The Augustinian, September 2016

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The Official Student Newspaper of the University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, Philippines VOLUME LXII • NUMBER 3 • SEPTEMBER 15, 2016 (E-NEWSLETTER) We’re worldwide! Visit us at our website, w w w. us a pub . ne t.

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‘going international’ University eyes ISO-certified status in 30 days

pag e 4

TOTAL MAKEOVER. A mechanized roller flattens and compacts the gravel being laid on the USA Football Field and Parade Grounds. Due to parking space constraints, the administration has decided to make use of the parcel of land surrounding the play area of the field and convert it into parking spaces. USA PUB PHOTO • mara elaiza a. flores

FEATURE

A HIDDEN TREASURE WITHIN THE CITY

pag e 7

Within the bustle and hustle of the City of Love’s Diversion Road lies a coffee shop that was once an intangible concept formed in the mind of an inspired group of people.

editorial • Page 2

opinion • Pag e 3

News • Pag e 5

The Dirty Diplomacy of Digong Duterte

Cold and Hard

Augustinian is new PAO-6 Regional Director

Duterte said this last tirade at an audience of 500 Filipinos after affirming that he “does not give a sh*t” about international opinion.

In an age where surfing the internet is as mundane as breathing, it is a common occurrence for disputes such as these to get blown up to magnanimous proportions.

Atty. Jose Edmund E. Guillen, BLaw ‘93, is the newly appointed Regional Director of Public Attorney’s Office, Western Visayas.

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Augustinian the

Volume LXII • Number 3 September 15, 2016

editorialandopinion Put Tang In Ammo E dit o rial

USA PUB illustration • h e r od a. m o n tie l

Familiar as the summer sun was President Rodrigo Duterte’s retort after United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon recently denounced the spate of extra-judicial killings. For President Digong, he was just another “tarantado” who needlessly infringes upon the Philippines’ internal affairs. Duterte said this last tirade at an audience of 500 Filipinos after affirming that he “does not give a sh*t” about international opinion.

For the President’s supporters all over social media, those invectives were nothing but gestures of strength. Every curse word that comes out of

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his mouth is a manifestation of political will.

Add this to his relentless “put*ngina” remark against Barack Obama after he cited Duterte's alleged human rights violations and you get an image of a strong man one dares not trifle with.

In another forum, he reminded the international community of the Bud Dajo massacre perpetrated by the Americans against Filipinos, reminding the world that the United States does not have a breastplate of righteousness that gives them the right to criticize.

The President’s fiery speeches are a novelty in Philippine diplomacy. But in any case, the

Filipino people must understand that to be straight as an arrow one need not curse like a witch. The Duterte brand of diplomacy we have right now, in which the President strongly asserts national sovereignty in the international community is in one sense, laudable. In this world of political hegemons, the weak get trampled if they do not speak up.

The Philippines needs a chief diplomat, not a galley-slave.

There is, however, a fine line between charismatic bravado and just plain, uncivilized rudeness. The President must be careful with his words lest he becomes a barbarism incarnate.

The very foundation of our government rests in the President. Being Head of State and Head of Government at the same time, Rodrigo Duterte is the representative of Juan dela Cruz and the entire Filipino people in the international community.

Any form of antipathy he foments among other national leaders will undoubtedly be seen as a sovereign act of the Filipino people. The more the President acts like an unrepentant criminal after spouting his curses, the more our reputation descends into ruin. The sad reality is that Duterte cannot separate his person from his office. After

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

Colophon: This newsletter was carefully designed to balance traditional principles, history, as well as modern trends to maximize the amount of information without compromising the visual appeal of the publication. This was produced using Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, and Adobe Illustrator under Adobe Creative Suite 3. Exo and Merriweather were used for the text.

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COLD AND HARD PRAGMATIC

Philip Robert C. Alaban, BEEd ‘19 Scan code to send an email reply

being ordained by 16 million Filipinos to govern the country, he must act in behalf of all 110 million of them. He should stay his passions and muffle his roars if he does not want to bring shame upon his people.

In another sense, however, there is another legal repercussion to our President’s choice of words. Being Head of Government, he is also the chief architect of our foreign policy. Every word he utters no longer becomes a personal pronouncement but a statement of policy.

When Duterte threatened to leave the United Nations after cursing Ban Ki-moon, it became a subject of serious discussion.

When he threatened to disown the United States after Obama’s comments, it was taken as a grave threat. The fact of the matter is that if our President continues his unguided manner of speech, he might just confuse his people, his legislators, and his international allies.

And with his rhetoric, he might just offend the wrong person. On hindsight, wars and conflict throughout history began with words. Each curse was an ember and each invective was a fan for the flame. It is always worth restating that there is a fine line between bravery and stupidity, between courage and recklessness. If ever we want a redress of grievances, it must be done so in a peaceful manner. We are dedicated to the pursuit of peace and amity within ourselves and among all nations.

The sacred pedestal given to the President gives him the responsibility to use his speech and rhetoric for the welfare of the Philippines. International diplomacy is no place for adulterated tongues.

The sanctity of dialogue is something a journalist holds most dear. The country could only hope that the President sees that his manner and method all matter and he should, as is expected of every Filipino, responsibly exercise his freedom of speech.

FRENNIE M. TABABA Editor-in-Chief

RJ Junsay Managing Editor Edcel B. Fajutag Associate Editor Jordan C. Galache Circulation and Office Manager engr. RAY ADRIAN C. MACALALAG Moderator

Soon after the whole country awoke to the aftereffects of the devastating blast that razed Roxas Market in Davao City, killing 14 people and leaving 68 more injured, President Rodrigo “Digong” Duterte dropped an equally explosive bombshell of his own – declaring a State of Lawless Violence covering the whole archipelago and not just Mindanao. The issue immediately went up in flames as the news reached the platform of social media. Panic and confusion rose among the netizens, a majority of whom lambasted the decision, claiming it as being a preemptive move in subjecting the nation once again to Martial Law. In an age where surfing the internet is as mundane as breathing, it is a common occurrence for disputes such as these to get blown up to magnanimous proportions, usually by people who spend more time on their couches perched in front of their laptop and individuals who apparently become all-knowing political analysts overnight.

Despite this growing trend, most of those who oppose issues such as these cannot even provide any type of justification to their response.

Nevertheless, the panic of the populace was a blatant overreaction. Conflicting ideas and attacks thrown between the Dutertards and Yellowtards cause nothing but create a rift among the citizens of our country.

The majority seems to be doling out unwarranted condemnation against the President since most are not even remotely familiar with the term “state of lawless violence.” Netizens just put two and two together to come up with four, ignoring other important factors that affect the equation.

In the first place, the declaration does not suspend any portion of the Constitution nor impair any of our fundamental rights. Proclamation No. 55, the two-page declaration of a “State of National Emergency on account of lawless violence in Mindanao” is rooted in Article VII, Section 18 of the 1987 Constitution which states that “the

President shall be the Commander-in-Chief of all Armed Forces of the Philippines and whenever it becomes necessary, he may call out such armed forces to prevent or suppress lawless violence, invasion or rebellion,” and in the words of Pace Process Secretary Jesus Dureza, “the Proclamation does precisely that: to suppress lawless violence.

It is complementary and supplementary to the capability of the PNP. It does not suspend some rights.” The declaration is undeniably legal. It is nonsensical and a complete waste of time to label it as being bereft of evidential basis.

Putting this into light, the public must also consider the urgency of the declaration not only in subduing the spate of Abu Sayyaf attacks in Mindanao, but also as partial remedy to the focal point of Duterte’s Presidential platform: illegal drug trade.In lieu of nationwide events such as the recent Davao blast, the retaliation of the Abu Sayyaf following the heightened security alert due to a major offensive against the terrorist group, a widespread drug menace encompassing almost 98 percent of the barangays in the Philippines, criminality and terrorism, it is only fitting to release a proclamation that directly addresses the long and complex history of lawless violence perpetrated by private armies and local warlords, bandits and criminal syndicates, terrorist groups and religious extremists, as stated in the provisions of Proclamation No. 55, reinforcing the fact that it was not the isolated Davao case which triggered the declaration of a state of lawless violence.

A statement without evidence is merely an opinion and would hold no weight whatsoever in a national context. Do research. Pore over books, read newspapers and heed credible resources rather than the sentiments wrought about by smart alecks with too much time on their hands.

Man may be stubborn by nature but the truth is eternal. Your political rant, no matter how lengthy and flowery, will remain useless and irrelevant unless backed up by facts. Cold and hard.

Do research.

Pore over books, read newspapers and heed credible resources

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 A. 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

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

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Augustinian the

Volume LXII • Number 3 September 15, 2016

news

ISO-CERTIFIED SOON USA to reach final stage of ISO Audit b y w i l k i e ns on c. mur o How important is ISO 9000:2008 for an educational institution?

The University of San Agustin (USA), like any other universities, sought to earn the accreditation from International Organization for Standardization (ISO) series of 9000:2008, known as the Quality Management System.

ISO 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.

This means that the systems conform to a standard that is recognizable worldwide; otherwise, the University should commit itself to improve its system in order to efficiently use the resources, improve delivery of service and more importantly increase customer satisfaction.

This is the same way with the recently concluded ISO Stage 2 Audit of the University, wherein the institution, including the Elementary and High School departments, was subjected for quality management system assessment, September 8-9.

During the exit conference of the audit, the University was required to improve the 16 observations and to submit corrective action plans for the four minor non-conformities (NCs).

Thus, to be recommended for certification upon

THE TO-DO LIST. ISO Auditors pointed out during the exit conference on September 9 a total of 16 observations and an additional four minor non-conformities in which the University has to improve on before they issue an ISO Certification for Quality Management Systems. USA PUB PHOTO • mara elaiza a. flores book and merchandise suppliers, lack of document master list and external distribution list and the printing issues in the school bookstore.

According to Laureen Grace Calmerin, team leader of the ISO auditors, “these minor NCs reveal

noted that there are units assigned to specific NCs to conduct a Root Cause Analysis in order to solve the problem.

“Aside from that, PDCA method (PlanDo-Check-Act) is used to comply with the observances and NCs. There are action plans, which will involve timelines of series of actions, to test the new work process flow of criteria that needs to be implemented,” she added.

On the other hand, the University is given 30 calendar days to meet the specified quality management [issues].

“Based on the ongoing corrective actions, we can anticipate the accreditation of ISO 9000:2008 series to the University. That is because I can see the desire of earning the accreditation in the involvement, participation, and cooperation of every Augustinian here in the University,” Rev. Fr. Frederick Comendador, University president, remarked.

Currently, the University is still working on the issues to meet the international standards set by the ISO series of 9000:2008.

“Based on the ongoing corrective actions, we can anticipate the accreditation of ISO 9000:2008 series to the University. That is because I can see the desire of earning the accreditation in the involvement, participation, and cooperation of every Augustinian here in the University.” — comendador submission of work action plans for the minor NCs. The four minor NCs stressed by the auditors were the lack of preventive maintenance for specified equipment, lack of evidence establishing conformance for the selection or evaluation of

the continuing development of the University.

These will not necessarily affect the certification of the University unless given [responsible] resolutions.”

Director of Strategy and Quality Management Office (SQMO), Regina Aileen May Vergara, Ph.D

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Augustinian lawyer is new PAO-6 head OFES pinned after prelims this year b y ERIKA DANIELLE M. PEPITO The online faculty evaluation now takes place after the prelim exams.

With a lesser demand on the use of computer laboratories, the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs opted to conduct it earlier than usual. “[We had it this] current academic year is due to the vacant schedules of the Computer Labs used by the students for the evaluation,” Rev. Fr. Manuel Vergara, OSA, vice president for Academic Affairs Office, explained to The Augustinian.

The evaluation done in through the Online Faculty Evaluation System (OFES) is intended to assess the performance of the teachers to improve their quality and efficiency; and consequently, for promotion and regularization.

“The evaluation is a requirement for the promotion of teachers in terms of change in ranks or levels. This is also effective in the sense that

those teachers who received very good ratings from their students are regularized after the evaluation,” shared Dr. Marivis Gangoso, director of the Human Resources and Management Office (HRMO).

Moreover, Gangoso addressed the need for assurance that the teachers will entertain their students’ concerns as well as the preservation of the students’ confidentiality.

“Since it is online, we can automatically view the results. It is summarized when they are given to the teachers,” Gangoso elaborated.

The HRMO further explained that the results are forwarded to the dean and are referred to the corresponding academic supervisors, and then discussed to the teachers concerned for recommendations.

Gangoso reminded the students to “evaluate truthfully and fairly to help out in improving the services of the University,” and also challenged the teachers to “be humble and to accept criticisms squarely.”

Commandant favors mandatory ROTC b y j e c e l t . b ue navid e s “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 instil in them the value of loyalty and patriotism.

After the NSTP was passed, the number of ROTC enrolees 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.

‘PARA SA BAYAN’. A cadet prepares for battle during their small unit tactics demonstration in their culmination towards the end of the First Semester this Academic Year. USA PUB PHOTO • CLYDE ALLEN E. SOLLESTA “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,” says 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.

by ANDREA NICOLE C . PARCE

GUILLEN

IMAGE SOURCE • DAVE D. ADRICULA

THE University of San Agustin has again proved that it is the home of ‘excellent education’ by producing another successful alumnus in the field of public service.

Atty. Jose Edmund E. Guillen, the newly appointed Regional Director of Public Attorney’s Office, Western Visayas, earned his Bachelor of Law in 1993 in the University and was one of the recipients of the Alumni Achievement Awards in the field of law in 2014.

“I could not have been the kind of lawyer I am now if not for the values and training that I got from the College of Law of the University,” Guillen remarked.

Guillen, who took his Master of Laws degree from the University of Michigan Law School in 2011, started working at the Public Attorney’s Office in 1996 and became consistent on his dedication and integrity as he became the Officer-in-Charge in 2008.

“I could have gone to corporate law, I could have gone to private practice, I could have gone abroad, I could have stayed in the US after graduation, but it is my preferential option to give back,” Guillen added as he told the Augustinian his preference of going back to the University to teach Constitutional Law and bar review classes in Political Law. Deanne Mitzi Somollo, Guillen’s student revealed his professor’s dedication towards work, “He inspires students to learn beyond the classroom and to look at day to day activities from the point of view of the law.”

On the other hand, the USA College of Law has been recognized in 2011 as one of the top ten law schools, with its own law library housing the biggest collection of law books in the region which has been recognized by the Supreme Court.

“Of course, we cannot guarantee that you will become a lawyer; but we will give you a fighting chance to become one,” Atty.

Jose Mari Benjamin Francisco U. Tirol, Dean, College of Law mentioned citing the College’s edge among other law schools.

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Augustinian the

Volume LXII • Number 3 September 15, 2016

feature the price of speech What it meant to be someone standing up during Martial Law

USA PUB PHOTO • edward dominic e. emil io

by ANDREA NICOLE C. PARCE

She held her breath when the jeepney stopped. Dark and grim was the night, evident was the sign which glowed “Checkpoint.” Yet young Lilywas already near her dawn, her heart beat with anxiety. “Ma’am, pakibukas lang po ng bag.” Her life flashed before her eyes when she slowly unzipped her rucksack filled with underground paraphernalia.

A Bud of Hope Rosary on tanks, flowers on canyons. Prayers against rage, tears against bloodshed. It has been 44 years yet those who sought justice still hunger for it. The nation turned into an utter bloodbath while the “king,” on his majestic seat, behest orders to satisfy himself.

“I was in Grade 5 and barely 11 years old then. That was 1972. I knew nothing about the proclamation, but what affected me as a child were the sudden changes, including the disappearance of television programs and broadcast media,” revealed Lily Porras, an underground journalist during the Martial Law period when she spoke in to The Augustinian in Tagalog.

“I did not really feel the effects [of Martial Law] because I was too young. As a child who studied in a

public school, we were forced to sing songs about the Bagong Lipunan. At that time, I did not know that it was already a process of indoctrination,” shared Lily.

The Marcoses boasted about the New Society, hailing it as if it was the miracle we have been waiting for.

The Filipinos at that time willingly consumed the false nourishment that soon burnt their flesh and now divided the nation into warring tribes.

“At some point, Martial Law was good. There were very sensible Marcos programs like the Green Revolution and Masagana 99. These were acceptable for the school children because they did not know what was going on. Now, these kids grew up to be people who praised the Marcoses as if they were saints, citing the Marcos regime as the ‘Golden Era of the Philippines,’ simply because they had no other sources of information except for what was fed to them,” she explained, clearing up the mist surrounding the long debated issue.

As a child, her hopes and dreams were kept high on the pedestal. Her days of playing paper airplanes and paper boats were hued bright. Until one day, her planes

crashed, her boats sank and all of her dreams became soaked in a thick puddle of scarlet.

A Page Deeper “I was a member of the Legion of Mary that time. After our practice, I caught our priests inside the function room having a meeting. I overheard their sentiments about Marcos, his forbiddance to rally and to form unions,” recounted Lily.

As she narrated her tale, her spirit as an activist, loud and vibrant as her shouts, reverberated in roaring decibels in front of people willing to listen. They were deprived of their rights. Freedom was rare as wild boar. She fought and won. Now, four decades after her abandonment of the thrill and the pumping of the blood into her veins, she missed it. She is now craving for the fate that almost killed her.

“In this day and age, information is somewhat just one click away. This is both advantageous and dangerous.

History has been retold time and time again, but there are some who choose to twist it to their favor. Sensing the threat posed by this, we believe that it is imperative that we revisit the events that took place during Martial Law by listening to personal accounts

of those who struggled through it,” stressed Paul Mackey Marfil, chairperson of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines-Western Visayas (Iloilo Chapter) during the Poetry and Open Mic Night organized to commemorate the atrocities of Martial Law.

Martial Law in numbers

source • the new york times

3,527 Killed

70,000

more or less were Arrested

35,000

more or less were Tortured

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a hiddent treasure within the city How FUEL.PH brews coffee and unbridles Ilonggo talent “We also believe that, since there is a growing local art scene, sharing our own thoughts and expressions about Martial Law through poetry, prose, singing and other forms of art is a pretty good idea. After all, literature and the arts also played major roles in history,” remarked Paul regarding the role of art as a way of appreciating the past.

Remember Rue “Memories of Martial Law and their impact on our history and the present can stir up a lot of powerful emotions, and this served as a drive to create a piece, particularly when you take into consideration the recent and constant clashes of Marcos loyalists, plus the ignorant and the poorly educated with those who are experienced, learned and sympathized during the era,” expressed Arvie Joy Manejar, a poet from University of the PhilippinesVisayas.

“What Martial Law left behind does not end with those who lived during that time. Their stories will be passed down, no matter how apathetic the future generation may get. It is the darkest era of our country so far. To simply forgive and move on will not do our country any good, no closure will heal the wounds and the memories, nor will it bring back the lives lost and those who disappeared,” added Arvie.

September 21, 1972.It has been written on every history book, etched on every Filipino heart. Yet the start of this ruthless massive butchery of mankind has brought in its wake the spill and run-offs of Marcos’ dictatorship – forever tainted history that is now blurry, fading in melancholy as it reaches the tip of daylight.

She froze. A copy of the Liberation would automatically mean death. Yet there she was, panting, sitting still and hiding a hundred more. She eased her taut bag, the zipper inching slowly towards the opening. “Sige ma’am, magandang gabi po.” The men in camouflage released her as soon as they found the top part covered with clothing.

Dark and grim was the night when she returned to her seat with a long sigh of relief.

by eri ka dani elle m . p epi to Within the bustle and hustle of the City of Love’s Diversion Road lies a coffee shop that was once an intangible concept formed in the mind of an inspired group of people.

The coffee shop is reputable for their coffee concoctions and Open Mic Nights, attracting flocks of Ilonggos in their cravings for coffee and concealed talents. Tucked away in a unit of warehouses and settled next to a car brand showroom and a line of badminton courts is FUEL. PH, the first and only third wave specialty coffee shop in Iloilo City.

change. We are comprised of both foreign and local passion-chasers and therefore believe in the power of diversity.” Investing in the people and community as the most rewarding “return on investment” (ROI) intensifies their belief in an impactful business that strives to empower the community through the promotion and support of local products and talents, as well as the investment’s shaping of the world more than charity alone.

FOR PASSION AND PURPOSE

Friendly smiles and welcoming conversations meet their customers who seek a humble and comforting abode in the city. Fridays and Saturdays at FUEL.PH are synonymous with Open Mic Nights, where anyone can take on the stage from 6pm to 9pm and be liberal with their spoken word poetry, song covers or original compositions, and even stand-up comedy. Their “Community Shelves” also features local, handmade products by artists and dreamers, whose works empower change.

“We welcome any guest who wants to share their talents to the community to take the microphone – and keep it positive and uplifting!

We believe that everyone has a story to be told and we want to be a place for them to share it,” Cruise on FUEL.PH’s efforts to encourage their guests to join in the Open Mic.

FUEL.PH is spurred by its deep passion to inspire, encourage and provoke young people to pursue passion and purpose ever since its conception in the year 2011. Attaining the status of being a third wave specialty coffee shop means that “it has undergone the right process and has passed the standards of the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) for the quality and excellence of the coffee it brews,” Mr. Rey Punzalan, the coffee shop’s manager, boasts FUEL.PH being the only one of its kind in the city.

Ms. Sarah Cruise, FUEL.PH’s executive director, shares on the coffee shop’s humble beginnings.

“Fuel began with a small group of dreamers who dared to imagine a city who would rally together to see positive social and economic

WITH OPEN ARMS TO THE COMMUNITY

UNTARNISHED FAITH FUEL.PH never fails those who are up for gastronomic quests, with their spicy tuna grilled cheese sandwich, their 100 percent beef burger, and of course, the quality coffee, milk teas and creative concoctions. All these are served with passion and genuine customer service.

On how FUEL.PH keeps its image in the midst of modern coffee shops, Cruise shared that “God has blessed us with an incredible team!

Our team makes us stand out. Our team believes in the impact that Fuel can make or is making. Our team believes in the beauty in people and the gold waiting to be discovered. Our team believes in creativity and excellence. Our team believes in the power of passion, purpose and community. That is what makes us different than any other coffee shop in the city - our people, our family - here to serve and encourage positive change in our city.”

“We still do what we do best - and that's invest in people and cultivate community. We are able to create a place that people want to be - and where they can feel that they even belong,” this is FUEL. PH above all, Cruise highlights.

With every coffee bean extracted also exposes a talent unseen. This encapsulates FUEL.PH, committed to serve Ilonggos, five years and counting.

Augustinian the

Volume LXII • Number 3 September 15, 2016

Sports

corrupted potential acrophonic

Rj Junsay, BS ChE ‘19 Scan code to send an email reply

COT, COC ace dance sports competition

DANCING THEIR WAY TO THE TOP. Solas and Denila (Top) hit their balance as they go through waltz. Meanwhile, Williams and Sadsad (Bottom) show off their ad lib moves during the samba. USA PUB PHOTO • allaine rose m. emnacen b y r o c h e ll e m a e m. muz one s With grace and complex routine, couples of College of Technology (COT) and College of Commerce (COC) swayed all their way to the top in Modern Standard and Latin American dance sports, respectively, during this year's Intramurals held at the University's gymnasium, Aug. 25.

COT's couple Leandro Martin Denila and Alessandra Marie Solas, sophomore architecture students, showed off in waltz, foxtrot, tango and quickstep while COC's couple Kent Vincent Sadsad (BS Hotel and Restaurant Management) and Racia Jean Rey Williams (BS Tourism Management) topped in jive, paso doble, rhumba, and samba.

“Despite the issues regarding with my partner, I didn't expect that this will be the result. Two weeks of preparation is all

worth it. One week for memorization of the routine and one week for polishing.

We offer this to the Almighty God,” Solas told The Augustinian.

College of Health and Allied Medical Professions (CHAMP) and COC proved their consistency of being on top by earning second and third place in Modern Standard, respectively, while the CHAMP and neophytes, Senior High School, placed second and third in Latin American, respectively.

"Although we didn't make it on top in Latin American, we are still proud of representing our college," Miguel Asuncion, COT's Latin American representative, shared.

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

Recently, the 20-year drought of the Philippines in Olympics has been quenched with the historic silver-medal performance of Hidilyn Diaz during the Rio Olympics. Without much support from the government, this young lady made her way to grab the limelight of success in the international scene of sports. The country always hopes for more medals during every international sports competition yet the government never fully extended its help to discover more sports enthusiasts which resulted for Philippines to play the underdog streak in international competitions like Olympics.

During the 1970’s, were on the cream of the crop in South East Asian (SEA) Games. In over 20 Olympic Games since 1924, the Philippines has won a dismal nine medals including two silvers and seven bronzes. Today, the Philippine’s name in sports continue to deteriorate in so many aspects. For instance, in the SEA Games 2015, the estimated 45-50 gold medals from 466 Filipinos who represented the country bagged only 29 gold, 36 silver, and 66 bronze medals on the way to a sixth place out of 11 countries.

Filipinos are naturally talented. There are many notable Filipino athletes who made promising successes in various sports and who could make it but talent is nothing without support. It’s like building a house with a roof without foundations to hold onto it.

Most athletes especially those from province only uses their limited sources and minimal government support. Hopeless as it is, some Olympic dreams never have the just to turn it into reality.

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has the function to Rationalize and regulate the establishment of publicly-funded sports complexes and supervise the management and maintenance thereof, excluding school or college-owned sports complexes according to Section 7 of RA 6847. While the Philippine Olympic Committee, affiliated with the International Olympic Committee, is hereby recognized as the National Olympic Committee for the Philippines, it is autonomous in character according to Section 12 of RA 6847. However, allegations on failure of liquidation of millions of pesos to the PSC by ex-PSC chairman Harry Angping. Also there is a controversy over positions on POC-PSC partnership. Philippine’s arms to help in improving sports in the country is also swimming in the mud of corruption and dispute.

Lack of training, good sports facilities and motivation is really what is missing in the Philippines. There are lots of potential but sports is not really among the top priorities of the country. It is only today when Diaz won that sports became a big thing once again.

Aside from the corruption that is happening in the government, the mentality of Filipinos is also a problem. Some keep on thinking of what could be the benefits in playing sports, is it just about garnering medals or is it just for fame? The answer is no. Engaging into sports is more than those shinning medals and fame; it changes one’s perspective in life. Many athletes became degree holder with the aid of their scholarship in sports just like here in the University.

Now, there are plans for the construction of a multi-billion peso ‘Philippine Olympic City’ at the Clark Green City in Clark Field, Pampanga. This will become one of the future attractions at Clark which will house national athletes and will provide sports facilities that could be use to host SEA Games in 2019 if finished on time. The plans for the betterment of Philippine sports is still at stake.

The Philippines has the big chance to become part of the world’s best in terms of sports. A change in the system and in the mentality of people towards sports are the greatest remedy for the continuing corruption of the potential of Philippine athletes.