The Official Newsletter of the University of Saint Louis, Tuguegarao City, Philippines

FEBRUARY 2009Volume IX l ISSN 1908-7683

100 percent passing rate for the first batch, with 2 placersUSL is no. 1 in NLE

In what seemed to be a euphoria of success, from Top 1 in the CPA board exams last year, the Cordis Mariae Nursing students first batch had all passed the NLE, with two placers: George Vega, Jr., 6th Placer and Arlette Quinan, 9th Placer. Soon, the news spread far and wide, making a halo of wonder at the magnificent feat USL is making in all board exams.

Upon knowing the official result from PRC, USL administrators led by the University President, Dr. Rosalinda P. Valdepenas, thanked the Almighty, the architect of the destinies of men, for another notch added to the university’s history. Mr. Dindo Asuncion, CHAS Dean, unluckily was sick when the results inundated the wires. He recovered in time for the Motorcade and the Testimonial Dinner.

The motorcade extolled the enormous academic bounty, where the passers waved and cheered. They, too, were cheered by the community. At 3:45, the Vice President for Administration, Dr. James Pattaguan, gave the signal for the blast off, and the vehicles toured the city. A mass was held at the chapel, and after that, the Testimonial Dinner at Pensione Roma.

Preliminaries were given by Rev. Fr. Neil Sta. Ana, CICM, who, in his invocation, profoundly thanked the Lord for such a blessing. Opening Remarks was given by Mrs. Rosario Canazares, MSN, who congratulated the passers. First Nursing Graduates, 100 percent passing, plus two placers is not coincidence. It is excellence.

“I remember quite clearly that when we were here last time, we whispered to the Lord that we will be back. Now, that silent prayer is answered. We are here again,” Dr. Pattaguan, who was the toastmaster, said. He acknowledged the presence of the guests, all

friends of USL, and the Nightingale Review Center who gave Vega and Quinan free trip to Hong Kong, for three days.

Meanwhile the University President gave a stirring message:

“Let me begin my message by relating to you a true story.”

“During the American war for independence, a group of soldiers were on their way to the battlefront, to bring supplies and fresh recruits. Along the way, a huge tree fell across the street and its massive trunk prevented the troops, their supplies and their horse-driven carriages from getting across. The captain of the regiment commanded the engineers to clear the way. The engineers tried to move the trunk but failed. It was obvious that the trunk was too heavy, so the captain also commanded the fresh recruits to help. The heavy trunk budged a little. Then a tall, neat and elegant gentleman arrived and got down from his horse and in his uniform, asked the junior officers who stood aside not wanting to

dirty their uniforms, to help. They all heaved together, soldiers and their officers, put the lever on their shoulders, and pushed the trunk to the side of the street. The gentleman rode on his horse again and before he rode away, said: Captain, if you still need someone to rally all your men to do their work together as a team, call your Commanding General. The gentleman’s name was George Washington.

Just like the story I have just mentioned, the message of working together, as a team, is a clear evidence of the true spirit of the Louisian Family. Let me refresh your memory why I made this statement.

About five years ago, when the University signified its intention to open a new program and this was the nursing course, we were met by objections from almost everywhere. Worst, there was even a black propaganda being circulated around that USL was operating its nursing program illegally, that is, without any CHED permit.

Tamano steps at USL; opposes CHED’s five year curriculum proposal

Atty. Adel Tamano, United Opposition Spokesman visited the different private schools in Tuguegarao and had an audience with the would be freshies about the five year curriculum program proposed by CHED. One of the schools visited by Tamano is USL.

In an audience with the fourth year high school students and some representatives from the SEAS, he said that “such a proposal is not good (sic) for both parents and students.

In the said forum, he gave his opinion about CHED and opposed

the 5 year curriculum. Citing, he did not come for politics, but in the essence of his presentation, he said only 8% of the National Budget is allocated to Education under GMA. During Erap’s time, it was 16%, and during Marcos time, it was 18-20%. He said under GMA, education

is only the 3rd priority. First priority under GMA is debts and pork barrel. No wonder, according to him, the economy is going down.

Schools he visited were MCNP, CCT and USL. He was accompanied by Dr. Edmund Jove.

Dr. Ferdinand Cortez

newsUSL Newsletter02

Because of the “lies” being peddled around that time, we have to admit that our enrollment for the second year of our operation of the program decreased abruptly that we had even difficulty of putting up one section of our first year. The class belonging to this batch shall graduate this March 2009 – with only 37 in their batch, after of course going through the University policy on the screening process for our nursing students.

Nonetheless, despite the setbacks, USL, a CICM school, persevered and rallied on with its desire of offering quality nursing education at an affordable cost. And the hard work, dedication and commitment of the teachers and the Dean of the College of Health and Allied Sciences to make good and prove our detractors wrong, paid of in this outstanding achievement of the first batch of our nursing graduates.

For the information of the body, USL ranked No. 1 along with two other schools for the category of 30-99 examinees in the last release, as per PRC record. 82 out of 82 of our graduates passed the board for a 100% passing rate, with two topnotchers. The 100% passing rate was already a blessing but with the two topnotchers, that was an added bonus from God!

This is the primordial reason why we are all gathered here tonight to pay tribute to our outstanding graduates who, once again, gave glory and honor to their Alma Mater. While the topnotchers shall again be presented to the community in the Commencement Exercises this April 2009 in order that they would give inspiration to the new breed of Louisian professionals, tonight, however, we are initially letting the board passers know the pride and honor we feel in our hearts for their achievements.” The President said.

“Follow where there is no path, make a trail instead. I am very proud of you, who have hurdled all the odds.” Dr. Rosalinda Valdepenas said. She acknowledged CVMC, Peoples Emergency Hospital and Clinica De Leon for their support. Dr. Albert de Leon, a Louisian himself, was present during the occasion. The DOH Regional Director was also present, and one of those who gave impressions during the Testimonial Dinner.

“We are so blessed we made it,” Vega said in his testimony. “The most important is, no one went home crying n despair. We all made it.”

“Our happiness would not be complete without our parents,” Arlette Quinan also said. “The USL Administrators, the Clinical Instructors are all supportive.”

Dr. Rosalinda P. Valdepenas, in her message did not forget that “one should have been there too;” the late, Alsie Gandeza, (+) and she asked a moment of silence for the repose of his soul.

Dr. Rosalinda P. Valdepenas, the 11th President, has once again proven that with her affable leadership, USL can beat all odds, even beyond that, par excellence.

USL is no. 1 in NLE from page 01

Mr. Jose Boy Taala, a basketball aficionado and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Regional Director, led his team last December 11-18 at Cagayan de Oro, Mizamis Oriental for the National League. Said event was sponsored by MILO.

Taala joins SBP nationalsDr.Ferdinand Cortez

Consultant of the Champions

The event is the highest, from PALARO and PRISAA to Philippine Olympics.

He said the International competition might be in Australia. Last February 14, 2009, his team left for Baguio for the all out screening of the best of the best. Overall Champion in the National Olympic Basketball Competition

held on December 11-16, 2008 at Cagayan De Oro City. The team was composed by Jerick Gamueda, Jonjon Verson, Jericho Maligaya, Arjay Danguilan and Diovani Layugan.Mr. Jose Boy Taala, SBP Regional Director for Region 2, has again reawakened the flicker of sports in basketball.

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nd “

if love me then w

e do it” purposes.”The School of Engineering, Architecture and Fine Arts (SEAFA) ruled again over other departments after garnering a winning average of 71.06 % that made them the over- all champion.

SEAFA retains their crownAvon Atabay and Mishelle Madrid

“SEAFA has once again united to reach one goal and that is to defend the crown. I thanked all the players, participants, advisers, officers, faculty and volunteers. They have made it possible. This win is a testament that when SEAFA is united, the MAROONS are the team to beat! SEAFA AGBIAG!,” said Daniel Sedano, SEAFA Governor.

SEAFA placed first in the following contested events during the 3- day festivity: Cheer and Dance Competition, Concierto 2009, Dance Fusion, Canvass Painting, Essay Writing in English, Slogan Making, Badminton Singles and Doubles Men and

Women , 100 dash Men, 400 dash Men, 4 x 100 Relay Men, High Jump Men, Table Tennis Singles and Doubles Men and Women, Boggle Women.

Kaibigan ng Kalikasan Program Awardee School of Business Administration and Accountancy garnered 63.70 for the 2nd place, Basketball champion School of Information and Computing Sciences earned 62.829, 3rd place, Festival Queen title holder High School got 55.52- 4th placer, Dance Sport winner College of Tourism- Technical Vocational Education gained

opinion USL Newsletter 03

The month of the hearts is February.How nice it is to look back and cherish

the springtime of life, when love was blooming and everything seems to be lush with youth. How many Valentine’s Day did I celebrate just like Christmas?

Here in the Philippines, Valentine’s Day is celebrated by wearing red shirts, dinner, a concert and of course, dating. It had been an observance twelve years ago when I was still a young lover that Valentine Cards are sent. Today, cards are no longer used. Christmas cards are waning, and Valentine’s Day is inundated by text messages. Only Mass Cards and Thank You Cards are now the fad. Look at how technology changes a tradition!

I explained in my Cultural Anthropology class how a tradition could be preserved or destroyed by technology. Technology can preserve a tradition by storing it electronically, I said. It could destroy it by the vastness of scope, swiftness and its classiness. Thus, the RnB and Alternative Rocks have shadowed the Kundiman, Lappaw and O, Naraniag a Bulan in music. The Zarzuela and Moro -Moro is only now used by middle aged columnist and journalist like me.

Years ago, my wife and I

would go out, watch a late night movie, have a dinner and have stargazing as part of Valentine’s Day. When we had kids already, we just prepare a special dinner at home, watch TV and go to bed.

Ferdinand N. Cortez

FebruaryAs I burn my years teaching, concerts

became a fad in Saint Louis. And it is because the Foundation Days include February 14; we brought the kids to the concert and have dinner after. Now, that made Lyka a hyperactive one!

Valentine’s Day is the annual holiday honoring lovers. It is celebrated on February 14 by the custom of sending greeting cards or gifts to express affection. The cards, known as valentines, are often designed with hearts to symbolize love.

The holiday probably was derived from the ancient Roman feast of Lupercalis (February 15), also called the Lupercalia. In an annual rite of fertility, eligible young men and women would be paired as couples through a town lottery. Briefly clad or naked men would then run through the town carrying the skins of newly sacrificed goats dipped in blood. The women of the town would present themselves to be gently slapped by the strips and marked by the blood to improve their chances of conceiving in the coming year.

Now, the red shirts must have been patterned from the color

of blood.Despite attempts by

the Christian church to sanctify the holiday, the association of Valentine’s Day with romance and courtship c o n t i n u e d through the Middle Ages. In medieval France and England it was believed that birds mated on F e b r u a r y 14, and t h e

image of birds

as the s y m b o l

of lovers began to

appear in poems dedicated to the day. By the 18th century, it was common for friends and lovers to exchange handwritten notes on Valentine’s Day. Printed cards had largely replaced written sentiments by the

19th century. In 1840 Esther Howland of Worcester, Massachusetts, created the first line of mass-produced Valentines for sale. Today, Valentine’s Day is second only to Christmas as the most popular card-sending holiday.

February 14 is looked forward to by lovers and couples the world over. As Christianity came to dominance in Europe, pagan holidays such as Lupercalia were frequently renamed for early Christian martyrs. In 496 Pope Gelasius officially declared February 14 to be the feast day of two Roman martyrs, both named Saint Valentine, who lived in the 3rd century. Neither Saint Valentine seems to have an obvious connection to courtship or lovers.

The name February, second month of the year, was derived from the Latin word februa, signifying the festivals of purification celebrated in ancient Rome during this month. It was not originally included in the Roman calendar, which began with March. According to legend, King Numa Pompilius added the month of January at the beginning of the year and February at its end. The latter was placed in second position in the Roman calendar in 452 bc. February was originally 29 days long, but one day was later transferred to the month of August. It is now 28 days long in ordinary years, a 29th day being added in leap years. Notable United States holidays celebrated in February include the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln on the 12th and George Washington on the 22nd, which are now celebrated together as Presidents’ Day on the third Monday

of the month.Thus, the

tradition was passed over to

generations. However today,

there are now modifications. Instead of ethereal and spiritual love exc lus ive ly

for lovers, they now use

this day for PMS, sexual experiment

and “if love me then we do it” purposes.

Not so much had changed, isn’t it? Happy Valentines!

“Valentine’s Day is the annual ho

liday

hon

orin

g lo

vers

. It is celebrated on Febr u a

ry 1

4 by

th

e custom of sending greeting cards or gifts to express affection. However today, there are now modif cations.

Instead

of e

ther

eal and spiritual love

exc

lusiv

ely for lovers, they now use this day for PMS, sexual experi

ment a

nd “

if love me then w

e do it” purposes.”

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54.936- 5th place, Debate defender School of Education, Arts and Sciences acquired 54.69-6th placer, Volleyball Women Victors College of Health and Allied Sciences got 49.72- 7th placer.

In the closing remarks, Supreme Student Council (SSC) President Rodel Abuan, thanked and appreciated the Lousians for staging well the real essence of the theme “Mission of Oneness, Vision of Excellence and Sportsmanship” and he welcomes another year of excellence.

“Let us move together as one, thank you” he ended.Three new events were introduced which includes Festival

Queen, Himig Handog and Lawn Tennis.

newsUSL Newsletter02

CHAS volley bells retain gloryJean Escanilla

Jean Escanilla

The College of Health and Allied Sciences (CHAS) defeated the College of Tourism Technical – Vocational Education (CTVED) in the championship round of Volleyball women, 25-19.

With the hardworking hand of Rosario Talay, CHAS team captain and tosser, they were able to defend their title as “the volley belle champ”.

The CHAS volley bell team made a six-point lead against CTVED during the 1st set, 25-19, and on the 2nd set still CHAS owned the game living CTVED behind the score of 25-18.

On the 3rd set, CTVED knights, shoved harder trying to capture the crown as they carefully answered the hard hitting serves and spikes of CHAS that eventually gave them the 3rd set, 25-10.

In the 4th set, CHAS steadily building back their lost momentum by their incredible teamwork and simulation inside the court that weakened their opponent and made them the champ again with the score of 25 – 19.

“We are determined to win the game, though players were busy with their duty and practicum, with the support of the CHAS family, the volleyball women made it,” Kenneth Panopio, CHAS governor said in an interview.

SICS ousts SEAFA

SEAFA retains crown from page 02

The School of Information and Computing Sciences (SICS) savored the victory as they blasted the defending champ-School of Engineering, Architecture and Fine Arts (SEAFA) in the final showdown of basketball Saturday, 70-61.

The SEAFA maroons started the first quarter with all-packed energy making the crowd tense and boisterous as they left SICS down by two in the last minute, 18-16.

The SICS managed to regain energy during the second quarter and in the 3rd quarter, Jerick Gamueda turned red hot making his team up by nine points (62-53) that emasculated SEAFA’s defense as well as offense.

As both teams approached the final frame, SEAFA still cannot get over from its turnovers despite the agility of the team while SICS enjoyed being on the top as they continuously making points from a splendid transition and offense.

Gamueda showed a very impressive performance as he poured three consecutive shots from the arc that put an end to the game.

SICS coach Christian Laganse said they were very happy because it was the first time for them to win the championship.

“We have the sportsmanship and camaraderie that’s why,” he added.Despite the grapple game, the SICS successfully shut down the

defending champion.Gamueda, the star player of the game said, “Thank God for giving us

the strength. My teammates are very strong; I led them through the spirit of the SICS.”

“Salamat sa Crowd,” he added.

44th Founding Anniversary Snapshots