Augustinian the
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SPIKES OF BEING ROOKIES PAGE 1 1 meet the Usa volleyball team’s newest secret weapons who will be charging in the coming games.
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The Official Student Newspaper of the University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, Philippines
VOLuMe LXII • NuMBeR 4 • OCtOBeR 31, 2016
rEgAININg ‘AutoNomous’ USA nears autonomy with ISO 9001:2008 certificate by w i lk i e n s o n c . m u r o
the university of san agustin, through its official social media accounts, announced late afternoon of October 12, that it is already an IsO-certified institution after it passed the evaluation conducted by the anglo-Japanese-american (aJa) Registrars, Inc. last april 4-5 and september 8-9.
A DIFFERENT KIND OF SAN AGUSTIN. Aside from improving the frontline services of the University, the administration of Rev. Fr. Frederick Comendador, OSA also leaves a legacy of developments in terms of improvement of the campus’ physical appearance and its facilities. USA PUB PHOTO • CLYDE ALLEN E. SOLLESTA
news • PAGE 2
editorial • PAG E 4
sports • PAG E 12
commandant favors mandatory ROTc
Of ‘Tards’ and ‘Turds’
BED takes home Overall Title
with President duterte calling for the strengthening of the rotC program, will it soon become mandatory?
a society that turns deaf and blind to its faults will never grow. fanaticism will not do all of us any good.
from being underdogs in the past Intramural Games, Bed has overthrown Cot from its grandslam bid.
with the said International organization for standardization (Iso) certification on Quality management system (9001: 2008), the University will take inches closer to reclaiming its autonomous status. dr. regina aileen may vergara, director of the strategy and Quality management office (sQmo) noted that the Iso certification, being one of the core processes to achieve a culture of excellence in the University’s strategic Plan, is a demonstration of organizational sustainability. “this establishes a factor to regain the autonomous status,” she emphasized. according to the 2013 manual of regulations for Private Higher education Institutions
of the Commission on Higher education (CHed), there are three general criteria for an institution to be granted such status – long tradition of integrity and untarnished reputation, commitment to excellence, and sustainability and viability of operations. In regaining the status, the University should at least earn 80 points – 56 of which is by getting accredited and being declared Centers for development and excellence in its degree programs; and 24 of which is by having sustainable operations. this march 2017 on the other hand, the University will be visited by representatives of the Philippine accrediting ISO 9001:2008
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special report
KON ANG UMANG MAGKAMANG
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Isa ka pag-usisa sang sistema sang Oplan Double Barrel, sa pagkilala sang mga posible nga mga drug personalities.
K-12 triggers Performing chusuey Int’l center to open next year Arts Scholars budget cut by a t h e n a g abr i e lla e . ju labar
tHe fIve-storey University of san agustin (Usa) dr. Henry d. Chusuey International Center, regarded to cater world-class culinary and touristic proficiencies, is 80 percent complete and is expected to be operational by april 2017. former vice President for academic affairs, rev. fr. rommel Par, osa formed a committee who will oversee the ongoing construction: rev. fr. arnel dizon, vice president for administration and finance, as the project manager; rev. fr. Ian ragodon, director of the General services office, as the project inspector; and engr. rizalde monserate as the engineering supervisor. monserate explained the current status of the center, “the construction was swift, 80 percent done, and it was ahead of the original schedule owing to the upgraded construction materials.
b y d ar yl s . s e l e r io PerformInG arts GroUPs would have to share the decreased budget for their scholarships this year as an effect of the K-12 implementation. ela Cristina lopez, director of the Business and finance office, shared that a total of 116 scholars from the various groups now share a maximum budget of ₱ 1.7 Million against an estimated ₱ 2.8 Million allocated during the First Semester last year. the 1,243 decrease of student population led to the decline of the budget allocated for the performing arts scholars of the University, namely, Kawilihan-Usa, Usa Choir and troubadours, and Usa little theater . according to rev. fr. williener Jack luna, director for Philanthropic, external, and alumni relations (Pear), the drought for new enrollees due to K-12 had greatly affected the University financially; one of the effects is the decrease of budget, allocated for the performing arts groups. “our response to [the decrease] is either [to] cut the number of scholars or [to] share the allocated budget among the groups. we chose the latter,” he added. In order to sustain the operations of the various performing arts groups as well as to secure their scholarship privileges, the Pear office have already identified alternative sources of funds. “we have lined up fund raising activities like dinner-fora-Cause this october and Concert-for-a-Cause on november and december,” luna elaborated. alongside the budget allocation, the Pear office released a new scheme for evaluation of performing arts scholars which will take effect this second semester.
TALLEST. The Dr. henry D. Chusuey international Center will become the tallest building in campus on its topping off ceremony to be held on November 11. USA PUB PHOTO • ALLAiNE rOSE m. EmNACEN
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Passing rate heaved for academic success by Frenni e m . tababa as a resPonse to the desire of the University’s Board of trustees (Bot) to raise the level of academic achievement of the students in the college level, the administration has implemented the change in the passing rate in each course from 50 to 60 percent. this generally means that for a student taking a 100-item quiz, he or she must at get a score of 60 to get a passing grade of 75. the change was in turn expected to consequently
“A PROgRAm likEwiSE FOR REmEDiATiON will AlSO BE UNDERTAkEN SiNCE lOw AChiEVERS wOUlD CONTiNUAllY BE AFFECTED.” — VERgARA improve the University’s institutional performance in board examinations and eventual regaining of its lost autonomous status since 2009. “actually, this is an overdue response of the top management
we’re online! Visit our website, w w w. usapub. net. USA PUB iLLUSTrATiON • DArYL S. SELEriO
INT’L cENTER
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to the concern of the Bot to raise the academic standard and the passing percentage rate for board exams. this concern was brought up since last year during the march 14, 2015 Bot meeting. furthermore, a data-based study
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was conducted to determine the repercussion of this move,” rev. fr. manuel vergara, osa, vice president for academic affairs, told The Augustinian. However, the change of passing rate has gathered complaints and disagreements from the student body since they will be the ones who will suffer in the process. “I beg to disagree with the 60 percent grading system since it doesn’t measure how competitive the students will be
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Augustinian the
Volume LXII • Number 4 October 31, 2016
news Solon on ASEAN Integration: ‘We’re not ready to compete’
Commandant favors mandatory ROTC by je c e l t . bu e n a v i d e s
b y a nd r e a n icol e c. par ce In a University-wide forum on September 23, Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito said that the Philippines is not yet ready for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Integration, citing the country’s economic and political state as areas needing improvement. “At this point, I don't think we are ready to compete. What we can do is ask for an extension. We have no choice; otherwise this would really kill the industry. We have to modernize our facilities, especially our sugar and rice mills. They are more than 50 years old. We cannot compete against modern mills in Thailand and other countries. We also need to improve our infrastructures because the cost of bringing products from the provinces to Manila is more expensive than bringing in products from abroad,” explained Ejercito. Ejercito’s talk centered on the possibility of improving the utilization of the nation’s resources, primarily in agriculture, transportation and the energy sector. The said forum which was entitled “Is the Philippines Ready for ASEAN Integration?” sought to create awareness about the relevance of diplomacy as a means to address current domestic and international political concerns. “Senator Ejercito laid down the problems that our country currently faces and he gave us truthful information regarding the economic status of our country. He also presented to us some solutions and plans of action that the government will explore to address those problems,” said Syd Geemson Parreñas, president of Political Science Republic. In the forum, Atty. Noel Sinco, adviser of the Political Science Republic also spoke about the state of the country in relation to the ASEAN Integration, stating, “Politically, there’s always the sovereignty issue. Will the 10 members-state subject themselves to an international body in matters such as criminal jurisdiction or internal affairs? Is the Philippines amenable to the jurisdiction of the ASEAN Courts of Justice?” Vice President for Augustinian Formation and Mission Rev. Fr. Wilson Capellan, OSA, welcomed the senator and delivered the opening remarks, acknowledging the high time for such forum.
STILL NEEDING IMPROVEMENT. Senator JV Ejercito emphasizes that various sectors, especially in agriculture, require upgrading in order to be at par with other ASEAN member states. USA PUB PHOTO • CLYDE ALLEN E. SOLLESTA
‘Kabutihan, sikreto para sa pakikitungo’ – NY psych ni e d w ard d omin ic e . e mil io “Ang mga dahilan kung bakit mahalaga ang pagiging mabuti ay sadyang kaaya-aya ang kabutihan at kailangan ito upang makuha natin ang respeto ng kapwa. Ito ang sikreto para makuha ang loob ng iba.” Ito ang naging pahayag ni Dr. Tom Lickona, isang developmental psychologist at emeritus professor ng State University of New York at Cortland sa kanyang programa sa auditorium ng Unibersidad ng San Agustin, Agosto 1. Si Lickona na dating pangulo ng Association for Moral Education ay kasapi ng Board of Directors ng Character Education Partnership at siya’y naparangalan ng Sanford N. McDonell Lifetime Achievement Award in Character Education noong 2001. Ang nasabing programa na inorganisa ng PAREF-Westbridge School ay nagpokus sa temang “How to Easily Win the Favor of Your Teachers and the People Around You” at nagbigay halaga sa pag-gawa ng isang “personal code of character,” mga magagandang ugali at mga kwento tungkol sa kabayanihan ng mga ordinaryong mamamayan. “Kailangan nating hubugin ang ating ugali dahil ito ang pundasyon ng ating karakter at natututunan nating gumawa ng kabutihan kahit na walang nakatingin,” saad ni Daniel Martin Solinap, pangulo ng student council ng PAREF-Westbridge School. Mahigit 1,200 na estudyante mula sa iba't ibang paaralan gaya ng Unibersidad ng San Agustin, PAREF-Westbridge, AssumptionIloilo, Ateneo de Iloilo, West Visayas State University, Iloilo Scholastic Academy at Iloilo National High School ang dumalo sa nasabing programa. Ayon kay Marisol Tormon, deputy prime minister ng College of Arts and Sciences Parliament ng Unibersidad, “Ang pinakamahalagang mga aral na natutunan ko ay ang pagiging mapagkumbaba, pagiging mabuti sa iba at pagmamahal sa sarili. Nakakaapekto ang mga ito sa pananaw natin sa buhay.” Ang lektyur ni Lickona para sa mga mag-aaral ay sinundan ng isang diskusyon para sa mga guro na may temang “Secrets Revealed: Practices and Techniques Award Winning Schools Don't Want You to Know” at ng “How to Make Your Child a Success Magnet” para naman sa mga magulang.
‘PARA SA BAYAN’. A cadet prepares for their small unit tactics demonstration in their culmination towards the end of the First Semester. Despite continuous decline in student population year after year, the ROTC Unit of the University still remains visible during drills. USA PUB PHOTO • CLYDE ALLEN E. SOLL ESTA
“Are you willing to defend our country? It’s easy to say yes, but are you trained? ROTC program is your key to partake in molding a strong national defense.” Colonel Guillermo Matiling, Jr., commandant of the Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (ROTC) program unit of the University of San Agustin, urged students to support the proposed revival of mandatory ROTC. In the first-ever State of the Nation Address of President Rodrigo Duterte last July 25, he called for the strengthening of said program to help in the building of discipline and values especially in this generation. “I agree with the idea of resuming the used to be mandatory ROTC program [because] our very own country needs reserve forces to respond whenever civil disturbances arise,” Matiling said. The ROTC program, with roots as early as 1912 and now governed by the Republic Act No. 9163 trains students under a discipline-based program
conducted by military authorities and instill in them the value of loyalty and patriotism. After the NSTP was passed, the number of ROTC enrollees dropped by more than half from over 362, 000 in 2000 to just over 106,000 in 2005, with almost 195,000 students joining the training last year. Meanwhile, a student from the senior high school is also on the positive with the idea in reviving the mandatory ROTC. “It will help the young generation understand that love for our country [needs] sacrifice and ROTC will serve as an essential tool for us to practice nationalism,” said Jesselle Divine Caminian, a Senior High School Student. Although Senator Sherwin Gatchalian called for the endorsement of Duterte for the pending ROTC bill and the Commission on Higher Education Executive Director Julito Vitriolo also supporting such, the youth sector representatives, Kabataan Partylist is underway countering the proposed bill with another proposing for its abolition.
Youth Sector lauded in PYDP confab by edward dom i ni c e. em i li o Newly-appointed National Youth Commission (NYC) Chairperson Cariza “Aiza” Seguerra expressed her appreciation of the participation of over 60 participants including the USA Publications from various youth and youth-serving organizations in the region in the Regional Consultation Program for the 2017-2022 Philippine Youth Development Plan (PYDP), September 23. The said program held at the Department of Trade and Industries Regional Office VI aided in the formulation of the PYDP, a companion document of the Philippine Development Plan for the same period. “It is important for us to go around the country because each region has a different issue. I am happy to see that our youth are concerned about the country's needs,” Seguerra commented on the importance of Regional Consultations. The consultation discussed the Implementing Rules and
Regulations of the SK Reform Act of 2015, the Regional Youth Situationer, the 2015 National Youth Assessment Study and gathered opinions about the region's needs. Among the pressing issues, NYC identified that reproductive health and education were among the top priority in the Region. “Teenage pregnancy is a prevalent problem, access to college education is also important, Zika virus has also been a prevalent case. We need a mindset change in the youth to help them value life and environment,” former Iloilo City Councilor and now NYC Executive Director Nielex Tupas shared. The PYDP aims to solve the problems by recommending concrete measures focusing on eight centers of youth participation which are: health, education, economy, social inclusion and equity, governance, active citizenship, environment and global partnerships. “[We plan] to collaborate
ISO 9001:2008
involvement, participation, and cooperation seen during the ISO [audit] in the [coming] PAASCU visit. We have shown that if the whole Augustinian community works together, we can achieve what we aim for. So if we aim to regain our autonomous status together, we can achieve it as well,” she appealed. The ISO 9001:2008, according to their official website, specifies requirements for a quality management system where an organization needs to demonstrate its ability to consistently provide product that meets customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.
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Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities (PAASCU) and will be followed sooner by a regular institutional assessment of the CHEd. “These accreditations and assessments will help the University to become a center of development which will protrude the excellent quality education here in San Agustin,” Rev. Fr. Frederick Comendador, OSA, University President said. With the autonomous status being the primary goal, Vergara presented here idea on how the school should work to regain it. “I hope to see the same PASSING RATES
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in the future, though, this will motivate our dear students to study. 60 percent will just entail how intelligent and responsible [the students are] and [will] not improve, enhance and uplift [their] capabilities,” USA Student Council President Dave Garin, expressed. Expecting setbacks on student performance, the Council of Deans (COD) will regulate
and implement a strict measure for Admission and Retention policies. “A program likewise for remediation will also be undertaken since low achievers would continually be affected,” Vergara added. Upon entry of the pioneer batch of Senior High School graduates to the tertiary level on 2018, the COD intends to implement the 75 percent passing rate.
YOUTH AFFAIRS, A PRIORITY. NYC key officials Tupas and Seguerra discuss various youth issues needed to be addressed by the 2017-2022 PYDP in a press conference conducted after the Regional Consultation Program held at DTI Region VI Office. USA PUB PHOTO • allaine rose m. emnacen with Local Youth Development Councils for health and education. We are hiring government trainees to provide them with salaries and opportunities for college education.” NYC Iloilo int’l center
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Concreting the beams and slabs for the third floor was done last July 19 (initially scheduled on September 8) and the fourth floor was finished last July 22 (previously scheduled on the second or third week of August). As of September 20, concreting of beams and slabs has already reached the fifth floor and tentatively, the roof deck will be done either on the 2nd or 3rd week of October. It [the International Center] is expected to open in April 2017.” Subsequently, according to Rev. Fr. Williener Jack Luna, OSA, director of Philanthropic, External and Alumni Relations (PEAR), the International Center will house the top-of-theline learning laboratory of the Tourism, Hotel and Restaurant Management and Culinary Arts students and the hotel that will cater to international students, visiting professors and researchers, school guests, and alumni of the University. “As part of the University Campus Master Plan, the International Center was designed to have most of its
head Krezyl Joyce Pugna said. The program in Iloilo City is the fifteenth in a series of PYDP Regional Consultations which were held in various areas in the country. floors for the hotel and airconditioned dormitory, a floor for the kitchen with its state-ofthe-art facilities, a top floor for a coffee shop, and a ground floor to be leased out to restaurants and other enterprises. Likewise, the Center will help hinge the educational and financial gaps of the University by its capacity to generate income,” said Luna. Chusuey, a multi-awarded businessman-philanthropist and alumnus of the University of San Agustin, donated 30 million pesos for the project and he had specifically proposed that the new building will serve as the University hotel. “Through our Center, we look forward to unleashing the full potential of the service industry by boosting the country’s most important asset –our human capital,” expressed Chusuey. Project Architect Nilo Moralidad told The Augustinian that the project was estimated to cost around 70 million pesos and Luna added that the University is continuously looking for donors who will shoulder the other expenses for the improvement of facilities.
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Strict enactment of school rules ‘Not for ISO’ – VPAFM b y w i lk i e nso n c . mu r o “It is the duty and responsibility of the students and the administration – not for the sake of ISO – to always maintain the quality management of the University by means of school rules and regulations.” This was how Vice President for Augustinian Formation and Mission (VPAFM) Rev. Fr. Wilson Capellan, OSA, explained the “sudden” reinforcement of school rules and regulations during the recently-concluded International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Stage 2 Audit, September 8 to 9. During the two-day ISO accreditation, a number of Augustinian students were reprimanded for not properly wearing their school uniforms and identification cards (IDs) and for having dyed hairs. “I heard students complaining about the sudden confiscation of their IDs. Some were caught having hair colors and not wearing complete uniforms and some were accosted for not wearing IDs when entering the University premises,” stated Jayvee Christian De La Cruz, 2nd vice president of the Juniors
USA takes 5th in MTLE Performance continues to improve by ph i li p r o be r t c . a la ban Taking one step higher from last year’s Medical Technologist Licensure Examination (MTLE), the University of San Agustin now places 5th among the top performers in the August 2016 Examination. Garnering an overall performance rating of 98.25 percent, 112 out of the 114 graduates of the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science program of the University join the roster of 4,144 passers nationwide. “We are happy that even though the college was buried under affairs regarding the merging, we were still able to excel in the examinations,” Sofia Cosette Monteblanco, dean of the College of Health and Allied Medical Professions, shared. On the down side, however, the University did not end up having graduates landing among the top ten passers.
“Being a topnotcher is a personal effort while moving up in the overall ranking is a validation of all our hard work here in the University.” — Gelle
NO EXCEPTIONS TO THE RULE. Observance of the rules stipulated in the student manual is not just for pure show, it is also a measure for securing the campus and its constituents. USA PUB PHOTO • CLYDE ALLEN E. SOLLESTA Association of Medical Laboratory Science (JAMLS). In defense of their manner of implementing school policies, the Security-in-Charge Jose Denosta said, “The students should know that we only accustom the way of addressing the problem to their behavior, just to maintain the quality management of the
University. After all, they are our customers and we need to aid them properly.” Complaints from students regarding the strict reinforcement of school rules reached the Office of the Director of Guidance Services. The Director of Guidance Services, Sr. Gemma Labestre
had this to say for students who complained, “If they want to be treated well, they must start from themselves. The University only ensures that the students receive proper grooming and maintaining not just of their selves, but also of the school. This is a collective effort and collective calls for all of us.”
“Being a topnotcher is a personal effort while moving up in the overall ranking is a validation of all our hard work here in the University,” Zesil Gay Gelle, academic coordinator of the Department of Medical Technology elaborated on the lack of an Augustinian topnotcher. Quizzed about the results of the examination, Monteblanco shares, “We could improve the passing rate more if the review was based in the province, specifically, near the University, seeing as it would be easier for the instructors to adjust their time in order to target the subjects and topics where most of our examinees have difficulty with the most.” In addition to this, both Gelle and Monteblanco have high expectations for the new batch of Registered Medical Technologists, foreseeing that they shall also become professionals in their field to bring prestige to the University.
Dalisay receives Outstanding Pharmacist in Research award
file PHOTO • dalisay
b y A r m i e Th e re s e C. Pe n u e l a
DALISAY With 36 international publications under her name, two patents in United States and 25 compounds discovered, Dr. Doralyn Dalisay was recognized by the Philippine Pharmacists
Association (PPha) –Unilab as The Outstanding Pharmacist in Research. Dalisay received a plaque of recognition and a cash prize during the awarding ceremony held at the Waterfront Hotel, Lahug, Cebu City, May 26. According to the PPha, awardees had gone through the evaluation process, which included personal excellence, professional excellence, leadership and social responsibility before being recognized as one of the accomplished pharmacists who have inspired others through their excellence in their respective
fields. In an interview with The Augustinian, Dalisay said, “Every day is a challenge. I am not solving something that is known. I am solving something that is unknown. I devote my time in the exploration of the untapped resources. No one has ever done it. I consider all my contributions in the society as significant. It’s not just looking on one paper.” Dalisay is currently teaching Research in the Pharmacy Department which she served as the department head last year. “The department is very proud of Dr. Dalisay’s achievement and we hope that by her being back in the University, she could mentor future scientists
in the Pharmacy program and in other programs as well,” said Remi Charlene Salvilla, head of the Pharmacy Department. Moreover, Dalisay is also a member of the Gregor Mendel Research Laboratories wherein she mentors medical students who engage in research. When asked about the implication of the said award to her teaching, Dalisay shared, “I am challenged to inspire the younger generations, the younger pharmacists, to do research in a high caliber. None of the pharmacists are interested to look into the drug discovery aspect. That’s the biggest challenge because their knowledge of the sciences is very weak.”
Research lab aims technological innovations b y r o c h e l l e mae m. mu z on e s In response to the challenge of Commission of Higher Education (CHEd) to generate new knowledge, provide highly specialized training and skills, and produce technological innovation, the University of San Agustin (USA) inaugurated the Gregor Mendel Research Laboratories (GMRL) to support the programs that the University offers. USA students in medical laboratory science, pharmacy, nursing, engineering, biology, nutrition and chemistry can make use of the facilities of GMRL. senior high school students under Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) strand can also make use of research laboratories to enhance the quality of high school curriculum. “Students will be equipped with the reasoning and decisionmaking skills anchored in caritas, unitas and veritas, abilities than can be acquired through research training experiences,” Dr. Jonel Saludes, associate vice president for Research expressed when asked about the significance of GMRL to learning process.
“Augustinian graduates will possess the essential training that makes them competitive and employable in the local and global job process,” he added. Moreover, the GMRL has 12 equipment that will support studies in water quality, molecular biology, chemistry, microbiology, medicinal marine and marine plant and resources. Saludes stated, “The office of Research gave particular emphasis on upgrading the facilities of natural and applied science research, now called as GMRL, as this area has experienced minimal development during the past decade notwithstanding that our University has strengths in medical laboratory science and pharmacy.” Furthermore, in relation with the challenge of CHEd, the USA through the Office of Research established Global Initiatives 2020 (GI 2020), a program guided with a vision of positioning USA at the forefront of research in Western Visayas, in particular and in the country, in general. “The hunger for knowledge and wisdom is a mark of a true
COMPLIANCE TO STANDARDS. The newly inaugurated Gregor Mendel Research Laboratories (GMRL) conforms to the challenge of CHEd in creating a more innovative and specialized University. USA PUB photo • allaine rose m. emnacen
Augustinian and so it is our wish that this hunger will become more visible with this new research laboratories,” Rev. Fr. Frederick Comendador, OSA, University president said. On the other hand, GMRL also serve as a venue for projects by students from West Visayas State University – College of
Medicine, Central Philippine University – College of Medicine, Philippine Science High School, national high schools in city and province of Iloilo, faculty members of colleges in Negros and even researches from other research institutions and they are welcome to avail the services offered by the GMRL.
6th
7th
5th
10th 2011 92.86%
2012 95.56%
2013 91.75%
2014 96.59%
2015 98.24%
2016 98.25%
POSITIVELY TRENDING. In a six-year period, the performance of the University in the 2nd Batch MTLE (usually conducted in August or September) has continually improved as well as its ranks in the overall examination performance. USA PUB illustration • ray adrian c. macalalag
PolSci junior among PH delegates in int’l forum by a r m i e t h e re s e c . pe n u e la Bachelor of Arts major in and Technology and Business and Political Science student and USA the World Economy. Publications’ Staff Writer Edward “The conference got my Dominic Emilio was among the attention because it was a cerebral country’s representatives to the discussion which tackled in Harvard Project for Asian and full detail the issues of justice, International Relations (HPAIR) governance and interfaith 2016 held in Hong Kong, August dialogue. I went to the conference 19 – 23, 2016. aiming to educate and be HPAIR conference 2016 educated,” said Emilio. gathered 100 speakers and over The said conference also 200 students from 40 countries urges its delegates to “empower and the world’s foremost yourself, empower your universities to talk about the community, empower the world issues confronting the Asiaand make a difference to create Pacific region and Emilio who is a movement of change,” even also a member of the university’s after the duration of the four-day debate team was chosen after conference. series of screenings. Eric Divinagracia, director “He can of the Student speak his mind Affairs and with ease in Welfare Office almost all topics emphasizes particularly in that “It is Political Science. important for He has a unique any Augustinian skill in oral student to be part and written of an international communication,” dialogue,” and shared Atty. Noel when asked of Sinco, adviser what is expected of the Political from Emilio, he Science Club, continues, “Now EMILIO when asked of the challenge to Emilio’s potentials that qualified him is how he be able to echo him to the said conference. now the complex discussion to HPAIR 2016 conference his classmates and of course revolved around 5 tracks namely: to the larger community. Also, Environment and Sustainability, how he can translate something Humanitarian Affairs, Governance international to something that and Diplomacy, Entrepreneurship is local.”
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Augustinian the
Volume LXII • Number 4 October 31, 2016
eDItORIaLANDOPINION of ‘tards’ and ‘turds’ E D i T O R i A l for tHe 16 mIllIon fIlIPInos who voted for President rodrigo duterte, all babble about extrajudicial killings and international diplomacy serve nothing but to destabilize the country. this is clearly evident in the social media wherein the president’s supporters bash those who dare to criticize the head of state’s “wrongdoings.” anyone who banishes President “digong” is branded as a heretic, an addict or a yellowtard. In many ways, freedom is dead, and we are now ruled by an agitated firebrand immune to criticism. If this “president-as-infalliblemessiah” mindset continues, democracy in this country will fall. a society that turns deaf and blind to its faults will never grow. Criticisms channelled through the right avenues are necessary for the diagnosis of social ills that may not be recognized by a country’s leaders. If the government tailors its policies based on the opinion of a prejudiced general public, it could legislate laws that would stomp upon the rights of the minority. the complacency this creates in the executive branch might lull citizens into a false notion of security and to eventually condone the President's inexcusable diplomatic failures. this messianic mindset also generates impunity in
duterte's political allies and administration. If eternal vigilance is indeed the price of democracy, eternal subservience is the price of fanaticism. we are not to forget that immediately after duterte's proclamation, 50 or so congressmen of the liberal Party back then switched without second thought to PdPlaban – all in the pursuit of political leverage. adding further to this turncoatism, duterte also rendered his personal and official guarantee of legal immunity to cops who kill alleged drug addicts in the course of duty – this despite the human rights anomalies that hounded his “oplan tokhang.” when the senate hearings on extrajudicial killings started pointing to the President, his myrmidons stood their guard and lambasted the then chairman of the committee. all these circumstances were greeted by duterte supporters with thunderous applause, seemingly impervious to the abuses that might spring forth from their relentless loyalty. what do all these imply? democracy is near its death. manifestations, debate and intellectual discourse have been withered by insults that assail critics of the administration. one of the most fundamental rights guaranteed by our Constitution is the freedom of responsible speech. when one gets beat up for
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RJ JuNsaY Managing Editor eDCeL B. faJutaG Associate Editor JORDaN C. GaLaCHe Circulation and Office Manager eNGR. RaY aDRIaN C. MaCaLaLaG Moderator aRt aND DesIGN teaM: herod A. montiel (Art Director) Clyde Allen E. Sollesta (Videographer) COMMuNItY affaIRs teaM: Rochelle mae m. muzones (Community Editor) Jecel T. Buenavides, Edward Dominic E. Emilio, wilkienson C. muro CReatIVe wRItING teaM: Philip Robert C. Alaban (Literary Editor) Andrea Nicole C. Parce, Erika Danielle m. Pepito PHOtOGRaPHY teaM: mara Elaiza A. Flores (Photography Director) Allaine Rose m. Emnacen PROGRaM MaNaGeMeNt teaM: Armie Therese C. Penuela (Program Director) Athena gabriella E. Julabar, Daryl S. Selerio, Nicole Ailice F. Serisola
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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 newspaper was carefully designed to balance traditional principles, history, as well as modern trends to maximize the amount of information without compromising the visual appeal of the publication. This was produced using Adobe Photoshop, Adobe inDesign, and Adobe illustrator under Adobe Creative Suite 3. 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
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exercising his right, it becomes perdition. But democratic governance is about the creation of an efficient administration and the establishment of a perceptive and critical opposition. when the opposition is mercilessly stifled, authoritarianism approaches and the president, slowly but surely, turns into an elected monarch.
maHIGIt sa apat na dekada na ang nakalipas simula ng naideklara ang martial law na siyang nagpahirap sa sambayanan ngunit ang mga masalimuot na pangyayari ay natabunan ng mga mabulaklak na salita ng pangakong pagbabago noong nakaraang mayo nang muntikan nang maluklok ang isa na namang marcos. maraming millennials ang sinasabing traydor sa sariling bayan dahil dito ngunit hindi tama na paratangan sila ng ganito sapagkat hindi kasalanan ng millennials na naitadhana silang maging parte ng kasalukuyang henerasyon na napagkaitang mapag-alaman ang totoong kwento noong martial law. millennials—mga taong ipinanganak simula 1980 hanggang sa kasulukuyan na mga biktima rin mismo ng martial law. mga biktimang hindi naaninag ang liwanag ng pag-asang maliwanagan sa kung ano bang mga bagay ang matagal nang nakabaon sa limot na siyang susi sa kanilang paglaya. mga biktimang inagawan ng karapatang mapag-alaman ang katotohanan sa panahon ng martial law. ang nakalipas ay palaging nakakabit sa kasalukuyan at sa hinaharap. Kung ano man ang nangyari noong dakong una ay naging isang instrumento upang mahubog ang kaisipan ng millennials. sa pagkahandusay ng Pilipinas sa piitan ng mga kamay na bakal ni marcos sa pamamagitan ng pagdeklara niya ng Proclamation no. 1081 ay maraming naitala na kaso ng pagkawala, pagkamatay, pagpapahirap at pangaabuso. nabigyan ng ganap na kapangyarihan si marcos bilang diktador sa pamamagitan ng General order no. 1, s. 1972. maging ang mga pahayagan
the existence of President duterte’s fanatical supporters speaks of two things: that they consider the president to be a monolith and the presidency to be a position of supreme power. and, as duterte promises them heaven on earth, they sell their souls to him, forgetting that power – absolute power – is as
intoxicating as the finest wine. no one ought to be loyal to one side or deal in the absolutes. the president is not a leviathan who holds unaccountable authority over us and to whom we owe unquestioning obedience. It’s not fine to be a dutertard, a yellowtard and
whatnot. an intelligent citizenry praises the leader when right and condemns him when wrong. veneration without understanding is dangerous. let us be open-minded and be loyal only to the country, not to any political personage. or else, we would only be a nation of “tards” throwing “turd” at each other.
bulag sa Katotohanan ACroPHoNIC
Rj Junsay, BS ChE ‘19 Scan code to send an email reply
ay napatigil ang sirkulasyon. naging piping mga saksi ang sambayanang Pilipino, lalo na ang mga opisyales ng gobyerno. naging papet ang mga Pilipino na sumunod sa sariling kagustuhan ng administrasyon. Bagamat may mga pag-unlad din noon ay mas tumatak sa isipan ng sambayanang Pilipino ang hirap at sakit na nagbigay ng kurot sa puso nila magpahanggang ngayon. apatnapu’t apat na taon na ang nakalipas ngunit hindi pa rin nailalathala sa mga aklat kung ano ang mga mahahalagang
malalaking opisyal na gumanap ng malalaking papel sa ilalim ng admininistrasyong marcos, katulad nina Juan Ponce enrile na martial law administrator at defense minister at fidel v. ramos na direktor ng Philippine Constabulary at Philippine Integrated Police. noon, sila ang may kontrol at kapangyarihan upang mag-utos sa pulisya kung anong mga aksyon ang gagawin upang ipatigil ang hidwaan sa pagitan ng moro national liberation front at Communist Party of the Philippines. ngunit kailanman ay hindi sila nakikita
APATNAPU’T APAT NA TAON NA ANg NAkAliPAS NgUNiT hiNDi PA RiN NAilAlAThAlA SA mgA AklAT kUNg ANO ANg mgA mAhAhAlAgANg DETAlYENg NAgANAP NOONg PANAhONg iYON. detalyeng naganap noong panahong iyon. tanging mga salin-dila lamang at mga haka-haka ang kadalasang nalalaman at pinaniniwalaan ng kasalukuyang henerasyon. Paano nga naman mailalathala ang hubad na katotohanan ng kasakiman noong panahon ng martial law kung ang mga taong kasangkot dito ay nasa mataas na posisyon sa gobyerno at malakas ang kapangyarihang pampulitika magpahanggang ngayon? Kung iisiping mabuti ay buhay pa ang ilang
ng kasalukuyang henerasyon na may koneksyon sa mga pangaabusong naganap noon. tanging si marcos lamang ang mainit sa mata ng publiko. Bagamat, silang dalawa ay naluklok pa sa mas matataas na pwesto – si ramos bilang pangulo at si enrile bilang senador sa loob ng limang termino. sa kabilang banda, isang malaking hamon sa Kagawaran ng edukasyon ang pagtuturo ng mga kaganapan sa martial law sa Basic education Curriculum sapagkat may kakulangan rin
sa mga kagamitan ang mga paaralan – lalong-lalo na ang ang mga pampublikong paaralan – upang mas higit na maunawaan ng mga mag-aaral ang komplikadong konteksto ng martial law. sapat ba ang isang buong kabanata upang talakayin ang mga pangyayari sa martial law? Hindi pa rin napagpasyahan kung sa anong baitang ituturo ang martial law dahil kailangang suriin kung ano ang angkop na edad na makakaunawa nang lubusan sa mga pasikut-sikot at mga komplikadong pangyayari noong dakong una. magiging malubak ang daan patungo sa pagkakaroon ng mas malinaw at walang kinikilingang mga ulat patungkol sa martial law. maaring maraming millenials pa rin ang susuporta sa ideya ng “marcos Golden age” o baka marami pa rin ang maging tagapagsulong ng kampanyang “never again.” Bawat millennial ay may karapatang maliwanagan sa kung ano ang binaon at pilit na binabaon na mga katotohanan sa kasaysayan ng Pilipinas. subalit ang pinagkait na karapatang ito ay makakamtan lamang kung mismong sila ang magbubukas ng kanilang kaisipan sa katotohanang hindi lahat ng mga kwentong salin-dila at mga ulat ay pawang katotohan lamang. ang pagkakaroon ng bukas na isipan at komprehensibong interpretasyon ng mga bagaybagay ay susi upang mabawi ang karapatang ipinagkait.
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blame yourself PHrENYLALANINE
Frennie M. Tababa, B MLS ‘18
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President Rodrigo “Digong” Duterte delivered his strongest tirades yet against the United States, saying he had lost respect for Washington and might eventually cut ties with America. The President's verbal attacks against the US came days after he delivered a controversial Hitler remark that attracted international headlines and criticism from various human rights groups. Digong also had another spat with the local and international media over a cursing issue involving US President Barack Obama. If the President will continue to make “noises”, how many alliances will the Philippines lose? How many alliances will the Philippines gain? A President who does not know how to control his mouth will lead the people’s efforts to improve their reputation to waste. Despite the issues the President has pressed, a survey conducted by Social Weather
The New Bilibid Prison (NBP) once again captured headlines due to the consistent confiscation of illegal drugs and contraband during the “Oplan Galugad”, a regular inspection of the entire area conducted by Philippine National Police- Special Action Force (PNP-SAF). Despite the strict security and regular inspection at NBP located in Muntinlupa, Philippines, inmates still found ways to smuggle illegal drugs, mobile phones, sharp objects, money, and cigarettes. The recent statement of Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II claiming
Survey (SWS) between September 24 and 27, 2016,showed that 76 percent of Filipinos are “satisfied” with Digong’s performance as president, 11 percent are “dissatisfied,” and 13 percent remained undecided. The same survey also showed that he maintains a net satisfaction rate of 64 percent which suggests considerable continuing support. Are Filipinos now becoming deaf and blind to what is happening to the country? Or are they just supporters of this unjust change? In 2014, President Obama declared the Philippines as the most pro-American country in the world. However, after reviewing a defense pact signed two years ago that would send US troops in the country, Digong was convinced to deport the US troops back to their nest. Is there a souring relationship with the US? His destructive remarks against Uncle Sam took another caustic turn when he threatened to "break up" with him saying that
Filipinos should take responsibility and accept the fate that the country is facing now. Don’t blame him. Blame yourself because you made Digong what he is now. given him. “He craves attention, and the more he gets, the more outrageous he becomes. It is wisest to ignore him.” Even Sen. Dick Gordon addressed him as ‘noisy’ in his war on drugs. But, he confuted that he cannot afford losing the momentum because he is the President. A senior Southeast Asian official even compared him to US Republican Presidential Nominee Donald
Philippines known worldwide. Sadly, it is not because the country has done or proved something good but it’s because of the things the President has bluntly outspoken. Filipinos should take responsibility and accept the fate that the country is facing now. Don’t blame him. Blame yourself because you made Digong what he is now. Take note, blame yourself!
what lies behind the bars veratrum viride
Armie Therese C. Penuela, BS Phar‘18 Scan code to send an email reply
2016. Allegations of government officials being involved, Sen. Leila de Lima to name one, also came out. However, no substantive evidence has been produced just yet, pushing the House Committee on Justice to probe
Spending money for the maintenance of jailhouses may not seem important, but in the long run we can truly benefit from the improved security that it can bring. that “The New Bilibid Prison is the source of 75 percent of drug transactions in the country,” worsened the stigma attached to the institution’s name. Adding insult to the injury, is the “plain riot”, as what Bureau of Corrections officerin-charge P/Supt. Rolando Asuncion claimed, that killed the convicted drug lord Tony Co and wounded three inmates of NBP Building 14 last September 28,
Obama can "go to hell.” Digong’s latest statements came just as the US and Philippines started their joint military exercises - perhaps for the last time. He is taking advantage of the power that the people have
Trump. “Pea-brained” as he is, our President would rather consider being an ally of Russia and China than retain the diplomacy between the Philippines and the US. He has said these outbursts because according to him, he was provoked by criticisms against his crackdown on illegal drugs. “When you are already at the receiving end of an uncontrollable rush, the only way out is to insult,” he said. “That is my retaliation.” Once done, it cannot be undone. Digong’s uncontrollable action and speeches made the
the anomalous transactions inside the penal institution. The above mentioned instances have triggered the masses’ curiosity as to what the joint forces of the Bureau of Corrections and PNP-SAF have done to solve these anomalies. Apparently, some rich drug lords can still manage the drug trade inside the confines of the NBP. Are the authorities intentionally averting their eyes from these
acts? Or have inmates become more strategic than they were? As much as we can’t stop wondering how illegal drugs can enter the portals of the NBP, we cannot put all the blame on the agencies responsible for it, most especially when resources would fail them. According to the latest statistics released by the Bureau of Corrections, inmate population in the NBP reached roughly 15,500 convicts guarded by more or less 150 SAF agents per shift. This creates a terrible congestion in the detention center with a capacity of 3000-7000 inmates and a ratio of 1 guard to 123 inmates. This is a huge deviation from the ideal guard to inmate ratio of 1 is to 7 as mandated by Republic Act No. 10575, or the Bureau of Corrections Act of 2013. With these dilemmas being faced by the Bureau of Corrections, the Department of Justice together with its allied agencies vowed to continue the raids until the “biggest prison
facility in the country is clean.” More CCTV monitored areas and increased manpower will allow lesser chances of anomalous transactions. Spending money for the maintenance of jailhouses may not seem important, but in the long run we can truly benefit from the improved security that it can bring. Most importantly, the guards’ allegiance to the law must be unwavering because no matter how many agents are guarding the area, when their loyalty is easily bought, then it will still be useless. It is high time for us to have brave, clever, and dignified officials. The president has been our zealous champion in this campaign against the drug menace. Let his conviction, accompanied by loyal authorities and every Filipino’s rejection of illegal drugs, be the remedy that will eradicate anomalous acts in the society - most especially behind the bars of the terribly sick Bilibid.
Open to all Senior High Students!
CAMPUS JOURNALISM INTERNSHIP PROGRAM BATCH 1.0
CJIP is a pioneering program in the country which aims to train senior high school students of the University in becoming future top-caliber artists, photographers, and writers. It will be a hands-on training which will give a multitude of opportunities for interns including getting their works published in our publications. Application Forms may be secured at the USA Publications Office, 2/F, Alumni Building. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: NOVEMBER 28, 2016.
5
a great loss’ resurrection arkitekto
Edcel B. Fajutag, BS Arch ‘18
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The 29th of September marked one of the darkest days of our history – a day when the Filipino nation was anguished and was put in total loss by the sudden demise of an exquisite archetype of good governance who made historic milestones in Philippine politics. The late Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, an Ilongga who made name, not only here in the country, but all over the world, had peacefully succumbed to lung cancer; an unrivaled name who can never be replaced – our nation’s great loss. The social media was surrounded by a line, “The Best President We Never Had,” after the former senator lost in the presidential election this year, the third after the elections against Fidel V. Ramos and Joseph E. Estrada in 1992 and 1998, respectively. The first, which according to reports she lost due to vote-rigging. A persistent competitor herself, she then ran again on the 1998 elections before her last fight on this latest May poll elections even amidst her health conditions (which according to some political analysts was the main reason of her defeat). This only proved that even her weakest point didn’t halt her fervor to serve. She never let her only weakness impede her mission as much as she fearlessly faced death threats on her breakfasts when she was fighting against large people. The same line then again packed every Filipino netizen’s feed but then in a different context, with a gloomy extension, most were the words #RIPMiriam. Yes, she was the best president we never had. All she did was to fight for our country and for us Filipinos yet we failed to fight for her. A battle which she had always brawled for, a race where she had given her all, but she failed to emerge as victor. Nevertheless, it is neither her nor her cancer that caused her failure. It is us who had set it. It is us who will never ever get the chance to have a commanderin-chief who would stand on the side of what was moral, what was legal, what was constitutional, and eventually what was good for us all – she is our great loss. On the brighter side of her story, Santiago had pooled a big part of her years serving the government in all of its three branches —as a Regional Trial Court Judge during the Martial Law regime of Ferdinand E. Marcos, as Immigration commissioner and Agrarian Reform secretary in the Cabinet of President Corazon Aquino, and as a three-term senator beginning in 1995. She’s a woman of service, who fearlessly - her words against the dissolute even if it took her life for several times in peril.
Miriam will always have a place in the hearts of the young people, to whom she always banked on the hope of this country. Dragon Lady, Platinum Lady, the Incorruptible Lady, the Tiger Lady, and most popular of all, the Iron Lady of Asia are her crowns as we could say. All of these made her fabled, proving herself not only in the context of the local government but even in the peak of the international law lords. Yes, she might not have likened by all, but her consistency in excellence had not only made name for her but also to the country – all of these will never be insignificant. She was like no other. An intellectual giant and a legal luminary as defined by some of her colleagues, Santiago was a woman of intellect and unrivaled bravery who rocked the halls of the government with her slashing words and brilliant wit. Though, in so many ways, her gestures having so much valor and insolence were likened to arrogance and born some contradictions against her. Still, her daring voice which never feared to throw insults, (mostly leaving the wicked mortified) and her dazzling intelligence complimented by her humor were the things that charmed her supporters – the wit and voice of a one of a kind that will surely be in our longing; great loss. We have just lost a patriot and a public servant much admired - a woman who had selflessly dedicated her life to serving the country. Her devastating lines in elegance, her voice with so much courage, her hyperbolic tactics, and her firm holding to what is rightful will surely be missed. She is a woman – whose presence will always be remembered especially by the youth, to whom she had spoken the most, and whom she envisioned as the true hope of this nation; the dream of a great loss. Miriam will always have a place in the hearts of the young people, to whom she always banked on the hope of this country. She was like a nanay and a lola for some of us – someone who would always love to throw pieces of wisdom but in a different style, mostly were through the banat or hugot trends. She always believed that the success of this nation was in us the young people - the ones being molded and she firmly pushed to be guided along the path. She has high regard to all us, the ‘hope’ that she had always uttered, and her sort of a fan group. Her ideals will be reduced to all of us serving as beacons that will light our way and illume our minds. She always held out of favor the feebleminded and the corrupt. To the young, let us all save ourselves from these labels. Let us all aspire to become the future which this woman had always yearned for. Let us all take the path along her light. She might be a “great” loss to our nation but this loss will only be of minor value if we will again fail her. Let us not. Let us all not. Let us all win our nation for her. In that way, we will again give life to the late Miriam DefensorSantiago.
6
Augustinian the
Volume VolumeLXII LXII••Number Number41 October July 31, 15, 2016
feature USA PUB PHOTO • CLYDE ALLEN E. SOLLESTA
“Each of us has something to tell, stories we want to be heard by the public, and through street art we are able to deliver them” — bulahan
Bringing Life to the Lifeless walls Emerging street artists bring out their paints and brushes to brighten up the neighborhood. b y e r ika d an ie l l e m. pe pito
Art has always been a form of expression. It is a product of man’s imagination that reaches greater heights. It explains things that could never be explained through spoken words. For some, they let their pens speak for themselves. Others soothe their broken souls with melodies. Some choose to take the path of art and let the colors take over for there is something powerful about them – how they can instantly brighten up something so dull and how each shade stands for some sort of emotion. Each hue manifests the emotion’s intensity and enhances the visual appeal of the whole masterpiece. It also gives an edge to street walls that people rarely notice whenever they make their way through them. Street art is the art fully exposed for the public to see. Oxford defines it as an artwork that is created in a public space typically without official permission. This form of art has been making its way into the scene and some youngsters patronize this art form because they are spurred on by the public’s awe-stricken feedback and reactions. Street artists Marion Lamaslig, Ronnyl Bulahan and Nel Kyle Montelijao shared to The Augustinian how they squeezed their creative juices to create street art masterpieces
along the alley leading to Green House (GH) located at Aurora Subdivision. “The first reason is we want to make Green House an art destination – a must-see place for the public,” shared Bulahan on the transformation they made on the walls of GH’s alley. The Panay Bukidnon girl, which was painted last year and gained its much-needed recognition on social media, started the chain reaction that encouraged them to paint more artworks on the walls.
Graffiti’s Gratification An alumnus of John B.
Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU), Lamaslig is a member of Kant Stop Ilonggos Now (KSIN), Paint is Not a Crime (PNC), and Iloilo Visual Artist Collective (IVAC). He paints to seek or redeem himself on land because being onboard is altogether a different experience. “My passion for painting started when I was still young. Painting is a part of my life that can never be detached from me. Before indulging into street art, I came from doing traditional arts, painting on canvas, making sculptures. I still do traditional arts until now.” He is most comfortable with doing graffiti. In fact, one of his works on the walls, featuring Poseidon (the Greek god of the seas) was incorporated with graffiti. When asked on what provoked him, together with the other artists, to paint the walls, he shared that it was to entertain passersby. “We just want to enlighten passersby. We just want to brighten up their day and to remind them that art does exist and it has no boundaries. After all, it is not every day you see a piece of art in the corner of the streets.”
Imagery and Pattern Bulahan, a 4th year Bachelor of Fine Arts major in Painting, admitted that his love for painting simply developed after enrolling in his course. “It feels good to paint and to express my creativity through visual arts. Every time I see beautiful works of art (painting, drawings, sculptures, etc.), I become inspired to practice more and to continue to improve my skill in this field of art.” He is mostly inspired to use art as a medium to connect with other people. He has been a part of the USA Publications as one of the staff artists, and is also a part of the USA Little Theater. Bulahan’s recent work is a colorful painting of an octopus with a girl’s head together with a dragon full of patterns. “I want to create a world full of imaginary creatures with different faces, different features and different traits. These characters represent the different personalities of people. So, basing on the personalities or traits of a person, I transformed an individual to this imaginary thing. I get most of my
inspiration from the people around me – my friends, my family and the people I know. Sometimes, I also get inspiration from artists I found over the internet and from movies and music that had impact on me.”
Fusing the Then and Now Montelijao is a Bachelor of Fine Arts major in Industrial Design graduate of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) College of Fine Arts and Design and was once a member of the Illust organization of the said university. He started to paint when he entered high school because it was mandatory to learn painting for the special program for the arts, and since it had always been a part of his life, it is quite vague, according to him, from when it gave him interest. Aside from painting, he is also interested in digital arts, sculpting, typography, designing products and animation. His work entitled “Neo-
Youth: The Vanguard of Change b y a t h e n a g abr ie l l a e . ju l abar
More intense drought, storms, flooding, rising sea levels, extinction of species, scarcity of food and potable water and heat-related illnesses; climate change already had its impact, as portrayed by the environmental, economic and social pitfalls we are facing today. Hence, these challenges shall not hamstring the avail of the youth. The youth exhibit a crucial role in thwarting the adverse effects of climate change as they represent the next generation which needs to be fully engaged in sustainable paths of development for climate change mitigation. The theme of 2008 International Youth Day was “Youth and Climate Change: Time for Action.” Ban Ki-moon, Secretary General of the United Nations, said that young people who are adept at spreading new habits and technologies are well
placed to contribute to the fight against climate change. “They are adaptable and can quickly make low-carbon lifestyles and career choices a part of their daily lives. Youth should therefore be given a chance to take an active part in the decision-making of local, national, and global levels. They can actively support initiatives that will lead to the passage of far-reaching legislation,” he stressed.
At the cutting edge The youth are competent of promoting environmental
awareness because they continue to live in an era where environmental issues have loomed at large. Moreover, if these young people will settle on the margins of society, no change will evoke. The same with what is happening in our society today. Thus, as the effects of climate change tend to exacerbate, we need catalysts who will serve as the panacea by empowering their fellow youth not just to take a step but to take the path where moral obligation is monumental. Owing to the fact that we are obliged to prevent injustice, the youth must be given not just a chance, but an opportunity to voice out their intrinsic strengths and capabilities in responding and adapting to the effects and the mitigation of the causes of climate change that is visible to
the eyes of many.
Shore up To prop up the youth, there are certain organizations, laws, and a proposed law that will give them the audacity in addressing climate change: •The Children and Youth of Bata Muna Network-Panay, a cluster of 19 Civil Society Organizations/Non-Government Organizations from the City and Province of Iloilo, promotes the right of the children and the youth to participate in any governing body whether at home, in school, and in the community. •Climate Change Law known as the Climate Change Act of 2009, otherwise known as the Republic Act 9729, was created to mainstream Climate Change into government policy formulations establishing the framework strategy and program on climate
Culture” of the red-faced Japanese girl talks of a mixture between the old and new traditions and how it appears to be altogether. “I chose a female from Japan since it is an ideal country that shows them keeping their traditions while advancing forward at the same time. This helped me become more open-minded and I was able to understand my environment with more depth – not just why it works, but how as well, which somehow aided me in understanding a lot of people,” expressed Montelijao. Art has always been a form of expression. It is a product of man’s imagination that reaches greater heights. It explains things that could never be explained through spoken words. Through art, man is immortalized – forever written on book pages, forever flowing in melodies, and forever alive on canvasses or even in oncelifeless walls.
In the era where trepidation had subdued the planet, who will rescue us?
change, creating the Climate Change Commission. The law also declares the State to afford full protection and advancement of the right of the people to a healthy ecology in accordance with the rhythm and harmony of nature. •Republic Act 10121, otherwise known as the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act 2010, mandates the strengthening of the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) system to provide appropriate funds for national disaster risk reduction and management plan. •RESCYouth Act of 2015, a proposed law that will institutionalize youth collaboration in the Natural Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), integrates effective youth
projects into the national strategy and include them in the planning process, tapping them to mobilize their communities, and use their experience to better co-opt disaster preparedness into the public education system.
Greener pastures The collaboration of the youth of today is the answer to the disconcerting questions of yesterday and the likelihood of the future. Human as we are, we are interrelated; thus, whatever we do have chains of effects. Don’t cloister yourself in fear of being mistrusted because of your vulnerability. “Kayo ay naging kami at kami ay magiging kayo.” Let people be aware of this and don’t ostracize yourself when all you got to do is to be the vanguard of change that will rescue the planet from the detriments of climate change.
The Official Student Newspaper of the University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, Philippines
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Living to Tell the Tale
“When they use their words as weapons, what can be your greatest defense?”
and that she should not have been part of the show in the first place but with the majority siding with the hapless victim in saying that the practical joke was “cruel” and “uncalled for.”
illustr ation • r odito sevilla
Not All Set in Black and White With respect to the University, there are presently no specific programs which are directed at addressing the issue of bullying. Initially, issues such as student misbehavior and discipline are handled by the prefect of students but now fall into the jurisdiction of the Student Affairs and Welfare Office (SAWO). Yet, according to University Guidance Counselor Charlotte Cacho-Leigh, “We have seen the need to intensify efforts to address existing and potential social and psychological threats that students face, one of which is bullying. And there is already a special program in the works for that.” Although, despite the promise of this “special program” which they are currently working on, various
b y ph i l ip r obe r t c. al aban
ryan* could feel everybody’s stares burning holes in the back of his head as he walked by the lengthy stretch of Blanco hall. He accidentally peeked inside a classroom only to see 45 pairs of inquisitive eyes staring accusingly at him. The pressure is too much and he quickens his pace, exiting at the farthest end of Blanco– little did he know that his greatest challenge is yet to come. As he takes a furtive step in the Student’s Center, a hush falls over the crowd. Head down and nails digging into his palms, he stops himself from breaking out into a run, it is as if he could feel the smirks and disapproving looks plastered on everyone’s faces. At first, their quiet murmurs and whispered conversations were barely audible but as the seconds
ticked by, everyone regained their confidence and started babbling over one another yet one solitary word cut through the cacophony of noise just as smoothly that a well-sharpened blade would slice through silk, “Kahuluya.”
Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire Ryan is one of the victims out of the average 31 cases of
bullying that surface in the Philippines on an everyday basis, as reported by a recent DepEd study. As defined by Dr. Dan Olweus, a Norwegian researcher and psychologist, bullying is intentional harm-doing or harassment that is directed towards a vulnerable target. One very distinct characteristic of bullying is that it may be frequently repeated. In the country and in the province, there are more than one way that a bully could inflict harm on an individual. The most common is through physical methods with verbal bullying next in line. But as you enter college, the forms of bullying go beyond petty name calling and teasing.
According to a Health Day News study in 2012, 15 percent of the college students were reported being bullied and nearly 22 percent were cases of cyber bullying. The study revealed that when it comes to bullying in college, 38 percent of students knew someone being cyber bullied and about 9 percent said they had done some form of cyber bullying on someone else. Just recently, social media was set ablazed by an incident where Rita Gaviola, more commonly known as “Badjao Girl”, was publicly ridiculed on national television on a popular reality show. Netizens then proceeded to indulge in a cyber tug-of-war, a number of which saying that the girl deserved it
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shared regarding their methods in dealing with such issues. For them, punishment is never considered an option.
Me Before You In reality, it is a fish-eatfish world out there and the barracudas are merciless when it comes to chomping down on unsuspecting guppies. However, under all the fancy terminologies and psychological definitions, bullying is simply having someone who is exerting their power over you and I kid you not when I say that you are your greatest weapon. In the words of Sir Eric Divinagracia, director of SAWO, “We are always open for students who want to share how they feel or for those who feel threatened and are seeking refuge. But our assistance can only go so far and ultimately, it is the student who needs to stand by their own conviction because if we put into mind the saying ‘Let those with no sin cast the first stone,’ no one has the right to condemn anybody else.” Nowadays, cyberbullying statistics are steadily on the
“bullying is intentional harmdoing or harassment that is directed towards a vulnerable target.” — OLWEUS forms of bullying still surface and the roster of victims and victimizers alike are never low on grist. “The University is akin to a church and being a Catholic institution, we do not condone the sin and moreover, never condemn the sinner. In any situation, both victim and victimizer are still students and it is the duty of the Office for Augustinian Formation and Mission (AFM), through me, to see to it that the Office should always seem like a home where students can talk, can be heard and can be understood,” Rev. Fr. Wilson Capellan, OSA, vice president for AFM, openly
rise and in light of this, Miss Charlotte also has several insights to share. “Think before you post. The age-old saying ‘Think before you speak,’ holds true in face to face conversations and even more so in the cyberworld and most especially, in social media.” Ryan steps past the Alumni Hall and a smile makes its way on his face. He has survived every accusing stare, every cutting word and every harsh insult. As he goes up the steps of Gamboa and into his first class of the day, he can’t help but think, “Things will get better.” And eventually, they will, Ryan. They will.
TILIPUNAN did not only serve as a platform for the University to be its social responsibility arm but had also became a guiding avenue for students to feel what it is to be able to impart something to the community. “To be a TILIPUNAN volunteer, there is not much requirement except that you have to put love in everything that you do. Commitment is what you decide to be a volunteer and serve others,” expressed Dr. Lilia Teves, former faculty coordinator. It allowed the students to touch other’s lives and give what little they could offer without expecting anything in return except smiles and thanks from the people of the community.
“It is in serving in TILIPUNAN that my little capacity to help enabled me to overcome my troubles within. Like the residents in the community, I can always dream and hope to become better,” shared Dimitri Nikoli Galon, a volunteer from the former College of Arts and Sciences. Santos and Galon are just two of the living witnesses that prove TILIPUNAN to be an effective tool to transform not only the community but also one’s self. Here they are with nothing much to give, yet, the smiles they receive from the people are too much for a price that could melt their hearts – they have not given something that is worth million peso anyway, have they?
The TILIPUNAN Way
An inside look of the University’s apostolate arm by d ar yl s . s e l e r io an d rj j unsay
THE BEGINNING It was in 1980 when Rev. Fr. Eduardo Perez, OSA, former Rector of the University, with Zonta Club of Iloilo, paved the way for the establishment of the TILIPUNAN Community Center (TCC) in Tanza, Iloilo City. Sporadic outreach activities were made during this time as there was no program yet to give direction to the community. Until eight years later, TILIPUNAN Community Development Program (TCDP) was implemented that set paths to all its community service
“It allowed the students to touch other’s lives and give what little they could offer without expecting anything in return.”
endeavor. The Education Act of 1982 (Batas Pambansa 232) instructs higher education in the Philippines to fulfill a developmental role in society. The TILIPUNAN serves as a venue where faculty, students, non-academic personnel, and university friar- administrators share their expertise and resources with the non-academic community towards communitybuilding. “We should know that everything we do in our community service will leave a mark. In everything that you do, make sure you leave the Augustinian brand service which is TILIPUNAN,” said Annie Pedegrosa, former Program Director of TILIPUNAN.
BEYOND BORDERS Not only on its adopted communities that the TILIPUNAN is extending its arms to help, but also to those misguided boys of Iloilo City
through the Balay Dalayunan in Barrio Obrero, Iloilo City. Balay Dalayunan is a youth detention home in a 24-hour basis for Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL), needing custody. TILIPUNAN is extending its arms to these children by conducting psycho-spiritual growth activities through the help of the University’s Psychology programs and other departmental organizations and courses. “We are also planning to introduce other means of programs, alongside those group dynamic activities by Psychology students, like Rehabilitation through the Arts and Music. Through this, we will be able to capacitate the skills of the kids in these fields,” said Maria Cristy Daguay, director of Social Advocacy and Community Engagement Office (SACEO), to The Augustinian. Aside from providing guidance to the boys of Dalayunan, the organization also
file PHOTO • tili punan
As the burning rays of the sun touched his face, his eyes caught the narrow bund that stretches straight and long towards the horizon. “This is going to be a long walk ahead,” he said to himself whilst the dread of mud began to consume him. But for Edwin Santos Jr., a student volunteer from the former College of Pharmacy and Medical Technology, no way an 800 meter moon walk across a vast “punungan” will ever put off his blazing desire to answer the call of service for the residents of Barangay Nabitasan, Leganes Iloilo.
does international partnership for service learning. As it wants to promote understanding of local issues as well as recognition of the interrelatedness of cultures across the world, it started with a partnership with the Malvern Preparatory School. Malvern is a Catholic exclusive school for boys in Pennsylvania, USA. The school also espouses the Augustinian charism, and every year, the Christian Service Programs expose the incoming seniors to community service immersion in developing nations with Augustinian schools. It was in 2014 when Malvern had their first engagement in the Philippines.
INDULGING TO HEARTWORK For the past 35 years,
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Augustinian the
Volume LXII • Number 4 October 31, 2016
special report KON ANG UMANG MAGAKAMANG
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* STATIC FAN: Ang pagpili sang palnggaon daw electricfan malang na. Dapat ang pilion mo ang STEADY lang, hindi ang GALIBOT ang mata sa iban. * HUGOT PA MORE: Kahit WARFARIN tayo, HEPARIN ang mahal ko. <3 * #MAY FOREVER: May forever ang mga cooking utensils ng Nutri Lab at Foods Lab! Hala cge patunayang my 4ever kahit sira na gngamit pa rin di tulad ng relasyon nyo sirang-sira na ngppagamit ka p rn * TO THE HIGHEST LEVEL: Hindi ko naman hiningi na taasan niyo yung standards nyo. Ang akin lang, makapasa at maabot yung mga pangarap ko. Unitas, Caritas at Veritas diba sabi nyo? Ako ito, kapwa Agustino. * #surprisequiz: paghatag ni Ma’am surprise quiz, wla ko ya nasurprise ky sanay naku sa Surprise. surprise na may upod sa na iban kg surprise nga pagbreak sa kon. * HIGH-LOW: Buti pa yung matrikula tumataas pero yung marka namin dahil sa pagtaas ng passing rate hindi. * NICE QUESTIONS: Just because someone’s gay/ lesbian, doesn’t automatically mean they want to start hitting on you, if a straight person won’t flirt with you, what makes you think they will? * VENDORS PLEASE/ FOOD JUSTICE PLEASE!: Tani balik na nila ang mga vendors sa canteen kay permi nlng kmi ga tyaga sa shawarma kag rice sa canteen daw ma limitado kami ya sa kan aanay, daw mga priso lang kami ya :( please * TEACHER FACTOR: Dear Prof Pinaghirapan ko to. I invested my time and effort. Tapos ibabalewala mo lang ako? I deserved an explanation. I deserved an acceptable reason! Excused letter not excused * FREE SUNBATHING: Kanami man tani magpungko kag magpahangin samtang may ginakaon nga choco hot fudge sundae sa may benches nga gapalibot sa quadrangle galeng kay kapareho ang imo kolor sa syrup nga ginakaon mo. * WHY CAN'T WE BE LIKE THAT?: Sabi niyo kailangan magkaroon ng magandang relasyon ang admin at ang mga estudyante ngunit bakit sa panahong kailangan namin kayo ay galit at damot ang responde niyo sa amin. * HALF THE PRICE: Lihog lang sa bookstore, tani may 50% discount man kay tunga lang sang papel ang inyo resibo. * COMPLY ON TIME: As much as you want your students to comply on time with what you ask for, dear teachers, the students also want the same when they need something from you. * BAWAL ANG CORRUPT: Gusto ko daad ireklamo ang sanction kang mga nagakalain-lain nga mga departamento, mas mahal pa sa kabuhi ko ang sanction niyo. Hindi ko lang pagpamaan kung kay sin-o. Kung maigo tinyo te inyo run day-a. * RESPONSIBLE US: Hindi naman sa nagmamagaling ako ha, pero sana maging responsable naman tayong mga estudyante sa pagtatapon ng ating mga baasura.
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U SA P U B P H OTO • mar a elaiz a A. F lor es
* #pokemongo: kailangan pa bala sg Pokemon Stop sa chapel para lg kasulod didto ang mg estudyante? Pokemon Go o si God?
Makanay kag malamig ang dapya sang hangin pagkatapos sang gulpiyada kag mabunok nga ulan sadtong hapon. Amat-amat na nga nagadulom ang palibot ugaling makitan sa gihapon ang manubo nga mga panganod nga naga duko kag nagalantaw sa mga panimalay. Ginkuha ni Miguel* ang posporo kag ginsindutan ang laya nga lukay kag paklang sa dapog. Apang gulpi lamang sya nakabati sang mabaskog nga pagkalas sa katubohan sa may unhan ayon. “Sin-o na!” Bang! Isa lamang ka lupok sang revolver, kag naglinong gilayon ang payag.
TOK-TOK HANGYO SA MALAYO Sa pagtunod sang adlaw, dungan sa paghuni sang agagangis sa mga puno sang mangga, ang aton kapulisan sa idalom sang bag-o nga administrasyon, nagsumpa nga pagasundon ang direktibo humalin sa National Headquarters sang PNP nga gilayon tapnaon ang ginadumilian nga droga sa sulod sang duha ka semana humalin Hulyo 1 tubtob 15. Gamit ang sistema sang Oplan Double Barrel, ang aton mga hangaway sang paghidait, magapanoktok sa mga pamalay sang tagsa nila ka mga banwa kag maga-usisa sang mga posible nga drug personality. Ini nga mga impormasyon magahalin sa kada BADAC ukon Barangay Anti-Drug Council nga konektado sa lokal nga PNP. “Ang TOK-HANG halin sa Cebuano nga mga tinaga nga nagakahulugan Katok (sa pwerta) kag Hangyo ukon makighangop,” siling ni PO2 Alexis S. Bataga sang Carles PNP. “Kon sugot sila nga magdampig sa aton kapulisan, sila hatagan sang kahigayonan nga magliwat sang ila pangabuhi nga wala sing presensya sang makahalalit nga droga,” dugang pa niya. Carles ang pinakamalayo nga banwa sa norte sang probinsya sang Iloilo nga naga dumala sa 33 sini ka mga barangay lakip na ang 14 ka mga magagmay nga isla. Sa iya nga malagpad nga katalunan nga ginapuyo-an sang tanan nga sahi sang kasapatan, sa iya nga mga pinasahi nga banlas nga makabig nga naga-isahanon, mahamungayaon nga nagapuyo ang mga kasumpong ni Digong. Apang ang karawkaw sang kasugoan wala naga-untat sa mga sentro lamang sang komersyo. Ini naga-pangapkap indi hasta sa malab-ot lamang sang iya panulok kundi tubtob sa mga duog nga ginakinahanglan ini. “Suno sa amon records, 305
na ang nagsungka sa bilog nga banwa,” siling ni Bataga. Dugang pa niya, pagkatapos sang pagsungka, ang PNP magapangayo sang mga kinahanglanon nga papeles lakip na ang Affidavit of Undertaking, isa ka panumpa ukon promisa sang paglikaw sa ano man nga sahi sang ginadumilian nga droga nga pirmado sang “person of interest” kag nakapain sa user ukon pusher. Ini dayon maga-serbi nga ebidensya batok sa nagsungka kon ini magbalik sa iya daan nga bisyo.
PANABANG ni PALOMA Sa likod sang sirado nga mga kabilya kag kandado, si Paloma* isa ka ulipon sang sunod-sunod nga malain nga mga halanabo. Sa tagsa ka inadlaw, indi na niya mahangpan kong paano ang tanan nga kalinong nadula sa isa lamang ka pisok. Sugod sa pagbutlak sang adlaw, ang pagsakay sang alipalok sa dalag nga silak sang adlaw nga nagasulod sa dyutay nga litik sang pader, amo lamang ang iya kalingawan. Talagsa sa malaka, sa kada magagmay nga tini-on, ang nawong sang iya bana, iya na lamang ginabantabanta tungod sa lima ka bulan nga iya pagtinir sa kustodiya sang mga pulis, ang kabakod sang konkreto nga pader nga naga separar sa ila, indi guid mahapos rumpagon. “Ato nga adlaw, indi ko guid malimtan, Pebrero 11, udto. Nagapanyaga kami sang may nanuktok nga duha ka tawo nga naka-bonet,’’ siling ni Paloma samtang sya nagangirit. Makitan sa iya nawong ang kabaskog sa pihak sang mga problema nga iya naagom. Samtang siya nagaambit sang iya binalaybay, ang iya mga tudlo nagapangita sang puloy-an sa iya rosarito nga nagakulintas sing hugot sa iya dughan upod ang mabakud nga pagtuo. Sa naibabaw nga bahin sang pader, isa ka gamay nga bintana ang nagahatag sang kasanag sa kwarto nga may isa man ka kasilyas nga nahamtang sa nalikod nga porsyon sang kwarto. Ang iya banig kag naga-isahanon nga ulunan lakip na ang bukid sang panapton, nagaligid sa salog upod ang pitsil nga wala sing unod. “Hapa!” ang sunod nga ginsinggit sang mga armado
nga pulis. “Kami ginpalibotan kag gin-usisa. Nagpanglaghap sila sa mga bulsa namon kag ginharungkab nila ang amon durabox. Didto kami nakuhaan.” Didto na siya nagpanghilibion. Ang iya mga luha nagabarangkiling kag naga-ilig sing malinong ugaling madalom - madalom kaangay sang tubig sa lawod. “Kon kami naabutan sining TOKHANG, indi guid kami magduha-duha nga magsungka. Kon kis-a gani, nagapamangkot kami kay Chief kon pwede man kami ayhan patawaron ni Duterte,” dugang pa niya. Ang 25 ka tuig nga wala sang kahilwayan, indi isa ka simple nga butang. Makahaladlok man panumdumon ugaling kon ikaw ara sa sitwasyon nga ang bilin na lang nga tabang amo ang pagsugot nga mag-upod sa mga pulis, ano ang imo isinggit?
LARAGWAY SANG LAYI Dungan sang pagtuhaw sining bag-o nga sistema sang pagpugong sa dalayon nga paglapnag sang kriminalidad ilabi na guid ang droga, amo ang pagluntad sang wala kag tuo nga pagpamatay. Kag ang malala pa kay ini ginatudlo sang mga kritiko sa mismo amay sang pungsod kag sa iya kuno Death Squad nga gina-alegar manuglimpyo sang mga dalan batok sa mga nagagamit sang droga.
Apang siling ni Atty. David Bermudo sang Commission on Human Rights-Region 6, ini indi rason agud bawian sang kabuhi ang sin-o man nga tawo. Nakasala man sya sang mabugat sa panulok sang kadam-an, ang layi nagasiling nga sya inosente tubtub madeklara sang korte nga sya matuod nga may sala. Hinimoan man sang mga ara sa pwesto ukon ginpundohan man sang mga makasarang, ini nga mga sunod-sunod nga pagluthang dapat magaagi sa mata sang mga awtoridad. Ang layi gihapon ang pagasundon kag ang mga vigilante kinahanglan maka-agom sang kahadlok nga ginatawag. Right to Life and Due Process of Law. Daw sa umang kong hunas. Mabudlay pangitaon, makapoy lagson. Ugaling kon mauyatan sang sala nga tawo, isa lamang ka butang ang iya pagahimuon. Iya lukiton, hasta sa mapanumdoman niya nga lutuon. Iya isun-ad sa kalayo, iya pabukalan. Kag sa tapos niya matuman ang iya handom nga himuon, ang patay nga umang, nagaligid sa panghigaron. Kasubo dumdumon nga sa pila ka adlaw, ang tawo isa na lamang ka umang. Makanay kag malamig ang dapya sang hangin pagkatapos sang gulpiyada kag mabunok nga ulan sadtong hapon. Amat-amat na nga nagadulom ang palibot ugaling makit-an sa gihapon ang manubo nga mga panganod nga nagaduko kag nagalantaw sa mga panimalay. Ginkuha ni Miguel ang posporo kag ginsindutan ang laya nga lukay kag paklang sa dapog. Apang gulpi lamang sya nakabati sang mabaskog nga pagkalas sa katubohan sa may unhan ayon. “Sin-o na!” Bang! Isa lamang ka lupok sang revolver, kag naglinong gilayon ang payag. Dali-dali nya nga ginkuha ang pandong sa ulo nga nagasabit sa tupad sang ispiho. Ang iya mga mata, hubag sang pulaw kag malapsi pa sa ugit nga duta ang kolor sang iya nagadusngal nga bibig. Buron man sa iya panghuna-huna kag daw sa isa ka handurawan sa iya utok ang mga hitabo sadtong gab-i, klaro sa iya ang iya padulongan. Ang istasyon sang pulis sa Poblacion. *indi nila matuod nga ngalan
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RESTORING FAITH IN HUMANITY by a lla i n e r o s e m . e m n a c e n
The concept of compassion today is seemingly superficial. Some takes it to the social media and gives pity likes, shares, and comments. Humanity is dissipating as external forces keep on sprouting in every corner. Despite all of these forces, there will always be a space in our hearts to do good deeds to be a source of happiness to other people. USA PUB PHOTOs â&#x20AC;˘ mara elaiza a. flores, allaine rose m. emnacen, and CLYDE ALLEN E. SOLLESTA
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Augustinian the
Volume LXII • Number 4 October 31, 2016
spectacle
An Analysis of Lauren Oliver’s Best-selling Novels by eri ka dani elle m . p epi to
Reading has been one of the favorite pastimes of today’s young adults. Ranging from numerous themes, the plots contained in the pages of young adult (YA) novels arouse the readers’ imagination and immerse them into different domains. Lauren Oliver, a best-selling author of YA novels, is feeding more bookshelves with a fresh novel called Vanishing Girls. This review juxtaposes the recent creation of Oliver with a renowned novel of hers called Before I Fall.
sour ce • media.npr .or g
On the Verge If you were given the chance to relive the last day of your life for a whole week, how would you spend it? Before I Fall focuses on how Samantha Kingston, the well-off girl with the good looks and the boyfriend every girl dreamt of having. February 12 seemed like one of those mundane days to tick off the calendar, but that was the fateful day where the regrets of her life and the pains of her death are in a loop for a week. Samantha had the chance to turn things around before she completely spirals out of existence if ever she fails to fix the
relationships she broke and the persons she trampled on.
On the Lookout It was more of searching for herself rather than searching for a lost young girl and for the once-young girl who held a special place in her sister’s heart. Vanishing Girls puts the spotlight on two sisters, Nick and Dara, who were alienated after an accident that changed the course of their lives. The better one and the rebellious one not only tried to settle some differences with each other, but also with their own
“trying to get across is clear – we should deliberate first if what we are to do could help us in the long haul, or put us in a compromising situation.” selves. The accident simply reinforced Dara’s hard-headed tendencies, which caused Nick to wonder why her younger sister lost her way. A nine-year-old who went missing was somewhat connected to Dara’s disappearance, leaving Nick to fend for Dara, just like she used to do.
Common Grounds Personally, I appreciated the two novels because Oliver cleverly incorporated in her works the following psychological notions which added the suspense and thrill in reading her novels. In Oliver’s Before I Fall, the lead character goes through the five stages of grief – denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. She could not fully fathom at first how things could be so normal when the last thing she remembers is the swerving of the car, the screeching of the metals and the shrieking of her friends. All her pent up emotions on the pet peeves she has on her friends caused her to lash out on them, creating these huge gaps in her friendships with them. She makes a deal with God or fate – that if she could restore the trust in the broken relationships and the self-
esteem of those she judged, then she could live normally. At some point, she felt that there is no more room for hope, leading her to accept her fate that she would end up lifeless and cold. But deep down, she knew that she needed to save a person she persistently humiliated, saving herself from the doubts that drowned her in return. The manner of writing the dialogues of the two main characters in Vanishing Girls was well thought of, showing the vagueness of how the other characters react to the openended statements of the main characters. The flow of the plot, differentiated between Before and After, explains how Nick cannot fully recall what happened just before the car accident occurred. Due to the post-traumatic stress disorder, this led Nick to repress some memories of the accident. Nick had always assumed the role of being Dara’s wingman and after the tragic accident that took away Dara’s life, she was still not ready to let go of her supportive sister’s post. This caused Nick to switch between her perspective and Dara’s, leading to dissociative identity disorder (DID) or multiple personality disorder (MPD). Not all writers can pull off novels like
Before I Fall and Vanishing Girls, filled with psychological concepts, as well as issues that concern the youth, such as bullying, party lifestyle, depression and the like. The message that these two novels are trying to get across is clear – we should deliberate first if what we are to do could help us in the long haul, or put us in a compromising situation.
QUEST FOR TRUTH A Movie Review on Inferno by RJ JUNSAY
Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks), just like in other movies based on Dan Brown’s collection, must unravel mystery. When Langdon wakes up in an Italian hospital with head trauma, he teams up with Sienna Brooks (Felicity Jones ), hoping for the recovery of his lost memories. The only hint he had was a hightech biohazard container with an optical device that projects the modified “Map of Hell” (a version of the famous Botticelli Abyss of Hell, inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy). The story revolves on how Langdon must stop Bertrand Zobrist, a transhumanist who was obsessed with the global population explosion and planned to unleash a global virus that would wipe out half the world’s population. Christoph Brudper (Omar Sy), Harry Sims (Irrfan Khan), and Langdon’s old time friend Dr. Elizabeth Sinskey (Sidse Babett Knudsen) played hide and seek with Langdon which makes Langdon’s true enemy vague to him. The cat and mouse play among them went along with the hermetic hints based on Dante’s Divine Comedy and later Italian Renaissance masterpieces, leading Langdon to Florence then Istanbul and Venice. Directed by Ron Howard, the film really brings the fan of Dante and Italian Renaissance to a higher level of experience. Watching the movie will really give you a dizzy feeling as the scenes where Langdon is having anxiety were depicted well in their visual effects. The manipulation of artworks and other props were well-handed. Brown lends again his historical talent to bring to life the gripping journey of Robert Langdon. The journey to an endless search for the wonders of life turned to be a real deal for Dan Brown’s collection. Comparing the two other block buster movies based on Brown’s Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons, Inferno offers another dramatic yet intensifying plot which is quite different from the theme of the two previous films since it focuses more on science and social issues of today. There were lots of twists and turns in the movie as the true rival of Langdon becomes clear to him. Maybe for those who have high regards on the art, they might want to have a different delivery of the masterpieces used in the film but for simple movie-out goers the film would just be fine. The biology enthusiast would find the film interesting as it tackles about a virus intentionally designed to install genetic information into the cell it’s attacking. source • impawards.com
Before I Fall and Vanishing Girls
MAGPAHANGGANG WAKAS by Er ika Dan ie l l e M. Pepi to
Magpahanggang Wakas is another modern love story by ABS – CBN centering on Waldo and Aryan, whose lives in the province revolved around making both ends meet while going for their aspirations to be a marine engineer and a lawyer, respectively. Their love has been tested a handful of times – the advancements of Aryan’s step uncle towards her that enraged Waldo and caused him to kill the step uncle, Waldo’s incarceration and Aryan’s limitless efforts to accumulate funds for his bail, the unceasing separation of the couple by Aryan’s aunt, Aryan finding love in Tristan, Waldo working for Tristan’s company and earning his trust, Tristan finding out of the history between Aryan and Waldo, Waldo leaving the company and Aryan, and the two main characters’ constant struggles involving the other.
transferee
With their powerhouse cast comprised of Jericho Rosales, Arci Muñoz, John Estrada, and Gelli de Belen among others, the TV series keeps its viewers at the edge of their seats with a script that builds up the plot. The gravity of the storyline, thanks to the brilliant minds of the scriptwriters, is made seamless with the exchange of lines between the characters, amidst the loopholes that appear when fate keeps on making Waldo’s and Aryan’s paths cross. The acting prowess of the actors also makes the plot convincingly appealing to the masses and strengthens by HEROD A. MONTIEL
source • abs-cbn.com
An Analysis on typical modern Romantic Filipino Teleserye
the element of heavy drama in this teleserye. The TV series shows the underlying values of love in all forms – for the significant other, for the family and for the visions they have for themselves, the Filipino resilience, and the power of the fighting spirit. Waldo and Aryan were willing to do anything for each other out of love, and it is that love that pushes them to test their limits and their judgments. After some setbacks, they choose to bounce back rather than let these cause
their resolves to plummet. As they change their course when problems get in their ways, their undying will to change their lives and their families’ lives is tested as well. Anticipation on what is yet to come in this teleserye reigns. Every episode has something big that its viewers look forward to. With E. M. Reyes’ watchful eyes and creative mind, the revelations that spur on the story untie the knots that complicate Waldo and Aryan’s love story.
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sports
Spikes of Being Rookies B y Ed war d Domin ic E. Emil io and rj j unsay
Augustinian athletes have been creating a splash in various sports competitions for the past decades, both in local and international scenes. Until now, the University of San Agustin never stops its quest for aspiring athletes who have the potential to become rising international sports enthusiasts. Let’s meet some of the new faces in the volleyball court and learn how each of their spike and serve touch their lives. always willing to improve to give more to his team. Balancing his studies and keeping up with their practice until 9:00 in the evening is such a herculean task for him. “Time management is really hard. I just enjoy the moment and this is my dream. Nobody inspired me to play volleyball, I just saw myself enjoying it even after I got rejected. Sports is an avenue for the youth to avoid bad habits, such as smoking,” he added.
USA PUB photo • clyde allen E. sollesta
The Link Life was not always so easy for Stephanie Bronzal. This unassuming volleybelle taking up BS Business Administration Major in Financial Management is a timid flower, seemingly haunted by the shyness that engulfs every rookie who joins a renowned team. Many
stories tell us of the gloom that a newcomer feels when first stepping foot in an institution and Stephanie’s story is much like that. Her tale as an athlete started only recently. Her second year in high school was marked by a baptism one experiences when joining a varsity team for the first time. “Sometimes,” she reveals, “I feel out of place because I am new to the team.” Hot humiliation overwhelms her every time she meets with her more hardy teammates, but she never gives in to the initial feeling of fear. She is no stranger to anxiety, but from Stephanie, one can learn the secrets of the Filipino pakikisama. “Treat your teammates as you would have them treat you,” she says, “and they would do the same to you. Some of my teammates are friendly, some, not so much. But that is the game, you cannot avoid that. You cannot distinguish from their first impression whether they like you or not. Sometimes, there would be someone you cannot stand but that is a necessary struggle, you would adjust somehow.” With every spike, she learns a lesson. With every ace, she transforms. “Be patient. Accept
Molina
The Dreamer A chess player-turnedvolleyball player living with a sporty family was how everyone perceived Lemuel Molina during his high school days. On his sophomore year, he was rejected by their high school varsity team in Zarraga National High School because the incumbent players were still intact. “I didn’t stop there. I took that rejection as a challenge and I still pursued my passion in sports. Volleyball was not for me at that time, so I decided to play chess instead,” shared Lemuel in an interview with The Augustinian. Finally, when he was in his senior year, he tried again and he got lucky to be part of the roster of their school’s spikers. Lemuel enrolled in the
University of San Agustin because he saw some potential in the training it provides to its varsity teams. However, he decided to wait until his sophomore year to join the University volleyball team. He just watched from the sides during the practice of players and even during Intramurals Meet. He just enjoyed his freshman year as an ordinary student. Yet his passion of playing volleyball pushed him to try once again the life of an athlete. “First year, I didn’t know anybody and I was shy to approach our coach. I felt that I lacked experience because I only started playing volleyball when I was in fourth year high school,” Lemuel said. This 18 year-old sophomore BS Foreign Service player is
bronzal
lapating
whatever results you get but do not stop improving. You will make big adjustments so patience is always the key.” Volleyball has given her the confidence and discipline to evolve and become a better person. For this woman, volleyball is not merely a sport. It is a chain, a passion. “Volleyball is my passion. I love it, I want it and I will not let it go,” shared Stephanie.
The Sprite If you see him walking through the hallway, you might see him laughing and playing around with his friends but when Eule Francis Lapating is in the court, he is burning with the will to win every game he is into. This BS Psychology student continued to play the game of his soul. Eule started to conquer the volleyball court with his over-powering spikes and attacks during his second year in high school in the University. Instead of pursuing his volleyball career in college, he focused on his studies. “Volleyball is just an extra-curricular activity. Studies should always be the top priority.” “[Whenever I have
problems] before the game, I just don’t mind them. Kumbaga, ipagpaliban muna because they might affect the game. I don’t overstress myself,” he added. When asked about the lessons he learned out of playing volleyball, Eule said, “Throughout the years, one thing I’ve learned in playing volleyball is the value of friendship. You have to socialize with your teammates and with players from other schools. Give your best when you try out in the team and always practice.” Eule has been playing for the University for the past few years, which made it easier for him to fit in the team. In every block and spike he’s making, he is pouring out his love for the University, always aiming to bring honor to the red and gold banner. These athletes are just some of those Augustinians who possess burning passion to nail the name of the University in the hall of fame in the field of sports. The journey has just began for them and more challenges are on their way, but as what St. Augustine once said, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel only read a page.”
Isports na pasilidad, apektado ng mga proyekto N i R o c h e l l e Mae M. Mu z on e s Ayon sa panayam ng The Augustinian kay Demosthenes Toledo, direktor ng isports ng Unibersidad, iilang isports na pasilidad sa pampalakasan ang hindi lubusang magamit bungsod sa patuloy na konstruksyon ng mga gusali sa Unibersidad ng San Agustin. Kabilang sa mga apektadong pasilidad ay ang football field dahil sa konstruksyon ng swimming
maninibago sa laki ng space, hindi gaya sa field na aming pinapractice,” saad ni Janiel Alcalde, isang atleta ng Unibersidad. Sinabi rin ni Toledo na gusto nilang bigyan ng konsiderasyon ang sinabi ni Rev. Fr. Frederick Comendador, OSA, pangulo ng Unibersidad, na pagkatapos ng konstruksyon ng swimming pool, ang susunod nilang hakbang ay ang rehabilitasyon ng football
“Naniniwala ako na naghahanap ng paraan ang administrasyon natin upang masolusyonan ito.” - toledo pool at drainage, gayundin ang lawn tennis dahil sa pagpapatayo ng Chuseuy International Center. “Sa football kasi mas mabuti kung pamilyar kami sa space na nilalaruan kapag may kompetisyon para kung dumating na ang nakatakdang araw ng kompetisyon ay hindi na kami
field at inaasahang matuloy ang planong ito’y lagyan ng rubberized track. “Naniniwala ako na naghahanap ng paraan ang administrasyon natin upang masolusyonan ito. Baka madagdagan pa ang ating pasilidad sa lawn tennis o makahanap tayo ng lugar
sa ating extension campus (Sambag Campus) para sa lawn tennis,” dagdag pa ni Toledo. Sa kabilang dako, ilang pasilidad din ang nangangailangan ng atensyon gaya ng kalalagyan ng table tennis at pag-unlad ng weight room sa Gymnasium. “Ayon sa ating presidente, maari nating gamitin ang bagong gusali, sa itaas na palapag ng shower room bilang isa sa mga pasilidad na maari nating gamitin sa table tennis. Dagdag pa rito ang konstruksyon o pagpapabuti ng weight room natin upang may magamit ang ating mga guro at magsilbi ring conditioning para sa ating players,” sabi ni Toledo. Ipinaalalahan naman ni Fr. Ian Ragodon, OSA, direktor ng Administrative and General Services, na kaakibat ng patuloy na pag-unlad sa mga pasilidad ay ang kooperasyon ng mga gumagamit, lalo na sa mga estudyante, upang mas matagal pang mapakinabangan ang mga pasilidad.
BALIKTARANG EPEKTO. Sa kabila ng pagpapabuti na ipinapatupad ng Unibersidad, iilang isports na mga pasilidad na nakasanayang gamitin ay hindi lubusang nagagamit ng mga estudyante. USA PUB photo • clyde allen E. sollesta
Augustinian the
Volume LXII • Number 4 October 31, 2016
sports
BLOCK FOR GOLD. In the long run of Intramurals 2016, the BED lady spikers sealed their championship claim as they blocked the ball for the last point winning-basis. USA PUB PHOTO • mara elaiza a. flores
underdogs no more
HANGGANG KAILAN
BED takes home Overall Title, halts COT’s grand slam bid b y r j j u ns ay an d wil kie n s on c. mu r o With 335 points, decadeold underdog Basic Education Department (BED) captured the championship trophy in this year’s Intramurals Meet, leaving the three-peat victory of the College of Technology (COT) a dream. The BED’s spikers smashed their way to earn gold medals in volleyball (men’s and women’s categories) while the Department’s other sports buffs dominated four events, namely, basketball (men’s category), table tennis (men’s category), futsal (men’s category) and
beach volleyball (women’s category). Defending champions, COT, settled in fourth place with 280 points, trailing behind second placer College of Health and Allied Medical Professions (CHAMP) with 325 points and third placer College of Commerce with 305 points. In an interview with The Augustinian, Epsilon Alpha Chi Organization (COT Student Council) President Miguel Asuncion linked their defeat to the recent reorganization of the academic units.
“This year, our College is considered to be the smallest in terms of population. Unlike the BED which has a bigger population with potentials, we have limited resources here in Tekno and some of our players graduated already,” explained Asuncion. The BED also clutched near-to-gold spots in chess (men’s category), football (men’s category) and beach volleyball (men’s category) while the CHAMP grabbed the gold medal in football (men’s category) and earned six silver medals in different individual and team sports (basketball-women’s
category, volleyball-women’s category, table tennis-men and women’s categories and badminton-men and women’s categories). In his statement given to The Augustinian, Kenneth Sean Barredo, President of the High School Student Republic, highlighted qualities of team spirit, determination, hard work, charity, and unity as the key to their success. “Winning did not [just] make me happy and proud. What was important was [the attitude] of of my fellow teammates [on our way to the championship],” he shared.
Cheerdance crown stays with CHAMP b y j e ce l t . b u e navid e s The College of Health and Allied Medical Professions once again made their way to the top in the Cheerdance Competition during the Intramurals 2016 held at the University of San Agustin gymnasium, August 26. After winning last year’s Cheerdance competition, CHAMP’S flawless Jabawokeezthemed routine inspired performance led them to a backto-back victory. “Despite the work load of laboratory works and assignments, they were able to find time to practice with all their hearts and defend our title last year. They really worked hard and it’s indeed a job well done,” says Ms. Annie Borres, fourty year Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy, president The Cheerdance competition was composed of seven competing groups representing their colleges with the participation of Senior High School and Grade School Department. “I am happy that this year’s Intramurals run smoothly and this was because all Departments cooperated well and the students exerted their extra efforts just to give an all-out performance,” shared Fernan Lynd Beup, BS Phar 2nd year. Meanwhile, the circus clown themed routine of the
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Education (CLASE) and the free-swinging millennial generation inspired performance of Senior High School made them garner the second and third place respectively. Also, CLASE garnered the best cheerdancer award. Each competing group was given ten minutes to perform including the song “Agustino ka, Agustino ako.”
“Cheerdance helped me a lot to learn what is commitment and dedication and how to work with people as a team. People might think it’s just cheerdance, but to me, it wasn’t just dancing, I learned a lot from it and I can say it really molded my personality as a person,” says Stellamaris Okorji, a third year Bachelor of Science in Nursing and cheerdancer. Defending their title last
year, the CHAMP is bound to the title, “3-peats Champion” if they will once again bring home the bacon in cheerdance competition next year. “Make sure you enjoy as if you own the stage, for the reason that the stage is indeed yours. It’s too early to say that we’ll win the competition next year, but it’s not bad to assume and own it humbly,” Ms. Borres concluded.
DEFENDING CHAMPION. The College of Health and Allied Medical Profession proved that they are the dance royalties of the University as they dominated this year’s cheerdance competition. USA PUB PHOTO • Mara elaiza a. flores
DR. BLOOD
Wilkienson C. Muro, B MLS ‘19
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Nito lamang Agosto ay pumutok ang balita tungkol sa komosyon sa pagitan ng Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) at Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) sa kadahilanang hindi nakapagbayad ang PAGCOR ng minandatong limang porsyento sa PSC. Mas lalo pang pinainit ang sitwasyon ng dalawang panig ng maghain si Former Pampanga representative Yeng Guiao ng petisyon sa Korte Suprema ukol sa paulit-ulit na kabalastugan ng PAGCOR sa kanilang dapat na ginagampanang responsibilidad. Pati ang pangulo ng komite ng isports na si Sen. Manny Pacquiao ay tinawag na ang atensyon ng Presidente sa nasabing isyu. Nakasaad sa Batas Republika blg. 6847 o mas kilala bilang ‘Philippine Sports Commission Act’ na para matustusan ang mga pananalapi ng bansa sa larangan ng isports ay tinulutan ng International Olympic Committee at the International Federations na magbahagi ang mga loterya ng tatlumpung porsyento ng kanilang kabuuang kita, limang porsyento naman mula sa PAGCOR, at tatlong porsyento naman sa kabuuang nalikom na mga buwis. Sa ginanap na pagpupulong ng PSC at PAGCOR ay binigyang kapamigatan ng tagapangulo ng PSC na si William Ramirez ang nasabing batas upang maipakita na mayroon talagang pagkukulang ang PAGCOR sa mga inilalaan nito sa isports. Ayon kay Assistant Secretary Epimaco Densing III ng Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) ay puwedeng silang masampahan ng Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act dahil sa paglabag nito. Kung titingnang maigi ay napakalaking perwisyo ang dala ng ganitong klase ng problema sa larangan ng isports. Noong Agosto ng nakaraang taon ay naitalang mahirap pa rin ang estado ng isports sa ating bansa. Hindi maipagkakaila na noong isang taon ay makikitang bumaba ang kabuuang lugal natin sa Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. Mula sa pagiging supremo sa ganitong internasyonal na palaro ay napunta tayo sa ikapitong palapag (2013) at ikaanim naman noong 2015. Kung titingnan mo ang badyet na nakalaan sa isports ay parang sukli na lamang ito sa isang laro ni Manny Pacquiao laban kay Floyd Mayweather. Naitala na umabot sa P6.8 billion ang kinita ni Pacquaio sa kanyang laban habang P800 milyon lamang ang taunang badyet ng PSC para sa iba’t-ibang palarong sinasalihan ng bansa. Kung ikaw ang nasa posisyon ng ibang manlalaro ay nanaisin mo na lamang na maging boksingero kaysa naman maging mga basketbolista, fotbolista o ano pa diyan na hindi naman nabibigyan ng sapat na pananalapi. Kung titingnan mo ang samu’t-saring medalya na napanaluhan ng Pilipinas ay maituturing mong tahanan ng isports ito. Mararamdaman at makikita mo ito sa bawat oras na nakikipagpaligsahan ang ating mga kinatawan sa iba’t-ibang uri ng larangan ng palatuntunan at paligsahan sa ibang bansa. Ngunit bakit sa panahon lamang ng pagkakapanalo makikita natin ang labis na suporta ng ating gobyerno at hindi sa panahon kung saan nag-uumpisa pa lamang ang lahat? Talaga nga bang balimbing kung maituturing ang ating pamahalaan o sadyang korap lang talaga ito? Ni minsan ba ay hindi sumapi sa inyong ulo kung hanggang kailan ba magiging tsasko ang Pilipinas pagdating sa isports? Hanggang kailan nga ba ang Pilipinas magiging bulag sa kung anong talento mayroon ito? Hanggang kailan nga ba maging sunudsunuran ang mga Pilipino sa kabaluktutan ng kanilang mga pinuno? Hanggang kailan nga ba magsisilbing presohan ng sambayanang Pilipino ang sarili nilang talento? Hanggang kailan nga ba ang isports ay imbis na maging tubo ay magiging perwisyo sa mga Pilipino? Hanggang kailan nga ba?