The Augustinian September ENews 2017

Augustinian the

Responsive Developmental Research-based

The Official Student Newspaper of the University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, Philippines VOLUME LXIII • NUMBER 2 • SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 (E-NEWSLETTER) We’re worldwide! Visit us at our website, w w w. us a pub . ne t.

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PROTESTA PARA SA PAGBAG-O Sektor sang sosyudad nagsulong sang Kilos Protesta

PADAYON SA PAGBATO. Ang mga miyembro sang sektor sang pamatan-on nagmartsa sa dalanon sang syudad agod magwaragwag sang mabaskog nga pagpamatok sa LARAGWAY SANG USA PUB • CLYDE ALLEN E. SOLLESTA harianon nga kultura sang pagsilot sa sala nga wala napamatud-an.

NI A ND R E A NI COL E C. PAR CE PARA SA PAGSAULOG sang Pungsudnon nga Adlaw sang Protesta, masobra 1, 700 ka miyembro sang nagakalain-lain nga sektor sang sosyudad ang nagtingob sa atubang sang Iloilo Provincial Capitol dala ang mga paskil kag hayahay unod ang mga mensahe para sa karon nga administrasyon, Septyembre 21.

Ang mga kababayin-an, pamatan-on, health workers, artists, mangunguma, estudyante, simbahan, human rights group kag Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) nag martsa sa dalanon sang General Luna, Iznart, Rizal kag Valeria kag nagsunog sang laragway ni Presidente Rodrigo Duterte bilang sugod sang sibil nga protesta.

“Kon tani ang mga Agustino may ara man

ikasarang nga ipakigbato ang insakto kag indi maglinong kon mga isyu moral na nga nagaapekto sa sosyudad ang gina-istoryhan,” siling ni Rhoan Anthony Fiel, presidente sang University of San Agustin Political Science Republic sa The Augustinian pagkatapos sang tatlo ka oras nga protesta.

PROTEST

PAG E 3

FEATURE

What Love Looks Like

PAG E 6

The Augustinian community edifies love for the people of Marawi

EDITORIAL • PAGE 4

OPINION • PAG E 5

NEWS • PAG E 3

WTF - What the Fox

Freedom in Federalism

Heal or Kill: SACEO leads talk on EJK

The cunning of the fox is as murderous as the vioelence of the wolf. Is our leader a monster or is he just ahead of the curve?

Federalism will be the product of the continuing struggle of the Filipino nation against injustice and tyranny by an outside power.

With the issues on EJK and the actions of the government towards change, Augustinian youth share their thoughts as first involvement towards change.

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Augustinian the

Volume LXIII • Number 2 September 30, 2017

NEWS ICT Department: Downloaders crash USA Wi-Fi connection

USA drainage system construction on halt

BY E D W A R D D O MIN IC E . E MIL IO

explained in a written response that 30 percent of this amount goes to the USA Wi-Fi. The miscellaneous fee is distributed into expenditures on internet connection, offices, laboratories, service supports, USA Wi-Fi, software licenses, and IT and Network Infrastructure and other services including servers, routers, firewalls, website hosting, and website domain.

USA PUB PHOTO • MIGUEL CARLOS J. LLAMADO

USA PUB PHOTO • MIGUEL CARLOS J. LLAMADO

THE INFORMATION AND Communications Technology (ICT) Department identified the use of downloaders by users as the top reason why the University of San Agustin Wireless Fidelity (USA Wi-Fi) crashes, leading to resets and disconnection when the maximum internet allocation is reached.

ICT Director Rowena Galzote told The Augustinian that the slow internet speed is due to the heavy usage of Internet bandwidth by most users; monitoring and log reports show that users are using the Wi-Fi for downloading of large files, video streaming, and video communication resulting to a huge consumption from the given bandwidth.

“There are no user restrictions in the current Wi-Fi setup; the user is free to visit social media sites, do audio or video streaming, and download.

No per user/per device policy is implemented,” Galzote explained on the reasons for connection problems, adding, “If the usage is purely for web browsing and instruction/research, the Wi-Fi can accommodate all students with one device (one is to one). We appeal to everyone who enjoys the service of the USA Wi-Fi to observe and practice the Fair-Usage Policy Doctrine.”

Currently, 30 percent of the total bandwidth allocation of the University goes to USA WiFi while about 60 percent goes to office and laboratory operations and the remaining 10 percent goes to ICT core and online services such as online service and online storage.

Based on the Miscellaneous Fee Breakdown for the academic year 2017-2018, Php 350.00 from the miscellaneous WI-FI OR WAAI-FI? Upon fees goes to the logging in to the USA Wifi, it is M a n a g e m e n t expected of Augustinians to use and Information the Internet service according Systems fee; to the ICT-mandated rules and Budget Officer regulations.

Jessie Fundal

UNIVER-SEA-TY. The postponed construction of the University drainage system due to the delayed Jalandoni drainage system renovation results to flooding of the low-lying areaa inside the campus for the first semester.

BY ANDREA NI COLE C. P ARCE THE GENERAL SERVICES OFFICE cited the Jalandoni Drainage System construction as the primary cause of the postponed construction of the University drainage system, resulting to flooding on low-lying land inside the campus.

According to Engr. Rizalde Monserate, University engineer, the start of the University drainage construction was scheduled two years ago, but was postponed because it has to be connected with the drainage system along Jalandoni Street which will be completed on January of next year.

“We have to construct first the drainage system before we construct the road to avoid double-costing,” Monserate pointed out as an answer to the issue of “unpaved” road in front of

the Alumni Hall.

As stated on the data acquired from the Office of the Vice President for Administration and Finance, roughly 31 percent of the University’s annual budget goes to the reconstruction of facilities and 44.92 percent of which is used for repairs and maintenance.

“Flood affects me as a student and a new drainage system would be a great help for us and also for other people staying in the University,” said Stella Marie Suarez, president of the Epsilon Alpha Chi Organization of College of Technology in an interview with The Augustinian.

Monserate added that the pavement in front of the University chapel was eyed to be remodeled into bricks to prevent the backflow of rain water which is a major problem for places below sea level such as the University.

USA-Pharmacy mulls ways of increasing passing rate

BY E V ERI LD DOM I NI Q UE A. CAM I Q UE After garnering 80.30 percent in the Pharmacist Licensure Examination (PLE) last March 2017, the University of San Agustin Pharmacy program (USA-Pharmacy) strives to improve their performance as their rating dropped by 17.54 percent.

One hundred seventeen out of the 147 fresh graduates of the said program and six out of the 49 repeaters passed the examination this September PLE. According to Ms. Remi Charlene Salvilla, the Academic Supervisor of the BS Pharmacy Program, 80 percent of the first takers passed the board exams and they see it as a feat considering that they graduated in May 31, and took the board exam just roughly three months after.

On the other hand, the department has strategies that are planned, starting with the inhouse review program that was reimplemented to the said batch of graduates in order to better the overall performance of the school.

“We had guest lecturers from the different review centers for Pharmacy. We also have our alumni who gave the lectures in preparation for the board exam, along with the faculty members who helped not only with the review, but with other activities before and during the board exam,” shared Salvilla.

One of the passers of the board examination, Ma. Rica Belle Paciente, expressed, “Keep fighting because there are other people fighting for you.

Consider this not as a failure but as a challenge.

Pharmacy is not a walk in the park, but your sacrifices will be fruitful.”

The Official Student Newspaper of the University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, Philippines

www.usapub.net

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NEWS

Heal or Kill: SACEO leads talk on EJK B Y E D W A R D D O M IN IC E . E MIL IO “WHAT IS JUSTICE? Do you trust the Philippine justice system? Is President Duterte’s approach on the war on drugs just? Do we heal or do we kill?”

These four questions were discussed by Augustinian students during the Hue Talk Ed, a social gathering and discussion session organized by the Social Advocacy and Community Engagement Office (SACEO) in partnership with the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) Alumni Community Region VI and the Ayala Young Leaders Alumni Community, September 22.

Entitled “WHOSEtisya: A Conversation on the Moral Dilemma on Extra-Judicial Killings,” the event allowed the participants to choose from either black, gray, or white name tags representing their disagreement, neutrality, or agreement with the topic question which they would then talk over.

“In the age of social media where there is rampant spreading of misleading information and an emerging trend of trolling, there is a pressing need to raise awareness of the recent issues of our country especially among young people,” stressed Gian Bermudo, Hue Talk Ed lead organizer.

Various ideas were culled from the participants including the concept of justice as mere absence of injustice, the failure of the people in the justice system, the impracticability of Duterte’s war on drugs, and the debate between retributive and restorative justice.

Erika May Draper, University of San Agustin (USA) Student Council president argued that, “Activism is not just about shouting on the streets but also about providing an impetus for the exchange of ideas. HueTalk, in providing this, is a form of Augustinian activism.”

Unlike the previous Hue Talks facilitated by the TOSP, the said talk was the first to be conducted in a university; the USA SC is planning

Tekno APST volunteers aid Sitio Traynta B Y R J J UN S AY After finishing a special Agustino Para sa Tao (APST) training for only two days, College of Technology students from different programs together with their instructors and Social Advocacy Community Engagement Office aided residents of Sitio Traynta.

Comprising of 20 student-volunteers and four instructors, the Tekno APST helped in cementing the kiddie center in the sitio and conducted interviews for the residents other concerns.

“Being a volunteer is never easy. At first, I hesistated to be part of this for we have lots of things to do in our course but seeing the smiles of the people whom we have helped is priceless,”

shared Glennise Faye Mejica, a Tekno APST with The Augustinian.

Volunteers were divided into three groups: the interviewing group, cooking group, and the manpower for the construction of the kiddie center.

“Dako gid ini nga bulig sa amon especially sa mga bata kay hindi na sila mabudlayan kapin pa kung mag-ulan. Hindi lang na gane siya kiddie center, multi-purpose hall pa na nga daan,” expressed Ana Marie Bolido, a temporary teacher and an aunt of a student in the kiddie center.

Moreover, the Electronics Communication Engineering program together with the Tekno APST will be facilitating the installation of solar panels in the sitio by the end of the first semester. for this academic year.

BUILDING A COMMUNITY. A Tekno Agustino Para Sa Tao volunteer and a resident of Sitio Traynta work together to construct the sitio’s kiddie center, as part of the volunteers’ exposure activities. FILE PHOTO • SACEO

DECIDE AND DISCUSS. Hue Talk Ed, the schoolcentered leg of Hue Talk, encourages students to have face-to-face discussions on socially relevant issues.

USA PUB PHOTO • ALLAINE ROSE M. EMNACEN

to conduct Hue Talks every other month.

“Democracy demands discussion. Following the recent spate of extra-judicial killings, it becomes all the more important to talk about national issues and participate in events like this because they develop critical thinking in a time of deceit and moral numbness,” expressed Rj Junsay, USA Publications editor-in- chief.

PROTEST

F R O M PAGE 1

Halin sa tuhay nga direksyon nga nagtabo sa tunga sang siudad, ang pagtilipon naghatag sang tion para sa mga sektor agod mawaragwag sang pagkalupig sang minorya, mamatok sa harianon nga kultura sang pagsilot sang sala nga wala napamatud-an, kag ipakigbato ang pagbaylo sang polisiya.

“Kami nagapamatok kontra sa pagbalik sang diktaturya, tiraniya, pagkadula sang due process, kag amon man ginaduso ang alakoon sa nagalapta nga pagpamatay tungod sa away kontra droga, away kontra sa mga Moro kag away kontra sa mga Pilipino—Padayon ang amon pagbato,” siling ni JC Alejandro, Regional spokesperson sang KABATAAN Partylist Western Visayas sang siya ginpamangkot parte sa tuyo sang protesta sa dalanon.

Ang pagpagwa sang Proclamation No. 319 ni Presidente Duterte nagdeklara sang September 21, 2017 bilang Pungsudnon nga Adlaw sang Protesta agod mahanas ang kinamatarong sa hilway nga diskurso, kinamatarong nga maghimbon sa kalinong, kag mag-pangabay sa gobyerno para sa paghusay sang mga dikamatarong nga nasulat sa Artikulo Tres, Ika-apat nga Seksyon sang 1987 Philippine Constitution. ”Ang ini nga mga rally indi dapat pagakabigon nga resulta sang kaakig ukon dumot ukon isa ka paagi nga magadulot sang gamo kundi isa ka importante nga bahin sang sistema sang pagginobyerno nga check and balance,” siling ni Atty. Rene Estocapio, Region VI Chapter head sang National Union of People’s Lawyers, sang siya ginpamangkot sang papel sang sibil nga protesta sa estado.

Dugang ni Estocapio, ang labing maayo nga handum sang sosyudad mahapos malab-ot paagi sa hilway nga pagbaylohanay sang ideya.

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Augustinian the

Volume LXIII • Number 2 September 30, 2017

EDITORIALANDOPINION WTF - What the Fox E D I T O R I A L

USA Publications

Responsive • Developmental • Research-based

Address: 2/F Alumni Bldg., University of San Agustin, General Luna Street, Iloilo City, Philippines 5000 Phone Number: (033) 337 4842 local 189 Website: www.usapub.net Email: usapublications1@gmail.com

give off the was no clamor against him. No one was there to hear the people sing because the people were not singing at all!

What would have been the unrelenting brickbat from the DDS Squad?

Of course, “The President gave the people a chance to protest but nobody did.

This is

perception

that

there

evidence that the people still love him. His 80% approval ratings are proof!” Whether or not the people go out, Duterte gets hailed. Two points for him.

It is to be noted that last September 21, both the pro- and anti-Duterte groups indeed went out and ventured forth. We proceed to the second set of outcomes. Will the rallies be peaceful? Will they

USA PUB ILLUSTRATION • CARRI E DA NI E LLE G. LAO

Only two men have ever governed the Philippines – the statesman and the politician.

One governs with the principles of truth and justice, the other with cunning deceit.

One is a lion, the other is a fox.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte once again demonstrated his ruthless political tactics following his declaration calling September 21, 2017 the National Day of Protest. After urging various sectors from the left and the right, he challenged them to peaceably assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances.

No matter what one’s political leanings are, it cannot be denied that what Duterte did was a masterstroke of realpolitik maneuvering – whoever loses, he wins.

There were two possible outcomes after he called the people to take to the streets. One, placard-toting people would indeed march and rally. Two, they would ignore him and instead stay in their houses.

In case the people marched out, there were two possible outcomes.

One, the protest would be peaceful and order would reign. Two, the protests would descend into violent chaos.

For the first set of outcomes, what happens if the people go out? As is their expected retort, the President’s myrmidons will use the rallies to belie the claims that he is a dictator. After all, which tyrant allows anyone to foment dissent against himself? Duterte used the people’s rage and actions as evidence against the very claims they are making. One point for him.

If the people did not go out, that would

be violent?

If the rallies were peaceful, again the proside would invoke the President’s willingness to entertain debate and opposition. This would also destroy the claims his political enemies have been

THE AUGUSTINIAN is the official student newspaper of the University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, Philippines. It is published regularly by the USA Publications, which envisions itself as an Augustinian center of campus journalism, fostering the advocacy of the common good and acting as voice of the student body through responsive, developmental, and research-based campus journalism. Contributions, comments, and suggestions may be sent to the editors. No part of this publication can be reproduced by any means without permission and authority from the USA Publications.

Colophon: This newsletter was carefully designed to balance traditional principles, history, as well as modern trends to maximize the amount of information without compromising the visual appeal of the publication. This was produced using Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, and Adobe Illustrator under Adobe Creative Suite 6. Exo and Merriweather were used for the text.

www.usapub.net

The Official Student Newspaper of the University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, Philippines

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FREEDOM IN FEDERALISM SHERLOCKED repeating ad nauseam – that under his rule, the country has been a chaotic authoritarian regime. From Malacañang he can just shout out, “We have peaceful demonstrations everywhere. Who are you calling a tyrant?”

Three points for him.

If the rallies were violent, the most dreaded possibility would rear its ugly head.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said, “The President has said it. If the left will try to have a massive protest, burn roads, they will disrupt the country, then I might.” The “might” here talks about the elephant in the room – Martial Law. Considering that rebellion is a ground for Martial Law and the Leftist ideology presupposes violent revolution as a necessity for change, the fear is a very real concern. Duterte would finally have a reason to declare Martial Law and be the dictator his opponents claim he is. Four points for him.

Political theorist Hannah Arendt explained eloquently in her book The Origins of Totalitarianism that, “The totalitarian mass leaders based their propaganda on the correct psychological assumption that, under such conditions, one could make people believe the most fantastic statements one day, and trust that if the next day they were given irrefutable proof of their falsehood, they would take refuge in cynicism; instead of deserting the leaders who had lied to them, they would protest that they had known all along that the statement was a lie and would admire the leaders for their superior tactical cleverness”.

Four possible outcomes with all four bases covered. At this point only critical thinking can help us discern the truth.

Still, one cannot help but feel amazed at the President’s camara negra – the spin doctors, the strategists, the whips that help him. President Duterte is a wily fox. He is not just a lion, he is also a fox.

RJ JUNSAY

Editor-in-Chief ERIKA DANIELLE M. PEPITO Managing Editor EDWARD DOMINIC E. EMILIO Associate Editor JOHN MARTIN M. SILAO Circulation and Office Manager MARIA CRISTY E. DAGUAY Moderator

Andrea Nicole C. Parce AB Pol Sci‘18 Scan code to send an email reply

THE GENIUS of the constitution is that it can always be changed. The genius of the constitution is that it makes no permanent rule other than its faith in the wisdom of the ordinary people to govern themselves. Under the current set-up of our government, this principle is being denied to us. We live everyday believing that we are already granted the autonomy that our heroes have fought for. The value of the word autonomy has been desecrated for almost a century. That is more than enough suffering for a people to endure.

The President of the Republic has been pushing for a radical change in our current political structure ever since he won the polls. It is high time for us to embrace federalism if only to give us what we deserve – freedom and autonomy from the yoke of an oppressor.

As a Filipino, I protest against unjust interference, especially if they are committed by my fellowmen. The unitary government in status quo perpetuates this devaluation of freedom.

A centralized unitary government encroaches upon the local governments’ policy determination and legislation. In a unitary government, legislative power is delegated to one National Congress and Executive Power is vested in one person, the President. This means that the Congress legislates on a national scope and the President has the power of control over all regional cabinet offices, meaning he can change, revert, or reverse any act done by his subordinates in the Executive department.

This centralized set-up has led to various instances of national versus regional conflicts in legislation and in policy making. Take for instance, the same-sex marriage bill which cannot be legislated because House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez who proposed the bill was met by the opposition of Representative Danilo Suarez because it would not fit into the President’s

ART AND DESIGN TEAM Romari Charlz F. Diaz (Art Director) Carrie Danielle G. Lao Ravve Jay F. Prevendido Helda Mae P. Godoy (Intern) COMMUNITY AFFAIRS TEAM Andrea Nicole C. Parce(Community Editor), Nicole Ailice F. Serisola, Junfel G. Sotelo (Intern)

national agenda of a war on drugs and a war on criminality.

The greatest injury this unitary government has done to our people has been with the Bangsamoro Basic Law. The Bangsamoro Basic Law which was supposed to end the decades of conflict between the MILF and the Government was held hostage in the august halls of Congress because of the Mamasapano incident and then smeared on by national politics and misdirection of policies by the Aquino administration. Such conflict would have been averted if only control of local policies and legislation were granted to the local governments in the Bangsamoro region from the start. In fact a policy study published by the East West Center in Washington entitled The Moro Conflict: Landlessness and Misdirected Policies, concluded that the Moro rebellion has been largely caused by the overarching control of the Manila elite over land policies in the Mindanao region.

Regions have different needs and therefore must have different agenda. Economic and legislative agenda must be drafted based on the differences in development of each regions, national agenda must fit the region’s needs, not the other way around. Why must the people who are unaware of the locality’s situation be given power to decide their fate?

Federalism will be the product of the continuing struggle of the Filipino nation against injustice and tyranny by an outside power.

Countless Filipinos have died in their quest for self-governance. What we need to do in respect of these people is, borrowing from Abraham Lincoln, “...that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain - that this nation, under God shall have a new birth of freedom - and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.”

CREATIVE WRITING TEAM Philip Robert C. Alaban (Literary Editor), Athena Gabriella E. Julabar, Nicole B. Vargas (Intern) PHOTOGRAPHY TEAM Allaine Rose M. Emnacen (Photography Director), Clyde Allen E. Sollesta, Miguel Carlos J. Llamado, Colleen Gaile B. Bilbao (Intern)

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT TEAM Wilkienson C. Muro (Program Director), Everild Dominique A. Camique, Edrea Claire G. Gregore (Intern)

We encourage you to recycle this publication. Let’s help save the environment.

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Augustinian the

Volume LXIII • Number 2 September 30, 2017

FEATURE USA PUB PHOTO • ALLAINE ROSE E. EMNACEN

What Love Looks Like

BY ERI KA DANI ELLE M . P E PI T O

The Augustinian community edifies love for the people of Marawi.

Her eyes fogged. Her body froze. Her heart shattered. Her mind cannot fathom what she saw on TV. The stigma on the South was made true again when 15 men broke the peace in the city. That 15 turned to a hundred, and it became a hundredfold. The people’s memories of their land are muddled with fear and tension. The horror that took over the Islamic City is forever engraved in the minds of those born and bred in Marawi, leaving them staggered and helpless.

“I felt devastated and hopeless.

All I could do was pray for the lives of the people in Marawi. I also envisioned myself actually visiting the place and helping people, but I just didn’t think it was possible to do anything the moment these events took place,” shared Chloe Cayabyab, president of the Junior Diplomats’ Corps (JDC) when asked what was going through her head when she watched the goings-on in Marawi when war broke out. She knew that she have to do something Marawi City, the heart of Lanao del Sur tucked in the southern

part of the country, will never be the same again.

RED “It is the least we can do for our fellow Filipinos. I find it very important to grab every opportunity to be politically aware of the events

up with the USA KITA PARA SA MARAWI. It was a call for donations that greatly benefited the evacuees or bakwit. Student organizations such as the JDC, having been tapped by the Stand Up For Marawi movement, the USA Student Council (USASC), and the USA Publications teamed

“IT IS WITH HEAVY HEARTS THAT WE SHARE IN THE SUFFERINGS OF THOSE AFFECTED BY THIS HOSTILITY – MEN AND WOMEN, YOUNG AND OLD ALIKE, WHO WERE SLAIN, CIVILIANS LIVING IN APPREHENSION THAT THEIR LAND WILL NEVER BE THE SAME LAND THAT NURTURED THEM...” in the country and in the world, and to find ways to get involved. In this aspect, the donation drive was a way to be socially involved, advocating unity and bayanihan regardless of identity,” Cayabyab emphasized on the solidarity that must be felt in times like this.

To show oneness with the people of Marawi, the University of San Agustin through the Social Advocacy and Community Engagement Office (SACEO) came

up to amplify the said donation drive and encourage Augustinians to contribute to the Marawi people’s recovery process. Aside from the student organizations, the Archdiocese of Jaro worked with SACEO for the collection and transport of other donations.

“It’s one of the responsibilities of SACEO, to organize for response to disasters such as this, which is a first for its response to armed conflict. This is also a good action

because we are encouraging our student organizations to come up with their own initiatives,” opened Maria Cristy Daguay, director of SACEO, on the donation drive which collected 370 hygiene kits, 130 school supplies kits, 34 first aid kits, as well as monetary donations and used clothes.

BLUE After the immediate response comes the psychosocial assistance.

The Fine Arts Major Organization (FAMO) of the College of Technology (COT) made a coloring zine series for children entitled “Dear Marawi.” The Fine Arts students crafted the mandalas that are deemed therapeutic, and these coloring zines are intended for the displaced children to heal from the upsetting trauma caused by the war.

“While the rest of the population are able to express their fears and pains, children may be scarred with deep trauma without being noticed. The children needed a safe space in their minds, hearts, and souls to uplift their

www.usapub.net

mental and psychological health amidst the chaos and stress in evacuation centers,” Ma. Rosalie Zerrudo, academic supervisor of the University’s Fine Arts Program, described of her brainchild.

WHITE AND YELLOW Gian Bermudo, Learning and Development coordinator of SACEO, broached on the office’s thrusts for Augustinian volunteerism. “To encourage the students to be active and responsive when it comes to dealing with those in need, SACEO has a comprehensive Agustino Para Sa Tao Development Program, a program designed for members of the University for them to be really sensitive to the needs and pains of society.”

Under the Agustino Para Sa Tao are three pillars – Agustino Para Sa Tao Vounteer Movement which aims to form Augustinian volunteers to be community builders through trainings, service learning opportunities and community immersions; Engagement and Discourse for an Empowered Nation (E.D.E.N.) to uphold active citizenship through forums and social engagements; and Academic Service Learning wherein students offer academic coursework service to those in need and receiving educational experience in return.

It is with heavy hearts that we share in the sufferings of those affected by this hostility – men and women, young and old alike, who were slain, civilians living in apprehension that their land will never be the same land that nurtured them, members of the military force dedicating their lives to defend the helpless, government officials seeking for measures to halt the fight, media practitioners putting themselves at risk to reveal the ongoing violence, volunteers exhibiting generosity and sincerity to the refugees, and those yearning to walk the streets of a libertine Marawi. But amidst the shambles brought by the conflict, the Islamic City of Marawi, the heart of Lanao del Sur, holds on to the promise that this war, one that sprung from dark intentions and selfish inclinations, shall pass, and it shall see light again.

The Official Student Newspaper of the University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, Philippines

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SF Shack: Seafood on the Roll Locally sourced seafood for a gastronomic adventure within the City

BY NICOLE AILICE F. SERISOLA Quaint, spacious and exuding a homey backyard vibe, SF Shack proudly offers fresh seafood items at reasonably priced rates – enticing guests to venture further on a different play of inspired flavors from the Western coast.

Nestled in North San Jose Street just across Iloilo Supermart Molo, it is one of the several gastronomic establishments comprising Food Park Iloilo.

Predominantly Cajun and Caribbean, the resto is influenced

by Western European, African, and Native American cuisines, albeit redesigned for the tastes of the Filipino palate.

What started off as a dream and business idea turned into a reality seven years ago when Mary Janjed Angelo conceptualized the idea of putting up a business in the heart of city. According to Angelo, they first started small, considering first the costs of investment and effort in putting up their dream business, as well as to whom should they focus their market on. “We’re targeting students, as well as family, because we have this saying that we like to follow - let the good times roll, or in [Louisiana] French, laissez les bons temps rouler.”

From then on since its opening, SF Shack started to grow in popularity.

Freshly prepared and made every day, the resto boasts of locally grown, sourced, and purchased seafood as well as produce, with Angelo quipping that, “We have suppliers from Bacolod and Northern Iloilo - everything on our menu is local, we never purchase or use frozen seafood as the Shack is always about the freshness.” SF Shack is a culinary venture that portrays itself as a mix of cuisines inspired from the international travels of one of its owners.

Regarding the concentration of themed flavors, Angelo shared that, “At first, we targeted the Louisiana taste and vibe, but we thought, why not mix it with other flavor profiles and tastes?” Fusing the first concept to other cuisines, the food items of the Shack came from a series of rough experiments and tasting sessions.

Smoky, savory, and a little heat primarily dominate the flavor profile of SF Shack’s food. Add to that the freshness of the sea, traces of the aromas of cayenne, paprika, red pepper, and parsley grace your senses in the several best sellers you can choose from. Shrimp N’ Grit, Crusty Crab Pizza, Fish N’ Chips, and the SBA Pizza are

a must try for every first-time diner at the Shack.

Ranging from 110 to 289 pesos, the Shack’s offerings come at affordable rate where the quality of ingredients is never compromised – with their food being good for sharing if you plan to bring company with you.

While orange seems to be the predominant color of the restaurant in food presentation, and in the interior as well, the resto is an example of how monotony is not always a bad thing in a trade where differentiation is key.

Despite being quite new, it’s a formidable establishment – quality, affordability, and diversity offered in one. In an industry that thrives on good food, good service, and good lasting impressions between establishments and guests, the Shack merits a spot for the culinary adventurous and bona fide aficionado of the sources under the sea.

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Augustinian the

Volume LXIII • Number 2 September 30, 2017

SPORTS

USA TO MISS ISSA, FOCUSES ON ASAM University decides to file leave of absence to ISSA Meet 2017

BY R J JU N S AY

EMPOWERING USA TEAM. Athletes of the University beefing up their team as they practice for the upcoming Augustinian Schools Atheletic Meet on October 23- 27 at Biñan, Laguna. USA PUB PHOTO • MIGUEL CARLOS J. LLAMADO

“WE are preparing for something bigger.”

These were the words of the University Sports Director Demosthenes Toledo when asked about the reason on why the University of San Agustin (USA) will not be joining for this year’s Iloilo Schools Sports Association (ISSA) meet in an interview with The Augustinian.

Toledo explained that due to time constraints and conflict on schedule, the University will focus on bagging medals in Augustinian Schools Association Meet (ASAM) which is a national meet for all Augustinian schools.

“ASAM only happens every two years and it is a national competition while ISSA is a local meet only and there is no higher level meet after that. If we let our players play ISSA, they will be exhausted and they will not be able to exercise their full potential during the ASAM. Kapoy na sila na by

ASAM ,” shared Toledo.

ASAM is a biennial event where Augustinian university and colleges compete and scheduled this year on October 23 -27 to be held at Biñan, Laguna.

“Nugon.

We are looking forward also in playing in ISSA but we understand the decision of the University. ASAM is also a big thing for us and we know that the University just wants the best for us also,” shared Ray Oneil Betita, team captain of volleyball men and a consistent participant in ISSA and ASAM since his high school.

Moreover, Toledo pointed out that this decision will stregthen the banner of the University against other Augustinian schools during the ASAM. “We want to bag more medals during the ASAM so we need to be absent in ISSA. Thus, we do not want also to exhaust our players as they represent the University,” added Toledo.

COC, COT defend Intramurals dance sports title

BY WIL KIE N S ON C. MU R O WITH their complex routines, couples of the College of Technology (COT) and the College of Commerce (COC) once again proved that they can shake their way to the top in Modern Standard and Latin American dance sports, respectively, during this year’s Intramurals held at the University’s gymnasium, August 30.

COT’s couple Naethanne Pagunsan, sophomore Architecture student, and Lynoen Jie De Asis, junior Architecture student, showed off their grace in waltz, foxtrot, tango and quickstep while COC’s couple Erick dela Piedra and Racia Jean Rey Williams, both senior Tourism Management students, topped in jive, paso doble, rhumba, and samba.

“Hardwork always pays off. All those sleepless nights in order for us to practice our routines are all worth it because we won the championship again,” said Williams on their success in an interview with The Augustinian.

COC and College of Health and

Allied Medical Professions (CHAMP) also exhibited their consistency of being on top by earning second and third place in Modern Standard, respectively, while the CHAMP and COT, placed second and third in Latin American, respectively.

“We have given our all but there can only be one winner. This experience is enough to make us champions next year,” quipped Dannielle Divine Tirado, CHAMP’s Modern Standard representative.

Winners of the Dance Sports competition will represent the University in the incoming Iloilo Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA).

“It was a big challenge for me because my partner bagged awards last year in Intramurals and even in PRISAA. We both worked hard for it even practicing outside the campus after class until midnight. I cried during the awarding because all the sacrifices are worth it,” shared Piedra in an interview.

GRACE AT EVERY GLANCE. COC’S Erick dela Piedra and Racia Jean Rey Williams owned the dancefloor with their breathtaking moves, earning them the championship for this year’s Latin American Dance Sports. USA PUB PHOTO • ALLAINE ROSE M. EMNACEN