http://todayscarolinian.net Today’s CAROLINIAN 1

GENERAL SERVICES EMPLOYEES UNION STAGE STRIKE Kerstein Kylle Despi

General Services Employees Union (GSEU) of implementation of the K+12 program this years in building maintenance of campuses the University of San Carlos (USC) staged a 2016. With the anticipated drop of college and that removing them is unjustifiable. strike outside Talamban Campus last May enrollees on the academic years 2016-2017, 20 to protest the administration’s layoff of long-range cost-cutting measures had to The National Conciliation and Mediation General Services Office (GSO) workers. be implemented to bring down operational Board (NCMB) issued a notice of conference expenses said USC’s legal counsel, Fr. between the two parties to appear before Picketing workers barricaded the entrances Ernesto M. Lagura, SVD. Conciliator-Mediator Gemma Poloyapoy on of Talamban Campus forcing anyone from May 21 to find a solution. Contratista said entering the university; causing heavy traffic USC administration explained that all affected negotiations ended in deadlock. According along the street and prompting a temporary GSO personnel were granted reasonable to him, the administration’s measure is suspension of classes. offers more than what is mandated by labor equivalent to union-busting and K+12 was laws. 61 of 77 personnel have accepted just an alibi The administration stands firm on The picket followed the closure of USC-GSO the separation benefit. GSEU President its decision as remaining workers who have on May 15 as the administration’s cost- Jovirito Contratista said, however, that the not agreed to the negotiations continued their cutting measure to outsource its maintenance compensation was not enough. He stated strike. TC and utility services in preparation for the that laid-off employees have worked for 15-22

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Anti-China Protests Go Out of Hand Athena Grace Orque

Amidst unresolved territorial disputes 3,000 Chinese nationals. between China and neighboring Asian Two days later, Filipino protesters, including countries, riots broke out in Vietnam last May a few politicians,and members of the 14 which marked the worst anti-China protest Vietnamese community in the country joined in decades. The upsurge from the locals was to support Vietnam against China demanding caused by Beijing’s deployment of an oiling rig the stop of the oil drilling in the Paracel Islands, near contested territory. the territory in question. Protesters carried Yang Jiechi and Pham Binh Minh are going to ‘exchange views on issues placards that read “We support Vietnam” and concerning bilateral relations’ 20,000protesters targeted industrial zones. “Vietnam-Philippines join hands to kick off More than a dozen factories were on fire China.” Beijing, which claims the most parts of the including business establishments not contested waters in the South East China Sea, owned by Chinese nationals damaged in the More recent conflicts have also risen since remains at odds with its Asian neighbors and affected areas in Binh Duong province, Hanoi the May 14 riotssuch as the issue of China refuses to abide international arbitration from 4 Chinese nationals were killed and over 300 accusing Vietnam of ramming its ships 1,400 the United Nations (UN) based on the United others were injured. The riot caused heavy times in the disputed South China Sea last Nations Convention on the Lawof the Sea property losses and led to an evaculation of June 8. (UNCLOS). TC U.S, Philippines Sign EDCA ‘Napolist’ Tags Alvin Apolinar 108 Solons U.S. President Barack Obama arrived in Manila as a of the Philippines and with full respect for the Paolo Louis Manghihilot conclusion to his four-country visit over Asia last April Philippines Constitution and Philippine laws.” 28, 2014. Alleged pork barrel scam ‘queen’ Janet Lim Napoles The importance of this state visit came to light hours Left-wing Filipino militant activists staged protest included 108 former and incumbent senators and before the arrival of the president as Philippine Defense against the new agreement and the visit of Obama, congressmen in her affidavit submitted to DOJ Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and U.S. Ambassador to saying that EDCA will only let a “bully” to replace Secretary Leila De Lima last May 25 regarding the the Philippines Philip Goldberg signed the Enhanced another “bully”. “We should stand by our territory misuse of the Priority Development Assistance Fund Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) at Camp against incursions but that does not mean that we (PDAF). Aguinaldo, Quezon City. will fight China, and let U.S. enter the scene,” Bayan Muna Representative Nerry Colmenares said. Bayan In the expanded affidavit of Napoles, submitted by EDCA is an executive agreement between the two secretary-general Renato Reyes also left a comment the DOJ to Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman, allied governments which allows the stationing of U.S. regarding the issue and said, “The US military and Sen. Teofisto “TG” Guingona III, she tagged at least military forces, and supplies including U.S. fighter economic agenda will only reinforce the status of 8 former senators, 16 incumbent senators and 88 jets and naval ships on military bases throughout the Philippines as an American neo-colony, and former and incumbent congressmen and their agents the Philippines.Its preamble refers to the obligation President Benigno Aquino III as Obama’s cheerleader in the scam. of U.S. and Philippinesto settle international disputes and puppet in Asia,” said. by peaceful means, and to refrain from the threat or Amidst the denial of some senators of their use of force. But despite the divided and mostly negative reactions involvement, Napoles also acknowledged that she from the mass, the Philippine government remains had provided campaign funds for former senator Regarding the issue of the Philippines losing its optimistic about EDCA’s contribution towards the Manuel “Manny” Villar, and incumbent senators, sovereignty and having its territory being invaded, country’s stand against China regarding the disputes Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano and Sen. Francis “Chiz” the Preamble states that “all United States access to in the West Philippine Sea. TC Escudero, during the previous election. and use of facilities and areas will be at the invitation Moroever, the Ombudsman has already indicted Janet Lim Napoles and senators Juan Ponce Enrile, #CebuAgainstPork Coalition Celebrates Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada, and Ramon “Bong” Revilla together with Jessica Lucila “Gigi” Reyes, Enrile’s Independence Day Through a Rally former Chief of Staff; Richard Cambe, Revilla’s Chief Athena Grace Orque of Staff; Paulene Therese Mary C. Labayen, Estrada’s Deputy Chief of Staff; John Ronald Lim, Napoles’ The Cebu Coalition Against the Pork Barrel System fugitive brother; and John Raymond de Asis, Napoles’ organized a rallyfor the abolishment of the Priority driver and bodyguard, in the Sandiganbayan for three Development Assistance Fund (PDAF),also known as sets of “Information for Plunder”. TC thePork Barrel System at Fuente Osmeña Circle last June 12.

The interfaith rally had an estimate of 3,000participants private sector, and Ken Ecarma, USC Supreme Student from various sectors, partylists and religious groups, Council president and STAND representativewere including the Archdiocese of Cebu, the United Church among the many speakers who presented issues in the of Christ in the Philippines and other denominations. gathering. The Movement for Livable Cebu, the academe, and other organizations represented the private sector. The The program for the rally ended with the call for Carolinian Political Science Society (CPSS) and Student the Guilty. Those charged, resign now. Act now, file the participation inthe signing of the People’s Initiative, a law Alliance for Nationalism and Democracy (STAND) from cases.” Members of the youthsectorwore masks of those formulated by the people seeking to fully abolish the Pork USC were also present.Theparticipants of the rallies held involved inthe scam. Barrel System and any program with a similar nature. A up banners and placards reading “No to Aquino Cover National People’s Congress,is expected to be held on Up, Pork Barrel King Panagutan” and “Batukan ang Representative speakers, Typhoon Yolanda victim, August 23, 2014 to address the graft and corruption in Charter Change.” The rally’s primary call was to: “Jail Ranolfo Galliardo, Dr.Shawn Espina, a doctor from the the government. TC http://todayscarolinian.net MAIN OPINION Today’s CAROLINIAN 3 BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL: TUITION INCREASE

Illustration by Zachary Borromeo

Ah, another tuition increase. Money will never well as new and advanced equipment and ride; like a rock generating a hundred ripples cease to become the least of our problems. facilities. affecting our country’s future and working class. But this burden has already been There will always seem to be this unending However, we all know that these changes well underway and while there seems to be struggle for students to fight against the could equate to employees getting laid-off this losing fight to beat what has already tuition hike and every one of us can take from work. The recent strike that transpired been done, we can only beg to question: part of it. The tuition hike is a manifestation early Tuesday, May 20, 2014 at the Talamban How well will our money be allocated for the of a greater problem in society. This problem Campus was the result of the removal of the improvements of the institution? spirals down and affects not only the majority General Services Office (GSO) after rendering of the country’s youth sector but also everyone years of service to the University of San Every student has the right to acquire rendering their service to institutions. Carlos (USC). The GSO employees have been information and has the responsibility to retrenched and replaced by an outsourced disseminate what he knows. After all in USC, Since the implementation of the Republic agency in order for USC to make way to cut what we have, we share; and what we do not Act 10533, or the Enhanced Basic Education back on expenses and save much out of the know, we seek to learn. So, dear Carolinians, Act of 2013, more popularly known as K +12, tuition increase of the students. The university question everything and be vigilant in the both public and private Higher Education is, basically, looking into what needs to be following weeks to come; question the Institutions (HEI) have been placed on the done on their part to sustain the status of quality of education, are we getting our pedestal. It is a heavy blow on the HEIs the institution as a whole. However, the money’s worth? We can look at the situation concerning the period of time where no administration has yet to settle the issue with in different angles and be critical about how freshmen students will be entering the schools what must be done justly as the compensation we can poke through the loop holes of the in 2016-2017 and 2017-2108. More so, the left for the employees won’t be enough to tuition increase. As one student body, we numbers of college entries will also drop by sustain their futures. can all help look at the little things that affect then since jobs will be open to anyone without us most directly. We are entitled to feel the a college degree. Consequently, institutions So, with this noted 7.39% tuition increase, expected improvements, upgrades and new are obliged to adjust to the requirements of we realize that the bigger burden is left on equipment and facilities in our environment. the transition management plans as early as us students. Every student enrolled next What are we really paying for exactly? Have possible. However, this affects all the people semester carries the burden of all these our classrooms been fixed up? Do we have involved in the institution: administration, changes for the university. Although it calls for competent teachers to teach us what we need faculty, staff, students and their families as the improvement of all educational sectors, to know? Do these teachers show up on time they make way for change in the curriculum we cannot argue that the price of acquiring or at all? Are we being treated justly? Is the and improvement of the overall quality of a college degree already costs more than curriculum justifiable? Are we using the books education. In this process, the faculty may be the average citizen is earning today. This has we are required to buy? Are we safe in school? asked to go further into their studies to finish been a constant problem for many Filipinos - These questions can size up to our constant their master’s or doctoral degrees to continue to the extent that some hinder their studies to fight for the tuition increase. If we can’t beat teaching tertiary level students otherwise they keep up with the rising cost of education. This them to the increase, we can strike them at may opt to render their service in secondary denies a student’s right to education and robs what is expected of this change with which school or, perhaps, pursue another career. off the opportunities of a greater future. can only be done through a collective effort. This only ensures that the quality of teaching is well restructured and updated. Structural Of course, we all knew that the implementation We fight for what is right.TC improvements may also be observed, as of the K+12 was going to be one hell of a 4 Today’s CAROLINIAN OPINION JUNE 2014 | Vol. 2 No. 1

ISMISery Again

With the growing prominence of is entirely inaccessible. This delays as during enrollment, the website the internet, establishments have the supposedly more convenient slows down as the server attempts begun to offer online services for enrollment process. to accommodate all these users. convenience. The University of San Making matters worse, the current Carlos (USC) is not exempt from such In addition to this, the problems software framework of ISMIS is not institutions. with ISMIS are not only limited to its the updated stable version. enrollment module. Often, information On August 24, 2012, USC officially and services from the website are However, the problems in ISMIS launched the Integrated School inaccessible due to server errors. can be remedied as long as the Management Information System Furthermore, ISMIS seldom prevents USC Administration is willing to do (ISMIS). According to Engr. Rosanna its users from gaining access to so. According to Conrado Geromo Ferolin in the USC website, ISMIS is information, citing not enrolling, or Jr., who studies BS ICT, together a computer-based archive managed not settling their dues as a reason, with a BS IT student and a BS by the Information Resource despite already having done so. This CompE student who chose not to Management – Academic Computing was the experience of many in the disclose their names, ISMIS can be Services (IRM-ACS) Office. This online most recent enrollment period. improved significantly if its server is service enables students, faculty upgraded or overhauled completely. members, parents and administrators ISMIS may also become a significant Furthermore, the BS CompE student Cesar Carlos Heyrosa to access information on grades, inconvenience when shifting from one suggested that the employment of schedules, program courses and curriculum to another, as evidenced more competent website developers assessments. It can also be used by a first-hand experience. The and managers may also contribute to for other services such as faculty constant disruptions in the online the online service’s enhancement. evaluation, submission of grades and service may ultimately cause the enrollment. undoing of the shifting process. Though the objectives of ISMIS are Additionally, the IRM-ACS Office may indeed noble, is it acceptable that Though the objectives of ISMIS are only reason out that this is due to the we are given a bug-ridden website noble, this online service is definitely records not being up to date, which is to accommodate our needs? Is this not doing its job well, especially actually a problem in itself. the service we deserve with what in terms of its enrollment services. we are paying for? Is the offering of Since the inception of ISMIS, These problems may be caused a mediocre service, such as ISMIS, students recurrently express their by the internal server of the ISMIS not a contradiction to the value of frustrations during enrollment period, website. With many students logging excellence institutions must embody? as the website runs very slowly or in simultaneously in peak times such TC GSO: Aftermath Sans Union

According to the University of San administration can do away with plumbers given they will undergo Carlos (USC) Administration, their bothersome issues and proposals skills training at TESDA and prove decision to close the General Services such as salary hikes, better working competent for the work. Office (GSO) and switch to agency- conditions, or whatever made in the based services was in order to reduce name of labor rights that the higher- Whether this will be a happy or sad expenses in the preparation and the ups can swat off as nuisances – at ending to the employees is still transition period of the K-12 program. least which are what the employers uncertain. One thing is for sure, who benefit from this busting might however. The administration has the right to do say. so. However, while one of the basic The administration maintains its stand rights of workers is the security of Struggles for power over decision- to avoid unions in the university. Why? their jobs, they may still be dismissed making always exist between the Is this because the employees are from work when the purpose of doing union and the administration – the assured by the most holy that their so is retrenchment or cutting down of union desires better conditions at rights will be safeguarded at all costs? expenses to avoid losses. In addition, work, the administration wishes Or is there fear of backlash because the application of an agency-based to minimize costs and maximize there’s something shady going on in service benefits the university as the gains. An agreement after tedious the first place? contract of agency workers may be negotiation can only be made if it Wayne Lorenz Tandingan terminated at any time at the beck- satisfies both parties. With this, the This is not to say that the and-call of the hiring organization. dissolution of a labor union will always administration does not respect the This connotes the absence of worker be viewed as something in favour of rights of its employees. However, benefits which are added costs to the the employer side. we wish that the movements of the school. Agency workers cannot form higher-ups are made in good faith. unions. What follows is logical and is There won’t be much fuss over the It’s rude to doubt intentions but the something that may have not been aftermath of the power struggle possibility of true intent allows each given attention to by the public. though if re-employment is the one of us to question further. only thing that matters to the fired With the closure of the GSO, the USC employees. Perhaps the fires of We will not take any chances. The General Services Employees Union conflict may have died down with the eyes of vigilance will always be upon (GSEU) dies too. administration giving a chance for the those seated on the throne of power. terminated employees to be rehired TC With the termination of a union, the by the university as electricians and http://todayscarolinian.net OPINION Today’s CAROLINIAN 5 A King without a Kingdom

A year after the Miami Heat and the a fan of the Heat squad. The only lest we have forgotten, they did not San Antonio Spurs fought a down- time I hated LBJ was during 2011 really have to run side-by-side as to-the-wire seven-game series when they faced my Mavs and how they consistently managed to set the in Basketball’s inarguably most he mocked my Dirk having a flu prior tone and let their mojo of ball-rotation prestigious stage, the NBA Finals, the to Game 5. dictate the game instead of letting the two heavy-weights were at it once Heat imply their game-plan. more. LeBron’s ever-improving game with emphasis on his shooting percentage In sum, it was not really that great of a Who would ever forget that Heat and minutes-points ratio, Dwyane NBA finals rematch, as competitive as comeback in Game 6 with 21 seconds Wade’s fairly healthy condition all what was advertised, all we saw was left? That Allen corner trey still lingers throughout the Playoffs, and Ray a Bird without wings, the Flash who in the mind of every Spurs fan. That Allen’s game-saving repertoire told a lost his speed, and a sharp-shooter that remarkable comeback eventually story that the Heat may be too much who kept on missing. Yes, LeBron is cost the Spurs the chance of having for the Spurs to bear, but throughout still king, but he rules in a kingdom he their fifth title as the Heat went on to the duration of that series, the Spurs does not own anymore and that he win Game 7 in that series. have wanted the series more, beating merely lives in it. This is how my uncle the Heat blowouts after blowouts described the series and the king. The recently concluded 13-14 NBA after blowouts after blowouts. Yes, Karl Benedict Sayson season, we saw a motivated Spurs the Spurs just destroyed Miami in four Momentous it is to crown the Spurs team that immediately made their disastrous games. with a fifth title -- one championship message clear right from the get-go to put the icing on the cake for a that a second consecutive trip to the In Basketball, skills and talent will tremendous franchise run that started Finals is what they were eyeing on, always reign supreme and Miami had with coach Popovich and Duncan adding key players to their roster in the the edge on this one. But just so we way back 1997 which was later names of Italian sharp-shooter Marco know, our beloved game is a team surrounded by key players headed by Belinelli and Australian Patty Mills, game, thus, ball-rotation, screens, Parker and Ginobili. What better way plus the consistent improvements communication are keys and easily, to conclude a 17-year Spurs run with of Kawhi Leonard and Tiago Splitter. San Antonio had the edge in this one. a championship. Congratulations to Throughout the season, the veteran Right from the start I kept on saying the 2013-14 NBA Champions, your Popovich-led Spurs team have taught that the only way the Spurs could San Antonio Spurs! For all those who teams that fundamentals beat talent, beat this Heat squad was really ball- rooted for the Spurs, sweet cheers for earning the team the league’s best rotation and yes, it was exactly what a sweet revenge! record of 62 wins with only 20 losses happened. during the season. P.S. Kawhi became the youngest Say whatever you want about the NBA Finals MVP, surpassing his own On the other hand, I have always been Spurs may have been too old to play teammate Tim Duncan who held the a fan of LeBron’s game, but not really run-and-gun against the Heat, but same title way back 1999. TC Recall the Witness

Last month, the Philippine Star logo. To be a witness means to stand the God of the Christian Church but released an unofficial list of the and speak in truth and defend it. The rather any higher power. Simply put, country’s top universities with the “Word” that is referred to here is, of it could mean different things to University of San Carlos ranking as course, the Word of God. What of our different people depending on who the country’s 6th best university. non-believing Carolinians? you ask. Based on the list, USC is also ranking the highest in the Visayas In the same way, a Carolinian could It has been said that Saint Charles and Mindanao regions, backing up its adopt his or her own meaning on Borromeo, the namesake saint of our claim to be the premier university of what it is to be a witness to the university, was – for others he still is the south. This elicits a sense of pride Word. Whether it is in the belief in a – a patron of learning and the arts. in all of us at USC. higher power or a simple notion that He was called a reformer and was whatever they do should matter, greatly influential. It is possible these When looking at the other well-known a Carolinian surely has something traits we have inherited. One way universities, an image easily comes they hold in high regard. This is why or another, a Carolinian is one who to mind of the kind of students they wherever they go they have a way of comes off as self-assured of himself produce. There are some fairly well carrying themselves. and his abilities. known stereotypes – some of them unfair and one-dimensional – but, Perhaps we can follow with how The funny thing about having a shared Gerald Owen Franza truth be told, there is always somehow the Preamble of the Philippine identity is that despite the absolute that shared and collective identity and Constitution was handled. There uniqueness everyone has, it is in the it is only fitting Carolinians have one seemed to be a contradiction with harmony and mutual benefits out of too. the mention of “God” and there everyone’s uniqueness that really supposedly being a separation matters. It is one of life’s most basic As a starting point, it has been said between church and state. This was lessons. After all, university does that a Carolinian is a witness to the resolved with the statement that mean unity in diversity. TC Word like what it says on our university “God” in our preamble is not explicitly 6 Today’s CAROLINIAN OPINION JUNE 2014 | Vol. 2 No. 1

From Corsets and Laces

The brain is the central organ of all limiting dress policies that seem to be some form of silent protest against bodily functions. It manages and filters get more and more restricting as the the growing LGBT community and everything you do from speaking and years come and go? this is just USC’s way of trying to put listening to sleeping and sports. It is genders into their correct places. a mass of nerves that controls every As we step into the University gates, While it is understood that in a body part you have. It manages your we are taught and cultured that to bare patriarchal society that effeminate cognitive functions. In short, it is the skin is wrong since we are entering men are frowned upon and made main computer of your body. a sacred foundation of learning fun of for cross-dressing, it is a little and knowledge. We are taught to curious as to why USC has banned The brain is also the main organ that blend in by being issued uniforms its female students from dressing we bring to school so we function that massacre any individual’s form like men. Skin would not be shown. properly in class. It is the organ that of individuality. Our haircuts are Tempers would not be tested. Is this we exercise the most when we’re in monitored and controlled . USC’s way of being sensitive to the school-other than our legs, of course, homophobic part of the student since we are going to the University of I cannot fathom why these things body? San Carlos. would hinder our learning process. Although these things we’ve learned While I could hypothesize over The main purpose of going to the to accept, just recently, the school and over regarding this new Raynielle Beatris Lacson university in the first place is to learn dress policy has seemed to reach implementation, it still does not and thrive in the knowledge that it has a new low. Male apparel is now disregard the fact that it is complete to offer. We pay good money just to restricted for the female half of the ludicrous to ban the female populace be lavished upon with USC’s boasted university populace. The newly issued of the university from the comfort of decades old wisdom. dress code policy states that ladies loose clothes and shoes. Though are not to wear baggy pants and male the administration clearly have We go to college to learn and better shoes. their reasons for implementing such a ourselves toward our paths as shallow, superficial rule, the rationality professionals. Clearly this is some subliminal of their reasons is still pretty much propaganda by the University to questionable. An explanation would Why, then, does the school have implement gender roles. It could also be nice. TC NEW COURSES OFFERED IN USC Jet Cenia

The Academic .Year. 2014-2015 introduces entrepreneurship, press relations and events advantage by allowing them to concentrate on by different departments in the University of organizing. the licensure exam for teachers, a requirement of San Carlos (USC). With the growing trend of Media, on the other hand, focuses on the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC). educational development in the country, the broadcasting, journalism, radio and television The faculty is expected to apply the Outcome- university must meet the demands of globally production, press relations, and fundamentals in Based Education (OBE) curriculum. The faculty competitive world. The country must produce mass communication. The department offered also assures that the students will be taught by individuals who are fully equipped with the skills these courses because of the rising demand teachers who are PRC licensed and those who needed to endure a greater society. The new of individuals with great communication skills are master’s degree holders. courses offered are a manifestation of how the that are highly needed in companies and to university instills their support to the country’s meet the needs of the growing media industry. Last year, the Mechanical Engineering Department cause. Fortunately, the Departments of Physical In addition, Dr. Tejano revealed that there are offered their new program Manufacturing Education, Mechanical Engineering and that new faculty members in the department who Engineering that is centered on Metal works. The of Languages and Literature enlightened us are professional media practitioners that will University of San Carlos and De la Salle University concerning the new courses offered under their be mentoring the students enrolled in the said the only schools offering this course The only respective departments. courses. Through this, the students would be difference is that La Salle has specializations able to appreciate and grasp their lessons more in Mechatronics and Biomedical engineering. Dr. Charity Tecson-Turano, Chairman of the with teachers who can share their personal Dr. Edwin Carcasona, former chairman of the Department of Languages and Literature, gladly experiences. department, said that manufacturing engineers shared some information concerning the new are in demand because of the numerous export courses their department is offering Bachelor Similarly, , the Department of Physical processing zones and industries of food, drink, of Arts in Communication which spans with two Education is also offering a new program: oil, plastics and pharmaceuticals found in the tracks: Media and Corporate Communication. Bachelor of Physical Education major in School country. The department had it separated to avoid the Physical Education (BPE-SPE). According to misconception that mass communication is their Department Chair, Mr. Marlon T. Bojos, the Conclusively, these new courses are of great help media. new program was offered because of CHED for students who are following a certain career Memorandum Order No. 23 series of 2011 path. Since the demand of specialized professions Corporate Communication is one of the newest which was a mandatory requirement for schools is increasing each year, schools must introduce programs offered only by USC here in Cebu. The to offer the new program in replacement of the new courses and programs fit for the needs in the course focuses on managing and orchestrating old curriculum, BS-ED MAPEH. Basically, the labor industry. While the cost of college education all internal and external communications course is about producing PE teachers for is increasing, finding a high paying job is equally which aims creating a favorable point -of -view elementary and high school levels. The course hard because of the stiff competition. Still what among stakeholders that companies depend gives an in- depth emphasis on one major remains important is to earn a college degree, find upon. Furthermore, the course offers topics on which is health. It also gives the students an a job and pursue a successful career. TC http://todayscarolinian.net FEATURES Today’s CAROLINIAN 7 THE BAYANI CHALLENGE Gabriel Ramon Arcenas

The Bayani Challenge is a yearly event paraisong pambata allows volunteers to play more are also given by the national and organized by the Gawad Kalinga organization games, read stories, and teach the children. international volunteers. The locals are also where volunteers from around the globe One of the goals is to help those children taught about unity, helping one another, and come together in an effort to help build affected by Typhoon Yolanda recover from how to protect the environment and keep better communities in provinces around the traumatic experiences. their areas clean. Philippines in cooperation with the local governments in different provinces. This year, The challenge lasts for five days. Volunteers On the last day of the Bayani Challenge, all the target of the Bayani Challenge was to help gather in a base camp where they eat, sleep, the barangays come together one last time rebuild the municipalities affected by Typhoon and interact with one another. The opening with the other volunteers, and together, they Yolanda. Spearheaded by the Gawad Kalinga – of the challenge is held at a gymnasium or a have one big celebration. The volunteers Cebu chapter, thousands of volunteers, local, sports complex. Here, members of different show that by working together, big national and international, applied and flew barangays of the municipalities can gather differences can be made. It shows us that the in from out of town; some even flew in from as different speakers welcome them and give term Bayanihan is not dead. Communities another country in order to lend a helping hand. them an idea of what events will be happening. are still working together as one and with The duration of the events in which volunteers the help from neighbouring towns and cities, The Bayani Challenge contains a number of participate vary from half a day to a whole more work can be accomplished. This shows different activities each day: school refurbishing day. The day ends with a culminating activity that the Filipino spirit is still strong and alive and painting, footbridge making, crab nursery at the base camp where local volunteers in thousands. TC making, mangrove planting, street and coastal from the different barangays are invited for clean-up, and the paraisong pambata, where a talent showcase. Inspirational talks about volunteers can interact with children. The brotherhood, friendship, strength and many 8 Today’s CAROLINIAN FEATURE JUNE 2014 | Vol. 2 No. 1 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SUMMER Emmanuel Alquizola & Mariya Lim

School may have been out for the summer but of truth. Being awarded with the GAWAD Ernesto they were taught. They added that they are not Carolinians still came to play and kept their A-game Rodriguez Jr. 3rd place award for best magazine just “Witnesses to the Word” but they also live by at a good level. The first of many achievements means that Today’s has not strayed away from it. The USC Warriors surely proved that they are was winning the Bombo Radyo Philippines-Cebu: its creed even after 8 years of silence. Lots of not just warriors in the basketball court but also Lantugi sa Bombo, a Carolinian team bagged the students may not understand and appreciate what soldiers in the community as well. title of grand champion, who will then represent we do and the content of our writing but we will Cebu in the regionals. Karl Sayson recounts the continue to fight for their welfare and end campus Likewise, USC Chemical Engineering Council experience, “One of our teammates just arrived repression. Our Commitment. Your Paper.” Miko together with Chemistry Students’ Association from Manila a day before the debate, so we Paolo Mangubat, Associate Editor for External (CHEMSA) joined Paknaan National High School’s basically just practiced for less than a day, slept Affairs says: “The 74th NSPC and 34th BSPC Brigada Eskwela 2014 wherein they helped in at 3 in the morning and woke up at 7 the day after was quite a blast. Not to mention the great choice painting the walls and flower pots of the said since the debate started at 10 and we had to be of venue and city which was able to cater the school. The two organizations also went to at the City Hall by 9.” The topic was all about the delegates from all over the Philippines, CEGP was a summer concert for children at San Carlos Juvenile Delinquency Act, and Sayson credits his able to show its best in leadership and teamwork. I Seminary, organized by Sistemang Pilipino. After team’s success-despite-the-odds to the practical have learned a lot in the convention and I am really the concert, a team-building activity was prepared training of the Political Science program. looking forward to apply most of it in the future for the children and the two organizations were and serve my fellow Carolinians.” the ones who coordinated for the said activity. The accolades don’t end there though. USC They organized groups for children to play games came in at 6th place in the Commission on Higher On an international level, the Carolinian is not including “Crocodile River”, “No Strings Attached” Education’s (CHED) list of the top ten universities one to shy away either--the World Architecture and “U Sack.” in the country. The rankings were based on which Festival, a yearly event that serves as a competitive schools in the Philippines had the most Centers platform for architects across the globe, invited Some Carolinians were also active in joining boot of Excellence (COE) and Centers of Development the University of San Carlos to participate. This camps, summits, and attending talks and lectures (COD). The Big 4--which includes the University after last year’s winning design entry came from during the summer. Our entrepreneur students and of the Philippines Diliman, De La Salle University, the College of Architecture and Fine Arts (CAFA) some students from the Department of Industrial University of Santo Tomas and Ateneo de Manila students Jon Medalla, Kathleen Canlas, Keshia Engineering and the Department of Computer University--garnered the most points, preceded Lim and Jorge Rocha. Not only were they the first Engineering joined the 1st Entrepreneur’s Boot only by UP Los Baños at 5th place with twenty team from Asia to win, but previous victors hail Camp held at the Wrocklage Yard of USC points. The University of San Carlos was the only from some of the most prestigious universities in Downtown Campus. The boot camp was filled contender from the Visayas. With two COE’s in the world like Harvard and MIT. with a series of talks, workshops, and lectures to chemistry and teacher education and ten COD’s in guide young entrepreneurs for the undertakings different departments from engineering, business While others were busy soaking up the sun, some and challenges in the business world. The goal of administration, and philosophy. Carolinians made the most of their summer by the lectures and activities was to create a mutual spreading good will through outreach activities or relationship among the students and allow them Moreover, in this year’s National Student Press community services. to share their ideas about business. Undoubtedly, Convention held in Davao City, Today’s Carolinian the students were ready to face the crazy world of won 3rd place in the Magazine category of In the same way, the University of San Carlos business after the camp. Most Outstanding Student Publication. Today’s Warriors had an outreach activity at St. Bernard, Carolinian’s Writing Head, Lesley de los Santos, Southern Leyte wherein they extended a lending With the several activities that happened during was appointed as Deputy Secretary General hand to their fellow brothers and sisters in the the summer raising the expectations of the for the Visayas. Regarding the experience, she area by giving away goods to the residents of students it would be safe to say that the events said: “Today’s Carolinian has always been for the St. Bernard.. According to their Facebook page, for the upcoming academic year would be highly students. Its history has been filled with the pursuit doing these acts allows them to practice what anticipated. TC http://todayscarolinian.net FEATURE Today’s CAROLINIAN 9 DASIG MANUNUWAT! Lesley Cara P. Delos Santos

“Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion CEGP, one of the active youth-oriented operations for two years before another election and expression; this right includes freedom to organizations, is an intercollegiate alliance of and appointment ensues. Both the NSPC and the hold opinions without interference, and impart student publications in the country that has been BSPC are endorsed by the Commission on Higher information and ideas through any media fighting off campus repression, advocating for Education (CHED). regardless of frontiers.” – Universal Declaration of press freedom, and promoting student welfare Human Rights for 82 years together with over 750 student This year, CEGP celebrates its 74th NSPC with publication members from 500 schools in 68 out the theme, “Dasig Manunuwat: Uniting Campus The Freedom of Opinion and Expression, Freedom of 78 provinces and cities nationwide; making Journalists for Genuine Press Freedom and of Information, and the Right to Information have it the oldest and broadest alliance of student Social Change” in Davao and was held last May always been a problematic issue within semi- publications ever. 19–23. Dasig Manunuwat is a Visayan term which feudal and feudal countries like the Philippines, means “inspired writer” with general topics such where wealth and status offer power to the In a rotating pattern between Luzon, Visayas, and as Fork in the Road: A Nation in Crisis and the privileged few who then exploit the people they Mindanao for its venue, CEGP holds its annual five- Way Forward for a short course on the National consider to be expendable commodities. The day National Students Press Convention (NSPC) Situation, Selling Out: Neo-Liberal Policies in the Press and the Media are journalists who belong where student journalists from all over the country Philippine Education System, On Cultural Change to the mass media and the newspaper industry are invited to listen to lectures, workshops, and for enlightenment of the Educational Situation, that embodies the basic rights mentioned above. conferences on basic, intermediate, and advanced Campus Press Freedom and Press Freedom Their duties include reporting, investigating, journalism skills provided during the convention. Situation rePRESSed and exPRESSion: Social and uncovering the anomalies and crimes that Socio-cultural and political classroom discussions Crisis and the Implications for Press Freedom citizens of its country commit to the greater on the situation of the Philippines, as well as the for contextualization of the situation of the press majority of the people. The information they situation of the youth and the educational system, in the national and collegiate level, and The New gather will considerably help improve the lapses are included in its yearly itinerary together with a Media and Culture in Crisis for an eye-opener of the country politically, economically, socially, Basic Masses Integration (BMI) to contextualize on how social media is affecting an already and culturally which is why Freedom of the Press these discussions. Additionally, assessment questionable culture. The participants were also exists. of campus press freedom for each student grouped. They shared each other’s experiences publication is done to continually update the of campus repression and to assess each other’s Freedom of the Press or Press Freedom, refers to current national status of campus press freedom press freedom. the right to circulate opinions without censorship within universities and colleges in the Philippines. from the government or by any entity which The Most Outstanding Publications are given The amount of information that is allowed for the connotes that journalists are to be protected at the GAWAD Ernesto Rodriguez Jr. Award for public to scrutinize, debate upon, and investigate all times. However, in the Philippines, journalists major (Magazine, Tabloid, and Broadsheet) and is an impeccable factor of progress. Problems are continuously harassed, threatened, killed, minor (Website, Alternative Form, Literary Folio) in society extend to even the campus level. kidnapped, and tortured by entities who abuse categories. And, therefore, Freedom of the Press, even at their power in order to protect their image. In fact, the campus level, is a determinant of corruption the state of Press Freedom in the Philippines has The 74th NSPC is also coupled with CEGP’s and good governance and plays a role in curbing been plunging down the ranks of the World Press 37th Biennial Student Press Congress (BSPC). corruption. Thus, the CEGP and the NSPC do not Freedom Index; denoting that journalists in the The BSPC elects the national president, national only serve as a chance for campus journalists Philippines are never as safe and protected as vice-president, the executive vice-president, all over the Philippines to create ties but also they should be and this phenomenon goes on and vice-presidents of the Luzon, Visayas and serves as a campus press freedom monitor where even within the tertiary level of education, which Mindanao, and appoints the national secretary universities are considered the country and its is why the College Editors Guild of the Philippines general, the deputy national secretary general, students are its people. TC (CEGP) exists. and the secretary generals per group of islands. The officers will oversee the success of CEGP 10 Today’s CAROLINIAN VOX POPULI JUNE 2014 | Vol. 2 No. 1

Do you think it is justifiable for the USC Administration to lay off GSO workers who have been employees for more than 20 years?

Definitely no! USC administration should lay off some workers but I believe there I think the compensation is just and have thought first the effect of their are better solutions than this. humane. from the given information actions to the ex-employees especially – BS EE 3 above: “plus ten years worth of salary to that they’re employed for more than 2 be installed a year worth per month”... decades. It’s not a justifiable reason that I understand that the laying off of GSO that wouldn’t be so bad. I mean, they’re doing it just because of the K-12 workers is for the K+12 program. Now, would they rather get nothing from the program. In fact, they’ve increased the the school is implementing a tuition fee university? Though considering this tuition fee to a certain percentage and increase because of the same reason. economy,it would be hard for them to get all along, their reason for increasing it for I don’t think it is justifiable for the another job the sake of the employees. administration to lay off the workers since – BS ChE 3 – BSA 2 they already are asking for a tuition fee increase to compensate for the loss of We can’t always generalize what is Yes, some of them don’t even work incoming first years. I would understand ‘reasonable’ for people. For some properly. I mean, does it take 2 weeks if they implement the increase because GSO employees, it’s more than just the to fix an arm chair? besides that, if they have to maintain the same number monetary incentive but it is that sense the school doesn’t prepare for the of workers. Also, it would be a burden to of job security that matters to them, that upcoming K-12 thing, Would it not cause the students as well. guarantee of being able to sustain one’s more problems? Increase in tuition or – BS AcT 4 self and dependents by being stable as an something? I’m not being selfish here, employee. Even with the compensation, just being realistic. There is a certain way of computing the it’s still a win-lose situation. – BS PHARM 2 compensation. But I cannot say for sure – BSBA Marketing Management II if the compensation given to the laid off Its survival of the fittest, i think usc’s part GSO employees enough. I think yes. As what I have read, USC here is to provide some credit for the – AB LL 3 even paid them more than what they 20yrs of service. YES deserved. They could use the money to – BFA AA 3 In your opinion, is the compensation start a business or something. It’s all win- given to the laid-off GSO employees win. In my own opinion the USC administration enough? for me i believe its not the – BS CpE 4 cannot and will not justify the actions compensation that is making them strike that they’ve taken. They will take any but what will they do in their lives after Yes, I think the compensation the Admin course of action in order to capitalize spending twenty years in usc, mayb the gave to them was enough. A teacher of what resource they have and one of it workers have no other options on how ours even think it was more than enough. is laying off these staffs that has been in they gonna spend the rest of their lives.. – BS Psych 2 service for them in over a decade or so idont think its all about money – AB POSC PTS-ECON 3 – BS PHARM 4 Certainly, the administration has not overlooked on this matter since they have I think that the USC Administration has The amount is basically more than provided the employees with a form of just reasons to lay off GSO workers but the salary they earn. It can keep them compensation for their years of service. it is unnecessary for the fact that these financially secure for the time being while Contractually speaking, they have workers have been working in USC they search for other sources of income. upheld all the rights vested upon their for a long time. These workers know The administration is not Red Cross, so relationship as employer and employees. the school inside-out and they have financial compensation is the most they It would be fair on these terms but if you been working hard for the school with can do for now. We can’t expect them to would consider the personal rights of the probably meager wages. It is known that give free housing and free food. employees then there would be several the K+12 program would create a huge – AB LL 2 conflicts with regards to the matter. gap in the school’s income because – BSA 3 graduates from various high schools will No I do not, its not about just having the be produced longer than expected and money, it’s about having a stable job to the necessary tuition increase to cover last you the years. up these losses. I think that this is one – BFA FD 4 of the reasons why administration would http://todayscarolinian.net VOX POPULI Today’s CAROLINIAN 11

Do you think it is justifiable for the USC Do you think the administration respects the rights of its laborers and employees? Why or why not?

No for the reason that this event was No, they dont have any respect at all. everything is not what it is at the moment. so sudden and led leaving 77 people If they did, they wouldve handled this – BS CpE 2 jobless. maturely. – BS BA-FINC 2 – ABPOSC-PMD II No. Because given the time table laid to them by the administration, the No. Because given the time table laid Yes. If they didn’t respect the rights employees are having a hard time to them by the administration, the of their laborers and employees, adjusting to this trend. These employees employees are having a hard time they wouldn’t have given any kind of also have their long-term agenda and adjusting to this trend. These employees compensation. plans for life. Informing them ahead of also have their long-term agenda and – BS IT 4 time might change the present happening plans for life. Informing them ahead of on an extreme level. time might change the present happening The administration respects the – BSA 2 on an extreme level. employees/laborers because of their – BSA 2 efforts . If it weren’t because of them,

Do you think it was justifiable for the GSEU to barricade the gates during the strike and ask for support from students by not enrolling in the university?

No. I am also a student and I think GSEU but that’s nothing compared to what they – BFA AA 4 does not have the right to prevent us are suffering. to enroll in the university. We may be – BED – SPED 2 I BELIEVE that it was not justifiable. involved in some matters but we also If they want support, they could ask seek education and they can’t prevent us I respect the GSEU’s way of having properly and not barricade the gates. It to be doing that. Despite these issues, their concerns heard even if I and I’m really interrupted the classes that day USC still deserves to be respected by sure there are many others who have and although we are indirectly involved not doing what GSEU happened have been affected by it as it gave some of in the issue, it was just really improper. done. the students difficulty in attending their Also, there really is nothing we can do – BSA 2 classes. Moreover, I have heard that about the enrolment because whether days after the barricading of the gates, we like the admin or not, USC offers No but maybe they dont have any other they also had a candle light thing. This quality education and that cannot be way to catch the attention of the admin just shows that they do not only settle for denied. We would have nowhere to go – BS PHARM 4 the kind of guarded and loud ways but if we don’t work hard for our futures. they also know how to be in their kindest Although we did HOPE that we can pick We all have freedom to express our and gentle ways in having their concerns up some VALUES on the way, seems feelings and what they have done may not heard. like the preachers don’t practice them be justifiable but I would like to respect – AB POSC - PTS 3 anyway so we shall find other means to how they’ve expressed their opinions cultivate our spirit and morals. Anyway, if and feelings. What the administration They had the right to have a strike on the the good teachers were the ones being has taken away from them is their source issue and there’s no problem with asking laid-off, then it would be BYE-BYE USC of living and people can’t just give up on for support for the students but to hinder Hah! that, that easily. It only happened once, people from enrolling in the university is – BS ChE 3 and that may have affected USC for a bit another issue in itself. 12 Today’s CAROLINIAN LITERARY JUNE 2014 | Vol. 2 No. 1

Nasaan Ang Hustisya Sa Hustisya? Song of Corners by Alvin Apolinar by Kerstein Kylle Despi

Iluto raw ng tama’t itakal sa batas Song of corners, song of dead Subalit pag-asa ng mahihirap, masahol pa sa Song of people who aremislead sunog na bigas Why, dear child, do you sing not? Milyones ang katumbas ng pagpapakasasa sa Of same ol’ tuneyour life hastread gatas Of mournful pianissimos, those fingers bled Hustisyang pinagsamantalahan, kalian pa ba ma- It is your song of corners. giging patas? Song of corners, song of blue Malalamig na rehas paghandaan mo nang yakapin Song of men with troubles like you Kung isa ka lamang sa mga Pontso Pilatong pip- Why, dear child, do you try best? itsugin To leave,bid this corner adieu Wala ka bang nagniningning na alahas o ekta-ek- To force yourself in their necks of red; eschew! taryang lupain? It is their song of corners. Puwes, marahil mga mata ng hudikatura ng ‘Pi- nas, marahil ‘di ka man lang sipatin. Song of corners, song of fear Song of darkness you try not hear Subalit kung kayamanan sa mga kamay mo ay Why, dear child, d’you not return? tahan Back here ‘tis your place, my lost dear Huwag mangangamba’t may ospital kang Backwhere me, your solitude, and you, feel queer matatakbuhan It is our song of corners. Wikain ang ‘yong karamdaman at hintayin ang de-gulong na upuan Song of corners, song of night Ituturing kang wari’y isang hari na nagkasala sa Sing your song, dare unearth the light lipunan. Why in this corner d’you see? The morningon every twilight Ito nga ba ang hustisya na ipinagmamalaki nila? The rays of the Suns – here, has no promised right. Kung saan wala raw pobre at walang mapera It’s just this song of corners. Datapwa’t nakaririndi na ang paikut-ikot na pagkukumpara Song of corners, song of mine Uupo na lamang ba tayo at tatangong parang aso Song unpleasant, song divine sa pinatatakbo nilang sistema? Why, my child, you’re just like I! You sing the quiet song of thine Parang aso, oo, parang aso You listen; my whispers, t’your ears entwine. Na puwersahang pinakakain ng sunog na iniluto It is my song of corners. Kailan nga ba ang masa ay ituturing na tao sa harapan ng batas at mga hacienderong kato- This is the song of corners – to? Your song and mine.

Nakakasuka na ngang kainin ang tutong na isinu- subo kay Juan Nakakauhaw na ang gatas na hindi matikman ng pinagkaitan Ganito na nga lang ba ang magiging takbo ng lipunan? Pipiliting ilunok itong mapait na katotohanan? http://todayscarolinian.net COMICS Today’s CAROLINIAN 13

HUROSKOP NI NANG PASING

ARIES CANCER LIBRA CAPRICORN Gukdon kag iro. Pero pagukod lang para Samukan ka sa mga tao sa imong palibot. Mauwanan ka karon unya ma-late pa jud ka, Makuratan ka karong adlawa. Mao nang exercise. Kung wala naka gukda, pangita pag Para way samok, pang-haplasug usa ka mao nang di ka maka-take sa test. Mag-away ayaw pag-sige ug panamin. Di na maayo sa laing iro. botilyang efficascent. Siguradong way pa jud mo sa imong migo/miga tungod sa kasing-kasing. muduol, ug wagtang sad ang mga pamaol. loom band. Busa ayaw nalang sa ug sud sa klase.

TAURUS LEO SCORPIO AQUARIUS Paghinay-hinay kay dako ang chance nga Pagmatngon sa imong mga butang kay basin Di lalim ang anghit ug ilok. Kung Gwapo/gwapa kay ka karong adlawa. Ikaw mapandol ka karong adlawa. Kung mapandol dili na imo. Pagmatngon sa imong dagway makamatngon ka nga nanimaho na, ingna na jud, as in. Wa nay lain. I-push nalang jud na gani ka, ayaw na kabalaka. kay basin gwapo/gwapa ra ka para nimo. ang mga tao nga stressed ka. Makasabot ra na kay karon sa ra sad na. Ugma kay chaka Pagmatngon kay basin snatcher lang jud ka. na sila. napud ka. Sorry.

GEMINI VIRGO SAGGITARIUS PISCES Magkuyog mos imong crush ron. Actually, imo Ayaw kabalaka kung wa pa kay uyab. Ayaw Tarunga ug usap imong pagkaon kay basin Makadawat kag dakong kwarta pero dako siyang gisundan unya murag nakamatngon nalang sad pagdahom. Pagtarong nalang ug matuk-an ka. Busa, ayaw nalang tunla. Pag sad imong utang. Pareharang storyaa. Ikatog na siya. Okay ra basta ayaw lang pirmiha. skwela. tubig nalang. nalang na, at least maka pahuway kag ginagmay. 14 Today’s CAROLINIAN SPORTS / ETC JUNE 2014 | Vol. 2 No. 1

The University of San Carlos will be hosting the first ever Technological, Entertainment, and Design (TED) Talks in the College of Architecture and Fine Arts theatre on August 22, 2014. TED talks is a conference that discusses many aspects mentioned in its acronym. Speakers from different walks of life talk about the beginnings of their career, challenges they have faced and ideas that made them successful as they are. Famous TED talkers include Bill Gates, Al Gore, Bill Clinton, Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, and many Nobel Prize winners. TED talks is a gateway to leading the country to success and development. The event itself will be covered and made available via live streaming. The first ever TED talks in Cebu is definitely an event that will show the country its capabilities through the people.

http://tedxuniversityofsancarlos.com https://www.facebook.com/TEDxSanCarlos http://todayscarolinian.net Today’s CAROLINIAN 15

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

Photographed by Marben Kristian Lawas

“Instead of a national curriculum for education, what is really needed is an individual curriculum for every child.”

Charles Handy 16 Today’s CAROLINIAN JUNE 2014 | Vol. 2 No. 1