JULY Newspaper

5 JULY 3, 2008

Official Student Publication of the University of St. La Salle * USLS Coliseum Ground Floor, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 * Volume 51 Number 13 Official Student Publication of the University of St. La Salle * USLS Coliseum Ground Floor, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 * Volume 51 Number 13

1THE SPECTRUM

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VOL. 52 NO. 1 • JULY 3, 2008OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE, BACOLOD CITY

THE SPECTRUMwww.thespectrum.ph | www.thespectrum.ph/forum

CONSTRUCTION OR DEVASTATION? Devastation. Mater Dei suffered the wrath of Typhoon Frank last June 21-22, leaving the whole site in a chaotic state.

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the bookstore and Granada Eco Park, renovation of the student center and the purchases of buses and air-condition for the coliseum.

The Mutien Marie AnnexTo house the facilities for

the professional school, the construction of the Mutien Marie Annex will be pursued.

Corporate rooms and moot courts with multimedia equipment will be at the MM annex for the use of the professional school, graduate school and the university students.

Also the four-storey building is planned to have an elevator similar to the elevator put-up for Benilde Building.

“The new facilities will not only be exclusive for the professional school but also for the other members of the Lasallian community,” Bergante said.

By Neslie Faith V. Sianson

Manuel Eduardo de la Paz, Pre-Med Society president qualified the Bayer Young Environmental Envoy (BYEE) Program 2008.

Bayer is the first company in the world to enter a long-term partnership with the United Nations Environment

Programme (UNEP) in the area of youth and environment. It is a search for the 12 young Filipino ambassadors for the environment. Bayer selected from among hundreds of applicants all over the Philippines a roster of 12 college students who have displayed a particularly strong commitment to environmental issues and become

environmental envoys for their countries.

The 12 young Filipinos automatically become a lifetime member of the BYEE Club-Philippines, a strong network of young leaders from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao committed to promote youth environmental programs.

De la Paz focused his project on

Campus-Wide Wildlife Conservation Program, which concentrated on the preservation of endangered biodiversity through education and ownership of projects supporting protection which will strengthen wildlife appreciation and conservation. The project implementation will involve student

PreMed prexy qualifies as Bayer Young Environmental Envoy

Burglar victimizes University employeeInstallation of security cameras and alarms, likely

By John Alexander M. Cuyoca

To install security cameras and alarm systems, and to hire more security guards in more sensitive areas of the University.

These were among the proposals of the University Security Office headed by Security Supervisor Dennis Tan to the University Board of Trustees regarding the rise in the number of theft cases in the campus.

Early this school year, an employee of the University was victimized by an unidentified burglar after her laptop was stolen inside the Finance Office.

Finance Internal Auditor Jan Ada Gerangaya was shocked after she found out that her 80-thousand-worth laptop which she left on the chair of her office table last Monday of June 16 was no longer to be seen.

The break-in was discovered only at about 8 a.m. of June 17, Tuesday.

“The thief passed through the exhaust fan window of the ladies’ comfort room because the screws were no longer there,” Dr. Jocelyn Aragon, University vice president for finance said.

She added the case was an inside-job because in the first place it is very difficult for a thief to discover such way to get inside the office.

“The Bacolod Scene of the Crime Operative (SOCO) Team did not have a suspect yet but based on the fingerprints found, only one person was involved,” Aragon revealed.

They will match the fingerprints found to those of the estimated 600 employees of the University, she added.

On the other hand, the thief also tried to enter the Center for International and External Linkages (CIEL) Office last June 16 because the aluminum screen of its window was damaged.

CIEL Director Rhoderick Samonte said the screen was tore and the scanner was no longer to be found in its proper place.

“I can’t believe that this is still happening in our University despite the strict security measure,” Samonte added.

Meanwhile, one portable LCD projector was stolen inside the Multi Media Room of the Solomon Building last April 20.

Tuition fee hike, no effect for enrolment – Registrar

More infrastructure dev’t for new programsBy Epi Ma. Kassandra A. Dajao

Addressing to the demand for better facilities to sustain new programs, the University is pursuing more infrastructure development plans for the school year.

Vice President for Administra-tion Geoffrey Bob Bergante said University’s population is grow-ing, thus, we should upgrade our facilities and equipment.

“We are offering new programs for this school year, therefore, we should be ready to accommodate these new programs,” Bergante said.

Among the proposed devel-opment plans is the construction of the Information Technol-ogy Center for University’s IT program and the Mutien Marie Annex for the professional school expansion.

Other proposed infrastructure developments for this year are the expansion of

By Kathreen Joyce I. Tubid

Despite the four percent tuition fee increase, students still prefer a Lasallian education for College, said University Registrar Frances Mae Ferrer-Llamas.

According to the Registrar’s Office, the University had a 4.8 percent rise in enrolment figures with a total of 9,514 student enrollees compared to last year’s 9,075.

Like last year’s records, the

College of Nursing still has the most number of students by college with 2,893; followed by the College of Business and Accountancy with 2,802 enrollees; the College of Arts and Sciences with 1,852; the College of Engineering with 1,449 and the College of Education with 518.

For the year level enrolment, the freshmen comprised the most number of students having

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CAS 2893CBA 2802Educ 1852 Eng’g 1449Nursing 518TOTAL 9514_____________

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MORE DEVELOPMENT PLANS. The Mater Dei Amphitheater was one of the renovation plans of the University this school year, along with the Bookstore and the Patio de La Salle.

Manuel Eduardo de la Paz

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Wake Up Call

FEATURE/P7

Beware of Pickpokets!

NEWS/P2

Project COPS

THE SPECTRUM JULY 3, 2008


2


NEWSLasallians to be more responsible – Bergante, Ledesma

USLS prepaid SIM available soon

By Epi Ma. Kassandra A. Dajao

Vice President for Administration, Geoffrey Bob Bergante and University Student Government President Joven Ledesma, urged Lasallians develop ‘sense of ownership’ to all facilities of the University.

Bergante stressed students should cultivate sense of belongingness, s e n s e of responsibility, s e n s e of ownership and sense of

accountability. “I am saddened with the

reports of vandalism, littering and removal of signage because I expect students to take care of the facilities and equipment of the school,” Bergante said.

Bergante believes if Lasallians will be responsible enough to safeguard the facilities of the school and learn to discipline themselves the budget for repairs

and reconstructions can be appropriated for other purposes.

“We are not saying that physical appearance is what matters most because the priority of the school is still on academic and formation programs which have long term effects, however, we want our students to get what they deserve and avail the amenities,” Bergante added..

Likewise, Ledesma said the

students must learn to value and secure the properties of the school because after all it is all for the students’ growth.

“We should own this because this is our La Salle,” Ledesma said.

On the other hand, Ledesma said that the development plans should cater the students’ needs more than wants, prioritize the students’ convenience and comfort and put up environment-friendly projects.

By Jamie F. Bentinganan

The exclusive USLS prepaid SIM card will be formally launched on July 7.

The USLS-Globe SIM includes a special mobile school assistant feature, exclusive rates and other Globe offers.

With the mobile school assis-tant, students will be able to check

their grades and have access to updates from the University.

Voice charges are at P 00.10 per second and SMS is P 0.75 with the special rates.

The SIM card is fully compati-ble with other Globe features such as UnlimiTxt, GCash and Globe BIDA Kard.

Soft launching of the exclusive

USLS-Globe prepaid SIM card will be on July 3 at the Coliseum lobby.

The marketing program will run until July 16 and giveaways and prizes await those who will purchase the USLS SIM Card within the period.

The proceeds from the proj-ect will support the One La Salle Scholarship Endowment Fund.

MassComm curriculum revisedBy Kathreen Joyce I. Tubid

In accordance with the directive issued by the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd), the College of Arts and Sciences has revised its Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication program to A.B. in Communication starting this school year.

CAS Communication Chairperson Ernest Marvin Latiza said the CHEd directive is meant to make the program more competitive and relevant to the demands of the changing times.

All schools offering Communication or Mass Communication courses are expected to revise their curricula as mandated.

“Since the new curriculum is more general, it will cover almost all aspects of communication and this can be an advantage to our graduates,” Latiza said.

New subjects such as Interpersonal Communication,

Developmental Communication, Communication Values and Ethics, Community Communication and Information Management are included in the new program.

Latiza added the program will be unique in such a way that it will give emphasis to Mass Communication, but the students will still have mass media subjects like journalism, film, radio, television and stage.

Under the new curriculum, Communication students are required to take six out of sixteen major electives like Radio and TV Production, Book Publishing, Educational Broadcasting, Media Law, Environmental Communication, TV and Radio Speech or Hosting, among others.

“These electives are meant to further enrich the USLS Communication program,” Latiza said.

Although there will be changes in the curriculum, the freshmen

this school year will still be using general AB until they pass the screening given by the department to proceed and have their majors.

In a related development, the Communication Laboratory and the Communication Department Chair Office have been transferred from the Performing Arts Building to the second floor of the CAS Faculty Office.

The laboratory is now equipped with the newly refurbished editing machines, LCD television with home theatre, computer with printer and scanner, digital camera, video camera, and recorders.

A mini-conference room will also be included for the use of the Comm students and the MassComm Society.

“I am enthusiastic about this latest development in our department. I am positive that this will provide better education to the students and in turn, attract more enrollees in the department,” Latiza added.

Guidance counselors take oathBy Randell T. Aranza

Seven guidance counselors of the University took their oath under the Republic Act 9258 or the Guidance and Counseling Act of 2004 after passing the licensure examination last May 19 at the Manila Hotel, namely: Rowena Bañes, Donna Echaus, Robeeh Ramos, Nonette Diaz, Lito Diaz, Marijoy Gaduyon and Noel Marañon.

They were the second batch of the licensed guidance counselors of the University,

next to Dr. Evangeline Caper, former director of the Guidance and Evaluation Center (GEC) who was the only counselor from Western Visayas to qualify under the Grandfathers’ Clause or registration without examination last February.

Robeeh Ramos, former Children with Parents Abroad (CHIPA) support group moderator and newly-appointed Guidance Director of the GEC was among the licensed guidance counselors.

“I just hope that the Lasallian

community will continue to support the activities and services of GEC,” Ramos said.

GEC contributes to the fulfillment of the University’s Mission Statement, in its goals of providing holistic formation of the youth and fostering a culture of openness and dialogue.

RA 9258 requires guidance counselors to pass the licensure examination, in order to professionalize the guidance and counseling in the Philippines.

Bacolod Diocese appoints Quijano as new chaplain

By Celine A. Chua

Fr. Ronald Quijano was appointed by the Diocese of Bacolod as the new chaplain of the University of St. La Salle last April 15 starting this school year.

However, he already started celebrating the daily masses since April 14.

Upon the start of his term, he immediately effected changes in the chapel such as the improvement of the sound system – the new microphones; the dedication of a confessional area at the right back side of the chapel so that the people would not confess inside the sacristy anymore; the incorporation of the Liturgical music in the 7:00 AM mass enough for 20-25 minutes so that the students, faculty, staff and others who attend the mass around this time may not be late for their classes or duties.

Aside from the physical changes, he also wished to be

available for students as well as the faculty and staff for spiritual counseling to address the problems that may not be settled in the classroom setting.

He affirms the visions of Brother Chancellor Ray Suplido in providing value formation for the young through his homilies.

His homilies are both Biblically-based and student and educators-friendly so that they may practically relate to the message in their daily lives.

Fr. Quijano is the first university chaplain to handle both the Integrated School and the College unit since there were two separate chaplains for the IS and college before.

He is also the academic dean of John Paul II National Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family now situated in USLS.

He is teaching at the undergraduate and postgraduate school.

Police force earns Master’s degree in Public Management Program scholarship grants

By Neslie Faith V. Sianson

120 Negros Occidental police officers were granted their Master’s degree in Public Management Program with specialization in National Security

and Law Enforcement through the generosity of the Eduardo Cojuangco Foundation in partnership with the University Graduate School.

The Graduate School spearheaded by Dr. Donna

Echaus and the Eduardo Cojuangco Foundation launched the PROJECT COPS – Career Opportunities for the Police Sector last June 14 at Santuario De La Salle.

The Master in Public

Management Program (MPM), with specialization in National Security and Law Enforcement is a specially designed comprehensive program that integrates concepts of public administration and governance with fundamental concepts and issues on national security and law enforcement.

This program aims to strengthen the conceptual orientation and knowledge of program participants, hone their professional and administrative skills and promote a sound ethical and social values-system in their personal and professional lives.

The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed by Br. Ray Suplido, FSC, project grantor Dr. Eduardo Cojuangco, Jr., PNP Regional Director Chief Supt. Isagani Cuevas and PNP Negros Occidental Senior Superintendent, Col. Rosendo Franco and other local government officials.

PROJECT COPS is the second collaboration of the University with the Foundation which began the Project Free in 1999, which was graduated by 1,100 public school teachers for their masters and doctorate degrees.

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INKED. Br. Ray Suplido signed the MOA with Dr. Eduardo Cojuangco Jr. and Chief Supt. Isagani Cuevas


5 JULY 3, 2008


3THE SPECTRUMNEWS

By Randell T. Aranza

Drinking fountains in front of the Audio-Visual Room, ground floor of the Wester Hall and the Cody Hall – except for the two drinking fountains situated near the CAS faculty rooms– were suspected to be contaminated, after the Build-ings and Grounds office discovered that the galvanized iron pipes con-necting to the said drinking foun-tains from its source were rusty.

Energy Services Director Engineer Jerry Uy clarified that the corrosion of the pipes were only external and it doesn’t necessarily mean that the water coming out of the drinking fountain was indeed,

contaminated.“The College Clinic forwarded

to us some of the students’ complaints regarding the smell of the water,” Uy said.

The College Clinic recorded almost 10 cases of diarrhea since June 18-20.

Health Science Center in-charge Felamae Juntela said most of the patients reported that they drank from the drinking fountains near the AVR.

However, Juntela emphasized that the main cause of diarrhea cases recorded on the said dates cannot be determined and that there might be other factors which caused the medical condition,

other than the issues on the drinking fountains.

“We had already shut down the pipelines and had placed a sign at the suspected drinking fountains stating that the Water is not safe for drinking,” Uy said.

Engineer Uy assured the Lasallian community that their office will take action upon the matter as soon as possible.

Last June 20, B&G requested the materials which will be used to put up new pipes for the allegedly contaminated drinking fountains.

The new pipes were finally constructed last June 26, resuming the operation of the said drinking fountains.

B&G suspects drinking fountains to be contaminated

USLS inaugurates Angels’Center for special children


Angels’ Center De La Salle and the new facilities at the University of St. La Salle-Integrated School Prep Area were blessed and launched last May 27.

During the inauguration, a special message was given by the Bacolod Mayor’s Wife Elsa Leonardia wherein she thanked, with tears falling down her eyes, the whole Lasallian community for building the center which will help those gifted children as well as the parents who are lucky to have special kids.

The class program includes Arrival, Greetings and Toileting, Circle Time (prayer, greeting song, attendance and finger play), Table-top and Manipulative Activities (communication, numeracy and fine motor skills), Supervised Snacks.

Supervised Indoor or Outdoor Play, Toileting, Group Time for

stories and other quiet activities, and Clean-up and Farewells.

The center is composed of two official faculties, two student assistants and a staff that includes a head teacher, teaching assistant, two volunteer Special Education majors, one working assistant and one shadow teacher.

Behavioral, Educational and Family support program components will be offered and early intervention program also includes an inclusion for possible mainstreaming into the regular elementary program of the USLS-IS.

The team of SPED Committee, Vice-President for Academic Affairs Elsie Coscolluela, Assistant Vice-President for Academic Affairs Gloria Fuentes and Dean of the College of Education Annabelle Balor were the ones who spearheaded the creation of such program.

“Some Lasallian values that

are manifested in this program is compassion for the children with special needs and commitment to minister the needs of these kids. It is not their fault to be like that,” said Dean Balor.

The center which would cater to the needs of children with autism spectrum disorder ranging 3-10 years old, will offer facilities like wash area, bathroom for boys and girls, snack area, computer room, reading area, mini-play area and group instruction area.

Language development area, gross motor skills area, receiving area, circle time area, time-out area or quiet room and some Montessori materials.

Not like the regular categories in college, the program will only have a uniform tuition of Php50,000 for one whole year and Php5,000 for the materials.

“Pray for us. Just pray that the purpose of the center would really be accomplished,” added Dean Balor.


Jean Lee C. Patindol, a full-time faculty of the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies and a part-time faculty of the Graduate School, has been awarded a full grant by the International Peace Research Association (IPRA), to present a paper at its upcoming conference in Leuven, Belgium, on July 15-19.

Asked as to what the full travel and accommodations grant would mean for her, Patindol responds, “It is special and most welcome, of course, especially coming soon after the deaths of both my parents whom I helped care for at the hospitals here in Bacolod and then there in Georgia, USA, since January this year. Like a respite from the tidal wave of challenges I've been undergoing,”

As to how she feels about the grant, Patindol says she is “Happy, gratified, excited at new worlds opening up for me in the international peace research arena, which is also my passion, aside from children's literature. I hope

to be able to learn much from the other presentations and sharing with participants there which I can use in my own research, teaching and peace advocacy, as well as in helping further the cause of conflict-sensitive journalism.”

Patindol, the National Coordinator of the Peace and Conflict Journalism Network (PECOJON)-Philippines, will be presenting her paper on "PECOJON: Building A Peace Journalists' Network from the Ground". The paper will discuss PECOJON's challenges and lessons learned so far, to include findings from two PECOJON studies on the Philippine journalists' working environment and a content analysis of selected Philippine newspapers' front page stories for war journalism or peace journalism techniques, and their implications to peace journ training and education.

“It's a review of the last 3 to 4 years of building PECOJON and what the challenges and lessons learned were, in aid of further developing peace journalism

theory and practice. It will include a paper by Antonia Koop (2006) on the working conditions of Philippine journalists, as well as my own study (finishing 2008) on the peace journalistic vs. war journalistic techniques found in selected Philippine newspapers' front page news stories, and the implications of these for peace journalism training and education,” Patindol explains.

“We need to be conscious, mindful consumers of what we consume. If we're beginning to be careful about the food and drink we eat to ensure healthier bodies, we must also be as vigilant in taking care of what we allow into our minds. Our world is shaped by how we think about it, even before by what we do with it, for our actions come from our perceptions and appraisal of the world and its challenges.”

“Conflict-sensitive journalism can only succeed with a media-literate citizenry as well as a more professional, ethical and conflict-sensitive journalism profession,” Patindol finishes.

IPRA awards full grant to faculty

from page 1

volunteers from the University, spearheaded by the BS Biology students of the Department of Natural Sciences, in partnership with various government and non-government environmental organizations, scientists, and experts.

The project aims to create a sustainable, university-wide

wildlife conservation program in the Lasallian community by establishing a center for conser-vation in the campus that will promote better appreciation of wildlife and commitment to wildlife conservation.

De la Paz will compete for the Top 4 BAYER Young Environmental Envoy to

represent the Philippines to an all-expense paid weeklong educational tour to Germany in November 2008 to experience how environmental protection is practiced by people, government and industry in one of the leading countries with regards to technology and environmental awareness.

PreMed prexy qualifies as Bayer Young...

Burglar victimizes University employeeUniversity Campus Exter-

nal Security Henry Daniel said the LCD projector was stolen 10 minutes after the film-showing of the students was ended.

“If the pieces of evidence were to get from the library, I think it was really an inside-job because the film showing was expected to end at exactly 12 nn. Just ten minutes after, the projector was

no longer to be found in the room,” Daniel added.

Another lost of LCD projector in SE23 was also recorded by the University Security Office last year.

Installation of security cameras and alarms, likely

Tuition fee hike, no effect for enrolment...2,761 enrollees, seconded by the sophomores with 2,481; the seniors with 2,269 (1,954 for the fourth year and 315 for the fifth year) and the juniors with 2,003.

“The records just show that

the parents still continue to believe the kind of education La Salle extends to their students. And this would be a big challenge to us, the faculties of the school,” said Llamas.

Meanwhile, 58 percent or 5,505 enrollees of the current University student population consist of females, while the remaining 42 percent or 4,009 percent consist of males.

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NOT SAFE FOR DRINKING. This was the sign posted by the B&G office last June 18-20 at the drinking fountains, particularly to those located in front of the AVR, after discovering that the external part of the pipes were rusty.

ANGELS’ HAVEN. Children with autism spectrum disorder will be taught in this center.



4


OPINION

One La SalleAt the height of the (Senate hearings on the) NBN-ZTE scandal,

the One La Salle prayer debuted on national television during

the live telecast of the Solidarity Mass at La Salle Greenhills.

The scene would be broadcast on primetime later on as Jun

Lozada read out the call for change on a Sunday morning.

But even before the arrest warrants for Lozada and Neri were

produced on January of this same year, the One La Salle

banners had became visible over the Coliseum and on the wall

facing the parking space beside Room 10, November of last

year while the NBN-ZTE deal was still insidiously creeping into

public consciousness.

The controversy that surrounded the corrupt deal eventually

lost its intensity as the nation became plagued with the rice

crisis, oil price hikes and the rising cost of basic commodities

but the call for change still remains. Are we as Filipinos ready

to rally and pull together as a nation or are we just going

to content ourselves with laying the blame on our less than

admirable government officials?

Along with the uniform ladderized curriculum for all

Lasallian schools and the Lasallian Youth Agenda, the One

LaSalle campaign aims to go back to our founder’s vision of

a school for the poor where quality education will be made

accessible to those who would not have been able to avail of it

otherwise. A part of its campaign, the One La Salle Scholarship

Endowment Fund has been launched and will require the

combined efforts of all Lasallians to raise One Billion pesos to

enable all Lasallian schools to have a 20% scholarship base.

The call for unity begins here with us as the University of

St. La Salle. Are we ready to make the transition from just

being USLS students to being truly Lasallians? We are already

a district school under De La Salle Philippines, Inc. but are we

One La Salle or is each of us really just One Lasallian to each

his/her own?

To aid us in answering that last question, Jun Lozada may

have been just one man, but he never could have done it

without the support of the entire nation.

EDITORIAL

THE SPECTRUMF O U N D E D 1 9 5 6

www.thespectrum.ph

VOLUME 52 NUMBER 1 JULY 3, 2008

Member Alliance of Lasallian Campus Journalists and Advisers

Jamie F. BentingananNeslie Faith V. Sianson

Editors-in-Chief

Arjay D. SolitarioManaging Editor

Newspaper Editor Randell T. AranzaMagazine Editor John Alexander M. Cuyoca

Asst. Magazine Editor Andrea Paz Y. DerechoLayout Editor Timothy A. EscopeteGraphics Editor Jumpee P. Tipon

Photo Editor Krazelle M. Escarrilla

Newspaper WritersEpi Ma. Kassandra A. Dajao

Kathreen Joyce I. Tubid

Magazine WriterCeline A. Chua

Layout and Graphic Artists / IllustratorsMark Romulo C. Tumbagahan

Jobelle G. VallegaPatrick U. Ellaga

PhotojournalistsPaolo Adonis B. TrioSimon O. Ballados

Website AdministratorCherished B. Alegroso

Editorial AssistantsCheery Mae S. Degabi

Raylyne R. De Asis

The Spectrum is the Official Student Publication of the University of St. La Salle. Its editorial office is located at the USLS Coliseum Ground Floor, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100; it can be reached through the telephone number, (034) 432-1187 local 172 and e-mail address, [email protected].

All rights reserved. No part of The Spectrum may be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publication. All contributions become The Spectrum property and the Editor-in-Chief reserves the right to edit all articles for publication.

According to the Book of Genesis, God saw that His creation, the Earth, was good. Fast forward to present times, is the Earth, forthrightly speaking, still “good”?

Recently, the privatized Philippine N a t i o n a l O i l C o m p a n y - E n e r g y Development Corporation (PNOC-EDC) was given permission by the Department of Environment and National Resources to cut 4,213 trees for the construction of a new geothermal power plant. That’s like allowing a greedy monster to munch a treasured piece of woody crackers on earth by the supposedly powerful safe box of the country! What do I mean by this?

The vision of DENR is to have “a nation enjoying and sustaining its natural resources and a clean and healthy environment,” while its mission mainly speaks of the “protection, conservation and management of the environment and natural resources for the present and future generations.”

However, it ’s quite a slice of irony that this very essential office in the country whose mission is to protect the environment is also the one putting these 4,213 trees to the den of death. How can our nation enjoy its natural resources if it’s not there? How are we able to bring back these tall and strong trees?

Yes, there is this promise made by PNOC-

EDC to plant 50,080 trees on a 125.2-hectare piece of land in its reforestation project, to obviously pacify the environmentalists, the Church and the NGOs.

becoming extinct. In this context, we should always bear in mind that the negative effects of cutting trees are already seen and felt in our planet.

How many more trees are we going to cut just because we badly need electrical power, neglecting the possibility of having an abnormal transformation in the biodiversity and an increase to the negative effects of climate change? What we must do, as human beings, is to moderate our greed.

If you want to improve the air we breathe? Don’t cut trees. If you want to prevent flooding occurrences? Don’t cut trees. If you want to reduce carbon dioxide and act upon global warming? Don’t cut trees. It’s just that simple. It’s plain simple that even

an elementary student can understand the very thought of it. Just don’t cut our precious trees.

One of the best ways to realize the importance of trees is to imagine our world without them. See? Without trees, our planet will never be “good”.

Lasallians, PNOC, DENR, people of the Philippines, wake up! Cutting trees is an act of

insanity. We are massacring the forests. We are intruding the balance of nature. We are killing life itself.

In the end, believe me, we are still the ones who will face the consequences.

“One of the best ways to realize the importance of

trees is to imagine our world without them.”

Massacring Trees

But then again, wise ladies and gentlemen, how long are we going to wait, to fully see the bountiful beauty of these trees? Maybe a couple of months? Years? Or never at all.

The forested area of the earth is steadily being depleted due to infrastructure projects and reasons of economic progress. In exchange of that progress, our environment is slowly degrading and more species are

Resident Observer

Randell T. Aranza

For feedback: [email protected]

“Langga kuha ka Nursing ha para ka gwa ka dyon sa Pilipinas.” That is the common notion in taking up Nursing. A lot of us, myself included, have been constantly nagged by our families to take up this course hoping that it would alleviate all of our financial problems in the future, but what about right now? Didn’t we ever think of the present and all of the problems that goes along with it? I’m afraid we failed to foresee that part and that is why we are having problems in coping up with the requirements of this costly course we’ve been pushed sideways to take.

I mean let’s face it, most of us only took it because there’s a lot of “moolah” involved. So now it is up to us and our parents to think up of a creative way to find moolah to cover all of the expenses and trust me, there is A LOT! It’s only good for those people who are well off and can afford to buy all the dire needs of nursing, but what about those parents who are toiling night and day just so they could pay off their child’s tuition? With the prices skyrocketing these days it

would be a surprise that there’d be some money left for leisure let alone money for books, paraphernalia and duty uniforms.

Nursing books alone are very costly. Your C.I. (clinical instructor) may say that you don’t really need to buy a textbook, but they would give references in which the library alone could not suffice for there are

so many of you and it could only provide for a couple of persons. So you’re left with no choice but to buy them, and you need to throw an arm and leg just so you can pass this tedious course. Then there are make-up duties which add to the list of expenses of nurses. It’s good if you won’t be able to have it, but what if you got sick

or what if you live outside of town? It’s pretty much set that you’ll get one or more make-up duties. Still thinking about continuing?

If so, let’s just say that you did graduate and pass all of the exams. Big whoop! There’s still one more thing left for you to do before you set off. You need to stay here for two years to work. If you got

connections then congratulations! If not, you’ll end up volunteering in some dingy public hospital with no pay and still living off your parents’ salary, which is not the best feeling in the world for they expect you to be the breadwinner when you graduate. Your future may be set but there’s still a long road ahead of you to reach that point.

Long Bumpy Road Ahead

“If you got connections then congratulations! If not, you’ll end up

volunteering in some dingy public hospital with no pay and still living off your

parents’ salary...”

F o r f e e d b a c k : k r a z e l l e @ g m a i l . c o m

View Finder

Krazelle M. Escarrilla


5 JULY 3, 2008


5THE SPECTRUMOPINION

Alcohol Mentality

Coins and GrainsFor those of us who take two rides to get to school, 20 PHP used to be just enough to get us to LaSalle and back. Now that the fare is up again, the carrot-colored bill with Mr. Quezon's face on it may get us to school but it just isn't enough to get us back home again without the assistance of 4 little Rizals.

What other troubles beset us these days? Tuition fee has increased by 4 %, the number of working students has increased and national statistics show that only 22% of college freshmen actually finish college. Our books rival the cost of our tuition and despite the price tag on the academic paperbacks, some teachers just can’t seem to make the death of a few hundred trees at least slightly meaningful. Not that it is always the teachers’ fault; sometimes we students just can’t seem to appreciate the value of education. Rice is now 40+ a kilo in the market and 7-8PHP at the food court. Thankfully, like most students, I’m a commuter so paying for gasoline won’t really burn a hole in my cheap knock-off wallet.

The list could go on and on and there would still be so much more to add to the troubles already mentioned. But one of the things that disturbs me the most is the rice crisis. We are an agricultural country with a good percentage of arable land and yet we are suffering from a rice crisis? We are

importing rice from the very countries that learned irrigation and cultivation from us not so long ago; does that not reek of irony? Some government officials have actually said

before that there is no rice crisis, but if that is true, what is the deal with the NFA rice and why did the queues to buy rice run snake-like with pregnant women who shouldn't be on their feet five hours at a time, grandmothers who are better off tending gardens in the shade and men who could be earning their daily wages standing in line? And now, government subsidies are being given as dole-outs that people can spend however they like. I don’t claim to know much about politics and economics but even I know that this

isn’t something that happened overnight and definitely not something that will disappear by tomorrow. This is what bad government decisions and policies have resulted to and we as a people are in for some lean years unless our leaders start thinking of reforms with long-term benefits and not just temporary band-aid measures.

According to a survey on self rated poverty conducted by the Social Weather Station and released on May 19 of this year, two out of five (40%), or about 7.1 million Filipino families consider themselves

"mahirap" or poor in terms of food. And yet, casual observation at the food court here and at the malls will prove that there are still people who can afford to leave half the food uneaten on their plates. What a waste! And to think that there are so many people in our country who have to do without! True, finishing

your rice will not feed a malnourished hunger-sufferer but throwing away good, uneaten food is a cosmic slap in the face of your fellow starving human being. Other people are dying instead of you while you line the garbage with structural violence and wasted money.

So buy the books and learn the lessons, finish school and finish your rice. We can’t afford to be careless with anything anymore simply because pretty soon, we may not be able to afford much of anything.

Where do you belong?When I visited De La Salle Manila, I was flabbergasted seeing the students carry loads of books and school-related stuff. It certainly manifests how ready they were for a new school year. On the other hand, I was still in the mood for vacation. Nonetheless, I was enjoying my three-day speedy escape.

Straight away from my short vacation, the quest for knowledge and the mental torturing started the ball rolling. Students will again have to be cooped in the four walls of the classroom, buried in the pages of a hand-out; memorize terms, jargons, meanings, and even all the existing punctuation marks, study theories verbatim from their instruction manuals and books.

In all my years of college, having a prudent discretion of the University, I was befuddled at several things taught inside the classroom where students simply rely on their teachers or professors as they are being spoon-fed with information and knowledge that they should learn on their own initiative. It is similar to a humongous jigsaw puzzle where a student yearns to learn by filling up the empty spaces on that puzzle. Yes. It doesn’t necessarily imply that we will only have to be enclosed in the four walls of our classroom – to learn and exchange rational ideas. We can engage into creative and informal education which is not momentary and one need not endure mental torture.

The Lazybones There are just some students who do not like attending their

classes due to the untimely schedule like the 7:30 a.m. Monday mornings. Professors would simply call on the class list for answers and you’ll be fine as long as you’re not absent when he/she shouts your name. It’s either the students’ dislike the teacher or they

simply would want to consume their allowed maximum number of absences. I have qualms about these students who have already repeated the subject more than twice yet they can still manage to skip classes or simply miss a quiz or a graded activity. Some of them would rather laze around the campus, hang out in the coliseum lobby as if they were spectators of a theatrical production, spend time with friends in the hidey-hole, and redeem the beyond god-like title in the computer stations.

With students like this in the University, just imagine how a professor easily earns when half of the student population inside the classroom will not attend the class. He doesn’t lose any single centavo. Unfortunately, there are even students who do this, ignoring the fact that their parents strive so hard to send them to this institution. Thus, they divert their attention to peers, technology, computer games and boredom. I know some lazybones who quivers in class once their professor shouts out their names.

The Intellectuals There are also students who possess the elements in climbing the wall

of success. They have the driving force of motivation and hard work to attain their goals from the start of the school year. These are the learners who yearn for knowledge and experience. It’s quintessential for them to hang out with their books, manuals, calculators, dictionaries, and to do’s schedule, among others.

For some, being attentive in class simply shows that they are interested to learn yet for others, to earn a point. Beneficially, he/she then gets his/her money’s worth. I am simply amazed by students who excel in their respective fields whether in academics, arts, and leadership. Keep the passion burning for the Lasallian values stay with you!

Our teacher dismissed us early in one of my lab classes in CSL. Since it wasn’t time yet and it’s too early to go to my next class, I stayed for a while as I was waiting for the bell. The internet was up and my classmates grabbed the chance to check their emails, visited their favorite sites and even checked their Friendster accounts. I decided to hang out for a while in the lab. I barely surf the internet in the lab to open my email, check personal sites or do research because of slow internet con-nection and some sites are inaccessible. Instead of directing me to the site, a message is shown by the browser that the site is for-bidden or restricted.

There are some sites blocked by the Computer Center to be accessed by the students. Famous ones are Friendster and YouTube. But are they also aware that students use proxy sites to access them? It is somehow useless. Students always find their way to get through and they can easily dig up solutions found in the internet. Are they also going to block the numerous proxy sites found in the internet? That’s impossible and it will take them forever.

Personally speaking, I don’t like the idea of restricting those sites. Friendster isn’t just about “up to the latest thing” or bragging your fab profile to your friends. It is also used for communicating to friends and family all over the globe. Even teachers

have one. What’s so wrong in opening these sites in the lab? It doesn’t actually affect students’ focus in their studies. And

Since I am an irregular student, it’s hard for me to meet my vacant schedule with my classmates. We have this project that we need to come up with a video presentation. It would be much easier and of great help if we use the resources in the campus to avoid hassle and save time as well. We wouldn’t have crammed for our presentation. We wouldn’t have assigned work for the members individually. We could’ve made it together as a group to make the work easier and faster. We

could’ve presented a better presentation, thus, higher grade. It’s kind of ironic how a minute site stems into a bigger matter.

Internet nowadays grows to be a huge part especially in a student’s life. It’s a big advantage

to those students who have their own laptops that they can just bring it along to school and benefit the WiFi in the University. Not all of us have internet access in our homes. Some of us just need to use the lab or the library internet for a long session of computer works and deal with the slow internet connection. Some would just choose to go to the nearest café for a faster connection and sacrifice a snack for a couple of hours doing their projects and research. Isn’t it ideal to have a school that you can fully utilize and maximize the available resources just within the campus? Left with no choice… Carry on.


Window Seat

Jamie F. Bentinganan

“True, finishing your rice will not feed a malnourished hunger-sufferer but throwing away good, uneaten food is

a cosmic slap in the face of your fellow starving human being.”

Restricted Sites

F o r f e e d b a c k : j u m p e e t @ y a h o o . c o m

Eye Candy

Jumpee P. Tipon

“Are they also going to block the numerous proxy sites found in the internet? That’s

impossible and it will take them forever.”

besides, a teacher’s approval is required for one computer lab to have internet access during class time. It’s the teacher’s responsibility to handle their students while having classes to open sites that are only related to their lesson. I think the students are mature enough not to watch movies, open pornographic sites and the like in the school lab. What’s the use of the hidden cameras to monitor the students inside the lab then?

Considering YouTube, there are some videos found there that we can relate to our lesson. For example history, literature and arts, latest news, etc. This reminds me of one of my subjects last summer.


Social Light

Neslie Faith V. Sianson

“Inom na man ta bi karon. Dipuga, hubog-hubog gid ko bala kagab-e.”

These were exactly the words uttered by a not-so-tall blonde hair girl with dangling earrings while talking to her friend along the corridor of the Wester Building last week. I stopped walking for a while and listened to their conversation. Actually they were just talking about their plans for their “night out” at the Golden Field.

After a minute, I went to them and asked the girl, “Excuse me Miss, what year kana gane?” She immediately answered, “Second Year.” “Ah okay,” I replied. I then left the place and went to my next class. Of course, I couldn’t help but smile to what I have heard.

I asked myself jokingly, “Was it an alcohol mentality? At that young age, why do they engage themselves in such manner?” Well, only two things came to my mind; and

those were “enjoyment” and “fun.” Maybe they just want to enjoy and have fun drinking alcoholic beverages in the bar together with their friends. But are they in the right age to do such things? I really don’t think so.

Summer has just ended and classes have just begun. For some college students, opening of classes is an exciting way to be back in school once again; meeting with their old and new teachers, having fun together with their classmates and enjoying the bonding moments together with their friends. But for others, it is not as exciting as some expect it to be, for they will not anymore enjoy their “night life” in bars and disco pubs.

When classes begin, I think going to those places will be difficult for them because they should focus and cope with their studies now. Their usual “night out” will not be as the same as it was before.

Some college students are really frantic in driving themselves towards alcoholism. Or should I say “alcohol mentality?” They crave to drink at least two to three bottles of liquor a day. Maybe it’s a way for them to socialize and express themselves.

We can’t deny the fact that drinking alcohol somehow helps us forget our problems, even for just a short while. But I think it’s not right to always rely on drinking alcoholic beverages everytime we have problems. For instance, if we drink beers and wines, have we already solved our problems? Obviously, not yet.

Problems always come and it’s inevitable. We always have problems

everytime we face new challenges. Those some people consider their problems

as their challenges in life. In solving our problems, I think self-discipline is a must. Alcohol, therefore, makes our problems even worse.

I am not an alcohol-hater. What I am trying to convey is that drinking alcohol is not merely the answer to our problems. Too much alcohol intake can lead to serious health and mental problems across all age ranges. Physical illness, mental health problems and social distress are actually the common products of alcoholism.

I, too, also drink a bottle or two of beer occasionally, but not excessively. Young as we are right now, we should not engage ourselves in drinking alcoholic

stuff because the younger we are when we start drinking, the more likely we are to have problems with alcohol. Right?

As Lasallians, we should be great examples to our fellow youth. There are still other worthwhile things to do that can mold and develop us into good and productive citizens. Instead of spending our time in drinking alcoholic beverages, why can’t we spend our time in studying our lessons? We are students and we should learn the proper manners Lasallians have and possess. Don’t ruin our future. Great opportunities await us!

MIND YOU, we all know that alcohol has always had an ambivalent position in the society. Too much of it is often a recipe for disaster.

“I am not an alcohol-hater. What I am trying to convey is that drinking alcohol is not merely

the answer to our problems.”For feedback: [email protected]

Mind You

John Alexander M. Cuyoca

“It doesn’t necessarily imply that we will only have to be enclosed inthe four walls of our classroom - to learn and exchange rational

ideas. We can engage into creative and informal education which is not momentary and one need not endure mental torture.”

WHERE/6



6


FORUM

Compiled by John Alexander M. Cuyoca

LASALLIANSSPEAKSWhat can you say about the frequent brownout in

your locality?

“Actually I’m used to it; in a way that it’s inconvenient especially during at night.”- Sheila Ann Villares, Project Assistant - EGC (CIEL)

“Let’s save the electricity in our houses. Turn-off the lights and other appliances when not in used. I think this is improper

because we are paying the right amount of our electricity bills. We want to get what we paid for.”- Paul Jireh Saballa CO2-B

“It really irritates me and it feels like you don’t know what to do because it’s brownout.”- Gallen Benjamin AB1-C

“It is very irritating because we are paying our electricity bills properly. I really hope that they will provide us with the right

service we really want. It would just make me think that they are just stealing the money of the consumers.”

- Adelyn Maloloy-on BN2-B

“I find the frequent brownout in our locality irritating especially at night.

I think it affects our economy in such a way that it just decreases the national production of our country.”

- Giovanni Christian Ladines BN4-A

“I find it also irritating and I can’t get things properly done especially when I’m having a research and doing some office stuff.”

- John Earl Ciudad ENEC3-C

“I find it a hassle especially when I’m watching my favorite t.v. shows, surfing the internet and doing my assignments. Our water supply is also affected because of this brownout.”

- Danissa Olaybar BSN1-L

“I hate it because I can’t make my assignments. I can’t also see in the dark.”- JL Guillergan ENEC2-C

How did you celebrate the Independence Day?

“During the morning, we had our parade together with the Volkswagen Club around the streets of Bacolod. Actually it was just a simple activity. The

rest of the day, I was here in the campus.”- Andrei Tagamolila, Discipline Officer

“The Independence Day was just like an ordinary day for me. But I was very proud of it because it made me realized how

patriotic our heroes are.”- Charmayne Lori Keng BN2-B

“I celebrated it together with my family at home. We watched the Independence Day special coverage of

ABS-CBN.”- Bianca Celine Gonzales

COMA2-B

“I was irritated because of the heavy traffic at the downtown. Well, my mom and I had quality time together. We talked about the extent of my independence. Hahahah…”- Myka Ella Pahilanga

ABMC2-A

“The Independence Day was just like a normal day for me. Even though I wasn’t able to celebrate it; still I was deeply touched by many Filipinos who commemorated it with

pride.”- Kimberly Grace Fernandez ABMC3

“I went to my grandmother’s house in Silay to watch the street dance at the public plaza. We also went to the carnival to enjoy the rides.”

- Wilfredo G. Tan CO2-D

“I celebrated the Independence Day just like the usual day. I think it doesn’t matter whether we celebrate it or not. As long as we could feel our freedom as Filipinos, then everyday is

Independence Day.”- Patrick Gubaton ABPS2-A

“ I c e l e b r a t e d t h e Independence Day by just simply appreciating the freedom we all have as

Filipinos.”- Nikki Pereira EN1-F

Hey mortals! It’s the start of another school year! Before anything else, let me welcome the cutie freshmen to The Univehsehtee of Saynt Lah-sahle. I’ll be sure to make beso-beso with all the newbies and not-so-newbies who have yet to make the transition from couture to the corporate uniform should I ever pass you in the halls of the University of the Future. But anyhow, let’s get down to business. Some of the drinking fountains were out of order and the drinking fountains that were in order tasted like they should have been out of order. Na-gets niyo man?! I almost died of thirst this first week of class! Take note, A L M O S T ; I’m immortal after all! But then again, dying of thirst is infinitely better than dying of embarrassment from getting diarrhea.

And did you hear about the theft cases in the

university? A laptop and an LCD projector have been stolen and this is supposedly prompting increased safety measures. So should we be

expecting bouncers at the university offices? Will security cameras be set up in the corners of the university recording our every movement? Hmm… Will they then air these recordings live and then again after prime time

for our viewing pleasure? Janai lang! Big Brother La Salle ring any bells? Before they go do all that, maybe they could remember to turn on the security

device thingy at the library just in case the thief decides that he wants to steal books from the 1960’s too.

W e l l , I gue s s tha t ' s pretty much all the chikkah I

can spare at this moment, it’s just the beginning of the school year after all; more to come next time...ciao!

“Janai Lang”

Sugar Says

Sugar

“dying of thirst is infinitely better than dying of

embarrassment from getting diarrhea.”

Believing that education is an equalizing factor in building a strong democracy, De La Salle Philippines, Inc. launched the One La Salle Scholarship Endowment Fund in 2007. The fund aims to raise One Billion Pesos to enable all Lasallian schools to have a 20% scholarship base – where one out of every five students is a scholar. This will enable gifted but financially challenged students to avail of a Lasallian education.

In the University of St. LaSalle, a Multi-Sectoral Fund Raising Body has been formed to plan and organize Star Projects toward the One La Salle Scholarship Endowment Fund objectives. Star Projects are smaller fund raising activities that will tap and harness the generosity of members of the Lasallian community: students, faculty, support staff, administrators, parents, alumni and friends.

Among the projects to be adopted for School Year 2008- 2009 is the Hating Kapatid: Sharing Your Lasallian Education project has been implemented in other La Salle schools in the past by making available 5 gallon bottles where class members could contribute coins and loose change.

Project DescriptionThe first Star Project of the University of St.

La Salle for School Year 2008 – 2009 is the Hating Kapatid: Sharing Our Lasallian Educational project. It will tap the generosity of ten thousand Lasallians and friends to commit to save the loose change in a container of their choice (plastic bottles, cans etc.) This container can be turned over to the distribution and collection stations in the campus for proper acknowledgement and accounting.

The project will be launched during the 56th Foundation Day and will run from June to October 2008 and November 2008 to March 2009.

Project Objective

The project aims to raise Two Million in School Year 2008 – 2009 by tapping ten thousand Lasallians (students, faculty, support staff, administrators, parents, alumni and friends to contribute One Hundred Pesos a semester or Two hundred Pesos for two semesters by saving at least Twenty Pesos (P 20.00) a month.

Hating Kapatid: Sharing your Lasallian Education

I remember long ago when my “yaya” would brag to me that “Sang-una ang coke tag-piso lang na.” Of course, in my innocence, I was amazed at how a meager one peso could afford me a liter of soft drink. How I wish that that one-peso soft drink could become, for all of us, a reality. How far-fetched it all now seems; when everything, even the most basic of commodities, comes with a hefty price tag. At the blink of an eye, prices of everyday commodities can change; faster than you can say “price inflation”.

What is the value of a peso nowadays? It can afford you, safe to say, a piece of hard candy. That's pretty much i t . W h o k n o w s , b y tomorrow, your pe so can't even afford you a n y t h i n g at all. Just think that last night, the price of gasoline was just 54 pesos, and by the time you woke up this morning, prices have suddenly changed. Same goes for the price of rice; as we Filipinos are caught up in the “rice shortage” crisis. Is there really such? Or is this the effect of what economists would call as “hoarding”? Lucky are the few souls that benefit from the effects of this crisis. Well for us poor consumers, it may take a while before the truth surfaces. But what is evident is that the everyday common Filipino is suffering from the effects of massive price inflation. Before

long, families may not even be able to literally put food on the table. It is times like these that those who can afford three meals a day should consider

themselves lucky. Cliché as it may sound, but it is true.

We Filipinos are known as an optimistic race; but optimism can only endure as much. One cannot expect much optimism after a devastating typhoon that

has claimed the lives of many; in addition to which, price inflation, peso depreciation, and the never-dying issue of corruption is enough to dampen the spirits of any positive Juan dela Cruz. I don't want

to sound like a perpetual p e s s im i s t , but I think that these are today's realities that do not merit a s u g a r c o a t i n g . I f t h e

government does not take precautionary measures to convene with the suppliers and entrepreneurs to negotiate and regulate prices, then we Filipino consumers are in for a bumpy ride as we brace ourselves for continued price inflation of commodities.

How especially enchanting the one peso soft drink story sounds to me now, considering that with the soaring rate prices, it would be a welcome surprise to find that you can indeed find value for your peso.

Bragging Rights

“...price inflation, peso depreciation, and the never-dying issue of corruption is enough to dampen the spirits of any

positive Juan dela Cruz”


Pet Peeve

Andrea Paz Y. Derecho

to attract your guy’s attention? Well...Mrs. Balo abdicated her job and the DO’s office is far afield from the Coli lobby. By the way, Ms. Balo is the former Discipline Officer. Again, so what did you go to school for?

It’s a surefire that our parents and teachers do have expectations. And yes, we are of different personalities – one can be a part of the lazybones, the intellectuals or “the come what may” learners. It all depends on one’s eagerness to learn. Furthermore, one should know his/her priorities. So, as the school year begins, hopefully, you can now identify: where do you belong?

The Come What May I am totally upset with these students

who simply go to school just for the heck of it. And so what did you go to school for? To entertain failures? To receive the daily allowance? To show off your silhouette body figure? To know what are the up-to-the-minute-hottest “chizmax” (the hottest dude in campus, the virgins, the head turners, the social climbers, the wannabes, top scorers and the nerds?) To swank in your brand new sleek car? To ramp along the Coliseum lobby which is becoming a status symbol and scream at the top of your lungs in order

Where do you belong?from page 5

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5 JULY 3, 2008


7THE SPECTRUMUNIVERSITY

By John Alexander M. Cuyoca

All were there; the prevailing splendor, the astounding wardrobe, the earsplitting crowd, and the shining glory.

In a typical evening night where colorful spotlights furnished illumination to the breathtaking event, loud cheers from the crowd were heard as they shouted and applauded for their favorite candidates who vied for the title to be the first ever Freshmen Icon 2008.

Gorgeous competitors from five colleges of the University exuded their confidence and charisma as they paraded their intricate costumes along the ramp of the Coliseum.

With her alluring “mestiza” beauty and unique modeling style, Nikki Drilon of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) stood out among others and stole the limelight as she captured the Freshmen Icon 2008 title. Drilon also got the Students’ Choice award.

Various themes such as “Futu Metallia Icon”, “Heavenly Icon” and “Negrense-Nature Icon” flared as the flying green Artians graced the event with their versatile dancing moves which brought the audience to scream loudly during the opening of the fashion show.

College of Nursing’s (BSN) Nemah Magallanes triumphed as 1st runner-up while Natasheen Tan of the College of Education (EDUC) landed 2nd runner-up.

University’s Maskara Theatre Ensemble, Musikat and Band also presented their one-of-a-kind special numbers to the crowd which definitely added color to the event.

Meanwhile, the “Heavenly Icon” and “Nature-Negrense Icon” awards were bagged by Magallanes while Maverick Juplo of CAS won the “Futu Metallia Icon” award.

Moreover, Marty Laoang of BSN and Goldie Cuenca of the College of Engineering were the Mr. and Ms. Photogenic, respectively.

The judges were Roger Marapo, USLS Dean of Student Affairs; Ernest Thomas Mariano, Negros Navigation marketing officer; Samuel John Solon, Sam’s Slim Gym manager; and Jan Nicole Puentebella and Rosario Ann Sales, Masskara and Western Visayas Tourism title holders.

Nikki Drilon- Freshmen Icon 2008“I’m single since birth. I haven’t had a boyfriend ever,” Nikki reveals with a smile.Obedient, determined and persevered. This is how she defines herself whenever

someone asks her what kind of person she really is and believes in the saying “If there’s a will, there’s a way.”

“I was not expecting to win. I just did my best during the fashion show,” the 17-year old lady says.

Nikki reveals that she is really hesitant to join beauty pageants. At first, she doesn’t want to join this competition; but since Freshmen Icon is a modeling contest, Nikki told herself that she can do this because modeling is her passion.

She articulates that what matters most is the friendship gained and the cherished moment she had with her competitors. This good-looking lass loves to listen to RNB music. Her favorite singer is Chris Brown and her favorite song is “With You.”

This BS Biology student has been a member of Bacolod Association of Models (BAM) for three years now. She started her modeling career when she was in third year high school.

Nikki is an alumna of St. John’s Institute and hopes to be a successful doctor someday.

Photos by Krazelle M. Escarrilla

THE SPECTRUM JULY 3, 20088 THE SPECTRUM


VISUAL RELIEFNEWSCOMICSPostulants pronounce

First Vows at LSGHBy Neslie Faith V. Sianson

The De La Salle Brothers congregated for the First Vows Ceremony of the two (2) youth brothers last June 7 at La Salle Greenhills.

The ceremony was participated by Br. Dante Amisola, Br. Ray Suplido, Br. Dennis Magbanua, Br. Augustine Boquer, Br. Armin Luistro, Br. Felipe Belleza, Br. Vincent Fernandez, and Br. Arian Lopez among others.

In a written response to the interview with The Spectrum, Br. Alex Ervin Diaz, an alumnus of the university and Br. Francisco “Sockie” de la Rosa VI shared the significance of their First Vows, what inspired them to become a Brother and what does it take to be a Brother.

They shared the feeling was comparable to someone who just got married.

“It feels great! It's like a g r a d u a t i o n / c o n f i r m a t i o n /marriage all rolled into one” wrote Br. Sockie.

Br. Alex shared the First Vows was a transition and another chapter of his life.

“I have been living the vows when I was a Postulant and Novice. The ceremony solidified that commitment and made it even more meaningful and real.”

On the other hand, Br. Sockie wrote the ceremony was the public profession of the life he had been living as a novice. “It doesn't mean that when I took my vows it was the only time I chose to be chaste, poor, and obedient. It was a public

affirmation of the values I had chosen to live (and die for) over a period of time.”

As on how they prepared for their First Vows, the Brothers wrote they underwent an intense 30-day Ignatian retreat. It is a period of intense silence, reflection, and discernment where one becomes intimate with Jesus.

“I was blessed by an opportunity to do the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius (also known as a thirty-day retreat). The experience was probably the best way to have prepared for the vows.” Br. Sockie wrote.

Br. Sockie shared he had good teachers and he wanted to be like them “making a difference in the lives of their students, bringing out the best in kids. Also, I got to know great Brothers who were great teachers and great brothers to me. I guess it was through these people that I discovered my vocation.”

“I am blessed to have the Brothers as my teachers since grade school. They taught well in class. Also when I was invited for a week-long live-in, I became attracted to their life of communion-how each one was available for the other, and how they worked together in doing the mission” shared Br. Alex.

Asked about their inspiration in life, Br. Alex and Br. Sockie answered their “students.”

On how they would promote the Lasallian core values, the youth Brothers wrote “by living them out and being a good example especially to students.”

Since Brothers are considered

to be one of the rarest species on Earth, they shared “generosity, generosity and generosity. By being generous, a person becomes open to the many possibilities that could happen in his life. Curiosity - There's always something more beyond the horizon. Integration - Bringing all things together. Head, Heart, Hands. Purpose - It's not what you do, it's why you do them.”

Furthermore, Br. Sockie envisions La Salle to be the seedbeds of Faith, Service, and Community and to produce graduates who will be leaders of this country.

Alternatively, Br. Alex hopes there will be more Brothers in the classroom.

Br.Sockie describes a Brother as the one who announces the good news and is a humble disciple.

“My favorite image is from Scripture. The Annunciation. On one hand, we have the Angel Gabriel, delivering the good news (Jesus) to Mary. Brothers must deliver and be the good news to the young, especially in the world today. On the other hand, we have Mary. The first and perfect disciple of Jesus. Who by her humility and obedience allowed God's Grace (Jesus) to flow into the world. Brother: one announces the good news and is a humble disciple” he shared.

“A Brother is a ‘kuya’ in every sense of the word. He is more than just a teacher. He is a friend, a mentor, a colleague, a confidante, a brother, a listener, an adviser, and the list goes on” Br. Alex added.

10 questions for the new prexyLedesma speaks face to face with

The Spectrum about his presidency for SY 2008-2009


theSpectrum: What do you think is the main reason why Lasallians voted for you?Joven Ledesama: Because they trust me and they believe that I can. And I believe that they saw the servant-leader within me.tS: During the counting of votes, intriguing allega-tions were brought up between you and theother party’s votes, what did you do upon knowing such issue?JL: I stayed calm as much as possible knowing that God is with me. I also believed that it was for my growth. No matter what had happened, I must learn to be strong not only for myself but also for those people who believe in my capabilities.tS: How do you evaluate the performance of the USG 2007-2008?JL: In a scale of 1-10, where 10 is the highest? It would be 7. Specifically on former USG President Amy Gargar, she was one brave soul who coura-geously faced the responsibility of presidency even with a nursing course like mine.tS: What are your plans for SY 2008-2009?JL: My major plan is in line with the theme “My One La Salle” that is unifying the Lasallian community. This is backed-up with the Lasallian Youth Agenda (LAYA) Five key points: Youth For-mation and Transformation, Involvement in Societal Issues, Government, Environment and Education.tS: Are there changes that you would like to make?JL: Yes, and it would be to change the idea of the students that they are confined to whateverthings that are being fed to them. Rather, they have the right to SPEAK OUT.tS: What’s the most important thing that you would like to make?JL: The five (5) Lasallian key point Agenda and the reorganization of PONOSA (Province of Negros Occidental Students’ Alliance).tS: Now that you’re a President at the same time a

Senior Nursing student, how would youmanage your time and priorities?JL: Well, for me, it’s through proper scheduling and advanced planning. Since I’ve been in this position for almost two (2) months now, I have studied and learned that nature of being a president and being a student at the same time. And it is through adapting the changes that I’ll be encountering. I know I can survive with this wonderful life.tS: How do you define yourself as a President?JL: As a president, I believe in the maxim of Mother Theresa, and it is through this that I define myself, “I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world.”tS: What can we expect from the new USG Presi-dent?JL: A true heart of a servant-leader that means there is volunteerism and open-mindedness; a leader who knows how to uphold the students’ rights.tS: What’s your message to your fellow Lasallians?JL: Let us be rooted to our Lasallian values. This is our home, our teachers are our second parents, our friends and classmates help us in our growth and maturity, and our daily lives revolve around learning in our university. Therefore we must start owning this school, learn to live the values of St. John Baptist De La Salle in order to radiate love, peace and faith, not only to our fellow Lasallians but also to our fami-lies and in our communities.

Joven Ledesma

Lasallians receive Fulbright ScholarshipBy Celine A. Chua

Allen Gabriel Iñigo, a sophomore Electrical Engineering student of the University, will receive a Global Undergraduate Exchange Program sponsored by World Learning, Fulbright Scholarship Program, US Department of State and Philippine-American Educational Foundation (PAEF).

Under this program, there are a total of 180 participants and 90 of these will be coming from the nine Asian countries.

Among the 13 delegates from the Philippines, he is the only delegate

in Visayas along with the other eight students from Mindanao and four students from Luzon.

He will be taking up one semester of his second year Electrical Engineering in Montana State University during the semester program in spring.

His expected arrival will be January 8, 2009 if he will not encounter any problems with his papers and such, and will be returning sometime around May.

They are the first batch of the said program since this is the first time that the sponsors had opened an undergraduate program.

Ms. Eda Mae Berio, faculty staff of the College of Arts and Sciences, is also the sole delegate from Visayas participating in a Fulbright Scholarship Program wherein she is going to teach for 10 months in a state university to teach Filipino.

A Lasallian teacher, Ms. Mary Grace Alvarez, was also a delegate of the Fulbright Scholarship Teaching Assistant Program, who also spent ten months in Stanford University Language Center to teach Fil-Am students the Filipino language as well as the Filipino culture.

Grad School to open programs 1st in WVBy Epi Ma. Kassandra A. Dajao

The sprouting of the various hospitals and the growing needs of the faculty rooted the emergence of the Graduate School’s new programs which will be offered in the entire region for the first time.

Dr. Irma Madonna Echaus, Graduate School Dean said they are offering such programs to address the increasing clamors from the hospital staff and the elevating needs of the teachers.

The programs, catering the needs of the University’s faculties, will give merit to the University as the pioneer of these programs in Western Visayas.

Offering new programs such as the Doctor of Philosophy in

Nursing Education, MBA Major in Hospital Administration and Masters in Public Administration, the University ensures quality of the program through providing competent professors.

“We guarantee the enrollees with good and qualified teachers which are already practicing the profession,” Echaus said.

Echaus identified Dr. Maria Teresita Sy-Sinda, Silliman University College of Nursing Dean; Msgr. Victoriano Rivas, Diocese of Bacolod Vicar General and other exchange faculty from Silliman University to be one of the professors of the new programs.

Supported by Silliman University, the new programs’ curricula are benchmarked to the

said university.Likewise, the said university

will also send their professors to University of St. La Salle to be among the instructors of the new graduate school programs.

The new programs will also have international networking and linkages with the East Asian universities.

Echaus said La Salle’s outstanding reputation, high accreditation, good facilities and autonomous status assure the quality of the program.

Doctorate in Nursing Education and Masters in Public Administration classes will start this semester while MBA Major in Hospital Management will start on the next semester.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR should be sent to: The Spectrum Office, Coliseum Ground Floor, USLS; or emailed to: [email protected], with the writer’s name and address. Letters may be edited for reasons of space and clarity.

Phot

o by

Pao

lo A

doni

s B.

Trio

5 JULY 3, 2008


9THE SPECTRUMFEATURE

pickpocket’s hand will simply crawl into your pocket and relieve you of your valuables without using any style to distract the passengers. The pickpocket will have disembarked from the vehicle by the time the victim notices the theft.

How to Spot ThemSpot the restless soul inside the

jeepney… pronto!According to the pickpockets’ victims,

most of these petty thieves bring a folder or a newspaper, which they will use as a prop to cover their hands while they operate. They also tend to wear clothes which make them look like typical professionals, ditching the rugged and obviously criminal-like outfits which are only ever used in old action movies.

However, the most commonly used maneuver of jeepney pickpockets is transferring from one seat to another. They often transfer seats because they are still on the look out for victims, their quest being still in progress, so to speak.

In addition, since these people keenly observe the passengers and patiently wait for the proper timing, it’s easy for you to distinguish them through the movements of their eyeballs.

TipsHere are some of the tips given by

PO1 Villa to prevent you from being victimized by pickpockets:

1. Don’t show off your phone. As much as possible, don’t text. The gadget strongly attracts the criminals.

2. Have your fare ready before riding a jeepney. Exposing your wallet will signal the pickpockets to move closer to you.

3. Always remember that you are riding a public vehicle. Presence of mind is what you need.

PO1 Villa also reiterated that once you have been a victim of these pickpockets, always go directly to the nearest police station and have your case included in the police blotter.

We’re living in a world full of uncertainties. So next time you ride a jeepney, make sure that all of your belongings are safe and secure. Don’t be the next victim!

petty thieves due to the small number of the police.

The Modus Operandi1. Slashing – The criminals will

slowly “slash” your pocket to obtain your belongings. They will use a newspaper or a folder to perform the slashing method. This method is also

being used on bags.2. Coin Dropping – Pickpocket #1

will intentionally drop coins to distract the attention of the other passengers. Pick-pocket #2 will then do “the move”, in search of your belongings. Doing this will also require Pickpocket #2 to use a news-paper or a folder to cover the unlawful acts.

3. Standard – This method is being used by expert pickpockets. The

groups of twos or threes. PO1 Roldan Villa of Police Station 1

said they are working on these cases by increasing police visibility at key places tipped by their intelligence team.

H o w e v e r , he said they cannot focus on pickpocketing or theft-related cases alone because there are also other cases which they also need to attend to.

“The police ratio here in the city is 1:1200. Instead of letting the police monitor the pickpockets, the pickpockets are now the ones monitoring the police,” Villa said.

He added there are so many pickpocket groups in Bacolod City alone and it is difficult for them to totally suppress these


Pickpockets, often erroneously referred to as pickpocketers, are petty thieves who steal from people’s pockets and bags in public places usually unnoticed.

Jeepney commuters, most of which are students, have witnessed and sometimes even experienced the illegal acts happening inside the said public vehicle. The itchy hands of these so-called pickpockets often take the passengers’ cellular phones and wallets, and they usually go through the pickpocketing process in

Independently Dependent Philippinesthe afternoon to show more significance to the celebration.

The parade went from Capitol Lagoon to SM City North Wing Parking Lot. It was one with the involvement of local government units, private and public elementary, secondary and tertiary schools which lasted for three hours – the very reason for the long and heavy traffic jam on randomly selected streets of Bacolod where the parade took place. Not only that, a concert was also held in the evening to cap the celebration.

Aside from the program line-up, Mayor Evelio Leonardia enjoined the public, particularly vehicle owners and those with commercial establishments, to display the Philippine flaglets as early as May 28 up to June 30.

Mayor Leonardia had City Councilor Alex Paglomutan appointed for taking charge of the celebration. As what he had said upon planning the event, the commemoration here in Bacolod was indeed colorful, memorable; generally successful. Both the government and private sectors managed to participate in the activity which emphasized unity.

However, no matter how many times we have done this celebration, we cannot deny the fact that most of us are still searching for the absolute image of independence and freedom. The celebration would have been more meaningful if it imposes freedom from poverty, homelessness, graft and corruption.

Reality check: We Filipinos are "independently dependent". True, within fact, we are still relying on foreign assistance despite being free from total foreign control and rule. Even our fellow Filipinos enslave us through injustice, graft and corruption. When undoubtedly, we can liberate ourselves from poverty and hunger just by building a strong foundation of love, concern and cooperation in our local community; much more within ourselves.

Relying on the Government will not give fast and easy results. Chances are either we don't get what we need or we get stuck in the middle of waiting. We were born with our own minds, own hearts and own rights to stand for.

Numerous "pro-poor projects" have been launched ever since the start of time and they could only afford to offer us temporary relief, short satisfaction and most likely, false hopes. Especially now that price hikes climbed much higher than before, it made people realize that there is really no space for "pro-poor" intentions after all.

If only permanent help could be reached out to the least fortunate. If only every Filipino has a sensitive heart to feel and see that there is a much deeper crisis we are in for than what we know. If only each and everyone will be given a chance to speak their minds. Then, we would have true independence within our country, within our hearts and within our reach.

By Kathreen Joyce I. TubidWith Reports from Jony Lei Veloso

Last June 12, the city of Bacolod celebrated the 110th Philippine Independence Day in a usual, but unique way. As done before, Bacolod has once again commemora t ed the I n d e p e n d e n c e D a y P r o g r a m . A f l o r a l offering was given at the tomb of the Unknown So ld i e r w h o s y m b o l i z e s t h e u n i d e n t i f i e d personalities who c o u r a g e o u s l y

j o i n e d i n b a t t l e d u r i n g W o r l d W a r I I .

Secretary Angelo Reyes was the honored guest of

the celebration. He has been designated by the

Malacañang to grace the occasion, where

he took part in the wreath-laying cer-

emony for the unknown sol-

diers at the city plaza. In line

with this, the city govern-ment set a Civic Military Parade in

University of St. La SalleNewly-Appointed Administrative

Line-UpCollege Unit

SY 2008-2009

***

MA. THERESE V. JOCHICOVice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs

ELSIE COSCOLLUELAPresidential Assistant for Special

Projects

ZENAIDA AUNGONDean, College of Engineering

LISA DYDepartment Chairperson, Psychology

MA. GRACE ENGALLADODepartment Chairperson, Interdisciplinary Studies

ANNABELLE MAGBANUAOIC, English

STEPHANIE CALAMBADepartment Chairperson, Accountancy

CARNIT GEORGE CORDOVADepartment Chairperson, Information

Technology

KAREN HERIDADepartment Chairperson, Business

Economics

FARA MAGADADepartment Chairperson, Management

Accounting

LEILANI BALTAZARDepartment Chairperson, Chemical

Engineering

JENNLYN JARIOLOIC, Materials Engineering

RUEL MALAPITANOIC, Electronics and Communications

Engineering

CARLOS RESSURRECCIONOIC, Computer Engineering

LORESITA ANTONIA A. CHUALevel 4 Chairperson

FE CORAZON ELEFANBSN Level 3 Chair

FRANCES MAE LLAMASUniversity Registrar

REBECCA DOCTORAScholarship Officer

ROBEEH RAMOSDirector, Guidance & Evaluation Center

ELLEN MAE CARMONAAVRC Coordinator

ERNESTO YBANEZComputer Center Coordinator

LEILANI CROCEROScience Lab Coordinator

TERESA VILLANUEVANSTP Coordinator

JOSELITO DIAZTraining Development Program Officer

MARIJOY GADUYONJob Placement Officer

MARILOU LOZADAVSO Director

ELAINE SALSILADAColiseum Director

LOIDA FERRANSBookstore Director

RHODERICK SAMONTECenter for International and External

Linkages (CIEL) Director

IRENE GASTONBalay Kalinungan Complex Coordinator

Beware of pickpockets!

“...Instead of letting the police monitor the

pickpockets, the pickpockets are now the ones

monitoring the police...”

Artw

ork

by J

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. Val

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Artw

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by P

atric

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Ella

ga



10


ENVIRONMENT

The PNOC Controversy: A Wake up Call! By Neslie Faith V. Sianson

The Philippines is tremen-dously bombarded with inex-orable adversity beyond the economic and political tur-moil, - rice shortage, power crisis, inflation, interminable

increase in gasoline prices, and poverty.

And now, we are undeni-ably encountering the wide-reaching power crisis which has been plaguing city resi-dents, businessmen and vari-ous operating companies. Is

this a wake up call to all of us?

Recently, Bacolod is experiencing intermit-tent brownouts. Due to the recurring erratic brownouts in Western Visayas, most house-holds and offices have complained that their household appliances and electrical equip-ment are getting dam-aged due

to the recurring poor power supply.

Energy is fundamental to the quality of our lives. Nowadays, we are totally dependent on an abundant and uninterrupted supply of energy for living and working. It is a key ingredient in all sectors of modern econo-mies.

Energy plays a vital role in our daily living. As we perform our daily activities, we are very dependent on electricity, thus making us more productive and leading to development. Unfortunately, it tends to pressure our natural wealth for this will be employed for the utilization and exploita-tion of our environment. One concrete case is the potential source of geothermal energy in Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park (MKNP).

OverviewMt. Kanlaon is the high-

est peak in the central Phil-ippines. It forms the north westernmost tip of the border dividing the Island into two provinces of Negros Occiden-

tal and Negros Ori-ental. The volcano is prone to unpre-dictable pyroclas-tic explosions.

Mt. Kanlaon is one of the six most active volcanoes in the Philippines and is included in the “Pacific Ring of Fire.” It is an impor-

tant watershed area. Its slopes are the origins of three Negros river systems. These are the Bago, Nahalin, and Ilog river systems.

MKNP is home to an immense number of flora and fauna with high endemism wherein most of these species are in critical condition and the majority are considered critically endangered.

According to the Interna-tional Union for the Conser-vation of Nature, critically endangered means species with worldwide population that is less than a thousand in the wild and if we don’t save them today, we will only see them in books in 3 to 5 years time.

Endemic species can only be found in very specific areas and nowhere else in the world. In this case, the endemic spe-cies can only be found in Mt. Kanlaon and in Negros-Panay floral and faunal region.

Its rainforests host a number of endangered plants like the Pitcher plant, stag-hora fern, and orchid species like the mariposa and waling-waling, among others.

There are also 50 species of animals distributed into 40 genera, 81 species of butter-flies classified into 32 genera and belonging to four families, and 22 families of birds inside the park. Among the birds is the Yellow-backed sunbird which is found only in four islands in the Central Philip-pines. Other rare and endan-gered birds in Kanlaon are the

Blue-crowned racquet-tailed parrot, Visayan tarictic hornbill, White-winged cuckoo-shrike and White-throated jungle flycatcher.

Philippine National Oil Company – Energy Development Corporation (PNOC-EDC)

Geothermal energy is a great poten-tial renew-able source of energy in

the Negros Island. With the vision to lead in

the exploration, development, production, and distribution of energy resources for sus-tained economic development, PNOC-EDC will provide power to Negros through its North-ern Negros Geothermal Power Plant (NNGP) in Barangay Mailum, Bago City, and Baran-gay Minoyan in the Municipality of Murcia. PNOC, a total energy company, is mandated to engage in the utilization of con-ventional energy sources such as oil, natural gas, coal and geo-thermal and other new renew-able energy systems (NRES) in order to provide electricity in off-grid areas and to foster con-ditions conducive to balanced and sustainable growth of the economy.

Currently, PNOC is produc-ing 4-8 MW with a geothermal capacity of 40MW. PNOC will encroach the buffer zone to tap into a greater source of geother-mal energy.

In order to minimize its impact to the MKNP, PNOC-EDC is taking measures to miti-gate the environmental impact of its entry into the Mt. Kan-laon Natural Park buffer zone in order to fulfill its commitment to provide cheap and renewable geothermal energy to Negros Occidental.

The PNOC-EDC assured that 12.5 hectares of the 169-hectares buffer zone will be used for the geothermal exploration which is expected to be com-pleted in 2010.

Development vs. EnvironmentThe emergence of environ-

mental concerns during the past two decades has led sev-eral people to question whether growth of the cost imposed on the environment through deple-tion of non-renewable natural resources will affect the envi-ronment. The interrelationship between the exploitation and degradation of environment and natural resources and devel-opment defines a particular characteristic of environmental disruption.

A study was conducted by Simon Peter Gregorio of the Ateneo Center for Social Policy and Public Affairs (ACSPPA) which presents the indirect and direct effects of the entry of PNOC to Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park.

PROSThese are the benefits and

advantages of utilizing the geo-thermal power plant.

~Geothermal power stations provide an excellent source of clean, cheap, simple and renew-able power.

~Additional Power. The NNGP shall provide an addi-tional 80 MW of power to meet the growing energy demands of Negros Island and the Visayan grid. The Island should not wait for a shortfall to occur before constructing power plants lest it suffer the fate that befell Min-danao and Luzon in the early `90s.

~Foreign Exchange Savings and Reduced Dependence on Foreign Oil: The project would save the country the equivalent of one million barrels of fuel-oil imports costing US$16.8 M annually for the next 25 years.

~Geothermal Power is an environment friendly source of energy: Compared to coal and diesel-fired plants, it emits less greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide.

~Electrification: Bago and Murcia have a substantial number of households that are not serviced by CENECO. The project shall energize barangays that have yet to enjoy the ben-efits of electricity.

~Financial Benefits to the Hosting Communities, Munici-palities, and Province:

In accordance with the Local Government Code and the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Energy Act of 1992 or Energy Regulations 1-94, royalties from the sale of energy generated shall be pro-vided the hosting communities, municipalities, and province.

~PhP 125 million in taxes to the national government over

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Photo courtesy of MAUNSELL and Balayan


5 JULY 3, 2008


11THE SPECTRUMENVIRONMENT

The buffer zone consists of 169 hectares at the

Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park in Bago City.

An environmental accounting of the trees shows that a 50 year old tree is worth P7, 453,841.67 or P7.5 M equivalent to 1.5 billion

dollars.

By virtue of Republic Act 9154, Mt. Kanlaon was

declared a Natural Park.

Three-fourths ¾ of the park belongs to

the Bago Watershed.

The permanent

conversion of

12.52 hectares of

the buffer zone

for buildings roads

and well pads

for geothermal

exploration is equivalent to

4,213.

125.2-hectare reforestation area will require the planting of 50,080 trees. This figure will meet the requirement of the Sangguniang

Panlalawigan to plant 42,130 trees.

15% of the big trees in the buffer zone will be cut. It translates to about only 50

trees to be cut out of the 338 big trees in the buffer zone

area.

The Northern Negros Geothermal Power Plant (NNGPP) has the potential

capacity to produce 49 MW of geothermal power but it currently only

produces 4- 5 MW.

The 169-hectare

is a home to 124

species identified

fauna, 54 are endemic

in the Philippines

and eight (8) in the

Negros-Panay faunal

regions. There

are six (6) species

critically endangered.

There are also 69

unidentified species

of flora.

the 24-year period; ~PhP 15.6 million total in

royalties to the province; ~PhP 37.5 million total roy-

alties to the hosting municipali-ties/cities;

~PhP 29.3 million total roy-alties to the hosting barangays.

CONSThese are the disadvantages

of utilizing the geothermal power plant:

~De-vegetation and the Sub-sequent Fragmentation of the Area: The plant would clear forests and vegetation where endangered species of flora and fauna might be living. As a con-sequence, the animals would be disturbed from their habitats, thereby disrupting their breed-ing patterns.

~Subsidence of the Sur-rounding Land: The geothermal plant would use up ground water faster than nature could replace them; creeks and streams would dry up and the surrounding land would sink.

~Water Pollution: Oppo-nents argue that geothermal exploration and operation would pollute watershed catch-ments, the ground water, river catchments, and tributaries with toxic geothermal effluents, chemical wastes discharges compromising the quality of drinking and irrigation water.

~Air Pollution and Acid Rain: Air emissions from geothermal plants contain hydrogen sul-fide (H2S) and sulfur dioxide (SO2). SO2 in the atmosphere is the cause for acid rain. H2S at certain concentrations is known to harm the olfactory nerves (nerves in the eye) and even par-alyze them.

Presently, EDC is a private corporation, formerly a Govern-ment Owned and Controlled Corporation (GOCC).

PNOC’s Mitigating Mea-sures to alleviate the impact of the Geothermal Exploration and Development

• PNOC-EDC has invented a new emission diffuser worth P1.5 million to trap geothermal sprays to prevent harm to the forest cover

• Replacement reforestation at a ratio of 1:10 or a total of 125 hectares will be imple-mented.

• Biodiversity maintenance Paul Aquino, Chief Executive

Officer of EDC said they sought the clearance of the province as the host of its geothermal proj-ect. He also explained that the project must be implemented to avert the projected power crisis in Negros Occidental by 2010.

The EDC has prepared the requirements for use of the geo-thermal buffer zone provided by Republic Act 9154. Mt. Kanlaon was declared a Natu-ral Park by virtue of RA 9154 passed by Congress on June 6, 2001 because of the “diversity of its biological resources and its aesthetic, socio-cultural, economic and ecological impor-tance to the Island of Negros.” The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary, Lito Atienza, already issued PNOC the issuance of the Special Tree Cutting Permit and the SP endorsement that they had undertaken upon the advice of the governor’s office in 2007.

On the other hand, Rey Medrano, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Depart-ment Chief of the PNOC-EDC shared that the entry in the 169-hectare buffer zone of the Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park will tap additional geothermal power to help alleviate the power short-age.

Sangguniang Panlalawigan headed by Board Member Mae Javellana approved the entry of PNOC-EDC into the buffer zone of Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park.

Some of the conditions of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan required PNOC to commit electric cooperatives in Negros Occidental be given first priority in the sale of electricity from the NNGPP at a rate lower than the prevailing acquisition rate.

GREEN ALERT: MT. KANLAON NATURAL PARK IS NON-NEGOTIABLE!

Green Alert Negros represen-tative Rusty Biñas stressed that Mt. Kanlaon is a protected area by virtue of the Republic Act 7586 otherwise known as the National Integrated Protected Area System. Mt. Kanlaon is also one of the 10 priority sites in the Conservation of Priority Protected Areas Project and is further protected by the Water-shed Law and Wild Life Act.

The environmentalist explained that there are still 69 unidentified flora and fauna that can be found inside the 169 hectares buffer zone, based on the biodiversity study of MAUN-SELL-Philippines, the consulting firm that PNOC commissioned.

Bishop Vicente Navarra and some NGO’s opposed the entry of PNOC-EDC into the buffer zone claiming that the park will be damaged by the drilling operations.

Green Alert stated that the forest is already degraded.

“We are already in the emer-gency room. Since 1990, the Watershed is already in a criti-cal state and to decide in favor of PNOC is a suicide” stressed Biñas.

The Green Alert also volun-teered to help the Energy Sec-retary come up with alternative solutions to the present issue of the power shortage. They also proposed an alternative which urges the Provincial Govern-ment to look at the potential of other renewable energy source in the province like wind, hydro and solar.

“PNOC’s game is EXPLORA-TION! Exploration has no limits. The PNOC Geothermal Plant is Venturing to the Unknown,” said Biñas.

IF MAN IS THE PROBLEM, THEN, MAN IS THE ULTIMATE SOLUTION!

Who will benefit from all of these controversies? Who will bear the cost? Do we simply remain silent by ignoring all these? When will be the right time to wake up and face the reality?

It is a challenge to us Lasal-lians to take action in the midst of this plight. As catalysts for change, we are expected to commit to the cause of pro-tecting the environment. It lies in our untapped energy and ingenuity. Our generation can be held liable by the future gen-eration. The future lies in US. We need to DECIDE and ACT NOW!

Sources: • Ericson Alarcon: Program Staff, BALAYAN • Carla Gomez: Editor, The Visayan Daily Star• Simon Peter Gregorio: School of Social Sciences Faculty, Ateneo de Manila University • http://www.ipc-ateneo.org/social_envtl_safeguards/discus-sion.php?aid• Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) • http://ec.europa.eu/research/energy/gp/gp_imp/article_1081_en.htm

Civic Viewpoints

Angelo Reyes: Secretary, Department of Energy (DOE)

“I am an environmental advocate. Mother Earth is a God-given gift. The environment has been sustaining us. Man was in harmony with the environment and it is a pleasure for man to explore and develop it. But this is a wake up call to all of us that the environment cannot perpetually sustain us.”

J o e l A l a p a r : N o n -Government Organization (NGO) Representative

“We should say NO to the exploratory activities of PNOC. We have other renewable alternative source of energy

like wind and solar.”James Chua: President,

Metro Bacolod F i l ip ino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI)

“We are urging the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to hasten the passage of a resolution to allow the PNOC-EDC to enter the buffer zone of Mt. Kanlaon N a t u r a l P a r k . H e a l s o shared that the intermittent brownouts do not help in the business sector because it only delays and brings havoc to the business operations.”

E l e o n o r C a b a n i l l a : Representative, Victorias Power Consumers for Reform, Inc.

“The energy problem here

in Negros is transmission and not generation. Majority of the electricity are being transported to Manila. Why not increase the transmission capacity in order to generate more energy in the province?”

E s t e b a n “ S o n n y ” C o s c o l l u e l a : M a y o r , Municipality of Murcia

“I believe that the area of Don Salvador Benedicto is a potential area for development. I am very much passionate on the entry of PNOC to Negros to alleviate the power crisis. I am willing to help the forest rangers and together we will police the operations of PNOC as well as the illegal charcoal makers.”



12


NEWS

RCY celebrates WBD DayIn celebration of the World Blood Donor Day, the College Red Cross Youth Council, in cooperation with the other chapters of RCY, organized “Band n’ Bleederz” last June 14 at the Provincial Lagoon.

Together with local bands, RCY intensifies its mission through their program entitled, “Give a Blood, Save a Life.”

“It’s all about serving humanity and if you want to be the change, join us and save lives,” said RCY-USLS Vice President Monresa Marie Andrada. //RTA

20 kids cook with La Salle-ICA chefs Expanding its scope of catering culinary arts program for the university students, Institute for Culinary Arts opened its culinary school to kids who want to learn basic culinary skills.

Twenty kids cooked with the Institute of Culinary Arts resident

by Epi Ma. Kassandra A. Dajao

Educators were challenged to implement changes in the educational system during the 2nd Philippine Educational Conference at Santuario de La Salle on June 4-6.

Geared towards developing and training world class teachers, 150 educators joined the conference conducted by Troy University professors, Dr. Robin Bynum, Dr. Rodney Davis and Dr. Mike Rippy in collaboration with the University of St. La Salle’s College of Education.

USLS Brother President Raymundo Suplido and Guidance

Counselor Nana Yulo also attended the three-day conference for educators.

Teachers from selected public and private secondary and tertiary schools heard lectures on ‘Servant Leadership’, ‘Data-Driven Decision-Making’, ‘Evidentiary-Based Assessment’, ‘Motivating Students’, ‘Access to Commendation’ and ‘Classroom Discipline’.

As it was themed, “Training World Class Educators”, the confab aimed to equip educators and educational leaders to become world class and effective servant leaders.

College of Education Dean

Dr. Annabelle Balor with USLS faculties, Ricuer Ureta, Ilde Halipa and Cynthia Dy facilitated the said conference.

Among others were Chrisalia Iriso, Lovella Divinagracia, Dolores De la Serna and Mila Ethel de los Reyes.

Dr. Balor said through implementing changes in the classroom and applying the principles of servant leadership were the important insights she learned during the confab.

“The opportunity to collaborate all administrators and teachers from various schools was the most meaningful for me,” Balor said.

Educators challenged to start change during confab

LSPCon ‘08: One La Salle. One Brand of Campus Journalism.


The University of St. La Salle hosted the Fourth Lasallian Schools Press Conference (LSPCon) last May 2-5 at the Santuario de La Salle.

Over 100 Lasallian campus journalists participated in the national confab of Lasallian campus journalists from seven (7) La Salle district schools namely, De La Salle University-Manila, De

La Salle-College of St. Benilde, De La Salle Araneta University, De La Salle Lipa, De La Salle University-Dasmariñas, La Salle University-Ozamiz and the University of St. La Salle.

LSPCon, a program initiated by the National Alliance of Campus Journalists and Advisers (ALCJA), aims to promote excellence, uphold campus journalism, and cultivate camaraderie among campus journalists, artists and advisers of

college publications under the De La Salle Philippines.

With the theme, “One La Salle. One Brand of Campus Journalism,” the four-day conference included topics such as Interviewing Skills, Journalism Ethics, Peace & Conflict Journalism, Webpage Design for Student Media and Graphics Illustrations, Feature Writing and Writing Reviews, Investigative Journalism, Layout for Magazines, Gender-Sensitive

Journalism, Photojournalism, Creative Writing & Performance Poetry and The Role of Campus Journalists Today with renowned speakers Yvonne Chua, Agnes Lira-Jundos, Jean Lee Patindol, Randy Torrecampo, Tanya Lopez, Angelo Suarez, Jessica Zafra and Rep. Teodoro “Teddy” Casiño.

The event was organized by The Spectrum with special assistance from the University Student Government.

BALAYAN conducts Summercamp 2008


BALAYAN, the volunteer formation and community development program of the University, conducted Summercamp 2008 last May 25-30 at the University of St. La Salle Grounds, to give an opportunity to the forty street children partners to journey towards knowing oneself, participate in fun-filled activities and engage in meaningful interactions with the BALAYAN volunteers.

The La Salle Street Children Program is a core apostolate of the student volunteers as a concrete expression of commitment to the passion of the founder, St. John Baptist De La Salle, towards reaching out to the youth, especially those who are at risk.

The annual summer camp of BALAYAN is a continued commitment to the total development of the personhood of the partners.

The activities and modules were prepared using strategies on participatory learning and integrated art approach.

These strategies ensure that learning by doing is critical

in maximizing the learning experience of the street children partners.

The week-long camp focused on the importance of ones self, family, and community.

The participants were given the opportunity to explore the interrelatedness of these three aspects through different workshops, using visual arts as a tool to freely let the children express and explore themselves.

“I’m very happy to be part of this summer camp. All of the volunteers also felt the same after the program,” said BSIT sophomore student and BALAYAN volunteer Ray Martin Tupas.

The Volunteer Formation Program is a serving to learn, learning to serve program for students of the University of St. La Salle geared towards social consciousness-raising and deepening of community service.

“The small and simple things we do to them [the street children partners] made them feel glad. The same gladness were also being shared by the volunteers, making them part of our lives… making them part of our family,” he added.

fastNEWStchefs during Thursdays and Fridays of the month of May.

Mentoring the kids were Chefs Richard Ynayan, Fredric Hojilla and Richard Bringas and faculties, Theresa Uhlmann, Judelyn Bigbig and Julie Cortez.

During the nine sessions, kids learned to prepare pasta, cakes and pastries, waffles, pizza, cookies, shakes, black sambo, among others.

Bigbig, one of the culinary instructors during the program, said the children enjoyed learning how to bake and cook their favorite food.

The summer culinary arts opened for children aging 10-16 years old. //EMKAD

Nursing SC, SNA unifies their collegeGovernor Charmaine Claire Parreño shared that SNA and the student council are now working as one team for the betterment of their college and moving towards a unified goal this school year.

Try outs were given in

preparation for the college’s sports events planned by the council to give venue for the athletes to practice and for those nursing students who wants to engage in some sports activities.

Meanwhile, some positions for the college’s committees are still vacant and they are still in need of members, so the Governor is encouraging all Nursing students to join. //KJIT

National institute celebrates new school yearA mass of the Holy Spirit, celebrated by Msgr. Victorino Rivas, was held at the USLS Chapel last June 25 for the John Paul II National Institute for Studies of the Marriage and Family, which was witnessed by the academic community, the institute’s benefactors as well as its alumni.

Along with Msgr. Rivas, president of the center, 18 other priests – one of which is the newly ordained bishop of Jaro, Most Rev. Father Gerardo Alimane

Alminaza – celebrated the mass with him to show their support for the new school year of the institute. //CAC

Lasallians hear lecture on wine The founding member of the Manila ladies branch of the International Wine and Food Society brought the 50 Lasallian students to the “wonderful world of wine” during her three-day lecture on wine last June 9-11.

As it was themed, “wonderful world of wine”, the founding member of the society, Cecile Mauricio introduced wine to students.

Press release said, Mauricio showed the better approach to wine tasting and making distinctions between wine varieties.

“It is vital that food professionals should understand wine and know each one of them,” Mauricio said in a press release. //EMKAD

PolSci, SocSci faculty tour historical sites

The faculty of the Department of Political and Social Sciences went on an educational trip last April 29-May 4 at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the Malacañang Museum, the House of Representatives, the Rizal and Aguinaldo shrines, among others.

The SocSci and PolSci faculty had caught sight of the historical places in the Philippines that were usually read in books and being discussed inside the classroom.

They also saw Philippine gold works which serve as pieces of evidence of a flourishing pre-colonial society actively engaged in local and international trade.

“These artifacts provide the much-needed pieces of evidence in support of the contention of Philippine History professors

that prior to the coming of the colonizers, our ancestors did not lack the wisdom… to build a civilization at par with the other great civilizations of the region,” stated Department of Social Sciences Chairperson Marife Varela, on her brief report of the said educational trip. //RTA

Summer Splash: Hinugyaw sa BalasLasallians who enrolled last summer enjoyed the strong waves and the heat of the sun, as the University celebrated Summer Splash 2008: Hinugyaw sa Balas, held May 9 at Canonoy Beach Resort.

Various physical activities, such as the Amazing Race, the Ice Scraping Competition, among others, were led by the University Student Government.

This annual activity is celebrated to cap the summer classes of the University. //RTA

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HOPE OF OUR FUTURE. Street children partners and volunteers from the USA prepared a musical number during the Balayan Summercamp, held last May 25-30.


5 JULY 3, 2008


13THE SPECTRUMNEWS


The Spectrum, the official media corps of the University officially relaunched its online forum today, to empower the students by letting them address various issues concerning the welfare of the studentry, may it be on international, national, personal or campus matters.

Launched in the year 2006, http://www.thespectrum-lasalle.com/forum has been a venue for

Lasallians to post hot threads.Several discussions such as

Stingers’ Foodcourt, Fraternities and Sororities, Librarians, among others, were hot threads on the forum before it was temporarily shut down last January 18, 2007, due to domain concerns.

This year, with a new domain, a more hyped-up forum will be experienced as the creative people behind the online site, http://www.thespectrum.ph/forum, will intensify its “point system”.

This point system will rank all the members of the forum according to their number of posts, which will also determine their active online participation.

Upon registering, a forum member is automatically coined as a Newbie, with posts ranging from 1-100.

A forum member will level up to another rank if one has already reached the required number of posts, as follows: Apprentice, 100; Knight, 200; Hero, 300; Scribe,

500; Junior Expert, 600; Senior Expert, 700; Baby Sugar, 900; and Master Sugar, 1,000.

The Master Sugar rank will entitle that forum member to surprise privileges.

The positive and negative reactions, proposals and outcries are welcome on this spot of the world wide web, where every Lasallian will be given an opportunity to express their sentiments.

However, the forum administrator clarified that irrelevant

replies and the use of vulgar language on a particular thread will be deleted by the forum janitor.

“Everyone in the Lasallian community – the students, teachers, non-teaching personnel, alumni and even the brothers – are encouraged to join the forum,” Layout Editor and Forum Administrator Timothy Escopete said.

“No limits for registration. People from all walks of life can also join and be part of the forum,”

Escopete added.The online domain of the

media corps, headed by Website Administrator Cherished Alegroso, will also relaunch its official website today, which will cater the Lasallian community with updated university news and an informative online experience, in cooperation with the news team.

This innovation will pave the way for Lasallians to state their stand on issues and be more empowered through technology.

The Spectrum relaunches website, forum

OSA conducts Summer Training ‘08By Lormi L. Rio

with Reports from Randell T. Aranza and Kathreen Joyce I. Tubid

The Office for Student Affairs, through the Office of Student Activities, formalized its Summer Training for Student Officers of the University Student Government, College Councils and Campus Clubs with a series of orientations, planning-workshop sessions and seminars for this year.

General OrientationInstitutional officers gave a

General Orientation at Santuario de La Salle last April 22 to over 100 student officers. University President Br. Raymundo Suplido, in his inspirational message, challenged them to unleash their powers.

The Brother President also stressed that the officers must remember to embrace every lesson learned in all opportunities.

Other speakers for the orientation included Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Marie Therese Jochico who gave student officers a glimpse of the journey of USLS for 56 years, while Dean of Student Affairs Roger Marapo explained the Vision-Mission of OSA.

The Business Office’s Zenaida Musa and Christy Enrile gave an orientation on Institutional financial protocols.

Ernest Latiza, Mass Communications department chair and Hannah Mariveles, former moderator of The Spectrum, gave refresher sessions on topics about public relations and effective business correspondence, respectively.

Another session on Orientation-Workshop to College Council Governors, Club Presidents and Moderators was done at the Santuario de La Salle last May 15, with 2004 USLS Summa Cum Laude and TOSP awardee Primitivo Paypon as main facilitator of the morning session.

Lormi Rio, Student Activities Coordinator, oriented the College Council and Club secretaries of the new scheme for accreditation.

Executive Management Sessions were also held for the USG President, Vice President and Treasurer with all the Executive Secretaries, last April 26, May 10 and May 17.

During the last session at Palmas del Mar, team building activities were centered within the

USG’s theme for this year, “My ONE La Salle”.

Senate TrainingThe Student Senate meanwhile

had an early Senate Training and Team Building activity last March 31 to April 1 at San Jose Obrero in Mansilingan.

Outgoing Senate President Kei Bryan Dusaban led the pool of facilitators.

Summer sa SenadoThrough the initiative of

proposing and creating the Senates’ League of Bacolod, University of St. La Salle University Student Government Legislative Department pioneered Summer sa Senado last May 31 at Santuario de La Salle.

“This is just a beginning full of promise and vision,” said USLS SG Senate President Ed Aligato.

There were 80 student senators from nine different institutions all over Negros Occidental who were invited which includes Bacolod City College, Colegio de San Agustin- Bacolod, Carlos Hilado Memorial State College, Technological University of the Philippines-Visayas.

Philippine Normal University-Cadiz City, Riverside College, University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos, Visayan Maritime Academy Global College and West Negros University.

“This convention is the gathering of brilliant leaders from different institutions which would not only create network but would also broaden these leaders’ perspectives and knowledge in leadership,” said OSA Student Activities Coordinator Lormi Rio.

During the whole-day convention, “togetherness” among the student legislators was emphasized as young leaders right now are creating big impact to nation-building.

“The challenge is to embrace the idea that everyday, new insights will be offered to everyone, to the young leaders,” added Rio.

The convention proper on the afternoon was highlighted by lectures presented by both La Salle alumni guest speakers Hon. Monico Puentevella, Congressman of the Lone District of Bacolod and Hon. Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, Councilor of the city of Bacolod.

When asked by The Spectrum if political interest was involved in the attendance of the event, Cong. Puentevella clarified in

his statement that no politics was involved, for it has no place to such gathering and that he was just trying to do his job as a public-servant.

“The event was very important to me as a La Salle alumnus because it is my only opportunity of knowing the sentiments of the studentry and their present problems,” said Cong. Puentevella.

Meanwhile, Councilor Jocelle tackled the topic “Essence of a Student Legislator” wherein she included her stories of being Bacolod City’s youngest Student Government President, back when she was still in second year college.

“I feel like it was my responsibility to contribute to the development of young leaders,” said Councilor Sigue.

She also added that student leaders have to realize that their positions are not at all a sense of glory, but an opportunity to be able to serve their fellow students, at the same time to put test to their leadership and capabilities as young servant-leaders.

Lasallian Leadership Training Seminar (LLTS)

The highlight of the Summer Training was the Lasallian Leadership Training Seminar (LLTS) last May 27-29, with the theme, “Be the Change, Proud Lasallians”.

It was a live-in seminar at Balay Kalinungan.

The five main objectives of the said three-day seminar, are as follows: to equip student officers with necessary activities that will enhance leadership skills and potentials, to provide assimilating situations that student officers will possibly encounter for the school year, to exercise decision-making and sound judgment to leadership activities and situations provided, to create a venue for team building and spirit of camaraderie among student officers and to grow in knowledge on the Lasallian charisms of faith, service and communion.

One hundred seventeen key student officers attended the said training.

USLS Alumni Student Leaders facilitated the training seminar.

Among those facilitators were May Ann Montano, 2005 USG President; Dedric Yulo, 2006 USG President; Malou Eudela, 2007 USG Vice President; James Gonzales, 2007 Senate President;

Amy Gargar, 2008 USG President; Dorsey Caratao, 2005 CAS Governor; Nea Cecille Quiachon, 2008 Pre-med Society President; Mikkel John Balodio, 2008 BSN Governor; Hannah Veñegas, 2006 CAS Governor; Joy Ann Castro, 2007 Premed Society President; and 2008 Outstanding Academic Club President, Cherie Ong.

Also joining as facilitators were Neslie Faith Sianson, an NSYL delegate and the present Editor-in-Chief of The SPECTRUM and Rodrigo Casiano, a fourth year Accountancy major and the official representative during the Aboitiz and Ayala Congresses for 2007.

The three-day seminar was filled with Lasallian formation sessions, leadership modules and teambuilding activities.

Karol Zepeda, 2002 USG Vice President, handled a session on four disciplines of execution while the rest of the Alumni Facilitators discussed other leadership modules.

Zepeda urged the young leaders to create a compelling scoreboard, focus on the wildly important, translate lofty goals into specific actions and hold each other accountable, so that the members of the organization will boost their scale of commitment.

“It’s a rare opportunity for you to serve in the course of your training. I hope all of you here will realize that you’re serving the community with a purpose,” Zepeda said.

During the first night, a talk show was conducted to discuss the Lasallians’ charism of faith, service and communion from among the students, alumni, faculty and staff as guests.

Among those invited were Cugie Loarca and Dr. Marty Jacinto from the Alumni Office, Dr. Gloria Fuentes from the Administrators, Ryan Gamboa from TV Patrol Negros, Frederick Peronce and John Paul Gabriel from the Volunteer Formation Program of BALAYAN.

Nonong Jamora reinforced the Lasallian formation sessions as he led the reflections on how Lasallian leaders can be the change in the community during the second night.

The third day was devoted to team cheering and amazing race competitions to animate the spirit of camaraderie among the participants.

Balayan urges Lasallians to help typhoon victims


Balayan, the community development and volunteer formation program of the University, strongly encourages Lasallians to help the victims of Typhoon Frank after it struck Western Visayas and other parts of the country, which caused great damage to both lives and properties.

Frank left more than 38 provinces with 198,224 affected families, according to the June 24 report of the National

Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC).

Dubbed as “Tabang Lasalyano,” the donation run is part of Balayan’s commitment to serve the community.

Essential needs such as cash, clothes, blankets and food can be donated at the drop-off point, which is located outside the Balayan office.

Cash donations above 100 pesos must be deposited to the Typhoon Frank Donations account at the business office, through cashier Cita Giron.

The IT CenterIT, as one of the latest

programs offered by the University will soon have its own building.

Bergante said the new programs offered by the University should be supported with facilities and equipment.

IT’s four-storey building will be erected behind the main library which will also accommodate the planned library expansion.

S p e e c h L a b o r a t o r i e s and Mass Communications Laboratory will also be in this site while a portion is allocated for offices and classrooms.

Computer laboratories from the Engineering building will also be transferred to this new building.

The Two-storey BookstoreFrom a single-storey

building with a basement, the bookstore will be expanded with the additional floor to provide facilities for career advancement.

As a special project, the second level of the bookstore will be converted into media rooms and additional areas for the storage of books.

Aside from the bookstore renovation, the alley near the bookstore will be repaired and the drainage near the creek will also be improved to address the frequent flooding.

“The facade of the bookstore will be better after the projects were done,” Bergante said.

The bookstore expansion is a collaborative effort of the academic unit and the bookstore.

The Granada Eco ParkA pretty ambitious project.This is how Bergante

d e s c r i b e d t h e p l a n n e d development project for the 55-hectare campus in Granada.

Bergante identified some plans for the Eco Park such as the building of new swimming pool and pond for boating and fishing.

The improvisation of the Eco Park aims to provide venue for student recreations, camps and the like.

The project is currently in the planning stage and as believed by Bergante, it should be done slowly and carefully.

The Air-conditioned ColiseumAn environment-friendly

air-conditioning system for the coliseum is among the probable projects for the school year.

The University will adapt the air-conditioning system with technology similar to United States which is intended to be more energy-saving.

The administration ensures the maximum use of this expensive investment through expanding the use of the air-condition units to the nearby buildings.

“Some environmentalists will oppose to this idea, that is why we are highlighting the new technology used,” Bergante added.

The Additional BusesDue to the present condition

of the buses, the University is planning to purchase new buses primarily to ensure the safety of the students.

“We felt that our students deserve something better,” Bergante said.

The University is planning to purchase one or two buses and have the other buses repaired and reconditioned.

Other Minor Development PlansListed in the projects to

pursue for campus physical development plans is the renovation of the student center upon the request of the University Student Government.

Upgrading the hallway between the Wester and Cody Halls and resurfacing the Engineering building are some of the minor development plans.

On the other hand, the renovations of Patio de La Salle and Mater Dei Amphitheater were started last summer.

More infrastructure dev’t for new programsfrom page 1

Write to [email protected]

SPORTS

University spikers win volley national crown

By Randell T. Aranza and John Vincent D. Angeles

USLS-IS captures Shakey’s Girls Volleyball League national crown against defending champion Hope Christian High School of Manila, led by MVP and Best Attacker Gianes Dolar and Best Libero Kristine Caro, held last June 12 at the USLS College Covered Court.

Led by Dolar and Caro, the USLS spikers battled their way up through the championship.

Having won the first set 25-18, the USLS players laid back and

lost consecutive scores with the score, 22-25 and 21-25.

They reset their tactics and won the ensuing set, 25-21, and they went on to win the last set, 15-12, to capture this year’s championship.

Composed mainly of high school players, this young squad of USLS Sports Director Malot Lozada was joined by college veterans Kaye Zaldarriaga, Gianes Dolar and Kristine Caro.

“My reminder to our players is that they should be better in every game. They must never compete

against other teams, they must compete against themselves,” Lozada said.

The sports director said that the drive and the spirit of their team are some of the factors that made them unique.

“When we lose, we go down fighting,” she added.

High school students in the squad were Fritz Joy Gallenero, Maria Beatriz Tan, Jane Frances Borrero, Patricia Rasmo, Karel de la Cruz, Dancel Jan Dusaran, Chiara Bantilang and Maria Giselle Tan.

“We won the national SGVL. We are the national champion of PRISSAA for three consecutive years. This shows that we can produce national champions here,” Lozada said.

She also told The Spectrum that she dislikes people who stereotypes athletes from outside of Manila.

“Some people tend to have this mentality that when an athlete is from the province, that athlete can’t compete well,” Lozada said.

“Well, I have news for you. We have champions,” Lozada added.

Booters grab champ titleBy Jessan M. Cabunsol and Randell T. Aranza

University of St. La Salle defeated University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R) during 2008 Barotac Nuevo Fiesta Invitational Football Tournament at the Barotac Nuevo town plaza held June 5-9.

La Salle booters shared the

victory, namely, Agustin Aldrin, Allan Alfaro, JR Baguioro, Kevin Bonilla, Jose Emmanuel Diez, Aldrian Dolino, Ferdinand Gamboa, Jimmy Malalo-an, Sahir Madini, Lope Mayagmo.

John Robert Mendoza, Gerard Pacquiao, Joey Lacson, Joemart Pasinabo, Juan Miguel Pornan, Jomar Lestingio, Mike Pantoja and Ralph Christian Layumas.

“We train harder, so as to retain our titles. But then, of course, I’m also reminding my players to prioritize their studies first,” Coach Freddie Lazarito said.

The coach also thanked the Varsity Sports Office, under the management of Lozada, for being very supportive to the team.

He added that eight (8) of their USLS team’s best players already

graduated.“We are training our new recruits

everyday, from Monday to Friday, 7-9 in the morning,” Lazarito said.

Last May, the La Salle Booters was invited to join the Carlos O. Cojuangco National Collegiate Football Invitational at the Panaad Sports and Recreational Park.

They won against Foundation University of Dumaguete, 2-0.

By John Vincent D. Angeles

The University took pride by sending the most contestants and getting a place in the 5K marathon in the female category through eighth placer Heather May Perocho; while Matthew Tyrell from the United States and Romanito High School student Mary Joy Caporas won the 5K run in the male and female categories, respectively, in the 32nd National

Milo Marathon held June 29. The 25-year old Tyrrell clocked

17:53 for 5 km with the pace of 3:35 per km.

Trailing him by 19 seconds was local runner Tiron Enlangan, who clocked 18:12 with the pace of 3:39.

Rounding off the podium winners for the male category was another local runner, Jezrael Bayotas, who was third in 18:16 with the pace of 3:40.

When asked about what he felt about the competition, Tyrrell answered, "It was fun. Lots of good competition. The race was nice and cool because of the rain.”

Tyrrell, who came to the Philippines for a vacation, also ran in a local race held in Victorias City.

Meanwhile in the female category, 14-year old Caporas won the 5 km marathon for women comfortably ahead by 65 seconds after registering a time of 21:08 with the pace of

4:14. The other podium winners

were Melanie Poticar who clocked at 22:13 and third placer Melany Clamor at 22:57.

The top three winners were all 15 years old and below.

Caporas previously ran in Panaad sa Negros and Palarong Pambansa in 2006 where she won gold.

More than 3,500 runners, not including the 355 police participants, ran in the marathon events.

USLS joins 1st Dapitan ladies beach volleyballLast June 21-22, the University sent two teams to the 1st Dapitan Ladies Beach Volley event in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte.

In cooperation with the Philippine Sports Commission, the team was invited by the City Government of Dapitan under Mayor Dominador Jalosjos, Jr., the 2nd Congressional District of Zamboanga del Norte Representative Cesar Jalosjos, the Tourism and Investment Council Chair Carlos Vargas.

The two teams are comprised of Kay Aplasca, April Hingpit (Team A) and Sheryl June Denila, Patty Orendain (Team B).

Team A lost against host

Dapitan City, composed of Florian Gutierrez and Josabelle Brillo, 16-21, 17-21.

Team B on the other hand, won its match against the other Dapitan team, 21-17, 21-18.

Other entries were Foundation University (Dumaguete), Southwestern University (Cebu) and Jose Rizal Memorial State College (Main and Katipunan branches).

I admire the perseverance and hard work of the players, in spite of the limited resources and support given by the school,” said Roger Banzuela, President of the Negros Occidental Volleyball Association of the Philippines (NOVA) and University Sports Varsity Consultant. //JVDA

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Tourist, HS student champ 5K runLasallian places 8th in Milo Marathon

SWEET VICTORY. Lasallian volleybelles, led by Coach Malot Lozada, were hailed champions during the Shakey’s Girls Volleyball League.



THE SPECTRUMOFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE, BACOLOD CITY

VOL. 52 NO. 1 • July 3, 2008www.thespectrum.ph | www.thespectrum.ph/forum

JULY Newspaper

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