The Augustinian, October 2013 (News Fold)

AugustiniAn the

REspoNsIVE • DEVELopMENtaL • REsEaRCh-basED

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

Volume LIX Number 2 • October 11, 2013

SPECIAL REPORT

NEWS

usA unit backs up mandatory ROtC

the Patron saint’s Day Celebration in Review

Article at Page A3

Article at Page A6

SPORTS

Chieffy Caligdong: the Augustinian Azkal Article at Page A7

USA campus master Plan mulled Administration looks into ‘sustainability’ by 2053

by Ric MaRtin L. Libo-on

as the university of san agustin prepares for its centennial celebration as a University, it started to finalize and initially implement the Master Plan for 2053 which highlights various infrastructural and economic developments.

FILE photo / ray adrian C. maCalalag

the Master Plan aims to meet the growing needs of the University by increasing its revenues t h r o u g h e c o n o m i c generators and to induce a good business climate to support the projects of the University.

“We are taking our University to DUEÑAS the next level by developing a long-term plan to have a sustainable University; and at the same time, attain the highest level of academic excellence by providing

the best facilities to the Augustinian community,” campus consultant Architect Nathanael John G. Dueñas said.

He added that the Master Plan also seeks to a standard not only in conformance to the guidelines set by the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU) and the Commission on Higher education (CHeD) but also “to bring out the best potential of a

A FACELIFT AWAITS. The statue of St. Augustine is being prepared for its transfer to the proposed Blanco Botanical Garden. The old statue will be replaced with a bronzed St. Augustine the Scholar. The University has initiated its major changes in the campus since May 2012 when the trees in front of Urdaneta, Herrera, and Mentrida Halls were cut down for safety. (usa pub photo / mary johsyen e. pabalinas)

MASTERPLAN Page A3

int’l student population drops by 18.5%

by HYAciNTH gRAcE T. PALOmA

MULTI-NATIONAL UNIvERSITY. Headed by Nigerians and South Koreans, this inforgraphic shows how many nationalities are being educated the Augustinian way. (usa pub INFoGRaphIC / ray adrian C. maCalalag)

DeSPIte of the wide variety of international students in the University of San Agustin, the institution had admitted a lesser number of students coming from other countries this year.

Overall, the number of international students registered in the University decreased by 18.5 percent or from 54 last year to 44 at present. the Koreans, among the topnotch feeders, are down to

13 enrollees compared to 22 during the previous academic year according to the tentative list of foreign students released by the Office of the University registrar.

Gemma Halili, University registrar, stated that the probable cause of the decrease, especially with Korean students, is the increasing availability of instructors in Korea who can teach english.

According to the data INTERNATIONAL Page A2

University urges faculty, staff to have master’s

by RAY AdRiAN c. mAcALALAg

ANDre KArL fACULIN, a former Associate editor of the USA Publications, placed third in the recently concluded August 2013 Licensure examination for Medical technologists held simultaneously in Manila, Baguio City, Cebu City, and Davao City.

With a rating of 90.90, faculin was a few points behind the topnotcher ray Perez II from Velez College (92.10) and second placer Kim Abbegail Aldecoa from the University of Santo tomas (91.30).

89 out of 97 takers from the FACULIN University of San Agustin passed the said examination earning an institutional passing percentage of 91.75 percent. the University made it on the 10th place nationwide and 2nd place in the region behind the University thE auGustINIaN YEaRbooK 2013 photo

by JESANNY i. YAP

UNIVerSIty PreSIDeNt rev. fr. frederick Comendador, OSA, has issued a new memorandum requiring the completion of a master’s degree among academic personnel before qualifying them for regularization status in the tertiary level effective 2nd Semester of Academic year 2013- 2014. the 2008 Manual of regulations for Private Higher education (MOrPHe) states that at the minimum, a faculty member for undergraduate programs in a higher education institution shall be a “holder of a master’s degree, teaches MASTER’S DEGREE Page A2

Pub Alumnus places 3rd in MedTech Board

QUALITY EDUCATION. Faculty members of the University are being encouraged to upgrade their educational attainment in order to ensure academic excellence. (FILE photo / thongenn lanz b. patiam)

We have worldwide reach. Visit our website anytime, anywhere at WWW.USA-PUB.BLOGSPOT.COM

IN SOCIAL MEDIA

of Negros Occidental – recoletos among the top performing schools (based on schools with at least 50 examinees). faculin admitted that he “did not see it coming,” rather he aimed to top the exam. “the feelings of euphoria were indescribable.

I am truly grateful for this blessing borne out of hard work, sacrifices, and prayers,” he said. the third placer also left words of inspiration to his fellow Augustinians when asked of his secret on how he reached this achievement. “ t w o words: aim high. the road to success will be rough but fear not – for success is not about never falling but always rising in every fall.” faculin graduated as Valedictorian from Colegio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus in 2009 and Cum Laude from the University last May.

f usa publications - official page t @USA_Pub Y USA Publications

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News

Augustinian the

Volume LIX Number 2 • October 11, 2013

Pub EIC talks on OCJ in reg’l journ training

Gusting Seminar revived for Augustinians

by jerson e. elmido

After a hiatus for seven years, the 85-year-old USA Publications revived the Gusting Campus Journalism Seminar, and this time, it was held exclusively for Augustinian institutions.

Anchored on the theme, Independent and Responsible Augustinian Journalism, the USA Publications organized a training seminar with the purpose of improving Augustinian journalists’ skills in writing at the USA President’s Conference Room, Herrera Hall, August 24, 2013.

“Our main goal of having the seminar is not just to play our roles as writers and promote quality articles but also for us to get along with our fellow Augustinian schools,” Ray Adrian Macalalag, Editorin-Chief of USA Publications shared.

All the undergraduate colleges of the University as well as the Basic Education Department joined the activity.

San Jose Catholic School’s official publication, The Protector, also participated.

Modules on News Writing, Editorial Writing, Sports Writing, Feature Writing, Photojournalism, Editorial Cartooning, and State of the Philippine Media and Campus Journalism Ethics, were discussed by local, national, and

As a way of sharing his knowledge to his fellow campus journalists coming from all over Western Visayas, Ray Adrian Macalalag, the USA Publications Editor-in-Chief, was chosen as one of the resource speakers during the Annual Regional Campus Journalism Seminar.

There were five sessions held each week from the last week of July towards the end of August, four of which were held in Iloilo City and one in Bacolod City.

Macalalag, also a fifth year student of Bachelor of Civil Engineering program of the College of Engineering and Architecture, discussed to the delegates the topic on Online Campus Journalism (OCJ) which focuses on the platform and use of Journ.ph.

“I gave my fellow writers an overview of what Journ.ph is all about and how important and convenient it is for us to use,” he said in an interview.

Being the only student to speak in the conference and the youngest among all the speakers, Macalalag was overwhelmed of what he has reached so far in the field of campus journalism.

“I wasn’t expecting to be on the podium and become a speaker. I was just a delegate of this seminar three years ago,” Macalalag said in excitement.

On a separate note, he shared his gratitude to the people of Smart Communications, Inc. and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) for choosing him to be one of the speakers.

“I would like to personally thank Ms. Monica Tejada from Smart, Ma’am Elsa Subong, and the rest of the PIA team for trusting me in my capabilities and assisting me during my lecture,” he said.

The PIA organizes Annual Campus Journalism Seminar, a three-day activity, for the campus journalists of the region for over thirty years already.

Journ.ph is an online community of campus publications from primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions where users can publish articles, photos, and other digital media about their school or community.

It was launched in 2010, and the University is one of the pioneer schools who used the platform.

by RESTY JOHN L. PALETE

THE DEFENDING CHAMPION. Members of the official publication of the College of Pharmacy and Medical Technology, The Pharmakeia, will be the publication to beat on next year’s San Ag Campus Press Awards. As defending champions, they also proved their prowess in journalism by winning three out of five most promising titles during the 4th Gusting Campus Journalism Seminar. (usa pub photo / mary johsyen e. pabalinas)

international media practitioners and analysts, some of whom are alumni of the USA Publications.

“We are very proud in organizing this event with speakers of great proportions that even the national conferences could not provide,” Macalalag explained.

During the workshops, one most promising journalist was awarded in each of the different modules: Leizl Joy Casumpang

from the College of Pharmacy and Medical Technology’s The Pharmakeia in News Writing; and Ma. Selina Lopez from the College of Education’s The Augustinian Educator in Editorial Writing; William Alexis Ruis from The Pharmakeia in Feature Writing; Herod Montiel from the Department of Architecture’s Pen and Ink in Editorial Cartooning; and Vivienne Bernardio from The

Pharmakeia in Photojournalism.

Now that the seminar is over, the publications of the University and The Protector of San Jose Catholic School must gear up and apply what they have learned to win the title, “Most Outstanding Publication” in the upcoming 6th San Ag Campus Press Awards on February 22, 2014 with The Pharmakeia as the defending champion.

GSO flushes down comfort room jeers by joel s. sastrillo

Admin braces book procurement policy by edrylle g. cofreros

Reasonable and affordable books for the students.

For these reasons, the University of San Agustin has released a memorandum prohibiting faculty and personnel from selling and distributing textbooks and instructional materials used in all classes.

Rev. Fr. Frederick Comendador, OSA, released Memorandum No. 38, series of 2013 which seeks to ensure that only instructional material of excellent quality will be used in classes and regulate prices of such materials so that they are at all times reasonable and affordable to students.

This policy also aims to enforce the prohibition on “peddling, selling, or vending any type of goods or services to students or other employee within the school premises.”

“We are in favor with the policy because it will lessen our burden, and we will be able to avoid some issues on overpricing of those books that we are selling,” said Profs. Emily Cataluña and Lorna Galera, faculty members of the Department of Biological Sciences.

A student from the College of Arts and Sciences who refused to be identified also agreed to the policy as “this would permanently eradicate the overpricing of textbooks and photocopies provided by some teachers.”

Meanwhile, some students are skeptical on the implementation of this policy; whether it will really serve its purpose, or will produce another problem despite the support of the faculty members.

Joseph Nava, a Medical Laboratory Science sophomore, stated that, “it is more convenient for the students if they can avail books from the teachers.”

“Look at the USA Bookstore. Can it accommodate all the students? The University should also look into this,” Nava added.

Textbooks should be solely distributed by the University Bookstore, under the Office of Non-Corps Business. This policy is stated in the Faculty Manual, Revised Edition, 2008, Chapter IX on Disciplinary Action/Faculty Code of Discipline.

MASTER’S DEGREE From A1

mainly in his/her major field and where applicable, a holder of appropriate professional license requiring at least a bachelor’s degree for the professional courses.”

But as of the current semester, only 44.91 percent of the faculty members have master’s degrees and only 8.93 percent have doctoral degrees according to the University’s Human Resource Development Program.

Except for teachers in

+

MODERNIZATION OF CAMPUS JOURNALISM. Bacolod City — USA Publications Editor-in-Chief Ray Adrian Macalalag talks on the Journ.ph platform of Smart Communications and how to use it. The USA Publications is among the pioneer batch of users in the OCJ program in 2010. (usa pub photo / jerson e. elmido)

“Patience is a virtue.”

Rev. Fr. Ian V. Ragodon, OSA, General Services Director pleaded regarding the complaints of students and personnel on the comfort room shortage due to its repairs.

“We received feedbacks from students and personnel in the institution about its current state like the lack of water supply, no partitions in cubicles, etc. But we took that as positive criticisms for the betterment of the University,” Ragodon said.

In his statement, he also detailed that the renovation started last summer and the persons affected where notified before the said reconstruction of the facilities through signage that directs the individual to use the available comfort rooms in Rada and Aguirre Halls.

More so, he added that the contractor offered portable toilets that cost PhP 2,500.00 a day to be installed in the strategic places while the

repair is still ongoing, but the University refused because it was expensive.

“Supposed to be, the completion of the said project will be finished before the PAASCU Visitation, July 22 but there were some hindrances that come our way such as the lack of funds and of time. I hope that the said job will be finished as soon as possible,” Ragodon shared.

He also noted that the renovation included the improvements of fixtures like additional faucets with continuous supply of water.

“We are still trying to design a fully utilized system to meet water demands,” Ragodon expressed.

In addition, Ragodon also revealed that they planned to install 12 drinking fountains in strategic places accessible to students.

Ragodon said that the renovation is not only a preparation for the PAASCU visitation but also one of the plans included in the Strategic

Planning of the University under the aide of Institute for Solidarity in Asia in order to sustain the functions of the institution for years to come.

“As we can see the improvements around us, I hoped that the students and personnel will inculcate in them the value of taking good care of

the Physical Education and Music Education courses, the University will give priority in hiring applicants and giving loads to faculty members who possess the minimum qualification.

This implementation will be a “proactive strategy to meet the quality standards set by the regulatory, accreditation and quality standard bodies, both public and private,” according to Comendador.

Failure to comply with these requirements will revert a faculty member to a part-time

status, will be disqualified from permanency and will not enjoy the benefit received by full-time academic personnel.

However, the faculty members presently enrolled in a graduate program as well as those who are newly hired and graduated with Latin honors or board topnotchers in the licensure examinations will still be allowed to teach, provided they have been granted an endorsement by the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the approval of the University President.

FUNCTIONAL, READY TO USE. A student washes his face in the recently renovated comfort room in Gamboa Hall. (usa pub photo / daniel p. abutas)

Need Financial Assistance for accident insurance?

Qualified Augustinians may avail of this offer.

Inquire at the Office of the Student Affairs and Welfare for more information on how you can apply.

the facilities that we have. The University is our second home, so we should do our part in handling the things properly.

We should not criticize what is lacking, but we should make suggestions on how to make it better. We do what we can for the good of our University,” Ragodon concluded.

INTERNATIONAL From A1

provided by the said office, the foreign students enrolled in the University summed up to: 13 Koreans, 11 Nigerians, four Indian nationals, four Americans, three Indonesians, and two Ugandans while Malaysian, Palauan, Chinese, and Serbian had one each.

Halili also shared that Nigerians faced problems with regard to their visas.

“Incoming enrollees from Nigeria are experiencing a little problem with regard to their visas. Instead of having them processed here, they have to process it at their embassy,” she said.

Halili concluded that the University cannot determine if it will continue to rise or may increase in due time.

Volume LIX Number 2 • October 11, 2013

Augustinian

USA Unit backs up mandatory ROTC

By Wilhelm C. Lizada

ROTC’S DOLL DOMINATION. Female students practically became the lifeblood of the University’s ROTC Unit. This year’s batch is also led by a female corps commander. (usa pub photo / thongenn lanz b. patiam)

good leaders in their own ways,” she added.

Beya also emphasized that the ROTC also provides a special unit for any student who wishes to join the course but with health or physical disabilities through office work.

“We have headquarters unit assignment where students with health problems are designated in case they may not pass thet physical training,” she opened up.

When asked on her opinion about the issue on bullying and corruption within the unit, Beya made mention on the laws that governed the issues mentioned and will

protect students’ rights.

“We already have the Anti-Hazing Act which will protect the students from any abuses, and together with the issue on corruption, they both must be stopped,” she added.

The Corps Commander also expressed her sentiments about the decrease in number of enrollees in the said organization.

“Yes, currently the number of students enrolled is decreasing, but we are trying our very best to promote the ROTC by making advertisements through slogans and posters which will effectively advertise the unit,”

she said.

The Cadette Officer concluded that the ROTC Unit will live its legacy of instilling discipline and courtesy to its subordinates despite of its little number.

The mandatory ROTC among the colleges was abolished 12 years ago as Mark Chua attempted to reveal the corruption in the ROTC and expose it on The Varsitarian, the official publication of the University of Santo Tomas.

He was later found dead in Pasig River which led to nationwide clamor and which led to government’s decision to abolish its being mandatory.

Security personnel clear issues on theft

the newly bought monitor and a personal camera hidden somewhere,” he added.

Last April 4, Sunday, two digital cameras and two tin cans containing cash with an amount

of more or less than 3,000 pesos got lost in the University Center for Research and Publications.

It is in the report that the door was already opened when the security officers responded.

“The case was a bit confusing in our part because we thought that it was a ransack, but it was found out that it is the same with the other cases we’ve handled,” Britaña shared.

“A lot of cases still had the reports and were not clear and valid if there is really a thief, or it was just some sort of inside job.”

Bretaña clarified, “we don’t have all the duplicate keys of the offices and rooms here in the University, and we cannot conclude that there was really a thief because if there was, certainly we’ve already captured him. They cannot expect us to rove and check all offices and buildings. For me, since they are the ones holding their own keys, there is a possibility that it was all just an inside job and in return, it is us who is going to be blamed.”

Currently, the University has several Closed Circuit Television Cameras (CCTVs) installed strategically around the campus, but these were not enough to monitor all campus activities, a civil engineering student who refused to be named suggested.

“The University should install CCTVs on all the offices, hallways, venues, and classrooms so that the security personnel will have an eye on every square inch of the University for our safety,” he said.

support the University and all of her endeavors,” Dueñas emphasized.

According to Dueñas, the administration wants everyone to be involved including the students, faculty and alumni to feel that sense of “Augustinian ownership”.

He added, “We need the

administration to recognize that within that course of time we can assure that by 2053 the University of San Agustin will be the number one University in Western Visayas and in Mindanao and to be at par with other Asian and international universities”.

“We need to raise our

colors high because once we get there, there is no turning back,” Dueñas concluded.

Currently, USA is also evaluating development proposals with doors open to jointventures and collaborations with the Augustinian Alumni in establishing commercial structures.

by resty john l. palete

The recent cases of theft inside the University have urged security personnel to intensify security measures to ensure the safety of every Augustinian.

“We perform our duty and responsibility seriously because the credibility of the University and security of the students and personnel are at risk if we let these cases slip in our hands.

More especially, our reputation as security officers of the University is at stake,” Dante Breaña, Officer-in-Charge of USA Security Office stated.

Every bag of the person who wishes to enter the University is now checked.

This method, however, could not be fully implemented without security measures being also done by individual offices.

Last June 14, Friday, a monitor for server (office property) and a video camera (personal property) in the CADD Laboratory, Mendel Hall were stolen although reports said that the doors were locked.

“The case was very unusual for me because there are no traces or marks that can be found in the crime scene, and there was no sign of any forcible entry,” Britaña explained.

“And if there is really a thief, why would he only take MASTERPLAN From A1

great University.

“We should infuse capitalization to compensate this undertaking; that is, the main reason why we need to focus first on setting a revenue center and an economic hub inside the premises to

SUBJECT FOR INSPECTION. Every time a person wishes to enter the University, he must submit himself for inspection. (usa pub photo / thongenn lanz b. patiam)

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NZ ambassador visits San Agustin

By Ric Martin L. libo-on

New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency Rueben Levermore visited the University as part of his official trip to Iloilo to uplift disaster vulnerabilities within the province on July 8.

Levermore graced the city to launch “Resilience Capacity Building for Cities and Municipalities to Reduce Disaster Risks from Climate Change and Natural Hazards, Phase 1 (Project ReBUILD)” that intends to conduct flood modeling exercises in river basins of Regions II and VI of the country.

“The project concretizes place mitigating measures that will cover certain communities and will curb the effects brought by climate change during natural disasters,” Levermore said.

The USD 1.22-million project which is funded by the New Zealand Aid Program (NZAP) with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) aims to bolster the capacities of disaster-risk areas particularly in vicinities covered by the Jalaur river basin.

In his talk to the Augustinian community, Levermore emphasized the importance of risk reduction and “to take caution and to be aware of the lessons in most natural disasters for long-term protection and resiliency”.

The project also includes the planning of guidelines that require the participation and support of local authorities to manage early warning systems and mechanisms in times of natural hazards. levermore

No tuition increase; misc. fees build up by ray adrian c. macalalag

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) allowed 20 higher education institutions throughout Western Visayas or 354 throughout the country to increase their tuition fees effective Academic Year 2013-2014, but the University of San Agustin was not one of them.

The 109-year old institution did not increase the tuition fee since the Academic Year 2007-2008.

The miscellaneous fees, however, increased and new charges were also added – completion permit fee worth PhP 200.00, management information systems development fee for PhP 200.00, Augustinian Schools Athletic Meet fee for PhP 20.00, and environmental fee for PhP 50.00.

This information came from an announcement by the University President, Rev. Fr. Frederick Comendador, OSA, released last March 11 stating that “the increase and new fees shall be charged effective Academic Year 2013-2014 in accordance with the provisions of the CHEd Memorandum Order No. 3, series of 2012”.

In addition, laboratory fees which included medical technology internship laboratory, class A to class F lab subjects, laboratory courses without equipment, Computer laboratory, SAP fee for e-commerce subjects, and Statistics laboratory also increased between 10 to 25 percent.

The registration fee also increased from PhP 411.38 to PhP 514.22 for new students and from PhP 206.33 to PhP 257.91 for old students.

“Major repairs of existing and new instructional facilities and equipment; acquisition and/or construction of additional instructional facilities and equipment; and increase in the cost of operation of educational and related services and/or to meet operating deficits in these areas” were the reasons for the build up of fees according to Commendador’s announcement.

Meanwhile, for the general miscellaneous fees, old students are now charged PhP 2,974.42 while new students are charged PhP 3,202.42.

The special miscellaneous fees also increased such as late enrolment fee which is now PhP 500.00; the late/lost appraisal or registration form, now PhP 100.00; examination permit replacement fee, now PhP 50.00; change in curriulum, now PhP 200.00; changing/dropping, now PhP 200.00 per subject; transcript of records, now PhP 200.00; diploma, now PhP 500.00.

The largest increase among the fees is worth PhP 745.00 for the San Ag Physical Development Fee which is now PhP 1,245.00 from the maiden amount of PhP 500.00.

The energy fee had a 10 percent increase also and is now PhP 562.10.

In a separate memorandum, Comendador also justified that he conducted a consultation meeting with the representatives of the students, parents, personnel, and alumni last February 23.

“There will be no increase in tuition because we have not arrived at an agreement with the officers of the employee’s union… there will be no increase in the salary of our personnel this academic year,” Comendador concluded in his memorandum.

usa pub PHOTO / thongenn lanz b. patiam

Following the appeal of the retired officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to revive mandatory ROTC among colleges, the University’s Reserved Officer Training Corps (ROTC) also backs the same appeal as fewer Augustinians choose to enroll in the course.

In an interview with Corps Commander Cadette Major Alyssa Marie B. Beya affirmed their positive stand on reviving the required training.

“We agree in approving the mandatory ROTC in San Agustin not only for ourselves in the unit but also for the benefit of the students,” Beya affirmed.

According to Beya, ROTC is not just a course to be passed by the students, but an organization where they can learn the values of leadership, discipline, courtesy and bearing that the students can apply into any situation and to their daily survival in college.

“We are not just dealing with drills and marching, we also inform every cadet and cadette lectures on the legal bases, first aid, map reading and more,” Beya shared.

Furthermore, the unit aims to develop, equip and mold members enrolled in the ROTC as expressed by Beya.

“We want to mold these students to be disciplined and

News

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Opinion AugustiniAn the

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

Freedom of Spits

I fOLLOWeD a student going to the side gate one Monday morning, and I can’t help but notice her since she’s in front of me. Her uniform was spotless white. I could even smell the sweet scent of hers.

She slightly turned her back, and I saw her pretty face partly covered by her wavy sun-kissed hair. I almost got myself walking beside her until a much unexpected thing happened.

“Hhhhhhhhhrrcckkk.... pt’fhooooo!”

Coupled by a very annoying and disturbing sound, her very disgusting spit rocketed in front of me.

Good heavens, I wasn’t hit! I can’t imagine such good looks could ever be horrible like that. I could still remember how slimy, bubbly, and slightly yellowish her spit looked like.

Is she aware of her liabilities because of spitting in public?

Party-list representative eulogio Magsaysay’s proposal of considering spitting in public places as a criminal act to be implemented as a law might soon be the look out not only to the girl I walked with but to all the people who are fond of this hazardous habit.

In a news article on inquirer.net, Magsaysay filed House Bill 299 or the AntiSpitting Act of 2013, hoping to increase environmental and health awareness regarding the risks to well tbeing caused by spitting. An instant PhP 500 as fine will cost anyone get caught of spitting in public places and a fine of PhP 1,000 at the second offense. the third time costs PhP 2,000 and the offender shall attend a health seminar conducted by the Department of Health or get in jail for six months or could be

BILL POSTER JERSON E. ELmidO, BS HRm ‘14

jersonelmido@rocketmail.com

“Although the existing ordinance is being implemented, it is still not enough to catch the small but populous �ishes in the ocean.” both at the court’s discretion.

On the other hand, people have reasons why they spit. We often see a lot of it in action movies where spitting is an act of bravery. Sports enthusiasts spit because of exhaustion. Bus passengers who are nauseous and disgusted to swallow their saliva spit out of the window.

In tV drama series spitting on someone’s face is a simple way of saying, “get lost!” the old folks also spit after chewing betel leaves and areca nuts just to brush their teeth.

But, as Magsaysay said, spitting could contribute spread communicable airborne diseases such as tuberculosis, Severe Acute respiratory Syndrome (SArS), and Bird flu because the bacteria that causes these diseases “can survive in a dried state for weeks up to eight months.”

In public markets, it is usual to see a vendor spit near her vegetables and customers who pass by may also spit there. Good luck to the

buyers who were not able to witness this gruesome act and innocently serve the vegetables on their platters.

Some jeepney drivers spit while driving. It is very disgusting because at often times, the jeepney moves and the force of gravity could carry the spit to you! (Just do the physics.) A passenger might think it was rain but those droplets were bits of saliva that landed on his face. Sometimes, there are people who are very unfortunate in synchronizing their yawning or laughing with the driver’s spitting that some saliva could enter their mouth easily. these acts may soon be the prey of this proposed bill.

Magsaysay added that, in the Philippines, only Davao City is doing an intensive implementation of anti-spitting law since 2010. Here in Iloilo City, the combat against spitting is just in the borderline of full implementation. the City environment and Natural resources Office

(CeNrO) have been consistent in implementing the Iloilo City regulation Ordinance 2004 – 149, title VIII. Section 2 (Prescribing and Penalizing other Acts and Omissions Inimical to Cleanliness and Sanitation) to prevent littering on public places, defecating, urinating, painting or posting graffiti on walls, vandalism on properties, and of course, spitting. CeNrO designated an Anti-Littering enforcement team to go undercover and roam around the city to issue a sanitation citation ticket to violators. A person found violating this ordinance shall appear in the Mayor’s office within 72 hours from issuance to explain why he or she should not be prosecuted. the respondent may choose to voluntarily pay the fine of P500 for first offense. Second offense is P750 and third offense is P1000. the fourth offense entitles the violator no fine; however, the case will be referred to the Prosecutor’s Office.

Although the existing ordinance is being implemented, it is still not enough to catch the small but populous fishes in the ocean. the city government is not awake 24/7 to serve as watchdogs and make sure that nobody throws out a spit from their mouths at any place.

Public urinals or comfort rooms installed around the city are available but the convenience of spitting anywhere as if the world is their bathroom is a far better option to some just like the girl I met.

Certain laws will not help attain the hopes of having a health-conducive environment if certain habits will become a lifestyle especially if no one is watching around.

Homegrown Industry called Violence WE all know someone whose meal is his or her only friend.

Someone who tried to cover up bruises and told his or her mother nothing was wrong.

I also know boys who avoid running down the hall with bigger kids or even girls who weren’t allowed to come near the pretty girls, just because....

Anyone who was bullied as a student, in one way or another, remembers that the best defense against the bullies is to avoid them.

Bullying comes in different forms or situations. there are those who were physically hurt, called by some offensive remarks, being excluded from the group, etc.

If you see these kinds of bullying, what would you do to stop them? Would you stand by and let them happen, take part in them or try to stop them? Not many students think about this, and that’s part of the problem.

Nowadays, bullying is more than just teasing. It’s not just a rite of passage. It becomes fearbased, and it becomes more violent the minute that it ends someone’s life. Needless to say, it has become a flagship issue of this generation.

On September 9, we were able to witness a different kind of bullying. Almost every television channel in the local network aired a city erupting

IN YOUR FACE JESANNY i. YAP, B mLS ‘15

jesannyyap07@gmail.com

“If no one is physically hurt, they will say, what’s the big deal?” in sporadic flames, people run for their lives, soldiers and tanks moving to and fro the streets while endless gunfire is heard in the background. No, this is not a typical scene from a movie. It is much worse. the whole country was taken by surprise when news broke that members of the Moro National Liberation front (MNLf) invaded Zamboanga City and civilian hostages in their attempt to declare independence. this action resulted to a violent standoff between the rebels and the government troops.

Hundreds died and thousands of residents were displaced.

Worst is, we became helpless and frozen in front of our television screens unable to stop this madness unfolding before our very eyes. even with the President and the Commander-in-Chief himself at the command center, the country’s “City of flowers” is now nothing but a ghost town. that was a grievous toll from the MNLf whose primary purpose was just to call attention. they just wanted attention to make their concerns heard. Certainly, they were given worldwide attention but at the expense of thousands of innocent lives that were taken.

the government must take a stand and defend its people. these bullies must not be allowed to win and propagate fear and violence just because they have weapons. History is there to be learned from and not to be repeated. Now, to whom do you think do we owe this ‘fondness’ of undermining others? With the Zamboanga siege continuing to flood our social media, comes the psychological turmoil it embeds in our minds.

Bullying is a sordid reality even in our University. Some believe it’s just part of life. If no one is physically hurt, they will say, what’s the big deal?

It’s just boys being boys and girls being girls. But whether it’s student against student or adult against adult, we all have to take an active role in expressing to young people that it is not acceptable. Violence is everyone’s responsibility, and the option of doing nothing becomes the first step in tolerating injustice. It is happening everywhere. you may not see it, you may not know it, but it is happening. the only way to end this homegrown industry is making a stand.

Bullying is a habit of oppressing people. If you don’t stand up to a bully, they’ll walk all over you.

Bang Some more O Bangsam september 8, 11:00pm – everything started. a large motorboat followed by eight smaller ones approached the quiet virgin waters of zamboanga City. illustriously dominating the limelight of philippine news, the sardine Capital of the country is being held by the moro national liberation Front (mnlF). such action came after its leader, former autonomous region of muslim mindanao (armm) governor nur misuari, was angered of the government’s effort of signing a peace agreement with the moro islamic liberation Front (milF) because he believed it would sideline their 1996-established deal.

As of this writing, 220 people are already killed – 183 members of the MNLf, 25 members of the joint Armed forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, and 12 civilians. Whether true or not, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago accused co-senator Juan Ponce enrile, one of those involved in the Priority Development Assistance fund (PDAf) scam, to have funded part of the uprising to divert the government’s attention to such. there was just a lot of banging that took place.

Ironically, this turmoil has brought the country into somewhere near the black hole where it can no longer return to its spot. reputation was shattered everywhere. Lives were the cost. first the PDAf scam and then the Bangsamoro Republik (the ‘k’ looks a little disturbing). the Philippines is now a laughing stock in political ideologies as well as in the spirit of the traditional bayanihan.

Bang some more for Bangsamoro. the country’s image already looked idiotic because of the convoluted charades of some

AugustiniAn the

The Of�icial Student Newspaper of the University of San Agustin iloilo City, Philippines EDITORS-IN-CHIEF

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marites P. cornel

A4-A5 Volume LIX Number 2 • October 11, 2013

EDITORIAL

moro government officials involved in the PDAf scam and now, the people are in for a better show of banging for independence despite of the dispute officially ending last September 28. the continuous strive for power and the contentment of the filipino people is no longer the characteristics of our true identity.

Stealing money from your same flesh and blood sounds too capitalist.

Dismembering the motherland, where did our concept of pagkakaisa go?

If change is the answer to this fiasco, when will it start? the country needs a total facelift. the requirements: new set of senators, properly background-checked; new set of penalties to rule over those guilty of corruption and plunder, public execution would be best; and equal opportunities to every filipino so that contentment will flourish. the country is a bit lax on the complicatedly enforced laws whereas it only focuses in minor laws with minor details. for example, the cybercrime law and the reproductive health law which made a big bang last time. Although those were beneficial in some sort, it only supported interests of some parties which are again, a violation of pagkakaisa and bayanihan also in some sort. Just because one can’t stand seeing one’s photo ridiculing one’s skin tone or one’s act of plagiarizing, it doesn’t mean one has to put a law to bring one’s comfort.

Just bear in mind that the filipino blood is not an ordinary blood.

It has stolen billions. It has killed hundreds of its fellows. It has been selfish. It has been stupid (because those who have stolen billions were caught). It has been insane (in declaring Bangsamoro’s sweeping independence not honored by the world).

Bang some more o Bangsamoro. the Philippines will not be toppled down by these half-baked filipino miscreants. the good filipinos will be one for a better Philippines even if the chosen path is a crooked one.

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Ray Adrian c. macalalag

Policy versus duty “AtteNDANCe will be checked, slips will be given.”

Colleges have their own implications of attendance policies — some colleges are financially capable of covering the expenses for a more efficient means of checking attendance like having their very own planner. Some choose to penalize through different sanctions depending on the number of attendance stickers you have missed, ranging from small ‘in kind’ donations to community service. these policies cannot be found in the Student Handbook. It may be safe to conclude that these policies are simply means of fulfilling requirements and avoiding their consequences.

During events that require our attendance, I see students half-listening to the speaker at the auditorium; students jetting off to the mall the first chance they get their attendance, of course. Hypocrisy isn’t my thing, and I’m not saying that I’m not one of those students that I just mentioned. I just have one simple question: Isn’t it the duty of every Augustinian to be present, attendance or no attendance? the dissemination of proper information, the organization, and the overall structure of the program are to

BULLETPROOF

STEPHANiE KAY L. URQUiOLA, BS PSYc ‘16

s_urquiola@yahoo.com

“This also makes you question why students don’t want to attend.

Maybe laziness is a factor and maybe boredom can be another, but why would they need to drag their feet if the activity conducted is one of great quality?” be considered. Several students blamed their failure to join the activities to these frailties. the decrease in students’ attendance during the activities left the college with no ther means but to implement strictly the attendance.

Some say the poor way of scheduling events hinder them from being actively involved; class requirements

nailed them in the library; and details about the events aren’t generally available. the first step for student involvement is creating an activity which is interesting, properly organized and coordinated.

While the checking of attendance increases the number of students during the activities, coercive means is a poor method of fostering unity,

camaraderie, and community experience. If those stated above are the supposed goals of the activities, then isn’t coercing the students in contrast with the goals set? How can you promote the values you wish to impart among the students when they don’t even want to be there? this also makes you question why students don’t want to attend. Maybe laziness is a factor and maybe boredom can be another, but why would they need to drag their feet if the activity conducted is one of great quality? Hold activities which can arouse student’s interest say a great deal about a leader’s capabilities, or mixing business with pleasure, or making an event memorable for every Augustinian from which some cannot afford to miss.

Students should respect those who work behind every activity and those who sacrifice for their benefit. the ones who plan and implement the University activities should also provide the quality befitting an Augustinian. remember, increasing the quality will also increase the quantity of those who wish to be a part of it. If we fail to see students during activities, is being an Augustinian only by policy or by duty?

Blame the Good Leaders Too fOr the past few months, we have taken more doses of negative news from in and out of the country. for instance, the Civil war in Syria has escalated to an unfathomable mass murder of innocent civilians, especially nursing women and children, who died because a man refused to relinquish his power. At home, a container van of evidences and a considerable number of witnesses are poised to implicate high ranking officials in the government who managed to obviously orchestrate a grand deception by stealing the HOPe of the hungry, jobless, and deprived filipino people. Simply put, the greed of these political alligators can be described in the formula of the Napoles Scam whistleblower ‘Ben Hur Luy’ for example, Pork Barrel is equal to 50 percent to the lawmakers plus 45 percent to Napoles plus five percent to the implementing agency plus zero percent to the tax payers and the poorest of the poor. these recurring global and domestic issues always lead the public into a familiar realization; that is, more mistakes are made because corrupt politicians have been empowered once more. At this, many would blame the deceptive candidates who run merely for self-serving purposes, others would blame the system of government, yet others would find the quality of voters as the concern; but as for me, I say that the ‘good leaders’ are partly and substantially liable too for the chaos that we are in. to qualify this, I don’t necessarily refer to those recent converts, who when cornered, suddenly decides to side on the truth by transforming into ‘state witnesses’ so as to save themselves. rather, I refer to the

TRAILBLAZER

JEREmiAH JOHN P. VARdELEON, BSBA ‘15

bro.miah@yahoo.com

“Thus, the ideal leaders that should be empowered are those who are not just good, excellent...” good leaders who could have done something to prevent (if not mitigate) a crime before it is even executed. Many of them have the potential to change the course of events, but for a litany of reasons, they prefer to sit comfortably on the chair of lukewarmness, indifference, and inaction. this is not to say that good leaders are the source or cause of the eternal sufferings of the poor and the helpless. In fact, my point in this entire discourse is best clarified by Jesus Christ when he said, “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is good for nothing anymore but to be cast out, and to be trodden on by men (Matthew 5:13).” Specifically, just as salt is used to preserve food, the good leaders ought to be like the “salt” preserving society from further corruption i.e. political, moral, and spiritual decay among others.

Interestingly, Jesus adds to this by saying, “But if the salt loses its savor…” or if the good leaders will not aggressively stand to pursue the paths of righteousness, then evil is

certain to persist because the bad guys do not encounter a strong resistance from the just.

At this, we observe innumerable warnings in the Bible such as when God said, “But because thou art lukewarm and neither cold or hot, I will begin to vomit thee out of my mouth (Apocalypse 3:16) and He that is not with Me is against Me… (Luke 11:23). ” thus, the ideal leaders that should be empowered are those who are not just good, excellent, experienced, virtuous, and wise; but most importantly, those who have the zeal to reflect his or her love for God by serving and leading others with all honesty and integrity. Someone who leads by example – by their fruits you will know them (Matthew 7:16). take for example what the ideal leaders can do in the community. their genuine concern for others will propel them to do more than just organize mundane and superficial events that will merely entertain and immediately wane in time.

More than that, they will take notice and take action on the

real conditions of the students who are silently suffering from fatigue, abuses, and injustices inflicted by those who treat them like machines; they will initiate programs that will extend credit assistance or subsidiary programs for students who cannot afford to eat their breakfast and lunch; they will offer manageable work opportunities for students who are struggling to find a source for their daily allowance; they will initiate transparency programs that will ensure that the students really get their money’s worth; they will organize a witness protection program in school that will safeguard and encourage the whistleblowers; and they will make a lot of daring attempts to improve the existing system in school, not because of popularity’s sake, but because it is the right thing to do. thus, let the good members of society think on the truth about what edmund Burke have once said; that is, “the surest way for evil to succeed is for good men to do nothing.” Wherefore, let not lukewarmness hinder the good leaders to aspire for a noble position in their community, if through it, they will be able to amplify their good works.

It is certain that we can avoid similar chaos in the future if only more good guys are determined to drown evil with their good works. As Jesus Christ have said, “You are the light of the world. A city seated on a mountain cannot be hidden.

Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all that are in the house. So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:14) .”

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

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1 Cafeteria Blues

* The Food Critic: Lyk crusly, d skul shud observ mor hygiene sa caf ky mga fudstol kis-a kta nmn nadag2 na pro ntago lg sa hgad daun nbligya p gypn. basi mdakasi mn kmi.

Volume LIX Number 2 • October 11, 2013

A R e vi e w on t his y e a r ’ s P a t r on S ain t ’ s D a y C e l e b r a t ion

By Joel S. Sastrillo usa pub PHOTO / MARA ELAIZA A. FLORES

* Hanginon: Eiow USA Pub, waley gd ventilation sa canteen? Gin-ot sa sulod. Daw oven lg. * Feeling DJ man: Cnu na ga-dj2 man? kagalong sg music sa caf. daw mlupok eardrums q. Control d volume.

* Meganyan: Laba na gni pila gsal-ot pa mga murat mglunch tym. hai day kung beauty ang basehan una gd q ya cmo. * Basura Busters Fanatic: Ginapaminsar man ayhan sang mga students nga may mabulos man sa table after nla kaon? Tni haboy lang gd nla basura nla.

1 Traffic Jams * Flyover sa Blanco: Grabe gd bla traffic prme sa tekno, dira bla sa may nstp kg photocopyhan.. dunot q da prme. * Inday Chismosa: Sa mga gpanaog sa alumni, lihog lg paiway sg kata2 ky gadali q ya manaog. matyagan plaza lang?

1 Sinotto Na Naman * Free Photocopy: Kulang hatag ni mam ___ sa amon nga potocopy... teh, daw 25 man bayad namon cya? tpos daw mga 20 pgs lg ang naba2n nmn blog nga sem??? * USA Communist Party: I find the free photocopy day ironic. The school tolerates use of too much paper? First the cutting of trees, then this? * USA Communist Party: Come to think of it, the University should do something about the white notes, we consume a lot of paper for that. * Mr. Complete Notes: kng mg-exam gneh grbe kgutok sa xerokan... abaw, pwerte ngd ktamad mgkopya notes awh???? * Manang Photocopier: ALAM STUDYANTE SAN AG BUH, PATI KODIGO NAPAXEROX.

1 Infrastrcuture Mayhem * Benefactor: May insurance man ang na2mbahan sg USA nga signage? ? proud agustinians kmi kg gus2 namn ma-advertise ang skul s fb. la mn kmi g-expect nga ma2mbhan. T T * Calajunan, USA Branch: hello usa pub!! rotc student aq nd tingala q ngaa dri man ya ginbutangang ang basurahan. baho2 pirme ang hq.... huhuhuhuhu... * Benefactor: may energy fee mn bala ang san ag, ngaa indi kmi ya kabasta2 saksak sa library??? kulang pagd bayad namon??? * Rodemalkers: grbe pgtas miselanius pwo ang projector sg skul gabuk na... budlay daun ky ang kadaanun wla ginabasol kundi sa amon pa.. tsk.. * Taga-bukid: ambi q napataas rin ang lupa kg gnkay-ad ang drainage ja sa san ag... naga baha man japon?.. * Airheads: kadtui nyo bala blanco 25 ky wala bintelador. kaha lg pro la elesi. * Veritas: Masulat nagd lang kamo sa arm chair kodigo sala pa... tsk2.. It’s RERUM NOVARUM, not REROM NUVAROM. Got an issue to share? Perhaps, an opinion? Don’t be afraid to voice out. We don’t mind your grammar or language. As long as it can be understood. You can make a change by sharing to us your concerns.

Let it be heard (or read) here in the Inbox. Send your message at our email, usa.publications@rocketmail.com or our Facebook page. You can also text us at 09283206395.

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.

Patron Saint’s Day (PSD), as we call it, is an annual celebration of the Augustinian Community every August to commemorate the death and give honor to Saint Augustine. Augustinians shared their talents in sports, literary, musical, and dance competitions.

It has been a tradition of this University to highlight this part of the year which made the Agustino different from others, standing out – creating an identity.

This year, centered on one of the three core Augustinian values, Veritas or Truth, The Augustinian gathered questions from the student body through College Council Presidents.

After that, the staff decided to screen the gathered inquiries and discussed who would be the proper person to clarify the matter. The staff then asked the identified authorities to answer the queries through personal interviews. They were USA Student Council President Zimri Siozan; Coordinator of the Office for Co-Curricular Activities Eric Divinagracia; and Sports Director Demosthenes Toledo. In this way, we will know the truth and inform the Augustinains as well as clear such uncertainties in their minds.

Information Dissemination First stop were the students’ complaints on the alleged fake or unofficial information coming from the Student Council. These information caused confusion on what, where, and when the events are going to take place.

Siozan admitted that; indeed, there were text messages passing incorrect information with a note “-USASC” or “from USASC” amongst students.

Complete School Uniform during the Mass In the past years, students wore civilian clothing or their college-prescribed shirts during the mass. The tradition, however, was broken this year when the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) required everyone to wear their

complete school uniform during the said celebration.

“The USASC wrote a letter of request to the VPAA to allow the entry of students in their civilian clothes on August 28, 29, and 30. The office of the VPAA approved the letter with conditions that students must wear their IDs all the time, and they must be in complete uniform during the mass (August 28). Upon approval, the USASC checked the sentiments or concerns of the departmental councils through their college council presidents regarding this matter since we know that this would create issues. After the appeal on this matter was raised, the office of the VPAA suggested that students could only be in their civilian attire right after the mass. The information was disseminated via text message through college council presidents,” Siozan defended.

Sequence of PSD, Compressed or not?

Some days were a bit idle while some were so tight that students had to divide their attention with two or more events going on at the same time.

“The schedule of the program of activities for PSD were decided and agreed upon by the departmental co – curricular coordinators, headed

by Divinagracia, and other working committees,” Siozan explained.

More so, Divinagracia shared on a separate note that Intramurals were separated from other major activities to

give time to sports. He further added that the activities were not compressed but rather planned out and were given such time for students to observe and enjoy.

Sports Schedule and Venue Last year, some classes were disturbed due to football games going on at the USA Football Field. This year’s games, in contrast, appeared to be dead. Despite of the heat going on in the matches, there was silence in the field no cheers – and rain added to deafening silence. This was because some games were held at the USA Sambag Extension Campus.

According to Siozan, as regards to the Intramurals 2013, Toledo passed a proposal to the administrators to compress the intramurals in a week. The said proposal was approved by the VPAA. Toledo expressed that it was a long proposal to have the sports activities compressed in a week or in a span of four to five days. He further said that “this scheduling started last 2007 ... I can see nothing wrong with it.”

With regard to the football games, he explained that he does not want everything to end up the same as last year where the game was stopped due to the wet field, and it brought foul odor to Blanco and Gamboa Halls.

“I decided to hold the soccer at Sambag Campus since it has a better land quality than in the main campus. Though it was a hassle for the players to go there, and since there was no school bus available, I asked the college coordinators if their players can commute just to arrive at the area, and they agreed,” Toledo concluded.

Friday the Thirty This year, the students had to wake up early and pull their aching bodies to attend the class. The events this year culminated on a Thursday, and

Friday was declared a regular class day.

“Instead of a no-class day, classes were resumed, why not? I mean, looking at the brighter side, this could be a chance for you to catch up with your missed classes.

But it would be great if it was declared a rest day. As much as the USASC wanted to be the “voice” of the student body, the Administrators are the ones making the decisions,” Siozan shared.

Furthermore, Divinagracia also shared that “the closing program was put on the 29th so that students can attend. If it was on the 30th, I think students would prefer to go home rather than staying here and celebrate.

They might consider it as a long weekend.”

What’s New in PSD? Maybe for some, it remained to be the same.

For others, this year’s PSD celebration was not felt, and the reactions went all over the yard.

With this, Divinagracia concluded, “it may sound boring to some because they weren’t involved or not being informed about the activities on the run of PSD. The events were well-planned, and the students enjoyed. I can, therefore, say that it was successful. ” Asked on what made it different from the past Patron Saint’s Day Celebration, “it was the big opera, the integration of Restless Pilgrim staged at the Auditorium,” he emphatically stated.

It is in our nature to compare things from the past and the present. We put on more negative criticism today than what had happened before. But if we try to enjoy certain moments, to choose to be on a positive mode, and to ask before we try to complain, we may find “truth”; and that is, we should be glad because we have to celebrate another PSD together – as Augustinians.

Volume LIX Number 2 • October 11, 2013

The Intramural Games 2013 has gone by swiftly but what remained of its happenings were the new faces in the play area. Undoubtedly, everyone had their bets and favorites, but a hard-miss were the eight out of 43 foreign students enrolled in the University who participated in sports events. Meet the three of them.

Augustinian

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ATE S D TH E U N ITE D ST AN IA ER IG N F O E E TH E PR ID ’S AT H LET IC SC EN IN TH E U N IV ER SI TY

Tamara-Deinyefa Favour Andie Age: 19 Nationality: Nigerian Sport: Football (Forward) Course: B Medical Laboratory Science He has been kicking balls since he was 11 back home in Nigeria, but when he heard that the CPMT were the underdogs in football, Andie decided, “let’s achieve something in football for the college”.

The 5’9” forward uses both feet in playing, but he stressed that his strength lies on his right mid foot. “I can’t shoot well using my left foot if the ball is not well-balanced, so I would have more goals if I have a good right mid foot.” Another strong point he cited was the ability to fit into positions other than forward. “I can play also as a goalie, but (in that case) my weakness is diving on my right hand because I’m scared of falling on that side.”

The experience has not only earned the Championship title to his college but also new acquaintances and some precious moments with the team. However, playing for the team here was much different from what he was used to back home. One particular difference is that players were not as familiar to the sport as his colleagues in Nigeria because football is not a well-played sport in the Philippines. Consequently, Andie had to adjust and bring his own idea into the game which was also a first for him.

Playing football in the Intramurals was a give-and-take for Andie because apart from meeting new people, he received incentives for his grade. Another plus is that, increasingly, people were making efforts to befriend him which he sums up as to bagging the “popularity stuff”.

Josh Ukasoanya Age: 19 Nationality: Nigerian Sport: Table tennis (Substitute) Course: BS Tourism Management He spins and smashes on the familiar table, but more often than not, he is a Tourism Management student in the classroom.

Table tennis was a sport he played since high school, but he wasn’t serious about it. However, he decided to step up and give competing a try with the aim of representing his college and getting more acquainted with the sport.

“Exciting” is how Ukasoanya describes the experience with his Filipino teammates. He knew playing in a standard game is different from playing as a hobby and admits that he has had tough times too. “Yes, I experienced difficulties. It was about reading my opponents.” His team has helped him through his struggles, and together, they garnered 1st place in the Intramurals.

Aside from the eternal support of his team, he explains that the zeal to continue no matter what was a big part of his success. “By loving the game, more practice, training and goodwill with other players are keys to a player’s success in the game.”

Finally, he encourages other foreign students to join the intramurals because it will motivate them further to do more activities in school as well as help find more friends and learn about the school.”

USA ’S P RID E IN THE INTERNATIO NAL SCENE

usa pub PHOTO / MARA ELAIZA A. FLORES

Look closely at the Philippine football team and you’ll find a rare breed of Azkal in the mix.

They call him Chieffy.

The son of Barotac Nuevo who proved that home grown Filipino talent can touch off a sports revolution.

THE GAME PLAN At the age of five, Emelio Asada Caligdong started to play football at his hometown

in Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo. He was called Chieffy after his grandfather, who became the Chief of Police of the locale in 1982. He is the youngest of ten children.

In his hometown, the football field is situated near the town plaza where children would play, usually barefooted, almost every day and often during summer leagues.

Unlike any other town in the country where basketball is the typical sport, it is in this third-class municipality where Chieffy honed his skills and fueled his passion for football.

“I was in fourth grade when I first started to compete

Playing as the center of the team, he credits his strong and athletic 5’9” physique to his advantage. The team may have not triumphed, but Costi foregrounds the fun experience with equally athletic teammates and opponents.

With his busy schedule, he wasn’t able to attend most of his practices which resulted to lack of communication and this he believed was the reason why they did not win.

Relatively, Costi accentuates on team work, constant practice, friendship, and connecting to each member as the keys to an athlete’s success.

According to Costi, the only difference between playing with his team back home and in the Philippines is that the players here are not as tall as the players in California - a characteristic also possessed by his favorite Filipino athlete. “Yes, Pacquiao (is my favorite) because he is an underdog but still a champion. He also has great pride in where he came from.”

Six years in the game has earned him ample experience in shooting hoops which is why he plans on trying out for the varsity team. It looks like we’ll be seeing more of him in the next games but this time with the Golden Eagles.

This year’s theme may be on truth but the Augustinian spirit of unity in diversity still endures in every activity. With that said, we can only hope for more participation from foreign students in next year’s Patron Saint’s Week.

The Augustinian Azkal

By Ric Martin Libo-on

Chance Joseph Costi Age: 22 Nationality: American Sport: Basketball (Center) Course: BS Nursing

in the Palarong Pambansa and other tournaments within Western Visayas,” says the 30-year-old Azkals vice-captain in an interview.

With a keen vision to secure his future, he completed his studies as varsity player in high school and in college. “I became passionate of the sport which helped me finished my studies and which made me realize my aspirations in life,” he says in Hiligaynon.

After years of determination and spirit, Chieffy graduated from the University of San Agustin with a degree in Commerce (Management).

It is after college when Chieffy

soared into greater heights to fulfill his dream - to become the team captain of the National Football team.

THE TOP DOG By playing through the National team Youth Program, he was enlisted by the Philippine Air Force Special Division. He then was able to display his skill and football prowess in the AFP-PNP Olympics. And as they say, the rest was history for this Azkal top dog.

He made his first stellar debut as a football player in the 2004 Tiger Cup Qualifiers (ASEAN Football Federation), scoring three goals. Two of

those historic goals were against Timor-Leste. Those goals sealed the first-ever win of the country in the ASEAN Football Championships.

One laudable feat of the many winning streaks of victory that Chieffy immortalized was during the Long Teng Cup in 2011 where he bagged the Golden Boot Award, given to the top player who made the most scores during the tournament. He made four jawdropping goals (two against Hong Kong and two against Macau).

In the 2012 AFF Suzuki Cup, Chieffy scored a sensational goal which rekindled the hopes of the Filipino football fan demographic. He struck the only goal for the Philippine Azkals over the Vietnam Red Warriors (1-0) which placed the national team back in the semifinal chase.

It was also in the same year when he was awarded by President Benigno Aquino III as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) of 2012.

He was awarded not only because of his exceptional skill in football but also of having the heart to teach the sport to the Filipino youth, having conducted several football clinics in Barotac Nuevo and other places in the country.

Recently, the team also won the Philippine Football Peace Cup beating Chinese Taipei after 99 years of winless drought. The country’s last taste of victory in the international competition was in 1913 during the Far East games.

THE TEAM PLAYER “I am grateful to be part of the Azkals, and I, along with the members of the team, am proud to represent every Filipino along with the team,” says the Ilonggo winger.

After Chieffy’s stunning goal in the 2012 AFF Suzuki Cup, Azkal’s former coach Simon Mcmenemy tweeted, “If you look up the word ‘Hero’ in a dictionary, all you will see is a picture of Chiefy Caligdong’s face smiling back at you (sic).”

When the Philippine team needs that crucial goal or the guts and courage to outwit opponents, Chieffy makes sure that he has made a contribution to the collective effort of the team to bring Filipino pride.

In his speech last August during the University’s Intramurals, Chieffy emphasized that one should always believe in himself, be passionate, and practice discipline, and have determination and your hard work will eventually pay off.

“I’m so happy to come back to my Alma Mater, San Agustin,” he asserts, “It is my first time to be here after several years, and I’m deeply honored by the invitation. I want to thank the Augustinian community for molding me to become the person that I am today.”

He has outstripped seasoned players and mastered his craft with transcendent flair and immense skill. His fateful journey from the Football Capital of the Philippines to the world continues as he brings his crusade to every Filipino inside and outside of the playing field.

usa pub PHOTOs / ray adrian c. macalalaG

By SEULGI J. HAN

sports AugustiniAn the

Foreign upgrades in Augustinian sports Article at Page A7

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

Volume LIX Number 2 • October 11, 2013 usa pub INFoGRaphIC / ray adrian C. maCalalag

CMA, still intrams overall champion

by JOYcE gEm m. cAÑETE

WItH 355 points, the recently rebaptized College of Management and Accountancy (CMA) finally extinguishes the dead heat with the former co-victor College of engineering and Architecture as it was proclaimed overall champion in the USA Gymnasium last August.

CMA swept their way into a sweet landslide as they clinched the gold for women’s basketball, men’s volleyball, women’s chess, men’s table tennis; and silver for men’s basketball, men’s chess, men’s badminton and women’s and men’s double lawn tennis.

According to the CMA Council Vice President Jeremiah Vardeleon, the whole college and its students were “silent but behind-the-scene they are already moving months before the event” and that they “really careered” the Patron Saint’s Day event this year. “you think having a big population is an advantage?” Vardeleon asked rhetorically.

“Ang hirap-hirap kaya. Imagine, you have to control 3000 students; but as what you can see, each of them cooperated despite our huge number.”

When asked about their winning key, Vardeleon emphasizes that they have not only practiced hard but also asked for God’s help by conducting a prayer brigade, which is something “new” and “miracle-bearing” to them, for three consecutive days prior to the event.

Meanwhile, the Gray team had mentioned “lack of preparation and time” as key factors in the team’s finish this year. “first runner up is already an achievement.” CeA Council President Christian Mark Gerawa shared. the College of Pharmacy and Medical technology was declared the second runnerup with Council President Katrina Ann Capalla highlighting that, “It does not matter whether one would place first or last as long as the spirit of unity, charity and love is present.”

Intermission?

RAZOR EDGE

RAY AdRiAN c. mAcALALAg, BScE ‘14

adrian_attacks@yahoo.com

‘YES, WE CAN.’ The Comerciantes of the College of Management and Accountany fights against the Teknos of the College of Engineering and Architecture. Despite falling short in men’s basketball after the Teknos’ onepoint lead, the gold team still managed to drive away fellow defending overall Intramural Games champion, the Teknos, and let them settle on the second top spot. (usa pub photo / mary johsyen e. pabalinas)

new set of cheerdance rules employed CN moves beyond podium �inish by mARYLEX g. SUmATRA

AS eXCItING as last year’s flips and tosses, this year’s cheerdance competition surprised its spectators with a new set of rules and the crowning of the College of Nursing (CN) as the new champion last August 20, 2013 at the University of San Agustin gymnasium.

Along with the revised rules and criteria of the competition is the fall of last year’s cheerdance powerhouse, now the College of Management and Accountancy (CMA).

“As decided by the department and the coordinators, we prohibited the pyramids and tosses in order to avoid casualties because our competitors are not trained to perform these stunts… they lack ample time and resources,” stated Ms. Violeta Lamis, Chair of the Department of Physical education.

She further added that audience’s participation in any form, was prohibited during the performance

proper “for the sake of fairness”.

Moreover, as emphasized by Ms. Lamis during the interview, disqualification was not the reason behind the defeat of the CMA; instead, their lack of technicality in the performance and the basics of a cheerdance.

On the other hand, according to Mr. Lodrigo G. Basco Jr., one of the judges in the said competition, “the lack of stunts did affect the quality of all the performances; however, it was still harmoniously choreographed and mostly all teams are equal in terms of level.” for Mr. Basco, what set the CN apart was their precise movement and at the same time their characterization.

Meanwhile, following the ranks are the College of education as first runner-up and the College of engineering and Architecture as second runner-up; while the College of Pharmacy and Medical technology was awarded with best cheerleader and the CN with the best disciplined performer.

THE RISE OF THE NURSES. The College of Nursing, now the cheerdance champion, pose in their finale. (usa pub photo / daniel p. abutas)

“Cheerdance should obviously be composed of cheer and dance.”

It’S ALL ABOUt the stunts, the tumbling, the pyramids, the basic elements, and the dance. Cheerdance is almost of filipino origin after cheerleading was founded in the United States. Instead of just showing off plain stunts and gymnastics, filipino minds settled in getting out of the dullness and introduced cheerdance to the world in 1994 during the first cheerdance competition organized by the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and was participated by its eight member schools.

Over the years, the eight schools have continued to improve and upgrade their routine which have captured the eyes of many – not only from the UAAP member schools but also the entire country. this year, the National University Cheer Squadron won their first title as champions upsetting the cheerdance powerhouse, the University of the Philippines Pep Squad. All the schools, however, made a great show despite of some errors. Inverted pyramids, 2.5 high pyramids, wolf wall pyramids, spider pyramids, double downs, x-out tosses with double fulls, ball ups, and unique style of back tucks and running tumblings showed how much filipinos improve.

Ironically, the University’s recently concluded cheerdance competition was disappointing. there were no pyramids, no tosses, no stunts, and no crowd participation. Who would have had that kind of idea? It would have been better if those routines were just made into intermission numbers during the Mr. and Ms. Intramurals pageant. Seriously, without those elements, the purpose of cheerdance is defeated. the 2012 cheerdance was the best, so far.

If safety was the concern, then the Department of Physical education could have organized a cheerdance camp or training.

Silliman University was able to do that in their university’s cheerdance competition this year. If it was expensive to do such, why not send some faculty members of the said department to cheerdance seminars and allow them to channel their learnings here in the University?

Safety is important especially in these kinds of activities. Proper training, though, is the key to good and safe routines. Cheerdance is obviously composed of cheer and dance. Without one portion of it, then it shouldn’t be called cheerdance. It would be more appropriate if it was called ‘dance number’.

Lastly, crowd participation was not allowed. Most probably, the colleges who couldn’t make some noise or have the fighting spirit are the ones responsible for this proposal. Where on earth would you find a cheerdance where the audience has to be as silent as possible while the performers do their routine? Is this a singing competition? Is this the State of the Nation Address of P-Noy? Cheerdance should always be 50 percent cheer and 50 percent dance. In the cheer portion, there should be stunts, pyramids, tosses, tumbling, and crowd participation – no matter how big or small the college population is.