tWS 2019-2020 5th Issue

the

117 years

weeklysillimanian

@tWSilliman theweeklysillimanian.com

TOWARDS A PROGRESSIVE CAMPUS PRESS

VOL. XCIII NO.6 | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2019

RELIEF. An on-going PEP class held at the ‘Breather Room’ launched by Silliman University Peer Advocacy Program last Sept. 5. PHOTO BY Ian Zane T. Esparaga.

SUPAP launches ‘The Breather Room’

S

illiman University Peer Advocacy Program (SUPAP) pre-launched ‘The Breather Room’ at the 3rd floor, Oriental Hall last Aug 23.

According to Jovy Leo Alatan, sophomore Mechanical Engineering student and President of the SUPAP, ‘The Breather Room’ was created to accommodate students who have concerns and needs.

He mentioned that the room will be handled by student volunteers and SUPAP members who under-

Shareen Anjali Warad | News Writer

went rigid training for basic helping skills, leadership, mental health and facilitation. “This group of students belongs to the young adult group ages 18 and above who would better understand their peers coming from the same age level,” Alatan added.

The room will serve as a refugee center or “first stop” for students who have trouble in their academics, personal-social adjustments and family life. Alatan also mentioned that the room will be a place for students who are intimidated to go

directly to their respective guidance counselors. In cases that are beyond the capacity of the SUPAPers, the frontliners of the university's Guidance and Testing Department, the student concerned will be referred to their guidance counselor to perform proper referral protocol.

SUPAP is the Peer Facilitators’ group in the university; they help others go through their problems by offering guidance and giving emotional support. According to Alatan, the group was originally called

SUPOP or the Silliman University Peer Outreach Program; it was last year when Daryl Robinson, former SUSG president and former SUPOP president, and his batchmates together with the head of the Guidance and Testing dep't renamed the organization to Peer Advocacy Program since the interventions were performed within the group are done for a cause (advocacy).

‘The Breather Room’ was intentionally placed near the Personal

SU ranks third in Mechanical Engineer Licensure Examination; 34 pass

S

Dominic Zi Ann Ng | News Writer

illiman University (SU) ranked third in the list of top 10 Mechanical Engineering schools in the Philippines during the August 2019 Mechanical Engineer Licensure Examination.

In line with this, thirty-four SU graduates passed the Mechanical Engineer Licensure Examination given last Aug. 25-26. The university’s overall passing rate is 94.44%, while the national passing rate is 70.61%. Out of these 34 passers are two repeaters who passed the exam.

According to the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), an announcement was given on Aug. 31 that 3,928 out of 5,563 passed the exam given by the Board of Mechanical Engineering in various cities of the Philippines.

Chairperson of SU Mechanical Engineering Department Engr.

Louie Pierre O. Equio said 33 of them took the exam in Cebu while one examinee took it in Manila.

“Be reminded that passing the board exam is just the beginning of your journey as engineers,” Engr. Equio said in congratulating the new Mechanical Engineers of SU. He also congratulated the faculty and staff of the College of Engineering and Design, especially his colleagues in the Mechanical Engineering Department for doing great. tWS List of the newly licensed nutritionist-dietitians at Page 4

Two Sillimanians top ND boards

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illiman University (SU) strikes again as two graduates from the university topped the Nutrition Dietetics (ND) Licensure Examination last August 18-19.

Ferido, Joshua placed sixth with an average of 89.35% and Sagun, Christian Denzel placed tenth with an average of 88.7%.

SU garnered a 94.12% passing rate surpassing the national passing rate of 63.81%.

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announced that 968 out of 1,517 passed the Nutritionist-Dietician Licensure Examination. A total of 32 students from SU became newly registered nutritionist-dietitians.

According to Prof. Jin H. Genove, chairperson of the Nutrition-Dietetics department, the examinees took a refresher course here in SU and took the examination in Manila and Cebu.

Meanwhile, when asked what advice the ND toppers can give to students, Ferido advised them to, “Never strive for perfection but strive for excellence and the best version of yourself.” According to him, there will be days where it will be hard and discouraging, but he urges students to carry on because those days will

Enhancement Program rooms to reach out to more students, especially freshmen who are still adjusting to the new environment.

The room will also showcase students’ artworks and plays. So far, since they pre-launched the room, seven to 12 students come visit and rest every day. Mr. Alatan also said that the formal launching of the facilities will come within this month. tWS

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R ü ckkeh r u n r u h e?

Ken o ps i a? s i lli m a n .

twsfeatures

Henrie Angelie L. Tam Dominic Zi Ann Ng News Writers

teach them humility. He also encourages students to always be thankful to God and to put on a smile during hard times.

Sagun, on the other hand, advised students not to succumb to the pressure since everyone has a different pace. He tells students to take it easy and “don’t feel guilty for binge-watching that entire Netflix series or going out with friends because you deserve to take a breather once in a while.” When students feel down, he advises to “call it a day and take a rest but remember to get back up tomorrow and hustle again.”

Currently, Sagun is a medical student at the Cebu Institute of Medicine. Ferido hopes to pursue medicine as well.

Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) administered the Nutrition and Dietetics licensure examination in Manila, Baguio, Cebu, Davao, and Zamboanga. Aside from SU, students from Adventist University of The Philippines, Polytechnic University of The Philippines-Main-Sta. Mesa, University of Santo Tomas, University of the Philippines Dilliman and Los Baños also garnered the ten highest places on the board exam. tWS List of the newly licensed mechanical engineers at Page 4

By Diamay Klem D. Balacuit

twsopinion THINKING BEYOND SPACE

UNPLEASANT YEAR OF LAST

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the weekly sillimanian September 6, 2019

EDITORIAL

Rückkehrunruhe? K e n o p s i a ?

W

Silliman.

hen thinking of Hibalag, we immediately go to the idea of spending time with friends, family, or batchmates that you haven’t seen in a while since graduation or the last reunion. The soul of the Hibalag festival is the concept of “pagtapok” which means that the core of it is reminiscing and celebrating our relationships with our peers, colleagues, and the Silliman community. tWS believes that the celebration of Hibalag 2019 and Founders Week could’ve gone smoother and better. It looked on the surface that a major event was cancelled because the administration underestimated their well-marketed “Silliman Spirit.”

Hibalag this year had an almost black-and-white reception from the students and alumni alike. The results from the poll tWS conducted online, the personal sentiments from individual statuses and tweets, and the explicit expressions of frustration of those who were standing outside in the rain, all converge on the fact that the cancellation of the Parada Sillimaniana proved to be sufficient reason why this iteration of Founders Week will go down as the most infamous in recent history.

The best Hibalags are when you’re able to celebrate and at the same time give back to the community. tWS does not deny the statement however, we believe that Hibalag should be in-line with its definition — pagtapok. The fact that the closing bands performed during heavy weather conditions versus the fact that the Parada was cancelled with the similar conditions raises a few eyebrows. What “Silliman Spirit” were the organizers really referring to? tWS believes that the authorities, the organizers, and the leaders, who made the hard decisions did no wrong. They made the choice that they believed to be the best interest of the constituents that they were responsible for. However, we believe that the statements they made could have had a better representation other than leaving a lasting impression of invalidating the efforts of all those who prepared, those who stood in the rain, and those who pushed through with the parade, despite the weather conditions. tWS

Editor-in-Chief Associate Editor News Editor Features Editor News Writers

Feature Writers

Photojournalists Layout Artists Cartoonist Business Manager Asst. Business Manager Web Manager Circulation Manager Office Manager Adviser Opinions expressed in the columns are those of the columnists and not of tWS or of Silliman University.

Comments, questions, and suggestions are highly appreciated.

All submitted manuscripts become the property of tWS. Manuscripts will be edited for brevity and clarity.

Member: College Editors Guild of the Philippines

Jean Aldemer S. Salgados Kevin Q. Alaban Kristhel Hannah B. Baluarte Jeck G. Tirambulo Francis Ryan B. Pabiania Shareen Anjali B. Warad Edan Sam G. Pancho Henrie Angelie L. Tam Dominic Zi Ann D. Ng Maria Fiona A. Labucuas Diamay Klem D. Balacuit Deogracia William A. Bemida Junelie Anthony Velonta Ian Zane T. Esparaga Natha Le Louise B. Bureros Alrivin M. Trivilegio Agustin Vicente G. Bas Rochin A. Elnas ChunChun Maru Dan Walter D. Reyes Quezeah G. Alcantara Nathan Angelo B. Cruz Neil Willer S. Nobleza Andrea Marie A. Palomo Dr. Warlito S. Caturay Jr. The Weekly Sillimanian is published every week by the students of Silliman University, with editorial and business addresses at 1/F Oriental Hall, Silliman University, Hibbard Avenue, Dumaguete City 6200, Philippines. SU PO Box 24.

Telephone number (35) 422-6002 local 243.

https://www.facebook.com/tWSilliman/ https://www.twitter.com/tWSilliman/ https://theweeklysillimanian.com https://instagram.com/weeklysillimanian weeklysillimanian@su.edu.ph

THINKING BEYOND SPACE I

n a report from the Manila Times, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) reported the budget utiliFrancis Ryan B. Pabiania zation of governNews Writer ment agencies has improved in the first seven months of 2019, agencies used P1.569 trillion of the P1.688 trillion released under the Notice of Cash Allocation (NCA) from January to July.

However,In its effort to appropriately fund national and local agencies, the Philippine government still struggles to equalize the economic condition of its people. Yet another expense looms with Republic Act 11363, a quite ambitious law that would establish our own space agency akin to US’ NASA. President Duterte signed earlier this month the Philippine Space Act, creat-

ing the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) tasked to plan, develop and promote the national space program in the next decade.

Significantly, the approval of the Philippine Space Agency would be helpful in elevating science and technology in the Philippines. Senator Bam Aquino, who penned the bill before the end of his term, said that the launching of a space program would give Filipinos a new perspective and valuable insights that could help solve some of the country’s biggest problems. These include satellites that would improve disaster management, environmental conservation and preservation, urban planning, transportation and communication networks. But if there is one sector that PhilSA would directly and immediately benefit, it would arguably be agriculture.

PhilSA seeks to give the country more accurate and timely data about its atmospheric and geographic conditions helpful in stepping up the management of

our agricultural resources, given that our country economically depends on it. According to Fact Sheet Philippines, agriculture contributes an average of 20 percent to its gross domestic product and involves about 40 percent of its workers.

With the help of PhilSA, we can cope with the prevalent climatic threats to our crops, livestock and fisheries – those that do not only spell income but also fill stomachs.

We measure people’s well being through how they can sustain providing food on their tables. Apparently, that would be farfetched without our flourishing agriculture, which can be improved notches with space satellite technology.

PhilSA may be a subject of awe to some or scrutiny by others, but we can’t deny the boons it could bring in the long run.

Regardless of how we look at it, at the end of the day, thinking forward at a great expense will definitely pay off greater dividends. tWS

contingents might not attend it and just proceed to the ballfield, eventually an hour before the parade commenced, they cancelled it, neglecting the odds that the rain might weaken or dissipate.

The administration's abrupt decision earned ire from the participating departments, alumni, and even the organizers. They did not consider the time, effort, and money that the contingents invested in preparation for the parade: the sleepless nights that the students endured just to give a splendid performance for the audience; the time and money that the alumni invested just to attend the event; the cadets who offered commitment and endured the rain just to ensure that the passage was safe and clear for the attendees; the medics, the working committees, the spectators; and the graduating students, who in their four years or more of staying at Silliman only yearned to experience the last parade.

The silent cries of frustration were all the aggravated parties could do after the fiasco. Some talked about it all night, over a cup of coffee; some even expressed doubt over the validity of the administration's decision.

Many hoped that it would be rescheduled. And to answer that, yes, the parade will be rescheduled... next year. Eventually, the rest of us have come to accept it: there's no Parada for this year. But there's next year, where it will be rescheduled. The tradition can still be rebuilt. However, should such a kind of thoughtless and inconsiderate deliverance be allowed to go unscorned?

The admin cited bad weather and

health reasons. The unfavorable weather seems like a petty one. The downpour has stopped a few minutes before the stated time of the parade. Maybe, such rain can penetrate umbrellas, thus the cancellation. However, it is also the same rain that didn't stop some senior alumni to march the road even if nothing awaits them in the ballfield.

Where no warm and jubilant welcome awaits for them as they enter the gates of the ballfield. Ergo, it seems like such unfavorable weather is not a good excuse.

And then we were informed of their second reason. The health concerns. The health concerns that everyone has used as valid reasons in any event since time immemorial. No, everyone will not easily get sick after being wet, they bring with them umbrellas, after all. Knowing that they were eager to join the parade even if it means being wet just shows how health does not matter to them. Such a reason doesn't seem to ring a bell. How they use 'health concern' as a reason did not pacify nor give justice to the event's cancellation. It only ignites further questions. Really, who's health are they concerned of?

"Rain has triumph over the 'rain or shine' Parada Sillimaniana."

The previous year may have been a year of firsts but certainly this year may also have another year of firsts.

The first to have cancelled an iconic tradition.

Hopefully, the decision-making body may also consider this first the welfare of every Sillimanian.

Somebody is having an unpleasant year of last.

UNPLEASANT YEAR OF LAST T

he cancelled Parada Sillimaniana did not only cause furor from alumni and organizers, but also gave an unpleasant Jeck G. Tirambulo souvenir to the Features Editor graduating students whose only yearning was to enjoy their last parade before leaving the halls of Silliman.

Every 27th day of August, the university holds a parade of dignity and pride, a highly coveted event of the Founders Week celebration attended by students, alumni, and people whose souls had been touched by the spirit of Silliman.

Featuring colorful floats and jovial marching bands, the Parada Sillimaniana easily attracts an audience -- genteel and modest alike.

The decades-old tradition that is valued by every Sillimanian has always been persistent to circumstances, be it foreseen or unforeseen. The 'rain or shine Parada' as they say, signifies that no matter what unfortunate event would transpire, the must go on.

However, on its 118th anniversary, the iconic parade seemed to have been hampered by a predictable circumstance - a downpour. In response to such, narratives from someone who was there said that the members of the administration themselves discussed if they would continue the event or not. In the end, the parade was called off, citing another reason, a really vague one, the health reasons. Although, they offered an alternative that the

tWS

the weekly sillimanian September 6, 2019

twsfeatures 3

Wikang Katutubo: Pakinisin, Palakasin at Pagyamanin para sa Matatag na Pagkakilanlang-Filipino Talumpati ni Alliah Carmela Abella “Kung ang pagkain ang bumubuhay sa isang tao, at ang gasolina ang nagpapatakbo sa isang sasakyan, ang wika naman ang siyang kaluluwa na nagpapakilos, nagpapatakbo, nagpapaangat at nagpapaunlad ng isang bansa.”

“Wikang Katutubo: Tungo sa Isang Bansang Filipino”. Ang tema ay naglalayon na pakinisin, pagyamanin, at patatagin ang wikang katutubo tungo sa mabisang ugnayan at nang sa gayon ay mapangalagaan ang kayamanang pamana sa atin ng ating mga ninuno.

Ngunit bakit nga ba natin ito kailangang pangalagaan? Bakit nga ba natin ito ipinaglalaban? Layon kong mabuksan ang iyong mga puso’t isipan at nang sa huli, kayo’y makiisa sa pilit kong pinapahalagahan.

Ang pitong libo’t isang daan at pitong isla na bumubuo sa ating bansang Pilipinas ang siyang ugat na pinagmulan ng mahigit kumulang isang daan at tatlumpung mayayamang dayalekto na patuloy na nagbubuklod at nagpapatakbo ng komunikasyon at pagkakaisa sa ating sariling bansa. Ang wika ay tila isang apoy na isinindi sa isang parte ng kagubatan sapagkat ang bilis nito sa pagkalat sa ibang mga halaman ay ganoon din sa mga mamayan na siyang dahilan ng pagyabong ng ating kulturang kinagisnan.

Ngunit sa paglipas ng panahon, labis na tayong naitali sa makabagong pamamaraan at nabulag sa globalisasyon.

Tinalikuran at naiwan na natin sa ating katutubong wika na siyang pamana ng ating mga ninuno. Kung manonood ng telebisyon, Ingles ang wikang naririnig. Kung nasa paaralan, Ingles ang wikang ginagamit. Kung nasa tahanan, ay kadalasang Ingles ang mga salitang naisasambit.

Tinatantsang tatlumpu’t siyam na mga katutubong wika ang nanganganib na maglaho, mga wikang bantayog ng ating pagkaFilipino. Hahayaan na lang ba natin itong mangyari? Ibinigay

ito ng libre at ang tanging pagtitibay ang pangangailangan pero hindi pa natin kayang tugunan. Balewala na lang nga ba ang dugo’t pawis na isinakripisyo ng ating mga ninuno noong ipinaglalaban nila ang ating kalayaan? Kung mas naiaaral pa natin ang wika ng iba kaysa sa ating wika ay hindi pa rin tayo nakalaya sa mga kamay ng nga mananakop. Patuloy na makukulong sa rehas at mananatiling nakakadena sa marahas na paniniwala ang ating pag-iisip na mas mahalaga ang wika nila kaysa sa sarili nating wika.

Kaya narito ako ngayon. Kung hindi kayo, ay ako ang gagawa ng paraan upang magampanan ko ang katagang “kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan”. Paano mangyayari ito?

Tatlong paraan lamang.

Una, ang pagtangkilik sa ating katutubong wika sa ating sariling mga tahanan. Dayalekto’y ating gamitin nang sa gayon ay ang kabataan at nakatatanda ay mas lalong magkakaintindihan. Ayon sa Social Weather Stations, 85% ng mga Pilipino ang nakakaintindi sa wikang kinagisnan samantalang 65% lamang ang nakakaintindi sa wikang banyaga.

Nangangahulugan lamang, na mas mainam ang paggamit ng sariling wika sa komunikasyon upang agad nating makikita ang aksyon at kaunlaran.

Ikalawa, ang pagpapakinis sa pag-aaral ng Mother Tounge dahil nalilinang ang kakayahan at kagalingan ng mga magaaral sa wikang kanilang kinagisnan. Sa pamamagitan nito ay mas mapapabuti at mapapabilis ang pag-iintindi sa mga impormasyon dahil sariling wika ang ginagamit. Sa edukasyon, ay maibabahagi ang kaalaman sa wikang kinagisnan sa kapwa ko mag-aaral at sa mga susunod pang henerasyon. Maging inspirasyon natin ang talino ni Aliguyon, tatag ni Lam-ang, galing ni Indarapatra, at tapang ni Sulayman sa pagtatanggol ng kanilang pinapahalagahang kultura at lugar.

Photo by Nadja Brittany Tobias, SUCC

Ikatlo, ang pagtanggap at pagyakap sa sariling wika ng buong puso. Bilang isang pangunahing pangkulturang pamana ng mga sinaunang Pilipino, ang wikang katutubo ang nagbigay ng artikulasyon sa nakaraan na siyang patuloy na humuhubog sa karunungan ng sangkatauhan sa kasalukuyan. Mainam na ang wikang nakasanayan ang ginagamit upang mahubog ang ating kaalaman sa sariling atin.

Mga madla, maging isang dalagang Pilipina at ginoong Pilipino na mapagmalaki sa sariling wika sa mundong puno ng pagtalikod at pagyakap nito. Makapangyarihan ngang tunay ang wika dahil ito ang pinagmumulan ng impormasyon na nagpapatakbo sa ating ekonomiya, humuhubog sa ating pag-iisip, at nagtutulak sa ating kaunlaran at pagkakaintindihan.

Hindi lamang ang kapakanan ng katutubong wika ang pinoprotektahan at ipinaglalaban ko ngayon. Ibinabandera ko ang boses at karapatan ng kabataan ngayon at sa darating na henerasyon na siyang susi sa pagpapakinis, pagpapanatiling buhay, at pagpapalakas ng ating katutubong wika na nagsisilbing talamsik na nagpapasimula ng apoy na patuloy na umaalab at bumubuo sa ating kultura pati na rin sa pag-alala ng ating mga pamana mula sa nakaraan.

Sa dakong huli, bilang kabataan na pag-asa ng bayan, nakasalalay sa ating mga kamay ang pagpapalakas sa katutubong wika na siyang may malaki ring impluwensiya sa pagpapayaman ng wikang Filipino - ang ating ilaw at lakas sa pagdukal at pagtuklas ng bagong kaalaman na magpapaunlad sa sambayanang Filipino.

Wikang Katutubo: Pakinisin, Palakasin at Pagyamanin Tungo sa Matatag na Pagkakilanlan at Bansang Filipino!

THEIR BAKWIT STORY Diamay Klem D. Balacuit | Feature Writer

L

umads --- the people rich in culture and tradition yet living in terror.

Lumad is a Cebuano term for indigenous people.

They are a group of people that comprises the 14 to 17 million of the Filipino population. Most of them belong to 110 ethno-linguistic groups where majority of them are found in Mindanao.

“Born of the Earth” is the meaning of the word “Lumad”. The said meaning created a picture of what their lives all about --- living in simple huts, tilling lands, cultivating plants, and protecting nature. They don’t have all of the materials the common people have. They only have ancestral domains --- the only thing that can help them live in this world.

It is an inheritance thing Ancestral domain is a term named for lands, territories, and resources owned by the indigenous people through ancestry. It does not only indicate lands and territories but this also indicates rich relationship beyond what is seen in the naked eye --- which is the spiritual and cultural aspects.

Since time immemorial, they already have these ancestral domains. Their forefathers gave it to them and they are tasked to protect it at all costs.

Most of their ancestral domains are found in the countryside. They live their lives, away from a world where everything is not free to live. They live their lives in consonance with nature --- where everything is free.

The spiritual and cultural aspects that they have also shown how rich they are. Colourful dances and clothing, solemn rituals and activities, and gracious manners are all evident to their living.

Upside down world Despite the richness they have, they are one of the marginalized sectors of the country. Poverty is evident in their communities and basic social services cannot be easily found in there place.

One of the basic social services that Lumads do not have is education. It is stated in Philippine Constitution that every Filipino has the right to have education. Hence, they also have this right. In order to address this need, along with initiative, alternative

schools were created. The schools that were made have a curriculum that is in line with their needs such as learning how to read and write, and agriculture.

But most of these alternative schools, which addresses their education, are now closed. Closure of these schools was done to address the insurgency by the rebels.

Insurgency and military warfare against rebels in the mountainous areas caused their world to turn upside down. From having a rich domain of culture and tradition, they are now facing the world with poverty and deprived rights, not just deprived of education but also of other basic human rights.

Their right, their fight The continuing conflicts in mountainous areas resulted for them to “bakwit”, a Cebuano term for “evacuate”, to plains. The said move is a way for them to stay away from these conflicts.

Their schools that were once treasured are now empty halls – with deafening silence in every corner.

The community that was once full of happiness and laughter is now an empty place, with no trace of any of them. Instead, these places are now present with military and rebels.

Insurgency in mountainous areas is just one of the problems that they have aside from the other oppressions they suffer. It brought to them terror. It impeded their task to protect their ancestral domains and the rights they have. Yet, they are still hopeful that these things will come to an end.

As they bakwit away from any oppression they have experienced in their ancestral domains, the fight for their rights did not stop them. Instead, they continue to voice out so that such pleas will reach to everyone --- to hear their stories of being terrorized, hoping that we lend our helping hands to them. tWS

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the weekly sillimanian September 6, 2019

RANDOMSPACE: AUGUST HIGHLIGHTS

the

Aside from the Silliman University Founders Week, here are other international events that took place during the month of August that were a cause for action, happiness, and triumph.

AMAZON RAINFOREST FIRE NASA corroborated the findings of Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research (INPE) and found a cumulative loss of over 9,060 square kilometers of the Amazon rainforest as of August 29. This is amid rising political tensions in the region and a boom in the agribusiness sector in Brazil.

MARZIA AND FELIX

THE INTERNATIONAL 2019

PewDiePie, one of the most popular YouTubers, got married this week to his long-term girlfriend, Marzia Bisognin. The Sweden-born PewDiePie, whose real name is Felix Kjellberg, has nearly 100 million subscribers on YouTube, and has an estimated net worth of $20 million. Marzia Bisognin used to be an active YouTuber, but left the platform in October 2018 to focus on her mental health. The couple — now Felix and Marzia Kjellberg — got married exactly eight years after they first met in a small ceremony that appears to have taken place at London's Kew botanical garden.

The International 9 Dota Tournament or TI9 was held at the Mercedez-Benz Arena in Shanghai last August 20 to 25, with a prize pool of over 34 Million dollars. TI8 defending champions Team OG defeated TI7 champions Team Liquid in a best of 5 grand final match, making history as the first team to win The International twice in a row, with the same playing roster.

Photo from https://www.instagram.com/pewdiepie

Photo from https://www.washingtonpost.com

Photo from https://www.flickr.com/photos/dota2ti

Compiled by: Jean Aldemer S. Salgados | Editor-in-Chief

Abella: ‘Unexpected win at all’

I

t was an 'unexpected' triumph for Alliah Carmela Abella of Ramon Teves Pastor Memorial Dumaguete Science High School who bested seven other contestants on the 23rd edition of Talumpati ng Taon held at Luce Auditorium, Sept. 1.

"I didn’t expect to win at all. I was the youngest and the most inexperienced among the eight intelligent and talented competitors. It still feels surreal to actually win Talumpati ng Taon while representing my school," Abella said.

Abella, who wrote her winning piece for almost two hours, stated that the tradition-

Francis Ryan B. Pabiania | News Writer

al language is important for Filipinos.

"I believe that it is important for us Filipinos to keep our ‘katutubong wika’ alive by using it at home and in school, as good communication results to progress," she said.

The 18-year-old grade 12 STEM student, shared that she didn't even focus on the competition because of her responsibilities as the Supreme Student Government President in her school.

Abella was also the Inter-HighSchool Grand Law Oratorical Champion in 2017, Dagliang Talumpati Champion in 2018 - division level, extem-

poraneous speaking 2nd placer in 2017, radio broadcasting best news presenter (1st) - Regional level 2017.

However, Abella managed the pressure [of her titles] because of "strong support system" of her family, schoolmates and friends.

"My parents, schoolmates, and friends kept reminding me that this competition is just a rock along my rough road to success," she added.

Milen Jan Rodriguez of Foundation University and Junielou Pataganao of College of Education Student Organization placed second and third, respectively. tWS

BOGO

WRAP. The final eight contestants of Talumpati ng Taon during the awarding rites with Chairperson Neil Anthony Lajot (second from right), held at Luce Auditorium, Sept. 1. PHOTO BY Nadja Britanny Tobias, Silliman University Camera Club.

twserrata

In the Hibalag Newsletter, the column "Once I Was a Happy tWS EIC," the writer of the column, Rothelia Maria Gaudan-Ugsad, not Rothelia Marie Gaudan-Usgad.

Congratulations to our Congratulations to our newly licensed Nutritionist-Dieticians! newly licensed Mechanical Engineers!

1. Aba, Daniel Angelo V. 2. Abrio, Kurt Jan Ronald J. 3. Agader, Mieden N. 4. Alima, Uzzy Frayan B. 5. Amigo, Mikel Anton Theodore C. 6. Balbuena, Judith May J. 7. Barot, Kidd Kenny Q. 8. Bigay, Kervin B. 9. Bucad, Caryl Faye T. 10. Cuevas, Christyll Angellic P. 11. Duka, Jennica Shane V. 12. Duran, Rhoanna Deesree O. 13. Ferido, Joshua T. 14. Flores, Reanna A. 15. Gabuya, Kathleen Jane K. 16. Gaviola, Warlymae E.

17. Gonzaga, Enya B. 18. Hachuela, Rex Alfred Julius P. 19. Khio, Alein Geil Adrienne B. 20. Laurente, Jayna Mae L. 21. Marfil, Mark John Dale A. 22. Migullas, Gerek P. 23. Pawaki, Razeen-Khazaz S. 24. Reyes, Jose Richard IV T. 25. Sagario, Vince Ronan G. 26. Sagun, Christian Denzel T. 27. Somido, Vince Julius B. 28. Tabilon, Tedee S. 29. Tolentino, Jenevieve R. 30. Tuanda, Rjica Jenina P. 31. Villadolid, Paul Joshua G. 32. Zamoras, Marianne E.

1. Abella, Franz Martin Ingo 2. Ablong, John Christian Borja 3. Bais, Millard John Abellon 4. Barot, Abiel Abejero 5. Bongalos, Gian Marco 6. Buling, Junmar Patron 7. Ceriales, Neil Anthony Eumague 8. Cordova, Aries Niño Ramos 9. Credo, Ted Matthew Gabriel Infante 10. Domen, Dominique Anne Hachero 11. Duca, Mike Francis Geralde 12. Dueñas, Meneses Jr. Tapia 13. Fuentes, Uzziel Gene Malahay 14. Garcia, Jon David Galia 15. Lirazan, Primzelle Uy 16. Lomboy, Abel Jan Villanueva 17. Mananquil, Ramon Isaac Tang

18. Mariño, Lawrence Joseph Besario 19. Montes, Chester Dave Gañas 20. Nario, Joshua Mariano Estrellado 21. Otod, Philscent Mark Tamala 22. Paglinawan, Neil Jr. Quiro-Quiro 23. Pastorfie, Mark David Alde 24. Pinili, Petil Pam Teves 25. Publico, Rouell Luis Luga 26. Quiamco, Chris Joshua Sison 27. Refe, Renz Kyle Balahan 28. Ricaborda, Ben Jeco Abalos 29. Rich, Nicole Joy Camposano 30. Rosales, Vincent Rey Mirambel 31. Salvoro, Leopoldo Jr. Alcancia 32. Tabilon, Joshua Lloyd Banogon 33. Tuale, Jezrell Torreda 34. Verstrepen, Brent Santillan

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