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The Official Student Newspaper of the University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, Philippines VoLUMe LXV • NUMBer 1 • octoBer 31, 2019
PARAGONS OF MENTAL HEALTH. School counselors allocate their focus to enhancing the awareness of mental health and aiming to remove shame and stigma. USA PUB PHOTO • ROTSEn c. AGREDA
BEARING THE BURDEN BARED University, GSTC seek focus on Mental Health Crisis
by glaiza rae d. amable in response to the spiKe in the number of suicide cases in Western visayas, including the recent two reported cases of suicide of augustinian students, the local government and the University of san agustin (Usa) take a proactive stance of strengthening mental health awareness programs. lloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) records from January to september 2019 revealed 67 suicide incidents, 22 of which were youth
victims, higher compared to the 52 cases from January to september 2017 and 65 cases in 2018. “we are looking at boosting 63 teen centers scattered in different towns to facilitate guidance counselling and personality development activities,” said Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. in an interview with sunstar. Meanwhile, the Guidance services and testing center (Gstc) of UsA advocates for the students’ healthy state in the challenges brought about by mental health problems.
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USA earns accolades in Law, Research ni X e na hyacin th g. e s tiÑos o wIth 60.42 PerceNt passing rate in the November 2018 BAr exam and 4,855 citations in Google scholar, the University of san Agustin earned the 9th spot in the top Performing law school in the Philippines and 8th in the top Philippine schools by citation in top Google scholar. Atty. Jose Mari Benjamin F. U. tirol, dean of the University of san Agustin college of law (UsA-cOl) expressed that the ultimate goal of the college is to gain a 100 percent passing rate. “If we have another topnotcher that would be a bonus. It is, for us, better to have a higher passing rate as compared to having a topnotcher; of course, having both is the best,” he shared with the Augustinian. the November 2018 BAr exam held the highest number of BAr candidates in recent years, yielding a national passing rate of 22.07 percent which was lower than the 25.5 percent of the 2017 BAr. “It is a bragging right for all of us, and we share the same right with those people who brought this pride to the University. It is a challenge for all of us to be able to maintain the same standard and even beat the top 9,” said christine chavez, student president of law Alpha sigma lex. Meanwhile, Dr. Jonel P. saludes, associate vice-president of the Office for research and Global relations said that the award given for research is a very welcoming news, because for the first time the University of san Agustin is not only seen as a teaching university; it now identifies itself as an active participant in the research activities of the entire Philippines. “having research-active faculty members means that the quality and content of the lectures given by the teachers are new, current, [and] updated,” said saludes. Further, saludes empasized that the research activeness of the faculty members has a direct correlation to the quality and content of their teaching. “One of the critical component[s] to maintain or even raise this success is to have more highly qualified teachers. this is how we plan to sustain this, to train and equip our faculty members as capable and competitive as we can,” saludes added. currently, the University has four research centers namely center for Natural Drug Discovery and Development (cND3); center for chemical Biology and Biotechnology (c2B2); center for heritage and Indigenous culture (chIc); and center for Informatics.
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university C2b2 Scientist receives PRC highest award Augustinian scientist recognized as the 2019 Outstanding Professional of the year bestowed by Professional regulation commission (Prc).
“the dramatic increase of mental health issues likely has much to do with the rise of social media, and the profound shifts in how teenagers spend their time and connect with others day-to-day. this is why we need to take this seriously,” shared rovielyn silhay, rPm, rGc, faculty, college of liberal Arts, sciences, and education (clAse), on the root cause of mental health issues. charlotte leigh, rGc, University Guidance director, broached
Top teams vie for Collegiate Grand Title in 2019 uNIGAMES
You’ve been [Red] Tagged! DE MO
CR ACY
With the government red tagging its critics, it leads to question if the country still has democracy.
Nation’s top universities and colleges wage war in hopes of earning a title during the 24th Philippine University Games (UNIGAMes).
Iloilo-Guimaras Strait mishap tolls 31 deaths by emy rose g. gallego and jeff g. tolentino PlyING IlOIlO-GUIMArAs route on August 3, 2019, three motor bancas capsized due to a sudden squall claiming 31 lives. traversing the strait at 12:15 pm, Mbca Keziah-2 and chi-chi turned upside down followed by Mbca Jenny Vince at 3:39 PM en route to Parola wharf, Iloilo city from Buenavista wharf, Guimaras. “there was no weather disturbance or even Gale warning forecasted by PAGAsA on that day,” said Philippine coast Guard (PcG) station Iloilo in an interview with the Augustinian. Mbca Keziah-2 with five crew members aboard survived, while 31 passengers out of 91 on board Mbca chi-chi and Jenny Vince died including Ma. rycille sol therese Fenis, a first year Accountancy student of the University of san Agustin. “she woke up early that day to go to her NstP class. that was her last. she dreamed to be an accountant, a dream my daughter can no longer fulfill,” shared cecilia Fenis, parent. while efforts are made for the passengers’ safety, SEA MISHAP
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AFTERMATH. Guimaras bound Iloilo motor banca routine remains far from normalcy as operations remains restricted by MARINA, impacting the province’s socio-economic development and causing struggle of the passengers in everyday trip. USA PUB PHOTO • ROTSEn AGREDA
San Ag Grad tops September 2019 MTLE by glaiza rae d. amable BestING Other board takers from different universities and colleges all over the Philippines, University of san Agustin (UsA) graduate reiven John Bernales ranked first in the september 2019 Medical technologist licensure examination (Mtle). According to the Professional regulation commission (Prc) results released on september 25, Bernales gained the top spot among the 4,743 board passers after earning a rating of 90.50 percent. “It was both unexpected and
“MEDICAL TECHNOLOGy WAS NOT My FIRST CHOICE, BUT I’VE LEARNED TO LOVE IT. I’VE LEARNED HOW TO JUST CRy IT OUT WHEN THINGS GET ROUGH, BUT I DON’T GIVE UP.” -BERNALES a dream come true,” Bernales told the Augustinian in an interview after learning the results. the 21-year-old shared that he was supposed to study chemical engineering at the University of the Philippines (UP), but failed the University of the Philippines college Admission
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test (UPcAt). “Medical technology was not my first choice, but I’ve learned to love it. I’ve learned how to just cry it out when things get rough, but I don’t give up,” added Bernales.
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Volume LXV • Number 1 October 31, 2019
news ASF curves PH Swine Industry b y j e f f g. tol e n tin o Hitting the Philippines’ swine industry, the African swine fever (ASF) affected more than 17,000 of the 12.5 million swine population which led to depleting the market of local hog growers over rising concern of consumers on pork and pork products. ASF, which was suspected to have come from smuggled pork products from China, curved the demand on the swine industry products in the country since its outbreak across central Luzon on August 2019. “The products coming from China that we’ve confiscated is positive for ASF, this is our main concern that introduced ASF into meat and pork products that we’ve confiscated, so this confirms our earlier hypothesis that it really came from other countries,” said William Dar, Department of Agriculture (DA) secretary. Following the outbreak, the farm gate price of local pork and pork products curved by 40 percent and gave rise to 27 percent of chicken import surge. “65 out of the 81 provinces [have] already stopped us from entering their localities. That being the case, demand for our products is already being restricted,” expressed Rex Agarrado, Philippine Association of Meat Processors Incorporated spokesperson. Affecting major brands of local pork product manufacturers, DA confirmed public speculations as it verified a positive result for ASF over Mekeni’s tocino and hotdog products. On a statement, Mekeni said that “despite this unfortunate development, we assure the government that we will continue to cooperate in its ongoing investigation to determine the source of ASF.” Despite rising cases, DA with the Department of Health made certain to the public that the infected pork and pork products have no adverse effect on the consumer’s health. “We are reiterating that pork and pork products that we have, as long as these are not coming from ASF affected areas, are safe for human consumption,” emphasized Dar. Centered on the containment of ASF infection, strict compliance over market of pork and pork products are observed by various regulating bodies. “If there is a problem with our animals, they will not reach the slaughter house if they [authorities] knew that it came from a contaminated area. It’s very impossible that it will reach the local market,” shared Ariel Cayanan, DA undersecretary.
University C2B2 Scientist receives PRC highest award BY m a rlyn r os e b. marce l o
usa pub PH OTO • steve n john n. Sumbing
Pharmacist and scientist of Center for Chemical Biology and Biotechnology Dr. Doralyn S. Dalisay nabbed the highest award bestowed by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), the 2019 Outstanding Professional of the Year in the field of Pharmacy, during the PRC Anniversary Celebration held at Fiesta Pavilion, Manila Hotel, June 20. The award is given through peer nomination and upon sufficiently demonstrated competence of highest degree, professional integrity, significant contribution and impacts to the society and country. “I am very honored for I have been nominated and being chosen to be on the top three. It was really worthy to prepare validated documents that suit the rubrics given by PRC including the leadership of the contender, as well as accomplishments, awards and the social contribution of the research,” stated Dalisay. After the screening and final deliberation of the PRC committee, Dalisay became the first Augustinian Pharmacist to receive the award. “My study and research are to encourage and tell every pharmacist that the direction to that kind of profession is not just going to the community, pharmacy or hospital but a pharmacist could also have their own researches especially on drug discovery,” added Dalisay. Further, she is the youngest pharmacist to conduct a research on antifungal and anticancer compounds from rare marine sedimentderived microorganisms. “Her study is very novel because it is beneficial in making and discovering non-existing drugs that would be helpful for everyone. And as chemistry students, we could use her study as a reference for our future researches about drug discovery that could one day help our fellow citizens,” shared Caren Grace Villafuerte, a sophomore BS Chemistry student. Her published research on drug discovery and awards in recognition for her research, publications, and patents attracted the interest of the PRC community because of new discovery pertaining to marine sediment-derived actino-bacteria coming from different places in the Philippines. “Success is 99 percent hardwork and failure; one percent talent and victory. What drives someone to that 1 percent victory is the failure he had every day, eventually become a stepping stone in creating a better version of himself. And to those young ones, always give back to the community, to the alma mater and to those who helped in your venture,” quoted Dalisay.
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CHEd grants University Deregulated Status
REGAINING AUTONOMOUS. The University of San Agustin is now closer to its greater goal of achieving the autonomous status as the Commission on Higher Education(CHED) granted the University the dregulated status after it has met the necessary requirements. usa pub PHOTO • steven john n. Sumbing by emy rose g. gallego MOVING inches closer to reclaim its autonomous status, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) accorded the deregulated status to the University of San Agustin last October 24. As defined in CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 46 series of 2012: Deregulated HEIs (by evaluation) are those that “demonstrate very good institutional quality and enhancement through internal Quality Assurance systems, and demonstrate very good program outcomes through a good proportion of accredited programs, the presence of centers of Excellence and/
or Development, and/or international certification.” “Being deregulated means we were able to garner 65 points in all, meaning there is a point for program of excellence, and there is a point for institutional sustainability,” explained Dr. Regina Aileen May Vergara, director, Strategy and Quality Management Office. With the effectivity of the grant from June 1, 2019 to May 31, 2021, the University will be entitled to benefits such as being exempted from the issuance of Special Orders for its graduates, free from regular evaluation, prioritized for the grants from CHED, privileged to determine and prescribe its own programs to achieve global
competence, and the authority to grant Honoris Causa to deserving individuals, per provisions of the CHED on the conferment of honorary degrees. “We’ve been working hard since we came in here to regain that status. In fact, a lot of effort have been exerted to regain this; through accreditations, through ISOs. So now we’re even planning to go to international accreditations. So that’s why I think all the efforts in the past years have been paying off, but we are not yet contented, we are not yet happy because we are really aiming the autonomous,” said University President Rev. Fr. Frederick Comendador, OSA. To regain the autonomous status, the University should
at least earn 80 points - 56 of which is by being accredited and declared Centers for Development and Excellence in its degree programs, and 24 of which is by having sustainable operations. On the other hand, Comendador emphasized that the ultimate aim is to develop a culture of excellence rather than the autonomous status. “Our ultimate aim is really to develop here a culture of excellence, a culture that constantly improves, develops and we have a strong internal quality management system within that we can correct and innovate whatever problems we encounter,” concluded Comendador.
Augustinians reach out to partner communities by chito cezar p. batoon jr. In the spirit of unitas and caritas, student organizations of the University together with the officials conducted simultaneous outreach activities in its partner communities during the Augustinian Day of Service on August 24. The outreach of the University, which includes programs and projects for sustainability and development, were conducted in different communities and partnered barangays in the city of Iloilo including Barangay Nabitasan, Dalayunan: A Home for Boys, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology – Region VI, and Asilo de Molo. “The project made an impact and benefits to the community especially to the citizens of the barangay,” shared Donardo Gustilo, barangay captain of Nabitasan. In collaboration with Student SEA MISHAP
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the change in the motor banca operations opted for an increase in fare. “The fare hike burdens me as a commuter, and it cuts off my allowance,” shared Luz Bella Gajo, resident of Guimaras. PCG Iloilo implementing safety to the passengers emphasized that safety is important at all times even when some inconvenience is met along the way. “Sad to say that the PCG who is implementing the MARINA formulated policies, guidelines, and conditions, is the receiving of all the blame of the public,” concluded PCG Iloilo.
PORTRAYAL OF COMPASSION. Interior Design students from the College of Technology give a lecture and a demo on USA PUB PHOTO • lawrence D. dorego Bag Making and Tie Dye Workshop during the St. Augustine’s Feast Day. Affairs and Welfare Office(SAWO) and the Social Advocacy and Community Engagement Office (SACEO), student organizations heeded the call for creating programs for the sustainability of one of its partnered communities through the development of activities including rainwater catchment facility, waiting shed renovation, livelihood training,
and lectures on vermicomposting. “The rainwater harvesting is one of the programs of the University which helped the community because one of the main problems within Nabitasan is water scarcity, and has a good benefit especially to the citizens for they can make bags additional for their living,” added Gustilo. The whole day activity
included dengue awareness and environmental campaigns, gift giving, and a series of talks. “It is a day wherein we share the Gospel of Christ through our simple gesture of self-giving; a day we can truly commemorate and imitate tthe good deeds of a patron we dearly venerate,” stated Ryan Calica, Registered Students Organization coordinator.
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emphasized that it is important to learn the warning signs and recognize the proper way of responding in a crisis. “When you see signs or notice changes in someone’s behavior, asking him is often the primary step to find out what is troubling him and what you can do to help,” added Gayoles. Answering the need to intensify education on mental issues here in Western Visayas, the Department of Health Western Visayas Center for Health Development launched toll-free hotlines, which can be reached at 1-800-10-333-8336, 0998532-4047, 0917-775-9256, and 0925-546-9919 for all who are undergoing any mental health crisis including suicide prevention.
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Meanwhile, the University fell short to be recognized as one of the top performing schools in the MTLE earning a rating of 91.61 percent and producing 142 new licensed medical technologists. “I feel bad not really with the results, but for those alumni who were not able to make it. The only thing that I am looking right now is for them to come back and help them do some remediations,” said Joe Perez Jr., academic supervisor of Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Department . Further, Perez foresees that they shall make a comeback as long as the next board takers stay focused and committed in their field.
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on the activities crafted by the GSTC such as University wellness symposiums, counselling, guidance classes, and mental health training for teachers for suicide intervention and response strategies. “They helped us manage anxiety by finding the cause of our problems and providing appropriate ways to overcome them. Asking for help is what we need to get past obstacles,” asserted college student *Dyniel, not his real name, on how the GSTC help students learn to cope with stressful situations. Furthermore, Lisa Anna Gayoles, PhD, RPsy, RGC, University psychologist,
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news USA commemorates 115th Founding Anniversary by PAULINE C. arada
Augustinians engage in first E-Sports Competition by JEFF G. TOLENTINO an d je ri c o m . s e v e r i n o
Anchored on the theme, “One Mind, One Heart, One Home: Come Home to San Agustin”, the University of San Agustin celebrated its 115th Founding Anniversary and Grand Alumni Homecoming, July 6. This year’s homecoming marks another milestone for the University as it inaugurates the Fountain of Unity, a structure that symbolizes its 65th year as the first university in Western Visayas. “The Alumni Homecoming is the annual celebration of the University to reach out to its alumni and celebrate with them the success of the University, especially this year that we’re celebrating our 115th anniversary so this is a time for us to look back to the past and celebrate what we have achieved so far after 115 years. The milestones that we’ve had, we wish to share that to the people who were instrumental to the success of the institution so the alumni is one of those major stake-holders that the University is holding”, said Hyacinth Bangero, assistant director/ marketing officer of Philantrophic, External, and Alumni Relations (PEAR) Office. Rev. Fr. Pederito Aparece, OSA, principal of the Basic Education Department, and
HALLMARK OF UNITY. In celebration of 115th Founding Anniversary and Alumni Homecoming of the University, the whole Augustinian community convenes for the blessing of the Fountain of Unity in front of the University’s chapel. USA PUB PHOTO • steven john n. sumb ing
the officers of the USA Alumni Association, commenced the celebration through a motorcade from the main campus to the Sambag Campus. “Although the alumni is already living their own lives outside the University, they should always let the University be a part of their lives,” shared Floyd Susarno, asistant Alumni Relations officer of PEAR office.
The Prinicipal’s Cup began in the afternoon, including Basketball, Volleyball, Football, and the BINGO Socials. Moreover,theUniversity recognized the Alumni Jubilarians during the Grand Alumni Night and the Coronation of the USA Grand Homecoming Queen 2019. The celebration included a Sports Family Day, spearheaded by the USA Basketball Varsity
Alumni Association together with the Augustinian Cycling Enthusiasts. Charmaine Rose Frosa, administrative assistant of PEAR office, added, “The main purpose of a homecoming is to give back to your Alma Mater, the memories, the learnings, the experiences gained through the years, and coming back to our roots as Augustinian.”
USA Stat Analysis team reaps third gold by JEFF G. TOLENTINO
A Calculated Win. The USA Statistical Analysis team (left to right) with Dr. Rhodora A. Cartagena (coach), Frances Therese C. Carbon (BS Medical Laboratory Science 2), Cyril John S. Tubola (BSEd Major in Math) and Romari Charlz F. Diaz (BS Architecture 5) in their three-peat win in the 16th Statistical Analysis Contest. file PHOTO • usamss
Conquering a three-peat sweep, the Statistical Analysis team of the University of San Agustin bagged its third gold during the 16th Statistical Analysis Contest for College students in Region VI as part of
the 30th National Statistics Month Celebration held at National Economic and Development Authority, October 25. The defenders, composed of Cyril John S. Tubola (BSEd Major in Math), Romari Charlz F. Diaz,
(BS Architecture 5), and Frances Therese C. Carbon (BS Medical Laboratory Science 2) together with their coach Dr. Rhodora A. Cartagena, ousted 15 competing teams in the Region. “We do research and read articles to prepare. The team is composed of exemplary students from different colleges of the University and our coach was there saying not to be pressured because we are going to win this year,” shared Tubola. Technical University of the Philippines and Central Philippine University placed second and third in the said competition, respectively. “With preparations and guidance of the coach, I am confident that the next batch will defend the title. There will always be a pressure but when they work as a team, everything will work for them to succeed,” said Diaz. Leaning on strategic
approach, Cartagena the team’s coach since shared the team’s prodigy. “The strategy was to look for young and old contestants so that the following year there will be somebody who will stay who has an idea. [During the competition] we looked up some data and trends [in last year’s competition] and possible problems that might come out.” Conquering a threepeat slam, Rev. Fr. Frederick Comendador OSA, University president, commended the team for a grand slam. “This is the third year in a row that we got the championship so I think this only shows the quality of students that we have here, the quality of the teachers and instructors that we have in the University. These are blessings from God so I am very grateful and happy for all the support that we received,” expressed Comendador.
SAWO, USASG launch First Leads+ Program by JOANNA WAYNE s. HORNEJA To usher in new generations of Augustinian leaders embodying the values of Unitas, Caritas and Veritas, the USA Student Government (USASG) in collaboration with the Student Affairs and Welfare Office (SAWO) conducted USA Leads+ Leadership Training Program, June 29, at the USA Gymnasium. The year-long activity is open to all Augustinians and composed of six sessions with four stages incorporated namely the Seeding, the Nurturing, Growth, and the Harvesting, where various activities in and outside of the University would take place that would further strengthen the values and skills of the participants in venturing the world of leadership and voluntarism. “We want to democratize or politicize the students to be more active in the political life. So hence, we come up with Leads+ which is basically creating certified Augustinian student
leaders for the next generations,” quoted Martin Ortiz, USASG president. The first stage of training, the Seeding, introduced the aspiring leaders to the basic technicalities of leadership such as the Augustinian Apostolates and the Cassiciacum of Leadership, which were delivered by SAWO Director Eric Divinagracia and Vice President for Augustinian Formation and Mission Rev. Fr. Wilson Capellan, OSA. “The first part is the seeding part. It is where the orientation takes place. You plant the seeds. You plant the values individually. This is where we orient them why we are doing Leads+ and what are the values that we need to incorporate in Leads+ and then we also introduce here the 7 Augustinian advocacies,” said Kara Claire Oducado, leadership minister and vice president – external of USASG. The student leaders already kicked off the first part of the Nurturing phase wherein they
Adapting to the social trend of Electronic Sports (E-Sports), the USA Student Government (USASG) in partnership with ISC pioneered the Electronic Games (E-Games) tournament in the University as a part of the Saint Augustine’s Feast Day (SAFD) and Intramurals 2019. The first E-Sports competition included Electronic games such as Mobile Legends, Tekken 6, and NBA2k19. “E-Sports is such a ‘huge thing’ right now and it’s becoming International and National tournaments with a $33 million price poll. So our goal right now is to look for the best players in the University,” shared Earon Philip Villamora, College of Liberal Arts Sciences and Education (CLASE) senator. Facing a stigma, USASC was adamant in changing the perspective when it comes to E-Sports. “The problem is that nobody is engaging into E-Sports that much because of the prejudice that it’s just well ‘pang tambay’. But we’re here to educate [students] and implement these kinds of events to tell people that
E-Sports is a booming industry right now,” added Villamora. Gaining the interest of different colleges of the University, players representing their departments battled for supremacy. “As a pro E-Sports player, I could say that the tournament was a contribution to my experience in playing with different opponents. This tournament is also a chance for players to be acknowledged by the school. E-sports is not only just about addictive gaming but the IQ and skills of each player on how to play their games,” said Simon Kevin Ong, champion of NBA2K19 tournament. USASG laid long term plans on incorporating E-Sports to future Intramurals and reach inter school tournaments. “We are looking forward to make partnerships with computer shops to host tournaments like DOTA, Counter Strike, and other in-demand tournaments with high price poll as well as include E-Sports in the University Games (UNIGAMES). As the first university in Western Visayas, let’s benchmark something like that,” concluded Villamora.
Panay Activists decry 47th Martial Law Anniv by pa u le n e a . bu e n a fe In line with the National Day of Action, around 2,000 activists from various sectors across Panay and Guimaras raised their placards and marched in protest to mark the 47th Anniversary of the declaration of the martial law, September 20, 2019 at Sunburst Park, Iloilo City. With its theme “Paslawon ang Diktadura, Pangapinan ang Kabuhi kag Palangabuhian”, the protest tackled issues on human rights, poverty, free education, agrarian reforms, the effects of the Rice Tariffication and the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law, women, LGBTQIA+ and workers’ rights, the halt on corruption, extrajudicial killings and redtagging of student activists, and also pressed for the resumption of the peace talks between the government and communists. “Amo ina ang rason kung ngaa gapanindugan kami nga ginapanawagan nga ipadayon ang peace talks bangud pirde kita nga mga ordinary nga tawo kag kita nga pumuluyo nga gakaipit sining giyera. Sa pag-resume sini, maangkon naton ang kalipay sang ordinary nga pumuluyo, maangkon naton ang aton pormal nga pangabuhi,” said Rev. Fr. Marco Sulayao, Promotion of Church People’s Response (PCPR Panay and Guimaras) chairperson in his speech. The said multi-sectoral rally was in accordance to Proclamation 319 that was signed
by President Rodrigo Duterte last 2017, declaring September 21 as a “National Day of Protest,” in solidarity with the Filipino’s call against all excesses and shortcomings of the government and desire to uphold the highest standards of government’s integrity, efficiency, and accountability, “Gina-acknowledge ta nga ang tanan nga problema, intersectional. Kita nga mga esudyante, ang ginapanawagan naton ang libre nga edukasyon, ang matuod-tuod nga libre, nga dangat subong wala mahatag sa aton. Amo na ari ta diri subong, gapanawagan sang matuod nga kalayaan. Kalayaan sa opresyon naton adlaw adlaw,” said Jorielle Panoy, vice-chairperson of Sandigan para sa Mag-aaral at Sambayanan Party Alliance – University of the Philippines Visayas (SAMASA – UPV). F u r t h e r m o r e , environmental advocates also gathered to participate in the rally to commemorate the Global Climate Strike on the same date. “I believe that the youth is an important factor in the fight for climate justice because it’s our future we are fighting for. There will be no jobs, no opportunities and soon there will be no humans in a dead planet. That is why I believe that the youth is an important component for climate justice,” said Kyle Anne Villariza, convener of the Youth Strike 4 Climate Philippines – Iloilo Chapter.
AUGUSTINIAN LEADERSHIP. SAWO Director Eric Divinagracia imparts his knowledge about Augustinian Apostolates and Cassiciacum Leadership in first Leads+. file PHOTO • john jefferson perez engaged into several activities such as speech-making and internalizing self-awareness to determine their desired advocacy and way of leadership. “When I asked them how the Leads+ was, for those especially who were non-officers, they find it as a very good opportunity to take part, to participate in the
student government as well as it allowed them an opportunity to meet with a lot of people, to interact with a lot of people, and to have a glimpse about what leadership is and what voluntarism is because Leads+ is for all students regardless whether you’re an officer or a non-officer,” said Divinagracia.
Never Again. Various group activists in Iloilo and Guimaras take a stand during the National Day of Protest raising their voices in opposition to the declaration of Martial law during Marcos regime. USA PUB PHOTO • rotsen c. agreda
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eDitoriaLANDopiNioN You’ve Been [Red] Tagged! E D I T O R I A L issues of the government. rappler published an expose in 2016 which discussed how duterte allies pulled strings behind Facebook to draw in supporters and oust his rivals. This claim of rappler was further amplified when Facebook suspended 200 accounts which had “coordinated inauthentic activity” linked to nic Gabunada, the social media manager of duterte’s campaign. rappler ranks third among the biggest news portals in the Philippines, according to Alexa rank, a california-based web information company. With a bureau in Jakarta indonesia, it has also boomed into publicity as Facebook’s fact checker in the Philippines against fake news. Among other accusations were alleged violations of cyber Crime Law and the Anti- dummy Law after issuing depository receipts to foreign investor omidyar network. Bombarded by what seems to be an endless lawsuit, ressa is adamant to defend press freedom with her life and career on the line. Waging a brutal war against one leading media outlet was not enough for the duterte administration as it yet again takes down another key figure in the opposition. de Lima among others is a human rights activist who was a prominent critic of duterte’s war on drugs campaign with “oplan Tokhang” . condemning the inhumane slaughter, the senator lambasted the administration countless
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times only to find herself facing charges of alleged bribery from drug dealers during her time as the justice secretary in the Aquino administration. Using her own accusations against her, de Lima faced detention since February 2017 in which international human rights activists see as “culmination of duterte’s long demonization campaign against critical sitting senator.” Yet to face trial, de lima expressed her doubt in getting a fair trial while the President takes office. de Lima proves no cell can hold her in silence. Although deprived of freedom, de Lima condemned duterte’s actions which included the oil deal with china emphasizing the President’s failure to protect the sovereign rights, and disregard of the 2016 arbitral ruling on West Philippine Sea. As major pillars of the opposition are taken down and marked, protest, schools, and various publications face the same ordeal. Sparking controversy over cheers and yells, the University of the Philippines – Visayas (UPV) in the recently concluded UPV Pahampang 2019 has caused quite a stir in social media. The Skimmers, champion of the cheers and yells competition included such lines as “Let’s kill the President”, which brewed
Editor-in-Chief eMY rose G. GaLLeGo Managing Editor paULeNe a. BUeNaFe Financial Director GLaiZa rae D. aMaBLe Associate Editor JeFF G. toLeNtiNo Associate Editor Jerico M. seVeriNo Circulation Manager Maria cristY e. DaGUaY Moderator art aND DesiGN teaM: Geremy T. Gallenero (Art Director) June Ivan S. Gumban, Leunamme C. Pabion (Staff Artists) coMMUNitY aFFairs teaM: Emy Rose G. Gallego (Community Editor) Marlyn Rose B. Marcelo (Staff Writer) creatiVe writiNG teaM: Chito Cezar P. Batoon Jr. (Literary Editor) pHotoGrapHY teaM: Miguel Carlos J. Llamado (Photography Director) Rotsen C. Agreda, Michael E R B. Tuares, Steven John N. Sumbing (Staff Photographers) Lawrence D. Dorego (Intern) proGraM MaNaGeMeNt teaM: Joanna Wayne S. Horneja (Program Director) Pauline C. Arada (Staff Writer) Honey Mabelle Villarba (Intern) coNtriBUtors: Jose Miguel E. Garin, Everild Dominique A. Camique
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Augustinian 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 CS6, Adobe InDesign CS6, and Adobe Illustrator CS6. Exo and Merriweather were used for the text. 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 We encourage you to recycle this publication. Let’s help save the environment.
DE MO
With the government red tagging its critics, it leads to question if the country still has democracy. By suppressing the fundamental right of freedom in responsible speech assured by the constitution, the opposition is forcefully silenced and authoritarianism surfaces. The essence of democracy lies within the voice of the people. As
ALEXITHYMIA
Emy Rose G. Gallego, AB Polsci ‘22 Scan code to send an email reply Setyembre 18 nitong taon nang lumitaw ang kakilakilabot na balita kaugnay ng halimaw na hazing kung saan ito ay hindi sa isang tipikal na akademikong institusyon naganap kung hindi sa dapat karangal-rangal na Philippine Military Academy (PMA). hindi lamang mga suntok at sipa ang natamo ng binatang si PMA cadet 4th class darwin dormitorio; sa pagkakagapos ng kanyang mga kamay at pagkakabalot ng kanyang ulo habang siya ay tila hayop na kinukuryente ay nagkaroon ng blunt force trauma na naging sanhi ng kanyang pagkasawi na dulot ng internal hemorrhage o pagdurugo sa loob ng katawan. Ang ganitong kaganapan ay isang malakas na sampal ng katotohanan na kailanma’y hindi natuldukan ang hazing at baldado ang sistemang pumupuksa rito. Ang PMA ay isang primyerang institusyon na naghahasa sa talas ng utak, liksi ng katawan, at disiplina ng mga kadete nito. isa itong hinahangaan na institusyon sa bansa sapagkat ito’y nagbunga ng mga de-kalibreng alagad ng batas. nakapagtataka kung paanong sa mahigpit na akademiya na kung saan pinapanday hindi lang ang disiplina kung hindi respeto ay nagaganap ang hazing na gawain lamang ng mga “berdugo”. Pagkaraan ng malagim na pangyayari, untiunti na ring naglilitawan ang iba pang pagmamaltrato. isa na
freedom of responsible speech is robbed, democracy started to fall. By sealing the critics of this country, democracy has fallen. For every journalist who writes against the President, every group who raises a protest, and every person who claims a stand. democracy may have fallen, but it is not dead. however, beware. You’ve got a red tag!
CR ACY
NALALAGAS NA NGIPIN NG bATAS
Responsive • Developmental • Research-based
roMari cHarLZ F. DiaZ
tension among and from duterte supporters. in less than a day that the video has been uploaded to social media, it has evoked red tagging, with the UPV receiving threats and harassment. considering the cheers as a bolt, the possibilities of what could go next and how the administration will retaliate is fearful.
ARTwORk • ROMARi cHARlz F. DiAz
The first half of President rodrigo duterte’s term saw the administration resorting to forceful actions over its critics by filing cases of inciting sedition by human rights advocates, religious leaders and opposing politicians. in 2018, the Philippine national Police (PnP) filed libel cases and obstruction of justice against elected Vice President Leni Robredo and Senator Antonio Trillianes iV who were ardent critics of the duterte administration. Maria ressa, Rappler’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Senator Leila de Lima stood on the same side of the opposition and faced scrutiny, with de Lima ending up behind bars and ressa on trial with piled cases against her. With blatant attacks against the opposition, the duterte administration uprooted the fundamental pillars of its critics. What the administration is doing now is getting rid of the influence in the fear of giving birth to yet another nemesis. Over the years of President rodrigo duterte’s regime, criticism about the President’s “good acts” towards the country are red tagged in which the government links critics to communist parties intending to debunk the present administration. This is particularly exemplified by Ressa over her feud with duterte’s administration after her social news network disclosed critical
dito ang nag viral sa social media na kung saan inaabuso ang mga baguhang kadete na siya namang kinumpirma ng PMA. Ang hazing ay isang hubad na katotohanang nasilayan ng madla at pinatunayan hindi lamang ng mga pagmamaltrato sa PMA kung hindi ng mga iba pang nabiktima nito. isa na dito si horacio Castillo iii, ang UST Law student na pinabayaang mamatay makaraang pahirapan ng mga inaakala nitong kapatid, ang Aegis Juris Fraternity. Mula 1954 nang naitala ang pinakaunang kaso ng hazing hanggang 2017, 31 na ang namatay dahil dito. humigit kumulang siyam na biktima naman ang naiulat hanggang 1995 kung saan isinabatas ang Republic Act 8049 o ang “Antihazing Law”. Pagkaraang ipinatupad ang nasabing batas, 22 na naman ang binawian ng buhay dulot nito. Malinaw na hindi naging epektibo ang naturang batas kung kaya’t hindi nawala ang karahasang ito. Samantala, ang sinapit ni castillo ay nagsilbing gatong na sumiklab ang sidhing putulin ang sungay ng mga taong kating-kati na isagawa ang hazing. ito ang naging daan sa pagsasakatupad ng republic Act 11053 o ang “Anti-hazing Act of 2018”. Sa kasamaang palad, tila ganoon parin ang sitwasyon. ngayon, naging isang malaking katanungan ang Antihazing Law. Mahigit isang
taon nang ito’y nilagdaan ng Pangulong Rodrigo duterte. Kamakailan lamang ay kanyang sinabi sa isang press conference na imposibleng matigil ang hazing. dagdagan pa nina Senator
oo, maaari ngang hindi ito mawala ng parang bula, ngunit kapag ang mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan ay magtulungan, darating ang araw na wala ng pamilya na malalagasan ng mahal sa buhay. Pero umpisa pa lamang ay mayroon nang kapabayaan ang mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan . Ayon sa batas, 90 na araw pagkatapos na maging epektibo ang isang batas, kailangang makapagpasa ito ng implementing Rules and Regulations (iRR). Subalit, kamakailan lamang ay pumutok
ANG GANITONG KARAHASAN Ay ISANG MALAKAS NA SAMPAL NG KATOTOHANAN NA KAILANMA’y HINDI NATULDUKAN ANG HAzING AT BALDADO ANG SISTEMANG PUMUPUKSA RITO. Bato dela Rosa at Philippine national Police (PnP) Chief Oscar Albayalde na ”hinubog” daw sila nito. “Just imagine, kung itong mga civilian universities mayroong hazing, mas more ang military academy. imagine-in ninyo. Tine-train ang mga tao diyan para maging warriors,” ani dela rosa. ibig sabihin ba nito’y wala silang pakialam kung ito’y mananatili? Maraming nagakala na mawawakasan na ang pagkamatay dahil sa hazing pero hindi pa rin pala. Paano tuluyang mapapatay ang karahasang ito kung mismong ang ating mahal na pangulo at mga ilang alagad ng batas ay pilit idinidiin na ito’y imposibleng wakasan? ito yata ang kailangan sa pagpapatupad ng karumal-dumal na giyera laban sa droga kung saan mahigit 20,000 ang namatay at ito nga rin siguro ang humubog upang i-kampyon ang pagtuligsa sa mga pinaghihinalaang aktibistang estudyante sa mga pamantasan.
ang balita na ito’y pinapadali na ng commission on human rights sapagkat ang mga ahensiya tulad ng commission on higher education, kasama ang education, Justice, interior and Social Welfare departments, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine national Police (PnP) at national Youth commission ay hindi nakapagpalabas. ilang buhay pa ba ang mawawasak dahil sa hazing? ilang pangarap pa ang maglalaho? Ang umaasang mapabilang sa isang kapatiran dahil sa inaakalang dalang koneksyon at iyong sunod-sunuran lamang sa kanilang mga upperclassmen, ngayon ay isa nang malamig na bangkay. Sa pagpapatuloy ng hindi makataong hazing, sana ay maging makabuluhan ang pagsusuri ng mga mambabatas ng inutil na batas. dagdagan ng parusa ang sinumang magtangkang sumuway dito. dagdagan ng ngipin ang Antihazing Law.
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While you’re reading this, the polar ice caps are melting. Greta Thunberg, a teen climate activist stirred the environmental community with her unfearful cry for climate justice. 500 experts slammed their worries, claiming that such ‘environmental emergency’ does not exist. Recent reports in November have revealed that more than 11,000 scientist signatories in 153 countries are now declaring a global climate emergency. They also gave a grim warning that if we do not change our ways, humanity is about to face its ‘untold suffering’. A
The Official Student Newspaper of the University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, Philippines
The Philippine General Hospital (PGH) is the image of the public healthcare system in the country which is on the verge of experiencing a detrimental budget cut proposed by the current administration. Such action is a testament of how much of a failure the government is when it comes to serving the Filipino people. The “budget cut epidemic” is becoming more and more imminent as the proposed fund for the country’s health sector in 2020 will purportedly be diminished by P10 billion.
hiraeth
Paulene A. Buenafe BS Accountancy ‘22 Scan code to send an email reply year’s October surpassed October 2015’s top spot as the warmest month and 2019 as the warmest year on record. These numbers are reflecting a continued environmental burden but we are still just doing business as usual.
It’s as if the data are just mere figures. We often complain on the scorching climate, but this case does not rest here. For decades, the effects of global warming has led to the expanding volumes of ocean water. Presently, sea levels continue to rise, imposing threats to human life. The melting of mountain glaciers and polar ice caps are directly attributed to the Earth’s warming temperature as reported by National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. According to the report, the global sea level has risen to 20 centimeters and is projected to upsurge another 30 to 122 centimeters (one to four feet) by 2100. Moreover, in a study conducted by Climate Central, a New Jersey–based science organization, it was stated that with the continued sea level rise, seven cities in the Philippines are in danger of submersion due to rising sea level in 2050. One of cities mentioned is the City of Iloilo. In an interview with
Philstar.com, Climate Change Commissioner Rachel Herrera said that rising sea levels will likely cause more storm surges and flooding, endangering coastal communities. With an average of 20 typhoons passing the Philippines every year, we had homes and jobs destroyed, and lives lost. Whether it will be true or not, how will the country handle one of its biggest environmental challenges yet? Up to this date, world leaders and scientists are still on-going with their meetings and goal-settings. 27 countries pooled $9.8 billion for the Green Climate Fund, a United Nations program targeted to combat climate change. The fund raising prompted when the United States, one of the biggest GHG emitters, announced its withdrawal from the 2016 Paris agreement. It’s a start. However, with the target of decreasing the Earth’s warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, reaching the goal of the Paris Agreement with just throwing billions on the table is no way adequate. The Philippines, known to be one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to extreme weather conditions, answered to the United Nations’ plea for stronger climate action and committed to cut its carbon emissions by 70 percent by 2030. Disappointing as it may sound, the countries with the least contribution to this injustice are the ones who suffer the most. And there goes the biggest culprits, running wild and free
ZIRU
from obligation. This is a global crisis, therefore it needs the collaborative efforts of the whole world. First thing to do is dig the roots – an aggressive reduction of GHG emissions. Through the proper and consistent application of the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle), efficient consumption of energy and water, and continued planting of trees, we will be able to make a step closer to achieving the goals set by our leaders. Consistency is key. Clearly, people have been talking. People are agreeing on having urgent action, but it seems like people have done more agreeing than actually doing. It has been 40 years since the climate movement pioneered and evidently, we have still insufficient progress. By the time you are done reading this, the entire polar region have probably all melted.
anagapesis
Romari Charlz F. Diaz BS Arch ‘20 Scan code to send an email reply hospital. According to the 2017 National Demographic and Health Survey, nearly six out of 10 sick Filipinos have access to public health care services and 55
percent have been provided with medical support through public health units. However, the lack of beds and medical equipment remains a challenge especially in public hospitals. Statistics also shows evidence that the people don’t receive the necessary service and access to healthcare. According to the Department of Health, 800 people struggle for one hospital bed in Metro Manila alone. What more in the provincial health care units where there is an inadequacy in such medical equipment and facility? In Iloilo, the cases of dengue patients became more rampant. Furthermore, reports from Iloilo Provincial Health Office revealed that from January to June 2019, 3,897 cases have been recorded, an alarming increase
of 783 percent from the 439 cases recorded in 2018 during the same period. Due to lack of facilities, patients from Maasin, Iloilo even utilized their town’s covered gym as hydration center. Clearly, this situation proves the government’s incapability of giving the quality healthcare services to its people, especially in times where such services are needed. On February this year, President Rodrigo Duterte affixed his signature on the Republic Act (RA) No. 11223 or the “Universal Health Care Act” that will provide every Filipino the highest possible quality of health care that is accessible, efficient, equitably distributed, adequately funded, fairly financed, and appropriately used by an informed and empowered public. However, this move does not come cheap, especially with the budget cut. How will the government be able to ensure the effectivity of this act and extend its intended purpose to the people, especially the poor? The Philippine healthcare system also suffers from a shortage of public health workforce, especially doctors. According to Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto, over 10,000 health personnel under
Jeff G. Tolentino BSMLS ‘21 Scan code to send an email reply Commission on Population (POPCOM) reported nearly 200,000 Filipino teens get pregnant annually while Joint United Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) recorded HIV at the end of 2018 with 13, 384 new cases putting the Philippines in the worlds top list of HIV infection. As numbers of teenage pregnancy and HIV cases in the country continues to skyrocket, National Youth Commission (NYC) chair Ryan Enriquez proposal to split classroom for boys and girls from Grades 7-12 to curb teenage pregnancies and HIV cases stirred public disapproval. While considering proper sex education in schools, Enriquez puts emphasis over the interaction of grade school students with their classmates as they would develop an intimate relationship. He further added that school activities that involved working together outside would increases teenage sex. Citing the role of curiosity, Enriquez was adamant in his proposal in preventing the temptations of the flesh. Hitting major social media platforms, netizens were quick in criticizing the proposal. Resurfacing issues such as the Reproductive Health Bill which mandates sex education if fully implemented would be a better law to strengthen than the proposal which if put into law would intensify the lack of facilities and teachers in schools nationwide particularly those in the public was the center of discussion. In the opening of classes in 2019, DepEd admits lack of classrooms to cater over 27 million students. Yet, if the said proposal is to be realized, this would further impact the lack of facilities that the school system is already facing. Not only classrooms but this would also require the hiring of additional teachers to cater the new demand of the profession. Department of Education (DepEd) in the start of school year 2017-2018 data showed teacher to student ratio is 1:31 for elementary level and 1:36 for Junior High School Level. If this is to be compared with the House Bill 473 or An Act Regulating Class Size in all Public Schools and Appointing Funds Thereof, numbers would show the need for additional teachers as the ratio exceeds standard class size for elementary of 1:25 and 1:35 for one teacher to handle. Meanwhile, Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) which was also against the Reproductive Health Law saw the proposal as irrelevant to solving teenage pregnancy and HIV infection. Rather than the interaction of students, emphasis on the
Rather than using resources and budget in an experimental proposal of Enriquez, it would be good if existing laws geared towards lowering teenage pregnancy and HIV cases are given priority.
DEARTH IN HEALTH
The public healthcare in the country is given less than half of what they need, but are expected to deliver efficient and effective quality healthcare. This happens at a time when a myriad of epidemics has sprung across the country, starting with dengue, rising HIV cases, malaria, and most recently, polio. It is said that around 250 patients flock daily to the PGH’s old complex alone. Most of them have traveled long distances in desperate hopes of being treated for their different infirmities. However, the hospital has always been short-handed. It has patients who are supposed to be confined in the intensive care units but are still in the wards. It has patients who are expected to be in the wards but still haven’t left the emergency room. Nonetheless, the PGH is by no way excluded from the terrible budget cut, as next year a whopping P465 million will be removed from the funding of the
Education not segregation
Untold (Thaw)ts of the Living World
Disappointing as it may sound, the countries with the least contribution to this injustice are the ones who suffer the most. crisis we repeatedly denied is now flooding the world’s stage – literally. We are failing to address this on-going dilemma. As published in the journal Bioscience, an article entitled World Scientists’ Warning of a Climate Emergency stated that the cause for climate action started in 1979 at the First World Climate Conference in Geneva. They agreed that the alarming trends in climate needed urgent necessary action. Similar apprehensions followed, with the 1992 Rio Summit, the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, the 2009 Copenhagen Summit, and the 2016 Paris Agreement. In the span of 40 years since the first conference, the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions continued to rise. The study revealed that in every 10 years, global emissions of carbon dioxide increase to 4.98 percent, methane to 3.65 percent, and nitrous oxide to 2.46 percent. Furthermore, the new analysis of the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service claimed that this
A5
the Human Resource for Health Deployment Program could lose their jobs because of the budget cut. This will inevitably affect patient healthcare outcomes to make the health care services to run slower and incompetent. Thus, this will be a great factor that will impede the implementation of RA 11223. When the government fails to provide a sufficient budget, everyone suffers. It is very unfortunate to get sick nowadays especially with the quality of healthcare available to the poor. The public healthcare in the country is given less than half of what they need, but are expected to deliver efficient and effective quality healthcare. The government should really comprehend the consequences of the proposed budget cut. With more than 100 million Filipinos, not even half have the luxury to be given proper health care most especially those living in provinces. A budget cut in the health sector equates to higher morbidity and mortality rate in our country. This will impact on the lives of both patients and medical workers. The government is supposed to be a part of the life line of people and not the other way around.
lack of thoughtful regard to values is what causes the problem. Chaining a lot of downfalls rather than the benefit, Enriquez’s proposal supported with no actual studies and statistics to prove. His judgement only nears archaic in the modern society which promotes social interaction and equity among all. Battling with stereotyping of the two sexes, the proposal hits a critical point as it promotes segregation rather than supporting a dynamic environment of understanding at a young age. Study showed that schools who segregate students by sex promotes poor social skills as it can instill an idea that one’s gender is superior or inferior and therefore hinder the development of vital social skills. As the child adapts to the preparation given by school this also affect the relationship formed in the workplace. As school children are primed into the mentality over one’s gender as superior or inferior, sexism develops. Just as racism resulted from racial segregation so sexism by sexual segregation. Rather than using resources and budget in an experimental proposal of Enriquez, it would be good if existing laws geared towards lowering teenage pregnancy and HIV cases are given priority. Although violating no such moral argument in a conservative Catholic country as compared to the Reproductive Health Law, the proposal impacts school children in a negative way rather than their gain. The opportunity of children to develop social bond to the opposite sex will be severed. Given the lack of prior studies, various factor outside school institution is not explored. The role of social media and the boom in technological advancement as well as the environment that the child is subjected to. Not to mention that pornographic sites are just as accessible as major social media platforms. Taking into consideration that Enriquez is locked on prevention, what assurance does this proposal have that children will not interact after school? Given the point that this proposal only limits to school hours interaction, children are still free to decide in their own accord whether to go into a classmates’ house or not. If curiosity and interaction is what Enriquez cites as the culprit in breeding numbers of teenage pregnancy cases and the spread of HIV, isn’t it riskier to deprive the students of the ones they are curious about than educate them on it? Tailing toll both on educational and social development, the proposal holds ambiguous. Pushing through the technological advancement where social media plays a vital role in a child’s mindset and development, education rather than segregation is what this generation needs the most.
A6 Augustinian the
Volume LXV • Number 1 October 31, 2019
special report
Never been Mere Puppets Pinning out the facts of True Essence of Campus Journalism in Nation Building
@MIKErophone The students should be encouraged to voice out their concerns directly to the school administration. The school administration should initiate a conversation with the students (not just with the Student Government Officers) in order to address gaps in the system.
@USAWaayFi The University should be more student-friendly. Adding more study hubs and a strong WiFi connection might help since libraries cannot accommodate students well during examination period.
@SanaAll Shoutout lang gali sa mga guards sang school. Why is it that okay lang pasudlon ang students nga wala gasunod sa proper dress code if they have a car? Tapos kung naka ripped jeans sang pagkagamaygamay, kaabtik dayon magconfiscate ID. Kung muna man lang, teh sana all may car diba? @cinderellamae Concern ko lang tani ang classrooms sa FLD, mas todo pa ang sound sang aircon sang sa tingog samon teacher. Kag tani butangan naman aircon ang laboratory sa MH 303 and MH 304. Nakahatag naman kami letter pero ngaa wala japon action? Wala malang buhin sa tuition? Hello fathers?
@ElsaDzai Pwede niyo makay.o ang mga aircon sa 3rd floor sang Gamboa Hall? Maglabay ka daan bukas gid tanan nga doors sang classrooms kay grabe ang init. Permi na lang late ang service kag maintenance kay last sem ang AH 38 ginkay-o lang ang aircon sembreak na.
@tehsizT Masuggest ko lang nga tani next time, imbes magconduct study ang students sa big companies, ang institution na lang anay amon ianalyze. Bad thing kay daw indi man allowed ang students nga magscrutinize sang amon dearest institution.
@ElsaIsNotFrozen Gusto ko lang tani iaddress amon prob nga archi students sa 5th floor ka Mendel if pwede tani makay-o man lang maskin ang windows then tani mapaandar na ang aircon didto kay kakapoy na nga daan magsaka sa stairs pagabot sa babaw gin.ot dyapon, and maybe upgrade na din ang drafting tables.
@MeetAndGrit The University should be organization-friendly. It’s very hard for organizations to meet in the University because spaces are small, facilities are paid when used, and there are limited facilities and equipments available. There should be a place intended for student meetings as other universities have in their respective campuses.
@tintincross Instead bala nga ang kwarta sang school ginbakal sang kaha nga tapakan sang students kung gabaha, tani ginpakay-o niyo na lang sa drainage system sa sulod sang school. Kung indi kaha lamesa nga galutaw pa kung grabe ang baha. Hay diin na ang bato kay mahampang ta piko?!
@mimingyuuuh Drink your water and stay hydrated kuno. We share the same water with our beloved Augustinian kurings. Teh ano na ini toppings ka drinking fountain naton? Balbon ni miming?
@Lakezoned Pambihira talaga ang USA, ibang klase. Akalain mo, nagiging dalawa yung swimming pool tuwing may malakas na ulan tapos may Lake San Agustin pa? Hello galaw galaw rin po pag may time.
Got an issue to share? Perhaps, an opinion? Don’t be afraid to voice out. Write in English or in vernacular; we don’t mind your grammar either. You can make a change by sharing to us your concerns. Let it be heard (or read) here in the Inbox. Send your message to our official Facebook page.
DISCLAIMER. All words stated above are products of our readers’ freedom of expression. These words, therefore, do not reflect the editorial position of the USA Publications and its individual staff members.
Political and socio-cultural issues have always been written about by people in the early part of Philippine History. Even in the 1880s, the so-called ilustrados or the young Filipino students in Barcelona, headed by Marcelo Del Pilar, battled for reform and independence through their newspaper La Solidaridad. It has been twenty-eight years since the Eighth Congress of the Philippine government enacted Republic Act No. 7079, also known as the “Campus Journalism Act of 1991” for the main purpose of upholding and protecting the freedom of the press even at the campus level as stated in Section 2 of the said act. It further entails that it is a declared policy of the State “to promote the development and growth of campus journalism as a means of strengthening ethical values, encouraging critical and creative thinking, and developing moral character and personal discipline of the Filipino youth.” However, with the changing times, people especially those who care for fame and glory do not see and insist to remain blind to the truth that what the media especially campus journalists do are essential in bringing the check and balance in society. Pulitzer Prize winner Katherine Graham once said, “News is what someone wants suppressed. Everything else is advertising. The power is to set the agenda. What we print and what we don’t print matter a lot.” BLACK AND WHITE In the course of Philippine history, student publications have been around and practiced their freedom since the country was placed under the colonial rule. However, campus publications and student writers were subjected to state censorship during the 1972 Martial Law by then President Ferdinand Marcos, following the release of Letter of Instruction No. 1 which ordered the “takeover and control” of all newspapers, magazines, and radio and television facilities. Liliosa Hilao was the first female and student activist to die in detention during the Martial Law after she penned critical essays such as Democracy is dead in the Philippines under Martial Law. The abusive leadership led to students harnessing the power of the pen even more. Student journalists took part in the struggle against oppressive military rule. They were the people arrested over the pieces they wrote for their campus papers. After toppling the dictatorship in 1987, campus publications remained steadfast in their coverage of various issues and shaping public opinion, this led to the enactment of RA 7079. In 1928, University of San Agustin (USA), formerly known as Colegio de San Agustin de Iloilo answered the called for the need of giving the freedom of expression through establishing USA Publications (USA Pub) which first released The Augustinian. The official media corps of the University is the brainchild of two high school students, Jose Sanchez and Jose Mijares. For over nine decades, the USA Pub continued to fulfill its aim of publishing credible information for the betterment of the Augustinians’ welfare, reaping multiple regional, national and international recognition for its outputs. “I consider the publications of the student as enlightening and maybe it will also bring us to the ground on what are the realities and the issues that are affecting the students,” expressed Rev. Fr. Frederick Comendador, USA University president. “We have allowed the USA Publications to exist for more than 90 years. It is a part of our identity as a University. It is a training ground for truth bearers, and also an opportunity to feedback mechanism for the administration to listen to what is happening to its young,” said Eric Divinagracia, Student Affairs and Welfare Office (SAWO) director and former editor-in-chief of USA Publications, in an interview. BOUNDED BY LAW According to House Bill No. 1493 introduced by Terry L. Ridon, a Kabataan Party-List Representative, the campus press is regarded as a concrete manifestation of the students’ democratic rights and a tangible expression of press freedom in campus. Through it, students
are able to practice their rights to freedom of expression and information, rights that are protected by the 1987 Constitution. It is also an institution that is run, managed, and financed by the students. The campus press is expected to uphold the interests of the students amid various issues. Thus, it is inevitable to find student journalists having dispute with authorities, especially when many student journalists have been prosecuted throughout history especially during the early ‘60s to ‘80s. Their nationalistic thoughts were dismissed as they tend to become a threat to the government. “Freedom is basically liberty to speak and to witness for the truth. Not only witness but also to advocate (for the truth). Press freedom is also militant in a sense that it advocates for the voice of the voiceless, for those who are marginalized and in the side lines. So, it behooves that the publications must put [these] into the headlines,” said Divinagracia. However today, student journalists continue to face the same dilemma despite the freedom and rights enshrined in the Constitution. Meanwhile, no freedom is absolute. Divinagracia stressed that certain limitations should still be observed as part of the journalism conduct and ethics. “Well of course, freedom within the bounds of the law. In other words, my rights end when the rights of others begin, as long as we do not trample the rights of others.” Michelle Bayaua, a faculty of AB Communications and moderator of The Rada Journal, agreed with the statement of Divinagracia, “I believe in freedom of the press, but your rights and freedom end where it encroaches on somebody else’s freedom and rights. There are extreme, moderate, and mild to harmless activists - they could all fight for the same things and freedoms, but their end goal might be different.” SEALING THE TRUTH The early years already signified suppressions on campus press freedom wherein College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) was considered “illegal” during Martial Law under the Marcos regime for countering the Marcos administration and its narratives. Section 7 of the RA 7079 states that “a student shall not be expelled or suspended solely on the basis of articles he or she has written, or on the basis of the performance of his or her duties in the student publications.” Nevertheless, the qualification made by the Supreme Court on the said provision by providing exemptions has rendered the security of tenure provision practically useless. A notable exemption was “material disruption of class work or
involving substantial disorder or invasion of the rights of others,” which is too broad where simple factual outputs may fall within its application.
Several violations a l r e a d y occurred just three years after its passage. One specific case was where 10 students from Miriam College’s publication were dismissed, expelled, and suspended for writing or approving work that the school deemed erotic. In 1997, members of the editorial board of AMA Computer College’s Dataline were also expelled after they published an issue considered as lampoon. In 2018, the second issue of the senior high school publication of San Beda University Manila, The Bedan Roar, was pulled out for being “too critical and too negative for the community of school”. Thus, the said issue was disapproved. “Any campus publication should always stand for the truth and the express of the truth can be done in various tones. The publication also is part of our community. It should not be considered militant enough to be an opponent of the administration. It’s not anti-administration, it’s a partner of the university, so that the university through the publications can also grow in a service of the students that they also represent,” Divinagracia implied. Given the inherent lapses within the law, it should be no surprise that the aftermath of the enactment of RA 7079 is a larger number of campus press freedom violations which are now enabled to be legalized by the law itself. SILENCE IS NOT AN OPTION In the digital age, campus journalism has also evolved into a much empowered avenue of student freedom despite the presence of social media. Through the years, the USA Publications remains persistent in addressing the concerns of the students and contribute to the welfare of the Augustinian community by promoting responsive, developmental, and research-based journalism. “I think we consider the publication effort as a partner because our goal is also to serve better the students as well as the University,” stated the USA president. Ervin Gedmaire Caro, Vice President for Internal Affairs – USA Student Government (USASG), expressed that the
publications play a vital role in policy making and as an avenue for feedback from the students that the student government may anchor on for its future thrusts and advocacies. “USASG actually reads the articles published by the USA Pub or its equivalent in the departmental levels. We cannot see everything [that] is happening in the University and this is where the publications enter the picture. Personally, I read the articles to gauge the effectivity of our platforms and the satisfaction of the students in our implemented projects,” said Caro. Since student publications are considered as independent organizations and the last bulwark of student freedom, it is free from any influence from the administration and the government. To fully fulfill its responsibility means to
artwork • romari charl z f. diaz
by the usa publi cati ons s t a ff
promulgate transparency and advocate truth of relevance with the students, whether such truth may or may not “emit negative connotations more than the freedom to express.” “I think by militant, it demands for something. And that’s what the publications stands for, it’s not as simply as describing an event or a particular issue. They also have right to call for some change so that justice may be observed or advocated or an issue may be addressed,” addressed Divinagracia. Nonetheless, the USA Publications still strives and stands by its duty to make campus journalism relevant among Augustinians especially at the present age. It lives by the Augustinian value of being the symbol of truth and of liberty. “With the rise of social media, I think everybody now could be a journalist, they can publish anything they want there, but what distinguishes you from these social media users is that there is a core meaning of the reason behind why you are doing things you have done,” explained Comendador. For ninety-one years, USA Publications remains true to its thrusts and support programs that promote youth development. USA Pub as one of the oldest campus based media corps in the country continues to recognize the sole purpose of its existence - to be the light of the students in becoming agents of change with the truth, not only in the campus but in the nation as well. It is not only the publications itself or the campus journalists that should recognize that our society is not all about fame and glory. Everyone should have the urge to seek for the truth, face the realities of life, and do his or her part for the betterment of the community. Just as the late editorin-chief of the world-known TIME Magazine Henry Anatole Grunwald emphasized, “Journalism can never be silent: That is its greatest virtue and its greatest fault. It must speak, and speak immediately, while the echoes of wonder, the claims of triumph and the signs of horror are still in the air.”
www.usapub.net
The Official Student Newspaper of the University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, Philippines
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sports Cheers Lead beyond Victory JHS claims the prime performance spot in SAFD Cheerdance Competition
Legacy Breaker. The Junior High School Department breaks the College of Health and Allied Medical Professions (CHAMP) four-peat streak as they are hailed champion of the 2019 Hugyaw Sayaw Agustino Cheerdance Champion. USA PUB PHOTO • ROTSEN c. AGREDA b y PA U LINE C. ARADA The crowd was ballistically inclined with that same-bone vibrating sound, echoing inside the walls of the gym. Amidst the deafening cheers, stands a group of people with chins held up high, armored with passion and confidence. They walked the gymnasium along,
pressing their steps with more strength than necessary; praising the crowd, ready to prompt a vast amount of applauses. The Junior High School (JHS) of University of San Agustin celebrated their victory, for winning champion in the Cheerdance Competition, during the St. Augustine’s Feast Day (SAFD). Five contenders were fighting for the crown, unleashing their moves and
pouring their blood and sweat to win the tremendous battle. “We worked hard as a team. By expressing what we feel through dancing, we were able to value our moments and make our own legacies,” said Dominic Savarez, cheerleader of JHS. Driven in momentum and pride, the team executed different motions and stances; embracing their flexibilities burned with their undying passion to excute different formations, motions, and simple stunts to attain victory. “It was the best feeling since that was my last cheerdance. Winning the competition was more of putting our 100 percent, gaining confidence, and having a good time dancing with all our hearts,” stated Shereene Ledesma, cheerleader of JHS. Triumph was never present on their minds, as long as they were oblige to do willingly, imply the teachings of their coach, and enjoy their moments in the midst of the stage—that was a mute reminder of their success. “All thanks to Sir Fritz Leroy Dapillo, our coach, because when we thought we could not reach our goals, he always supported us and kept us going. His numerous efforts were outlaid when it comes to dancing so seeing that made us strive even harder. Winning it was just a bonus,” added Ledesma. Amidst the five contenders, the best cheerleader was awarded to Cz Cordero, a Grade 10 student Sambag campus. Filled with joy painted on her face, she shared her thoughts, “When I was awarded as the best cheerleader, I didn’t expect anything though I felt so honored and blessed. I also felt loved, and it boosted my confidence as an individual dancer since my teammates believed in me. Lastly, I thank God for every people whom He made as an instrument in my life to help me grow better and closer to Him.” Those trials and hardships they have ever encountered were just an understatement—it can never measure the triumph that they earned and the memories that were prolonged to be treasured forever. This celebration for the Feast Day of St. Augustine implores the core-values and the virtues hidden within; the truth that foresees their true nobility to withstand among their trials, the love that they had for their coach who helped them unleash their passion continuously, and the unity that keys their journey to a fathomable conquest. This kind of rhythmic sport, hearing it would be intimidating but conquering it with a built-in strength and compassion will definitely vanquish everything. The team sets up their goal to continue their own journey with crowns worn until next year, yet no assurance as it may seem if they’ll continue to be the legacy, or novices will gain their triumphs.
USA Golden Spikers topples CSA-B in ASAM, 3-1 Persisting Glitches Ahead SEA Games
GREAT WALL OF USA. Remton Say and Joemar Magarso deny access with CSA-B’s spike attempt in the Men’s Volleyball Semis. USA PUB PHOTO • ROTSEN c. AGREDA b y JOANNA WAYNE S. HORNEJA An unstoppable down-theline kill gave University of San Agustin (USA) Golden Spikers their pass on the finals after a nipand-tuck last set against Colegio de San Agustin-Bacolod (CSA-B) during the Augustinian Schools Athletic Meet (ASAM)-Men’s Volleyball Semifinals match at the
USA Outside Court, October 30. Remton Angelo Say and Rey Gardose led USA’s offense on the last set as they overmaneuvered CSA-B with sudden attacks and blocked them off from closing a two-point deficit of 28-26. “During the third set where the scores were already at
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for Sports, in behalf of Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas. Roger Banzuela, president and chairman of UNIGAMES, expressed his gratitude to the University being this year’s host during the press conference last October 3 at USA. “More than the tournament itself, UNIGAMES generated positive experiences between people from different backgrounds. This is why I was able to learn concepts of treating others fairly and respect for both authority and opponents,” shared Karissa Parcon, volleyball player form Ateneo de Davao University. UNIGAMES was founded in 1996 and first held at the University of St. La Salle, the founding host, in Bacolod City.
In other disciplines, Colegio de Sta. Ana de Victorias withstood repeated rallies by the gritty Enderun College with a 85-84 victory in the men’s basketball championship, and DLS-CSB once again displayed grit after fending off fightback by Enderun College, 117-109 in women’s division, while UP Team A and UST bagged the overall championship in athletics men and women respectively. Enkindled and United “This event serves as a chance to discover potentials of the youth and make new colleagues through sports activities,” quoted Rudiver Jungco, Jr., executive assistant
24-21, we lost our momentum and stumbled, that’s why our opponent caught up and won the set,” expressed USA Team Captain Say. CSA-B snatched the third set as Mike Anton Beronio unleashed spikes one after the other also ganging up with service aces and brushed off USA, 25-23. “I told them not to let our Lukso
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natamo ni Caloy, ngunit para sa kanya ito ang lubusan niyang pinagmamalaki. Katuparan ng Hiling Ang pagkapanalong ito ni Caloy ang naging tulay upang siya’y makapasok sa malaking kompetisyon ng gymnastics at umaasang matupad ang hiling ng nasyon na makamit ang inaasamasam na Olympic Gold Medal. Si Caloy kasama ang kanyang kapwa atleta na isang pole vaulter, si Ej Obien ang mga Pilipinong kwalipikadong sumali sa susunod na Summer Games. Sa kanyang pagbabalik sa Pilipinas, siya ang mainit na pinag-uusapan ng buong mundo kung saan panay ang paghahabol
guard down just because we already defeated them during the eliminations. We just worked hard, enjoyed the game, kept communicating in the court and followed what Coach instructs,” Say added. Meanwhile, Say and Jessie James Sorial steered the second set through a one-two offensive play while James Del Rosario and Jun Frank Edang formed a wall net defense giving a difficult time for CSA-B to keep up with their performance and ended with a 25-21 in favor of USA. “I think that our advantage which made our opponents lag was that we just put in our minds that it was our momentum, and the crown should be ours,” said Edang. A bright first set welcomed USA as the defense trio of Say, Edang, and Del Rosario denied entry of the opponent’s attacks while Gardose reeled offense with spikes and kills and wrapped up to a 25-20 finish. The hard-fought win led USA to the championship match where they dished out a dominating performance against University of Negros OccidentalRecoletos (UNO-R) en route to winning this year’s men’s volleyball competition.
ng madla at pagbati ng publiko. “Noong una, hindi ako sanay sa ganitong pakikitungo na may kamerang nakasunod-sunod sa akin palagi. Unti-unti na rin akong nasasanay at nakakapagod din pala,” ani ni Caloy. Maliit man, ito ay kailanma’y hindi niya ikinakahiya. Sa mundong mapanghusga, para kay Caloy, simpleng ngiti lang ang sandata. Lakas ng loob at pananampalataya ang nagudyok kay Caloy na hindi dapat hayaang limitahan ang sarili ng mga nakasanayan ng nakararami. Hindi man siya ang magiging huli at mananatiling yaman ng bansa, ngunit isa siya sa mga unang tumupad sa hiling nitong makasungkit ng gintong medalya sa 2019 World Artistic Gymnastics Championship.
CASCADE Glaiza Rae D. Amable, BSMLS ‘22
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With less than 30 days left before the 2019 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games), the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chair and SEA Games chef-de-mission William Ramirez admitted that there are still problems hounding venues, equipment, and marketing side that will be used to hype the games. As the biggest sports fest in the region is about to unfold, the government should give more attention and effort in securing that everything will go smoothly as planned and avoid the mishaps last time the Philippines hosted the Asian Games in 2005, for the Philippines is about to be once again in the limelight of success or of controversies. These past few months, the Philippines suffered a blow as the Senate approved only five billion of the 7.5 billion-peso proposed budget that even prompted SEA Games officials to tap more private sponsors to alleviate the cost of the staging of the biennial meet. Now that it is set to host again after 14 years and will feature 56 sports, the organizing committees seem not to know the right management and the right approach since they are still seeking for solutions with regards to the problems in the procurement of the equipment and the like. As of now, citizens fret about the outcomes of the upcoming event. Imagine after Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) Chief Operating Officer Ramon Suzara claimed that the venues of the games are not accurately 85 percent to 90 percent ready. With this, how can we even expect efficient outputs ahead? On a national level, our airports alone cannot seem to handle the regular number of travelers coming in and out on a normal day. What more of a sudden influx of travelers participating in the SEA Games? Immigration and custom officials should be challenged by this. They need to discern and work for the country and not to think about taking advantage of the travelers. The road traffic congestion may present itself anytime and if not properly resolved, it will become a nuisance to the delegates. Worst, it may leave them with a very bad impression of our country as it already has in many. What happened after the 2005 hosting of the SEA Games was another thing that our country must avoid, wherein some of the top sports officials engaged each other in finger-pointing after serious allegations of graft and misuse of the funds. Such issues occurred when PSC filed the case against Cebu SEA organizers, who criminally misused the public funds thereby causing damage and prejudice to the government. Leaders of Philippine sports should set their squabbles aside, as the preparation for the hosting and the training of the athletes should be at the forefront of everyone’s minds. Another, sponsorship agreements must be put to good use. Heads of the different groups must pay attention even to the smallest details of their participation. Everything to be done must have order, consistency, clarity, and efficiency of service. It is important, therefore, that everyone involved in the program must not only embrace individual responsibilities, but also coordinate and work in harmony with others. Hosting such major event is no joke, but with the grit and help of every Filipino, it can become a success.
the
Augustinian
sports Volume LXV • Number 1 October 31, 2019
NATIONAL CLASH OF UNIVERSITIES A CHALLENGE OF STAMINA. Various athletes from different schools brawl in a battle of stamina and endurance during the 2019 UNIGAMES. USA PUB PHOTO • STEvEn jOHn n. SUMBinG
Top teams vie for Collegiate Grand Title in 2019 UNIGAMES Meanwhile, Fray Stephen ong Tan, oSA, over-all chair of the USA’s steering committee shared that they are giving security, in terms of preparations, an utmost priority. “Proper coordination has been made with the Philippine national Police (PnP), accredited hospitals, and other concerned sectors to lend us a hand in the preparations,” Tan said.
TITLE dEFENSE. University of the Philippines claims a back-to-back championship title as they seize the ball any chance they get for a victorious goal. USA PUB PHOTO • ROTSEn c. AGREDA by marlyn rose b. marcelo UnPREdiCTABLE WEAThER conditions from stormy to a clear-blue-sky weather did not waver the fiery sportsmanship spirit of 42 teams hailing from the nation’s top universities and colleges as they waged war in hopes of earning a national title during the 24th Edition Philippine University Games (UniGAMES) hosted by the University of San Agustin (USA) on October 19 to 27. After its first hosting of the UniGAMES in 2014, USA
catered once again more than 2,500 athletes, coaches, fans, and sports enthusiasts, and featured athletics, basketball, football, volleyball and beach volleyball in various venues in iloilo City. ready, get set, gold “We continue up to this day to promote the legacy particularly the commitment, so we can one day produce athletes that we can be proud of and can compete internationally,” said rev. Fr. Frederick comendador, oSA, University president.
sports flash in volleyball, de La Salle University-Manila (dLSU) Lady Spikers nabbed gold medal as it swept the depleted de La SalleCollege of Saint Benilde (dLSCSB) Lady Blazers with a thrilling 3-2 set victory, while the exact opposite happened for the men’s volleyball wherein Green Spikers settled for silver medal finish as Blazers exploited their late errors to grab a 25-21,25-19, and 25-18 straight victory. “With this type of rigid game, i guess we maintained our mental toughness and physical endurance to put all our sacrifices into results,” shared Aaron Velez, assistant coach of Benilde Blazers in an interview with The Augustinian.
Meanwhile, University of Santo Tomas (UST) duo derie Virtusio and Merry Rose Jauculan remained on course for a championship after sweeping the final round of the women’s beach voleyball tournament against University of the Philippines-diliman (UPd), 21-17 and 21-9 while Pol Salvador and Mark Buytrago of national University (nU) took over UPd, 21-18 and 21-10 in men’s division. “it was our heart-centered approach to the game that led us to victory. We just studied our opponent’s movements as part of our preparation and properly executed our tactics,” Virtusio detailed on their drive to win. Also, UPd also stayed unblemished en route to retaining its championship in football after subduing nU, 1-0. “This group is a tight group. They really support each other very well on and off the pitch. So i guess that is what also helps us when we play,” stressed Andres Gonzales, coach UP Fighting Maroons. uNIGAMES
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LUKSO PARA SA BAYANG SINILANGAN nAKAKABinGinG sigawan at palakpakan ang umalingawngaw nang patugtugin ang pambansang awit ng Pilipinas sa Artistic Gymnastics World championship—sagisag na isang Pilipino ang nakapag-uwi ng katangi-tanging karangalan sa bansa. Umaapaw na kaba at pagkagalak ang kanyang naramdaman nang siya’y napatingin sa buong sansinukob habang taas-noong ibinungad ang gintong medalyang simbolo ng kanyang dedikasyon at lakas ng loob. Sa gitna ng entablado, matikas na nakatayo ang dakilang bayani, ang kanyang kanang kamay na nakalagay sa kanyang dibdib, at ang mga paang maigting na nakatayo sa pinakamataas na plataporma. Umuwi siya bilang The First Southeast Asian Male World Champion ng 2019 World Artistic Gymnastics Championship na isang kwalipikasyon para sa 2020 Tokyo Olympics. ito ang
simula ng pakikipagsapalaran sa pandaigdigang tanghalan ni carlos edriel “caloy” Yulo. Unang hiling Unang namulat sa karera ng gymnastics si caloy bilang isang binatilyong nakatira sa Leveriza Street na paminsa-minsa’y bababa pa sa rizal Memorial Stadium upang manood sa pageensayo ng Gymnastics. noong siya’y 16 na taong gulang, siya’y nadiskubre ng isang tagasanay na hapon na si Munehiro Kugimiya na hinikayat siyang sumali sa mga patimpalak upang mahubog pa ang kanyang talento sa nasabing larangan. Sa edad na 19, si caloy ang kauna-unahang Pilipinong nagbandera ng watawat ng Pilipinas sa pagkamit ng gintong medalya nang manalo siya sa floor exercise sa 49th international Gymnastics Federation World Artistic championships sa Stuttgart, Germany. Kakaibang gilas ang kanyang ipinamalas, dahilan upang siya’y makatala ng
PINOY PRIdE. Si yulo ang unang Pilipinong kampeon sa pandaigdigang kompetisyon ng Gymnastics pagkatapos manalo sa World Artistic Gymnastics Championship sa Stuttgart, Germany. lARAwAn • BUSinESSMiRROR.cOM 15.300 na puntos na siyang pinakamataas sa walong finalists. nakalikom siya ng 8.800 sa execution na may 6.500 degree of difficulty mula 6.200. Taong 2018, sumali din siya sa 40th Artistic Gymnastics World championships na ginanap sa doha, Qatar kung saan nasungkit niya ang tansong
medalya. ito rin ang unang pagkakataon na mayroong isang Pilipinong nakaapak sa podyum ng naturang kompetisyon; isang patunay na siya’y masigasig at may potensiyal na marating ang rurok ng tagumpay. hindi man ito ang unang gantimpala na LuKSO
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USA PUB i nFOGRA PHic • GEREMY T. GA llE nE RO
by paUline marie c. arada