power will work out a series of programs that include the upgrading and construction of new sub-stations, the correction of metering, installations, and the improvement of distribution lines.”

Albay comsumers/page 5

news page P1.2 B road project to boost Albay’s economy page

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features Talks about her belly

features Pork:Telenovela in thePhilippine Politics

page

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entertainment Metamorpismo

ni Justine Jane Kutitob

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FAIRNESS. ACCURACY. GENUINE STUDENT SERVICE.

BU joins Asia Summer Program anew

by Jessica Bechayda with reports from Glenda Ante

In the interest of studying further the diverse cultures of the neighbouring Asian countries, Bicol University joined for the second time the Asia Summer Program (ASP) held last July 8 to 28 at Dongseo University, Busan, South Korea.

The three-week summer program aimed to promote and build linkages between Asian countries by letting its participants experience the international environment.

“We’ll soon realize that the world is getting smaller, so we should not only learn to compete with our co-fellowmen but to be globally competitive thus valuing communication skills will take into account,” Iny Montallana, BU Student Council (USC) business manager, said.

The ASP began through a shared sense of responsibility led by leaders of the five founding universities: Bangkok University, Thailand; Dongseo University, Korea; Josai University, Japan; Petra Christian University, Indonesia; and University Malaysia Perlis, Malaysia.

Last year, only five universities attended the said summer program. This year, 27 universities coming from 11 different

countries all over Asia participated.

Bicol University College Student Council (CSC) presidents namely Maria Jeanne Carla Briones from the College of Arts and Letters (CAL), John Jervie Alcera from the College of Science (CS), Dim Monasterial from the Institute of Physical Education, Sports and Recreation (IPESR), Coleen Serrano from the College of Nursing (CN), Arianne Bernardino from the College of Education (CE), Jaggy Lanuza from the College of Business, Economics and Management (CBEM), Blesila Castelo from the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP), Carla Jane Desdir from the College of Industrial Technology (CIT), Michael Ferreras from the Gubat Campus (GC), Christian Tino from the Polangui Campus (PC) and Kim Jolean Ocbina from the College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF) were sent to represent BU.

Also part of the delegates from BU are College of Engineering (CENG) CSC Vice-President Jan Rizz Maravillaz, Tabaco Campus (TC) CSC Treasurer Dian Leron, USC Chairperson Mark Harris Lim and Iny Montallana.

CENG cadet Girl Scout attends int’l camp

by Jervy Anne Romero

Filled with the determination to serve, a cadet girl scout from Bicol University represented the Philippines as one of the 16 Ambassadresses of Goodwill to the Giggles 2013 International Camp at United Kingdom.

Cadet Girl Scout Alegria Roser Naz Nebres, a 4th year BS Civil Engineering student from the College of Engineering (CENG) participated in the eight-day camp held at Husbands Barn, Stainforth, Near Settle, North Yorkshire, and North East England, United Kingdom last July 27 to Aug 3.

To cover up for her expenses, she was given P50,000 as travel grant from the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) along with BU’s P20,000 financial assistance.

Nebres is the only delegate from Southern Luzon along with the other 15 delegates from Iloilo, Isabela and Davao Council.

She said that aside from meeting new friends from the other countries, Nebres was also able to enhance her public speaking ability especially when she introduced the GSP International Performance at the Global Village.

“This will serve as encouragement for BU female students to join and register as cadet girl scouts and enjoy the benefits of being a member of the GSP,” said Dr. Alma M. Lozada, Nebres’s troop leader and past GSP Albay Council executive.

Before being awarded as the 2011 National Outstanding Girl Scout, Nebres was also declared as the Chief Girl Scout Medalist in 2010, personally awarded by then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo at the Malacañang Palace.

“I can’t forget the experiences I gained from the Giggles 2013 International Camp,” Nebres said. “I will cherish this all my life because it developed me more as a person.”

Caving at White Scar Cave, International Performance at the Global Village, having a trip to Blackpool Tower, Pleasure Beach and Malhalm Treasure Reserve were just some of the highlights of the activities in the camp.

About 2000 scouts and girl guides from England, Ghana, Philippines, Singapore, Australia, Ireland, Scotland and Nigeria participated in the said camp organized by Girlguiding Northeast England.

CAL stude represents PH in UN workshop

by Danica Villagarcia

Another student from Bicol University made a splash in the international campus scene, this time, in the recently held Model United Nations (MUN) Workshop last August 26 to 29 at UN Headquarters in New York, USA.

“I feel very blessed and privileged to be part of the one of the biggest event of UN,” said Therese Isabelle S. Vega, a 3rd-year AB Journalism student from the College of Arts and Letters. “The Model UN is a 3-day workshop which taught us lots of thing. We were taught how to simulate the United Nation itself.”

The MUN-Workshop was joined by 95 representatives coming from 31 different countries all over the world. Vega was the only delegate from the Philippines.

Vega explained that it also provided them, the ones who are actively involved in organizing Model UN programs at the university level around the world, with a deeper understanding of how the General Assembly and Security Council operates.

She added that they learned the basics of the General Assembly’s Rules and Procedures,

and the discussion and action phases of the General Assembly Committee meetings that they need to know when drafting resolutions, duties and responsibilities of the UN Secretariat and General Assembly officials, and how they work together.

Vega shared that it is not only a blessing and a privilege for her, but also a big responsibility for she has not only represented BU but the whole country.

“I’m very proud of Vega, her participation in the MUN workshop in New York serves as an inspiration to the rest of the CALibers. She has given pride and honor not only to the college, but also to the university as well,” Dr. Ma. Julieta B. Borres, CAL dean, said.

Borres also encouraged the rest of the students to look for opportunities other than what the university could give them just like what Vega did.

The United Nations Department of Public Information (UNDPI) in partnership with the United Nations Information Service (UNIS) in Vienna and the United Nations Youth Associations Network (UNYANET) coorganized the said international event.

BREAKING THE HABIT. A sea of Albayanos stay in the middle of the BU commencement ground under the sun’s intense heat in forming the largest human “no smoking” sign to communicate the message of a smoke-free Albay.

Don Mari Phil Frayna

BU HOSTS/page1 units (LGUs) in Albay, only Legazpi, Tabaco, Ligao, Daraga and Guinobatan have their own smoke-free ordinances. The targeted number of 13,000 people represents the number of the 13 remaining LGUs that still have no ordinance.

Each participant was given a long sleeveshirt and a barcode sticker attached on the shoulder to be scanned before entering the formation. But because of the delay, the barcodes were removed and left at the entrance to speed up the formation of the logo. Only three scanners were provided by AMA Legazpi.

“We’ve faced too much stress and challenges that we have already overcome. We handled 13,000 and we only have 20 people,” Jonathan Sadueste Ng, AMA head, said.

During the course of the event, some participants were sent to the medical team because of dizziness and loss of consciousness, and three were brought to the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital (BRTTH) due to difficulty in breathing, according to Dr. Eric N. Rabinon, head of the BRTTH team.

The Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, R.A. 9211, implements the ban on smoking in schools. It prohibits smoking in centers of youth activity such as playschools, preparatory schools, elementary schools,

high schools, colleges and universities, youth hostels and recreational facilities for persons under 18 years old. Smoking areas are not allowed within the premises of schools and tobacco products must not be sold within 100 meters from the school.

NO SMOKING IN BU

BU President Dr. Fay Lea Patria Lauraya claimed that as an active member of SFAN and having the expansive land area, BU was chosen to host the attempt.

The BUeños who participated in the event were a combination of the university’s staff and students.

Lauraya stressed the prevailing policy in the BU student handbook under Section VI, Rules and Regulations on Student Conduct and Discipline, page 42 of the revised 2012 edition that says, “[BU] is a smoke-free campus. Smoking shall not be allowed in the university premises.”

Lauraya urged all the Albayanos to join the movement for the progress of Bicol.

The event was also attended by the BU Board of Regents and high-ranking officials in the Bicol Region headed by Albay Governor Joey Sarte Salceda.

Mining Eng’g pioneers ace board exam

by Jervy Anne Romero

Obtaining a 93.33 percent passing rate from the recently concluded Mining Engineering Licensure Examination, the pioneer batch of Bicol University College of Engineering (CEng) BS in Mining Engineering (BSME) course program aced the board exam as 28 out of 30 graduates passed with two of the examinees making it to the top 10.

Dailyn A. Nivero and Sarah Mae B. Ajon notched the 8th and 9th places, respectively.

Nivero and Ajon were both scholars of RapuRapu Polymetallic Project (RRPM). Out of the 30 examinees from BU, 17 were part of scholarship programs: Twelve of the 17 were from RRPM and five were scholars of Rock Energy International.

A total number of 117 examinees passed out of the 141 examinees throughout the country.

DESPITE SHORTCOMINGS

Nivero and Ajon both shared that most of the topics during the review for the board exam were not taught in CEng.

However, Nivero said that she is not depreciating the college but by the time they have started the review much of the lectures were new and unfamiliar to them.

“So parang di yun review kasi most of the lecture bago sa amin. And I guess one thing that [CEng] should address is wala kaming masyadong learning materials,” Nivero added.

Nivero challenged the present CEng administration, “Improve the things that should be improved. Give what your students should learn from you and train them well for them to become more efficient and effective leaders of the

mining industry,” she said.

Frances Katreen S. Razon, BU Mining Engineering Institute of the Philippines (EMIP) president, stated, “Actually, nagkukulang talaga sa learning materials lalo na sa mga professor.”

According to Laarni Manrique, budget officer I of CEng, the mining engineering department is one of the departments receiving the least budget per academic year. This is because the budget allocation is proportional to the number of students per department.

However, Engr. Victor Florece, Mining Engineering Department head, admitted that they were overwhelmed by the result of the recent board exam.

“We’re glad that despite the lack of teachers, facilities and materials, the outcome was still that good,” Florece added.

Florece further said that this achievement serves as an inspiration and a challenge to the students of the college.

“Because of the standard [the pioneer batch] have set, the challenge for us now is to maintain and even surpass this success,” Florece added.

“Because of the standard (the pioneer batch) have set, the challenge for us now is to maintain and even surpass this success”

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NEWSBRIEFS Int’l Jamboree pushes environment advocacy

Gearing up the youth with the proper knowledge to combat global warming, the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) Mayon, Albay Council, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Albay, City Government of Ligao and Bicol University (BU) held this year’s Scouts for Environment International Jamboree at Kawa-Kawa Natural Park, Tuburan, Ligao City last August 21 to 25.

Themed “Scouts: Help Save Mother Earth,” the jamboree intended to help the students in gaining adequate and thorough understanding of the climate change adaptation and mitigation practices, disaster preparedness and risk reduction management in order to create a better response among participants towards issues concerning the environment and health.

A total of 6,495 delegates coming from the 13 regions of the country participated while 35 foreign participants from the countries of Belgium, Croatia, France, Germany, Japan and United States of America also joined.

Danica Navida

Hellobicol to lift tourism

Advocating the promotion of region-wide tourism through online journalism, Bicol Organization of Neo-Journalists (BONJour) of Bicol University College of Arts and Letters (CAL) launched hellobicol.com to the worldwide web.

“As a journalism student, I am advocating the promotion of youth’s awareness for the appreciation of Bicol cultural heritage,” said Zanie Jovellana, project initiator and online content editor.

The said website will feature photos and written features on the lifestyle, arts and cuisine of Bicol Region and will open awareness for the youth about Bicol culture.

Multi-media features specifically videos dubbed as Hello Bicol Express will also be included in the site.

Joan Marcia Navara, BONJour president stated, “Hellobicol.com is open for tourism-relevant stories of all students whether they are journalism students or not.”

For the project maintenance, BONJour is in pursuit to more partnerships with the local government tourism units. The Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) have already agreed to help the project.

In the past, BONJour Insider had also been published online tackling similar concepts. However, due to insufficient written outputs the site suddenly had to stop circulating.

Now with Hellobicol experiencing the same, Jovellana conveyed, “I planned to close it temporarily, but then I decided not to waste a single chance for anybody who might happen to browse the page.”

He admitted that looking for contributors and convincing students to write was the real challenge. The site is undeniably still lacking articles.

Jessamine Ll. Raynera

SC SCRaPS/page1 PDAF fund,” Gonzales added.

However, Albay 1st district Congressman Edcel Lagman said that he will ensure the continuous funding by the Department of Education (DepEd) and CHED of his Lagman scholarship program.

According to Albay 2nd district Congressman Al Bichara’s Scholarship Coordinator Aileen Nuyda, the allocated funds for the students on the first semester came from their remaining funds from CHED during the previous semesters.

ABOLITION’S IMPACT

During the first semester, OSS recorded the partial number of grantees of the three congressmen in Albay: Cong. Edcel Lagman of 1st district has 343 scholars who receive P5,000 per semester; Cong. Al Francis Bichara of the 2nd district has 138 beneficiaries who receive P5,000;

DWBU FM gears up for ‘on-air’ broadcast

by Ariane Mae Cornejo with reports from Danica Villagarcia

DWBU FM 106.3 has officially reached the airwaves after its launching that was witnessed by various local media practitioners, BU faculty personnel and students at the Bicol University College of Arts and Letters (BUCAL) Amphitheatre last Sept. 18.

“[DWBU FM 106.3] is a gift of the university to the students,” CAL Dean Dr. Ma. Julieta Borres said. “All the efforts are for the love of the students and so by giving this laboratory, I hope that the students will appreciate, take care and treat the radio station as their own property.”

The radio station, aside from being a laboratory of communications related courses, will serve as an avenue for extension programs of the college and of the university.

Borres said that Radyo Verde programs aired during Fridays (10:00-11:00 am) at Radyo Veritas will be pulled out and will be transferred to DWBU FM next semester. On the other hand, the We-Men’s Forum program aired during Saturdays (4:00-5:30 pm) at the same station will remain at Veritas. Both programs are utilized by students for their laboratory.

Print and Broadcast Media (PBM) Department Head Dr. Agnes Nepomuceno stated, “The program of We-Men’s Forum will stay with the station because they have the legal ownership of it.

It was actually my brainchild while working at the station.”

She explained that the college and the station have worked for a partnership during the inexistence of the DWBU FM.

Borres said that DWBU FM is more likely to adapt a magazine show format to cater both young and adult listeners.

The dean reiterated that as a laboratory, the radio’s programs will be different from the mainstream as it will use the output of the students’s learning as an application in the laboratory.

Nepomuceno stated that there are no clear cut appointments yet, but she assured providing support for the station.

“We should always be in line with the advocacy of CAL and Bicol University,” she said.

Borres, moreover, said that in CAL’s pursuit for excellence, the radio station will eventually be expanded into television streaming to

upgrade its service to the students.

In the coming semester, Borres said, the station is to hire a full-time expert on the technical and clerical aspects of the station.

The station will also likely to air on a broadcast time of 6:30a.m. until 6p.m.

BU President Fay Lea Patria Lauraya said during the launching of the radio station that it is one of the answered urgent dreams of the university and that it will be a part of the experiential learning of the BU students.

“[DWBU FM 106.3] is the humble reservation of the university’s quality policy and will cater services that will meet the highest level of clientele service,” she said.

charge.

However, she cleared that the account is now on the process and will be settled September this year upon expiration of the covered month (September 2013) of the bill. The payment will be charged to students’s laboratory fees paid upon enrollment.

Michelle Bonto, the account executive of Radyo Veritas, was mum when asked regarding the station’s reason for the delayed issuance of the receipts.

“As a scholar kasi pahirapan naman talaga yun paggamit sa scholarship namin sa enrolment.

We need to [prepare and present] requirements pa before we can enroll. In my case, ngayong nagdaang enrollment, hindi ko nagamit yun scholarship ko kasi the Office of Cong. Bichara was not able to give the OSS the lists of students that are deserving to avail the scholarship. Saka ayaw magbigay ng Office of Cong. Bichara ng letter of acknowledgment sa amin for some reasons. Kaya sa huli nag-full payment na lang ako,” she said.

Nuyda, on the other hand, said that with the TRO issued last August, the entire process became difficult.

“With the plan of abolishing PDAF, scholars were totally affected especially those poor students relying on their scholarships,” she said.

Nuyda explained that all of its 600 scholars will still get the refund for the previous semester but

as of the second semester, only 253 BU scholars will be covered by the scholarship grant.

Since the tranche of the 2013 PDAF was frozen by the high court, the refund for this school year will come from the remaining fund from the previous semesters. Nuyda added that the liquidation report from CHED will determine how much fund is left for the utilization of the scholarship grants.

“The scholarship will continue for this second semester, while for private schools, there’s no really source of fund, we’re having a hard time looking for ways to pursue giving grants for our scholars especially those studying in private schools,” Nuyda disclosed.

STILL UNCLEAR

Since its launch, BUFM is often set off-air, which usually disappoints students who tune in to the station and hear nothing.

A freshman from the College of Education DEBT TO PAY who requested anonymity said that the station is

The launching of DWBU FM 106.3 ended useless since it’s not airing. the almost two-year waiting for the radio station’s

“Every time I listen to the radio and set materialization. However, CAL still has an unpaid the frequency to DWBU, all I can hear is a muffling debt of P84,000 to Veritas, where the programs sound,” the student said.

Radyo Berde and We-Men’s Forum were formerly

Sunshine Baron, a senior Journalism aired. student, added that since the station was launched,

The said amount charged on January she only heard the station go on-air once, 2012 is still unpaid because no bill was issued until

“Maybe, I just don’t know the air times,” September this year, Borres said.

Baron said.

“Pag magbabayad ka ng bill mo, parang

In contrast to the laments, Mariane kapag magbabayad ng kuryente, kailangan may Belen of CAL shared, “I am happy that finally, CAL resibo. Wala naman silang naibigay na bill,” she has launched the station. It only proves that the stated. university indeed is after for the students’ service.”

The billing invoice for January-June

Belen said that the reception in the first 2012 and July-December 2012 both amounting district of Albay is good and she heard the station to P24,000 each were dated September 6 while on-air playing OPM music. for January-September this year with P36, 000

Audio Visual Communication (AVC) outstanding balance was only given last September senior student John Carlo Abrigo supported Belen’s 13. claim and said that the station, which is on its test

Nepomuceno, also a regular broadcaster broadcast, is usually off-air because it is unlike the of the said station, said that she told the station usual community radios. to follow-up for the payment in CAL through the

Borres explained that the station is only college’s National Service Training Program (NSTP) to test broadcast this year to comply with the because Radyo Verde was anchored from it. requirement of the National Telecommunications

“When I entered the scene, I was handling Commission (NTC). The issuance of permit the batch of fourth year Journalism students,” according to her is after a year.

Nepomuceno said. “When Veritas told me that there

She said that the PBM department are still unpaid accounts, I urged them to issue a will take the lead in handling the station. The receipt so I can give them to CAL.” radio station, on the other hand, will also serve

Borres added that the issue was part of the as a laboratory for most of the students with obligation of the professors, being the faculties-incommunications related courses.

However, Nepomuceno said that the department has a limited participation in managing the radio as of now.

“It is not yet clear kung ano ang magiging role ng department. Although it belongs to [PBM], someone should be on top of it. We always have to wait for the dean,” she explained.

On a separate interview, Borres said that there is no regular program yet because there are still no format of programs coming from the department and that there are matters still to be considered.

“Right now, everything is not yet fixed, there will be an administrative council kung sino ang head, but next semester, it will be fully operational for the hands-on of the students,” Borres said.

As of press time, DWBU FM is operated by the AVC students for the technical aspects.

The DWBU FM was officially launched during the university’s 44th founding anniversary. The station ID was composed by Professor Ramil Chavenia and sung by Tintin Reñon.

SURFING THE AIRWAVES. BUFM hits the radio airwaves as it was formally launched at the BU Multi-Purpose Build BUFM was proposed by Prof. ing on September 18, 2013. The university’s contestants for the newscasting competition on different years, Sheena Anacito Dimatera and Dr. Nepomuceno Alicante (left) and Menlyn Bautista (right), sign on as student disc-jocks.

CHARMAINE ADUVISO during the revision of the AB Broadcasting curriculum last June 2010.

and 575 grantees are receiving P2,500 from Cong.

Fernando V. Gonzalez of the 3rd district.

Bichara’s grantees were ensured of the scholarship grant amounting to P5,000 this school year 2013-2014, Nuyda said.

She stated that 253 BU scholars will get the grant, in contrary to what has happened to some of its scholars.

Jovie Panuelo, a scholar of Bichara and student from the College of Arts and Letters (CAL), lamented that she was not able to avail her P5,000 for the said scholarship program for the first semester of the school year.

“Nangutang pa po ang mama ko para makapag-enrol ngayong 2nd semester,” she said.

Diosun Fye Jadulos, a student from College of Business, Economic and Management (CBEM), shared the same sentiment during the enrollment.

With reports from Alyssa Joselle Bañares, Ariane Mae Cornejo, Jervy Anne Romero, Arthessa Ladoing, Alyssa Joana Aro and Jessica Bechayda.

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University torch now stands

by Ariane Mae Cornejo and Jo Michael Llamelo

Three years after the start of its construction, the Bicol University Torch of Wisdom was inaugurated last Sept. 17 during the week-long celebration of the university’s 44th Founding Anniversary.

Inter-racial Smiles. (from left) Thibault Jean-Marie Real, Miguel Rudolf Cibien, Lucille Marguerite Angelina Polizzi, Momo Adachi, and Simon Flathmann foster friendship as they enter the university.

EARL EPSON RECAMUNDA

BU admits foreign studes

by Arthessa Ladoing and Mary Christelle De Vera

As part of the American Field Service – Intercultural Program Philippines (AFSIPP) and Bicol University’s goal to promote globalization and lift the university’s recognition in the international stage, five foreign students from four different countries enrolled at BU.

Last July 23, foreign students Miguel Rudolf Cibien (French), Lucille Marguerite Angelina Polizzi (French), Thibault Jean-Marie Real (Belgian), Simon Flathmann (German), and Momo Adachi (Japanese) were welcomed by the academe.

Each of the students was designated a particular college corresponding with their study interest. For 11 months the said foreign students will stay at BU.

Professor Samuel Bobiles, director of BU Global Linkages Office (GLO@BU), said that he is proud that the students take part in the history of internalization of the university.

He added that one of the aspects of being an internationalized university is the presence of foreign students enrolled within it.

“This one would be an avenue for us to advertise the advent that we have, for one reason

that we already have foreign students in the campus,” Bobiles said.

He also said that the foreign students are already considered as family members of the BU community.

“We could be a motivation for these students as they gain knowledge and experience in our campus,” Bobiles added.

However, this is not the first time that BU admitted foreign undergraduate students to have their bachelor’s degree in the university.

Last year, the academe welcomed Byung Jun Min, a Korean national, who is now a sophomore student taking up BS Chemistry in the College of Science (CS).

Back in 2009, BU hosted the regional chapter of the AFS Intercultural programs.

AFS-IPP is an independent partner and member of AFS Global Network. AFS is an international, non-profit, non-government, non-religious volunteer-based organization that facilitates international exchange programs and scholarships for students, educators, community service volunteers driven with passion peace, leadership, intercultural learning/experiences and global understanding.

CE pub introduces e-Mag

by Danica Villagarcia

Raising information dissemination to another level and moving up a notch in campus online journalism, The Mentor, the official student publication of the College of Education (CE), last August 1 launched the first Electronic Magazine (e-Mag).

“[It] is basically the next step after the printed magazine, to be more precise, a multimedia magazine that enables the student to read their pub’s issues in their bare hands through phones, tablets and/or laptop,” said Prof. Aries Perez, The Mentor’s adviser.

The Mentor will produce their tabloids in a two-way process—one is through the conventional print issue and the other one is through e-Mag, a digitalized magazine. To be able to reach more students and bring the publication print issues closer to them, students will be receiving their copies of e-Mag through their phones and laptops in a Portable Document Format (PDF) file format.

When asked about the prime reason why they have created e-Mag, Mabel Mingoy, editor-inchief of The Mentor, said that she frequently sees newspapers torn and thrown off anywhere and she does not want the same thing happening to their campus paper.

Mingoy shared sentiments regarding the

efforts wasted because of the treatment of some students of the newspaper. She explained that the newspapers are vulnerable to water and that there are also times when students crumple their newspapers just to fit it inside their bags.

Students can choose one from the two medium—either the conventional print issue or e-Mag. As of press time, e-Mag is exclusive for CE students.

“Newspapers and magazines have static images, they don’t move, they don’t say a word and they’re fixed,” Perez said. “They don’t really give you the feeling of what is happening, they don’t really show you things as they happen, not like in e-Mag.”

E-Mag also showcases all the elements that the printed issue has. Other features include videos and audios.

“[It] is The Mentor’s revolutionary shift from its flippable page to tappable screen, it gives something new and something different that a pub can offer,” said John Carlo Hikaru, the publication’s associate editor.

“We have long been pursuing a change. We thought that the idea of the e-Mag is impossible and we are being ambitious but it is now here and it’s amazing because it works,” Mingoy said.

Space Science Road Show held in CS

by Reaham Hanna Borja

Realizing the impact of astronomy and other fundamental sciences to the society, the NC Educational Resources and Interactive Events Services Inc. (NCERIES) initiated the Bicol launching of the Space Science Road Show

last Oct. 4 at the Bicol University College of Science.

According to Airene C. Terry, chief marketing officer of NCERIES, their main goal is to educate the Filipinos of the beauty of the universe.

“The torch is envisioned to be an institutional landmark that would epitomize the mission of the university and speak of the aspiration as well as determination of the Bicolano youth to live productive lives offered to God and country through education,” stated BU President Dr. Fay Lea Patria Lauraya, on a memorandum dated August 2011.

Lauraya expressed that the landmark is not an ordinary construction project but an artistic work that will immortalize the creative work of a Bicolano artist.

Arch. Leo del Rosario, head of Planning and Design Section of the Physical Development Management Office (PDMO), said that the Torch of Wisdom, along with the Four Pillar design, is a frozen ideation of the BU Hymn translated into a colossal torch serving as the iconic symbol of the university.

Del Rosario discussed the unforeseen events met affecting the completion of the main façade.

“The procurement process of the torch and fountain added to the difficulties, for most of the special materials were imported from other areas,” he said.

Del Rosario specifically pointed out the problem encountered by the Bicolano artist that Dr. Lauraya requested.

“Mr. Gil Bien, an artist of the Bicolano Artists Guild, found it hard to work with the government because of his license. But he is the project consultant of the ‘Torch of Wisdom’ offering his professional fee for free,” del Rosario explained.

He also said that designing the torch involves the heart and that’s why the artist should be from Bicol.

Del Rosario pointed out also that there were no budget issues involved in the completion of the façade.

He further said that the BU Main Facade will help the province’s tourism.

“Every landmark has a story. Our place will be known and BU will become a public space not just for its students but also for the community,” Del Rosario said.

SEE RELATED PHOTO ON PAGE 13

Journ stude takes ABS-CBN reg’l newscasting tilt

by Alyssa Joana Aro

Its payback time for Bicol University.

Besting 13 contenders from participating universities and colleges coming from the four provinces of the Bicol region, Sheena Joy Alicante, a 2nd year AB Journalism student of the College of Arts and Letters (CAL), was declared as the champion in the 2nd ABS-CBN Inter-school Newscasting Competition held last August 24 at The Tent, Avenue Plaza Hotel, Naga City.

Alicante, who garnered an average score of 88.11 percent, was followed by Queenie Hipolito from Aquinas University (88 percent) and Joseph Buetinezon from Partido State University (87.67 percent).

The judges of the said competition were TV Patrol field reporters Ryan Chua and Jeff Canoy, and TV host and actress Angel Aquino.

According to Canoy, what made Alicante the winner of the newscasting competition is her confidence and the way she delivers her news report.

“Favorite ko yung part na live report niya.

The way she told the story was very conversational.

She delivered the report not just for the sake of reporting it,” Canoy said.

Likewise, Chua said he believed that Alicante’s correct pronunciation and clarity of words made her stood out in the contest.

“She spoke well, she communicated well to me as a judge and of course I believe to the audience as well,” Chua said. “I had the impression that it was not just reading of the news that she was assigned to read. She is actually telling the people and making an effort to make people understand what she was talking about.”

BU-WIDE COMPETITION

Last year, Alicante placed 2nd in the BUwide ABS-CBN news casting competition.

“I really felt pressured because it was already my second time joining so it was either I retain my position or I advance,” Alicante said. “I did my best but I wasn’t getting my hopes up because I know that expecting only brings frustration. I said to myself that whatever happens, I will accept the results wholeheartedly, and fortunately, I won.”

She also added that her experience in

The Space Science Road Show is an interactive educational show that travels around all schools in the country.

The centerpiece of the road show was the first-ever Digital Mobile Planetarium that is a simulated day and night sky projection showing off the universe.

“So when students get inside, they learn more about the universe, more than what you could read from the books. It’s like a simulation, so parang actual thing na siya.” Terry said.

Aside from the digital planetarium, educational films and exhibits featuring meteorites, telescopes, optical illusions and space photos were shown. Astronomers served as educators as the event went on through the day.

Terry shared that they have chosen BU to

radio broadcasting back in high school helped her win the competition.

“There’s a big difference between radio broadcasting and news casting. But my experience in high school helped me a lot to know the basics like voice projection, enunciation and juncture,” Alicante explained.

She further said that she learned a lot in the BU-wide competition and one of those is just trust in yourself and never ever doubt your abilities.

“You shouldn’t be too confident and don’t expect too much. Just do your best and let the universe do its magic,” she advised future contestants.

“[Alicante’s win] is a big pride for the BU because this is the second time we joined this regional competition. This year, we are very happy and proud especially the Print and Broadcast Media Department (PBM), that we are able to make it,” said Dr. Agnes Nepomuceno, department head.

Furthermore, Alicante extended her thanks to the students and faculty of BU who supported her.

“I’m really thankful for their moral assistance because when you are under pressure, what you really need is a big dose of reassuring words that will keep you motivated,” she said.

MORE PARTICIPANTS

Comparing this year’s newscasting competition from the last year, Ms. Amy Villafuerte, ABS-CBN Bicol area head, believed that the competition reached its next level.

Last year, only 11 participating schools attended the newscasting competition.

“Ang masasabi ko, it leveled up. Bukod dun sa participants na mas dumami ngayon, mas marami na rin ang nagkakainteres na sumali,” Villafuerte said.

According to Villafuerte, it is not an assurance for the winner to be part of the ABS-CBN. However, she can be tapped as a school patroller depending on her schedule.

The said competition was part of the 60th anniversary of ABS-CBN.

be its host school because of its being the premiere state university in Bicol.

“We want to tie up with BU because we want to push a space science program in the university. We believe that it is what we need in the country. BU students have now the chance to experience this so they can understand the universe better,” she said.

Former Sen. Nikki M.L Coseteng, president/CEO of NCERIES stated, “This hopefully, will bring about a re-emergence of what Bicol should be doing, which is in the intellectual realm, in the realm of the academe and the realm of tourism.”

Students from the College of Science, Legazpi City High School and Albay Central School participated in the said event.

COMMUNITY The Bicol Universitarian

FAIRNESS. ACCURACY. GENUINE STUDENT SERVICE.

P1.2B road project to boost Albay’s economy

by Joshua Caleb Pacleta with reports from Jessamine Raynera

As part of the Albay’s provincial administration vision for a better economy and environment, a road network development project dubbed ‘Guicadale’ will soon emerge.

Albay’s Guinobatan-Camalig-DaragaLegazpi (Guicadale) economic platform project is located in a plateau towards Sorsogon and embraces all relocation sites of the four municipalities. It is also the site where the Bicol International Airport, South Central station of the south rail can be found. The project will provide access to the proposed extension site of the Regional Government Center.

Albay Governor and Regional Development Council (RDC) Chairman Joey Salceda said that the project was designed to encourage economic activities safe from the threats posed by Mayon Volcano eruptions, lahar flows, flooding and tsunamis.

The Guicadale Road Network project’s Road Zone of Influence (RZI) has a total estimate of 62,884.74 hectares. This is approximately 66.93 percent of the total land area of 93,950.93 hectares of the areas traversed by the project in five municipalities and one city within Albay Province, and the municipality of Donsol, Sorsogon.

The 193.30-kilometer sub-project is composed of 16 major road sections and 12 arterial roads. The total project costs P1.262 billion for the 28 road segments combined.

“It will benefit a total population of 187, 314 covering the municipalities of Guicadale,” Salceda added.

The project aims to increase the social acceptability of the International Airport, resettlement areas and farm income through reduced transport cost of agricultural products and farm inputs.

INTEGRATION SCHEME

The project will utilize spatial integration with the provinces of Sorsogon and Masbate, and other regions in Visayas, link the agricultural areas to major markets, improve the living conditions of the local populace through the provision of efficient access to health and welfare facilities and open up areas for economic investments opportunities.

The envisioned outcome of the Guicadale platform doesn’t only include the road network rehabilitation plan but the historical heritage restoration and development as well.

“As of now, the renovation of the Colonial Houses in Camalig and the Cagsawa Ruins in Daraga are currently underway,” said Architect Ronald Antiado of the Provincial Planning Committee.

He explained that if these sites and the other tourist attractions in Albay would be embellished, local tourism potential would be pulled up to a higher rate because investors now could come easily to the locations, given that there is greater ease in transportation via direct international flights.

However, Antiado affirmed that the project will not affect or even serve as a threat to the nearby houses or residents.

“As much as possible, the committee will do its best not to cause problems in the barangays involved. Actually, as I see it, there is nothing to be worried about by the residents,” Antiado reassured. “Existing roads will be used, only that some are yet to be widened and improved.”

LEGAZPI CITY AIRPORT PLANS

Meanwhile, Miladee Azur, statistician of the City Planning Committee of Legazpi said that Legazpi will not be greatly affected by the transferring of the Airport to Bicol International

Airport(BIA) in Alobo, Daraga.

Azur also mentioned that the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) created a multi-agency committee composed of the regional offices in Legazpi that are interested in the Legazpi Airport including the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), which is the owner of the airport.

“But as far as Legazpi is concerned, we are proposing this to be a high-end, multiple-use area,” Azur said.

She envisioned the project to be like Ayala in Makati City wherein there are residential areas, shopping centers, commercial spaces, schools and churches.

“In other words, the people who reside there do not have to go to Legazpi or Pacific Mall to attend to their needs like education, going to church, and shopping,” she added.

In his speech during the oath-taking of the new city officials of Legazpi City, Mayor Noel E. Rosal expressed his sadness to the Legazpeños for the transferring of the airport. However, he mentioned a proposed road that will connect Legazpi City to BIA.

“We envisioned a new highway that will connect Legazpi directly to Bicol International Airport without the traffic congested in the municipality going to Alobo, Daraga,” Rosal said.

Rosal did not mention the title of the project but according to him, this highway will surely be a new legacy that his administration will leave to the next generation.

Hon. Geraldine Rosal also stressed during her final message in the same event that in the field of infrastructure “we continue to build new road openings in order to facilitate the transport of people from the barangays to the metropolis.”

WEIGHING BOTH SIDES. Atty. Jose Fernandez (left) of PSP and Atty. Ritchie Regala of C2C face students while engaging on a debate on ALECO’s turn over to SMC at the BU College of Nursing Amphitheater last Sept. 9.

ROMULO ESPALMADO JR.

ALBAY CONSUMERS/page 1

GOVERNOR’S SUPPORT

Albay Governor Joey Salceda has commended the takeover of SMC.

“Albay would now have SMC as one of its business trophies and send a strong signal to the investment community of the province’s economic potentials,” Salceda said.

He added that given SMC’s vaunted management expertise and marketing clout, there are huge synergies that can further propel Albay to higher level of economic stature.

“We can now also play our role as a gatekeeper or as part of regulatory infrastructure to

safeguard consumer welfare by monitoring ERC at a setting and to promote investments by keeping the costs of doing business low,” the governor disclosed.

Before casting of the votes, an estimated number of 100,000 Aleco consumers were expected to show up to 23 voting precincts. But only 8,997 or just about nine percent of the voters showed up and qualified for the referendum due to the failure to produce a copy of an Aleco power bill to prove that they are bonafide coop members.

Last August 3, Aleco’s debt reached P3.7 billion: P2 billion to Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM);

P1.24 billion to Philippine Electricity Market Corp.

(PEMC); P56 million to National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP); P204 million to National Electrification Administration (NEA); P87 million to Transco; P19.7 million to Local Government Units (LGUs) of Tabaco, Legazpi and Ligao; and P113 million to equipment suppliers. Aleco also borrowed money from the Bank of Commerce worth P7 million that was used to buy gadgets and coop vehicles.

DEBATE FORUM

Prior to the referendum, a debate forum

5

New university web links to aid clienteles

by Hermalyn Zantua and Bryan del Castillo

During the opening day ceremony of the 44th Founding Anniversary, Bicol University launched three university website links last Sept. 17. The event was held at Bicol University College of Arts and Letters Amphitheater.

University Librarian Neria E. Gomez explained that the essence of these three links are to support the clienteles of BU in their various academic needs such as global information and knowledge for them to sustain, enhance, promote and utilize the researches foundation of the university.

The links are namely the Learning Management System (LMS), the University Library Website, and the Research and Development (R&D) e-Journal.

Dr. Noli Mascariñas, director of the Research and Development Center, said that the LMS is a multimode learning course where the tools are internet-based.

The link is expected to reach out to interested individuals for them to have an access to education and learn the different subjects though they are distant from the university and have inabilities from attending regular classes.

Mascariñas added that the LMS aims to reach out to more students and other clientele without the need of building additional facilities.

The R&D e-Journal, on the other hand, is a link which contains published researches and dissertations of the university’s faculty. The said link will be the avenue for disseminating research outputs online.

Mascariñas explained that the R&D e-Journal will serve as a means for university researchers to disseminate their product of research or creative thought online and aims to become one of the recognized journals by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and other international institutions.

Gomez said that the university library website will still be part of the BU website however it will be managed and maintained by the library staff in order to keep the site updated.

“We have conceptualized it for three or more years ago, but unfortunately it needed a lot of manpower but today it has become a reality,” she added.

Following the approval of the LMS project last November 26, 2012 under the Bicol University Research Resolution No. 051 Series of 2012, the project received P650,000.00 from Albay Governor Joey Salceda. The amount was used in making the project possible resulting to a digitalized collection of theses and dissertations.

“The world is no longer round, it is now flat. Whenever you have a flat screen, we stay connected,” BU President Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya said.

themed “Harampangan: Aleco’s Best Option for Rehabilitation” was held at the Bicol University College of Nursing Amphitheater last Sept. 9.

The modified British parliamentary debate was radio broadcast and televised. The forum offered different perspectives in response to the rehabilitation of Aleco if it will go with the PSP or C2C option.

Atty. Jose Fernandez, acting chairman of Aleco interim board of directors, spoke for the PSP scheme while Atty. Richie Regala of the Albay Multisectoral Stakeholders Organization (AMSSO) was for the C2C.

The six panelists from the different sectors were Mr. Marcial Tuanqui from the business sector; Dr. Rebecca Rosario Bercassio from the academe; Ms. Judessa Ardales from the Civil Society Unit; Mr. Jaggy Lanuza from the youth sector; Mr. John Bautista from the religious sector; and Mr. Noel Rosal from the LGU.

The debate was co-organized by the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy College Student Council (CSSP-CSC), Political Science Club and the Society of Philosophical Debaters and Parliamentarians.

FEATURES The Bicol Universitarian

6

FAIRNESS. ACCURACY. GENUINE STUDENT SERVICE.

The womb of a mother is delicate, holy and thus, so with the life that is inside it. Far from the repulsive shouts and gossips throwned at a youth-turned mother, no one can ever demean her of such a fateful incident --- if only one could just think that the child inside the womb is the same child prophesized

by Dr. Jose P. Rizal to be the only breath that will sustain the life of tomorrow, that’d be great.

Being pregnant has never been a sin, however, as it usually turns out, pregnant teens become the subject of contempt and are alleged as an unclean, defiled, and soiled women with no more dignity to uphold for the community and herself.

Have you ever encountered a student suited in a uniform, neat, and hygienic, together with her shoulder bag that rests before her swelling stomach and walking in discomfort?

Is she somewhere on the grounds or classrooms of this aged University, along the pathways or just sitting pretty near the centennial tree?

Wherever she might be, a story is about to unfold. And you ought to listen.

Talks

Her Once Wordless Story

She has always been dying to tell her fellow students that they are students alike. That she wakes in time when the sun does; walks for school; passes-by the ever nosy security guards; experiences entering a classroom without enough chairs or CRs with filthy toilets and sinks; and gets the chance to enjoy suspended classes. But why then of this unfair treatment?

A lady wished to be called Dalene confessed about her journey as a teen and the eventual fall of becoming a young mother.

She stated, “Napakahirap ang pagsabayin ang pag-aaral at pagbubuntis, napapabayaan ko ang katawan at isipan ko.”

Dalene admitted, at the start, that she regrets her pregnancy; however, she asserted that she is now prepared to face whatever consequence might confront her.

“Kahit sino namang babae na maagang nabuntis ay magsisisi.

Pero wala akong dapat pagsisihan dahil ginusto ko ‘to, at magkakaroon na ako ng baby na kaya kong ipagmalaki kahit kanino,” she claimed.

“Wala silang pakialam sa nangyari sa akin, buhay ko ‘to. Ang alam lang naman nilang gawin ay pumuna ng mali ng iba,” Dalene further said.

Dalene added, “I know it was wrong, pero itatama ko nalang ang pagkakamaling ‘yon sa pag papalaki ng mabuti sa baby ko.”

“It happened only once,”another pregnant lady out of confidentiality professed. But regardless of the messy situation she’s into, her family stayed to back her up.

“I don’t care kung anumang sabihin nila, basta ako tanggap ako ng pamilya ko,” she added.

about her

Belly

by Kurt Nylson Cortes† and Danica Villagarcia Illustration by Joshua Caleb Pacleta

Bullying

Dalene along with the young lady who yearned to be anonymous are Bicol University students.

Statements like: “pinag-aaral ka ng mga magulang mo tapos magpabuntis ka lang; hindi ka nalang sana nag-aral sayang lang din, hindi ka pa tapos buntis ka na; parang wala kang pinag-aralan para kontrolin ang mga mangyayari, mapusok ka,” has rendered so much pain among the two ladies and many more students facing a similar situation.

“Pregnant students in BU are irresponsible,” a student named Mar said. He futher asserted that students must set their priorities, that being in a relationship is just a single certain part of life, and that they should know their limitations and responsible for their actions.

Another student who requested anonymity said, “I pity them, walang control sa sarili. Mga hindi nag-iisip.”

“Their parents fed them and took care of them from their education up to their eventual success in their early lives. And to repay them with such insolence is embarrassing,” he argued.

Dan (not his real name) pointed out that they (pregnant teens) could have controlled or resisted the temptation if the foundation of their relationship was unearthly. “They fell to the allure of lust brought up by merely physical attraction,” he continued.

Contrary to earlier statements, Jana, a 2nd year student from the College of Science, said that we should treat them as equals because they are also humans.

Pointing out that it is not necessary anymore to further criticize them, she added that they have committed a mistake and suffered enough from that mistake.

“I’m all against what has happened, but I highly respect those who chose to keep the baby,” said Joy Mee Gabitan, a 4th year student of the College of Education.

Gabitan suggested that even they happen to eavesdrop on criticism, ignoring what they heard is more reasonable than suffering.

Prof.

Ian Relao, a sociology professor from the College of Social Sciences and Philosphy, said that hearing side comments and gossips from people discussing the matter is understandable because owing to the fact that the mother is still a student and has not been married yet.

“They have to accept it, they have to go on with it. And after that (pregnancy), they should make their lives better even if it is hard,” said BU Guidance Councilor Dr. Bebian M. Alparce.

“Be responsible to take care of the child. Seek the assistance of the parents to continue their studies to give a bright future for their child,” said Dr. Obdulia E. Rojas, former Dean of College of Education.

Statistically Waterlogged

Some say that pre-marital sex is fornication having no moral decency. That though everyone has been blessed with sexual drive and a sexual being, it should still be backed with moral stand.

Although, teenage pregnancy is not a new case on the table. It has been around since man first discovered reproduction. Nevertheless, it is an issue being look at with wrong em-

phasis.

In the documentary dubbed ‘Word of the Lourd’ hosted by Lourd Ernest H. De Veyra, particularly in the episode “Lumalanding kabataan”, De Veyra discussed the alarming teen liberalism.

In the show, the Young Adult Fertility Study of the University of the Philippines shows that in 2002, 23 percent of the surveyed Filipino from ages 15 to 24 agreed that it is just alright to be involved in pre-marital sex.

Meanwhile, 40 percent of the inquired male and 22 percent of female professed that sex is acceptable. And that out of 400, 000 yearly abortion cases in the country, 36 percent of such cases belonged to teenagers.

According to Carmelita Ericta, National Statistics Office (NSO) administrator, there is an increasing trend of maternal deaths among teenagers.

Ericta said that the lack of knowledge about pregnancy risks the lives of teenagers involve. The proportion of maternal deaths doubled from 5 percent to 10 percent from 2000 to 2010.

Meanwhile, according to Ugochi Daniels, an official of the United Nation Population Fund Agency (UNFPA), teenage pregnancy in the Philippines boosted by 70% over one decade from 114,205 in 1999 to 195,662 in 2009, the highest teenage pregnancy rate in the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The UNFPA 2011 annual report showed that there are 53 births per 1, 000 women aged 15 and 19 in the Philippines. The data shows that in 2000, one-fifth of the country’s population belongs to the 15 to 24-yearold age bracket ---- that means 16.5 million youngsters. By 2030 this number is projected to reach 30 million.

The record is somewhat alarming in the way that it cites great figures as it exposes the only catholic country in Asia gaining rapid population growth through teenage pregnancy.

Call for a Solution The National Youth Commission (NYC) said that the incidence of teenage pregnancy is reaching alarming proportions.

“This problem is growing exponentially. It is becoming commonplace in the youth’s field of experience. Most young people would usually have a friend or know a peer who became pregnant at a young age,” said NYC Commissioner Perci Cendaña.

According to the NYC’s National Youth Assessment Study, it was revealed that unplanned pregnancy is one of the main reasons why young people do not finish their education.

“Teen pregnancy has many dimensions and its strongest impact is on the young mother whose future will be jeopardized because she needs to take on the responsibilities of being a mother at a very young age,” the study showed.

It claimed that the only way to stop this debilitating trend is to reduce risky behavior of the youth.

“Age-appropriate reproductive health education is the key in influencing the lifestyle of young people so that they can be made more responsible of their actions. Kung walang edukasyon, patuloy na lalala ang problemang ito,” Cendaña said.

“Sex is not only the expression of love,” Professor Gerard Protacio from the College of Education said. “No to pre-marital sex because it causes moral decay, teenage pregnancy, and the potent reason behind broken family.”

“Be responsible to take care of the child.

Seek the assistance of the parents to continue their studies to give a bright future for their child.”

7

FEATURES

Pambansang

FAIRNESS. ACCURACY. GENUINE STUDENT SERVICE.

Ikinatatakot ko

Kalituhan liham at panambitan

lamang na kapag

napalitan ang aking pangalan tuluyan na ring mapalitan ang aking pagkatao.

Ang makilala sa pangalang nailimbag sa pagkatao at pagkakakilanlang pumuno sa kasaysayan ng isang buhay ay karangalan at gantimpala. Subalit kung ito ay nabaon sa malaking diskurso at pinagsaluhan ng mga gutom na kalamnan ng lipunan, karangalan at gantimpala pa kayang maituturing?

Kamusta ka?! Nais ko sanang makipagkaibigan sa’yo. May problema kaso. Pa’no ba ‘yan hindi ko alam ang tunay kong ngalan? Iba’t iba ang tawag nila sa akin. Nakilala nila ako sa aking mga palayaw. Kahit ako di ko alam itatawag sa sarili ko.

Mayroon akong tatlong pangalan. Ang una ay siyang ibinasbas sa akin ng isang manlalakbay at naging pangalan ko sa mahabang panahon. Hango raw yun sa pangalan ng isang hari na kilala naman sa pagiging makupad. Itinawag naman sa akin ang ikalawa kong pangalan ng mga taong nag-ampon sa akin, sosyal nga eh, ingles ang pagbigkas. Ang ikatlo kong pangalan ay ibinasbas ng isang taong malapit sa akin. Ayon sa kanya ito ang nararapat na itawag sa akin dahil sa pangalang ito ako lubos nakilala ng marami. Dekada ‘50 nang naging bukambibig ng mga tao ang pangatlong pangalan ko.

Marahil nagulat at nagtaka ka. Sa isang tulad ko kailan pa naging isyu ang itatawag sa akin. Sa tinagal-tagal ng inilagi ko sa mundong ito, ngayon lang may pumansin sa pangalan ko. Ang masakit lamang ay imbis na purihin ito dahil sa naiiba ito sa lahat, kinutya pa at naging dahilan ng maraming away at bangayan. Biruin mo ‘yun pati sa facebook at twitter pinag-aawayan ang pangalan ko.

Lahat na lang ng puntahan ko, ngalan ko

ni Hermalyn V. Zantua Dibuho ni Nichole Baloloy

ang pinaguusapan. Minsan nga pumunta ako ng aklatan, narinig kong nagpapalitan ng mga koro-koro ang mga iskolar at sabi pa ng isa sa kanila, “Nararapat na ang una niyang pangalan ang itawag sa akin dahil ito ay orihinal at ang pangalan niya sa binyag”. Dagdag pa ng isa, “Higit siyang maiintindihan at makikilala ng lubusan kung ang iyon ang itatawag sa kanya”.

Napa-isip ako...

Minsan nama’y napadpad ako sa isang mamahaling restaurant. Narinig ko na naman na nasambit ang ngalan ko. Akala ko tuloy namukhaan na ako ng mga tao, naroon pa naman ng mga oras na yun ang mga kaibigan ng umampon sa akin. Pinagtatawanan nila ang pangalawa kong pangalan. Buti na lamang may nagtanggol sa akin at sabi pa niya na huwag akong tawagin sa ngalang ibinigay ng mga gumamit sa akin, hindi na ako ampon sapagkat matagal na akong nakalaya sa kanilang pagkakatali.

Sa isip ko, malaya nga ba talaga ako?

Isang araw, napadaan ako sa palengke. May dalawang babaeng nag-aaway. Yung aleng tindera ng gulay at yung manang na nagbebenta ng isda. Bigla akong nadismaya ng malaman kong ako na naman ang dahilan ng away nila.

Sa lakas ng kanilang mga boses tila nabingi na ang aking pandinig, “Ang dapat itawag sa kanya ay iyong nakasanayan na, bago nang bago wala namang magandang nangyayari, napalitan lang ang pangalan” sabay palakpakan ng mga tambay sa kanto na walang ginawa kundi maki-usyoso.

Ito ang mahirap sa buhay ko, wala na nga akong mga magulang, ulila pa nang lubos. Kaya di ko matukoy kung ano na nga ba talaga ang pangalan ko, nakasulat man o hindi.

Nagkagulo na ang lahat...

Napagdesisyunan kong alamin ang katotohanan, sino nga ba talaga ako?

Sa ngayon, hindi ko alam ang kahihinatnan ng pagtuklas at pag-alam ko sa aking tunay na pangalan. Maraming mga argumento na ang naglabasan. Ang panig ng mga taong sumasang-ayon at ang panig ng mga kumukontra. May kanya-kanya silang ipinaglalaban.

Napaupo ako sa isang tabi sa ilalim ng liwanag ng buwan at noon ko lamang napagtanto na napakalaki ng aking problemang kinakaharap. Maaring sabihin ng iba na ang pangalan ay salita lamang na binuo ng mga titik na pinagdugtong, ngunit para sa akin ito ang pagkakakilanlan ko bilang ako; sarili ko ang panagalan ko, ugat ng buhay ko. Di ko mawari kung ako’y magsasalita pa ba o mananahimik na lamang.

Isinangguni ko ang ang aking suliranin sa mga nakatataas upang ako’y maliwanagan. Ito ang nalaman ko mula sa kanila...

Mula sa lupon na sang-ayon sa pagpapalit ng aking pangalan, agarang pagbabago ang kailangan ng aking pagkakakilanlan. Nais niyang gamitin ko na ang pangalang ibinasbas sa akin, sapagkat ito diumano ang opisyal at modernong pangalan na naglalarawan ng aking kasaysayan at pag-unlad.

Nasasaad mula sa isang kopya ng liham noong taong 1992 na ipinabasa nila sa akin na ang pagkakaroon ko ng tatlong pangalan ay nagdudulot ng kaguluhan at pagkalito para sa marami. Dagdag pa ng kanilang pinuno, matagal na niyang itinutulak ang paggamit ng una kong pangalan, na ayon pa sa kanya ay ang tunay na pangalang ibinigay sa akin mula noon pa man hanggang ako’y lumalaki’t nagkakaisip.

Mula naman sa isang grupo na hinihikayat akong huwag ng palitan ang aking pangalan, di na kailangan palitan pa ang aking pangalan sapagkat ito ay mistulang pagpapakita na di pa ako nakalalaya mula sa nakaraan ng aking pagiging alipin ng mga banyaga.

Nagkaroon ako ng bagong pangalan na siyang naging tanda ng aking pagbabagong buhay at paglimot sa nakaraan. Ayon pa sa grupong ito na binubuo ng mga lingwista mula sa iba’t ibang kolehiyo at pamantasan sa bansa, malilito lang ang mga kabataan ngayon sa kung ano ba talaga ang itatawag nila sa akin. Malinaw rin naman na hanggang ngayon hindi pa rin mabubura ang pangalang pamana sa akin.

Di ko na alam ang aking gagawin. Nahahati sa dalawa ang aking desisyon. Ang isang parte ay nagsasabing palitan ko na ang pangalan at gamitin ang orihinal kong ngalan upang di na ako mahirapan pa sa aking pagpapakilala sa harap ng marami.

Masasabi ko na rin kung bakit ganito ang ipinangalan sa akin at kung ano ba ang kuwento sa likod nito.

Sa kabilang banda, tama na rin naman ang kasalukuyang pangalan ko. Ito na ang kinagisnan at nakasanayan kong gamitin pati na rin ninyo.

Hindi madali ang pagpapalit ng pangalan. Isa itong matagalang proseso at ayon pa sa pagkakaalam ko kailangan ng kaukulang salapi para sa pagpapalit ng pangalan sa National Statistics Office kahit pa isang titik lamang ito. Malaking pera ang kakailanganin.

Mabuti sana kung may pera pa ako sa bulsa, sa pagkakaalam ko naubos na ng ilang mangungupit.

Nakakatawa nga lamang na imbes na lalong mapatibay ang aking kasarinlan at ako’y kilalanin dahil sa pagkakaroon ko ng higit sa isang pangalan naging sanhi pa ito ng lalong pagbalewala at di pagpansin sa akin. Kung babaguhin man ang aking pangalan, hindi na ito dapat malimitahan sa pagpapalit sa isang letra lamang. Pero natutuwa’t nagpapasalamat ako sa mga taong tinanggap ako kahit higit isa ang aking pangalan. HIndi na nagtatanong pa.

Hindi naman kakat’wa o kakaiba ang pagkakaroon ko ng tatlong pangalan. Gusto kong isiping may malawak akong pang-unawa at pagtanggap sa ganitong bagay.

Sa aking pagmumuni-muni may isang bagay lamang na bumagabag sa akin. Napansin at naramdaman ko na mayroon ng isang napakataas na bakod at dibersiyong nakapalibot sa akin. Ikinatatakot ko lamang na kapag napalitan ang aking pangalan tuluyan na ring mapalitan ang aking pagkatao. Dumating yung punto na hindi ko na maikukuwento’t maibabahagi sa inyo ang mga karanasan kong punong-puno ng kulay na naging kaakibat din ng aking iba pang pangalan. Balang araw hindi na ako makilala dahil tuluyan na akong nabago dahil sa isang titik lamang.

Napunta na rin naman tayo sa usapang pangalan. Ano nga bang meron dito? Ano nga bang meron sa pangalan? Para sa akin ito ang tanda ng aking pagkatao. Hindi na isyu pa kung sino man ang nagbigay nito o pano ito nakuha. Ang alam ko lang kapag narinig iyon ng iba ako agad ang maiisip nila, wala ng iba.

Ikaw ang bahala sa

pangalang isasabit mo sa akin.

Filipinas, Philippines, Pilipinas,

iyo ang desisyon.

Galak ako’t kilala kita’t kilala mo ako.

Ikaw, ano ang kuwento ng

pangalan mo?

inocenTREE

READ MORE: www.unibeonline.com

COMICS

by Deano Christian Echague

Th

PIN

News Monitoring and Staff Meeting: Every Wednesday. 6PM onwards.

June - Oct

EDITORIAL Damage Control After the unprecedented onslaught of Super Typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan) on the hard-hit regions of Eastern Visayas particularly on the provinces of Leyte and Samar, joint salvage efforts by the local government units and the international humanitarians for the storm survivors is downright heartwarming. However, the system of distribution of aid delivery is still not fixed resulting to slowpaced relief operations and adding more burdens to the storm-battered victims.

Criticisms on the slow progress of delivering assistance to the traumatized and hungry Filipinos down south has already been brought up to the Malacañang Palace by the public as well as the local and international media. But Palace officials, for unknown reasons, have continually deflected this issue.

According to the Department of Interior and Local Government, they are currently investigating on reports that some local government officials including some mayors and officials of villages are allegedly involved in hoarding relief goods meant for the typhoon victims. But this concern backfired at the agency when DILG Secretary Mar Roxas, also a leader of the ruling Liberal Party, has been accused of playing politics in the early stages of relief work for victims of Yolanda in Tacloban, a city ruled by Mayor Alfred Romualdez belonging to the rival political party of LP, the Nacionalista Party.

Leyte’s fourth district representative Lucy TorresGomez said that politics and inefficiency have gotten in the way in providing relief to as many people as possible. Gomez also blamed poor logistics and insistence of some government officials to stick to bureaucratic processes despite the desperate situation for the poor relief effort.

Apparently, no thanks to some local government officials, the typhoon victims are suffering even more that they have expected. The typhoon has already taken so many lives and to risk more lives fighting for survival in exchange for mere selfish political interests is condemnable. These people should be ashamed of themselves of bringing much horror to the already tragic scenario at hand.

Reports of sporadic incidents of riots and looting have been also recorded, including the intrusion of a rice warehouse that left eight people dead and experts warn these could escalate if the root causes – loss and helplessness – are not addressed. According to Annabelle de Veyra, chief administrator of the Health Department for the region, they are worried that there will be anarchy all over if this could not be resolved immediately.

As of November 30, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council have recorded 5,632 people dead with 26,136 injured and almost two thousand people are still missing. The total cost of damages was estimated at over P30.6 billion which includes P15.6 billion from the infrastructure damages and over P14.9 billion from the agricultural damages. These statistics grimly shows that massive cost of damages tends to overwhelm just as the number of casualties continue to rise to a tragic ascent.

The typhoon affected over 10 million people in 57 cities and 44 provinces leaving to rust and rubbish their ravaged houses into the evacuation centers and some, out of desperation, boarded the Philippine air force C-130 cargo planes to fly out of the province to go to Manila in their exodus unsure of what and how will they mend their lives in another dwelling place.

There is no doubt that these staggering numbers, as the days and weeks goes by, will further balloon into a more cataclysmic reality of how the typhoon inflicted widespread devastation to our fellow countrymen.

In spite of this, the strength of the survivors to have look down the corpses of their love ones, to have almost crawled and walk like zombies because of hunger, to have sleepless nights thinking no less than of a brighter tomorrow, and to still battle their way to survival every waking day despite the minimal help their getting is truly remarkable. But what are they receiving in return? Are our government officials really this cold-hearted to let this kind of torment pass by?

Still, the ever resilient Filipino spirit will never be dampened and that with each rebuilding process, a renewed and firmer citizen will emerge. Just like a phoenix, these provinces will rise from its ashes and as always, overcome its past wounds and adversities.

Next verse denelle dolleson

Clash of the Titans

The incessant word war between Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile and Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago in the Senate floor I think was outright unnecessary. After the furious exchange of insulting epithets, allegations, and denials stapled in their privilege speeches, you would really have to ask yourself: Did this argument legitimately reach anything except for character assassination?

Enrile’s privilege speech last November 27 was supposedly meant to answer and defend himself from Santiago’s hurl of allegations condemning the former as the mastermind of the Priority Development Assistance Fund scam orchestrated by the detained businesswoman Janet LimNapoles and that he was the financer of the Zamboanga siege by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. But what Enrile did in order to retaliate would haunt him until his death bed. He repeatedly called Santiago as his bitter and obsessive hater. And that every bit of allegation thrown at his grill is a product of baseless fabrications against him from a depraved mind.

When it was Santiago’s payback time last December 4, the senator accused Enrile of committing seven sins, including his role as the chief conspirator of the deaths and disappearances of the martial law of some 4000 political dissenters of decades ago and his inclination to chase women, calling him a sex addict. Considering the man as contrary to logic and common sense, she named Enrile as Mr. Dementia. And if that wasn’t enough, the senadora further labeled him as Tanda, “the icon of shameless lying” and “poster boy for stem cell treatment.”

The 89-year old Enrile even dared the lady senator to appear as a special prosecutor against him to demonstrate her knowledge of the facts of the alleged pork barrel scandal and her legal skill as a trial lawyer, daunting her that she will experience something she never experienced before. In response, Santiago reiterated that, in any event,

she would like to challenge Enrile to a public televised debate in the University of the Philippines on any topic connected with the pork barrel scandal.

Marveling at this kind of speech squabble, we cannot really just let go of this barbaric and childish oral fight between these two because as far as I know, they are, probably, two of the most decorated legislators of all time in Philippine politics if not for their peculiar ways of expressing themselves especially to arguments like this. However, to see how they act and trash talk like hoodlums is unbearable.

Sen. Sergio Osmeña said that they “don’t tolerate unparliamentary language” and that the argument “has nothing to do with the issue that is being debated.” But how

[

have a hard time cleaning their reputation if limitations to such privilege speeches would not be imposed. Rightfully so, other members of the Senate are now studying both speeches to strike out the unparliamentary words and personal attacks from the chamber’s records and journals.

However, this would not be enough. Both senators should be sanctioned under the rules of the Senate to not let this unethical show of political practice progress anymore.

If Santiago wants Enrile locked up in bars along with Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr. and two former House members for their alleged involvement in the P10-billion pork barrel scam, shouts of ghastly nicknames and imputations would do her no justice but enough and tangible pieces of evidence will. And if Enrile wants to get his name in shipshape and away from this stress of allegations, keeping the senadora infuriated would only cause more damage to his already bludgeoned role in our country’s politics. If wisdom really comes with age, both Enrile and Santiago are not proving that.

This tiff will not settle the score between the two but will only undermine the kind of politics the country is nursing. Enrile and Santiago, both known for their own unique style of political expertise, are being looked up to by a lot of people especially aspiring students that wants to venture on to the world of politics and to be able to witness their petty show of misdemeanor is such a disgrace. Senator Vicente Sotto III was right when he said the problem was that the scholars of the future will be able to look at the records and journals of the Senate and will see these words.

Yes, they are forces to be reckoned with. But a truce for both camps is deeply considerable. It’s now time for them to reevaluate themselves and at least try to bury the hatchet for good in order for the Senate to get back on track.

]

This tiff will not settle the score between the two but will only undermine the kind of politics the country is nursing.

does that kind of scenario slipped away from them? The integrity and dignity of the Senate is on the line here and to have these two renowned senators continue their ways of bashing each other would ultimately destroy that.

As legislators they should be impeccably objective of whatever they are pushing for in the Senate but this has gone too far and too personal. And as much as we like to see Santiago grind one senator to the other until his ears could not bear the onslaught any longer, this won’t justify her any better than those that are seated quietly and stealthily looting the people’s money.

It is also quite bothering that the senators were like mere frozen statues during those privilege speeches where in fact they should have intervened and stood to raise a point of order. The 16th Congress would

The Bicol Universitarian

NION

tober 2013

For comments, suggestions and reactions: e-mail us at: unibe.online@gmail.com

Volume XLI Issue 1

SHOUTOUT

troubleshoot

DORIE MAE ORNIDO

alyssa joselle bañares

Stopping the hate

Filipino pride once again lifted the hopes of Philippines’ countrymen when a Filipina, after besting 127 countries, won the coveted Miss World for the first time after 60 long years. It is inspite of the on-going noise brought by the P10 billion-peso Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam. The curse cast by a candidate who was forced to withdraw the pageant was finally broken. Every Juan rejoiced and every Juan applauded on Megan Young’s victory.

ogy, inventors and geniuses have been thinking for people. The abundance of ideas has caused the common people to lack critical thinking and narrow their thoughts leading to false assumptions, stereotypes and discrimination.

Not even well known personalities can escape discrimination, what more the low profile people, who do not have money and power? Everyone in everything in everyway has always something to say. There is no escape from criticism no matter how hard you try to look nice and presentable, and no matter how many friends you have.

Those who are seated and given the power

But it was cut short when a racial slur started by a woman from a country that once took continue to provide the people with equal rights but advantage of the men and the riches of the Philip- still, the unequal treatment of the equals exist. There are still people who pine land went viral believe that they can on Facebook: “Miss play God and act as if Philippines is Miss they are greater than There are still people World? What a everybody else. joke. I didn’t know who believe that they Mikhail those maids have Bakunin once asked, can play God and act anything else in “What do we mean by them. Hahaha.” Filas if they are greater respect for humanity? ipino netizens then, than everybody else.

We mean the recogniquickly expressed tion of human right violent reactions and human dignity in in defense through every man, of whatFacebook and ever race or colour.” even came up with an FB hate page, which gathered

There has been no scientific evidence to 11,068 likes in just a matter of hours.

Racial discrimination is not new to Fili- support such belief and theory that whites are supepinos. Even before, a dictionary defined Filipina rior to other races. The problem is that some people as a domestic helper, which shows the evident ste- express their judgement or opinion without adequate reotyping of the foreign bloods to Filipino women. knowledge, with bias and even hatred of other races, It always seems that what comes natural to Filipinos which is evident on the racial slur that occured on such as having chocolate colored skin and not hav- Facebook.

She did not know that Megan Young is ing a pointed nose are deemed unacceptable to other Filipino-American. All she knew was that she is a races.

Racism is a specific kind of prejudice that Filipina representing the Philippines, stereotyped as there are differences among the human races and that a country of maids. In her case, because of her insome are superior or inferior to the others. It is con- adequate knowledge and prejudice, she appeared to sidered as the root of some of the greatest injustices have insulted herself in front of millions of people against humanity. It has even led to slavery, wherein without her knowing how powerful the whole nation one group of people falls under absolute domination can be when united.

Disputes will always be there because of of another group. repelling ideas and opinions. But if we will put back

Wayback the 1500s, the trade of human slavery became a large-scale enterprise, where they this context on the view of the Bible, all men are crebuy and sell human beings, African slaves to be ex- ated equal and everyone is equal in the eyes of God. act. They were enslaved in the Western Hemisphere But why is it that people tend to play God and act and was forced to work on mines and plantations, superior to whom they think they are? Regardless because the whites believed that blacks belong to in- of your features, your riches, your color and ferior species and were therefore naturally subordi- other inferiorities, you still belong to the human race. That makes you equal with nate to whites in both character and intelligence.

Throughout the development of technol- everyone around you.

[

KWADRADONG KAHON

Nakababa na ang watawat, dapit-hapon na siguro.

Nakakabingi na naman ulit ang boses ng mga tao sa loob ng kwadradong kahon na binubuhay ng kuryente habang nakatutok ang kumpol ng mga ulo. Panay pataasan ng boses ang labanan. Sa mahigit na labing limang taon na panunuod ko sa kwadradong kahon na ito, ang mga pang-araw-araw na eksena na ipinapakita nito ay ang siyang naging realidad narin ng mga taong nanunuod rito --- lalo na nung mga bata na manghang-mangha sa papalit-palit nitong kulay at boses.

Kapag may gustong sabihin, kalsada ang takbuhan para ipagsigawan ang kanilang mensahe na diumano’y kailangang malaman ng lahat sa pasigaw na paraan ng pinagsama-samang boses . Isisigaw ang lahat ng salita na meron ang diksyonaryo at sisisihin kahit ang baboy sa pagiging baboy nito.

Ang mga mambabatas ay nag uumpugan ng ulo at nagpapatayugan ng kani-kanilang guryon --- mas matayog, mas kilala. Kapag mayroon naman ng temang pagtutulungan, kailangan mo munang nasa posisyon para makatulong; ito raw ang bakal na batas ng politika.

Ang ibang eksena naman sa kwadradong kahon ay pinagbibidahan ng mga batang magkahawak ang mga kamay, naglalampungan, at naghahalikan; mga minor de edad na magsing-irog.

Mga ibenebenetang produkto na animo’y yun nalang ang kulang sa buhay ng tao, at sa oras na bumili ka nun ay makukumpleto na ang buhay mo. Sa eksena naman sa dako ng pagpapatawa ay umusbong ang makabagong anyo ng komersyalismo. Ang biro ay dapat humahamak ng pagkatao, itsura, at nanunuya.

visit our website: unibeonline.com

]

Kapag ganoon ang biro mo ay siguradong nakakatawa ka at maaari ka pang magkaroon ng konsiyerto. Sabayan pa ‘yan ng mga salitang ipinanganak kamakailan lang na pilit na inilalapat sa musika para maging saliw ng OPM.

Wala nang hangganan kung anong impormasyon lamang ang maaaring malaman ng mga kabataan ngayon. Ang mga impormasyong sensitibo, nakakalito, at mabigat pa para sa kanilang mga edad ay siya namang paboritong ituro ng mga nakakatanda.

Kung maghahanap siguro tayo ng modelo para sa mga kabataan ngayon panigurado ang unang iisipin ay yung modelo dapat maganda o gwapo, payat o malaki ang katawan, magaling mag ingles, at mayaman. Basehan na ang itsura sa pag husga sa kung ano ang mararating mo balang araw.

Sa mga sumisigaw sa kalsada, hindi niyo ba alam na sa bawat malakas na boses na inyong pinapalipad sa hangin ang tunog sa mga bata ay isang dambuhalang ingay ng reklamo? Sa mga plakard at pag martsa ay ang mga aral na kailangang idaan sa reklamo ang gustong sabihin. Nasaan na ang mga aral ng pagiging kontento? Sa ginagawa niyo natututunan din ng mga bata ang isisi na lamang sa iba kapag hindi nila nagawa ang responsibilidad nila.

Paano kung itanong nila sa inyo ito: Kung galit at ayaw ninyo sa pamahalaan, bakit sa tuwing may trahedya at kalamidad na nangyayari karipas agad kayo sa tulong na ibibigay ng gobyerno?

Sa bansang duguan ang politika kahit hindi eleksyon, imbes maging inspirasyon ang mga mababatas at alagad ng gobyerno bakit tila sila pa ang nagpapasimula ng ingay? Pa’no nalang ang mga bata na gustong maging katulad nila, gagawin din ang ginagawa nila?

POWER TRIP

The way to be nothing is to do nothing.

But by the way how the driver treated them, it was crystal clear that the Section 21 in the Chapter

We call them names only we can under- V, Social Justice and Human Rights that talks about stand. They call us names only they can understand. Equal Protection and Non-Discrimination of ICCs/ And we need to bridge the gap because we are broth- IP was violated. It was stated in the said chapter and section of the Philippine Constitution that the state ers and sisters after all.

I will not forget the day when I met those shall extend to them the same employment rights, people who belong in the same indigenous cultural opportunities, basic services, educational and other community when they joined me in a public utility rights and privileges available to every member of the vehicle. Their smell was awful, they were shouting society.

Just imagine if we are all like the jeepney as they talk with their colleagues, their clothes were driver who will incessantly push those people out dirty and will not be even accepted for relief goods.

Hypocrisy aside, I was delighted when of the vehicle. Are they going to push their luck and the driver told them to leave the jeep. I know that wait for good-hearted individuals who still believe in time that he did it because of the terrible odor that the social responsibility? Or are they going to bow even branded perfumes could never save. One their heads and do a several-kilometer walk under a scorching heat just to woman shouted at him and reach their destinadesperately kept on saying, tion?

“Mabayad kami! Mabayad

Their unwakami!” The children were vering determination also saying words that only ...because it is every condespite discriminathey can decipher. It came cerned citizen’s job to tion must make us to me as their plea to allow feel little. No matter them to ride the jeepney. protect the rights of those how good our school Their words is and no matter how who are oppressed. struck me as a sudden regreat our professors alization that I should be are, most of us still ashamed about my thoughts. don’t know how to be I should not have judged truly grateful for all them because of how they that we have because smell, how they talk, how they look like. Instead of sharing the driver’s senti- of our insecurities. The willpower in their struggle to ments, I should have at least defended those people fully enjoy their human rights and freedom mandatbecause it is every concerned citizen’s job to protect ed by the constitution is far beyond our imagination.

Nevertheless, it is absolutely right for every Filipino the rights of those who are oppressed.

It was undeniable that they are indigenous citizen to help the members of the indigenous culpeople who seemed to be long-forgotten by the so- tural community not to be left unaided. And it is our ciety because of the different issues that bombard us government officials’ responsibility not to lay their everyday. They are the ones who never wished for backs contentedly on their soft couches with the inunderstanding and acceptance. They’re only asking digenous people roaming in the streets, begging for for respect—respect that seemed to elope from them something that may ease their hunger.

As long as there are people who belong to because of their decision to preserve their cultural heritage. They are the people who will continuously the marginalized sector who are still experiencing fight for what is rightfully bestowed upon them by oppression, indignation and discrimination—womthe constitution. And mostly, they are the ones who en, children, senior citizens, LGBTs and indigenous will never give up their culture and tradition just to people—our officials can never say that they are doing their jobs properly. They don’t have the right to sit be like the people who kept on judging them.

With that thought in my mind, I won- back and enjoy the taxpayers’ donations that they call dered if the Republic Act No. 8371 is being properly honorarium. They don’t have the right to flaunt their implemented. The RA was supposed to recognize, names and faces in tarpaulins as if it is our moral obprotect and promote the rights of indigenous cul- ligation to thank them because of a project that we, tural communities (ICCs) and indigenous people the people, financed. And they don’t have the right to (IP). A National Commission of Indigenous People be called as leaders if they don’t know how to protect was also created to be the primary government and promote the common good of their constituents agency that will be responsible for the for- regardless of their age, religion, ethnicity, gender orimulation and implementation of policies, entation and preference. plans and programs that will lead to the Indeed, the way to be something is to do something. success of the Republic Act.

[ ]

[ ] Kung tuturuan natin ng wasto ang mga kabataan ngayon pagdating ng mga anak nila ay puro wasto nalang ang maituturo nila.

devil’s advocate J. D. GUTIERREZ

Yun nga siguro ang sumpa ng salin-lahi.

Ang mga matatanda ngayon ay ang mga bata dati na tinuruan din ng mga nakakatanda sa kanila, kaya anong nangyari? Gusto rin nilang ituro sa mga bata ngayon ang mga natutunan nila nung bata pa sila. Ito ang tawag sa walang katapusang pamana ng lahi.

Natutunan rin ng mga kabataan ang makialam sa paksa ng pag-ibig kahit hindi pa nila ito gaanong na iintindihan. Teenage pregnancy? Abortion? Youth delinquency? Sa araw-araw na impluwensiya ng kwadradong kahon sa buhay ng bata, inuukit nito sa isipan niya na kailangan niyang gawin ang ibang bagay maliban sa itinuturo ng kanyang magulang at guro.

Naguguluhan lang ang bata sa kung sino ang paniniwalaan niya: Ang magulang niya na nagsasabi na hindi pa para sa kanya ang pagkakaroon ng relasyon o ang kwadradong kahon na ipinapakita sa kanya ang serye ng mga eksena na ang bida ay mga batang magkarelasyon at tila ginagawa na rin ng lahat ng bata. Sa anong ideya ba natin papalakihin ang mga kabataan?

Ngayon gagawin na rin lahat makabenta o makapagpatawa o masabi lang na sikat siya. Nawawala na ang ugaling Pilipino. At ang nakakalungkot lang ay mga Pilipino mismo ang may ayaw sa ugali niya.

Gutom sa pagbabago, ngunit saan ba busog?

Kailangan na siguro nating mag lagay ngayon ng plakard sa mga kalsada o mga gusali, at ang ilalagay, “Gumawa ng tama, may mga batang nanunuod.”

Sa pamamagitan siguro nito ay hindi na natin ibabalewala ang epekto at bigat ng ating kilos at gawa para hindi maisantabi ang kritikal na larawan na may mga batang nanunuod. Ayon nga sa matandang kasabihan, “Ang gawang mali ng matanda sa mata ng bata tama.”

Kung tuturuan natin ng wasto ang mga kabataan ngayon pagdating ng mga anak nila ay puro wasto nalang ang maituturo nila. Kung paano gustong lumaki ng bayan ang mga kabataan itanim dapat ito ng mga mamamayan niya sa lugar kung saan unti-unti nitong aabutin ang sinag ng araw at pataas ang tubo.

At gabayan natin sila kapag kaharap nila ang tindahan ng mga ideya na nag kukondisyon sa isip na realidad ang isang palabas, ang kwadradong kahon ng telebisyon.

10 Staedtler

TM

joshua caleb pacleta

Ang Alamat ng Wheelchair

Ang mga kawatang gipit, sa wheelchair kumakapit.

Sa tuwing may paglilitis na nagaganap sa ating bansa na kinasasangkutan ng mga malalaking pangalan, mapa-politiko man o sikat na personalidad, sadyang hindi nawawala sa eksena ang mahigawang silya na ito. Ang silyang may dalawang gulong na pinaaandar ng dalawang malilikot na kamay at karaniwang nakikita natin sa ospital. Ang silya ding ito ang nagliligtas sa sinumang buwaya sa bingit ng kahihiyan. Ang mahiwagang wheelchair.

Hindi maikakaila na malaki ang bahaging ginagampanan nito sa pagsasakatuparan ng malapelikulang pagtakas ng isang kriminal na may kinalaman sa pagnanakaw ng kaban ng bayan. Ang pangyayaring ito ay hindi na bago sa mga mata ni Juan habang pinapanood niya sa telebisyon ang madramang telenobela – na tipong papatapos na ang pelikula subalit na house arrest, hospital arrest, cardiac arrest o anumang uri ng arrest ang kontrabida.

Naaalala niyo pa ba si GMA? Kung oo, tiyak natatandaan ninyo kung papaano niya pinasan ang lahat ng metal braces sa mundo at inako ang lahat ng epidemya na natuklasan ng mga siyentista.

Small but terrible ika nga at nakuha pang tumakbo at manalo bilang kongresista kahit ang dati niyang katungkulan ay ang pagiging presidente ng bansa.

Nag dilang anghel ata ang kanyang nunal na pagkalaki-laki at kasing itim ng kayang budhi. Hindi ko na iisa-isahin pa ang mga pandarambong, panoloko at pangungurap na ginawa niya sa ating lahat basta’t ang alam ko, siya ang dahilan kung bakit umusbong ang alamat ng wheelchair.

Isa’t kalahating taon ang nakalipas, nasundan na naman ito ng panibagong pasabog ng dating punong mahistrado ng Korte Suprema. Ilang

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OPINION

FAIRNESS. ACCURACY. GENUINE STUDENT SERVICE.

Ang mahiwagang wheelchair na pumapabor lamang sa mga FILTHY RICH. Ang mahiwagang wheelchair na kumakatawan sa paikut-ikot na sistema ng hudikatura sa ating bansa.

buwan na pinagdebatehan ng mga nagmamalinis at makakating dila kung siya nga ba ay mapapatalsik sa pwesto o hindi. Sa huli, nasaksihan ng milyunmilyong Pilipino ang mala-epikong eviction ay este dethronement ng kauna-unahang napatalsik na punong mahistrado. Samantala, magmula ng masipa sa silyang pinagkaingat-ingatan ng sampung taon ay naging marumi at patapong basahan ang kawawang nilalang sa mata ng sambayanan. Matatandaan noong Agosto 26 ay nakiisa rin kuno siya sa Million People March subalit imbis na matuwa sa kanya ang hukbo ng mga nagngingitngit na Pilipino, siya pa tuloy ang napagbuntungan ng lahat ng sama ng loob.

Kaya iyon nagmukmok na lamang siya sa kanyang heavily-tinted na sasakyan habang binubulyawan ng taumbayan. Muli’t muli, huwag nating kalimutan na gumamit rin siya ng mahiwagang wheelchair at akalain mong agad-agad lumala ang kanyang Diabetes sa kalagitnaan ng kanyang madramang talumpati na dinaig pa ang I have a Dream ni Martin Luther King Jr.

Nagpatuloy ang benepisyong hatid ng mahiwagang wheelchair sa kasalukuyan nang magbukas sa sinehan ang pelikulang pinagbibidahan ng tinaguriang Pork Barrel Scam Queen na si Janet Lim Napoles. Pinutakti ng maraming batikos sa telebisyon hanggang sa social media ang diumano’y 10 bilyong karneng baboy na nilamon ng buo nina Napoles at iba pang kongresista at senador. Noong ika – pito ng Nobyembre humarap si Napoles sa Senate Blue Ribbon Committee upang mabigyang linaw ang anomalyang diumano’y sa kanya nag-ugat. Subalit nadismaya lamang ang lahat ng Pilipino ng ang mga katagang lumabas sa kanyang labi ay “hindi ko po alam” at “I invoke my right against self-incrimination”.

Nakapanlulumong isipin na ang ginhawang dapat sana ay tinatamasa ng mga katulad nating naghihikahos sa buhay ay napupunta lamang sa mga luho ng mga ganid sa salapi at sakim sa kapangyarihan. Dapat sana ay ipinamahagi ang bilyun-bi-

lyong karneng baboy na ito sa mga Pilipinong uhaw at kumakalam ang tiyan nang sa gayon ay maibsan man lamang ang gutom at hirap na kanilang nadarama. Lahat ng ito ay nagsimula sa kasakiman. Kasakimang patuloy na bumabalot sa bulok na sistema ng ating pamahalaan. Sa kabilang dako, mantakin mong gumamit rin ng wheelchair na Louis Vuitton itong si Napoles nang sa gayon ay makaligtas siya sa unang pagdinig sa kanyang kaso.

Mula sa pagkaitim-itim na nunal ni Gloria ay umusbong ang dalawang gulong at nabuo naman sa kanyang metal braces ang mismong katawan ng wheelchair. Ang mahiwagang wheelchair na pumapabor lamang sa mga FILTHY RICH. Ayaw niya sa mga dukha, mapili siya. Ang mahiwagang wheelchair na kumakatawan sa paikut-ikot na sistema ng hudikatura sa ating bansa. Ang mahiwagang wheelchair na sumisimbolo sa mga bahag ang buntot na hindi kayang panindigan ang mga kasalanang sila mismo ang may kagagawan.

Subukan mong ipagamit ang silyang de gulong na ito sa isang mahirap na pilipinong mayroong kaso at tiyak akong walang anu-ano’y kulungan agad ang pupuntahan niya. Ganito ang sistema sa ating bansa, ang mayayaman, may pangalan at kapangyarihan, kapag sangkot sa isang anomalya, house o hospital arrest muna ang bagsakan. Ngunit kapag mahirap, wala nang mahabang talakayan pa, seldang kinakalawang ang huling hantungan.

Sawa na ako sa mga kaartehang ito. Husto na. Sagad-sagaran na ang kaplastikan na aking nasasaksihan sa harap ng telebisyon. Kung pwede lamang sanang ipatupad ang Batas ni Hammurabi: “Mata sa Mata, Ngipin sa Ngipin”, tiyak na bulag at bungal na lahat ng korap sa ating bansa. Ngunit ang realidad ay tayong mga ordinaryong Pilipino ang tunay na mga bulag sapagkat hindi na natin alam ang katotohanang nagkukubli sa milyun-milyong kasinungalingan. Mga kasinungalingang hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin napapatawan ng karampatang parusa.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Disillusioned Let not my words be taken too much.

It is not unusual when your professor ask you to memorize our university’s vision, mission, goals and objectives (VMGOs), and including it in a short or long examination. I have seen how things work inside the grounds of this university and my thoughts suddenly gambled asking whether we, students, should really be the ones to dredge-up these things or maybe the BU personnel should first ask themselves how the VGMO’s really work.

More ove r, there should be no discrimination in the way the faculty or any personnel of the university treat the students.

One example of this is the unwelcoming approach of some secretaries of different offices in

The Bicol Universitarian

T H E O F F I C I A L S T U D E N T P U B L I C AT I O N O F B I C O L U N I V E R S I T Y

Editorial Board and Staff AY 2013-2014 Editor-in-Chief Denelle Dolleson Associate Editor Dorie Mae Ornido Managing Editor J. D. Gutierrez Senior Editor Alyssa Joselle Bañares Arts and Graphics Editor Nick Mangampo Jr. Online Content Editor Silverio Sasuman Jr. Copy Editor Joshua Caleb Pacleta Writers Ariane Cornejo, Jervy Anne Romero, Jessica Bechayda, Alyssa Joana Aro, Danica Navida, Hermalyn Zantua, Arthessa Ladoing, Jo Michael Llamelo, Jessamine Raynera, Jerald Talavera, Danica Villagarcia Cartoonists Arvill Villamor, Edward Lustan, John Paul Revilla, Deano Christian Echague, Jeano Marcayda Photojournalists John Emerson Bado, Don Mari Phil Frayna, Charmaine Aduviso Layout Artists Carlo Bernardo, Nichole Baloloy, Giovan Ballatan, Exequiel Tugano Jr. Webmasters Randall Matthew Lorayes, Arjon Jason Castro, Marvin Buhat Public Relations Staff Mary Christelle De Vera,Bryan Del Castillo, Glenda Ante, Reaham Hanna Borja, Christian Robert Roxas Contributing Editor Rey Anthony Ostria Technical Adviser Prof. Felipe Jose Peralta

THE BICOL UNIVERSITARIAN

is located at the 2/F MP Bldg., Bicol University, Legazpi City

MEMBER: College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) Bicol Association of Student Campus Writers (BASCAW) website: unibeonline.com e-mail: unibe.online@gmail.com facebook: facebook.com/UnibeWallnews

Financial Report Academic Year 2012-2013 2nd Semester

the university. It seems that whenever you ask for something, they will give you a mukasim face or perhaps bombard you with annoying words.

If a scenario like this further happen, where does their so-called CLIENTELE SATISFACTION? Ironically speaking, I do believe these kind of people should attend stress management seminars or personality enhancement trainings as to develop a productive public relation.

Bicol University, as far as I know, is an institution that brings quality education to the students. Nevertheless, where is quality education if an instructor or professor would give lessons only once a week?

What is more infuriating alternative way to skip their absences is that they will oblige the students to buy books and consider it as a project.

It is never an excuse to let the books be the only method the students should use in order to learn.

Adding insult to injury, these professors makes me think that the P175.00 per unit that we pay during enrol-

“Bicol University, as far as I know, is an institution that brings quality education to the students.

Nevertheless, where is quality education if an instructor or professor would give lessons only once a week?”

ment is never been given any justice.

I think, professors must do their part as well not for the sake of earning their salaries but doing their job as well.

This attitude largely affects the students to be just the same as them: idle; the kind of person that kills his time for unfruitful things that dampens the eagerness of the students to learn.

Recently, I was not able to enter my class because I have not worn my black shoes. I explained my reason but still I wasn’t permitted to enter.

However, I saw some who were allowed to get inside even when their situation was the same as mine. I supposed I should appear more appealing for me to get treated the same way as what the security guard showed to the others.

There would never be equality unless everything would remain as it is.

Certainly, satisfaction and education both complement each other. We live in a democratic country and it’s priceless.

Both are free.

MARIELLA ISABELLE MELGAR -News Editor, SANDIGAN

SUMMARY 13TH RTSPC P70,500.00 LIYAB P5,500.00 RAYTERISTA 5 P231,449.35 PRE-ELECTION NEWS P876.00 12TH LHEPC P36,800 HARAPAN P6,986.46 POST-ELECTION NEWS P784.75 TOTAL P352,896.56 REMAINING CASH FROM 1ST SEM

P 229,275.65

CASH REMAINING LESS SECOND SEM EXPENSES

P 456,014.45 P 352,896.56

PUB FEE COLLECTION 2ND SEM

P 226,738.80

TOTAL CASH REMAINING P 103,117.89 PLUS RAYTE INCOME P 50,000.00

CASH REMAINING P 153,117.89 LESS 2013 FIRST SEM EXPENSE P 16,000.00 TOTAL OF CASH REMAINING P137,117.89 (SGD.) Jefferson Geva Managing Editor Noted by: (SGD.) Prof. Felipe Jose Peralta Technical Adviser

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is open for complaints,

concerns and grievances.

Submit your articles at www.facebook.com/UnibeWallnews or e-mail us at unibe.online@gmail.com.

Please don’t forget your name.

11

FEATURES FAIRNESS. ACCURACY. GENUINE STUDENT SERVICE.

Whatever you may call them, they will still be people, like you and I who enjoy freely the rights that we deserve and that they deserve as well.

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) group in the Philippines wasn’t able to escape from name-callings, dubbings such as Bakla, beki, bayot, badette, bading, billy boy, paminta, tomboy, T-bird, tibo and the many other colloquial terms used in reference to these people. This group or community, however, sans the judgmental and accusatory views of the less educated mass, possesses a unique culture armed with the passion to fight for their limited legal rights.

People who are namecalled gays and lesbians are known to rule the beauty and fashion industry. When it comes to beauty pageants and designing, it can be observed that most of the admired names in those fields are bisexuals.

But aside from ruling the fashion industry, they are also set to conquer the field of leadership.

In their quest for a society where all people will be able to enjoy and exercise their rights completely, no matter what their sexual orientation or gender identity might be, the LGBT group of Bicol University started their mission by creating a University-Based Organization (UBO) that would be the prime mover for Anti-Discrimination for LGBT Policy.

Last July 8, the Moving Ahead for Gender Equality, Empowering and Nurturing Talent (Magenta) has been established and is already an accredited UBO in the university. MAGENTA paves way for the student’s involvement on the sensitive topics about the third sex.

THE STORY BEHIND

Prof. Ariel Guban, Professor from English Department of the College of Arts and Letters (CAL), together with Jerwin Macasinag, student from the College of Industrial technology (CIT), lead the creation of Magenta. Macasinag is currently the president of the organization.

Prof Guban shared how he came up with the idea of MAGENTA, “I was at the OSS (Office of Student Service) on the eve of USC/CSC election and when I was looking at the students who were running for a post in the council, I’d realize that almost 60 to 70 percent of them belong to the third s e x ,” he explained.

“I realized as well that these people have been so active in the student affairs in the university yet they were not given credit for what they are doing, for what they are contributing to the university. It’s because most of the time they are a part of student organization but as to organization that would really directly credit them of being in the third sex, wala talaga,” Guban added.

BUeños, especially those who belong to the LGBT communi-

ty, are being encouraged to become one with the cause of the group, fighting not just for their rights but also to support the path of the university in promoting excellence in the academe.

Clearing the questions asking if straight women or men could also join, Prof. Guban and Macasinag clarified that “MAGENTA is open for everyone regardless of their sexual orientation.”

“You don’t need to be a gay, lesbian, bisexual or a transgender to be with us. As long as you have an openmind and have no issues re g ard i n g the third gender society, you are v e r y much w e l come to join Magenta,” Macasinag said.

As of the first semester, the organization has accumulated 27 student-members who are actively striving to uplift their ‘social acceptance’ that seem to flee from their hands up until now.

Magenta’s main objective is to promote gender equality. Moreover, the organization also advocates environmental and health-related programs.

OBVIOUS DISPARITY

“I think, the acceptance only applies to the members of our community who are in the mainstream, like the ones in the show business or the ones who entertain the people around them,” said Dean Knowles, a 3rd year BS Industrial Education student. He added that it is still a long journey for the LGBT community to be fully accepted by people who usually treat them as salot ng lipunan,

When asked about an advice for those who are currently having trouble with their identity, Prof.

Guban asserted, “We cannot force them to come out, let them explore first. Pero yung mga out na out na, sumali na sila sa MAGENTA kasi ito yung avenue para sa kanila.”

Meanwhile, the Philippine LGBT Hate Crime Watch has already documented 28 killings within the gay community for the first half of 2011 alone, an alarming result of unequal treatment.

From 1996 to 2011, a total of 103 persons were killed, all belonging to the LGBT group.

In the online news portal of TV5, it was stated that “there has been a steady and alarming rise in violence against members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered community in the Philippines over the past 15 years.”

In the 2007 elections, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) disqualified the LGBT partylist Ang Ladlad for not having na-

tionwide membership. When the same group vied in the 2010 elections it was again vetoed on the ground of “immorality.”

“Criticism is part of our lives and we got used to it. I just don’t like it when people equate LGBTs to “malaswa” or “salot sa lipunan” because we are more than that. We are leaders, great leaders, that can definitely be catalysts for change,” Macasinag explained.

PULLING THE PULLEY

“Magenta is just starting. It will undergo gradual development and with the support of the university, students, administration and the faculty, it will, little by little, make its name, earn respect and achieve its goals,” Guban said.

“I don’t care whether people will accept me or not, said James Kho, a 5TH year BS Electrical Engineering student and an openly-admitted gay.

Same cases demand the return of the respect they avow to every people. If a person is treating another person the way he should be regarded and the latter is unconcern of the act and offended the former, did the portrayal of respect and deference happen? Absolutely not.

“We are not living for them after all. As long as we know that we are not doing bad things to other people, as long as we are not violating any law mandated by the constitution, we deserve to be respected if not accepted,” Kho contended.

According to Akbayan Party Representative Risa Hontiveros ,“The absence of any policy protecting the rights of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender betrays the government’s homophobia and this homophobic government treats LGBTs as second-class citizens.”

The Anti-Bullying Act of 2012 is addressed to the likes of this bullying, thus any attempt to wound anyone as long as the offense is under the premise of the law shall be penalized, but does the law really mobilize when the bullies are pestering?

“But God in creation set us free: It is not possible to interfere spiritually in the life of a person,” Pope Francis told the Jesuit Roman Journal La Civilta Cattolica. He added that the church shouldn’t ‘interfere spiritually’ with the life of the LGBTs.

“We must always consider the person. Here we enter into the mystery of the human being,” the Pope further said.

Despite the condemnation of the catechism on homosexual acts, the head pontiff still requested the Church to love gays and lesbians.

He added that these are the people who “must be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity.”

Being very much open to the idea of challenges ahead, Guban always tells the members of MAGENTA these phrases that will surely bear not only on their lives but for all of us. “You don’t have to be disappointed if there are bumps along the way; you have to believe that this is going to be an organization for us as much as we believe in ourselves,” he said.

Magenta

by Alyssa Joana Aro, Jessica Bechayda and Alyssa Joselle Bañares Illustration by Nick Mangampo Jr.

12

FEATURES The Bicol Universitarian

FAIRNESS. ACCURACY. GENUINE STUDENT SERVICE.

Pork:Telenovela in thePhilippine Politics

It is easy to forgive and forget when a burglar robs your house and takes all your precious things. But when a revered public official whom you’ve entrusted your vote with robs something from the “kaban ng bayan,” it is a different story.

This may be an untold story for a long time, but this will always be unfolded.

The Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), or the Pork Barrel as it is widely known, is now the national trending issue. On Nov. 19, with a 14-0-1 vote, the Supreme Court declared it unconstitutional.

This has been the favorite topic of the mainstream media, minding even the blood pressure of Janet Lim Napoles.

This became the apple of the eyes of every concerned citizen of this country for several months.

The “Napoles-centered drama” started when the lead star Janet Lim Napoles was accused of setting up 20 bogus non-government organizations (NGOs) that ate up the “pork” of some senators and representatives. It also featured how Napoles had dramatically manipulated the “kaban” turning it to her and to her family’s source of plentiful lifestyle. Everyone became aware, although three-fourths of us are still armchair momus, who incessantly believe that it was all Napoles’s fault. The horrors of Napoles’ scandal was evident: It ignited every Filipino’s zeal for truth, justice and equality.

The Php10-billion Pork Barrel Scam was the sickening brainchild of the “Mother of all Pork.” The scam was first revealed on a six-part exposé of the Philippine Daily Inquirer last July 12, 2013 that revived the citizens’s interest in current events again.

Short Journey to Fort

The short history of Janet Napoles’s journey to Fort Sto. Domingo started back in 2001 when she allegedly participated in fraudulent contracts with the military for the supply of Kevlar helmets. She was charged with Graft and Malversation of Public Funds.

Napoles was also one of the brilliant minds in the Php728-million Fertilizer Fund Scam in 2004. Reports say that the money was utilized by the former president and now Pampanga Congresswoman Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as her fund in her reelection campaign for presidency.

Allegations say that Napoles’s latest manipulation to the kaban ng bayan is

the PDAF Scam.

Trading Game

The JLN Corporation is owned by the Napoleses. It is a trading company with the lawmakers as their playmate in the winwin trading game wherein the prize of the latter is the hefty kickback.

Whistleblower Benhur Luy, who is also Napoles’s cousin, said, “The Corporation took risk of filling out necessary documents, forging signatures of government officials, fabricating identities and manufacturing receipts to make appear that the pork barrel money was actually being used for something worthwhile.”

The whistleblower shocked the country even more when he revealed Napoles’s infiltration of the justice system and the Commission on Audit to make her JLN’s operations last long.

Moreover, there are senators and representatives of the House involved. As the political plots in this country go, the lawmakers denied involvement.

History of the ‘Pork’

The Pork Barrel originated in the United States and became popular during the 70s. Traditionally, the slaves of the Southern part of America were provided with salted pork in a barrel as a holiday gift, and then the slaves would run for it.

Currently, pork barrel in the U.S., which comes from the federal treasury, is used for local improvements, primarily to make political representatives get good graces from their constituents.

In Finland, it is called Siltarumpupolitiika or “culvert politics” because it concentrates on small local matters such as the construction of the culverts (waterways) and other public works in the politician’s home municipality.

If the Philippines and U.S. have “pork,” Czech Republic has a “bear.” The Pocovani or “portioning the bear” is the process of diverting budget funds in favor of a project in a particular constituency.

In Serbia, the loyal winning candidates get a portion of the government’s budget in a practice called Podela Kolaca or “cutting the cake.”

The Germans call it “gifts.”

Known as Wahlgeschenke or “election gifts,” Germany shared the curse of the trapos (traditional politicians). This refers to the campaign goodies distributed around election dates while the Kirchturmpolitik or the

“church town politics” is the concentration of Germany’s funding and reliefs to home country of a politician.

In the Philippines, on 1990, pork barrel is called as Countrywide Development Fund (CDF) during Corazon Aquino’s presidency and was later changed to PDAF on 2000 during Joseph Estrada’s term. The fund was used to generate legislative support for the Executive’s programs.

In a wider scope, it is known as patronage politics which is the power to grant political favors. The practice may go by some other names in different countries, but it corrupts administrations—and thus affects a great number of citizens—the same way it distresses Filipinos.

The names are hard to pronounce, the coined words have different histories but they all share one evil: Corruption.

Albay “Pork”

Albay may be miles away from the Metro, but the scandal still reached the Brain of Bicol.

In a report by Maki Pulido, it was revealed that the Php38-million MariawaAnislag Road in Legazpi City which was funded by Albay’s 2nd District Representative Al Bichara was given a multi-million funding. The allocation of the fund is supposedly for the 1.5-kilometer road opening, slope perfection, cross drainage and for 300-meter concreting. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region V gave it an “accomplished” status which residents believe is far from the present condition of the road.

The Php100-million dredging project of Yawa River along the stretch of Rawis, Legazpi City is also a subject for public’s scrutiny when news reports said that it came from the pork barrel fund of Senator Francis Escudero. The dredging project is one of the region’s most controversial.

The rehabilitation of the flood control system of Narcascasan River in Polangui, Albay is a recipient of Php10 million of the original Php25 million that came from the pork barrel fund of Ako Bicol (AKB) Rep. Christopher Co.

The Bicol Mail reported that the bidding for the multi-million project was conducted on the day when the whole nation was raging against the pork barrel scam.

The same newspaper questioned AKB’s Php630-million PDAF fund. The news report stated that the partylist failed to

produce high-impact projects in the region.

According to The Bulletin Today, the Department of Justice charged 38 individuals in connection to the pork barrel scam. The article revealed that Rizalina Seachon-Lanete, Masbate governor, is prominently listed getting an amount totaling to Php108.4 million when she was still seated as Masbate’s 3rd district representative.

Bad Taste of “Pork”

Despite its name “priority assistance,” the PDAF is now considered as “the source of all evils” in the politics. Because of this, the nation placed the Congress in the spotlight when netizens called for the abolition of the PDAF. Similarly, when the Aquino administration doubled the pork barrel allocation for 2014, a proposal for the General Appropriations Act for 2014 was filed on Oct. 21. The proposal, filed by Senator Franklin Drilon, called for the removal of the PDAF as a lump sum allocation.

It is just disappointing to know that while there are honest taxpayers, the lawmakers are also very eager in using these taxes for their self-aggrandizement. They may use the money in something worthwhile, but, their ego is still boosted because of the tarpaulins that show off their faces, as if they are the ones who financed the project.

For months now, the Napolescentered telenovela became the instant favorite of Filipinos. Her cleverness in stealing our money led to her infamous stardom and consequently to Filipinos’s demise. Her unstable blood pressure became our nation’s ups and downs. She is the “Mother of all Pork” but she is not a reverie.

Janet Napoles ignited the fervor of Filipinos for truth and justice, let it be the nation’s guiding light for an honest and transparent government officials; let it be the inspiration of the future generation to be the foundation of a better Philippines.

The PDAF Scam is not just a story to unfold but a lesson to learn.

It only takes one brave person to start the transition towards a better Philippines. This country is not in dire need of someone who knows everything, instead, it needs someone who will truly care for it and its citizens no matter what and no matter who he needs to face.

by Ariane Mae Cornejo Illustration by Joshua Caleb Pacleta

ARt Optical

Bicol University, how dost thou educate jewel from ore?

Could thee furthermore endure?

Like thou Pillars uphold thy height, Will thee further amass leaders within thy door?

Photos by John Emerson Bado

14

ENTERTAINMENT

FAIRNESS. ACCURACY. GENUINE STUDENT SERVICE.

Isa sa hindi ko malilimutan nung BU week niyang ‘di hamak daw na mas gwapo siya sa mga eh ang “pamamalimos” naming mga taga-Unibe sa yun. Huh! Di ko talaga alam kung paano ko susumga estudyanteng nakakasalubong namin. Tinawag katin ang kakapalan ng kanyang mukha. Gwapo nga namin yun na “Ate/Kuya pahingi ng piso” operation. siya pero, ‘di ba girls, nakaka-inis ang mga lalaking Nakakataba ng puso kasi marami ang nagbigay lalo obvious na nga pero ipinangangalandakan pa ang na nung nalaman nilang para sa isang “good cause” kanyang kagwapuhan, kakisigan at ehem. Masyado ang aming ginagawa. Ang masasabi ko? Maliit man ko na siyang pinupuri. Kyaaaah! ang halaga ng piso para sa isang tao, pag pinagsama- Habang kumakain kami, bigla niyang inisama naman ito mula sa napakaraming tao ay tiyak abot ang kanyang cellphone at sinabing ilagay ko na maraming ngiti ang maidudulot nito sa isang daw ang number ko dun. Siyempre may isang patak musmos. pa naman ng dugo si Maria Clara sa aking katawan

Tunay na nakakapagod yung BU week kahit medyo mahirap ‘tong hagilapin kadalasan kaya pero worth it naman talaga. Nanghina lang talaga kunwari eh ayaw ko. Ngumiti ba naman ang loko at ako ng sobra nung nakasalubong ko si One Piece sinabing meron na daw siya at kahit ayaw ko eh wala (yung pinalo ko) sa BU Oval. Anak ng masarap na daw akong magagawa. Natuwa naman ako ng palitinapa rice sa Colonial Grill! Gusto ko ng lamunin him. Haha. Sabagay, sino ba namang makaka-resist ako ng lupa nung mga oras na iyon. Ngiting-ngiti sa tuni-tunilada kong kagandahan? pa naman ang loko at feeling close na nakipag-high Dahil dun eh naalala ko na naman ang five sakin sabay sabing “Robin.” Gwapo siya, oo, pero pagpa-privatize ng ALECO. Kahit maraming dun eh nakaka-asar ang aura niya. At ang kapal talaga ng li- wala pa ring nagawa dahil nga lubog na sa utang ang bag niya nung sinabihan niya akong may kasalanan Albay Electric Coopeartive. Nakalulungkot lang kasi daw ako sa kanya. Like dhuh! Siya nga at ang mga maging dito ay makikita ang kaibahan ng mayaman kurimaw niyang kaibigan ang mas may sa mahirap. Pag mahirap, isang buwan ka kasalanan sakin.

Tssss. lang na di makabayad ay tatakutin ka ni Justine Jane Kutitob

Nagturuan na kami kung na na puputulan ng koneksyon sa sino talaga ang may kasalanan. kuryente kahit hindi pa lalagpas Matagal ng problema na parang anay na unti-untKatulad ng pagtuturuan ng sa isang libo ang bill mo. Pero . Minsan, ing sumisira sa pangalan ng Bicol University. Ang mga senador at congresspag mayaman, kahit ilang mipinapadaan natin siya sa isang bulaklak habang simasasabi ko? Mahiya naman po kayo. men at ni Janet Lim Napoles lyon na ang utang ay hindi nasabi ang “he loves me, he loves me not.” Minsan,

Bago humaba ang litanya ko sa mga prof sa kasalanang ibinunyag ng pa rin mabigyan ng tamang pinapadaan natin siya sa isang barya, na kapag head, na ito na namimihasa ng hindi tuparin ang kanilang whistleblower na si Benhur aksyon. Siningil lang kung ibig sabihin yes. Kapag tail, no naman ang pakahulusinumpaang tungkulin sa BU at sa taxes ng mga Luy. Nakakaloka nga minsan kelan pumutok ang isyu. Ang gan. Minsan, humihingi tayo ng signs, kesyo pag magulang natin at ayoko rin naming magmalinis na kasi parang isa ng telenovela masasabi ko? Sana lahat ng umulan, pag nasukahan, pag inawit ang paborito hindi ako natutuwa pag wala sila, okay na ako. Hindi ang Pork Barrel Scam at paaksyon na gagawin ng mga namong kanta at kung anu-anong trip na pumasok sa naman po ako galit mga sir at ma’am. Ipinapahayag rang punong sumasanga sa kung mumuno ay hindi maglulugmok utak natin. ko lang po ang hinaing ng aking ina kasi siya ang saan-saan. Maraming nadadamay sa mga Albayano sa kahirapan.

Kadalasan, sumasandig tayo kay Mareng gumagastos sa’kin at isa rin siya sa mga nagpapasat maraming nababahiran ng dumi

Dumaan ang mga araw at meDestiny kapag iniiwasan natin si Pareng Uncertainty. weldo sainyo dahil sa binabayaran niyang tax kaya ngunit pilit pa ring nagmamalinis. Mardyo, medyo lang, nakaka-text ko na si Pero, isa lang ang certain ngayon--binabasa niyo wala naman pong masama diba? Rock ‘n roll lang po aming sumusulong ng pag-alis ng pork barrel One Piece. Mabait naman siya at malambing ang tala-sulatan ng dyosang may gandang sinauna’t tayo. na mga gumagawa ng batas. Ang masasabi ko? Ayaw kaso parang palaging nagbabadya ang bagyo pag sariwa, ang dyosang may katangi-tanging kaganda Dahil palagi akong walang pasok, dumami alisin ang pork barrel kasi mga baboy sila. Oink kasama ko siya. Ang lakas ng hangin! Di ko nalang han, kapurisawan at kadalisayan, at ang dyosang miang oras ko sa paglagalag sa unibersidad. Pinangataoink. pinapansin minsan kasi kung palagi kong papansinin namahal, hinahanap-hanap at inaabangan ng bawat wanan ko na ang pagiging Dora ko kahit wala akong

Hay. Na-carried away na naman ako sa ang kayabangan ng mokong eh baka mamatay ako sa BUeño.

Boots at Diego. Huhu. pork barrel. Nakaka-high blood talaga ang pork inis.

Alive na alive na naman ang Dora ng

At hindi ko makakalimutan yung araw na na pinag-pipyestahan ng mga mapagsamantalang Pero nainis ba tayo mga kapwa ko kaBeyubs na isang lakwatserang morena, huwag namay humarang saking grupo ng kalalakihan sa BU politiko. Na-bobo yata sila sa kahulugan ng “prior- bataan nung hindi natuloy ang eleksyon sa Sangguman pong negra. Haha. At dahil alam kong na-miss Oval. Una, akala ko mga adik sila. Pangalawa, naisip ity” sa PDAF. Kailangan siguro nila ng diksyunaryo niang Kabataan? Siguro yung mga tatakbo eh talaako ng fans ko, ang Kutitobers, sisimulan ko na ang kong baka naakit sila sa isang tonelada kong karispara malaman ang tunay na kahulugan ng salitang gang nainis. May kakilala nga ako na pinadalhan na “journey” ng ika-apat kong taon dito sa mahal nating ma. Pangatlo, baka bugbugin nila ako. At ang ginawa ito. Nakakalungkot lang na habang matiyagang daw ng kanyang ama ng malaking halaga na gagamiunibersidad. nila? None of the above. Ginaya ng mga bruho nagtatrabaho ang bawat manggagawang tin sa eleksyon. ‘Yan na ang sinasabi ni G. Brillantes

Simulan natin sa pinakaumpisa. Ang enang isang episode sa One Piece na kaPilipino at nagbabayad ng buwis, eh na “hakot system”. Yung hahakutin ang mga botante rollment. Enrollment palang, naguluhan na agad pag nahawakan ka nung isang tao, nagpapaka-ayahay naman ang at dadalhin sa isang lugar upang hindi na makuha ng ako. Hindi dahil sa mga nakapaskil at naka-banmapupunta ka sa ibang lugar. ibang nasa posisyon sa pan- kalaban. At doon eh pakakainin, aalagaan at bibigderang mukha ng mga officers ng student councils Nung hinawakan nung isang gangamkam ng pera sa ka- yan ng pera ang mga kabataang hindi na alam ang kundi dahil parang habang tumatagal ako dito sa Marami na akong pinagdalalaki yung isang gungban ng bayan. May karma tunay na halaga ng kanilang boto. At kapag nasa poBeyubs eh tumatagal rin ang pagproseso ng paggong, todo trip si kuya sa anan. Para ngang isang nakakalu- naman eh. Pero nais ko sisyon na eh ang sarili na ang kanilang pakakainin, enroll ng mga estudyante. Susme! parang hindi yata pagtakbo palayo samin. rin namang saludu- aalagaan at pangit ‘mang pakinggan eh magbubulsa uso ang “No Noon Break Policy” sa ibang kolehiyo At dahil nagulat ako lang roller coaster ride ang aking han ang mga nasa ng pera. Nakakatakot at nakaka-alarma na ang ganidito sa ating institusyon. Yung iba eh nagsasabi na sa ginawa nila, na- b’yahe.

Nakaka-excite, nakakatuwa, posisyon na hindi hi- tong sitwasyon kaya siguro hindi rin natin masisisi kesyo “offline” daw para lang makapag-break. Ang estatwa ako sa kinanayaang malunod sila ang mga nagsusulong ng SK Abolition. Pero sabi masasabi ko? WWW.PALUSOT.COM. tatayuan ko. Hinarap nakakainis, nakakalula, nakakasuka, nasa pangit na sistema. nga, hindi masosolusyonan ang isang problema ng

Sa kanaisan kong mahanap ang ideal man naman ako nung kakasawa pero syempre hindi mawawaNanindigan at tunay isa pang problema. Kahit anong mangyari eh kailanko na isang gwapong suplado pero hindi babaero at talipandas at akmang na nagbigay ng genu- gan natin ng isang konseho na tunay na poprotekta lalakero na tunay ngang isang endangered specie na, hahawakan. Mabuti la ang pag-asam na matapos ang ine public service. sa karapatan at magsusulong ng kabutihan ng kanaglakad-lakad ako kahit alam kong magkakaroon nalang at dala ko yung Humaba yung segway bataan. Ang masasabi ko? Oras na para patunayan byahe ng may ngiti sa labi.

Dahil ito ng side effect sakin. Dahil magmula ng mabigo Arnis cane ko at bago pa ko ha, balik tayo kay One natin na hindi “school of corruption” ang SK. Bagako kay G. Sandugo at Blues Clues eh naging allerman niya ako mahawalahat tayo ay umaasa sa isang Piece.

Hehe. Alam kong kus, isa itong “school of leadership” na humuhubog gic na ako sa mga ganitong uri ng nilalang. Hahaha. kan eh napalo ko na yung may busilak akong puso at ng makabagong lider.

Chix lang. happy ending. kamay niya. Huh! Akala niya madaling makonsensya, hindi Meanwhile, Si One Piece? Kina-iinisan ko

Kaya naman dinala ako ng mga paa ko madali lang niya akong matsatkatulad ng mga gahaman na poli- pa rin siya pero hindi maitatangging isa siya sa mga malapit kay Kuya ng isang kolehiyo. Napansin ng sansingan? Over my decaying, sexy tiko, kaya nag-sorry ako sa kanya. At nagpapasaya ng buhay ko ngayon. Natatakot nga ako aking tantalizing eyes ang lalaking ito, hindi dahil and supah hawt body. dahil isa’t kalahati ang ka-epalan ng tigidong minsan na baka dagain kami kasi masyado siyang sa siya na ang hinahanap kong gwaping kundi dahil

Natakot akong baka resbakan ako ng mga na iyon, i-libre ko daw siya ng merienda bilang keso. Hindi pa naman siya nanliligaw, take note Kunamumula na siya sa inis. Dahil likas na chismosa kasama niya kaya kinuha ko ulit yung kamay ni kuya “kompensasyon” ng pananakit ko sa kanya. Grrrrr. titobers, hindi PA. Haha. MU? Hindi ko alam. Basta ako, nalaman kong kaya siya naiinis eh dahil ayaw na pinalo ko at inilagay to sa may braso ko sabay Busabos. Buti at hindi ko nakalimutan sa bahay ang alam ko, masaya ako sa kanya at walang dull motanggapin ni Ms. Keysher (Cashier) ang bayad ng sabing, “Kunwari ako si Robin.” At tumakbo na ako namin ang awa ko kundi napalo ko na naman siya. ment pag kasama ko siya. kanyang girlfriend na nasa ibang bansa daw. Oha, palayo sakanya. Kyaaaah!

Tsk.

Tunay nga talagang hindi natin kailangan mayaman si atey. Nagbakasyon grande sa ibang ban Tuwing maaalala ko yun eh natatawa ta At nung naglalakad na kami patungong na palaging may love life. Minsan, kailangan din sa. Anyway, may rule daw kasi na dapat personal ang laga ako. In fairness, gwapo naman yung pinalo ko. canteen, napansin namin yung iba’t ibang buildings natin ng pahinga mula rito kasi masyado rin namang pagbayad ng fees at kung anong anek-anek sa pagParang isa siyang epitome ng tall, dark, handna under construction. Yung isa eh medyo may kata- nakakasira ng utak pati puso ang pag-ibig na ‘yan. enroll. Naghuramentado naman si Kuya at some and oh sooo yummy. Landiii! Hindi galan na sa “under construction state” pero hindi pa Pahinga na muna kumbaga mula sa love pollution. sinabihan si Ms. Keysher na alangan ko nga alam kung ipagdarasal ko na rin matapos-tapos. Buti nga at natapos na ang BU Pero siyempre, hindi naman ako magpapaka-single pa-uwiin niya pa ang kanyang ini‘wag na siya ulit makita kasi baka Façade makalipas ang halos tatlong taon na paghi- forever. Kasi kahit gaano pa kasakit ang masaktan, irog mula sa pag-out of the counpektusan ako nun sa atay ko o hintay. Nanlumo lang talaga yung ibang estudyante hindi pa rin maitatanggi na wala ng mas sasaya pa sa try escapade nito kung pwede makita ko siya ulit para naman dun sa lighting of torch. Nakakatawa nga kasi akala tamis ng tunay na pag-ibig. lang naman siya ang magbaytumibok ulit ang puso kong talaga nung iba eh magkakaroon yung steel na torch Marami na akong pinagdaanan. Para ad. Ang masasabi ko? Anong fragile. nang apoy. Bakal nga po eh. Haha. ngang isang nakakalulang roller coaster ride ang akdifference kung si Kuya ang

Anyway, dumaan na

Nung malapit na kami ni One Piece sa ing b’yahe. Nakaka-excite, nakakatuwa, nakakainis, magbabayad ng tuition fee ang mga araw pero hindi ko canteen eh nakasalubong namin yung mga foreign nakakalula, nakakasuka, nakakasawa pero syempre ni Ate? Mag-iiba baa ng halna ulit siya nakita. Dumating students na nag-aaral dito sa ating unibersidad. Na- hindi mawawala ang pag-asam na matapos ang byaaga ng pera kung si kuya ang yung BU week na kung saan pansin yata ng magaling kong kasama na todo titig he ng may ngiti sa labi. Dahil lahat tayo ay umaasa sa magbabayad sa halip na yung CBEM ulit ang nag-champion. ako dun sa mga forenjer kaya siniko ako nito. Aba isang happy ending. kasintahan niya? What do you Maraming reklamo pero marami naman. Ang lakas talaga ng apog niya nung sinabi think? rin namang praises ang nakuha

Speaking of walang paking student councils. Naawa lang taalam, nasagap yata ng radar ko na relaga ako dun sa ibang colleges na hindi galo pa sa’kin ni San Goku ang mga profesSend us your stories and exceptional articles at Unibe office: 2nd floor MP nakumpleto ang pagpadala ng ibang participants sor na naging hobby na yata ang pag liban sa klase.

Bldg, College of Arts and Letters or e-mail us at unibe.online@gmail.com. You sa lahat ng events kasi kulang daw sa pondo. Ang Mukhang wala na silang paki-alam kung may matumasasabi ko? Diniskartehan nalang sana. Lahat nacan also send it through Facebook at www.facebook.com/UnibeWallnews. tutunan pa ba ang mga mag-aaral sa kanila o kung man kulang ang funds. Nasa pagmamani-obra nalWriters are requested to include their name/penname, course, complete maa-achieve pa ba ng unibersidad ang “clientele ang ‘yan ng mga lideres upang maayos ang problema. address and contact number for verification purposes. Unibe will not satisfaction.” Pero kadalasan, ang mga professor na Isang beses lang naman sa isang taon ang BU Week ito ang paborito ng mga estudyante dahil sila yung publish any articles unless such information is supplied. kaya dapat ibinibigay natin ang best shot natin, ika dahilan kung bakit mas maraming oras mag-aral(?), nga.

SHARE. WRITE. SPEAK. maglakwatsa at makipag-moment sa mga sinisinta.

JUST ‘N D’ KUTITOB republic

metamorpismo

Lahat tayo kaibigan si Mareng Destiny

STUDENTS’ LOUNGE

15

NEWS

FAIRNESS. ACCURACY. GENUINE STUDENT SERVICE.

PICE-BU now UNESCO accredited

NEWSBRIEFS

by Robert Roxas with reports from Jervy Romero

Debaters UBO to exist next AY

The Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) Bicol University Chapter is now accredited by the United Nations Environmental Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

It is the only PICE chapter in the country and the only College-based Organization (CBO) in BU which is accredited by UNESCO. From all over the country, 158 organizations applied for the UNESCO accreditation but only 18 were accredited.

According to Ana Rose Esmilla, PICE-BU chapter president, the UNESCO accreditation of PICE will surely give more benefits and support for the organization.

“Ngayong UNESCO accredited na tayo, mas magiging malawak yung events, lalaki yung resources and manpower,” she said.

The accreditation will give PICE-BU more ability to find partners in every event getting more connections and help from UNESCO in providing the officers needed assistance in every endeavour the organization is pursuing.

Engr. Oliver Aligan, PICE-BU chapter adviser, expressed his full support and appreciation for the current PICE-BU Administration.

“Dito kasi sa BUCEng palagi naman [Best CBO ang PICE-BU]. Ang goal sana namin is maging Best CBO sa buong University, so makakatulong ang accreditation ng UNESCO dun,” Aligan said.

UNESCO is an agency within the United Nations that is responsible for promoting peace, social justice, human rights and international security through international cooperation on educational, science and cultural programs.

CBEM stude in BYEE top 12

by Arthessa Marie Ladoing with reports from Mary Christelle De Vera

Out of the 36 finalists, Juri Patetico, a 4th year BSBA Marketing Management student of the College of Business, Economics and Management (CBEM) landed a spot in the Bayer Young Environmental Envoy’s (BYEE) Top 12 held last April 28 at Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati City.

His projects entitled “Vertical Container Farm” and “Green Young Movement” attempt to give possible solutions to the environmental problems concerning space, food production and the disposal of plastic bottles.

Patetico said that through his project he is able to encourage fellow colleagues to join the BYEE and make their own environmental advocacies and projects that are sustainable for development.

The other three BU students aside from Patetico who made it on the top 36 eliminations were Monette Jane Vargas, Regel Guarina of CBEM and Therese Isabelle Vega of the College of Arts and Letters (CAL).

Patetico was aided by several sponsors like Business Management Association of the Philippines (BMAP), University Student Council (USC) and Philippine Junior Marketing Association.

The Green Young Movement consists of volunteers from BU, high school students, Philippine National Police (PNP-Ligao) and other concerned citizens of his hometown.

He also acknowledged other groups like the National Service Reserve, CBEM NSTP Green Society, University NSTP, The Appraiser, Provincial Agriculture, Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR) and LGU- Ligao for supporting his project all throughout.

For the past eight years Bicol University has joined the said event. BYEE is an annual environmental competition funded by Bayer Incorporated and United Nations (UN) since 2000.

It is open for all taking up any bachelor’s degree with in the age range of 18 to 24 years old.

Film Envoys. Directors Pepe Diokno (left) and Paul Soriano (right) impart their expertise in film making to encourage aspiring students to create their own film. The University Caravan was held alongside the university’s 44th founding anniversary. vCHARMAINE ADU-

VISO

CAL hosts MMFF University Caravan

by Hermalyn Zantua

Acclaimed Filipino film directors promoted this year's MMFF (Metro Manila Film Festival) New Wave Section University Caravan at Bicol University College of Arts and Letters (CAL) Amphitheater last Sept. 20.

Award-winning directors, Paul Soriano and Pepe Diokno, teamed up to communicate the spirit of the caravan to the students. Along with Atty. Alu C. Dorotan, MMFF executive secretary, students were encouraged to come up with their own films. Topics about film making and storytelling were discussed.

"I want to see movies in the mainstream made by Bicolanos and BUeňos," Dir. Soriano said.

He added that the caravan begets a film

competition that will be of great venue to be discovered in the movie industry.

Four categories were set in which interested students may choose from Full Feature Story, Animation, Student Short Film, or Cine-phone.

Chosen films will be showcased in the MMFF this coming Dec. 18 to 24.

Ma. Julieta B. Borres, CAL dean, said that BU would give any assistance or extension to MMFF or any other similar organizations in terms of research.

As of press time, two BUeños were chosen as finalists for the MMFF CinePhone 2013, Bili Na Po Kayo Ng Kalamansi by Dayanara S. Quian and Jurhjemo Bellen with his entry Tumble Bottle.

CEng P8M phase 4 project underway

by Jervy Romero with reports from Robert Roxas

The College of Engineering (CEng) long-range development plan Phase 4 construction is now on progress aiming to enhance the services and facilities of the college.

Phase four includes the construction of the second floor at the Civil Engineering (CE) Building, completion of the comfort room and the stairs. The second floor will be composed of five rooms, three of which will serve as function halls separated by movable dividers.

The budget for construction is priced at P7.7 million and P280,000 for project management cost.

“The price per square meter of the construction will reach about P15,000 to P20,000,” said Engr. Vincent Orozco, head construction section.

He added that the project has undergone proper biding from the University Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) last January 2013.

Fund 164, the income of the university from the student’s tuition and all inward profit, supports the development plan.

“It can have other additional phases

depending on the budget that will be approved by the University Budget Office,” said Edgar A. Mayor, Physical Development and Management Office (PDMO) project inspector.

Dean Engr. Edmundo Estor said that the building will be a big help to improve the facilities of CEng.

“The on-going construction of the CE building will indeed benefit not only the Mechanical and Civil Engineering departments but also the students of other departments,” said Ma. Michelle Rosal, College Student Council (CSC) president.

Engr. Medel Aligan, CEng officer-incharge, said that by next year there will be further developments in the East Campus based on the plan of the PDMO.

Phase 1 started last 2009 as three classrooms were finished followed by Phase 2 in the same year adding three more rooms in the first floor. Two additional rooms and a comfort room were part of Phase 3 in 2010.

The construction of phase four which started last August 25 is expected to be finished by Nov. 19 this year.

CS Sci-Tech Fair goes regional

by Danica Navida with reports from Reaham Hanna Gale Borja

After the success of opening the Science and Technology Festival last year to the university, the College of Science made another huge step forward as the event went on to the regional level.

In line with the National Celebration of the Science and Technology Week, this year’s Regional Science and Technology Fair of the Bicol

PORK MO ‘YAN

University College of Science (BUCS) with the theme “Science, Technology, and Innovation: The Road to a Smarter Philippines” introduced for the first time activities such as the Planetarium, Stargazing and Robot Exhibit last July 29 to 31.

Formerly known as the Science and Technology Festival, this year’s annual celebration was made bigger and more reflective of the university’s innovation in the sciences giving emphasis to the

A University-based Organization (UBO) for debaters is now being prepared for Bicol University’s next academic year.

Nick Pilapil, a 3rd year student debater from the College of Nursing, conceptualized the soon-to-be organization of the academe’s debaters. Pilapil proposed the idea during the 44th University Foundation Anniversary Debate Competition last Sept. 19.

The organization aims to create a pool of student debaters to compete in debates inside and outside the university. It also encourages the students to actively participate in debates.

“I think it’s time for BU, as a premier state university, to live up to the expectations because other schools are already joining national and international debates,” Pipapil said.

Therese Isabelle Vega, this year’s BU best debater, and Prof. Ruther Flores, former debater from the College of Education supported the said proposition.

“This organization will help spread debating skills not just to the specific courses or enthusiastic students but also to other people.

You can exercise your passion through this organization, it will not die,” Flores stated.

Base on Flores’s initial plan, there would generally be a division of members.

One will be those who are already experienced debaters while the other one will be composed of newbies of the organization.

According to Vega, the framework of the organization is already in preparation for the accreditation next school year.

A debate orientation will be organized by the different college debaters in the university before this academic year ends.

“As long as there are students who still want to debate, there will always be an organization,” Vega said.

Jervy Anne Romero

Fitness Program to shape up BUeños

Last August 16, a Dance Fitness Program to address health conditions, risks and consciousness was inaugurated by the Bicol University (BU) Magayon Dance Troop.

Carina Sales, physical fitness instructor and head of BU Magayon dance troop, said, “We made this program because we want to improve the wellness of the BUeños, teaching and nonteaching personnel and to serve the community in promoting fitness and health.”

However, the program is not exclusive for BUeños. Anyone who is interested in shaping up is welcome to join the free fitness program, Sales said.

The program is held every Friday at 4p.m. to 6p.m. and Saturday at 6a.m. to 8a.m. at the BU Oval. Dance routines like hip-hop, samba, jazz and ballroom are being utilized.

The Institute of Physical Education, Sports and Recreation (IPESR) and BU Extension Service joined effort for the program to exist.

Glenda Ante

role of science and technology in the development of the academe.

Added exhibits from various Collegebased Organizations (CBO’s), Faculty Club, Greenpeace, and other sponsors and partners were presented. Outreach programs were also conducted during the three-day activity.

Traditional activities like the Garden Show, Annual University-wide Science Quiz Bowl and Natural Science Quiz Bowl, Science and Technology Symposium, Tree Planting, and Blood Letting and Typing were retained at the fair.

The event was co-organized by Starlab, Philippine Astronomical and Geophysical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) Region V- Bicol and Philippine Science High School-Bicol Region Campus (PSHS- BRC).

To uphold press freedom and to gain equal rights and privileges has been perennially, throughout the years, the battle-cry of journalists here in our country. However, no matter how genuine this cause is for all media practitioners there will be still opposing parties, individuals, groups or sectors that will try to dismantle, harass, and thwart this fight for its rightful claim.

Last July 3, Senate Bill No. 380, or the “Magna Carta for Journalists,” was filed in the Senate. The bill proposes the creation of the Philippine Council of Journalists (PCJ), to be comprised of the presidents or representatives of the National Press Club of the Philippines (NPCP), Philippine Press Institute (PPI), Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP), Press Photographers of the Philippines (PPP), Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC), National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), Publishers Association of the Philippines (PAP), and Federation of Provincial Press Club (FPPF).

According to the proposed bill authored by Senator Jinggoy P. Ejercito Estrada, PCJ shall conduct examinations for the accreditation of print and broadcast journalists including photographers. The only exception is that for those that have been in the profession for at least 10 years won’t undergo such test, instead, they will be subject to an interview by the authorities of the PCJ.

Passers of the so-called Professional Journalists Examination will now known as “Accredited Journalists.” They will be issued an Accreditation Identification Card which they will be required to wear at all times during their beat and special assignments. These journalists will be entitled to benefits and privileges that may be accorded to them by law, by their employers, and by the PCJ.

Meanwhile, “Non-Accredited Journalist” or those who either did not pass or take the examination will still be allowed to exercise their duties and rights as journalists; however, they will not be entitled to all benefits and privileges that may be accorded by the law, and the PCJ. Instead, they shall enjoy only those benefits and privileges accorded to them by their employers.

Besides accrediting journalists, holding seminars to upgrade the skills and instill professionalism among journalists will also be mandated by the PCJ that the attendance for such seminars will be a pre-requisite for application for accreditation.

The PCJ will also have the power to create a new Code of Ethics which accredited journalists will be sanctioned to.

Accredited journalists, in accordance with this code, will be sanctioned by penalties and punishments that “shall include but it is not limited to the suspension or perma-

nent w i t h drawal of accreditation, suspension of benefits and/or privileges accorded to accredited journalists” and “other penalties include the dropping from the roster of professional journalists.”

Senate Bill No. 380 still has to undergo deliberations and plenary levels before the committee can vote whether the bill should be passed or not.

The proposed law, while seemingly good-intentioned, has already been turned down twice by numerous organizations of media practitioners in the country. Jinggoy Estrada has earlier filed the senate bill way back in 2011 before the 14th Congress but was reintroduced last July before the start of the 16th Congress after the measure was not passed.

“While Estrada’s ‘Magna Carta’ singles out journalists as a special sector or group worthy of such a charter, it is not actually about rights and privileges, but about limitations,” the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) said.

The CMFR added in a statement that the on-ground reality for journalists is that there are wide disparities in wages and benefits, depending upon such variables as to whether the journalist is employed by a foreign wire service, is based in Manila or the communities, reports for a tabloid or broadsheet, works behind the scenes in television or appears on camera, and even which among the Manila broadsheets he works for.

Despite the already existing Philippine Journalists’ Code of Ethics, the bill mandates the promulgation of a Code of Ethics which will, as told earlier, mandate sanctions including suspension of unnamed benefits and privileges.

Other media organizations shared the fear that the power to be given to the PCJ to decide the level of skills and knowledge journalists should have in order to practice would turn these implementing rules and regulations that follow the bill once it becomes a law would transform the PCJ to a government agency.

In all angles, the bill is unconstitutional and disrespects the freedom of the press enshrined in Section 4 of Article 3 of the Bill of Rights of the 1987 Philippine Constitution that states, “No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances.”

In a clearer note, the PCJ will be under control of the state once the bill turns into a law capable of

censoring and suppressing media reports that are in contrast to the government’s liking and permission. Indeed, a detrimental underlying presumption especially to an independent and free press in a country like ours. The journalism profession serving as the fourth estate and regarded as watchdogs and guardians of democracy will not only weaken, but shall exist no more.

Journalists will transform to mere propagandists who the government, under the guise of improving its skills and increasing its benefits through this bill, will use as a form of tool to further their cause regardless of the involvement of a true living press capable of waging a powerful campaign alerting the people of government abuses and hidden agendas unknown to the public eye and understanding.

Maneuvering to control and persecute journalists using this bill which is no doubt repellent to press freedom is utter chaos. Media practitioners absolutely deserve more than this.

CONTROLLING THE

UNCONTROLLABLE SB No. 380’s ATTEMPT TO DEFY JOURNALISTS

by Denelle Dolleson Illustration by Jeano Marcayda and Deano Christian Echague

nick jr.

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